Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // June 2019

Canoe dig it? A riverbank tale How to create a gym in your garage Dress demure: this summer’s new style Walk round Ashwell and Barrow Explore the Grand Union Canal on foot How to plan a cycle route

ISSUE 84 | JUNE 2019

A summer they’ll never forget...

!

E E R F

Our guide to places to go and sights to see with your kids

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OPENING SUMMER 2019 Bikes | E-Bikes | Hire | Servicing

14 stores open every day at:

www.rutlandcycling.com | 0330 555 0080

Rutland Water | Peterborough | Cambridge | Grafham Water | Pitsford Water | Nottingham | Leicester2019 | Milton Keynes2019

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E DI TO R ’ S L E T T E R Publisher Chris Meadows chris@theactivemag.com Editor Steve Moody steve@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Production editor Julian Kirk julian@theactivemag.com Art editor Matt Tarrant matt@theactivemag.com Contributors Martin Johnson, William Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick, Julia Dungworth Photographers Nico Morgan, Pip Warters Production assistant Gary Curtis Advertising sales Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com Editorial and advertising assistant Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Tel: 01780 480789

If you have information on a club then get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine then email distribution@theactivemag.com. If you would like to discuss advertising possibilities please email advertise@theactivemag.com.

Active magazine is published 12 times per year on a monthly basis. ISSN 2059-8513 A Grassroots Publishing Limited company.

Company registration number 7994437. VAT number 152717318

Disclaimer

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws. GPL and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services offered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.

“The Active readership is a positive, living, breathing group of people in our fabulous area” IT HAS BEEN a real pleasure to edit Active for the last seven years, but this will be my last issue.

From next month our current deputy editor, Mary Bremner, will become editor, and she will no doubt bring a fresh and exciting new perspective to the magazine.

Equally as exciting is that colleagues Kate and Lisa have joined Mary in buying the magazine from its current owners and will run it themselves.

There can be no greater vote of confidence in a business and brand than employees who clearly believe in it, and cherish it, taking over.

When we launched Active in June 2012, the country was just about to host the London Olympics and although we thought there would be an upsurge in interest in health and fitness as a result, little did we know just how much of a cultural revolution there would be.

In a fairly affluent area such as ours, being fit and healthy is now a way of life. It informs everything from what people eat and drink to what they wear and where they choose to live. ‘Well-being’ is their foundation stone.

Sometimes over those seven years we’ve encountered the opinion that Active is a sport magazine. It is absolutely not the case. We’ve featured sport because it is part of living healthily, but no more than eating the right thing, nurturing mental health and spending time with friends and family.

I’ve no doubt that Mary, Lisa and Kate will take Active on to new heights and they will be assisted by you, our readers. I’ve worked in magazines all my life – local, national and international – and I have never worked for a title where its readers are so engaged and get so involved.

You hear lots of talk about digital communities, and I question their healthiness and genuine engagement when you read what some of them have to say, but the Active readership is a positive, living, breathing group of people in our fabulous area – and that is something we should all celebrate, and will do in these pages for years to come.

Enjoy the issue Steve FIND US ONLINE

FACEBOOK theACTIVEmag

TWITTER @theACTIVEmag

INSTAGRAM theactivemaguk

WEBSITE theactivemag.com

June 2019 / theactivemag.com

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Contents

ACTIVE LIFE

44

13 WHAT’S ON

Great local events for all the family

15 ARTS & CRAFTS Upcoming events

17 GARDENING

How to ‘hardscape’

19 TRAVEL

See The Great Wall of China

20 ADVENTURE

Exploring in a canoe

22 HEALTHY HOMES

How to convert your garage

24 INTERVIEW

Ex-England cricketer Dean Headley

26 THE FINISHING TOUCHES

15

Trying out an ear candle treatment

28 WILL’S WALKS

Ashwell and The Grand Union Canal

ACTIVE BODY 35 NUTRITION

What to snack, and when

37 ALLERGY UPDATE

Dealing with hayfever

56

ACTIVE KIDS

41 SCHOOL NEWS

Local achievements highlighted

44 SCHOOL’S OUT!

Great ideas for the summer holidays

ACTIVE SPORT

55 MARTIN JOHNSON

More wry observations

56 ON YOUR BIKE!

How to plan your route

58 YOUR CHALLENGES Updates on adventurers

64 THE ROUND-UP

How our teams are faring

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H O L I D AY P L AY S C H E M E

Arts & Crafts

FO R AGES 5 TO 12 YE ARS

Tennis

Fun packed Holiday Play Scheme Join Super Cat and the gang and be prepared to go ‘wild’ with our mammoth timetable of fun filled activities.

Wild Camp is OFSTED registered and all staff are trained to provide constant attention to your child from the time you drop them off, to when you collect them at the end of the day.

Dodge ball

Swimming Inflatable Fun

Basketball

Kwik Cricket

Football

Team Games

Netball

WILD CAMP DATES FOR 2019 JULY: Monday 15th - Friday 23rd August OCTOBER: Monday 21st - Friday 1st November JANUARY: Thursday 2nd - Friday 3rd

TIMETABLE MONDAY 5pm – 6pm Wild Athletics (5-11 yrs) TUESDAY 4pm – 5pm Dance Factory (5-8 yrs) 5pm – 6pm Dance Factory (9-11 yrs) WEDNESDAY 5pm – 6pm Ball Games (5-11 yrs) THURSDAY 5pm – 6pm Badminton Coaching (5-11 yrs) 6pm – 7pm Badminton Coaching (12-16 yrs)

5pm – 6pm Football Coaching (5-11 yrs) 6pm – 7pm Goal Keeper Coaching 5pm – 6pm Dance Factory (12-16 yrs) FRIDAY 5pm – 6pm Inclusie Football Session (8-16 yrs) SATURDAY 9.30am – 10.30am Multi Activity Session (5-11 yrs) SUNDAY 10am – 11am Basketball Coaching (5-11 yrs) 11am – 12 noon Basketball Coaching (12-16 yrs) 2pm – 3pm Family Rounders Session (Everyone welcome)

BOOK NOW!

Children’s Activities OVER 5 ’s

CATMOSE SPORTS CENTRE Huntsmans Drive, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6RP 01572 490 030 enquiries.catmose@sll.co.uk find us online: www.sll.co.uk

ActiveLife

Meet ex-England cricketer Dean Headley | Convert your garage into a gym Check out the dress of the summer | Enjoy Will’s local walks Visit The Great Wall of China E DI T E D BY M A RY B R E M N E R

It’s gardens and flowers galore this month – how to design them and where to enjoy them p.15 & 17

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Active life SHOP OF THE MONTH

Iris & Violet, Stamford

B

ETH SCOTT-MORRIS HAS recently opened Iris and Violet on the corner of St Mary’s Street, one of the most prominent positions in town. Beth is putting her 10 years’ experience as a fashion buyer to good use. She has sourced some beautiful, good quality, affordable clothing, which is made from beautiful fabrics, from all across Europe, including the UK. But it’s not just a clothes shop; more of a lifestyle shop. Iris and Violet stocks homeware, clothing, greeting cards, accessories, beauty products, jewellery, candles and even plants. Prices start at £2.50.

“I’ve always wanted a shop, and it had to be in Stamford and on St Mary’s Street,” said Beth. “These premises came up more quickly than I expected, and I am absolutely delighted.”

After a major refurbishment, as the building needed some TLC, including new lighting, flooring and redecoration – outside and in – Iris & Violet is now open for business. Pop in and have a look, I doubt you’ll leave empty handed. www.irisandvioletstamford.com

King West welcome in a new era KING WEST ESTATE agents, based in St Mary’s Street, Stamford, is welcoming in a new era and looking forward to engaging with the town and villages. With a high profile presence in Stamford since 2001, King West offers a bespoke property service – advice and management – and prides itself on its approach and engagement with clients.

Lois Simpson has recently joined director Tom Wilson in the Stamford office. Lois has a decade of residential sales experience, and a deep knowledge of the area, particularly the town having worked and lived in Stamford for the past six years. Tom and Lois are friendly and welcoming, as well as extremely knowledgeable and professional and are proud that they can deal with barns to bungalows; terraces to townhouses and anything in between. To get in touch ring 01780 484520. www.kingwest.co.uk

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Join a choir THE CITY OF Leicester Singers is a well established choral society that performs three major concerts a year. They are always looking for new members, and are a friendly bunch. They cover a broad spectrum of music and would be delighted to hear from you. Ring Julie on 0116 282 5813 to find out more.

June 2019 / theactivemag.com

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Stay Fresh

at your wedding!

Looking to keep your wedding breakfast cool? ~ Want to keep your bubbles cool and crisp?

Without the hassle of clearing your fridge out for space.. ~ We’ll keep your celebrations fresh with our refrigerated trailers

We will deliver and collect the fridge trailer as part of the package so you can focus on your perfect day Contact us for further information

01780 751313 or 07875 543065 and let us deliver to you‌.

Email: contact@fresh-wheels.co.uk

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Active life

March for Men CAMILLE RHODES FROM Peterborough is on a mission to raise awareness about prostate cancer. Last year she set up Uniting4theguys with a plan to raise £200,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. She has a vested interest as two of her close family members have experienced the disease.

She organised March for Men where 268 people joined her in a walk around Ferry Meadows and raised more than £17,000. Many companies donated prizes for the raffle.

And now she’s doing it all over again. It’s going to be very much a family event held on October 6 with three different walks – 2.5km, 5km and 10km – held in Nene Park. Camille would love to hear from local firms who can offer support.

Uniting4theguys@virginmedia.com

Happy feet

Tolethorpe’s timetable

S

TAMFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY is gearing up for the start of its summer season. This year the group will be performing Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar and Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, with the opening night on June 11. As always, performances will be held in the open air theatre at Tolethorpe Hall. Enjoy a picnic in the pretty grounds before the performances or dine in the restaurant within the hall. The box office is open now. www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk 01780 756133

10

RYAN CLEMENTS, MANAGER of North Shoes in Bourne, has just qualified from the College of Foot Health Practitioners in biomechanics and orthotics for lower limb patients. He can now bring even more knowledge to the foot health clinic that is run through North Shoes’ stores – the only shoe stores in the area to run a foot clinic.

Looking at how the foot is working and using a 3D scanner, Ryan is able to judge if the customer needs the help of orthotics – tailor made insoles – in their shoes. He can also spot if foot pain might stem from the back and recommend physiotherapists and osteopaths. www.northshoes.co.uk

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A

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STAMFORD

S ER D H E I H UC PT C O E V CC A LD

C

SPORTS CAMP SUMMER 2019

Join us for a full fun-filled week of multi activity sports.

- FOOTBALL - HOCKEY - BASKETBALL - TENNIS - SCUBA DIVING* - ATHLETICS - KARATE - FENCING - PLUS MORE -

19 - 23 AUGUST

09:00 - 16:00

AGES 8 - 15

ONLY £195

EARLY DROP OFF & LATE PICK UP*

including healthy packed lunches & snacks

*small additional fee aplies

BOOKING ESSENTIAL ON 01780 750050 FOR MORE INFORMATION: W. stamfordsportscamp.co.uk E. bookings@stamfordsportscamp.co.uk

Corby East Midlands International Pool Facilities available • 50m 8 lane main pool splits into 25m pool and 2 additional pools with variable depths • 20m 4 lane learner pool • Fun pool with pirate ship (for under 8s) • 63m aqua tube body ride • Diving boards: 1m and 3m spring and 5m fixed

Activities including • Swim fit • Swimming lessons

Holiday activities available!

Check out the website for more info!

• Surf & turf • Deep and shallow water workouts • Supervised diving sessions

• 70 station gym • Studio classes

• Disability and additional needs sessions

• Health suite with sauna, steam and spa pool

• Parent and toddler sessions

• Crèche • Cafe

Membership

5 Star Google Review ★★★★★

Leisure membership and junior leisure membership available

‘First time there, grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed it’ G Irving

Corby East Midlands International Pool – 01536 464 643 Parkland Gateway, George Street, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 1QG

www.corby.gov.uk/corbypool

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Running a family business can come with its own unique set of challenges.

It’s good to have someone to make things simpler.

A trusted friend.

Launde Abbey

Open daily for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea

Cyclists and walkers very welcome Why not start your walk or ride at Launde then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at the end?

For family businesses.

For those on the way.

For the future.

Visit our website for maps and routes at www.laundeabbey.org.uk Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9XB T: 01572 717254 I E: info@launde.org.uk

duntop.co.uk

Charity No: 1140918

ACTIVE RUTLAND COMMUNITY SPORTS AWARDS 2019

NOMINATIONS OPEN FRIDAY 28TH JUNE! www.activerutland.org.uk/communitysportsawards activerutland@rutland.gov.uk 01572 720936 Photography: Active Magazine / Nico Morgan Media

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Active life

Stamford Shoestring Theatre Company

What’s on...

Great things to see and do in the region

T

HE LEICESTERSHIRE AND Rutland Festival of Archaeology will be held between Saturday, June 29, and Saturday, July 28. There will be more than 80 events taking place, with something for everyone including walks, museum tours and talks by experts. It’s a great opportunity to find out more about the rich and fascinating heritage of our area. www.festival.archaeologyuk.org Organic farm Riverford is once again opening its gates for a series of summer walks at its site at Sacrewell, near Wansford. The walks take place monthly on June 12, July 3, August 7 and September 4 between 5pm and 7pm. Once the walk is over participants can indulge in a Riverford picnic. www.riverford.co.uk/walks-sacrewell

Stamford Shoestring Theatre Company will be performing Don Taylor’s play The Roses of Eyam from June 4–8 as well as an outside performance on June 23 at Browne’s Hospital. www.stamfordartscentre.com or ring the box office on 01780 763203 Have a day out in Harringworth and the Welland Valley and spot the legendary Flying Scotsman as it steams over the viaduct on June 29 at 10am. There will be plenty of parking nearby, plus refreshments and things to do in the village once you have seen the iconic locomotive.

The Harborough Festival of Running is returning for its fifth year with a family fun run, 5km, 10km and half marathon, all taking place on Saturday, June 8. www.raceharborough.co.uk Don’t forget the Rutland County Show on Sunday, June 2, and Uppingham Feast Day on June 16. Oakham Festival, a must for music, art and theatre lovers, runs in the town from June 23-30.

Tickets are now on sale for De Montfort Hall’s outdoor summer concerts. The gigs will take place during the last two weeks of August and feature the Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, The Twang, Years & Years and Jax Jones. www.demontforthall.co.uk

June 2019 / theactivemag.com

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Your local glazing specialists providing clear solutions in glass to the Stamford area since 1995.

Visit our Stamford Showroom!

• Windows • Composite Doors

Bathing a problem? – we can help

• Bi-Fold Doors • Conservatories

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Active life Grow to Eat courses

Lizzie Davies, owner of Catalpa, offers clients advice on how to enjoy and develop their gardens. She works with a range of gardeners, from beginners to experienced growers, who just need some extra input and advice. She also runs Grow to Eat courses in Stamford as well as leading training courses for community groups and teachers. With more than 10 years’ experience and a Royal Horticultural Society advanced certificate in horticulture she knows her stuff. To find out more visit: www.catalpacloud.com / 07809 156144

Sweet Pea Week

It’s Sweet Pea Week at Easton Walled Gardens from June 30 to July 7. The gardens will be open daily and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the powerful scent and beautiful display of these pretty flowers.

There will also be roses and the rest of the garden to enjoy, as well as cream teas. www.visiteaston.co.uk

CRAFTS

A crafty summer It’s flaming June so now’s the time to get creative; be it in the garden, flower arranging or opening up your studios.

And everyone seems to be thinking along the same lines…

Uffington Flower Festival

Uffington Church is hosting a flower festival from Friday, June 28, to Sunday, June 30. There are more than just flower arrangements to admire, with activities for children and adults as well as homemade refreshments. Garden designer Bunny Guinness will open the event at a preview evening on the 27th. Tickets for this can be bought from the Bertie Arms (£5); admission to the festival itself is free. All proceeds will go to CLIC Sargeant children’s charity and the Uffington Church Fabric Fund.

Rutland Open Studios

We have some very talented artists, designers and crafts people in the county and once again they are opening their doors and welcoming us into their studios throughout the first three weekends of June. To find out which studios are open when, download the brochure from www.rutlandopenstudios.co.uk

June 2019 / theactivemag.com

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WWW.COUNTRYBUMPKINYURTS.CO.UK WATERLOO COTTAGE FARM, GREAT OXENDON, LE16 8NA INFO@COUNTRYBUMPKINYURTS.CO.UK // 07375024672

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New Builds • Commercial Sites • Established Gardens 26 MAIN STREET, EDMONDTHORPE, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 2JU E TERESA@VIRIDISDESIGN.CO.UK T 07726 334 501

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Active life

GARDE NING

Hitting the hard stuff Garden designer Teresa Kennedy talks about the non-living parts of your outside space

I’

M GOING TO devote this column to the hard features of a garden because it is usually the most expensive part, and often the most difficult to get right. Hard landscaping is mainly the paved area where we sit and eat, raised beds, pathways and structures; basically anything that isn’t growing. For a new-build property I can pretty much guarantee that it will be pedestrian and uniform, of muted colour, and practical.

HOW TO CHOOSE

There needs to be some link to your building, and colour is always a good connector. Red brick will take muted warm colours and contemporary block colours; stone will take creams and naturals. Choose a colour scheme for all of your hard features and you have a solid starting point.

HIGHLIGHTS AND FEATURES

Pick out any features from your building – and their colour – such as contrasting feature brickwork or external exposed wood. This colour/material can then be repeated in various ways throughout your space.

N AT U R E

The nightingale THIRTY YEARS AGO this iconic songster could be found in all the woods around Rutland Water, at Ketton Quarry and Pickworth Wood. But a recent massive decline means that you will now have to visit the Egleton reserve at Rutland Water to hear it.

The nightingale is a summer visitor to south-east England, with a few still found in favoured areas of the Midlands. It arrives from mid-April and sings into early June, slipping away unnoticed in August.

The nightingale resembles a large robin, to which it is related, with rich brown upper

WHAT TO WORK WITH

Get some inspiration from brochures and magazines. A good place to start is to look at colour combinations and design ideas. Paving slabs are good for areas that need to be flat, i.e for your table. You can use the same material throughout, but I would encourage you to look at different shapes, textures and colours to build interest. Mix slabs with cobbles, edge with setts, work with anything reclaimed, (tiles, bricks, broken pieces, stones, etc), mix old and new. Contrast colours and materials to break up paved areas and create zones. Gravel is often overlooked but is great for joining areas and breaking up the paving; wood too.

DON’T THROW THE OLD OUT

Don’t think that ripping up what’s already there and throwing it away is the first thing to do. Sometimes it is the positioning, shape or design that doesn’t work for you, rather than the material. I have re-laid some beautiful outdoor spaces working with the existing material, enhancing it with some new additions to create something that works. It’s better for your pocket, and for the environment.

Contact www.viridisdesign.co.uk | 07726 334501

parts, and a reddish tail. The breast is greyish-white.

Preferred habitat is deciduous woodland with dense scrub of bramble and blackthorn, where it is difficult to see the singing bird. The song is a rich series of repetitive notes based on a ‘chooc, chooc, chooc’ theme. It is rare for a nightingale to sing from exposed perches, and it sings during the day as well as night. It has a croaking alarm call.

The local decline of nightingales may have been caused by scrub clearance, browsing by deer which opens up the woodlands, and cold wet springs which reduces breeding success and adds pressures during migration.

Terry Mitcham

June 2019 / theactivemag.com

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funky tents

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Active life

TR AV E L

Wonders of the world Visit one of the official New Seven Wonders of the World – The Great Wall of China

T

HE GREAT WALL of China is the name given to a series of fortification systems that were built across the northern borders of China to protect from unwelcome invaders. It is the longest wall in the world. Built from as early as the 7th century BC, the most wellknown part was built during the Ming dynasty between 1368 and 1644 and is more than 5,000 miles long. Recognised as one of the most impressive feats of engineering in history, it stretches in total over 13,000 miles and apparently can be seen from the Moon, although this would appear to be a myth!

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, parts of the wall are in ruins, while other bits have survived the ravages of time and are spectacularly beautiful. The best time of the year to visit is in the spring or autumn – temperatures are cooler, there is less rain and days should be clearer, making it better for photography. The most popular part of The Great Wall to view (and possibly the most accessible) is that just north and east of Beijing. There are many organised tours to see different parts of this architectural phenomenon; you can even run a marathon along it, or actually stay in one of the watch towers.

China holiday experts www.chinahighlights.com | www.explore.co.uk www.gaadventures.co.uk | www.world.new7wonders.com

June 2019 / theactivemag.com

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ADVE NTURE

Tales from the riverbank Kate Maxim gains a new perspective on Northamptonshire while canoeing along the River Nene

I

WAS AWARE that Northamptonshire used to be known as the county of squires and spires, but I hadn’t realised just how many medieval churches you can see from a canoe over a 10-mile stretch of the River Nene.

Nor did I realise how beautiful the county is, seen from such a low perspective at water level. Paddling downstream with my friend Jax, we covered the distance from Rushden Lakes to Thrapston in about six hours, with a short stop for a picnic.

We could have arrived earlier had we paddled faster, but why would we? If the threatened rain had properly arrived, we may well have got our skates (or rather oars) on, but then we’d have missed the many different sights that appear around almost every bend in the river.

The first surprise was the starting point at the Rushden Lakes shopping complex, which is packed full of retail outlets, restaurants and, soon to come, a

cinema. But best of all is the lake itself, at the heart of the Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve and managed by the Wildlife Trust.

Thanks to its vision and also to the developers who built with ecological responsibility, the area is home to a diverse mix of inhabitants such as kingfishers, otters, dragonflies, grass snakes and migratory birds. And us.

Gently does it

Our day’s excursion came courtesy of Canoe2, owned by childhood friends Richard and Ian. Based in their ecologically sound boathouse, together they’ve created a wonderful business offering canoe hire, comfy camping and short breaks along the river.

It’s a gentle waterway so it’s ideal for the novice paddler and for families. The minimum age on the river trips is five years old, but families can also hire swan and dragon pedaloes on the lake or katakanus (twin-hulled boats that form a catamaran).

We had opted for a Californian open

canoe so after a short safety briefing and introduction to our equipment including the paddles, buoyancy aids, portage trolleys (to manoeuvre the canoe on land around the locks), and the potentially important watertight containers, we were ready to begin. A group of girls – Jess, Amy and Emily – celebrating a 26th birthday set off ahead of us so we were able to watch and learn from them.

Furnished with a map and written instructions, hoping Richard’s verbal hints and tips would come back to us along the way, we were a little apprehensive to start, wondering how this portage lark was supposed to work. We came across six locks in all, and we navigated our way around them by mooring up at the various canoe platforms, lifting the canoe out of the water with the painter (jargon for rope) and hoisting the canoe on to the portage trolley.

Then we pushed or pulled the canoe along the riverbank and lowered it back into the water having bypassed the locks. Richard had made it seem so

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Active Life

“Paddling along the river gives you freedom, great views and plenty of fresh air” easy back at the boathouse, but a word of warning here: it helps to have some strength about you. Two less strapping people may have struggled a bit more than we did, particularly when we had to lift the boat over a five-bar steel gate and, on another occasion, a fence. The way is clearly marked, and we’re no shrinking violets, but it did test us occasionally.

Back in time

We were kitted out in waterproofs from top to toe for the rain that had been forecast, and we soon heated up, but it was definitely better to be safe than

sorry. I hate being wet unnecessarily so wasn’t keen on capsizing but, apart from a small wobble, we stuck to the advice to stay low when moving around in, on and off the boat, and all was well.

Our confidence soon grew with our improving oarsmanship. We quickly got into a rhythm, with Jax competently in charge of the rudder, and we made good progress without over-exerting ourselves. In fact you slip into a very tranquil, meditative state and you can then focus on your surroundings in detail.

We saw a bevy of swans, with some

of the cobs warning us off the hens on their nests. There were loads of geese and ducks: mallard, teal and one widgin; a heron, cormorants, and lots of little brown birds feasting on the teasels and rushes on the banks. We saw bee hives, owl boxes and plenty of beautiful cows – it felt like we’d slipped back to a period of time with a much slower pace. We only encountered three narrow boats, two motor launches and one kayak all day, which is why it was so incongruous in the end when we paddled under the A14 with a multitude of vehicles racing and roaring above us.

We’d packed a picnic to eat on the riverbank, but you can stop at Woodford Mill tearoom on the way for a home-cooked lunch, and at the end of the trip the Woolpack Inn in Thrapston is ready to take your order for tea or gin, or whatever you’re in need of by then. And with perfect timing Carl from Canoe2 appeared to take us back to our car at Rushden Lakes.

There are various options to choose from: two-hour or half-day trips to a two-night trip with an overnight stay in a B&B or, if you push on a bit further, you can spend the evening in a bell tent, yurt or even a shepherd’s hut.

Then you continue to Oundle for a second day of paddling. If you want a longer three or four-day trip, then you take your own tent, but we decided to leave camping for another time.

Despite knowing our shoulders and arms would be sore the next day, paddling along the river gives you freedom, great views and plenty of fresh air and it’s definitely something we’d both be up for doing again. We didn’t fall out anyway.

Getting out on the water A one-day trip in a two-person canoe from Rushden Lakes to Thrapston cost £85. Many other trips are available. For more information visit https://www. canoe2.co.uk or phone 01933 522 223.

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THE CYCLIST GARAGE For the ultimate modern cyclist’s workshop, store tools in foam-lined lockable cabinets, create a safe, clean environment for working on your bike, declutter with bike and gear storage and incorporate an LCD screen and digital technology to aid and motivate when training.

THE FITNESS GARAGE Transform your garage into your dream yoga studio or a home gym.

Working out when it suits you in a beautifully organised space dedicated to your fitness allows neat and practical storage of workout and sporting equipment, from weights and yoga accessories to tennis racquets and rugby balls.

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Active Life THE FAMILY GARAGE Create space with gear storage for skateboards to skis, golf clubs to gardening tools. Add table tennis or games tables to entertain and even incorporate washing machines, tumble driers or a fridge.

Garage banned!

Do you really need a garage to store your car? Wouldn’t it be better being converted into a gym or cycle training base? By Amanda James

D

UE TO OUR modern lifestyles, few car owners store their everyday vehicles in their garage. Often we use them as a dumping ground for personal clutter, tools, bikes and equipment, and garage dimensions of older properties can be wildly inadequate for modern vehicle sizes.

But this valuable space could be transformed into a motivational and comfortable room in which to indulge your sporting passion and improve your fitness and well-being.

And you might still have space to park your car to boot!

Dura is a British manufacturer of integrated and awardwinning workshop furniture and their home garage designs have made them Europe’s leading garage interior company, with a unique range of products that can be adapted to suit the exact requirements of your dream conversion.

Bryan Evans, Dura’s residential sales manager, said: “What is important is to understand how you want to use your converted space and how much time you intend to spend in it. Most garages are totally uninsulated, and this is an important consideration for any successful conversion into a cosy and welcoming space.”

Smart and practical flooring is another key consideration.

PVC flooring is easy to install and ensures a noise and thermal barrier, providing a warm and comfortable environment for floor exercises, while being hard-wearing and durable enough to cope with heavy machines, equipment and even your car. Porcelain tiles offer a stylish yet clean and hard-wearing alternative, with multiple colours and finishes available. If you like this look but still want to work out, use in conjunction with impact mats.

With a garage containing expensive sports equipment and tools, a conversion must also provide enhanced security. All the modular furniture and cabinets should be lockable, bike eyelets anchored in walls allow secure locking of cycles and other equipment and the fully-insulated garage doors feature patented functions resulting in high levels of security.

Aside from domestic use, home garage conversions can provide personal trainers with a stylish studio environment for their business, without impacting on their private space.

If you move house, companies such as Dura can move furniture with you due to its modular design. But whether you leave it in situ or not, will a garage conversion add value to your property?

Bethany King, sales negotiator at local estate agents Hurfords, said: “The addition of any flexible living space will add value to your home, as this space will have a multitude of possibilities for any new owner.”

Digital technology has also become an essential element for a modern garage conversion, as Bryan explains: “Many motivational training tools and software also benefit from a digital or wifi connection, so you can take inspiration from your preferred fitness videos as you work out.

“And specialist equipment such as WattBike, the advanced indoor training bicycle with cutting edge digital technology for amateur to elite cyclists, can help improve performance and achievement of training goals.”

What’s more, many smart technology devices – for lighting, heating or security, for example – are available, bringing additional 21st century benefits to your garage conversion.

A Dura garage conversion can start from as little as £8,000.

For more information email info@dura.co.uk, call 01280 700563 or visit www.duragarages.com/galleries.html

Garden spaces

Not got a garage to convert but have space in your garden? Most garden buildings under 2.5 metres high do not need planning permission, so why not indulge your fitness dreams in one of these instead?

THE GREEN ROOM in Uppingham design and build contemporary garden buildings using sustainable materials.

Constructed from structural insulated panels (SIPs), they are highly insulated, energy efficient and have a 10-year warranty. And they can be finished in a range of cladding options and colours. www.the-green-room. co.uk

TJK OUTDOOR LIVING of Market Harborough create inspired outdoor spaces in your garden that can be kitted out as required. They come complete with a full electrical package, flooring and plastered walls and ceiling. Clad in exterior-grade Canadian cedar, they are fully insulated and have a 10-year warranty. www.tjkoutdoorliving. com

PETERBOROUGH GARDEN ROOMS of Islip are constructed from high performance composite wood. They feature a no-dig base and highly insulated walls and roof. Enjoy the benefits of wood without the maintenance in a range of natural wood shades, styles and designs of your choice. www.peterboroughgardenrooms.co.uk

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Meet

Dean Headley Mary Bremner meets ex-England cricketer Dean Headley, now director of cricket at the Stamford Endowed Schools Active: Did you always want to be a cricketer?

Dean: No, I wanted to be a footballer! I was

playing for a local boys’ league in the West Midlands and doing really well when my father sent me to a private school aged 12. They didn’t play football there; I was heartbroken. I was good at other sports too, cricket and rugby, so I played rugby for the county and was playing for my school’s cricket first XI when I was in year 9.

You’re obviously an all-round sportsman, but you have a very strong cricketing pedigree...

Yes, both my grandfather and father played Test cricket for the West Indies so I am the third generation of my family to play Test cricket. My grandfather, George, was the first black captain of the country and was known as The Black Bradman. He was the first person to score two centuries in a Lord’s Test. And my father, Ron, played for them too as well as playing county cricket in this country, mainly at Worcestershire.

How did your cricket career start?

I signed to play cricket for Worcester, my father’s club. With hindsight, it was too early. I was still growing and wasn’t strong enough. I didn’t stop growing until I was 22, and didn’t gain my full strength until I was about 25. After six months they sacked me. It was very hard, devastating. I found out by hearing it on the radio.

What did you do?

I took a year out and started playing for a small village team. That winter I was offered three contracts and I chose Middlesex, with advice from family friend and West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, because they play at Lord’s and it could be an excellent shop window. I played for two

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Active life years but when it came to my contract renewal I wasn’t offered enough. I’d learnt early in my career that clubs don’t offer any loyalty. It wasn’t just about the money, I wanted more time in the first team as well. I joined Kent in 1993.

Was your ambition to play for England?

Not necessarily. But I had an ambition to perform and to get to that level. I learnt to focus on the next ball. Look after the next ball and everything will start to take shape, and it did. I played on two England A tours, the next level down from Test cricket, where they ‘blood new players’. I was on tour in Pakistan for six weeks in 1995. Nasser Hussain was the captain so I asked him what I had to do to make the team.

He said I had to perform, and I did. I was the top wicket taker. I was then picked for the next England A tour to Australia and that same year, the summer of 1997, got picked to play for England and made my debut at Old Trafford.

How long did you play for England?

Just over two years. I played in two Ashes, and we lost them both, but we were up against possibly the best Australian team ever. Despite us losing both times I did well against them.

Cricket is a strange game; it’s a team sport but you can have individual victories, which I did. It was very competitive and I loved it.

That doesn’t sound like very long playing for England; why didn’t you play for longer?

I was 29, had just returned from another excellent tour in 1999 and was on top of the world. I was getting great reviews, great results, and really felt I knew what I was doing. I was back at Kent pre-season when I slipped and fell while in the nets. I jolted myself but in those days injury reporting wasn’t nearly as strict, so I didn’t bother with it. I didn’t feel any pain, but the next day I felt I didn’t have control of the ball. I just thought I was having an off day. But it got worse and worse. My averages fell but I still got picked for England and was put on contract, going to New Zealand.

But I’d lost all confidence as something was stopping me from bowling. I couldn’t place the ball accurately. I didn’t know what to do – keep training and work my way through it or have a complete break? I decided to take six weeks off and not play cricket at all. It was a difficult time. I went to the gym but didn’t pick up a cricket ball once.

I went out to South Africa on the next England tour, bowled on the first day of training and it went really well, as did the second day. The relief was amazing and I felt great. The next day, we were practising again and on the very first ball I felt my back twinge. That was it, I never played Test cricket again.

“Cricket is a strange game: it’s a team sport but you can have individual victories”

What had happened?

It turned out I had cracked my spine, probably from that fall in the nets 18 months earlier. I didn’t feel any pain as I was so fit; but my body

knew. And as I hadn’t realised – no-one did – the injury didn’t get the treatment it needed. I was forced to retire as I couldn’t get insured.

That must have been very hard?

It was. I had no wage and had to make the best of things. I left the cricket world altogether, mainly for self preservation, and went into business. But it was too soon, and I made some mistakes as I wasn’t in the right state of mind.

What brought you back to cricket?

I spent 10 years away from the sport. I had done the odd coaching session but at the age of 39 decided I wanted to return. I did a couple of coaching sessions through Gladstone Small, who organised coaching sessions at private schools.

He rang me out of the blue to tell me that Stamford were looking for a cricket coach. The head rang me, asking if I was “that Dean Headley”. The school took a punt on me really.

That was 2010, and I’m still here, director of cricket and a boarding house tutor.

Have you had success with any of the boys you’ve coached?

Yes. I’m a great believer that you need to enjoy sport, and it then picks you. Zak Chappell was one of my boys. He’s now 22 and doing really well. He came through the same way I did, picked because of injury and then becoming the top wicket scorer on the tour. I still speak to him regularly, offering advice if asked. He works very hard. Joey Evison, who is still at the school, has been picked for the U19 Young Lions squad; another one who works hard. I have many talented players at the school.

Do you still play, and how’s the back?

Not a great deal. I just play the odd exhibition match. I might be tempted to play in a team if it was with my sons. They are both good all-round sportsmen, as is my daughter. The back is mainly fine, apart from the odd twinge. I keep myself pretty fit to help keep it strong.

Do you miss it?

I don’t hanker after it. It’s not the cricket I miss but the competing and being part of a team. I’m still very competitive, I don’t like it if my 12-year old beats me at golf. I think that a school is like a team, we are all pulling together, but acting as individuals as well.

I had a great life playing cricket and had some fabulous opportunities meeting people such as Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton who are all huge cricket fans. I went to Downing Street a couple of times and was a guest on John Paul Getty’s yacht in the Caribbean; I had fun.

So what’s next?

The summer term is now underway and it’s cricket season. We have introduced girls’ cricket to the Junior School and High School, which I am really pleased about and very supportive of.

We’ve also just held the annual Sports Bash in support of the Matt Hampson Foundation, which is always a great day out.

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BEAUTY

Hopi ear candle treatment Mary Bremner tries a cleansing treatment that is thought to originate from Ancient Greece

T

HE HOPI EAR candling treatment is an ancient, natural therapy that is believed to originate from Ancient Greece.

Initially believed to be used for cleansing and purifying, it has come to the modern world via the native American Hopi Indians. Hopi means peaceful people, and this treatment was certainly peaceful. Today I was going to the much more modern Range beauty salon based at Toft Hotel to experience it. The Range, which offers all beauty treatments and hairdressing, is a great out of town spot with plenty of parking.

The candles used are hollow tubes made of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey and herbs.

When lit the candle acts like a chimney causing the warm air inside to rise, creating a vacuum at the bottom which gently stimulates the ear to help the removal of excess wax and impurities. The treatment is believed to help you relax, clear the sinuses and soothe the ear.

It can also help with tinnitus, headaches, and help you sleep. This all sounds very impressive, but, cynic that I am, I wasn’t sure how effective it would be. But I was keen to give it a go as I have been suffering from blocked sinuses and was fed up with popping decongestant pills. Time to find out...

Nina at The Range explained the procedure and then I hopped on the heated bed and lay on my side while she put the lit candle in my ear, held it there and massaged my ear canal and around the ear.

The sensation was quite pleasant and all I could hear was a slight crackling, which was caused by the candle burning. It took about 10 minutes for the candle to burn and then it was time to do the other side.

Nina then gave me a quick 10-minute facial concentrating around the eyes, particularly underneath, and down towards my jaw, helping to clear the sinuses and to encourage everything to circulate. This was very relaxing, as facials always are. The Pink oils she used felt great on my face and smelt lovely.

At the end of the treatment Nina unwrapped the candle to show me what was inside. I was amazed; there was a substantial amount of wax in both candles.

She warned me that I might have a runny nose afterwards and to avoid caffeine and

alcohol for the rest of the day. She was right, I did have to blow my nose a fair bit. And to my relief, my sinuses were clearer, thank goodness.

Medical opinion is divided about the effectiveness of this treatment, but it appears to have worked for the Ancient Greeks and American Indians; and me too, so I’m happy.

The treatment cost £26.

The Range Hair and Beauty, Toft Hotel Golf Course, Bourne 01778 590506 www.rangehairandbeauty.co.uk

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Active life

1.

2.

FASHION

Feminine and demure; the look for summer 2019

S 3.

4.

UMMER IS OFFICIALLY here – even though as I’m writing this it’s pouring with rain and chilly, so maybe Mother Nature isn’t listening – but hopefully it’s time to put away the jeans and boots and expose our legs. This year though it’s not about the shortest skirt possible, but the demure dress, often only exposing the ankles. What better way to ease yourself into baring a little flesh?

The demure dress, aka Laura Ashley in the 1970s, appears to be everywhere; feminine, high of neck and long in length. Colours can be on the drab side and prints are bold; some dresses can be so voluminous and all encompassing that they appear to be wearing you, so be careful, particularly if you have a small frame or are vertically challenged.

The prairie dress is a great example of this trend; long sleeved, long length, often floral patterned or broderie Anglaise, these dresses are comfy, feminine and very, very easy to wear.

Wear them with a cowboy boot to add to the Western edge, with the ubiquitous trainer which is still everywhere, or the Birkenstock to really pull off the hippy chick look; and what about a chunky combat boot to counter the ultra-feminine look? Bathsheva is the label that paved the way and specialises in the prairie dress, but there are many cheaper versions.

1. Billowy prairie maxi dress £89 www.stories.com 2. Embroidered dress with string belt £39.99 www.zara.com 3. Floral print dress £69.99 www.mango.com 4. YAS floral printed prairie dress £65 www.asos.com

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W I L L’ S W A L K

Ashwell and Barrow Peaceful north Rutland makes for a soothing stroll. By Will Hetherington

Difficulty rating

I parked on Cottesmore Road in Ashwell just to the east of the church and took the footpath which goes north-east from Woodside. This path very quickly takes you out into open pasture fields before entering a series of arable fields. There is a small stream at one of the field boundaries which had running water in May so

Images: Will Hetherington

TH E ROUTE

it looks like it may run through the summer, which is handy for the dogs.

Follow the path as it heads north-east and crosses the old railway. You will soon come across a large free-range chicken farm on your right. Immediately after this you will reach the old lane which is not suitable for vehicles. Turn right and look out for the path in the hedge about 100 yards along on the left-hand side.

This will lead you towards Market Overton with a nice view of the village on the hill ahead.

When you reach the foot of the hill there is a bench which makes a nice spot to have a rest in this extremely peaceful corner of north Rutland.

If you don’t want to go up the hill and into Market Overton there is a network of Permissive Footpaths around these fields. So you can turn right at the bench and follow the field clockwise all the way around until you see an obvious path off to the left up the edge of another field. You will then come across the footpath to Barrow on your right in the hedgerow.

Alternatively you can walk up into Market Overton and turn right on Berrybushes and right on to Main Street and find the footpath to Barrow on the right. If you do head up to Market Overton you can stop at the Black Bull or the village shop.

Whichever route you choose you will end up entering the quiet hamlet of Barrow. When you get to the southern edge of the green turn right down the hill and after half a mile turn left on the footpath and you will be back on the path past the chicken farm towards Ashwell. When you are done you can drive to Cottesmore and enjoy refreshment at the Sun Inn.

ACTIVE INFO Until it closed in March 2011, RAF Cottesmore was a very busy base and you would have seen and heard plenty of aircraft activity on this walk as the end of the runway is half a mile from Barrow. The base has now been renamed Kendrew Barracks and is home to the 2nd Battalion, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.

The route out of Ashwell.

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Active life Essential information WHERE TO PARK I parked just to the east of the church on Cottesmore Road in Ashwell.

DISTANCE AND TIME Five miles/one hour and 45 minutes.

HIGHLIGHTS This is a very peaceful corner of north Rutland and there are wonderful views from the higher points of the walk. All the villages have plenty of charm.

LOWLIGHTS You do retrace your steps for the last section but I didn’t mind that because it’s a very attractive approach to Ashwell.

REFRESHMENTS The Sun Inn at Cottesmore.

DIFFICULTY RATING Two paws. Even though it’s the best part of five miles this is easy going. ©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2019 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 036/19

START/ FINISH

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE There is one stream which you cross twice which is handy. There were some cattle near Ashwell.

For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.

The well-marked path to Market Overton; there is also a network of Permissive Footpaths around these fields.

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24/05/2019 11:00

Active life

W I L L’ S W A L K

Welford and the Grand Union Canal Some dramatic views, an unexpected hill and a tranquil towpath make for an excellent walk, as Will Hetherington discovers

Difficulty rating TH E ROUTE Images: Will Hetherington

I parked on West Street in Welford opposite St Mary the Virgin Church and walked south for less than 100 yards to turn down Hall Lane to head westwards out of the village. Once you clear the last buildings on Hall Lane look out for the footpath heading left from a gateway.

This is Shakespeare’s Avon Way. It’s not totally clear where the path leads from the gateway but if you stick reasonably close to the right side of this pasture you will soon see the little bridge over the stream ahead.

Stay on this path as it heads west through a

The Grand Union Canal towpath

series of fields and climbs a hill to give a and immediately walk into the cluster of magnificent view to the west. The path then contours known as the Hemplow Hills. This drops down to meet the Grand Union Canal tiny piece of wooded high ground is rather and you cross Bridge 38 and then follow the charming and when you emerge from the towpath south. woods on the north-eastern fringe you The footpaths take a number of will have wonderful views to the deviations away from the canal east. as it meanders south but I There’s a picnic bench in the ACTIVE INFO think it’s far better to just first grass field after the The Grand Union Canal links stick to the towpath until woods which I recommend London and Birmingham and it goes underneath Cold for a sandwich break. wasn’t constructed in one go as a Ashby Farm near Park Follow the path until you complete entity, but is the result of Farm. reach the road where you amalgamations between 1894 and This is where you turn left. This will take 1929. It’s now generally taken to leave the canal behind you past Hemplow Lodge mean the canal from the Thames (at Bridge 31) and head Farm (still on the Jurassic at Brentford to the junction north-east on the Jurassic Way) and then on to a with the Digbeth branch Way from Cold Ashby stretch of Tarmac back to Road. You will cross a field Welford on West End. in Birmingham.

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Great locally-sourced food is our passion, accompanied by real ales and fine wines, and superbly attentive customer service.

Only three miles from Rutland Water, there are plenty of comfortable seating areas where you can put your feet up after a day’s activities, and even bedrooms too for those travelling from further afield.

With free wifi and easy parking, we’re also a convenient stopover for business clientele and only a few minutes’ drive from the A1 at Stamford, and close to Peterborough, Leicester and Corby too.

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24/05/2019 11:00

Active life Essential information WHERE TO PARK I parked on West Street in Welford opposite St Mary the Virgin Church.

DISTANCE AND TIME Six miles/two hours.

HIGHLIGHTS The charming Hemplow Hills, wonderful views east and west from the high ground and the Grand Union Canal.

START/ FINISH

LOWLIGHTS The last mile is on the Tarmac farm road but it’s mostly downhill.

REFRESHMENTS The picnic bench in the Hemplow Hills and the Wharf Inn at Welford Marina.

DIFFICULTY RATING Four paws. It’s a fairly long walk and there are a couple of good hills. Although the towpath is easy going.

©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2019 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 036/19

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE Canals are tricky places for dogs. They want to get in but it’s not advisable. Maybe not a walk for a very hot day with the dogs.

For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.

The view east from the Hemplow Hills

You will cross Bridge 38 on the Grand Union Canal

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ActiveBody Body E DI T E D BY ST E V E MO ODY

To snack or not to snack Nutritionist Dawn Revens looks at whether you should eat between meals while training, and what those snacks should consist of if you do

S

NACKING GOES IN and out of fashion.

One week we’re told to eat little and often: snack between meals because it will speed up our metabolism and help us to lose weight.

A few weeks later that research is then disproved, and we’re told it doesn’t make any difference to our metabolic rate and even that snacking is bad for us.

One thing is for sure, snacking is a relatively new concept. Indeed, I remember as a kid that you just ate your three meals a day and that was it – no eating between meals or you wouldn’t have room for your dinner! Nowadays, the food industry seems to have a snack for every occasion and finds many ways of convincing us that we need to eat them.

The reality is that for most people who are desk-bound five days a week and then sedentary in the evening, snacking is not necessary.

Snacks sold in the supermarket are often high-calorie and nutrient-deficient which will increase the energy intake of sedentary people increasing the risk of weight gain, obesity and associated diseases.

As an athlete however, depending on your

“Depending on your training volume and intensity, snacking may be the only way of meeting your increased nutrient requirements”

training volume and intensity, snacking may be the only way of meeting your increased nutrient requirements. However, do not be tempted to just eat any old snack. Choose real food which is packed full of nutrients and, depending on what you choose, it can be a good way of meeting your energy needs without needing to spend too much of your precious time eating.

So let’s look at some ‘guilt-free’ snacks packed with nutrients to address your energy needs: > Fruit – fresh or dried > Mixed nuts - although not too many as they are very energy dense! > Raw chopped veg and hummus > Dark chocolate (my favourite!) > A spoonful of your favourite nut butters on sliced green apple >Protein shakes > Greek yoghurt and chopped fruit As an athlete, although you may need to snack, make sure it’s controlled or you may find

that you start to gain body fat and weight which will slow you down. To avoid this, make sure you measure out how much you need and only eat that.

The other thing you should take into account is your training plan for the day and plan the timing of your snacks accordingly. A higher carbohydrate snack such as a banana might be more beneficial before training, particularly if it’s high intensity. A handful of mixed nuts and dried fruit after training is an excellent, nutrient-dense, energy-packed portable snack option.

In summary, as an athlete it’s OK and often necessary to snack for fuelling and recovery. It is, however, necessary to match your calorie intake from both your meals and snacks to your energy requirement for your day’s activity and training, and within the context of your goals.

Dawn Revens is the Compeater and works with endurance athletes to optimise their nutrition so they can get amazing training in racing results.

June 2019 / theactivemag.com 35

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We’re recruiting!

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ActiveBody

Hay presto!

Ways to defeat the scourge of pollen and hay fever this summer

I

T’S THAT TIME of year where you get to finally enjoy the sun and outdoors, but it’s also the time where it can be ruined by hay fever. Unfortunately the pollen in grass verges, parks, lawns and fields is one of the main reasons that people have hay fever at this time of year. Grass pollen affects a staggering 95% of people living with hay fever. The season peaks in June, and again in July, making a hidden ‘pollen bomb’ waiting to go off for active men and women.

And with over a fifth of us sneezing our way through the season, airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg says: “The problem with pollen

is that it’s microscopic. Everyone can tolerate a certain amount of it without a reaction, but once this is exceeded – known as your ‘trigger’ level – then an allergic reaction will occur, causing the debilitating symptoms of hay fever.

“If possible, avoid going out early in the morning and in the early evening, as these are the peak times for pollen. Before going out, try applying an organic allergen barrier balm around the rim of your nostrils and bones of the eyes, to help stop pollen getting into your body.

“Certain foods can help or exacerbate hay

fever symptoms. So if you’re bringing a packed lunch with you, try to include some of the following: red onions and apples that contain the natural antihistamine quercetin, pineapple, which contains bromelain that helps the absorption of quercetin, and garlic, which helps reduce excess catarrh. There are others that are best to avoid.

“Cut out or limit dairy, refined and processed foods as they stimulate mucus, which can build up in the throat and make hay fever symptoms worse. And researchers report that eating margarine increases the risk of nasal allergy symptoms and wheezing.”

Allergen barrier balms have also been used successfully by Olympic athletes, stopping grass and other pollens getting into the body.

And they’re perfect for athletes and sportspeople because they’re drug-free with no drowsy side-effects so, unlike some antihistamines, won’t affect your performance.

They have been proven in independent studies to trap all types of pollen, as well as dust and pet allergens, before they enter the body. An independent study by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit found that when applied around the rim of the nostrils, organic drug-free allergens such as HayMax trapped more than a third of pollen grains.

Organic drug-free allergens can also be used while driving and operating machinery, and will not adversely affect your performance at work, school, during exams or while taking part in sporting or fitness activities. And as it’s drug-free, allergens such as HayMax are suitable for children and pregnant and breast-feeding women too.

Other ways to prevent hay fever • Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen.

• Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.

• Shower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash pollen off.

• Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.

• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.

• Wear a cap, hat or other head cover, and if you have long hair, tie it up.

June 2019 / theactivemag.com

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MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS FOR CHILDREN AGED 4-14 Our OFSTED registered Camps, which have been running in the area for over 25 years, offer a wide range of over 30 fun activities to keep your child entertained in the holidays.

Some of the activities that we offer include bouncy castles, arts and crafts, sports, food making, crossbows, orienteering, computer games and quad biking.

All staff are DBS checked and have the necessary experience and training to deliver the wide range of activities we offer. We pride ourselves on the quality of our childcare and our excellent staff ratios.

Peterborough We accept paymentStamford by childcare vouchers. Oakham THE PETERBOROUGH STAMFORD JUNIOR BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL Easter Camps Easter Camps Summer Camps 8th-12th April 8th-12th April 22nd-26th July 15th-18th April (4 day) 15th-18th April (4 day) 29th July-2nd August May Half-Term Camp Summer Camps MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS FOR CHILDREN AGED 4-14 MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS CHILDREN AGED 4-14 th st th-19thFOR 28 -31 May (4 day) 15 July Our OFSTED registered Camps, which have been running in the area for over 25 years, Our OFSTED registeredoffer Camps, which running in child theentertained area forinover wide range of over 30 funbeen activities to keep your the 25 years, offer a wide nd th OurCamps OFSTED registereda Camps, which have been running in the area for over 25 years, Summer 22have -26 July holidays. range of over 30 fun activities to keep your child entertained in the holidays. offer a wide range of over 30 fun activities to keep your child entertained in the th July th ndcastles, of the activities that we offer include bouncy artsandand crafts, Some of the activities that we offer include bouncy castles, arts crafts, sports, sports, food making, 8th-12Some 29 July-2 August holidays. food making, crossbows, orienteering, computer games and quad biking.biking. crossbows, orienteering, games and quad th July th-9th computer 15th-19 5 August All staffand are DBS checked have the necessary experienceand and training to deliver the All staff are DBS checked have theand necessary experience training to deliver the wide range of Somewe ofoffer. the activities we offer include bouncy arts andour crafts, sports, wide rangethat of activities weon offer.

We quality pride ourselves oncastles, thechildcare quality of ourand childcare nd th th th activities We pride ourselves the of our excellent staff ratios.

22 -26 July August and-16 our excellent staff ratios. games and quad biking. food making, crossbows, 12 orienteering, computer th-23 rd Peterborough Stamford Peterborough Stamford We accept payment byAugust childcare vouchers. Oakham Oakham 19 STAMFORD JUNIOR BROOKE PRIORY THE PETERBOROUGH SCHOOL THE PETERBOROUGH STAMFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL All staff are DBS checked and have the necessary experience and training to deliver the SCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL Summer Camps wide range of activities we offer.

WeEaster prideCamps ourselves onSummer the quality of our childcare Summer Camps Camps EasterSummer Camps Camps nd-26th July July 8th-12th July 15th-19th Julyexcellent 8th-12th April and our 8th-12th April 2222nd-26th staff ratios. th April (4 day) th July-2 nd August August July-2nd 15th-18 15th-19th July 22nd-26th July 15th-18th April (4 day) 2929th May Half-Term Camp August Summer Camps 22nd-26th July 29th July-2nd Peterborough Stamford st May We accept payment byth July childcare vouchers. Oakham 28th-31 (4 day) 15th-19 29th July-2nd August 5th-9th August am – PRIORY 4.30 pm nd-26th July Summer Camps 22 THE PETERBOROUGH STAMFORD JUNIOR 9.30 BROOKE 5th-9th August 12th-16th Augustth th th nd (early and late care available) 8 -1219th-23rd July 29 July-2 August 12th-16th August August SCHOOL SCHOOL th th th SCHOOL th 15 -19 July

38.indd 1

5 -9 August

12thCamps -16th August Easter Camps 22ndth -26th July Easter Summer CampsCOST - £165 CAMP th-23rd August 29 July-2nd August th 19th th th nd-26th July 8 -12 April 5th-9th August 8 -12 April 22 We accept payment by childcare vouchers th August th-18th April (4 day) 15th-18th April12(4th-16 day) 15Tel. 29th July-2nd August 868 9.30 am – 4.30 pm01572 (early and late 304 care available) May Half-Term Camp Summer Camps Email: info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk CAMP COST - £165 th st 28 -31 May (4 day) 15th-19th July We acceptnd payment by childcare vouchers www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk Summer Camps 22 -26th July Tel. 01572 868 304 Email: info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk 8th-12th July 29th July-2nd August www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk 15th-19th July 5th-9th August nd th 22 -26 July 12th-16th August 29th July-2nd August 19th-23rd August th th 5 -9 August

24/05/2019 10:59

Active Kids E DI T E D BY ST E V E MO ODY

Eddie plays for England Hockey STUDENT EDDIE HARPER represented England U18 boys’ in a three match international hockey test series against the Netherlands over the Easter weekend.

This series was Eddie’s second international tournament after competing against Ireland at Lilleshall in February.

England Hockey took a squad of 20 U18 players to compete in a series of three matches with Eddie, a student at Stamford School, being selected for all three. The team produced some strong results with the matches resulting in a draw, a defeat and then finally a well-deserved win for the England boys’ team – a brilliant result against a very strong hockey nation.

Stamford Endowed Schools’ director of sport and performance, Mark Nasey, said: “It is such an incredible achievement to see Eddie competing on an international stage. It speaks volumes for his perseverance, commitment and drive for self-improvement. We are all very proud of him at Stamford and look forward to following the next step of his England Hockey journey.”

Footballers place second in the country OAKHAM SCHOOL’S U18 football team has rounded off an extraordinary season that has led them all the way to the ISFA National Cup Final, placing them second in the country.

The team reached the final for the second time in five years, beating six of the best footballing teams in the country, including ACS Cobham, who they had previously beaten to win the National Championship title back in 2015.

In the final, held at the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, the girls faced last year’s finalists, Alleyn’s School, who proved to

be too strong an opposition – resulting in Oakham taking the national runners up title after a hard-fought match.

“The girls knew the final would be a challenge,” said coach Rob Johnson, “but after a successful season to date and semi-final victory built on solid defensive work and endeavour, they approached the game with positivity and worked tirelessly throughout.

“The final score of 5-1 showed just how incredibly strong the competition were, and the girls are now fired-up for the challenge of reaching the finals again next year.”

June 2019 / the activemag.com 39

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Whether you’re experienced or new to group cycling you’ll find our club very welcoming and friendly and we’ll have the perfect ride for you:

• The Cafe ride for less experienced riders or those looking for a steadier pace (and cake*) • Medium paced social rides for those looking for longer faster rides (with cake*) • Training rides for those looking to develop speed

• Time Trials where you can test yourself against the clock • Mountain bike rides for those that prefer to get closer to nature (with cake*) Note*: cake is optional!

Contact us at veloclubcommittee@gmail.com, visit the website at www.veloclubrutland.co.uk or on facebook

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Active Kids

Double gold athletic success for Sofia SOPHIA BARRETT HAS won two gold medals and one silver at the Northamptonshire County Track and Field Championships. Not only did Sophia, aged 12 and a student at Oakham School, take gold in the U13 800m and 1500m races, she finished her 800m race 10 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, achieved a personal best and as result is now placed tenth in the UK rankings.

Her success in the 1,500m was equally impressive, where she finished first, knocked 24 seconds off her previous record and secured her place as 14th in the UK rankings. Finally Sofia won one more medal (silver) in the 200m, equalling her PB.

Quad games success AROUND 170 CHILDREN, including teams from Leicester Grammar School Prep, Leicester Grammar Junior School, Stoneygate School, Kibworth Primary, Ratcliffe College and Copthill School, participated in four core disciplines of running, throwing, jumping and sprinting – hence ‘Quad’athletics events – on the LGS school fields recently.

Challenging competition in the standing long jump, Howler throw, 75m sprint, 400m and 600m distance race, and the ever popular

Gymnastic medals

Bethany wins butterfly medals

Netball awards LOUISE AND LAUREN Kelly from Catmose College recently took home titles at the Leicestershire County Netball Academy awards. Louise was named U15 centre court coaches’ player of the season while Lauren received the coaches’ most united player award for the U13s.

50m shuttle run, saw athletes from all schools excel themselves in team spirit and performance.

Leicester Grammar Junior School PE teacher Laura Wilkinson said: “This was a brilliant and inclusive way of inspiring children to participate in physical activity and was really well supported by staff and supporters alike.

“Well done to everyone who took part in this wonderful event.”

BETHANY EAGLE-BROWN SWAM her way to a brace of butterfly medals as four Deepings Swimming Club swimmers reached finals at the East Midlands Youth Championships in Sheffield.

Sixteen-year-old Bethany came seventh in the 100m freestyle finals but saved her best for the 200m butterfly, powering home to win bronze.

Four boys also qualified for the championships. Tom Neal was the solitary finalist of the weekend, finishing seventh in the 17/over 100m backstroke. He also competed in the 100m butterfly, coming 14th in a new personal best.

Deepings boys’ captain Louis Metselaar competed in three events, while Tom Adams set a personal best in the 200IM, finishing in 21st place.

THE STAMFORD ENDOWED Schools’ gymnastic squad entered 10 teams into the Midlands Independent Schools Gymnastics Championships (MISGA).

The teams won a number of medals – gold in the U11 Advanced B team and a clean sweep in the Senior Advanced category for girls and boys. The team medals included U7 Novice – 3rd, U9A – 3rd, U9 Mixed – 3rd, U9 Advanced – 2nd, U11 Advanced B – 1st, U11 Advanced A – 3rd, Senior Advanced Girls B – 1st, Senior Advanced Girls A – 1st, Senior Advanced Boys – 1st.

Individual medals went to Aurora Murphy, Millie Gandy, Clemmie UttingCurtis, Isabella Wienand, Olivia Portlock, Ella Briault, Esther Morse, Thomasina Boothman, India Barrasso, Ruby Ferguson, Evy Dickie-Meadows, Rachel Harte, Elysee Mordel and Harvey Morse.

June 2019 / the activemag.com

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Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2LL Cambridgeshire PE28 2LL 22/08/2017 11:48

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Active Kids

Strictly Come Fencing It has been an incredibly successful year for fencers from Oundle, Peterborough & Stamford Epee Club

T

HE LAST YEAR has seen many superb performances for athletes from the Oundle, Peterborough & Stamford (OPS) Epee Club on the local, national and international stage.

Rachael Lever attended the Under 17 (Cadet) & Under 20 (Junior) Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Newcastle and over four days of fencing came 14th in the Individual Cadet Epee, seventh in Junior Individuals, took bronze as part of the Junior Team event with Scotland and became a Commonwealth champion as part of the Cadet Team event with her Scottish team-mates. Then she continued her good form to win the Cadet title and take bronze in the Juniors.

Locally at county championship level, there were 23 county youth champions from the club and schools winning titles in Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland and Lincolnshire, and 20 fencers qualified for the British finals with Maisie McCormack, Robin Silk, William Furguson and Arwa Pearson becoming Eastern region champions and Emile Le Hair, Alexis Golart and Freya Thorold winning titles at the East Midlands championships.

Internationally, two fencers were selected for the Great Britain cadet squad with Maisie McCormack and Rachael Lever attending events in France, Germany, Denmark and

Slovakia. Rachael was in the top three of the GBR rankings for all of the season to qualify for both European and World Championships; Maisie steadily improved through the season and Denmark secured the highest placed result for any of the GBR female epeeists this season, beating several of Europe’s top fencers to win a remarkable bronze medal at the event, and in doing so secure her own qualification to the GBR team.

Having qualified for the British team, Maisie McCormack and Rachael Lever travelled to Foggia in Italy for the European Championships in February.

Both the European and World Championships have motivated both Maisie and Rachael to work hard towards their future goals of representing Great Britain at World Under 20, Under 23 and Senior level going forward.

The club has also had success in the sport of pentathlon, which includes fencing as one of its five events.

Jess Varley, who has fenced for many years at the club, won a bronze medal at the European Under 24 Championship in September and has been selected to represent Great Britain at senior World Cup level this year. In May, Jess recorded her personal best senior World Cup result, coming seventh at the World Cup 3 event in Hungary, finishing as top British

competitor at the event and putting her in a great position to look for Olympic qualification for 2020.

The year has ended on a high for club fencers at the British Youth Championship Finals at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

There were 10 top-16 results in Britain for local fencers, including pupils at Warmington Primary, Bourne Grammar, Stamford Junior, Prince William and King’s School Peterborough.

The event was capped off with a bronze medal for Niamh Noble in the Under 18 Girls event, and British titles for Rachael Lever in the Under 18 Girls event and William Ferguson in the Under 16 Boys event.

The club’s Chris Howser said: “It has been an extraordinary period for a club which has only existed since 2011, and the progression of fencers has been incredible with eight British titles won since it launched and 10 fencers representing their country at an international level, competing around the world for Great Britain, England and Scotland.”

OPS Epee Club runs evening fencing sessions in Oundle, Peterborough and Stamford, and has close links with local schools including Stamford School (junior and senior), Prince William, King’s School Peterborough, The Peterborough School and Oundle Primary School, with many children starting at their schools and moving on to fence at club sessions and beyond.

The club also accepts new beginners to sessions on a monthly basis, so if you are interested in trying the sport, email: chrishowser@hotmail.co.uk.

June 2019 / the activemag.com 43

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, s y o The b ls, r i g and r e m m u s f o s summer r’ a e y is th e k a How to m , wonder-filled d e k c a p n o ti c holidays an a eeks for your kids six w

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Summer fun

Nene Park RUNNING EVERY WEEKDAY in Nene Park for three weeks in August from 9am-5pm, the days are packed full of exciting land and water-based activities, offering the chance to make new friends and learn new skills. Activities include sailing, paddle boarding, canoeing, climbing, archery, power kiting, bushcraft skills, problem solving and much more. Sign up for a day or a full week. Cost is £37 a day/£170 weekly.

Or you could hire a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or swan pedalo, while there are also different level watersports courses for both adults and children, so you can have a go at learning to sail or windsurf on its RYA courses or even learn to operate a powerboat. Junior Sailing Club for 8-16 year-olds runs every Saturday afternoon from 3-4.30pm.

From the holiday trail for children (just pick up a leaflet for £1 from the visitor centre, complete the trail and return to claim your prize) to activities such as pond dipping every Tuesday and wild crafts every Wednesday, there are many different activities to keep the whole family busy.

To find out more and to book onto any of the events and courses go to www.nenepark.org.uk/events

Grimsthorpe Castle HUNDREDS OF ACRES of safe, open space where children can run around, play games, enjoy picnics and burn energy: Grimsthorpe has all of this and more, and is only a 20-minute drive from Stamford and half an hour from Oakham.

The woodland adventure playground is the most popular place in the park when the sun shines. Parents can supervise while sitting on the picnic benches placed close to the equipment, and there’s even a large shelter in case the weather turns.

A woodland walk gives explorers a chance to spot the wildlife – deer, red kites, numerous other birds and small mammals – with great views out across to the lake, while there are miles of waymarked trails cyclists can explore. You can bring your own bikes or hire there.

And to reward yourself after, Grimsthorpe has some of the best Lincolnshire ice cream ready and waiting. It’s open five days a week 11am-6pm (closed Fridays and Saturdays).

Visit www.grimsthorpe.co.uk

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Catmose Sports Centre

Tolethorpe Youth Drama THERE IS SO much happening at Tolethorpe Youth Drama over the coming months and it all kick starts this summer during the holidays with its very first Summer Arts Festival.

Action-packed, week-long workshops will offer children and young people the chance to meet and work with the most exciting pool of talent from the world of TV, theatre, dance and film and have the opportunity to perform on the stage of the stunning 600-seat Rutland Open Air Theatre.

An incredible group of industry professionals have signed up to take part and work with our students this summer, include principal character artist with The Royal Ballet Company, Gary Avis, stage fight director Philip d’Orleans and feature film writer/ director Bill Clark.

Running alongside the specialist workshops, a very magical week-long workshop will take place for five to seven year olds. Puppetry, music, song and dance will be used to create a magical forest performance based on

the story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

TYD are also offering a week-long ‘performance’ workshop as part of the festival, during which students will create a show which will be staged and performed on one of the sets used in this year’s Stamford Shakespeare Company season.

To find out more about TYD’s Summer Arts festival or the many term time workshops, classes and opportunities on offer, email tyd@ stamfordshakespeare.co.uk or visit www.tolethorpeyouthdrama.co.uk

CATMOSE ISN’T JUST for adults looking to get into fitness – it has an extensive range of activities for kids too.

Bring under-fives along to a two-hour soft play session where they will also have a bouncy castle to burn off some energy, and get them active on handlebar equipment including scooters and balance bikes, or even start their musical journey early with a rhythm and movement session.

For those over the age of five there are a variety of sporting activities including ball games, badminton, basketball, dance, football and much more. These activities are aimed at all abilities. Inclusive football sessions and Boccia activities open doors to even more members of the community, an there’s a holiday play scheme called Wild Camp which is open to five-12 year olds from 9am-5pm (early drop off is available from 8am).

The team of activity leaders at Catmose will be there to guide your children through every session, ensuring they are developing their social, communication and physical skills, but most importantly having fun! There will also be rugby sessions for 12 years plus starting at the beginning of July.

All activities can be accessed pay-as-you-go or alternatively part of a membership.

For information call 01572 490030 or email sammy.pocock@sll.co.uk

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Summer fun

Stamford Sports Camp

Tom Flowers Cricket Coaching TOM FLOWERS CRICKET Coaching (TFCC) offers a variety of cricket coaching opportunities for children and adults across Leicestershire, Rutland and the surrounding counties.

TFCC’s most popular offerings include holiday camps, which run for three to five days from 10am-4pm, with early drop off/late pick-up options at a variety of venues.

Courses are led by Tom’s professionally qualified ECB coaching staff and include batting, bowling, fielding and wicket keeping skills, plus games, competitions and prizes.

TFCC also offers one-to-one lessons, as well as club and schools coaching, seeing hundreds of players on a weekly basis, including coaching at clubs such as Burghley Park, Oakham, Market Overton, Baston and Uppingham Town.

Owner Tom Flowers (current Level 4 cohort coach), is an ex-Sherborne School head of cricket and current ECB coach.

He says: “Our staff are passionate about coaching and are dedicated to meeting the needs of every individual.

Improvement is inevitable when in a fun, safe and competitive environment, and we strive to maximise any individuals potential, from beginner to advanced. We work with a variety of youngsters, including many local children from independent prep and senior schools including Stamford, Witham, Oakham and Uppingham Schools.”

Visit www.tomflowerscricketcoaching.com or call 07815 647892

THE POPULAR STAMFORD Sports Camp runs twice a year during the Easter and summer holidays and takes place at the Stamford Endowed Schools’ sports centre.

The camp is designed to be an action-packed, fun-filled programme of diverse activities coached by professionals for children from eight to 15 years of age.

This summer’s Stamford Sports Camp will run from August 19-23 and will offer children the opportunity to take part in 16 different activities throughout the week, some of which are bound to be a new experience for them!

The activities they can expect to try are far reaching and include fencing, tae kwondo, scuba diving, cricket, football, tennis, gymnastics, street dance, swimming, lacrosse etc. All coaches are professional and fully qualified with an enhanced DBS check.

The fee for the camp is £195, which includes a packed lunch as well as refreshments throughout the day. The Stamford Sports Camp runs from 9am to 4pm, with an additional convenient early drop off/ pick-up service available.

Childcare vouchers are also now accepted as payment.

Visit www.ses.lincs.sch.uk/sportscentre or email bookings@stamfordsportscamp.co.uk

Tallington Lakes TALLINGTON LAKES ENCOURAGES everyone to get involved in outdoor activities. Many studies have shown that getting active, whether that’s a simple walk outdoors or a week away camping, helps to boost moods, de-stress and relax. With so many exciting activities at Tallington Lakes such as kayaking, SUPing, climbing or even some more fast-paced sports such as wakeboarding, it is the perfect place to visit this summer.

The kids can get involved in the Multi-Activity Week which allows them to have a go at lots of different sports. We are not just for the kids though; we’ve got plenty of other events happening throughout the summer. Bring the whole family down to try out the SUP taster sessions or classes, enjoy a day watching some fantastic water skiing at the Ernie Ward Memorial Cup, or see if you have a head for heights on the climbing wall.

Call 01778 347000 or visit www.tallington.com

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SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

GEORGE HALLS CYCLE CENTRE 01858 465507 10-12, NORTHAMPTON ROAD, georgehallscycle@aol.com MARKET HARBOROUGH, www.georgehallscycles.co.uk LEICS LE16 9HE

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Summer fun

Peterborough Cathedral YOU CAN HAVE a hands-on, low cost and fun day out for all the family at Peterborough Cathedral this half-term.

With Explorer backpacks for little ones, a Monks, Mischief & Marauders activity book for slightly older children, and a free augmented reality app for mobile phones and tablets, there is something to entertain all ages.

From May 26 to June 9 there is also an interactive prayer trail called Walk the Lord’s Prayer, with colourful stopping places around the cathedral and the opportunity to add your own thoughts and prayers.

The Explorer backpacks invite children to get up close and personal with the 901-year old building. Equipped with a magnifying glass, a tape measure, a pair of binoculars and a torch for peering into dark corners, they can follow a map and discover some fun facts. The pack also comes with a little teddy bear called Benedict.

The cathedral’s new augmented reality trail, made using the award-winning Gamar app (www.gamar.com), was launched by the Archbishop of Canterbury in April.

Please check the website before your visit at www. peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/opening-times.aspx or call 01733 355315

Rutland Farm Park RUTLAND FARM PARK is a traditionally-run family farm set in 19 acres of Victorian parkland and within the town boundary of Oakham.

The main aim of the farm is to conserve domestic breeds of animals that are in danger of disappearing. There are rare breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, poultry and many more.

Children can feed the sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas and cuddle the guinea pigs. Explore the Victorian farmyard and see both the animals and the traditional farm implements and equipment.

Children can let off steam in the outside play area and there is a tiny tot play area in the barn for pre-school children, and there are summer holiday specials including Teddy Bear Tuesdays, where kids can bring their teddy bears and get 10% discount on admission.

Every Thursday during the summer holidays there will be extra fun, games and activities to join in with. These will include arts and crafts, animal handling and pony grooming (see the website or Facebook page for further details). The farm is open 10am-5pm from Tuesday to Sunday and all Bank Holiday Mondays Visit www.rutlandfarmpark.co.uk or call 01572 722122

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Summer fun

Churchill Summer Camps

East Carlton Country Park & Corby International Pool CORBY BOROUGH COUNCIL plans to fill the summer holiday in the area with lots of activities, starting with a splash from Monday, July 22. Corby International Pool will be offering intensive swimming lessons, surf & turf sessions (fun and games led by an instructor in the studio and pool), supervised diving sessions (5m fixed, 1m and 3m spring diving boards) and more, so there’s bound to be something for all water loving little ones. The aqua tube will be open for some slipping and sliding too.

From July 25, the ever-popular SPLAT Holiday Camp at Lodge Park Sports Centre starts. SPLAT is always a hit with children aged between six and 14 years old and among the activities will be arts and crafts, football, cheerleading and zumba.

There’s also sporty activities at Lodge Park Sports Centre and West Glebe Park for those budding sporting stars, to Muddy Mondays and fishing at Corby Boating Lake.

Don’t forget Corby has one of the most beautiful and active country parks in the county too: East Carlton Country Park.

The park has free car parking, a café which offers light refreshments, Foxy’s Woodland Shop, a wonderful children’s play area, toilets and craft workshops.

Visit www.corby.gov.uk/holidayactivities for more information

CHURCHILL SUMMER CAMPS prides itself on making school holidays fun for children with sports and games, and day camps offering more than 25 different activities that children love, from quad-biking, swimming and archery, to arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, orienteering and cooking.

It’s also an opportunity for children to make new friends and learn new skills in a fun, safe environment, surrounded by supportive and experienced staff.

Each staff member is DBS checked, and Churchill Summer Camps are Ofsted-inspected to ensure high standards of welfare, behaviour and learning. Staff-tochild ratios are excellent.

With more than 25 years’ experience of running camps locally, Churchill has developed a strong reputation for quality while carefully developing its camps to reflect increased demand.

Day camps now take place in Peterborough during all the school holidays, in Stamford during the Easter and summer holidays, and in Oakham during the summer holidays.

Churchill provides places for children aged four to 14 and accepts payment by childcare vouchers.

Telephone 01572 868304, email info@churchillsummercamps.co.uk or visit www.churchillsummercamps.co.uk.

Waterloo Cottage Farm & Country Bumpkin Yurts THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS are the perfect time to try new things with the kids. Have you thought about taking the family glamping? Country Bumpkin Yurts and the Canvas Café are promoting adventures and new experiences.

Glamping includes all the joys of camping, but without the hassle. Staying in yurts is a fun way to embrace a country staycation and Country Bumpkin Yurts has two yurts that can sleep up to six people, and one that sleeps two (perfect if you’re looking to leave the kids with the grandparents). With walking and cycling routes from the doorstep of Waterloo Cottage Farm you can go as far and wide as you like, or you can simply sit back and relax in the hot tub and not leave the farm at all.

There is a special offer for families to try glamping with the kids – four nights for the price of three during the week.

During the summer months it runs events and workshops for both children and adults in the Canvas Café, including pop-up restaurant nights, craft evenings and foodie workshops for adults, and craft activities for the kids such as dreamcatcher craft afternoons, sushi making class and flower crown making.

There’s also a family-friendly micro festival on August 18.

Visit www.countrybumpkinyurts.co.uk or Facebook on @countrybumpkinyurts, @CBYCanvasCafe.

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Summer fun

y p a r e h t l i Reta shopping a y tr y il m fa d Ben Plank an ifference at Springfields had experience wit dventure Land leisure park and its new A

T

he childhood pain of a family shopping trip is still deeply etched into my brain. Being dragged around what seemed like a thousand shops for what seemed like four days was a true test of all family members’ patience, a test that all my family members failed, normally within the first hour or so.

However, there appears to be a local solution to this dilemma which can turn said trips into an entertaining and productive day out for all involved.

Springfields in Spalding is home to 54 retailers, eight restaurants and a garden centre and is the only one of its kind in the region. Since 2018, it has also been home to Adventure Land, a £1.2 million family-friendly leisure destination, located behind the shopping centre and blooming festival gardens. Adventure Land has introduced a variety of leisure activities designed to entertain any young ‘reluctant shopper’, and so my wife decided to take her three reluctant shoppers: Oscar-Jon (aged seven), Summer (aged four) and Ben (aged 40) to discover more.

Before we even made it to Adventure Land, we spent a thoroughly enjoyable 45 minutes walking the Festival Gardens on Springfields Easter egg hunt. This is one of many seasonal events running across the year which include a Firework and Music Extravaganza in November, the annual Christmas Light switch-on and themed events such as the 2018 celebration of the Royal Air Force’s 100th year.

Adventure Land is a ticketed attraction with entry fees starting from £3 per person. This gives access to Springy’s beach, which is a large sand-pitted play area, and the Tree Top Skynet, a large sprung net suspended in the wooded section.

Additional activities such as the JCB Young Drivers Zone, Goldie’s gold mine and Dino’s crazy golf are all charged extra. We opted for an all-inclusive ticket which gave us access to all activities and cost £29.95 for the family.

The kids were drawn to the JCB Young Drivers Zone first, a well-designed play area with a number of pedal diggers and a fantastic climbing structure and slide. Following this we took a ride on the miniature railway which delivered us to the Skynet. Suspended 10-15 feet above the woodland floor, the net was a huge amount of fun for everyone, and there are even eight wooden towers where the oldies can take a much earned rest. Next to the net is Goldie’s gold mine, a panning station where children can exchange the gold they find for a small gift to take away. With one activity left in us before lunch, we headed for Springy’s beach, an all-weather sand play area and rock pool stream.

For lunch, the American diner, Springy’s, was the obvious choice. With a large menu, including all day breakfasts, and reasonably priced with mains starting at £7.50, the whole family enjoyed a tasty meal and some fantastic milkshakes.

Last but by no means least was Dino golf, a 9-hole crazy golf course set in a Dinosaur themed garden.

All-in-all it was a great day out, and allowed for the adults to periodically disappear back into the shopping village to continue the shop. It certainly is a fine weather attraction if you wish to get the most out of your visit and would realistically require a few hours to properly enjoy all that it has to offer. Most of all, it allows a family shopping spree to occur without any tantrums (WARNING: The crazy golf may induce tantrums). www.springfieldsoutlet.co.uk

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HA E P R O H T E L O T T A OPEN AIR THEATRE ings “One of the finest th ” er m m su to do this The Sunday Times

premier “One of England’s nues” alfresco theatre ve The Stage

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Twelf th Night Julius Caesar Blithe Spirit

11 June – 31 August

2019

6133 Box office 01780 75 espeare.co.uk www.stamfordshak ice quote code For 10% off ticket pr booking TOLEACTIVE when

24/05/2019 11:18

Reader challenges | Local club updates | Essential sports kit

ActiveSport Red-hot favourites, or a Goliath in waiting?

With the World Cup coming up, England’s one-day cricket team look unbeatable, which might mean disaster is lurking, says Martin Johnson

T

HEY’D NEVER ALLOW them in the same ring together now, of course. Health and safety. One bloke with a sword, head to toe in armour and built like an outside privy, against a seven-stone weed in a loincloth, armed with a child’s catapult and a small pebble. Then, bingo! One lucky shot, a bullseye between the eyes, and Goliath becomes history’s first – and most famous – beaten favourite.

Which makes it all the more worrying to keep reading that nothing can stop England from winning cricket’s World Cup. Jos Buttler is going to hit every ball for six, and when he’s keeping wicket to Jofra Archer he’s going to need a chest protector to stop himself being impaled on the middle stump that’s hurtling towards him at 90mph.

It’s as big a sporting certainty since Muhammad Ali unwisely climbed through the ropes to engage George Foreman in a boxing match.

Ambulances were called, all hospital leave cancelled and there was some talk of having a priest at the ringside in case he was required to administer the last rites. Yuri Gagarin might have been the first man into space, but he needed a rocket to get there. Ali, on the other hand, was about to join the Great Bear and the Milky Way with just a single blow from George’s right fist. Or so everyone said.

As we all know, it was George who ended up flat on his back, so the glass-half-empty folk among us remain convinced that a banana skin lies in wait for our cricketers, looking to land the big one after losing in the final three times since the inaugural World Cup of 1975. Personally, I’m going to plonk a tenner on them losing to Afghanistan.

I remember back in 1990, on England’s cricket tour to Australia, when the lads were having a bad time of it, and were even thought to be in danger of losing a one-day game to an Academy XI full of kids and captained by a long retired 45-year old.

“We might be bad,” said the representative of the News of the World, “but we’ve as much chance of losing to that lot as Buster Douglas has of beating Mike Tyson.”

Next morning, England were holding an inquest as to how they lost, and the papers were full of photos of a befuddled Tyson, on all fours, trying to put his gumshield back in the wrong way round.

The worst case of a beaten favourite I can remember was Greg Norman surrendering a six-shot lead to Nick Faldo in the final round of the 1996 US Masters.

The Great White Shark, as he was known, turned into the great white tadpole, and when the pair of them walked up the 18th fairway, with 11 shots having changed hands, the customary cheers had given way to a strange,

eerie silence. It wasn’t so much a golf match as a public execution.

Cricket has a long history of beaten favourites, but perhaps the most startling upset of all was in the 1983 World Cup final at Lord’s between the West Indies and India. The West Indies were at their peak then, packed with ferocious fast bowlers and dynamic fielders, while India were a bit surprised to have got that far, and had a history of buckling against genuine pace, not long before declaring against the Windies with only seven wickets down in a Test match out of fear of injuries.

Somehow, the West Indies firepower failed to prevail, and the same thing happened in the 2002 Australian Open final in Melbourne when the big hitting Russian Marat Safin was a prohibitive favourite to beat the quiet, self-effacing, powder-puff hitting Swede Thomas Johansson.

Most people wondered whether it was worth Johansson turning up, including, so it would seem, the tournament courtesy car driver assigned to take him from his hotel to the Rod Laver Arena.

When the car failed to show up, Johansson was forced to dial for a taxi and arrived just in time to cause a major upset. It was truly miraculous, not least for the fact that he managed to get there at all.

Down the years I have taken about 100 taxi rides in Melbourne and have yet to find a driver who speaks any recognisable language, or knows the way to anywhere.

Then there was the England soccer team at the 1950 World Cup, Stanley Matthews, Tom Finney et al, who managed to lose 1-0 to the United States.

Some English newspapers, in the days of dodgy communication, refused to believe it and changed the score to 10-1 to England. But 1-0 it was, with the winner coming from a Haitian-born restaurant dish washer.

As far as this year’s cricket World Cup goes, however, I have a hunch that the lads will do a bit better than the last time the event was hosted here in 1999, when the opening ceremony consisted of the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair miming into a defective microphone, a firework display apparently involving half a dozen 10p Roman candles from the corner shop across the road, and England managing to get themselves eliminated 24 Martin Johnson is a hours before the release of the official World journalist and author, Cup song. and has written for This time, though, we’re in a win-win the Leicester Mercury, situation. Win, and it’s the open-topped bus The Independent, The ride through Trafalgar Square. Lose, and the Daily Telegraph and declining pub trade will get a real shot in the The Sunday Times.

He currently writes arm. Nothing gets the snug bar in the Slug and columns for The Rugby Lettuce more fired up than England teams Paper and The Cricket being useless.

Paper, and has a book “Buttler? Couldn’t knock the skin off a rice out called ‘Can I Carry pudding.” “Archer? I’ve seen confetti come Your Bags?’ down faster – three more pints please Bert!”

June 2019 / the activemag.com 55

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Top five skills to improve your mountain biking Improving your riding may seem daunting, but it need not be as scary as it seems, says Tom Worsfold from Rutland Cycling

1

LOOKING AHEAD

Keep your eyes off the front wheel and on the trail ahead. Anticipation is key and is especially important when riding unfamiliar trails, allowing you to prepare for features and pick the smoothest line through even the toughest terrain. Aim to look as far down the trail as possible to ensure you can predict the terrain before you reach it, leaving you time to react to upcoming obstacles.

2

PUMPING

Everyone wants to go faster with less effort – why pedal when you can pump? Pumping is the name given to the ability to generate speed from undulating terrain, pushing the bike downwards into dips and making it light over crests to build speed from the features of the trail. The result will be forwards momentum, keeping you faster on the trail. Your local trail centre will be an amazing place to practice this skill, with many having skills areas and purpose-built pump tracks designed to be ridden without pedalling.

Gretton charity sportive

3

RIDING BERMS

Berms are essentially banked corners designed to allow you to carry your speed through turns with a faster entry and exit speed than a flat corner. If you are new to mountain biking you will quickly find that berms are an absolute staple of Britain’s trail centre network, and can be found on most purpose-built trails.

Speed management is the key to riding these features fast and safely; enter slow and leave the turn fast without pulling your brakes in the middle!

4

MANUALLING

Manuals are a versatile skill that not only look stylish, but also can be used to pick the front wheel up over obstacles and to generate speed on the trail. The motion for the manual begins by pushing the bike forwards, and the front wheel into the ground. This loads the suspension and compresses the tyre, which creates the momentum to lift the front wheel into the air by then shifting weight backwards towards the rear of the bike. Find your balance

A GREAT DAY out for cyclists of all ability, the Gretton charity sportive taking place on June 15 offers two options: a 30-mile (1,800ft of climbing) or a 64-mile route (4,100ft of climbing).

The event starts from Gretton Sports Club and both ride options offer competitors spectacular views of the Eyebrook reservoir and the Welland Valley.

The first feed station for both routes is at 22 miles and the second at 50 miles.

point and see how long you can hold the front wheel up for.

5

THE BUNNYHOP

The less time your tyres are on the ground, the less opportunity you have to control your speed with grip and braking. But a well executed bunnyhop can be a great way of avoiding nasty trail features and rough sections by simply jumping over them. The bunnyhop begins the same as a manual, but as the front of the bike reaches the top of its arc, dip your heels towards the ground and transition your weight forwards. This will scoop up the rear wheel and lift both wheels off the ground. To land safely, move your weight backwards to level out the bike and roll away smoothly!

OVERALL

There has never been a better time to improve your riding with trail centres popping up all over the UK, and bike technology at an all-time high. Why not get out and try some of these skills at your local bike park today!

Showers are available at the sports club and the licensed bar will open at 11am. There will be a family barbeque from 12pm.

All proceeds are going to The Travers Foundation to help provide funding and financial support to 13 to 30-year-olds to improve their skills in sport, music and the arts.

• 64-mile route start time 9-9:30am, entry fee £35 • 30-mile route start time 9:30-10am, entry fee £30

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ActiveSport

How to plan your routes

By Grace Lambert-Smith of Rutland Cycling

G

ONE ARE THE days of folding a map into the back pocket of your jersey prior to jumping in the saddle for a day of exploring new routes. We’re now in a world of GPS devices and smartphones that take the stress and inconvenience of map reading away by providing a simple line for us to follow.

Plotting a cycling route has its advantages. It encourages you to scope out new and interesting ways of discovering what’s around you. Just when you think you know a place, you can find hidden shortcuts or scenic alternatives to widen your horizon.

Planning cycling routes saves time for those who are against the clock. If you know your average speed and the time you want to ride, you can easily plot a route of a certain distance knowing you’ll be back at a reasonable hour.

If you’ve always wondered how to plan a cycling route, you’ve come to the right place.

There are a number of options, from the software you use to plot your route to the GPS device that shows you where to go while you’re on the road.

Plotting your route Whether you ride from home and want to explore different lanes at the weekend or plan a cycling holiday to somewhere you’ve never been before, knowing where to point your front wheel is key to a fun day out.

There are so many mapping tools out there that we can’t list all of them but some of the most popular are Strava, Ride With GPS and Komoot. Each has its own benefits so take a look at the features to see which best suits you and your needs.

Most mapping websites are a selfexplanatory game of dot-to-dot, tracing the roads you want to ride along and many display the elevation profile adding to the security of knowing exactly what you’re getting yourself into before committing to a route. If you’re partial to double-digit gradients, you’ll be able to seek out those out-the-saddle gear grinders easily. Likewise, if you’re more of a fast-and-flat type, there could be a way around those big hills you didn’t know about.

Plotting a cycling route helps alleviate the

worry of cycling down busy roads. Some planning tools integrate Google Street View so it’s possible to look at the condition of the road before you take to the pedals. Make sure you zoom in to doublecheck there are no bridleways or mountain bike trails that have been chosen for you – this is particularly important if you’re on skinny tyres!

If you’re in need of inspiration, try searching for other people’s routes. Plenty of event organisers now upload the routes for their rides so you can follow a tried-and-tested safe cycling route. If there’s a particular Strava segment you’d like to incorporate into your route, click on the name of someone else who has done it to see how they got there.

There are a whole host of other mapping tools if you look for them from more detailed OS Map interfaces to paid-for added extras like custom cue sheets (a good idea for noting down cafes and points of interest).

Some websites highlight the Sustrans National Cycle Network and Eurovelo cycling routes which is useful for routing down quieter lanes, off-road bike paths and dedicated cycling infrastructure.

“Plotting a cycling route has its advantages. It encourages you to scope out new and interesting ways of discovering what’s around you”

Choosing a GPS After you’ve plotted your routes, you’ll need a GPS device on which to display them once you’re ready to go. Most GPS devices display useful data such as total climbing, average speed and distance ridden. They work like an car sat-nav or you can upload your own route.

GPS computers are designed to withstand the elements: they’re waterproof, have a backlit screen and long battery life. If you’re out on a lengthy bike ride, you might want to take an external battery pack and charging cable to top it up as you go around to avoid getting lost.

Garmin uses GPX files which can be uploaded from mapping websites to the unit via USB connection. The brand name is synonymous with cycling computers and they’re well known in other industries (automotive, sailing, aviation) for providing accurate GPS data. However, with the rise of competitors such as Wahoo and Lezyne, Garmin is no longer the only choice.

Wahoo’s simplified display, long battery life and cheaper price point is proving popular, as is the ability to plan routes on the move with a smartphone.

Many of the mapping tools also have a mobile app. Simply attach your phone to your handlebars and off you go.

Riding your bike

Once you’ve uploaded your route, it’s time to put your plot into action. Most GPS devices will display a line to follow with turn-by-turn directions, much like a sat-nav. If you miss a turning, the computer will let you know so you can backtrack and continue where you left off.

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CHALLENGES

Climb Snowdon 2019 Jit Chauhan reveals how you can join in on a climb of Snowdon

Wild, wet and windy Ed Matthews cycled across the widest part of the UK from west to east to celebrate his 50th birthday

T

HE SCENERY IN Wales was stunning – especially on day two when we headed up into Devil’s Bridge and then traversed the Elan Valley. For me this was the best day because of the spectacular scenery and the most technical ascents and descents of the whole ride.

We seemed to start every day with a climb and day three was probably the worst as we had a 2.5-mile climb out of Knighton heading south. It took 20 minutes to do 2.5 miles to the top of the ‘mountain’, but then it took us just eight minutes to do the next three miles; the joys of going downhill. Once we entered England it started raining and by the time we reached our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, we were soaked.

Day four threw technical issues at us – as

7EVENTS IS A growing team of friends all with one common goal, to help local charities and communities. This year, as in previous years, it is planning a climb up Mount Snowdon. The event is open to everyone from eight years of age upwards as long as they are fit enough to undertake the challenge.

This is the third year running and the previous climbs have been well attended and greatly enjoyed and praised by all involved. They have also raised a considerable amount of money for charities such as LOROS, CLASH, Diabetics UK and, this year, Healing Little Hearts.

Milestones on the climb will be set at half-way and three-quarter points and the summit. On the way, especially if you are a newcomer, you are likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the surroundings and breath-taking scenery.

The date of the planned climb is Saturday, June 8, with an early start and a reasonable time for return.

Set as a challenge there is no pressure on anyone to reach the summit – just being involved and having fun is what is important.

Jit said: “We hope everyone from young to old will carry away treasured memories of taking part. So finally, here is a warm invitation to join us for an unforgettable experience.”

If you are interested in taking part email challenges@7events.org or if you want to support them with a donation go to www.7events.org/donate.

well as more rain – and day five was probably the hardest day of all. The rain was even heavier, hail joining the deluge at times making it quite painful, and the wind was gale force. At times it was all we could do to keep moving as we battled into a strong 40mph headwind.

Our final day, the sixth, was a gentle 55-mile pedal across the edge of Norfolk and through Suffolk, and the weather improved as well. We arrived at Lowestoft and found Ness Point, the most eastern point of the UK. We’d done it with very few problems along the way. Now we could celebrate my birthday!

We have hit our target of raising £5,000 for Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research.

Further donations can be made via our website www.thewideride.co.uk Would we do it again, maybe…

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ActiveSport

The final countdown Iain Downer is now only days away from his first triathlon LESS THAN THREE weeks to go as I write, and by the time you read this I will hopefully have completed my first triathlon, albeit only sprint distance.

It’s been a tough five months of training and it has often been difficult to remain focused, particularly with work commitments; but I am feeling as prepared as I could possibly be. But the next couple of weeks are not going to be easy as between now and race day I have to navigate a stag-do and a wedding, both of which will be a real test. I plan to pack my running shoes, but exactly how much use they get remains to be seen.

The biggest challenge has definitely been keeping motivated to train after a busy day, and a lengthy commute of two hours each way. I don’t feel that I could have done more and know, however much I struggle on the day, I will just have to grit my teeth and push on.

I watched the London Marathon which excited me for my race on June 1; so much so that I entered the ballot for a place in the 2020 event. I have also been looking at other triathlon events but will wait to see how I get on before making any decisions.

I have upped the training and increased the number of ‘brick’ (straight from the bike to running) sessions and am eating as cleanly as possible. In an ideal world I would also be alcohol-free but that is going to be a tough ask when you look at my diary. In the days before the race I will only train lightly to reduce fatigue on the day.

The only thing I cannot control is the weather, so fingers crossed it’s not too hot and the rain holds off. Anyway, here goes… www.justgiving.com/fundraising/iain-for-gold

Marathon success The team of runners from Efficient Portfolio in Oakham joined tens of thousands of runners in Brighton for the marathon ALL FOUR RUNNERS – Charlie, Tim, Katie and Dan – successfully completed the Brighton Marathon in under 6.5 hours. Charlie and Dan tell us how they got on, and what they learnt from the experience....

Dan is really proud that he completed the marathon, but disappointed with his time.

He said: “When I signed up I set myself a time of five hours; my actual finish time was six hours and 20 minutes, so I was a little disappointed. I thought that my steady and constant training should allow me to reach my goal but, the run was incredibly difficult, made even tougher by a strong wind on the last eight miles that really took its toll on me. The encouragement from the crowd kept me going and their support made the gruelling run a little more palatable, as did running for a cause close to my heart.

“I will definitely be back next year and I’m determined to reach, if not beat, the five-hour mark. I think that more general training will be needed to achieve this. 26 weeks wasn’t enough really, so hopefully the 50 or so from now until next year will help get me to my target time.”

We also spoke to Charlie, who was very positive about his performance, but is now

really feeling the pressure for his Ironman challenge.

He said: “I was quite surprised that my plan for the marathon actually worked! I trained by running for nine minutes then walking for a minute, which felt comfortable and allowed me to steadily increase my distance and stamina.

During the race this strategy worked well except that it was very difficult to stop running after nine minutes, with the crowd shouting things like “come on mate, you can do it”. But I stuck to my plan as I knew it would get me round in under four hours. I finished in 3.57, which I was really pleased with.

“The last few miles up hill into a headwind were tough, but I managed to maintain the same pace. I was thinking though; if this hurts now, how is it going to feel after cycling 112 miles and swimming 2.4 miles, which is what the Ironman involves!’

Well done to all of the team at Efficient Portfolio for completing the Brighton Marathon and raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society, Breast Cancer Care and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. We can’t wait to hear how Charlie gets on in his Iron Man. www.efficientportfolio.co.uk

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KIT

Weatherproof your run We try out two trainers to get you out and enjoying your run whatever the weather this summer.

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ActiveSport

J

UNE SEES THE nation officially move into summer, meaning long, enjoyable evenings to get out and run. We’re likely to still be in for a shower or two though, and often the warmer climate will mean the showers are likely to pack a punch.

So it’s best to be prepared. Having trainers for all weathers will ensure your kit doesn’t slow you down, or worse, provide an excuse to not go at all. The availability of waterproof trainers has increased considerably in recent years, no doubt largely due to the increased popularity of off-road events such as Rat Race and Tough Mudder.

Swiss brand, On, has been producing waterproof versions of its popular trainers for a while and the range continues to grow.

We tried out their Cloudventure Waterproof, perfect for running in all weathers on all surfaces, as well as the all-new Cloudstratus, for when the sun is, hopefully, shining.

STAY DRY - Cloudventure Waterproof

Having a stable shoe with good grip that can cope with the impact of the descent is key.

Thankfully, the Cloudventure’s newly developed ‘Missiongrip’ outsole provides exactly this. On’s unique cushioning elements, or Clouds as they’re dubbed by the company, are made from their new Zero Gravity foam and positioned to simultaneously absorb impact and improve grip on unstable terrain.

The varied grip pattern is aimed to help runners keep a secure footing on variable terrain, so you’re no longer limited to the beaten track. It also reinforces the cushioning for the demands of the trail, adding a new level of freedom and fun to running off-road, especially downhill.

The Cloudventure also boasts a 10,000m water column thanks to its advanced waterproof membrane. That meant as much to me when I first read it too. Some researching online and, according to the ever-trusty Wikipedia, sitting on wet ground is equivalent to a 2,000mm water column. Squat and the pressure is equivalent to 4,800mm. The weight of the person will also influence the pressure exerted but 10,000m suggests waterproofing that’ll make ducks jealous as you run through the park. We took them long distance too and they held up with anything we could throw at them. They come in a variety of colours too, but you’ll be too busy running through mud to worry about which colour you choose.

“The availability of waterproof trainers has increased considerably in recent years, no doubt largely due to the increased popularity of off-road events”

STAY ON POINT – Cloud Terry

Comfort and style tend not to go hand-in-hand.

That’s not the case with the new Cloud Terry from On. Developed from their iconic Cloud shoe, they’re heralded as the fastest-selling On ever, and we can see why.

The Cloud Terry feature an incredibly plush tongue, which offers great comfort, along with two types of vegan leather. Step into the sockliner and take full advantage of the Swiss-engineered Speedboard, which allows for natural flex and forward motion, so there’s nothing to hold you back on those balmy summer evenings.

Don’t just save them for running in the sun though, they’re designed for all-day performance, comfort and style and come in three great colours for men and women. We can’t fault them.

Find both the Cloudventure and Cloud Terry at www.on-running.com

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Active gear 1. England cricket shirt

Celebrate England hosting the Cricket World Cup with the official shirt for the tournament.

And if they don’t win, it’s a cool retro design that will look good down the pub anyway.

PRICE £55 FROM www.newbalance.co.uk

2.

2. Tifosi Brixen sunglasses

These lightweight sunglasses come with Tifosi’s dynamic Fototec high speed red photochromatic lens. Tifosi’s lenses quickly adjust to changing light conditions, enhancing your performance and increasing your comfort.

PRICE £74.99 FROM www.rutlandcycling.com

1.

3. Wahoo Elemnt Roam GPS

3.

Wahoo has taken what cyclists loved about the first Elemnt and delivered a design that has been optimised and primed for performance.

So it’s basically an Elemnt, only it’s jam-packed with new features, even better functionality, and is more durable.

PRICE £299.99 FROM www.rutlandcycling.com

4. Chapeau! cycling jersey

A high spec summer jersey that looks the part but at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

Available in several colours and styles.

PRICE £69.99 FROM www.juliescycles.co.uk

5. Oakley Split Shot sunglasses

Whether SUPing or water skiing, the Integrated Retainer System will help prevent your sunglasses being lost in the water, while the Prizm Sapphire polarised lens is suitable for bright light, with 12% light transmission.

PRICE £189.99 FROM www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

Kit Bag

4.

As the weather improves, it’s time to get on your bike!

5.

6. Specialized Roubaix road bike

Taking its name from one of the toughest races on the cycling calender, the Roubaix was designed to take on anything from cobbled streets to poorly maintained roads thanks to its Future Shock tech and Pave seat post.

Constructed of FACT 10r carbon, the frame strikes the perfect balance of compliance, aerodynamics and light weight.

PRICE £3,399.99 FROM www.rutlandcycling.com

6.

7. Patagonia Nanogrip bikini top

This top is form-fitting, providing you with support and full coverage for those long days in the water. A combination of polyester and elastane gives comfort.

PRICE £64.99 FROM www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

8. Patagonia bikini bottoms

7.

8.

Made of polyester and elastane for comfort, these bottoms are form fitting and provide maximum support.

PRICE £54.99 FROM www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

June 2019 / the activemag.com 63

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CRICKET

Oaks start strongly

By Jeremy Smithson-Beswick but we’re lacking a bit on the batting side.”

His opinion is borne out by the stats as they average only just over 100 per innings after five matches, but no opponent has really taken their bowling attack to task. “We’re giving our youngsters a proper go in the side,” said Leonard. “Not just letting them field but with real opportunities to bat and bowl. It’s tricky and we’re not yet at the level we want to be.”

One bright spot Leonard highlighted was the performance of all-rounder James Nuttall whose average with the bat is second only to Leonard’s own and he also tops the bowling figures. Some cavalry is coming over the hill in June as players return and they are still looking to recruit further – not only for the first team but also, at the other end of the scale, to their minis set up which is thriving. Up from 18 participants last year to

around 60 this term and there’s still room for more.

Uppingham’s Saturday side were the others relegated to Division 1 last year alongside Harborough, but they’ve done slightly better than the latter to date with two wins from five under their belt. One was over Harborough themselves, the other against Leicester Ivanhoe 2nds in a rain-disrupted tie. After their visitors were all out for 180, Uppingham faced a revised target of 162.

After the dismissal of Sam Hodson early doors, the match was turned by Josh Carrington and Ben Farnsworth who put on over a hundred before Carrington was out LBW for 45. Mark Cox (29 n.o.) then ensured they got home with five wickets and one over to spare.

The three senior Burghley Park Cricket Club teams have experienced varying levels of success Image: James Biggs

O

AKHAM HAD A terrific start to their season with four straight wins, including a victory in the opening fixture against arch-rivals Uppingham. Rob Taylor finished that match on 94 not out as Oaks made short work of reaching the visitors’ total of only 148.

They followed that up with an even more emphatic victory at Kibworth, scoring a flawless 316 against the host’s second XI, both openers finishing with undefeated centuries (Wes Durston 183 and Richard Martin 102) – and then dismissed the home side for just 79.

It was somewhat closer against Electricity Sports, but Oaks still rattled off their opponents’ total with five overs to spare despite being seven wickets down, having recovered from a low point of 40-4 at one stage, and also suffering some choice sledging of ex-pro Taylor for playing in his latterday county’s helmet (“They’re expensive,” he very reasonably pointed out in his defence).

That win meant Oaks were one of only three sides in the division with an unblemished record with their next opponents, Newton Linford, being one of the others.

Ed Tattersall was to enjoy his trip there, his innings of 91 being easily the top Oaks score as they batted first. He then went on to bag three wickets, with Linford falling 31 runs short of their target of 219, a performance which also put his side top of the table. Alas, they were to suffer a setback against Hinckley in the following fixture (visiting bowler Richard Jackson with a five-for that defined the match) but it has nevertheless been an immensely promising few weeks for all at the Lime Kilns.

In the same division, Market Harborough continue to rebuild after their demotion from the Premier last season and it’s been a tough start with no victories so far. Skipper Tom Leonard told me: “It’s been a struggle. The bowling’s OK

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in the early months of the season. Despite some promising early season performances, notably a maiden century from Chris Armstrong at Biggleswade, the Saturday 1st XI, under the stewardship of Mike Hobbiss, are yet to taste success in their two Hunts League division 1 games. With a more settled side going into June, they will be hoping to start climbing the table.

The Saturday 2nd XI have shown contrasting form so far under the leadership of James Biggs in Hunts Division League 4. They started well with a comprehensive home win against Brampton, with club newcomer Julian O’Reilly top scoring with an unbeaten 88, before being soundly beaten away at Upwood. With a string of away fixtures in June they will be looking to pick up as many points as possible before making the most of home conditions later in the season.

The Sunday Rutland League Division 2 team have had the most promising start of the three BPCC senior men’s teams. With three wins from four fixtures, and their only loss coming against Uffington, they currently sit second in the division. Skipper Elliott Cooper will be hoping that the early form that he, Pete Foster and Chris White have shown can inspire the other batsmen to follow suit. With the ball, Joe Evans led the way in the latest victory at Werrington with an outstanding return of 4-30.

Over in the Cambs League, Stamford have made a good start after flirting with, but ultimately avoiding, relegation last term.

They’ve won two from three with skipper Tom Williams leading from the front in their recent victory over Waresley with 90, Tim Juggins also pitching in with a quick-fire 47 in their total of 205. Juggins also claimed two wickets as the home side fell well short.

Fleckney Village are coming to grips with life one division lower than last year. Captain Chris Walsh confided: “It’s been a bit mixed to be honest. We’re mid table at this stage but it’s a good feeling to start winning games again and there’s a buzz around the team that bodes well.”

Their Tim Brown passed the career 5,000-run mark for them this month (and is due respect not only for that but because he also plays rugby for the town). Walsh commented: “We think he may have had a half of shandy or two to celebrate.”

There will be plenty of other opportunities for the occasional half in the coming weeks as they are about to go on tour around Lincolnshire and

“Rob Dunn joined captain Peter Morgan at the crease and they were to complete a century partnership that transformed the match”

Image: Matt Tarrant

The Roundup

Ivan Wilson and Damien Herrick both finished with unbeaten centuries for Uffington Cricket Club

will also host a visiting Chinese side – the wonderfully-named Beijing Ducks – on July 9.

One of the season’s best performances to date came from Bourne, beating Bracebridge Heath on their own ground – a team who had been undefeated in the Lincs Premier for almost two seasons. It didn’t start well, the home side winning the toss and then dismissing opener Jack Berry in the first over and although they steadied the ship for a while (Sam Evison’s 41 crucial to that) they were soon 60-5.

At this point Rob Dunn joined captain Peter Morgan at the crease and they were to complete a century partnership that transformed the match. Dunn played second fiddle with a defensive 27 as Morgan dispatched the bowling attack to all corners finishing with 104 (off a little more than 100 balls) in their innings total of 204.

It was then Bracebridge’s turn to lose early wickets on a damp pitch. One of their openers bagged a golden duck as Dan Bandaranaike trapped him LBW and Jack Berry and Colin

Cheer went on to pick up three wickets apiece as the home side mustered only 168.

Uffington have started strongly in Rutland League division two this year and are unbeaten.

They’ve got yet another Bentley in the ranks to go with the existing fleet of three, and he might just be the best one. Rob scored a century on debut, hitting nine sixes, and then 50 the next week on a very difficult wicket at Easton-on-theHill.

In Uffington’s Saturday side, special mention must be made of teenagers Maddie Pike and Lucy Britten, who between them took 6-57 in 19 overs to bowl Long Sutton out in the South Lincs & Border League. Great to see girls having an impact in men’s league cricket these days – how times are changing, and for the better. In the same match, proving that cricket isn’t just a game for teenagers these days, lifelong friends and old stagers Damien Herrick and Ivan Wilson both scored unbeaten centuries, putting on more than 200 together in a total of 217.

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The Roundup

EQUESTRIANISM

Piggy dominates Rockingham

By Julia Dungworth

T

HE FAIRFAX AND Favor Rockingham International Horse Trials was completely dominated by Piggy French, who was on top form fresh from her Badminton win. She had five wins, two seconds, one third and one fourth.

Piggy won both the 40-strong CCI3* sections and one of the CCI2* sections. Although Piggy also won the advanced intermediate, it was Austin O’Connor who pipped her at the post for the Loomes & Co watch, given to the rider closest to the optimum time in that particular section. Both riders came home one second under the optimum time, so then it went on to the showjumping time, where Austin had been just that tiny bit faster and won the £9,000 timepiece, which he promptly gave to his wife as he’s won one before!

Rockingham has been growing at a fantastic rate of knots over the last few years and also incudes Pony Club, Riding Club and Eventer Trial classes to run alongside the international, which is hugely popular with the locals. The Cottesmore Pony Club team of Verity Ewart, Katie Lowbridge, Rebekah Arthey and Florence Ashmore had the best local success, winning the 90cm jumping with eight fantastic rounds!

Eleven-year old Tabitha Kyle has hit the headlines again with an outstanding win in the Children’s Grand Prix at Lamprechtshausen in Austria on Holly Smith’s Grennastown Sarco Lux Hill. There were nearly 60 starters in the

“The Cottesmore Pony Club team of Verity Ewart, Katie Lowbridge, Rebekah Arthey and Florence Ashmore had the best local success”

Eliza Stoddart and Clifford finished fifth at the Rockingham Horse Trials class with about 15 of them making it into the jump-off. Tabitha posted a very quick clear in the second round taking two seconds off her nearest rival! Tabitha had also posted a double-clear in the Nations Cup the day before, helping the British team to a silver medal.

Meanwhile, Holly herself was making her debut performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where she won the opening CSI5* on the nine-year-old gelding Fruseli.

She then went on to make it a double and win the King’s Cup on Hearts Derby. She was presented with her golden trophy later that day by the Queen.

We seem to be a bit down on our luck eventing-wise, as Badminton was a little disastrous for the locals with a last minute withdrawal from Willa Newton, then both Simon Grieve and Richard Jones retired on the

cross-country. Etti Dale finished a fantastic 11th in the CCI4* at Chatsworth, then sadly had to withdraw Simply Simon from Bramham next month.

You’ve also probably heard that Belton International is no more; apparently too many worms were being squashed, which is such a shame for all those involved. BEDE’s Stuart Buntine is confident he will be able to keep running the event and joked that he’d been offered three castles and five stately homes already.

Don’t forget to support the Rutland County Show on June 2. Again they are promising a fun family day out at the showground in Oakham with hundreds of trade stands, a food fair full of local produce and classes for everyone to watch, from tug-of-war to show jumping to sheep.

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1 - 5 JULY

SIXES • BAR BBQ • MUSIC Day Games: 10.30am Sixes Competition: 6.00pm Real ale festival Live Band on Friday Night

NEW! THE BGL CRICKET WEEK KIDZ BLAST

KET19 CRICK 0 WEE 2

• Sunday 30th June • £10 per team • BBQ & refreshments • Real ale festival for parents • Pop-up cricket shop To enter your team email: kidzblast@burghleypark.com

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