Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // November 2018

ISSUE 77 // NOVEMBER 2018

FR

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You r sport a n d l i f e st y l e m ag a zi n e

H e llo darkn e ss , my old frie n d…

Great healthy, active ways to win in winter

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www.theACTIVEmag.com

ISSUE 77 // NOVEMBER 2018

INSIDE

Great Christmas Gifts / Dallaglio’s RugbyWorks / Indoor family climbing Seaton and Morcott Walk / On Trend Men’s Winter Fashion / The Bertie Arms

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Editor’s Letter

Publisher Chris Meadows chris@theactivemag.com Editor Steve Moody steve@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com

I WENT TO THE OPENING OF THE GET BUSY Living Centre in Burrough-on-the-Hill last month, the smart new headquarters of the Matt Hampson Foundation.

Officially opened by Mike Tindall, doing his best impression of his relatives, this fabulous £1 million facility is a place where those who have suffered catastrophic injury can go to rehabilitate, both physically and mentally, using state-of-the-art facilities and spending time with others like them who have had to face such monumental challenges.

An emotional Matt Hampson, (who, if you have somehow missed the story, was paralysed during an England under-21 training accident in 2005), thanked everyone who had been involved in the project, and called it a dream to see the centre open.

What struck me was how many people from the local area were involved in the project. Clearly his former club, Leicester Tigers, were heavily represented with current and ex-players, staff and board members represented, but local businesses have been instrumental in getting to this point donating time and expertise, often for free, to see the centre designed, built and fitted out.

What an incredible sight it is to see a community come together to build something so special, something that will have a real and lasting impact on many lives. Matt might have been struck by a terrible lifechanging accident, but he has already created a legacy that will only grow and become greater: there’s plenty more to come.

The foundation still needs lots of help (the next stage is to build accommodation at the centre), so go and have a look at what they have achieved so far, and what they’re planning next, at www. matthampsonfoundation.org Enjoy the issue

Art editor Mark Sommer mark@theactivemag.com Contributors Martin Johnson, William Hetherington, Jeremy Beswick, Julia Dungworth Photographers Nico Morgan, Pip Warters Production assistant Gary Curtis Advertising sales Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com Amy Roberts amy@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

Steve

Facebook // theACTIVEmag

Production editor Julian Kirk julian@theactivemag.com

Twitter // @theACTIVEmag

Instagram // theactivemaguk

Website // www.theactivemag.com

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2018. 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.

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Contents

ISSUE 77 / NOVEMBER 2018

ACTIVE LIFE 13 WHAT’S ON

Great local events for all the family

14-17 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Perfect present ideas for all ages

21 GARDENING

Add some structure to your space

23 ESCAPE TO THE SUN

Winter holidays in the West Indies

24 FASHION

Winter staples for the well-dressed man

26 MEET BRIAN CORCORAN The founder of Race Harborough

28 EATING OUT

The Bertie Arms in Uffington

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38 PET PAGE

Caring for horses and ponies

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ACTIVE BODY 43 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY MIND

Mental health advice from Cathy Lawson

44 BONE MEAL

Keeping your skeleton in top shape

47 BREAK THE ICE

Dealing with a painful condition

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ACTIVE KIDS 51 STAR PUPILS

The latest school achievements

54 HITTING THE WALL

Indoor climbing for all the family

ACTIVE SPORT 61 MARTIN JOHNSON

Which is the most boring sport?

62 MARATHON ADVICE

Top tips from a local long distance runner

67 ON YOUR BIKE!

A short, hilly autumn blast from Oakham

68 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring

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Activelife Christmas gifts ● Winter sun in the West Indies ● Visit The Bertie Arms ● Walks with Will ● Add height and structure to your garden ● Remembrance Sunday celebrations ● Find a firework display Edited by Mary Bremner

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Activelife

A new British tri brand designed on our doorstep Tenola Tri-Wear, founded by Market Deeping resident Ian Nolan, has recently launched a range of British-made swimsuits and triathlon wear for men and women and has secured Lincolnshirebased Team GB triathlete Katie Ball as a brand ambassador.

Ian, a keen triathlete himself, saw a gap in the market for high quality gear and was determined to have it designed and made in Britain. He worked closely with Cambridge-based athletic apparel designer Sally Blake to perfect his vision, and after many years’ hard work has recently launched his range.

“The Tri-suit is my favourite piece of kit from the range due to its great fit and the speed at which it dries when you get out of the water. I also love the attention to detail such as the handy pockets down the sides which are perfect for putting energy gels in,” said brand ambassador Katie. www.tenola.com

WALKING HOLIDAYS IN RUTLAND Easton-on-the-Hill resident Ian Strange has turned his lifetime love of walking into a new business, Rutland Trails.

Ian has walked all over the world, including in the Himalayas and the Pyrenees, but it was a walk much closer to home that triggered his business idea.

He said: “My wife and I literally shut the door on our home with nothing more than a rucksack and map and headed off for the week.

We had nothing booked and only a vague direction we wanted to head in. I can honestly say it was the best week’s holiday we have ever had. There was so much to see on our doorstep.”

The seed was planted and after trying out walks, meeting owners

of local hotels, B&Bs and restaurants, Ian has created a walking holiday experience for all.

He can tailor walks for individuals, you can join a group walk or hold a corporate event.

Ian accompanies every walk and arranges for luggage transfers; all you need to do is enjoy a taste of Rutland and see parts you might not have seen before. www.rutlandtrails.co.uk

Equilibrium moves home Equilibrium has recently moved to a newly-refurbished building in St Mary’s Street, meaning it can now offer spa packages in the centre of Stamford as well as all the usual treatments. The new Meadow Suite is a dual treatment room, or you can head to the Retreat for bespoke days such as hen-dos and birthday parties where delicious food can be supplied by Stamford Deli. Equilibrium is now an exclusive Clarins stockist for both treatments and products. www.equilibriumstamford.co.uk

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Call:

Stamford/Rutland: 01780 480881 Peterborough/Oundle: 01733 459907

16 Wharf Road, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2EB bluebird care.indd 1

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Activelife

An Ideal way to raise charity cash Staff from the Ideal Marketing Company in Market Harborough have raised more than £1,200 on a charity walk for the British Heart Foundation.

They were joined by family and friends to walk 15km.

SHOP OF THE MONTH

CLAY SHOOTERS SUPPLIES Clay Shooters Supplies in St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough, has been in business since 1974, and owner Shaun Marriott has been there since day one. Shaun started out as a Saturday boy, became full-time and then took over the business 24 years ago – he is the man to talk to about anything shooting-related.

The shop sells and repairs shotguns, new and used, as well as air rifles and rifles. It also sells

cartridges, bullets, good quality country clothing and accessories as well as anything to do with gundogs.

Shaun and his team have a reputation for ‘going the extra mile’ and are extremely helpful, as well as knowledgeable. The team can point you in the right direction with regards to tuition and offer great advice on gun fit and purchases. www.shooterssupplies.co.uk, 01858 466616

THE 70SEVENTY CHALLENGE A team of four cyclists have cycled 309 miles across the Pyrenees, from Pau to Barcelona, to raise money for Leicesterbased charity Bamboozle which helps profoundly disabled children and their families.

The oldest of the four, 70-year old Christopher Davies, set up the 70seventy challenge with the aim of raising £70,000 in his 70th year.

The ride was his first event and he intends to do the Three Peaks and run his first marathon as well.

He is more than happy for people to join him. www.bamboozletheatre.co.uk/70seventy/

7Events funds a new defibrillator 7Events, started by Jit Chauhan from Leicester in 2016 to raise money for Leicester-based charities, has raised more than £25,000 by completing a series of mainly sporting challenges.

The most recent achievement has been to install a defibrillator in St Peter’s Centre in Oadby, with a second one being purchased to go in the Rushey Mead Recreation Centre in 2019. www.7events.org

New members wanted The friendly folk at Waterloo Cottage Farm community garden are looking for new members to join them in their garden in Great Oxendon near Market Harborough. They meet every week and new members are very welcome. To find out more look for them on Facebook.

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM VVI SI SI ITTvisit OOUour SS H H OOW WRROOOOMM URRshowroom 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

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?

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 Charity No: 1140918

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WHAT’S ON November is the month of remembrance and fireworks, as well as lots more...

● The

Rutland Poppy Project culminates in a display of ceramic poppies at Oakham Castle, on display for most of November until the 24th. A chance to view the community’s handiwork and hard work.

● Easton

on the Hill is marking the centenary of the WW1 Armistice with a weekend of commemoration including an exhibition in the village hall, an act of remembrance at the war memorial on November 10 and 11 and a dinner dance in period costume with a band.

● Award-winning

choirs Peterborough Male Voice Choir and Peterborough Voices are presenting an evening of words and choral music at The Cresset on Friday, November 9, to support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Tickets from the box office on 01733 265705 or www.peterboroughsings.org.uk.

● Mozart’s

Requiem and Joseph Haydn’s Little Organ Mass are to be performed at Peterborough Cathedral on November 10.

Many choirs are joining forces along with the East Anglia Chamber Orchestra for this special performance to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the armistice and the 900th anniversary of Peterborough Cathedral. Tickets from www.ticketisland. co.uk/peterboroughcathedral or 01733 452336.

● Hockey

gold medallist Crista Cullen MBE is

holding a fund-raising evening on November 2 at the Rutland Showground in Oakham to raise awareness of her charity – The Tofauti Foundation. Join Crista for a relaxed evening of wine and canapés where she will deliver a talk on the highs and lows of her hockey career and her aims for the Tafauti Foundation. For tickets contact showteam@ rutlandshowground.com.

● Harringworth

Christmas bazaar is on November 24 between 11am and 4pm in St John the Baptist Church. There will be a festive mix of local traders selling Christmas gifts and ‘made in Harringworth gifts,’ cakes and much more. There will also be a café serving teas, cakes and light lunches.

See www.harringworthvillage.org for details.

● Stamford

Flower Club is holding a Christmas flower arranging demonstration by David Ryland, a top national flower arranging demonstrator, on November 12 at the Corn Exchange in Broad Street, Stamford. Tickets cost £10 from stamfordflowerclub@gmail.com or ring Linda on 07593 758999.

● KT

Tunstall will be appearing at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall on March 22. Tickets are on sale from www.demontforthall.co.uk

● An

Antiques Fair is being held at St Ives in Cambridgeshire on November 24 and 25.

There will be about 50 dealers selling everything from jewellery to furniture. See www.stivesantiquesfair.co.uk for details.

● Stamford

Kiwanis will be holding their annual bonfire and fireworks bonanza on November 3 at the Welland Academy, Green Lane, Stamford. Gates open at 5pm when hot food and mulled wine will be available, with the bonfire being lit at 6pm. Adults £5, children £2. No sparklers please.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE The best presents for the Active people in your life

Luxury, lifestyle and healthy living

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1. Electra pleat dress The oversized check creates a stunning design with a pleat shoulder and sweeping elliptical hemline giving this dress a stunning look. For ages 4-12. £62/£64, www.angelandrocket.com 2. Taylors of Old Bond Street aftershave The base of this aftershave is amber with cedar, leather, moss and musk. Contains cedarwood oil, patchouli oil and lavandin grosso. £21.95, The Grooming Room, Market Harborough, 01858 419666.

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3. The Paint Pottle For a truly personalised gift, design and paint your own ceramics. Prices start at £12.50. Oval dish pictured, £30, 07900 090 851, www.thepaintpottle.co.uk 4. Paul Mitchell gift set This ‘Celebrate Peace’ lavender mint set includes moisturising shampoo, conditioner and leave-in spray to quench thirsty hair. £32, 01780 754828, www.oliverleesalons.co.uk

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5. Keals soy wax candles These hand-poured eco soy wax 12-hour burn candles, made in the Market Harborough studio, are available in a range of fabulous winter fragrances. £7, www.keals.net, 01858 419798 6. Angel necklace A beautiful crystal pendant available in a selection of colours on a long chain. £25, Anna Couture, Stamford, 01780 765174

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7. Holly leather handbag Designed in a classic ’50s style and crafted from premium full-grain bridle leather with a smooth suede interior. £260, www.tusting.co.uk, 01234 712266 8. Dermalogica daily glow duo and ultimate cleanse and glow trio If skin had one wish, it would be to feel cleaner and brighter every day. The pre-cleanse balm and daily microfoliant in

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the duo will deep clean for a lit-fromwithin glow. The added special cleansing gel in the trio removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. £17.50/£78.50, 01780 270002, www.bodymattersstamford.co.uk 9. Stamford Notebook Co journal Refillable and made from exceptional quality leather which is hand dyed and polished in house. The Burghley journal is available in two sizes and can be personalised. From £57.20, 01780 762550, www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk

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10. Wild orange essential oil Cold pressed from the peel, this essential oil is energising and packed with antioxidants. £12, 07974 569792 or email deborahclasper@gmail.com

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11. Sterling silver keyrings TJ Thornton has some wonderfully personal jewellery, including these very local Rutland (£75) and Market Harborough milestone (£135) keyrings.

01858 468858, www.tjthornton.com 12. Prosecco cocktail hamper The perfect gift for all prosecco and cocktail lovers: containing two bottles of Bottega prosecco, two champagne flutes, Raspberry Botanics, and one bottle of Chambord. £38, www.littlehamperco.com

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13. Polka Dot Rose bracelet For a beautifully wrapped and convenient letterbox gift, this 18cm bracelet has five hammered silver charms and a magnetic clasp. £10 (includes gift wrapping and delivery), www.polkadotrose.co.uk

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14. Dexas MudBuster paw cleaner Providing quick cleaning of dirty or muddy paws, with soft silicone bristles inside an easy-to-grip tumbler. Add water, insert paw, twist, dab, dry, repeat! £9.99, www.innerwolf.co.uk, 0116 337 3053

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15. Groves sewing machine bag and box This fabulous sewing machine bag has a large zipped compartment and front pocket to store everything you need. £36 (box £40), www.rutlandsewing.co.uk, 01572 756468 16. Vegetables, Soil and Hope Brought to life with witty illustrations, this book chronicles organic farmer and vegetable enthusiast Guy Singh-Watson’s highs and lows of farming organically. £9.99, www.riverford.co.uk 17. Two Birds Gin after dinner mint vodka Paired with seasonal Christmas spiced English vodka to get you in the festive spirit, £28.80 (inc 2 x 20cl bottles), 01858 463758, www.twobirdsspirits.co.uk

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

Visit our Stamford Showroom!

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0153 - MAR18 - SAFEGUARD HALF PAGE AD (90MM X 256MM)_V2.indd 1

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Activelife

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Sport and leisure gifts

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1. BaaBaa Merino Tech multitube The multitube utilises natural insulation to keep you warm and can be worn as a neck tube, bandana or skullcap. Itch-free thanks to the merino wool. £16.14, www.rutlandcycling.com 2. Madd Gear Pro VX Team scooter The most popular stunt scooter in the sport. £189.99, 01858 465507, www.georgehallscycles.co.uk 3. Mavic Ksyrium merino gloves Synonymous with the Tour de France for many years, these high quality gloves are designed to keep your hands warm in all winter conditions. £40, 01162 598 063, www.cafe-ventoux.cc

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4. Pennine shooting socks The cosy Pennine shooting socks and other handmade socks and garters comes in various colours and sizes. £24.99, 01858 466616, www.shooterssupplies.co.uk

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5. Red Paddle Co insulated bottle A high quality, marine grade stainless steel drinks bottle. £24.99, www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com, 01778 381154 6. Ultimate Performance Titan runners’ pack This pack adds a touchscreen window to the front pocket to allow quick access to your smartphone. £15.99, Rutland Sports 01572 722675 or 01178 426482

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7. Tenola Aquathlon tri-suit The Active range is designed for triathletes focusing on Aquathlon competitions. Benefits include ultra chlorine resistant 240hr plus and good breathability. £65, 01178 487676, www.tenola.com 8. Whyte 901 Hardtail bike With the 901 it’s all about geometry – it will make you feel more confident in all situations than any hardtail you’ve ever ridden. £1,399.99, www.rutlandcycling.com

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Activelife

HOW TO MAKE…

TUSCAN SOUP Hearty goodness packed with vegetables

This delicious, easy to make recipe incorporates all that’s good and healthy about Italian food – beans, tomatoes and vegetables. The soup is filling and nutritious, just what you need to ward off the chill of November...

Method Gently sweat the diced vegetables in 2tbsp of olive oil until soft.

Ingredients 1 large onion, finely diced 1 large carrot, finely diced 4 sticks of celery, finely diced 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 400g tin of chopped Italian tomatoes 400g tin borlotti beans 400g tin cannellini beans 2 sprigs of rosemary 600ml vegetable or chicken stock Olive oil Salt and pepper

Add the beans (in their water) and cook for two more minutes, then add the rosemary. Add the stock and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The soup will thicken and evaporate so stir occasionally and top up with water if necessary.

Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for five minutes, continually stirring.

Remove the sprig of rosemary and pour half the mixture into a blender to puree it.

Return to the pan, mix and season to taste. Serve with fresh ciabatta bread.

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23/10/2018 12:22

Teresa Kennedy Creating & Styling Outdoor Spaces Since 2010

Come and enjoy a frothy coffee & fresh homemade food in a warm, cosy & friendly environment!

Frothy’s is a family run independent coffee shop offering

breakfast, light lunches and afternoon tea

All our food is prepared fresh to order on the premises

using quality locally sourced produce

Seasonal daily specials board

Sunday Roast

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Warm welcome & excellent customer service

Value for money

New Builds • Commercial Sites • Established Gardens

12 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 751110 frothysltd@hotmail.com

OPENING TIMES

26 MAIN STREET, EDMONDTHORPE, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 2JU E TERESA@VIRIDISDESIGN.CO.UK T 07726 334 501

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Come and enjoy our new menu…

Sharing Plates Artisan Burgers Delicious Salads Childrens Menu Daily Specials Join us at the Marquess for great food and drink with friendly service in delightful surroundings.

Enjoy outstanding food from our newly revamped menu from award-winning chef Brian Baker.

Relax and enjoy a drink or two in our cosy snug and bar.

We look forward to welcoming you soon…!

Call now to Book…

01572 822 477

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week | 17 Modern Bedrooms 52 Main Street | Lyddington | LE15 9LT

w w w. m a r q u e s s e x e t e r. c o . u k

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25/10/2018 10:42

Activelife

GARDENING

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT Teresa Kennedy tells us how to cleverly use trees and shrubs to add height and structure to our gardens Apart from offering colour at some point during the year, trees and shrubs give you height, shadow and shape, all of which add vitally important features to your garden.

A garden can look flat. Borders in this setting can look a little stark and not particularly natural; and if that is the view you are looking at from inside it doesn’t tend to make you want to go and spend time in it. By blocking parts of this view with a tree you start to create areas outside, and these areas bring opportunities.

Introducing tall planting will change your viewpoint from down to up. Light then has a role in your garden. It is wonderfully uplifting to have light falling through branches and leaves and dropping shadows. Non-static

features add another layer to your experience outside, changing throughout the day.

How to choose The first consideration needs to be the size of your space. Don’t overdo it; get the balance right and choose the most suitable trees and shrubs. Keep your options open – many shrubs can be pruned to create a tree shape.

Then think about where to place. If it’s a small space then your specimen may be a focal point, or it may be shielding an eyesore – both very useful. You can also use a tree to change the shape of your ground. It will encourage curves, bringing your focus away from the stark borders and corners of a garden.

Larger areas can be broken up with trees and shrubs that guide you through the garden.

They can be used to form a barrier to separate areas; eating from seating, playing from lazing.

They also offer a wonderful excuse to ease up on the lawn mowing by turning large areas over to a glade with long grass and a wild feel.

Don’t be afraid to do this – a small patch of perfect lawn softened with wild overgrown areas looks totally intentional and creative.

What to choose Small Amelanchier for multi-stem; cornus for variegated foliage and winter stems; acer for miniature trees Medium Betula for bark; hornbeam for branches and hedging, magnolia for show Large Cornus controversa for layered height; native trees for a glade; robinia for leaf shape. www.viridisdesign.co.uk, 07726 334501

NATURE

THE SONG THRUSH Lucky is the gardener who hosts a resident song thrush, which relishes slugs and snails along with other invertebrates. Although they remain widespread in woodlands and gardens, they are scarcer than their relative the blackbird and in a summer survey last year were found in only 9% of gardens compared to the blackbird’s 76%. Song thrushes are smaller than blackbirds, brown above with a pale breast marked with dark spots. They are easily overlooked as they forage beneath shrubs and along hedge bottoms. The loud, repetitive song, heard between November and July, is an easier way to find them.

It is still possible to find the traditional ‘anvils’, stones surrounded by shattered snail shells, but the widespread use of slug pellets in gardens and molluscicides on arable crops has made these foods harder to find and song thrushes can build up lethal amounts of poison by eating affected molluscs.

The nest, built in a shrub or hedge, has a smoothed lining of mud and the sky blue eggs with black spots are especially attractive. Two broods are usually reared. Our resident song thrushes are joined by migrants from the continent in October. Some winter here while others move further south.

Terry Mitcham

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Moving stationery Fine quality personalised notebooks, journals, and leather accessories, handmade in Stamford.

THE STAMFORD NOTEBOOK Co. Spiegl Press Ltd. Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 1XH Tel. 01780 762550 www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk email: team@stamfordnotebooks.co.uk

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Whether your concerns are based around yourself, your relationship or your children, we offer a range of family support and advice services to talk you through the options available.

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Peterborough (01733) 346 333 | Stamford (01780) 752 066 | Oakham (01572) 757 565

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For business, for you, for life .

25/10/2018 15:25

Activelife

TRAVEL

THE WONDERFUL WARM WEST INDIES Escape the dark November days and follow the Women’s cricket team to the West Indies The Women’s World T20 is being held in the West Indies this month, and what better place to be rather than the dank, dark days of Britain in November when there is nothing to look forward to other than the guarantee that each day gets shorter, and the weather colder.

The current world champions, England, will be competing against nine other teams – Ireland being one of them, so there is plenty of home interest.

The West Indies, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, is made up of a number of countries including Jamaica, Haiti, the Virgin Isles and the Dominican Republic, amongst others. They are called the West Indies because Christopher Columbus called the islands the Indies as he thought he had reached Asia and the East Indies.

November onwards is a good time to head to the West Indies as the hurricane season is over and the weather is at its driest, so humidity is lower and nights are cooler. Economy flights cost about £650 return, but this is outside school holidays where prices are hiked, and check if

you are flying non-stop to your specific island or via another, such as Antigua, as this can add to your journey.

The West Indies has, as to be expected, a huge variety of places to stay ranging from high-end luxury, including plantation houses, to the lower end of the market.

Many islands have lots of small, inexpensive hotels and guest houses that do not appear on many tour operators’ books – search for them via local tourist board websites.

Another way to see the Caribbean is by cruising, or if you are more adventurous and keen on sailing, via a flotilla holiday where you can island hop to your heart’s content, or hire a yacht with a professional skipper to do the hard work for you.

Useful websites www.sunsail.co.uk www.abercrombiekent.co.uk www.britishairways.com/Caribbean/Holidays www.onthebeach.co.uk www.virginholidays.co.uk

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23/10/2018 12:25

Activelife

THE FINISHING TOUCHES Edited by Mary Bremner

BANG ON TREND MEN The mild autumn is rapidly turning into chilly winter, so what should the discerning man be wearing now?

Brown seems to be the colour of the season for on-trend gents, and combining that with shearling or leather jackets is very easy to do.

Camel coats are making a comeback (did they ever go away?) as are hiking boots and, of course, the loafer (with no socks). The latter and trainers are still everywhere, and are incredibly easy to wear – although I wouldn’t recommend going sock-free in the middle of winter as blue, mottled feet are not a good look.

Another style that is making a comeback, or again, never went away, is the lumberjack. I’m sure most of you have a checked shirt lurking somewhere in the back of your wardrobe... well it’s time to get it out again, and if you have a padded one, even better. What’s more, virtually everyone looks good in a checked shirt, and you can pick checks to suit your colouring or mood.

As luck would have it, particularly after the extremely successful Bodyguard series on TV, the bodyguard look is in; sharp suit, stiff white shirt, long dark coat; every one of you can channel your inner Pc David Budd look.

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MALE GROOMING IN THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT

And finally...

Winter warmers

Will Hetherington braves the beauticians to have his first facial...

Gents, have you ever fancied a facial treatment but been scared off by the prospect of pampered ladies dominating the salon? If so, The Grooming Room in Market Harborough is the place for you, because this gentlemen’s barbers specialises in therapies for men only in the two treatment rooms upstairs.

The Grooming Room is right in the middle of town and, with free parking for two hours available nearby on the main road, it couldn’t be more convenient. From the moment of entry it’s obvious this business is aimed at making men feel comfortable. There is a distinct absence of flowers and soft furnishings, and it works.

I was booked in for a full facial treatment involving the microdermabrasion machine, which takes 45 minutes and costs £40 (look out for regular half-price offers).

Once we had established that I don’t have much of a skincare routine, Nikki took great care to explain the process to me; pre-cleanser, cleanser, microdermabrasion machine treatment (effectively exfoliating and vacuuming the face), 10-minute face mask for rapid moisturising, then a highly concentrated serum and eye cream. And, don’t worry; I was assured having a beard is not a problem.

There’s a slight tingling sensation after the early stages but otherwise this is a thoroughly relaxing experience, which is designed to help clients with fine facial lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, clogged pores, skin texture problems and minor scars.

And at the time of writing I can safely say my skin feels a whole lot smoother and a straw poll of friends and family indicates I do look a few years younger too.

I enjoyed it, and would be open to having another session in a few months time. I’m a convert – give a facial a try. I recommend it.

Red tartan muscle long sleeve shirt £32 www.topman.com

The Grooming Room, 61 High St, Market Harborough.Tel: 01858 419666

Wool blend Revere coat £99 www.marksandspencer.com

Jeff Banks black wool rich classic overcoat £188.30 www.debenhams.com

Timberland 6-inch double collar boots £175 www.office.co.uk

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23/10/2018 12:36

Activelife

Meet

BRIAN CORCORAN Kate Maxim chats to a man who champions running for all

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Active The sport of triathlon has mushroomed in recent years. Why do you think that is?

Brian It happened pretty much at the time when the Brownlee brothers became public personalities and the UK realised we’re quite good at it. And that’s because the British Triathlon Federation throws a lot of money at the sport, particularly locally at Loughborough University. The development squad there catches athletes very young. They look for swimmers with the capability to do particular times even at 10-12 years old. Then they see if they have the capability to convert that talent into running.

There’s also been a growth of IronMan, the brand, with a lot of 40 and 50-year olds who have time to train, and enough disposable income for expensive bikes. And an IronMan is a big ‘bucket list’ thing. Gradually those two things have caused a groundswell of interest.

Personally, I was a runner but struggled with my knees when running five or six times a week so triathlon was really good because half the time you’re swimming or cycling and taking a lot of the weight off your knees.

I like to do everything and in multi-sport you have lots of different options. I started in the early 2000s doing adventure racing, which is off-road running, mountain biking and kayaking. They tend to be four to six-hour events. Then I started doing a few shorter triathlons and gradually increased the distances.

I did a couple of IronMans but realised I didn’t like the longer stuff. I like the shorter distances where you can go a bit faster. I qualified for the GB team for duathlon in 2016 and have done some Swimruns this year. They tend to be in beautiful places such as Snowdon, Anglesey and Jersey and it’s basically multiple changes of swimming and running.

I did one in Peterborough recently and it was 20-25km with 17 different swims and runs so you’re running in your wetsuit, swimming with trainers on and you carry whatever kit you want. You jump in the river for a bit and swim, then jump out again, run, then repeat. It feels like you’re exploring places and it’s become hugely popular.

Active What do you do for a living?

Brian I’m a fireman. I worked in Leicestershire but have transferred to Bedfordshire because they do a different shift system where you work 24 hours then you have 72 hours off. That works better for me because I also set up an events company in 2014 – Race Harborough – organising sports events. It started because

there were no real events in Market Harborough so my friend Johnny and I organised a triathlon to see what the take-up was. It sold out. Johnny then carried on with his Racetime Events and I got together with a couple of different partners, Amy and Alastair, and now Kenny, and we currently run nine different events.

At the same time as Race Harborough I set up Market Harborough parkrun as I wanted to have a scene locally where there was stuff for people to do, and always another challenge.

Parkrun is an amazing way to introduce people to that because 5km is short and achievable, and people see that they can do it.

Once they’ve got the confidence I wanted them to be able to take the next step. The triathlon was the first in 2014, then the Festival of Cycling which is a sportive with different distances, then we wanted a half-marathon to come through the town centre. Unfortunately it costs thousands to close roads so I looked for a time when the town was already closed, and that is on carnival day. I now have to manage the traffic for both events so it’s safe for runners as the procession follows behind them. Since then loads of little bits have been added, such as night runs and a duathlon last year which is a qualifier for the European Duathlon Championship.

Active You must be very proud of what you’ve achieved in the town.

Brian It’s been amazing seeing all these people who came to parkrun and started off walking, or walking/running, and have now gone on to

leisure centre in Market Harborough, talk people through what it’s going to be like on the day and take them round the bike course. There’s a big perception that triathlons are for mega-fit people, but they’re really not. For most events there are two or three people who can win it, and for everyone else it’s about being there or having fun with your friends.

Different people are motivated by different things and, for some, a running club is a scary thing as you see people with the club kit on and think they’re intimidating. But when you get there, you realise there are all sorts of standards.

The parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt has designed a clothing range for runners that suits all shapes and sizes as he identified that a big barrier for some people was that they couldn’t find clothing that fitted them properly and made them feel like a runner.

Active What goals do you still have?

Brian Through Race Harborough we’ve raised nearly £120,000 for charity, but it’s pretty much a full-time job for two of us and doesn’t make any money. I’m trying to figure out how to keep the same ethos of having quality, value for money events that people can afford, but turn it into a business that can actually pay me. It’s a tricky next step. I’m at the point where I need to give up the fire service and put on a few big events.

Also about a year ago I took on the role of ambassador for parkrun and look after all the events in Northamptonshire, supporting the event teams and setting up new ones. We’re

“There’s a big perception that triathlons are for mega-fit people, but they’re really not... it’s about having fun with your friends” do 10km and half-marathons and raised loads of money for charity. When I walk through the town I see people and know the journey they’ve been on.

People then started to bring their kids so we decided to set up a junior parkrun: we’ve got the perfect park – Welland Park. We had 4,000 registered runners and nearly 1,000 volunteers and now regularly get 100 kids down there on a Sunday morning. It’s incredible. The town has really taken to parkrun and understands the ethos of it.

Active What would you advise people who want to get into longer distances?

Brian The shortest triathlon is called Try a Tri and it’s a 200m swim, which is eight lengths, an 11.5km bike ride, which is just over seven miles, and a 2.5km run. We do support sessions at the

trying to target multi-deprivational areas for junior events because if you want to impact communities you have to get the juniors involved.

I coach at the Welland Valley Triathlon Club, but am trying to find more time to train myself.

To be competitive you need to be doing 15-20 hours training a week and I struggle to do 10.

It’s more difficult to get out in the winter but I tend to prefer running then as I like to get wrapped up and explore different footpaths.

You can run with a head torch but pretty quickly you get decent night sight without. A lot of my cycling is done on my commute to Bedford: I’m on the train line between Wellingborough, Kettering and Bedford so I jump on the train at any of those points with the bike. If I’ve got lots of time I cycle all the way, which is 70 miles. www.raceharborough.co.uk

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23/10/2018 12:38

Activelife

FOOD

The Bertie Arms, UFFINGTOn Maris and Mark head to a revitalised pub in Uffington that is proving to be a huge attraction for local families, real ale fans and foodies

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W

e ventured out on an unseasonably mild evening in early October to check out the Bertie Arms in Uffington. A landmark on the Stamford to Deeping road, the Bertie has been a hostelry since 1681 and was a ‘destination’ pub in the 1980s and ’90s before gradually declining to become a shadow of its former self.

Saved from closure in 2017 by villagers James and Katie Genever, they have transformed the pretty thatched pub over the last 18 months, extending the bar, freshening the décor and recently opening a characterful upstairs function room. Arriving on a Friday evening the pub was bustling both inside and out.

A reunion of old friends in one corner contrasted with families chatting on leather sofas and dogs lazing on the flagstone floor; it was easy to feel right at home, despite our unfamiliarity. The eclectic mix of leather sofas, low comfy chairs and wooden tables in the main bar, along with two fireplaces, add to the relaxed and welcoming air of the place.

Local photographs of the area, including the long-gone Uffington Hall, mix with paintings (for sale) by local artists and made us pause and linger as we sat at the bar and perused the menu. Sharp’s Doom Bar accompanied four other perfectly-kept local ales and a selection of more than 20 gins as well as a solid wine list, selected by Katie.

While James has enough to contend with on the family

farm, Katie runs the pub with some input from her ‘pub husband’ Will Fry. Between them they’ve worked in a number of highly regarded local inns and have vast experience of the trade... it shows.

Katie is a warm and engaging hostess, with time for regulars and newcomers alike. She has created a pub that is as much a community space for all to enjoy as it is a hostelry. Open all day from 9am (for coffee, pastries and breakfast rolls), the Bertie has a broad appeal and hosts cyclists, book clubs, ante-natal mums, quizzes, live bands and all manner of activities that place the pub at the heart of the community.

We made our choices from the new autumn menu (starters £4.95-£7.95, mains £10-£23, puddings £2-9) before sampling some appetisers at the bar. The selection of breads – warm crusty white, wholemeal and soft naan – accompanied by dipping oil, were all lovely, fresh and moreish. Katie gave us teacups of butternut squash soup for a taste, which were just enough to appreciate its delicate flavours without being overly filling.

After such a promising start we were keen to try our main courses and adjourned to ‘The Bertie Bar’ to enjoy the rest of our meal. This restaurant part of the pub is stylishly decorated and retains the welcoming feel and atmosphere of the main bar area without the sense of being ‘stuck out the back’ you get in some pubs.

To start with I plumped for the salt and pepper squid: small rings and whole mini squid, lightly dusted with

Above A selection of real ales are always on tap, as well as an extensive wine and gin list; ‘Chish and Fips’ is always a Bertie favourite

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Exceptional, British-made leather bags “The Rolls Royce of Luggage” C

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Session Details: Tuesdays 1.00 - 2.00pm Active Rutland Hub, Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, LE15 7TU

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Duration: 24 weeks

Contact Details: For more information and to book your place please contact: Name: Active Rutland Health Email: activerutlandhealth@rutland.gov.uk Telephone: 01572 758200 Website: www.activerutland.org.uk

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25/10/2018 10:41

Activelife

Left The Bertie Arms has received a thorough renovation inside with bright colours and quirky decorations

breadcrumbs, all soft and delicately flavoured. They came with a jam-like homemade sweet chilli dip, which had just the right amount of kick to it to enhance the squid’s flavour. Mark went for the tempura soft shell crab with sesame and coriander salad from the specials board. The wonderfully light and crispy batter gave way with a soft crunch and the body of the crab melted in an explosive taste of the sea: it was delicious.

The accompanying sesame and coriander salad was a triumph, offering just the right level of bitterness in the dressing to compliment the fish, the simplicity of the dish belying the wonderful flavours.

Selecting our mains had been difficult from pub favourites such as ‘Chish & Fips’, burger and steaks. We were sorely tempted by the sharing platters, including the Bertie’s signature Lincolnshire platter but instead selected from the new autumn dishes.

Mark loved his corn-fed chicken supreme (succulent, with a crispy skin) and wild mushroom fricassée with baby leeks. The fricassée’s rich creamy sauce managed to allow the individual flavours of the vegetables to shine, the sweetness of peas and subtle peppery onion of the leeks melding well with the rich sauce. Mark polished the lot off before commenting that never had such simple ingredients been combined to such good effect.

My seared Cornish hake with spinach, baby onions, sautéed potatoes and parsnip puree was a similar triumph.

The subtle sweetness of the onions, along with the delicately flavoured parsnip puree complimented the creamy flavour of the hake. The crispy potatoes were lovely, and all the flavours worked well together without overpowering the fish. The dish, like all that we ate, was perfectly seasoned.

Despite clearing our plates, we had saved some space for pudding and I couldn’t resist a small sample of the lemon polenta cake and the fresh fruit pavlova. The moist polenta cake was accompanied by a tangy plum compote while the pavlova combined perfect meringue with

autumnal berries, both were delicious and not overly sweet.

Mark ignored his sweet tooth and devoured the selection of local cheeses accompanied by celery, grapes, plum bread and homemade chutney. Washed down with a glass of excellent organic rioja (from the reasonably priced wine list) he saved the plum bread until last and sat back with a satisfied grin.

In no hurry to leave we lingered over coffee and chatted to Katie about her plans for the Christmas season and further improvements, which include new bike racks for the numerous cake-devouring cyclists.

We said our goodbyes and felt, as many must do, that we’d arrived as strangers and left as friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink or an excellent meal, it’s great to see The Bertie Arms has become a ‘destination’ once again. If you like a warm, welcoming pub which takes simple, local ingredients to create exceptional food, without stuffiness or pretention, then head over to the Bertie. Just save some space for us! www.thebertiearms.co.uk

THE BERTIE ARMS Bertie Lane, Uffington, PE9 4SZ 01780 766400 info@thebertiearms.co.uk

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23/10/2018 12:40

Activelife

SEATON AND MORCOTT Make the most of Rutland’s contours with this panoramic loop based in the pretty village of Seaton. By Will Hetherington

ACTIVE INFSeOaton

ll it the Whether you ca rth viaduct, or the Harringwo ucture is three this imposing str k le long and too quarters of a mi carries ll sti It . ild bu four years to rvice – the a passenger se kham 6.15am from Oa to Corby.

Photography: Will Hetherington

Difficulty rating (out of five)

THE ROUTE

If you are planning on patronising The George & Dragon in Seaton (and I would recommend you do) then take advantage of the pub car park. If not then anywhere safe on the road will do.

Take the Rutland Round footpath which heads along the road north-east out of Seaton. This is a beautiful country lane with hardly any traffic and some great views to the south. After about one kilometre you will come to a right-hand bend and see the footpath continuing straight on – leave the road and take the footpath straight

down the hill along the field margin. At the bottom you will cross the disused railway and then go across a wooden bridge over a stream which is a convenient refreshment spot for the dog(s).

After the bridge the path goes straight on over the field in front to pick up the hedgeline and then the very obvious path heading slightly north-east uphill towards the A47.

When you get near the main road don’t forget to turn and appreciate the view to the south, before crossing to The Cockpit and then taking the footpath immediately after on the right-hand side. This will take you gently downhill across a couple of fields and into Morcott via Mount Pleasant Road. Turn right on the High Street and walk to the junction with the A6121. Turn right

again and then take care crossing the A47 before heading up the B672 just before the petrol station.

It sounds like a lot of crossing of busy roads but it’s a very minor inconvenience.

Walk up the B672 for 500 metres and then when the road turns sharp left keep going straight on to the bridleway.

This very attractive tree-lined route gently drops down towards the Welland Valley, offering superb views all around and is something of a hidden gem. At the end of the bridleway join the road for 200 metres before taking the right turn on to the quiet road back to Seaton. This climbs uphill gradually and goes over one railway bridge before bringing you back on to the Rutland Round and then it’s straight back to Seaton and the George & Dragon for a little treat.

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©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 027/18

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Where to park At The George & Dragon in Seaton if you’re planning on using it later, or nearby if not.

Distance and time Four and a quarter miles/ an hour and a half Left and below Rich views enhance almost all of this stroll, while the stream is the perfect pitstop for your dog

Highlights Panoramic views of Harringworth viaduct to the south from different points on the walk. Some lovely Rutland hills and the pretty bridleway on the way back.

Lowlights You will have to cross the A47 twice but it’s definitely worth it.

Refreshments Above The George & Dragon The Eleanor Cross in at SeatonGeddington, was completely one of just three of refurbished last12 year and the original crosses still in is a lovely spot for a drink existence or some excellent and adventurous food.

Difficulty rating Three paws. There is nothing difficult but there are a few climbs.

The pooch perspective The stream in the first half is well placed, otherwise there isn’t much fresh water. There is no livestock, but keep your dog under control because there will probably be plenty of game about.

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.

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BAR | RESTAURANT | HOTEL

The Old Pheasant Hotel in Glaston is situated in the picturesque heart of Rutland, providing the perfect escape for some relaxation.

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01572 822326

RESTAURANT TIMES:

MON - FRIDAY: LUNCH: 12 - 2PM DINNER: 6 - 9PM SATURDAY: LUNCH: 12 - 3PM DINNER: 6 - 9PM SUNDAY: SUNDAY ROAST 12-7PM

Off the A47, this traditional grade 2 listed stonebuilt country pub with rooms attached is close to the market town of Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford. It is located just a stones throw away from Rutland Water Nature Reserve.

to the public and our lunch and dinner menu has some great pub classics along with some tantalising dishes sourced locally. Our menus have been created by our chefs to suit a variety of different tastes.

The well set out rooms have contemporary furnishings and decor, and come with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast is open

Whether your stay is for business or simply to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, our dedicated staff will take care to ensure your every need is catered for, leaving you to simply enjoy yourself and unwind.

!

10% discount on meals MON-FRIDAY WITH ACTIVE MAGAZINE *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

!

15 MAIN RD, GLASTON, RUTLAND, LE15 9BP

25/10/2018 10:41

Activelife

THE YORKSHIRE 3 PEAKS CHALLENGE Some say it’s easy, others dread it, so what’s it really like? Will Hetherington ventured north with friends and family from Stamford to find out...

Photography: Will Hetherington The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge is sometimes confused with the National 3 Peaks, which involves scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon in 24 hours.

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks are Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m), usually in that order.

Our Stamford team consisted of myself, my sister-in-law Kerry Tanner, my brother Alastair, and four friends: Will Fry, Matt Tarrant, Tony Johnstone and Kate Wyer-Roberts.

We joined another 30 walkers from my late wife’s employers, Edwards Lifesciences, to walk in her memory and to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity.

Five mountain leaders were on hand to show us the way and provide a little motivation when needed, but there was no shortage of determination.

HILL START!

The traditional start point is Horton in Ribblesdale and we set off from the Golden Lion car park at 6.50am to go straight at Pen-y-Ghent. It’s gradually uphill for 20 minutes or so then things get a bit more serious with the steep climb up the south side of the peak. This doesn’t mean ropes, crampons and the like, but it’s at the top end of comfortable for normal walkers, with a little bit of scrambling required to keep the balance.

Anyone who suffers from vertigo will find this very difficult indeed, and I was immediately grateful I’d left the two labradors in the house in Settle with other family members. One wrong paw here would be a disaster.

The peak of Pen-y-Ghent is reached within an hour of the start and there is an element of false hope about this. The whole walk is approximately 26 miles and at this point no more than two miles

have been covered. So, it’s one peak down but a very long way to go.

MIND GAMES ON WHERNSIDE

From Pen-y-Ghent it’s approximately 11 miles down into Ribblehead, past the magnificent and eponymous viaduct and then around the big loop which takes you to the top of Whernside. On the way up we got the odd glimpse of beautiful Dentdale in the sunshine to the north-west when the cloud cleared. It looked like the promised land down there, but we were heading the other way into the cloud, rain and wind.

Whernside may be the highest of the three peaks but it’s the longest and shallowest ascent.

I’m not saying that makes it easier, in fact mentally it’s probably the toughest because it goes on and on, and one is always aware there is still Ingleborough to come as the legs are getting

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www innerwolf co uk online and in-store

Healthy from the

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Hambleton Hall is one of Britain’s finest country house hotels, overlooking Rutland Water the hotel provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas Party.

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We are offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, £70.00 per person for 3 courses. (£90 per person for 4 courses)

At the end of the evening why not stay the night?

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25/10/2018 10:41

➛

Activelife

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➛

➛

➛ START

©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 027/18

tired. It was cold, wet and windy at the top too with no visibility which saps a little bit more energy. But the hardest sections were yet to come...

The descent from Whernside involves one very steep and reasonably treacherous stretch and this was where the divisions in our smaller sub-group of 20-odd started to become obvious.

These tricky downhill sections are not good for anybody with foot, ankle, knee or hip problems and I think this was when we first started to appreciate the difficulty of this challenge.

THE HARDEST CLIMB

Once we were down in the valley the group regathered at The Old Hill Inn to take on more water and food and have a rest before Ingleborough. At this point at 2.15pm we still had another 400-metre climb and then a six-mile walk back to Horton to come.

And then it began to rain as we started on the steeper sections of Ingleborough. This is when everybody started to struggle. And afterwards we all admitted we were just focusing on the rear heel of the person in front. Then it got even steeper and I started to wonder whether the people who had told me how easy it was had even been up Ingleborough from the west?

The final ascent in poor visibility on wet jagged stone, with each dangerous footstep at least a full lower leg higher than the next, was a real tester after eight hours of walking and climbing. It wasn’t a time for jovial discourse on the mountain as we all dug deep and concentrated on safety.

Eventually our small sub-group reached the top and quickly turned around to get off this bleak spot. By this point we were split into small groups of four and five, with injuries and vertigo hampering some people quite severely.

A WELL-EARNED PINT

The final six miles into Horton look relatively innocuous but with tired legs and minds the uneven ground makes it hard work, but that pint in the Golden Lion in the end was pure nectar.

Five of us from Stamford and four of the team from Edwards Lifesciences all finished in 10 hours and 40 minutes. A lot of people do this challenge a lot quicker than that but we started out with 35 and at least for the first half we all tried to talk to each other while walking and resting.

As we sat in the Golden Lion the other members of the group arrived in dribs and drabs and each one was beaming from ear to ear, limping or not. It’s not called a challenge for no reason and I’d recommend it to anyone who is used to walking reasonably long distances. The sense of achievement is worth it.

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Activelife

PETS

WINTER WARMERS Advice from Dodson & Horrell on keeping your horses and ponies fit and happy over the cold winter months If you’re lucky enough to own or look after a horse or pony you will understand the challenges that come hand-in-hand with winter. It’s a time to test your dedication, but the rewards really do make it all worthwhile once you see the first signs of spring.

As quickly as Jack Frost’s arrival, the clocks turn back and the days get even shorter, bringing with them the ever familiar elements of wintering with horses and ponies.

Understanding your horse or pony’s needs is key. Will they lose condition? What dangers exist that could increase chances of colic? How do we keep their hindgut healthy? What is a mash?

How do we compensate for lack of forage?

This year the Dodson & Horrell winter campaign, ‘Winter with us’, has focused on finding solutions to the many winter concerns encountered.

Limited forage? Keeping the hindgut going During the winter months, reduced turn-out can present a challenge – reduced pasture growth and waterlogged, muddy fields. Horses will use stored fat reserves to keep warm but will require more energy to maintain their core temperature - with up to 80% of calories from food being used to keep warm during very cold weather.

Forage is a mainstay of a horse’s diet and fibre

intake is essential to maintain digestive health and motility within the hindgut. In comparison with hard feed, up to four times as much heat is produced by the digestion of hay or haylage.

Frozen troughs? Oh the thought of having to break that ice with bare hands Reduced water intake can also present a problem due to frozen water troughs and reduced intake due to cold temperatures as many horses do not like drinking ice cold water. A horse drinks about 10-12 gallons of water daily, dependent on workload, and reduced water intake will lead to the horse reducing its feed intake and subsequently reduce its energy intake required to maintain their core body temperature. Hydration is also key in preventing cold weather colic in horses and there is evidence of a connection between reduced water intake and impaction colic in horses. Increased intake of hay or haylage, rather than grass, requires more water intake; therefore the effects of reduced water intake due to cold temperatures can be further amplified.

The majority of impaction colics are caused by reduced movement of the large intestine. Being stabled due to bad weather causes a reduction in exercise, and this in turn can reduce motility within the colon and caecum. This causes the

digestive contents to move more slowly through the intestine, allowing for more water to be reabsorbed and drying out the material.

Impaction then occurs if this material gets stuck, most frequently at the pelvic flexure which is the narrow u-bend within the horse’s colon. This causes abdominal pain (colic) and a reduction or complete absence of droppings being passed.

You can provide extra fibre and moisture through feeding a small amount of soaked Kwik-Beet with each meal. Kwik-Beet is quick-soaking, unmolassed sugar beet which is low in sugar yet high in fibre. Ready to feed in 10 minutes, it means no long periods of soaking and potential freezing during preparation. If you have automatic drinkers, it can be hard to monitor exactly how much water your horse is drinking so it may also be beneficial to offer fresh, luke-warm water regularly or to make up a very sloppy bowl of soaked Kwik-Beet.

Warming treat – Winter Health mash Try a Winter Health mash. Dodson & Horrell offer the only mash on the market with a festive aroma from mint, fennel, apples, carrots and echinacea. Quick soaking in just 10 minutes with warm water, it fills the yard with an aroma of warmth. Ideal as a treat, especially on those extra challenging cold mornings or evenings. Your horse will love you for it and it’s getting inside him not only the goodness from the mash but also, and importantly, more moisture too.

Whatever your winter problems may be, let the team of equine nutritionists at Dodson & Horrell help you find a solution. Call them on 0845 345 2627 or visit www.winterwithus.co.uk

3 8 NOV E M BE R 2018 ///

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een r G od t

Wo g abou k s A et t hin any ing a p own

Call 0300 303 9333 You can talk to us about pet advice, pet care and pet behaviour or if you are interested in taking home one of our pets.

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Puppy Pack Clear Ridge Veterinary practice aims to help your new puppy settle in as quickly as possible and to help with this very important time in their lives.

Take a look at the details of our ‘Clear Start Puppy Pack’. This starter pack caters for all of your puppies needs and includes vaccinations, health assessment, flea treatment, worming treatment, microchip, nurse appointments, information folder and free insurance*.

We also offer great discounts off future consults and treatments.

The Clear Start Package covers all of your young puppy’s essentials for three months: • First full course of standard primary vaccinations - We offer Lepto 2 vaccinations.

We recommend puppies are vaccinated from 8 weeks of age. The course consists of 2 vaccinations given either 2-4 weeks apart.

Your puppy will then be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo virus and Para-influenza virus and Leptospirosis.

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Discover a pain-free future with MBST Say goodbye to joint replacements and pain relief medication by investing in your body now.

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ACTIVE BODY

Looking after your mental health, treating a frozen shoulder and fuelling your bones correctly for long distance events Edited by Steve Moody

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Prevention is better than cure, says mental health first aid instructor Cathy Lawson If you were asked to define mental health, you might use words and phrases such as “It’s what’s going on in my head”, “It’s how I think and feel about things”, “Being happy and able to cope with the pressures of life,” and so on.

The World Health Organisation offers a definition: “Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to the community.”

Arguably this describes what it is to be human. We all have mental health and there is no health without mental health!

What about mental ill health?

Studies show that a quarter of us will experience some form of mental health issue in any year. So what’s the difference between a mental health issue and a diagnosed mental illness?

Some of the main diagnosable mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, panic disorder, bi-polar,

schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis.

In terms of mental health issues, it covers a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, problems sleeping, finding it difficult to concentrate, a loss of appetite or over eating, a lack of confidence and selfesteem. This list is by no means exhaustive and, while difficult to contend with, could easily be accepted as the ‘norm’ for some.

Any one of us can have mental health issues at any time which are not diagnosed, and last for varying lengths of time. It can be difficult to recognise that we have a mental health issue and therefore fail to get the help we need to move us back into positive mental health. We may also avoid seeking help for fear of being judged, considered weak, labelled as stupid, incompetent and other more derisive and unpleasant terms.

It is worth noting that stress is not a diagnosed mental illness. A certain amount of stress can be a great motivator; however, it can without doubt also contribute to poor mental health.

What do we need to do to look after our mental health 1. Exercise has been shown to be as effective as drugs in treating mild to moderate depression, so find something that you enjoy and stick to it consistently.

2. Eat healthily which means avoiding fast food, excessive fat and sugar and getting at least five to seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

3. Drink alcohol in moderation – many people are unaware of the recommended limit of 14 units of alcohol per week for both men and women (revised in 2016 due to the links to cancer). And, by the way, this is not a target – no amount of alcohol is considered ‘safe’.

4. Have a good support network including family and friends and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

5. Caring and doing things for others can help to get our problems in perspective.

6. Get a good night’s sleep – ideally between six to eight hours a night. Stick to a regular routine, including at the weekend, even if it’s just your wake-up time. This avoids the fuzzy head feeling on a Monday morning which comes from disrupted sleep patterns.

7. Have a curfew on technology an hour before turning in to allow the brain to wind down. The light emitted from electronic devices can interfere with the sleep hormone melatonin.

8. Find something positive every day and write it in a journal. Brain science says that it takes five to seven positive thoughts to counter the one negative.

9. Learning something new and creative can help us break habits and see things differently.

10. Take time for yourself and do what makes you feel good and happy. Have a look at www.actionforhappiness.org for ideas.

Mental health issues and illness are a fact of everyday life so it’s up to all of us to do what we can to keep ourselves mentally well and able to look after those around us.

Next courses Come and train to become a mental health first aider with our internationally recognised two-day courses. Contact Cathy Lawson on 07771 550541 or email Cathy@maestrowellbeing.com

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ACTIVE BODY

SKELETON KEYS Nutritionist Dawn Revens asks if your bones are strong enough for repeated exercise?

Do you know that during a 10-mile run, your feet make approximately 15,000 strikes with the ground at a force of three to four times the body’s weight?

Stress fractures can happen in endurance athletes when too much pressure is placed on the same spot on a bone in the legs and feet of runners and athletes over long periods of time.

Over time, the pressure from small regular impacts can weaken the bone, making it more likely to crack along the surface. These cracks, although very small at first, can get bigger and bigger if they are not given a chance to heal.

Endurance athletes make their bodies work very hard in order to become stronger and faster. While doing strength and conditioning work-outs at the gym they may perform the same exercise over and over again to become better at it and build larger muscles for power and speed.

Fractures are more likely to happen when the muscles get tired. When the body is tired, stress which would normally be absorbed by the muscle goes into the bone instead.

The long thin bones on the top of the foot as well as the heel bone which absorbs the impact of every step when running are more at risk of fracturing in this way.

What can you do to make your bones stronger?

If you’re an endurance athlete, there are ways of reducing the risk of suffering from a stress fracture or reduce the likelihood of breaking a bone if you fall off your bike...

Exercise This may sound contradictory but physical activity is an important part of building strong bones.

Research suggests that bones that aren’t used much can become thinner and weaker over time, while bones that are used regularly during exercise become stronger and thicker from the stress of your muscles pulling on your bones. The stronger the bone, the less likely it is to break in an accident.

Lifting weights and other high intensity activities are known to be good for building muscle and power but they are also good for building strong bones.

Eat well The endurance athlete needs to focus on nutrition if they want to make sure that the exercise and weight training actually strengthens their bones and doesn’t stress them, leading to fractures.

You need to give your bones the right minerals and vitamins in the form of calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is used by most cells in your body to signal different processes. It’s also what makes your bones strong and hard.

Most of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones – they act like a warehouse.

The average adult needs around 1,000mg of calcium each day. Good sources include dairy foods such as milk, cheese and ice cream as well as dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.

Vitamin D helps to control how calcium and other minerals are both used in the body and stored in the bones. Vitamin D sources include liver, whole eggs and certain fish. You will also get vitamin D directly from sunlight.

Goodness in definitely equals greatness out. So if I asked you how well are you eating to make sure your skeleton stays injury free through all your training and racing, what would your answer be?

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

4 4 NOV E M BE R 2018 ///

44 BODY Nutrition OK.indd 44

23/10/2018 17:08

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ACTIVE BODY

months. Any movement of your shoulder causes pain, and the shoulder’s range of motion starts to become limited.

Frozen stage: lasting four to 12 months.

Pain may begin to diminish during this stage. However, the shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult.

Thawing stage: lasting 12 to 42 months. The range of motion in the shoulder begins to improve.

BREAK THE ICE Dr Hany Elmadbouh, senior consultant at Avicenna Clinic, explains frozen shoulder The shoulder is a complex system made up of the humerus (the upper arm bone), the scapula (the shoulder blade), and the clavicle (the collar bone). The bones, ligaments and tendons that make up the shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement.

This condition was first described in 1875 by the French pathologist Duplay, who named it ‘peri-arthrite scapula-humer-ale’.

The American surgeon EA Codman proposed the name ‘frozen shoulder’ in 1934. The condition is not uncommon and it is estimated that 2.4 per 1,000 population per year develop it.

Frozen shoulder is an extremely painful and debilitating condition leading to

stiffness and disability. It typically occurs in the fifth and sixth decades of life, thus affecting individuals of working age.

It is not clear why some people develop frozen shoulder, although it’s more likely to occur in people who have diabetes or those who recently had to immobilise their shoulder for a long period, such as after surgery, an arm fracture, stroke or breast surgery.

In these conditions, it is important to exercise to maintain the range of motion in the shoulder joint and reduce the chance of developing frozen shoulder. The condition is more common in women and those suffering from diabetes.

Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly in three overlapping stages. Each stage can last a number of months...

Freezing stage: Lasting two to nine

Because of overlapping phases, for simplicity the condition is also classified into ‘pain predominant’ and ‘stiffness predominant’ phases. For some people, the pain worsens at night, sometimes disrupting sleep.

Making the correct diagnosis is crucial and will ensure an efficient and optimum treatment for the patient. The diagnosis is based on history taking and clinical examination. Imaging by ultrasound and MRI may help to exclude other conditions that may be confused with frozen shoulder such as rotator cuff impingement or tear, inflammatory condition or a more serious pathology as cancer.

Conservative treatment of frozen shoulder is usually initiated once the condition is suspected. Pain relief may be achieved by gentle heat (e.g. a hot water bottle or wheat-bag for 10-15 minutes) or an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) applied to the shoulder area for a maximum of 10 minutes twice a day.

Anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers may also be used to reduce the pain.

If symptoms fail to resolve with conservative treatment, then invasive interventions aimed at stretching of the shoulder joint capsule such as manipulation under anaesthesia, image-guided hydrodilatation or arthroscopic capsular release may be needed. Physiotherapy and corticosteroid injection are also used, usually to supplement any of the other interventions.

Avicenna Clinic specialises in pain management and minimal invasive intervention. It has a range of specialist consultants, operating theatre for surgical procedures and superior in-house imaging facilities –including state-of-the-art MRI, ultrasound and X-ray scanning equipment.

To book a consultation, contact Avicenna Clinic on 0330 202 0597.

The headline ‘Discography’ used by Active for the article on slipped discs last month, written by Dr Hany Elmadbouh, did not refer to the medical procedure of discography.

/// NOV E M BE R 2018 4 7

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26/10/2018 11:49

The T-Roc. From £169 per month. £2,000 towards your deposit when purchased on Solutions PCP.^

Solutions Personal Contract Plan* representative example subject to 10,000 miles per annum for a T-Roc S 1.0TSI 6-speed manual Duration

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Robinsons Volkswagen is a broker and not a lender and can introduce you to a limited number of lenders, who may pay us for introducing you to them. *At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. ^Available when purchased on Solutions PCP. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s+. Subject to availability and status. T&Cs apply. Offer available when ordered and delivered by 31st December, 2018. Indemnities may be required. Offer not in conjunction with any other offer and

Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption figures for the T-Roc range in mpg (litres/100km): urban 33.2 (8.5) – 47.1 (6.0); extra urban 48.7 (5.8) – 62.8 (4.5); combined 41.5 (6.8) – 56.5 (5.0). Combined CO2 emissions 117–155g/km.

may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication October 2018. Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services.

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ActiveKids ●

Rock out with your family – where to indoor climb locally ● How Lawrence Dallaglio is helping disadvantaged kids ● School sports news ● Get into Girlguiding Edited by Steve Moody

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49 Active Kids opener OK.indd 49

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PHYSIOTHERAPY IN YOUR OWN HOME

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Activekids

WITHAM WIN HOCKEY EVENT

SEVENS RUGBY STAR TRAINS LOCAL PUPILS England Sevens player Charlie Hayter recently spent an afternoon with Stamford School sports scholars sharing the importance of the essential values and ingredients on and off the pitch required to be successful in rugby and in sport generally.

The former Wasps centre followed his thought-provoking presentation to the students in assembly with practical advice and coaching on the pitch with staff and sixth form students during their games and after-school activities.

Stamford School scholars were inspired to learn that Charlie’s success all began at Warwick School, where he captained the winning 1st XV side in the Daily Mail Cup at Twickenham in 2007, before going on to study at Nottingham University.

Mark Nasey, director of sport and performance said: “We were delighted to welcome Charlie and thank him for sharing his philosophy on his sporting journey with the pupils.

“Charlie delivered an engaging talk to the pupils on his experiences, from the highlights to the realistic challenges a professional sporting career can involve.

“The pupils were thrilled to have the opportunity to benefit from hands-on coaching from a world class sevens player – this has created a wonderful energy.

“It was inspiring for the pupils to hear that Stamford Endowed Schools share his values and to be able to impress on them how essential they are in living fulfilling and successful lives.”

GIRLGUIDES NEED HELP Volunteers are needed to join Girlguiding and inspire the next generation of girls and young women across the region.

There are currently hundreds of girls in the area who are missing out on opportunities for adventure and trying out new activities with their friends because there aren’t enough volunteers to run Girlguiding groups.

Amanda Medler, Girlguiding chief guide, said: “Every week our volunteers give their time to run activities for girls and young women across the UK and I know from being a leader at a group what a rewarding and laughter-filled experience it is.

“We now have our new programme of activities and badges so it’s an exciting time to join Girlguiding for anyone who wants to play a role in inspiring the next generation.”

Girlguiding offers girls a space to build their confidence, have adventures, develop their skills and have fun.

Earlier this year the charity unveiled a revamped programme of activities and badges, bringing everything up to date to create a unique and extensive choice of activities which reflects the diversity of girls and modern life in the 21st century.

Groups across the region have recently been trying out some of the new science themed activities, learning how to kayak and going to Wembley arena for Big Gig, an amazing girl-only concert.

For more information about how to get involved with Girlguiding, the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.

The Witham U11A hockey team has had great success so far this half term, topped off with a recent win at the Oakham Tournament, followed by winning the plate at the IAPS Regional Tournament. The team is made up of four Year 5 girls and five Year 6 girls.

LOTTIE’S ENGLAND CALL Stamford-based gymnast Lottie Smith (17) has just returned from an international competition in Slovenia, where she represented England.

Lottie travelled with five other England squad members to compete at the Salamunov Memorial competition in Maribor.

After successful performances on all four pieces of apparatus (vault, bars, beam and floor), the England team were crowned champions and Lottie was awarded fifth place individually. She also qualified for the bar final the following day, where she finished in a credible fourth place.

Lottie is a student at Bourne Academy and trains at Notts Gymnastics Academy, coached by Jo Miller and Laura Wilson.

MEET EDDIE JONES Stamford School is hosting an evening with Eddie Jones at Ketton Sports Club on December 1 as a fund-raising event for its 2019 rugby tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The black tie event will see the England head coach share his experiences of a lifetime in top-flight rugby. Tables of 10 cost £500 and more details can be obtained by emailing sjforward@ ses.lincs.sch.uk

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Activekids

DEEPINGS SWIMMERS WIN 27 MEDALS Deepings Swimming Club bagged 27 medals at the Nova Centurion Level 2 open meet in Nottingham, while its younger swimmers finished third in the Junior Fenland League B Final in Whittlesey.

Twelve swimmers climbed the podium at the Nova Centurion meet, winning seven golds, 10 silvers and 10 bronzes, while the whole squad achieved multiple personal bests and county qualifying times.

Collecting four medals apiece were Lexi Cooper, Holly Leggott and Alex Sadler.

Sixteen-year-old Lexi started the meet in fine form, winning silver in the 400m freestyle. She then added bronze in the 200m IM. Lexi finished the meet doubling up in the 200m breaststroke, winning silver, before taking bronze in the 50m breaststroke.

Holly showed her strength in the backstroke, winning silver in the 50m and 100m before claiming bronze in the 200m. Holly also won silver in the 50m freestyle.

In the 200m butterfly, Alex won gold with a five second PB to set a new club record of 2.47.57. He set his second club record in the 50m backstroke (35.86), winning bronze, and narrowly missed out on a hat-trick of records in the 200m freestyle, where he took silver. Alex won his second bronze in the 50m freestyle.

Tom Adams won two golds as part of a three-medal haul – all in difference strokes. Tom headed the field in the 50m breaststroke and 200m butterfly and collected bronze in the 50m freestyle.

Emma Dennis dominated the 9/10yrs breaststroke, winning gold in both the 50m and 200m events, while in the boys’ event, Jacob Briers won gold in the 200m breaststroke.

Completing the gold medal winning performances was Tiffany Wong, who came first in the 50m breaststroke. Tiffany also won silver in the 50m freestyle and bronze in the 50m butterfly where she just missed the club record.

Medals were also won by Bethany Eagle-

Brown (silver in the 50m butterfly and bronze in the 50m backstroke), Tom Neal (silver in the 50m backstroke), Lorna McGill (bronze in the 200m breaststroke), Molly Briers (silver in the 200m butterfly) and Zack Treharne (bronze in the 50m freestyle).

Meanwhile, four club members represented Lincolnshire in the 2018 Swim England National County Team Championships.

Holly Leggott, Bethany Eagle-Brown, Louis Metselaar and Tom Adams competed against 16 other teams.

In the boys’ 100m breaststroke, Louis Metselaar broke the club record,which had stood for 17 years, touching home in 12th place in 1.08.98. The time qualifies Louis for the Midlands winter short course championships in November.

Also dipping under the qualifying mark was Bethany Eagle-Brown in the 100m butterfly.

Holly Leggott swam particularly well in her 100m freestyle to set a new personal best time.

JUNIORS IN THE SWING AT GREETHAM Greetham Valley Golf Club juniors chalked up another pair of successes when they won both the gents and the ladies Poppy Appeal medal competitions.

In the gents section, more than 100 entrants turned out and Jonathan Hedley (right) had his first senior win with a terrific round of nett 67, in which he started with three pars and only dropped four shots on the front nine.

Turning home he ran into a bit of trouble on the par threes at 10 and 12 where he had to take double bogeys but, after that, another run of three pars put him in prime position for the overall win.

In the ladies, Yasmin Bass scored nett 75, just beating Pat Jamieson on countback thanks to a great par on the final hole as well as a similar par on the short 12th.

Yasmin (along with many of the juniors) has had an outstanding summer and carded eight gross bogeys and only had trouble on some of the long par fives.

MATT WINS HOCKEY CUP Old Oakhamian hockey player Matt Ramshaw has won the Sultan of Johor Cup with the GB U21 side.

“It’s fantastic to see Matt part of the winning squad and we are very proud,” said director of hockey James Bateman. “He shows dedication, hard work and talent and this is another incredible milestone in his hockey career.”

Matt recently returned to Oakham to take part in an all-star hockey match captained by OO and double Olympic medal winner Crista Cullen MBE.

SUMMER SKIING SUCCESS Twelve-year-old Lucy Blackwell and her eight-year-old brother Jasper, from West Deeping, have had a great summer season of ski racing.

Back in August both brought home bronze medals from the SnowSport England 43rd All England Artificial Dry Slope Championships in Sunderland.

The courses set at this slalom event were exceptionally challenging and saw a number of skiers unable to finish the first run. Lucy was determined to deliver two clean runs. Her reward was third place and to be the 14th fastest woman from a starting list of more than 40.

Jasper raced in the under 10 boys’ event and also secured third after a great technical ski.

Since this race Jasper has gone on to win the Eastern Region Ski Association’s summer league and to become the Eastern region’s dry slope and overall champion for 2018 in his age category. Lucy, in her first season of senior racing, was third in the under 14 girls’ league.

Before heading off to the mountains to train, both raced in the British Independent Schools Indoor Championships at Milton Keynes SnowZone on October 1. Jasper took gold in the under 10 boys and Lucy silver in the under 14 girls.

5 2 N O V E M B E R 2018 /

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24/10/2018 13:30

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Activekids

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RAISING KIDS

With more than a million people now climbing indoors, Lily Canter tackles the walls to find out how this once maverick sport has hit the mainstream

Back in my twenties, I dabbled with indoor climbing while living in Sheffield as a student. I didn’t do it very often but always got a thrill from it – and it felt much safer and more controlled than climbing outdoors.

About a year ago an amazing new indoor climbing centre opened in Northampton and my husband tried out the bouldering and was immediately hooked.

I went along and before long we had done a belay course (climbing securely with ropes) and were able to top rope for each other, meaning we could climb the high walls as well as boulder.

We take our two boys bouldering and rope climbing now. Our five-year-old, Byron, is so quick on the walls and always beats me at speed climbing. And our three-year-old, Ivor, seems to have a natural ability for it. The first time we took him when he was two he was straight up the bouldering wall!

We now have our own shoes and harnesses and have also started to go bouldering at Corby Climbing Centre, more convenient for us as we live in Market Harborough. It’s a vast 400 square metre bouldering wall catering for beginners and seasoned experts alike.

The thing about climbing is that it really is

possible for all the family to do it because there are so many different routes for all abilities. I’m terrified of heights but rope climbing is a great way to try and overcome this. I still start shaking when I get near the top but it gets easier each time.

Such is the popularity of the sport that 45,000 adults climb indoors at least once a week and there has been an explosion in venues with 15% more being built each year. There are now more than one million people climbing indoors in the UK, according to the latest survey by the Association of British Climbing Walls.

Corby Climbing Centre offers everything from toddler sessions to over 50s’ climbing, women’s coaching and a Paraclimbing Academy. Founded by Susanne Rees, the chief executive of iDID, which supports physically and mentally disabled people to access adventure sports, its mission statement is to provide accessible, affordable and socially driven opportunities for all ages, background and abilities.

Centre director Mark McGowan, a former competitive outdoor climber and Team GB paraclimbing coach, says the growth and popularity of indoor climbing has changed attitudes in the sport.

“There definitely used to be a snobbery about indoor climbing. Climbing was a male dominated sport all about being brave and macho and taking risks. Then indoor climbing came along and people saw it as a small thing.

Now it has gone the other way. People are spending lots of time indoors and then hear about outdoor climbing.

“In the last 10 years it has felt pretty equal between female and male. We get women come in with their grandkids to climb. There are now generations of climbers in play.”

And getting started is easier than you might think as you can walk into a climbing centre, register, have a brief induction before hiring shoes and having a go.

Learning to climb higher walls with ropes is relatively simple as many climbing centres have automatic belays which hold your weight, meaning you can climb solo. Alternatively you can sign up for a belaying course with a partner so you can learn how to safely hold the rope and catch them should they fall.

Such is the equality of the sport today that it is possible for a novice to be attempting their first wall next to the best climber in Britain, says Scott Haslam, head of membership at the Association of British Climbing Walls.

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25/10/2018 10:40

Activekids

“Anybody from any walk of life can come in and have a go. All levels of fitness and abilities.

Families come in with younger children, parents belay for their kids.

“Everyone will congregate around a route and have a go and try to solve the problem.

There are no egos at all. It has become a lot more mainstream and it is accessible at all levels,” adds Scott.

Climbing indoors is also an incredibly social activity with most centres including a café and seating areas to chill out when limbs get tired, and opportunities for meeting new members.

Working the mind as well as the body, climbing indoors is a great way to get fit while having fun, and as the days and nights get colder it really is the perfect season to get indoors and climb.

CLIMBING TERMS Bouldering: Climbing without ropes or harnesses on small rock formations or artificial walls, at a relatively low height. Flooring in indoor bouldering areas are soft to absorb the impact from falling to the floor.

Auto belay: A slack line that automatically takes the weight of a person as they ascend a wall.

Using an auto belay allows people to climb walls without a partner. In children’s activity centres they are known as clip and climb.

Top roping: When a climber is securely attached to a rope which then passes up through an anchor system at the top of the climb, and down to a belayer – their climbing partner – at the foot of the climb.

Lead climbing: When a climber has a rope attached to their harness and is clipping into holds while climbing upwards. Although they have a belay partner below there is no anchor system at the top of the climb, making it riskier and more challenging than normal rope climbing.

HEALTH BENEFITS If you want to get fit and build muscle strength climbing is an excellent alternative to the gym.

“It works all of your body in a dynamic way.

It is a great sport for keeping healthy and strong,” says Mark McGowan.

“It works your core, flexibility, mind and builds endurance, power and strength,” he added.

As well as being a physical sport, climbing is also a mental workout which involves a great amount of problem solving.

“You need to be thinking five or six moves ahead. Also when you are really tired having that mental strength pushes you through,” says Scott Haslam.

It is also an immensely emotional activity, with climbers gaining a huge sense of achievement and endorphin rush when they reach the top of a wall.

CLIMBING UP A brief history of indoor walls The growth in climbing walls, and with it participation, has been steadily rising over the past decade due to a variety of factors.

LOCAL CLIMBING WALLS Corby Climbing Centre, Corby Large bouldering centre with a café www.corbyclimbing.co.uk ● RockBlok, Rutland Water Rope climbing outdoors on an artificial wall www.rockblok.com ● The Tower, Leicester Leys Leicester Centre Rope climbing, lead climbing and bouldering https:// towerclimbingcentre.wordpress.com ● Peterborough Climbing Wall, Town Sports Club Rope climbing, lead climbing and bouldering http://peterboroughclimbingwall.co.uk ● The Pinnacle, Northampton Rope climbing, lead climbing, bouldering and caving www.thepinnaclecentre.co.uk ● Lakeside, Ferry Meadows, Peterborough Nene Park has announced plans to open a new activity centre at Lakeside in Ferry Meadows. Proposals for the centre (currently in the pre-planning permission stage) include an Olympicgrade climbing wall alongside a natural themed indoor toddler area.

Matthew Bradbury, chief executive of Nene Park Trust, said: “Interest in climbing is rapidly increasing in the run up to its inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games and the indications are that new Olympic standard climbing will really put Peterborough on the map.” www.nenepark.org.uk

“When I started climbing more than 30 years ago indoor walls didn’t exist. Climbing walls were initially made for climbers as there was a training need. But it became a commercial opportunity for climbers who needed a job and there has been rapid expansion ever since,” says Mark McGowan.

●

In the early days, indoor walls were engineered to simulate outdoor climbing with spray-on concrete but today’s materials are wooden walls with resin holds which are easy to arrange in different routes and relatively straightforward to build.

The street sport parkour, also known as freerunning, has also played a big role in shaping indoor climbing, particularly the way in which the routes are set.

“There is a drive for dynamic moves and a hunger for the visual so the routes are becoming very dynamic,” says Mark.

In fact the British are gaining a worldwide reputation for their indoor climbing with an excellent paraclimbing team and the women’s world champion. Shauna Coxsey, Britain’s first bouldering world champion, is tipped to win gold at the 2020 Olympics for the triathlonlike challenge of speed climbing, bouldering and lead climbing, three distinct disciplines.

The sport is also growing a spectator base with more than 5,000 people watching the British Bouldering Championships in Sheffield this year and the world championships being televised on Eurosport.

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Activekids

Tackling the problem Rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio’s RugbyWorks charity is helping children who have been excluded from schools in the region. By Steve Moody Those who follow rugby in the East Midlands (in the days before Wasps moved to Coventry, at least), probably view Lawrence Dallaglio as something of a pantomime villain, causing trouble at Welford Road and Franklin’s Gardens, constantly in the ear of the referee, bending games against Tigers and Saints through his force of personality and fearsome abilities.

Yet Dallaglio the player was one of those that for all the invective hurled in his direction, secretly everyone would like to have seen on their side. In retirement, that has come to pass, because the remarkable charity he founded is now helping the most at-risk kids in the East Midlands, giving them a chance to turn their lives around.

Although urban areas in London and the North might generally be thought of as the most deprived, the East Midlands region does not do well either, with towns and cities such as Leicester, Nottingham and Newark faring particularly badly. There are many measures, but the East Midlands, with its mix of smallish

cities and rural areas offering a lack of opportunity for social mobility, generally features in the bottom four regions of the country when all social deprivation factors are taken into account.

The result is a generation of kids who have little chance of breaking out, and instead end up in a downward spiral. Dallaglio and his RugbyWorks charity wants to change that. Just as in his rugby career, Dallaglio has gone at this with unshakeable commitment.

“The young people we work with are often very vulnerable and come from difficult, chaotic backgrounds. What they need is help, not be pushed out,” he says.

“We start with kids when they are 14 years old and work with them over three years, with the final year after GCSEs mentored. Through their time with us, we get them four ‘employability’ days per year to give them a sense of what to expect when they leave school.

The simple fact is that you are what you are exposed to, and if this programme turns your

head a little bit and shows you what is possible, then that’s great.

“Initially, rugby is the hook, based on the values of the sport – respect, sportsmanship and discipline – and they have such an impact, because ultimately, these values transcend rugby. Then we get in the classroom and work on things such as CV writing and employability, and take them on a journey from there. The programme is delivered during school time, on a mentoring basis, one to one, with the same coach over three years, so they are available to reach out to if required. It’s about developing and building that relationship, to help shift the pattern of behaviour. All the coaches are rugby qualified obviously, but they also have experience, understanding and a desire to work with alternative education.

“What these young people often need is consistency, something they can build on and giving them a support system, which in turn helps to build confidence and self-esteem.”

Each year on average 2,200 young people between the ages of 14 and 16 are excluded from mainstream education in the UK. Excluded children are the most vulnerable; twice as likely to be in the care of the state, four times more likely to have grown up in poverty, seven times more likely to have a special educational need

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HOW RUGBYWORKS WORKS

Clockwise, from above Counthesthorpe kids in training; Dallaglio speaking at a RugbyWorks tournament; Judy Salmon picks up an award for her work and 10 times more likely to suffer recognised mental health problems.

This academic year Dallaglio RugbyWorks operated across the UK in more than 70 schools with more than 650 young people, which is close to 25% of all permanently excluded 14-16 year olds across the country.

Dallaglio is clearly as proud of the results of this programme as any result he had after a rugby match.

“A young person on our programme is three times more likely to pass a maths and English Level 2 and twice as likely to still be in education, employment or training 12 months after leaving school – our results are beating the comparative national statistics, with 73% of those we work with finding full-time employment after leaving alternative provision,” he says.

He is now asking local businesses to help by offering up days for kids to find out what it is

like to work, and to give them an idea of life and the possibilities after school.

“As an example, Caterpillar has put on 10 days in its factory to showcase apprenticeship programmes, and we need more and more of these sorts of things, across a diverse range – anything and everything – in local industry and businesses, as well as national ones.

“I set the charity up to use rugby to be able to give something back. It’s having a profound impact on these kids’ lives; the programme has really grown and developed and it’s proved to be working, and that’s the key. We have wonderful stories of young people who have gone through the programme, got jobs and carried on.

“When I finished playing I wanted to work in areas I felt passionate about and giving young people like these a chance, it was very clear to me this was something I wanted to do. Society gives up on these young people. We won’t give up on them.”

Want your business to get involved in helping with the RugbyWorks programme?

Visit www.dallagliorugbyworks.com

Sitting in a classroom at Countesthorpe Community College, just south of Leicester, hulking ex-Australian and Northampton Saints forward Salesi Ma’afu is popping rugby balls into a bag ahead of a training session, while a group of kids watch on. They probably reckon he’s not to be messed with.

This group are now in the second year of the Dallaglio RugbyWorks programme, are all in alternative provision – education outside mainstream school education, arranged by local authorities or schools for pupils who do not attend usual classes for reasons such as exclusion, behaviour issues, refusal, or illness.

The teacher running the programme is the irrepressible Judy Salmon, alongside coaches Ma’afu, Andy Harston and Dominic Cardle of RugbyWorks. Regional operations manager Dominic explains: “The programme works because it opens their eyes to what could be possible.

The rugby and classroom work teaches them about skills, attitude and problem solving.”

The rugby is mostly tag and skills practice, and RugbyWorks sets up tournaments between the schools in the programme, but what is notable is how kids who look disinterested slumped behind desks suddenly spring to life on the pitch. It’s not a full-on session with them in kit, but nevertheless they are sprinting, passing, kicking, communicating (arguing a bit too) and the spirit between them and the coaches is tangible.

One, Drew, who has a boot like a siege gun, is interested in cars and four days spent at Halfords through the programme has convinced him he wants to be a mechanic. He says it is now his goal to get an apprenticeship, and reckons without RugbyWorks and the help of coach Andy Harston he would not have known what to do.

Another, Chardonnay, seems to enjoy needling coach Andy, but says: “He’s been really useful helping with communication skills. We concentrate more doing practical stuff than doing lessons and Andy’s nice – they’re not teachers and so you can talk to them about a lot of things, not just about school. We went to some tag rugby tournaments and the first one went badly, but the second one was better and then in the third one we got a trophy.”

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ACTIVE SPORT Marathon running tips, reader challenges, a great local cycle route, plus how local teams are faring

Formula 1, snooker or bowls – which is the dullest sport?

Martin Johnson ponders which sport is the most boring

I

f you were asked to compile a list of Britain’s greatest ever sportsmen and women, you’d be hard pressed not to place Lewis Hamilton close to the top of it. You might have a hard job warming to him as a character, but such is his skill at driving a car extremely fast, you wouldn’t bet against him winning next year’s Formula One drivers’ championship if they took away his Mercedes and handed him the keys to a Fiat Tipo.

However, for everyone who associates motor racing with ‘vroom vroom’ there must be more than a few who share my own opinion that it is actually a lot closer to ‘zzzzz zzzzz’.

In fact, if I ever find myself unable to sleep, and padding downstairs for a cup of tea at three o’clock in the morning, I won’t need anything from the chemist to help me nod off.

I’ll just tape the latest Grand Prix and the sound of my snoring will drown out the noise of Hamilton’s engine while they’re still on the formation lap.

I’ve been to quite a few Formula 1 races, and they all look exactly the same. Initially, you think that you’re there to see who can drive his car faster than everybody else, but after a while you realise that the entire two-hour spectacle revolves around, er, tyres.

“Tyres,” I said, in a recent argument down at the pub as to which was the world’s most boring sport. “It’s all about tyres. Soft tyres, hard tyres, ultrasoft, supersoft, hypersoft, wets, dries, intermediates… and how many laps a car can travel without acquiring a blistered rear.”

Warming to my theme after pint number four, “Why can’t they go to Kwik-Fit? I had a couple put on there last year, and they’ve hardly worn at all.”

Furthermore, there is no sport with more rules and regulations than Formula 1. Blue flags, red flags, yellow flags, safety cars, no speeding in the pit lane…

At the US Grand Prix, Hamilton’s only serious rival, Sebastian Vettel, got shoved back down the starting grid for not spotting some flag or other in practice, and early in the race the following caption flashed up on screen. “Esteban Ocon is under investigation for exceeding the fuel flow on lap one.” Exciting or what?

The other thing about F1 is that it doesn’t even bring with it the tension of danger any more. No-one seriously wants to go back to the days when a cap and goggles represented the sum total of driver protection, but nowadays you emerge from a 200mph crash without even needing an Elastoplast. If you want to see carnage on the road, with bumpers and wing mirrors flying off, don’t go to a Grand Prix. Jump into one of those tuk-tuk taxis in Delhi, or pull up a chair on a roundabout in Rome during rush hour.

One of my pub companions attempted to make the case for snooker, but I poo-pooed this on the grounds a century break is one of sport’s most fascinating spectacles. Not from watching the person compiling it, but the player stuck in his chair, with nothing to do but sip his water and trying to get through it without getting caught picking his nose.

Snooker is nothing like as turgid as basketball, where one of the teams runs up a court with a ball – or occasionally walks with it – and dunks it into a net. Then the other team does the same. The only variation being when the defending team makes contact with the attacking team, in which case the ball is dunked into the net without having an opponent try to put you off by jumping in front of you.

Some sports are so boring that you only ever get to see them on TV every four years when the Olympic Games come around again – think archery, Greco-Roman wrestling or, a favourite of mine, water polo. There’s a lot of spray and thrashing around, and the visual effect is much the same as throwing lumps of bread into a pond full of carp.

There is, apparently, plenty of scope for skulduggery, but this kind of thing is only picked up by the two referees watching out for somebody’s budgie smugglers being pulled round their ankles as they’re about to shoot. The rest of us, however, have to make do with the stirring spectacle of 14 coloured caps bobbing up and down in the water.

Then there is dressage. Is this actually a sport? My one and only encounter with it was at the Badminton Horse Trials when a series of rituals began with a man wearing a top hat and sitting on a horse trotted up to a parade ring, to which entry was secured by a man in a bowler hat getting up and unclipping a rope. There then followed the equine equivalent of Bruce Forsyth doing a bit of tap dancing, and the person on horseback doffing his topper to the judges.

Not far behind in the excitement stakes comes bowls. This is not a game to be rushed, and not even an enemy fleet off the coast can hurry a chap when he’s in the middle of a tight end. In fact, if Drake’s match had gone on 10 minutes longer in 1588, we’d all be eating paella.

The competitors get quite animated, pursuing their bowl down the rink whilst imploring it to slow down, speed up, or turn a bit, but the spectators appear to have been brought along from Madame Tussauds.

However, according to a YouGov poll earlier this year, bowls doesn’t even get a mention in the top 20 most boring spectator sports, and watching racing cars come into the garage for “fresh rubber” only comes ninth. And number one? All those who thought the Ryder Cup was gutwrenchingly exciting... time to get a life. It’s golf.

Martin Johnson has been a sports journalist and author since 1973, writing for the Leicester Mercury, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He currently writes columns for The Rugby Paper and The Cricket Paper, and has a book out called ‘Can I Carry Your Bags?’

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23/10/2018 15:06

Feature /// Running

ON YOUR MARKS If you’ve got a long distance event lined up, or you’re thinking about signing up for one, your training plans as you lead in to race day are key, as is the kit you wear Active caught up with Loughborough-based GB 1,500m runner Lewis Moses at the launch of the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Half Marathon, which makes its debut on February 10, 2019 at the site of the iconic London Olympics, to get some top tips...

Mindset – Think positive from the minute you leave the house on the morning of the race. Lose the ‘t’ off can’t and just use ‘can’ all day. Positive thinking and believing in yourself and the work you have done goes a long way.

Hydration and rehydration – Hydration starts well before race day, some say even up to as long as 48 hours prior to your race. Don’t just rely on water on the morning of the race, it will simply be flushed out. Try electrolytes – one of the best products I have used is SOS. It was hard to get used to because it isn’t filled with rubbish and it’s been engineered/designed by athletes and doctors specifically for athletes.

Don’t be obsessed by the watch – We have become a watch-obsessed running world and often our watch dictates our pace and not us.

Don’t let this happen. You are in control of your running and some days that pace might just feel a little too hard at the start. If so back off and come on strong, don’t go to the wall too soon, we all know how that feels!

Control the controllables – Control what you can and don’t worry about anything that you can’t control. Things such as the weather are totally out of your control so if it’s not what you expect, don’t panic. Don’t worry about other people in the race and what they are doing, you can’t control that either. Just focus on yourself and put into practice everything you have trained for.

Don’t leave things to chance – Don’t chance anything on race day and that includes clothing or footwear. Make sure you have worn

6 2 NOV E M BE R 2 0 1 8 ///

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ALL-WEATHER KIT Author Alfred Wainwright famously said “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”, so getting yourself properly kitted out will make heading outdoors in the winter months less daunting.

Swiss brand On Running, a sponsor of the half marathon, has some great footwear and clothing to help protect you from the elements. For more information head to www.on-running.com.

New Cloud Waterproof Perform in all conditions with the world’s lightest fully cushioned shoe made waterproof.

Price £135

everything before as you just don’t know how it will feel. Keep things as normal as possible including your diet in the lead up to the race – no drastic changes and on the morning eat your usual breakfast, which you always have before morning sessions. If it helps, practice this before your long runs.

Long runs are crucial – People often get scared of mileage, but I have found through years of experience, that more often than not it’s intensity that hurts people and not the long steady/slow miles. Including long runs in your programme is the perfect way to prepare for a half or full marathon. It is the closest you will come to the race in a number of ways; time on

your feet, mileage covered and the way you run (setting off steady and building into a long run).

Pacing linked to training and racing – Get your pacing right in sessions and practice this time and time again. Start in control and let the muscles, heart and lungs all get warmed up.

Even after warming up, the race itself is still a sharp shock to the system and you want to avoid major spikes at the start of your race. Try to negative split. This will feel easy at the start of the race, trust me, but making time up is a lot more effective than losing time in the second half of a race. When you’re passing people coming into the finish, you will be thanking me.

QUEEN ELIZABETH HALF MARATHON For more information about the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Half Marathon, or to register, go to www.

LondonHalf.com. This road-closed event will start and finish at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home of the 2012 London Olympics. Each mile will be marked out and all runners will benefit from chip timed results, as well as support from RunThrough helpers. Entries are now open. The early bird entry fee is £34. All finishers receive a medal, limited edition technical t-shirt, free pre- and post-race sports massage, free photography and a goody bag.

Cloudventure Waterproof For trail runners who don’t let the weather affect their run. Made for all conditions – just add a little (or a lot) of altitude. Price £140

Cloudflyer Waterproof Excuses not to run in the rain are removed with the fully waterproof version of the lightweight support shoe. Price £155

Weather jacket The running jacket for ultralight protection whatever the weather. Made with high-tech Japanese fabrics, it’s the perfect companion for wild runs.

Price £190

/// NOV E M BE R 2 0 1 8 6 3

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26/10/2018 20:52

Feature /// Challenges

THE HARD HARDERGRAT Racing driver Charlie Martin swaps four wheels for her own two legs and tackles one of Europe’s most spectacular, and dangerous, treks – the Hardergrat The literal translation of Hardergrat is harder ridge, so before you set your eyes on it,you have a pretty good idea that it’s going to be tough.

The actual length seems to vary depending on different blogs – some say 20km and one that I stumbled on just days before flying out there said it was 35km!

Knowing this, I was already on the back foot before making my way to Interlaken in the Swiss Alps, particularly when the weather report turned from blue sky to stair rods. This was worrying because the Hardergrat runs the entire length of the knife-edge ridge that borders Lake Brienz, and can only be done in dry conditions. It’s known as one of Europe’s most spectacular, and dangerous, trails as the ground plummets away on either side of the narrow path.

But I’m fit and highly motivated, so I wasn’t going to let this stop me. I’d already booked flights and a hotel, and the weather can – and

did – change a lot in a week. Thankfully we had perfect conditions on Saturday morning – warm, but not hot, with some cloud and thankfully no rain.

Arriving under the cloak of darkness our first glimpse of what lay before us was when we broke through the tree line at Harder Kulm where we stopped to take pictures and top up

our water; because you won’t find a drop after this point.

The original plan had been to run the trail with my accomplice Duncan, but it soon became apparent that this wouldn’t be possible. You are constantly climbing or descending gradients that would better suit a mountain goat. We pushed on and ran wherever possible, setting a good pace, the whole time spellbound by some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen.

I’ll say now that it was the most physically and mentally demanding challenge I’ve ever taken on. It’s a long way beyond the half marathons I used to do. In nine hours we covered over 27km and burnt an estimated 4,000 calories, which meant 11 hours with only gels and just two litres of water! We climbed 2,400m – this is before I count the descents (a lot) which equates to 2.5 times up Ben Nevis.

Suddenly the idea of a mountain marathon seems quite appealing!

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23/10/2018 17:09

WILL ROBERTS

A long road to follow

TWO DOWN, ONE TO GO Simon Davies has one last ultra challenge left to complete, and it’s getting close to D-day At the beginning of the year I set myself the challenge of completing three of the hardest Ultra Marathons in the world and to raise £25,000 for Rainbows Children’s Hospice.

It’s now late October and I’ve successfully completed both the Ice Ultra and Jungle Ultra races. Most of all I’m delighted to have exceeded my original fund-raising target – the total sits at an incredible £33,250. All my efforts are now focused on completing the third, and final, race – the Desert Ultra.

Over the last four weeks I’ve been steadily increasing my training. It’s a fine line between trying to get plenty of mileage in the legs while avoiding picking up any injuries from over-training.

After a year of running hundreds and hundreds of miles around my local trails I’ve also been trying to find new places to keep me motivated. I’ve found it’s possible to run home from my office via around 20 miles of canal towpaths, so I’ve been able to substitute my 45-minute commute to a useful run.

I’m now running around 100 kilometres a week and am aiming to increase this by about 10% every week until the race in November.

I’m also getting used to running with a heavy backpack again, using a 5kg pack for all my training runs and again steadily increasing the weight every week.

Along with all the running I’m still following the strength and conditioning programme set by my team at the Training Shed gym in Market Harborough.

I’ve found this routine invaluable to help

stretch out tired muscles, aid mobility and prevent injuries. The Training Shed team also provide me with a weekly sports massage to make sure all those little aches and pains don’t turn into anything more serious.

The team at the Shed have supported me throughout my Ice Desert Jungle challenge and I’m sure I wouldn’t have done so well without their support.

The Shed team are also organising a treadmill fund-raising relay run during the Desert Ultra race week to match the 250km distance I’ll be attempting to complete.

It finally seems as though the end is in sight and the challenge might just be possible. I’m keen not to get complacent about this last race and trip-up at the final hurdle.

With any event over this kind of distance and in such a hostile environment there are so many things that can go wrong. I’m dedicated to completing my training and preparation as thoroughly and sensibly as I can over the next few weeks so I can arrive on the start line in the best possible condition.

If you’d like to find out more about my challenge, or if you’re able donate some money to Rainbows, you can do so at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/icedesertjungle.

Any amount you can spare – no matter how small – will be hugely appreciated. I have covered all the expenses for Ice Desert Jungle myself so every single penny you can spare will go directly to where it’s needed the most.

ARE YOU TAKING ON A CHALLENGE? It doesn’t matter how large or small it is, we want to hear from you. It could be training for your first 5k, starting from scratch, cycling around the world, or

anything in between. Please get in touch so we can feature you on the challenge pages.

Email mary@theactivemag.com

Mark Smith was hoping to run from John O’Groats to Land’s End, but things didn’t go to plan…

I’m next to the sign at John O’Groats about to start my 900-mile run down Britain. This is what the last year’s training had all been about and I was excited. The first three days went well – my daughter and I had settled into a good rhythm, my body was fine and the strength training was paying off.

Sadly day four was the day it all went wrong. 12 miles in to the run and feeling good on a quiet, straight stretch of road running towards the traffic I had to avoid a car that simply did not see me, despite being clad head to toe in high-viz clothing. I had to jump up a bank on to rocks to avoid being hit.

Coming back down on to a soft verge I did the damage I now know was serious enough to stop my challenge immediately. Fuelled by anger and adrenalin I carried on for another 28 miles to the finish, which was when the pain hit me. This wasn’t good but I thought it was shin splints.

Over the next few days the pain intensified but I still managed 39 miles running along the Cromarty Firth and Loch Ness but at the end of day six my challenge was effectively over.

On day seven I completed 30 miles in nine hours – I was not going to be beaten. But my daughter picked me up from the finish and took me straight to A&E where it was confirmed I had damaged tendons and ligaments in my left foot and was told by the consultant “you would have ruptured your tendons if you’d carried on”.

Now back at home I can look back on seven days of back-to-back marathons. I managed 185.7 miles but I’m not giving up – I’m trying again next May. I’ve raised £6,300 so far for the charity Alex’s Wish and you can still donate at https://mydonate.bt. com/fundraisers/marksmith6.

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23/10/2018 17:09

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Feature /// Cycling

ON YOUR BIKE!

Distance 30 miles

Rutland Cycling’s Sally Middlemiss suggests a great ride for a late autumn blast based in Oakham DESCRIPTION

This month’s route is shorter in distance than usual, but still includes some good undulating sections. Starting in Oakham, the route traces sections of the National Cycle Network (routes 63 and 64) out to Great Dalby, returning through Somerby.

Get a detailed map, route notes and download a GPX file for your GPS computer at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28789150.

Enjoy the ride!

15

LITTLE DALBY

GREAT DALBY

10

BURROUGH ON THE HILL

THE ROUTE

● Head west out of Oakham, crossing the railway line and taking the first left on to Cold Overton Road 0.3 mi ● Continue on to Oakham Rd 3.5 mi ● Continue on to The Carriageway 3.8 mi ● Turn left on to Somerby Rd 3.9 mi ● Turn right on to Owston Rd 4.0 mi ● Continue on to Knossington Rd 4.8 mi ● Turn left on to Long Ln 5.6 mi ● Turn right on to Main St 5.9 mi ● Turn right on to Newbold Rd 6.2 mi ● Turn right 7.2 mi ● Continue on to High St 8.4 mi ● Turn left on to Pickwell Rd 8.8 mi ● Continue on to Leesthorpe Rd 9.4 mi ● Turn left 9.8 mi ● Turn left toward Little Dalby Rd 11.3 mi ● Turn left toward Little Dalby Rd 11.3 mi ● Continue on to Little Dalby Rd 11.5 mi ● Turn right on to Sandy Ln 12.7 mi ● Continue straight 13.7 mi ● Turn left on to Dalby Rd/B6047 14.0 mi ● Turn left on to Woodgate Hill 14.9 mi ● Slight left on to Burrough End 15.2 mi ● Continue straight on to Melton Ln 15.3 mi ● Turn right on to Twyford Rd 17.6 mi ● Turn left on to Marefield Ln 17.9 mi ● Continue on to Dawsons Ln 18.7 mi ● Turn left 19.5 mi ● Turn left toward Washdyke Rd 20.0 mi ● Turn left on to Washdyke Rd 20.0 mi ● Turn right on to Main St 21.0 mi

Turn left on to Long Ln 21.4 mi Turn right on to Knossington Rd 21.6 mi ● Continue on to Owston Rd 22.4 mi ● Turn left on to Somerby Rd 23.2 mi ● Turn right on to The Carriageway 23.3 mi ● Turn left on to Cold Overton Rd 23.4 mi ● Turn right on to Melton Rd/A606 26.4 mi ● Turn left on to Burley Rd 26.6 mi ● At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit on to Ashwell Rd 28.1 mi ● At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Ashwell Rd 28.8 mi ● Turn right on to Burley Rd/B668 29.4 mi ● Continue into Oakham to finish 29.6 mi ●

●

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COLD OVERTON

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/// NOV E M BE R 2018 6 7

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24/10/2018 18:45

Roundup RUGBY

Oakham struggle for form as Harborough battle for promotion

BY JEREMY SMITHSON BESWICK

THIS SEASON’S FIXTURE LIST FOR Oakham is front-loaded with games against some of the league’s favourites for promotion, so some apparently underwhelming recent results need to be viewed through that prism.

The 33-13 home defeat against Market Harborough was a case in point. Club mainstay Keith Crellin told me: “There are four or five teams at the top that are in a division of their own and Harborough are one of them. The score suggests a big loss but there were good positives to take away. We rallied from 19-0 down and defended well.”

He feels there is a similar group at the other end of the table fighting relegation, and also that Oaks aren’t that far off them.

However, worries of a struggle this campaign were assuaged when they beat Vipers in their next match.

They prevailed 15-3 in a game in which they were steady but not inspired, but then came up against top of the table Olney – a team “that will take some stopping,” according to Crellin.

They lost 52-5 and, although he accepts there was no way they were going to win the game, he also felt frustrated that the scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story.

“With the territory and possession we had we should have got 20 points,” he said. “When we were on their five-metre line we didn’t seem to have anyone to do the business for us. The opposition know what we’re going to do and so we throw away all our good midfield work because we can’t finish – we need a bit more flair.”

With a host of exceptional young talent in the Colts soon to break through into the first XV – and a strong second string – the medium term aim is to stay in this division until that talent rides to the rescue and they can challenge for promotion themselves.

“We can’t blood them too early as that can do

damage,” said Crellin, “but we don’t want to go down a division as coming back up is not automatic, as Stamford are finding”.

That’s a fair point as, after three relatively easy victories that made it look like they would stroll back into Division 2, Stamford have lost their last two matches, which won’t have pleased coach Matt Albison.

Down a couple of divisions, Deepings’ vice-captain Phil Trotman is another who’s been disappointed with recent results after what had been an encouraging start to the season for their talented side.

Opening victories against Stamford College Old Boys and Thorney were followed by defeats to Wellingborough, Aylestone St James and Bedford Swifts.

Trotman told me: “We don’t seem to be able to win a game at the moment. We took only 16 players to Wellingborough but actually played quite well and didn’t get a stuffing, but in the following two games the opposition looked to have prepared a game plan for us and, credit to them, executed it well.”

Bigger packs playing a short game and looking for opportunities in the fringes seem to be causing them problems and Trotman added: “There’s been a lot of soul searching trying to figure out what’s going wrong but discipline is part of it.”

Back up in Division 2, Market Harborough had two matches against promotion rivals as well as the aforementioned trip to Oakham. They narrowly defeated Olney at home and then travelled to St Ives.

They lost by a whisker (26-22) and Harborough’s director of rugby Richard Bowden felt they should have won.

“We didn’t play to our full potential and got sucked into playing their game, the one that suited their big

6 8 N O V E M B E R 2018 ///

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24/10/2018 13:30

TIGERS TALK Steve Moody argues that Geordan Murphy has already proved he’s ready to be made head coach full time Helping to drive the change are some old stagers, and some new ones. George Ford has been superb in victory and defeat, Dan Cole has been pounding round the field like an angry bear and Manu Tuilagi has showed flashes of his former self right up until the Scarlets game, where he was his former self: a rampaging, unplayable force of nature.

Tigers are a completely different team when Manu is punching holes through the midfield, dragging three or four defenders with him.

Alongside these proven performers though, are the new guard. Summer signings Will Spencer, Guy Thompson and David Denton have been heroic up front while Kyle Eastmond adds devil in midfield. Then, Jonah Holmes has stepped into the 15 shirt from nowhere and is performing like his (interim) head coach used to while Harry Wells, now 25, looks to have grown into a dominant second row.

There is no doubt there are still issues – defence in broken play is all over the place and a functioning lineout seems to depend on Spencer being on the field – but under Murphy, Leicester are clearly more united, driven, spirited and ambitious. It is time the board recognised that.

pack. We should have moved them around a bit more,” he told me.

The result means there are no unbeaten sides left in the division and it is tight at the top. Harborough had raced into a 14-0 lead at St Ives with tries from openside flanker Joe Price after a great break from Finn Clarke.

However, they then started to give away penalties and miss their first-up tackles and as a result were only three points to the good by the break. Playing down the slope in the second period, St Ives scored two early tries before what Bowden called a “great score” from number 12 Laurence Joel brought them back to within

TIGERS IMAGES

One thing should happen at Leicester Tigers immediately: the interim part of Geordan Murphy’s job title should be binned.

He was given a temporary shot at the head coach’s job in the midst of utter chaos and, just a month or two in, it is obvious that he is the man for the job.

There are a number of reasons for this, but principally, the fans in the stands are willing to give him the time they would never afford to a big name, big money coach brought in from outside. And what Murphy has instigated during his brief spell in charge is going to require patience to reach fruition.

It was interesting that in the heat of a fierce European cup match against Scarlets, with 15 minutes still to go, Jake Kerr (age 22) and Tommy Reffell (19) replaced internationals Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sione Kalamafoni, and a few minutes later 19-year old prop Joe Heyes replaced Greg Bateman.And Jordan Olowofela (20) was already on the pitch.

This was unheard of in the last decade, where young players were untrusted and untried in big games, and soon disappeared.

As it happens, they all played stupendously against the Welsh team, and Tigers marched to an impressive victory.

There will be times though, when this won’t work and Leicester are far from the finished article too, as a dreadful loss at home to Worcester and a disjointed defeat away at Ulster proved (although let’s not forget the narrow victory in between over Saints at Twickenham).

But the supporters know this is a process and they trust Murphy to see it through. It’s time the board stopped hedging their bets, and do what Leicester did in their pomp: take bold decisions, stand by them and not make excuses.

Give Murphy the job – then we will really see where he can take them.

two points in the fourth quarter, but ultimately St Ives’ rearguard action held firm and they took the honours.

“We remain confident,” added Bowden. “We’ve got some good players coming back from injury and are still very much in the mix with all to play for.”

Harborough currently lie in fourth place but, to accentuate how tight it is at the top, only one point separates the leading five teams.

Finally, a reminder that fireworks night is a big event for many of our local clubs and an important source of revenue, so if you’re at a loose end this year you’ll find a friendly, spectacular and professional display at a ground near you.

/// N O V E M B E R 2018 6 9

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25/10/2018 10:54

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25/10/2018 10:41

Roundup FOOTBALL

Daniels continue to frustrate

BY DEAN CORNISH IT’S BEEN ANOTHER DIFFICULT month for Stamford AFC, with Graham Drury’s men struggling for any consistent form and slipping to 10th place in the Evo Stik Division One (Eastern) table.

As we’ve said before, it’s high time Stamford got promoted from this division. Their budget, facilities, average attendance and the relative size of the town mean Stamford are playing a level below where many think they should be, and after relegation three years ago they need to get back into the Evo Stik Premier Division before they stagnate at Step 4.

As it stands, Stamford play some good football, and at times in their recent wins over Spalding (4-0) and Brighouse (3-2) they’ve looked superb, and to be fair they strangely looked good during their 2-0 home loss to lowly Carlton Town, but as has been the issue for 18 months at least, I’m afraid they aren’t consistent enough in front of goal.

Drury has reacted to the issue by signing striker Grant Ryan, but many aren’t sure ‘Rhino’ is the answer to the 20-goals-a-season conundrum. Let’s hope someone starts putting the chances away and Stamford climb in the league.

Away from the Evo Stik campaign, Stamford have progressed in the FA Trophy after a 1-0 win in a replay against Belper Town.

It’s been years since Stamford had a good run in this competition, so let’s hope this year can see another good run, and maybe another afternoon like they had in 2003 when Exeter City visited Stamford in the same competition.

In the United Counties Premier Division, Harborough Town aren’t having the season they’d hoped for on their new pitch. They’ve recently lost to Wellingborough Whitworth (2-1), and Peterborough Northern Star (3-0) in the league, but they did get a good win over fellow strugglers Kirby Muxlowe (4-0).

Away from the league, the Bees were beaten heavily

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by Coalville Town (9-2) in the Leicestershire Senior Cup, but that’s no disgrace against higher level opposition.

In the UCL Division 1, Blackstones are just five points off the top of the league if they win their game in hand, even if their form of late hasn’t been that impressive.

In October, as well as losing 5-0 in the cup, they’ve drawn in the league with Northampton Sileby (1-1) and Thrapston Town (0-0), and also lost 3-2 at home against fellow high flyers Lutterworth Town. Let’s hope that Stones recover their form and get back to winning ways.

In the Peterborough League Premier Division, Stamford Lions are having a disappointing season after having challenged at the top last year. James Sheehan’s side are in eighth place – 24 points behind run-away leaders Moulton Harrox.

They did progress in the county cup against Susie Stars FC in Skegness, but league results have seen a home defeat against Peterborough ICA, a score draw away at Whittlesey Athletic and a good home win over Sutton Bridge.

In the same division, Ketton are struggling and sit fourth from bottom following defeats to Whittlesey, Thorney and Sutton Bridge. The Pit Laners did pull off a surprise 3-1 win though against fourth-placed Holbeach United Reserves towards the end of the month.

In Division One, Uppingham Town are the pacesetters of our local clubs and a promotion challenge is certainly on the cards after relegation last season. The boys from Tod’s Piece are now unbeaten in seven games in a run that has seen them score 24 goals. Goalless draws against league leaders Parson Drove and Wittering Harriers, were sandwiched by a great 5-0 win over Crowland and a 4-0 win against FC Peterborough.

In the same division, Stamford Bels have picked up their form after a poor start. Lewis Morley’s side have won two of their last three games to pull themselves out of the bottom two and hopefully start their climb to mid-table.

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24/10/2018 16:33

Roundup EQUESTRIANISM

Richard finishes on a high

BY JULIA DUNGWORTH

RICHARD JONES HAS HAD YET another fantastic result to finish his season, being placed fourth in the coveted CIC3* 8 & 9 year at Blenheim on Kilballyboy Bob, owned by his mother Ros Jones and Dinah Saunders.

The combination added just 0.4 on the cross country to his excellent dressage of 31.7 and a fantastic clear show jumping.

Kilballyboy Bob is by the thoroughbred stallion Tajraasi, which not so coincidentally is the same stallion as his seventh placed Burghley ride Alfies Clover.

Richard thinks so highly of the stallion that he’s just bought him with Piggy French and Tom March.

So Richard’s wife, dressage rider Victoria (with a small pang of jealously) has just flown out to Germany to buy herself her own dressage stallion to match, so it looks like we could be having a stud forming at South Luffenham!

Etti Dale also went to Blenheim to do her first long format CCI3* on her now long-term partner Simply Simon. She too put up a personal best, adding 18.8 time penalties to her brilliant clear cross-country.

There was a very tough show-jumping course on the Sunday where they just had the one rail to finish 40th overall. What a brilliant way to end her season and we look forward to watching their progress.

Arena UK hosted the Major Championships at the end of September, when they held 62 classes over six days of competition.

The evening competitions were very popular for competitors and the public alike, with free entry to watch some of the biggest names in the country jump some ridiculously large fences.

The Dodson & Horrell Six Bar was one of the first of those on the Thursday night, which was won jointly

by Nicholas Benterman, Jack Whitaker and Sarah Billington.

Then on to the Friday night and the Dodson &

Horrell Puissance was again a three-way tie between India Bussey, Chelsea Skelton and Murray Mcleish.

The biggest class on the Saturday was The Equestrian Surface Major Grand Prix, which had the biggest field and was won by the ever-professional Michael Whitaker riding Ambra II, who also got to take the large prize pot of £12,000 from that class.

Joss Williams made a very commendable fifth place in the Puissance at Arena UK and then went down to the Horse Of The Year Show to finish third, ironically in a larger Puissance on his 18-year old chestnut mare Sox who seemed to grow wings the larger the wall went.

Joss then headed over the water to Dunkerque for a big show, where he also had a win on one of his other rides.

Rebecca Bullock has put her run of bad luck behind her, and after a lot of hard work in the last month she has qualified for the Hartpury Petplan Area Festival Championships with a third place at Arena UK, then went out a week later to have a good win in the Novice Silver section with another qualifying score.

The next day, she scored a whopping 72.71% to win and qualify for the Riding Club Intermediate Championships. Not a bad new start to her dressage season.

The Rutland Riding Club team of Kelly Hetherington, Nicky Polson, Karin Williamson and Megan Page made the trip up to the increasingly popular Speetley Equestrian Centrer in Chesterfield for the Area 16 Arena Eventing Qualifier.

They had a very successful time under the watchful eye of chef d’equipe Fiona Edmunds, with Megan Page winning the Senior 100 class and Karin hot on her heels to take third spot which secured the team the win and qualification for the finals at Aston-le-Walls in March next spring.

They also had a Senior 80 Team who were sixth consisting of Georgina Sharples, Mandy Sanders, Sue Holroyd and Katie.

FASTER STRONGER FURTHER LONGER /// N O V E M B E R 2018 7 3

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25/10/2018 12:10

Roundup HOCKEY

BDHC Ladies 2nds still unbeaten A CHANGED BOURNE Deepings Ladies 2nd team made the long trip to Horncastle, with the pressure still on for the Dragons to keep their undefeated record this season.

Horncastle made a strong start with their first short corner within one minute.

They were unsuccessful in scoring; however, they played with lots of pressure in the opposition’s half, stretching the defence of Nadine Curtis, Sophie Wheatley and Kay Greenaway. Goalkeeper Rose Taylor-Jackson kept the opponents out and the Dragons finally settled to take control of the match.

Some thoughtful play among the midfield players gave the Dragons the counter-attack within the next five minutes with Rachel Adams managing to be in a great position on the P spot and ready for a slip in the back of the net to score the first goal of the game.

Applied pressure kept coming from Katie Anderson driving the ball in the D with another shot, which was wide of goal.

The Dragons camped in the opponent’s third for the next 10 minutes with Kirsty Martin obtaining a foul and short corner, yet were unfortunate to not gain another goal.

In the second half, Horncastle were quick to attack obtaining two short corners within three minutes, but Curtis, Dawn McShane, Wheatley and Greenway were able to apply pressure on the opposition and Taylor-Jackson was able to kick the ball away and clear both times.

The change of attack quickly reversed with breaks through the middle with Millie

Le The unbeaten BDHC Ladies 2nds, back row from le : Lucy Norman, Kay Greenaway, Rachel Adams, Kirsty Martin, Helena Darragh.

Centre row, from le : Nadine Curtis, Sophie Wheatley, Dawn McShane. Front: Rose Taylor-Jackson

Durrands and Sara Morgan-Walters having two shots on goal both going wide of the post.

The Dragons continually pressured Horncastle and the persistence paid off with a short corner – Alice Brownlow’s shot wide of goal.

The midfield players got caught out with Horncastle on the counter-attack once more; the foul by McShane awarded them a short corner, but again, the Dragons’ defensive line was able to clear the ball quickly and swiftly.

The end-to-end play awarded Horncastle three consecutive short corners but a strong line of defence kept the Dragons sheet clean once again.

However with five minutes left on the clock,

Adams was able to score her second goal of the game but Horncastle weren’t giving up lightly and were awarded another short corner, but a quick response and turnaround of play gave the Dragons another break with MorganWalters having one last shot on goal.

A hard fought game and now they are top of the league following this 2-0 away win.  Double Olympic medal winner, GB Hockey player and Old Oakhamian Crista Cullen MBE, went back to the school to officially open the new hockey pitch.

“Crista is one of Great Britain’s best hockey players, so we are incredibly proud to be able to name our new hockey pitch in her honour,” said director of sport, Iain Simpson.

Crista said: “I’m humbled to have a pitch named after me. It is an honour to be able to come back to my school, which gave me the attributes to be able to succeed.”

Before the official opening, Crista led a coaching session with the lower school hockey teams. They were thrilled to be able to chat to Crista, to have their hockey sticks signed and to be able to hold her gold medal.

The day culminated in an ‘All Stars’ hockey match (pictured left) where Crista captained a specially selected OO squad against a team of current students.

Le Crista Cullen in action during an All Stars match to mark the opening of the new hockey pitch at Oakham School

74 N O V E M B E R 2018 ///

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25/10/2018 12:25

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09/10/2018 09:51