Rutland Living March 2026

RUTLAND LIVING

HELLO MARCH 2026

We like to mark out our year with flowers… We are by no means great gardeners, but we are keen, and the garden gives us huge joy, togetherness and tranquillity. It’s also such a good metronome of the seasons, with a ‘signature’ flower for every month.

Hellebores and winter aconites have taken us tenaciously through the winter, while snowdrops and crocuses have given us hope and optimism in February. Daffodils and primroses are filling us with delight this month, and soon the stage will be set for bluebells and magnolias in April, then wisteria festooning the front of houses in May. Roses and dangly foxgloves follow in June; hydrangeas and lavender smell divine in July; and dahlias dazzle in all their myriad forms in August.

As school returns in September, sedums come out to attract the butter ies. Japanese anemones hang on into October in waves of subtle colour. Winter jasmine keeps strong colour alive in November, and then holly berries and poinsettias take us through to Christmas with dashes of red. At which point they hand back to hellebores, and the cycle begins again.

But perhaps of all the months, March is the most exciting, full of growth and green shoots.

Editors, Nicholas & Clare

Website: www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

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THE TEAM

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

This magazine has been created by the team at Local Living, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY

Nicholas Rudd-Jones | 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk

EDITOR & EDITORIAL DESIGN

Clare Rudd-Jones

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Rutland & Market Harborough

Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 | tracy@bestlocalliving.co.uk

Stamford Claudia Bayley 07876 171063 | claudia.bayley@btinternet.com Nene Valley (Oundle & Peterborough) Nicholas Rudd-Jones Contact details as above

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Ad Copy Manager: Rachel Beecroft

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COVER

Stamford Living: Charlie Day (see p82). Rutland Living: Elizabeth Stanhope, photograph by Rachael Smith (see p48).

THIS MONTH WE LOVE…

THE ARRIVAL OF PRETTY PINK CHERRY BLOSSOM

Cherry blossom arrives in March with a soft, luminous confidence, scattering pavements and gardens with pale pink promise. Brief yet breathtaking, it signals the true turning of the season – a delicate reminder that spring, at last, has arrived, lightening the air and lifting spirits.

CAMBRIDGE IMPRINT AT GRIFFIN OF EASTON

Cambridge Imprint’s hardback notebooks draw inspiration from the patterned German Insel-Bücherei editions of the inter-war years. Stocked locally at Griffin of Easton – a true haven for stationery lovers – the range includes this charming Dancing Hare design (£16.50). Mad as a March hare! visiteaston.co.uk

‘Dear March –Come in –How glad I am –I hoped for you before’ Emily Dickinson

SOPHIE ALLPORT’S SPLATTER DISPLAY JUG

Bring a touch of countryside charm to your home with this handmade Splatter Stoneware Display Jug (£42) from Sophie Allport in Stamford and Bourne. Crafted from durable stoneware with a hand-splattered finish, it’s beautifully versatile – perfect for flowers, kitchen utensils or simply as a statement piece. The fresh green finish is just right for the arrival of spring. sophieallport.com

WORLD BOOK DAY

LOCAL AUTHOR

HANNAH GOLD

Congratulations to Stamford author Hannah Gold on becoming a World Book Day author for 2026 with Bear Rescue (£1 –or free with a World Book Day token). This year’s World Book Day falls on 5 March — the perfect excuse to pop into your local bookshop with the children and celebrate stories together. worldbookday.com

WHAT’S ON IN MARCH

A SELECTION OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE ACROSS OUR BEAUTIFUL REGION THIS MONTH

1

LIVE MUSIC

Lenten Service at Stamford School Chapel

6pm, free entrance (tickets not required)

Stamford School Chapel Choir will lead a service of music, poetry and Bible readings for the season of Lent, including Allegri’s celebrated Miserere, in St Paul’s Chapel. All are welcome.

3–7

THEATRE

Jane Eyre at Stamford Arts Centre

7.45pm, £12 (£10 conc)

Experience Charlotte Brontë’s classic Gothic romance in a bold, contemporary stage adaptation by Polly Teale, performed by the Arts Centre’s resident theatre group, Stamford Shoestring Theatre. In a world of stifling Victorian expectations, orphaned Jane Eyre learns to conceal her fiery spirit. It’s only when she becomes governess at Thornfield Hall that the enigmatic

Mr Rochester awakens something long buried inside her – but Thornfield holds its own dark secrets, hidden in the attic. A classic brought to the stage. stamfordshoestring.com

5

TALK

John Clare: The Helpston Peasant Poet at Stamford Methodist Church

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, £2 for members, £5 for non-members

The March meeting of the Stamford Local History Society will be a talk by the Reverend Gary Alderson on John Clare – the Helpston Peasant Poet. stamfordlocalhistorysociety.org.uk

CINEMA

Cinema for Rutland at Rutland County Museum

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm showing, £7.50

This month’s Cinema for Rutland is ‘Save the Cinema’, a 2022 British drama film based on the true story of Liz Evans, a hairdresser and leader of a youth theatre in Carmarthen, Wales, who began a campaign in 1993 to save the Lyric cinema from closure. The film features mostly

British talent, with principal roles led by Jonathan Pryce, Samantha Morton, Tom Felton, Adeel Akhtar and Susan Wokoma.

7

LIVE MUSIC

The Doric String Quartet at Stamford Arts Centre

7.30pm, £26 (£24 conc)

The Doric String Quartet brings elegance and intimacy both to the Classical canon and new music, with the depth and integrity of their interpretations winning them fans across the world. Their return to Stamford Arts Centre sees them perform an enticing programme of Bach and Beethoven.

LIVE MUSIC

Choral Music at St Peter’s Church, Oundle

7.30pm, £15 (£7.50 under 18s) at creativeoundle.co.uk

In a concert presented by Creative Oundle, the renowned Choir of Peterhouse, Cambridge, will perform a range of works, dating from the 1630s – when the choir was established – to the present day, including pieces by contemporary composers such as Ben Ponniah.

LEFT: the choir of Peterhouse College, Cambridge, will be in Oundle this month. RIGHT: Jane Eyre by Shoestring Theatre.

Their hauntingly beautiful music has won them fans across the world, and they have performed in many European countries. Last year saw them release their debut album, ‘Music from the Peterhouse Partbooks,’ which was praised by BBC Music Magazine for its ‘warmly blended’ sound and ‘bounding enthusiasm’.

14

OPEN GARDENS

Burghley House: South Gardens

Spring Opening

14 March until 19 April, 10am–5pm, from £11 adults, £8.50 children, or included with Annual Pass

Enjoy the magnificent seasonal displays in Burghley’s South Gardens, as the spring blooms give an injection of colour into the 28-acre garden.

LIVE MUSIC

Rutland Sinfonia at Oakham School Chapel 7.30pm, £16 (£5 under 18s)

Rutland Sinfonia invites audiences to step into the magic of the movies with The Sound of Hollywood, a celebration of iconic film scores. Featuring music from Pirates of the Caribbean, Wicked, Forrest Gump and Cinema Paradiso, the programme brings sweeping romance and highoctane adventure to life through the rich sound of a symphony orchestra.

Conducted by Associate Conductor David Calow, this third concert in the orchestra’s 50th anniversary season promises a thrilling evening for film fans and music lovers alike. Calow notes: ‘Think about your favourite Hollywood movie moments; they are accompanied by music that elevates the scene, whether it’s the soaring strings and heroic brass during a climactic battle or the soft piano underscoring a tender goodbye. It’s an emotional link that connects us to characters and their journeys.

‘Over recent years as Associate Conductor of the Rutland Sinfonia,

I’ve had the privilege of taking the players on their own movie music journeys and I’ll be doing it all again in our concert at Oakham School Chapel this March.’ rutlandsinfonia.org.uk

14 & 15

MORNING WORKSHOP

Block Printing at Easton Walled Gardens

VENUES

10am–12.30pm, £65 per session (the same 2.5hr workshop is being run on both the Saturday and Sunday mornings)

Isabela Streeter, founder of Haveli Diaries, is delighted to host her second block-printing workshop at Easton. She grew up in India and will lead an authentic experience exploring and learning the centuries-old technique of block printing and its rich cultural heritage. Using hand-carved wooden blocks and taking inspiration from the floral motifs found throughout the gardens, you will print your own cushion cover. All materials are provided.

• Burghley House Stamford PE9 3JY, 01780 752451, burghley.co.uk

• Easton Walled Gardens Grantham, NG33 5AP, 01476 530063, visiteaston.co.uk

• Goldmark Gallery 14 Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ, 01572 821424, goldmarkart.com

CULTURE, EVENTS, WORKSHOPS

• Oakham School Chapel Close, Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT, 01572 758500, oakham.rutland.sch.uk

• Peterborough Cathedral Peterborough PE1 1XS, 01733 355315, peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

• Rutland County Museum Catmos Street, Oakham LE15 6HW, 01572 758440, rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk

• Rutland Hall Hotel Stamford Road, nr Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AB, 01572 757901, rutlandhall.co.uk

• St Peter’s Church North Street, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4AL

• Stamford Arts Centre 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DL, 01780 763203, stamfordartscentre.com

• Stamford Corn Exchange Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PX, 01780 766455, stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

• Stamford School St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE, stamfordschools.org.uk

• Stamford Methodist Church 11 Barn Hill, Stamford PE9 2AE

• Witham Hall School Witham-on-the-Hill, Bourne PE10 0JJ, 01778 590222, withamhall.com

• Yarrow Gallery Glapthorn Road, Oundle PE8 4JF, oundleschool.org.uk/building/the-yarrow-gallery/

WHAT’S ON IN MARCH

20

LIVE MUSIC

‘Pop Goes Classical’ at Peterborough Cathedral

7.30pm, for tickets see peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performs ‘Pop Goes Classical’, uplifting orchestral versions of the world’s most iconic pop songs. This promises to be an uplifting and unforgettable musical experience.

21

FAMILY EVENT

Easter Egg Hunt at Witham Hall School

10am–12pm, for ages 1–10; tickets £5 per child, adults free – from: withameasterhunt.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow the bunny trail through Witham Hall’s grounds for clues, crafts, games and a joyful morning of Easter fun in support of charity.

TALK & EXHIBITION

Studio Potter Charlie Collier at Goldmark Gallery

Runs into April, free entry

March sees the opening of the debut show of one of the country’s most exciting young potters, Charlie Collier, at Goldmark Gallery. Charlie follows in the tradition of master British potters such as Mike Dodd and Svend Bayer and is a specialist in domestic ware. Visitors to the opening day will be treated to a free buffet lunch with a glass of fizz. goldmarkart.com

LIVE MUSIC

Nordic Serenades with Stamford Chamber Orchestra at Stamford Arts Centre

7.30pm, £16.50 (£13.50 conc, £6 under 26s)

Journey through the landscapes of Nordic music with Stamford Chamber Orchestra, from Nielsen’s Little Suite and Sibelius’s tender Rakastava to Grieg’s evocative Two Nordic Melodies The evening also features the world premiere of George Brown’s new commission, Banshee Dances, and Beliczay’s lyrical Serenade for Strings. The programme weaves Nordic classics with contemporary voices and is set to create an evening of shimmering beauty and dramatic intensity.

22

FOOD FESTIVAL

Rutland Food & Drink Festival 11am–4pm, free entry

A celebration of the county’s food, with stalls inside Oakham Castle, in the castle grounds, on the Market Place and at the Wisteria Hotel. Part of a celebratory weekend with special menus and events across Rutland.

26

EXHIBITION

Oundle Art Group Annual Exhibition at The Yarrow Gallery 26–31 March, daily 10am–4pm, free

A wonderful display, showcasing a rich variety of the members’ work and encompassing all types of media, including watercolours, oils, acrylics, pastel, charcoal and pencil.

TALK

The Arts Society Oakham Rutland County Museum (note new venue), 11am, £7 for guests

The Waldorf Astoria hotel was home in New York to the stars and even immortalised in song by Cole Porter. Built at the height of the Depression, it features Jazz Age interiors by leading European designers, artists and sculptors. This month the hotel is the topic of Mary Alexander’s talk for The Arts Society. theartssocietyoakham.org.uk

27 & 28

CHARITY FUNDRAISER

The Good & New Clothes Sale

The annual For Rutland clothes sale will be held at Rutland Hall Hotel. See our fashion shoot this month, which previews some of the clothes that will be on sale, and p40 for all the practical details.

28

LIVE MUSIC

Rutland Choral Society at Oakham School Chapel 7.30pm, £20 (free for under 16s) from wegottickets.com

The spring concert of Rutland Choral Society will feature Handel’s Messiah The choir will be joined by an 18-strong professional orchestra, The Raikes Consort, along with four professional soloists. rutlandchoralsociety.co.uk

Orangeries, garden rooms, conservatories, windows and doors. From design through to completion.

What’s On at Rutland Nursery

We caught up with the team at Rutland Nursery to discover what’s coming up at their beautiful HQ in Manton. With a vibrant programme spanning food, gardening, lifestyle and the creative arts – from workshops in The Bothy to funky Eats + Beats evenings and ‘Authors in Conversation’ events – there is something for every interest. Special guests this spring include Mary Berry and Craig Revel Horwood. lyndon road, manton le15 8rn rutlandnursery.co.uk rutlandnursery

MARCH

10

AUTHORS IN CONVERSATION: MARY BERRY [SOLD OUT]

6.45–8.45pm An intimate interview with in-house host Chris Young, followed by a relaxed Q&A session and the chance to ask your own gardening questions. Coincides with the publication of Mary’s new book My Gardening Life.

13

ELIZABETH STANHOPE: DESIGN MASTERCLASS IN THE BOTHY

10am–12pm The first in a series of five interior design masterclasses. For full details of all the sessions, see our feature on Elizabeth on pp48–50.

20

EATS + BEATS

7–11pm An evening of soulful house beats with in-house DJ, drinks and food in The View.

21

CALLIGRAPHY: BEGINNERS POINTED NIB WORKSHOPS

2–4pm Vicky Daws from Inviting Writing will teach the basics of modern calligraphy in a relaxing workshop in The Loft.

29

SPRING RENEWAL LETTERPRESS WORKSHOP

10am–12pm Craft five two-colour letterpress cards in The Loft with Lucy Douglas of Green Machine Creative using a vintage Adana press.

APRIL

14

AUTHORS IN CONVERSATION: CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD

Time tbc An interview with Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood and in-house host Chris Young. Promises to be fab-u-lous!

MAY

9

MODERN CALLIGRAPHY: NEXT STEPS – BOUNCE

10am–12.30pm Workshop with Vicky from Inviting Writing for anyone who has already learnt the basics of modern calligraphy and is ready to take their layouts a step further.

19

AUTHORS IN CONVERSATION: Genevieve Taylor

Time tbc Live-fire chef, author and teacher

Genevieve Taylor joins Chris Young for a Q&A, celebrating her new book How to BBQ.

‘Music here is shared, not performed at a distance’

Goldmark Front Room

World-class performers, a 60-seat room and an experience shaped as much by care as by sound. Goldmark Front Room in Uppingham is putting the intimacy back into live music

words: clare rudd-jones | photography: jay goldmark

IN an age shaped by scale – global streams, ever-expanding audiences, stadium tours – there is something quietly radical about a room that holds just 60 people, and yet draws musicians of international standing. Within the walls of Goldmark Gallery, Goldmark Front Room has become exactly that kind of place: intimate, attentive and deeply human, offering music not as spectacle, but as a shared and sustaining experience.

For Jay Goldmark, the gallery’s Managing Director, this sensitivity to musicians and audiences alike comes naturally. Jay is himself a multi-instrumentalist, playing with several bands – including Real Monsters, The Roamantics, FUGU and The Goods – and a familiar presence on the music pages of this magazine. Jay’s extensive experience as a gigging musician has shaped the way the Front Room operates, from its programming to the smallest details of a performance night.

Music in the Family

There is also a longer story at work. Jay grew up in a family where music and visual art have always sat side by side. His father, Mike Goldmark, who founded the gallery, has a history of staging extraordinary cultural events well beyond Uppingham. Among them was a gig at the Royal Albert Hall in 1995, featuring Allen Ginsberg and Paul McCartney performing the poem ‘Ballad of the American Skeletons’ – a remarkable meeting of poetry and music. You can still watch that performance – on Goldmark’s YouTube channel – a reminder that the instinct to share exceptional artistic moments, rather than let them fade into history, has long been part of the gallery’s ethos.

That musical inheritance extends across the wider Goldmark family. Mike’s daughter, Freya, is founder of the annual SIMFestival in Stamford and now an internationally acclaimed soloist and chamber musician. His son, Reuben, a pianist and composer, was a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition. Both have, at different times, performed in the Front Room, a space that, Jay tells me, has hosted concerts for over two decades – reinforcing the sense that music here grows organically from family, community and practice.

Choosing who appears in the Goldmark Front Room today is guided less by strategy than by instinct. ‘It really comes down to a very personal question,’ Jay continues. ‘Do I want to listen to them?’ Genre is secondary. The programme is deliberately eclectic – jazz, folk, classical and world music sit comfortably alongside one another – united by a shared promise of emotional depth and beauty. ‘It has to be a real experience,’ he says. ‘Something exquisite.’

A Carefully Shaped Experience

The setting itself is integral. The Front Room is the gallery’s ground-floor exhibition space, subtly transformed for these evenings into an intimate performance venue, where artworks remain part of the experience and the boundary between visual art and music gently dissolves. Arriving for a concert, there is an immediate sense of calm: the pace slows, attention sharpens, and listening becomes a collective act. ‘There’s an atmosphere here,’ Jay reflects. ‘You get a calm from the building, and then from the music.’ In contrast to the relentlessness of the wider world, Goldmark Front Room offers something restorative – a tonic that shows the better side of life, with the hope that people leave feeling uplifted. That generosity extends just as thoughtfully to the performers. Jay talks about the importance of the ‘rider’ – the behind-the-scenes setup that musicians encounter on arrival. Having experienced many times what it feels like to be a gigging musician, he was determined to curate the best possible experience here. At Goldmark, artists are welcomed with care: a beautifully lit green room, thoughtful hospitality, good food laid out generously. ‘We want musicians to

ABOVE: with nowhere to hide and without their normal fan base, Goldmark Front Room has been privileged to witness some magical performances from the likes of June Tabor (top), Roopa Panesar & Shahbaz Hussain (centre) and Kathryn Tickell (bottom), as well as Richard Thompson, This Is The Kit, Martin Simpson and many more.

LEFT: Grammy-nominated Olivia Chaney, who is coming to Goldmark Front Room on Sunday 24 May. Olivia’s broken-token trad ballad ‘Dark Eyed Sailor’ features in the new film adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Sam Lee (main photo, top), performing in February 2026 – his third time in Goldmark Front Room. Martin Stone & Chris Youlden (bottom right) deep in performance at Goldmark.

DID YOU KNOW?

Goldmark Front Room is filmed by Goldmark Films, the Pro Moviemaker Filmmaker of the Year and four-times Royal Television Society Award-nominated independent film-making arm of Goldmark Gallery.

‘Music that could be felt as much as heard, filling the room with warmth and exhilaration’

feel comfortable and valued,’ Jay says, convinced that this is one of the reasons they return –and why Goldmark Front Room’s reputation continues to spread by word of mouth.

The intimacy of the space itself is transformative. In larger venues, musicians often play into darkness, disconnected from their audience. Here, faces are visible, reactions immediate. ‘The audience is as important as the performers,’ Jay says. ‘That exchange is incredibly powerful. Music here is shared, not performed at a distance.’ For artists accustomed to scale and separation, the closeness can be energising – a reminder of why they perform in the first place.

Importantly, the evenings themselves are beautifully organised: drinks available to buy, merchandise often on offer but never forced, easy parking, everything considered and unhurried – small details that reflect the gallery’s wider generosity of spirit.

Curating a Legacy

Audiences have responded with equal enthusiasm. Recent concerts have sold out swiftly, drawing people not only from across the region but from London and abroad. A recent appearance by folk singer and ‘collector of songs’, Sam Lee, offered a striking example of why. A Mercury Prize-nominated artist, Lee’s performance in such a small, attentive space was intimate and deeply moving. His connection with the audience felt immediate and profound – music that could be felt as much as heard, filling the room with warmth and quiet exhilaration.

March brings another remarkable moment, with L.Y.R., fronted by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. L.Y.R. performed at Stamford Arts Centre last year – a concert so moving that, looking along the rows, it felt as though half the audience were in tears. That performance, supported by Rutland illustrator Angela Harding, who has worked closely with Armitage, illustrating his book Blossomise, stayed with many long afterwards. Experiencing such a collaboration in the Goldmark Front Room’s intimate setting promises something extraordinary. Alongside the live programme, Goldmark has also been quietly building a lasting legacy. Every concert is now filmed, creating a remarkable archive available via the gallery’s YouTube music channel (link below), a way of sharing what happens here without diluting it.

Looking ahead, the emphasis remains on listening: to musicians, to audiences and to the rhythm of the space itself. With a steady cadence of monthly concerts, the Goldmark Front Room continues to evolve organically, guided by care, curiosity and a belief in the power of close connection. In doing so, it offers a reminder that some of the most profound cultural experiences are not the loudest or the largest, but the ones that invite us to sit, listen and be present.

goldmark gallery, 14 orange st, uppingham le15 9sq | 01572 821424

• goldmarkart.com/collections/goldmark-front-room

• youtube.com/@goldmarkfrontroom • goldmarkart

Goldmark Front Room

LEFT: there is the occasional shortnotice big-name gig at Goldmark Front Room, and the mailing list (see website below) is your best ally to ensure you’re in the loop when the news breaks.

This March, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, one third of L.Y.R., will be performing at Goldmark. With just 60 seats, tickets sold out almost immediately.

UPCOMING CONCERTS

SUNDAY 12 APRIL:

ART THEMEN TRIO

British jazz grandee and multi-awardwinning saxophonist Art Themen, hailed by The Observer as ‘one of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians’, leads a groove-driven organ trio of wit, warmth and brilliance.

WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL:

L.Y.R.

An intimate pre-tour concert by L.Y.R., featuring the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Richard Walters and Patrick Pearson. Note that this concert has sold out.

SUNDAY 24 MAY:

OLIVIA CHANEY

An intimate performance by Olivia Chaney — the Grammy-nominated, BBC Folk Award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, celebrated for her spellbinding voice, musicianship and richly imaginative collaborations.

THURSDAY 4 JUNE:

DAVE BRISTOW QUINTET

Birmingham-born pianist-composer Dave Bristow, now Paris-based, is a leading European jazz voice, fronting his multinational quintet; 2025 album Sides earned critical acclaim across Europe.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Tickets: £30 each (just 60 per gig) – book at goldmarkart.com/collections/goldmark-front-room

Nevill Holt Festival

29 may to 21 june 2026

From opera to jazz, culinary conversations to summer gardens, Nevill Holt Festival 2026 returns with renewed confidence and wider ambition. Clare and Nick Rudd-Jones went to the estate to catch up with founder David Ross and discover how this much-loved event continues to evolve – and why local audiences matter more than ever

ON AN EVENING at the end of May, the gates at Nevill Holt open and the estate shifts gear. Guests arrive early, not simply for a performance, but for the experience that surrounds it: a walk through the gardens, a glass of Champagne on the terrace, the quiet build-up before the theatre lights dim. Anticipation is part of the ritual here – and so is a sense of occasion. For founder David Ross, that ritual has always been about more than opera. ‘It’s an important community event,’ he tells us. ‘A place like this benefits from being open to the public and the local community.’

‘A place like this benefits from being open to the public and the local community’

When Ross established Nevill Holt Opera in 2013, the focus was in the name. Over the past two years, however, the festival has broadened in scope and identity. Now in its second full year working with live entertainment specialists Underbelly, the programme has evolved into a confident multi-arts offering that retains high artistic standards while widening its welcome. ‘It’s much more accessible,’ he reflects, ‘with lower price points for a number of events. We’ve greatly enhanced the food and drink offering, and people have many more reasons to come, with an offering relevant to a wider audience.’

That shift was strategic. Ross had begun to question whether a purely operatic model could sustain a younger and more diverse audience. The answer was not to abandon opera, but to place it within a broader cultural landscape.

Opera, Jazz, Comedy, Cabaret, Conversation and More

Launching the 2026 Festival is Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, presented in partnership with Opera North across four performances from Friday 29 May to Sunday 7 June. Reimagined in the glamorous world of mid-1960s Italian cinema, it promises wit, sparkle and theatrical flair within the intimacy of Nevill Holt’s award-winning theatre. The partnership with Opera North has brought renewed confidence and scale, and last year’s season demonstrated that high-quality opera can flourish in this rural setting. Yet it now sits alongside a richly layered programme. The first wave of 2026 announcements includes the return of the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with Iain MacKenzie, Symphonic Ibiza’s orchestral club anthems, master satirist Rory Bremner and broadcaster John Simpson CBE, alongside culinary voices including Jeremy King. Comedy, cabaret, literature and conversation weave through the schedule.

The mirrored 1920s-style Spiegeltent – relaxed, convivial and faintly decadent – has become emblematic of the festival’s renewal. Audiences can move from a formal theatre performance to an informal late-night cabaret within this fabulous vintage mirrored pavilion, enjoying drinks during the show without ever leaving the estate. ‘As a collective, it works extremely well,’ Ross tells us.

Nevill Holt Festival

29 may to 21 june 2026

Gardens, Gastronomy & the Art of Staying Longer

Nevill Holt has always possessed huge visual impact. The honeyed stone of the hall, the sweep of lawn, the expansive, gloriously planted borders and exquisite kitchen garden (at their peak for the festival) all contribute to a sense of very careful stewardship. The festival increasingly builds on that setting, encouraging visitors not just to attend, but to relax into the place.

The food offering this year is designed to support that instinct for dwell time, with gastronomy a defining strand of the programme. Two restaurant experiences shape the culinary landscape: the return of Maison François and a new, less formal dining concept from Thomas Cubitt. Visitors are encouraged to come for food, gardens or a drink – even without a performance ticket. ‘We really want to encourage that walk-in business,’ Ross explains. Food features prominently on stage, too, with a strong line-up of culinary conversations welcoming leading names in the food world.

Beyond the tables and tents, the gardens remain integral. This year, the open gardens extend into July, allowing visitors to experience the estate beyond the festival. Ross describes the balance: roughly a third of visitors’ time is spent exploring the gardens, a third enjoying performances, and a third eating and drinking. The success of Nevill Holt lies in that interplay – not simply a sequence of ticketed events, but a complete and uplifting cultural experience.

‘The food offering this year is designed to support that instinct for dwell time, with gastronomy a defining strand of the programme’

A View that Defines the Place

Nevill Holt’s defining feature is impossible to miss. From the terrace, the land falls away into the Upper Welland Valley, with rolling pasture, hedged fields and church spires punctuating the distance. It is a distinctly English view: expansive yet composed, generous without drama –giving the festival a sense of scale and belonging. Indeed, for all its national calibre and headline names, Nevill Holt remains firmly rooted in its locality. The estate sits just outside Uppingham, around 20 minutes from Market Harborough, fewer than 25 minutes from Oakham and (we’ve timed it many times!) about 30 minutes from Stamford – closer than many might assume. Ross is keen to see more people from across the region making that short cross-county journey. ‘We very much welcome local visitors – their support, their engagement and their ideas,’ he says. The ambition is not simply to draw audiences for an evening, but to establish Nevill Holt as a regional destination – somewhere to spend a day, perhaps a weekend: to arrive for a talk, stay for supper, take in the valley and return for jazz beneath the Spiegeltent.

Education Embedded

The festival’s connection to the David Ross Education Trust (DRET), now approaching its 20th year, remains central. Arts, music and sport are embedded within the Trust’s schools, and the festival provides tangible opportunities for students to perform and participate. ‘We’re fixated with the broader educational offering,’ Ross says. ‘The aspiration is that we get young people to really engage in that.’ In 2026, students from DRET and Gabrieli Roar will perform Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas as part of the programme, sharing a professional stage in a setting that is both aspirational and accessible. Poetry competitions and school involvement further reinforce the sense that the festival is not separate from its community, but embedded within it.

As we discuss education, Ross reflects that the estate itself was once a school. After he purchased it, former pupils began contacting him, hoping to return; the festival became, in part, a way of reopening those gates. ‘The thing that makes it very special is that it’s quite a personal project,’ he says. ‘I think it’s good for the home that the festival happens.’

As early summer approaches, Nevill Holt prepares once again to open its gates – not merely as a private estate hosting performances, but as a festival confident in its ambition and sustained by the communities closest to it.

nevill holt estate, nr market harborough, leicestershire le16 8EG booking is now open, with special offers if you book 2 or more events. for information on what’s on when, memberships, festival faqs and to book, visit: nevillholtfestival | nevillholtfestival.com

Nevill Holt Festival returns for 2026 with an exceptional line-up of arts, entertainment and ideas all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Nevill Holt Estate in Leicestershire.

OPERA NORTH’S DON PASQUALE

RONNIE SCOTT’S JAZZ ORCHESTRA • JOHN SIMPSON CBE

RORY BREMNER • GRIMETHORPE COLLIERY BAND

THE HALO TRUST • SYMPHONIC IBIZA • THE JAY RAYNER SEXTET

JASON BYRNE • SHANE CONNOLLY MBE • ADAM HART

RORY O’CONNELL • ABANDOMAN • RACHEL TRETHEWEY

JEREMY KING • MATTY EDGELL • LEMON JELLY STAGE SCHOOL

UNDERBELLY’S CABARET ALL STARS • TWEEDY THE CLOWN

GABRIELI ROAR WITH DRET

PLUS MANY MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED TICKETS ON SALE NOW

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Shape a future that fits you

Plan for a future you can look forward to, whether retirement is just around the corner or many years away.

Plan today, enjoy tomorrow

Retirement or any other financial goals are big milestones in anyone’s life. With the appropriate advice and plan in place these become more exciting and less daunting.

Whatever your goals, the earlier you prepare, the harder your pension and investments can work for you. That may mean a more relaxed, confident and rewarding financial journey throughout life, up to and during retirement.

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stylist: sally stillingfleet

photography: elli dean

venue: rutland hall hotel

We are counting down the days until this year’s Good & New Clothes Sale, organised by the formidable team at For Rutland, a fundraising group for Citizens Advice Rutland (Reg Charity No 1107907). It is the biggest sale of its kind with racks of pre-loved clothes for all the family.

Funds raised by For Rutland pay for specialist advisers at Citizens Advice Rutland who provide free, confidential, non-medical advice to people of all ages living with long-term health conditions in Rutland and the surrounding area. Since June 2014 these advisers have helped local people in need to access almost £11 million in grants, debt write-offs and benefit funding.

We are delighted to bring you a sneak peek of some of the items that will be up for grabs at the sale, including new and pre-loved fashions, and labels from Alice Temperley to Zara. We haven’t included prices, as these are not yet available. This year’s events take place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March at Rutland Hall Hotel near Oakham.

See p40 for information on the venue, times and how to buy tickets.

opposite (left to right): martin wears jacket by mark marengo of savile row, shirt by brooks brothers and trousers by hackett, with a vintage scarf and maroon ‘weejuns’ by gh bass & co. lottie wears teal dress by pamela frances with vintage silver heels by wallis; her clutch bag is vintage next. carolyn wears long red dress by mango and holds a gold vintage clutch by next. ian wears dress suit by moss bros with tm lewin dress shirt and shoes by ecco.

FOR RUTLAND 2026

below left (top to bottom): ian wears grey suit by jaeger with shirt by pink; martin wears jacket by ermenegildo zegna, shirt by polo by ralph lauren, trousers by hackett london and maroon ‘weejuns’ by gh bass & co; ian wears moss 1851 jacket, with checked shirt by m&s, tie by charles tyrwhitt and trousers by roundtree & yorke.

below right: martin wears brown moleskin coat by charles tyrwhitt with blue shirt by polo by ralph lauren as in smaller photo below, beige chinos by norse projects, ‘soho walk’ shoes by loro piana and 100% cashmere checked scarf by johnstons of elgin.

‘It is the biggest sale of its kind with racks of pre-loved clothes for all the family’

FOR RUTLAND 2026

below: carolyn wears red cashmere polo neck with tartan trousers by the house of bruar and her own trainers. lottie wears cropped orange jacket by kaliko with checked trousers by the house of bruar, black polo neck from a range at the sale and axel arigato trainers.

:

by

and faux

and suede

GET INVOLVED!

• It’s not too late to donate good, clean, pre-loved clothes & accessories

• Volunteers are always welcome! For Rutland would love to hear from you

• Book now for the First Night Sale on Friday 27 March

• Shop on Saturday 28 March (am) for half-price fashion bargains

Every ticket, donation and volunteer supports For Rutland.

For more details on all the above, see p40.

FOR RUTLAND 2026

opposite: lottie wears bubblegum pink shirt by ralph lauren with m&s collection trousers with side stripe and zip, and lk bennett wedges.

below: lottie wears ‘julia’ dress by munthe with russell & bromley boots.

above right: carolyn wears pure collection top, comfort by gardeur trousers, long, striped cardigan by missoni, and sole desire bow-tie heels.

right: ian wears black leather jacket by canda with blue checked shirt by m&s and navy trousers by roundtree & yorke, as before. martin wears vintage black leather jacket and vintage scarf, both from a fabulous menswear range, with his own jeans.

FOR RUTLAND 2026

left, top to bottom: carolyn wears patterned top by lachasse with vintage hat from a gorgeous selection at the sale; lottie wears vintage hat by lai with black polo neck as before; carolyn wears gold top by dona louisa with hat by lai.

GOOD & NEW CLOTHES SALE 2026

THE VENUE

Rutland Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AB (rutlandhall.co.uk, rutlandhallhotel).

Contact the hotel for details of special offers at Rutland Hall while the Sale is on.

DATES & ENTRANCE PRICES

• Friday 27 March, 5–8pm: Entrance to the First Night Sale is by advance ticket only. These cost £30 per person and include a glass of Champagne and canapés kindly donated by Hambleton Hall. Visit the website to apply for tickets or email info@forrutland.org.uk

• Saturday 28 March, 8.30am–1pm: The Good & New Clothes Sale continues, with most items marked down to half price; the entry fee on the door on the Saturday is £5.

DONATE

If you’re having a clear out and have some good, clean, pre-loved clothes that you would like to donate, For Rutland would be delighted to have them. You can drop off pre-loved clothes or accessories year round at the following places: Cavells (Mill Street, Oakham), John Porter Dry Cleaning (Market Street, Oakham), The Falcon Hotel (High Street, Uppingham) or All Saints Hairdressing (The George Mews, Stamford). You can also contact info@forrutland.org.uk to arrange a drop off or collection.

VOLUNTEER

For Rutland is always looking for volunteers, especially with The Good & New Clothes Sale. Anyone interested in joining this wonderful group, please email info@forrutland.org.uk.

FOLLOW & FIND OUT MORE

Find out more about For Rutland via their website and social media. Scan this QR code to go straight to their website.

www.forrutland.org.uk | goodandnewclothessale

THANKS

• Firstly, big thanks to talented photographer Elli Dean ( ellideanphotography, ellideanphotography.co.uk) and stylist Sally Stillingfleet ( flowerfile), for creating this feature for the magazine.

• Thank you, too, to Rebecca Chantrell ( rebeccachantrellmakeup, makeupbybecca.co.uk), who did the beautiful makeup you can see here.

• Thank you to Rutland Hall Hotel for their kind permission to use the hotel for the shoot.

• Huge thanks to all our wonderful models – Carolyn Airey, Ian Balmer, Lottie Crooke, and Martin MacDuff – who so generously gave their time for this shoot and to promote For Rutland’s Sale.

• Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the phenomenal team at For Rutland – a true force for good in our region. Thank you to Trish Ruddle, Carolyn Airey, Alison Taylor and Jeannette Warner, who were there on the day of the shoot and a pleasure to work with, as ever.

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The Greatest Gift of All

‘Certain experiences are especially powerful for multi-generational travel… sharing moments of awe they will talk about for years… stories exchanged, memories already taking root’

This month, Helen Dooley, Director of More Travel in Stamford, considers why shared experiences may well be the most meaningful legacy of all

THERE COMES a point in life when the question subtly shifts. It is no longer ‘what can I give?’ but ‘what will be remembered?’ As grandparents, many of us reach a stage where we are fortunate enough to have choices: about time, about travel, and about how we bring the people we love together. Increasingly, I see families choosing not another gathering at home, but something far richer: shared experiences that live on long after the suitcases are unpacked.

I see this not only through my work at More Travel in Stamford, but in my own life. Some of my most treasured moments in recent years have been watching my grown sons slip effortlessly back into childhood on holiday – fiercely competitive games of cricket or table tennis, shrieking laughter as they somersault into the pool, sun-soaked and carefree. In those moments, time folds in on itself, and I remember them exactly as they were when they were small.

Now imagine adding grandchildren into that picture. There is something quietly magical about watching adult children and their own children play together, free from the distractions of everyday life. On a special family holiday, parents relax, grandchildren feel seen, and siblings reconnect. Grandparents – often the ones who make it all happen – have the joy of watching it unfold.

Moments that Span Generations

Certain experiences are especially powerful for multi-generational travel. A safari, for example, has an extraordinary way of captivating every age: children wide-eyed at their first elephant sighting, teenagers unexpectedly absorbed, and adults sharing moments of awe they will talk about for years. Evenings bring everyone together, stories exchanged, memories already taking root.

Equally meaningful is the intimacy of hiring a beautiful private villa. Somewhere sundrenched and spacious, where mornings unfold slowly, grandchildren tumble straight into the pool, and meals stretch long into the evening. It’s in these unstructured moments that bonds are strengthened – not through grand gestures, but through time spent together.

What stays with people is never just the destination. It’s the shared jokes, the familiar photographs, the ‘remember when’ moments that resurface again and again. These experiences become reference points –anchors within a family’s story. In a world that moves ever faster, perhaps the most generous thing we can offer is time together: beautifully spent, deeply felt and never forgotten.

Spaces by Design transformed this Ensuite in Empingham, from its neo-classical influence, complete with Roman pillars, into a serene and contem porary retreat.

The Space The ensuite posed a complex design challenge. Split floor levels, multiple angled ceilings, and irregular wall positions called for a design that felt softer, calmer, and more cohesive. Generous proportions allowed the room to be thoughtfully zoned into three distinct areas for showering, washing, and bathing.

A full-height walnut divider introduces privacy, but allows natural light to filter deep into the space. To visually unify the shower and toilet, a sweeping, gently curved wall was introduced and finished in avocado mosaic tiles, striking a refined balance between design and practicality.

The bath sits majestically on the lower level. Set beneath the warm glow of pendant lighting, it offers a place to unwind while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape— an inviting retreat perfectly suited to quiet evenings with a book and a glass of wine.

words: clare rudd-jones photography: rachael smith

Elizabeth Stanhope

Elizabeth Stanhope represents Rutland at its most stylish, with an interior design approach that is highly sought after both in this region and nationwide. We caught up with Founder and Creative Director, Lizzie, and Design Director, Lauren, to talk design ethos, how the studio works with clients and an exciting new programme of workshops at Rutland Nursery

APPROACHING its 25th anniversary, Elizabeth Stanhope (est. 2002) is a nationally acclaimed design studio, at the forefront of the region’s design landscape, with a reputation built on experience, creativity and trust. From its thoughtfully curated showroom on Mill Street in Oakham, the team works across private homes and architectural projects, both locally and further afield. Its design approach is defined by calm, elegant interiors that feel carefully layered rather than overworked – stylish and understated, yet always with a strong sense of personality.

A Collaborative Approach

At the heart of the studio is collaboration. Lizzie works alongside a skilled team of interior and architectural designers, stylists and specialists, including the company’s Project Director, Becky, who has worked with Elizabeth for 25 years, bringing together a broad range of expertise across each project. Longstanding relationships with trusted craftspeople and trades allow ideas to be realised with consistency, care and attention to detail.

Listening, Lizzie says, is where every project begins. Rather than imposing a fixed ‘look’, the team takes time to understand how clients live, how they use their spaces, and what they are drawn to aesthetically.

RIGHT: A Georgian home carefully restored and reimagined, balancing historic character with contemporary living. The owners reflected: ‘We couldn’t be happier with the transformation the Elizabeth Stanhope team delivered. As the leading interior design studio in Rutland, we knew we were in the safest of hands. They renovated our entire home, expertly restoring historic architectural features while blending period pieces with contemporary elements that reflected our style and respect our home’s history. Their attention to detail and clear communication made the process feel smooth and inspiring.’

OPPOSITE: Founder & Creative Director, Lizzie.

Elizabeth Stanhope

BELOW: A Rutland home reshaped through trust, vision and thoughtful collaboration. The client noted: ‘I thoroughly enjoyed working with Elizabeth and her team. They were very engaged and supportive throughout. We were living in Paris, so Elizabeth took on the responsibility of managing the entire renovation. I had every faith in her. Elizabeth has great vision and lots of creative and interesting ideas. We now have a beautiful family home with a wonderful elegance and a few unexpected surprises.’

The studio’s design philosophy centres on creating timeless interiors that endure trends and exude elegance, while remaining functional and deeply personal to each client. The result is schemes that feel bespoke rather than prescriptive, carefully shaped around the individual.

While the studio is known for its refined style, flexibility is key. Projects range from early-stage architectural work to redesigning single rooms, and they span city homes, rural properties and second residences. Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, children’s spaces and whole-house schemes all sit comfortably within the studio’s remit. To support this, Elizabeth Stanhope offers a range of design packages, from a streamlined ‘Express’ service to multiroom and full turnkey experiences, allowing clients to choose the level of involvement and support that best suits their project.

‘The studio’s design philosophy centres on creating timeless interiors that endure trends and exude elegance’

Enduring Creativity

Across all scales of work, craftsmanship remains central. Materials, finishes and proportions are carefully considered, with a strong emphasis on longevity – interiors designed not just to look good when finished, but to stand the test of time. It’s an approach that has earned the studio a growing national reputation, with clients increasingly seeking out its work well beyond Rutland.

Yet despite that wider reach, the practice remains firmly rooted in the local area. The Mill Street showroom acts as both a working studio and a welcoming space for clients to explore ideas, fabrics and finishes, and to begin shaping their projects in a relaxed, thoughtful environment. A carefully curated range of homewares is also available here.

As Elizabeth Stanhope looks ahead to the next chapter, that balance continues to define the studio. Stylish without being showy, confident without being fixed, it is a practice built on experience, collaboration and a deep understanding of how people want to live in their homes. TO FIND OUT MORE,

SHOWROOM: 27 MILL STREET, OAKHAM LE15 6EA | 01572 722345

OPEN: TUE–SAT 9AM–4.30PM

| interiors • elizabeth stanhope

ELIZABETH STANHOPE: A MASTERCLASS SERIES

What is it? A new series of relaxed, informative workshops, hosted in the beautiful surroundings of The Bothy at Rutland Nursery. Designed to demystify interior design, the sessions combine creative inspiration with practical, hands-on advice.

Who is it for? Perfect for those with an interest in interior design. Ideal for anyone planning a renovation, refreshing a room or simply keen to refine their home, each workshop offers clear guidance and thoughtful insight, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

What does it include? Guests will enjoy fresh pastries and seasonal fruit, a live presentation and demonstration, and a hands-on session creating a materials tray. Each attendee will also receive a Design Essentials goodie bag, a Rutland Nursery gift, and a 10% discount to use in Rutland Nursery’s shop on the day and against Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors’ design services.

Workshop 1: From Concept to Creation: The Art of Kitchen & Bathroom Design. 13 March, 10am–12pm. Focus: Kitchen & Bathroom Design

Workshop 2: The Art of Soft Furnishings 15 May, 10am–12pm. Focus: Fabrics, textures, and building a cohesive design scheme.

Workshop 3: Decoration & Colour Stories 10 July, 10am–12pm. Focus: Paint, wallpaper, and building cohesive colour palettes.

Workshop 4: The Full Design Experience: Whole Home Harmony. 18 September, 10am–12pm. Focus: Cohesive design across the home.

Workshop 5: Seasonal Styling & Entertaining. 20 November, 10am–12pm. Focus: Dressing your home for Christmas 2026, from gate to table.

£75 per workshop (with a discount when booking all five) Book at www.rutlandnursery.co.uk/events/

Gladwell & Patterson

new exhibition: last line of land

‘Last Line of Land’ is a beautiful new exhibition, perfect for the early days of spring at Gladwell & Patterson. The gallery is showcasing a series of land and seascape paintings in which artists reflect on the edges of vistas, the limits and the boundaries where land ends and something else begins. The end of land, where it meets the sky or sea, has long proved a fascinating subject for landscape artists as each generation brings fresh observations and experiments with new techniques in colour and interpretation.

CLARE HALEY

Contemporary British artist, Clare Haley, approaches the boundary between land and sky as the point where descriptive landscape gives way to painterly expression. Although her landscapes are recognisable, they are also idealised places of the imagination and the last line between civilisation and the untouched purity of a romantic valley.

ABOVE: Clare Haley, British (Contemporary), ‘Drifting Light’, signed ‘CH’ (lower left), oil on board, 80 x 100cm, £1,995.

RIGHT: Paul Bennet, British (Contemporary), ‘Blissful Sea I’, oil on panel, 50 x 60cm, £650.

ANDRÉ BARBIER

André Barbier, painting in the early 20th century and a friend of Claude Monet, produced a series of works inspired by the dramatic cliffs of the coast of Normandy. The battered stacks that form the edge of a landscape, otherwise known as the Alabaster Coast, are depicted as indomitable buttresses. Although the skies with their soft hues look calm and pretty, the eroded and scarred cliffs hint at the ravages of the weather and their ancient age. With the stroke of a brush, Barbier reminds the observer of the push and pull of forces at play at the last line of land.

ABOVE: André Barbier, French (1883–1970), ‘Falaise d’Étretat’, oil on canvas (65 x 81cm), £25,000.

ABOVE: Raymond Wintz, French (1884–1956), ‘La Côte Rocheuse à l’Ile d’Yeu’, 1952, gouache on board, 38 x 61cm, £9,500.

BELOW: Charles Henri Verbrugghe, French, (1877–1974), ‘La Villa Tangara à Capri’, signed ‘C H Verbrugghe’, oil on board, 27 x 46cm, £1,250.

DONALD HAMILTON FRASER

Artists also use shorelines and boundaries with the sky, as places of transition and possibility. Here, they can paint the tension between representation and abstraction. As the land recedes toward its edge, so form often simplifies into bands of colour, gesture or texture. The colour blue, as used by the British artist Donald Hamilton Fraser in his work A Boat on a Foreshore evokes a response of tranquillity whilst the stranded boat offers the prospect of escaping into a soothing distance.

BELOW: Donald Hamilton Fraser, British (1929–2009), ‘A Boat on a Foreshore’, oil on canvas (61 x 76.5cm), £16,000.

Finally, a surreal look at the last line of land… A parallel world of dreams painted by Simon Garden.

BELOW: Simon Garden, British (Contemporary), ‘Visiting Great Aunt Maud’, signed ‘Simon Garden’ (on reverse), oil on board (123 x 123cm), £15,000.

gladwell & patterson, 1 high st, stamford pe9 2al 01780 917567 | www.gladwellpatterson.com gladwellsart

As individual as you A local home improvement company managing contemporary and traditional bespoke projects from concept to completion for over 35 years. All trades covered such as plumbing, heating, tiling, and electrics – creating beautiful bespoke bathrooms, wet rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.

‘This is the first major BADA art and antiques fair outside London… It has been a long search to find the right location’

The BADA

Art & Antiques Fair Rutland

The British Antique Dealers’ Association launches its first major art and antiques fair outside London at the Pavilion, Rutland Hall Hotel, from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 June 2026, with Rutland selected for an inaugural event where every object is vetted for quality and authenticity

THE British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) is delighted to announce the launch of the first ever major BADA art and antiques fair outside London since its foundation in 1918. The BADA Art & Antiques Fair Rutland will take place at the Pavilion, Rutland Hall Hotel, from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 June.

BADA chose Rutland for its unspoilt villages, wonderful local sights and luxury hotels. They anticipate that visitors will combine a visit to the fair with the chance to explore an area of the country they may not yet know.

The fair will feature 40 BADA members exhibiting a wide selection of fine art, antiques and design. Among the specialist disciplines represented will be jewellery, fine furniture, drawings, paintings and watercolours, sculpture, clocks and watches, glass, rare books and silver. Each object will be individually vetted for quality and authenticity by BADA’s leading experts, meaning visitors can buy with complete assurance.

Rutland’s central location offers the opportunity to showcase regional dealers who may not have exhibited at a BADA event before, as well as bringing some of the association’s leading lights to a unique area of the UK. Among the exhibitors confirmed for the inaugural event are international specialists in European sculpture and Old Masters, Tomasso, 18th- and early 19th-century

furniture dealers Freshfords Fine Antiques, renowned Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art dealers Gladwell & Patterson, 19th- and 20th-century furniture dealer Holly Johnson Antiques, French clock specialist Richard Price of BBC Antiques Roadshow fame; and Abbott and Holder, dealers in watercolours, drawings, prints and oils from 1750 to 2000.

BADA Chairman Louise Phillips said: ‘Covid and the resulting lockdown had a devastating effect on the UK fairs and exhibitions calendar, with ballooning costs forcing the closure of much-loved events, not just in London but throughout the country. It has been a long search to find the right location, but we believe we have found one which is right for our exhibiting members and one which people will enjoy visiting, not only for the fair but to experience all that Rutland has to offer.’

BADA RUTLAND FAIR 2026 IS BEING HELD AT THE PAVILION, RUTLAND HALL HOTEL, NR OAKHAM LE15 8AB

FRIDAY 5 JUNE: 11AM–8PM; SATURDAY 6 JUNE: 11AM–6PM; SUNDAY 7 JUNE: 11AM–5PM

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK: WWW.BADA.ORG

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

• A Dappled Grey Horse in a Stable with a Greyhound, Ducks and a Cat. John Frederick Herring Snr (1795–1865). Oil on canvas. Courtesy of Rountree Tryon Galleries.

• Corona di Fiori table by Piero Fornasetti. Lithographically printed and lacquered wood. Italy, c.1970. Courtesy of Holly Johnson Antiques.

• The Grand National, Aintree, Beeches Brook. Jacque-Emile Blanche, 1861–1942. Oil on canvas, c.1930. Courtesy of Walker Galleries.

SECOND ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

• 18th-century serpentine mahogany and satinwood inlaid chest. English, c.1785–95. Courtesy of Freshfords Fine Antiques.

• View of the Thames from the north bank with Old Westminster Bridge, Lambeth Palace and St Paul’s, Joseph Nicholls (fl. 1726–55). Oil on canvas. Courtesy of John Bennett Fine Paintings.

• Tête de Paon (Peacock Head). Car Mascot. René Lalique (1860–1945). French, c.1925. Courtesy of Mark Goodger Antiques.

THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

• Rivière en Normandie, 1913, Gustave Loiseau (1865–1935). Oil on canvas. Courtesy of Gladwell & Patterson.

• Art Deco patinated bronze figure of a striding Panther. Rulas, France, c.1920–30. Courtesy of Solo Antiques.

• View of the Cascade in the Garden of Sir Francis Dashwood’s West Wycombe Park. Attributed to W Taylor. Oil on canvas. Courtesy of John Bennett Fine Paintings.

BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

• By the Shore Dorothea Sharp (1874–1955). Oil on panel. Courtesy of Walker Galleries.

• Pair of 19th-century oak hall seats. England, c.1880. Courtesy of S & S Timms Antiques.

• Sun Effect – above Waldney Scar, Coniston. Joseph Arthur Palliser Severn. Watercolour and bodycolour, 1906. Courtesy of Sarah Colegrave.

Bespoke Design

Nicholas Rudd-Jones visited father-anddaughter team Paul and Faye Vaughan at their design studio in Ketton to find out more about this top-end, design-led orangeries business

LED BY DESIGN

We meet at Bespoke Design’s studio near Stamford. When asked what sets the business apart, Paul and Faye didn’t hesitate to explain: ‘First and foremost, we are design-led. We believe that every home has an optimal solution, but finding it requires experience, creativity and careful thought. That process – the challenge of arriving at the best possible design – is something we genuinely enjoy and remain passionate about today.’

They are a family business, and that personal approach is at the heart of everything they do. Paul has more than 38 years’ experience in business management and design-and-build, while Faye has over 26 years’ design experience and oversees the day-to-day operation of the company. ‘We like to give our clients the reassurance of working with people who truly understand every aspect of the process,’ says Faye. ‘Above all, we care deeply about what we do.’ The in-house teams mirror this ethos – especially the father-and-son partnership with many years of shared expertise. ‘We are an independent business where every job is bespoke. We focus on quality, not quantity, and we take great pride in our work.’

A COMPLETE TURNKEY SERVICE

‘We also offer a complete turnkey service, managing every stage of a project from start to finish,’ says Paul. ‘This begins with the initial concept design and CGI visualisations, which really help bring ideas to life for our clients. From there, we handle structural calculations, planning applications, building regulations and all aspects of construction, right through to the final finishing touches.’

The team regularly undertakes structural alterations to existing homes and reconfiguring internal living spaces. ‘A lot of our clients want more than just an extension,’ explains Faye. ‘They want to transform the way their home works.’

‘Many national orangery companies don’t offer this level of service,’ Paul adds. ‘They expect customers to select their own builders and manage that element of the project themselves. We believe it should be the other way around – the client should be able to enjoy the process, while we take care of everything in-house.’

LISTENING TO CLIENT NEEDS

‘We always listen very carefully to a client’s needs. Ultimately, our aim is to create an area that feels like a natural part of your home, not simply an add-on. It is careful attention to detail, personal service, continuity and client needs that defines the studio’s quietly bespoke, design-led approach – in turn creating beautiful spaces that families can enjoy for many years to come.’

THE VIEW, 63B HIGH STREET, KETTON, STAMFORD PE9 3TE | 01780 722401

BESPOKE DESIGN

Areas of Expertise

From heritage aluminium to sustainably sourced hardwood options, Bespoke Design caters to both traditional and contemporary aesthetics.

Services include:

• Orangeries

• Conservatories

• Garden rooms

‘We believe that there is an optimal solution for every home, but sometimes it can take a lot of work, experience and creativity to come up with the best solution’

LEFT & BELOW: A selection of projects by Bespoke Design, showcasing carefully considered, bespoke orangeries, conservatories and garden rooms that feel an integral part of the home.

ORCHARD WINDOWS

Celebrating 25 Years

In an industry where trust, reliability and craftsmanship matter more than ever, Orchard Windows is proudly celebrating a major milestone: 25 years in business serving Stamford and the surrounding villages. What began back in 2001 as a one-van operation has grown into one of the area’s most respected home improvement companies. Founded with a clear focus on quality workmanship and honest customer service, Orchard Windows has steadily built a reputation that stands the test of time – one installation at a time

Orchard Windows, Unit 6A, Tinwell Business Park, Steadfold Lane, Stamford PE9 3UN | 01780 753343 www.orchardwindows.co.uk

A Quarter of a Century of Craftsmanship and Care

From those early days with just a single vehicle on the road, the company has expanded significantly. Today, Orchard Windows employs a skilled team of 15 local people and operates a fleet of vehicles that can be seen across Stamford and throughout neighbouring villages. Despite this impressive growth, the business has never lost sight of its original values: doing the job properly, using quality products and treating customers’ homes with care and respect.

Over the past 25 years, Orchard Windows has evolved to meet the changing needs of homeowners. While the company is widely known for supplying and installing high-quality windows and doors, its offering has expanded to include garden room extensions and warm roof replacements – solutions designed to enhance living space, improve comfort and increase energy efficiency all year round.

Garden room extensions have become particularly popular with homeowners looking to add usable space without the upheaval of a full extension. Orchard Windows works closely with customers to create stylish, functional spaces that feel like a natural extension of the home. Meanwhile, warm roof replacements have transformed countless conservatories, turning once seasonal rooms into comfortable living areas that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

Personal Service, Local Expertise

A key part of Orchard Windows’ continued success is its commitment to providing a personal, face-to-face service. The company’s showroom offers customers the opportunity to see and feel the quality of the products on offer, explore design options and speak directly with knowledgeable staff. It’s a welcoming space where ideas can be discussed without pressure, and where experience genuinely makes a difference.

Being based in Stamford has always been central to the business’s identity. Orchard Windows is proud to serve the local community and surrounding villages, many of which include period and character properties that require a careful, sympathetic approach. The team understands local architecture and planning considerations, ensuring installations not only perform well but also look right for the home.

As Orchard Windows marks its 25th anniversary, it does so with gratitude – to the customers who have trusted the business with their homes and to the dedicated team who continue to uphold its standards every day. Many customers return time and again, recommending the company to friends and family, a testament to the relationships built over a quarter of a century. Looking ahead, Orchard Windows remains focused on the future while staying true to the principles it was founded on in 2001. With a strong team, a growing range of solutions, and an ongoing commitment to quality and service, the company is well-placed to continue improving homes across Stamford for many years to come.

From one van to a thriving local employer, Orchard Windows’ 25-year journey is a story of steady growth, local pride, and a business built the right way.

Willow & Stone Properties

Independent

and local,

Willow & Stone Properties offers bespoke marketing, expert guidance and thoughtful storytelling for distinctive homes

across the region

IN AN AGE when national chains and online platforms dominate much of the property market, Willow & Stone Properties stands proudly as an independent, local estate agency rooted in personal service, deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for the homes it represents.

Founded with the belief that property is never just bricks and mortar, Willow & Stone Properties has built its reputation on a bespoke, relationship-led approach. Every home is different, every seller’s circumstances are unique, and every buyer has their own motivations. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all strategy, Willow & Stone tailors its marketing carefully to each individual property, ensuring it is positioned in the best possible light to attract the right audience.

This bespoke marketing approach goes far beyond simply listing a property online. Professional photography, considered presentation, targeted exposure and thoughtful storytelling all play a role. For some homes, this means a discreet, off-market strategy designed to appeal quietly to qualified buyers. For others, it involves a carefully timed launch with maximum impact. The aim is always the same: to achieve the best possible outcome while respecting the character of the home and the wishes of the client.

Expertise in Listed and Period Homes

Willow & Stone Properties is particularly well known for its expertise in listed and period homes. These properties demand a level of care, understanding and experience that not all agents possess. From historic cottages to elegant country houses, listed buildings bring with them charm, heritage and responsibility. The team at Willow & Stone understands the complexities that can come with such homes, including conservation considerations, sympathetic improvements and the importance of communicating a property’s story. Buyers of listed homes are rarely just purchasing a house; they are becoming custodians of a piece of local history, and that narrative is central to how these properties are marketed.

Alongside sales, Willow & Stone offers in-house mortgage services, providing clients with a seamless and informed experience from start to finish. Having access to mortgage advice under the same roof allows buyers to move forward with clarity and confidence, whether they are first-time buyers, upsizing locally or relocating to the area. This integrated service saves time, reduces uncertainty and helps transactions progress more smoothly – a benefit that both buyers and sellers appreciate.

An Independent Business Independence is at the heart of Willow & Stone Properties. Being locally owned means that decisions are made here, not in a distant head office. It allows the team to be agile, responsive and genuinely invested in the community they serve. Many clients are neighbours, friends and repeat customers – a reflection of trust built over time rather than volume-driven targets.

The area itself plays a vital role in Willow & Stone’s identity. Covering Stamford, Uppingham, Oundle, Oakham and the surrounding villages, the team has an intimate understanding of what makes each location special. From the stone architecture and historic streets of Stamford to the charm of Uppingham and Oakham, and the riverside appeal of Oundle, this part of the region offers a quality of life that continues to attract buyers from near and far. Rolling countryside, picturesque villages, strong communities and excellent schooling all combine to create places where people genuinely want to put down roots. Willow & Stone doesn’t just sell houses; it sells the lifestyle that comes with them, with local knowledge of walks, views, amenities, schools and hidden gems woven naturally into conversations and marketing, helping buyers truly understand what it means to live here.

‘Founded with the belief that property is never just bricks and mortar, Willow & Stone Properties has built its reputation on a bespoke, relationship-led approach’

For those wishing to explore more about Willow & Stone Properties, its approach and its portfolio of homes, the website (see above right) offers an insight into both current listings and the values that underpin the business. It reflects the same care, clarity and attention to detail that clients experience in person.

In a fast-moving property world, Willow & Stone Properties remains refreshingly grounded: independent, local, and committed to doing things properly. It is this combination of expertise, integrity and genuine local connection that continues to set the agency apart.

ABOVE: distinctive homes, thoughtfully marketed by Willow & Stone Properties, across Stamford, Rutland and the surrounding villages. RIGHT (FROM TOP): Ross Dykes, owner of Willow & Stone; aerial view of Stamford; Normanton Church, Rutland Water.

GARDEN CENTRE | HOME & LIFESTYLE | DINING | FARM SHOP | FARMING

SPEND THE DAY AT OUR DESTINATION GARDEN CENTRES SET IN RURAL LEICESTERSHIRE

Experience the elegant outdoors at Gates. Be inspired by our range of exquisite garden furniture, state-of-the-art barbecues, and beautiful plants, transforming your garden into a sophisticated outdoor retreat. Visit us at Oakham and Hinckley and let your dream garden come to life.

Spring Starts Here

With longer days and a new warmth in the air, March invites us back outside. Borders beckon, lawns awaken and plans begin to take shape. Rooted in our local landscape, the experts featured here bring experience, insight and a genuine understanding of our terrain –offering inspiration and guidance for a thriving season ahead 1

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ROBERT JOHNSON GARDEN DESIGN

This image captures the balance at the heart of Stamford garden designer Robert’s work – strong hard landscaping combined with relaxed, natural planting. Clean paving lines and a defined seating area create structure and year-round presence, while soft drifts of perennials and layered greenery bring movement, texture and seasonal colour. Robert notes: ‘The aim is always to create a timeless space that feels completely at home in its surroundings.’ Whether for contemporary homes or older, listed buildings, each garden is carefully proportioned and thoughtfully planted to complement its setting. robertjohnsongardendesign.com

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STAMFORD LANDSCAPES

Stamford Landscapes specialises in bringing garden design visions to life, taking projects from concept to completion with precision and care. Working closely with designers, landscape architects and clients, the skilled team creates beautifully crafted landscapes that are both functional and visually striking. Services include woodwork, paving, garden rooms, outdoor kitchens, water features, planting and tree installation across Stamford and Rutland, along with ongoing garden maintenance. stamfordlandscapes.co.uk

3 ELMS LANDSCAPES

In this rear garden, walling stone, paving, clay pavers and gravel blend seamlessly to create texture and depth. Structured box cubes frame two handcrafted stone cubes (each weighing around 600kg), one incorporating a bespoke water feature to add drama and focus. elmslandscapes.co.uk

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YVETTE’S DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Yvette’s Design Solutions is run by garden designer, lecturer and Rutland Flower Show Ambassador Yvette, who works with clients to develop confident, well-considered gardens. We love the sound of her garden coaching sessions, offering expert advice without the need for a full redesign. Available as in-person visits or online consultations, they provide tailored guidance to tackle specific challenges and support the ongoing development of your garden. Gift vouchers are also available. yvettesdesignsolutions.co.uk

5 TJ KENNEDY

TJ Kennedy is an award-winning Rutland-based garden and landscape designer, studio founder and tutor with expertise in creative, timeless garden design and sustainable planting. Open Studio events run on Fridays (by appointment) and Saturday morning drop-ins throughout March. Visitors are invited to gain insight into the garden design process, ask questions and explore plans for 2026 projects. Visit the website to find out more. tjkennedy.design

6 MARRAM GARDENS

Spring is the perfect time to invest in your outdoor space, whether through a full redesign or a focused transformation. From sunken patios, stylish water features and planted borders to more intimate dining spaces, Marram Gardens (Aqua Earth) can help you transform your outside space. marramgardens.co.uk

7 STAMFORD GARDEN STUDIOS & LANDSCAPING LTD

From aluminium verandas and pergolas to bespoke garden rooms designed as offices, gyms or games rooms, Stamford Garden Studios & Landscaping Ltd is passionate about outdoor living. The team offers a complete turnkey package, providing groundwork, landscaping and full building installations – creating functional, stylish spaces tailored to each client. stamfordgardenstudios.co.uk

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PRECISION LANDSCAPES

Precision Landscapes (of South Luffenham) created this bespoke outdoor building in Lincolnshire with a living green roof, thoughtfully shaping the landscape around it to embrace the existing pond. The firm’s craftsmanship can also be seen at the Garden of Surprises at Burghley House and in the relocation of a garden from RHS Chelsea. precision-landscapes.co.uk

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Spring Starts Here

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THE RUTLAND FLOWER SHOW

After an exceptional 2025 event that drew visitors from across the region and beyond, The Rutland Flower Show returns from 14–16 August 2026 with even more inspiration for gardeners of every level. Set against Rutland’s beautiful backdrop, the show brings together specialist growers, award-winning designers and passionate horticulturalists for a vibrant celebration of plants, design and outdoor living. This year’s highlights include appearances by celebrated gardeners Carol Klein, Adam Frost, Nick Hamilton, Matthew Wilson, Ben Cross and Bunny Guinness, an exclusive Floral Marquee display from multi-RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners Dibleys Houseplants and sponsorship from the National Allotment Society.

ABOVE: Carol

will

This magazine is delighted to be sponsoring the Rutland Garden Theatre, supporting a lively programme of expert speakers and practical demonstrations throughout the show. With beautiful displays and plenty of handson advice, it promises another memorable celebration of gardening at its very best. rutlandflowershow.co.uk

10 RUTLAND NURSERY

If you’re seeking fresh inspiration for the season ahead, The Shop at Rutland Nursery offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gardening books spanning design, planting, kitchen gardening and seasonal care. Recent highlights include the latest title from Mary Berry and a new release by Henry Agg. Rutland Nursery also hosts popular ‘In Conversation’ events with leading authors – including Mary Berry (see p14) – giving visitors the opportunity to hear directly from the experts behind the books. rutlandnursery.co.uk

11 GATES GARDEN CENTRE

For those looking to extend their living space outdoors this season, Gates Garden Centre offers an extensive outdoor furniture department, with collections ranging from relaxed rattan sets to contemporary dining suites and statement loungers. Whether you’re planning long summer lunches, evening entertaining or simply a quiet corner to unwind, the team can help you find pieces that combine comfort, durability and style – ready to make the most of the months ahead. gatesgardencentre.co.uk

12 THE BARN GARDEN CENTRE, OUNDLE

With an enticing selection of plants, seasonal bulbs and a strong range of roses, The Barn Garden Centre is a rewarding destination for gardeners looking to refresh their borders this spring. Add in the welcoming Boxwood Café, and a visit becomes more than a shopping trip – it’s a leisurely day out for anyone who loves their garden. thebarngardencentre.co.uk

‘This

magazine

is delighted

to be sponsoring the Rutland Garden Theatre at the 2026 Rutland Flower Show, supporting a lively programme of expert speakers and practical demonstrations throughout the show’

BELOW: If you’re in the market for garden furniture, make sure you pay a visit to Gates Garden Centre, near Oakham. We love their range of stylish egg chairs – perfect for relaxing.

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Joe Whitehead Head Gardener at Burghley

Gardeners’

Question Time panellist, Chair of the Professional Gardeners’ Guild and Head Gardener at Burghley since 2018, Joe Whitehead reflects on Capability Brown, garden philosophy, planting, weather and life at Burghley House with Stamford & Rutland Living writer and Burghley gardening volunteer

Rebecca Downey

JOE has held the position of head gardener at Burghley for the last eight years, but was familiar with the lay of the land having been an undergardener at the treasure house from 1997 to 2002. Horticulture is embedded in the Whitehead DNA; he recalls influential visits to his grandfather’s carnation house and greenhouses specialising in Cymbidium orchids (both Joe’s grandfather and great-grandfather were professional head gardeners), and his mother studied botany at Bristol University. A keen birdwatcher with an interest in conservation, Joe deferred a degree offer from Nottingham University to study Environmental Science; preferring to secure employment and experience, he took on a position at Wothorpe Nurseries, close to his home in Market Deeping.

From here, he went on to train as a tree surgeon and arborist. ‘It was an adrenaline-fuelled job,’ recalls Joe, ‘often involving electric-line clearance, requiring a love of heights and a good level of fitness. It was dangerous, thrilling and ensured a healthy team bond, but it was definitely a young man’s game.’ He then went on to take a two-year National Diploma in horticulture at Riseholme College, after which he went to work as an undergardener at Holywell Hall, near Stamford, then at Burghley House, before embarking on the prestigious two-year Wisley Diploma in Practical Horticulture at RHS Wisley.

This coveted programme at Wisley – a mix of academia and practical learning – was an intense and formative period, during which Joe spent time under the tutelage of specialist horticulturalists at the highest level, including Christopher Lloyd, with practical learning at gardens including Great Dixter and Chatsworth, lectures at Kew and a 10-day stint at Chelsea. It was also on this course where he met his partner, Helen. Joe went on to further his gardening career with positions at Broughton Grange near Banbury, Salle Park Estate and Raveningham Hall (both in Norfolk), and, latterly, Blatherwycke in Northamptonshire, prior to his appointment at Burghley in 2018.

Burghley is renowned for its predominantly sweeping vistas created by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, and Joe and his team have developed the planting within the landscape, most notably new borders in the Sculpture Garden (none of the borders here is over seven years old). Now broad drifts of wild flowers provide a stunning backdrop to the exhibits; colourful grasses and flowering perennials shimmer in the new North American border; there are ever-increasing varieties of dahlia (well over 100) in the Remembrance Garden, including the astonishing 12foot Dahlia imperialis; and seasonal tropical planting in the Orangery borders. The rejuvenated private South Gardens are now open to the public on specific days over the summer, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the recently cherry tree-lined rose garden and freshly planted herbaceous borders. Joe reveals the next area to get a facelift will be a new Spring Garden, beyond the laurel tunnel.

OPPOSITE & THIS PAGE: formal and informal planting sit in harmony at Burghley, complementing Capability Brown’s historic landscape.

‘The next area to get a facelift at Burghley will be a new Spring Garden, beyond the laurel tunnel’

Joe Whitehead Head Gardener at Burghley

‘We should be gardening as organically as possible, preventing damage to the natural environment’

How do you cope with the managerial pressures of the job?

I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and have had to get to grips with spreadsheets, budgets, meetings and people managing. I’m an early riser and always take the time to walk some of the grounds daily, observing the health of the gardens, and I try to find time each day to get involved with everyone on a practical level.

With the climate change crisis in mind, how should we all be gardening?

We should be gardening as organically as possible, preventing damage to the natural environment. We need to change how we ‘see the garden’ and adapt how we manage borders; at Burghley we leave cut stems longer to support insect habitat, we blow leaves on to the beds and mulch on top. The no-dig method supports the fragile ecosystem – we need to consider more carefully what is right for nature rather than what is aesthetically pleasing to us. The Victorians were brilliant innovators, and we have lost that curiosity to adapt and evolve. We need to avoid the proliferation of monocultures; let lawns have bird’s-foot trefoil, allow wild flowers to flourish. Biodiversity is key.

Do you have any bugbears when it comes to gardening?

What are the common mistakes people make?

Patience and close observation are key to being a successful gardener. It’s no good going to a garden centre and just buying what looks pretty. Test your soil and consider ‘right plant, right place’. Composting and mulching are essential. I feel frustrated when I see trees planted without any afterthought or proper care. It’s all very well enjoying propagating and pruning, but a good gardener needs to love edging too, take pride and care in your work. A thoughtful methodical approach will reap rewards.

How can the gardening community attain greater respect and encourage young people to get involved, or choose it as a career? It’s a sad fact that most people begin gardening mid-life, desiring a career change. It should be on the curriculum rather than a task for kids struggling in the classroom – as if it’s directly linked to intelligence, or lack of! Gardening comprises scientific, practical and creative skills. Anyone studying RHS level 2 or 3 will know just how challenging it is to learn all the botanical nomenclature required. Greater value needs to be placed on the skill and knowledge it takes to become a good gardener. Passion aside, experience is everything, and it takes years and years of observing the weather and seasons and studying how plants are affected by disease and the environment to be a good gardener, and the wage needs to reflect that. The purpose of the PGG is about exactly this: promoting professional standards and networking in horticulture.

Who is inspirational for you in horticulture?

Fergus Garrett at Great Dixter is brilliant – his innovative and vibrant planting style is incredible. Alan Gray at The Old Vicarage in East Ruston is also a visionary plantsman. David Jewell, the nowretired curator of Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, and Dean Peckett, who is based in Monmouthshire, are passionate and gifted teachers and managers. I’ve recently read The Land Healer by Jake Fiennes (conservation manager of the Holkham Estate in Norfolk); it’s an inspirational book that I would highly recommend.

Joe and his team of gardeners, including seven employees and 20-plus volunteers, have re-imagined lost spaces and features within the grounds and redeveloped areas to inspire play and curiosity. Joe’s dynamic approach, fair-minded disposition and sense of humour make the gardeners’ bothy a joyful place where knowledge is shared, and nurturing plants and people are top of the agenda.

Special Reader Offer

Oakham Fireplace Specialists

Charlie Day

Drawing the Garden: Structure, Water and the Art of Making Space

Raised on a farm in Kenya, trained as a sculptor in Florence and later at garden design school, Charlie Day brings a highly aesthetic, informed approach to garden design, shaping structured, atmospheric spaces rooted in landscape and craftsmanship. Clare and Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to meet him

GARDEN DESIGNER Charlie Day approaches gardens much as an artist approaches a blank page. Working by hand, typically sketching in front of clients during initial consultations, he builds designs layer by layer – starting with structure and ending with softness. From intimate London courtyards to large country gardens, his work reflects a close understanding of landscape, architecture and how people actually live in and use their outdoor spaces.

Can you tell us about your background and your route into garden design?

I grew up on a very remote farm in northern Kenya, which was hugely formative. One of my strongest early influences was my mother, who single-handedly designed and managed the construction and landscaping of our family home and garden. During the build, I was constantly watching, learning and pestering the tradesmen at work; my mother’s practical sense certainly rubbed off on me. Everything was hands-on and self-sufficient – you had to build things, fix things and work with what you had. We had cattle, sheep, goats and camels, and three natural springs that supplied water to the whole farm. When I look back now, that early connection to land and water has clearly stayed with me.

After school, I ended up in Florence, training as a sculptor at the Florence Academy of Art. I was there for four years, and it was an amazing experience. The teaching was very classical – hours of drawing every morning, sculpture in the afternoons – and of course living in Florence itself was extraordinary.

Were gardens already influencing you at that stage?

Very much so, even if I didn’t fully realise it at the time. I lived close to the Boboli Gardens and spent a lot of time there. There’s a remarkable grotto with Michelangelo’s Slaves appearing to hold it up, and I was fascinated

THIS PAGE: Charlie Day’s garden design and shellwork balance ethereal artistry and practicality. Shell Pot, below, available made to order.

by that combination of raw stone, sculpture and water. That contrast – between something rugged and something very refined – made a lasting impression.

How did you move from sculpture into garden design?

When I came back to England, I knew I wanted to work outdoors and make things, but being a full-time artist wasn’t especially viable. I trained at garden design school and at the same time worked for established designers and contractors. That combination of formal training and practical experience was invaluable. I also spent several years doing garden maintenance, which teaches you very quickly what works over time and what doesn’t.

How would you describe your approach now?

I work in a very visual way. During consultations, I typically draw by hand while we’re talking. They’re informal sketches, but they really help clients to visualise what’s being discussed and how the garden will eventually work with my design. People engage far more easily with a drawing that’s evolving in front of them than with something overly technical at the outset.

In terms of process, everything starts with what’s fixed – house, boundaries, mature trees, neighbouring buildings. From there, I introduce the structural planting: hedges, evergreens, the elements that give a garden form throughout the year. Once that framework is in place, I layer in the softer planting – perennials, grasses, seasonal colour. I think structure is essential, especially in this climate, but I love balancing that with movement and softness.

You’re known for your interest in grottoes and shellwork features. How does that fit into your wider practice?

It’s a personal passion, although in terms of my garden work, it is a niche element rather than the focus of what I do. My interest comes from studying historic grottoes and nymphaeums – originally sacred places associated with springs and water. They combine rough stone with delicate decorative elements and sculpture, which I find fascinating. I trained with a specialist shell artist several years ago, which allowed me to reconnect with making and sculptural work. But it only suits certain projects, usually at the higher end, where clients are already interested in craftsmanship and narrative. It’s one thread within a much broader approach to garden design, rather than a defining feature.

‘Seeing the landscape from the air gives you a completely different perspective – the patterns, the folds of the land, how water moves through it’

Do you keep an eye on trends, such as those shown at RHS Chelsea?

I do go to Chelsea and I enjoy seeing what people are experimenting with, but I’m very aware that it isn’t the real world. Gardens evolve over years, not seasons. I’m more interested in creating something that will feel right in 10 or 20 years’ time than in following a specific trend.

How involved can clients expect you to be?

There are a few options. Some clients want a hand-drawn design and ideas they can take forward themselves. Others choose a fuller package, with CAD drawings, schedules of work and a tender process. The ‘gold standard’ is a fully commissioned service, where I handle everything – design, technical drawings, coordinating contractors and overseeing the build on site.

Finally, does the local landscape influence your work?

Very much so. Rutland’s rolling hills, stone and water are a constant reference point. I drive around a lot, visit local gardens and take inspiration from places such as Exton and Clipsham. Understanding the character of the landscape is always the starting point –wherever the garden happens to be.

During lockdown, I learned to fly, and now take off regularly from a local airfield. Seeing the landscape from the air gives you a completely different perspective – the patterns, the folds of the land, how water moves through it. It’s another way of reading the landscape, and it feeds directly into how I think about space, structure and flow on the ground. It’s a very special place to be.

BEAUTY

A Shift Towards Brighter Days

As spring approaches, style is all about elevating the basics with colours and statements. The same goes for our beauty routines, incorporating nourishing skincare to brighten the face and adding pops of colour into our cheeks

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1. Inject some colour into your wardrobe with the YAYA Rose Red Sweater (£70) from Energy Clothing of Stamford. A perfect layer for spring evenings. energy-clothing.com

2. The Clarins SOS Primer (£34) from Equilibrium of Oakham will make you glow. Simply blend into moisturiser to add a little shimmer to your base. equilibriumoakham.co.uk

3. Spring is all about layering, and the Essentiel Antwerp Lemon Squeeze Joking Knit Jacket (£260) from Cavells of Oakham will ensure you do it in style. cavells.co.uk

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4. As we brighten our wardrobes, the Inika Organic Baked Blush Duo in Pink Tickle (£41) is the ideal way to add a soft flush to our cheeks. Subtle and beautifully uplifting for spring. renaissancebeauty.co.uk

5. One style fit for spring is double denim, and this Pieces Denim Shirt (£42) from Iris and Violet of Stamford is just the place to begin. irisandviolet.shop

6. These fabulous Katie Loxton Rimini Sunglasses (£29.99) from Nook of Stamford will add elegance, style and colour to your look this season. nookstore.co.uk

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7. Dermalogica’s Biolumin-C Serum (£96) from Stamford’s House of Skin and Beauty brightens, firms and reduces signs of ageing with its ultra-stable Vitamin C formula. houseofskinandbeauty.uk

8. The Gold Rainbow Beaded Chain (£100) from B.Jewellery of Oakham will add a touch of spring vibrancy to even your most basic outfits. b-jewellery.co.uk

9. These Gianvito Rossi Ballet Flats (size 41, £250) from Arch Label Agency of Stamford mix elegance with comfort. Elevate your outfits with a hint of animal print! archlabelagency.com words: erin andrews

I’m Rachael, a registered nurse offering advanced aesthetic treatments designed to enhance your features — never change them. Services include injectables, antiwrinkle treatments, skin boosters, polynucleotides, PRP, SkinPen microneedling, acne treatments, medical-grade facials, chemical peels, Hydrafacial, lymphatic draining, EMS, advanced skin analysis, all over body hair removal, plus so much more. I take a holistic approach to skin health, offering personalised blood testing to assess gut health and omega levels, alongside tailored nutrition and collagen support, plus medical-grade skincare for complete, results-driven care.

Thoughtful skin and beauty treatments that support body, mind and soul — from deeply relaxing rituals to advanced skin therapies.

Our results-driven holistic treatments use The Organic Pharmacy products alongside SkinBase microdermabrasion treatments to deliver visible results alongside deep relaxation. Calmia is your sanctuary for renewal –where beauty meets balance.

Expert treatment for back and neck pain, sports injuries, joint pain, arthritis, knee replacements and other painful conditions.

Established in 1999, we are Stamford’s highest-rated physiotherapy clinic with over 100 five-star Google reviews. Offering free onsite parking and modern clinic facilities, with no referral needed, and appointments available within days.

Treating everyone from commuters with back issues, to marathon runners managing injury.

Friendly, supportive care from your first visit, with clear, personalised treatment plans.

Start your journey out of pain and back to the activities you love.

The DutchBarn

Aesthetics | Beauty | Facials | Holistic Therapy | Physiotherapy | Wellbeing

Set within peaceful countryside, with panoramic views across the surrounding landscape, The Dutch Barn is a newly renovated destination for health and self-care, bringing together two light-drenched exercise studios and additional treatment spaces within a calm, modernrustic setting, all with hassle-free, on-site parking. Alongside a carefully curated schedule of HIIT classes, yoga and Pilates, the timetable includes a range of wellbeing-led classes designed to support both performance and recovery. You will also find three luxury, specialist businesses on site. Aesthetics with Rachael delivers personalised advanced skincare solutions and aesthetic treatments, following a holistic approach designed to enhance your natural beauty. Showler Physiotherapy, run by chartered physiotherapist, Jake, focuses on evidence-based assessment to support injury prevention, rehabilitation and performance. Completing the trio is Calmia Treatments, offering results-driven holistic treatments using The Organic Pharmacy products, alongside SkinBase microdermabrasion treatments.

AESTHETICS WITH RACHAEL

Qualified nurse and skin specialist Rachael offers a comprehensive range of aesthetic treatments at The Dutch Barn. Having trained in specialist academies and continually accessing further training as technologies develop, Rachael is dedicated to delivering aesthetic treatments to the highest standard of care. There is no pressure when it comes to deciding what treatment is right for you. Rachael’s warm approach and medical background ensure that you and your skin are in capable hands, allowing you to fully relax during the entire process.

Rest assured, your treatment will be much more than just the hour or so of luxury you’ve booked in for. With results firmly in mind, Rachael works within a holistic approach, considering how your nutrition may affect your gut health and skin, and offering medical-grade skincare advice to ensure the results of your treatment are extended.

Rachael offers a plethora of injectables, including fillers, anti-wrinkle injections aimed at smoothing skin, skin boosters to improve elasticity, firmness and radiance, and polynucleotides for hydration, restoration and regeneration. Skin analysis (using a Meicet MC88 facial scanner), advanced facials (with technologies such as microdermabrasion, hydrafacial, lymphatic drainage and EMS stimulation), IllumiFacial (targeting concerns including thread veins), skin peels, LED light treatments, IPL hair removal, Alumier skincare and the et al. makeup range are also on the agenda.

Rachael also carries out ZinZino blood tests, a simple finger-prick test that tells a big story. It assesses whether you are getting enough Omega 3 and 6; a balance that plays a key role in maintaining gut health, hydrating skin, supporting brain function and many other daily functions. From the test, skincare concerns can be detected, and targeted solutions can be made, from supplements to skincare advice: a fully holistic approach.

SkinPen microneedling is a popular non-invasive skincare solution that Rachael offers, smoothing and firming skin by encouraging the production of elastin and collagen; an ideal way to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results with minimal downtime for recovery.

aestheticswithrachael.co.uk | aestheticswithrachael

BELOW: Rachael, Jake and Louise are all at The Dutch Barn, Newstead Lane, Stamford PE9 4SA | dbarn.co.uk

words & portraits: erin andrews

SHOWLER PHYSIOTHERAPY

Showler Physiotherapy has been serving Stamford and surrounding areas with its trusted expertise since 1999, opening its doors to a new treatment space at The Dutch Barn in November 2025.

Jake is a chartered physiotherapist, who specialises in getting people out of pain and back to the activities they love – whether that’s walking the dog, running or just simple everyday tasks. With the new clinic space just above the barn’s luxury exercise studios, not only will your physiotherapy treatment be individually tailored, but so will your long-term recovery process. Jake treats clients with issues including back pain, joint pain, sports injuries and arthritis. He also works with clients who have just undergone surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements and broken bone fixations.

With Showler Physiotherapy, your treatment plan is tailored to your individual goals and lifestyle. A mixed-method approach of manual therapy, joint mobilisation techniques, posture and ergonomic advice, alongside at-home exercises fully customised to you, works towards helping you to become pain-free as quickly as possible. Jake, as an avid runner, golfer and gym-goer himself, understands the frustrations of missing out on what you love due to injury, so his own experiences combined with expertise – and over 100 five-star Google reviews – ensure you’re in safe hands.

You can book an appointment now via the website – no referral needed. Clients are able to book an appointment within a few days and start their journey to recovery.

showlerphysiotherapy.co.uk | 01733 513527

CALMIA TREATMENTS

Based at The Dutch Barn for its peaceful setting and restorative energy, Calmia Treatments offers an immersive retreat from the pace of everyday life – a place to reset, rebalance and reconnect, where the central focus of wellbeing goes far beyond surface-level treatments. Owner Louise, trained in advanced skin health and holistic alternative therapies, founded the wellbeing concept with over 30 years of experience working as a facialist in luxury spas and wellbeing destinations across the nation.

Calmia Treatments proudly works with The Organic Pharmacy, a highly respected, organic and clinically proven brand, selected for its integrity, performance and luxurious nature. The facial menu is a carefully considered collection of Organic Pharmacy rituals, intentionally designed to support detoxification, skin health and deep relaxation. With lymphatic drainage, sculpting and toning techniques, a facial at Calmia Treatments is curated to encourage circulation and energetic flow whilst lifting, plumping and revitalising the skin. From restorative, calming facials to more results-driven experiences, there’s a facial for every skin concern and season.

Body treatments at Calmia are a luxury, purposefully designed experience, taking a truly holistic approach with a strong focus on gut health. These rituals are more than just a standard massage, with treatments incorporating lymphatic drainage and targeted abdominal massage to support the body’s natural detox pathways. These treatments are specifically designed to reduce bloating, support digestion, improve circulation, boost immunity and encourage the release of stagnant energy and fluid.

Alongside holistic treatments, Louise offers SkinBase microdermabrasion facials, delivering instantly visible results across all ages and skin concerns and remaining kind to the skin whilst targeting problem areas from acne and pigmentation to anti-ageing and seasonal skin maintenance.

calmiatreatments.co.uk | calmia_treatmentsuk

NU-U SKIN SPECIALIST

Beauty in the Garden

AS WINTER LINGERS and spring approaches, it is the perfect time for a skincare reset. It’s safe to say the colder months can take their toll on both our emotions and our skin, so when I was kindly invited to Nu-U Skin back in January, I was immediately excited. From holistic treatments to more advanced skincare solutions, owner Portia’s charming cabin salon in the garden really does seem to offer it all, and – spoiler alert – it delivers.

With six years’ experience working in local salons and a year dedicated to undertaking advanced training, Portia has a plethora of knowledge when it comes to all things skincare. The ethos behind Nu-U Skin is all about the expert, the personal and the advanced, and I can confidently say I experienced all of this during my visit.

Initial Consultation

As I arrived, I instantly understood the charm of a village salon. Set in the beautifully picturesque village of Empingham in Rutland, the Nu-U Skin cabin is a haven in the countryside. I was relaxed from the get-go; the quietness of the location was bliss, and the added bonus of on-site parking was a breeze.

Once inside, immersed in mellow music and low lighting, Portia and I began discussing my problem areas and concerns. As someone who doesn’t commit to regular facials, I found Portia’s expertise in tailored treatments especially reassuring. Choosing a facial based on individual skin concerns can be overwhelming, so having Portia design a facial specifically for me felt like a game changer. We discussed my skin type and recent breakouts before deciding on a tailored Medik8 facial with Celluma Blue LED Light Therapy to ease acne and rehydrate. Portia had explained that my pores were more open than usual due to dehydration – something I wouldn’t have known without her knowledge. Having never experienced such a technical facial, I was eager to get into the comfiest reclining seat and let Portia take the lead.

words: erin andrews

Tailored Medik8 Facial with Celluma Blue Light Therapy

The facial began with a thorough double cleanse, preparing my skin for the next products. Portia then applied the Medik8 Superficial Enzyme Peel before massaging my skin with the Purifying Facial Oil, noticing that I was holding stress in my neck and focusing on working out the tension. She advised that the enzyme peel would resurface, hydrate and brighten my skin, and I really felt this product getting to work. Portia was super attentive – talking me through each step of the facial and explaining how each product might feel.

The two-step Medik8 HEO Mask was the next indulgence, plumping and hydrating my skin, before 30 minutes of Celluma Blue Light Therapy targeting bacteria on the skin’s surface and within follicles. The facial finished with the Medik8 Hydra B5 Serum and Medik8 Ultimate Recovery, accelerating my skin’s natural healing process following the peel and blue light therapy. I left feeling rejuvenated, hydrated and relaxed, armed with advice and skincare tips tailored specifically to me. A big plus of having this treatment in the evening was that the products could continue to work through the night.

I couldn’t recommend Portia and Nu-U Skin enough; knowing the treatment was fully tailored was extremely comforting, especially as someone unfamiliar with advanced skincare technologies and products. Portia’s expertise, warm and professional manner, and impressive range of technical treatments make Nu-U Skin a local gem. From IPL laser treatments to skin boosters and holistic treatments, a visit to Nu-U Skin is a must for anyone in the area, and if you use the code SAVE10 when booking your treatment online you can save 10%.

NU-U SKIN SPECIALIST

10 Willoughby Drive, Empingham, Rutland LE15 8PZ

To book a consultation or treatment, call the clinic on 07368 971630 or visit nuuskinspecialist.co.uk nuuskinltd

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LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE PSYCHOLOGISTS

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Specialising in treating:

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

COVID-19:

COVID-19:

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Specialising in treating:

Specialising

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

LOCAL PRIVATE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

Specialising in treating:

Specialising in Treatment for Adults with:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

Specialising

Specialising

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

COVID-19: Online and face face sessions

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face offered

COVID-19: Online and face to face sessions offered

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

Specialising in treating:

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

Specialising in treating:

Specialising in treating:

Specialising in treating:

Specialising in treating:

Specialising in treating:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

Specialising in treating:

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

Specialising in treating:

• Low and loss of confidence

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Anxieties, phobias,

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Low mood, depression, self-harm and suicidal thinking

• Anxieties, obsessions ruminations

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Anxieties, phobias, obsessions and ruminations

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Significant life events, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

Attachment and relationship difficulties

Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Attachment and relationship difficulties

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult

Adult

Adult Speciality

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult Speciality

Adult Speciality

Johan

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Adult Speciality

Adult Speciality

Adult Speciality

• Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)

Adult Speciality

Adult Speciality

Johan Truter

Johan Truter

Johan

Adult Speciality

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

Tel:

Adult Speciality

Johan Truter

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

Adult Speciality Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

Adult Speciality

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

Tel: 01780 758556

Johan Truter

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Tel: 01780 758556

Orion

Orion

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Tel: 01780 758556

Tel: 01780 758556

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Tel: 01780 758556

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Tel: 01780 758556

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Johan Truter

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Orion House, 14 Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Tel: 01780 758556

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Tel: 01780 758556

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Psychotherapist

Dr

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Psychotherapist

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

Mbl:

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Psychotherapist

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07563241359

Mbl: 07563241359

Mbl: 07563241359

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Mbl: 07563241359

Mbl: 07563241359

Mbl: 07563241359

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Child

Child

Mbl: 07563241359

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Dr

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Psychotherapist

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Child and Adult Speciality, Consultant

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Johan Truter

Psychotherapist

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Child Speciality, EMDR

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

Psychotherapist

Dr Alexandra Dent

Dr Alexandra Dent

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

Dr Alexandra Dent

Dr Alexandra Dent

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Tel: 01780 758556

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Mbl:

Mbl: 07986 585270

Mbl: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk

Mbl: 07986 585270

Mbl: 07986 585270

Mbl: 07986 585270

Online

Mbl: 07563241359

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Dr Alexandra Dent 07986 585270

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.alexandradent.co.uk

www.alexandradent.co.uk

www.alexandradent.co.uk

www.alexandradent.co.uk

www.alexandradent.co.uk

www.psychologistuk.co.uk

Mbl: 07563241359

www.alexandradent.co.uk

www.heartledpsycotherapy.com/workshops/

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Online psychology workshops: www.heartledpsycotherapy.com/workshops/

Online psychology workshops: www.heartledpsycotherapy.com/workshops/

Mbl: 07563241359

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

Psychotherapist

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Child and Adult Speciality, EMDR Consultant

Dr Alexandra Dent

Dr Herman Holtzhausen

Dr Alexandra Dent

Mbl: 07986 585270

Dr Alexandra Dent

Tel: 01780 758543

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Mbl: 07986 585270

www.stamfordpsychotherapist.co.uk

www.alexandradent.co.uk

www.alexandradent.co.uk

Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

Online psychology workshops: www.heartledpsycotherapy.com/workshops/

Will your Pension Fund Pay Inheritance Tax?

Prepare For April 2027: From this date many inherited pension funds will be subject to Inheritance Tax

This is in addition to income tax

Will push many estate owners above the nil rate band limit (£325,000)

Will have 6 months to pay off the tax before significant interest is charged

There are some exemptions and ways to mitigate this impact – and we can help you with this

If these changes affect you contact us for an initial consultation at no cost or obligation

Landmark IFA Ltd is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority: Firm Reference Number 225538

Contact Info:

Email: ifa@landmarkgroup.org.uk

Phone Number: 01780 761313

www.landmarkifa.co.uk

Three Bridges private practice

We

visit a new private GP practice in the picturesque village of Harringworth, where time, continuity of care and a sense of calm sit at the heart of a more personal approach to modern healthcare

words: clare rudd-jones | photography: rupert conant

AS YOU DRIVE into Harringworth, the sense of arrival is unmistakable. The village reveals itself gently, framed by open countryside and watched over by the imposing arches of the Harringworth Viaduct, a landmark that has defined this landscape for generations. Sheep graze quietly in the neighbouring fields, and the pace of life seems to slow almost instinctively as you approach.

This tranquil, uplifting setting is fitting for Three Bridges Private Practice, a new GP-led healthcare service rooted firmly in calm, time and personal connection. Housed in sensitively converted former farm buildings just outside the village, the practice feels deliberately removed from the pressures and bustle so often associated with medical appointments. Light-filled, airy and thoughtfully designed, it offers a sense of space – both physical and mental – from the moment patients arrive.

Outside, parking is a breeze; inside, the welcome is warm and unhurried. Patients are greeted by the reception team, Dawn and Amie (at least one of whom will be there each time you visit), and offered tea or coffee as they settle in. It is a small detail, but an important one: a signal that here, you are not being rushed through a system, but invited into a place where time and attention still matter.

The Doctors Behind the Practice

The practice is led by Dr Amanda Davison and Dr Leon Roberts, both long-standing local GPs with extensive NHS experience. Their approach reflects a belief that good general practice depends on time, familiarity and an ongoing understanding of patients as individuals. ‘It’s about having the time to really listen,’ says Dr Davison. ‘When patients come here, they can expect thoughtful, whole-person clinical care. That benefits them – and it allows us, as doctors, to provide the best care we possibly can.’

Dr Davison has spent many years working as a GP across Rutland and Lincolnshire, building strong relationships with patients and developing particular interests in healthcare of the elderly, women’s health and disease prevention. Dr Roberts brings a different but

complementary perspective. After 20 years as an Army Medical Officer, he worked in local general practice whilst flying on a regular basis on the local Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, where he continues to work as part of the emergency medical team.

How the Practice Works

The practice operates on a membership basis, designed to offer year-round reassurance.

Annual membership for adults includes an initial in-depth consultation, during which medical background, current concerns and future needs are explored fully. Subsequent appointments are booked as needed, with clear pricing set out on the practice website.

Children under 16 are welcomed as junior members free of charge when a parent or legal guardian is a member, with standard appointment fees then applying.

Appointments at Three Bridges last at least 30 minutes, allowing time for careful discussion and considered decision-making. Patients are not passed between clinicians or asked to repeat their medical history at every visit; instead, they can choose which GP they see and build an ongoing relationship over time. The same sense of continuity extends to the reception desk, where familiar faces ensure each visit feels personal rather than procedural. ‘None of us likes to be poorly,’ says Dr Davison. ‘And on top of that, trying to access care can be stressful. From the moment someone comes through the door, we want them to feel calm, listened to and supported.’

On-site services include blood tests, ECGs and swabs, often carried out during the same appointment, removing the need for multiple visits or referrals elsewhere. Results are communicated promptly by phone, text or email. Private prescriptions can be issued where appropriate, and referrals arranged when specialist input is required.

Although Three Bridges is a private practice, both doctors are keen to emphasise that it works alongside the NHS. All patients remain registered with their NHS GP for routine screening, vaccinations and emergency care, with NHS records kept up to date.

The Clients

For some patients, the appeal of Three Bridges lies less in private healthcare itself and more in the practicalities of modern life. The practice may suit those who are time-poor, selfemployed or juggling busy working days, where taking hours out to attend an appointment simply isn’t realistic. Here, appointments are booked at a time that suits the patient, with care taken to run to schedule, allowing patients to plan and manage their time with confidence and ease. ‘People want access to a doctor, but they also want certainty,’ explains Dr Roberts. ‘If your time is limited, knowing that you can come in, be seen properly, and get clear next steps without a long wait can make a real difference.’

That efficiency, however, does not come at the expense of care. Appointments are deliberately longer, allowing space for thoughtful discussion and careful assessment. The result is a service that feels both unhurried and well organised: patients can be in and out efficiently, yet still feel genuinely listened to and supported during their time with the doctor.

A Practice Shaped by Place

Harringworth sits within easy reach of Oakham, Stamford, Uppingham and Oundle, making the practice convenient for patients across Rutland, Northamptonshire and the surrounding villages. Still relatively new, following a soft launch in October and opening fully shortly afterwards, Three Bridges already feels well established. The name reflects the local landscape, inspired by the journey through the village, with the railway above and the river below – a subtle nod to place and connection.

Asked what they are enjoying most so far, both doctors reflect on how settled the practice already feels. ‘I love having the time to get to know patients properly,’ says Dr Davison. ‘That relationship is what general practice is really about.’ For Dr Roberts, the sense of belonging is equally strong. ‘I feel very at home here,’ he says. ‘And you can see that patients do too. You feel it in the building as soon as you walk in.’

ABOVE: Dr Leon Roberts and Dr Amanda Davison, the two local, highly experienced GPs behind Three Bridges Private Practice.

OPPOSITE: Named after the village’s three bridges, the practice is housed in sensitively converted former farm buildings, designed to feel light, welcoming and unhurried, with parking and disabled access on site.

The iconic Harringworth Viaduct rises above the village, setting the tone for a practice shaped by calm, space and its rural surroundings. Open countryside and grazing sheep sit alongside Three Bridges, reinforcing the sense of peace and perspective that defines the setting.

‘I love having the time to get to know patients properly. That relationship is what general practice is really about’

THREE BRIDGES PRIVATE PRACTICE PERCY’S BARN SEATON ROAD

HARRINGWORTH NN17 3AF

OPEN: MON–FRI (EXCL. BANK HOLS) 8AM–6PM

CALL, EMAIL OR VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS & PRICING:

• 01572 510488

• INFO@THREEBRIDGES.HEALTH

• THREEBRIDGES.HEALTH

WELLNESS Beauty with Daniel Sandler

FROM WINTER TO SPRING

Each month, the international makeup artist and founder of Daniel Sandler Cosmetics, who is based in our region, addresses your beauty and skincare concerns. This month, he tells us how to go from winter to spring face, and shares five tiny changes that can make the biggest difference

AFTER YEARS behind the scenes, I’ve frequently seen how March skin looks flat and makeup feels heavy. Winter strips away our natural warmth, but spring doesn’t require a total rethink. I find that small adjustments to your canvas and colour make the most dramatic difference, instantly restoring life to the complexion.

1

First, lighten your base. Heavy foundations tend to settle into fine lines at this time of year. Apply base sparingly to the centre of the face; letting natural skin show through creates a fresher, lifted look that feels truly light. Try No.7 Restore & Renew Serum Foundation, available from Boots.

2

Restore warmth by removing winter dullness. Makeup can look flat when sitting on dead skin cells, so I suggest a gentle liquid exfoliant twice weekly to ‘spring clean’ the surface. Try Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Space NK (Stamford and Market Harborough). After base and concealer, perk skin up with blush in peach or pink, depending on your skin tone. I prefer liquid blush formulas; they blend seamlessly rather than catching on dry patches, creating a beautiful plumping effect when placed higher on the cheek. Try Daniel Sandler Watercolour Liquid Cheek Colours, available on my website.

3

Spring eyes deserve a gentler touch. I use a caffeine-infused eye cream to reduce puffiness and brighten dark circles, meaning far less concealer is needed. Switch from harsh black liners to warm browns for a softened, wide-awake look. Keep your pencil close to the lash line and blend thoroughly – it helps eyes look brighter, more open and much less tired. Try Daniel Sandler

Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, as featured in The Sunday Times. It is now back in stock at danielsandler.com.

4

Brows frame your face, but the skin beneath can become flaky. I ensure the area is hydrated so that pencils glide on without dragging. Maintain your shape but reduce intensity by using a softer shade and lighter pressure. Fine, feathery strokes frame the face, making the look feel fresher and more modern. Try NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil, available in Superdrug.

5

Finally, rethink lips. Dry winter skin can make colour look harsh. I switch my clients from heavy waxes to peptide-based treatments, then choose creamy, satin or balm-like formulas. Rose and soft berry tones add colour without heaviness. Gently blurred edges look far more natural than sharp lines, especially on more delicate skin. Try e.l.f. Glow Reviver Slipstick (Superdrug).

Spring beauty is about restoring warmth and ease. These small changes take minutes but leave skin brighter, softer and revived – my favourite seasonal shift.

For an extra boost, consider hyaluronic skin-boosting injectables around the eyes. Speak to Paulina at Plush Aesthetics, 10a St Paul’s Street, Stamford (PE9 2BE), 07306 445177 or info@plushaesthetics.co.uk

www.danielsandler.com | @danielsandlermakeup

Affordable prices and patient satisfaction are of paramount importance to us.

PROCEDURES

• General and Specialised Dentistry

• Diagnostic and Screening Procedures

• Dental Hygiene

• Root Canal Treatment (accepting referrals)

• Periodontal Treatment (accepting referrals)

• Laser dentistry (accepting referrals)

• Surgical Treatment

• Crowns and Bridgework

• Dentures (Clinical Dental Technician available)

• Implants

• Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry

• Teeth Whitening

72 North Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9AJ. Telephone: 01778 422 785 Email: northstdental@gmail.com www.northstreetdental.co.uk PLEASE CALL THE PRACTICE TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00 - 17.00

A home like no other, in the heart of Stamford

We offer luxury Residential, Dementia, Nursing, Respite and Day Care services with all-inclusive fees.

customerservice.grandview@alysiacaring.co.uk Uffington Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2EX A home like no other,

Fantastic food, a lovely café and bar, a cinema, a library, a hair salon, and private dining await you at Grand View Care Home.

01780 668118

Oat Hill Mews

Live every day your way at Oat Hill Mews in Market Harborough, where residents can continue with much-loved hobbies, try new activities and make new friends in a welcoming, safe environment

FROM pampering sessions in the hair and beauty salon and movie marathons in the cinema, to socialising in the café and bar, life at Oat Hill Mews is shaped around individual interests and routines.

CHOOSE WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Days can be filled with activities residents genuinely enjoy. From crafting, baking and gardening to laughter-filled days out, the team supports people to live life to the full. Highlights include trips to Foxton Locks, Harborough Theatre and Rockingham Castle.

For restful moments, residents might enjoy afternoon tea with friends and family in the café or simply spend time in the sunshine with a good book in the landscaped gardens.

Community plays a big role at Oat Hill Mews too, with local schools and groups often joining in activities. Popular visits include dance classes, singing and animal encounters.

FULFILLING LIVES AND DREAMS

The team explains: ‘Dreams really can come true with our Wishing Tree initiative, which all residents can take part in. When a wish is hung on the tree, we do our best to make it happen, no

matter how big or small.’ Recently, residents have taken to the skies and flown over London in a 1930s’ Dragon Rapide plane, gone up in a hot-air balloon, hit the airwaves on the radio and even got a tattoo.

HOME-COOKED MEALS TO SAVOUR

Care UK’s award-winning dining experience focuses on choice and accessibility. Meals are tailored to individual dietary needs, including modified diets for those with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Residents enjoy freshly prepared, seasonal dishes, as well as sweet and savoury treats.

Dining takes place in restaurant-style surroundings, with support on hand if needed, while in-room meals are also available. Dishes are shaped with residents’ input, allowing family favourites to sit alongside new dishes, and the chef will always do their utmost to accommodate individual requests.

TRUSTED TO CARE

Care UK have been delivering high-quality, person-centred care for over 40 years and are trusted by more than 15,000 families across the country to care for their older loved ones.

FIND OUT MORE: Oat Hill Mews Care Home, Leicester Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7BN 01858 390253 | www.careuk.com/oat-hill-mews

Do you have Plantar Fasciitis (severe heel pain)?

The method of treatment I offer for this is highly successful. Using computerised Gait Analysis & Orthotic Therapy (medical insoles).

Also to alleviate Achilles, Foot, Bunion, Knee, Hip & Back discomfort and pain.

Contact Annette Robinson (Chiropodist/Podiatrist, Muscle & Joint Specialist) Tel : 01832 272200 or 07905 167944 www.injuries-clinic-oundle.co.uk

Autumn Assisted Supported Living Apartments

Autumn Assisted is a small development of 8 specially adapted flats for elderly individuals or couples to access all the benefits of a care without the institutional living. Stay in your own apartment with freshly cooked meals made to dietary requirements, laundry, apartment cleaning, on site care from £395 per week all-inclusive of bills, maintenance and council tax.

Please call 01536 771722 and ask for Julie Visit www.autumn-care.co.uk FREE TRIAL WEEK AVAILABLE

Autumn Assisted Manor House, 58-60 Main Street, Middleton, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8YU

Relationships can be challenging, at work or in your private life. Perhaps you have unresolved issues you fear are just too hard to face or overcome. Maybe you just don’t feel good enough and don’t know why.

At Octopus, we help you to find resolution. Qualified clinical psychologists and experienced therapists guide you to explore your fears and challenges, with sensitivity and compassion.

Using traditional talking therapies, or the latest neuroscience interventions (including Safe & Sound Protocol™, NeurOptimal™ and RoshiWave™), we help you reconnect with yourself, gain inner peace and confidence, and become the real you, the person you are meant to be.

Contact Dr Naomi Murphy, D.Clin.Psych to arrange a complimentary consultation. Enquiries@Octopuspsychology.com

Join Care UK’s nationwide ‘Big Dementia Conversation’

Did you know that nearly four in 10 people (39%) avoid visiting relatives living with dementia because of how difficult it can be to communicate and connect * ?

Dementia can change the way someone communicates. Messages in the brain may take longer to reach the right place, which can make conversations more challenging.

As dementia progresses, families and friends may feel unsure how to stay connected. In a national survey, nearly all respondents (93%) said communication barriers made meaningful interaction harder, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Understanding why communication becomes more challenging is the fi rst step in remaining connected with your loved one.

Staying connected

some of the ways dementia can impact a person’s ability to communicate and provides advice for making day-to-day communication less stressful. We share practical tips to help you communicate more easily and confidently with your loved ones.

Pick up a free copy in your local care home or download it as part of our ‘ The Big Dementia Conversation’ online advice hub.

We’re here for you

If you’re considering care, call your local care home Oat Hill Mews on 01858 390 356 or visit careuk.com/oat-hill-mews

Did you know?

Nearly 4 in 10 people say they’ve avoided visiting a relative living with dementia.

93% of people feel communication barriers can prevent meaningful interaction with their relatives.

We know many families feel they don’t have enough support with communication after their loved one develops dementia. That’s why Care UK created Staying connected: a guide to dementia-friendly conversations.

This guide offers support for family members and friends to understand

‘The Big Dementia Conversation’ online advice hub is all about sharing knowledge and real-life experiences to support those who are looking after someone living with dementia.

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia and need a little extra support, why not visit our website to discover more ways we can help you and your loved one.

Visit our online advice hub to fi nd out more by scanning the QR code.

*According to a survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by OnePoll.

The top three things people fi nd most challenging are:

• having to repeat themselves (43%)

• not being recognised (42%)

• understanding what their loved one means (40%)*

STAMFORD SCHOOL Sixth Form

An investment that shapes their future

RECRUITING NOW for September 2026, Stamford Sixth Form acts as a deliberate bridge between school and the wider world, opening doors to the future while shaping grounded, confident individuals with the networks, skills and character required to succeed across every aspect of life.

Sixth Form is a defining stage: where academic ambition meets personal responsibility, and where young people begin to position themselves for life beyond education. Stamford Sixth Form is purposefully designed to support that transition, offering a university-style experience that promotes independence, maturity and intellectual confidence, while retaining the guidance and pastoral support students need to thrive. Students are based on a dedicated Sixth Form site in the heart of Stamford. The site mirrors a university environment, with specialist teaching spaces, social areas and quiet study zones that encourage independent learning, collaboration and self-discipline.

Academically, Stamford Sixth Form offers breadth, flexibility and opportunity. Alongside a strong A Level provision, the curriculum continues to grow in response to student interests and future career pathways. Recent additions include an Agriculture option and a professional cookery course through the Leiths School of Food and Wine, expanding options for students pursuing vocational, technical or industry-focused routes. These sit alongside subjects across the sciences, humanities, business, sport and the arts, allowing students to build programmes that are ambitious, relevant and tailored to their aspirations.

Central to this preparation is a dedicated Futures Department, focused on guiding students from Sixth Form into higher education and the world of work. Students receive structured support with UCAS applications, personal statements and interview preparation, alongside practical guidance in CV writing and professional communication. The department also creates opportunities for meaningful networking through careers events, employer engagement and alumni connections, helping students understand pathways, build confidence and make informed decisions about their next steps. Teachers act as subject specialists and mentors, supporting students to develop intellectual curiosity, resilience and confidence. This academic guidance, combined with targeted futures support, ensures students are well prepared for the demands of university study and competitive career pathways.

Life beyond the classroom is equally considered. Stamford Sixth Form offers both flexible and full boarding options, providing structure and community while accommodating modern family life and school co-curricular opportunities. With no Saturday school, students experience a healthier balance between academic commitment and personal time, preparing them for the rhythms and expectations of adult life.

Sport plays a central role in shaping character and talent. Coached by ex-international athletes such as Geordan Murphy, Matthew Hoggard and Alex Wood-Davis, Stamford’s sports programme goes beyond performance outcomes. It develops leadership, discipline, teamwork and resilience, nurturing both sporting potential and personal growth. These qualities underpin long-term success across all professions and pathways.

The strength of Stamford Sixth Form is ultimately reflected in its alumni. Former students progress into leading universities, competitive industries, entrepreneurship, professional sport and the creative sectors. Their achievements provide clear evidence of an education that prioritises employability, adaptability and meaningful connections. Stamford alumni leave not only with qualifications, but with the confidence, networks and mindset needed to build fulfilling careers and lives.

Stamford Sixth Form does not offer a narrow route or a one-size-fits-all model. It offers a platform for growth. For students joining in September 2026, it is an opportunity to step into independence, access a network that shapes their future and leave genuinely prepared for university and the world beyond.

To make an admissions enquiry or book a visit, go to: stamfordschools.org.uk

Caring for the Planet Powering the Future

AT BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL, sustainability is more than a concept – it is a way of life. We believe that teaching children to care for the planet empowers them to become confident, responsible global citizens. Through investment in renewable energy, hands-on learning and community collaboration, we are embedding environmental responsibility into school life.

Leading by Example – Solar Energy in Action:

A hugely exciting project is underway at Brooke Priory School. During the February half term, Horisun Renewable Energy installed solar panels on the school roof. Our new 49-kW solar photovoltaic system is a cornerstone of our commitment. Generating around 44,000 kWh of clean electricity annually – one-third of our energy needs – it will cut our carbon footprint by over nine tonnes of CO₂ each year, equivalent to planting more than 400 trees. Beyond reducing costs, this project provides pupils with a real-world example of sustainable technology in action. In the 2026–27 academic year, we will be able to use the solar project within our teaching and learning: by collecting data and measuring the positive environmental impact.

Empowering Pupils

as Global Contributors:

Sustainability is central to our development plan for this academic year and aligns with our school aim: Global Contributors. Pupils learn that caring for the planet goes hand-in-hand with caring for people. From volunteering and fundraising to partnerships with charities such as Halpende Handjies in South Africa and Bumps and Beyond in Stamford, our children see the impact of their actions locally and globally.

Practical Initiatives Led by Pupils:

Our School Council, led by the Headmaster, champions eco-friendly projects, including food-waste separation and a popular shoe swap scheme promoting reuse. These initiatives teach pupils that small changes can make a significant difference. The pupils in the Planet Protectors Club meet weekly to develop sustainable and climate-friendly initiatives in school – examples of this include poster designs to encourage

Mary Tait, Admissions Manager at Brooke Priory School in Oakham, talks about the school’s vision for today’s children and tomorrow’s world

everyone to turn off lights when they leave a classroom and putting recycling labels on specific bins to ensure less waste goes into landfill. They are also increasing awareness of pollution by demonstrating the effect plastics are having in our oceans, particularly the ecosystems and animals that live there. After-school eco-clubs, supported by the Friends of Brooke Priory, are encouraging pupils to think about the impact of their decisions, for example planting wildflower habitats for birds and bees, composting and growing edible gardens.

Staff & Community Engagement: Our forward-thinking staff body leads a variety of creative sustainability projects. Brooke Priory’s specialist art teachers created a fully sustainable Christmas tree showcased at the Melton Mowbray Tree Festival, with all its decorations created by the pupils using recycled and scrap materials.

Mrs Taylor, Head of Geography, has been concentrating on Global Warming in the Form V geography topic this term. Form V have been discussing what is currently in place to diminish the effects of global warming and have come up with their own grand designs using wind, solar and hydro power to combat global warming, which they presented to their peers at the end of the topic.

Part of the EYFS spring term’s focus will be on saving the planet and protecting endangered animals. Our youngest pupils will explore materials, recycling and litter picking, along with hands-on activities highlighting the impact of plastics and pollution on wildlife and their habitats, led by Mrs McMurray and Miss Allen, who manage our Pre-School and Nursery.

Join Our Journey: Through the combined efforts of pupils, staff, and our wider community, Brooke Priory is shaping a culture that champions sustainability. We warmly invite prospective families to visit and experience our vibrant, caring environment.

Mary Tait, Admissions Manager | communications@ brooke.rutland.sch.uk | Brooke Priory School, Station Approach, Oakham LE15 6QW | 01572 724778 www.brooke.rutland.sch.uk | brookeprioryschool

Yogi the Horse

Louise Lewenden describes the highs and heartbreak of owning Yogi, her beloved horse

WORDS: AMANDER MEADE

LOUISE LEWENDEN and her husband David run a landscaping and design company, but when she’s not busy creating beautiful gardens, Louise dedicates all her time to Yogi, her eight-year-old Belgian warmblood/Selle Français.

A Lifelong Love of Horses

A rider since the age of four, Louise has a love for all things equestrian that was inspired by her mother Sue, who also rides. Working her way up from beginner sessions at a local riding school to becoming a skilled horsewoman over the years, Louise eventually owned her first horse, Copper, at the age of 18. ‘I just relished everything about the freedom that comes with ownership, so I’ve owned at least one horse ever since,’ she explains.

After retiring her most recent horse, Louise was sitting on the sofa nursing a broken wrist when she first spotted Yogi for sale on Facebook four years ago. ‘He kept cropping up and I couldn’t ignore him – it was as though he was being sent to me,’ she recalls. ‘My husband, David, took me to meet Yogi in East Lincolnshire, and it was love at first sight.’ Yogi was just four years old, completely unbroken and untrained – something Louise found even more appealing. ‘I really enjoy training my own horses from scratch. There’s something so rewarding about teaching a novice horse. They are like sponges and are so willing to learn and develop. My training methods include vast amounts of patience. I go much more slowly than other riders might, but I believe that building up skills, strength and confidence reaps much greater rewards in the long run. Yogi was under saddle within four weeks of coming to me, but his initial training took six months and is ongoing even now – it’s a lifelong process, really.’

Patience, Partnership and Progress

Louise’s patience seemed to have paid off when she and Yogi began to compete successfully on the regional unaffiliated equestrian showjumping and dressage circuits. ‘Yogi absolutely loves competition. His breeding is impeccable, as both his parents were international showjumpers, so it’s in his blood. I was incredibly proud when he was placed at national championships.’

Heartbreak and Hope

Just as the pair were getting into their stride on the competition circuit, disaster struck: Louise arrived at Yogi’s stableyard one June day last year to find him stranded in his field. ‘To this day, we have no idea how he injured himself, but he was completely stricken – unable to move his head or neck, and badly lame on a foreleg. It was a severe injury and a very serious situation. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see him in such a state. We did not know if he would survive his injuries, but after managing to stabilise him, the vets ran tests and scans, which revealed torn muscles in his leg and neck that, although serious, were recoverable. Then began the long months of recovery and rehabilitation, which utilised all Louise’s skills, resources and reserves of patient care. ‘This year, now that Yogi has recovered, we are hoping to get back to full strength and begin to reintroduce ourselves to competition, which I’m looking forward to. Yogi is such a big, bold character and has such a funny, goofy personality. If he were a dog, he’d be a big, daft Labrador for sure,’ says Louise. ‘He can get a bit above himself sometimes and thinks he’s the boss, but he’s definitely our baby and we love him dearly.’

‘He kept cropping up and I couldn’t ignore him – it was as though he was being sent to me.’

A Way of Life

Louise describes horse ownership as a lifestyle that requires deep daily commitment. ‘Ownership is a huge commitment and it’s every single day – whatever else is going on in your life. I’m lucky, as my mum helps me with Yogi and is his biggest cheerleader, accompanying us on all our travels around the region as we compete. Owning a horse is wonderfully rewarding and something I’d recommend, but only if you are prepared to make the sacrifices to do it properly. The friendships I’ve made through riding are amazing and I value all the people who have supported us through Yogi’s recovery – including my long-suffering husband. For me, horses are a way of life and Yogi is front and centre always.’

Proud to be part of Stamford’s hospitality and tourism community

Restoring Stamford’s historic past for the enjoyment of tourists and locals alike, for generations to come.

N0.23 Uppingham

No.23 is a neighbourhood bistro offering excellent food in the heart of Uppingham. Tim Relf asks General Manager James Hunt to outline some of the factors bringing diners through the door as we head into spring. Here’s James’s starter for 10!

10 great reasons to visit no.23

1

ALL-NEW À LA CARTE

It’s the same impeccable quality and the same commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients, but we’ve recently given our menu a fresh twist. Seafood lovers can start with seared scallops with apple compote and a black pudding fritter, then move on to king prawn and chilli linguine as a main course. If a vegan option appeals, try the aubergine schnitzel with arrabbiata sauce, kale and burnt lime yoghurt. For meat-eaters, there’s still plenty to tempt, including a Wednesday Pie Night (the pies are made in-house, of course) and Thursday Steak Frites Night. Both are available for £15, alongside the à la carte options.

2

LIGHTER LUNCHES

Join us Wednesdays to Saturdays in the middle of the day for a selection of smaller plates. Created for those seeking a slightly quicker visit (although you’re very welcome to kick back, relax and take your time), these dishes have been designed by our chefs to combine style with convenience and affordability. They have proved popular with people visiting Uppingham for a spot of shopping or on business. Think tempura haddock with tartare sauce in a brioche bun, a salt beef potato salad, or a creamy beef ragù.

3

CELEBRATE LIFE’S BIG MOMENTS

Planning your son or daughter’s 18th birthday? Celebrating a milestone birthday of your own? Or hosting a wedding reception? Our elegant restaurant comfortably hosts up to 50 people for private events. We love turning special occasions into unforgettable experiences – and can create a bespoke menu to suit your requirements and wow your guests.

‘We love turning special occasions into unforgettable experiences’

4

TWO-FOR-ONE COCKTAILS

Call in between 3pm and 6pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and you’ll be able to take advantage of our 2-for-1 offer on cocktails. We have an extensive cocktail menu – with the Rhubarb & Custard Sour, the Caramel Rum Old Fashioned and a Passionfruit Caipirinha just three of the biggest favourites with our customers right now.

ALCOHOL-FREE OPTIONS

5

‘Dry January’ might be a distant memory, but for those preferring non-alcoholic options, we offer a year-round choice. If a cocktail is your bag, the 0% gin sour is a popular choice. For sparkling wine devotees, the alcohol-free Steinbock Selection – a light, fragrant and aromatic tipple – is an absolute winner. And if you fancy a pint, we’d love to pull you a 1664 Bière, a crisp and golden 0% offering from Kronenbourg.

6

PRIVATE DINING

If you’re looking for a stylish space for an intimate gathering, our private dining room seats up to 10 people and overlooks the terrace garden. Built from oak and glass (don’t worry, there’s heating if the weather’s chilly), this is ideal for smaller get-togethers – whether of families, friends or business colleagues.

7

FARM-TO-FORK CREDENTIALS

Top-quality seasonal food is at the heart of the offering. We even have our own farm less than 10 miles away, where we rear rare-breed cattle, sheep and pigs. This means we can guarantee the quality of the meat, ensure food miles are kept low and give guests full ‘pasture-to-plate’ traceability. At the heart of the farm is a herd of Belted Galloway cattle – a traditional breed producing incredibly flavoursome meat.

8

ALFRESCO DELIGHTS

As the weather begins to warm up and there’s a hint of spring in the air, our terrace garden is the perfect place to while away an afternoon or evening. It’s secluded and tranquil, with plenty of seating for sun-worshippers and shade-seekers alike during the warmer months of the year.

THE THREE GOATS GROUP

No.23 offers bistro-style food and service in a 300-year-old, beautifully restored, Grade II-listed building in the heart of Uppingham. It is part of the Three Goats, a Rutland and Leicestershire hospitality group that also runs The Nevill Arms at Medbourne, The Sun Inn at Great Easton and The Red Lion in Great Bowden.

9

TRAVEL THE WORLD

Our wine pairing evenings allow guests to explore food and wine from around the world. Previous ones have taken diners to New Zealand, South Africa, Southern Spain and the Rhône. It’s a unique chance to savour authentic food and learn about wines from far and wide without leaving Rutland. There are still a few spaces available for our Chilean Night on Thursday 9 April, so we hope you can join us then for a taste of this beautiful country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes.

10

A ‘CLASSIC’ EXPERIENCE

If you like the idea of exploring the glorious Rutland countryside in a classic car, we can make that happen, thanks to our friends at Auto Rendezvous. This local business gives clients the chance to tour the area in cars such as a 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 or a 1998 Morgan Plus 8. Your base for the weekend will be The Nevill Arms at Medbourne, a boutique hotel and pub, and lunch is provided at No.23 while you’re on your travels.

23 HIGH ST EAST, UPPINGHAM LE15 9PY | 01572 303023 WWW.23UPPINGHAM.CO.UK | NO.23UPPINGHAM

Starters

Smoked mackerel parfait, beetroot scones, buttermilk and horseradish whip, apple and dill

Hereford hop cheese and barley risotto, marmite roasted roots, ale pickled onions and watercress

Mains

‘Boeuf bourguignon’

Braised feather blade of beef, seasonal greens, creamed potato, bourguignon garnish, red wine braised carrot

Somerset brie samosa’s, wild mushroom masala, charred greens, sesame cracked wheat, winter herb raita

Dessert

Dark chocolate mousse, honeycomb, hazelnuts, caramelised iced Grand Marnier parfait

Sticky ginger parkin, rhubarb ripple ice cream, ginger wine fudge sauce

Please book your table online at www.lakeisle.co.uk or call 01572 822951 for any Tuesday to Saturday lunchtime (3rd to 28th March)

Sourdough Lady

Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Valeriia Ivanyushenko was living a full and happy life in Kherson. She had a home, a family, work she loved, and a sense of stability. All of that ended with the occupation. Forced to leave everything behind, Valeriia evacuated with her children and eventually found safety in the UK.

Today, she lives in the village of Bulwick, where she has slowly rebuilt her life from scratch. Valeriia bakes sourdough bread with the same starter she brought from occupied Kherson – a small but powerful piece of continuity. Her bread has become part of the local community, and the people around her know her simply as the Sourdough Lady.

words & portrait: rostyslava martyniuk

food photography courtesy of valeriia

BEFORE the full-scale invasion, Valeriia lived with her family in a residential area in Kherson’s suburbs. Her husband ran a business, while she and a close friend organised women’s events – photoshoots and workshops.

Everything changed in February 2022 after the full-scale war in Ukraine. Her husband had to close the business, the events stopped overnight, and Russian forces occupied the area where Valeriia lived. Alongside the psychological pressure, food became increasingly hard to find.

‘I had two small children, and our food supplies at home were running out. That’s when I had the idea to make a starter myself and try baking bread. We ate it with tinned food. That’s how it began for me. At first, it was a hobby that helped us survive.’

She remembers the occupation as a terrifying time. Eventually, the family managed to leave. The decision to evacuate was painfully hard. Valeriia and her husband had a large home, and their family lived nearby. But life under occupation was growing increasingly difficult, and the hope of liberation was fading by the day.

‘Baking is a very meditative process. Working with dough helped me feel calmer’

‘England felt like a relatively stable country where the children could get a good education. My husband and I spoke English, and I had a feeling we’d be close in mentality to British people – and I wasn’t wrong. I understand we’re different in some ways, but also similar – people are friendly, kind, thoughtful. The children settled in, too.’

They first arrived in Kettering. Later, she and her husband decided to divorce, and she asked the local council to help find a new place for her and the children. A house was found in Bulwick, a village north of Kettering, with a strong sense of community. This is where Valeriia lives with her children today. In Bulwick, for the first time since leaving, she had a clear thought: ‘I’m where I’m meant to be.’

Coming Back to Bread

Once she felt a bit more settled, Valeriia returned to her hobby – sourdough baking –although the path to running her own business was long and far from easy. ‘When I moved to England, my skills saved me again. I’m trained as a criminal lawyer, but I couldn’t work in that field here without the right documents and qualifications, and with small children, it was impossible to go back to studying. But bread is something you can make with your own hands – and by then I already knew how to do it well.’

Valeriia says that her experience of war and occupation shaped what she does now. ‘War and occupation are terrible, but without them, I would never have learned to bake bread, and I would never have arrived where I am now. Baking is a very meditative process. Working with dough helped me feel calmer. It helped me survive difficult times in Kherson – and later in England, after the move.’

A Bakery as an Anchor

In Bulwick, Valeriia first got a job as a cook in Bulwick Village Shop (home of The Pickled Village). She told people about her bread there, and little by little, customers began to appear. ‘I baked at home in my kitchen and sold the bread to shops. Word of mouth works really well here – and soon I had regular customers.’ Later, she was noticed by investors who decided to help with space and equipment. The process took time – more than six months passed between the first contact and Valeriia moving from her own kitchen into a bakery. She now works in a professional set-up with a fermentation tank, an industrial oven and fridges.

The bakery is located on a farm. From Tuesday to Saturday, Valeriia heats the oven, ‘feeds’ the starter, mixes the dough and bakes. She says the move into the new space was difficult – it took nearly a month to get the processes running smoothly – but having a bakery allows her to work faster and more professionally. In the past, with large orders, she had to get up at 4 or 5 in the morning, because her home oven could bake only four loaves per hour. Now she can easily make 40 to 50 loaves a day.

She sells far more than just classic white bread. Valeriia bakes up to 10 different kinds: wholegrain, rye with caraway, chilli and cheddar, olives, different seeds, plain and onion ciabatta and focaccia. Her absolute bestseller is chilli and cheddar. ‘It isn’t hot,’ she explains, ‘more just pleasantly spicy. The chilli adds a kick, and the cheese balances the flavour. It’s perfect with soup, but you can also eat it on its own – it’s almost like a meal.’

She continues: ‘Sometimes I have moments when I feel like giving up. But then I think: I can’t leave these people without bread. They need what I make. It’s especially touching when I pull up for delivery and see customers already standing there, waiting. Locals call me “Sourdough Lady”. How can I stop bringing them bread?’

Bread with its Own Character

For anyone who wants to start baking at home, Valeriia recommends beginning with a sourdough starter. Hers has been ‘alive’ for five years: she made the first one in Kherson and has simply kept feeding it ever since. She travelled with it in dried form. ‘A starter is basically just flour and water that ferments under the right temperature. Fermentation creates beneficial bacteria that help the dough rise. If someone lives nearby, I’m happy to share my starter – but it’s easy to make your own. Mix flour and water, and leave it at room temperature for about 48 hours. Then feed it with more flour and water. Repeat every 24 or 48 hours, depending on the temperature, for about a week. That’s how you get a “mother starter” you can keep for life, just by feeding it. All the bread I bake here comes from the starter I made back in Kherson.’

WHITE SOURDOUGH BREAD

Valeriia has kindly shared her recipe for white sourdough for readers who would like to try baking it themselves.

MAKES 1 LOAF

INGREDIENTS

• 300g white flour

• 225g water

• 60g active sourdough starter

• 6g salt

METHOD

1. Mix flour, water and sourdough starter until combined. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Add salt and mix gently until incorporated.

3. Bulk ferment for 4–5 hours at room temperature, folding the dough every 30–45 minutes during the first 2 hours.

4. Shape the dough into a round loaf.

5. Final proof in a floured banneton for 2–3 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

6. Bake at 230°C for 20 minutes with steam, then for 20–25 minutes without steam, until deep golden brown.

7. Cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy!

STOCKISTS OF VALERIIA’S BREAD INCLUDE:

• BULWICK VILLAGE SHOP

• NEW LODGE FARM

• COLLYWESTON SHOP

Local Briefing

News from the region this month

Brayshaw Morey Accountants join Streets

Stamford-based accountancy practice Brayshaw Morey has merged with Streets, the national accountancy and advisory firm. The move is designed to secure its long-term future while enhancing benefits for both staff and clients.

Founded in 1987 by former tax inspectors, including Ross Clephane, Brayshaw Morey has built a strong reputation for trusted, practical advice and long-standing client relationships. After initially operating in Surbiton, Surrey, the firm expanded into Stamford in 2003, attracted by the area’s growing business community and strong links to London. Since then, the practice has grown steadily, expanding its team and investing in new premises in the centre of Stamford in 2012.

The merger with Streets marks the next stage in that growth, adding specialist expertise and broader resources, while retaining a strong local presence and continuity of service for clients.

Ross Clephane will continue to head up the Stamford office of the newly merged firm, Streets Brayshaw Morey. He said: ‘Change and succession planning is inevitable, so it was important for us to find a like-minded business that shared our values and would complement our offering to staff and clients.

‘Streets brings a great deal to the table, including wider expertise, structured training, career development and additional benefits for our team, while ensuring our clients continue to receive the personal service they value.’

As part of the integration, Brayshaw Morey clients will gain access to Streets’ wider range of services, including support for larger and more complex requirements, alongside the relationship-led approach that has underpinned the Stamford practice for decades.

The transition will be managed jointly by both teams to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for clients. The combined practice will continue to operate locally from Stamford, with increased collaboration across Streets’ wider network to broaden support for individuals, owner-managed businesses and growing organisations.

24 Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PJ | 01780

R Morgan Electrical

R Morgan Electrical Services has been in the industry for 25 years. When it comes to hiring an electrician, they are a trusted, highly reliable name in Rutland and the surrounding areas. They take a very thorough approach to every client’s needs and issues to make sure they come up with a carefully thought-through and effective solution. From minor to major alterations, they will gladly cover all aspects of electrical work.

Electrical Services: Do you need electrical additions or full electrical installations in your residential, commercial and industrial premises? R Morgan Electrical Services serves all these different markets with equal expertise.

Renewable Energy: The team evaluates your energy needs and property’s solar potential to develop end-to-end solutions. Recognising that every property differs, they have adopted a customised solar design approach. It ensures that every step is tailored to maximise your efficiency and savings.

They use high-quality solar panels and cutting-edge technologies to guarantee maximum energy production. Their NICEICapproved electricians also assist with permits, approvals and connection to the grid. By choosing R Morgan Electrical, you can transition to solar energy without any hassles.

Electric Car Charging: Contact them for a full design and consultation for your EV charging needs. They work with all the leading manufacturers of EV chargers, so you can be sure they will find the one that best meets your requirements.

Testing and Inspection: Keep your electrical equipment working in good condition with regular testing and inspections by the experts. They will carry out thorough checks on your electrical systems, diagnose problem areas and advise appropriate solutions.

R Morgan Electrical Services Ltd, 10 Buckingham Road, Oakham LE15 6RX | 01572 827949, 07836 245 312 rmorganelec@aol.com | rmorganelectricalservices.co.uk

Local Briefing

from the region this month

Clarendon Fine Art Opens in Stamford

Clarendon Fine Art has just opened its newest gallery in the heart of Stamford. Over the last 20 years, Clarendon Fine Art has built a strong reputation for making art feel welcoming and accessible to all. The business was founded by Helen Swaby, who wanted to create a more inspiring and enjoyable way to discover and buy art –one that feels friendly, relaxed and personal. The portfolio continues to evolve, and with 90 galleries across the UK and internationally, Clarendon offers art for everyone from seasoned collectors to the curious newcomer visiting a gallery for the first time.

The stunning new space, nestled within a beautifully restored historic building (the old Halifax building in the High Street), complements the town’s fine Georgian architecture and vibrant high street, creating a brand-new cultural destination for art lovers.

Clarendon Fine Art Stamford will be a dynamic hub for the community, hosting regular exhibitions and exclusive events, and offering an ever-evolving portfolio of modern and contemporary masterpieces. Collectors at every stage of their journey can discover iconic works from acclaimed artists such as The Connor Brothers, Mr. Brainwash, Danielle O’Connor Akiyama, Philip Gray and Fabian Perez, alongside 20th-century Masters. Visitors can also benefit from personalised art consultation services, expert guidance and exclusive access to exciting launch events and artist appearances.

Founder and CEO Helen Swaby explains the choice was clear: ‘We can’t wait to become part of this wonderful town and welcome everyone to explore our incredible collection and meet our passionate team.’

Clarendon Fine Art, 11–12 High Street, Stamford PE9 2AL 01780 322270 | Check the website for launch party details: clarendonfineart.com | clarendonfineartofficial

INVASION: A New Book by Local Author

Local writer Robert Tregay talks about his debut novel:

‘I’m a Rutland writer and published my first novel, INVASION, in 2023. For most of my career, I led a design company, working worldwide, but in 2017 became a novelist, drawing, as most writers do, on my own experience and areas of special interest: 20thcentury history, physical geography, family mysteries and adventure.

‘INVASION is a thriller telling the story of a reluctant spy, Thomas Galtung, sent to Norway by British Intelligence in 1939. In the coldest winter for a hundred years, he becomes embroiled in Germany’s invasion on 9 April 1940 and in the theft of the final lorry load of gold as it escaped from Norway’s central bank. On the run in the snow-covered hills around icy fjords south of Oslo, Thomas turns to a network of childhood friends to help keep him alive.

‘A lingering mystery in the story surrounds a young girl, Marta, who disappeared long ago from a farm high in the forests. Thomas begins a search for Marta, leading him to confront unsettling ambiguities in his own family heritage.

‘INVASION has excellent reviews and can be purchased through Amazon or on my website. It has been sold and read in many countries – from New Zealand to Norway, Sweden and America – and by many people in Rutland who I’ve met at Christmas fayres, The Rutland Flower Show and at the book’s launch event. My special thanks to Gates, Rutland Garden Village and Walkers Bookshops for their support.

‘A sequel to INVASION will follow the stolen hoard of gold to Falmouth, the port town in Cornwall: to be published in 2027. To keep in touch, please sign up to newsletters on my website.’

www.roberttregay.com

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THE MARCH WALK

Medbourne, Hallaton, Horninghold & Blaston

Geographically, this very fine walk is a type of cirque of the head of the Medbourne Brook, which flows eventually down to the River Welland

words: nicholas rudd-jones

POINTS OF INTEREST

• Medbourne: The name ‘Medbourne’ is Anglo Saxon for meadow stream. The stream and two of its tributaries form part of the parish boundaries to the north of the village. Because of the dangers of flooding, the course of the brook was canalised into straight drains, which is what you see today.

• The Great Northern and London and North Western Joint Railway, which we cross a couple of times, was closed in 1953. It went from Melton Mowbray to Market Harborough. The old bridge that we pass under apparently became popular for rock climbing, as it has three types of rock: ironstone, gritstone and smooth blue engineers’ bricks.

• The Via Devana Roman road ran from Chester (Roman name Deva) to Colchester via Leicester. Our route crosses the road just after the old bridge, but peer as we might we couldn’t see any signs of it left.

• Hallaton: A beautiful village dating from the 14th century. The Hallaton Museum merits a visit. Check opening times www. leicestershirevillages.com/hallaton. The famous Hallaton Bottle Kicking and Hare Pie Scrambling takes place on a hill to the south of the village on Easter Monday each year.

• Horninghold is a fascinating village and was recently the subject of a heritage trail leaflet, which should be available at the church. Between 1884 and 1913 T.A. Hardcastle, completed the remodelling of Horninghold into a ‘garden village’, building stone,

brick and half-timbered houses in a neat and symmetrical pattern and surrounding them with ornamental shrubs and trees. Perhaps not surprisingly, back in the day it was described as ‘Leicestershire’s prettiest village’.

KEY DATA

Distance 8.1 miles

Typical time 3 hours 40 mins

Start & finish Medbourne Village Hall, Main Street, Medbourne LE16 8DT Terrain Gentle hills

PIT STOPS

• The Hallaton Tearooms (Wed–Sun), located just behind the Bewicke Arms (evenings, Indian menu) in Hallaton LE16 8UB. A cosy tearoom, pet friendly and with a kids’ playground.

• The Nevill Arms, Medbourne LE16 8EE, is the perfect spot for really good food and a good pubby vibe. The bar is delightful. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal here at the end of the walk, and we especially liked the menu mixing up classics with modern twists. It has great rooms, too, if you want to stay overnight.

DIRECTIONS

1 Park in Main Street just south of the church. Head northwest up Hallaton Road and skirt through the church and over the footbridge to the other side of the Medbourne Brook.

2 Turn left (south) here to follow a footpath along the right side of the brook that comes out at The Nevill Arms. Continue to the busy main road, where you turn right, and carefully follow it for a couple of hundred yards or so as it bends round to the left, until it reaches a bridleway sign on the right.

ABOVE TOP: on the bridge by Medbourne Church. ABOVE BOTTOM: Blaston Church. OPPOSITE: the heart of Hallaton.

3

4

Take this bridleway due west and follow it until it meets Green Lane (a small road).

Turn right (northeast) here onto the Macmillan Way and follow the road up the slope to the Medbourne to Slawston Road, then continue straight across along a metalled track towards Hallaton. On reaching the Hallaton Road, turn left then shortly right and continue to follow the route towards Hallaton.

5

You pass the Hare Pie Bank where the Hallaton Bottle Kicking takes place, then veer slightly right to make the final run in to Hallaton, dipping down to cross back over the brook and climbing the other side to enter the village.

6

Coming out in the Market Square, walk up the High Street, which must have just about the most fascinating mix of old buildings of any village in our region. On reaching Eastgate turn left, then shortly right into North End, and you will see a footpath sign taking off from Hazel Grove on the left.

7

Follow this footpath across a field, over the disused railway line, down over a tributary of Medbourne Brook and up the hill the other side (when we did this walk the path was poorly marked – it helped us to aim towards Horninghold which we could see on the horizon).

8 On the other side of this field, the path crosses another tributary and then follows it for a while until you reach farm buildings and a tiny road. Turn right here to take you to Horninghold Church and the Hallaton Road.

9

Turn right and then shortly left onto Horninghold Lane, a gated route with delightful views west over the Medbourne valley. Follow this all the way to Blaston.

10

At Blaston, follow the road left, and then take the track right past the delightful tiny 19th-century church, following this metalled track all the way to the outskirts of Medbourne.

11Turn right along the main Uppingham Road and you will soon be back at your start point.

ASK LEO

Stamford Almshouses

AThe Trustees of Fryer’s Callis are hoping to restore and update the attractive building on Kettering Road. This has spurred on Jean Orpin and Sue Lee to find out more about Stamford’s almshouses and Fryer’s Callis in particular

LMSHOUSES were originally associated with medieval monasteries and often called Infirmaries. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, well-to-do people gave money to provide low-cost housing for people in need and they were known as Almshouses. The word ‘alms’ comes from the Greek, meaning compassion. Later many were called Bede houses where the inmates were expected to pray for the founder. We are familiar with the term Callis in Stamford.

Many were built when there was economic decline. They were usually conveniently situated in central areas near to shops and transport. Some were built by well-known architects. Many remain in old, often beautiful, historic buildings; others are more modern and some are newly built. Many of them, as in Stamford, are listed, and this restricts changes to the building. Today they are usually governed by trustees with links to the town, the family or the local church. Trustees often provide skills that are helpful to the almshouses such as accountants, solicitors, bankers, architects, lawyers and administrators. Few still have resident wardens. What they all have in common is their provision of affordable housing and support for the needy or vulnerable, often older people. Today, most but not all of the charities in Stamford are gathered together as Stamford Municipal Charities.

HISTORIC STAMFORD ALMSHOUSES

BROWNE’S HOSPITAL, BROAD STREET

One of the last medieval almshouses in England, founded by William Browne, a wealthy merchant, and completed in 1475. It provided accommodation for 10 men, 2 women and a warden and confrater. It was rebuilt by James Fowler in 1870.

ST PETER’S CALLIS, ALL SAINTS’ STREET

Founded by 1466, it belonged to St Peter’s, and later to All Saints, when the parishes were amalgamated. It housed 12 poor women. By the 19th century it was in a poor state and demolished. Edwin Barber left £300 and it was rebuilt to designs by James Richardson with accommodation for three women.

WILLIAMSON’S HOSPITAL, 3 ST PETER’S STREET

This was founded using an existing building in 1763 by George Williamson, grocer, for 7 poor widows of 48 years or older belonging to the parishes of St Michael, St John, St George and All Saints. Williamson was wealthy but childless and spent his money to benefit the town.

TOP LEFT: Browne’s Hospital.

CENTRE LEFT: Lord Burghley’s Hospital.

BOTTOM LEFT: Truesdale’s Hospital.

LORD BURGHLEY’S HOSPITAL, STATION ROAD

Lord Burghley’s Hospital (St Martin’s Bedehouse) was originally to care for travellers, the poor and the sick, administered by Peterborough Abbey. After the Dissolution it was bought by William Cecil, chief minister to Elizabeth I. It housed 13 old men.

SNOWDEN’S HOSPITAL, SCOTGATE

Founded in 1604 by Richard Snowden, the rector of St George’s and St John’s churches. A quarter of the town’s population had died of plague. In his will he gave land and property for seven poor widows, to be selected by the Mayor. Initially they lived in one of his buildings, which was later rebuilt.

TRUESDALE’S HOSPITAL, SCOTGATE

Founded in 1700 by Thomas Truesdale, a wealthy attorney, for six ancient and poor men of the parishes of All Saints and St John. Its architect, George Basevi, recommended it was rebuilt as it was in a poor state. A new almshouse for 12 men was completed in 1833.

HOPKINS HOSPITAL, ST PETER’S STREET

Founded in 1770 by John Hopkins, then Mayor, for married couples of Stamford. The Corporation gave the site on the town walls, after the demolition of the town gate.

Fryer’s Callis

THE FOUNDER: HENRY FRYER

Fryer’s Callis is named for Henry Fryer (1762–1823), its first benefactor. He lived all his life in St Martin’s, Stamford, where he was baptised in 1762 and buried in 1823. There is a memorial to him in the church. His father was a wealthy surgeon, and Henry followed in his footsteps, quadrupling the inheritance the family had received from his father. He never married, but lived with his mother and sister at 20 St Martin’s, a property rented from the Exeter Estate. Throughout his life he was generous to the poor, and in his will he left bequests to benefit numerous institutions. The breadth of his legacies reflects his many concerns: widows and orphans of clergy; schools including girls’ schools; Sunday School; SPCK; the deaf and the blind; and a substantial sum to build an infirmary in Stamford or Rutland. In particular, he was concerned for widows of men who no longer qualified for alms or accommodation when their husbands died and he left provision to build and maintain an almshouse for six poor widows. This was built in 1832, designed by George Basevi, a noted London architect.

FRYER’S CALLIS TODAY

THE ARCHITECT: GEORGE BASEVI

George Basevi (1794–1845) had offices at 17 Savile Row in London, had toured Europe extensively and was knowledgeable about both Classical and Gothic architecture. He was born into a Jewish family, but, like his cousin, Benjamin Disraeli, he was baptised a Christian in his teens. His early commissions included churches in Cheshire and Greenwich. These were Classical in style, as was other work such as Gatcombe Park, Belgrave Square and his best-known building, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

Basevi’s daughter married the Duke of Bedford’s agent in 1828, leading probably to regular commissions in the Fenland area. He may have known Henry Fryer, but it was a decade after Fryer’s death that he submitted designs for both Fryer’s Hospital and the rebuilding of Truesdale.

Later churches designed by Basevi were more often in Gothic styles including St Matthew’s, Eye, near Peterborough. He met an untimely death when inspecting work at Ely Cathedral – falling from a tower, aged only 50.

CAN YOU HELP ENSURE A FUTURE FOR FRYER’S CALLIS?

Basevi’s design, in a late Gothic domestic style, included three front doorways, each with a single room on either side. Privies were at the rear. The Trustees of the Stamford Municipal Charities have followed Henry Fryer’s intentions and used the endowment to keep the building in repair, but there has been little alteration since the 1960s. At that time access was moved to the back, front doors were blocked and the six individual rooms made into four one-bedroomed flats. The facilities then provided are now outdated and the property needs proper damp-proofing and insulation.

As a historic building of merit, it is Grade II listed, and today’s trustees also continue to be mindful of the wishes of Henry Fryer. The principles of his benefaction, to provide for elderly people in financial need, have to be matched with ensuring the accommodation is fit for purpose in the 21st century. Currently, they have plans, prepared by Peter Slinger, an ecclesiastical and conservation architect, to reduce the flats to three, update the facilities and restore the original design by re-opening the front doors.

Planning permission and listed building consent have been obtained, and provision is being made for the residents while the work is done – all that is needed now is the financial means to go ahead. The endowment cannot cover the full cost, so help is being sought, including from local people who will recognise the importance of this historic building which adds to the fabric of the town and to its history of providing accommodation for local people in need.

Any contributions would help the Trustees achieve their goals – ‘little things make big things happen!’ If you are interested in making a donation, please contact the Clerk to the Charities by email at clerk@thesmac.co.uk

COMPUTER SUPPORT

GARDEN STUDIOS

Eleanor Turner Harpist

WORDS: STEVE ROBERTS | PHOTOGRAPHY: LUCY GLEN

IMET WITH Eleanor Turner a couple of days before the Winter Harp Festival, an online, global weekend of learning and playing in which she was one of four world-class tutorperformers ready to help harpists, from the aspiring to the experienced, explore their potential. She did not seem particularly fazed by the prospect, but then, over the course of our conversation, I concluded that Eleanor is unlikely to be fazed by anything. Eleanor Turner has lived in Stamford for most of her life and started playing the harp aged 4, before training at the Royal College of Music. Her classical technique underpins, but in no way limits, her playing or composing. She seems equally at home in any and all of Western and Eastern classical music traditions, rap, jazz and hip-hop and seeks to test the harp to the outer limits of its capabilities. However, listening back to the tape of our chat whilst I type, I am also struck by her immense good humour and how much our discussion was interrupted by laughter. But then, as Eleanor says, music is a great joy-bringer.

Eleanor’s teaching does not stop at the Winter Harp Festival: she has a number of students across the country and one of her former pupils, Oakham’s Elizabeth Bass, is now Principal Harpist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and soon to make her concerto debut. Composition also plays a large part in Eleanor’s life, but it seems clear that performing is what makes her soul sing, whether on a classical concert stage or at Brixton’s The Chip Shop – the cool epicentre of London’s hip hop scene.

However, the great love of her life, after her three children, is making music as one half of Tāla Tarang, a possibly unique harp

and tabla duo, which she has formed with tabla maestro Mendi Singh. It is in Tāla Tarang that Eleanor’s capacity to push musical boundaries to the limit is perhaps at its strongest. Certainly, Eleanor and Mendi’s East-meets-West music has fired up audiences in clubs, concert halls and festivals across Europe.

You can also catch Eleanor playing on rapper Dave’s number one album The Boy Who Plays the Harp, and this summer she will be at the World Harp Congress in Toronto, Canada, playing her own Lullabies for the Land. This last project is a fascinating and heartfelt book of 18 harp arrangements through which Eleanor celebrates culture and diversity and stands against the cultural erasure of indigenous people around the globe. At its core are the lullabies that are sure to strike a chord with audiences because, as Eleanor says, ‘every moment of every day in every part of the planet, a woman is crooning a lullaby to a child.’

So, this is Eleanor Turner – composer, teacher, parent, activist, gutsy, generous, a good laugh and, by the way, a brilliant harpist. Stamford should be proud of her.

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK NOW:

Summer concert by Tāla Tarang at United Reformed Church, Star Lane, Stamford on Saturday 2 May at 7pm.

• For details of more Eleanor Turner performances and teaching go to: www.eleanorturner.biz

• You can also follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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