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RUTLAND LIVING The original & best Established 2002 100% local

October 2026

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THIS EDITION INCLUDES: Heritage Glamour & Traitors Style with Cavells at Keythorpe Hall A Season of Inspiration at Rutland Nursery Eat, Drink & Be Merry: Local Festive Dining & Celebrations

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OCTOBER 2026 A Richer Palette The colour is finally coming back into our world after that long, hot summer. Our lawn, which was until recently a yellowy desert, is now sprouting bright green shoots, and the borders are coming back to life. The shades of autumn are starting to arrive too, and we like them very much – the wine red, rust, gold and brown of the leaves as they are cast off, and the darker overcoats and scarves as they start to be put on. This month we feature a Traitors-style Cavells fashion shoot, full of the browns, burgundies and greys of the season, at the exquisite Keythorpe Hall; an article on the apple, with its beautiful russet-brown shades; and – it’s that time of year again – the World Conker Championships in Southwick, with those glossy, reddishbrown conkers that we all love to collect and cherish as echoes of our youth. And finally, thinking about the season ahead, our festive menus and venues feature is full of rich colours: golds, silvers, reds and, if we are lucky, the brilliant white of falling snow. Enjoy your colours this month. Editors, Nicholas & Clare

COUNTRY RAMBLES – NOW OUT! Our new walks book, Country Rambles, is now out – you can buy it on our website for £10 including P&P: www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

THE TEAM

This magazine has been created by the team at Local Living, PO Box 208, Stamford PE9 9FY PUBLISHER & EDITOR Nicholas Rudd-Jones | 01780 765571 nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk EDITOR & EDITORIAL DESIGN Clare Rudd-Jones ADVERTISEMENT SALES Rutland & Market Harborough Tracy Watkinson 01572 813187 | tracy@bestlocalliving.co.uk Stamford Claudia Bayley 07876 171063 | claudia.bayley@btinternet.com ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION Ad Copy Manager: Rachel Beecroft Ad Designer: Sarah Patterson

Please note that this magazine now also incorporates Nene Valley Living & Market Harborough Living. This magazine has been printed by Warners of Bourne on FSC® certiﬁed paper from sustainable and other controlled sources. SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual rate £45 (UK only) for 12 issues. Please write to the Publisher at Local Living Ltd, with £45 cheque payable to Local Living or buy your subscription at www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

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114

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2026 8

This Month We Love

Interiors: All Water Solutions

The Stamford Daniels

What’s On in October

St Martin’s Antiques Centre

World Conker Championships

The Season Ahead at Rutland Nursery

Local Pets: Nell’s Second Chance

Food & Drink: Rennet & Rind’s Monthly Cheese & Wine Club

Fashion: Cavells at Keythorpe Hall

Health & Wellness: MindSpace & Chris Young

Food & Drink: Eat, Drink & Be Merry – Festive Menus

102

Fashion Shopping: Autumn in the Country

Health & Wellness: Physis Oundle

Food & Drink: Apple Season

Interiors: Fairmont Reed

Beauty Shopping: After Dark

Interiors: Classic Fireplaces

Health & Wellness: MBST

Local Walks: Spotlight on Our New Book, Country Rambles

114

Rutland Wallers

Thurnby Fields Care Home

Music: Sophie’s Voice

104 Local Briefing

110

4 | contents

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ra a S Celestial blue treasures

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THIS MONTH WE LOVE… STAMFORD STRINGS’

BRAZENOSE VIOLIN COMPETITION This beautiful handcrafted Brazenose Fuoco Violin, worth £3,995, will be awarded to the winner of the inaugural Brazenose Violin Competition, created by Stamford Strings founder Libby Summers to support exceptional young UK violinists. Hear the finalists perform live at St Martin’s Church, Stamford, on 10 October – tickets £10 per session or £20 for a day pass. stamfordstrings.co.uk

CONKER CORDUROY AT

SAHARA Cord is having a moment, and we love Sahara’s take on the trend in this beautiful autumnal conker shade. Cut in fine pinwale cotton cord, this shirt dress (£179) has a softly structured, velvety feel. Wear buttoned with boots or open over trousers as a relaxed longline layer. saharalondon.com

DINNER CANDLES AT

FRECKLEFACE We love these elegant dinner candles from Freckleface. Made from vegetable-based Stearin wax, they burn cleanly with minimal dripping – perfect for cosy autumn evenings. £12.50 for four or two packs for £20, frecklefacehomefragrance.com

BELVOIR CASTLE’S HALLOWEEN FUN A pesky witch has flown over Belvoir Castle and cast a spell over the entire estate. The Adventure Playground is enchanted, the Animal Park animals are transformed and the cauldron is bubbling. Would-be Curse Breakers must follow the Enchanted Halloween Trail, solve the clues and brew a counter-curse to break the spell. A brilliantly imaginative half-term adventure. belvoircastle.com

PUMPKIN PICKING IN KETTON There’s something lovely about the annual ritual of choosing your own pumpkin – pulling on your boots, grabbing a wheelbarrow and heading into the patch to find the perfect one to take home and carve. Ketton Pumpkins returns this October with pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colours. Open 10–11, 17–18 and 24–31 October, 10am–4pm. kettonpumpkins.co.uk

8 | october 2026

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Image curtesy of Jane Churchill

info@sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk . 6 Market Place, Uppingham 01572 823389 . instagram: sarahhardinginteriorsltd

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WHAT’S ON | OCTOBER

A SELECTION OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE ACROSS THE REGION THIS MONTH

EXHIBITION Anthony Gross at Goldmark Gallery Continuing through the month, free entry This major exhibition celebrates the remarkable life and work of Anthony Gross RA CBE (1905–1984), including paintings from his home in the Lot Valley of southern France. CINEMA Cinema for Rutland at The Wisteria Hotel, Oakham Check website for time & ticket information Cinema for Rutland has a new home from October, moving from Rutland County Museum to The Wisteria

Hotel next door. This month’s film is Dead of Winter (15), a thriller starring Emma Thompson, Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca and Laurel Marsden. Travelling alone through snowbound Minnesota, a woman interrupts the kidnapping of a teenage girl.

1–3

SPECIAL EVENT Burghley by Twilight 6–8pm, £30 Enjoy the very special opportunity to experience Burghley House after hours, as the magnificent State Rooms are transformed by soft lighting and candlelight. Live classical music throughout the house adds to the atmosphere, with performers

including harpists, violinists, choirs and players of lute, recorder and hurdy-gurdy. Tickets include a glass of Prosecco or soft drink.

1–17

EXHIBITION Welland Valley Art Society at Stamford Arts Centre Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, free The Autumn Exhibition of the Welland Valley Art Society features more than 100 original works by over 50 professional and talented amateur artists. Expect a wonderful variety of paintings and sculpture, all available to buy, including an ‘Affordable Art’ wall of small paintings priced at £75 or less. wellandvalleyartsociety.co.uk

10 | a selection of events across the region this month

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SUPPER CLUB Sabrina Ghayour at Rutland Nursery 7–10.30pm. See p20 for full details. EXHIBITION Ollie Tuck: Small Pleasures at Gladwell & Patterson From 2 Oct A joyful new exhibition of still lifes and interiors by contemporary British painter Ollie Tuck. Small Pleasures celebrates the everyday moments that punctuate the seasons, from flowers and ceramics to seafood and seasonal produce, brought to life through colour, pattern and beautifully observed detail.

3–17

EXHIBITION Beckie Reed: Solace at The Rutland Gallery, Uppingham Open daily 10.30am–4pm A solo exhibition of new work by Beckie Reed, featuring atmospheric landscapes, quiet moments and a strong sense of place. The exhibition

opens with a preview on Saturday 3 October, when the artist will be in attendance from 2–4pm.

TALK Harringworth Viaduct – 150 Years at St John the Baptist Church, Harringworth 7.15pm, £15 including a glass of wine To mark 150 years since construction began on Harringworth Viaduct in 1876, local historian John Hillier returns with Nick Hill, formerly of Historic England, for an illustrated

talk revealing the results of their latest research and some exciting new discoveries. Canapés will be served during the interval. LIVE JAZZ KoKo Collective at Stamford Arts Centre 8pm, £15 Stamford Jazz welcomes KoKo Collective, bringing together some of the finest jazz talent from the UK. Led by multi-reed player Arran Kent, the quartet takes audiences on a lively journey through jazz history, from early jazz and swing to bebop, Latin, hard bop and modern jazz, with plenty of storytelling, humour and irresistible swing along the way.

CULTURE, EVENTS, WORKSHOPS

OPPOSITE: ‘Where the Wild Ones Wander’ by Beckie Reed, who has an exhibition at The Rutland Gallery in Uppingham this month. BELOW LEFT: Milton Jones will be headlining STAND UPP at Uppingham Theatre on 10 October. BELOW RIGHT: Burghley by Twilight offers a magical opportunity to experience Burghley House after hours, with classical musicians performing throughout the State Rooms.

VENUES • All Saints’ Church Oakham Church Street, Oakham LE15 6AA • Belvoir Castle Grantham, NG32 1PA, 01476 871001, belvoircastle.com • Burghley House Stamford PE9 3JY, 01780 752451, burghley.co.uk • Easton Walled Gardens Grantham, NG33 5AP, 01476 530063, visiteaston.co.uk • Gladwell & Patterson 1 High Street, Stamford PE9 2AL, 01780 917567, gladwellpatterson.com • Goldmark Gallery 14 Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ , 01572 821424, goldmarkart.com • Manton Village Hall Priory Road, Manton, Rutland LE15 8SU • Oakham School Chapel Chapel Close, Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT, oakham.rutland.sch.uk • The Rutland Gallery 27 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY, 01572 510048, rutlandgallery.com • Rutland Nursery Lyndon Road, Manton, Rutland LE15 8RN, 01572 498720, rutlandnursery.co.uk • St John the Baptist Church Seaton Road, Harringworth NN17 3AF • St Martin’s Church High Street St Martin’s Stamford PE9 2LF, stmartinstamford.org • The Shuckburgh Arms Main Street, Southwick, 07961 568419, southwickshuckburgharms.co.uk • Stamford Arts Centre 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DL, 01780 763203, stamfordartscentre.com • Wisteria Hotel 4 Catmos Street, Oakham LE15 6HW, 01572 722844 wisteriahotel.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON | OCTOBER

ABOVE: Elina Duni and Rob Luft return to Goldmark Front Room this month for an intimate evening of voice and guitar.

9–11

OPEN-AIR CINEMA Adventure Cinema at Burghley House See burghley.co.uk for films, times & tickets Settle in beneath the stars for a spooktacular weekend of open-air cinema at Burghley, with Halloween favourites, family films and cult classics screened in the spectacular surroundings of the House. Wrap up warm and bring a blanket; street food and a fully stocked bar will be available.

LIVE MUSIC Elina Duni & Rob Luft in Goldmark Front Room 7.30pm, £35 Albanian-Swiss vocalist Elina Duni and South London guitarist Rob Luft bring their captivating musical partnership to the intimate

Goldmark Front Room. Performing music from their new ECM album Reaching for the Moon, the duo strip their collaboration back to its most essential form – voice and guitar – for an intimate, nocturnal and quietly daring evening. Just 60 seats available. LIVE MUSIC Brazenose Violin Competition Live Final at St Martin’s Church, Stamford All day. Tickets £10 per session or £20 for a day pass Talented young violinists aged 12–24 compete in the live final of this new national competition, with a handcrafted Brazenose Fuoco violin worth £3,995 as the top prize. See This Month We Love, p8. COMEDY Stand Upp – with Milton Jones at Uppingham Theatre 8pm, £25; recommended 16+ Milton Jones headlines a night of stand-up alongside Glenn Wool and Harry Jenkins, hosted by Cerys Nelmes. A regular on Mock the Week, Milton has also appeared on Live at the Apollo, Dave’s One Night Stand and Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS World Conker Championships in Southwick See p82 for our feature on this year’s event.

13–15

GARDENING EVENT Sarah Raven at Rutland Nursery Workshops from Tuesday to Thursday, plus Sarah Raven in conversation with Chris Young on Wednesday 14 October. See p20 for full details.

TALK The Arts Society Burghley at Stamford Arts Centre 10.45am, guests are very welcome – guest tickets £10

14 | a selection of events across the region this month • for addresses of venues, see p11

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WHAT’S ON | OCTOBER

In ‘Sixty Years On – Life in Britain as Seen in the 1960s Films’, Colin Shindler explores British social and cultural history through the films of the decade. A writer and television producer as well as an experienced lecturer, Shindler won a BAFTA for The Little Princess and was Emmynominated for Young Charlie Chaplin.

TALK Miniature Portraits: Tiny Treasures Close to Our Heart at All Saints’ Church, Oakham 11am (coffee from 10.15am); guests £7, advance booking required Cindy Polemis explores the fascinating history of miniature portraits. From diplomatic gifts to tokens of love, between the 16th and 19th centuries these tiny works were commissioned to be held in the hand or placed inside lockets, creating an unusually intimate relationship between owner and sitter.

COMMUNITY The Rutland Show Choir Meet & Greet at Manton Village Hall 7.30pm, £5

Meet the team behind a new Rutland choir singing show tunes, pop and soft rock. Led by Reece Crane and Neil Roberts, The Rutland Show Choir welcomes all abilities and there’s no need to be able to read music. The first rehearsal follows on Monday 23 November.

FAMILY THEATRE The Wind in the Willows at Stamford Arts Centre 2.30pm, £12 adult, £10 child; 50 mins; ages 3+ From Ratty’s beloved riverbank to the wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, join Mole, Ratty, Badger and magnificent Mr Toad on their adventures. Awardwinning theatre company Box Tale Soup brings Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic to life with puppetry, innovative theatre and an original score. LIVE MUSIC The Choir of Clare College, Cambridge at All Saints’ Church, Oakham 7pm, £20; under-18s free One of the world’s leading university choirs comes to Oakham, directed by Graham Ross. The programme centres on Duruflé’s magnificent Requiem, alongside works by Stanford, Bainton, Bairstow and Ross.

ABOVE: The Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, pictured in the College Chapel. The acclaimed choir performs Duruflé’s Requiem at All Saints’ Church, Oakham, on 29 October. Photo © Andrew Staples.

AUTHOR EVENT Joanne Harris at The Great Hall, Oundle 7.30–8.30pm, £10–14 Join international bestselling author Joanne Harris as she discusses her latest novel, Sleepers in the Snow. Set on the North Yorkshire Moors, it’s a haunting story of love, loss, mystery and fading memories, centred on an isolated house whose past begins to reveal itself as the nights draw in. Harris is the award-winning author of more than 20 novels, including Chocolat, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE in 2022.

ART EVENT Stamford Pottery Market at Stamford Arts Centre 10am–4pm, free Around 30 local potters gather to display and sell their work, from beautiful domestic and garden ware to ornaments, jewellery and sculpture. Meet the makers, discover the different processes and techniques they use and enjoy all things ceramic.

16 | a selection of events across the region this month • for addresses of venues, see p11

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The Season Ahead at

Rutland Nursery

VER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, Rutland Nursery has established itself as a destination not only for beautiful plants, interiors and food, but for an exciting programme of events. Its Authors in Conversation series has brought some of the biggest names in food and gardening to Rutland, while workshops, supper clubs and creative events offer plenty more reasons to linger. This autumn and winter see its most ambitious programme yet. Celebrated gardener Sarah Raven arrives in October for three days of workshops and a special Authors in Conversation evening; legendary chef Rick Stein follows in November, while Sabrina Ghayour returns twice. And on 18 November, a festive late-night shopping evening brings food, drinks and Christmas cheer, with Craig Revel Horwood switching on the Nursery’s Christmas lights. Many Authors in Conversation evenings are hosted by Chris Young, with time for an audience Q&A and book signing. Events take place across The View, The Bothy and the Glasshouse. A tip: the biggest names can sell out quickly, so it’s worth signing up to the Rutland Nursery newsletter to hear about ticket releases first.

rick stein

sarah raven

sabrina ghayour

Clare Rudd-Jones caught up with the team at Rutland Nursery to discover what’s in store for the season ahead, from acclaimed chefs and gardening experts to inspiring workshops, fabulous food and a magical late-night shopping evening to welcome in the festive season

SABRINA GHAYOUR SUPPER CLUB 2 OCTOBER 7–10.30pm, £89 per person Following her hugely popular visit to Rutland Nursery last year, food writer and Middle Eastern chef Sabrina Ghayour returns to The View for a very special supper club. Designed around the pleasure of sharing food, Sabrina’s 10-course menu is a generous Middle Eastern-inspired feast, with vibrant dishes placed at the centre of the table. Expect fragrant spices, fresh herbs and bold flavours, with dishes including feta, tarragon and spice rolls; sweet potato, feta and spring onion kuku; shuwa-style lamb shoulder; chickpea, garlic, cinnamon and cumin rice; and spiced orange and apricot croissant bread pudding. Sabrina will join guests during the evening, sharing stories about the dishes, her inspirations and the flavours behind the menu. It promises to be a warm, relaxed evening celebrating food, conversation and the wonderful tradition of gathering around a table.

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SA R A H R AV E N

SABRINA GHAYOUR

14 OCTOBER 6–8pm, £25

12 NOVEMBER 6.30–9pm, £25

One of Britain’s best-known gardeners, writers and broadcasters, Sarah Raven joins Chris Young for a special Authors in Conversation evening. For more than 25 years, Sarah has inspired gardeners to create beautiful, productive spaces filled with colour, scent and life. From her renowned garden at Perch Hill in East Sussex to her books, courses and gardening business, she has become an influential voice on everything from cut flowers and seasonal planting to growing your own and gardening sustainably. In conversation with Chris, Sarah will share stories from her career, her approach to gardening and the inspiration behind her many bestselling books. The evening includes an audience Q&A and book signing.

After October’s supper club, Sabrina Ghayour returns for an Authors in Conversation evening celebrating her latest cookbook, Persiana One. The eighth book from the bestselling author of Persiana, this new collection contains more than 100 recipes built around one wonderfully appealing idea: each can be made using just one pot, pan or tray. From colourful salads and sharing plates to midweek suppers, pastries and dishes for special occasions, Sabrina brings her trademark bold Middle Eastern flavours to simple, everyday cooking. In conversation with Chris Young, she’ll discuss the inspiration behind the book and her distinctive approach to food, before an audience Q&A and signing.

‘This autumn and winter see Rutland Nursery’s most ambitious programme yet’

elizabeth stanhope

craig revel horwood

sarah gerrard-jones

Sarah will also be at Rutland Nursery for three days of workshops from 13–15 October, bookable separately through her own website.

RICK STEIN

SARAH GERRARD-JONES

7 NOVEMBER 6.45–9.30pm, from £25

LOVE YOUR ORCHID 14 NOVEMBER 10.30am–12pm, £15

There can be few names more synonymous with British food than Rick Stein. The much-loved chef, restaurateur, broadcaster and author comes to Rutland Nursery to talk to Chris Young about his new book, Rick Stein’s Cookery Course. Drawing on more than 60 years of cooking, the book brings together 150 recipes and the essential techniques and knowledge Rick has acquired throughout his career. Organised around key ingredients – from vegetables, fish and shellfish to meat, pulses and grains – it combines updated classics with new recipes, step-by-step photography, practical advice and Rick’s own stories. The evening offers a rare opportunity to hear Rick reflect on his extraordinary culinary career, his approach to food and the experiences that have shaped his cooking, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Tickets including a copy of the book are also available for £55.

If you’ve ever brought home a beautiful orchid only to wonder what on earth to do with it once the flowers disappear, this one’s for you. Houseplant expert, writer and award-winning designer Sarah Gerrard-Jones – aka The Plant Rescuer – comes to the Glasshouse to celebrate the launch of her new book, Love Your Orchid. Sarah will demystify orchid care, covering everything from positioning, watering and feeding to encouraging plants to flower again and recognising the signs that an orchid needs a little extra attention. An RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner, Sarah has appeared on Gardeners’ World and Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club and is also a founder of Plant Rescue Box, an RHS-backed initiative helping to reduce plant waste.

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The Season Ahead at

Rutland Nursery DISCOVER RUTLAND NURSERY ONLINE Did you know you can also shop at Rutland Nursery online? From gorgeous things for the home to gifts, clothing, stationery, books and seasonal finds, there’s an ever-growing selection to discover at www.rutlandnursery.co.uk/online-shop/

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD 18 NOVEMBER Festivities from 5.30pm; Authors in Conversation 7.15–9.30pm, from £25 Christmas officially arrives at Rutland Nursery with an evening of lights, late-night shopping and plenty of sparkle – helped along by a very special guest. Craig Revel Horwood will switch on the Christmas lights in the courtyard before joining Chris Young in The View to talk about his new book, The Book of Panto. Drawing on 20 years of performing in pantomime, Craig explores the history, characters, costumes and glorious eccentricity of this peculiarly British Christmas tradition. The author event, which begins at 7.15pm, includes an audience Q&A and book signing; tickets including The Book of Panto are £43. LATE–NIGHT SHOPPING: The wider celebrations on 18 November begin at 5.30pm, with festive food and drinks, Christmas activities and late-night shopping.

E L I Z A B E T H S TA N H O P E

Green-and-white Shakti bowl, £75

20 NOVEMBER 10am–12pm, £75

Gaith brass salad servers, £47 Maison Augustin Camel pouch, £22 Green Flora tray, £37.95

As thoughts turn towards Christmas entertaining, interior designer Elizabeth Stanhope hosts a seasonal edition of her intimate masterclass series in The Bothy. Designed to combine inspiration with practical ideas, the morning includes pastries and seasonal fruit, a live presentation and demonstration from Elizabeth and a hands-on creative session. Guests create their own materials tray to take home and receive a specially curated Design Essentials goodie bag and Rutland Nursery gift, together with a 10% shopping discount at Rutland Nursery on the day.

‘A tip: the biggest names can sell out quickly, so it’s worth signing up to the Rutland Nursery newsletter to hear about ticket releases first’

LETTERPRESS WORKSHOP Green Karlie mug, £11.95

Cotton tote bag, £39

21 NOVEMBER 10am–12pm, £40 Slow things down in the run-up to Christmas with a morning of traditional letterpress printing led by Lucy Douglas of Green Machine Creative. Using vintage Adana tabletop presses together with traditional wood and metal type, guests will create a mini-edition of five festive cards and a collection of gift tags to take home. There’s an introduction to the presses and materials, the chance to experiment with ink mixing and colour matching, and plenty of hands-on printing, with all materials and festive refreshments included.

CHRISTMAS AT RUTLAND NURSERY

rutland nursery, manton, rutland le15 8rn www.rutlandnursery.co.uk | rutlandnursery

The events above are only part of the story at Rutland Nursery this season. As autumn gives way to Christmas, the Nursery will fill with seasonal plants, beautiful pieces for the home, gifts and festive decorations, making it the perfect place for inspiration – or perhaps an excuse to linger over coffee or lunch at The View. Look out on Rutland Nursery’s website for further workshops and events as they are added throughout the season.

22 | the season ahead at rutland nursery

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CHRIS YOUNG & ADAM FROST IN CONVERSATION The View, Rutland Nursery 5th November

TAPAS SUPPER CLUB The View, Rutland Nursery 13th November

SARAH GERRARD-JONES ‘LOVE YOUR ORCHID’ The Glasshouse, Rutland Nursery 14th November

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD IN CONVERSATION The View. Rutland Nursery 18th November

TIM HAYWARD - THE COCKTAIL HOUR Rutland Nursery 4th December

SABRINA GHAYOUR IN CONVERSATION The View, Rutland Nursery 12th November

events

SARAH RAVEN WORKSHOPS AT RUTLAND NURSERY 13th, 14th & 15th October Book via sarahraven.com

AUTUMN EVENTS RUTLAND NURSERY, MANTON, RUTLAND LE15 8RN SCAN TO BOOK OR VISIT RUTLANDNURSERY.CO.UK

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Experience

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eye care Independent, consultant led hospital in the leafy suburbs of Stoneygate

Extensive diagnostic equipment and state-of the-art laser suite

Local consultants with decades of experience in their fields and specialities

Easy to find luxurious setting with free parking

4.9/5 stars from over 240 reviews Rated excellent on

0116 270 8033 The East Midlands’ only dedicated private eye hospital thestoneygateeyehospital.co.uk | 376 London Road | Leicester

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SPECIALISTS IN: Cataract • Corneal • Glaucoma • Retinal • Oculoplastics • Refractive Lens Exchange LL SL 2026 TheOctober Stoneygate Eye ADS.indd Hospital FP25 Sept 26.indd 1

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weekend maxmara checked jersey dress, £290

Heritage STYLE The stylish team at Cavells bring Traitors-inﬂuenced country-house daywear and classic British evening glamour to the exquisite, historic Keythorpe Hall photography: elli dean | models: fran allathan & olivia blackshaw



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Whether you prefer traditional or conte we’ll create a unique inspirational spa

CMY

AWARD-WINNING INSPIRATIONAL SPACES Orangeries, garden rooms, conservatories, windows and doors. From design through to completion.

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

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above: vilagallo checked fringe coat (includes brooches), £339; vilagallo polka dot blouse, £149; mos mosh dara gleen jeans, £139. below left: essentiel antwerp mix shirt, £260; paige

cords, £305; paul green loafers, £175. below right: barbour sandra jacket, £199; orange marc cain cable-knit jumper, £339; marc cain pleather skirt, £225; marc cain scarf, £169; boots model’s own.

28 | fashion • heritage style • cavells at keythorpe hall

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above top: fran: rino and pelle cape, £139; olivia: farm rio flowers coat, £370; dress as before. above: maison anje byana jumper, £175; barbour delilah skirt, £129; barbour wax bushman hat, £54.95.

above right: weekend maxmara lanoso skirt, £280; twns turtleneck jumper, £140; necklaces from £20; boots from a range. below: rixo jacoba tapestry bloom cardigan, £395; dragon diffusion basil cactus bag, £340.

missoni wool twin set (top and cardigan in medium), £80, and small ‘millie’ tote in nightfall by mulberry, £500, all arch label agency; jeans as before.

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above: rixo cardigan, as before (see p29); rixo tapestry bloom trousers, £275; paul green pointed loafers, £145. below: rixo ursula top, £185; stella nova sequins mesh skirt, £200; boots model’s own. above right: dea kudibal rosita

blouse with ruffles, £279; vilagallo button hem trousers, £129; paul green court shoes, £160; oui fringed tweed waistcoat, £219. rixo trousers, £495; farm rio tapestry dream blouse £220; rino & pelle gusta bag, £65; loafers model’s own.

30 | fashion • heritage style • cavells at keythorpe hall

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olivia: queens of archive milly dress, £400; paul green court shoes, £160 fran: queens of archive chiara dress, £390; gucci sandals, model’s own

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Heritage Style

THANKS A big thank you to our talented photographer Elli Dean (07932 055548, ellideanphotography, www.ellideanphotography.co.uk) and to the wonderful team at Cavells – Siobhan, Amy, Claire – for styling our fabulous models Fran and Olivia. You were all amazing and such a delight to work with. Huge thanks, too, to Barbara and Giles at Keythorpe Hall for letting us use their glorious home as the location for our shoot.

All the clothes featured in this beautiful shoot are from Cavells, 16 Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA Mon–Sat 9.30am–5.30pm cavells.co.uk cavellsfashion

KEYTHORPE HALL The exquisite backdrop to this month’s fashion shoot, Keythorpe Hall is a secluded Georgian country house set amid more than 20 acres of gardens and rolling countryside near Tugby, on the Rutland/Leicestershire border. Built for entertaining, the house was begun in the late 1700s and completed in 1843. Its beautifully proportioned rooms, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows provide an elegant framework for interiors that feel wonderfully individual. Current owners Barbara and Giles have spent five years restoring the house, filling its rooms with ancestral portraits, contemporary art, stylish furnishings and eclectic objets d’art. The result is somewhere they describe as ‘relaxed yet indulgent’. Today, Keythorpe is primarily available for exclusive-use stays, celebrations and private events, but there are also wonderful opportunities for us fortunate locals to step inside. Its popular supper club opens up the house on selected dates, with menus inspired by the seasons and produce grown on the estate or sourced from neighbouring farms and artisan suppliers. Check the Keythorpe Hall website for the latest dining dates and events. The restored two-acre walled garden is at the heart of life at Keythorpe. Fruit and vegetables are grown for the kitchen, alongside an abundance of beautiful seasonal cut flowers, all cultivated without artificial pesticides or fertilisers. Dahlias, cosmos and amaranthus – all seen in our photographs – are among the flowers grown here, filling the house in spectacular displays and featuring in events and celebrations. The garden’s blooms also find their way beyond the estate, sold locally and supplied to florists including Ode to Joy in Stamford. This is all part of the vision that Barbara and Giles have for Keythorpe: celebrating the house, its gardens, the changing seasons and the very best of what can be found – and grown – close to home. www.keythorpehall.co.uk |

keythorpe_hall

‘Its beautifully proportioned rooms, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows provide an elegant framework for interiors that feel wonderfully individual’

32 | fashion • heritage style • cavells at keythorpe hall

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3 Red Lion Square Stamford, PE9 2AQ Tel: 01780 408 549

saharalondon.com

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FASHION | STYLE | SHOP LOCAL

Autumn in the Country

words: erin andrews

As the leaves turn and the days grow cooler, it’s time to settle into the new season. Think muddy walks, country pubs and crisp mornings, paired with cosy knits and classic checks

6 2. The Hot Fudge Becksöndergaard alpaca triangle scarf (£72) from Be Booted of Market Harborough adds warmth and texture – a musthave for autumn days out. bebooted.com 3. Warm-toned checks are made for the season, and the JC Sophie Parole check blouse (£95) from Cavells of Oakham layers beautifully with neutral knits for added interest. cavells.co.uk

34 | fashion shopping

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1. A stylish alternative to the classic Wellington boot, the Barbour Hepburn ankle boots (£79.95) from Sinclairs of Stamford combine chic practicality with countryside-ready appeal. sinclairsonline.co.uk

9 4. The Pieces Dorthea chunky knit jumper (£32) from Iris & Violet of Stamford will be your new wardrobe go-to. Its neutral tone makes everyday dressing effortless. irisandviolet.shop

7. This crinkle check boxy top (£125) from Sahara in Stamford brings a relaxed silhouette and timeless pattern to autumn wardrobes. Pair with jeans for laid-back days. saharalondon.com

5. Autumn means sneaking off to the countryside for cosy fires and pub evenings, and the Noelle duffel bag (£100) from Nadinoo of Oakham is the perfect getaway companion. nadinoo.com

8. The Maison Hotel Golden Stars Luna jacket (£189) from Energy Clothing of Stamford is an elegant velvet layer for autumn evenings that call for a little more glamour. energy-clothing.com

6. Adding statement jewellery such as the Cresta earrings (£29) from White Ginger of Stamford to a staple seasonal item of knitwear transforms the look, instantly adding that finishing touch. white-ginger.com

9. Pair the Clara vintage link necklace (£105) from Heidi Kjeldsen of Oakham with simple layers to add elegance and take your look from day to night. heidikjeldsen.co.uk

Product prices subject to promotional offers and stock changes.

15/09/2026 09:13

G A R D E N C E N T R E | H O M E & L I F E ST Y L E | D I N I N G | F A R M S H O P | F A R M I N G

MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS MAGICAL AT GATES

Step into Christmas at Gates, where festive magic fills every corner. Explore sparkling Christmas displays, enjoy magical dining with Santa and enjoy crafting beautiful wreaths bursting with seasonal charm. Find thoughtful gifts, stylish brands and festive favourites, then visit our Farm Shops for local produce, bespoke hampers and the finest turkeys.

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Stay Cool, Save Energy, Living Comfortably. Professional Air Conditioning by

J Wilson Plumbing & Heating Ltd Your home should feel just right — whatever the season.

SMARTER COMFORT. GREATER EFFICIENCY.

J Wilson Plumbing & Heating Ltd now offers professionally designed and installed air conditioning systems, bringing sophisticated year-round climate control to your home.

• Eﬃciency of up to 400%, modern air conditioning can provide an exceptionally efﬁcient way to heat and cool your home.

From stylish living spaces and bedrooms to home ofﬁces, kitchens and extensions, we can recommend a system to suit your property and lifestyle.

COOL WHEN YOU WANT IT WARM WHEN YOU NEED IT Forget air conditioning being just for hot summer days. Modern systems deliver both cooling and heating, giving you precise control over your home’s temperature throughout the year — quietly, efﬁciently and effortlessly. And with Wi-Fi and smart app control, comfort is always at your ﬁngertips.

• Premium equipment, professional installation and trusted expertise to create systems that look good, perform brilliantly and are built around your needs. • Supply & installation from £1,400 at 0% VAT We have already installed multiple systems this year across new-builds, existing homes and extensions, and we’re now taking bookings for late 2026 and early 2027. Whether you’re planning for next summer, looking for a more efﬁcient way to heat your home, or simply want complete comfort at the touch of a button, our team is here to help. Book your FREE quotation today.

J Wilson Plumbing & Heating Ltd, Unit 8, Casterton Road Business Park The Old Great North Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 4EJ T: 01780 766138 E: oﬃce@jwilsonplumbing.co.uk W: www.jwilsonplumbing.co.uk @jwilsonplumbing A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G | H E AT I N G | P LU M B I N G | R E N E WA B L E E N E R G Y

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Local service. Personal care. Lasting quality. WINDOWS | DOORS | ALUMINIUM GL A ZING | WARM ROOFS

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FAMILY RUN

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Fairmont Reed Beautifully Bespoke Made to be Part of the Family words: kate fraser

N A WORKSHOP in Essendine, some extraordinary pieces of furniture are taking shape. Huge slabs of Indonesian Suar timber are being sanded before being lovingly finished with layers of lacquer; resin is being carefully mixed, agitated (just at the right moment) and poured into bespoke dining and coffee tables – statement pieces destined for loving homes across the UK. This is Fairmont Reed, a family-run bespoke furniture business founded by Ben Fordham and his wife Jade in 2022, with a simple philosophy: furniture should be anything but ordinary. ‘We don’t want to be off the shelf,’ explains Ben. ‘We want people to come in and say, “I would like that base, on that table, in that shape, with this edge detail.” Everything we create is completely bespoke.’ The couple launched Fairmont Reed after more than a decade in the furniture industry and, today, it is very much a family affair. Ben and Jade are joined in the business by Jade’s mum and siblings, with all the furniture designed, finished and prepared for delivery from their local premises. At the heart of the business are dining and coffee tables designed not simply as functional pieces of furniture, but as something that can become part of family life. ‘I believe some of life’s most important moments happen around a table,’ says Jade. ‘Conversations, celebrations, everyday moments with family and friends. That’s why we believe a dining table is more than just furniture. It can be the centrepiece of your home.’ AS INDIVIDUAL AS A FINGERPRINT Among Fairmont Reed’s most striking creations are its Indonesian Suar tables. The company imports only around eight or nine slabs at a time, with Ben carefully sourcing pieces for their size, character and individuality. Some are enormous. In the workshop, slabs measuring 3.5 to almost 4 metres long, around 1.5 metres wide and more than 10cm thick are currently being transformed into finished tables. ‘No two are the same. They’re like a fingerprint,’ says Ben. ‘Every piece of timber has its own story, and our job is to turn it into something that becomes part of yours.’ Each slab is worked and finished in-house. Natural cracks can be filled with clear or coloured resin, the surface is painstakingly sanded, and several coats of lacquer bring out the depth, grain and colour of the timber. Customers are involved throughout, receiving photographs and videos as their furniture progresses through the workshop. It is this personal approach that Ben believes makes commissioning a table so different from simply buying one. The same principle applies to Fairmont Reed’s river resin dining and coffee tables. Customers can select oak or walnut, choose their resin colour and even determine the course of the ‘river’ through the timber. Previous commissions have included everything from intricate islands to personalised designs incorporating a fox and hummingbird.

38 | interiors

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THESE PAGES: Craftsmanship in action at Fairmont Reed’s Essendine workshop and showroom, where natural materials, skilled hands and meticulous attention to detail come together to create truly individual pieces.

‘I believe some of life’s most important moments happen around a table’ BEAUTY – BUILT FOR REAL LIFE For homes where practicality is every bit as important as appearance, Fairmont Reed also works extensively with Dekton, an engineered surface that recreates the appearance of materials such as natural stone while being exceptionally hard-wearing and non-porous. ‘It’s great for busy homes, especially when you have young children around,’ says Ben. ‘Morning coffee, dinner parties, homework or messy play – it withstands everything.’ Natural stone, oak, walnut, resin and metal are also used across the collection, with bases made and finished to complement each customer’s interior – even colour-matched to features such as doors and window frames. And the bespoke service extends beyond the workshop. Fairmont Reed handles its own deliveries across the UK, carefully planning access into each property – no small undertaking when a tabletop alone can weigh more than 200kg. For Ben, the reward is seeing a piece finally arrive in the home for which it was created. ‘It’s incredibly special to have somebody trust you to create something for their home that’s going to last for generations,’ he says. ‘It’s never just about making a table for us.’

To get in touch or arrange a showroom visit, call 01780 433515, email info@fairmontreed.co.uk or visit fairmontreed.co.uk

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INTERIOR DESIGN

07482 838 354

info@blackshawinteriordesign.co.uk www.blackshawinteriordesign.co.uk Stamford, Lincolnshire

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Celebrating 40 Years of Craftsmanship

Classic Fireplaces

N AN AGE of mass production, Classic Fireplaces continues to champion craftsmanship, quality and truly bespoke design. Based in Market Deeping, the family-run company is proudly celebrating 40 years in the fireplace industry this year, having built an exceptional reputation for creating distinctive fireplaces for homes across Stamford and the surrounding region. Founded in 1986 by Terry Roberts and his two sons and daughter, the business has evolved considerably over four decades while retaining the craftsmanship and personal service on which it was built. Following Terry’s passing last year, the company continues under the direction of brother-and-sister team Tim and Emma Roberts, who are proud to continue their father’s legacy and the standards he established. Handcrafted Fireplaces At the heart of Classic Fireplaces is its in-house design and manufacturing service – something increasingly rare within the industry. From the company’s own workshop, skilled stonemasons create beautiful fireplaces in natural stone and marble, offering customers exceptional flexibility over size, material and design. From timeless Portuguese limestone and natural marble surrounds to completely bespoke statement pieces, fireplaces

can be individually designed and manufactured to complement the architecture and style of each home. This ability to create to virtually any specification means customers are not restricted by standard sizes or off-the-shelf designs. Heating Solutions Alongside its handcrafted fireplaces, Classic Fireplaces offers an extensive selection of heating solutions for both traditional and contemporary interiors. The range includes wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, high-efficiency gas fires, electric fires and contemporary media walls, with products carefully selected from leading manufacturers for their performance, quality and design. Customers can visit the Market Deeping showroom to explore an extensive collection of fireplaces, fires and stoves, view different stones and marbles, and receive knowledgeable advice on the options most suited to their home.

‘It is this combination of traditional craftsmanship, bespoke manufacturing, extensive product choice and technical expertise that has defined Classic Fireplaces for four decades’ The team provides a complete service, from initial design and home survey through to manufacture and installation. A detailed survey ensures each fireplace and appliance is suited to the property, taking into consideration both the design and all necessary technical requirements. Installation is carried out by Classic Fireplaces’ own dedicated Gas Safe and HETAS-registered engineers, enabling the company to oversee every stage of a project and maintain consistently high standards from the first consultation through to completion. The company’s expertise also extends beyond new installations, with services including chimney sweeping, stove servicing and maintenance, and specialist drone chimney inspections, providing homeowners with professional ongoing care for their fireplace, stove and chimney. It is this combination of traditional craftsmanship, bespoke manufacturing, extensive product choice and technical expertise that has defined Classic Fireplaces for four decades. As the company celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, its philosophy remains unchanged: exceptional craftsmanship, quality products, knowledgeable advice and professional installation – all delivered under one roof. Classic Fireplaces Limited, 4–5 Blenheim Way, Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping PE6 8LW 01778 347267 | classicfireplaces.co.uk

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Rutland Wallers KEEPING A TRADITIONAL CRAFT ALIVE

CROSS THE COUNTRYSIDE of Rutland and the surrounding counties, dry stone walls have shaped our landscape for centuries. Built without mortar, these remarkable structures rely entirely on the skill, patience and craftsmanship of the waller. When built well, they are not only beautiful but can stand for generations. That tradition is at the heart of Rutland Wallers, based in South Luffenham and run by Mark and his team. Officially trained through the Dry Stone Walling Association, Mark established the business from a passion for the craft and a desire to spend his working life outdoors, creating structures that complement the natural landscape. ‘Dry stone walls represent our past and the future all at once and prove that not everything needs to be modernised to be functional, durable and beautiful in today’s world.’ Stone by Stone Every project Mark undertakes is approached using traditional techniques, with locally sourced stone used wherever possible. ‘We are fortunate to have such brilliant stone in our region, so staying local when we source makes our walls even more special,’ he notes. Rutland Wallers undertakes a wide variety of work. Whether constructing a new boundary wall, restoring a historic feature or creating a striking garden wall, each stone is carefully selected and placed by hand, without the use of mortar, to produce a wall that is both structurally sound and visually sympathetic to its surroundings. From the first conversation through to the finished wall, clients are involved throughout the process. ‘My clients often have a clear aesthetic goal. From homeowners to parish councils, all my clients share an appreciation for traditional crafts and a love of the outdoors.’

‘Dry stone walls represent our past and the future all at once’ A Personal Touch Mark believes that every project is unique and he welcomes ideas from clients. ‘Working with homeowners is one of my favourite aspects. Often a small addition can become the trophy feature of their wall. Clients have requested integrated seating, dry stone steps and even plaques. This merging of ideas elevates their walls from functional to personal. Ultimately, walls should reflect both the character of the property and its surroundings.’ Attention to detail and respect for the site are always important to Rutland Wallers. ‘We do all we can to ensure clients are well informed and assured at every point of a project.’ A well-built dry stone wall is more than a boundary – it is an investment in the landscape, adding beauty, character and lasting value for decades to come. If you are considering a new wall, restoring an existing one or incorporating traditional stonework into your garden or property, Rutland Wallers would be delighted to discuss your project.

RUTLAND WALLERS • SERVING RUTLAND AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES SOUTH LUFFENHAM, RUTLAND 07904 768574 | RUTLANDWALLERS@GMAIL.COM | RUTLANDWALLERS.CO.UK

44 | homes & gardens

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RUTLAND WA L L E R S Dry stone walls have shaped our landscape for centuries, relying entirely on the skill, patience and craftsmanship of the waller. These traditions are at the heart of Rutland Wallers. Professional members of the Dry Stone Walling Association, we create structures that complement the natural landscape and reflect both the character of your property and your vision. We undertake a wide variety of work, including new dry stone walls, repairs and restoration, retaining walls, garden features and more. A well-built dry stone wall is more than a boundary, it is an investment in the landscape, adding beauty, character and lasting value for decades to come. Contact Mark at Rutland Wallers for a no obligation chat.

The Stables, Copthill Farm, Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD 01780 757946 info@huntersinteriors.co.uk www.huntersinteriors.co.uk

Traditional Restoration Timber Renovation Specialists Old sash & casement windows, exterior doors & joinery

Window Repair

Why replace your timber windows when you can restore? Traditional Restoration offers a cost-saving alternative to window replacement.

• Repairs and renovations • Overhaul and draught prooﬁng • Reglazing and reputtying • Converting single glazing to double glazing Call James on:

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01572 720524 or 07841 527855 tradrest@hotmail.co.uk

tradrest@hotmail.co.uk

www.traditional-restoration.co.uk @tradrest

LOFT LADDERS

RUTLAND WALLERS

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Serving Rutland and the surrounding counties

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Telephone: 07904 768 574 Website: rutlandwallers.co.uk Email: rutlandwallers@gmail.com

LOFT BOARDING HATCH ENLARGEMENTS LOFT INSULATION ANDREW WRIGHT M: 07525 705706 E: loftladders@btinternet.com

12/09/2026 09:52

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

F E AT U R E

Bedroom in Belmesthorpe

As a Home Design Studio, we can help you with the design, supply and installation of furniture to all rooms in your home. From Media Walls and Boot Rooms, Bedrooms and Bathrooms and not forgetting Kitchens.

Kitchen in Stamford

he Vision

Perhaps you’re at the early stages of a self-build and want to explore how your interiors could look and work before committing to the plans. Maybe you’re considering knocking down a wall, extending your home or opening up your living spaces. Or perhaps your kitchen or bathroom simply feels tired, outdated or no longer works for the way you live. Whatever your reason, our Home Design Studio can help you unlock the full potential of your space — whether that’s a single room, an entire floor or a whole house project. If you would like to discuss how we can take your project from Ideation to Installation, we’d love to welcome you to our showroom in Stamford or alternatively, get in touch with our team at stepinside@spacesbydesign.co.uk to start the conversation.

www.spacesbydesign.co.uk

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01780 481850

Bathroom in Wing

Home Design Studio Designing spaces better 22-23 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ

12/09/2026 10/09/2026 09:52 16:08

Scan the QR code to book your free valuation

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All Water Solutions With four decades of award-winning experience, Darron and Lisa Evans have built All Water Solutions around the values discerning homeowners prize most – quality, value, personal service and meticulous attention to detail. From their Uppingham showroom, they guide customers towards well-thought-out bathrooms and wet rooms alongside plumbing, heating and air conditioning solutions and installations for contemporary, heritage and listed homes

words: amander meade

CCORDING TO Darron, a truly successful bathroom is about far more than beautiful fittings. It must feel right for the house, work effortlessly every day and continue to perform well for years. At All Water Solutions, Darron and Lisa Evans bring over 40 years of handson experience to every project, combining thoughtful design with dependable craftsmanship and a reassuringly personal approach.

Family-Run, Personally Managed Operating from their Uppingham showroom, the family-run independent business has earned a reputation for quality fixtures, clever planning and a finish that reflects the overall style of each property. Customers deal directly with either Darron or Lisa from the first enquiry, with that single point of contact in place throughout. Darron remains involved at every stage – from design to

48 | interiors

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THESE PAGES: Darron and Lisa Evans of All Water Solutions create beautifully considered bathrooms designed around each home and its owners.

installation – ensuring no detail is left to chance. It is an approach rooted in accountability, pride and exceptional customer care. That confidence is reinforced by Darron’s professional credentials. A Gas Safe registered engineer, he brings recognised technical expertise to the work as well as extensive practical experience. His commitment to high standards has also been acknowledged by the Institute of Plumbing, which presented him with an award in recognition of his skill and professionalism within the industry. For clients, those qualifications offer added reassurance that advice is properly informed, installations are carried out responsibly and every project is approached with the care expected of an experienced specialist.

‘It must feel right for the house, work effortlessly every day and continue to perform well for years’ Considered Design, Lasting Style For homeowners investing in their property, value is now every bit as important as style. ‘Clients today are taking a more considered approach to their spending,’ says Darron. ‘Any money spent has to be carefully planned. We work across a broad range of budgets, always with the aim of creating a room that complements the rest of the home and feels like a genuine upgrade rather than a simple replacement.’ That sensitivity is particularly important in the region’s many period, heritage and listed homes. Working in older properties requires patience, experience and respect for the building, as well as the practical know-how to resolve the hidden challenges that can emerge once work begins. In newer homes, the brief may call for smart technology and efficient use of space. Darron’s team is equally comfortable in both settings, tailoring each scheme to the property rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution. Balancing everyday practicality with a luxurious finish is central to the company’s work. ‘Our starting point is always to provide sympathetically and beautifully designed rooms with a contemporary edge when it comes to the latest safety measures and practicality,’ explains Darron. ‘Future-proofing is increasingly important as homeowners plan for easier, longerterm living. Wet rooms, smart WCs and showers with Wi-Fi controls, and the latest LVT flooring offer comfort and durability without compromising style.’ Current bathroom trends reflect this desire for spaces that are indulgent yet easy to maintain. Deeper, darker shades are returning, while warm neutrals, soft pastels and textured finishes remain popular. Spainspired details, panelling, designer shower wall boarding, controlled-temperature water, LED lighting and well-planned storage all add finesse. The result is a bathroom that feels calm, practical and personal. Air Conditioning for Year-Round Comfort Always looking ahead, All Water Solutions has extended its services to include air conditioning installation. As an experienced heating engineer, Darron understands modern, thermally efficient homes. ‘Air conditioning can provide targeted summer cooling, assist with winter heating, reduce humidity and improve air filtration, often with lower running costs than customers expect when rooms are heated or cooled according to their daily use.’ Whether the project is a compact cloakroom, a family bathroom, a luxurious wet room or a household upgrade, the same principles apply – quality products, sound advice and careful workmanship. Backed by trusted professionals, All Water Solutions offers the confidence of a fully insured turnkey service and the reassurance of dealing with people who genuinely care about the outcome. For Darron and Lisa, exceptional service is not an added extra but the foundation of the business. Their considerable experience allows them to advise honestly, design intelligently and deliver rooms that feel beautifully considered. For homeowners seeking lasting quality, attentive care and a company as comfortable with period character as it is with contemporary living, All Water Solutions remains a trusted regional choice. FIND OUT MORE: All Water Solutions Ltd, Welland Vale Garden Centre, Glaston Road, Uppingham LE15 9EU | 01572 824004 | 07702 293455 | www.allwatersolutions.co.uk

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Beautifully crafted

H A N D - M A D E timber windows & doors

THE REASSURANCE OF DEALING WITH A

local SPECIALIST

Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a modern townhouse or a converted barn, we have a range of traditional and contemporary timber windows and doors that will complement it perfectly.

Visit our showroom:

Unlike timber windows of old, our products will not twist, will not rot and require very little maintenance. High levels of insulation and security ensure there is no need to sacrifice beauty for comfort.

Timber Windows of Stamford 3 Belton Street, Stamford, PE9 2EF Tel: 01780 322538

Visit our showroom to view our lovely range of products and receive expert advice on enhancing the value and beauty of your home.

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Stamford PE9 - London W3

Less than a mile from the A1 Now with more than 70 dealers, the centre has a variety of antiques unmatched in the surrounding area. Items range from £5 to £5,000 and regular turnover of stock frequently brings customers back for more. Antique and Contem porary

www.therugstudio.co.uk

01780 239594 rachel@therugstudio.co.uk Unit C4 Brownlow Street, Stamford, PE9 2EL The Stamford Studio – Winter Opening Hours from 29th Sept. Tues. 10 am - 1 pm Thurs. 10am - 4.30pm Fri. 10am - 4.30pm Sat. 10 am - 1 pm All other times by appointment.

Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat

and 10.30am-5pm Sundays

23a High Street, St. Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LF (01780) 481158 www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

Also in St Martins Antiques, High Street St. Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF

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St Martin’s Antiques Centre S TA M F O R D ’ S U LT I M AT E T R E A S U R E T R O V E

St Martin’s Antiques is a veritable Aladdin’s cave, housing the largest collection of antique and vintage items in Stamford, with over 70 dealers selling across more than 90 units. Displays range from delicate French linen, silver tableware, chandeliers and jewellery to retro collectables and vintage garden tools. Rebecca Downey caught up with vendors, shoppers and proprietor Lucinda Silcock

T MARTIN’S ANTIQUES, with its distinctive red-painted shopfront, was set up by Lucinda’s father, Peter Light, in 1993. The building itself has a rich industrial heritage and was once the site of John Henry Pick’s engineering and motor manufacturing business, which operated from the late 1800s until 1925. Curiously embedded in the stone frontage is a rare 1920s Harper Deluxe ‘supreme automatic’ cigarette vending machine. The premises are owned by the Burghley Estate and they have recently undergone some much-needed repairs to the roof; the antiques centre remained operational during much of the remedial work and prides itself on being open seven days a week.

Lucinda Silcock grew up in Rutland and attended university in London, after which she worked in the pharmaceutical industry. She joined her father’s business in 2012 and took over its running when he died in 2015. ‘I had absolutely no experience in retail before working here, but I grew up in old houses surrounded by antiques, and I’ve always been fascinated by the social history of such items. Take cutlery, for example: designs have changed according to fashion and utility, dictated by the types of food and meals consumed.’ A Destination for Discovery Today, a dedicated team of six staff members helps Lucinda run the centre. Lucinda is proud that some of the vendors have been in situ since her father’s time. ‘It’s important to find the right dealers, support those relationships and make sure there is balance and variety to optimise the choice for customers,’ she says. The shop’s location at the edge of the town centre is a distinct blessing; visitors avoid getting snarled up in traffic yet remain a short walk from local car parks, while its proximity to The George and The Bull & Swan makes it the perfect place for a post-lunch mooch. ‘We are a destination shop. People will meet for a coffee or a walk in Burghley Park and then take their time to have a browse – we have lots of regular customers as well as catching the tourist trade,’ she adds. Antiques in a Changing World So how has the business coped with changing trends and the rise of online shopping? Lucinda believes the popularity of antique items in the home is currently on the rise. ‘You can furnish a home easily with unique items a good deal cheaper than the equivalent in high-street stores. There was concern that the trend towards online shopping would affect sales, but actually people like to have a day out and handle objects. In times of recession, shoppers feel they can pick up a little bargain or treat themselves to something unusual at a reasonable price.’

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‘We are a destination shop’ Meet the Dealers Dealers Stuart and Sue Dexter believe their success is down to selling items that are different from those offered by other vendors. ‘We also try to go with trends rather than collections,’ says Stuart, who stocks a selection of homewares including French linen, Champagne coupes, chandeliers and Indian artefacts. ‘Brexit caused problems sourcing items from our French and Belgian dealers, but we now also have a great dealer in India. We enjoy meeting and chatting with customers, and we try to refresh stock at least two or three times a week.’ Hilary and Alan Davis, who sell a mix of glassware, ceramics and interesting oddities, have also diversified to adapt. ‘We have moved away from antiques and now lean more towards retro collectables,’ says Hilary, a retired primary teacher who began the business with her husband when they were tasked with clearing out their parents’ homes. They have now been trading for 12 years. ‘It’s easier not to specialise. We like unusual items from all over the world. Our son lives in Japan, so we have a keen interest in Eastern culture and artefacts.’

Something for Everyone The centre’s diverse inventory appeals to all generations. Teenage shopper Joe Cookson is a regular visitor. ‘I’m fascinated by the prints and etchings. It’s also a great place to find gifts for my parents; my dad loves the old tools, and I’ve bought my mum a gorgeous turquoise and silver bracelet for her birthday. I even found my brother a reproduction figurine of a terracotta soldier, which he was thrilled with. You just never know what you’re going to find!’ Lucinda agrees that the business is fascinating to people of all ages and backgrounds and aligns perfectly with the modern green economy. ‘I’ve learned a huge amount from the collectors. Fewer people seem to deal in large furniture now, likely due to shipping logistics. Instead, our centre focuses on incredible, beautifully crafted items of genuine historical significance, but it is not elitist – there really is something for everyone and every budget, and it’s a very supportive community. It’s fascinating how the antiques business gets people talking and sharing stories.’ to find out more, visit st-martins-antiques.co.uk stmartinsantiquescentre | st martins antiques

LUCINDA’S ADVICE TO BUYERS • Always come in with an open mind. • Don’t make purchases based solely on resale value. • Nostalgia can be very persuasive; only buy something if it is within your budget. • Does your chosen item serve a purpose? • Function is great, but do you love it as well? • Consider where it will go in your home and how you will get it there. • Will it fit in your car? If not, what will shipping cost? • Always do your research; look for makers’ marks and any signs of damage. • Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice.

st martin’s antiques centre | 53

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Beautiful garden & planting design www.robertjohnsongardendesign.com

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We believe that building relationships through honest communication and providing outstanding service is as important as the projects we construct. With over 40 years experience in the industry, our teams of professionals have been trained to give you the best service from start to finish. We can guarantee results to be proud of, whether you are in need of roof repairs or a full roof replacement. • Roof refurbishment, restoration and renovation • Collyweston slating contractors • Glass roofs • Blue slating • Tiling • Flat roof contractors • GRP Fibreglass • Chimney rebuilds • Upvc fascia line • Flat to pitch conversions Purchasers survey reports • Maintenance contracts

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12/09/2026 02/04/2025 09:53 05:37

Nell’s Second Chance When Nell arrived in Rutland, she was far from the confident companion she is today. At 12 months old, the rescue dog had never lived in a home, walked on a lead or played with a toy. Her story, shared by owner Lucy Sauntson, is a reminder that rescue dogs often arrive with complicated histories, but also with an extraordinary capacity for trust and devotion WORDS: AMANDER MEADE

UCY SAUNTSON and her husband Mike live in South Luffenham. Dogs had long been part of Lucy’s life. ‘I have always loved dogs, but after having to leave beloved dogs behind when I returned from South Africa, I knew any future dog had to be a rescue. I wanted to help one that wasn’t getting adopted,’ she says. A friend led her to Flori’s Friends Rescue, a UK-registered charity that rehomes animals, including dogs from overseas kill shelters. ‘I never thought about rescuing a dog from abroad,’ Lucy admits, ‘but it was through a friend who adopted from Flori’s Friends that I started researching them. I saw a photo of Nell on Flori’s Facebook page, looking so forlorn and unkempt, and I fell in love.’

‘I told my husband Nell was medium sized and a non-shedder – the only lie I’ve ever told him’ Collection day was carefully planned: a borrowed dog cage, Mike’s T-shirt tucked inside, so Nell could learn his scent, and a quiet journey home. ‘She was huge, very hairy, exhausted and scared,’ says Lucy. ‘She didn’t move the whole journey home, just slept.’ Once home, Nell chose a corner of the living room and stayed there while the household adjusted around her. ‘We just left her in the corner of the living room where she had put herself and let her acclimatise.’ It took three days before Nell ventured closer. Lead walking was another lesson. ‘The first time we put her on a lead she really didn’t understand what we were trying to do, and just locked her legs,’ Lucy remembers. Their first outing was ‘a gentle stroll, in her time, around the cul-de-sac’. The family’s approach was simply to go slowly, let Nell find safe places and build confidence without pressure. Patience was key. With Lucy working part-time and Mike on shifts, someone was usually around. A local trainer later helped with basic commands. ‘Sarah at Take the Lead was brilliant and really helped us get Nell used to basic commands in her own time and made it fun for her,’ says Lucy. ‘She can be a bit contrary over obeying, but she knows what she should do.’ Nell is now gentle, loving and calm, though her past still shows. Flickering television images, fires, fireworks and thunderstorms can unsettle her, and she is known for dramatic escape attempts. ‘She is

surprisingly Houdini-like when she is in a panic,’ says Lucy. Even so, her funny, affectionate nature makes every adjustment worthwhile. The milestones were unforgettable. ‘It was probably about three months before her personality started to show through a little bit,’ Lucy says. One moment remains especially precious: ‘I still have a video of the first time Nell played with a toy we got her. It was a beautiful sight as I don’t think she had ever done this, and everything was worth it.’ Today, Nell has a full place in family life. She loves a walk, especially with The Rutland Furry Dog Mother, and is happiest when both Mike and Lucy walk her together. ‘She loves treats and cheese but hates water and mud, and I have never known a dog like her,’ laughs Lucy. For anyone considering adopting a rescue dog, Lucy is clear but encouraging. ‘We would not be without her, but she is a commitment,’ she says. ‘Everything does involve planning how we incorporate Nell, but that’s just what life is now. Rescue may take patience, but the rewards are immense. These dogs have had a rough start in life through no fault of their own,’ she says. ‘They deserve all our love.’

Flori’s Friends Rescue | 0800 002 5052 www.florisfriendsrescue.org

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Your independent, family-owned, multi awardwinning gallery in Market Harborough Bringing you high quality, original artwork and handmade sculpture at affordable prices for over 50 years.  Variety: We represent over 40 national and international artists who we have hand selected and we know personally.  Choice: We hold over 350 pieces of original art and handmade sculpture which are all available to view in the gallery.  Unique: Many of our artists are exclusive to us in the UK giving our customers a truly unique collection of art to choose from.  Friendly: A warm, friendly welcome awaits you with the space to browse at your leisure.  Expertise: We also have an expert framing service – sports shirts, war medals, cross stitch or just freshening up your favourite picture. Come and see us soon. 44a St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DU 10-6pm Tuesday to Saturday Tel: 01858 465455 www.wingatesgallery.co.uk

LL October SL 2026 57 Wingate Gallery -full ADS.indd page Oct 26_2.indd 1

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THE

RUTLAND GALLERY UPPINGHAM

A SOLO EXHIBITION OF NEW WORK BY

BECKIE REED

SOLACE SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER TO SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER OPEN EVERY DAY 10:30AM TO 4:00PM

PREVIEW DAY: SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER THE ARTIST WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE FROM 2:00 UNTIL 4:00

Atmospheric landscapes, quiet moments and a sense of place. Discover a new collection of work by Beckie Reed. THE RUTLAND GALLERY

27 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY www.rutlandgallery.com

LL 2026 -ADS.indd 59 26_3.indd 1 TheOctober RutlandSL Gallery full page Oct

12/09/2026 08/09/2026 09:54 10:27

New Chair of

MindSpace chris young Chris Young has been around gardens ever since early childhood. He began mowing lawns at the age of 11 and spent two years resting and recovering in his home garden in his teenage years when he developed ME, appreciating the therapeutic benefits of being in nature. It is no surprise that he has made a career out of garden design. Arguably, though, one of his most important roles comes as he steps in as Chair of the mental wellbeing charity, MindSpace Stamford. He talks to Louise Goss about the importance of connecting with nature, listening and understanding that everyone has their own story

HRIS YOUNG has been involved with MindSpace since its inception in 2019. He helped to design the Wellbeing Garden with the late Ken Rawson, a local garden designer. More recently, he became Garden Trustee, helping with the strategic direction and role of the garden within the charity. Like the people MindSpace helps, a garden has its own story, and listening to those stories is something Chris enjoys – something he also gets to do when he interviews the likes of Mary Berry or Craig Revel Horwood at Rutland Nursery. How does it feel to now take on the Chair of Trustees after being involved with the charity for so long? It feels really exciting. MindSpace is probably the most important thing I do in my month or year. The benefit of MindSpace for Stamford and the wider community, the volunteers, participants and Trustees is enormous. Sadly, we need charities like MindSpace to help people, so therefore it is super important. MindSpace has grown quite substantially over recent years, and I think the outgoing Chair, Beka Avery, has been so hands-on and instrumental in pushing the charity forwards. I just hope I can continue the energy that MindSpace has had over the last few years and look for more opportunities. I hope I can bring some more strategic direction and increase the level of corporate and business support from the local community because we’re always desperate for funding to continue our work. Talking to businesses and community groups is vital for that. I want to bring financial and funding stability, ensure we are giving the participants what they want, and it’s about connections… If I can get people together to do more delivery for more people in a bigger area, that would be a great success.

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How has your job and the people you have spoken to shaped your understanding of mental wellbeing and the role of the MindSpace garden? I think everyone has their own mental health and wellbeing story. Mine has always been associated with nature, seasonality, plants and flowers and wildlife, and that is what sustained me as an older teenager and throughout my adult life. There’s a fundamental importance in connecting with nature or getting outside, whether that’s running, walking, gardening or just sitting. It is vital for wellbeing from a humanity point of view. I see it as absolutely essential. The world that surrounds us is there if you need it, and that’s why we have to respect it and love it and look after it, and that’s why the garden is so important. I see the Wellbeing Garden as just another space that MindSpace uses. For some people, it’s about gardening and plants. For some people, it will just be sitting; for some people, it’s about going because it’s a good place to sketch or do a sound bath. It isn’t so much the act of gardening, pruning or planting; it’s more about the space the garden offers. So, whether people are having a meeting there, or sitting and relaxing and reading a book, or if they’re having a tough time and have gone there to have a chat, it offers a space to be. It just happens to be outside. And I think whether you are talking to Adam Frost or Mary Berry, or a gardener on an estate for a billionaire, the story is always the same, and that’s the power of what nature and plants and gardening can do

OPPOSITE: Chris Young – pictured in the Wellbeing Garden – brings his passion for people, plants and the power of nature to his new role as Chair of MindSpace Stamford.

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‘It isn’t so much the act of gardening, pruning or planting; it’s more about the space the garden offers’ for the individual. It is not about the activity itself, but about the people you are dealing with, so the more we can understand the people we are dealing with, the more we can tailor our services to them. How have you seen the difference it makes to people? The difference it makes is as personal as the individuals who use it. The beauty of MindSpace is that it’s not prescriptive. Whether they want to do boxing or Pilates, or whether they want to pop along for tea and a chat, we offer everything to a broad community of people. The fact we don’t just have one type of participant is the success of MindSpace. Gardening takes patience, planning and constant nurturing. Do you see parallels with helping MindSpace grow and flourish? There is definitely nurturing involved and understanding what works. Plenty of us gardeners have had great years and then the year after, nothing works. I think that’s what we find going through any wellbeing or mental health issue. From a strategic point of view, refining what we do, understanding what works and what doesn’t is similar to gardening. My role is to make sure we get really good at the bits we are good at and understand the areas where we need more assistance. Some things take a few weeks, some things take a few years. We are agnostic about that journey. We are here to listen to people, whether that’s just for a couple of months because they are going through a bad time, or whether we are a constant in their weekly or monthly life – everyone has a different story. If you could walk around the Wellbeing Garden with anyone, who would it be and what would you like to talk about? On a personal level, it would be my dad, who died six years ago. He was the one who really got me into gardening because he was a good gardener. I think taking Dad around the garden and talking about MindSpace would be a massively proud achievement.

Also, a man called John Brookes, who is a father of modern garden design and a hero of mine. He died a few years ago, but he was the reason I started garden designing. For him to see how Ken and I interpreted the importance of garden and design in a space, to show him the power of gardens, would be a real achievement. After all these years, what still excites you about stepping into a garden? The story behind the garden from the garden owner, because gardens are as personal as people are. Every garden you go to, every gardener you speak with, there is always something to know. There is always something more to ﬁnd out, and whether it’s a garden, a nursery, an estate, a rooftop or a planter, there’s always a story behind it.

THE MINDSPACE WELLBEING GARDEN, UFFINGTON ROAD SOUTH ALLOTMENTS, UFFINGTON ROAD, STAMFORD PE9 2HD. MINDSPACESTAMFORD.COM/GARDEN/

Chris Young runs CY Gardens, a garden and environmental consultancy, specialising in designing gardens and outdoor spaces and in marketing and branding for gardening and horticulture businesses. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including the RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design. His latest book, Gardens Annotated: Your Guide to the Design of 200 Gardens from Around the World (£40), is due to be published by DK on 22 October www.cygardens.co.uk |

seewhygardens

Chris is also a member of the Garden Collective, which brings together some of today’s leading garden writers to share essays, reﬂections and stories, written and read aloud by the authors themselves. Find out more at www.thegardencollective.uk/author/ chris-young/

ABOVE: MindSpace’s Wellbeing Garden in Stamford.

62 | interview • chris young at mindspace

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Physis A N e w We l l b e i n g Fe s t i v a l i n O u n d l e A wave of excitement is stirring in Oundle this autumn, as the town prepares to welcome Physis, its first wellbeing festival, on Sunday 18 October at The Talbot Hotel. Fresh, innovative and packed with opportunities for discovery, Physis promises to be a day dedicated to nourishing the mind, body and spirit, with something for people of all backgrounds and ages WHY ‘PHYSIS’?

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PROGRAMME

The festival’s name is rooted in Greek and describes the essential human drive for growth – a force that propels us forward, even in adversity. For Dr Naomi Murphy, the brainchild behind Physis and co-host of the Locked Up Living podcast, the concept is deeply personal. After years of working in a high-security prison, Dr Murphy became acutely aware of just how much effort it can take to maintain one’s own wellbeing in challenging circumstances. The festival, she says, is designed to give people practical inspiration for ‘feeding themselves new information and experiences and challenging themselves to find different ways to thrive’. Oundle already enjoys a vibrant cultural scene, with comedy, arts events and a film club. Dr Murphy noticed there was a missing piece: a celebration of wellbeing that brings the community together to focus on personal and collective nourishment. Physis aims to fill that gap, shining a spotlight on new approaches to health and inspiring people to discover what works best for them.

• Laura Alexander (née Dodsworth) An award-winning journalist, photographer and filmmaker, as well as a clinical hypnotherapist. Laura, who writes and works on the psychology of anxiety, will run a workshop on overcoming anxiety before leading a small-group hypnotherapy session.

DIVERSE SPEAKERS, INNOVATIVE THERAPIES

• Richard Buckworth Bringing his background in family constellation therapy and a shamanic perspective, Richard will explore intergenerational trauma and how to remain resilient in the face of global uncertainty.

What sets Physis apart is its blend of the practical, scientific and creative. The festival programme is intentionally eclectic, appealing as much to wellness veterans as to curious newcomers – and even healthy cynics. The speaker line-up draws on Dr Murphy’s network of innovative thinkers who challenge, inspire and offer fresh approaches to the perennial question of wellbeing.

• Leon Ancliffe This independent filmmaker and compassionate innovator brings virtual reality (VR) mindfulness to Oundle. Attendees can trial Leon’s new VR mindfulness app and explore how technology can foster presence and calm. • Nahid de Belgeonne Drawing on a range of bodywork approaches, including yoga and Feldenkrais, Nahid will lead a live class in her own ‘Human Method’, a movement practice designed to calm the nervous system and help participants feel more at ease in their bodies.

• Dr Lynette Ewart With a pragmatic and empowering approach to strength and fitness for healthy ageing, Lynette’s session is ideal for anyone looking to set themselves up for a flourishing later life.

64 | health & wellbeing

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‘Physis welcomes everyone’ CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Laura Alexander, Nahid de Belgeonne, Leon Towers and Leon Ancliffe.

• Dr Libby Nugent Jungian storyteller Libby will use the metaphor of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ to help participants explore and understand how we process difficult emotions associated with negative news events. • Des McVey Tackling the pressing issues of misogyny, shame and the mental health of young men, Des, a consultant nurse psychotherapist, will offer practical insights, humour and a message of hope for parents navigating the complexities of modern adolescence with their teens. • Leon Towers An engaging performer and dog behaviourist, Leon will introduce the idea of ‘thinking like a dog’ as a playful metaphor for mindfulness and wellbeing. BEYOND TALKS: HYPNOTHERAPY, WORKSHOPS & TECH Physis isn’t just about passive listening. Attendees can experience hands-on approaches to wellness in the ‘Discovery Zone’, trialling non-invasive technologies designed to enhance creativity, productivity and emotional regulation. The Talbot’s cosy snug will host a group hypnotherapy session and workshops focused on the benefits of play for adults, while local specialist Kerryn WithersGreen will lead a grounding workshop exploring ways to keep the nervous system steady in tough times.

WHO SHOULD COME? Physis welcomes everyone, with a programme designed with inclusivity in mind. There’s something for everybody, including the cynics – come along and see what’s available. While some workshops have limited capacity, there are activities for men and women, parents and young people, particularly teenagers and families interested in mental health and relationships. Whether you’re looking to connect, be inspired or simply try something new, Physis offers an opportunity to explore different approaches to wellbeing. ‘I really hope our guests enjoy the innovative ideas and the opportunity to connect with the community spirit,’ says Dr Murphy. ‘So set the alarm, grab your curiosity and join Oundle’s growing wellbeing community for a day that’s sure to linger in your mind and heart long after you leave.’

• Physis is on Sunday 18 October at The Talbot Hotel, New Street, Oundle PE8 4EA from 9am to 5pm • For tickets, programme details and accessibility information, visit physisoundle.com

physis oundle | 65

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Award winning care homes

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Dementia support café Every Friday, 2pm - 3pm Take a well-earned break whilst your loved one joins in activities. Unwind with a cuppa and home-baked treats, meet fellow carers and share experiences.

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Trusted to care

12/09/2026 04/09/2026 09:54 17:42

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Dr Naomi Murphy, Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist, Accredited Sensorimotor Psychotherapist.

Feel that life could be better? 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. Octopus are pleased to be sponsoring Physis, a well-being festival taking place in Oundle on 18 October, supporting a day of inspiration, wellness and connection. Contact Dr Naomi Murphy, D.Clin.Psych to arrange a complimentary consultation.

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12/09/2026 09:54

BEAUTY | WELLNESS | THE EDIT

Beauty

After Dark

words: erin andrews

As the evenings draw in, it’s time to embrace a little more indulgence after dark. From relaxing bedtime rituals to a little October glamour for evenings out, these products help you make the most of the season

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1. Make everyday rituals a little more luxurious with the Branche d’Olive Cloud handcare set (£36.50) from Stamford Garden Centre, leaving hands soft with a subtle fragrance. stamfordgardencentre.co.uk

4. Bring a touch of warmth to your autumn complexion with the Delilah Sunset matte bronzer (£39) from Violet Rose of Uppingham, perfect for prolonging a sun-kissed glow. violetrose.uk

7. The Medik8 Lipid-Balance cleansing oil (£29) from Flawless Faces of Stamford enhances your everyday routine with a silky oil texture to soften skin and boost hydration. flawlessbody.co.uk

2. For evenings out, the hugely versatile, brand new Drunk Elephant Kamo Drops (£37) give skin a fresh, natural-looking finish, with lightweight, buildable coverage that takes you effortlessly from day to night. spacenk.com

5. Soothe and replenish sensitive skin with the Curecode Soothing Biome ampoule pads (£16) from Ro Skin of Stamford, designed to hydrate and restore your skin’s natural barrier. roskin.co.uk

8. Bring a moment of calm to your daily shower with the camomile and lavender-scented Wildsmith Skin Stillness shower oil (£44) from Goodwin and Belle of Uppingham. goodwinandbelle.co.uk

3. As we reintroduce evening bubble baths, the Hibernate aromatherapy salts (£11.95) from Organic Ritual Beauty of Uppingham are the perfect addition to calm the mind and body. organicritualbeauty.co.uk

6. Indulge in a deep exfoliation to enhance radiance and buff away dead skin with the Natural Spa Factory Illuminate facial polish (£30) from Asembo of Stamford. asembo.co.uk

9. Give dry winter hair some extra care to restore softness and shine with the Kérastase Intense Régénérant hair mask (£58.50) from Glow Hair & Beauty of Oakham. glowhairandbeauty.co.uk

68 | beauty shopping

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Product prices subject to offers and stock changes.

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ELEVATE — Intermediate Reformer Refine your technique and challenge your practice. REFORMER MOBILITY & STRETCH Improve mobility, flexibility and range of movement. MONDAY 10:45AM PRENATAL & POSTNATAL FRIENDLY A gentle, supportive class for prenatal and postnatal clients, as well as those returning from injury, or looking to focus on mobility and flexibility. PILATES, YOUR WAY Morning, afternoon and weekend sessions make it easy to fit Pilates into your lifestyle.

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MBST S U P P O R T I N G M O V E M E N T, R E C O V E R Y & B O N E H E A LT H From sporting injuries and persistent joint problems to bone health concerns, MBST offers a non-invasive approach designed to support the body’s natural repair processes. Its UK story began at a physiotherapy clinic here in our region and has since grown into a nationwide clinic network

N 2007, Ann Clare, an experienced physiotherapist, first encountered MBST. With years of clinical experience behind her, she was interested in how the technology might complement the work at her Tinwell clinic, just outside Stamford. Ann became the first physiotherapist in the UK to champion MBST and began using it as part of her clinical approach. Recalling what first drew her to the technology, she says: ‘When I first came across MBST at an osteoarthritis conference in 2007, it immediately caught my attention. I had been looking for a different way to support people with joint problems without relying solely on surgery or medication, and I felt this was something worth exploring at the clinic.’ That decision began a much bigger family story. Ann’s children, Lizzie and Charles Clare, helped to run the clinic before establishing MBST Health. What started in Tinwell has since developed into a network of 19 independent clinics around the UK. MBST Health has also formed partnerships with professional sports clubs, illustrating how far the company has come. Yet the story remains rooted locally. More than 35 years into her career, Ann continues working in Tinwell, combining traditional physiotherapy with modern techniques and evidence-based care.

ABOVE: Ann Clare at her Tinwell clinic, where she has been using MBST technology since 2007.

What is MBST? MBST is a non-invasive magnetic resonance technology used by clinicians to support rehabilitation programmes and help improve function in people with musculoskeletal concerns. It forms part of a broader clinical approach alongside assessment and rehabilitation. The technology uses gentle, low-field magnetic resonance, based on similar physical principles to MRI scanning but configured for use

at low energy levels. MBST is designed to work at the cellular level, supporting the body’s natural repair processes, and has been used clinically for more than 20 years. Its areas of focus include joint, back and mobility concerns, bone health and sports injuries. What can patients expect? MBST is generally undertaken as a course of seven to ten sessions, depending on the area of focus and its complexity. Each session lasts around an hour, usually with one session a day over consecutive days. Sessions are non-invasive, with no surgery, injections or medication involved. Patients remain fully clothed and settle comfortably on the MBST device, leaving them free to read, listen to music, relax or even have a nap. Outcomes vary between individuals, so follow-up reviews allow the clinical team to assess progress and adapt rehabilitation where necessary. MBST and bone health in Tinwell Ann Clare Physiotherapy has three different MBST devices, allowing sessions to focus on areas including the back, spine, hips, knees, shoulders, hands and feet. Bone health is another particular area of expertise. The clinic also offers Echolight REMS bone scanning, providing a radiation-free assessment of bone mineral density and fragility risk. Reflecting on that journey, Ann says: ‘Introducing MBST at the clinic changed the course of my career and, in many ways, my life. To watch it grow from something we first used here in Tinwell into the company it is today has been extraordinary. I’m incredibly proud of what Lizzie and Charles have built and grateful to have been part of it from the very beginning.’ Could MBST be right for you? The first step is to enquire and book an appointment with one of the team’s triage professionals. They can discuss your individual circumstances, answer questions and establish whether MBST may be appropriate for you.

• FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MBST, HOW IT WORKS & WHAT TO EXPECT AT MBST.HEALTH

• CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CLINIC ABOUT MBST: ANN CLARE PHYSIOTHERAPY, CASTERTON LANE, TINWELL, NR STAMFORD, RUTLAND PE9 3UQ 01780 238084

70 | health & wellness • mbst

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t to Ow en

MHBS launches new Rent to Own Scheme designed to help local first time buyers

MHBS is investing in five new flats above its Market Harborough town centre branch as part of a Rent to Own scheme designed to help local first time buyers get onto the property ladder. Under the scheme, tenants can rent a flat and when they are ready to buy their first home they will receive 60% of the rent they’ve paid for up to three years back towards their housing deposit. At a time when many aspiring homeowners feel priced out of the market, Rent to Own offers a practical alternative. The scheme is designed to bridge the gap between renting and owning, giving local people the opportunity to build their deposit while living in a secure, high quality home. By reducing one of the biggest obstacles to buying a first property, the Society is helping more people take their first step towards home ownership. Iain Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive of MHBS, said: For many first time buyers, saving for a deposit while paying rent can feel impossible. By returning 60% of rent towards a future house deposit, this initiative gives local people a real opportunity to take that next step onto the property ladder. The Rent to Own Scheme forms part of the Society's wider Thrive agenda, which focuses on helping people and communities to thrive.

Apply Now Visit mhbs.co.uk/renttoown/ to find out more on eligibility criteria, Terms and Conditions and application details. If you would like to view the flats, please email thrive@mhbs.co.uk to arrange.

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Alongside this, the Society has invested £2.2 million in affordable housing in South Leicestershire, helping seven families find a safe place to call home. Together, these projects demonstrate how the Society is creating practical opportunities for local people to build brighter futures. The Society is also investing in Welland House it’s Flagship Branch in Market Harborough to create a modern branch for the future. It will continue to provide trusted face to face support while creating flexible space for community use. For more information visit: mhbs.co.uk/thrive/

23/09/2026 20:03

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Thurnby

Fields With its focus on togetherness, personalised care and strong local connections, Thurnby Fields Care Home offers Rutland families a different approach to later-life care

OR FAMILIES across Rutland, making decisions about long-term care for loved ones is deeply personal. One of the most distressing dilemmas can occur when a couple, having shared decades of marriage, find themselves separated because one partner requires specialised 24-hour support while the other does not. Thurnby Fields Care Home, part of Cinnamon Care Collection and situated just a 20-minute drive from Rutland, is changing that narrative. Conveniently located on the eastern edge of Leicestershire, the home offers an accessible and tranquil haven for Rutland residents seeking premium residential, nursing and dementia care without feeling distant from home. What sets Thurnby Fields apart from more traditional care settings is its innovative Care Suites, a concept unique in the local area. Unlike standard care home single bedrooms, a Care Suite functions as a spacious, private companion apartment within the care home. Each suite comprises a double en-suite bedroom, a private sitting room and a kitchenette. This distinct layout provides

couples with the freedom, dignity and privacy of their own home, combined with the peace of mind that expert 24-hour care and support are immediately at hand. For single residents seeking greater independence, these spacious suites offer room for treasured personal belongings, soft furnishings and private entertaining, bridging the gap between independent living and full care home support. For those who prefer a more traditional care setting, Thurnby Fields also offers single en-suite bedrooms, providing privacy and comfort alongside access to the home’s welcoming community and expert care. Residents retain their autonomy while benefiting from the home’s social calendar, dining and communal lounges whenever they choose. Behind every care setting are the people who guide families through life’s big transitions. At Thurnby Fields, local connections run deep. The team includes leadership with over 20 years’ experience serving families across Rutland. This two-decade commitment to the area provides a genuine understanding of the local community and the decisions families face. That long-standing experience offers reassurance when navigating care options, ensuring every conversation is met with insight, empathy and tailored guidance. Choosing a care home should never mean compromising on companionship, lifestyle or quality of care. Positioned right on Rutland’s doorstep, Thurnby Fields offers boutique hotel-style surroundings alongside compassionate, individualised support. Whether exploring care options for a relative, seeking short-term respite or looking for a long-term home where a couple can continue their life’s journey side by side, Thurnby Fields invites local families to discover the difference first-hand.

THURNBY FIELDS CARE HOME, 783 UPPINGHAM RD, THURNBY, LEICESTER LE7 9RQ | 0116 490 1728 WWW.CINNAMONCC.COM/CARE-HOMES/THURNBY-FIELDS/

LEFT & OPPOSITE: Designed to offer a real home from home, Thurnby Fields combines welcoming communal lounges and dining areas with spacious private Care Suites. This allows residents – including couples with differing care needs – to enjoy independence, privacy and familiar home comforts, with 24-hour professional care and support close at hand.

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‘Choosing a care home should never mean compromising on companionship, lifestyle or quality of care’

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More than a Football Club Spotlight on the Stamford Daniels From toddlers taking their very first kicks to veterans still pulling on their boots in their eighties, Stamford AFC has grown into far more than a successful football club. Clare and Nicholas Rudd-Jones joined sponsors, volunteers, coaches and supporters at a special evening in Browne’s Hospital to discover how The Daniels, as the club is known, have become one of Stamford’s greatest community success stories

HERE WERE NO keepie-uppie challenges on the lawn, no tactical discussions about formations and not even any mention of the offside rule. Instead, on a glorious July evening in the beautiful surroundings of Browne’s Hospital, the conversation centred on something even more enduring: community. Sponsors mingled with volunteers, coaches chatted with local business owners, and supporters caught up with old friends, all united by their affection for The Daniels and the remarkable role the club plays in Stamford life. As we discovered, Stamford AFC is about far more than what happens during 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. It quickly became clear that almost everyone present had a story to tell. Two of our boys had both played for The Daniels as youngsters. As we chatted, guests spoke warmly of children, grandchildren, neighbours and friends who had worn the familiar red kit. For many Stamford families, the club has simply become part of growing up. There could hardly have been a more fitting venue. Founded in 1475 by the Stamford merchant William Browne as a lasting gift to the town, Browne’s Hospital remains one of Stamford’s finest examples of civic generosity. It was a setting that perfectly reflected the message of the evening: that communities flourish when people are prepared to give something back.

Director Richard Baker painted a compelling and hugely inspiring picture of a football club that is thriving both on and off the pitch. With a career leading some of Britain’s best-known national businesses before bringing his experience to Stamford AFC as a volunteer director, he spoke not simply about football, but about people, opportunity and belonging. ‘We think of ourselves as a big community football club, not a men’s first team,’ he said. It perfectly captures what The Daniels have become. One Club, One Community The statistics are certainly impressive. Today, more than 30 Young Daniels teams pull on the familiar black and white every weekend, with well over 500 boys and girls representing the club. Add in the men’s and women’s first teams, reserves, veterans and the youngest football sessions for pre-school children, and Stamford AFC now welcomes participants from the age of two-and-a-half right through to 81. Perhaps the most telling statistic of all is that remarkable age range. Football is the thread that runs through it, but the club’s impact stretches much further. It provides friendships, confidence, opportunities and a place where generations of Stamford families come together week after week. On the pitch, the men’s first team is preparing for a fourth consecutive season at the highest level in the club’s history, regularly

78 | stamford afc

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competing against clubs from towns and cities many times the size of Stamford. Richard smiled as he described The Daniels as ‘the Davids against the Goliaths’ – a club that continues to punch above its weight while remaining firmly rooted in its community. Yet success is measured by far more than league positions. Richard spoke passionately about creating opportunities at every stage of the game, from the club’s youngest players to its thriving veterans’ section. The rapidly developing reserve side is now creating a genuine pathway into the first team, allowing talented local players to progress through the ranks while continuing to represent their hometown club. Throughout the evening, one concept surfaced again and again: one club. Not separate teams competing under the same badge, but one organisation with a shared purpose and a shared identity. That philosophy was echoed by every speaker. New First Team Manager Ant Fenton spoke enthusiastically about building ‘a real pathway and a real family feeling across the football club’, while Women’s First Team Manager John Currall described the remarkable progress being made by the women’s side, whose rise through the football pyramid has been one of the club’s great success stories. Their ambitions may differ on the pitch, but their vision is identical: creating opportunities for more people to enjoy football and feel part of The Daniels family. Just as important are the countless volunteers who make it all possible. Behind every matchday, training session and junior fixture are people giving up evenings and weekends because they believe in what the club represents. It is this spirit of generosity that continues to define Stamford AFC, just as surely as any result on a Saturday afternoon. Building for the Future If the present is impressive, the future looks brighter still. Home is the Zeeco Stadium at Borderville, a facility of which the club is rightly proud. Already one of the finest community football venues at this level of the game, it is busy throughout the week as well as on matchdays, serving hundreds of players, volunteers and families. Yet the ambition does not stop there. Director Richard Baker outlined

‘We think of ourselves as a big community football club, not a men’s first team’ exciting plans to build on that success, with proposals for significant investment that would create even better facilities and enable the club to welcome even more local people in the years ahead. By the time this magazine reaches readers, those plans – linked to the wider Borderville development – may well have taken another significant step forward. The vision is about far more than new pitches or improved buildings. It is about creating an even stronger community hub for Stamford, somewhere children can take their first kicks, young players can develop their talents, volunteers can share their time and families can continue to gather week after week. As Stamford grows, so too does the opportunity for The Daniels to play an even greater role in the life of the town. Commercial Manager Chris Day reinforced that philosophy with a simple observation: ‘Everything’s about relationships.’ It was a comment that neatly summed up the evening. Relationships between players and coaches, businesses and sponsors, volunteers and supporters, and between a football club and the community it serves have all helped shape The Daniels into the organisation it is today. Leaving Browne’s Hospital, we found ourselves reflecting on the remarkable connection between the venue and the evening’s message. More than five centuries ago, William Browne created something that would benefit generations of Stamford people. Today, The Daniels are building something equally enduring in its own way: a club that brings people together, creates opportunities and gives hundreds of local people a place to belong. For all the success on the pitch, perhaps that is the club’s greatest achievement. Long may that continue. stamfordafc.co.uk | theyoungdaniels.co.uk

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The World Conker

Championships it’s a knockout family day out

The second Sunday of October is the time of year when the world’s press descends on the Northamptonshire village of Southwick for some seriously nutty shenanigans. The 59th World Conker Championships looks set to be even bigger and better than previous years, without losing the spirit of this quirky British pastime. Rebecca Downey meets some of the organisers

ELOVED BY children and adults alike, the humble conker is the quintessence of autumn; the spiky verdant casing which splits to reveal a glossy swirl of ruddy brown nut symbolises the excitement of a fresh start and new beginnings. The allure of the horse chestnut reaches its pinnacle at the annual World Conker Championships (WCC), when people come from all over the world to celebrate the seed and try their hand at the schoolyard game. Hosted by The Shuckburgh Arms and its adjacent fields in Southwick, the event attracts over 2,000 visitors and involves a year of monthly meetings in the planning. ‘It’s a classic festival-cum-village fete,’ explains chairman Jim Packer. ‘Even if it’s raining, that just adds to the Britishness of the day,’ he adds. Hilly Horton, publican of The Shuckburgh Arms and creator of Hilly Horton Home – a fashion, interiors and gifts emporium – agrees: ‘It’s an Old English country event that is embraced by people all over the world and it’s our job to maintain the spirit and integrity of the competition, while making sure it’s as safe and joyful as possible – as such, there is a huge amount of organisation and team effort involved in the build-up to the day.’ Attendees on the day can expect live music from Stamford Stompers, dancing from Peterborough Morris, circus skills workshops, a Civil War re-enactment by Lord Robartes Regiment of Foote, traditional pub games, fairground rides and artisan trade stalls offering preserves, toys, cards, gifts, clothes and textiles. There will be an array of real and local ales from Nene Valley Brewery, several options at the food court and the revered presence of the Chelsea Pensioners.

This year, TV personality and broadcaster John Inverdale will be presiding over the ceremony. Though bookings to play in the adult competition are close to sold out, there are still spaces for younger competitors and spectators. While fancy dress has become de rigueur over the years, this is the first time there will be a prize for the best costume. With the world’s press in attendance, could this be your five minutes of fame?

Even if it’s raining, that just adds to the Britishness of the day’ Jim Packer explains that the game has its origins in the stone spindle whorl – a weighted disc with a hole in the centre used for spinning yarn or flax – which was repurposed for amusement. The championships themselves began in 1965 when a group of local lads met in Ashton (a village just outside Oundle and the original site of the WCC for 45 years). Heavy rain put paid to their planned fishing excursion, and they amused themselves with a game of conkers instead. Conkers for a Cause A whip-round in the pub that night was donated to a charity for the visually impaired and subsequent annual games have honoured that tradition. Today the event has pledged over £450,000 for charities including the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, G-Whizz (offering tandem

82 | local events

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photos: dave hodson cycling experiences for the blind) and Northants Association for the Blind. A Team Effort Following many years of dedicated service to the event, King Conker David Jakins is abdicating from his honorary role and an election is to be held prior to this year’s championships, with an announcement on the day. The 20-strong committee is looking for new people, particularly young folk, to join the band of merry men and women. ‘It’s a huge group effort but is also an enormous amount of fun,’ says Hilly. Jim, chairman since 2019, is no stranger to radio interviews regarding WCC, yet recalls watching the TV one evening only to see himself in all his conker regalia appearing on Have I Got News for You: ‘Seconds later my phone was lit up with calls from curious friends!’ Hilly credits St John Burkett for doing a grand job on press releases and publicity; the event is often featured on shows such as Blue Peter, Countryfile and Autumnwatch and gets a mention every year in The Wall Street Journal – not many local events can boast such widespread coverage. Incidentally, St John is also a member of the Dull Men’s Club, which ‘celebrates the ordinary’ with wry wit and humour, aligning neatly with the revelry around conkers. The conker organisers are assisted by an army of volunteers who have in the past included Young Farmers, Volunteer Action and Thrapston Scouts, and are supported by several sponsors including Allica Bank, Harrowden Turf and NPS Solovair, a Northamptonshire-based shoe factory trading since 1881, which uses the conker to match one of its leather shoe colourways.

ABOVE: Conkers at the ready! The 2025 King and Queen Conker, alongside some of the food, live music and all-round festivities that make the World Conker Championships such a brilliant day out

Keeping the Tradition Alive To keep it a level playing field, over 3,000 conkers are laced and supplied by the WCC every year and are drawn at random from a bag by competitors. However, climate change, drought, bleeding canker and the leaf miner moth have worryingly led to declining numbers of horse chestnuts. Though most conkers are collected from local trees in Northamptonshire, last year, donations came from all over the UK, including a box kindly sent by the Windsor Castle estate. ‘The pub has friends from all over the country helping out: three boxes turned up in the post from an anonymous donor. People just really love conkers and being part of the event,’ says Hilly. Nutters of the world unite: Sunday 11 October is the day to go bonkers over conkers.

WWW.WORLDCONKERCHAMPIONSHIPS.COM WORLDCONKERCHAMPIONSHIPS SHUCKBURGH ARMS, MAIN STREET, SOUTHWICK, NORTHANTS PE8 5BL | WWW.SHUCKBURGHARMS.CO.UK SOUTHWICK SHUCKBURGH ARMS THESOUTHWICKSHUCKBURGHARMS

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Rennet & Rind M O N T H LY C H E E S E & W I N E C L U B

BELOW: Rennet & Rind’s Mark Hulme welcomes guests as the Stamford shop is transformed for the evening’s Cheese & Wine Club.

Nicholas & Clare Rudd-Jones hugely enjoyed an evening of British artisan cheese and wine tasting at Rennet & Rind in Stamford. Five cheeses, five wines and plenty of expert advice on how to pair them perfectly at home

HE FIRST THING we appreciated on the evening we went was the camaraderie of the event, helped hugely by a glass of delicious introductory fizz on arrival. You can’t help but start chatting to other guests; and during the evening, the Rennet & Rind team (there were four the evening we went, including owners Mark and Jan Hulme) make a point of having a good chat with everyone. Some people, like ourselves, were there for the first time, while others were coming back because they had enjoyed a previous tasting. All seemed in very good spirits. The next thing we appreciated was the expertise of the team. Each cheese was presented by Emma Cameron, cheesemonger at the Stamford shop, who is so passionate and knowledgeable about cheese. She told us interesting stories about the background to each one – who makes it, the cheesemaker’s journey and a little about the physical properties that give each cheese such a distinctive flavour. These are cheeses made by independent producers across Britain – people who have spent years perfecting their craft on small farms, often with their own herds. Rennet & Rind work directly with them, and Emma shares their stories with you.

‘Everything we ate and drank was utterly delicious’ Danielle Freer, shop manager and a wine specialist with over 20 years in the trade, pairs each cheese with a wine that brings out something you might not notice on its own. She explained the thinking behind each pairing so you can put cheese and wine together with confidence at home. She talks about the grapes and the making process, and which elements in the wine’s composition she feels work well with the cheese in question. Everything we ate and drank was utterly delicious, and we came away feeling much better informed. As well as the wine and cheese, there was also a salami and a chocolate that were both exquisite. The cost of £50 per head seemed very reasonable for the amount that our stomachs consumed and our heads learnt! Just go online to book on to one of the evenings, the only proviso being that they are becoming extremely popular and are booked up some way in advance.

RENNET & RIND, 16 HIGH STREET, STAMFORD PE9 2AL RENNETANDRIND.CO.UK | RENNETANDRIND

THE SEPTEMBER PAIRINGS The pairings on the evening we went in September were as follows: Welcome Drink: Saffron Grange Sparkling Rosé 2023, England Cheese: Cornish Yarg Wine pairing: Pazos de Lusco Albariño 2024, Spain Taste with: Rosebud Apple, Peach & Apricot Chutney Cheese: St Cera Wine pairing: Sa Prum Essence Riesling 2025, Germany Taste with: Smoke & Cure House Salami Cheese: Rachel Reserva Wine pairing: Injuste Corbières 2023, France Taste with: Hambleton Bakery Sourdough Bread Cheese: Heckfield Wine pairing: Casa Relvas Ciconia Tinto 2023, Portugal Taste with: Peter’s Yard Sourdough Crackers Cheese: Cropwell Bishop Stilton Wine pairing: Fonseca Waterloo Edition Finest Reserve Ruby Port NV, Portugal Taste with: Choc Amor Cherry Bakewell Milk Chocolate There is a 10% discount on any of these products you buy on the evening – believe us, you will be tempted by several.

86 | food & drink • rennet & rind

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October Lunch for Less £26 for 2 courses, add another course for £4

Starters Beetroot cured salmon, fresh horseradish and dill slaw, caraway wafers Winter leaf salad of seasonal squash, pear, smelly h’apeth blue cheese and pickled walnuts Mains Rump of beef, crispy confit potatoes, curly kale, white stilton, spinach and mushroom gratin Loin of haddock, mustard creamed leeks, smoked haddock bubble and squeak cake, poached local hens’ egg Keralan fried cauliflower, yellow cashew curry, black grains, Indian style salad, curry leaf crème Dessert Caramelised egg custard, apples, blackberries, nutmeg crumble cookies The Marathon chocolate bar Milk chocolate delice, iced salted peanut and honey nougat parfait, dulce de leche, crystallised peanuts

Please book your table online at www.lakeisle.co.uk or call 01572 822951 for any Tuesday to Saturday lunchtime (29th September to 31st October)

Restaurant with rooms

Rosette award for culinary excellence 2026

16 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PZ 01572 822951 info@lakeisle.co.uk www.lakeisle.co.uk

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Eat, Drink

& Be Merry f e s t i v e f e a s t s & c e l e b r at i o n s Nicholas Rudd-Jones rounds up a tempting selection of festive venues and menus for celebrating in style this Christmas and New Year RUTLAND THE BARNSDALE The Avenue, Exton, Rutland LE15 8AH, 01572 724678, barnsdalerutland.com • Christmas parties: A festive tipple on arrival, three delicious courses, exclusive room hire and an in-house DJ. Available in the 1760 Brasserie or a private dining room. £70pp. • Christmas Joiner Party: Perfect for smaller groups. You’ll share the night with fellow guests, starting with a cocktail on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course meal. On selected dates in December. £70pp. • Festive wreath-making: Foliage, fizz and a little festive flourish. 19 November, 3pm. £45pp. • Christmas Market: Fairy lights, mulled wine and gifts worth giving. 20–22 November, free entry. • New Year’s House Party: Champagne flowing, music playing and the dancefloor calling. With black-tie glamour and indulgent dining, it’s the perfect way to welcome 2027 in style. Overnight package including breakfast from £547 for a couple.

Warren Browning is back as Resort Director; many of you will remember him fondly from his time as General Manager here from 2017–23 – he is such a welcoming face. THE FALCON 7 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PY, 01572 823535, falcon-hotel.co.uk Sometimes a hotel feels like just the place for festive celebrations, and the Falcon fits the bill beautifully, with its history, character and contemporary twists. Add to that roaring fires and great hospitality and you have all the ingredients you could want. There is a special festive menu, while the hotel’s flexible event spaces are available for private hire and can be tailored to suit both intimate occasions and larger celebrations. THE FINCH’S ARMS Oakham Road, Hambleton LE15 8TL, 01572 756575, finchsarms.co.uk • Festive party menu: 26 Nov–18 Dec (Mon–Fri lunch, Mon– Thu dinner). Pre-book and receive a festive table with crackers and Christmas novelties. Three courses £36.

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OPPOSITE (LEFT TO RIGHT): The Barnsdale and The George Inn Oakham. BELOW & RIGHT: The Lake Isle.

• Breakfast with the Doorstep Elves: Sat 12 Dec, arrival 9am. Join the mischievous Doorstep Elves for a morning of Christmas cheer, delicious food and interactive fun. £30 per adult and £15 per child, including a family-style brunch with entertainment. • Wreath-making: Tue 1 and Wed 2 Dec, arrival 10am. Create your own festive wreath. £95pp, including coffee and mince pies on arrival, a wreath-making class, your wreath to take home and a two-course lunch. • Christmas Carolling Dinner: Thu 17 Dec, 7pm. Carols around the Christmas tree, followed by a three-course dinner. The jazz pianist will carry on the festivities while you dine. £60pp. Christmas Eve Dinner with Jazz: Start the Christmas celebrations with warming tipples, delicious food and festive jazz. £70pp. Christmas Day lunch: £130pp (£65 for under-10s). A glass of Champagne on arrival followed by a four-course lunch. GATES GARDEN CENTRE Somerby Road, Cold Overton LE15 7QB, 01664 454309, gatesgardencentre.co.uk A visit to Gates at Christmas has become a tradition for families across the region. Charming displays guide you through the spectacular Christmas Hall, where twinkling lights and festive decorations set the scene for a magical visit. Families can also enjoy the ever-popular Dine with Santa events, while a voucher for afternoon tea at Gates makes a thoughtful gift. After shopping, the Garden Restaurant is the place to relax: the carvery has become a favourite and, with the log burners glowing, it’s the perfect way to round off your Christmas visit to Gates. THE GEORGE INN Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT, 01572 756971, thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk The festive set menu is brilliant value at £30 for two courses or £35 for three. A festive à la carte menu is also available if you want a wider choice. The Rutland Room has been fully restored to provide an opulent setting for a private Christmas event and can seat up to 30 guests around an impressively large table.

HAMBLETON BAKERY (RETAIL AND EXTON CAFÉ) Exton Café, 2 Cottesmore Road, Oakham LE15 8AN, hambletonbakery.co.uk A sprinkle of Christmas magic arrives in mid-November, with special seasonal products available in all the stores. These include mince pies, Finnish gingerbread and a traditionally tinned Christmas cake. This year the traditional Christmas pudding is coming back after a six-year absence. The recipe dates back to 1856, when Julian’s great-grandfather owned a bakery in Liverpool; it has been passed down through the generations and is made today using exactly the same method. There will also be Christmas hampers available, including boxed mince pies, a tinned mini Christmas cake, biscuits and snowball macaroons. All the Christmas products will be available to eat in the Exton Café. Other festive delights include mulled wine and mince pies with brandy cream, as well as a Christmas savoury tart, hot chilli, freshly made soup and a festive stew. HITCHEN’S BARN 12 Burley Road, Oakham LE15 6DH, 01572 722255, hitchensbarn.co.uk Voted one of Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants by The Good Food Guide in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Hitchen’s Barn will run its normal seasonal à la carte menu in the evenings, with both the set lunch and à la carte menus available at lunchtime. Traditional roast turkey and trimmings can be pre-ordered for group bookings of more than 10 in the private dining room. The restaurant closes on Thursday 24 Dec, reopening on Tuesday 12 January 2027. THE LAKE ISLE 16 High Street East, Uppingham LE15 9PZ, 01572 822951, lakeisle.co.uk Festive lunch menu: Served Mon–Sat, 1–24 Dec, £39.50 for three courses. Stand-out dishes, as well as turkey, include ‘deer in blankets’ – bacon-wrapped Scottish venison sausages, whisky barley, peppered neep purée and pickled red cabbage – to start; and braised feather blade of beef with seasonal greens, creamed potato, bourguignon garnish and red wine-braised carrot for a main.

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LEFT: The Olive Branch. BELOW: No.23 at Christmas.

In the evenings throughout December (Tue–Sat), an à la carte dinner menu showcases the best produce of the season with a few festive touches. • Christmas Eve: £80pp for a three-course, turkey-free meal. • Christmas Day: Five courses for £185pp, with a glass of Kir Royale on arrival. The menu offers several stand-out dishes alongside the classics. • The Lake Isle also has a number of intimate private dining rooms, or tables for four to 14 people. NO.23 23 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY, 01572 303023, 23uppingham.co.uk This has a fabulous buzz and is a great place for a Christmas meal, especially if you like the idea of cocktails before or afterwards. The three-course party menu will be available for £50pp for lunch and dinner and should be pre-booked. It’s a contemporary menu with a twist on traditional Christmas fare. For a starter, for example, you might pick the wild mushroom and chestnut pâté with tarragon vinaigrette and sourdough. For the main, how about confit duck leg with braised red cabbage, duck-fat potatoes and maraschino cherry jus? This lively bistro-style restaurant also has a stylish private dining room for parties of up to 10. The whole restaurant can be hired exclusively for parties of 30–55 people. THE OLIVE BRANCH Main Street, Clipsham, Rutland LE15 7SH, 01780 410355, theolivebranchpub.com The award-winning kitchen team at The Olive Branch creates locally sourced, home-grown food with great flavours, combining traditional dishes with more innovative modern cooking. The festive tasting menus are available throughout December. A five-course lunch is £70, while the seven-course festive dinner menu is £95. The menus strike a lovely balance, offering traditional dishes – including turkey and Christmas pudding – alongside less

traditional choices such as local roe deer tartare or vanilla-poached pear, with touches of luxury too, including halibut with caviar and Champagne sauce. There is also a Barn Christmas party menu for up to 20 people in the Barn, while larger parties can be hosted in the pub. Three courses cost £55pp, including Christmas crackers. The ‘Party for Less’ menu is available Wed–Fri at lunchtime and costs from £42.50. • Christmas cookery demonstration: Head Chef Dean Carroll hosts demonstrations on Thu 19 Nov and Thu 3 Dec. The day begins with coffee at 10am, followed by a demonstration of a threecourse seasonal menu. Lunch is then served with a glass of wine. £85pp. • Christmas canapé-making: Join Head Chef Dean Carroll, who will guide you through making and constructing three different savoury canapés and one sweet treat – all guaranteed to impress at a Christmas party. Following the demonstration, enjoy the canapés Dean has prepared with a glass of Prosecco in the Bar, followed by a two-course meal in the Barn. £85pp. Sessions at 10am and 6pm. Wreath-making workshop: Hosted by Rebecca-Louise Moody on Thu 10 Dec. Rebecca will guide you through the process of creating your own door wreath using natural materials from the surrounding woods, along with foliage, cones, berries, dried fruit and ribbons. A two-course lunch will be served with a glass of wine. £130pp. RUTLAND NURSERY Lyndon Road, Manton, Rutland LE15 8RN, 01572 498720, rutlandnursery.co.uk Rutland Nursery is offering private events in The View this festive season. With its vaulted cedar-clad ceiling, striking stone fireplace, natural furnishings and central olive tree, the restaurant provides a unique setting for exclusive hire. Private hire is available from 6.30–11pm, seven days a week, with capacity for 150 standing or 100 seated. Seasonal private dining menus have been created.

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3 Course Festive Lunch menu £39.50 Available Monday to Saturday lunchtimes from 1st to 24th December

Christmas Eve Dinner 3 courses £80 Christmas Day 5 courses £185 Starters French style salmon pate, horseradish and dill soda bread, fennel marmalade, capers and cucumber ‘Deer in blankets’ Bacon wrapped Scottish venison sausages, whisky barley, peppered neep puree, pickled red cabbage Honey cured goats’ cheese, bonfire smoked beetroot, pomegranate, cassis onions, winter leaves and walnut granola Celeriac and Wensleydale soup, cracked hazelnuts, apple, parsley and sage pesto Mains Classic roast turkey, pork and festive fruits stuffing, goose fat roasties, seasonal vegetables and traditional accompaniments. ‘Boeuf bourguignon’ Braised feather blade of beef, seasonal greens, creamed potato, bourguignon garnish, red wine braised carrot Loin of haddock, roasted cauliflower, mustard creamed leeks, smoked haddock and vintage cheddar arancini Sweet potato and chestnut roast, triple cooked parsnip chips, spiced pickled cranberry ketchup, charred greens, thyme gravy Dessert Traditional Christmas pudding, mulled plums, brandy sauce Iced gingerbread parfait, poached pear, butterscotch ‘angel delight’, classic madeleines Sticky date and walnut tart, espresso and baileys ice cream Chocolate panna cotta, satsuma sorbet, chocolate and orange vienesse whirls Duo of English cheeses, apple jam, celery seed crackers, grapes Book your table online at www.lakeisle.co.uk, to discuss any special requirements please call 01572 822951

Restaurant with rooms

Rosette award for culinary excellence 2026

16 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PZ 01572 822951 info@lakeisle.co.uk www.lakeisle.co.uk

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ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT): Ski Chalet at the Bull & Swan; The Crown.

There will also be a festive menu in The View for individual diners. On Fri 4 Dec in The Bothy, Tim Hayward will be talking about his new book, ‘The Cocktail Hour’, as well as demonstrating three cocktails – useful inspiration for the festive season! For more information, contact events@rutlandnursery.co.uk

STAMFORD & AROUND BULL & SWAN 24 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LJ, 01780 766412, thebullandswan.co.uk Stamford’s Bull and Swan has pretty much everything you could wish for in a pub: tradition, good food, great beer, lots of music, conviviality and the famous Potting Shed and Ski Chalet out the back! • Oompah Christmas Party: 4 Dec. Expect a live Bavarian-style oompah band, Hoggy on the BBQ , steins raised high and plenty of festive favourites to keep the party going. Lederhosen encouraged. Singing along very much expected. • La Folie Stamford: 11 Dec. The Secret Garden transforms into Stamford’s own alpine nightclub, inspired by the legendary après-ski parties of the Alps, complete with Hoggy on the BBQ. • You could also host a private chalet party with friends, family or colleagues. It’s £45pp for 35–40 people, including an arrival drink, the Alpine feasting menu and control of the playlist and cinema screen. • The Ski Chalet will be back in action on New Year’s Eve. Start the night with the famous Alpine Feasting Menu before heading into The Secret Garden for a full-blown après-ski party. Or skip dinner and head straight for the party as they see in the New Year. From £15. • Breakfast with Santa takes place on 5, 12 and 19 Dec – fun for all the family. Join Santa for a fabulous Christmas breakfast filled with festive treats. It’s £25pp and includes a special festive breakfast buffet, the chance to meet Santa and a present for each child. Slots are available from 9.30–10.30am and 11am–12pm.

• You can also book Christmas Day lunch in either the pub or cosy Ski Chalet, at 12 noon or 3pm. £125 per adult, £65 for children under 12. THE CROWN HOTEL, THE TOBIE NORRIS & PATEN & CO • The Crown, 6 All Saints’ Place, Stamford PE9 2AG, 01780 763136 • Paten & Co, 7 All Saints’ Place, Stamford PE9 2AG, 01780 408647 • The Tobie Norris, 12 St Paul’s Street, Stamford PE9 2BE, 01780 753800 kneadpubs.co.uk The Crown Hotel: A traditional Christmas turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The ambience here is great, as are the food and service. Minimum of six guests. Mon–Wed, three courses £50pp; Thu–Sun, three courses £60pp. Christmas Day, three courses £165pp, with a glass of Collet Champagne on arrival. Paten & Co: Choose from a festive sharing menu to enjoy with friends, family or work colleagues at £28pp, with a minimum of six guests; or opt for a two- or three-course festive party menu, with two courses at £30pp or three at £35pp. The Tobie Norris: This wonderful pub is the perfect venue for a cosy, characterful Christmas gathering. The festive à la carte menu, for a minimum of six people, features lots of hearty, seasonal dishes. The pub also offers a festive pizza buffet for £28pp for groups of 16 or more, including private room hire. THETFORD FARM BARN & THE WHITE HORSE BASTON Thetford House Farm, Estate Office, Baston PE6 9NU, 01778 594215, thetfordfarmestate.co.uk Whether you’re planning an intimate team lunch or a larger company celebration, Thetford Farm Estate offers two distinctive ways to celebrate this Christmas. • For relaxed festive gatherings, The White Horse Baston offers a warm village-pub setting for groups from eight guests, with festive

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Festive food made for sharing Choose from a festive 2 or 3-course menu, or get stuck into a sharing feast packed with party favourites.

All you KNEAD this Christmas

2 courses £30pp 3 courses £35pp Sharing menu £28pp

7 All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG 01780 408647 | paten@kneadpubs.co.uk

Pizza, parties & Christmas cheer From festive favourites and Christmas classics to a stone-baked pizza buffet, Tobie Norris has your party food covered. Choose from Festive Menu or our Pizza Buffet

12 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE 01780 753800 | tobie@kneadpubs.co.uk

Your Christmas feast awaits Make it a little more special with a delicious three-course festive feast, packed with seasonal favourites and Christmas classics. £50pp Mon–Wed | £60pp Thu–Sat 6 All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG 01780 763136 | crown@kneadpubs.co.uk

KNEADPUBS.CO.UK 6203 KL-Full Page Stamford Living Advert-FINAL.indd 1 LL October 2026 ADS.indd 93 Chrismas Knead Pub SL Group FP Oct 26.indd 1

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MERRY XMAS

If you are looking for the perfect venue to celebrate Christmas with family & friends, why not come and join us this festive season... Now is the time to book your

Christmas treat with all the festive trimmings WITH OUR DELICIOUS FESTIVE FAY A RE AY SERVED FROM 25TH NOVEMBER - 23RD DECEMBER ‘26

CAL L US OR B OOK ONL INE NOW ! "At this beautiful hidden village gem, the only thing more colourful than the stories swapped in the restaurant & bar is the stunning plumage of the peacocks roaming around the village green!"

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Why not also treat a loved one, family member or friend to a real treat with one of our Gift Vouchers - they make a perfect Christmas gift!

Find us on The Green, at Ashton near Oundle, Northants PE8 5LD & also on Facebook & Instagram.

www.chequeredskipperashton.co.uk Tel: 01832 579775

13/09/2026 06:59

Whether you’re treating yourself to a meal from our two AA Rosette A la Carte menu, relaxing in the Autumn sun after a nice walk with a cup of tea, or simply catching up with friends over a tipple or two and a bar meal! Madison Keys, Zak Perrin, and all the team at The Falcon, warmly welcome you seven days a week!

Mondays-Thursdays:

Food served 12-2pm and 5-8pm, bar closes at 10pm

Fridays-Saturdays:

Food served 12-8pm, bar closes at 11pm

Sundays:

Food served 12-3pm, bar closes at 5pm

What's on? ‘Easy as Pie’ Mondays! Join us on Mondays between 12-2pm and 5-8pm to enjoy a selection of our homemade pies with your choice of chips or mash, vegetables, and of course lashings of gravy! All for just £12.50 with any drinks purchase. Fish and Chip Fridays! Enjoy our local real ale battered Haddock and chips, crushed minted peas and tarragon tartare sauce all for just £12.50 between 12-8pm on Fridays! Booking is always recommended to avoid disappointment Keep your eyes peeled across our website and socials for Autumn events! Our ‘Ready to roast’ Christmas dinner kits return! Order between now and the 31st October to enjoy at our Early bird price of just £17.95! Please see our website for more information and to secure your stress free Christmas!

www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk 01832 226254 The Falcon Inn I Main Street I Fotheringhay I PE8 5HZ

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LEFT: Milly’s at The William Cecil

‘A tempting selection of festive venues and menus for celebrating in style this Christmas and New Year’ • Christmas Day lunch: Arrive any time between 12 noon and 4pm. £160 per adult, £80 for children under 12. • Wreath workshop with Georgia Joy: 2 Dec, 6.30–8.30pm; 5 and 6 Dec, 2.30–4.30pm. £70pp, including festive cream tea and Prosecco. Learn how to make your own festive door wreath. • Festive candle-making: Fri 11 Dec. Join DOLLY for an afternoon of candle-making, with a traditional cream tea and Prosecco. £75pp.

THE NENE VALLEY

lunches, evening celebrations and exclusive hire available. On-site accommodation also makes it easy to turn the occasion into an overnight stay. • For larger corporate celebrations, Thetford Farm Barn provides an impressive countryside setting for parties of eight–250 guests. With exclusive venue hire, festive party nights, a fully decorated venue and on-site parking, it offers businesses plenty of space to bring teams together and celebrate the end of the year. Quote FIZZ26 when booking to receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly. THE WHITE HART Main Street, Ufford PE9 3BH, 01780 740250, whitehartufford.co.uk The White Hart is now well established as a community hub, and the bonhomie there is always top-notch. The décor, by Annie Allison, is so inviting too. The pub is a personal favourite of ours. From roast turkey with all the trimmings to Christmas pudding, Baileys crème brûlée and a festive menu for the little ones, the festive menu is available 23 Nov to 23 Dec, except on Sundays. You can choose between two or three courses. Find more details online. THE WILLIAM CECIL High Street St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LJ, 01780 750070, thewilliamcecil.co.uk • Festive lunches and dinners: From 26 Nov, £36pp for two courses or £42pp for three. Available for up to 11 people. • Festive feasting parties: Parties of 12 or more can enjoy Milly’s Bistro’s new festive feasting menu, held in the private dining room. £63pp, with no pre-order required. • Joiner Party Nights: 4, 5 and 10–12 Dec. Specially created for groups to relax and enjoy the season, with a traditional Christmas dinner served at 7.30pm and a DJ until 11.45pm. £60pp, including a glass of fizz on arrival, a three-course festive party menu and DJ. • Private festive parties: Host a private party at The William Cecil for 80–110 people. £60pp, including a three-course festive party menu and room hire.

THE CHEQUERED SKIPPER The Green, Ashton, near Oundle, Northants PE8 5LD, 01832 579775, chequeredskipperashton.co.uk Since we first discovered the revitalised Chequered Skipper, it has become one of our favourite spots, with the quality of both the food and service particularly impressive. It makes a great choice for festive fayre, served from 25 Nov–23 Dec, either in the dining room or the larger Butterfly Suite, which can cater for groups of up to 70. EAST RESTAURANT Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP, 01733 315702, east-restaurant.co.uk East Restaurant’s special Christmas menu is available throughout December, combining Oriental flavours with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The restaurant itself gets a festive transformation too, with sparkling Christmas decorations, twinkling lights and a beautifully dressed tree. And if you want to keep the party going after dinner, head downstairs to Charters Bar on the lower deck for more drinks and music. THE FALCON AT FOTHERINGHAY Main Street, Fotheringhay PE8 5HZ, 01832 226254, thefalcon-inn.co.uk The setting in Fotheringhay somehow always feels right for the festive season, with its cathedral-like church and broad main street lined with ancient houses. The festive menus at The Falcon at Fotheringhay are available to view on its website. £35.50 for two courses, £40.50 for three; available to six or more people and must be pre-booked. NEW LODGE FARM, NEAR BULWICK Laxton Road, near Bulwick, Rockingham Forest, Corby NN17 3DU, 01780 450493, newlodgefarm.com From 3 November, the farm shop and café’s winter opening hours will be Tue–Fri, 10am–4pm, and weekends 8.30am–4pm. The log burners ensure that the shop and café are cosy places to nestle, while the menu will have plenty of winter-warming options. The farm shop is a great place to put in Christmas orders for turkeys, geese, Christmas chickens, ribs and other festive favourites. From 29 November, there will also be a forest of locally grown Christmas trees available to buy. Christmas Sunday lunch is available on the five Sundays leading up to Christmas: 22 and 29 Nov and 6, 13 and 20 Dec.

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When it comes to the festive season, there’s nowhere quite like The Finch's Arms. With roaring open fires, the scent of mulled wine and an abundance of festive feasts, The Finch’s is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. From carols under the stars and family brunches with the Door Stop Elves to festive get-togethers with your favourite people, there’s plenty of Christmas magic to enjoy. Explore our festive menus, events & luxury stays, and book your table or stay via our website.

www.ﬁnchsarms.co.uk I 01572 756575 I @theﬁnchsarms

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ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT): The Nevill Arms; The Sun Inn.

THE PICKLED SHOP 15 Main Street, Bulwick, Corby NN17 3DY, 01780 450774, thepickledshop.com The picturesque covered terrace to the rear of The Pickled Shop in Bulwick, one of the quaintest villages in the region, is a delightful option for a festive event. The hospitality here is second to none, and taste and flavour reign supreme, so you can expect carefully sourced food and some great flavours, brilliantly cooked. Hampers are also a speciality here – perfect if you need a present for a loved one. They include Christmas Cheer, Christmas Hugs, Christmas Love and Christmas Joy, all full of festive goodies, not least awardwinning Pickled Village chutneys, relishes and jams.

AROUND MARKET HARBOROUGH All three of the following pubs are part of the highly regarded Three Goats Group, offering consistently high-quality food and individual character at each establishment. THE NEVILL ARMS 12 Waterfall Way, Medbourne LE16 8EE, 01858 565288, nevillarms.co.uk The bar area is popular with locals – wellies and wet dogs are always welcome! – and the restaurant has become a destination venue, drawing diners from far and wide. It has a modern, stylish and comfortable feel, combining cosmopolitan and country style. There is a delicious set menu in the run-up to Christmas for pre-booked parties, available for £50pp. Choices include a housecured sea trout starter, while among the mains is beef brisket with spring onion crumb, Roscoff onion, black garlic mash and tenderstem broccoli. One of the dessert choices is brown sugar and dark chocolate pavlova with Chantilly cream, toasted almonds and cherries. There is also a private dining room that can be booked for special occasions. THE RED LION 5 Main St, Great Bowden LE16 7HB, 01858 463571, redlion-greatbowden.co.uk This vibrant pub offers the best of both worlds – a picturesque setting in the village of Great Bowden, but just a stone’s throw from bustling Market Harborough. The garden is home to a unique covered space, The Lion’s Den, which is a perfect spot for a get-together with family and friends or for larger, full-venue private hire events. Heated when

the weather’s chilly – and with the option to book your own private box and big-screen TV – The Den has become one of the hippest places near Harborough, and its relaxed vibe makes it a particularly popular choice for corporate Christmas parties. Inside the pub, meanwhile, you’ll find more of a country feel, with the charming, cosy atmosphere making it the perfect place to slip into the festive mood with a glass of mulled wine or a hearty Christmas meal. THE SUN INN 6 Cross Bank, Great Easton LE16 8SR, 01536 772182, thesuninnge.com The Sun Inn has two private dining rooms that make charming spots for a Christmas gathering. The Wine Room is an atmospheric space seating 12, decorated with antique furniture and artwork. The Garden Room can seat up to 26 across two tables, or 16 around one, is covered and has a real fire. You might prefer to enjoy your Christmas meal in the large bar and restaurant area, popular with locals but also a destination for dining. The Sun Inn embodies the character of the Welland Valley – welcoming and full of rural charm, with local sourcing of ingredients high on the agenda. Much of the meat on the menu comes from the pub’s own farm, just a few hundred metres from the front door. So, if you aren’t in the mood for turkey, one alternative is the Great Easton lamb loin with cep purée, creamy mashed potato, cavolo nero, glazed carrot and mint jus. The festive set menu is perfect for group bookings or larger parties and is available by prebooking. Three courses £50pp.

a little festive inspiration Wreath-making: The Barnsdale, The Finch’s Arms, The William Cecil, The Olive Branch Christmas carols: The Finch’s Arms Kids’ delights: Gates Garden Centre, Bull & Swan, Finch’s Arms Christmas hampers: Hambleton Bakery, The Pickled Shop, New Lodge Farm DJ and alpine party nights: Bull & Swan Joiner party nights: The William Cecil, The Finch’s Arms Christmas canapé-making: The Olive Branch Cocktail demonstration: Rutland Nursery Beyond traditional turkey: Pizza buffets at The Tobie Norris; Asian flavours at East Restaurant

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PERFECT PLACES FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY

Celebrate the festive season at one of the venues everyone’s talking about. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering of family and friends or a larger corporate get-together, our inspired cuisine and warm welcome will help make your Christmas magical THE NEVILL ARMS A historic country hotel and pub in Medbourne 01858 565288 www.nevillarms.co.uk NO. 23 A bistro-style restaurant in Uppingham 01572 303023 www.23uppingham.co.uk THE SUN INN A charming country pub at Great Easton 01536 772182 www.thesuninnge.com THE RED LION A village pub in picturesque Great Bowden 01858 463571 www.redlion-greatbowden.co.uk CASTLE VIEW A party and events venue on our Welland Valley farm www.castleviewfarmandstables.com

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An amazing selection of plants for your garden & home. We also stock a great range of gardening products & gifts.

/Thebarnoundle

/barngardencentre

Barnwell Road, Oundle PE8 5PB | 01832 273310 www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk

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Apple Season With World Apple Day celebrated on 21 October, discover how you can make the most of this year’s apple harvest with local orchards and recipes WORDS: TESS HERDALE

N STAMFORD AND RUTLAND, we are proud of our local food heritage, from Lincolnshire sausages to Melton Mowbray pork pies. But few know this heritage extends to apples too. Part of a nationwide movement to revive British orchards, Stamford Community Orchard Group (SCOG) works to preserve our own local varieties, such as ‘Lord Burghley’ and ‘Laxton Superb’. Its community orchard on Christ Church Lane, Stamford, is an encyclopaedia of local apple varieties, many of which would otherwise have been lost to time. Challenging the growing disconnect between field and table, community orchards are open to all, working with local schools and volunteers to bring people closer to food production. And community is at the heart of what they do: SCOG is known for its annual Stamford ‘Apple Day’, but this year it has branched out to hold multiple apple days across its many community orchards. This September, SCOG welcomed people to harvest community apples and learn about all things apple – from cider-making to pickling,

and even how to use a traditional apple press to take home freshly pressed juice. Orchards are not only centres of community, but they offer a glimpse into a sustainable future for agriculture. Unlike much singlepurpose arable land, orchards are traditionally biodiverse, often providing grazing space for livestock such as sheep or geese, as well as a variety of plants that attract local wildlife. SCOG’s orchards feature wildflower meadows and bug hotels, encouraging a more interactive experience through which to appreciate and nurture our local biodiversity. With a 90 per cent decline in British orchards since 1950, it is heartening to learn that orchard preservation in our local area extends beyond SCOG, with stately homes such as Burghley, Lyveden and Belton House maintaining centuries-old orchards. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCOG’S WORK AND GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL ORCHARD REVIVAL, VISIT WWW.SCOG.ORG.UK

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Traditional Apple Recipes APPLE CAKE The beauty of an apple cake lies in its simplicity. This classic version combines apple chunks with a crumbly sponge, highlighting the natural sweetness of dessert apples for a moist, flavourful cake topped with a cinnamon-sugar crunch. Ingredients

EVE’S PUDDING This old English dessert was first recorded in 1884, but is likely much older. Traditionally, the topping is made from breadcrumbs and suet, but modern versions use a light vanilla sponge layered on top of stewed apples. The best part of Eve’s pudding is its forgiving nature – a slightly dense sponge or overly stewed apples are mistakes easily covered by custard! Ingredients (serves 4–6) For the apple filling 4 Bramley (or other cooking) apples, peeled, cored and cut into eighths Zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp (heaped) cinnamon 2 tbsp (heaped) dark brown sugar

210g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 75g caster sugar 75g soft brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg 2 Braeburn apples (approx. 340g), peeled, cored and cut into eighths 60g margarine, melted 60ml neutral oil (eg rapeseed, sunflower, vegetable) 120ml yoghurt 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract For the cinnamon-sugar crust 50g caster sugar 1 tsp (heaped) cinnamon 1 tbsp salted butter, melted

For the sponge 100g unsalted butter 100g caster sugar 2 eggs 100g self-raising flour 2 tsp milk Flaked almonds (optional) Method 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a medium (approx. 3L) baking dish. 2. Cook the apples with the lemon zest, cinnamon and sugar over a medium heat. As soon as they begin to soften, remove from the heat and transfer to the baking dish. Add more sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter filling. 3. Cream the butter and sugar together. Beat the eggs and gradually add them to the butter/sugar mixture, beating continuously. 4. Fold in the flour, taking care not to overmix, then add the milk to loosen the batter slightly. 5. Spoon the batter evenly over the apples, aiming to just cover them. 6. Scatter with flaked almonds, if desired. 7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the sponge is golden and a skewer comes out clean. 8. Serve hot with custard.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin. 2. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add apples and toss to combine. 3. Whisk the margarine, oil, yoghurt, eggs and vanilla together. Gradually add to the dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix. 4. Transfer the batter to the prepared tin and set aside. 5. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon and melted butter for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter. 6. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

TOP TIP: Make sure to cut the apples into large chunks – most recipes recommend small chunks, but I find this results in a much mushier pudding.

TOP TIP: This cake is easy to transport for picnics as it doesn’t have icing on top.

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Local Briefing

News from the region this month Toe Tally

SayTeclo: Helping You Get a Great Wi-Fi Experience Many homeowners and businesses upgrade to faster broadband but still experience poor Wi-Fi coverage, dropped connections and frustrating dead spots. The reason is simple: broadband is only part of the picture. The quality of the network within your home or office plays a huge role in the performance, reliability and security of your connection. Today’s properties rely on more connected devices than ever before. Laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, printers, CCTV cameras, video doorbells, access control systems and home automation devices all depend on a stable and secure network. Owner Mark Sayers told us: ‘At SayTelco, we design, supply and install professional-grade Wi-Fi and networking solutions for homes and businesses across Rutland and the surrounding area. Every installation is tailored to the building, the way it is used and the level of performance required. ‘As well as delivering better coverage and reliability, professional networking equipment can provide enhanced security features, helping to protect your business data, connected devices and smart home technology. Separate networks can also be created for staff, guests and smart devices, improving both security and performance. ‘We use trusted Ubiquiti networking solutions, including Wi-Fi access points, network switches, security cameras and smart access systems, to create networks built for today’s connected world. ‘Whether you’re running a small business, working from home or simply want dependable Wi-Fi throughout your property, a professionally designed network can make all the difference.’

Simon Miles joined the Toe Tally team nearly a year ago. A podiatrist with 15 years’ experience, Simon has an impressive CV, having worked with professional sportsmen and women, from Olympians to Leicester Tigers players, creating orthotic insoles (custom inserts for shoes) designed to help with muscle and joint pain. He was the first podiatrist to conduct his dissertation at Aston Villa Football Club, where his research became part of the footballers’ medical screening programme. He also spent two years lecturing in musculoskeletal injury and biomechanics at the University of Wolverhampton before returning to full-time practice. In 2015, he set up a charity initiative called The Foot Project, taking healthcare professionals specialising in the lower limbs to the Calais refugee camp to work with those in need. In 2017, the project progressed to Greece, where the team worked alongside humanitarian organisation Médecins du Monde with the same objective. After partnering in a running practice in London and spending time lecturing, Simon has now put down roots in Stamford. At Toe Tally, he offers routine podiatry and chiropody as well as a custom-made orthotic insole service. This uses 3D scans of the feet and the latest 3D-printing technology to produce insoles designed to last for years. Simon was a keen hockey player, spending many years playing National League hockey and representing England at over-35s and over-40s level; he has since turned his athletic ambitions to CrossFit. Having experienced numerous musculoskeletal injuries himself over the years, he feels this helps him empathise with his patients and understand their needs when it comes to resolving lower-limb pain and injury. Toe Tally, 10 High Street St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LF 01780 766991

Find out more at: saytelco.com/home

104 | local briefing: october 2026

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14/09/2026 13:13

Air Conditioning at Steve Rudkin Electrical

Frost Fair at Molecey Mill

Wow! That was a long, hot summer and very uncomfortable for most of us. We all tried to find solutions: first the windows open, then fans, then cold showers, then maybe mobile air-conditioning units with all their attendant noise and cumbersomeness. So why not, before the next heatwave next year, which looks like it’s going to be an increasingly likely event, invest in some proper air conditioning? Starting from around £1,350, Steve Rudkin Electrical can install a permanent air-conditioning solution in one or more of your rooms. In readiness to serve this market, the team at Steve Rudkin Electrical, Stamford’s leading and highly respected electrical contractors, have undergone training to become fully qualified and skilled at installation. Their selected brand is Daikin, which offers quiet, high-performance heat pumps that can be installed in any room in the house as smart-looking wall units. ‘The market already started to take off this year,’ Steve Rudkin told us, ‘and we have installed many electric points for airconditioning units in people’s homes in and around Stamford. It’s also a great option to combine with solar energy. We have one client who managed to power all their air-conditioning needs through their solar panels, which could generate up to 50kWh a day.’ So why not get ahead and have your air conditioning for next summer sorted now, so you can look forward to better sleep and much more agreeable living spaces?

Whether it’s the magic of Molecey, the conversation with friends, the delectable selection of products or simply the time of year – Frost Fair at Molecey Mill comes with its own sprinkling of fairy dust! This year, bestselling crime writer Ross Greenwood will be on hand to sign copies of his latest release, The Christmas Killer; a number of wine and spirit producers will join other local food producers; and, alongside regular favourites, the Fair will welcome a number of specially selected makers. You are cordially invited to this event at Molecey Mill, Stamford Road, West Deeping PE6 9JD over the long weekend of Friday 6 November (5–8pm), and Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November (both 10am–4pm). www.moleceyestates.com

Steve Rudkin Electrical, Business Park, Unit 5, Casterton Road, Stamford PE9 4EJ 01780 763415 | 07802 717701 | www.sr-electrical.com

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We are here to help 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

Camrascan House, Isis Way, Minerva Business Park, Peterborough, PE2 6QR www.mcp-law.co.uk I 01733 865880 Also at King’s Lynn, Thetford, Wisbech and Ely

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Contact Info: Email: ifa@landmarkgroup.org.uk Phone Number: 01780 761313 Warden’s House, Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PB

www.landmarkifa.co.uk

12/09/2026 10:00

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Comprehensive renewable electrical services • We are NICEIC approved electricians and a member of the renewable energy consumer code. From a simple roof solar panel installation to a full battery storage system, we can guide, supply and install for you.

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2 0 WA L K S One Extraordinary

REGION d e s i g n e d b y l o c a l s . w r i t t e n f o r wa l k e r s

Produced by the team behind this magazine, our new walking book, Country Rambles, combines carefully curated routes with beautiful design, detailed Ordnance Survey mapping, fascinating local history and practical advice to help you make the most of every walk

OLLOWING THE LAUNCH of the book at The Rutland County Show, one question came up more than any other: ‘Where do the walks go?’ The answer is 20 carefully chosen circular routes across Stamford, Rutland, the Welland Valley and the Nene Valley. Whether you’re discovering a favourite village for the ﬁrst time or returning to a much-loved landscape, each walk is designed to inspire exploration as much as navigation.

‘It’s as if this region had been invented for country rambles’

WALK

Ashton & Oundle

The Nene is an exquisite river, teeming with wildlife and bea uty throughout this stretch. Throw in the deli ghtful model villa ge of Ashton and the historic market town of Oundle and you have a wal k pretty close to perfection

KEY DATA

Distance Typical time Start & finish

4.7 miles 2 hours Ashton village green, PE8 5LD Easy going None, but many gates

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ashton was rebuilt in 1900 by the Rothschild family for estate worker s. The village was the birthplace of Dame Miriam Rothschild (1908– 2005), a noted natural scientist and author. Many of the cottage in the village date s from this period and were designed by William Huckv ale. • Oundle has been a settlement • The Chequered for several thousand years. Skipper (Ashton, It is a lovely town, see p29) • Beans Coffee and the Oundle School Stop, 1 New Street, buildin gs Oundle, 01832 intermingle with those of the 270007, is just town as you walk by the War Memorial and, through the centre. With after more than a height of 210 20 years in business, is ever feet, the steeple of St popular and welcom Peter’s Church ing. • Hambleton is the highest in Northa Baker y, on Oundl mptonshire. The e Wharf, Station Road, church dominates the PE8 4DE, is a town and is visible great place to buy a cake or for miles around, providi savoury. Open ng a useful landma Mon–Sat 8am–4pm. See rk. • The Nene Way, also p25. part of which we walk along, runs for 110 miles from OPPOSITE: Ashton the source near Badby in thatched cottage Northamptonshire and peacock. to Sutton Bridge by the sea. Terrain Stiles

PIT STOPS

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Rutland Nursery Effortlessly stylish waterside favourite, with Rutland Water views, thoughtfully designed architecture, relaxed dining and an amazing shop

With detailed Ordnance Survey mapping, fascinating local stories, recommended places to stop for refreshments and practical information throughout, Country Rambles (£10) is much more than a walking guide – it is an invitation to discover one of England’s most rewarding landscapes.

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ERFECTLY PLACED just off the Rutland Water cycle path – loved by walkers and cyclists alike – Rutland Nursery is easy to wander into, whether you’re taking a gentle stroll or exploring a full loop of the water. At the heart of it all is The View restaurant, with one of the most commanding views of Rutland Water, anywhere. Here, everything is freshly prepared to order, with a menu full of comforting favourites and flavours to tempt you. From small plates to main dishes, there’s something to suit every appetite, whether you’re after a quick bite or a leisurely meal. And you’ll always be welcome to simply stop by for good coffee and a slice of homemade cake. Outside, at the centre of the attractive main courtyard, The Hut offers a more casual stop, serving wraps, sandwiches, snacks, ice cream and drinks – perfect to enjoy outside on a sunny day, or tucked away in The Bothy, a cosy hideaway adjacent. From May to September, The Scoop, Rutland Nursery’s very own ice cream van, adds to the courtyard’s warm-weather appeal.

Rutland Nursery, Lyndon Road, Manton, Rutland LE15 8RN 01572 498720 www.rutlandnursery.co.uk @rutlandnursery Open: 7 days a week. Dogs: Welcome in The View, The Bothy & main courtyard. TIP: If The View is busy, take a buzzer and browse The Shop while you wait. Short on time? Order from The Hut and eat outside or in The Bothy. Note also that you can hire e-bikes here to continue your Rutland Water adventure.

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DISCOVER THE WALKS 1. Burghley Park (2.8 miles) Beautiful trees, a herd of deer and, of course, the unparalleled Burghley House. 2. Hambleton Peninsula (3.3 miles) Lovely long views, bracing breezes and a watery wondrousness. 3. Exton Park & Fort Henry (3.5 miles) A quaint Rutland village, rural landscape and the delightful confection of Fort Henry. 4. Ashton & Oundle (4.7 miles) The Nene is an exquisite river, teeming with wildlife and beauty throughout this stretch. Throw in the delightful model village of Ashton and the historic market town of Oundle and you have a walk pretty close to perfection. 5. Stamford & Easton (4.7 miles) My first ever ramble around here! Meadows, woodlands full of bird song, stunning views of Stamford, and one of our prettiest villages. 6. Fotheringhay, Elton & the River Nene (5 miles) This glorious walk takes you through an area steeped in history and lovely stretches of the River Nene. 7. Clipsham & Pickworth (5 miles) This is a fabulous walk, starting at The Olive Branch in the Rutland village of Clipsham, and going through the tranquil and beautiful Pickworth Great Wood. 8. Lyndon, Wing & Rutland Water (5.1 miles) Beautiful historic villages, sweeping views over the Chater Valley and Rutland Water, and enticing pit stops en route – it may look a little convoluted on the map, but this walk is an absolute cracker.

9. Burrough on the Hill & Somerby (5.2 miles) We have fallen in love with this part of our patch – High Leicestershire – full of coppices, meadows and streams descending east into the Wreake Valley, plus the historic site of a hill fort at Burrough on the Hill. 10. Hallaton & Cranoe (5.4 miles) This walk starts in the glorious village of Hallaton and makes you feel on top of the world, with long views over the Welland Valley. 11. Braunston-in-Rutland & Launde (6 miles) This ramble starts at the pretty village of Braunston-in-Rutland, passing through gently undulating countryside towards Launde Abbey. It has wonderful views over the remote Chater Valley and feels beautifully remote. 12. Foxton Locks (6.4 miles) This walk has everything you could wish for: a chance to watch narrowboats navigating the flight of 10 locks at Foxton, gradients in the Laughton Hills, glorious countryside views and a relaxing stroll along the towpath. 13. Burghley Park & Pilsgate (7 miles) This is really a circumnavigation of Burghley House, with great views from the southern side, the full circuit made possible by the permissive footpath running between Pilsgate and the entrance to Burghley Park. 14. Southwick & Woods Around (7 miles) This is a fabulous walk. It has beautiful views, sweeps of arable land and woods full of interest. And now, with the Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick lovingly restored, there’s a gem of a pub at the finish.

WHY READERS ARE CHOOSING COUNTRY RAMBLES • 20 carefully curated circular walks • Detailed Ordnance Survey mapping throughout • Clear directions, distance, timing and parking for every route • Local history, landscape and places of interest • Recommended cafés, pubs and places to pause • Beautiful full-colour design from the team behind this magazine • Practical walking advice to help every day out run smoothly

15. Barrowden Round (7.5 miles) This is a gem of a walk, with a huge mix of terrain, highlights including the iconic Harringworth Viaduct, and a pub with a glorious view of the Welland Valley to finish. 16. Great Easton, Blaston & Nevill Holt (7.6 miles) Setting out from Great Easton, this walk takes us up the slope from the Welland Basin to the Nevill Holt Ridge. Much of the way, we follow tributaries of the River Welland, which – along with the fabulous view – make this walk incredibly special. 17. Medbourne, Hallaton & Horninghold (8.1 miles) This very fine walk is a type of cirque at the head of the Medbourne Brook, which eventually flows down to the River Welland. 18. Seaton, Uppingham & Lyddington (9.7 miles) A beautiful walk through three gentle valleys around Uppingham, with winding brooks, far-reaching views and layers of history. 19. Bulwick, Blatherwycke & King’s Cliffe (10.7 miles) If historic estates are your thing, you get four on this walk – Bulwick, Blatherwycke, Fineshade and Laxton – plus glorious countryside and the sparkling Willow Brook. 20. Belvoir Ridge (12 miles) We keep coming back to this part of the world, there is so much of interest – woods, a grand castle, steep slopes, great views and many streams. Providing you are comfortable with the distance, it’s hard to find a better walk round here.

HOW TO BUY A COPY The book is available from local bookshops, and online from our website for £10 (including UK P&P). www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

JUST SCAN THIS QR CODE TO BUY YOUR COPY OF COUNTRY RAMBLES NOW!

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NOW OUT! Our new walks book

£10 Buy at local bookshops and on our website (see below)

In partnership with Three Bridges | Featuring Ordnance Survey Maps

Buy on our website for £10 including P&P

www.stamfordandrutlandliving.co.uk

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