Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // June 2026

ISSUE 155 | JUNE 2026

Old Oak Farm

Rutland’s oldest vineyard where there’s lots more than wine to be found

The history on your floor; we find out about hand knotted rugs from The Rug Studio Travel: Turning heads in Le Touquet What’s on this summer; find out more about Rutland Flower Show, Global Birdfair and Medbourne Classic Car Show. Dogs, dogs, dogs; secure fields and doggy day care FREE!

Editor and Publisher Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com

Deputy editor Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com

Art editor Matt Tarrant

Contributors

Will Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick,

Advertisement Sales Director Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com

Advertisement Sales Emily Stillman

Production assistant Gary Curtis

Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com

Cover image: Shoot it Momma Photography

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ISSN 2059-8513

Published by Triangle Publishing Ltd www.theactivemag.com

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EDITOR’S LETTER

‘Thankfully, new businesses are always opening too so it’s nice to see some new faces on our high streets.’

We’ve had a busy month with Kate visiting the oldest vineyard in Rutland, and it’s possibly one some of you haven’t heard of until now. This family also have their own cutting garden and glamping spot all in an idyllic Rutland setting.

I have been learning more about handmade rugs and thoroughly enjoyed meeting Rachel Bassill from the Rug Studio. I learnt so much from her about the provenance of the rugs she sells, how and where they are made and their origins. It was fascinating stuff and I really want to learn more as well as have something so beautiful, historic and handmade on my floor. nd yes, they are made to be used and walked on so don’t be frightened to do so.

Again, two local people running successful businesses mainly below our radar; both experts in their field with so much to offer so I’m delighted we can introduce them to you. There are so many people like this in our area, thank goodness.

Thankfully, new businesses are always opening too so it’s nice to see some new faces on our high streets including Ripples in Market Harborough. If you are looking for bathrooms or accessories I suggest you pop in and say hello.

Many of us are dog owners and, at times we may need help with care for them, either because we are out at work or planning a day out with the family. And not every dog is perfectly behaved, happy to mix with other dogs, with immaculate recall, so dog fields are becoming very popular for this reason. We’ve been chatting to some businesses who offer these services.

June means gardens in full bloom; it’s a favourite time of year with peonies in all their glory and roses stopping us to pause and admire them and give them a sniff – I bet most of you do when stopping to look! So that means thoughts turn to the Rutland Flower Show. It was new last year and hugely successful. This year it’s back with even more to offer and I can’t wait. e’ve been chatting to Tom umby and his team to find out what to expect this year; there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone with lots for all of the family, even the dog.

Now that nights are really drawing out it’s the perfect time to enjoy the longer evenings. That could mean trying one of Will’s walks - this month’s looks a good one, doing a spot of gardening or enjoying a drink with friends; enjoy it whatever you are doing,

Mary - Editor

ISSUE 155 /JUNE 2026

ACTIVE LIFE

19 RUTLAND FLOWER SHOW

It’s back for its second year and is even bigger and better than before

20 TRAVEL

Turning heads in Le Touquet

22 SIP, BLOOM, STAY

We visit Rutland’s oldest vineyard and fi nd there’s much more there than just vines

28 THE HISTORY ON YOUR FLOOR

Mary learns about the provenance and history of hand knotted rugs, as well as so much more from Rachel, owner of The Rug Studio

35 GLOBAL BIRDFAIR

veryone is welcome at this year’s festival of nature at Lyndon Top in Rutland

39 DOGS, DOGS, DOGS

Doggy day care and secure dog walking fields

44 WILL’S WALKS our miles of rolling eicestershire at its fi nest

ACTIVE KIDS

55 PHYSIOTHERAPY

Chartered physiotherapist Sarah abbs tells us more about hips in part 2 ACTIVE SPORT

56 THE ROUNDUP

This month eremy Smithsoneswick tells us about some departures, arrivals and, of course, cricket

ActiveLife

The history on your floor

The fascinating story of hand knotted rugs

We visit Rutland’s oldest vineyard | Turning heads in le Touquet

Global Birdfair | A preview of Rutland Flower Show

Classic cars in Medbourne | Days out for your dog

•Nervous

•Puppy

•Recall

•First

Rutland Sailing School is set to welcome you

Set against the stunning backdrop of Rutland Water, Rutland Sailing School offers an unforgettable introduction to life on the water. Located in the picturesque county of Rutland, often described as England’s best-kept secret, they provide the perfect setting for both beginners and experienced sailors to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy sailing to its fullest.

Rutland Sailing School pride themselves on delivering high-quality, accessible sail tuition and training for all ages and abilities. If you’re stepping onto a boat for the very first time or looking to refine advanced techni ues their expert instructors are there to guide you every step of the way. All of the courses are run to RYA standards ensuring that every student receives structured, safe and rewarding training.

They offer a wide range of courses and activities ranging from introductory taster sessions and family-friendly experiences to certified training programmes and private tuition. or younger sailors their youth programmes provide a fun and engaging way to learn new skills, make friends and gain confidence on the water. dults can enjoy relaxed group lessons or more intensive courses designed to fast-track their progress.

Rutland Water is one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe offering ideal sailing conditions with steady winds and plenty of open space. Beyond the water the surrounding area is rich in natural beauty with scenic walking and cycling routes, wildlife reserves and welcoming local amenities making it a perfect destination for a day out or a longer stay.

Safety is at the core of everything they do. The team is fully ualified and experienced and they maintain high standards of equipment and instruction to ensure every session is both safe and enjoyable. They believe that sailing should be accessible to everyone and they are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where individuals and families alike can thrive.

If you’re looking for a new hobby, an exciting outdoor adventure or a unique way to spend time with family and friends, Rutland Sailing School is ready to welcome you aboard. They say: ‘Come and experience the freedom of sailing with us, right here at Rutland Water.’

rutlandsailingclub.co.uk

www.therugstudio.co.uk

01780 239594 rachel@therugstudio.co.uk

Unit C4 Brownlow Street, Stamford, PE9 2EL

The Stamford Studio - Summer Opening Hours: Wed. & Fri. 10am - 4.30pm Sat. 10am - 1pm or by appointment

Antique Centres: Stamford PE9 2LF Holt NR25 6SU Uppingham LE15 9PY

World of Marble –Bespoke Stone Surfaces

For many homeowners choosing the right kitchen worktop is an important decision, one that balances design, performance and longevity. With trusted craftsmanship and expert guidance this can be both straightforward and rewarding, particularly when working with an experienced, family run company right on your doorstep.

For over two decades World of Marble has been fabricating and installing quartz, porcelain and natural stone worktops across the region and throughout the UK. Their portfolio spans private homes, luxury developments and commercial projects so they have the experience to handle orders of any scale.

Based in Langar on the Leicestershire/Nottinghamshire border the business has grown into a well regarded local name known for exceptional craftsmanship, a collaborative approach and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Trusted by homeowners and trade professionals World of Marble works closely with homeowners, designers, property developers and architects to achieve the precise look each project demands. Be that creating a bespoke vanity top, a family kitchen or a fullscale commercial installation every order receives the same level of care and attention to detail.

Craftsmanship sits at the heart of World of Marble’s work. Their inhouse team combines technical skill with meticulous attention to detail. rom the first conversation with the sales team - including free uotations - through to templating, fabrication and final installation, each project is managed as an individual piece. Every surface is handcrafted to suit the unique needs, tastes and practical requirements of the customer.

It’s a straightforward, supportive process. From the initial enquiry onwards World of Marble makes the process clear and reassuring.

ustomers are guided through material choices, finishes and practical considerations ensuring the final surface is as functional as it is beautiful. Once designs are confirmed, precise templating ensures a perfect fit before fabrication begins at the company’s angar facility. Installation is then carried out by the same experienced team, ensuring continuity, accountability and beautiful results at every stage. This hands-on approach ensures each project is looked after from start to finish.

What are the current stone trends?

In 2026 interiors are embracing calm, considered design. Colours are shifting away from stark contrasts towards warmer, more natural tones, soft beiges, muted greys, and gentle taupes. Subtle veining is favoured over bold patterning creating timeless, balanced spaces.

aterial choices reflect the same. hile natural stone remains popular for its individuality and depth, engineered surfaces such as quartz and porcelain continue to grow in popularity because of their consistency, durability and low maintenance. Homeowners today are prioritising how a surface performs in everyday life; does it resist stains and wear well while retaining its refined appearance for years to come

Visit Their Showroom

World of Marble’s purpose built Langar showroom is the perfect location to explore these new trends. The showroom provides a calm, refined setting. arefully curated displays allow customers to view samples, examine detailing and understand how each surface performs in real living spaces. You can also speak to the team about low and silica free uart options which reflects orld of arble’s commitment to innovation and responsible material choices.

To further support the decisionmaking process, the company has created two exclusive ranges:

- The Royal ollection which offers 2 uart on-trend colours using the latest technology, combining striking design with durability.

- The Heritage ollection which is made up of 1 porcelain colours offering strength, longevity and understated elegance, providing a refined alternative to natural stone.

A wide selection of other samples are also available to help spark ideas for residential or commercial projects.

Many customers come to World of Marble through recommendation which is a reflection of the longstanding relationships the company has built locally and nationally. Repeat commissions are common as customers return for the same standard of craftsmanship and service every time they take on a new project. Visit the showroom to view materials and develop your ideas.

worldofmarble.co.uk or call 01949 869182 to start your project.

News signs and information boards for Rutland

Rutland is officially launching the start of the 2 2 tourism season with the unveiling of new visitor information signage funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the release of updated visitor guides and a call to support the county’s hospitality sector.

New, high-quality information signs have been installed in Oakham and Uppingham, designed to welcome visitors and help them discover each town’s rich heritage with beautifully illustrated town maps. Located at key entry points in the towns, the signs can be found in the main car parks, Oakham Railway Station and Uppingham Market Place.

Among the new installations is a dedicated information board telling the story of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Statue, which was unveiled in Oakham Library garden by the Lord Lieutenant on what would have been the late ueen’s 1 th birthday, marking a poignant and nationally significant moment for the county.

Further new information signs have also been installed at Wing Maze, and in the village of Barrowden, celebrating its connection with pioneering travel entrepreneur Thomas Cook. Together, the new signage strengthens Rutland’s visitor welcome, improves interpretation at key locations and encourages people to explore beyond the traditional visitor hotspots.

With the new season underway, Rutland is looking forward to welcoming visitors from near and far and is encouraging residents and visitors alike to support the local hospitality sector, from cafés, pubs and restaurants to accommodation providers, attractions and independent shops. discover-rutland.co.uk

AHM Installations becomes Living Well Bathrooms

After more than 27 years of trusted service AHM Installations is proud to announce an exciting new chapter as they rebrand to Living Well Bathrooms. While the name is changing the values that have defined the company since 1 remain exactly the same. They are still the same family run business with the same experienced team, commitment to quality workmanship and dedication to customer care that have earned them recognition as a Which? Trusted Trader and excellent reviews on Trustpilot.

The new name reflects how bathrooms have evolved from purely practical spaces into an important part of everyday comfort, independence and wellbeing. Living Well Bathrooms better represents their focus on creating spaces that improve daily living while remaining stylish, functional and tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s a modern low-level shower, a walk in bath or a fully accessible wet room, they continue to help customers find the right solution for their home and lifestyle. Every project is designed with comfort, safety and long term practicality in mind. Although the name above the door is changing, their promise remains the same: trusted service, expert craftsmanship and bathrooms designed to help people live well every day.

ahminstallations.co.uk

Flowers for the weekend

Pick up a bottle of wine from the vineyard and a seasonal bouquet

**Please contact us to make an appointment**

Relax and reconnect with nature

Just 4 minutes from Uppingham

what3words: blurred.chops.shampoos 07534 523 638

TWILIGHT

LAMPORT HALL

Enjoy a summer’s evening in the beautiful gardens of Lamport Hall with a cold glass of wine in hand followed by a grazing board supper Friday 5 June th Lamport Hall, NN6 9HD 6:30pm-9:30pm

ENJOY A SUMMER’S EVENING IN THE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS OF LAMPORT HALL WITH A COLD GLASS OF WINE IN HAND, LIVE JAZZ AND FOLLOWED BY A GRAZING BOARD SUPPER 6:30PM-9:30PM FRIDAY 5TH JUNE LAMPORT HALL, NN6 9HD

Enjoy a summer’s evening in the beautiful gardens of Lamport Hall with a cold glass of wine in hand followed by a grazing board supper

For more information & tickets: www.lamporthall.co.uk

Tel: (01604) 686272 Email: engagement@lamporthall.co.uk L AMPORT HALL , LAMPORT, NORTHAMP TONSHIRE NN6 9HD

What’s On!

1 Celebrating 25 years, the Maxey Classic Car & Bike Show is returning to the village, to Mill Road, and takes place on Saturday, August 15. Organised by the Maxey charity club, last year saw over 400 vehicles on display. ‘If you drive it or ride it and love it – come along and show it!’ No booking is required – simply turn up on the day and they are expecting the same number, if not more vehicles this year. info@maxeyclassiccarandbikeshow.com

2 Blaston show takes place on June 28. This agricultural show is a celebration of the countryside and community and is always a great day out. Enjoy an early bird discount on tickets of 15% until June 15. blastonshow.co.uk

3 Home Farm in Ryhall is open for the NGS on June 14. Enjoy beautiful roses, herbaceous borders, a wild flower meadow and lavender borders. And, of course, there will be lots of homemade cakes.

4 Music in Lyddington continues on June 20 for an evening of Klezmer and Balkan music. With its expressive, vocal-like melodies, She’Koyokh’s accordionist ivograd ikolic is one of the finest players of Serbian traditional music and their singer, Cigdem Aslan, is a celebrity in the world of rebetiko music.

musicinlyddington.co.uk

5 On Monday June 8 Stamford Flower Club is pleased to welcome Paula Routledge to their open evening at Stamford Corn Exchange theatre to celebrate their 70th Anniversary. Paula’s demonstration entitled ‘Coronation Calamities’ will entertain with stories about her experience of attending the King’s Coronation, while simultaneously producing some wonderful floral displays.

Tickets available now from the theatre either online or in person.

6Rutland Spiritual Centre meets on the second and fourth Thursday each month at the Quaker Meeting House in Oakham. Entry costs just £5, and includes a mediumship/spiritual talk and refreshments afterwards. Lucky Tickets are also included, with a chance to win a gift. All are welcome, and no need to book. Doors open shortly after 7pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. Development Circles are held in six week blocks - ask at any meeting. Want to know more? Contact Alison via WhatsApp on: 07557 226759.

French cake salé

This is probably a recipe many of you have never heard of, but it’s very common in France and one that needs sharing. lthough, first of all, it’s not a cake but a yeast free savoury bread which translates to French savoury cake and is very easy to make. I first came across it when I was invited to celebrate ay on May 8 whilst in France. This day is commemorated by the village gathering together for a brief ceremony at the war memorial, the singing of the national anthem, a reading by the Mairie (local mayor) who then invites everyone to join them for a drink to raise a glass to celebrate the day. nd whilst enjoying a drink I was served cake sal . rance is renowned for its ap ro short for aperitif which is a social occasion in the early evening when friends and neighbours get together for an aperitif. Traditionally ap ro only lasted for about an hour or so, any time between 6-9pm, and you could be served anything from champagne to Ricard, local pineau or, of course, wine. ith your drink, in rance you are always offered some sort of a snack even if it’s just peanuts, and this is where cake sal comes in. It’s made with a very simple basic recipe and then you can add whatever extras you want: olives, more cheese including goat’s, sundried tomatoes, ham, mushrooms; the list and combinations are endless so over to you.

Ingredients

2 g self raising flour

• 4 eggs

• 80ml olive oil

• 125 ml milk

• 100g grated cheese

• Salt and pepper

Method

eat the eggs and milk together.

• ift the our into a bo l then slo l our in the egg/milk mix stirring all the time.

• Add the olive oil and salt and pepper and then stir in the grated cheese.

• o it s time to add our extra ingredients if ou ish olives and feta is a o ular choice ma ing sure the are mixed in ell

• Pour the mixture into a pre greased loaf tin and bake at 1 degrees for - 5 minutes until your knife comes out clean when poked into the middle.

• erve as a light lunch or to friends coming round for drin s a ro on a tit

Rutland Flower Show, round two

This year the Rutland Flower Show returns for the second time, and there’s lots going on

After the resounding success of the maiden Rutland Flower Show last year when it established itself as part of Rutland’s summer social calendar, 2026 sees the return of the popular show for the second time on August 14-16. Tickets are on sale now, but selling out fast, for the show which is held at the Rutland showground. Sponsored by Gates Garden Centre this three-day event is a familyoriented horticultural show which brings together national flower clubs, gardening societies and famous experts; and so much more as well. It really is a fabulous day out.

This year the organisers are planning to make the show even more spectacular. A brand-new floral mar uee is being introduced which will join the the grand and competition mar uees. This new mar uee will host incredible exhibits from Chelsea Gold Medal winners such as Dibley’s Houseplants and carnivorous plant specialists Wack’s Wicked Plants. The famous Hardy’s, Middleton’s and Proctor’s will also be at the show bringing the total plants and nursery specialists to over 50.

Rutland Flower Show are also delighted to host the ‘Grow your own’ collective for the

first time. This select group, sponsored by The National Vegetable Society will bring you the very best in seeds, soil, compost and expert advice. Excitingly, the ground breaking company Soil Smiths will be on hand to test your soil samples while you enjoy the show. So do bring along a sample from your garden so you can finally find out what is going on down under! s well as the mar uees and all the exhibitors Rutland Flower Show are thrilled to welcome back the BBC’s Adam Frost from Gardeners’ World on Friday and Sunday and, for the first time, the ’s Carol Klein on Saturday. Nick Hamilton from Barnsdale Gardens will be there and Bunny Guinness and Matthew Wilson from BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time too as well as many other experts and enthusiasts. The show will also feature:

• Floral, art, and craft competitions

• Garden and plant shopping

• Live demonstrations and workshops

• Children’s activities and live music

• Skilled artisans

• Flypasts by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF)

Tickets are limited and selling fast so please book early to avoid disappointment. Car parking is free with no hidden fees. Under 16s are freeand can enjoy circus shows, workshops, giant bubble displays, outdoor games, a vintage fairground, and children’s planting activities. Looking forward to seeing you there. rutlandflowershow.co.uk

The coast that many of us immediately think of in France is the Mediterranean one; San Tropez, Cannes, Juan le Pain and, of course, Nice. But by only thinking Mediterranean we are doing the rest of the French coastline a massive disservice as there is also the not inconsiderable nearly 5,000km of Atlantic coastline to consider. This stretches from Calais along the Normandy beaches, into Brittany and then down along the NouvelleAquitaine, classed as the main Atlantic coastline. So that’s an awful lot of beaches!

You have to hand it to the French, they seem to be able to do elegant seaside resorts with élan representing a very different era and culture to our British kiss me quick hats, sticks of rock, chips, buckets and spades, hankies on heads, amusement arcades and deckchairs on the promenade.

How two countries with barely 20 miles between them across the English Channel can be so different is sometimes quite a mystery. But maybe it’s who the seaside towns were built to cater for; the French aimed at the elite whilst many of the British ones targeted the working man. And of course, being a much smaller country, the beach has always been much more accessible to us, thankfully.

One of those elegant seaside resorts which really is worth a visit is Le Touquet. It’s barely an hour from the channel tunnel so very accessible and oh, so elegant - and a people watching heaven. It was initially renowned for its polo which was also played on the beach. And it still is today with the annual Touquet Polo Cup being held in early April.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage to give it its full name is situated on the Normandy Opal coast and is sometimes called the Arcachon of the

north (I can see why). It was built as a Victorian resort with the architecture to reflect this. The sand dunes and pine trees running in front of the enormous sandy beach were transformed into an elegant seaside resort aimed at wealthy Parisians. It hit the big time when the British elite found it in the early twentieth century, becoming a very fashionable playground for British royalty and aristocracy, attracted to the sport and leisure. The Prince of Wales, later Edward Vlll, was a frequent visitor, enjoying the world famous casino and polo. Winston Churchill, PG Wodehouse, Noel Coward and Ian Fleming were also regulars. The architecture reflects this boom and expansion with lots more building, the golden age of the Belle Époque.

Today, after the war time years, Le Touquet is back to its elegant best. Still a very upmarket resort, it is frequented by wealthy Parisians, many of whom have had houses here for generations. And that includes President Macron who is a frequent visitor because his wife has strong ties to the town and inherited a villa here in 1985 –lucky her. This tiny town of 4,500 inhabitants welcomes 250,000 visitors every year during the summer, which is uite extraordinary.

TRAVEL

Turning heads in Le Touquet

Mary visits the elegant French resort of Le Touquet

Popular with French and British tourists alike I can see why. Its chic shops and boutiques, glorious markets, good quality restaurants (but not ridiculously priced) and endless sandy beach – and beach barshave a lot to offer. And this does not include hiring a bike to explore those pine trees and surrounding areas, lots of beautiful belle époque architecture, golf courses and water sports to enjoy. And then, there is still the casino to find and lots of culture too. It’s a sophisticated place with plenty of galleries, festivals, art and music throughout the year including the Music Beach Festival and an active theatre where you can enjoy the opera and much more. And this is all year round so lots going on in the winter as well.

We visited Le Touquet on a bank holiday in May. This wasn’t planned as I hadn’t realised it was a bank holiday in France, and a beautiful warm sunny day too so it was busy, and difficult to park. ut that didn’t matter, once we’d dumped the car. The town seems to absorb everyone and there is plenty of space. The main streets were busy but as they are pedestrianised there is plenty of room; dip off

'Le

Touquet-Paris-Plage to give it its full name is situated on the Normandy Opal coast and is sometimes called the Arcachon of the north (I can see why).'

them and the streets are quiet. We enjoyed dining al fresco watching the world go by and then wandered along ourselves popping into beautiful shops including the chocolatiers with their fabulous creations; chocolate snails anyone? Sitting in the sunshine it was fun to watch the bars full of beautifully dressed young French people enjoying themselves and spotting the elegant older French couples who always manage to look so sophisticated.

Heading to the beach there is a boardwalk which connects the beach to the town and stretches for miles. It runs parallel to the sea and on one side of it is the beach and the bars, on the other the beach huts where we saw multi-generational families enjoying leisurely lunches. A tip here; if you want to visit the beach bars – and who wouldn’t – it is wise to book, particularly on a busy bank holiday or summer weekend. We saw many people being turned away, including ourselves, so we settled for an ice cream and more people watching, lapping up the sun instead.

If you head in the opposite direction, away from the bars and people, you are quickly in the dunes and a quieter vibe. Here you can follow the coastal path, there is a choice of two, for 3km and enjoy bird watching, a walk in the dunes to enjoy the beach grasses and fauna and may even spot the odd seal.

Le Touquet really does have something for everyone and I’m very glad we were able to spend some time there. e will definitely be back for more.

Sip, bloom, stay

Kate visits Old Oak Farm, Rutland’s oldest vineyard, and discovers much more there than wine

On a beautifully clear and sunny day this spring, I enjoyed a walk around Old Oak Farm which is between Uppingham and Preston. Emma Brown and her husband Matt own the 7.5 acre site housing the vineyard, extensive flower cutting garden, glamping accommodation and the eponymous -year-old oak tree which is absolutely magnificent. The vineyard gets the sun most of the day as the site faces south.

This is Rutland’s oldest vineyard having been planted in 2009. Emma and Matt took it over in 2023 and are still taking fruit off some of the old vines despite many having been left to go wild under the previous owners. This year they’ll be harvesting the vines they have planted.

‘We inherited 200 vines and have planted another 800,’ Emma told me. ‘This year we’ll be harvesting 800 vines which will make approximately 800 bottles of wine depending on the quality and uantity of the harvest. e may make a field blend, but if the harvest is really good Matt will create a white and a red. We decided to buy many different grape varieties including Bacchus, pinot noir and Solaris. s we’re such a small vineyard, we thought it would be fun to have a go at making different wines.’

Vineyard tours

Last year they made enough for about 220 bottles which are almost ready now, including a dark rosé. Emma runs vineyard tours showing visitors around the site explaining the history of the vines, their care, the wine making process and general farm life. She provides a tasting session along with cheese and charcuterie and visitors can buy the wines.

Interest in English wine making has shot up in recent years and Emma and Matt are enjoying this upsurge with plenty of people visiting the winery, and also staying in the two luxury cabins and glamping tents next to the vineyard. Having spied the roll top bath on the deck of the Reading Room cabin, with views over the fields, I’m not surprised they have so many people coming to stay. I’d love to wallow in a hot bath outside sipping a locally grown rosé on a summer’s evening, or even in the depths of winter!

ut sipping wine doesn’t come without plenty of hard work first. Matt has been making wine for years on an amateur level, having learnt from his grandfather, and particularly enjoys the science behind it. Emma enjoys the more practical side. They’ve just bought a new strimmer for the back of the tractor so they can strim underneath the vines. Then the next job will be to tie down the stems keeping only one stem per vine thereby funnelling all the energy into that fruiting cane. Success lies in the precise timing of each step of the process.

‘We don’t tie them down too early as it makes them vulnerable to frost. e sometimes light fires in fire pits amongst the vines to create smoke which helps stop the frost getting to them. We’ve been down a few times in the middle of the night and I have to inform the fire department in case they get any emergency calls. We have help from an agronomist who has given us a spray programme for the spring. We spray bicarbonate of soda to get rid of the mildew.

‘Over the last few years we’ve had really hot, dry summers but we’d never irrigate the vines. or the first two years you take the fruit off so that the roots dig deep into the soil. Now they should tap right down into the water reserves underground. Sustainability of the land and how we farm it is very important to us.’

Flowers from the Farm

This is very much in evidence when it comes to Emma’s cutting garden which she is passionate about. She is a member of Flowers from the Farm, a nationwide movement that promotes British flowers which are locally grown, seasonal and sustainable. ll the flowers for the ing’s coronation were grown by different members from all over the country.

'This year we’ll be harvesting 800 vines which will make approximately 800 bottles of wine depending on the quality and quantity of the harvest.'

Emma and her friend Tessa run workshops to teach people how to cut and arrange a natural bou uet of fresh, seasonal flowers. People can be uite intimidated by flowers and how to arrange them,’ she explains. They’re natural and they need to look natural anything goes in my mind. They don’t grow in the ground perfectly and I want people to realise their arrangements don’t have to be perfect either.’ They also run hristmas wreath making workshops and this year intends to run all of them in the space of one week – one each morning, lunchtime and evening. They’ve kept all of the clippings from when they prune the vines and will make the wreath bases out of them, they’re more sustainable than wire ones. hen she does funeral flowers she uses them then too, so people can leave the arrangements on the grave and let the flowers seed, grow and spread.

e keep everywhere beautifully mowed which takes our 1-year-old friend Rob five hours a week. ut you will see many pockets of wild’ where we plant cover crops, more for habitat than improving the soil, but it’s a double whammy. nd we leave fallen trees for habitat as well as wild grasses and wild flowers. or fencing we make dead hedges which can support up to 300 species of wildlife. Our first aim is to protect nature so we farm sustainably to protect our soil. e want to give our loyal customers a little piece of beauty in the wine we make and the flowers we grow.’

It was fascinating walking around the flower garden. mma loves dahlias she has planted 2 different varieties in the last three years, and has another ninety to go in this year. They just give ’ She has a perennial bed that’s just waking up. mongst other plants there’s sedum, geum and comfrey which she makes into tea to give back to the plants as fertiliser. There’s feverfew to add to the bou uets, and achillea which has a beautiful tiny flower and is good to dry. Sweet rocket is a nice filler and self-seeds. She also grows artichokes to dry as well as to put in bou uets, and phacelia to improve soil health as well as to pick. Then there’s self-set verbena, and yarrow which have lovely feathery leaves.

I let things go to seed so we may have feverfew mixed in with the echinacea, for instance. It obviously likes it there so who am I to say they can’t grow together I don’t battle, it’s nature. I leave the seed heads on to protect the plants from frost during the winter, and obviously don’t use any weed killer, we are completely sustainable. I attack the weeds a little bit at a time. I’ve only used the water irrigation system once, even in the hot summer. It’s really good soil that hasn’t been worked as there used to be a tree nursery here years ago so I try not to dig it too much. I follow the no dig principle. nd I used to have chickens but now I’m using their space as a nursery and vegetable patch.’

'Emma loves dahlias; she has planted 200 different varieties in the last three years, and has another ninety to go in this year.'

Pick by appointment

mma runs pick by appointment sessions on a riday. ou book a slot to pick your own stems or mma will cut them for you. Then you just snip the string once at home and pop them into a vase. There are very few places that have this facility, and it’s proving very popular. Imagine wandering around a blooming cutting garden on a sunny morning, choosing the exact stems you fancy, to make into a uni ue bou uet ready for the weekend. mma charges 25 for stems including flowers and foliage.

Once the flowers have grown I can gauge how many days I can offer each season. I also occasionally arrange flowers for weddings or sell by the bucket for I weddings. ut what I love doing most of all are funerals, they are so meaningful.’ nd she’d like to start a flower club where people learn to pick from the hedgerows and create less formal, more natural arrangements.

Once the flowers have bloomed and been picked, thoughts will turn to the grape harvest. It normally takes place in September but can run into October. It’s a friends and family affair with mma’s mother making a harvest lunch for all the helpers. Once the grapes have been picked, the winery is a perfect setting for the next step of the process. The pickers sort the grapes by hand, disposing of any debris. Then they go through the de-stemmer which is like a large corkscrew and also pierces the skins. fterwards the grapes go into the press, att having added a tirage to create the fi . nd then into the barrels which are stored in temperature controlled conditions to await fermentation.

mma and att have had a busy few years building the business, having come to it with plenty of new ideas and projects, adapting plans as they go along. Things aren’t set in stone,’ says mma, and there’s plenty more we want to get on with such as bringing the old apple cider orchard back to life. ut our priorities are the vines and my cutting flowers. It’s a great place to bring our kids and parents and to spend so much time outdoors. e’ve done a lot in the time we’ve been here and there is still so much to do. ut it’s also important to find a balance between our family and our business.’

For more information and to buy the wine visit oldoak-farm.co.uk

A grand day out

There’s a new show in Medbourne this month which promises to be a great day for everyone

The Medbourne Classic is a new car, motorcycle and military vehicle show to be held in support of Armed Forces Day on June 27 from 10am-4pm. Their aim is to fundraise for the RAF Benevolent Fund, The Royal Anglian Regiment Charity, Pancreatic Cancer UK and LOROS. The event takes place at the Medbourne sports club on Hallaton Road and is one of only four officially recognised rmed orces ay events in the county. It’s an opportunity to pay tribute to and recognise those who have served, those that are currently serving and to inspire the next generation; and to have fun of course.

The organisers of the Medbourne Classic are all residents of Medbourne and decided to set up the show in September last year. There are quite a few military families in the village, those currently serving and others that have retired, and they felt it would be a great opportunity to start an event that supports not only military charities but also other worthwhile ones that are close to their hearts.

The organisers (and other residents) know they are fortunate to live in an idyllic village in the Leicestershire countryside that is an ideal backdrop for a classic car show and military vehicle display. It’s a destination village for many people, with the evill rms being an ideal spot for a weekend break. It’s also well known for being one of the great areas to drive in attracting car and motorbike enthusiasts from all over the country.

' The organisers (and other residents) know they are fortunate to live in an idyllic village in the Leicestershire countryside that is an ideal backdrop for a classic car show and military vehicle display.'

Sponsors for the show are all local businesses, as are the food and beverage providers as well nnabel’s arm, Roaming iraffe and The evill rms. They hope to attract around 2, visitors over the day and about 250 classic cars. Other attractions are the RAF regiment re-enactors as well as a working historic aero engine, the Alvis Leonides, developed in the 1930s and used for twin engined transport aircraft and featured in the world’s first hovercraft, the SR 1. The engine will be fired up four times during the day giving everyone a sense of the sounds and smells of a bygone era.

A full-size glider will be on display from Husbands Bosworth gliding centre, and to help make sure the day goes smoothly they have volunteers from Market Harborough 1084 Squadron air cadets. Harborough FM, the local radio station, is going to be at the show throughout the day providing music, event hosting and interviews with guests. They will also have a range of different exhibitors selling wooden crafts, leather goods, clothing and accessories.

To round off a truly memorable day out there will be a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which could be either a Spitfire or Hurricane. They will know officially a week before the event. Keep an eye out on the website and social media for confirmation.

The Medbourne Classic will be opened by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicester. The show promises to be a great family day out and the organisers look forward to welcoming service personnel and visitors alike.

There is only space for 250 classic cars so advance registration is essential to book your space. Classic car entrants are welcome from 8am and the public at 10am. Ticket prices for everyone is £5.60 (£5.00 plus 60p booking fee) if booked in advance through the website, or £6.50 on the day. Children under 16 are free as are veterans and currently serving armed forces personnel.

themedbourneclassic.org

The history on your floor

Mary meets Rachel Bassill from The Rug Studio and delves into the fascinating story of rugs

You’ve probably not given much thought to a rug, apart from how it looks in your home. Indeed, do many of you even bother with them now that we have fitted carpets

Traditionally though a rug played an important part in a household, and for many of us they still do.

efore the days of fitted carpets you used to have a large rug to cover the floor, usually leaving some of the floorboards exposed around the perimeter of the room. Or you’d have a rug in front of the fire, or a runner in the hall, and these rugs lasted for life and moved house with you. Many of us are going back to that dynamic but sadly are no longer actually looking at the provenance of the rugs we are buying. A handmade rug from Iran (Persia), Afghanistan, China, Turkey or India is something many of us would love to own. Yes, you can buy a machine-made rug for not that much less money in some cases but it won’t have the history, provenance or longevity. Our area always amazes me about the diverse range of people who are running businesses here. Who would have thought we have

an expert on hand knotted rugs in our midst, and she’s unusual because she is female; meet Rachel Bassill, the owner of the Rug Studio which is based in Stamford with a presence in Uppingham Antiques centre, St Martin’s antiques, another one in Holt in Norfolk and shortly, again in London.

Rachel studied for a textiles degree, specialising in weaving at Farnham Art School with the intention of becoming a rug weaver. But in her second year she had it pointed out to her that she would never be able to make a living out of it as, even the most skilled weaver took at least two weeks to make a 6x4 rug. So, she learnt to restore rugs instead and moved to London after graduating ‘as this is where the trade is,’ and 32 years later she is still going strong. She sells rugs now as well as restores them and what she doesn’t know about rugs we probably don’t need to know. She’s spent time in India working with restorers and makers as well as travelling to far parts of the world to source and sell rugs. All rugs she stocks are hand knotted. Some are hundreds of years old whilst others are new; yes

they are still making rugs in Afghanistan and Iran, India too (but that is dying out) and Rachel is still finding them.

Historically rugs were hand knotted in China, India, Turkey, Aubusson in France, Wilton in England, Persia and Afghanistan. Today only India, Iran and Afghanistan remain for hand knotted as the skill is dying out. The trade has changed too and today it is the wholesaler who gets the rugs out of the country and then sells to someone like Rachel. Rachel is unusual being female as rugs have traditionally always been bought and sourced by men. These men often travelled the empire with work and so would have, historically, been more interested in the provenance and history of a rug. Wanting to bring one back with them the men loved the deep red colours traditionally used. Today, a rug is viewed more as a soft furnishing and sourced by women, who prefer lighter colours. And sadly, this has meant that many of the traditional styled rugs are no longer as popular; but they should be.

Rugs are usually made of wool and - if looked after - will last between 70-100 years so would traditionally have been handed down through the family. You can tell from the wool used on a rug whether they were lowland sheep; finely knotted, or the more coarsely knotted rugs from north eastern Iran made from wool from the mountain sheep. The oils from wool over the years make the colours in the dye ‘sing’. And as Rachel says ‘a rug needs to be used and aged. The more they are used the nicer they become.' Rugs are forgiving, simple to clean and with lots of different colours in them easy to change your décor and still keep the same rug. Don’t look for a rug to match your cushions, it should be the other way round.

I was fascinated about the history of rugs as well as their longevity and quality. Rugs were made by nomadic tribes and used as flooring for their yurts, and they were subject to hard use. The long narrow ones were often used for eating so people would sit around them. Rachel talks about seeing where they had been singed as ‘they tell a story.’ Larger rugs were used to floor the whole of the yurt with smaller ones then put on top. Some were even made of silk – westerners hang these on the wall today. The nomadic tribes barely exist today so the skill of rug making is disappearing. Only the Qashqai in the Zagros mountains of Iran still exist but rugs are still being made, thankfully. Wool rugs were usually made by the tribes and silk ones by city weavers. Persian rugs are made by women whilst the Afghans and Indians are made by men. The women usually spun the wool for weaving and dyeing and the men the knotting. The more movement of colour in a rug, the more skilled the weaver.

Rachel gave me a quick lesson on how to tell if a rug was hand knotted; the weft goes from the left to right running parallel to the fringing whilst machine made run parallel to the warp. Natural dies made from nuts and plants are more harmonious to look at and mature together whilst if using chemical dyes, one colour always stands out. Eastern made rugs are traditionally made using rich reds, blues and whites as madder and indigo were the cheapest dyes to produce; think military uniforms being those colours for the same reason. Another tip, the more colour used, the more movement and design involved, hence more money. ‘Why would you want a room with no colour,’ asks Rachel.

‘Rugs need to be seen, not covered up. Work out your space by putting newspapers on the floor rather than just measuring.’

I have given you a very quick potted history of rugs. Rachel is the one you need to talk to, and she really is fascinating. Her knowledge and enthusiasm are catching. She really does have a passion and if you visit her at her studio I guarantee you will absorb some of it. There are rugs galore, ancient ones of 200 years old that are stunningly beautiful (if in need of restoration) ranging to the brand new that have just arrived from Afghanistan (via Pakistan) with prices varying to match, starting below £100 to well in the thousands; I was hooked.

Rachel opened the Rug Studio in 2000 in London, then moved to Uppingham from 2013 to 2019, but is now based in Stamford. As I said you can find her rugs in various anti ue centres as well. Rachel will sell you a rug or arrange to have one restored for you and everything in between, including cleaning and bespoke production. She will ask you about your life and where you want to put the rug and allow you to take it to your home to make sure it fits your lifestyle as well as your room. Remember, don’t be frightened to walk on it and use it, they are extremely robust. Rachel is very good at advising you about placement. ‘Rugs need to be seen, not covered

up. ork out your space by putting newspapers on the floor rather than just measuring. And it’s best just to have the front feet of your sofa on the rug rather than the whole piece of furniture. This ensures the rooms feels larger and the budget goes into the quality of the rug as opposed to being hidden – let your rug be seen.’

Once you’ve got a rug, how do you look after it? And this is where we think back to our grandmothers (or Downtown Abbey). Historically families had two sets of soft furnishings, including rugs, and carried out a proper spring clean every year. Moths are obviously public enemy number one and because of central heating rather than two breeding seasons a year they now seem to have four or five. To destroy moth eggs you either need to free e your furnishings – pretty hard with a rug – or use ultra violet light which is sunlight. So take your rug outside and give it a good beating and leave it in the sunlight to kill bugs and eggs. This is something which our European neighbours do frequently with their bedding still, but we seem to have stopped doing it.

To clean a rug invest in a good brush. Traditionally this is how they were cleaned and it’s still the most effective way. Try hoovering if you must along the fringes rather than over them. And never, never, try and spot clean it using chemicals (soda water is best for neutralising stains). A great tip Rachel gave me was if you are having a party turn your rug over and let all your guests walk on it reversed. It’s the best way to get the grit out onto the hard floor which can then be brushed up. The perfect reason to throw a party!

therugstudio.co.uk

The spring shift in bathroom design

Bathroom design specialists

Ripples tell us about their new showroom and current trends in bathrooms

Distinguished bathroom retailer

Ripples has opened the doors to its newest showroom in arket Harborough bringing its signature blend of design expertise and luxury bathroom solutions to the area. Showcasing an inspiring collection of products from leading uropean brands, Ripples arket Harborough offers a space where thoughtful design, quality materials and expert guidance come together to help homeowners reimagine their bathrooms.

Summer 2 2 brings with it a renewed desire for homes that feel uplifting, personal and easy to live in. This season is about thoughtful design choices that enhance wellbeing and reflect how we truly use our spaces, with more homeowners investing in bathrooms that combine beauty, functionality and a sense of calm.

t Ripples arket Harborough, this shift is brought to life through a series of beautifully curated displays. From sculptural statement baths and contemporary basins to brushed metallic brassware and marble tiles, the showroom is designed to inspire while demonstrating what is possible within the home.

Bathrooms are no longer purely functional. Today they are designed as

everyday sanctuaries where layout, lighting and materials work together to support both routine and relaxation. Layered lighting allows spaces to transition from energising mornings to calming evenings, while tactile finishes add warmth and comfort.

In terms of colour, cool greys are giving way to softer, more inviting palettes. arm neutrals such as beige, clay and soft brown create a light yet grounded feel,

complemented by accents of mineral green, muted terracotta and gentle blues. These tones sit effortlessly alongside natural materials like timber furniture, stone-effect tiles and brushed metallic finishes.

Shape and texture also play a defining role. Curved mirrors, rounded basins and softly contoured baths introduce a sense of flow, while fluted glass, ribbed surfaces and matte finishes add subtle depth.

Once inspired visitors can work with Ripples’ in-house designers to create a bespoke bathroom tailored entirely to their lifestyle - a space that not only looks beautiful but enhances everyday living.

For more information, visit ripplesbathrooms.com or call 01858 437783.

Global Birdfair 2026

Everyone is welcome to this year’s festival of nature at Lyndon Top in Rutland for Global Birdfair and the team are delighted to tell us what to expect from the show

This year the Global Birdfair will be held from July 10-12. There are exciting new guests, fantastic new exhibitors and engaging activities for all generations so you are bound to find plenty to inspire you and to enjoy.

Their popular guided nature walks take place during the event. lobal irdfair also provides a rare opportunity for attendees to watch the amazing bird ringing team demonstration. This is a great chance to observe and learn more about familiar species and to get up close to the birds around us. ell known naturalists and professionals will give their time to entertain and inspire attendees in Osprey, the main events stage. atch out for the schedule of shorter lectures and workshops throughout the three days as well.

xploring the large exhibitor mar uees is a great way to explore the world too. ith around exhibitors from across the globe you can gain insights into nature, cultures and conservation which they are all very keen to share with you.

isit the alcon and Hobby mar uees to see the latest optics and photographic gear. eading manufacturers will be giving expert advice along with the retailers so you can ‘try and buy’ on site which is always a good idea.

or all you book lovers and creatives, authors will be giving a series of talks in Turnstone and there are plenty of books for sale. rt lovers can head to Puffin which also houses the lobal irdfair ural watch artists at work as they contribute to this wonderful piece of art.

ounger visitors are welcome to join in the fun in the iscover Zone. The Hub, run by young conservationists, hosts debates and discussions for all generations to join in. nd there is an osprey cruise on both riday and Saturday evenings so do book your seat as it will be popular.

hen you need a break, you can choose from one of the delicious catering and bar options and also enjoy listening to the hinchat podcasting station. Selected catering and bars will be open until after pm on riday and Saturday evenings.

SHOW INFORMATION

- Global Birdfair is open from 9am each morning from Friday 10 July until Sunday 12 July. Evening tickets allow you to stay until 9pm and are included in your day ticket on Friday and Saturday.

Three-day tickets and student tickets are available as well as discounted family Sunday tickets. Under 18s have free entry with a ticket holding adult. Mobility scooters are available to hire on site near the accessible parking zone.

- Camping and glamping are available on site, so do get booked in and there is free parking on site as well as a free shuttle bus from Oakham Station.

- Proceeds from the event will be donated to BirdLife International. This year’s Global Birdfair conservation project is preventing island extinctions based in Sao Tome and Principe.

- Visit globalbirdfair.org for information and tickets.

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Choosing the right binocular for you

Buying binoculars can seem quite complicated. In Focus, who are based at Rutland Water simplify it for us

Has this happened to you? You’re out on a walk and there’s a bird off in the distance but it’s too far away so you can’t quite see it. Then luckily a friendly chap appears next to you and he’s holding a fancy bit of kit. ‘Have a go,’ he says, handing you a pristine binocular. Through his lens you can now see clearly what before was only a speck, which is now a bright, vivid splash of wildlife. Incredible!

But now you must hand them back as this birder is off to some unknown place to gaze into the crystalline world of his high-end optics. Just as you’re introduced to this new perspective it’s gone. So, you think to yourself, I should get my own binocular. Except, where do I start?

Well, here are a few things to consider when purchasing your first binocular.

Understand the Numbers

Example: Viking Kestrel 8x42

• 8x is magnification. Which means an object appears eight times closer. Most binoculars do not zoom so you are choosing your fi xed level of distance, or how close something appears.

• 42 is the diameter of the objective lens measured in millimetres. This is the glass at the opposite end of the binocular from where you view the image. The larger the objective lens, the larger the size of the binocular and the heavier it becomes. Most importantly, the larger the objective lens, the more light it gathers and the brighter your image will be. This works inversely too.

Size Matters

hoose si e first. The objective lens diameter determines the amount of light your binocular gathers. It also determines the size and weight. When choosing a binocular it’s essential to decide what’s more important to you: clarity or portability.

The usual options are:

• 42mm – usually the largest size offered

• 32mm – the in-between, Jack of all trades, master of none

• 25mm – portable but compromises on light gathering

Want something that’s compact and can fit into a pocket Then the 25mm is for you. Do you prefer brightness and clarity above all else? Well, the 42mm is the one you want. Could you compromise on either factor in order to get a bit of both? The 32mm is there for you. Remember that this is a very simple distillation of the basic principles of binoculars, there are ways to achieve both portability and clarity. Of course, this usually means a higher price tag.

Price Equals Performance

ow that you’ve got the right si e, you fi nd the right price. The number of options can seem overwhelming, online or in a shop. Especially when prices can range from £20 to £2,000 and everywhere in between. The best general rule of thumb is to think of the overall cost as a sliding bar. Price is performance. As the price increases so too should the performance. Think of it as purchasing a better-quality camera lens, or a more expensive television. You’re paying for higher defi nition.

Choose a Magnification

And last but not least once you’ve found the right size of binocular and the right price range, you must choose your magnification. Like the size of objective lenses you have a few to choose from:

• 8x – close enough for most birds and wildlife, with a wider field of view

• 10x much closer, with a narrower field of view

• 12x – extremely zoomed, extremely shaky

Decision Time

This advice should help steer you in the right direction, but at the end of the day it’s your choice. Only you can decide which binocular is right for you. Of course, we recommend seeking the help of our friendly professional staff at the In Focus Rutland Water shop, which also happens to be a great place to observe wildlife as it’s at Egleton.

You can also visit at-infocus.co.uk or vikingoptical.co.uk and give us a ring on 01727 827799 where we are more than happy to advise.

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Dogs, dogs, dogs

Dog ownership has gone through the roof so more and more places are popping up to walk them securely and care for them during the day

As many of you will know Stamford is a town full of dogs. Everywhere you turn there’s a pooch mooching along beside their owner whilst they are running some errands, and that includes me with my deerhound lurcher Ailsa. She knows which shops and cafés have treats and I have to keep alert to make sure I’m not tripped up when she decides she’s heading to places like Harrison and Dunn where the ladies coo over her and hand the treats over. I can’t keep her way from Mark at the Corn xchange caf , and market day is a firm favourite for her when she visits her regular stalls. Stamford, of course, is not the only town which is so dog friendly. All of our towns are the same; Ailsa just hasn’t discovered them yet.

I really appreciate the businesses that allow dogs in, actively welcome them in fact. It’s a good way to encourage customers in and in small market towns like ours where so many of us are dog owners with our companions in tow, it makes good business sense.

All of these dogs in towns are on leads, or certainly should be. But where do you go if you want to give them a good run? Obviously, many of us head out into the countryside with a copy of Will’s Walks in our pocket so we can enjoy a good walk, know where there is likely to be stock and where it is safe to let our dogs off.

But not everyone can do this, or is comfortable doing so. Many covid dogs did not get the chance to be socialised and are therefore not great with other dogs and can be reactive or nervous. Some are very timid and don’t mix well, others will not recall however hard the owner has tried and others have a very strong prey drive and

will clear off hunting. And it’s not always the dog that is the problem. Some owners have had bad experiences with their dog or other dogs and just want to walk somewhere where they know they won’t come across another boisterous dog tearing towards them (or vice versa . So, a nervous dog or nervous owner will really benefit from a secure dog field. gain, we are very lucky here as many enterprising folk – many farmers diversifying – have seen the demand for these fields and set them up for us to use.

Another conundrum - what do people do with their dogs if they work, leaving the house first thing in the morning and not returning until the evening, or are just out for the day? Many of us work from home, including me, so Ailsa is lying beside me in her bed happily snoozing. But for those of us not that fortunate, doggy day care is the answer. This might be for the odd day or five days a week. any of you will have seen the sign written vans picking up dogs from your neighbours’ houses and then dropping them back at the house later in the day. It’s a very convenient way of having a pet when you can’t be at home with them; a bit like child care I suppose.

But it’s not just as simple as picking up a load of dogs in your van and then shoving them in a field to tear about for the day. an you imagine the chaos and the potential fights This is where the skill of the business owner comes in, so do pick wisely and make sure they have suitable insurance as well as inside areas for the dogs to shelter in.

e’ve been chatting to a few of the local dog field and day care businesses to find about their set ups.

Dog fields

WOODLAND WALKIES

oodland alkies is a secure dog-walking woodland located between Oakham and Uppingham. There are three private walking ones, all safely enclosed with six-foot-high fencing. It was created by local Oakham resident shley iles ennis. The woodland, Pippin ood, is named after shley’s dog Pippin, a 1 -year-old ab springer cross who inspired the idea.

shley has always felt woodland is the perfect place for a dog walk. ith bushes, undergrowth and trees there’s plenty to sniff, explore and discover. Plus, lots of shade in the summer months and in one there’s a large pond where dogs can enjoy a well-earned swim. It’s enjoyable for owners too. There are picnic tables and benches with handy rain shelters dotted around. Sessions are exclusive so the zone is yours for the duration and can be booked online at woodlandwalkies.uk

UNLEASHED

Unleashed in Uppingham is the brainchild of farmer Rebecca Roper who wanted to diversify so set up her dog park. This one acre, fully fenced field on alley arm on the edge of ppingham is ideal for owners who want the security of knowing they will be undisturbed. It’s ideal for nervous dogs and owners , puppy and recall training and perfect for letting your rescue dog off for the first time. She provides an agility set as well as much more so you can have plenty of fun with your dog every day if you like. Visit dogwalkingrutland.co.uk for more information.

STAPLEFORD ESTATE

Stapleford Estate has created a haven for dogs in the heart of the beautiful Leicestershire countryside. The Stapleford reedom ield offers five acres of secure, calm space to let your dogs run free, enjoying an exclusive experience. The success and popularity of this first field has led to the opening of a second one, hissendine reedom ield, which is also five acres and surrounded by 2,5 newly planted trees. staplefordestate.co.uk/stapleford-estatefreedom-fields/

Doggy day care

HAPPY HOUNDS

Rebecca from Unleashed has joined forces with Nicola Billam from Happy Hounds. Nicola is very proud to be the only licensed dog day centre in Rutland with a purposebuilt indoor space for the dogs located in one of Rebecca’s barns.

Nicola is licensed for 24 dogs but only has eight per member of staff and is passionate about dog welfare. Sadly not all pet care is equal. Different breeds matter in how well they mix. For example, spaniels, cockers and cockerpoos are high energy so will be placed in the more lively group whilst other breeds want a more sedate bunch. Nicola always takes a dog on trial with controlled introductions, as not all dogs are suited to this sort of care. It’s a science grouping dogs together and she’s a bit of an expert.

Nicola also does enrichment and stimulation exercises with the dogs, such as showing them different herbs to smell and taste so they are physically and mentally happy, as dogs get bored too. And, of course, they need space to have a snooze too. happyhoundsuppingham.co.uk

AND FINALLY

A day out isn’t a day out without an ice cream. And that includes one for your dog too – Ailsa is a big fan although is rarely indulged, much to her disgust. Somewhere you can indulge both yourself and your four legged friend is Ferneleys near Melton Mowbray. They pride themselves on being dog friendly and even have a fenced dog garden for them to run around in as well as local footpaths, dog friendly indoor and outdoor seating and of course, dog friendly ice cream. And delicious ice cream made from the milk from their cows for you as well. ferneleys.co.uk

CATMOSE VETS

STAPLEFORD DOGGY DAYCARE

This opened in 2025 along with the Stapleford dog grooming parlour, and is located in a cabin nestled in a pretty woodland which creates wonderful shaded areas with lots of interesting smells and discoveries. This then opens up into an acre of fun with obstacles for the dogs to run around and play in.The dogs love Katy who creates a warm, friendly, trusting environment. Pawrents are able to drop off for a half or full day. The grooming parlour is run by a professional groomer who has an incredible, kind manner making the dogs feel at ease. staplefordddc.co.uk

If you own a pet it’s inevitable that you will need a vet. Catmose vets in Oakham are an independent, family owned practice founded by two vets who live locally. They work with a highly ualified, dedicated team who are available to look after your pet offering the best care available. Catmose Vets are able to offer all

veterinary services from vaccinations to surgery. Victor, one of the partners, is the only RCVS advanced practitioner in small animal surgery working full time in the county. We like that they publish their prices on their website so everything is transparent; that makes a difference. Another service they offer is the Practice Plan. You pay a set amount

every month - for a dog it’s £19 (cheaper for cats and rabbits) -which includes all vaccinations, flea, tick and worming treatments, unlimited online consultations, one monthly appointment with a nurse, and microchipping. Their surgery is modern and spacious and you can park right outside.

catmosevets.co.uk

WILL’S WALK

Tugby and Rolleston

Four miles of rolling High Leicestershire at its finest, as Will Hetherington discovers.

Difficulty rating

The route

Tugby is on the A47 between Uppingham and Leicester and there is a very convenient car park at the village hall at the end of Main Street and right at the start of the walk. Turn left out of the car park and drop down to a picturesque gateway with a lone tree standing sentry on the edge of the field beyond. fter this first gate turn left and follow the farm track with views towards Keythorpe Hall on your left, before you reach Lake House Farm. Take the footpath off to the right just before the main farm and follow the path until you reach Palmers Lane in five minutes. Turn right here and stay on this very peaceful country road until you reach the bridleway sign on the right near the bottom of the hill. This narrow bridleway heads uphill steeply and it can be quite muddy in the winter, but it’s not impassable.

When you reach the top of the hill enjoy the great views to the north before heading down the steep bank and into the woodland around the stream in the valley bottom - a pretty spot. Once you are over the little footbridge and out of the wood, cross a couple of arable fields. ou will soon get the sense of being in old parkland of Rolleston Hall, with planned plantations old and new.

Stay on the path and just after the lake on your left the path turns right back to Tugby (you may want to make a slight detour here to see Rolleston Hall). Once you are on the eastward path to Tugby it’s a clear route, passing Crow Wood initially on your right and then a series of fields with a stream halfway for the dog if needed. And, before you know it, you will be back in Tugby at the end of one of the better walks to be had in the area. And then why not pop into the Fox and Hounds, dogs are welcome and the food is good; lovely garden too.

START/ FINISH

Essential information

WHERE TO PARK

The village hall car park at the end of Main Street.

DISTANCE

Four miles.

HIGHLIGHTS

The rolling contours of High Leicestershire and a sense of tranquility far from the madding crowd.

LOWLIGHTS

You will be on the road at Palmers Lane for about 10 minutes but it’s a quiet country lane.

REFRESHMENTS

The Fox & Hounds in Tugby does good food and they welcome dogs too.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Two paws. There aren’t too many stiles but there are plenty of ups and downs. It can be muddy in places, but it is pretty good going underfoot for the most part.

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE

The route crosses two good streams for cooling off and drinking but there are some sheep on the route as well as plenty of game, so you will need to have your dog under close control.

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

Active Kids

Marathon success

Congratulations to Molly from Peterborough School on a tremendous first marathon time. Molly ran the Manchester marathon in 3:01:40, running at an average pace of 4:17km. This meant she was 18th in the female senior section and 44th in overall women.

Shortlist for Leicester High teacher

Leicester High School for Girls is celebrating national recognition after its head of science, Andrew McMurray, was shortlisted for Subject Lead of the Year (secondary) in the prestigious Tes Schools Awards 2026. The awards recognise outstanding teachers and schools from across the UK, with this year’s shortlist selected from a record number of nominations.

Andrew’s shortlisting reflects his leadership in developing an engaging and inclusive science culture across the school supporting girls from early years through to sixth form to build confidence and interest in STEM subjects. Winners will be announced at the Tes Schools Awards ceremony in London in June.

First football title for Oakham boys

Oakham School’s 1st XI boys’ football team has been crowned national champions in the Society of Heads Football Cup – the first Oakham side in the school’s history to secure the prestigious title. The final, held at Harborough Town FC, saw Oakham enter as heavy underdogs against Shiplake College, who had enjoyed a largely unbeaten season with 21 wins from 24 matches.

Oakham took the lead and held on to it to secure a historic 2–1 victory and the school’s first major boys’ football title. Director of football Dan Roberts praised the squad’s character and commitment, stating: ‘This group has set a new standard for Oakham football, and they fully deserve their place in our history.’

Witham Hall fun run

The Witham Hall fun run was another lovely afternoon with pupils, staff and families all getting involved (and getting very wet!) Organised by the Friends of Witham, the event raised money for The Willoughby Foundation in Bourne, which supports children with complex SEND needs.

There was music, sunshine, lots of cheering and plenty of water pistols waiting at the finish line - although not everyone managed to stay dry for long.

Cricket success for Laxton

Laxton Junior School’s Under-11 boys’ cricket team were recently crowned IAPS champions at Oundle School following an outstanding unbeaten campaign. The squad’s success reflected strong batting, disciplined bowling and excellent teamwork. Regular training at Oundle School with access to its facilities and expert coaching played a key role in their development, making the achievement a memorable highlight of their final term.

Brooke Priory raise funds for children’s charity

Pupils at Brooke Priory School in Oakham have raised an impressive £1,750 for global children’s charity Right To Play with a whole-school sponsored swim.

Children of all ages took part in the challenge swimming lengths to raise vital funds in support of Right To Play. Founded more than 25 years ago, Right To Play reaches millions of children each year across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The charity helps children living through conflict, poverty and discrimination to stay in school, resist exploitation and heal from the trauma of war and displacement.

The fundraising effort culminated on Wednesday May 6 with a special cheque presentation to Andrew Hoy, Olympic champion equestrian rider and Right To Play Ambassador, on behalf of the charity. Andrew, who lives locally and whose children attend Brooke Priory School attended the event to congratulate pupils on their achievement.

Tennis success for Stoneygate

Hani, a pupil from Stoneygate has been celebrating a remarkable run of successes recently in some tennis competitions.

Competing at under-18 level Hani secured an impressive third-place finish in Nottingham before going on to claim a first-place victory in Derbyshire for his maiden tournament title and earning his first medal in style. This notable achievement highlights both talent and perseverance, with Hani emerging as a rising competitor to watch.

Witham hits the mark

The Witham U13 and U12 shooting squads travelled to the West London Shooting School to compete in the IAPS clay pigeon competition, enjoying a hugely successful day competing against leading schools from across the country.

The standout achievement of the day came from the U12 team who produced an outstanding performance to finish in first place in the WLSS team format. The U13 team also secured an excellent third-place finish. There were some superb individual performances. George came fourth in the U13 category, while Freddie claimed second place in the U12 competition.

The Noel’s Arms, Melton Mowbray –Now Open.

Experience refined dining in an elegantly restored setting at The Noel’s Arms. Blending timeless character with contemporary style, we o er a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for exceptional food, fine drinks, and memorable occasions.

Whether you’re joining us for an intimate dinner or a leisurely drink, expect impeccable service and a truly elevated experience.

Stay connected via our website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

ActiveBody

EDITED BY KATE MAXIM

Your mind, your rules

Do you fi nd yourself repeating the same patterns in life, facing the same obstacles and wondering why willpower never seems to be enough?

The problem may not be you. We don’t set out to self-sabotage but sometimes fear, doubt and insecurities, a result of the mental rules we’ve set ourselves, can consume our thoughts and result in destructive, debilitating behaviours. The mind is an extraordinary tool that we all have, a remarkable piece of equipment. But we need to be taught how to use it otherwise it can run our lives for us in ways that might limit our potential rather than unlock it. The good news is that change is possible and it doesn’t need to take years of therapy.

Globally renowned therapist Marisa Peer has written a new book which is a guide to reclaiming your thoughts in those moments. Instead of asking ‘What’s wrong with me?’ ask: ‘What rule is my mind following?’ Rather than being driven to the dark corners where your mind can take you, Marisa provides strategies to rewrite those rules, remain resilient and make your mind work for you, rather than against you. ‘What if you could rewrite that story your mind has told you?’

With a reputation for helping clients uncover the root of their issues in just a single session, Marisa has a deep understanding of how people’s minds keep them stuck in old patterns and outdated belief systems and, most importantly, how to change that. In the book Marisa explains 16 powerful rules that can help transform your mind so that it can work with you rather than

against you. Based on her Rapid Transformational Therapy this practical and clearly written book can show you how –using her method – to focus on what you want and equip yourself with tools to change habits so that you can help achieve your goals.

With real world examples from her practice, direct no-nonsense advice and daily habits that can be easily incorporated into your routine, Marisa Peer shares how you can harness the incredible power of your

mind to feel happier, calmer and able to create the life you’ve always wanted – all without spending years in a therapy chair. The book also includes a self- assessment quiz to understand what your limiting self-beliefs are. It offers strategies on how to change your inner voice and build a resilient mind. A practical framework to evoke change: thought to feeling to action to thought.

Marisa Peer is a globally renowned therapist, speaker and bestselling author who has worked with Olympic athletes, CEOs and Hollywood stars for over 30 years. She is the creator of Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®), a pioneering therapeutic method that combines the best of hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural

therapy and neuroscience. Voted Best British Therapist by Men’s Health magazine, she has spoken at TEDx, the Royal Society of Medicine and global institutions including Google. She has a background in psychotherapy, behavioural science and clinical hypnosis. @marisapeertherapy

Hips part two, bony changes

Chartered physiotherapist Sarah Babbs continues with her hip debrief

Last month I wrote about hip replacement surgery and how to avoid or postpone it, particularly referring to osteoarthritis at the hip joint. In clinic we also see many other conditions emanating from or around the hip area, in both young and old and those who keep themselves fit whatever their age.

There are many conditions that can cause instability of the hip resulting in symptoms such as stiffness, pain into the groin, the front and back of the hip as well as deep into the joint. There can be a feeling such as giving way in the joint and the pain is often worse after sitting or increased activity. These conditions are known as Hip Dysplasia and can occur for a number of reasons. And over time can become an issue.

Patients present in clinic having developed stiffness and pain in the hip for no apparent reason. Although on further questioning there may have been an increase in activity, as is so often the case. Some will have had hip problems at birth, noted when checked at six weeks old, which may have been managed with techniques such as double nappies. Hip dysplasia also occurs in about 50% of people with hypermobility. Patients

presenting to us are often younger but may start having signs of osteoarthritis in the hip if not managed well. On examination there may be altered movement patterns at the hip and when seen on X-ray there may be a shallower cup or acetabulum than expected.

Femoral Acetabular impingement (FAI)

The hip joint is made up of the femoral head enclosed in the cup or acetabular portion of the pelvis, deepened by a cartilaginous rim known as the labrum which also gives a suction seal to the joint. The body’s weight is borne through the hip when walking or running, as well as standing. Movement is multidirectional and does generally reduce as we age. However, sometimes there are disparities around the joint where the neck of the femur becomes wider (known as Cam lesion) or where bone grows excessively around the edges of the acetabulum (Pincer). This can lead to impingement at the joint edges causing pain and limited mobility known as femoralacetabular impingement or FAI and can be the cause of hip dysplasia.

Labral tears can occur when the hip is loaded over time with altered shearing forces

due to the instability. These can be painful because of the many nerve endings in the labral tissue. But 50% of adults have labral tears with no pain at all, rather like the meniscal wear we see in the knee. The forces may be from altered anatomy or from increasing changes in the support around the joint from the muscles. Also, the body and brain’s awareness of the joint - known as proprioception - can be altered with the changes meaning that when taking load through the hip, the movement patterns are altered further.

In the past people with labral tears were often given non-specific exercises with poor rationale, and then told that they had ‘failed physiotherapy’ with early progression to surgery. Surgery can be successful but all other avenues should be tried properly first. Sometimes the joint will be injected which can give some relief from the inflammatory changes as well as pinpointing the source of the pain. Working with a physiotherapist to go through an exercise programme specific to you and your signs and symptoms is a must. This would include strength, proprioception, balance and movement work. Ways to relieve the pain such as adjusting sleeping positions and not crossing legs can help reduce the irritation in the hip.

Modifying activity and, if required, using pain-killing medication may help in the early stages to improve function and enable rehabilitation.

If you do need to progress to surgery it is so important to see a surgeon who is used to doing this work. They can usually be found in specialist centres which can be accessed privately and on the NHS.

All is not lost with hip pain. There are options. This may start with the help of an experienced physiotherapist with understanding of the condition and the frustrations around it and a plan made together to overcome it.

www.sarahbabbsphysio.com

‘There are many conditions that can cause instability of the hip resulting in symptoms such as stiffness, pain into the groin, the front and back of the hip as well as deep into the joint.’

This month there’s goodbyes, hellos, massive achievements and, of course, because it’s that time of year, cricket. Jeremy Smithson-Beswick enlightens us

Iknow you dedicated cricket fans might be a tad irritated that this year’s world cup means the football season is even longer than usual, but pride of place this month must go to Graham Drury who, after having been Stamford Daniels’ manager not once, nor twice, but thrice - and for a cumulative total of ten years - has announced it’s time to move on following a remarkable season in which the Daniels looked dead and buried at the New Year only to mount a famous recovery to finish an eventually comfortable eight points clear of relegation. The departure merits a moment of reflection on his achievements promotion via the play-offs in the debut campaign, then the Northern Premier Midlands Division title followed by several

seasons in and around the play-offs and an extended FA Cup run with a win over Wrexham (in which he played both his centre halves as forwards) earning the right to be known as a club legend.

Club Chairman David Whitby has also departed, his legacy being their happily robust finances. The board said they would like to place on record ‘our sincere thanks and appreciation to both’ and that they depart with ‘the respect and gratitude of everyone associated with the club’.

Drury’s replacement is Anthony Fenton. Ant, as he is known, is a former England youth international who played professionally for Portsmouth and Manchester City and has previously coached National League side Sutton

United. He said: ‘With the amazing facilities already in place and exciting new developments on the horizon, this club is only going to get stronger in the long term. My aim is simple: to build a squad that reflects the spirit and togetherness of this community, a team built on determination, high standards, and resilience that represents the whole club every time we step onto the pitch….together, we can build something that every supporter can be proud of’.

Alas for Drury, his new appointment at Matlock Town dissolved into acrimony almost immediately so we await developments in what is plainly a fastmoving and controversial story.

‘Drury’s replacement is Anthony Fenton. Ant, as he is known, is a former England youth international who played professionally for Portsmouth and Manchester City and has previously coached National League side Sutton United.’

Did you watch the London Marathon? One of my personal local heroes is Matt Hampson. Many of you will already be familiar with his story; becoming permanently paralysed from the neck down after an England Rugby training incident and his charity ‘Get Busy Living’ which caters for others with profound life changing injuries at a magnificent centre close to Tilton on the Hill. It was therefore inspiring to see him on television competing this year, supported by specialists and tireless runners including former jockey AP McCoy in a bespoke racing chair carrying his ventilator. Matt called it his own Everest and the toughest thing he could ever do but added he was driven by the beneficiaries of his charity who take on extraordinary challenges every day.

For someone on life support 24/7, the logistics alone were a mountain. In the event the team excelled themselves by fi nishing in under 5 hours and, in a BBC TV interview and on social media afterwards, Matt said: ‘I feel deeply honoured, and honestly quite overwhelmed, to have experienced it alongside people who gave their strength, time and heart so selflessly. There were moments along the route that will stay with

me forever – the cheers from the crowds, the connection with complete strangers and the quiet, powerful teamwork between us that carried me every single mile.’ His efforts that day have already raised £140,000 for the charity. Please add by visiting justgiving.com/page/matt-hampsonlondon-marathon-2026.

It’s been too long since the sport of hockey appeared on these pages so I was delighted to hear from City of Peterborough Hockey Club and how they’re experiencing a remarkable growth in women’s participation including a sixth female side (count ‘em –six) which they say will create a new opportunity for both rookie players and those returning to the sport. Before league fi xtures begin in September, the club’s keeping players active throughout the summer with weekly veterans’ and mixed training sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays offering members of all abilities the chance to get involved. Throughout the week they hold sessions for both adults and juniors and, in addition, Sunday minihockey for 5-12 year-olds. Head to cityofpeterboroughhockeyclub.co.uk for more.

Finally we get to cricket and it’s been a tough start for Oakham’s Saturday first XI who, although competitive in each fi xture, have lost their opening four in the Premier league. Uppingham, a couple of tiers below, have won two, lost two. The Leicestershire and Rutland outfit in which they both play had a re-organisation in the close season and (as ever) I’m sure there were valid reasons for that but I’m certainly unconvinced about the nomenclature of the various divisions.

Whilst I have no problem with the top flight being called the Premier, there seems to be some flagrant grade inflation going on lower down. The second tier is imaginatively retitled Premier 1, the third Premier 2 and, yes, even the fourth level –which has a liberal smattering of second and third teams in it – Premier 3. In cricket, as in politics, I think it’s probably best not to have too many premiers in close proximity. There is of course a silver lining to all of this. If you ever dreamed of calling yourself a premier level cricketer all you now need to do is persuade Sileby Town thirds to give you a go at long stop. I might give it a try myself.

Over in Lincolnshire there’s also been a shuffling of the pack with a new structure covering the whole county. Things have always been a bit esoteric, or charmingly eccentric, in the set up here but that’s largely down to its sprawling geography (it is the second largest county of England after all). The new Premier, reduced to ten clubs, includes two of our local sides in newly promoted Burghley Park and Bourne. Bourne got off the better start winning two of their first three to put them in second place.

On your bike

This month Gary Waterfall rides a marathon (26 miles) from Belmesthorpe with 1,500 feet of total climb.

This is one of my regular favourite rides. A manageable challenge with lots of give back after climbs. Start at The Blue Bell in Belmesthorpe (there’s plenty of parking if you are going to head inside after your ride, and I recommend you do) and head into Ryhall and then take care joining the main road before a right turn up the hill towards Careby and then Little Bytham.

Turn left at the T junction and follow the undulating road to the crossroads. Turn right here and head through Castle Bytham and follow the road all the way to South Witham. Turn left in the village and then left again after a mile to follow the road (going over both roundabouts as you cross back under the A1) through Stretton to Clipsham. Head past The Olive Branch and then take a sharp right to Hollywell before a right turn to Pickworth.

Follow the road all the way south until you arrive in Great Casterton. Turn left on to the main road and then turn left to Little Casterton. One last sting in the tail to go up the hill past Tolethorpe and then back down the hill. Turn right and then left at the mini roundabout and follow the road back to The Blue Bell where host Matt will welcome you with his real ales and plenty of outside seating. Keep an eye out for their themed food nights too, they’re to be recommended.

For the route, follow this link or scan the QR code. https://www.strava.com/ routes/3482045455843923228