ISSUE 157 | SEPTEMBER 2026
Gardens fit for a king; the RHS Sandringham flower show Every mission starts with you. It’s Air Ambulance Week in September Safer people, safer places. Have you ever thought about being a volunteer fire-fighter The new head of The Peterborough School talks about his vision for the school Will’s walks. This month Will tackles the Dale’s Way
! E E R F
A splashing good time The best of Burghley, the heat of summer is receding and the kids go back to school
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The family school for ambitious minds
Open Day Saturday 26th September For more information scan the QR code or visit thepeterboroughschool.co.uk Thorpe Rd, Peterborough PE3 6AP
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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: Burghley Horse Trials Active magazine, 13 St Marys Street Stamford PE9 2DE If you have information about a club then please get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine please email distribution@theactivemag.com. Active magazine is published monthly 10 times per year. ISSN 2059-8513 Published by Triangle Publishing Ltd
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Copyright (c) Triangle Publishing Ltd (TPL) 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from TPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of P or its affiliates. isclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, TPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws. P and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services offered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.
E DI TO R ’ S L E T T E R
‘Much as I love the heat and summer, at this time of year my thoughts are now turning to the autumn and cooler, shorter days and I look forward to them.’ Hasn’t it been a glorious summer? I know some of you will have found it too hot but I’ve loved every minute. To wake up every morning knowing the sun is still going to be shining has just been wonderful, and never having to worry about taking a cardigan or coat with you even better. And we’ve actually got to wear our summer clothes! For those of us who love the heat it’s been a reward for those 40 plus days of consecutive rain we got in the winter – can we respectfully request that maybe it gets shared out a bit more evenly in future though? ate was able to en oy the inaugural R andringham flower show read more about her visit in this issue. I was rather envious not to be able to go with her. And we all enjoyed the second Rutland Flower Show, it really is a lovely show. It’s strange though how the rhythms of the seasons catch up with you. Much as I love the heat and summer, at this time of year my thoughts are now turning to the autumn and cooler, shorter days and I look forward to them. I did smile when I bumped into one of my regular early morning dog walkers and he muttered with a wry smile about looking forward to wearing a jumper. ‘Not just yet,’ I replied, but knew exactly where he was coming from. The children are returning to school for fresh beginnings and in some cases, new headteachers, so we’ve been hearing from Sam McCormick the new head of The Peterborough School. And, of course, September means the Defender urghley orse rials. e’ve been having a chat to them to find out what’s happening this year. We’ve also found out more about the Air Ambulance charity which is a very worthwhile one, and about volunteer firefighters who are always looking for new recruits and this summer have been kept busy with so many grassland fires thank you. essons to be learnt here, do not barbe ue in open fields or leave disposal ones unattended. And never throw a cigarette butt on the ground, sorry to state the bleedin’ obvious. At this time of year, even for those of us craving the cooler autumn days, we need to make the most of the sunshine and heat before we return to grey, leaden skies. There’s one certainty about life if you live in the UK, it will be raining soon and, for once, we might all be pleased about that (for a few days anyway). Enjoy the issue, Mary - Editor FIND US ONLINE
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September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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STAMFORD
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I S S U E 157 / S E P T E M B E R 2026
Contents
ACTIVE LIFE 19 GARDENING
We visited the inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Shower, and it was a show to remember
22 TRAVEL
Kate visits Carcassonne, a truly fairy tale city
24 THE BEST OF BURGHLEY
September means the Defender Burghley Horse Trials are back in town
26 AIR AMBULANCE
Every mission starts by you helping to raise funds for the charity
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29 SAFER PEOPLE, SAFER SPACES Would you like to be an on-call firefighter f so, Uppingham fire station needs you
37 EXCELLENCE WITH HEART
A new chapter is starting at The Peterborough School. New headmaster Sam McCormicks tells us more
46 WILL’S WALKS
his month ill is further afield, walking in ‘God’s own country’ along the Dales Way
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ACTIVE KIDS
53 LOCAL SCHOOL NEWS
ACTIVE BODY 54 HUNGRY
Having an appetite is a sign that your body is working the way it should. Nutritionist Caroline Hanna tells us more
58 ON YOUR BIKE!
This month Gary Waterfall rides a challenging 28 miles starting in Oakham
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Active Life Every mission starts with you. Air Ambulance week is this month and the charity needs our help Safer people, safer places; consider being an on-call fire fighter The new head of The Peterborough School talks about the spirit of the school The Defender Burghley Horse Trials are here again Will is further away from home this month and enjoys the Dales Way
P19 Gardens fit for a king We visit the RHS Sandringham Flower Show in its first year
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Active life
September 2026/ theactivemag.com
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Active life
New location for Katherine Staples Clay Studio As of September 1 Katherine Staples Clay Studio will be at Rutland Garden Centre, Ashwell. Pop in to say hello and she will show you around her brand new studio, pottery wheels and kilns. Katherine says: ‘Come and join a course, workshop or taster session. There is a class for everyone and a warm welcome always guaranteed. Students say it’s ‘the best two hours of their week!’ katherinestaples.com
Image: © Amnesty International/Wies De Graeve
Refugee photography exhibition to debut in Oakham Oakham Quaker Meeting are proud to be hosting the Welcome photography exhibition, supported by the human rights charity Amnesty International UK’s Trade Union Network, before it tours the rest of the country. Offering an insight into the lives of refugees and those who support them, the exhibition aims to provide a different narrative around refugees and migrants to the one often presented in politics and the media. Held at Oakham Quaker Meeting House (opposite Tesco), the free exhibition is open 10am-4pm, Monday 7 to Saturday 12 September, as well as 6-8pm on Monday and Friday. oakhamquakers.org
Another Green Flag award for Ferry Meadows Nene Park Trust is celebrating once again after receiving a Green Flag Award for Ferry Meadows Country Park. This prestigious award is an international quality mark for parks and green spaces and means that erry eadows is officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks. Ferry Meadows is one of a record breaking 2,391 parks in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the team who care for this green space, ensuring it is maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
40 Women. Ten Weeks. One Stage. Now is the moment to find your voice!
Gold library cards given out Young readers from across Peterborough have been recognised for their outstanding reading achievements as part of celebrations for the ational ear of Reading. Peterborough ibraries Archives welcomed young library members and their families to Peterborough Central Library to celebrate children who have reached significant milestones in their reading ourneys. A total of children attended and received special certificates after borrowing and reading more than library books through Peterborough ibraries. f those, six children were awarded an exclusive Children’s old ibrary Card in recognition of the remarkable achievement of borrowing and reading more than , books. he celebrations were made even more special with a visit from he ayor and ayoress of Peterborough congratulating the children on their fantastic reading achievements and sharing their own love of reading. he ational iteracy rust also attended the event and gave each child the opportunity to choose a free book to take home, making the occasion even more memorable and providing the perfect inspiration for their next reading adventure. he recognition scheme is now a permanent part of the Peterborough ibraries service. very child who reaches , or -book milestones will receive a certificate celebrating their achievement, while those who go on to borrow and read , books will be presented with a Children’s old ibrary Card. he initiative has been introduced to encourage young readers to continue their reading ourney and inspire them to work towards the next milestone.
Women across Peterborough and beyond are being invited to take on a unique musical challenge this autumn as the hugely popular Sing for Life project returns, transforming complete beginners into confident singers in ust ten weeks. Launching in September, the project offers around 40 local women the chance to discover talents they never knew they had as they take on the experience of a lifetime. o audition. o previous singing experience. ust a willingness to have fun, step up, give it your best shot and discover what you’re really capable of. Participants will learn to sing, build confidence, improve their mental wellbeing and experience the thrill of performing in front of a live audience at he Cresset in Peterborough on ovember . Along the way, they’ll make lasting friendships and help support local families facing some of life’s toughest moments by raising vital funds for charity partner ue Ryder horpe all ospice. ast year’s pro ect showed ust how powerful the experience can be. ore than women - most having never sung in a choir or performed in public before - completed the challenge, raising more than , in sponsorship while delivering a memorable sell-out performance and proving beyond doubt that singing can genuinely change lives… including your own he pro ect begins with relaxed sign-up sessions at the ohn ansfield Campus in Peterborough on hursday eptember and Friday 4 September (7pm–9pm) and Saturday 5 September pm pm). here’s no audition - ust a simple voice test to find out whether your voice is naturally higher or lower and where it will sit within the group. hether you’ve always wanted to sing, are looking for a new challenge, want to meet new people or simply fancy doing something different this autumn, this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Please register in advance at peterboroughsings.org.uk
September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
Rutland Food and Drink Week
Image: Rutland Hall Hotel
Discover Rutland is inviting residents and visitors to experience the very best of the county’s local produce, producers and eateries during Rutland Food & Drink Week, taking place from 19–27 September 2026. Celebrating Rutland’s reputation as ‘The County of Good Taste’, the nine-day festival showcases the county’s exceptional restaurants, cafés, pubs, vineyards, breweries, farm shops and artisan producers. Running as part of British Food Fortnight, the national celebration of British produce, Rutland Food & Drink Week shines a spotlight on the county’s thriving independent food and drink businesses while encouraging people to discover somewhere new and support local. Throughout the week, participating businesses across the county will be offering a variety of exclusive experiences and promotions, giving visitors the perfect excuse to eat their way around Rutland. One of the week’s biggest events is the Rutland Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 20 September, transforming the centre of Oakham into a celebration of food and drink. Free to attend, the festival will feature stalls throughout Oakham including Oakham Castle and the Wisteria Hotel. Food & Drink Week also provides an opportunity to discover some of Rutland’s outstanding hospitality businesses, many of which will be hosting exclusive experiences throughout the week. discover-rutland.co.uk
What’s On! 1
Stamford Showstoppers are performing Legally Blonde: The Musical at Stamford corn exchange on September 17-19. There will be two performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and promises to be a great show. Stamfordcornexchange.co.uk/ legally-blonde-the-musical
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he final three tamford trings chamber concerts will take place on September 19 in St Martin’s church, Stamford and will be performed entirely on instruments hand finished by Libby Summers and played by the Eledone Quartet showing the depth and quality of the Brazenose instruments. ickets are available from tamford Arts Centre box office, on the door or from stamfordstrings.co.uk
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Visit Seaton Bazaar and Barbecue on 26 September at the village hall from 12-3pm for fun and games, (last year’s Bra Pong was a riot ) xcellent raffle pri es, a variety of stalls, tea and cake, hot dogs, beer and fi . ree admission.
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Active life
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Music in Lyddington will be hosting The Kleio string quartet on Saturday September 19. First prize and Commission Prize winners at the Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition 2023, the Kleio Quartet are quickly establishing themselves as an internationally recognised quartet. Programme includes pieces by Haydn, Smetana and Britten. musicinlyddington.co.uk
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Treat yourself to a morning of fun, movement and wellness this Autumn at Keythorpe Manor from 9.30am to 1pm on ctober. his energising fitness retreat includes sculpt tone, mindful movement, retro aerobics and post workout cakes. Book early for a discount. bookwhen.com/ bebodyfreshfitness
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There is a table top and yard sale on Saturday August 22nd at Exton starting at 12.30pm. Funds raised will go towards Exton playground.
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The Best of Hans Zimmer and Film Favourites is at Peterborough cathedral on September 19 starting at 7pm. Performed by candlelight with a breathtaking light show and featuring unforgettable music from films including arry Potter, Star Wars, Gladiator, The Lion King, Frozen, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean, James Bond, E.T., Jaws, Schindler’s List and many more, this promises to be one of the region’s most spectacular live entertainment events this autumn. Tickets from £27. peterboroughsings.org.uk
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elmarsh all is delighted to launch its first ever oney Fest, on September 13, a brand-new celebration dedicated to honey, bees and the vital role pollinators play in our natural environment. Honey Fest will bring together a variety of stalls, displays and activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about pollinators, discover honey-related products and explore the historic gardens while enjoying a day out for all the family. kelmarsh.com
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La Voix is coming to De Montfort Hall on April 29 2027 and tickets are on sale now. It promises to be an evening of fun, laughter, music and glamour. demontforthall.co.uk
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Rutland Spiritual Centre meets on the second and fourth Thursday each month at the Quaker Meeting House in Oakham. Entry costs just £5, and includes Mediumship/Spiritual talk, and refreshments afterwards. Lucky Tickets are also included, with 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.
9 September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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Active life RECIPE
Tomato and gin soup Soup season is just around the corner and this recipe is perfect for using up your glut of tomatoes from the garden. This recipe literally takes 15 minutes to make and the gin just adds that little bit extra to the flavour Ingredients
• 1.2kg tomatoes • 4 garlic cloves • 1 small handful fresh basil leaves • 1 tbsp tomato purée • A good glug of olive oil • 500ml hot vegetable or chicken stock • salt and freshly ground black pepper • 3 tsp caster sugar • 60ml double cream or creme fraiche, plus extra to serve • 50ml gin, plus a dash to serve
Method
• Heat the oil in the pan and add chopped tomatoes followed by the garlic. • Stir in the tomato purée, gin, salt, pepper and sugar. Then add the torn basil. Bring to the boil. • Add the hot stock and bring it back to the boil. • Put the liquid into a blender and add the cream or creme fraiche and blend. • Add more salt and pepper to taste and a splash more gin, swirl some cream on top and it’s ready to serve. Simple and quick!
GARDE NING
Juniper Rowan Griffiths tells us about juniper, a native conifer to these isles Juniper is one of only two native conifers growing in England, Ireland and Wales, the other being yew. And in Scotland the only additional native conifer is the Scots Pine. It grows happily in the far north of England and the Lake District although it grows commonly on chalk downs, heathland and moors. uniper, or to give it its scientific name, uniperus communis, is a curious tree or shrub as it grows either as a columnar tree around 20m tall or as a prostrate bush with long trailing branches. The bark is reddish in hue and peels easily into sheets like paper. As a conifer the leaves are typically spiky and around 15mm in length, hard as well as sharp, making handling tricky. uniper does not flower but produces seed cones instead, both male and female. The male cones produce pollen in March and the female become a berry-like cluster, a process which takes two years. In the second year these are called juniper berries, although they are actually naked seeds.
uniper is best known as the significant ingredient in gin. t was introduced to England by the Dutch where the juniper infused spirit was known as jenever; hence the derivation to gin. Our ancestors used juniper as a lucky charm; sprigs of it were hung over doors and windows to ward off witches, whom it must be presumed don’t like gin. The smoke from burning juniper wood was also said to keep demons away and an infusion of berries was believed to restore lost youth. I must say after a few G&Ts my youth does feel restored.
September 2026/ theactivemag.com
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20/08/2026 12:18
Gardening
Gardens fit for a king Kate visited the the first RHS flower show to be held in the East of England, and at a royal residence
T
he inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show took place from 22 to 26 July, replacing the annual Sandringham Flower Show which began in 1881. The Sandringham estate will allow the gardening charity, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), to hold a show there every three years so the next one will be in 2029. And what an inaugural show it was! The King - who is the patron of the R - and the ueen visited on the first morning to greet the crowds and inspect the RHS Royal Legacy Garden designed in collaboration with Catherine ac onald. his garden exemplifies the show’s focus on biodiversity and how gardeners can help nature thrive as we experience changing climate conditions and subsequent pressures. ing Charles himself encourages visitors to reflect on the challenges ahead and to realise that ‘our choices, no matter how
small they might seem, make a significant difference.’ And a new prize, the King’s Biodiversity Award, was awarded this year to the Mindful Chef’s Gathering show garden which was a traditional orchard redesigned for a smaller space which still allows you to grow home produce and encourage nature recovery at the same time. The Grow Forward Gardens were also designed for sustainability and climate resilience demonstrating how gardens could help to cope with flood conditions how to use increased rainfall how to attract butterflies as pollinators, and how choosing non-native plants could be key in helping our gardens adapt. The Show Gardens were also incredibly varied and inspirational. The RNIB Talking Books Garden was my favourite, not least because its backdrop was the pretty parish church of St Mary Magdalene – the one we watch the royals attend at Christmas.
September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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Gardening
'Scattered around the showground were plenty of food stands and retailers selling everything you ever wanted for your home as well as your garden.'
At the other end of the scale were the Long Borders, a chance for upcoming designers to address issues such as gardening on a budget, climate-resilient planting, habitats for wildlife, gardens for new build housing and connecting with nature for wellbeing. On that note, the Nene Park Trust in Peterborough won a silver gilt medal for their entry to the ong order reflecting the work of the trust’s plant nursery, ene ursery, and raising awareness of the benefits of gardening and spending time in green spaces. nce you’d had a long, slow look at the garden exhibits, you could head for the Floral Marquee packed to the rafters with plants grown by over specialist exhibitors from all over the country, and many first-timers from orfolk. hatever plant you were looking for, trust me, there was a specimen there, from roses, agapanthus, dahlias, trees, hostas, grasses - the list goes on. And you could glean plenty of advice at the In the Grow forum, or from well-known horticultural experts on the ain tage. here was a packed timetable of events across the four days. he difficulty was choosing between them.
he lower chool ar uee was definitely worth a visit with another wide variety of talks on subjects such as bridal and funeral flowers. here were some fantastic pedestal arrangements and aw dropping table arrangements. ou wouldn’t be able to see your fellow guests at some of them, let alone talk to them! And, of course, you could eat and shop. cattered around the showground were plenty of food stands and retailers selling everything you ever wanted for your home as well as your garden. I defy anyone to come away empty handed. know didn’t And now the show is over, remember you can revisit andringham to see the ing’s legacy garden in situ or the formal gardens which are open from March to October. King Charles has created a new topiary garden by transforming a former lawned area into a climate resilient space featuring more than 5,000 yew trees, herbaceous borders and selected species which will be more adaptable to climate change. Despite all the doom and gloom in the news, I came away feeling more upbeat and hopeful realising there are changes we can make that really could make a difference. rhs.org.uk
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TR AV E L
A fairy tale city Kate visits Carcassonne in France and discovers contemporary and medieval delights to suit all tastes
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hen you catch your first glimpse of the medieval city of Carcassonne from the motorway or when walking from the railway station through a astide aint- ouis the lower town) you will honestly think you’re walking into a fairy tale or a film set. t is, uite simply, stunning. he best view is from Pont euf, as you then also capture the Pont Vieux in front of the Cit but the traffic is busier here so pay attention while you’re day dreaming of days gone by. had finally ust read abryinth by ate osse twenty years after it was published and the fictional medieval and modern day characters were uppermost in my mind adding to the fun while explored. a Cit de Carcassonne is a U C world heritage site with four city gates, towers and almost three kilometres of
fortified walls, and it’s well worth taking a couple of days to take it all in. ou can, of course, visit for ust one day but then you’d be rushing. And you’d miss the view of the sun setting behind the Cit while en oying some of its famous cassoulet in one of the lower town’s many restaurants. rom Pont Vieux you walk through Rue rivalle and up the hill towards Porte arbonnaise. t’s a bit of a climb, but there are car parks here if you’re driving. here’s also a little navette train that does a circuit outside the walls which is a good choice for children and the less mobile.
overhanging buildings. he asilica of aint- a are is definitely worth a visit, and provides a welcome respite to escape the heat, although the temperatures in eptember tend to be much kinder than when visited in une. he asilica is a blend of Romanes ue and othic architecture and was restored in the nineteenth century by architect ug ne Viollet-le- uc. he stained glass windows are beautiful the central apse window dates from and is the oldest in rance, and the rose windows were built in the th and th centuries.
Inside the walls
t is well worth paying to enter Ch teau Comtal and to book in advance to avoid the crowds). he audio tour is fascinating with imagery explaining its illustrious history stretching back to the Romans, its
t’s free to enter la Cit . ou can wander around the winding medieval streets and s uares with its many restaurants and tourist shops, taking in the crooked alleyways and
Walking the walls
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Travel
'La Cité de Carcassonne is a UNESCO world heritage site with four city gates, 52 towers and almost three kilometres of fortified walls, and it’s well worth taking a couple of days to take it all in.'
transformation into the impressive seat of power of the Trencavel family and then its restoration by Viollet-le-Duc, which is not to everyone’s taste. His detractors say he has created an idealised version of a medieval city using materials that wouldn’t have been available when it was first built. ut having fully restored the crumbling walls, towers and roofs, we are now lucky enough to still be able to appreciate them. It’s particularly fun to walk along the inner ramparts which give wide ranging views across the Cité, the River Aude and a astide aint- ouis. There are plenty of museums to visit including the us e des eaux-Arts and the chool useum but if you want some blood and guts, the Musée de l’Inquisition and Torture Museum should do just the job. ou can take a relaxing boat trip on the Canal du idi which lasts approximately two hours and leaves from the harbour near the train station. And in eptember the Carcassonne game festival takes place. This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Carcassonne board game which has become a worldwide hit. Players build a medieval landscape of cities, roads, fields and monasteries. A not so gentle festival also happens in Carcassonne in eptember - the Convenanza festival, featuring electronic, proto-techno and alternative dance music at the Chateau Comptal and Hôtel de la Cité. I imagine the fortified walls have seen everything now! tourisme-carcassonne.fr
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The Best of Burghley September means the Defender Burghley Horse Trials are back in town. This year there are going to be a few changes to make it even better
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here are 58 entries for this CC15* event - marking the 65th anniversary since Lord Burghley, David Cecil, started the event with 19 competitors - a large and very international array of riders including some familiar big names and some exciting new ones. It promises to be a tight, highly fought competition as per usual so do enjoy some delicate dressage displays, courageous cross country and super exciting showjumping for the finale. Among the highlights of Defender urghley this year will be the official retirement ceremony of one of the greatest event horses of recent decades, Ballaghmor Class, whose four CCI5* victories with Oliver Townend include Burghley in both 2017 and 2023. This will take place in the Main Arena on Sunday, 6 September. This year Defender Burghley has a new shopping avenue and the Insights Stage in a more prominent position. Hosting an array of big-name interviews, it will now sit at the heart of the event, alongside a food court and gardens, next to the House Arena. Despite marking its 65th anniversary Burghley continues to evolve. Alongside world-class equestrian sport, Burghley’s exceptional setting in historic, Capability
Brown-designed parkland is part of its magic and a great attraction for visitors. Protecting the ancient trees in this landscape is one of the reasons this year’s site changes have happened.
Iconic views
This year brand-new reserved course-side parking is available at the Anniversary Splash, one of the most iconic parts of Defender Burghley’s cross-country course. This exceptionally beautiful spot has spectacular views of Burghley House and some of the most exciting fences on the cross-country course including a brand new Swan fence. Parking spots will be strictly limited. Reserved picnic parking at the nearby Lion Bridge is already very popular and always sells out. These new course-side spaces have been added after the introduction of similar ones on two other spots on the course last year proved incredibly popular. The advice is to book quickly if you’d like to secure a prime course-side picnic spot. The Lakeside Chalets are also back this year having been a success in 2025. If you would like a private, premium place to entertain friends, family or guests these elegant tents, complete with garden
furniture and outdoor as well as indoor space, are perfect. They offer stunning views of Burghley’s parkland and lake, and are very close to the Main Arena. The Chalets have already sold out for Saturday but there are a small number still available for Thursday, 3 September, Friday, 4 September and Sunday, 6 September.
Changes to the course
ooking an official cross-country coursewalk is a great way to gain insight into the intricacies of designer Derek di Grazia’s legendary track. Led by experts, these take place in small groups on Thursday, 3 September and Friday, 4 September, and both long (2 1/2-hour) and short (1 1/2-hour) options are available - and are a great way to discover more about this challenging course. Last year Derek reversed its direction changing the entire flow of the course, and this year he has done the same with plenty of new amendments, Now the riders go under Lion Bridge at the beginning rather than at the end of the course and the big combinations are also at the end. They coped last year, so how will they fare this time? Thanks to an incredibly experienced team and a year-round ground care plan (and the prescient decision made years ago to fence off the track) there is a green ribbon threading through the park ready for the 60 horses to do their utmost to win. As Derek commented: ‘We’ve done our job and now it’s up to the horses to perform.’
'Among the highlights of Defender Burghley this year will be the official retirement ceremony of one of the greatest event horses of recent decades, Ballaghmor Class, whose four CCI5* victories with Oliver Townend include Burghley in both 2017 and 2023.'
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DBHT
A firm favourite is ednesday afternoon’s ea the rot-Up on eptember. his comprises a special Champagne afternoon tea, with a talk and A beforehand with urghley’s former long-serving coursedesigner, and winning rider, Captain ark Phillips, a view of the first horse inspection from the ain Arena as well as a tour of key cross-country fences with ark Phillips.
on’t forget if you are local, everyone can come and see the rot-Up in the ain Arena as it’s free. ifferent facets of the world of top-class horse sport will come together at efender urghley when the reigning champion ational unt trainer an kelton and his former champion ockey brother arry sons of show umping lympic gold
medallist ick kelton give a very special asterclass on hursday eptember. orses for the an and arry kelton masterclass will be provided by the horoughbred Aftercare Programme AP). here will also be asterclasses from course designer Clayton redericks and Andrew effernan as well as one from firm favourite, the king of dressage Carl ester. he asterclass programme will conclude with he owden ay oung orse Academy demonstration, led by ellow and CC event rider ylie Roddy. riday, eptember is a true celebration of young horses it is the day that ritain’s most significant young horse championship, the ubarry urghley oung vent orse inals for the country’s best four- and five-year-olds, is held in the ouse Arena, and he owden ay oung orse Academy’s asterclass will complement that. f course, the shopping is superb and the perfect time to start about Christmas shopping dare we say it). efender urghley is the perfect place to catch up with friends too and with all that is on offer this year, you will be busy. burghley-horse.co.uk
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Every mission starts with you The lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities is funded by us and Air Ambulance Week is on 7–13 September
Images: Tim Wallace
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very day across the UK, air ambulance crews take to the skies to bring lifesaving care to people when they need it most. Our local air ambulances are the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance (LNAA), which operates from RAF Waddington near Lincoln and provides lifesaving pre-hospital emergency care across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, and the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance, which covers Northamptonshire as well, and is based at a heliport in south Nottinghamshire. These charities respond to the most serious incidents in our area, including road traffic collisions, medical emergencies, falls and sporting accidents. Their specialist clinical teams can bring hospital-level care directly to patients at the scene, delivering advanced treatments that can make a critical difference before they reach hospital. The crew is made up of highly skilled pilots, doctors, paramedics and support staff. The doctors and paramedics are experienced clinicians who work as part of the air ambulance’s specialist service, bringing their expertise in emergency medicine to patients
across the region. Like all of the UK’s air ambulance charities, Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance are independent charities and rely on the generosity of local people to continue their lifesaving work. Every donation, purchase from their shops, fundraising event, volunteer and supporter helps keep the service ready to respond whenever it is
needed. One way we can help raise funds is by donating to the shops and definitely shopping in them. Stamford, Oakham and Market Harborough all have them. This September, Air Ambulance Week (7–13 September) brings together the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities to celebrate their incredible work and highlight the vital role supporters play in keeping these services flying. This year’s campaign theme is ‘Every
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Air Ambulance
'However, air ambulance charities are independent organisations and do not receive day-to-day government funding. Instead they rely almost entirely on donations from the public'
Mission Starts With You,’ recognising that every lifesaving mission begins with the generosity of people who donate, fundraise and support their local air ambulance charity. Across the UK, air ambulance crews are now collectively dispatched to around 137 missions every day, which adds up to more than 50,000 a year. A day in the life of an air ambulance crew is never predictable. One moment they may be carrying out routine checks, ensuring their aircraft and medical equipment are ready to go; the next, they could be racing to provide urgent care to someone who has suffered a serious injury or illness. When an air ambulance arrives it brings
much more than rapid transport. Specialist doctors and paramedics can deliver hospital-level care at the scene, providing advanced treatments such as blood transfusions, emergency anaesthesia and specialist pain relief – giving patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery. For patients and their families the arrival of an air ambulance can be a turning point in the most difficult circumstances. ehind every mission are highly trained clinical
teams, pilots, engineers, volunteers and supporters all working together to help save lives. However, air ambulance charities are independent organisations and do not receive day-to-day government funding. Instead they rely almost entirely on donations from the public. The average air ambulance mission costs around £4,748 covering everything required to keep these specialist services operational, including aircraft, medical equipment, training and highly skilled teams. That is why support from local communities is so important. Whether through making a donation, shopping in the charity shops, taking part in a fundraising event, volunteering or simply helping to spread awareness, everyone can play a part in keeping air ambulances ready to respond. During Air Ambulance Week, Air Ambulances UK is encouraging people across the UK to learn more about the work of their local air ambulance charity and the difference their support makes. rom the sports fields and countryside around our communities to roads, homes and public spaces, air ambulance crews are there when people need them most. Because every mission starts with you. airambulancesuk.org/air-ambulance-week
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On-call firefighting
Safer people, safer places Would you like to be an on-call firefighter? Uppingham fire station needs you. Kate finds out more
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ppingham fire station is an on-call station for the eicestershire ire and Rescue ervice, which means it’s not permanently manned but has a team of on-call firefighters who must reach the station within four minutes of being alerted. met el innemore, crew manager for Uppingham and lake assey, a firefighter, to find out what the ob entails. el works as a wholetime firefighter at Central station in eicester the fourth busiest station in the country) and is also available for extra hours as an on-call crew manager for Uppingham. did years purely on-call,’ she told me, then got a full time ob, and now do both ’m available for hours on-call a week but obviously ’m not out all that time.’
lake works for Arnold ills in Uppingham, and his on-call hours are scheduled during his working day. hen his alerter goes off he doesn’t know what he’s responding to. t could be a faulty fire alarm going off, an animal rescue like a cat stuck up a tree, horses and cows in ditches or dogs down rabbit holes. r something more serious like dealing with a flood, a road traffic accident R A), open water rescue, tackling a bla ing inferno or dealing with the aftermath of an arsonist setting fires for fun. es really, even with all the wildfires we’re seeing. People are still having bonfires in their gardens even in this weather,’ says el, and there are fields burning from campfires and discarded cigarettes.’ hey are often called on standby to another station as they work cross border with orthamptonshire, incolnshire and ottinghamshire. put it to lake that it must be helpful to have an understanding employer. Arnold ills are happy for me to ust go as soon as ’m called,’ he says. hey are a very community-minded employer anyway, and also the skills bring back to the workplace are really helpful, like CPR. ’ve done so much first aid training, and in stressful situations ’ll generally have a cool, calm head as have to have one whilst firefighting.’ ou may be self-employed and feel you have some spare hours you could commit to being on-call. hen you apply you let the recruiters know how many hours you can give and on what days. bviously you’re not out on shouts all the time,’ lake says. ou have to balance
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On-call firefighting it with your home life and family and there is zero tolerance for alcohol. You could book on Monday to Thursday and have your weekends off as normal, but when your alert goes off you have to run.’
More than just a job
he benefits are ama ing. ’ve been in five years and ’m now a driver of the appliances and a blue light driver, and there’s so much more can do in the future. The camaraderie amongst the team is incredible; we’re very close knit because we’re all depending on each other. We have to have each other’s backs.’ ou do have to be fit you take a Chester treadmill walking test every year. And you need to be strong so you can rescue members of the public and your team mates. But there’s no maximum age or height restriction anymore and women are actively encouraged. ‘Different people have different attributes,’ says Mel. ‘Smaller framed people are good at navigating narrow corridors and giving first aid rather than carrying a 16 stone man out of a building.’ Every member of staff undergoes an asbestos medical every two years which can pick up health problems they might not be aware of. The rate of pay and pension is good as the Fire Brigade Union is strong on-call firefighters are paid an annual retainer then each time their alerter sounds, and an hourly rate which is for firefighters, for crew managers. Occupational health and support are also very good. ‘Dark days do happen,’ el told me, and we all experience something difficult. ut we have a lot of support to put us back on track.’
Have a go
t’s a good idea to start with a have-a-go day.’ he next one is at arket arborough fire station on aturday eptember. Any member of the public can go for free and this is where you find out how strong and fit you are, whether you can handle confined spaces and are good with heights. For example, you would be asked to climb a ladder, do a leg lock and take your hands off to see how you react.
The friends you make, the skills and confidence you gain is amazing. You are then more job worthy for other roles and it’s great to give something back to where you live.’ You have online tests – numerical, verbal reasoning and a mechanical test but you don’t need C level in maths and nglish, it’s something you can practice for. f you pass these you would go for a point of entry test day which is exactly the same as the have-a-go day but is the actual test. You would carry out seven different tests such as casualty evacuation and e uipment carrying. f you pass, you’ll then be interviewed, given a medical and if you pass that, you’re in. ou must be on the first day of training, so you can be when you apply and you must have the right to work in the UK. onday drill nights are mandatory. he fire engine is a big tool box,’ explains Mel, ‘and you need to know how to use the hose, water rescue and cutting equipment under pressure, in a timely manner, almost blindfolded. t’s all about muscle memory and repetition. he more you practice, the better and faster you’ll be. e are trained so well, and in the moment you’re filled with adrenaline, you’re in the one. he more fires you go to, the better you are. e never dive straight in, we fight the fire from the outside, until conditions improve. e, as officers, risk assess everything, we gather information, we create a plan then we brief the crew. And we’re constantly in communication during the operation to keep everyone safe. e regularly train for hot fires at endrew arracks in full PP on Monday nights, and we know each other’s capabilities inside out.’ here are fire stations in eicester, eicestershire and Rutland, are on-call. ‘We’re always looking to recruit, not just in Uppingham, but here we need more people.’ raining currently takes place in oughborough but shortly there will be a brand new, state-of-the-art training facility in Billesdon. And the Uppingham station is about to undergo a refurbishment. Since the beginning of the year there have been 114 call outs for Uppingham, approximately four calls a week but it spikes in the summer with wildfires, water rescues and road traffic collisions. he average call out takes three hours, but with a faulty fire alarm you could be in and out in ten minutes. his is not a ob that A can take away and the sense of purpose and ob satisfaction is immeasurable. t’s the best ob in the world,’ lake told me. he friends you make, the skills and confidence you gain is amazing. You are then more job worthy for other roles and it’s great to give something back to where you live.’ leics-fire.gov.uk/careers
September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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Jackdaw gallery
One of a kind Three friends have realised their dream of owning an art gallery. Mary meets them
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hiannon riffiths, Penny owley and arot Crick worked together for several years at an art gallery in hrapston. ver the years they loosely talked about running their own gallery, but ust as one of those what if’ conversations. ut ownership of the gallery changed and they realised that it was the perfect opportunity to strike out on their own now or never,’ as they said. hey did their research and chose wisely, opting to open in undle because it was more of a destination town and the nearest one to where we all live,’ said Penny. o, in arch this year the ackdaw gallery opened in est treet and has been steadily building a loyal following and has been welcomed with open arms by the undle business community and residents alike. he three friends, two of whom are artists, all have the same mantra and each bring different skills to running a business which works well. he mantra is that the gallery only stocks art from local artists, all based within a mile radius of undle. At the moment the furthest away is miles. Artists are invited by the gallery to oin them, and all three have to agree this. t works well and they now have artists on their books offering a wide range of different media from ceramics, wood turning, water colours, oils and acrylics, glass and other more unusual media such as x-ray art, collages and stencils. hey also sell greetings cards from local artists some of whom exhibit in the gallery which are proving very popular. he gallery also offers a bespoke framing service, the work
being done by one of their artists. f you buy a print from the gallery you will be offered a discount on framing. ince opening, the gallery has immersed itself into undle’s community, getting heavily involved with the fringe and this month with the open studios. Pop up shops can be held in the upstairs rooms and workshops, run by the artists, are also in the pipeline as well as many other events. hey have lots of plans and it’s an exciting time.
e have been made very welcome by the town,’ says Rhiannon. e chose undle because it is renowned for its proactive business community and is full of independent shops and businesses all of whom have welcomed us.’ he residents have been lovely too, supportive and welcoming and interested in what we are doing,’ continues Penny, which is all you can ask for.’ his is an exciting time for the three friends who are relishing their new business and being part of such a lovely, thriving community. he gallery is definitely well worth a visit. y final uestion to them was why is the gallery called ackdaw. e didn’t want to name it after a flower but wanted to reflect indigenous nature. e all love corvids and arot pointed out that ackdaws love shiny things which ust seemed right,’ says Penny. e checked, and we are the only ackdaw gallery in the U , which makes us easy to find.’ jackdawgallery.co.uk
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Welland Valley Vets
Welland Valley Vets Mary meets Rachel Caplan, owner of Welland Valley Vets in Stamford
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achel Caplan bought the practice on Empingham Road from Robert Pontefract (who is no longer involved in the business) in September 2025 and has been gradually making it her own, making changes, bringing it up to date and putting her own stamp on it. If you are a client you will have noticed the new reception area which has made such a difference first impressions count. Rachel, who was brought up locally, came late to being a vet initially doing a bio med degree before ending up in London doing PR work. She very quickly realised this was not the life for her and after chatting to a family friend who was a vet decided that this was the career for her. She duly went to dinburgh to study and ualified in . She then spent a few years working around Hertfordshire before covid struck and she and her husband decided it would be better for their family (they have three daughters) to be back where they both grew up, in the Stamford area. Rachel then spent four years working at Rutland Vets ‘which I really enjoyed,’ she says. ‘I liked being in a rural practice where I enjoyed being able to get to know my clients.’ After four years they were bought by a large corporate group so Rachel decided it was time to move on. ‘I liked the idea of being my own boss, working with a team and being able to make changes so I started to look for a practice to buy.
Stamford is the ideal town as it has such a pet friendly community.’ Rachel thinks it’s important to be an independent vet, for her clients as well as herself. ‘I love the continuity that comes with having my own practice. It’s good for the pet, owners and for us as vets because we build lasting relationships and really get to know each patient – including all of their little quirks! I’m incredibly lucky to work with a fantastic team who genuinely care. Whether it’s our vets, nurses or receptionists, everyone shares the same goal
of providing kind, compassionate care.’ Rachel currently is the sole vet at the practice and currently does all the day to day veterinary care including surgery, neutering, vaccinations, dental care, emergencies, skin and eye problems, grass seeds, mass removals and, of course, treating all the cats and dogs who have eaten something they shouldn’t have - she’s very busy. She also has a visiting team of specialists including a cardiologist, orthopaedic surgeon and opthalmologist so your pet can usually see a specialist at the practice which makes life much easier. Now that she’s settled into the town and becoming more familiar with the practice Rachel is enjoying working with other independent businesses and loves the Shop Stamford ethos. ‘I love that Stamford is full of independent businesses and we can all support each other.’ Welland Valley Vets has a healthy pet club which helps owners spread the cost of vaccines, wormers and other treatments such as nail clipping and anal gland care. She offers a very competitively priced AHC certificate at and deals with insurance claims. One of the nurses is shortly going to be running a puppy pre-school course so there’s lots going on. If you are looking for an independent vet locally Welland Valley Vets will be pleased to see you and are taking new clients at the moment. They are based on Empingham Road and have plenty of free parking, which always helps. And they’re a friendly, experienced team. wellandvalleyvets.co.uk
'Now that she’s settled into the town and becoming more familiar with the practice Rachel is enjoying working with other independent businesses and loves the Shop Stamford ethos.' September 2026 / theactivemag.com 35
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Est.
2026
MILLY’S Wellness club
A NEW HOME FOR GOOD MOVEMENT AND GOOD COMPANY
MAT CLASSES FULL MOON SOUND BATHS STAMFORD SAUNA CLUB Discover more at www.millysbistro.co.uk @MILLYSWELLNESSCLUB 01780 750085 Find us at The William Cecil, High St, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LJ
WHAT’S ON
Sat 26 September 7.30pm
Fri 2 October 7.30pm
Tickets 01536 470 470 www.thecorecorby.com
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@thecorecorby The Core at Corby Cube
20/08/2026 12:17
Active life
Excellence with heart A new chapter for The Peterborough School. New headmaster Sam McCormick tells us more
‘E
xcellence with heart’ is the phrase I keep coming back to as I prepare to become headmaster of The Peterborough School this September. It isn’t a slogan I’ve borrowed. It’s what I believe good schools do; hold high expectations for every child while never losing sight of the individual standing in front of you and TPS has been doing exactly that since 1895. I’ve had an advantage most new heads don’t get. Since Easter I’ve been able to get to know the school properly: walking the
corridors, visiting lessons, meeting families at morning drop-off, talking with staff in the staffroom and, most usefully, listening to pupils tell me what they love about the place. It’s clear that ‘knowing the individual’ is central to the success of this wonderful school. Our values are family, ambition, character and excellence and they only really work in that order. A child who feels known and safe is a child who can be ambitious, build character and pursue excellence. verything follows from family first. As educators we know that the trickiest
moments in a child’s schooling are the transitions: nursery into reception, Year 6 into Year 7, GCSEs into sixth form. So much can be lost when a child has to start again, unknown, at each one. At TPS, a child can arrive at six months old and leave at eighteen, known by the same community the whole way through. That continuity matters enormously to parents, and to me. So much so that my own four children are joining me here. Each of them different; one creative, one sporty, one academic, one who defies easy description. P is the first school ’ve worked in where I could see that all four would be able to thrive, encouraged to be their authentic self rather than having to fit a single mould. That’s the spirit I want this next chapter to build on. One idea already taking shape is what we’re calling The 1895 Society, bringing together everything that makes this school
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Stamford – London – Holt
Opening hours: 9am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday. 36 Market Pl, Oundle, PE8 4BE 01832 275414
BEFORE
AFTER
Antique and Contem porary
www.therugstudio.co.uk
01780 239594 rachel@therugstudio.co.uk Unit C4 Brownlow Street, Stamford, PE9 2EL The Stamford Studio - Summer Opening Hours: Tues. 10 am - 1 pm Wed. 10 am - 4.30 pm Fri.10 am - 4.30 pm Sat. 10 am - 1 pm All other times by appointment. Antique Centres: Stamford PE9 2LF Holt NR25 6SU
EXPLORE TALLINGTON LAKES ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS LOCALLY SHARE A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS Watersports ❱ Paddleboarding ❱ Kayaking ❱ Canoeing ❱ Open Water Swimming ❱ Water-Skiing ❱ Wakeboarding Dry Ski Slope Climbing & Abseiling Wall and so much more Pro Shop Tallington Lakes. Stamford Road. Tallington. Lincolnshire PE9 4RN
www.tallingtonlakes.com 01778 347000
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Active life what it is: its scholarship, alumni, partnerships and local community, under one roof that honours our history while looking forward. I’m excited to share more about our priorities for the coming year as we enter the new term. They’ll always be in service of the same things: a curriculum that prepares pupils for the world ahead of them, ambition that’s visible and celebrated at every stage and opportunities, in and out of the classroom, for every pupil to find where they belong. What won’t change is the advantage a school like ours has. We know our pupils well enough to encourage them in what they’re already good at, but more importantly to guide them towards the things that don’t come naturally. The
reserved pupil nudged onto a stage, the natural athlete persuaded to pick up an instrument. That’s the kind of attention a much larger school might not be able to offer, and it’s the one thing I have no intention of letting slip. What I want most for every pupil who leaves here is not just strong results, although those matter enormously, but the curiosity, creativity and confidence to make something good of whatever comes next, in careers that may not yet exist. It’s almost impossible to predict what those careers might be so our job is to make sure pupils leave able to think for themselves, work well with others and hold their character when it’s tested. n my first afternoon here, one of our
'What I want most for every pupil who leaves here is not just strong results, although those matter enormously, but the curiosity, creativity and confidence to make something good of whatever comes next, in careers that may not yet exist'
head students was showing me round. As we passed a group of sixth formers, she called out to one of them gently, ‘shirt tucked in.’ He did it at once, without a flicker of resentment. It wasn’t a telling-off. It was something closer to an older sister looking out for a younger brother, and he took it exactly that way. That’s what family actually looks like at TPS, pupils who feel responsible for one another, because if one of us falls short, we all do. I’d love your family to feel part of that too. If you’re weighing up schools for your own child, here’s what you’ll find at P . Pupils known and their individuality celebrated, parents treated as partners rather than spectators and staff whose skill and care go far beyond subject knowledge. That isn’t a line from a prospectus. It’s what I’ve watched happen here, in ordinary classrooms, every single day. The best way to understand what makes TPS different is to see it for yourself on an ordinary day. Come and see our family in action, we would be delighted to welcome you. thepeterboroughschool.co.uk
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Royce Cube Pergola
Driver’s Pickles A delicious range of traditional pickles, packed with flavour and made to complement everything from sandwiches and cheese boards to cold meats and hearty meals. Price: £4.95 from Castle Street Deli, Stamford 01780 766522
A stylish and versatile extension of your home, designed to help you en oy your outdoor space in comfort throughout the year. Combining contemporary design with practical features and available in a choice of colours and si es, to complement any outdoor space. he doubled skinned bioclimatic louvre roof gives you effortless control over shade, sunlight and airflow. he powder-coated aluminium frame withstands UV exposure, rust, water and fading, and the integrated solar LED Lighting has ad ustable lighting settings and a remote control for convenience. Price: starting from £2599 from ernies.co.uk
AU T UMN PRODUCTS Autumn is almost upon us so we have been finding some great offerings from some of our local retailers
MAC’s Ultimate Driver Pants A trouser in new seasonal shades - smart enough for daily wear, but engineered, uite literally, for the drive. he result is a chino-cut trouser built on AC fabric, with stretch of up to 80%, a lower cut at the front keeping the waistband comfortable and double belt loops at the rear keeping everything anchored. Price: £139.50 from colinbell.uk
Ravemen Q2 bicycle bell With a compact design, it is quick and simple to mount, versatile - as it fits with various handlebars . mm . mm . mm) and is compatible with an Apple Air ag so it can be tracked. t has a clear sound with alerts up to db for enhanced safety. i e . x . x mm . x . x . ). eight g . o ) without the gasket. Price: £17.99 from georgehallscycles.co.uk
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Autumn products The Skin Diary ermatology-backed. cience-proven. ust two products. orning P , hydration, antioxidants one step, full protection. ight retinoids and peptides repair skin while you sleep. kincare, simplified. Price: £135 for night cream/£92 for day cream from fionaettridgereflexology.co.uk
Persian carpet Vintage Fine Persian Kashan circa mid 1900s, stunning sky blue field, uarter repeat all over design. Very desirable room-si ed carpet cm x cm. Price: £5,400 from therugstudio.co.uk
Cross stitch kits nspired by the horses at urghley hy not stitch one for yourself with these cute little cross stitch packs in both large and small. Price: £12.90 for size 36.5 x 36.5cm and £4.90 for the mini pack from thestamfordfabriccompany.com
Guinness figures Collectable reproduction figure the ookeeper and the elephant - from the uinness oo collection. ther figures available including the seal, horse and cart and toucan. Price: £45 from facebook.com/Traceysemporium or Station Road, Uppingham, LE15 9US.
Stonesplitter Small Raku Ceramic Clock rom the highly respected and admired workshop of an Roberts of eicester, and famous the world over, these most coveted uirky clocks are hand built and fired using the ancient apanese process of Raku. ach uni ue piece is taken from the kiln red hot and plunged into paper and sawdust creating the beautiful crackle finish. n different shapes and colours, there are also matching candlesticks. Price: £175 small/£205 medium and wall clocks from jackdawgallery.co.uk
Will’s Walks n oy a stroll in our wonderful local countryside with a copy of ill’s alks in your pocket. ooks Pub walks) offer a total of fabulous walks to choose from. hat are you waiting for Price: from £9.95 from theactivemag.com
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Yeti Rambler Jr 12oz Kids Straw Bottle The perfect drinking accessory, boasting double wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks cold all day. The straw cap is leak-resistant when closed and both the bottle and cap are dishwasher safe. Plus, it’s engineered with a super strong, stainless-steel armour that can handle taking a tumble. In various colours. Price: £24.99 from tallingtonlakesproshop.com
Charnwood Aire 700 This is a new generation of stoves with the I-Blu combustion technology designed and patented by the British manufacturer, Charnwood Stoves. The micro processor controls the burning technology effortlessly, achieving some of the best efficiencies whilst reducing particulate emissions. Price: £2649 inc vat from colesforfires.com
The 8x42 Viking Peregrine Offering unbeatable performance and value for money, the robust and comfortable feel is due to the magnesium body and the tactile rubberised body armour. The metal focus wheel with rubber grips ensures you can make quick and accurate focus adjustments. The ED objective lenses ensure every image is bright and sharp, and are enhanced with flat field full broadband multicoated lenses and dielectric coated, phased corrected prisms. Includes a 10 year warranty with a dedicated UK repair centre. Price: £399 from at-infocus.co.uk
Bespoke artwork Katherine Staples Ceramics makes sculptures and wall pieces out of clay for commission to any budget. Inspired by the sea and natural forms, artworks encapsulate the movement of water, a moment in time. Commissioning artwork creates a bespoke piece of art that is special, unique to you and can be tailored to suit your requirements. katherinestaples.com
Sterling Silver Snaffle Link Bracelet A stunning addition to your jewellery box (and your arm!) Price: From £175 from hoppersjewellers.co.uk
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Autumn products
The Kaweco Collection Marble Ocean Immufix Daily Immune Support A high-dose daily nutritional supplement taken once per day as a drink designed to support normal immune system function and overall wellbeing. Formulated with a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and functional nutrients, it provides a convenient way to supplement key nutrients that may be lacking in modern diets. 750g Powder | 30 Servings Price: £65 from immufix.com
The new Kaweco Collection Marble Ocean fountain pen is inspired by the ever-changing colours of the sea. Swirling shades of vibrant green and blue create a striking marbled finish. very arble cean pen is completely uni ue, finished with a gold-plated nib and presented in a beautifully designed gift box. Price: £30 from Griffin of Easton, located within Easton Walled Gardens or visiteaston.co.uk
Striped lampshades Frilly lampshades sourced in India. Three different sizes and colours to choose from. Price: From £45 from iris-and-mabel.com
Stolt Alpha Commuter Backpack pecifically designed for runners and cyclists, with expandable compartments to accommodate shoes, clothing and everyday essentials, while a padded laptop compartment securely fits devices up to inches. t is designed using advanced anti-microbial materials to combat sweat and odour with water-repellent performance fabrics and reinforced stitching. Ergonomic straps ensure stability and comfort throughout high-movement commutes, while breathable mesh padding enhances airflow Price: £149 from stoltrunning.com
Quartz kitchen worktop An elegant white kitchen worktop brings light, luxury and timeless style to any home. This Royal Collection Kenilworth quartz is designed to replicate the stunning look of Calacatta marble while offering the practical benefits of uart . deal for kitchens, it is hard-wearing, durable, and low maintenance. When considering stone worktops, it’s important to budget for more than just the stone itself. Quotations include templating, fabrication, cut-outs and installation. Price: From £3,000 from worldofmarble.co.uk
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ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AND
GET STUCK IN!
Open Events: Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 24 September Whole School Open Morning Saturday 3 October
Book your place today!
Join Oakham School to discover new passions, embrace every opportunity and make memories that last a lifetime.
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Ploughing
The Casterton Vintage Working Event Kate meets Chairman Brian Knight who explains the attraction of vintage farm machinery
I
f you’ve ever wanted to see pre-1950’s farm machinery in action, this is the event to visit! It is a working event where enthusiasts from all over the country demonstrate their many and varied machines ploughing, cultivating, threshing and harvesting. Over the weekend of September 18-19 you will be able to see a wide range of vintage tractors, steam engines, stationery engines and combines. There will also be displays of pre-1950s cars. And believe me when I say these impressive machines are all incredibly well preserved. That is because they have been carefully and diligently looked after by vintage machinery enthusiasts who like to work their machinery, not just look at them. The event dates back to the Peterborough Farm Machinery Preservation Society which was formed in the 1960s and made up of many
'Over the weekend of September 18-19 you will be able to see a wide range of vintage tractors, steam engines, stationery engines and combines.'
local tractor collectors. They began to run working events at various farms in the 1970s but ended up with an annual event in Little Casterton. ventually that split away from the Peterborough society and became the ittle Casterton working weekend hosted by the Hinch family. As the years passed and many original members aged it was time for another change and the Casterton Vintage Working Event was born. ‘It’s become a bit of a pilgrimage for early tractor collectors,’ Brian told me. ‘You can only bring your machine by invitation. I’m afraid we can’t accommodate everyone as we try to keep it as a manageable event but that way we end up with some very special tractors.’ Brian’s oldest machine is a Samuelson reaper made in England in approximately 1870. ‘A reaper was the best way to replace a scythe,’ he says. ‘People had been trying to replace horses for years and steam engines have been used since the early 1800s. But it was when the internal combustion engine was invented that tractors arrived. A number of UK companies tried their hand at building tractors. What really accelerated their use was WWI because we needed to feed the country as quickly as we could.’ Many tractors were imported from the USA or were manufactured in the UK under licence. The Ministry of Munitions would
place orders with different manufacturers for hundreds, if not thousands of tractors. The same thing happened during WW2. The government purchased a large amount of farm machinery from the USA under the Lend Lease scheme. ‘A lot have gone into disrepair but many of the tractors we collect today are from these two periods. ‘It’s so exciting to see the machines in action,’ Brian says, ‘and understanding their history is very important. It’s a show for the public but completely focused on the machines working. We do have refreshments, and we have a bee keeper and dry stone waller too. Every year we have a theme and this year it’s matching tractors and implements which, with some of the old tractors, isn’t the easiest thing to do.’ For anyone interested in spectacular engines that actually work too, this is the event for you. It is held every year on the third full weekend in September at Brian’s field on Pickworth Road, reat Casterton and the ad oining field belonging to the Lamb Family. To find the correct field follow what3words: Squaring. Louder. Dodging. Or PE9 4DF.
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W I L L’ S W A L K
The Dales Way They call it God’s own country, and after a few days walking in Yorkshire, Will Hetherington finds it difficult to disagree.
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Will’s Walk
T
he Dales Way runs for 81 miles between the Victorian spa town of Ilkley, which remains very fashionable today, and Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District. As such, it connects two of England’s most beautiful landscapes and you don’t have to be Alfred Wainwright to work out it probably makes for a nice stroll. At the end of May this year my wife and I both booked a Friday and a onday off work so we could walk this magnificent route. e realised in the early stages of planning that it was unrealistic to aim for the whole thing in four days, particularly with transport time required at either end. So we decided to make Sedbergh our destination, which trims it down to about 56 miles, a much more manageable four-day mileage, particularly carrying heavy packs. It also keeps it to the Yorkshire Dales, rather than straying across the M6 into the Lakes.
Day 1 Ilkley to Burnsall – 13.5 miles The Dales Way starts by the Old Bridge over the river Wharfe in Ilkley. We set off from here at 10am on a pleasant Friday in late May, with a decent forecast and 50 something miles ahead of us. There is something undeniably liberating about starting a multi-day walk – a blend of adventure and freedom which is rather addictive. The early stages include the beautiful village of Addingham and pretty St Peter’s church. After a tricky section navigating the main road, the next significant part of the walk is dominated by olton Abbey and its surroundings. First, the Devonshire Arms Hotel welcomes you to the southern end of this empire. If you have unlimited budget and are easily swayed then you would be forgiven for downing tools here and enjoying a pampered weekend instead. But this is not our calling and we moved on, passing the eponymous abbey along the way. It’s a lovely spot and a dramatic ruin which makes for a perfect day out with the family, but in truth it’s not a highlight of the Dales Way. The real gems are a little harder to find. owever, you should investigate the trid if you are passing through. This is where the Wharfe is forced into a deep and narrow rocky channel and it’s said to be one of the most dangerous pieces of water in the land. I don’t doubt it, but the limestone pavement which surrounds it makes for a good spot to eat your cheese and pickle sandwiches. Once you leave the Bolton Abbey estate and pass Barden Bridge, things start to get a bit more All Creatures Great and Small, thankfully. armer’s fields down by the river become ad hoc campsites for the weekends here. There are no facilities, but the people we saw setting up on a pleasant Friday afternoon could not have looked happier.
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YORKSHIRE DALES Sedbergh Dent Ribblehead Nirvana in Appletreewick
A mile or two further and the magic really begins at Appletreewick. I mean, how could a place with such an enchanting name disappoint? The Craven Arms is a much-vaunted pub in this small village strung along a minor road just above the Wharfe. They say it’s the best pub in the Dales and while I am not going to enter the debate, I will happily say it felt like Nirvana at 4pm on this Friday in late May, with the long summer stretching out ahead of us. As we took our table outside the pub, the beer truly tasted like the amber nectar and we chatted to the two guys on the table next door who were on an afternoon loop of the Dales on their motorbikes from Middlesborough. Then the noise from Masons campsite drifted up the dale. That was the sound of pure happiness, as families settled in for the weekend by the river, barbecues were lit, gentle music played and glasses clinked. Did we think we had walked into the promised land of milk and honey? You bet. However, we had another mile and a half to walk to our own accommodation in jaw-dropping Burnsall right down on the Wharfe. The hills around the village make it feel like an enclosed kingdom and the grand old stone bridge marks it out as one the finest villages in the southern dales. We stayed at The Green, a fabulous B&B right in the village centre and enjoyed a drink and dinner in the famous Red Lion before a good night’s rest.
Day 2 Burnsall to Buckden – 15 miles After blueberries and yoghurt followed by something a bit more substantial, we set out with the Wharfe as our faithful companion and with packed lunches in our packs. After two or three miles of blissful valley bottom walking, the Dales Way enters the heart of Grassington.
Buckden Kettlewell Grassington
Ilkley The main square here is one of the primary settings for Channel 5’s recent remake of All Creatures Great and Small so it’s no surprise it is almost impossibly pretty. On a Saturday morning in late May it’s also rather busy with day-trippers, locals and outdoor enthusiasts. After a look around, the route beckons, but with a twist on the five mile stretch between Grassington and Kettlewell, because this is where it takes to the high ground on the eastern flank of harfedale. There is no workable path by the river for this stretch and the high ground offers a welcome contrast to the riparian route below. The highlight, apart from the views of the dale below, is probably Conistone Pie. This rocky outcrop offers an incredible line of sight up and down Wharfedale and across to Littondale in the west. On a warm spring day there is no finer spot to stop for a rest and a snack, as we discovered.
The holiday spirit
From Conistone Pie, it’s north to Kettlewell, another jewel in the Wharfedale crown and magnet for day-trippers. It’s a fabulous spot, but we still had another four miles to go to Buckden, where Wharfedale narrows and gets a little more rugged, so we didn’t linger. The Dales Way strives to take the lowest feasible route from A to B at all times, so not for us on this occasion the challenge and reward of Buckden Pike high to the east or Birks Fell hanging immediately over us to the west. Even so, the walking is more demanding than it may seem and the day just got warmer and warmer. The thirst for that pint of Semer Water from the Wensleydale Brewery on arrival at the Buck Inn was as real as it gets. o real in fact, that on arrival the first pint vanished almost instantly. But, as this was also our lodging for the night, there was no reason not to relax and enjoy the evening. Joining the holidaymakers and residents were plenty of visitors from the likes of Holland and Belgium. Again, the appeal is not hard to understand - they do not have scenery like this in the Low Countries. A lovely meal on a balmy evening outside the pub was the sort of thing we can only dream of in the dark days of winter.
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Will’s Walk
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Will’s Walk
Day 3 Buckden to Cowgill – 17 miles On this section the hordes of lower Wharfedale seemed like a distant memory as we set off west along Upper Wharfedale which then becomes Langstrothdale. Until midday we encountered only one other walker, sat on a rock in the shallow river with two Jack Russells for company. A few campervans dotted along the side of the remote road and some Sunday morning cyclists were the only other humans in sight. This is a remote part of The Dales and it was also our longest day of walking so we pressed on past isolated farmsteads like Yockenthwaite, Deepdale and Beckermonds to reach even more remote Cam Houses, perched on the edge of a hill overlooking a vast area of… well nothing really. If you are looking for solitude, this is the place to come. After Cam Houses the path joins the Cam High Road for a mile or two before a tortuous end-of-day steep grassy bank and a hillside traverse into the head of Dentdale, one of England’s best kept secrets.
A nod to the Victorians
To approach our lodgings for the night at the famous Sportsman’s Inn in Cowgill we had to walk down the road and under the Dentdale Head viaduct and then pass the Arten Gill viaduct on the right. They
are both on the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, the saving of which in the 1980s Michael Portillo often claims to be his greatest success in government. He may be right. hese great railway-bearing edifices stand as testament to the Victorians who had the sheer audacity to make them happen in a very short space of time in the 1870s. And to the men who died building them. And, more than 150 years later, here they still stand, so well were they built. uffice to say ust walking past these stone goliaths out here in the deepest, darkest corner of The Dales sends a shiver down the spine. On arrival at the Sportsman’s Inn we quickly realised there was a Dutch couple staying there who were also walking the Dales Way. In fact we had seen them on a ridge a mile ahead of us around lunchtime. It was good to swap stories of lodgings along the way, beautiful places and difficult climbs. he portsman’s nn is one of those old fashioned places where home-cooked food and gentle conversation set the tone for easy relaxation.
Day 4 Cowgill to Sedbergh – 11 miles After a good sleep we woke to rain and plenty of it. We knew it was coming but with only 10 miles to go we were not too forlorn. After all, how could Dentdale offer so many differing shades of green without some of the wet stuff? We know the dale well and had no need to stop in cobbled and whitewashed little Dent on this occasion. If the sun had been shining we probably would have, but Sedbergh was calling. After three days of perfect walking weather, how could we complain about a few miles in the rain to finish. It all ended in rather typically British style – taking shelter outside the Spar shop in Sedbergh at lunchtime, waiting for my dad to pick us up (did I mention I am 49?). Perhaps it’s better that way – it would have been much harder to leave if the sun had been shining.
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Expl o re
C opthil l
Explore Copthill at our Open Mornings Early Years Open Morning Nursery & Pre-School (ages 2–4 years)
Saturday 26th September 2026 9.30am – 11.00am
School Open Morning Nursery to Year 6 (ages 2–11 years)
Friday 2nd October 2026 9.00am – 11.00am
To reserve your place or find out more, scan the QR code, visit Copthill.com or call us on 01780 757506. Copthill School, Barnack Road, Uffington, Stamford, PE9 3AD
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Active Kids New chapter for swimming at Leicester Grammar School Trust LGS Trust are delighted to share an exciting development in their swimming provision at Leicester Grammar School Trust. After 18 highly successful years, Penguins Swimming Academy will conclude its programme at the school towards the end of September, for which the Trust would like to thank them. Building on this strong foundation, the Trust will introduce a new in-house swimming programme, SWIM@LGST, launching from Monday 28 September. This initiative will continue to deliver high-quality after-school and weekend swimming lessons, aligned with Swim England standards and tailored to support swimmers at every stage of their development. will be led by ualified instructors and supported by newly refurbished changing facilities, enhancing the overall experience for pupils and families alike. Current swimmers will be able to continue without disruption and new swimmers will be welcome with enrolment information now available. swimenquiries@leicestergrammar.org.uk
A year to remember Witham Hall have celebrated another year of scholarship success with this year’s leavers securing an impressive 17 scholarships and awards to leading senior schools, including Eton College and Oakham, Oundle, Rugby, Stamford and Uppingham Schools. The breadth of achievement was just as impressive as the number of awards, with scholarships gained across academic, sporting and artistic disciplines. Special congratulations go to Archie who was awarded the prestigious Annah Shaw scholarship for classics, recognising the strongest performance in Latin and Greek among candidates not elected as King’s Scholars. This is the second consecutive year that the scholarship has been awarded to a Witham pupil. Many congratulations to all scholarship recipients, and Witham wish all their Year 8 leavers every success as they begin an exciting new chapter at their chosen senior schools.
Success for Witham’s riders The Witham equestrian team has enjoyed another successful season, with impressive performances at A ualifiers, the Brooke Priory Festival and the Spratton Hall Show. A particular highlight was qualifying for the NSEA Championships at Hickstead, where Benjamin, Silva and Lottie competed against hundreds of riders from across the country. There was further success at the Burghley Pony Club 80cm one-day event, where tta finished second overall, winning both Best Burghley Rider and Best Dressage Test, while Silva was placed fifth. Congratulations to all riders on a fantastic year
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ActiveBody E D I T E D B Y K AT E M A X I M
Hungry Having an appetite is a sign that your body is working the way it should. And the best way to satisfy your hunger? Eating. Nutritionist Caroline Hanna tells us about her new book
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’m Caroline and I’m a nutritionist, which means that it’s my job to help you eat a wide variety of healthy, well-balanced foods. I’m also a bit of a greedy guts, which means that it’s in my interest to make sure that these healthy, well-balanced foods are as delicious and as satisfying as possible. Because (and this is important) the two are not mutually exclusive. My approach to nutrition is one that encourages enjoyment, fulfilment and nourishment that is the secret to a sustainable, healthy diet. I’m never going to ask you to count calories, or to avoid carbohydrates. Being hungry is not something to be feared and it’s not something to be suppressed. Having an appetite and feeling hungry is a sign that your body is working the way it should. And the best way to get rid of your hunger? Eating. I’ve worked with hundreds of people to help them honour their hunger and eat in a way that nourishes them. By rediscovering their love of food they’ve also been able to reach their happiest weight. And here I’d really like you to take note of the fact that I’ve said ‘happiest’ weight, not lowest.’ ometimes those final four pounds might actually be making you healthier than you would be after losing them. Hungry is a celebration of appetite. I realise this might go against everything you’ve ever heard about healthy eating, but stick with me. Honouring your hunger is going to make you so much happier and healthier than if you try to ignore it. As a nutritionist, firmly believe that a healthy diet should focus on adding in the good stuff, rather than taking out the bad stuff. So, throughout this book, I want these recipes to inspire you to think, ‘Hmm, what else can I add to this meal to make it even better?’ rather than ‘I’d better not have pasta for lunch because I had toast for breakfast.’ Once your mindset focuses on abundance, not restriction, that’s when healthy eating transforms from being a miserable diet to a
‘I’ll tell you why skipping breakfast might be the reason you crave biscuits in the afternoon, why calories aren’t everything, and how to snack if you’re feeling peckish.’
lifestyle you actually enjoy. And once that happens, you’ll be able to reach your happiest weight, say goodbye to yo-yo dieting, and finally be at peace with yourself, and with food. In a world where diet culture tells us to suppress our hunger, to shrink our bodies and to eat miserably small portions, this book offers a different approach. It’s about honouring and satiating your hunger, not ignoring it. Because here’s the thing: food is not your enemy. It’s not something to be feared. I want this book to show you that food should be celebrated, especially food that just so happens to be abundantly good for you. I set about creating a method that would encourage women to satisfy their hunger the appiest eight ethod’. his is built on a simple yet powerful idea: when we nourish our bodies with nutritious foods, listen to our hunger signals, and develop a healthy mindset, we can become healthy in a way that goes far beyond the numbers on a scale. And that’s what this book sets out to do, too. he recipes you’ll find in these pages are designed to fill you up with goodness. hey’ve got carbs, fats, more vegetables than you can shake a stick at, and, most importantly, they taste great because the first rule of a healthy lifestyle is that you’ve got to en oy it. ’ll tell you why skipping breakfast might be the reason you crave biscuits in the afternoon, why calories aren’t everything, and how to snack if you’re feeling peckish. It’s not a bad thing to be hungry, but ignoring that hunger could be where you’re going wrong. I hope these recipes help you to eat with abundance and stop feeling guilty about food. It’s time to let go of the all-or-nothing mentality and satisfy your hunger once and for all. Hungry is published by Hamlyn Books and costs £26 @healthbycaroline
54 September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveBody
Walking tall Pain in the back and legs can often stop us walking very far. Chartered physiotherapist Sarah Babbs explains what stenosis is
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n 2025, 175,000 spectators visited the Defender Burghley Horse Trials. Some will have spent part of the day sitting watching the dressage or show jumping. thers will have fitted in their daily step count as they walked the course following the cross country. And even those who never see a horse will have spent plenty of time on their feet pootling around the shops. But there will have been some visitors who struggled to make it even down the length of the arena because of pain in the back and legs. As physiotherapists we see many people who struggle with pain in the back and legs, often related to walking and especially on undulating ground. Stenosis is the name of narrowing of a canal which can happen in many areas in the body. Less well known is that stenosis can occur around the spine creating a smaller space for both nerves and blood vessels. If there is constriction this can lead to a feeling of weakness and heaviness in the legs when walking as well as pain along the nerve pathways. It can occur in the cervical and lumbar regions, and less often, in the thoracic part of the spine. Spinal stenosis can be present from birth because of a narrow spinal canal
formation. Or it can occur with inevitable ageing and arthritic changes, as well as pressure from disc changes. Being overweight increases the risk as does family history. Figures for people with symptoms vary hugely with age, studies quoting around 10% of the population, with numbers increasing over the age of 60. Not all those with stenosis showing on X-ray and MRI will develop pain. In clinic patients with lumbar stenosis complain of pain and sometimes weakness and numbness in one or both legs. This is generally brought on when walking, standing and leaning backwards. All of these movements tend to close the spaces around the nerves and blood vessels, aggravating the symptoms. Conversely pain can improve by opening that space, leaning forward for a short time or sitting, again for a short time. Unusually and characteristically, walking uphill may be easier than walking downhill due to the position adopted. Similarly leaning on a walker or shopping trolley can be helpful. And often those with lumbar stenosis have no difficulty at all with cycling which then is a great way to keep up fitness and aerobic capacity. Options for treatment generally begin with conservative measures using exercise and
education about the condition. There are surgical options but these should only be undertaken if conservative measures don’t make enough difference to manage symptoms. One exception when surgery is vital is if there is evidence of caudal equine syndrome (CES) such as signs of bladder, bowel or sexual function change. This occurs when there is pressure on the tail end of the spinal cord and can lead to irreversible damage. Conservative measures most often delivered by physiotherapists will include exercises (you know we love an exercise). These will aim to improve mobility, strength, balance and endurance. It can take a few months to make truly noticeable differences so supporting our patients through that time is vital. Using good pain medication can help including those that work on the nerve conduction and must be managed as symptoms improve. Exercises often start to improve the opening of the space in the spine by using the flexion forward bend) when lying down such as bringing knees to the chest and sitting leaning forward to the floor. Adding rotation to the movement is important so move knees side to side when lying down and practice reaching to opposite ankles when standing and sitting is helpful. Next is working on strength so sit to stand or squats, bridging and binning deadlifts with some weights are excellent here. Gradually building the ability to lean backwards while standing can be fitted in as pain allows. This is vital to enable standing and walking tall to become the norm. Building tolerance in walking by walking further before stopping has some backing in research and using my beloved walking poles can help here. So, back to visitors at Burghley this year, many will walk long distances and some will need to sit at intervals. Training now for next year with the help of your physio will make it all the more enjoyable, although walking for longer around the shops may not help the bank balance. www.sarahbabbsphysio.com
‘As physiotherapists we see many people who struggle with pain in the back and legs, often related to walking and especially on undulating ground.’ September 2026 / theactivemag.com 55
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The cricket season comes to a close, football starts and there’s celebrations for a Ketton based club. Jeremy Smithson-Beswick tells us more
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e start with football and Royce Rangers has been in touch to tell us about their upcoming brand-new clubhouse. Based at the Rutland Showground, Rangers are a buzzing grassroots outfit with more than boys and girls and active plans to add both walking and disability football soon, in line with their mantra of making football accessible, inclusive and enjoyable. The new facility, supported by the Football oundation to the tune of , , will be a major upgrade on the current changing facilities and also have a social space, kitchen and meeting rooms. The club told us that: ‘More than just a building, the clubhouse represents Royce
Rangers’ long-term vision to strengthen grassroots football across Rutland and create a lasting legacy’. Individuals and businesses can become part of the club’s Wall of Support, helping bring the clubhouse to life. Building starts this month. o find out how you can get involved, and support the project email chairman@roycerangersfc.co.uk ome of those Rangers youngsters will go on to play at a higher level and perhaps even for our most successful local sides such as Stamford Daniels and Harborough Town. Making club history, Town kicked off their first-ever match at step of the ational League footballing pyramid last month with an away draw at a hot, sultry King’s Lynn facing a team of full-time footballers.
Having taken the lead through Riley O’Sullivan, they were pegged back in the second, but a solid away draw is a more than satisfactory result and will help quieten whatever nerves there are about their ability to compete in this league for the first time. he club’s match report uoted manager Mitch Austin saying he was ‘really proud’ of his players, and summing up that a point away at ‘an illustrious club’ such as King’s Lynn was ‘no mean feat.’ A few days later he followed up that assessment saying n reflection, it was a great game. t was end-to-end with great chances for both teams. We wanted to come here and at least make a mark for ourselves…. We just want to have our own little internal belief… It puts us in good stead.’ Image: @rees.images
56 September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport ‘The aim of the club is to provide children with friendly, fun training sessions to improve running, cycling and swimming skills as well as general fitness.’ It’s been a close season of dramatic change at Stamford Daniels with the departure of both chairman and manager and, even more notably, only two players, Aaron Cashmore and the veteran Jon Challinor, remaining from last year’s first team squad. The board was wise in the circumstances to share an update with supporters. In an open letter they noted that change brings both challenges and opportunities and behind the scenes everyone had been ‘working tirelessly to strengthen every area.’ New manager Ant Fenton ‘has been building a young, hungry and energetic squad’ and more signings are promised. With eleven debutants on the pitch, they lost their opening fixture away to Stourbridge by 2-0. It’ll be fascinating to see how their season progresses but the board were quite right to highlight that the club as a whole remains vibrant with the Women’s, Young Daniels, Academy and inclusive Unity sides all set to thrive. Financially, all major sponsors are already in place for the coming year and the ground has been improved so, as they put it, ‘Now it’s time for all of us to get behind the Daniels.’
Uppingham facing off in a hectic eight overs per innings format (with a generous 16 allocated for the final). Uppingham’s Rik Jones reported that ‘The games were hotly contested with some very close results. Uppingham playing Uppingham was rather amusing!’ One of those Uppingham sides made it to the final where they played Market Harborough and emerged victorious by 39 runs. Jones summed it up: ‘What an achievement for Uppingham, especially with the girls more than playing their part, and some of the mums jumping in at the last minute, which will hopefully now see them playing regularly. But more than this, the event brought together teams from around the area for what was both a fun and friendly yet highly competitive and compelling day of cricket.’ Finally, our redoubtable friends at Ketton Panthers, the triathlon club, have excelled themselves by landing the title of East
Midlands Junior Club Champions. The competition was hotly contested over seven events, against hundreds of other young athletes and, with their triathletes finishing in the top ten in each of the ten categories, and with podium position places in eight of them, the crown was theirs. At the celebration that followed the East Regional Manager at Triathlon England, Sarah Williams, said: ‘With 17 teams represented in the series this year it shows the depth of junior participation with clubs from the High Peak to Peterborough.’ Responding, Ketton’s club chair Jenny Arrichello commented: ‘We’re incredibly proud…it’s a fantastic reflection of the hard work from our members, coaches, volunteers and parents. This achievement belongs to the whole club, and we’re thrilled our young athletes are achieving such great results while still having fun along the way.’ The aim of the club is to provide children with friendly, fun training sessions to improve running, cycling and swimming skills as well as general fitness. Volunteerrun, the club caters for all abilities and, although some children prefer not to compete, the end goal is the challenge of competing in local and national triathlons. Adult, child and family memberships are available at this not-for-profit club. Contact help@ketton-panthers.com for more.
With the cricket season in its last few weeks, Uppingham will be the happier of Rutland’s two major sides. They sit atop Premier 2 (confusingly, the third level of the league) and are hopefully set for promotion. If so, it seems inevitable that we will once again see them battle out local derbies with Oakham who are clear favourites for relegation from the top tier. Across in other leagues, Deepings are top and Bourne second so great seasons for them whatever now happens. August saw the first ever women and girls’ tournament in our area with Oakham, Market Harborough and two teams from
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September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport
LANGHAM
On your bike This month, Gary Waterfall rides a challenging 28 miles starting from Oakham
COLD OVERTON
KNOSSINGTON OWSTON
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his ride proves just how ‘lumpy’ Rutland can be. This is a challenging 28 mile ride with over 2,600 feet of climb. Start in the centre of Oakham and head south riding the Ridlington Ripples the hard way to Ayston. Then around the roundabout into Uppingham. Head south west from Uppingham and enjoy the switchback going down the hill until you turn right then left, up the hill to and then down to Horninghold and onward to Hallaton. Turn right here and it’s all uphill for a while. Follow the road to Tugby - taking care crossing the road - and then continue past Café Ventoux which is a great place to stop mid-way. Follow the road to Owston before turning right to Knossington and then up again to Cold Overton. Then, enjoy the long downhill to Langham and then back into Oakham via Barleythorpe. Enjoy!
OAKHAM START / FINISH
BROOKE
RIDLINGTON
TUGBY
ROUTE Distance: 28.05 mi Elevation: 2,608 ft
AYSTON UPPINGHAM
For the route, follow this link or scan the QR code. https://www.strava.com/ routes/3504596879848815140
HALLATON
HORNINGHOLD
58 September 2026 / theactivemag.com
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