Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // May 2017

Editor’s Letter

SO IT SEEMS THAT THERESA MAY DECIDED that she wanted to go to the country again in a general election after a good walk in the country.

I know the feeling: there’s something about walking that makes you feel extremely positive and refreshed. If I was out for a wander in the fields and was Prime Minister, I too would smell the spring grass and think that the Labour Party could not be any more hopeless than it currently is, or watch a dog cheerily loping alongside me and reckon I could control my own hardline right wingers with a snap election.

And as for unwrapping a slab of pork pie while I sat on a log in the warm sunshine, well, I would conclude I could probably bring North Korea to heel too.

Funny thing is, when I was a kid there was nothing worse than when my parents declared we were off for a walk. Traipsing along for endless miles staring at fields and trees, when I could have been at home playing football in the garden, or inside with my Star Wars figures, seemed like a chore more burdensome than washing dad’s car or mowing the lawn.

I see the same thing with my kids. Catch them in the wrong mood, and pitch the idea of a walk at the wrong time, and you are guaranteed to have to endure miles of moaning, every step more stompy than the last.

But I keep on striding on, because I know that whether they like it or not, they will come round to my way of thinking. It might take a few years, but when they are President of the United Kingdom of England and Wales, Lord Chief Protector of the inner Solar System or whatever grand career they end up at the very pinnacle of, a good walk will be just the thing to clear the mind.

Enjoy the issue! Steve

Publisher Chris Meadows chris@theactivemag.com

Editor Steve Moody steve@theactivemag.com

Deputy editor Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com

Production editor Julian Kirk julian@theactivemag.com

Art editor Mark Sommer mark@theactivemag.com

Contributors

Martin Johnson, William Hetherington, Jeremy Beswick, Julia Dungworth

Photographers

Nico Morgan, Pip Warters

Production assistant Gary Curtis

Advertising sales Lisa Withers lisa@theactivemag.com

Amy Roberts amy@theactivemag.com

Editorial and Advertising Assistant Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com

Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com

Active magazine, The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Tel: 01780 480789

If you have information on a club then get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine then email distribution@ theactivemag.com. If you would like to discuss advertising possibilities please email advertise@ theactivemag.com Active magazine is published 12 times per year on a monthly basis. ISSN 2049-8713

A Grassroots Publishing Limited company. Company registration number 7994437. VAT number 152717318

Disclaimer

Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness

ACTIVE LIFE

11 WHAT’S ON

Great things to do locally for all the family

13 HOW TO...

Cook the perfect paella

16-17 RIVERFORD RECIPE

This month we cook a tasty chicken ramen

19 GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

Plan your ultimate road trip across the USA

FEATURES

22-29 THE PERFECT PICNIC

Our guide to where to go, what to wear and what to eat

31 MARTIN JOHNSON’S COLUMN

The Sunday Times writer on the Lions tour of New Zealand

ACTIVE BODY

35 KIT BAG

The latest essential gear

37 MANAGING KNEE INJURIES

Expert advice from the Avicenna Clinic

38 SADDLE SORE

Function Jigsaw advice on how to avoid cycling injuries

42-43 THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Tips and products to get you looking good for summer

ACTIVE LOCAL

48-49 CHALLENGE UPDATES...

How our intrepid fund-raisers are faring

50-53 DEEP DIVE

We meet up with Deepings Swimming Club

55 ON YOUR BIKE!

Our new feature gives you a great cycling route

56-57 GREAT WALKS

Another route through our stunning countryside

59 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

We try out Cloisters in Stamford

62-66 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring

Active life

GREAT THINGS TO DO, HOW TO COOK A PERFECT

PAELLA, SPOT A PEACOCK BUTTERLY AND PLAN YOUR DREAM ROAD TRIP ACROSS THE USA

Edited by Mary Bremner

TOP CLASS SPORT AT ROCKINGHAM CASTLE

Rockingham International Horse Trials burst on to the eventing calendar four years ago to rave reviews.

This year’s competition runs from May 19-21 across Rockingham Castle’s Great Park, overlooking the stunning Welland Valley. World class riders through to Pony Club members will be competing so there will be plenty of action. www rockinghamcastlehorsetrials.com and you can find them on Twitter @ RockinghamLIVE! #RockHT

Watchmaker Robert Loomes and Co from Stamford is the official timekeeper once more and will be running the Loomes Championship which awards one of its limited edition watches, worth £7,850, to the rider closest to the optimum time for the cross-country course. www.robertloomes.com

NATIONAL WATERSPORTS FESTIVAL AT RUTLAND WATER

The NWF is a new festival which will be held at Sykes Lane, Rutland Water, on June 2-4.

Tickets are now on sale for a packed weekend of windsurfing and stand up paddle boarding. It doesn’t matter how experienced or inexperienced you are, there’s something for everyone with lots of coaching sessions, clinics and tasters. The event, sponsored by The

Grainstore Brewery and Anglian Water, is not just about being afloat though.

There will be lots of trade stands, live music and evening parties as well as a huge pyrotechnics display. Tickets can be purchased for the whole weekend, camping, day tickets or the evening parties. www.nationalwatersportsfestival.com

BOOTCAMP SUCCESS

Uppingham School Sports Centre hosted a family boot camp on Sunday, April 2, to raise money for Against Breast Cancer.

Families were put through their paces by two of the centre’s fitness instructors and had a great time sweating it out for the charity, raising more than £300 in the process.

Now the weather has improved bootcamp sessions are being held outside and are just one of the many classes held at USSC. Classes start from £4 a session.

To find out more visit the website at www.sportcentre.uppingham.co.uk or call 01572 820830.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Friendships are hard to find sometimes, and even harder to maintain in our modern, busy lives.

So who do you go to the cinema with, meet for coffee or go out on a run with? Find a Friend to Go might just be the place, whatever your age or gender. It’s not a dating agency, but a place to find like-minded people who have similar interests. It could also be the place to find someone who wants to train with you for a sporting event.

Try www.findafriendtogo.com and they will match you with someone who shares your interests.

Electric bikes on display

Join Rutland Cycling at Whitwell on Sunday, May 21, for an electric bike demo day. There will be lots of different electric bikes to try out and e-bike experts will be on hand to offer advice and guidance. You will also have the chance to test the bikes in a traffic-free environment. To book your place (it’s free) go to www.rutlandcycling.com/events

SHOP OF THE MONTH

Anna-Maria D’Amato has recently opened her shop in Cheyne Lane, Stamford, specialising in occasion wear. If you’re looking for a wedding, prom or evening dress Anna is the lady to see. She will make you a dress from scratch, has dresses to buy and will do alterations.

Anna trained in costume design for stage and screen, has worked with Gok Wan, was Madonna’s seamstress and was assistant stylist for The Corrs so has lots of experience.

Anna Couture, 17c St Mary’s Street (in Cheyne Lane), Stamford, 07958 641470 or find her on Facebook and Instagram.

WHAT’S ON

There’s lots going on in your area this month, why not try some of these?

■ Team George has come up with a new challenge, the Full Rutter and Half Rutter on June 16-17. This is a 40- or 20-mile hike that starts at midnight in Uppingham. Teams of between three and six people are invited to sign up to raise funds for Team George. www.teamgeorge.org.uk

■ Pole dancing is coming to Stamford. To find out more about these exercise classes, run by accredited instructors that are coming to Westside gym, go to www.westsideclub.co.uk

■ Theatre in a Week with Bailey and Burns is coming to Stamford Arts Centre. This workshop that explores acting, dance and movement is open to 8-16 year olds and runs from August 7-11. To find out more go to www.stamfordartscentre.com

■ The NGS have gardens open this month to raise funds for their charity. A great chance to be inspired, and to also have a delicious slice of homemade cake. Burrough Gardens are open on May 14 from 2-5pm. May 21 is the turn of The Old Vicarage at Whissendine and on the NGS’ 90th anniversary weekend on May 28 the Old Vicarage at Burley on the Hill is open. www.ngs.org.uk

■ The first acts have been

announced for Stamford Music Festival, the three-day festival that takes place on the Meadows from July 14-16. Acts including Top Banana Band, Austin Gold and Steve Bean will be performing along with many others, including acoustic acts. The atmosphere will be relaxed and family friendly with plenty of food and refreshments available. Early bird tickets are now on sale. https://marketsquaregroup. co.uk/events/stamford-musicfestival/

■ Celebrate, a community event that is being hosted by Christ Church, Stamford, is looking for volunteers and ideas. The event from August 4-7 is looking for cake bakers, marshals, people to help with refreshments and much more. If you can volunteer please get in touch with Helen@ gep-consulting.com or call her on 07863 178679

■ Peterborough Greyhounds is holding the Human Hound Challenge to raise £500 for your club, school or charity. There are three heats over the first three Fridays of the month with the final on the last Friday, where a human hound runs on behalf of your chosen charity. The hound will get £50 just for participating and £500 if they win overall. To find out moreemail Hannah@ peterboroughgreyhounds.com

Excellence in private healthcare

Avicenna clinic is an independent, consultant-led private healthcare practice that places patient care and comfort at the very heart of its agenda. Incorporating state-of-the-art facilities and the highest level of expertise, Avicenna Clinic offers personalised, responsive care within a serene and relaxing environment.

One-stop clinics

There really is no need to wait weeks or even months for your diagnosis or treatment. Most consultations, diagnostics and treatments at Avicenna Clinic are very conveniently offered on a same-day basis or within a short time scale, giving you more control over your health and with less of the stress associated with waiting for results.

Specialities

Avicenna Clinic provides a comprehensive range of specialisms including Imaging, Spine, Hip and knee, ankle and foot, Orthopeadics, ENT, Fertility, Gynaecology, Pain management, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and private GP services. For a complete list of the treatments and services that are available to you, please visit the website: www.avicennaclinic.com.

HOW TO…

MAKE PAELLA

May heralds the beginning of summer so thoughts turn to dining al fresco. But forget the barbecue... let’s head to Spain and its traditional dish, paella. There is plenty of choice, a veggie one, traditional meats or fish. The most important thing is to have a large flat bottomed pan and to leave the rice to crust. Here’s a recipe for a chicken and chorizo version...

INGREDIENTS

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 chopped onion

15g fresh chopped parsley

70g roughly chopped chorizo

2 chicken breasts, diced

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 chicken stock cube

1 glass of sherry

300g paella rice

100g frozen peas

Pinch of saffron

METHOD

Put 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan and heat. Add the garlic, onion, parsley, chorizo, chicken and paprika and fry for about 10 minutes, stirring all the time.

Add the tomato puree and stock cube and then the rice and stir. Add 500ml boiling water, the sherry and salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Put the lid on (or cover in foil) and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the peas and saffron, stir through then turn the heat off, cover with foil and leave for 5-10 minutes. Scatter with parsley leaves.

NATURE

THE PEACOCK BUTTERFLY

A common sight in the garden and woodlands, the peacock butterfly is one of the first to emerge from hibernation in the spring. Their vibrant colours, and the peacock eyes, act as a deterrent to predators. The peacock butterfly feeds on flower nectar, is a strong flier and can travel long distances in search of food. Males and females look exactly the same, although the male is slightly larger.

During the summer the butterfly will lay its eggs, up to 500 in layers, on the underside of stinging nettle leaves. The adults, which are about a year old, will die of old age leaving the eggs to hatch into caterpillars that feed on nettle leaves. In July these caterpillars pupate, emerging as butterflies in August.

THE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL

This large and impressive looking gull has a body almost as large as a Canada goose.

Adults are white with a black back and wings. The legs are pink and the bill yellow, with an orange spot on the lower mandible. Immature birds are pale headed with a beige body, dark wing tips and a black bill. Adult plumage is not gained until they are four years old with the birds showing more white in their plumage.

Great black-backs, mainly immatures, may be seen throughout the year at local reservoirs but numbers increase in winter when many adults roost overnight – 450 were at Rutland Water in January 2014. During the day they scavenge around the reservoir or feed at landfill sites. They may also quarter farmland after a game shoot seeking missed birds. They have been seen to kill ducks, gulls and coot at Rutland Water. They are very efficient predators.

Sightings of birds carrying coloured and numbered leg rings have shown that some Rutland adults have been ringed at landfill sites in south-east England and some have been ringed as chicks in Norway, far north of the Arctic Circle. Terry Mitcham

Violets

The common dog violet is a widespread plant growing in woodland, hedgerows and grassland and is easy to spot because it is very common.

It flowers from April to June but is not scented, unlike its cousin the sweet violet. Violets are easy to grow in the garden and quickly naturalise. They are hardy too, being able to withstand the vagaries of the British winter.

Renowned in ancient folklore, violets were loved by Napoleon and were a popular picked flower with the Victorians and Edwardians.

CHICKEN RAMEN WITH SPRING GREENS AND CHESTNUT MUSHROOMS

INGREDIENTS

1 fresh chilli

25g ginger

1 garlic clove

Salt and pepper

2 eggs

50g brown rice miso

1 tbsp tamari

Oil for frying

2 sticks rice noodles

200g chestnut mushrooms

200g spring greens

1 tsp bouillon powder

300g diced chicken breast

1 lime

1 tsp sea salad

METHOD

● Put a pan of salted water on to boil. While waiting for it to boil de-seed and finely chop the chilli, and peel and finely grate the ginger and garlic clove.

● Add the eggs to the water and boil for five minutes. Remove from the pan and put in a bowl of cold water to cool. Keep the hot water on the heat.

● Put the ginger, garlic, miso, tamari, 2 tbsp oil and half the chilli in a bowl. Mix to a paste.

● Add the noodles to the boiling water. Cook for

3-4 minutes. When tender drain and run under cold water, then toss in a little oil to prevent them from sticking.

● Boil a kettle. Wipe the mushrooms clean with damp kitchen paper and slice.

● Wash the spring greens then strip or chop the leaves away from the tough central stalks. Shred the leaves. Measure 700ml boiled water, add the bouillon powder and stir.

● Empty the paste into a saucepan and cook for 30 seconds to a minute until smelling fragrant. Add the mushrooms and chicken and stir frequently for 4-5 minutes.

● Add the spring greens and stock. Cook over a medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes.

● Check the chicken is cooked through. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if required.

● Peel and halve the eggs. Slice the lime into wedges. Divide the noodles between two bowls. Ladle over the chicken ramen. Top with egg and sea salad.

Tip: Separating the noodles as you cook them prevents them clumping. If they are still sticking after cooking, rinse under cold water and drizzle with oil.

RECIPE BOXES

Riverford recipe boxes are a simple and inspiring way to cook. Every week, we deliver everything you need to make three tasty organic meals. Inside each box, you’ll find the freshest, seasonal organic produce, step-by-step recipe cards and all the ingredients in exact quantities. The recipes are quick to cook and ideal for weeknights – most are ready in under

45 minutes. Think well balanced and nutritious, with a few treats thrown in. Our cooks come up with nine new recipes every week, so there is always plenty of choice. There are three different varieties of recipe box - choose from vegetarian, quick, or original. A box for two people ranges in price from £33 for the vegetarian box, to £39.95 for the quick and original boxes. Delivered straight to your door, with everything you need to cook

included, generous portion sizes, and three delicious meals per box they offer great value for money. No waste. No missing the vital ingredient. All you have to do is cook. Visit: www.riverford.co.uk/recipebox to find out more or call 01803 762059.

“A clear-eyed, energetic, forward-thinking school” - The Good Schools Guide

Limitless possibilities

With a proud heritage and progressive outlook, Oakham is a high-achieving independent school in the heart of England where opportunities are both inspirational and obtainable. A shared belief in making the most out of any opportunity and to be the best you can be sets us apart from other schools. With a welcoming and friendly support structure, Oakham offers an ideal environment for boys and girls aged between 10 and 18 to learn, thrive and prosper in our modern world. We’re one of the UK’s top schools for the IB Diploma and our students achieve consistently excellent A-level results, whilst still having time to enjoy an exceedingly rich extra-curricular lifestyle.

What makes Oakham so special? oakham.rutland.sch.uk/Meet-Us

To organise a visit please get in touch with our admissions team: admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk 01572 758758 oakham.rutland.sch.uk

We look forward to meeting you

Oakham in their words

BRYANT WEALTH MANAGEMENT

WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Proud to support Burghley Park Golf Club

We provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in a wide range of areas including:

• Investment planning

• Retirement planning

• Inheritance Tax planning

For further details contact William Bryant on:

Tel: 01780 668117

Email: william.bryant@sjpp.co.uk

Website: www.bryantwealthmanagement.co.uk

THE LAND OF THE DONALDS – DUCK AND TRUMP TRAVEL

America – the land of skyscrapers, Hollywood, Disney and Trump. But there is so much more... California with its fabulous beaches and vineyards, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, the Deep South, New York or the beautiful New England.

One of the best ways to experience the USA is to do a fly-drive holiday, and the perfect way to do this is to hire a camper van and set your own route and agenda. The States has a vast amount of national parks where you can explore to your heart’s content, get incredibly close to the wildlife and camp way off the beaten track. And a motorhome is perfect as you do not have to pack your things every morning, you just get up, hop in the driver’s seat and away you go.

USEFUL WEBSITES INCLUDING LOCAL TRAVEL AGENTS

● www.usatours.co.uk

● www.oundletravel.co.uk

● https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

TOP TIPS

● Remember you need a visa. An ESTA is the tourist visa that is easy to apply for

● Each state has a different speed limit so make sure you know what it is if you cross the county line

● You can hire a vehicle in the US with a full British licence, held for at least a year. Many hire companies will require you to be over 25

● Remember to take your rubbish home with you. Find an appropriate garbage bin to deposit your rubbish

● Look out for bears if camping in the Yosemite Park – do not leave debris lying around or you will attract them. You have been warned….

BOOKS TO READ

Road Trip USA: Cross Country Adventures on America’s Two Lane Highways by Jamie Jensen The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America by Bill Bryson

FINANCIAL HEALTH

GET RICH (AND HEALTHY) SLOWLY

There are no short cuts to creating wealth, says Bryant Wealth Management’s William G Bryant

Diet and fitness go hand in hand. This is especially true if you are trying to shed a few pounds. As a rule of thumb, in trying to create the calorie deficit needed to lose weight, up to 80% should come from diet.

Exercise is still a key component in any weight loss plan but it becomes very hard to lose weight through exercise alone (not least because your weight-loss programme can quickly be derailed by a latte and piece of carrot cake as reward for doing a work out). Unfortunately, there are no short cuts, no get fit quick regimes or fad diets that prove sustainable in the long run.

Nutritional advice can seem contradictory, one week clean eating is being hailed as the new wonder diet, the next it is being criticised for lack of nutrients. But there is scientific evidence that improving the quality of your diet can lead to weight loss over the long-term (Fung TT et Al 2015).

A balanced approach over the long term provides health benefits. Further health benefits are associated with the Mediterranean style diet, especially in men (D.L. Katz & S. Meller 2014). The Mediterranean diet is one that is high in

vegetables, fruits, nuts, wholegrains, breads and seeds. Along with moderate amounts of fish, dairy and poultry (red meat is eaten rarely), extra virgin olive oil is used extensively. You are encouraged to wash it all down with a nice glass of red wine.

Like healthy eating, there are no short cuts to creating wealth. You should adopt a sensible long term strategy that harnesses the power of Warren Buffet’s favourite tool – compounding. The classic chess board fable demonstrates this: a king is so pleased with the inventor of his new favourite game, he offers him anything as a reward. The inventor asks only that he gives him one grain of rice in the first square of a chess board, and doubles the amount in each subsequent square – 1,2,4,8,16 and so on.

The king was insulted that this was all he had asked for and quickly agreed to his demands and sent him on his way. Little did he realise that the amount of rice being asked for was more than had ever been grown in the world let alone in his kingdom – the answer being 2 to the power of 64 or 18.4 quintillion (18,446,744,073,709,551,616). As Warren Buffet knows, investing in stock markets over the long

term allows you to use this power to your advantage and is the reason that Warren has made most of his wealth after the age of 60. If you can achieve an 8% rate of return per year on your investment, and you leave the money and returns invested, you will double your wealth in 10 years.

Still not convinced on the power of compounding? The next time you see a new diet in a newspaper, take the page out and fold it in half. Fold it again and again. How many folds can you manage? 7 and you’re doing well, 14 and you will have a new world record, and 45 times you will have reached the moon. Such is the exponential growth offered by compounding. Over the long term, eating a balanced diet and having a sensible long term investment strategy will get you a long way, if not quite to the moon and back.

To receive a free guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact William Bryant on 01780 668117, email william.bryant@sjpp.co.uk or visit bryantwealthmanagement.co.uk

Blanket coverage

With spring here and summer not far behind, we pick out the best in seasonal food and fashion, and the best spots for a stroll and a picnic

Photography: Katie Ingram

RIGHT

Ella wears a White Stuff saffron jumpsuit in denim size 8 £55; Des Petits Hauts Avilou cardigan in ecru/marine in small £170 and Grenson

Ethel Stingray sandals in pink size 5 £215 all from Cavells, and Maui Jim Sunshine sunglasses from The Stamford Eye Clinic. Felix wears Levis 511 slim fit Rock Cod jeans size 34 waist £90; Aquascutum Rolfe crew neck jumper in bright red in large £135 and striped polo from Polo Ralph Lauren in French navy in large £75 all from Cavells

BELOW

Ella wears a sleeveless blue striped Derek Lam shirt in size 10 £100; white Osman slim leg trousers size 10 £130; Prada black wedge shoes size 39 £90; Victoria Beckham sunglasses £100 and carries a Hemsley

‘slice’ lunchbox bag £100 all from Arch Label Agency. Felix wears Levis 511 slim fit Rock Cod jeans size 34 waist £90; Aquascutum Rolfe crew neck jumper in bright red in large £135 and Aquascutum Teddy Twill washed jacket in grey size 44 chest £350 all from Cavells

Ella wears Superdry Flippy Shore playsuit in margo ditsy navy in small £34.99; Des Petits Hauts Bowie mohair cardigan in mimosa in small £175 and Calpierre lace up platform shoes with zip detail in yellow/white/silver 38.5 £155; Tom Ford Lucho sunglasses from The Stamford Eye Clinic. Felix wears Levis 511 slim fit Rock Cod jeans size 34 waist £90 and Mads Norgaard Pique

Tavid Polo in lapis blue in large £65 all from Cavells and Moscot Gelt from The Stamford Eye Clinic.

FAR LEFT

Maui Jim Sunshine; Tom Ford Lucho; Moscot Lemtosh Wood sunglasses from Stamford Eye Clinic

Harriet wears pink coral Minoti shorts 4-5 years £8.50 and Life and Legend purple hoodie 4-5 years £9.99 from Stamford Kidz Stuff. Thomas wears Minoti yellow shorts 2-3 years £9.50; blue long sleeve hooded top £7 and Riot Club T shirt 2-3 years £6 and Minoti blue knit £10 all from Stamford Kidz Stuff

BELOW

Harriet wears floral Minoti shorts with braces and grey Bewox T-shirt 3-4 years both £12 from Stamford Kidz Stuff and rides Frog balance bike from Rutland Cycling £124.99

LEFT

Thomas wears Gap cap £6.99 from Gap for Kids at Springfields Shopping Outlet

FAR LEFT

Thomas wears grey hoodie 3 years

£19.99; multi-coloured checked shirt 3 years £19.99 and brown shorts with denim waistband 3 years £16.99 all from Gap for Kids at Springfields Shopping Outlet. Harriet wears Super Squad pink spotted dress 4-5 years £10 from Stamford Kidz Stuff

Volkswagen Polo.

£149 a month.

6.2% APR Representative.

• Parking Sensors front and rear

• Composition Media touch-screen infotainment system

• Cruise control

• 15” Stratford alloys

With £1,800 towards your deposit*

Solutions Personal Contract Plan^ representative example subject to 10,000 miles per annum+ for a Polo Match Edition 5dr 1.0

Make the perfect picnic

You can’t control the weather on your perfect picnic, but you can control the food, and here are some local suppliers providing the finest fare for your basket...

Stamford Cheese Cellar

A picnic isn’t a picnic without some artisan cheese, and Stamford Cheese Cellar has a huge range of amazing products that you won’t be able to stop nibbling at.

Hambleton Bakery

Incredible fresh bread made with great artistry, Hambleton Bakery is establishing itself as one of the finest craft bakers in the country.

Riverford

Fresh organic vegetables, fruit and meat from Riverford will ensure your picnic is full of only the best seasonal food.

Stage 2 Café, Stamford

Homemade cakes, scones, tea and coffee that will provide the perfect afternoon tea.

The Deli, Kibworth

A great picnic is all about the nibbly delights, and The Deli is a treasure trove of bread, cakes and other high quality fare.

Belvoir Fruit Farms

The best cordials and presses, organically sourced and provising the fruity cool refreshment for when the sun starts beating down.

Eat in Style

Katie Alice’s beautiful, intricate patterned crockery harks back to a more whimsical time and is ideal for a picnic, country kitchen or summer garden party. She started her business in Northamptonshire in 2010 and since then has forged quite a reputation, being named a ‘future star’ by The Daily Telegraph and appearing at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Pick a picnic

Surrounded by so much beautiful countryside, the opportunities for a great picnic are nearinfinite. But if you want a more structured day out, here are our favourites...

Abbey Park

Fascinating grounds containing the remains of a 12th Century abbey, the ruins of Cavendish House, a highly decorative Victorian park, boating lake and miniature railway make this a great urban picnic spot. www.leicester.gov.uk

Barnwell Country Park

There’s plenty to do for the whole family with an adventure playground, paths, trails and a barbecue area too for dad to show off his cooking skills.

www.barnwellcountryparkfriends.org.uk

Beacon Hill Country Park

The park is home to number of chainsaw carvings which are displayed along the main routes through the park, and there’s an adventure playground with climbing frame, tower slide and animal sculptures next to the picnic areas.

www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/beacon-visitor

Brocks Hill

Trails, a human sun dial and a den building area make this a fascinating place to explore for kids, while you laze on a picnic rug.

www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/brocks_hill_ country_park

Burghley House

One of the finest Elizabethan houses in the country, surrounded by glorious landscaped grounds and a Garden of Surprises for children to splash about and play in. A perfect picnic paradise.

www.burghley.co.uk

Burrough Hill

The well-preserved Iron Age hill fort dramatically crowns a steep-sided promontory of land reaching 210 metres up with superb views and plenty of space for spreading out a blanket.

www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/burrough-hillcountry-park

Fineshade Wood

Be challenged by the exciting play areas and cycling, or explore the wildlife and history on foot, before unwinding in the cafe or browsing in the shops.

www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodge

Foxton Locks

See the remains of the historic Inclined Plane –once a spectacular chair lift for boats! Sneak a peek at the colourful boats, climb the UK’s

longest staircase flight, take a boat trip, or just sit back and relax at the pubs, café or picnic spots. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/1-foxtonlocks

Kilworth House

Kilworth House is part and parcel of the rolling countryside of rural south Leicestershire. Explore the 38-acre estate by taking one of the walks and discover a rich abundance of wildlife, including pheasant and muntjac deer, and picnic by the pond. www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

Rockingham Castle

Masses of open spaces for children to run around in and enjoy themselves, incredible views across the surrounding countryside and beautiful gardens make this an idyllic picnic spot.

www.rockinghamcastle.com

Rutland Water

The shores of Rutland Water are home to dozens of picnic spots, and you can find a variety of attractions such as the visitor centre, playground, cycle paths, Bugtopia, crazy golf, shops, cafes and restaurants. www.rutlandwater.org.uk

Tolethorpe Hall

The grounds of Tolethorpe Hall were landscaped in their present form in 1867 and remain much the same today. A picnic on the lawns, a stroll around the lawn, pond and flowerbeds and shrubberies all add to the magic of a visit to Rutland Open Air Theatre. www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk

Travel in style

This Mini Countryman JCW, painted in melting silver, is from Sycamore Peterborough. The new all-new Countryman small SUV is at home in town or country, thanks to its compact dimensions, nimble handling and fourwheel drive. Prices start from £22,949.

Launde Abbey

Our photoshoot took place at beautiful Launde Abbey near Tilton-on-the-Hill. They were very nice to us, because usually you can’t have a picnic there as it’s a Christian retreat for rest and thought – there’s a fabulous little café though if you’re passing through on a walk. www.laundeabbey.org.uk

Thanks to models Ella, Harriet, Felix and Thomas and to Launde Abbey for hosting the photoshoot.

Thanks to the following suppliers:

The Deli Kibworth for freshly made to order picnics and hampers: 0116 2790077, 39 High Street, Kibworth, LE8 0HS

Riverford Organic Farms: www.riverford.co.uk

Hambleton Bakery: www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

Stage Two Coffee House: Corn Exchange Shopping Arcade, Broad Street, Stamford

The Stamford Cheese Cellar: www.stamfordcheese.com

Katie Alice Ltd: www.katie-alice.co.uk

Rutland Cycling: www.rutlandcycling.com

Sycamore Peterborough: www.sycamoremini.co.uk

Robinsons Motor Group: www.robinsonsmotorgroup.co.uk Genesis Reflective Products: www.genesisreflectiveproducts.com

The new Tiguan is a classy SUV with the feel of a much bigger premium car. It’s the ideal family transport thanks to huge amounts of interior space and incredible build quality. This 2.0-litre Tiguan in deep black pearlescent paint costs £27,990 from Robinsons Motor Group.

I have a cunning plan...

Martin Johnson has some thoughts on how the Lions can beat New Zealand during their forthcoming tour

If you listen to cynics and Australians, New Zealand is stuck in the 1950s, the kind of place in which Cliff Richard is always No 1 in the hit parade and the fastest thing away from the traffic lights is a Morris Minor. And where the airport tourist board posters welcome visitors with the message: “Welcome to New Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzealand.”

However, if there’s one area in which New Zealand is light years ahead of the rest of the planet it’s rugby union, and when the British and Irish Lions arrive for their eleventh visit since 1904, they’ll be visiting a country in which the game is not so much a sport as a religion. Good luck to them. Having won just the one series there – in 1971 – the Lions are going to need it.

Or are they? One reason the All Blacks have been the pre-eminent side in world rugby for so long is the fear factor. Fifteen hulking great men, all dressed in black, performing that bone chilling war dance before every game. Opponents have tried everything to minimise the psychological effect but it’s almost impossible to face the haka without allowing your mind to drift from all those meticulous pre-match instructions to wondering whether you should have sorted out some extra life insurance.

This time, though, I have a plan. So cunning – as Blackadder once said – you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel. All you have to do is translate the haka from Maori into English, and the Lions won’t so much be holding on to each other out of terror, as to stop themselves from falling over laughing.

“It is death, it is death. It is life, it is death. It is death. This is the hairy man who caused the sun to shine. Up the ladder, up the ladder. Up to the top. The sun shines.”

I ask you. How can you be intimidated by something that sounds like George Formby singing When I’m Cleaning Windows?

With 41 players in the Lions squad, the East Midlands contributes four of them, with Ben Youngs and Dan Cole from Leicester Tigers, and George North and Courtney Lawes from Northampton Saints. And while these two clubs famously don’t get on, if Lions’ history is anything to go by, the four of them will come back as great mates.

A Lions tour is famous for forging friendships, regardless of nationality, and when Leicester held a retirement dinner for their former chief executive and England hooker Peter Wheeler, many of the guests came from friendships forged on his two Lions tours.

Not that these friendships didn’t have to be temporarily suspended, especially for matches between England and Wales, as

Wheeler found out in the 1980 Five Nations clash at Twickenham. A match infamous for foul play and punch ups also resulted in a black eye for Wheeler courtesy of front row opponent Graham Price. Who happened to have become one of Wheeler’s best chums three years earlier on the Lions’ 1977 tour to New Zealand.

Lions tours were a bit different in those days. This summer’s tourists, along with all the support staff, will fill a sizeable chunk of a very large plane for the flight over, and will play just 10 games. Whereas in 1977 there were 25 matches and the players not only had to take their own boots, but were allocated just two jerseys each for the entire trip. And 50p a day expenses.

Everywhere the Lions went, huge crowds would be at the airports to greet them, and following the Lions’ 1971 victory there, and no World Cup in those days, it was by far the biggest rugby event on the planet. As the tourists found out by reading the local papers.

Not only were acres of newsprint devoted to rugby news, but the coverage made the tourists realise that they were not only up against the All Blacks, but an entire nation. And no-one got this message more clearly than the Welsh scrum-half Brynmor Williams after his opening game of the tour.

His room-mate, Graham Price, went out to buy the local paper and Williams, having had what he thought was a good game, was looking forward to reading the report. Until Price threw the paper across the bed and said: “They don’t think much of you round here, Bryn.” And there, just above Williams’ photo, was the headline: “Is This The Worst Scrum Half Ever To Visit These Shores?”

Williams, though, made the team for the first Test, after which his opposite number, Sid Going, came up and asked him whether he’d like to swap jerseys. Having promised one of his two allocated jerseys to his home club Cardigan, who’d helped him out by raising some pocket money to take on tour, and wanting the other for his own souvenir, Williams had to decline.

Not much of the old style touring remains any more, which is sad, albeit maybe not quite so sad in the area of off the field behaviour. The 1974 Lions to South Africa let their hair down so fiercely on one occasion that the captain, Willie John McBride, was informed by an irate hotel manager that he’d summoned the police. To which McBride replied: “The police eh? And how many of them do you think you’ll need?”

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

Open Weekdays from 9:30am and Sundays from 10:30am* *Larger stores open for browsing only until 11.00am

ACTIVE BODY

DEALING WITH KNEE PAIN, REHYDRATING, PAMPERING AND THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE

ADD MILES. ADD EXPLORING. ADD STORIES.

The new, bigger MINI Countryman has arrived at Sycamore Peterborough Ltd.

From spontaneous days out to week-long road trips, our latest model is as adventurous as you are. Optional ALL4 all-wheel drive, coupled with the new MINI Countryman’s higher suspension, gives you a perfect view of the mountain road or the dirt track. With a range of innovative technologies like MINI Connected and MINI Navigation available as standard, plus the optional MINI Picnic Bench, plus the optional 8.8" touchscreen, you can take the road less travelled with the new MINI Countryman.

Visit our showroom to explore our biggest, boldest model to date, or call 01733 707074 to arrange a test drive*. Sycamore (Peterborough) Ltd. Papyrus Road, Werrington Peterborough PE4 5HW Tel: 01733 707074

KITBAG

THE LATEST ESSENTIAL SPORTING GEAR

1. Adidas 2017 Adipower Vector Mid Bowling cricket shoes

The Vector’s bevelled heel gives a smooth transition from jumping to landing, while a support cage and a mid-cut heel height work to stabilise.

From www.rutlandsports.co.uk

Price £115

2. 2017 Gray Nicolls Legend cricket bat

Beautifully hand crafted with classic laser etched branding and made from the best quality willow. The best possible performance money can buy.

From www.vitascricket.co.uk

Price £749.99

3. RPC Heritage Bat

Based in Irthlingborough, Rob Pack is keeping the bat making tradition alive. Pop over and try out a myriad of bats such as this RPC Heritage. You’re guaranteed to pick one up that you can’t put down.

From www.robertpackcricket.co.uk

Price £300

4. Ping G irons

If you’re serious about improving, then it’s essential to be fitted for your irons, and Ping has always been the leader in custom fitting. These irons have COR-Eye technology which provides a more flexible face for faster ball speeds, resulting in longer distance and softer landings.

Price c.£500

From Local pro shops

5. Cobra King F7 Heritage Collection driver

The new retro limited edition collection have a persimmon effect finish so that you can look like Old Tom Morris while hitting it like Dustin Johnson. It also features technology which means a smartphone can track the distances of your drives.

Price c.£350

From www.cobragolf.co.uk

6. Scotty Cameron Futura 6M Dual Balance putter

Drive for show, putt for dough. While you might need quite a lot of dough to buy a Scotty Cameron Futura putter, the results will be worth it as you nail putt after putt.

Price c.£300

From Local pro shops

7. Babolat Pure Strike 16/19 tennis racket (2017)

The Pure Strike 16/19 is the perfect choice for players looking to play aggressive shots with a diverse mixture of power, precision and spin.

Price £152.99 (frame only)

From www.tennisnuts.com

1.

FaME Classes

Are you worried about falling or know someone who is?

Would you like to work on your strength and balance?

These classes could be for you! They are designed to improve your strength, balance, coordination and overall health as well as reduce your risk and fear of having a fall. A progressive seated or standing exercise class tailored to your individual needs and preferences, with an opportunity to socialise.

I have enjoyed the programme very much both from a fitness point of view and socially as I have met some very nice people who I look forward to meeting up with every week.

Thursdays 11.45am - 12.45pm (Meet at 11.30am)

Active Rutland Hub, Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, Oakham, LE15 7TU

Fridays 10.30 - 11.30am

The Lodge, Stamford Road, Oakham, LE15 6JX

£3 per session

To book please contact Active Rutland on activerutlandhealth@rutland.gov.uk or

KNEE PAIN

Summer sports can cause problems for your joints, according to Avicenna Clinic’s Hany Elmadbouh

With summer fast approaching, sport lovers will start to embrace their hobbies that little bit more. But it is important to take care and be alert to any changes in your body.

A knee injury is often caused by over-using the knee or injuring it through sports and physical activities. The knee joint is an area that is particularly vulnerable to damage and pain as it takes on the full weight of the body along with extra force when you run or jump.

Summer sporting activities such as tennis that involve a lot of turning will put you at a higher risk of knee injuries.

It is important that you don’t simply ignore any change in feeling that can arise after strenuous exercise. It is best to seek the advice of a medical professional if you have any of the following issues: swelling in the knee, you are unable to fully extend your knee, notice a deformity in your leg or knee, suffer with redness, pain and swelling or if your knee feels unstable.

Apart from sports, common causes of knee pain include sprains and strains, anterior knee problems (leading to pain

around the kneecap), cartilage damage, osteoarthritis (a condition that affects your joints, causing pain and stiffness), tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon), bursitis (housemaid’s knee), torn ligaments or tendons, bleeding into the joint, gout and septic arthritis (infected knee joint).

As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities for your knees to give you problems!

At Avicenna Clinic, we have highly trained consultants who can assist with all your knee-related injuries.

One of our top knee consultants is Mr Araz Massraf, who qualified in 1988. After specialist orthopaedic training, Mr Massraf became an orthopaedic consultant at Peterborough in 2004.

As well as leading experts, Avicenna Clinic has state-of-the-art technology which includes the only open MRI scanner in the region. This facility is great for patients who suffer from claustrophobia and anxiety with confined spaces because it does not have the usual ‘tunnel like’ scanning area associated with conventional MRI machines.

This facility means that we can provide MRI scans of your knee which will give detailed images of structures within the joint, including bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles and blood vessels, from many angles.

Our ‘one-stop clinics’ mean that you can have an initial consultation, followed by scans or x-rays if needed, and then a further review with the consultant – all in one session. Diagnosis, initial treatment and agreeing a tailor-made long-term treatment plan, if appropriate, can all be done in a single visit to the clinic.

If you want to protect your knees and still enjoy your hobbies you can follow some rules that should minimise any problems such as wearing sport shoes that offer the correct support. If you do suffer with pain, putting an ice pack on the affected area will help to temporarily ease it.

Most importantly, do not ignore the pain. It is your body’s way of asking for help. Once you have seen one of our highly-trained consultants, you will soon be on the mend and hopefully back on that tennis court before you know it.

Avicenna Clinic

1 North Street, Peterborough, PE1 2RA

T: 0330 202 0597

F: 01733 516 014

E: info@avicennaclinic.com

W: www.avicennaclinic.com

PEDAL PAINS

Reducing

the risk of injury as a cyclist, by Function Jigsaw’s Lauren Dobson

From rashes to broken bones to knee pain or numb hands, cycling injuries come in a range of painful areas from several different sources. We cannot prevent injuries, but we can reduce the risk of these injuries from occurring or recurring with some simple self-management strategies.

Many of these don’t take up too much time and when done correctly and consistently can be done whilst waiting for the kettle to boil or when you have a spare 10 minutes in the evening.

Most cycling injuries are due to factors such as – bike fit, collisions/external forces, friction, cuts and grazes and saddle soreness but can also be caused from muscular imbalances, muscular tightness and postural weaknesses.

The bike’s fit is important when you are spending good time on your bike. If something isn’t the correct height, size, width, weight and shape the bike doesn’t fit you and you don’t fit the bike which can cause all sorts of problems short and long-term.

Cycling injuries can be linked to being in the same posture for an increased period. As with running, walking, tennis, swimming – we are continuously contracting and strengthening the same muscles and other muscles can get neglected causing muscular imbalance, tightness and postural weaknesses.

COMMON INJURIES IN CYCLING

Neck pain – mainly caused due to prolonged neck extension to look up to see where you are going from the bike riding position. This can cause localised deep neck ache with some cyclists reporting occasional neural pain. Bike Fittings should determine the correct stem length to maintain an upright posture. Self-management can be done by regularly stretching the pec muscle group (front of shoulders and chest), maintaining shoulder mobility, loosening the handle bar grip and considering some regular soft tissue massage.

Knee pain – frequently due to muscular tightness and muscle imbalance (overuse of quadriceps muscles), which is quite often linked with your bike size and the mechanics of the cycling motion. Cyclists with knee pain usually complain of sharp knee pains on pushing off through the pedals or deep pain behind the patella

(knee cap). Knee pain can be reduced with regular quadriceps (thighs), ITB and hip flexor stretching and self-massage techniques such as the active foam roller. Strengthening your glutes and hamstrings is also beneficial to knee pain to try and equal out muscular imbalances. The benefits of reducing knee pain allows increased power on pedal strokes which will improve performance in numerous ways.

Lower back pain – being in the same position for a period of time doing whatever it may be, will make any muscle ache. Just like when you do the painting in your home, or crouching down to do the gardening on a lovely sunny day. For strong pedal strokes, the body must sit on the bike in a flexed position which easily results in lower back pain. This can cause a constant deep ache in the lower back or in more severe cases referred neural pain down the leg with muscular weakness. Stretching the surrounding structures of the lower back can help relieve this pain and reduce the risks of the pain returning. Lower back pain can also be linked to tight hip flexors…

Hip flexor pain and tightness – when sitting on the bike our hip flexors will naturally shorten as we are seated in hip flexion, the motions of pedalling involves further hip flexion again, shortening the hip flexors. The hip flexor muscle group will then gradually become tighter and tighter unless addressed. This may cause sharp or deep pains into the front of the hip but can also increase lower back pain because of the attachment of the deep hip flexor muscles. Regularly stretching this muscle group can help reduce hip and lower back pain along with maintaining good hip mobility.

Achilles tendonitis – pain in the Achilles can cause discomfort and inflammation. Sometimes this can ease with movement and warming up or can cause discomfort all the time. For example, this may only be an issue in the morning for the first 20 mins of the day, or the initial phases of your ride. Bike size and fit is important with these types of pain – the shoe cleats need to be positioned correctly and the seat height will have a huge impact. If the saddle is placed too high, your toes will be pointing down with more constant contraction of the calf muscle increasing muscular tightness. Management for Achilles pain and tightness can be as simple as self-massage techniques using

the Active Trigger Ball to the above and below areas; calf complex and plantarfascia. Most Achilles problems are caused from calf tightness but when pain is increased, always ice the area and have an assessment from a professional who can provide you with some more in-depth advice.

Forearm or elbow pain – cyclists can experience different types of forearm pain from numbness to deep aches in the elbow and forearm area. Most of the time this is following long distance rides causing poor grip strength and occasional sharp pains which can be coming from a number of structures. It is important that the bike fit is correct so that the elbow wrist and hands aren’t taking additional unnecessary force and load whilst cycling. Self-massage techniques through the forearm muscles along with stretches is beneficial to reducing this pain and to help prevent it from returning – again a similar approach to the other injuries mentioned above that when a muscle or joint is held in the same position for prolonged periods, there will be aches and pains experienced. It is also important that the reduced grip strength is assessed by a professional to ensure this isn’t referred weakness from the neck complex.

As you can probably pick up from this blog on commonly-reported cycling injuries, the causes and what to do about it; the simple key to reducing risk of injury is that can be managed by yourself is:

● Spend good money on your initial bike

fit

● Frequent self-management strategies –stretching and the use of Active Kit

● Regular sports massage

● Consistency. Be consistent with a short routine with these tips and your cycling can be more enjoyable than ever.

All pre-existing injuries or aches should be checked out by a professional before any changes are made.

If you cycle for a club or as a group and you are interested in Function Jigsaw’s team delivering a seminar, get in touch –0116 3400 255 or lauren@functionjigsaw. co.uk. Function Jigsaw host a range of seminars and educational talks and can adapt their knowledge to your needs and benefits whatever the level of sport, type of sport or number of individuals.

@FunctionJigsaw info@functionjigsaw.co.uk www.functionjigsaw.co.uk

6th June - 26th August 2017

Last

in Stamford-Tinwell

Are you suffering from the following?

Osteoarthrtitis

Spinal Discs

Osteoporosis

Muscle damage Fractures

Ligament & tendon damage

Cartilage damage

Here at Cell Regeneration we strive to provide the leading musculoskeletal technology – MBST to offer individuals a pain free, stress free option in maintaining healthy joints and bones.

Centres, both veterinary and medical, use MBST and elite sport teams trust using our technology and knowledge to improve and enhance an individual/ athlete/animal’s career and life.

Suffer from pain? 01780 238084

How much would it mean to you to see a loved one free of pain and more mobile? What would it mean to you to be free of pain and have an alternative option to surgery and pain relief medication?

In Rutland we have one of the seven MBST centres which are in the UK. Situated in Tinwell is a Physiotherapy centre which carries out the award winning treatment for Osteoarthrtitis, Osteoporosis, sports injuries, disc problems and general aches and pains for all ages.

MBST is getting more and more renowned for its benefits across the world as the success of its treatment is non-invasive for a patient, it is quick to work and has huge benefits. In some cases even prevented the need for operations and enable people to stop pain relief medication. What is so great about it is it has no side effects and the process is simple for the patient and entirely risk and pain free.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

You’ve done all the hard work in the gym, playing sports and getting fit, so now is the time to reap the benefits and add the finishing touches…

Edited by Mary Bremner

TIME TO SORT YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE

Summer is just around the corner so at last it’s time to think about summer clothes. Summer means you are able to show off your toned limbs and appreciate all that hard work in the gym has paid off.

This summer feminine clothes are in and the floaty summer dress needs to be at the top of everyone’s list, and it has to have a bold floral pattern.

Vintage Laura Ashley dresses from the 1980s are very popular so check the back of your wardrobe – or your mother’s. Otherwise, have a look on ebay.

I can hear you all groaning that floaty patterned dresses are not everyone’s cup of tea but this year they are back with a bang. Don’t despair though – you can wear your dress with a bit of an edge. Clumpy boots and summer dresses have appeared on many catwalks, even matching floral shoes (possibly a step too far).

Wear it with trainers, top it with a leather or denim jacket, but most of all wear it with attitude.

RE-HYDRATOR FACIAL

Barnsdale Hall Hotel’s hair and beauty salon is a welcoming, calm place. It offers many treatments including spa days and a flotation tank. I was treated to a facial using Espa products which are made with the purest, natural ingredients to cleanse, nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

Espa has an interesting take on a facial. Rather than have formulated treatments using certain products the client ‘sensory tests’ which means they pick by smell. ‘The nose knows what the body needs,’ is their mantra, and it works.

I was offered a choice of two oils and cleansers to smell and asked to pick the ones I preferred. The ones I chose would focus on hydrating my skin which is what I said to Claire, my therapist.

A light was also used to shine on my skin to accentuate any problem areas. It was interesting to see which spots needed extra hydration – my eyes as expected –and if they can get rid of the bags under them even better.

The massage was all that it should be, relaxing and rejuvenating. Claire used firm massage techniques, particularly around my eyes and it felt fabulous.

While waiting for the face mask to work I enjoyed a head massage with my scalp being treated with oils as well. Warning: don’t agree to meet anyone afterwards as your hair will be an oiled mess.

Afterwards I looked in the mirror and I looked well rested, bright eyed (with no bags) and wrinkles had diminished – just what the doctor ordered.

Re-hydrator facial takes 55 minutes and costs £48.

www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk

PAMPERING AT THE MANOR

Manor Hair and Beauty at Tur Langton is in an idyllic spot, based in the pretty village just a few miles from Market Harborough. There’s plenty of space to park and the premises are roomy and airy. Sisters Holly and Lottie were brought up in the village and have recently extended the premises to accommodate four hairdressers and four beauticians.

I had my nails shaped and polished, which is always a treat, and my hair washed and blow dried. It was very convenient to be upstairs having my nails painted and then to wander downstairs to get my hair done. The perfect place to combine a beauty treatment with hair. You can even make a day of it and have lunch at The Manor as well as do a spot of shopping, as there are quite a few other businesses on the site as well.

A wash and blow dry is very popular with some people having it done weekly. I have naturally wavy hair which never looks ‘done’ as it likes to do its own thing. I don’t like it being straightened as I think I look

rather odd with straight hair so it was decided that I’d have my hair curled in a controlled way. Having your hair washed and dried is relaxing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also liked the finished effect. I had bouncy curls which gleamed glossily – a sophisticated look which wasn’t too groomed. Definitely one to do again.

Prices start at £15 for a file and polish and £20 for a wash and blow dry.

Manor Hair and Beauty, The Manor, Tur Langton, LE8 OPJ. 01858 545333.

And finally...

The latest fashions

ACTIVE LOCAL

WE TAKE A DIP WITH DEEPINGS SWIMMING CLUB, AND IT’S THE END OF THE FOOTBALL AND RUGBY SEASONS

A day in the life of DAVID CASHMAN

WORLD WAR ONE TOUR GUIDE

My interest in WWI history began as a child in Perth, Australia where I grew up. I became aware of WWI after seeing my first ANZAC Day parade (the equivalent of Remembrance Sunday) and hearing the veterans’ stories of the Somme, Passchendaele and other battles.

However, I did not become a professional historian but instead trained to be a chartered accountant, and then came back to the UK. I started to travel to France and Belgium at least twice a year and now know the various battlefields from 1914 -1918 like the back of my hand. Being a chartered accountant by profession has certainly helped as I have a great ability to absorb facts, figures and dates!

I began to get interest from family and friends who wanted to visit so I started to take them over there. Originally there were not that many visitors and I can remember being at the nightly Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres when there were only a handful of people. Now each night there could be up to 200. There is so much more interest in the battlefields which is good news as there are many new museums and monuments together with the excavation and preservation of trenches, as well as improved accommodation and restaurants.

The idea of taking tours was sown when my son was at Loughborough Grammar School. I put together an itinerary for the head of history for the boys’ trip to the area and showed where to find some of the 58 ex-pupils and Leicester Tigers players, courtesy of the club, who had fallen in the war. This was interesting for 14 year-old boys as it put into context events as the fallen soldiers would, in some cases, only have been four or five years older than they were. I also gave directions for them to walk along the part of the Ancre river, which is still marshy and misty whatever the time of year, to where JRR Tolkien was during the Battle of the Somme. His experiences there helped in his later works such as The Lord of the Rings.

Research is key

During the winter I concentrate on senior interim finance roles (currently with a large multi-national firm) and in my spare time research for forthcoming trips that people have booked in the spring, summer and autumn. Most people I guide do have some knowledge, and usually details, of a relative killed in action. Groups can range from just one person up to 15 and are all known to each other which makes it more personal. Before each tour

‘You come across remote and rarely visited military cemeteries, old bunkers and pill boxes’

I get as much information about what it is they want from their visit and any specific interests.

I have an extensive library, hence the move to an office in Burrough Court, so I can usually find what I am looking for very quickly and also use online archives. So, for example, this May I will take a couple around Ypres which will include not only seeing their relative’s grave but also walking across open country (three miles from the military cemetery) to the site where he was fighting with his artillery battery when he was killed.

If people with limited time travel on their own with a few guide books it can be daunting as, once they arrive, there is so much to see and it’s difficult to know where to start. You could spend your time racing around, not see what you want, come home and wonder what you have actually seen. This is where I come in as a guide and can make it so much easier for them.

I either drive people around, or we go in

convoy. I explain landmarks before we set off so people have the knowledge before we go. My tours include walking across country using old trench maps through little copses and open fields in the middle of nowhere which still show the scars of battle. These walks can last for two to three hours. You come across remote and rarely visited military cemeteries, old bunkers and pill boxes, and ammunition awaiting collection by the authorities that is still being found by the local farmers! These are things you will not see if you are in a large coach party. I love trawling old bookshops and collecting trench art in antique shops and I often find bits of shells while I’m walking. When I’m not guiding I may sit in one of the beautiful town squares and read, or go to an exhibition, or catch up with the local people I know.

For information telephone 01476 860767/07766 721764 or go to www.westernfrontpilgrimtours.com.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME

Jess Lamb updates us on how the first marathon went as part of the 321 Challenge

We are a very happy team this month having run our first marathon in Rome, and we all made it round. This is the only race that the whole team, Alex, James and I, were running together for the 321 Challenge and was a first marathon for James and me. We are now all sporting some spectacular blisters and black toenails but are doing so with pride.

The race took place in epic Roman style, with a dramatic start in front of the Colosseum made even more so when the heavens opened just as we crossed the line. We spent the majority of the run contending pouring rain, thunder and lightning. It’s a beautiful course, pretty flat and passing some amazing sights such as the Vatican and Piazza Navona.

Our pace was great and we were on for a finish time of just over four hours until I ‘hit the wall’ at mile 20. I was really struggling but the boys stuck with me and eventually we all crossed the finish together in four hours and 46 minutes. I was disappointed to hit the wall but heartened that I managed to keep going and now know what to expect for my next marathon when hopefully it won’t happen again. All our various aches and pains held out, and while Alex’s knee was giving him some grief, it definitely did not slow him down – I did that!

While Alex and I still have three more marathons between us – two for Alex, one for me – completing Rome means that the 321 Marathon Challenge is now over for James. Has Rome given him a new passion for marathon running? Does he fancy another one? The answer is a resounding ‘no’ but I will definitely be dragging him along on some of my training runs and he probably could be persuaded into a half-marathon or two, as long as there’s a beer at the end!

The next goal for the 321 Team is Alex’s solo run in Prague on May 7. Alex is a much more experienced runner than James or me and is hoping for a good time next month. He wants to shave at least an hour off our time in Rome so will be spending the next four weeks doing some serious training.

Everyone’s motivation and focus has remained very high thanks to some incredibly generous donations from our friends and families. We have raised £1,000 so far for the Pelargos Foundation and Parkinsons UK, and with two months still to go are hoping to smash our target of £3,000.

If you would like to donate, please go to our fundraising page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/321marathonchallenge.

E2E in memory of Sandra Watson

Tour de Sands is a new charity based in Easton on the Hill, established just a few months ago a er Sandra Watson’s sad death in March 2016.

The charity aims to assist specific projects and organisations that support people with a terminal diagnosis or are living with conditions caused by cancer. More than that, they encourage ordinary people to do extraordinary things (mainly cycling events) to make the most out of life. This year they are supporting the Lymphoedema Support Network and St Barnabas Hospice Lincolnshire.

Their first challenge is an epic mass participation cycle ride, the E2E starting from Easton on the

Hill and finishing at Elviria, 8km east of Marbella, hence E2E.

This is 1,600 miles which will take around six weeks, cycling five days a week, averaging about 50 miles a day. Sandra’s bike will be brought along, with every participant taking turns to ride it. Sandra’s husband Jerry will ride the whole distance.

Jerry will be joined along the way by around 100 friends, old and new, who will choose which stage of the ride they want to do. Most of the riders are inexperienced cyclists, challenging themselves to undertake this ride in honour of Sandra.

The ride le the Blue Bell at Easton on the Hill on Saturday, April 22, (with a pasta party the

night before) and arrives in Elviria on June 1. We shall keep you up to day with their progress. www.virginmoneygiving.com/ charities/tourdesands

ICELANDIC ADVENTURES

With several months to prepare for their charity Iceland Lava Trek on August 10, Thorpe Hall Hospice nurses Sylvia Reid and Catherine Cole have been building up their training and seeking out bargains as they tick items off their kit list.

“We’re going to be trekking across remote lava and ice fields and, as so many people keep telling us, if we prepare properly it will be a much more enjoyable experience,” said Sylvia.

“The first thing I bought was a pair of good walking boots because I knew I needed to wear them in. I walked around the house in them for weeks and they were fine but on my first training walk they really weren’t that comfortable. Three months on, after being through rain, mud and puddles, they’re much more comfortable.”

With temperatures possibly

plummeting to -10C at night a four season sleeping bag is at the top of the trek’s ‘must-have’ list, followed by clothing to layer up.

The nurses will be sharing a two person tent – which they will have to pitch each night.

Catherine said: “I spent many childhood holidays camping in all weathers in the Lake District and Scotland and I’ve taken my own children camping too. But I’m still a bit nervous about putting up my own tent!

Added to that is the fact that up until now I’ve been a bit of a fair weather walker but we’re going to have to keep going whatever.

“The good thing is that during training with Sylvia – and another Thorpe Hall trekker Alison Chisnall – we have laughed a lot so we’re hoping to be able to keep that positive mood going even if the weather isn’t kind to us!”

Sylvia has joined Empire Gym in Market Deeping to keep her training on course. The team there has drawn up a training plan to ensure Sylvia is trek-fit, and have also pledged to support Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice – the charity which will be benefitting from the sponsorship raised.

Sylvia said: “The trek seems to have captured people’s imagination. I think when I tell people I’m doing it to mark my 60th birthday this year they feel sorry for me so promise some support!”

www.sueryder.org/thorpehall

Walking the Pennine Way

Alan Bradshaw is walking the Pennine Way in May to raise funds for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. He starts at Edale in Derbyshire and will walk the entire length, finishing at Kirk Yetholm in Scotland 13 days later having covered 268 miles.

Alan usually walks on his own, and will be in May, so has had to hone his navigational skills over the years. He has covered many miles in the 12 years he has been walking, setting his own personal goals, but this time has decided to raise money for charity at the same time. He’s chosen the air ambulance because it is a local charity and also helps people in remote areas – hopefully Alan will not be needing them on his walk. To support Alan visit www.justgiving.com/Alan-Bradshaw2.

KEEP ON RUNNING

Our two runners, Dan Swan and Joanna Espin, offer us some more advice…

Once you’ve made the decision to start running, motivating yourself can be difficult. You’ve done the hardest part, embarking on your first run, but then you need the motivation to keep at it, unless you’re one of those lucky people like Dan Swan who says: “Once I decide to do something I do it. I set myself a goal and that’s it, I’m determined to achieve it.”

He is probably an exception to the rule but admits that at times he’s hated his training for the London Marathon but was determined to finish in a good time so had the motivation. And now he’s set another goal for the Perkins Great Eastern Run.

Dan recommends finding a training partner to run with: “It helps you set a pace so find someone at a similar level to you, or who is happy to run at your pace. It also means if you have someone to train with it is harder to dip out as you will be letting someone down.”

Joanna, like Dan, is very motivated and thoroughly enjoying the challenge she has set herself to run a halfmarathon a month this year. Last month she ran in Sheffield on a very hot weekend. The 1,000 feet ascent was quite a challenge in the heat but she got a good tan and thoroughly enjoyed the supportive crowds. “I keep motivated by thinking of the reasons why I am running, to raise money for Phoebe,” she said. “I also enjoy the weather and the scenery while I’m

running and value the time it gives me to clear my head and think, particularly after a busy day at work.”

Both Dan and Joanna suggest joining a club if you can’t find a suitable partner to run with. The Stamford Striders are a perfect example and are very welcoming to beginners as is Parkrun at Rutland Water, which is held every weekend.

Joanna emphasises: “Don’t compare yourself to anyone else if you join a club and remember why you are running in the first place. It’s got to be enjoyable so don’t allow yourself to feel under pressure otherwise it could become a chore.”

Dan and Joanna stress how important it is to warm up and cool down properly, and make sure you stretch as well. This helps avoid injury. “I always run slowly for five minutes,” says Dan. “I have a spot I know is the correct distance. I then stop and do some stretches and will also stretch again after a mile. If I feel a bit stiff I will stretch again after three miles. I always cool down as well. Half a mile from home I will slow down and jog the rest of the distance home. Then I will stretch again once I’m home. I also have a weekly massage, all of this helps avoid injury.”

www.parkrun.org.uk www.stamfordstriders.org

DEEP DIVE

Competitive

swimming at all ages is thriving at Deepings Swimming Club. By Steve Briers

Photography: Chris Lowndes

AT A TIME when public swimming pools are coming under threat of closure, one local pool in Deeping St James has never been so busy – all thanks to the swimming club which made it their home 41 years ago.

Deepings Swimming Club was formed in 1976 and is based at the Deepings Leisure Centre. It is the only competitive club in our region and is thriving, with around 150 members aged eight to 65 years old.

The club was founded by a group of parents, including Alan Chick, Norman Whitehead and Sheila and Geoff Halliday-Pegg, with one simple aim: to promote swimming to children from the local area.

Back then, it also provided swimming lessons but after this role was taken on by the leisure centre in the 1990s, Deepings Swimming Club decided to put all its efforts into providing a pathway for swimmers wishing to compete locally or nationally.

“We pride ourselves on being a competitive swimming club which provides a happy and friendly environment for swimmers to develop and achieve their swimming goals,” says club chairman Martyn Reynolds. “Our 41-year record demonstrates that, despite being a small club, through the swimmers’ and coaching teams’ commitment, great things can be achieved.”

Martyn, who is also a swim school teacher at Stamford Endowed Schools, has held the chairman’s position for the past 15 years and follows in the footsteps of other local custodians, including Bill McDonald, Brian Scotney, Pete Griffin (now club president) and Steve Smith.

The club’s swimmers take part in numerous

galas around the region and, for the elite squad, much further afield, including the annual Netherlands Invitational Meet in Eindhoven.

Under the experienced eye of head coach Lynn Chapman, Deepings Swimming Club has nurtured and developed many swimmers who have gone on to swim at the British National Championships, regional and county championships. It can even count a two-time Paralympic gold medallist among its successes.

Rob Welbourn won those golds at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympics in the 4x100 freestyle relay. He also won silver in the 400m freestyle (S10) and in 2012 he took bronze in the 400m freestyle. Rob, who is now based in Swansea, started swimming for the club in 2001 and still returns to lend his support during club championships and the annual gala which was named in his honour, the Rob Welbourn Open Meet. In April, he swam the first lengths in the club’s cross-Channel swimming challenge which raised more than £12,000 in sponsorship for a new electronic timing board.

Deepings Swimming Club has a long and distinguished history of developing disability swimmers and has been designated the Disability Hub Club for Lincolnshire. This enables it to offer assessment opportunities for swimmers with a disability to help determine their potential as an aquatic athlete.

The club’s high achievers come at all ages –including some of the older members who swim for the Masters squad.

Masters is for swimmers who are over 18 up to the age of… well there is no upper limit. The club’s oldest member is Linda Griffin, 65 years old and still swimming strong.

Linda headed the Masters team of nine swimmers which competed at the European Aquatics Championships in London last year, finishing eighth in the 50m freestyle, tenth in the 50m butterfly and 11th in the 100m freestyle. Emma Lund, who helps coach some of the club’s younger swimmers, also impressed against the best in Europe, finishing a highly creditable tenth in the 100m butterfly.

The club’s elite squad has enjoyed recent success at a national level with 19-year-old Alex Wray who excelled at the British Summer Championships last year, winning silver in the 50m freestyle and bronze in the 50m breaststroke. Alex also finished fourth in the 100m freestyle final and is now training to hopefully compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games.

Lynn Chapman says: “We try to get all the swimmers to the highest possible level. My role is to help them to fulfil their potential. It is very satisfying to see the children come through from a very young age, developing their skills and love of swimming.”

Deepings Swimming Club’s latest prodigies are butterfly specialists Isabel Spinley and Bailie Harrison. Both 16-year-olds made their debuts at the British Nationals last year with Isabel finishing fourth in the 100m and 200m butterfly finals. In April they competed for the first time at the British Championships, representing the club in the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly.

Lynn is proud of her current crop of swimmers and believes many of them have the potential to join Alex, Isabel and Bailie on the national stage.

“We have a lot of very talented swimmers

and a number of them could make nationals,” she says. “We also have a lot of young talent coming through, helping to feed the club and keep it flourishing.”

Lynn and Martyn are supported by a new assistant coach, Zoe Fisher, while a team of volunteer parents work behind the scenes to ensure the club runs smoothly, tackling everything from fundraising, secretariat and welfare to timekeeping and raffles at swimming meets.

“As a small, friendly swimming club, we provide an opportunity for children and adults who have the ability and commitment to fulfil their dreams,” says Martyn. “Support is provided by our experienced club coach and a team of dedicated volunteers all of whom have a passion for swimming.”

Also ‘helping out’ is a regular visitor to meets held at Deepings Leisure Centre - club mascot ‘Sydney the Seahorse’, whose appearances always lift the spirits of swimmers and volunteers alike!

The Deepings swimming team understands that it takes hard work and dedication to become a top swimmer. The Midlands squad trains for up to 16 hours a week, pushing themselves to the physical limits while covering 20-25 miles. It’s a long way from the early days, when the club could only afford to offer four hours of coaching a week.

Swimming offers children and adults of all

capabilities an opportunity to compete but is also a great way to stay fit, according to Lynn, who points to a major advantage over outdoor sports.

“Swimming is a great sport for everyone. The counties can be some swimmers’ Olympics, but

HOW TO JOIN

Deepings Swimming Club

is a small, friendly club that competes, and often wins, against much larger clubs, thanks to the professionalism and dedication of both the swimmers and coaches.

In order for the club to continue to grow and compete it is always on the lookout for new members.

It is a competitive club, so the training is designed to help develop your skills to enable you to compete in the sport.

Younger swimmers usually start off at the

once they get the competitive bug they can really take off,” she says.

“And, of course, with other sports you are dependent on the weather – in swimming, that really doesn’t matter!”.

weekends, doing an hour on a Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon, with qualified coaches providing advice and support. As you progress, you move into the competitive squads that train during the week.

If you are already in Swim School and have achieved Level 6 or above, you can come along for a free trial.

It’s not just younger swimmers they cater for. They also have specific training sessions for adults (Masters), and are a Disability Hub Club for

Lincolnshire.

Swimmers compete at all levels, from friendly galas against local clubs, in regional leagues, open meets and at County, Midlands and National level with a squad structure and training designed to help everyone achieve their goals.

To arrange a trial, visit the website at www. deepingssc.co.uk and complete the ‘Request a Trial’ form under the ‘About us’ tab.

You can also speak to Martyn Reynolds on 01778 344653

Painless, permanent hair removal anywhere on the body... Permanent removal of unwanted tattoos...

Plus: Skin rejuvenation, facial redness, Rosacea & vascular lesions treatment for unsightly thread and spider leg veins...

Offered alongside cosmetic treatm en ts lik e m uscle rela xing inject ion

PIZZA POTTING SHED Thursday and Friday from 6pm and Saturday from midday - from £10 And as if that’s not enough...

SAUSAGE CLUB

Tuesdays from 6 pm - £10

Choose from a selection of local sausages and enjoy with Kitchen Garden mash & peas LUNCH FOR

Two main courses and a bottle of vino

ON YOUR BIKE

Rutland Cycling’s Sally Middlemiss suggests another great route to get you out in the saddle

This route explores the attractive villages and quiet lanes of north-eastern Northamptonshire. It’s a steady route, mainly flat with some gentle inclines and descents.

THE ROUTE

Peterborough to Nassington

Suggested start point: Ham Lane, Orton Meadows, PE2 5UU – there is a Rutland Cycling store here for spare tubes, energy bars, etc, and if you pop into the store with a copy of this route, the Rutland team will be happy to offer you a free coffee and parking pass.

1. Head west out of Peterborough along Oundle Road towards Alwalton, Chesterton and Elton. Keep straight on, crossing several roundabouts, passing the Showground on your left, and passing over the A1.

2. As you head out of the city, enjoy the gentle descent to Elton village. Here, take the right turn to Nassington, then keep following signs to Nassington. As you head out of Elton, you’ll cross over the River Nene.

3. At the t-junction, turn right to drop down into Nassington.

Nassington to Bulwick

4. At the Black Horse Inn in Nassington, turn left towards Apethorpe. Keep straight on, following signs to Kings Cliffe.

5. At the next junction, turn right, signposted Kings Cliffe.

6. Pass through Apethorpe village, still following signs for Kings Cliffe.

7. Keep straight on through Kings Cliffe,

following signs for Bulwick. You’ll pass the Cross Keys pub on your right, then the village shop and post office on your left. At the end of the village, turn left towards Blatherwycke.

8. Head straight through Blatherwycke, following signs for Bulwick.

Bulwick to Oundle

9. In Bulwick village, take the left turn to head up the hill, towards Deene and Corby.

10. Just after you leave Bulwick, take the minor

left turn (no signpost, although there is a brown cycle sign at this point). Soon after, you’ll pass Bulwick Lodge on your left, heading towards Southwick.

11. Follow the road through Southwick, passing the Shuckburgh Arms on your right. Keep to the through road as it bends to the right, then left, following signs for Oundle. Enjoy the lovely views of Oundle and the surrounding countryside as you gently descend and pass through the village of Glapthorn, still following signs to Oundle.

Oundle to Lutton

12. Enter Oundle, passing the George pub on your right, then Oundle School to your left and right. At the T junction in the town centre, turn left. You’ll find several good café options here.

13. At the mini roundabout, go straight on, passing Oundle Town FC on your right.

14. At the roundabout with the A605, go straight over to pick up the minor road towards Ashton and Polebrook, taking care to cross this busy road.

15. Keep straight on, passing the Olive Grove on your left. Pass through Polebrook village, following signs to Lutton.

Lutton to Peterborough

16. In Lutton, follow the road round to the left, signposted Folksworth. Soon after, you’ll see the Cambridgeshire county boundary sign.

17. Enter Washingley, and turn left at the crossroads, signposted Elton.

18. Keep straight on, crossing over the A605.

19. At the t-junction, turn right towards Chesterton and Alwalton and retrace your steps back to the start point.

SEATON LOOP

THE ROUTE

Leave the George & Dragon walking westwards through the narrow road-section passing the church on your left and continuing through the village on Main Street.

As you come to the end of the housing find Grange Lane on your left. Take this down to Grange Farm. Following the waymarks continue through the farm and along the field-edge track. At a left turn you will have a ditch on your right. Continue on the waymarked route through a further field and down a fairly steep, broad track with woodland on your left.

As you reach the bottom of this slope you

come to a meeting of various paths. Keep straight ahead to reach Main Street, Lyddington.

Turn right along the street passing the Marquis of Exeter on your right; continuing through the village on the Uppingham Road. Shortly you will see a footpath sign on your right – ignore this and look diagonally across the road for your path towards Uppingham.

Continue diagonally across the first field and following the waymarks through three further fields take a stile on to the road with another stile slightly left on the other side. Over this follow the waymarked path to the school playing field, crossing this the path leaves down a steep slope continuing up the opposite side. At the gate turn left and shortly right through the woodland. Follow the waymarks down to a small plank bridge and up to reach South View in Uppingham.

Cross the road and ascend the flight of steps opposite. At the top turn left to find steps into the

churchyard. On your right is a building said to be the original Uppingham School. The path takes you round the building into a passage-way round the church and out into the Market Place where toilets are available. (If walking on a Friday the market will fill the square.)

Leaving the Market Square turn right down High Street East noticing the historic architecture, particularly the rooves.

At the roundabout go straight ahead on the Glaston Road but take the footpath at the top of the bank as the road descends sharply left. Follow this waymarked track to Bisbrooke.

As you enter Bisbrooke bear right along Top Lane, cross over the junction to Church Lane following this to reach the Church then continue on the enclosed, waymarked track.

At the open field it is best to try and follow the contour until you see a gateway ahead, aiming for this pass through and head towards the left hand hedge where you will find a footbridge over a stream which you cross.

Look up the hill and following waymarks, going through a gate cross the disused railway and into the opposite field. Follow this track steeply up, eventually crossing a bridleway the path levels out and continues, eventually reaching a meadow which takes you into Seaton. The road is reached down steep stone steps. Take care! Turn left, follow the Main Street back to the George and Dragon.

Rutland Walking & Cycling Festival takes place from May 29-June 2

www.activerutland.org.uk

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

WHERE TO PARK

At the George & Dragon (ask permission first), or near the church.

DISTANCE AND TIME

Just under eight miles/two and a half hours.

HIGHLIGHTS

A variety of beautful churches – All Hallows in Seaton, St Andrew’s in Lyddington, St Peter & St Paul’s in Uppingham and St John the Baptist in Bisbrooke. Plus there’s Bede House (Bishop’s Palace) and Bishop’s Eye in Lyddington, Uppingham market place and its school.

LOWLIGHTS

Some stiles, and the steps to the road returning to Seaton.

TOILETS Uppingham Market Place.

REFRESHMENTS

The George & Dragon at Seaton, or either The Marquis of Exeter or The Olde White Hart in Lyddington. In Uppingham there’s The Vaults, The Falcon and Don Paddy’s.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Three paws. You must be able to walk eight miles. Some steep slopes approaching Uppingham.

POOCH RATING

Several streams on the route, so paw’s up from the pooches.

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

THE PETERBOROUGH SCHOOL

30 MAY – 2 JUNE, 10 - 14 JULY, 17 - 21 JULY, 24 - 28 JULY, 31 JULY - 4 AUGUST, 7 - 11 AUGUST, 14 - 18 AUGUST

STAMFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL

10 - 14 JULY, 17 - 21 JULY, 24 - 28 JULY, 31 JULY - 4 AUGUST, 7 - 11 AUGUST, 14 - 18 AUGUST, 21 - 25 AUGUST

BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL 24 - 28 JULY, 31 JULY - 4 AUGUST

We are a family owned and run Italian Bistro located on St. Mary's Street Stamford. Our menu is based around great Antipasti, hand stretched Pizzas, tasty Pastas and also grill dishes and salads. Our ingredients are sourced from local suppliers as much as possible. Great coffees and a well stocked bar with an exclusively Italian wine list. Visit us online to see our Menus

01780 755 162 enquiries@cloistersbistro.co.uk www.cloistersbistro.co.uk

9 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DE

Cloisters, Stamford

Will and Matt indulge in fi ne food that could have come from an Italian family home. By Matt Tarrant

I have decided it must be hard running an Italian restaurant. Unlike most national cuisines, pretty much everyone reckons they can cook Italian food at home to the standard of Antonio Carluccio, so why go to the effort of eating out when you only need some tomatoes, garlic and pasta and you’re sorted?

But really good Italian restaurants illustrate that authentic Italian cooking is more subtle, varied and nuanced than some spaghetti and a jar of Dolmio.

Cloisters is one such restaurant. The first ingredient is a homely place with a great atmosphere, and it has that. Based in St Mary’s, a thriving area of Stamford with a great mix of independent businesses, booking is essential as it regularly fills up on a Friday and Saturday night.

Run by Dan and Jen, who’d already worked in a Stamford pub, they snapped up Cloisters when it became available. Jen said: "It is just such a lovely building in a beautiful street in Stamford that we just had to put our own stamp on it.”

And they have. There is a nice little bar with some seating in the front of the restaurant for a quick drink before your meal, and so it seemed rude not to try it. We sat down and had a bottle of Birra Moretti while looking at the menu.

Some Italian restaurants have a menu which is a weightier to me than the Bible, with hundreds of dishes, but I always wonder how they manage to stock fresh ingredients for all these choices.

The Cloisters menu is short, sharp and full of well thought through, complementary choices. I had the baked aubergine to start, which was really well-seasoned and cheesy. It was excellent, but I knew it would be before it even turned up: with a large window into the kitchen, I could see it being cooked in the pizza oven.

Will had the crispy fried squid with a really good creamy aioli. The squid was not remotely rubbery and the batter was very crispy, suggesting it has been cooked at the perfect temperature.

Time for some wine with the main courses. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into this, because it’s an all-Italian wine list from Amps Valley Wines in Oundle. In fact they use local suppliers for their food produce where possible, while sourcing the best of Italy from an Italian importer.

We plumped for a bottle Oriveito Classico ‘Seco’ Baroncini 2015 from Tuscany, which was perfect for a sunny evening with good food.

The main course menu is packed with Italian classics too. The pork chop Milanese nearly got

my decision, but the homemade pizzas with a special Fior di Latte mozzarella sounded too good to miss. I had the ‘Nduja with a spicy Calabrian spreading salami as the star topping. Perfect crust-to-topping ratio and fiery salami resulted in me being very happy with my choice.

Will had the ragu di Manzo gnocchi with slow cooked beef ragu. This is where a superb Italian restaurant really shows its class apart from good home cooking: the ragu was deep and rich in flavor with beef which melted in the mouth.

Or so Will tells me – he wouldn’t let me try it. Obviously it had been cooked for hours with lots of care and attention, just as an old Italian nonna might do.

The desert menu offers some Italian delights: Tiramisu is always a favourite, and I can hardly ever pass over an affogato.

But the food here is as homely as the welcome and we were both full. Being athletes it seemed sensible to have a sharpening coffee instead.

9 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DE, 01780 755 162

·

Award for Uppingham School Sports Centre

Uppingham School Sports Centre has re-opened its fitness studio having completed a refurbishment and been supplied with 62 pieces of the latest Pulse Fitness equipment.

The new accessible equipment and other improvements have enabled USSC to be awarded the IFI accreditation, recognising the centre’s commitment to provide accessible facilities, equipment and support.

USSC is the first facility in Rutland, the second facility in Leicestershire and the third in the East Midlands to receive the aaccreditation from the IFI.

Andrew Merrell, fitness manager, said: “We are delighted to have received the IFI award recognising our investment in inclusive fitness. The new equipment at USSC has revolutionised

the training options for our customers and the increased variety of fitness equipment provides an excellent opportunity for individuals with varying needs to have an enjoyable workout, with improved access and inclusivity.”

Various membership opportunities exist for the local community to make use of this excellent improvement to the centre and the fitness studio now also has specific sessions available to children to develop their fitness knowledge.

To view the new equipment follow USSC on Twitter or Instagram @_ussc and for further information, to arrange a tour or to become a member at USSC visit the website at www.sportscentre.uppingham.co.uk, contact the reception team on 01572 820833 or email ussc@uppingham.co.uk

Water park to open this month

The UK’s biggest water sports Aqua Park will return to Rutland Water this summer.

Following its successful launch last year, the park will return on Saturday, May 27, and will double in size, serving up new obstacles and challenges for thrill seekers.

Open until the September 23 at Rutland Water, the park features more than 36 fun and challenging obstacles to climb, jump, crawl, launch, slide and splash.

The park has also commissioned the UK’s tallest inflatable climbing wall, named ‘The Beast’, a drop for only the biggest dare devils.

New obstacles also include the Action Tower XXL and the Ice Tower XXL providing a different set of challenges for guests to experience.

Designed for a supersoaking good time, tickets are priced at £20 for a 50-minute experience, including a free wetsuit and buoyancy aid in

order to tackle the obstacles, balance beams, climbing walls, trampolines and blast bags. The course features obstacles such as Cyclone, the colossal Revolution, Jungle Jim, Kaos, Tango, Freefall Extreme, the Summit Express and many more which promise to deliver real excitement and very wet landings.

Due to high demand, visitors and groups of any size must pre-book online at www.aquaparkrutland. co.uk

ZISHI COMPLETES BRIGHTON MARATHON

Stamford School pupil Zishi Zhang ran his first marathon at Brighton recently to raise money for Lincs to India, a charity that raises money for two schools in India.

He has already raised hundreds of pounds which will go towards building classrooms and accommodation so that homeless Indian children can be taken off the streets, educated and housed.

 To help Zishi raise more money go to www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/zishi-zhang-1

Roundup

The scores, star performers and stats from a month in local sport

Rugby Eagles set for play-offs as Stamford’s season collapses

BY JEREMY BESWICK

As we go to press the crunch encounter between Oakham and local rivals Oundle is about to take place in the last game of the season at the Showground, with an away win for the Eagles meaning a home play-off spot for promotion. It’s taken a storming end to the season from Oundle to set up this climax, with no fewer than six wins on the bounce confirming their rich vein of form.

The fourth in that sequence was at home against former National League side Luton, and the visitors’ scrum was dominant at the start yielding two penalties which, fortunately for Oundle, they elected to kick to touch rather than to put points on the board, the resulting line-outs being lost.

The home team then had four penalties of their own, scrum-half Jaco Steenberg narrowly missing the first, making no mistake with second, hitting the post with the third and landing the fourth.

Simon New was then first to Steenberg’s long clearance from the restart for the opening try of the game and, as prop Mark Carter came on for the injured Joe Roberts, Luton’s dominance in the scrum started to fade and Steenberg added yet another penalty to make it 16-0 at the break.

The second half was described as “frustrating” by head coach Peter Croot Oundle missing quite a few chances, in between the stop-start, as the penalty count rocketed he reckoned, but despite losing that half by two tries to one, they finished 21-12 winners.

An away fixture at Market Harborough followed with Croot noting that they knew they “needed a win to keep the pressure on for the play-off spot”. It started badly for Oundle as Harborough took an early lead with a penalty and then extended their lead with a converted try from number eight Michael Woodford. They even came close to a second try which would have given the Eagles a mountain to climb, but a last ditch tackle saved the day.

Playing into a strong wind Oundle were finding it difficult to make headway but, crucially, skipper Craig Tandy went over before half time to mean that Harborough had only a three point advantage to show from the benefit of the conditions.

With the wind behind them in the second period, Rob Shingles scored early on to give them the lead. According to Croot the tide had definitely turned and Oundle outscored the home side with a series of penalties in the remainder of the game, Steenberg again hitting a post - this time from a drop goal attempt – to win 23-13 in what Croot called “a great team performance” to move them up to second in the table.

Oadby Wygges and Olney were also challenging for that second spot –Peterborough at the top sweeping all before them this year – and so Oadby at home for the next fixture was pivotal.

The teams seemed well matched and it was close at half time, 21-16 to the Eagles after a hat trick of tries from Toby Snelling had cancelled out an early Oadby lead.

The second period, however, was emphatically Oundle’s, Gabriel Smithson with the first of three tries in the opening quarter of an hour. Shingles (twice) and Adam Peel added three more before the end to see them home by 61-30 in what Shingles called “a brilliant game, with some excellent rugby played by both sides”.

So, having secured the play-off spot, the match at Oakham will determine whether they enjoy home advantage for it. Oaks, of course, are a match for anyone on their day, and had good recent wins against Vipers (with two tries from Will Armstrong, a debut one for Chris Carr on his birthday and Ben Turnbull) and also against Old Laurentians (Mark Woodward, Sam Woods – with a cracker – then Callum Crellin and another two for Turnbull). Their only recent reverse came away at that other play-off contender, Olney, so the match should be finely poised and, with both sides playing an attractive style of rugby, it could be a classic.

Meanwhile, over at Hambleton Road, the season can’t finish too soon for Stamford’s first XV who have lost their last seven matches and now sit just above the relegation zone. The club did have its bright spots however, the under 14s landing the NLD Shield with a last-gasp try.

Head coach Dave Laventure said: “The boys were magnificent today in testing conditions. The character they showed in not giving up despite so many handling errors was the decisive factor in them scoring in the last minute and coming out on top.”

Tigers Talk

Matt O’Connor’s position as head coach at the Tigers seems to have been clarified, with club statements that he will be in overall charge of all playing matters and with no immediate prospect of a director of rugby – the title predecessor Richard Cockerill held – being appointed above him.

A er a short pause while he awaited visa clearance, his hands are now firmly on the tiller. “The opportunity to come back and be in charge at Leicester is phenomenal,” he said. “This is a place that I have very, very fond memories of and that I care about greatly.”

With not much le of the season he’s hit the ground running. “Having the chance to come in quickly and getting a look at the environment for the last couple of months – right at what we hope is the business-end – is a huge advantage from my perspective. There is still a lot to play for and we know what we need to do,” he continued.

Despite the recent narrow loss to Bath, their nearest rivals for the fourth play-off spot, Tigers remain in pole position to land that a er a solid win against Newcastle and Bath’s slip up against Worcester. And O’Connor’s influence is beginning to be felt.

“Matt’s been proactive and highly involved,” commented assistant Geordan Murphy and, before the win against Newcastle, O’Connor said: “I cut my teeth in the Premiership. I’ve got a good understanding of what is required in this part of the world to win trophies.”

Tigers fans will be pleased to hear that, reading between the lines, he feels the side had been under-performing given the talent available to him. “I think we have 25, 30, 40% growth in us, so it will be interesting to see how we go. If we look a er the ball four, five, six times better, we are good enough to beat anyone,” he said.

One part of the talent pool that, alas, won’t be available to him is one of the fans’ favourites, Argentine prop Marcos Ayerza who, a er a Tigers career of 11 years and at the age of 34, has reluctantly taken medical advice to retire because of a back injury. In his farewell statement he said: “I have been extremely proud to represent Leicester and Argentina for so many seasons. I’ll miss it a lot but it is time to face new challenges in my life, turn over the page, as hard as that is, and I wish the Tigers all the very best for the future.”

Chairman Peter Tom added: “Marcos has had the respect of team-mates and rivals around the rugby world, as well as from the pundits and journalists who follow the game closely. He has been without doubt one of the leading players in his position in the world.” Marcos will continue to be involved at the club as an ambassador for the wheelchair rugby side.

OAKHAM 20-22 CATMOSE ST. LE15 6HW 01572 722675 BOURNE 26-28 NORTH ST. PE10 9AB 01778 426482 INCLUDING RANGES FOR CRICKET, ATHLETICS AND TENNIS STOCKING ALL THE SUMMER SPORTS KIT

GET CAR INSURANCE FROM THE FEMALE DRIVING SPECIALISTS All policies incude: + Legal Cover up to £100,000 + Full UK and EU Vehicle Breakdown Including Home Start

// MARKET PLACE

Football

Stamford step off rollercoaster

BY DEAN CORNISH

Finally Stamford AFC fans can look forward to a summer on the beach without the ups and downs of a Saturday at the Zeeco Stadium. It’s been a bizarre season with mainly disappointment for fans who expected at least a play-off place following relegation last season. That certainly didn’t come to fruition, with Stamford finishing in the bottom half of the division, but the season will still be remembered fondly, wholly due to an FA Cup run that saw them reach the first round proper for the first time.

Questions have been asked of the manager, Graham Drury, and I’m sure that he would himself be hugely disappointed with the Daniels’ position. The squad that he assembled was good enough for promotion, but the relentless revolving player’s door at the Zeeco made for an unstable side and mixed form.

In fairness, the FA Cup was a distraction to the league performance in the autumn period, and by the time the Daniels could get back to ‘concentrating on the league’ they had a whopping eight games to catch up, and a relentless winter period of two games a week meant that a good run of form was difficult to achieve. While these are all reasonable excuses, Drury will know that it’s not been a good season, and he will need a good start next year if he’s to still be in a job come Christmas.

As for recent results, there has been a glut of goals recently, although not all going the way of the Daniels. A 3-1 defeat away at Leek Town was followed by a 3-2 home reverse against play-off chasing Basford United, and then a 4-4 draw away at Carlton Town.

It seems strange, therefore, that fans’ player of the season was voted as Sam Donkin, the Daniels goalkeeper, who has in fairness been superb in spite of 77 league goals conceded.

The final home game of the season saw Stamford take on promotion hopefuls AFC Rushden & Diamonds. A reassuring second half saw Stamford fight back to draw 1-1, with Jordan Smith securing a point with a delightful header from a John King cross.

It’s also been a strange season for Blackstones who started full of expectation under the management of Phil Gadsby. That appointment ultimately didn’t work out and the club will be disappointed with finishing 14th out of 19 but as the season draws to a close, Stones have finally found some form. They are unbeaten since the start of March having won five and drawn one. Their most recent win saw them beat Cottesmore 2-1 to reach the final of the SRSN Daniels cup.

In the Peterborough league, the Stamford Lions have recently been the cream of the local crop and should finish the Premier Division in the top six. James Sheehan’s side have been in

superb form in the second half of the campaign. That said, they’ve lost their two most recent games (against Holbeach Utd Reserves and Moulton Horrox) but both sides had fielded players from higher level sides. Before that, the Lions’ league form had been incredible, including a belting 10-2 win against AFC Stanground. They’ll be in the mix for the title next season.

It’s also been a great season for Ketton FC, who will finish in the top eight. They’re not ending the season too well though with defeats against Wisbech, Pinchbeck, Sawtry and Peterborough Sports only made better by a 5-0 thumping of Deeping Rangers Reserves.

Uppingham Town, meanwhile, have looked destined for the drop for months. They do still have a chance of survival following some good recent results. They’re currently second bottom, just a point from Stilton above them, with Sam White’s late goal against Leverington recently giving Billy Beaver’s men hope of staying in the Premier Division.

If Uppingham do go down, they’ll come up against Stamford Bels next year who will finish in the midde of Division One. Bels have had a lot of upheaval this season following years of stability before it. Managerial changes and player availability haven’t helped either the first team or the reserves, so let’s hope next season is a better one for the Bels.

Equestrianism

Girls take the reins

It’s all been about the girls this last month, starting at the very popular Belvoir point-to-point at Garthorpe on a glorious spring day at the end of March.

Joanna Hewitt won her first ever race at just 16 years of age. She rode into the winner’s enclosure with a beaming smile and was greeted by loud cheering for this young combination. Joanna is based in Northamptonshire at Caroline Bailey’s stables.

Then equine vet Lucinda Ticehurst succeeded in pipping at least three professional male jockeys to the final post in her first ever mixed race.

Working her way up from the back of the field, she came home second in the members’ race on her own horse, West Cork Flash, at Oakley point-to-point at Brafield-on-the-Green on March 19.

Lucinda has been very busy this point-topoint season, riding both her horses in a variety of events. While West Cork Flash (13) is an experienced racer, both under rules and in point-to-points with several successful

BY JULIA DUNGWORTH

placing’s last season, the success of last Saturday’s race against experienced competition shows their strong partnership is a force to be reckoned with this season.

Lucinda said: “I knew I was going into a tough race given that I was carrying an extra 4st 10lb in dead weight) and up against the men, including experienced combinations. Flash and I worked our way up from the back steadily.

“As we started moving up the field and the end was in sight, it was sheer grit and determination. I couldn’t be happier that that all our hard work is paying off.”

Belton International Horse Trials held another superb weekend of competition at the beginning of April; yet again there were countless spectators and the sun broke through to give an amazing weekend of sport. Yet again it was nearly an all-girl finish in the very prestigious Grantham Cup which was won by Izzy Taylor on KBIS Starburst, closely followed by Mark Todd riding Leonidas, then it was good to see Piggy French getting back

on form after her maternity leave on Quarry Quest Echo.

There was only Mark Todd and Alexander Bragg, who finished in 9th, stopping it being an all-girl top 10. Izzy never seemed to be off a horse – she had 10 rides at Belton, all of which finished and five were in the top five.

The ever-popular Burghley Hunter Trials also took place on the same day. It too was a full day’s competition and they were not taking entries on the day. Oliver Lee and James Shepard made a good start to the day winning the 80cm Pairs and then went on to win the individual and best Burghley Pony Club member. Then Cottesmore’s Gracie Lovett-Brunt won the 1m class on her new horse Prim which, like Oliver, then qualified her for the National Hunter Trial Championship at Eland Lodge in September.

A busy season awaits the Cottesmore with their own Barnsdale Lodge Open one day event taking place on June 3 over Guy Herbert’s cross-country course at Hill Top Farm, Braunston.

2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes Prices from only £147,500

Bourne Heights, Bourne

Buttercross Park, Oakham

Greetham Square, Greetham

There’s no better time of year to consider a move to a brand new home.

Visit

Larkfleet

Gretton Valley, Weldon Hempsted Park, Peterborough

Langham Barns, Barleythorpe Pinchbeck Fields, Pinchbeck NEW

The Paddock, Stamford

Thorney Meadows, Thorney Whittlesey Green, Whittlesey