Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // November 2017

Editor’s Letter

WHEN IT COMES TO SPORT AND ACTIVITIES, I am a dreadful gear snob. I can’t take up anything without buying every piece of matching kit, with all the right branding requisite for the job.

So with Christmas coming, it’s a great opportunity to stock up on those things that are important to the gear snob: the right socks or compression top, correct lenses for sunglasses that relate to the sport, or the appropriately-logoed training top.

It really is an affliction (and an expensive one, too), but there really is nothing better than standing on the first tee with a shiny new driver, at the crease with a beautifully crafted new bat, or pulling on a cool pair of new trainers, full of optimism.

Some people don’t need it though. One of the best cricketers I ever played with used to turn up with a shirt and trousers in a Tesco’s bag, borrow a bat and some pads, and invariably go and get a ton.

I once went skiing to trendy Val D’Isere with a chap who had never been before. He was a farmer: he wore his Barbour and the cow milking waterproofs. He strapped on some skis and by the end of the first day was attacking runs like an agricultural Franz Klammer.

It would be great to be like these talented people, and no doubt I could be accused of ‘all the gear, no idea’, but if I am going to be rubbish, I’d rather at least have the fleeting enjoyment of buying and putting all these lively new things into play, with the (often-forlorn) hope that they might make a difference.

A small apology for the forthcoming abuse of power of mentioning it in my editorial, but I’d like to let you know about a sports quiz run by my cricket club coming up in December that will decide the Sporting Masterminds of Stamford and Rutland (I made that title up, but it seems appropriate!). It will be at the Bertie Arms in Uffington on December 17, teams can have a maximum of five members, and there will be prizes, food and beer available. Entry is £10 per team, and to enter your team of sporting knowledge geniuses, text or call organiser Dean Cornish on 07595 205016. See you there!

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 Chauhan 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

ACTIVE LIFE

13 WHAT’S ON

Great things to do locally for all the family

15 HOW TO...

Make mulled wine and fashion a felt poppy

18-19 RIVERFORD RECIPE

This month we cook a hearty sausage and leek gratin

21 TRAVEL

Head down under for some winter sun in Australia

FEATURES

22-29 PERFECT PRESENTS

Our Christmas gift guide has ideas for all the family

31 MARTIN JOHNSON’S COLUMN

The banter’s already begun ahead of this winter’s Ashes

ACTIVE BODY

35 RISK MANAGEMENT

Advice from the Avicenna Clinic

36 THE RHYTHM OF LIFE

How circadian rhythms can help your body heal

40-41 THE FINISHING TOUCHES

How to look great in the great outdoors

ACTIVE LOCAL

44-45 CHALLENGE UPDATES...

Updates on our intrepid fund-raisers

49 SCHOOL SPORTS

Successes on the field from our local schools

51 DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Dr Hany Elmadbouh, founder of the Avicenna Clinic

52-53 GREAT WALKS

Taking in Lyndon and Rutland Water

57 SPORTSMAN’S DINNER

We try out The Sun Inn at Cottesmore

58-61 GRID GIRLS

Jeremy Beswick meets a ladies American football team

62-66 ROUND-UP

How clubs in the area are faring 40 22

58 52

Clear Start Puppy Pack

Clear Ridge Veterinary practice aims to help your new puppy settle in as quickly as possible and to help with this very important time in their lives.

Take a look at the details of our ‘Clear Start Puppy Pack’. This starter pack caters for all of your puppies needs and includes vaccinations, health assessment, flea treatment, worming treatment, microchip, nurse appointments, information folder and free insurance*.

The Clear Start Package covers all of your young puppy’s essentials for three months:

• First full course of standard primary vaccinations - We offer Lepto 2 vaccinations. We recommend puppies are vaccinated from 8 weeks of age. The course consists of 2 vaccinations given either 2-4 weeks apart. Your puppy will then be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo virus and Para-influenza virus and Leptospirosis. Yearly booster vaccinations will then be recommended to maintain immunity.

• A general health check - You will have a 20 minute consultation with one of our vets which will enable you to discuss any questions or problems you may be experiencing.

• Nurse consultations - As your puppy grows and develops into a young dog, you are sure to have questions. Our nurses will be there to help and advise you along the way. They can discuss: Diet, weight, suitable play/ toys, behaviour & training tips, exercise requirements, preventative dental care and neutering.

• One worming treatment

• One flea treatment

• Microchip

• 10% off subsequent flea & worming treatment for 1yr

• 10% off 1st annual booster vaccination (at 12 months)

• 10% off your next consultation

• 4 weeks free insurance*

All for just £50.00. For more information or to discuss any part in more detail, please call and speak to any of the Clear Ridge Team at our Stamford practice: Tel 01780 764333 or Orton Wistow Tel: 01733 230000

Active life

MULLED WINE AND MAGPIES, POPPIES AND PEOPLE. LOCAL NEWS, DELICIOUS FOOD AND HEAD DOWN UNDER

Edited by Mary Bremner

SANTA FUN RUN

On his way to Lapland to get all the toys ready for Christmas, Santa will be dropping in to the 11th Stamford Santa Fun Run in Burghley Park on December 10 in a helicopter. He will be hitching a lift in the Lincs & Notts Air

Ambulance to make his visit, where he will be encouraging everyone to take part in the fun run and enter their pooches in the Santa dog competition. The event starts at 11.30am. www.stamfordsantafunrun.com

SANTA ON A CYCLE

As you’ll already have a Santa costume from running the Stamford Rotary run, you’ll be raring to go for Rutland Cycling’s annual charity Santa Ride, in aid of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall hospice, on December 17. Starting at 10am at the Whitwell store and cycling to the Giant

store at Normanton – where mince pies and refreshments will be available – before cycling back to Whitwell, this is a ride for all the family. Santa costumes are encouraged! To book your place go to rcrides@rutlandcycling.com or www.rutlandcycling.com/rides

PHOEBE’S FUN RUN

Joanna Espin has set herself the tough challenge of running 12 half-marathons in 12 months to help raise funds for The Phoebe Research Fund. She also took part in last month’s inaugural fun run, helping out as a volunteer during the race which attracted about 350 runners. “Thanks to everyone who took part, volunteered, sponsored and donated,’ says Joanna. www.justgiving.com/joannasknees2

SHOP OF THE MONTH

Hambleton Bakery

Walk past Hambleton Bakery in Stamford’s Ironmonger Street and your eye is immediately drawn to the display of delicious bread in the window, tempting the tastebuds and drawing you in.

Once inside you are met with racks of bread, including gluten free, and delicious cakes (the pecan buns are a favourite) and savouries. You will not leave empty handed and may have been lucky enough to taste some of the samples that are on offer.

Hambleton Bakery has won numerous awards and is going from strength to strength. Look out for the new seasonal products – the Christmas puddings sell out quickly so make sure you pop in early to buy one (they go on sale later this month). www.hambletonbakery.co.uk

“Proper Italian Food”

“The best in Stamford” “Excellent food and service”

Now serving pizza from our NEW wood-fired oven!

Our freshly prepared pizzas have a unique taste and aroma you will only find from a traditional wood-fired oven

royal geographical society (with ibg) presents

THE LAND BEYOND

Wednesday 17 January 2018 7.30pm Tickets £12 (£10) £9 RGS Members & Guest

Less than a mile from the A1 and 10.30am-5pm Sundays Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat

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

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

PROJECT POPPY

Keen sewer Sara Atkin, from Cottesmore, made felt poppies every year to sell to raise funds for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. They sold out really quickly and feedback was excellent.

This year Sara has been more ambitious and has made 600 poppy brooches, with the help of military wife Charlotte Towe, pinning them to a black silk dress that she also made.

This dress, modelled by military wife Michelle Hawes, has caught the imagination of everyone and was previewed at the Great British Sewing Bee exhibition in London. Local milliner Rebecca Couture Millinery created a dramatic hat to go with the dress and the effect is stunning. The dress will be displayed up until Remembrance Day and then all of the poppies will be sold with funds donated to the Poppy Appeal. The hat will be auctioned at The Poppy Ball in London this month.

Rockingham Castle invites you to experience a Victorian Christmas at the castle between November 20-24. As well as guided tours, there will be delicious food on offer, people dressed in Victorian costumes and plenty of Christmas gifts to buy in the shop.

www.rockinghamcastle.com

WHAT’S ON

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

■ Witham Hall School will be hosting its Winter Fair on Saturday, November 11, from 10am to 4pm. There will be more than 50 stalls providing great shopping opportunities and lots of ideas for Christmas presents. There will also be a fashion show from Cavells in Oakham at 11am. A cafe will be offering soup, cakes and drinks, while there will be cra events and face painting. Entry is free.

■ Rutland Cookery School is holding a ‘Stress Free Christmas Dinner Course’ on November 25 and December 7 which shows you how to plan and prepare Christmas dinner with no last minute panics. www. rutlandcookeryschool.co.uk

■ Infant Aquatics, an established baby and toddler swim school, is now running classes in Rutland. Classes are suitable for babies

from 10 weeks to four years old. carly@infantaquatics.co.uk

■ Lights of Love, the open air carol concert at Sue Ryder’s Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough, is being held on December 10. All are welcome at the concert, which starts at 6pm. Entry is free.

■ Corby Glen’s Christmas fayre is being held in the Church Street Rooms on November 19 from 10am-2pm. There will be lots of Christmas gi s to buy and Santa will be there in his grotto.

■ Harringworth Fieldwork Group presents Richard III: The King under the car park, on November 10 at 7.30pm. Matthew Morris, one of the lead archaeologists, will reveal how this amazing discovery was made. Tickets are £5 from 01572 747315 or email sara2chambers@icloud.com

STREETS AHEAD. THE MINI COOPER 3-DOOR

GO WITH YOUR GUT.

By design the new MINI Clubman is the most technologically advanced MINI yet. Loaded with innovative and practical features to enhance your driving experience, the new model includes satellite navigation as standard, a unique 6-door configuration and a spacious, flexible boot space.

To discover more please call 01733 707074 or visit www.sycamoremini.co.uk

Sycamore Peterborough

Papyrus Road, Werrington

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE4 5HW

Who's in? To discover more please call 01733 707074 or visit www.sycamoremini.co.uk

Tel: 01733 707074

Sycamore (Peterborough) Ltd.

Papyrus Road, Werrington

Peterborough PE4 5HW MINI FINANCIAL SERVICES

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the new MINI Clubman Range: Urban 35.3-60.1 mpg (8-4.7 l/100km). Extra Urban 52.3-76.3 mpg (5.4-3.7 l/100km). Combined 44.8-68.9 mpg (6.3-4.1 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 147-109 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. Sycamore (Peterborough) Ltd. is a credit broker.

*Initial rental £2,994. Price shown is for a 48 month Personal Contract Hire agreement for a MINI Cooper Clubman with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 4.52p per mile (exc.VAT). Applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 April and 30 June 2016 and registered by 30 September 2016 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by MINI Financial Services, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Sycamore (Peterborough) Ltd., trading as Sycamore Peterborough, commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including MINI Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders.

HOW TO…

MAKE MULLED WINE

The perfect accompaniment to keep you warm while standing around a bonfire watching fireworks.

Ingredients

1 bottle red wine

50g demerara sugar

1 cinnamon stick

Pinch of nutmeg

1 orange, cut in half

1 bay leaf

1 star anise

50ml brandy

Put the wine in a saucepan along with the orange, sugar and spices. Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Taste to see if you need to add more sugar. Remove from the heat and add the brandy. Serve immediately by straining into heatproof glasses.

HOW TO…

Create a felt poppy

Using a paper poppy as a template, draw round it on some red felt (green felt for the leaf and black for the centre). Cut them out and sew together or, even easier, glue the pieces together. Add a safety pin to the back and there you have it. But please do still donate to the Royal British Legion.

Moving stationery

Fine quality personalised notebooks, journals and diaries handbound in Stamford, England

THE STAMFORD NOTEBOOK Co . Spiegl Press Ltd. Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 1XH Tel. 01780 762550 www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk email: team@stamfordnotebooks.co.uk

NATURE

THE MAGPIE

With their black and white plumage and long tail, magpies are the most distinctive members of the crow family.

Their harsh ‘chack, chack’ call also draws attention as they hop around the canopies of trees. In recent years magpies have increased in numbers as they have colonised suburban gardens, where they are safe from gamekeepers and farmers. They have a reputation for taking the eggs of game birds but their diet is more varied and includes carrion from road kill, small mammals, grain and fruit. Surplus food may be hoarded along with shiny objects which attract them.

Magpies are usually seen in pairs or small groups – hence the old rhyme ‘one for sorrow, two for joy’.

Their preferred habitat of pasture with scrub and overgrown hedgerows provides sites for the dome shaped nest, built of twigs with a lining of earth and roots. A clutch of five to eight eggs is laid in April and incubated for 18 days.

Magpies are widely distributed locally, especially in western and southern Rutland and the Welland Valley. There are fewer in the area north of Stamford where large arable fields and low hedges do not provide ideal breeding habitat.

Terry Mitcham

YEW TREES

Native to the UK, this evergreen tree can live up to 600 years. Ten trees in Britain are believed to pre-date the 10th Century.

The foliage and seed coat of the yew contains highly toxic alkaloids, particularly dangerous for horses and cattle, and is poisonous to humans as well, being used in ancient times by soldiers who preferred to die rather than be captured. Two chemotherapy drugs were originally developed from yew trees and the needles are still collected and used during the manufacture of these drugs today.

The yew is traditionally found in churchyards. Many reasons are given for this; the long life of the trees to symbolise eternity, the toxicity to represent death, or the more mundane – planting yews in graveyards meant farmers and drovers would not let their stock graze there.

The brown rat

The common belief is that there is always a rat within a foot of you. Prolific breeders, having up to eight in a litter, breeding up to six times a year, all year, and reaching sexual maturity between five and eight weeks, this common myth is possibly quite true. Being good swimmers, the brown rat is the only species to be found in sewers in the UK and is quite common in the roofs of houses. Its favourite food is cereals but being omnivorous they will eat virtually anything, including ground nesting birds’ eggs. Carriers of Weil’s disease, which can be fatal to humans, they do not carry the plague, as was widely believed.

SAUSAGE, LEEK AND POTATO GRATIN WITH SEASONAL GREENS AND MUSTARD

INGREDIENTS

500g salad potatoes

Salt and pepper

25g butter

2 large, or 3 smaller leeks

Olive oil for frying

4 pork and herb sausages

1 garlic clove

15g parsley

½ pot crème fraiche

1 nutmeg

200g greens

1 tbsp coarse grain mustard

METHOD

● Scrub the potatoes, put in a pan of salted water and boil for 5 minutes. Leave them in the warm water.

● Remove the skins from the sausages (1) and break each one into six rough pieces. Peel and finely chop the garlic clove. Finely chop the parsley leaves.

● Trim, wash and thinly slice the leeks. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and gently cook for 10 minutes until starting to soften, but not to colour (2).

● When the leeks have softened, remove from pan and leave to one side. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in the same pan and fry the sausage meat until lightly browned, approx 3-4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the leeks, garlic and parsley.

● Stir in half the tub of crème fraiche. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a little grated nutmeg to taste (3).

● Spread the mixture evenly into a gratin (baking dish). Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees C.

● Drain the potatoes. Pop the butter into the empty pan and gently melt it. Coarsely grate the potatoes back in the pan. Season well with salt and pepper and mix well.

● Spread the potatoes over the leek and sausage mix. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are golden, crisp and cooked through.

● Strip away and discard the large central stalks from the greens. Finely shred the leaves.

● About five minutes before the gratin is ready, cook the greens gently in a saucepan with a little oil until wilted and starting to soften. Stir the mustard into the greens and season with salt and pepper.

Tip: If the potatoes are too hot to handle when it comes to grating them, run them under some cold water until they feel comfortable in your hand.

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.

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk 12 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

Tel: 01780 654321 Email: sales@classicstamford.co.uk www.classicstamford.co.uk

St Leonard’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2HN

THE LAND DOWN UNDER

Australia, the country of wide open spaces, fabulous beaches, poisonous creepy crawlies, barbecues, friendly locals, sun and cricket.

The England team is heading to Australia this month to defend the Ashes which they won in 2015. The first test will be played in Brisbane on November 24 followed by Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, finishing in January 2018. The Barmy Army will be out in force supporting the team.

You could do the same, or go off piste and explore some of this vast country and sample the many delights it has to offer. Many people hire a camper van to do this but, be warned, the country is massive, similar in size to America. Internal flights are relatively cheap and frequent – to many Australians flying is like taking the bus.

Most Australians live on the coast, with all of the major cities boasting beautiful beaches. Head into the interior and it really is a country of vast space. Townships are remote and you can travel for hundreds of miles without seeing another human being – but you will see plenty of kangaroos, sheep, cattle, wild donkeys and camels.

WHAT TO SEE

Uluru, previously known as Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith in the middle of

Australia’s Northern Territory. The nearest large town is Alice Springs, almost 400 miles away. An incredible sight, sacred to Aborigines, it is best to see it at dawn or dusk when the sun rises and falls behind it.

Sydney

This city has it all – fabulous beaches, stunning architecture, a magnificent bridge and the iconic Opera House. Many Sydney-siders commute to work via the ferry, sailing into Circular Quay, the busy ferry port located close to the Opera House. Make sure you take the ferry to Manly, one of the best surfing beaches in the city and, according to some, better than Bondi.

The Great Barrier Reef

Off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth. The perfect place to snorkel so you can see the reef up close, including the coral and colourful fish, turtles and sharks.

The Great Ocean Road

Experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, taking in The Twelve Apostles. This road in Victoria was built by ex-soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is dedicated to soldiers killed during WW1, being the world’s largest war memorial. There are plenty of

surfing beaches on the way, but coping with the waves of the Southern Ocean can be demanding.

TIPS

● If travelling by car in the remote interior make sure you take plenty of water and food with you, and tell someone where you are going. If you break down, do not leave your vehicle.

● Australia is home to many venomous snakes and spiders as well as scorpions. If camping out in the bush be aware of this.

● Most Australians are very strong swimmers, being brought up on the coast. Obey the lifeguards and swim within the red flags. Some of the rip tides are very strong and you can quickly get into trouble. Look out for beaches with shark nets – for obvious reasons.

● Never go without suntan lotion. The Australian sun can be brutal. If out all day, wear a hat. Slip, slap, slop is a well-known saying. Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on the suntan lotion.

● Australia is renowned for its wine and beer. Take in a vineyard tour if you can. South Australia and Victoria are two states with plenty of them.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

For everyone

WACKYSOX

Rugby and hockey socks that are comfortable and full of character. Price £7.99

From Rutland Sports (Bourne 01778 426482, Oakham 01572 722675)

HAND-PAINTED GIFTS

Hand-painted, unique personalised gifts at Lollipops Pottery Painting Studio – what you give is entirely down to your imagination! Prices vary

From Lollipop Pottery Painting Studio www.lollipopsltd.co.uk 0116 2700177

RIVERFORD CHRISTMAS GIFT HAMPER

VUZE VIRTUAL REALITY

Capture the whole moment with the world’s first consumer-friendly 3D 360° spherical virtual reality camera with 4K resolution. Lightweight, compact and easy to use with a waterproof housing also available for underwater footage.

Price £895

From www.vuze.camera

This organic hamper includes some wonderful festive goodies, including La Jara prosecco frizzante, mince pies, a cheddar truckle, Cropwell Bishop stilton, plum and cranberry chutney, Pimhill oatcakes and double chocolate brownies. Price £49.95 From Riverford Organic Farms www.riverford.co.uk

AWAIR

Awair is a stylish device that tracks toxins and chemicals in the air while providing recommendations to help users stay safe and healthy. For use in the home and nursery, sensors boost wellness, sleep and productivity as well as manage allergies.

Price £169 From www.getawair.co.uk

BLACK SHUCK GIN AND GLASS

Premium Black Shuck Gin combines botanicals such as juniper, coriander and bitter orange peel with lavender and sea buckthorn. Bought the gin?

Best serve it in a balloon glass with plenty of ice and a twist of fresh orange zest.

Price £38 (glass £8) From The Mediterranean Deli, Wistow Rural Centre 0116 259 3441

HAND PAINTED BESPOKE BAUBLE

Give your tree the luxury treatment with these beautifully crafted ornaments.

Price £14 From The Paint Pottle, Market Harborough www.thepaintpottle.co.uk 07900 090851

SCARAB SAFETY BEACON FOR DOGS

A powerful safety beacon that easily fits to a collar, designed to keep you safe on dark nights or misty mornings.

Price £29.99 From Inner Wolf www.innerwolf.co.uk 01163 373053

ADIDAS LX24 CARBON HOCKEY STICK

The 3D head shape and carbonplate stiffening technology of the LX24 increases ball control and improves energy transfer, meaning maximum power for shooting and passing.

BURGHLEY JOURNAL

Price £180 From G&L Sports www.gl-sports.com 01733 264405

The Burghley Journal is a luxurious, refillable leather journal, hand bound in Stamford from Spanish leather. It can be personalised and comes in a gift box.

Price £57.20 From Spiegl Press www.spieglpress.com 01780 762550

PAWBO+

PHANTOM STOVE FAN

Stove fans push the hot air from your wood burner back out around the room, circulating the heat for a lovely cosy feel.

Price £90 From Harborough Stone www.harborough-stone.co.uk 01858 410033

The Pawbo+ is an interactive camera that is controlled via the free Pawbo Life App so pet parents can not only hear and see their ‘fur babies’ – they can also interact with them.

Price £149 From www.pawbo.com

B7 2017 ELECTRIC HYBRID BIKE

A versatile, comfortable electric bike, with a great specification at a fantastic price point and offering a near-100 mile electric range.

Price £1,599 From Rutland Cycling www.rutlandcycling.com 01572 332032

For him

DRYROBE ADVANCE CHANGING ROBE

A waterproof and windproof changing robe with super synthetic lambswool lining to make you feel lovely and warm after a swim.

Price £99.99 From Tallington Lakes www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com 01778 381154

FJALLRAVEN MEN’S STIG FLANNEL SHIRT

A lightweight, warm, long-sleeved shirt with button-down collar. It insulates well, transports moisture away from the skin and dries fast.

Price £85 From Cotswold Outdoor www.cotswoldoutdoor.com 01666 818153

MR MUK BEARD OIL

An exquisite blend of Moroccan argan oil, linseed oil, sweet almond oil and aloe vera to soften and control coarse or unruly facial hair.

SWANN OUTBACKCAM

Portable HD video recorder and photo camera that is perfect for capturing nature and keeping an eye on the campsite by mounting to trees, posts or flat surfaces.

Price £129.99

From maplin.co.uk

Price: £16.95

From The Barbers of Uppingham 01572 820208

TAYLORS OF OLD BOND STREET AFTERSHAVE

With herbaceous top notes of lavender, bergamot and green notes resting on a heart with geranium and soft green fern. The base of this fragrance is ambery with cedar, leathery, moss and musky. Contains cedarwood oil, patchouli oil and lavandin grosso.

Price £22.95 From The Grooming Room, Market Harborough 01858 419666

BANG & OLUFSEN BEOLAB 50

From the moment the acoustic lens ascends, discreetly opening up to face the audience, you know the stage is set for an extraordinary performance with this high-end speaker.

Price £21,685

From Bang & Olufsen of Leicester 0116 2745858

RAB MEN’S MICROLIGHT ALPINE JACKET

Clean lines and an uncluttered, simple design make this down-filled jacket ideal as an extra layer or for day-to-day use.

Price £190 From Cotswold Outdoor www.cotswoldoutdoor.com 01666 818153

Launde Abbey

Open daily for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea

Cyclists and walkers very welcome

Why not start your walk or ride at Launde then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at the end?

Visit our website for maps and routes at www.laundeabbey.org.uk

Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9XB T: 01572 717254 I E: info@launde.org.uk

Charity No: 1140918

Hambleton Hall, one of Britain’s finest country house hotels, overlooking Rutland Water, provides the most wonderful setting for a Christmas party

Log fires, a beautiful Christmas tree, sensational Christmas decorations and bedrooms to rest your weary head...

‘The Study’ – one of Hambleton’s fabulous private dining rooms is perfect for Christmas parties of 6 to 16 guests.

We are offering parties a Special Limited Choice Menu, Sunday to Thursday, £65 per person for 3 courses. (£80 per person for 4 courses).

Terrine of Sea Bass & Artichoke

Foie Gras Chicken Liver Parfait with Fig Wild Mushroom Risotto, Parmesan & Tarragon

At the end of the evening why not stay the night?

Middle Course Offer - the best fish catch of the day

Fillet of Turbot, Cockle, Clams & Cucumber Merryfield Duck, Caramelised Endive, Cucumber & Plum

Jacobs Ladder, Smoked Potato, Horseradish & Red Wine Jus

Prune & Armagnac Soufflé

Golden Chocolate, Passion Fruit Sorbet

Lime Meringue Pie & Lime Leaf Ice Cream

Coffee, Chocolates etcetera

If you would like to stay after your Christmas party and book two or more bedrooms on a Sunday to Thursday, we are offering a special rate of £240.00 per night, based on 2 people sharing one of our Standard double bedrooms, including full Hambleton breakfast & VAT.

Bourne Heights

Whittlesey Green

Off Bourne by-pass roundabout, West Road, Bourne PE10 0LB  07825 275820 bourne@larkfleethomes.co.uk Gretton Valley

Woburn Drive, Thorney, Peterborough PE6 0SN  07824 327351 thorney@larkfleethomes.co.uk

Eastrea Road, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 2AJ  07826 914345

whittleseygreen@larkfleethomes.co.uk

Buttercross Park & Langham Barns

Opposite Catmos College, Off Barleythorpe Road, Oakham LE15 7EE  01572 722262

oakham@larkfleethomes.co.uk

Rockingham Gate, Priors Hall Park, Weldon, Corby NN17 5EB  07825 171512

gretton@larkfleethomes.co.uk

For her

CASTELLI MORTIROLO 2 WOMEN’S JACKET ORCHID

A windproof winter staple with Windstopper fabric on the front and sleeves and close-to-body fit, this jacket will see you through most cold weather riding conditions.

Price £170 From Rutland Cycling www.rutlandcycling.com 01572 332032

ANGEL NECKLACE

A beautiful gift this Christmas is the angel crystal pendant on a long chain. Available in a selection of colours.

Price £29 From Anna Couture, Stamford 01780 765174

MURANO SILVER EARRINGS

These gorgeous Linda Macdonald Vintage Romance earrings are sure to put a sparkle on a loved one’s face on Christmas morning.

Price £68 From Murano Silver www.Facebook.com/MuranoSilver 01778 347007

AUSTRIAN CRYSTAL HEART NECKLACE

Sparkling and truly special, these tiny heart pendants come in a selection of colours, high cut crystal for superb quality.

Price £25 From Anna Couture, Stamford 01780 765174

RAB WOMEN’S MICROLIGHT ALPINE JACKET

With a clean, uncluttered design the Rab Microlight Alpine is the ultimate protection against cold weather, perfect for day-to-day use.

Price £190 From Cotswold Outdoor www.cotswoldoutdoor.com 01666 818153

ELIZA LEATHER BACKPACK

A beautiful leather backpack made from luxury, spruce-green bridle leather, fully veg-tanned to give a crisp finish and a durable self-lining in polished suede.

Price £350 From JR Tusting Ltd www.tusting.co.uk 01234 712266

WHITE GOLD TOPAZ AND DIAMOND RING

Make this Christmas one that will never be forgotten with this incredible 18ct white gold topaz and diamond ring.

Price £3,250

From TJ Thornton Jewellers, Market Harborough www.tjthornton.com 01858 468858

For the kids

LIFEPRINT 2X3 HYPERPHOTO PRINTER

This portable Bluetooth device prints photos straight from your mobile phone, Instagram and Facebook videos, Snapchats, GoPro clips, photos and even animated GIFs.

Price £135 From Apple UK and Amazon

JBL JR 300BT

Specifically designed for children aged three to 10, these headphones are built with a Safe Sound feature and fine-tuned for lower sound levels.

Price £39.99 From uk.jbl.com

FROG BIKE 48 KIDS’ BIKE

Built to the same quality as premium adult bikes, the Frog is not just reliable but also lightweight and packed with clever features, from the locking headset that prevents over steering to easy to reach brake levers for comfortable braking control.

Price £250 From Rutland Cycling www.rutlandcycling.com 01572 332032

MADD GEAR PRO VX7 PRO

If you’re looking for the best complete scooter which features some of the highest specification components for your money then the VX7 Pro scooter has it all and included in the new upgrades are an alloy fork and an integrated MFX headset.

Price £124.99 From George Hall Cycle Centre www.georgehallscycles.co.uk 01858 465507

ACE OF PLAY BALANCE BIKE

This bike is specially designed to be lightweight, making it easy for your toddler to be manouverable, developing their co-ordination, balance and confidence to move onto their first ‘big’ bike or scooter!

Price £79.99 From George Hall Cycle Centre www.georgehallscycles.co.uk 01858 465507

An impressive collection of one & two bedroom apartments and three & four bedroom houses, there’s a home for everyone at Oakthorpe from Kier Living. This exciting new development is perfectly situated in the cathedral city of Peterborough, which boasts a variety of attractions and amenities, as well as being just 50 minutes from London Kings Cross by train *

Prices from £152,995

Sales & marketing suite open daily 10am - 5pm Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6AW

311022

A Trojan horse, containing brilliant batsmen and barnstorming bowlers

An Ashes touring party that travels with no hope of victory?

It’s

a ruse used famously before, says Martin Johnson

Every couple of years or so, two sets of colonial cousins arrange a few games of cricket, and whoever wins gets presented with a terracotta urn containing the charred remains of a pair of those two wooden bits that sit on top of the stumps. Hard to explain, then, that long before a contest known as the Ashes actually gets under way, the rules apparently require the competitors to begin exchanging words like ‘war’ and ‘hatred’.

This was the rhetoric chosen by Australian batsman David Warner, letting go with a few opening salvos fully five weeks before the first ball is bowled. Warner, whose past contributions to cordial relations include taking a swing at the current England captain Joe Root in a Birmingham nightclub in 2013, has a bit of previous in the verbal department, and has once again been selected by his country to kick start the verbal sparring.

This is not to say that England don’t fire any shots of their own; it’s just that they’re more subtle. Jonathan Agnew, my chum from his Leicestershire days, and now the BBC cricket correspondent, has gone for the reverse psychology approach by describing the tourists as one of the worst England sides to be sent to Australia.

The first time England tried this tactic was on the 1986-87 tour, when exceptional cricketers such as David Gower, Ian Botham and Allan Lamb were instructed – or at least we presume they were – to perform as though they had been selected via a blindfold and pin from the Southport League Division Three.

Having been on that tour, I have to admit to reservations over the Agnew plan. Not because people like Warner are intelligent enough to remember that it’s been tried before, but because modern cricket tours are structured in such a way as to leave precious little time for the plan to be implemented.

In 1986-87, however, England had six and half weeks in which to travel all over Australia playing cricket like complete numpties. It was so brilliantly executed that they managed to fool everyone, including the travelling band of hacks. Which is how, on the eve of the opening Test, I came to re-assure readers back home to take comfort from the fact that they were useless at only three things –batting, bowling and fielding.

I didn’t realise it at the time, but I had unwittingly joined the English propaganda machine. One of the local tabloids picked up on the article, and their entire front page was devoted to one giant headline. “They Can’t Bat, They Can’t Bowl, and They Can’t

Field!” it read, underneath which was written, in slightly smaller print, “Latest On Pathetic Poms – see Page 13.”

The plan turned out to be the greatest piece of British deception since convincing Hitler the D-Day landings would be in Calais. Everywhere England went, they were bowled out by two left armers no-one had ever heard of. In Queensland, it was Tazalaar and Frei. In South Australia, it was Parkinson and Gladigau. In WA, it was Reid and Matthews. Every time one of them turned an arm over, another England batsman trudged back to the pavilion.

Which is why, when Australia’s selectors sat down to select their team for the opening Test in Brisbane, they chose Matthews from Perth. Only this time, instead of England’s batsman missing every ball he sent down, they all arrowed in on the middle of the bat. By way of a bonus, Matthews also managed to drop Gower on 0, allowing him to retrieve a precarious first innings position in the company of Botham.

The century Botham went on to score was one of the finest ever seen in an Ashes contest, and all eyes were on Australia’s beaten captain when the game ended. No-one quite seemed to know how to kick off the press conference when Allan Border sat down, but eventually the avuncular figure of the Australian Associated Press dipped an elbow into the bath water. And lost, at a conservative estimate, several layers of skin.

“How do you feel, AB?” he ventured. Border looked up. The eyes came out on pogo sticks, the lips twitched, the mouth foamed... “How do I feel?” he said. Well, more snorted than said. “How the (several expletives deleted) feel?” It was an eruption on the Krakatoa scale. The outpouring of rage understandable enough from a man who realises he’s been hoodwinked.

You would have to say that there are enough Australians who remember that series for such a ruse not to be swallowed again. But sometimes the blindingly obvious doesn’t become blindingly obvious until it’s too late. The 1986-87 tour was the equivalent of the citizens of Troy waking up one morning, and finding that the Greeks appeared to have gone home. “Oh look!” someone shouted from the ramparts. “They’ve left us a horse. How nice. Someone nip down and open the gates.”

Given that people are supposed to have short memory spans nowadays, Aggers may yet turn out to be England’s trump card.

 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?’.

The Tiguan. Cool. Calm. Connected.

ACTIVE BODY

THE IMPORTANCE OF TREATING INJURIES PROPERLY, HOW TO DRESS A MIDDLE AGED MAN AND THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

in Stamford-Tinwell

Do you suffer from pain?

MBST technology therapy, Casterton Lane, Tinwell PE9 3UQ

THREE CASE STUDIES

An ageing farmer from Spalding who was told he would not be able to ski again, was able to go on five skiing holidays in one season after his MBST treatment.

A footballer was told she would be out of a major international tournament, until she had MBST and captained the side to bronze.

A lady from Stamford who commuted to London was hit by a car. From February 2017 this lady was in a wheelchair until she had physiotherapy and MBST combined. Six weeks after MBST she is back commuting and even walks without an aid.

MBST CAN WORK EFFECTIVELY ON THE FOLLOWING:

OSTEOARTHRITIS

SPINAL DISCS

OSTEOPOROSIS

MUSCLE DAMAGE

SPEEDS UP THE HEALING FOR FRACTURES, LIGAMENT, CARTILAGE, MUSCLE AND TENDON DAMAGE.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

MBST promotes the body to heal itself by using Magnetic Resonance, which has been developed from Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI). It sounds scientific, which it is, however the process for the patient is simple.

A patient will attend a full assessment by a Physiotherapist before being passed onto Cell Regeneration who will look after the treatment process. This consists of lying or sitting in a device for an hour at a time, once a day until the treatment course is completed. The team is friendly and health professionals are on hand for any advice and help while you recover. Treatment times are flexible to fit around work, school, training or just busy lifestyles.

MBST communicates to cells in bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles. The technology transfers energy directly into the cells of treated tissue to stimulate the regenerative process. This non-invasive therapy treats the cause of pain to promote healing and relieves symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries and injuries caused by accidents.

‘BUT

I THOUGHT SPORT WAS A GOOD THING…’

Hany Elmadbouh, founder and senior consultant at Peterborough’s private healthcare facility, Avicenna Clinic, talks about the inevitable risk of sports injuries and the importance of treating these injuries properly

We’ve all been talked into ‘getting fit’ before because it is good for you and will make you feel better.

Very true. But doing any sort of exercise and sporting activity should be approached with knowledge and preparation. After all, failure to warm-up properly is the most common cause of a sporting injury.

Five to 10 minutes is all it takes to gently stretch and lengthen your muscles so that they are ready to respond when you pick up the pace.

This said, sports injuries can still happen and can affect anyone at any time, whether you are taking part in a physical, team activity or a non-contact sport. So with football and rugby seasons in full flow, what should you do if you fall foul of a sprain or dislocation on the pitch?

In most cases ‘the early bird gets the worm’ is fitting, with the emphasis on getting prompt treatment. A sprain or a dislocation can take anything from one week to several weeks before you see a full

recovery, but speedy intervention from a healthcare professional can make all the difference.

An early, accurate assessment can deliver a prompt diagnosis and define the seriousness of your injury. In some cases this early analysis will include an x-ray or even an MRI scan to help pinpoint the exact location of your injury and identify the cause of pain. Your treatment plan can then begin straight away. Delayed treatment for injuries usually means a longer healing time and a greater chance of recurrence, leaving you with abnormal scar tissue, joint stiffness and muscle weakness.

Wearing the correct protective equipment is also vital. Shin pads, boxing gloves and cycling helmets, for example, play a vital role in protecting the most vulnerable parts of your body as well as reducing the likelihood of injury from impact.

Impact injuries are the most common types of sporting injuries and occur as a

result of your body unexpectedly moving, twisting or jerking in an unnatural way upon hard impact. Common impact injuries include dislocated joints, ligament and tendon damage, fractures and spinal injuries.

Although spinal injuries are a rarity, they are not unheard of. This is particularly true for sports such as martial arts or horse riding where the likelihood of impact is quite high. The consequences of a spinal injury can be life-changing and should be treated immediately. As with a sprain or dislocation, the time between the injury occurring and the treatment commencing has a direct impact on the long term prognosis.

For a spinal injury, you may be offered a non-surgical, minimally invasive form of treatment such as a steroid injection. This would not only provide instant pain relief, but also act as a diagnostic tool to help identify the source of pain. Imaging studies, such as an MRI scan can also form part of the diagnostics process giving the most detailed pathology of the area in question. It goes without saying that, once you are undergoing treatment for a sporting injury, you will need to refrain from the activity until the injury has healed. Continuing to aggravate the source is counter-productive and the injuries, and pain you suffer, in the long-term will be far greater than the complaint you started with. It could quite easily lead to a more serious condition or even an acute injury causing your bones to crack, muscles to tear or ligaments to snap.

Don’t under-estimate the importance of diagnosing the problem and starting treatment as soon as possible. The quicker you treat the issue, the more straightforward your treatment plan is likely to be, meaning your recovery should be uncomplicated and successful.

And if you’re already suffering from an injury that’s causing you pain and discomfort and stopping you from getting back to doing what you love, then why not make an appointment at the clinic?

Based in Peterborough city centre, Avicenna Clinic is an independent, consultant-led private healthcare practice offering personalised health care to self-pay and insured patients. You can often make a same day appointment, see a consultant, begin diagnostics and receive a treatment plan all in a single visit – getting you back to what you love doing as soon as possible. To find out more or book an appointment, call the Avicenna Clinic on 0330 202 0597 or visit www.avicennaclinic.com

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

Understanding your circadian rhythms could be key to recovery from injury and illness

The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm.

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioural changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Circadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature, division and proliferation of cells and other important bodily functions.

Sleep is an easy example of this – our body’s internal master clock controls the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes you drowsy. When there is less light, the body clock receives that information from the optic nerve and tells the brain to produce more melatonin so that we then sleep. Jet lag, for instance, is when our

circadian rhythm is disrupted due to crossing time zones that your cycle is used to and can take a few days to adjust.

Several recent studies have demonstrated the importance of the circadian rhythm in cartilage maintenance and repair and rhythm disruption is a risk factor for joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Some studies have shown that in rheumatoid arthritis some immune cell populations lose their normal circadian rhythms while others establish new inflammatory circadian rhythms.

According to the latest scientific discoveries of Dr. Egg from the University of Innsbruck, MBST (Molecular Bio-Physical Stimulation Therapy) corrects misaligned circadian clocks in cells. MBST is the only technology currently available worldwide which causes this correction and uses magnetic resonance as a therapy. Magnetic resonance is also used in diagnostic imaging.

The therapy has been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis for more than 15 years using

the MBST devices developed by the German company MedTec.

MBST works at the cellular level and stimulates hydrogen protons using radio waves, putting them into a high energy state. This energy is then released into the tissue to be treated and stimulates the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue.

Studies indicate strongly that magnetic resonance has a direct impact on circadian regulated pathways.

With the Nobel Prize-winning study confirming the discovery of the importance of circadian rhythm and how they actually work, and MBST currently being the only technology in the world to correct any misalignment, we are very lucky to have a treatment centre locally in Tinwell, just outside Stamford, at Cell Regeneration. MBST can be used on the following; osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sports and accidental injuries and the general wear and tear of joints.

Cell Regeneration

Zeeco House Annexe, Casterton Lane, Tinwell, Stamford, PE9 3UQ

Telephone: 01780 238084

Web: www.mbst-therapy.co.uk

Visit the local shops?

Finish that favourite jigsaw?

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE COMMUNITY

In the first column of a series on the subject, Dr Nigel Hume looks at the increased awareness of dealing with mental health

Having trained at Leicester University Medical School in the 1980s we were taught to be aware as under-graduates of the interaction of mental health and physical symptoms.

One day a week was set aside to studying this aspect of health. As training progressed and I became a GP, it was accepted that 20% of all primary care consultations would be related to anxiety or depression.

Since the change in the millennium I have become aware of the increasing time needed to deal with these complex consultations.

It can be very difficult for patients and indeed doctors to decide who has a physical illness, a mental health issue or a reactive and understandable sadness.

Thankfully, in the last 10 years there appears to have been an increased public awareness of mental health issues and this

has allowed GPs and nurses to discuss these matters with more ease.

A recent article in the British Medical Journal has highlighted how the public profile of mental health aided by input from the royal family has been a driver to increase the frequency of consultations related to mental health.

During the same period, the number of prescriptions for drugs used to treat anxiety and depression has increased dramatically. A recent article by the BBC suggested that the number of prescriptions for antidepressant drugs has more than doubled, from 31 million prescriptions in 2006 to 65 million in 2016.

The time has come for those working in mental health and primary care to acknowledge the increased needs in this area and perhaps explore avenues other than prescription medicines.

It has been well recognised that regular

exercise along with talking therapy can be as effective in mild to moderate depression as the commonly prescribed medications.

Sadly the the provision for such services has not kept up with the increasing demand in the community.

While 23% of NHS activity is related to mental illness, mental health trusts have been receiving about 11% of funding in recent years.

As awareness of these issues increases, I feel the time has come to explore methods by which a community can improve mental health using regular exercise and self-care such as meditation and mindfulness techniques.

Dr Nigel Hume Private GP

The Broad Street Practice Stamford www.thebroadstreetpractice.co.uk

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Dressing as though you’re heading off on an outdoor adventure is all the rage... time to get up to speed with Gorpcore and unleash your inner train spotter!

Edited by Mary Bremner

WHOEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT...

Middle-aged men of a certain ilk have suddenly become fashionable. You know the look... dressing as if you’re going on a geology field trip with zip-off trousers, cagoules with toggles, puffa jackets, climbing gear, dad trainers, fleeces and even the much derided bum bag.

Welcome to Gorpcore, the latest weird and wonderful trend that is besetting the fashion world. It basically involves dressing as if you are heading out on a massive hike

in harsh weather, but really you are just heading for the latest trendy coffee shop. And it’s not just for men – young trendy hipsters, rather than middle aged ones –but women are embracing it, too.

The baggier the better as far as the female of the species is concerned. Wear all this gear with a t-shirt with a statement on the front and you are bang on trend. A good thing about this utility clothing look is that it is comfortable and practical, if

rather boring – but that’s the irony about it all apparently – and what makes it so popular. It dominated this summer’s festivals and has continued to be popular. Brands such as The North Face, Peter Storm and Berghaus have suddenly seen demand go through the roof. Visit your local outdoor clothing retailer to stock up on the Gorpcore trend and you too can look like a middle-aged man, or better still, a train spotter!

I’ve been a customer at Good Hair Days in Uppingham for a number of years so I was keen to visit owner Nikki Thorpe’s salon in Stamford to see if I would get the same level of service and advice. Good Hair Days in Stamford was celebrating its first birthday the day I was having a cut and colour and it seems the salon has been building a strong and regular clientele.

Nikki has more than 30 years’ experience and has developed a warm, friendly yet efficient atmosphere in both salons.

Managed by Olivia and Hayley, Good Hair Days Stamford is on Alexandra Road so has plenty of free on road parking around the salon, yet it’s only a short walk from the centre of town.

My mop was fairly overgrown as I hadn’t had time to make an appointment in weeks and the colour needed some urgent attention, but Hayley didn’t bat an eyelid. In fact, she took one look and advised adding texture to the back to balance the front of my hair and to tone down the blocks of colour that have built up, by introducing my ‘natural’ colour amongst the blonde. I felt I was in very safe hands which was important as it’s vital to have confidence in your hair stylist.

The salon is very large, light and airy.

There’s no typical client here: customers range from teenagers to a delightful elderly couple who visit for a weekly hair ‘do’. The team pride themselves on providing expert and up-to-date cutting and colouring techniques.

Good Hair Days Uppingham offers a full range of beauty treatments; both salons offer a bridal hair and make-up service and in Stamford they’re about to open a nail bar.

While I was there all the customers were delighted with the service. One woman said Olivia had made her look 10 years younger. – a compliment indeed. I was certainly pleased with my hair, the colour is very natural but uplifting – something I badly needed – and by taking a good inch off the bottom, with a reshape, I felt much more groomed.

For down to earth, friendly and knowledgeable hair stylists you certainly don’t need to look further than here.

Prices vary but my shampoo, cut and blow dry cost £33.50 and half head highlights were £39.

Good Hair Days Stamford, 1 Alexandra Road, Stamford, PE9 1QR. 01780 238280. www.goodhairdaysstamford.co.uk

ACTIVE LOCAL

THE PERKINS GREAT EASTERN RUN, DINNER AT THE SUN INN AT COTTESMORE AND A WALK ROUND LYNDON

WE MADE IT!

Dan Griffin and Fergal McNamara rose to the challenge and completed their cycle ride from London to Paris to raise funds for the Matt Hampson Foundation. Here they tell us how they got on…

After a poor night’s sleep in our London hotel on the eve of our departure, we woke to very strong winds – not great for cycling. We packed our kit making sure that the energy gels were safely stashed in our tops and set off shortly after 7am.

The first three hours were brutal, it felt like we were cycling uphill all the way. Having to cover 25 miles before the first water stop, we cycled in a group chatting to the other cyclists along the way. We were expecting to be trailing along at the back but were pleased that we were both in the middle of the group of 120 cyclists.

After stocking up at the first stop we set off again – up more hills – and then got lost! Tempers were frayed but Google Maps got us back on track. Stopping for lunch Dan piled his plate high, but lived to regret it afterwards as it sat very heavily in his stomach later, and he sat even more heavily on the rock hard bike seat!

We had been averaging about 20mph but the final stint of the day proved an absolute killer. Hills, more hills, and yet more hills, so our pace slowed to 10mph.

We made it to the final stop 30 minutes before the deadline and enjoyed a pint of Guinness (which had never tasted so good) before doing the final three miles as a group to the port where we hopped on the ferry and off again to cycle six miles in horrendous winds to the hotel. That was the first day over and 91 miles covered.

The second day we were up enjoying the smooth roads of France before doing battle with a strong headwind. This part of the leg was relatively flat so we enjoyed the sights, ate our hosts out of house and home at lunch, took a 30-minute break and then did battle with heavy rain for the last 10 miles. We were much earlier to the hotel this time so had a chance to socialise with the group.

And so it went on, cycling hard, enjoying the sights, pretty villages and the camaraderie, but with our legs getting more and more tired. The final day came and Paris was in our sights. Our legs now truly hurt, each mile was agony, but we were determined to finish. We now had to contend with lots of traffic, which was tricky, but the sun was out and we all met up three miles out of the centre so we could cycle in together.

Riding up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe was an amazing experience, albeit painful as it’s cobbled. Then it was on to the Eiffel Tower, a quick whizz round, and across the finish line.

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ GriffandFergalgocycling

There’s more to racing than winning

Harry Brooks keeps us up to date with the trials and tribulations of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. This month, unfortunately, there have been more trials than tribulations for his team

Ocean racing is about more than crossing the line first. Yes, winning is an important part of racing, but teamwork and determination also come into play, something we are all learning about now we are actually on the ocean.

My boat, Unicef, has had a tough couple of days battling the South Atlantic. The team has all had to pull together during a tense 48 hours in the middle of the vast ocean. Hit by a squall in the early hours with the main sail up, the boat was over-powered and started to broach, with the boom crashing into the water (broach means to capsize, the boat heeling too far to one side with the sail sweeping the water’s surface).

Those on watch managed to winch the sail back to safety only for the spinnaker to get out of control, wrapping itself around the inner forestay (rigging in layman’s terms). This meant that the whole crew had to get involved trying to unwrap it.

Remember that this was all being done under moonlight. They then had to try and wind the spinnaker in, which was proving to be an impossible task as it was impossible to unwrap from the rigging.

It looked at one point that they would have to limp to the

Falkland Islands (the nearest land) as the repairs could only be done in a dock.

All hope of winning this leg of the race had now gone. They still couldn’t get the sail under control, and as they were in a hove to position (not actually sailing or steering), the boat was being pushed back to Brazil, where they had come from. To make matters worse the bow of the yacht then ran the sail over. The whole team then had to try and drag the sail back over the side rail. Eventually after much heaving, and teamwork, they succeeded. This whole task had taken 20 hours but they were then able to start gingerly heading for South Africa with an improvised inner forestay. The experienced members of the team, including captain Bob, worked throughout the night to make running repairs.

The boat is still ‘sloshing around’ in a hove to position but they expect to be racing again shortly. This stage of the race is clearly lost but the team has won a great battle that could have been disastrous, pulling together and working as one got them through some hazardous conditions and their eventual arrival in Cape Town will be a triumph. www.clipperroundtheworld.com

OVER AND OUT!

After months of advice our intrepid runners Joanna Espin and Dan Swan finally ran the PGER at Peterborough. But did they follow their own advice?

Dan completed the halfmarathon in his usual style, finishing with a time of 1:32.35 – virtually the same as he ran last year. Slightly disappointed with this time, “I wanted to be quicker than last year”, but accepting he hadn’t trained as hard because of distractions.

“Conditions were a bit warmer than I would have liked, but there was no rain which was perfect,” said Dan. “Everything went well, I started out a bit strong for the first three miles but needed to get out of the pen and out of the way of everyone else before settling into my pace. I then settled down to run an average of seven minute miles, which is what I had planned.”

Dan’s long distance running career is now over as he has other goals to reach – in his case, literally. Dan has recently trialled, during the week of the race, with Doncaster football club as a goalie, and is hoping to be offered a contract.

“I’ve run two half-marathons and a full one and have decided that long distance running is no longer for me,” he added. “I’ll keep doing the short, sharp runs of four or five miles a few times a week and will concentrate on my football training and getting even fitter for that.”

Joanna’s race was not quite as smooth as Dan’s, but she followed her own advice, persevered, got her head down and stuck at it. “I had a bit of an

energy dip mid-race but gave myself a talking to and got round.” She also didn’t beat her time from last year but having run 11 half-marathons in the last 12 months, three of them in the last six weeks, she can be excused. “I think I need a break for a week or so!

She added: “The crowds were very encouraging, I focused on who I was running for and got myself round, bumping into a few old friends at the same time.” Afterwards she ate a banana and a cocao energy ball before sitting down to a high carb meal later that evening.

Joanna is still working her way through 12 half-marathons in twelve months and has the final one booked. And there’s no stopping Joanna – next year she has got a team together to tackle the Rat Race Dirty Weekend! Dan and Joanna followed their own advice and kept to their plan and their hard work paid off. Hopefully you all got round safely and are now basking in the glory of a race well run and are busy planning your next race.

Thanks Joanna and Dan for all your sound advice.

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KITBAG

TUNE IN WHILE YOU WORKOUT

1. Kuaifit Sport

The world’s smartest biometric headphone set provides motivation, monitoring and music in one handy device. Suitable for activities including running, cycling and gym work outs, it combines a clinically validated heart rate sensor, an accelerometer that accurately calculates speed/pace, distance and calories, and a 8GB memory that holds more than 2,000 songs, three months of workout data and training plans.

From www.kuai.fit Price £159

2. Soul Electronics X-TRA

Using its years of experience with both athletes and sound engineers, Soul Electronics has created the X-TRA headphones. X-TRA provides a comfortable over the ear experience that remains in position during workouts, without compromising on style, comfort or audio quality.

From HMV Price £99

3. AfterShokz Trekz and Sportz

AfterShokz’s wired and wireless sports headphones offer a comfortable, healthy and safe way of listening to music. Unlike conventional headphones and ear buds, these bone conduction headsets transmit audio waves to the inner ears through the skull, bypassing the eardrums. Specifically designed to use while exercising, they are sweatproof, secure and allow the user to stay aware of traffic and ambient sounds around them.

From www.afterShokz.co.uk

£59.95-£149.99

4. Libratone Q Adapt

Libratone is a Scandinavian manufacturer of premium audio products. Combining minimalist design with soft fabrics in a range of vibrant colours, Libratone’s cutting edge technology includes features such as ‘CityMix’ and 360 degree sound.

From John Lewis Price £159

5.

Vi

Vi is an artificial intelligence personal trainer that learns your workout and evolves over time. Throughout a workout, Vi trains you with a human voice and acts as a workout companion that responds to voice commands, and monitors heart rate, elevation, cadence, speed, time and location.

From Amazon Price £200

LINCS SELECTS FIVE DEEPINGS SWIMMERS FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Five members of Deepings Swimming Club were selected to represent Lincolnshire at the 2017 ASA National County Team Championships in October.

Senior squad members Tom Adams, Tom Neal, Louis Metselaar, Isabel Spinley and Holly Leggott competed for the county in three individual races and three relays at the championships, held in Sheffield.

Meanwhile, 10-year-old Alex Sadler also received a county call-up, representing Lincolnshire at the Beds Junior Inter-County competition. Lincolnshire finished ninth of 17 teams in League 2 at the national county championships after fine performances from the Deepings swimmers.

Isabel, who was named girls’ county team captain, won the Girls 16/17yrs 100m butterfly, narrowly missing her personal best time despite being in heavy endurance training.

Tom Adams came fifth in the Boys 14/15yrs 100m butterfly and Louis Metselaar was sixth in the Boys 14/15yrs 100m breaststroke.

Tom and Louis then joined forces to swim their strokes as part of the 200m medley team, helping Lincolnshire to a third-place finish.

Also competing in their team medleys were

Tom Neal and Holly Leggott. Tom took the backstroke leg in the Boys 16/17yrs 200m race as the team finished 13th, while Holly anchored the Girls 14/15yrs 200m team, bring them home in 11th. Meanwhile, in the Junior Inter-County competition, Alex Sadler was third in the Boys 10yrs 50m freestyle and helped the mixed 200m freestyle relay team to sixth.

DOUBLE TOP FOR OAKHAM

Oakham’s hockey players have swept the board at the County Championships with both the U18 and U16 teams winning, and the U14 teams placing as runners up.

The 1st XI (U18 team) were crowned County Champions for an impressive eighth year running. They won convincingly against Welbeck College, Loughborough and Uppingham.

The School’s U16 team also won all of their matches (against Ratcliffe, Welland Park, Loughborough, Uppingham and Leicester Grammar) to take the top spot for the second year running!

The U14 girls finished runners up, enjoying five wins at the tournament and conceding just one goal all day to earn their place in the Midland Zonal tournament.

“For all three of our teams to progress through to the Zonal tournaments is a great achievement,” said director of hockey James Bateman. “It is a strong testament to the outstanding and continuous quality of hockey at Oakham.”

Lynn Chapman, Deepings Swimming Club head coach, said: “I’m delighted we had so many members of the squad selected to represent Lincolnshire.

“It’s a great honour and the swimmers all did themselves credit. It should set them up for another outstanding season as we build towards the winter nationals.”

WITHAM U11s WIN TRIO OF TITLES

Witham Hall’s U11A team have had a fantastic six weeks of hockey, winning the Laxton Junior, Leicester Grammar and Orwell Park tournaments, being crowned Regional Champions, qualifying for the IAPS nationals, scoring 64 goals and conceding just six.

The team is made up of eight talented girls whose team work and commitment has been commendable, and they will be representing the school and the region at the National IAPS Finals being held at Millfield on November 10.

A day in the life of DR HANY ELMADBOUH

FOUNDER AND CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST AT THE AVICENNA CLINIC IN PETERBOROUGH

Avicenna Clinic is a private healthcare facility in the heart of Peterborough’s city centre.

Set on three floors, the clinic houses digital x-ray and ultrasound facilities as well as the only open MRI scanner in the east of England.

Building work started at the clinic in May 2016 and it officially opened its doors in April 2017. The building has housed a GP surgery since the 1860s, but has had significant renovations – a complete refit in fact – to transform it into the state-of-the-art clinic that it is today.

Getting the atmosphere right within the clinic was essential. The building, whilst huge, was not conducive to a private clinic setting. So, I drafted in the services of a specialist healthcare architect and consultants to help with the design and flow of the clinic.

Privacy and comfort are at the heart of everything we do; for both our patients and our consultants. That’s why I sought to get a holistic viewpoint into what would make the most efficient, private and impressive clinical environment from those ‘in the know’. And I do think we’ve succeeded.

One of the most significant investments we’ve made is our open MRI scanner. MRI scanning is a form of medical imaging that is used to investigate the anatomy and the functioning of the body and to detect disease. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, MRI scans use powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses to generate very detailed images of organs, soft tissue, bones and other internal structures.

Operating the only open MRI scanner in Peterborough and the surrounding area, Avicenna Clinic can offer a more comfortable experience for nervous patients, those who suffer from claustrophobia, children, and patients who wish to be accompanied while being scanned.

One of our key specialisms is minimally invasive surgery. These procedures don’t require an overnight stay. For example, we carry out arthroscopies to look inside the joints, and endoscopies to look inside the bowel and the gut. We can do operations on the hands and feet, small hernias, varicose veins, and any number of lumps and bumps.

I’ve been a consultant radiologist for the last 20 years and I do much of the imaging myself. Using this technology, we also carry out image guided interventions. We use

imaging equipment such as x-ray, ultrasound and, more recently, MRI to guide the treatment to the most affected area.

In June, we carried out the first MRI guided injection in the UK. The patient, a businessman from Stamford, was unable to stand up when he came to see me and had been told he would most likely need surgery to correct his condition. He is now 70% recovered and has been told he no longer needs the surgery.

I also do a lot of orthopaedic work so, for example, I may inject a cement-like substance directly into the affected area of the spine of a patient with osteoporosis, or with a spinal fracture, to correct the problem. Some people literally stand up from the table and their pain has gone. That’s why I love what I do – I love to help.

We have consultants across a broad range of specialisms. These consultants form ‘teams’ to provide a holistic service for patients. For example, pain treatment can be

multi-factorial and involve four or five different specialists such as diagnosticians, osteopaths, surgeons and psychiatrists, all working together. The patient is always at the centre of our care and we always suggest the most appropriate treatment for them.

Our patients typically use their private medical insurance to pay for their treatment, but some pay for it themselves. We’re covered by the top insurance companies so can take most referrals from a GP.

Being a consultant-led clinic means we can offer people a service that doesn’t involve going backwards and forwards between GP, consultant and back again. People who have been struggling with pain or illness want continuity of care so they can have all the diagnostic tests, a treatment plan put in place and know what’s happening next. It gives them control.

The Avicenna Clinic, 1 North Street, Peterborough, PE1 2RA. 0330 2020597. www.avicennaclinic.com

TOP STAT

The Lyndon Visitor Centre has lots of information about the Rutland Osprey project and you might even spot an osprey or two on this walk if you are really lucky.

LYNDON AND RUTLAND WATER

A

THE ROUTE

Park opposite the footpath sign at the top of the stunning tree-lined avenue which drops south out of Lyndon. It’s a stunning and immediate introduction to the bucolic charm of this tiny estate village which has remained largely untarnished by modern development.

Head west along the footpath, first passing the attractive red brick manor house and then the much larger Lyndon Hall to the north. The path gradually drops down as it traverses the hillside with views of Wing to the south-west all the while.

Keep moving gradually downhill, negotiating four right angle turns until you eventually reach the little bridge over the River Chater. Your dogs will welcome this opportunity for a drink and a dip in the fresh water.

If you want to extend this walk you can cross the river and head up to Wing and the excellent King’s Arms for a drink and something to eat. However, if you want to keep it simple then don’t

cross the river and instead turn right and head straight uphill along the hedgerow. This is a kilometre long uphill stretch and the higher you go the better the views to the south become.

You will soon reach the main Rutland Water south shore road between Manton and Edith Weston. Cross the road and keep heading north and downhill towards Rutland Water on the road opposite. You will get some superb views of the water from here as you pass some attractive looking camp sites on either side of the road. It drops steeply and when you get to the bottom you will see the entrance to the Lyndon Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve on the left.

But turn right here and join the trail around Rutland Water for less than half a kilometre before you will see the new gate and path sign on your right. Go through the gate and follow the trail uphill as it curves round. You will pass the eastern edge of the campsite and keep heading south until you reach the main road again. Turn left and you will quickly come to the footpath running south through Lyndon Wood.

Follow the path until you reach the road just north of Lyndon and then stroll back past the church of St Martin and through the village to the car.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

WHERE TO PARK

At the top of the tree-lined lane leading south out of Lyndon opposite the footpath sign.

DISTANCE AND TIME

Three and three quarter miles/an hour and 15 minutes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Peaceful Lyndon with a number of attractive big old houses and the main hall. Lovely views of Wing to the south and Rutland Water to the north. The River Chater. And the contrast between the untouched historic charm of Lyndon and the modern commercialism of Rutland Water.

LOWLIGHTS

Unless you extend the route to Wing there is no pub on this route.

REFRESHMENTS

If you extend the route to Wing the King’s Arms is well worth the extra distance. Otherwise there’s the Horse & Jockey at Manton, the Wheatsheaf at Edith Weston and The Fox at North Luffenham.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Two paws; there are two long reasonably steep climbs but it’s not a long walk and there are no difficult stiles.

THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE

The River Chater comes at just the right point for the dogs to have a drink and cool off if it’s a warm day. There was no livestock when I did the walk but you will have to keep the dogs on the lead on the Rutland Water section.

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.

(Phase 4)

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is available to anyone who has had a heart attack, coronary angioplasty, heart surgery or stable angina.

Tuesdays 1.00 - 2.30pm

Catmose Sports Centre, Huntsmans Drive, Oakham, LE15 6RP

Wednesdays 1.30 - 3.00pm

Inspire2tri, St Mary’s Road, Manton, LE15 8SU

£3 per session

01572 758200

activerutlandhealth@rutland.gov.uk www.activerutland.org.uk

ON YOUR BIKE!

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

With shorter daylight hours it can be tricky to fit in a long ride so this 30-mile loop is just right for a late autumn blast. The route is mainly flat, with a couple of undulating sections. For those with more time, the route can easily be extended to the north or west.

THE ROUTE

Empingham to Edmondthorpe

1. Head out of Empingham on Exton Road. Turn left at the t-junction to Exton, then go straight over the crossroads to Burley. Ride past Exton, following signs for Cottesmore.

2. Turn right at the t-junction, towards Exton and Cottesmore. Stay on this road, following signs for Greetham.

3. Enter Cottesmore and at the t-junction, turn right to Greetham. Ride through Greetham.

4. At the roundabout just outside Stretton, turn left towards Thistleton (Hooby Road).

5. At the t-junction, turn left to Thistleton.

6. Ride through Thistleton, then take the next left to Wymondham (Drift Hill).

7. Continue on Drift Hill into Wymondham. In Wymondham, take the left turn to Edmondthorpe.

8. After exiting Wymondham, take the left turn to Edmondthorpe.

Edmondthorpe to Ashwell

9. Just outside Edmondthorpe, take the right turn on to Cordhill Lane, a minor road which winds gently down towards Whissendine.

10. Turn right at the t-junction to Whissendine.

11. Go over the level crossing, then turn left to Whissendine.

12. At the t-junction, turn left to Ashwell.

Ashwell to Empingham

13. At the crossroads in Ashwell, turn right, then first left, following signs to Cottesmore.

14. At the roundabout, turn left to Burley.

15. At the t-junction in Burley, turn left to Cottesmore.

Distance

30 miles

16. As the road bends to the left, take the right turn to Exton.

17. At the t-junction, turn left to Exton, then first right to Empingham, following signs to Empingham. Take the right fork to Empingham and retrace your steps back to the start point.

Situated in the Rutland village of Cottesmore, The Sun Inn is a delightful traditional pub offering great beer, fresh local homemade food and a warm welcome.

Food is available 7 days a week and booking is recommended.

Book now for Christmas and New Year.

The Sun Inn, Cottesmore

Steve and Chris visit this charming country pub for a welcoming winter warmer. By Steve Moody

On a dark winter’s night with the wind blowing and the leaves swirling around, there’s something very welcoming about a well-lit pub, a beacon of warmth and welcome out of the storm.

Such was the case when heading to Cottesmore for dinner at The Sun Inn, a pretty low thatched pub in the classic style – it’s whitewashed walls lit against the blackness.

Ducking through the low door, it is immediately apparent this is a pub that has all the old-fashioned virtues: the smell of a wood fire pervades the building, the occasional brass and plenty of welcoming messages from the new landlords Christian and Gemma.

They took over at the start of the summer having come from a pub in Nottinghamshire and they are clearly in the process of marrying the old-world village pub style with everything a modern patron would want. It seems to be going well – we went on a Tuesday night, and the place was buzzing.

Chris and I found a cosy alcove (it’s not short of those) and settled in to perusing the menu which for me is one of those eyes-

closed, stick-a-finger-on-it types where I could happily eat any of it.

My digit landed on tempura prawns and sweet chilli dip for starters and homemade burger for mains, which was a good result. Chris, being more fussy (or less gluttonous, depending on your point of view) went for a classic prawn cocktail with Hambleton Bakery bread followed by rib of beef on a bed of mash.

My prawns turned up. There were only two but this wasn’t a problem as they were doing a passable imitation of small lobsters, wrapped in a crisp, light batter. Very good. Chris, channelling his inner Margot Leadbetter, reckoned his retro '70s starter was perfect.

For main, my burger appeared, towering over the plate and accompanied by crispy chips nearly the size of bricks. It would appear that going home hungry was not going to be an option and the deep, succulent burger was nicely complemented by the sharpness of the red onion.

Chris’s rib of beef looked incredible, perched atop his hill of mash, and it was clearly beautifully cooked as the second he

took a knife to it the meat slid straight off the bone like it was undressing itself.

Both meals were excellent, and just the sort of hearty, filling, wintry fare you want when a gale is battering away at the windows.

I didn’t really have much space left for pudding, but it seemed rude to have come all this way and not give one a bash so I opted for the warm apple strudel, which had a wonderfully crisp pastry topped with toasted almonds and sweet raisins, covering softly reduced apples. I manged to get through all of it, which after the first two courses was an achievement of which I was rather proud.

Chris’s excellent lemon posset, berry compote with shortbread biscuit didn’t last much longer either and it is fair to day that the food at The Sun Inn is as welcoming as the hosts. It’s a pub clearly on the up.

The Sun Inn 25 Main St, Cottesmore, Oakham LE15 7DH. 01572 812321

G R I D G I R L S ★ ★

An American football team started in Peterborough last year and is keen for women to join its shoulder-padded ranks. By Jeremy Beswick

Photography: P&M Photography

If you’re a woman in search of a new sport, I dare say American football might not have immediately sprung to mind for your shortlist – but what an intriguing prospect! Although you might feel it is, to borrow a metaphor from another American sport, a bit left-field, couldn’t it be the perfect dinner party conversation piece? It’d certainly make for a more interesting discussion than the boring old gym and, as we shall see, those who’ve given it a try are brimming with enthusiasm.

Women have been playing American football since 1926 and here in the UK it’s more common that you might think. Overall there are no fewer than 130 English clubs and many of them have women’s sides. There are also three female national competitions. The Opal Series is for flag football (the non-contact version of the sport) and the Sapphire is the full-on alternative. Both of these are for reduced team numbers whereas the prestigious Diamond tournament is full contact and 11-a-side, just like the men. In this format, Great Britain’s women won a bronze medal in the recent European finals and there does seem to be a momentum building with new sides starting up all over the country.

Close to home, the Peterborough Royals formed just last year and are keen to recruit and add to their core of about 15 dedicated players and three coaches. Club secretary Leanne Tyers told me their members “range from former rugby players to ladies who have never played a team sport in their life, fitness addicts to ladies that couldn’t tell you what the inside of a gym looks like, and 18-year olds starting university to those in their 50s”.

Many had not even watched a game before joining and

she went on to point out that this is a very inclusive sport, saying “there is a position for all shapes, sizes and abilities”.

Annelien Schoormans took the plunge only a few weeks ago. Having seen the club’s Facebook page and the open invitation to just turn up to training, she’d done exactly that.

“I was a bit nervous at first and didn’t know what to expect,” she told me. “But everyone was very friendly. I really enjoyed it. It’s highly physical but you need to use your brain as well. A great way to meet people, get fit and have fun on a Saturday morning. There’s more to it than you would think and I’ll be carrying on with it for sure. It’s nice that we’re all different ages and different backgrounds.”

Michelle Bark, on the other hand, although new to the game at the time, has been there since the beginning.

“A friend persuaded me to go along to their first recruiting session with her for moral support and then didn’t show up herself!” she remembered. “The GB squad was there to help us out and I don’t think anyone else there had ever played before. It was hilarious once we got the kit on. With the helmets you have no peripheral vision and your shoulders feel twice as wide as normal. We all kept bumping into each other before we’d even left the changing room.”

Royals’ head coach Benita Grant-Booker played professionally in America before moving to the UK and has also coached men’s teams. They were only a club “on paper” when she first got involved and remembers they didn’t expect the turnout they got for that first session

Michelle had been to. She echoed Leanne by saying: “It’s definitely a team sport that can take on any sort of experience and all body types. We can use any or every one, so no-one’s exempt!”

That doesn’t mean that it’s easy though.

“It’s not the simplest of sports,” she continued. “Offence versus defence is like a chess game.”

But that’s what the coaching team are there for. “Rock up any Saturday morning at 10am. Just bring comfortable sports shoes and watch for the first time if you’d rather. I dare you to come and try it!” she added.

Working under Benita is defence co-ordinator Jamie Ewen. He’s still playing 18 years after starting at university.

“We currently play the five-a-side game, with a short-term aspiration to move up to seven. For that we need 20 or more players so we definitely need to recruit.”

He’s very proud of the women they already have.

“They’re amazing,” he told me. “I’ve coached for 10 years off and on and this bunch is so refreshing. They really want to learn, to work hard and they’ve come on in leaps and bounds. There’s great camaraderie and they all look out for each other”.

How would he sum up the sport to an outsider, I asked? “One of the most challenging things you can do but one of the most rewarding, both mentally and physically. I’ve played many sports in my lifetime but the satisfaction I get from this is like nothing I’ve had before.”

Let’s hear from Michelle again. You’ll remember she was brand new to the sport a year ago, yet has now been invited to train with the full GB squad, so has obviously come a long way in a short time: “I think joining was one

of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s a great confidence builder and I’ve made lots of friends, and it’s good for fitness without you realising that you’re doing that whilst you’re having fun. One thing that surprised me was how different everybody was. We have such a diverse group of people whether that be age, size or where we are from. I think that’s what makes our team thrive. All so different but we share the same goal.

“It’s all very thought out and you must learn the plays – you can’t progress without that. You’ve got a designated route to run and, if you receive the ball, everyone else has to block for you. If not, then you’re blocking for someone else. You have to turn to see the ball and with the helmet and bars on it’s difficult to see, so you have to turn your body whilst running – it’s all about the hips”.

The last word goes to Leanne: “This is the perfect time to join the team as we’re about to implement a new playbook and start practising ready for the next tournament in January with the chance to play some development games against other teams in November. All kit is provided for players, so there’s no big expense, the only thing ladies need to bring is a positive attitude and suitable footwear! What are you waiting for?”

What’s more, they promise you a Royal welcome.

WANT TO JOIN IN?

You’ll need to be a minimum of 16-years old for the flag game, 18 for ‘kitted up’. All specialist equipment provided free by the club Twitter @PtownRoyals www.facebook.com/PeterboroughRoyals peterboroughroyals@gmail.com

Roundup

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

Rugby Oakham win bragging rights after away win at Stamford

BY JEREMY BESWICK

Following their famous win at Stamford at the end of September, Oakham came back to earth with two defeats at the hands of Old Laurentians and Olney. However, it had been a fantastic performance away to their local rivals, ensuring bragging rights until at least January 6 when the return fixture takes place.

The toss is an important affair at Hambleton Road, given the steep slope of the pitch. Oaks won it and followed the conventional wisdom that it’s better to play uphill in the first half rather than in the second when legs are inevitably tiring.

Stee Vukinavanua’s try put Oaks ahead and, although they lost Ben Turnbull to a yellow card and Stamford were to equalise right at the end of the 40 minutes with a drive for the line, they would have felt the advantage was all theirs for the second half.

Stamford’s early attacks were repelled and, shortly after Turnbull’s return, Vukinavanua scored a second, almost identical, try which was converted by Callum Crellin. Yet, back came Stamford to level – their second try also similar to their first – and it came down to who would win the final quarter. By now, the slope was now having its anticipated effect and it was indeed Oakham, with tries from Glenn Vakalalabure and Will Armstrong, who prevailed by 24-12.

On the subject of Oakham, their girls’ side is now into its second year and, with two highly qualified coaches. It offers a great opportunity for those aged 11 to 17 to try out

the game. As they say: “Everyone at Oakham RFC is very nice and we are all here to help you learn and enjoy rugby.”All you need to know including contact details can be found on their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Alternatively, if you or someone you know would like to watch a game before joining in – or are older than 17 – the women of Deepings Devils are a thriving side who won both their matches in October.

Old men like me have no excuses for not joining in either now – a new veterans’ league has started in the area involving Stamford, Oundle, Peterborough, Deepings, Thorney and St Neots. Stamford particularly is busy recruiting; joint captain Jake Wilkins saying: “We just want to get as many people involved as possible – it’s as much about the banter and the camaraderie as it is about the run around.”

Newly-promoted Oundle went into their match against Old Northamptonians on the back of three wins and, although ONs beat them 35-7 to go top of the table, coach Peter Croot took solace from their performance against what have always been a strong side: “It marks the progress Oundle have made... playing Old Northamptonians would be unthought of five years ago.

“As Oundle settle in this league, they can be sure that they are not far off the top teams. It will take work, but they will be if they perform at this level week in week out”.

After a heavy defeat in the cup against Bedford Athletic – no disgrace there as Ath play in Midlands 1 East and Oundle

played only a handful of first team regulars – they returned to league action with another impressive win, 24-32 away at Wellingborough. The tries came from Dan Page, Gareth Jacob (2) and Simon New in a performance that the players were nevertheless “disappointed” with. As Croot observed: “The fact they want to do better bodes well for the future.”

Uppingham’s Stoneygate had their first home match of the season against Aylestone Athletic, who had denied them the President’s Cup at the end of last season. It didn’t start well for Will Cropper’s men who found themselves 0-14 down within 10 minutes but, with “the defeat in last season’s final very much at the forefront of thoughts” according to club captain Cillian Brugha, they fought back with a try from skipper Cropper and then a second by Mike O’Keeffee to mean they were only one conversion down.

Although they were to concede another try before half-time to make it 15-26 at the break, Gate took the first blood of the second period through flanker Jaryd Taylor and two penalties from Jack Clark saw them level the match as it entered its the final quarter. “With the visitors visibly tiring,” according to Brugha, James Agar scored under the posts and although Aylestone went over at the death in the corner the conversion proved too difficult, handing victory to Gate by 3331. Agar was named man of the match “with a fantastic performance all over the park, topped off with the match winning try”.

Tigers Talk

Jeremy Beswick hears renewed confidence from coach Matt O’Connor and fly-half George Ford

We gleaned some fascinating insights into two of the most prominent, and probably controversial, players in the Tigers squad at their last press conference.

Firstly, asked about the young and relentlessly aggressive prop Ellis Genge – famously described in last year’s debut season as “like a baby rhino with a dart up his backside” – Matt O’Connor told us he’s trying to direct that anger in a more positive way this campaign.

“I’d sum him up as a rough diamond,” he told us. “Before I came here I canvassed opinion and got mixed views when I asked around, but he’s demonstrated to me how hard he wants to work to be a world class player – and he can be. He’s a good athlete and delivers across all the key elements to free up the back rowers and keep the momentum going.”

A braver man than me asked about the rumours that an irate Genge had – deadly seriously – challenged O’Connor’s predecessor Richard Cockerill to a fight, which knowing Cockers as I do would make Genge immeasurably braver than me too.

“Well, he hasn’t offered to fight me yet,” was O’Connor’s response, surely more telling for what he didn’t say than what he did. Perhaps there’d have been a flat denial had there been no truth in it?

Moving on, we asked how he’d assess George Ford’s contribution.

“I think we’re seeing a huge difference from when he was here a few years ago. The reality is he has the confidence now that he’s been there, done it.”

Sitting down with Ford himself later he did indeed come across as remarkably mature and self-assured for a 24-year old. Asked to sum up the season so far he said: “Obviously we had a disappointing first two results but even then I thought we were doing good things. I feel we’re getting better week by week as the synergy between the backs and forwards improves.”

This echoed something O’Connor had said earlier, pointing out “we’ve seven or eight bodies who are new to this environment so we’ll improve over the season as they gel”.

Ford told us the main difference between his earlier spell at Welford Road and now is that O’Connor had brought “clarity. What the standards and values are and a no-nonsense mindset,” and that “Matt Toomua is by far the best number 12 I’ve played with. His knowledge of the game is brilliant. It shows in tactical discussions in mid-week preparation and during the game itself. Sometimes you go in with a plan but have to adapt. Where the space is, where to kick the ball – Matt picks it up just like that,” he said, clicking his fingers.

Finishing on a lighter note, we asked about his rug. You may have read Johnny May’s comments about staying at George’s place and spilling take-away plum sauce on his brand new rug, and how furious he’d been.

“Oh don’t go there. I’m still not talking to him,” he said. Fortunately for us, their communication on the field remains excellent.

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Design and Landscaping

Football Stamford looking more like promotion challengers

BY DEAN CORNISH

It’s been a good couple of months for Stamford AFC as they finally start to climb the league table and turn their obvious potential into hopefully becoming a side capable of getting themselves promoted back to the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Their early season form was poor, with only one league win in their first seven outings, but those who watch the side regularly could see that Drury had created a good side, and it was only a lack of a fit striker that precluded the Daniels from finding the back of the net more often.

Thankfully, the early season travails have now given way to a Daniels side that has had even Drury’s harshest critics purring on the terraces, with an unbeaten home record this season, and five wins out of seven matches have moved Daniels up to fifth in the table and into the next round of the FA Trophy.

The most pleasing aspect for Daniels fans is that as well as the football being of good quality, their form and performances are improving every week meaning that plenty of Zeeco stadium regulars are considering that not only are the play-offs in reach but perhaps even the automatic promotion spot for the league winners is a possibility.

Most recently, the Daniels have won 3-0 against Lincoln United, with returning striker Pearson Mwanyongo starring with two goals, and before that they despatched a good Loughborough side in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy by the same scoreline. Added to this, there have been superb away

wins at Alvechurch (1-5) and Gresley (1-2), confirming that Stamford have the backbone of a side that can challenge at the top.

It’s also been a good opening for Stamfordbased Blackstones, who also sit fifth in United Counties League Division One. It’s been a few years since Blackstones were relegated from the UCL Premier Division, so some would say it’s high time now for them to mount a challenge for promotion.

After the heavy home defeat to Pinchbeck in mid-October, the Stones went on a six-match league unbeaten run to pull themselves into a very healthy position. They were leading the pack before the recent defeat against fellow title chasers Raunds Town. The Stones’ boss, Andy Lodge, has been able to call some superstars into his ranks with players such as Scott Musgrove, Gareth Jellyman and also new signing Jamie Scott all turning out for Stones having previously played at much higher levels.

Star man in front of goal though has been Liam Harrold who has bagged an impressive 12 goals in 11 appearances. They’re playing good football and definitely have a chance for a tilt at the title. Who would bet against a Stamford promotion double this season?

At the same level (for now) are Oakham United who haven’t quite had such a stellar start. After a couple of seasons performing well at the higher level, they’re now struggling and have slipped to second bottom in the table. Part of the problem is instability, with three management teams at the helm already this season. The new

management duo is now Joe Featherstone (ex-Woodford) assisted by Ryan Hunnings who has previously managed Langtoft and Huntingdown Town. One of the main issues for Oakham is defensive woes, with an absurd 37 goals conceded in their last six league and cup games.

One team that will have eyes on replacing Oakham in the UCL at some point are Stamford Lions, who are flying this season in the PDFL Premier Division.

James Sheehan’s side finished last season incredibly well, and this season they’ve been in imperious form, in spite of losing their first game of the season 4-1. Since that defeat against Netherton, they’ve won eight league games on the bounce to take them to third in the table with four games in hand over Peterborough Sports Reserves ahead of them.

That said, there is plenty of competition still for the Lions at the top, with both unbeaten Moulton Horrox and Netherton both looking strong. Surely it looks like a battle all season long between those three heavyweights at the top.

In the same division, Ketton aren’t having such a good season. The Pit Lane boys have had their own managerial instability, and they are third from bottom after two wins in nine games. In Division One, Uppingham Town are having a better season after relegation last year. Uppingham are fourth in the league, just nine points off the top. In the same division, Stamford Bels are struggling somewhat having won just three games of their opening 10.

Equestrianism

Eventing draws to a close

BY JULIA DUNGWORTH

The eventing season is drawing to a close with yet another running of the ever popular Oasby Horse Trials at Foxdale, near Grantham. Again they were largely oversubscribed but made a valiant effort at fitting as many riders in as possible, which meant early starts and late finishes.

For once Oasby was blessed with amazing sunny weather and consequently a lot of smiley happy faces and lots of prizes for the locals.

Margo Sly from Deeping St Nicholas had a convincing win in the BE90 on her hunter Little Newmarket Bob: she led from start to finish nearly six marks ahead of Gemma Slack from Newark.

Constance Copestake from Bourne also won a BE90 on Temple Ellie and had a second place in the Under 21 Open Intermediate on Denver VI, beating local Heidi Coy into fourth spot.

Heidi also won the Novice Under 18 on Russal Z and was third on Halenza in the same section, which was a good day’s work for her team.

Jonty Evans was the talk of Oasby,

however, as he won the very competitive Open Intermediate class on the infamous crowd-funded horse Cooley Rorkes Drift with a brilliant score of 24.3 – beating the master himself, Mark Todd, into second place.

JumpCross at Grange Farm also ran its final big competition of the year, yet again proving it is a very popular up and coming sport.

The Junior Intro was won by Lizzie Selby on Maggy II. Juliette Eaton won the Senior Intro, and was the only rider to jump clear and jump both the jokers in a tough section. Then finally Sarah Pointon won the Group 3 on Madge, which again suffered with very few clear rounds, but was a full-up section nonetheless.

JumpCross will continue to offer training throughout the year so do be sure to keep an eye on its website for details.

The end of the eventing season signals the start of the hunting season. The Cottesmore had a hunt ride to practise their hedge hopping in the cream of the Tuesday country at Knossington, which proved very popular with 300 people taking part.

All your local hunts will be having their opening meets now, so please do go and support if you can, even on foot at the meet you will be more than welcome and it is such a great site to behold.

The Burghley Pony Club girls Greta Mason and Di Bevan have also recently passed their Pony Club A test, which is a massive achievement as it takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

It tops off the great season they have both had and I’m sure we will be hearing more from them in the future.

If you’re looking for some more horsethemed excitement the Dodson & Horrell Dianas of the Chase side-saddle race is taking place at Ingarsby Hall near Leicester (home of racing driver Brian Henton) on December 10 at noon.

The race is truly an awesome sight to behold. The two-mile course is set to be as big and bold as possible with about 18 fences to negotiate.

There will be two classes, one for thoroughbreds and one for hunters, which have had to jump qualifiers to keep the standard high.

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