Active Magazine // Stamford & Rutland // November 2023
From farm to fork with Farmer Lou The family jewellers; Hoppers celebrates 45 years in Bourne Curtains, fabrics and soft furnishings from Fiona Swan in Oundle A perfect partridge recipe from The Red Lion at West Deeping Dying Matters, a one stop shop for death, dying and bereavement
ISSUE 129 | NOVEMBER 2023
Local Christmas gift guide recommendations
Editor and Publisher Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com
Deputy editor Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com
Art editor Matt Tarrant
Contributors Will Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick,
Advertisement Sales Director Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com
Production assistant Gary Curtis Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com
Active magazine, Eventus Business Centre, Sunderland Road, Northfield Industrial Estate, Market Deeping, PE6 8FD
If you have information about a club then please get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com.
If you would like to stock Active magazine please email distribution@theactivemag.com.
Active magazine is published monthly 10 times per year.
ISSN 2059-8513
Published by Triangle Publishing Ltd www.theactivemag.com
Disclaimer
Copyright (c) Triangle Publishing Ltd (TPL) 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from TPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of T or its affiliates. Disclaimer of iability. Whilst every e ort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, TPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws.
T and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services o ered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.
EDITOR’S LETTER
‘It’s vital we support our local independent retailers; they need each and every one of us’
IT’S NOT OFTEN that the three of us get together in person, particularly if it’s not for work, per se. We do so every month on press day and for distribution of the magazine but otherwise it’s mainly FaceTime and WhatsApps as we all work remotely. So we really enjoyed heading to Mallard Point Vineyard in Essendine to help with the grape harvest this month. Andy and Fi had put a call out for help with the harvest and the three of us thought it would be a great experience, and it was. We couldn’t have chosen better weather as it was mid October when we were enjoying yet another autumnal heatwave. And none of us had ever gone grape picking before so it was a first for all of us.
The weather was perfect, we were outside in the sunshine and fresh air, we were doing something useful and helping a local business. And picking grapes is very mindful. ou have to be in the moment and concentrate, first of all to make sure you don’t miss any grapes (bacchus grapes are green so blend in well on the vine and most importantly don’t snip a finger o inadvertently whilst using the sharp secateurs. We all really enjoyed it, picking 350kg in just under four hours which should make up to 300 bottles of wine so a morning well spent! I would thoroughly recommend joining Andy and Fi for next year’s harvest; and you get to enjoy a lovely lunch and a glass of wine as well as a bottle to take home with you. We will see you there!
We have obviously been doing lots of work on the magazine too this month, particularly Kate and Lisa who have compiled the Christmas gift guide. Yes, I know it’s early to be thinking about Christmas but planning ahead helps spread the cost. And this year, as ever, it’s vital we support our local independent retailers; they need each and every one of us and without our support they won’t survive. And what makes our area so special is the number of independent shops there are. Long may it last, so use them or lose them.
Enjoy the issue, there’s lots in it as always. And see you next month.
Mary - Editor
CHARGE AHEAD
ISSUE 129 / NOVEMBER 2023
ACTIVE LIFE
18 THE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Shop locally for your presents this year and support independent retailers, it’s vital we do
32 FROM FARM TO FORK Farmer Lou’s business shows food miles can be kept to a minimum
35 A SPECIAL SKILLSET
Fiona Swan has a lovely shop in Oundle where she sells fabrics and makes curtains and blinds to order
39 THE FAMILY JEWELLERS
Hoppers has been in Bourne for 45 years, we meet Fiona, the fourth generation of her family to run the business
43 DYING MATTERS
Death is the one thing in life you can be certain about, so we need to talk about it
46 WILL’S WALKS
Enjoy some wonderful rolling countryside on this walk
ACTIVE KIDS
51 SCHOOL NEWS ACTIVE BODY
54 DEAR MEN
It’s okay to go and see your GP ACTIVE SPORT
56 THE ROUNDUP
Jeremy keeps us up to date with our local sports
ActiveLife
The family jewellers; Hoppers of Bourne. The Christmas gift guide; shop local. We visit Fiona Swan in her beautiful shop in Oundle. Dying matters; helping to deal with death, dying and bereavement. A fabulous, seasonal recipe from the Red Lion in West Deeping.
From farm to fork
The provenance of food is important and the fewer food miles the better p32
Be Inspired
What’s On!
Aid trip to Ukraine
PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL’S CHIEF operating officer Jan Armitage has recently returned from an aid trip to Ukraine and written a blog about it. She is the first woman to oin the locally organised aid trip carrying medical supplies as part of a convoy of trucks, funded by the cathedral, bringing aid to those in need in Ukraine.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iUGPdGirho
THE FROST FAIR at Molecey Mill on Stamford Road, West Deeping is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping and we will be there selling Will’s Walk books as well. The Fair is on November from -8pm and the th and th from 10- . There will be lots of wintery treats, fi ne art and sculpture as well in the allery in the arden. We will see you there
ENTRIES ARE NOW open for Stamford’s Santa Fun Run which takes place this year on December 10, starting at 11am in front of urghley House. Now in its 16th year, the Stamford Santa Fun Run promises something di erent for this year’s participants - including a new route with options for little (or tired legs. The event is expected to again sell all 1, 00 available places, and people are encouraged to enter early to avoid disappointment. They can do this as individuals, with family or friends, or in teams at www.stamfordsantafunrun.com
Now at Ellique Ellique Aesthetics o ering Laser Hair Removal
Exciting news
Tonerre Hairdressers be moving into Ellique from
55 South Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6BG
Tel: 07561 852066
www.elliquebeauty.co.uk
elliquebeautyoakham Ellique Beauty
Made to measure curtains and blinds.
Curtain poles and tracks, lighting, seating, rugs & accessories
Extensive fabric library, including many of your favourite brands. Latest autumn, winter collections from Harlequin, Prestigous, Ian Mankin, Voyage, Clarke & Clarke + many more
From mid November, in our neighbouring shop, we will be offering a stunning collection of hand made, made to order, sofas and armchairs by ARTISTIC UPHOLSTERY
Visit our happy little emporium of delight, jam-packed with beautiful and unique homeware, art and gifts for all. Lovingly created by small, local businesses. Follow us on @mangoandthemoonliving www.mangoandthemoon.co.uk Happiness for
10a Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6EA
MANGO & THE MOON
THE WINTER FESTIVAL will be running at Ferry Meadows throughout December up to Christmas Eve. Enjoy a stroll through beautifully lit woodland, enjoy performing art with lots of magic moments before enjoying the much loved classic Christmas film, The Snowman. And, of course, there are fairground rides, festive food and drink and a pop up shop to enjoy as well. Tickets cost £9.50 and sessions start at 4pm, 5.30 and 7pm.
www.nene-park.org.uk/winter-festival
RUTLAND SPIRITUAL SOCIETY meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Quaker Meeting House in Oakham. There is a lucky ticket table for just £1 per ticket and all are welcome. There is no need to book and doors open shortly after 7pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. Development Circles are held in six week blocks, please ask at any meeting. Contact Alison via WhatsApp on: 07557 226759.
TICKETS ARE NOW on sale for the biggest party of the summer. Classic Ibiza, an open air celebration of joyful House music designed for all ages, returns to Burghley House on Saturday 27 July 202 and tickets are now available. And remember they always sell out so don’t delay. www.classicibiza.co.uk/burghley
PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL’S ANNUAL craft and gift market takes place this year on November 17 and 18. Enjoy atmospheric Christmas shopping with over 100 stalls within the cathedral. Tickets are £3 on the door or £2.20 if booked in advance.
www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
NENE NURSERY WHICH is now open has been created by Nene ark Trust sta and volunteers as part of the Trust’s five-year ‘ our Community reenspace’ pro ect. The site of the old woodyard on the edge of Ferry Meadows has been transformed into a fully-equipped community nursery. The aim is that the nursery will be an accessible place of security and calm where users can come and learn more about gardening and are surrounded by plants, flowers, smells and sounds, to promote learning and relaxation. The nursery can also be used as a bookable private space for gardening clubs, social or corporate groups, who just want to come and enjoy this peaceful space. nenenursery@neneparktrust.org.uk
LEICESTER, LEICESTERSHIRE AND Rutland Mind (LLR Mind) are hosting their first Mental lf fun run in Victoria ark in eicester on Sunday, December. Suitable for all ages and abilities, you can run, walk or dance your way around the park course, it’s all about having fun together and raising funds and awareness for better mental health.
If you are a local business who’s interested in supporting LLR Mind and mental health, please contact them at info@ llrmind.org And follow this link to enter the fun run bit.ly/3Z9AQCg
STAMFORD CHORAL SOCIETY invites you to a reflective performance of Faur ’s Requiem interleaved with poems about conflict at pm on Remembrance Sunday 12 November at St Martin’s Church in Stamford. This will be a Come and Sing event open to all singers already familiar with the work, with rehearsal from 1pm to 3.30pm. Minimum suggested donation is £7 from audience and singers, to be split between Stamford Choral and The Royal British Legion. Prior registration to sing is required. Please email musicdirector@stamfordchoral.co.uk or www.stamfordchoral.co.uk
Roast partridge with rainbow chard, Jerusalem artichoke and pear
Enjoy this seasonal delicious recipe courtesy of Frazer Nelson from the Red Lion at West Deeping. Partridge is in season now and readily available at your butchers.
Ingredients
• 2 oven ready partridge (trussed – your local butcher should be able to do this for you)
• 200g Jerusalem artichoke (peeled)
• 250g rainbow chard (stalks and leaves separated)
• 1 ripe pear
• 200ml red wine sauce or your favourite gravy
• Salt
• 90g butter
Method
• Heat your oven to 200c.
• Rub the partridge with oil and season with sea salt.
• Heat a frying pan and colour the partridge all over until golden brown.
• Add the artichokes to the pan with the partridge.
• Place the partridge and artichoke in the oven for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile blanch the chard stems in salted water for around 4 minutes or until tender.
• Melt the butter in a pan and wilt the chard leaves in it, then add the stems.
• Remove the partridge from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes.
• You can then serve it whole or joint the bird and just serve the breasts and legs.
• Arrange everything on plates (including the pear) and then dress with the sauce.
www.theredlionwestdeeping.co.uk
are Cottage, 12 Woodgate, Helpston, terborough. PE6 7ED.
Rowan Griffiths is looking for tree nymphs that sit on a saddle…
ACCORDING TO FOLKLORE, in Greek mythology Dryads were timid and shy tree nymphs, originally the spirits of the oak tree, and then later all trees. Legend has it that they only lived as long as their host tree and rested on a Dryad’s saddle.
Ceriporus squamosus, the Dryad’s saddle, is the largest capped mushroom in the United Kingdom that can grow in excess of 70cm across. It will often appear in tiers down the trunk of the host tree and become so heavy that it breaks o and falls to the ground.
The surface of the cap is a pale cream to golden colour with an attractive patterning of concentric brown scales, hence its other common name, the ‘pheasant’s back’ as it is similar to the feathers on a female pheasant. The underside of the cap is covered in large angular o -white pores.
The fungus is parasitic and favours dead or dying broadleaf trees, especially maple, beech and sycamore.
The Dryad’s saddle is also edible, although you’d have to be quick if you were tempted to have a go as they grow very rapidly and soon become tough, leathery and corky. Only young specimens are palatable and easy to identify as they are hard to confuse with any other mushroom. I leave them for others to enjoy, left growing in their natural state and perhaps for the arboreal spirits to recline upon.
GARDENING
Winter vibes
This month Tessa Burns looks at plants that provide colourful or structural interest throughout the winter.
THE BARE TRUNK and delicate branches of silver birch look beautiful in the winter, especially Betula Jacquemontii, Snow Queen or Grayswood. And yes, some people do wash the bark with soapy water to enhance their brightness!
Another favourite of mine is Corylus avellana Contorta - the corkscrew ha el. The leaves fall to display madly twisted branches. Catkins appear in late spring. It’s fabulous for flower arrangers too.
Cornus Contraversa ‘Variegata’ is the wedding cake tree, so called because the branches grow in tiers bearing cream edged leaves. Choose a site where this small deciduous tree can grow unhindered to enjoy its full splendour. Cornus Alternifolia ‘Variegata’ is a smaller form.
Cornus Kousa is a hardy deciduous tree or large shrub which tolerates partial shade to full sun and is ideal for small gardens. Cornus ousa ‘Satumi’ is a fine example. Cornus mas has oval leaves which turn purple before falling. Small clusters of tiny yellow flowers appear in late winter on the bare stems followed by glossy red fruit.
For spectacular bursts of colour check out the dogwoods. Their vibrancy lasts all winter in sun or shade and the colours ing particularly in the winter sunlight. All cornus tolerate a wide range of soil conditions except very dry. The colourful autumn foliage gives way to even more colour of their bare stems. Cornus sang ‘Midwinter Fire’ is always popular, the stems are gold at the base turning to flame at the tips. ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’ is as its name suggests. ‘Magic Flame’ and ‘Cardinal’ also belong to this palette. ‘Baton Rouge’ stems are bright scarlet and ‘Sibirica’ crimson. ‘Kesselringii’ are purple black and ‘Buds
Yellow’ are yellow green. Planting in groups of two contrasting colours is e ective. They look wonderful near ponds where the colour is reflected in the water, or against a contrasting backdrop like multi stem birch. Cut back hard in late March or early April, down to two buds from the base to ensure good colour as it is the young growth which is the most vibrant, then add mulch. Another area of winter interest are conifers which were very popular in the 1970s and 80s. Although they are less popular now conifers are worth exploring for a low maintenance option. ering a wonderful variety of si e, shapes, colours, textures and growing habit, they look stunning when cloaked in snow or frost. Tall thin columns of green or gold yew, Taxus Fastigiata and Fast. Aurea, Juniperus Skyrocket and Blue Arrow are reminiscent of Mediterranean landscapes; Chamaecyparis Stardust, Pembury Blue, Columnaris Glauca, Picea and Pinus varieties add height. Fatter, rounder shapes include Thuja Rheingold and Globosa, or the semi-dwarf version cc. ‘Mr owling all’.
Dwarf varieties such as Thuja Aurea Nana, Chamaecyparis obtusa Nana racilis, filifera Aurea and ‘Sungold’, and Cryptomeria varieties add colour, shape and interest. Juniperus fit eriana lauca and Cedrus deodora have a delicate weeping habit. Ground cover subjects such as Juniperus Blue Carpet, Blue Star, Conferta, Repens, Procumbens Nana and Tamariscifolia provide hori ontal interest.
Some specimens can be trained into topiary balls, spirals, cones and the most stunning cloud trees. Positioned so that its silhouette can be enjoyed against the fading sunset is spectacular and o ers a perfect moment to revel in its beauty.
40 High Street East, Uppingham 07415767826 joatno40@gmail.com www.joatno40.co.uk
To Book ring Jo now on 07415767826 or email joatno40@gmail.com joatno40.co.uk
Joatno40 High Street East Uppingham
GARDEN DESIGN
Winter interest in the garden
Most gardeners want to cut everything back to leave the garden tidy for the winter. Garden designer TJ Kennedy advises against this
LEARNING TO ALLOW the garden to go through its natural cycle without preening it too much at this time of the year is hard to do but will provide you with an equally beautiful space as at the height of summer it will ust be di erent. Embracing this natural cycle of your garden is to accept what we consider is a mess, and yes, this may take some time to get comfortable with! But it is valuable not only for providing overwintering habitats for insects, but it also gives you an entirely new way of appreciating the structure and planting design in your garden. Solid evergreen combined with deciduous loose mass really contrast well in winter. The skeletal form of deciduous shrubs and trees marry with the leaf-bare perennials to bring cohesion. ow sun captured in seed heads and grasses will create long shadows. All these elements combine, creating an atmospheric feel to the garden. Dutch designers really embrace the seasons and will typically leave the tidying of herbaceous perennials until early spring. Accepting that this is part of the lifecycle of a plant encourages you to look for the beauty in the decay. And of course, not cutting back plants can protect some of them from frost damage.
We can feel a detachment to the garden during the winter because inside is warm and cosy with candles and blankets and warm suppers, and outside just looks like it’s dead and dormant. ut by bringing in dried flowers - huge, dried hydrangea heads, teasels etc - you are keeping the link alive. Muted colours that reflect what is happening in nature will have the same e ect.
It isn’t all no work, however. ou are arranging and setting the scene for those magical frosty mornings where the dew droplets rest on the carcasses of the summer’s beauty. This is a task of casual tidying, deciding which seed heads can remain. It’s also a great time to sort out problem plants and remove them fully. Nurture your soil. Redefine edges which may have lost their clarity. ut this is gentle work which is well-suited to shorter days, giving us enough outdoor exposure but not requiring too much from us. It’s ok to have an o day.
What to go with plant-wise ate flowering rudbeckia will still have a bit of their rusty yellow/red/orange colour into autumn and its strong flower heads will keep form over winter. Asters will keep their dainty heads for a while, capturing any moisture in the air. Salvias can give a good bit of low-level structure with their verticals. rasses are an obvious choice for ethereal beauty. www.tjkennedy.design
Christmas shopping at its best
The doors are open, the gifts are on display, the wrapping paper is waiting. All that’s left to do is get your coat on, grab your bag and head to our wonderful local shops to support independent retailers for a spot of Christmas shopping. To make it even easier we’ve compiled a selection of the tastiest, most tempting and luxurious gifts you can buy in the area. What are you waiting for?
Local Late Night Christmas Shopping
Oakham Mill Street late night shopping Friday 17 November 4 - 8pm
Market Harborough’s Christmas lights switch on
Saturday 18 November from 5pm (switch-on at 7pm)
Stamford late night shopping and lights switch on
Thursday 23 November 5 - 7pm
Stamford Christmas Market
Sunday 26 November 10am - 5pm
Market Harborough Christmas Fayre
Friday 1 December from 5pm
Oundle Christmas Market
Saturday 2 December 10am - 5pm
Uppingham late night shopping
Thursday 7 December 5.30 - 9pm
Oakham late night shopping
Monday 11 December 4 - 9pm
Wooden cutlery
This wooden cutlery selection is part of a fantastic range of natural creations from The Fig Store, Uppingham, including a wide array of walnut wood boards and the most stunning linen collection. A must-visit in the lead up to Christmas.
Price: Spoons from £3.50 from www.thefigstore.com 01572 827889
A delicious bundle of natural treats for any pooch this Christmas. Various size gift bags available. The example shown includes two sausages, one cow ear, liver, veggie toothbrush and a packet of Alpha Spirit Prosciutto treats. Available to purchase at Fineshade Wood or Peterborough.
Price: From £3.50 from www.peterboroughposhpetz.co.uk 01780 440846
Plastic-free personalised hampers
Shop plastic-free gifts this Christmas from All Good Market in Stamford. Create your own personalised gift hampers with your favourite treats, or gift one of their luxurious stand alone products. Pictured: Loose leaf tea, jar, ceramic cup and lid, tea infuser and co ee scoop.
Price: From £2.50 from www.allgoodmarket.co.uk 07935 134717
Blue Aurora English blueberry ice wine
Intense, fruity and velvety smooth. Pairs perfectly with cheese boards, rich chocolate desserts or added to your favourite sparkling wine. 37.5cl bottle. 10.5% abv.
Price: £18.50 from www.blueaurorawine.co.uk 01832 273300
Swole bamboo socks
Make their Christmas extra special with these Swole panda pheasant bamboo socks. The perfect gift for countrymen and outdoors enthusiasts, these luxurious socks combine style and quality. With a reinforced heel, toe and hand-linked seams, they provide unmatched comfort, softness, and durability. Give the gift of both practicality and charm this holiday season.
Price: £10 from www.colinbell.uk 01780 757888
Will’s Walks books
The perfect gift for walkers incorporating short walks to longer meandering rambles criss-crossing our beautiful local countryside. A total of 42 walks for all seasons if you buy both volumes two and three.
Price: £8.95 (volume 2) and £9.95 (volume 3) www.theactivemag.com and a selection of local retailers
Pet heaven
Christmas Gift Guide
Sustainable wines and spirits
A delicious range of conscientiously crafted gin and wines from local vineyard and distillery Mallard Point. The premium gins include London Dry, Pinot Noir- steeped London Dry and English Rosé. And the wines are English Rosé, Pink Pet Nat and Chardonnay. All lovingly grown, picked and produced on the family farm. Absolutely delicious!
Price: From £22 from www.mallardpoint.co.uk
Luxury body range
Hand-picked, hand-made gifts
This happy little emporium on Mill Street in Oakham is overflowing with Christmas magic and feel-good gifts for everyone. The perfect choice for your home, favourite kids, your favourite people and everyone else in-between. The curated collection of hand-picked, hand-made gifts are lovingly created by local businesses for local people.
Price: From £2 - £80 from www.mangoandthemoon.co.uk
Moult Alpaca Socks
You have to feel these to believe just how soft they are. As soft as cashmere but much more hardwearing.
Price: £22.99 a pair from www.thebarngardencentre.co.uk 01832 273310
The perfect, unique present for someone special
How about the gift of un-ending love? Alison’s beautifully presented gift vouchers are available for private readings/ bespoke meditations/other services for any amount from just £15.
Price: From £15 (+p&p) from www.alisonstead-medium.co.uk 07557 226759
Luxurious body care and home fragrance range providing rich nourishment and protection for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The product range is British made, vegan friendly and uses eco-friendly packaging.
Price: From: £4.95 from www.newlodgefarm.co.uk 01780 450493
Handmade candles
These luxury candles are hand crafted in Stamford. Both scented and fragrance free, the range for autumn and winter include Pomegranate Rose with Amber, After the Rain and Valencian Orange. All items can be delivered or if you live locally you can use the click-and-collect service available from the Wick & Wax HQ in Stamford.
Price: from £10 from www.thewickandwax.co
Optimum You gift vouchers
Give the gift of health and happiness this Christmas. Vouchers of any value available for Optimum You Yoga Studio, Market Harborough. From: www.optimumyouyoga.com 07305 584007
Wreaths, Christmas Decorations, Poinsettias, Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Lights, Lots of Gift ideas and Gift Vouchers.
Discover luxurious spa gift sets and gift vouchers from Revive Skin and Spa for Christmas and make your loved ones feel extra special this year. Whether you’re shopping for presents for skincare lovers, a wellness seeker, or for something to add to your own wish list, Revive’s Christmas gift sets are perfect for making this Christmas a special one.
Price: From £10 at 106 - 108 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough and online at www.reviveskinandspa.co.uk
Terrariums
These amazing miniature eco systems are perfect for the home or office. Creating their own microclimate within the glass vessel, terrariums require virtually zero maintenance.
Available in various sizes and shapes, these bottle gardens make the perfect gift.
Price: from £11.99 from Stamford Botanics, St Paul’s Street, Stamford. 01780 752328
Stamford Yoga gift vouchers
With a choice of 90 di erent class themes to choose from, rotated over approximately 20 time slots each week, treat someone to gift vouchers from Stamford Yoga. They can be used for Thai massages too. Vouchers of any value available. From www.stamfordyoga.co.uk 07738 272474
Our home to yours
Welcome guests this festive season with decorative Christmas giftware. Hot chocolate mugs, Christmas trays and coasters, perfect for the cooler evenings. Gift vouchers also available.
Price: From £7.99 from www.wellandvale.co.uk 01572 822729
Super sewing books
Great for beginners and slightly more advanced sewers, and both make great gifts. By Merchant and Mills, who are a fabulous British company, Stamford Fabric also stock their beautiful range of men’s and ladies sewing patterns.
Price: £12.99 (Elementary Sewing Skills) and £20 (The Sewing Book) from www.thestamfordfabriccompany.com 01780 753409
Cast iron signs
For a truly unique gift, make sure you visit Tracey’s Emporium in Uppingham. A treasure trove of pre-loved houseware, decorative items and furniture especially for those people who have everything.
Price: Metal signs from £15 from Station Road, Uppingham. 01572 729998
Oils, vinegars, spirits and fine foods
Vom Fass Stamford has a huge range of award winning extra virgin olive oils, seed and nut oils, balsamic vinegars, whiskeys, brandy, rum, liqueurs, cognac and fine foods. All gifts can be personalised in store to suit every requirement.
Price: From £12 from www.vomfassuk.com 01780 769493
Relieve Pain and Live an Active Life with MBST
Long-lasting and sustainable results without the need for medication or surgery.
HOW IT WORKS: MBST stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, treating the cause of your condition with zero side effects.
The multi-award-winning technology is the only non-invasive medical device to work at a cellular level and is proven to treat sports injuries, Osteoarthritis, back pain and much more.
The pioneering technology uses Magnetic Resonance Therapy to stimulate damaged and degenerated cells into regrowth, triggering the body’s natural healing processes.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Counteract cartilage degeneration
Long-term pain relief & improved mobility
SPORTS INJURIES
Return to sport faster
Reduce recovery time by up to 75%
Dozy Dinkums
The sweetest first doll, made from soft cotton, gently weighted and posable with the perfect amount of squish for cuddles and play. Suitable for children 0+ Pop in to store, or order online for click and collect.
Price: £39 from www.bumbleandtwig.co.uk
Beautiful home accessories
An extensive selection of accessories to co-ordinate with your interior schemes. amp shades, bases, cushions, throws, door stops and rugs. There’s a wide range in the store or to pre order. All items are individually priced.
From: Fiona Swan Curtains and Blinds, West Street, Oundle. 07779 713073
£25 to £50
Stunning womenswear
Gift vouchers available from this fabulous womenswear boutique o ering smart casual wear and for more formal occasions as well.
From: Private Kollection in Market Place, Market Deeping. 01778 346226
Fine merino stripes
Choose a 3 or 6 pack box set of stylish, versatile and sustainable merino wool stripe socks with a contrast heel and toe. erfect gifts for friends and family and will comprise random colourways in the size of your choice. Striking colour combinations; breathable, odour free, natural fibres machine washable; made in ngland.
Price: £33 for 3 pack/£60 for 6 pack from www.pittch.co.uk
Georgian
Stamford
Celebrating Stamford, the finest stone town in ngland, this beautiful collection of images of the town taken between 2018 to 202 is a perfect gift for lovers of old buildings and Stamford itself. With over 182 pages it covers Stamford’s stunning period centre with her townhouses, shops, pubs and caf s.
Price: £28 from www.theoldbuilding.com
Cooking on the Big Green Egg Cookery Book
Over 70 original recipes as well as advice, tricks and tips covering everything from how to set up your Egg to mastering di erent cooking modes. Perfect for beginners to kamado-style cooking or those looking for new recipes to develop their skills. ther accessories and Big Green Eggs also available.
Price: £25.00 from www.stamfordstoves.co.uk 01780 769274
Perfect stocking fillers
Not just jewellery! Murano Silver also stock a large collection of other perfect gifts including li abeth Scarlett wash bags, pouches and purses. Starting from 16, they’re the perfect little stocking filler including this veryday ouch.
Price: £32 from 32 St Mary’s St, Stamford
Diamond Specialists
Jewellery Repairs | Engraving
Valuations | Gold Buying
Watch & Clock Repairs
Bespoke Design Service
Conversions | Restorations
Pre-Owned Jewellery & Watches
ACTIVE10 10% DISCOUNT IN NOVEMBER
Historical blue plaque
Are you looking for a unique Christmas gift? Discover who lived in your house before you 80-140 years ago, for display on a historical blue plaque window vinyl. A unique gift for a friend or relative or why not buy one for yourself? Order by 15 November for guaranteed Christmas delivery.
Price: £75 from www.herebeforeus.co.uk
£50 to £100
Medik8 gift sets
Treat your loved ones to beautiful skin for life with these festive gift sets. Featuring the most loved and proven Medik8 formulas, this will be the most welcome gift on Christmas Day.
Price: From £65 from www.nuuskinspecialist.co.uk
Upholstery Workshops
Learn to upholster the traditional way using tacks, hair and hessian. Gifts include the popular Starter Tool Kit (£110) and gift vouchers for any amount, or for a day (£70) or 5 days (£320).
Price: From £70 from: www.joatno40.co.uk 07415 767826
Roxy Alabama fleece
Bright white Chandail full zip fleece to keep you cosy this winter.
Price: £89.99 from www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com
The Pickled Shop hampers
Enjoy a feast of delights from Bulwick Village Shop this Christmas. It’s time to tuck in!
Price: From £30. Hamper pictured is £70 from www.thepickledshop.com 01780 450774
Heart rate tracker
The world’s first heart rate tracker that can be worn on the chest, wrist or arm for convenience, comfort and most importantly, accuracy. Regardless of the activity you’re doing, M -Switch is perfect for accurate monitoring, ensuring there’s no blind spots in physical activity measurement.
Price: £139.99 from www.myzone.org
A violin of one’s own
For the violinist who wants something extra special for Christmas, these personalised violins from Stamford Strings hit all the right notes.
Prices: from £2,000 from www.stamfordstrings.co.uk 01780 764339
Dual air fryer
Asscher Cut White Topaz Jewellery
If you don’t have one of these yet, it’s time to buy one. For stress free, easy cooking try this 8 litre dual air fryer where you can cook two di erent types of food, two di erent ways at the same time.
Price: Reduced to £129.99 from Stu Pots, 36 Market Place, Oundle. 01832 275414
For a spectacular treat this Christmas, why not give your special someone this stunning white topa ewellery necklace, earrings and ring. All items are available separately. A gift they will treasure forever.
Price: £390 (pendant); £360 (earrings) and £500 (ring) from www.hoppersjewellers.co.uk 01778 423816
Cave tiny mini eroded 9ct yellow gold necklace
Made by Ada Gallery owner Ruth Wood and inspired by irregular form, rock formations and ancient artefacts.
Price: £280 (with silver chain £150) from www.adagallery.co.uk 01858 461896
Bamboo Handle Bag
The perfect bag for the festive season. Beautifully made in Italian leather with bamboo detailing. Head to White Ginger in Stamford now.
Price: £109 from www.white-ginger.com 01780 756100
Clocks for every home
Whatever style your house is, there’s always a place for a period clock. The tick and chime transforms a house into a home. The Stamford Clock Shop in St Mary’s Street has a range of clocks which are ideal for that statement piece in your home. Today’s purchase is tomorrow’s heirloom. Prices to suit all budgets.
From:
www.thestamfordclockshop.co.uk 07917 464431
Raleigh Pop 16
What child could say no to this? A starter bike for junior adventurers who want to ride in style, with eye-catching colours for boys and girls. To suit 4 - 7 year-olds.
Price: £199 from www.georgehallscycles.co.uk 01858 465507
FROM FARM TO FORK
The provenance of our food is important, and the fewer food miles the better. Mary meets Farmer Lou whose business truly reflects this
SOMETHING WE CAN all do to help the environment, and it is really simple, is to reduce our food miles. This means eating locally produced, seasonal food. es, we all love avocados, asparagus out of season and salad all year round but when we really think about how far these foods have travelled around the world to get to our plates and the air miles involved it does make you consider the sense of it all. We can all do our bit to help, however small and the simplest way is to make sure you buy locally produced food.
ouise Scott and her husband Joe are real advocates of eating locally produced food and practice what they preach. They first met at agricultural college and have been together ever since. Joe works as a farm manager, initially on the Northants Warwickshire border whilst ouise worked
in the NHS. She then started a meat business on a very small scale at first rearing pigs on the farm and making sausages whilst still working part time for the NHS.
‘I started by supplying friends and family with meat, lamb and pork, and making sausages,’ says ou, ‘and everyone really liked my sausages. Sausages are traditionally made from all the remnants and waste from the beast but I was using more choice parts of the animal and making coarser, tastier sausages with better quality meat. And people loved them and wanted more.’
ou quickly became Farmer ou setting up her business and selling packs of raw sausages at markets, farmer’s markets, food fairs and festivals. ‘I quickly got a unit to make the sausages and started making di erent flavours.’ They attended local markets selling the sausages which very quickly became very popular. Customers
liked the di erent flavours, knew the provenance of the meat and, of course, the taste. They also liked the ethos. igs were reared on the farm and all the butchery and sausage making was done on the farm as well. efore long the NHS ob had gone and ou, with the help of Joe, was working flat out to produce sausages as well as oints, burgers, chops and marinaded kebabs.
‘ ne day someone came up to me at the market and asked why we weren’t selling cooked sausages as well as raw,’ says Joe. ‘We hadn’t really thought about it and said we were happy as we were. This chap smiled and said that before long we would be doing both and then walked o .’
And he was right. Joe and ou could see that they could expand the business by doing hog roasts and cooked sausages as well as still selling raw products. So they bought a hog roaster and had six weddings booked in the first month. ne machine became seven and they were flat out working 70 hour weeks doing outside catering, hog roasts, weddings and festivals and still selling raw produce too. Joe was also still running the farms so it was full on And every piece of meat they sold was reared (and usually born on the farm which is a very important part of their ethos.
During this period Joe’s ob changed so the
‘I quickly got a unit to make the sausages and started making different flavours.’
family moved to Rutland so that Joe could run a large farm on the Barnsdale Avenue. They had to start from scratch here erecting farm buildings, grain stores and even their house. ‘The agreement was that I would still be able to carry on with my meat business,’ says Lou and that is just what they did. When they moved Lou was expecting twins and still working 70 hour weeks making sausages. Probably not the best recommendation for someone heavily pregnant. They were now selling their hog roasts, street food and cooked sausages at large shows such as Countryfile ive at Blenheim with the business growing all the time. By now Lou had lots of sheep and pigs and once the move to Rutland took place, cattle as well.
And then we all know what happened; Covid and lockdowns. ‘That was it, the outside catering business stopped immediately,’ says Lou. But they had pigs, sheep and cattle that needed slaughtering so they had to find another outlet for their meat. Thinking on their feet they quickly started selling meat boxes and delivering them. They had the butchery room on the farm so put the boxes together during the day and delivered them in the evening. They were popular as people knew Lou’s meat was good quality, tasty and, most importantly local.
The animals are reared on the farm as well as being butchered there too. The only mileage involved is the journey to Grantham to the abattoir and then back again with a carcass. Lou’s meat boxes were popular
particularly as people had time to cook from scratch. And then, because we could do nothing else, customers started to come and collect the meat boxes as it gave them something to do. ‘This worked well but as the winter drew in we didn’t want people standing outside in the rain so we put up a log cabin alongside the butchery so people could keep dry. And then, once we had them in the room we decided to put a fridge in there so, as well as picking up a meat box, customers could add a couple of steaks or bacon or anything else they fancied.’
And from that the farm shop developed. They extended the log cabin and added more stock including local eggs, cakes, Rutland Honey, chutneys and jams and seasonal veg. As well as sausages Lou makes oven ready pies and sausage rolls too. Everything sold in the shop comes from within a 30 mile radius so, along with their meat, everything really is produced on the doorstep.
Once restrictions eased and as soon as 30 people could meet outside Lou and Joe were back doing their hog roasts and outside catering as demand shot through the roof. And that has just carried on. This summer Farmer ou has catered at 106 di erent events and fed 16,500 people; that is an awful lot of sausages and hog roasts! They have now extended their repertoire to include bbqs and now employ a chef as well as a butcher along with outside catering sta and shop sta .
Farmer Lou is now a thriving, busy business based on a sound, sustainable ethos. All meat comes from the farm, born, bred and reared in Rutland and then prepared on the farm with as few food miles as possible. This is the sort of business we should all be supporting, food produced on your doorstep. And I can vouch for the sausages, they are great quality and delicious.
www.farmerlou.co.uk
A special skillset
The skill of handmade and fi nishing curtain making is sadly a dying art. Mary meets the owner of Fiona Swan curtains and blinds in Oundle
TRADITIONALLY, IF YOU wanted plenty of choice for fabric for curtains or blinds, or wanted them making up, you always used to go to John Lewis or Laura Ashley. Or if you were in the know, would buy the fabric from the shop and then ask a skilled curtain maker to make them up for you. But then Laura Ashley disappeared closely followed by John Lewis in Peterborough closing down. Now what do you do? You could buy material online but that doesn’t always work. Colours are never very well illustrated. There is usually no comeback and cheap fabric is cheap for a reason…
The closing of John Lewis gave Fiona Swan a big opportunity and she quite rightly, duly took advantage of it, opening her beautiful shop in Oundle where she sells lots and lots of lovely designer fabric as well as o ering a handmade curtain and blind making service. She was already well established as a curtain maker but could see there was a chance to expand to sell fabric as well.
Despite being horse mad Fiona took her mother’s advice and trained in fashion and textiles and learnt how to make curtains. She
then started working for Laura Ashley. A stint travelling then followed and on her return she went back to Laura Ashley. But not for long as she realised she could make the curtains herself and was able to o er customers a better price, probably better quality and certainly a better service. So she set up on her own as a curtain maker working from home. She did this for many years, building a successful business until eventually she outgrew her house having ‘no rooms left to work in’ so set up her own studio in Thrapston taking someone on to help meet demand. ‘It was good steady work and my skills were put to good use but I knew I could do more and wanted to sell and supply fabrics as well as work on the manufacturing side,’ she says.
John Lewis closing in Peterboorugh meant you could no longer visit the shop to study the lookbooks of designer fabrics. Fiona took on her premises in Oundle’s West Street, madly decorated, liaised with all the di erent fabric reps, bought the fabric books (they are not cheap and then had a very quick turnaround and opened her shop in June this year. And Oundle and the surrounding area has welcomed her with open arms. ‘The response has been overwhelming,’ she told me. ‘I am absolutely delighted.’
Her shop is lovely; light and airy and full of fabric books, swathes of material – do note the swan fabric hanging up – and with a lovely window display; all showing Fiona’s strengths. And the choice of fabric is huge ranging from high end fabrics at about £150 a metre down to a more a ordable 0. A lot of well known brands and designers are represented including Sanderson, Clark and Clark, Ashley Wilde, Harlequin, ILIV and too many more to mention. And at the back of the shop, up some stairs is a large workroom where curtains and blinds are made. It’s certainly a hive of activity. Fiona also stocks soft furnishings or makes them for you, as well as table lamps and a few other interior bits. And all things blinds and curtains including poles, tracks, beading and trimmings. Fiona o ers you a service from start to finish. She will come out and measure up for you and then give a free quotation. You will then know how much fabric to buy and can spend time looking through all of Fiona’s books of fabric. She can also get samples for you. Fiona only works with the fabric she sells in her shop as she then has comeback with the manufacturers if there is a problem as she has a paid relationship with her accounts and knows where the fabric is sourced from. Fiona also has a reliable and trusty ‘fitter’ who does the hanging for her. She can o er you lots of advice as to whether you should have curtains or blinds. And then she can suggest plenty of di erent styles of curtain, linings, trimmings etc. Fiona has lots of experience and skill so has a wealth of knowledge. Her customers vary from people moving house, others redecorating a room and some doing major refurbishment. Houses can be new or old and a set of curtains will usually take between four to six weeks to deliver, but could be longer during busy periods.
Fiona enjoys the commercial side of her business, the fabric
selection and selling as well as the making of the curtains and o ering a bespoke service. She employs three other ladies to help with the making up who are all fully qualified with either degrees or BTECs so are very skilled. ‘Sadly there are not many people around now who know how to make a proper decent, hand finished pair of curtains. This is because there is nowhere for them to learn to do this. There are fewer and fewer courses available to get fully trained, and that’s such a pity.’
Fiona can o er lots of advice about fabrics and soft furnishings and is now branching into furniture sales as well. From mid November, in the shop next door, Fiona will be o ering a stunning collection of bespoke, made to order sofas and armchairs by ARTISTIC UPHOLSTERY which will be available to order in a wide range of fabrics she already stocks as well as some new, recognisable brands.
Pop in and see her, she’ll be delighted to see you.
www.fionaswancurtainsandblinds.co.uk
Decorations, gifts,plants, lights and festive hampers and lots more Uppingham’s
Now taking bookings for our delicious CHRISTMAS
Glaston Road, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9EU Garden Centre & The Orchard Café 01572 822729 www.wellandvale.co.uk
Whatever you want to say to your team, clients or suppliers – be it hello, thank you, sorry, Merry Christmas or congratulations, hampers are a wonderful way to send your best wishes.
We deliver individual hampers along with personalised handwritten cards – using cards from our hand-illustrated range or something customised for you.
We o er three di erently size hampers lled with a selection of pickles or preserves, crackers, chocolates, cookies, tea or perhaps something a little stronger! Or course, if you would prefer something smaller, larger, rounder, or ashier then we can make that happen too.
To order just visit: bulwickvillageshop.com or thepickleshop.com or pop
The family jewellers
Mary meets Fiona Hopper, the fourth generation of her family to run their jewellery business
WHEN TRAVELLING
AROUND the UK and visiting market and county towns I’ve always thought you can judge the prosperity of the area by its high street, particularly the number of independent shops. But the ultimate indicator is the jewellers and the quality of what it sells, that usually has pride of place on the high street. Many small market towns have a really good, long established jeweller selling expensive rings, brooches, bracelets and watches. Buxton springs
to mind immediately, Bakewell too and more locally obviously Stamford and then, of course, there is Hoppers of Bourne which has just celebrated 45 years on North Street.
So well established is Hoppers that Fiona Hopper, the current managing director, knows virtually all of her customers, their families, relations, where they live, even their pets. Fiona is the fourth generation of her family to run the business which goes back 90 years to her great grandfather Arthur Hopper who was from Goole. His son Stanley moved to Boston
aged 21 and took on a jeweller’s shop there, quickly establishing himself as an Omega watch agent which was quite an honour for a small jeweller in the heart of rural Lincolnshire. This agency helped them survive the war years and once Stanley’s sons joined the business it expanded opening more shops in the county. The brothers then amicably split the business and Fiona’s father Peter had the shops in Sleaford, Grantham and Bourne.
Fiona had no intention of joining the family business and after leaving Stamford High School went o to dinburgh to study business and languages. She then headed to Australia and afterwards to New Zealand spending eight years away from home working mainly in sales.
‘After eight years I decided I wanted to come home and retrain as a lawyer,’ Fiona says. ‘I asked my father if he would help me pay for the course and he suggested I became a jeweller instead. I hadn’t even considered it but he suggested we each gave the other a year to see how I got on and if I liked it. So, I
agreed and joined the company in 1996. I spent the year travelling round the country working in various jewellers learning the trade that my father had contacts with, including in Durham, Edinburgh, King’s Lynn and Cork, and I loved it.’
Fiona’s father was very forward thinking and could see that she would bring a di erent perspective to the business as well as a fresh pair of eyes. He was strict with her and expected her to gain all her qualifications which she duly did. She is now a Fellow of the Institute of Registered Valuers, a gemmologist and valuer and knows the jewellery trade inside out and backwards.
‘I also loved being back in Lincolnshire which I did not expect. It really was coming home. I caught up with old school friends, joined Tolethorpe and had a lovely little cottage in a village near Stamford. I love the jewellery trade, love my customers and the people I work with and there’s never a dull moment.’
Fiona became managing director in 2007 when her father retired. ‘We had 10 years working together and we had great fun. He was a very skilled, experienced gemmologist with an encyclopaedic knowledge and we worked well together. He had the experience and knowledge whilst I had the enthusiasm and new ideas. And it worked.’
Fiona introduced new brands and ideas but the core of the business was always the same; good quality jewellery and excellent customer service.
Hoppers now has two shops, the one in Bourne and another in Grantham which is run by Russell who has been with the company for 0 years. Sixteen sta now work for Hoppers including Fiona’s sister Bridget who does the admin and stock control at rantham. Many sta are part time, and all are qualified mainly as gemmologists. This means that you can trust Fiona and her sta . They are knowledgeable, know what they are talking about, know the quality of what they are selling and can o er great advice such as sapphires should never be stored next to
pearls as they will scratch them. It gives you confidence to know that any member of sta you deal with knows their stu .
The Grantham shop is well known for its second hand and pre loved jewellery and Russell has a great eye as well has huge experience. Hoppers buy jewellery in as well as sell pre loved. They also repurpose and redesign pieces of jewellery which is becoming more and more popular. ‘We often get customers coming in who have inherited
jewellery which they will never wear. But it means a lot to them so they want to have it redesigned so they will wear it,’ says Fiona. This is often the case with wedding rings and often items of gold jewellery that will be melted down to make a wedding or signet ring.
Hoppers are also well known for their repair service for both jewellery and clocks. But they also sell giftware including christening gifts and crystal. And they sell all sorts of jewellery ranging from pretty, inexpensive silver pieces to well known brands such as Hot Diamonds and fashion pieces. But, of course, they are best known for the lovely engagement rings they sell and wedding rings which are handmade and bespoke to fit round your engagement ring. The choice of wedding rings is enormous with diamond set ones being very popular.
Fiona is rightly most proud of Hoppers’ reputation. ‘We are renowned for our excellent customer service and for being honest. I know most of our customers and they trust us. They know they are buying good quality jewellery and can trust that they are getting what they pay for, which is absolutely vital in the jewellery world.’
www.hoppersjewellers.co.uk
HANDCRA F T
SOUND
our luxurious salons with ample parking at 11 Hope’s Yard, Uppingham, Rutland. LE15 9QQ Phone: 01572 823370 www.goodhairdaysuppingham.co.uk 1 Alexandra Road, Stamford, PE9 1QR. Phone: 01780 238280 www.goodhairdaysstamford.co.uk
