Nene Valley Living January 2012

H e l p i n g y o u t o g e t t H e m o s t o u t o f l i v i n g l o C A l l y

nene vAlley LIVINGfood/fAsHion/heaLth & beauty/Home & gArden/LIfestyLe

9 771740 052017

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£1.50 JAnuAry 2012

www.bestloCAlliving.Co.uk@locallivinguk

H o n e y f o r t e A ?Old fashioned pleasures w o n d e r wA l l s

Reviving a rural craft H e e l !

Dog training tips from the top

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• NVL January ADS.indd 2 15/12/11 16:49:00

This issue January5 Editor’s selection Treats for January

7 Upfront Queensgate prize winner announced

8 Upfront Oundle Travel and Buckles Solicitors

11 Upfront The Queens Head, Bulwick, reviewed

12 Eat out for less The gourmet penny pinchers’ guide

18 Health and beauty notes News from local businesses

20 Reviving an ancient craft The art of dry stone walling

22 Top dog Trainer Norman Mason on his canine career

24 Doggie details Everything you need to keep your dog healthy and happy

26 Past pleasures The rise of the retro tea room

29 Interiors notes A homemade home

30 Grand designs London’s newest old hotel

32 Motoring Crack car crime

35 Walk of the month Fineshade Woods

37 Diary dates Event highlights this month

EditorFiona [email protected] to Nene Valley Living, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FY www.nenevalleyliving.co.ukAdvertisement Manager Bridget Steele 01733 707538 [email protected] DirectorHelen Walton 01780 [email protected] of Design Steven [email protected] Designer Nik Ellis [email protected] Copy Rachel Beecroft 01780 765320 [email protected] Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 Email: [email protected] by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY www.locallivingltd.co.uk Printed by Warner’s of Bourne

NENE VALLEY LIVING

There is a defi nite revival

of interest in traditional crafts and skills. This came home to me recently, as I inspected a

perfectly constructed dry stone wall which had been planted in the middle of the Victoria and Albert Museum at the Power of Making Exhibition. A celebration of the breadth and depth of craft in modern life, the exhibition highlighted old and new skills. Locally, there are many people who are dedicated to doing the same thing, and Richard Donoyou’s work teaching young people the age-old skill of dry stone walling makes fascinating reading in Dave Phillips’ report on page 20.

It’s easy to feel lethargic at this time of year, but we have plenty of ideas for getting out and about in this month’s issue. Whether it’s a good value meal, a country walk, or a trip to London to visit the impressively restored St Pancras Renaissance hotel, there should be something here to tempt you outside. The chill wind of recession may be nipping at our heels, but there is still much to celebrate about 2012, with the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics on the horizon. We look forward to sharing some of that excitement, from a unique local perspective, over the coming months.

Happy New Year to all our readers and advertisers.

SUBSCRIBE TO Nene Valley Living

For £20 (UK only) you can subscribe to Nene Valley Living for 12 issues. Please send your name, address and a cheque made out to Local Living Ltd to: NVL Subscriptions, PO Box 208, Stamford, PE9 9FYOr you can subscribe online – go to www.bestlocalliving.co.uk

20 ART OF DRY STONE WALLING

30 GRAND DESIGNS

Cover shot: Original screen

print by John Paige, The Old Brewery

Studios, King’s Cliffe, Peterborough PE8

6XB Tel: 01780 470247

F iona CumberpatchEditor

W W W. B E S T L O C A L L I V I N G . C O . U K @LocalLivingUK

12 EAT OUT FOR LESS

NENE VALLEY LIVING JANUARY 2012 3

24 KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY

P3 NVLJANCONTENTS.indd 1 16/12/11 12:05:40

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20 Market Place, Oundle Tel: 01832 270033

16 Church St, Market Harborough Tel: 01858 431396

WINTER SALE

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE CLOSEDON TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER IN

PREPARATION FOR THE SALE

STARTS WEDNESDAY 28TH DECEMBER 2011

To find out how acupuncture could help you, please contact

Corinne Alexander BA(Hons) MBAcC

07737 172939

j a d e a c u p u n c t u r e

Traditional acupuncture is a healthcare system

based on ancient principles which go back nearly two thousand years. It has a very positive model of good health and function, and looks at pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. The overall aim of acupuncture treatment, then, is to restore the body’s equilibrium.

Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints to more general feelings of ill health and low energy.

DHS Business Centre, 226 Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough PE1 3PBAlso at - The Range, Toft Country House Hotel, Toft, Bourne PE10 0JT (Mondays only)

www.jadeacupuncture.co.uk


Editor’s selectionInspiring ideas for January

1 John Lewis reclaimed grey wooden stool, £30, John Lewis,

Queensgate Centre, Peterborough

2 You and Me necklace, by Chain of Daisies, made in the East

of England. £16 from www.thehandmadeemporium.com (an Oundle-based web business)

6 Listen to motivating music while you work out via John Lewis AKGK316 clip sports headphones, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough


4 Rejuvenate winter skin with King’s

Cliffe-based Martha Hill’s honey skin care set, from £11.60 for a travel set. Free delivery from www.beautynaturals.com

5 Fresh looks for your kitchen from

Marks and Spencer, Queensgate Centre, Peterborough: frying pans, £15, measuring spoons, £3.50, cups, £5, towels, £9.50

8 Local potter Pam Orme makes tactile ceramic acorns and fungi, tel: 07545 189572 or pam-pot@hotmail.

co.uk She takes part in a major exhibition at Stamford Arts Centre in May

3 Johnston’s cashmere gloves, £20 a

pair, Attic, Stamford www.atticfashion.co.uk

7 Short and Sweet, £9.99, a brilliant

baking guide by Oundle Food Festival regular and Guardian columnist Dan Lepard. Order from Oundle Bookshop

5 ED CHOICE.indd 1 16/12/11 12:06:36

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A16 to Market Deeping

A6121 to Bourne Police

Station

To Empingham/Oakham

To Town Centre

FITZGERALDSBED CENTRE

We are Here

To Town Centre

A6121 toKetton

Fitzgerald’szz

BED CENTRE

ButchersBetting Shop

WE AREHERE

ABBEY ROAD

A15to Sleaford

BudgensCar Park Slip road

leading to shop

A151to Stamford

A15to Peterborough

A151to Spalding


www.fitzgeraldsbeds.co.uk

4'6" Brown Leather BedsteadClearance Price

Was £299.95Now £99.95

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Spalding Store77 Westlode Street, Spalding PE11 2AE

Tel: 01775 711014

B117

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•••

WestlodeStreet

3' Cabin BedNew in StockWas £349.95

Now £199.95

Bourne Store17B Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF

Tel: 01778 394774

3’ Electric Adjustable BedFree Assembly and Testing

Was £999.95

Now £499.95

OPENING HOURSMonday .....................................9am - 7pmTuesday .....................................9am - 5pmWednesday ...............................9am - 5pmThursday ...................................9am - 5pmFriday.........................................9am - 5pmSaturday ....................................9am - 5pmSunday ..........................................CLOSED

4' 6" Silentnight Miracoil 34 Free Drawer Divan

Was £599.95

Now £299.95

Stockist of Vi-Spring . Myers . Silent Night . Staples and Many More

5' for 4'6" Price RestassuredOver 2000 Pocket Springs

4 Free DrawersWas £139.95

Now £699.95

4'6" Sleepeezee Memory FoamPocket Spring4 Free Drawers

Was £799.95Now £399.95

TELEPHONE ORDERS TAKEN WITH PAYMENT ON DELIVERY

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY

FREEIMMEDIATEDELIVERY

DISPOSALOF OLD

BEDCELEBRATE WITH AN EXTRA10% OFF DISPLAY PRICES

This Week Only,When you produce this advert.

Fitzgerald’szz

BED CENTRE


WE AREHERE

ABBEY ROAD

A15to Sleaford


leading to shop

A151to Stamford

A15to Peterborough

A151to Spalding




Was £299.95Now £99.95

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Tel: 01775 711014

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Now £199.95


Tel: 01778 394774


Was £999.95

Now £499.95



Was £599.95

Now £299.95




Now £699.95


Was £799.95Now £399.95


HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY


DISPOSALOF OLD



Fitzgerald’szz

BED CENTRE


WE AREHERE

ABBEY ROAD

A15to Sleaford


leading to shop

A151to Stamford

A15to Peterborough

A151to Spalding




Was £299.95Now £99.95

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Tel: 01775 711014

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Now £199.95


Tel: 01778 394774


Was £999.95

Now £499.95



Was £599.95

Now £299.95




Now £699.95


Was £799.95Now £399.95


HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY


DISPOSALOF OLD



Fitzgerald’szz

BED CENTRE


WE AREHERE

ABBEY ROAD

A15to Sleaford


leading to shop

A151to Stamford

A15to Peterborough

A151to Spalding




Was £299.95Now £99.95

We areHere

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Win

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Tel: 01775 711014

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Now £199.95


Tel: 01778 394774


Was £999.95

Now £499.95



Was £599.95

Now £299.95




Now £699.95


Was £799.95Now £399.95


HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY


DISPOSALOF OLD



wEST STREET

4’6” Black BedsteadFREE MattressWas £299.95

Now £169.95

Myers 5’ for 4’6” PriceFREE DrawersWas £799.95

Now £399.95

3’ Electric Adjustable FREE Testing & Assembly

Was £999.95Now £499.95

4’6” Memory Foam DivanFREE DrawersWas £499.95

Now £249.95

hu

rry winter sale now

onlowest prices

guaranteed

4’6’’ leather bedsteadFree deluxe mattress

limited stocks

Was £599.95Now £249.95

4’6’’ silentnight orthoMiracoil 3 pocket 2100

Free 4 drawers

Was £599.95Now £299.95

4’6’’ black+ brass bedsteadAvailable in

cream+brass

Was £399.95Now £199.95

5ft for the 4’6’’ priceMyer’s sprung edge divan

Free 4 drawers

Was £799.95Now £399.95

Valuations Given

We have now opened our latest Antique & Craft Centre at - 15 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG

Social Stitching, Haberdashery, Picture Framing & Tea Shop

Open 7 days a week

Antiques Bought and Sold • Free ValuationsRestoration Work Undertaken

Gold & Silver Bought – Best Prices Given

Please call to speak to one of our experts

07901 51340401780 766124

or email [email protected]


UPFRONTWhat’s new this month

LOCAL NEWS


ASK THE EXPERTQ. I’ve missed the 2010-11 paper HMRC tax return of October 31st. What can I do? If you’re worried that you could be facing a penalty for missing the HMRC deadline, then the good news is that you still have time to register to fi le

your return online. This gives you until January 31st 2012 to submit your completed return. You only have longer than this if you received the letter telling you to complete a tax return after October 31st, in which case you’ll have three months from the date you received the letter. If you are fi ling your return online for the fi rst time, then you will need to register for HMRC Online Services and wait for an activation code to be sent to your home address.

If your tax return is fi led late, you will be charged a penalty of £100, even if you do not have a tax liability. You will still need to submit your tax return as soon as possible, as the longer you delay the more you have to pay in penalties. You can ask HMRC to reconsider a penalty if you believe you have a reasonable excuse for missing the deadline. This will generally need to be an unforeseeable and exceptional event that was beyond your control.• For more information and help, contact Stephenson Smart & Co. Tel: 01733 343275 or visit www.stephensonsmart.com

QUEENSGATECONGRATULATIONSQueensgate Shopping Centre is thrilled to announce the winner of the ‘Win Your Christmas’ competition: Sylvia Kavanagh of Stamford. With nearly 1,500 entries from across the Nene Valley, Rutland and Stamford areas, the competition proved to be a big hit with savvy shoppers intent on scooping a supersized stack of gifts just in time for Christmas.

Sylvia’s amazing haul included a Christmas tree from John Lewis, along with a selection of dazzling decorations, designed to make any tree sparkle. In keeping with the festive fever, there was also a beautiful wreath from Queensgate’s resident fl orist, Fleur. Waitrose was on hand to provide a voucher for an array of food fi t for a king and the lucky winner also received a £100 gift card courtesy of Queensgate, perfect for picking up those extra presents. On top of that, there was a gift set from Lush, a voucher from Schuh, and to wrap it all up, Christmas cards and pretty paper from Paperchase.

Phil Drinkwater, marketing manager for Queensgate commented: “we’re thrilled to be spreading Christmas cheer by offering such an amazing set of prizes to Sylvia. We would like to say thank you to everyone who entered and to the host of retailers who supported us.”

BRIGHT IDEA FOR FUNDRAISINGA discount card that benefi ts charities and community groups who sell it in aid of their funds has been launched in the region by businesswoman Chris Kahan. Peel 2 Save is a small card which contains 64 individual peel off coupons promoting money saving offers from local businesses such as fl orists, cafes, restaurants, bowling alleys and hairdressers. The idea is that community groups and charities sell each card for £10, from which they keep £5 for their cause. Anyone who spends £10 on a card will soon recoup their money, and they will have donated to a worthy cause at the same time. The fi rst Peterborough card is available now, and is valid for 12 months. For more details, contact Chris Kahan on 0800 840 6451.

The joys of local woodland birdsong are being shared by people around the world thanks to Oundle musician Nick Penny. He has been capturing and sharing the natural sounds of the area for eight years, and his evocative bird recordings are in demand not only from local residents, but from people who have moved away and want to be reminded of home. They are also increasingly popular among staff and patients in hospices and care homes, who appreciate the relaxing and calming effect of the soothing sounds of spring.

Nick has made three CDs of local bird song, including one of birds singing in the evening, and another of the dawn chorus. His latest CD is a selection of nightingale song recordings made near Glapthorn and Southwick. “A nightingale recording I posted on YouTube has had more than 150,000 plays,” reveals Nick. He is now working on a new CD to help people recognise birds they hear in local woods and gardens. • Nick’s Nightingale Song CD and his other recordings are available from his website, www.nickpenny.com or from The Oundle Bookshop.

STOP PRESS STOP PRESSAGA WINNERSCongratulations to the winners of our November Aga competition. First prize of £175 worth of vouchers to spend at The Aga Shop, Warmington Mill, goes to Emily Hynes of Castor, and second prize of a £75 voucher was won by Abigail Benson of Eaglethorpe. • The Aga Shop, Warmington Mill, Eaglethorpe, Warmington PE8 6TJ

THE BEAUTY OF BIRDSONG

7 UPFRONT.indd 1 16/12/11 12:08:01

LOCAL NEWS

Upfront

8 NENE VALLEY LIVING JAnUArY 2012

Splitting heirSMaking the decision to get divorced can be a difficult one and dealing with the splitting of finances and assets can be very distressing. When negotiating a financial agreement or settlement, various elements, from the needs of children, duration of marriage, pensions, property and the needs of the spouse are taken into consideration. But it’s not always easy to decide who gets what.

In one recent case, a porter claimed half of his wife’s lottery win after the marriage broke down. The wife had bought the winning ticket with a friend and paid for it out of her own money. She then bought the family home in her name for £275,000. They had both lived there for four years.

In court, the judge held that the lottery winnings were not matrimonial property. However, he declared that the home was a matrimonial asset, no matter whose name it was in, which entitled the husband to a share. The judge concluded that the husband should be awarded £85,000 out of the property to provide for his pension – well short of half.

At the other end of the property scale, a husband’s £12 million fortune (mostly from inherited wealth) was treated as family assets. The court determined to the wife’s reasonable needs (she was 55 with one of their five children still at school). It awarded her the nine bedroom family home with 40 acres, plus £75,000 for restoration, a £1.65 million pension and £75,000 a year for child maintenance. The husband appealed, but the ruling was upheld, leaving the husband with around two thirds of his ancestral wealth.

“The outcome in financial relief cases is very unpredictable. The ratio in which the money is divided is not consistent. In both cases, neither received a 50 per cent share – they had what was judged ‘fair’ in the circumstances,” says Lyn Brisley of Buckles Solicitors.

For the majority of families going through divorce, the financial division has to be carefully considered. A balance is struck between the needs of the separating spouses and their children in the context of overall financial resources.Buckles Solicitors LLP is committed to guiding clients through the process of separation and divorce. If you would like advice, or if you have any questions, contact Lyn Brisley, Partner and Head of Family Law at Buckles. Tel: 01733 888888

pAUlA CoCkCroft of OUNdLE TrAVEL reCommendS A breAk in pAriSAs it’s only three hours by train from St Pancras, it’s easy just to pop to Paris for a short break for just one night, and with the fabulous new Eurostar terminal at St Pancras, why not spend the night at the brand new Renaissance Hotel (see feature on page 30) or chill out with a glass of champagne at the World’s Longest Champagne Bar to start your journey in style?

Whatever your interest, you’re sure to find it in Paris, from the buzzing Latin quarter on the Left Bank, famous for its literary legacy and wide range of bars and restaurants, to the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, the unforgettable cabaret shows and, of course, the world famous Moulin Rouge.

The best way to see Paris is on foot: it’s surprisingly compact and you will see so much more. It’s a wonderful place to shop and offers a stylish alternative to Britain’s ‘identikit’ high streets; the Parisians value their independent traders, vibrant markets, flea markets and lavish department stores. Food shopping is taken very seriously here, with cheese, bread, wine, meat and chocolate all excellent buys. Fauchon’s excellent complex of food counters and cafés is a delight, as is Boulangerie Poilane, one

of the best bakeries in the city. Wine lovers should seek out Les Caves Taillevent, while those in search of fine cheeses should visit Marie Anne Cantins’ shop - the best in the city!

Oundle Travel recommends the centrally situated 3* Victor Hugo, a three night break starts from as little as £396 per person (low season) including 2nd Class Eurostar tickets. For something more special with private car transfers from Gare du Nord, the Sydney Opera Hotel costs from £599 per person with First Class Eurostar tickets.

For a family break, combine your sightseeing with a break to Disneyland Paris. Oundle Travel has offers of up to 40% discount for the Disneyland hotels during the spring months. Alternatively, keep costs down by staying just outside the Disney resort.For more details contact Oundle Travel on 01832 273600 www.oundletravel.co.uk

tone Up in 2012Pilates is a great way to gently tone your body. Angela Bradshaw is now offering classes at a variety of convenient local venues. Choose from Nassington Village Hall, classes already running (Monday evenings 7-8pm and Wednesdays 9.30-10.30am), Hampton Vale Community Centre, starts January 13th, 10am – 11am and Stamford Arts Centre, starts January 12th, 10am-11am. To book, contact [email protected] or call Angela on 01832 275390

STOP PrESS: Buy a 40th Anniversary 2012 calendar, beautifully illustrated by young artists from Prince William School, Oundle for £5. Tel: 01832 272881 or email [email protected]

8 UPFRONT.indd 2 16/12/11 12:08:54

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Tel: Amanda Tolley 07787 436982Email: [email protected]

Grove LaneThe Home Finding and Home Styling Service

• UseHomeStagingtosellyourproperty beforereducingtheaskingprice

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10% January discount


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Tel: 01780 784006 Fax: 01780 781539 Email: [email protected] Web: www.queensheadnassington.co.uk

2 course lunchtimespecial was £12now just £10

Book Nowfor ValentineDinner Dance –11th or18th Feb.

(offer valid from 2nd Jan to 9th Feb 2012,except Sundays & cannot be used inconjunction with other offers or meal deals)

The Queens HeadRiverside Inn54 Station RdNassington, nr PeterboroughNorthamptonshire PE8 6QB

All main coursesare just £10 on anyMonday to Thursday

(e.g) 8oz Sirloin Steak – normally £17.50 now just £10Pheasant – normally £14.50 now just £10(offer valid from 2nd Jan to 9th Feb 2012 & cannot be used in conjunctionwith other offers or meal deals & offer excludes Wagyu & USDAGrainfed steaks & sharing meals)

Plus

The Queens Head Main Street Bulwick Northamptonshire NN17 3DY Tel: 01780 450272

Situated in the picturesque village of Bulwick, a short distance from

Oundle and Stamford, the Queens Head is a traditional village pub offering a warm welcome to everyone

Whether you’re looking for a quick pint or a tasty bite to sustain you on your way, The Queens Head is immediately welcoming and is rooted firmly in the

country pub tradition. A happy mix of locals and visitors can relax by a roaring open fire whilst enjoying real ales from a well-chosen and ever-changing CAMRA Award-winning selection of brews, while the bar meal menu features classic pub fayre with a personal touch. A fine selection of wines is also available.

For a slightly more formal lunch or dinner, the A la Carte menu offers a selection of thoughtfully planned dishes, using the finest seasonal and local produce, all designed to make your meal just that bit special. The intimate restaurant spreads across three very different rooms: the Shaker style main area at the front adjoins a secluded dining room for large parties or special occasions, which in turn leads on to a cosy, traditionally styled area.

Early Doors offEr TuEsDays 6pm – 7.30pm spEcially sElEcTED mEnu 2 courses £12, 3 courses £15Visit our website

www.thequeensheadbulwick.co.uk for details of our special offers, menus and opening times.


NeNe Valley liViNg recommeNds The Queens head, Bulwick

It’s always good to report that a village pub is back in business, and we’re pleased that Bulwick’s 17th century hostelry is firing on all cylinders again after a period in the doldrums and a three

month closure. Under new ownership since May, The Queens Head has a fresh look, and a new head chef – Haydn Laidlow, previously of Oundle’s Chapel Dining Room. The cosy stone-flagged bar with its beams and wood burning stove has been lightened with mirrors behind the bar, cream walls and jaunty country checks, and there’s a more formal restaurant area, which extends over three rooms.

A blackboard with a short list of specials greeted us, and caused instant mouth-watering. There was also a printed bar menu, and an A la Carte one. We were in a light lunch mood, so though tempted by the venison pie with mashed potatoes and veg, a caesar salad with grilled chicken won the day for me. My colleague Bridget chose the grilled goats cheese salad with beetroot and pickled walnuts, and we shared some hand cut chips. My Caesar salad was crisp and delicious, with a good sized portion of char-grilled chicken, creamy parmesan dressing and – a surprise – fresh anchovies. Bridget made short work of her smallish portion of goats’ cheese salad, relishing the earthy nut and beetroot flavours. She would have liked some bread to accompany it, which wasn’t offered. But she made up for her carb-free first course with a splendid dessert of bread and butter pudding, with fresh vanilla custard. My crème brulee with home made shortbread biscuits was an absolute blinder, with a crisp, crack-with-your-spoon caramel top and soft underside.

Chef Haydn produces deceptively simple, appetising food, all locally farmed or sourced, and eminently suited to a country pub that isn’t trying to be too clever. “I’m very lucky to have game from our local estate,” he says. “And I can’t wait to get our pizza oven fired up in the summer.”

Described as “a village pub with a restaurant,” you’ll find local drinkers, darts and dominoes teams here, walkers taking advantage of some fine paths, and dedicated diners wanting good food at an affordable price. There are CAMRA accredited real ales and an excellent wine selection, too. Yes, the Queens Head is firmly back on the map. Fiona Cumberpatch

The Queens Head, Main St, Bulwick NN17 3DY Tel: 01780 450272 www.thequeensheadbulwick.co.uk Open: Tuesday – Sunday Prices: From £9.95 for a daily special to £16.95 for a rib eye steak. Sandwiches from £5.50. Sharing platters from £8.25.

LOCAL NEWS

UpfronT

NeNe Valley liViNg JanuarY 2012 11

whY solar power sTill paYs offTony Dell, managing director at Sovereign Solar Power, explains why the energy source is a great investment for the future

Recent proposals by the Government to reduce the earning potential from solar power by up to 50%, are leading to inevitable questions about whether it’s still going to be a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the future. The proposal under consideration applies to all solar power installations brought into service after 12 December 2011, and reduces the feed-in tariffs from 43.3p per kilowatt hour to just 21p after that date.

So, if the proposal is agreed and you’ve missed the mid-December deadline, is it worth investing in a solar power system? The short answer is yes! Naturally, you’ll still enjoy the benefit of generating free electricity for your own use - nothing changes there. And it’s worth remembering that even with the proposed reduction in earnings from the solar power feed-in incentive, there’s still index-linked tax free money to be made for 25 years, starting from the installation date. The earning potential over such a long period will still be significant, and is expected to provide around 5-10% return on the initial investment.

Current industry predictions are that the purchase cost of solar panels will come down in early 2012, reducing the initial outlay required to install solar power in the first place. Remember, too the other important reasons why it pays to generate your own power.

Unlike oil, it’s a reliable and fully renewable resource. And whereas burning oil to generate electricity releases greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, polluting the air we breathe, solar power is pollution-free.

As solar panels contain no moving parts, solar power systems require little or no maintenance. Long warranties come as standard with all solar panels and other system components, which is further proof of their durability.

The systems are also simple to install, and most solar power installation projects can be completed and busy generating electricity within just a few days. With solar power, you’re well protected against regular price hikes, unlike other domestic utilities. So, with all the publicity surrounding the proposed reduction in the Government feed-in tariff, don’t lose sight of the many other compelling reasons to choose solar power as a great renewable way to cut your carbon footprint and run your home for less.

For a no obligation quote and to find out more, call 01733 551329, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.sovereignsolarpower.co.uk

11 UPFRONT.indd 2 16/12/11 12:09:34

FOOD & DRINK

12 NENE VALLEY LIVING JANUARY 2012

EAt oUt for LEssYou may be tightening the purse strings after Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a meal out,

as local restaurants and cafés are offering great money saving deals for the New Year

Queens Head, NassingtonAt this country inn with a riverside setting, all main courses are reduced to £10 on Mondays to Thursdays between January 2nd and February 9th, such as steak (normally £17.50) and pheasant (normally £14.50). You can also have a two course lunch for £10 (usually £12, excludes Sundays). We are hearing good reports about the food and the atmosphere.54 Station Rd, Nassington, Peterborough PE8 6QB Tel: 01780 784006 www.queensheadnassington.co.uk

Oundle Mill, OundleRestaurant of the Year in the 2010/11 Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards has a new head chef and a fresh look menu, which is both delicious and unfussy. Try it for half price on Mondays throughout January.Oundle Mill, Barnwell Rd, Oundle PE8 5PB Tel: 01832 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

The White Swan, WoodnewtonThis thriving village pub offers a two course menu for £10 on Monday to Saturday lunchtimes, and also on Sunday evenings. It’s very popular with locals and visitors, so best to book ahead.The White Swan, Main St, Woodnewton Tel: 01780 470944

The Queens Head, BulwickThis cosy village pub is under new ownership and it has a new chef, Haydn Laidlow, who is full of exciting plans. Enjoy good food at reasonable prices in the refurbished 17th century building (see review on page 11). On Tuesdays, you can enjoy an ‘early doors’ menu between 6pm-7.30pm, at a special price of £12 for two courses or £15 for three. Main St, Bulwick NN17 3DYTel: 01780 450272www.thequeensheadbulwick.co.uk

East, PeterboroughRefresh jaded palates with something spicy at this Dutch Barge venue, moored on the River Nene. Through January, you can have two courses for £10, Sunday to Thursday.Upper Deck, Charters, Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP Tel: 01733 315702 www.east-restaurant.co.uk

The Crown Hotel, StamfordEnjoy a pie and a pint (or a glass of wine or soft drink), served with potatoes and vegetables, for just £11, through January and February at this convivial, centrally-located hotel in Stamford. The offer begins on January 2nd, and covers Monday to Saturday lunchtimes, and Monday to Thursday dinner (not Valentine’s Day).All Saints Place, Stamford PE9 2AG Tel: 01780 763136 www.thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk

The Kings Head, ApethorpeThis is a novel idea: you can enjoy a free bottle of wine with your meal if you supply the pub with two friends’ email addresses so they can be kept updated with the lively programme of events throughout the year, including quizzes, themed evenings and cocktails. Lunch costs just £8 throughout January, including a drink, which can include a soft drink, a beer or a glass of wine. Offer available Tuesday to Saturday.King’s Cliffe Rd, Apethorpe, PE8 5DG Tel: 01780 470627

The Exeter Arms, Easton on the HillEnjoy quirky antiques-inspired décor and a comforting pie and a pint for £11 (see The Crown Hotel, Stamford for full details) at this popular establishment.21 Stamford Rd, Easton on the Hill, PE9 3NS Tel: 01780 756321 www.theexeterarms.net

Oundle Mill, Oundle

The Queens Head, Bulwick

East, Peterborough

The Exeter Arms, Easton on the Hill

12 13 EAT OUT.indd 1 16/12/11 12:11:11

13

The Kings Arms P O L E B R O O K

01832 272 363 www.thekingsarms-polebrook.co.uk

A genuine pub serving authentic food from England and Spain

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY

LUNCH • • •

STEAKS CHARGILLED ON

ENGLISH OAK • • •

PAELLA AND TAPAS

• • •

LUNCH MENU • • •

SPANISH PARTY MENU

• • •

LOCAL AND NATIONAL

ALES


14

News fromOundle Mill

It’s so rare to fi nd a chef who can take the best techniques from

fi ne dining and apply them to creating great pub grub that’s a

cut above the rest

Oundle Mill, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5PBTel: (01832) 272621 www.oundlemill.co.uk

Oundle Mill and new Head Chef, Gavin Austin, have been delighted by the fabulous feedback about the new menus at Oundle Mill.

Rave reviews for the new Head Chef at Oundle Mill

OUNDLE MILL. A PERFECT PLACE TO EAT, MEET OR SIMPLY RETREAT

A totally delicious taste sensation

The food was fantastic, the service

excellent and the whole ambience

perfectwhole ambience

He is a young and dynamic chef, aiming to provide a stylishly modern take on local restaurant dining, appealing to diners looking for a great experience

but with an eye on cost. We think he is well on the way to achieving his

goals, providing beautiful, vividly presented and elegant food

of a very high quality with great attention to detail

He is a young and dynamic chef, aiming to provide a stylishly modern take on local restaurant dining,

vividly presented and elegant food vividly presented and elegant food of a very high quality with great

Dine for

½ price on Mondays in January.The perfect opportunity to try the new menus This offer is available January 2012

fi ne dining and apply them to creating great pub grub that’s a

A totally delicious taste sensationA totally delicious taste sensation

01733 571721125 Church Street WerringtonPeterborough, PE4 6QF

Reservations Essential

TH

E F

INE

ST

EN

GL

ISH

CU

ISIN

E A

T

www.cherryhouserestaurant.co.uk

“ The difference is in the detai l . . .”Cherry House

Restaurant

The

• For Superb Food & Excel lent Service In

Del ightful Surroundings

• We offer fortnightly changed, f ixed

price menu

• For al l occasions inc birthday & anniversary celebrations, int imate

weddings, wakes. . .

125 Church Street

Reservations now being taken for

ValentinesDay

4 star Gold Award



The White Hart, UffordEnjoy a walk in the surrounding countryside, rounded off with a warming pie and a pint (or glass of wine) for £11 (see The Crown Hotel, Stamford, for full details of this offer). Main St, Ufford, Stamford PE9 3BH Tel: 01780 740250 www.whitehartufford.co.uk

The Kings Arms, PolebrookPlenty to tempt you at this popular village local: a Happy Hour, every Monday and Tuesday, 6pm-7pm, £2 a pint for selected beers, and a discount on a Happy Hour wine. On Monday to Thursday evenings, you can have dinner for the price of lunch between 6pm-7pm (around £6.50 for a main). For a good-value night out, try the Spanish party menu for £18.95 a head (minimum of six people), which offers three courses of tapas dishes and paella. Or, for a statement takeaway, get together with friends and order a paella for £50 (serves eight), and just return the pan the next day.The Kings Arms, Polebrook Tel: 01832 272363 www.thekingsarms-polebrook.co.uk

Elton Furze, Haddon Good value dining in relaxing surroundings is always available at the Golf Club – you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the restaurant. With weekly specials from £4.75 for a main course, you can afford to treat yourself here. Bullock Rd, Haddon, Peterborough PE7 3TT Tel: 01832 280189 www.efgc.co.uk

Pizza Express, Stamford and PeterboroughStill a great choice, especially if you have young children and want reliable food in a relaxed yet busy atmosphere. Visit the website before you go, www.pizzaexpress.com and you can usually download ‘two for one’ meal vouchers or money off deals (restrictions may apply).8A Cathedral Square, Peterborough PE1 1XH Tel: 01733 5629841 High St, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LE Tel: 01780 767902

The Granary Café, Helpston HeathIts countryside location is the perfect foil to the hearty meals served inside this popular, rustic café. Senior citizens are in luck as on Wednesday and Thursday, they can get a lunch time deal, with all main courses, including a small roast dinner, at £5, and proper rib-sticking puddings with custard at £2.50. Seniors can also have a full farmhouse breakfast for £3.99, between 9am -11am. Lunch bookings are advisable as the café gets busy.Scotsman Lodge, Helpston Heath, Stamford Rd, Peterborough PE6 7EL Tel: 01780 749483

The London Inn, StamfordOur reviewer enjoyed this large, recently refurbished pub in the centre of Stamford, and was impressed by the two meals for £10 deal. Expect pub classics such as fish and chips, and lighter mains such as chicken and bacon salad, but there is a vast menu, so you should find something to suit most tastes. A good family venue.4 St John’s St, Stamford PE9 2DB Tel: 01780 754919

Elton Furze, Haddon

The Granary Cafe, Helpston Heath

Pizza Express, Peterborough

The London Inn, Stamford

FOOD & DRINK

12 13 EAT OUT.indd 3 16/12/11 12:11:52

16

Advertisement Feature

Offering you truly independent and unbiased advice, as an ABTA bonded

agent Oundle Travel offer full financial protection along with over 30 years of experience in the travel industry.

Paula and her team always offer a warm welcome, and a fresh coffee or a glass of wine is always on the go - along of course with a wide range of more individual brochures to browse through.

Holidays are a big purchase and those building their own ‘packages’ on line should be aware that their money will not be protected against the risks of insolvency in the same way as booking all the elements with one bonded agent, even when paying with a credit card.

Recent events such as the volcanic ash, severe snow disruption and more recently the flooding in Bangkok highlighted the problems many travellers faced when booking directly with hotels and airlines. Paula and her team worked at full capacity to assist their

passengers with rebooking of arrangements. ‘Many of our customers were stranded when the snow brought London airports to a close’ says Paula, the staff worked tirelessly to repatriate their clients back to the UK in time for Christmas and rebook onward travel arrangements.

Booking with a travel agent does not mean that a customer has to compromise on price or flexibility, ‘We have access to a wide selection of current offers, and we have a close working relationship with many suppliers and airlines, always keeping quotes very competitive’ continues Paula - ‘Booking early will be the key in 2012 to getting the best deal, the days of booking ‘last minute’ for a holiday are long gone, airline seats sell subject to supply and demand and change on almost a daily basis, capacity is also different to previous years, hoteliers have access to the lucrative Eastern European market all of which affects hotel pricing and availability’.

Oundle TravelThinking of your booking your next holiday ? Then look no further than Oundle Travel, the area’s leading independent travel agent, situated in the heart of this pretty market town.

Top DesTinaTions anD Tips for 2012 CroaTia - One of the most sought after destinations in Europe for 2012, offering breath-taking coastline and pure white beaches - Yesterdays secret, tomorrow’s holiday, go soon !Top Hotel – The Monte Mulini – Rovinj - From £1347.00 pp.Tip – Why not try a Tailor Made Fly Drive – 7 nights from £534.00 per person MarrakeCH – This is a no-brainer for a short, luxurious dose of sun !Top Hotel – La Mamounia- A feast for the eyes, luxuriously renovated with incredible detail, taste the local culture, but also be cosseted.Tip – Let the concierge book you a driver for the day and head into The Atlas Mountains – Stunning. From £785.00 per person

ZanZibar – Fed up with the Caribbean ? Head for sparkling waters and deserted beaches with 5* Deluxe properties, world class diving and watersports – Try and get there before the Russians do !Top Hotel – The Baraza Resort and Spa – From £1800.00 per person

Tip – Virtually no jet lag and direct flights into Dar Es Salaam with British Airways. MajorCa – Port de Soller – Miles away from the mass market image of this pretty island only 2 hours from London.Top Hotel – Hot off the Press – The Jumeriah renowned for its 5* properties in the Middle East is unveiling a new 120 roomed luxury hotel in Port de Soller for the summer seasonTip – Book this one early for the Kids Club, Spa and choice of superb dining. seville – Warm sunshine, even in the depths of winter perfect for that much needed winter break and the home of Carmen and Figaro.Top Hotel – Corral del Rey, fast becoming one of the most sought after boutique properties in Andalucía – From £685.00 per personTip - Let Oundle Travel book tickets for The Taetro Maestranaza – Seville’s distinguished opera house. pHukeT - Phuket’s reputation as a luxury destination has suffered over the past decade thanks to excessive, unregulated development, but the east coast is another matter…Top Hotel – The Yamu – Set on a pristine

beach, this resort is due to open Christmas 2012 and is sure to wow ! Prices available from Oundle Travel.Tip – Don’t be lured by ‘cheap’ off season deals to this part of the world Phuket – It rains…. a lot ! TusCany – Widely regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The beautiful, rolling countryside provides a totally different experience a place to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.Top Hotel – Castel Monastero – Only 18 miles from the historic town of Siena famous for its cuisine and art – Visit late June, the sun is high and the days are long.Tip – Book early to get the best deals with the low cost carriers - Easyjet are introducing extra legroom seats for the 2012 season, the days of running across the tarmac may be long gone ! oundle Travel Market place, oundle, pe8 4ea01832 273600Why not subscribe to our newsletter www.oundletravel.co.uk


17


Offering you truly independent and unbiased advice, as an ABTA bonded

agent Oundle Travel offer full financial protection along with over 30 years of experience in the travel industry.

Paula and her team always offer a warm welcome, and a fresh coffee or a glass of wine is always on the go - along of course with a wide range of more individual brochures to browse through.

Holidays are a big purchase and those building their own ‘packages’ on line should be aware that their money will not be protected against the risks of insolvency in the same way as booking all the elements with one bonded agent, even when paying with a credit card.

Recent events such as the volcanic ash, severe snow disruption and more recently the flooding in Bangkok highlighted the problems many travellers faced when booking directly with hotels and airlines. Paula and her team worked at full capacity to assist their

passengers with rebooking of arrangements. ‘Many of our customers were stranded when the snow brought London airports to a close’ says Paula, the staff worked tirelessly to repatriate their clients back to the UK in time for Christmas and rebook onward travel arrangements.

Booking with a travel agent does not mean that a customer has to compromise on price or flexibility, ‘We have access to a wide selection of current offers, and we have a close working relationship with many suppliers and airlines, always keeping quotes very competitive’ continues Paula - ‘Booking early will be the key in 2012 to getting the best deal, the days of booking ‘last minute’ for a holiday are long gone, airline seats sell subject to supply and demand and change on almost a daily basis, capacity is also different to previous years, hoteliers have access to the lucrative Eastern European market all of which affects hotel pricing and availability’.

Oundle TravelThinking of your booking your next holiday ? Then look no further than Oundle Travel, the area’s leading independent travel agent, situated in the heart of this pretty market town.

Top DesTinaTions anD Tips for 2012 CroaTia - One of the most sought after destinations in Europe for 2012, offering breath-taking coastline and pure white beaches - Yesterdays secret, tomorrow’s holiday, go soon !Top Hotel – The Monte Mulini – Rovinj - From £1347.00 pp.Tip – Why not try a Tailor Made Fly Drive – 7 nights from £534.00 per person MarrakeCH – This is a no-brainer for a short, luxurious dose of sun !Top Hotel – La Mamounia- A feast for the eyes, luxuriously renovated with incredible detail, taste the local culture, but also be cosseted.Tip – Let the concierge book you a driver for the day and head into The Atlas Mountains – Stunning. From £785.00 per person

ZanZibar – Fed up with the Caribbean ? Head for sparkling waters and deserted beaches with 5* Deluxe properties, world class diving and watersports – Try and get there before the Russians do !Top Hotel – The Baraza Resort and Spa – From £1800.00 per person

Tip – Virtually no jet lag and direct flights into Dar Es Salaam with British Airways. MajorCa – Port de Soller – Miles away from the mass market image of this pretty island only 2 hours from London.Top Hotel – Hot off the Press – The Jumeriah renowned for its 5* properties in the Middle East is unveiling a new 120 roomed luxury hotel in Port de Soller for the summer seasonTip – Book this one early for the Kids Club, Spa and choice of superb dining. seville – Warm sunshine, even in the depths of winter perfect for that much needed winter break and the home of Carmen and Figaro.Top Hotel – Corral del Rey, fast becoming one of the most sought after boutique properties in Andalucía – From £685.00 per personTip - Let Oundle Travel book tickets for The Taetro Maestranaza – Seville’s distinguished opera house. pHukeT - Phuket’s reputation as a luxury destination has suffered over the past decade thanks to excessive, unregulated development, but the east coast is another matter…Top Hotel – The Yamu – Set on a pristine

beach, this resort is due to open Christmas 2012 and is sure to wow ! Prices available from Oundle Travel.Tip – Don’t be lured by ‘cheap’ off season deals to this part of the world Phuket – It rains…. a lot ! TusCany – Widely regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The beautiful, rolling countryside provides a totally different experience a place to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.Top Hotel – Castel Monastero – Only 18 miles from the historic town of Siena famous for its cuisine and art – Visit late June, the sun is high and the days are long.Tip – Book early to get the best deals with the low cost carriers - Easyjet are introducing extra legroom seats for the 2012 season, the days of running across the tarmac may be long gone ! oundle Travel Market place, oundle, pe8 4ea01832 273600Why not subscribe to our newsletter www.oundletravel.co.uk


HEALTH & BEAUTY

health & beauty notes

Bridget Steele rounds up news from local health and beauty businesses

18 nene VALLeY LIVInG JaNuaRy 2012

The Advanced Skin Clinic Sue Arnold has long been one of the region’s leading experts in podiatry, as Principal Podiatrist at the InStep Clinics in Wansford and Stamford. A couple of years ago, she branched out into health and beauty treatments, setting up Harriet’s Beauty Room, but once again with a focus on practical rather than purely cosmetic benefits. Two years on, she has become convinced by the Environ range, which is exclusively supplied and stocked there. She told us: “the first two years at the Beauty Room have far exceeded our expectations with patients returning, telling their friends and getting great results. After two years of hard work and practical application, we have evidence that the Environ and Jane Iredale products really work.”

“Developed by a South African plastic surgeon, Dr Fernandez, the Environ range is scientific skincare that can make a difference to all skin types, even problem and scarred skin. The entire range of professional-only products contain a unique combination of active ingredients to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and help to combat the signs of ageing. It is best described as a cosmaceutical, with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) included as standard in all products, along with vitamins A, C and E. It leaves complexions glowing, radiant and natural looking. This is especially so when combined with our Jane Iredale Mineral Make Up range.”

New year, new lookIf you are in need of some post-Christmas pampering, Pure Health and Beauty is offering £10 off the usual prices on their popular specialist facials. Clients can choose from an ORO Facial (£70), a relaxing manual facial that uses a glycolic peel and collagen mask, great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and ideal for dry and mature skin. Or the Light Facial is offered with or without a back massage (£60 with, £45 without) and incorporates collagen, and elastin. It can be geared to any skin type.

Another choice is the Caci Ultra Non-Surgical Facial (£65 for one hour or £80 for 90 minutes). The Ultra lifts and tones facial muscles and rejuvenates the skin by plumping and smoothing away fine lines and wrinkles. This facial can reduce pigmentation, and may help healing and fading scar tissue, stretch marks, psoriasis, eczema and acne. A Hydrotone mask can also be incorporated to give your skin a surge of moisture. Therapists Jayne and Becky will custom make this facial to your needs. CACI Microdermabrasion (£45) is crystal and vacuum free, giving skin a deep cleanse. It is great for oily/combination or congested and problem skins, but also great to reduce pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you radiant.Pure Health and Beauty, Church Farm, Main Street, Glapthorn, Peterborough, PE8 5BETel: 01832 272310 or 07807 879459 e-mail: [email protected]

Re-branding open dayTo mark the success of the first two years, Sue is now re-branding the beauty business as The Advanced Skin Clinic. To celebrate, there will be an open day on January 19th, 11am-8pm. It will feature:• A tour of the salon• Eight Environ skin analyses sessions from 1pm• Four individual Jane Iredale make up sessions• An audience with a make up artist

• Advanced Electrolysis demonstration• A prize draw• A goody bag to take away• A chance to shop for home care products from 7-8pm• Bucks FizzLimited places available so early booking is essential.The Advanced Skin Clinic, 11a St Martin’s, Stamford PE9 2LF Tel: 01780 481155

No more ‘Last Suppers’Have you ever had a ‘Last Supper?’ If you are a serial dieter, Julie Larrington, a counsellor with weight loss organisation Lighter Life, suggests that you have - and probably more than once.

“A typical pattern for many of my clients is this: they’ve been managing their weight loss from a previous diet pretty well, then they realise they have gained a bit and decide to start dieting again, so the obvious move is to eat the contents of the cupboards and fridge so that temptation is gone, and the diet can begin tomorrow. It doesn’t seem to happen, so there’s nothing in the house to eat, so you restock but decide to have something high calorie because you won’t be able to eat it for ages as you are going on a diet, and again, tomorrow it doesn’t happen again! Many clients say that most excess weight went on in the last couple of months before they came to see me and it is often because of these ‘Last Suppers.’

There is obviously such a huge internal conflict going on. The reasons behind this behaviour often become clear during our group counselling sessions and we are still the only company to offer this service. I sincerely believe that the best way to lose weight and keep it off is by changing the way you think about food. You can do this by being part of a LighterLife group.”Contact: Julie Larrington, Lighter Life counsellor, 84 Culley Court, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6WA Tel: 01733 367205 www.lighterlife.com/julielarrington

18 H&B.indd 1 16/12/11 12:12:31

1919

Gift Vouchers

AvailableOpening Times

Mon 9.30-7.30 Tue 9.30-7.30 Wed 9.30-7.30,

Thur 9.30-7.30 Fri 9.30-5.00 Sat 8.00-5.00

£10 offall facials

(including CACI)during January 2012

Pure Health & BeautyThe Old Stables, Church Farm, Glapthorn,

Nr Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 5BE

Tel: 01832 272310 or Email: [email protected]

Private Psychological Therapy Service

Johan TruterChartered Clinical Psychologist

Specialised in treating the following areas:• Low self esteem and loss of confidence •

• Anxiety, panic and stress •• Depression, low mood and despair •

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www.psychologistuk.co.ukFor further information please contact

01780 758556Orion House, 14 Barn Hill, Stamford, PE9 2AE

No calorie counting. No points watching. No hassle.

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For a FREE Initial Consultation call:

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01733 367205lighterlife.com/julielarrington


PERSPECTIVES


ReviviNg AN ANcIENt crAft

Dry stone walling dates back over 4,000 years. Now expert Richard Donoyou is passing on the skills to a new generation of craftsmen

Words and photos: Dave Phillips

20 21 STONE WALL.indd 2 16/12/11 12:14:44

In Britain we’re proud of our heritage and millions of pounds are spent every year

preserving our great cathedrals and old buildings. Yet at the same time some of the most historic man-made structures in our area are crumbling before our eyes.

I’m talking about the dry stone walls that are such a feature of the region. Did you know that in our neck of the woods (Northamptonshire, Peterborough, North Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire) there are more stone walls than in Yorkshire? No, nor did I. Nor did I realise that they are disappearing fast.

To make matters worse, there’s only one man in this area qualifi ed to build or repair them. Luckily that man is Richard Donoyou, who is on a one-man mission to ensure that there will soon be dozens of local people versed in the ancient craft of dry stone walling.

“We are losing the stone walls of the Nene Valley at an alarming rate,” says Richard. “Look at almost any village and you will fi nd a wall in disrepair. The big estates , like Deene Park and Milton Park, for example, have a major challenge in keeping their miles and miles of historic walls in good repair.

“Look beneath many woodlands and hedgerows in this area and you’ll fi nd the remnants of stone walls that must have existed in good repair probably into the early 20th century. Until then, building and repairing dry stone walls was an important job in winter for farm and estate workers in the countryside, but after the fi rst world war the labour force was massively reduced and the attitude of the large landowners changed. There just weren’t the people available to manage and maintain them.”

Saviour of the wallsRichard, who lives in Elton, is a qualifi ed building surveyor who admits that he got bored sitting in front of a drawing board or computer screen and set about the task of learning traditional building techniques.

“I think it is important to get some practical understanding of these skills so one can appreciate the problems and benefi ts when asking others to employ them. So I have rebuilt timber frame houses, taught myself traditional slate roofi ng and thatching, and limestone dry stone walling, lime plastering and so on,” he

says.His passion for the old building techniques

is matched only by his determination to pass them on. He is currently teaching the art of dry stone walling to 17 and 18 year-old students at Peterborough Regional College and is about to start a series of courses aimed at adults who want to learn the craft.

“Some of our students haven’t done well at school and left with no qualifi cations,” he says. “This is a way of bringing them back into education, encouraging them to work as a team and improve their employment prospects. Many of them go on to learn other building techniques and will get jobs in the construction industry.”

The courses take place both at the Regional College and at John Clare’s Cottage, Helpston, where the students are currently renovating a dry stone boundary wall that dates back to the early 18th century, when the famous poet lived there.

Learning the skillIn fact dry stone walls date back much further than that. The remains of Roman dry stone walls can be found at Church Hill, Castor, for example, while in County Mayo in western

Ireland, dry stone walls dating back 4,500 years have been uncovered by archaeologists.

The likelihood is that there is a dry stone wall very close to you. In fact you may have one on your property in need of repair – or you may even fancy building one. If so, Richard’s courses for adults, which start in the spring, could be right up your street.

“Following the success of the student courses, I am starting adult courses in March and April,” says Richard. “We intend to offer week-long courses as well as weekend courses for those with full-time jobs. The courses would be suitable for builders and landscape contractors, estate workers, architects, building surveyors and conservation offi cers, as well as people who have stone walls in their gardens and around their houses which they wish to repair. A full week course should equip most people with suffi cient skills to be able to progress by themselves. It is also intended that there will be further courses culminating in the Dry Stone Wall Association’s First Level Certifi cate standard.”

It’s Richard’s hope that one day there will be lots of qualifi ed dry stone wallers in the area to ensure that these important features of our landscape are preserved for ever.


ALL ABOUT WALLSDry stone walls are common in this area because of the ample supplies of limestone, literally under our feet. It is known as Oolitic limestone, laid down in the Jurassic period some 150 million years ago. The stone was formed as small invertebrate creatures died and fell to the bottom of the shallow tropical seas that existed at that time. Their calcareous shells then built up in layers, with each successive layer crushed to form the strata that is characteristic of limestone. As one works with the stone, the imprints of ancient plant fronds, large whelk like crustaceans and even trilobites can be found.

“Oolitic limestone is a wonderful building stone that has a consistency that allows it to be shaped and carved and a wonderful honey coloured hue,” says Richard. “It was so highly valued by the Normans that its use was limited only to the church and the very wealthy. The quarries at Barnack produced particularly good stone and so became controlled by the church and the stone was used exclusively for great building projects including Peterborough and Ely cathedrals.

“Other dry stone boundary walls clearly have medieval origins. For example, the wall that weaves and twists along the southern side of Sulehay Wood clearly marks a characteristic medieval boundary.”If you are interested in taking part in the courses, contact Richard by email: [email protected] or by phone on 01832 280494. You can also book with tutor Kirsty Stone at Peterborough Regional College by email [email protected] or phone 01733 762288

Richard (left) with Kirsty Stone from the Peterborough Regional College (centre) and Sara Blair-Manning, chief executive of the John Clare Cottage Trust (right).

20 21 STONE WALL.indd 3 16/12/11 12:15:01

ACTIVITIES


TOP DOG

Norman Mason has been training dogs for 45 years and there’s nothing he doesn’t know about the canine mind. Words and photos: Lesley Anne Churchill

Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. Their

limitless loyalty and friendship is unmatched by any other domestic animal. But along with the pleasure of ownership comes a big responsibility, and despite our best intentions and often through no fault of our own, behaviour issues can develop. It is better to address the problem straight away to avoid these escalating, says Norman Mason, who owns and runs the Three Shires Dog Training Centre, near Kimbolton.

Ideally, says Norman, “prevention is better than cure,” - sage advice which is based on years of experience. Norman began his career in the Manchester Police Force where he worked as a dog handler. However, Manchester Constabulary decided it would be cost effective if they employed outside professionals to breed and train their dogs, so Norman decided to team up with his friend and colleague and apply for the new contract. Their business went from strength to strength, and soon they were running training programmes for other police forces across the country. Their reputation grew and they gained contracts as diverse as a commission from the Dubai National Guard to train dogs to sniff our explosives on aeroplanes, and working with the Canadian government to locate gas supplies in North Canada.

Norman’s skills have not only been limited to dogs. He has also had several years experience working with wolves in Montana, USA, Dolphins

at Sea World in Florida and Orangutans in Dudley zoo.

But it was with dogs that Norman’s passion truly lay and after opening his own kennels, he eventually returned to his vocation training dogs in various operational roles; such as drugs, explosives, and security.

Dog psychologyOver time, Norman’s interest in canine behaviour has developed and with this his aspiration to help pet owners understand more about their dogs. He has given various talks and lectures on the subject all over the UK and Europe and now not only runs various classes, but also uses his expertise to work with local charities by rehabilitating and training dogs that are given up for rescue so they can be re-introduced into a loving family environment.

Norman explains that there is no ‘quick fi x’ for many of the anti-social behaviours associated with dogs, such as jumping up, pulling on lead, excessive barking, and aggression. “They can develop very early on in the dog’s life and there are not many books written that can solve these problems easily,” he says. However small the issue, it is always best to seek out the advice of a professional. “Each dog can respond differently to training, depending on their breed’s genetic tendencies, so what may work for one dog may cause confusion in another. Often behaviour has innocently been produced by the owners

themselves,” says Norman. Before he can give any advice, Norman prefers to see the owner and their dog together.

For people interested in discovering more about their dogs, Norman runs several fi ve week courses, including one that is designed purely for puppies. Before any training techniques are taught, Norman explains the very nature of the dog from their eating and sleeping patterns to some basic routines, which owners will encounter during the dog’s early life. Interestingly, the most impressionable time for a dog is the fi rst 16 weeks of its life, and what they learn during this time will never be forgotten.

You may be interested in taking up a new sport with your dog, working towards an award, or perhaps you would just like to build upon the skills you may already have learned. Norman runs several different advanced workshops and courses at the centre, including a fi ve week advanced training course, agility, working trials and the Kennel Club ‘Good Citizens Award Scheme.’ This was set up to promote responsible dog ownership and to show the community the undeniably positive benefi ts of ownership. For more information on classes or to arrange a consultation with Norman, visit:www.threeshiresdogtraining.co.ukEmail: [email protected]: 01480 860912Mob: 07813 555463

22 DOG TRAINER.indd 1 16/12/11 12:16:01

23

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ACTIVITIES

24 NENE VALLEY LIVING JANUARY

DOGGIE DETAILSWhether you need your dog grooming, healing, feeding or pampering, we have all the information you

need in a handy pull-out-and-keep guide. Compiled by Lesley Anne Churchill

VetsIn sickness and in health….a reliable vet is a must for routine and emergency situations

Oundle Vets92 South Road, Oundle,Peterborough, PE8 4BPTel: 01832 273521www.oundlevets.comEmail: [email protected]

Youngs Veterinary Hospital, Clinic, Cattery and Grooming150 Welland Road, DogsthorpePeterborough PE1 3SXTel: 01733 310584www.youngsveterinaryhospital.co.ukadmin@youngsveterinaryhospital.co.uk

Also at YarwellYarwell Veterinary SurgeryTel: 01780 783910

Canine Hydrotherapy CentresThis water therapy is used for treating osteoarthritis, muscle and ligament injuries as well as general convalescence and fitness

Newborough DogsTwenty Foot Farm, Drain Road, Newborough,

Peterborough,Cambs, PE6 7SGTel: 01733 810463www.newboroughdogs.giruff.comEmail - [email protected]

Thorpe by Water Country ClubOn the B672, Thorpe by Water,

Nr Uppingham, RutlandLE15 9JQTel: 01572 747506www.thorpebywatercountryclub.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Well Dog HydrotherapyUnit 14, Wulfric SquareBretton, PeterboroughPE3 8RFTel: 07718766148www.welldoghydrotheraphy.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Dog groomersKeep your pet’s coat healthy and glossy with regular attention from a trained dog groomer

Waggs Dog & Cat GroomingBulwick, Corby, NorthamptonshireNN17 3DXTel: 01780 450199Mob: 07841 777962

Dogsbodies5 Kings Arms Lane, PolebrookPeterborough, PE8 5LWTel: 01832 275520Mob: 07725 090361www.dogsbodies.co/[email protected]

Handsome Hounds25 Lakeside, PeterboroughPE4 6QZTel: 01733 74125Mob: 07561 553354

Boarding kennelsMany dog owners can’t relax on holiday without knowing that their pet is in safe and secure hands

Acorn Lodge Boarding Kennels/CatteryThorney Road, Eye, PeterboroughCambridgeshire, PE6 7UATel: 01733 [email protected]

Home boarding and pet sitting servicesDoggy Paws - OundleBriony Davis, Chesterfield lodge

Harley Way, OundlePE8 5AUPhone: 01832 205531Mobile: 07763 630123www.doggypaws-oundle.co.uk

Pack Your PawsBrook House, Main Street,Bulwick, Corby, NorthamptonshireNN17 3DYMob: 07798 [email protected]

Oundle House SittersSimon TrelawnyTel: 07920 133229

Pet food suppliersKeep him topped up with quality food – and maybe a few treats, too

Paw 2 Door Mobile Pet Foods 18 Bedford Court, ThorneyPeterborough, PE6 0RTTel: 01733 270497Mob: 07793060622

Pets CornerPeterborough Garden ParkEye Road, PeterboroughPE1 4YZTel: 01733 221369www.petscorner.co.uk

D&A SaundersUnit 6, Broadway

Shopping CentreYaxley, PeterboroughTel: 01733 753055www.yaxleypetcare.

co.uk

Dog cakes (as well as human cakes!)www.churchfarmhousecakes.co.uk/store/shop/products.php

OTHEr LINKSDog friendly pubs in the areawww.doggiepubs.org.ukActivities with dogswww.canix.co.ukCanine gear for the active dogwww.canine-spirit.comInternet dog directorywww.canine-spirit.com

22 DOG TRAINER.indd 2 16/12/11 12:16:32

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PERSPECTIVES

Is it the cold chill of another threatened recession that is making us all want to curl up

by the fire with a plate of sandwiches, a china cup of tea and a slice of pillowy sponge? At the last count, five new businesses inspired by vintage-style afternoon tea have opened in the area, and all report that sales are booming.

“I opened ten weeks ago and I’m doing amazingly well,” confirms Lynne Terrell of Sophie T’s Vintage Tea Shop on Yaxley’s Main Street. There is absolutely nothing nouveau about Lynne’s menu, which offers light meals with an old fashioned touch. Eggs on toast, for instance, sturdy fruit cake and fresh-from-the-oven bakewell tart made by Lynne, sandwiches served on tiered cakestands and hot drinks in delicate flowery cups and saucers, with sugar bowls and tongs on every table.

Lynne has styled the tea room with a 1940s look, with embroidered floral tablecloths, copies of newspapers from the time, and hits of the day playing softly in the background. “People say it is like stepping back in time when they come here, and that’s exactly what I intended,” she says. “I think the modern pace of life gets people down. They say it’s like coming home when they walk in and I think they associate the look of the place with warm feelings.”

Lynne’s menu is inspired by her mother’s baking. “We used to have high tea every Sunday. Mum would spend all day Friday baking and she taught me what she knew. It was my childhood dream to open a tea shop, looking exactly like this, and now I have achieved it.”

On-trend tea timeInspired by past pleasures and old fashioned values it may be, but tea time with Ms Lemony Drizzle is bang on-trend. The mysteriously named Ms Drizzle, who prefers to keep her real identity a secret, lives locally and offers ‘pop up’ tea parties in a variety of venues, including her own home. It’s part of the underground dining movement, which started in London and is migrating across the country.

“The secret tea party gives me the chance to dabble and to share and eat cake and drink tea. What could be better than that?” asks Ms Drizzle. “I have a full time job which I really like, my tea parties are something I do for fun because they are just so enjoyable,” she explains. “I do love baking, and any excuse to make lots of cakes, but it’s all about hosting and bringing people together. I have met so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and you find that people really appreciate the chance to

get together and chat. I only aim to cover costs, and I am keen to do more events for charities.”

A Lemony Drizzle tea party involves treats such as walnut scones with blue cheese cream, finger sandwiches, cheese scones with sweet chilli pepper, and luscious cakes, meringues and fancies. Ms Drizzle mingles with her guests, and ensures that a convivial time is had by all. She has hosted events in Tilly Rose’s craft barn, at Chesterton, and the Ruby Loves shop in Stamford, among other venues and these are operated by ticket sales via her blog www.topsecretteaparties.wordpress.com . She also takes private bookings, such as birthday tea parties for girls, and will go to clients’ homes for these. “And of course, once I start emailing someone, I do tell them who I really am!” she laughs.

She puts the popularity of the tea parties down to a yearning for a simpler life. “Allowing yourself time to sit down and have a proper conversation, rather than running in and out of Starbucks, is just so civilised,” says Ms Drizzle. “In these troubled economic times, people are coming together again, making things, tending their allotments: it is part of a wider movement, men are just as keen as women, and I don’t think it will go away any time soon.”

PAst pLEAsurEsA surge of nostalgia is sweeping the region with the opening of a number of businesses and cafes inspired by the past. Fiona Cumberpatch went out for tea…

Lynne Terrell in her 1940s themed tea shop in Yaxley

PH

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: LESLEY

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26 27 PAST.indd 2 16/12/11 12:19:29


Clarkes Florist and Tea Room, Newborough In a nutshell: light lunches, including toasted sandwiches, home made quiche, soup and salad, and a great selection of cakes and sconesPrice guide: ReasonableWarmth of welcome: 10/10Cake rating: Our highlight: Warm, light and airy scones with lashings of clotted cream and raspberry jam.Whitepost Rd North, Newborough, Peterborough PE6 7ZD Tel: 01733 810870/568629

A S L I C E O F N O S TA L G I ASophie T’s Vintage Tea Shop, Yaxley In a nutshell: tea, coffee, light hot meals, freshly made sandwiches, home made cakes served in a pretty, nostalgia filled tea room, with antiques for salePrice guide: A complete afternoon tea for £9Warmth of welcome: 10/10Cake rating: Our highlight: Warm treacley flapjackSophie T’s Vintage Tea Shop, 183 Main Street, Yaxley, Tel: 07768 351227. Open Monday-Saturday 8.30am-4pm

Margaret’s Tea Room, PeterboroughIn a nutshell: Hot and cold lunches, home made cakes, scones and sandwiches made on the premises, in an appealing café settingPrice guide: ReasonableWarmth of welcome: 10/10Cake rating: Our highlight: Scones fresh from the ovenMargaret’s Tea Room, 5 Wentworth St, Peterborough PE1 1DG Tel: 01733 346381

Jean’s Tea Room, Stamford In a nutshell: Simple sandwiches, sponge cakes, scones from Asker’s Bakery and apple pie, served in a cosy café within Stuart Porter’s new antiques and craft centre Price guide: Inexpensive - £1.30 for an excellent cappuccino, £1.20 for a slice of cake, £1.65 for scone and jamWarmth of welcome: 10/10Cake rating: Our highlight: A good cappuccino at a great priceJean’s Tea Room, Stuart Porter Antiques and Craft Centre, 15 Broad St, Stamford Tel: 01780 766124

F u r T h E r A F I E L d : The Orchard, Grantchester, near CambridgeImmortalised by Rupert Brooke in his poem The Old Vicarage, Grantchester: “Stands the clock at ten-to-three/And is there honey still for tea?” this institution has been serving up tea for over a century. It’s beautiful in spring and summer, when you can lounge around outside in deck chairs with jam and scones on your lap, but it’s open all year round and serves plenty of tea shop favourites.www.orchard-grantchester.com

The National Café at The National Gallery, LondonA great place to refuel if you’re doing the sights in London, and not as expensive as you might think. The National Café has a 1920s vibe, with large, shuttered windows and utilitarian tables and chairs. Tea and scones is £6.50, a full tea costs £15, or you can order the cake of the day (banana and chocolate when we visited). Expect it to be busy while the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition is in full swing, although you can book a table ahead. There is a cheaper, takeaway section, but the Café is more [email protected] www.thenationalcafe.co.uk

“Afternoon tea is about allowing yourself to

sit down and have a proper conversation…”

Ms Lemony Drizzle’s pop up tea shop at the Tilly Rose Craft Barn,

Chesterton Lemony Drizzle’s sumptuous gluten

free tea party

26 27 PAST.indd 3 16/12/11 12:19:46

28

QKS Kitchens, The Maltings, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NA

T: 01780 756514 or 755855 E: [email protected]

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• Steel, Timber and Glass Reinforced Plastic Doors

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RIDGEWAY GARAGE DOORSLocal family run business specialising

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Tel: 01733 772934Email:

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Providing first class legal services for you, your company and your family

Call 01733 882800

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Offices in Peterborough, Oundle and Huntingdon

At Herlington Dental Practice, all our new independent patients receive a 25 minute first appointment. It allows you and your dentist to get to know each other and understand

your treatment preferences.

It’s just one of the many things we do that makes all the difference and it’s only just the beginning.

Telephone 01733 234566 today and ask for a New Patient appointment or visit us, we are just off Malborne

Way between the Fletton and Nene Parkways.

Does your dentist have time to treat you as an individual?Do you feel you are paying for conveyor belt dentistry?

You owe it to yourself to be treated as an individual. www.peterboroughdentist.co.uk/herlington


HOME & GARDEN

INTERIORS notesNews and snippets from local businesses. By Fiona Cumberpatch

nene VALLeY LIVInG JANUARY 2012 29

New year, new lookSoft furnishings are a great way to refresh your home on a limited budget. For local suppliers try:

Kay Elizabeth InteriorsA full design, make up and fitting service for curtains, blinds and soft furnishings, or why not get some lampshades made to complement your room scheme?Tel: 07958 559525

Marie Loveday SlaterA new small business, based in Kings Cliffe, Marie Loveday Slater specialises in tailoring and alterations to men’s women’s and children’s wear, but she is happy to take on commissions for any textiles projects. For details, contact 01780 471063 or [email protected]

J&S InteriorsA local family-run business, offering custom made curtains with a variety of finishes, venetian, roller and vertical blinds, conservatory blinds, and roman blinds. Showroom, with a wide choice of fabrics.30 Phorpres Close, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FZ Tel: 01733 558864 or email [email protected] www.jandsinteriors.uk.com

Make it!The best way to personalise your living space is to get creative and make your own finishing touches. If you’re not confident about your skills, or prefer to bounce ideas off others, try a workshop at one of these local venues:

Social Stitching at Stuart Porter Antiques and Craft CentreLynsey Fowler is offering quilting advice and classes in the Social Stitching room at Stuart Porter’s new antiques centre in Broad Street, Stamford. She also stocks a wide range of craft fabrics by Tilda, Moda, Makower and Michael Miller. For details of her 2012 programme, ring 01780 766124 or email [email protected]

Art’n’Stitch, PeterboroughPatchwork and quilting centre with a wide range of stock, a basting table to hire for larger projects, a varied workshop programme and lots of experienced enthusiasts on hand for advice. For details of forthcoming workshops, call 01733 230898 or visit www.artandstitch.co.uk 33 Aston Business Park, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough PE2 7BF

Rowantree Craft Studio, NassingtonWith a dedicated crafts studio in Nassington, Margaret runs a full programme of workshops and events, from beginners sewing, knitting and making soft furnishings, passing on her own expertise or employing experienced, qualified tutors. 24 Station Rd, Nassington, Peterborough Tel: 01780 783323 email [email protected] or visit www.rowantreeworkshops.co.uk

Tilly’s Vintage Workshop and Craft Studio, ChestertonVintage-inspired style and interesting crafting techniques from Karen Tibbett, aka Tilly Rose. Very friendly atmosphere, tea and cake on hand and loads of inspiration in Karen’s extensive barn workshop.The Barn, Hill Farm, Chesterton, Peterborough PE7 3UA www.tillyrose.co.uk or email [email protected]

Graphic styleLetters and typefaces are a hot trend for homes.

Seek them out at auctions and flea

markets, or try John Lewis for large metal numbers.

Storage sortedIf you’re having a post-Christmas clear out, think about installing some permanent storage in your home. SMA Wardrobes can transform your living area with sliding door wardrobes and matching bedroom furniture which use every centimetre of space. The designs come in modern and traditional styles. Call 01480 417415 for a free brochure and price list or visit www.sma-wardrobes.co.uk

Lynsey Fowler

Margaret Rowan of Rowantree Craft Studio

Tilly Rose’s Craft Barn

29 INTERIORS.indd 1 16/12/11 12:20:46

You’ll have seen its fanciful turrets and striking clock tower as your train pulls into

Kings Cross or St Pancras station. Maybe, like me, you’ve wondered what this beautiful Gothic building in the frontage of St Pancras, was used for. With its grand scale and ornate brickwork, it looks designed to impress. And so it was: this was once the Midland Grand, London’s first luxury railway hotel, opened in 1873.

I first peeked inside on an Open House weekend nearly a decade ago. Poet John Betjeman had helped save the building from demolition in the 1960s, but the windows were now boarded up and the interior had fallen into disuse and disrepair. Ornate ceiling mouldings were crumbling, murals fading and only ghosts walked the wide corridors that led to hundreds of empty rooms. But there was no disguising the sense of glamour or the architectural splendour, particularly in the Grand Staircase, which curves up from a stunning lobby to a vaulted gallery painted with the night sky. In the makeshift lighting, it was both unearthly and also strangely familiar – it was used as the backdrop for the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” video. I was thoroughly seduced by this unique but vulnerable hotel time-capsule.

Victorian valuesIn its day, the Midland Grand offered state-of-the art luxury. When it opened, it boasted water-driven lifts, steam central heating, an early Telex system and the world’s first revolving door. The décor was opulent, with statement wallpapers and gold leaf aplenty. Each room was equipped with a fireplace and a revolutionary new device, the flushing toilet. As was standard at that time, ablutions were carried out in hip baths or public bathrooms: the en-suite would not be invented for another 15 years. Unfortunately, another Grand innovation, fireproof concrete floors,

made them difficult to add in, and the hotel’s status suffered.

Fittingly, it was the Renaissance hotel group that teamed with developers to re-open the hotel following a £150 million revamp. Hundreds of craft workers and conservationists have reversed decades of neglect and repainting by uncovering, restoring and replicating the original décor. The original rooms have been given modern fixtures, and a new wing built in contemporary style.

In May last year, the hotel reopened. I visited as soon as I could, sailing past the bowler-hatted doorman as if I was a guest with every right to be there, and marched straight through to the Grand Staircase. A knot of guests were admiring its graceful form and rich decoration in hushed voices, as if they were in a cathedral. I joined them in happy silence.

The Grand TourPublic access is limited, so to see behind the scenes, I signed up for one of the excellent tours run by the hotel’s historian, Royden Stock. It turned out that feeling of reverence I’d experienced was not coincidental. The hotel’s architect, George Gilbert Scott, was best known for his ecclesiastical work, having built dozens of churches and chapels, along with the Albert Memorial (and workhouses in Northampton and Oundle). Scott poured all his creative energies into the project, fine-tuning every last decorative detail. He remarked himself that the hotel was “almost too good for purpose.” As Royden explained, that purpose was not only to be a commercial hotel, but to glorify the Midland railway company. Many of the materials were chosen to celebrate regional pride: iron from Coventry, bricks from Nottingham and Minton Hollins tiles from Stoke.

A few months later, I stayed in the historic

Chambers wing of the Grand. Every time I used my key card to access the palatial corridors – designed to be wide enough for two women wearing bustles to pass – I experienced a small thrill. My room had 18-foot ceilings and was luxuriously outfitted, but the decoration was kept neutral, except for a couple of striking artworks, to let the architectural artefacts speak for themselves. The greatest pleasure was to look through the arched picture windows towards the Eurostar terminus, under St Pancras’ arching wrought-iron roof. It reminded me what this beautiful folderol, after all, was about.• Ruth Jarvis is the editor of the London 2012 Time Out city guide.


ACTIVITIES

GRANd dEsIGNsLondon’s newest – and oldest – destination hotel makes for a truly special experience, says Ruth Jarvis

VisitiNGA night in one of the original rooms at the St Pancras Renaissance (www.marriott.co.uk) was £395 a night (at press time). There are plenty of cheaper ways to see the hotel, from a £20 tour (Tel: 020 7841 3540) to a meal in the fabulous Gilbert Scott restaurant, run by Marcus Wareing, or drinks in the Booking Office bar and restaurant.

30 ST PANCRAS.indd 2 16/12/11 12:22:08

31


ENHANCE YOUR RETIREMENTMany people do not take fi nancial advice at retirement. Waveney McKenna’s experience is that

failure to do so often results in people taking the path of least resistance and accepting what are often not very competitive or inappropriate income terms offered by their existing provider

A review of your options doesn’t cost the earth but failure to do so can be

expensive – as you could be locking yourself into a contract which cannot be amended. It is important to consider the following:-

Is an annuity the right contract? If 1. so enhanced terms may be available which offer a bespoke income rate specifi c to any medical conditions, such enhanced rates are also available for smokers.Rather than a lifetime annuity which 2. cannot be amended, would a fi xed term annuity with a guaranteed capital sum at the end be more appropriate? A fi xed term annuity can then adapt to a changing marital status or future poor health. Would some form of index linking be 3. appropriate?Can you afford to accept some investment 4. risk in exchange for enhanced fl exibility?Are death benefi ts an important 5. consideration and if the objective is to pass some funds to the next generation

is it worth looking to make regular gifts from income for inheritance tax purposes? This avoids the potential 55% tax on death and can avoid the normal 7 year rule applying to most gifts.What level of overall risk to future income 6. is acceptable?Would releasing any tax free cash in 7. instalments suit your tax position more effectively?

Waveney McKenna Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, although not all the issues raised here are so regulated. We are a local fi rm with roots dating back to the 1980’s, our advisers are highly qualifi ed and we specialise in pension planning. If you would like to discuss retirement planning then do call us on 01733 425818.


MOTORING

32 NENE VALLEY LIVING january 2012

CraCK CAR CRIMEVehicle crime may be falling with new cars harder to steal than ever before, but half of vehicle thefts occur

from the owner’s home address, or close by. Ashley Martin investigates further

Police say that with newer cars and vans becoming harder to steal, particularly due

to the fitment of sophisticated mechanical and electronic security systems, almost a fifth of vehicles are stolen after the burglary of properties to obtain vehicle keys. Indeed the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre calculates that 70% of vehicles are stolen using the key.

Additionally, due to the raft of security features fitted to new models, thieves are increasingly focusing on the theft of older vehicles, which are easier to steal as locks are easier to break, glass can be smashed without interference by security systems and they are easier to start by hot wiring with the engine control unit more accessible.

The Ford Transit is top of a car thief’s hit list, according to the Association of Chief Police Officer’s Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVICS), the UK police unit dedicated to cracking down on vehicle crime.

Although high-end prestige vehicles are frequently stolen to order by criminals, the list of most stolen vehicles includes more affordable models such as the Vauxhall Astra, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, Ford Focus, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Mondeo and Honda Civic.

Vans such as the Transit, Britain’s best-selling van, and the Sprinter are theft favourites, says police, because they are valuable in terms of spare parts or scrap metal and may store tools and equipment.

In addition, approximately a third of vehicle thefts occur when owners are away from their homes, thus further illustrating that taking precautions can deter vehicle thieves.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hooper, head of the AVICS, said ahead of this year’s Car Crime Awareness Week: “Criminals will use a variety of means to steal cars, from towing them away or simply driving them off when owners leave the keys in the ignition to burgling houses.”

Sophisticated car alarms, immobilisers, deadlocks, laminated side glass and more secure steering locks are among the features that have made cars harder to steal in recent years. Indeed many manufacturers work with ‘reformed’ ex-car thieves to redesign perceived weaknesses in vehicles that make them vulnerable to theft.

Consequently, official Home Offices figures for England and Wales reveal that car crime has plummeted in recent years.

Police-recorded figures for vehicle crime - which include stolen vehicles as well as thefts from cars and vans - have fallen from more than 1.1 million a year in 1997 to 456,426 in 2010 - 12% down on 2009 (516,122). The Home Office data reveals that 107,437 vehicles were stolen

last year (2009: 124,599) with 317,830 incidents of theft from vehicles (2009: 350,545) and 31,159 incidents of vehicles being interfered with (2009: 40,978).

To help consumers select the most secure vehicles, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre developed the New Vehicle Security Ratings in association with the AA, Department for Transport and Home Office. Accessible at www.thatcham.org/nvsr/, a five-star rating system for the ‘theft of’ vehicles and ‘theft’ from vehicles identifies the most secure vehicles.

At the 2011 British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards, which are based on the ratings, Volkswagen won the manufacturers’ award with individual vehicle segment awards going to the: Audi A1, Audi A3, Citroen C5 Exclusive, Audi A4, Citroen C4 Picasso Exclusive, Volkswagen Sharan, Audi A5 Cabriolet, Audi A8 W12 Quattro, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q5, Toyota Land Cruiser V8, Citroen C6 and Volkswagen Phaeton. Among light commercial vehicle manufacturers the winners were: Volkswagen Caddy, Nissan Primastar SE, Volkswagen Amorak, Land Rover Discovery 4 with Vauxhall winning the manufacturers’ award.

Top tips to avoid having your vehicle stolen and broken into include:• Don’t leave keys in sight within your home: thieves often ‘fish’ keys through letterboxes and open windows• Keep your car in a garage and not on the driveway or on the road• Lock the vehicle whenever it is left. Even if unloading the vehicle, make sure the keys are removed and it is locked. If it is stolen while being unloaded and the vehicle is unlocked with the keys in the ignition or keyhole, insurance cover could be invalidated• With winter here do not de-ice the vehicle and leave it unattended with the engine running. Known as ‘frosting’, some estimates put the number of vehicles stolen in this way last year at 66,000. Again, if stolen, insurance could be invalidated as drivers are deemed to have neglected their duty of care• Take valuables with you or ensure they are out of view, particularly mobile phones and satellite navigation systems.

32 MOTORING.indd 1 16/12/11 12:23:25

33

From the exciting new Jaguar range featuring groundbreaking technology and industry firsts,to Approved used vehicles maintained to the standards set by the engineers who built them.Enjoy all the expertise and knowledge of our Jaguar Academy trained technicians and with arange of exhilarating accessories to enhance the feeling of owning a Jaguar, make sure thatyou visit Marshall Jaguar Peterborough.

Situated in Peterborough, our dealership is equipped to deal with all your Jaguar needs.

MARSHALL VOLVOOUTSTANDINGSERVICE AS STANDARD.Our highly trained and skilled team looks forward to welcomingyou to our state of the art dealership, where we will be onhand to look after your every need.

All our cars are handled with the utmost care and attention aswe pride ourselves on offering the best deals on the latestrange of New Volvo and piece of mind on quality approvedused vehicles.

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Activities


1From the Forestry Commission’s Top Lodge visitor centre courtyard, follow the road

back towards the A43 over the railway bridge. Immediately on the left is the Jurassic Way footpath. Take this across the field, and up into a wood. Follow the path through Mill Wood, and then across a field, noticing Fineshade Priory on your right. Follow the footpath between two fences, over a stile and downhill. By the bridge look left to see a track leading back up hill, almost retracing your route, but not quite! Follow this up the hill, and go through a gate into Lynn Wood.

If YoU go dowN to (FINEshAdE) woods todAY...You’ll find that this varied walk covers beautiful, rolling countryside. It also abounds with wildlife, including deer and the magnificent red kite

start/finishForestry Commission’s Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods car park (£3 to park all day).Walk length6.1miles or 9.8kmOr 5.4miles/8.6km if you take the short cuttime3 hoursAbilityModerate. Includes several hills and 5 stilessurfaceMostly unsurfaced, can get particularly muddy at times.MapOS Explorer 224RefreshmentsTop Lodge: Top Lodge CafeKings Cliffe: Cross Keys InnKings Cliffe Bakery, open 7am – 12pm Monday to SaturdayFreshly baked sausage rolls, pastries, cakes and breadPoints of interestFineshade PrioryNow a private house, this former priory was built in the C13th and housed the Austin canons.Fallow deerIntroduced to the UK by the Romans, then later by the Normans, this large deer can come in a variety of colours. Disused railway lineThis line opened in 1879 and ran from Peterborough to Rugby, via Market Harborough. It was closed under the Beeching cuts in 1968.

road bends left and there is a footpath straight ahead. Take this, and follow to another track, where you turn right, briefly rejoining the Jurassic Way for a short downhill section. Turn left onto the Mill Wood Trail.

6All you need to do now is follow the green Mill Wood Trail way-marker posts which

lead you back to the visitor centre, (including down and up two more hills, ensuring you have a very good workout!)

2The path is well way-marked through the wood, follow it until you emerge on the

other side of the wood. Go straight across the field, keeping an eye out for the fallow deer which can often be seen grazing here. To the right you can see Blatherwycke Lake. At the field edge continue along, keeping the wood to your left. At the corner a way-marker takes you towards a glade in the wood, then twists and turns until you are walking with a fence on your left. Keep going through the wood as you become closer to a disused railway cutting, the former Peterborough to Northampton line.

At the remains of an old bridge the path bears left and follows the railway line for approximately 50m, until turning sharp left at a way-marker on a birch tree. Keep going through fairly open woodland, until you reach a stile at a field edge. Cross over and continue, with the wood on your left, eventually passing a field gate and continuing to a stile which crosses the fence. Go over the stile, now keeping the fence to your right, and make your way to the stile which brings you out on to Wood Lane.

At this point you can turn right into Kings Cliffe for refreshments. You could also visit the historic parish church of All Saints and St James.

3Otherwise, turn left up Wood Lane. Go through the metal

barrier, ignoring the small wooden gate on the left. Curve to the left, then right, behind the buildings where you will see a bridleway signpost. Follow the bridleway until you meet a surfaced road curving to the left. Follow the path straight on to the bench, where the bridleway carries on but a footpath goes to the right. If you wish to take the shorter walk carry straight on here.

4Otherwise, follow the footpath down

to the field. At the field edge look diagonally left across the field to see a wooden bridge in the hedge, which you should make for. Cross the bridge and another field, entering the wood. The path emerges on the forest road where you turn left. Continue along to where the

Kings cliffe Parish church

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Until Saturday 14 January PANTOMIME: Aladdin Various times A magic carpet ride to adventure and fun for all the family. • Tickets: £10 - £16. Concessions for students, over 60s and KEY I.P. members. Book on 01733 207239. www.vivacity-peterborough.com. Key Theatre, Embankment Rd, Peterborough, PE1 1EF

DIARY DATES

Yasmin Bradley selects uplifting

events for January

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Sunday 22 January COMEDY: Four Screws Loose8pm – 10pm Oundle School’s fi rst ever comedy show performed by four funny guys in aid of the Katie Piper foundation.• Tickets available online until 12.30pm, Friday 21 January or on the door. The Great Hall, Oundle School, Oundle, PE8 4GH. Contact: 01832 273930 or [email protected].

Sunday 22 JanuaryEVENT: Bird Cakes at Ferry Meadows Country Park11am – 2:30pmMake the birds some tasty seedy cakes and take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch the following weekend.• Cost: Free. Meet at: Discovery Den. See above for details.

Monday 9 January TALK: Peterborough Civic Society Talk on The Making of a Magazine 7.30pmChris Young, editor of The Garden talks about producing The Royal Horticultural Society’s monthly magazine.• Free entrance; non-members welcome but donations gratefully received. Contact Grace Taylor on 01733 263127 or visit www.peterborough.net/civicsociety. St Mark’s Church Hall, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2SN.

WHAT’S ON


Saturday 14 January – Saturday 14 AprilEVENT: Rollers’ Roller Discos - 5pm Rolling skating fun every Saturday.Age 4+: £2.50. Age 13+: (no maximum age) £3.50. Skate hire available. Werrington • Leisure Centre, Staniland Way, Werrington, PE4 6JT. Contact 01733 576606 or [email protected].

Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 January EVENT: Whittlesey Straw Bear Various timesA weekend of folk dance, music and story-telling centred round the Straw Bear culminating in the Bear Burning on Sunday afternoon. • Free. Tickets for Saturday Barn Dance at Sir Harry Smith Community College, Eastrea Road, Whittlesey, PE7 1XB: £9; Saturday Cajun Dance at Park Lane School, Whittlesey, PE7 1JB: £7.50. Contact: 01733 204055 or [email protected]

Wednesday 4 JanuaryWALK: Winter Bird Watching Walk at Ferry Meadows10.00 - 12 noonBring your binoculars for a morning bird watching walk.• Free but booking essential on 01733 234193 or [email protected]. Visitor Centre. Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU

Wednesday 11 JanuaryEVENT: Volunteer Day-Tree Planting at Ferry Meadows. 9:45am – 12noon Spades at the ready! Winter is a brilliant time for planting trees. • Free but booking essential on 01733 234193 or e-mail [email protected] Centre. Nene Park Trust, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU.

Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 January PLAY: Round The TwistHot on the heels of their other local theatrical successes Eastern Angles bring their anarchic, Dickensian mash-up to Peterborough for the fi rst time. • Tickets from £8. Book on 01733 265705 or www.cresset.co.uk. The Cresset, Rightwell, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 8DX or Eastern Angles Box Offi ce on 01473 211498 or www.easternangles.co.uk.

Wednesday 25 - Saturday 28 January Oundle Amateur Theatrical Society presents Aladdin7.30pm; 3pm and 8pm (Saturday)Get your tickets early - last year’s panto was a sell-out.• Tickets: £8; £6 children/concessions; £25 family of 4 available from 6 West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF. Queen Victoria Hall, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF

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• NVL December January.indd 47 15/12/11 15:14:06

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Nene Valley Living January 2012

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Transcript of Nene Valley Living January 2012