Rutland_aprilIssuu

Telephone: 01780 783613 | April 2011 1

Inside This Issue...Rutland County Show

History; Langham ChurchEdith Weston Vintage Fayre

Health & Beauty; Fish, Nails & DietReviews; Books, Motoring & Travel

WIN a 3 month gym membership

www.thescenemagazine.co.uk

Ap

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Style Community Education News Events

2 April 2011 | Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01780 783613 | April 2011 3

Lighter evenings and Spring sunshine – hooray! We arrived in British Summertime on 27 March and welcome you to the April edition of the Rutland Scene to boot. April is awash with holidays and celebrations, starting with Mother’s Day on the 3rd, Good Friday on the 22nd, Easter Bank Holiday Monday on 25th and of course the Royal Wedding on Friday 29th. We have a lovely feature on the Royal Wedding, including Kate Middleton fashion you can emulate (pages 42 & 43). Locally, a few dates for your diary are the Rutland County Show (page 25), Edith Weston Vintage Fayre (pages 36 & 37) and craft fairs (page 20).

Local history this month is about Langham Church. Are you involved with your local parish church? Would you like to see your church in the Scene magazine? Get in touch with Naomi on 01780 783613 or [email protected]

With so many features this month including Health & Beauty, Motoring, The Garden Scene, Interiors and Travel you really must pull up a chair (in the garden on a beautiful Spring day!) and give yourself some ‘Scene time’.

We are also online, so have a look through our website www.thescenemagazine.co.uk and you can read current and past editions and share them with friends and family, including the new Wedding Scene magazine too!

Heidi [email protected] [email protected]

Useful numbers 4 & 5Community 6 & 8-10Health & Beauty 11 & 12Competition 13Book reviews 15Garden Scene 17Interiors 18 & 19Family & Craft 20 & 21Rutland County Show 25Notes on Nature 28 & 29Langham Church 30Travel Scene 32 & 33Motoring 34 & 35Edith Weston Vintage Fayre 36 & 37What’s on 38 & 39Royal Wedding 42 & 43

Contents

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Need a phone number? Then look no further than our useful numbers Police, Health,

Sports clubs, Libraries, Vets and Places of Worship Helplines/Advice, Public Services

SPORTSVale of Catmose College

Sports Centre 01572 756181

www.rutnet.co.uk/vcc

Oakham School Sports Centre 01572 758754

Rutland County Council Active Recreation Team

01572 722577www.rutland.gov.uk

AthleticsRutland Athletic Club

01572 757617 01572 723606

www.rutlandac.supanet.com

BadmintonOakham Badminton [email protected]

FootballRoyce Rangers Junior FC

Cottesmore, Barrow & BurleyGreetham, Thistleton, Stretton,Clipsham, Exton 01572 812202(Cottesmore Church office)

Empingham – Edith Weston, NorthLuffenham, Lyndon, Manton, Whitwell, Preston, Ridlington, Wing, Pilton The Revd Stuart Mitchell01780 460139

Lyddington, Stoke Dry, Seaton,Caldecott, Glaston, Bisbrooke, Harringworth The Revd Jane Baxter01572 822717

Uppingham, Ayston, Belton, WardleyThe Revd Canon Stephen Evans01572 823381

Barrowden & Wakerley, SouthLuffenham, Morcott, DuddingtonTixover The Revd Geoff Angell01572 747192

Ketton, Collyweston, Easton on the Hill, Wittering The Revd David Everett 01780 720228

St Josephs Catholic Church,Oakham 01572 722308

Congregational Church, Oakham01733 262086

Methodist Church, Oakham01572 756946

Methodist Church, Uppingham01572 722239

Baptist Church, Oakham01572 724990

School Chapel, Oakham01572 758797

Langham Baptist Church01572 768386

The Religious Society of Friends(Quakers) 59 South Street,Oakham01780 460454 (voicemail)

Market Overton Free Church01572 767383

07800749907 / 01572821189

Horse ridingRutlandRidingClub

01780 755237www.rutlandridingclub.co.uk

RugbyOakham Rugby Club

01664 454421 01572 770274

www.oakhamrfc.co.uk

RunningRutland Running Club

01572 755533E:[email protected]

SailingRutland Sailing Club

01780 720292www.rutlandsc.co.uk

TennisOakham Tennis Club

07966 466482 / 07971 457739oakhamltc.org.uk

POLICENon emergency(0116) 222 2222

In a non emergency - for example not requiring police

attendance - or to report a non-urgent crime, there is one

telephone number for the whole of Leicester,

Leicestershire and Rutland.

SupportAdvicelines

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Emergencies 999Childline - 0800 11 11

Parentline 0808 800 2222

Samaritans 08457 909090

Citzens Advice Bureau56 High Street Oakham

LE15 6AL0845 120 3705

www.rutlandcab.org.uk

Local Councils

Rutland County CouncilCatmose, Oakham,

Rutland, LE156HP Tel: 01572 722577

E: [email protected]

Uppingham Town CouncilThe Town Hall, High Street East,

Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY - 01572 822681

www: uppinghamtowncouncil.co.uk

Rutland Adult Learning Enquiries and Enrolment

E: [email protected]

www.rutnet.co.uk/adultlearning

HEALTHDoctors

Barrowden Surgery8 Kings Lane LE15 8EF

01572 748635

Dr D A J Ker & PartnersCold Overton RoadOakham LE15 6NT

Empingham Medical Centre37 Main Street LE15 8PR

Ketton SurgeryGeeston Road PE9 3RH

01572 823531

Market Overton SurgeryThistleton Road LE15 7PP

0844 815 1470

Somerby SurgeryOakham Road LE14 2PZ

0844 815 1470

The Uppingham Surgery2 London Road LE15 9TJ

01572 823531

ChemistsAshdale Pharmacy

3 Market Place, UppinghamLE15 9QH

01572 822343

Boots The Chemist26 High Street East,

UppinghamLE15 9PZ

01572 823304

Boots The Chemist18 High Street, Oakham

LE15 6AL01572 722024

Day Lewis21 High Street, Oakham

LE15 6AH

Valley PharmacyKings Lane, BarrowdenLE15 8EF01572 747433

Your Local Boots PharmacyCold Overton Road, Oakham LE15 6NT01572 770101

DentistsADP OakhamThe White House, 17 Burley Road Oakham, LE15 6DH 01572 770579

D S Nadany2 Market Street, OakhamLE15 6DY 01572 755002

Dentith & Dentith83 South Street, OakhamLE15 6BG 01572 755970

J A Gwyther74 High Street, OakhamLE15 6AS 01572 755260

Oakham Dental StudioKnight’s Yard, Gaol StreetOakham, LE15 6AQ01572 771775

RM Allen 9 Market Place, UppinghamLE15 9QH - 01572 821040

R M Pancholi / M P Gokani Unit 3, Ayston House, Ayston Road Uppingham LE15 9RL 01572 823595

West Road Dental Practice 71 West Road, Oakham LE15 6LT 01572 722677

Ketton Tennis Club01780 460501

VolleyballOakham Volleyball Club

01572 812544

LIBRARYOakham Library

Catmose Street LE15 6HW 01572 722918

Uppingham Library,Queen Street LE15 9QR

01572 823218

Ketton LibraryHigh Street PE93TE

01780 720580

Ryhall LibraryCoppice Road, PE9 4HY

01780751726

Mobile Library offers afortnightly service to the

villages of Rutland

VETSBest Friends Veterinary Centre

Melton Road, Oakham, LE15 6AY 01572 770011

www.bestfriendsgroup.com

Oakham Veterinary HospitalAshwell Road, Oakham,

LE15 7QH 01572 722647www.oakhamvethospital.co.uk

Rutland Veterinary Centre12a Ayston Road, Uppingham,

LE15 9RL 01572 822399

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Oakham Ashwell, Braunstonin Rutland, Brooke, Egleton,

Hambleton, Langham, MarketOverton, Teigh, Whissendine

The Revd Lee Francis- Dehqani 01572 722108

Ryhall, Essendine, CarlbyThe Revd Patrick McKee

01780 762398


Community

On 7th May 10am – 4 pm central Peterborough will be ‘alive to the sound of music’ with over 800 performers, from 18 different groups from around the city, sharing their enthusiasm for active music making

Five year old PETERBOROUGH MUSIC MAKING was formed to support its member groups to share musical experiences and help them to develop their considerable musical talents. To date there are 22 member groups. This is a great opportunity to see, hear and even try some of the musical activities that are regularly going on in and around Peterborough.

In the MUSICAL SHOWCASE event, performed by all ages, Orchestras, Bands, Indian drummers, Clog dancers, Barbershop groups and Choral singers of all sorts will be performing from 10 am to 4 pm in Queensgate, Cathedral Square, and in and around St John’s Church on Cathedral Square.

www.peterboroughmusicmaking.org.uk

Liz Noble, Secretary Peterborough Music MakingEmail: [email protected]: 01778 342855

A Free Showcase of musical talent in Peterborough

Recycling CD’s and DVD’sA brand new recycling facility for CD’s and DVD’s is being set up at Rutland’s CA sites,

Rutland County Museum, Oakham and Uppingham Libraries and in the reception at the councils main offices in Oakham. CD’s and DVD’s that contain information as well as those containing music and films will be recycled and in some cases skimmed for reuse. DVD’s will be granulated and used

for road surfacing, all of which will be carried out locally.

www.recycle4rutland.org.uk01572 722 577

Joint Film VentureUp to two films a week will be shown at Rutland County Museum through to May as Live@The Museum and Catmose Films

join forces.

Catmose Films are usually based at Catmose College in Oakham, but due to the college moving to new premises, the

film club are setting up temporary home at Rutland County Museum. Movie fans will have a huge selection of films to choose

from and the line-up is a healthy mixture of modern films and more well-known classics.

For information on both programmes please contact Rutland County Museum on 01572 758 440 or Catmose Films (only) on

01572 759 771.

Catmose Campus opens its doors

Rutland County Council and Catmose College are pleased to announce the official

completion of the Catmose Campus project.

The campus will include a new Children’s Centre as well as providing a base for

services such as adult learning and other specialist support plus the new community

sports centrewww.catmosecollege.com.


Community

£80k APPEAL FOR LOROS Garden of Light and ReflectionLocal companies and individuals are being sought to sponsor or donate specific items for a Garden of Light and Reflection that is to be installed at LOROS, the Leicestershire and Rutland hospice. A garden appeal has been launched this week to raise capital for this special garden which will first be shown at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July and then installed permanently at LOROS in August/September as an enduring feature of the hospice.

It is widely acknowledged that time spent looking at or within a beautiful garden can

help a patient come to terms with an incurable illness and can provide a restful retreat for visitors and staff. Full information is available at www.lorosgarden.org.uk which also has a link to the Virgin Money LOROS garden appeal online donation page, any donation however small will be gratefully received.

HipposTickets are now available for a charity auction taking place at St. George’s Barracks, North

Luffenham this Spring that will give local residents the chance to win one of the famous Rutland Hippos. The fibreglass sculptures that caused such a stir throughout the county last summer have already started waking up from their winter hibernation and the countdown is now on as they are just three months away from going under the auctioneers hammer.

Organisers of the event are Arts for Rutland, raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund and to support local artists and arts projects. The Hippos will be on show for one last time at Rutland County Museum throughout April. Saturday 21 May at 7.30pm, tickets £35 per

personContact Joy Everitt 01572 720 922 or

07770 543 118.

Walking around Rutland – Date for your diary!

Rutland Walking Festival, Sunday May 22nd to Sunday June 5th 2011Previously known as Rutland Walking Week, the Rutland Walking Festival has now been extended to a whole fortnight due to the popularity of the excellent walking routes in this beautiful, rural county.

Walk the Rutland Round in seven days22nd to 28th MayWith the author of this popular route as your knowledgeable guide, you can walk the 65 mile circular route in 7 sections. These linea sections take you around the boarder of England’s smallest county, and also bring you in to see the features of Oakham, Uppingham and Rutland Water.

Launch of week 2Sunday 29th MayThe second week offers a range of health walks (maximum of 1hour long) and more substantial walks ranging from 3 to 11 miles and as it’s half term, there will be lots of family friendly routes and activities.

www.discover-rutland.co.uk

STRETTON LAKES NOMINATED FOR

NATIONAL AWARD

A Rutland tourism business finds out this month if they have been recognised as the best self catering accommodation in the

country.

Stretton Lakes, who work extremely closely with Discover Rutland, is through to the national finals of the Enjoy England tourism awards after scooping Gold at the

recent East Midlands awards.

They are now in the final four, up against other self-catering providers from

Norfolk, Devon and Yorkshire.

For more information visit

www.strettonlakes.co.uk

Community


Latest Clinique ProductsNew Bottom Lash Mascara £10 – especially designed to get definition on everybottom lash. Pretty in Prints Compact - £25

Beautiful nails at your finger tips

The shape of your nails can lead to them becoming weaker or

splitting. A cross between a squared nail and an oval one is

called ‘squoval’ and is perfect for shorter nails – practical yet chic.

Square off the top and then gently soften the edges.

Spring colours; Nudes, pastels, pinks and splashes

of vibrant orange

Do Wear Rubber Gloves Nails are extremely porous, if exposed to

water for too long they will weaken, bend and break.

Do Use Cuticle Oil Daily Massage cuticle oil into and around your

cuticles every day to help promote and stimulate good, strong nails growth.

Do Wear Base Coat Always, always, always use a base coat if

you are going to wear nail polish. This will help avoid staining, provide a smoother

base and save you money as you won’t use as much. Avoid products that have

formaldehyde or toluene.

Don’t File Wet Nails Nails will absorb a surprising amount of

water and will then be weaker. Try to avoid emery boards and never ever use metal

ones – they will split your nails! Invest in a crystal or glass file as these last a lifetime.

Don’t Use Your Nails As Tools Keep your nails and hands looking lovely;

take a minute to get the right tool for the job and avoid sacrificing your nails!

NAIL CARE DO’S &DON’TS

Health & BeautyCommunity

Walk for Rutland event with the Rotary Club of Rutland

Sunday May 22nd

The Rotary Club of Rutland are hosting a charity walk setting off from Greetham. Raising money for the Air Ambulance and other local charities, this event promises to offer a great atmosphere, with music and refreshments at Greetham Community Centre throughout the day. Walkers are invited to start the six mile route anytime between 9.30am to 11am and then you can join the party on your return back to Greetham. This route includes areas of Exton Park which are usually not open to the public.

For more information and to download a sponsorship form, view www.walk4rutland.org.uk

Castle Cottage Cafe

Life is full of little Pleasures; a smile, a friendly face and a lovely slice of cake! That’s the message at the Castle Cottage Cafe in Oakham where you can enjoy homemade cakes and freshly prepared food in a warm, friendly and relaxed

environment. Next to All Saints Church in the heart of Oakham,

you can enjoy breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, and in the summer the garden bar will be

open for evening drinks on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

www.castlecottagecafe.co.uk


Fishy Foot Spa

Garra rufa (also known as Dr Fish) are an exotic fresh water fish found naturally in the warm springs of Turkey where locals have been using this method of dead skin removal for years, helping with skin disorders such as psoriasis.

It is scientifically proven that the Garra rufa fish are very effective at helping to improve the skin. While removing the dead skin from your feet by gently nibbling (don’t worry they have no teeth!), the fish secrete Diathanol which is an enzyme well known to improve the regeneration of skin cells. The fish are also very therapeutic gently gliding over

your skin. Most people find the Garra rufa produce a pleasurable soothing massage sensation! Serenity in Bourne care for all clients by checking their feet and washed by a member of staff before every treatment. To ensure a high standard of hygiene for both our clients and our fish, all clients have their feet checked and washed before treatment. The tanks have two separate UV filtration systems and filter the water 3-4 times in a 15 minute session, so each client has fresh clean water.

Avocado Green!Home made Face Mask

Avocado & Honey

Avocado is perfect for dry or mature skin and through

the winter our skin has dried out with the cosy central

heating on! Avocado oil is rich

in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Honey is incredibly nourishing

and anti-inflammatory so helps with sensitive skin.

Make your Own Mask

Mash 1 avocado with a tablespoon of honey and smear evenly over the face. Leave for 15 minutes and

rinse off with warm water.

Health & Beauty

LEAFLET AND MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

CALL 01522 514707

OR E MAIL [email protected]

Hair with Essence of UppinghamBrighten up your hair this spring with an Aveda colour. All colours are 97 - 99%

natural and leave hair in incredible condition whilst adding shine, with a protective blend of sunflower, castor, and jojoba oils. The plant based colours help to make hair

multi tonal by allowing your own tones to shine through.

Get that spring in your step, with a 3 month membership to the new Catmose Community Sports Centre Gym in Oakham. With a value of £47 per month, this could give you that well needed kick start on the road to improved fitness and better health and wellbeing.

• Fully Air conditioned 60 Station Fitness Room • Four Stage Gym Induction Plan• Exercise Classes • Swimming

• TGS Key • Personal Programmes• Reviews • Discount rates on other activities

To enter, email your contact details to [email protected]

quoting SPRING Or post your details to Rutland Scene, The Old School House,

Wittering PE8 6BX Closing date, 30 April 2011

Gym membership for 3 months, worth over £140WIN!

*T&C. Apply Subject to availability. This offer is non-transferable and non-refundable, . The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.


Maxey House Retirement Home

Maxey House Residential Home | 88, Lincoln Rd | Deeping Gate | PE6 9BA | 01778 342244

Maxey House, located just outside Market Deeping, continues to go from strength to strength.

Maxey House continues to welcome new residents to the home so should anyone wish to come and view the rooms, please do not hesitate to contact them on the number below.

Maxey House is proud to publish the results of their latest Quality Assurance Survey and a full breakdown of the views of residents/relatives that participated in the survey is available for any prospective client to see. Considerable refurbishment has been undertaken and more is planned.

They asked all participants to score 10 areas of the home from poor to excellent.

• 100% scored the home as ‘good, very good or excellent’ regarding the personal care that is received. • 96% scored the home as ‘very good or excellent’ regarding the quality of the care staff.

• 100% scored the home as ‘very good or excellent’ regarding the quality and variety of food.

Freya North’s Top 3 Reads

Author of 10 bestselling novels and winner of the Romantic Novel of the Year, Freya’s 11th novel, Chances, is published on

March 31st

MUM KNOWS BEST by M and J HanksSquare Peg, 3rd March 2011, £8.99

There’s a big market for these type of books – the Dangerous Book For Boys being the most famous. What I loved about this book is that it’s full of down-to-earth helpful hints. It’s the sort of book I keep in the loo but once you dip in, you find yourself absorbed for hours. In our lives, where we assume we have to buy a gadget or gimmick for every task, this book is a wonderful and useful reminder that there’s a better, cheaper and more practical alternative. Every domestic dilemma is catered for with no-nonsense instructions. Stained mugs or cups? Rub in a little kitchen salt with water. Dirty microwave? Pop in several lemon slices in a bowl of water and cook on high for a few minutes. A great spring clean read!

NEW BEGINNINGS by FERN BRITTONHarperCollins 17th March 2011, £12.99This is Fern’s debut novel and she takes as her theme the dilemma of how to have a career but also be a good mother. Her likeable heroine, Christie Lynch, is a journalist and single mother of two when she gets a lucky break – an appearance on a daytime TV talk show, the fabulously named Tart Talk. Spotted by a successful talent agent, Christie’s life changes in an instant when she lands a high-profile presenting job. Written with warmth, insight and humour, the book charts Christie’s journey as a mother and career woman – and the choices and the sacrifices she must make will ring true for many readers.

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO LUBKA by LAURIE GRAHAM. Quercus, £7.99Laurie Graham is one of my favourite authors – and greatly underrated. My mum and I often read her books at the same time. Graham is an author with a huge heart, a brilliant turn of phrase razor sharp wit – and she always finds fascinating subjects whether fictitious or historical (Gone With The Windsors – a fictitious diary set around the time of the Abdication – is one of my all time favourite books). This is her most recent novel and it’s gorgeous – both tender yet laugh-out-loud. It’s a wonderful, funny, warm tale of the friendship between women, whatever their age. Read it while your mum reads her copy.


April in the garden by Joseph Whitehead

“April weather, rain and sunshine both together”. A fickle month where weather is concerned, pleasantly warm of late but anything’s possible. Busy, busy in the garden, plants are growing; seeds need sowing and frustratingly, weeds already need hoeing!

Ornamental garden

• On warm days open the vents in the glass house. Watch out for pests like aphids, red spider mite, and mealy bug that can quickly multiply. A tell tale sign on the leaves is black sooty mould growing on sap secreted by these tricky suckers! Soft soap sprays, systemic insecticides, or biological controls will help.

• Prune back hard the stems of Cornus and Salix grown for their winter colour as the newest growth is the brightest.

• Feed roses with a proprietary rose fertiliser. Spray fortnightly with a seaweed based foliar feed, containing sequestered iron.

• Prune spring flowered shrubs like Chaenomeles and Forsythia immediately after flowering.

In The Garden In The Garden

Kitchen garden planting & preparation

• Plant second early potatoes in the first half of the month

• Sow in modules or pots: Autumn/ Winter cabbages, calabrese, late sprouts, courgettes and squashes, cauliflowers, early runner beans and early sweetcorn. • Direct in the ground: french beans, carrots, mid season peas and broad beans, salads and beetroot.

• Keep some potted strawberry plants in the glass house or cold frame for an early crop, to improve fruit setting hand pollinate with a paint brush transferring pollen from flower to flower.

Naked BeautyA profusion of beautiful pink flowers born on naked stems, makes the Judas tree a unique

and most wonderful addition to the spring garden if you have the

space. A small tree 10-15m, requiring full sun and good

drainage.

April 2011 | Email: [email protected]


FlooringThink about the volume of traffic and how much cleaning will be required when considering which flooring to choose. If you are having carpet make sure you get a hardwearing, stain resistant one with good underlay. You don’t have to choose a dark carpet, just make sure you have the facility for people to wipe their feet properly before they enter. If you are opting for a wooden or tiled floor, a non-slip door mat is essential and remember, only use a runner if it is necessary and there are no tripping hazards.

FunctionNext regard the function of the area - have you got room for furniture or storage items? Consider this carefully as the last thing you want is for people to struggle getting in or out of your home. Console tables can look nice in a hallway and are functional for displaying fresh flowers and storing post and keys - just make sure your purchase the right size and don’t go too big. If you are strug-gling to find one that meets your needs, why not consider making one yourself? Likewise, if you want coats and shoes to be stored search the internet for some clever storage solutions - there are plenty out there that are multi-functional and take up minimal space.

LightingIf you have natural light coming into the hall-way, try not to block it out. Think about your window coverings and try to keep them to a minimum. However, if you like the idea of heavy curtains, design it so they can be pulled back during the day to let the light flood in. If you have no natural light, consider replacing full wooden internal doors with half glass ones - you will be surprised at the difference it makes. If you have a high ceiling then don‘t be afraid to showcase a stunning chandelier. If not, think about adding spot lights to the ceiling and stairs, or use a couple of strategically placed lamps to add an array of artificial light.

Finishing TouchesAccessories should always complement your décor. Mirrors are brilliant for reflectingnatural light and will help any area look wider. Display some unusual pieces of art to get people talking, or use black and white photographs in the same finished frames; or a themed display of pictures to generate an area of interest. Finally, think about the small finishing touches that will complete your look and help create that wow factor - replace boring white plastic light switches and plug sockets with trendy silver ones. And if you can’t afford to update your radiator, either paint it or consider purchasing a radiator cover.

Make an entranceBy Sue HessomWe welcome our family and friends into our homes through the hallway. As it’s the first internal part of our home that they see it’s important that it gives the right impression. Too many people neglect this space with the excuse - ‘its just a walkthrough’. It might be just a walkthrough, but a badly designed hallway can leave your home feeling unwelcome, no matter what design surprises you may have hidden behind closed doors.

Hallways come in various shapes and sizes and can be one of the hardest areas to decorate successfully, so give your design ideas some serious thought and do some research. Once you have an idea of the image you want to achieve, stand at your front door to visualise exactly how you are going to create your look.

ColoursRemember that there are no rules when it comes to decorating your home, so don’t be afraid to inject some of your personality into your hall area. Many people still choose white walls to help keep the space light and airy, but with high traffic volume the walls can soon start to look shabby and dirty, so only opt for white walls if you are happy to maintain them. Instead, why not consider painting the hallway two colours - one dark, one light. Paint all the walls that are left facing; light, and all the right facing ones; dark - this will not only add visual interest but will help to create a feeling of warmth and open space. If you are adamant in having wallpaper in your hallway, why not try something different? Find a wallpaper that reflects you and put it on the stair wall only. Then add some framed pieces of the wallpaper to the opposite wall - not only will this will look fantastic but the overall effect will not be too heavy.

Whether you are selling, letting or simply wanting to update your home contact Sue

for an informal chat.Tidy Interiors

Tel 01476 564035 | Mob 0754 061 2143www.tidyinteriors.co.uk

InteriorsInteriors


Candle makingThis is a more unusual craft for you but one that once you have perfected it, can provide you with the source of many gifts for friends and family. Try making the candles in some vintage tea cups (not Mum or Granny’s best ones of course) – go for a root around at a car boot or charity shop.

To receive our instructions, free, on candle making, email [email protected], We will email you back with the details. Or visit www.hobbycraft.co.uk

Internet Safety For You And Your Family

(ONE Opinion Survey, www.statistics.gov.uk) You can help young people use the internet safely and we have brought you some guidlines from the UK

Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS)

Spring StorageSpring is a natural time to get those cupboards cleared, winter boots packed away and windows flung to let in some fresh bulb scented air. A clean slate and great storage solutions can give us all a lift. From simple baskets, to mid range shelving these could work for you. Small stair baskets mean all those bites and pieces get taken upstairs in one go! Gorgeous felt style baskets can be tailored to your room style, so whilst they are practical, they look stylish too.Shelving can be coupled with baskets, or kept open if you’re a tidy person! The under stairs cupboard area can be a bit of a dumping ground. Only keep the essentials – be ruthless and make a decision to reduce, reuse and recycle!

Easter Egg HeadsA little trip down memory lane with Cress Egg Heads – I bet you can smell that cress just from a school day memory!

FLAG ITFlag up with someone you trust if anything

upsets you or if someone asks to meet

you offline.

ZIP ITKeep your personal

Stuff private and think about what you say and

do online.

BLOCK ITBlock people who send

nasty messages and don’t open unknown links and attachments.

• www.dalexkrafts.com• www.hobbycraft.co.uk • www.pondskippercrafts.co.uk • www.sirstampalot.co.uk • www.artandstitch.co.uk

Useful online sites for ideas and

tips, with local stores for friendly advice

Family & CraftFamily & Craft

Craft FairsIn The Area

16 April 10.30am – 4.30pm

Cuckoo’s Nest Art & Craft Fair

Victoria Hall, Oakham

1 May10am – 4pm

Fineshade Woods6 miles South West of Stamford

NN17 3BB.

2 MayIndoor Craft Fair &

Farmers MarketBraunston in Rutland

15 May10am – 4pm

Stamford Artisans Guild Spring Crafts Market

Stamford Arts Centre

Netmums is a unique local network for mums and dads offering

parenting information, activity ideas as well as local boards to network in

your local area.

www.netmums.com


Something NewEvery Sunday from 22nd May there will be a direct flight from Heathrow to Beja in the Alentejo region of Portugal, an area unspoilt by mass tourism. With ancient Roman towns, castles, citadels and churches and empty beaches in the south west it is an area to enjoy and relax in. Each region has its own individual gastronomic delights which you can wash down with locally produced wines.

CruisingGrowing in popularity there really is a cruise to suit all tastes. Why not try something slightly different by taking the Eurostar/TGV to Marseille, two nights in Marseille made famous from the film French Connection (though some of you may be too young to remember it!). Embark at Marseille and then cruise the Mediterranean, Iberian Coast or Malta and Italy, disembark in Marseille and return home by TVR/Eurostar, maybe taking a few days in Paris on the way back home.

RailWhen Eurostar moved to St Pancras it made rail travel to Europe that much easier. It is

around an hour to St Pancras from Kettering or Corby and then Europe is your oyster. There are Rail Tours to meet all requirements; French Riviera or Pyrenees, German Bavarian Alps, Moselle Valley, Italy the Lakes, Venice, Switzerland or Austria - it is truly a relaxing way to travel around Europe. Remember not too much luggage as you will be transferring trains and handling your own bags, so some wheels do help! Rail is not just confined to Europe. The USA, Canada, Far East, Australia and New Zealand also have some magnificent tours available.

Package HolidaysThis is still a sizable market, which saw a dip with the ash cloud, BA strikes and December weather delays highlighting the problems faced when self booked separately. Tunisia has now returned to the Foreign Office travel list so expect some bargains while the tour com-panies build up destination confidence. Spain, Canaries, Balearics and Greece still hold top spot but there will be some increases in your holiday due to higher departure tax and the dreaded fuel surcharge making a return.

Travel Choices With Freeway of Uppingham


Throughout the day, in the Main Ring, the programme includes many exciting and

new performances including

The Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display Team

Classes & Attractions include;• Cattle, Sheep and Goat Classes• Horse and Pony Classes• Show Jumping• Display of Vintage and Classis Cars, and Vintage and Modern Farm Machinery• Over 100 Trade and Agricultural Stands, and Children’s Amusements• Local businesses• Macmillan Cancer Support Giant Tombola• Licenced Bar and Refreshment Tents.

Membership

Formed in around 1825 The Rutland Agricultural Society has held an annual

show for 177 years, with only a few years of interruption during the World Wars. Rutland Agricultural Society is a registered charity

No. 241028.

www.rutlandcountyshow.co.ukBurley-on-the Hill near Oakham,

LE15 7TE

Rutland Agricultural Society’s 179th Annual County Show

The Rutland Show is an all round county show for the people of Rutland and the surrounding areas. It provides a unique opportunity to appreciate what is

great about the county. Animals, people, produce, displays, vehicles, entertainment – there is something for everyone.

Gates open 8.30am - Adults £8.00 Concessions £6.00 -

Child 5-16yrs £5.00 Under 5s free - FREE parking

Visit Colourfence at The Rutland County Show on Sunday 5 June

Sunday

5 June 2011


Dog Hosting with Barking Mad

Kerry Wells - Barking MadTel: 01775 720382

Email: [email protected]: www.barkingmad.uk.com

Your dog’s daily routine for feeding and walks maintained by our hostsLocal hosts in your area

Suitable for dogs with a wide range of needsRemember, it’s their holiday too

Loving home environment with very special hostsEstablished 4 years

Keeping you informed about your dog’s holidayBourne | Deeping | Stamford | Rutland | Spalding

Local Home From Home Pet Care

“My car does not even fit in my garage”

Many hosts with Barking Mad have previously been dog owners. If you have missed that companionship from having a pet, but you can’t commit the time to have your own dog, then maybe becoming a host for Barking Mad is the answer.

Not only can you have a visiting companion, but you can address that niggling need for more exercise and get out into the beautiful countryside surrounding you. Worried the dog might need more exercise than you can manage? Don’t be concerned; you will be matched with a suitable dog for your sake and theirs.

Contact Kerry Wells now on 01775 720382 to discuss hosting in more detail.

• CARPETS • WOOD • VINYL• CERAMIC TILING

Home visits to suit you | Price match promise – like for like

Supply and FitDomestic and Commercial

JAMES COTTAMTel: 01778 424288

Mob: 07793 488466

[email protected]

Jade Building Services Ltd• Specialists in Garage conversions & AV• Extensions• Listed Buildings• Renovations• Insurance Claims

“Dont take our word for it, you can talk with old clients and see our work

first hand” Free Phone

www.jadebuildingservices.com

0870 8030525 / 07979685773BRAND NEW Bespoke Outdoor wood burn Pizza/Bread ovens “Like Jamie Oliver’s” Show homes needed with

substantial discount given

“My car does not even fit in my garage”Cars take a back seat when it comes to your garage these days. They are mostly full of junk, which you are always meaning to throw out, but what else are they good for? Before you add square footage, with the expense and complication that new construction always brings, take another look at your garage. Converting it may meet your requirements without costing as much as an extension. Most properties have what is called their Permitted Development Rights intact and in 2008 The Permitted Development Act was passed. It is a category of work as prescribed by the government, which can be undertaken without the need for planning permission, so no long applications, no expensive plans and no

planning fee. The beauty of a garage conversion is that the shell of the building and its services already exists. Structurally, all that is needed is to close off the garage door opening and perhaps open up the wall between the garage and the house. A freestanding garage also offers flexibility for conversion to a home office, guest house or extra living space. A hallway or covered pathway linking it to the house creates a sheltered compound. Approximately 95% of the conversions Jade Building have completed have not required local authority planning permission, but a Building Notice application, which can be completed online with work able to start two days later.

Examples of work featured at www.jadebuildingservices.com

FREE supply and fit 6x3 shed, so your lawn mower has a home on all new garage conversions booked in April and May.


Nature Notes Signs of spring

The 25 February was a significant date this year. Not because it was a birthday, an anniversary or a Royal Wedding but the day that the first bumblebee was recorded on the Rutland Water Nature Reserve.

This brave soul, along with the first snowdrops, the insect life that starts to stir at this time of year and the new buds on various trees, are often the first signs we get that winter is losing its grip on the land and spring and summer are on their way.

Taking a closer look reveals ever more signs of a changing season. In an effort to become irresistible to potential partners the Black Headed Gulls are starting to loose their winter plumage and develop the jet black heads that give them their name, while the resident Mallards are doing what comes naturally at this time of year! The over wintering wildfowl are starting to move on to their breeding grounds and the summer migrants are returning – thus leading to a dramatic change in the species composition found on the reserve.

The first summer migrants to return are invariably the Sand Martins and Chiffchaffs followed by a host of others including Swallows, Terns, Yellow wagtails and the mighty Ospreys – Rutland’s star species. The fact that a bird the size of a Sand Martin, which measures about 6 inches, weighs little more than a one pound coin and is able to fly over 5,000 miles to reach its summer breeding grounds to then find the same nest site it uses year on year is astonishing. It’s no wonder that people in the 17th century believed that Swifts, Swallows and Martins hibernated under the Thames. Perhaps its quite fitting that a species that is so small, yet achieves so much, nests in a county with the motto of ‘Multum in parvo’ (Much in little).

While the return of all the migratory species generates excitement, it is the arrival of theOspreys from their West African wintering grounds that really steals the show. These birds have raised the profile of the reserve, Rutland Water and the county and as the Osprey project goes from strength to strength so their celebrity status will continue to grow. The sight of these iconic birds fishing over the reservoir can not fail to draw admiration from all of those lucky enough to observe it.

The spectacle of migration is one that has to be witnessed to be appreciated, the sight of liter-ally thousands of birds of all species following the well flown ‘highways of the sky’ (or flyways as they are more correctly known), to their summer homes is one that words cannot describe. Imagine what these birds see in their life time! Flying over Europe, the Mediterranean, the Sahara, countless miles of Africa and in some instances from pole to pole, the sights must be incredible. If birds could tell tales they sure would have some tall ones!

www.rutlandwater.org.uk

The Osprey MigrationRoute

Also on Facebook for updates on life at the Nature Reserve

By: Will Kirstein

Phot

os: J

ohn

Wri

ght

Feature Feature


25 Main Street, Cottesmore,Nr Oakham

RutlandLE15 7DH

Tel: 01572 898217

We offer a warm welcome and traditional, fresh, home cooked food and real ale. Whether you want morning coffee, lunch, dinner or just a snack, it’s

available at The Sun Inn. Our menu changes with the seasons!

Cottesmore

Well behaved dogs are most welcome in our barVisit our website at: www.thesuninncottesmore.co.uk

Contact us by e-mail at [email protected]

Weddings, Christenings, Anniversaries, Funerals

Contact Julie to view our Rutland Room on

01572 898217 Everything tailored to your requirements

Sunday 3rd April Mothers Day3 Courses £16.95 - 01572 898217

Summer Opening

Times From

1st April

Sunday to Thursday 11am to 11pm Friday and Saturday 11am to midnight

April 29th Celebrate the Royal Wedding Family fun day from 12 noon come along and enjoy

our barbecue and family entertainment.

Food Serving TimesMonday to Thursday - 12 noon to 9pm

Friday and Saturday - 12 noon to 9.30pmSunday lunch served from 12 noon to 7pmSunday Supper served from 7pm to 9pm

Langham ChurchLangham means ‘Long Village’ and it owes its origins to the Anglos Saxons, although

Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman remains have been found within the parish. As part of ‘Oakham soke’, the village’s connections with the town of

Oakham are long established. The Domesday Book records Oakham as having five hamlets of which Langham

was probably one. Details of early history of Langham are given in the Victoria County

History and also on the village

www.langhamvillage.com

The Church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, is one of the largest in Rutland.

The churchyard was enlarged in 1921. This involved rerouting the brook to its present

course. In 2007 the stump of a medieval churchyard and cross was discovered, one

of only four in Rutland. The cross may even predate the church. The earliest parts of the existing building are the chancel, lower part of the aisles and the tower, which are 13th

century. The south transept was added at the end of the 13th century; in the 14th century

the present nave arcades, chancel arch and porch were built, the aisles probably rebuilt

and the transept remodelled. The font is also 14th century but with a later oak cover.

Simon de Langham is generally thought to have been responsible for the 14th century work. The church bells would broadcast news to the village, if a male died the tenor bell would ring three times, there would be a pause between each three. For a female the bell would stroke twice three times. Before 1914 the Feast was kept with enthusiasm and lasted a whole week culminating in Feast Sunday (the Sunday nearest St. Peter’s Day.) On Feast Sunday the church was (and still is) strewn with hay. The Feast was celebrated with a fair, dancing and cricket. Traditional Feast Sunday fare was roast duckling, new potatoes and garden peas, followed by a curd tart.

The Church

www.langhaminrutland.org.uk

Langham Village History

Group – Books on Langham

Village life and history are

available via the website.

www.churchofengland.org

www.achurchnearyou.com

Websites of the Church of

England, allowing you to search

for local churches, contact

details and service information.

Local History


17% of the land mass is dedicated to game reserves, and as MD, Steve Daykin points out, if you want to see nature in its most uncompromised state, Botswana is greatly suited. “With a population of only 1.3m, Botswana provides ultimate escapism, offering a break from the concrete jungle and a chance to connect with all the fruits of nature. With its magnificent range of different eco-systems and abundance of wildlife and birdlife, Botswana is simply stunning, and now accessible for all”.

For those with a tad more cash to spare, Botswana can be combined with visits to many of the highlights of the surrounding regions – maybe visit the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls or chic Cape Town or spend some idyllic beach time on the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius or Mozambique.

Inspirational Travel tailor-make itineraries to cater for varying durations and budgets.

Traditionally a holiday destination that thrived on high yield and low impact tourism, Botswana isn’t famed for attracting the more budget conscious traveller. All that is set to change with a new series of affordable itineraries created by local travel company, Inspirational Travel.

Botswana’s key tourist destinations, dur-ing peak season, have asked as much as USD $1,200 per person per night (approx £750.00). Inspirational Travel, however, are now offering safaris starting at just £1,200 per person. Managing Director, Steve Daykin explains; “Botswana is a fabulous place to visit, but previously this hasn’t been pos-sible for many individuals and families due to excessive pricing. Now, what with the economy forcing purse strings to tighten, holidays to Botswana have become seemingly beyond reach. However, we have worked diligently with our strategic partners to design exciting, affordable itineraries to suit those travelling on a more modest budget”.

Inspirational Travel has created a range of exciting safari itineraries of varying lengths and start with their 4-night “Affordable Botswana” safari with prices from just £1,200 per person. The itinerary includes 2-nights in the Okavango Delta at Kanana Camp and 2-nights in Moremi Game Re-serve at Okuti Camp. The price of £1,200 includes shared accommodation, flights within Botswana, game activities, all meals and drinks, laundry service, park entrance fees and departure taxes.

Botswana is a vast land of contrasting flora and fauna. The country is landlocked between South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia and is covered by savannah scrub and the dry, arid Kalahari sands, which are then broken by the breathtaking Okavango Delta, the saltpans of Makgadikgadi and the swamps and flood plains of the Chobe River. Collectively these areas constitute a range of eco-systems unparalleled in Africa and are abundant in bird, plant and wildlife.

Contact Inspirational Travel on

01780 784380 [email protected]

Now Accessible For More Budget Conscious Travellers

www.inspirational-travel.com

Bountiful Botswana

34 April 2011 | Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01780 783613 | April 2011 35 48 February 2011 | Email: [email protected]

It’s great to feel 17 years old again. That’s how I felt driving the Citroën DS3 – and it’s no bad

thing because it shows that the French offering is a fun, funky and lively motor. All good things as

far as I’m concerned.

The 1.6i 16v 150 sport version, on test here, was a blast to drive. It rips up the black stuff with aggression and grips

corners with ease. Its 17 inch alloy wheels let some road rumble into the cabin at speed and the interior is a bit

cramped, but it’s no big deal, because the DS3 delivers such an engaging drive that you forget all about the niggles.

However, the DS3 isn’t all about being a boy-racer. The car delivers a sophisticated and comfortable ride, and quality

is evident inside and out. On the ever important safety front, the Citroën DS3 has a five star Euro NCAP rating for

occupant protection; high levels of standard safety equipment include six airbags, a reinforced body structure and two

IsoFix child seat anchorage points.

One of the best aspects of the compact Citroën is that it redefines ‘bespoke’ motoring with an unrivalled choice

of personalisation options - to reflect each driver’s individual performance, style and technology preferences. That

means no DS3 need ever be the same, thanks to the array of different option combinations available. Customers can

specify exterior and interior colour variations, materials, finishes, trims and equipment - even the key fob is tailored

to the driver’s chosen body or roof colour. So, the Citroën can be masculine and sporty or feminine and chic. My test

car was in sport red and onyx black with ‘urban-tribe’ roof graphics, white wheels and a personalised number plate

spelling out ‘BOY’. That was enough to satisfy me that I was in a more male oriented car!

By T

im B

arne

s-C

lay,

Mot

orin

g W

rite

r

Citroën DS3

DSport 1.6i 16V 150

Telephone: 01780 783613 | February 2011 49

The DS3 is also packed with technology to further entertain and assist the driver. For portable music players, the car

can be kitted out with auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. MyWay, Citroën’s integrated widescreen colour sat-

ellite navigation system, can be specified - and for excellent acoustic performance, a new eight-speaker Hi-Fi system

creates a rich audio experience in the cabin.

The Citroën DS3 is a great alternative to other ‘premium’ small cars like the Mini, Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo MiTo. It is

also competitively priced, starting at just £12,100 for the petrol VTi 95hp DSign, rising to £16,300 for the top-of-the-

range petrol THP 150hp and diesel HDi 110hp DSport models. The DS3 certainly doesn’t look like any other car on

the road today – so if you’re in the market for a supermini, and being noticed is on the agenda, then this charismatic

Citroën could be for you!

PROS ‘N’ CONS• Fun √• Performance√• Grip √• Road noise intrudes X

FACTS • Max speed: 133 mph• 0-62 mph: 7.3 secs• Combined mpg: 42.2• Engine layout: 1598cc 4 cylinder 16v petrol

• Max. power (bhp): 155 at 6000 rpm• Max. torque (lb.ft): 177 at 1400 rpm • CO2: 155 g/km • Price: £16,300 OTR

“The car delivers a sophisticated and

comfortable ride, and quality is evident

inside and out ”

Motoring Motoring


Attractions

Tommy’s FieldEdith Weston

LE15 8HB

www.edithwestonsteam.co.uk

Adults £5 Concessions £3.50

Children under 14 Free

1940’s Dance (ticket only) Saturday Night 7.30 pm till late

Ashby Big Band:16 piece performing classic swing.

Also 1940’s Dress Competition

Tickets £8.00 - available at Stamford Art Centre

01780 763203

Licensed Bar and refreshments

Free Parking

1940’s Music All Weekend

Edith Weston Vintage Fayre Limited UK Company Reg 5768111

Charities supporting this year British Legion & Age UKFunds raised for various charities since 2002 = £30,965

11th + 12th June 10am till 4pm

Vintage TractorsVintage Motorcycles

Classic & Vintage CarsSteam & Miniature Stationary Engines

ModelsMILITARY VEHICLES

TRADE STALLSPUNCH & JUDY

1940’S FOOTBALL MATCHREFRESHMENTS

MORRIS DANCERS(SUNDAY ONLY)

Edith Weston Vintage Fayre 2011

Memorial

Flight

Saturday


14 May, 2pm – 4.30pm

Lyddington Village Fete

Traditional village fete with Nearly New, Bric-a-brac, Tombola, Plants, Books, Video, DVD & CD’s stalls, Games, Entertainment & Refreshments. Fun Dog Show - Bring a dog along (you could even borrow a friend’s dog). Prizes for the waggiest tail, the owner who most resembles their dog, beautiful dog prize and much more. Classic cars & motorbikes display - Do you have a classic lurking in the garage or do you know of a proud owner, invite them to take part!Information: 01572 823067/01572 822040.

Catmose FilmsCatmose Films will be screened at the

Rutland County Museum whilst the new premises are finished General

Enquiries - Catmose College Arts Office 01572 725904

1 May, from 9amWaterAid Waters’ Walk12 mile and 5 mile walks in Rutland \countryside. Organised by the WaterAid Rutland Fundraising Group.

Entry £10 (children under 16 free) plus sponsorship to raise more funds for WaterAid. For further information on the walk including maps, entry and sponsor forms contact Charlotte Baker on 01572 787282, Andrew Davidson on 01536 770242

Whats On Whats On

HPS Rutland Group of The Hardy Plant Society

The Rutland Group of The Hardy PlantSociety meet at Uppingham C. of E.

PrimarySchool, Belgrave Road at 7.30pm.

Visitors are very welcome.

Admission is £3.00 including light

refreshments.

Tuesday 26 April, speaker is Peter Llewellyn who will talk about

Wild Orchids of Great Britain and Europe

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 29 May - Annual

Plant Fair, Ashwell House

10.30am to 4.00pm

Admission £2.00

12 – 16 AprilPerformances start at 7.30

pm with a Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm.

Stamford Amateur Musical Society (SAMS) is proud to

present the stage adaptation of the hit movie,

12 – 16 AprilRutland Musical Theatre at Uppingham

Theatre ‘Half a Sixpence’Performances start at 7.30 pm with a

Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm.Box Office Freeway Travel, 1 High Street

East, Uppingham 01572 822702

8 April, 10am – 2pmHoney Pot Crafts Market in

Uppingham St Peter and Paul Parish Church Free admission

Michelle Leaper on 01536 771874A diverse range of unique products from local artists, crafters and traders, including

Jewellery, Accessories, Handbags, Wood Craft, Textiles and Home Crafts,

Homemade Chocolates and Cakes, also a wide variety of gifts.

20 April, 7.30pmColonel Hugh Boscowan will be

speaking about The Leicestershire Yeomanry at Frezenberg , May 1915

Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle Original Charitable Trust

founded in 1959 Anne Blandamer ( Hon. Sec.) Tel: 01572 756705

Free – all are welcome

6th April - 7.30pmCoco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky

11th May 7.30pm Chico and Rita

The Full Monty. Set in Buffalo, New York, where the

unemployment line keeps growing ever longer and times are hard, this

hilarious story sees six guys hatch a crazy plan to form there own

striptease act - Hot Metal.TICKETS FROM £12 TO £15.00

01780 766455

Organising a local event? Send details for the what’s on pages to

[email protected]

27th April 7.30pm Lourdes


I got a letter telling me I was overpaid tax credits dating back to the time I separated from my husband. This came as a total shock. I don’t have the amount of money they want me to pay back. I don’t know what to do – please can you help?

You may be affected by recent changes to the way some overpayments of tax credits

are calculated.

If you have been overpaid because you separated from your partner or started living with a new partner and reported

this change late, your overpayment may be reduced or even written off.

This is because under the new rules, HM Revenue and Customs will work out what

you would have been paid if you had reported the change and made a new

claim on time. They will offset the overpayment against this amount. HMRC

calls this ‘notional offsetting’.

Ask the Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900 for more information or write to

the Tax Credit Office requesting that they look again at the amount of your

overpayment. If you have been asked to pay back tax credits and you don’t

understand why, or you think you don’t owe the money, you should ask the

Helpline for an explanation of how the overpayment occurred.

If you don’t agree with the Helpline’s explanation of the reason for the

overpayment, you can ask HMRC to look at their decision again. This is called

disputing an overpayment. You can do this in writing or by filling in form TC846 which you can get by calling HMRC on

0845 300 3900.

I have seen adverts for companies who say they offer free benefits

advice and who say they can help you claim backdated benefits on a no win no fee basis. How do they work and are they a good idea?

With more than £16 billion in means-tested benefits and tax credits currently going

unclaimed every year it is definitely worth checking you are receiving everything you are entitled to. You can get a free, independent

benefits check from your local CAB. However there are companies you can pay for the same

service. They often describe themselves as offering ‘free’ benefits advice, but if they help you claim back any backdated benefits they will take up to a hefty 45 per cent out of

any backpay that would have otherwise gone straight to you. So if you are thinking about approaching one of these companies make

sure you read the small print. Depending on the amount of backpay you receive this could be as much as £1,500. What they are doing isn’t illegal, but the service they are offering is available for free from independent advice sources such as your local CAB where you

can get a free benefits check up to make sure you are receiving everything you are entitled to. And that all of any backdated money goes

in your pocket.

If you are unsure about what benefits you are entitled to or whether a company is going to charge you a fee or a percentage of any money you get back, you can contact your

local CAB for a free benefits check or go to http://www.adviceguide.org.uk

56 High Street, Oakham LE15 6AL | 0845 120 3705 | www.rutlandcab.org.uk

Open Monday 10am – 6pm and Tuesday-Friday 10am – 4pm

An independent charity

Mini Monsters in RutlandAs parents of two Mini-Monsters, Kate & Richard Bingham had visited many playcentres and usually left a bit disappointed. Experiences including grotty toilets, old equipment, unhelpful staff, and junk-food galore and left Kate and Richard believing they should provide better for their children and in fact all Rutland’s Mini Monsters. With a catering management background, and support from family and friends, the planning began. The perfect location was found in Long Row in Oakham, five minutes walk from the town centre and spacious enough for plenty of on-site parking.

Using the UK’s premier supplier, Mini Monsters commissioned a custom-designed three story play structure, jam-packing it with fun and stimulating features with a special space for the little ones too. Offering delicious home-cooked meals in a comfortable space, all the grown ups can take time to scan magazines, drink proper coffee, and perhaps devour a freshly baked cake. With unique party packages that ‘wow’ the children, there won’t be a Mini Monster in sight that doesn’t have a big smile....and the grown up ones too!

www.minimonsterssoftplay.com (01572) 756811


London? Paris? New York? Or Milan? No, sorry, none of these. Undoubtedly, the biggest fashion event of the year is the Royal Wedding and so far, all eyes have been on the attire of one Kate (or Catherine as we are supposed to call her) Middleton, our future Queen. You may not be marrying the heir to the throne, but you too can afford her effortless elegance – and at a fraction of the price. So, without further ado, here is how to copy Kate...

The Engagement DressGiven her fondness for the creations of Danielle Issa Helayel, the Brazilian-born designer, it was little surprise that she chose an Issa dress for the public announcement of her engagement. This style would suit most women regardless of age, weight or height. The long, or mid-length, sleeves will hide any upper arm concerns, and the demure flared skirt sits just above the knee meaning it’s not too frumpy or too sexy. Meanwhile, the deep V-neck flatters the bust, and the ruching around the waist creates that desirable hourglass shape.

www.chicaboutiqueonline.com from a label called Ingenue or Marks and Spencer.

St. Andrews Dress Kate and William’s return to St. Andrews University late in February once again raised the fashion stakes. She appeared in an outfit apparently ‘from her wardrobe’, i.e. not bought specially for the occasion. Her instinctive knack for choosing what flatters her was once again apparent and consisted of a red pencil skirt, a red jacket flaring at the waist and a black turtle-neck, which may be less flattering for the bigger-bust, but can be adapted with a black scoop-neck vest or black blouse. If you aren’t a massive fan of your legs, a short skirt may not be your first choice; instead, opt for a below-the-knee pencil skirt which will hug at all the right places and give you a slimmer figure.

A copy of Kate’s skirt can be found in a variety of colours in Marks and Spencer, Next and River Island, whilst a similar jacket can also be spotted in Marks and Spencer.

The Wedding DressThe real question, though, is who will be designing the dress of the century that is sure to be replicated for many years to come. Yvonne Yorke, the Huffington Post ‘s royal contributor, has revealed that Middleton’s wedding dress is now a work in progress, and is being created inside Buckingham Palace. There’s indication that Catherine has gone for a young, ‘little-known’, British designer, but for now, it’s a mystery. The world will get their first full view of the spectacular dress when the bride alights from the carriage at Westminster Abbey. I can’t wait!

29 April

Castle BythamRecreation Field off Glen Road

Royal Wedding PicnicFrom 12.30pm

The Royal

Wedding 2011

The Royal Wedding in this area

By Charlotte Chorley

Feature - Royal Wedding Feature - Royal Wedding

A Family Picnic for the Royal Wedding - this red, white and blue themed celebratory event.From 3pm, Friday 29th April in the village field, and we invitevillagers to bring their own food and drink.


ISPS Handa Senior Masters returns to Stapleford Park

The European Senior Tour will return to Stapleford Park in Melton Mowbray, England, from 3 – 5 June for the second edition of the ISPS Handa Senior Masters presented by the Stapleford Forum. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, sponsors ISPS are once again backing the tournament, which attracted some of the leading Senior Tour players in 2010 including Sam Torrance, a former club captain at Stapleford Park, and 1991 Masters Tournament winner Ian Woosnam, who are both former Ryder Cup Captains and ISPS ambassadors. The ISPS Handa Senior Masters is also likely to welcome the 2010 Order of Merit Winner from Thailand, Boonchu Ruangkit, as well as defending champion Bill Longmuir of Scotland, who finished seven strokes clear of Ruangkit and Englishman Roger Chapman last year.

• Homegym• Homecinema• Playroom• Gamesroom• Familyroom

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Most garages are internal dumping grounds Put your garage to real use

convert it to a room you will use everyday

FREE quotation and site surveyOrder now and receive a free 8 x 6 shed to store

your possessions from the garage.


Devonports Kitchens & Bathrooms can celebrate its latest success with the expansion of the locally based business, as it welcomes its newest member of staff, trainee fitter, Lewis Hall and also experienced fitter Steve Threadgill. A second team of fitters allows Stephen & Sarah Devonport to continue to grow the business and meet the increased demand from local homeowners wanting to improve their kitchens and bathrooms.

Stephen has over ten years experience in the kitchen and bathroom industry and brings his desire to be able to offer customers tailored solutions, with quality products and fitting. The showroom opened in July 2009 and brings Wentworth kitchens to South Lincolnshire. These kitchens are made to order by skilled craftsmen and all offer a 10 year guarantee providing each customer with peace of mind for present and future. Whether you are looking for an entire new bath or shower room or a smaller change such as a radiator or mirror, Devonports can help you.

Devonports are also part of the local community through the sponsorship of the Under 9’s Deeping Rangers Football team.

The showroom can be found in Deeping St James, open six days a week from Monday to Saturday from 10am – 5pm.

Local business continues to

expand

48 April 2011 | Email: [email protected]

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