rutland scene dec low

THE RUTLANDFREE

TO PICK UPSceneNature; Rutland Water Nature ReserveReviews; Beauty, Books and TravelCommunity; Co-operative support for Motor Nurone CharityChristmas Services in Rutland

For all your Local Community News & Events and What’s On

Plus

www.thescenemagazine.co.uk DECEMBER 2011

2 December 2011 | Email: [email protected]

3Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011

Welcome to the final edition of

the Rutland Scene for 2011.

Our Family & Craft page this month brings the smell of warm baked gingerbread into your home – perfect for guests, gifts and tree decorations (p26).

Freya North is back with us for Christmas recommendations, either for gift ideas or for those days after all the visitors have gone home when you just need to relax and enjoy some quiet time (p28). For those of you curious about how the digital age delivers your favourite author, see our review online at www.issuu.com/the_scene_magazine - look for the December City Scene edition!

If the snow makes it to the area for Christmas and it makes you wonder about a warm location as an alternative, see our travel review (p22).

Keep your community news and events coming through to [email protected] We all wish you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year – see you in 2012!

From all The Scene Team

Heidi, Charlotte, Naomi & Sarah X

Scene OfficesScene Marketing, The Old School House, Great North Road, Wittering PE8 6BXTel: 01780 783613 The Scene online www.thescenemagazine.co.uk | www.issuu.com/the_scene_magazine

TheCityScene @yourlocalscene

Useful numbers 4

Christmas Services 5

Community 6-8

Garden Scene 13

Festive Healthy Eating 15

Interiors: Preparing for Christmas 18-19

Rutland Shopping Guide 20

Travel: Sri Lanka 22 & 23

What’s on 24 & 25

Family & Craft Scene 26

Book reviews 28

Contents

18 Interiors

26

22 Travel

13


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

Police, Health, Places of Worship, Helplines/Advice, Public Services

POLICENon emergency(0116) 222 2222In a non emergency - for example not requiring police attendance - or to report a non-urgent crime, there is onetelephone number for the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

SUPPORT ADVICELINESCrimestoppers 0800 555 111Emergencies 999Childline - 0800 11 11Parentline 0808 800 2222Samaritans 08457 909090

Citzens Advice Bureau56 High Street OakhamLE15 6AL0845 120 3705www.rutlandcab.org.uk

LOCAL COUNCILSRutland County CouncilCatmose, Oakham, Rutland, LE156HP Tel: 01572 722577E: [email protected]

Uppingham Town CouncilThe Town Hall, High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY - 01572 822681www.uppinghamtowncouncil.co.uk

Rutland Adult Learning Enquiries and EnrolmentE: [email protected]/adultlearning

PLACES OF WORSHIPOakham Ashwell, Braunstonin Rutland, Brooke, Egleton,Hambleton, Langham, MarketOverton, Teigh, WhissendineRevd Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani 01572 722108

Ryhall, Essendine, CarlbyThe Revd Patrick McKee01780 762398

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

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

Uppingham, Ayston, Belton, WardleyThe Revd Canon Rachael Watts 01572 823381

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

Collyweston, Easton on the Hill, Wittering 01780 720228

Ketton, The Rev Andrew Rayment 01780 729052

St Josephs Catholic Church,Oakham 01572 722308

Congregational Church, Oakham01733 262086Methodist Church, Oakham01572 756946

Methodist Church, Uppingham01572 722239

Baptist Church, Oakham01572 724990

Langham Baptist Church01572 768386

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

Market Overton Free Church01572 767383

The Revd Jo SaundersThe Parishes of Great Casterton, Little Casterton, Tickencote, Pickworth and TinwellBishop’s Officer for Self-Supporting MinistersMellstock, Bourne Road, Essendine, Stamford PE9 4LH Email: [email protected] 01780 480479

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CHRISTMAS SERVICESa i

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All Saints Church of England, Church Street, OakhamChristingle Service, 4pm

18 December

All Saints Church of England, Church Street, OakhamService of nine lessons and carols, 6pm

Ketton Methodist ChurchCarol Service, 6.15pm

Little Casterton ChurchCarol Service, 6pm

Oakham Baptist ChurchFamily Service, 10.30am

Oakham Congregational ChurchSongs & carols for Christ, 3pm

Oakham Methodist ChurchCarols by candlelight, 6pm

Tinwell ChurchCarol Service, 4.30pm

22 DECEMBER

St Mary’s Church, KettonVillage Service of lessons & carols, 6.30pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

All Saint’s Church of England, Church Street, OakhamCrib Service, 4pmMidnight mass, 11.30pm

Great Casterton ChurchMidnight mass, 11.30pm

Oakham Baptist ChurchCarols by candlelight, 6pm

Oakham Methodist ChurchCrib Service, 3pm

St Joseph’s RC Church OakhamHoly Mass & children’s nativity play, 6.30pmMidnight mass with carols, 11.30pm

St Mary’s Church, KettonChristingle, 3pmMidnight Communion Service, 11.30pm

Tinwell ChurchChristmas communion, 9.30pm

CHRISTMAS DAY

All Saints Church of England, Church Street, OakhamParish communion with carols, 10am

Great Casterton ChurchFamily Service followed by said communion, 10.30amKetton Methodist ChurchChristmas Morning Service, 10amLittle Casterton ChurchChristmas Communion, 9am

Oakham Baptist ChurchChristmas Day service, 10.30am

Oakham Congregational ChurchChristmas worship, 10am

Oakham Methodist ChurchFamily celebration, 10.45am

St Joseph’s RC Church, OakhamHoly Mass of the nativity, 10.30am

St Mary’s Church KettonFamily Communion Service, 10am

St Thomas of Canterbury, ExtonHoly Mass of the nativity, 9am

The Religious Society of Friends Meeting HouseSilent Worship, 10.30am

COMMUNITY

OAKHAM FOODSTORE CELEBRATIONS RAISE £400 FOR CHARITY

Customers visiting Midlands Co-operative Society’s Oakham foodstore at the beginning of November were able to enjoy a day of food, fun and special offers as the store celebrated its second birthday. The event raised over £400 for the Society’s staff-elected corporate charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

There was something to keep everyone entertained including: face painting, balloon modelling and a magician for the children, refreshments, a raffle and competitions in aid of the charity. FREE food tastings, an ‘Everyone’s a Winner’ competition thanks to the in-store Travel team and special discounts for Midlands Co-operative Society members on food purchases, homeware and travel bookings. Customers also had the opportunity to find out more about the Society, its Membership and commitment to responsible and ethical retailing as well as find out more about its Funeral business.


CIVIC AMENITY SITESLocal residents are reminded that the Civic Amenity Sites – at Cottesmore and North Luffenham – are now operating on the winter hour’s timetable.

Opening hours for both sites are 11am until 5pm until 31 March 2012. Cottesmore CA site is open seven days a week, whilst North Luffenham is open Friday to Monday (inclusive) only. Both sites are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day. www.rutland.gov.uk

OFFICIAL OPENING FOR BRIGHTWAYS

A colourful, bright and interactive centre for people with learning disabilities has been officially opened at Catmose Campus in Oakham.

Open to any member of the Rutland community that has been referred by a Social worker, the new ‘Brightways’ centre can look after up to 15 people each day. Councillor Christine Emmett, Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care, opened the new centre. The official ribbon was cut by Brightways user Lorna Earle.

Brightways is located at the newly built Catmose Campus on Huntsmans Drive in Oakham. It is a base for people with learning disabilities who have complex needs and provides highly flexible space which is used for a wide range of care and learning activities. The main rooms focus on enhancing feel, vision and sound. They include many interactive features such as a large touch screen as well as many audio and visual aids. There are dedicated areas for physiotherapy and relaxation, as well as an outdoor sensory garden.

For more information about Brightways please contact 01572 772 586.

Councillor Emmett has appealed for local employers in Rutland to offer work placements, as part of the work towards getting people with learning disabilities into employment. If you are an employer in Rutland and would like to help the council to provide suitable employment opportunities then please call 01572 722 577 or email [email protected]

COMMUNITY

8 November 2011 | Email: [email protected]

THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES ARE COMING

TO RUTLAND!

Everyone who lives and works in the county can now start looking forward to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of seeing the Olympic Torch.

A more detailed ‘torch route’ has been was revealed in early November and puts Langham, Oakham and Uppingham firmly on the Olympic map.

The Olympic torch will pass through Rutland on Tuesday 3 July 2012 – Day 46 of the Olympic Torch relay – exact timings and arrangements will be confirmed nearer the time.On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame is expected to travel an estimated 8000 miles across the UK including Leicester (2 July) and Peterborough (3 July).The Olympic Flame will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The latest news and information about the torch route through Rutland will be updated on the council website at www.rutland.gov.uk

Charity music quiz nets £2,500 to help

vulnerable childrenCompetition was fierce at the annual NSPCC Peterborough Business Support Group’s music quiz night. But the actual winner was of course the charity, which netted around £2,500.

Thirty-five teams of six from businesses around Peterborough took part in the event at the Holiday Inn, in Thorpe Wood. Quiz master and compere Colin Start took charge of proceedings setting questions on music from the last five decades as well as ‘name the introduction’, a green themed round and questions on James Bond film posters. The runaway winners were Derek and the Dominoes, a team from Perkins Engines, who collected their prize from the Group’s chairman Chris Collier. The group’s next money-spinning event is the 15th anniversary Gala Dinner with Penny Smith.

Don’t forget that the Rutland County Council website is a comprehensive source of local information. For events, council services, meetings and information, the website also allows you to make online payments for council tax, business rates, planning fees, school transport fees and much more.

Links are also available for the library service and Live@ The Museum. www.rutland.gov.uk


WINTER FUEL PAYMENT SCHEME

The payment doesn’t allow for those that rely on oil for their heating. Trading standards state the minimum delivery must be 500 litres. This means that with current crude oil prices still at an all-time high, the cost to the consumer, of even the minimum delivery, is likely to exceed the maximum fuel payment of £300.

Following last winter’s severe weather conditions combined with high oil prices, which caused particular misery and hardship to our older community, Chandler’s Oil & Gas have launched a Winter Fuel Scheme specifically to assist those that qualify for the winter fuel payment.

“We are offering those that need it the most the opportunity to spread the cost this winter. As a family owned and run business for 76 years we have seen the adverse effects of spiralling fuel costs and ever more severe winters on

our customers. This is our way of giving something back to our community” says Simon Caunt, Director of Chandlers Oil & Gas.

For more information how Chandlers Oil & Gas can help

you bridge the gap this winter, telephone 08456 202010

quoting “Winter Fuel Payment Offer”.

Whilst this year’s winter fuel payment will be a maximum of £300 the majority of our elderly will only receive £200 with many as little as £150 and even £100.

How to claim winter fuel payments If you have received the winter fuel payment in previous years, or receive the State Pension, you should receive payments automatically in November or December 2011. Claims can be made until 30th March 2012 for all those born on or before 5 January 1951. Call the winter fuel helpline on 08459 915 1515 or get a claim form online www.direct.gov.uk


Body Intelligence Training with Sally Carmichael at Barnsdale Lodge

Your mind and body are in cahoots. What you

think affects how your body behaves and what

you do with your body affects how you think.

Now this might sound a bit ‘out there’ however,

Sally Carmichael has 20 years experience in the

field of movement education, and trains with the

best.

“I have integrated existing movement disciplines

and somatic methods to evolve what is known as

Body Intelligence.” Explains Sally.

Sally helps to develop people’s awareness of the

connection between thinking, feeling and moving.

This awareness is the body’s own intelligence

guidance system that has to be trained, just like

a muscle so that we can use it effectively. She

uses bodymapping, movement techniques from

eastern and western technologies, psychology

and somatics to help individuals develop their

own body’s intelligence.

Barnsdale Lodge are offering a two day retreat

so that you can discover how these amazing

techniques can help to improve your skills

development for any sport, injury rehabilitation

and/or creative performance. You will have a

complete body check to map your weaknesses

and strengths and workshops throughout the 2

days that will help you to link how you think and

feel to how you move.

If you would like to be in touch with your own

body and realise how you feel, then you will find

Sally a very interesting person. Sally has a very

open view and will teach you as an individual to

expose your potential.

Date: March 3rd and 4th 2012

Residential price includes room and full

board - £345 (£395 Single occupancy)

Non-residential includes lunch

and refreshments - £195

To book or for more details contact Dee

Spurdle on 01572 725971 or email

[email protected]. Further

information can be found on

www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk


A brighter future for allthrough local learning

Learning for Life

Enrol now for courses starting in January 2012! There are a variety of courses to suit all, whether you’re learning for fun or for qualifi cations:• Computer and ICT courses: for beginners, ECDL, digital

media & photography, online shopping and web design - plus getting to grips with Microsoft Offi ce 2010

• Friendly, relaxed courses in English and Maths from entry level to GCSE - put those demons to rest in 2012!

• Language classes, including Italian, French and German

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)• Computerised and Manual Accounts Qualifi cations• Arts and Crafts, including mixed media art, pottery,

watercolour painting, jewellery making, fl oristry, sewing and dressmaking... and more besides!

Look out for full listings in the local press in December, and make 2012 your year for learning

For your timetable, Call: 01572 772599 email: [email protected]


Garden SceneBy Joseph Whitehead www.gardenwiseadvice.com

With our long and often glorious autumns it doesn’t feel quite right that Christmas is nearly here again. Over a mince pie or two, time to reflect on the season now past - what grew well and perhaps what not so well, make plans and thumb through seed catalogues, get ready as spring’s on the way!

‘My Poinsettia has lost all its leaves’ – ‘My cyclamen has turned to mush’… Never fear, top tips here for getting the most out of these festive fancies. Merry Christmas!

PoinsettiaPoinsettias need plenty of warmth.• Protecttheplantfromthecold,evenwhen shopping for it!• Averagetemperaturesof12-15°careoptimum.• Atnightdon’ttrapyourplantbehindthecurtainswhereitwillgetcold.• Water thoroughly and wait until the compost dries out a little before watering again.

Cyclamen• Cyclamenquicklyrotoffifwateredfromthetop,sowaterbyimmersingpots in a container of water to just below the rim, allowing water to be well absorbed. Keep moist at all times.• Pickoffanydeadflowersorleaves.• Keepcoolideally10°c.• Avoiddirectsunlight,butgivebrightlight.• Standplantsonatrayofwetpebbles.

Azaleas• Keepcool10-12°c,onalightwindowsillbutnotinfulldirectsunlight.• Usesoftwaterandkeepmoistatalltimes.• Misttheleavesregularly.

A few jobs in the garden to help work off that second helping of Christmas pudding

• Startpruningappleandpear trees, also soft fruit including currants and gooseberries.

• Keepforkingoverbareground exposing pests to hungry birds.

• Pruneornamentalandedible vines also figs before Christmas to prevent bleeding of sap.

• Keepoutofthecold,cleanand repair tools and tidy the potting shed!

• Forwonderfulscentand flowers over the winter months, plant Sarcoccoca, Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’, Lonicera x purpusii or Viburnum bodnantense.

• Cleandownglasshousesinside and out to remove over wintering pests like Red Spider mite and their eggs.

• Continuetocutdown,liftand divide herbaceous perennials when the weather allows.

HOME & GARDEN


Hair & Beauty TreatmentsTues & Weds 9:00 -5.30pm

Thurs 9:00 – 5:00pmFri 9:00 – 6:00pm, Sat 8:30 – 2:30pm

01780 46052813 Church Street , Empingham, Rutland

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Essence of Uppingham would like to wish a

Merry Christmas to all its loyal clients and a

welcome to all new ones too.

KateandherteamatEssencearedelighted to offer, for December, half price colour treatments when booked with a cut and blow dry.

To claim your gift from Essence, please present this advert. (Applies with selected stylists)

Essence can also offer fabulous gift ideas for Christmas from Cloud Nine and Aveda, ranging from stocking fillers to gift sets.

Gift Vouchers available

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eTo help combat this, start your day off with a healthy breakfast, reducing the chances of an unhealthy Christmas food binge. Fitting in all of your regular meals, helps keep you on track and full, when you do face Christmas treats.

Christmas beverages can also add to the waistline but won’t completely derail a healthy diet. Balance these drinks with plenty of water.

Don’t accept every holiday treat passed your way. Save your indulgences for Christmas treats you truly love to make the calories worth it.

If you are hosting a Christmas celebration, plan a healthy menu or make substitutions in the classic Christmas dishes for lighter versions.

The occasional slip-up is inevitable on the best of days, and slip-ups are more likely during the holidays. If you end up eating a little more than you intended to or can’t make your workout session, go easy on yourself. I know I will !

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Festive Healthy Eating TipsThe high-calorie food extravaganza often begins in early December and lasts right into the New Year. Office parties, family gatherings and Christmas parties with your friends = tight clothing, increased waistline and loss of muscle tone.

112 calories

per glass

45 calories each

HEALTH, HAIR & BEAUTY

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245 calories

per glass

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Mark Gordonwww.fitness2health.co.ukFacebook: Mark FitnessTrainer

Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011


Babywear Autumn/Winter Fashions

School Uniforms Stocked for

C of E Oakham Primary

Catmose Primary

Catmose College

Brooke Hill Primary

St Mary & St John Primary

Plus plain uniform available

IN STOCK NOW

5 Crown Walk, Oakham

01572 771775www.kidsandmore.co.uk

New Designs

Super Ceramic Services Ltd specialise in Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles, Bathroom Suites and Painting & Decorating.

Our Uppingham showroom has the largest selection of tiles to be viewed in Rutland, including Ceramic, Porcelain, Limestone, Marble, Mosaic and Glass.

Our Bathroom Showroom shows suites from many quality manufacturers, such as Roca.

new floor

tiles in stock

open to trade

& public

01572 821119 | [email protected] North Street East | Uppingham | LE15 9QL

17

For more information please call Chris 01778 380693/ 07715 531 896

www.periodceilings.co.uk

Add a Unique, Beautiful Character Beam to ANY Property...

Cover unsightly RSJs,Pipework and Lintels... VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Mon to Sat 10am-5pm

Supply Only or Full Fitting Service Available

Design & Planning Service

Hundreds of

simply beautiful

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DEVONPORTSkitchens & bathrooms

45 BRIDGE STREET | DEEPING ST JAMESPE6 8HA | 01778 346415

www.devonportskitchensbathrooms.co.uk


Create SpaceCreating enough space so that people can move around easily and comfortably will

help them to feel more at ease and relaxed so look around your home – is there any way

you can create extra space? It might be as simple as removing the coffee table from the

middle of the lounge. Look at the furniture you have scattered around, could anything

be moved into the garage on a temporary basis?

If you have young children visiting, move any expensive ornaments so they are out

of reach. This will prevent people being on tender hooks when excited children are

running around Christmas morning.

SeatingIf your seating is limited, think about investing in some bean bags or cubes. These

are great for children and young adults and can be used anywhere. They can also

be easily stored when not in use.

Sleeping ArrangementsIf you haven’t got the luxury of unused space then just be logical about it. You

might have to give up the main bedroom - especially if you have to utilise the

living room as a make-shift bedroom. If you use the room it will help things run

more smoothly and avoid any unnecessary ‘awkwardness’ in the morning if you

reparing for

Christmas can be

quite a stressful time,

especially if you are

entertaining over

the festive period.

Sorting your home

so that you can deal

with the invasion of

guests (some invited,

some not) and

working out just how

you are going to feed

everyone and where

everyone will sleep,

is, unfortunately, just

the beginning.

However with some

careful strategic

planning, you can be

prepared.

Pfree standing & wall hung

Preparing for the festive season

December 2011 | Email: [email protected]

HOME & GARDEN


are waiting for your guests to wake up.

Besides with a house full you’re bound

to be up early anyway!

Check any inflatable beds and spare

bedding. If they have seen better days

invest in a couple of blow up beds

and extra ‘fluffy’ pillows and duvets.

Making your guests feel comfortable is

important, so don’t leave it until the last

minute to check them.

FoodTBe prepared and have your menus

sorted. Consider any allergies or

requirements people may have. If you

don’t know – ask as this will avoid any

embarrassing moments.

Storing food could be an issue. So

start munching your way through

your freezers contents now to free up

some space. Look through cupboards

and throw away any condiments, tins,

of the chairs and simply gather about half

way down and tie with a big, luxurious

ribbon. Same applies for all your plates,

cutlery, serving dishes and pans. See

what you can borrow from the family and

friends who may be spending Christmas

elsewhere, again think about colour

schemes if appearance is important to

you. Alternatively, find some plates that

can be purchased singularly – there are

plenty of bargains out there so have a

good look round.

Whatever your plans this year, remember,

that spending time together is what is

really important, so accept any help

that’s offered, don’t try to do it all yourself

and definitely don’t try to keep the house

as tidy as normal.

And the most important thing – enjoy it!

cereals or sachets that are past their

sell by date and any items that you

haven’t used in the last six months.

Make the most of the new found space

and stack your festive food carefully

and logically.

Eating arrangementsIdeally everyone needs to be eating at

the same time. If necessary consider

purchasing a sheet of MDF and

polystyrene sheeting to place over

your current dining table – once it is

covered and decorated, no-one will

know the difference and it will allow

ten people to be sat round a table

that normally holds six. Extra chairs

needed? Borrow them! If you really are

particular about creating a wow factor

with your dining experience, then use

white pillow cases to put over the back

By Sue HessomTidy Interiors

01476 564035 or07540612143

www.tidyinteriors.co.uk

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Camitz Sparkling

Vodka £59.9501572 757124

Oakham Wines, 3 High

Street, Oakham LE15

6AH

Vouchers available from all featured retailers and also from:Kids & More, Oakham 01572 771775

Essence Hair in Uppingham 01572 822715

Dean Street Photography 01572 757643

Red and Blue Lacquer Jewellery box

with mother of pear07817373511

www.elephantroom.co.uk

The Elephant Room, South Street,

Oakham, LE15 6BG

free standing & wall hungCHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Italian Leather Handbags01572 823510

Wish of Uppingham

10b High Street East,

Uppingham,

LE15 9PZ

Coat with a leather tie01572 821390

Twist of Uppingham

30 High Street East,

Uppingham,

LE15 9PZ

£35 £179

from £38

£59.95

December 2011 | Email: [email protected]


Say Merry Christmas With A Gift From Fords

Taking orders

now for Christmas

01572 724404www.pollenfloristry.com42 High Street Oakham LE15 6AL

pollen

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01858 4655924 Adam & Eve Street | Market Harborough

Christmas ranges now in

Get what you want PLUS the surprise!Ladies, create your very own

‘Christmas wish list’ We will keep it for when your man comes in, he can choose your gift

from the list. Perfect!

22 November 2011 | Email: [email protected]

Sri Lanka as a nation has come a long

way from it’s turbulent past which has

been blighted by civil unrest and the 2004

Tsunami, which caused over 50,000

fatalities. The Sri Lankan people are

wonderfully resilient and proud people

and not only have they come to terms

with the past but they are looking forward

to the future with much optimism. In our

opinion there is no doubt that this unique

island is primed to become a prosperous

destination hotspot.

Cricket fans in particular will want to take

note as Sri Lanka will be hosting the ICC

Twenty20 World Cup this time next year,

a sport followed religiously in a Cricket-

obsessed nation, and it is sure to be a

colourful and atmospheric event. England

Local travel company Inspirational

Travel continue to add wonderful

destinations to their portfolio and

this month they launch Sri Lanka,

aptly known as the “pearl of the

Indian Ocean”. The companies MD,

Steve Daykin, has just returned

from a three-week adventure to

some of the best highlights that

Sri Lanka has to offer, which

range from sunning yourself on the

numerous idyllic beaches spread

across the coastline to discovering

the unique patchwork history of

this culture-rich island.

call: 01780 784380 email: [email protected]

also tour in March, playing two tests (one in

Galle and one in Colombo). Packages for

the tests and the Twenty20 are available

through Inspirational Travel.

Colombo, the economic capital and

hub of the country, is simply manic with

everything at first seeming so overwhelming.

Before rushing around this beautifully

chaotic city take some time to take in all the

sights, sounds and smells at your own pace.

Life here surprisingly can go quite slowly

once you discover the laid-back mindset of

the fun and charming Sri Lankans. Getting

around this island can seem quite a chore,

with not the most perfect road network and

driving styles that would make the safety

conscious wince. The key is to simply go

with the flow.

SRI LANKA The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

23Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 2011 23Telephone: 01780 783613 | December 201123Telephone: 01780 783613 | June 2011

www.inspirational-travel.com

Heading inland is the cultural heartland

of what has made this nation what it is

today. From the rich history of the Golden

Triangle, endowed with temples and

monasteries offering an insight into the

history of the ancient kingdoms, to the

quintessentially British colonial charm

of the Hill Country, with tea plantations

dotted across the verdantly green hills and

quaint houses that wouldn’t look out of

place in the English countryside, this is an

area deserving exploration. The so-called

‘Capital’ of the cultural heartland, Kandy,

was the last ancient kingdom to hold out

against colonialism and is rich & proud in

its strong Buddhist heritage, and it was

no surprise that it was made a UNESCO

World Heritage Site in 1988.

Sri Lanka’s picturesque beach towns and

ports have drawn past explorers and traders

to its shores, lured by the exotic offerings of

fruits, spices and tea. Today those towns

offer smart little boutique hotels and lodges,

with bustling centres that house energetic

markets. Alongside they offer miles and miles

of wonderful pristine beaches that provide

the perfect base to relax and just do nothing

at all.

Missing the edge of wildlife sightings? Sri

Lanka has a number of superb National Parks

where you can spot the Sri Lankan elephant,

leopard and sloth bear for starters, which are

all endemic to the island. Many other species

of mammal plus over 200 species of birds are

also found in the National Parks, to ensure the

offerings of nature are rich and varied.

There are regular direct flights from

London Heathrow and the island can

also be combined with The Maldives or

destinations in Asia or the Middle East.

Example price:

Just £950.00 per person for a

7-night stay at the brand new 4-Star

Deluxe Haridra Beach Resort,

including flights from London and

private car transfers in Sri Lanka.

For further details or to book

simply call

01780 784380

or email

[email protected]


WHAT’S ON

4 DECEMBER, 10am-4pmMelton Mowbray Victorian Fayre

4 DECEMBER, 7.30pmOakham Choral Society Concert; Saint NicolasOakham School Chapel. £8 (£6) Tickets for concerts available from [email protected] (01572 758820), Music&More (Oakham), www.wegottickets.com

27-31 DECEMBERCinderella - Stamford Pantomine Players£9 (£7)Stamford Corn ExchangeTel: 01780 766455

www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.ukTick, tock, tick, tock, panto time is fast approaching. Don’t miss out on what promises to be the biggest and best party in the land, a delight for audiences of all ages, with non- stop fun, memorable songs and plenty of audience participation in this 60th Anniversary celebration. Cinders is but a lowly housemaid with two rather ugly sisters. The handsome prince is looking for a bride. Will true love take its course (assisted by our heroine’s Fairy Godmother and the broken-hearted Buttons.

13 DECEMBER, 1pm & 7.30pmCranford At Christmas£10.50 (£8.50)Stamford Corn ExchangeTel: 01780 766455 www.stamford-corn-exchange.co.ukBrush off your bustle and fasten your bonnets as Chapterhouse Theatre Company invite you to the sleepy village of Cranford where a mysterious new arrival is setting hearts aflutter. At the centre of the village are the outrageously proper spinster sisters, Matty and Deborah Jenkyns, who head an unforgettable collection of loveably misguided womenfolk. Set deep in the tranquil English countryside, this most traditional tale of splendid snobbery, gossip and social scandal pits lost loves against old friends with sensational results.

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Christmas Markets

8 DECEMBER, 5-9pmUppingham

12 DECEMBER, 5-9pmOakham

Christmas is a great time to enjoy Rutland’s traditional English Market Towns in all their festive glory. Featuring events and activities including funfair, craft stalls, late night shopping and much more.

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15 DECEMBER, 7pmCarol Concert at Oakham CastleFree. Details from the Clerk to the Council 01572 723627Come along to Oakham Castle for traditional readings and carols in beautiful surroundings.

17 DECEMBER, 7pmMusic in Ketton, St Mary’s Church‘CANDLES & CAROLS’ With mulled wine and Mince Pies. The Cantus Choir accompanied by James Parsons – Organ.Tickets £8.00. Available from Ketton Post Office or call 01780 721005


FAMILY SCENE

INGREDIENTS - 250g unsalted butter,

200g dark muscavado sugar, 7 tbsp golden syrup,

600g plain flour, 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda, 4 tsp ground ginger

Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup in a pan. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ground ginger into a large bowl, then stir in the butter mixture to make a stiff dough. If it won’t quite come together, add a tiny splash of water. Bake for 12 minutes or until firm and just a little darker at the edges. Once cool, get the children to decorate with sweets and sprinkles!

Readymade kitIf you want to try a readymade kit, the finished decorated result

can be stunning. A great activity once the children are on their school holidays. www.johnlewis.comKitsfrom£15

So family and craft comes together this month, apt as so many of us spend an extraordinary amount of time baking during December!

Baking doesn’t all have to be about putting a meal on the table, so how about trying your hand at some edible Christmas decorations and maybe even some delicious edible gifts.

Ginger bread Recipe

FAMILY & CRAFT

Pickled Red CabbageINGREDIENTS - Red Cabbage, Salt, Spiced Vinegar (you can buy pickling vinegar spiced already)

Remove the outer stalks and the tough inner stalk. Shred the cabbage, wash and drain. Layer the cabbage, with salt between the layers. Leave for 24 hours. Wash thoroughly in cold water and drain. Pack into the clean and sterilised jars and top up with the spiced vinegar. Cover, label and date. Ready after 1 week, but the longer it is kept, the softer it becomes.


We have all heard the slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’. This campaign was created by the Dogs Trust in 1978 but is an ongoing concept not just for dogs, but all pets.Thereareabout24millionownedpetsintheUK,amajority of which are cats and dogs and there are also at least 200,000 unwanted pets needing new homes.

The following considerations should be taken into account when taking on a pet:

• CanImakealifelongcommitmenttothispet?• Ismyhomebigenoughandsecureenough?• DoIhavetimeforsocialisingandtraining?• Wouldmyworkhoursleadtoneglectingmypet?• What type of household environment is suited tomy pet, eg. children, families, other pets.

So when thinking about whether you would like to give an animal as a gift for Christmas please make sure you are able to give it all it needs and deserves, and don’t let it become one of the thousands of unwanted pets.

www.oakhamvethospital.co.uk


You don’t have to be a bloke and you don’t have to like football

to love this book. Dave Roberts relocates to the USA and his

wife tells him his 1,134 football programmes aren’t coming with.

He can take just 32. As he begins the task of choosing which,

memories abound – his youthful football obsession, crushes on

disinterested girls, rubbish jobs and trying to impress skinheads.

One final programme is added to his collection – one that he

thought he’d never say, one which means more to him than all

the rest. A funny, touching tale of a man’s life and loves.

32 PROGRAMMES by Dave Roberts bantam press £12.99

THE RADLEYS by Matt Haig Canongate £7.99

Matt Haig is a clever, witty and hugely original storyteller.

Winner of this year’s TV Book Club “Best Read”, this is the

story of a very ordinary family from the outside. Teenagers.

Dodgy uncles. The usual. However, behind the suburban

front door, the dinner parties and Radio 4, it’s a different

matter. They’re vampires. This book has perhaps the best

shoutline I’ve ever seen on a cover – and it sums up the story

brilliantly: “Families: They’re a bloody nightmare…”

Bestselling author Freya North tells us what books she’ll be giving this Christmas.

REVIEW

“Never have an affair with someone who has less to lose than

you.” When I read that on the cover, I knew I was in for a page-

turner of a read. This is Tamar’s first novel – and it’s brilliant

in that compelling, car-crash way. Clive has been Sally’s lover

for 5 years. He promised he’d leave his wife for her. He lied.

Written in the present tense, in the first person, sometimes funny,

sometimes dark, it charts Sally’s desperation, delusion – and

revenge. Gripping. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…!

THE MISTRESS’S REVENGE by Tamara Cohen Doubleday £12.99

THE CAT WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS by Cleveland Amory Corgi £6.99

One snowy Christmas Eve, down a New York alley, the author

and the cat first met. Polar Bear, as he called him, was at

death’s door. Cleveland Amory preferred dogs. The story

follows their first year together – an unlikely pair: a stroppy

stray cat and a curmudgeonly old bloke. Never twee, the

relationship is recounted in funny and touching prose. Amory

was a distinguished journalist, satirist and novelist – and

when he died, he was buried next to Polar Bear.

WORLD BOOK NIGHTDeadlines close 31 Dec 2011 if you want to become a World Book Night giverwww.worldbooknight.org


• FreeSurvey• Freedocumentbreakdown ofcostingsandlabourPlease call Kevin or Stuart

07816 317395

Rutland ManoR PRoPeRty MaintenanceHelping guide you in the right direction

LEAFLET & MAGAZINE

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

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Community;

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For all your Local Community

News & Events and What’s On

Plus

www.thescenemagazine.co.uk

DECEMBER 2011

OR EMAIL:[email protected]

The Rutland Scene now covers the whole county every month.

With a strong focus on community events and

what’s on, The Rutland Scene will be available to pick up FREE in supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels and libraries plus many, many more outlets throughout the county.

In addition, the Community Scene covers Stamford, The Deepings and Bourne.

With advertising from £30 per month, contact the Scene offices for further information on deadlines and editorial support.

01780 783613 [email protected]

THE RUTLAND

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Nature; Rutland Water

Nature Reserve

Reviews; Beauty, Books and Travel

Community; Co-operative support

for Motor Nurone Charity

Christmas Services in Rutland

For all your Local Community

News & Events and What’s On

Plus

www.thescenemagazine.co.uk DECEMBER 2011


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01780 720018

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TRADE DIRECTORY

Mark Toms Electrical Contractor

OAKHAM PEST CONTROLTel: 01780 460450

Help with troublesome pests, Rats. Mice, Squirrels, Moles, Bees, Wasps, Ants, Bed Bugs, Fleas,

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