Showing posts with label uppingham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uppingham. Show all posts

Valentine's Day Gift Guide | #ShopLocal

8 February 2019
February is the month of love but I want to show you that it can be done locally and on a budget whilst supporting local businesses in the area. Everything you need for Valentine's Day is right on your doorstep, and you can surprise your loved one this Valentine's Day with something super special and unique from just around the corner.

Here are a selection of my gift ideas if you're lacking inspiration, this might help give you an idea of where to find the perfect gift this weekend, in time for Thursday 14th February - by the way, that's this Thursday!

With everything from chocolates to chopping boards, Goodwin & Belle in Uppingham will have something perfect for the lady or gent in your life this Valentine's Day. I particularly fell in love with these 'Terms of Endearment Notes' which are perfect to pop in a Valentine's Card to show your loved one how special they are.

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Uppingham Barclays Closure from April

18 January 2019
It has been announced that from Friday 26th April 2019, Uppingham's only bank, Barclays is set to close. Leaving one Barclays bank left in Rutland on Oakham's High Street.

From April 2019, Barclays in Uppingham will close.
Photo Credit: The Rutland Blogger
If you're a Barclays customer, your local branches are now Oakham, Stamford and Corby. 

While banking services will be available over the counter at The Post Office, we'll also lose the ATM at Barclays on High Street West meaning the quick cash withdrawal locations will be Budgen's, COOP, McColls, One Stop and the Market Place ATM.

The branch on High Street West will close on Friday 26th April.
Photo Credit: The Rutland Blogger
The Barclays poster encourages customers that 'there are still so many ways to do your banking essentials - in person, online and over the phone - or you can visit your local Post Office'.

A poster of the news sits in the window of the branch.
Photo Credit: The Rutland Blogger
What are your thoughts on this topic?
Leave your comments on our Facebook Post here!

Find out more about banking essentials at The Post Office here.
From Uppingham Town Council

Find out more about Uppingham Barclays branch closure here.
From Uppingham Town Council

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Christmas Gift Guide #ShopLocal

12 December 2018
What better time of year to celebrate all-things local than at Christmas! We're surrounded by some of the best independent High Street shops in Rutland and Stamford, and this is the perfect time to spend your money wisely supporting local businesses and keeping the unique shop offerings in Uppingham, Oakham and Stamford alive. So, I thought I'd put together a Christmas Gift Guide featuring some present ideas you can get hold of right on your doorstep! 

Celebrate Christmas whilst supporting local businesses!
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Limited Edition Prints for Stamford & Rutland

10 December 2018
You may remember that last year I launched the Limited Edition Print for Rutland in collaboration with Silhouette Sign Design. Well, I'm pleased to announce that just in time for all the last minute Christmas present that I have now released THREE additional Limited Edition Prints... Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford.

Limited Edition Prints (unframed) in celebration of Rutland, Oakham, Uppingham & Stamford by Silhouette Sign Design.
Only £12.99 each available from Etsy.

So, if you managed to grab some of the Limited Edition Rutland Print's last time, you can add to the collection with the town additions or if you missed out there another chance to grab some again and be in a chance of owning one of the 500!

The Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford Prints will also be Limited Edition (500 only), and once they're gone, they're gone.

Each print features unique elements of each town and the thing we love about them — while celebrating their history and heritage. I've wanted to make the prints as affordable as possible by offering them at £12.99 each (or purchase all 4 as a collection for only £44.99) so that whatever your budget for Christmas or birthday presents everyone has the chance of getting their hands on one.

"The perfect gift this Christmas"

The Limited Edition Print Collection only £44.99 available on Etsy (unframed).
Enjoy!
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EXCLUSIVE: #MyHiddenPain Charity Project Reveal by Tree Gillions

6 December 2018
A local business owner, a mother and someone who wanted to show the world that there is very much two sides to living with a disability. Meet Tree Gillions of Tree's Home Help, a home support and cleaning company in Rutland.

A few months ago, Tree approached me and Anna Hughes from Colourful Soul in Oakham to ask for our help in a charity project she wanted us to help her bring the idea to reality. As well as the blog, I also run a design, photography and media management company called Rutland Creative and Tree asked if I would be happy to donate my time to photograph her naked for the project we later called #MyHiddenPain.

When Tree explained the project to me, I immediately expressed my interest and wanted to be part of this wonderful movement to hopefully show that anyone can be suffering from a hidden illness however beautiful, successful or influential and in fact, that might just be the secret behind their motivation, inspiration and determination.

The reason I wanted to be on board with this project so much is that although not a disability, I suffer from a hidden illness that people are very surprised to learn that I have, called Bipolar Disorder.

Somedays I'm good and some days not so much, but I never wanted to let it define me and although I used to hide the fact I've suffered with mental health issues since my early teens, I am now proud of what I've overcome with my illness and the person it has made me today.

Tree made a statement about the #MyHiddenPain project...
Fundraising for Scope charity with a target of £500.
Please donate here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/myhiddenpain

"When I came up with yet another random idea, I never hoped that two beautiful people who I now call friends would want to help me to bring my crazy idea to life in what you finally see today.

The reason behind these images was never to gain sympathy or because I’m an exhibitionist but merely to provide a visual snapshot into my life and everyday struggles I face due to my Cerebral Palsy and to show that living with a disability is not a barrier.

For those of you who don’t know me well, I run Trees Home Help, which is a small home support business based in Rutland. I also have Cerebral Palsy (left hemiplegia), a disability I was born with and one I have grown to love.

However, despite the fantastic opportunities it has given me, It has a dark, painful, frustrating and - to be honest - a real crappy effect on my life!

My struggles with my disability are not always visible to people who do not know me well. So, that is why I created #MyHiddenPain which I hope is a powerful piece of art that will help you visualise my struggles and see that despite my day-to-day life as a home support business owner to not judge a book by its cover. 

The colours used are to highlight my different levels of pain that I suffer from daily from mild (yellow) to severe (red). The words painted across my body are to describe the pain and to help those viewing the image understand what it feels like. But in contrast to that, there is also a selection of words which show my positivity and determination that although I have a disability, that doesn't hinder who I am or what I can achieve. But in fact, It makes me who I am, and I am very proud of that. 

I recently read a heartbreaking post on Facebook, from a Mother who had to explain to her 3-year-old daughter that she would always be disabled with Cerebral Palsy even when she thought she would get better once she was all grown. The little girl was distraught and felt her life was over.

Reading that post broke my heart. To think that someone so young could feel that way because of a disability they are so sad to realise they will live with forever... But this also inspired me.

With #MyHiddenPain, I wanted to show that there are positive sides to a disability and hearing the story above was the main reason I decided to do this and to show that whatever your illness or disability you can still achieve so much and trust me, there are many positive too.

I hope my pictures will give people an insight into the hidden pain or suffering that millions of people face every day, and hopefully, it will teach us all to be slightly more understanding and not as judgemental. 

I want to thank the wonderful Charlie Pallett of Rutland Creative (also The Rutland Blogger) for photographing the images, and to the very talented Anna Hughes of Colourful Soul for making my ideas come to life.

Thanks also go to all the generous #MyHiddenPain sponsors Love Life Eat Cake, Inviting Writing, The Rutland Blogger and Leanne Martin Massage. Without the support of these local businesses, none of this would have been possible.

Please give anything you can to the #MyHiddenPain project, whether that be £1, £5, £10 or anything else to help towards the £500 target!
Donate here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/myhiddenpain
All money raised will be donated to Scope who's work helps to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Kind Regards.

Tree Gillions
Founder of Tree's Home Help"

#MyHiddenPain by Tree Gillions for Scope - Donate: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/myhiddenpain
It was an honour to support my friend in her bravery in baring all for an amazing charity and to raise awareness that hidden illness are all around and you never know what anyone is suffering or dealing with behind the scenes.

Therefore, I would love if you could donate anything you can spare to the #MyHiddenPain charity fundraising page for Scope and help Tree towards here £500 target.

Thank you so much,

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What's on in Rutland: December 2018

30 November 2018
It's finally here and it's my favourite month of the year... December!
Prepare yourself for a fun-filled 'What's On Guide' this month with plenty of things to do around Stamford and Rutland this Christmas time with everything from wreath making to film nights and much, much more!

Take a read...

Please Note: More information regarding promotions and events will be added as we hear about them!
If you'd like to feature your event, please email: rutlandblog@yahoo.com
Top Tip:
Bookmark this page in your internet browser so you can pop back to it throughout the month and find out what to do!

Saturday 1st to Saturday 22nd December
At: Welland Vale Garden Inspirations, Uppingham, LE15 9EU
From: 10:00am to 4:00pm
About: Come and visit Santa on his sleigh every Saturday in December. A really personal experience with Santa where children get to sit Santa's sleigh with him and be given a special present by Santa himself! All family members welcome along and take your own pictures too!

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December
At: Rutland Farm Park, Oakham, LE15 6JD
From: 11:00am to 7:00pm
Price: from £3
About: Join in the festivities from 11am-3.30 and 4-7pm (bring a torch!). With complimentary mulled wine & mini mince pie, there's lots of fun to be had for all the family.

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December
At: Melton Mowbray
From: 9:00am
About: A full weekend of events with entertainment for all the family begins on 30th November. In addition to market stalls, entertainment and fayre activities, Melton St Mary's Church will be holding their annual Christmas Tree Festival and a Festival of Cribs takes place in Sage Cross Methodist Church.

Saturday 1st December
At: Victoria Hall, Oakham, LE15 6AH
From: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Price: FREE Entry
About: POP-UP Christmas Arts and Crafts - Free entry in the Victoria Hall Allman Gallery.

Saturday 1st December
At: Malcolm Sargent Primary School, Stamford
From: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
About: YOU are invited to join in the fun from 1-4pm! Visit Santa in his woodland chalet, play fun games & tombolas to win prizes, buy Christmas gifts, create festive craft items, feast on hot dogs & homemade cakes, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies while raising valuable funds to further enhance our school. We have turned the music chalet outside into a special Santa's grotto! A visit to Santa is just £3.50 and includes a small gift. All profits raised will go to enhancing the school.

Saturday 1st December
At: Oakham Rugby Club, Oakham, LE15 7TW
From: 10:30am
Price: £12 per adult suit, £6 child suit
About: A chance to run/walk/stroll a choice of circuits round the rugby fields (subject to ability) in a Santa Suit, raising money for your own choice of charity or for Rotary and it's good causes. Participants keep their suits, a medal and can enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine after. Bar and club facilities fully available. Best decorated buggy and Toddle Waddle at 10.30am.

Saturday 1st December
At: Ketton C of E Primary School, PE9 3TE
From: 2:00pm to 7:00pm
Price: £30
About: Create your very own Christmas Wreath with full instruction, tools, and materials supplied by our professional florist, Included in the price is a glass of Prosecco and Christmas nibbles. Two 2 Hour workshops available 2pm-4pm & 5pm-7pm. This is a charity fundraising event organised by Ketton School PTA. Contact Ketton School for Tickets.

Saturday 1st December
At: Exton Village Hall
From: 7:30pm
Price: £5 per person
About: Come and join us for a viewing of the new Mamma Mia movie tickets in advance, please. order on the Village hall FB page or email markbutterill@gmail.com 
all proceeds over the video license fee will go to Exton Village Hall improvement funds.

Sunday 2nd December
At: Oakham Town Centre
From: 12:00pm / Lights switch on at 4:00pm
About: Join Oakham Town Council through the afternoon.
12:00pm to 3:00pm: Shops will be open plus charity and craft stalls in the marketplace
3:00pm: Join us to sing a few carols led by the Cottesmore Military Wives 
4:00pm: Switch on of the new Christmas tree by two special girls.

Monday 3rd December
At: All Saints Church, Oakham
From: 7:30pm
Price: £15 per person
About: An evening of music and singing with readings by well-known celebrities from sport, the stage, and screen to raise money for the NSPCC. Doors ope 6.45. All to be seated by 7.20, please. Tickets on sale from Don Paddy’s Uppingham or James Sellicks in Oakham.

Monday 3rd December
At: Greetham Church, LE15 7NF
From: 8:00pm
Price: £10 per person
About: Charity concert for fixing the roof at Greetham Church. 
Tickets at Greetham Shop or Jackie Gauntley 01572 868291 
Ticket includes a glass of wine.

Tuesday 4th December
At: Laxton Village Hall
From: 7:30pm
Price: £5 per person
About: Mama Mia Here We Go Again is being shown at Laxton Village Hall. Freshly brewed coffee, refreshments, and a licensed bar will be available.

From Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th December
At: Stamford Corn Exchange
About: A musical play adapted and directed by DAVID WOOD, based on the book by JUDITH KERR Direct from a smash hit West End season, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to the stage, celebrating 50 years of Britain’s best-loved picture book! The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs, and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised! David Wood OBE is undisputedly the country’s leading writer and director of plays and musicals for children.

Wednesday 5th December
At: Uppingham Parish Church
From: 1:20pm to 2:20pm
Price: FREE
About: Join Uppingham School staff and students in a seasonal celebration of this most wonderful time of the year. Expect your favourite Christmas songs, sing-a-long carols, festive instrumental solos and a mince pie to top it all off!

From Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th December
From: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Price: FREE Entry
About: Food markets with a difference! Come and meet over 30 local suppliers at our biggest ever 4-day festive celebration of local produce. With handmade cheeses, artisan bread, organic vegetables, luxury sweet treats, and rare breed meats.

Thursday 6th December
At: Uppingham Town Centre
From: 5:30pm
Price: FREE Entry
About: Festive family fun in the market town of Uppingham. You'll get to enjoy a skating rink, street entertainers, market stalls, live music, a Christmas show, choirs, hot food, face painting, Santa's Grotto, reindeer, competitions and lots of gift ideas because many of Uppingham's local stores will stay open late for Christmas shopping!

Friday 7th December
At: Mini Monsters Soft Play, Oakham
From: 9:30am to 11:30am
About: Cheeki Monkeys Oakham will be hosting a pop-up shop at Mini Monsters, selling pre-loved baby and children's clothes to raise money for Children's Links, which provides support to children and young people in need. There will also be some festive craft activities on offer suitable for babies and pre-schoolers.
Our first Cheeki Monkeys Baby and Children's Market in Oakham is on January 20th 1-3pm at Catmose Sports Centre. For more information about this event or to book a pre-loved stall click on this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/948889168636742/

Saturday 8th December
At: Oakham Methodist Church
From: 10:00am to 1:00pm
About: Relax and enjoy a Christmas Craft Workshop at Oakham Methodist Church, Northgate. Tea, Coffee & Mince Pies, Sales Tables, Christmas Music. All Welcome!

Saturday 8th December
At: Laxton Village Hall
From: 10:30am to 1:00pm
Price: FREE Entry
About: This month our Coffee Morning and Community Shop will also include a Christmas Bazaar. 
There will still be our usual variety of cakes and bakes for you to enjoy in addition to some seasonal extras. Bacon rolls, mince pies and mulled wine.

Saturday 8th December
At: Barrowden & Wakerley Community Shop, Barrowden, LE15 8EP
From: 11:00am to 3:00pm
About: Santa in his Grotto from 11am, to 3 pm (with a short lunch break about 12.30) with gifts for our younger customers. There will be lots of Christmas goodies and local crafts for sale, plus Christmas hamper raffle, mulled wine, coffee, delicious homemade cakes, and snacks. A warm welcome to everyone!

Saturday 8th December
At: Ketton C of E Primary School, PE9 3TE
From: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Price: FREE Entry
About: Christmas Fair held in Ketton School. Visit Santa, win on the Tombola and many other Christmas favourites. Organised by Ketton School PTA.

Saturday 8th December
At: St Marys Church, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0PN
From: 7:30pm to 9:45pm
Price: £8 per person / Under 16's FREE
About: Melton's lively community World Music choir is looking forward to returning to the refurbished St Mary's Church in Melton for its popular Christmas Concert.

Saturday 8th December
At: All Saints Church, Oakham
From: 7:30pm
Price: £10 per person / Buy here
About: “ In Dulci Jubilo” is a concert of seasonal music including works by John Rutter, Harold Darke, and Elizabeth Poston. It is on Saturday 8th December at 7.30pm at All Saints’ Parish Church, Oakham. Tickets are £10 and are also from Colemans Stationers and on the door. The ticket price includes mulled wine and delicious refreshments after the concert. Our chosen charity for the year is East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme and a collection will be made in their support. 
There will be some amusing pieces, a male chorus, along with duets, readings and plenty of opportunity for the audience to join in with some much-loved carols. It is shaping up to be a wonderfully happy and festive evening and a lovely start to the Christmas Season.

Saturday 8th December
At: Market Overton Village Hall
From: 8:00pm 
Price: £5 including nibbles
About: Put on your Dancing shoes to kick off the Christmas season! Come & Dance the night away to all your favourite hits from across the years. Professional DJ. Full Bar & Raffle. Tickets available from the Village Shop. Tel: 01572 767948

Sunday 9th December
At: Stamford Arts Centre
Price: FREE Entry
About: Join us for our gorgeous Christmas Stamford Quality Market at the beautiful Stamford Arts Centre. Lots of beautiful gift ideas from scarves, jewellery, candles, soft furnishings, toys, food and so much more. A great place to buy some unique Christmas gifts and all from local sellers. Support Small Businesses - Buy Local this Christmas. Well Behaved Dogs Welcome.

Sunday 9th December
At: St Mary The Virgin Church, Morcott, LE15 9DH
From: 4:30pm
Price: £7.50
About: A celebration of all things Christmassy in poetry and prose from Charles Dickens to John Betjeman, via Alan Coren and Dr Seuss - readings that are both funny and moving. Favourite Christmas carols to join in. Great fun for a dull Sunday afternoon and guaranteed to get you into the mood for Christmas! Tickets from 01572 747381. Includes mulled wine and mince pie. Heated church. Unreserved seating. A fundraiser for Morcott Church.

Monday 10th December
At: Oakham Town Centre
From: 4:00pm
Price: FREE Entry
About: Festive family fun in Oakham with market stalls, Santa's Grotto, live music, carol singing, arts and crafts, fun fair and a chance to do a bit of late night Christmas Shopping in the local shops!

From Wednesday 12th December to Friday 14th December
At: Uppingham Theatre, LE15 9UD
Price: £14
About: Seaton Starlights present Monty Python’s ‘Spamalot’ from December 12th -15th, including a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 15th at Uppingham Theatre. Come on this hilarious journey where you will join King Arthur and his brave (and not so brave!) knights, in their quest to find the holy grail. For tickets contact Lee on 07766582828, www.wegottickets.com, or Uppingham Sports and Books.

Thursday 13th December
At: Uppingham Town Hall, LE14 9PY
From: 7:30pm
Price: £5 per person
About: Five years after the events of Mamma Mia! (2008), Sophie learns about her mother’s past while pregnant herself.

Saturday 15th December
At: Oakham Library
From: 10:00am to 11:00am
Price: FREE
About: Meet Sayeh Stone, Rutland Radio presenter and author of 'Shaped Animals'. Sayeh will be reading her fab new picture book 'Snotty Santa' to young children, followed by some Santa-themed crafts. Ages 2-7 years. FREE but tickets required - available from Oakham Library. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday 15th December
At: Stamford Arts Centre, PE9 2DL
From: 10:00am to 5:00pm
About: More than 20 stalls of high-quality gifts, made by local makers, crafters and artisans - all based in and around Stamford. Get your Christmas shopping cracked while supporting local independent businesses. Organised by a team of local Etsy sellers.

Saturday 15th December
At: Normanton Church, LE15 8RP
From: 6:30pm
Price: £10 per person
About: Join us for a festive evening at the beautiful Normanton Church. £10 per person, to include a mince pie and mulled wine, and free parking in the main car park. Tickets are selling fast, to book yours call Sue on 07757 975088, or alternatively call into Berridge Taxis, Long Row, Oakham.

Saturday 15th December
At: Oakham School Chapel, LE15 6DT
From: 7:30pm
Price: £8 per person
About: A Quirky Christmas Presented by Chater Community Choir. In aid of Shine! (registered charity - 249338). Tickets available from Tracy Steward 01780 729006 or Jenny Clarke 01572 821197 

Sunday 16th December
At: Barnsdale Gardens, Oakham, LE15 8AH
From: 10:00am to 3:30pm
Price: FREE Entry
About: Put on your Christmas jumpers and join us for a family festive day of Christmas crafts, cupcake decorating, festive activities and a delicious afternoon tea for you and the children. (Afternoon tea needs to be pre-booked.)Afternoon teas can be viewed and booked through our website shop. If you do not fancy an afternoon tea then why don't you just join in with the crafts?!

Sunday 16th December
At: Rutland Cycling, Rutland Water, LE15 8HD
From: 10:00am
Price: £5 per family
About: Rutland Cycling's charity Santa ride is back again this festive season on Sunday, 16th December at 10.00 am. Suitable for the whole family. Join us for a steady pedal at Rutland Water, from Giant Store Normanton to Whitwell for refreshments, then back to Normanton. All proceeds going to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice Charity. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged with prizes up for grabs for the best fancy dress and best-dressed bike. Family ticket only £5. Bike hire is also available at only £5 (advanced booking only).

Xmas Prize Bingo
Sunday 16th December
At: Market Overton Bowls Club, Oakham
From: 7:30pm
About: The Cricket Club Bingo is renowned for giving out good prizes & this is will be no different.

Satuday 22nd & Sunday 23rd December
At: Oakham Castle, LE16 6DX
Price: From £4
About: Traditional festive cheer returns to Oakham Castle. Join us for a Dickensian inspired Christmas weekend. Paid entry with free activities crafts and entertainment. Santa will be back with real reindeer. You will be transported to a Victorian parlor, where Mr. and Mrs. Fezzywig will invite you to join their Christmas party. There will be games and old-fashioned toys to play with beneath the glittering real tree, mulled wine, crafts and plenty of things to dress up in! A nostalgic trip into a bygone world...All set in the stunning medieval Great Hall.
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Uppingham Teenager finds fame on CBBC TV Show

13 September 2018
Eva Finnemore (13) from Uppingham is a year 8 student at UCC and has spent her summer holidays living every child's dream in London, filming for a TV Show called 'Got What It Takes'.

You might know Eva better as the young, confident and talented musician and singer-songwriter, Eva Rose. Over the summer she has been filming episodes for the show which will be aired on CBBC on Monday 24th September 2018 and she needs your vote to WIN!

Eva Finnemore talks CBBC TV show 'Got What It Takes'.
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
Eva and her Mother, Mel Finnemore moved to London for 3 weeks and stayed in the 'Music Mansion' with 8 other parents and child pairs. By day, the teams each took part competing in pop-star style challenges to get to get the teens to the sing-off. By night, they mingled and jammed together in the Music Mansion's common room, where they made - what Eva said were - friends for life.

The competition features famous mentors and industry experts such as Olly Murs, Maya Jama, John Newman, Sophia Grace and Britain's Got Talents Bars & Melody and the show is presented by Blogger/Influencer Anna Maynard. The winner of 'Got What It Takes' will have the opportunity to star on stage alongside music chart-toppers at Radio 1's Big Weekend.

The Finnemore family are community heroes in Rutland, as Eva's parents are firefighters and charity supporters locally in and around the county and are also Stonemasons at Finnemore Stone in Uppingham.

Eva has been singing and songwriting since she was 8 years old and she can play 7 instruments including the guitar and the piano. She says her love for music helps her academically in school especially in Maths and English which work in harmony with her songwriting, learning instruments and reading music.

She's an academic student at Uppingham Community College but makes as much time as she can for her passion, her music. Eva plays locally at open mic nights at Don Paddy's in Uppingham and monthly at Exeter Arms in Barrowden. She's also won Leicester's Got Talent and performs at HallatonFest annually, whilst still making time to maintain her grades at school and film for TV shows... I don't know how she does it!

Eva Finnemore talks CBBC TV show 'Got What It Takes'.
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
Eva told me all about her look which she says is 'very important'. She loves bright colours and bold clothing choices but it's more than that... 

Every time she writes a new song, she buys a new outfit to go with it! For her song 'Moving On,' she wears a leather steampunk inspired outfits with a 50s style skirt which features a map. Eva is probably most noticeable for her incredible braids, usually in all kinds of colours which takes her Mum 5 hours to do and about 2 and half hours to take out before school.

As a child at primary school, Eva had a difficult time with bullies and she wrote a song called 'Invisible Invincible' at the age of 8 about her struggles and coming out the other side. Listening to Eva and her family explain this time to me and the reasons behind the song, I felt that this really has made Eva the strong, independent and determined thirteen-year-old she is today. She's an extremely polite, confident and utterly charming young woman and I find it hard to believe she's only 13. She carries herself perfectly and a delight to spend time with.

"The show was a great experience and I've met friends for life"
- Eva Finnemore

It's really refreshing to hear such a young lady like Eva talk about how much she loves Rutland, despite traveling around the country performing she says 'she'll never want to live anywhere else'. 

Eva needs your support throughout the 10 'Got What It Takes' Episodes before the final on 26th November which will go to a vote for the winner of the series and Eva would love it if you could support her by voting when the time comes.

You can watch the first episode of 'Got What It Takes' on Monday 24th September on the CBBC channel at 5:25 pm. Watch the teens and their mums take on a Vlogging & Football Challenge!

Please note you must have a BBC online login to vote and I'll keep blogs social media accounts up to date with voting information nearer the time

Follow Eva Rose Music:
Facebook: @EvaRoseMusic2005
Instagram: @EvaRoseMusic05
Twitter: @EvaRoseMusic05


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A Visit to: Curtain Upp Dance School, Uppingham

23 August 2018
Curtain Upp Dance School was started by Helen Becque in 2016 and the school now has many pupils of ages 2-12 years, who all love to dance! Helen's passion for dance is so clear as soon as you meet her and you can tell the children admire their teacher.

I visited the Saturday sessions/rehearsals at Uppingham Town Hall, where children of all ages who've formed friendships since joining Curtain Upp all danced together each performing their groups and solo pieces for the show that Sunday. There was lots of laughter and the town hall was full of confidence and complete enjoyment.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
Sunday was show day! The big day everyone had been waiting for and I was so excited too!
The show featured many different types of dance including tap, modern, Strictly Come Dancing worthy lifts and even cartwheels, worms and 'the floss'!

But don't think the parents got away with it! The show also featured an impressive 'Dad Dance' which was a beautiful ballet! Put it this way, they were actually rather good but my stomach hurt from laughing. Well done Dad's!

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
The school resumes after the Summer break on Thursday 31st August at Uppingham Town Hall. Taster sessions are £1 and your child can enjoy weekly classes from only £3.

I interviewed Helen about the school, the shows and the story behind Curtain Upp...
Take a read!

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
1. Thank you so much for inviting me to your 2018 Summer show! I had so much fun and it was lovely to see children of all ages enjoying dance and being so confident on stage.
Please tell our readers more about Curtain Upp and how it started?

I am so glad you enjoyed the show, I agree it is wonderful to see the joy on the children’s faces when they are performing and so many of them have gained confidence immensely since they started dancing. This is one of the main reasons I started Curtain Upp. My daughter Talia wanted to dance and I wanted to be able to give her all of the wonderful experiences, benefits and opportunities I had as a young dancer. I started dancing at the age of 4 and soon realised it was something I loved to do.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
I started my career as a professional dancer in Blackpool, it was the best decision I ever made as this led to years of dancing, travelling the world and meeting the most amazing people. After this period in my life, I then trained to be an Art teacher but also taught dance, drama and music.

Opening Curtain Upp has enabled me to combine all of these transferable skills and experiences as a dancer and a classroom teacher. I feel as though I am where I belong and I am so happy I can have a positive impact on the people of Rutland who are interested in performing too.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
2. One of the things I loved most, was seeing girls and boys dancing together. They all learned some amazing choreography and so many unique skills from different types of dance. Please tell us more about the children that take part in Curtain Upp and the types of dance included?

At Curtain Upp we offer dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acrobatics, Street, Commercial, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. We teach group classes and private lessons, which is called the Curtain Upp Elites. We offer a variety of disciplines so that the children have a good choice of classes and can broaden their experience of styles of dance easily.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
Dance classes start at age 2 and we encourage both girls and boys to join us. Many of the children who dance together attend the local schools in Uppingham. However, others come from various schools in the Rutland area and beyond. Curtain Upp is a family and it is wonderful to see the children making friends and bonding with other children from different areas and classes.

This was definitely apparent during our first ‘Spotlight Dance Festival’ this year and was reinforced at our Summer Show. It is so lovely to see all of our dancers creating lasting memories together. I am still great friends with the people I danced with at dance school and professionally, and they are friendships and memories I will cherish forever.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
3. I also came along to the dance school on a Saturday, which is located in Uppingham Town Hall and it was lovely to watch the children rehearse their parts, meet some of the parents and the children too. I was amazed by all the children’s confidence, especially 2-year-old Florrie.
Please tell the readers a little more about the Saturday school?

I am so glad you had the opportunity to see the magical transition from rehearsal to a performance on the stage. Little Florrie was just a few weeks old in her Mommy’s arms when Rosie her sister attended Curtain Upp’s very first taster session at our launch. As soon as Florrie could stand she was copying her sister dancing, so she joined the class as soon she was just 2 years old and was the youngest person to take part in our Summer Show at Uppingham Theatre. I think her confidence and ability amazed everyone.

Saturday morning is our busiest day and starts at 9am with Baby Ballet age 2-3, followed by Baby Modern. Each 30-minute session costs £3. As the school is forever growing and evolving, I am currently working on our September timetable and all of the timings of classes can be found on our website www.curtainupp.co.uk.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
4. The show was outstanding! The music, the choreography and the outfits were stunning. It was clear to see the children love their time at Curtain Upp and seeing their faces beam while they performed was lovely to witness.
Please tell us more about the shows, the rehearsals etc 

This was our first ever theatre show and I must admit it was a little daunting. But I felt very confident it was going to be the most amazing experience for the children and their families. Especially as many of them would be dancing at such a wonderful theatre in their hometown. I started to plan the show a year ago and we began to learn and rehearse the numbers in March. We practised each week, added props and then polished the numbers. I really wanted the children to try their best to remember the steps themselves (apart from the baby group) so I made the decision not to be on stage with the younger children. I am so glad I went ahead with that decision as it meant that each troupe held the stage all by themselves and they were all so fantastic! I was bursting with pride.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
Our costumes were sourced from a variety of places, but my favourites were those that were made by the Parents and Grandparents themselves. I am so glad you sensed the children’s love for their time at Curtain Upp. This is why I named the show ‘For the Love of Dance’ and ultimately this is the essence of Curtain Upp Stage School.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
5.  Thanks again for letting me share Curtain Upp on the blog, it really was a pleasure. Helen, what have you and your team got planned for the future of Curtain Upp and where can our readers go to signup their children?

Thank you so much for taking the time to see what we do. I strongly believe that dance can have such a positive effect on life. We have lots of exciting plans for the future and I will continue to ensure our dancers are receiving the highest quality of dance teaching combined with a strong element of fun and creativity.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
We have been fundraising this year and with the help of this and also donations from local organisations and businesses we will be installing Ballet Barres in Uppingham Town Hall ready for September. We are also purchasing movable dance mirrors. We will be presenting our annual free showcases at The Falcon Hotel for Christmas in Uppingham and Uppingham Feast Day. As well as participating in the Rutland Spotlight Dance Festival 2019. After the huge success of our first Summer School, we plan to continue to hold ‘Holiday’ clubs at various times during the year.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
We are also collaborating with Brooke Peverall who hosts SINGS! sessions around Rutland, to create a Curtain Upp choir. We will be focusing on Musical Theatre and Pop songs and have a £1 taster session at Uppingham Town Hall on Friday 31st August at 4.15pm.

Finally, from September we will also be focusing on exam work in Ballet, Modern and Tap. It will never be compulsory to take exams, but I feel the dancers are now ready to take this next big step and I am so excited to be presenting them with this new challenge.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
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If your child loves to dance, learn new skills, enjoys activities or maybe just wants something super fun to do at the weekends and perform in a big production with the most amazing costumes I've ever seen then maybe they should try a £1 taster day at Curtain Upp.

If anyone would like to see if there is space to sign their child up for a £1 taster for any session at any time during the year, they can do this via the Curtain Upp website www.curtainupp.co.uk or by emailing Helen directly at helen@curtainupp.co.uk.

Follow Curtain Upp on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/CurtainUpp

and if you want to be a dancing Dad just like these heroes...
You know where to go!

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)
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