October 2009

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EXCLUSIVE HOMES

LincolnshirePride M A G A Z I N E

HIGH SOCIETY EVENTS

IF YOU’RE PROUD OF LINCOLNSHIRE, READ LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE

O C TO B E R I S S U E 8 7

T H E

H I G H

S O C I E T Y

ENGLISH GARDENS LINCOLNSHIRE NEWS A LA CARTE DINING LUXURY MOTORING FASHION & BEAUTY

LincolnshirePride - The High Society Magazine - October 2009 - Issue 87 £3.50

Millionaire’s Den

Fire-breathing tips to slay your business dragons...

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12 Luxurious Lincolnshire properties.

20 Exclusive interview with Dragons’ Den’s Sharon Wright.

Welcome...

35 The story behind Leszek Dubrowski’s unique art.

...to a business-focused October edition of Lincolnshire Pride.

As the recession ends and recovery gets underway, we this month celebrate business life in Lincolnshire by asking leading professionals across the county for their best business tips for post-recession growth.

We also profile the best venues for working lunches & conferences and look at business fashions for both men and women.

68 Get your business fighting fit.

Advice from the professionals.

Still on a business theme, we also meet Scunthorpe-based Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Sharon Wright, whose recent TV appearance has rocketed her to fame as well as business success.

118 Eating Out - Rutland’s Hambleton Hall country hotel.

Also this month, we take a closer look at a contemporary home near Newark, enjoy a meal at Hambleton Hall near Stamford and visit the towns of Spilsby, Alford and Wainfleet.

And finally... we this month catch up with our newest correspondent, Lorraine Bellis, to find out about the latest developments in the Lincolnshire Pride kitchen garden.

Best wishes for a wonderful month!

ROB DAVIS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

144 Motors - enjoying BMW’s sport and executive ranges.

6 20 25 30 32 38 46 56 62

LINCOLNSHIRE NEWS DRAGONS’ DEN SPILSBY, ALFORD & WAINFLEET WHAT’S ON ARTS & ANTIQUES WELCOME HOME HOME OFFICE IN THE GARDEN KITCHEN GARDEN

150 High Society - the best events from across the county.

67 82 98 106 111 118 136 143 150

EQUESTRIAN FASHION AND COSMETICS SHOES AND HANDBAGS JEWELLERY WEDDINGS EATING OUT, EATING IN RECIPE MOTORS HIGH SOCIETY

WRITE TO US AT Lincolnshire Pride Magazine, Whitespace Publishers Ltd, Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3QF. Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978 Web: www.lincolnshirepride.co.uk By placing an advertisement in Lincolnshire Pride you are agreeing to our full terms and conditions, which can be found on our website.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROB DAVIS GARDENING PAUL GRAY FARMING BARRY POSTON EQUESTRIAN SARAH PAYNE FOOD JOHN CLARK WINE BEN STRAW SALES MANAGER CATHY DAVIES OFFICE MANAGER CHLOE WATSON ACCOUNTS MANAGER SUE BANNISTER GRAPHIC DESIGNER MANDY BRAY WEBSITE EDITOR SIMON PEARCE PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR JULIAN WILKINSON Pass on Lincolnshire Pride for others to enjoy or take it along to your local doctors’ or dentists’ reception area. After everyone has enjoyed the magazine, please ensure it is recycled!

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The best of

both worlds he only private hospital facility in Lincolnshire, where profits are returned to the NHS for the benefit of all local NHS patients. Patients enjoy privacy and individual attention whilst having the reassurance that The Bostonian is adjacent to the sophisticated services of The Pilgrim Hospital, with its expert diagnostic and emergency medical and surgical facilities.

T

H Award Winning Sleep Apnoea Service H Gold Food Safety Award Please visit our website to view the full range of services we offer

www.the-bostonian.co.uk Comfort & Peace of Mind The Bostonian is the private wing of Pilgrim Hospital and is set in its own grounds and gardens. There are 19 en-suite single rooms with digital TVs and telephone. Patients can choose from a delicious a la carte menu with meals freshly prepared in the Bostonian's own kitchens. Our dedicated housekeeping team ensure continually high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Professional Expertise Almost any condition can be treated at The Bostonian by our dedicated team of professionals – most of our Consultants live only minutes away. We welcome self referral and provide 24 hour medical cover.

Range of Payment Options Available We deal with all the major insurance companies and also offer Fixed Price packages for the uninsured.

The Bostonian Private Wing, Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Telephone: 01205 360606 / Facsimile: 01205 311442 www.the-bostonian.co.uk • ISO9000 accredited

Pilgrim Hospital’s Private Wing

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COUNTY NEWS News from across the county, every month in Lincolnshire Pride - The High Society Magazine

Pahud memorial enjoys a revamp

Hubbards Hills’s Pahud memorial recently received a spruce-up, courtesy of a team of volunteers, marking the anniversary of the beauty spot’s opening in 1909.

Alphonse Pahud bequeathed the money to buy the Hills in memory of his beloved wife Annie and the first Trustees built the memorial to commemorate this when the beauty spot was officially opened in August 1907.

With the care of the Hills in the hands of members of the Hubbards Hills Advisory Group since April 2009, members recently banded together to carry out a voluntary memorial clean-up. Busy with buckets and mops were Linda and Alec Baumber, Ray Edmonds, Clive Henderson, Peter and Avril Huke.

Hubbards Hill Trust Chairman Coun Andrew Leonard was delighted with the work and said; “We are so lucky to have such devoted volunteers and I am sure the public will join me in saying a big thank-you to them all in giving up their spare time to celebrate the anniversary in this very special way.”

In Brief...

• October 1st sees Heckington butcher Gary Simpson opening his new shop in the Four Seasons Farm Shop on London Road, Sleaford. The butcher is expanding his current business with a new branch that offer customers free parking and 12 metres of chilled cabinets. Gary will trade alongside a florist, greengrocer and bakery to serve the area’s residents with quality farm shop produce.

Stop Press...

An Elizabethan Banquet, with special guest, HM Queen Elizabeth I will be held in the nave of Lincoln Cathedral on 23rd October, featuring Elizabethan fayre and music from Dante Ferrara.

Tickets are now on sale at the Cathedral shop, priced at £50. All proceeds to the Mayor’s Charity, the Lincoln Cathedral Music Fund.

Don’t look down...!

Lincolnshire skydivers in bid to become international World Champions!

Hibaldstow skydiver Derrick Kent and his workmates are embarking on an ambitious plan to become World Champion Skydivers.

where the team is based... so far he has completed over 1,700 jumps!

Derek and his workmates, from civil engineering firm UCS in Rand are currently competing in the 16th FAI World Cup of Formation Skydiving in the Czech Republic.

“I started competing in 2002 and two years later won gold at the British National Skydiving Championships in the intermediate competition and gold in the European Skydiving League at the same level,” said Derrick.

Derrick, 41, began skydiving in 2000 after watching wife Ruth jump out of a plane to raise money for charity. He and his teammates are now passionate about the sport and have moved next door to Hibaldstow Airfield

“I joined Fusion, which is a four-way formation skydiving team, in 2008 and although my teammates have previously competed in the World Cup of Formation Skydiving it’s a first for me!”

Send your Lincolnshire News to: Lincolnshire Pride, Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3QF 6

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North Lincolnshire Council recently announced the winners of its annual Best Kept Garden competition at a special ceremony at Normanby Hall.

The winners from all categories were announced at the presentation evening, where the Mayor of North Lincolnshire presented them with a trophy.

The winners were: Best allotment (sponsored by North Lincolnshire Council) Winner - Mr J R Tuffs Runner up - Mr D Cross Third - Paul and Dave Dixon.

Best container (sponsored by Silica Lodge Garden Centre)

Winner - Susan Connole Runner up - Joyce Dawson Third - Kimberley Hutley.

Best small garden (sponsored by Stephen H Smith Garden Centre) Winner - Mr and Mrs Dunning Runner up - Trevor Hobson Third - Marjorie Ridgewell.

Best large garden (Sponsored

by Brigg Garden Centre) Winner - Mrs Fay Gorwood Runner up - Neville Charlesworth Third - Colin Richardson.

The Winner of each category received a £100 voucher from sponsors, second and third place winners received a commemorative plaque.

Grantham’s Union hosts Patrick Lichfield Retrospective Top Lincolnshire interiors and art retailers, Union, have been chosen as the venue for one of the few exhibitions of Lichfield’s work since his death in 2005.

The exhibition opens with a Charity Gala Evening in the company of Jodie and Jemma Kidd who will arrive at the gallery at 8.00pm on Friday October 2nd.

Over many months they have been involved in putting together the collection of 50 plus photographs that form the exhibition.

The sisters were Patrick’s last subjects in a shoot for Children in Need, the day before he died and a portrait from that session will also be exhibited.

With Lichfield Studios, they have assembled an eclectic mix of Patrick’s work, some of his iconic images, landscapes, portraiture, celebrity, everyday and, excitingly, many images never before released for exhibition - these include a portrait of Baroness Thatcher taken to mark her 80th birthday.

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Best Kept Gardens in North Lincolnshire

The choir has been chosen for the Archbishop and named the Leah and Desmond UK Peace Choir

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Choir Invisible making a noise for Archbishop Members of a successful Lincolnshire choir are really making themselves heard this month with a special soul-gospel performance at Grantham St Wulfram's this month.

The choir wants to raise money for both Archbishop Desmond Tutu's work, travelling the world on his mission for peace and reconciliation and Rotary International's Shelter Box Scheme.

Named after a line in the Monty Python Dead Parrot Sketch, Choir Invisible were chosen to sing for the Archbishop when he visited Lincolnshire last July.

It has since developed that link to the great statesman, recently becoming The Desmond and Leah Tutu Peace Choir UK – an extraordinary honour!

The 90 singers of Choir Invisible redefine what it means to be a choir - singing without a safety net, without a note of music.

The performance will be held on 17th October at the town’s St Wulfram’s Church. Tickets are £10; to find our more and order online, see www.choirinvisible.co.uk.

The exhibition will run for six weeks from 3rd October and is free to all during normal opening hours; everyday except Monday from 10am.

Tickets for the Charity Gala Evening are still available, contact Union on 01476 593388.

Alternatively, telephone us on 01529 46 99 77 or send your news by e-mail to: editor@lincolnshirepride.co.uk.

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COUNTY NEWS News from across the county, every month in Lincolnshire Pride - The High Society Magazine

Wedding Bells for visitors to October wedding fair

Wedding bells will this month begin to chime for attendees of the White Heather Hotel at Caenby Corner’s wedding fair, near Market Rasen.

The event’s organiser is independent wedding consultant Valerie Tall, whose premises in Lincoln and Brigg stock wedding stationery and wedding gifts, and who offers advice and planning services to couples planning their big day.

Valerie says; “It’s important to view the various services that make your day complete, and it’s handy to have experts on hand to help you with any questions you may have. So come along and have a friendly chat... and bring your family or fiancée too!”

The event will be held on Thursday 15th October from 6:30 - 9:30pm. For information call 01673 878100 or see www.whiteheatheronline.co.uk.

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Over 100 attendees are anticipated, all of whom will have the opportunity to sample the venue’s hospitality and meet potential wedding suppliers whilst enjoying complimentary drinks and canapés in the comfortable hotel, a popular Lincolnshire wedding venue for anywhere from 90 to 200 guests.

The terrain is varied, spanning the 80km 5th BC Wonder of the World

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Luke Prepares for Epic Great Wall of China Trek Lincolnshire businessman Luke Williams prepares for an epic 80km trek over varied terrain for Lincolnshire charity Lincolnshire businessman Luke Daniels is this month leaving his Navenby home and embarking on an epic 80km trek across China’s Great Wall in aid of local charity BABIES. The 5th century Wonder of the Medieval World was originally constructed to protect Northern China’s provinces from attacks

from successive dynasties, a huge fortification that can even be seen from space.

Now though, the wall will protect Lincolnshire infants instead, with Luke anticipating raising £5,000 for the charity, which donates money for essential technology and equipment to Lincoln’s Special Care Baby Unit.

Send your Lincolnshire News to: Lincolnshire Pride, Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3QF 8

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The businessman runs Urban Angels, based in Navenby and offering high quality hair care from stylists including Luke himself.

BABIES’s Gabrielle Gaughan says Luke wanted to do something challenging and worthwhile to push himself to the limit and really benefit the community.

Luke will leave Lincolnshire on 3rd October for the 11-day trip, and will journey from Beijing to Juyongguan.

and Simatei, zip-sliding over a lake to Mutianyu, with stunning views on both sides of the wall over the surrounding valleys.

The final stretch of the journey will then take the group to one of the most battle-hardened parts of the wall, where warriors used to fight over some of the steepest steps, descending toward the village of Juyongguan.

Luke wanted to do something to really push himself to the limit and raise money for a worthwhile cause

Upon leaving Beijing he will travel to the hills above Huangyaguan into the valley of the Yanshan mountains, travelling to a small village where they will see the wall for the first time. The first leg of the journey takes in the mountainous terrain before encountering the 200 step Heavens Ladder.

The trip then takes in the mountain village of Jinshalin

The trip will involve traversing cobbled parts of the wall, woodland, terraced farmland and beautiful hills and mountains.

It’s a physically demanding trip but one that Luke is very much looking forward to. “It’ll be really exciting, I can’t wait and it’s a great opportunity to raise money for a really worthwhile Lincolnshire charity.” he says.

LINCOLNSHIRE’S BABIES...

Lincoln’s BABIES charity has been established for ten years, following the birth of co-founder Gabrielle Gaughan’s niece, Grace.

equipment to ensure prematurely born babies can be cared for in Lincoln without having to be transferred elsewhere.

When Grace was born prematurely, she required specialist treatment in Scunthorpe as Lincoln’s Special Care Baby Unit wasn’t equipped to care for her.

The charity works closely with Lincoln County SCBU’s Sister Lesley Bradley to ensure the department always has the latest equipment needed to save the lives of its patients.

The family began to fundraise and have, for ten years, held balls, sponsored golf days and other events in order to provide the necessary

For more information or to make a donation towards Luke’s trek, see www.lincoln-babies.co.uk or contact 01522 520077.

Call 01529 46 99 77 or e-mail: editor@lincolnshirepride.co.uk.

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savills.co.uk

Lawn Hall, South Kyme

£699,950

Lawn Hall is a gracious Grade II listed detached limestone house part of which, according to English Heritage, dates back to the 17th C and the stone from Kyme Castle was used in Lawn Hall’s construction, and that of The Manor. This imposing period residence has later 20th C additions and stands within delightful grounds of approximately 2.3 acres.

■ music room ■ cloakroom ■ dining room ■ sitting room ■ drawing room ■ morning room ■ sauna/ shower room ■ kitchen ■ breakfast room ■ laundry room ■ 5 bedrooms ■ 4 bathrooms ■ 3 attic rooms approached via loft ladder

Contact: Lincoln Office Olympic House, Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 3SE Telephone: 01522 508900 Email: lincoln@savills.com

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savills.co.uk

Allis Allis House, House, Bilsby Bilsby

ÂŁ525,000 ÂŁ525,000

This delightful This delightful family home familyhas home been hassympathetically been sympathetically refurbished refurbished by the current by the current owners.owners.

The property The property retains retains some character some character featuresfeatures including including fireplaces, fireplaces, decorative decorative cornice,cornice, high ceilings high ceilings and deep andskirting deep skirting boards.boards.

These have Thesebeen havetastefully been tastefully combined combined with with contemporary contemporary comforts comforts to offerto well offer presented well presented accommodation. accommodation.

There isThere the added is the added benefit benefit of a substantial of a substantial outbuilding outbuilding which iswhich currently is currently used asused a games as a games room and room which and would which be would idealbe ideal for a variety for a variety of usesofwith uses thewith relevant the relevant consents. consents.

Contact: Contact: Lincoln Lincoln Office Office Olympic Olympic House,House, Doddington Doddington Road, Road, Lincoln,Lincoln, LN6 3SE LN6 3SE Telephone: Telephone: 01522 01522 508900508900 Email: Email: lincoln@savills.com lincoln@savills.com

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The Old Rectory, Little Cawthorpe

ÂŁ635,000

AN ATTRACTIVE AND EXTENDED VICTORIAN FORMER RECTORY SITUATED IN A DELIGHTFUL POSITION WITHIN A SOUGHT AFTER VILLAGE AND BEING SET WITHIN GROUNDS AND PADDOCKS OF APPROXIMATELY 2.39 ACRES. Accommodation comprises of Entrance Hall, Drawing Room, Music Room/Study, Shower Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility, Sitting Room / Dining Room. First Floor 5 Bedrooms (Master with En-Suite Shower Room), Family Bathroom. Period Features, Gas Central Heating (with under-floor on the ground floor). Outside in / out Driveway, Double Garage, Well Maintained Lawned Gardens, Mature Trees, Walled Patio Area, Adjacent Paddock with Separate Access, Timber Office.

Email: lincoln@chestertonhumberts.com 2 Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA Telephone: 01522 546444 www.chestertonhumberts.com

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Peacock Peacock Place, Place, Fulbeck Fulbeck

ÂŁ625,000 ÂŁ625,000

Peacock Peacock Place isPlace an imposing is an imposing detached detached stone and stone pantile and pantile period period residence residence which provides which provides well proportioned well proportioned living accommodation living accommodation arranged arranged on three onfloors three which floors benefits which benefits from oilfrom firedoilcentral fired central heatingheating and double and double glazing.glazing. which provides which provides ample ample car standing car standing and which and leads whichinleads turn in to turn a double to a double The property The property is approached is approached via an in/out via an gravelled in/out gravelled driveway driveway garage,garage, whilst the whilst gardens the gardens themselves themselves are walled are walled at the rear at the with rear anwith office, an office, two stables two stables and outdoor and outdoor swimming swimming pool, with pool, anwith an extensive extensive gardengarden area toarea the side to the which side is which laid to is laid lawntowith lawn a with wide avariety wide variety of fruit of trees fruitand trees which and has which future has development future development subjectsubject to the usual to theplanning usual planning consents. consents. potential potential

Email:Email: lincoln@chestertonhumberts.com lincoln@chestertonhumberts.com 2 Eastgate, 2 Eastgate, LincolnLincoln LN2 1QA LN2 1QA Telephone: Telephone: 0152201522 546444 546444 www.chestertonhumberts.com www.chestertonhumberts.com

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Marshalls Court, Opposite Marshalls Yard Spring Gardens, Gainsborough, Lincs DN21 2AG Tel: 01427 677775 or 0844 800 9808

Marshalls Court, Opposite Marshalls Yard Spring Gardens, Gainsborough, Lincs DN21 2AG Tel: 01427 677775 or 0844 800 9808

Furlong Barn, Black Bank, Susworth

ÂŁ499,950

A rare opportunity to acquire this splendid detached country residence offering an abundance of fine features, ideally suited to those with an equestrian interest. The property is located within this appealing rural setting offering superb views and enjoying a rarely available tranquil setting. Furlong Barn offers a combination of generous living accommodation and extensive grounds extending to approximately six acres creating a desirable country residence. Externally a four stable block, approximately six acres, an open detached barn and mĂŠnage are offered which will no doubt appeal to prospective purchasers.

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Marshalls Marshalls Court,Court, Opposite Opposite Marshalls Marshalls Yard Yard SpringSpring Gardens, Gardens, Gainsborough, Gainsborough, Lincs Lincs DN21DN21 2AG 2AG Tel: 01427 Tel: 01427 677775 677775 or 0844 or 0844 800 9808 800 9808

Heckdyke Heckdyke Cottage, Cottage, West West Stockwith Stockwith

£345,000 £345,000

This exceptional This exceptional individual individual detached detached family cottage family cottage set approximately set approximately a mile afrom milethe from riverside the riverside village village of WestofStockwith, West Stockwith, within the within peaceful the peaceful hamlethamlet of Heckdyke, of Heckdyke, which which boastsboasts only four only properties four properties and a low and daily a lowtraffic dailyflow, trafficmaking flow, making this location this location superbsuperb for those for with thosechildren. with children.

Heckdyke Heckdyke Cottage Cottage is of attractive is of attractive ‘L’ shaped ‘L’ shaped designdesign and stands and stands within its within ownitsprivate own private grounds, grounds, allowing allowing views to views the north to theover northopen over open countryside. countryside.

The internal The internal accommodation accommodation has been hassubstantially been substantially refurbished refurbished over recent over recent years and years offers and well offers appointed, well appointed, attractive attractive accommodation, accommodation, with anwith abundance an abundance of character of character and fine and features, fine features, thedécor thedécor and fittings and fittings throughout throughout are both areofboth a superb of a superb quality.quality.

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Church House, Sibsey

£595,000

A most attractive Grade II listed property, set in grounds of approximately ½ acre. This spacious family home has been tastefully modernised to a high standard and extended over the years, whilst retaining many original Georgian features.

• Reception hall • Lounge • Sitting room • Dining room • Kitchen with walk in pantry • Breakfast room • Downstairs shower room • Cloakroom • Garden room • Principal bedroom • Shower room • Four further bedrooms • Family bathroom • Stable block comprising garages, workshop and store rooms • Brick paved patio area and large, well maintained gardens.

Contact: Kemp Estate Agents 16 Dolphin Lane, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 6EU Tel: 01205 311797 Email: property@bostonestateagent.co.uk

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Winchester Winchester House, House, New New Bolingbroke Bolingbroke A beautiful A beautiful 5 double 5 double bedroomed bedroomed GradeGrade II Listed II Listed Georgian Georgian residence residence in village in village setting.setting.

Character Character & Period & Period features features (including (including some sash somewindows, sash windows, open fireplaces, open fireplaces, parquet parquet flooring, flooring, molded molded cornicing, cornicing, high skirting high skirting boards, boards, picturepicture rails and railsarchitraving) and architraving) combined combined with modern with modern decoration decoration & fittings. & fittings.

3 reception 3 reception rooms,rooms, oak fitted oakkitchen, fitted kitchen, cloak room, cloak room, bathroom bathroom & shower & shower room. room.

Courtyard, Courtyard, enclosed enclosed gardens gardens & garage/workshop. & garage/workshop.

Oil central Oil central heating. heating.

No onward No onward chain. chain.

Contact: Contact: Sharman Sharman Burgess Burgess Estate Estate AgentsAgents 3 & 4 Pump 3 & 4 Square, Pump Square, Boston,Boston, Lincs PE21 Lincs 6QW PE21 6QW Telephone: Telephone: (01205)(01205) 361161361161 Fax: (01205) Fax: (01205) 359080359080 Web: www.sharmanburgess.co.uk Web: www.sharmanburgess.co.uk Email: Email: sales@sharmanburgess.com sales@sharmanburgess.com

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Slaying D The

ragons

Scunthorpe's Dragon Slayer, Sharon Wright, rocketed her company to success recently with the most accomplished pitch ever to appear on the BBC2 show featuring the self-made millionaire investors. Here, we find out what happened after the cameras stopped rolling and the hard work delivering on her impressive TV claims began...

Words: Rob Davis.

Sharon Wright. She came, she saw, she conquered... and conquered not just one or two, but all five of TV’s hard-to-please multi-millionaire investors. Dragons’ Den is famed for bringing edgeof-the-seat entertainment with batty business ideas, disasterous pitches and feckless investors.

But for Sharon failure, embarrassment and refusal were not options, that’s why the Scunthorpe woman put in the necessary hard work to win support from the investors and prove herself to be one of the most competent and brilliant guests on the show since it began.

Sharon had her Eureka moment in 2006 after moving into a brand new three storey house in the town. “A BT engineer came to install a telephone line in my home.” says Sharon. “He had great difficulty threading a cable into the seven centimetre inner wall, through the ten centimetre cavity and out via the external wall, with the flexible cable curling into the cavity and resulting in a fiddly, hour long installation.”

Sharon invented the device that's come to be known as the Magnamole, now sold in three guises; blister packed without a drill bit, with a bit and with an SDS bit for construction professionals.

The ludicrously simple device is inserted through the hole running through both walls and the cavity leaving a luminous tip where it protrudes from the wall. Once the Magnamole is pushed through the

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hole, the engineer goes to the outside, attaches his cap to his cable and attaches this to the Magnamole, then pushes from the outside; the rod acts as a guide for the cable making a fiddly job much easier.

The idea is fiendishly simple but terrifically effective and having obtained a worldwide patent, Sharon began manufacturing it and selling it in January 2007. At the time she was working 16hour days, selling and marketing it herself, but with a huge market to go after, growing her business would take the expertise and capital of a Dragon.

“I could never watch the programme.” she confesses. “It used to make me stressed that so many good ideas would fail due to poor management or a feckless approach to business, with ludicrous business valuations or poor pitches.”

For businesswoman Sharon, failure,

embarrassment and refusal were not options... and she successfully achieved offers from all five Dragons, which is virtually precedented...

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Image: Sharon pitches Magnamole to Lincolnshire Pride from her Scunthorpe office.

Despite being anything but a loyal viewer, Sharon All five Dragons made Sharon an offer and she was went ahead and joined the 5,000 other applicants able to secure the £50,000 she needed to reach her seeking the opportunity to pitch to the millionaire intended international markets. It was a killer pitch investors. On the day of the pitch, April 22nd, but, as Sharon herself admits, this was entirely down Sharon arrived at Pinewood studios where the show to practice. “I'd go over and over the pitch in the car, is filmed, and was greeted by her own chaperone in the shower, to my daughter Mollie... over and over each days' seven competitors are again.” she says. “I literally practiced given their own chaperone as the pitch 100 times.” bumping into or attempting to talk to All five Dragons made The pitch paid off and since her a dragon results in an success, Sharon has moved offices immediate disqualification.

Sharon an offer and she and has gone from working 16 hours was able to secure the Sharon and her fellow competitors a day to 23 hours a day to build her arrived at 7am, and waited until business. She claims the Dragons’ £50,000 she needed to 3.50pm when she would make her entourage have been invaluable as a reach her intended pitch. Each is guaranteed three full background team of legal, patent and minutes, with very little editing taking business experts. She meets with international markets... place for the final cut. both Duncan and James’ teams once it was a killer pitch! a month by way of an investors’ A further 90 minutes is available after meeting, and has been the subject the Dragons make their offer, but in of massive interest.

Sharon's case, the decision was an easy one - Theo Paphitis's offer to act as an 'insurance policy' in the “It's not been a bed of roses.” she admits. “The eventuality of no other offers was unprecedented in lows have been very low indeed but the highs are the show's history, as was the two Dragons, Duncan immense. I've loved every second and I'll never stop Bannatyne and James Caan's consultation at the building my business. My daughter will always come back of the den - usually the preserve of investors first, Mollie’s my inspiration, but business comes a close second, it's the ultimate rush.” n to discuss the offers rather than vice versa.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT...?

Approaching her 40th birthday in 2010, Sharon left Scunthorpe's Thomas Sumpter Comprehensive school with just a couple of O-levels, and was determined to go beyond the usual jobs available to school leavers to achieve brilliance.

After completing a YTS course and working as a secretary for a year for two local companies, she joined Steetley Minerals in the town, the beginning of a ten year career working as a lab assistant then in quality assurance and health & safety roles - the latter of which would provide the necessary inspiration for her future career as an entrepreneur.

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Following a stint with estate agency Whitegates, initially as a weekend job but experiencing the irresistible appeal in sales. She soon become senior negotiator and valuer with an 80% conversion rate, and eschewed a management role in favour of concentrating on sales. Sharon finally realised that her aim in life was to run a business, win sales, and make money, setting up her business getweddinglinks.com in 1998.

Sharon set herself a target of ten weddings within two years, but actually ended up winning nearly five times that number.

She is taking her product abroad and finding a wealth of new markets, as well as courting some serious media attention.

However, Sharon is also in the process of writing a book, the working title of which is Dragon Slayer: Making the Perfect Pitch.

She began manufacturing Magnamole in 2007 but wanted to sell the product further afield.

Sharon is still living in Scunthorpe and still ensures that Mollie, aged 13, enjoys a healthy share of mum’s time. She’s also keen to make sure other inventors with ideas that have equal potential can contact her in order that she can take them to market too.

Since appearing on the show, Sharon’s phone hasn't stopped ringing. Sharon has received over 7,000 emails, each of which she had replied to personally.

She is Facebook friends with both Dragons and has their mobile numbers, yet only meets the teams behind each Dragon for monthly meetings, and doesn't liaise with the Dragons personally unless she wants their advice on a particular subject.

“I've been told that I’m a real inspiration to people.” she says.

“And with so many congratulatory emails coming my way, and a ready-made audience for such a book it's proving a challenge but I'm hoping to have it in the shops

by Christmas.”

The invention, simple as it is, will save a terrific amount of time in its field and is already proving an invaluable tool. It's often the simplest ideas that have the most merit, but in Sharon's case, a single Eureka moment was all the businesswoman needed to change the world of both her and Mollie for life.

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Image: Bateman’s Brewery by Rob Davis

Alford, Spilsby, Skegness and Wainfleet Autumn cheer is guaranteed in the Lincolnshire towns that time forgot. A visit to Alford, Spilsby Skegness or Wainfleet is like stepping back in time, and this is the perfect month to enjoy all four...

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Beyond the Seas Think of Skegness and the images that come to mind are Kiss Me Quick hats, candyfloss and seaside donkeys.

However, this the town is the Autumn host of SEAS, a new arts initiative between ELDC, Skegness Town Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Arts Council England.

An international arts programme which runs from 2008 to 2010, SEAS will attract visitors to Skegness until October 5th and raise the profile of the Lincolnshire coastal region.

The project involves ten countries, which border the Black or North Seas. In England this includes Skegness and the Lincolnshire coast. Other countries include Romania, Bulgaria, Sweden, The Netherlands, France, Norway, Denmark, Turkey and Ukraine.

Skegness is one of four destinations chosen to host an 'Arts and Cultural Tourism, Rethinking Leisure Time' conference in October 2009.

Nicki Gardner, of the Project says: “SEAS wraps-up international and cutting-edge contemporary culture with regeneration aspirations that stretch from Romania to Norway. This places Skegness and the Lincolnshire Coast in a new geography, which means we are close to the action rather than on the edge of the East Midlands. It creates opportunities for art to happen in unusual places.

Exhibitions take place at The Marine Boathouse Bar, Butlins, Skegness Pier, the Hildreds Shopping Centre and the Embassy Theatre. A full programme of each installation is available by visiting www.skegnessinternational.com.

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Skegness ‘Has The Best Donkeys’ Speaking of the seaside, one staple part of a beach holiday in Skegness is a donkey ride, and according to Devon’s Donkey Sanctuary, we have the best in the UK. John Nuttall’s Skegness seaside donkeys, Sooty, Macca, Rockie, Harley, Noddy, Lofty, Pedro and Alfie are the best in Britain according to the charity, which looks after and rehomes retired or mistreated donkeys.

The competition looked at condition, temperament and... yes, attractiveness.

Saving LIVES in Alford Kind-hearted staff at Alford engineering firm Finnveeden Powertrain recently raised £6,000 needed to provide the town with a new LIVES first responder vehicle.

A bonus-ball scheme raised the cash to provide a car which will be used to provide fast-response to the non-NHS, non-East Midlands Ambulance funded charity, in the event of heart attacks and other emergencies.

Fundraiser for the charity Steven Hyde praised the company’s efforts and said; “Their keeping the Alford group of the charity alive, there's no doubt about it.”

Folk Music, Food, Drink and Dance in Alford This month, Alford’s historic Manor House invites revellers along from 2nd-4th October to enjoy folk music, food and drink and live entertainment.

British and continental food and drink can also be enjoyed later in the month with a Food Fayre on 5th October which also includes a cookery demonstration by Ivano de Serio of Lincoln’s Old Bakery restaurant.

Main: Skegness’s award-winning donkeys.

Left: Alford Manor House.

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Spilsby’s Floral Facelift This month, Spilsby’s town centre will also enjoy somewhat of a facelift, thanks to the town’s Business Partnership Group.

The town’s Market Place will be tidied up and new hanging baskets, border baskets and floral decorations will be purchased to brighten life up around the town.

The installations will be maintained by members of the town’s Linkage Community Trust, based at nearby Scremby, the charity that aims to provide employment services to youngsters with learning difficulties.

Fruits of Paul’s Labour The National Trust’s Gunby Hall near Spilsby invites visitors to its favourite orchards to enjoy the annual Gunby Apple Day where you can touch, taste and smell over 35 traditional English varieties and enjoy apple bobbing, apple bowling, apple juice tasting and natural wood turning.

The event takes place on 11th October and is hosted by Lincolnshire Pride’s gardening correspondent and his team of volunteers.

Brewing up a Treat Next month sees the seasonal release of Lincolnshire’s most brewery’s famous Rosey Nosey ale. The special edition ale with dark, complex flavours and a rich taste will be available from Bateman’s Pubs and for retail sales throughout November and December.

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And Finally... World Famous Parrot Visits Skegness One of the slightly less serious news stories to hit Skegness recently. Showbiz parrot Gizmo recently visited the town to meet locals with owner and avian welfare consultant & breeder Candie Bradley.

The blue and gold Macaw bird lives at the Parrot Rescue Centre in Derby and has made numerous TV and theatre appearances as a trained animal actor.

Spilsby this month receives a floral facelift from the town’s Business Partnership Group and the town’s Linkage charity

The bird has also acted as an ambassador for the World Parrot Trust’s World Parrot Day in May, meeting among others, HM The Queen, then Prime Minister Tony Blair, plus naturalist Michaela Strachan and Rolf Harris.

He’s also an honorary member of the Royal Navy, Fire Brigade, ROSPA and the AA, as well as Lincolnshire’s Red Arrows.

Travelling in his own car complete with personalised number plate, Gizmo’s visit aimed to raise awareness of parrot welfare issues and meet Skegness’s locals, but he also found time to have to fun and enjoy the town’s amusements too...

“Skegness is his favourite place for a day out.” says Candie. “He even had a go at bungee jumping on the pier.”

Whoever said Skegness is for the birds couldn’t be more wrong - it seems that Gizmo had a wonderful time. n

Image: Alford’s five-sailed windmill.

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Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms of Distinction...

Hand-crafted in Lincolnshire to create a quality home that will last for generations...

Is your kitchen looking tired?

Why go to the trouble and expense of having a new one when we can just refurbish what you already have.

New doors, worktops, sinks, appliances etc give the instant feel of a whole new kitchen at a fraction of the cost and we can supply you with them all!

Burgh le Marsh, Skegness.

Tel: 01754 890560. www.davidtwiggjoinery.co.uk

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THEATRE & ARTS Your Monthly Round-Up of Productions and Shows from Arts Centres and Theatres Across Lincolnshire

Scattered at Lincoln’s Drill Hall.

Shout, Do You Love Me, Call Me Number One, Even the Bad Times are Good and Silence is Golden performed amongst many other hits.

Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston Tel: 01205 363108 www.blackfriarsarts centre.co.uk

14th October: Nutcracker A lavish production by the Russian State Ballet Academy of Perm – founded in 1943. For generations of theatre-goers, Peter Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker has been an integral part of the run-up to Christmas, and seems to have the ability to turn the falling of snow flakes and smell of Christmas spices into music.

22nd-23rd October: Men Of The World This is a touching piece of theatre created by John Godber, it involves humour and achieves a wonderful mix between bitter and sweet theatre. John’s usual clever antics are again on show with his perceptible view of Men of the World.

Grimsby Auditorium

Broadbent Theatre, Wickenby

Tel: 01507 600350 grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

Tel: 01673 885500 www.broadbent.org 7th-10th October: Stepping Out A wonderful play by Richard Harris, presented by the Lindsey Rural Players and directed by Gloria Poole combine well to master the 1984 Broadway Play –the winner of the Evening Standard comedy of the year award in 1987.

Drill Hall, Lincoln Tel: 01522 873891 www.lincolndrillhall.com 1st October: Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds To open the second Lincoln Comedy Festival, and to launch Six Days of Folk, Drill Hall welcomes Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds, who play Punk songs on Folk

instruments. Ade Edmondson (vocals, ‘thrash mandolin’) has a long career in comedy from the origins of the ‘alternative comedy scene’ with Comic Strip Presents, The Young Ones, Bottom and Filthy Rich & Catflap and has here teamed up with some superb folk musicians, including Martin Allcock Troy Donockley and Andy Dinan.

20th and 21st October: Scattered Scattered combines highly physical dance theatre and mesmerising aerial imagery in a unique interaction between film and live performance.

It explores our relationship with water and how it surrounds us in different forms throughout our lives.

Embassy Centre, Skegness Tel: 01754 897672 www.embassytheatre.co.uk

Scott Bramley, The Sands Venue.

11th October: The Tremeloes’ 60’s Experience Original hits played by the original hitmakers; three of the most influential bands of the 60’s: The Tremeloes, with hits like Twist and

24th October: How Sweet It Is Celebrating 50 years of Motown Music, the Motown Greatest Hits comes to the stage for the sixth successive year.

Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham Tel: 01476 406158 www.guildhallartscentre.com 9th October: Les Trois Mousquetaires Follow the roguishly handsome D’Artagnan as he fights his way into the deceitful heart of the French Court. Parody, puppetry, sparkling song and razor sharp humour... Have a rollicking good time as this outstanding international band of actors brings alive Dumas’ classic tale with a fiendish new twist for the 21st century - Les Trois Mousquetaires are all played by women!

Send your Lincolnshire Events to: Lincolnshire Pride, Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3QF 30

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OCTOBER COMPILED AND EDITED BY TOM COGHILL

Nottingham Arena, Nottingham Tel: 0115 853 3024 www.nottingham-arena.co.uk 23rd-24th October: Eddie Izzard Recently Eddie broke box office records; selling out a five week residency in London’s West End in under 48-hours. So you can be sure when he performs in Nottingham he will be the hottest performer in town.

Sands Venue, Gainsborough Tel: 01427 811118 www.the-sands.co.uk 17th October: Scott Bramley Trio Scott Bramley is an accomplished singer and pianist with a repertoire spanning eight decades.

Performing professionally since 2003, he has travelled the world playing on board cruise ships.

Scott also performs as a Solo Singer Pianist, leads The Scott Bramley Trio, and specialises in swing and jazz.

Stamford Arts Centre Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com 3rd-4th October: Uncompromising Genius Uncompromising genius, Euphoria, shattered illusions and the Emperor Napoleon.

Beethoven – Symphony No.3 Eroica. Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto.

Theatre Royal, Lincoln Tel: 01522 519999. www.theatreroyallincoln.co.uk.

2nd October: Vagina Monologues Vagina Monologues returns to Lincoln for a one off performance, with an all-star cast. Based on author Eve Ensler’s Interviews conducted with women all over the world.

The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.

Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

Fight in and around buildings or in the woods and undergrowth.

The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve.

Les Trois Mousquetaires at Grantham’s Guildhall Arts Centre.

Call 01529 46 99 77 or e-mail editor@lincolnshirepride.co.uk.

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk www.freefirezone.co.uk Designed by email: games@urbanassault.org.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk

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CASH IN THE ATTIC? CHILDREN GROW OUT OF TOYS SO QUICKLY, BUT THEIR VALUE REMAINS AND BYGONE TOYS ARE, POTENTIALLY, WORTH A GOOD DEAL OF MONEY TO HOMES WITH BOXES OF THE CHILDREN’S OLD PLAYTHINGS UP IN THE ATTIC, AS VALUER AND FAN, LINCOLN’S DENNIS ROSE, POINTED OUT RECENTLY It’s a fact of life that children go through toys at a rate of knots. As we approach Christmas time parents will be deluged with requests for this year’s must-have toy, and as they grow older, all of their old toys are consigned to an attic, left to gather dust until the inevitable pre-house move clear-out.

Enthusiasts like Dennis Rose, however, realise the value of older toys. From Dinky to Hornby, Matchbox to Corgi and even modern toys and collectables, enthusiasts are always keen to buy toys in good condition. As such, there could be considerable cash in the attic of your home, and a collector only too keen to free up some space in your home in return for cash.

“There are usually toys in general antiques sales, but occasionally we host dedicated toy sales, which are well-attended.” says valuer Dennis Rose of Thomas Mawer and Son of Lincoln. “The most sought-after are non play-worn pre-war examples with boxes - these can fetch hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds.”

The golden rule when assessing the value of toys in your attic, or purchasing children’s toys today, is to retain and keep packaging in good condition. Boxes increase the value of toys considerably, and whilst the majority of toys are play-worn, those that have been kept in mint condition with their boxes represent highly desirable examples.

International or rare toys are prized, and a general rule is that the older the toy, the more it’ll be worth. However, the market is awash with examples from common British names such as Dinky and Hornby too.

Dinky toys, for example, are divided into two categories; tin-plate, which generally originate from the pre-1950s era and include cars, aeroplanes and farm implements - the latter particularly in Lincolnshire.

Post-1950, toys tended to be die-cast, making them more durable, and therefore more common. Each Dinky

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is numbered, and therefore, early or rare product runs are much sought-after.

Hornby, is another name coveted by collectors. Boxes increase the value of the firm’s toys considerably.

The company which, incidentally, also made Meccano, first patented its design in 1920 and produced the first electric train in 1925. With the release of its double-0 gauge in 1938 and production continuing until 1964, these years represent the most desirable period for Hornby collectors, with special edition products particularly desirable.

Whilst names like Dinky and Hornby are the most desirable in the collectable toy market, even more modern examples of toys are potentially lucrative.

Matchbox and Corgi cars are popular in auction houses, and despite their plastic composition, newer toys such as Star Wars figures, Action Man toys and other such concessions from TV and cinema are also desirable to collectors, again, with the caveat that play-worn examples and those lacking boxes achieve less for owners in sale rooms.

“Even in an age of mass-produced toys the market is still there.” says Clinton Slingsby, auctioneer. “It’s definitely worth retaining boxes for toys, and if you’ve a box full of toys in the attic it’s worth having a peep to see if you’ve an example or two that would prove successful in the same room.”

The Portland Street company runs free valuation clinics each Friday from 9.30-12.00 and many of the county’s auction houses run similar schemes.

If you’ve toys in the attic then, potentially at least, you’ve cash in the attic too, and whilst your toys’ next owner may not appreciate them in the same way as the children used to, many sellers find it most rewarding that they’re still enjoyed and appreciated by collectors! n

Main: Antique toy fan and valuer Dennis Rose with a selection of Dinky and Hornby toys - cash in the attic for many households!

Above: Burgundy Hornby Train, circa 1965 and Working 1970s Scalextric complete with original box.

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Quality Ornamental Ironwork (DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL)

• Installation of Gates with Electric & Remote Control Operators • Gates & Railings • Handrails & Balustrade • Fencing • Security Bar / Roller Shutters • Decorative Garden Furniture • General Light Fabrication • Rose Arches & Pergolas • Staircases & Fire Escapes • Bespoke or Standard Designs in a Variety of Colour Finishes

01522 795000 www.lincolnmetalcraft.co.uk Unit 2, Branston Business Park, 115 Lincoln Road, Branston, Lincoln LN4 1NT

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Above: Leszek’s home town-inspired Andalucian castle.

PAINTING TO REMEMBER A POLISH-BORN LINCOLNSHIRE ARTIST IS THIS MONTH EXHIBITING HIS DISTINCTIVE WORK IN THE COUNTY TO REMEMBER HIS HOME COUNTRY AS A VIBRANT AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE, RATHER THAN A WAR-TORN, COUNTRY GRIPPED BY OPPRESSION Art can certainly touch lives, and we can think of no finer example of this than the bold, colourful work of Leszek Dabrowski whose work is this month on display in an exclusive Lincolnshire exhibition. Initial impressions of Leszek’s work reveal bold geometric lines, linear shapes and over-saturated colours, but the vibrancy of his work is designed to give an idealised and nostalgic impression of his hometown to those who have experienced war-torn Poland in its darkest era.

An allegorical response to the occupation of his home town, Leszek returned to his birthplace after fleeing with his mother in 1944. Today, the artist works from a studio in Boston overlooking vast, flat fields, a contemplative juxtaposition to the colourful, renaissance and hilly stylings of his subject matter. Leszek’s home town of Sandomierz is situated on the Vistula river, half-way between Warsaw and Krakow. It’s built on a hill and features at its centre a 14th century castle and renaissance style market square. Its buildings are also constructed in the renaissance style and beneath the town are labyrinths which, it was recently discovered, the low cream and yellow painted sandstone buildings are sinking into.

It’s a place of rich culture on a key east/west trade route, and would be considered beautiful but the town belies a sadder story which began when German forces occupied the town at the start of the Second World War. Leszek and his mother, then aged 24, were taken away from their home town to work in the Austrian munitions factories to produce shells for the ailing German forces.

Taking refuge in northern Italy in 1946, those who obeyed the propaganda and returned home were immediately arrested and sent to labour camps in Siberia, so Lezsek and his mother knew they could not return home and instead, came to Britain to be despatched via a clearing house in Dover, all over the UK. Whilst some were sent to Scotland, Manchester and London, Leszek and his mother were sent to Liverpool and Leszek was able to attend Liverpool’s Royal College of Art and Angela met Jerzy, who would become a father to Leszek. Missing John Lennon’s stint by just a year or so, Leszek initially won a place at Bootle Technical College and became greatly interested in Social History, but

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THE BOLD IMAGES FEATURE SATURATED COLOUR AND GEOMETRIC LINES, BUT THE PIECES ARE IDEALISED IMPRESSIONS OF HIS HOME TOWN. WITH THE UNDERLYING CONTEXT PROVIDING A POLITICAL AND SOCIAL JUSTIFICATION FOR THEIR BRILLIANCE AND COLOUR, IT’S EASY TO ADMIRE THE ARTIST’S WORK AS BOTH VISUALLY STUNNING AND HISTORICALLY POIGNANT

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Rob Davis, Leszek Dabrowski.

studied art too and was tipped by his teachers for a career in architecture until a summer vacation placement in the famous art school.

It was there he met Art History lecturer Nicholai Horsefield, whom he joined on a six week tour of Europe, during which he revisited his home town for the first time.

“It was a difficult time.” Says Leszek.

“This was my first time visiting my home town yet I was to find myself so underwhelmed.”

“My stepfather spoke of Poland with such passion yet I was disappointed. I had an idea that it would be as fantastic as it was in the pre-war days, but instead it was sad, and grey and Soviet occupied.”

Over 1,500 miles from Liverpool and with his parents’ accounts dashed Leszek began painting his home town in bright colours, as the place would have looked in the pre-war era.

Since then, Leszek has visited his hometown 15 times, both pre-communism and post-communism after its fall in 1988, and has staged exhibitions as part of a group of Polish artists under the name Bigos, in the late-1980s, which saw him take an exhibition of his paintings back to his home town as part of a touring exhibition.

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“Our first exhibition took place in the recently restored castle in the town, but it toured for a total of 18 months.

I was euphoric with the response. I wanted to show how beautiful the country used to be.” he says.

On New Year’s Eve 1974, Leszek moved to Lincolnshire and woke up in the country on 1st January 1975.

Since then the artist has been teaching in Grantham and Boston, eventually taking a job at St Bede’s School as head of art.

Finally retiring in 2002 upon reaching 60, the artist concentrates on producing his art from his studio in Boston, working entirely in oils to produce around 30 canvases each year. Leszek spends around 60 hours on each and has also visited places like Andalucia to gain additional inspiration for his landscapes.

Leszek’s work is best described as a stylised, surrealist representation of his home town, with a positivity and boldness. Seen independently of its personal historical context, they’re bold modern works that prove intriguing and distinctive, modern and vibrant.

However, with the underlying context providing a political and social justification for their brilliance and colour, it’s easy to admire the artist’s work as both visually stunning and historically poignant. n

Leszek will exhibit his work, particularly that inspired by his trips to Andalucia, throughout October at Sleaford’s Carre Gallery.

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A Des Res

for Shore

This month, a contemporary Des Res near Newark that’s perfect for those who enjoy messing about on the river...!

i Shores, near Newark

The Coach House, Carlton Scroop Owners: Jason Rawding and family.

Style: Modernist home with enviable riverside location and jetty.

Receptions: Three, currently arranged as Sitting Room, Dining Room, and Home Cinema Room.

Bedrooms: Four; master with en-suite, guest suite and two further bedrooms.

Other Features: Gym, jacuzzi room, study... and built-in fish tank!

Price: £1.25m (guide).

Agent: Savills of Nottingham.

Find Out More: 0115 934 8020 or see www.savills.com.

When asked why they chose to construct their own property, most people cite a desire to create a property that’s individual.

But whilst that was so in Jason Rawding’s case, the purpose was not only to create a truly unique contemporary dwelling, but to make the most of his superb riverside location too, upon which he created a stunning home for he and daughter Jade.

Jason comes from Newark originally, but has spend a good deal of his time living in both Newark and Lincoln, having completed an MBA at Nottingham University. Returning to Newark in 1997 and having set up his own telecommunications company, Jason created Teknovation, a company which invented and now sells upmarket automated shops, billed as ‘the world’s poshest vending machines’, which sell anything from cruise tickets to jewellery.

Having acquired the plot in 2002 and enlisted Lincoln’s John Roberts to design the property, Jason eventually moved in during Easter 2005 after a detailed planning processes, involving the Environment Agency, structural engineers and riverside engineer specialists!

The house is a technical tour de force – constructed 25% above flood danger levels with foundations 30ft deep.

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Shores is arranged over three floors, with a lower ground floor incorporating a home cinema, spa room and gym. Living accommodation overlooks the river on the upper ground floor which also has its own balcony and riverside jetty...

“The extended planning time, though frustrating, meant that there was the luxury of lots of time to carefully choose the finishes.” says Jason. “The curved ensuite wetroom with glass mosaic tiles; the cascading 30ft Swarovski chandelier with its suspended water drops effect, which was custom-designed for the entrance area, sunset wall etc... I was addicted to design magazines like ‘Wallpaper’ and even ‘Elle’ for inspiration!”

At first glance Shores, on the Trent, just outside Newark, is a modern family home in an enviable location, but examine the property in a little more detail and one quickly comes to realise that as well as looking stunning, it’s practical, environmentally friendly and blends perfectly with its location too. The property is arranged over three floors, with a home

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Main Image: The sitting room with raised kitchen diner.

Left: The plush kitchen and entrance hall with aquarium and contemporary Swarovski chandelier.

cinema room, gym and hot tub in the lower ground floor, a large sitting room, and kitchen diner designed by Richard Gadd of Branston on the ground floor, alongside a study and utility. Also on the upper ground floor is a balcony overlooking the river complete with fold-back doors to the drawing room, inset lighting, open fire, and jetty with boat mooring.

Upstairs, meanwhile, there are four bedrooms, of which the master has its own en-suite with Kohler sanitaryware and fullheight south-facing windows overlooking the river, with Juliet balcony and mezzanine to bedrooms two and four.

“It’s not to everyone’s tastes.” Says Jason.

“But I’m delighted by its style – and many more people love it than dislike it! Its contemporary style doesn’t appeal to all,

and the house’s 45° joint is unusual, but being located on a bend in the river, it makes the most of its position and ensures all of the main reception rooms are afforded a river view. It’s been designed to take advantage of the maximum amount of glass possible to really flood light into the main living rooms.”

The Shores is also a technically sophisticated home with full underfloor heating and air conditioning, plus a centralised entertainment system which stores and pipes music and home cinema around the house and integrates a £35,000 professional security and CCTV system. There’s also a computer network hard-wired into the house and full home cinema in the basement. However, in addition to the wealth of technology incorporated into the property, it’s also environmentally friendly,

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The kitchen is modern, yet attractive, with grey matte and frosted glass cupboards and enviable views over the large dining table and out over the river... the bathrooms, too, are sophisticated with waterblades and integrated lighting... with mature planting around the house, ecofriendly heat-reflecting glass and wood floors throughout made from reclaimed oak.

In addition the property also features a giant in-built two-tank aquarium between the sitting room and the entrance vestibule.

Cleverly, the round windows on either side of the aquarium channel plenty of light into the entrance vestibule, which is also illuminated by the light from the aquarium and the upper floor windows refracting off the contemporary Swarovski chandelier.

Outside the property is constructed of local limestone and red brick. Set in an acre and a half, it’s a stunning looking property but, more importantly, one that’s practical and works extremely well day-to-day as a brilliant family home. Having purchased extra grounds to the property, at a later date, the property is set in a secluded location, and features powered entrance gates and woodland driveway with plenty of parking and space to land pilot Jason’s helicopter.

Business interests abroad mean both Jason and Jade are looking for a property elsewhere, and as such, Jason has placed the property on the market with estate agency Savills of Nottingham for £1.25m, but having created his dream home, Jason is understandably reticent to leave.

“I’m increasingly working overseas so I’m not spending as much time in the property as I’d like to.” Says Jason. “But I’m going to be gutted to leave it. There’s no way I could recreate the house elsewhere… the house itself and its position is unique.” n

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i Inspired Buys King-Sided Bed, Bang & Olufson; boconcept.co.uk.

Driftwood sculpture

by Puji; £350; www.puji.com.

Copper Twig Bowl and Bugatti Kettle at John Lewis; £29 and £175 www.johnlewis.co.uk.

Chaise: £548 Sheer Home www.sheerhome.co.uk.

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Elaborate range of kitchens and cookers...

The Stables • Market Stainton • Nr. Horncastle/Louth • Lincolnshire

Tel: 01507 343543 www.habitkitchens.co.uk

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BESPOKE KITCHENS Manufactured to last and designed to impress...

Intone Designs Cherryholt Road, Bourne, PE10 9LA

01778 393160 www.intonedesign.co.uk Established 26 Years • Family Run Business 44

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Home Work To work from home or manage your affairs more effectively, a dedicated study is essential...

BUILT IN AND BESPOKE

FREE-STANDING MODERN HOME OFFICE

Clive Christian’s elegant hand-crafted walnut home office features a beautifully carved leather-top desk, built in glass shelving and carved fire surround. Shown here with architectural carving and bookshelves to create the last word in luxury when seeking to create a comfortably appointed library.

Created by Halo and available from Cammacks of Boston, Trunk is a square buffalo leather home office set that’s elegant and modern, free-standing and practical. Ideal for smaller homes or those seeking both office and reception room furniture, it’s a comfortable, modern solution that’s also practical.

RECEPTION ROOM STUDY

BUILT IN AND CUSTOMISABLE

Baker’s Bill Sofield collection is elegantly styled to resemble living room furniture rather than home office furnishing. It’s a comfortable attractive solution with clean modernist lines and occasional Bauhaus hints. Chairs, Ottomans and sideboards also available.

Available from Bourne’s AP Homestyle, Roma, shown here in Cognac is modular home furniture that can be built in and entirely customised to suit your needs. An ideal range to meet the compromise between more expensive bespoke furnishings and hard-wearing, practical home office installations.

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THE HOME OFFICE Creating a practical home office means ensuring plenty of storage, space for modern office equipment and a comfortable working environment The Dramatic Upsurge in Home Working Better motorways, working via broadband, international trading... business has changed dramatically over the past decade or so, with more and more working from home, especially those in senior positions.

Creating a perfect study is essential but in most homes, dedicated studies are far too small, so making the most of available space is essential.

MODULAR SOLUTION FOR A HOME OFFICE AP Homestyle’s Milano, shown here in Cognac, is free-standing and modular, enabling you to customise your storage solutions to suit. Plenty of space to keep computer systems off the floor and dust-free, plus room for filing and storage with a variety of free-standing and wall-mounted cupboards.

Making the most of your space Built-in studies make the most of your room, providing ample opportunity to store items from floor to ceiling. Often, these create custom spaces for computer CPUs, printers, and for cabinets which have dedicated hanging file systems and pull-out drawers for extra work space.

Enlisting an expert Because each study is different, because space is often at a premium, and because making the most of available room and light really can make the difference between a productive study and a claustrophobic prison, it’s best to enlist an expert when creating your study.

One-stop Solutions Companies like Bourne’s AP Homestyle (01778 424200), specialise in the design, supply and installation of high-quality bespoke home office solutions and tailor-made fitted office furniture, that will not only provide a comfortable working environment but will also blend in with the existing style of your home.

The company’s dedicated design team will ensure your office solution is tailored to your needs and requirements and crafted from the highest quality materials.

Skilled craftsmen and installations team then carry out the installation paying attention to each and every detail to ensure complete satisfaction.

Easy-Peasy IT Another space saver for your study is a dedicated multi-function printer. Incorporating a fax, printer and copier will ensure you never lack the facilities of a dedicated office, and that you can keep in touch with colleagues around the world.

Companies like Grantham’s Fovia (01476 578111) and Boston’s Woodco (01205 355454) can rent equipment suitable for home offices and install these for a hassle-free IT.

SPACE SAVING SPARE ROOM Borrowing from an American idea of the pull-down bed, AP Homestyle says even the smallest room can function as an office and bedroom, with this neat solution. Available in a variety of colours and styles, built in with plenty of configurations and units available.

Health and Safety Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a comfortable chair to finish off your working environment. If you’re working late when already fatigued, it’s even more important to have a serviceable and supportive office chair - it’s essential for creating an ergonomically sound working environment. n For stockists and suppliers see our Directory on page 160.

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Colin Luesby i n t e r i o r s Established 1960

Kitchens • Bedrooms • Bathrooms Personal service from conception to completion.

Market Place, Swineshead, Boston, Lincs PE20 3LJ Tel: 01205 820215 www.colinluesby.com

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Fine Dining Rooms Make your seasonal dinner parties extra special this year with a beautiful new dining suite

CHUNKY, FAMILY FRIENDLY DINING

BEAUTIFUL CASUAL DINING ROOM

Halo’s Soho chairs are available in Mocha, Choco Lush and Vintage Cigar - light, dark and very dark. Available as ladder back or roll back and with various sizes of Antibes dining tables with a finish to match, the range is perfect for large casual dining rooms and will take plenty of family punishment.

Chris Sharp Cabinets of Scampton has created this casual dining room, ideal for formal dining in smaller properties too. Available in cherry, walnut or oak, the range is available with Lincolnshiremade Lloyd Loom furniture too. The maker’s logo is laser etched into each piece, making them the antiques of the future.

NIGHTS AT THE ROUND TABLE

EXTENDING SUITE FOR VERSATILE DINING

Clive Christian’s gilt leaf wood and suede round table features golden beading and plus chunky panelled centre and oversized claw feet. For a sumptuous formal dining room it’s perfect, especially in older homes when combined with rich period colours such as dark mustard and rich burgundy.

New England from Oldrids. Shown here is an extending table suite in golden oak finish with six bi-cast leather chairs for extra versatility and family-friendly flexibility - table extends to a superb 2,300mm, ensuring plenty of room for your Christmas spread.

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LARGE, LIGHT AND MODERN

LUXURIOUS WALNUT DINING SUITE

Seen here is Richmond, made exclusively for Oldrids by Wood Bros. In a light oak finish it’s shown here as a 2,210mm table with four chairs and two carvers. Ideal for barn conversions with light and airy proportions, shown here with rollback chairs for extra comfort and support.

Clive Christian’s Classic Regency room set shows a dark walnut table with matching fire surround and tallboys, plus gold-edged dining chairs. Ideal for larger formal dining rooms in matching regency colour schemes for the last word in luxury when entertaining guests this season.

TRADITIONAL NEUTRAL CHARM

ELEGANT FORMAL DINING FOR GEORGIAN HOMES

Manhattan is Oldrids’s compact dining set in Rich Oak finish with four slat back chairs shown here in chocolate and white. Chunkier and more formal than the retailer’s New England suite shown opposite, it’s ideal for smaller formal dining rooms in new properties.

Shown here is Baker’s Jaques Garcia with elegantly lacquered burr walnut finish and velour and silk seat cushions. Elegantly sculpted to provide support and neatly crafted with sweeping lines.

For stockists and suppliers see our Directory on page 160.

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The New Comfort Studio Collection Now on show at Bostons Premier furniture store

Cammacks MAIN STORE, WIDE BARGATE, BOSTON, LINCOLNSHIRE PE21 6RU

TEL: 01205 362300 www.cammacks.co.uk

FREE PA R K I N G BEHIND THE STORE ON S U N D AY S O N LY

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The Heart of the Home A perfect kitchen is more than just cabinets, worktops and appliances.

It’s a room that reflects your personality and lifestyle - a living room, in fact.

We at The Lincolnshire Kitchen Company pride ourselves on quality and value for money.

We offer over 20 years of kitchen experience to our customers.

Why not call into our Lincoln or Kirton showrooms.

For the complete service: Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms • Quality & value for money • Free quotation and design service • All major brands of appliances available

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF QUALITY & VALUE

MARKET PLACE KIRTON IN LINDSEY TEL: 01652 640780

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84 HIGH STREET LINCOLN TEL: 01522 533051

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Unsurpassed Quality, Affordable Craftsmanship Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms - full project management and free quotations

Peter Jackson Cabinet Makers Ltd Devereux Way, Horncastle LN9 6AU

Tel: 01507 527113 Web: www.peterjacksoncabinetmakers.co.uk

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Fruit & Fibres This month Paul Gray, Head Gardener of Spilsby’s Gunby Hall faces a history mystery with foreign features that have been transplanted into Tennyson’s ancient haunt of peace.

It’s almost enough to distract him from the business of apple picking and lawn maintenance as winter approaches...

Words & Images: Paul Gray and Rob Davis.

Working, as I do, at an historic National Trust property there is no wonder that I have a deep interest in history. Also like most people, I am intrigued by a mystery.

We have at Gunby some lovely photographs taken in the late 19th century, some which show the formal front to the hall just after it was planted around 1896.

This area is planted with yew hedges enclosing two bowling areas, a York-stone path leading down the middle which is skirted by four beds and four outer beds planted with lavenders.

Central to the whole building is a sundial on a stone plinth. On the sundial face is engraved the legend ‘baluster from Old Kew Bridge built 1789 demolished 1899’. Often I had wondered about this...

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How does a stone bridge baluster from Kew, in London, came to rest in the gardens at Gunby?

I had driven over Kew Bridge but only the more modern iron structure built in 1903. Whilst on a shopping trip to Leeds I escaped and visited the city’s art gallery. Imagine my excitement when I spied a painting entitled ‘Old Kew Bridge’.

Looking at the detail it was easy to make out the white stone balusters which were exactly as the one under our sundial. I talked to the curator and asked for permission to photograph the painting and was later able to pick out the detail on my computer.

I did some research and found that the Old Kew Bridge in the painting was the second on the site built in 1789 and replaced in 1898 by a temporary bridge until the present one was completed. From the painting I guess there were a hundred or so balusters. Perhaps some Victorian entrepreneur had purchased them all to make into sundials. Are there perhaps others in similar gardens or was ours a one off made as a gift?

I will continue to research and perhaps one day might know the full answer. Unless, that is, any Pride reader can shed some light (If so, email editor@lincolnshirepride.co.uk)?

How, I wondered, does a baluster

from Kew in London come to reside in Lincolnshire...? It was time to conduct some serious research!

Take Five: Jobs for October 1. Pick main crop apples to store through winter.

Store in a cool dry place.

2. Plant tulips late in the month for spring display.

3. Replace summer bedding plants with wallflowers.

4. Take the chance to incorporate well-rotted manure when forking over beds and borders.

5. Clean and oil steel tools to keep them shiny over winter.

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The Gardener’s Diary 4th Oct: Chapel Street, Haconby, Bourne Cottage garden overflowing with plants for year-round interest. Small walled garden with a paved area, a pool, a large alpine planted area and intensively planted beds and borders. Sunlight and shade provide conditions for a year-long flow of foliage and flowers.

4th Oct: Saxilby Road, Sturton by Stow Extensively cultivated plot planted in a cottage garden style and mainly devoted to autumn flowering perennials and late season grasses. Shrub borders with some unusual shrubs and small trees chosen to give early interest in leaf colour and shape and to produce good autumn colour.

B1241, between Lincoln and Gainsborough.

11th Oct: Gunby Hall Apple Day Touch taste and smell Paul Gray and team’s superb selection of apples from the orchards of Tennyson’s ancient haunt of peace. Spilsby, Lincs; 07870 758876.

OCTOBER IN THE GARDEN - IN BRIEF Plant of the Month: Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ Monkshood Monkshood are wonderful old-fashioned perennials, perfectly suited for large border plantings. This late-flowering selection has incredible, tall spikes of deep violet-blue, a total surprise when they appear in mid-autumn. Plants prefer a site that will not dry out in summer, away from thirsty tree roots. NB: Toxic if eaten, harmful via skin.

The Kitchen Garden Harvest root veg like carrots, parsnips and potatoes. Plant garlic and onion sets.

Watch Out For...

Keep lawns free of fallen leaves, which can be a both habitat and food for pests.

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Rake lawns this month to remove moss and thatch. A light dressing of

manure or riddled soil will benefit lawns too. After a good rain these will soak in and constitute a good, slow-release feed, thickening grass and improving its condition prior to winter October is a great month to be gathering fruit.

Main crop apples can be picked to store.

for caterpillars. They can be squashed by hand or swept into a plastic bag to dispose of.

Try to pick on a dry day and be careful; any dropped or knocked apples will bruise and soon cause others to rot. Use such specimens as soon as possible as with windfalls. Good apples should be placed upside down on trays and stored in a cool (but frost-free) shed or outhouse.

Remove yellowing leaves and give a last feed of nitrogen for strong healthy sprouts in season.

Taller plants benefit from having soil drawn up to the base to keep them firm in the winter winds.

Keep checking on a weekly basis to remove any which start to deteriorate and you will have fresh apples right until May of next year.

Do be careful of wasps when picking fruit, they are drowsy, often a little drunk and will sting for no apparent reason.

If you are planting spring bedding displays of wallflowers, cheiranthus, tulips or bellis, late October is the ideal time to plant these from nursery beds, purchased plants or bulbs.

If you are replacing summer bedding displays it is an ideal time to incorporate some well-rotted compost or manure as you fork over the land before re-planting. Firm the plants in and water well. They will soon establish.

Where there has been compaction of grass, in places like gateways or grass paths, use a fork to aerate and lift.

It’s an ideal By so doing grass will quickly time to incorporate respond and bare patches fill in.

Avoid chemical feeds at this time some well-rotted of the year, as you do not want compost of mature lush growth which will damage when frosts arrive.

into your garden.

Fork-in and water well.

Tulip bulbs should be planted about three times their own depth. Watch out for squirrels, pheasants and mice, all of which see tulips as an expensive meal!

If planting the same kind of plants in tubs or pots, place the tub in the shade for a week or so until the plants are well rooted. Move into final position after, as too much autumn sunshine might dry them out before they get established.

At the end of the month brussel sprouts and sprouting broccoli are growing strongly. Watch out

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Rake lawns to remove moss and thatch. A light top dressing of well-rotted manure or riddled soil will benefit lawns at this time of year. Spread evenly and rake well in. After a good rain this will wash down and feed in a slow release way to thicken lawns prior to winter.

If you have made your own compost heap or bin now is a good time to spread the rotted material on bare ground to dig in over winter.

Prune, Plant and Pick...

Prune Plum & peach tree pruning must be completed before the end of October to avoid silver leaf disease.

Pick

Home made compost is usually more important for its soil improving properties than available plant nutrients but what it contains is released slowly, which is highly beneficial.

Pears for storage.

Once in store examine regularly and use before they go wizened.

Do not use compost if it’s not well-rotted as fresh compost actually takes nutrients out of the ground as it breaks down. Well rotted compost is a uniform brown colour and should smell earthy not sour.

Plant

I hope you can visit Gunby gardens for our Apple Sunday on October 11th, generally regarded as one of the best events in the Gunby Hall calendar!

Do come and say hello. Happy gardening! n

Herbs. Woody perennials like rosemary, lavender and hyssop will quickly establish.

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THE FIVE MINUTE GUIDE TO...

Choosing the Right Tools

A friend for life...

Every year new gadgets, gizmos and tools come onto the market promising labour saving, garden grooming assistance for the over-burdened gardener. Yet, a sturdy fork & spade and a few hand tools are habitually the gardener’s best friend - and they don’t require miles of extension lead or constant topping up with petrol.

Choose your weapon Spading forks are the main stay of your garden armoury, and perform a multitude of garden tasks.

They’re used when breaking up heavy soil clods and are invaluable when weeding large areas where there is no danger of injuring the roots of desirable plants.

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Square-edged spades are also essential for moving soil manure and compost. A hand trowel and fork are also constant companions throughout the year.

Inspired Buys: Ready for Autumn

A good workman cares for his tools When purchasing new gardening tools, you will more than likely have a choice of low price/low quality or higher priced/high quality tools.

Quality tools are designed to last many years, but they must be cared for and maintained - if you do so, they’re worth the extra investment.

William Morris daisy secateurs £16.95 www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.

Sow ‘n’ Grow gift set for marking out beds www.dotcomgiftshop.com. Folk Fabric gardening bag and gloves £12.99 and £6.99 The Contemporary Home www.tch.net. And finally; Warley enamel mug and teapot - the sturdy way to enjoy an al-fresco tea-break £3.99 and £21.99, The Contemporary Home www.tch.net.

Always remove all of the soil from your digging tools after each use and never put your tools away wet. Allow them to dry completely before storing to prevent rusting and handle rot. After each garden season, rub linseed oil into your wooden handles to help preserve them. After each use, wipe the metal parts of pruners, shears, and loppers with an oily rag. Alternately, you can wipe your tools dry with a clean rag, and then spray lightly with a penetrating oil such as WD40®.

Thoroughly clean any tools which have been used for chemical applications. Fertilizers and other chemicals will rapidly corrode any metal parts.

For extra rust prevention, fill a bucket with builders sand and new motor oil. Use this as a shovel cleaner/oiler each time you put your tools away.

Push each tool into the oily sand several times.

You can also use this bucket as a stand. n

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE BESPOKE WAY TO A

BEAUTIFUL HOME FAMILY JOINERY FIRM MG DALES IS STILL THRIVING AFTER MORE THAN 40 YEARS. THE FIRM SPECIALISES IN LISTED PROPERTIES AND LUXURY HOMES, NO JOB IS TOO MODEST… BUT NO JOB IS TOO SPECIALISED EITHER…!

For MG Dales’s new MD Christian Dales and Manager Rob Wright, the mission statement is simple - Create beautiful joinery items that are impeccably crafted, with service to match to ensure the business’s reputation continues to thrive throughout Lincolnshire.

No two days are the same for the architectural joiners, who work on both domestic and commercial commissions, from single pieces to complete homes, with budgets from just a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands of pounds.

Taking over the business earlier in 2009 from father Dickie, Christian leads an 11-strong team of experts from a purpose-built 10,000sq ft workshop with the latest equipment, and personally oversees the architectural design and drawing of each project to ensure customers are happy.

Says Christian; “What’s important to us is that our staff are really well trained and take pride in their work, that each piece is hand-finished and that our joinery items are custom-designed to ensure our customers are delighted with everything we do for them.”

The team has a combined 200 years experience and offers a full fitting service. MG Dales can also undertake renovation work on existing buildings or rooms, and has a multitude of experience working to create the interiors of day spas and shop fronts as well as kitchens from £15,000 to £60,000 and complex curved staircases for period homes.

Demonstrating their insistence on customer satisfaction, the company enjoys plenty of repeat

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business and wins a great deal of business on the strength of word-of-mouth.

Their work includes kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, studies and living rooms, staircases and exterior architecture from doors and windows to shop fronts.

Working in timbers including mahogany, walnut, oak and wenge, and providing a full project management service including building works, plumbing & electrical works, MG Dales still makes every effort to ensure it provides customer satisfaction, as well as stunning joinery.

“We really love what we do. We’re passionate about quality and insist that every job we install maintains our reputation.” says Christian.

Over 40 years after its creation, the company’s reputation is impeccable, its joinery is beautiful and, most importantly, its ethos remains firmly intact, making MG Dales the county’s trusted family firm for beautiful, well-made joinery items. n MG Dales is based on Sharpe’s Lane, Leverton. Call 01205 760275 or see www.dalesjoinery.co.uk for more information.

Images: Rob Wright and Christian Dales, with two of their bespoke commissions.

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Professional Equipment for the Professional and Domestic Customer

01526 860060 01205 870011 Main Street, North Kyme, Lincoln LN4 4DF

Main Road, Wrangle PE22 9AX

Web: www.burdens.com. Email: sales@burdens.com.

SALES • SERVICE • AFTERCARE • HIRE 61

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LincolnshirePride’s Kitchen Garden

Month

2

Rosemary & Time In the second of our visits to the Lincolnshire Pride kitchen garden, Lorraine Bellis of kitchen garden consultancy Bellis Perennis introduces the newest residents of her kitchen garden, a flock of Rhode Island Red hens, who, the gardener hopes, will keep her company during the renovation of her new three acre plot Welcome back to Lincolnshire Pride’s kitchen garden, owned and run by Lorraine Bellis of Bellis Perennis. The gardener aims to show how creating a kitchen garden is easier than you think, as long as you box clever and keep on top of the task in hand.

their henhouse to scratch and forage in the beds around the cottage.

The flower beds are full of traditional cottage garden plants and there are apple trees as well as shrubs to entertain them and I do not expect they can do too much damage there either. If they prove an environmentally and ethically sound way of keeping the slugs and snails down as I am assured they will, we shall all be happy!

Rare as Hens’ Teeth What an incredible second month it’s been!

I feel I have begun to really get to know my new plot; I can really visualise the way some areas are going to work in the Month two in ‘The girls’ get up around 7.30am, future. The area where the so I go down to their enclosure polytunnel now stands is a lovely Lincolnshire Pride’s and let them out and give them spot for sitting in during the their breakfast. Now they have Kitchen Garden, owned afternoon (when one has the come to know my voice, they time!) and absorb the and maintained by respond to my greetings with surroundings; the trees... how lots of clucking and wing great it feels to be here... the gardening instructor stretching. During the day I can’t hens. That’s right hens; I have resist visiting them, they’re still Lorraine Bellis the first members of my flock, something of a novelty, and I three Rhode Island Reds, ‘gifted’ to usually treat them to something in the me by a friend. They are around 18 afternoon... so far, I have discovered they months old. They’ve settled into their new adore whole-wheat pasta and peas! Around home very happily and we are getting to know sunset, they put themselves to bed. As I go each other at the moment! down to ‘tuck them in’ there isn’t a peep, or should that be cluck...?

Mabel, Honey and Georgie (as named by my friend’s daughter) have moved into a very Making Beds desirable residence built for 8 – 12, so have Elsewhere, the kitchen garden clearance is plenty of room to stretch their wings and coming along well. I don’t want to walk on my scratch around. Little do they know that we newly created vegetable beds, as this will are planning to create a right of access from

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Lorraine has already established her kitchen garden beds and has so far enjoyed plenty of soft fruits from her new garden!

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LincolnshirePride’s Kitchen Garden

Month

2 Winter is a great season for keeping your garden tidy, having only

just moved in, and having already renovated and set up her kitchen garden, Lorraine can now turn her attention to the rest of her plot, which means plenty of clearing and preparation ready for next season... compact the ground that I am lovingly aerating and feeding. I’m setting out paths around my 1.5 metre beds. This size makes it possible to reach the middle of each bed from a path without ruining my nicely conditioned soil.

currently inhabits also houses the raspberry bushes; I can see why they have been so productive. When we moved in, there were so many being produced from three plants that we ate raspberries every night.

By creating beds, I can ensure that the crops I grow are rotated each year, and making sure they’re separate will help with disease and pest control.

My favourite recipe is: fresh raspberries, a little icing sugar to taste, a splash of Cassis, broken Amaretti biscuits. Marinate for an hour or so in the fridge and then serve in glasses with cream or ice cream or chilled vanilla custard.

The layout I choose will be in place for quite some time, so, naturally it hasn’t been the first layout that I have chosen – in fact I’m about to move the string and canes around again before I commit!

Harvest Time...

The autumn harvest is now underway and this has been the biggest wake-up call for me this As the kitchen garden is so close to the month. I know that there is a lot of work house and clearly visible, I hope to ahead to create the productive garden include some flowers for cutting in This month here that I would like and I am under the plan, to give the whole area a no illusion that it will be quite some Lorraine has had real cottage feel. time before I can say that we have the first rewards from really begun to make our mark, Nurturing Nature but I had forgotten to account for We do have a new member of our her kitchen garden, the time needed to devote to community here – a mole. I have harvesting and using apples and damsons that are now seen him, and I do see evidence of ready for harvesting in this month’s soft fruits to his handiwork as he creates new schedule! mole hills. So far, he hasn’t caused make jam! any damage and I am happy to report Jam & Jerusalem that we are living alongside each other.

Needless to say I have been on a crash In the flowerbed behind the small pond, I have discovered a huge crop of Comfrey, it has become so established that I have cut one clump down twice in the last month. Comfrey is a great plant for organic gardening. It can be used to create a plant food, if it is added to water and left to brew the resulting liquid can be diluted into the watering routine of plants. Bees love the pretty lilac flowers too.

course of jam/chutney and preserve making.

Glass jars are now coveted items in my household; I had no idea how much jam three kilos of damsons would make or how long it would take to make it – until now! The old preserving pan I bought for a few pounds at an auction has come into its own this month. To think I was planning to plant it up with herbs.

I used Comfrey tea a lot in my last garden, as pots were the main method of production. It can be added to the compost heap, it speeds up heating and decomposition, in fact the clump that I cut down, has been used in this way, as I am creating quite a sizeable compost heap here. The bed that it

Coming Up As winter approaches, Lorraine has established her beds, established her hen houses, and begun to clear the area where her polytunnel will be situated.

Next on her to-do list is to get a head start on next spring by sowing crops under plastic. n

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Jobs for October Site Clearance Over the winter, Lorraine will clear and renovate the area currently taken up by the old pond.

Relocation Lorraine will now need to relocate her polytunnel ready to begin planting next season’s crops under plastic.

Composting Invaluable natural feed, Lorraine is making a concerted effort to compost as much natural material as possible.

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FIVE MINUTE FACTS CREATING A HERB GARDEN

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme...

Every kitchen garden should include a herb bed or garden – depending on the room you have available and of course if you don’t have the luxury of the space, then herbs love to grow in pots and look wonderful placed on a patio outside a kitchen window. Here at Damson Cottage, I have chosen an area just inside the kitchen garden gate.

I had some mature plants in pots and have used them to create the structure of the layout. These include Lavender, Bay and Rosemary. I have also planted a Monarda (bergamot) as I feel it will add colour and interest to the bed in the summer.

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Tips for Growing Herbs Many herbs prefer a sunny location, making pots of herbs ideal for your terrace. Ensure there’s at least six hours of sunlight where you situate yours.

The Lincolnshire Pride Kitchen Garden Plot size two acres.

East-facing, with loam/sand soil.

1.

2.

5.

3.

6.

10.

4.

7.

11.

8.

12.

9.

1. Pig Arks: Lorraine will house pigs to produce natural fertiliser.

2. Pond: Presently derelict but due to be reinstated to attract wildlife.

3. Polytunnel: Essential for a ‘head start’ when growing all year round.

4. Compost Heap: Producing rich, high-grade fertiliser all year round.

5. Plot: Currently a mound of earth

from when pond was dug out.

Will contain fruit trees.

6. Hen Houses.

7/8. Lawned Area/Cottage Garden.

9. Trees: Leylandii providing shelter.

10. Garage and hard-standing.

11. Kitchen Garden: Four 2m2 beds and additional strips for vegetables.

Map not to scale.

12. Patio & Pond.

Most need to be well-drained, so opt for light soil, with gravel at the bottom of each container. Herbs shouldn’t need feeding, in fact, some fertilisers can impair flavours - nitrogen-based feeds on Basil, for example. Harvest your herbs regularly to ensure your pots don’t find themselves short on resources like light and water.

Finally, consider planting companion plants - garlic & rose and basil & tomato, for example, enjoy symbiotic relationships and can help each other to grow healthier alongside one another.

Bellis Perennis...

In addition to lecturing at Riseholme, Lorraine also runs Bellis Perennis, a business aimed at introducing people to kitchen gardening.

A professional kitchen garden consultant, Lorraine visits clients’ gardens to advise and set up anything from free-standing pots and planters to full kitchen gardens.

Once established, Lorraine can visit frequently to assist clients in maintaining their kitchen garden, or can leave instructions and allow clients to manage their own plot.

For more information call 07841 372 118 or see www.bellisperennis.co.uk.

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FARMING MATTERS For Lincolnshire farmers last month, there were no cereal killers at work as a changeable harvest nonetheless yielded a good crop.

Lincolnshire Farmers were far more fortunate with their cereal harvest than those in the South and West of the country recently, who were still struggling with wet conditions that ran into September.

Most Lincolnshire growers had finished by the end of August with relatively good yields and little or no drying costs. Yields were above average on the good soils and dropped away on the thinner lighter soils. At present growers are more concerned with the prices and at today’s price of around £100/tonne they would probably not be covering their costs.

One can only hope that this will increase in the coming months.

It has recently been announced that there has been a drought in India which surprisingly is one of the largest growers and consumers of wheat in the world. There is no doubt that with the large combine harvesters that are now available, most can cover over 100 acres in a long day, the cereal harvest is not such a long and demanding job as it was. Probably the biggest problem is dealing with the greater amount of grain arriving at the store.

Sugar Beet harvesting is due to start in the third week in September when the factories at Newark and Wissington open.

Crops look to have recovered well and with modern-day fungicides they have kept their greenness and hopefully their yield of sugar.

Several meeting shave been held with the British Sugar Corporation regarding prices for the 2010 crop with considerable disappointment of their offer of £1 less than in 2009. One finds it hard to understand their attitude with world sugar prices at record levels. Let us hope that a suitable price structure can be found so that this reliable and consistent crop can be continued to be grown in Lincolnshire.

The vining pea harvest has been reasonably successful with most contract tonnage achieved at reasonable prices. Fluctuation in the weather conditions meant that between 8-10% of the crop was by-passed. Fortunately most of this was harvested dry and is being tested for seed for next years crop. Processors, as per usual, looking for reduced contract prices for 2010.

Vegetable prices have been very varied this year, this has been due to the erratic supply of produce, caused mainly by the weather conditions during the growing period. One gets the impression of reduced acreage being grown but there always seems to be an ample supply on the supermarket shelves.

Livestock demand has kept up well through the year so far and exports of beef and sheep meat have increased strongly with the weakness of sterling being the principal driver.

As usual the weather is a critical factor for Lincolnshire farmers and this is an important months for potato lifting, sugar beet harvesting and sowing winter wheat.

Let us all hope that conditions remain good whilst these jobs take place! n Read Barry’s Farming Matters column each month only in Lincolnshire Pride.

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M oving Experience...

Your

With hunting season just around the corner, now’s the time to think about ways to transport your four-legged friend in safety, says Emily Casswell

With people cutting down on costs the equine transport market has been flooded with second-hand horse trailers and lorries.

It’s easy to be too keen to spot a bargain when buying a vehicle you might not drive every week, but doing so can be a false economy. The safe transport of your horse will ensure not just his welfare but that of yourself and other road users too.

But on the other hand because of that, anything over 7.5 tonnes will be relatively cheap since the market is limited to those with HGV licences.

All trailers are security marked by the Lincolnshire company EquiShuttle manufacturer and given a unique serial specialises in compact coachbuilt number, which can be used to confirm the horseboxes which can be driven on a trailer’s age and identity. If you’re having standard license, are smaller, and as such, trouble locating the security mark, contact more economical, not to mention easier to the manufacturer and they should tell manoeuver and park. you. If you find a security mark that Be wary of horseboxes which The safe has been tampered with or have been used once and removed don’t buy the trailer transport of your forgotten in a shed as it is likely to be stolen. somewhere. The market is horse will ensure not Always ask to view the horse littered with such examples, trailer at the seller’s just his welfare, but that which haven’t been used... premises rather than in a or maintained. of his owners, and public place like a car-park.

Always take it for a test drive.

And make sure that they have other road users Make sure you listen for any proof of ownership. rattles which make you uneasy too...

If you are buying a horsebox don’t and ask about them. As soon as be concerned with a high mileage. It is you finish driving, jump out and check not uncommon for trucks to cover more the wheel hubs, because if they’re hot this than several hundred thousand miles could indicate that the bearings are failing, without needing an overhaul. and they can be expensive to replace.

Bigger is not always better with horseboxes.

Smaller lorries are often cheaper to run and easier to store. Furthermore, because they are smaller they can be driven by anyone who passed their driving test after 1997.

Most importantly, use your common sense.

If you’re not 100% happy with the product don’t do it, there are plenty more vehicles out there which will get your horse from A to B whilst avoiding trouble. n

3 OF THE BEST...

JACKETS 1.

Barbour Beaufort wool jacket, £225.

2.

Barbour Utility Jacket, £248.

3. Sasta Hunta, £125.

Available from Sheepgate Equestrian.

See our Directory on page 160 for more information.

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Shaping up your business: Tim Godson of Duncan & Toplis. Samantha Lakin of SalesLadder.

Steve Royle of Eternal Growth, Simon Beardsley of Lincolnshire’s Chamber of Commerce.

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Shape Up

Your Business

Growth figures from the ONS are expected to show that the recession is now over... but this is no time for complacency. Now’s the time to exercise your business skills and shape up your company to ensure a healthy period of post-recession growth.

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Doom and gloom, businesses suffering, redundancies and cutbacks... all that’s over now, as the UK is forecast to emerge from the recession towards the end of the year.

Whilst breathing a sigh of relief, however, now is not the time to become too relaxed...

Lincolnshire’s leading business advisors all agree that now is the time to capitalise on the recovery by taking steps to shape up your business just in time for improved economic conditions.

As such, we’ve asked leading businesspeople to provide us with their tips for ensuring a healthier business in 2010... improved profitability, better cash flow, increased sales and a more secure future are all the hallmarks of a successful business, which is just what our tips are designed to facilitate. n Heavyweight Planning will give your business a lift, says Tim Godson of Accountants and Business Advisors Duncan & Toplis...

“A Goal without planning is a wish.” so said Antoine de Saint-Exupery, 1900 – 1944.

It has been a challenging twelve months for a significant number of businesses in Lincolnshire, but there now seems to be some increasing optimism for the future and the more astute business owner should be turning their attention on how best to make the most of these opportunities. Regardless of size of business,

the development of a strategic plan is essential.

In its simplest form, this involves answering three basic questions: Where are we? Where do we want to be and how do we get there?

Consideration should be given to external drivers such as demand for a product or service and potential cost pressures - not just in terms of profitability, but anticipating cash flow slumps too. It should also identify realistic goals and the resources needed to facilitate them: the launching of a new product or service, increasing customer base etc.

Duncan & Toplis provides practical advice in producing a strategic plan as well as challenging the objectives that have been set. We are able to ‘stress test’ financials, uncover causes of difficulties, create projections and produce ‘what if’ scenarios, and set financial objectives to illustrate what strategy changes will be needed in order to meet those objectives. n Boxing Clever can really improve your sales figures, says Samantha Lakin of lead generation and marketing specialist SalesLadder...

All businesses need customers regardless of their sector, but identifying, contacting, and closing new clients takes time and resources.

That’s why the services of a dedicated sales generation team - one that can also provide sales consultancy and training to improve your

Shaping-up your business

means taking advantage of better economic conditions to secure a stronger future during a post-recovery growth period...

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Business

Networking is a necessary

business skill - being an extrovert can go a long way to ensuring your business gets the recognition it deserves...

existing business development infrastructure is invaluable.

SalesLadder’s sole aim is to generate new business for your company, which in turn is imperative for cash flow and, ultimately, profitability. Sales relies on proactivity, not reactivity – waiting for customers to come to you is futile compared to seeking out new business opportunities.

To really improve sales, identify your ideal target market; ensure you have enough potential clients to call or meet, ensure you know how and with what message you’ll contact them, and ensure you have the in-house or outsourced means to ensure a constant supply of new business.

Many firms think their products or services apply to ‘everyone’ and spend too much money marketing to too wide a spectrum of people. We help companies reach a specific target audience, ensuring they spend their marketing budget more effectively. We can then target these with a lead generation process - this means we do the ground work; speaking to potential clients in order to provide qualified sales opportunities with businesses willing to discuss your products or services further.

We’ve a range of clients who have insufficient time or resources to carry out the certain parts of the sales process and we also work with in-house sales teams or larger businesses with dedicated sales staff to develop their skills and sales strategies.

Caroline Cropley of Chattertons Solicitors.

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A completely flexible and transparent outsource option to help businesses improve their sales, SalesLadder provides the necessary skills and training to knockout your competitors with round after round of qualified business leads.

n Healthy workforces don’t feel overstretched, says Steve Royle of Eternal Growth of Lincoln...

Healthy employees are happy employees, and especially for those with stressful occupations, maintaining good mental and physical health is the best way of ensuring this health proliferates through your business too.

Plenty of sleep, exercise and the ability to relax and leave work behind are all important.

However, we’ve something else that can help too. Our private healthcare packages are designed for SMEs. They include full stress assesments, and cashback bonuses for employees to play sport or visit the gym regularly. They’re great packages, as health and fitness are incentivised with free gym memberships and other bonuses like cinema tickets, and private healthcare is available for immediate medical treatment when it’s needed so employees return to health... and work... faster. n Networking’s like riding a bike - you never forget, says Simon Beardsley of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce...

Networking and meeting new people plays a key role in the success of any small business. Being

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OUR BUSINESS EXPERTS Duncan & Toplis Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors with 11 branches across Lincolnshire including Lincoln, Boston, Louth, Grantham and Stamford.

Telephone: 01205 310250.

Website: www.duntop.co.uk. an extrovert can go a long way to making your presence felt in the business market and it’s like riding a bike: once you learn how, you never forget. Not all business owners are skilled in the art of networking, but it pays to learn: Introduce yourself: This may sound quite elementary, but many business owners find it daunting. Always sit next to prospective clients instead of your colleagues. Your goal is to meet as many new people as possible!

Show interest: The most important point of all is to always show interest in people.

Never let your mind wander, no matter how boring you may find the conversations.

Don’t avoid events: There may be times when you are asked to deliver a speech at a seminar or other event. During your introduction, never say what you do professionally. Start by saying what you are doing for your business, with the main tone expressing of how people can benefit from your business’s product and services. n Keeping your business safe is essential, says Chattertons Solicitors’s Caroline Cropley...

Part of keeping your business healthy is

keeping it safe… too many companies, large and small, operate with outdated terms and conditions or without a standardised set of terms and conditions at all!

Standard terms and conditions add clarity – consolidating the terms of a transaction ensures that all parties are aware of the deal that they are striking from the outset.

This helps to avoid subsequent disputes arising from misunderstandings.

They add strength to legal argument – a well drafted set of terms and conditions has the power to limit your legal liability enabling you to fend off disputes before they enter the court arena as, more often than not, the answer is stated clearly in the terms and conditions!

They aid debt recovery – setting out clearly what is expected in terms of payment, including penalties for late payment, often has the effect of deterring an errant customer from delayed payment and, if the customer can’t pay, may mean that you can recover your goods.

Without doubt, a good set of terms and conditions can be a very powerful weapon in the fight for success in the market place! n

SalesLadder Outsourced sales, sales training and lead generation for Business Development.

Telephone: 01529 462164.

Website: www.salesladder.co.uk.

Eternal Growth Independent financial advice for private and business clients with a conveniently situated central Lincoln office.

Telephone: 01522 507890.

Website: www.eternalgrowth.co.uk.

Chattertons Solicitors Legal experts established for over 200 years with eight branches across Lincolnshire including Lincoln, Boston, Horncastle, Sleaford, Stamford and Grantham.

Telephone: 01522 814600.

Website: www.chattertons.com.

Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Business interest group and networking resource representing members across Lincolnshire at local, regional and national level on matters concerning trade, commerce and industry and lobbying.

Telephone: 01522 523333.

Website: www.lincs-chamber.co.uk.

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Fun & Games It’s Not All

Is engaging in corporate entertainment a worthwhile day out of the office, or just a waste of time? With the recession over, and businesses looking to cement relationships with their clients, we decided to find out with a visit to Stapleford Park country estate Words: Rob Davis.

Corporate entertainment; a productive way to motivate your team members and thank clients for their loyalty… that’s according to some business experts. But to find out if enjoying a day out on the company really can ensure good relationships with clients and in-house staff and prove a productive way to enhance your business, we asked one of the area’s most activity rich venues for businesses, Stapleford Park, to show us how it’s done.

Corporate entertainment shouldn’t seem like an expensive excess even amid poor economic conditions. “Business still has to be conducted, and relationships still have to be maintained. Most businesses recognise that treating their clients well and fostering good relationships within their own teams means they find themselves well-respected and treated with equal loyalty. It’s an investment in people, rather than an expensive excess.”

Corporate entertainment – the facts

Being away from the office and in a less-stressful environment, and not being tied down to a fixed-duration of meeting, companies also find themselves able to take the time to get to know customers, understand their needs and come up with creative solutions, according to Business Development agency MindTools.

Over 90% of face-to-face meetings are successful, according to business expert Rainmaker Best Practices, a marketing firm specialising in working with law firms. The company supports the idea that meeting clients informally and spending time engaging in leisure pursuits can personalise working relationships, and, in the case of in-house team-building exercises, help to reward successes and smashed targets, promote loyalty and alleviate office politics.

A wealth of choice So if corporate entertainment is a worthwhile endeavour to build relationships, what should you do?

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Whether you’re looking to

encourage competition, reward hard work or build relationships with clients, corporate entertainment is an excellent investment.

Each company is different, but generally, an exercise that’s sporty or physical can prove successful, especially if you want to introduce a degree of friendly competition.

We ventured to the 500 acre 14th century Stapleford Park Estate to find out what programmes of entertainment they can offer teams. In addition to a wealth of corporate entertainment, the estate also offers 55 bedrooms, the informal Pavilion Restaurant and exquisite Grinling Gibbons dining room, plus a range of conferencing & business facilities.

Clients can choose from Day Delegate Experiences, with three course lunches and concierge, meeting room hire and tea and coffee from just £65 per person. Residential packages are available from £200 per delegate, including accommodation, breakfast the following morning and private dining room hire. In either case, LCD screen and projectors, flip charts, and full internet access are included, making the venue and ideal office-away-from-office.

In terms of corporate entertainment, can choose to host a golfing day, from just £25 per delegate, the ideal relaxing venue for spoiling clients or getting to know new business partners. If, however, you’re looking for something a little different, the choice is extremely broad indeed.

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Country Life The estate offers tennis, swimming, spa-experiences, archery, duck herding & clay shooting in the grounds of the estate, and falconry, off-road driving, & horse riding nearby.

Whether you’re looking to encourage competition, reward hard-work with something adrenaline pumping or serene, or merely demonstrate some imagination and have some fun, there’s a way of ensuring the hotel’s exceptional service and hospitality also serves a purpose for your business.

Our Visit To sample corporate hospitality for ourselves, we arrived at Stapleford Park for an overnight stay to experience the plush surroundings of the former Lord Gretton.

Our two-day visit began with a Falconry Experience courtesy of professional handler Pete Sibson and his Eagle Owl, Bernard. Falconry hunting is also available in season, but even the Hawk Walk we experienced proved a fascinating insight into the hotel’s on-site birds of prey.

Team members Julian Wilkinson, Lincolnshire Pride’s Publisher, Editor Rob Davis, Website Developer Simon Pearce and Senior Manager Andy Dudley were each able to summon the bird and find out how

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the animals live and hunt in their natural habitat.

free, relaxed conversation and really does help to build a better team.

Next was a Clay Pigeon Shooting experience with experienced gun Malcolm Davidson.

Taking place against the beautiful backdrop of the stately home, both novices and experienced shots can enjoy tuition and a spot of friendly competition.

Our afternoon was spent a few miles down the road at Stapleford Park’s affiliated off-road course. Held at Leicestershire’s Rockingham Castle, the site, which is the East Midlands’s official Land Rover Experience, this allowed the team to try off-roading in each of the brand’s vehicles, with everyone enjoying an opportunity to get behind the wheel.

Even amateur guns can enjoy shooting in complete safety with Malcolm; a brief introduction and plenty of shots per participant, plus variety in terms of both down-the-line and skeet shooting all make for some great entertainment, with real co-ordination and concentration needed.

During a light lunch, conversation inevitably turned to work, but far from being tiresome, being away from the office’s interruptions – telephones, email… and being in a neutral environment facilitated freer, more in-depth and productive work chat. Taking the workforce away from the office provokes

Above: Activities on the estate include shooting, golf and falconry.

The team has Range Rovers, Discoverys, Freelanders and Defenders, plus a course made up of steep inclines, muddy banks and trenches full of water, all of which demonstrate the vehicles’ talents brilliantly, and enable participants to learn some of the skills used by professional off-road drivers.

Back at Stapleford Park that evening, the team enjoyed an excellent meal in the twoAA Rosette Grinling Gibbons Dining Room, complete with canapés and appetisers in the

With Thanks to: Rebecca Collin of Stapleford Park, which is featured here in our photographs.

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Without a doubt, when Monday morning rolled around again we found ourselves relaxed, refreshed and grateful for the opportunity to discuss business matters in a relaxed way rather than in the pressured environment of the office... making the break very much worthwhile.

Above: Land Rover’s East Midlands Experience, and Bernard, the Eagle Owl.

Library Bar, and three courses courtesy of Head Chef Stephen Conway. The cuisine is inspired by traditional English dishes with continental influences, recreated in a fresh way by Stephen and his 14 strong brigade.

We enjoyed amazing food, unobtrusive service and elegant surroundings in a fine dining experience that could boast all the ambiance and tranquility of a bygone era.

The next morning’s pursuit was rather more leisurely – 18 holes of golf. Set amid the Capability Brown designed landscape of the quintessential English country setting, the day proved a superb opportunity to enjoy the estate in what turned out to be glorious sunshine.

The distinctive revetted bunkers of the course have been used to best effect for the better golfer, whilst grassy humps and hollows have also been used because they are less intimidating for the higher handicapper...

Even we were surprised to discover the degree to which being away from the office provided a much-appreciated change of scene against which ideas, thoughts and suggestions flowed much more freely.

Shown here is the East Midland Land Rover Experience Team based at Rockingham Castle, Falconer Pete Sibson and Rob Davis, Lincolnshire Pride’s Editor, plus Publisher Julian Wilkinson and shooting instructor Malcolm Davidson.

We visited the 14th century 500 acre country estate to try out their range of sporting activities...

Of all the courses in the world, very few are free from intrusion; the course at Stapleford Park is a rare exception.

The course wraps around the heart of the parkland in two extended loops, never being more than two holes wide, making it unusually spacious and peaceful. It provides continuing variety in the direction of the holes, as well as producing a series of stunning views.

Enjoyment is the crucial factor and on every hole, all standards of player are given a fair crack of the whip, with a variety of

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approaches on which the ball can be run onto the green.

Without a doubt, when Monday morning rolled around again, we all found ourselves relaxed and all had a great time. However, frivolity aside, having the opportunity to spend time away from the pressured environment of the office was also rather productive. It’s easy to see how clients and team members can be impressed with the luxury of Stapleford Park’s hospitality and setting, but a visit the hotel is by no means a frolicsome luxury.

We found the break, the change of scene and the reward of a corporate break a welcome distraction from day-to-day business practices and the same four walls… which was, ultimately, very good for business! n

For more information call 01572 787000 or see www.staplefordpark.com.

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FSashion tatements Welcome to the most refined business fashions for both men and ladies. We’ve suggestions for business suits and designer outfits to ensure you look professional and feel great no matter what line of business you’re in Welcome to the future of business fashions. These days, office outfits needn’t be boring or masculine.

This month we present exceptional outfits that can even be worn away from the office to create a truly versatile wardrobe of smart casual workwear.

We’ve suggestions for women and some formal workwear ideas for men, with off the peg suiting that’s so stunning it’ll rival even bespoke suits from Saville Row tailors.

When shopping this season, dark sophisticated shades are safe and practical, and can be dressed up with bold, exciting colours and accessories.

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This season also see a resurgence of 1980s excess, so chunky fabrics, classic monochrome style and oversized details such as belts and bows are all en-vogue.

Shown here; Country Casuals heavy tweed-style business suit. Accessorise with bold colours to brighten your office days. Don’t stick to a boring black briefcase either - on this month’s handbag pages you’ll find stunning looking bags to accessorise, that break from the traditional black design and provide a great look that will carry through after work when meeting friends... just accessorise with Diamante earrings and silver camisole top. n

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Country Casuals

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Bandolera pinstripe suit vertical stripes are ideal for elongating legs or torsos, and will prove great when paired with white, and equally appealing with bright colours and matching accessories.

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Frank Walder tweed skirt, shown here with 1980s bi-cast faux crocodile skin bag. Bold accessories like these bracelets and oversized shoulder bag are very much in fashion so combine understated colours with bold detailing this season.

i For suppliers in Lincolnshire see our Directory on page 160.

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Smart tailoring like this grey marl two-piece suit from Bianca creates a sleek, sharp power-dressing look to elongate legs this season.

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Bold colours work brilliantly against otherwise dull colours.

Here, Slimma’s pinstripe suit has its read detailing highlighted with red silk blouse. Accessorise with decadent silk accessories such as this tie and don’t be afraid of adding ‘masculine’ details, à la 1980s power dressing icons.

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21ST BIRTHDAY Celebrations and congratulations are at the very top of our agenda this year as we are celebrating 21 years in business. A fantastic achievement for Sarah and her dedicated team of staff both past and present who are all responsible for Shirt Sleeves success.

From its humble beginnings back in 1988 through to the exciting refit and contemporary new look in September 2006 Customer Service has always been the shops top priority and we take great pride in our unique and outstanding personal service going on to win the Newark Retailers Customer Service Award for the past three years. As a gesture of our sincerest thanks to all our customers for your continued and loyal support, we would like all of you to join us here in the store for these very special Birthday Celebrations.

From Tuesday 13th October to Thursday 15th October we will be serving Pink Champagne and Fairy Cakes and there will be a special Birthday Gift with every purchase throughout the week.

Models will be showcasing our latest Autumn/Winter collections in-store on Tuesday and Thursday at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm, and Wednesday at 7.00pm.

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SHIRT SLEEVES 7 Middlegate, Newark

01636 605880

www.shirtsleeves.net

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Gentlemen of any age will look sophisticated in heavy wool suiting this season. Shown here is Gibson of London’s grey three piece suit with chocolate overcoat, shirt and tie.

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Sharp and refined, Label’s navy two-piece suit demonstrates 1980s style this season with a two-button jacked and deep, narrow lapels.

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Matinique shows how this season, the raincoat will make a reappearance, contrasting well against dark colours.

i For suppliers in Lincolnshire see our Directory on page 160.

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Adding texture to a suit is a great way to add structure to its cut.

Here, hand-stitching and the almost inconspicuous pinstripe of Scott by The Label’s grey marl suit creates a broad, warm suit that feels substantial and looks high-end.

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Exclusive Menswear Formal and Casual Clothes of Distinction Also Formal Hire

Hugo’s of a p S ll a h d Woo

Station Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 6QL Telephone: 01526 354725

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The slight iridescence of Matinique’s charcoal two-piece suit turns this two-button set into a shiny suit that will look great both in boardrooms with black shoes, and as a casual suit when paired with tan shoes and casual shirt.

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i For suppliers in Lincolnshire see our Directory on page 160.

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!

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M ou Boots...

Brand

Tall Flower Eskimo Boot: A 40cm tall boot in double-face sheepskin with crocheted wool seams £195

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A must-have practical wardrobe essential this month... we feature winter warmers in the form of Mou boots.

For more information see our Directory on page 160.

Antelope Cowboy Boot: A sleek honey-coloured boot in genuine antelope with tassel detail £295

Eskimo Short Bronze: Luxurious pure sheepskin with crocheted wool seams £155

Norfolk: Luxurious mid height sheepskin boot with crochet wool upper £175

Eskimo Short Sand: Luxurious pure sheepskin with crocheted wool seams £155

Goatskin Boot: Mid height boot in macedonian goatskin with tassel detail £275

Montana: Gorgeously warm, double-faced sheepskin boot with crochet wool detailing £175

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s Graohf am

LOUTH GRAND AUTUMN STYLE! Ranges fast arriving

Young at Heart!

Traditional to Outrageous Men’s Fashion to Suit You • Individual • Colourful • Fun

Years of experience giving personal service

23-25 UPGATE, LOUTH LINCS LN11 9ER •

TEL: (01507) 600530

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BAGS THAT MEAN

BUSINESS Margaret Thatcher, whilst ‘handbagging’ her way through politics in the 1980s, proved that a practical, capacious bag was an essential even for our head-of state. Times have changes and fashion has moved on but with a resurgence of 1980s style, we pick some bold, retro bags that are practical for any businesswoman...

Fossil 'Reid' Bucket Bag in Aubergine. £125

Fiorelli 'Osbourne' in black Elegant shoulder, to work and beyond! £poa

Guess Peace Orange Long strap, short strap or clutch. Talk about versatile! £95

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Fiorelli Amber

Fiorelli 'Skye' in grape

Takes an A4 folder. £45

Striking workbag that'll take a laptop. £poa

Ri2K Ivy Orange A divine suede and leather in a warm shade. Cosy! £110

M Andonia Butterfly bag with Swarovski Crystal.

A stunner! £195

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Bags available from The Bag Shop, 4 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2AX. 01780 754794 & also at 46 Steep Hill, Lincoln, 01522 522565 www.thebagshopstamford.co.uk.

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Perfect Smile The

Almost everyone craves the perfect smile, and with cosmetic dentistry now more available and more cost effective than ever before, it’s the perfect time to boost your confidence. We asked Dr Keith Jackson of Gainsborough’s Forum Dental Studio, for his advice on obtaining a smile that would shame even Hollywood...

Not too many years ago a perfect smile and healthy looking white teeth were mainly the preserve of the rich and famous, with the ‘toothpaste ad’ smiles reserved for the winners of beauty pageants and actresses.

Today many people – both men and women enjoy a healthy, confidence-boosting smile thanks to cosmetic dentistry. A ‘good smile’ can do much more than alter a person’s appearance and improve their confidence... and the great news is that treatments are now available to available to all, more affordable and accessible and more importantly, pain-free.

“At my practice we now offer a wide range of treatments to address aesthetic dental problems.” says expert Keith Jackson. “This can include straightening and whitening teeth to dramatically improve your smile.”

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular procedures Keith’s practice offers, and is a relatively hassle-free process. Patients are supplied with a ‘mouth tray’ designed to their individual requirements, into which a whitening gel is administered. The gel, by a slow and gentle process, lightens the teeth and is applied to the teeth for 3-4 hours per day for a period of approximately a month.

The concentration and strength of the gel is carefully monitored to ensure the patient does not suffer any discomfort. Treatment is usually painless, although teeth may feel a little sensitive during the initial stages of the process but persistent discomfort is unusual. The effects of whitening achieved in this way, can often last for several years, providing proper care is taken of the teeth.

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For many people who possess uneven teeth that were not corrected in childhood, the chance to achieve straight teeth is assumed to have passed with age, but this is not the case. The number of adults wearing new styles of braces is increasing and the results are impressive.

“It is never too late to re-align displaced teeth for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Dental braces can be fitted onto the majority of people, and less conspicuous cosmetic options are available for increased aesthetic comfort.” says Keith.

Treatment time varies between six months and two years depending on the severity of the problem, but the average patient will wear braces for 12 - 18 months, after which simple retainers are worn at night to ensure that the teeth do not move. Patients who complete the treatment are rewarded with a much-improved smile and a huge confidence boost.

Modern dentistry has also provided an answer for cracked, chipped, discoloured or undersized/worn teeth. Veneers are layers of porcelain or composite fitted to the damaged tooth to improve its appearance – the amount applied can be tailored so that the colour of the veneer matches that of the patient’s other teeth.

Improvements in dental technology in recent years have meant that veneers look even more life-like and can allow us to create a beautifully even and natural smile.

Veneers can last for as long as 30 years, although restorative maintenance work can

i Cosmetic Dentistry What’s available? Teeth can be whitened painlessly for a brighter, cleaner smile. Cosmetic braces make correcting crooked teeth quick and painless, whilst veneers make correcting even one tooth convenient and trouble-free.

Additional Advice: A no-obligation consultation is a must to ensure you understand the procedure.

Teeth whitening is available for under £200, making treatments both accessible and affordable.

Find Out More: Call 01427 615117 or see www.theforumpractice.com for further details. n

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Main: Dr Keith Jackson.

Below: The plush practice.

be required. Discomfort is minimal and patients are surprised by the lack of pain experienced both during and after the fitting of veneers. Even one tooth can really make a difference.

The Forum also offers implantology treatments, which allows us to replace individual or multiple teeth without the need for dentures or bridges.

“A proper consultation is the first step to achieving the smile you wanted.” says Keith.

Like many practices across Lincolnshire, Keith offers free, no obligation discussions for all who wish they could improve their teeth and obtain a smile they’re really proud of. n

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49 Market Place, Boston, Lincs, PE21 6NF Telephone: 01205 362087

S. T. HOPPER LTD Jewellers of Lincolnshire

w w w. s t h o p p e r. c o . u k 105

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SSilver ervice

For Grantham silversmith John Cussell, a three decade long career has culminated in a number of impressive commissions from jewellery to larger silverware. With an enviable reputation, John is quick to stress that bespoke jewellery is now within everyone’s reach There’s nothing more romantic than exchanging rings with your partner when each is an utterly unique and personal gift to one another.

In Lincolnshire, few understand bespoke jewellery better than John Cussell, who has lived and worked in the town for over three decades.

camper van, funding their travels by creating bespoke jewellery and silverware as they went.

“We really enjoyed the lifestyle and it provided a great sense of creativity.” says John. “We arrived back in the UK in 1973 and worked in and around Kensington, eventually moving to Lincolnshire to be nearer Jenni’s family.”

Together with wife Jenni, the couple run John Cussell jewellers on Grantham’s John set up a small studio in Westgate, but in addition to Westgate and quickly gained supplying a wide range of an enviable reputation, he Bespoke giftware and jewellery in moved into his current white and yellow gold, Westgate premises commissions are platinum, palladium and in 1995. the ultimate romantic silver, John specialises in One of his first grand producing beautiful gesture when it comes to commissions was a replica bespoke jewellery for of a 16th century chalice eternity & engagement couples who make a held in the Lincoln special visit from across rings, and wedding Cathedral vault. John the UK. created a limited edition of bands...

Born in North London, John 200 cups all of which were sold joined the Central School of Arts out in just three months in aid of the and Crafts in London to take up a prebuilding’s fabric fund. apprenticeship course in silversmithing.

A couple of decades later John continued to Following this he took on a full-time five year undertake commissions - a noteable one apprenticeship at Hurst Franklin's being the De Beers Cup presented at Ascot.

Ecclesiastical Silversmiths. John then joined the world renowned silversmithing workshop of Stuart Devlin. Whilst in London he met his wife to be Jenni.

After working in Stuart Devlins workshop for three years, he and Jenni decided to travel across Europe in a Volkswagen

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Embellished with over 70 De Beers diamonds, the 50cm high cup featured sculpted horses

by Mary Dean and was presented to the 1996 De Beers Cup winner by HM the Queen.

Fortunately, most of John’s commissions are more affordable, with the silversmith

i The Silversmith Commissions: John produces commissions from just a couple of hundred pounds to tens of thousands of pounds, in silver, gold and platinum.

Special Work: John has created the 1996 De Beers cup, encrusted with 70 diamonds, and the Lincolnshire Cup, a replica based on an original chalice still in the Cathedral’s vault.

Finding Out More: Celebrating his 30th anniversary in the town, John Cussell Jewellers can be found on Westgate, Grantham. Call 01476 571721 for details or see www.johncussell.co.uk.

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BESPOKE RINGS WHAT COULD BE MORE ROMANTIC THAN EXCHANGING BESPOKE ENGAGEMENT RINGS AND WEDDING BANDS DESIGNED IN LINCOLNSHIRE?

Seven stone channel set half eternity ring. Set with seven brilliant cut diamonds.

Platinum £1,280, Palladium £805.

Solitaire ring set with a 1/2 carat.

Brilliant cut diamond.

Platinum £2,975, Palladium £2,025.

Platinum solitaire diamond ring set with a centre stone of 33pts, total diamond weight 45pts. £1,800 Above: John in his Grantham workshop on the town’s Westgate.

working in all materials from silver and gold, to platinum and palladium, to budgets of just a few hundred pounds or tens of thousands accordingly.

“Customers can see stones, choose their own designs and create beautiful bespoke jewellery that’s personal and unique.” John says from his studio, in which he produces over 200 commissions each year.

“We’re really proud that after 30 years of trading we’ve customers’ coming back to us for engagement, wedding and eternity rings, and now jewellery for their children’s occasions too! It’s great to think we’ve been involved with all of the landmark events in their lives, and we’re always touched by their reaction to both the jewellery we source for them, or the bespoke pieces we design.” n

Left: Single stone diamond ring set with a 25pt brilliant cut diamond in a cross over setting. Platinum £1,150, Palladium £620.

Right: Two row channel set band ring set with 30pts of diamonds.

Platinum £1,244.

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HAIR DESIGN at Streaks Ahead

“A smart, stylish look for businesswomen across Lincolnshire.”

Nicole Heath, Head Stylist

1 Tattershall Road Woodhall Spa, Lincs

01526 353757

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Magical...!

Make your Wedding Day truly

Hire The Wedding Magician for your special occasion...

Entertainment for all ages.

A wealth of experience across the UK.

Call 0800 112 3 112 or email magic@ukbride.co.uk to check availability for your special day

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The

Wedding Album Of Donna Drage & Paul Anthony Clark

This month’s featured bride and groom refused to settle for a conventional wedding ceremony and instead opted for a medieval-theme, including an Old English hand-tying ceremony.

Images: Richard Hines, 07800 872332, www.hines-images.co.uk.

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The Coach House, Carlton Scroop

i Bride’s Name: Donna Drage Groom's Name: Paul Anthony Clark Ceremony held at: Richmond Park Gainsborough Reception held at: Gainsborough Old Hall Best Man: Martin Dawson

When/how did you first meet?

I met Paul in 1998 after we began working together. From the moment I saw him, I knew there was something special about him. I also somehow knew that I would marry him some day, although I didn’t think it would take 10 years... I think it’s fair to say it was love at first sight and I’ve remained in loved with him ever since.

When in the relationship did he 'pop the question?' How did he propose?

We’d been living together for a few months and, contrary to the norm, I proposed on a leap year rather than Paul asking me.

What were the first things that you decided on?

Initially Paul came up with the idea of going to Gretna Green and sourced information for this, including a castle style venue. We considered this for a while; I was concerned that we wouldn’t be able to share our day with many of our friends, whereas Paul was more focused on the wedding being a small private affair.

Paul’s sister was living in Ireland at the time and suggested we could create a similar event but over there instead. We took a holiday to scout the location and initially it seemed like a good idea. However over a few weeks I considered the options and pondered over this, eventually speaking to Paul only to realise we had a perfect venue on our doorstep, Gainsborough Old Hall

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where we could host our reception; friends and family could also attend in greater numbers and it would be cheaper too. Paul was enthused by the idea and we began to make plans.

From the initial idea it took around ten months but there was still plenty to do. We opted to have our marriage ceremony at the local registry office in Gainsborough, a lovely setting five minutes away from the Old Hall.

The easy part was booking these venues for our day; the hard bit was sourcing all the trimmings to make this perfect for us.

I wanted to create a medieval theme with guests wearing appropriate costume but finding the right people to give the day a unique and special flavour was a task in itself. Gainsborough Old Hall has a considerable amount of history with links to Henry VIII, so this was the perfect venue for us and it was local too.

We both enjoy the TV show The Tudors and Paul used to be a historical re-enactment actor covering the Wars of the Roses period before we met, so we decided it would be best to focus on this period. I spent a few weeks trawling the internet looking for more ideas for what to wear for myself and Paul. By chance I saw a jacket that strangely enough was called A Doublet for Paul. I showed this to Paul and we established that the people who made the jacket; Guinevere’s Dream, were relatively local and that they ran events

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too. It all seemed like a strange coincidence, but fateful, so we set the ball rolling and commissioned them to make my dress, Paul’s jacket and a few items for various friends as well as providing entertainment and additional trimmings to the Old Hall setting.

establish what we both wanted for the day. It all seemed to fall perfectly into place and the icing on the cake was that John would perform a hand-fastening ceremony at the old hall for us, perfect.

Any differing ideas about how your big day should be?

We have similar spiritual beliefs and the romance of the historical Celtic myths also interest us both. Small things aside, we agreed on most things quite easily.

How did it feel to walk down the aisle and take your vows?

In a manner of speaking we had two ceremonies; the registration office and the hand-fastening; the latter being the most important one to us both. It all felt a bit surreal, like a dream coming true.

Was planning your big day fraught or enjoyable? Did you both contribute ideas with equal enthusiasm?

After we’d agreed the theme I completed a lot of research while Paul was at work and we’d discuss these in the evening. Paul is fairly laid back and was happy with most of my suggestions for the day, excepting some small minor areas we’d talk through and agree to compromise upon. I met with Gayle and John from Guinevere’s Dream, who came to our home to discuss the event and

We wanted to create a

medieval theme with guests wearing appropriate costume but finding the right people to give the day a unique and special flavour was a task in itself...

What made you choose your dress, and can you describe it?

My dress was inspired by a painting I had commissioned for Paul; The Accolade by Edmund Blair Leighton. The style of my dress was very similar, but a different colour.

Where was your reception held?

Our reception was held in Gainsborough Old Hall, a fantastic venue for our theme and very fitting.

Images: Richard Hines, 07800 872332, www.hines-images.co.uk.

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The most memorable parts for me were walking in the Old Hall and all our friends being there and having them all involved in the hand fastening ceremony...

Did anything funny or particularly memorable happen, highlights of speeches, special things you said to each other etc?

The most memorable parts for me were walking in the Old Hall and all our friends being there and having them all involved in the hand fastening ceremony.

We were joined together and given a chalice to drink from with our respective names and the date engraved on it.

This was a gift from Guinevere’s Dreams and something we have to treasure of that moment. The knights who were excellent too and really kept the children entertained during the reception.

Any friends or family you'd like to thank or recognise?

We would like to thank Lee Drage, my brother, for giving me away and for creating an incredible medieval replica box to use for our wishing well.

Becky Hill arranged my wonderful flowers, Kelvin Hill created an unusual themed cake stand which was a platter made from a slice of tree and Mr & Mrs Norman for transporting us to our wedding in his car.

Finally, Mary Creffield made our delicious wedding cake and Louise Smith for making all the boys’ costumes. Great thanks are

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due to all who made our day special and memorable.

Anyone you particularly want to recommend?

We definitely would recommend Guinevere’s Dream events for their wonderful costumes, additional decorations to the Old Hall setting, entertainment and a fantastic day.

Gainsborough Old Hall, supplied the perfect venue as well as fantastic food. Finally, we’d recommend Richard Hines for dressing up and taking super pictures.

How are you finding married life?

We have been together a long time… yet it’s made our relationship stronger. n

i And finally, do you have any top tips that you can give for future brides?

Make your day perfect and don’t be afraid to ask friends for help and ideas.

For more wedding tips visit www.ukbride.co.uk - the national site for the local bride.

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Lisa Taylor and Adam Webb both of Boston were recently married at Gorse Lodge, Newark.

Photographer: Darren Bell, 07545 262819. www.darrenbellphotography.co.uk

Kathryn Cameron and Glynn Yeardley were recently married at St Sebastian’s, Great Gonerby. A reception at Allington Manor and honeymoon in Hong Kong followed.

Photographer: Malcolm Sales, Spilsby. www.buttercrossphotography.co.uk.

Amy and John Makinson-Sanders were recently married at St James’s Parish Church, Louth.

A reception at Kenwick Park Hotel followed.

The couple honeymooned in the Maldives and Dubai.

Deborah Allan and Lee Stainthorp were recently married at St John’s Church Scofton followed by a reception held at The Mill, Osberton.

The couple went onto enjoy a honeymoon in Italy.

Photographer: John Byford, Skegness. 01754 768837. www.johnbyford.co.uk

Photographer: R A Davey Photographic, Lincoln. 01522 813852. www.radaveyphographic.co.uk

Congratulations to all couples marrying in the county this month - to have your wedding featured here, e-mail weddings@lincolnshirepride.co.uk or ask your photographer to contact us directly on 01529 469977

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THE WEDDING PLANNER EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY... ADVICE FOR PLANNING YOUR WEDDING BREAKFAST FROM WEDDING PLANNER VALERIE TALL

Your guests will have been delighted to see you get married, be it at a church or licensed venue, so now it’s time to repay them in the form of a delicious wedding breakfast.

Kate Roe and Richard Waite were recently married. A reception at the brides parents home followed before they left for a honeymoon in the Lake District.

Photographer: Jennie Wilson, Boston. 01205 760729. www.jenniewilson.co.uk

When you arrive at your venue you will almost certainly be having more photographs. Although this will involve your guests to a certain extent, the emphasis, as it should be, will be on you and your immediate families. So what do you do with your other guests to stop them getting bored? It is customary to have an arrival drink and this will, hopefully, allow your guests to mingle and catch up on old times. If your budget will allow, canapés are a nice way of giving your guests a little nibble to take the edge off their hunger as it’s almost certainly around two hours or more since they last had anything.

As for the meal, like most things, the choice is governed by your budget. It’s customary, especially in a hotel or a restaurant, to have a three-course meal followed by coffee. If you are having outside caterers, then you can have anything from the standard three-course menu to an elegant buffet. Whichever you choose and where ever you are, provided you have chosen well, your guests will enjoy the spread you have provided.

Allow around three and a half hours from the start of the church service to when you sit down for your meal. You may want to add a bit extra if the church is a long drive from the venue and you are having a vintage car. Also some religious services are longer than others. This is based on a standard Church of England service lasting around 35-40 minutes and around a 15-25 minute drive to the venue. If you are a receiving line involving the whole family greeting your guests, then you may well have to extend this time.

But there will almost certainly be friends, acquaintances or work colleagues that you would like to come just for the evening. It is nice to provide a buffet, not only to top up your day guests, but also for your evening ones. The food can range from assorted sandwiches, sausage rolls, assorted salads, pickles and so on to a barbecue or hog roast. It is also quite important to provide food, and some establishments will insist on it, as evening guests who have eaten nothing and therefore drinking on an empty stomach is not good. Finally, don’t forget those true vegetarians and those who have dietary needs, although these guests will almost certainly let you know.

Michelle Bond and Andrew Thompson were recently married at St Guthlac’s Church, Fishtoft.

A reception at Branston Hall, Lincoln followed.

The couple honeymooned in the Maldives.

Photographer: David Simpson, Boston. 01205 311235

This is where you now need to check your budget carefully and discuss your proposed arrangements/thoughts with both sides of your families. n

i

Valerie Tall is a wedding consultant based in The Lawn, Lincoln and School Court, Brigg. For more information see www.valerietall.co.uk or call 01522 546161.

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Service With Style...

Ahead of the venue’s 30th birthday, we this month discover how service and substance combine at one of the area’s most prestigious boutique hotels, Hambleton Hall Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Back in 1980, work began creating one of the area’s most exclusive and picturesque boutique hotels, ideally situated on the all-but-deserted peninsula of Upper Hambleton.

It was in July of that year that investment banker Tim Hart left the city to renovate a former country house that dates back to 1881 in order to create what has become one of the most enviable restaurants in the area. 28 years the holder of a Michelin star and with 17 bedrooms and beautiful grounds, it’s easy to see the appeal of the restaurant, whose head chef Aaron Patterson works tirelessly to create food that’s as exciting to taste as it is artistically presented.

A sweeping wooded driveway leaves to an elegant mullion-windowed building shrouded in the shade of mature trees. Engraved in medieval French above the door are the words Do As You Please.

It’s a fitting apophthegm given that, despite its obvious formality, Tim and his team aim to make Hambleton Hall one of the most relaxing and pleasant venues in the area, commensurate with

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The apophthegm ‘Do As You Please’ is quite fitting as the team aims to make the restaurant as relaxing as possible despite its obvious formality...

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Stunning grounds, a beautiful dining room and superb Michelin standard food create an impressive meal designed to satisfy diners.

A regular diary of events at Hambleton Hall includes race days, mushroom hunting, game suppers and wine tasting activities... its peaceful, hidden away location in 17 acres of secluded grounds.

Whilst the formal gardens with their neat box hedging, smartly dressed staff, impeccably presented hand-painted menus, and the stiff white linen tablecloths clad with their silverware all allude to the hotel’s formality, service is still with a smile, and nothing is too much trouble for an attentive and respectful 55-strong staff.

A main dining room seats 40, with a private annexed dining room available for small functions; the former study seats around 15 and a terraced area overlooking the box-hedged garden and reservoir allow the venue to function as both a formal and slightly less formal restaurant accordingly.

Menus change daily and diners may choose from a Lunch for Less menu or à la carte dining early on, or table d’hôte and à la carte dining in the evening. À la carte dining provides a choice of between six and eight first courses, main courses and desserts.

Highlights of the evening menu on my visit, included Whissendine Veal with Sweetbread Raviolo, Confit Fillet of Wild Seatrout and Goodnargh Duck. The Lunch for Less menu, meanwhile, utilises the same expertise with more modest ingredients; Ballotine of Ham Hock and Braised Blade of Beef being examples of the restaurant’s lunchtime starters and main courses respectively.

Naturally, all desserts are made to order, elegantly presented on glass plates, whilst bread at the venue is baked at Hambleton Hall’s own bakery, which also boasts retail units in Stamford and Oakham.

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The restaurant also has a well-stocked kitchen garden which provides the constituent elements of the Hambleton Mixed Salad, one of the venue’s most popular first courses.

Other suppliers include Hambleton Fine Foods and the area’s local shoots who provide all of the game used throughout the autumn and winter.

In addition, those dining at Hambleton Hall during the evening can enjoy the Tasting Menu with no fewer than six courses and a fixed price option, also available with wine.

Speaking of such, the origins, in the louche late Victorian era when austerity was out and figures such as Freud, Gilbert & Sullivan and Wilde embodied the so-called naughty-nineties, are betrayed in a further engraving which translates as ‘now, the time for a drink’.

Main: Hambleton Salad.

Sommelier Dominique Baduel has created an enviable wine list and share his knowledge and enthusiasm at his series of tutored tastings which generally take place at Saturday lunch time.

October, 24th sees the next one devoted to some fine wines from Southern France.

A winter season of more formal specialised dinners starts on 28th October with a dinner featuring Pol Roger Champagnes.

This month also features the hotel’s annual Palmer Racing day, whose namesake Johnathan Palmer hosts a day of motorsport at Bedford Motordrome on 14th October, followed by an afternoon of prize-giving, supper and accommodation at Hambleton Hall.

Right: The Study.

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i Finally, keen food-lovers can also enjoy 10th October’s Fungi-Foray, in which visitors to the hotel join mycologist Paul Nichol for a mushroom hunt in the woodland rides surrounding the hotel before the identification of one’s forage and a four course lunch at the restaurant with Tim Hart, the event’s host and Hambleton Hall’s owner.

Hambleton Hall

With a beautiful venue, polished service, refined ambience and impeccable culinary credentials, worthy of Michelin recognition, plus a month of exciting events in store, Hambleton Hall really is a treat.

Don’t Miss: Funghi Foray and wine-themed tutored tasting evenings, plus a host of other exciting evenings throughout the year. The grounds of the hall are also a particular treat... subject to a reasonable autumn!

Whether you seek an elegant lunch venue, formal evening dining or an event which educates the palate, there’s no finer venue than Hambleton Hall this month, making it a sincere recommendation as this month’s eating out venue of choice. n

Cuisine: Traditional English fine dining with Continental Influences.

Environment: Beautiful late Victorian former private residence with 40 cover restaurant and private dining rooms.

Menus: Lunch for Less and à la carte dining during the day time. Evening dining with TDH set menus, à la carte menus or six-course set taster menu.

Prices: Lunch for Less £20/£25.25 2/3 course. Set menus in the evening from £32. À la carte first courses from £14.75-£25. Main courses from £30-£38. Desserts from £13-£16.50. Taster menu £60.

Contact: Hambleton Hall Hotel and Restaurant; Hambleton, Oakham.

Tel: 01572 756991. www.hambletonhall.com.

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Christmas Parties

Christmas 2009 at

The Bustard Inn

Get into the Christmas Spirit Celebrate the Festive Season in Style Delicious 3 Course Christmas Party Menu £27.50 per person

Christmas Day Lunch Relax & Enjoy a 6 Course Gourmet Lunch in Beautiful Festive Surroundings £59.50 per person

Bustard Inn Gift Vouchers The Perfect Gift for the man or woman who has everything available in multiples of £5.00

44 Main Street, South Rauceby, Lincolnshire NG34 8QG

Telephone: 01529 488250 For further details on any of the above please visit www.thebustardinn.co.uk

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LET’S DO

LUNCH For Lincolnshire’s business community, interacting with national clients is a cinch, thanks to good transport links and proximity to the capital. Furthermore, when you need to host a conference or business lunch, or just treat a client, you’re spoilt for choice. Here, we present our selection of some of Lincolnshire’s finest corporate venues...

Words: Rob Davis.

Welcome to our guide to the best conferencing and business lunch venues across Lincolnshire.

Here, we’ve the pleasure of profiling the plushest, most up-to-date conferencing facilities for productive business meetings, and great suggestions for entertaining clients en-spec.

Creating the right impression when you meet new clients or build relationships with existing clients is crucial, so we’ve chosen our venues on the basis

of their capacity, the quality of their service and food, the availability of accommodation and quality of their conferencing facilities.

With great transport links, proximity to the capital and superb business development opportunities, Lincolnshire is a great place to do business, and when you introduce clients to our favourite conferencing facilities, we believe they’ll be convinced of that fact too. n

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LINCOLNSHIRE EVENTS CENTRE Lincolnshire Showground, Grange de Lings Tel: 01522 522900 Web: www.lincs-events.co.uk

HAVING OPENED in 2009 with exceptional new facilities on the county’s best venue for large events, the Lincolnshire Showground’s EPIC Centre is now available for your corporate event.

Whilst most of Lincolnshire’s hotels and conferencing venues can facilitate a hundred or so delegates, only one can facilitate 10,000 attendees, 3,000m2 of indoor exhibition space, 205 acres with free car parking, and a suite of meeting rooms for anything from a small private meeting to a large scale event with 1,900 seated indoors within three interlinked chambers.

Officially opened earlier this year by HRH The Princess Royal the EPIC Centre at the Lincolnshire Events Centre is the perfect venue for entertaining clients. The place to be this year for your business event is the Lincolnshire Events Centre, with a flexible approach to delivering your event, the expert Events Team will create a friendly and helpful environment for your clients to relax and enjoy the experience.

Working with a range of preferred caterers from around the county, the Lincolnshire Events Centre provides a variety of menus for corporate lunches and business meetings. Using as much locally sourced food as possible the menus offer a taste of Lincolnshire to all.

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i More Information...

The Lincolnshire Events Centre is not only an excellent venue for entertaining existing and potential clients, it is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season with your staff.

A dedicated large event facilitator team has contacts for events facilitators and programmes, theming and decor specialists, branding and signage, hire companies for marquees and furniture, audio visual, catering and bar specialists, and other considerations including transport, accommodation and logistics.

The EPIC Centre’s environmental credentials are also impeccable, with harvested rainwater filtered through a living roof, wind turbines to assist power generation, biomass boilers and solar water heating giving organisers the opportunity to make low-environmental impact business choices and set a great precedent for other businesses in terms of environmental responsibility. n

Business Credentials: EPIC is the largest and newest conferencing venue in Lincolnshire, with plenty of parking, two huge halls with 3,000m2 of exhibition space, a suite of meeting rooms and impressive architecture using up-to-date sustainable technologies.

Environment: Set on the 200 acre showground with space for anywhere between 10 and 10,000 delegates, all with free parking and full conference facilities.

Menus: Outside catering via preferred suppliers ensures bespoke packages from just a few pounds per head.

Prices: Bespoke packages means only personalised quotes are possible.

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KENWICK PARK HOTEL, LOUTH Best Western Kenwick Park, Kenwick, Louth LN11 8NR Tel: 01507 608806 Web: www.kenwick-park.co.uk.

THERE’S plenty of space to think around the 320 acre estate of Kenwick Park. The venue is the perfect conferencing and corporate hospitality venue, featuring its own spa for true relaxation and 18 hole golf course for a little ‘down time’ after meetings.

The estate opened its Meridian Conference & Function Suite in 2003, purpose built to meet your business needs and designed to blend in perfectly with the hotel’s setting, in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Kenwick Park can offer a wide range of conference rooms to suit your individual specifications and numbers.

The setting, facilities and experienced staff combine to make the hotel an ideal venue for Conferences and Functions for up to 220 delegates (theatre style) or for smaller boardroom style meetings, training courses and break-out sessions.

The hotel and the grounds also provide an ideal setting to stage a number of events, from new product launches and concept presentations, to media events, team building activities and award ceremonies, taking full advantage of the venue’s proximity to the business centres of Immingham, Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Lincoln.

i More Information...

Our dedicated conference and functions co-ordinators are here to advise and assist you at all times to ensure that we provide a high quality professional service for all of your Conference and Function requirements.

In addition to being an enviable conferencing venue, the hotel also boasts exceptional dining courtesy of its Keepers Bar and Fairways Restaurant plus 34 bedrooms and acres of country park style grounds.

The hotel can also arrange corporate golf days on the 190 acre course, health and beauty packages utilising the finest Elemis and Clarins products, off-road driving and clay pigeon shooting nearby and a wealth of other activities.

Day rates range from just £32 per person, whilst residential packages from £120 per delegate make the venue competitive, luxurious and impressive. n

Business Credentials: Purpose built Meridian conferencing suite with three rooms. TV/Video, OHP, projector systems and luxury dining all available to day and residential delegates.

Dedicated conference co-ordinator.

Environment: County house hotel in area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

320 acre estate with extensive golf course. Access to spa and corporate entertainment facilities.

Menus: Keepers and Fairways restaurant; à la carte menu with seven starters and main courses, Signature bar menu.

Prices: Day rates from £32, per delegate, residential from £120. À la carte dishes from £5-£20.

Lighter bites for business lunches from £4 to £10.

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THE GEORGE HOTEL OF STAMFORD 71 St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 750750 Web: www.georgehotelofstamford.co.uk

FROM exceptional food and impeccable service to a traditionally dressed bellhop.

To exquisite gardens and well-stocked hanging baskets around the quaint courtyard, to rich dark wood panelling, gaping fireplaces and soaring ceilings.

The George certainly has the luxury and the presence to ensure a professional image for your business.

Just a stone’s throw from the A1 with ample parking, visitors from across the UK visit the George of Stamford for day-conferences, residential stays and business lunches, equidistant between Lincoln and London.

The restaurant’s food has been justly described as ‘outstanding’ by Egon Ronay, and diners enjoy a choice of lunchtime menus, à la carte evening menu or a more casual menu when dining in the Garden Room.

The hotel’s dedicated Business Centre is a fully integrated complex devoted to the servicing of business meetings and conferences for groups of anything from two to 50 delegates.

Within the Business Centre are three Boardrooms, one larger Conference Room and three Executive Offices all with complimentary Wi-Fi access.

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i More Information...

A dedicated Business Centre Manager is on hand throughout the day to make any arrangements for the meetings in progress.

Photocopying, fax, projector and PCs are all available. Secretarial services can also be arranged with prior notice and all rooms are set up with stationery, sweets, mineral water and fruit cordial.

Delegates can also enjoy working lunches and refreshments for uninterrupted meetings, or dine in the hotel’s restaurants, affording delegates a plush setting and true versatility. With 47 bedrooms too, residential conferences are conducted in comfort and style as well.

Rates for day delegates range from £40, with rooms from £50, render the venue affordable, luxurious and an excellent, accessible way to make a great impression on important clients. n

Business Credentials: Separate Business Centre with private office space available plus conferencing facilities for both day and residential delegates.

Environment: Beautiful coaching inn dating from 1200. 47 en-suite bedrooms. Enviable location just a minute or two from A1 making it exceptionally convenient for those travelling from London.

Menus: À la Carte menu in oak panelled dining room Garden room menu is less formal.

Price: À la carte starters from £7-£15. Main courses from £17-£35. Garden room dining with meals from £10-£20.

Private Dining and cold buffets priced individually.

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THE LINCOLN HOTEL, EASTGATE Eastgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 1PN Tel: 01522 520348 Web: www.thelincolnhotel.com

MODERN conferencing facilities, an ongoing programme of refurbishment and no fewer than six conferencing suites all ensure that the Lincoln Hotel on the city’s Eastgate provides exceptional facilities for those seeking to host an event in the centre of Lincoln.

The hotel offers both day and residential rates with conference packages available from just £30 per person.

Day delegates enjoy room hire, internet access, morning and afternoon refreshments, a two course luncheon, and bacon rolls upon arrival, making the venue convenient, modern, and exceptional value for money.

Despite its location in the heart of historic Lincoln, the venue offers state of the art conferencing equipment, including projector and OHP systems and Wi-Fi throughout.

For longer business trips, the hotel offers 72 rooms, 20 of which feature Cathedral views.

Cathedral View rooms are modern, plush and friendly, very much part of the 21st century, with flat screen televisions and connections to high speed internet for your own devices. All of these rooms have double glazing and air conditioning, and the newly refurbished Princess Suite will offer important clients the last word in luxury with

i More Information... superb quality fittings and enviable views over the city.

Also available at the venue is excellent dining in the à la carte restaurant which offers four starters, main courses and desserts with all local produce prepared freshly to order in-house.

The restaurant enjoys an unsurpassed reputation in the area and will this month be joined by the Green Room Restaurant, the hotel’s newest venture, offering Head Chef Sam Owen the chance to provide fine dining as well as relaxed à la carte dining at the restaurant in the current dining room.

With a modern interior, plush furnishings, enviable location and conferencing credentials plus the new restaurant, the Lincoln Hotel offers both day and residential delegates and those seeking a business lunch, a sophisticated, modern venue to which you’ll be proud to take clients. n

Business Credentials: Six meeting/conference rooms and day packages from just £30 per delegate. Available for events between two and 100. Full range of conference facilities available to day and residential delegates.

Environment: Modern, recently refurbished hotel in the heart of Lincoln overlooked by the Cathedral boasting 20 Cathedral View rooms.

Menus: À la carte available in existing restaurant. Brand new Green Room restaurant opens this month.

Price: Cathedral View Lounge; à la carte from £5.95 - £13.95.

Green Room dining with meals from £10-£20. Private dining available upon request.

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BARNSDALE LODGE HOTEL The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 7246678 Web: www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk

BARNSDALE Lodge offers corporate diners the latest in conference facilities, a stunning setting and an individual, personal service.

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A boutique hotel set in picturesque surroundings, it’s terrifically convenient for the A1 and offers a centrally located meeting point for businesses spread across the UK. With a multitude of conferencing suites, large dining room, accommodation and corporate entertainment available at nearby Rutland Water, it’s a plush, elegant location for any business meeting.

Conferences, wedding receptions, product launches, team building activities, private parties and meetings can all be catered for.

There are eight conference suites and rooms to choose from, catering for groups of three to 330 people. Most suites are on the ground floor and have their own entrance.

Several of the suites have their own private kitchen and disabled facilities.

Naturally for a conference venue, the hotel also has a fleet of LCD multimedia projectors, PA systems and AV equipment, and can provide secretarial support and broadband internet access, making it a cutting edge conferencing venue was well as a comfortable, traditional country hotel.

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More Information...

Naturally, the hotel also offers exceptional quality dining, from buffet lunches to prestigious gala dinners, informal barbeques and tailored private dining - the brigade of chefs at Barnsdale Lodge can cater for all of your needs.

The venue uses use fresh, local, seasonal produce wherever possible and can cater for both light, informal lunches during business meetings and full à la carte dining for any number of delegates.

The dedicated and friendly staff at Barnsdale Lodge will look after your every need to ensure your event is a memorable one.

For the last word in luxury and comfort in which to host a business lunch, conference or other professional event, contact the hotel now for a full conferencing pack, and speak to your personal co-ordinator, Kim Needham. n

Business Credentials: Eight suites and rooms to suit any event.

Conferences for up to 330 delegates. Full range of AV/computer equipment. Quiet, relaxed atmosphere for working lunches.

Environment: Beautiful country house hotel with flagstone flooring, beams, Georgian windows and impeccably maintained Old English Rose courtyard.

Menus: House lunch TDH menu from £12.95. Daily changing Lunch menu, £12.95/2 courses, £14.95 3/courses. À la carte evening menu with additional specials.

Prices: À la carte start at circa £7.

Main course dishes £13-£19 Desserts £5. Day Delegate Rate is £35+VAT and our 24-hour Rate is £112.50+VAT.

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THE WHITE HART HOTEL, LINCOLN Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3AR Tel: 01522 526222 Web: www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk

QUALITY is assured when enjoying a conference or business lunch at Lincoln’s luxurious White Hart Hotel, located in the heart of Lincoln’s historic Cathedral quarter, with its recently refurbished King Richard, Eastgate and Wellington rooms and Room Bar. This intimate boutique hotel offers contemporary styling with spectacular views of the ancient Castle within the shadow of Lincoln’s awe-inspiring Cathedral.

With plush, modern furnishings, the hotel has its popular Lincoln Grille restaurant, offering both à la carte and brasserie dining both in the main dining room and in its Room Bar as well as comfortable accommodation for delegates in one of 50 comfortable en-suite rooms.

For conferences and business lunches, a range of presentation/AV equipment can be organised, and broadband internet features throughout the hotel.

The White Hart is the ideal location for business people to meet for both lunch and supper, whether for afternoon tea, a light casual dining in the Room Bar or an express lunch in The Lincoln Grill, from the weekly changing Magnificent Seven menu with your choice of a main course for £6.95, Mains with starter or Dessert at £9.95 or a full three course lunch at £13.50.

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The Hotel has its own car park and the hotel offers complimentary car parking for guests dining for lunch in Room Bar or The Lincoln Grill. If you require a more formal environment or greater degree of privacy the White Hart has a range of other private dining options.

The Yarborough is a traditional executive boardroom for 12 people, whereas the Wellington is a Contemporary executive boardroom for 16 people. The elegant Pink Lounge is ideal for dinner for up to 48 and the newly renovated larger function rooms, The King Richard Suite and the Eastgate, seat 140 and 60 people respectively.

Combining outstanding service and the convenience of a centrally located country hotel, with the period charm and elegance of a building that dates back to the middle ages, the White Hart is a charming option for any size of conference, and a great venue for a lunchtime meeting. n

Business Credentials: Yarborough boardroom, Wellington conference room and Pink Lounge for conferences. À la carte restaurant for formal dining and bistro for relaxed business lunches.

Environment: Period boutique hotel situated in central Lincoln between Castle and Cathedral. Recently refurbished Menus: Lincoln Grille with classics/grill menu, home made desserts, Magnificent Seven menu.

Room Bar available for casual dining too.

Prices: Magnificent Seven menu from £3.95. Starters £5-£10. Main Courses from £10-£14. Desserts approx £5. For delegate rates call the Events Manager on 01522 563298 or email sales@whitehart-lincoln.co.uk

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STooth? weet

Winter’s just around the corner, and so are winter puddings... here, we preview the sumptuous, examples making a guest appearance in your favourite restaurants this season Words: Rob Davis.

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Main: Christmas Pudding SoufflĂŠ at Hambleton Hall. 1: Spotted Dick Pudding and Custard at the George of Stamford. 2: Cherry Crumble Cake with Madagascan Vanilla at The Millhouse, Covenham St Bartholemew, Louth. 3: Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce and Clotted Cream at the Bustard Inn, South Rauceby. 4: Chocolate Orange Mousse at the Houblon Inn, Oasby. 5: Apple Tart Tartin with Date Ice Cream at the Lincoln Hotel. 6: Warm Chocolate Sponge with Melting Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Ice Cream at Kenwick Park, Louth. 7: Winter Berry Tartlet with Italian Meringue at the Boat House, Farndon. 8: Raspberry Souffle with Vanilla Anglais at Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray.

9: Poached Pear stuffed with Winter Fruits with Star Anise Syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream at Winteringham Fields, Scunthorpe. n For our featured restaurants’ contact details see our Directory on p160.

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Locally Produced Food Restaurant • Farm Shop • Butchery • Bakery

A46, A17, A1 Roundabout, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 2NY Tel: 01636 612461 www.friendlyfarmer.co.uk

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Curds & Whey British Cheese Week from 26th September will see Lincoln’s Kate O’Meara celebrate twelve years acting as ambassador for artisan cheese makers... that includes flying the flag for many of the county’s most celebrated producers, as we found out with a visit to Lincoln’s Cheese Society’s cafe on the city’s Saint Martin’s Lane For the founder of the UK’s Cheese Society, Lincoln’s Kate O’Meara, there is just so much cheese and so little time.

That’s because the retailer and owner of the mail order business and café of the same name, finds it impossible to reduce her ever changing selection of cheeses to fewer than 80 examples, over three quarters of which are home grown.

Always a keen foodie, Kate created and ran Straits Wine Bar for seven years before owning Comestibles delicatessen in 1988, keeping the shop until 1997. At this time the internet was in its infancy but that didn’t stop Kate realising its potential and creating one of the first e-commerce websites to capitalise on her love of cheese.

The site is still run from Lincoln’s St Martin’s Lane, but today, the Society can also boast a bustling café, and retail cheese counter as well as a thriving mail order business.

“Cheese has always fascinated me as it’s a seasonal product with subtle variations. Artisan cheese is produced on a small scale by people who are passionate about their product. It’s honest, and it’s a blend of art and science. That’s what appeals.” says Kate.

The shop can boast over 80 different cheeses, mostly from smaller artisan dairies. Almost three quarters of the shop’s cheeses are English, mostly made with unpasteurised milk and therefore subject to seasonal nuances and variability.

Lincolnshire is, of course, well represented

by Lincolnshire Poacher, Cote Hill Blue, Dambuster and Little Imp. With national and

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international customers purchasing cheese from the Cheese Society it’s a great way to support the dairy industry - indeed, poor returns on milk yields are leading more and more dairy farmers to diversify, and with an ever-more food savvy public, there’s a new market of consumers keen to taste, educate their palate and favour local suppliers rather than opting for mass-produced pasteurised cheeses.

“Cheese is the new wine.” says Kate.

“It’s pure alchemy; milk’s leap to immortality.

The public love premium products, the greater diversity in terms of flavours, and ultimately the versatility of cheese. It’s a meal in itself and a wonderful ingredient when cooking, it could be regarded as the ultimate fast food, so it’s unsurprising that it’s more popular than ever.”

i The Cheese Society

This month sees cheese celebrated during British Cheese Week, and as Pride goes to press, Kate’s featured Cheese of the Month is a new product from the makers of Lincolnshire Poacher; Lincolnshire Red.

Who? Who? Specialist retailer, mail order business, Society with monthly newsletter and cheese bistro on Lincoln’s St Martin’s Lane.

The new cheese will form part of the shop’s Taste of Lincolnshire cheeseboard, sold alongside the Petite Pack and various selections that customers love as a quirky, individual present for occasions such as birthdays, Fathers Day, Thank You’s and Wedding presents.

Specialist Subject? Absolutely!

The Artisan cheeses Kate stocks are so different in terms of flavour and texture... the products’ characteristics are quite diverse but Kate prides herself on being able to quickly identify someone’s tastes and match a range of cheeses to their palates.

The shop also makes special cheese wedding cakes, a great alternative to fruit and sponge – and a wonderful way to feed lots of hungry revellers. Cheese is hugely popular in the run up to Christmas and this period sees trade quadruple!

Find Out More: Pop into the shop on Saint Martin’s Lane or call 01522 511003 or see www.thecheesesociety.co.uk.

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Main: Kate O’Meara at the Cheese Shop.

Below: The Cheese Shop.

Over the next few months customers will flock to Kate’s cheese counter to create their seasonal cheese board for Christmas entertaining - after all, a good selection is the perfect way to finish off a meal.

We couldn’t resist asking Kate about her seasonal selection.

“My Christmas cheeseboard will include a Vacherin Mont D’Or, a supple, soft washedrind French cheese that’s perfect for Boxing Day, a farmhouse Montgomery Cheddar, traditional Colston Basset Stilton, and some Appleby’s Cheshire for a touch of crumbliness.” says Kate. Serving them with our Apricot and Cranberry Chutney and a baked fig ball is a must, says Kate.

“And above all, a decent bottle of red... the best you can afford! Bliss!” n

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RECIPE BY JOHN CLARK

SEARED SCALLOPS

ON FENNEL TARTE TARTIN WITH PUDDING WINE BURRE BLANC Serves 4 Tarte Tartin: 2 Fennel Bulbs Juice of Two Oranges 4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme 200ml Vegetable Stock 100g Caster Sugar 50g Butter 300g Puff Pastry Pudding Wine Beurre Blanc Excess Coral from Scallops 100ml Good Fish Stock 4 Shallots, Finely Chopped 200ml Good Dessert Wine 200g Chilled Butter, cut into pieces Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper The Scallops 50g Butter 1 tbsp Oil 12 Large King Scallops, Shelled and Trimmed Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Serves four for a main course, eight for a starter. Preheat oven to 200°c/400°f/Gas 6.

To prepare the tarte tatins, cut the fennel into very fine slices and reserve the fronds from the top to garnish the finished dish. Place the fennel, orange juice, thyme and vegetable stock into a pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes, or until the fennel is just tender. Drain, discarding the cooking liquid, and pat dry.

For the pudding wine beurre blanc, place the excess of the scallop corals into a blender with the fish stock and blend until smooth.

Place the finely chopped shallots, the coral purée and the pudding wine into a shallow sauté or frying pan. Bring to the boil, then simmer until reduced by half. Whisk in the butter, a little at a time, until well combined, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Divide the sugar between four small blini pans around 10cm in diameter and heat gently without stirring until the sugar caramelises and turns golden-brown.

Remove from the heat, divide the butter between the four pans and stir.

Divide the fennel slices between the pans.

Prepare and sear the scallops by heating the butter and a little oil in a frying pan until foaming. (The oil will prevent the butter burning). Season the scallops with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then place in the frying pan and cook on each side for 1-2 minutes, or until just cooked through.

Roll out the chilled puff pastry to around 5mm thick and then cut out four circles of pastry slightly larger than the circumference of the pans. Place over the fennel, pressing down around the edges to enclose the filling. Place in the oven and bake until the pastry is golden-brown and cooked through.

To present and serve the dish carefully turn the tarte tatins out onto four warmed serving plates. Place three seared scallops onto the centre of each tarte tatin, then spoon the beurre blanc over the scallops and around the edge. A very rich and tasty early autumn dish! Enjoy good eating! n

John Clark is Chef Patron of The Queen’s Head, Kirkby La Thorpe, Sleaford. Call 01529 305743 for reservations.

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Queen’s The

Head...

Quality Restaurant & Country Inn

Early Bird (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday): Choice of 7 main courses, desserts & coffee for £11.95.

Steak Supper (Thursday 6pm-9.30pm): With double glass of wine, only £11.95!

The WInner of Lincolnshire Pride’s Restaurant of Distinction Award 2008

Fish Supper (Fri 6-9.30pm): Choice of 7 fish dishes only £11.95.

Sunday Supper (4pm-7pm): Choice of roasts or vegetarian option, plus desserts & coffee. Only £12.95.

Lunchtime Specials (12pm-3pm Mon to Sat): Choice of 7 dishes only £7.45.

Regular À La Carte Menus, Lunchtime Menu and Specials Board available at all times.

Kirkby La Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NW • Tel: 01529 305743 • www.thequeensheadinn.com

Exclusive LincolnshirePride reader offer

SPECIAL AUTUMN ROOM RATE OF £50 WHEN DINING WITH US

1 Silver Street, Winteringham North Lincolnshire DN15 9ND

Voted Restaurant of the Year 2008/2009 by the Journal and also Restaurant of the Year by the Lincolnshire Telegraph

Tel: 01724 733096 Web: www.winteringhamfields.com Email: wintfields@aol.com

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Valid until 25th November 2009. Terms and conditions apply please contact us for further details. Pre-booking essential, one voucher per couple.

This voucher must be presented to redeem the offer.

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QUALITY ‘DOWN UNDER’?

Who said wines from Australia can’t compete with their European counterparts?

Certainly not Lincolnshire Pride’s new wine expert Ben Straw of Lincoln’s Steep Hill Wines. Here, we profile some of Australia’s finest featuring two names, to which one would definitely dock one’s corked hat...!

There’s nothing quite like a good Shiraz and the Australians manage it better than most… and the two areas that are at the heart of quality Australian Shiraz production are The Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Both lie outside Adelaide in Southern Australia.

Langmeil have been making Barossa wine since 1996. The winery has one of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the world. Known as the Freedom, these three and a half acres were originally planted in 1843.

Langmeil continue to make their flagship 1843 Freedom Shiraz from these very vines.

David Paxton founded Paxton Vineyards in 1979 and they then built their reputation on a philosophy of good vineyard management and growing grapes of exceptional quality.

Paxton manage all their vineyards using biodynamic methods. This involves using a system of farming that uses no synthetic fertilisers or pesticides and focuses on the growth of healthy living soils through the use of natural compost preparations.

Paxton Pinot Gris 2008 – £10.75 Sourced from Paxton’s Thomas Block just outside the township of McLaren Vale, this wine displays fruit freshness and structure. The citrus and apple aromas are backed up with a touch of spice on the nose and give way to fresh citrus flavours on a full, attractive and crisp but flavoursome finish.

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Langmeil Sparkling Shiraz - £24.95 Try something a little different in this sparkling red wine. This is a full-bodied, bottle-fermented, red table wine left on its own lees for 18 months and liquored with a vintage fortified Shiraz.

Think great Shiraz Hearty with bubbles.

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Australians from £10.75£24.95

Saucy, savoury characters add to the complexity with balanced tannins and sweetness to help round off the finish.

Paxton Quandong Farm Shiraz 2007 - £15.25 Quandong Farm Shiraz is a single vineyard wine that aims to highlight the intensity and brightness of fruit grown using biodynamic techniques. The end product provides concentration, flavour and a certain delicacy, rather than simple, raw power. Aromas of earthy fruit with underlying berry and truffle aromas set you on your way to a smooth earthy plum and berry fruit palate with a lot of texture from the fine tannins.

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Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz 2007 - £12.99 This was my introduction to the wines from Langmeil and what a first impression! Lovely mouth filling sweet raspberry and plumy fruit with a background of lashings of sweet spice.

A perfect match for rich meats, game and mature cheddar.

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Paxton Shiraz Rosé 2009 - £10.75 I’m no Rosé drinker but for this little gem I will happily make an exception. The rose petal red colour leads to a fragrant, floral nose mixed with sweet strawberries and cream (which, by the way, you must try this with – quite possibly one of the best food matches ever!). The mouthful of red berry fruit is lusciously full and fruity, with a clean and lingering finish.

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Featured wines are available at Steep Hill Wines, Lincoln.

Call 01522 544737 or see www.steephillwines.com.

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Famous Lincolnshire Plum Loaf

Original Recipe Since 1901

HORNCASTLE 01507 522234 For stockists please visit:

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Farndon Boathouse Riverside, Farndon, Newark, Notts NG24 3SX Telephone 01636 676578 www.farndonboathouse.co.uk The bar and restaurant is situated in a stunning location with great river views and sun sets. Serving fresh modern food, using local produce with a selection of real ales, fine wines and continental beers. The boathouse offers an ‘Early bird menu’ daily and has live music every Sunday evening along with a packed list of events throughout the year. Please visit our website for more information.

Woody’s Bar and Lakeview Restaurant, incorporating The Malden Function Suite...

Traditional English à la carte dining.

Steak night Wednesday evenings from £13.

Senior Citizens lunchtime dining from just £7.75 for three courses from Monday to Thursday.

Weddings, conferences & functions catered for.

Poplar Farm Restaurant

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES AND CHRISTMAS LUNCHES.

Chapel Lane, Addlethorpe, Lincs

Telephone 01754 765174

Tel: 01400 230552

Now celebrating our 20th year. Situated in peaceful surroundings you can sample the very best local cuisine from our exciting new menus. Gourmet menu available Tuesday to Saturday evening and traditional Sunday Lunches. Please phone for bookings and any enquiries. www.poplarfarmrestaurant.co.uk

info@woodysbar.co.uk www.woodlandwaters.co.uk

WOODLAND WATERS, WILLOUGHBY ROAD, ANCASTER, GRANTHAM NG32 3RT

Straits Brasserie 8-9 The Strait, Steep Hill, Lincoln LN2 1JD

01522 576765 www.straitsbrasserie.co.uk A unique family owned Brazilian/British Restaurant and outside catering service using local & homegrown ingredients to give quality & value for money.

Now taking Bookings for Christmas.

3 course Christmas menu from £19.50 including wine.

The Queen’s Head Kirkby-La-Thorpe, Sleaford

Telephone 01529 305743 Ever changing à la carte menu together with chalkboard specials, alongside a less formal & reasonably priced lunchtime menu, all served by professional attentive staff. Dishes are prepared on the premises including homemade breads, using locally sourced fresh produce.

We have an excellent range of cask & keg conditioned beers together with an extensive wine list. Proud winners of several awards recently including the Taste of Excellence ‘Best Pub Restaurant Award’ for best pub restaurant food in Lincolnshire. Thursday Evening Steak Supper, Sunday Evening Supper, Early Bird Special Served 6pm-7pm Tues & Wed, Lunchtime Specials from 12pm – 2.30pm Tues–Sat. Now open Mondays. www.thequeensheadinn.com

The Houblon Inn Oasby, Grantham, NG32 3NB

Telephone 01529 455215 A proper “Country Inn” both friendly & civilised.

Enjoy the Books Garden Boules & Board Games.

As autumn approaches an open fire honey stone walls and flagstone floors welcome you or on a sunny day sit in the garden. Created by our wonderful new chef & chalked up daily the modern eclectic menu uses locally sourced & supplied ingredients whenever possible. (Do book) Call in and see or visit our website: www.houblon-inn.co.uk for further details

Located in the lovely Wold village of Tealby, The Olde Barn Inn is a warm and welcoming place to Dine.

Serving locally sourced produce, meals are cooked to order and served by friendly attentive staff. Our Menu is enhanced by the Black Rock Grill which is a unique Dining experience.

We are now a licensed venue for Civil Weddings, Civil Partnershops, Renewal of Vows, Naming Ceremonies and other Celebratory Services. We can offer set packages or a tailor made package to suit your needs and will be happy to discuss your requirements.

RESERVATIONS ADVISABLE Closed all day Monday

The Olde Barn Inn

Southern & Thorpe Butchers of Distinction

3 High Street, Ruskington, Sleaford

Tel: 01526 834359 Winner 2008-9 Lincolnshire Poacher Competition for Pork Pie and Haslet. Gold award for Bacon and Sausage Rolls.

Silver award for Lincolnshire Sausages and Speciality Pies.

Supplier of pork pies, meat pies, sausages etc to Chatsworth farm shop Derbyshire. Windsor farm shop & Harvey Nichols London

Cow Lane, Tealby, Market Rasen LN8 3YB Tel: 01673 838304

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MOTORING NEWS Model launches and news from dealerships across Lincolnshire Coming Soon October: Audi A5 Sportback BMW 760iL BMW 5-Series GT Porsche Panamera November: Bentley Supersports Rolls Royce Ghost

Introducing Aston Martin’s spiritual Lagonda successor

December: Aston Martin Rapide Jaguar XJ

Lincolnshire’s thriving MG community recently held its annual Concours D’Elegance at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa.

• First 4-door saloon since 1980’s Lagonda model.

• 6.0 V12 power, 500bhp, 190mph, 0-60mph 5secs.

• Four individually sculpted leather chairs.

Introducing Aston Martin’s new four-door competitor to Porsche’s Panamera, Mercedes’s CLS and Audi’s S8.

With four seats, four doors and 470 horses under the bonnet, it’s the

The event saw over 70 MGs, both classic and modern, line up amid enthusiasts to enjoy a taste of great British motoring on what turned out to be a typically English summer afternoon!

executive express that’s bound to impress.

Expected to be on sale by Christmas, the Rapide is the company’s first saloon since its iconic 1980s Lagonda model.

Mercedes ‘S’ Class “Best Luxury Car” In Brief...

New Bentley, same old Mulsanne These are the first pictures of Bentley’s new flagship supersaloon, which takes its inspiration from the 1930s Mulsanne.

Unveiled in London between the wars, the 8.0 unit was anything

but an austere, make-do-andmend model of frugality as one would come to expect from the decade, and sold just 100 examples.

The new model will feature a completely new engine, probably a VW-based W12, mated to a seven speed gearbox when it goes on sale during the first half of 2010.

Lincolnshire MG Club holds Annual Concours D’Elegance

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Glass’ Guide has just released its list of 2009’s worst depreciating cars.

The list details the percentage of original purchase cost retained after three years or 40,000 miles: 1. Alfa Romeo 166, 14.4% 2. Rover 45/MG ZS, 20.3% 3. Rover City, 20.4% 4. Rover 75/MG ZT 21.3% 5. Proton Impian, 22.0% 6. Mit’shi SpaceStar, 22.5% 7. Nissan Terrano, 22.9% 8. Alfa Romeo 156, 24.2% 9. Renault Laguna, 24.3% 10. Cadillac CTS, 24.8%

Mercedes’s S-Class has been crowned Best Luxury Car at the prestigious Auto Express New Car Awards for the fourth year.

Editor of the motoring weekly David Johns said: “Back in 2006, Mercedes redefined what we expect from the luxury car class with the S-Class, it still stands out like a beacon four years after its launch and continues to dominate sales in the luxury car segment.”

Later this year the next generation S-Class will arrive in the UK and will, of course, feature even more safety and technological enhancements, along with improved performance and efficiency.

This Month: Introducing BMW’s newest range of premium 4x4s and GTs. 143

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Driving Machines?

The Ultimate

BMW’s once professed to produce the ultimate driving machine - can the same claim still be true amid hostile competition from Mercedes Benz and Audi? To find out, we take a look at their wildest performance models and their more down to earth family cars too...

BMW’s 5-Series GT model launches later this year.

Words: Rob Davis.

This month BMW prepares to release not one but two models, aimed at completely different markets, with completely different body styles and engines... but with one common philosophy.

Pioneering the sports saloon market with the model we now know as the M3, long before the RS4 and C-Class AMG from Mercedes, the company created an entirely new sector within the medium sized UK car market - that of the premium saloon.

Whilst no larger than Mondeo or Insignias, BMW’s 3-Series and Audi’s A4 are considered a step-up in terms of quality and drive, if not in terms of their size and with the 3-Series still considered best in class, the firm established the idea that even ‘family’ cars can drive just like a sports car.

Now the firm is aiming at the smaller end of the market with the same philosophy, aiming at the likes of the Focus and Astra with its 1-Series, and the bouyant small 4x4 market with its new X1.

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The firm’s 4x4 models were greeted with surprise when first released, but have quickly become the Chelsea Tractor of choice for many 4x4 drivers for whom luxury and a premium brand are immediate considerations rather than off-road driveability.

Greeted with equal scepticism was the introductory 1-Series model which, at £16,000 on the road, brings BMW ownership to the masses despite cannibalising sales from BMW’s Mini franchise and its larger 3-Series sibling. Despite it taking a ‘different tack’, however, BMW is still retaining its claim as the Ultimate Driving Machine with the launch of its M (for Motorsport) Division’s specially tuned X6, X5 and the 5-Series Coupé, badged GT. So, as the company straddles the gulf between family car maker and performance specialist, can it still claim to make the ultimate executive express, or has its handing and performance credentials been hampered like a new father forced to eschew a sports car in favour of something a little more sensible?

The firm’s flagship 7-Series is the limousine of choice for many of the world’s statesmen.

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The company’s new models make the brand accessible for the first time, yet with each, BMW retains its premium-brand status BMW in Lincolnshire Specialists for the marque in Lincolnshire is Soper BMW on Lincoln’s Hykeham Road.

The purpose built dealership has access to extensive numbers of pre-owned vehicles and can provide servicing and support to owners, whilst specialising in the sales of the brand’s whole product line, from family cars to executive saloons, sports and prestige SUVs. All for One, and Ones for all...

The brand’s 1-Series of vehicle includes three door, five door, coupé and convertible models from £16,000 to £30,000. Its newest coupé and convertible models feature soft-top roof structures to keep the price down, plus both petrol and diesel units, and four trim levels.

Similar in size to Peugeot’s 308CC and Ford’s Focus CC, the whole range offers affordable family motoring with the bonus of BMW luxury.

Main: The new X1 part of a family of new ‘accessible’ BMWs for a younger market.

Below: Light, ergonomic and well-made... the hallmarks of a BMW interior.

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Three style...

BMW’s 3-Series has always been the brand’s volume seller, with four door saloon, coupé, convertible and estate configurations, petrol and diesel units, and the scorching M3 sports car at the top of the range.

Prices range from £21,000 to £55,000 for the coupé/cab M3 version, but due to reach showrooms soon, and slightly more down to Earth, is the 320ED. Carrying the Efficient Dynamics moniker, the 2.0 diesel saloon model returns a huge 68.9mpg on a combined cycle making it exceptionally economical and at around £25,000 with depreciation-proof resale values, exceptional value for money. A 70mpg 1.6 model badged the 316dES is also available, which, on motorways are competent and frugal cruiser for company car drivers.

Five star accommodation...

Always considered the best in its class, the BMW 5-Series this month gains a GT-badged coupé to be sold alongside its traditional saloon and estate derivatives.

Large hatches traditionally depreciate more than saloons, but following the success of Mercedes’ CLS coupé/saloon model, and Audi’s impending A5 Sportback, the 5-Series GT could be jumping on the bandwagon of a successful new motoring sector when it’s offered for sale from £41,000 - £53,000.

Available from £29,000, the 5-Series also boasts its performance oriented V10 M5 and M5 Touring line, prices for which top £67,000.

Seventh heaven...

The firm’s 7-Series of standard and long wheelbase executive saloons now feature 4.0, 5.0 petrol and 3.0 diesel engines with a 6.0 petrol and 4.0 diesel due for launch this month.

The last word in luxury, the models feature every conceivable extra, competing against Mercedes’s S-Class and Jaguar’s new XJ. There’s even a tailored chauffeur programme to help you find an approved VIP driver!

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BMW IN 2010 1-Series Body: 3-door, 5-door hatches, coupé and convertible. Trim Levels: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport. Prices: £16,410 - £29,935.

Rugged Off Roaders...

Badged the X-range, BMW’s X1, X3 and X5 models ally themselves naturally to the company’s existing 1, 3, and 5-series drivers.

The new X1 aims to compete with Land Rover’s Freelander and Honda’s CRV, offering both two and four wheel drive, from £22,000 to £30,000. Customers can enjoy 2.0 petrol and diesel units and a five door body style.

With prices from £31,000 - comparable to Land Rover’s seven-seats and plenty of kit-asstandard Discovery, it’s difficult to see the where the X3 now resides in the range.

Seen as a poor-man’s X5, the model does, however, boast impressive on-road handling and in X3 18D form, returns over 46mpg - an exceptional figure for a large off-roader.

Meanwhile, the larger X5 model offers the option of seven seats and low-range gearbox for serious off-roading, pitting itself squarely at Land Rover’s Discovery, and an M-Sport X5 offers sports performance akin to the new Range Rover Sport with 60mph reached in a frightening 4.7 seconds... though buyers seeking that kind of power should be prepared for the 20.3mpg fuel consumption figure and £76,000 price tag.

Sporting Chances...

And finally, the sporty ranges. BMW’s M-Sport badged M3, M5, X6M people carrier and its two dedicated coupé ranges the Mazda MX5sized Z4 and Jaguar XK-slaying 6-Series aim to reaffirm the firm’s handling credentials.

As we’ve said in a previous issue, the Z4 offers exceptional looks and handling plus great value for money, whilst the coupé and convertible 6-Series models are among the most beautiful on the road today.

However, with all BMW’s blending performance and style admirably, and most returning respectable 0-60mph times, whilst being limited to 155mph top speeds, the company’s performance models can seem expensive, and limit buyer’s choices to just a few models.

By opting for one of the higher-spec non-sports models, buyers will always find exceptional performance, as well as the usual BMW hallmarks of an exceptionally balanced chassis, high quality interior and enviable dealer experience. It seems the company has by no means lost its sporting credentials, but rather distilled them into each and every model. n

3-Series Body: 4-door saloon, estate, coupé, convertible. Trim Levels: ES, SE, M Sport, M3.

Prices: £21,525 - £54,860.

Z4-Series Body: 2-door coupé/convertible.

Trim Levels: sDrive.

Prices: £28,650 - £37,065.

5-Series Body: 4-door saloon, 5-door GT, estate.

Trim Levels: SE, M-Sport, M5.

Prices: £29,060 - £67,905.

6-Series Body: 2-door coupé, 2-door convertible.

Trim Levels: Standard, Sport, M6.

Prices: £30,950- £88,375.

7-Series Body: 4-door saloon, 4-door LWB. Trim Levels: Standard, SE. Prices: £57,085- £66,800.

X-Series X1: 2/4wd (2.0p/d) £22,660 - £29,055.

X3: 4wd (2.0p/d, 3.0d) £27,870 - £39,170.

X5: 4wd (3.0d, 3.0/4.8p) £40,820 - £54,155.

X6: 4wd (3.0d, 3.0/4.4p) £43,125 - £53,775.

For details on any of the above, visit Soper BMW on Roman Way, South Hykeham, call 01522 690000 or see www.soperbmw.co.uk.

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High Society

Country Casuals Autumn Fashion Show Country Casuals recently previewed its Autumn ranges at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, with over 100 Lincolnshire ladies in attendance...

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High Society Country Casuals

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High Society

Witham Hall School Anniversary Ball Witham Hall School recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a glittering anniversary ball held in the grounds of the school located near Bourne...

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High Society Witham Hall School Ball

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Accounting Solutions with a Personal Service - ideal for Small Businesses...

Anita Page Accountancy Services Financial and Management Accounts Bookkeeping and Payroll.

Business and Personal Income Tax Advice Self Assessments and VAT.

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www.merrick-day.com

Free one hour consultation at your home or business to suit your needs and save you time

THE DIRECTORY To advertise with us, call 01529 46 99 77 By placing an advertisement in Lincolnshire Pride you are agreeing to our full terms and conditions, which can be found on our website.

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Curtain Poles, Plain Silks, Linings, Cushion Pads & Roman Blind Tracks... order online or call for a brochure.

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THE DIRECTORY To advertise with us, call 01529 46 99 77 By placing an advertisement in Lincolnshire Pride you are agreeing to our full terms and conditions, which can be found on our website.

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A1 Garden Buildings Corner House Farm, Hawton Lane, Newark, Notts, NG24 3SD Tel: 01636 611125 Amba Photography 78 Doddington Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN6 7EU Tel: 01522 807191 Andrew Michael's Jewellers Limited 38/39 Stodman Street, Newark, Notts NG24 1AW Tel: 01636 679638 Anita Page Accountancy Services 36 Torrington Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 2DP Tel: 01522 859318 AP Homestyle 6-7 Victor Way, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PT Tel: 01778 424200 Asher Swimpool Lincoln Road, Fulbeck, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3JW Tel: 01400 272583 Avant Garde Bridal Emporium Showroom 15 High Street, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 5HP Tel: 01507 525200 Aztec Driveways The Farmhouse, Cowbridge, Boston, Lincs PE22 7DJ Tel: 01205 360450 Baker Furniture www.kohlerinteriors.com Baker Street The Barn, 38 Main Street, Newark, Notts NG22 8EA Tel: 01623 882288 Bandolera www.bandolera.com Barnsdale Lodge The Avenue, Rutland Water, Oakham, Leics LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 724678 Billinghay Sawmill First Hurn Drove, Billinghay, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 4BL Tel: 01526 860902 Boston Audi Marsh Lane, Boston, Lincs PE21 7QS Tel: 01205 315400 Boston Borough Council Municipal Buildings, West Street, Boston, Lincs PE21 8QR Tel: 01205 314200 Boston Heating Centre Church Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 0LG Tel: 01205 310327 Brides of Bailgate 9, Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 3AE Tel: 01522 576011 Bridge McFarland Haddon Owen 3-9 Tentercroft Street, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 7DB Tel: 01522 518888 Burdens Mower Centre Spalding Road, Boston, Lincs PE20 2ET Tel: 01205 460466 Bush Tyres 92 Horncastle Road, Woodhall Spa, Horncastle, Lincs LN10 6UX Tel: 01507 522444 Cammacks 30 Wide Bargate, Boston, Lincs PE21 6RU Tel: 01205 362300

Chattertons Solicitors 30 Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincs NG31 6TH Tel: 01636 673731 Chris Sharp Cabinets Tillbridge Lane, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 2SX Tel: 01522 504506 Clive Christian 01270 626869 www.clive.com Colin Luesby Interiors Market Place, Swineshead, Boston, Lincs PE20 3LJ Tel: 01205 820215 Colin Parker Masonry 58 Bridge Road, Long Sutton, Spalding, Lincs PE12 9EF Tel: 01406 365200 Country Casuals www.ccfashion.co.uk Couture Amour 35 Queen Street, Louth, Lincs LN11 9BJ Tel: 01507 601925 Crystal of Boston Boardsides, Boston, Lincs PE21 7NU Tel: 01205 366677 Dancing in the Street Sleaford Enterprise Park, Pride Parkway, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 415662 Darren Bell Photography 4 Leghorn Road, London, SE18 1SZ Tel: 07828 669158 David Twigg Joinery Ashlands, Station Yard, Skegness, Lincs PE24 5EZ Tel: 01754 890560 DKJ Resolutions 28 Winthorpe Grove, Lincoln, Lincs LN6 3PL Tel: 07962 217927 Duckworth Land Rover Racecourse Garage, Willingham Road, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 3RE Tel: 01673 842 101 Duncan & Toplis 5 Resolution Close, Endeavour Park, Boston, Lincs PE21 7TT Tel: 01205 310250 Elm Grange Interiors Elm Grange, Boston, Lincs PE20 3QF Tel: 01529 461800 Eric A Bird 1 St Mary's Street, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 7EQ Tel: 01522 520977 Farndon Boathouse Riverside, Farndon, Newark, Notts NG24 3SX Tel: 01636 676578 Fenland Briquettes The Poplars, Anwick Fen, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9SY Tel: 08454 503159 Fitmykitchen Moulton Chantry House, Southfields, Boston, Lincs PE22 9LP Tel: 08009 561781 Flame Craft Baytree Garden Centre, Spalding, Lincs PE12 6JU Tel: 01406 373600 Free Fire Zone Talanvine, Conquest Drove, Peterborough, Cambs PE7 3DH Tel: 01733 247171

G Simpson Butchers 11 Cameron Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9RW Tel: 01529 460403 Gente Bella Unit 11, Buttermarket Shopping Centre, Chain Lane, Newark, Lincs NG24 1BF Tel: 01636 643733 George Hotel High Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 750750 Gibson of London www.gibsonlondon.com Glen-Eden Medical Aesthetics The Market Cross Surgery, The Market Place, Grantham, Lincs NG33 4NH Tel: 01476 550056 Grahams of Louth 23-25 Upgate, Louth, Lincs LN11 9ER Tel: 01507 600530 Habit Kitchens The Stables, Market Stainton, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 5LJ Tel: 01507 343543 Halo Furniture www.haloliving.co.uk Hambleton Hall Hambleton, Rutland, Leics LE15 8TH 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com High Heels and Tiaras 13 Piccard Drive, Spalding, Lincs PE11 2GP Tel: 07702 627791 Hills Department Store 18/19 Broad Street, Spalding, Lincs PE11 1TB Tel: 01775 767155 HITS LTD Island Carr Road, Island Carr Ind Estate, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8PD Tel: 01652 659965 Houblon Inn Oasby, Lincs NG32 3NB Tel: 01529 455215 Hugo's of Woodhall Spa Station Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincs LN10 6QL Tel: 01526 354725 Hull Lighting Identity House, Baker Street, Hull, South Yorks HU2 8HE Tel: 01482 226429 Intone Designs Unit 3, Britannia Ind.Est., Bourne, Lincs PE10 9LA Tel: 01778 393160 J & D Betts 40 Saundergate Lane, Boston, Lincs PE21 7BZ Tel: 01205 311407 Jackson Building Centres Pelham House, Canwick Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 8HG Tel: 01522 511115 John Cussell Jewellers 84 Westgate, Grantham, Lincs NG31 6LE Tel: 01476 571721 Jon Hickson Motors Carlton le Moorland, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 9HR Tel: 01522 788363 Keith Dolby Jewellers 8 Bristol Arcade, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7ST Tel: 01529 303945 Kemp Estate Agents 16 Dolphin Lane, Boston, Lincs PE21 6EU Tel: 01205 311797

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Kenwick Park Country Hotel Kenwick Park, Louth, Lincs LN11 8NY Tel: 01507 353091 www.kenwick-park.co.uk La Foundouk Avalon, 15 Brick Yard, Great Limber, North Lincs DN37 8JU Tel: 01469 560383 La Vie en Rose 39, Sea View Street, Cleethorpes, Lincs DN35 8EU Tel: 01472 695432 Lincoln Hotel Eastgate, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 1PN Tel: 01522 520348 Lincoln Metalcraft Unit 2 Branston Business Park, 115 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 1NT Tel: 01522 795000 Lincoln Minster School The Priory Building, Upper Lindum Street, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 5RW Tel: 01522 551300 Lincoln Security Limited 79-83 High Street, Lincoln, Lincs, LN5 8AA Tel: 01522 532038 Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry Commerce House, Outer Circle Rd, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 4HY Tel: 01522 523333 Lincolnshire Showground Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 2NA Tel: 01522 524240 Lincolnshire Tourist Guide The Haven, 46 Broadgate, Spalding, Lincs PE12 6HY Tel: 01406 373122 Lindsey James (Ladieswear) The Barns, Whitehouse Farm, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9NA Tel: 01529 461175 Lucette 5 Gordon Road, Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 3AJ Tel: 01522 548296 M & M Antiques 17A The Crescent, Spalding, Lincs PE11 1AF Tel: 01775 766125 Mark Harris Commercials The Old Stables, Sudbrooke Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 2UZ Tel: 01673 860360 Matinique www.matinique.com Maudes the Jewellers 22 West Street, Boston, Lincs PE21 8QH Tel: 01205 367959 Merrick & Day Redbourne Road, Gainsborough, North Lincs DN21 4TG Tel: 01652 648814 MG Dales Sharpes Lane, Leverton, Boston, Lincs PE22 0AR Tel: 01205 760275 Millcraft Interiors 38 Queen Street, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 3EN Tel: 01673 844439

Millhouse Restaurant Covenham St. Bartholomew, Louth, Lincs LN11 0PB Tel: 01507 363652 Moody's Glass R/O 40 Alexander Road, Skegness, Lincs PE25 3RE Tel: 01754 764419 Moore and Scrupps 7 Appletongate, Newark, Notts NG24 1JR Tel: 01636 704488 Mou Boots www.mou-online.com Myers Bakery The Bull Ring, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 5HU Tel: 01507 525871 O'Briens Ophthalmic Opticians 43-44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8BS Tel: 01652 653595 Old Court Acupuncture Old Court and Police Station, Victoria Street, Wragby, Lincs LN8 5PF Tel: 01673 857412 Olde Barn Inn Cow Lane, Tealby, Lincs LN8 3YB Tel: 01673 838304 Oldrids 11 Strait Bargate, Boston, Lincs PE21 6UF Tel: 01205 361251 Parkwood Hardwood Newdown Road, Southpark, Scunthorpe, Lincs DN17 2TX Tel: 01724 847181 Peter Jackson Cabinet Makers 1 Deveraux Way, Boston Road Ind Estate, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6AU Tel: 01507 527113 Petwood Hotel Woodhall Spa, Lincs LN10 6QF Tel: 01526 352411 Poplar Farm Restaurant Chapel Lane, Addlethorpe, Lincs PE24 4TG Tel: 01754 765174 Premier Kitchens & Bedrooms 4 Phorpres Close, Cygnet Park, Peterborough, Cambs PE7 8FZ Tel: 01733 340471 Quest-eeze The Control Tower, Learoyd Road, Hemswell Cliff, DN21 5TJ Tel: 01427 667163 Richwood Unit 3, Mill Lane, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 4ES Tel: 01526 861440 Royle Plant and Groundwork 1c Chequergate House, Chequergate, Louth, Lincs LN11 0LH Tel: 01507 600423 Ruskington Dental Practice 37 High Street, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9DY Tel: 01526 832922 Sack Store Emporium Redstone Ind Estate, Boston, Lincs PE21 8EA Tel: 01205 310101 SalesLadder Elm Grange Studios, Elm Grange Studios, Boston, Lincs PE20 3QF 01529 462164 www.salesladder.co.uk

Savills 9 Fletcher Gate, 9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, Notts NG1 1QQ 0115 9348020 www.savills.co.uk Scott Trailers 33, West End, Walcott, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 3ST Tel: 01526 860317 See-saw Day Nursery Boston West Business Park, Sleaford Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 8EG Tel: 0808 1080250 Sheepgate Tack & Togs Leverton, Lincs PE22 0AS 01205 870236 www.sheepgatetackandtogs.co.uk Shirt Sleeves 7 Middlegate, Newark, Notts NG24 1AG Tel: 01636 605880 Simpsons Limited Branston Hall, Lincoln Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 1PD Tel: 01522 797989 Slimma www.slimma.com Soper of Lincoln Roman Way, South Hykeham, Lincoln, Lincs LN6 9UH Tel: 01522 688889 Southern & Thorpe Butchers 3 High Street, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9DY Tel: 01526 834359 Spalding Air Conditioning 10 Snowdrop Place, Spalding, Lincs PE11 3FW Tel: 01775 714097 Speedframe (Lincoln) Limited 140 High Street, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 7PJ Tel: 01522 531177 ST Hopper Ltd Market Place, Boston, Lincs PE21 6EQ Tel: 01205 362087 Stapleford Park Country House Hotel Stapleford, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE14 2EF Tel: 01572 787522 Starglaze Windows & Conservatories Tritton Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN6 7RY Tel: 01522 512020 Steep Hill Wines 25 Steep Hill, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 1LU Tel: 01522 544737 Straits Brasserie 8-9 The Strait, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 1JD Tel: 01522 576765 Streaks Ahead 1 Tattershall Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincs LN10 6TT Tel: 01526 353757 Taylors Citroen Endeavour Park, Boardsides, Boston, Lincs PE21 7TF Tel: 01205 314800 The Bag Shop 4 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2AX 01780 754794 www.thebagshopstamford.co.uk The Boathouse Restaurant Farndon, Newark, Notts NG24 3SX 01636 676578 www.farndonboathouse.uk The Bostonian Private Wing Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Tel: 01205 360606 The Bridal Suite 17 Castlegate, Grantham, Lincs NG31 6SE Tel: 01476 575050

The Bustard Inn and Restaurant 44 Main Street, South Rauceby, Lincs NG34 8QG Tel: 01529 488250 The Friendly Farmer The A46, A17, A1 Roundabout, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY Tel: 01636 612461 The George of Stamford High Street St Martins, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2LB 01780 75075 www.georgehotelofstamford.com The Grange Spa Millthorpe Road, Pointon, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 0NF Tel: 01778 440511 The Lincolnshire Kitchen Company Market Place, Market Rasen, North Lincs DN21 4LZ Tel: 01522 533051 The Mill 148 Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QN Tel: 01205 352874 The Queen's Head Inn Kirkby La Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7HD 01529 305743 www.thequeensheadinn.com Tongs Cookshop E.J. Tong & Sons (Retail), 1 High Street, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 5JH Tel: 01790 752548 Union Union Street, Grantham, Lincs NG31 6NZ Tel: 01476 593388 Valerie Tall Wedding Studio 10 School Court, Brigg, South Humberside, DN20 8JW Tel: 01652 657744 Victorian Fireplaces 9 Bishops Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 4JZ Tel: 01522 536373 Wellbet Bridal Gowns Wellbet Farm, Collingham Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN6 9JB Tel: 01522 868469 Westlands 19B West Street, Boston, Lincs PE21 8QE Tel: 01205 364850 What Box 81, Rectory Road, Ruskington, Lincs NG34 9AE Tel: 01526 830687 White Hart Hotel Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 3AR Tel: 01522 526222 Wilcox & Carter 32 Wide Bargate, Boston, Lincs PE21 6RX Tel: 01205 362719 Willow Farm Willow Farm, Thorpe Fendykes, Skegness, Lincs PE24 4QH Tel: 01754 830316 Winteringham Fields Winteringham, North Lincs DN15 9ND 01724 733096 www.winteringhamfields.com Woodland Water Willoughby Road, Ancaster, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3RT Tel: 01400 230056 Yarborough School Riseholme Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 3SP Tel: 01522 529203

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Lincoln BABIES Charity Founder One Lincoln charity says that Babies Are Born Incredibly Early Sometimes... but thanks to proactive fundraising, Lincoln County Hospital is well equipped with the necessary machines for their specialist care... we spoke to BABIES’s Gabrielle Gaughan to find out more...

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Lincoln BABIES is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, having helped hundreds of newborns to stay within their community for treatment

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Were you born and raised in Lincolnshire?

My parents came from Ireland and settled in Lincolnshire to have their family.

I was born in the city and brought up in the Burton Road area.

What do you do and what inspires you about your job?

Lincoln BABIES is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, My sister Vera had my niece, Grace Gabrielle 14 weeks early weighing 1lb 7oz in December 1998, unfortunately at that time Lincoln Special Care Baby Unit was unable to provide the care Grace required. She was therefore born at Scunthorpe hospital, at six weeks old she was transferred back to Lincoln. At this time she needed a heart monitor which was in poor working order in Lincoln, we vowed to raise money to purchase a new one which would cost over £2,500. We did this and Lincoln BABIES fundraising group was born, in the last 10 years we have replaced most of the equipment on Lincoln SCBU & helped hundreds of Lincoln BABIES to stay within their community for treatment rather than being transferred to Sheffield, Nottingham or even further.

We organise various events which take place on an annual basis; a golf day, a race night, our glittering annual ball, ladies pamper evening, 70's theme nights.

Sister Lesley Bradley works on SCBU and advises us which pieces of equipment are next needed... the very best part of my job is when she tells us yet another baby has been discharged home to their family having received the care and treatment they needed thanks to equipment Lincoln BABIES have bought.

It brings a tear to my eye every time!

Whereabouts in the county do you live?

For the last 12 years I have lived in Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln. My favourite area of Lincolnshire is Bailgate - it is very local to where I was brought up and it always makes me feel very proud to wander around, to see & hear the tourists enjoying our city. During my short period away when I would catch sight of the cathedral from the A46 I always happily thought “Good, I'm home!”

How do you spend your free time?

My fundraising for Lincoln Babies takes up most of my spare time, but when I am not working I spend time relaxing with my family & socialising with my friends. I have a fantastic family and a great circle of friends who are very supportive of my charity work.

Whereabouts in the county should our readers go to relax?

Even though I have lived in its area for many years I have only recently taken the time to visit Doddington Hall & feel everyone should do the same given the opportunity. The gardens are superb with lovely walks, there’s a wonderful farm shop where you can stock up on local produce and a coffee shop & restaurant serving amazing food.

Can you recommend favourite Lincolnshire restaurant This has to be Cafe Zoot in Bailgate, it serves a lovely menu, fantastic food at excellent value in a wonderful ambience. I think I have celebrated my last four birthdays there.

Finally tell us something good?

This month my thoughts will be with Luke Daniels, a friend who is walking the Great Wall of China for Lincoln BABIES. He will be training hard, I am both grateful & amazed by his efforts. The 10th anniversary Lincoln Babies 'Diamond & Champagne' Ball will take place at the Bentley Hotel in South Hykeham on Saturday 21st November. Sister Bradley has given us a request to purchase a scanner for the SCBU this year which will enable the babies vital organs to be scanned on the unit without creating discomfort to them by travelling to Sheffield, Nottingham or Leicester, as this will cost in excess of £50,000, so we need all of our events to be even more successful then ever. n For more information regarding our work at Lincoln BABIES please visit our website at www.lincoln-babies.co.uk or contact 01522 520077.

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