January 2010

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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

J A N UA RY I S S U E 9 0

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 - January 2010 - Issue 90

Warmers Winter

THE BEST HOLIDAYS, FASHION AND FOOD TO BANISH THE WINTER BLUES

£3.50

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13 Lincolnshire’s best properties.

37 Art - Helen and John’s larger than life artwork.

Welcome...

105 Weddings - introducing this month’s featured bride and groom.

...to January’s Lincolnshire Pride and may we first offer our very best wishes for a wonderful and prosperous New Year.

To beat the January blues, we this month offer superb inspiration in the form of fashion & beauty tips for the New Year, and take a look at winter getaways that will leave the colder, darker months hundreds of miles away.

132 A Lincolnshire businesswoman’s quirky new idea!

As well as visiting far flung destinations for dream holidays, we this month visit Sleaford, a little closer to home but no less exciting, with a number of developments that look set to transform the town dramatically.

130 Food - mouthwatering starters to whet your appetite.

Also this month, we look at bespoke engagement rings ready for next month’s Valentine’s Day proposals and ask the most established names in the wedding industry for advice for anyone planning a wedding.

With all this and a wealth of Lincolnshire food, the best High Society events and all of our regular features, all that remains is for me to wish you a Happy New Year from the whole Lincolnshire Pride team.

ROB DAVIS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

72 Travel - Our Lincolnshire holidaymakers’ winter breaks.

6 22 27 32 34 40 48 60 66

LINCOLNSHIRE NEWS LINCOLNSHIRE PEOPLE SLEAFORD WHAT’S ON ARTS & ANTIQUES WELCOME HOME INTERIORS IN THE GARDEN KITCHEN GARDEN

148 High Society - The Best events from across the County.

72 89 96 102 105 124 134 141 148

HOLIDAYS 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 FEATURES EDITOR EMILY CASSWELL GARDENING PAUL GRAY AND LORRAINE BELLIS 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 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. 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 • ISO 9001:2008 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

Belton House’s Venison Emerges Victorious in National Awards

In Brief...

• Scunthorpe is set to gain a new £18m school constructed entirely of steel sourced from the town itself.

The new school will open in Summer 2011, and will create 150 jobs in the area.

A sod-cutting ceremony took place as January’s Pride went to press.

Venison from fallow deer at the National Trust’s Belton Estate near Grantham, last month won a prestigious Fine Farm Produce Award from the National Trust.

The awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate the breadth and quality of produce farmed, grown or processed on the organisation’s land. The Trust is passionate about using local and seasonal food, and much of its tenants produce is often used in restaurants and tea rooms.

The Belton Estate’s head warden and deer manager, Chris Shaw, is delighted with the win: “This is the first time we have entered and I am ecstatic. A lot of hard work goes into the deer herd here and it’s fantastic to have that work recognised and for the quality of the venison to be praised by the judges.”

“At first people were a little wary about eating venison – which we serve in a casserole with cranberry - but it is becoming increasingly popular and the catering manager is asking for more this season,” he said. “Since then a couple of local butchers have also started taking it too.”

Stop Press...

Lincolnshire’s newest jeweller, Blitz, opens for business as Pride goes to press.

The new retailer, on Boston’s Dolphin Lane, will sell statement jewellery, fascinators and bridal accessories.

See next month’s Lincolnshire Pride for the full story.

Full of Eastern Promise!

Turnbull’s of Sleaford recently showcased their luxury kitchens with a superb Indian cookery demonstration featuring Sunita Patel Sleaford’s Turnbull’s Interiors Woodbridge Road kitchen and bathroom showroom was recently full of Eastern Promise and over 50 attendees as the company hosted a cookery demonstration showcasing Indian Cuisine courtesy of chef Sunita Patel.

Sunita prepared each recipe on a step-by-step basis, passing around the various spices used, for the audience to see and smell as she started to cook.

Using one of the working kitchen displays set within this state of the art showroom, Sunita used the hi-tech Neff Induction Hob

and Double Oven to cook the Samosas, Koftas and Masala New Potatoes to great effect.

The chef encouraged audience participation throughout the evening and some were able to make their own Samosas.

The evening was arranged by Debbie Hopkins with the view to raising money on behalf of the Rauceby Church of England Primary School.

As part of their January Sale, Turnbull’s is promoting an open day with Neff cookery demonstration on 16th January at Woodbridge Road, Sleaford.

Call 01529 460060 for details.

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

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Lincolnshire’s Sporting Stars Honoured at 2009 Ceremony Lincolnshire’s sporting talent was recognised recently at the county’s annual Lincolnshire Sports Awards. The event, organised by the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, is in its sixth year and celebrates local sportsmen and women throughout the county.

Freestyle and Para-Dressage Competitions and is the first and only Para rider to be selected as part of the Young Rider Progress Squad.

With 15 awards in total, 39 sportsmen and women throughout Lincolnshire were shortlisted for the awards, which took place at the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.

The award for Sports Club of the Year went to the Lincoln Vulcans swimming club, who were Lincolnshire National Junior League Champions 2009, whilst the Young Sportsman of the Year Award went to 11 year old Peter Quittenton, currently the National U12 Champion in Kayak Racing.

Highlights of the awards was The Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award which was collected by Sophie Wells, who won Gold in the European

The final award which named the 2009 Lincolnshire Sports Personality of the Year went to North Hykeham clay shooting champion Lesley Godard.

Tower Gardens set for revamp and new Gallery for 2010 Skegness’s Tower Gardens and the Inn on the Park is set for a 2010 redevelopment if plans laid out by the district council are given the go-ahead.

Last month the District Council has been told its bid, along with all others in Lincolnshire, was unsuccessful but the council is still hopeful of securing funding.

Funding is being sought to transform the Inn on the Park in Tower Gardens, Skegness, into a mixed use building with a traditional tea room, seaside museum and gallery space for local artists and travelling exhibitions.

The Inn on the Park has remained unused since the previous tenant left it in a state of disrepair in 2007.

This £1m vision, which was developed by a committee of Skegness townfolk, was one of over 50 projects submitted to the national Sea Change funding stream back in July.

Opportunity Knocks... on the Door of Starglaze’s Superb New Range...

Lincolnshire’s largest manufacturer and installer of windows, Starglaze, has introduced a new product to their door line in the form of composite doors.

PVCu doors have been around for over 25 years and the composite door fills a gap in the industry. Composite doors will stand the test of time and will not warp or peel. They are unique in the fact that they come with the benefits of a robust PVCu door, coupled with a traditional look.

The timber effect is produced with a GRP skin, which comes in a variety of colours. This changes the look of a house, giving it a rich and classic style.

Samples are on display in the Starglaze showroom, located on Chieftan Way, just off Tritton Road in Lincoln and the company says there has never been a better time to buy from Starglaze as they celebrate 35 years in the business with a 35% discount on orders.

“Tower Gardens in a much loved area in Skegness and it is important that we bring the former Inn on the Park back into use for the benefit of the town.” says the council’s Dick Edginton.

“We are still determined to try and find the funding required to make this project happen.”

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

Directors Celebrate Over 30 Years of Wright Vigar

The firm has gone from strength to strength and has received numerous awards confirming its success including Sunday Times Top 100 companies (on two occasions), Accountancy Age Best Firm Finalist, The Chamber Awards and Best Companies Accreditation.

During the 30 years there have been many additions to the firm, including the offices in Gainsborough, Retford, Sleaford and London; throughout the recession the firm has continued to grow and recruit.

The range of employees’ expertise has allowed Wright Vigar to become specialists in several areas including charity accounting, corporate finance and litigation.

Image: Rose Ravenscroft.

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Directors of local accountants Wright Vigar are celebrating 30 years of service to the local business community. Founded in 1979 by Lewis Wright and Richard Vigar, Wright Vigar was originally located in the Bailgate area of Lincoln with a team of 10, the firm now has five offices and 72 employees.

Visitors saw over 1,500 seals born throughout November!

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Donna Nook’s Seals of Approval for Coastline Nature Reserve enjoys record number of visitors as local wildlife grants Lincolnshire Coastline a seal of approval!

Visitors flocked to North Somercotes’s Donna Nook nature reserve recently as up to 800 seal pups made their way into the world each week.

conservation issue, and that despite the site’s designation as a bombing range, the pups are seldom disturbed by aeroplanes and military activity.

The beauty spot is popular for nature enthusiasts, photographers and those who love seeing the cuddly creatures.

Visitors during November were able to see a total of 1,500 seal pups born over the course of a month, the figure representing an almost unprecedented number across the British isles.

Lincolnshire’s Wildlife Trust says that the population of grey seals is a great international

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

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Sale of Churchill’s Smoke is No Cigar for Christian A Lincolnshire man who owns Winston Churchill’s half-smoked wartime cigar says he will only sell the item, valued at up to £800, to a member of the wartime PM’s family.

The valuation was made during an episode of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, filmed at Lincoln Cathedral in March.

Student Christian Williams took along the unusual item for experts to value it, and explained how Churchill smoked the trademark Cuban Havana brand cigar during the Casablanca conference of 1943.

The late grandfather of Christian, Ronald Williams, originally from

Horncastle, who served in the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, kept the stub when he was asked to work as a butler at the event.

Place cards from the conference authenticate the piece, which the TV show, broadcast last month, valued at between £600 and £800.

No matter how handy the cash would come in during the course of his studies, however, Christian insists he won’t sell the item, except to a member of Churchill’s family.

“I always had the feeling that I had something unique.” says Christian.

Supreme Comfort Assured at New Lincolnshire Hotel Lincolnshire’s residents can now dine in the heart of the Fens at a new hotel based on the site of a former motel.

The Bicker Bar site between Boston, Sleaford, Grantham and Spalding has been completely transformed over a former motorway motel into a venue to celebrate the best Lincolnshire produce with a restaurant designed to appeal to locals, and 55 en-suite bedrooms for those from outside Lincolnshire.

With an 80-seater restaurant sporting both lunchtime and evening menus, and a facilities for weddings and functions, the venue is set to be extremely

popular when it opens, as Pride goes to press.

A champagne and canapé open evening for the hotel saw visitors from the media, local businesses and local VIPs invited to the hotel to see bedrooms, the restaurant plus function rooms set out for weddings and conferences respectively.

The owners say they are delighted with the outcome of the refurbishment and can’t wait to welcome diners and residents through the doors.

For more information see www.supremeinns.co.uk or call 01205 822804.

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

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

COOL & CALM IN THE SUMMER WARM & SNUG IN THE WINTER WITH THE PROLIFERATION OF CLIMATE CONTROL IN OUR CARS, MORE PEOPLE ARE SEEKING TO ENJOY THE SAME COMFORT AT HOME AND IN THEIR OFFICES, AS SPALDING AIR CONDITIONING’S ROB LYON CAN BEAR WITNESS TO… Would you buy a car without air conditioning these days? Certainly not. Do you appreciate being able to maintain a constant, comfortable temperature in your car? Of course… and would you like the same in your home?

reliability of NAPIT industry certification and City & Guilds Qualifications in their field.

Those with existing properties can have systems installed in their rooms for minimal cost, but the pair are also working with those restoring property or building new houses who are seeking complete installations throughout their home for less than the price of a new kitchen.

The answer for many homeowners is a resounding yes, and that’s why business is booming for cool-headed businessmen Rob Lyon and Simon Spinks. The Lincolnshire entrepreneurs behind Spalding Air Conditioning Services are “All of the products we enjoying fresh demand from consumers who are so hooked on their in-car and office climate control supply are super efficient systems that they’re seeking the same luxury in – their green credentials their homes.

“We’re approaching our second anniversary, and business couldn’t be better.” Says Rob. “And unusually, rather than just experiencing seasonal peaks we’re finding that we’re popular with our new domestic market all year round.”

also means that they’re subject to just 5% VAT the equivalent to a discount of over 10% for the consumer.”

The systems that the pair install cost from under a thousand pounds and every installation can both heat and cool rooms to a set temperature ensuring a consistent environment all year round. Each system includes remote control, dehumidification, and air filtration making them exceptional for those who suffer from asthma or allergies, and ideal for removing odours, steam and moisture from kitchens and bathrooms.

Rob and Simon also perform yearly checks on the systems and as the only two engineers the company has, pride themselves on the relationship they develop from point of sale to after sales year after year, a consistent, reliable point of contact with customers, with the

“All of the products we supply produce heating or cooling three times greater than the power in kW that’s put into them.” Says Rob. “That makes them super efficient – indeed, all are A-Rated for energy efficiency. Their green credentials also means that they’re subject to just 5% VAT instead of the usual 15% - equivalent to a discount of over 10% for the domestic consumer.” says Rob “And the reduced cost of your winter heating when using our climate control systems will cover the cost of summer cooling, giving you all year round climate control.”

With this generous saving, and the convenience of a consistent temperature all year round plus the benefits of comfortable, dehumidified air, there are few reasons not to consider an air conditioning installation, as Rob and Simon are discovering.

“People love having the comfort in their own home.” Says Rob. “They find it convenient, comfortable and both cost & energy efficient – all year round.” n Call Spalding Air Conditioning Services Ltd on 01775 714097, 07879 628632, 07805 163121 or see www.spaldingairconditioning.co.uk for more information.

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Advertising Feature

MANAGE

your Cashflow While it is possible for businesses to survive the difficult years without much profit, it is impossible to thrive without cash flow to pay the bills and allow trading to continue.

Effective cashflow management means keeping a careful eye on your cash position at all times, and this article suggests some systems that will assist.

By creating budgets using historical knowledge (or research if you are a new business) you should be able to prepare cashflow forecasts. You may want to use accounting software (such as Winforecast) to help you quickly update the forecasts and include ‘what if’ scenarios or a simple spreadsheet may suffice. A bank that trusts your forecasts will be more prepared to extend your borrowing facility when you need the extra finance.

Forecasts should be regularly reviewed to monitor performance against budget and cashflow. Particularly before you take on large financial commitments, check that the cash will be there to honour the commitment and consider developing a system that gives you plenty of notice that cashflow may be a problem. This system may involve reviewing debtor balances, profit margins, sales volumes and credit limits with one particular customer.

Planning sales and marketing is crucial.

Consider tweaking your sales and marketing plans to boost cashflow. This may involve offering incentives for purchasing quickly and early settlement discounts. Focus on strategies that create short term sales, rather than investment in brands that create

longer term return on marketing investment, if there is a need for immediate cashflow.

Credit control is a function that needs to be done properly. Sending out invoices immediately after you have supplied the customer and planning ahead for public holidays is wise. Are you in an industry where payments on account are applicable or can you educate your customers to pay you earlier? You should chase the largest debtors first and monitor and chase late payments.

A solid relationship with the bank is important.

A good bank manager can make your life much easier and I would encourage you to meet with them regularly so that they understand your business. They will be switched on to reviewing your business finance and be in a position to act quickly if you need them to. Finance options such as overdraft, factoring, and asset finance may all help the cash position of the business.

There may be some under utilised assets that could be sold (and even leased back).

If you think that we may be able to help you with any business, accounting or taxation needs, please do not hesitate to contact me at our Sleaford or Lincoln office.

James Sewell, Office Director, 0845 880 5678.

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HOMES

&GARDENS

This Month...

• Welcome Home to a most unusual 1930s Modernist house.

• Soft Furnishings from Fabrics to Wallcoverings to Curtains.

• In the Garden with Experts Paul Gray and Lorraine Bellis.

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Old Barff Farm, Howsham

ÂŁ695,000

A FINE AND HANDSOME GRADE II LISTED THREE STOREY COUNTRY RESIDENCE SET WITHIN SECLUDED GROUNDS OF APPROXIMATELY 2.7 ACRES. The Accommodation Comprises Entrance Hall, Cellar, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Inner Hallway, Cloakroom, Sitting Room, Conservatory, Kitchen, Walk-in Pantry, Freezer Room, Utility. First Floor 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms (2 En-Suite), Bedroom / Dressing Room. Second Floor 2 Further Bedrooms. Outside Attached Garage, Delightful Formal Grounds.

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

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Glebe Glebe Barn, Barn, Spridlington Spridlington

£545,000 £545,000

A SUPERBLY A SUPERBLY PRESENTED PRESENTED DETACHED DETACHED STONESTONE BARN CONVERSION BARN CONVERSION SET WITHIN SET WITHIN GARDENS GARDENS AND PADDOCKS AND PADDOCKS OF APPROXIMATELY OF APPROXIMATELY 2 ACRES 2 ACRES Room,Room, Well Appointed Well Appointed KitchenKitchen The Accommodation The Accommodation Comprises Comprises Main Hallway, Main Hallway, Cloakroom, Cloakroom, Drawing Drawing Room,Room, Family Family Room Room / Study, / Study, Dining Dining Breakfast Breakfast Room Room with Larder, with Larder, Utility, Side Utility,Hallway, Side Hallway, GroundGround Floor Bedroom Floor Bedroom with En-Suite. with En-Suite.

First Floor First3Floor Further 3 Further Bedrooms Bedrooms (Master(Master with with the Drawing the Drawing Room.Room.

PrivatePrivate and Secure and Secure Front Courtyard Front Courtyard with with En-Suite En-Suite ShowerShower Room),Room), Family Family Bathroom, Bathroom, Galleried Galleried Landing Landing Overlooking Overlooking Extensive Extensive Parking, Parking, Range Range of Outbuildings, of Outbuildings, StablesStables and Open and Bay Open Garaging, Bay Garaging, Separate Separate Side Access, Side Access, Lawned Lawned Rear Garden, Rear Garden, Rear Paddock Rear Paddock and Floodlit and Floodlit Sand School.

Sand School.

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

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The Manor House, Frampton

£625,000

A fine four double bedroomed Grade II Listed Period residence within a highly regarded local village setting. Recently having undergone an extensive refurbishment and redecoration programme. Now with modern style neutral presentation throughout.

Includes drawing room with inglenook style fireplace, dining room and sitting room, conservatory and fitted breakfast kitchen.

Gas central heating. Garage and stable block. Delightful gardens of 1.2 acres (subject to survey verification). An outstanding property, highly recommended by the agents. The Title “Lordship of Frampton” is included in the sale of the property.

Contact: Sharman Burgess Estate Agents 3 & 4 Pump Square, Boston, Lincs PE21 6QW Telephone: (01205) 361161 Fax: (01205) 359080 Web: www.sharmanburgess.co.uk Email: sales@sharmanburgess.com

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Barbridge Barbridge Farmhouse, Farmhouse, Swineshead SwinesheadÂŁ325,000 ÂŁ325,000 Offers Offers Invited Invited An excellent An excellent spacious spacious PeriodPeriod detached detached farmhouse farmhouse with many with many original original features features set in set grounds in grounds of approx of approx 1.25 acres 1.25 acres (STS) (STS) including including paddock paddock & stable & stable block.block.

Accommodation Accommodation includes includes 4 bedrooms, 4 bedrooms, lounge, lounge, diningdining room,room, fitted kitchen fitted kitchen (including (including Aga), Aga), large walk large inwalk pantry, in pantry, utility, utility, bathroom bathroom & en-suite & en-suite shower shower room.room.

Rural Rural location location with open with open aspects. aspects.

BeingBeing sold with soldno with onward no onward chain.chain.

Contact: Contact: Sharman Sharman Burgess Burgess EstateEstate AgentsAgents 3 & 4 3Pump & 4 Pump Square,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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www.robert-bell.org

Blueberry House, Old Bolingbroke

ÂŁ360,000

A charming country home pleasantly situated within this much sought after Lincolnshire Wolds village, set in approximately 3 acres (sts) including an adjoining grass paddock and being a registered small holding. Believed to have been built prior to 1824 it retains many of its original features including box sash windows, original fireplaces and slate flooring. The well presented accommodation comprises: Main Hall, Sitting Room, Lounge, Dining Kitchen and Separate WC to the ground floor. With Galleried Landing, Four Bedrooms (with en-suite to the master) and a Family Bathroom to the first floor. Outside: there are pleasant gardens to the front and side, an enclosed patio garden to the rear and a good range of outbuildings including Double Garage, Boiler House and Store Room.

Contact: Robert Bell & Company Old Bank Chambers, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 5HY Tel: 01507 522222 Fax: 01507 524444 Email: horncastle@robert-bell.org

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www.robert-bell.org

Beverley, Beverley, Iddesleigh Iddesleigh Road, Road, Woodhall Woodhall SpaSpa Situated Situated within the within Avenues the Avenues of this of most thissought most sought after Lincolnshire after Lincolnshire village village standsstands this extremely this extremely well presented well presented six bedroom, six bedroom, three storey, three storey, Edwardian Edwardian residence. residence.

Its highItsceilings, high ceilings, character character features features and aerial andconservatory aerial conservatory further further enhance enhance the property the property internally. internally.

The large Thesouth large facing south facing rear gardens rear gardens are attractively are attractively landscaped landscaped and enjoy andaenjoy goodadegree good degree of privacy. of privacy.

The shopping, The shopping, social and social educational and educational facilitiesfacilities are within are walking within walking distance. distance.

A formal A formal viewingviewing of this of most thisdesirable most desirable property property is highly is highly recommended recommended to fully to appreciate fully appreciate the sizethe and size setting and setting on offer. on offer.

Contact: Contact: RobertRobert Bell & Bell Company & Company Old Bank OldChambers, Bank Chambers, Horncastle, Horncastle, Lincs. Lincs.

LN9 5HY LN9 5HY Tel: 01507 Tel: 01507 522222522222 Fax: 01507 Fax: 01507 524444524444 Email: Email: horncastle@robert-bell.org horncastle@robert-bell.org

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savills.co.uk

Furze Cottage, Moor Lane, Horsington A superb cottage with a conservation garden • lounge • kitchen/diner • downstairs bathroom • dining room/bedroom • study • 2 upstairs bedrooms • 1 studio bedroom with kitchenette • upstairs bathroom • detached 2 bed holiday cottage • feature lily pond • approx 1.3 acres

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

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savills.co.uk

TheThe Grange, Grange, Broxholme Broxholme 4/5 bedroom 4/5 bedroom period period house set house within set awithin rural a setting rural setting • hallway • hallway • 3 reception • 3 reception rooms rooms • cellar••cellar kitchen • kitchen • conservatory • conservatory • bathroom • bathroom • 4 beds • 4 beds garden & garden approxapprox 0.8 acres 0.8•acres paddock • paddock • 1 en •suite 1 en• suite 5thbed/study/office • 5thbed/study/office • house• & house • extending • extending to approx to approx 0.42 acres 0.42•acres stables, • stables, tack room tack&room workshop & workshop • outhouses • outhouses

Contact: Contact: Lincoln Lincoln OfficeOffice Olympic Olympic House,House, Doddington Doddington Road, Road, Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 3SE LN6 3SE Telephone: Telephone: 0152201522 508900 508900 Email: Email: lincoln@savills.com lincoln@savills.com

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Writing On

The Wall...

How far will you go to support your local charity? 5,071 miles? 8,161km?

4,406 nautical miles...? 1,000 metres above sea level? Last month an intrepid party of ten people from Lincoln completed an epic trek along the Great Wall of China, all in aid of Lincolnshire charities. This month, we chart the farflung adventures of Luke Daniels and his travelling companions Words: Rob Davis.

Every so often, the truly adventurous among us discover an irresistible drive to do something imaginative, adventurous and philanthropic.

However, one group of travellers from Lincolnshire recently went further than most to support their local charities, embarking upon a huge ten-day trek along the Great Wall of China in an effort to raise money for, among others, Lincolnshire’s neo-natal care charity BABIES (Babies Are Born Incredibly Early Sometimes).

Right at the forefront of the group was salon owner Luke Daniels, originally from Somerset, a Lincolnshire resident since the age of 15 and owner of Navenby based Urban Angels since 2006.

Having travelled abroad teaching the skills of hairdressing to salon directors and stylists in New Zealand, Australia, Hollywood and having worked in London, Luke is by no means unadventurous when it comes to travelling, but even he admits to having felt a little nervous as the trip approached.

“I’d never walked before and must admit that when trying to train with a few long walks in the Peak District in the months leading up to the trip I was a little worried about what I’d let myself in for.” says Luke.

The adventure started at a networking group for Lincoln businesses, run by Nicky Gray. The group represents the ‘best of’ Lincoln businesses, and an

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email was sent round to the group in May 2009 asking if the local businesspeople were interested in embarking upon the challenge.

The group met shortly after and soon became close.

Among the participants was Public Relations specialist Kate Strawson and Chief Executive of Lincoln City Football Club Dave Roberts. Dave allowed the group to train at the football stadium every Monday and Thursday night in the run up to the trip, climbing the 3,000 steps around the stadium three times during each session to try to acclimatise the group to both the distance and the climbing element of the challenge.

The terrain is rugged to say the least. Despite being man made, traversing the Great Wall of China is the equivalent of climbing up Lincoln’s Steep Hill... for seven hours solid. And that’s just the easy bits!

The terrain is rugged... even the easy parts of the wall are the equivalent to climbing Lincoln’s Steep Hill... for seven hours solid!

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Image: Intrepid explorers Sue Cadd, Bryn Roebuck, Luke Daniels, Kate Strawson, Dave Roberts, Emma Kershaw, Sarah Steel, Matt Wooley, Kathryn Armstrong Short and Nicky Gray.

The group had to raise a minimum of £2,850... but Luke raised almost £3,500 in total for BABIES, whilst the group as a whole raised an astonishing £30,000 for local charities, all of which will be spent in the City.

“I was really taken aback by the support we received from local businesses and from our charities.” says Luke. “For me, BABIES was an obvious choice as a beneficiary - it’s the charity’s tenth anniversary this year, and founder Veronica’s daughter Grace is also celebrating her tenth birthday.”

“The first day consisted of a gentle walk, and we were all buzzing from that.” says Luke. “The second day of walking was perhaps the most arduous, an almost vertical climb to 1,000 metres above sea level beginning at 7am and lasting for hours!”

Since returning, the group has kept in touch and is planning a second trip to Peru to complete the Inca trail in 2011

The group walked for around seven hours each day, over varying terrain, for a total of 72 miles in a climate which ranged from 18°c to 28°c, with chilly morning starts and meagre facilities. In the worst cases, the wall was eroded and the group had to walk across fields of maize and along ledges with sheer drops on each side.

The group’s diet left a little to be desired too... sweetbread and Spam sandwiches and a boiled egg for lunch made up the group’s staple diet, along with green tea and plenty of water.

After the arduous trip which say the group walking for a total of seven days, they returned to their departure point and enjoyed seeing the sights of the City of Beijing, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Since returning on 25th October, the group has kept in touch and is planning a second trip to Peru to traverse the Inca Trail in 2011.

“Meeting the group and having the kind of laughs we had was wonderful.” says Luke. “It’s really changed my outlook on life and being away from home and our friends with a relatively unknown group really allowed us to reflect on human nature... strangers supporting and helping each other and bonding.”

“It’s been life changing, and great fun. But also, we hope, life-changing for the beneficiaries, all of those people we’ll help with our respective donations.” n

WALKING THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA suggested was somewhat of a misnomer; steeper than Steep Hill by a significant margin and reaching 1,000ft above sea level within four hours. “The pain was immense!” says Luke.

The group stayed in a farm village on rudimentary beds and ate tomatoes in sugar and sweetcorn in brine for supper... needless to say, each retired very early for bed and slept extremely well!

The group walked for seven days and covered a total of 72 miles.

The terrain was extremely rough and climate changeable from chilly, misty conditions in the morning to temperatures of around 28°c...

The group travelled out to Beijing in a flight that lasted 26 hours.

The 40 strong group included a contingent of ten Lincolnshire people.

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Day three featured the beautiful scenery of Jinshalin, a steep hill on a rocky hillside where the wall was significantly eroded in parts.

Walking across maize fields where the wall was broken up, the day also featured a trek along a flat even road which, ironically, the group found harder and more uncomfortable than most of the other uneven terrain.

Day One the group embarking upon a picturesque walk on easy terrain for five hours before bedding down for the night.

Day four, Gubeiko, was the group walking to the last dynasty - the Qing dynasty’s - military outpost, offering astonishing mountain views, challenging terrain and uneven steps, as well as parts of the wall covered in battle scars.

Day Two saw the group walking up Heaven’s Ladder, a name that Luke

Day five saw the group walking from Jinshalin to Simatei, reaching

the highest part of the climb before travelling back down in a rather more rapid fashion, using a huge 1,000km zip slide over the area’s lake.

Simatei proved rather more tourist oriented, with a wealth of day trippers, and an interesting toboggan ride, over 2km winding down the mountain at speeds of up to 50mph towards Mutianyu with its markets and well-restored areas of the Wall. Reaching Juyongguan on day seven, the restored elements of the wall yielded spectacular views over the area where many warriors once have previously fought.

After some of the steepest steps the group had encountered, the group loaded up their bus and transfer to Beijing, the nation’s capital and somewhat of a paradigm shift after the desolation and peaceful scenery of the wall, being a city home to over 13 million people.

After spending a day in Beijing, the Forbidden City and Tianaman square, the group returned, exhausted, but extremely happy and with £30,000 for local charities, a superb achievement and a life-changing experience.

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Words: Emily Casswell Main: Cogglesford Mill and the Slea the subject of a recent clean-up operation.

The Future of Sleaford The traditionally agricultural town is boasting a change of face... coming soon, an eco-friendly power station, a brand new superstore and a new housing development on the Maltings site.

Sleaford is really leading the way as one of Lincolnshire’s most development-hungry towns...

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Eco-Sleaford Leading the Way Much controversy currently surrounds the subject of wind farms and a new cluster of turbines is planned on a site between Sleaford and Boston at East Heckington, just behind the Lincolnshire Pride office.

New MP for Sleaford Stephen Phillips QC was named as the Conservative candidate in the next General Election in October. He is replacing Douglas Hogg as the parliamentary candidate for Sleaford and North Hykeham.

However, Sleaford is already leading the way with officials having already approved plans for a straw-fuelled power station which, in addition to providing the National Grid with the equivalent electricity consumed by two Sleafords, will generate over £2m a year income for the town and generate 30 full time jobs.

Douglas announced his retirement from Westminster earlier in the year, following the expenses scandal which unfairly tarnished his thirty year career.

Not only will the site power Sleaford, it will provide local farmers with a market for over £6m of waste straw each year, and will save 250,000 tonnes of Co2. The plant will even produce waste ash that can be used as fertiliser.

The Boston Road plant will be constructed between the town’s football ground and the A17 junction, with building due to begin in March this year ready for operation in Autumn 2012.

The Slea has a Detox Speaking of cleaning up Sleaford, fifteen members of Rivercare found a bizarre range of objects during their recent clean up of the town’s water courses, which trickle through the centre of the town.

A vacuum cleaner, bird cage, tennis racket, walkie-talkie and a traffic cone were among the rubbish collected from the river and its banks. Andrew Walker, who organised the spring clean of the town said; “We aim to not only clear litter from the water and banks but also make people aware of just how important it is to keep the waters clean.”

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“I’m determined to pay back the country and the party.” explained Stephen.

“By serving everyone in Sleaford and North Hykeham as well as Douglas has done.”

Mr Phillips, 39, is now house-hunting in the Sleaford area.

Tesco extend into the Maltings Many residents in Sleaford are disgruntled by plans put forward by Tesco to leave its current site and create a new Tesco Extra superstore adjacent to the new Maltings development.

The proposals include 615 free parking spaces and retail floor space totalling 65,000 sq feet. This includes the construction of a new superstore on the former Advanta Seeds site, off Southgate.

The existing Maltings site will also be redeveloped to facilitate new housing and a medical centre.

This, with the proposal of a new relief road, put forward by the County Council, poses a dramatic change to the town as established trees in Sleaford’s Boston Road recreation ground will be removed to facilitate access.

Mr Fletcher, the Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager said; “The new store will keep the residents of Sleaford shopping locally and bring new jobs to the area.”

Above: HM The Queen visited RAF Cranwell in June this year.

Main: Sleaford Market Place.

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An independent tree expert report revealed that between 56-66 trees were threatened by the proposals. This has raised high emotions through the Sleaford community.

Despite the report claiming that many of the trees had reached the final stages of life Ada Trethewey still objected; “Trees go on they reach old age and are still there 200 years later.”

Meanwhile Brian Watson said; “I have seen a letter from the Prince’s Regeneration Trust which says the road is not needed for the Maltings... I propose we keep looking for alternative routes.”

Poppy prom helps our heroes Sleaford Concert Band sold 500 tickets this year, filling St Denys Church last month.

“The evening was a great success.” explained Lt Col Ian Graham, “We are delighted to have raised around £4,000.

The turn-out was fantastic and it showed real community support. It all comes down to supporting our troops.”

Big Steps for the Little Theatre Sleaford’s own playhouse was restored in 2000 after falling vacant in 1994. In the last few years it has come on leaps and bounds.

“Three years of funding bids, some more successful than others, help from The Foundation of Sports and Arts, Wren Recycling, local benefactors and sponsors, together with sheer hard labour from

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enthusiastic volunteers, culminated in a grand opening.” A spokesperson for the theatre said. Located on West Gate road, the theatre is one of Sleaford’s best kept secrets, with a dedicated team of am-dram enthusiasts. The venue presents Pirate Treasure next month - the Metheringham Amateur Dramatic Society is performing the traditional pantomime, which is suitable for all the family.

Sleaford is leading the way in terms of environmental responsibility...

A Ray of Sunshine from St Denys Sleaford’s St Denys recently jumped at the opportunity to impress upon the town its environmental credentials by unveiling a new solar powered heating and lighting system.

“We were already renewing the heating and lighting systems.” said Curate Rev Cullimore. “The solar panels installed in July, and have saved over two tonnes of CO2. The panels promise to save 4.5 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, with a 25 year life expectancy.”

Each of Sleaford’s six schools can access data on panels’ performance through the internet, allowing them to be used in both curriculum and extra-curricular projects.

Aled Jones and the Songs of Praise team were included in the high profile launch, and now, St Hughes in North Hykeham and Grantham’s St Wulfram’s are all planning to get their own installations underway. n

Image: The Bass Maltings, awaiting redevelopment in 2010... albeit with a controversial access route through Sleaford’s recreation ground.

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

Broadbent Theatre, Wickenby

Louth Playgoers’s Riverhead Theatre

Tel: 01673 885500 www.broadbent.org

Tel: 01507 600350 www.louthplaygoers.co.uk

5th - 13th January: Dick Whittington Following the success of last year’s Snow White the team of Jan Allen and Director Abi Wright are back in partnership again for our annual panto. This year the story of the young man, who, together with his cat, made the journey from rags to riches to become Lord Mayor of London.

26th - 30th January: The King & I Louth’s Riverhead Theatre presents the musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein based on the book Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon.

Drill Hall, Lincoln Tel: 01522 873894 www.lincolndrillhall.com 23rd January: Gilad Atzmon with Strings A very special performance combining the unique talents of world-leading saxophonist Gilad Atzmon with stunning string arrangements. Apart from being a performer with many albums to his name, Gilad has written two novels and earlier in his career he was a key member of Ian Drury’s Blockheads.

Embassy Centre, Skegness Tel: 01754 897672 www.embassytheatre.co.uk 23rd January: Vienna by Candlelight The Locrian Ensemble, attired in sumptuous period costume and in a stunning candlelit setting, perform music by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert,

Trent FM Arena, Nottingham Tel: 0844 124 624 www.trentfmarena nottingham.com

Gilad Atzmon with Strings at Lincoln Drill Hall.

Lehar and Johann Strauss.

Britain's favourite touring ensembles are joined in this celebration of Viennese music by a prominent guest soprano.

The Locrian have built a huge following for both their wonderful playing and rapport with their audiences, demystify the stuffiness sometimes associated with classical-concert going, putting the audience in a happy and relaxed frame of mind.

Strauss at the Embassy Centre.

Grimsby Auditorium, Grimsby Tel: 0844 847 2426 www.grimsbyauditorium. org.uk 28th January: Beyond the Barricade Recreating original West End and Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, this cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables, and the West End, perform songs from Miss Saigon, The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera plus many more, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Mis! Brand new 2010 show based at the venue for one night only.

26th - 28th January: Strictly Come Dancing LIVE! Watch your favourite celebrities, dance champions and TV judges again as Strictly Come Dancing’s live tour reaches Trent FM Arena Nottingham. Already confirmed to tango their way back to Nottingham are former Strictly Come Dancing stars Austin Healey, Kelly Brook and Mark Ramprakash.

Sands Venue, Gainsborough Tel: 01427 811118 www.the-sands.co.uk 22nd January: ELO - A Tribute Recreating the fabulous sounds of The Electric Light Orchestra.

The band recreates ELO's magical performances with great attention to detail. Back in the

Send your Lincolnshire Events to: Lincolnshire Pride, Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3QF 32

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JANUARY

70's and 80's Jeff Lynne and the band gave us some of the best songs ever recorded onto vinyl, such as Mr Blue Sky, Sweet Talking Woman, Turn To Stone and Evil Woman.

South Holland Centre Tel: 01775 764777 www.southholland centre.co.uk 29th January: Elio Pace - In Concert Singer-songwriter Elio Pace has been thrilling audiences around the world with his soulful voice and amazing piano playing for over 20 years. A performer with artists such as Martha Reeves, Huey Lewis, Suzi Quatro, Shakin Stevens, Ronan Keating, and Kiki Dee, with his unique blend of Pop, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz and Rock & Roll, Elio showcases his own songs from the critically acclaimed album A Seat At My Table as well as a selection of choice covers.

Stamford Arts Centre Tel: 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com 9th January: Mediva Mediva has been a fun loving, imaginative and successful medieval group for almost ten years, performing a wide range of music from the 12th to 15th centuries. They met while studying at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Switzerland and have appeared at many international festivals and competitions.

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

1st - 16th January: Jack & The Beanstalk A fantastically funny Christmas panto starring Cannon & Ball.

Also starring James Goodman, Rachael Holoway and Nick Bayly.

A rip-roaring funny family pantomime in the heart of Lincoln!

Elio Pace at The South Holland Centre, Spalding

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

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TURNING OVER AN OLD LEAF BOOK RESTORATION... IF YOU THOUGHT IT WAS JUST FOR 250 YEAR OLD BIBLES LIKE THE EXAMPLE PICTURED OPPOSITE, THINK AGAIN. SPILSBY BOOK RESTORER AND REPAIRER TOM TAYLOR, TURNS OVER AN OLD LEAF FOR FAMILY BIBLES, CHERISHED CHILDHOOD BOOKS AND PERSONAL DIARIES ALIKE For Tom Taylor, turning over a new leaf is all well and good, but the prolific book collector and restorer would much rather turn over an old leaf... particularly one that has been lovingly kept and preserved, passed down over generations.

The craft of bookbinding developed with the advent of printing in the Fifteenth Century, when William Caxton and Gutenberg set up the first printing presses in Britain and Europe.

Although mechanisation has changed the way most books are bound today, bookbinding using traditional techniques has changed very little throughout history.

The traditional craft still survives today in a few specialist workshops. The Spilsby man’s book repair and restoration service is just a hobby, but anything up to eight commissions find their way into Tom’s skilled hands each week.

During our visit Tom was restoring a Victorian brass bound bible. The boards needed refixing, as did the spine, after Tom had repaired all the torn pages, using Japanese repair paper.

The spine was then cleaned right down to the back edges of the original pages. A new headband was fitted along with a new piece of mull, to which the boards are fixed. Tom also introduced a ribbon marker under the headband, all using PVA as the adhesive.

As he was retaining the original leather spine, a piece of leather was pared and fitted on the mull and onto the boards under the original leather.

Whilst Tom was waiting for the work on the bible to dry off he began work on a 1930s Monster Rupert book which required a new spine and the original boards restoring. This eternal favourite of many children is reputed to be worth seven to eight hundred pounds.

Tom often has to bind complete print outs such as autobiographies. These are usually bound in heritage book cloth, of which there is a wide choice of colours. These

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require titles on the spine and front boards which entails the use of a hot foil engraver. Gold foil is most often used but silver and black are also available, these are applied using a heatpress, with using brass type in the style of Times New Roman in 14, 18 or 22 point the most common.

Beside heritage book cloth Tom’s choice of leather is Italian or Moroccan goat bought by the square foot and like Jacob’s coat, available in many colours.

There are a surprising number of Lincolnshire folk with valuable tomes and family hand-me-downs that need restoration.

“So many people have so many beautiful books.” says Tom, himself a collector of Lincolnshire volumes.

“Looking after them is essential... in the case of family bibles they’re often really precious family heirlooms.”

Most totally new binds come in the £30 - £60 bracket and restorations jobs £50 - £150. The life of leather volumes can be prolonged by treating with dressing or creams such as Meltonia. Tom’s tip is to polish those rare leather volumes as often as your best shoes.

Whilst many people accept that moisture damages books, few realise the damage that can be caused by light and heat from central heating, the latter of which can crack leather. Tom recommends a damp cloth and plain soft water for removing cover grime, whilst a soft brush or vacuum attachment with bristles and low suction setting is best for removing dust from the edges of the pages when dusting your bookshelf.

Tom certainly puts a lot of time and effort into his hobby, but finds it rewarding to extend the life of family treasures and says that despite the intricate work involved, he definitely enjoys turning over an old leaf. n Tom Taylor can be found at The Old Schoolhouse, Boston Road, West Keal, Spilsby.

For more information call 01790 754196.

Main: Tom Taylor of Spilsby specialises in restoring books from the 16th to the 20th century.

Above: Letraset movable type with a heat press and gold leaf type kits are used to restore lettering.

Tom glues in loose pages and patches paper.

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Quality Ornamental Ironwork (DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL)

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

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Above: Helen Webber and John Gray with his 6ft canvas ‘Time to Jump’.

LARGER THAN LIFE THIS MONTH, JOHN GRAY AND HELEN WEBBER, PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, STUDIO OWNERS AND TEACHERS OF ART, BASED AT BEAUTIFUL STUDIOS IN SPALDING. TOGETHER THE COUPLE HOPES TO INSPIRE FUTURE ARTISTS TO FIND A PASSION FOR ART WHILST CONCENTRATING ON THEIR OWN ARTISTIC INTERESTS, INCLUDING JOHN’S CUBIST INSPIRED ART THAT’S LARGER THAN LIFE For Spalding artists John and Helen, there’s a real pleasure in creating and exhibiting their art and equal pleasure to be found in ensuring that other can experience that pleasure too. Anyone can discover art for themselves, no matter what medium they think they like to work in.

“We don’t dictate style or medium.” says Helen, “We keep the groups small to facilitate as much one-to-one tuition as possible, but we offer instruction on techniques and set exercises to get beginners started and ensure that right from the outset anyone attending our classes can quickly discover a passion for art. That passion can then be nurtured, and I think that’s why we have so many successful students.”

Helen from Kent, and John originally from Edinburgh, met by an extraordinary quirk of circumstance in 1977, whilst travelling down from London to Boston via Grantham by train on route to the same interview for the position of community arts fellow, funded by the Gulbenkin foundation and the now defunct Lincolnshire and Humberside arts initiative.

Prior to this meeting Helen had been working as an art teacher in London and Kent after graduating from Nottingham Trent University and Brighton Polytechnic. John had studied art in Edinburgh and London and graduated from Hull College of Art. Helen got the Boston fellowship which was based at the towns then newly established Blackfriars Arts Centre where she established a programme of visual arts at the venue. Soon after John was appointed the prestigious Fellowship in Fine Art at Nottingham University.

The couple relocated to Lincolnshire permanently in 1979, and during the early 1980s John ran private art classes at The Brush and Palette a café gallery and art studio based in the former ropewalk in the centre of Spalding, established by the late John Sears - an artist who had previously run a similarly named (but more notorious) club in Queensway London in the 1950s.

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THE COUPLE FUNCTION AS PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS BUT ALSO RUN ART CLASSES ATTENDED BY COMPLETE BEGINNERS AND PROFESSIONALS ALIKE, AGED FROM 11-90. STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM PROFESSIONAL TUITION AND A CONFIDENCE BUILDING ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH TO WORK. AWAY FROM THE CLASSES HELEN PRODUCES ACRYLIC LANDSCAPES AND JOHN LARGE CUBIST INFLUENCED PIECES

Words: Rob Davis.

The Spalding Brush became a meeting place for artists and like-minded people and when it closed in 1986 John and Helen, looked for a new studio and came across an empty warehouse owned by the council, a single storey building which had once had four floors until the diesel engine powering the machinery for Elsoms Seeds exploded the week after it had been installed in 1923, and almost raised the building to the ground!

They were able to rent the premises from the council where they created Riverbank Studios - a venue where the people of Spalding could view exhibitions and attend classes.

Today the building is used to host classes for all levels of artists from complete beginners, and is funded entirely by the couple, who have their individual painting studios here where they practice their art.

January sees the beginning of a new term at the venue. Daytime classes take place on Tuesdays & Thursdays 10.30-12.30 & 1.30-3.30pm and evening classes are on Tuesday (life class) and Wednesday (general) 7.30-9.30pm. Students can join at any time during the term and only pay for the classes they attend.

They can choose which painting medium they wish work in and can take advantage of both Helen and John’s respective experience.

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There are usually about 12-14 students in each group and the teaching is aimed at the individual student’s level of experience.

“We do bring in an element of art theory and refer to existing artists so people can do a little research into a style the think they like.

The emphasis is on building confidence and enjoying art.”

Helen specialises in landscapes and says she loves the ever-changing fields around Lincolnshire that provide fresh inspiration each time she paints in acrylics, oils pastels or waters.

John, meanwhile, specialises in large scale oil canvases, with subjects from historic Edinburgh that explore the human condition, through his complex style influenced by cubism and expressionism. The featured canvas opposite for example represents man’s quest for immortality, by linking the Mysteries of Rosslyn Chapel, featured the Da Vinci Code), with Dolly the sheep, who’s birth place was only a short step down the road at the Roslin Institute.

With such a breadth of talent and a willingness to introduce others to art it is little surprise that the couple’s classes are so popular.

The great news for all is that this month, anyone can discover more about art and a little more about themselves in an environment that’s relaxed and nurturing. n

Above: Helen and John’s studio next to the Welland.

Opp: John’s 7ft Rosslyn canvas.

Classes are open to beginners from Tuesday to Thursday.

Call 01775 680683 or see www.riverbankstudios.co.uk for information.

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An Ideal

Home The 1932 Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition’s star property has been faithfully recreated near Louth. Touted as ‘a married man’s ideal property’, the house has art deco style aplenty, just ask Modernist fan Dawn Shuttleworth!

i ‘The House that Jack Built’, near Louth

The Coach House, Carlton Scroop Owners: Dawn and Jules Shuttleworth Style: 1932 Ideal Home exhibition winner; Bauhaus inspired Modernist home.

Receptions: Three; informal living room, first floor sun room, and dining room.

Bedrooms: Four, one with en suite, one with balcony.

Other Features: Original bomb shelter!

Price: £525,000.

Agent: J H Walter.

Find Out More: 01522 504304, or see www.jhwalter.co.uk.

Introducing Berties House - that’s the nickname given to The House that Jack Built, also known as Brenton Lodge on Louth’s St Mary’s Lane, by owners Jules and Dawn Shuttleworth.

Known throughout Louth as The Art Deco House (incorrectly, since the 1930s was characterised by the Modernist style, not the earlier Art Deco paradigm), it’s nothing if not distinctive. Those who encounter the house tend to either love it, or hate it, and even when it was under construction, locals would picnic nearby to witness its construction.

Personally, we love the property, and within the four concrete walls with their limewashed render there’s even more to love in the form of a practical, three storey family home with 3,000sq ft of space, four bedrooms and even a bomb shelter!

The house was designed as part of a competition run in conjunction with the Ideal Home Exhibition in 1931/2 and the Daily Mail. Those years saw two competitions entitled The House That Jill/Jack Built, during which women and men respectively were encouraged to design a modern home for married couples that could be managed without housekeepers or other staff.

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The property is arranged over three floors, with four bedrooms, a balcony to the master bedroom suite and a very distinctive 1930s Modernist appearance!

Despite having no previous experience, Thomas Dalgleish McLean managed to design The House that Jack Built in 1932 and duly won the competition.

Once his design had been ratified by an architect, Thomas received £250 for his efforts, and saw his design being created at the show. There, it was witnessed by Louth resident and furniture retailer Bertie Hallam who was so impressed with the design he recreated it exactly on a plot he found near to the town’s Westgate Fields.

Not everyone was as impressed with the design as Bertie but the house never lost its appeal with Bertie, who remained there for over 50 years until 1978, thereupon it was passed to new owners the Wilson Family, market traders from Skegness, then to new owners in 1984 and 1992.

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Main: The main drawing room, with American flooring, wood burner, Corbusier chair and Arco lamp!

Jules and Dawn arrived at the property in 2004, having travelled to Louth and spied the house in an agent’s window by chance.

“We loved it!” says Dawn. “The house had been completely renovated by its previous owners with new kitchens and bathrooms, and up-to-date plumbing and wiring.”

The house is arranged over three floors, with a large sitting room on the ground floor with wood burner, American Bruce Oak floor and latest furnishings purchased from Grantham based luxury home furnishings and art specialist Union, and from Dragonfly in Louth and Neals in Stamford.

The room’s furnishings suit the style of the property completely with a Corbusier chaise, Peel chair and hefty Arco lamp in polished steel.

The kitchen, meanwhile, features an electric Aga with the company’s AIMs system for the convenience of a conventional cooker, plus integrated dishwasher and larder style cooling appliances, and an adjacent dining room.

The middle floor features a 24ft sunroom with floor-to-ceiling window, two bedrooms and family bathroom.

The upper floor, meanwhile, features a secondary master bedroom with en suite and master bedroom with a covered roof terrace.

The layout is certainly unique but with secondary glazing to the upper floors and thick concrete construction, the house is ideal in both winter and summer.

In addition, there’s a substantial utility room currently used as a studio for artist Dawn to paint.

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The property cost £2,000

when new... at a time when a typical family home cost less than £400!

Outside the property, the garden was professionally landscaped by Louth’s Furlong Garden Designs and a new kitchen garden.

The kitchen garden is the couple’s newest project, with ‘his and hers’ ‘L’-shaped beds containing beans, potatoes, carrots and onions plus a selection of herbs and garlic.

The area also boasts a seating area, office and a 1930s Gill-Sans font bon homie to Thomas Dalgleish McLean with the words ‘The House That Jack Built’.

Beyond this point is the bomb shelter... partly concealed underground with two rooms, now requisitioned as storage but once boasting bunk beds and its own heating system for those hunkering down to escape Nazis relieving themselves of a payload of undropped bombs over the Lincolnshire coast before returning to wartime Germany.

Taking this as an obvious example, the house is undoubtedly a product of its age, square, flat, crisp and colourless outside, but comfortable and stylish inside. The house has certainly achieved its aim of being easy to run and maintain, and remains practical nearly 70 years on. Costing just £2,000 to build back in 1932 when a typical house could be purchased for less than £400, the house is a distinctive now as ever.

Owners Jules and Dawn are seeking a new property close by with a dedicated studio for Dawn’s art, but say they’ll miss the property enormously.

“It’s an incredible house.” says Dawn.

“Love or loath its unusual looks, it definitely evokes a strong opinion, and has made a wonderful studio, a great family home and a real source of inspiration for us both... we’ll be sorry to leave!” n Benton Lodge is currently on the market with estate agents J H Walter for £525,000. Call 01522 504304 for details.

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Inspired Buys Steel tripod lamp, £170.

Steel lockers £poa.

Art Deco telephone £175, Bronze bust £1,200.

All from The Old Cinema; www.theoldcinema.co.uk.

Goya Chaise £1,359; Mac & Mac Interiors www.macandmacinteriors.com

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£3.50

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Curtain Call These designer drapes and bespoke window dressings will make the most of any window...

LAVISH VICTORIAN COLOURS

SWAGS AND TAILS FOR GEORGIAN HOMES

Here, a Roman blind has been created for this Victorian sitting room in printed linen and cotton fabric, set behind a cut-velvet, tab-headed curtain hanging from a pole. The result is a rich, inviting scheme that makes the most of the room’s period colours and provides decadent swoops of fabric.

Georgian homes with high ceilings can benefit from bold vertical stripes to highlight lofty proportions. Here, bold vertical striped roller blind combines with swags and tails in luxurious plain silk.

The roller blinds diffuse light and protect silk curtains and furniture from strong sunlight.

INFORMAL STYLE IN COUNTRY DRAWING ROOMS

ITALIAN INFLUENCES FOR LUXURIOUS BEDS

Large, fun-looking check curtains are hung here from goblet-headed poles and rings carefully positioned over alternate checks. Each has been made to the exact depth of the check in the fabric for an even, neat look, creating an informal, stylish country drawing room.

Here, Italian-strung curtains have been used to create a lavish Renaissance-style bed with decadent ruched fabric. The curtains have fringes to the leading edges and are lined in contrasting fabric. Bedroom treatments provide the chance to indulge in a softer, prettier and more traditional style.

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CHOOSING CURTAINS This month we ask curtain makers Catherine Merrick and Rebecca Day for their advice when sourcing fabric and design for opulent period window dressings for large Lincolnshire homes...

Choosing Stylish Window Dressings...

Dressing windows is essential for the success of a room.

Not only for its aesthetic appeal, but for comfort and practicality.

There is always more than one way of dressing a window, which is why choosing a stylish window dressing is a versatile and dramatic way of adopting a particular look that may be continued using other soft furnishings and wall coverings, or creating a dramatic centrepiece to your room.

RICH DARK STUDY SCHEME This rich, dark study scheme features striped curtains, flat pelmets and roller blinds with tassel fringes and matching tie-backs. Knots are set at each coronet and trumpet, whilst the flat pelmets have curved lower edges and bullion fringes. The depth of the pelmet is ideal for the height of the room.

Room By Room The first consideration is the purpose of your room - halls, stairs and landings create first impressions and involve practical considerations such as heat retention, maximising light in a dark hallway or making the most of a lofty vestibule.

By contrast, drawing rooms and sitting rooms may require a scheme that maximises light by day and provides a sense of intimacy in the evening, and bedroom treatments must filter or exclude light and provide warmth from old, draughty windows.

Types of Windows Arched, bay & bow, or especially tall or wide windows may present practical challenges, in which case fixed-headed installations, bay window seating, or poles are most suitable to create a practical dressing that suits the shape and movement of the curtain.

Once you’ve ascertained shape, opt for bespoke dressings and fabrics wherever possible as these will offer the greatest adaptability, especially for one-off windows with particular dimensions and irregular drops in older homes.

Choosing your own fabric will also facilitate greater choice in terms of accessories from sheets and linings, blinds, valances, pelmets and the creation of swags and tails.

Blinds and Shutters Never preclude the possibility of blinds and shutters, either instead of, or in addition to, bespoke window dressings. These can protect curtains from sun damage as well as providing diffused lighting in rooms where you’ll be watching television or reading or in north-facing rooms during the evening.

Our Experts Catherine Merrick and her sister Rebecca Day run the well-known Merrick and Day curtain workroom, making curtains for interior designers and private clients.

CURTAIN HUNG AT GEORGIAN WINDOW Here, silk taffeta curtains, we have attached goblet headed tabs.

Looks a sunny, elegant at this conservatory door and Georgian window. They are held back by wooden ombres to allow easy movement to the conservatory.

They run regular courses from their Redbourne premises and have distilled years of knowledge into a range of authoritative books on curtains. The business sells accessories from fabric to poles and linings from the business and can advise upon every aspect of creating bespoke window dressings for period homes. n For more information or advice, see www.merrick-day.com or call 01652 648814.

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Bars, Receptions & Offices

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Design and Planning Service available

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Large selection of door styles and colours to see in our showroom

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Wide range of appliances, sinks, taps and worktops for sale

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We offer a supply only service if required

Classic or contemporary we have styles to suite all tastes & budgets

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

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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BESPOKE CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY

KITCHENS MANUFACTURED TO LAST & DESIGNED TO IMPRESS...

COME SEE OUR SHOWROOM AT Cherryholt Road, Bourne, PE10 9LA

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

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Eggshell Blue Next month, the first cornflowers will appear, but you can adopt their soft blue even sooner...

GEORGIAN STYLE FROM MORRIS & CO

SOFT BLUE FROM JANE CHURCHILL

Cheerful and traditional Morris has fallen out of style lately but is set for a return in the spring with cheerful colours and contrasting prints. Typical of the company’s work is this late C19th inspired Woodford covered chaise, and curtain and cushions with Mary Isobel fabric designed by J H Dearl in the 1890s.

Featuring Melwood blue curtain fabric, Fairlands and Mossdale Cushions, and Parkmore chair covering, Jane Churchill’s crisp, clean Embroideries collection is perfect for creating cool restful bedrooms or reception rooms in light, modern homes and looks great when combined with stark white walls.

CHINOISERIE STYLE ORIENTAL BIRD

LEWIS AND WOOD PEONY

Oriental bird by GP & J Baker is a range of fabric adapted from a 1910 chinese block print design. Chinoiserie refers to the imitation of Chinese motifs and techniques replicated in Westernised art throughout the Georgian era - hydrangeas and roses replaced oriental flowers, for example.

A rather more summery flower, peony inspired Lewis and Wood’s Jasper. The scheme features wallpaper available in over 15 colours, each with 100% cotton fabric composition and wide width for larger period homes. Shown here is Lagoon Blue, one of four blue shades in the collection.

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CHOOSING & USING How to combine fabric and wallpaper in your room scheme to best effect, no matter how grand your room...

Stylish Fabrics for Your Home Fabrics are an important part of any interior... depending on the look and feel you want, they’re either the main focal point of a room or the final touch. Either way, fabrics can breathe life into a space using pattern, colour and texture.

Look at your room as a composition and think about how all the fabrics within it should relate to one another. Pattern and colour can really change the mood and atmosphere of your interior.

Letting in the Light: Windows If you have a window in your room which you would like to accentuate, try using fabric side panels, or contrasting vertical curtain panels, to frame the window and draw attention to it.

Mounting the rod a few feet above the window, if space will allow it, can also give the room an illusion of height.

COUNTRY COTTAGE STYLE FROM BAKER Shown here is Baker’s cornflower blue range featuring Ellington, Mimosa and Salcome Rose cushions, and Jacaranda Curtains.

A combination of mixed tactile fabrics and distressed beam and chest give this country cottage real period charm and a sense of intimacy, accessorised with retro milk jug and wicker baskets.

Getting Comfortable: Cushions These can be the least expensive way to freshen up a room, depending on the cost of fabric. Pick a colour scheme and try to pick fabrics that stay within that collection. Don't be afraid to mix patterns – graphic stripes can be paired with more floral or organic styles. Mixing large and small scale patterns in a variety of textures and contrasting colours can look incredible if implemented properly.

Taking a Seat: Chairs An occasional chair can flank the sofa in a living room or recreation room as an accent piece, or act as a focal point in a front foyer. People are usually less afraid of taking risks with occasional chairs than larger pieces of furniture, such as a sofa.

The addition of a vibrant occasional chair can lend a punch of colour or pattern to an otherwise neutral palette.

To Strip or Not to Stripe... Wallpaper Horizontal patterns make a room seem wider. In some homes the ceiling and walls may not be perfectly squared. To make this less obvious, avoid horizontal striped patterns.

Vertical patterns make the ceiling in a room seem higher.

In some homes, the walls are not square or perfectly vertical.

To make this less obvious, avoid vertical striped patterns.

Drop patterns repeat diagonally across the strip and require additional paper to match up. A drop pattern is a good choice if your room isn't perfectly squared.

Find Out More Lincolnshire experts include Elm Grange Interiors, based at East Heckington, Materialistic Interiors of Louth, Design Works of Grantham & Newark, J&L Ball of Stamford and Hunters Interiors of Uffington.

DAMASK AND DUCK EGG BY NINA CAMPBELL Nina Campbell presents a collection of romantic and elegant fabrics of both grand and mid-scale from their Sylvana range.

Shown here is duck-egg blue and beige wall covering with floral silhouettes and raw silk cushion fabric in lucid blue and contrasting bronze. Chair fabric is Campbell woven ombré damask.

Each specialist can provide a wealth of technical expertise in terms of design and construction, plus all the contacts you need to create stunning rooms. Each company can create bespoke furnishings in-house and contrary to what many people think, each is happy to assist with just one or two design elements in your room or your entire room according to your needs. n For suppliers in Lincolnshire see our Directory on page 160.

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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

84 HIGH STREET LINCOLN TEL: 01522 533051

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From Rose to Raspberry This season, think pink with the latest ideas for incorporating shades of pink into your home...

JANE CHURCHILL’S GROVEHURST & SHERIDAN

BRIGHT AND BREEZY BAKER’S KITCHEN

This casual sitting room designed by Jane Churchill features curtains in Grovehurst pink and a sofa in Sheridan neutral with Medway, Ross and Allen scatter cushions in raspberry. With a stool covered in pink Harville, the strung accent colour facilitates a fresh, light and relaxed informal sitting room.

Shown here is a bright and breezy urban kitchen from Baker Lifestyle. Chairs trimmed in Ripple Stripe raspberry and white, whilst checked Roman blinds have been created using Penard Check fabric. Ideal against a stark white backdrop, great for country cottages.

TULIPS AND ROSES

FABRICS BY GP & J BAKER

Uncharacteristically spring and summer in its content considering the time of year, Morris & Co’s roomset here uses Tulip and Rose fabric piped in Liffey. The fuchsia colour also features within Tangley curtains, creating a deep, lustrous tone that looks great in period properties with exposed stonework and mullion windows.

The new Montague collection from GB & P Baker features plenty of raspberry and lighter pinks in strongly textured fabrics that look superb as accent colours in a room of otherwise neutral colours.

Designs include Lloyd, Huxley and Sedgewich, all based on designs dating back to 1815.

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CHINESE TOILE FROM LEWIS AND WOOD

JANE CHURCHILL STRIPES

A new Chinese range from Lewis and Wood, distributed by the Little Green Paint Company, is the perfect way of bringing their lacquer pink colour into a large period room. Available in seven different colours, and as both wallpaper and cotton fabric, for the most versatility.

The designer showcases her cheerful, contemporary Oakwell throw in pink and cream, with cushions from the Severn Stripe collection, also in pink. Sheerful vertical stripes look great against whitewashed walls and serve to bring out your chosen highlight colour brilliantly.

JASPER PEONY IN ROSE

LUSTROUS FABRICS FOR DEEP SHEEN

A further collection from Lewis and Wood. Jasper Peony is shown here in rose, available in 14 other colours and in both wide width wallpaper and cotton fabric. Here, a tasteful country bedroom has been created with matching wallcovering and bed linen.

These scatter cushions from GP & J Baker are taken from the Perandor Weaves collection, a wonderful collection of sumptuous silks and exquisite embroideries which include a superb ombrĂŠ silk damask in lovely antique and contemporary shades and a beautiful berried shrub worked in satin stitch on lavish silk.

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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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Contemporary Styles, Timeless Looks, Traditional Values • Quality Home Furnishing at Grandad’s Shed, Brigg

Quality Furniture,

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Quality home-cooked specials every day, complemented with Italian coffees and afternoon teas. Open 9-5pm Mon-Sat. The Loft, 1st Floor, above Grandad’s Shed.

10 Wrawby Street, Brigg Telephone 01652 650416 or see www.grandads-shed.com

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Winter Whites This month Lincolnshire Pride’s gardening expert Paul Gray, Head Gardener at the National Trust’s Gunby Hall, provides a masterclass in hanging baskets for results that’ll make even Babylon bashful... start to create your bountiful baskets this month!

gardens was overcoming its location; Babylon is not exactly known for its lush vegetation, in fact it is in a desert with approximately eight inches of rainfall a year, less than a quarter of what we endure in ‘dry’ Lincolnshire.

There was a brilliant chain pump which lifted water from the River Euphrates to pools within the gardens, these in turn were used to irrigate the whole. It must have been a fantastic sight; a man made oasis blooming in the desert. With lush greens and beautiful flowers hanging from its walls it would have stirred even modern eyes to tears.

The same problem that the King would have had is one that faces hanging basket growers today, namely watering.

Words & Images: Paul Gray and Rob Davis.

As I travelled around last summer, one of the things that always amazed me were the fantastic hanging baskets which adorned buildings and lamp posts around the county.

I do grow several baskets at Gunby, and I am not ashamed of them, but some of the creations I have seen make mine look very ordinary... I am amazed at how so many plants can be sustained in a relatively small container, hanging in an often hostile location.

The idea of hanging baskets goes back to the ancient Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Apparently these were built by King Nebuchadnezzar, of biblical fame, for his wife Amyitis who had come from a mountainous region and missed seeing flowers hanging down. Perhaps one of the most amazing feats in creating the

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It is a sad sight to see a basket full of withered plants and this can happen easily over a hot weekend in summer. One trick is to incorporate moisture holding material into the compost. A good tip is to break up old flower arranging Oasis into thumbnail sized chunks and incorporate some into the compost.

Also lay a saucer in the bottom of the basket before filling it with compost, this will act as a reservoir when watering.

There are also some water-absorbing polymer crystals on the market, these can hold more

The idea of hanging baskets goes right back to ancient Babylon, the hanging gardens of which overcame of the harshest terrains on Earth...

Take Five: Jobs for January 1. Tidy your garden thoroughly, leaving fewer places for slugs and snails to take up residence.

2. Keep an eye out for frost and protect plants accordingly.

3. Ensure you provide food for birds - they predate garden pests.

4.Clean and sterilise your glasshouse.

5. Lay turn or aerate lawns.

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New Year Shopping

JANUARY IN THE GARDEN - IN BRIEF

Make sure you stock up on plants, bulbs and seeds as well as tools and machinery over the new year to make the most of Spring!

Plant of the Month: Lonicera Fragrantissima or Winter Honeysuckle.

Baytree Garden Centre: Weston, Spading Gift ideas and all you need for the new season for all gardeners at Baytree Garden Centre. Coffee shop and ample, free parking.

The cream coloured highly fragrant flowers appear in mid winter often filling the air with its scent. Easy to grow in most situations.

Very cheering on a cold winter's day.

It grows fairly large (2-3 mts tall) and does not like pruning so think ahead when planting. Cut some for a vase to enjoy the delicate fragrance when in bloom.

See www.baytree-gardencentre.com for more information or call 01406 370242.

Johnson’s Garden Centre: Boston Clothing and giftware. Farm shop for seasonal produce.

See www.johnsonsgardencentre.co.uk or call 01205 363 408.

Brigg Garden Centre: Brigg One of Lincolnshire’s largest garden centres, with extensive new ranges for the forthcoming Spring season.

Call 01652 408256 for further details.

The Kitchen Garden Under glass, plant broad beans, lettuce and maincrop onions.

Watch Out For...

Try not to walk on damp soil as you’ll compress it, and cause the ground to clump.

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Shredders are invaluable for the eco-friendly gardener... reducing garden

waste to tiny shreddings and creating nutritious composting material that’s a great slow-release feed which really improves soil quality... than 400 times their own weight in water... however, be careful in the early days not to over-water as these tricks will work against you until the basket is full of roots.

Another important factor is feed; the many plants growing in a basket will soon use all available nutrients. There are some excellent slow release fertilisers which break down over several months, these should be incorporated into the growing medium.

Use a weak liquid manure at every other watering when in full growth and you should achieve your own mini hanging garden of Babylon.

Now that we are at the coldest time of year it is important to make sure tender plants are protected.

Pull straw or leafmould over the crowns of plants which might suffer. Often damp can do more harm than cold, so this will keep both off. Palms and Cordylines can have their leaves folded in and tied in a layer of sacking to protect them.

Make sure you remove the protection before new growth starts in spring.

Compost also makes the soil darker, this has a positive benefit in spring as the soil absorbs heat more readily, so aiding plant growth. Spread as a mulch it again slowly leeches it’s nutrients into the soil, it slows down moisture loss and suppresses weed growth. Worms do a lot of the work with mulches, they will pull the compost underground to use it. A free workforce of many... I like that!

January is the ideal time to investigate your garden’s many nooks and crannies to find leaf litter!

On milder days it is still possible to carry on with the pruning of roses and shrubs. If you have a shredder, the tops can be broken down to make a fine mulch or used to compost.

Be careful to make sure rose leaves are removed as these may carry black spot. If you have to remove any small branches from deciduous trees, these can be kept to use as natural staking material next season.

If you have a compost heap now is a good time to use it to incorporate into the soil or use as a mulch. Home made compost has many benefits for the garden.

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It is a slow release feed which, although not high in plant nutrients, will release small amounts of plant foods over a long period. It improves soil quality and encourages worms which aerate the soil.

It also keeps soil open which stops it becoming waterlogged.

If you have a log burning multi-fuel stove the ash is useful to use as a mulch for the same reason.

Young fruit trees and rose bushes especially benefit from the extra potash it supplies.

January is a good time to go around the bases of hedges and fences to remove any persisting leaf litter.

This can be used on the compost heap.

Left in heaps it can become home to the slugs and snails which will eat your plants in spring.

If you forgot or didn’t have time in October to sow your sweet-pea seeds in a coldframe, all is not lost. You can sow some seed now in pots under glass in a warm greenhouse or on the windowsill. I always like to soak my sweet-pea seed in warm water overnight before sowing. This helps soften the outer casing of the seed so the germination is better. Seeds will quickly germinate and the seedlings will soon grow into sizeable plants. When big enough they can gradually be hardened off, ready for planting outside in April.

Happy New Year’s gardening! n

Prune, Plant and Pick...

Prune Prune Wisteria to create a pleasing shape.

Pick Pick and divide early flowering snowdrops.

Plant Early vegetables under glass.

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THE FIVE MINUTE GUIDE TO...

Feeding Birds in the Winter

Bird Friendly Gardens Feeding birds in the garden is a popular activity over half of adults in the UK feed birds in their garden. That's a lot of extra help for the birds!

Providing birds with supplementary food will bring them closer for you to marvel at their fascinating behaviour and wonderful colours. It will also reward them for sharing their lives with you. Feeding birds is also an ideal way to enthuse children about wildlife.

Feeding Half coconuts and tit bells filled with fat, bird cake, etc can be hung from your bird table, a tree or from a bracket on a wall. They will attract greenfinches, house sparrows and tits.

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Alternatively, fill the holes and cracks of a post or suspended log with fatty food, such as suet, for agile birds, such as tits, nuthatches, woodpeckers, treecreepers and even wrens.

Inspired Buys: Blue is the Colour

Thrushes and dunnocks prefer to feed on the ground. For these birds, scatter food on the lawn or use a ground feeding tray or hopper well clear of cover to avoid lurking cats. Remember to change the area you scatter the food over every few days, and never put out more than is eaten the same day to avoid attracting vermin.

If you put food such as apples and bread on the ground, space it out in different places in the garden. This will reduce competition between birds so that more birds can feed at any one time.

If there is snow on the ground, clear small areas before putting down the food.

Bon Appetit At this time of year, put out food and water on a regular basis; feed twice daily if you can, in the morning and in the early afternoon. Birds require high energy (high fat) foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights.

Celia Birtwell floral tools £19.95, www.berryred.co.uk.

Trio of herb boxes and bulb tin £15.95 and £19.95, www.bethstevens.co.uk. Fallen Fruits bird box £17.99, www.amaroni.com. Grey fabric floral gloves £6.99, Contemporary Home - www.tch.net.

Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders. Once you establish a feeding routine, try not to change it as the birds will become used to it and time their visits to your garden accordingly.

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Advertising Feature

A WORLD OF FUCHSIAS FOR LINCOLNSHIRE COLOUR

THIS MONTH WE MEET NEAL EVANS, THE LINCOLNSHIRE MAN HOPING TO BRING A WORLD OF FUCHSIAS TO LINCOLNSHIRE… 500 VARIETIES BY THIS SPRING, TO BE PRECISE, IN HIS GLASSHOUSES ON THE A52 AT OLD LEAKE Fuchsias, one of the most versatile and beautiful additions to your garden, and a great way to ensure colour in your garden during Spring, Summer & Autumn.

With colours that vary from pink and purple to red and white, and spectacular multi-colour mixtures, different varieties are suitable for your hanging baskets, borders and pots, for inside and outdoors… some varieties are even suitable for creating hedges.

However, with over 500 individual varieties, finding a specialist with a comprehensive stock has meant some fuchsias have eluded Lincolnshire gardeners… until now.

Plant enthusiast Neal Evans has created a new nursery in which he hopes to create one of the UK’s only fuchsia libraries with as near to a comprehensive stock of varieties as possible.

At the time of writing, in mid-December, Neal’s nursery consists of three glasshouses, currently home to 18,000 plants and around 400 varieties.

However, by early 2010, the enthusiast hopes to have opened the nursery with as close to the 500 (approximately) available varieties, over 80,000 plants, all available throughout the year either as complete plants, or as rooted cuttings.

“The appeal is strong.” Says Neal. “They’re versatile, beautiful flowers with a range of colours and can be used to create spectacular displays almost all the year round.

We hope to have over 500 varieties, some rather unusual.”

Varieties available at the nursery include standard uprights, trailers and hardy varieties, with plants the

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mainstay of the business, which is set to be busy from April to late summer.

Even in January and Febuary visits to the nursery should be made by ringing for an appointment so that the correct advice can be given to each indiviual.

“We’ve some spectacular varieties, like American large headed Voodoo fuchsias with deep lustrous purple, and a variegated hanging fuchsia that flowers until late in the season that’s great for planters.”

In addition to a well-stocked nursery, Neal is also taking fuchsias into the 21st century with an impressive database and photo library so those seeking a particular variety can find it easily whilst those who aren’t so familiar can search according to colour, ideal position and suitability for each time of year.

The database will be linked to Neal’s website too, enabling visitors from all over the country to buy online and plan their spring borders right down to the ideal variety.

“It’s a quiet time of year for fuchsias, they’re not really at their best, but it’s a great time to prepare for next Spring.” Says Neal.

“By putting in the hard work now we’re hoping that next Spring, visitors to both the nursery and to our website will be able to find the perfect fuchsia for their gardens.” n For more information, visit Lincolnshire Fuchsia World on the A52 at Old Leake, or call 07930 418841.

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LincolnshirePride’s Kitchen Garden

Month

5

Puddings &Pies

Lorraine Bellis this month creates delicious winter puddings from her apples and unveils the new courses that will allow Lincolnshire Pride readers to create kitchen gardens of their own...!

Happy New Year! I hope Christmas went well and, dear readers, that 2010 finds you in fine spirits and ready for the year to come!

In a month or two we will be reaping the benefits of the preparation that has taken place here at Damson Cottage. But for this month, depending on the weather, there is still more to do before we get to that stage.

Laying the Ground Work...

Preparation of the soil and beds, housekeeping; that is pruning the fruit trees and lots more shrubs and bushes besides, tidying; that means the mounds of leaf fall we have here and of course, setting up the greenhouse and poly tunnel.

Anyway, the seedlings dutifully came up and I potted them on, unfortunately the weather took a cold turn in March and that resulted in not putting them outside when I should have, so, my poor plants bolted indoors and the resulting crops Month five in were not very successful.

Lincolnshire Pride’s Kitchen Garden, owned and maintained by gardening instructor Lorraine Bellis

Don’t Sow Just Yet! January can be a very frustrating month; if the weather is mild, then the temptation can be to rush out and sow lots of different seeds in the hope that you will steal a march on the season... don’t do it!

It has been shown in lots of trials that early sowing of tomatoes, for example, doesn’t bring about an earlier crop, especially if your plants are going to be grown outside. This is a lesson I learnt the hard way in my last house.

One February I started some tomato seeds in my dining room, which I used in place of a

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greenhouse. In fact, I sowed lots of tomatoes; my ambition was to produce a glut from the different varieties I was hoping to grow, so that I could preserve some. This is an ambition that sadly, has not yet been realised.

Factoring in the Weather...

November was a wet and mild month and winter conditions like this make digging a bit of a problem, as walking on very wet ground causes compaction.

So, any remaining ground that has not been dug over or sufficiently composted will be completed this month.

If the ground is prepared any frosts we may get will just break up the remaining clods in the soil for me. In the flowerbeds around the cottage I have mulched with manure and so the weeds will be kept down.

In the spring as the ground warms up and everything gets going, the manure will feed the perennials that are planted there. I’m looking forward to seeing this border in full bloom, as

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Tidying up and preparing for the new season... this month, Lorraine prepares for a busy year ahead!

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LincolnshirePride’s Kitchen Garden

Month

5 Lorraine has organised two workshops designed to give those reading

her Lincolnshire Pride column personal tuition when it comes to creating a kitchen garden complete with hens... Lorraine stresses that large plots and lots of time are not always necessary...!

it has been planted as a traditional cottage border and so I expect it to become a billowing mass of flowers in the summer.

Pruning Fruit Trees I have a confession to make – I didn’t prune the fruit trees before Christmas, and so this month, I will be brushing up on my fruit tree pruning knowledge and putting that right. January is not too late to complete this job, so if you haven’t pruned your apple trees either, now is the time to put that right.

Apples and Pears...

Back in September we were picking apples from the trees and picking up lots of them from the ground.

At that time, I stewed more apples that I care to remember and froze them in plastic boxes.

I also tried storing some for eating over winter. Each apple was individually wrapped and placed in boxes before going down to the garage for winter storage.

However, I don’t think my storage facilities are quite right, as I have to report that the apples I have unwrapped to use have been soft.

Kitchen Garden Courses Looking forward to the coming year, I am pleased to announce that I will be running some workshops and taster sessions here at Damson Cottage for anyone who may be thinking about trying to grow their own or want to know more about keeping some hens. A big garden or a dedicated plot is not needed to begin experiencing the joy of growing your own produce.

Hens are not as scary as you might think; growing flowers for cutting and to enhance your existing planting can be easier Soft apples than you think. With this in mind and to help you get started I have two haven’t stopped workshops arranged for the spring Lorraine creating pies here at Damson Cottage.

and crumbles, the first dishes to come straight out of her kitchen garden...

It hasn’t stopped me cooking them and making pies and crumbles, but it does mean I will have to correct the storage before next year’s crop.

I suspect that they were too warm. If you have had any experience of this, or have any tips and hints, then please let me know by contacting me via Lincolnshire Pride; lorraine@lincolnshirepride.co.uk.

Happy Hens...

My little flock of happy hens, led by Bruce the cockerel are doing well, which means I can report that, so far, hen keeping has been one of my successes here at Damson Cottage. If you are able to let them roam around your garden, they are great company, with the added bonus that they will lay an

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egg or two for your breakfast! I must admit to feeling a little nervous about the hens when I was given the first three and it took a little time to feel confident in their company, but we have all got to know each other and I wouldn’t be without them.

Hen Keeping for Beginners Have you been thinking about keeping hens but aren’t quite sure how you will get on with them?

Come and meet the Damson Cottage hens and see if it’s for you!

We will be looking at the types of housing available, feeding and the impact on your garden and household. Takes place on Saturday March 27th 10.30am – 12.30.

Salads from the patio Come along and learn how to prepare grow salad for the summer the easy way. Containers outside your back door filled with tomatoes and baby salad leaves that can be picked, washed and eaten straightaway though out the summer. Takes place on Saturday April 17th 10.30am – 12.30.

To book your place on the above courses and meet Lincolnshire Pride’s Kitchen Garden Expert, Lorraine Bellis, call 07841 302118.

Jobs for January Fruit Trees Any fruit trees not yet pruned can be tidied-up.

Digging for Victory This is the time of year to finish digging the kitchen garden and adding manure or compost for the coming season.

Maintenance This is the time to finish your garden tidying.

Complete any clearance; make sure your greenhouse is ready for the coming year.

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FIVE MINUTE FACTS SOWING SWEET PEAS

A glorious site in a kitchen garden is a packed line of mixed runner beans and sweet peas, it is reminiscent of cottagers’ gardens and I feel it would be particularly appropriate here to grow these two crops in this way.

I have earmarked the site for their planting out and January is the time to sow sweet peas, if like me you didn’t sow them in the autumn.

I use cardboard toilet roll centres to sow the seeds, as it seems a good way to recycle the cardboard and it gives the sweet peas their favourite deep root run without any root disturbance as I plant the cardboard tube later on.

i

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.

Standing the rolls upright in a seed tray I fill them with compost, dampen them and then push two seeds into each one. The tray can go into the propagator, but the seeds will germinate in the greenhouse, with a covering of newspaper or an old compost bag.

The seedlings then remain in a cold greenhouse or cold frame as they develop and I pot them up when the root system is showing itself at the bottom of the tubes. The healthy plants will go out into their final planting space in April or May, weather permitting.

Bellis Perennis Lorraine 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.

In the spring she will be offering courses and workshops at Damson Cottage for groups to take part in.

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

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FARMING MATTERS Will it be a happy New Year for Lincolnshire’s farmers? We certainly hope so, as farming expert Barry Poston casts an eye on the month ahead.

Thanks to excellent weather, Lincolnshire farmers should have plenty of time this winter for any maintenance jobs and repairs on their farms. Those with livestock and winter vegetable crops will, of course, be more productively occupied.

All potato, sugar beet and cereal work has been successfully completed with minimal damage to the soil structure and most fields for the next year’s crops have been flat-lifted and ploughed in excellent conditions.

The wheat crop looks exceptionally well for this time of the year.

However the spraying for blackgrass control has been delayed due to the wetter weather at the end of November when the wheat was at the correct time to spray. Winter rape, too, looks well grown and should survive the ravages of winter pigeons etc.

The large potato crop is safely in store but will take considerable trouble to sell mainly due to the high percentage of bruised crops. Prices are considerably down on previous years and consequently, the return per acre. Potatoes are generally the ‘barometer’ crop on most arable farms and reflect the total farm profitability for that year.

Most cattle producers now have their animals indoors and prices for beef remain firm. Sheep prices, too, are holding up well and the livestock producers thoroughly deserve their better returns.

Pig prices have dropped a little but producers are helped by the reduction in pig food prices.

It is most interesting to note the number of farm products that now carry the little red tractor label. Certain supermarket chains are extremely supportive of British products… but unfortunately some of the larger ones are quite happy to import produce from all over the world. It would be good to know that the residents of a mainly agricultural county make extra efforts to purchase home grown produce.

With farmers having more time many meetings and exhibitions now take place throughout the winter in the County with subjects of great interest to most farmers. These consist of items concerning, the Wash Shoreline management, the production of Energy Crops, Wind turbines, anaerobic digestion units and the ever increasing in size, LAMMA show on the Newark showground in January.

My best wishes for a happy new year that will hopefully be one of the most productive in recent times for the whole industry. n Read Barry’s Farming Matters column each month only in Lincolnshire Pride.

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Grin and

Bear It...

The implications of dental hygiene are huge for the general health of your horse.

Sarah Payne this month offers advice on equine dentistry...

Having your horse’s teeth regularly checked should really rank amongst the top three ‘must haves’ for maintaining good equine health, alongside your equine chiropractor and farrier.

Symptoms of dental problems can manifest themselves in so many different ways that it is not always immediately apparent that it is the mouth that hurts, for example a horse may not be performing as well as he previously had done and although not lame, the general signs and feedback from the horse indicate that all is not well.

There are of course obvious signs that there are tooth related problems including dropping feed out of the mouth (quidding) or ‘washing’ feed in the water bucket, holding the head to one side, facial swelling or foul breath and even being sour/agitated - when seeing the bridle at tacking up time, (due to the inevitable pain that comes when the bit is in the mouth, when they then associate being tacked up and ridden with pain).

because this is basically all they are legally allowed to do; perform simple ‘Category 1’ procedures such as manually rasping off sharp overgrowths and the removal of calculus which is above the gum line.

A further group of procedures have been recently identified as advanced dental procedures and they are, at present, deemed to be acts of veterinary surgery only, however they are currently being deregulated by DEFRA and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to enable qualified Equine Dental Technicians (EDT) who have passed the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA)/BVDA British Veterinary Dental Association examination to carry out these procedures.

If a horse’s teeth are in poor condition, it can result in weight loss issues, dropped food and a really miserable horse...

If the teeth are not in sound health it can impact hugely on all aspects of the horses well being, from poor performance and a miserable horse to money wasted on feed that is either dropped on the floor or if eaten, then not properly chewed and digested which further leads to weight loss issues... so, regular check-ups can actually save you money!

Currently in the UK a wide range of lay people are performing equine dental procedures as so-called ‘Tooth Raspers’

The British Association of Equine Dental Technicians is the industry governing body, whose website can be found at www.baedt.com. Their qualified member for the Lincolnshire area is Tom Phillips who has a regular dental clinic with us at Sheepgate.

A professional dental technician will advise you on how often he feels your horse needs to be seen and may also offer some further advice for ensuring good dental health. n

THREE OF THE BEST...

WINTER HATS Left: Joules Ladies Havelock Hat £18.75.

Right: Gersemi bobble hat £23.00.

Left: Barbour Wax Mary Stripe Hat £39.95.

Each of the above are available at Sheepgate Tack & Togs; www.sheepgatetackandtogs.co.uk or telephone 01205 870236.

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Fun in the Sun This month... get away from it all with superb dream destinations a thousand miles away from home!

Words & Images: Andrew Harrison, Karen Wing and Rob Davis.

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Marriage in Mauritius

Hannah and Jonathan Morris from Stamford chose the beaches of beautiful Mauritius to be married and discovered an individual tropical paradise with a World class spa!

“We were planning to get married abroad but did not want the conveyor belt Wedding that you can get in the Caribbean. We were looking for something more special and individual for an autumn wedding date.”

Having considered many different suggestions from family and friends, we were still far from finding a suitable wedding destination that satisfied all our criteria. We were advised to consider Beachcomber holidays, which owns eight prestigious beach front hotels, situated in some of the most beautiful locations on the island all offering something unique. We chose the Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa located in South West Mauritius on Le Morne Peninsula.

An all-suite hotel with a world class spa, considered to be one of the most elegant resorts on Mauritius, with a 2km stretch of beach, the place was a perfect hideaway for a relaxing luxury Mauritius holiday within tranquil surroundings.

Beachcomber Holidays, guaranteed only one wedding a day in their hotels and a wedding planner was there to help us with all the legalities and offer advise on the location where we would be married.

We chose a beach front location which was so romantic.

The Spa by Clarins at Dinarobin is considered the finest on Mauritius. Set in a thatched Mauritian villa hidden away in the hotel gardens, the spa has its own private courtyard and freshwater pool where you can relax after a treatment “Mauritius is a beautiful island to visit, the people are very diverse and friendly.

If you are considering a wedding abroad your honeymoon, you should certainly consider Mauritius.” says Hannah.

Where: Beachcomber, Mauritius.

Length of Stay: Two weeks.

Price: £2926 per person.

Finding Out More: Bailgate Travel, Lincoln. Call 01522 576000 for details.

Chartered Yacht in the Mediterranean Tour the Med in style... charter this superb yacht for a cool £55,000/week!

For the last word in luxury, join the jet set and live a life of excess by chartering this superb luxury 97ft Ferretti Custom Line 97 Superyacht. Enjoy a week on the craft’s sun deck for a cool £55,000 per week.

Complete with a uniformed crew of five, Perpetual is one of over 35 yachts available to the company.

Built in 2007, one of the most well-specified crafts boasting five bedrooms, saloon, and space for 11 overnight guests as well as a crew compliment of five, who will take you anywhere around the Med in style and luxury.

Toys available on the craft include snorkeling and fishing equipment, jetskis and 4.2m tender.

Seven days tours include destinations from the French Riviera, Corsica, Italy’s Amalphi Coast and Monaco.

Where: Port Hercule, Monaco.

Length of Stay: One Week.

Price: €60-70,000/week (£55-£65,000).

Finding Out More: Aqua Cruise Intl, Hampshire. Call 01425 673374 for details or see www.aquacruise.com

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A City Break in Style

Enjoy a City break in style, by visiting London’s most desirable locations... here, we take Piccadilly’s Ritz as a suggested destination for a theatre break One of the World’s most prestigious hotels, from just £500/night, you can enjoy a premium room in one of the London’s best hotels.

Opt for afternoon tea at the venue for just £37 per person and evening dining at The Ritz Restaurant, just £150/head from the Sonata tasting menu, which comprises five courses and a wine for each course chosen by sommellier Thomas Sorcinelli.

Skiing in Whistler

Active couple Lisa and Darren Andrew from Lincoln were seeking a luxurious skiing destination and found just that in Whistler, with its breathtaking Canadian scenery...

One of North America’s top year-round mountain resorts, Whistler Blackcomb Mountain offers amazing scenery on a breathtaking scale with a ski and snowboard season that lasts from November until August.

“We were introduced to the resort by Bailgate Travel’s Andrew Harrison.” says Darren. “It’s a great resort which boasts the longest vertical ski-run in North America.”

“There are two mountains with over 200 marked trails and 12 magnificent bowls.

Winter also offers snowshoeing, sleigh roads, skating and glacier skiing.”

At the foot of the mountains, Whistler Village radiates Canadian charm.

This sophisticated, pedestrian only village offers cobbled streets with entertainment, enticing restaurants and irresistible shops.

The resort is one of North America’s top year-round mountain resorts at Four Seasons

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Resort Whistler with a superb spa and mountainside dining, plus easy access to the awe-inspiring ski slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The guest rooms, suites and townhouses of this AAA 5 Diamond Resort are generously sized, with cosy interiors and gas-burning fireplaces.

All accommodation offers views of the mountains, forest, valley, pool or courtyard from private or step-out balconies.

Cuisine includes seafood and spit-roast specialties, all accompanied by a carefully selected wine list.

Where: Whistler, Canada Length of Stay: Seven days.

Price: £1,635/pp.

Finding Out More: Bailgate Travel, Lincoln. Call 01522 576000 for details.

In the evening, you’re well placed for Piccadilly Circus’s Apollo Theatre, Geilgud and Piccadilly Theatre, plus shopping on Regent Street & Oxford Street and Buckingham Palace.

Where: The Ritz, London.

Length of Stay: Weekend - two nights.

Price: From £500-£5,500/night.

Finding Out More: The Ritz, London.

Call 0207 493 8181 for details.

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Norfolk Broads

For a mid-week break, Tom and Margaret Johnson chose a destination a little closer to home... Norfolk, and spent an enjoyable week messing about on the river!

For the Johnson family, travelling too far wasn’t desirable, and so despite Norfolk neighbouring Lincolnshire, the county proved a great destination for a family getaway in 2009.

Its proximity also meant their two teenage sons and their partners could join them for a couple of nights mid-week, and the ease of reaching their mooring was matched by the slow, relaxed pace of life once they set off.

Awarded star-ratings by Visit Britain, the highest-ranking five star tourers boast separate cabins and bedrooms, plenty of space, 240v electricity and the highest levels of decor.

Altogether, there are 40 broads to explore, over 200km of waterway, with the majority of the countryside little changed over the past 500 years.

Attractions include native wildlife habitats, and large nature reserves including How Hill, Hoveton and Broadland Conservation Centre, and historic houses such as Somerlyton Hall, Holkham Hall and Blickling Hall.

Safari in Kenya

Lincoln couple Robert and Alison Potter loved the idea of a family holiday to Kenya whilst their family were still young, and so enlisted the help of Hartley’s Safaris in Hackthorn Throughout the year the plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya are a place of natural drama, a kaleidoscope of colour and life.

That’s what compelled Lincolnshire family the Potters to experience the destination after the rains, when the first flush of grass turns the savannah green, and the most mesmerising wildlife spectacle anywhere takes place - the Great Migration.

One and a half million wildebeest, accompanied by lots of zebra and gazelle make a long and dangerous trek from drier land in Tanzania, northwards to this corner of Kenya.

“We were told that the nearby plains are the classical image of savannah Africa, dotted with acacia trees and fringed by the inspiring Siria escarpment.” says Alison, who organised a bespoke package with Lincoln based Hartley’s Safaris.

“Our destination, Little Governors was the setting for the film 'Out of Africa', and much of the BBC's 'Big Cat Diary' is also filmed nearby.

All the tents are luxuriously comfortable and each has an en suite bathroom.

From every verandah the view changes constantly as giraffe, elephant, buffalo, hippo and warthog all come to drink or graze. In keeping with safari tradition lighting is by gas and kerosene lantern or candlelight.

Tom and Margaret chose to travel from Wroxham Faircraft Loynes to Potter Heigham Herbert Woods, a journey that took a week, during peak times on the five-star Royale 4.

Where: Norfolk Broads.

Length of Stay: One week.

Price: £700.

Finding Out More: Waterways Holidays.

Call 0845 127 1020 for details or see www.waterwaysholidays.com.

As dusk falls the flickering lights in the forest make the camp a uniquely peaceful and atmospheric place.”

Visitors can enjoy various activities at Little Governors - from game viewing excursions in open landrovers, to game walks or balloon flights over the Masai Mara.

Where: Masai Mara, Kenya.

Length/Price of Stay: 5 nights - £ 1,010.00 per person, 7 nights - £ 2,490.00 per person.

Finding Out More: Hartley’s Safaris, Hackthorn. Call 01673 861600 for details or see www.hartleys-safaris.co.uk.

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Riding Holiday in Botswana...

Jayne Healy and her daughter Zoë from Lincoln have recently travelled to Botswana on a fantastic riding safari.

“A small group of us had flown from various countries to the Okavango Delta, an aquatic gem magically embedded in the dry sands of northern Botswana.” says Jayne.

“Eight of us were seated on full-blooded 4x4s. We rode a variety of well-schooled and much loved horses, belonging to Barney and PJ Bestelink who own and operate the longest established horse safari company in Africa.”

“I had been apprehensive about bringing my 12 year old daughter to pursue her love for horses and the great outdoors.

As an overcautious parent I had worried about her not being strong enough to control her horse if we found ourselves in an unplanned situation.”

“My doubts were unfounded. It is difficult to describe how endearing it was to watch her follow Barney like a shadow as we cantered for long periods along well-used elephant trails. She rode three sprightly little Arabs and a 16-hand thoroughbred with ease and passion.

They were not at all like riding school ponies that are often devoid of individualism.”

“The highlights for me? There were many.

But one of the best was to hear my daughter say that the horse safari with Barney and PJ had been the best experience of her life!”

Where: Botswana, Okavango Delta.

Length of Stay: 5, 7 or 10 nights.

Price: £420.00 per person / per night.

Finding Out More: Hartley’s Safaris, Hackthorn. Call 01673 861600 for details or see www.hartleys-safaris.co.uk.

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Spa Island

Grantham’s Andy and Rachel Hyde found a new meaning of luxury when they honeymooned to the Seychelles’s Sainte Anne National Marine Park Perfect for Andy and Rachel’s honeymoon, this exclusive resort set on its own private island.

Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sainte Anne National Marine Park.

It is a paradise for snorkeling fan Andy, and for scuba diving... being so close to Mahé is a great base for exploring neighbouring islands too.

One of the main reasons for choosing Sainte Anne for your Seychelles holiday is the superb cuisine offered at all of its restaurants and the resort has a choice of five restaurants

semi-private garden, to the Royal Villa offering palatial luxury, cliff top location, with panoramic views across the ocean.

The villas provide exclusive use of the private club car and personal butler service as well as your own private pool.

The If you are looking for a spa holiday the Seychelles has Seychelles’s Sainte plenty of choice, none Anne National Marine better than Sainte Anne.

Set in a peaceful Park is a superb private tropical garden, Sainte spa resort for the Anne's spa is a sanctuary of saunas and ultimate in steam rooms. relaxation!

In the health and fitness

Sainte Anne Resort, has private Villa Accommodation, are designed in a Creole style with wood, tile and marble, topped off with pretty terracotta roofs blending harmoniously with the tropical island surroundings.

They range from the couple’s one-bedroom Garden Villas which nestle amongst the beautiful secluded gardens and provide a spacious living area with a fully furnished gazebo for al fresco dining and a

centre, there is a cardio gymnasium and a new Yoga room. n Where: Sainte Anne National Marine Park.

Length of Stay: Seven days.

Price: £1,791/person.

Finding Out More: Bailgate Travel, Lincoln. Call 01522 576000 for details.

All prices indicated are leading prices - subject to availability.

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The Dawn of a

New You Words: Katy Gross

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New Year, New You

The sun sets over 2009 and a new dawn breaks over 2010. As we make the transition into the new year, Lincolnshire psychologist Katy Gross presents the easy-toincorporate daily fixes for ensuring this is your healthiest and happiest year ever...

As January comes around and once more people begin to make promises to change their lives in the form of New Year’s resolutions... but trying to embark on a sea of changes all at once, like giving up smoking, caffeine, and taking up exercise in the same month, can do more harm than good, particularly if your willpower wanes.

Ten Easy-Going Life-Changes n Relax Your Body Next time you’re stressed, notice what happens to your body - perhaps you develop and ache or knot in your stomach, perhaps you clench your teeth or tense your muscles, probably sub-consciously.

One of the easiest ways to feel calmer and happier is to not suffer the physical symptoms of stress... when you feel stress manifesting itself physically, recognise your body language and relax your body your emotions will, in conjunction with confronting the source of stress, follow suit. n Exercise According to Katy, many people embark on an exercise regime by joining the gym... in January, these are usually at their busiest, and people usually attempt to begin a gym habit in conjunction with dieting or cessation of smoking.

“One step at a time.” says Katy. “It’s important to make positive changes but not to take on too much at once. Begin by giving up smoking, but reward yourself too, then, once you’re happier and healthier, then begin a new gym after the January rush has subsided and things are a little less hectic. n Sleep and Water Two of the greatest stress-relievers are already part of our daily lives, but giving more attention to our sleep patterns and ensuring we take water on its own, rather than flavoured with sugary drinks or caffeine really will help improve the condition of your skin, pep up your energy levels and lead to more natural patterns of sleep and waking.

Everybody is different when it comes to sleep, so

rather than obeying one set rule as to how much sleep you need, observe when your body naturally wants to fall asleep and awake at the weekend and adjust the patterns of your working week accordingly. n Delegation Many consider the term delegation to refer only to delegation of responsibilities in the office, but in the domestic circle, it’s just as important.

“Since the advent of second wave feminism women have more work and responsibilities.” says Katy.

“They’re now expected to be career-women and adopt the traditional wife and mother roles in the average family. Whilst men are taking more responsibilities for domestic chores, they still lag behind their partners in terms of overall time spend working in the home.”

Averages suggest that UK men spend just five hours a week, whilst women spend twelve hours a week, occupied with domestic chores and cooking.

Despite this, the hours men and women spend occupied by paid work is almost identical at around 40 hours a week.

NO MORE FAILED RESOLUTIONS A recent survey for the BBC revealed that 7m people make New Year’s Resolutions each year. When 3,000 people who embarked on New Year’s Resolutions were questioned, over 78% failed in their goals. The failure rate was higher still when respondents said they were trying to maintain more than one such resolution. The Usual Suspects when it comes to setting difficult new year’s resolutions are:

10. Take Part in Voluntary or Charity Work.

9. Adopt New Hobby.

8. Spending More Time with Family.

7. Change of Career.

6.

5.

4.

3.

2.

1.

Being More Organised.

Paying off Debt.

Drinking Less/Nothing.

Diet/Weight Loss.

Cessation of Smoking.

Get More Exercise.

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“Delegating household chores is a stress-busting way for women to ensure spouses come to accept their obligations and take greater ownership of their domestic environment. Rather than resenting it, men tend to be happier to be asked since it fulfills an innate ‘need to be needed’ and prevents rows. n Time Management In line with delegation, time-management is something few people incorporate into their domestic lives but it, in fact essential.

“In my work as a stress advisor I suggest people adopt a timetable for their working lives, usually on the computer, which has the functionality to defer or delegate tasks.” says Katy.

“In doing so, my clients’ ‘to-do’ lists shrink as they only worry about that day’s jobs, not every single task they are faced with.”

It’s also crucial to be able to move to-do items forward as unexpected jobs do arise and less productive days do, inevitably, occur. Adopting a similar approach in your personal life will do wonders for alleviating guilt over perceived lack of achievement.

Mini-rests and innocent ‘guilty’ pleasures will ‘allow you’ to experience pleasure...

n Free (or nearly free) Pleasures “Days spent at spas enjoying beauty treatments and therapies are wonderful treats, and definitely have their place, finances-permitting.” says Katy.

“However, it’s important to reward yourself periodically with smaller rewards too.”

Examples include half and hour ‘mini-rests’, with no TV or background noise, the odd chocolate bar or a soak in the bath.

“These are often termed Guilty Pleasures... but are in reality non-guilt inducing due to their fairly innocent nature. Nonetheless, the freedom to do something ‘naughty’ which you know will have no actual negative consequences is a legitimate stress-relief, and indulging in a ‘guilty pleasure’ is a way of alleviating any guilt for taking time away from other responsibilities.” n Honesty Too many people when questioned are unable to concisely admit or work out what they feel about a situation they face, particulary when under pressure from that person.

but admitting the way we really feel about a person or situation is a good way of alleviating guilt and recognising our own interests when faced with unreasonable demands or actions from others.”

Be honest with yourself and admit the way to truly feel. Chances are you’ll still have to be polite to them, but recognising the way you feel will acknowledge your emotional needs as well as theirs. n Laughter “Having a confident and spending quality time with someone with whom you can enjoy honest free conversation is essential!” say Katy. n

Katy Gross is a lecturer in cognitive psychology and was born in Lincoln. She now lives a stress free life with husband Mark and her two young boys.

MORE WAYS TO CREATE A HEALTHY, HAPPY YOU 1. Massage: Enjoying a massage at a local spa will relieve the physical expression of tension you feel in your muscular-skeletal system.

2. Counselling: The American culture of counselling is achieving ever-greater presence over here too. See the The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s website at www.bacp.co.uk.

“We’re programmed to not defy our own super-ego or social conventions with compromising opinions and words expressed over other people.” says Katy.

3. Acupuncture: If you’re determined to set a New Year’s resolution involving giving up smoking or losing weight, this can really help... call 01673 857412 for a Lincolnshire Practitioner.

“But this does occasionally prevent us from acting in our own best interests. Of course I’m not suggesting we should disregard others’ feelings,

4. Yoga: Exercise that’s great for the body and mind. See the Carre Street Clinic in Sleaford for more information; www.carrestreetclinic.co.uk.

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acupuncture ease pain • relieve stress • regain energy

The painless, drug-free treatment that’s great for relieving muscular pain, menopausal symptoms, headaches and migraines and the symptoms of stress, tension & fatigue...

Also ideal for sufferers of asthma and allergies, and those who wish to lose weight or give up smoking.

Hopi Ear Candling and Facial Enhancement Acupuncture are both now available. Call for details:

Old Court Acupuncture Victoria Street, Wragby, LN8 5PF

01673 857412

HAIR DESIGN at Streaks Ahead

Fashionable hair design for creating a new you this new year...

1 Tattershall Road Woodhall Spa, Lincs

01526 353757 83

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EDUCATION in Lincolnshire 2010 Welcome to our exclusive roundup of education in Lincolnshire for the 2010 intake. This month, we preview private schools for both primary and secondary school pupils, plus the best boarding schools and nurseries for the very highest standards in education no matter where you are in the county.

Words: Rob Davis.

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Education

Red Hen Children's Day Nursery

Kirkstone House School Baston, Near Bourne.

Tel: 01778 560350.

01507 603535 www.redhendaynursery.co.uk

A recent Inspection Report on Kirkstone House School affirmed the continuing quality of academic and social development for pupils of the school by saying: “The family atmosphere creates a community where pupils flourish, and achieve good results in exams, becoming responsible, confident young people.”

Red Hen Day Nursery is a popular choice for childcare and early years education with parents travelling some distance to experience the special opportunities offered. influx of pupils keen and ready to sit our Entrance Assessment Tests. This year these will be held on Monday 18th January 2010.”

“At the end of the Christmas term it is rewarding to see how our new pupils have settled down.” Says the School’s Corinne Jones. “Schools never stand still and so the New Year brings with it a new

“This can be an anxious time for both pupils and parents.

Choosing a new school is a big decision to take and whilst the process is impor-

tant, we don’t lose sight of the pupil at the heart of this.”

“Pupils have an opportunity to experience some practical lessons too and to meet the teachers in a classroom setting. Effective education is about inspiring and motivating pupils and never losing sight of the individual.”

Yarborough School 01522 529203 www.yarborough.lincs.sch.uk Yarborough School has been a Business & Enterprise Accredited School since 2003 and is a mixed 11-18 comprehensive school which includes a successful Sixth Form.

Staff work hard to create a supportive environment in which students feel happy, secure and cared for and students in every year group benefit from the Business and Enterprise

Specialist School status and Enterprise Education which is a wonderful way of motivating young people into taking an actual part in their education.

The focus is on contextualising learning so young people understand when and why some subjects are taught and equally when and why some behaviours and attitudes are desirable for success in the world of work.

The school offers students the opportunity to study traditional subjects plus BTEC courses including Business Studies, Travel & Tourism, Public Services, Science, Mathematics, ICT, Art, Sport Studies, Retail and Media.

BTEC qualifications have been developed so that they are relevant, progressive and recognised by employers.

The Stamford Endowed Schools www.ses.lincs.sch.uk Gymnasts from Stamford Junior School, part of the Stamford Endowed School’s recently travelled to Dorset to compete in this year’s Girl’s Independent Schools’ Under 9 National Championships.

“All of the girls performed excellently but Lottie Smith, Year 4, was crowned the 2009 Under 9 Champion.” Reports the School’s Jade Linehan.

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The School team performed a synchronised group routine to finish fifth in the competition.

Lottie Smith’s outstanding performance led to her winning the individual championship and being crowned the Independent Schools National Under 9 Champion 2009. Lottie is a real rising star in gymnastics, already in training for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The friendly, welcoming family atmosphere is evident throughout the spacious converted farm buildings in which the babies and young children flourish.

High priority is placed on children’s wellbeing and the setting makes full use of its special location on the owner’s farm where outdoor play, nature walks and forest school activities are a regular occurrence.

Children also learn from first-hand opportunities how food is grown and regularly help to grow vegetables and prepare meals.

This has been nationally acclaimed when the setting won the Nursery World Food Award 2009. Something special has been created here, and a visit is thoroughly recommended!

From left to right: Lot Davies, Pippa Bournetie Lottie Smith, Alishia , MacGillivray and Bertie Dowsett

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See-Saw Day Nursery Boston, Lincolnshire. Tel: 01205 359516. www.see-sawdaynursery.co.uk.

Created just a few years ago in purpose-built premises, See-Saw Day Nursery is a 99-place day nursery in Boston town centre, close to all major transport routes.

It caters for children aged eight weeks to four years and provides working parents with safe, reliable and affordable childcare solutions all year round.

Although the nursery is the largest in the locality, owners Sarah and Mark Whelan have tried to recreate the ‘family feel’ and ensure that every child is cared for as if they were the couple’s own children.

Visitors always comment on how happy, polite and well behaved the children are.

This is due to a combination of good old fashioned common sense when creating routines and up-to-date childcare and teaching techniques.

Facilities at See-Saw include separate rooms for each age group, healthy menu cooked daily on the premises, large garden, staff who really care and receive ongoing training, qualified teachers in pre-school and close liaison with all local primary schools.

St Hugh’s School 01526 352169 www.st-hughs.lincs.sch.uk St Hugh’s school aspires to provide all our children with a breadth of opportunity.

The school has its own large playing fields, indoor swimming pool & sports hall.

Many children choose to board; some on a full time basis and some for a few nights each week.

Classrooms are well equipped with modern technology such as

interactive whiteboards, enhancing learning for all.

St Hugh’s is enjoying its most successful decade in its eighty year history, with record numbers being successful in the county’s 11+ exams.

A number of our children gain scholarships to a wide range of independent senior schools for academic, and artistic excellence. n

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Exclusive Menswear Formal and Casual Clothes of Distinction Also Formal Hire

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Purple

Reigns This season, plum, purple and violet shades come to the fore, injecting some much-needed colour into an otherwise drab, grey season... Here, we pick the boldest and deepest examples.

Images: Mandy Bray Words: Emily Casswell

As Winter thaws into Spring, oversized styles are key to the season. Exaggerated coatswere seen at Cloe, Prada, Moschino and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Rouge

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Moody blues with purple hues are a must have for Spring.

Matched with knit wear, this seasons status piece, layer up to keep warm. Missoni had a dramatic selection of knitwear, with their collection almost entirely made up of knits. The snood is making a return this season as the chicest way to ward off the winter chills.

Missoni is perfect for the blanket like options.

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Masai

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Genie pants have been honouring the catwalks of Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren this season, and matched with the cosiest look of the season you will not be getting a chill.

Layering up is set to hit the streets with legwarmers over leggings, miniskirts with sweaters and snoods with jumbo scarves.

Peter Martin

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Kurt Geiger and Burberry have been maximising the high wedged boot.

Black is a stunning colour for knee high boots. Accessorising with country wear will top the look to perfection. Try Chanel this season for all your chic shoewear.

Pause CafĂŠ

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Statement leather jackets are hard-wearing, casual and colourful...

Vera Wang and Roland Mouret both agree that necklaces and shades make the biggest statements. Topped with bootleg jeans, the cosmopolitan girl is very much in vogue.

i Bianca

For suppliers in Lincolnshire see our Directory on page 160.

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Matching a statement violet coat with black is bound to turn heads this Spring.

Moschino featured the look in their new collection.

Using a range of textures such as silk, wool and suede will create a theme of hedonistic luxury, a key vogue for the winter warmer.

Ralph Lauren’s latest runway collections have been mixing materials to fabricate such an effect.

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Gold

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Layering up is a key theme to Spring fashion. Marc Jacobs is matching knitwear with tartan. For the more sporty look check out Gucci and Louis Vuitton’s collections

i Bandolera

For suppliers in Lincolnshire see our Directory on page 160.

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Black Hearted

Fall in love with black this Spring ... because black is back, with a darkly devilish vengeance, demonstrated beautifully by designer Marc Cain For more information see our Directory on page 160.

Nice, lacquered looking boots: £379

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Soft ballerinas in black and white: £215

Shiny, black sneakers: £275

Soft pumps in grey/black, also available in grey/pink: £255

Shiny, lace up ankle boots: £275

Black ankle boots with pink shoe sole: £295

Black lace up ankle boots, also available in brown: £295

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GET UP

AND GO! Resolve to get out and about in the new year. Go to new places, try new things and enjoy new experiences. With all that activity you'll need an action-bag! We predict that black will be seen on a short weekend break in Europe, the Olive involved in a trip to Dublin, the Brown enjoying heritage at one of England's finest castles and the Taupe enjoying a bit of culture at a live event. Live it up in 2010!

Words and Images: Frances Shippey.

Pell Mell Poachers Bag Fill it with all your stuff. £115

Pell Mell Mia Milan Croc Micro organiser bag. £39

Ameko Loki Versatile, soft leather with knot detail. £105

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Kipling Jannu Toffee Run away with your bare necessities. £109

Ameko Inda Lots of pockets and adjustable strap. £85

Fiorelli Kirkland Taupe Versatile evening bag. £35

Blondie Mania Limiera Olive Also available in Brown, Black or Red. £145

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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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Nail Philes

One of the quickest and easiest ways to relieve yourself of the winter blues is a manicure or pedicure... and a healthy DIY regime will help maintain your hands throughout a cold and bitter winter, as Emily Casswell this month finds out with a visit the county’s top spas Considering hands are not only features which help us express ourselves but are vital to all our daily activities, we ought to take better care of them.

We are all culprits, subjecting our hands to abuse, not only from the hand-chapping winter weather, but contact with chemicals, dirt, grease… the list goes on. It is only too easy for our hands to become dry and cracked, gathering rough skin with thick and hard fingernails which just aren’t attractive. n Why opt for a regular manicure?

Apart from the obvious relaxation, a manicure has become necessary because it prevents hangnail formation and improves the overall appearance of your hands.

Moreover, it helps splits, tears, and fragile nail tips, whilst the accompanying massage of the hands improve and increases the blood circulation, suppleness and flexibility of the hands and wrist.

A regular manicure also discourages wrinkling of the skin on the hand, one of the first body parts to show the sign of ageing. n Types of Manicure There are various kinds of manicure treatments available. Some salons will use a range of oils and creams with others offering electro-pulse treatments as part of their manicure.

The more popular, French manicures, are meant to resemble a natural nail.

Characterised by a pinky-nude base, with white tips. The technique originated in Paris, before spreading world-wide. The popular

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simplistic look will give your nails a healthy look when ‘naked’ or a good shape, if colour is being been applied afterwards.

Intensive paraffin waxes are often used in salons. The treatment involves warm wax being rubbed into your nails, hands and wrists – the wax moisturises and softens the skin, improving the texture. Afterwards your hands will often be placed in heated mittens or a wrap to fully hydrate them. n Nail Aftercare After your manicure try and limit how active you are with your hands. Although most shop-bought nail varnishes take a matter of minutes to dry, professional salon polish can take up to 12 hours to harden.

Being gentle with your hands will help the longevity of your newly pampered nails. n At Home Before you dash out the door to a spa, a good piece of advice will be to remove any traces of old nail polish. Make sure your hands have a good clean beforehand, this will reduce the amount of time the manicurist will spend with the menial tasks before moving onto the treatment.

You should trim your nails at least once a month, either using a file or clippers, rather than scissors. Be careful, however, as it is easy to trim to the quick - the place where your fingernail cartilage meets your skin.

Taking care of your cuticle isn’t difficult… once a fortnight, push the cuticles back with an orange stick. This is easier after soaking your hands in warm water for a couple of

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Perfect Manicures The Grange at Pointon: Jessica hand and foot tidy (45-60 mins) £30-£35. Rose Renew hand or foot tidy (60 mins) £40.

Call 01778 440511 or see www.thegrangespa.co.uk.

Simpsons Spa at Branston Hall: Spa Manicure/Pedicure (45 mins) £25/£28. Luxury Manicure (60 mins) £32. Luxury Pedicure £35.

File/Polish £13. Call 01522 797989 or see www.simpsonsbeauty.com.

Eden Hall, Newark: Deluxe Manicure (70 mins) £39.

Deluxe Pedicure (70 mins) £39.

Call 01636 525555 or see www.edenspa.co.uk.

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Main: The Grange at Pointon near Sleaford.

Bottom: Simpson’s Spa at Branston Hall.

minutes, as the skin around the nail is at its softest and easier to manipulate, then massage in a dedicated cuticle cream.

Always allow your nails a bit of breathing time in-between polishes. Especially if you paint your nails frequently; giving them one or two days to breathe will promote healthy nails.

To keep your hands protected on a daily basis wear gloves whenever possible. Try and apply moisturiser frequently too, as this will help form a protective second skin.

Keeping your hands away from soaps with high alkaline content will help protect them.

The high pH can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving your hands dry and tight.

Having a neutral soap will keep your skin young and supple. n

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Measure Made to

This month, we find out how both quality and quantity combine at one of the oldest jewellers in North East Lincolnshire, a company for whom the craft of the creative goldsmith and the heavier duty engineer combine in an unlikely location...

If, like us, you’re familiar with Grimsby, you’ll double check yourself when you read the address of one of the town’s most prestigious jewellers.

The Wilton Road Industrial estate is more commonly associated with heavier duty industry, and is not at first thought the most obvious location for a company specialising in luxurious bespoke jewellery.

Road, Pasture Street and in 1963, the newly constructed Wilton Road premises.

Business boomed throughout the 1960s, with an expansion of the company every 18 months and with the Wilton Road premises that the company still occupies, doubling in size with each expansion, employing around 30 people at the time to manufacture casting and forming equipment for other jewellers, as well as earrings and backs.

But look beyond your expectations and you’ll discover an established, Today the company remains as family-run company that, as successful, developing well as producing a wealth of not only jewellery House of McCue industry tools and wholesale manufacturing equipment, makes equipment ear-piercing jewellery, also but piercing kits - instruments specialises in creating for jewellers themselves and studs but also bespoke luxurious, individual jewellery. plus bespoke wedding pieces for highly The retail element of the and engagement rings discerning customers. modern business came for the truly The company was set up just about rather by accident. after the war by Sean McCue’s Passing trade saw customers discerning father. It is still owned by him, looking to buy the company’s his wife and Sean. The jeweller jewellery despite the lack of a made his living from repairing watches, shop front. In the 1980s, the shop was then earrings and somewhat bizarrely, false added, and refurbished in March this year. teeth; the skills of casting being remarkably It’s an odd location for such luxurious similar within the two disciplines. products, but customers can design and The jeweller quickly began to get a name for collect - within a month or so - beautiful himself and during the course of his work, jewellery in silver, while and yellow gold, created a number of tools for repairing palladium and platinum, as well as retail jewellery, which the company then began to jewellery from names like the composable manufacture alongside the retail element of Trollbeads range and the Fiorelli designer their business, from shops on Cleethorpes silver range.

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i House of McCue, at Wilton Road, Grimsby Established: The company was established just after the war by Sean McCue’s father. The current retail side of the business, which includes bespoke jewellery creation, really came alive in the early 1970s.

Exclusive: Allow a month for a bespoke engagement ring or wedding band and allow anywhere from £250 to £35,000.

Enjoy: Find out more by visiting the jeweller on Wilton Road Industrial Estate, Grimsby, or by calling 01472 812299; www.houseofmccue.co.uk.

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BESPOKE LUXURY THIS MONTH WE SHOWCASE SOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL BESPOKE JEWELLERY OF HOUSE OF McCUE

Right: Two colour gold unisex wedding rings £poa.

Left: Triple stone 18ct gold claw-mount with 2ct total weight £9,500.

Above: Marquis set 18ct gold diamond ring with .44ct stone weight £2,007.

Left: Bespoke hammer finish two colour 9ct gold ring with 0.15ct stones. £408.

Sean McCue with a large and unfortunately - fake diamond, but a very real 5kg silver bullion.

The shop is beautiful, trimmed in the company’s corporate purple, and features beautiful jewellery from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.

Having produced high-end bespoke jewellery from 1972 to the present day, and producing around 1,000 pieces annually, it’s little surprise the jewellery is so popular.

“Couples love the company’s bespoke wedding bands and engagement rings because flowers don’t last and wedding cakes are consumed on the day.” says Sean. “But couples wear their rings for the rest of their lives so it’s only right that they can design a beautiful and permanent expression of their love for one another.

We love the chance to be a part of that! n

Right: 9ct gold diamond ring with seven stone diamond daisy cluster, total 1ct weight. £1,726.

Below: Screw-head design Cartier-inspired six stone brilliant cut diamond ring, 004ct total weight. £poa.

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Our readers like to look good.

So if you’re in the fashion, health or beauty industries, marketing your business here means reaching the most style-conscious ladies across the county. ...now that’s fashion sense.

To advertise on our fashion pages, call our marketing experts today, on

01529 46 99 77

LincolnshirePride

THE HIGH SOCIETY MAGAZINE

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The

Wedding Album Of Hannah Graves & Xander Welman

Is it a bird…? Is it a plane…? Or, is it a sky candle, one of the ways this month’s bride and groom personalised their special day to create the wedding of their dreams…

Images: Aurora Studio, 01673 844519 www.aurorastudio.co.uk

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The Coach House, Carlton Scroop

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Bride’s Name: Hannah Graves Groom’s Name: Xander Welman Ceremony held at: St Adelwold’s Church, Alvingham Reception held at: Abbey Farm, Alvingham Best Men: Matthew Brown & Richard Coles Bridesmaid: Rachael James & Debbie Gorman Ushers: Edward Welman, Dominic Welman, Matthew Graves, William James, Steven Lilley Bride’s Parents: Raymond & Angela Graves Groom’s Parents: Bert & Julie Welman

When/how did you first meet?

We first met when my best friend, Rachael, invited me along to a night out in Lincoln.

She was with her boyfriend, Will, on a night out with his hockey club. Unbeknown to me at the time, Xander also played for the hockey club and the two are good friends.

We didn’t get together on that particular evening – it was a few months later, at another hockey night out.

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

He proposed in September 2008 whilst on holiday in Spain. He knew I wouldn’t like him to propose in front of many people so on the last night, just as we were to go out for dinner, he suddenly dropped down on one knee and produced the ring which he had managed to hide in our luggage!

What were the first things that you decided on?

We knew we wanted a church service and as the church is only a short walk from my parents’ house, we knew it would be a perfect setting for hosting the reception in a marquee on the front lawn. Their garden wasn’t quite big enough, so we fenced off a bit of the adjoining field and upon the advice of David Wood, began to mow it from September 2008 – it was a lot of hard work cutting it each week but well worth it. We also knew which caterer we wanted; Steven Lock. So, we found out which dates Steven

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was available, and as Hannah comes from a farming family, hosted the wedding before harvest started!

Any differing ideas about how your big day should be or things you both wanted to do different?

Hannah used to say that she only wanted a very small wedding, whereas I always wanted to involve all of my friends and family. However, it soon became apparent that it was going to be a fairly big event and we had to be careful not to get too carried away with numbers!

Any pre-wedding nerves?

I can honestly say I wasn’t nervous at all. My bridesmaids Rachael and Debbie asked all morning if I felt OK; Rachael, who got married last year, kept asking if I was about to cry, advising me to do so before we walked to the church. Even when my mum produced a present from Xander - a pair of diamond earrings - I remained fine. My bridesmaids Rachael and Debbie were both shocked (and a little disappointed!) that I didn’t shed a tear, I was just so happy and enjoyed what turned out to be a fantastic day!

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

I loved walking down the aisle, St Adelwold’s is a small church and we had 120 guests so it was extremely full – we even had to seat some of the guests in the choir stalls, which was great as I could see them when I got to

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the end of the aisle. I had a slight wobble while taking my vows but managed to keep it together. Our Vicar was very funny and made us all laugh a couple of times, particularly when he asked all the congregation if they would support our marriage; when he asked us if they had said yes loud enough, we said they hadn’t so he made them all say it again. A little pantomime perhaps, but it made the ceremony very relaxed, which was exactly what we wanted.

Where was your reception held?

The church is at the bottom of Hannah’s parents farmyard and we erected a marquee in front of the house, so it was really lovely for the whole bridal party to walk the short distance from the church to the lawn for the champagne reception. We were lucky that the weather was so fantastic as it could have been different but it was great to see everyone sat in the sunshine drinking Pimms or champagne! It was so hot that we even had to undo the sides of the marquee to try and cool the inside down!

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

When organising the wedding, we wanted to incorporate a few little ideas which would make our day memorable. One of these was to let off sky candles at midnight. We could only do this if there was no wind. It was a perfect evening – so when 12 o’clock came round we went outside to set them off. Many of the guests didn’t know what they were but they looked fantastic and we have had so many comments about them. The funniest aspect of the day was that, on the local news the next day, we heard about strange lights seen in the sky, reported as UFOs! Did you have a honeymoon? If so where, and most importantly, did you enjoy it?

We had a quick break in Spain to relax and recuperate from the wedding… we couldn’t believe how tired we were! Our ‘proper’ honeymoon will see us going skiing in Vail this month which, as avid skiers, we cannot wait for!

Our Vicar was very funny

and made us all laugh a couple of times, particularly when he asked all the congregation if they would support our marriage.

When he asked us if they had said yes loud enough, we said they hadn’t so he made them all say it again!

Images: Aurora Studio, 01673 844519 www.aurorastudio.co.uk

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We wanted to incorporate a few little ideas which would make our day memorable. One of these was let off sky candles at midnight…

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

Of course we would like to thank our parents for all their help in every sense. Matt and Richard were a big help in the few days leading up to the wedding, as was Hannah’s brother Matthew who helped with a last minute, emergency water supply! On the day all the ushers carried out their tasks flawlessly and really helped make sure the wedding ran smoothly. Finally, of course the bridesmaids Rachael & Debbie who were so much help in the lead up and on the day itself, and for making sure Hannah got to the church!

Anyone you wish to recommend?

We would definitely recommend Woods Marquees who were absolutely faultless from our initial planning meeting last year, answering all the little questions we had in the months leading up to the wedding, through to the erection of the marquee which was absolutely stunning.

Our Caterer, Steven Lock was amazing. We were spoilt for choice with the canapés and the main meal. We finally managed to make our choices and they were all fantastic.

It was such a professional set up and we had so many lovely comments about how amazing the food was, and the waiters/ waitresses really couldn’t do enough for everyone.

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Finally, our photographers, Peter and Carole from Aurora Studio, were just brilliant. They’d worked at a wedding of some friends of ours the previous year so we had seen their work.

They’re not the traditional photographers who produce boring formal shots for hours and hours! As you can see from their pictures, their style is a good deal more contemporary, which is exactly what we wanted.

How are you finding married life?

After returning from our honeymoon we both felt a bit deflated that it was all over.

However once we went to see our photos it all came flooding back and we have some fantastic pictures to remind us of our day.

One of the strangest things is that now we have our weekends free again but we are now looking to move house so future weekends will be filled with DIY! n

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

Share out all the jobs on the day to the ushers – that’s what they’re there for!

Most importantly, so many people told us to make sure we gave ourselves time throughout the day to stand back and take it all in and it was so true.

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WEDDING ALBUM SUPPLIER

BLITZ O F

For statement and occasion jewellery and accessories

B O S T O N

Exclusive Stockists in Lincolnshire for: Shelly Cooper Statement Jewellery, 2Adorn Bespoke Fascinators, Roger Stuart Hill Sculpted Jewellery... ...and many others. Jewellery, giftware, and bridal accessories.

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9 DOLPHIN LANE, BOSTON Tel: 01205 350030

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Luxurious

Weddings

This month, create a bespoke wedding that’s luxurious and individual, using professionals who have the talent and experience to create a beautiful dream wedding just for you...

Words: Rob Davis.

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RUSSELL GREEN FLORAL DESIGNS 52 High Street, Coningsby, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN4 4RF Tel: 01526 342591 Web: www.teleflorist.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL flowers really can personalise your wedding and add an extra sparkle to your big day, supporting your colour scheme, but with so many different designs, colours and flowers available, choosing beautiful blooms is now easier than ever.

Maxine Brown has been a floral designer with Russell Green Floral Designs in Coningsby for over three decades, designing flowers for over 2,000 Lincolnshire brides, so her experience is as vast as her talent.

“It’s really important to book your florist in advance.” says Maxine. “Some brides visit us with just a month or two to go which is so hit and miss.”

Maxine and her team advise reserving your florist up to two years in advance, especially in the case of popular designers, as soon as you finalise your date.

i

Wedding Flowers eschewing the traditional trailing bouquet in favour of hand-tied posies, typically of roses with sparkling crystals pinned into the centre, which really stand out on photographs.

For your church, two pedestals and alternate pew decorations are typical, but more and more brides are discovering that bay trees create lush decoration, and can be taken home afterwards for a lasting reminder.

Next, opt for a second, ‘creative’ meeting, perhaps at your church. Take along pictures, fabric swatches etc, and have an idea of your budget.

Set a budget from £250 as an absolute minimum to a more expressive £3,000, and be prepared to accept advice on varieties on flowers that will have a bearing on your budget.

These days, flowers may be imported, typically from Holland, Singapore and Guernsey, but like food, in-season flowers are more traditional, and cheaper. For bridal bouquets, many modern brides are

Having a date for your wedding and desired colour scheme will allow further discussion on the shape and composition of your flowers to create beautiful, individual flowers for your wedding. n

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Celebrate with...

We Can Help: Firstly, set your date then choose a colour scheme.

This will have a bearing on the number, shape and composition of your designs... don’t worry if you haven’t seen any ideas you’re keen on or can’t identify one flower from another... an expert like Maxine is used to giving great advice!

Top Tip: Opt for seasonal flowers... out of season flowers are available but will command a premium because they’re imported.

And Don’t Forget... A busy florist will usually be booked up a year in advice. To be really sure of availability, book two years in advance and have one ‘booking’ meeting followed by a second ‘creative’ meeting.

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BRIDAL EMPORIUM AT AVANT GARDE 15 High Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5HP Tel: 01507 525200 Web: www.avantgardebridal.co.uk

THE NEW AvantGarde Bridal Emporium provides a very personal and unique service to clients about to embark on their wedding day plans. Based at our Horncastle showroom the AvantGarde Bridal Emporium offers advice and guidance relating to all aspects of your wedding day.

When it comes to choosing a wedding gown for your big day, there are many factors that you will need to consider before choosing a dress or gown. Lots of aspects can change the way you look and you will have to decide before hand, what kind of image you want to create knockout gorgeous, sexy, romantic, casual, princess like, enchanting, vintage or totally unique.

Your consultation with Karen and her experienced team is personally tailored to your specific needs, starting with your wedding dress and developing our service to embrace any other wedding day requirements from bridesmaids' dresses, including all accessories.

We also recommend local businesses to whom you can speak directly for the wedding cake, flowers and special gifts for those special people.

Our experience highlights the needs for clients to ensure they allow enough time to plan the whole of their wedding day requirements.

i All consultations will be by prior appointment and held at our Horncastle showroom and Karen will be delighted to arrange a consultation with you to discuss your thoughts and ideas at an early stage.

Once you have chosen your outfit you may wish to consider accessories that you want to wear on the day. These are likely to include some kind of headdress so you need to decide if you want to wear a veil, tiara, jewellery or flowers in your hair.

With a complete range of accessories including veils of exquisite lace and stunning tiaras by Elen Henderson and Liza Designs, the Bridal Emporium provides you with all the time and personal attention to detail you need to make the choice of wedding dress and accessories a really wonderful experience.

With Karen's expertise and attention to detail, your once in a lifetime decision will make you feel a truly special bride, on your wedding day! n

Celebrate with a...

Wedding Dress We Can Help: We can provide wedding dresses and beautiful gowns and accessories for bridesmaids.

Top Tip: When you visit us, come armed with an idea of what style of wedding gown you’d like... simple or elaborate, traditional or modern.

And Don’t Forget... If you are smaller busted, some of the more strapless gowns with fitted bodices might not look quite right. If you have large breasts on the other hand, some of the dainty styles will not work at all. Having a curvy figure is wonderful for certain types of gowns like the mermaid and slightly fitted gowns with a dropped waist, while an a line or empire line will hide larger hips, tummies and legs.

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AMBA PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ANDY McROBBIE Tel: 07790 581 333 Web: www.ambaphotography.co.uk YOUR WEDDING photographs will become the lasting reminder of your special day so it is vitally important that you choose your photographer carefully.

There are many different styles of photography so it is important to decide on what type of coverage you would like.

Would you prefer a more relaxed reportage style, a formal approach or a mixture of the two?

As for the album, storybook style is very popular at the moment, but some couples prefer a simpler, more traditional layout.

i Celebrate with your... albums from real weddings and not a ‘best of’ portfolio. This is the only way to really judge the quality of their work and see what you are getting for your money.

Spend time on the Internet looking at photographers work, ask friends for recommendations, check out bride and society magazines. This will help you to decide on what you would like and make a shortlist of photographers.

Ask them how much time they require after the ceremony and at the reception for the formal photography - do make time for your wedding photographer on your big day... it’s important your professional has your undivided attention and can work uninterrupted for at least a portion of your day.

Once you have decided on a firm date for your wedding you can begin approaching your choice of photographers to see if they are available.

This can vary tremendously between photographers, so make sure that you are comfortable with this and plan it into you timings for the wedding breakfast.

It is worth starting your search early, as many photographers will become booked up quickly.

It is important that you feel comfortable with your photographer as you will be spending a lot of time with them on one of the most important days of your life.

Ensure the person you are meeting will be the actual photographer on your wedding day.

Likewise, make sure that you view actual

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A good rapport makes for great photos and low stress levels on an already hectic day! n

Wedding Photos We Can Help: By showing both the romance of the day and those unexpected moments when you are unaware of the camera, we will capture the true essence of your wedding day.

Top Tip: As no two couples are the same we believe in a flexible approach to ensure all your desires are accommodated.

And Don’t Forget... Utilising our extensive in-house design and retouching skills allows us to create stunning storybook albums of the highest quality that are surprisingly affordable. We offer a variety of packages that can be customised to your needs and are dedicated to working with you to ensure your wedding day memories last forever.

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COUTURE CAKES

BY KATIE WATTS Vine House Farm Studio, Deeping St Nicholas, Spalding, PE11 3DG Tel: 01775 630773 Web: www.couture-cakes.co.uk THE TERM ‘Haute Couture’ traditionally refers to the most exclusive fashion designers who create unique pieces of work for private clients; now this principle can be applied to cakes, so that brides looking for the ultimate designer wedding can complete the look with a luxury designer wedding cake.

Situated on Vine House Farm in South Lincolnshire, Katie Watts creates the finest wedding cakes in either sugar or chocolate work, for the finest venues in Stamford, Spalding and the surrounding regions, including Nottingham, Rutland, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Cambridge, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Couture Cakes’s work feature regularly in the media, frequently contributing to glossy wedding magazines.

Katie Watts is the creative genius behind Couture Cakes; during a consultation Katie needs only to meet & listen to her clients to identify a style that will suit them, guiding them through the design process so that the client actively participates in creating the cake of their dreams.

Katie will take inspiration from design details you’ve already arranged for the wedding in order to produce a truly personal cake, such as by replicating the lace work from your wedding dress in intricate brush embroidery, trimming the cake with Swarovski

i pearls to match a necklace, or creating breath taking sugar or chocolate flowers to coordinate with the work of your florist.

She then personally decorates each cake, to devote hours of attention to producing the most spectacular creations.

Once such care and attention has been put into your cake you’ll want your guests to really appreciate it, so send a miniature cake packed in a gorgeous acrylic box home with each guest, then they can see the intricate craftsmanship close-up, and eat it the following day or keep it for the memories!

If you can’t wait for a special occasion before you experience a Couture Cake, you can now visit the mail order boutique, where you can buy individual miniature cakes and selection boxes of their fantastic cake flavours, so that you can indulge or treat your friends at the fraction of the price of a custom made cake... easy, thoughtful and very tasty! n

Celebrate with a...

Wedding Cake We Can Help: Each Couture Cake is completely bespoke, creating exceptionally innovative & stylish designs combined with skilled & intricate craftmanship.

Top Tip: Don’t just think about the way your cake looks... think about the way it tastes... scrumptious flavours at Couture Cakes include chocolate truffle, vanilla, lemon drizzle, carrot and raspberry & amaretto, as well as rich fruit cake and the more unusual chocolate fruit & nut.

And Don’t Forget... Each cake is made with ingredients direct from their farm, including their own free range eggs, organic stone ground flour, and home made raspberry jam.

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BRIDES OF BAILGATE 9 Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 2AE Tel: 01522 576011 Web: www.bridesofbailgate.co.uk

SHOPPING for your wedding dress is all about having a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Owned and run by mother and daughter Irene Arthurs and Gill Hunter, Brides of Bailgate has enjoyed a very successful first year.

When choosing gowns for the boutique, Irene and Gill spend many hours with suppliers ensuring that they can offer wedding gowns that offer style, quality and value.

The location is perfect, right in the heart of the historic cathedral quarter, and the showrooms are decorated in a style unlike any other. Total privacy in the upstairs showroom ensures that the gown chosen will not be seen by anybody other than those present.

There are currently three brands available to choose from, New York designer, Madeline Gardner with her couture collection MGNY is proving extremely popular - the collections highlight impeccable gown constructions and is tailored with delicate atelier patterns.

The rich ornamentations and feminine shapes bring forth style with sensuality.

Prices range from £690 to £1500, whilst the Sposa Group’s Just For You offers gowns which are much lighter with very short or no train. They are extremely popular for overseas weddings - prices for these range from £500-£600.

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i Finally, we have a further label, Simply B, whose emphasis is on gowns are simple but elegant, these are very suitable for overseas or civil ceremonies. Price range £300-£500.

An exiting new addition for the New Year is Mon Cheri, one of the biggest names in bridal which offers wedding dresses and bridal gowns that transform each woman into the beaming, blushing, and beautiful bride she’s meant to be.

We restrict Saturday appointments to 1½ hours, but during the week we only have two appointments each day to allow brides-to-be plenty of time to try on as many dresses as they like.

For any reader getting engaged in the New Year will find that Brides of Bailgate not only provide stunning wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shoes and accessories but will also prove that buying your gown will be an unforgettable experience! n

Celebrate with a...

Wedding Dress We Can Help: When choosing your gown, it is useful to have an idea of what you like. However, be prepared to try other styles as dresses in magazines are worn by models who are size 8 – 10 and taller than most brides.

Top Tip: It is helpful to bring someone who’s opinion you trust, but go with your instinct. You will know when you find ‘The Dress’. Also if your budget is smaller than you would like, check out ex-sample gowns, it is a great way to get one of the more expensive gowns for a reduced price.

And Don’t Forget... It takes 4 – 5 months to order a dress, and you also need to allow time for alterations.

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CINDY MARSHALL DAY AT WALCOT HALL Walcot Hall, Near Alkborough, North Lincolnshire DN15 9JT (Viewings strictly by appointment only)

Telephone: 01724 720266 Web: www.walcothallestate.com THE FIRST thing you need to decide when booking your dream venue is whether you want to get married in a Church and then have your reception at a country house or hotel or have the wedding and reception all in one location.

Your local council will have a list of venues that are licensed to hold civil ceremonies.

You then need to establish a range of dates that are suitable for you as the actual day may depend on the availability of the venue/church and registrar/vicar.

Next make a preliminary guest list to determine the number of people you’d like to invite and establish a budget you are happy with.

Once you have decided on this, you can then start making appointments to go and see some venues.

This can be really exciting, it is always a good idea to choose a venue which offers the facility of an in house wedding co-ordinator as they will have an array of local wedding suppliers from DJs to cake makers to cars right through to fabulous harpists and great photographers and they will know what works best at their venue.

You may find that having a small intimate ceremony and wedding breakfast for 60 people followed by a marquee reception for 150 with hog roast, disco and cash bar where

i you can invite all your friends will maximise your budget. The current trend is for marquee weddings, which afford the couple the chance to work with a blank canvas that can include gorgeous goodies such as starry skies, light curtains, black and white dance floors and individual colour schemes.

Always check to see what is included in the price such as tables, chairs, loos, dance floors and VAT. If exclusivity is important to you, ask the venue if there will be any other weddings taking place that day and whether the general public are admitted access into the venue and its grounds.

Photos are a lasting memory of the big day and it is imperative to choose somewhere that has lots of lovely places to have beautiful pictures taken.

Good luck with your search I know the perfect venue awaits you! n

Celebrate with the

Perfect Venue We Can Help: Walcot Hall has a dedicated wedding coordinator, transport manager and styling team who can arrange everything for your wedding in-house including chair covers and organza bow tie backs, favours and colour themes.

Top Tip: If you’re looking for a truly bespoke, fairytale wedding this is the place. This venue is the height of exclusivity they only hold 12 weddings a year!

And Don’t Forget... It’s invaluable to have your wedding coordinator and her team there all day and throughout the evening reception to make sure the day runs smoothly so you can just look beautiful and enjoy your big day.

At Walcot Hall, Cindy can arrange all this... and much much more!

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Nicola Mountain and Simon Jackson recently married at Helenas, Willoughby, near Alford.

Afterwards a reception was held at Kenwick Park Hotel.

Charlotte Towle and Michael Coleman recently married at St Mary’s Church Marshchapel and afterwards a reception followed at the brides parents home.

Photographer: David Simpson, Boston.

01205 311235. www.davidsimpsonstudio.co.uk

Photographer: Conners Ltd, Louth.

01507 602562. www.connersltd.com

Abbey and Craig recently had a large family wedding at St Lukes Church in Stickney followed by a reception at the Woodhall Spa Hotel.

Afterwards they honeymooned in the Maldives.

Elaine Holland and Kev Howard were recently married at Tattershall Castle.

A reception at The Abbey Lodge, near Woodhall Spa followed.

The couple enjoyed a romantic honeymoon in Norfolk.

Photographer: Darren Bell Photography.

07545 262819. www.darrenbellphotography.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 FLOWER POWER & DECORATING YOUR VENUE You’ve chosen where you want to get married… you’ve picked the venue for your wedding reception…

Of course, you want everything to look beautiful, so now is the time to consider how you’ll go about creating some finishing touches to really make your reception sparkle!

Jean Marie and Leesa both of Lincoln, recently held a stunning and intimate wedding in the Cotswolds. A honeymoon in Australia followed.

Photographer: Darren Bell Photography.

07545 262819. www.darrenbellphotography.co.uk

Linda Barclay and Steve Cooper married recently at St. Mary's Parish Church, Kirton.

A reception at Queen's Head, Kirkby-La-Thorpe followed afterwards. The couple will be making their home in Kirton.

Just like your photographer and videographer, for a really lovely display of flowers you really do need to attend wedding fayres and see just what is on offer, unless you have a florist whose work you know well. Again you will find a wide variety of both fresh and silk designs with prices to match. If you are having a church service, then your vicar or priest will be delighted if you display them in the church, unless it’s Lent during which no flowers are permitted.

These can then, if you wish, be taken to your venue. Alternatively some bridal parties may want to put them on the grave of a beloved one who is no longer with them.

It’s now you will need to start thinking about a colour scheme since this is likely to be the first time colour has come into play. So what aspects of highlight colour do you need to consider? Consider accessorising your wedding dress, those of the bridesmaids and flower girls, your future husband’s colours and those of his best man, often picked up in their cravats or waistcoats, and wedding stationery. You will also need to liaise with both mothers and they in turn with each other to ensure no clashing of colours and shades.

However, it’s not just flowers that make a venue look beautiful; candelabras on each table will add height to the room, especially if your venue features a particularly high ceiling. These can be draped with ivy to give a rustic appearance. Because they are a reasonable height from the table, guests sitting opposite each other can easily see and speak without having to crane their necks around floral decorations. Little sprinkles of foiled hearts, stars or cherubs can be scattered across each table. One small pot be sufficient for three to four tables.

To add more elegance, why not opt for bay trees with fairy lights within them and a voile swag, or alternatively, one made from greenery, again with fairy lights, along the front of the top table.

Also becoming more popular are chair covers wrapped with coloured sashes. They do really add a touch of elegance and transform any room.

One thing to bear in mind is the standard colour of the venue’s or caterer’s tablecloths and napkins. White, cream or black are the most popular and look stunning as a background to the crockery and cutlery, but do make enquiries for other colour, as some have these as part of their fleet.

With a stately home, hotel, restaurant or pub as your venue, the caterers or owners will take care of your decorations and lay these out. A simple set of instructions usually suffices; if it’s the village hall or marquee, then appoint someone who can oversee it all. Don’t think you can do it all yourself, because you simply won’t be able to so close to your ceremony. On the day, you need to take care of yourself; everything else should be fitting into place by then! 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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&

Belle Bouquet

...offering you Lincolnshire’s widest choice of the finest gowns, at the best possible prices in the most beautiful and friendly surroundings.

2 DAY SALE Saturday 16th January 10.00am – 5.00pm Sunday 17th January 10.00am – 4.00pm

Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Veils, Tiaras, Shoes and Jewellery

01522 811122

www.belleandbouquet.co.uk The Bridal Suite, Wellingore Hall, Wellingore, Lincoln LN5 0HX

Appointments preferred but not always necessary

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CROPLEY COACHES 90 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Approaching its 90th year of trading, Fosdyke based Cropley Coaches offers excellence in transport for up to 57 passengers, and regularly ventures across the UK and abroad, one of the most established Lincolnshire businesses Take a look at Cropley Coaches’s fleet of modern Volvo vehicles with their impressive environmental credentials and technology, and it’s difficult to believe how far the company has come over three generations.

Today, the company has a fleet of 12, from 49 seater vehicles with tea & coffee making facilities and toilets, to 53 or 57 seater coaches.

“The vehicles are a far cry from vehicles of old,” says current owner John Cropley.

“They offer as much luxury as you’d find in a limousine and are more comfortable and accessible than ever.”

Over 70% of the company’s work is private hire, and in addition to a range of day trips and weekly excursions both nationally and abroad, brides across Lincolnshire regularly hire one of John’s vehicles to transport guests en-masse to their reception venue or wedding.

Trips include excursions to France, Belgium, Holland and Spain, with a new season beginning next month with a long weekend to Paris for Valentine’s Day at just £369 per person. The excursion includes accommodation, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, cruise along the River Seine and sightseeing throughout the city.

All transport is courtesy of the modern fleet of Volvo vehicles, all equipped with air-suspension for a smooth ride, and climate control for comfort.

The business was started by Randolph Cropley who transported fresh produce throughout the Fens via horse and cart!

The company also plans excursions to Lincolnshire’s twin-towns, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Laval and Speyer, twinned with Lincoln, Boston and Spalding respectively.

“In 2010 we’re launching theatre breaks too.” Says John. “They’re set to be just as popular as our European trips, which customers love. We book everything from ferry crossings to accommodation, to trips

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to local attractions whilst there. With friendly polite drivers and good company from fellow passengers, we specialise in taking all of the stress out of European travel.”

The company also takes its environmental and safety responsibilities seriously, with the cleanest Eco-5 vehicles and three point seatbelts fitted to all vehicles, plus full disabled access.

The firm was one of the UK’s first coach companies to insist all of its drivers are CRB checked for their extensive school contracts throughout Lincolnshire.

Each development is an impressive demonstration of how transport has changed, and after three generations of moving with the times, it’s no surprise that the company is thriving in much the same way as in its early days.

Back in the 1920s when the company began, current owner John Cropley’s grandfather Randolph or ‘Dolph, as he was known locally, had no intention of transporting passengers, specialising, instead, on delivering fresh produce across the Fens in a horse and cart.

Dolph would regularly venture from Fosdyke to Spalding, Holbeach and Boston, all over the fens, transporting fruit and vegetables, cereals and farm equipment.

Gradually, more and more people began asking him for a lift until eventually, Dolph was forced to commission a local carpenter to construct what was probably the first passenger coach in Lincolnshire, and provide locals with an early form of public transport.

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2010 EXCURSIONS SCHEDULED INTERNATIONAL TOURS PLANNED BY CROPLEY COACHES THROUGHOUT 2010

12th - 15th February 2010 Valentines Paris Long Weekend £369 27th March 2010 Calais Shopper £42 9th - 11th April 2010 Amsterdam Long Weekend £139 24th April 2010 Calais Shopper £42 22nd May 2010 Bruges (classic trip) £45 29th May 2010 Calais Shopper £42 5th and 6th June 2010 Rollercoaster Weekend £123 19th June 2010 Paris (classic trip) £45 10th July 2010 Boulogne-sur-mar (classic trip) £45 31st July 2010 Calais Shopper £42 28th August 2010 Disneyland Paris (classic trip) £45 28th - 29th August 2010 Bavarian Beer Festival (Kent) £75 Main: Two of Cropley Coaches’s Newest Volvo vehicles.

Right: Plush interiors and air con make for a comfortable journey.

Later, John’s father Len took over and began running a fleet of coaches, the predecessors to those the company still runs today.

During this era the business gained a reputation for excellence in the area, and when John took over the business in 1986, he too was able to continue the firm’s great reputation.

“It’s a great business.” Says John. “My drivers and myself share a common goal of making sure our passengers reach their destination safe and sound, and have a wonderful trip whether near or far. Making sure that your children get to school safely, ensuring you have a safe trip abroad or making sure that a bride’s guests arrive on time to see her walk down the aisle is a terrific responsibility, but it’s the business we’re in and it’s what we do.” n

10th - 13th September 2010 Dublin Long Weekend £319 22nd - 30th October 2010 Spain Lloret de mar £340 19th - 21st November 2010 Murder, mystery and suspense weekend £126 26th - 29th November 2010 French fries and chocolate lovers’ dream weekend (Excursion to Bruges) £264 27th November 2010 Calais Shopper £42 28th November 2010 Lakeside Shopper £15 11th December 2010 Ostende Christmas Market (classic trip) £45 For information on any of the above call 01205 260226 or see www.cropleycoach.co.uk.

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Milling Around This month, one of Lincolnshire’s newest and (already) most well-regarded restaurants celebrates its second anniversary...

Here, we meet the husband and wife team behind Boston’s Mill Restaurant, the flagship restaurant of Lincolnshire’s Batemans Brewery, Tracy & Paul Topliss Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Time flies when you’re having fun... at least, that’s the considered opinion of the regular patrons of The Mill restaurant in Boston, who can scarcely believe that their favourite eatery is approaching its second anniversary, to be celebrated at the end of this month.

Despite being less than two years old, the restaurant has already gained favour with a number of diners in the area who think that the skillful combination of high-quality, very ‘Lincolnshire’ food, and good front of house management makes the venue a sound choice for regular dining. The restaurant was even coveted with Lincolnshire Pride’s Highly Commended Restaurant in our 2009 awards, voted for entirely by the public.

“We were absolutely delighted.” Says owner Tracy Topliss, who is responsible for the restaurant’s front of house, alongside chef patron and Tracy’s

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W

ith just a couple of years to establish itself, the restaurant has already been voted one of the top venues in the area by diners in the Lincolnshire Pride Restaurant of the Year Competition 2009

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Superb effort goes into creating each dish and despite the restaurant’s reasonable prices, all desserts and its bread are prepared and baked in-house to ensure diners enjoy the freshest food possible... husband Paul Topliss. “Normally it takes a restaurant a while to become established, but our regulars already consider us worthy of an award in which competition is both strong, and established.”

Tracy and Paul are both Lincolnshire born and bred, from Donington and Spalding respectively. The two met back at the turn of the millennium whilst working at a newly established venue in Spalding.

Leaving the venue to pursue a love of travelling, Tracy and Paul visited Portugal, Guernsey and Australia, working in each country, before returning to Lincolnshire in 2005.

The pair took a year or two to look for the venue they had always dreamed of owning, and were delighted in 2007 to discover that Batemans Brewery, based at Wainfleet, were looking to establish a flagship restaurant to showcase the best food and drink the county has to offer.

“We refurbished the pub completely.” Says Tracy.

“The place had been used as a pub and was trading as a restaurant but when we arrived midrefurbishment, the place was little more than a building site, so we had a great deal of say in the renovation, which was brilliant... Batemans gave us almost free reign so we could start from scratch and create a completely new restaurant rather than taking over an existing one.”

Tracy began working on the restaurant and bar itself, specifying a combination of slate flooring for the bar area, plush wooden flooring and carpeting for the restaurant area and traditional oak tables on which to rest contemporary crockery and polished silver cutlery. The overall intention was to create a high quality experience whilst retaining an air of relaxed informality, and for this reason, starched tablecloths are eschewed in favour of contemporary jazz and large wine glasses, and fussy food in favour of quality gastropub offerings that fully exploit Boston’s fenland location and wealth of tried & trusted local suppliers.

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Whilst Tracy was honing the restaurant’s ambience, Paul was busy creating a kitchen from a wishlist of the latest equipment and choosing a dedicated brigade. He also created both lunchtime and a la carte menus for diners using suppliers like Bycrofts for fresh meat, Boston Sausage for pork, Peterborough Game and several local farmers for the freshest veg every day.

Great effort goes into each meal, with lunchtime dishes merely simplified versions of a la carte dishes, with four offerings for starters and a generous choice of 11 main course dishes.

A constant starter of soup of the day was offered alongside Crab Mousse with Smoked Salmon, Chicken Liver Pate and Portobello Mushrooms during our visit, whilst main course offerings included gastropub favourites such as Fish and Chips, Lasagne, Lamb Shank and Sausages & Mash to cater for a traditional clientele that favours down to earth food prepared freshly to order with as little delay as possible.

Lunchtime trade for the venue is brisk, and Monday and Wednesday sees special ‘Ladies Lunch’ functions with concessionary dining offered, whilst Sunday lunchtimes feature table d’hote dining with four starters, main courses and desserts and a choice of two or three course options from £10.95.

A la carte dining is a little more polished, and features a choice of seven starters, 12 main courses and a selection of specials which change twice a week. With constant fish and vegetarian options and options during our visit of Game & Red Wine Pie, Half Roasted Duck a l’Orange and Venison Steak alongside a dedicated steak menu, diners are never stuck for something new to try.

Notably, considering the price of each menu, all desserts are made in house, and all bread served in the restaurant is prepared and baked freshly each day.

Main: Walnut and Date Pudding with Dennets ice cream.

Right: The newly refurbished bar.

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i The level of attention given to each dish along with the quality of ingredients and breadth of choice appeals to diners’ sense of value for money as well as their culinary tastes and therein lies the secret to the restaurant’s success thus far.

The Mill, Spilsby Road, Boston

Not only does the Mill represent great food and great value, both Tracy and Paul clearly love satisfying diners. Tracy claims to ‘love people’ and adores working at the front of house, whilst Paul says he never loses the passion for producing great food no matter how many hours the kitchen demands.

Menus: À la carte menu plus lunchtime menu and additional set lunch option. Sunday lunchtime menu plus Ladies Lunch special every Monday and Wednesday with glass of wine on arrival and two courses for £10/head.

Both Paul and Tracy’s respective passions in the restaurant trade complement each other brilliantly, and the pair certainly make a winning combination... but the real winners at the Mill are the customers, whose satisfaction is obvious, even after just two years of trading. n

Prices: Set lunch dining from £10.95 for two courses. À la carte dining with starters around £5 and main courses from £11-£15. Desserts around £5 each.

Cuisine: Quality gastropub food with steak options and home-made desserts, newly refurbished, now the flagship venue of Batemans Brewery.

Environment: Newly refurbished bar and restaurant with plush, comfortable furnishings.

Don’t Miss: After all the excitement of New Year’s Eve you will need a hearty breakfast... The Mill is serving a special brunch menu from 10.30am until 1.30pm. Closed from 4pm onwards.

Contact: Booking recommended by calling 01205 352874.

For more information visit www.themillboston.co.uk.

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Exclusive LincolnshirePride reader offer

FREE ACCOMMODATION

WORTH ÂŁ220 WHEN YOU DINE WITH US THROUGHOUT JANUARY & FEBRUARY

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

Valid from 8th January until 26th February 2010. 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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Starter’s

Orders

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Begin your meal with a host of winter warmers this month... we ask the county’s best chefs to create what they consider to be the best starters on their menus and present them for our cameras in order to whet the appetite of January diners.

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Main: Lightly Curried Crab Salad with Granny Smith Apple & Soused Lotus Root at Hambleton Hall, Rutland. 1: Mozzarella and Basil Croquettes, Tomato Salsa and Garden Pea Shoots at Barnsdale Lodge, Rutland. 2: Mussels at Rushton’s Deli, Newark. 3: Terrine and Brioche at Winteringham Fields, Scunthorpe. 4: Assiette of starters at the George of Stamford; Baked Butternut Squash Soup, Pan Fried Scallop and King Prawn Tempura. 5: Chicken and Smoked Bacon Salad at The Red Lion, Caythorpe. 6: Pork Belly, Spinach and Apple Remoulade at the Lincoln Hotel, Lincoln. 7: Scallops with Pea Shoot Coulis and Quail's Egg at Ealand Gate, North Lincolnshire. 8: Kedgeree Style Fishcakes at The Boathouse, Farndon. 9: Grilled Goat’s Cheese with Green Bean and Apple Salad at the Bustard Inn, South Rauceby. n For our featured restaurants’ contact details see our Directory on p160.

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Best Foot

Forward These are a few of her favourite things... shoes and chocolate.

Having opened in November, Louth’s newest artisan food producer Tracey Cox has managed to combine two of women’s favourite passions to create quirky and beautiful gift ideas perfect for birthdays or Valentine’s Day...

For anyone seeking the perfect Valentine’s gift, Louth’s newest chocolatier has a distinctly delicious idea.

“We specialise in creating down-to-earth flavours, not wacky flavours involving chillis or artificial flavours.”

Former pastry chef Tracey Cox and her business partner Mark Vines have come across the perfect way to appeal to Lincolnshire’s chocoholic ladies by offering a range of chocolate shoes in gift boxes filled with the company’s luxurious truffles.

Tracey and Mark’s 10 flavours include lavender, rose and strawberry creams, and chocolate truffles flavoured with Courvoisier cognac and Moët and Chandon pink champagnes.

“We’re really pleased with the response to them so far.” says Tracey. “But we’ve heard reports of customers eating the truffles within and saving the shoe just to look at.”

Such an idea is incredible to Tracey and Mark, who goes to great pains to ensure her products taste as good as they look.

The chocolate Tracey uses is made by a company called Callebaut, and is generally considered to be the best in the industry.

Mechanically tempered, the chocolate is then injected into a two-part mould before being joined together. The shiny, lustrous edges are then decorated with piped contrasting shades of chocolate, and ‘lustre dusted’ with cocoa butter before being presented on their own individual stands and filled with luxurious truffles.

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In addition to truffles and shoes, during our visit, Tracey and Mark’s new shop was packed with Christmas novelties, baubles and chocolate figurines for children.

The pair were also beginning to work on Valentine’s Day lines; hearts and other creations in milk, white and dark chocolate.

Born in the West Midlands, Tracey moved to Lincolnshire at the age of 11 when her parents took on a guest house on the Lincolnshire coast.

Having been inspired by a cookery teacher at school to pursue a career as a pastry chef, Tracey attended the Grimsby Institute of Technology before working at the Hilton’s Royal Berkshire, returning in September 1991 to work at one of the area’s largest hotels, eventually diversifying by launching a chocolate fountain.

i Chocolate Shoes How Are They Made? Tracey creates each shoe using a mould injected with two layers of chocolate.

Next, the two parts of the shoe are combined and contrasting decoration is piped on. Finally, each is given a dusting of lustre and filled with Tracey’s truffles!

Serving Suggestion: These superb chocolate treats are best enjoyed in front of a winter fire with cold champagne on February 14th.

Find Out More: Tracey and Mark’s new shop is open in Louth’s Pawn Shop Passage. Call 01507 355770 or see www.thelittlechocolatier.co.uk.

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Main: Each shoe is moulded then piped with decoration.

The new venture sees the pair opening Louth’s newest specialised food retailer in their newly renovated Pawn Shop Passage premises.

Selling chocolate treats, luxury chocolates with gift boxes and creating beautiful designer wedding cakes, both Tracey and Mark are heading for the sweetest success with their new business and say that feedback so far has been excellent.

“It’s early days but we’ve really been overwhelmed by the response, especially towards the shoes which people think are really quirky and beautiful.” says Tracey.

“Christmas trade has been brisk and we’re looking forward to making our customers’ Valentine’s Days really special!” n

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RECIPE BY JOHN CLARK WINTER VENISON AND ALE

CASSEROLE WITH PARSLEY DUMPLINGS Serves 6 900g Diced Venison 2 tbsp Redcurrant Jelly 500ml Bateman’s XB Bitter 400ml Good Beef Stock or 400ml Beef Consommé 2 tbsp Oil, for frying 1 tbsp Flour 50g Butter 8 Large Garlic Cloves, crushed 300g Peeled Baby Onions/Shallots 300g Baby Button Mushrooms 2 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme 2 Bay Leaves Zest and juice of Two Oranges 6 x 12cm Yorkshire Puddings, preferably homemade Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper For the Parsley Dumplings 250g Self-raising Flour 125g Shredded Suet 75g White Breadcrumbs 4 tsp Chopped Parsley Good Beef Stock to combine Salt and freshly ground White Pepper

Preheat oven to 160°c/325°f/Gas 3, then prepare the parsley dumplings by combing the first four ingredients, mixing well. Work to a paste with cold beef stock, adding just enough to bind all the ingredients; season to taste. The mixture should be firm enough to roll into dumplings, but not to sticky. With floured hands, roll into 12 evenly sized dumplings - these will double in size when cooking.

Return the venison to the pan. Cover and simmer on hob for an hour, or in oven for 1½ hours. Add a little more stock if necessary during cooking. If cooking on the hob take care not to burn; the dish is very rich and burning will destroy the flavours.

Remove from the heat and add the dumplings, cover and cook for a further 30 minutes or until the venison is tender and the dumplings fully cooked.

Season the venison generously with the salt and pepper, and dust with the flour. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole and fry venison over a high heat until seared and browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.

To serve, re-heat the Yorkshire puddings and place one in the centre of each of six warmed serving plates. Divide the casseroled venison between the six Yorkshire puddings and top with two parsley dumplings.

Meanwhile, melt butter in the casserole pan and add the onions and mushrooms and cook over a medium heat for eight minutes until tender, before adding garlic, thyme, bay leaves, orange zest and juice and redcurrant jelly. Bring to a simmer, then pour in the Bateman’s ale and stock or consommé and bring to a gentle simmer.

John Clark is Chef Patron of The Queen’s Head, Kirkby La Thorpe, Sleaford. Call 01529 305743 for reservations.

Garnish with further baby onions & mushrooms. Ideal served with a bowl of light fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that rich luscious gravy!

A fantastic dish for a cold winters night! n Enjoy good eating - John Clark

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CORKING CHAMPAGNE Celebrate new year by uncorking a superb example of the drink that’s become de rigueur at celebrations the world over. This month Lincolnshire Pride wine expert Ben Straw reveals the distinctly English origins of France’s most well-regarded export, road-tests Churchill’s favourite tipple, offers some low-budget alternatives and explains how the New World is attempting to muscle in on the French region’s terroir...

A glass of champagne is de rigeur for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Sparkling wine and more famously champagne is produced by allowing a secondary fermentation of the wine to produce the texture, depth, yeasty autolytic notes on the palate and of course the bubbles. This takes place in each individual bottle (in the case of champagne), or in larger tanks before bottling.

Contrary to legend and popular belief, Dom Perignon did not invent sparkling wine.

The English scientist Christopher Merret documented the addition of sugar to a finished wine to create a second fermentation and presented the Royal Society with a paper in which he detailed what is now called méthode champenoise in 1662.

Although the French monk Dom Perignon (1638-1715) did not invent Champagne, it is true he developed many advances in it’s production. Champagne did not utilise the méthode champenoise until the 19th century, approximately 200 years after Christopher Merret documented the process.

So here are a pick of some of my favourite bubblies with a nice spread from across the world. Enjoy! n

Leconfield Syn Cuvée Blanc– £8.95 This Aussie bubbly is a lively blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – with just a lashing of Roussane and Marsanne.

A remarkably fresh sparkling wine with refined soft fruit flavours, a creamy, mousse and a full, supple body.

To be enjoyed now.

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Conte Collalto Prosecco di Conegliano - £12.95 In my opinion one of the best Prosecco’s on the market. This Italian gem comes from the Collalto family in Susegena, who’ve been making wines in the region for over 1000 years.

This soft, delicate Prosecco has fine and long-lasting bubbles Bubbles with a complex nose galore from citrus fruit and £8.95 to brioche. Peach and citrus fruit dominate £132! the palate.

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Champagne Moutard Prestige Rosé - £24.95 A delicate 100% Pinot Noir Rosé with a lovely mouthful of strawberries and raspberries. The palate tapers to a dry elegant finish with great clarity.

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Champagne Gerard Dubois, Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vintage 1998 - £27.95 This vintage is a wonderfully soft and rounded Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay. The complexity and depth of the palate is astounding with fruit, brioche and toasty notes all vying for attention. Excellent value for money.

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Champagne Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé - £45.95 Rosé Champagne at it’s best!

Billecart-Salmon has been making outstanding Champagne since 1818.

Their Brut Rosé is a soft pink colour with delicate slow rising bubbles.

It gives off aromas of red fruit and has a light and fresh palate.

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Champagne Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Vintage 1998 - £132.00 And finally, I couldn’t resist recommending this famous Cuvée from the master winemakers in Epernay.

It was created as a tribute to the great man. Pinot Noir dominant complemented by Chardonnay. Robust, full-bodied, relatively mature champagne composed of only the finest grapes from the very best vineyards. If you ever get the opportunity this is a must for any Champagne lover! n

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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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Our readers appreciate good food.

So, if you’re a quality restaurant, marketing your business in Lincolnshire Pride means reaching the county’s regular restaurant diners. ...now that’s food for thought.

To advertise on our Eating Out pages, call our marketing experts today, on

01529 46 99 77

LincolnshirePride

THE HIGH SOCIETY MAGAZINE

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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.

Locally Produced Food Restaurant • Farm Shop • Butchery • Bakery

Straits Brasserie 8-9 The Strait, Steep Hill, Lincoln LN2 1JD

01522 576765 www.straitsbrasserie.co.uk A unique family owned Brazilian/Modern British Restaurant.

Book now for Valentines Day Sat 13th or Sun 14th Feb, Set 3 Course menu - £22.

The Mill 148 Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QN Telephone 01205 352874 www.themillboston.co.uk We are here 7 days a week serving food at both Lunch and Dinner, we source the majority of the products we use locally, believing in the fresher the better and always use what is in season. We have a selection of menus on offer, there’s always a range of specials on the board and we can cater for any special requirements with notice. Email: info@themillboston.co.uk

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

A46, A17, A1 Roundabout, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 2NY Tel: 01636 612461 www.friendlyfarmer.co.uk

The Houblon Inn Oasby, Grantham, NG32 3NB

Telephone 01529 455215 A beautiful, cozy country inn with log fires and a warm welcome.

Freshly prepared food using locally sourced ingredients from local suppliers are used to create the modern eclectic menus changed on an almost daily basis.

Why not join us for our WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY NIGHTS, 7pm - 8pm Chef's Special, a warm & hearty main course at £6.50.

Book a table in advance for this event and receive a complimentary pudding (usual price £3.25) THURSDAY LUNCHEON CLUB served in the dining room, 12.30pm - 1.30pm a choice of 3 main courses & a glass of wine or soft drink £7.50. We do recommend you book. www.houblon-inn.co.uk

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Our readers enjoy executive motoring.

So if you’re a prestige motor retailer, marketing your brand in Lincolnshire Pride means reaching motorists with a large disposable income. ...we’ll put your marketing into top gear.

To advertise on our Motoring pages, call our marketing experts today, on

01529 46 99 77

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MOTORING NEWS Model launches and news from dealerships across Lincolnshire Coming Soon January: Mercedes SLS AMG Vauxhall Astra Volvo S60 February: Peugeot RC Z Volvo C70 March: Maserati GranCabrio Bentley Mulsanne

Coupé? People Carrier? MPV? BMW X6’s Cross-sector Appeal

Distinctly stylish, despite apparently being unaware of whether it’s a coupé, an MPV or an offroader, the X6 is, nonetheless, a great

The frugal 2.0 turbodiesel Audi starts from around £23,000, and arrives in showrooms this month.

looking and surprisingly practical car, now available with BMW’s M-Sport brand.

The X6 will be sold alongside a V8 M-Sport variant of the X5 and will be powered by a 4.4V8 engine.

Aston Martin DBS Flips Its Lid Aston has produced its 16th convertible in almost one hundred years, based on the beautiful DBS.

The DBS has a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic six-speed option is also available.

Drawing on the brand’s extensive experience in designing iconic Volantes,

The bonnet, front wings and boot lid are made from carbon fibre all helping to reduce weight.

The model is available from this month, with an estimated price of £170,000.

Looks like an ordinary A4?

Don’t be fooled! The 2.0TDie variant of Audi’s mainstream A4 saloon has been re-engineered to provide a frugal 61.4mpg fuel economy figure.

The car also slashes 5g/km from its CO2 habit and benefits from low profile tyres and lower suspension to reduce drag.

• New M-Sport derivative of MPV/4x4/Coupé crossover.

• Four wheel drive, 4.4V8 155mph, 0-60mph 4.7secs.

• Four seats, four doors and large boot. Prices TBA. BMW this month releases a sporty version of its oddball X6.

A4’s Supermini Economy Boast

In Brief...

• It may be cold and dark outside, but now is the time to buy a convertible according to one of Britain’s largest online used car retailers.

Autoquake has over 50 drop-tops in stock at prices which have plummeted by an average of £1,403 (10%) in just two months.

• A recently Michelin Fill Up With Air campaign has revealed that 36% of drivers in the UK are driving with dangerous or very dangerously under-inflated tyres, resulting in poor economy, poor grip and representing a danger to other road users.

LandCruiser is Toyota’s 2010 Range Rover Challenger Toyota’s unstoppable LandCruiser 4x4 arrives at showrooms in a new facelifted from this month.

The new vehicle will be priced from £29,700 to £44,795, and will be available with 3.0 diesel or 4.8V8 petrol engines, all with five doors, seven seats and automatic transmission.

A Multi-Terrain Select device like Land Rover’s Terrain Response makes selecting the correct vehicle settings easy, whilst Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor technologies make negotiating tricky ground a cinch.

This Month: Land Rover’s 2010 line up features all new models.

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Land Marque One of the most trusted brands on Lincolnshire roads has recently updated its best-selling models.

This month, we profile Land Rover’s best selling models and look at the updates keeping the brand fresh for 2010’s 4x4 fans Words: Rob Davis.

Land Rover. One of the country’s best selling brands and the most trusted name of British roads. Inventing the luxury 4x4 in the form of the Range Rover, proving its engineering pedigree with its 60 year old Defender and making capable 4x4 models more accessible than ever before with the popular Freelander.

However, Land Rover has always had competitors snapping at its heels, from Toyota, who recently unveiled a new Range Rover competitor in the form of the LandCruiser to Volvo, which last month launched an assault on the Freelander with the smaller sibling to its XC90, the XC60.

With crossover estate/4x4 vehicles blurring the distinction between estates and off-roaders in the form of the Volvo XC70, Audi A4 Allroad, BMW X6 and Mercedes R-Class, life is getting tough for Land Rover, as the sector becomes ever more aware of its need to prove its environmentally friendly credentials.

Equally, with luxury cars like Mercedes’s S-Class BMW’s 7-Series and Jaguar’s new XJ raising the bar of executive saloons, the firm’s flagship Range Rover’s position was slipping until a timely facelift.

Addressing each of the issues affecting the company’s market placement, and with 2009’s TATA buyout securing the firm’s future, Land Rover braved the recession by releasing an even more economical Freelander, even more practical Discovery 4, faster and more dynamic Range Rover Sport and even more luxurious Range Rover, the firm has emerged from a difficult year able to stand up to its competitors and retain its position as the best manufacturer of off-roaders in the UK. Here, we reveal the new 2010 line-up and explain why Land Rover remains king of the road, field and muddy track.

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L and Rover’s 2010 lineup

includes an economical Freelander, versatile Discovery 4, sporty Range Rover Sport and luxurious Range Rover...

Defender, 60 years on...

In days of Old, Land Rover offered just two models. The Defender, for those for whom the countryside is a workplace, and the Range Rover, for those for whom the countryside is a playground.

Main: The firm’s Defender is now 60 years old, but it’s difficult to justify the vehicle unless you’re a hard-core off road driver requiring a no-frills commercial vehicle.

Right: The economical stop/start Freelander and 2010 Discovery 4.

Below: 2010’s Range Rover is even more luxurious with a host of new technology.

Unfortunately, with the emergence of the low-range gearbox, seven-seat-touting and rather more comfortable Discovery and the Freelander 2, which is hugely capable off road, the Defender’s market has diminished to just a handful of people who require a very rugged, no-frills commercial vehicle.

The days of V8 Defenders have also gone, and now jut one engine is offered, a 2.4 diesel unit with seen speed gearbox.

Slight concessions have been made to comfort, and top spec Defenders now feature air conditioning, electric windows and remote locking, iPod compatible CD players and heated seats.

Few people need the extra off-road functionality that the Defender offers over a Freelander, however, so unless drivers require the pick-up or crew-cab body styles unique to the Defender, the company’s Freelander is the preferred option for many drivers.

Freelander, the market leader...

A real volume seller for the company, Land Rover’s Freelander 2 is can boast around 90% of the off-road capabilities provided by the firm’s Defender and Discovery models.

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In fact, because of its coil suspension which provides greater axle travel and substantially lighter weight, many experts regard the Freelander to be lighter and therefore better, off road to its lager siblings.

Even if you never venture off road however, the Freelander offers a frugal 2.2 diesel engine that returns up to 49mpg, five seats, and all of the spec you’d expect from an executive car; sat-nav, electric heated leather seats, parking sensors and Bluetooth telephony.

As such, the Freelander is the best compromise for those seeking competence off road, practicality on-road and significant savings on large 4x4s, outperforming many much larger models.

Discovery 4 Newly updated for 2010, the Discovery 4 has not just been facelifted, it’s been completely reengineered.

Featuring new 3.0 V6 diesel and the outgoing 2.7 diesel unit, petrol engines are now preserved for larger Range Rover models - an acknowledgement that drivers

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LAND ROVER IN 2010 Defender The company’s most rugged model, with a 2.4 diesel engine and five body styles with up to seven seats. Commercial, pick-up and crew-cap variants available. Low range gears as standard. of the Discovery value torque and economy over performance.

With low range gears and air suspension it’s unstoppable off-road, with seven seats it’s a great people carrier, and with new features like cameras mounted on all four sides linked to the sat-nav screen and digital TV & radio, plus heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, it’s more luxurious than ever... which presents problem for the larger, and more expensive Range Rovers.

Range Rover Sport for 2010 Like the Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport has gained and all new interior for 2010, and new engines, including the powerful 3.6 V8 diesel and Supercharged 5.0 V8 petrol. In the case of the latter, huge performance (140mph top speed and 0-60mpg in 5.9secs) sets the Sport apart from the Discovery, along with the lack of seven-seat option.

However, with low range gears and air suspension, it’s a capable towcar, but with performance oriented styling, additional

driver aids like Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Dynamics Mode and high performance brakes, the Sport is less wellsuited for off-roading than the Discovery and Range Rover.

Range Rover 2010 Finally, the firm’s flagship hasn’t escaped a 2010 makeover either. This month the car gains a brand new option of individual rear seats with electric adjustment and heating or cooling, for really cosseted passengers.

Gaining the same 5.0 as the Sport, and with identical performance figures, it’s difficult to draw a distinction between the two Range Rover lines, with the Range Rover’s more rugged off-road friendly exterior offset by the more comfortable and interior that few would dare to dirty.

Despite costing up to £80,000, the Range Rover is great value, acting as a luxury car, capable off-roader, performance car and estate car all at the same time. As the flagship of a capable line, the Range Rover represents the last word in luxury for drivers seeking the best of the best. n

Engines: 2.4 diesel. Trim Levels: SWB/LWB. Base, County, XS. Prices: £19,865-£28,910.

Freelander 2 Family-saloon-priced model with well-specified interior and enviable off-road ability.

Engines: 2.2_e D, 3.2V6. Trim Levels: S, GS, XS, HSE. Prices: £21,295-£32,595.

Discovery 4 Seven-seater with high specification, air suspension and low-range off-road gearbox.

Engines: 2.7V6/3.0V6. Trim Levels: GS, XS, HSE. Prices (est): £31,995-£47,965.

2010 Range Rover Sport All-new road biased Range Rover with new engine and interior plus revised styling.

Low range gears as standard.

Engines: 3.0V6/V8 diesels. 5.0V8 SC. Trim Levels: SE, HSE, V8. Prices: £44,895-£61,995.

2010 Range Rover Brand new Range Rover with revised styling, new engines and revised dashboard.

Low range gears as standard.

Engines: 3.0V6/V8 diesel. 5.0V8 Supercharged petrol. Trim Levels: Vogue, Vogue SE, Autobiography.

Prices: £64,695-£79,995.

For details on the 2010 Land Rover range contact Duckworth Land Rover of Market Rasen or Boston; 01673 842101 www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk or Lincoln’s Marshall Land Rover; 08444 704675 or see www.marshall.lincoln.landrover.co.uk.

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High Society

RNLI Spilsby Branch’s Fundraising Dinner Over 200 RNLI supporters recently attended a fundraising dinner in Spilsby’s Franklin Hall... and Lincolnshire Pride was there to ensure everyone was kept afloat too...

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High Society

English Speaking Union Annual Dinner The newly-opened Stubton Hall near Newark was the venue for the English Speaking Union’s recent supper. Guest speaker was Andrew Roberts, the renowned historian and author of the new book The Storm of War, a history of World War II...

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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: 015-228-07191 Andrew Michael's Jewellers Limited 38/39 Stodman Street, Newark, Notts NG24 1AW Tel: 01636 679638 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 Aurora Photographic Studio Caistor Road, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 3JE Tel: 01673 844519 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 Street The Barn, 38 Main Street, Newark, Nottingham, NG22 8EA Tel: 01623 882288 Barnsdale Lodge The Avenue, Rutland Water, Oakham, Leics LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 724678 Belle and Bouquet Bridal Suite, Wellingore Hall, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 0HX Tel: 01522 811122 Bianca Fashions www.bianca.de Billinghay Sawmill First Hurn Drove, Billinghay, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 4BL Tel: 01526 860902 Blitz of Boston 9 Dolphin Lane, Boston, Lincs PE21 6EU Tel: 01205 350030 Boston Audi Marsh Lane, Boston, Lincs PE21 7QS Tel: 01205 315400 Boston Heating Centre Church Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 0LG Tel: 01205 310327

Carholme Golf Club Carholme Road, Lincoln, LN1 1SE Tel: 01522 523725 Chattertons Solicitors 30 Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincs NG31 6TH Tel: 01636 673731 Chris Sharp Cabinets Tillbridge Lane, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 2SX Tel: 01522 504506

Fuchsia World Wranglesleake, Wainfleet Road, Old Leake, Lincs PE22 9HU Tel: 07930 418841 Furniture Medic Lincoln Fulbeck Low Fields, Fulbeck, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3JD Tel: 01400 272723 G Simpson Butchers 11 Cameron Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9RW Tel: 01529 460403

Colin Parker Masonry 58 Bridge Road, Long Sutton, Spalding, Lincs PE12 9EF Tel: 01406 365200

George Hotel High Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2LB Tel: 01780 750750

Couture Amour 35 Queen Street, Louth, Lincs LN11 9BJ Tel: 01507 601925

Glen-Eden Medical Aesthetics The Market Cross Surgery, The Market Place, Grantham, Lincs NG33 4NH Tel: 01476 550056

Cropleys Coaches Main Road, Fosdyke, Boston, Lincs PE20 2BH Tel: 01205 260226

Gold www.michaelh.ie GP & J Baker Furnishings www.gpjbaker.com

Dancing in the Street Sleaford Enterprise Park, Pride Parkway, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 415662

Grahams of Louth 23-25 Upgate, Louth, Lincs LN11 9ER Tel: 01507 600530

Darren Bell Photography 4 Leghorn Road, London SE18 1SZ Tel: 07828 669158

Grandads Shed 10 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8JH Tel: 01652 650416

David Twigg Joinery Ashlands, Station Yard, Skegness, Lincs PE24 5EZ Tel: 01754 890560

Habit Kitchens The Stables, Market Stainton, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 5LJ Tel: 01507 343543

DKJ Resolutions 28 Winthorpe Grove, Lincoln, Lincs LN6 3PL Tel: 07962 217927

Hambleton Hall Hambleton, Rutland, Leics LE15 8TH 01572 756991 www.hambletonhall.com

Duckworth Land Rover Racecourse Garage, Willingham Road, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 3RE Tel: 01673 842 101

High Heels and Tiaras 13 Piccard Drive, Spalding, Lincs PE11 2GP Tel: 07702 627791

Ealand Gate Restaurant Outgate, Ealand, North Lincs DN17 4JE Tel: 01724 711322

HITS LTD Island Carr Road, Island Carr Ind Estate, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8PD Tel: 01652 659965

Elm Grange Interiors Elm Grange, Boston, Lincs PE20 3QF Tel: 01529 461800

Houblon Inn Oasby, Lincs NG32 3NB Tel: 01529 455215

Eric A Bird 1 St Mary's Street, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 7EQ Tel: 01522 520977 Eye Care Centre 6 Sheepmarket, Spalding, Lincs PE11 1BH Tel: 01775 722141 Farndon Boathouse Riverside, Farndon, Newark, Notts NG24 3SX Tel: 01636 676578

Hugo's of Woodhall Spa Station Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincs LN10 6QL Tel: 01526 354725 Intone Designs Unit 3, Britannia Ind.Est., Bourne, Lincs PE10 9LA Tel: 01778 393160 J & D Betts 40 Saundergate Lane, Boston, PE21 7BZ Tel: 01205 311407 Jackson Building Centres Pelham House, Canwick Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 8HG Tel: 01522 511115

THE DIRECTORY

Brides of Bailgate 9 Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 3AE Tel: 01522 576011

Fenland Briquettes The Poplars, Anwick Fen, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9SY Tel: 08454 503159

To advertise with us, call 01529 46 99 77

Bridge McFarland Haddon Owen 3-9 Tentercroft Street, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 7DB Tel: 01522 518888

Flame Craft Baytree Garden Centre, Spalding, Lincs PE12 6JU Tel: 01406 373600

Jon Hickson Motors Carlton le Moorland, Lincoln, Lincs LN5 9HR Tel: 01522 788363

By placing an advertisement in Lincolnshire Pride you are agreeing to our full terms and conditions, which can be found on our website.

Bush Tyres 92 Horncastle Road, Woodhall Spa, Horncastle, Lincs LN10 6UX Tel: 01507 522444

Free Fire Zone Talanvine, Conquest Drove, Peterborough, Cambs PE7 3DH Tel: 01733 247 171

Keith Dolby Jewellers 8 Bristol Arcade, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7ST Tel: 01529 303945

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Jane Churchill www.janechurchill.com

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Kenwick Park Country Hotel Kenwick Park, Louth, Lincs LN11 8NY Tel: 01507 353091 Kirkstone House Baston, Lincs PE10 9PN Tel: 01778 560350 La Foundouk Avalon, 15 Brick Yard, Great Limber, North Lincs DN37 8JU Tel: 01469 560383 Lewis and Wood Furnishings www.lewisandwood.co.uk 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 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 M & M Antiques 17A The Crescent, Spalding, Lincs PE11 1AF Tel: 01775 766125 Marc Cain Shoes www.marc-cain.com Mark Harris Commercials The Old Stables, Sudbrooke Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 2UZ Tel: 01673 860360 Market Rasen Dental Practice 21 Union Street, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 3AA Tel: 01673 843042

Newark & Sherwood District Council Kelham Hall, Kelham, Newark, Notts NG23 5QX Tel: 01636 655261

Sheepgate Tack & Togs Sheepgate, Leverton, Boston, Lincs PE22 0AS Tel: 01205 870236

Newark Glass Group Oak Tree House, Brunel Drive, Newark, Notts NG24 2EG Tel: 01636 610088

Simpsons Limited Branston Hall, Lincoln Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 1PD Tel: 01522 797989

Nina Campbell www.ninacampbell.com

Skynasaurs Unit 54 Normanby Park Workshops, Scunthorpe, Lincs DN15 8QZ Tel: 01724 280307

Old Court Acupuncture Old Court and Police Station, Victoria Street, Wragby, Lincs LN8 5PF Tel: 01673 857412 Olde Barn Inn Cow Lane, Tealby, Market Rasen, 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 Perfection Bridal and Menswear 31/32 Silver Street, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 1EW Tel: 01522 533615 Peter Jackson Cabinet Makers 1 Deveraux Way, Boston Road Ind Estate, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6AU Tel: 01507 527113 Premier Kitchens & Bedrooms 4 Phorpres Close, Cygnet Park, Peterborough, Cambs PE7 8FZ Tel: 01733 340471 Pure Glass Design 107 Main Street, Newark, Notts NG24 3NN Tel: 07854 012356 Red Hen Day Nursery Manor House Farm, Reston Road, Louth, Lincs LN11 8LS Tel: 01507 603535

Soper of Lincoln Roman Way, South Hykeham, Lincoln, Lincs LN6 9UH Tel: 01522 688889 Spalding Air Conditioning 10 Snowdrop Place, Spalding Lincs PE11 3FW Tel: 01775 714097 St Hugh's School Cromwell Avenue, Woodhall Spa, Lincs LN10 6TQ Tel: 01526 352169 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, Woodhall Spa, Lincs LN10 6TT Tel: 01526 353757 Supreme Inns Bicker Bar, Boston, Lincs PE20 3AN Tel: 01205 822804 The Bag Shop 4 Cheyne Lane, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2AX Tel: 01780 754794

The George of Stamford High Street St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2LB Tel: 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 Little Chocolatier Goose Lodge, Orby Road, Skegness, Lincs PE24 5JD Tel: 01754 811598 The Mill 148 Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QN Tel: 01205 352874 The Queen's Head Boston Road, Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9NW Tel: 01529 305743 The Red Lion High Street, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3DN Tel: 01400 272632 Turnbull & Co. Ltd., 95 South Gate, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7RQ Tel: 01529 303025 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

The Boathouse Restaurant Farndon, Newark, Notts NG24 3SX Tel: 01636 676578

What Box 81 Rectory Road, Ruskington, Lincs NG34 9AE Tel: 01526 830687

Richwood Unit 3, Mill Lane, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 4ES Tel: 01526 861440

The Bostonian Private Wing Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Tel: 01205 360606

White and Sentance (Pianos) The Temple, Eastgate, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7DR Tel: 01529 302037

Royle Plant and Groundwork 1c Chequergate House, Chequergate, Louth, Lincs LN11 0LH Tel: 01507 600423

The Bustard Inn 44 Main Street, South Rauceby, Lincs NG34 8QG Tel: 01529 488250

White Hart Hotel Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 3AR Tel: 01522 526222

Ruskington Dental Practice 37 High Street, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9DY Tel: 01526 832922

The Falconer Welton Manor Golf Centre, Hackthorn Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN2 3PA Tel: 01673 861888

Wilkinson Joinery Lincs LTD 115 Penshurst Road, Cleethorpes, North East Lincs DN35 9ES Tel: 07902 945658

Sack Store Emporium Redstone Industrial Estate, Boston, Lincs PE21 8EA Tel: 01205 310101

The Forum 2 Bracken Close, Branton, Doncaster, DN3 3UL Tel: 01302 532561

Mr Huda's Surma Secrets 161 Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincs DN15 7NH Tel: 01724 335492

Winteringham Fields Silver Street, Winteringham, Scunthorpe, North Lincs DN15 9ND Tel: 01724 733096

Scott Trailers 33, West End, Walcott, Lincoln, Lincs LN4 3ST Tel: 01526 860317

The Friendly Farmer The A46, A17, A1 Roundabout, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY Tel: 01636 612461

Navenby Antiques Centre 34 High Street, NAvenby, Lincs LN5 0DZ Tel: 01522 811271

See-saw Day Nursery Boston West Business Park, Sleaford Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 8EG Tel: 0808 1080250

The Generous Briton High Street, Brant Broughton, Lincs LN5 0RZ Tel: 01400 272119

Masai Fashions www.masai.dk McKinnell 17- 23 West Parade, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 1NW Tel: 01522 541181 Merrick & Day Redbourne Road, Gainsborough, North Lincs DN21 4TG Tel: 01652 648814 Millcraft Interiors 38 Queen Street, Market Rasen, Lincs LN8 3EN Tel: 01673 844439 Morris & Co Soft Furnishings www.william-morris.co.uk

Relumbratelier 62 Spalding Road, Holbeach, Lincs PE12 7HH Tel: 01406 490630

Wright Vigar & Co Limited, 15 Newland, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 1XG Tel: 01522 531341 Yarborough School Riseholme Road, Lincoln, Lincs LN1 3SP Tel: 01522 529203

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Flying High... The Reds’ New Leader!

Meet Ben Murphy... the RAF pilot charged with training the Red Arrows over the winter months in order to stage the team’s amazing aerobatics displays during next season’s air displays.

Known officially as the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Reds have completed 4,270 displays in 53 countries since they formed in 1965, and Ben is the new ‘boss’ of the team for 2010!

~ My biggest driving force is making sure we reflect to the public the excellence and professionalism of all our personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan

~

Were you born and raised in Lincolnshire?

I was born in Buckinghamshire but moved to the Midlands and went to school in Loughborough. I’ve been in Lincolnshire for the last eight years or so, living in Stamford and more recently in Cranwell. I really love the architecture and the people of Stamford and certainly consider the town to be my home.

What do you do and what inspires you most about your job?

As the Officer Commanding and Team Leader of the Red Arrows, I fly in the Red One position at the front of the team. We are privileged to represent the Royal Air Force and the UK and as such we get to see some wonderful parts of the world and meet some really interesting people. My biggest driving force however, is making sure we reflect to the public the excellence and professionalism of all of our personnel serving on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Whereabouts in the County do you live?

Although based at RAF Scampton, I live at Cranwell, south of Lincoln… I only wish it took as long to drive to work as it would do to fly the same distance!

Which is your favourite area of Lincolnshire and why?

Having been based at RAF Wittering and RAF Cottesmore when I used to fly the Harrier, I have to say that Stamford and the surrounding area is my favourite.

The walks through Burghley Park are fantastic, as is a nice stroll through the town on an autumn afternoon. Easton-on-the-Hill is a picture postcard village which is why my wife and I chose to live and get married there!

What are your most vehemently held likes and dislikes?

I like spending time with friends and family, which is increasingly difficult in this job, and socialising over a nice meal and a bottle of wine. I dislike rudeness and laziness - traits that, unfortunately, one sees more and more of in this day and age.

How do you spend your spare time?

I love running and taking our young daughter out to the park. She has a jogging trailer that she loves to ride in. I also love kitesurfing, skiing and mountain biking when I get the time to do so.

Whereabouts in the County should our readers go to relax?

My wife and I have been enjoying exploring Belton Park and would recommend a visit… it’s a lovely place to relax.

Can you recommend a favourite Lincolnshire restaurant?

The Old Bakery in Lincoln is lovely; great food and friendly staff and a beautiful restaurant. We’ve had some great meals in there.

Name your favourite book, film and movie.

The Feathermen by Ranulph Fiennes - a great read. I also enjoy anything by Bernard Cornwell. My favourite film is Empire of the Sun from the book by J.G. Ballard; an excellent performance by a young Christian Bale. At the moment I am listening to everything from Kings of Leon to Pink Floyd, Snow Patrol to Temper Trap. I like an eclectic mix!

What will your epitaph read?

Something about not wasting any opportunities that life presents one with – they’re gone before you know it. Also, live life to the full and don’t miss out!

Finally… tell us something good!

The Red Arrows Team is running the London Marathon in 2010 and hope to raise a lot of money for charity. Any help would be greatly appreciated! n For more information go to www.raf.mod.uk/reds.

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w w w. b r e i t l i n g . c o m

38/39 Stodman Street, Newark, NG24 1AW Tel:01636 679638 Email: enquiries@andrewmichaels.co.uk

superocean hĂŠritage chronographe