Lincolnshire Pride January 2015

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LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

LincolnshirePride

LincolnshirePride THE

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Good Food Awards - this month we reveal our winners...

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

January 2015

Good Food Awards - Our Winners Country Clothing and Dresses for Special Occasions COMFORT FOOD - DREAM TRAvEL DESTINATIONS - HOMES - HIGH SOCIETy EvENTS

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The Lincolnshire Pride team’s Christmas parties are usually a tipsy affair. We believe in celebrating our own success, but also in recognising the successes and achievements of businesses and individuals across the county.

This month is a particular example as we give out our nine Good Food Awards, recognising our Restaurant of the Year, Bistro/Coffee Shop of the Year and Food Hero.

ROB davis Editor, PridE magazinEs editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

Our awards are voted for entirely by readers, to remove any commercial bias on our part, so we hope you’ll enjoy looking at our three winners and seven finalists in each category and rediscovering those you’ve not visited for a while.

In this edition, our favourite travel expert Suzanne Bracegirdle of Navenby Travel provides some inspiration if you’re looking for a place in the sun, and to lift the winter blues even further, we’ve treatments to make you look and feel better in 2015.

Elsewhere we look around a contemporary home in Lincoln, and enjoy the garden of Grantham’s Rosemary McCorquodale.

LincolnshirePride LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

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The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

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MAGAZINE

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5 £3.70

Good Food Awards - Our Winners Country Clothing and Dresses for Special Occasions

COMFORT FOOD - DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATIONS - HOMES - HIGH SOCIETY EVENTS

This Month’s Cover: Recuperate after the hard work of Christmas or enjoy a break for New Year or Valentine’s Day see page 114 for our recommendations!

I’ll sign off for the year by wishing you, on behalf of the whole Lincolnshire Pride team, a healthy and very happy new year!

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LincolnshirePride LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

LincolnshirePride

THE

Good Food Awards - this month we reveal our winners...

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5 £3.70

JANUARY 2015

Good Food Awards - Our Winners Country Clothing and Dresses for Special Occasions

COMFORT FOOD - DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATIONS - HOMES - HIGH SOCIETY EVENTS

With best wishes from the Lincolnshire Pride team Publisher: Julian Wilkinson.

General Manager: Ian Bagley. Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Graphic Designer and Customer Care: Mandy Bray.

IT: Joe Proctor. Accounts Manager: Sue Bannister.

Sales Managers: Zoie Wilkinson, Jayne Broughton.

Sales Executives: Liz King, Roberta Hall, Abigail Colley, Carissa Clay, Emily Brown, Sami Millard, Lauren Chambers, Emma Barrett, Hayley Scott, Emily Maplethorpe and Amy Whiley.

Distribution Manager: Paul Dixon.

www.facebook.com/lincolnshirepride Why not follow us on Facebook? You can keep up to date with any news we may have for our lovely magazine!

twitter.com/@LincsPrideMag Follow us on Twitter so you can read our tweets. We’ll let you know what’s going on and keep you well informed!

By supplying editorial or adverts to Lincolnshire Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available.

Enjoy Lincolnshire Pride, read it cover to cover.

Pick it up, put it down and when you have finished with it pass it on. When everyone has had a good read, pop it in the recycle bin!

Pride Magazines Elm Grange Studios East Heckington, Boston Lincolnshire PE20 3QF tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

www.pridemagazines.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

Contents

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January 2015

Beginning on page 16, this month’s selection of HigH Society events includes The Star Trust ball, and the opening of The New Inn. We can finally reveal the three winners and seven finalists of our good Food AwArdS, naming our Restaurant of the Year...

This month’s Food Section includes two restaurant recommendations and an exclusive preview of Jamie Oliver’s new book.

Take a look around the Lincoln home of one of the county’s quirkiest interior designers in our HomeS section.

Creative garden design and a look around the Grantham garden of Rosemary McCorquodale, as we prepare for Spring in tHe gArden.

January and February are the two most popular months for proposals of marriages we’ll look at the top wedding trends for 2015.

If you’re still seeking a dress for New Year’s Eve, or you’re seeking designer fashions for winter, our FASHion pages should help!

We’ve a round-up of the best independent and quality schools and colleges in this month’s educAtion feature.

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County News Poppies tribute for war heroes on display until new Year... art installation by Paul Cox features over 300 ceramic poppies. remembrance day art installation will be on display until new Year Lincoln’s Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory at The Lawn is this month home to a unique remembrance memorial to honour the county’s war heroes.

Over 300 ceramic poppies have been created by Cornwall based artist Paul Cox, including 100 ‘limited edition’ poppies with tealights.

Visitors to Lincoln’s Come To Life gift shop, based in the grounds of The Lawn, could then purchase the poppies for £20, including a donation of £5 to the Royal British Legion.

The tealights were lit by 94-year old Harold Burn from Nettleham at the tropical

Blue plaque to remember when Jimi Hendrix wooed female fans in spalding... spalding’s Red Lion Hotel is seeking permission to erect a blue plaque in commemoration of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix’s May 1967 visit to the town.

Jimi visited the town’s Tulip Bulb Auction Hall to perform alongside Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton’s Cream and Geno Washington.

Whilst staying at the hotel, Jimi tied bedsheets together and lowered them from his window to lure female fans up to his room.

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grantham girls dare to bare for macmillan charity calendar over 100 women took part in cheeky calendar which it’s hoped will raise over £2,000 for charity

conservatory, which serves as a museum and arboretum of its discoveries by its namesake botanist.

The poppies will remain on display right up until New Year, with entry to the conservatory remaining free.

Those who purchase poppies can take them home, and it’s hoped that in total, over 1,000 will be created over the duration of the project.

“We’re really hoping to raise as much money as we can for the Royal British Legion and the fantastic work they do.” says the project’s Marie Diamond.

grantham girls dared to bare recently, producing a cheeky nude calendar to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The calendar was shot by photographer Ruth Clements who lost her mother-in-law to cancer in 2012 and follows a similar project in 2011, Bare to Care, which raised £2,000.

Over 100 women took part in the calendar, with different businesses sponsoring each month. It can be purchased for £10 from Jenny Wren Lingerie, Genes Barbershop, Unveiled by Leanne, or Welby’s Crown & Anchor.

Alternatively, call 07917 273665 to reserve your calendar.

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send your press releases and county news to: Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Plans for brand new rnLi lifeboat station in Cleethorpes... the brand new royal national Lifeboat institution station on the central promenade will help enhance lifesaving provision on the north Lincolnshire coast Cleethorpes Promenade will enjoy a brand new RNLI station to enhance its lifesaving provision on the north Lincolnshire coast.

The new £1.5m station will accommodate a new Atlantic 85 B Class inshore lifeboat, which will increase lifesaving capacity of the crew and operate alongside their smaller D class lifeboat.

Both vessels will be housed in the proposed two-storey stone and timber-clad building, which will have a modern, contemporary design. It will be situated on the Central Promenade, over the beach and adjacent to the slipway.

The building will have up-to-date training and welfare facilities for the volunteer crew, as well as a workshop, office and shop. A new boat ramp will extend directly on to the beach and new steps will be provided from the Promenade down to the beach.

Michael Oakes, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager, said the charity is working closely with the council and organisations to

ensure the new lifeboat station is an asset for the sea front.

“The current station is very small and doesn’t provide modern facilities. It’s crucial we have a larger building for our lifesaving assets so we can provide a much more efficient rescue operation.”

This will be a major investment, and the new lifeboat station is expected to cost around £1.5m while a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat costs £180,000.

The RNLI decided a new lifeboat was needed after a review of the number, location and types of rescues being carried out in the area. They found there are more RNLI call outs to medium sized yachts and pleasure boats, which often require the towing capability of a larger lifeboat.

The station has been designed by architects Brierley Groom, with plans submitted to North East Lincolnshire District Council after an open afternoon.

For more information, please call Alison Levett on 07786 668912.

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What’s On

CHiaROsCuRO QuaRTeT

FROM THe JaM

The world-renowned quartet this month host an evening of classical music at Stamford Arts Centre on Saturday 10th January from 7.30pm. The group’s performance include works by Mozart, Haydn and Schubert. Tickets £16/adults, £10/conc.

This is the Modern World, Eton Rifles, Going Underground, Town Called Malice... there’s a myriad of hits penned

by Paul Weller during his Jam era.

Celebrate them at Grimsby Auditorium on Saturday 24th January as From The Jam brings its energetic show to the county.

Tickets £25.90, from 7.30pm.

www.stamfordartscentre.com 01636 650000

diCk wHiTTingTOn

Top/Right: From The Jam pay homage to Weller in Grimsby.

Top: Chiaroscuro bring classical music to Stamford Arts Centre Above: Blackfriars finds itself in the pantomime spirit.

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www.atgtickets.com 01472 311300

Festive pantomime at Blackfriars Arts Centre in Boston. From 12th December right through to 4th January. Fun for all the family as Dick battles the Queen Rat. Tickets £13/adults, £11/children.

Also at Blackfriars this month, Sandi Thom brings hits like ‘I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flower in My Hair)’ to the arts centre.

THe RuMBLe Band

www.blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk 01205 363108

tickets.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk 0844 854 2776

Stuck for stunning entertainment on New Year’s Eve? Scunthorpe’s Bath’s Hall presents The Rumble Band, with 1960s soul and motown hits and a live 12-piece band.

Tributes to James Brown, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Otis Redding, and many others, on Wednesday 31st December from 8pm, tickets £9.

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- WHat’s on -

viennese COnCeRT

LOndOn swing ORCHesTRa

Lincoln’s Drill Hall and the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra hosts a New Year concert of Viennese waltzes, polkas and marches from Strauss and his contemporaries at Lincoln’s Drill Hall, on 11th January from 3.30pm. Tickets £12/adults, £10/conc, with early booking recommended.

Live at Gainsborough’s Trinity Arts Centre, enjoy Tchaikovski’s exhilarating score mated to the libretto and choreography of Grigorovich. With a cast of the Bolshoi Principals and corps de ballet, it’s a treat, on Sunday 25th January from 3pm. Tickets £15/adults, £13/conc.

If you’re dotty about Downton, jump for joy when you hear jazz or approach anything vintage with vim and vigour, we’re confident you’ll covet the opportunity chance to enjoy the London Swing Orchestra at Lincoln’s Theatre Royal.

The event, on Sunday 1st February, charts the meteoric rise of swing and jazz from 1900 to 1965, with ragtime and the roaring 1920s enjoying a significant presence. Tickets are £18.50/adults, £16.50/conc, the event begins at 7.30pm.

Graham Dalby presents a chronology of swing and jazz from origin to popularisation.

Should you prefer your music a little more modern, Theatre Royal also presents That’ll Be The Day on 29th January with rock ‘n’ roll from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

www.west-lindsey.gov.uk 01427 676655

www.lincolntheatreroyal.com 01522 519999

www.lincolndrillhall.com 01522 873894

BOLsHOi’s swan Lake

Top: Graham Dolby’s London Swing Orchestra appearing in Lincoln.

Above: Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet, live at Gainsborough’s Trinity Arts Centre.

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The Look of Lincolnshire

Naturally

Beautiful...

Whisby’s natural World nature reserve recently hosted its annual photographic competition. Entries were designed to reflect the beauty and diversity of the 2,800 species which the Lincoln reserve is home to...

Lunch Time: Squirrel with Nuts was the visitor’s Favourite Winner chosen by Natural World Centre visitors.

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- naturE -

Lincolnshire’s Whisby’s Natural World Centre recently hosted its annual photographic competition with 2015’s entries marking the fifth time the event has been organised. The competition provides the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the sunny weather in summer or crisp autumn frosts, casting different light and colours on the wealth of flora & fauna that can be seen when you visit the Nature Park.

This year was once more sponsored by Kodak Express, on Guildhall Street, Lincoln, who awarded some fabulous prizes to the three winning entries as chosen by staff at the photographic retailer, the Centre and by visitors themselves. Entries will feature in the centre’s 2015 calendar.

The winners of the competition as chosen by staff at Kodak Express were Rachel Barnes for her Walk into Nature scene, Paul Sutton’s Family Meeting and Clea Butcher’s Sunset Spectrum twilight shot.

Highly commended were Graham Roberts for Splash Landing, San Newton for Drake Mallard and Barry Pearce for Bee on Purple Flower.

The calender’s cover shot will be Joanne Borrill’s Walking the Willow Walk. Visitors’ favourites were Ellie Roberts’s Squirrel with Nuts and Vera Holmes and Phillip Lewis’s Chiff Chaff and Gateway to Heaven.

The centre’s calendar will be available over Christmas from the centre and will cost £4.99.

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Above: First place in the nature reserve’s photographic competition was Walk into Nature, by Rachel Barnes, a dreamy image with an intriguing lead-in line.

Right: Bug Breakfast by Kevin Bonser was highly commended by staff of The Natural World Centre.

Below: Splash Landing by Graham Roberts was one of the staff’s favourites.

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Exploring Whisby Nature Reserve...

Just 15 minutes from the centre of Lincoln, thorpe on the Hill’s natural World Centre is the place to enjoy some of Lincolnshire’s best wildlife

Above: Second place in the competition went to Family Meeting by Paul Sutton.

Below: Third place was awarded to Sunset Spectrum by Clea Butcher.

Bottom: Bee on a Flower by Barry Pearce.

Whisby’s Nature Reserve offers winter walks which include views of the lake, woodland and meadows extending to around six and a half miles...

Whisby’s nature reserve offers walks which include lake views, woodland and meadows extending to around 6.5 miles. routes follow tracks around the former gravel-pit, reflecting the industrial heritage of the site and waymarkers guide visitors safely around the reserve. along the way there are over 30 seats and six bird hides, which contain wildlife information according to the seasons. a trail guide is available from the Whisby natural World’s Education Centre, and there’s a café and shop as well as Life trail health walks for those seeking to improve their fitness levels.

Look out for regular instructor-led walks and other special events around the reserve throughout the year and for the younger generation, Little darters is designed to make finding out about nature fun for inquisitive minds, with youngsters able to watch wildlife in action, explore and earth tunnel and climb one of the centre’s nature exploration towers.

The Natural World Centre is open from October to March 10am-4.30pm, and from April to September from 10am-5pm.

It’s located at Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincs LN6 9BW. For more information call 01522 688 868 or see www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk.

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to view and purchase photographs from the Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Bringing Sparkle to The Region’s Charities

The Star Trust Annual Ball

Five charities from across the region have benefited from a significant financial boost thanks to a glittering fundraiser by the Star Trust. The Trust’s annual Ball, held at Stapleford Park in October, saw business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the East Midlands dig deep to raise an outstanding £95,000 for good causes, including homelessness charity Emmanuel House, The Children’s Bereavement Centre, the Parents’ Association for Seriously Ill Children, Newark’s Children’s Bereavement Centre and Steps Conductive Education Centre.

Steve Hampson, CEO of Hampsons Group and co-founder of the Star Trust said: “The Star Trust has established a reputation for raising exceptional amounts for small charities right across the region, and the outstanding total raised by our generous supporters at this, our second annual ball, firmly cements this.”

Charities interested in applying to the Star Trust should visit www.star-trust.org.uk for further information.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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JANUARY SPECIAL OFFERS THROUGHOUT JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2015 Tuesday nights are Curry Nights – choose from a selections of curries, all served with rice, chips, poppadum's & mango chutney - £9.95

Wednesday nights are Steak Nights – 9oz sirloin steak, cooked to your liking & served with onion rings, chips & garden peas - £10.95

Back for another year by popular demand!

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- tHE LinCoLnsHirE PridE good Food aWards 2014 -

Celebrating Lincolnshire’s

Best Food Congratulations to each of the winners of our three good Food awards categories. this month we reveal the best restaurants and food producers in Lincolnshire, as voted for by our readers...

Congratulations!

A decisive victory in our Restaurant of the Year category goes to The George of Stamford, whose Head Chef Paul Reseigh and Restaurant Manager Kate Jarvis were delighted to collect the award.

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- tHE LinCoLnsHirE PridE good Food aWards 2014 -

Restaurant of the Year 2014 our flagship restaurant of the Year awards see three winners and seven finalists revealed, from fine dining restaurants to gastropubs and hotel dining rooms...

Lincolnshire’s best restaurants, according to our readers, revealed. The results are in and we’d first like to congratulate The George of Stamford, whose oak panelled restaurant offers fine dining lunchtime and evening service.

Signature dishes include lobster and Dover sole for fans of fish, sirloin of beef carved at your table, and a number of game dishes in season.

Our next winner was Grille restaurant at Lincoln’s White Hart. Head Chef Michael House leads a brigade that produces beautiful dishes. Its Super Seven menu choices offers lunchtime and early evening patrons exceptional value dining too, and The White Hart’s cocktail bar is great fun.

tHEwinneRs

Meanwhile, Gedney Dyke’s Chequers offers fine dining and a beautifully presented restaurant. Look out for its six course tasting menus and Michelin quality cuisine courtesy of Head Chef Chris Haken and Ben Smith, who have run the restaurant since May 2012. The Chequers is one of the newest - and one of the best - pub restaurants in Lincolnshire.

The george of stamford The white Hart, Lincoln The Chequers at gedney dyke Electric Bar & restaurant, Lincoln the Bell at Coleby, Lincoln the sebastopol inn, minting the Queen’s Head, Kirkby la thorpe Winteringham Fields, scunthorpe the old Bakery, Lincoln magpies, Horncastle 21

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tHEwinneRs

Our Best Bistro or Coffee Shop The Cosy Club, stamford stokes High Bridge Café, Lincoln Millers Café Bar & Brasserie, sleaford abbey Parks, East Heckington doddington Hall Café, Lincoln the Cheese society Café, Lincoln the orangery, Burghley House the sack store, Boston the Fine Foods store, stamford Pimento tea rooms, Lincoln

if you’re looking for a lunchtime treat, from coffee and cake to quality bistro/brasserie dining, here are our readers’ favourite coffee shops and lunchtime dining options...

Our first recommendation for daytime dining is the quirky Cosy Club in Stamford. Situated in the town’s former sorting office, the place looks fantastic, with industrial/vintage style, and a menu bursting with brunch, tapas, sharing platters and à la carte main courses.

Meanwhile, If you’re after a coffee and cake, Lincoln’s Stokes High Bridge Café offers 30 blends of tea,

20 blends of coffee and superb home made lunches. It’s been around for 140 years, and is a very well-respected 100 cover venue we can definitely recommend.

And finally, Sleaford’s excellent Millers celebrates its first anniversary this month. It’s quite simply one of the best bistros in the whole of Lincolnshire.

If you’ve yet to try its à la carte offerings and afternoon teas, we strongly recommend you pay a visit very soon!

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- tHE LinCoLnsHirE PridE good Food aWards 2014 -

Lincolnshire

Food Hero our final Food award category celebrates those whose efforts to champion local food really do ensure that the food we grow, produce and sell in Lincolnshire remains the very best in the country...

The county that feeds the country, Lincolnshire relies on its farmers and food producers to keep quality high. Our best example of commitment to quality is the work of butcher Gary Simpson. This year Gary has supplemented his Heckington and Sleaford shops with a unit in Lincoln’s Nettleham Road Shopping centre and a shop on Spalding’s Hall Place. He’s also been made one of the few (just 110 nationally) members of the National Butchers’ Q Guild, and was awarded the Butchers Shop of the Year title in 2013.

Gary will also open a new outlet at Pennell’s Garden Centre near Lincoln in spring 2015.

It’s a busy time, too, for Scott Palmer and the team at Boston Sausage. With outlets in Boston and in Borough Market, the team will, in spring/summer 2015, open a third outlet at Abbey Parks Farm Shop, East Heckington. The team sells not only the best bangers in Boston, but gourmet hampers from £45-£95, and restaurant quality Meal Deals with roasting veg and trimmings.

tHEwinneRs

Congratulations to our third winner, Kate O’Meara, whose Cheese Society and café are real favourites of ours, too.

Look out for the Society’s monthly ‘featured’ cheeses - local and artisan - and delicious meals in the St Martin’s Lane café.

gary simpson, sleaford/Lincoln Boston sausage/Mountain’s kate O’Meara, The Cheese society Pev manners, Belvoir Fruit Farms robert myers, myers Bakery rachel green, Celebrity Chef Pocklingtons Bakery, Louth Curtis of Lincoln modens Plum Loaf, spilsby alastair Hawken, grantham 23

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- Food -

A Link to

The Future

a year ago, sandilands grange & Links went into administration. now, it’s under new ownership with fresh decoration, a new restaurant with new menus and a new head chef. this month, meet new owner Matthew Fletcher who is reviving the hotel’s fortunes Words & Images: Rob Davis.

The grange & Links hotel has much going for it. It’s just a hundred yards or so from the Lincolnshire coast, there’s plenty of space and plenty of character, plus scope to enjoy nature walks or a game of golf at the nearby Sandilands golf course.

The hotel, near Sutton on Sea, has struggled in recent years and went into administration in January 2014. It was purchased by new owner Matthew Fletcher and reopened in June with a lick of paint and the promise of further investment.

The restaurant has already enjoyed a makeover in fresh, bright colours. The hotel’s 23 rooms are also enjoying a makeover and by the time you read this, there will be a new bridal suite, too.

Left: A mediterranean chargrilled vegetable terrine with balsamic shallots, basil oil and Lincolnshire goats cheese.

Matthew’s attention has extended beyond the cosmetic, though, with the appointment of new head chef Hamish - whose previous appointment was the Lincoln Hotel - and with a series of new menus.

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Left: Braised beef with roast butternut squash, wilted kale, mashed potato and roasted shallot gravy.

Opposite: Sea bass with petit ratatouille and black olive tapenade

“Matthew comes from farming stock which bodes well for diners, as farmers invariably have great respect for ingredients, knowing the effort and care which goes into their production...”

and lamb burger, plus a choice of four starters, five children’s options and sandwiches.

Below: A main course for vegetarians; chicory beetroot tarte tartin.

The Grange & Links was particularly popular in the 1920s and 1930s, when the seaside holiday proliferated beyond the preserve of the aristocracy to include the middle classes who came to the area to take in the sea air, patronising smart hotels like The Grange & Links during their visit.

The team has used this period as their inspiration and have opted for an on-trend ‘Gatsby’ inspired theme for the logo and branding, with lots of pale green and crisp white shades used throughout the hotel, including the dining room.

This room facilitates around 50 covers with a further 80 covers in the Garden Room and 80 more in the Ballroom, which will surely appeal as the hotel pursues 2015/2016 wedding bookings.

The restaurant is open to both residents and non-residents alike, with dedicated breakfast, lunchtime and evening menus. Daytime service provides a choice of eight main courses from a home made pie, fish & chips 28

Evening service provides seven starters, five main courses, two grill options and six desserts. The menu has been created in conjunction with Matthew’s sister Lucy Herring, a cordon bleu trained chef and owner of Lincoln’s Washingborough Hall Hotel.

Matthew and Lucy come from farming stock, which bodes well for diners, as farmers invariably have great respect for ingredients, knowing the effort and care which goes into their production. Local suppliers include Simon and Tim Jones of Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese, Boston Sausage, Grimsby’s M&J Seafood, Woodcocks the Butchers and local veg supplier Staples.

In addition the hotel bakes its own bread in house and creates all of its desserts too, with nothing brought in, except for Farmer Brown’s ice cream, made just a few miles down the road. The team concedes to the producer’s flair and expertise in the field of ice creams and sorbets.

Our starters of fish cake spheres were crumbed and served with lime cucumber relish, apple ‘slaw and a Thai green sweet chilli sauce. We also tried the Mediterranean chargrilled vegetable terrine pictured above - vegetarians are especially well provided for at The Grange & Links.

And so to main course, the braised beef featured on our opening spread was beautifully soft and tender, moist and meaty with a rich shallot gravy. Well-implemented, neatly presented with nicely judged flavours, it’s perfect for winter diners. Alternatively, the restaurant’s fish of the day option included a sea bass dish with petit ratatouille on the menu during our visit.

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- Food -

“We want to become the best hotel on the Lincolnshire Coast.” says Matthew.

“We’ve a great deal to offer and the feedback we’re receiving already is really rewarding...”

Served with a black olive tapanade, pressed potato and tomato fondue sauce, our fish option was bright and beautiful, with pure white meat under a glittering canopy of crispy skin.

The dessert menu is robust rather than radical, but the puddings we tried were beautifully presented and technically perfect. We tried a warm poached pear with warm chocolate brownie and dark cherry ice cream, as well as the hotel’s chocolate fondant. Warm, gooey and delicious, this was served with an orange jelly and pistachio crumb. The hotel also provides a cheese board option with home made chutney.

To accompany, there is also a selection of wines chosen by Yorkshire’s Bon Coeur sommelier Jamie Goodhart.

Also providing post-prandial satisfaction is a range of coffees by Stokes of Lincoln, and 30

to ensure The Grange & Links provides tea of equal quality, there’s a choice of seven blends courtesy of Birchall of East Africa.

Turning around an ailing hotel is a difficult job, but Matthew and the team are doing a sterling job. Not only does it look a great deal better, but the hotel’s provision of dining is already top notch. As more improvements are made to The Grange & Links, we look forward to seeing the venue go from strength to strength.

“We want to become the best hotel on the Lincolnshire Coast.” says Matthew. “We’ve a great deal to offer and more improvements to make but the feedback we’re receiving already is really rewarding.”

The team are doing a great job and already we’re happy to recommend the provision of dining at the hotel. 2015 will, we’re certain, be a very happy new year indeed for The Grange & Links.

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Sample Menu startErs moules marinières

£7.95

Grange & Links mussels with toasted bread, available as a starter or main course.

Chicken Liver Pâté

£6.95

Chicken liver pâté with toasted brioche, smoked bacon and red onion marmalade.

Vegetable terrine

£6.95

Mediterranean char-grilled vegetable terrine with balsamic shallots, basil oil and Lincolnshire goats cheese.

mains duck Breast

£16.95

Duck breast with smoked bacon, pea fricassée, beetroot pressed potato and blackberry sauce.

Fish of the day

£14.95

Fillet steak

£23.95

Sea bass with petit ratatouille, black olive tapenade, pressed potato and tomato fondue sauce.

Sirloin steak (£17.95) or fillet steak with grilled flat cap mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, watercress and parmesan salad, with homemade chips, peppercorn or stilton sauce. tarte tatin

Chicory and beetroot tarte tartin with pressed potato, beetroot purée and Lincolnshire poacher cheese.

£11.95

Pudding apple Crumble

£6.95

Apple and winter berry crumble with star anise, crème Anglaise and caramel sauce.

Lincolnshire Cheese

£7.95

Platter with homemade chutney, biscuits, fresh and dried fruit.

Find out more: The grange & Links Hotel sea Lane, sandilands sutton on sea Lincolnshire Ln12 2Ra Tel: 01507 441334. www.grangeandlinkshotel.co.uk. enquiries@grangeandlinkshotel.co.uk.

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FABULOUS FOOD

Relaxed Atmosphere, Great Service COME & ENJOY OUR DELICIOUS DINING...

PRIVATE DINING from 8 – 26

VALENTINES DAY

Bookings now being taken

SUNDAY LUNCH MENU AVAILABLE

See our website for special offers

Riby Rd, Stallingborough

N/E Lincolnshire DN41 8BU.

Tel: 01469 561302

www.stallingboroughgrange.com

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- Food -

Award Winning

Quality

it certainly looks like being a Happy new year for Paul and Lorraine Willoughby and the team at Hough on the Hill’s Brownlow arms. the fine dining pub restaurant last month added michelin and good Pub guide awards to a long list of accolades...

Words & Images: Rob Davis. a Happy new year to Paul and Lorraine Willoughby of The Brownlow Arms and their team, headed up by Ruaraidh Bealby.

This time last year, the restaurant closed down for a substantial refurbishment, reopening earlier in 2014 to win a recommendation in last month’s Saturday Times travel guide when it focused on Lincolnshire, as well as the title of Lincolnshire Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide.

That’s in addition to a recommendation in the newly published Michelin Guide, an AA rosette and five star award from the AA for its accommodation, a Hardens recommendation and a Waitrose Good Food Magazine Local Gem Award.

Paul and Lorraine’s 2011 acquisition of the Hare & Hounds in nearby Fulbeck has enabled the couple to provide quality pub restaurant food in volume - it’s now producing 1,000 meals each week. This in turn has enabled The Brownlow Arms’s food to adopt more of a fine dining orientated character with less regard to volume despite a still respectable output of 300 covers each week.

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Right: Belton Park venison with haggis bonbons and a chocolate & blackberry sauce.

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Left: A newly refurbished dining room utilises Farrow & Ball’s downpipe grey and ticking fabrics.

Below: A starter of roasted pear stuffed with camembert and wrapped in prosciutto.

Opposite: Pan seared scallops and king prawns, with saffron rouille and crispy chorizo.

“The restaurant bakes its own bread, creates its own ice creams and petit fours, and grows its own herbs in the garden...”

A single menu at The Brownlow Arms offers a choice of three sharing options, eight starters, eight main courses, eight side dishes and seven dessert options. In addition, there are five or six daily changing supplier-led specials providing dishes created with ingredients that are of particular quality that day.

Below: Pear frangipane with pear jelly terrine and marzipan ice cream.

The restaurant’s wood panelling has now adopted the calming blue/grey Farrow and Ball shade of Downpipe, whilst sisal carpets and newly trimmed chairs, upholstered in blue and white ticking fabric, with accents of primrose yellow, have created a smart, modern dining room. Crisp white table linens, and silver cutlery contribute to the smart dining experience in the 90 cover restaurant, and there’s a separate private dining room for up to 26 diners, too.

The bar, with its cosy open fire, has received a makeover too, with the same colour scheme adopted and the Grade II listed former Gamekeepers house’s beams all stripped back to reveal their 17th century appearance.

In the kitchen, a team of three chefs is headed up by Ruaraidh Bealby and the restaurant is open during evening service only from 6.00pm-9.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with a Sunday lunch service from noon to 3.00pm. The restaurant also has seven newly refurbished en suite bedrooms from £70/night.

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The restaurant bakes its own bread, creates its own ice creams and petit fours, and grows its own herbs in the garden. Additionally, the team calls upon the expertise of local suppliers like Belton Park to create dishes like the venison featured on our opening spread, an artisan lamb producer at Gelston, just a mile or so down the road, plus myriad local veg suppliers who provide the restaurant with fruit and vegetables grown in the fields surrounding the restaurant.

The restaurant changes its main menu four times a year, and by the time this edition of Pride reaches the shops, The Brownlow Arms will just be implementing its winter menus.

Ruaraidh and the team prepared a few dishes from those menus a little early to demonstrate what they will be serving up in January... the results are extremely enticing indeed.

Scallops are a popular starter on many restaurant menus and are a good barometer dish to test out a kitchen’s flair. The Brownlow Arms Chef De Partie, Gary Bridle serves them with king prawns, saffron rouille, crispy chorizo and chorizo oil, dressed peas and watercress. It’s a dish that goes well beyond remit of the usual scallop option, beautifully presented, vibrant and colourful, with whopping great flavours.

A roasted pear starter option was more unusual, stuffed with Cornish camembert and snuggled in prosciutto with candied walnuts and a port reduction. It looked great and tasted magnificent.

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- Food -

“If you’re seeking quality dining with big flavours and posh surroundings, The Brownlow Arms will exceed even discerning diners’ expectations...” for The Brownlow Arms’s dessert options, so different from the usual brûlées and brownies. We tried the blackberry and hazelnut dacquoise roulade with its home-made blackberry and apple sorbet, a hazelnut brittle and bramble compote.

Our other option was a plum frangipane with cinnamon pressed pear terrine and home-made marzipan ice cream. Lizzy is technically brilliant and creatively amazing too, distilling an entire season of flavour into completely unique puddings. If you’re a fan of desserts she will dazzle you.

40 bins of wine, from £17-£60 provide ample choice, and service is as prompt as you’d expect from a restaurant owned by Paul & Lorraine and renowned as one of the county’s best dining rooms since 1979.

Our main course options were pan fried fillet of turbot with a herb risotto - a tangy sauce around fish with pure white, fall-apart flesh, and a Belton Venison option.

The latter was served with a chocolate and blackberry sauce and Ruaraidh’s lovely haggis bonbons - little breaded bullets of flavour. This was superb with a great big winter flavour; hugely satisfying.

We can’t praise highly enough the talent and efforts of Lizzy Goodwin, who’s responsible 38

In short, the acquisition of a second pub restaurant has enabled the kitchen to move further into fine dining and away from volume, whilst a makeover has really smartened up the place too.

If you’re seeking imaginative dining with big flavours and posh surroundings, The Brownlow Arms will exceed even a discerning diner’s expectation. As underlined by its many accolades, it’s still one of Lincolnshire’s best loved pub restaurants, and one we sincerely recommend, too.

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Sample Menu startErs Fritters

£6.95

Slow braised pork belly fritters, apple julienne, soft-poached duck egg, tomato and chilli jam. mackerel mousse

£7.25

Smoked mackerel mousse with apple and beetroot julienne, horseradish cream, beetroot crisps and rye toast. soufflé

£8.95

Twice-baked cheese soufflé with creamed ham hock.

mains game Vol-au-Vont

£16.95

Brownlow braised game ‘vol-au-vent’ with roasted baby beetroot, honey roast turnips and root vegetable crisps.

Barbary duck

£17.00

steak

£26.50

Confit leg of Barbary duck with garlic, onion, sautéed potatoes, buttered curly kale, and red wine jus.

6oz pan seared fillet Scottish steak served with either peppercorn sauce or Colston Bassett and Portobello mushroom sauce, with hand-cut chips and size order. 9oz rib-eye; £24.95.

Pudding assiette of Chocolate

£13.50

Large enough for two to share; assiette of dark chocolate and peanut butter, with fontant, parfait, melting biscuits, ganache, brittle and milkshake. dacquoise roulade

£7.25

Blackberry and hazelnut dacquoise roulade with blackberry and apple sorbet, hazelnut brittle and bramble compote.

Cheese option

£7.90

Board of local and artisan cheeses with celery, grapes, Brownlow biscuits and house chutney.

Find out more: The Brownlow arms, High Road, Hough On The Hill, Lincolnshire ng32 2aZ Tel: 01400 250234. www.thebrownlowarms.com.

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The

Brownlow Arms • À La Carte Dining • 17th Century Coaching Inn • Seven En Suite Rooms

“We’re the 2015 winners of e Good Pub Guide’s Lincolnshire Dining Pub of the Year Award...!”

ENJOY AWARD-WINNING DINING COURTESY OF RUARAIDH BEALBY, LIZZY GOODWIN & GARY BRIDLE! HOUGH ON THE HILL, GRANTHAM ROAD NEAR GRANTHAM, LINCOLNSHIRE NG32 2AZ 01400 250 234 • armsinn@yahoo.co.uk Current menus online now at www.thebrownlowarms.co.uk.

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- recipes -

Phtotos: JamieOliver OliverEnterprises Enterprises(2014 (2014Jamie’s Jamie’sComfort ComfortFood) Food) Photos: Jamie Text: Jamie’s Comfort Food by Jamie Oliver is published by Michael Joseph.

Joseph

Good Mood

Food Jamie’s back... and this time, he’s bringing recipes for those seeking to enjoy comfort eating this winter.

This month sees the release of his new book, but we’ve been afforded a sneak preview to try a few recipes out.

This month, we’ve lasagne with a twist - made with duck - Jamie’s masterclass in shepherd’s pie and a delicious, fruity Hummingbird cake that’s perfect with a pot of tea in front of the fire!

Recipes: Jamie Oliver. Photos: David Loftus.

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- recipes -

Shepherd’s Pie serves 8–10 6 hours 30 minutes rOAsT LAMB 1 small shoulder of lamb, bone in (2kg) olive oil FiLLiNG 4 red onions 4 carrots 4 sticks of celery 1 medium swede a few sprigs of fresh rosemary 1 heaped tablespoon plain flour TOppiNG, siDes & BOTTOM 2.5kg Maris piper potatoes 2 good knobs of unsalted butter 100g cheddar cheese 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary 60g fresh breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas 3. In a snug-fitting high-sided roasting tray, rub the lamb all over with a little oil and a good pinch of sea salt and pepper. Add a splash of water to the tray, then roast for four hours, or until the meat is tender and will fall away from the bone. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tray, then lift the lamb out onto a board, take all the meat and crispy skin off the bone and roughly chop it, reserving the bones. Skim away any fat from the tray and pop it into a clean jam jar. Add a splash of boiling water to the tray and stir around to pick up all the lovely sticky bits from the bottom. Keep it all to one side.

For the filling, peel and roughly dice the onions, carrots, celery and swede, then put them into your biggest pan on a mediumhigh heat with two tablespoons of reserved lamb fat. Strip in the rosemary leaves, then fry the veg for 20 minutes, or until lightly caramelized, stirring regularly. Stir in the flour, lamb, bones and tray juices, then pour in 1.5 litres of water. Bring to the boil, then put the lid on and reduce to a gentle simmer for 40 minutes, or until you’ve got a loose, stew-like consistency, stirring occasionally.

To guarantee intense gravy and a tender but dense filling, remove and discard the bones, then place a large coarse sieve over a pan and, in batches, spoon the lamb stew into the sieve. Let the gravy drip through, and after a couple of minutes, when you get a dense pile of meat and veg in the sieve, transfer that to a bowl, leaving the gravy in the pan.

Separately freeze half the cool meat and gravy for another day.

For the topping, sides and bottom, peel and roughly chop the potatoes and cook in boiling salted water for 12 to 15 minutes, or

until tender. Drain and leave to steam dry, then add the butter, grate in half the cheese, season to perfection with salt and pepper, mash well and cool completely. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas six. Use a little reserved lamb fat to grease the inside of a large pie dish (25cm x 30cm), then pick and tear over the rosemary leaves and sprinkle with half the breadcrumbs – they’ll stick to the fat and add an incredible crunch.

A handful at a time, press the cooled mash into the dish, covering the bottom and sides with a 1cm-thick layer. Spoon in the filling and a couple of spoonfuls of gravy, smooth out, then top with the remaining mash, pat it flat, scuff it up with a fork and pinch it at the edges. Grate over the rest of the cheese, scatter with the remaining breadcrumbs and drizzle lightly with oil. Importantly, bake on the bottom of the oven for one hour and 10 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Warm your gravy through (reducing if desired), then serve the pie with loads of seasonal greens or peas and lots of condiments.

Satisfying: Jamie’s Comfort Food is available in local bookshops now, RRP £30.00, 408 pages, hardcover.

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- recipes -

Crispy Duck Lasagne serves 8–10 4 hours plus cooling & resting LAsAGNe 1 whole duck (roughly 2kg) olive oil 4 cloves of garlic 1 bunch of fresh marjoram (30g) 800g fresh or frozen spinach 1 whole nutmeg, for grating 1 onion 2 carrots 2 sticks of celery 200ml chianti classico 4 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes 2 fresh bay leaves 2 cloves ½ x royal pasta dough (see Jamie’s comfort Food) or 400g fresh pasta sheets 40g parmesan cheese wHiTe sAuce 100g unsalted butter 100g plain flour 1 litre semi-skimmed milk 75g cheddar cheese 75g Fontina or Taleggio cheese pANGrATTATO 200g stale bread 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas four.

In a tray, rub the duck all over with oil, sea salt and black pepper, then roast for two hours, or until golden and crisp, draining off the fat into a jar. Leave to cool, remove all the skin and fat from the duck and place in a food processor, then strip all the meat off the bone into a bowl. Peel and finely slice two cloves of garlic, then put into a large non-stick pan on a high heat with a little duck fat and the marjoram leaves. Cook until the garlic is lightly golden, then stir in the spinach and a good grating of nutmeg and cook for 15 minutes, or until the spinach has cooked right down and all the excess water has evaporated. Leave to cool while you make your ragù.

Peel the onion and carrots, trim the celery, then roughly chop it all. Place all in a large pan on a medium heat with a little duck fat (keep any leftover fat in the fridge for making great roast potatoes) and crush in the remaining garlic. Fry for around 20 minutes, or until the veg are starting to caramelise, stirring regularly. Pour in the Chianti, turn up the heat and cook it away. Add the shredded duck meat and tinned tomatoes, along with a tin of water, the bay leaves and cloves. Give it a good stir, simmer for around

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an hour, then season to perfection. Meanwhile, make your pasta dough (if using).

Next make your white sauce. Melt the butter in a large pan over a medium heat, then stir in the flour to form a paste. Whisk in the milk, a little at a time, and continue to heat until you have a thick white sauce. Remove from the heat, grate and stir in the cheeses, season to taste and add a grating of nutmeg.

To build your lasagne, start by rolling out the pasta dough into sheets. Cover the base of a baking dish (25cm x 30cm and 8cm deep) with a good layer of spinach, then cover with a single layer of pasta sheets. Stir a good grating of Parmesan into the ragù, then cover the pasta sheets with a layer of ragù, a thin layer of spinach, a layer of white sauce and another layer of pasta. Repeat twice more, finishing with a layer of white sauce.

Top with a good grating of Parmesan, then bake at 180°C/350°F/gas four for 40 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Leave to rest for around 20 minutes before serving.

Meanwhile, add the bread and rosemary leaves to the food processor with the duck skin and fat and pulse into fine crumbs. Fry in a large non-stick frying pan until golden and crisp, then serve on the side and let everyone sprinkle over their own portion.

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Hummingbird Cake serves 14 1 hour, plus cooling cAKe 250ml olive oil, plus extra for greasing 350g self-raising flour 1 level teaspoon ground cinnamon 350g golden caster sugar 4 medium very ripe bananas 1 x 425g tin of pineapple chunks 2 large free range eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 50g pecans iciNG: 400g icing sugar, 150g unsalted butter (at room temperature), 200g cream cheese, 2 limes BriTTLe: 100g caster sugar, 50g pecans

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.

Grease and line two 23cm round cake tins.

Sift the flour and cinnamon into a mixing bowl, then add the sugar and a large pinch of sea salt. Peel the bananas and mash them up with a fork in another bowl. Drain and finely chop the pineapple and add to the bananas with the oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until combined, then fold into the dry mixture until smooth. Finely chop the pecans and gently fold in, then divide the batter evenly between your prepared tins.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until risen, golden and the sponges spring back when touched lightly in the centre. Run a knife around the edge of the tins, then leave to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Meanwhile, to make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a free-standing electric mixer, add the butter and beat until pale and creamy.

Add the cream cheese, finely grate in the zest of a lime and add a squeeze of juice, then beat until just smooth – it’s really important not to over-mix it. Keep in the fridge until needed. To make a brittle topping, place the caster sugar and a splash of water in a nonstick frying pan on a medium heat. Shake flat

and don’t stir it, just swirl the pan occasionally until dissolved and lightly golden. Add the pecans and a pinch of salt, spoon around to coat, and when nicely golden, pour onto a sheet of oiled greaseproof paper to set (check out the video on jamieoliver.com/ how-to). Once cool, smash up to a dust; you’ll need about half to top the cake. Save the rest for sprinkling over ice cream.

To assemble the cake, place one sponge on a cake stand and spread with half the icing.

Top with the other sponge, spread over the rest of the icing, then grate over the zest of the remaining lime. Scatter over the brittle dust and decorate with a few edible flowers, such as violas, borage or herb flowers, if you feel that way inclined. With a cup of tea on the side, this will make everyone who eats it extremely happy. Serve in a bluebell wood on a fallen tree, as you do.

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To view and purchase photographs from The event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Now Open for Business:

The New Inn, Great Limber Celebrations to mark the extensive refurbishment of a luxury inn and restaurant were hosted by the Earl and Countess of Yarborough. Invited guests from the business community joined them at the New Inn, Great Limber. The Grade II-listed building, in the heart of the Brocklesby Estate, has undergone a dramatic transformation. Ten luxury bedrooms and a conference facility have been created while the restaurant offers exquisite dining. The bar offers a cosy and convivial place for drinks. It is being managed by Lisa and Ian Matfin in partnership with the Brocklesby Estate.

Lisa said: “It was a most successful launch and we’re grateful to the Earl and Countess for hosting it. There’s been an enormous amount of hard work to get to this point but we’re enjoying seeing that pay off.”

For more information see www.thenewinngreatlimber.co.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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call 01529 469977 and speak to our events Desk...

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purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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- hOMes -

Bright Beautiful Dominique clugston’s pretty Tealby property is bright and beautiful, thanks to the efforts of sister sophie peckett, whose decadent touches throughout the house include fuchsia suede sofas, tangerine leather ottomans and luxurious leather lined dressing rooms. The property is now on the market, and this month we take a look around...

Words: Rob Davis. Photographs: Andrew Wheeler.

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- hOMes -

Bright and beautiful, with all the mod cons, you’d never believe that at the heart of Dominique Clugson’s family home is a 200 year old country cottage in Tealby.

The house has a wealth of heritage, being one of the original farm cottages on the village’s Bayons estate, the estate of the Tennyson d’Eyncourt baronetcy, established by navel man Sir Eustace Henry William and now continued by fifth baronet Sir Mark Gervais. Sadly the family’s Tealby pile was flattened in the 1960s, but Holtwood Cottage - Dominique’s family home for over 30 years - has enjoyed a much happier fate, being extended several times over including 12 years ago when she purchased the house from her parents.

Since taking on the property, Dominique has updated all of the principal services plumbing, wiring - but the most obvious difference is a dramatic makeover. This has included the replacement of the kitchen with a swish modern one, the replacement of

“A dramatic renovation included a reimagining of the house led by designer Sophie Peckett.”

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bathrooms and a comprehensive reimagining of the house led by her sister Sophie Peckett, the extremely talented interior and lighting designer who splits her time between Lincoln and London.

Arranged over two floors, the oldest part of the house is the snug and sitting room, both adjoining one another with a large central chimney stack separating a casual snug from the principal reception room, with its wood burning stove and suede fuchsia sofas.

Just off the sitting room is the most impressively specified kitchen you’re ever likely to see in the county, with its meatylooking industrial Mercury stove and slightly friendlier looking Aga, Amana fridge and Miele dishwasher, integrated coffee machine and wine fridges. The kitchen is created in solid Parapan acrylic with Ceasarstone work surfaces and heated Travertine floors.

Top: Sophie Peckett, Dominique’s sister, worked with her to introduce furnishings from local craftsmen and fabrics by names like Osborne & Little and Mulberry.

Opposite: The white Parapan kitchen is brilliantly specified with an Aga and high-end appliances.

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- hOMes -

Throughout the house, window treatments have been designed by Sophie and created by Lincolnshire’s Merrick and Day, whilst sofas and chairs are all bespoke, designed with materials from fabric houses like Mulberry and Osborne & Little, then made by Edward Crowther & Sons of Lincoln. Dining tables and chairs are all courtesy of Lincolnshire craftsmen, Saxilby’s Chiselwood.

The kitchen also has a large conservatory leading to a breakfast terrace, and at the opposite end of the house there’s a further family room and utility. To the first floor there’s a master suite with sliding doors leading to a balcony, en suite and dressing area, with three further bedrooms and a family bathroom, whilst the separate annexe provides guest accommodation with an en suite and dressing room. All bathrooms are luxuriously appointed with limestone and Travertine.

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Set in around an acre of grounds, even the property’s exterior is a treat, having been professionally designed by Penny Meadmore to include a stepped stream water feature fed by a natural spring which feeds into the Rase.

“It’s been a superb family home, a happy house. A project has come along though, and we’re keen to transform a derelict property into our new home.”

With a new project beckoning, Dominique has put the property on the market but says she’ll miss her family home a great deal.

“It’ll be an exciting journey but we’re really looking forward to it. I will miss Holtwood enormously, but there’s great pleasure in creating something new. I’m looking forward to working with Sophie again, and at least the new owners will have a chance to enjoy the house as much as we have!”

Top: The house features a one bedroom annexe with en suite.

Left: Bathrooms use high end fittings and are created in Travertine.

Find Out More: Estate Agency: Savills, Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE. Tel: 01522 508908.

Web: www.savills.co.uk.

Interior Designer: Sophie Peckett of Walesby, Lincolnshire and London.

Tel: 020 799 35368, or 07515 944 593.

Web: www.sophie peckettdesign.com.

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About This property: Location: Situated in the village of Tealby; 10 mins from Market Rasen, 30mins from Lincoln.

Style: 200 year old extended former farm cottage treated to a substantial makeover by current owner Dominique.

Receptions: Four, currently arranged as sitting room, snug, conservatory and family room.

Bedrooms: Four, one with en suite, plus separate annexe with en suite and dressing room.

Other Features: Acre of landscaped grounds with spring-fed water feature. Situated in one of Lincolnshire’s most sought after villages.

Holtwood Cottage: ÂŁ799,950.

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Lincolnshire’s Moores Estate Agents is one of the county’s most respected names in property and in 2015, the firm’s Country & Equestrian brand is set to enjoy even greater success with the launch of two new branches this month.

“Moores Estate Agency has five offices, in Oakham, Uppingham, Stamford, Melton Mowbray and London.” says Vernon Moore. “We cover around 100 villages and five towns, and in each office our Country & Equestrian portfolio provides a bespoke service to properties from £500,000 to £5m.”

“From discreet property introductions to mixed-media marketing of properties, we’re able to offer a genuine expertise with a dedicated team dealing with a select amount of homes at any one time.”

“One of the downsides of a discreet approach to selling larger properties is that it tends to go under the radar that Country & Equestrian are the selling agent handling large house sales in the area. We are fortunate that word of mouth and contacts keep us in the loop!”

“Around 70% of the buyers of these properties are from outside our local area, so we recognise the value of our London office and in using the internet to market our portfolio to the most appropriate audience.”

Country

& Equestrian 2015 will be a happy new year for Moores Estate Agency, and its Country & Equestrian brand. with two new Lincolnshire offices due to open this month. we speak to Vernon Moore to find out about the future of the company’s premium property service...

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“This month we’ll be completing work on the first of two new offices designed to ensure Country & Equestrian can provide an even more comprehensive service.

Our new office will open in January on Stamford’s Sheepmarket Square and shortly after we will have another office in the former First Class waiting room on the London Platform at Grantham’s railway station... it’ll ensure we’re able to offer a first class service to clients in Grantham villages and the Vale of Belvoir too.”

Established in 2004 with the Country & Equestrian brand following a year later, Vernon and Jenny Moore offer a full range of residential sales services, backed up by Jenny’s experience in property law.

“For those seeking a character home, country property or a property with land for those with equestrian interests, we believe that the range of services we offer and the knowledge we have of that specific sector of the market is unsurpassed.” says Vernon.

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- hOMes -

1.

2.

3.

4.

Pick of the Properties: country & equestrian homes...

1. Paddock House, Cold Overton £1,250,000

Stone family home with 1.5 acres, three reception rooms and six bedrooms, plus stableyard with tack room and outbuilding.

Newly fitted living kitchen with Aga and en suite to master bedroom.

2. Parva Lodge, Langham

£1,700,000

Sympathetically modernised character home with 16 acres of paddock land, stable yard and tack room, three reception rooms to house, hand-built living breakfast kitchen, four bedrooms.

3. Church Wing, Burley on the Hill sOLD sTc

Substantial family residence within main Palladian mansion. Five bedrooms, with en suite, dressing room and gym to master.

Utility, study. Use of 67 acres of parkland, gardens and deer park.

4. East Court, Burley on the Hill OirO £500,000

A further wing of the Grade I Palladian house, superbly converted with en suite to principal bedroom, two further bedrooms, drawing room, dining kitchen, Aga and separate utility.

5. High House, Barrowden

sOLD sTc

6. Hamblewood, Hambleton

sOLD sTc

5.

Six bedroom stone residence, three reception rooms plus living kitchen, utility and cellar. Detached self-contained Coach House with three bedrooms.

Six bedroom, four bathroom home on the Hambleton peninsula, with private woodland walk and six bedrooms, with en suite, dressing room and roof terrace to master.

6.

Find Out More: Our featured properties are examples of Moores Estate Agency’s portfolio of Country & Equestrian properties. The agency has offices in Stamford (01780 484555), Oakham (01572 757979), Uppingham (01572 821 935) and Melton Mowbray (01664 491610) plus a satellite office in London.

For more information on any of the agency’s properties, visit www.mooresestateagents.com.

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some of you will be aware that a new property search service with hundreds of thousands of uK properties to buy or to rent will be launching in January 2015. we are excited to be involved with the new service called OnTheMarket.com. it is by far the most serious challenger in recent years to the portals duopoly operated by rightmove pLc and Zoopla property Group pLc. More and more agents in the uK are deciding to move their advertising away from the current portal leaders and to display them all at OnTheMarket.com.

CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY SHUTTERS WALLPAPERS

The portal will become a “must view” place to search for properties, not least because the vast majority of the properties on the portal will have been effectively removed from Rightmove or Zoopla.

The importance of the “user experience” will be paramount. The property search will be sleek, simple, fast and state of the art. There will be no clutter from irritating and distracting third party adverts and no spam mail. Likewise, there will be no spurious valuation tools and no unnecessary information over load.

Every property you will see at OnTheMarket.com will be on the market with a locally based estate or letting agent with expertise on the ground. As an additional reassurance of the quality of its offering, OnTheMarket.com will be the only portal to be endorsed by both the National Association of Estate Agents and the Association of Residential Lettings Agents.

As there is still a little time before the portal goes live, for the time being, its management is keeping under wraps some of the features for the portal for obvious reasons. There is already such momentum behind the growth of agents support and already such a buzz around the portal that one thing is clear; if you are in the market to search for a new home in January, you won’t see all the properties on the market if you don’t search at OnThemarket.com For more details contact Jill Elkington, Partner at:

H E Lettings 1 Oakwood road Doddington road Lincoln LN6 3Lh 60

Telephone: 01522 698 899 Fax: 01522 698 900 email: info@helettings.co.uk www.helettings.co.uk

Newlin Business Park, Exchange Road, Lincoln LN6 3AB. Tel: 01522 531371 www.rogerdavisinteriors.com

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Ideas, Passion & Inspiration

You’ll find all three at Elizabeth & Stevens...

Elizabeth and Stevens has a unique, stylish and unusual collection of ideas for your home & garden.

Our showroom is an emporium of the unexpected.

We would love to see you!

A 1 Markham Moor (also signed to Lincoln A 57) then take the turning to Retford A 638.

Near McDonalds and Markham Moor Hotel.

The Showrooms, Great North Road Markham Moor, Retford DN22 0QU Telephone: 01636 822000 www.elizabethandstevens.com

Open from Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, with free parking.

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New YeAr, New TechNOLOGY...

Bosch hMT72M Microwave

Make a new year’s resolution you’ll be glad to stick to this month - promise yourself you’ll spend less time doing housework and more time with your feet up. we asked Boston electrical services’s stan Odell for his pick of the latest technology for your home, from the best name in the business - premium German brand Bosch...

what is it? compact freestanding microwave with 800w power and rotary controls. why should i choose it? Bosch’s compact microwave is the easiest you’ll ever use. with two rotary controls there are no automatic settings, no electronics and no menus to negotiate... just a simple timer dial. with 17 litre capacity it’s also capacious, despite its compact size, and has a hard-wearing easy clean stainless steel finish. price: £109.95

Bosch KDD74 Fridge/Freezer what is it? Frost-free fridge/freezer which Bosch claims will keep meat and fish fresh for twice as long as conventional appliances. why should i choose it? At 88cm wide The KDD74 is somewhere between a conventional fridge/freezer and a us-style unit, blending a compact size with capacity. its ice and water units don’t need to be permanently plumbed in, whilst a bright white LeD light, A+ rating and easyclean stainless steel exterior make the unit easy to live with and maintain. price: £1,119.95.

Bosch wAs24063 washing Machine Bosch sMs88 Dishwasher what is it? 14-place setting capacity A+++ dishwasher boasting the best energy/performance rating on the market. why should i choose it? eight programmes for versatility and a super-quick 60°c programme uses less energy to achieve better results, faster than ever. A third level cutlery/utensil tray maximises space and increases versatility, with no fiddly cutlery basket to remove. height adjustable baskets maximise room and there’s an anti-flood device backed up with a guarantee. price: £749.95.

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what is it? A+++ rated washing machine which Bosch promises is the simplest you’ll ever use. why should i choose it? with its triple-A performance, this is an ultra-efficient machine with just the programmes you’ll need; no complicated functions or programmes, just a large 6kg drum and 1200rpm spin. its build quality rivals much pricier machines from names like Miele and smeg. price: £299.95.

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- hOMes -

Bosch styline Kettle

Bosch Toaster

what is it? ’which?’ consumer group Best Buy kettle.

what is it? companion appliance to our featured kettle for a coordinated kitchen.

why should i choose it?

At 1.5 litre, The styline is one of the largest capacity kettles on the market. it has a flat element to prevent scaling, a limescale filter, and four temperature settings (ideal for fruit teas etc) plus a ‘keep warm’ function. it also has an auto shut-off feature to prevent boiling dry or overheating.

why should i choose it?

Bosch’s toasters feature automatic bread alignment for even toasting, defrost and reheat functions, plus built-in crumb tray. high lift for easy toast removal prevents burnt fingers. Available in black or white to match the firm’s styline kettle. price: £29.99

price: £69.95.

Bosch MuM48 Food Mixer what is it? Quality multi-function food mixer with large 3.9 litre capacity, available in stainless steel, red or white. why should i choose it? Food processors don’t tend to get enough air into bake batters and such like - but the Bosch will, and yet, with its slicing discs, liquidiser goblet and optional mincer, mill and ice cream maker, it’s probably more versatile than any other processor/mixer. it also offers far better value than rivals like Magimix or Kenwood’s chef. price: £139.95

Boston Electrical Services have provided our recommendations for the kitchen technology featured here, each of which are designed to save you time and money.

Even mundane appliances like steam irons, toasters and kettles have been given substantial makeovers by manufacturers to ensure they’re easier to use and more reliable than ever before.

Boston Electrical services carefully select the best appliances from the best brands, with quality and value for money core values for the retailer.

Bosch sensixx steam Generator Bosch Athlet cordless Vacuum cleaner what is it? cordless 25.2v bagless vacuum cleaner, the latest model with full set of accessories. why should i choose it? Bosch’s latest range is super lightweight, at just 3kg. This model is also quiet, at just 72db. But its real strength is its ability to deliver the power of a full sized cleaner with the convenience of a cordless vacuum. price: £229.95

what is it? Lightweight iron with steam generator unit, and 4.7 bar steam pressure, with best-in-class steam output at 110g. why should i choose it? if you hate ironing - and who doesn’t - this is the iron for you. steam generators are 50% faster than conventional irons and are especially effective on shirts... saving an average family four hours a week! price: £249.99.

The company has over 70 laundry appliances, 118 fridges and freezers, and 40 cookers in stock, ready for immediate delivery, plus hundreds of small appliances and a range of lighting.

The company delivers, installs and demonstrates, and removes old appliances at no extra cost, providing customer service and competitive prices unmatched by multinational electrical giants.

Find Out More: Our featured products are available from Boston Electrical Services, Norfolk Street, Boston PE21 9HG. Call 01205 350737 or see www.bostonelectrics.co.uk.

Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.00pm, Saturday 9.00am-4.00pm.

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New Year New Design

BESPOKE CURTAINS

& SOFT FURNISHINGS

Timeless Interiors Old Town Hall, High St, Spilsby PE23 5JH Telephone: 01790 754477 www.timelessinteriors.co.uk

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- hOMes -

Kitsch IN SYNCH Behind the doors of this Victorian semi in Lincoln, designer Alex sykes has been hard at work employing her love of vintage prints, retro furniture and kitsch objects d’art. Fabrics in particular play an important role in the house, with the soft furnishings testifying to Alex’s skills as a seamstress...

Photographs: R.Smith/R.Leedham.

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When Alex and Gavin Sykes fell in love with a handsome Victorian house in Lincoln, it was almost a spontaneous buy.

They saw it, made an offer and bought it.

The house had been well maintained, but the young couple preferred a more contemporary look. “But I was really drawn to the fact that this had a large garden, as well as an annexe that would make a perfect workshop for my business,” explains Alex.

Alex runs her own interior design firm and Gavin owns three Bang & Olufsen stores.

They share a passion for vintage designer furniture from the 1950s through the 1970s.

“When we first met ten years ago, we were astonished to discover that we actually had very similar items. This place was furnished very differently but

“Alex took on one room at a time, starting with the master bedroom suite on the top floor.”

“He would return to a driveway filled with bin bags of old wallpaper, so there was be no turning back.”

Gavin felt we should live with it for a while,” says Alex.

“I, of course, had other ideas.”

“Gradually, though, I got him on board with the idea of doing up the house.”

Gavin, a keen amateur road-racing cyclist, is often away for long weekends competing in races. Alex used that time to tackle her decorating projects. “Every time he went away I would strip a different room,” she says.

Alex took on one room at a time, starting with the master bedroom suite on the top floor and moving to the first floor to redecorate the children’s bedrooms and the guest room.

Opposite: Alex runs her own interior design firm. Gavin owns three Bang & Olufsen stores... and collects vintage hi-fi equipment!

Top: Alex has created vintage and retro schemes in the bedrooms with fabrics from names like Zoffany.

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They have two daughters, Poppy, 18, and Tilly, 15. Gavin’s son Ben, 18 is a frequent guest.

The master bedroom contains a buttoned headboard in vintage orange velvet.

The bedside table is a 1970s needlework table. A series of prints hang on the walls near the vintage Hans Wegner sofa. The master bathroom is painted dark grey with floral fabric on the folding shade on the window. “This fabric is one of my top three favourite designs of all time,” says Alex.

The blind and cushion fabric, Anjolie, is from Zoffany. The Wall colour, ‘Bowler Hat,’ is from Dulux.

Tilly’s room shows the collecting bug has also bitten her. The vintage Danish desk displays two old Bang & Olufsen radios: Next to the bed is a classic 1970s rocket lamp. Her sister Poppy chose the tartan for the headboard because the style evokes Vivienne Westwood. Gavin’s son Ben uses the guest bedroom when he comes to stay, so Alex gave it a subtly masculine feeling with green-grey wallpapered walls and cupboards.

The next phase was an addition to the back of the house. “We knew we wanted to change the kitchen, which was a tiny space that felt completely out of proportion with the rest of the house,” Alex explains. The solution, drawn up by a local architect, was to demolish the back of the house, including a series of small Victorian outhouses and a guest bedroom on the floor above and to build a new contemporary extension to house, enclosing the kitchen and family room, with a remodelled guest room on the first floor.

The light-filled family space features floor-to-ceiling bi-folding doors that open onto a large paved terrace. “I have used two different textured wallpapers in the family space – a grey one and a white one. They add subtle depth that you can’t achieve with paint. ” The kitchen units by Alno are sleek and modern in a green/grey hue that reflects the outdoor space beyond.

The bar stools are La Palma LEM by Shin & Tomoko Azumi from John Lewis. The Hobbs hand-carved sunburst mirror is from Julian Chichester.

“The dining room wall serves as a gallery; just off this area is a small snug filled with retro finds.”

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The dining room wall serves as a gallery, a movable feast of artworks the couple has collected over the years. Just off this area is a small snug filled with retro finds.

Fabrics play an important role in the house, with the soft furnishings testifying to the owner's skills as a seamstress. The patterned cushions are made using vintage fabrics that belonged to Alex’s grandmother.

“I originally had two Chesterfield sofas in the living room but I realised that a corner sofa was a much more successful shape for this space,” says Alex.

Alex and Gavin love vintage furniture, which gives the home its distinctive look.

“Every piece has a story,” Alex says.

The 1960s Bang & Olufsen record player in the living room now serves as a console table.

“It came from an elderly lady whose husband had loved it; she came into Gavin’s shop saying that she wanted it to go to a good home where it would be well looked after.” As time goes by and Alex and Gavin continue to add to their vintage furniture collection we’re sure there will be many more stories to tell.

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- hOMes -

Main: The stark white kitchen uses Alno units and incorporates Miele appliances.

Left: Vintage furniture is from names like G-Plan and Hans Wegner. G-Plan has a current range of ‘retro’ sofas - G Plan Vintage, designed in conjunction with Wayne Hemingway, available from Oldrids.

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

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

Tel: 01507 527113 W: www.peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk E: info@peterjacksoncabinetmakers.co.uk

Peter_jacksonCM

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The Secret to Achieving

Better Sleep Making sure you get a good night’s sleep is crucial to ensuring you can be at your best the following day.

Just ask Jamie Duffin of Lincoln’s Mattressman, one of the county’s largest retailers of beds and mattresses...

Words: Hannah Goran.

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It’s been a great ten years for Mattressman.

They had their beginnings in the corner of Managing Director Andrew Kerry’s first business, Kerry’s Carpets, based in the Norfolk town of North Walsham, took their first order online in October 2004, and since then have taken huge leaps and bounds to become one of the most well-known and reputable online mattress retailers in the country.

This isn’t surprising, as Mattressman certainly have a lot to appeal to customers.

The feedback of over 13,000 customers on reviews site Trustpilot rate the company as ‘excellent.’ Their huge range includes famous brands such as Silentnight, with their familiar Hippo and Duck mascots, Sealy, who have over a century of experience and are perhaps the biggest mattress seller in the world, and Hypnos, who also make beds for The Queen herself. Despite all the big name brands available, Mattressman also guarantee to beat the prices of their competitors.

Among their most popular beds are those made by the British Bed Company, a sister company whose mattresses and divans are available to buy exclusively through Mattressman. In setting up the British Bed Company, Andrew hoped to help bring bed manufacture back to the UK. Accordingly, as many of the components of British Bed Company products as possible are sourced in the UK, and the mattresses and divan bases are assembled in their Norwich factory.

Mattresses like The Duke, a luxury pocket sprung mattress with natural fillings of silk, cashmere, wool and cotton, have become bestsellers in the two years the British Bed Company has been selling their products.

Though the stores see a lot of Mattressman’s overall business, the company largely operates online, and last year they completely overhauled their website in order to make it faster, easier, and more secure for their customers to use. The new comprehensive filter system means products can be narrowed down by base, fillings, price, size, depth, brand, spring count and a combination of these.

“Many of our mattresses utilise natural fillings like silk, cashmere and wool. They have become best sellers...”

Of course, even at the low prices offered by Mattressman, buying a mattress isn’t something you’re going to take lightly, and since people spend, on average, a third of their lives in bed, you’re likely to want to test out your mattress before you buy. Mattressman’s Lincoln store welcomes and encourage customers to come in and test out the mattresses prior to buying, and their sales staff are on hand with expert advice that takes into account the needs of each individual customer.

Having celebrated their tenth birthday at the end of October, Mattressman is now turning its sights to the next ten years, with more stores due to open in the very near future, and a new look for the site, as well as even more information to help customers choose their perfect mattress, due to be unveiled towards the end of this year.

Speaking of the company’s future, Andrew Kerry said: “We are dedicated to maintaining and building on the reputation we’ve worked hard to create over the last decade, and to our further growth as a company so that we can provide an even better service for even more customers.”

Find Out More: Mattressman, Pelham Centre, Lincoln LN5 8HB Tel: 01522 541641. www.mattressman.co.uk.

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Main: Bentley Designs’s Lyon in walnut.

Opposite: Willis & Gambier’s Louis Philippe.

Enjoying Forty Winks ensure you enjoy a good night’s sleep with Lincoln’s independent bed and mattress retailer, Forty winks...

Words: Rob Davis.

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Guaranteeing you a good night’s sleep in Lincoln, David Robinson is the city’s sleep expert, providing a range of mattresses and beds from his Burton Road showroom.

“We’re a member of the Sleep Council, a body which understands the benefits a good night’s sleep has on our ability to concentrate, perform at work and deal with the stress of day to day living.”

There are many bed and mattress retailers today, mainly chains of out of town superstores with commission-led sales staff.

reputation to carry on in business beyond the 12 years we’ve already been here.”

The firm has a range of upholstered, metal, and wood bed based along with furniture to match, as well as cashmere wool and cotton mattresses sprung and memory foam mattresses, waterbeds and electric beds.

Names stocked include Harrison, a family firm based in Leeds providing award-winning beds in a range of traditional designs, as well as Mammoth, a cutting-edge mattress manufacturer whose products are happily endorsed by Olympians, industry bodies and academics.

“We wouldn’t be able to sleep at night unless we knew that our customers were sleeping soundly too!”

As an independent retailer though, David is able to choose the best brands and have a much better product knowledge than such stores, whilst remaining surprisingly competitive on price thanks to good relationships with suppliers.

“We’re very keen on stocking British brands.

We’ve visited many of the factories of our suppliers in Leeds and Rotherham, so we know our products - literally - inside out.” says David. “We’re able to provide unbiased advice and absolutely honesty, relying in our

With furniture by Baker, Willis & Gambier and Bentley Designs, the firm can hep you to create a dream bedroom in which you can dream too, with delivery and assembly included.

“We trade on the basis of an excellent reputation, so customer service really is very important to us.” says David. “We wouldn’t be able to sleep at night unless we knew that our customers were sleeping soundly too!”

Find Out More: Forty Winks, Burton Road, Lincoln LN1 3LN. Telephone: 01522 525 999. www.fortywinkz.co.uk

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- gardens -

Grand Designs for your

Garden

Whether you’re green-fingered and inclined to while away afternoons in the garden, or you’re seeking the ultimate low-maintenance landscaping, grand garden design is available to all, and one of Lincolnshire’s best designers is Ed Fuller. He’s just completed this stunning project, and invited us along to take a look...

How does your garden grow?

Hopefully, as well as the one shown here, on the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border. We think nothing of using the knowledge and expertise of a kitchen designer or interior designer when we’re renovating our homes. Yet, as the first signs of spring make an appearance, it’s more common to try to ‘go it alone,’ and design a garden ourselves, with the more modest skills and knowledge we have, rather than employing the services of a garden design professional.

10-strong team goes well beyond garden design.

“There are three sides to the business really.” says Ed. “We provide ground maintenance, both regular and ad hoc. So, if you’re looking for a weekly or monthly tidy-up, or a oneoff tidy-up (if you’ve neglected the garden for a while or if you’ve just moved house and need a ‘head start’ clearing a neglected area, for example) - we can help. Our forestry division carries out tree and hedge planting, felling, and pruning, and we can also help with tree applications too.”

Ed Fuller wants to change all that.

With a degree in forestry from Sparsholt College, Hampshire, the Nottinghamshire born garden designer set up his business, Fuller’s Forestry & Landscaping, now based in Lincoln, over a decade ago.

Ed says that the advantages of using a professional designer offsets the additional cost, with an easier-to maintain layout, more consideration given to design, and much better construction.

Making a garden practical, making it pretty, and making it last is something Ed is passionate about, but the remit of the expert and his 81

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- gardens -

“The third element of the business is garden design and landscaping services. We’ve completed over 50 local gardens in the area so far, with budgets from a couple of thousand pounds right up to £50,000. No matter what your budget, a professional garden designer can always make it look as though you’ve spent twice as much.

Every project we complete has the ‘wow factor,’ with very deliberate design and a combination of both horticultural and hard-landscaping experience.”

“There are so many things that can be done to create a much more impressive looking garden,” says Ed “What’s more, we ensure that our garden designs look great right from the very beginning, and they will of course improve and mature for years to come.”

“Another aspect of our service we feel is important is talking to our clients and find out how they use their gardens, making sure that each one we design is not just fit for purpose, but fit for that family’s purpose.”

“There are so many things that can be done to create a much more impressive looking garden.” says Ed.

There are a number of ‘rules’ that Ed and his codesigner Chris Simeoli stick to when creating gardens. Whether designing an angular contemporary garden or a traditional one with curvaceous lines and lots of organic shapes, the pair create interest at different levels, incorporating focal points and a journey through the garden. A well thought out design can also make the most of inaccessible places or awkwardly-shaped plots.

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As winter turns to spring, we’ll all want to make the most of our gardens, and whether you need to transform your plot completely, or want a helping hand getting on top of the spring tidy up, Fullers pride themselves on their wide range of professional talents which ensure you get the most from the design and construction processes.

“It’s about passion,” says Ed. “Passion for creating inspirational spaces that you’ll enjoy for years to come!”

Find Out More: For a no-obligation design consultation or for a quote for landscaping or forestry jobs, call 01522 868717 or 07867 510 544.

Alternatively see www.fullersforestry.co.uk

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Garden Design Tips

Creating a Focal Point... ed and his team completed this garden in around 10 weeks, introducing depth and interest into a freshly landscaped plot...

A garden should always reflect the personality of the property it’s situated against, and the personality of the property’s owners, according to Ed. The team created this garden in the 1,000m2 plot of this barn conversion on the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border, meeting the client on site, creating a design and completing the work in around 10 weeks.

The existing garden layout wasn’t working smoothly and was disjointed. But, by changing the layout and enhancing existing features the garden was transformed.

“We’ve created random paving elements in natural sandstone from cobbles to larger slabs.” says Ed. “We’ve also created lead-in lines to take you from one area to the other, locating planting according to where your eye is likely to be drawn.”

“We extended the paving to create a wider path around the house for a greater sense of luxury and space, but the biggest thing we did was to ‘direct’ visitors to the front door one of three on this aspect of the property.”

“Before, you wouldn’t have been able to tell which of the three doors to go to, as a visitor, but with a focal point created, using wooden pergolas and feature flagstones, we were able to create a low-maintenance, traditional looking garden that complements the look of the barn beautifully.”

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- gardening -

400 Years of

England

even the greyness of winter cannot prevent the profusion of colour that will be seen in rosemary and alastair McCorquodale’s garden at Little Ponton this month.

The property is over 400 years old and will this month come alive with snowdrops, aconites and crocosmia...

Words & Images: Nicola Stocken.

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- gardens -

“Nothing tender survives outside at this time of year, so it’s fortunate we still have the heated Victorian lean-to greenhouses.”

They have even eluded the garden’s boundaries, weaving through meadowland to the nearby, Norman parish church of St Guthlac. “At a time of year when we see little sun, aconites are especially welcome with their golden faces upturned on a ruff of bright green,” says Rosemary. She has lived most of her life at Little Ponton Hall, and images of its garden, with a towering, 300-year-old Cedar of Lebanon at its heart, are etched into her earliest memories.

“But I don’t recall there being many aconites,” she adds.

On a chilly winter morning, the interplay of light and shade bestows an ethereal quality on the garden at Little Ponton Hall.

As dawn turns to day, the eddying stream is a silver ribbon laid between banks of snowdrops, and lofty trees loom large as their trunks merge into the sharpening shadows created by an oblique winter sun.

“Early Roman remains have been found nearby and, as a child, I was told that winter aconites grow in places where Romans once lived,” says Rosemary McCorquodale whose family has owned Little Ponton Hall for several centuries, adding a Victorian wing to the original 1640s house.

Main: Rosemary and Alastair McCorquodale of Great Ponton Hall.

There must have been hordes of Romans, if the aconites are any measure. Stretching as far as the eye can see, Eranthis hyemalis spill down the banks of the River Witham, carpeting the ground beneath the deciduous woodland that skirts this five-acre garden and woodland to the south of nearby Grantham.

At that time the woodland was stifled by dense undergrowth and it was only after Rosemary and her husband, Alastair, started renovating the garden that they made a chance discovery. “We cleared the woodland floor, cutting down all the nettles in autumn and, to our amazement, thousands of aconites appeared the following winter,” she explains.

“We had no inkling they were there - or, indeed, who planted them - but they had clearly been dormant for years, only coming to life once they were exposed to light.”

At the same time, the McCorquodales trimmed back the old oaks, sycamores and beeches to allow more light through, but left the carpet of ivy.

“Nothing tender survives outside at this time of year, so it’s fortunate we still have the heated Victorian lean-to greenhouses.”

As vital as the greenhouses, though, is Jill Rudd whose husband, John, has cared for the garden for the last eight years. Jill, in the meantime, has filled the greenhouses with rare and exotic plants which she has propagated from seed which the McCorquodales collect on their overseas travels.

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Rosemary. Where once rows of vegetables dominated, the kitchen plot now occupies just a small corner to one side of a path flanked by opposing lines of golden Thuja occidentalis ‘Reingold’, each clipped into a waist-high dome. “In the summer, they float on a raft of Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue,’ creating a wonderful combination of blue and lime green.” Nearby lies a small herb garden, whilst beyond are squares of lawn, separated by borders of clematis, lilies, peonies and shrub roses. “Old-fashioned roses are one of my favourite flower - they’re very free of disease and have such a beautiful scent,” she points out.

“I especially love weeding because I find it very therapeutic,” she says. “I’m always fiddling about doing something in the garden. That’s the fun of it...”

Top: Later this month a profusion of colour will proliferate through the garden thanks to crocosmia.

Opposite: To the bottom of the garden is the stream, which connects to the Witham.

“Jill’s produced a lovely passionflower and hibiscus from seed we found in Madeira,” says Rosemary. Most exciting of all, though, was the handful of mixed seeds from the Cayman Islands which has miraculously germinated into bananas, oleanders, guavas, orchids and the unusual clitoria.

The greenhouses lean against a south-facing wall in the walled garden, but the view has changed dramatically since they were first built. “We redesigned this area into five sections separated by yew hedges,’ explains

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Another favourite is clematis and dozens of different varieties cloak the walls throughout the year, starting with Clematis armandii in late winter. Both roses and clematis are trained up the grey stone walls of the dovecote, a seventeenth century building with a distinct list. ‘This is one of the most peaceful parts of the garden and I love to sit here when I have the time - which I rarely do,’ she adds. A love of gardening came later in life, so Rosemary is making up for lost time. “I especially love weeding because I find it very therapeutic,” she says.

“I’m always fiddling about doing something in the garden. That’s the fun of it.”

It is a garden for all seasons, filled with increasing numbers of naturalised bulbs through spring followed by a summer glut of roses. Even on a cold winter’s day, the McCorquodales venture forth, if only to walk their black labrador around the woodland to the rear of the house.

“I was standing there one day below the yews, surrounded by aconites and snowdrops, and thought what a perfect place.”

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- gardens -

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- naTure -

Ensure a Happy New Year for local

Wildlife

swans may be one of the uK’s most common sights, but if you enjoy a winter walk to one of the area’s nature reserves this month, you’ll soon discover there’s more to the species than meets the eye. This month, nature writer Richard Owens reveals his swan song...

First of all a Happy New Year to all our readers and I really hope it’s a good one for you! January is a great month to grab the coat and wellies and get outdoors to walk off those Christmas excesses perhaps by visiting your local nature reserve or indeed just going for a gentle ramble through the countryside.

A lot of us will be familiar with the many Redwings, Fieldfares and if you’re really lucky Waxwings that migrate from the north to overwinter in the UK, but there are also some much larger birds that do the same, and this month I’m going to tell you about a few of them.

Although nesting has been recorded in the north of the UK, most Whooper Swans will have migrated south to the UK from Iceland. If you’re not fortunate enough to see them on your local wetlands, then a great place to guarantee seeing Whooper Swans is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve at Welney in Norfolk, where they can be seen in their thousands, particularly as they come in to roost in the evenings. It’s a journey well worth making and a spectacle not to be missed.

“There is a third swan we may see in the UK during the winter months, the Bewicks Swan...”

I think everyone would marvel at the sight of the iconic Mute Swan gracefully gliding in to land on the local watercourse, but during the winter months take a closer look, as they may not be Mute Swans at all!

To know for sure, take a look at the colour of its bill; if the bill is orange in colour it will be one of our native swans, however if the 90

bill is yellow, then you have most likely just seen a Whooper Swan.

There is a third Swan we may see in the UK during the winter months, the Bewicks Swan. This species migrates south from Siberia and looks superficially the same as the Whooper, however it is slightly smaller and has more black than yellow on the bill.

The Bewicks is certainly likely to be the most elusive of the three species. So now you’ve sorted out different Swans, what other large birds should we be looking for?

A big clue may well be up in the sky as we witness large skeins of geese flying in that characteristic ‘V’ formation over our countryside before coming in to land in the fields.

There’s a very good chance these will be Pink-footed geese. Theses are pinkish grey in colour with a dark head and neck, a pink bill, pink feet and legs; hence the name!

This species does not breed in the UK, but large numbers of birds will spend the winter here, arriving from their breeding grounds in Iceland and Greenland, where they can regularly be observed out in the fields feeding on spilt grain and leftovers from the potato harvest. So, there’s plenty to look out for this January.

Enjoy the walk and as always, remember to keep feeding the birds in your gardens and keep those bird baths fresh and free of ice.

Richard has spent his career promoting bio diversity within the world of turf and is currently the UK's Golf Course Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year.

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- farMing MaTTers -

Helping Farmers to Meet Demand

In The Field This month farming correspondent and industry expert Barry Poston reflects on the fact that despite having a world-leading agricultural industry, the uK is still looking to overseas farming operations to meet our own food needs. What effect has legislation from the eu had on the output of the county’s farmers...?

Will it be a happy new year for farmers?

At the time of writing, autumn is departing and winter approaches.

I cannot remember a year, during my decades in the farming industry when autumn cultivations have proceeded so well.

Domestic production of many foods including frozen peas, apples and fresh carrots would be seriously curtailed.

As we finesse this edition, most arable farmers in our area will look back on the year 2014 as one of near perfect farming weather, but far from ideal in financial terms, on the back of much lower prices for the majority of their products.

Potatoes appear to be keeping well in stores and very careful marketing (that is to say, not flooding the market) will be necessary to avoid prices dropping any further. Farmers with contracts at fixed prices will be pleased that they took this option last year.

In the UK, the worrying fact is that our food and drink trade gap has widened over the past two decades and we are increasingly looking overseas to meet our own food needs.

Perhaps sugar beet has enjoyed the best fortune, providing record tonnages and a good contract price.

Probably the area of most concern for growers at present, is the proposed change in regulations for most crops grown and the overly cautious EU regulations of pesticides used by them. Since 2001 the UK’s farmers have lost more than half of the active substances approved for use in the EU.

“In the UK, over the past two decades we have increasingly had to look overseas to meet our own food needs.”

Unfortunately because of the world market, prices will be well down in 2015 with a dramatically reduced tonnage on offer.

Most fields planned for winter wheat and rape have been sown in almost perfect conditions and for this time of the year all look remarkably green and healthy.

Farmers will have had the added bonus of not damaging their soil structure with heavy machines in wet conditions.

When one considers that all those products had gone through many years of tests prior to their release on the market initially, it does appear that the proposed new regulations are particularly harsh.

In fact, some of our foods - namely cereals and field vegetables - have experienced a decrease in production.

It does seem strange that one of the biggest challenges facing the world today is producing enough food to feed a growing population. With such questionable legislation that can only reduce the supply of food that the increased population requires, we have to wonder if the EU is having an adverse effect on farmers’ output.

Barry Poston is the area’s foremost farming expert with a long history working in both arable and livestock environments. During his career he has seen a great many changes in the industry!

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- MoTors -

Rapide

New Year a more practical take on Aston Martin’s classic traits of hand-built quality, updated for 2015. Welcome to the new Rapide S, a flagship sports coupé with two more doors than you’ll find elsewhere in the British brand’s supercar range...

Words: Rob Davis

Expectations are there to be challenged. That was certainly the case when British marque Aston Martin revealed a new model with two more doors than the rest of their stable of sporty, hand-build coupé models. The Rapide was a little late to the party when manufacturers came to create a new genre of so-called four door coupés. Porsche’s Panamera, Ferarri’s FF, Audi’s A7 and the Mercedes CLS were all unveiled earlier than the Rapide, which made its debut back in 2012. Each model offers a similar proposition; the thrill of a sports car, the luxury of an executive saloon and a swoopy slippery coupé profile... but with the practicality of two extra doors and two extra seats.

Porsche’s Panamera was revealed in 2009 and has sold in excess of 6,000 cars. Ferarri’s FF was created in 2011 and has sold just 800 - perhaps owing to the fact that it’s priced at £187,000 - a Panamera will cost between £68,000 and £93,000. A Rapide S will set you back £147,950, with just 1,250 sold. So, the Rapide already strikes a good balance between exclusivity and value compared to its rivals.

For slightly less, you could also have an Aston Martin DB9, with its 2+2 seating arrangement.

So, is a modest premium worth it for the added practicality?

We think not. The DB9 offers just shy of 63cm of rear legroom; the Rapide S 68cm.

A Ford Fiesta, by contrast, offers 79cm.

So, to claim that a Rapide offers the practicality of an executive saloon, never mind a limo, is incorrect. There’s more room in a Rapide S than a DBS, sure, but neither are especially roomy for rear seat passengers. The Rapide may have two extra doors, but access through the rear ones is still limited and they do nothing for the overall appearance of the car, looking like somewhat of an afterthought, added reluctantly by a designer who really didn’t want to spoil the classic Aston Martin two-door coupé look.

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Rapide Progress: A 6.0V12 engine allows Aston Martin’s four door, four seat saloon to sprint from 0-60mph in little over four seconds.

Where legal it’ll reach 200mph.

Still, if it’s practicality that concerns you, we’d opt for a seven seater Land Rover Discovery instead, and use the change to buy Aston Martin’s excellent V8 Vantage instead.

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- MoTors -

“There’s plenty of V12 performance and lots of sonorous horses calling from beneath the huge expanse of bonnet...”

Right: The Rapide S has four individual seats, with handstitched, diamond quilted hide.

Rich attention to detail permeates the car from engine to alloy wheel.

The interior is indistinguishable from coupé Astons with a gorgeous driving position and exquisite hand-finished interior.

At least rear passengers are treated to two beautiful individual seats, with their quilted leather and hand-stitching. A tall transmission tunnel underlines the car’s 2+2 arrangement, whilst in the driver’s seat, the car is indistinguishable from other Aston Martins with beautifully machined metal controls and a docking station for the handsome ‘Emotion Control Unit’ - the key.

A facelift for 2015 has seen the Rapide S gain a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Whilst this hardly renders civilised the 6.0V12 car, with its 550bhp, 200mph+ top speed and 0-60mph time of 4.4 seconds, it does, nonetheless, make a motorway cruise a little less raucous.

Suffice to say there’s still performance aplenty and lots of sonorous horses calling from beneath the huge expanse of bonnet.

Standard equipment is also generous with sat-nav, electrically adjustable seats with heating to front and rear seats, cruise control and parking sensors all standard.

Nonetheless, it’s still not a practical car in the same way that a Mercedes S63 or BMW M5 are. The rear seats are fine for children, but at £150,000, we’d invest our money in a £60,000 Land Rover Discovery to shuttle the family around. With the remaining cash, you can treat yourself to an Aston Martin Vantage. The company’s smallest coupé takes on a traditional two-seater format.

Its V8 engine may not have the snarl of its larger V12 siblings, but the car is smaller than the five metre Rapide S; nimbler, and just as fast... in other words, it’s a truer, more pure form of the grand tourer brilliance for which Aston Martin is justly renowned.

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To view and purchase photographs from The event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Lincoln Waterstones Debut for Giftwrapped

Jane Means Book Signing Lincoln’s Waterstones was recently the venue for a launch of local author Jane Means’s new book, Giftwrapped, attended by over 70 VIPs. Jane is a gift wrapping artist and trains staff at Harrods, Selfridges, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel and The White Company. She has appeared with TV’s Kirsty Allsopp and has wrapped gifts for The Queen, among a long list of other celebrities. Following the success of her 2011 DVD, The Art of Giftwrapping, 2014 saw Jane create her first book, which is a beautifully illustrated 144 page hardback guide to how to wrap awkward presents more easily and how to make any gift look extra special. Giftwrapped has themes, inspiration and step-by-step instructions for how to create really personalised wrapping which will enhance any gift.

Giftwrapped is available from Lincoln’s Waterstones or via www.janemeans.co.uk.

feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our events desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Far Left/Left: A choice of wedding cakes in classical white with just an accent of vintage lilac. Four asymmetric tiers - two large, two small allow for two sponge and two fruit tiers.

Above: Ruffled bridesmaids’ dresses in pink and buff.

Below: Imagine invites with buff and white schemes and a symmetrical quality for a smart look. Pearl and lace embellishment creates a crisp, neat vintage look. The invites are beautiful keepsakes too, supplied in individual boxes.

Vintage Trends for 2015

Weddings Words: Rob Davis.

anyone planning a wedding in 2015 and 2016 will be spoilt for choice as ever more imaginative wedding designs allow your invites, cakes, flowers and dress to take on a beautiful vintage look with subtle use of colours and 1920s inspiration...

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January will see more marriage proposals than any other throughout the year, with Christmas, New Year’s Eve and then Valentine’s proposals all taking place amid the flowing of champagne and the chinking of glasses as 2014 turns into 2015.

This month, we’ve 10 interpretations of wedding trends created with the help of the wedding experts at Lincolnshire Pride’s sister company, UKbride.

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Vintage Colours: Whilst white is a wedding staple, each wedding needs an accent colour, and colour trends for 2015 and 2016 weddings will include soft pink and lilac blushes. The colour will be seen in ombre dresses, with slight colour gradients over otherwise plain white dresses, and with the use of white lace on dresses and in floral arrangements. Other colours to look out for include peach and soft gold.

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Lots of Ruffles: Bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding cakes and flowers will all adopt a layered frilly look in 2015. Our featured bridesmaids dresses are typically characteristic

“The additions of pearl and lace will work well with a 1920s theme as part of a Gatsby inspired wedding.” of the trend, and of Angel’s Face’s flower girl range. “Girls love their lace and frills and pair them with beautiful ballet pumps and stylish skirts and accessories.” says designer Keeley Deininger.

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Keep it Classical: The less garish the better, for posher weddings in 2015.

Our featured Imagine invites combine vintage labels with a subtle two tone buff and white colour scheme. The additions of pearl and lace will work well with a 1920s theme as part of a Gatsby-inspired wedding, set to be very popular this coming year.

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- Weddings -

4

Keep it Classical: Hair and makeup artist Ava Belle created a vintage look with a corsage incorporated into this bride’s hair. Ava’s veil design is less intrusive than a birdcage or bandeau veil, and works beautifully with simpler dresses.

5 Top: Ivory & Co’s heavy Swarovski jewellery is substantial and sparkly enough to complement a heavily embellished dress.

Opposite: Maggie Sottero’s 1920s-inspired Verina dress.

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Dresses #1: Simpler dresses are in this year.

Bridal designers like Vera Wang, Amsale and Olag Cassini are creating simple tailored, sleek dresses with no embellishment, crystals or ruches and simple empire lines.

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Costume Jewellery: To complement a dress as heavily embellished as one with a Gatsby look, a tiara and bridal jewellery is essential. Opt for Swarovski crystal embellished asymmetric tiaras from Ivory & Co’s Venetian range, especially if you’ve an asymmetric gather on your dress.

“To complement a dress as heavily embellished as one with a Gatsby look, a tiara and bridal jewellery is essential.”

Dresses #2: Of course, not all brides want to do understated on their special day. In that case, the Gatsby look may appeal. Opposite, Maggie Sottero’s Verina is a new look for 2015/2016, with illusion back and sleeves.

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Boards: Make an impression on your guests with a vintage A-frame board or oak ‘drop top’ guest books - guests sign slivers of oak and ‘post them’ into a frame which can be displayed in your home.

Children: Don’t forget children at your wedding. Party bags with games or sweets will keep them quiet during your service, a bouncy castle will keep them busy at your reception.

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- Weddings -

The Lincoln Hotel - just perfect in every way...

‘Lincolnshire’s Finest Wedding Venue’ announces its new Winston Room Brand new orangery style wedding suite will be available for weddings from spring 2015 for the county’s finest functions...

Washingborough Hall, the pretty Georgian country house hotel, renowned as one of Lincolnshire’s favourite wedding venues, is currently building an extension, which be available for weddings from April 2015.

Known as the ‘Winston Room,’ the single-storey, orangery style extension will be built to complement the historic elegance of the Grade II listed building and will be the first major extension to this important house for 150 years.

The Lincoln Hotel’s romantic location in the historic Bailgate area of the city, complemented by the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral as your backdrop, lends itself to making your day just perfect in every way.

The Lincoln Room is fully licensed to hold both civil partnerships and marriage ceremonies. We offer the flexibility to accommodate both intimate and larger gatherings.

There are a variety of packages to choose from, including mid week wedding offers. All of our packages include an overnight stay in a Cathedral view bedroom for the bride and groom.

Our beautifully, contemporary and individually designed bedrooms offer your wedding guests the perfect place to stay.

We offer preferential rates for family and friends attending your wedding.

We have a wealth of experience organising weddings and we would be delighted to speak to you personally to discuss your special day.

Planning ahead is essential, and, as we are already busy with bookings for both this year and next, why not book an appointment today.

The new space will allow for larger weddings to take place here, as well as providing more flexibility for all sizes of wedding.

Connecting to the hotel’s kitchen and one of their existing reception rooms, it enjoys its own dedicated bar area. The new room can accommodate up to 120 guests for a drinks reception; or combine with the hotel’s existing facilities, for up to 150 guests for drinks, or to seat 120 guests in the combined rooms, and 40 in the Sibthorpe Room.

Combining historic style with modern facilities, including air

conditioning, acoustically lined walls and disabled access, this purpose-built room will be ideal for all manner of weddings, events and celebrations. Access can be gained either through the separate entrance, from the beautiful west-facing lawns and mature gardens which surround the hotel, or via the existing ground floor reception rooms.

Washingborough Hall is renowned not only for the elegance of its surroundings and beautiful Georgian reception rooms, with their high

New Disney-inspired dresses for your ‘happily ever after’ at Boston’s Westlands...

Westlands is a family run bridal showroom in Boston which stocks world renowned dress designers such as alfred angelo, Mark Lesley, romantica of devon, Victoria Kay and decorum Bride. We have also recently become proud stockists of the newly revised 2015 disney inspired collection by alfred angelo.

This collection offers truly stunning wedding gowns designed to make you feel like a Princess.

We believe that our brides deserve a special experience with us and our friendly, professional staff are on

hand to make any bride to be feel comfortable and take away any wedding day stresses. in our beautiful newly refurbished showroom we have everything you could need for your special day including bridesmaids gowns, tiaras, veils and shoes. We can offer discounts on our stock dresses and provide free alterations on any full price dress. also in stock are prom gowns, evening wear, christening wear and flower girl dresses. so whatever your occasion Westlands Bridal would be honoured to be a part of it.

ceilings, ornate detailing and full length windows overlooking the extensive gardens, but also for the friendliness and attention to detailing of each and every wedding ceremony and event hosted there. Lucy Herring, co-owner of the hotel, oversees the arrangements on behalf of every couple – their every want and wish is taken care of, and Lucy’s style, and watchful eye is ever present.

This professional service is one of the key factors contributing to the growing success of this pretty-perfect country venue.

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Personalised wedding stationery and workshops at ruddocks of Lincoln...

Weddings can be such a stressful time as well as a joyous occasion.

Let ruddocks of Lincoln take care of some of the stress and take a look at their selection of Wedding stationery and gifts, including a Personalised Printed stationery service.

Create a theme throughout all your stationery with a growing choice of traditional or modern designs, including ‘save the date’ cards, invitations, table plans and place cards.

if you are stuck for ideas visit their stand at the Bailgate Wedding fayre on sunday 1st March 2015 where you can pick up some hints and tips from one of their Workshop Tutors. There will also be a selection of products available to browse and get ideas for your own big day! if you cannot wait until then, go to the ruddocks store on the High street and take a look at their brand new Printed stationery designs for all budgets.

if you are feeling more creative book onto a workshop, where you can create your own Wedding stationery, learn Calligraphy and even create some unique Bridal Party gifts.

Take a look around their extensive art & Craft department for many of the supplies needed for favour boxes, invites, jewellery and more.

2015 Weddings in the Heart of Horncastle... a wealth of choice at Horncastle’s picturesque, privately owned coaching inn...

The Best Western Admiral Rodney Hotel, Horncastle, is a privately owned coaching inn which is located on the southern tip of the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds and has an excellent reputation for delivering a personal and attentive service, ensuring that your wedding reception is in experienced and capable hands.

We only cater for one wedding reception a day because we believe that such an important event deserves our complete and undivided attention.

Located in the centre of this picturesque town the hotel also has a courtyard in the centre of the hotel and a large lawned area at the rear of the hotel, providing an

“Every wedding is individual, so we have a bespoke wedding planning service...”

ideal area for reception drinks and photographs. The Top Deck Suite has high ceilings with twinkling lights adorning the high beams creating a beautiful feature for the wedding ceremony and breakfast and depending on the size of your reception, the wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast can be held in either the Admiralty Suite or the Top Deck Suite. All rooms are licensed for civil wedding ceremonies.

A selection of packages and menus are available to help and guide you however we understand that every wedding is individual and therefore our bespoke wedding planning service will ensure that all the arrangements made are exactly what you dreamed of.

With ample car parking and a selection of ensuite bedrooms including the romantic honeymoon suite, the Admiral Rodney has everything that you could wish for.

a romantic Wedding Venue in the Hart of Boston...

A romantic venue situated in the heart of the historic market town of Boston, the Best Western White Hart Hotel is an impressive grade ii listed building. overlooking the river Witham with views of the magnificent 700 year old Boston stump from the large patio area it is the ideal setting to celebrate with reception drinks and for those all-important photographs.

Mouth-watering menus designed to suit your individual needs boast of homemade dishes made from locally sourced ingredients enhanced with a wide selection of wines, beers and soft drinks and all served in this wonderful old coaching inn exuding natural charm and character.

Catering for only one wedding on any one day the service offered is attentive and first class ensuring that the wedding party is looked after from the minute they arrive to the moment they depart. nothing is too much trouble and the attention to detail put into the planning means that the day runs smoothly.

The Boston suite is licensed for civil ceremonies and with its own bar and river views it’s the ideal setting. Celebrate your special day with a three course meal, an afternoon Tea or something bespoke to suit your individual requirements.

The Best Western White Hart Hotel understands every wedding is different and individual and excels at offering an attentive, individual, free, wedding planner service.

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- Weddings -

A Stately Home Wedding Venue that’s

Perfect for Weddings...

Situated in 28 acres of stunning grounds but only two minutes drive from the A1, Stoke Rochford Hall is the perfect backdrop for your special day. The Victorian Grade II listed mansion boasts numerous period features, with several of our beautifully appointed rooms licensed for Civil Weddings and Partnerships including our breathtaking Orangery which is licensed for up to 150 guests.

We understand that your special day needs to be perfect.

Our approach is therefore one of total flexibility whilst providing you with a professional personal service

and attention to detail that your perfect day demands.

Whatever your budget, we can bespoke a package to suit you and you can rest assured that our exceptional service will ensure your day is simply perfect with memories that you, your family and guests will treasure forever.

For 2015 we have an additional five newly refurbished bedrooms within the main mansion providing 20 superb rooms for you and your guests with further accommodation available within our Old Stables Courtyard giving us over 90 rooms available.

Contact us for a no obligation show around and to chat through all of your potential requirements or visit the website at www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk to download a copy of our latest wedding brochure.

The place for a brides to find her dream dress...

Love & Lace Bridal believe that choosing your wedding dress should be one of life’s most exciting and magical experiences.

alongside the bridal wear they also stock a large collection of bridesmaids by dessy, True Bride and Veromia.

from the first time you walk into the showroom you will receive a one-to-one personalised service. The co-owners Jo and sarah are there to help and guide you every step of the way in finding your dream wedding gown and completing your bridal look to perfection.

Jo and sarah feel very strongly about every woman being able to try wedding gowns on no matter what their dress size.

The totally private fitting suite will ensure that you and your guests enjoy the most relaxing and friendly wedding dress shopping experience possible.

The bridal showroom is located in the heart of sleaford town centre in a beautifully renovated grade ii listed building.

With designer bridal gowns from some outstanding wedding dress houses, including award winning Callista, sonsie, david Tutera, Veromia and True Bride you will be spoilt for choice!

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This is why they stock two award winning specialist designers for the curvy bride. all these sample dresses are available for you to try on in sizes 18-28.

With the addition of an in house seamstress and bespoke jewellery service there is no need to shop anywhere else. for the second year running Love & Lace Bridal have been shortlisted for Best Bridal retailer in the east Midlands. This is an amazing achievement as the showroom has only been open since May 2013.

If you would like to make an appointment then please call 01529 414343 or see www.loveandlacebridal.co.uk.

We pride ourselves on our flexibility and still have some weekend dates available for 2015 so we’re looking forward to meeting you soon.

For more information call 01476 530337

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TWO BEAUTIFUL VENUES, ONE UNFORGETTABLE DAY • Riverside Location with beautiful Boston Stump as your backdrop.

• 26 well-appointed rooms.

• Courtyard Bar and Riverside Restaurant for exceptional dining.

• The Boston Suite - Lincolnshire’s premier function room.

1-5 HIGH STREET, BOSTON PE21 8SH TEL: 01205 311900 whitehartboston@bulldogmail.co.uk

www.whitehartboston.com

• Personal Wedding Coordinator to help you make the very best of your special day.

• Luxury and style in the heart of historic Horncastle.

• Lots of character in a 17th century former coaching inn with 31 en suite bedrooms.

• Courtyard Restaurant and Rodney Bar, function room and more.

NORTH STREET, HORNCASTLE LN9 5DX TEL: 01507 523131

• Recently refurbished.

• Personal Wedding Coordinator to help you make the very best of your special day.

admiralrodney@bulldogmail.co.uk

www.admiralrodney.com

C A L L E AC H O F T H E V E N U E S A B OV E F O R A N O -O B L I G A T I O N G U I D E D T O U R A N D P E R S O N A L I S E D W E D D I N G C O N S U LT A T I O N BROUGHT

T O YO U B Y

THE BULLDOG HOTEL GROUP

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Wedding Stationery AT

R U D D O C K S Art & Craft Materials

DIY Wedding Stationery Personalised Printed Stationery Workshops Bridal Party Gifts Afternoon Tea in Henry’s Tea Room

287 High Street, Lincoln

01522 528285 www.ruddocksoflincoln.co.uk

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- a WinTer BreaK -

Winter at Stapleford Park There’s no such thing as a winter of discontent when you choose to spend the cooler months enjoying the luxury of Melton Mowbray’s Stapleford Park estate. Whether you smother jam over the hotel’s warm scones as part of its afternoon tea, treat yourself to a hot stone massage in the spa, or even enjoy a bracing 18 holes of golf, you’ll enjoy five star luxury on the 500 acre country estate...

Words: Rob Davis.

Animals that hibernate have got it sussed. Who doesn’t wish they could hunker down for the winter, and wait out the cooler weather in warm, drowsy luxury? The idea certainly appeals to us, and we’ve the perfect suggestion for where to go in the form of Stapleford Park.

The 500 acre country estate is the ancestral home of John O’Gaunt. Its oldest part, dating back to 1336, was restored in 1633 and extended in the mid-1800s. It was purchased by American hotelier Bob Payton in 1988 and transformed into a luxury hotel, being purchased by its subsequent owners in 1994. Since then, the estate has represented the last word in luxury for its many Lincolnshire patrons; the short break that’s close to home.

“We’re a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, which is testimony to the quality of our accommodation,” says Stapleford Park’s Angelina Chua. “We have guests to stay with us from around the world, but a very keen local clientele too, including our members, who enjoy access to a busy, exclusive social calendar.”

“We think that’s because we offer the means to get away, without going too far. Our customers tell us that the estate is somewhere they can escape to, somewhere they can relax, without having to travel for hours.”

Spending time at Stapleford Park means spending time in a Capability Brown landscaped country park with its Grade I listed hotel boasting 48 bedrooms and the Grinling Gibbons wood panelled dining room, which has earned itself no fewer than two AA rosettes.

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Luxury: Stapleford Park is the perfect place to enjoy a winter break with luxurious dining, Clarins spa and wellness suite, individual accommodation, golf and lots more.

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- a WinTer BreaK -

In addition, the former stableblock has a gold star Clarins-powered spa and modern technogym, offering luxury spa breaks all winter long.

Top: Stapleford Park’s state rooms are beautifully appointed and individually decorated.

Above: We enjoyed Stapleford Park’s sumptuous cuisine in the Grinling Gibbons dining room.

Add to that a championship golf course and country pursuits from falconry, archery and shooting to a wealth of places to relax, from the mullionwindowed drawing room, clad daily with fresh flowers, to the comfortable library bar, crackling open fires and plump welcoming cushions in the lounges. We think Stapleford Park is the perfect place to enjoy a winter break, either to escape the stresses of the season or as a new year treat.

We were greeted by one of the hotel’s reception teams and our bags were taken to our state room, with its vaulted ceiling and four poster canopy. Each of Stapleford’s rooms is beautifully appointed with eclectic themes based around designer fabric brands Osborne & Little and Zoffany, to brands like Crabtree & Evelyn, or themed to a particular period in history in the case of its Flemish or Lady Gretton rooms.

“Our customers tell us Stapleford is somewhere they can escape to and relax, without having to travel very far...”

Our Stapleford Park break began as we swept through the leaf-strewn autumnal 116

path, under the stone arch and through the giant iron gates to the front of the hotel.

That evening we enjoyed canapés in the library bar before sampling the talents of Head Chef Martin Furlong and his 11-strong brigade, dining courtesy of the Grinling Gibbons dining room’s à la carte

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Left: Stapleford Park’s saloon, which leads to its Grinling Gibbons à la carte dining room.

Below: Even the winter months are warm and satisfying at the country house hotel.

evening menu. Stapleford Park’s winter provision of cuisine is stunning with a wealth of local suppliers and flawless presentation of beautifully created dishes.

The restaurant’s wine cellar is a 300-bin tour de force of everything from thoughtfully chosen popular wines, to private collection options weighing in at several thousand pounds.

Private parties can enjoy the luxury of the crimson red Harborough dining room too, with its magnificent gold gilding, chandeliers and soaring ceiling.

“Winter is a great month for dining at Stapleford Park.” says Martin. “Both residents and non-residents are welcome and our evening service in the Grinling Gibbons restaurant supplements a lighter lounge menu, a dedicated Sunday lunch menu and casual dining in the Pavilion next to the golf course.”

“We also serve afternoon teas with home made cakes and pastries, which are really popular with those who want to meet

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- a WinTer BreaK -

Enjoy Visiting Stapleford Park... n a girl’s night in...

Get away with the girls and stay in one of Stapleford Park’s luxury cottages. Includes a three course supper in the Grinling Gibbons Dining Room, 25 minute spa treatments for each guest, a welcome hamper including champagne and chocolates, plus overnight accommodation. £129/person midweek, £169/person based on 6-8 people sharing.

n Winter golf offer Winter Warmer: 18 holes of golf for a maximum of 11 people, £25/person with discounted dining in the Pavilion.

Par Package: £25/person; minimum 12 people.

Birdie Package: £35/person with tea/coffee, bacon rolls and lunch; minimum 12 people.

Eagle Package: £45/person with three course buffet lunch; minimum 12 people.

Golf offer valid until Mar 31st 2015.

n spa Break for Two with friends and enjoy the setting of Stapleford Park during the daytime.”

After breakfast, our short break saw us enjoying a walk around the estate and morning coffee before a workout in Stapleford’s technogym. After that, we went our separate ways as I tackled Stapleford Park’s 18 hole championship course. This year the hotel’s beautiful thatched golf lodge will also incorporate a full swing indoor golf simulator - a great training aid when you’re taking advantage of coaching from PGA Golf Pro Richard Alderson.

Meanwhile, my wife escaped to Stapleford’s spa to enjoy the heated 22m pool, steam room and sauna, and a Clarins treatment.

Day spa packages from just £70 (including two treatments) and individual treatments such as facials, manicures & pedicures and massage treatments are from £30. Each are decent value indeed, given the grandeur of the spa, which is based in the former stableblock.

Many of the estate’s members take out an annual membership to take advantage of golf and discounts on spa treatments.

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“Stapleford Park’s dining provision is stunning, with flawless presentation of beautiful dishes...”

“Annual membership is available with unlimited access to our golf course, gym and fitness classes, pool, tennis courts and childcare in our nursery for busy parents.” says Angelina.

“Stapleford Park really is a special place to spend time, and despite its grandeur and beauty, it’s still a really welcoming, inclusive place to escape the winter.”

Stapleford Park Country House Hotel is situated just 10 minutes from the A1 near Grantham: Stapleford, Leicestershire, LE14 2EF. 01572 787000, www.staplefordpark.com.

Gift vouchers are available online for anything from afternoon tea to luxury spa treatments and overnight stays.

Overnight break with three course dinner, two course spa lunch, 50 minutes of treatment time and the use of pool, gym, etc. Treatments include full body massage, facial, mani/pedi, and full body exfoliation. £170/person in house room, Sun, to £433/person Fri or Sat in suite.

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Main: Helen O’Connell of Sleaford’s Carre Street Clinic performs acupuncture on client Ellen Waylett - the practice has 10 therapists with 20 therapies offered in all, both therapeutic and remedial; for enjoyment or to alleviate medical problems.

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Ways to improve

Body & Soul throughout 2015

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- new year, new you -

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spa days to relax and unwind A trip to a local spa isn’t just good for the body - it’s good for the mind, too. Taking time away from work or family life is essential to help you unwind, so book a spa day, take a friend and even if you don’t fill the day with therapies, enjoy sitting around in a dressing gown and doing nothing for a few hours.

handle stress better using cbt therapy CBT, or Cognitive behavioural therapy is typically used to treat depression. It’s highly effective at doing so, but it’s also a versatile tool that can ease anxiety or phobias, ease work stress, help IBS and ease insomnia. It’s a talking therapy which deconstructs anxiety from triggers and can be provided one-to-one or in a group session.

“The results from fillers like Botox, are usually dramatic and effective.” says Dr John Elder

gain some make-up tips from a pro It’s easy to dismiss the advice from make-up counter staff as being sales led, but their invaluable knowledge of their products ranges make them best placed to offer advice on how to apply each product and how to get the best from it. So, next time you’re in your favourite store, don’t just buy your usual product, treat yourself to a make-up MOT.

reduce the appearance of fine lines

Muscle relaxing injections for facial lines and wrinkles will create a smoother, more youthful appearance. “The results from fillers like Botox® are usually dramatic and effective.” says GP Dr John Elder. John advises that injections should only be carried out by those with medical training, not by unregulated practitioners.

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achieve a healthier glow, safely According to The British Sunbed Association, over 70% of the population want to appear darker skinned and more healthy. 3,000,000 in the UK use a sunbed regularly, with most reporting feeling and looking healthier.

The use of sunbeds is also known to help ease psoriasis and eczema, and counteract Seasonal Affective Disorder.

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exercise for your body and mind If you find the gym too strenuous, a more serene form of exercise is Yoga.

It tones, improves flexibility and posture and is great for improving concentration and relieving stress. Based here in our county, the British Wheel of Yoga has a number of recommended local practitioners, whilst anti-ageing Voyt yoga is available at Stapleford Park.

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treat nails to regular manicures

Regular manicures are a beauty treatment. There’s no doubt, though, that having a manicure is relaxing - which is positive for your health in itself. They help hands to maintain a more youthful appearance. There’s also an argument - albeit a tenuous one - towards the health benefits of acupressure and massage as part of a manicure treatment.

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- NEW yEAr, NEW you -

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SHOP SmArTer wiTH An imAge COnSuLTATiOn Murial Ellerington is a local image and wardrobe consultant covering both Lincolnshire and Rutland.

She claims to be able to save you time and money, de-clutter your wardrobe and help you achieve greater confidence and self-esteem with her image consultancy. Prices are £250 for four hours, with a personal shopping service from £400.

geTTing TO THe POinT The UK used to consider acupuncture a bit of a gimmick, but its 3,000 UK practitioners say its ability to ease symptoms of headaches, lower back pain, osteoarthritis, asthma and anxiety is validated by its availability on the NHS in certain circumstances. NICE also recommends it as a viable treatment for tension headaches and migraines.

LASer Skin CAre Laser skin care treatments can treat age spots, rejuvenate sun-damaged skin, treat warts and verrucas and facilitate effective hair removal. They can help to soften and remove fine lines and leave skin looking smoother and healthier. Treatments vary from client to client, so see a specialist, but you should be delighted with the results.

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enSure A beTTer gym wOrkOuT If your January gym habit tends to wane, or you find a workout too strenuous, improve your fitness with a one-to-one personal training session. A personal trainer like Stamford’s Martin Smith (£20.50/hr) will advise on nutrition, help you focus on a goal (like weight loss), or provide motivation, ensuring your workout is safe & effective.

imPrOve yOur SmiLe According to the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry, 32% of the population are concerned by the look of their teeth and a quarter of the population believe cosmetic dentistry will improve their lives. With crowns, veneers and Invisialign invisible braces, and virtually pain-free dentistry, achieving a better smile has never been easier.

A fACeLifT wiTHOuT Surgery It’s possible to achieve tighter skin and reduce the effect of sagging, achieving a ‘facelift’ effect without surgery. Using radiofrequency rejuvenation (typically branded Pellevé), skin can be stimulated to form new collagen, under the chin, on the nasolabial folds, and around wrinkled or fine-lined mouths, eyebrows and forehead.

SAfe COSmeTiC Surgery Cosmetic surgery is no longer the preserve of Hollywood. With breast augmentation from £4,000, tummy tucks from around £5,000 and facelifts around £6,500, cosmetic surgery has never been more affordable, and the county’s private hospitals have never been cleaner, safer or more luxurious.

A freSH fACe fOr 2015 Often used to supplement laser or IPL treatments, microdermabrasion is a non-surgical way to resurface the skin and leave the skin polished and smooth. A jet of micro-crystals are ‘vacuumed’ across the skin, removing dead skin cells. The treatment is especially ideal for ageing skin, acne scarring, enlarged pores, and for alleviating age spots.

Local Practitioners Private Hospitals BMI Lincoln 01522 578000, www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/lincoln Boston West 01205 591860, www.bostonwesthospital.co.uk The Bostonian 01205 360606, www.the-bostonian.co.uk Fitzwilliam Hospital 01733 261717, www.fitzwilliamhospital.co.uk St Hugh’s Hospital 01472 251100, www.sthughshospital.co.uk

Dentistry Dental Health Centre 01476 594480, www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk The Forum 01427 615117, www.theforumpractice.com

Cosmetic Treatments Glen Eden Medical Aesthetics 01476 550056, www.glen-edenmedical.co.uk Lincoln Laser Skincare 01522 575756, www.lincolnlaserskincare.co.uk Nevita’s 01205 351754, www.nevitas.co.uk

Alternative Therapies & Other Treatments Carre Street Clinic, 01529 414121, www.carrestreetclinic.co.uk Martin Smith 07846 457959, www.stamfordpersonalfitness.co.uk Xtra Style (Muriel Ellerington) 01522 808319, www.xtrastyle.me.uk

Day and Overnight Spa Stays Stapleford Park 01572 787000, www.staplefordpark.com

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The best of

both worlds T

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.

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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God Save The

Prom Queen The high school prom is a rite of passage we’ve imported from america and taken to our hearts. now is the time to seek out a dress to ensure your princess dazzles. To help, we’ve enlisted the advice of Lincoln retailer red carpet ready, which has one of the biggest dress selections in the uK covering every budget, size, colour & style...

Images: Rob Davis & Ellie Hinton.

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- faSHIon -

Silver Dress: sizes 2-18, also available in pink Champagne & gold, £280.

Coral Fishtail: sizes 00-18 Also in black, white, red, navy & nude, £445.

All featured dresses are from Red Carpet Ready’s Prom 2015 photoshoot. Visit www.redcarpetready.co.uk

it’s nearly prom season, and already the county’s most eligible young ladies are shopping for the beautiful dresses they’ll wear as they celebrate the end of term.

This month is set to be busy for Kirsty Gale and her team at Red Carpet Ready. In their first year of opening, they have quickly established themselves as one of the largest dress stockists in the UK with 24 worldwide brands and over 1,000 dresses including both short and long lengths. Their unique shopping experience offers unrivalled pricing and choice so it’s not

surprising they won Prom Queen on Channel 5 and customers are travelling from all over the UK to shop with them for all occasions.

Kirsty explained: “Whilst our specialism is prom, party, pageant and evening wear, we also stock dresses perfect for all occasion including matching hats & fascinators for the races and wedding invitations during the summer months.”

We worked with Red Carpet Ready’s Prom 2015 Collection to photograph some of the latest looks and the trends that they will be providing to young ladies all over the UK.

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- faSHIon -

Silver Fully Embellished Dress with Open Back: This designer dress has been worn by various celebs and seen on various Red Carpets including the Grammy’s! It’s a unique showstopper.

Sizes 00-18, £795.

All featured dresses are from Red Carpet Ready’s Prom 2015 photoshoot. Visit www.redcarpetready.co.uk

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White Two-Piece: In sizes 00-18, £525.

All featured dresses are from Red Carpet Ready’s Prom 2015 photoshoot. Visit www.redcarpetready.co.uk

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Red Dress with Sweetheart Neckline: Size 00-18. Also available in black, blush and royal blue, £249.

All featured dresses are from Red Carpet Ready’s Prom 2015 photoshoot. Visit www.redcarpetready.co.uk

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- faSHIon -

Blue Two-Piece: In sizes 0-16, also available in black & nude/Champagne, £385.

Red Open Back Dress: In sizes 8-12. Also in white, mint, blush, jade green, black and royal blue, £345.

All featured dresses are from Red Carpet Ready’s Prom 2015 photoshoot. Visit www.redcarpetready.co.uk

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Pink Dress with Beaded Bodice: In sizes 00-16. £325.

All featured dresses are from Red Carpet Ready’s Prom 2015 photoshoot. Visit www.redcarpetready.co.uk

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White Dress: With light embellishments to the front, in sizes 6-14, £360.

Turquoise Dress: With full-length sequin design, in sizes 00-20. Also available in coral, £320.

All featured dresses are from Red Carpet Ready’s Prom 2015 photoshoot’. Visit www.redcarpetready.co.uk

our Photoshoot: All dresses shown were chosen, styled & are in stock now at Red Carpet Ready located eight minutes from Lincoln City Centre.

All matching shoes, clutch bags and jewellery also available with every dress to suit all budgets.

Thanks, too, to photographer Ellie Hinton.

Red Carpet Ready is open seven days a week until 9pm – call ahead to reserve a changing room on 01522 793777. Saturdays walk-ins are welcome between 9am – 5pm.

Want to see more pics including customer reviews?

Visit Facebook/redcarpetreadyltd Twitter @RedCarpetLincs & Instagram @redcarpetreadylincoln

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Main: Complete AW14 range from SchĂśffel, including Ptarmigan tweed coats and shooting coats.

Opposite: Barbour Country Weekend collection, including NetherďŹ eld half zip and tweed jacket.

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Keep it

Country from on-trend tweed to technical clothing designed for the county’s hardest working farmers or those who muck out daily, we present the newest country clothing from names like Barbour, Schöffel and Joules... words: Rob Davis.

from tweed to technicals, from the vintage style of brands like Joules to hard-working clothing for outdoors types from Schöffel and Barbour, keep it country this season and shop at local independent retailers.

This month we showcase some of the best brands for those who work and play outdoors, from shooting to farming, dog walking to mucking out the horses.

The days of country clothing being fit only for working life are long gone.

These days, country brands have made the transition into mainstream fashion, and, paired with Dubarry boots, Joules tops & jackets and other accessories, the look has travelled well from the countryside into the city as this month’s selection of country clobber proves...

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Above: Dubarry Galway Boots, RRP £299.

Featured boots from Thomas Bell Country Store, Brigg 01652 600690 www.thomasbell countrystore.co.uk.

Right: Dubarry New Wilde quilted ladies gilét, in blue, verdigris or gold, £169.

Far Right: Barbour for Land Rover range - she wears a Penchford waxed jacket in olive, RRP £399 he wears Otterdon quilted jacket available in olive, Merlot and navy £199.

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- faSHIon Opposite, Main: Joules Langworth tweed jacket in brown Donald tweed £195, trousers £99.95.

Opposite, Inset: Joules Langworth Tweed Jacket £195, Fincharm Tweed Waistcoat £99.95, Duntrune Tweed Trousers £99.95, Hawley Suede Desert Boots £99.95, Croftbury Tweed hat £29.95.

Opposite, Main: Barbour Sett Crew jumper from Classic Taran collection, RRP £109.

Below: Designer glasses frames - Pro Design £191 and Bulgari £393, from O’Briens of Brigg. 01652 653595, www.obriensopticians.co.uk.

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- faSHIon -

Above: Barbour Grenlaw jumper from the Estate Tweeds collection, £89.95 in Rosewood.

Right: Barbour Stornoway tweed coat in wine, RRP £299.

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- fashion -

Above: Barbour Rynie waterproof jacket from the Classic Collection in olive, £269.

Right: Barbour Cranbourne waxed jacket from the Country Weekend collection in olive, RRP £269.

Lincolnshire stockists: Burdens: North Kyme, Lincoln LN4 4DF Tel: 01526 860060. www.burdensgroup.com.

Doubleday: Station Rd, Swineshead, Boston PE20 3PN. Tel: 01205 822440. www.doubledaygroup.co.uk.

Eve & Ranshaw: Market Pl, Louth LN11 9NT Tel: 01507 602902 www.eveand ranshaw-louth.co.uk First Clothing: North Street, Horncastle Lincolnshire LN9 5DX. Tel: 01507 525 040. www.firstclothinguk.com.

Gente Bella: Chain Lane, Newark, NG24 1BF. Tel: 01636 643733.

Oldrids: Boston, Grantham, Lincoln, Gainsborough Tel: 01205 361251. www.oldrids.co.uk.

T&C Robinson: Tattershall Rd, Billinghay LN4 4BN Tel: 01526 860436.

St. Mary’s Street, Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 2DE Tel: 01780 755378. www.tandcrobinson.co.uk.

Thomas Bell Country Store Bigby Rd, Brigg DN20 8RA Tel: 01652 600690. www.thomasbell countrystore.co.uk.

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Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits

Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits

B to

Andrew J Musson

Andrew J Musson

A

by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

by

CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT.

CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT.

CALL A FO MAD

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by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

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Te info@ www

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- STyLe -

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New Style for your

New Year

whether you’re seeking a last minute Christmas gift, or a new look for the new year, Marshall’s yard in Gainsborough has a wealth of style ideas designed to ensure you’re on-trend in 2015, with over 35 retailers offering a huge choice. annabel Plumtree presents her winter recommendations...

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1. Babel Jumper by Ted Baker, £85 at Browns Department Store.

2. Heyland and whittle reed diffuser set in citrus and lavender, 100ml, £24 from Browns Department Store.

3. Bomb cosmetics gift set, £12.99 from Browns Department Store.

4. Moda in Pelle Dynamite block heels, £69.95 at Browns Department Store.

5. Joules Buchanan red checked shirt, £59.95 from Chic of Gainsborough.

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6. Dubarry Longford boots in walnut, £335 and Greystone faux fur snood £29, from Chic of Gainsborough.

7. Joules ladies Parade Tweed jacket in Mr Toad at £199 from Chic of Gainsborough.

8. Boss men’s/ladies fragrances, Day & night, and Ma Vie, 30ml eDT each; £41/set.

9. Cath Kidston leather trim tote bag, £60 from Browns Department Store.

All of our featured items are available from Marshall’s Yard, Gainsborough’s 35 retailers.

Visit the centre on Beaumont Street, Gainsborough DN21 2NA. Alternatively, call 01427 810706 or see www.marshallsyard.co.uk.

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&

Schools Colleges...

This month we’ve a round-up of the best schools and colleges in the area for those seeking high quality education for children and teenagers as well as those seeking adult learning opportunities...

nick Cooper Violins, newark nick cooper is this month celebrating the first anniversary of the opening of Nick Cooper Violins, her violin shop and workshop in Newark.

Nick has been working in the violin trade since graduating in 2005 from the world renowned Newark School of Violin Making.

Since graduating Nick has been busy not only making and restoring violins but also teaching the violin to students with a wide range of ages and abilities.

Nick began teaching the Violin in 1983 in Devon and continued teaching until 1998 before working in Singapore and Paris.

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On her return to the UK in 2001 Nick was awarded a place at the Newark School of Violin Making and after graduating has developed her business and teaching practice further. Nick expanded her business and opened her violin shop in December 2013.

The shop sells quality handmade violins and violas both antique and contemporary, (showcasing instruments made by students past and present from the Newark School) as well as smaller sized violins suitable for the youngest of students.

In addition to having a wide range of violins for sale, Nick also offers a violin rental service with preferential rates for students.

The shop also aims to supply a complete range of violin accessories, including cases of various colours and styles, strings, bows and a wide variety of fittings.

If Nick doesn’t have it in stock, she can find it for you.

The Priory academy, LSST, Lincoln the priory academy lsst, rated outstanding by Ofsted and consistently one of the top performing non-selective schools in the country, has successfully joined the ranks of boarding providers in the State education sector.

The Priory’s purpose-built Boarding House, which opened in 2012 in the grounds of the flagship Lincoln academy, offers places exclusively to Sixth Formers. It is designed to offer a smooth transition from school to university, training, employment and adult life.

Pastoral care is paramount, with residential staff on each floor of the three-storey House and single, en-suite study bedrooms complemented by a common room on each level.

The Priory also has a strong academic emphasis, with a 98% A-Level pass rate in 2014. As a result, 93% of Year 13 students gained places at their first or second choice universities, 49% of which were within the prestigious Russell and 1994 Groups.

Boarders also have access to outstanding extra-curricular provision, which includes spectacular on-site sports facilities, a unique education centre in Normandy and Duke of Edinburgh programme.

The Priory’s distinctive ethos fosters independence and is designed to ensure that students appreciate the excitement and rewards of learning.

Mr Chris Liston, Head of Boarding, says: “Our commitment is to ensure that our boarders can achieve their full potential, wherever that may lead. It is safe to say that first-class pastoral care matches the first-class education and facilities at The Priory.”

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Making Beautiful Music: Grantham Preparatory School is keen to ensure music plays a significant part in its curriculum.

Grantham Preparatory

places at local grammar schools and independent schools. In 2014 100% of Year 6 children achieved a grammar school pass.

International School

“Throughout the school, the quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is excellent and the school successfully meets its aim to inspire pupils to excel.”

ISI Inspection Report 2014.

children enjoy the best opportunities at Grantham Preparatory International School from ages three to eleven. They are cared for and nurtured in a happy family environment.

Since celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011 the school has again been awarded Artsmark Gold in July 2013 for a further three years in recognition of outstanding provision in the Arts. PE Gold was awarded again in October in recognition of the varied opportunities and standards achieved in sport. The wonderful 40 piece school band recorded their own CD in the Summer 2014.

Academically, children are encouraged to aim high and consistently achieve secondary

The school has benefitted from significant investment from its current owners and planning permission has been received to build further specialised classrooms and library in 2015.

The contribution of curricular and extra-curricular provision is excellent and supports the school’s aim to ensure that the children leave at 11 as happy, independent, individuals.

“The personal development of pupils throughout the school is excellent. Pastoral care is excellent and the environment of the whole school is nurturing and caring.” ISI Inspection Report 2014.

Trent College, nottingham forward thinking: “Many of our children will do jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that have not yet been developed.” That is the view of Mr Bill Penty, Head of Trent College, Nottingham.

A Year 7 pupil today will be graduating in 10 years’ time, aged 21, with their whole career ahead of them. To put that into context, only five years ago the iPad didn’t exist.

How can we possibly imagine now what academic and career opportunities will exist for pupils of today in tomorrow’s world, when something that is already so synonymous with 21st Century living, like the iPad, is still itself so new? At Trent College students are prepared

for tomorrow’s tomorrow.

No one can possibly know what the future looks like, but pupils at Trent College are given the encouragement and confidence to be inquisitive, courageous and ambitious.

“Our pupils have a life ahead of them that remains in the imagination,” continues Mr Penty.

“They will be moving in a society whose frontiers, both physical and mental, will have moved.”

The school’s wide-ranging scholarships and fee assistance programmes put the enormous benefits of independent education within everyone’s reach.

Mr Penty added: “We encourage our pupils to aim as high as they can. All this we do in the classroom but also through the richness and diversity of school life that lies beyond; the pupils of today need to learn the skills that will allow them to operate in this brave new world.”

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Bicker Preparatory School our small, independent preparatory school has, for over twenty years, been providing education of the highest standards to children from a wide catchment area stretching from Skegness to Spalding and beyond.

We are a family run school where children of all abilities can achieve their full potential in a small, caring learning environment. Our children are successful in attaining their first choice of secondary school and our 11+ results are excellent.

Our Principal, Mrs Sheila Page, opened the school in 1994, having been a Head Teacher in a number of primary schools in Lincolnshire as well as County Adviser for Primary Education.

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Her wealth of experience has been shared with her long standing team of dedicated and experienced staff, who achieve and maintain high standards of academic excellence combined with unrivalled care for children and their families. We are very proud of our repeated ‘outstanding’ Ofsted inspections.

Our school motto is ‘Nature and Nurture at our Heart.’

To achieve this we offer a holistic approach to learning through a curriculum that embraces science, nature, music and sport together with a thorough knowledge of the core curriculum. We are proud of our school garden its quiet reading area and covered ‘all weather’ canopy. Adjacent to the school we have our own Environmental Area, which enables children to study nature and the changing seasons. The school also has its own six-acre nature reserve that includes lakes and woodlands used for further adventurous outdoor activities.

worksop College, worksop... worksop college is a British co-educational independent school for both day and boarding pupils aged 13 to 18. It was established in 1890 in Worksop on the northern edge of Sherwood Forest and was founded by Nathaniel Woodard in 1890.

If you’re a parent and you are thinking about a new school for your child, whether that school is in the state or independent sector, the process of deciding which school is right for your child can be a daunting one.

The decision about where to send a child to school, isn’t just about bricks and mortar: it’s about the relationships amongst the pupils and also amongst the staff.

Try to take time to look at these as a way to understand what the school community is like and whether it will suit your child.

Use the Open Morning season and visit other schools to answer your questions and build up your own knowledge at the same time as gaining a valuable insight.

Worksop College and Preparatory School, Ranby House welcome you to visit this close community and its superb facilities.

In 2013 Worksop College achieved an A*-C pass rate of 90.1% at GCSE level and 49.2% of all the grades awarded were at the A* or A grade.

We aim to ensure that academic pursuits are the priority of every pupil and teacher.

For more details about The Prep School or The College, visit www.wsnl.co.uk. To arrange a tour or a taster day, please call the Admissions Team on 01909 537155. Alternatively, you can email admissions@wsnl.co.uk.

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Lincoln Minster School... lincoln minster school is a thriving educational community in the heart of Lincoln.

Via our ten dedicated bus routes students join us from all reaches of the county, and further afield as part of our international boarding community.

Our motto - ‘the best in everyone’ - may be seen in action across the whole school, from Nursery to Sixth Form.

Pupils are known as individuals - their strengths, enthusiasms, challenges and aspirations are important to all of us as we offer the guidance and direction to achieve both in school and beyond.

The spring term is always a busy one as we welcome visitors to

Open Events, in addition to the regular Cathedral Concerts, trips, matches, recitals…

Pupils will return in September with tales of the many school trips, including spectacular opportunities in Spain, Switzerland and Tanzania.

Scholarships and bursaries are available, and now is the time to apply.

If you know a child who loves to sing, there are places available in the Lincoln Cathedral Choir and these come with 50% scholarships.

Do come to our Open Evenings and see us in action.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to see us on a normal working day, we would be pleased to welcome you.

Contact my Registrar, Mandy Stuffins, on 01522 551300 to book a convenient appointment.

Alternatively, find out more at our website by visiting www.lincoln minsterschool.co.uk.

Spalding Grammar School... founded in 1588, Spalding Grammar School occupies a spacious site, including 17 acres of playing fields, a Sports Hall, Business Centre and Sixth Form Study Centre, five minutes from town.

The School was recognized as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in December 2012 and awarded Academy status in February 2013 and is making the most of the opportunities for development that this provides.

The School admits the top 25% of boys’ aged 11 as determined by standardised Verbal Reasoning and NonVerbal Reasoning tests. The current number on roll is 998.

The Sixth Form has grown in recent years and attracts many

students from other schools.

At present there are 270 students (one third female).

The Upper Sixth students study 3 A-levels and the Lower Sixth follow a course of 4 AS-levels.

The School’s principal aim is to develop well-rounded individuals, ready for all the challenges and rewards of life in the 21st Century.

The school successfully combines innovation with traditional values to enable students to fulfil their potential, both academically and personally.

Relationships between staff and students are exemplary.

The friendly and orderly atmosphere is enhanced by the vertical tutoring system all throughout the school’s Six Houses. This is a school where individuals matter.

For more information call for an appointment at Priory Rd, Spalding PE11 2XH on 01775 765800 or see www.spaldinggrammar.lincs.sch.uk.

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Giles academy, Boston... on tuesday 25th november, students, parents, staff and other specially invited guests gathered at Giles Academy to celebrate the success of current Year 12 students who had been successful in achieving their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Simon Weston OBE, was invited to make the presentations.

Earlier this year, Simon was voted as the nation’s number one hero. He had been very badly burnt in 1982 when the Sir Galahad was destroyed in Bluff Cove on the Falklands. Simon’s story is one of triumph over adversity, of seizing the moment and succeeding.

Overall 121 students from this single year group had been

successful in their achievements which they completed just before the summer. Combined with the current Year 11 participants, who also completed their award before the summer, this brings the total number of Giles Academy students who have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to an impressive, record breaking total of 246 fantastic young people.

Giles Academy has also been successful in its application to become accepted as the very first school in Lincolnshire to become a Directly Licensed Centre to deliver the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award rather than having to be licenced through an Operating Authority as we have done in the past. Although we will still have to operate within the guidance laid down for each section by the Award itself, we will have a certain amount of independence from the additional constraints laid down by the local operating authority.

options at Boston College... do you fully understand all of the options available to your child after their GCSEs? There are so many more education and career options available than many parents and students realise, it is crucial that you, and your son or daughter, are fully aware of them all before making a choice on their next steps. And, staying in education doesn’t mean that school is the only option.

After GCSEs, College is the next step to a successful future, preparing students for their career. Whether the aim is to follow an academic route and go to university, to focus on skills based training in preparation for a career, or to get out into the world of work by learning and

earning with an Apprenticeship, Boston College can offer it all.

Thousands of our learners progress every year onto university, into amazing jobs and even start their own businesses. Get more than just a qualification, experience College. We offer an award winning careers advice service.

Anyone can contact the College to discuss their individual aspirations and receive impartial advice and guidance.

If you are not sure of all the options how can you make the right choice?

Find out about the amazing opportunities available at Boston College; see the facilities, visit our Principal’s information talk, get impartial careers guidance, meet our industry expert lecturers and talk to our current students, all in one night at our next open event on Thursday 12th February 2015.

Visit www.boston.ac.uk for more information.

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Roads Less

get away from it all and enjoy the roads less travelled in 2015. We this month profile 10 holiday destinations that are ‘up and coming,’ slightly off the beaten track or otherwise interesting.

If you’re dreaming of a place in the sun to escape a grey winter in Lincolnshire, navenby Travel’s Suzanne Bracegirdle can help. we’ve asked the travel expert to compile a list of less predictable travel destinations promising a completely Words: Suzanne Bracegirdle. different travel experience...

Our guide to the roads less travelled is Suzanne Bracegirdle. With over 16 years in the industry and celebrating the fifth anniversary of her independent agency, Navenby Travel, this month, Suzanne is able to offer completely bespoke, tailored holidays. Suzanne and her team can meet your needs perfectly, offering a customer-oriented service, greater flexibility and a much wider range of operators than national travel firms, to ensure your holiday is completely unique, created just for you.

Travelled 158

Top: The Great Wall of China, Vietnam street market (Image: Travel Indochina).

Above: Iguazu Falls, Paraná, in Brazil-Argentina border, is the second most popular destination for foreign tourists who visit to Brazil.

Whale watching in Canada’s Bay Bulls, Newfoundland.

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Don’t mind the cold?

Three Winter

Wonderlands n a Vibrant City Break

Mention Norway and most people think of the Fjords, but as an alternative city break, explore Oslo. Newly introduced flights from Birmingham make it easier and better value than ever before.

Three night, 4* city break, created as a bespoke package by Navenby Travel, £316/person.

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natural wonders

Some of the most unusual and dramatic landscapes on Earth can be found in Iceland. Explore an island of natural wonders with volcanoes, natural hot springs, waterfalls and the Northern Lights. Local flights will be available from regional airports from early 2015.

Bespoke travel package created by Navenby Travel, three night winter break starts from £315/person.

long haul: five destinations for 2015 breaks... abu dhabi: An alternative to the more mainstream Dubai. Less developed, better value for money. Walk, cycle or drive around the F1 circuit at Yas Marina, enjoy world class hotels and luxury attractions like Ferrari World.

Enjoy the luxury of Dubai without paying the premium.

Three night break in 4* hotel from £748/person with Kuoni. brazil: Currently on a travel high with the impending 2016 Olympics and following the World Cup. Iconic sights and the most famous carnival in the world in February.

Nine night escorted tour from £2,959/person. canada: A vast country and a great alternative to America itself. Ideal for scenery junkies and nature fans.

An Alaskan cruise will provide whale

watching and will provide the best views of spectacular scenery.

16 day fully escorted our with 5* Alaskan Cruise from £1,999/person with Newmarket Holidays. china: International relations between China and the rest of the world are ever-improving, but as yet it’s still relatively undiscovered as a destination despite attractions like the Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall.

A 10 day fully escorted tour will help you to make the most of your trip £1,998/person with China Links. vietnam: Not perhaps an obvious destination but an alternative to more mainstream destinations like Thailand.

Bustling cities and stunning beaches.

A 12 night fully escorted tour will cost around £1,830/person with Travel Indochina.

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Top: Nightfall in Abu Dhabi with its Arabian heritage and modern attractions like Ferarri World and F1 circuit.

finnishing Touches

If you’ve children or grandchildren in the family, take them on the ultimate adventure with a trip to Lapland. A winter paradise sees you staying in an igloo or ice hotel, seeing the Northern Lights, trying skiing, and of course, visiting Santa in his ‘official’ home.

Seven night holiday 4*, £699/person.

Right: Chills and thrills with Finland’s Ice Hotel

Over the page: five less predictable destinations for a European holiday...

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1. Budapest offers visitors lots of breathtaking archaeology and culture.

2. The traditional harbour of Skopelos, the Greek island where filming of Mamma Mia took place.

3. Tall ship sailing in Cape Verde with The Cape Verde Experience from around £2,400.

4. Cape Verde is one of the quieter and lesser known groups of Atlantic Islands, an unspoilt alternative to the Canary Islands.

5. Honaria - carnival time on Cape Verde.

6. Budapest’s Hungarian State Opera House.

7. The coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia, one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

8. Night time in the beautiful city of Sofia, Bulgaria. Image by Bin im Garden.

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exploring europe: five short breaks cape verde: One of the quieter and lesser known groups of Atlantic Islands, an unspoilt alternative to the Canary Islands, with deserted beaches, traditional villages and the kind of temperatures we all crave in the cooler months. 2015 will see the launch of new flights from many of our more local airports - East Midlands, for example - meaning that a trip to Cape Verde is easier and better value than it has ever been. For a really unique experience, you could also take a trip on Oosterschelde, the 50m long, 1918 historic tall ship around five of Cape Verde’s island from around £2,400.

A seven night stay in a 3* hotel is around £899/person. greece: There are number of different Greek islands, many of which are populous and tourist-oriented, but for an authentic experience, we recommend one of the smaller island such as Skopelos (where the hit musical film Mamma Mia was filmed), Ithaca or Symi. Hundred of other islands are just a short ferry ride away.

Olympic Holidays and Navenby Travel can provide seven night holiday on Skopelos from £229/person.

Travel

Without

Flying

Hate flying? Many people do, and with the average time spent waiting in airports exceeding the four hour mark for the first time, there’s never been a better time to consider Suzanne’s no-fly options...

enjoy a mini-cruise to the city of bruges

travel by rail: take the eurostar to lille

offering great facilities on board and without the hassle of sitting in an airport departure lounge.

Local sailings to Bruges from Hull makes exploring Bruges a cinch.

Incurring less than an hour and a half of travelling time from London, Lille is an excellent alternative to Paris, with great shopping and bustling Sunday market.

Step back and enjoy ‘the Venice of the north,’ explore the charming city of Ghent or visit the battlefield of ypres.

an excellent venue for those who love art and antiques; Musée d’art Modern, La Piscine Musée d’art et d’Industrie are each worth exploring.

Three night mini-cruise including one night in 4* hotel in Bruges from £91/person.

A 3* two night break can be created by Navenby Travel for around £194/person.

take a river cruise on the rhine

no flying; no driving with escorted tours

steam heritage Journeys by rail

The waterways of europe are a fantastic way to visit lots of places during just one trip.

The term ‘coach tour’ has low rent connotations but an escorted coach tour is a luxury version with local pickups and endless choices of destinations across the uK and europe.

even uK rail travel can be a luxurious no-fly break. enjoy stunning scenery and steam heritage on a six day tour of the Scottish Highlands.

croatia: Another European destination that’s a little less obvious than the usual tourist hotspots, Croatia is absolutely beautiful, with its medieval walls, cobbled streets and stunning coastline. It’s just a short hop across the Adriatic from Italy, but considered by many to be better value, with the city of Zagreb especially renowned for its gastronomy, architecture and culture.

A seven night break in a 5* hotel starts from £678/person. bulgaria: An alternative to Mediterranean resorts - retaining the a similar balmy climate, is the Black Sea coast - Bulgaria should appeal. It’s excellent value and less tourist-oriented, with miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a vibrant nightlife.

Resorts like Pomorie and Nessebar will offer a more traditional experience, but the Black Sea region option offers a choice of over 400 places to stay, ancient monasteries and ruins to explore, not to mention the beautiful capital of Sofia with its archeological museum and soviet heritage.

A seven night holiday in a 5* hotel is around £454/person. budapest: Hungary’s capital is a stunning destination for a city break, with new flights for 2015 providing a much more convenient way to travel to a destination with lots of history & culture, and absolutely stunning architecture. Highlights include jazz boat trips along the Danube, tours of the 1867 palaces of Queen Elisabeth ‘Sisi,’ and the city of Vienna, which at just two hours away by car, can easily be visited during your trip..

A three night city break in a 5* hotel is around £319/person.

NB: All prices are correct at time of going to press but are subject to change due to operators and exchange rates. Navenby Travel creates bespoke packages for clients so our prices should be considered a guide only.

a river cruise along the rhine, planned with a little help from navenby Travel, can include cities, towns, villages, vineyards and more. every day will be different and with travel on the eurostar, there’s no need to fly.

Seven night luxury Rhine river cruise from £1,390/person including travel by Eurostar.

a Tour de france finale, for example includes time to explore Paris, a trip to the Champs elysée and much more besides.

Take in the vibrant city of edinburgh, explore the beauty of Scotland’s craggy countryside and enjoy a wee dram at a distillery or two along the way.

Three night trip to Paris during the Tour starts from £259/person.

Six day rail tour from £495/ person with Great Rail Journeys and Navenby Travel.

travel recommendations by navenby travel...

Suzanne Bracegirdle at navenby Travel has provided us with our 2015 holiday recommendations. Because the company is an independent agency Suzanne has access to many more operators and can create completely bespoke trips, building each one to your exact preference.

For more information visit High St, Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0DZ. Call 01522 811844 or click on www.navenbytravel.co.uk

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