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LINCOLNSHIRE
LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE
£4.50
Autumn Fashion
at Oldrids & Downtown
Step Into Christmas Gift Guide and Festive Bakes
Winter Dining
The Comfy Duck, Grimsby
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- NOVEMBER 2017 -
welcome letter Rob Davis
Editorial Director
Ian Bagley
Production Director
Zoie Wilkinson
Advertising Director
Winter starts from our November edition and that may mean colder weather, but it means Christmas is round the corner too.
The festive season is my favourite time of year. This county is the best place to enjoy the holidays too with superb local retailers and delicious Lincolnshire food.
In support of the delicious Lincolnshire food you can enjoy at Christmas, we’ve visited three local livestock farmers who are providing festive alternatives to turkey. We’ve also been to see Katie Jones, a Boston baker who has created some really tasty Christmas bakes with simple recipes for you to follow.
Our dining out feature highlights delicious local food too as we visit the Comfy Duck in Grimsby. Its location near the dock town ensures fresh fish on every visit. Our gift guide has a selection of the best gifts to buy loved ones in the area’s best retailers so support Lincolnshire businesses and buy local this year. Also, fashion designer Jayne Ireland from Rauceby is in this edition, and she has created a collection of country clothing which can serve as great gifts or perhaps a festive treat for you.
If you went to the Burghley Horse Trials or to see the Hallé Orchestra in Lincoln Cathedral, spot your picture in our high society pages. Finally, a quick reminder; if you haven’t already voted in our Restaurant of the Year Awards, vote now! Read about how to enter in our dedicated feature. Our best wishes for a wonderful month,
Emily Brown
Sales Director
Julian Wilkinson, Publisher and Managing Director
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CONTENTS
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FEATURES 6
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10 19 27 34 40
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NEWS Each month, we bring you a round up of the county’s good news stories.
FOOD & DRINK 46
HIGH SOCIETY The Hallé Orchestra at Lincoln Cathedral was a tremendous success. See if you can spot your photo on our high society pages.
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ready for Christmas with these festive local alternatives to turkey.
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LINCOLNSHIRE LIVESTOCK Get
GIFT GUIDE Browse the vast array of gifts in our brand new gift guide and buy from local Lincolnshire businesses.
HISTORY Rediscover the magic of Boston’s Gliderdrome and see the stars who once performed there.
WHAT’S ON A roundup of events and courses to enjoy in November in the build-up to the festive season.
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THE COMFY DUCK We’re dining out at the Comfy Duck in Oaklands Hall Hotel and meeting their new head chef Chris Davey.
SAMPLE DISHES A selection of delicious winter warmers from the county’s leading restaurants from starters to mains.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Vote in our restaurant of the year awards and you could win free dining out in restaurants across the county in 2018!
CHRISTMAS BAKES Katie Jones is cooking up a storm with her festive bakes. Read about Katie’s journey to open her own business and follow her Christmas bakes recipes.
WINE Suggestions by our wine editor Harish Khanderia. This month he has three reds for winter.
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HOMES & GARDENS 70 80 89 92
WELCOME HOME Manor Court in Newark with Humberts Estate Agents.
HOMES Discover stately style with Colefax & Fowler’s new autumn collection of styles and designs.
ON THE FARM Alison Pratt’s monthly farming column followed by nature.
HORSE TRIALS See pictures from this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials at Burghley House in Stamford.
FASHION & BEAUTY 94
OLDRIDS Get your fashion fix with Oldrids & Downtown’s wealth of products and brand new fashion floor.
100 TOM LANE Lincolnshire fashion
designer Jayne Ireland showcases her timeless fashion collection.
106 WEDDING A winter wedding with 114 119
Laura and Elliott Robinson.
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES
In print, and to view on your computer, tablet or mobile device from www.pridemagazines.co.uk
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By supplying editorial or advertising copy to Lincolnshire Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at 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. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.
BUSINESS NEWS Discover the news of Lincolnshire’s thriving business world.
Pride Magazines Ltd., Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincs PE20 3QF
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WINTER RETREATS Escape to
Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson. Production Director: Ian Bagley. Advertising Director: Zoie Wilkinson. Sales Director: Emily Brown. Editorial Director: Rob Davis. Features Editor: Tilly Wilkinson. Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray. Distribution: Joe Proctor. IT: Ryan Potter. Office Manager: Sue Bannister. Account Manager: Lauren Chambers. Sales Executives: Hannah Boyle, Carissa Clay, Hayley Scott, Izzy Wilkinson, Tamer Hodgson and Cassy Ayton. Read us on:
Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978
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NEWS
Scampton Air Show Soaring Success FIRST EVER SCAMPTON AIRSHOW HAILED A GREAT DAY OUT BY VISITORS... LINCOLN 50,000 people flocked to RAF Scampton near Lincoln recently, battling their way through queues of traffic to catch a glimpse of the truly incredible aircraft displays taking place throughout the weekend. Spectators enjoyed a display from Lincolnshire’s Red Arrows, a Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire and Typhoon; all of the aircraft and shows that are involved in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Other aerial highlights included a display by a civilian Boeing 727, an oil spill response aircraft which demonstrated its capabilities by covering the runway with water. More than 50,000 people attending the event in total at RAF Scampton over the weekend. In total, 104 aircraft took part in the airshow, 41 in the flying display and 63 in the
static line-up. International participation included stunning fast jet displays by a French Alpha Jet and Belgian F-16 which raised both decibel levels and pulses around the
Extremely Rare Crucifix found in Skidbrooke... METAL DETECTORIST TOM REDMAYNE MAKES DISCOVERY
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airshow to the delight of the many visitors. Special guests on the day included Chief of the Defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, and the last SKIDBROOKE An ‘exceptionally rare’ ancient crucifix has recently been unearthed by an amateur metal detectorist. The tall lead object, which depicts Christ on the cross, was found by Tom Redmayne from Skidbrooke. The object is thought to date from between AD 950-1150. Archaeologist Adam Daubney, from Lincolnshire County Council, said it is one of only three known examples in the country. Mr Redmayne, who found the crucifix said he didn’t realise the significance of his discovery until researching later on, and
surviving British member of the Dambusters Raid, 95 year old George ‘Johnny’ Johnson. n Photo: Mike Keightley. Please visit www.scamptonairshow.com for details on future events.
finding out he’d discovered something of substance. Unfortunately the artefact isn’t worth anything but it does offer a unique insight into the lives of ordinary people at the time, and it’s of great historical relevance. The crucifix was probably made overseas, according to Adam Daubney at the County Council. “This object is probably telling us something about cross channel trade and religion,” says Adam. There are similar types of the crucifix in Scandinavia. Adam is looking into its origins in more depth.
£2,000,000 into Cleethorpes
NEARLY £2M IN LOTTERY FUNDING GOES TO CLEETHORPES... Lincoln Film Made Public
Lottery Fund and the grants will be there to allow owners of buildings to repair and reinstate original features. The project will focus solely on enhancing and conserving the historic buildings in and around the town of Cleethorpes.
Standing Ovation for George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, War Hero LINCOLN GRADUATION HONOURS DAMBUSTERS SURVIVOR
LINCOLN Bomber Command veteran George ‘Johnny’ Johnson MBE DFM, was honoured at Lincoln Cathedral during a recent University of Lincoln graduation ceremony. His career in the RAF began when he joined up at 19, and he went on to become a bomb aimer. In World War II, he flew 50 missions. “It is an enormous honour to be joined by Johnny Johnson MBE at our graduation celebrations,” says Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln. “I can’t think of anyone more inspiring for our students to graduate alongside.” Left: When George met Prince William.
£1,100,000
CLEETHORPES Nearly £2,000,000 in lottery funding has been awarded to Cleethorpes town centre to enhance its ‘historic character.’ The funding was given to North East Lincolnshire Council by the Heritage
LINCOLN For the first time, ‘The Forecast,’ can be watched online. The multi-award nominated short film was created by a Lincoln film company called Urban Apache Films. The film is about a middle-aged man who spends a moment of peace on a desolate stretch of coast, but the moment is lost when he soon finds himself the subject of a horrific accusation. “The film was made as a comment to our social preconceptions made prevalent by the media,” says Director Philip Stevens. “How we are often ‘told’ how to feel and react. In response to things like youth culture and also in light of Operation Yewtree and the way the BBC dealt with the information it fed to the public.”
AN INCREDIBLY RARE Ferrari is currently on sale in Lincolnshire with a top speed of 210mph. The bright yellow Ferrari is on sale for just £1,100,000. It’s the only one of its kind in the country. It’s called the Ferrari F12 TDF and is available to purchase. It also has 769 brake horsepower and can go from 0 to 60mph in just 2.9 seconds. Hopefully this car stays in Lincolnshire; look out for it around Horncastle!
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LOCAL
NEWS In Brief LINCOLNSHIRE
THE MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES IN THIS COUNTY Amelia and Oliver have been announced as the most common baby names in Lincolnshire. In the country, the most popular names for babies are Oliver and Olivia. SPALDING
NEW STORE AT SPRING FIELDS SHOPPING CENTRE Springfields Shopping Centre in Spalding will welcome popular fashion brand Betty Barclay and coffee company Caffe Nero to its outlet collection. Now you can visit for a day, shop a wealth of fashion and stop for a coffee break at lunch with loads of cafés to pick from. LINCOLN
MULTI STOREY CAR PARK SET TO OPEN EARLY You may have noticed the brand new 1,000 space car park being built in Lincoln. It’s now set to open on 17th November to coincide with the Christmas lights switch-on in Lincoln; two months ahead of schedule.
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NEWS
Kinema in the Woods Turns 95!
WOODHALL SPA’S KINEMA IN THE WOODS CELEBRATES 95 YEARS OF FILM... WOODHALL SPA The independent and historic cinema in Woodhall Spa has recently celebrated its 95th birthday. The iconic cinema tucked away in Woodhall Spa first opened in 1922. The first film ever shown was a Charlie Chaplin film. For 95 years, the cinema has continued to thrive. Hundreds visit the unique wooden cabin to see the latest films. The cinema has always kept to its classic style with velvet seats and trompe l’oeil paintings with the occasional musical performance during intervals from a dedicated organist. “We are delighted to be celebrating our 95th birthday,” says the Kinema. “We want to thank all our patrons - old and new - for their support over the years. A number of people got in touch to say how much they love the Kinema.
LOCAL
NEWS In Brief
LINCOLN TRANSPLANT ATHLETE PREPARES FOR NEW CHALLENGES Record breaking multimedallist athlete Declan Bennett has begun training for his next set of challenges.
After suffering from chronic renal failure at the age of seven, his father Guy donated a kidney to him in 2009.
Declan, who is now 18 years old, is set on the European Transplant Games in Italy next year and is training for this.
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“Wow what an achievement,” says Annette Shinn. “I love this place, we have been coming to this wonderful cinema since I was a child and now bring my own children.”
“We all love the atmosphere and everything about the kinema.” Maria Cutler added “I love the Kinema! It’s far better than these new cinemas.”
Local Actress Sheridan Smith to Star in New Show SHERIDAN FROM EPWORTH IN NEW PERSONAL SHOW
Here’s to 95 more years of entertainment at this iconic venue in Lincolnshire and brilliant films on the two screens at the Kinema as it continues to be a success. EPWORTH Sheridan Smith is to star in a brand new ITV special performance. Previously starring in shows such as Mrs Biggs and Cilla, Sheridan returns to the screen for a one-off TV extravaganza. The show will see the multi award-winning actress and singer headline her very own show, Sheridan. The programme will showcase exclusive performances of songs from her new album, as well as an array of stunning musical numbers, all accompanied by a live orchestra. Sheridan will also be speaking about her life, career and status as a national treasure.
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To view photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
The Hallé Orchestra Drinks Reception at Lincoln Cathedral
The Hallé Orchestra returned to Lincoln Cathedral last month for their annual performance. This year the Hallé was conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth, and featured a solo performance from Sophie Bevan.
Currently the composer in Residence at the English National Opera, Ryan Wigglesworth started out as an Organ Scholar at Lincoln Cathedral before going to New College Oxford.
The Nave at Lincoln Cathedral played the perfect backdrop the magnificent performance
and the pre-drinks reception which was held at the Chapter House was very well attended. n For more information on events at Lincoln Cathedral, please visit www.lincolncathedral.com or call 01522 561600.
Feature your event in our magazine. 10
Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...
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View photographs from this event online. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
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TIME FOR AN ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY?
Lincolnshire is regularly being spoken of as a 'one to watch' when considering up-and-coming counties with good reason. Certainly this has been driven in part by the successes and continued growth of The University of Lincoln. There are other good reasons too. For those looking for a second home or considering relocating from the South, the local property market is buoyant and awash with bargains and hidden gems. One such hidden gem is Mill Tower House, located a few miles west of Boston. Many may have noticed the beautifully restored 19th Century, Grade II listed mill. It's hard to miss, standing resplendent in the heart of the village. Few, however, will know what lies hidden behind the mature boundaries. Adjoining the Mill to form an exquisite 6 bedroom, modern, executive, residence, Mill Tower House sits comfortably with a fantastic range of outbuildings, all set in generous, mature, architect landscaped, grounds extending to over two acres. The extensive gardens have been created by an award winning horticulturalist to provide a number of walks and vistas, with private seating areas, lawned areas and areas of exceptional beauty. Amongst the extensive offerings in the garden are a private lawned area, areas divided by trellis work with one thru vista exceeding 100m in length, an arboreal grotto, folly, hexagonal partitioned seating area, an area of rare specimen trees and a thatched timber Summerhouse. Walks within the garden have been designed to entertain guests, the garden being of a classical Italian design containing a number of ornamental features which are available subject to negotiation including statues, dragons, obelisk and ornamental statues arranged around cross axis and side axis. Mill Tower House is currently available for sale with Poyntons. For more information, please contact Poyntons at their Boston office on 01205 361694 or via the website, poyntons.com
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www.mountandminster.co.uk
Ashgrove, Scawby Custom built in the early 1980s by the current owner, this unique 'Potton House' is a timber framed structure that was customised to suit the needs of the owners. This beautiful family house sits in a generous plot with landscaped gardens and an attractive copse to the front of the property. The property has exposed beams and tailored features, unique to this style of house. Accommodation briefly comprises; entrance hall, office, large living room with adjoining sitting room, kitchen diner with separate utility room. Upstairs is a spacious landing area with a master bedroom and ensuite, three further bedrooms, family bathroom and oil fired central heating. Outside further benefits from a triple garage and outstanding gardens. EPC Rating: E. Guide Price: £415,000
Low Barn, South Carlton This is a rare opportunity to purchase a recently converted barn in the highly desirable village of South Carlton, just outside of the Cathedral City of Lincoln. The property stands of the south corner of the village, with excellent access routes into the city and beyond. Situated in a conservation area, allowing the village to retain real character and beauty, making it a particularly popular place to live. Accommodation briefly comprises; entrance hall with a mezzanine, kitchen breafast room, utiility, cloakroom, sitting room, and two double bedrooms both with ensuite facilities. Outside of the main property benefits an outbuilding with electricity which make a useful office space, a car port and a courtyard garden. EPC Rating: C. Guide Price: £325,000 Lincoln – 01522 716204 Grantham – 01476 515329 London – 020 7839 0888 Ralph WyrleyBirch
James Ward
Bob Bickersteth
Milly English
Amy Merrigan
Paul Baxter
Ann Gwyther
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MARYLAND HOUSE, AMBER HILL
£690,000
A comprehensive equestrian property offering a full range of facilities set in approximately 20 acres of paddocks together with 20 stables. The property benefits from a separate annex. 3
5
2
EPC Rating: E
FORT BARN, FRIESTON, BOSTON £650,000 A really impressive award winning barn conversion with a wealth of features together with a high quality annex and extensive garaging. 3
4
3
EPC Rating: D
£599,000
DUDLEY ROAD, GRANTHAM
A substantial detached bay fronted Victorian house standing in wooded grounds of approximately half an acre and within walking distance of town centre amenities and station. 4
7
3
EPC Rating: E
£635,000
VENTNOR TERRACE, LINCOLN
An elegant townhouse situated in the prestigious uphill area of Lincoln with accommodation on 3 floors. Single garage and off street car parking. 2
4
2
EPC Rating: D
Fine & Country Lincolnshire, 55 High Street, Navenby, Lincs LN5 0DZ Telephone: 01522 287008 or 01476 247070 Email: lincoln@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com Associated offices at Nottingham, Stamford, Grantham and throughout the UK
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CHRISTMAS
On the Farm:
Alternatives to
TURKEY
Christmas is a tradition but that doesn’t mean everything about the season has to remain traditional. An increasing number of people are opting for richer and tastier game. We’re visiting three farms in Lincolnshire that all offer a twist to turkey... ‘The county that feeds the country.’ This is what Lincolnshire is most well known as. We’re huge food producers, and if you read our harvesting article last month, you’ll know the sheer size of the county’s farming operations.
Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
However, we’re also known as the ‘flattest county’ with stretching landscapes and few hills (The Wolds being the exception). It’s because of this, most of our food production is based on arable farming.
RICHARD AND DIANE HARRISON, BROOK FARM, MARKET RASEN
On the Farm: In addition to the 200 geese on site, there are ducks, chickens, dogs, bees, cats and 60 alpacas.
There are few livestock farmers in Lincolnshire in comparison, but this month we’ve three that are offering superb alternatives to your Christmas dinner.
Richard and Diane Harrison of Brook Farm in Market Rasen have their own gaggle of geese. Over 200 to be exact. A number that has slowly risen over the past 25 years.
“I really wanted to have goose for Christmas one year,” says Richard. “I wanted to rear them myself, so bought a couple. I had one
“GOOSE MEAT IS DARKER, FULLER BODIED AND MORE INTENSELY FLAVOURED IN COMPARISON TO TURKEY. IT’S FATTIER TOO AND MORE GAME-EY IN FLAVOUR...”
meet the FARMER
Farming History: “I worked on an oil refinery for 32 years before retiring and opting for a farmer’s life 30 years ago!”
and my friend had the other and it was truly the best Christmas dinner we’d ever had. We did the same the following year, and just through word of mouth, we were soon rearing 25 geese. Suppliers and larger companies then started to approach us.” Richard rears the geese specifically for Christmas, buying in day-old goslings in May. Goose meat is darker, fuller bodied and more intensely flavoured than turkey. It is a little fattier too and more game-ey in flavour. >>
Claim to Fame: Countryfile’s Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury have visited the farm for the BBC show. Contact: Call 01652 678650 or visit www. lincolnshire geese.com.
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- CHRISTMAS -
Meet the
FARMER
The Eagle Hall Shoot near Lincoln is hosted by Wayne Pryer. “We get the pheasant eggs and incubate them. Within five to six weeks we’ll put them into pheasant pens until they’re big enough for us to release them to the wild.” “Unfortunately, there are so many threats to pheasants - roads, foxes and so on - we save around 30 to 35% of the birds which is why pheasant is expensive.”
n For more info, visit www.eaglehallshoot.co.uk or www.gunsonpegs.com. £3,100 for 8-10 guns on 100 to 200 pheasant and partridge days including full hospitality.
A common issue with Christmas dinner is it doesn’t usually accommodate for just two people. If you’re have a romantic Christmas together this year in each other’s company, pheasant is the perfect solution. The traditional turkey or even goose is too large for two people to enjoy. Pheasant is the perfect size and in our opinion, a tastier meat.
Wayne and Cheryl Pryer enjoy pheasant for their Christmas lunch, but what they enjoy most is how they acquire the bird. “I’ve had 30 years experience in country sports and I still have such a passion for it,” says Wayne. “There’s a growing passion out there for country sport too. It’s a common misconception that only country men can shoot. We have people from the city, women
“THE TRADITIONAL TURKEY OR EVEN GOOSE IS FAR TOO LARGE FOR JUST TWO PEOPLE TO ENJOY. PHEASANT IS THE PERFECT SIZE FOR A ROMANTIC CHRISTMAS FOR A COUPLE, AND TASTIER...” 20
and couples join us on a shoot day, and often, the woman is the better shot!”
If you’re having a romantic Christmas together and joining the family on Boxing Day, shooting your very own pheasants for the season will add a really special touch. If you want to join Wayne on one of his shoots, you need to call to book. The day will start with meeting at Wayne’s Shooting Lodge at 9am for coffee, formalities and the drawing of pegs. This is followed by loading up and setting off to shoot the first two drives. You’ll stop for drinks and nibbles followed by another drive mid-morning.
The group will then return to the Lodge halfway through the day for a hot lunch of home cooked food. In the afternoon, you’re back out into the field to shoot the final two drives, then you’ll return to the lodge for a count up. Wayne will hand out the sweep winnings and you can enjoy a cup of tea and piece of homemade cake, and by the end of it, you’ll have pheasant for Christmas! >>
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Roasted Pheasant wrapped in bacon... Preheat the oven to 230 degrees celsius. Line a roasting pan with a sheet of foil enough to fold over the bird. Now move on to making the herb butter. Mash the butter, thyme leaves and salt together. Gently push your fingers under the pheasant’s skin and lift. Divide the butter into four pieces and put under the skin with the bay leaves. Tuck the thyme springs under the breasts and lay the bacon over the top. Truss the bird, the thread the thyme sprigs into the topmost twine loop. Lay the bird into the foiled dish, cover with parchment paper then fold the foil to cover completely. Roast the bird for 20 minutes in the oven, then reduce the over to 180 degrees and roast for an additional 20 minutes. Remove the pheasant and discard the parchment paper. Return it to the oven until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 80 degrees.
Switch the oven to grill and grill until the pheasant is golden brown. Remove it from the pan and let it rest. Drain off the juices into a dish and put it in the fridge until the fat rises and solidifies. Discard the fat, add the jellied juices to a frying pan, add chicken stock and bring to a simmer until reduced by half. Add the redcurrant jelly and the port to the chicken stock. Simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the thyme and take the sauce off the heat. Cut the twine off the pheasant. Carve the bird, discard the bay leaves, and serve with port sauce and your choice of sides. You can discard the bacon for a lighter dish.
Serves a little more than two, for Christmas and Boxing Day.
For the Pheasant:
1 WHOLE PHEASANT • 2 FRESH BAY LEAVES • 5 STRIPS OF BACON • 3 SPRIGS FRESH THYME • 500ml CHICKEN STOCK
For the Thyme Butter:
6tbsp UNSALTED BUTTER • 2tbsp FRESH THYME LEAVES, MINCED • 1tbsp SALT
For the Port Wine Sauce:
1tbsp CHICKEN STOCK • 120ml OF RUBY PORT • 120ml RED CURRANT JELLY • 1tsp FRESH THYME, MINCED • SALT & PEPPER
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- CHRISTMAS -
meet the FARMERS JANE AND PETER WESLEY, FEN FARM VENISON Known for its rich taste and high price tag, venison is a luxury meat ideal for those wanting to splash out at Christmas.
It’s also perfect for those wanting to watch their waistlines; it’s leaner, and healthier than chicken meat (although our venison wellington wrapped in pastry makes this a moot point).
Fen Farm Venison is run by Jane and Peter Wesley and their parents. They started 15 years ago. Peter is a fourth generation farmer and his farm near Sleaford has always been a dairy farm until 1994 when they swapped to deer. Starting with six, the couple grew their stock up to 400 deer in total that are feed on hundred acres of grassland all year round.
“They’re fed homegrown barley in colder months,” says Pete. “Rutting starts in October to November, calving is in May to June, and they live for between 12 and 27 months before they’re killed.”
“The fact venison is expensive is actually a common misconception. It’s no more expensive than a good quality topside of beef and in our opinion, tastes a lot better.”
Christmas is one of their busiest times, and you’ll find them at farmer’s markets and county shows all year round, cooking venison burgers and sausages. Visit the website and give them a call if you would like to order venison for your Christmas. n Call 01529 421272, or see www.fenfarmvenison.co.uk. 22
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Venison Wellington with prosciutto Ingredients: 700g trimmed loin of venison 1tbsp olive oil 1½ tbsp English mustard 50g butter 1 large shallot, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 400g chestnut mushroom, very finely chopped 1tbsp finely chopped thyme 1tbsp finely chopped parsley 2tbsp brandy 12 slices prosciutto Plain flour, for dusting 375g puff pastry 2 egg yolks, beaten
Dry the venison with kitchen paper, season well. Heat the oil in a frying pan and sear the meat for eight minutes. Brush with mustard, leave to cool, then chill for 20 minutes. Melt the butter and soften the shallot and garlic. Add the mushrooms, herbs and seasoning, and cook for ten minutes until you have a paste. Add the brandy and cook until it’s evaporated. Leave to cool. Overlay sheets of cling film on a clean surface and lay the proscuitto in two rows. Spead the cooled mushroom paste all over the prosciutto, creating a thin even layer. Place the fillet in the middle of the mushroom paste. Draw the prosciutto around the meat using the clingfilm. Roll into a large sausage shape, twisting the ends of the clingfilm as you do. You should end up with a tight log. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry to a rectangle a little larger than A4 paper and trim the edges to neaten.
Serves six, ideal for entertaining guests. Unwrap the prosciutto parcel and lay in the middle of the pastry carefully. Fold over the bottom half of the pastry and lightly brush the rest with beaten egg. Roll it all around the meat to encase. Neatly fold under the shorter edges to create a parcel. Place on a baking sheet, smooth the pastry around the meat and press it to avoid air being trapped. Brush with egg yolk. Add pastry decorations here. Chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Preheat your oven to 220 degrees celsius before placing the wellington on a lightly-oiled non-stick baking tray and putting it in the oven for 30 minutes (35 for well done). Remove, brush with extra egg and rest for 20 minutes. n
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LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE GIFT GUIDE 2017
The Christmas
GIFT GUIDE
Celebrate the season and give your loved one a gift they’ll treasure courtesy of the county’s best independent retailers. This month we’ve asked them to suggest thoughtful gifts for ladies, gents and younger members of the family too... Compiled by: Tilly Wilkinson.
GILES & BELLA
STAMFORD NOTEBOOK CO. Stylish notebooks, beautifully bound in leather from £16.50. 01780 762550, www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk.
MAUDES True Grace candle from Maudes the Jewellers in Boston, £35. 01205 367959, www.maudesthejewellers.co.uk.
Dubarry sock box for men, three pairs, £30 from Giles & Bella. 01636 643733, www.gilesandbella.com.
OLDRIDS
Joules Annis scarf in gold, dark chino & charcoal from Oldrids, Grantham, RRP £34.95. 01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.
GATES GARDEN CENTRE Winston rocking horse for tots from nine months, oak and woven check £124.95 01664 454309, www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2017
GATES GARDEN CENTRE Heathcote & Ivory Morris & Co Pure Morris Hand Cream Library, £20. 01664 454309, www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.
THE RUG STUDIO
Floor cushion, 70x70x15, £180, various designs, great for pets or teenagers. 2 High St., East, Uppingham, 01572 829927.
SCOTHERN NURSERIES ‘Hydrangea’ by Jennifer Rose Jewellery dish and trinket box from £7.25. 01673 862297, www.scothern-nurseries.co.uk.
GILES & BELLA Fairfax & Favor navy suede heeled regina boots, £325. 01636 643733, www.gilesandbella.com.
SCOTHERN NURSERIES Royal Crest paperweights in varying designs, £5.95. 01673 862297, www.scothern-nurseries.co.uk.
THE GIFT of STYLE
UNIQUE STYLES AND DESIGNS
MOORE & SCRUPPS Shop new Emozioni in all four of Moore & Scrupps’ branches in Sleaford, Newark, Lincoln and Bourne. Emozioni coins start from £45. 3 Southgate, Sleaford NG34 7SU, 01529 302674, www.mooreandscrupps.co.uk.
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SHINING SPLASH OF COLOUR
MAUDES JEWELLERS Maudes has a range of jewellery from high end to entry-level. Give that someone special a splash of colour with Les Georgettes customisable jewellery, from £69. Call 01205 367959 or see www.maudesthejewellers.co.uk.
LUXURY JEWELLERY FOR OCCASIONS
STRIACROFT JEWELLERS
If you’re looking for unique fine jewellery, we suggest the Fei Liu Snowdrop collection at Striacroft Jewellers. This is the multi pearl bangle, £300. Butcher Lane, Louth LN11 9JG, 01507 604029, www.striacroft.co.uk.
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THE PERFECT GIFT FOR A GENTLEMAN... Andrew Musson is the area’s only bespoke tailor and spent over 25 years cutting suits for the rich and famous on Savile Row. He returned to take over his father’s tailoring business and now allows discerning men from across the country to enjoy the luxury of bespoke tailoring too, with gift vouchers available from £10-£100 plus a range of ready to wear menswear and accessories available as well. n Bespoke & made-to-measure suits available from £895. Gift vouchers, accessories and ready to wear menswear available. Call 01522 520142, see www.andrewjmusson.com or visit him at 39 High Street, Lincoln LN58AS.
THE GIFT of HOME PRIDE
ANDREW MUSSON
CHAMELEON
Ruth Mastenbroek original scent, 100ml EDP from Stamford’s Chameleon. 01780 755405, www.chameleonboutique.co.uk.
LOVELI
LoveLi dog lover A4 art print, available in specific breeds and other animals, £12. 07734 349463, www.loveli.co.uk
Pretty homeware and vintage-inspired gifts from Stamford based designer Katie Alice
Vintage Indigo Set of four espresso cups and saucers, £27.99.
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR A LADY... Festival Folk blue tankard mug £7.99. OLDRIDS Nica Ena nude ruffle strap shoulder bag, RRP £65. 01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.
THE GRANGE SPA With its swimming pool, six heat experiences, and its health and fitness suite, The Grange Spa in Pointon provides total relaxation with a range of treatments powered by brands like Thalgo and Germaine de Capuccini. Gift vouchers are available from the spa. If a spa break is a little out of your price range, the spa also has some fantastic gift sets for loved ones this Christmas. They also have gift sets for men to enjoy too. Pictured here is the Indeoceane gift set and it is £39.50.
THE WOOL ROOM
Windowpane merino wool throw in grey, £79.99. 01780 767927, www.thewoolroom.com.
n Visit www.thegrangespa.co.uk or call 01778 440511. The Grange Spa is on Millthorpe Road, Sleaford NG34 0NF.
Ditsy Floral ‘tea for one’ set in floral and blue print £29.99. n From Katie Alice. See www.katie-alice.co.uk Use code ‘Pride10’ for 10% discount on all products.
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2017
The surgery-free ‘facelift’ - an anti-ageing THE GIFT of face WELLNESS technique which takes years off your
FLAWLESS BODY OF STAMFORD
FLAWLESS BODY Gift vouchers are available at Flawless Body on Stamford’s Scotgate. Treatments include skin tightening and the latest dermal filler injections. Call 01780 660302 or see www.flawlessbody.co.uk.
FACIAL FITNESS IN BOSTON
LINCS FACIAL FITNESS
Gift facial fitness, a way to increase confidence with a non-surgical, non-medical equivalent to a facelift procedure. Call 07796 000001 or visit www.lincsfacialfitness.co.uk.
MAUDES Vivienne Westwood leather wallet £80 from Maudes. 01205 367959, www.maudesthejewellers.co.uk.
GILES & BELLA Dubarry Fancroft leather bag from Giles & Bella, £249 01636 643733, www.gilesandbella.com.
LOVELI LoveLi ‘Santa Stop Here’ A4 art print, various other art print designs available, £12. 07734 349463, www.loveli.co.uk
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SOPHIE ALLPORT Sophie Allport’s new store in Stamford has a range of Christmas products £call, 01778 560256, www.sophieallport.com.
GATES GARDEN CENTRE Leaning Mr Deer, 48x20x13cm, £44.99 at Gates Garden Centre. 01664 454309, www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.
ANNA COUTURE
Perfect Collection shoes £79.99 and gold clutch bag £40. St Mary’s St., Stamford, 01780 765174.
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THE GIFT of ORIGINALITY
COOL FOR KIDS: NEW FOR CHRISTMAS THIS WINTER...! OLDRIDS
Get something different this year and give your loved one a real surprise...
Children’s winter wear, various designs available. Umbrellas £12. Wellington boots £24. Waterproof rain coat £24
n From Oldrids & Downtown, in Boston, Grantham & Scunthorpe, www.oldrids.co.uk.
THE GIFT of FEMININITY STRIACROFT JEWELLERS
A ship’s ventilation cowl, £395, one off from Aitch Interiors, and an industrial light. A pair are available for £395. For more information call 01522 810961 or visit www.aitch interiors.co.uk.
(left to right) XME Paris Ladies Monaca watch. Oval rose case with pink wrap around leather strap, £140. Amore Rhapsody in Red collection. 9ct Gold with Rubies and Diamonds. Earrings, pendant and ring available. Prices from £450. 18ct White Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Ring. 1.80ct Tanzanite. Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds, £3700. Butcher Lane, Louth, LN11 9JG, 01507 604029, www.striacroft.co.uk.
FARMING FAMILY: JOHN DEERE CHILDREN’S GIFTS... DOUBLEDAY
Louis Vuitton, ‘Monogram Mat Stockton,’ vintage designer handbag, £475 and April Shepherd, ‘Ever Hopeful,’ limited edition sculpture, £395. For more information call 01522 589134 or visit www.thelittlered gallery.co.uk.
(left to right) John Deere Service Tractor Station, £110, John Deere Buzzy, £140 and John Deere HPX Gator, £415. Perfect as main presents for children obsessed with tractors or for farming families! n Station Road, Swineshead, Boston PE20 3PN, Call 01205 822440, www.doubleday group.co.uk.
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HISTORY
BOSTON SEEING STARS IN
Boston is a market town steeped in history and heritage. The Stump is visible for miles round, there are a number of Grade I listed properties and the River Witham made it a key destination on the trade map in years gone by. However, it’s the town’s unassuming bingo hall that is Boston’s best kept secret...
It’s Boston’s Stump that steals the spotlight in the market town of Boston. ‘The Stump’ more formally known as St Botolph’s Church has a 272 foot tower, and its prominence is accentuated by Lincolnshire’s flat landscape. However, it wasn’t the Stump that attracted visitors to the town in the 20th century, but the unassuming bingo hall near John Adam’s Way, originally opened as an ice rink. The Gliderdrome was first opened in the mid 30’s by brothers Ernest and Sydney Malkinson and remains a family business to this day.
The ice rink attracted Boston’s younger population at the time and it soon grew in popularity. Just after the Second World War was declared, the building had to be roofed over as a security measure.
This didn’t stop the skating. Everyone still loved to go to the Gliderdrome with friends, and soon enough, time was made available
CAN YOU NAME
THE STARS? From left to right, top to bottom can you name the stars to the left? Answers overleaf.
1 - His birthname is Stevland Judkins and he signed with the Tamla label aged 11. 2 - Famous for ‘I Idolize You,’ ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘River Deep - Mountain High.’ 3 - Born in Seattle, he enlisted in the US Army and trained as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. 4 - She had a title song to the James Bond film ‘To Sir With Love.’ 5 - Most of his songs were written by Bernie Taupin is from Sleaford. 6 - She was the very first British entry to ever win Eurovision. 7 - This star performed with his band named after a large dinosaur. 8 - He sadly died in a plane crash. 9 - This ‘pussycat’ now coaches up and coming stars on singing contest ‘The Voice.’
after skating sessions and the Gliderdrome was turned into a dancing hall.
Soon enough, the evening dances became more popular than the ice skating, and it soon became clear to the Malkinson brothers that the Gliderdrome’s future was as a dance hall. It was especially popular with the British and American servicemen in the area during wartime
Unfortunately a fire destroyed the ‘original’ Gliderdrome in the late 50’s but a new building was immediately constructed and this time, it was entirely devoted to dances.
The began to build its reputation. Local dance bands performed here and the Gliderdrome was packed out every week. Because of this, top dance bands from across the country decided to play here. It became a provider of top entertainment. Jazz bands and orchestras were its main stars until pop music came to the forefront of the
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HISTORY
The Malkinson family soon realised they needed to cater for this rise in demand and for the big stars expected to perform here.
Within a few years, the Starlight Room was added to the Gliderdrome and the 60’s became the venue’s ‘Golden Era.’ The small market town was attracting top class groups and names from England and America and it became the norm almost every Saturday night for a top name or group to be appearing. Bingo was also becoming popular across the country and the complex soon became one of the top halls in the region for bingo and pop entertainment.
would stretch way down Shodfriars Lane and round into the market place!
All the top names appeared there, all listed to the right, and apparently it was just the Rolling Stones and the Beatles that failed to. Sydney Malkinson claimed that he must have been the only dance promoter to have turned down the Beatles. Sydney cancelled their booking because at the time, no one had heard of them and £35 was a lot of money to pay for an unknown group.
Unfortunately, vandalism brought an end to the regular dances in the mid-70’s and the venue closed its doors. However, in 1996, it was reopened and the Starlight Room was used for occasional dances.
If you think the traffic through Boston is bad now, picture it filled with buses, cars and taxis from across the country as the venue became known nationally as a household name.
On some of the big nights, it wasn’t unusual for Boston to be at a complete standstill as it overfilled with visitors all wanting to see the next performer at the Gliderdrome. John Adam’s Way wasn’t built in the 60’s, so on the big nights the queue for admission
The popularity for such dances wasn’t as big as it was in the 60’s, and because of new infrastructure and technology, bands and performers are able to perform in cities around the world so market towns became less appealing. As attendances waned, it was closed again in 2008 until 2012 when a Christmas dance was trialled. Luckily, the event was a tremendous success.
This lead to the Gliderdrome becoming a place of nostalgia for people wanting to rediscover the magic of its Golden Era. It’s still run today by the Malkinson family. The brothers Ernest and Sydney have sadly passed away but Pat (Ernest’s son) and Stephen (Sydney’s son) are senior directors. Pat’s wife and their two children are all involved in the business too.
Nowadays, the venue is still used as a bingo hall and the Starlight Room can be used for various functions and events if privately hired.
A number of fantastic tribute acts of the big bands and names of the 60’s are bringing life and nostalgia back to the venue so people can remember the Gliderdrome for what it once was. Answers (from left to right, top to bottom): Stevie Wonder, The Ike and Tina Turner Show, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Lulu (and the Luvvers), Elton John, Sandie Shaw, T-Rex, Otis Redding and even Tom Jones all performed at the Gliderdrome in its Golden Era.
British music scene. It became the norm for a top band or performer supported by two or three other groups to perform at Boston’s main music and dance venue every single week.
The Girl at the Glider who Bewitched Jimi Hendrix... It’s every 60’s teenage girl’s dream - for the popstar that’s in the posters all over the walls of their childhood bedroom, covered in kiss marks and often sung to via hairbrush, to fall in love with them. That was a reality for Anthea Connell (above) in 1967 when she visited the Gliderdrome’s Starlight Room with friends.
Anthea is now 69 and mother of three but it’s a moment she’ll never forget. When she was 19 years old, Jimi Hendrix leapt off the stage and sauntered up to her at the venue. He spoke to her before going back on stage and asking his band members from the Jimi Hendrix experience for something to write on. He came back with a guitar string packet.
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“He started talking to me and I was so shocked I can’t even remember what we said,” says Anthea. I’d love to say that we had a deep and meaningful conversation.” “I must have mumbled something but have no recollection of it. I was totally awestruck. Jimi Hendrix was a complete icon.”
Jimi’s message read ‘To Anthea. Love and kisses to you forever. I wish I could really talk to you. Stay sweet. Jimi Hendrix.’ Anthea held on to the note and is now selling it at auction so she can travel to New Zealand to see family relatives with her husband Steve.
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BOSTON’S HALL of FAME
1960: Shane Fenton (later Alvin Stardust), Craig Douglas (first recognised ‘pop’ star to visit). 1961: Joe Brown. 1962: John Barry Seven, Emile Ford, The Tornados (Telstar). 1963: Marty Wilde, Freddie and the Dreamers, Johnny Burnette (first American star to visit). 1964: Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, Tony Orlando, The Animals, Brenda Lee, The Merseybeats. The Starlight Room opened in November. 1965: Billy J. Kramer, The Searchers, The Merseybeats, The Kinks, The Barron Knights, Tom Jones, P J Proby, The Fourmost, The Walker Brothers, The Yardbirds, Them, Lulu (and The Luvvers), The Nashville Teens, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Billy Fury, The Small Faces, Tom Jones, Sandie Shaw, The Rockin Berries, Herman’s Hermits. 1966: Dusty Springfield, The Fortunes, The Who, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Manfred Mann, Solomon Burke, The Move, Otis Redding, Chris Farlowe, Lee Dorsey. 1967: Spencer Davis Group, Jimi Hendrix Experience, P P Arnold, Jeff Beck Group, Duane Eddy Show, Stevie Wonder, Traffic. 1968: The Tremeloes, Procol Harum, Amen Corner, The Herd, Ike and Tina Turner Show, The Platters, The Ronettes, The Nice, Love Affair, Status Quo. 1969: The Platters, The Marmalade, Amen Corner, Lovin’ Spoonful, Inez and Charlie Foxx and Band. 1970: Carla Thomas, Edison Lighthouse, Love Affair, Jimmy Ruffin, Free, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Ginger Baker’s Airforce, Yes. 1971: Lindisfarne, T Rex, The Sweet, Hot Chocolate, Slade. 1972: T Rex, Yes, Steeleye Span, Mac and Katie Kissoon. 1973: Thin Lizzy, Elton John, Roy Wood’s Wizzard, Electric Light Orchestra, Curved Air.
Main: Thin Lizzy.
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WHAT’S ON
What’s On... LINCOLN
FRIDAY 3rd NOVEMBER
LINCOLN
TWILIGHT TOUR
FRIDAY 3rd NOVEMBER
Visit Lincoln Castle as they commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Charter of the Forest. Find out about the significance of this charter and take the opportunity to view the Charter of the Forest and the Magna Carta in this exclusive evening at Lincoln Castle.
FIREWORKS AT THE LINCOLN SHOWGROUND
The Lincolnshire Showground’s fireworks display will this year be on 3rd November. There will be a whole evening of family entertainment, including a pyro musical show, funfair and lots of tasty food and drink. Rob Hammond, presenter of the Lincs FM Breakfast Show, will host the evening and count down to the first firework. Local singers will also be showcasing their talent and entertaining the crowds on stage. Fuse Fireworks, an award-winning special FX company will be providing the fireworks.
n £20/tickets, 01522 782040, www.lincolncastle.com. LINCOLN
FRIDAY 3rd NOVEMBER
RAF SWING WING BAND
Lincoln Drill Hall will be welcoming back the world-famous RAF Swing Wing band. The band is well known for its talent and for providing a truly sensational and wonderful evening of 40s jazz and swing! n Call 01522 873894, or see www.lincolndrillhall.com.
n 01522 522900, www.lincoln shireshowground.co.uk.
Festive Reindeer Parade with Santa Claus around Lincoln SANTA RIDES HIS SLEIGH AROUND THE CITY WITH HIS HERD OF REINDEERS LEADING THE WAY...
LINCOLN
SATURDAY 4th NOVEMBER LINCOLN
THURSDAY 18th NOVEMBER
REINDEER PARADE
The Reindeer Parade takes place after a display in the afternoon, starting at St Marks Shopping Centre making its way across the High Street, and finishing at Lincoln City Square. Follow the parade or watch as it passes by and get your photo taken with the reindeer and Santa at the post-parade display on City Square. The reindeer are from the only herd of reindeer in Britain and will be travelling from Cairngorms in Scotland. Their parades and appearances in the festive season help to fund their care through the rest of the year. n Saturday 18th November,
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JONATHAN SAGE LUNCHTIME CONCERT
As part of the Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival, Jonathan Sage will be joined on stage by Kate Ledger as he plays the clarinet and she plays the piano. The programme includes works by Finzi, Milhaud and Berg. n Call 01522 873894, or see www.lincolndrillhall.com. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Drill Hall.
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Send your press releases and events to: the Features Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
LINCOLN
FRIDAY 17th NOVEMBER
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Attend the Christmas lights switch on in Lincoln to start your countdown to Christmas at the annual fun-packed Christmas Lights Switch On at St Marks Shopping Centre, Lincoln High Street, and Waterside Shopping Centre. n Lincoln, LN1 1TT, 01522 545458. LINCOLN
MONDAY 20th - 23rd NOVEMBER LINCOLN
SUNDAY 19th NOVEMBER
LINCOLNSHIRE WEDDING SHOW
The perfect wedding day is a dream of every bride-to-be, but to make that dream come true takes a lot of planning and organisation. Wedding shows provide the ideal way of taking
the hard work out of those hectic planning stages, and with over 50 stands at the Lincolnshire Wedding Show, it remains the areas biggest wedding show attracting hundreds of brides to be from all parts of the region. Tickets are just £4.
n Call 01522 522900 or visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.
Bruch Violin Concerto with Stamford Chamber Orchestra A CLASSICAL EVENING OF MUSIC IN STAMFORD
NEW YOUTH THEATRE’S ADDAM’S FAMILY THE MUSICAL
Wednesday Addams, has become an adult with a secret that only Gomez knows. She’s fallen for a sweet young man from a respectable family. The two families meet for a dinner with consequences. n Call 01522 873894 or visit www.lincolndrillhall.com.
OAKHAM
SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER
BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO: STAMFORD CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Enjoy a classical evening of classical music with Stamford Chamber Orchestra, Stamford’s resident orchestra. Join them for the opening concert of their new season. Expect to hear Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Bruch Violin Concerto by soloist Freya Goldmark and Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony. Award-winning violinist
GRIMSBY
WEDNESDAY 22nd - 23rd NOVEMBER
SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival at the Grimsby Auditorium. This is set to be an exhilarating evening of theatre where you will see Shakespeare’s stories brought to life like never before. Tickets are £10.50. n Call 0300 300 0035 or visit www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk. GAINSBOROUGH
SATURDAY 25th NOVEMBER
VICTORIAN GIFT CHRISTMAS FAIR
Visit Gainsborough Old Hall for one of the country’s leading craft fayres set out in the beautiful manor house, where the traditions of Victorian Christmas will kick off your festive season. n Call 01522 782040 or visit www.gainsborougholdhall.com.
Freya Goldmark returns to her homeland for this performance. She’s looking forward to the show and playing Bruch’s romantic Violin Concerto No.1, a passionate and exuberant work that has been a firm favourite with performers and audiences for 150 years. Paired with Mendelssohn’s brilliant Scottish Symphony, the evening promises to thrill and delight the audience so make sure to come along.
n Stamford Arts Centre. Tickets are £12.50, £5 for children. all 01780 763203 or visit www.stamfordartscentre.com.
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WHAT’S ON
What’s On... LINCOLN
SATURDAY 2nd-3rd DECEMBER
TATTERSHALL
SATURDAY 18th - 19th NOVEMBER
LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD & GIFT FAIR
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT TATTERSHALL CASTLE
Spanning two exhibition halls, it is the perfect place to find gifts for loved ones to start your Christmas the right way. As well as all the stalls and samples to browse, there will also be demonstrations on crafts and cookery to inspire. So if you’re lacking Christmas cheer don’t miss the Food and Gift Fair at the Showground.
Find unique gifts made by local people at Tattershall Castle’s annual festive event. Come and pick up handmade Christmas gifts from Lincolnshire crafts people and food suppliers at the historic market. This is a National Trust property and weekend so there will be free entry to the market all weekend. Booking is also not needed and dogs on leads are welcome.
n 01522 522900, www.lincoln shireshowground.co.uk.
n Call Naomi Law from the National Trust property Tattershall Castle on 01526 342543 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Enjoy Burghley House’s Christmas Fair in Comfort VISIT BURGHLEY HOUSE IN STAMFORD TO ENJOY YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND FINE FOOD TOO...
GRANTHAM
SATURDAY 25th - 26th NOVEMBER
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR AT STOKE ROCHFORD STAMFORD
SATURDAY 18th NOVEMBER
BURGHLEY HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Staged in the Chestnut Courtyard and The Brewhouse at Burghley House, this event presents over 60 talented makers and designers from all over the UK. This is the perfect place to work your way enjoyably through your Christmas list. Full refreshments available all day in The Orangery Restaurant. The Christmas Fine Food Market takes place in the adjacent Stable Courtyard with 30 local producers.
n Call the house on 01780 752451 or visit www.burghley.co.uk for more information.
Stoke Rochford Hall between Stamford and Grantham hosts another fabulous festive Christmas event, building on the success of last year. Costumed traditional market inside in the warm with costumed stallholders and loads of gift ideas. Expect to see the likes of her majesty Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Sherlock Holmes, entertainers, carol singers, owls, and a green Victorian Father Christmas! Small entry charge for adults over 16. The hotel is under new ownership and is being refurbished throughout. New for 2017 is a dedicated website and more trading space. n Stoke Rochford, Grantham NG33 5EJ, 01476 530337 or see www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk.
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EATING OUT
Comfy Duck
GRIMSBY
This month The Comfy Duck at Oaklands Hall Hotel in Grimsby is a tale of two halves. On the one hand, it’s a time for change at the hotel with new head chef Chris Davey and recently refurbished bedrooms. On the other, it’s business as usual for the restaurant... There is a certainty when visiting The Comfy Duck at Oaklands Hall Hotel in Grimsby; its location near to the docks ensures you will always enjoy fresh fish.
Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson.
You can also guarantee that it’s business as usual for the hotel. Head chef Steve Bennett recently left the kitchen, but Chris Davey has stepped into his shoes bringing with him his wealth of experience from across the globe. In all honesty, we were a little reticent on our visit. The Comfy Duck restaurant never fails to impress us and the dishes are always beautifully presented.
However, it came as a very pleasant surprise to discover that nothing has changed now the kitchen is under Chris’s management, and we were still able to enjoy some of the best meals our county has to offer.
“With 80 seats in our Comfy Duck restaurant, 120 seats in our Garden Room, 220 seats in our recently refurbished Churchill Room and 46 rooms to our hotel, the kitchen staff play a very important role in the hotel,”
“THERE ARE 80 SEATS IN OUR COMFY DUCK RESTAURANT, 120 SEATS IN OUR GARDEN ROOM, AND 220 SEATS IN THE CHURCHILL ROOM...”
meet the CHEF CHRIS DAVEY, HEAD CHEF AT THE COMFY DUCK
says Barry Flint, General Manager. “Chris certainly matches the job description and ensures every dish we serve is superb.” Since our last visit earlier this year, the hotel has recently been refurbished. It’s currently in the process of being entirely refurbished and most of the rooms have been modernised now. To cater for the wedding market more, the Junior Suite is now twice the size.
“Our Junior Suites or main bridal suites have now been knocked through to make one large room with marble en suite, walk-in shower and ‘His & Hers’ vanity unit. All the decorations are now modern making it more attractive to a prospective couple.” Oaklands Hall Hotel is now more attractive than ever to a couple looking to get married.
Background: Originally from Skegness, Chris trained here before travelling the world and trying food across the globe. He came back to the UK working in high quality restaurants before coming to Oaklands Hall Hotel this year. Food Heaven: “I love going to London restaurants and trying the food served by the city’s top chefs. Expensive, but my food heaven!” Food Hell: “My food hell has to be fast food and burger restaurants!”
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There are two function rooms to choose from - the Garden Room and larger newly refurbished Churchill Room - the rooms are all in pristine condition, and the catering is of the highest standard. However, if you’re just visiting for a meal at the Comfy Duck, the standards are just as high with a wide variety to choose from.
“I’ve got a few ideas for the new menu, making it seasonal, bringing in more local ingredients,” says Chris. “Of course we’ll be keeping some of our favourite dishes.”
“Our bestseller by far is our classic fish & chips and we can always ensure that it’s fresh thanks to being so close to Grimsby docks.” “However, the new menu will feature dishes more revolved around the season; game, root vegetables, mushrooms and so on.”
OPEN FOR FOOD Lunchtime: 12noon - 2.30pm Monday to Friday, 11.30am - 9.30pm Saturday.
Evening: 5pm - 9.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Sunday: 12noon - 3.30pm and 6pm - 9pm.
Afternoon Tea: 1pm - 3pm, Monday to Saturday.
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- EATING OUT -
on the MENU OAKLAND’S COMFY DUCK’S ROSETTE MENU
Starters
Pork and Poacher pie with cherry tomato, raspberry preserve and pickled radish, £8.50.
Smoked duck leg with smoked Applewood croquette, and chilli and redcurrant compote, £8.50.
Main Courses
The hotel has had various celebrity chefs visit and try what they have to offer including Tom Kerridge.
The local suppliers The Comfy Duck uses include Lincolnshire Poacher and Cote Hill cheeses, the Three Little Pigs for cured meats, Alfred Enderby for smoked fish, Bateman’s for real ale, House of Townend for fine wine, John Pettit’s for lamb and sausages, Stokes for coffee and LKTE Vegetables for all fruit and veg (to name just a few!).
Our visit started with scallops with asparagus, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce served in the usual beautiful style the Comfy Duck is known for.
Four mains followed; confit duck leg with cheese croquette and chilli & redcurrant jam, fish & chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce and duck breast with cherry and plum jam, kale, wild mushrooms and game chips.
The fourth dish really showed the talents of Chris and his brigade in the kitchen. One to feature on their new menu, Chris served grilled red snapper, kale and textures of beetroot. The fish was perfectly cooked and the colour of the beetroot was a brilliant pink which made the dish look incredible.
For dessert, we enjoyed a mini lemon posset with chocolate mousse and honeycomb, and a lemon poppy seed cake with granola, berry coulis and sorbet. The attention to detail was fantastic, everything was thought about; presentation, texture, flavours, all spot on.
It really shows what the new head chef has brought to the table. After training for three to four years in his hometown of Skegness, he travelled around the world trying hundreds of dishes and cooking cultural food from every part of the globe. His experiences and his travels are great additions to his CV, alongside his experience when he came back to the UK.
“I live in Leeds and have done for the past nine years. I’ve worked in a tapas restaurant, a Hilton hotel, a Park Plaza in Leeds and various other restaurants too.” It’s clear that Chris has so much to offer Oaklands and the restaurant will continue to improve with his new ideas and menu introductions.
Other than that, the hotel and restaurant as a whole continues to be a thriving success; a night’s stay and fine dining experience at Oaklands has never looked so impressive.
Red mullet with crispy crushed potato, sautée of cherry tomato, courgette, mange tout and chill and lemon & tarragon dressing, £23.95. Sea bass fillets with crab & potato rosti, confit fennel and watercress pesto, £18.95.
Duck breast with game chips, kale, morels, plum & ginger chutney, £23.95.
Desserts
White chocolate delice with sous vide Strawberries, prosecco granita, glazed hazlenuts, strawberry consomme and caramelised puff pastry, £7.95.
Lemon posset with Caramac soil, honeycomb, cocoa creme patisserie and orange segments, £7.25. NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.
n Visit Oaklands Hall Hotel, Barton Street, Laceby, Lincolnshire DN37 7LF. Call to book on 01472 872248 or visit the website www.thecomfyduck.co.uk. 49
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November’s Selection
CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THESE WINTER WARMERS IN ONE OF OUR FEATURED RESTAURANTS. FROM CRISPY PORK BELLY TO JUICY PAVÉ OF BEEF, THEY ARE PERFECT FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR...
THE MANE COURSE
Ye Olde Red Lion in Bicker has an incredible ‘mane’ course of pan fried supreme of corn fed chicken. It’s also the perfect cosy atmospheric country pub restaurant for when the weather gets a little colder. 01775 821200, www.redlionbicker.co.uk.
n The Green Man is in Norton Disney and its dishes are beautifully presented earning its great reputation.
We were served pan fried scallops and crispy pork belly with a crisp apple
& watercress salad, apple purée, and sprinkled with pork crackling crumb. Head to the website for more information. 01522 789804, www.thegreenman-nortondisney.co.uk.
n THE RAM IN NEWARK, serves three bone rack of lamb; crushed minted new potatoes, baby vegetables, served in a red wine jus.
n Farndon Boathouse serves pavé of beef, (pink only!) with dauphinoise potatoes, spring greens, pancetta and baby onion jus. 01636 676578, www.farndonboathouse.co.uk.
01636 940220, www.theramnewark.com.
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- SAMPLE DISHES -
presented beautifully
Stallingborough Grange in Grimsby served a roasted rack of lamb with ratatouille, olive tapenade, smoked paprika mashed potato and a lamb sauce, £21.95.
01469 561302, www.stallingboroughgrange.co.uk.
THE PETWOOD HOTEL The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa served a pork fillet stuffed with a spinach mousse wrapped in parma ham on a bed of celeriac purée with a french and broad bean compote. 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk.
Belton Woods near Grantham has a range of winter warmers on its menu. We enjoyed breast of duck with carrot & ginger purée with new potatoes and baby veg. 01476 593200, www.qhotels.co.uk. n Featured dishes are representative examples of our featured chefs’ skills... the menus of our featured restaurants change frequently so dishes are subject to availability. Check each restaurant’s website prior to your visit for an up-to-date menu. 53
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RECIPE
Apple & Blackberry Cobbler... Serves Four. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes. 4 Best Of British Apples, peeled, cored and thickly sliced 340g blackberries 100ml Belvoir Blueberry & Blackcurrant Cordial 100g self-raising flour 100g salted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes 50g light brown muscovado sugar 40g whole almonds, roughly chopped Custard or vanilla ice cream, to serve
Recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com.
Preheat the oven to 190ยบc, gas mark five. Place the apples, blackberries and cordial in a large saucepan. Heat gently and simmer for five minutes. Spoon into a two-litre ovenproof dish.
Rub together the flour and butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar and almonds. Add 2 tbsp cold water and bring together to make a soft dough.
Shape the dough into eight rough balls and place around the edge of the baking dish.
Place the dish on a baking sheet then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the dough balls are cooked through and the filling is piping hot. Serve warm with custard or ice cream, and for a rustic look, serve in small cast iron pans, rather than conventional tableware.
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RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
VOTE, WIN & ENJOY FREE MEALS OUT IN 2018
Once again we need your help to find the county’s best restaurant! Our Restaurant of the Year competition has three categories, and by voting for your favourite places to dine, you could win free dining out in 2018! Dine out for free in 2018, as we once more invite you to nominate your number one restaurant, bistro or coffee shop and to name your ‘food hero.’ It’s time to launch our annual Restaurant of the Year competition, and the way it works is simple.
We ask our readers to vote for Lincolnshire’s best restaurants and food related businesses, then we randomly select one of our voters to enjoy free dining out at our six prize partner restaurants throughout 2018.
“We ask our readers to nominate their favourite restaurants for a very simple reason,” says Rob Davis. “It gives us a much more objective, comprehensive overview of where our readers like to dine, and frees the awards from any commercial bias.”
“You can vote for any restaurant, regardless of whether they advertise or not, and because our readers are based right across the county, and have a wide range of budgets, we’ll see entries from all over Lincolnshire, from village pubs to fine dining restaurants.”
“As always, we’ve divided up our awards into three categories. We’re seeking nominations for our readers’ Restaurant of the Year, for our flagship award. 56
Words: Rob Davis. Images: Tilly Wilkinson.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: OUR THREE CATEGORIES Restaurant of the Year: You can nominate any restaurant in our flagship category, as long as they offer lunchtime or evening dining. Your nomination doesn’t have to be a Pride advertiser, our awards are entirely unbiased by advertising. Bistro of Coffee Shop of the Year: This category is designed to ensure readers can recommend an establishment offering lighter dishes, afternoon teas or lunchtime dining. Food Hero of the Year: Our third category provides the chance for us to recognise the hard work of a farmer, food producer, chef or someone who acts as a great ambassador for local food.
Cast your vote over the page and you could win free dining out in 2018...
“These can be pubs, restaurants and hotels offering daytime and evening dining.”
“Good food needn’t be expensive; it just needs to be well-executed, with local ingredients and a good dining environment. For that reason we’re not simply seeking the county’s ‘posh’ restaurants, but pub restaurants too.”
When our nominations are collated, we’ll award three awards in each category, and reveal the results in our January edition. Each winner will receive a plaque to display.
In addition, we’ll select one reader from our Lincolnshire magazine and one reader from our Rutland magazine to enjoy meals out at ALL of our six partner restaurants. Each meal is for two diners, with alcohol at the discretion of each venue, and we’ve profiled our partner restaurants over the next page for a sneak preview of where you could be dining next year.
“Our Restaurant of the Year competition is one of my favourite features,” says Rob. “I look forward to counting the votes each year and enjoy the diversity of nominations.”
You can vote by post by filling out the form overleaf, or on our website to cast your vote electronically. >>
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Clockwise from Top Left: Some of last year’s winners; Scunthorpe’s Pink Pig took one of our Food Hero awards. Paul and Lorraine Willoughby of Hough on the Hill’s Brownlow Arms collected our Restaurant of the Year title. Uncle Henry’s was another of our Food Heroes. Sleaford’s Millers and Lincoln’s Bunty’s Tearoom were winners of our bistro or coffee shop of the Year awards for their lunchtime and brasserie dining respectively. Centre Image: Toft Country House Hotel.
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- RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2017 Main: Camembert starter at The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill.
DINE OUT FOR FREE IN 2018... NOMINATE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT, AND ONE READER WILL WIN FREE DINING OUT AT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING LINCOLNSHIRE RESTAURANTS PETWOOD HOTEL, W/SPA
THE LINCOLN HOTEL, EASTGATE
THE RAM, NEWARK
The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa provides a glorious backdrop for dining and a rich heritage with its Dambusters affiliation. Fine dining oriented food can be enjoyed in its panelled dining room or its newly refurbished terrace. Stixwould Road, Woodhall LN10 6QG, 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk
The Lincoln Hotel is set in the very heart of uphill Lincoln, with the best views of the Cathedral to be found in the city. Enjoy eating and drinking in the hotel’s relaxed Bar 67, or its fine dining Green Room restaurant. Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1PN. 01522 520348, www.thelincolnhotel.com
The Ram offers elegant dining and drinking in one of Newark’s most historic settings. Experience a modern British menu with a stunning drinks selection. A well-thought out provision of dining provides traditional favourites with cutting-edge modern flavours. The Castlegate, Newark, NG24 1AZ. 01636 940220, www.theramnewark.com
THE GREEN MAN, N/DISNEY
YE OLDE RED LION, BICKER
OAKLANDS HALL HOTEL
The Green Man of Norton Disney serves real ales with traditional pub food that has a modern twist. Dishes are made from produce that is both grown and sourced locally and there are two large log burners inside, for cosy autumn dining.
Nestling in the picturesque village of Bicker, the Red Lion is surely the quintessential English country pub, complete with real ales, fine food, low beams & warm fires. Exceptional food and innovative ‘Lincolnshire Tapas’ menu too.
The Comfy Duck restaurant at Oaklands Hall Hotel uses locally sourced and seasonal ingredients and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The food is beautifully presented and well worth the trip to Grimsby if you’re in the north of the county.
Main St, Norton Disney, LN6 9JU. 01522 789804
thegreenman-nortondisney.co.uk.
Bicker, Boston PE20 3EF 01775 821200, www.redlionbicker.co.uk
Barton Street, Laceby, DN37 7LF, 01472 872248, oaklandshallhotel.co.uk.
n By voting for your food hero, favourite coffee shop or bistro and nominating your Restaurant of the Year, you’ll automatically be entered into our prize draw to win dining out at each of our partner restaurants in 2018.
Cast your vote by filling in the form opposite, or vote online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. 58
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Vote for your favourite restaurant, and a favourite bistro or coffee shop below. We’d also like you to nominate a ‘Food Hero’ — perhaps a butcher, baker, food producer, chef or similar: Restaurant of the Year (name & location):.............................................. ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. Bistro/Coffee Shop of the Year (name & location): ................................. ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. Food Hero of the Year (inc. reason for your nomination): ...................... .............................................................................................................
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............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. Please provide your name, address, and telephone number (we will need to contact you if you’re our lucky winner!):
Name: .................................................................................................. Address: ............................................................................................... ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................
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Postcode:.............................................................................................. Telephone:............................................................................................ Send your entry to: Lincolnshire Pride Restaurant of the Year Awards 2018, Pride Magazines, Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3QF.
We’ll pick one voter at random to win complimentary meals in 2018. If one of your nominations wins, we may want to quiz you on why you voted for them!
Alternatively, you can vote on our website by visiting
$
www.pridemagazines.co.uk/vote
Centre Image: Lincoln Hotel..
Closing Date: Wednesday 1st November 2017
Terms & Conditions: One entry per household. Photocopies/multiple entries will not be counted. Competition is available to anyone in the county or surrounding area. You must not be personally or professionally allied with nominations. Votes received for each venue will be counted up to determine the eventual three winners for each category and seven runners-up. The Editor’s decision as to our competition winners is final and further terms and conditions may apply.
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Come to the Little Rose Tearoom, with friendly staff, making everyone welcome. Enjoy our home made cakes and food. Little Rose Afternoon Tea: Pork pie, home made quiche, choice of sandwiches, home made cakes and a lovely cup of tea or coffee from our selection...
The Little Rose Tearoom, 28 Aswell Street, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 9BA. Tel: 01507 610222 60
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CHRISTMAS BAKES
KATIE
Christmas Bakes with Now is the perfect time to start your Christmas cake, taking a month or two to mature properly. Providing a full recipe for us this month is Katie Jones owner of ‘Did Someone Say Cake?’ She also has a selection of other Christmas bakes for you to try too... Some might think it’s a little early to talk about Christmas, but when it comes to cake, November is the month to start making one. I’m often referred to as ‘elf ’ in the Lincolnshire Pride office at this time of year because I go slightly Christmas-crazy. As I write this, I have my snowman mug sitting proudly on my desk and a Christmas countdown on my calendar.
It may be due to this slight obsession that I decided to visit Katie Jones for this edition, the owner of ‘Did Someone Say Cake?’ in Boston, for some Christmas baking recipes, particularly a Christmas cake recipe, as it’s something to prepare in November. Katie is a self-confessed cake snob, using only the finest quality ingredients and the
Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson.
best flavours for her bakes. Baking has always been her passion, and has had modest training in patisserie, but she put her career on hold for a while after being offered a job at BMW. After four years of working in the garage, meeting her husband Michael at work, and then getting married, the two started a family.
“After having Theo, our little boy two years ago, I wanted to stay at home and care for him,” says Katie. “At the same time, I wanted
“Katie is a self-confessed cake snob, using only the finest quality ingredients...”
to do something fulfilling. I decided to get back to my baking roots, baking at home from my kitchen where I could keep a close eye on my toddler.”
From then, Katie gradually built up her customer base, baking more and more and gaining more experience. She officially opened shop in March this year, so hasn’t experienced a Christmas in the cake business yet. But in this short time, business is booming. “I really didn’t expect to get so big so quickly to be honest. My tray bakes - brownies, caramel slices, rocky roads - are stocked in a number of local farm shops and cafés, and I’ve been popular at shows and food fairs.”
“I think it has a lot to do with local people. I’ve met some really lovely people since
Stockists: The Book Fayre, The Broadway, Woodhall Spa LN10 6ST. 01526 354501, www.thebookfayre.com. The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby, Spilsby PE23 4DE. 01790 763207, www.lincsaviation.co.uk. Abbey Parks Farm Shop, East Heckington, Boston PE20 3QG. 01205 821610, www.abbeyparks.co.uk. Manor Farm, Lincoln Rd, Grantham NG32 3JN. 01400 272779, www.cuttinglane.com. 63
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- CHRISTMAS BAKES -
“November is the best time to make a Christmas cake as it takes a month or two to mature...”
The pressure is on when it comes to food fairs and county shows for Katie.
setting up the business. I think that’s what is so great about Lincolnshire.”
“I’ve also had a little bit of luck on my side. I applied for the Burghley Horse Trials last minute this year, but still managed to get a slot down the main food aisle which was incredibly successful for me.”
She bakes all week leading up to the event making thousands of tray bakes and her mum is very supportive, attending all the shows with her and lending a helping hand. “I go to the Lincoln Farmer’s Market, various food and drink festivals across the country and I have the BBC Good Food and Drink Festival coming up in December at the NEC in Birmingham.” Katie’s main bake is tray bakes but she also does ‘naked cakes’ - with no icing - and
CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
Pistachio and dark chocolate coated Christmas truffles... Ingredients:
300ml DOUBLE CREAM • 20g BUTTER • 500g GOOD QUALITY 70% DARK CHOCOLATE, 300g FOR TRUFFLES, 200g FOR COATING • PINCH OF SALT • SPLASH OF BRANDY (OR PREFERRED TIPPLE) • HANDFUL OF PISTACHIO NUTS • WOODEN SKEWERS
Recipe: Warm up the cream (I use Baileys Double cream at Christmas; it makes the most amazing truffles!) in a medium saucepan, until it bubbles slightly, but not boiling. Turn off the heat and add the butter, then whisk until melted in.
Break up 300g of the chocolate into small chunks in a large bowl then pour the cream over and stir until melted and smooth. Add the pinch of salt and splash of brandy or your preferred tipple.
Leave in the fridge to set for several hours. Once set take the truffle mix out the fridge and prepare the chocolate and pistachios. Melt the left over 200g of chocolate over a bain-marie and blitz the pistachios through a food processor or smash with a rolling pin, until they have turned to chunky dust.
Spoon out some truffle mix and roll into little balls. Use the wooden skewers to roll in the melted chocolate and coat evenly, then dip immediately into the pistachio dust and cover evenly. Set on a plate and repeat until you have used all the truffle mix and pop back in the fridge to set again.
Top Tip: I use dark chocolate to coat my truffles but you could use white chocolate, salted chocolate or butterscotch.
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cupcakes. She currently doesn’t make fondant icing cakes.
“When I started, I was going to look into training to do fondant icing on cakes, but the business has moved in a different direction now.” “The tray bakes are my most popular products and I want to focus all my energy on this rather than starting something new.”
However, Katie can do special requests, so if you don’t fancy following her Christmas cake recipe, get in touch and she may be able to make one for you in time for the holidays. “The Christmas cake recipe I’ve followed for this feature is my grandma’s recipe. Baking runs in the family!”
“November is the best time to make a Christmas cake as it takes a month or so to mature; you keep feeding the fruit cake with brandy or cognac.” Katie has also whisked up a chocolate truffle recipe, a Christmas roulade recipe and classic gingerbread cookies for entertaining at Christmas time. Save this edition in your kitchen and follow these recipes closer to Christmas, or contact Katie to see if she can make these for you.
“I’m always looking into extending my product range but at the minute, I’m quite happy with how the business is coming along. I want to be able to go to more shows in the future, and I really need an industrial second kitchen - at the minute I have fridges and freezers all around my house!” “I suppose the long-term goal is to eventually have my very own shop. I would love that, but at the same time, I’m happy where I am now! Very busy with baking and my little boy working from home.” After meeting Katie, she very kindly gave all the chocolate truffles, Christmas cake, roulade and a special selection of tray bakes to me to take back to the team. Everyone said how incredible the cakes tasted. It’s clear to see how business has rocketed and we wish her all the best for the future. n
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CHRISTMAS CAKE Traditionally made fruit cake... Ingredients:
10" ROUND CAKE TIN • 13oz PLAIN FLOUR • 1/4tsp SALT • 1 & 1/2tsps OF MIXED SPICE • 12oz BUTTER • 12oz DARK BROWN SUGAR • 6 LARGE EGGS • 2 AND 1/2tsp OF GRATED LEMON RIND • 3lbs MIXED DRIED FRUIT • 1/4lb GLACE CHERRIES • 1/4lb GROUND ALMONDS • 1/4pt BRANDY
Recipe:
Pre-heat the oven to 160 degree celsius. Soak the fruit in the brandy (or the your chosen alcohol) in a large bowl for two days to allow the fruit to swell. You may need an extra splash or two of alcohol, but not too much or it will create a very soggy batter.
This will create plump, juicy fruit, which will give a moist cake. You will feed the cake with more brandy over the coming weeks to help it mature so don’t overdo the booze at this stage! Cream the butter and sugar together for the sponge. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs together. Gradually add and whisk the eggs into the creamed butter and sugar mix.
Sift the flour and spices into the mix. Be careful not to take out the air that has been whisked into the batter. Gently fold in the fruit again being careful not to remove the air. Pour into your lined cake tin and securely cover the cake tin with greaseproof paper, leaving a small hole in the middle the size of a 50p coin. This will protect the cake during baking, but make sure you leave enough room for the cake to rise. Bake for between five to five and a half hours, but check after four to see how it’s doing.
Cover well. Ideally you would make the cake in September or October for Christmas to help the cake mature leading up to Christmas.
Poke small holes in the cake every two weeks using a cake tester and add more of your chosen tipple.
Christmas cake is usually decorated with marzipan and sugar fondant, but buttercream is just as nice. Turn over for tips on icing if you would prefer to ice your cake the traditional way with two layers. >>
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- CHRISTMAS BAKES -
Top Tips
{
}
FOR ICING PERFECT YOUR ICING SKILLS
If you want to ice your cake the traditional (and much trickier!) way with double icing - marzipan and fondant icing - follow this simple guide. Step One: Use apricot jam or glaze and with a palette knife, spread evenly over the top and sides of the fruit cake. Step Two: Knead marzipan to soften it and roll out on a surface so it’s large enough to cover the top of the cake. Lift the marzipan over the cake and press it down on the top first, then on the sides. Step Three: Trim the excess marzipan from around the base of the cake. Step Four: Rub the surface of the marzipan smooth, using an icing smoother.
Step Five: Knead the sugarpaste and roll it out so it’s large enough to cover the cake. Brush water over the marzipan. Lift the sugarpaste over the cake, then cut and polish smooth. If there are air bubbles, pierce with a pin and rub the surface smooth.
>> Visit www.didsomeonesay cake.com or call Katie on 07739 384047 for more information on her products. 66
Gingerbread Biscuits Ingredients: 300g plain flour • 1tsp bicarbonate of soda • 2tsps ground ginger • 1/2tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2tsp ground nutmeg • 125g butter • 100g brown sugar (light or dark) • 3tbsps golden syrup • 2 lined baking trays • Christmassy cookie cutters • Icing sugar
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and spices together in a large bowl.
Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup over a low heat until dissolved and smooth. Add to the flour and spice and stir until combined. Half the mixture and roll each one out to roughly 5mm depth on each baking sheet, then lay gently onto the baking tray.
Cut out your cookies and gently move the excess dough away from the cut outs to avoid mishaping them, as they are quite delicate at this stage.
Bake for seven to eight minutes and check them. They may need another three to four minutes depending on how thick they are and the shape of them, but they only need to be golden brown. Keep checking so you dont over cook them. Once they’re cooked, remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Once they’re cooled, you can ice them. Mix together icing sugar and water (following the instructions on the pack) and pour the icing sugar into a piping bag. Then carefully pipe icing sugar in whichever style you like to decorate your gingerbread cookies. n
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Roulade 100g GOOD QUALITY 70% CHOCOLATE • 75g GOOD QUALITY MILK CHOCOLATE • 5 LARGE EGGS (SEPARATED) • 175g CASTER SUGAR • 450ml DOUBLE CREAM
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees celsius. Melt the chocolate over a bain-marie. Whisk the eggs yolks and caster sugar until the mix becomes shiny and pale. Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff. Whisk the melted chocolate into the egg yolk-sugar mix.
Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mix. This roulade has a meringue quality so you need to be gentle with the egg whites when folding.
Pour onto a lined baking tray and bake for 20 minutes. Once cooled whip the 450ml of double cream and spread evenly over the roulade. Then use baking paper to gently roll the roulade over onto itself to create the roll. Take your time here! Dust with some icing sugar once transferred to the serving dish. I sometimes add chocolate ganache or homemade salted caramel to give an even more indulgent dessert!
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Wine of the Month
Belgium’s finest handcrafted gin comes to the area
Albariño, Coopers Creek, New Zealand £16.75 / 75cl, Grape Variety: 100% Albariño 13.5% ABV
Buss 509 is a premium gin with citrus botanicals plus a taste of grapefruit for a lively, sharp flavour... Sharpen up your autumn with this month’s featured gin, flavoured with pink grapefruit. In addition to its base botanicals of juniper, coriander, liquorice and angelica, there’s cardamom, vanilla, orange and lemon, plus the zesty freshness of pink grapefruit. £44.95/70cl, 40% ABV.
“A fresh zesty wine perfect for Autumn using the unusual Albariño grape.”
The Wine Cellar WE’RE HUNKERING DOWN BY THE FIRE THIS SEASON AS HARISH PRESENTS HIS FIRESIDE WARMERS, PERFECT WHEN TEMPERATURES PLUMMET AND YOU’D LIKE A SMALL AUTUMN SHARPENER... THREE OF A KIND: FIRESIDE REDS WITH SPICY RED GRAPES...
1. A Chilean heavyweight with the unusual Carmenere grape and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense, with black cherries and sweet spices, juicy and with plenty of fresh fruit on the finish. £12.49 / 70cl / 13.5% ABV. 2. Last month’s Wine of the Month is a real winner this season, with Malbec grape and deep violet colour. Rich and engaging, fruity aroma with hints of red fruits, cassis and pepper for a powerful impact on the palate. £24.95 / 70cl / 14.9% ABV.
3. Pristine red fruit, plum and cherry aromas with subtle hints of tobacco lead to a generous balanced palate that sets a new standard for poise in South African Pinotage. £23.95 / 70cl / 14% ABV.
An exuberant, zesty affair, brimming with white peach and melon fruit, reined in by the grape’s typical citrus/mineral character. From one of the best performing and most eclectic medium-sized New Zealand wineries exploiting the area’s potential in cool climate viticulture. n
Autumn Tipple
Enjoy a sweet, warming tipple with this peach semillon! A super fireside tipple as temperatures drop this month, in the form of this semillon. A sound dessert wine or a nice fireside sharpener when the nights draw in, its luscious, honeyed flavours of peach and apricot are well balanced by natural acidity. Enjoy slightly chilled, by the fire or withwarm puddings. n Bortrytis Semillon, Dessert Wine, Australia, £12.95/37.5cl/10% ABV.
n Our featured wines are available to buy from Harish’s shop, Oakham Wines. Call 01572 757124 or visit his website www.oakhamwinesonline.co.uk.
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Gothic - LINCOLNSHIRE HOMES -
ROMANCE Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
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A very exciting property has just been added to the market with Humberts Estate Agents. Manor Court near Newark has a truly unique gothic and medieval style that always leaves its visitors lost for words...
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MANOR COURT,
NEWARK
Above: The gothic style kitchen with island, limestone flooring and modern appliances throughout, and principal bedroom.
The term ‘gothic’ sometimes connotes bad taste, black walls and stained glass windows. That’s why I was very pleasantly surprised to come across Julie Frost’s house; a gothic home that looks absolutely incredible. “The house was built for me so it’s a fairly new build,” says Jules. “I moved in in 2000. I knew I wanted something new, but I also really wanted my home to have a gothic theme throughout.”
There are six bedrooms, five reception rooms and five bathrooms to Manor Court in Newark and because Jules built the home, she made sure every aspect of her home had a gothic flare to its architecture from the arched entrance to the stone mullion windows.
“We built it from scratch but I didn’t want the home to appear new, so we used bricks from a 300 year old barn in Leicestershire. I wanted it to be grand and for visitors to experience that wow factor upon entering my home. I think we achieved just that.”
Location: One mile from Eden Hall Day Spa, two miles from Newark. Style: A large manor house with gothic architecture and style. Bedrooms: Six bedrooms in total, four with en suites and one family bathroom. Receptions: Five arranged as morning room, sitting room, drawing room, dining room and office. Other Features: Unique style and half-acre of formal grounds. Estate Agents: Humberts. Price: £1,100,000.
Manor Court is about a mile from Eden Hall Day Spa and about two miles from the centre of Newark despite being surrounded by countryside views. You enter the home through large oak doors welcomed by a sweeping staircase and suit of armour.
Along the stone walled corridor you’ll see medieval swords, helms, candelabras, 71
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carpets and large wooden doors in addition to a metal grate which leads to a sitting room.
To the left of the corridor is the medieval themed dining room and to the right is the more relaxed kitchen dining space. Everything in the home is quite open plan with arches instead of doors and metal grates for doors too.
The kitchen features an island with a second ‘preparation’ sink and this is where Jules does most of her entertaining.
“The house is designed for entertaining and that’s what I’ve loved most about living here,” says Julie. “I can cater for a large number of guests and put them up in really unusual and exciting rooms.” Off the kitchen is a sitting room with the most impressive stone fireplace and a further 72
staircase. If you go back through the kitchen to the sweeping staircase, you’ll reach the first floor landing.
The first wooden door to your left is a bedroom with large windows and en suite. The next few doors to your right is the main bathroom and three further bedrooms, one with en suite.
The next two rooms are really different. If you follow the corridor, you’ll rich the white suite with large en suite and an enormous amount of space.
If you turn left through the pointed gothic doors and up the set of narrow stairs, you’ll reach the sixth and final bedroom (above).
This is a truly beautiful room complete with gold leaf bathtub, dressing area, en suite and a beautiful space for an enormous bed. The sheer size of this bedroom is impressive but
with Julie’s gothic features, this room is really magnificent. “The next owners of this property should enjoy its lovely location in countryside but a short distance from Newark, its open plan style and entertaining space, and the house’s unique and impressive style.”
Jules is sadly leaving the property but she’s to take on a new project with her passion being rooted in interior design. She’ll be staying local to the area too. “I hope the next owners can enjoy what I’ve created at Manor Court in Newark.”
Above: The main gothic style bedroom at the very top of Manor Court in Newark.
Right: At the entrance, you’re greeted by a suit of armour at the foot of the property’s sweeping staircase.
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- LINCOLNSHIRE HOMES -
“THE HOUSE IS DESIGNED FOR ENTERTAINING AND THAT’S WHAT I’VE LOVED MOST ABOUT LIVING HERE. I CAN CATER FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF GUESTS AND PUT THEM UP IN EXCITING ROOMS...” Left: The entrance to the property is complete with two lit medieval torches.
Below: Garden to Manor Court and the bathroom to white main room.
n Manor Court is currently on the market with Humberts Estate Agents. Call for details about Lincolnshire properties on 01522 304442 or see their website www.humberts.com.
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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@peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk
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Sleep Well
Woolroom recognises the importance of healthy, high quality sleep and how without this, daily health, productivity and overall wellness can be severely limited.
A better night’s sleep and the natural luxury of hypoallergenic wool... local retailer Woolroom promises you’ll sleep easy this season, or your money back! Words: Kayleigh Sweenie.
Living naturally is crucial to boosting wellness. It is vastly under acknowledged that the mattresses we sleep on are laced with flame retardant chemicals, in order to comply with British safety guidelines. This means that while we sleep, we’re inhaling unnatural, unpleasant chemicals that are counterintuitive to living well.
WITH WOOLROOM
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Woolroom can guarantee a better, healthier night’s sleep than alternative forms of down, feather or synthetic bedding, with a complete woollen bedding solution - this is what happy feels like.
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THE WOOL ROOM
LOVE
THINGS WE PERFECT FOR WINTER, WE ADORE THESE BEAUTIFUL WOOL THROWS, MADE RIGHT HERE IN THE UK
Recognising this, Woolroom has developed the first naturally flame retardant mattress range that completely complies with British safety guidelines without compromising wellness. This autumn will also see the introduction of two new bedsteads, Isabella and Amelia.
These desirable designs are completely chemical free and are upholstered using only natural materials - 100 percent wool fabrics woven in the UK, they really are the best of British.
Chris Tattersall, Managing Director of Woolroom comments; “When buying from Woolroom, it’s guaranteed that your mattress is made using only natural materials with no nasty chemicals lurking inside.
The combination of wool and the absence of chemicals in the materials make Woolroom mattresses naturally fire retardant - unlike other mattresses in the market, which have chemicals purposely put on them to make them flame resistant.
At Woolroom our mattresses are handmade from 100% British wool by experts in the UK, creating a happy, healthy sleep environment.
Bedding from Woolroom has also been proven to reduce symptoms of allergies, becoming the first and only woollen complete bedding solution to have received the Allergy UK Seal of Approval and Woolroom also offers a 30 night money back guarantee if you don’t find yourself having a considerably better night’s sleep. n
Top: Huntingtower Wool Throw in aqua, £59.99. Woven in Yorkshire from beautiful Shetland wool making it soft to the touch. Perfect for snuggling on the sofa when the nights get longer.
Centre: Windowpane merino wool throw – grey, £79.99. Eco-friendly, beautifully woven and made with Merino lambswool for great softness and comfort. Our 100% British made lambswool throws will bring timeless charm, heritage and, most importantly, comfort to your home. Bottom: Arncliffe wool throw – aqua, £59.99. Classic check design in modern, attractive colours to compliment any interior. Warm, cosy & beautifully woven in the UK by skilled craftspeople.
n For more information on our featured products, visit Woolroom, Star Lane Stamford, PE9 1PH. Alternatively call 01780 767927 or see thewoolroom.com.
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Belvoir Interiors
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No one ever regretted buying quality...
Kitchens | Bedrooms | Studies | Homes Cook House, Brunel Drive, Newark NG24 2FB Tel: 01636 705892 | www.belvoirinteriors.com
www.belvoirinteriors.com
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- HOMES -
Stately Style...
COLEFAX & FOWLER HAS JUST RELEASED ITS LATEST DESIGNS AND STYLES THAT WILL SUIT PERIOD PROPERTIES AND STATELY HOMES ALIKE. THE NEUTRAL TONES AND HINTS OF TWEED SUIT THE STYLE OF LINCOLNSHIRE’S COUNTRY HOMES... When a new collection from Colefax & Fowler is released, quality is a guarantee. The styles suit Lincolnshire’s country homes with traditional country styles like tweed, linen and paisley prints, and yet they remain modern. The new styles from the brand features Indienne influences and subtle rich shades that combine harmoniously in this year’s textile and wallpaper collections.
On this page, below you can see the Malone Check in tomato and aqua used on the armchair and the curtains are in Cassius with pink and blue tones.
To the left, you can see a sofa in Carine, matched with a selection of cushions. The check cushion is in Hurst Check in stone, the ivory cushions are Byram, and the striped is Tyrell in silver. >>
Lavish embroideries and prints are set beautifully on herringbone grounds, linens are built with depth of texture and colour, and wallpapers are re-envisioned with silk and linen effects. Its re-envisioned styles are what sets the brand apart from the rest and introduces quality style to any home.
The cleverly embossed wallpaper collection is designed to emphasise luxury and texture. The new checks and stripes on the furniture and textiles convey an understated country look. The multi-tone plaids come in a variety of scales, all in classic beiges, greys, greens, reds and blues.
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- HOMES -
Above: Cushions in Bloomsbury, a new Clarke & Clarke range.
On this page, above you’ll see a Leora curtain in old blue, and Edgar Check chair in stone. The chairs to the right (from left to right) are in Edgar Check in stone, Byram in ivory, Wrenn in silver and Hurst Check in stone. The style at the bottom is in the same collection but offers something slightly different and almost coastal with brighter blues and tomato red.
The red chair to the right is Jocasta Velvet while the chair at the forefront of the picture is Corrigan blue. A simpler Byram chair in sea blue sits to the left and at the back, the sofas is navy Bendell Stripe. The pattern on the ottoman in the centre of the room is blue Farina.
The new autumn collection from Colefax & Fowler suits all stately homes and period properties, whether you’re nearer to the east coast, in the south of the county on flatter land or hidden amongst the rolling landscape of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
n For more information on Colefax & Fowler and to see local Lincolnshire stockists, please visit www.colefax.com or call 020 7244 7427. 82
Left: There’s a slight coastal connection to part of the new autumn collection. Above: The traditional country styles from Colefax and Fowler suit period property style. Top/Left: The Edgar Check in stone is one of our favourite designs in the new range.
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Quality furniture & homeware, with ever changing pieces to suit all tastes and budgets... Small items, larger pieces of furniture and a ‘finders’ service to help you source the perfect piece...
391-392 High Street,
Vintage | Antique | Contemporary
01522 543555
Lincoln LN5 7SS
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Introducing TANGO by Linwood, a bold and exciting new collection of prints, weaves, wallpapers and plain velvets for autumn. This charming mix of patterns and plains has been cleverly and carefully balanced to create a forwardlooking range and offers both quality and luxury. An expansion on the ever popular tropical theme, the collection sees lively botanical and floral designs juxtaposed beside strong geometric counterparts. All manner of floral and fauna dance across the patterns from cockatoos and parrots to leopards and storks which seem to be having their very own ‘Rumble In The Jungle.’ The colour palette is rich and vibrant featuring tangy oranges and ochre offset against zesty greens and indigo blues. The prints are applied to luscious deep pile velvet as well as finely woven linen and are beautifully complemented by smart crisp weaves. Pictured is a Roman blind in Jungle Rumble in linen - also available printed onto velvet and as a wallpaper also by Linwood.
Unit 16, Newlin Business Park, Exchange Road, Lincoln LN6 3AB 01522 531371 or 07880 732251. www.rogerdavisinteriors.com
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Windows | Doors | Bi-Folding Doors
Top Quality Timber and uPVC Windows VIsit our Caythorpe showroom to experience unsurpassed quality, style and value... The Old Barn, Elms Farm, Frieston Heath, Caythorpe, Lincs NG32 3HD
01476 578699 01400 272538
www.new-window.co.uk 87
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We custom build our studios the way you want them
Let us build the
perfect studio prices from £9,995 to £149,995
28 years e experienc o No job too to r o big small
Garden Houses - Art Studios Holiday Homes - Home Offices
Call our friendly team today
Oak Leaf STUDIOS 70 Horncastle Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 6UZ enquires@oakleafstudios.co.uk
01526 268591 or 07498 663422
www.oakleafstudios.co.uk 88
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ON THE FARM
Women in Farming
ALISON PRATT ON HOW WOMEN’S ROLES IN FARMING AND ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES LIKE AGRONOMY, ARE MORE PREVALENT THAN EVER... When I was growing up on our family farm, Mum played a major part in the business. She ran her own flock of laying hens – thousands, not just a ‘back yard flock’ and as well as collecting the eggs, she helped with many of the other day to day tasks, too.
animal diseases or crop losses means that farm income fluctuates, often wildly, from year to year. Over time, farming wives have had to supplement the farm accounts by working off the farm. It seemed that for a time, a female farmer was a thing of the past. But that isn’t always so. Today, more and more women are farming in their own right, taking on the reins from farming fathers, or starting from scratch with a flying flock of sheep.
On a traditional mixed farm, feeding, mucking out and caring for our pigs, sheep, cattle and hens meant farming 365 days a year and all hands to the pump. Some things don’t change: it’s the same today as it was when I was a child, more than forty years ago.
Farming and horticulture are supported by many other businesses, from agronomy to land agencies, machinery dealers to produce marketing, and women are making their mark in those businesses too.
Then, most farmers’ wives worked on the farm – they did just as much as their husbands: some would say more. Mum not only kept the hens, she fed and looked after the other animals, cooked, cleaned, shopped and brought up four of us, too. I know my parents had always wanted to farm for a living, so working and farming together throughout their married life was the fulfilment of all their dreams.
Having four kids along the way must have added to that joy and being the product of a farming family, I count myself extremely lucky. Being able to tumble out of the back door, put our wellies on and run off down the fields, build dens, find nests of kittens, and all the time be part of our parents’ lives producing eggs, bacon, beef, lamb, wheat, potatoes, barley and oats, has made me what I am today – a proud member of the farming industry.
Farming finances have always been precarious – relying on the weather, the market; facing
ON THE FARM THIS MONTH
Arable Sector: Farmers in the county will be ploughing, drilling winter wheat and applying lime to sugar beet fields. Livestock Sector: Calves will be weaned and housed this month whilst ewes will be clipped and dipped ready for mating time or ‘tupping.’
When I first came to work for the NFU, as a female staff member, I was one of only a handful in the country. Now, it’s probably half and half men and women, completely different from the very male dominated world before. Now, thankfully, the NFU has many active farming members who are women and has a female national officeholder in the wonderful Minette Batters. In my happy childhood it was unusual for a woman to run a farm on her own; it was a tough, physical existence. But technology and mechanical advances mean that now, being a woman makes no difference. Today a farmer’s daughter will come home from college or from a job elsewhere in the industry to take over the farm. And she’ll do a good job of it too! n Alison Pratt is Communications Manager for NFU’s East Midlands office.
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Nature
NOTES
Nature is still thriving in November even if our gardens are not. This month, look after nature out and about and listen for the sound of returning swans...
Lifesaving
MOSS
Mosses were used as bandages during the First World War to prevent blood loss. Mosses were also used to soothe the infection as they have anti-bacterial properties.
Although our gardens slowly switch off at this time of year, nature does not and there’s still so much wildlife you’re able to see in November. One thing you will see a lot of this month in the countryside is gossamer on mild days from tiny linyphiid spiders usually covered in morning dew.
Other animals you’re likely to see include the brown hare. Unlike the rabbit, brown hares don’t burrow. You might spot them crouching in and around fields at this time of year.
There will still be lots of birds to spot in November too, as birds 90
start to gather together in small flocks especially finches and tits. Of course, it’s reaching the time you’ll start to see a robin red breast or two.
On the marshes in Lincolnshire, you may be able to spot a few gaggles of geese as they arrive to spend winter in Britain.
Whooper and Bewick’s swans are also a spectacular attraction in the natural world as they arrive from afar to spend winter in the UK.
In the plant world, mosses will be taking over and will be found in woods and hedgerows. Against the backdrop of dark wet wood, you should spot their velvety green tufts.
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- NATURE -
Winter Berries
Winter berries will be some of the only colour you’ll see in November. Try to spot these... Holly is the most celebrated of the winter berries. It is a beautiful berry with the velvety green leaf as its backdrop. Most holly berries are red but some are yellow or even black. Mountain ash bears striking clusters of red winter berries.
Above: Try to spot waders along the east coast this month. Opposite/Top: Brown hares may be visible as they don’t burrow. Opposite/Bottom: Teasel has a lovely seedhead at this time of year. Opposite/Left: Moss should be covering your garden in November.
Plants are so important in winter to all walks of life. Hogweed and teasel are plants that produce really beautiful seed heads.
However, they’re not just beautiful. They serve a vital purpose to bird life, as birds feed on the seed heads. Insects thrive on hogweed and teasel too as the stems are a perfect home for the insects, and place where they can overwinter. Winter berries should be standing out from the crowd at this time too.
Wetlands and our east coast lakes and reservoirs are the places to go at this time of year. Birds migrate
to warmer climates from the UK, but birds that are used to colder temperatures migrate to the UK.
There will be many species of wader, duck and goose on our nature reserves. Dragonflies would be a strange thing to spot at this time of year, but they spend most of their lives underwater, potentially taking five years to become an adult.
Crabapple trees are known for their spring blossoms but they can carry fruit right through winter too. Cottoneaster is a red berry on a woody shrub. There are lots of berries you can find on a cottoneaster plant, and there are evergreen and deciduous varieties.
They won’t be on the wing in winter but you may be able to spot the nymphs in freshwater as you are able to do throughout the year at any time. One thing to do at this time of the year is plant a tree!
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To view photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2017 The 2017 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials was a superb success this year with its first British winner since 2011. The event was a great weekend for British sport with Gemma Tattersall and Piggy French
finishing third and second in the equestrian event behind winner Oliver Townend.
“It’s been a wonderful four days of sport. So many people put so much work into making this event such a success and we are indebted to Land Rover for its continued support,”
says Liz Inman, the Event Director. “It’s too early to say for sure, but the indications are that we have had a record year in terms of visitor numbers, helped by the weather.” HRH The Countess of Wessex attended and Zara Tindall competed in the event. n
Feature your event in our magazine. 92
Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events Desk...
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View photographs from this event online. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.
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OLDRIDS & DOWNTOWN
SPACE to
BREATHE
Oldrids & Downtown has stores across the county but it’s the company’s Boston store that has just had a complete redesign. They’ve opened the space up allowing it to breathe, introduced younger brands to appeal to a wider audience and added ‘hotspots...’ The fashion floors - the first and second floor - of the Boston store has recently been updated to appeal to men, women and children of all ages with any budget.
the floor more space to breathe, reduced the density of racks and clothing and introduced more visual displays like mannequins.
“We’ve made hotspots throughout the store to attract the customer’s eye a little more. We’ve also placed our latest Joe Browns brand in front of the stairs so it’s the first thing that customers can see.”
“We’ve been working with the buyers and the staff here at Oldrids, conducting market research in the town and discovering what people really want from our store,” says store manager Madeleine Roux-Thompson.
Some of the latest brand’s you’ll see stocked at Oldrids includes Damsel in a Dress, Hype and Soya Concept.
“We created a wish list of the brands we wanted and what our customers wanted and presented this to the buyers who are already sourcing exciting new brands for us.”
“We strive to become a ‘one stop shop,’ and appealing to a wider audience encourages this. You can come to the Oldrids store and enjoy our three floors of shopping, a meal in our restaurant, a haircut in the hairdressers on the top floor and a makeover too.”
“We can now offer our customers cheaper brands for a younger audience as well as our well loved brands like Barbour, Gerry Weber, Masai and Jacques Vert.” “The new brands are already selling very well and we still have more to announce in the coming months.”
The fashion floor has also benefitted from brand new flooring and lighting, and adjustment of the layout. You’ll now find children’s and men’s clothes upstairs so the floor can be entirely dedicated to women’s fashion. Madeleine says that they’ve given 94
“We strive to become a one stop shop for our customers and appealing to a wider audience has definitely encouraged this...”
“We try to offer everything, and aim to be the ‘hub’ of the town. Our central location in Boston helps, and in 2018 we will be hosting a wide range of events. Getting involved with the community is vital.” n For more information about Oldrids & Downtown and specifically its Boston store, please visit the website www.oldrids.co.uk or call the team on 01205 361251.
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“We’ve created hotspots throughout the store and on the fashion floor to attract the eye of the customer a little more...” Insert: Joe Browns womenswear found at the front of the staircase on the fashion floor. Bottom: (left to right) Holly Martin & Marcus Chester and Madeleine Roux-Thompson, store manager. Top: There’s lots of outerwear brands stocked
at Oldrids, including Barbour. Left: Store manager Madeleine RouxThompson browsing Phase Eight’s newest collection in store. Above/Far Left: The new Joules display is striking and is one of the hotspots Oldrids is trying to create on the new floor.
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- FASHION 3. 1.
4.
2.
BALL You Shall Go to the
21.
OLDRIDS & DOWNTOWN’S BRAND NEW FASHION FLOOR IN THE BOSTON STORE HAS MEANT THAT THE BUYING TEAM HAS SECURED SOME STUNNING NEW BRANDS JUST IN TIME FOR BALL SEASON...
Oldrids & Downtown in Boston has just benefitted from a complete redesign on its fashion floor and because of this, there are some stunning new brands in store. Our favourite has to be Damsel in a Dress and it’s the brand that has got everybody talking.
Damsel in a Dress is a premium fashion brand for the modern, confident woman looking for the best of style at the best of quality. The staff at Oldrids are proud to add the brand that’s already flying off the shelves to the lengthy list of fashion brands already stocked. The team are working on acquiring some exciting new styles too so watch this space!
19. 16.
20. 18.
17.
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8.
6.
7.
9.
5.
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1. Wallis, navy embellished cape sleeve dress, £48. 2. Van Dal, Abbey Midnight Suede, £85. 3. Dorothy Perkins, Paper Dolls multi coloured bloom 2-in-1 dress, £52. 4. Virtue, silver feather drop earrings, £20. 5. Phase Eight, Fifi Abstract Dress, £150. 6. Fossil, vintage glitz bezel drop earrings, £38. 7. Miss Selfridge, Leslie cone heel court shoes, £39. 8. Quiz, red sweetheart neck strappy bardot dress, £36.99. 9. Miss Selfridge, crochet bardot bodycon dress, £28. 10. Emporio Armani, Emporio Armani sterling silver and rose gold tone ring, £165. 11. Phase Eight, Indra Tapework dress, £199. 12. Damsel in a Dress,
Olympia lace trim dress, £179. 13. Michael Kors, Beyond Brilliant stainless steel bangle, £115. 14. Miss Selfridge, Cherub bow strap sandals, £39. 15. Damsel in a Dress, Rainbow Leopard Dress, £159. 16. Evans, Paper Dolls Kimono dress, £50. 17. Van Dal, Albion II Black Manhattan print, £100. 18. Espree, white opal pendant, £35. 19. Damsel in a Dress, lace bodice dress, £159. 20. Van Dal, Hart Bamboo Metallic, £80. 21. DKNY, Cubic Zirconia set double open oval drop earrings. www.oldrids.co.uk. n
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- FASHION -
FOUR PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR WINTER
Country clothing brand Barbour has just released their winter collections...
Winter Walks in Style
Classic Style for the Whole Family
For those windy beach walks and countryside strolls, dress warm but dress in style. The best suited brand is Barbour for dog walks in winter. We love this quilt coat. Winterton Quilt Coat £219.
Barbour is known for being a country clothing brand, but it also provides high quality clothing for the whole family too. This yellow quilt jacket is one of our favourites. Ascot Hooded Quilt Jacket, £159.
Winter Tartan Collection
Coastal Collection
A smart and sophisticated collection designed for town or country living. The rich greens, reds and golds of the Classic Tartan are used throughout this collection. Kilda Knit, £99.95, Dee Tartan Handbag, £129.
Designed for the stylishly active, rich navy, reds and greens feature strongly throughout the collection injecting colour into this season’s wardrobe. Barbour Beachley quilt, £149.
Featured design are stocked by Oldrids and Downtown of Boston, Grantham, Gainsborough and Scunthorpe call 01205 361251 or see www.oldrids.co.uk. 98
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FASHION
A WALK DOWN
TOM LANE On her family farm in Rauceby, Jayne Ireland has created her very own fashion brand, Tom Lane. She started the business two years ago with a mission to provide high quality, durable, timeless fashion to the people of Lincolnshire. Her products are now being sold across the country... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
From flares and platforms to bright prints and fluorescent eyeshadow, the British fashion industry through the decades has been interesting to say the least. Following unusual fashion trends is what our nation seems to do best, but the problem with this is that they never last long. Timeless fashion - fashion you’ll find in every era - and quality clothing that will last through every decade is what we find more appealing.
Jayne Ireland from Rauceby is in agreement. She’s created her own fashion brand from her lovely little workshop on the family farm, steering clear of the five-minute fashion trends and focusing her business on long-lasting quality products. Jayne has always had an interest in the industry, studying fashion design at university in Cornwall. It was there she created her first business plan as part of a course project.
“The fashion design course I was following at university included a module on drawing up your own business plan. I never expected it to become an actual business, but as I worked on the project, I realised it was what I wanted to do. As part of the project, the name of my business was Tom Lane. This is the name of the street that runs through Rauceby, the village I grew up in, and the name just stuck.”
Jayne started turning her business plan into business in December 2014 and had her first product range in June 2015. In the past two years, Tom Lane has rocketed as Jayne travels around the country’s shows and fairs.
“All of the products are designed by me and they’re all made in Britain. Making the products here in British factories is expensive but worth it. It’s something my customers really value and it means visiting the factories is a little more accessible!”
“I decided to start now while I’m still at home and I have no bills or mortgage to pay off. My friends and family have been so supportive, and often visit shows across the country with me.” Jayne has attended somewhere between 20 and 25 shows this year including the Burghley Horse Trials and many shows in London.
“ALL OF MY PRODUCTS ARE MADE IN BRITAIN AND THAT IS SOMETHING CUSTOMERS REALLY DO APPRECIATE...” Main: Jayne Ireland, director of Tom Lane, based in Rauceby. Here, she shows off her wide range of alpaca socks and wears the lambswool crew neck jumper, £90.
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“County shows and fashion fairs are great because you’re not paying the overheads of a physical shop and you reach a much wider audience. It’s a great way to engage with customers. I use them as a marketing tool to get my name out there.”
“They’re also great for market research. I’ll get ladies coming into the stand and say ‘do you sell hand warmers?’ or ‘do you do these in navy?’ and if enough of my customers ask for it, I introduce it into my product range. This is why I now design belts too.” “It’s certainly getting easier too. I know how much stock to take to each show now, and with friends and family there to help me set up and pack down, it makes it good fun.”
In February and March, Jayne works on product design, going back and forth with the factories and perfecting her new products. It takes around six to seven weeks to get an initial design to a finished product.
“There’s a minimum amount of stock you have to order from factories so it’s crucial you get the product exactly right.”
Jayne also has 25 stockists including gift box companies and Christmas is her busiest time for online sales.
“FOR MY 2018 COLLECTION, I’LL BE DESIGNING A LARGER RANGE OF JUMPERS AND I’LL FOCUS ON KNITWEAR...” 102
“The socks go crazy in winter! We sell bed socks, shooting socks and our most popular pair; alpaca socks. Alpaca wool is much softer than other yarns and less itchy too if you have sensitive skin.”
“I really enjoyed designing the jumpers this year and they were really popular, so for 2018, I’m going to design a larger jumper collection and also introduce some summer clothing as I’m quite a winter-based brand at the moment. It’s quite hard to sell woolly jumpers at the Lincolnshire Show in 30 degree heat! I’m also going to experiment with different kinds of wool like cashmere and merino.”
“The plan for the future is to reduce the amount of shows I visit and focus on the website so I’m not looking at having my own shop just yet. I want to get my website to a high standard and focus on online sales.”
“Visiting shows allows me to meet my customers too so I get the best of both worlds and don’t have to pay the overheads of a shop.” It’s incredible to see how far Jayne taken the business in just two years. Her products exude luxury and we can’t wait to see the new range heading in to 2018. n
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- FASHION -
Christmas Gifts Buy a loved one a local Lincolnshire product...
Pink Alpaca Bed Socks Alpaca bed socks provide ultimate comfort for around the house. Great thermal insulators, alpaca socks are designed to be exceptionally warm and hard wearing, £18.
Leather Belt Handmade in London, Tom Lane’s leather belts have been finished with a gold buckle, £45. Daily Alpaca Socks This product is for both men and women and is available in other colours. Made in England, this calf-length sock is luxuriously soft and comfortable to wear, £14.
Post a Pair Why not post a pair of socks that have been beautifully gift wrapped? This can be a gift for someone special and you can even personalise the present, £16-£20. n Visit www.tomlane.co for more information on the products stocked by Jayne at Tom Lane.
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The surgery-free ‘facelift’ - an anti-ageing technique which takes years off your face
Introducing Julie Smith - Lincolnshire’s new ‘Eva Fraser Facial Fitness’ Practitioner... Use facial exercises to work muscles and tighten your skin, at a fraction of the cost of a facelift. A former client of Eva’s, Julie is now one of just 16 Eva Fraser practitioners in the world. Learn the techniques once, use them for the rest of your life - no drugs, no pain, no surgery. Pioneered by Eva Fraser, pictured here, who was born in 1928.
Call 07796 000001 or see www.lincsfacialfitness.co.uk FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION CHAT ABOUT HOW EVA’S METHODS CAN TAKE YEARS OFF YOUR FACE I cover the whole of Lincolnshire and courses can take place at my studio near Boston or in the comfort of your own home. Bookings must be made at least a week prior to your appointment.
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WEDDINGS
Falling in Love A winter wedding at Grimsby’s Oaklands Hall Hotel was the perfect day for Elliott and Laura Robinson. The two wed amongst autumn leaves and had a special guest to remind them of their first ever night together... Photographer: Nick Austwick Photography, 07545 099281, www.nickaustwick.com.
It was at a Robbie Williams concert in Leeds that Elliott met Laura. It was fitting then, for the couple’s wedding entertainment lineup to feature a Robbie Williams tribute. “Elliott was 16 and I was 17 when we first met,” says Laura. “We’re both local, I’m a primary school teacher and Elliott is a sheet metal worker.”
“Elliott proposed on Easter Sunday in 2014. We were at home and he gave me a giant easter egg with ‘will you marry me’ on the front!” “We started planning our wedding in 2016 whilst I was on maternity leave. We knew we wanted a winter wedding, and our first choice was our venue which was the
Oaklands Hall Hotel in Grimsby. My next big decision was the dress.”
him before we started planning. It felt as if we had another friend at the wedding with us.”
“My dress was the first dress I tried on. I tried on another 12 but I knew it was the one. I had an idea of what I wanted; sleeves and lace and the dress I chose was just perfect; there were no dry eyes when I put it on!”
“As I reached the top of the aisle I just couldn’t wait to walk down and see Elliott and all of our guests. I was walked down the aisle by my dad who also carried our son Archie who was 11 months old. We were full of happiness, excitement and there were lots of happy tears!”
“My dress was from Gaynor Andrews, and all the ladies in the shop were fantastic. We also hired the mens’ suits from here.”
“Oaklands Hall Hotel were so accommodating, from the first meeting to the day. The food was amazing and all of the staff were great.”
“Our photographer was Nick Austwick. He was just amazing, and we knew we’d have
The table names were Robbie Williams songs, and the rest of the wedding was winter themed.
“On the evening we had JK as Robbie, a tribute act to Robbie Williams. He was incredible and definitely got the crowd 107
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- WEDDINGS -
“Our Robbie Williams tribute act was fantastic; he definitely managed to get everyone on their feet..!” going, he was the perfect entertainment with us meeting at a Robbie Williams concert.”
“After the wedding we went on a ‘minimoon’ to Harrogate for a couple of nights. We had a ‘familymoon’ soon after and went to Cape Verde. It was a perfect two weeks of sunshine and relaxation.” “We can’t thank everyone enough that was involved in our day for making it the perfect day for us.”
“Everyone was fantastic and helped to make the day everything we had dreamed of and more.” “A special thank you to our parents for everything they did for us for our wedding day, the day wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
Photographer: Nick Austwick Photography, 07545 099281, www.nickaustwick.com.
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Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979
Designer frames from Persol and Face a Face - just two of the famous names available at O’Briens.
43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS Tel: 01652 653 595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk
Call for an appointment or pop in to view our latest designer eyewear.
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WEDDING VENUES
Wedding Venues... If you’re in the throes of wedding planning, your wedding venue will be your first and most important choice. To help you make the decision, here is a roundup of some of the very best wedding venues in our county. Visit www.ukbride.co.uk/venues to discover more venues... THE PETWOOD, WOODHALL SPA
THE LINCOLN HOTEL, LINCOLN
STALLINGBOROUGH
GRANGE HOTEL
THE POACHERS HOTEL, BOSTON
Edwardian hotel made famous by the 617 Dambusters Squadron, with traditional feel and Edwardian charm. Petwood Suite, Woodland Suite and marquee weddings. Newly refurbished grounds and dedicated coordinator. n
Civil licensed venue with Grand, Boutique, Luxury, and Royal wedding packages available. The Lincoln Hotel has its Lincoln Suite, and Long Room available for brides to be, with enviable views over the Cathedral. n
Located in a truly idyllic setting, Stallingborough Grange provides a civil licensed venue for up to 65 guests in its Buttercross Suite and evening celebrations for up to 150 guests, overseen by its dedicated wedding advisor. n
Wedding breakfasts for up to 110 guests, a personal wedding planner plus bespoke options for menus and room decoration. Garden house marquee and landscaped gardens for photographs, plus 14 bedrooms for guests. n
Stixwould Rd, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QG Telephone: 01526 352411 www.petwood.co.uk
The Lincoln Hotel, Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1PN Telephone: 01522 520348 www.thelincolnhotel.com
Riby Rd, Stallingborough, Grimsby DN41 8BU Telephone: 01469 561302 stallingboroughgrange.co.uk
Swineshead Road, Kirton Holme, Boston PE20 1SQ Telephone: 01205 290310 www.poachershotel.co.uk
TOFT HOUSE HOTEL, BOURNE
OAKLANDS HALL HOTEL
BATEMANS, WAINFLEET
HOWELL MANOR, nr SLEAFORD
With a civil license for weddings, seven acres of beautiful grounds plus 20 comfortable bedrooms and lots of character, weddings at Toft House are personally overseen by owner and wedding coordinator Julia Maynard. n
Based at Laceby near Grimsby, Oaklands Hall is set in five acres, has 46 bedrooms and is civil licensed for special occasions. There’s a choice of three function suites, plus a dedicated wedding coordinator. n
Batemans Brewery is steeped in history and still looks beautiful, adjacent to the river in picturesque Wainfleet All Saints. The team have a dedicated wedding planner to oversee your special day at this unique location. n
Beautiful bespoke wedding venue situated in the hamlet of Howell near Sleaford. Marry in a marquee or Tipi, at St Oswold’s Church in the 550 acres of grounds, or in the site’s Saxon manor house. Dedicated wedding planner. n
Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne, Lincs PE10 0JT Telephone: 01778 590614 www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk
Barton Street, Laceby Grimsby DN37 7LF Telephone: 01472 872248 www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk
Salem Bridge, Wainfleet All Saints, Skegness PE24 4JE call 01754 882009 or see www.bateman.co.uk
To advertise here: Call 01529 469977 and talk to one of our friendly team members.
Manor Farm, Howell, Nr Sleaford NG34 9PT Telephone: 01529 460267 howell-manor-events.co.uk
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COUNTRY COURT CARE
LUXURY Later Life in
A redevelopment project at Tallington Lodge Care Home near Stamford means the care provider Country Court Care can ensure beautiful surroundings for its residents in addition to outstanding levels of care and support in later life... Words: Tilly Wilkinson.
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Tallington Lodge Care Home, the latest home to be built by Country Court Care, has been declared officially open by Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Tony Story. Country Court Care opened the brand new luxury care home on Main Road, Tallington, near Stamford in Lincolnshire in August this year. The 30 bed care home offers the highest standards of residential and dementia care in beautiful surroundings. “We are very proud to have created a beautiful building that our residents can call home and where we will provide a dedicated team of professionals who will deliver outstanding levels of care and understanding,” said Country Court Care Managing Director, Alykhan Kachra.
Tallington Lodge is built from traditional stone, whilst incorporating state-of-the-art design and functionality enabling staff to deliver the highest standards of personalised care for its residents.
“WE ARE VERY PROUD TO HAVE CREATED A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING THAT OUR RESIDENTS CAN CALL HOME AND WHERE WE WILL PROVIDE OUTSTANDING CARE...” Above: One of the luxury rooms you can live in at the care home.
Above/Right: The new boat house at Tallington.
Left: There are classically styled social rooms throughout.
The care home’s interior design draws on the local area for inspiration; The Welland Suite on the ground floor, named after the River Welland, features tastefully designed sitting and dining areas for residents to enjoy. The superior ground floor en-suite bedrooms feature patio style doors opening directly out onto their own seating area enabling residents to enjoy the garden. Residents will also be able to make use of the boat house, a beautiful outdoor sitting area decorated with a nautical theme.
Phase two of the design project will see the redevelopment and full refurbishment of the existing Tallington Care Home. This will include the partial demolition of the existing building to make way for a new sympathetically designed two storey front extension.
Due to open at the end of 2018, phase two of the project will provide additional en-suite bedrooms, larger day spaces and new staff facilities.
COUNTRY COURT CARE
IN BLOOM Residents and staff at care homes in the Country Court Care group recently celebrated the finale of ‘Country Court Care In Bloom,’ a company-wide gardening competition with a fantastic garden party. The project has given residents a great opportunity to engage in meaningful activities and enabled them to continue to pursue their interest in gardening. Swanholme Court Care Home in Lincoln was announced as the overall winner of the competition. Their garden transformation project won over the judges.
n For more information about Country Court Care, please visit www.countrycourtcare.co and call 01780 740314 to enquire about Tallington Care Home.
This new build project is the latest Care Home to join the Country Court Care group, a national, award-winning provider of residential, dementia and nursing care.
Winner of the Residential Care Provider of the Year 2015, Country Court Care has one simple philosophy; our residents and their families are at the heart of everything we do. n 113
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BUSINESS NEWS
Duncan & Toplis come out on top... THE LAW FIRM WON THE COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT AWARD LINCOLN East Midlands based firm Duncan & Toplis are celebrating after being awarded the Commitment to People Development Award at the prestigious East Midlands Chamber Nottinghamshire Business Awards on Friday night. The award sought to recognise organisations which demonstrated commitment to people development and the implementation and promotion of a learning and development culture. “We are absolutely committed to providing and developing high quality roles within Duncan & Toplis that allow individuals to reach their potential and enjoy a rewarding career with the firm,” says Managing Director Adrian Reynolds. “We have invested significantly in our people development over recent years and this
award is a credit to everyone that has been involved in seeing those changes through.” The firm’s commitment to development continues beyond gaining an accountancy
Manor House Stables Christmas Courses...
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qualification with the opportunity for team members to engage in management training and business development coaching. For Duncan & Toplis, this WOODHALL SPA Sherry from the Manor House Stables celebrates Christmas in style on her craft and cookery courses at her converted stables in the village of Martin near Woodhall Spa. Sherry is an enthusiastic teacher and in December she excels in getting course participants in the Christmas spirit. Courses range from wreath making to crocheting snowflakes and there are a number of bread courses. New for this year are her homemade Christmas hamper courses where participants can create their own hampers, making all the items themselves.
award follows after being named as the Regional Winner of the Large Accountancy Firm of the Year by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Goodies include plum bread with chocolate and orange stout, apricot and amaretto jam and Christmas bread wreaths. On the Victorian Christmas course activities include making gingerbread and spiced biscuits for decorating your tree or for giving away as treats. Lunches at the Manor House Stables are a mix of homemade roasted root vegetables with Lincolnshire sausages, followed by a spiced apple oat crumble. If you can’t decide on what to buy for friends and family you can buy a Christmas voucher. n Please call 01526 378717 or visit www.manorhousestables.co.uk.
The Ark Nursery CELEBRATIONS AS SCHOOL EXPANDS...
National Spa Week: The Grange Spa...
LINCOLN National Spa week aims to raise awareness of the physical, mental and emotional benefits that regular spa visits provide.
In the UK we see spaing as a ‘treat’ or luxury item where as in Europe it’s a regular part of a healthy, balanced life.
STAMFORD The Ark Nursery at St George’s School, Kesteven Road Stamford is expanding. A new architecturally-designed, timber-framed building, similar to The Ark next door to St Gilbert’s School, on Foundry Road Stamford will be opening in a few weeks. The nursery will be offering a caring space for children from six weeks to five years. Opening hours will be from 7.30am until 6.00pm all year round. “We are all thrilled to be building a new home for The Ark at St George’s,” says owner
Jo O’Bryan-Tear. “The children spend a lot of time with us and our aim is to build them a cosy second home where they can thrive and learn, looked after by highly qualified professionals.” The Ark nursery children attend Forest School sessions at the school’s wood and meadow in Ketton where children can explore and experience the natural world. The new nursery hopes to be open at the beginning of November. n For more information please call 01780 482113 or email thearknursery@keme.co.uk.
The Little Red Gallery News
As a small family run business The Grange Spa will be working to promote the importance of wellbeing for everybody and mind, so come along and support your local spa and see what we have to offer. From evening twilight sessions to our loyalty membership or corporate rewards.
Throughout National Spa Week we are offering our limited edition Take Rest package £150 per person this includes a full day use of spa facilities, glass of prosecco, Lincolnshire themed light lunch and our Take Rest Ritual - a top to toe wellness ritual to soothe your sole. See our website for further details. Our usual range of packages will also be available to book too.
n Call 01778 440511 or visit www.thegrangespa.co.uk.
£695,000...
Modern Master’s programme; ‘Poster Power.’ Focusing on the 20th century era of ‘mad men’ BRAND NEW ARTISTS ON THE WALLS FOR THE LITTLE advertising with an artistic twist, RED GALLERY AND A THIRD EXHIBITION IN THE MODERN don’t miss out on the newest MASTER’S PROGRAMME FOCUSING ON ART IN ADVERTISING... exhibition. LINCOLN There is huge excitement This exhibition is focusing on at The Little Red Galleries as how artists have used posters in they announce the return of their artwork and how this has Washington Green Fine Art. changed how we interact with This means artists such as Bob work. The exhibition will Barker, Jeff Rowland, Ronnie feature poster work from huge Wood, Bob Dylan and Laurence names like Andy Warhol, Tracey Coulson will be on the walls. Emin, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec Work is always available to order as well as iconic and infamous from the gallery so great artists travel, sport, music and are available on your doorstep. propaganda posters. Open now! As if that wasn’t exciting n For more information, please enough, the Little Red Gallery visit www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk also has its third exhibition in its or call 01522 589134.
LINCOLN HAS BEEN AWARDED an increidble £690,000 for an ambitious three-year programme that will bring high profile international artists to the city. Funding will see artists of international stature working with communities in Lincoln to help and contribute to artistic commissions, debates, talks and public performances that the city already works hard to organise. n
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BUSINESS
NEWS In Brief LINCOLN
HOSPICE WORKERS AWARDED FOR THEIR DEDICATION Dedicated staff and volunteers at a Lincolnshire end-of-life hospice were recognised recently for their superb achievements at a special ceremony in Lincoln.
The St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice Aiming High Annual Awards celebrates the work of the staff and the volunteers over the last 12 months. The event was hosted by Chris Wheway, Chief Executive and Michelle Duggan, Director of Income Generation and People at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. More than 125 guests attended, including the Board of Trustees from St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, the winners, and their guests.
The trust thanked award winners for their outstanding care. n For more information visit www.stbarnabas hospice.co.uk.
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LINCOLN MINSTER SCHOOL
An Inspiring
Education For Life It was a summer of success for Lincoln Minster School, from SATs to A-Levels, the school achieved excellent results. As well as an expectation of achieving academic success, the school focuses on ensuring a student succeeds in every part of their education, going on to lead an enriched life... “This year, our pupils have achieved remarkable results,” says Mark Wallace, Headmaster at Lincoln Minster School.
“It’s the opportunities that we are able to provide our pupils that makes us most proud,” says Mr Wallace.
“There’s so much more to a child’s education than solely achieving the grades needed to secure a place at university or in a future career.” That is what makes Lincoln Minster School unique.
The school has recently created a ‘mud kitchen’ for pre-prep pupils and there are mindfulness classes from a young age.
“The school benefits from outstanding facilities for sport, music, art and drama with pupils able to perform in an array of competitions, events, concerts and productions throughout the year.”
“While this is something we’re obviously very proud of, the high percentages, facts and figures are not what defines Lincoln Minster School.”
The school has a nursery for ‘discoverers’ and ‘explorers’ based at their Pre-Preparatory School which also caters for children from reception to year two. There is also a Preparatory School for pupils from year three to year six, and a Senior School for year’s seven to sixth-form. The school are celebrating the results from SATs to A-Level, but also focusing on what they can do to support pupils both inside and outside the classroom, as well as what new ideas they can introduce into the curriculum.
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environment with pastoral care and learning support forming a key element of the school’s approach to providing an inspiring ‘education for life’. The staff at Lincoln Minster are focused on supporting pupils to get to where they want to be in life and with an extensive co-curricular programme including activities such as polo, sailing, Duke of Edinburgh and even a radio club; a dedicated careers advisor and small class sizes, they achieve this and more.
“WE ENCOURAGE OUR PUPILS TO STRETCH AND CHALLENGE THEMSELVES...”
There are regular outdoor learning activities on offer, as the school aims to teach in a fun and engaging way, and there are many excursions taking students across the globe.
“We encourage our pupils to stretch and challenge themselves, to test new skills outside their comfort zone, not to worry when they make a mistake, but to learn from it. This way our boys and girls develop resilience, grow in self-esteem and become more equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead.”
While Lincoln Minster don’t focus solely on academic results, they do make impressive reading and give a good indication to its teaching standards. n
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LINCOLN MINSTER’S impressive RESULTS Lincoln Minster School achieved outstanding results across all age groups: A-LEVELS: 86% of students received an A* to C grade and 58% achieved an A* to B grade. The vast majority are going to their first choice destination. GCSEs: 91% achieved A* to C grades and 32% achieved an A* to A grade. 47% achieved an A* or A in GCSE Maths. SATs: Pupils exceeded the age expected national average across Reading, Spelling and Grammar, and Maths demonstrating why the school is ranked in the top 100 preparatory schools in the country. Lincoln Minster scored 93% in reading, while nationally, schools achieved an average of 71%. For maths, LMS scored 93% while the national average was 75%.
n Call Lincoln Minster School today to find out more information about Open Days or to arrange a personal visit or taster day on 01522 551300. Visit www.lincoln minsterschool.co.uk for further details.
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BAREFOOT RETREATS
Winter
GETAWAYS
Right on Lincolnshire’s doorstep is Norfolk, a beautiful coastal county filled with delights to explore and relaxing retreats to wind down in thanks to Barefoot Retreats. Get ahead of the Christmas rush and book your winter break for the new year now... Triumphal Arch: One of our featured retreats in this month’s roundup of Barefoot Retreats.
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“Our most popular time is Christmas for families and couples booking holidays in the new year, so get ahead of the rush and book your retreat today. These are our newest listings...” Holkham
Norton House • Snettisham • Sleeps 8 • Dogs Welcome This is a stunning Grade II listed period property that combines a beautiful building with a private and rural location. Set in a raised position above the coastal village of Snettisham, Norton House boasts a large, mature garden in which to relax and enjoy some well-earned time away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday life. Rooms have a modern luxury country feel to them as do the communal areas. Prices £900 - £3,000 for seven nights; dependent on peak times.
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LODGES
Triumphal Arch is part of a series of Holkham Lodges that Barefoot Retreats manages. Visit their website to see Palmers Folly, Palmers Lodge and South Lodge.
Below: Norton House in Snettisham is designed to a high specification and offers a large garden space, very modern and well designed interiors, and the perfect rural location for a truly relaxing escape.
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- BAREFOOT RETREATS -
Lobster Pot Cottage • Wells Next The Sea • Sleeps 4 • Dogs Welcome
Lobster Pot Cottage is simply perfect for sandy holidays on the North Norfolk coast. This bijou retreat is only a short walk from the quay and offers quiet and comfortable accommodation that is both stylish and ideally placed to explore the surrounding countryside. This property welcomes families and is dog friendly but this is an ideal location for couples too that want a little extra space. You can just about glimpse the sand dunes of Wells-Next-The-Sea from this cosy country cottage.
Priced at £600-£1,200 for seven nights; dependent on peak times.
Triumphal Arch • Holkham • Sleeps 2 • Dogs Welcome
A truly unique and romantic retreat, The Triumphal Arch is an 18th century Grade I listed building, designed by William Kent. Initially built to impress travellers passing by on their way to the Norfolk coast, it’s positioned on the south avenue that leads to the Obelisk and Holkham Hall beyond, set just outside the walls of Holkham Park. Priced at £600-£900 for seven nights; dependent on peak times.
Concierge Service and Extras... Bespoke Chocolates: Why not order a box of truffles for your stay or even a chocolate hamper with sweet treats for all the family from Harrison Chocolatiers. Boat Trips: All aboard locally restored craft to see Wells from a different perspective. Learn about the history of the area and you might even see some wildlife. Holiday Babysitting: Have a night off from the kids with holiday babysitting agency Lolly Poppins. All staff are fully trained and DBS checked.
Hot Tub Rental: After a great day along the North Norfolk Coast why not relax and unwind in your very own private hot tub. Beauty Treatments: There is a professional health and beauty therapist on hand to provide the highest standard of relaxation and care. Bicycle Hire: All ages are catered for and the Norfolk scenery is perfect for family bike rides. To see other concierge service on offer, please visit www.barefootretreats.co.uk.
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- BAREFOOT RETREATS -
Carpenter’s Cottage • Holt • Sleeps 4 Carpenters Cottage is a superb option for couples and families that are looking to explore Norfolk from a convenient, central location. Holt provides a wide range of interesting shops and restaurants, many with independent and unique characters. Created with thought and care for your enjoyment with abundant touches of luxury, enquire now to find out more on this luxury Georgian Grade II Listed cottage. The lounge is a stylish and comfortable space towards the rear of the property in which relaxation cannot be avoided, even by the most pressured of parents or after the longest of drives. The two comfortable, stylish bedrooms on its first floor, have been loving created to give guests the best possible rest after a busy day on the beach or shopping. Priced at £400 - £750 for seven nights; dependent on peak times.
The Old Bakery • Burnham Market • Sleeps 4 Guests Above/Right: For those looking to enjoy a taste of village life, The Old Bakery is the perfect property. Located a stone’s throw away from the various independent shops of Burnham Market, you can enjoy all of the conveniences and enjoyments with this superb home as your base. Left: Carpenter’s Cottage in Holt also offers village life.
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The Old Bakery is a comfortable stylish two bedroom home less than a five minute walk from the popular village green at the centre of Burnham Market. From here you can relax and be a part of the hustle and bustle of village life, or you can retreat to the first floor living area and enjoy some peace with a book and a glass of wine. Priced at £400-£800 for seven nights; dependent on peak times.
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MOTORS
GAME GENERATION
Pictured below is the third generation of Bentley’s Continental GT, a ‘sports car for grown ups.’ The Crewe company has updated the look of its flagship for the 21st century, but the changes are not just skin deep! Words: Rob Davis.
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The idea of evolution worked out pretty well for Darwin... he got a few books out of the concept, after all. But it’s worked even better for the new Bentley.
The Crewe based luxury motoring marque has just released a new version of its luxury GT (Grand Tourer), the Continental. For now, it’s a four-seater coupé, but you can expect a drop-top convertible and harderdriving Speed versions to follow. For now though the decision to put down the necessary £150,000 that the car is likely to command is simple for two reasons. Firstly there’s just one engine, a heavily reworked version of the 6.0 W12 developed with the Volkswagen/Audi group, which shuts down six of its cylinders to halve the size of the engine under modest driving.
Secondly, the new model improves upon an already devastatingly good car. From the front the Continental GT’s design is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, but there’s a lovely new sweeping rear end.
“For all its craftsmanship and quality, the car is dripping in technology too...”
The new rear end looks great but if we’re really picky it is perilously close to Mercedes’s E-Class and S-Class Coupés.
Inside, there’ s a brand new interior that, as well as being packed with technology, has no less than ten square feet of wood veneer, millimetric panel gaps, ‘virtual dials’ plus a central screen that also rotates to reveal three conventional analogue dials.
The diamond-stitched hide seats are heated, cooled and provide a massage function. They have 712 stitches and come in a choice of 15 shades. There are 87 paint colours and 15 carpet options, plus a choice of eight wood veneers for ultimate customisation.
For all its craftsmanship and hand-build quality, the car is dripping in technology too; four wheel drive, a 48-volt electrical system and an optional Bang & Olufsen or Naim branded audio system which tops out at 2,200 watts and 18 speakers. The only options are a Mulliner styling pack, which most drivers can do without, and a rather more useful City Specification pack with adaptive cruise control, top view cameras and night vision.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT
Price: £150,000 (estimate). Engine: 6.0 W12 TSI, 626bhp. Drivetrain: Eight speed automatic with four wheel drive. Performance: 0-60mph 3.7 seconds; 207mph top speed. Economy: 23.2mpg combined. Equipment: Heated, cooled, massaging seats. ‘virtual’ dials, 650 watt stereo, ‘retina’ quality display. Optional: City spec with adaptive cruise and 360° camera. Mulliner pack with 22” wheels and ‘jewel’ fuel filler cap.
The likely asking price, when confirmed, will be hefty, but for the ultimate in quality, technology and performance, the Bentley is the ultimate sports car for grown ups. n
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PLUG-IN CARS
PLANET
Good for the
Turn on, tune in and drop out with our pick of the best plug-in cars on the market today. They’re eco-friendly and great for company car drivers.
1. Mini Countryman E £29,085: The new version of Mini’s Countryman is, contrary to its name, bigger than ever. However the 1.5 litre three cylinder engine on this model is allied to an electric motor to give 134mpg and sub-50g CO2 emissions for company drivers. It provides a decent tally of equipment plus four wheel drive.
2. Tesla Model X £75,000: Elon Musk’s quirky four wheel drive SUV is priced from £75,500 to £138,000, but a more modest 3-Series BMW challenger is on the way for the mainstream market. Model X achieves a claimed 260 miles range but there’s no conventional engine as a backup plan. 3. Mercedes E350e £45,565: Estate E-Class PHEV is one of the best executive plug-ins right now, with 21mpg electric range and smooth 2.0 petrol engine as backup.
4. BMW i8 £105,580: Supercar performance but the 2018MY car will top the current car’s 4.4 second 0-60mph pace and 134mpg claimed economy. 1.5 litre three cylinder engine is shared with Mini for peace of mind if you run out of power. n 4.
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