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eace and goodwill is something that everybody should be happy to advocate at any time of year. But at this time of year, and after this year, the message is especially significant. This year may lack the usual festivities with gatherings of more than six curtailed, and events like Lincoln’s Christmas Market cancelled, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a different kind of Christmas. It’s likely you’ll be spending less time out and about, more time at home this season, so accordingly we’ve great ideas for festive decorations. It’s also likely you’ll be sending gifts, rather than giving them in person, so Lincoln’s gift wrapping expert Jane Means is also on hand to ensure they look absolutely superb with her new online course. Also this month we’re meeting Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs to enjoy the story of her career and we’ll talk to British Army Captain Harry Grantham following his cross-Channel swim to hear his incredibly important message. With delicious treats from Alastair Hawken of Grantham Gingerbread and from Ollie & Joe of Lincoln’s Naked Marshmallow Company, there’s plenty of local treats to enjoy too. Of course this year has been a challenge but we’re so grateful to all of our readers and advertisers who have given us such lovely feedback and who are a pleasure to work alongside. On behalf of the whole Pride team, I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for a healthy, happy 2021.
Executive Editor robin@pridemagazines.co.uk 3
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CONTENTS NEWS & EVENTS 06
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NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across Lincolnshire... find out why Christmas came early for one Heckington pub landlord!
HIGHLIGHTS 16
HANNAH DALE The founder of Wrendale Designs, zoologist turned artist Hannah Dale, on Christmas with the family.
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THAT’S A WRAP Professional gift wrapper to Harrods & Dior, Jane Means launches her new online gift wrapping courses.
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HARRY GRANTHAM The British Army Captain explains why he recently embarked on his epic cross-Channel swim.
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LAID BACK LUXURY Missing spending time with family and friends this season? Why not book a short break in laid back luxury.
FOOD & DRINK 40
DINING OUT The impressive Chubby Castor near Stamford.
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FESTIVE FOOD Delicious local gingerbread and marshmallows plus Christmas bakes from Katie Jones.
HOMES & GARDENS 60
WELCOME HOME A pretty former village school near Grantham.
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INTERIORS Our great ideas for creating a beautiful festive home.
LADIES & GENTLEMEN 100 WEDDINGS The beautiful wedding of Sophie and George Wallis.
104 FASHION & MAKEUP Black to basics with pretty party dresses and cosmetics with gold, frankincense and myrrh...
AND FINALLY... 122 MOTORS If you’d like to get your hands on Bond’s new Aston Martin, you’ve No Time to Lose.
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THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN THE AREA READ PRIDE MAGAZINE
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Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over ÂŁ300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content. The magazine is also sold in supermarkets and newsagents and our in-house distribution team also works hard to hand-deliver the magazine to selected hotels and restaurants, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area. Our titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 30,000 online readers each month who view the magazine free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website, our app, and via the Readly and Issuu platforms. If your business would benefit from being showcased to the wealthiest people in the area, please call our friendly sales team on 01529 469977. Amazing new app out now: You can read our magazines on any device anywhere.
Read Pride Magazine free online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk or by downloading our free iOS and Android App. LEGAL DISCLAIMER By supplying editorial or advertising copy to Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.
THE PRIDE TEAM Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson. Production Director: Ian Bagley. Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson. Sales Manager: Charlotte Daubney. Sales Supervisor: Cydney Dyson. Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Illustrator: Jocelyn Lawman. Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray. Web Developer: Joe Proctor. Administration: Sue Bannister, Carissa Clay, Sami Millard. Sales Executives: Cassy Ayton, and Grace Mumford.
Pride Magazines, Boston Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Way, Boston, Lincs PE21 7TW
Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978 www.pridemagazines.co.uk | enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk
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NEWS & EVENTS
Christmas isn’t Cancelled in 2020!
THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF FESTIVE FUN TO ENJOY IN LINCOLNSHIRE THIS MONTH...
LINCOLNSHIRE It’s official! Christmas is NOT cancelled in Lincolnshire! In fact, despite the loss of a few festive regulars such as Lincoln’s Christmas Market, there’s still plenty to enjoy in the run up to the festive season. Join Lincoln Cathedral’s Colin Walsh as the Organist Laureate performs La Nativite Du Seigneur on the building’s Father Willis organ on Sunday 20th December from 5.50pm. Enjoy Belton House’s mile-long illuminated winter wonderland trail throughout December with its laser garden and tunnel of lights; a great evening out with the children. And also with the children, Rand Farm Park in Market Rasen hosts the Real Christmas Experience including the Nutcracker Suite, Enchanted Forest and Santa’s grotto, with dates throughout December.
Meanwhile Newark Showground hosts the world’s first drive-through pantomime, Horrible Christmas, based on the children’s Horrible Histories series, on December 13th.
50 Years of Saving LIVES 2020 MARKS FIVE DECADES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE MAKING EXTRAORDINARY CHOICES
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And finally, join Henry II and his retinue for a medieval Christmas Market at Lincoln’s St Mary le Wigford from 3rd-6th December, with artisan crafts, food stalls and live shows too.
n For more information see: www.lincolncathedral.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.randfarmpark.com www.newarkshowground.com www.stmarylewigford.co.uk www.visitlincoln.com
LINCOLNSHIRE Are you able to buy a little extra Christmas gift this month? Are you able to show your support for a charity that has been making a difference to Lincolnshire for the past 50 years? If so, the county’s Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service, (LIVES), would love you to purchase a 50th anniversary pin badge this season. LIVES is a charity that costs £1m to run each year, but whose contribution to the county is priceless. The service has come to the aid of around one in six Lincolnshire
residents during its time and utilises a network of volunteer responders across the county who can get to their neighbours fast, to deliver vital care in those first critical moments of a medical emergency, before handing over to the ambulance service. In addition to its lay person responders, the service also has volunteer doctors, nurses and paramedics who can provide more advanced skills to complex medical and trauma emergencies. n Order your pin badge for a minimum £2.50 donation from www.lives.org.uk/50th-pin-badge.
Who said that panto season is cancelled this year? Us? Oh no we didn’t! That’s because Lincolnshire pantomime guru Chris Moreno is determined the show must go on, hence: ‘Sleeping Beauty and the Socially Distanced Witch.’ The show will still take place within Covid-safe conditions, at Grimsby Auditorium, from 11th to 27th December with tickets £15; £12/child. Pre-booking is essential. n Call 0300 300 0035 or see grimsbyauditorium.org.uk. GRIMSBY
LINCOLN Lincolnshire residents can now enjoy a walk around Lincoln Cathedral following the opening of the Old Deanery for the first time in 40 years. Fenced off for over four decades as it formed part of the Lincoln Minster School boundary, the now open Dean’s Green has been beautifully landscaped with lawns, flower beds, seating and a water fountain. Its visitors can now enjoy the peaceful outside space and marvel at the magnificent view
of the North-side of the Cathedral, which until now hasn’t been fully visible. In addition, visitors can see and get close to the Wren Library doorway and Dean’s Entrance to the Cathedral which are both within the Dean’s Green. Custom-made solid oak seating offers the ideal spot for visitors to rest and reflect, and an intricate stone statue and stone and bronze fountain with a hidden Lord Tennyson poem, provide focal points in the gardens. n
Christmas Comes Early... WHAT A CHRISTMAS PRESENT! SANTA CLAUS VISITED ONE LUCKY LANDLORD A LITTLE EARLY THIS YEAR!
HECKINGTON Well that’s the kind of Christmas present we’d all like to receive! Festive celebrations came early for the luckiest landlord on Lincolnshire recently as Heckington’s Stephen McHugh won a competition and landed himself his dream car; a Bentley Continental GT and £20,000 cash. Stephen entered the spot-the-ball-style competition run by BOTB, which has been running competitions to win supercars since 1999 and has given away £32m of prizes. Business has been frustrating for all local landlords this year... so at last Stephen’s year will end on a high! n
£25,000,000
CATHEDRAL’S NEW GREEN IS NOW OPEN
The show must go on at Grimsby Auditorium this month...
SCUNTHORPE Life for businesses is looking up for 2021 with news of Scunthorpe’s £25m Town Deal fund. Businesses can bid for a share of the cash if they can boost jobs and businesses in North Lincolnshire. Wren Kitchens may be the first business to benefit from a share of the cash with plans submitted for an expansion which will see 300 jobs created. n
A Gift for Locals
LOCAL
NEWS In Brief LOUTH x
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE WITH FESTIVE MAGIC IN LOUTH, ALFORD & SPILSBY...
Towns across East Lindsey are delivering Hope & Light this month with a festive community project. Special light projections in each town will be shown on a building that will act as an outdoor screen to show artwork designed by members of each town’s community. Hope & Light will also see an empty shop front in each town transformed with a festive backdrop and digital display, and in December, residents will also share their hopes and wishes for 2021 with weatherproof tags on a display in the town centre. n
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YOUR HOME, OUR VISION
5 BED EXECUTIVE HOMES AT HOLBEACH MEADOWS Based in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, Holbeach Meadows is an exclusive flagship development brought to you by Ashwood Homes.
£575,000 with double garage and large garden Just 4 plots – 5 bedroom homes plus additional downstairs guest suite giving a 6th bedroom Specification as standard includes underfloor heating throughout ground floor, vanity units in each bathroom and en-suite, flooring package throughout, bi-fold doors. Holbeach Meadows, Hallgate, Holbeach, Lincs, PE12 7HZ Showhomes open daily 10-5pm book your private viewing on 01406 430940.
01406 490590 • www.ashwoodhomes.co 1 GOODISON ROAD, LINCS GATEWAY BUSINESS PARK, SPALDING, PE12 6FY Please Note: Internal photographs reflect the typical style and finish of properties, but exact specifications and room layouts may vary according to individual plot and development. Help to Buy terms and conditions may apply, please call for further details.
NETHER HALL, DENTON, GRANTHAM
£895,000
A superb Grade II Listed stone-built residence of immense charm located on the edge of the Vale of Belvoir in the highly desirable village of Denton. This five-bedroom family home has been lovingly restored to a high standard throughout and boasts an abundance of original features. The internal accommodation includes a bespoke kitchen with granite worktops and walk-in pantry, adjoining back kitchen, formal sitting room with a feature stone chimney, dining room, snug and office. Nether Hall is approached via a sweeping drive and set in established and mature grounds with views over open countryside. To the rear of the property there is a large detached outbuilding with triple garage, workshop and games room. For the commuter, nearby Grantham (approximately four miles) offers high-speed mainline train services to London King’s Cross (approximately 65 minutes). 4
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EPC Rating: NA
HAMBLETON HOUSE, KIRTON, BOSTON
£595,000
Hambleton House is a unique executive four-bedroom home discreetly located in a small, gated community in the delightful Lincolnshire village of Kirton. This stunning family home offers 4000 sq ft of luxuriously appointed contemporary accommodation which includes a stunning open plan kitchen / breakfast room with adjoining garden room, sitting room with modern inglenook fireplace, dining room and home office. Externally the large garden is ideal for al fresco dining with a large decking area, ornamental pond, and terrace. To the front of the property a sweeping driveway leads to the detached double garage which incorporates a superb integral home gym. Kirton is a thriving village community with a comprehensive range of facilities, within easy reach of the coast and just three miles south of the market town of Boston. 6
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EPC Rating: C
£435,000
OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, HARLAXTON, GRANTHAM £735,000
A Grade II listed four-bedroom detached stone house with a wealth of character situated in the heart of the popular cliff village of Boothby Graffoe. Finished throughout to an exceptional standard with a wealth of original features the accomodation includes a generous family kitchen with inset range cooker, utility and cellar, two impressive reception rooms, four bedrooms and an opulant family bathroom. The property benefits from peaceful and low maintenance gardens with grassed and terraced areas, private off street parking and an attached stone outbuilding. Commuters are well served by the direct high-speed trains to London Kings Cross from both Grantham and Newark (65 mins and 80 mins respectively).
Grade II listed residence in the heart of the conservation village of Harlaxton on the edge of the picturesque Vale of Belvoir with a wealth of stunning original features and elegantly stylish interior design throughout. Internal accommodation includes a stunning sitting room with double-height vaulted ceiling and galleried landing, delightful country-style breakfast kitchen and separate utility room, formal dining room, garden room, study, five spacious bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms to first floor and a stylish guest bedroom and en-suite to the ground floor. Externally the mature gardens offer a private and tranquil haven and an extensive gravelled driveway leads to detached double garage. Grantham's high-speed rail network to London Kings Cross (approximately 65 minutes) is located a short distance away as are two excellent and sought-after Grammar schools.
SOUTH VIEW, BOOTHBY GRAFFOE, LINCOLN
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EPC Rating: NA
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EPC Rating: NA
Fine & Country Lincolnshire and Grantham, 55 High Street, Navenby, Lincs LN5 0DZ Telephone: 01522 287008 or 01476 247070 Email: lincoln@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com With offices in over 300 locations worldwide Fine and Country combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with national marketing campaigns and local expertise...
The Smithys, Wyberton £249,000
Burton Hall, Boston £575,000
Elmhurst, Kirton
The Smithys is part of a stable block conversion in the grounds of Tytton Hall in Wyberton and enjoys a beautiful garden with far-reaching views, three bedrooms, a dining kitchen and a sitting room with a wood burner and full height window to take full advantage of the rural aspect.
This stunning Elizabethan Manor House can easily be divided into two completely selfcontained units. Comprises six bedrooms, three reception rooms and four bathrooms, with the plot extending to approx. two acres including lawns and a heated swimming pool.
This beautiful five bedroom detached house is situated in the village of Kirton and benefits from three reception rooms and a private, woodland plot of just over 1.5 acres (subject to survey).
£495,000
Halton Holegate
£495,000
Beechtree House, Boston £495,000
Rippongate, Boston £325,000
Hawthorn House is a beautifully designed property with a high standard of fixtures and fittings throughout and features the most stunning views over the Wolds to the rear. Situated on a no-through-road, in an idyllic location.
Superb four bedroom period property renovated to a high standard to include a beautiful kitchen extension, shower room, en-suite and sash windows. There is ample parking, an established garden and a detached gym/ sauna suite. NO CHAIN
Architect-designed four bedroom detached house, situated on the popular Wainfleet Road. This property offers four bedrooms, three reception rooms and also benefits from a large, attractive south facing rear garden.
THE WILLOWS | GOLD FEN BANK | WRANGLE | BOSTON | LINCOLNSHIRE | PE22 9BG
Exceptional detached house with 4/5 reception rooms, large modern kitchen/diner, 4 bedrooms, dressing room, integral double garage. Set in 2 acres of formal gardens with 1/3 of an acre lake. Agricultural yard extending to 0.63 acres with over 7,300sqft of steel framed agricultural buildings. Adjoining fields of grade 1 land totalling another 11.75 acres approximately.
FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION
£875,000 Subject To Contract
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WRENDALE DESIGNS
CHRISTMAS with
HANNAH The cheerful, speckled, beautiful artwork of Hannah Dale is instantly recognisable and you’ll have seen it on cards, homeware and even bedding. But this month the Cambridge zoologist, turned stockbroker, turned artist is looking forward to putting her feet up over Christmas and spending time with family... Words: Rob Davis.
I REMEMBER SPEAKING ONCE with the former Bishop of Lincoln Dr John Saxbee during his time in the Diocese. It was prior to his retirement and his return to his native Bristol. I asked him what he had planned for the future. With his typical warmth and wisdom he remarked that ‘God laughs when men make plans.’ And it’s true. If 2020 has demonstrated anything it’s that life often has other ideas to those we anticipate. Artist and designer Hannah Dale is a living testament to that. A polymath of academic, then financial, then artistic talent, Hannah was always going to be successful at whatever she turned her attention to… it seems it was just up to life to point her in the particular direction it wanted her to go. Hannah’s oeuvre as an artist is instantly recognisable and her artwork looks great on her cards, canvases, homewares and now on a new range of toys. With her signature splatters representing the playful and mucky side to the country, her work is warm and wonderful… and to think, she could still be stuck in London, commuting and working in finance. What was life like, growing up in Lincolnshire?
I always loved the outdoors and nature and I think that growing up in a village in rural Lincolnshire definitely helped to nurture that. My favourite day out would usually involve some kind of woodland nature walk, much to the disgust of my sister who would have preferred Alton Towers! I went to Caistor Grammar school and left in 2000 after my A-levels to study Zoology at Cambridge University. I always loved art at school but never thought I’d be good enough to make a living from it and I was lucky to enjoy most subjects at school so I headed down an academic route, assuming that I’d always be able to continue with my art as a hobby.
Why zoology?
I really loved the natural world and zoology was an academic expression of that. Unlocking the mysteries of the natural world - why and how the environment affects a species’ behaviour - is like understanding a magician’s sleight of hand. At the same time you’re an observer, having that relationship with that world but not interfering in it. In a parallel universe, I would have pursued an academic career as a zoologist - I completely loved the subject, but at the end of my degree I still didn’t really have a strong sense of what I wanted to be ‘when I grew up’! Lots of my peers were applying for internships at investment banks and I think it was probably my competitive streak that made me apply and try my luck. >> Main: Hannah is based in Brigg, and her artwork is instantly recognisable, taking the Lincolnshire countryside at one of its main themes.
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>> Much to my surprise I was offered an internship and then a full-time job offer followed. I hadn’t even heard of an investment bank before University, but I definitely got swept up in the glamour and excitement of that world and worked as a stockbroker in London from 2003 to 2008. Did you miss Lincolnshire?
I think I always knew I was a Lincolnshire girl at heart, and my time in London was going to be short. I met my husband Jack – who by chance grew up just seven miles away from me – on a night out in Lincoln just before I moved to London. For five years, our relationship was a long-distance one and so I spent lots of time travelling home at weekends, which suited me well! We married in 2008 and with our first child, Amelia, on the way I relocated back to the county permanently. For a poignant Christmas in 2008?
My mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on New Year’s Eve 2008. It was just a week before Amelia was due to be born, so suddenly everything completely changed. My mum was my best friend the shock of discovering that I was going to lose her at the same time as becoming a mother myself was unbearable. It was a really mixed up time and I was so grateful to be back home in Lincolnshire and not still working in London. Pursuing painting as therapy?
The next few years were really difficult and full of massive highs and lows. I felt directionless and really struggled with having no career to focus on.
There were no real opportunities for work related to my qualifications in the local area and so I decided to focus on my art and try to create some kind of a living from doing something I loved. Painting the wildlife we were surrounded by was the natural first step and I began to approach local retailers to see if they would be interested in selling them. Over the next couple of years, this developed into a range of greeting cards and I’ve never looked back! Did they sell well right from the beginning?
Approaching gift shops in the beginning is really hard - the owners are so busy and often overwhelmed by the choice of product out there, but I was persistent and, in most cases, when I managed to get the cards in front of a buyer, I made a sale. Importantly, the re-orders then started to come in, which meant that the customers liked them too! It felt a little bit like a light switch going on - I was doing something I loved, and I was really excited about it. I just had a feeling that I had hit upon something with lots of potential and for the first time in ages, I felt challenged and optimistic. What happened next?
From first starting to sell greeting cards to shops in late 2011, things suddenly seemed to expand really quickly. Jack left his job on his family’s farm to join Wrendale and we’ve run the business together since then. >>
Main: Hannah still creates her designs from her kitchen table by the Aga. Below: Hannah, Lara, Oliver, Amelia and Jack near their home in Brigg.
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HANNAH DALE
>> In those early days, we could barely keep up with the card sales and I kept painting to expand the collection. The heart of Wrendale was, and still remains the wildlife around our Lincolnshire home, but I’ve painted all sorts of animals both wild and domestic - I always try to bring out a little bit of character in each one I paint. We have been lucky enough to win various different industry awards which really helped to raise the profile of Wrendale, including ‘Most Promising Young Designer’ and ‘Best Art Range’ for our cards, as well as ‘Gift of the Year’ and we were also presented with a Queen’s Award for International Trade which involved a reception at Buckingham Palace - that was definitely a ‘pinch yourself ’ kind of moment! And your zoology degree was useful?
Definitely. I used to take a sketch book with me during hours of fieldwork and drawing from life in that setting is definitely a brilliant foundation. I think that studying animal behaviour definitely gives me a different perspective when it comes to painting wildlife. That attention to detail was important?
Attention to detail is so important to me, and it is one of the key principles of our product development process. I absolutely love greeting cards - sending and receiving a hand written card is a special experience, so much more personal, sincere and considered than an email or text and the choice of card itself says a lot about the sender, recipient and their relationship. The type of board our cards are printed on was really important to me - it is sustainably sourced, is uncoated and textured, as I wanted it to reflect the watercolour paper that the original painting was done on, almost as if it was painted directly on the card. The feel and weight of the card is then very much part of the overall experience, not just the visual image on the front. How did you create other products?
We quickly expanded from being a simple greeting card company into a giftware brand. Stationery was an obvious next step (who doesn’t love a new notebook!) but we now have all sorts of apparel, gifts and homeware. Right: Before founding Wrendale Designs, Hannah read Zoology at Cambridge University and then spent five years working as a stockbroker in London.
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We were also approached by Portmeirion quite early on to collaborate on a collection of Royal Worcester mugs and they have also now developed this into a large range of ceramics and kitchenware. They are amazing to work with, it is a true collaboration and they have the same eye for detail and quality that we would expect for our brand. What’s the design process?
I paint about 50 new designs a year which we release on greeting cards. Cards are a brilliant way to see how well a particular design is received and that helps us to choose which ones to use on other items. We have two launches a year and we’re always working on new product ranges a couple of years in advance. The diaries and calendars are always a particular challenge we’re currently working on 2022 which seems so far away! I’m also just working on next year’s Christmas cards, as many shops will have done all their Christmas buying for next year before the end of this one! signed off our Christmas 2021 designs and we’ve nearly finished our diaries and calendars for 2022. Do you still paint at home?
We have our offices based in Brigg, but usually prefer to paint at home as it is easier
to escape from the dreaded emails and focus on the creative side. When we started Wrendale, the children were still toddlers, so I had to get used to painting in an environment of constant interruption and disquiet which is really difficult as it’s such a meditative process but I seem to have adapted to this which is useful as a busy mum of three free range children! Turning a hobby into a job can be tricky at times because the very thing that you used to enjoy as an escape from work becomes just that. There are times when I’m working to a deadline that this can be difficult, but most of the time I still manage to enjoy creating the artwork. Most of my pieces are still created from our kitchen table, by the Aga with a bottomless cup of coffee to hand! What are your latest products?
We recently launched a collection of soft toy characters which we are hoping will find their way into many Christmas stockings this year! This was a huge deal for us as it was a totally new market and a big departure from what we usually do but they have been really well received and we are looking forward to developing lots of new characters for future launches. It was a real challenge to ensure that they truly captured the character of the artwork and as usual, it is all in the detail
with meticulously sourced fabrics and extra whiskery flourishes that helped to bring the artwork to life. We’re just working on the January launch and we are particularly excited about a collection of socks made from sustainable bamboo. It was another challenge to interpret the artwork in this medium but we love the results and can’t wait to launch them! And there’s another book on the way?
Yes - I’ve been working on it for the past year, and it’s an addition to the collection of ‘coffee table’ books full of illustrations and accompanying facts about the animals. This will be the fifth in this series and it’s titled ‘Born to be Wild’. The theme is parents and children and it celebrates the huge diversity of parenting strategies in the wild. Some of these illustrations are my absolute favourites I love trying to capture the joy that embodies the love between a parent and child. Will you stop for a rest over Christmas?
I certainly hope so. I’m usually flat out right until the children break up for school and so ready for a break, then it all starts again with the new launches in January. I’m expecting a quiet one this year with Jack and our three children, Amelia, Lara and Oliver… and Claude the dog of course! n
n Hannah Dale is based in Brigg and is the founder and designer behind Wrendale Designs, which produces greeting cards, as well as gifts, stationery and products for home and garden. See www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk for more information. 21
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THAT’S A
WRAP! Words: Rob Davis.
JANE MEANS GIFT WRAPPING
Christmas this year will be a little different, so make your loved ones feel particularly special with a gift that’s beautifully wrapped. Jane Means is the Lincoln gift wrapping specialist whose clients include Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Dior… her new online courses will provide some practical wrapping tips and creative inspiration too! THE POET MAYA ANGELOU said that people may not remember what you said, or what you did, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. For that reason, let’s not underestimate the joy of giving and receiving gifts. It’s easy to be cynical and say that Christmas has become commercialised, but the fact is, it’s still lovely to receive something, irrespective of that gift’s value or grandeur. A gift doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to be thoughtful. And if it’s beautifully presented, that only adds to the thrill of receiving – or giving – it. This year is set to be an anomalous Christmas with the number of people you can mix with curtailed and many more gifts likely to be sent by post than hand-delivered. That being the case, invest some time in really amazing presentation of your gift with a little help from professional Jane Means and her new online wrapping course. “I was born and raised in Sleaford and Lincoln respectively and having previously worked as an air hostess and florist, I saw a gap in the market for someone to teach and promote both the techniques of effective wrapping, but also providing creative ideas for pretty gift wrapping too,” says Jane. This year is a landmark for the wrap star, as she celebrates 25 years in the business of teaching gift wrapping. Harrods has been a client for a decade,
Selfridges, Dior, Fortnum & Mason, Fenwick’s, and Ralph Lauren are all Jane’s clients too. Commercial clients account for half of Jane’s work, with some simply needing staff to be trained by a professional to wrap gifts to the highest standard. Other clients approach Jane with a particular brief; recently one large retailer wanted to make their existing wrapping more sustainable, for example. The wrapping expert has also written and published her own, beautifully illustrated book on the subject (Giftwrapped, £20). Jane’s work, though, also involves performing live gift wrapping demonstrations for the public. At this time of year, Jane would normally be hosting courses for members of the public at venues like Burghley House or Washingborough Hall. With Covid curtailing that, though, she hit upon a great idea; why not host online demonstrations that we can all enjoy at home, perhaps with a few friends and perhaps with a Baileys or a hot chocolate in front of us? Genius! “This season we’re likely to be sending gifts by post or limiting contact with people. Wrapping a gift is a way of letting a loved one know you’ve put thought and time into their gift; it’s a way of letting them know you care.” “The beauty of our new online course is that it’s something enjoyable to do from home at a time when there are darker, cooler nights, and nowhere to go.” >> 25
JANE MEANS, GIFT WRAPPING PROFESSIONAL
>> “Theatres are currently closed and many events have been cancelled. If wrapping isn’t your favourite job over the festive season, learning how to do it methodically can stop it being a chore… conversely, if you really enjoy wrapping, it’s a way of indulging your love of something you already enjoy!” “The course comprises about 30 subjects, each ranging in duration from five minutes to 20 minutes, so you can pick and choose the topics you’d like to view and return to them again and again.” “Some chapters deal with wrapping awkward shapes like bottles or floppy items like clothing, whilst others are themed around making your wrapping eco-friendly or discovering furoshiki - the Japanese tradition of wrapping gifts using fabric rather than paper.” “Some gifts naturally don’t look as good as they could; money or vouchers, for example. I’ve some great ideas for presenting those, as well as fundamental advice on choosing the correct amount of paper and tips like using double-sided sticky tape rather than conventional sticky tape, or using string and ribbon to avoid using any tape at all, if you’re trying to reduce the amount of plastic you use in your wrapping.” Viewers can ‘dip into’ the course and pause chapters if you’re following along whilst wrapping, and as Jane is unequivocally the nicest, sunniest and most enjoyable host to watch, you’ll have great fun as you hone your gift wrapping skills, learning from the best. So if you’re looking to present your gifts with particular flair this season, or you’re simply looking for something enjoyable to do as the nights draw in, subscribing to Jane’s course will ensure your winter entertainment needs - as well as your Christmas gifts - are all wrapped up.
n Jane Means is the Lincoln-based gift wrapping expert who works with retailers like Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. Jane’s online gift wrapping course launches as Pride goes to press at www.janemeans.com. Pride readers can enjoy 10% off the course’s price of £147 by quoting Pride20.
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JANE’S SIX
TOP TIPS
Jane’s six quickfire tips for really great wrapping! n Many people are scared about cutting paper only to find they’ve cut it too short. Too much paper can create a messy gift. The correct amount of paper should go around your gift once, then up one side. That’s the correct amount of paper to ensure you don’t fall short, but don’t end up with messy excess paper. n If you’re wrapping awkward shapes – bottles, teddies – consider using flexible wrapping rather than paper. Crepe paper, cellophane or fabric will give a little or at least stand up to your tugging more than paper. Alternatively, why not invest in some beautiful vintage fabric that you can used to wrap up gifts, retain and use year after year as a sort of festive family tradition. n For a more eco-friendly festive season, avoid paper with glitter and plastic. Brown craft paper is kinder to the environment and really traditional. Butcher’s twine, gardener’s string and natural foliage can also enhance the look of your gift. n Store-bought gift boxes can be expensive, but if you’ve an awkwardly shaped gift, plain, inexpensive boxes can be purchased on Amazon or Ebay, so you’ve a more convenient shape to then wrap and personalise yourself. You can also ‘dress up’ a box by lining its interior with tissue paper and ribbon in a contrasting colour. n For a rustic and inexpensive look, head out for a country walk and collect sticks, cones and foliage. These look really stylish and are perfect for a nature lover. Large ivy leaves can also be used as natural gift tags (just use a metallic gel pen). n Double sided sticky tape instead of conventional sticky tape is easier to work with and doesn’t spoil the appearance on the outside of your gift wrapping.
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HARRY GRANTHAM
Harry Swims for
YOUR LIFE This month we’re telling the story of an English Channel swim which isn’t, in fact, a story about an English Channel swim at all. Sleaford’s Harry Grantham has recently addressed the challenge presented by cold water and physical exhaustion, meeting the world’s third most dangerous swim with courage and determination. Brave, certainly, but still not as brave as being honest… Words: Rob Davis.
“I’M NOT OK.” If there were ever three words more under-utilised than those, we’ve yet to hear them. When Sleaford Army Captain Harry Grantham moved onto my street a year or so ago, he seemed like a nice guy, but not someone with whom I’d have anything in common. He’s a man’s man; athletic, strong-minded and assertive with an enviable military career spanning a quarter of a century. By contrast, if the meek are to inherit the earth I’m due a substantial windfall, the likes of which will make the banks’ PPI payout look like loose change. And as for fitness, I’m far more likely to pass out than work out. And yet, Harry and I did have something in common. At one point, neither of us were ‘OK.’ Stress, anxiety and depression are terms that have become too familiar. But the problem is, we’re not lacking terms for naming problems pertaining to our mental health, but rather the inclination to admit them, either to ourselves or to our loved ones, before others notice them. You’d understand a mere mortal drowning in worry, but not a tough guy like Harry, surely? After 25 years in the military, Harry reports directly to the British military establishment’s two-star British Army Generals or Chief of Staff and is responsible for the welfare of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the King’s Troop Royal Artillery. 400 personnel in total and over 390 horses
depend on his diligence as SO3 Equine Assurance Officer. Harry has worked alongside members of the Royal Family and has represented Great Britain in competitive triathlons for over a decade. And yet, for all the ‘stiff upper lip’ stoicism and steely determination you’d expect from an Army officer or from a world-class sportsman, not even Harry is immune from the erosion of the self that failing mental health can cause. And that was the point of Harry’s English Channel swim; to raise funds for and awareness of - mental health challenges, ostensibly in men or for those in the armed forces, but for everyone, generally. Harry’s real challenge, therefore, wasn’t swimming the world’s third most dangerous body of water. It was, and still is, in encouraging others to recognise the need to say ‘I’m not OK.’ Have you always enjoyed swimming?
I’ve always been into fitness and have enjoyed swimming since being a child. I was born in Grimsby and represented the county in swimming competitions. I worked as a lifeguard at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre and upon joining the British Army in 1995 at the age of 20 I kept up my interest both for fitness and pleasure, but also to represent the county in triathlons. Three years ago, I swam the perimeter of the Scilly Isles – a distance of about five miles - and I was keen to follow up on that challenge at some point with something else.
Why swim the Channel though?
In 2017, whilst in the Scilly Isles for my swim I met Beth French, an ocean swimmer and coach who swam the Channel five years earlier. Beth was ill as a teenager and by 17 was wheelchair bound with a diagnosis of ME. Through her sense of determination, she went from being unable to lift a hair-brush as a teenager to regaining her strength and completing the world’s third hardest swim, across the English Channel. Just a year later my life was falling apart, and I was helped in no small way by a colleague, Nigel Mudd, who noticed the change in my behaviour and encouraged me to open up. There were many people who helped me, Nigel; the Army Welfare Centre, but as part of my determination to feel like me again, I wanted a challenge that I could focus on. Swimming the Channel was that challenge. If Beth could do it, so could I… after all, it’s 80% mental and 20% physical in nature. I realised that I could also use the opportunity to quash stigma surrounding anxiety and depression, to create awareness of the subject and to raise money for The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund to help others in the process, enabling something positive to come out my experiences.
What happened with your mental health?
In 2018 my marriage fell apart and I had to live apart from my two children, the >>
Main Image: Army Officer Captain Harry Grantham recently completed a 26-mile English Channel swim to raise awareness of mental health issues.
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HARRY GRANTHAM’S ENGLISH CHANNEL SWIM
>> youngest of whom was just a few months old at the time. It was heart-breaking and I experienced depression and anxiety. Traditionally women have been better at articulating their feelings whilst men are more likely to say “I’m fine.” Slowly that’s changing, but still too few people generally open up and talk about their mental health, and that’s certainly true of men. I wasn’t coping and the intervention of Nigel, pulling the thread, and refusing to accept “I’m fine,” as an answer was the first act in a long process of becoming well again. Are men more susceptible?
Not more susceptible, no. But they’re perhaps still less inclined to speak up or to seek help. Mental health problems, though, don’t concern themselves with gender, age, wealth or anything else. If anything, being a man and being a soldier challenges a preconception that there’s a link between mental health and ‘toughness.’ But military personnel, those with high-pressure careers, company bosses, those who are wealthy or seem otherwise happy and successful… everyone, absolutely everyone, will experience stress and anxiety at some point in their lives and everyone will have to fight to prevent a potentially short term feeling becoming a long term problem. Only with support can that reconciliation of your mental health be rapid and effective.
Nothing could be further from the truth, especially today. Our Army Welfare team was brilliant for me, but the issue is seeking help from them in the first place. Admitting to yourself or letting someone else know you’re struggling is the first step, but it’s also the hardest. Mention mental health in the context of the military and the predominant narrative is of PTSD or suicide. But between wellness, and the extreme of PTSD or taking your own life, is a large middle ground of people who are functioning, but not coping or who are walking around deeply unhappy. They’re people who need help but don’t realise it or just don’t feel they have someone to talk to. Why is our mental health suffering?
It’s easy to cite anything from a societal tendency towards a poor work/life balance to social media – often blamed for poor
“The swim lasted for 16 hours and 37 minutes. My average was 68 strokes per minute which is about 70,000 strokes in total...”
So it’s crucial to support others...
Certainly. You don’t have to be a counsellor or a doctor to be of benefit to someone’s wellbeing. You can probe deeper instead of just accepting “I’m fine.” And even if you notice something small, your intervention can, at the very least contribute to someone’s happiness or wellbeing, preventing someone from feeling that there’s no hope. In the most severe context though it can also save someone’s life. Maintaining mental health can’t be easy for men in the armed forces?
I don’t think maintaining good mental health is easy for anyone. That’s the point. Traditionally the armed forces had a reputation for being rigid, and some thought that being in the military and admitting that you’re struggling with mental health would lead you to be stigmatised, maybe even kicked out. 32
mental health in the young - to money worries or the pressure of running a business as being a cause of poor mental health. The fact is stress or anxiety are subjective. Different people cope with different problems better or less effectively. What’s universal is that people are a bit like elastic bands; they have a natural level of tension and they can stretch beyond that temporarily, if they’re able to return to their normal tensity after a short period of time. But if they’re held at their maximum tension - stretched for too long to tolerate - they’ll snap, just like the elastic band breaking. At some point everyone is stretched due to family, financial or work worries, health concerns or just exhaustion. The chance of escaping all of the above pressures through-
out your life is remote. The causes of stress or anxiety are many, and for that reason, mental health concerns are prevalent. How did the swim help?
It’s raised both awareness and over £7,000 for the charity. More to the point it has led to a few people contacting me to say that they’ve been encouraged to open up to someone about their own problems, to recognise that there’s no bravery, no nobility in suffering in silence. From my own perspective, too, it enabled me to concentrate all of my strength into completing the challenge I set myself and regaining control over myself. How do you undertake the Channel swim?
You first have to liaise with the Cross-Channel Swimming Association. You apply, register and you have to pass a medical first. The Association recommends you work with a coach. Mine was Tim Denyer, and he was great. He’s a part of Red Top Swim and he completed the swim himself in 2005. I trained to improve my technique and built up my speed and distance from about June last year. Lockdown meant that pools were closed during summer so instead I completed open water swims in lakes and gradually built up to swimming 25 miles - just over 40km - in lakes both here in Lincolnshire and down in Dover. When did the swim start?
The swim was originally scheduled to take place on a Monday. The poor weather and rough seas delayed that until Reg & Ray Brickell of my pilot boat - a Catamaran called The Viking Princess II - deemed it safe. We began on Thursday 10th September at 3am. The advice that the Association gives is to begin in darkness so you’ll swim as much as possible and will finish in daylight. As the crow flies the distance is 21 miles but you actually have to swim 26 miles because you double back on yourself to prevent having to swim against the tide. How gruelling was it?
The swim took 16 hours and 37 minutes. My average was 68 strokes per minute which equates to about 70,000 strokes in total. The water was about 17.5°c in temperature and the aim is to maintain a consistent pace, swimming for 30 minutes and completing a ‘fast feed,’ of warm liquid feed – about 300ml - in 10 seconds every half hour.
The idea of fast feeding is that you don’t fall behind the boat. At the start of feeding you’re at the front and by the time you’ve fed you’re at the back. The feed consists of high concentrations of calories and carbohydrates, along with electrolytes and other nutrients. I’d put on two stone in weight but lost a stone of that during the swim. How did it feel to reach the end?
was a mental challenge, not just a physical one, towards the end. The salty water also destroys the top layer of your tongue which sheds a layer as a result, so from leaving the water and over the next two weeks, I was peeling off bits of tongue - which is every bit as awful as it sounds - and any food that’s even slightly warm, salty or spicy is agony! I couldn’t sleep for 48 hours afterwards and I was in agonising pain for three days after the swim. I was still in physical trauma and had bruises over my arm and left shoulder for two weeks, but it gradually subsides.
You begin at Shakespeare Beach in Dover and finish at Plage de Wissant, which is about half-way between Calais and Boulogne. It’s surreal. There’s a combination of elation and exhaustion in mind. You have to keep swimming solidly, so you don’t seize up, but suddenly not treading water means you feel the trauma. Suddenly your digestive system rebels too and any liquid feed still in your stomach comes back up.
I’m planning to visit different regiments in all three branches of the Armed Forces to talk about the experience and to act as a sort of ambassador for the importance of mental health and supporting those around you who would benefit from your intervention.
You have to cover yourself in Vaseline to give a layer of protection against chafing, but still my whole face was swollen where it had been bashed about in the water and I couldn’t straighten my fingers. The last six hours were agony after my left shoulder gave way. It took the brunt of the trauma and my rotator cuff was completely inflamed so it
There’s a campaign in the British Army called Op Smart (and its RAF equivalent, SPEAR) which aims to provide stress management and resilience training. Being able to contribute to that is something I’m looking forward to. And of course I’m continuing my role of SO3 Equine Assurance Officer working alongside the King’s Troop
What now?
Royal Horse Artillery and The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. What does the role involve day to day?
One of the perks of being in the Household Division is being able to enjoy some of the most incredible horses in the country without the associated upkeep! I’ve represented the British Army as part of its show jumping and polo teams and I was an amateur hunt jockey in Sandown. Day-to-day I’m responsible for both working alongside the leaders of both regiments to oversee everything from animal welfare to training, to equipment and ceremonial formats. It’s a huge privilege, and one of the many pleasures has been working alongside members of the Royal Family like the Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex. Who have endured their own difficulties?
Which goes to prove that nobody is exempt from experiencing anxiety or trauma or bad periods in life, irrespective of their status. Everybody needs support at some point. So perhaps, there are three words more under-utilised than “I’m not OK.” Words that we should use more often than we do, such as “Talk to me.” n
Above: Harry Grantham completing his 26-mile English Channel swim. Top/Right: Harry inspects Poleaxe of the Queen’s Life Guard at Horse Guards parade, in his role as the Officer responsible for Equine Assurance in London District. Above/Right: Successfully completing the English Channel Swim entitles you to sign your name on the wall of Dover pub Les Fleurs. Only 1,881 have completed the challenge since 1875. 33
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Flying Lessons
30 minute flight/lesson over Lincoln with Gamston Flying School £99, 01777 838222.
Vivienne Westwood Bag
Crossbody bag, beige, £470 from Agatha Boutique of Lincoln, 01522 543956.
Candle Holder
Wreath four candle holder £89.99, Gates Garden Centre, 01664 454309.
GIFTS with
LOVE Pair of Horses Sculpture
83cm x 72cm, £885, or commissions taken, Groombridge Sculpture, 07775 992056.
Handbound Notebook
Iguana Embossed, fuxia £29.95, Stamford Notebook Co., 01780 762550.
This year it’s more important than ever to shop locally so we’ve asked some of the county’s leading independent retailers for a few ideas for thoughtful Christmas gifts...
Canon EOS M50 with Lens
The latest mirrorless camera for stills and video, £799, London Camera Exchange, 01522 514131, www.lcegroup.co.uk
Dartington Lincolnshire Glass Exclusive to Underwood Hall of Woodhall Spa, £17.95, 01526 353815.
Wrendale 2020 Diary
Selection of Wrendale designs at Johnsons Garden Centre, Boston, 01205 363408. 37
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Next working day delivery W: www.laughingdogfood.com Freephone: 0800 098 8057
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Chargrilled squid starter with beetroot, cucumber and yuzu mayonnaise.
FOOD & DRINK
The Chubby Castor
CASTOR, NEAR STAMFORD Chef Adebola Adeshina and his team celebrate their first three years in the village of Castor, having created a restaurant with dazzling dishes, civilised dining and a generous helping of theatrics... Words & Images: Rob Davis.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR... that’s my advice. After days of being stuck in a stuffy office, I was grumbling quite vocally at my desk that I wanted a bit of fresh air.
meet the CHEF
Upon reaching The Chubby Castor between Stamford and Peterborough, to meet chef Adebola Adeshina, though, the heavens opened. Bang went the idea of me photographing the dishes outdoors in natural light, not to mention the picture I had in mind of the pretty 18th century thatched restaurant. Instead there was thunder, lighting and torrential rain. It was dramatic, but not half as dramatic as what was about to appear at the table. Ade and his team are simply phenomenal. I’d been looking forward to visiting The Chubby Castor for a while and it didn’t disappoint in terms of theatrics, or the sheer professionalism and talent of the five chefs in the kitchen.
“THREE YEARS AGO, ADE DECIDED TO BRING HIS DAZZLING FINE DINING TO A MUCH NICER LOCATION...”
CHEF PATRON ADEBOLA ADESHINA The chef comes from London and spent the late 90s and 2000s working for Gordon Ramsey at Maze and Aubergine, and with John Torode at Mezzo in between. He was instrumental in helping Restaurant Gordon Ramsey gain its third Michelin star and has seasoned his CV with a sprinkling of other London restaurants like Claridges at the very time they were at the top of their game. But of course, there comes a point in any Londoner’s life when they want to swap Tubes and skyscrapers for idyllic villages and a better quality of life. Hence three years ago, Ade and partner Alina created The Chubby Castor in the old Fitzwilliam Arms, bringing dazzling civilised dining to a much nicer location... with more civilised prices, too. >>
Food History: Ade worked in London for chefs like Gordon Ramsay and John Torode before establishing The Chubby Castor, his third restaurant, three years ago. Food Heaven: “I love all food. I have lots of favourites, you can’t make me choose!” Food Hell: “Grubs or insects... I couldn’t appear on I’m a Celebrity!”n
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Smoked duck breast with lavender honey, pears and courgettes.
>> The outdoor dining area is very pleasant, though not when 2020’s worst storm is passing through the village, so instead we enjoyed the stylish 45 cover restaurant. Two private dining rooms are also available for private parties, and there’s an open kitchen so you can see Ade and his team at work in the freakishly neat and clutter-free kitchen. Menus? Well, there’s a set menu which runs during lunchtime and evening service, with two starters, main courses and desserts, changed fortnightly.
OPEN FOR FOOD Wednesday to Saturday: 12 noon - 2.30pm (2.30pm last booking) 6.00pm - 10pm (9.30pm last booking). Sunday: 12 noon - 2.30pm. The Chubby Castor’s innovative version of Sunday lunch.
on the MENU FROM THE À LA CARTE MENU AT THE CHUBBY CASTOR Starters Orkney scallop, plantain, peanuts, curried aioli. Fillet tartare, Cornish salt, pickled radish, yuzu mayo, mushroom powder. Main Courses Pave of Icelandic cod, mussels, kohlrabi, lemongrass and raisins vinaigrette. Barbecue Burghley lamb, sweetbreads, harissa and pancetta couscous. Roasted Squab pigeon, sand carrot, giblets & vegetable pithivier.
Arborio rice pudding with caramelised peaches and peach soup.
Alternatively, there’s a seasonally-changing à la carte menu with a choice of five dishes per course. Finally, the dedicated Sunday lunch menu promises a contemporary twist on old favourites, and two or three courses for £26 or £30 respectively. Presentation is stunning and our duck breast was smoked under a cloche at the table. Such features are novel, but happily, at The Chubby Castor they don’t detract from the technical quality of Ade’s dishes and the fundamental requirement of food at this level to be delicious and flawlessly executed. Chefs can only do the ‘bells and whistles’ if they get the basics right and in terms of the flavour, texture and composition of each dish, The Chubby Castor can’t be faulted. From the flatbread and focaccia with homemade butter to our chargrilled squid starter, to our duck, every aspect was both confident and flawless. Bread, amuse bouche and pre-desserts are served to all diners, whilst good wine recommendations appear alongside each item.
Our intention is to return after lockdown to enjoy the restaurant’s seven course taster menu, at £80/head or £130/head with a flight of wine. But for now, suffice to say à la carte dining is a really polished experience not just in terms of the appearance of the food and restaurant, but very much manifest in the dishes themselves. Whilst some ingredients are supplied locally - game from the estates of Deene and Burghley, for example - Ade and the team also reach a little further, sourcing poussin and Iberico meat direct from suppliers in France and Spain respectively. Naturally at the level at which The Chubby Castor operates, bread, sauces, desserts, ice creams and sorbets are all made in house. A shout-out, too, to sommelier and front of house man Stephen Andrei Neagu, and to Head Chef Cory White. Alongside Ade, Alina and the rest of the team, The Chubby Castor is comfortably one of the smartest, most innovative and one of the most enjoyable dining experiences in the area. n
Tournedos Rossini; dry aged fillet, duck liver, brioche, scottish girolles, truffle sauce. Dessert Arborio rice pudding with caramelised peaches and peach soup. Strawberry soufflé, strawberry and mint salsa, basil sorbet. Lemon curd tart, ginger tuile, Scottish raspberries. Alto el Sol chocolate, chocolate and honeycomb soil, honey ice cream. NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.
n The Chubby Castor is based at 34 Peterborough Road, Castor, PE5 7AX. Call 01733 380 801 or see www.thechubbycastor.com. 43
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GRANTHAM GINGERBREAD
Alastair Hawken, the
GINGERBREAD MAN Few treats are as warming or delicious as gingerbread, and Grantham’s Alastair Hawken is the baker bringing it home for Christmas... which really takes the biscuit! Words: Rob Davis.
IF THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS DISGUSTING, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than curled up on the sofa with a mug of builder’s tea and a biscuit. And being the patriotic sort, my preferred biscuit is gingerbread which, it is generally considered, was invented in Lincolnshire... albeit by accident. It’s a bit of a shame that gingerbread production fell by the wayside in its home county, but don’t worry, Alastair Hawken is more than making up for it with his newest ranges of gingerbread products. In 1740 we had a foppish Hanovarian king in the form of George II; the song ‘Rule Britannia’ was performed for the first time, and Dr Samuel Johnson was creating the first dictionary. That very book would have defined gingerbread as: Gingerbread, noun: Middle English (originally preserved ginger), from Old French gingembrat, from medieval Latin gingibratum. A cake made with treacle or syrup, flavoured with ginger. The same book, and locally-based baker William Eggleston, would have defined a Grantham Whetstone Biscuit, meanwhile, as a snack made for travellers from frothed egg whites, sugar, flour and caraway seeds, rolled very thin and baked. Quite how such a monumental deviation from the recipe could have occurred is not known, but during his endeavours to create a batch of Whetstone biscuits, Eglestone instead managed to create gingerbread instead. 46
It became a hit. Grantham gingerbread is one of – if not the – oldest commercially traded biscuit and was created in the town by bakers who all had their own variation of the recipe, much like Lincolnshire butchers producing their own sausages today... until the 1970s. After that, the cookie crumbled for the biscuit until 2014 when, without a recipe to go on, Alastair started to create his own Grantham Gingerbread, refining his creation and making a biscuit that his friends and family adored. “An entire generation of local children, for the first time in 250 years, were set to grow up without traditional gingerbread,” explains Alastair. “And that would never do!” “It was always a childhood favourite for me, so I met an ancestor of William Egglestone and together we set about determining what the original recipe for gingerbread would comprise.” >>
GRANTHAM GINGERBREAD
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>> “I’ve been a food fanatic all of my life. I love food and I love great food even more,” says Alastair. “For many years now I’ve been involved in the food industry, but because I was born, raised and schooled in Grantham and because Grantham gingerbread is my town’s culinary legacy, I wanted to bring it back into the public’s consciousness.” And what better food to bring back, given that ginger is not only really delicious and warming but also has a number of health benefits too. For a start, ginger is said to ward off colds, it’s diaphoretic, meaning that it encourages the body to perspire and therefore eases the symptoms of feverish conditions such as colds and flu. Gingerbread is also said to relieve nausea and soothe the digestive system, whilst its active component gingerol is also thought to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent which can soothe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Alastair’s business has grown since he first resurrected the biscuit from a first floor kitchen above his Grantham café. Now his 4,000sq ft premises is sufficiently spacious to allow the team to meet orders of over 80,000 boxes of biscuits each month from clients like Lincolnshire Coop, The National Trust and the Royal Estate of Sandringham. The company sells his original gingerbread, plus Alastair’s Italian Lemon, Chocolate Orange and his Christmas Gingerbread plus his traditional gingerbread people. Other flavours in development right now include rhubarb and banoffee. Whilst his traditional gingerbread is a pale golden colour, the molasses and treacle give his gingerbread people and his festive version of the biscuit a darker colour.
Alastair’s Hawken’s Gingernuts are the next product to be launched, part of a Heritage Range which pays homage to 200 years of biscuit history. It’s an awesome, fiery ginger biscuit and is going to be huge for the brand. During Covid, Alastair has had to innovate not just in his product range but also the way he reaches his customers and relaunched his website to capitalise on the trend of sending gifts to family and friends, even providing hampers and personalised gifts with a £5 donation to the charity Age UK. “When 85% of our business collapsed around us, one route to market we still had full control over was our website. This posed a great opportunity for us, and we would have been harder hit had we not capitalised on it.” “Our products are personalised, beautifully packaged and they taste fantastic – they’re the perfect pick me up during times like these. If you have a good quality product, you have to stay true to it and find other routes to market that you wouldn’t usually explore.” This season, Alastair is looking forward to crowding around the Christmas tree with the kids and hanging a couple of gingerbread figures from its branches. The association of gingerbread with Christmas comes from Germany, but it’s rumoured that Queen Elizabeth I used to have biscuits baked in a likeness of her guests at lavish banquets, so the emergence of gingerbread figures could be Elizabethan in origin. With the convergence of these figures and the warming, slightly spicy taste of gingerbread in the middle of winter, the taste of Christmas for years to come for families across Lincolnshire is likely to be the taste of Grantham gingerbread. It’s a festive treat that really does take the biscuit. n
“The company sells his original gingerbread, plus Alastair’s Italian Lemon, Chocolate Orange and his Christmas Gingerbread plus his traditional gingerbread people...”
Ultimately Alastair is aiming to be the first £100m gingerbread brand, which he says is achievable, with a little help from children Joshua, Charlie and Ellis; the next bakers in the town’s gingerbread legacy. Whilst Alastair began his business creating roundels of white gingerbread, he’s now able to offer different flavours and different shapes and is beginning to sell at farm shops and delis throughout Lincolnshire and beyond. 2020’s product range includes gingerbread in stars and trees which can also be hung on your own Christmas tree.
n Alastair Hawken is the founder of Hawkens Gingerbread, the new home of Grantham Gingerbread, a 300 year old local biscuit. Call 01476 501740, see www.hawkens gingerbread.com of order via Yummy (www.yummy.co.uk which provides fresh local food delivered right to your door.
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THE BLACK HORSE GOSBERTON RISEGATE
HOMEMADE, BEAUTIFUL, CLASSICAL DISHES
Open for quality pub dining in a warm and welcoming Covid-save environment... sample dishes from our new award-winning head chef, Michael Henry Burgoyne...
01775 840 995
www.theblackhorse-gr.co.uk
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Fresh food delivered delivered right right to toyour yourdoor door Fresh local local food Covering the Whole Whole of of South SouthLincolnshire Lincolnshire Covering the
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GOURMET MARSHMALLOWS
FINE & MALLOW Lincoln businessmen Ollie Rendall & Joseph Brookes have been cooking up a treat for six years, having successfully reinvented a classic treat. What better time to enjoy gourmet marshmallows than this winter? Whether you opt for a classic reboot and toast them with the family, or one of the boys’ quirky alcoholic mallows, you’ll rediscover the squidgy pleasure of this winter treat! Words: Rob Davis.
IT’S EARLY DOORS on Lincoln’s Stirlin Business Park. The fluorescent lights flicker into life and the 2,000sq ft kitchen of the city’s Naked Marshmallow Company reveals itself, in all its white plastic-clad, impeccably hygienic glory. Ollie Rendall and Joseph Brookes are greeted with the sweet scent of the previous day’s production and get ready for another day in the world of marshmallows. The chaps barely have time to stick the kettle on before getting to work. That’s because it’s November, so with Halloween, bonfire night and Christmas all approaching fast, it’s the busiest time of the year for the business. In just six years, the two entrepreneurs - still in their 20s - have already created their brand, reinvented their product and can already count customers like Selfridges, Next and Lakeland among their past or current wholesale clients. The Naked Marshmallow Company also sells its confectionary straight to the public and in some pretty impressive numbers - sending more than 50,000 consignments each year. Among today’s scheduled production is Advent calendars, of which the company sold over 15,000 last year… and that’s only one of its product lines.
In total, the company creates what we’ve calculated to be a total of 650,000kg of marshmallow mix each year. A square of mallow from the Naked Marshmallow’s classic range is about 12.5g, so by our reckoning, that means the company’s total output each year is now somewhere in the region of 52,000,000 marshmallows a year. “We founded the business in 2014,” says Ollie. “I was working for Anglian Water at the time and our office organised a Halloween buffet, to which everyone had to contribute something delicious.” “We already knew we wanted to run a business but we weren’t sure what… we just knew that we were passionate about people, we’d love to do something with food and it had to be good quality.” “We hit upon the idea of marshmallows as they’re a huge product sector in the US confectionary market, ubiquitous over there but completely underrepresented here in the UK. Moreover, anything that was available in the UK was very plain and massproduced; it was, we felt, a product ripe for a gourmet makeover.” “200 of our colleagues became guinea pigs for our first attempt at making a batch of marshmallows.” >>
Main: Enjoy a winter treat this month with marshmallows from the six year old Lincoln-based company which has reinvented the squidgy snack...
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GOURMET MARSHMALLOWS
>> The first lot, a few weeks before the buffet, were unsuccessful to say the least. But we continued to experiment and eventually discovered that despite being quite tricky to make, there’s a few secrets to success… we persisted and finally created an Eton Mess-themed product which evolved into our first product line, a range which comprised five flavours that now make up today’s Classic range. Our first proper marshmallows went down a treat with our workmates and we quickly started to receive orders!” Marshmallows can be hard to produce, since they’re fundamentally a formula of sugars including glucoses heated in excess of boiling point before being cooled. Next a gelatine bloom is whisked in and the mixture is combined using a planetary mixer in such a way as to incorporate as much air as possible. There’s a knack, but the company is happy about that as they’ve devised all the trade secrets! Fast forward six years and Ollie and Joseph now head up a 18-strong team and make up to 24 batches a day, with each batch weighing in at a whopping 120kg.
“We work among marshmallow everyday but it never stops being fun,” says Ollie. “We’ve nephews and nieces from the age of seven up to 17 and they adore all of the flavours, so we keep them supplied with plenty of toasting kits to enjoy...”
The company has recently expanded its premises to a total of 6,000 sq ft with a 2,000sq ft development kitchen. The team starts to create its prototype Christmas lines from January onwards before embarking on packaging and promotion in the summer months before production ramps up in the autumn. “We work among marshmallow everyday but it never stops being fun,” says Ollie. “We’ve nephews and nieces from the age of seven up to 17 and they adore all of the flavours, so we keep them supplied with plenty of toasting kits to enjoy.” “The kits were one of our first products and thankfully one of the most successful. They’re an ethanol-based fuel which is non-toxic and odourless, so families can enjoy toasting marshmallows in safety.
Above: Vanilla bean marshmallows are among the company’s Classic range of flavours. Opposite: The Naked Marshmallow Company sold over 15,000 of its advent calendars last year. n The Naked Marshmallow Company is based in Lincoln, selling artisanal marshmallows including their Classic, Boozy and new Sweet Edition ranges. See www.nakedmarshmallow.co.uk for more information.
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“Gifting also makes up a large part of our business, and most people purchasing from us choose flavours like vanilla bean, salted caramel, strawberry cream or chocolate orange flavours, often ordering them with a toasting kit.” “We’ve also created adult marshmallow flavours like our raspberry & Prosecco;
passion fruit Martini; and elderflower and gin products. Our newest ranges are inspired by classic sweet shop favourites like fizzy cola bottles and rhubarb & custard. Those flavours were launched only last month so we’re really excited to see how popular they’ll be!” In line with their artisanal ethos Ollie and Joseph have opted to use only naturally derived flavours to ensure their products are as clean label as possible. “It makes the products a bit more expensive, but we feel it’s a better way to produce our ranges and we think that consumers generally appreciate the difference between cost and value when it comes to their food.” “We’ve launched a vegan range too, in collaboration with a company specialising in non-animal derived products. We’d like to replace the gelatine we use on our nonvegetarian ranges with a substitute that can be used in all our products, but in order to do that we’d need to significantly change our recipes and it’s more of a challenge than you’d think to make such a profound chance whilst retaining the properties and flavour profiles of all of our ranges.” “It’s been a busy time, signing off our new ranges, and there’s always a sense of excitement when we launch a new product, but it’s tempered slightly by the fact that the business is growing really rapidly and we’re about to go into our busiest time… we haven’t had the chance to celebrate just yet.” “But we wouldn’t change a thing. We really enjoy growing our business, we enjoy the feedback we receive and we love hearing that our products make our customers so happy!” n
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FESTIVE BAKING
CHRISTMAS
BAKING This month we’ve created a dizzyingly delicious range of festive treats with our favourite Lincolnshire baker Katie Jones. If you’re keen to provide the family with some delicious Christmas treats, you’ll find festive food for thought here! Words: Katie Jones. Photos: Dean Fisher.
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CINNAMON & WHITE CHOCOLATE BLONDIES Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes. For the Blondies: 255g butter • 340g brown sugar • 320g plain flour • 3 tsp ground cinnamon • 3 eggs • 1 teaspoon salt • 200g chopped white chocolate For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 125g butter • 400g icing sugar • 340g soft cheese • Pistachios to decorate. I use disposable foil trays to avoid greasing, lining, etc. Preheat the oven to 180°c. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. In a mixing bowl whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale. Add the melting butter and final dry ingredients except the chocolate and mix together with the paddle setting. Once mixed stir in the white chocolate, and pour the batter into your baking tray. This will need anything upwards of 25 minutes depending on your tray and oven. Don’t use a knife to check because blondies are naturally fudgy and gooey like brownies, not like cake, so you know when they’re done when they no longer wobble in the middle. Leave to cool. For the cream cheese frosting, whisk all together using the whisk paddle on your mixer until combined, pale and fluffy. taste and alter ratios as per your own taste preference. Chop or grind a full pack of pistachios. Add the frosting to the now cooled blondies, then sprinkle the pistachio crumb over. n 59
CHOCOLATE ORANGE
& VANILLA MARBLE LOAF CAKE Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. For the Vanilla Sponge: 115g salted butter • 115g caster sugar • 140g self raising flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 2 eggs • For the chocolate cake batter: 85g salted butter • 85g caster sugar • 15g cocoa powder • 45g drinking chocolate • 70g self raising flour • 1/5 teaspoon baking powder • 2 eggs • zest of two oranges (keep the oranges for the juice later).
Grease and line your loaf tin. use a tablespoon to add three scoops of the chocolate batter into the base of the loaf tin, leaving space fore then adding three scoops of the vanilla cake batter next to the chocolate. Do the same for a second layer, alternating chocolate on top of the vanilla and vice versa. Once you have used all your cake batter get your cake tester and swirl the batter about to make it marble, without actually mixing it together to combine it; you want to marble it so you have two separate flavours marbled together, not mix it so you have a weak chocolate cake batter! Pop it in the oven at 170°c, and depending on your oven and tin it will need anything from 30 minutes onwards. Keep checking until a knife comes out clean. Once cooled take it out the tin and use your skewer to poke holes all over the top of the loaf cake. Juice your two oranges and add two heaped tablespoons of caster sugar. spoon the juice over the holes so it seeps through the sponge. I added ganache on this one here, which is the same recipe as the ganache drip for the chocolate cake. I also added some dried orange slices for drama. n 60
F ES T I V E
BA K I N G
BAILEY’S CHOCOLATE FUDGE SPONGE CAKE Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 20 minutes. Butter 170g (I always use salted because it enhances the flavour of everything so don’t be afraid of using salted butter in baking) Caster sugar 170g • Cocoa powder 30g • Drinking chocolate 85g Self-Raising flour 140g • 3 eggs • 1 tsp baking powder Half a tin of condensed milk • 350g butter • 125g cocoa powder 250g icing sugar • Bailey’s to your personal taste.
The original recipe will feed roughly 12 people, but as this is the tall show-stopping piece I have multiplied it by three. Grease and line two baking tins, preheat the oven to 170°c. This is an easy recipe where you throw the whole lot in the mixer at once, best using a mixing paddle. Mix until it's creamy and divide into the baking tins, then bake for roughly 20-30 minutes, depending on the depth of the baking tins and your oven, so keep checking every five minutes after 20 minutes until a knife comes out clean. For the Bailey’s buttercream, melt 100g butter in a saucepan on a gentle heat. Once melted immediately take off the heat and add all the cocoa powder by hand whisking. In a mixing bowl cream the 250g butter and icing sugar until really pale and fluffy. Taste to see if you're happy with balance of butter and sugar; add more of either to your own preference. Then whisk in the cocoa-butter, which should be quite a thick mixture. Again, taste to check that you're happy with the balance of flavours; add more cocoa if you prefer it more bitter. Then start adding Baileys slowly until you’re happy with the strength. Once the sponges have cooled I would recommend popping them in the freezer before decorating, as the Bailey buttercream will be relatively loose due to the liquid content, so by having a slightly frozen sponge it will make it much easier to decorate and will help the buttercream to set.
Katie used edible gold leaf to decorate her showstopper. The chocolate shards are hand tempered 70% Belgian chocolate, scattered with chopped pistachios.
The chocolate ganache drip is made of 50/50 70% Belgian chocolate and double cream. You melt the chocolate then hand whisk the cream in, which will be a thick ganache consistency. In order to drip it successfully you need to pop it into a piping bag and heat in the microwave on a gentle heat for just a few seconds until it is a loose, dripping consistency. Do some test drips on the edge of a glass first. Work quickly as the ganache cools quickly! 61
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Wine of the Month
There’s ‘snow’ spirit in the world like this Festive-themed gin utilises tangy orange, sweet gingerbread, and even manages to dazzle with some gold-leaf luxury!
Blue Aurora English Blueberry Ice Wine, Oundle, Northants 2020
Snow Globe Gin is a new artisan gin with orange and gingerbread, delicious for the festive season! Presented in an exquisite Italian made Snow Globe Bottle, the product contains edible 23ct gold leaf and a lamp on the base for illumination. Give the globe a gentle shake and turn on the lamp switch to see the twinkling gold leaf cascade around the Christmas scene inside. It comes with a gift box too, making it an excellent festive present. £29 / 70cl / 20% ABV.
£17.95 / 37.5cl / 10.5% ABV
The Wine Cellar GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WITH... WELL, A CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, OR ONE OF THIS MONTH’S WINE RECOMMENDATIONS. BEST WISHES AND MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL AT PRIDE! THREE FOR ‘ROUND THE TREE: Wine to enjoy with friends around the Christmas Tree...
Intense, fruity & velvety smooth, this is a gorgeous sweet tipple to enjoy by the fire when friends pop by to wish you a Merry Christmas! Blue Aurora is purely and simply made from 100% English blueberries, hand picked from Lutton Farm in Northamptonshire. The blueberries are frozen, then pressed and fermented to create this beautiful sweet Ice Wine. Produced by Lutton farm; a family run farm just outside the picturesque town of Oundle, by the Long family. Call 01832 273300 for stockists or see blueaurorawine.co.uk
We’re Just Playing Devil’s ‘Advocaat’
1. Casual acquaintances? This single estate Sancerre will demonstrate a discerning palate. Very dry, with citrus notes and a green grass aroma. Exclusive to Waitrose. £14.99 / 75cl / 13.5% ABV.
It’s still around. That festive tipple which contributed to snowball cocktails and so many green around the gills expressions on Boxing Day.
2. Good friends? Well, then we’ll recommend Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Very full-bodied indeed with the spicy plums and leather you’d expect from a Rhône wine made with a Grenache blend. C’est Bon! £67 / 75cl / 14% ABV.
It’s Dutch in origin, its proper name is advocatenborrel and it is made from eggs, sugar and brandy.
3. And for best friends... Louis Roederer Cristal is enjoyable to say the least with its apricot and hazelnut dryness, and sublime mousse. £200 / 75cl / 12% ABV.
Warninks is the world’s largest manufacturer and first produced the spirit in 1616.
Mix it with lemonade and lime juice and consume with a tin of Quality Street. £12 / 70cl / 17.2cl
n Our featured wines are available from
the best local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary from those stated. 63
HOMES & INTERIORS
OLD SCHOOL
CHARM
As the saying goes, your school days are the best days of your life. That’s little wonder, if you spend them in this month’s featured property. Here, we meet Christopher and Maureen Nelson of Stonesby’s The Old School... Words: Rob Davis.
As the saying goes, you learn something every day. That’s certainly been the case for Chris & Maureen Nelson, who have spent every day for the past 15 years learning a little more about their family home, a former schoolhouse in Stonesby. Chris has amassed a wealth of history about The Old School with documents which reveal the property’s origins as a two-up two-down, back in 1650. Sometime after the property’s construction it was used as a schoolhouse, and a hundred years or so after a dedicated room was added to facilitate that, which is now the Nelson’s dining room Fast forward another hundred years and a dedicated schoolroom was created to the rear of the property, enlarged in 1911 and Main/Right: The Old School has two reception rooms; a living room and a dining room plus a study with spiral staircase to the mezzanine bedroom above.
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used as a school right up until 1930 when it then served as the village hall. “The house was purchased by a developer in 1972,” says Chris, “And it was renovated but perhaps with less sensitivity than you’d expect nowadays. There were, I can confirm, even avocado-coloured bathroom suites!” Chris & Maureen moved in during 2005 and since then, the couple have restored as many of the property’s features as possible. The result is a spectacularly well-presented, very pretty property with tonnes of character, and a great garden. Unexpectedly though, it’s also a property with plenty of space, too. The house is arranged in an ‘L’ shape with the front aspect the smaller of the two. Behind that smaller stone front, the property actually stretches back quite far, giving an initially deceptive amount of space.
“There’s a wealth of history about the property which reveals its origins as a two-up two-down, built in 1650...” “It’s great living here, it’s a real country lifestyle home. It is deceptive from the front as it looks smaller than it is, we fell in love with it the moment we saw it, rural living at its best.” Downstairs, The Old School has a breakfast kitchen, and an entrance hallway with cloakroom in the oldest part of the building. The next oldest part of the building is used as a dining room with a cast iron range, currently decommissioned. Behind that - in what was the school room, and village hall in later years - is the lounge plus a
reception/office space with a mezzanine level added to create the property’s second bedroom above, accessed via spiral staircase. Above the oldest part of the property is a master bedroom with a dressing room and en suite bathroom, affording its next owners not only the character of a period property but all of the conveniences you’d expect from a more modern home too. The remaining three bedrooms are on the first floor of the longer aspect of the house above the dining room, lounge and office. The kitchen was designed and fitted by local cabinet makers Barratt & Swann of Cropwell Butler, who Maureen says were brilliant to work with and created a kitchen in solid tulip wood, finished in Old English White, accommodating all of the wonky walls and character of the building. >> 67
>> Despite the traditional solid timber and granite work surfaces, the Belfast sink and chunky cabinetry, the kitchen, like the rest of the property, still manages to integrate modern features like an integrated Neff dishwasher and Miele larder fridge. The kitchen has red brick flooring, whilst flagstones and neutral jute carpeting are used elsewhere along with a natural colour palette and exposed beams... there’s also a cosy woodburner in the living room, ideal for the nippy winter evenings. Outside? Well, Maureen is a keen gardener and it shows everywhere. The plot looks absolutely beautiful, with a productive vegetable garden and raised beds plus a nature pond. Chris has used four inch thick flagstones to Top: The country kitchen has bespoke solid tulip wood cabinetry and a range cooker plus integrated appliances.
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create a sitooterie on the site that was once a house and village shop in which to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening. Maureen’s retirement present to herself was a bespoke timber greenhouse, which she uses to grow all of the plants which populate an array of pots and borders. Within the grounds of the property is a workshop and two garages which were originally the village forge. Offering a generous amount of space, an achingly lovely look with some beautiful period features, plus lovely grounds, The Old School is one of the most characterful properties we’ve seen for a long time. With a more closer to their daughter imminent, Chris and Maureen have put the property on the market, but say they’ll miss The Old School enormously. Little wonder, really. After all, your school days are supposed to be the best days of your life! n
THE OLD SCHOOL STONESBY
Location: Stonesby, right on the border of Lincolnshire, Rutland and Leicestershire. Style: Former school and village hall with three receptions and four bedrooms with one en suite. Guide Price: £700,000 Find Out More: James Sellicks, Estate Agents, Market Place Oakham Rutland LE15 6DT. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com. n
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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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PJCabinetMakers
KITCHENS • BEDROOMS • BOOT ROOMS • STUDIES INDIVIDUALLY MADE FREE STANDING FURNITURE
Call 07534 808903 richwood-cabinetmakers@hotmail.com BRING RICHWOOD INTO THE HEART OF YOUR HOME
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CHRISTMAS HOMES
CHRISTMAS All Wrapped Up
Everything you need to present your home beautifully for Christmas with products from the area’s finest retailers and leading local designers... Image: Sophie Allport Partridge In A Pear Tree Gift Wrap, 3m x 70cm, £5.50, www.sophieallport.com
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White Company Symons Nordmann Christmas Tree, 9ft, £850, www.thewhitecompany.com.
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CHRISTMAS HOMES
John Lewis faux fur Christmas Stocking, in white, £25.
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Sophie Allport Home for Christmas bedding set £75/king.
Top: Sophie Allport Partridge in a Pear Tree table linens, www.sophieallport.com Above: Wrendale Designs Christmas Robin luxury Christmas crackers, £20/six. www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk. Below: Sophie Allport Cinnamon & Orange candle, £25/690g; Wrendale fragrance diffuser, £10/40ml.
Tom Smith branded eco-crackers, plastic-free and recyclable, £15.99/six from Gates Garden Centre, 01664 454309, or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.
John Lewis’ Renaissance Christmas theme, with matching gift wrap available, shown on opposite page, from the retailer’s Peterborough-based Queensgate Shopping Centre, www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.
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CARDS AND GIFT WRAP
Look Pretty in Paper FROM WRAPPING PAPER TO CARDS, GIFT BAGS AND TAGS, WE’VE SOME PRETTY IDEAS FROM BESPOKE CARDS TO THE PAINTBOXES OF OUR LOCAL DESIGNERS...
John Lewis Renaissance gift wrap collection, www.johnlewis.com.
Above: Local designer Hannah Wrendale designs luxury boxed Christmas cards from her studio such as Snowfall (£10/eight) and Festive Fox £6.50/eight), shown here. Below: Make a list and check it twice with Hannah’s Christmas planner, which also serves as a lovely Christmas keepsake £15, www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk.
Above: Our in-house illustrator Jocelyn Lawman can create bespoke Christmas cards featuring your family or business, minimum order 20 cards, prices start at £50, call 01205 364093 or see www.jocelynlawmancards.co.uk. Below: A Christmas card and advert calendar in one from Hannah Wrendale, £3.50/each.
Below: Local designer Sophie Allport’s Partridge gift bags, 13cm; 25cm; 35cm; bottle bag, from £3. Matching gift tags, £3.50/eight.
Above: Open this music box card to reveal a dancing, musical storytelling scene that plays ‘We Three Kings;’ £10, John Lewis. Right: Partridge Christmas wrap from Sophie Allport, 3m x 70cm, £5.50, www.sophieallport.com.
John Lewis’ Art of Nouveau Christmas tree theme from the retailer’s Peterborough-based Queensgate Shopping Centre, www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk.
ADVENT CALENDARS
Countdown to Christmas COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS? WELL, IF YOU AREN’T, YOU CERTAINLY WILL BE WITH ONE OF OUR LUXURY ADVENT CALENDARS
L’Occitane en Provence What better way to count down to Christmas than with L’Occitane’s Advent Calendar? This colourful calendar includes 24 magical treats for yourself or your loved ones from L’Occitane fragrance, skincare, body care and hair care. Includes £88 worth of products, £53, exclusively from Marks & Spencer.
Advent Candle, John Lewis 25cm advent candle to count down to the warm glow of Christmas, £6.
Hotel Chocolat Calendar A festive truffle a day, what could be better? £68.
Lego Advent Calendar Available exclusively from John Lewis, this ‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi’-themed calendar features the ice moon of Hoth and includes 12 mini toys for your space-faring youngsters.. or more grown-up fans to build. £24.97.
Gins of Christmas Daily respite from the run up to the festive season from Marks & Spencer, with a 5cl tot of artisan gin each day. Flavours include raspberry, plum and apple & spice, £100.
www.johnlewis.com www.marksandspencer.com www.hotelchocolat.com 79
Peterborough’s Premier Kitchen Design & Installation Specialists...
Papyrus Road, Peterborough PE4 5BH JUST ALONG FROM THE BMW & AUDI MOTOR DEALERSHIPS
01733 894422 | www.pdakitchens.co.uk
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GATES GARDEN CENTRE
CHRISTMAS at
GATES It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Gates Garden Centre, as the retailer’s autumn displays give way to over 14,000 sq-ft of festive decorations across 11 beautiful themes... Words: Rob Davis.
IF YOUR HOME doesn’t have that festive feel yet, there’s no need to go all the way to Lapland to ensure that ‘it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.’ Each year the elves at Gates Garden Centre near Cold Overton fill 14,000 sq-ft of retail space with festive decorations across 11 different themes. In addition you’ll find trees, lights, wreaths, plus cards and gifts... everything you need to prepare for the festive season. It takes a decidedly jolly 1,620 man-hours to set up the centre’s Christmas area, and the area is divided up into areas to provide inspiration for a festive look inspired by either nature or ornithology, one that features bright cheerful red and white colours, or even some deliciously different looks such as those punctuated by peacocks and jewels or animal prints.
1. Botanical Peacock: Glass vase, £3.99; Butterfly £3.99; Peacock £17.99; Peacock feather decoration (sold in pairs) £1.99; Blue flower £3.49; Monstera leaf bauble (sold in threes) £6.99; Beaded peacock bauble £8.99; Gold with jewel decoration £6.99; Black and feather oil finish bauble £5.99. n
In addition to all of the decorations you could possibly want, Gates Garden Centre is an ideal venue in which to enjoy your Christmas shopping; it’s undercover, Covid-safe, with plenty of gift ideas. Remember, too, that there are over 650 free car parking spaces plus the huge Garden Restaurant, cosy Courtyard Coffee Shop and seasonal Winter Kitchen for when you need to take a break from shopping. And finally, Gates Garden Centre’s Farm Shop features produce from names like Hambleton Bakery and has all of the fresh produce, butchery and deli products you need to ensure your larder is stocked with delicious food and drink all season long ensuring you can eat, drink and be merry. n
Find Out More: All of our featured decorations are available from Gates Garden Centre, based at Cold Overton, near Oakham LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk. n
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4. Candy Cane Lane: Snow globe £16.99; Gingerbread man £4.99; Gingerbread bus £3.99; Nutcracker £7.99; Red Santa £9.99; Grey Santa £6.99; Tall Santa £4.99; Small Santa £2.99; Spiral bauble £4.99; Christmas pudding bauble £4.99; Candy canes (sold in pairs) £1.99. n
2. Wild Glam: Star £24.99; Leopard bauble £2.49; Zebra baubles (sold in pairs) £7.99; Giraffe bauble £2.49; Black and gold star bauble £3.49; Smokey glass bauble £1.49; Long gold and black bauble £1.99; Cones (sold in threes) £1.69; Star baubles (various colours) £2.49. n
3. Enchanted Forest: Green velvet triple toadstools £16.99; Red wooden toadstool £9.99; Red bauble £3.99; Double hanging cones £1.99; Cream dotted bauble £3.49; Green leaf bauble £4.99; Small green baubles (threes) £0.99; Pink glass bauble £2.49. n
5. Woodland Lodge: Glass candle holder £8.99; Fabric mouse £4.99; Hedgehog £7.49; Star £3.49; Gold leaf bauble £3.99; Acorn bauble £1.49; Acorns (sold in threes) £1.69; Green oak leaf bauble £5.99; Stag approx 25cm tall £15.99. n
6. Polar Holiday: Standing tree £9.99; Bottle light £14.99; Star £7.99; Bootees £4.99; Glass house bauble (sold in pairs) £1.49; Cones (sold in threes) £0.99; Dark blue and silver bauble £3.99; White and blue glitter bauble £1.99; Turquoise and silver bauble £3.99. n
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BESPOKE FRAMING
FRAME and
FORTUNE David Ball usually only has his partner - artist Kay Johns’ - artwork in the frame. But the two are now making their bespoke picture framing service available to everyone. Let us put you in the picture about just what that means! Words & Images: Rob Davis.
A great work of art in a poor frame is akin to a lost opportunity. The job of a frame is as much to contribute to the aesthetic of the artwork as to protect it and provide a means to hang it on the wall. Framing takes technical skill but also an eye for what will best suit a particular piece of art. Fortunately, it’s a talent that David Ball has in abundance. Originally from Bognor, and a former technical engineer in the RAF, David met Kay Johns, an artist and children’s book illustrator, and the two eventually settled in Threekingham. Kay left publishing to pursue a career as a professional artist, selling limited edition prints and original commissions. The two usually find themselves on the road all summer long in their truck, setting up mobile galleries to exhibit Kay’s work and that of other selected artists at outdoor events like the Lincolnshire Show. As part of their work, David helps to print, and to create bespoke frames for Kay’s work to fulfil orders both at the shows they attend and for the orders they receive via their website and fine art publishing business. The couple sells thousands of pieces of Kay’s artwork usually featuring animals, birds or flowers - each year, in sizes from 13” square to several feet in size. Many of Kay’s pieces are handfinished with metallic gold embellishment with her work is published in limited quantities of no greater than 395 pieces. They sell for anywhere from £39 to £5,000 and customers of course want a frame to show off their new purchase to best effect. For that reason, it helps to work alongside David who can create frames for any size of artwork with a choice of different mounts and a range of over 80 different mouldings - that’s the outer, often wooden, bit of the frame to you and me. With such experience in framing it’s little wonder David often receives requests to frame other artwork or photographs, usually he has to politely decline because of his existing workload. >>
Main: David Ball usually only frames his partner Kay Johns’ artwork and are usually on the road setting up mobile art galleries at outdoor events. This year though, the two are making their bespoke picture framing service available to everyone from their Covid-safe rural location in Threekingham.
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“We’re normally too busy to frame artwork other than the examples we produce, print and sell ourselves. This year has been different though and we’ve discovered what a great demand there is for a highly skilled bespoke framing service...”
>> With the current pandemic, a number of the business’s usual show fixtures have been cancelled this year though, they have taken this as an opportunity to open up this high quality framing service to the public. “We’ve set up a dedicated studio with all of the equipment to present fine art in the best possible way,” says David. “We’re normally (unfortunately) simply too busy to frame artwork other than the examples we produce, print and sell ourselves.”
“We can then cut any size of mount using our digital CNC mount cutter and we seal each piece of artwork to prevent incursion from thunderflies before framing. We cut each frame to sub-millimetre measurements, then underpin and glue each frame for most accurate mitre joint and for maximum strength.” “Typically, we frame clients’ artwork which necessitates bespoke framing because there are no pre-determined sizes for that.”
“This year has been different though. We’ve taken on more and more bespoke framing commissions and we’ve discovered what a great demand there is for it.”
“There are standard sizes for photographs so we tend to frame fewer of those, but for those wanting a quality product, one simply not available ‘off the shelf ’, we can do just that.”
“We’ve therefore decided to offer it as a permanent service, and with Kay’s background as an artist and graphic designer we can bring a really well-considered approach to presenting art.”
“We can also custom-cut mounts to display medals, signed football shirts, cross stitch or items like music memorabilia for collectors.”
“As we do with our own original artwork, we can also offer customers the service to scan, ready for us to digitally reproduce at super-high resolution using colourfast inks on 315gsm art paper, canvas or repositionable vinyl.”
“If a client has something precious whether a piece of art or a photograph to display, nothing presents a technical difficulty to us.” “And only by using bespoke framing service like ours can you ensure it looks absolutely perfect for years to come.” n
The Event Gallery Fine Art Ltd, provides a bespoke framing service for all your needs. For a free, no-obligation discussion call 01529 240529, email enquiries@theeventgallery.co.uk or see www.theeventgallery.co.uk.
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ELECTRIC & MANUAL GATES, AND BESPOKE METALWORK FABRICATION SPECIALISTS 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE, FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTES
01522 688285 • 07748 187801 www.mjbmetalwork.co.uk 93
DOUBLEDAY GROUP
GIFTS FOR FESTIVE FARMERS AT
DOUBLEDAY
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T’was the night before Christmas and under the tree, all neatly wrapped up, is a range of perfect presents for your little farmers! This month Doubleday Group has a range of toys, country clothing and products for the whole family. Make an appointment for festive fun and a personal shopping experience...
Christmas for little farmers. A chance for mum and dad to tick off some Christmas shopping. Lincolnshire based John Deere specialist Doubleday are hosting one-to-one personal shopping experience appointments in November and December to showcase a special range of festive toys, clothing and gifts. Ideal if you’re still feeling uneasy about venturing out with lots of people around you but still want to choose the perfect Christmas present. The showrooms are currently closed to allow a one-to-one personal shopping experience by appointment only. This allows you to complete your Christmas shopping in an easier and safer environment with full sanitisation between each appointment as well as help from the company’s Christmas elves! To book your shopping experience email christmas@doubledaygroup.co.uk or call your local Doubleday depot. A chance for the little ones to join in some fun!
Join the Doubleday team to get creative this winter by decorating their Christmas trees... unfortunately the Doubleday Elf on the shelf has stolen all the Christmas decorations! Children can join in the fun by making a decoration and then sending it to their local Doubleday depot to enter their competition.
The top three decorations will be awarded a prize, and a chocolate tractor lolly will be given to all the entries, so don’t forget to put your name and contact number with your decoration. The Doubleday Team look forward to seeing all your entries! Today anyone from domestic consumers with
modest gardens or small holdings right up to the largest farming estates can take advantage of the Doubleday Group’s expertise with machinery from John Deere, plus brands such as Kramer, Väderstad, Sulky Burel and Bomford Turner to name just a few!
Within all the Doubleday branches the
company also offers a range of adult’s and children’s clothing to ensure your little farmers can enjoy countryside fun too. Perfect for keeping you warm on those wet and wintery days is footwear by well-known brand Le Chameau and outdoor clothing by Musto. Doubleday also has ever-popular ranges of farming-themed toys from puzzles, games and Matchbox tractors right up to battery powered or pedal-operated ride-on tractors by brands such as Bruder, Big Farm, Siku plus Tractor Ted merchandise, wellington boots and more. n
n Doubleday Group provides machinery and support for agricultural and groundscare machinery from brands such as John Deere, Kramer and Väderstad. The company has depots in Swineshead, Old Leake, Holbeach and Kings Lynn. Call 0333 6000 670 or see www.doubledaygroup.co.uk for your Personal Shopping appointment.
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Crafting bespoke hardwood conservatories and orangeries, roof lights & timber windows...
MORRISS & SHAW LUXURY GARDEN HOUSES
Based in Sleaford, so for a free, no obligation design consultation and an initial discussion of your project call 01529 300609
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WEDDINGS
“NOTHING WAS GOING TO SPOIL OUR DAY!” Autumn saw the Lincolnshire wedding of Sophie & George, whose big day took place amid rules concerning the number of guests the couple could invite. But nothing was going to spoil this wedding day. As you’ll see from these images, it was a bright, brilliant and beautiful celebration... Wedding Photographer: Christian Thompson, 07989 796875, www.christianthompson.co.uk.
Years in the anticipation and months in the planning. It seems quite cruel that your wedding plans could potentially be curtailed by something as nefarious as Covid-19. Happily though, Sophie & George Wallis were philosophical in their approach to wedding planning and decided to organise their way around restrictions. Nothing, they decided, was going to ruin their day.
WEDDING SUPPLIERS SOPHIE & GEORGE WALLIS
“George knew not just one but both of my brothers - Adam & Tom - and he worked with Adam, the older of the two, after university. We were out in Boston one evening when Adam hit upon the wizard idea of trying to have a pint of Bateman’s ale in each of the Boston pubs in which it’s stocked.” “The women in our family have traditionally be able to hold their ale a little better so I was the last one standing and George was a little less afflicted so we ended up talking and found we really loved each other’s company... the rest is history!”
“When lockdown was announced in March we thought it was sufficiently far away from the date that we didn’t need to worry, but I think I was a bit more naive than George about that. He probably wondered... but didn’t dare say it out loud!” “On 4th July it was announced that weddings could be held, but the number of guests would be limited to 30. We had a choice between keeping the date but changing the wedding or keeping the wedding but delaying the date.” “We were adamant that we wanted to keep the date so we set about modifying our plans and speaking to suppliers. We found that they were all really good, and were very understanding.”
Wedding Ceremony: St. Benedict’s Church, Glinton, 01733 252359.
“I think we both knew that it was for keeps; that we’d get married and be together forever. But I wasn’t expecting a proposal so soon. We were on holiday in Las Vegas in 2019, celebrating George’s birthday, and as we were preparing to go down to dinner he dropped down on one knee and proposed.”
Marquee: Wells & Sons Marquees, 01205 362666, wellsmarqueesltd.co.uk.
“When we returned to England nobody was surprised George had proposed. He had also asked by father beforehand which I thought was lovely. We set a date in September 2020 - which would give us just under a year to plan the day - and booked a country house hotel, anticipating a guest list of about 120.”
Wedding Dress: Belle & Bouquet, 01522 811122, belleandbouquet.co.uk.
Vegan Catering: The Kind Kebab, 07393 343219, thekindkebab.co.uk. Wedding Cake: Angela Gordon, The Loquacious Baker, 07774 015636. Wedding Flowers: House of Blooms, 07834 688483, houseofblooms.co.uk.
Makeup Artist: Rachel Bray, kissandmakeupbyrachelbray.co.uk. Bridal Hair: Charlotte Smith, Bella Hair, 01205 317446. n
“30 people was still enough for to ensure close family could be with us on the day. Just a few more would have enabled us to invite some more friends, but as long as we could legally marry and have our very closest family & friends around us, we were happy.” “We were still able to marry in St. Benedict’s Church, Glinton. George used to live around Market Deeping and we really loved the Blue Bell Inn nearby. We used to sit in the pub’s garden and admire the church from across the road, so we married in the church and enjoyed a glass of fizz in the pub afterwards.” “The Revd., Mark-Aaron was wonderful, and the church didn’t seem empty at all. We were supposed to have just under 80 people at the ceremony but actually I don’t know how we’d have managed to fit them all in. We then planned our new reception back in Freiston near Boston in a marquee at the back of George’s parents’ garden.” >> 101
- WEDDINGS -
“It was an amazing day and definitely didn’t feel like it was second best to the day we had originally planned...” >> “Having a marquee worked really well because we could say how large the reception was and what shape we wanted it to be.” “We were able to decorate it with the help of our really excellent florist, House of Blooms, and we had a really great caterer from Lincoln who provided vegan food. Our cake artist Angela Gordon created a vegan wedding cake and it not only looked beautiful it was really delicious too!” “It was an amazing day and definitely didn’t feel like it was second best to the day we had originally planned.” “We were still able to have our three bridesmaids - Victoria, Bev & Laura - and our Best Man Pete Sampson. All our friends were really understanding about the number of people we were restricted to as well.” “We planned a honeymoon to the Greek island of Rhodes and this time we were a little bit luckier. It was one of the islands that escaped travel restrictions, so we were still able to enjoy a week doing nothing but soaking up the sun near the Aegean sea!” “It might not have been the day we originally planned but it was absolutely perfect, and we’re really grateful to the everyone who celebrated the day with us and those who weren’t able to be there but sent us all their best wishes too. Our parents, though were especially incredible. Without them we wouldn’t have been able to have the day of our dreams, so we’re truly grateful to them for pulling out all of the stops for us!” n 102
Cake image (above) supplied by Sophie. All other images Christian Thompson, 07989 796875, see www.christianthompson.co.uk.
CHAUFFEUR VIP
A Day in the Life of Chauffeur VIP During these unprecedented times, both business and personal travel have resumed for quite some time now. So, we talk with Chauffeur VIP founders, Paul and Julia about what a day of chauffeuring includes throughout a period of challenges... Words: Sultana Rahman. Tell us more about Chauffeur VIP
Chauffeur VIP provides an executive chauffeur service for various occasions, requirements and purposes. We are based in the beautiful market and industrial town, Grantham, however our business operates across the nation. Our fleet of young Mercedes cars are most popular amongst our prospective and current clients, although we do offer an array of classic cars for our wedding chauffeur services. Professional, punctual and the perfect company, our network of chauffeur drivers are renowned across the country for delivering exceptional services - whether for business or personal chauffeur services. How was business for Chauffeur VIP pre-pandemic?
Excellent! As the wedding season began to slowly creep up, naturally, happy couples up and down the country were opting for our chauffeur driven services, particularly because of our vast offering of vehicles. Corporate commitments were also high as we are well esteemed in the international arena for airport transfers. Similarly, the beginning of the year saw Chauffeur VIP plan and prepare ahead for the upcoming summer sporting events; our chauffeurs usually drive attendees and spectators to and from each event’s destination. Clients were also booking in advance for chauffeur travel to cruise ports, arriving in luxury and style ready for check in. However, of course, due to the pandemic, business had to alter… What has Chauffeur VIP adapted to the current circumstances?
Without a doubt we are following all government rules and guidelines, but for added protection and safety we have fitted a Perspex shield to our Mercedes V-Class and
E-Class estates plus an in-car air purifier (Airbubbl) to our Mercedes saloons. For the safety of our clients, our drivers wear face coverings if social distancing cannot be maintained as well as hand gloves if the passenger requires assistance with their luggage - the same also applies to the opening and closing of doors. Before and after each journey, all vehicles are cleaned and thoroughly sanitised including all touch points, meeting our impeccable standards, allowing clients to simply sit back and relax with peace of mind during their journeys with us. What about the services you offer?
Although both wedding and corporate bookings are not as high compared to the same period last year, we are in fact receiving a great demand for requests such as transporting families to their staycation destinations. The UK holidaymaking market has experienced an influx in interest amongst the nation’s population and as a result, Chauffeur VIP has had the opportunity to transport families and friends to their holiday destinations. People are also reluctant to travel via public transport, especially for long journeys, so we have also experienced an increase in demand for chauffeur services to transport family members to additional family members from one side of the country, to another. Another area of demand is the influx in a number of engineers requiring hotel transfers for testing before flying by private jet to the Middle East and transfers to Scotland before heading out on the oil rigs. We are also working closely with a London based film production company, transporting
ministers, business entrepreneurs, celebrities and presenters to their sets. Parents of students have also opted for Chauffeur VIP’s services to transport their children to their university accommodation, ensuring that they arrive at their new home safely. Being honest, business has been and continues to grow as the months go by; we have now operated and travelled in circumstances like never before whilst also catering for a diverse range of requirements and contexts. What do your drivers enjoy most about a day of chauffeuring?
Definitely the people. Our drivers are always commenting on how enjoyable their days are, particularly because they are able to meet new people and discover their stories, their lifestyles and more - even more so now; the pandemic has certainly made us all at Chauffeur VIP appreciate the people around us. Lastly, what are your projections post Covid-19?
Let’s face it, it will certainly be a thriving market for the wedding industry as couples will be jumping for joy due to the ability to tie the knot without a reduced guest list. More businesses will gain confidence in meeting face-to-face as not every meeting can be held virtually. International business and personal travel will boom, with many looking to ‘make up for lost time.’ For all of us, we think it is fair to say that a holiday overseas or perhaps a cruise trip will be well deserved, whilst we return back to a state of normality. As a result of all of these, the demand for chauffeur driven services will rise and we are confident that Chauffeur VIP will be ready for exactly that. With the ideal combination of an admirable fleet of vehicles and personable chauffeur drivers, the future for Chauffeur VIP continues to be bright! n
Find Out More: Paul Elliott and his team of CRB-checked professional drivers run a fleet of executive saloons and MPVs to transport up to 16 people in luxury for business and private clients or weddings anywhere in the UK. Call 0800 014 9222 or see www.chauffeur-vip.co.uk.
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BLACK to BASICS This month we’re proving that eight goes into six as we showcase a stylish range of chic black dresses from Phase Eight, ideal for festive celebrations with up to six people... This Page: Trina Rose midi dress from Phase Eight, sizes 6-16, £110.
Star shimmer wrap dress, sizes 8-18, ÂŁ99.
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Venus shimmer dress, sizes 8-18, ÂŁ89.
- FASHION -
Top/Left: Adamina stud knit dress, size 8-18, £130. Top/Right: Sofianne sequin fringe dress, size 8-18, £130. Bottom/Left: Jacinta floral foil dress, sizes 8-18, £99. Bottom/Right: Glynis sequin knitted wrap dress, sizes 8-18, £130.
For local stockists see www.phase-eight.com.
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CHRISTMAS PERFUMES
Scents of Occasion PERFUME IS ALWAYS A FAVOURITE FOR THOSE SEEKING TO GIVE A SCENT-SATIONAL CHRISTMAS GIFT. THESE ARE OUR TOP LUXURY FRAGRANCES FOR CHRISTMAS 2020...
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1. Sensual Jasmine: Lancôme Idôle EDP, 50ml, £75. 2. Freesia, Rose: Maison Margiela Replica EDT, 100ml, £98. 3. Patchouli: Lancôme La Vie Est Belle EDP, 50ml, £66.50. 4. Orange & Jasmine Coco Mademoiselle EDP, 50ml, £85.50. 5. Raspberry & Roses: Flower by Kenzo EDT, 50ml, £55. 6. Bergamot & Vetiver: Acqua di Parma EDC, 50ml, £80. 7. Rose & Sandalwood: Kilian Roses On Ice EDP, 50ml, £165.
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8. Oriental, Woody: Tobacco Mandarin EDP, 50ml, £235. 9. Citrus and Jasmine: LV California Dream EDP, 50ml, £200. 10. Vanilla & Flowers: Armani, My Way EDP, 50ml, £75.50. 11. Frangipani & Patchouli: Loewe Ibiza EDT, 50ml, £70. 12. Freesia & Rose: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP, 50ml, £76. 13. Floral: Jo Malone Fig & Lotus Flower EDC, 100ml, £100. 14. Raspberry: Dior Absolutely Blooming EDP, 50ml, £77.50. n
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CHRISTMAS BEAUTY
Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh... THIS MONTH OUR COSMETICS PAGE COMES BEARING GIFTS OF GOLD, FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH, WHICH WE THINK YOU’LL AGREE IS NICER THAN THE USUAL BOX OF CHOCOLATES AND GIFT CARD
1. All that glitters is a gold gift set from Estèe Lauder Estèe Lauder’s Christmas offering has been 10,000 hours in the making, according to the PR blurb. That’s how long it takes to curate the ‘rare power’ of the Black Diamond Truffle Extract used in the Transformative Energy Eye Cream and Energy Creme. Along with a gold eye wand and its jewellery case the set is available at good makeup counters now. £245.
2. Gold standard... Tom Ford presents gold standard eye colour, courtesy of this new quad in its deco style packaging. This long-wearing, ultra-pigmented compact has four complementary shades providing a luxurious finish and delivering incredible shade fidelity as well as outstanding adhesion, £75.
3. Chantecaille mask... Fine ingredients are used to create Chantecaille’s Gold Recovery Mask including 24ct gold and silk extracts. This luxurious cream features a probiotic and provides more toned, firmer looking skin, and a glowing complexion overnight, £208 / 50ml.
5. Frankincense facial cleansing from Sisley... Sisley’s Gentle Cleansing Gel is a daily treat for your face, with a foaming formula that generates a rich lather to cleanse and purify the skin right down to the pores, with impurities and excess sebum removed for a really refreshed complexion. Making use of frankincense, it’s non-comedogenic and soap-free, £67 / 120ml.
6. The Myrrh the Merrier with AA... Aromatherapy Associates’s myrrh candle promises to transform your home into a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Aromatherapy Associates’s Relax Candle, is exquisite with its West Indian bay and myrrh essential oils, £48 / 200g.
4. Hermès fragrance... Hermès presents this fragrance from its Hermessence range. Its emotional state is one of fresh and delicate fragrance, thanks to myrrh and wild rose, £291 / 200ml.
n All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, please note that prices stated are RRP and may vary according to retailer. 115
Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979
LINDBERG eyewear in stock now.
43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS Tel: 01652 653595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk Call for an appointment or pop in to view our latest designer eyewear.
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BAREFOOT RETREATS
LAID-BACK LUXURY
after LOCKDOWN At the time of writing, this Christmas is set to be a little quieter than normal, with the usual large family gatherings, and parties with friends, curtailed to just six people. So, why not defer your celebrations until spring or summer, and book one of Barefoot Retreats’ luxurious North Norfolk holiday properties? There are retreats for couples, families and friends with laid back luxury plus loads of character standard across every single property... Words: Rob Davis.
AT THIS TIME OF YEAR we should all be celebrating the season with friends and our extended families. Of course, festivities have been curtailed for obvious reasons, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a deferred celebration for spring and summer 2021. Barefoot Retreats offers a truly unique proposition for those hoping to reunite with family and friends. In 2014, Emma Mason created Barefoot Retreats in the discretely affluent area of North Norfolk, curating a portfolio of over 100 self-catering retreats, for short breaks or holidays, for anywhere between two and 24 guests. The idea was to provide a way to ‘get away from it all’ without the hassle of international travel - airports; restrictions; quarantine; language and currency barriers. Beyond that though, the company wanted to create a more personal self-catering accommodation experience, one that centres around guests’ needs rather than being a ‘one size fits all’ offering. That’s why Emma and the team offer a concierge service for guests, enabling them to provide not just a nice looking place to stay, but recommendations for places to dine, provision of private dinner parties, picnics or beach barbecues, spa days and beauty treatments, babysitters, dog walkers, even pleasure flights in helicopters or hot air balloons. After just an hour or so travelling, you’ll be transported to a county of expansive coastlines, wild and wonderful scenery, quiet country pubs offering proper food, history, and really good shopping. Guests enjoy a welcome hamper, logs and kindling for each property’s open fire. Dogs are welcome in many properties and the team are always happy to volunteer ideas for places to eat, places to walk or local places to visit. Many properties feature beautiful gardens with terraces and barbecues for couples, families or friends to get together and enjoy a meal and a few glasses of wine. But should you venture further, you’ll also enjoy North Norfolk’s beautiful beaches, expansive countryside, estates like the royal residence of Sandringham, or Blickling & Holkham, late summer lavender, and pretty market towns with smart independent retailers such as Holt and Burnham Market. Lockdown won’t last, so if you’re due a reunion with friends and family, make sure you’ve something to look forward to and enjoy the laid back luxury of a Barefoot Retreats getaway. n Barefoot Retreats provides luxury holiday cottages and unique holiday homes to rent in North Norfolk. Call 01485 512245 or see www.barefootretreats.co.uk. Over the page we’ve selected just six of the properties in the company’s portfolio to show off some great escapes for couples, friends and families to enjoy... >> 119
When lockdown lifts and we’re free again, reunite with family and friends and enjoy a short break without travelling too far. Barefoot Retreats offers laid back luxury in beautiful North Norfolk...
1. Together in luxury... We’ll be together again, and if you’ve spend a good deal of time apart from family or friends this year, why not arrange a reunion this spring? The Old Rectory is super-luxurious and absolutely huge with loads of character. It’s 157 years old and is set over three floors, there are eight bedrooms, four of which have en suite facilities. There’s an annexe, too, with games room, plus a tennis court, pool table, table tennis setup and a home theatre system. Based in Stanhoe, the award-winning gastropub The Duck Inn is within walking distance, and the area’s stunning coastline is just six miles away. Decoration is commensurate with a large luxury country property, and there is plenty of room to cook a meal in the well-equipped kitchen. The Old Rectory is based in Stanhoe and sleeps 16. Short breaks from £2,500; seven nights from £3,215. n
3. A great retreat for couples... The Wood Store is a luxuriouslyappointed two-bedroom property that’s ideal if you’re planning a romantic break as a couple or if you’ve guests joining you for a short break. Sleeping four people, it has a lovely enclosed courtyard with a pizza oven and beautifully maintained borders. Enjoy the enclosed garden, sheltered from the breeze, with a glass of wine and stone-baked homemade pizza.
2. A super chic retreat... With space for six people and located in the village of Burnham Market, Catherine Place is a super chic retreat for, say, three couples to reunite, or if you’ve children in the family. It’s located near several different beaches - at least one for each day of the week - and it has three en suite bedrooms. If you’re planning to get together and enjoy a meal you’ll love the property’s well-equipped kitchen with its large range and huge chunky dining table. Dogs are welcome too, and there are luxuries such as a Jacuzzi bath to the master bedroom’s en suite and a cosy wood burner. Catherine Place is based in Burnham Market and sleeps six. Short breaks from £700; seven nights from £875. n
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The furnishing of the property is light and modern, with native wood integrated tastefully by artisan British craftspeople, and you’ll rest your head on specially commissioned beds handmade from English natural wool. Luxuries like an arrival hamper and luxury linens are all present and correct, too! The Wood Store is located in Docking and sleeps four. Short breaks from £448; seven nights from £560. n
4. Come on in! The water’s lovely...
5. Laid back luxury... Couples seeking to get away from it all should definitely consider a break at Brancaster’s Manor House Apartments. There are three apartments available (1, 2, 5); ideal if you’re coming as separate couples. Each is laid back and luxurious. Number Two, pictured here, sleeps four with its two king-sized bedrooms, and there’s an en suite shower room, wood burner and barbecue for the terrace area to the front of the apartment. The private complex is just a short walk from The Ship Hotel, Royal Golf Club and coastal footpath. The Manor House is also just a short walk away from Brancaster’s beautiful sandy beach, ideal for those seeking coastal tranquility.
Another property that’s great for a reunion in the spring or summer months, Redshanks has an ace up its sleeve in the form of a heated outdoor swimming pool. A party comprising up to 12 family members or friends can enjoy the coastal country chic of this property with its rural location providing views over farmland and sand dunes. Six bedrooms are arranged over two floors, with an en suite to the master and a ground floor shower room too. The kitchen features an Aga, perfect for cooking together, and there are two reception rooms,
each with wood-burning stoves, perhaps one for grown-ups and one for the children; The Music Room has a vaulted ceiling and vibrant colours scheme, and the property’s rural location makes it ideal for lively celebrations. There’s a barbecue for al fresco dining and dogs are welcome too, so nobody is left out as you explore nearby Burnham or Wells.
Manor House Apartments (Number Two shown) are located in Brancaster and sleeps four. Short breaks from £464; seven nights from £580. n
For Luxury...
Redshanks is located in Burnham Deepdale and sleeps 12. Short breaks from £2,596; seven nights from £3,245. n
Go Barefoot
Each of our featured properties is managed by Barefoot Retreats, offering laid-back luxury holiday retreats in North Norfolk. Call 01485 512245 or see www.barefoot retreats.co.uk.
6. The perfect family property... Our final property is one that’s large enough for all the family but one that still has a cosy feel with a snug that serves as the ideal breakaway space for children to play together. Grayling has a superking, two king bedrooms and a twin room. One of the kings and the superking both have shower en suites and there is also a family bathroom with separate bath and shower. There’s a large enclosed rear garden, barbecue and firepit arranged around a stunning seating
area, plus a well-equipped kitchen with wine fridge, dishwasher, induction hob and range cooker. The living kitchen’s adjacent dining space has room for everyone to dine together and the bi-fold doors enable the indoor and outdoor spaces to function as a single space. Your four-legged friend is welcome to join you, too! Grayling is located in Burnham Market and sleeps eight. Short breaks from £840; seven nights from £1,050. n
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MOTORS
No Time to Lose... As Pride goes to press, the world’s number one secret agent was supposed to grab a Walther PPK and the keys to his Aston Martin to head out on his final mission with Daniel Craig in the role of 007. Sadly the film’s release has been delayed, but that hasn’t stopped the mark mark with with aa special special edition edition of of two two of of its its cars. cars. stopped Aston Aston Martin Martin being being quick quick off of the To celebrate the release of No Time to Die and the world’s most successful product placement, Aston Martin presents its flagship 007 edition, based on the DBS Superleggera... Words: Rob Davis.
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The Vantage-based 007 Edition costs £161,000 and has nerdy Bond details such as an embroidered radio frequency of 96.60 (FM), the Russian police frequency Bond used to evade police in The Living Daylights. Its carbon fibre seats also feature cello ‘f-holes’ based on the film’s instrument played by Kara Milovy, and a set of matching skis are available along with a ski rack referencing the winterised AM V8 used in the 1987 film.
HAVE YOU HEARD the new Bond film theme? It’s sung by the gloomy Millennial Billy Eilish, presumably the first sulky YouTuber in the queue at the recording studio that day. In the past Bond films had themes by true musical legends - Shirley Bassey or Carly Simon. Now it seems they’ll let any sullen embryo who’s penned a song bemoaning the thin layer of foam on their Starbucks coffee contribute the films’ soundtrack. If the success of the new Bond film No Time To Die is judged against its the quality of its soundtrack it’ll be a poor end to Daniel Craig’s excellent tenure as Bond. If, on the other hand, its success it judged against the secret agent’s new set of wheels, it’ll be considered a roaring success. That’s because although 007 is still taking his DB5 out for special occasions, his daily driver is this; Aston Martin’s more modern DBS Superleggera.
And to celebrate cinema’s most successful product placement, Aston Martin has released two 007-themed special editions, one based on its smaller Vantage grand tourer and one based on its DBS. It’s a silly car. It’s not for women; they’re far too sensible. It’s not for men; even they’re too sensible. It’s for silly little boys who never quite grew up... that’s why I love it.
The Superleggera, meanwhile, will set you back an even more worrying £279,025 and just 25 examples will be made. The car features subtle 007 branding with flashes of red stitching, ceramic grey exterior paint roof, plus mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade II in black tinted carbon fibre. The 007-Edition Superleggera also has the firm’s handbuilt 5.2-litre V12 twin turbocharged engine fettled (by Q Branch?) to achieve 900Nm torque, making it the most torque-rich roadgoing Aston Martin ever produced. >>
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007 Motoring Heaven: Our Three Favourite Bond Cars...
In Ian Fleming’s novels, James Bond drove a Bentley Blower. Otherwise known as the four and a half litre, 720 Blowers were made between 1927 and 1931 and a decent example today can fetch £1.5m at auction. Bond purchased his ‘nearly new’ in 1933 and the car subsequently featured in the Casino Royale, Live & Let Die and Moonraker books, with 17” wheels and none of the optional extras that Bond uses in the film adaptations. n
James Bond’s DB5 first appeared in Goldfinger, which was released in 1964. The car was sold between 1963 and 1965, replacing the DB4. 1,059 examples were produced, with half a million pounds a realistic outlay for putting one in your own garage. Some convertible versions were made which now command over £1m. Aston Martin is still producing ‘Continuation edition’ DB5s with modern mechanicals over the same body, created in mild steel and painted in Silver Birch. The Continuation editions feature 4.0 naturally aspirated six cylinder engines with five speed manual gearboxes and a price tag of £2.75m. n
>> Still not convinced by the car? Fine, then how about the small engraved panel which provides lasers, missiles, rocket motor and outrigger controls, as well as the allimportant self-destruct button? All controls are integrated nearly into the centre armrest which is covered in leather with a 007 buckle. Sadly, none of the above are functional, and even if they were, imaging declaring those as optional extras on your car insurance policy... as we’ve said, this is a silly car. Meanwhile, James Bond’s motoring history also included a 1977 spin in this white Lotus Esprit. And of course, it had a party piece in its ability to convert into a submarine at the push of a button. Believe it or not the car was actually lost for the best part of a decade. In 1989 a Long Island resident paid $100 for a storage container and whatever was contained inside. Upon opening the container, there was Bond’s Lotus, dented but intact and covered up by blankets. Needless to say when it was sold on, it was for significantly more than $100 and most recently, Tesla founder Elon Musk purchased the car for £616,000 in a London auction. n
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And yet, beyond the aesthetics of the 007 Superleggera in particular, there’s the justification that the rarity of the car should ensure it holds its value and becomes a sought-after collector’s edition even more desirable than the ‘standard’ Superleggera.
“DBS is pretty, but also delivers in equal measure on its tripleedged remit as a luxury car, with fierce performance, but also one delivering precision and nuance in its driving dynamic...” Personally I’m not overly enamoured with special edition cars, but let’s face it, if you’re in the market for a DBS, it may as well be a Superleggera and if you’re in the market for a Superleggera, it may as well be this 007 edition... let’s not start being bashful now. Quite beyond the 007-bells and whistles, even the standard DBS is one of the prettiest cars on the market, and serves a triple purpose, being simultaneously - and in equal measure - a luxury car, a fierce performance
car but also a car that achieves not only brute force but great precision and nuance in the driving dynamic it delivers. Double wishbone front suspension, a multilink rear axle and a wider track than a DB11 all help to provide not only power, but the means to enjoy secure handling that almost defies the laws of physics. The youth behind the soundtrack may be mumbling dolefully, but at least the film’s cartrack sounds absolutely perfect to us! n
ASTON MARTIN 007 EDITION Price: £279,025 (deliveries Jan ). Drivetrain: 5.2 V12 twin-turbo with 8-speed auto gearbox; RWD. Performance: 0-62 mph: 3.4 seconds. Top Speed: 211mph. Economy: 23mpg, 285g/km CO2. Equipment: Leather, front and rear parking sensors and camera. Lasers, missiles and rockets, selfdestruct (NB: Some of the latter might not be completely functional...). 125
MOTORS
Extended Ghost
ROLLS ROYCE LIMO GAINS LUXURY LONGER WHEELBASE VARIANT...
ROLLS ROYCE British luxury marque Rolls Royce has launched a new longerwheelbase version of its Ghost luxury saloon. The car offers 17cm more space in the rear, plus a Rear Serenity Suite which takes its inspiration from a business jet cabin and provides adjustable seats with heating and massage function as well as luxury headrest and an electrically
deployable footrest. The car also features a Champagne cooler with two cooling modes for operating at 6°c and 11°c for non-vintage and vintage Champagne respectively. Happily that means rear seat passengers needn’t trouble themselves with the first-world concern that the temperature of the Champagne in their Rolls is 5° out. Phew. The price? Over £300,000. n
Merc is in A-Class of its own
MERCEDES BENZ’S A-CLASS HATCH IS THE ONLY CAR TO APPEAL EQUALLY TO ALL DRIVERS FROM THE AGES OF 18-64...
Shogun Sport is a great value family 4x4 with seven seats... MITSUBISHI Mitsubishi’s Shogun Sport is now one of the best value cars for those seeking a rufty-tufty, farm-friendly, 4x4 for towing and school runs. It’s now available from £29,975 with 0% finance on HP or 2.9% APR on a PCP, and comes with three years of free servicing. Seven seats come as standard so it’s familyfriendly and it has four wheel drive and low-range gears for tricky conditions. The car can also tow 3,100kg, making it great for lugging horseboxes around the county. n
MERCEDES The Mercedes-Benz A-Class the only car to appear in the top 10 choices of drivers in every age bracket from 18 to 64. That’s according to the online car supermarket www.buyacar.co.uk. The A-Class not only uniquely makes the top 10 for every age bracket, but beats every other model as the first choice for drivers aged 25 to 44.
It remains the most sought after car for all drivers up to the age of 44, it’s the sixth most popular car in the UK for the 45 to 54 age bracket and is the fourth most popular vehicle among motorists aged between 55 to 64. n
MOTORING
NEWS In Brief SUBSCRIPTION
UK MOTOR INDUSTRY MOVES TO SUBSCRIPTION BUSINESS MODEL Your next motor might not be purchased in the usual way... on HP, via PCP lease or cash purchase. That’s because the UK motor industry is beginning to introduce a subscription model for those seeking a new vehicle. Mycardirect has launched such a service and it is a purely web-based business whereby drivers can choose from a range of vehicles, including the latest electric and hybrid cars, and can select a subscription period that suits them, from one month through to 24. A single price includes the cost of the vehicle, tax, MOT, servicing, replacement tyres, windscreen, and optional insurance. Delivery of your vehicle can be in as little as 72 hours and there are no upfront payments. Drivers can also swap their car during their subscription, for instance, to a 4x4 in winter and a convertible car for the summer months. Typical prices are £610/month inc VAT for a Mercedes E-Class saloon, £899/month inc VAT for a Tesla Model 3 electric saloon car, and £1,263/month inc VAT for a Porsche Macan SUV. n For more information on the new subscription service, visit www.mycardirect.co.uk.
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WILKIN CHAPMAN
A Glimpse into the Future with LINCOLNSHIRE’S WILKIN CHAPMAN Will flying paramedics soon be seen over the skies of Lincolnshire? This may sound like something from a sci-fi film, but the reality may not be too far away as advancing technology revolutionises health care. Jonathan Baker is a Partner and medical negligence specialist at leading regional law firm Wilkin Chapman solicitors. He looks at how the very latest tech is already helping people across our region... READERS may remember an awe-inspiring display of jet-powered human flight that took place just outside Wilkin Chapman’s offices at Lincoln’s Brayford Pool more than a year ago. That event was a celebration marking the expansion of our offices and the flight was, first and foremost, for people to be amazed and entertained by. What may not have occurred to many of us watching, was the future use of human flight to help us all – and its potential to save lives. Richard Browning is the man behind Gravity Industries, who performed for our crowd of thousands. This summer he used his revolutionary Ironman suit to fly over the Lake District’s hills – simulating what could happen if paramedics were to use the technology to reach stranded casualties. The exercise came after year-long talks between the Great North air ambulance service and Gravity Industries. In Lincolnshire we have already seen the emergence of drone flights to assist within the agricultural sector, so what about the use of high-tech flying equipment to progress health care, especially in our more isolated, rural areas? Whilst I would be the first one to agree that the flying paramedic may be a little way off,
ment of exoskeletons to help those with spinal injuries. I have recent experience, too, of someone who has cerebral palsy due to problems during labour and have seen first hand how assistive technology can make a remarkable difference to quality of life. Indeed, even after horrendous injuries, technology can play a big role in improving lives, if the money is there to pay for it of course. if it could be made available and affordable the potential could be huge – patients could be reached quicker with terrain or location no barrier, with almost immediate treatment once located. Back to the ‘here and now’ and it does seem we are witnessing technological breakthroughs regularly, which benefit the health sector and, more importantly, people’s quality of life. In my profession I witness the extremely sad and distressing side of health care – when patients have suffered sometimes lifechanging injuries resulting from procedural failure. However, what I also see is the way they can be helped by technology and how their lives can be improved more than many of us would ever imagine. The availability of prosthetics for amputees is improving all the time, as is the develop-
There is also the way in which new methods can, and are, being used to lessen the risk of errors occurring at the front-end of care, with virtual reality and robotics improving operation quality. The future may also see professionals learn more about an individual’s DNA, tailoring treatments specifically to the individual, or find out sensitivities to certain drugs that we knew nothing about, this may even help in the creation of new medicines. Indeed, will technology become so advanced that invasive procedures, which can lead to surgical error, become so tiny that they are less and less invasive. If we look at 2020 and the impact of coronavirus upon us all, there is little doubt of the continued need for medical research – be it to learn more about the way in which technology can improve our lives, or how we can further control or eradicate disease. n
Find Out More: For information on any medical negligence issue, Jonathan can be contacted on 01522 515966 or email jonathan.baker@wilkinchapman.co.uk 128
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