Lincolnshire Pride November 2015

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LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

LincolnshirePride

LincolnshirePride THE

NUMBER

ONE

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 £3.70

HRH The Duke of Cambridge’s visit to RAf Coningsby...

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

november 2015

HRH The Duke of Cambridge Alfred Lord Tennyson - Burghley Horse Trials fIREWORK COMPETITION - LINCOLNSHIRE’S WINTER WILDLIfE - LuxuRy SPA BREAKS

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There’s no better time for Lincolnshire to prove its status as the county that feeds the country than the month or two after harvest and before Christmas. Our unusually late harvest is now complete and farmers are now working hard to ensure we’ve plenty of delicious local food with which to cook our Christmas lunch.

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

The team at the Lincolnshire Showground are also working hard to show off the county’s best produce at this month’s Food & Gift Fair, a great opportunity to start stocking up for the season and to begin your Christmas shopping.

We’re also taking the chill out of the season with fashions from Dubarry, showcased by Gente Bella, and we’re enjoying a wealth of wildlife in the county too.

Also in this edition, we enjoy the company of HRH The Duke of Cambridge as he visits the county’s RAF Coningsby, and we meet two of Lincolnshire’s famous sons, Tennyson and Jim Broadbent, at Lincoln Cathedral.

LincolnshirePride LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

THE

NUMBER

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MAGAZINE

Just a reminder that if you’ve yet to vote in our Restaurant of the Year competition, please do recommend your favourite restaurant, bistro or coffee shop and nominate your Food Hero - we’ll reveal our winners in our January edition!

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 £3.70

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

HRH The Duke of Cambridge Alfred Lord Tennyson - Burghley Horse Trials

FIREWORK COMPETITION - LINCOLNSHIRE’S WINTER WILDLIFE - LUXURY SPA BREAKS

This Month’s Cover: Tim Laughton’s photograph of Normanby Hall. This month we’re featuring the stately home on our gardening pages.

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LincolnshirePride LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

LincolnshirePride

THE

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 £3.70

HRH The Duke of Cambridge’s visit to RAF Coningsby...

The Lifestyle Magazine for High Quality Homes

NOVEMBER 2015

HRH The Duke of Cambridge Alfred Lord Tennyson - Burghley Horse Trials

FIREWORK COMPETITION - LINCOLNSHIRE’S WINTER WILDLIFE - LUXURY SPA BREAKS

With best wishes from the Lincolnshire Pride team managing director and Publisher: Julian Wilkinson. general manager: ian Bagley.

Executive Editor: rob davis. Features Editor: tilly Wilkinson. graphic designer and Customer Care manager: mandy Bray. accounts manager: sue Bannister. sales manager: zoie Wilkinson. sales Executives: Liz King, roberta Hall, Carissa Clay, Emily Brown, sami millard, Lauren Chambers and sarah allen. distribution manager: Joe Proctor.

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

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

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

Enjoy Lincolnshire Pride, read it cover to cover.

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

Pride magazines Elm grange studios East Heckington, Boston Lincolnshire PE20 3QF Tel: 01529 469977 fax: 01529 469978

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

Contents

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november 2015

November’s News and events on our What’s On pages, with great ideas for spending the season in Lincolnshire.

Images of HRH THe duke Of CaMBRidge’s recent visit to RAF Coningsby and of The Hallé Orchestra at Lincoln Cathedral.

This month JiM BROadBeNT hosts a special evening in Lincoln celebrating the life of TeNNysON, the county’s poet.

We’ve fOOd & dRiNk galore this month with the county’s Food & Gift festival, two Eating Out recommendations and wine.

Our HOMes & gaRdeNs pages celebrate a property that’s very close to our offices, and we enjoy Normanby Hall this autumn.

The county is home to a wealth of wildlife, especially on the coast. This month we’re on the trail of wader birds with the RSPB...

Our fasHiON pages this month include winter outfits from Dubarry, modelled for Pride in the grounds of Newark Castle.

Take some time to escape the stresses of Christmas at one of the area’s luxuRiOus spas - we’ve a round-up of the best!

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County News Breaking the world water skiing record in Lincoln an elite american water skiier has achieved the longest ever jump at a Lincolnshire resort...

lincolnshire was last month home to a record-breaking water skiing feat, performed near Lincoln.

Freddy Krueger broke the record for the longest jump reaching 73.1 metres at a twoday event held at Hazelwood Ski World, Thorpe on the Hill.

The resort, already known for being a record-breaking site, attracts skiers from around the world every year as they try to better their own flying distance to win a £10,000 cash prize.

Each skier is towed at speeds of 70mph by a speedboat towards a six-foot ramp.

Soon, Lincolnshire’s Tom Asher will go against Freddy Krueger, and 2015’s number one ranked skier, Canadian Ryan Dodd.

Horncastle teen wins gold medals

going with a bang? Wartime bomb discovery in the Wash

teenager brings back seven gold medals to county from argentina...

Wind farm construction interrupted by the discovery of seven unexploded bombs just off the coast of Lincolnshire - and there may be more!

lincolnshire teen Declan Bennett has returned home with seven gold medals and five tournament records after competing in the World Transplant Games in Argentina.

Declan, 16, from Woodhall Spa, received a kidney from his father, Guy, only six years ago, but has now lit up the worldwide competition.

Following his impressive display at the 20th Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina, he received the award for Outstanding Junior Male during the competition.

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Tom Asher, who was World Jump Champion in the 1970s and Superstars winner in the 1980s, said: “We may be seeing a UK, European or even world record soon.”

“The conditions are perfect and with Freddy setting the bar high, we’re all focused on achieving the very best we can.”

Harry Spavin, a local competitor in the competition held at Hazelwood Ski World, who’s 17 and from Scawby, says: “It’s like competing with the water skiing equivalent of Wayne Rooney – it’s a huge privilege to be doing something you love with a ski sports hero from America.”

Opposite: Freddy Krueger, record breaking ski jumper.

Not one or two, but seven unexploded bombs have been discovered just off the coast of Lincolnshire during construction work on a new wind farm.

The bombs have been found on the seabed of The Wash by contractors for Dong Energy, who are building the 75 wind turbines on Race Bank, close to Skegness.

A spokesman from Dong Energy said engineers may still find more.

“As a routine part of the preparatory work before the construction of an offshore wind farm, seabed surveys are carried out to ensure the seabed is clear of obstacles, including unexploded ordnance,” say Dong.

“A survey at Race Bank showed quite a number of unexploded projectiles with further possible cases still being investigated.”

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

Bourne’s bridge best for Winnie’s ‘poohsticks’ game

Lincolnshire ‘strong man’ pulls a Lancaster plane...

a bridge in Bourne last month won an award for being the best place across the UK to enjoy the aa milne-devised game of Poohsticks...

dave Johnson, personal trainer, has pulled a 40 tonne Lancaster bomber for the Ethan maull cancer charity; “it was a lifetime achievement!” lincolnshire strong man, Dave Johnson, also known as Hulk after the super strong Marvel hero, has completed the challenge of a lifetime by pulling a Lancaster Bomber.

Dave Johnson, a personal trainer from the county, pulled the Just Jane aircraft, which he estimates to weigh up to 40 tonnes, across the runway at East Kirkby.

The event has helped to raise money for two completely different charities.

friend Mark Browne, 46, who lost a battle with bowel cancer back in 2012.

Speaking before the event earlier this year, Dave said: “In 2010 me and Mark joked about pulling a plane and now five years on, and in the month of the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, it seems fitting that I’ve been offered an iconic Second World War bomber to attempt to pull.”

Half of the money raised will go to the Ethan Maull Cancer Foundation and the other half will benefit the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.

Bourne’s ‘zig zag’ footbridge crossing the Bourne Eau is named as one of the top places to enjoy Poohsticks, a game made famous by AA Milnes’s Winnie The Pooh.

The game sees participants drop sticks over one side of the bridge before walking downstream to see whose stick appears first!

The list of bridges was drawn up against strict ‘Poohsticks criteria,’ taking into account river flow, bridge width and parapets which need to be just high enough for children playing to peer over.

Previously, almost 60% of Brits thought the game, which first appeared in the story The House

at Pooh Corner in 1928, was all down to luck.

Dave took part in this massive challenge for very personal reasons.

However, academic Dr Rhys Morgan can now argue against this concept with his new guide.

He actually participated in the event in memory of his late

The engineer, has written a special handbook revealing the secret formula for the perfect Poohstick.

How does your garden grow?

Lincoln man’s best lawn award...

According his book, the Poohstickopedia, the perfect Poohstick should be thick, dense and rough.

Lincolnshire gardener, ade ambler, has just won a national prize for the best lawn in Britain

Other top spots across the country for a game of Poohsticks include the bridge named after Poohsticks in Ashdown Forrest, Morden Hall Park in London and Sheepwash Bridge in Derbyshire. A Poohsticks championships is held each June with around 1,500 visitors.

lincolnshire man Ade Ambler, last month won a national prize for maintaining the best lawn in Britain.

Property developer Ade scooped the national accolade after showing us exactly what the perfect lawn should look like.

As well as winning the prestigious title of Britain’s Best Lawn 2015, Ade has earned himself an Atco Clipper 20 lawnmower, a Keter patiobox, and a selection of Wolf Garden tools.

He also wins all the books by renowned botanist Dr. Hessayon.

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Prince William visits the county...

Lincolnshire’s RAF bases have played a key role in defence and HRH The Duke of Cambridge, recently visited the county to acknowledge the service’s importance of our history...

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

The Duke of Cambridge, Patron of The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight since 2008, and Honorary Air Commandant of Royal Air Force Coningsby, visited the RAF station to watch the 100th Anniversary Parade of 29 Reserve Squadron and visit the home of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Air defence has always been the top priority of the Royal Air Force and RAF Coningsby is responsible for the delivery of Quick Reaction Alert (South), facilitating the launch of armed aircraft at very short notice to investigate any potential threats to UK airspace.

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- PrinCE WiLLiam in LinCoLnsHirE -

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“His Royal HigHness met veteRans, battle of bRitain engineeRs and a numbeR of peRsonnel wHo woRk on tHe base, in addition to being able to expeRience a fligHt in one of tHe battle of bRitain memoRial fligHt’s aiRcRaft...”

Top: HRH The Duke of Cambridge was able to experience a flight in a ‘Chipmunk’ with the county’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Opposite: The Duke wore a full flight suit to take the passenger seat of the memorial aircraft.

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Coningsby is also the proud home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain by taking part in flypasts and air shows across the UK, remembering not just the pilots of the Battle of Britain, but all RAF personnel who gave their lives and continue to do so to guard UK shores.

As well as representing the present and past of air defence, Coningsby is home to the Typhoon, and 29 Reserve Squadron is the conversion unit for this. The Squadron instructs and teaches both new pilots and experienced pilots on other platforms how to operate the world-class multi-role aircraft.

Throughout this year, the personnel and the families of 29 Reserve Squadron are celebrating the Squadron’s 100th anniversary.

A visit from the Duke of Cambridge to RAF Coningsby was an opportunity to recognise and commemorate the importance of our history involving Britain’s air defence, and to investigate about the interesting present and future work of the air force base.

Following the impressive 100th Anniversary Parade of 29 Reserve Squadron, Prince William met families and personnel from the Squadron.

He attended a lunch in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hangar, where he met a number of personnel who work on the base, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight engineers and veterans.

His Royal Highness was then able to experience a flight as a passenger in one of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s aircrafts called a Chipmunk, before visiting RAF Coningsby’s Quick Reaction Alert facility. n Call 01526 835145 or visit www.raf.mod.uk/rafconingsby for more information on the Prince’s visit.

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LD SO

Witham on the Hill

GUIDE

£1,400,000

• Sold Privately

A spacious manor house, set in a picturesque South Lincolnshire village

LD

SO

Lyddington A fantastic village house set in large gardens

GUIDE

£1,100,000

• Sold Privately

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NE W

DUDDINGTON, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

£590,000

UFFORD, NR STAMFORD

£695,000

With vaulted ceilings and high windows that flood the house with light, this former village school has been carefully converted to retain its original features and character. The striking drawing room has French doors opening into a sunny conservatory, there is flexible accommodation and the house has an excellent location in a pretty village close to Rutland Water. EPC Rating: F.

This charming Grade II Georgian residence has far-reaching views over the village and many original features such as oak beams, an inglenook fireplace and tall windows. The extensive accommodation is laid out over three floors and the house is set in secluded gardens.

Whilst some modernization is required, the property has wonderful potential to become a welcoming home in an excellent location.

EPC Rating: Exempt.

Fine & Country 2 St. Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2DE Telephone: (01780) 750200 Email: stamford@fineandcounty.com www.fineandcountry.com

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NE W

£1,800,000

UFFINGTON, LINCOLNSHIRE

Set in the heart of the village in attractive mature grounds with an outdoor swimming pool, this impressive period property retains many original features and offers a mix of elegant formal rooms and family spaces including a sunny Kitchen & Breakfast room, light-filled bedrooms and stylish contemporary bathrooms. A self-contained one bedroom apartment is ideal as a guest suite or staff accommodation. EPC Rating: E.

NE W

STAMFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE

£1,300,000

Dating from the 1700’s the property has a stunning interior, stylish designer Kitchen & Breakfast room, far-reaching views and the benefit of a secluded garden and private parking. EPC Rating: Exempt.

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- FIREWORKS -

going with a

Bang REmEmbER, REmEmbER, thE 5th NOvEmbER? It WIll bE haRd tO FORgEt It, WIth thE NumbER OF FIREWORKS dISplayS taKINg placE thROughOut NOvEmbER. thE amOuNt OF tImE aNd mONEy gOINg INtO cREatINg Such SpEctaculaR ShOWS WaS pROvEN at a REcENt cOmpEtItION FOR FIREWORK pROFESSIONalS laSt mONth...

Fireworks. they’re so much more than just devices of gunpowder and other combustible chemicals which cause explosions when ignited. i spoke to Mat Lawrence, director of MLE Pyrotechnics, a worldwide company dedicated to providing a high quality service to businesses involved in the firework industry, and he explained how fireworks can evoke such excitement with every snap, crackle and pop.

“Fireworks have always been a passion of mine,” says Mat. “i knew it was a profession i’d want to be a part of and i’ve been with MLE Pyrotechnics since it started in 1999.” “our company is involved with, basically, everything to do with the fireworks industry.

“ONE ShOW IN thE FIREWORK champIONS WOuld cOSt bEtWEEN £20,000 - £30,000 aNd SEE thE FIRINg OF up tO 10,000 FIREWORKS...”

we import products from China and supply these to businesses and events all over the world. we also manufacture the computerised firing systems that set off fireworks. this is a mixture of software and hardware which will set them off in time to a theme tune or background music.” “we’ve hosted the Firework Champions at Belvoir Castle recently. it’s a great event involving local firework companies to compete against one another and we have a display right at the end of it.” “the event this year on 6th august was a great show. gates opened at 5pm and this let around 1,000 people in to camp. From 5pm - 9pm we like to create an atmosphere so we have music playing in the background. it’s just a nice start to the evening and we want spectators to treat it as their own event so it just creates a bit of background noise to start the night off.” “after 9pm, the fireworks start as the teams take it in turns to show off their impressive firework displays. the audience then judges which performance was the best and we

finish the evening off with our own firework display. this year, PDC Fireworks won the show. they’re based in Peterborough and deserved to win as they were really great entertainers. this is the reason we get the audience to judge it; because they’ll judge each display on the entertainment value.

PDC went above and beyond to engage with the audience and entertain.” “all of the teams did brilliantly though. i think what surprises most people is how much money it costs and how much time is spent for one show. Each one of the teams, would have spent all week fusing the fireworks and making sure they were correctly labelled. they would’ve done that from 8am in the morning at the Firework Champions as well.” “overall, one display would’ve cost each team somewhere between £20,000 - £30,000 and they’d have bought thousands of fireworks.” “as we’re a worldwide company, we can spend a lot more and buy up to 10,000 fireworks for one show. we host the largest bonfire night display in the whole of the >> >>

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- FirEWorKs -

Pictured: Belvoir Castle’s very popular Firework Champions event.

PDC Fireworks from Peterborough won the competition this year.

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gOiNg wiTH a BaNg...? fiRewORk displays iN liNCOlNsHiRe n lincolnshire aviation Heritage Centre 1st November, Noon, £10. a bonfire night with a difference. in addition to the traditional fireworks, there will be Lancaster taxi runs and everyone will be able to see an original second World War searchlight, soak up the atmosphere of a wartime airfield at night and feast on a hog roast. a ticket for the day is £10, with the event starting at midday and continuing until 9pm. n skegness stadium 2nd November, 2pm, £14/adults. skegness stadium’s afternoon’s entertainment will include family fun at the stock coast’s car track. a professional firework display will be set to music and will light up the sky over the stadium. n The Royal Hotel, skegness 5th November, 6.30pm, free.

UK, based in Milton Keynes. We also host the country’s biggest show in Northamptonshire which is held in Kettering.

The furthest we’ve travelled for an event is China - but we’ve visited most countries to show people our firework displays.”

“Our busiest time surprises most people; we get most enquiries around August! This is right in the middle of the wedding season and there are a lot of public events. Also, because we’re a worldwide company, there are weddings and public events being held in most countries around this time so it’s very busy!”

Most people have the view that all firework displays are more or less the same - except, perhaps, shows like London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. This is not the case with each show offering something different.

Mat compares this to an artist and his paints.

Each firework team are artists and the fireworks

“EaCH FirEWorK tEam is simiLar to an artist. tHEY UsE Paint or FirEWorKs in diFFErEnt WaYs ComParEd to otHEr artists/tEams...” they use are the paint. Each team uses the paint in a different way, creating a different show every time.

On the occasions that MLE Fireworks perform in the county, at events like Belvoir castle’s competition for firework professionals, the team says the crowds are always very receptive.

The team is in London this November, but opposite, we’ve listed a few of the county’s larger displays which should keep adults, and children entertained, ensuring that the 5th November really goes with a bang!

there will be plenty of children's activities as well as the traditional fun during a Bonfire night. a bouncy castle and indoor play area will keep impatient little ones entertained. there will also be a bar and food stalls. Fireworks start at 7.30pm. n lincolnshire showground 7th November, 4pm, £6.30/adults. the annual fireworks extravaganza at the Lincolnshire showground will include a separate, quieter display for little ones.

Families will find plenty of other entertainment as well, including a funfair, food stalls and children's entertainment. gates open at 4pm with the children's firework display at 6.30pm and the main event at 8.45pm. n sleaford Rugby Club 8th November, 6pm, £5/adults.

Local bands will be performing from 6pm until midnight, while a small funfair, food counters and two bars will make sure you have an enjoyable night. acts include Henry scott, teija mcLarnon, the Final idea, glass onion and the Little Big Band. ample free parking. Fireworks from 8pm.

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- hisTory -

An Evening wiTH LORd ALFREd

TENNySON Tennyson, a liTerary hero of The vicTorian era, reTurns To his home counTy of lincolnshire Through The words of acTor Jim BroadBenT, This monTh. as pride goes To press, The oscar-winning acTor, BesT known for his appearances in The iron lady and many oTher films, BroadBenT and friends will Be performing in The nave of lincoln caThedral. noT only did he have a way wiTh words, Tennyson’s pasT is an inTeresTing and unexpecTed sTory... Words: Grace Timmins.

Alfred Tennyson became one of the most celebrated voices of the Victorian age. He had the popularity in his time of today’s singers and song writers. Fan letters ranged from Prince Albert’s request for an autograph, to fans’ pleas for verses to adorn their pet dogs’ graves.

Lines from his poetry can be found at the North Pole, and London’s Olympic Village.

He was born in Somersby, on 6th August 1809. He was the third surviving son of 11 children born over 13 years to George Clayton Tennyson and Elizabeth Fytche. Their family life was very intense, creative and cramped.

He and his brothers and sisters roamed around the countryside quite gleefully and compulsively composed poetry. His two closest brothers, Frederick and Charles, collaborated with Alfred in the publication of work Poems by Two Brothers in the spring of 1827.

and the grief that Tennyson experienced was monumental.

This led to the writing of his most popular poem of the 19th century, In Memoriam AHH, a collection of 131 short poems about all the things Victorians were most concerned about; love, loss, grief, despair and redemption.

“Tennyson’s imagination was formed largely by the rolling landscape of the Lincolnshire Wolds, which remains largely unchanged today...”

Alfred Tennyson spent most of his childhood at home, being educated by his gifted - though - troubled father. The Somersby library that formed the mind of the celebrated poet is in the Tennyson Research Centre, Lincoln.

Tennyson’s imagination was formed by the rolling landscape of the Lincolnshire wolds, which remains largely unchanged today.

Alfred Tennyson’s arrival at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1827 opened a whole new world for Tennyson. He met Arthur Hallam, a charismatic, gifted student in 1829 and he quickly became his closest friend. when Hallam met Tennyson’s younger sister, Emily, in Somersby, they fell in love and were engaged in 1833. Just a few months later, Hallam died suddenly while in Europe

Tennyson finally decided that it was ‘better to have lov’d and lost than never to have lov’d at all’ a quote which has become one of the most well-known comforts for grieving lovers everywhere.

in 1850 Tennyson married Emily Sellwood, his sisterin-law, from Horncastle, who took on the nurture and management of the man she never failed to consider god-like in spite of his notoriously casual approach to dress and hygiene.

In Memoriam AHH reached its fourth edition within a few months and ensured Tennyson’s reputation and financial security. The most complete manuscript of In Memoriam is held 27

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- HistorY -

in the Tennyson Research Centre in Lincoln alongside a full collection of Tennyson-related historical artefacts.

Queen Victoria made him her Poet Laureate and his entry into the 19th century establishment was complete.

The task of Poet Laureate was to compose poetry to mark national events and Tennyson took to this with verve.

In 1854, during the Crimean War, there was a mistaken charge made during the Battle of Balaclava by lightly armoured cavalry which resulted in appalling casualties.

Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigade, written after reading the newspaper report, became one of the most famous poems of war. Many drafts and proof copies of the poem are held in the Tennyson Research Centre.

Tennyson’s popularity grew apace. His poems sang the concerns of the day and inspired cultural responses of great variety; paintings, illustrations, and even furniture and crafts. He published prolifically. His Arthurian epics, Idylls of the King, sold 10,000 copies within a few weeks of publication in 1859. In 1883, Tennyson finally accepted a hereditary barony, allegedly to ensure the future of 28

his dutiful son, Hallam, who had devoted his life to the service of his father and mother. His second son, Lionel, had tragically died in 1886, at the age of 32, on board a ship whilst returning from India.

Tennyson lived a long, healthy life despite his energetic commitment to smoking and ale. Long walks and a family which ministered carefully to his genius, contributed to a productive old age led largely at one of his two homes, on the Isle of Wight and on the Surrey/Sussex border. He died on October 6th, 1892, one of the first celebrity deaths. Relics of Tennyson’s last illness and death were lovingly packaged and labelled and now reside in the Tennyson Research Centre.

QUEEn viCtoria madE tEnnYson HEr PoEt LaUrEatE and His EntrY into tHE 19tH CEntUrY EstaBLisHmEnt Was ComPLEtE. His tasK Was to ComPosE PoEtrY to marK nationaL EvEnts; HE tooK tHis WitH vErvE.

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aN eveNiNg wiTH...

JiM BROadBeNT Jim Broadbent is one of Britain's most versatile character actors, with a long list of credits ranging from comedy to weighty period dramas.

Born in Lincolnshire in may 1949, Jim is the youngest son of furniture maker roy and sculptress dee Broadbent. He was born in somersby which is where tennyson was born too. He lives in north West London with artist wife anastasia Lewis. they also have a home in our county.

o tHat 'tWErE PossiBLE, aFtEr Long griEF and Pain, to Find tHE arms oF mY trUE LovE, roUnd mE onCE again! a sHadoW FLits BEForE mE, not tHoU BUt LiKE to tHEE: aH CHrist! tHat it WErE PossiBLE, For onE sHort HoUr to sEE , tHE soULs WE LovEd tHat tHEY migHt tELL Us, WHat and WHErE tHEY BE!

Top/left: A sketch of Somersby church where Tennyson’s father was Rector.

George Clayton Tennyson was born in Market Rasen in 1778 and died in his home in Somersby in 1831.

Bottom/left: The Horncastle home of Emily Sellwood who became Alfred’s wife. Emily’s younger sister, Louisa, married Charles, Alfred’s brother, and this is what brought the two together.

Top/Right: There’s a collection of many historical artefacts at the Tennyson Research Centre relating to Tennyson including a collection of his glasses, the pipes he used to smoke, the ink pots and pens he used to write poetry with and even the manuscript of Lord Alfred Tennyson’s most famous piece, In Memoriam AHH. Centre: A younger portrait of Lord Alfred Tennyson. It was around this

time of his life when he was about to go to Trinity College in Cambridge to study with his lifelong friend, Hallam. above: Jim Broadbent appears at Lincoln Cathedral as Pride goes to press, reading Tennyson’s poetry.

The Tennyson Research Centre, owned

by Lincolnshire County Council, has become known as the most significant collection of Tennyson artefacts in the world.

It is full of the family libraries, correspondence and photographs.

What's more, it's in the beautiful dome room of Lincoln Central Library. n For more information, visit www.lincstothepast.com/tennyson, or www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/tennyson.

Jim attended a Quaker boarding school in reading. He went on to successfully apply for a place at art school but his heart lay in acting and he transferred to the London academy of music and dramatic art (Lamda) from which he graduated in 1972. He started his professional career as acting assistant stage manager at the regent's Park open air theatre in London.

Jim’s career began on the stage. His rich theatrical background includes the recruiting officer, our Country's good, the government inspector at the royal national theatre, goosepimples and Ecstasy and our Friends in the north with the royal shakespeare Company.

Broadbent’s film career began in the late seventies. He has said that he always expected to see more success in his later years and true to form, he has gone on to star in top films. He recently acted with Judi dench in iris and in moulin rouge with nicole Kidman.

He has starred in the avengers with ralph Fiennes, Uma thurman and sean Connery. in an overwhelmingly successful 2002 awards season, Jim received an oscar for Best supporting actor for his role as John Bayley in iris. one month earlier, he won a BaFta for Best supporting actor for his role in moulin rouge and just prior to that he was awarded a golden globe for Best supporting actor in iris. n Jim Broadbent’s An Evening with Tennyson will take place at Lincoln Cathedral as Pride goes to press.

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

The Hallé Orchestra performing in the Nave at Lincoln Cathedral

Now in its 157th season, The Hallé Orchestra ranks among the UK’s top symphonic ensembles. It has a reputation for acclaimed performances in this country and around the world, including award-winning recordings, radio broadcasts and an educational outreach programme, plus a visionary commitment to building audiences and developing orchestral repertoire.

Lincoln Cathedral recently hosted to The Hallé Orchestra in the acoustically perfect nave as they performed symphonies from 7pm till 10pm to an audience of 1,300. Sir Mark Elder CBE, music director of the orchestra conducted them with such passion and the performance was truly a once in a lifetime show. n

For more information please call 01522 561600 or visit www.lincolncathedral.com.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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Purchase photographs from this event online. visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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What’s On...

Find out What’s on this month with events taking place in many different venues across the county. in addition to theatre productions, attend Christmas shows in november as we enter the festive season...

THe siMON & gaRfuNkel sTORy saturday 14th November ‘The Simon and Garfunkel Story’ tells the fascinating tale of how two young boys from Queens, New York, went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time at Baths Hall, Scunthorpe.

The Nutcracker - a Christmas classic...

spOOky speCTaCulaR sunday 1st November Sacrewell Farm at Wansford in Peterborough is host to a ‘Spooky Spectacular’ at the end of October and start of November. You can explore their haunted farm house and the under twos free playhouse.

01780 782254 www.sacrewell.org.uk

BlaCkfRiaRs aRT exHiBiTiON Monday 2nd November Blackfriars Arts Centre is holding an open competitive exhibition to celebrate the work of artists in the area. All successful works will be on display in Blackfriars throughout the rest of the month.

01205 363108 www.blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk

JONaTHaN diMBleBy Thursday 12th November The Battle of the Atlantic: How the Allies Won the War. Jonathan Dimbleby interweaves fascinating contemporary diaries and letters discovering why we won the war. He explains how there could’ve been no D-Day...

01775 764777 www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

CasiNO NigHT friday 13th November There will be a James Bond Casino Night at the Poachers Country Hotel with casino gaming tables, croupiers, a DJ, bubbly on arrival and a two course meal. Ideal for a Christmas Party, £19.95/person.

01205 290310 www.poachershotel.co.uk

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08448 542776 www.bathshall.co.uk

sTaMfORd CHaMBeR ORCHesTRa

- BALLET ROyal OpeRa HOuse live saturday 14th November This event is four live one-act shows screened live from The Royal Ballet to the West End Cinema in Boston.

The four short ballets are Carmen, Viscera, Faun and Tchaikovsky.

01205 363639 www.westendcinema.co.uk

THe BOlsHOi BalleT saturday 14th November Another live streaming, this time from the London Coliseum and performed by the highly exclusive and incredibly talented Bolshoi Ballet. The group is performing Jewels by Balanchine which is exclusively their performance - no other ballet group are authorised to film or broadcast Balanchine’s work.

Takes place at Trinity Arts Centre.

saturday 14th November SCO opens its 32nd season with Schubert’s magnificent ‘Unfinished,’ considered by many to be the first Romantic symphony.

The concert concludes with Schumann’s epic Fourth Symphony.

01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

THe Big CRafT eveNT sunday 15th November There are so many crafts to discover at Lincoln’s Big Craft Event as it brings together more than 125 local and regional contemporary and traditional crafters. It’s a great place for Christmas shopping!

07738 912092 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk a Christmas Carol by louth playgoers (pTO)...

01427 676655 www.microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk

THe NuTCRaCkeR Monday 16th November After many sold-out premieres of the Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet last year, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is bringing a new and vibrant production from the rich culture of Astrakhan. This classic ballet performance is a great start to the Christmas season.

01522 519999 www.lincolntheatreroyal.com

JaspeR CaRROTT Tuesday 17th November Jasper Carrott is set to perform in the Grimsby Auditorium this month with his ‘Stand Up and Rock’ show consisting of exactly that. It begins as stand-up comedy followed by a rock show with his musical compatriots.

08448 713016 www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

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send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

BeauJOlais NigHT Thursday 19th November Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day with a great three course French themed menu and enjoy a bottle per couple of new French wines for just £24.95/person at the Red Lion in Bicker.

01775 821200 www.redlionbicker.co.uk

THe MagiC Of MOTOwN friday 20th November Celebrate the magic of motown classics at Grimsby Auditorium with an all-new, all-star show featuring songs from the Jackson 5, the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and more.

08448 713016 www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

JaNe ausTeN’s eMMa saturday 21st November Emma Woodhouse is handsome, clever and rich. She’s also a bit of a meddler. After her governess marries, with Emma’s help of course, it is clear that Miss Woodhouse must become a matchmaker...

01507 600350 www.louthplaygoers.cloudvenue.co.uk

HaNdel’s MessiaH saturday 21st November One of Handel’s most famous pieces of work returns to Lincoln Cathedral this November.

After being changed and rewritten on many occasions, the Messiah we now hear is as close to the original as can be agreed upon.

01522 561600 www.lincolncathedral.com

g4 Musical group are performing at lincoln Cathedral this month...

- HIDDEN ENGLAND BuRgHley HOuse

ROCkiNgHaM CasTle

sunday 1st November Tread through the crispy Autumn leaves and find the hidden pumpkins to receive a treat in the Burghley Pumpkin Trail. Afterwards, warm up in the stately home’s Garden Cafe with a mug of hot chocolate or steaming hot soup.

Monday 16th November There’s to be a Victorian Christmas at Rockingham Castle. Enjoy Christmas shopping with a difference in the Castle’s beautiful surroundings as the House Keeper, Governess, Butler & Footman take you back to the reign of Queen Victoria...

01780 752451 www.burghley.co.uk

dOddiNgTON Hall

01536 770240 www.rockinghamcastle.com

Thursday 5th November Enjoy winter crafts at Doddington Hall from the 5th November to the 8th November. Meet 35 local crafters exhibiting their own work with no ‘mass-manufactured’ or vintage products, find great unique Christmas gifts or treat yourself.

01522 694308 www.doddingtonhall.com

Join the Burghley pumpkin Trail this month or enjoy their garden cafe...

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What’s On...

- CHRISTMAS EVENTS MiRaCle ON 34TH sTReeT

CHRisTMas speCTaCulaR

Monday 9th November One of the most popular films comes to the stage in this new production of Miracle on 34th Street The Musical.

Kris Kringle takes on non-believers in an all singing, all dancing, all snowing adaptation of the festive favourite.

wednesday 11th Nov - 23rd dec An extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an electric mix of both seasonal and year round favourites at Thursford in Norfolk.

01522 519999 www.lincolntheatreroyal.com

01328 878477 www.thursford.com

CHRisTMas CRafT Classes

THe fOOd & gifT faiR

friday 13th November The South Holland Centre is hosting an adults craft class this month with a number of other Christmas craft classes on during the festive period.

This involves hand-stitched Christmas decs in the style of Cath Kidston.

saturday 28th November One of the biggest and best food and gift fairs of the festive season in the county, Lincolnshire’s Food & Gift Fair at Grange De Lings’s Lincolnshire Showground. An indoor event with free parking.

01775 764777 www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

07738 912092 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

Jane austen’s emma...

THe epiC weddiNg sHOw sunday 22nd November The Lincolnshire Showground’s Epic Centre is home to an event with over 60 stand positions, goody bags for the first 250 brides, a glass of bubbly for all visitors and the region’s greatest exhibitors - the Epic Wedding Show.

07738 912092 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

iNTO THe wOOds Monday 23rd November NYT present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical, Into the Woods, a brilliant show, inspired by the tales of the Brothers Grimm and features almost every well-known fairy tale character.

01522 873894 www.lincolndrillhall.com

CHRisTMas By CaNdleligHT wednesday 25th November Musical group G4 are set to play at Lincoln Cathedral’s concert this year called Christmas

by Candlelight. The event starts at 7pm. G4 are a four-piece British vocal troupe currently and this event is part of their reunion tour.

01522 873894 www.lincolndrillhall.com

BizeT’s CaRMeN

The Christmas spectacular at Thursford running throughout the winter period

Thursday 26th November Opera & Ballet International proudly presents an Ellen Kent production with international soloists, highly praised chorus and full orchestra - Carmen, one of the most famous and seductive operas of all time. There are many famous melodies like Habenera.

08448 713016 www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

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send your press releases and events to: Features Editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Bella kiNeTiCa: life ON wHeels saturday 28th November On roller-skates and in the air, two women revisit the interweaving stories of their past lives and loves – from the post-war optimism of the late 1940s to the domestic realities of the 1950s and beyond. An incredible performance at Lincoln’s Drill Hall unlike any other.

Bella kinetica performing their incredible roller-skating display!

TalON: THe BesT Of eagles friday 27th November Recognised by the ‘Agents Association of Great Britain’ as the Official UK No1 Eagles tribute show, Talon are now in their eighteenth year together as a group and they’re performing in Scunthorpe’s Bath’s Hall this month with hits like Take It To The Limit, Lyin’ Eyes, Hotel California, Life In The Fast Lane, Love Will Keep Us Alive and Desperado.

08448 542776 www.bathshall.co.uk

CHRisTMas paRTy friday 27th November Hotel Supreme from the Supreme Inns group in Bicker is holding Christmas Parties from the 27th November to the 19th December. £23.95/person for Christmas party bookings throughout the week or £27.95/person for weekend parties. There will be a DJ playing at any Christmas party booking.

01205 822804 www.supremeinns.co.uk

uNfORgeTTaBle saturday 28th November Highlighting some of the best musical icons of all time including Franki Valli, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, The Carpenters, The Beatles, and more, Unforgettable is a show of vocal brilliance which will be performed at the Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe on the 28th November.

08448 542776 www.plowrighttheatre.com

01522 873894 www.lincolndrillhall.com

liNCOlN’s iCe RiNk saturday 28th November Enjoy skating in the heart of Lincoln on the decorated, outdoor ice rink sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. Lincoln Ice Rink is perfect for an evening with friends or a family day out and uses real ice for an authentic experience. The ice rink is a family friendly activity; Penguin-shaped aids are available to help introduce children to ice skating and to help them stand as they skate over the ice. £6/group of four;or more see website or call for other prices.

light up a life

- LIGHTS CHRisTMas ligHTs ON Thursday 19th November See the Christmas lights illuminate Lincoln’s High Street as the official Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place at 7pm on Thursday 19th November. There will be carols, a Christmas message from the mayor and celebrity guests Vicki Michelle and Martin Daniels.

01522 717118 www.lincolnbig.co.uk

01522 545458 www.visitlincoln.com

adaM lONg’s diCkeNs aBRidged

ligHT up a life

sunday 29th November From Adam Long, founding member of The Reduced Shakespeare Company comes Dickens Abridged, a fast-paced musical with an absurdly talented cast of four. They bring hundreds of the great author’s best-loved characters to life in 70 minutes of madcap Dickensian mayhem at Trinity Arts Centre.

Tuesday 24th November Join St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice to celebrate, remember and reflect during the festive season.

You’re invited to light a light on the St Barnabas Trees of Life and to attend the Light Up a Life celebration.

01427 676655 www.microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Bizet’s Carmen

01522 540300 www.lincolncathedral.com

TRee Of ligHTs Thursday 26th November If you miss the St Barnabas event, there’s always Macmillan’s Tree of Lights. Celebrate the lives of loved ones lost this Christmas at the Macmillan Tree of Lights at St Marks Shopping Centre.

07572 429953 www.merrymacs.co.uk

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LINCOLNSHIRE’S

Food & Gift Fair lincolnshire’s food & gift fair, organised by the lincolnshire showground, is promising to be bigger and better than ever. local businesses will be there providing you with some fantastic gift opportunities and it’s promised to be a fair for you to stock up on Christmas essentials...

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- Food & giFt Fair LinCoLnsHirE sHoWgroUnd 28th & 29th novEmBEr

picture the scene: it’s the end of November, perhaps you haven’t had time yet to do your Christmas shopping, perhaps you know what you want to buy but haven’t yet found it - or perhaps you’re still clueless, trying to think of something for that special someone or a distant relative. Either way, you need a solution before the holiday crowds really start to mob the shopping centres.

The team at the Lincolnshire Showground is busy excitedly planning for the Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair on 28th and 29th November 2015. With an eclectic mix of seasonal food and gifts on offer, this is an event with something for everyone.

Stephen Bennett from the Comfy Duck at Laceby. Having learned his trade as the son of a baker and butcher in Louth, Steven has gone on to gain experience in some of the region’s top eateries, including award winning Michelin starred restaurant, Winteringham Fields in North Lincolnshire.

Stephen will be demonstrating a selection of recipes, incorporating some of his favourite local produce, whilst sharing lots of top tips for creating the perfect festive feast.

Lighting up the cookery demonstration area with their eclectic mix of drinks, the Strait and Narrow and The Rogue Saint will be wowing crowds with impressive cocktails and hints and tips to enable you to mix like a true pro in your own home.

“Make sure you have the Food & Gift Fair in your diary and keep a look out for further updates from the team...”

A broad selection of delicious local produce, gift stalls and workshops make the Food & Gift Fair the best way to kickstart your Christmas preparations.

As we enter the 15th year of the Fair, organisers are working hard to constantly improve the event, which boasts two indoor halls, craft workshops, cookery demonstrations and entertainment from local choirs. With tonnes of Christmas inspiration, presents for loved ones and scrumptious food and drink to keep the family happy throughout the festive season, the Food & Gift Fair is the ideal place to stock up on your Christmas essentials.

Returning to the Food & Gift kitchen again this year is renowned Lincolnshire Chef

Additionally, remember to look out for the many craft workshops, cookery demonstrations, artisan bread making guides and wreath making classes. Each of these activities allow you to gain new skills and take samples home.

Members of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society are invited to an exclusive preview evening on Friday 27th November, with an opportunity for a sneak peek and to enjoy live music from saxophonist Alvin Davis.

Make sure you have this weekend in your diary and keep an eye out for further updates so you can be fully prepared for the festive season!

n For more information and to buy tickets please visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk or call 01749 814087. To visit Lincolnshire Showground, the address is Grange De Lings, Lincoln LN2 2NA. 41

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From Field to

FORK a village pub in south Holland has been reinvented to provide exceptional food following an investment in both time and effort by a group of farmers. this month we enjoy a meal at The Chequers of weston to witness respect for food from field to fork…

Words: Rob Davis.

More than anybody else, farmers know food.

They spend their entire lives caring for the environment in which it’s produced, concerning themselves with welfare, and ensuring livestock and fresh produce are treated with the utmost respect.

It’s not unprecedented for farmers to become involved in running restaurants – we’ve seen several in the past few years alone – and when they do, the result is always favourable.

The Chequers at Weston is no exception.

Its current custodians are two new managers, head chef Will Vernon and the restaurant’s front of house star, Robyn Howells. They’ve given the place a fresh new identity over the past year, having re-opened The Chequers following a complete refurbishment a year ago. After a number of successive owners, with inconsistent food style and quality, the venue was languishing. It was, in its penultimate incarnation, a pretty tired village boozer with inauspicious provision of food.

Main Course: Roast Gressingham duck breast with confit duck leg fritter, celeriac and thyme purée and spring onion bulbs.

Two businessmen were especially aggrieved at the thought of its loss; John Grimwood and Robert Oldershaw. The two men are farmers of especially good reputation in the area, with established arable operations – 45

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Left: Balsamic baked fig with Parma ham, rocket and Parmesan salad with pine nuts.

Bottom: Seared Scottish scallops and quail ‘Scotch egg’ with black pudding and pea purée.

Opposite: Pan seared salmon fillet with tomato arancini balls on samphire and spinach.

“We want to offer fine dining,” says Will.

“But we don’t believe that people want to come out on a Friday evening with suit and tie.

We offer the highest quality dining in a more relaxed environment...”

Having worked at the four AA-rosette Stapleford Park near Melton Mowbray, at Stamford’s excellent Jim’s Yard as well as the Michelin-starred Olive Branch gastropub in Clipsham, Will and Robyn met in the industry and have settled into running their first pub restaurant, The Chequers, with complete autonomy granted to them by John and Robert.

“We want to offer the same standard of fine dining that people would expect from the best restaurants in Lincolnshire,” says Will.

“But we don’t believe that people want to come out on a Friday evening with suit and tie. So really what we’re offering is the highest quality dining but in a more relaxed environment.”

Robert supplies onions, potatoes and garlic to supermarkets, as well as running a traditional fenland farm.

Having purchased the pub to save it from closure, the new owners knew they needed to bring in a team to run the place who shared their ethos. Fortunately, Will’s reputation preceded him. Originally from Market Harborough, he’s from a farming background, and knows more than a thing or two about sheep farming in particular.

The restaurant’s Continental Cross and Suffolk Cross Texels lambs are sourced from – looking out of the window of the pub restaurant – “Just over there,” whilst Lincoln Red beef is just as locally sourced, butchered

by Spalding’s Bennetts. Will frequently visits the cutting room and is keenly involved in ensuring the welfare of his beef, lamb and pork, as well as knowing where and how it’s hung, for how long, and determining how it’s butchered. “Meat never rests well in quarters, for instance,” he points out.

“That’s reflected in the food too. Spun sugar and pretentiousness are a turn-off for me.

I’d rather ensure that flavours are right, portions are generous and that the dish works together really well. Food doesn’t need to be complicated to be of a really high standard.”

The venue is ‘village pub’ from the outside, located just two miles from Spalding, just off the A151. Inside, it’s warmer and cosier than the usual fifty-shades-of-Farrow & Ball so often seen in newly refurbished venues.

Rather than one monolithic dining room, the restaurant is divided up into little spaces, giving the feel of a friend’s dining room rather than a restaurant. The configuration helps to deaden noise and improve privacy too, so it’s a lovely, relaxing place to eat.

Dining is by way of a menu that changes not just seasonally or monthly, but every day.

Suppliers to the restaurant are encouraged to suggest especially good produce and Will attends local shoots in season then has his game processed locally to ensure provenance and quality of pigeon, pheasant and other game birds during the winter months.

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Dessert: Assiette platter of glazed lemon tart, Chequers Eton mess, warm chocolate brownie, peach melba and raspberry panna cotta.

Also shown here is a few of the restaurant’s petit fours; chocolate and stout truffle, rum & raisin truffle, shortbread, honeycomb and strawberry pastilles.

“Everything we do is done with real passion,” says Head Chef Will...

The restaurant is open six days a week, on Monday, then Wednesday to Sunday with service times from noon until 2pm then 6.30pm to 9pm. During daytime service, a set menu offers three starters, main courses and desserts at a competitive £12.95 and £15.50 for two or three courses. In the evening, a single à la carte menu provides choice of around seven starters, ten main courses and eight desserts.

All of the restaurant’s dishes are created in-house, with bread created in a chequer-board configuration of brown and white squares as a tip of the hat to the venue’s name. Parfaits are made in house, as are the petit fours served with coffee.

Other suppliers include Melton Cheese 48

Board, which supplies the restaurant’s ninestrong compliment of cheeses, and Berry Bros Rudd provide The Chequers with its 33 bins of wines. Priced from around £15/bottle, house wines are reasonable but even a 2013 Sancerre or a light Fleurie comes in at under £30/bottle. Meanwhile, Robyn’s passion is for real ale, with a ‘lucky dip’ of speciality ales from local microbreweries like Austen Dyke and Tydd Stream.

“Everything we do is done with real passion,” says Will. “I’m training a brigade too, to ensure all of the chefs in the kitchen work to our standards and share the same knowledge and ethos; we’re as much ambassadors for the area’s exceptional produce as we are chefs.”

Will and Robyn’s commitment to quality really does show thorough. The Chequers may look like a village pub from the outside but with farmers creating the venue, and a true countryman in the kitchen, all of the ingredients for a well-farmed, well-prepared and well-served experience come together to create a great experience; one that we’re very happy indeed to recommend!

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Sample Menu startErs goats Cheese

£5.50

Truffled Goats Cheese Mousse Beetroot, Walnuts & Rocket.

Chicken Caesar terrine

£6.50

Chicken Caesar terrine with Caesar salad. tempura Prawns

£7.50

Tempura battered tiger prawns with pub made sweet chilli sauce

main CoUrsEs taste of Lincolnshire Lamb

£15.95

Braised shoulder, chop & chump of lamb with rosemary fondant potato, braised red cabbage. seared Beef Fillet & rib

£22.50

sea Bass

£15.50

roast Chicken Breast

£13.95

Seared fillet & braised short rib of beef, tarragon mashed potato, mushroom duxelle, confit shallot.

Pan seared sea bass fillet with saffron tagliatelle, langoustine bisque and confit spring onion.

Roast chicken breast with buttered asparagus & peas, dauphinoise potatoes and red wine sauce.

PUdding Plum Frangipane

£5.50

Plum frangipane with raspberry ripple ice cream.

Chocolate tart

£6.50

Rum, raisin & chocolate tart with chocolate & coffee mousse.

Cheese

£8.95

Selection of five British and Continental Cheeses.

Find out more: The Chequers, High street, weston, spalding, lincolnshire pe12 6Ra Tel: 01406 370407 www.thechequers.pub 49

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`

Christmas Fayre at

the Ball house

Christmas lunch from £9.95 Christmas evening fayre from £14.95 Christmas Day - £60 per person for a 5 course meal BOOK NOW

Wainfleet Road, Boston PE21 9RL

01205 364478

www.theballhouseboston.co.uk

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A World of

TASTE if you find yourself tired of turkey next month, and you’re seeking a warm, spicy respite from plummeting temperatures, we’ve a great dining suggestion in the form of Newark’s Mint leaf pan-asian restaurant…

Words & Photos: Rob Davis.

On the first day of Christmas last year, my true love fed me turkey. And so it followed on the second, third and fourth day. By the fifth day of Christmas I was craving a little variety, and as the weather had turned, with slate grey skies and plummeting temperatures we discovered somewhere to dine that would provide a little winter warmth.

A solution presented itself in the unlikely setting of a former roadside diner, which previously saw life as a Little Chef restaurant. Situated on the A17/A46/A1 roundabout of Lincolnshire’s adopted town, it’s an inauspicious-looking location. Actually though, its position makes a great deal of sense, being in easy reach of Newark, Lincoln, Grantham and Stamford, with plenty of parking and no icy rural roads to negotiate.

Left: Lamb Shehzani; seasoned lamb chops char-grilled and garnished with fried shallots, peppers and chopped dill.

With the inevitable dearth of turkey to endure next month, I’ll be making a return visit this year as well. Let me explain why.

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Below: Papadums, vegetable rice and lamb dahi pudina.

Bottom: Chicken tikka sizzler.

Opposite: Murgh Sag Aloo Dosa - a south Indian dish ‘Dosa’ resembles a pancake.

Stuffed with a very dry bhuna style medium spiced spinach, potato and chicken curry.

“Three chefs in the kitchen take their time to ensure meat is marinated for the appropriate length of time and go to the trouble of producing intricate garnishes for each dish, as well as making mountains of papadums...”

suffer from turkey overload over the festive season and report that a trip to Mint Leaf is welcome respite from it.”

“We’re popular for Christmas parties in November and December. New Year’s Eve is also incredibly busy, we’re already getting booked up, so we definitely recommend pre-booking if you’re planning to celebrate with us.”

The restaurant specialises in pan-Asian fusion food, providing cuisine with a bias toward Bangladeshi and Tamil provenance.

There are Tandoori, Biryani and house specials, but above all, the restaurant concentrates on the authenticity of each dish in its composition and ingredients, rather than producing an Anglicised pastiche of them.

The restaurant was taken over by Mohammed and Anwar Parvez, whose family is from Oxford, via Bangladesh.

The family have spent a number of years working in the restaurant trade, but were looking to bring a new dining experience to this part of the country, and came across the restaurant, which had just been converted by its previous owner.

The family created The Mint Leaf on the site in 2011 knowing they could improve it, and create one of the area’s best pan-Asian dining experiences in the region.

The restaurant is vast inside, with 90 covers and a non-turning policy. The large open plan layout creates a lively dining atmosphere, one popular for family celebrations, especially during weekends and in the run-up to the festive season.

“You’d think diners would prefer turkey dinners during the festive season,” says Anwar. “But in fact many people say they

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Three chefs in the kitchen take their time to ensure meat is marinated for the appropriate length of time and go to the trouble of producing intricate garnishes for each dish, as well as mountains of papadums.

The menu comprises four sharing starter platters, eight fish starters, eight lamb and poultry starters, plus six vegetarian starter options. By way of main course options, there’s a choice of 13 signature dishes, 12 tandoori platters, 12 classic dishes, plus six lamb, nine poultry, six fish and eight vegetarian dishes. With six biryani, 20 side orders and 10 breads as well, it’s an extensive menu with options from across the subcontinent of Asia.

The more knowledgeable diner who knows exactly what they’re seeking will be able to find just what they want. For the less familiar diner, things are simplified with the addition of Gourmet, Vegetarian and Royal banquets for two diners at £19.95, £17.95 and £22.95 respectively.

The à la carte menu is available seven days a

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“We’re always happy to accommodate diners’ tastes and alter a dish, or offer advice as to what a customer might like...” any artificial food colourings in it, only proper ingredients for real authenticity.”

“More than anything a visit to Mint Leaf will prove enjoyable whether your tastes are for hotter dishes or those which are more mild.

We’re always happy to accommodate diners’ tastes and alter a dish, or offer advice as to what a customer might like.” week during both lunchtime and evening service, with an ‘all you can eat’ buffet option on Sunday from noon until 4pm.

The restaurant also has a takeaway service.

Speciality suppliers are supplemented by some of the area’s local specialists from several Newark based butchers and greengrocers to Grimsby’s M&J Seafood, supplying the restaurant its fresh fish each day.

“We really do care about representing Asian cuisine accurately and acting as ambassadors for some really excellent food cultures,” says Anwar. “The chicken tikka sizzler that we’ve photographed here, for example, has a beautiful rich colour, but not an alarmingly bright one. That’s because we haven’t used 56

Offering dishes from South India, with elements from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Punjab, Mint Leaf offers dining of unprecedented quality, served by a front of house team keen to act as passionate advocates for the culinary culture of the regions.

If the thought of yet another turkey dish sends a shiver down your spine this season, we’re happy to suggest a delicious alternative that will certainly chase away the winter blues. From an underwhelming roadside diner, the restaurant has been transformed into the area’s best pan-Asian experiences.

So, take a leaf out of Anwar’s book this month and enjoy quality South Indian dining at its very best.

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Sample Menu startErs mint Leaf mixed Platter £10.95 Comprising of maas malai, lamb chops, hara murgh tikka and Delhi drumsticks.

Serves two. royal seafood Platter Comprising of salmon, squid, mussels and jhinga satay. Serves two.

£13.95

signature dishes Jhinga massala £17.95 Whole King prawns, cooked with fresh garlic and ginger, in an exquisite blend of spices garnished with sliced red pepper.

Bombay Flame £17.95 King prawns with a very hot Naga chilli found all over the Indian sub continent. In a sauce containing spring onions, fresh herbs & spices.

Lamb zaffran £14.95 Rack of lamb seasoned with aromatic spices, cooked in a rich medium spiced mint based sauce. Served with baby potato and fine beans. sirloin of Beef £14.95 Seasoned with thyme and oregano with a hint of mustard, grilled and served with fine beans and baby potatoes in a massala sauce.

Banquet meals gourmet Banquet £19.95/person Papadoms and chutney tray, Mint Leaf mixed platter followed by chicken tikka badamai and lamb bhuna with side dishes of sag paneer, Bombay aloo, pilao rice and naan bread.

Mint leaf pan asian Cuisine, a46 lincoln Road, Newark Nottinghamshire Ng24 2Ny Tel: 01636 646 994 web: www.mintleafuk.co.uk Monday to Saturday Lunch 12noon until 2.30pm Monday to Thursday 5.30pm until 10.30pm Friday & Saturday 5.30pm until 11.00pm Sunday 12noon until 10.30pm 57

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- rEstaUrant oF tHE YEar 2015 -

nominatE YoUr FavoUritE rEstaUrant For tHE oPPortUnitY to Win mEaLs oUt at oUr PartnEr rEstaUrants tHroUgHoUt 2016...

VOTE NOW AND NAME LINCOLNSHIRE’S BEST

Restaurants

We’re searching once more for the county’s best restaurant, coffee shop or bistro and food hero.

We’d like your help and in return we’ll provide you with complimentary dining throughout 2016, nominate your favourite restaurant to enter our competition - find out how over the page... do you have a favourite restaurant? If so, now’s the time to tell the whole of Lincolnshire, and allow us to give them the recognition they deserve. We’re once again asking our readers to contribute to the county’s most objective, unbiased restaurant awards by nominating your Restaurant of the Year, your favourite Bistro or Coffee Shop and to name a Food Hero who you feel contributes to Lincolnshire’s reputation as the county that feeds the country.

Over the page you’ll find a voting form and a web address where you can suggest a winner for each category. From all of the votes we receive we’ll compile a top ten and reveal our list of winners in our January 2016 edition.

“WE’rE onCE again sEEKing nominations For oUr tHrEE aWards: rEstaUrant oF tHE YEar, Bistro or CoFFEE sHoP oF tHE YEar and oUr ‘Food HEro...’”

In return we’ll randomly pick one Lincolnshire winner, from all of the votes cast, and ensure you enjoy complimentary meals out at some of our partner restaurants.

“It would be easy for us to pick our ‘favourite’ restaurants,” says Lincolnshire Pride’s Editor Rob Davis, “But our shortlist would be biased by, for instance, advertising. Instead, we ask our readers to decide for us, which means our eventual winners come from right 60

Opposite: Our bistro or coffee shop of the year title last year was taken by The Cosy Club in Stamford.

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oUr PartnEr rEstaUrants

vOTe iN OuR awaRds TO diNe aT THese ResTauRaNTs iN 2016 1. The Ram, Newark: Featured in last month’s Pride, Newark’s newly refurbished pub restaurant offers quality dining, a great setting and the choice of a spacious terrace, restaurant or snug in which to dine.

2. The sebastopol, Horncastle: Influenced by Noma, The Sebastopol is a family-run pub restaurant whose food is especially imaginative and contemporary despite the traditional Lincolnshire setting.

3. The white Hart Hotel, lincoln: Exceptional cuisine courtesy of Michael House and his brigade, on Bailgate, in the heart of Lincoln.

4. The lincoln Hotel, lincoln With a newly refurbished lounge and Cathedral view, The Lincoln Hotel’s Green Room restaurant provides fine dining and a contemporary setting.

5. Toft Country House Hotel, Bourne: Family owned hotel with golf course in a pretty hamlet near Bourne, utilising the best local ingredients.

6. The petwood Hotel, woodhall spa: Historic hotel in Woodhall Spa, offering à la carte dining, afternoon teas and al fresco dining for the spring and summer months.

across the county, and that our awards are free of commercial bias and our own opinions.”

“It’s always great fun to count up the votes as they arrive on my desk, and the entries also serve to provide us with tipoffs for future Eating Out features in the magazine.”

“Being able to treat a reader to ‘on the house’ meals out throughout the year is a pleasure too, so I’m really looking forward to another year with lots of diverse recommendations.”

“We’re really grateful to the partner restaurants, shown left, who will provide one of our readers with six meals out in 2016.”

Top: Last year’s Food Hero was butcher Gary Simpson, who in 2014 opened his new shop at Pennell’s Garden Centre, in North Hykeham.

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Above: Taking the title for Restaurant of the Year in 2014 was The George of Stamford.

“tHE EntriEs in oUr annUaL aWards sErvE to ProvidE Us WitH tiP-oFFs For FUtUrE Eating oUt FEatUrEs...”

“We’ve hand-picked these to reflect the diversity of Lincolnshire’s wealth of restaurants, which is why - even though readers can vote for whichever restaurant they wish, regardless of whether they advertise with us - many seem to appear in our top ten each year.”

“Complete the form opposite and let us know which of the county’s restaurants you’d most recommend to our readers, and look out for our list of winners in a couple of months time!”

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Welcome to Lincolnshire Pride magazine’s food awards, in which we want our readers to nominate their favourite restaurant, bistro/coffee shop and the county’s ‘Food Hero.’ this entry form will ensure your vote is counted, and in return, we’ll pick one reader at random to win meals out at our partner restaurants in 2016.

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vote for your favourite restaurant, and a favourite bistro or coffee shop below. we’d also like you to nominate a ‘food Hero’ — perhaps a butcher, baker, food producer, chef or similar:

$

restaurant of the Year (name & location): ......................................... ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................

Bistro/Coffee shop of the Year (name & location): ............................. ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................

Food Hero of the Year (inc. reason for your nomination): .................. ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................

2

please provide your name, address, and telephone number (we will need to contact you if you’re our lucky winner!):

name: .............................................................................................. address: ........................................................................................... ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................

Postcode:.......................................................................................... telephone: .......................................................................................

3

send your entry to: lincolnshire pride Restaurant of the year awards 2015, pride Magazines, elm grange studios, east Heckington, Boston, lincolnshire pe20 3Qf. We’ll pick one voter at random to win complimentary meals in 2016. if one of your nominations wins, we may want to quiz you on why you voted for them!

alternatively, you can vote on our website by visiting $

www.pridemagazines.co.uk/vote

Closing date: Monday 2nd November 2015.

Terms & Conditions: one entry per household. Photocopies/multiple entries will not be counted. Competition is available to anyone in the county or surrounding area. You must not be personally or professionally allied with nominations. votes received for each venue will be counted up to determine the eventual three winners for each category and seven runners-up. the Editor’s decision as to our competition winners is final and further terms and conditions may apply.

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The Wine Turn your ‘winTer of disconTenT’ inTo a ‘winter wonderland’ wiTh some seasonal snifTers designed To cheer up even The darkesT nighTs. These high qualiTy, winter warmers have been personally selecTed by our extremely knowledgeable wine wriTer HarisH kHanderia...

1. menetou-salon Cotes de morogues, France, £15.95 A delicious sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley’s Menetou-Salon. Aromas of tropical fruits and herbs lead to a dry palate with pear and citrus flavours plus a hint of gooseberry. Crisp and fresh with a zesty finish. A premium wine perfect for those who enjoy a crisp white.

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2. Valpolicella ripasso superiore, italy, £call.

3. Châteaux gabriel, France £14.95

A superlative Italian wine from the Veneto region, 13.5% in strength. Ruby-red, this wine offers intense aromas of wild cherries, redcurrant and hints of toasting. A rich and full-bodied wine, with sweet and round tannins on the palate. Perfect in front of a roaring fire this winter!

Smooth and so silky, this Provençal wine is a blend of grenache and Cinsaut, and maintains a fresh and perky acidity. Watermelon, cherries and exotic fruits with a long and succulent finish with citrus on the nose. A lovely high quality rosé to warm your winter!

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Cellar 4. Julicher, sauvignon Blanc, New zealand, £17.95 A high quality New Zealand wine, vibrantly aromatic, a sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc, with grapefruit, gooseberry and passion fruit aromas.

In the mouth there is impressive weight and texture, married to fresh, citrus-dominated flavour, and leading to a dry, minerally finish.

5. Conde de valdemar 2005, spain, £24.95

6. valdobbiadene prosecco italy, £14.95

On the nose, this Gran Reserva shows spicy aromas of black pepper and vanilla combined with ripe black fruit. Round and full-bodied, with exceptional balance between fruit and oak, leading to a persistent finish. A Rioja very much able to justify its premium price.

One of the best examples of Prosecco we’ve encountered.

A sophisticated, vinous Prosecco, with aromas of spring flowers and stone fruit, a delicate citrus quality on the palate, fine bubbles and a clean, dry finish. Truly impressive and deeply enjoyable.

Our featured wines are available from Lincolnshire’s leading independent wine retailers, prices are correct at time of going to press but may vary according to each retailer.

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

Charity F1 Night

with Chattertons Solicitors at the Dower House Chattertons solicitors’ F1 night was held at the Dower House in Woodhall Spa recently. This was a truly unique event to raise money for the law firm’s charity of the year - St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. Guests experienced a real F1 night with their own personal Lanyards.

This black tie event started at about 7pm with a champagne and canapé reception. During this time, guests also were able to take a tour of the £1m Motor Home that once belonged to Jenson Button and where Kylie Minogue has stayed. The home can be yours for a mere £10,000 a night to hire. There was also the chance to sit in an F1 car for a photo. Chattertons’ IT department set up two simulators as well so that guests have the chance to win a bottle of champagne for the fastest lap time. n

For more information please call 01636 673731 or visit www.chattertons.com.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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Purchase photographs from this event online. visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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lincolnshire pride Christmas gift guide

Necklace owl necklace in silver and gold with black diamond eyes, £450, 01636 822000, www.elizabethandstevens.com.

Throws made in the UK by Art of the Loom and available in plains, tartans and stripes. £79 each, 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

Cookbook The Essential Cook Book, in aid of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, £10, 01522 548 469, www.ambucopter.org.uk.

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purse Barbour Products similar to this Narin Purse are sold at Thomas Bell Country Clothing Store, 01652 600690, www.thomasbellcountrystore.co.uk.

fine art L.S. Lowry, Market Scene, unsigned limited edition print with certificate hand signed, £7000, 01522 589134, www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk.

Cuff Acrylic cuff, Sue Gregor from the National Centre for Craft & Design, £30, 01529 308710, www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk.

Coat Dubarry Abbey coat in navy £199, available at Chic, Marshall’s Yard, 01427 810706, www.marshallsyard.co.uk.

Bracelet Chimento Bamboo bracelet. 18ct yellow gold and Diamonds, £2820 from Maudes Jewellers, 01205 367959, www.lovelinks-jewellery.com.

Charms Nomination charms in Rose Gold, prices from £15.00 at John Greed Jewellery, 03453 190008, www.johngreedjewellery.com.

Mug Sophie Allport ‘Pheasies’ mug, £call, from the Willows at Glentham, 01673 878971, www.thewillowsglentham.co.uk.

unisex Hats Gumleaf Felt Hats, £59 from Robinsons of Stamford, 01780 755378, www.robinsonsofstamford.com.

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Clutch Bag Dents Metal Box Shell Effect Clutch Bag - Gold, £40, 01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Throws made in the UK by Art of the Loom and available in plains, tartans and stripes. £79 each, 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

Handbag Leather Dubarry handbag from Gente Bella in Newark, £call, 01636 643733, gentebella@btinternet.com.

Cushions Indian Vintage Patchwork Kantha Quilt cushions, two sizes available from £65, 01572 829927, www.therugstudio.co.uk.

star Necklace Swarovski, Duo Set Star Sapphire Blue Mix Crystal Set, £79.00, 03453 190008, www.johngreedjewellery.com.

Jewellery Box SIA Home Fashion Helena Jewellery Box, £24.50, 01636 611933, www.gracegentle.co.uk.

gates gifts Thornback & Peel Cushion, £42.99, Oven Gloves, £23.99, Handkerchief, £14.49 and Wooden Hare, £49.99, www.gatesnurseries.co.uk.

lamp Luxury Lamp from the brand Libra from GH Shaw, £call, 01522 521066, www.ghshaw.co.uk.

Jewellery The Coeur de Lion necklace from Maudes Jewellers, £call, 01205 367959, www.lovelinks-jewellery.com.

Rings Pandora Boston offer a wide range of PANDORA rings, £call.

01205 364587, www.pandora.net.

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lincolnshire pride Christmas gift guide

Cushion Gun Dogs, £45 each, from Aitch Interiors.

01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

Chess Luxury Chess Table and Chess Pieces from GH Shaw, £call.

01522 521066, www.ghshaw.co.uk.

Hip flask Dubarry Rugby Hip Flask, £49, from Robinsons of Stamford.

01780 755378, www.robinsonsofstamford.com.

Candelabra English Ash & Kentish hazel crown candelabra from Sebastian Cox at NCCD, £95.

01529 308710, www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk.

Cufflinks Links of London silver knot cufflinks £95, from Maudes Jewellers.

01205 367959, www.lovelinks-jewellery.com.

suit accessories Cufflinks £50, Tie Clips £35 and Lapel Pins £30, from tailor Andrew Musson.

01522 520142, www.andrewjmusson.com.

Tin Wild & Wolf Aluminium Lunch Tin, £16 from Oldrids.

01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.

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plane Pitts Plane, Code 117694, £77.85, from GH Shaw.

01522 521066, www.ghshaw.co.uk.

watch Gents Bering Time chronograph watch with brown calfskin strap and rose accents, £call.

01205 367959, www.lovelinks-jewellery.com.

Cufflinks from Gente Bella in Newark, £call.

01636 643733, gentebella@btinternet.com.

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Lincolnshire Pride Christmas Gift Guide

Pyjamas Cyberjammies PJ in Rose, both items £22.50 each available from Browns, Marshall’s Yard, 01427 810706, www.marshallsyard.co.uk.

Tie Clip Superman Tie Clip £14, available from Next at Marshall's Yard, 01427 810706, www.marshallsyard.co.uk.

John Deere HPX Gator, suitable to carry two children, £325 from Doubleday, 01205 822440, www.doubledaygroup.co.uk.

Pass the Parcel Readymade Pass the Parcel game from NCCD, £12, 01529 308710, www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk.

Bear Suki Silver Tag Isla Bear, £70 from Oldrids, 01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Cushion William Morris ‘Brook’ pattern available in fabric and wallpaper, £39 from Aitch Interiors, 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

Hedgehog Jellycat Bashful Hedgehog, £15, 01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Toy Farm Le Toy Van Animals & Farms Pippin Farm, £69.

01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Bracelet Kit Heath Pick ‘n’ Mix bracelet. Bracelet, £15. Charms, from £10, from Maudes Jewellers, 01205 367959, www.lovelinks-jewellery.com.

Pedal Go-Kart with pneumatic off-road tyres, forward and reverse gear and back pedal brake, £215, 01205 822440, www.doubledaygroup.co.uk.

Dog Collar Dubarry Dog Collar, £39 from Gente Bella in Newark, 01636 643733, gentebella@btinternet.com.

Lion The Toy is from the Willows range of Orange tree toys, £call.

01673 878971, www.thewillowsglentham.co.uk.

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Christmas decorations six Ways with decorations...

SPRUCE UP YOUR TREE WITH

DESIGNER

DECORATIONS

it’s the most wonderful time of the year - when Cold overton based gates Nurseries and garden Centre opens its huge Christmas department. You’ll find thousands of decorations based around 12 festive themes and over 14,000sq ft of Christmas decorations. opposite, images & Words: rob davis. we’ve picked some of our favourites!

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if you’re looking to create a stunning Christmas tree this year, look no further than Gates Nurseries and Garden Centre’s Christmas department.

It’s a real treat for Rutlanders each year, and takes 12 people over 1,620 man-hours to put the department, which covers over 14,000sq ft, together.

It’s HUGE, and it’s very well stocked, with thousands of decorations all organised around themes like Gatsby, Victorian, Colourburst and Copper Sunset.The different themes allow you to pick a look you’re happy with, then shop for all of the different elements of that scheme to create a stunning looking tree.

The centre also has an enormous giftware department, plus a 360 seater restaurant, and brand new 8,500m2 car park which is under construction and due to open shortly, making it really easy to get into the festive spirit! n Gates is based on Cold Overton Road, Oakham LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesnurseries.co.uk.

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1. Colourburst

2. The great gatsby

3. Copper sunset

a colourful scheme punctuated by bright neon pinks, blues and greens, with glitter balls and magenta feathers...

Modern and chic, a black and blue scheme punctuated by gold and inspired by f scott fitzgerald’s novella set in the roaring ‘20s...

autumnal colour warm up this scheme, with its copper and gold hues, leaves and other elements, all inspired by nature...

Feathered finial bauble £7.99, funky Christmas glasses £5.29, mint glitter butterfly £1.99, glass glitter bauble £3.39, glitterball bauble £3.99, party hat head band £3.29, mini-crackers £4.99, glass vertical stripe bauble £3.49, pink glass bauble £3.99.

Blue mask £5.99, blue glass bauble £3.99, black apple bauble £1.99, black and gold glitter bauble £3.99, blue bauble £3.99, large blue/gold bauble £5.99, gold/black striped bauble £3.99, black pear bauble £2.99, present decoration £2.99.

Large glass acorn bauble £5.99, branch £7.99, copper floral corsage £3.99, large metallic bauble £7.99, wooden heart £3.69, wooden tealight votive £4.99, copper bauble £1.49, copper glitter bauble £3.99, wooden owl decoration £2.49.

4. victorian Times

5. Highland fling

6. Botanical peacock

Create a traditional look with these elements, all in gold, red and green with clocks and santas...

Tweed, tartan and reindeer adorn this super scheme inspired by the Highlands of scotland with neutral colours punctuated by berry red...

a fabulous modern metallic scheme with lots of cheerful colour and opulent textures...

Large Santa £19.99, rocking horse £4.99, red silk heart £6.99, crackled glass tealight holder £7.98, Victorian bauble £4.49, glass clock bauble £2.49, gold clock baubles £3.99/£5.99 trumpet tree dec £2.49, Small Santa £9.49 Victorian baubles £2.49/£3.99.

Christmas house decorations £2.49/£3.99 reindeer star £9.99, reindeer £59.99, jingle bell £3.69, red fabric baubles £3.99/£2.99, tweed baubles £3.49, green tartan bauble£3.39, red tartan bauble £3.49.

Large peacock £38.99, clip-on butterfly £4.49, green peacock bauble £3.99, large mint gemstone bauble £3.99, blue peacock gemstone bauble £1.99, purple bauble £1.89, blue peacock bauble £2.99, bird cage £7.99, bead chain, purple £3.99.

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Take out one of our Christmas

Gift Subscriptions It’s the perfect gift idea for your loved one You can choose to have a six month subscription for £14.75 or a twelve month subscription for £29.50 We’ll deliver Pride free of charge to your friend or loved one’s doorstep - every month! they’ll never miss a single issue!

simPLY CaLL Us on

01529 469977 LincolnshirePride Exclusive images from Tom Jones

LincolnshirePride LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

THE

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ONE

MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 201 5 £3.70

at Market Rasen...

OCTOBER 2015

Celebrating Our WWII He roes

The Great Lincolnshire Bake -Off - Yoga in the County OUR AIR AMBULANCE HEROES - TOM JONES - RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2015

Alternatively, visit our website at www.pridemagazines.co.uk 78

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Grange Home on the

ELm grangE, BEtWEEn sLEaFord and Boston, doEsn’t JUst oFFEr a QUaLitY PEriod CoUntrY HoUsE WitH ExtEnsivE gardEns and a HELiPad, BUt a nUmBEr oF traditionaL Barns too. tHis montH, WE visit a HoUsE BarELY a stonE’s tHroW Words: Tilly Wilkinson. aWaY From Us... when driving along the A17, it’s difficult to miss the beautiful Victorian property, traditional barns, long gravel driveway and impeccably mown lawns of Elm Grange.

It’s home to Mark Andrew & Lindy Mastenbroek-Andrew, owners of the house and barns with their four tenants, one of which happens to be Pride Magazines, home of Lincolnshire Pride.

After visiting Mark & Lindy, just next door to us, I discovered that there’s so much more to the beautiful landscaped gardens, incredible interior design and charming group of barns than first meets the eye.

The couple’s heart and soul has gone into the creation of Elm Grange, now a well known location.

18 years ago, Mark and Lindy were on the lookout for new business premises in Lincolnshire when they found the ideal spot.

A four acre site that comprised four derelict 81

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- HomEs -

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barns, stock shed, plus a farmhouse. Mark, a true yellow belly and Lindy originally from Holland looked forward to moving out of town into the country to create a business that offered a relaxing atmosphere, where clients did not need to look at their watch or worry about car parking fees.

“We chose the barns purely because there was so much potential, it was in the perfect location, but it would also provide a massive renovation project to get our teeth into,” says Lindy.

The house was another matter. It had been broken into and all the original fireplaces had been stolen. It was dark, unloved and a basic farmhouse.

“Once we had purchased the property, we had 12 weeks to make the house habitable and make some serious structural changes before we were due to get married and move in,” says Mark.

Kitchen & Atrium: Mark and Lindy’s kitchen offers handmade cabinetry, luxury appliances, granite surfaces and an open plan style incorporating a dining area and sitting area in the atrium.

“We believe the property to have been built in 1845, so early Victorian era...”

The Andrews aim was to bring in plenty of light and maximising the available space.

They achieved this by knocking out the wall at the rear of the property, building an Atrium that linked this new space to an old washhouse in the garden, which became Lindy’s study, and the new relocated kitchen, giving a wonderful large area to combine Lindy’s joy of cooking and entertaining.

The north facing dining room wall was replaced with a large panoramic bay window, in addition to a new bathroom, shower room and central heating system, and as their wedding day approached, Mark and Lindy painted all rooms white and prepared to move in.

Their first night in their new home was a disaster. After a very uncomfortable nights’ sleep, Mark and Lindy realised that the cellar had flooded and was infested with a 83

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colony of mosquitoes. So very quickly a pumping system was installed in the cellar.

“Having moved in, we had to make sacrifices as the Barn project had to take preference, converting the four derelict barns for our Interior Design business,” says Mark.

“It was a bottomless pit, and all our money (and more) was spent on the conversion, meaning we had to wait a further seven years before we could inject the level of luxury and comfort the house deserved.”

Elm Grange offered the couple plenty of space to design and create a home. The house itself has four reception rooms arranged as a beautiful and cleverly designed atrium, a grand dining room, a snug and an office.

There are three bathrooms and four bedrooms with scope for a fifth that is currently being used as a dressing room. The house is arranged over two floors with cellars running underneath.

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“We believe the property to have been built 1845-1850 for Thomas Horne, a gentleman farmer, as a home for his new bride to be Sarah Horner,” says Mark. “Between 1960 and 1970, 70 people worked on the farm, and there was an operating theatre and vet on site for the artificial insemination of European cattle - Limousin, Belgian Blues and Charolais.”

In the barn where Lincolnshire Pride is based, Mark explained that the walls were covered with rosettes and certificates from the Lincolnshire Show and other shows for the prize cattle bred here.

The traditional barns were filled with pigs, working horses, chickens and geese,” says Lindy, “and we still get people asking if they can come back to have a look around, as this was a happy place to work with good memories. “We had one gentleman come in to ask for a tour of the grounds and barns

Top: The property comprises a main farmhouse and a complex of barns arranged in a square currently home to several businesses.

Right: Mark and Lindy are interior designers by trade.

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as he had worked here as a stable boy, and he had tears in his eyes when we gave him some of the old rosettes.”

“When we had the time, energy and most importantly the money to restart work on our home, the first introduction we made was fitting Victorian Coving throughout, reinstating character and taking away that utilitarian farmhouse look.”

When the Andrews eventually started to introduce wallpaper and furnishings, they knew they had very different tastes.

“I come from Holland,” says Lindy, “So I like minimal and monochromatic schemes - I’m into light and space.”

Mark however has Italian blood. “My great grandfather was born in Venice, and I love ornate design and rich colour,” he says.

Lindy’s taste for pale colour and simple lines is evident in the kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom, whilst Mark has indulged his more lavish style in the dining room, hall and Atrium.

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“The flooring on the ground floor is Amtico.

As we have gravel drives, we wanted a durable hard wearing product with designer qualities,” says Mark.

The other feature that makes Elm Grange stand out from other countryside estates is the helicopter pad to the right of the lawn.

‘I’ve always had a passion for flying, never thinking I would one day become a helicopter pilot,” states Mark. “For my 40th birthday, a good friend took me up in his helicopter, and I then became so determined to fly, that the paddock was converted to a Heli landing area way before me achieving my license!”

Investors in this property could use this or change it back for equestrian interests.

The gardens complete Elm Grange. Quite modestly, Mark states that ‘there’s no design in his gardening; he just follows his spade.’

“We have four happy tenants working in the Barns,” states Mark. It’s clear that retirement does not sit well with Mark and Lindy and it is time for them to find another project.

Elm grange, East Heckington Location: Sleaford nine miles; Boston nine miles; Heckington three miles.

Style: A quality period country house in addition to a range of traditional barns with income generating assets, a two-storey garage with potential for redevelopment, and a half acre barn awaiting development.

Receptions: Four, currently arranged as snug, dining room, office and atrium.

Beds: Five; one principal with ensuite three guest rooms and a dressing room with potential for a fifth bedroom.

Other Features: Pond, helicopter pad, extensive gardens, two-storey garage and undeveloped barn.

Guide Price: £1,550,000.

Find out more: Estate Agency: Fine & Country.

Tel: 01553 769100.

Web: www.fineandcountry.com.

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ELIZABETH & STEVENS

amble into Autumn...

FANTASTIC GIFT IDEAS FOR ALL, HOME FURNISHINGS AND GARDEN DECOR

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

www.elizabethandstevens.com

Open daily Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Free parking.

Please call us if you are making a special journey

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

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

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

Peter_jacksonCM

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1.

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INSPIRING

IDEAS

For Christmas ‘tis the season to find quirky, interesting or just plain beautiful products to give as gifts or to enjoy in your own home. this selection has been hand-picked by Julia Blockley of Elizabeth and stevens...

5.

1. Cow hide rugs from £175, up to 4.5m2, shown here is top quality calf hide £175.

2. Unique haberdasher’s display cabinet with keys, for a bar or ‘man den.’ 170cm, three drawers and metal lined drawer £1,375.

3. resin labrador, other breeds available £125 (pug £36, bulldog £110). 4. Leather and metal armillary globe £86.95. 5. Christmas sign in metal, red on white or white on red £4.50.

6. south african resin parrot, approx 75cm £145. 7. Family rules board, approx 75cm £22. 8. stag’s head lamp with shade in black with gold lining £75. Brass stirrup Champagne bucket £75, photo frame for 4x6 image £13.75, faux rams horn magnifying glass £18.75, Welsh lambswool check throw £95. 9. arrow wall light £40.

10. Equestrian cushion, 28, cushion £18.50, no riff raff sign £15.

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11. Wembley football and twickenham rugby vintage balls £40/ea. 12. Jack russell cushions, made in great Britain £28/ea.

13. Christmas lamp, indoor or outdoor use from 3xaa batteries £12.50. 14. Hare artwork in charcoal, framed, approx 50cm x 70cm £195. 15. Faux orchids in white, cerise and red £62, £33, £13.75.

16. stag bronze from a limited edition range featuring various animals. stag 50/200, £199. 17. nest of book boxes, alice in Wonderland, sherlock Holmes, treasure island £42.50/three. 18. Wood and metal telescopic tripod lamps, 57cm-70cm £135/ea.

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All of the items seen here are available from Elizabeth & Stevens of Markham Moor, (just off A1/A57 Junction).

Call 01636 822000 or see www.elizabethandstevens.com.

The company specialises in vintage and retro products for interiors and gardens, including garden sculptures and urns, post boxes and antique, and reproduction furniture.

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It’s time to invest in a THE ONLY NUMBER YOU Lincolnshire clock... WILL NEED 01205 350737 Advises Golding Young & Mawer auctioneer Colin Young

For centuries the ability to own a clock or timepiece was only possible for the privileged and wealthy few. the cost of such a finely engineered item was beyond most pockets. in 1797 it became worse by an act of Parliament putting a tax of five shillings on all clocks, meaning most had to resort to use the clock in the local tavern as a point of reference. it was really the 19th century and industrial revolution that saw reduced cost, increased manufacture and ownership by the masses. Lincolnshire then became a strong regional centre for clock and watchmakers with most towns having household names from Bothamley of Boston to Tomlinson of Horncastle and so many others.

Even people without an interest in antiques admire the elegance of 19th century longcase or ‘grandfather’ clocks. A Lincolnshire example can easily be acquired at auction in the range of £500-1,000, with a stunning example being less than £2,000.

This surely makes it one of the best value-for-money antiques you can buy at the moment, and

maybe you can find one made in your home town?

John Wood of Grantham is coveted name and this bracket clock of the late George III period saw competition from across the county and beyond take it to a hammer price of £2,800 earlier this year.

There may not be as many makers around in the modern era, but it is made up by the quality and brilliance of horology pieces produced by Robert Loomes of Stamford and the fine clocks by Leslie Bryan of Belton are always a delight to see. n Colin Young MRICS - Colin is senior auctioneer with the Lincolnshire Firm Golding Young & Mawer, established in 1864 and is a BBC Bargain Hunt antiques expert.

Household appliances for any home!

We are a family owned and run business serving Boston and South Lincolnshire since 1985. Whilst shopping in Boston this festive season come along and visit our showroom. We have everything from Fridge freezers to light bulbs! Washing machines to blenders!

WATER SOFTENERS Prices start from

£479.99 inc VAT Are you fed up with limescale and scum around sinks and baths? Do you find it is hard to get lather in the shower?

Do you have to keep descaling your showerhead?

Put an end to all of this with a new water softener Ring us for a free quote or advice to have a water softener installed. No obligation, no gimmicks no high pressure sales people. A water softener is one of the best inventions ever. It will save you money over the years by reducing the amount of detergent needed in the washing machine, reducing scale build up in boilers , make towels feel softer and less cleaning of shower, toilet and bath.

As well as the battery powered model illustrated, they do run off the mains as well. We supply several different models to suit all sizes of house.

Give us a call 01205 350737 We have been installing softeners for 30 years

Special Offer 5 x 25Kg bags of salt FREE with all water softeners ordered for installation before 31st August

30 YEARS REPAIRING DOMESTIC APPLIANCES for the people of Boston & surrounding areas

Norfolk Street, Boston PE21 9HG Tel: 01205 350 737 www.bostonelectrics.co.uk Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5.00pm Saturday: 9.00am - 4.00pm Illustrated - A George III ebonised bracket clock, the brass and silvered arched dial signed John Wood, Grantham, with 18cm silvered dial and date aperture with an 8-day double fusee three train movement with verge escapement, with an engraved back plate in a four panel glass caddy topped case surmounted by five urns on bracket feet, with side carrying handles, 62cm high, 31cm wide, 17cm deep.

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We Deliver • We Install • We Demonstrate • We Take Away Your Old Appliance We also Provide Servicing, Spares and Repairs for your Existing Appliances...

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History on the Floor...

UndErnEatH YoUr FEEt tHErE’s a WHoLE WorLd oF HistorY. raCHEL simPson sPECiaLisEs in BotH antiQUE and ContEmPorarY rUgs WitH trUE ProvEnanCE Call in to Rachel simpson’s uppingham Rug studio and you’ll find an entire world of history beneath your feet. You’ll also find an unprecedented enthusiasm for an item that most of us would take for granted.

“My mother was a collector of antique textiles. My grandmother was a seamstress,” says Rachel. “From an early age I was indoctrinated, and not at all reluctantly. I inherited their enthusiasm and took patchwork lessons from the age of about eight.”

As a child, Rachel would visit antiques fairs with the family, and gravitated towards textiles, and specifically, rugs. Today, she runs The Rug Studio in the former toll office in Uppingham, and enjoys imparting her enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge for the subject to clients who visit her from far and wide.

“When you know how to ‘read’ a rug you’ll be amazed what information they have within them...”

“I just love my products. I always have,” she says. “There’s something about a rug.

They carry so much history, each one is a reflection of the culture in which it was created, and when you know how to ‘read’ a rug you’ll be amazed what information they have encoded into them. One of my most recent purchases is a beautiful piece that features hidden fertility iconography, whilst another example is when I can see the methods of construction differing in a piece - Persian and Turkish knots used in a piece created in halves for example - which reveals when one weaver married into another family shown in the different underlying vernacular of each family.”

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Above: With some examples over 150 years old, Rachel Simpson’s Uppingham rug studio specialises in supplying examples with real provenance.

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“We’re undoubtedly a disposable society but quality handmade rugs are a product that should comfortably last 70 to 100 years - some of the examples we have in the studio are 150 years old.”

As well as providing antique rugs, some of Rachel’s products are contemporary, created by, for example US artist printer Rex Ray, the subject of an exhibition in Uppingham two years ago.

“Quality rugs should comfortably last a lifetime.

Some we have in the studio are over 150 years old...”

Most, though, are Persian, Turkomen, Caucasian or from Afghanistan. They range in size from the very smallest to oversized examples up to 24ft by 18ft.

Price wise, Rachel stocks examples from less than £50 to nearly £30,000.

Different dyes, materials and motifs can all determine the value of a piece, and Rachel offers a knowledgeable valuation and provenance consultation for those who have inherited older rugs.

“We’ve had a few ‘Antiques Roadshow’ moments when customers have brought in a rug to be cleaned or restored and they’ve been pleasantly surprised by the history and value we’ve been able to reveal to them.”

“I certainly try to satisfy the modern decorative market, but that also sustains our real passion here, which is sourcing and supplying rugs for anyone from first time buyers right up to knowledgable collectors. Really nice examples are an investment and will maintain value over the decades with proper care.”

Above: Rachel Simpson examining one of her newest acquisitions.

We’ve asked the Uppingham expert to provide a few examples of her most interesting rugs.

“All rugs that we have sourced and sold and the actual photo’s are of them in the clients own house,” says Rachel.

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“Many of the rugs we come across benefit from professional restoration and cleaning. It’s important to vacuum them gently, especially if your cleaner has rotating brushes, particularly around the fringes. Hanging and beating rugs is a good way to knock out dust and the sharp grit which degrades the pile, and if your rug has moth damage, UV light and a repelling spray will kill moths and their eggs. Aggressive cleaning with carpet shampoo should also be avoided, because of the risks of stripping the lanolin from the wool.”

Rachel’s restoration services see her taking anywhere from 10 minutes to four years working on clients’ rugs. One customer has over 40 rugs which Rachel is working on in turn, valued for insurance purposes at anything up to £250,000.

“In a world where furnishings can be discarded, rugs can remain in your home for decades, passed down through generations.

With the correct care and attention, they’ll last several lifetimes, and will always add impact to a room scheme, especially in period properties. They’re a great addition to your home and a good investment in heritage too!”

Top: Antique Bakhtiar Rug. Top/Right: Antique Lori Runner.

Right: Rex Ray Valencia Ivory.

Far Right: Pintu Stripe Rug.

All of our featured rugs are from Uppingham’s Rug Studio, based at 2 High St East, Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Call 01572 829927 or see www.therug studio.co.uk.

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- gardEns -

The Walled

GARDEN

autumn colours in the garden are incredibly rich and scunthorpe’s normanby Hall features spectacular interest all year round. With 300 acres of parkland and 70 acres dedicated to deer, the garden has sections for all seasons including unusual trees boasting bright red and ochre hues, which look beautiful even in the autumn and winter months... words: tilly Wilkinson.

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Normanby Hall’s gardens are set amongst 300 acres of parkland woodland, duck ponds, a deer park and hay meadow.

The 19th century stately home is just as well-tended as its surroundings, and Paul Beetham, Head Gardener of the estate, does a grand job in making sure the gardens remain as beautiful as the house itself.

“I’ve worked as Head Gardener on a Country House Estate for four years now; I joined in May 2011,” says Paul. “Before Normanby, I was working as a senior landscape architect and a trees & woodland officer in Doncaster for several years.”

“The shift in my career was firstly because we were moving to the county, but also because it presented me with the perfect job opportunity. I loved the idea of being a Head Gardener on a Country House Estate.”

“I’d say I’ve had an interest and a passion for gardening for 25 years now. I studied towards my Post Graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture whilst juggling a job and young family. My experience in design, plants and more latterly trees and woodland management were the ideal preparation for moving on to Normanby.”

“What we’ll see in November will be the garden going into dormancy. As we enter the winter season, the garden is slowly going to sleep. Autumn sees us in Halloween season where we sell a range of pumpkins to the public from our kitchen garden and we’ll start to see some spectacular autumnal colours.”

“We have some rather unusual trees here which are quite nice to see in autumn with the brightly coloured leaves like the Indian Bean Tree, Maidenhair Tree, Handkerchief Tree, Tulip Tree and Judas Tree. There is also a very large Holm Oak, locally called the climbing tree by visitors and an imposing avenue of Wellingtonia trees. When the summer’s flowers start to fade, the trees really bring colour into the gardens during autumn; their yellows, reds and russet tones form a restful contrast to the brightness of the summer flower borders.”

“There’s a Victorian walled kitchen garden where we grow 19th century varieties of fruit and vegetables to reflect the history of the Hall. Around the rest of the hall, there are formal gardens, parterres and there’s a Sunken Garden which is quite an Edwardian

feature full of herbaceous perennial borders.”

“We’ve recently redesigned and developed the ornamental fruit garden which recreates the feel of one that used to occupy the same area during the garden’s heyday. We have planted the garden with 19th century Lincolnshire cultivars of apples, those that could have been present in the original garden.”

“We’re making the garden more ornamental and attractive than it would have been.

By mixing in flowers during the summer we’re making a more colourful garden than its more utilitarian predecessor.”

“The Walled Garden dates back to 1817 and the Hall was completed in 1825.

Remains of the original gardens are still present if you look carefully; remnant hedges show where separate gardens were partitioned, each themed slightly differently.

Up to 25 gardeners used to maintain the large and varied pleasure grounds during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.”

“The acreage of the Park is 300 acres but that includes the 70 acre Deer Park.

We have around 50 to 60 Red Deer and 16 Fallow Deer.”

“You’re more likely to see the deer in winter because we feed them to make sure they’re getting enough food. We feed them sugar beet close to the fenceline, so visitors may be able to see them up close. They associate one specific area with food so they’ll be around the fence a lot. This is particularly good around the Christmas period for younger visitors looking for reindeer.”

“The hall and grounds still belong to Sir Reginald Sheffield, David Cameron’s father-in-law. However, it is leased to the North Lincolnshire Council which allows it to be open to the public.”

“We’re a Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden, which allows free access to the gardens by RHS Members. During November, you can access all garden areas but the Hall and Farm Museum are closed throughout winter. The Park is open from 9am everyday, the Walled Garden closes at 3.30 during the winter months.”

“The walled garden is my favourite area of the garden. It’s the most historically accurate part of the Normanby grounds. It was

“We have around 50 red deer plus some fallow deer which have around 70 acres of land to themselves...”

Above: See bright red colours around the garden in autumn.

Left: Normanby Hall in all its grandeur - this is the home of David Cameron’s father-in-law.

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- gardEns -

“The Walled Garden was a very important part of Normanby Hall as the family and Estate needed to be self-sufficient, providing fruit and vegetables for both the family and the staff alike..!” restored in 1996 to its authentic Victorian layout and in 1997, it opened to the public.

The Walled Garden was a very important part of Normanby Hall as the family and Estate needed to be self-sufficient, providing fruit and vegetables for both the family and the staff alike. Everything had to be grown in the garden and prepared in the kitchens.”

“We provide guided tours of the parks and gardens. The parks is ideal for walks. There are formal and informal walks through the woodland and parkland, some of which have been specifically surfaced to encourage all weather use by all user groups.

My favourite time of year would have to be

late spring and early summer because it’s when everything is waking up. The garden looks really beautiful at this time of year. It’s also when my favourite plants start to bloom.”

“You’ll find me in the garden most days alongside three other gardeners and an assistant gardener. With only 70 acres dedicated to the deer and the other 230 to woodland, parkland and gardens, it’s a big job, but an enjoyable and rewarding one!”

Opposite/Top: 70 acres of land is dedicated to the deer - fallow and red deer to be more precise.

Opposite/Bottom: The walled kitchen garden is head gardener Paul favourite part.

n For more information about Normanby Hall call 01724 720588 or visit www.normanbyhall.co.uk.

Normanby Hall Country Park is based in Normanby, North Lincolnshire, DN15 9HU. 103

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Our huge Christmas Decorations department is now open, with 1,000s of ideas for your home this season!

You’ll find everything you need to enjoy Christmas this month at Gates Garden Centre.

14,000sq ft Christmas decorations, gifts and more!

Gates Nurseries & Garden Centre Somerby Road, Cold Overton Oakham LE15 7QB 01664 454309 | www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk Open Seven Days a Week

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- natUrE -

WINTER WILDLIFE

Waders & Wildfowl WE rEaLLY do BELiEvE tHat dUring WintEr, tHE PErFECt FamiLY aCtivitY For a sUndaY aFtErnoon is a WaLK aroUnd onE oF tHE CoUntY’s natUrE rEsErvEs. CHiLdrEn arE aLWaYs tHriLLEd to sPot WiLdLiFE as tHEY sKiP aCross tHE grass FiELds and iCY LaKEs in Coats and sCarvEs. HavE YoU EvEr WondErEd, tHoUgH, HoW diFFErEnt sPECiEs CoPE WitH tHEsE Conditions? tHE ansWEr maY sUrPrisE EvEn KEEn natUrE LovErs aCCording to tHE rsPB’s CHris andrEWs...

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>>

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Opposite: RSPB’s Frampton Marsh covered in frost around the winter period.

Photo: Neil Smith.

Right: Short-eared owls can be seen at Lincolnshire nature reserves at all times of the year and they don’t migrate during winter.

Above: Lapwings can also be seen at Lincolnshire nature reserves all year round.

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Right: The rare Lapland Bunting that migrates to Lincolnshire every winter.

Below: Curlews are beautiful birds that can be seen at the reserves all year round so you may spot one during a winter walk.

Bottom: A flock of golden plovers at Frampton Marsh.

They come to Britain during winter.

Bottom/Right: Wigeons grazing at Frampton Marsh nature reserve which is protected by the RSPB. Photos: Neil Smith, RSPB.

Whisby nature Park. Photo credited to rachel shaw from the Lincolnshire Wildlife trust.

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- natUrE -

as many of us know, birds usually migrate to warmer climates, when winter arrives in Britain. Meanwhile, we have chattering teeth, ice cold hands and bright red cheeks. It’s almost amusing to think there would be any animal, let alone birds, living in the nature reserves around a frosty Lincolnshire coastline.

However, you’d be surprised. Chris Andrews from the RSPB discovered almost 150 breeds of birds, some staying at reserves in Lincolnshire all year round and some animals actually migrating to the country in winter.

But we struggle to get warm weather in summer, so which breeds of birds come to England for warmer weather in winter and why?

“Not only do we get a number of birds flocking to the coastline of Lincolnshire, but we also get quite a lot of rare species come to the county too,”says Dr Chris Andrews from RSPB. “There’s the great northern diver for one. It spends its summers in Iceland, Greenland and the arctic, then winters here. Long and low, it is a superb fisher diving for food. In America these birds are called ‘loons’, because of their eerie wailing calls. We receive quite a few, but they’re hard to see as they rarely come too close to shore. The bird is up to 90cm from beak to tail so it’s a little larger than a mallard duck.”

“You can also spot the rough-legged buzzard. This is larger than our resident buzzard with a wingspan up to 140cm. The bird spends summers in the tundra of Scandinavia and Russia and up to 100 come to the east coast of the UK in winter. It feeds on mice and voles so it loves big open fields near to the coast.”

“The waxwing is a really beautiful bird. Slightly smaller than a starling with a length of 18cm and it’s grey/pink with a crazy crest.

It breeds in Scandinavia and Russia. In some years only a few come to the UK, but occasionally there is a big influx and we get thousands. It eats berries and fruit and it’s especially fond of rowan, meaning they often turn up in supermarket car parks and people’s gardens as rowan is often used in landscaping!”

“We see the great grey shrike around winter. It’s about the size of a blackbird with a length of 25cm, and it’s grey with a black bandit mask. Maybe 70 come during winter to the UK from Siberia.

Often referred to as a butcher bird, it catches insects, small mammals and small birds, often storing them by impaling the bodies on a thorn bush.”

“Slightly bigger than a sparrow, the Lapland bunting is also a rare bird that migrates to Britain each winter. Need I even mention where it’s from? Summer is spent in the arctic tundra for a Lapland

“oFtEn rEFErrEd to as a BUtCHEr Bird, tHE grEat grEY sHriKE CatCHEs insECts, smaLL mammaLs and smaLL Birds, and storEs tHEm BY imPaLing tHE BodiEs on a tHorn BUsH...”

bunting, and about 200-500 come to the UK all along the east coast. It tends to feed on stubble fields and areas of rough grass by the coast.”

Different birds feed on different things.

There are some distinct trends though.

The coast and particularly the Wash, gets a number of shorebirds which probe into the mud looking for worms and the like. Plus the saltmarsh around the Wash coast brings in many geese. As indeed do the farmers fields, which bring in some of the smaller birds.

Mice and voles like the fields too, which attracts flying predators so Lincolnshire provides a great Christmas feast for most birds flocking to the county!

“I might be biased here, but the Wash coast is possibly the best place to visit the birds,” says Chris. “Not least because of places like Frampton Marsh (RSPB) and Gibraltar Point (Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) providing

Explore: Take the whole family along for a day of fun spent learning and exploring local nature.

Photo: Simon Rummery.

Above: The very rare Great Northern Diver. In America, these birds are called loons for the eerie noise they make.

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- natUrE -

such a great experience. They’re wonderful nature reserves made with both wildlife and visitors in mind. However, we have so many fantastic nature reserves because we have so much winter wildlife in Lincolnshire.”

“We have a big advantage compared to other counties in that if the birds are crossing the North Sea, Lincolnshire is where they make landfall and they’ll stay here because it provides their necessities.

Although, many birds that do come here either like the shallow coast of The Wash, or the farmer’s fields.”

“We want to conserve this flow of nature into the county. Conservation occurs in a couple of different ways, firstly by creating reserves with the wildlife in mind. We can put in pools and wet grassland to attract the ducks and geese and so on.”

“But we can also conserve by engaging with farmers so they know how they can do their bit too, with no loss to themselves, for example, by advising them what sort of plants to have on their field margins to attract bunting flocks in the winter, which then allows them to claim grants for wildlife farming. A win-win situation.

All of this is definitely having a positive impact.”

“Birdwatching and indeed nature-watching in general is a very popular hobby in the UK so it’s important to conserve nature not only for wildlife but for tourism purposes also. The RSPB has over a million members and Frampton Marsh gets nearly 50,000 visits a year. With people coming from all over the country. Lincolnshire definitely has a reputation as a place to come and see wildlife, all of which will help the business of local tourism providers. Not just hotels for people staying over, but also things like petrol stations, restaurants, shops selling food and so on.”

We don’t just see birds in colder months at the nature reserves either. Two animals that spring to mind are brown hares, much easier to see once the long summer grass has gone. There’s also the seals at the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve at Donna Nook, which is such a popular attraction. There’s the occasional deer herd and some of the predators like weasels, stoats and foxes.

These will be much easier to see as they hunt for voles in rough grassy areas usually. Other than that, plants and insects won’t be showing much through winter.”

There are many nature reserves in and around Lincolnshire for you to visit. Chris mentioned Baston & Langtoft gravel pits which is just north of Peterborough. They provide natural regeneration and it’s a great location for birding all year round. There’s also Far Ings, Snipe Dales, Whisby Nature Park, Gibraltar Point, Willow

“BirdWatCHing and indEEd natUrE-WatCHing in gEnEraL is a vErY PoPULar HoBBY in tHE UK so it’s imPortant to trY to ConsErvE natUrE not onLY For tHE BEnEFits to WiLdLiFE BUt For toUrism as WELL...”

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Tree Fen and Donna Nook that he also mentioned. These are all owned by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust but if it’s nature you’re after, Donna Nook is fantastic to show the kids seals, seal pups and other forms of wildlife around this time of year.

The Barton Claypits offer mostly flatlands on the south side of the river Humber, a stone’s throw away from the span of the Humber Bridge. A stroll round here takes in ponds and the quiet woodland of the Water’s Edge country park teeming with birds of all different species.

Covenham Reservoir is an enormous man-made landscape feature which is managed by Anglian Water. It offers a pleasant walk around the reservoir and through two villages that blend imperceptibly.

Holbeach Marsh was also recommended by Chris which is in Spalding. This is again a great place for birders along with Tetney Marsh.

“My favourite reserve would have to be Frampton Marsh,” says Chris. “The number of birds we get here in winter is brilliant. It’s mainly wading birds that move through in large numbers as they migrate for the winter and kingfishers return from their inland breeding grounds to fish in the coastal creeks.”

Above: A lady enjoying birdwatching with a scope and tripod.

Photo: Amy Lewis.

Right: The very rare waxwing comes to the UK in winter and shows off its bright orange hues and crazy looking crest.

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liNCOlNsHiRe’s

wildlife TRusT nature reserves provide some of the best opportunities to see wildlife as they provide the habitats and food required by a variety of different bird species. the following reserves are managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife trust...

n gibraltar Point - the variety of habitats ensures a variety of birds and other wildlife are present. Highlights of winter include huge whirling flocks of waders seen on the high tides, brent geese, snow bunting, flocks of redwing and fieldfare. it’s situated on the mouth of the Wash, south of skegness. n Far ings - Winter rewards the observer on the Humber bank with sightings of redshank, wigeon, black-tailed godwit and skeins of pink-footed geese. among the wildfowl which spend the winter months on the pits within the reserve, look for the diminutive teal. it’s located on the south bank of the Humber estuary, west of Bartonupon-Humber. n Whisby nature Park - the lakes at Whisby nature Park, near Lincoln, are surrounded by grassland, marsh, scrub and willow carr. autumn brings the first sight of winter birds such as goldcrests, redpolls and grey wagtails. in winter, the water levels are at their highest and wildfowl are numerous. n Willow tree Fen - despite being a drained arable farm prior to 2009, this new fenland reserve has developed fast (pictured; Barrie Wilkinson). the natural depressions in the fields hold water during the winter and attract large numbers of waterfowl such as wigeon, teal, mallard, and waders including lapwing, redshank and snipe. it’s in south Lincolnshire between Baston and spalding.

For more information about the nature reserves conserved by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, please visit www.lincstrust.org.uk.

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- natUrE -

Foraging for

Funghi

tHE CoUntrYsidE is a WEaLtH oF dELiCioUs mUsHrooms tHis sEason, BUt YoU sHoULd aPProaCH tHEm WitH CaUtion WHEn oUt Foraging, saYs oUr natUrE WritEr riCHard oWEns... >>

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you could do this. Firstly you could contact your local wildlife trust or other wildlife organisations, to see if they are running any expert led Fungal Forays. Alternatively, you could buy yourself a good guide to fungi and head off on your own journey of discovery.

“Unless you’re an expert in this field, you are strongly advised not to touch, or even pick anything for the table...”

Firstly, this month as the old saying goes Remember, Remember the Fifth of November. I am of course making reference to Guy Fawkes Night. I know it’s an old cliché but please, please check those autumn bonfires for hedgehogs before you light them.

Moving swiftly on, what - you may ask have we to look forward to out and about in the countryside this month? Personally, I think this is a great time of year to head into your local woodlands or other nature reserve.

Not only will you be greeted by an amazing array of foliar colours but you should also have an opportunity to explore the enigmatic world of fungi. There are a couple of ways

Above: Pine mushrooms, common in British woodlands and ideal for oriental cooking.

So, once you’ve located your woodland of choice, where do you need to be looking? I’d start with the woodland floor. Not only would it be a shame to miss any potential specimens, but it would be an even bigger shame to stand on them! Two of my favourites should be encountered this month.

Firstly the shaggy inkcap and secondly the iconic fly agaric which is the red one with the white dots on that we see in many fairy tales and stories. I would like to say at this point that this species is highly toxic and should be left well alone.

In fact unless you’re an expert in this field, you are strongly advised not to touch, or even pick anything for the table.

Other species you may encounter amongst others at ground level at this time of year are

Mushroom for Improvement: Funghi friend or funghi foe? We’ve six common mycelium - three good; three bad... good

1. Cep: Usually brown domes, common in woodland, often near fly agaric.

Easy to find and dry.

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good

2. Giant Puffball: Big and round, like a marshmallow. Avoid them when brown and mature.

good

3. Common Morel: Old species can be toxic. One chamber, unlike the similar but deadly false morel.

bad

4. Death Cap: Often mistaken for a field mushroom. The most common cause of mushroom fatalities.

bad

5. Fly Agaric: The ‘fairy’ toadstool from children’s books.

Very powerful and deadly hallucinogenic.

bad

6. False Morel: Very toxic, possibly cancer-causing.

Similar in shape to the common morel.

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- Farming mattErs -

On The Farm the common and sometimes giant puffball and the orange birch bolete. Fungi are neither a plant nor an animal, but they do have some great names!

Once you’ve finished foraging the woodland floor, I would suggest rotting or dead wood as the next place to look. There’s no doubt that many of our native fungi thrive on this host and some species can be very impressive indeed.

Whilst on the floor you will notice that many of the fungi grow as individual specimens, on rotting wood you should encounter more clustered varieties. More of those great names can be found here such as porcelain fungus, honey fungus and orange peel fungus.

Finally, once you’ve been through the rotting logs and deadwood, you should then take a look at the tree trunks themselves. Here you may encounter some species of bracket fungus, and if there are any silver birch trees, then look out for hoof fungus, which surprisingly looks almost uncannily like a hoof.

Of course another great thing about fungi is that they don’t move so you have some great photographic opportunities. Happy hunting!

NB: To reiterate - please don’t eat any foraged mushrooms before first checking with an expert - many benign-looking species are actually quite harmful!

n Richard has spent his career promoting bio-diversity within the world of turf and held the title of the UK’s Golf Course Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year.

Barry poston explains how the weather created a problem for farmers despite record breaking harvests. He also tells us about developments in local farming in addition to yields in the sugar beet industry...

Most farmers had a very frustrating time in finishing their harvesting of their crops with the very patchy weather around.

This was made worse as most farmers had record crops of wheat, rape and barley performing well with many wheat fields reaching 15 tonnes per hectare.

The quality early on was extremely good but this deteriorated with the weather.

Mention must be made of the North Lincolnshire farmer Tim Lamyman, who broke the world record for the biggest harvest yield ever at 17 tonnes per hectare.

This result was due to great attention to detail with variety, cultivation, drilling date and rates of fertiliser and sprays making him a Lincolnshire farmer with a world record for superb efficiency. At harvest time the combine harvester was very carefully monitored to give highest yield to lowest loss. If Lincolnshire was to be home to any record holder, it’d be a record-breaking farmer!

There is no doubt that the overall high yields will do much to help overall return per acre at lowest price.

The harvesting of sugar beet is due to start two weeks later than usual and with lower test digs, sugar beet will not yield as well as in previous years.

However farmers will be able to monitor their own harvesting conditions and avoid damaging the soil and structure, then plan the sowing better of next year’s crops.

With the early wheat harvest most rape seed crops have been sown in good conditions to establish the crops and kill off any blackgrass present which we’ve seen in previous months this year to be a serious problem.

One new development in local farming has been the rapid change to a more efficient sowing and spraying system.

Most drills and sprayers can now be set up using the Autopilot system so that very small differences in drill widths, spray chemicals and other factors can be used to save small differences in so many areas such as margins. Not only are the machines now self-driving, they can give the operator a far more relaxing job.

During the summer again, there were rumours of a large scale sale of agricultural land in the eastern counties with little or no change of an economic farming return, one can only hope that future increases in product return are equal to these investments.

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

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World Class Eventing at 2015’s

BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS

it’s BaCK to BUrgHLEY in tHis Edition as tHE WorLd CLass EQUEstrian EvEnt rEtUrnEd to tHE arEa Last montH to sHoWCasE somE oF tHE most taLEntEd ridErs and HorsEs in tHE sPort. EmErging viCtorioUs on LA BIOSTHETIQUE - SAM FBW in tHE EvEnt Was miCHaEL JUng. HE’s tHE First gErman to taKE tHE titLE and is noW a BUrgHLEY HEro, as WELL as tHE sPort’s rEigning oLYmPiC and EUroPEan CHamPion too... >>

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- Land rovEr BUrgHLEY HorsE triaLs 2015 -

The land Rover Burghley Horse Trials title was taken from the New Zealand contingent this year. Andrew Nicholson, who was aiming for a record breaking fourth consecutive win at the 2015 event sadly had to withdraw from the competition due to a fall the previous month, paving the path for the tenacious competitor Michael Jung who secured the first German win in Burghley’s history.

It’s the first time that a German has taken the Burghley trophy, and the thrilling finale was played out under a blue sky and bright sunshine.

“To win Burghley is very special,” confirmed Michael, who had an eventful weekend having fallen from his other ride, Fischerrocana FST, on the cross-country. “I am lucky that I have two horses that have finished safely. Sam gave me a very good feeling warming up for the show jumping; he felt powerful and he was very concentrated. He is like a good friend to me; I have learnt a lot from him and hopefully he has learnt a little from me.”

The Burghley Horse Trials is a world-class, four star FEI affiliated event, attended by over 160,000 people. It’s worth over £20m to the local economy, requires over 1,000 volunteers alone and takes 60,000 man hours to build.

This year, nearly 70 competitors on around 90 horses took part in the competition, a ‘three day event’ held over four days, which comprises dressage, cross country and showjumping elements, with a top prize of £63,000 and a total prize fund of over £250,000.

The cross country course at Burghley is designed by Capt., Mark Phillips - who is, himself, a past Burghley competitor - with this year’s adjustment of the course resulting in 48 jumping efforts over 31 combinations in total on the course, including a newly introduced rugby themed jump in deference to title sponsor Land Rover’s involvement in the Rugby World Cup. This year also saw a complete reversal of the course to increase the challenge of the circuit.

Michael Jung took victory in his debut at Burghley and triumphed over Tim Price, Christopher Burton, Jonelle Price and Mark Todd in the top six. Kristina Cook was the best placed Brit in eighth place, with William Fox-Pitt in tenthand Oliver Townsend in eleventh.

Other main equestrian attractions at the event included the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals and the Pony Club Team Jumping (won by South Nottingham Pony Club with 36 teams competing).

Thursday and Friday are the unofficial ‘ladies days,’ whilst over 600 trade stands offer shopping haven. Title sponsor Land Rover

“miCHaEL tooK viCtorY in His dEBUt at BUrgHLEY WitH BritisH ridErs Kristina CooK Coming EigHtH WiLLiam Fox-Pitt tEntH and oLivEr toWnEnd ELEvEntH...

showed off the new Discovery Sport model plus a refreshed Evoque small SUV. “Nature was on our side this year,” said Capt., Mark Phillips. “The sunny intervals were ideal for cross country, and I was thrilled that of the 68 starters, 55 of them finished and 42 of them were clear.”

“We’re really proud that the event is a major International equestrian and social event in the Autumn sporting calendar.”

Top: Michael Jung is the first German competitor to take the Burghley title.

Above: The event was attended by over 160,000 spectators.

Opposite, Centre: Elizabeth Inman is Event Director.

Over the page, we’ve a selection of images from 2015’s event. n Next year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials have been confirmed as taking place from 1st-4th September 2016. See www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

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more images from the 2015 Land rover Burghley Horse trials... >>

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Doubleday is best known for its agricultural machinery, but their dealerships at Swineshead, Holbeach and Kings Lynn also have a great range of country inspired gifts for Christmas.

Visit the Swineshead depot on Saturday 5th December for a fun filled day of Christmas festivities including a very special visit from Santa and his ‘Deere’!

Doubleday Swineshead, Station Road, Boston PE20 3PN

01205 822440 | www.doubledaygroup.co.uk

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Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

Andrew J Musson Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT. 39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS

Tel: (01522) 520142 info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com

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- FasHion Left: Chloe wears Dubarry’s Elmtree covet coat in Loden colourway £449. Snowdrop blue shirt £59. Rathowen hat in olive £99.

Below: Dubarry Galway brown boots £299, Galway slim fit walnut boots £299, Longford boots in black and brown £335.

Warming up Your

WINTER

dubarry is one of the world’s best loved country fashion brands. it’s available from gente Bella of newark and, best of all, there’s a new range for winter 2015 - here, we present a preview...

Words & Images: Rob Davis

dubarry is one of those premium country clothing names which has, really successfully, transitioned into a bona fide premium fashion brand.

Famous for its country boots which blend sophisticated materials like Gore-Tex with traditional leather and true craftsmanship, it’s one of the brands stocked by Newark’s Gente Bella.

Alongside other brands like Joules and Cath Kidston, the Chain Lane retailer stocks Dubarry and provides both practical and beautiful clothing and accessories for women, men and children.

This month, we present some of Dubarry’s newest products, in an exclusive fashion shoot for the retailer in the grounds of Newark Castle.

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Top/Right: Lisa wears a tweed Daisy waistcoat in moss £239 and Rowan jacket in moss £449.

Chamomile white shirt £59.

Middle: Dubarry mobile phone case for iPhone £39.

Above: Black Fancraft bag £229.

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Left: Sharon wears an Abbey quilted coat in navy £199, Rosemary blue/multi shirt £79. Galway slim fit walnut boots £299.

Below: Something for (wo)man’s best friend; tweed dog neckerchief £17, leather dog collar £39.

Bottom: Sharon wears a Bracken tweet coat in shale £369.

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Above: Designer glasses frames from Bvlgari and Persol from O’Briens Opticians, Wrawby Street, Brigg. Call 01652 653595 or see www.obriens opticians.co.uk.

Right: Chloe wears a Heather tweed jacked in café colourway £379 and Daisy waistcoat in café £239. Snowdrop blue shirt £59.

Below: Powerscourt over shoulder bag in walnut £129.

Bottom: Lisa wears a Swift jacket in black and brown £299.

Find Out More: All of our featured clothing is from Gente Bella, 11 Chain Lane, Newark NG24 1BF. Tel: 01636 643733.

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- JEWELLErY -

PANDORA’S Box

tHis montH WE oPEn Pandora’s Box and taKE a LooK at tHE JEWELLErY Brand’s aUtUmn/WintEr CoLLECtions...

Below: Majestic Feathers ring in sterling silver and cubic zirconia, £70.

Below: Moments silver bracelet with cz pave in sterling silver £75 and charms including majestic swan charm £50, pink Sweetheart charm £55.

Below: Pandora Signature ring £115.

Right: Droplets ring £45, Sparkling curves ring £90, Bubble stacking ring £35, Classic Elegance ring £60, Hearts tiara ring £40, Timeless elegance ring £60, Clear cz ring £55, Princess tiara ring £40.

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Left: Angel wing in sterling silver and cubic zirconia £115. Right: Charm bangle £275 with charms including locked heart openwork in sterling silver and 14ct gold £70, gold openwork charm in 14ct gold £140 and ‘love and guidance’ two tone charm £45.

Below: ‘Love and guidance two tone earings' £70.

Below: Charm bracelet with cz pave clasp £75 with charms including Signature charm £45 and Forever Pandora charm £45.

The pandora jewellery range is no longer just about a charm bracelet. It’s grown to include rings, earrings, pendants and necklaces, with a greater range of materials than ever before, from murano glass and sterling silver to 14ct gold, and a new Pandora Rose range of blended metals with a pink hue.

Boston’s Pandora store celebrates its first anniversary in December, having been very well received by the public.

“The Rose range takes inspiration from its best selling designs and gives them a makeover with feather pendants, bow rings and Pandora Rose charms.

Customers can also stack their silver and rose pieces for a contemporary look,” says the store’s Louise Ward.

“We’re absolutely delighted with our first year in the town, and can’t wait to show off both our new autumn ranges and some really lovely Christmas ranges too.”

Above: Hearts of Pandora necklace £85 Right: Forever Pandora earrings £45.

Left: Shimmering leaves ring £115, Laurel wreath ring £45, Clear cz ring £55, Crystallised floral fancy ring £70 and Luminous leaves rings £40 and £60.

Founded in 1982, Pandora jewellery is sold in more than 90 countries on six continents through approximately 9,500 points of sale, including more than 1,500 concept stores.

n Pandora’s range of composable jewellery is available from the firm’s Boston store on Strait Bargate PE21 6LR 01205 364587.

See www.pandora.net for more information.

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Win a Wedding worth £25,000 It’s free to enter, just visit

www.ukbride.co.uk/join

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Taking Time to

CELEBRATE When oliver proposed to Jenny on her birthday at the very top of the sydney Harbour Bridge, little did he know that they would be sharing their wedding day not only with Jen’s dad, but their son too! Three celebrations in one can only mean one thing - a wedding full of family love...

Images: Red on Blonde Photography, 07515 275399, www.redonblonde.com.

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a wedding full of birthday celebrations can only mean one thing - even more love.

In Jenny & Oliver’s case, that’s three extra drops with Jen’s surprise birthday proposal, Jen’s dad sharing their wedding day, and their son being born exactly a year before the big day.

After meeting in London and both working on the same project as business management consultants, Jenny & Oliver went from work colleagues to a couple six years ago.

“We’d been together for around four years before he proposed,” says Jenny. “I kept dropping hints so I expected a proposal but never in the way he did it! We were living in Australia at the time and disguised as a ‘birthday surprise,’ Oli decided to take me 136

“We had to plan from Australia so relatives in the UK helped out a great deal. We wanted a marquee because that made it more personal. There were also fewer restrictions for the venue, which was idea l as we invited 160 guests.

“As a birthday surprise, Oli decided to take me on a bridge climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, where he proposed in a very unattractive boiler suit with the ring around his wrist...!”

“The marquee was in my parents’ friends’ niece’s garden. They own a B&B but they

Images: Red on Blonde Photography, 07515 275399, www.redonblonde.com.

on a bridge climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. So standing there in very unattractive boiler suits with the ring around Ollie’s wrist on an ‘ERD’ (engagement ring device) because of the danger to pedestrians below if anything fell, Oli dropped to one knee and shook my hand in order to get the ring onto my hand! It was quite romantic and he couldn’t have proposed in a better way.”

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- WEddings -

Above: The ceremony took place at Newark Parish Church, Jenny’s childhood church.

Right: The couple opted for a very classy navy blue theme.

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- WEddings -

Left: Jenny’s Aunty made the couple’s wedding cake.

Above: The marquee was full of fairy lights, friends, family and good food making it memorable.

Photography: Red on Blonde Photography, 07515 275399, www.redonblonde.com.

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also cater so they catered for the wedding.

Their friends made some of the flower arrangements too!”

“I bought the dress in Sydney with friends and I chose other elements whilst in Australia as well. I have to admit, I did most of the organisation! It was important to me to have a personal wedding so we married in Newark Parish Church which was my local church my family and I visited every Sunday.

The vicar, who is a good family friend had retired but he agreed to come out of retirement just to do this one service all the way from Manchester which was so special.”

“The aisle is really long as well and I was determined not to rush it. I wanted to enjoy every moment and I did. We had some of our siblings doing readings and a choir

singing throughout the marriage service.

The general atmosphere in the church was fantastic and that was the same with our wedding reception.”

“With the jazz band outside, the beautiful wedding cake made by my aunty, the fairy lights hanging from the marquee and friends and family surrounding us, the night was one of the best nights of my life. It was just magical.”

“After the wedding we had a minimoon to Center Parcs celebrating our son’s birthday followed by a trip for two to the Amalfi Coast. I know what will take priority on our wedding anniversary/son’s birthday but I’m not worried because the day will always be special. Two special days in one made it extra special and full of memories.”

Jenny & oliver’s Wedding Venue: Newark Parish Church, 01636 611778, www.newarkanglican.org.uk.

Photography: Red on Blonde Photography, 07515 275399, www.redonblonde.com.

Catering: The Cats Whiskers, 07947 136228, www.thecatswhiskerscatering.co.uk.

Flowers: The Arbour, Lincoln and Beverley Hawthorne, 01522 537518, www.arbourflorists.com.

Marquee: Every Occasion Marquees, 01636 706420, www.every-occasion.com.

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Main: Washingborough Hall Hotel’s new Winston Room, civil licensed for marriage ceremonies, provides a new space for Lincolnshire’s 2016 and 2017 brides-to-be.

Special Days Deserve a

SPECIAL

ROOM Lincoln’s Washingborough Hall Hotel unveiled its new Winston room earlier this year, designed to provide the county’s brides-to-be with a beautiful bespoke venue for their ceremony and reception...

Images: Neil Lamont.

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- WEddings -

your lincolnshire wedding deserves a beautiful venue, one that so romantically reflects the county, and your love.

Since March 2015, brides-to-be have had just such an option in the form of the brand new Winston Room at Washingborough Hall Hotel near Lincoln.

“As a Grade II listed hotel we’re a wonderful setting for your special day,” says Amy Thorn the hotel’s Director of Romance. “With the creation of our purposebuilt suite, we can now afford our brides even more room and private facilities for their day.”

building’s 380 years of history.

Washingborough Hall Hotel also offers exceptional dining courtesy of executive head chef and former Cordon Bleu cook Lucy, and head chef Dan Wallace’s brigade.

“As a Grade II listed hotel we’re a wonderful setting for your special day,” says Amy Thorn.

The hotel, owned by Ed and Lucy Herring, provides exclusivity to couples, ensuring they don’t have to share the venue with any other functions. It’s just two miles East of Lincoln and has 11 bedrooms plus a bridal suite with four poster bed and a beautiful new colour scheme for 2015, commensurate with the

With no set wedding packages available, each wedding is completely bespoke, designed to suit each bride-to-be with Amy serving as wedding co-ordinator, advising on local suppliers and hosting private menu tastings.

The hotel’s new room, with its civil license, is designed to ensure its 2016 and 2017 weddings are afforded more room, a beautiful space but also the flexibility to facilitate each bride’s specific wishes. “The Winston Room ensures we can make every bride’s individual dreams come true!” says Amy.

find Out More: Washingborough Hall is now taking bookings for 2016 and 2017 weddings. Call Amy Thorne on 01522 790340 or see www.washing boroughhall.com. The hotel’s informal wedding evenings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 6-8pm.

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Return to your life before

DENTURES do you remember life before dentures? return to those days and enjoy eating again!

US President George Washington is famously known for his dentures, which were made with ivory from hippos and elephants as well as gold, rivets, spiral springs and even human teeth. That was in the 1780s and before that, dentures were wooden!

Fortunately, times have changed.

What hasn’t changed is the need for our replacement teeth to be comfortable, stable, functional and natural looking. For many people, dentures just don’t cut the mustard – let alone the steak. One solution is to adopt a 21st century invention - dental implants.

Many people believe that once they’ve got two full sets of dentures that’s it; that they will have to put up with uncomfortable, wobbly false teeth that cover their palate and prevent them from tasting anything.

Not true!

What you may not realise is that even with no natural teeth of your own, you can have

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secure replacement teeth that look, feel and work just like your own teeth used to do.

Dental implants have been accepted by dental professionals for over 40 years as a successful and trusted method of tooth replacement. They act like your natural tooth root, so you do not feel the difference.

With proper care and good oral hygiene, your implant can last a lifetime.

Implants provide stability and comfort for a wide variety of replacement teeth solutions – from a single tooth to a complete set of dentures for either or both arches. And they help maintain natural bone to help you avoid that caved-in old person’s look.

Our principal dentist, Colin Sutton, is a technically excellent implant surgeon who has successfully placed hundreds of dental implants since 2000 and has an excellent reputation.

The team at The Dental Health Centre always strives to evolve by having the most

modern and up-to-date equipment and by providing all treatments under one roof without having to refer patients elsewhere.

Every member of the team is committed to providing patients with the very best treatments on the market and attending many courses to keep their knowledge fresh.

The Dental Health Centre is one of very few dental practices to have invested in a 3D dental CT scanner. Our state-of-the-art scanner makes implant treatment, safer, quicker and more accurate for our patients and makes us one of the most technologically advanced dental clinics in the area.

If you would like to find out more, please visit us for a free 30-minute initial consultation with Colin Sutton.

The dental Health Centre, 3 avenue Road, grantham, lincolnshire, Ng31 6Ta. www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk

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RELAX & UNWIND AT

CHRISTMAS

CHRisTMas is sUCH a HaPPY timE oF YEar WitH tHE WHoLE FamiLY Coming togEtHEr For fesTive CeleBRaTiONs.... BUt it Can aLso BE somEWHat FraUgHt. aLLoW YoUrsELF to taKE a daY oUt oF BUYing CHRisTMas pReseNTs, dECorating CHristmas trEEs and PrEParing tHE tUrKEY. EnJoY a CHristmas PrEsEnt TO yOuRself at onE oF tHE luxuRy spas avaiLaBLE in YoUr arEa or giFt it to somEonE mUCH in nEEd oF a daY to Relax & uNwiNd...

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There is something wonderfully special about visiting a spa as the nights draw in and the temperature drops. One of the best ways in the region to escape the chills is to head to Eden Hall Day Spa, near Newark, for a little pre-Christmas pampering.

The award-winning day spa offers a wide range of luxury treatments including many stress-relieving massages, nourishing body wraps, prescriptive facials and treats to pamper

treatment designed by Clarins specifically for Eden Hall Day Spa.

The newly refurbished gymnasium houses resistance and cardio-vascular equipment and can be used at any time during the day. Fitness Instructors are on hand to tHErE arE so manY sPas to ExPEriEnCE in Eden Hall is a haven from give advice and they also tHE CoUntY WHEn YoU FEEL YoU nEEd a wintery weather, whether lead some fantastic exercise PiCK-mE-UP, HEaLtH Boost or JUst a daY and relaxation classes; from you are immersed in the to gEt rELax and gEt oUt oF tHE strEss Clubbercise and indoor cycling saltwater pool, relaxing in to yoga and pilates. Whether the fragrant heat of the oF tHE CHristmas PrEParations... you want fitness fun or saunas and steam rooms, fitness frenzy, there is always spending an hour or two in something to suit everyone at Eden. the cosy conservatory or tranquil slumber the hands and feet. From October 2015, lounge, or perhaps taking a dip in the outdoor Eden’s offering will include treatments from Created especially for the winter season, hot tubs. It is the perfect place to switch off the world renowned Clarins range – including Eden Hall’s Comfort Blanket spa package and transform a dreary winter’s day. a Signature Spa Day with a top-to-toe luxury includes use of the spa and leisure facilities, 145

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- WintEr sPa BrEaKs -

a beautiful three-course lunch and a warming body wrap with a neck and shoulder body massage.

“I designed the Comfort Blanket treatment to soothe aching muscles,” says Sara Orme, Therapy Manager at Eden. The relaxing heat generated by this cocooning wrap and gentle massage movements is assured to release tensions and restore calm during the busy festive period.”

From just £115/person, this limited edition spa package is available during November and December.

For those seeking a Christmas gift that will put a smile on the face of the recipient, Eden Hall’s Spa Shop has a fabulous range of gift sets from Elemis, Clarins, Spa Find and Jessica as well as other

treats including make-up, jewellery and homeware. Open daily between 9.00am and 8.30pm, visitors are welcome to call in and take a look around.

Stapleford Park is also offering luxurious spa breaks this winter which you can enjoy in the comfort of the impressive surroundings of the stately home.

Enjoy a warm pamper treat with their coconut delight package. This spa day includes a Ytsara Maphrao treatment which consists of a body exfoliation using jasmine red rice followed by a massage with a warm coconut poultice and warm coconut oil.

A two-course lunch is included in their golf club pavilion restaurant, and full use of their leisure facilities including the

“tHE rELaxing HEat gEnEratEd BY tHE CoCooning WraP and gEntLE massaging is assUrEd to rELEasE tEnsions and rEstorE CaLm dUring tHE BUsY FEstivE PEriod...”

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Right: Eden Hall’s steam room is the ideal winter warm up after a day of being pampered.

Above: The impressive face of Stapleford Park is proudly patriotic with a Union Jack flag above the doors you enter after booking your winter weekend away.

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- winter spa breaks -

Top: The Eden Hall Slumber Lounge is the perfect escape for when you’ve been fully relaxed and pampered on a Sunday afternoon.

You can enjoy breakfast (Top/Left) at Eden Hall and their luxury spa facilities (Main).

Left: Stapleford Park is the perfect winter getaway offering such luxurious surroundings looking out across icy fields, frosty trees and the beautiful parkland as you sink into the warmth of their saunas, jacuzzis and heated pools.

Stapleford’s pool (Left/Centre) is definitely the place to relax and unwind perhaps with a loved one.

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22-metre pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna from 9am to 6pm. Pure indulgence for just £99/person.

You can also experience a relaxing afternoon with their Afternoon retreat package at just £49/person. This includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, followed by a head in the clouds massage.

Enjoy their leisure facilities from 1pm to 2pm. Indulge further and upgrade to have afternoon tea for a special offer of £18/person for those on the Afternoon Retreat package.

Mothers-to-be can now enjoy their new pregnancy massage Fall into Dreams using the new eco-certified Little Butterfly range also at Stapleford Park.

At the end of the treatment mothers-to-be take the remaining body oil home which is also suitable for babies. A 10% discount is

available off the Little Butterfly baby product range.

For other spas in the area, there’s Branston Hall Spa which is based in Lincoln and the Grange Spa, based in Sleaford. These spas are a little closer to home for those not wanting to travel too far. They also have high quality spa treatments and facilities.

Branston Hall Spa has a pool hall including a sauna and jacuzzi for your enjoyment.

The impressive murals in this room add to your spa experience. The spa bath with its massage jets will also help you to unwind and ease the aches and pains that Christmas stress can leave you with.

Meanwhile The Grange at Pointon offers all of your spa facilities needed plus ‘heat experiences.’ This includes a pool waterfall, experience showers, a gem stone steam bath and herbal bath.

Eden Hall day spa, newark Location: Lodge Lane, Elston, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5PG Opening Times: 9.00am to 8.30pm, seven days a week.

Contact Details: call 01636 525555 or email info@edenhallspa.co.uk.

Website: www.edenspa.co.uk.

stapleford Park spa, nr melton mowbray Location: Stapleford, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 2EF Opening Times: 10.00am - 6.00pm, seven days a week.

Contact Details: call 01572 787057 or email spa@stapleford.co.uk.

Website: www.staplefordpark.com.

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

LIVES Charity Ball at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln

lives hosted its annual charity ball recently to help raise funds for the Lincolnshire first responder charity.

Taking place at the popular Double Tree by Hilton in Lincoln, guests experienced an evening of entertainment and excellent food from the hotels renowned Electric Restaurant. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, casino tables, and a photo booth to capture memorable moments of the evening. As part of the celebrations there was also a charity auction, a professional magician and a disco later on in the evening.

LIVES also offered female guests the chance to wear your wedding dress again - all part of the fun to help raise money during the evening. Funds raised will help the charity continue its vital lifesaving work, undertaken by volunteers who train to become medics and first responders in their own time. n

For more information please call 01507 525999 or visit www.lives.org.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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Purchase photographs from this event online. visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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- motoring -

BLING OF THE ROAD dEsPitE a mULtitUdE oF WoULd-BE rivaLs, rangE rovEr is dEtErminEd to rEmain tHE King oF tHE road. BUt WitH EvEr-morE CUstomisation oPtions avaiLaBLE, Has tHE rangE rovEr BEComE morE ‘BLING’ oF tHE road, tHan kING oF tHE road?

Words: Rob Davis.

King - not Bling: Modern it may be, but 2016’s Range Rover is more capable, luxurious and technically sophisticated than ever before.

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The Range Rover is a zeitgeist. In 1970, when it was launched, owning one was very ‘old money.’ Today, it’s the aspirational vehicle for urbanites as much as country folk, and it’s a car for newly affluent folk as much as those living in inherited country piles.

Equally, whilst the original Range Rover was a reflection of simple but rugged British engineering, its descendant enjoys a symphony of electronics, controlled by simple push buttons. The interior, likewise, has evolved from an era of vinyl seating and unassisted steering to a hide-smothered sanctuary with infotainment systems, electronic driver aids and reclining rear seating with massaging seats and integrated iPads.

tHE intErior Has EvoLvEd From an Era oF vinYL sEating into a HidE-smotHErEd sanCtUarY WitH mYriad drivEr aids...

Last year, 45,000 Range Rovers were sold worldwide. We spoke to one Lincolnshire Land Rover dealer, who says that the Range Rover accounts for 15% of the showroom’s 1,400 annual sales. That’s impressive given that the model has a list price of between £75,000 and £165,000, and that the number of competitors snapping at Range Rover’s heels is growing both in number and reputation.

Today, customers have the choice of standard or long wheelbase. If you’re being chauffeured, consider both; if you’re the driver, save the £8,000 premium it costs.

There’s a choice of 3.0V6 diesel, 3.0V6 diesel hybrid, 4.4V8 diesel and 5.0V8 Supercharged petrol.

The standard diesel offers a combined fuel economy figure of 40mpg, which isn’t bad, given the car’s size. The hybrid improves on this by 5mpg or so, and reduces CO2, which is likely to appeal to company drivers, but its £6,000 premium is likely to offset any tax saving. Likewise, V8 and Supercharged variants offer better performance over the standard 3.0V6’s 0-60mph time of 7.4 seconds and 130mph. But, in reality who needs more than that?

>>

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- motoring -

>> Again, we’d stick with the smaller 3.0V6 diesel engine and put the cash towards a better trim level instead.

Speaking of which, all Range Rovers enjoy automatic transmission, Terrain Response for easier off-roading, leather seats with heating to front and rear and heated steering wheel, Bluetooth, front & rear parking sensors with reversing camera, plus a TV, satellite navigation and powered tailgate.

There’s a not a great deal missing from that list but stepping up to mid-range Vogue SE trim is worth it, with adaptive cruise control ideal for driving on motorways or Lincolnshire’s A-roads, plus climate seats, a better sound system and an upgrade to the Terrain Response system.

Heritage: The first generation model went on sale in 1970.

A four-door model was added in 1982.

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tHE sWEEt modEL in tHE rangE, in oUr oPinion is tHE 3.0v6 aUtoBiograPHY, in standard WHEELBasE at £91,550...

Autobiography trim is even more desirable with surround camera system, massaging front seats, and InControl integration with iPhones and Android phones.

A range-topping new flagship trim, SVAutobiography has a rear champagne fridge, park assist, and veneered loadspace.

The sweet model in the range, in our opinion, is the standard wheelbase 3.0V6 Autobiography at £91,550. We tested our model both on-road and off-road at our nearest Land Rover Experience centre, Rockingham Castle. So what’s it like?

QuesTiON Of spORT The success of Range Rover’s sport has enabled the standard range rover to go more upmarket. so where does that now leave the sport? Faster, sportier and more road biased than ever. if you value luxury and comfort, choose a range rover, but if you value a dynamic drive, and don’t mind sacrificing a little off-road ability, the sport may appeal too.

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Capable: Range Rover will wade through water 90cm deep, and tackle inclines and muddy rutted tracks with ease.

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- motoring -

In a word: awesome. It’s whisper quiet and composed on-road handling means drivers are isolated from the power and size of the vehicle.

It’s actually really easy to manoeuvre thanks to the firm’s park assist, clever 360° cameras and the firm’s Command Driving Position.

A bluff shape means there’s a little wind whistle, but that’s a small price to pay for a vehicle that’s not just well-specified on paper but feels hewn from pure unabashed luxury.

Top: Range Rover is available in standard and long wheelbase. Unless you’re being chauffeured, stick to the standard length.

Above: An optional executive rear seating package is also available in lieu of the standard bench seat.

Materials are beyond quality, everything feels beautiful, and the vehicles’s seats are supportive. Controls fall easily to hand and materials like milled aluminium add a sense of drama.

So far, flawless. But is it still a Range Rover, or a ‘bling’ pastiche of a once capable vehicle?

To answer that, visit the Experience site for yourself and watch as the two tonne vehicle makes mincemeat of rough terrain.

The five metre vehicle will easily wade through water 90cm deep, tackle inclines of 36° and clear seemingly unsurmountable objects with an off-road height of 296mm.

Range Rover, then, is still king - not bling of the road. Its technology, comfort and capability all remain as strong as ever, ensuring its position as the world’s most desirable and luxurious off-roader remains intact. n In Lincolnshire, our preferred suppliers of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles is Duckworth of Market Rasen 01673 842101 and Kirton, near Boston 01205 449755.

See www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk.

range rover’s

key rivals

An ever larger and more luxurious range rover is up against stiff competition...

audi Q7

From £47,755

For: Seven seats, car-like drive. against: Limited off-road ability Verdict: HHHHH

BMW X5

From £49,365

For: ride, refinement. against: Limited off-road ability.

Verdict: HHHHH

M/Benz gl From £61,655 For: Seven seats, comfort. against: Long list of options.

Verdict: HHHHH

Bentley Bentayga

£TBC

For: Bentley’s first SUV. against: Ugly, expected price.

Verdict: HHHHH

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ALL-NEW Kia Sorento avaiLaBLE at viCtor Wood oF grantHam tHis WintEr • Third generation sorento enjoys new and innovative technologies • Major strides in engineering, refinement and quality • seven seats, eu6 diesel engine and all-wheel drive as standard • available at victor wood of grantham from just £28,795 Following Kia’s recent launch of the all-new Sorento, Victor Wood of Grantham is proud to announce that from October the fantastic new model will be available for purchase. Featuring some state-of-the-art technologies, the seven-seat SUV is sure to be an instant success with the public.

Previous versions have appealed to a diverse range of customers, and the third-generation Sorento will again change the way that people see the brand as it is better equipped, more refined, stylish and technologically advanced than ever before. Safety and convenience technologies new to the model include Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Advanced Cruise Control, Around View Motoring and Speed Limit Information. Powered by an EU6-complaint 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, it is more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly too.

“I’m thrilled to announce that the all-new Kia Sorento is available now...”

The all-new Sorento is longer, lower and wider than the previous model thanks to an all-new platform, while an extended wheelbase creates greater room in all three rows of seats. Minutely detailed body and chassis engineering work has resulted in a car which is not only more engaging to drive, but also much more refined to travel in.

Shaun Deakin of Victor Wood said, “I’m thrilled to announce that the all-new Kia Sorento will be soon be available at Victor Wood of Grantham. The new generation model boasts some fantastic new features, and the fact that it’s more fuel-efficient is great news too. We look forward to welcoming customers along for a test drive!”

n To find out more: Victor Wood of Grantham, Spittlegate Level, Grantham, Lincs NG31 7UH 01476 566110 victorwoodcars.com

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- e-fuels -

Fuelling Your

HoME

In a world of rising energy bills, staffed only by call-centres, one local business is servicing homes, farms and businesses in the area with heating oil and other fuels, and offering unrivalled customer service...

Energy prices are rising and the companies warming our homes this winter are becoming ever larger and more anonymous. It’s time for a change, says Matthew Turner and James Thornton of E Fuels.

“In the past we’ve heard of customers struggling to get their fuel delivered, with some larger firms keen to take orders but struggling to fulfil those logistically on the date they promise.”

Heating oil firms - which purchase wholesale products like kerosene to sell on to domestic consumers who are off-mains gas are consolidating into larger firms, dealing in volume and often delivering domestic consumers poor service in the process.

“E Fuels is able to offer a fast, friendly and flexible service. Although we’re only a small company in the fuel industry, we understand the importance of providing good customer service alongside competitive prices.”

In addition to their core product for consumers, the company already has a strong base of businesses, and especially farmers, who use E Fuels as their preferred supplier of heating oil, but also fuel additives and improvers, gas oil, and agricultural machine lubricants from brands like Morris.

Their experience in the industry led Matthew and James to believe there was another way to do business. That’s why, in March this year, they helped set up E Fuels, aimed at providing heating oil and kerosene additives to the domestic market.

“We typically provide deliveries of 500 litres, and believe we offer unrivalled value for money, but more importantly, we offer the very best standards in customer service,” says Matthew.

“We believe it’s more important to support the customer with a more reliable service, plus an emergency oil service when you unexpectedly run out of fuel, as well as offering competitive pricing.”

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“It’s important to support the customer with a reliable service, and competitive pricing...”

“We’re servicing horticultural, commercial and agricultural market which is complex and demanding. We ensure our customers can service and maintain their machinery, and we’re keen to show that we can deliver the same customer satisfaction in the domestic market too.” n For domestic & commercial fuel and lubricants across Lincolnshire, Rutland and Nottinghamshire, E Fuels call 01949 81019. For a full range of products see www.e-uk.com or email sales@e-uk.com.

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Crosswords CRypTiC CROsswORd test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s Cryptic Crossword. Each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

aCROss 9. Bitter, drunk sour, binds one, I say (9) 10. Bear - in cave? No, other way round (5) 11. See 22 down 12. Song of praise in 13 down makes wicked, cold Frank (witch) dash (9,10) 13. Stein's latest picture taken for the record (7) 14. See 26 17. On the way out, not dead but very competitive (5) 19. Mother ending in ruin (gin?) - "One way to catch a bloke" (7) 20. Great energy-releasing round movement (5) 21. King Edward was exploitative, in the royal habit (7) 22. In which volume may/may not be turned up? (7) 24. Labour would be after this on stage - it's "New"! (9) 26. Avril's little pair in distress - aspirin dished out (5,2,5) 28. Spirited account of grand entertainer on the level in US (5,5) 29. Do housework, mother - it has great potential power behind it in America (6,3)

dOwN 1. See 19 across 2. Louis XIV's lost his crown? Annul his coronation! (6) 3. See 12 4. Bird brains following idol (6) 5. One star icon represented city (8) 6. See 24 7. Food covered in brown salt (8) 8. Figure one had nothing left (4) 13. Picture of innocence's debut, wearing shift (5) 15. Not the only one to hold up a person who's late (4-6) 16. See 28 18. See 19 19. Jazzman's hit, "Kind of Blue", popular with Maureen, old Bob and Daisy? (8,2,6) 22. Regent's Park Zoo lions and rockery plant? (6,5) 23. Wear one item of underwear by day with elastic top (6) 24. Memory of concert followed by talk of something to eat (8) 25. Sporty type, unmanned, becomes "creative" (4) 27. Colour of gunge after sulphur removed (4)

aCROss

dOwN

1. Refraining from sex (8) 5. Stylish (4) 9. Ha-ha or peculiar? (5) 10. Counter (anag) (7) 11. Google, for example (6,6) 13. Fall in the US (6) 14. Sixth sense believer? (6) 17. Breeding time (6,6) 20. Du Maurier novel Hitchcock thriller (7) 21. Nepal''s neighbour (5) 22. Bit of fun - early-rising bird? (4) 23. Graveyard (8)

1. Part of a shirt (4) 2. Merciful (7) 3. German football team (6,6) 4. Ratty (6) 6. Indian language (5) 7. Belief in something as true (8) 8. Inflated fortress for kids (6,6) 12. Royal retreat in Scotland (8) 15. Hot water (if you are in it!) (7) 16. Flee (6) 18. Potato, for example (5) 19. Remain (4)

CRypTiC aNsweRs

QuiCk aNsweRs

QuiCk CROsswORd

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