Lincolnshire May 2020

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PRIDE LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

Lincolnshire History VE Day and May Fairs

Summer in the County Nature & Food in May

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WELCOME

hat a month. We really do appreciate that these are troubling times for people around the World, as Coronavirus continues to spread.

The number of infections and fatalities are rising. Cities and even entire countries are shutting down. Many people are being forced into isolation. But amid all the worrying news, we have also seen many reasons to find hope.

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It is our job to ensure that you love reading our local magazines and to promote local businesses - mainly small independent businesses, the type who most need support and a sense of optimism at this time.

We know that the World will now change. So what a fantastic opportunity for us to choose to shop locally again; to ensure our independent shops thrive and to return to using our local towns. We can catch up with friends and enjoy a coffee, a pint, a G&T, a lovely meal, the cinema, a visit to our local market... we can ensure our towns and villages boom, as well as our country.

The virus is forcing people to stay in, so we anticipate the general population will use this time to browse the internet or watch TV. But when there’s nothing left to watch and when we tire of the internet, perhaps we will all realise that this isn’t the World we really want, and that happiness is right here in the county, closer than we realised. Times will soon change, and we still have a bridge to cross, but even in the darkest times, I forever remain an optimist!

Best wishes and good health,

Julian Wilkinson, Managing Director, Pride Magazines Ltd.

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CONTENTS NEWS & EVENTS

FOOD & DRINK

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NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across Lincolnshire.

HIGHLIGHTS

HOMES & GARDENS

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A LOVE LETTER TO THE FENS 1,500 square miles of history and culture.

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WEATHER GIRL Meet the BBC’s Keeley Donovan with her sunny outlook.

WELCOME HOME This month look around Greystones; a quirky former farmhouse in the village of Gosberton.

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SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL Using these fabrics and wallcoverings inspired by neutral tones and rich textures.

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VE DAY IN LINCOLNSHIRE Marking 75 years since VE Day.

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DINING OUT This month we visit The Thatched Cottage at Sutterton.

HISTORY OF THE MAY FAIR

LADIES & GENTLEMEN

Exploing the heritage of Lincolnshire’s May Fairs.

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HARLAXTON MANOR Near Grantham opens this month to show off its spectacular bluebells.

121 FASHION Marc Cain’s new spring

108 DRY STONE WALLING We look at the time and skill that goes into preserving hand-made dry stone walls.

WEDDINGS Danielle and James recently married at Howell Manor. and summer collection.

THE HIGH LIFE 143 HIGH LIFE The Belvoir Hunt Ball.

154 MOTORS Range Rover Sport PHEV.

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143 THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN THE AREA READ PRIDE MAGAZINE

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Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.

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This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.

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If your business would benefit from being showcased to the wealthiest people in the area, please call our friendly sales team on 01529 469977.

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Read Pride Magazine free online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk or by downloading our free iOS and Android App. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

THE PRIDE TEAM

By supplying editorial or advertising copy to Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion.

This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available.

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Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Production Director: Ian Bagley.

Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Manager: Charlotte Daubney.

Sales Supervisor: Cydney Dyson.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

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Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978 www.pridemagazines.co.uk | enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

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NEWS & EVENTS

A Jolly Reprieve for Skegness STAY OF EXECUTION FOR TOWN’S FISHERMAN FIGUREHEAD FACING THE AXE SKEGNESS He’s looked after the interests of Skegness ever since John Hassall created his iconic advert in 1908.

But over 110 years on it was time for the town to jump to Jolly’s rescue and appeal for the town’s mascot to be saved, and happily, the Jolly Fisherman has been granted a last minute stay of execution, seemingly saving him from being axed.

As is often the case, though, fact is a little more down to earth than fiction, and Skegness Town Council blames a misunderstanding for the wholly inaccurate suggestion that Jolly was facing the axe.

In fact, a report by the council merely expressed concerns over where and how Jolly’s costume should be stored when it was handed back by the Coastal BID and suggested that rules and regulations were limiting the costume’s use.

The council simply stated that longer term decisions about the character were needed; who should wear the costumer, where and how it should be stored and cleaned and so on.

When this ‘the world’s gone mad’ story was picked up

by Piers Morgan on Good Morning, though, locals were inspired to act and a petition was organised by local Joseph Emmanuel signed more than 120 times and calling to retain the mascot.

“The council did not expect Lincolnshire Coastal BID to return the costume and hadn’t geared itself up to actually operate Jolly,” said Town Clerk Steve Larmer.

“Jolly has got a future!”

Jolly was created by Hassall after being commissioned by Great Northern Railways and is immortalised by a statue in Tower Gardens. n

Cornhill Completion THIS MONTH SEE THE COMPLETION OF LINCOLN’S SWISH CORNHILL QUARTER...

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LINCOLN A really dramatic regeneration of Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter is due to be completed as Pride goes to press, the culmination of a £70m investment.

Over 120 jobs and £30m of transport infrastructure is aiming to modernise Lincoln’s city centre for locals and visitors and to make it easier than ever to enjoy spending time in downhill Lincoln.

Phase 8, Whistles and Hobbs are the three latest brands to arrive at the development, joining gin bar The Botanist and brands like Cosy Club and Lakeland.

Ursula Lidbetter, Lincolnshire Co-op’s Chief Executive, says: “The signings of these three major fashion brands for The Cornhill Quarter sets 2020 off as another great year for the scheme. They will sit alongside other new nationwide brands for Lincoln as well as a host of much-loved local names.”

Approaching completion at time of writing is the four-screen Everyman cinema and landscaping on Exchange Square, adjacent to the current Waterstones store. n See www.cornhillquarter.co.uk.

SLEAFORD

BURGH LE MARSH He’s the Lincolnshire vet whose two-part memoirs cut the figure of a James Herriott for the 21st century.

Cows in Trees and its follow-up The Dog with the Head Transplant have been written by local author Julian Earl to tell the story of a Lincolnshire vet with warm and witty anecdotes and more than a booster shot of humour.

Julian wanted to be a vet from the age of eight and moved to Lincolnshire in 1989, eight years after graduating as a vet, to work in Horncastle as a livestock and small animal vet.

In 2012 he was involved in a near-fatal cycle accident, this and the role of a country vet are both covered in this smashing summer read! n From good local book shops.

Recognition for St Barnabas 35 YEARS OLD, HAVING HELPED 80,000 PATIENTS, CHARITY IS RECOGNISED AS TOP ORGANISATION

In last month’s Pride we profiled the history of Sleaford’s Bass Maltings and hinted that a solution may soon be forthcoming to the stalemate preventing the site’s regeneration.

And sure enough, site owners Avant Homes are now in discussions with North Kesteven District Council with a view to progressing a plan to finally develop the site.

It is expected that new plans for the site will be submitted soon for the site, which closed in 1959.

See last month’s Pride at www.pridemagazines.co.uk for a full history of the site. n

LINCOLNSHIRE Local charity and end-of-life care provider, St Barnabas Hospice, has placed 53rd in the 2020 Sunday Times Top 100 Not for Profit Organisations to work for.

“This is a fantastic 36 place jump from 89th – their position last year,” the charity says.

“This national accreditation is awarded on the results of an anonymous staff survey, covering staff wellbeing, relationships, leadership and personal growth.”

“St Barnabas Hospice is an independent charity and every year we support more than 10,500 people affected by a life-limiting or terminal condition.” n

£3,5,000,000

ALL STORIES GREAT & SMALL FROM VET

GRIMSBY will receive an investment of £3.5m, the Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced, during a recent visit to the town. It’s part of a total £25m funding pot as part of the Government’s Towns Fund and it’s hoped the investment will help to create 8,000 new jobs and 10,000 new homes in the town to assist in its regeneration. n

Julian’s New Book

The Future’s Bright for Sleaford’s Bass Maltings

LOCAL

NEWS In Brief LEASINGHAM

ROMAN BROOCH FOUND BY METAL DETECTOR ENTHUSIAST

A rare Roman brooch dating back to the dawn of the Roman conquest has been found in a field near Sleaford by a metal detectorist.

The horse brooch was unearthed in a field near Leasingham by metal detector user Jason Price of Grantham.

“About eight inches down I found something caked in mud.

At first I thought it was a piece of litter, but as I cleaned it off, my jaw dropped open!”

I’ve found things like coins before, but never anything like this.”

The brooch will be on display at the Collection Museum in Lincoln later this year. n 9

NEWS & EVENTS

Royal Visit from Queen Helena ACTRESS HELENA BONHAM CARTER LAUNCHES BELVOIR CASTLE’S 2020 SEASON GRANTHAM Actress Helena Bonham Carter visited the Duke and Duchess of Rutland recently to mark the opening of the royal season at the castle in the Vale of Belvoir.

Helena Bonham Carter plays Princess Margaret and will appear in series three of the drama. The actress says she believes the royal was misunderstood, mistakenly taken for being ‘angry, rude and tough,’ when in fact she was more vulnerable than the public gave her credit for.

So keen was she to ensure her characterisation of the Queen’s sister was correct that she sought the advice of Margaret’s inner circle.

Helena even sought to make contact with Margaret, who died in 2002, via an astrologer and psychic, asking for her blessing to play her.

The Regency Castle, which stands in for Windsor Castle, has greatly increased its

LOCAL NEWS In Brief LINCOLNSHIRE PIES CELEBRATED AT FIRST NEW PIE CHAMPIONSHIPS

If you earn a crust making pies or just love perfect pastry, Lincolnshire’s inaugural pie championships will takes place at St James Church Louth in April as Pride goes to press. Five judges including Steve Bennett The Lincolnshire Chef and Brown’s Pie Shop’s Danny Gill will assess homemade fillings and pastry in 10 categories. n

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opening days over the last three years with 2020 seeing it gear up to welcome more visitors than ever before from March onwards.

Its 2020 programme includes the introduction of Royal Afternoon Tea inspired

by The Crown, including a guided tour with exclusive access to the private Tapestry Room and Wellington Room featured in the Netflix hit, as well as welcoming back family favourite events Belvoir Knights and Firework Champions.

Emma, Duchess of Rutland said: “We are delighted to once again welcome everybody back to Belvoir for what will be a thoroughly exciting season of events. We feel so very fortunate to be acting as custodians for what is a short time in Belvoir’s many centuries and we are humbled to share experiences and memories with all of our visitors.” n

Summer in Woodhall Spa COME ON IN... THE WATER’S LOVELY SAYS JUBILEE PARK’S TRUSTEE AMARYLIS MIDGLEY ON THE 2020 SEASON...

WOODHALL SPA The 2020 outdoor season at Jubilee Park Woodhall Spa begins as Pride goes to press with the opening of fully refurbished changing rooms and a new reception area for the heated open air swimming pools.

Major investment over the winter also included the development of a long-awaited state-of-the-art fitness suite, says Trustee Amarylis Midgley.

On bank holiday Friday 8th May, to mark the 75th anniversary of VE day, there’s a combined Plant and Garden sale with specialist nurseries and a Family Fun Day. n See jubileeparkwoodhallspa.co.uk.

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WELL VALE HALL, ALFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE

£1.5M

This magnificent Grade II* Listed Hall occupies a spectacular private setting with exceptional riverside and lakeside views and has been described as the ‘hidden gem of Lincolnshire’. The spacious accommodation, dating back to the 17th Century, extends to some 17,500 sq. ft and includes seven grand reception rooms, seventeen bedrooms, fourteen basement rooms and a housekeeper’s apartment. The property is further complemented by a wonder ful 3,200 sq. ft Coach House and three-bedroom detached Bungalow. 6 acres (STS).

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OAK TREE BARN, BRANSTON, LINCOLN

EPC Rating: Exempt

£699,950

Oak Tree Barn is a wonderful five-bedroom barn conversion located in a stunning rural position, just six miles from Lincoln City Centre. The accommodation and outbuildings, in excess of 3500 sq. ft, includes a family kitchen and breakfast room with a beautiful vaulted ceiling, three further reception rooms, four double bedrooms in the East Wing and a guest bedroom in the West Wing. Externally the property is surrounded by grounds nearing 2.3 acres (STS) which include a courtyard, al fresco dining area and formal lawn gardens.

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EPC Rating: D

ASHLEA, HOUGH-ON-THE-HILL, GRANTHAM

£950,000

Ashlea is an impressive four-bedroom country residence located in the beautiful conservation village of Hough-On-The-Hill. The accommodation, nearing 3,100 sq. ft, offers a family kitchen, stunning vaulted garden room, lounge with feature fireplace, formal dining room, home office, four bedrooms including a master suite and three bathrooms / shower rooms. Externally, the property is situated within 1.5 acres (STS) of formal lawns and benefits from a versatile basement terrace, elevated entertaining areas, detached double garage and uninterrupted views.

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EPC Rating: C

LION HOUSE, BRATTLEBY, LINCOLN

£599,950

Lion House is a wonderful Grade II Listed five-bedroom residence located in the highly regarded conservation village of Brattleby. The accommodation includes a beautiful family kitchen with utility, formal dining room, spacious sitting room, four bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms. The property is complemented by The Brew House, a versatile, detached one-bedroom annex offering a spacious and immaculately presented interior. Externally the property is surrounded by landscaped gardens and a spacious double garage.

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EPC Rating: Exempt

Fine & Country Lincolnshire and Grantham, 55 High Street, Navenby, Lincs LN5 0DZ Telephone: 01522 287008 or 01476 247070 Email: lincoln@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com With offices in over 300 locations worldwide Fine and Country combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with national marketing campaigns and local expertise

HALTOFT HOUSE Wainfleet Road | Haltoft End | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE22 0PG

• Spacious and Characterful 6 Bedroomed Period Family Home with Private Gardens • Set in 1.23 acres with its Own Commercial Yard and 8,000sqft of Buildings Including Workshops and Offices • House Requiring Some Further Modernisation Features FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH Large Kitchen/Diner with Pantry VACANT POSSESSION • 2 Large Reception Rooms, 2 Staircases, 6 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Orangery and Ancillary Offices • Suitable for a Variety of Businesses with Modern Workshops & Stores Subject To Contract

£475,000

3 ALBION WHARF Spalding | Lincolnshire | PE11 2BF

• Riverside Town Centre Three Bedroomed House For Sale Freehold with Allocated Parking • Exclusive Courtyard Development Overlooking the River Welland • Gas Fired Central Heating, Modern Fitted Kitchen and Shower Room • Within a Short Walk of All Amenities in the Town Centre

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£175,000 Subject To Contract

19 HOLBEACH HOUSE Orchard Park | Holbeach | Spalding | Lincolnshire | PE12 7BP

• Luxuriously Appointed and Spacious Three Bedroomed Terraced Property • Exclusive Fully Managed Development with 2 Allocated Parking Spaces • Kitchen/Living Room, 3 Bedrooms with Family Bathroom and Master En-suite • Gas Fired Central Heating, Expansive Communal Gardens

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£195,000 Subject To Contract

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EXPLORING THE FENS

A Love Letter to the

FENS

This month we speak to historian and archaeologist Francis Pryor, author of a new book which celebrates the culture, history and topology of the Fens.

We’ll explore the past, the future and suggest some great places to visit in this vast expanse of the country covering over 1,500 square miles...

Words: Rob Davis, Francis Pryor.

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A LOVE LETTER TO THE FENS

the North Sea. By contrast, the peats which give the black fens their distinctive soil cover formed in freshwater ponds, fens and meres fed by the rivers that flowed into the fenland basin. The Silt Fens are mostly found in Lincolnshire and the Wash, while the Black Fens tend towards the centre and south mostly in the county of Cambridgeshire but extending into western areas of Norfolk and Suffolk. Parts of the central Fens around Peterborough and Spalding can feature episodes of fresh and saltwater deposits.”

INLAND FROM THE WASH on England’s Eastern coast, criss-crossed by substantial rivers and punctuated by soaring church spires, are the low lying marshy and mysterious Fens.

Formed by marine and fresh-water flooding and historically wealthy owing to the fertility of their soils. The Fens of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire are one of the most distinctive - perhaps neglected - but most of all extraordinary regions of England.

Francis Pryor has the most intimate of connections with this landscape. For some 40 years he has dug its soils as a working archaeologist making ground-breaking discoveries about the nature of prehistoric settlement in the area. He also raises sheep in the traditional flower growing countrywide between Spalding and Wisbech. His new book The Fens is a love story to the area.

In it, he counterpoints the history of the Fen landscapes and their transformation from Bronze Age field systems to Iron Age hill forts to the rise of prosperous towns such as Boston and Spalding, to ambitious draining projects and with both affection and deft prose, manages to weave together strands of archaeology, history and personal experience.

“I was standing on a sea bank roughly at the mid-point of the Wash shoreline in rural south Lincolnshire near the little village of Gedney Drove End.” “To my left the sea lapped against the muddy banks of a flooded tidal creek and to my right was a vast expanse of water that was neither sea nor lake: no beach, no bulrushes, no water lilies, just huge tracks of silty mud dissected by creeks and covered with irregular mats of tough springy vegetation edged with spreads of marsh samphire. Every so often there was a patch of soft quicksand. Land birds, seagulls and waders were everywhere and their ceaseless calls and shrill cries were 22

an essential part of the scene. Behind and below me, the picture was very different.”

“Beyond the concrete pill boxes, machine gun posts and other war time coastal defences with their decaying, pebbly concrete were thickly cloaked with brambles, this land s lower lying than the Wash shores.”

“It was intensively farmed and had very fertile pale brown soil with a few trees and fields of vegetables, potatoes, flowers and wheat, but it was a smaller, older and more irregular landscape than the great peaty black Fens, 20 miles to the South West.”

“These were the Marshlands or Silt Fens where roads often meandered, and many parish churches were medieval.”

“In the middle distance I could clearly see the magnificent ancient steeples of Long Sutton and Holbeach churches, but nowhere could I see so much as a hint of a hill nor a glimpse of upland, even on those distant horizons.

It was here that I first began to appreciate the vastness of the Fens’ one million acres.”

“Today, the Fens can be broadly divided into two areas: The Silt Fens to the north and the Peat or Black Fens to the South. The Silt Fens were deposited by the tidal waters of Above: Francis Pryor is the author of The Fens: Discovering Englands Ancient Depths, available from all good local bookshops.

“My father and grandfather had been students at Cambridge and they both spoke of the Fens with a sense of awe. Their memories of their student days have stayed with me.

My grandfather could even recall Fen men coming into town wearing their hair in long plaited pigtails!”

“When I became a student at Cambridge myself I began to be intrigued by the mysterious landscape just beyond the University’s threshold. At Cambridge I attended a high-flying college, Trinity but I spent most of my time drinking beer, chasing women and rowing off hangovers.”

“During the holidays I excavated ancient sites and soon began to grasp that I was actually quite good at it. In the summer of 1970 Dr Doug Tushingham an archaeologist I knew from Canada was looking for a new project.

I travel around eastern England as it was the region I knew best and having studied pre-history for my degree I was looking for somewhere pre-Roman. Eventually I found Fengate on the edge of Peterborough.”

“Gradually I began to learn more about the early settlers of the Fenlands. Even in such simpler times people weren’t stupid. Their position of their settlements on good dry land, but they didn’t always have the luxury of dry land to build on and frequently had to choose land which was dryer rather than

MANAGING THE FENS...

Fens for the Future aims to secure unique landscape...

With climate change at the forefront of today’s world it is not a surprise that The Fens landscapes are facing acute challenges. Flooding has always been a risk in the Fens, with it’s flat and low lying land where many areas are already below sea level. With extreme weather periods becoming the norm the Fens urgently need to ensure water is being pumped out to sea.

2019 saw relentless heavy rain with the drainage systems battling to get water away quick enough damaging thousands of acres of The Farms farmlands. The Fens for the Future Project and the NFU are both working to sustain the Fens. Firstly both companies understand the need to raise awareness of the Fens, promoting the landscapes and the need for improved flood defences.

The NFU is also involved in Environment Agency led discussions to develop a long term funding strategy for future Fenland flood defences and ways to strengthen defences wherever possible. Fens for the Future also wants to develop tourism and leisure opportunities to support the Fenland economy and undertake research that will inform future practices. www.fensforthefuture.org.uk

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A LOVE LETTER TO THE FENS

Above: Flowers like tulips were once a staple sight of the fenland landscape. Now, few varieties but daffodils can be seen. Also seen here: farming on the dark alluvial soil of the fens, Moulton Mill near Spalding and Pinchbeck Drainage Museum.

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dry. The banks of an old creek, a coastal dune or a tidal mudflat.”

“Around 4000 BC the first farmer started to settle permanently in the low-lying basin that was about the become the Fens. I use the term pre-history, incidentally, to refer to people and events prior to the Roman conquest of AD43 and the Neolithic or new stone age people would have looked and behaved just like us as they too were homo sapiens.”

“They would have spoken languages that would evolve of the millennia to form the ancestral versions of what we would later call ‘Celtic,’ which include, Welsh, Cornish, Breton, Scots Gaelic and Irish.”

“The earliest Fen farmers still lacked metals but their culture was far from unsophisticated. Indeed, exciting new discoveries many of them made in the Fens are starting to reveal just how rich and complex these ancient communities could be.”

“I began my serious archaeological research into the Fens in 1971 when we began our first season on excavation at Fengate. For most people the first serious relationship with a girlfriend or boyfriend is an unforgettable experience that remains with them for the rest of their life. I encountered something similar with my first excavation.

Just like a developing human relationship, Fengate taught me much about myself but also about the role of archaeology in the modern world.”

“The area around Long Sutton and Holbeach is known as the Saints. Long Sutton was originally Sutton St Mary with the parishes of Sutton St James and Sutton St Edmund to the South and West. These were daughter settlements as drainage reached in land back from the Wash.”

“The Northern Fens are well known for their huge windmills which are used for grinding corn. All three of the great Fenland mills at Heckington, Moulton and Boston now produce their own flour but many of the windmills of the southern Fens were much smaller and served as pumping mills or more correctly wind-driven engines that used scoop wheels to lift water out of the dykes and up into the embanked rivers that took the water to tidal out falls, one is preserved at Wicken Fen.” “In the early 19th century the wind pumps were slowly replaced by those based around beam engines then in the 20th century steam gave way to diesel power.”

England and head towards Spalding for the annual tulip parade with floats filled with displays of tulips culminating of course with one for the Tulip Queen whose smiling face would then grace of the inside of many national papers. The flowers grown in these fields are now far more varied. Daffodils seem to be most popular but farms around where I live grow Delphiniums, Foxtail Lilies, Gladioli and even peonies.”

“There are so many signs of the changing seasons here in the Fens. The dark ploughed soils of autumn, the vegetable picking gangs in winter, the seed drills of spring and the harvest of late summer. I feel profoundly at home here with the people, the animals and the landscape but I am becoming increasingly anxious about the future of the Fens.

The pace of sea level rise around Britain continues and there is now strong evidence to link it to global climate change. Current predictions suggest that sea levels with rise by at least a metre in the next 80 years.”

“I feel profoundly at home here but I am also becoming increasingly anxious about the future of the Fens...”

“Nobody ever pays much attention to the smaller Fenland towns which is a great shame as many of them are charming but in a business like non-chocolate box way.”

“Three of my personal favourites are Long Sutton, Holbeach and Spalding. One of the two greatest delights is Long Sutton’s church yard which looks green, lush and peaceful all year round.”

“The greatest delight is the church with its fine 13th century tower with superbly detailed exterior stonework. About three miles west of Long Sutton there is a sense of contempt for local politicians who inflicted a superstore on them to the effect that more local businesses seem to be closing every week. Market stall holders tell me that trade in the new Market Place is very slack.”

“The road to Spalding passes Baytree. I can remember when Reinhard Biehler was setting up his garden centre in the 1970s using funds he had raised by being a rose grafter for local growers. He came to England from his native Bavaria in 1964. I have watched him graft a rose and his fingers moved faster than a concert pianist.”

“A couple of miles after Baytree the road crosses over the Coronation Channel which is a flood relief channel off the River Welland. Spalding is entirely delightful and architecturally echoes the grace and charm of Wisbech with some beautiful Georgian and Regency houses.”

“In the past you would see field after field of screaming red, yellow or white tulips. In the 1950s until the 1970s coaches would set out from towns and villages across eastern

“So is it inevitable that the Fens will flood again? Sadly, I have come to the reluctant conclusion that it is a process that cannot be delayed forever. Most winters we receive flood warning and happily sea defences more or less hold.”

“If not, damage can usually be confined as when Boston was badly hit in 2013 and 2018. Often the most severe tidal surges happen when tides are at their highest due to the alignment of the earth sun and moon - these highest tides are known as Spring Tides.”

“Happily, climate change neglects to consider one crucial element; Fen people, whose collective imagination will produce ambitious ideas such as managed flooding, which could reinvent the Fens as a hugely enlarged conservation area which might provide leisure and educational experiences.”

“All of these nature loving visitors would require accommodation, food, entertainment and stimulation. Perhaps we will see a revival of the arts, painting, theatre and music.

You can never second guess the future but perhaps the Fens could have an ecologically sustainable future that will see many thousands of people enjoying the area for many thousands of years to come.” n The Fens by Francis Pryor, is published by Head of Zeus, £25, from good bookshops.

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FENLAND TOWNS

1. BOSTON Below: The wash is one of the largest estuaries in the UK, covering around 62,000 hectares. Initial attempts to reclaim the land form the sea were made by the Romans, but these fell into disrepair after AD400.

The Vikings advantaged themselves of the expansive area to try to invade England, with fen folk putting up stiff resistance both to stave off the invaders and the later Norman people as they too sought to conquer Britain.

The name The Wash is from the old English ‘wase’ and translates into ‘mud, slime ooze.’ We’ve had the last laugh though, with some of the most fertile and wonderful farmland in the whole of the UK. n

2. PETERBOROUGH

3. SPALDING

Below: No. It isn’t in Lincolnshire. But the land around Peterborough is rich in history, and one of the best sites to discover that history is at Flag Fen, the bronze-age site dating back 3,500 years where, from 1982, more and more discoveries have been made of life in ancient Britain. The site was discovered by this month’s Francis Pryor and his ream who literally stumbled across the site, and raised money for an initial investigation, suspecting there may be more interest beneath the peat.

It’s the peat, incidentally, which has preserved all of the site’s find so far, and archaeologists are racing against time to uncover the site’s finds before the land dries out. n

Below: Spalding was first populated in the 6th century by the Romans, and grew on either side of the River Welland. Flooding was a risk right up until the creation of Coronation Channel in 1953, which diverted water away from the town.

Near to Spalding is Pinchbeck, which is the home of the Pinchbeck Engine Museum where in 1833, a 20hp steam engine was created to drive a 22-foot water wheel which was designed to drain Pinchbeck Marsh. The area around Spalding rose to prominence for its fertile soils and was at the heart of the flower industry, though today its legacy of flowers remains only as fields of daffodils. n

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4. CROWLAND Above: For a little town with just 4,000 people, Crowland is a well-established Fen community, having grown in wealth around its abbey, established by Guthlac in AD699. The Abbey was fortified and defended during the English Civil War, later damaged by Cromwell’s Parliamentarians in 1643. The town’s Trinity Bridge dates back to th C14th and replaced a previous wooden bridge, spanning the Welland and a tributary which was later diverted. n

Welcome to The Fens

The Fens spans 1,500 square miles, spanning Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

The land is at or below sea level and is peat or silt in nature.

5. HOLBEACH & THE SUTTONS

6. CAMBRIDGE

Below: Whilst Holbeach has a population of just 10,000, it’s surrounded by Holbeach Fen, Hurn, St Johns, St Marks and St Matthew, as well as Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge. Much of the Holbeach and Sutton area was drained in the 1600s by folk like Cornelius Vermuyden who was appointed by Charles I to oversee many land drainage projects in Britain. His attempts were somewhat lacking in success, causing later engineers with powered pumps to continue his work and make the and less prone to flooding in the 18th and 19th centuries. n

Above: Cambridge and its surrounding fenland has been populated for 3,500 years, and is now home to 280,000 people. The Fens Waterways Link is a scheme to restore navigation to some of the drainage works. It is planned to bring the South Forty-Foot Drain and parts of the Car Dyke into use as a route between Boston and Cambridge. n

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HOW LINCOLNSHIRE PRODUCE CAN FEED, SURPRISE & DELIGHT A NATION YOU can’t make an omelette without breaking the finest Lincolnshire eggs – and why not pop in a sprinkling of herbs freshly grown in local soil too?

If you cut Lincolnshire’s very own chef, Steven Bennett, in half you may well see a good few ‘yellow veins’ so much is his passion for the county and its fields, which feed our nation.

Not only does he ensure he uses locally-sourced eggs and herbs – the latter from baskets at his own Healing Manor restaurant and hotel – his meat is bought from nearby farming families and some of his wines from the grapes of regional vineyards.

It is this local ethos that is being highlighted by Steven and Wilkin Chapman solicitors who have joined forces to highlight the importance of sourcing and buying local food. During the uncertainty in which we are all now living, they are both looking to a future when the country starts to build once more, and how that recovery may give us an opportunity to promote the opportunities that lie within our rural economy.

Prior to the cancellation of the 2020 Lincolnshire Show, they had planned to serve up a two-day culinary treat of cookery demonstrations. During the interactive displays, the common thread running through was, yes, you’ve guessed it, to promote and encourage the benefits of buying, cooking and eating fresh, local produce.

Born and raised near Louth, Steven’s passion for food, great cooking and promoting local produce has never wavered – and is shared by his partner

and wife, Charlotte. Together they took over at Healing Manor, near Grimsby two years ago and have since strived to create a business that promotes his wider message of keeping food miles down and quality up.

“I have a passion for keeping food true, for eating ‘through the seasons’ and for using the very best local produce.

In doing so the flavours speak for themselves,” explained Steven.

“During the uncertainty in which we are all now living, they are both looking to a future when the country starts to build once more,” His culinary creations are also known to include edible flowers and herbs that are grown in the grounds of Healing Manor – in fact, during his planning for the Show, he had warned florist Petal & Stalk, that some of its arrangements may well go missing and end up in the cooking pot!

“I wanted to demonstrate the types of things people can use to really enhance their cooking, and just how easy it can be,” added Steven.

For Wilkin Chapman the decision to support Steven’s ‘local’ ethos is one that comes without hesitation and reflects its long-lasting and close relationship with rural Lincolnshire. Steeped in history, Wilkin Chapman’s success – it sits as a Top 200 UK law firm and is the region’s largest – is part-born from its continued commitment to supporting the area’s rural community.

A panel member for the East Midlands NFU, Wilkin Chapman is closely engaged in all aspects of rural life, with expertise centering on agriculture, succession planning and diversification alongside extensive knowledge within the Corporate & Commercial, domestic and commercial property, and private and family law sectors.

Firm Partner and Head of Agriculture, Catherine Harris, highlighted the continued importance of supporting the regional rural economy.

“While we were all looking forward to Steven’s displays at the Show, which would have highlighted the importance and benefit of sourcing local produce, we can still take this opportunity to highlight just how fine our county produce is,” said Catherine.

“When we start to recover from the extremely challenging time that we find ourselves in, we must support each other to deliver a united message on the value of quality locally produced food.

We must all appreciate the benefits of what surrounds us and the need to invest our time and resource in helping to rebuild stronger than before. Our rural economy will be integral to that rebirth,” she added. *Please note: following guidelines to help combat coronavirus, Healing Manor Hotel and Restaurant is closed until further notice.

For further information, please email marketing@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk

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BBC’S KEELEY DONOVAN

BRING ME SUNSHINE We’re all hoping for one of those long hot summers we used to know. Among the first person to predict it will be the BBC’s forecasting expert Keeley Donovan. Known to 500,000 viewers for the accuracy of her predictions and for her sunny disposition, we this month find out why summer 2020 will be especially exciting for Lincolnshire’s Keeley...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: James Green Studio.

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KEELEY DONOVAN

>> “IT’S ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO,” says Keeley Donovan. “I was really good at science at school and I had a real interest in it.” We’ve managed to catch the BBC weather presenter between forecasts… which is a pretty tricky thing, given that Keeley presents up to 25 forecasts a day.

With her sunny outlook, Keeley adores how relevant the weather is to her audience, which currently stands at about 500,000 people.

Happily, she and her colleagues including Paul Hudson and her colleagues at Meteo Group and the Met Office have the knowledge and the resources they need to ensure that modern weather forecasting is more accurate and more reliable than ever before.

You grew up in Lincolnshire, did you take much notice of the weather as a youngster?

We lived in the village of Tetney, between Louth and Grimsby.

It’s a great little village and its surrounded by lovely countryside. I spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying long walks with my grandparents. They were always encouraging me to spot butterflies, bees, identify different species of animals, trees, plants… generally to take an interest in the countryside.

I still go back to Tetney often and I love cycling in the Wolds and just generally enjoying the countryside; massive fields of oilseed rape, big skies and the undulating Lincolnshire landscape… the sort that people who think the area is flat and boring just don’t realise is all around the county!

How busy is your life as a broadcaster?

Incredibly busy. Some people think we just deliver the broadcast for TV, but actually I work on up to 25 forecasts a day. Based in Leeds we deliver the output for our Look North programmes from Leeds and Hull, but also eight different local radio stations and our online forecasts too. The weather also changes throughout the day, too, so we refine our forecasts throughout the day and revise them as necessary.

So how do you forecast the weather?

“The British are ardent followers of the weather, we’re never stuck for a topic of conversation… we’ll always discuss the weather!

The county was a great place to begin your career too?

Yes! I went to Humberston School and left in 1999 to complete levels at Franklin Sixth Form College before studying towards a degree in media at Leicester’s De Montfort University. After University I did a post grad course in Broadcast Journalism with East Coast Media and then joined the BBC in 2005.

From the age of 14 I had worked with Channel 7, the forerunner to Estuary TV as part of Image 2000 which provided youngsters with a way to experience broadcast journalism. From Image 2000 I freelanced for East Coast Media and joined Look North initially as a broadcast journalist. I enjoyed the newsroom environment, it’s fast-paced and ever-changing, but I also wanted to specialise and in 2007 I moved to the Leeds studios and retrained in meteorology.

Why did you want to present the weather?

Well I’ve the best of both worlds really because forecasting and broadcasting the weather is a real pleasure. It’s just so relevant to everyone. It’s a cliché to say the British are ardent followers of the weather, but it’s also quite true. As a nation we’re never stuck for a topic of conversation… we’ll always discuss the weather with each other!

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But there’s a slight downside?

Only one in a job that, otherwise, I absolutely love. As a broadcaster specialising in the weather there’s limited opportunities to get out and meet people. That’s why presenting Inside Out compliments it so well. It’s a current affairs programme that regularly involves me going out and meeting people – it’s always such a privilege when people share their story with you. I think it’s an excellent example of how well the BBC does current affairs; it’s relevant, it’s local and meaty.

The BBC works alongside Meteogroup to provide its forecasts. We log onto an online service which has endless information and weather maps for us to put together our forecasts.

It’s one of the largest providers of weather forecasting and has 400 employees and a turnover of €50m a year. They provide data to broadcasters and companies in sectors like transport, air travel and utility companies.

The services operate in different countries and provides both raw weather data and maps via a service that we can log in to and turn into a weather forecast.

What information do you look at?

We look at a range of information, from ground observations to satellite images and radar to help us understand what the weather is up to at the moment – ‘now-casting,’ if you like. That’s a good place to start.

We then move onto the forecast itself. Meteogroup uses a range of forecasting models – including the Met Office model, the European model or GFS the American model. These models are generated using huge supercomputers and a process called ensemble forecasting.

The result is a series of charts we can look at and interpret.

And that’s a definitive forecast?

Not definitive. We log on to a conference call each day to discuss the charts with the services that provide the information as they’re still a little open to interpretation… not completely, but to some extent. If Paul Hudson and I are both delivering a forecast that day we need to make sure we’re delivering consistent information.

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KEELEY DONOVAN

What do the charts show?

Still, we have better forecasts than ever?

Well take pressure charts for example – or synoptic charts. We use these to get lots of our information. The circular lines are isobars which show barometric pressure, indicating if the weather will be dominated by high or low pressure. They also tell us about wind strength and crucially direction. The direction of the wind largely dictates what our weather will be like on the ground.

Definitely. And they’ll improve further in the future. Which is important because the weather really does have an economic impact on people’s lives. Sectors like farming are a good example, but lots of businesses are also affected by the weather indirectly – we’re less likely to do something outdoors if it’s going to rain, for example. Businesses need accurate forecasting, so it’s not just a case of making sure people know whether they’ll need an umbrella.

Fronts are also show on the charts – with little red or blue triangles and semi-circles showing what type of front it is – cold, warm or occluded. Different fronts give and introduce very different weather conditions. For example – a cold front often gives a shorter, but heavier spell of rain.

And that allows you to interpret the weather?

Yes along with some extra charts which show us cloud cover, precipitation type, sunshine amounts etc – we then interpret or translate it into something a little more meaningful for viewers.

Which you use to create a script?

No, I don’t write a script. The broadcast you see is all ad lib. Because broadcast durations vary, I never know exactly how long I’ll have to talk for, so what I say on screen is completely live with no autocue or script.

How much does climate change come into your work?

More and more actually. Climate change is real and it’s already effecting us. It’s difficult to say one flooding event is definitely down to climate change but we know that as our climate warms we can expect more extreme weather.

We are expecting drier, warmer summers to become more the norm but when the rain comes in winter or when thunderstorms develop in summer there’s more energy available to them so they’ll hold and deposit more water…and therefore the incidence of heavy rain and flooding will become more frequent too.

“I don’t write a script.

The broadcast you see is all ad lib. Broadcast durations vary, so I never know exactly how long I’ll have to talk for!

The graphics you see are sometimes edited, but mostly they’re the same charts we look from the providers. We stand in front of a green screen and our computers delete the shade of green we want to get rid of and replace it with the graphics to produce what you see on screen. Our broadcast is produced in our Leeds studios, and Look North’s Hull studio ‘opts in’ to our broadcast to include it as part of the programme.

How accurate is modern forecasting?

Computer modelling has helped to make forecasts much more accurate, to the extent that today’s four-day forecast is as accurate as the one-day forecast was 30 years ago. Many millions of pounds are invested in technology to constantly improve the accuracy of forecasting, and it will only become more and more accurate over time.

The UK is a challenging place to forecast for though, you know the saying ‘four seasons in one day’ - well, that’s true, isn’t it! One of the main challenges is that the UK is an island, and that means fewer land mass observations compared to countries with larger land masses, it’s more difficult to predict how the weather will react one it’s reaches the land. We can also look at the 10-day forecast, or even a month or a season ahead but the further you look into the future the less predictable the weather will be with more of a focus on trends.

As a forecaster I usually love a good statistic or record…but there’s something rather unsettling about the frequency they are now occurring. The consequences for large parts of our country - and for Lincolnshire’s coast and its farmland - could be and already have been devastating.

Are we heading for an especially warm Summer?

I’d love to say that we are but it’s simply too early to say that yet.

It’ll be a busy one for you personally though!

Yes. I’m going to be celebrating my birthday in Tetney with my family this month and then in June my husband Johnny and I will celebrate our second anniversary. Johnny proposed when we were in the Lake District enjoying a walking holiday. My BBC colleague Harry Gration performed the ceremony!

And then next month we’ll celebrate the birth of our first child. I really wanted to know if we were having a boy or a girl but Johnny really wanted it to be a secret so we decided not to find out and enjoy the surprise.

We’ll find out on the programme no doubt!

Yes! I’m sure it’ll make the news. It’s really lovely that as a broadcaster you’re recognised and the whole team loves meeting people at events like the Lincolnshire Show, which I really enjoy each year. At the time of writing there’s a question of whether it’ll be cancelled because of Coronavirus, so I’m hoping it goes ahead, but even if it does I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend this year! I’m looking forward to a great summer though, hopefully a nice and warm one! n

n Keeley Donovan is the presenter of BBC Look North and its weather forecast, as well as Countryfile Diaries and current affairs show Inside Out. 34

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VE DAY 75 LINCOLNSHIRE

VE Day 75 in LINCOLNSHIRE Words: Carissa Smith. Images: Lincolnshire Archives.

Above: Stonebow and The Guildhall, five minutes after Churchill announced the cessation of hostilities.

On the 8th May 1945 Churchill’s familiar voice played over the radio to the British Public declaring Germany’s surrender, marking the end of World War Two. This month Lincolnshire reflects on VE Day 75 years on…

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The Impact of

WWII WWII saw 12,000,000 dead; two thirds military and one third civilian. Over 12,000 Bomber Command aircraft were shot down with 55,500 airmen killed.

This Spread: A cigarette break for one of Bomber Command’s crews.

Image: IBCC.

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VE DAY 75 IN LINCOLNSHIRE

ON THE 8th May 2020 it will be 75 years since the World War Two guns fell silent and the arrival of a peaceful Europe.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the public at 3pm on Tuesday 8th May 1945 to give the news they had all been waiting for; ‘The German War is at an end!’ The whole of country erupted in celebration and scenes of wild excitement engulfed the whole country.

Lincolnshire marked the victory with street parties, dancing, singing, bonfires, fireworks and Lincolnshire Corporation double-decker buses were specially decorated in red, white and blue, with the flags of the Allied nations painted on the side. n Left: Winston Churchill and King George announce Victory in Europe.

Below: Street party celebrating VE Day, Rosemary Lane, Lincoln, 1945.

Image: Lincolnshire Archives.

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HISTORY

All’s Fair in Lincolnshire Candy floss at the ready. This month we explore the history of the fairground with Graham Downie, Chairman of the Fairground Association of Great Britain...

Words: Graham Downie. Images: Richard Starbuck.

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OWEN’S NEW BOOK OF FAIRS, published in 1792, reported that Lincolnshire had a total of 130 fairs held each year. By the time of the report of the Royal Commission on Market Rights and Tolls, published in 1889, that number had declined to 109. The Industrial Revolution fuelled an exodus from the countryside but Lincolnshire, being a large and predominantly rural county, with very few large centres of population, may been more resistant to the changes seen elsewhere.

1920

Of those that have survived, the most important are Stamford Mid-Lent Fair, Grantham Mid-Lent Fair, Lincoln Fair and Boston May Fair. Remarkably, at the time of the Royal Commission’s report Stamford had no fewer than nine annual fairs and Boston five. Most of these were probably fairs for the sale of livestock only. Those that have survived to this day as pleasure fairs were probably the only ones then that attracted travelling showmen.

One Lincolnshire fair worthy of note is Brigg Fair, held on the 5th of August. During the early years of the 20th century the composer Percy Grainger collected a folk song that celebrated Brigg Fair. His subsequent arrangement was the inspiration for Delius’ 1907 Brigg Fair.

The Normans created many fairs principally for the purpose of trade and were extremely important annual events. These had legal status and attracted traders and goods from as far away as France, Spain Italy and the Hanse towns. Between the years 1200 and 1400 no fewer than 4,860 fairs were estab-

lished by charter – and indication of their importance in the economic life of the country.

These fairs drew not only merchants, but also itinerant entertainers as well: jugglers, tumblers and musicians – the ancestors of today’s travelling showmen.

By the eighteenth century the trading aspect of the charter fairs was beginning to wane and fairs consisted almost entirely of amusements.

Principal among the competing attractions – acrobats, illusionists, puppet plays, beast shows and freaks – were the theatrical companies’ booths.

It was not until the 1860s, when the King’s Lynn engineer Frederick Savage perfected an efficient system of applying the power of a steam engine to a roundabout, that fairground rides assumed a more important role on the fairground. Almost overnight the rides became larger, more ornamented and – most importantly – were able to carry many more riders.

By the end of the century lavishly appointed roundabouts were edging out the shows but not before they had enjoyed one last fling: in the late 1890s travelling showmen were quick to see the potential of the new technology of moving pictures. Out went the illusion shows and in came cinematographs.

In turn those same fairgoers were also introduced to another modern miracle – electric lighting – via the splendidly lit shows, their power being generated by dynamos mounted on the steam road locomotives that hauled their equipment from fair to fair. n 1962

Above: Ralph & Kathleen Jenkin who were Mayor and Mayoress of Boston in the 1960s enjoying a May Fair ride!

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Seafood bouillabaisse with mussels, clams and king prawns.

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FOOD & DRINK

The Thatched Cottage at SUTTERTON Picture perfect with local ingredients and some wonderful dishes ready for summer.

This month we’re enjoying the sights and flavours in and around the delightful Thatched Cottage in Sutterton, the area’s prettiest pub restaurant...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Dean Fisher.

Huge fields, and even bigger skies. There’s no doubting you’re in the Fens. Happily, as we floated along the A16 towards Sutterton recently, overcast skies had given way to an expansive overhead display of bright blue.

meet the CHEF

The sun shone brightly and that dark brown alluvial soil turned into vast carpets of bright green shoots speckled with young daffodils growing wild on verges and in fields surrounding the main road.

Indeed, as Pride appears in print, it’s possible that those green shoots will turn a rich golden hue as Lincolnshire’s cereals reach maturity.

And what a juxtaposition the colour of wheat and deep blue of a clear sky makes.

Constable, Turner, Monet or Cezanne could scarcely inject more colour or character and could hardly wish for greater inspiration for their next canvas. But should they find themselves a bit short of something to paint, they could do much worse than The Thatched Cottage.

BEING SURROUNDED BY THE FENS, ENSURES A WEALTH OF LOCAL INGREDIENTS FOR CHEFS LIKE VICKI AND TOM...

TOM NIBLOCK SOUS CHEF Its whitewashed exterior looks pristine in sunshine and a thatched roof, of course, always looks picture perfect.

Surrounded by the fenlands, though, doesn’t just aid the restaurant’s kerb appeal. It also provides rather easy access to a wealth of local ingredients, that any chef worth his salt will value and will delight in using to create decent dishes. Happily, chef patron Vicki Dillamore and her two fellow chefs are worth their salt, hence our recommendation here.

Vicky’s father Murray Chambers and his business partner Chris Dixon purchased the restaurant in 2016 and embarked on a comprehensive refurbishment. Once ready to reopen to the public, Vicky took the lead in the kitchen and created a menu of great à la carte dishes and grill options. >>

Food History: Tom was born in Watford, raised in France and arrived in Lincolnshire following his marriage to local Laura.

Food Wisdom: “I think its important to really concentrate on which flavours work well together and make sure everything really complements each other.”

Food Heaven: “Tarte tartin with apples!”

Food Hell: “Goats’ cheese!”

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Belly pork with celeriac mash.

>> Inglenook fireplaces, wobbly beams and exposed brickwork all provide a lovely, warm and characterful backdrop for summer dining.

There’s the choice of a 40-seater restaurant or the bar in which to dine, and in warmer weather, there’s an outdoor terrace too.

Accordingly, a bar menu provides 10 options from beer-battered fish and chips to a Lincolnshire ploughman’s platter and a sausage and mash option; the usual suspects, but created to a high standard using local ingredients and executed really well.

OPEN FOR FOOD Monday to Saturday: 12noon - 2pm; 5pm - 9pm.

Sunday: 12noon-3pm; 5pm - 8pm.

Blackcurrant cheesecake with Prosecco.

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Afternoon Tea: 12noon - 3pm Monday to Saturday.

on the MENU OPTIONS FROM THE A LA CARTE MENU AT THE THATCHED COTTAGE Starters Asparagus wrapped Parma ham & panko, deep fried egg and Hollandaise sauce £6.

Gin cured smoked salmon with pickled cucumber, radish and lemon mousse £6.

Main Courses Pan fried salmon fillet with crushed new potatoes, samphire, mussels and white wine sauce £17.

Oven roasted chicken supreme with wild mushroom risotto, Parma ham shards and blue cheese £17.

Deconstructed banoffee pie with caramelised white chocolate mousse.

In the restaurant there’s fresh flowers and white tablecloths, commensurate with the look and feel of the place. The restaurant’s à la carte menu provides around six starter options, eight main course dishes and four additional grill options.

To round off your meal there are seven dessert choices including a local cheese board which flies the flag for local producers like Lincolnshire Poacher and Cote Hill.

Speaking of local producers, veg arrives via Jonathan Hull and is sourced from the fields around the restaurant, whilst Ruskington’s Mel Ward provides beautifully butchered meat including aged beef for the Thatched Cottage’s steaks.

Fresh fish from Grimsby is delivered daily by Coles of King’s Lynn, and shellfish is sourced from Gerald Fletcher of Boston’s East Lincs Seafood. Real ale and locally produced spirits at The Thatched Cottages are from Batemans and smaller breweries and distilleries such as Kirton’s Fuddy Duck.

Naturally, there’s a dedicated Sunday Lunch menu too with five starters and five main course options including the halo dish of any weekend; a roast sirloin of beef with rich pan gravy, big Yorkshire puddings and seasonal Lincolnshire veg. Delicious, and decent value for money too at £14.95 or £17.95 for two or three courses respectively.

There’s also a grill night on Wednesdays providing two steaks and a bottle of wine for £27, as well as concessionary dining for seniors on Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes.

Set in eight acres of country park, with 17 different species of trees and shrubs and about 2,000 of them in total, it’s a lovely leafy place for a pre-Sunday lunch stroll.

There’s a fishing lake and caravan site too, if your caravanning friends are looking to stop by on their way through to Norfolk.

So, if our feature on the fens has inspired you to fall in love with the area all over again, stop by in Sutterton too, and enjoy decent dining at the picture perfect Thatched Cottage. n

Infused pork chops with thyme & apple cider and pesto bean salad £17.

Gammon arch with gooseberry jam, fried duck egg, crispy pickled onion rings and watercress £16.

Dessert Passionfruit cheesecake with mango sorbet and caramel nest £6.

Rich chocolate fondant with chocolate sauce and salted caramel ice cream £6.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n The Thatched Cottage Restaurant, Pools Lane, Sutterton, Boston PE20 2EZ. Call 01205 461006, www.thethatchedcottagerestaurant.co.uk.

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Set in 88 acres of breathtakingly beautiful parkland, the award-winning Branston Hall provides a truly magical setting for your wedding day and incredible photo opportunities to capture those special moments.

The hotel offers unparalleled service and a luxury ambience with bespoke wedding packages to suit all budgets.

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POOLS LANE, SUTTERTON, BOSTON, LINCS PE20 2EZ

Tel: 01205 461006 enquiries@thethatchedcottagerestaurant.co.uk www.thethatchedcottagerestaurant.co.uk

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In the KITCHEN Cherries are one of our most beloved native fruits and this month we look at recipes to really brighten your day...

FRESH CHERRY PAVLOVA Preparation time: 30 minutes. Baking time: 90 minutes. Perfect for sharing.

Ingredients: 300ml grape juice • 50g caster sugar • 300g cherries • 300ml tub double cream 1 lemongrass stalk, halved lengthways (optional) • Pavlova: 175g caster sugar • 75g light brown muscovado sugar • 5 medium free range eggs • 1 tsp white wine vinegar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp cornflour • Chocolate to garnish.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6 and line a baking tray with parchment.

Combine the two sugars for the pavlova. Whisk the egg whites in a bowl until stiff, then add 1 tbsp of the sugars at a time whisking continously, until smooth and glossy.

In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar, vanilla and cornflour then whisk this into the meringue.

Spoon the mixture onto the parchment and spread out to make a circle roughly 22cm in diameter.

Place in the oven and reduce to 150°C/Gas mark 2.

Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes until golden, then turn off

the oven, open the door ad leave the pavlova inside to cool completely. Place the juice and sugar in a saucepan and gently heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Add the lemongrass (if using), turn up the heat for 10 minutes and reduce the juice by half.

Set aside several cherries to decorate, then halve and stone those remaining.

Add the halved cherries to the juice pain and simmer for two minutes, then turn off the heat and leave to cool.

To serve, whip the double cream and spoon over the pavlova. Top with whole cherries and chocolate shavings. n

Recipe: Waitrose, www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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CHERRY & ALMOND MUFFINS Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes.

Ingredients: 300g plain flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp fine salt • 150g golden granulated sugar, plus 1 tbsp for topping • 2 medium free range eggs • 150ml light olive oil • 125ml almond drink • 1/2 tsp almond extract • 180g fresh cherries, halved and pitted • 30g flaked almonds Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6.

Line all ten holes of a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases (leave the two centre holes empty).

Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a mixing bowl.

In a jug, whisk together the eggs and oil, then whisk in the almond drink and extract. Gently stir into the dry ingredients until just combined, then stir through the cherries.

Divide between the muffin cases and top with the flaked almonds and remaining a tablespoon sugar.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden and risen.

Leave to cool in the tin for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve once cool or store for up to two days in an airtight container. n

ROAST CHERRY & CHOCOLATE MESS Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 10 minutes.

Ingredients: 400g cherries, halved and then pitted 3 fresh bay leaves • 2 tbsp white caster sugar, plus 1 tsp for the cream • 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses • 250ml whipping cream • 50g dark chocolate, finely chopped • 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste (optional) • 4 meringue nests (or 12 mini meringue shells), very roughly broken Preheat the oven to 220°C/Gas mark 7. Put the cherries in a medium roasting tin and toss with the bay leaves, 2 tbsp sugar and the pomegranate molasses. Roast for 5-7 minutes to get the juices bubbling (don’t cook the cherries through).

Meanwhile, put 4 tbsp cream and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Put the chopped chocolate in a small bowl, pour the hot cream over it, and stir until smooth. Spoon 1 tbsp into the bottom of 4 small tumblers.

Put the remaining cream, 1 tsp sugar and the vanilla, if using, into a large bowl. Whip to very soft peaks. Add a generous dollop to each glass, then a few chunks of the meringue, some cherries and juice. Repeat, finishing each with a final small dollop of cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Top with cherries and serve straight away. n Recipes: www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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A spring spirit to be sipped, not slammed...

Wine of the Month

If you are looking for a modern drink to drink neat, pair with tonic or add to a cocktail then look no further - tequila is here!

Whispering Angel Rosé, Provence 75cl / 13.% ABV £19.99

Most of us will have experienced tequila with a wedge of lime and a lick of salt, but stop there. Tequila is an undervalued spirit which can also be drank neat (no different to sipping spirits like whisky) or incorporated into a cocktail - you can’t go wrong with a refreshing margarita. The Reposado from Tequila El Rayo has benefited from seven months in whisky barrels before bottling and you’ll be grateful for the smooth caramel, nuts and earthy notes. n £36.95/ 70cl / 40% ABV

The Wine Cellar JOIN US THIS MONTH IN CELEBRATING THE BEST OF BRITISH WINES WITH ENGLISH WINE WEEK (23RD MAY - 31ST MAY) AND OPTIONS THAT YOU CAN ENJOY ALL SUMMER LONG...

BEAUTIFULLY BRITISH: Celebrate English Wine Week!

1. Plumpton Single Variety is a white made from the Bacchus grape. Similar in some ways to sauvignon blanc, containing apple and citrus flavours along with notes of newly mown hay & elderflower, £16.95 / 75cl / 11% ABV.

2. We’re now seeing more English red wines on the market including Gamay Noir, a new addition to Kent Vineyard.

This light-bodied, easy drinking red has cherry and plum flavours with light floral notes. Enjoy it best lightly chilled! £15.50 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV. 3.Giffords Hall is a family run vineyard located in the village of Hartest in Suffolk. This rosé is crisp and delicate. The palate is fresh with red berry flavours, a touch of pink grapefruit, white peach and wild strawberry, £15 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV.

Oh, May! Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to rosé the day away...

With Whispering Angel you know you’re onto something special the moment you get a whiff of this gorgeous salmon-pink Provençal rosé.

Its delicate aromas of summer fruits include strawberries, peach, rose-water and orange blossom and doesn’t disappoint in the mouth either.

Elegant, crisp and complex, it’s one to impress your friends with!

Just be warned, the first bottle you buy is unlikely to be your last. n

We’re going mad for British bubbles amid English Wine Week British bubbles are all the rage with British sparkling wine now being a prominent fixture. Because it’s English Wine Week this month, we thought we’d share one of our favourite bubble makers!

Coates & Seeley bubbles are drawn from grape vines that line a secluded valley in the downlands of Hampshire in Southern England. You can find their fine sparkling wines at royal palaces and Newmarket’s esteemed Jockey Club. The palate of Brut Reserve NV is fresh and citrussy with racy acidity and a fine mousse. £31.95 / 75cl / 11.5%

n Our featured wines are available from

the best local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary from those stated.

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OUR BRAND NEW APP

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HOMES & INTERIORS

ECCENTRIC, ECLECTIC &

COLOURFUL Packed with tradition and character, with masses of colour and lots of chunky freestanding furniture, we this month look around Greystones; a quirky former farmhouse in the village of Gosberton 60

Words: Laurin Dempsey. Images: Dean Fisher.

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Hallelujah! Colour, eccentricity and style!

The fabulously eclectic owners of this month’s featured property have literally gone Green on their Fenland farmhouse located near Gosberton and now on the market.

Jud and Brian Green are from Spalding and worked as flower wholesalers before retiring.

Some 25 years ago they also moved out of the town centre into their mid-20th century farmhouse.

“So many properties we’ve seen over the years are so impersonal, painted in really neutral colours,” says Jud. “I’ve always loved colour so we’ve enjoyed introducing into the house a range of strong, bold colours from Farrow & Ball.”

Top: Lots of colour, free-standing furniture and eclectic furnishings create a property with loads of character in a rural location.

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“I wanted a big sociable space as part of our home.

We’ve always had dogs, cats, horses - a whole menagerie!”

Likewise, when reconfiguring the upstairs of the property, builders suggested that the size of the house was sufficient to accommodate six bedrooms. Instead, the family kept one bedroom aside to create a generously-sized en suite and used two additional bedrooms to ensure all of the property’s upstairs rooms were all sufficiently large.

“I wanted a big sociable space as part of our home. My daughter grew up in the house and we’ve always had dogs, cats, horses - a whole menagerie - so a big sociable space with sofas and an open fire were essential.”

“Over the years if we’ve wanted to change the colour of the kitchen it’s a simple case of giving them a repaint. As for the property’s next owners, they can repaint existing furniture or if they’re keen on having a new kitchen fitted, it’s almost immediately ready for a fitted one to be installed.”

Consequently, there are very generously sized bedrooms and two en suites as well as a family bathroom. Naturally being an older property there’s also plenty of built-in storage and two staircases.

“The kitchen is just that place and I really dislike fitted kitchens, with loads of straight samey units and nowhere to hang a picture or display an object we’ve collected on our travels. Instead it’s almost all free-standing.”

The property has two more reception rooms; a drawing room with a large stone fireplace that the family refer to as ‘the winter room,’ and a garden room that’s referred to as ‘the summer room.’

“It was sort of a rebellion, which I’ve started to move away from a little, but not completely. We’re not ready to conform yet!”

“We’ve quite set ideas about what a house should look like and they’re not to everyone’s tastes but we’re happy and actually what we’ve chosen to do with the house makes it easy for us or for the property’s next owners to put their own stamp on the property.”

“It’s a really practical house for larger families,” says Jud. “You’re never on top of each other and it easily swallows up family life and clutter. Part of the reason we’re leaving the house is to downsize a bit, but it’s a little scary seeing how little space other properties that we’ve been looking at have!”

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>> Upstairs there are four extremely spacious bedrooms, two with en-suites and a family bathroom as well as a dressing room.

The landing is wide enough for furniture and seating, making it another great communal area.

There’s plenty space outside, too, with five acres of land and paddocks surrounding the property plus parkland beyond with an acre of garden formal gardens at the front.

“You’d think the property is in the middle of nowhere but actually we’re only about a mile from the bypass so you really have the best of both worlds. We’re surrounded by countryside, and by cereals and vegetable crops, but just a short drive down the road you can literally turn right for Peterborough and left for Boston. We’d never move back into the town.”

Above: The property has three reception rooms and four generously sized double bedrooms.

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“But the best part of the property is the absolutely tapestry of nature that we enjoy around the grounds. Animals, birds, and greenery. I’ve always felt to connected to the countryside surrounding the house but it remains an amazing feeling to watch the seasons coming and going throughout the year.”

“We’re going to miss the house enormously but not withstanding the fact that it’s larger than we need we’d also like to be nearer to our friends and our hobbies. I really enjoy tennis and golf so to be nearer to our local clubs really appeals.”

“I’m hoping that a really nice family will take an interest in the place and make it their own. It’s a grand place, a great family home!” n

GREYSTONES GOSBERTON BANK NEAR SPALDING Location: Gosberton Bank, Spalding seven miles; Peterborough 25 miles; Boston 10 miles.

Style: Mid 20th century farmhouse renovated by current owners.

Bedrooms: Four, with two en suites.

Receptions: Three recepetions.

Other Features: Panoramic countryside views, five acres of land, double garage.

Guide Price: £675,000 Find Out More: Fine & Country, Uppingham; 01780 750200 or see www.fineandcountry.com. n

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KITCHENS • BEDROOMS • BOOT ROOMS • STUDIES INDIVIDUALLY MADE FREE STANDING FURNITURE

Call 07534 808903 richwood-cabinetmakers@hotmail.com BRING RICHWOOD INTO THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

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HOME FURNISHINGS

Shift Into

NEUTRAL April means brighter days, and you can make the most of the longer days by letting natural light in your home using these fabrics and wallcoverings inspired by neutral tones and rich textures...

Image: Paloma from Harlequin, wallpaper is Orlena in rose gold, chaise in Lucette fabric, cushions in Cadencia and Lucielle.

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Each of our wallcovering and fabrics brands are stocked by local interior designers who can create bespoke furnishings for your home...

Left: Prestigious textiles Gatsby, chair in Boudoir. Cushions in Deco and Rosecliff.

Above: New for spring 2020 is Clarke and Clarke’s Metalli.

Throw in Oro ivory/gold, and Maddox.

Top/Right, Right: De Le Cuona’s 100% linen Vintage Canvas and scatter cushions with contrast piping from the firm’s Maverick II collection.

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Above: Morris and Co’s Pure Bachelors bed linen.

Local Suppliers...

Top/Right: Casamance’s Maupiti fabric.

Anelise Home: 01522 530400, www.anelisehome.co.uk.

Above/Right: De Le Cuona’s Bracken linens from the firm’s new Maverick II collection.

Delcor: 01780 762579, www.delcor.co.uk.

Right: Zoffany Birds wallpaper.

Elizabeth & Stevens: 01636 822000, www.elizabethandstevens.com.

Lees Furnishers: 01472 353251 www.leesfurnishers.co.uk.

Richard Sutton Interiors: 01472 268377, richardsuttondesigninteriors.com.

Sack Store: 01205 310101, www.sackstore.co.uk.

Stevensons: 01472 233111, www.stevensonsgroup.co.uk. n

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Interiors . Garden . Gorgeous Gifts at

Home, Garden & Gifts Ideas at our Ebay stores: bronzeart2009/eBay and vintagehomeandgarden/eBay or at www.elizabethandstevens.com Open 24/7 online and we can ship worldwide.

Telephone orders can be taken on 01636 822000.

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Wolf dual fuel range with charbroiler and griddle, ÂŁ17,200.

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HOMES & INTERIORS

Blender Four programmes, 210mph blade speed, 1.6 litre jar £599.95.

Knife Block Bread, cook’s, paring & utility knives; sharpener/block, full tang £849.95.

Sub Zero Fridge Freezer 48” wide, plumbed ice maker, 520 litre fridge; 332 litre freezer, £26,000.

SHOWING

HOT & COLD Luxurious, professional quality and built to withstand even the most testy of chefs! Appliances from Wolf & Sub Zero will add both style and functionality to your kitchen.

Featured products are available from Richard Sutton Interiors of Grimsby...

Integrated Coffee Machine Bean to cup, optional cup warming drawer, 13 grind settings, £2,800.

Four Slice Toaster Self-centreing, extra-wide slots, frozen and warming settings £399.95.

Richard Sutton Interiors, Wellowgate, Grimsby DN32 0RA. Call 01472 268377 www.richardsuttondesigninteriors.com.

Wine Conditioning Unit Sits beside other refrigeration modules, space for over 140 bottles, £9,822.

Cookware Set Seven-ply, oven safe to 260°c, lifetime warranty, £1,299.95.

Stand Mixer 6.5 litre capacity, with flat beater, whisk and dough hook, £899.

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UNSURPASSED QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms - full project management and free quotations

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

Tel: 01507 527113

W: www.peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk E: info@peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk

PJCabinetMakers

GARDEN HOUSES from M O R R I S S & S H A W G A R D E N H O U S E S LT D C O N S E R VAT O R I E S , ORANGERIES

&

ROOF LANTERNS

BESPOKE AND L O C A L LY H A N D M A D E IN HARDWOOD

01529 300609 07832 344046 morrissandshawgardenhouses.com info@morrissandshawgardenhouses.com chris@morrissandshawgardenhouses.com 74

HOME AND INTERIORS

An Investment in Style & Quality for

YOUR HOME If you’re looking to make an investment in style and quality for your home, Turnbull has the answer. But don’t take our word for it; ask one customer near Sleaford who transformed their dated kitchen...

Words: Rob Davis.

Sheraton Shaker two-tone kitchen in Slate and Heather.

Symphony Shaker kitchen with painted ash frontals in Atlantic Green.

Carbon and Old Wild Oak handless kitchen.

It was love at first sight. The dilemma of a dated kitchen and a love of the Great British Bake Off drew Sleaford’s Mr & Mrs Blankney to approach Lincolnshire’s Turnbull Kitchens & Bathrooms to take the plunge and update their room.

The couple had been elsewhere for quotes and plans to redesign their space, none of which quite hit the spot. Inspired by watching their favourite bakers, they knew they wanted Neff appliances and the famous 76

A NEW SHOWROOM

for TURNBULL Turnbull Kitchens & Bathrooms recently opened its new 7,500sq ft showroom on Deacon Road in Lincoln just off Outer Circle Road.

The showroom is split over two floors and enables customers to browse free of pressure-selling to gain inspiration and look through a range of kitchens on the ground floor and bathrooms on the first floor from ultra modern designs to traditional-looking examples too. There’s a range of appliances, taps, sinks, tiles and flooring on display, plus advice and a free 3D design service if required.

Mr & Mrs Blankney's new kitchen features Sheraton high-gloss cashmere cabinetry with J-pull handles and a combination of Ponderosa Pine (on main units) and Quartz (on the island) work surfaces.

Hide&Slide® oven but in terms of layout, were open to suggestions.

Their old white kitchen was dated but they liked the idea of a neutral-coloured kitchen with clean lines. Other retailers had all stuck to the original layout for the kitchen that was the same as when the house was first built, but Turnbull’s designer went for a design that was a little bit different…

“It’s always an exciting time showing a client your design for the first time. I thought that I could get more out of the space, so I opted for a completely different layout by adding a kitchen island with seating.” Says designer Jade who worked on the project.

“When I first showed the Blankneys the new layout for a contemporary, high gloss kitchen in cashmere colour, it was love at first sight!

The kitchen was finished off with Ponderosa

The company also hosts cooking demonstrations with appliance partner Neff throughout the year for customers to get acquainted with the latest kitchen technology.

See www.turnbullsonline.co.uk/ showrooms for more information. n

Pine worktops and upstands on the main units and a Quartz worktop for the island to complement the neutral cabinets. There’s a toughened glass backsplash in Petrol Blue behind the Neff hob and, we made their dream come true with a Neff Slide&Hide® oven.”

The couple now say that the finished room looks and feels bigger. They’re delighted with not just with the end result but the ‘first class’ service provided by Turnbull from ordering through to aftercare.

Turnbull Group Showroom Manager Olivia Hopkins says “We have 125 years’ experience working with the trade and have been designing kitchens and bathrooms for the past four decades. Each and every one is different, but what remains the same is our determination to provide the best service to our clients!” n

n Turnbull Kitchens & Bathrooms has showrooms in Sleaford, Boston, Newark and Brigg, plus a new 7,500sq ft showroom on Lincoln’s Deacon Road.

For a no obligation discussion about your kitchen or bathroom, and for free advice too, call 01529 308839 or see www.turnbullsonline.co.uk/showrooms.

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OVERCOMING THE GREATEST EVER PLANNING CHALLENGE I T M AY S E E M I M P O S S I B L E T O B U I L D A N Y T H I N G U N D E R PA R A G R A P H 7 9 , B U T A S S T U D I O 1 1 A R C H I T E C T U R E E X P L A I N S , A L L I T TA K E S I S S T Y L E A N D F L A I R . . .

There are 217 paragraphs in the National Planning Policy Framework (2018), but one of them is particularly significant for people wanting to build their own home in the countryside or on the coast – the (in)famous Paragraph 79.

in these cases,” says Kris Baxter of Studio 11 Architecture.

Essentially, it sets out the stringent criteria for any homes proposed to be built in a rural area – and while gaining planning permission under Paragraph 79 can be a badge of honour for architects, it can be a frustrating and nearimpossible task for the uninitiated.

They also require a thorough understanding of local plannning policy, good working relationships with the relevant officals, an appreciation of the area’s vernacular architecture, and a genuine commitment to sustainability and sympathetic landscaping.

“Entrusting control of your project to a team of specialists is the only realistic path to success

“Planning applications made under Paragraph 79 are probably the most difficult you’ll ever

“You need to be prepared to compromise, because Paragraph 79 projects are totally and completely bespoke, and require an exceptional and unique approach to design.”

come across,” says associate Johnathon Gower.

“Any proposal has to be truly outstanding or innovative, has to raise the level of design in rural areas, needs to reflect the highest standards of architecture, and should significantly (and sensitively) enhance the location. No matter how impressive, a generic design simply won’t receive approval – your project needs to set trends, not follow them.”

Studio 11 Architecture has a proven track record of successful building projects across Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, and enjoyed success in gaining approval for Paragraph 79 and other challenging properties in rural areas. Kris, Johnathon and their experienced team can maximise your budget, ensure the design is fully compliant with all planning requirements – and help create the home of your dreams.

“Taking on a Paragraph 79 project isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the rewards of having a completely unique home in a beautiful setting can be amazing,” says Kris. “Just remember that the road to success may be just as bumpy, long and windy as the singletrack road leading up to your new property!"

For a free consultation about your project and further information, please contact the team at Studio 11 Architecture today. n

Lincoln Studio: The Sparkhouse, Enterprise @ Lincoln Building, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS. Call 01522 275039.

Email design@studio11architecture.co.uk or see www.studio11architecture.co.uk.

HERITAGE WINDOW SPECIALISTS ENHANCE THE STYLE, VALUE AND APPEARANCE OF YOUR HOME WITH THE VERY LATEST ALUMINIUM, WOOD OR UPVC FLUSH CASEMENT BESPOKE WINDOWS & DOORS. UNRIVALLED QUALITY & SPECIFICATION, MANUFACTURED IN THE UK BY CRAFTSMEN.

Call our friendly team on 0115 855 6010 hello@hardwickwindows.co.uk • www.hardwickwindows.co.uk VISIT OUR SHOWROOM BY APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

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How beautiful looking Windows and Doors can add value to your house Selling your house and hoping to move in today’s tough market conditions isn’t easy and where there is property for sale, it’s certainly is a buyers’ market...

So much so, in fact that most people are just not taking the chance as there is uncertainty regarding the value to be achieved.

Notwithstanding the improving economy and jobs market the recent threat by a change in Government to introduce penal taxes on middle incomes and a mansion tax hasn’t helped but that is now behind us, with a new decisive administration the whole of the housing market is about to start moving from the top end to the bottom so all this will result in increased housing transactions.

Few would argue that the street presentation of the house is the biggest selling feature and nothing adds more to this than well designed and made windows and doors, these can easily sway potential buyers from the very first look when approaching the house, if you do not have this wow!

Factor and you are in the fortunate position of having the extra spending power; then now its springtime it is time to act.

New windows and doors will really turn your house into something to admire and want. Timber has become the first choice to be used as the frame material to support the glazing now used in the products.

Whilst this is largely driven by the very real ‘green’ credentials that timber offers it is also due to the massive improvements in product design and quality, made by the timber windows and doors manufacturing Industry.

Today’s timber windows and doors are built using engineered timber components made up of clean laminated and finger jointed sections. These are produced at the source in or near the sawmill and forests which are recognised as being sustainable. They are also finished using environmentally friendly long-life paint finishes with 8 to 10 year in use warranties, giving maintenance costs favourable to other frame materials.

Timber windows and doors which are made from the earth’s only renewable natural material can provide your required light and energy efficiency requirements for the future and meet the drive for Zero carbon.

But it’s not just the performance of the products that win the day when choosing the material for your frames, look what timber can do for the look of your house.

Fine joinery joints and sections were used traditionally in the period houses that still stand today and are what most people aspire to own so when it comes to replicating those features timber as always must be the choice today.

Timber is natural, warm to the touch; double glazing is standard and now can be maintained just like other materials. It seems to be the material now and for the future.

The New Window Company has extensive showrooms at Freiston Heath Caythorpe where you can touch and feel real working models. All products offered are installed by The New Window Company’s own and experienced fitters. n

Find Out More: New Window Company is based at Elms Farm, The Old Barn, Frieston Heath Lane, Grantham NG32 3HD. For a free no obligation discussion about your property’s needs call 01400 272538 or see www.new-window.co.uk.

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Unique & Unusual style for your 1

2

Summer Garden Country homes, quirky homes, large homes or homes with character... wherever you live, there’s style to spare for your home and your garden at Elizabeth & Stevens...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

But guess what? You’re just as likely to find something for your garden, too, because last year the couple opened their outdoor area too, providing seating, planters, fountains, landscaping items, bronzes, Their showrooms just off theA1 post boxes and more. at Retford has, we would estimate, There are smaller items plus 5,000 products for your home large ‘statement pieces’ too, from furniture to mirrors to ideal for larger estates or for throws and lighting to finishing creating a sense of drama! touches for every room.

>> MANY TIMES before in Pride Magazines have we championed the eclectic and magnificent style of Julia and Steve Blockley, of Elizabeth & Stevens.

It’s a curious and glorious mix of new, antique and reproduction pieces, one-off items and design-led products you won’t find elsewhere.

Here, we’ve selected a few of their most impressive statement pieces for your terraces and gardens to show off their style and to give you some garden inspiration. n

1. Weatherproof polished concrete table, footstool & stools £POA. 2. Fountains for plants or waer features from £150 upwards.

3. Silver and black leopards racing and proud, call for price.

4. Selection of Buddhas, £35 - £400 depending on size/material.

5. Cast iron gazebo in bespoke sizes from £5,000.

6. Post boxes, original or reproduction from £35.

7. Bronze lifesize racehorse with jockey, two metres, £11,500. n

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n Elizabeth & Stevens is based at The Showrooms, Markham Moor near Retford, just off the A1, DN22 0QU. The retailer has some impressive and quirky items for your home and your garden, from smaller finishing touches to some great big statement pieces! Call 01636 822000 or see www.elizabethandstevens.com.

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HARLAXTON MANOR GARDEN

EUROPE BY

GARDENS x

With French-style terraces, ornamental Dutch canals and Italianate gardens - plus the charm of a traditional English country estate, Harlaxton Manor near Grantham opens this month to show o its spectacular bluebells, and provides an opportunity to explore Europe by gardens...

Words: Laurin Dempsey. Images: Jonathan Scrimshaw.

HARLAXTON MANOR

IT’S PROBABLY THE GRANDEST landmark in the area... and yet, also one of the least well-known. Happily though, this is the month to change all that, as Harlaxton Manor opens to the public so everyone can enjoy the former stately home’s beautiful grounds and in particular its woodland, carpeted with bluebells this month.

Perhaps one of the reasons that Harlaxton has less of a profile compared to, say, Belton, Belvoir of Burghley, they great triumvirate of Lincolnshire stately homes is that Harlaxton Manor is, first and foremost, an American college, serving to hosts transatlantic students embarking on their studies.

That remit normally limits the place from a tourism potential but this month Harlaxton’s

gardens will be open to visitors just in time to enjoy the stunning scents and aroma that surrounds and its pan-European garden design influences.

First built in 1837, Harlaxton Manor is now owned and operated by The University of Evansville operating as Harlaxton College and hosts their study abroad programme.

Andrew Potter is Harlaxton’s head gardener and has been at the site for 13 years, along with two colleagues. Over that time, the team has been working hard to maintain and revive the once neglected gardens and bring back to life the look and feel of the French-style terraces, an Italian Garden, a Dutch

Harlaxton Manor

The Manor House was built in 1837 and is Grade I listed.

The current mansion is the second, replacing a 14th century hunting lodge built by John of Gaunt.

Meet the Gardener

ANDREW POTTER “As a gardener you often don’t have the time to stand back and see what it is that you are doing, the impact of your work, as you are so involved. We often take for granted seasons as they come and go so quick. It really is important to stand back and ensure that you enjoy your garden.”

“My top tip to any budding gardeners out there would be to adapt to your garden and the space that you have.

Researching before buying is definitely important. Often, it is trial and error but always look at the height and what your chosen plant will look like. People often get caught out and have not left enough room for it to thrive naturally.”

“As well as this, make note if your garden is North or South facing as some plants prefer the morning sun and others the evening. This is something we have had to do at Harlaxton.”

As Pride goes to press Andrew will have finished pruning the fruit trees and will be working on regular maintenance to ensure the gardens are in the best condition for their Summer open day.

Top/Left: In the north-west corner of the Italian Garden is a two-storey gazebo dating back to 1832-44, Grade II* and built of ashlar.

Above: Harlaxton Manor has 151 rooms... 150 if you don’t count the cupboard under the stairs where the vacuum cleaner is kept.

The grounds are open this month so visitors can enjoy bluebells in the parkland.

Left: From the conservatory, a gravelled path leads along to the south-east front.

To the south-east of the path is the Lion Terrace.

Known as East Fountain Terrace it comprises an open loggia with flanking walls with low flights of steps on either side.

ornamental canal and English landscape walks. The Conservatory is virtually unique in design and use of architectural elements.

It is important for Harlaxton that their gardens are accessible to their students, and also for the public on their open days and guided tours.

Before Andrew, Harlaxton’s garden had a helping hand from local TV gardener Alan Mason in 1991 for around five years.

The gardens however were then left neglected in certain areas until Andrew joined.

“It is important that we are ahead of ourselves, as we don’t want to be caught out weather wise. This means weekly grass cuts and trimming ready for when the weather improves and it can start looking after itself more to enable us to focus on other areas.

You’ll never catch up if you leave it for two weeks or more!”

“The garden in total is between 52-56 acres, with 100 acre woodland and recently a 180 acre parkland that we are currently leasing to a farmer for crops but have a long term plan to take back and revert back to much plainer parkland.”

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Main Image: Harlaxton’s orangery, with its palms ferns and tropical planting, dates back from 1880.

HARLAXTON MANOR

“For the past 11 years we’ve included bluebells as part of our woodland walk. When we first opened we only had 13 villagers visit however, last year we had 1,500 visitors!”

“For the past 11 years we’ve included bluebells as part of our woodland and when we first opened we only had 13 villagers visit however, last year on our Bluebell Walk we had 1,500 visitors! It has definitely progressed and become more of a talking point, a real highlight of early summer for many locals!”

Harlaxton’s Bluebell Walk normally takes place in May, but Andrew and the team have to judge this a week or so before depending on how quick flowers blossom surrounding the bluebells dependant on the climate that year, as the walk takes you on a stroll around the woodlands and historic parkland.

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“Harlaxton’s grounds are arranged in a horseshoe shape which wraps around the back of the stunning building, with a front courtyard and a mile long driveway with a walled garden that covers around six and a half acres, one of the largest walled gardens in Britain.”

“The walled gardens remain private and are only open as part of our private tours.

The front courtyard contains mixed shrubbery, plus a lot of perennials, many of which flower for 12 months of the year. This is to add extra appeal and interest and ensures there’s something to enjoy at Harlaxton no matter what the month.”

“The Walled Garden is ornamental with the scent of roses when walking around. There is a free-standing orchid with dessert apples, peaches and pears. We wanted to ensure that it was local, relevant and as original as possible to how it would have been.”

The orangery is virtually unique in design, and today it’s a great place to sit and admire its ferns and tropical planting.

Together with a bluebell walk through Harlaxton’s 170 hectares of parkland, we think it’s a must-visit garden. n See www. harlaxton.co.uk.

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JOHNSONS GARDEN CENTRE

How Does Your

GARDEN GROW More time enjoying your garden. That’s the aim of the team who choose quality products for your garden at Boston’s Johnsons Garden Centre, plant experts with superb eco credentials!

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Dean Fisher.

If your garden needs a bit of TLC, you need a bit of help from Johnsons of Boston.

The gardeners’ garden centre, Johnsons was established back in 1971. Since 1998 it has been owned by David Isaac who brought to the business the ethos of best quality, at best, price providing outstanding value. At Johnsons you get expert advice for customers no matter what the size of their garden, or their level of expertise.

Johnsons has been waste free since 2004!

What can't be recycled is incinerated on site and used to improve the soil, or as fuel to heat local growers greenhouses. Johnsons even recycles oil form the restaurant into biofuel. Nothing goes to landfill from Johnsons.

“It’s a great centre,” says Garden Centre Manager, Tania, “But it has also become a destination shopping experience with a restaurant and ‘dog friendly’ coffee shop, food hall with local producers like Hambleton Farms, also giftware, fashion and even a hair salon.”

“We’re constantly reinventing the centre to ensure customers have new products to choose from. We recognise that our gardens have become an extension of our homes.”

“We’ve opened our garden furniture department this month with the latest ranges from brands including Norfolk Leisure, an artisan brand which specialises in great quality, stylish garden furniture. Plus, of course, we have the best range of plants, seeds & bulbs locally” “We’re also home to a number of local companies from Spilsby Jewellers to Seacroft Mobility, as well as Boston Aquatic & Pets and our Dog Groomer ‘Tufts and Tangles.’”

“Get Summer ready! Visit us for all of the ideas and expert guidance you need to ensure you can spend less time working and more time relaxing in a space you’ve created just for you.”

“As a family-run business, we understand what our customers want and know what the deserve. That’s why we’re trusted by thousands of loyal customers every year.” n

Find Out More: Johnsons Garden Centre is open seven days a week on Wainfleet Road, Boston PE21 9RZ. Call 01205 363408 or see www.johnsonsofboston.co.uk for more information.

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LINCOLNSHIRE’S WILD FLOWERS

April Showers Bring May’s

FLOWERS According to the proverb, a damp April means a wealth of colour and scent thanks to wild flowers in May. This month Laurin Dempsey discovers species native to Lincolnshire and learns about a few of the initiatives aimed at preserving wild flowers in verges and meadows across the county...

Words: Laurin Dempsey.

ONE PERSON’S WEED IS ANOTHER’S WILDFLOWER... We all know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and British wildflowers are some of the most reliable and beautiful plants that you can grow. Being native, all of them have some benefit to wildlife, be it flowers for pollinators or leaves for caterpillars and other larvae. As well as wildflower meadows being one of the British countryside’s most glorious sights, filled with rare plant and flower species.

Britain’s meadows hum with life, from the first flowers of spring to misty autumn days when birds flock to berry-laden hedges. Tragically, we have lost 97% of our wildflower-rich grassland since the 1930s as farming practices have changed and towns and villages have expanded. Luckily some farmers and conservation charities work hard to maintain these precious species-rich habitats.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust manages many ancient and new meadows as nature reserves, and often these are the best and last remaining examples in the county. Spring leading into summer is the best tome to experience wildflower meadows and the bright colours and subtle sweet scents will leave an everlasting memory...

Over the space of a few weeks in spring, bluebells set our woodlands ablaze with their bright blue, nodding flowers. These recognisable flowers are a nature spectacle not to be missed.

At a glance, native and Spanish bluebells can easily be dismissed as being the same, but a closer look reveals some easy to spot differences that will let you distinguish between the two easily.

Some of the best displays of these much-loved bluebells can be found in woodlands managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. A particularly good display can be seen at Rigsby Wood nature reserve, an ancient woodland at the edge of the Wolds. When losing 97% of our wildflower-rich grassland, this impacted on the decline of wild orchids. >> 100

Pyramidal Orchids are highly distinctive wildflowers with a pyramid shaped head of bright pink flowers.

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There are however, some pockets of habitat and nature reserves where common spotted, southern marsh, pyramidal and bee orchids continue to bloom. From late May to mid-June, head to Whisby Nature Park and follow the way-marked trails. The same species can also be seen growing along the sides of the paths at Gibraltar Point and Far Ings nature reserves.

The delicate, pom-pom like pink flowers of the tall thrift were once widespread but are now confined to just two places in Britain, both of which are Lincolnshire.

Differing from regular thrift, or ‘sea clover’, the rarer tall thrift is defined by its tall, thin stems which have a distinctive kink. To see these rarities, head to Ancaster Cemetery where clusters of these teetering wildflowers can be seen from the cemetery path.

Some of the more noteable species you may recognise whilst driving past include meadowsweet, greater knapweed and field scabious. As well as providing our roadsides with a wash of colour in the summertime, they also play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Whilst we all love admiring wild flowers, the Wild Flower Society and Lincolnshire’s Wildlife Trust Code of Conduct sound a polite note of caution that uprooting any plant is illegal without the landowners permission.

Some plants are specially protected so take care not to accidentally trample, pick or disturb them, or park on protected wildflowerrich road verges... and please do not remove any plants from the county’s nature reserves without a collecting permit from the Trust! n

Some of the more noteable species you may recognise whilst driving through the Lincolnshire countryside include meadowsweet, greater knapweed and field scabious...

Below: Red Hill Wildflower Meadow.

Photo: Robert Enderby.

A distinctive landscape feature of the Lincolnshire Wolds is the grassed roadside and our verges are fast becoming known as ideal sites where wildflowers can flourish.

In Lincolnshire, a citizen-science project Life on the Verge - set up by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust helped to identify 100ha of wildflower-rich habitat stretching 2,400 miles. This led to the designation of 159 new local wildlife sites.

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1. Pasque Flower: Legend has it that the striking, purpe Pasqueflower sprang up in places that had been soaked by the blood of Romans or Danes because they often appeared on old barrows and boundary banks.

4. Hellebores: Great for providing winter interest in any garden.

These perennial plans have a long flowering period, lasting well into spring.

Mainly evergreen with handsome leaves.

6. Golden Shield Fern: A bold, tough and impressive fern featuring large rather upright fronds; divided into neat leaflets.

2. Primrose: Primroses, whether light or bright yellow, are a common sight across the UK and are one of the surest signs that spring is on the way.

10 LOCAL NATIVE FLOWERS TO ENJOY How does your garden grow?

What about your wildflower meadow or your local verges?

Here we’ve compiled the top 10 of the UK’s most common wildflowers that self-seed and bloom year after year. Coming soon, to a nature reserve or local woodland near you!

3. Stinking Iris Known as “stinking” because some people find the smell of its leaves unpleasant when crushed or bruised as it gives off a meaty stench.

5. Snake’s Head Fritillary: The nodding, pink-and-purple-chequered flowers are said to resemble a snake, hence the name.

Declining with the loss of our meadows, this delicate plant can be seen in spring.

7. Cheddar Pink: Also known as firewitch, Cheddar Pink is a low-growing perennial with narrow, greyish-green leaves. The flowers smell like cloves.

Words: Laurin Dempsey.

8. Wood Anemone: The wood anemone is a pretty spring flower of ancient woodlands.

You will also often find them in parks and gardens. The white flower blooms between March and May.

9. Lily of the Valley: A highly poisonous woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented, pendent, bell-shaped white flowers borne in sprays in spring.

10. Field Maple: An attractive deciduous tree featuring fresh green new shoots, green spring flowers and buttery yellow autumn colour. A fine hedgerow and specimen tree.

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AND FINALLY

Ode, Composed On A May Morning

William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850) While from the purpling east departs The star that led the dawn, Blithe Flora from her couch upstarts, For May is on the lawn.

A quickening hope, a freshening glee, Foreran the expected Power, Whose first-drawn breath, from bush and tree, Shakes off that pearly shower.

All Nature welcomes Her whose sway Tempers the year's extremes; Who scattereth lustres o'er noon-day, Like morning's dewy gleams; While mellow warble, sprightly trill, The tremulous heart excite; And hums the balmy air to still The balance of delight.

Time was, blest Power! when youth and maids At peep of dawn would rise, And wander forth, in forest glades Thy birth to solemnize.

Though mute the song; to grace the rite Untouched the hawthorn bough, Thy Spirit triumphs o’er the slight; Man changes, but not Thou!

Thy feathered Lieges bill and wings In love's disport employ; Warmed by thy influence, creeping things Awake to silent joy: Queen art thou still for each gay plant Where the slim wild deer roves; And served in depths where fishes haunt Their own mysterious groves.

Cloud-piercing peak, and trackless heath, Instinctive homage pay; Nor wants the dim-lit cave a wreath To honor thee, sweet May! Where cities fanned by thy brisk airs Behold a smokeless sky, Their puniest flower-pot-nursling dares To open a bright eye.

And if, on this thy natal morn, The pole, from which thy name Hath not departed, stands forlorn Of song and dance and game; Still from the village-green a vow Aspires to thee addrest, Wherever peace is on the brow, Or love within the breast.

Yes! where Love nestles thou canst teach The soul to love the more; Hearts also shall thy lessons reach That never loved before.

Stript is the haughty one of pride, The bashful freed from fear, While rising, like the ocean-tide, In flow the joyous year.

Hush, feeble lyre! weak words refuse The service to prolong!

To yon exulting thrush the Muse Entrusts the imperfect song; His voice shall chant, in accents clear, Throughout the live-long day, Till the first silver star appear, The sovereignty of May.

Photo: View of a rape seed field in the Lincolnshire Countryside near Louth taken May 2019.

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DRY STONE WALLING

The Area’s

ROCK STAR If you treasure the unique look that the countryside around Lincolnshire has, you’ll probably appreciate the time and skill that goes into preserving features like hand-made dry stone walls. John Shone is passing on skills to future wallers...

Words: Laurin Dempsey. Images: Jonathan Scrimshaw.

IF YOU’VE A DRY STONE WALL, John Shone will be your rock. A rock star, in fact. Such is his love for the Lincolnshire countryside that he’s working hard to ensure the skills of dry stone walling remain alive and well in the area, passing on his knowledge to a new generation of craftspeople. John is a traditional craftsman in this art and lives in the area, working on both willow weaving and creating or repairing walls, describing the latter as ‘wildlife hotels.’

“You find all sorts of wildlife living in these walls and it is lovely to see as much nature as I do,” he says. “The most exciting part of repairing a dry stone wall is finding ‘scar money’ in the footing… although this has only happened twice in my career. This penny would be a token gesture by the individual who built it to pay for ‘scar on the landscape,’ as the stone was quarried.”

“I believe that as I have only found a penny twice in my career it has more to do with the idea that if it was a good employer the money would remain, however if they were a bad employer, it would ‘disappear!’”

John’s first experience of building a dry stone wall was at the age of 14 with his grandfather, who was in the trade. “I returned to it at a later stage in life because leaving school after WWII there was no money in the county for this type of craft, and so I trained as a gardener.”

“After suffering with health issues, in the year 2000, I decided to go self-employed and

when I returned to dry stone walling our business wasn’t yet established… although I was also doing bits of walling within the gardening trade and was something I never entirely moved away from.”

Why a dry stone wall over brick? Well, quite aside from the aesthetic appeal, and the heritage, John explained that dry stone walls also last a lot longer than brick.

“Many walls we repair are between 140 and 160 years old,” he ways. “And I think they’re stronger and more attractive to the eye.

They look better as they age in my opinion, like cheese, wine or gentlemen!”

Dry stone walls have no mortar and rely solely on their unique construction method and the careful selection of stones for their stability. “When you lay a stone, that stone should never slope inwards,” says John. “It should either be flat or it should fall outwards.

The middle of the wall should be filled with stone and stone only; no other material.”

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DRY STONE WALLING

Right: John retired from the business this year leaving daughter Louise to take over but happily he’s still training others in the craft of dry stone walling, an essential skill if we’re to retain the look and feel of the local countryside. John’s teaching is carried out at various venues around the area.

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A timber A-frame should always be used for dry stone walling alongside that most simple but effective of devices, a string line. Stones are shaped with a walling axe and a chipping hammer… specific tools for the job.

Each area has its own basic stone combination, but the principle stays the same. For Lincolnshire the basic stone used is a mixture of limestone and ironstone, whereas in Cheshire and on the Shropshire borders where John was born, for example, the vernacular is a combination of sandstone, slate and granite.

“Our work consists of 75% repairs, and the remaining 25% is the construction of new dry stone walls,” says John. Should you require brand new stone, there are several quarries in the area that you can obtain some from. Alternatively, if you need old, weathered stone, it can be sourced from a number of local reclamation yards.

“Most repairs that we complete are in conservation areas and these require only

old stone to keep their style and look original. Second hand stone is much dearer than freshly quarried material.”

One characteristic of dry stone walling is the necessity that it should expand and contract with the weather… if concrete caps are laid on top, the technique can prove problematic as caps cannot expand outwards which results in the wall falling down.

“We occasionally have to go out in all manner of undesirable weather to repair walls… mercifully though, it’s not advisable to make repairs in snow or frost.”

Health and safety is naturally paramount in this day and age, but interestingly, John says he doesn’t wear gloves. “You need to feel at the back of the wall to know the size of stone required in order to stop any rocking.”

“Your wall should have ‘through stones’ running from one side to the other. There is a standard (a trade secret!) as to where they go and if you go to repair an old fallen down wall you can determine the height by the width of the footing.

John’s work has taken him across the UK as his skills are increasingly rare and sought after. The furthest he’s travelled to work is North Yorkshire to build a large horseshoe shaped wall which enabled people to sit behind in the summer and take in the views of County Durham on a high bank.

John feels that retaining the continuity of Lincolnshire’s appearance, it’s essential that traditional skills like dry stone walling are retained.

The craftsman retired from the business in January and John’s daughter Louise, who joined the business in 2006, has now taken over from her father. Johns continues to train his apprentice though, and wants to make sure that the traditional skills of the dry stone waller endure so that the look and feel of the countryside can be retained for centuries to come… after all, without the necessary skill to preserve the look of the area, we’ll be stuck between a rock… and a hard place. n For more information call 01572 720741.

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WEDDINGS

LOVE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Despite living so close to one another and despite having mutual friends, Lincolnshire couple Danielle & James were none the wiser to each other’s presence... until they met in cyberspace!

Photographer: 166 Photography, www.166photography.co.uk

Be thankful for those friends who take an interest in your love life and to those who help their friends with a little matchmaking.

If it wasn’t for Danielle & James’ mutual friends they would still just be texting!

In September 2014 when they first met via the internet, mutual friends encouraged Danielle & James to meet after they had been texting for a few weeks.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS DANIELLE & JAMES WILLIAMS

“We couldn’t believe that we didn’t know each other despite living so close with many friends in common!”

James has recently started a business called Thorncliffs, buying and selling farm equipment. He has always lived locally whilst Danielle, a critical care outreach nurse, has moved around a little because of her dad’s army career, but has now settled in Sleaford.

One morning back in December 2017, James woke up and decided that he wanted to be with Danielle forever. First, he visited a jewellery shop in Boston and sought Danielle’s father’s permission.

“James proposed whilst taking our dog Ralph for a walk at Haverholme Park, and it was completely out of the blue and the best surprise!”

“We started to plan our wedding early in January 2018 and the first element of the day we decided on was the venue, to ensure we knew we could secure our chosen day.”

“We went to Howell Manor’s open day, and we immediately fell in love with it. We knew we wanted a rustic themed wedding and wanted to incorporate both personalities, so with this blank canvas we were able to do everything we wanted with the help from Howell’s owners Elaine and Mark.”

“My wedding dress was the first thing that I purchased. It was from the Ivory Lounge in Woodhall Spa. There were so many dresses to try on, but the one I chose stood out.

It had gold beading at the top of the dress and an illusion back... love at first sight!”

Howell Manor is a working farm, with great outdoor spaces so Danielle & James used a marquee to hold the reception which was a blank canvas for all of their ideas to be achieved. “We used hay bales outside for seating, vintage tractors and hired an ice cream van from Boston’s Skinners Ice Cream.”

Wedding Venue: Howell Manor, near Sleaford, 01529 460267, www.howell-manor-events.co.uk.

Photographer: 116 Photography, www.116photography.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Ivory Lounge, 01526 268030, theivoryroombridal.co.uk.

Hair: Lox Hair Specialists, Ruskington, 01526 834580.

Catering: Rustic Elegance Events Spalding, 01529 460267.

Tractor: Peacock & Binnington, Brigg, 01652 228175. n

“The food was supplied by Vicky Howe of Rustic Elegance Events. Vicky was brilliant and she really helped us a lot - it is all a little daunting when you are confronted with feeding so many people.”

Danielle says her most memorable moments during the day were the speeches from her father, James and from Best Man Sean.

She describes them as hilarious and says that everyone’s faces lit up despite the embarrassing stories. “Another moment was seeing James at the altar and knowing he hadn’t run away!” she says. >> 113

- WEDDINGS -

“Make sure you get some time alone as ‘Mr & Mrs’ because the adrenaline seems to make everything happen so very quickly on the day!” >> James’s most memorable moment was seeing Danielle in the church for the first time and also being able to escape to the lake for a few minutes with his new bride to take it all in whilst being able to talk to Danielle properly for the first time all day.

“We loved walking into the marquee as a newly married couple and seeing all of our family and friends together,” he says.

After recently finding out that they were expecting their daughter, there was no exotic honeymoon however the couple enjoyed being able to escape to their first ever holiday destination together and one that held some special memories; Tenerife.

Advice from James & Danielle to other couples getting married would be: “Don’t panic about it being absolutely ‘perfect,’ because on the day it really doesn’t matter.”

“Seeing all of your closest family and friends around you is the best feeling ever. Another bit of advice we have, though is to make sure that you get some time alone as the new ‘Mr & Mrs’ because the adrenaline makes everything happen so quickly!”

“Your wedding may last just one day, but it is definitely worth ensuring it’s the day of your dreams. We’re pleased that we had what we wanted even if it was a daunting day to plan!” n Photographer: 166 Photography, www.166photography.co.uk.

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1. Madeline Gardner gowns from Mori Lee. Modern and sophisticated dresses with a high neck, net bodice accented in floral embroidery. Wisteria is one of 114 colours available.

Sizes 0-28; style 21604.

ALWAYS THE

BRIDESMAID

2. Hollis Ensley and Jada dresses by Jenny Yoo in luxe chiffon, lined with plunging V-neck that fits like a glove and a twirl worthy circle skirt.

47 colours, sizes from 0-24.

Your bridesmaids’ dresses are a great way to show off the colour scheme of your wedding and to ensure you all you walk down the aisle in style!

Words: Rob Davis.

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5. True Match from True Bride Elegant chiffon dresses.

All styles pictured here in Ballet Pink. Styles BT208C; BC106; BS104.18 colours, sizes 6-36.

3. Joss dress by Essentials, a modern one-shoulder bodice with a floaty wide frill, beautifully paired with a slim fitted skirt with pleats at the hip make for a super flattering fit.

Made in floaty chiffon and finPictured in Apricot Pink, one of 40 colours, sizes 6-36.

6. Mark Lesley dresses in chiffon and satin ith A-line silhouette. Sizes 6-30, 100 colours available.

4. Dee by Romantica of Devon, soft pink, one of 40 colours. Stunning A-line style with a plunge neckline.

Sizes 10-24.

7. Luna’s India is a beautiful vintage inspired beaded bridesmaid chiffon dress.

40 colours, sizes 6-36.

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8. Candy Quinn dress by Mark Lesley, in Mikado fabric, shown in Peacock colour.

Sizes 6-30, 17 colours available.

10. True Bridesmaids’ fun and flirty, retro inspired bridesmaids dress in satin and tulle. Style M101.

9. House of Wu dress with racer neckline, fitted jersey gown, features ladder detailing at the center bodice as well as the upper and lower waist. The skirt is fitted through the hips. Pictured in Suede, Bluestone & Rose. Style number 22917, 11 colours, sizes 0-30.

Mori Lee: www.morilee.co.uk.

Jenny Yoo: jennyyoo.com.

Essentials: truebride.co.uk.

Romantica: www.romantica ofdevon.co.uk True Match: truebride.co.uk.

Mark Lesley: marklesley.com.

Luna: www.truebride.co.uk.

House of Wu: houseofwu.com.

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SINCE 1856 34-38 WIDE BARGATE BOSTON, LINCS PE21 6RX

NEW SPRING & SUMMER STOCK ARRIVING DAILY

Shop all your favourite designers that you know and love at Coneys Lincoln and Boston. We offer a large selection of premium branded clothing, shoes and accessories together with an unbeatable service.

www.coneysdesignerwear.co.uk Facebook.com/coneyslincoln 225 High Street, Lincoln LN2 1HW T. 01522 511 187 Open: Mon to Sat 9am – 5:30pm, Sun 11am – 4pm

Facebook.com/coneysboston 34/36 Wide Bargate, Boston PE21 6RX T. 01205 311 355 Open: Mon to Sat 10am – 5:30pm, Sun 11am – 4pm

Call of the

WILD Marc Cain’s new spring and summer collection features prints, materials and safari style inspired

by Africa...

Words: Rob Davis.

This page: Dress £359; pumps £225; bag £345.

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This page: Trouser suit £359; wedges £225.

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Party dress with glitter effect in midnight blue ÂŁ359.

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Jacket £359; top £135; trousers £185; bag £315.

Model on left, blazer £435; blouse £165; trousers £245; belt £119.

Model on right, blazer £315; blouse £245; trousers £299

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Model on left, jumper £269; trousers £185; bag £345.

Model on right, coat £449; top £135; trousers £245; bag £225.

For local stockists see www.marc-cain.com.

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ELEGANT &

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FOPE at HEWITT

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Italian designer Fope has been creating elegant and iconic jewellery since 1929.

Happily, Fope’s newest creations are available at G Hewitt and Son...

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1. Eka Tiny bracelet in 18ct rose gold, 0.69ct, ref: 738B PAVE, from £4,600.00.

2. Eky Tiny necklace in 18ct rose gold, 0.19ct, ref: 730C PAVE, from £2,360.00.

3. Prima bracelet in 18ct yellow gold, 0.19ct, ref: 744B, from £1,630.00.

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4. Prima bracelet in 18ct rose gold, 0.20ct, ref: 748B BBR, from £2,360.00.

5. Eka Tiny ring in 18ct yellow gold, 0.50ct, ref: AN378 PAVE, from £3,440.00.

6. Eka Anniversario in 18ct yellow gold, 0.40ct, ref: 707B PAVE, from £5,370.00.

7. Prima ring in 18ct gold, 0.07ct, ref: AN746 BBR, from £985.00.

7 6 n G Hewitt & Son have specialised in family jewellery since 1871. They’re based on Victoria Street, Grimsby DN31 1DP. Call 01472 342609 or see www.ghewitt.co.uk.

NB: Prices quoted should be considered as a guide only.

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SUMMER BEAUTY

Power of the Emerald MAY’S BIRTH STONE IS SAID TO BRING GOOD FORTUNE, AND WHAT BETTER FORTUNE THAN COULD THERE BE THAN THE RECOMMENDATION OF SOME REALLY GREAT HEALTH AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS?

1. An Emerald Musk Scent from Caroline Herrera...

Dedicated to the precious Emerald, Emerald Musk is a decadent fragrance enriched with noble heritage and legacy.

Suitable for both men and women, the royal character of emerald stone is captured in a unique scent, powerful yet balanced, like the opulent green jewel it represents.

Continually rebirthed each time it’s worn, the calming base of musk lauds vanilla bean and the violet essence of orris leave a noticeable impression. Exclusively available at Harrods. £235 / 100ml.

5. Awaken Your Senses with Aveda Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Vegan Soy Wax Candle provides an invigorating aroma of certified organic rosemary and peppermint and other pure flower and plant essences. 100% naturally derived soy wax blend burns clearly and completely for 40 hours. Revive your mind and refresh your home. £30/100g.

2. Rejuvenating Eyes Helena Rubinstein’s Powercell 24 hour eye care offers a revitalising effect that reduces the appearance of ageing and fatigue.

Targeting dark circles, puffiness and pigmentation, the cooling cream also brightens the skin whilst refreshing and softening the eye area.

For best results, use daily in the morning and perhaps in the evening too, £72.

3. Choose Your Shade Intense colour has been sealed within Guerlain’s first custom lipstick with a double mirror. Enhanced with luscious lip care into a jewel formula, it beautifully covers your lips in an intense and luminous long-lasting colour. Pictured is shade number 111, £26.

6. Pure Indulgence from the Sea with La Mer...

This duo of renewing moisture delivers a look of health and vitality while protecting and strengthening the appearance of skin.

The Concentrate and Créme de la Mer melt into soothing silk to immerse your skin in pure indulgence delivering a look of health and vitality that’s recognisably La Mer, £345.

4. Make A Statement Supple and bright, Yves Saint Laurent’s Mascara Vinyl Couture is available in a wardrobe of nine mesmerising shades, from forest green to cobalt blue, it acts as a statement accessory for your eyes.

Volumising and curling, it imparts strong colour impact up to the tip of lashes, £26

n All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, please note that prices stated are RRP and may vary according to retailer.

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THE BODY MOTION COMPANY

Lose the Pain and Regain the Movement with THE BODY MOTION COMPANY Modern Life is hardly conducive to the health of your body, from poor diets to more sedentary lifestyles and spending more time seated in the office and in the car. Bearing the brunt of this perfect storm is the musculoskeletal system; the body’s framework, the mechanical way we move.

The Reformer is a traditional piece of Pilates equipment invented by the discipline’s founder Joseph Pilates. The sliding metal bed (The Reformer) uses springs and pulleys, to add intensity and aid correct execution of traditional Pilates exercises, enabling participants to achieve a complete body workout from just one piece of equipment.

Add to this the impact on muscles and bones of chronic illness, traumatic injury or post-operative weakness, the menopause, or simply a weaker musculoskeletal system as we age, and it’s easy to see why the benefits of clinically-grounded, restorative, precision exercise can be of huge benefit to just about everyone.

With expert guidance, participants can expect to see improvements in posture, flexibility, strength and body shape after just a few classes, while the dynamic flow of the class encourages concentration, focus and precision leaving the mind and spirit relaxed and uplifted.

That’s where Tracey Gjertsen and the team at The Body Motion Company based in The Lawn, Lincoln, can help. Tracey has a clinical background in Physiotherapy, a postgraduate qualification in Women’s Health and also specialises in emergent physiotherapy techniques like Hypopressive breathing and Pelvic Floor Health. But one of her main tools for around 4,000 clients a year, working alongside colleagues final year Osteopathy student Sophie Challis, Physio Gayle Bryzlewski and Clinical Pilates specialist Sally Tacy is Pilates.

“All of our techniques - and Pilates especially are designed to allow you to take control of your health and well-being, not just in class but throughout your daily life,” says Tracey. “Coming from a clinical background our first priority is to ensure our techniques are safe, sustainable and used to help each client individually.”

“We offer conventional mat-work Pilates classes at the Burton Road Studio. These combine traditional Pilates techniques with the insight of a modern understanding of Physiotherapy.

People from the age of 20 to 86 attend the classes, suitable for all abilities from those in training for triathlon to those who are older and want to remain active and mobile. From last year though we also started to offer our Reformer classes.”

“We now run 17 of these each week (limited to six people in each. It’s a specific kind of pilates based on working using resistance, in a precise and controlled and safe way to work with the body to increase its strength and flexibility).”

“We’re the only Reformer Pilates Studio in Lincoln possibly in Lincolnshire and offer classes more oriented towards beginners and those with intermediate experience. We’ve younger people training in athletic disciplines, those seeking to regain strength following hip replacement, those recovering from trauma, and those seeking exercise following diagnosis of conditions like Stroke, M.S. and Parkinsons Disease.”

“Generally Pilates is ideal for increasing your postural tone, improving your muscle strength and tone, ensuring better balance and easing joint pain. Its benefits are diverse, and our Reformers classes in particular are great for any body. With a small number of participants in each class, we find that they compliment matwork and Physiotherapy, which we also provide.”

“Our philosophy of connecting with each person in every class or session, working hands-on and using our clinical background to best effect ensures that our clients enjoy the best outcomes and the safest, most supportive environment... which results in consistent, reliable improvements to their health.” n

n The Body Motion Company is based at Suite 2, The Lawn, Lincoln LN1 3BU. Call 07702 185847 or see www.bodymotioncompany.co.uk.

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Tracey Gjertsen (centre) with Gayle Bryzlewski , Sophie Challis and Sally Tacy.

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Lincoln Minster School is home to over 600 pupils.

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LINCOLN MINSTER SCHOOL

Celebrating Individuality at

LINCOLN MINSTER Ranked 36th in the Sunday Times's UK Best Preparatory Schools, Lincoln Minster celebrates individuality in a well-rounded, stimulating curriculum...

Words: Sophie Frater.

risks and go beyond the A Level curriculum, so that they can nurture and explore their unique, artistic talents.

“AT LINCOLN MINSTER SCHOOL, we celebrate individuality. Our approach towards education encourages true artistic freedom whereby pupils are prepared for a limitless and global education,” writes Headmaster Mark Wallace.

“This is evident in our extensive co-curricular offer in academics, sport and across the arts. We provide a true education for life for our pupils, utilising opportunities across the world to consistently inspire creativity. An example of this is The International High School Arts Festival in Japan.”

“This is an event for secondary school pupils between 15-18 years of age, to showcase their artistic talent on an international level.

Our annual involvement in this competition has seen great success so far, with our pupils winning this competition in two of the last three years. We have another pupil as a finalist this year, with the outcome being decided at the end of March.”

The winning pupil and their family travel to Tokyo, all expenses paid, to see their artwork displayed in the National Art Centre. This recurring achievement from our pupils is a reflection of the high standard of teaching and learning provided throughout the school within the Art Department.

Recognised by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) as an impressive, dynamic

Our university success rate is testament to the individual attention each teacher devotes to every pupil, with 98% achieving their first-choice university or insurance offer last year.

department within the school, they reported: ‘Pupil’s cultural and social experience is extended by art, visits to galleries and exhibitions.’ ‘The Art Department places emphasis on promoting and marketing artwork and Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to actively curate their own art exhibitions. This gives them a hands-on experience of working in the modern art world.’’

One parent of a Year 12 pupil commented: ‘I am delighted that I chose to send my daughter here as the nature, depth and quality of the work she is undertaking far exceeds that of her previous school.’

The Art Department has achieved considerable success in helping pupils secure places at their chosen universities to study Art related courses such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion and Photography They encourage pupils to take

We pride ourselves on putting our pupils first, seeking to ensure that their talents and abilities are nurtured and encouraged thus enabling them to reach their full potential.

Individual needs are catered for across all age groups where boys and girls, of differing abilities and interests excel in our vibrant community.

“We encourage our pupils to challenge themselves, to test new skills, not to worry when they make a mistake but to learn from it. This way, our boys and girls develop the skill set to face the challenges that lie ahead.”

Lincoln Minster Headmaster, Mr J.M Wallace. Parents recognise the great communication between staff and students, with Mr Wallace and the faculty knowing each and every child by name, taking the time to invest in them as individuals.

Our approach towards education encourages true artistic freedom, preparing pupils for a limitless, exclusive pathway to an ‘Education for Life.’ n

n Lincoln Minster School is based in The Prior Building, Upper Lindum Street, Lincoln, LN2 5RW. Call 01522 551300 or see www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk for more information.

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WILLIAMS WEALTH CONSULTANCY

Security & Peace of Mind for

LATER LIFE Words: Rob Davis.

Right: Dean Williams. Above: Williams Wealth Management is based at Burton Waters in Lincoln and has 23 members of staff including a team of experienced financial advisors.

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For peace of mind and security in later life, you need advice you can trust and someone who understands the options available to you.

At the point where finance meets your care needs, you’ll find Dean Williams, financial advisor and member of the Society of Later Life Advisors...

“Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think,” sang Guy Lombardo... and The Specials.

And Jools Holland. Many recording artists in fact. It’s a song universally performed and advice universally acknowledged.

“It’s impossible to explore all of the different options available in a single article but an example is a family who contacted me with an estate of about £1.5m in worth, and with a family member who needed specialist dementia care.”

In an age of abundance, technology and of medical care that’s better than ever, we’re living longer. Average life expectancy in the UK has reached a high of 81 years, which is cause to... well... enjoy yourself in later life.

“Following discussions with the whole family we set up an annuity which cost £300,000 but guaranteed the funding of dementia care for the whole life of our client.”

The only sticking point is that the state hasn’t quite caught up with the trend. We’re entering a social care crisis where longer lives, a larger population, the rapidly diminishing availability of state funding for care needs and less generous pensions in relation to the cost of living mean things are going to be financially tighter, for longer, for a greater number of people.

“This is an area of later life finance that particularly concerns me,” says Dean Williams, owner of Lincoln-based Williams Wealth Consultancy Ltd and member of SOLLA - the Society for Later Life Advisors.

“Financial provision in later life doesn’t just mean a less comfortable lifestyle now; it also has a potential impact on the provision of privately funded care too.”

“I’ve 20 years of experience in finance and our company currently has 23 members of staff including advisors who offer support across all areas of financial planning and wealth management from tax issues to mortgages to investments.”

“Our advisors have different specialisms across a wide field, but my particular interest is wealth management for later life.”

“I came from a background in private banking but specialised in the later life sector realising that it was fundamental for the future.

The state simply isn’t prepared for the future circumstances surrounding your retirement so it’s highly advisable that all of us make preparations for our own future.”

“As it was inheritance-tax free, it reduced the cost to fund care and ensured the rest of the estate wasn’t diminished by care costs.”

“Typically that means securing income not just for your lifestyle but for your care needs too, either utilising existing capital, care fee annuities, or means-tested state funding.

Secondly, I’m concerned with ensuring there’s as much money as possible left in the estate for the family.”

“The fact is, the family benefited as much from the peace of mind that their loved one’s care needs would be met, that they wouldn’t face uncertainty in the future and that their wishes to provide a good inheritance for their children and grandchildren could be retained.”

“I’m a son and a father, so I see how the needs of each generation change down the years, and because I can empathise with the needs of clients, my service is NOT one of a salesperson but rather as an advisor who works alongside SOLLA-affiliated professions like financial institutions and also the legal profession, as well as charities like Lincoln’s Age Concern. As the Chairman of the East Midlands branch of SOLLA, I’m accountable not just for the service I offer but for the whole industry’s approach to caring for the financial interests of those who need later life care.”

“The facts change with each client - my advice is as diverse as my clients but the underlying ethos behind my advice remains the same; to care for my clients and their families, to offer the best help and to provide peace of mind in later life.” n

“The lack of tax alone ensured that it was a financially efficient way to provide care, but that’s not really the whole story.”

n Williams Wealth Consultancy Ltd is based at Burton Waters. Call 01522 538284 or see williamswealthconsultancy.co.uk.

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THIS MONTH: RAISING A GLASS TO THE COUNTRY AT THE BELVOIR HUNT BALL 2020...

To feature your event call 01529 469977. Our magazines are free to read online, so you can share the magazine with your friends. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Enjoying the Hospitality at the

Belvoir Hunt Ball THE BELVOIR HUNT recently welcomed guests at Honington Grange, by Kind permission of Richard and Wendy Coney to support celebrate the hunting season.

Otis Ferry, son of Roxy Music’s Brian Ferry, was DJ, whilst the Marquess of Granby and heir apparent to the Dukedom of Rutland, Charles Manners, led the dancing.

Also in attendance was the Duchess of Rutland Emma Manners, daughters Lady Alice, Lady Eliza & Lady Violet and Hugo Manners, plus Joint Hunt Master Lady Sarah McCorquodale.

The Belvoir Hunt is one of the oldest and most celebrated hunts; it dates from 1750 and became a foxhound pack in 1762. The kennels throughout the Hunt’s history have been at Belvoir Castle.

The pack’s country lies in Leicestershire & Lincolnshire, adjoining the Quorn and the Cottesmore at Melton. n Photos: Nico Morgan Media. To purchase prints call 07515 029261 or see www.nicomorgan.co.uk.

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Fine Classical Music at

Belvoir Castle THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF RUTLAND recently opened their remarkable home – Belvoir Castle – to Brit Award winning and Grammy Nominee Amy Dickson and her special invitees, Adam Barnett-Hart (violin) and Simon Mulligan (piano) for a soiree that includes fine classical music, an immersive experience moving around the exquisite public and private rooms of the spectacular castle seen to such wonderful effect in the Netflix series The Crown, and a fine-dining experience in the State Dining Room.

Re-creating the atmosphere of a classic English country house party, and in the presence of His Grace, The Duke of Rutland, the essence of an Amy Dickson performance is elegance, informality and understatement; Amy and her world class artist colleagues performing only feet away from the audience; virtuosity and perfection at first hand with none of the stiffness of the traditional concert experience. n Photos: Jonathan Scrimshaw.

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Colour, Character & Oriental Cuisine at

Hoppi Dorri’s Ni Kai Sophie Joy and Holly Withers last month launched Ni Kai, the new Japanese style bar of their pan-Asian restaurant Hoppi Dorri. “‘Ni Kai’ ‘Upstairs’ in Japanese, is the newest edition to Hoppi Dorri restaurant in Stamford,” says Holly.

“Follow the red staircase upstairs to our Asian themed bar, serving fusion snacks such as sushi & dumplings, and a selection of Japanese and locally brewed spirits, bottled beers & wines.”

“Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings, we also invite our guests for a drink or snack before or after their reservation downstairs.”

“We have casual seating, as well as a beautiful large terrace area. Look forward to food pairings with local business,’ barbecues & private hire events this summer.” n

Photos: Rob Davis.

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A Night of Celebration for

Spilsby Young Farmers SPILSBY YOUNG FARMERS recently held their annual dinner dance at Boston’s Poachers Hotel, with a three course supper, speeches and dancing.

It was an opportunity for the group to reflect on highlights from a year of fun and fundraising including being thoroughly soaked by other groups at the Lincolnshire Show when the county’s YF groups create colourful floats to round off the county show.

“We are a rural youth organisation that is open to young people between the ages of 10 and 26 years old who live in Lincolnshire.”

“We’re led by young people for young people our county programme of events aims to develop skills, work in our communities, take part in a varied competitions programme and enjoy a dynamic social life.”

Around 70 people attended the event. n Photos: Rob Davis.

CHAUFFEUR VIP TRAVEL

Style, Luxury & Practicality with

CHAUFFEUR VIP According to the old saying ‘it’s better to travel than to arrive.’

That’s definitely the case if you’re being chauffeured in a luxury motor by Paul Elliott’s team, who are all driven by excellence...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Jonathan Scrimshaw.

They reckon it’s better to travel than to arrive. I can see that. From the back seat of a Mercedes S-Class, reclined and enjoying the comfort of nappa leather, climate control and legroom to spare in long-wheelbase luxury, I’m letting my driver take the strain of navigating central London.

“Likewise with business clients who ask us to transport them from site to site across the UK. We’ve vehicles with tables and wi-fi and seating configurations where passengers face each other, so in-between stops, there’s no wasted time; they can catch up on emails or discuss the next meeting.”

Some decisions are made with your head, others with your heart. But making the decision to travel in luxury with Chauffeur VIP is a decision you can make with both, whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure.

“We also transport business clients to sporting fixtures like Wimbledon or Ascot, which is nice because they can have a drink and socialise with colleagues or clients without incurring an overnight stay. All of our business clients have access to wi-fi, daily newspapers, hand wipes and mineral water.”

Practically, enlisting Paul Elliott and his team of drivers means you don’t have to negotiate traffic in an unfamiliar city London? In rush hour? You don’t have to abandon your vehicle in an airport car park, and there’s plenty of space for your luggage.

If there’s a few friends or colleague along for the ride, you can all travel together too, with vehicles for up to 16 passengers.

Beyond that though, you can enjoy a snooze in your reclining leather seat, pop on some headphones and listen to some music, enjoy a glass of fizz along the way... or if you must, you can also get to work with the help of business-class wi-fi connectivity.

That makes being chauffeured a much nicer way to travel; a great way to make a business trip a less exhausting experience or a way give your holiday a luxurious start and finish.

“I’ve been self-employed for over 20 years and started the business five years ago seeing a gap in the market,” says Paul, as we stop at the services so I can stretch my legs.

“Really the journey begins not when we start the engine but when the customer first makes their enquiry. We’re a family operation, and my wife Julia and her team act as a sort of travel concierge service for customers.

Nothing is too much trouble, we try to honour any request. A seamless journey and attention to detail is really important to us.”

I think what’s surprised me most is not just how being chauffeured is a luxurious and pleasant way to travel, but how practical it is too. Being able to carry luggage and people but also taking the stress of navigating away from people is something that both private and business clients really value. Negotiating London traffic? I’ll happily delegate that to a chauffeur!

“We’ve a good mix really. Private clients who are going on holiday love the fact that they don’t have to drive to the airport or have the hassle of parking and rushing across to their terminal with loads of luggage. When they return, sometimes early in the morning or late at night, they can just get in and catch up on some sleep as we drive them home.”

“And then, of course, there’s our wedding clients. The main backbone of our fleet are modern Mercedes saloons cars, and executive MPVs with six, seven or 16 seats.”

“But for the wedding market we also have classic vehicles from the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s, as well as vehicles like our convertible Morris Minor, VW Camper Van and Landaulette Daimler limousines.

Our wedding cars come with Champagne and are decorated with ribbons to match their colour scheme.”

“The size of the company is ideal,” says Paul. “We’ve different drivers - all CRB checked for security - and a range of vehicles to meet different needs, but being a privately owned business we can still provide a totally bespoke, flexible service that puts you in the driver’s seat... metaphotically speaking.”

Better to travel than to arrive? You’d better believe it. After enjoying the chauffeur driven lifestyle, I could rather get used to being driven around... n

Find Out More: Paul Elliott and his team of CRB-checked professional drivers run a fleet of executive saloons and MPVs to transport up to 16 people in luxury for business and private clients or weddings anywhere in the UK. Call 0800 014 9222 or see www.chauffeur-vip.co.uk.

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MOTORS

POWER to the

PEOPLE With climate change in the news every day and an increasing moral obligation on private and business motorists to reduce their CO2 emissions, is the era of the combustion engine numbered?

Words: Rob Davis.

THE UK CAR MARKET is in turmoil right now. Sales of all but the most eco-friendly models are stale at best, Brexit has made consumers cautious and contradictory advice on whether motorists should purchase petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles plus the change in the way we calculate how many miles per gallon a car can achieve - from NEDC to the new WLTP measurement have all left consumers baffled at best.

Wading into a perfect storm of consumer ennui on 6th April is HMRC, with their unfailing and steadfast ability to make a complete Horlicks of your personal tax as soon as you even go near a company car.

From April 2020, Benefit in Kind rates for zero-CO2 emission cars will drop from 16% to zero, making fully-electric vehicles a compelling choice for those running a company car. Meanwhile, the BIK for cars that have both conventional engines and a plug-in electric motor and emit fewer than 50g CO2 will also drop to between 2% and 14%, depending on their electric-only range.

What’s more, we’re still demonising diesel engines, which means those motorists who visit the black pump will also be subject to a surcharge over petrol-powered cars.

being entirely dependent on finding a charging point when the need arises.

Because it will also run on petrol - not diesel - its 2.0 four-cylinder engine is a cheaper, more efficient backup power source to its ability to run for about 26 miles purely on electric power.

What’s more, because running a diesel Range Rover as a company car is eye-wateringly expensive, the tax benefits from running a plug-in Range Rover Sport instead make it a much more compelling option for businesses. We reckon it’ll save £400 a month in BIK tax compared to a diesel equivalent Sport.

Ironically, one of the UK’s cars least suitable for company-car drivers has become quite attractive. Badged the P400e, the plug-in hybrid Range Rover Sport is available in HSE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims, from £72,785-£86,385.

All cars have decent equipment with heated leather seats, rear view camera, navigation, cruise & climate control and parking sensors as standard. The only real drawback of ordering a Sport in PHEV form is the inability to specify the seven seater option.

Apologies if this is tedious, but we feel a need to set out the context behind which Range Rover has electrified its Sport, a model that, in fossil fuel form, is hardly going to receive a high five from Greenpeace, nor prove a wise company car; it’s expensive, it’s diesel and it’s not exactly economical.

The plug-in version of the car could be the perfect solution for those nervous about 155

Plug-In Power: SUVs with seven seats and three pin power...

Tesla Model X £82,995: The entry level 75kW version of Tesla’s Model X retains the ability to transport seven people in comfort and has nearly 2,500 litres of storage space. Its falcon-wing doors might seem impressive but we think they’ll irritate in tight spaces. Otherwise the car is impressive in its practicality. 360° cameras and adaptive cruise control give the car a modern feel, as does the huge iPad style centre touchscreen. It’s also good for reaching 60mph in 5.2 seconds and 130mph flat out, whilst achieving a range of 315 miles. n

Mercedes Benz GLE350de £61,360: Whilst the Tesla is a pure electric car, Mercedes’ GLE350de is unique in the sense that it pairs a 2.0 four-cylinder diesel unit with a 134bhp electric motor. The result is CO2 emissions of just 29g, meaning no tax for company car drivers. It’ll travel 60 miles on electric power alone. Meanwhile, the diesel engine should mean it’s still economical on longer motorway journeys. Shame about the dated looks and dated cabin, despite Mercedes’s best efforts with mood lighting. Options like the Premium and Premium Plus trims and Driver Assistance are packaged and so expensive, too. n

>> The PHEV Sport - badged P400 combines a 2.0 four-cylinder engine which musters 300hp (it’s the one badged P300 in Land Rover’s nomenclature) with a 105kW electric motor adding some extra shove.

Volvo XC90 Inscription Pro T8 £71,945: With seven seats, a huge boot and lots of standard equipment, the XC90 may not have the same brand caché as Range Rover of Mercedes, but it’s the cerebral choice. We’d specify the Xenium pack for £1,600 to add a 360° camera, Park Pilot and panoramic sunroof to the already vast list of standard equipment, but the XC90 is a bargain, emitting 55g CO2, achieving 117mpg and with an electric-only range of 44km. It’s fast, vast and has a beautiful cabin. n

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Low end grunt is given a boost by the fact that electric vehicles can leverage all of their power immediately without having to build up revs, so the P400 feels every bit as spritely as you’d hope, reaching 60mph in 6.3 seconds and achieving a top speed of 137mph on a autobahn. That low-end performance is also useful for low-speed/high-torque situations like really heavy duty off-roading.

The car’s 26 mile electric-only range isn’t enough for a motorway commute, but keep

“Until an all-new electric Range Rover arrives in 2021 followed by an electric Sport in 2022, this is one of the best models in the range.”

RANGE ROVER SPORT PHEV Price: £86,385 (Autobiography).

the car charged up and you’ll be doing that once a week visit to the supermarket and doing the school run, perhaps even commuting to and from the office, on electric-only power, only using petrol for those longer journeys.

The P400 emits 69g/km of CO2 so it’s not quite under the free-tax threshold, but it’ll certainly save you cash as a company car driver, but even if there’s nothing in it financially, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is also a really nice experience.

Best of all, the coveted Range Rover luxury, comfort, space, versatility, driving position and peerless off-road ability all remain unaffected.

Drivetrain: 2.0 litre V4 petrol engine with 105kW motor, seven speed automatic with all wheel drive transmission.

2021 will see a new Range Rover flagship, with prices rising significantly to compete with Rolls’ Cullinan and Bentley’s Bentayga.

A new Range Rover Sport will follow in 2022 with a fully-electric model, but for now, we reckon the plug-in Sport is probably one of the best models in the firm’s lineup. n

Performance: 0-62 mph: 6.3 seconds.

Top Speed: 137mph.

Economy: 75.3mpg (combined).

Equipment: Adaptive cruise, leather, park pack, navigation. n 157

MOTORS

LIVE TO TELL THE

SPEEDTAIL British motoring marque McLaren’s new Speedtail has broken the 250mph top speed barrier... making it an engineering masterpiece and a good future classic investment...

Words: Rob Davis.

IF EVER THERE WAS AN EXAMPLE of engineering achieving something it could regardless of whether it should, it’s the new McLaren Speedtail.

Whilst most cars depreciate in value, the Speedtail is likely to be purchased by devotees of the brand and kept garaged as a collector’s piece of motoring history.

It’s rather less likely that someone would have the chutzpah to drive it, not least for fear of somebody crashing into your £1.75m carbon fibre hypercar but because, with a 250mph top speed, you’d have to be on pretty unfriendly terms with mortality to want to do so anyway. That does rather beg the question of who on earth would put their name down for one of 106 Speedtails which will be made.

The Speedtail is road legal, if you’re of a sufficiently extrovert disposition, but it’s clearly designed for a track, or more likely destined to find a home in some private collector’s showroom, under a fabric cover.

But as an engineering achievement, it’s sufficiently impressive, with McLaren’s usual 4.0 V8 twin-turbocharged engine supplemented by an eMotor electric system.

The result is a car that has 1,055bhp and can reach 250mph flat out.

Though a 0-60mph figure is usually the way to determine a car’s acceleration, that rather modest velocity is reached and breached so soon that instead, McLaren quotes a 0-186mph time of just 13 seconds. Read this paragraph and by the time you’re finished, you’ll have accelerated from a standing start to 186mph.

Indeed, to test the Speedtail’s velocity the usual test tracks were insufficient, so McLaren had to use Kennedy Space Centre’s runway to confirm the car’s top speed.

The firm’s chief test driver Kenny Bräck took the XP2 prototype to that speed, probably with an overdeveloped sense of bravery compared to the rest of us.

He’d have been comfortable, as well as terrified though, because inside, the car is not the stripped-out track-day style interior you’d expect. Instead of something so crude as rear view mirrors there are rear view camera screens on the two A-pillars. That’s in addition to three digital screens; the left hand side one is for ‘ambience’ - that’s climate control to you and I - and navigation.

The right hand side one deals with media and telephony, then a central screen which

“The entire roof of the car is teardrop-shaped when viewed from overhead, a single panoramic glazed pane of glass which serves as both windscreen and roof...” contains the speedometer, the rev counter and other instruments. The car is also a three-seater with a centrally located seat flanked by two passengers’ seats and the entire roof of the car is tear-drop-shaped when viewed from overhead, a single panoramic glazed pane of glass which serves as both windscreen and roof. Sounds like a chip in the windscreen would be fearfully expensive... another reason to keep the Speedtail off the road. There aren’t even sunvisors in the car; instead electrochromatic technology darkens the car’s glazing when

the sun’s in your eyes. The dihedral doors open electrically and other controls are all created from beautiful milled aluminium.

The engine start-button, electric door switches and transmission buttons are all mounted on an overhead console.

As design goes, the Speedtail is concept-car pretty and perhaps hints at technology that will soon be commonplace - cameras and haptic screens. But we can’t help thinking the car is engineering for engineering’s sake; a museum piece, and a great investment as it’ll surely appreciate... but... not a driver’s car. n

McLAREN SPEEDTAIL Price: £1.75m; deliveries April.

Engine: 4.0 litre V8, twin turbo, plus electric motor, 1,035bhp.

Drivetrain: Seven speed auto gearbox, all wheel drive.

Performance: 0-186mph 13.7 seconds (est); 250mph top speed.

Economy: TBC. Equipment: Three leather seats, surround cameras, navigation. n

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MOTORS

Lotus’ Evija Hypercar THE HOTTEST THING TO COME OUT OF NORWICH SINCE COLMAN’S MUSTARD!

LOTUS Ford sold 6,100 Fiestas in January 2020; it’s the UK’s best selling car. Lotus, meanwhile, sells 1,630 cars a year from its headquarters in Norwich. Just down the road from Colman’s, the Norfolk mustard factory.

And you might be as keen as mustard to put your name down for the firm’s new hypercar, the Evija. With

2,000ps of power it’s the most powerful production car ever, and the lightest at 1,680kg thanks to its carbon fibre body.

Its electric range is 250 miles and it’ll reach speeds of over 200mph with airflow passages right through the car’s body.

Only 130 examples will be made and you’ll need deep pockets, as it’ll go on sale for no less than £2m! n

£400 per parking prang!

OUCH! AVERAGE REPAIR BILL OF £400 FOR PARKING PRANGS

The frugal way to move lots of luggage as BMW launches plug-in...

BMW If you’re looking for a car that’ll swallow loads of cargo, transport five in comfort, cost pennies to lease and run... and provide an engaging drive, good news! BMW has released a plug-in version of its 3-Series Touring model.

Fuel economy figures are 156mpg combined and emissions are just 42g CO2 meaning it’s exempt from BIK tax. It’ll reach 60mph in 6.2 seconds and of course, it drives like a dream, despite having 1,420 litres of luggage space. n

PARKING PRANGS We’ve all been there. A moment of carelessness or a tight multi-storey car park and all of a sudden your bumper is... well, bumped.

Skoda is doing great things in the motoring world at the moment, with a really great portfolio of models. It has also just completed research showing that drivers are left with a £396 repair bill on average, following a parking prang. 11% of motorists, 3.74m people a year, have damaged their vehicle in the past year out of 34m drivers.

Additionally, over 40% of drivers admit to having opened their car onto an adjacent car’s door in a car park in the past year! n

MOTORING

NEWS In Brief

ENDANGERED SPECIES

DUBIOUS MODERN ‘CLASSICS’ ON THE ENDANGERED LIST...

The prospect of extinction in the animal kingdom is a horrifying proposition, but in the motoring world, do some of history’s more dubious models deserve to be consigned to extinction? Take the Soviet Lada Riva, for example. Or the Peugeot 309. What about the (shudder) Nissan Bluebird? All of these cars are on the endangered list, some with just 50 remaining in existence according to the DVLA. If your first car was a Fiat Uno, and you remember it with fondness, would you rescue one of few remaining examples from auto oblivion?

Top Ten Cars at risk from extinction and the numbers remaining in the UK: 1. Lada Riva, 1983-1997 49 remaining in UK. 2. Alfa 146, 1994-2000 89 remaining in UK. 3. Fiat Uno, 1983-1995 218 remaining in UK. 4. Renault 21, 1986-1994: 221 remaining in UK. 5. V/Hall Carlton ‘78-’94: 270 remaining in UK. 6. Citroën BX, 1982-1994: 286 remaining in UK. 7. Nissan Bluebird, 80s: 324 remaining in UK. 8. Volvo 440, 1987-1996: 407 remaining in UK. 9. Peugeot 309, ‘85-’93: 409 remaining in UK. 10. Rover 800, ‘86-’98: 468 remaining in UK. n 161

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