Lincolnshire Pride December 2014

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LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

LincolnshirePride

LincolnshirePride THE

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 £3.70

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our Readers...

DECEMBER 2014

Merry Christmas to all our Readers Exclusive Interview with Bakeoff Winner Nancy Birtwhistle CREAtINg CHRIStMAS LuNCH - gIft guIDE - HOMES - PARtY fASHIONS

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Firstly, a thankyou. A thankyou for your wonderful, varied and well-judged recommendations in our three Good Food Awards categories. We’ll be delighted to reveal our winners in next month’s edition, and we will name our Restaurant of the Year, Bistro or Coffee Shop of the Year and crown our Lincolnshire Food Hero.

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

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so we this month present suggestions as to how you can create your Christmas with Lincoln’s Jane Means’s ideas for wrapping the gifts you’ll find on our Gift Guide pages, ideas for decorations and your Christmas home, and seasonal recipes, including Christmas lunch with a difference courtesy of The Lincolnshire Chef, Steven Bennett.

Also this month we’ve two recommendations for winter dining in Grimsby and on the East Coast, we enjoy a tour around the contemporary Aylesby Hall, and we’ve functions from across the county too, including the opening of a new gallery in Branston and The Aegis charity’s Discovery Ball at the county’s Showground.

LincolnshirePride LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

THE

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 £3.70

Merry Christmas to all our Readers

Exclusive Interview with Bakeoff Winner Nancy Birtwhistle CREATING CHRISTMAS LUNCH - GIFT GUIDE - HOMES - PARTY FASHIONS

This Month’s Cover: One of the county’s hunts, due to ride out this season.

Shown here is the Cottesmore at Deane Bank Farm, inaugurating the group’s Jubilee Covert. Image by equestrian and countryside photographer Nico Morgan; www.nicomorgan.com

With all this, plus news and events from across the county, we send you our warmest wishes for Christmas and a very happy New Year too.

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LincolnshirePride LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK

LincolnshirePride

THE

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 £3.70

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our Readers...

DECEMBER 2014

Merry Christmas to all our Readers

Exclusive Interview with Bakeoff Winner Nancy Birtwhistle CREATING CHRISTMAS LUNCH - GIFT GUIDE - HOMES - PARTY FASHIONS

With best wishes from the Lincolnshire Pride team Publisher: Julian Wilkinson. General Manager: Ian Bagley.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Features Editor: Ceri Jackson.

Graphic Designer and Customer Care: Mandy Bray.

Accounts Manager: Sue Bannister.

Sales Managers: Zoie Wilkinson, Jayne Broughton.

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

Distribution Manager: Paul Dixon.

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

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

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

Enjoy Lincolnshire Pride, read it cover to cover.

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

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

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

Contents

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December 2014

Find out WHAT’S ON in Lincolnshire this month with an array of theatre and live music events to provide some festive cheer!

Barton Baker Nancy Birtwhistle, the Queen of Consistency, this month talks to Pride about her GreAT BriTiSH BAkeOff win.

This month’s fOOd ANd driNk pages present dining suggestions of The Petwood Hotel and Oaklands Hall Hotel in Grimsby.

In our HOmeS SecTiON, we visit Aylesby Hall, which has been lovingly updated and renovated over four years.

Create a GArdeN of Winter Colour like Mark & Angela, who have created a traditional English Garden at their home.

Let us help you find your perfect WeddiNG dreSS as this month we speak to local bridal boutiques to find out about 2015 trends.

Dance the night away with Ted Baker’s new fASHiON collection, with luxurious and beautifully elegant, feminine looks.

Create cHriSTmAS AT HOme, this year with two Lincolnshire ladies who go crackers for festive traditions, and wrapping guru Jane Means.

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County News mBE for head of Lincolnshire charity which saves LiVEs...

Clinical director of charity LiVEs honoured by Her majesty the Queen for work with group that provides first response emergency medical care Lincolnshire Doctor, Yvonne Owen, the Horncastle based clinical director of first responder charity LIVES, has been awarded an MBE for her 25 years of service to health.

redesign of A&E and acute medical services at Louth County Hospital.

In a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace last month Yvonne was presented by Her Majesty The Queen in front of her children Catherine, Jess and Tom.

LIVES is an emergency care service which provides vital help in the minutes before ambulance crews arrive at the scene of an accident. As clinical director, Dr Owen is responsible for overseeing the day to day clinical and operational governance of the charity.

Dr Owen was nominated for the prestigious accolade for her role at LIVES, her continued service to the Lincolnshire East Clinical Commissioning Group as a GP and her work leading the clinical model for the

Dr Owen has also been a highly respected general practitioner at The Wolds practice in Tetford since 1989, helping countless patients, and is also the lead GP for out-of-hours care in the East of the county.

Christmas gifts and an open day at Burdens...

‘Lincolnshire’s Lowry’ painter is the Best from the East of England

Lincolnshire’s Burdens Group will be hosting an open day on Wednesday 3rd December at its North Kyme branch.

artist alan Parker’s straw Bear has been awarded a prestigious award in national open art Exhibition!

‘Lincolnshire’s Lowry’ Alan Parker is one of 87 artists shortlisted in the National Open Art exhibition. He was awarded the Vanessa Whinney Award for The Best from the East of England.

The groundcare specialists will show off a host of Christmas gifts from children’s ride-on toys and scale models to Stihl garden products for adults and stylish Alan Paine country clothing.

A charity auction at 6pm will raise money for the Air Ambulance, whilst mulled wine and mince pies will ensure everyone is in the Christmas spirit!

Burdens, North Kyme, LN4 4DF, 01526 860060 www.burdens.com.

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The Straw Bear, was selected from 3,650 works - the highest number of entries in the largest art competition in the UK. Alan specialises in painting folk traditions. The Straw Bear depicts the Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival, an ancient Fenland custom in which a man covered in straw was led from house to house, dancing in exchange for gifts.

Visit www.thenationalopenart competition.com for more. The Straw Bear is on sale for £12,000.

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

Local twins grow the world’s first purple carrots at family farm...

Image by: David Munns.

Lincolnshire twins Toby and Oliver Bartlett, who are fourth generation farmers and are both just 23 years old, have developed and grown the world's first bushytop purple carrots.

Tesco stores across the country have started selling the carrots to coincide with British Food Fortnight at £1 a bag.

The twins grew 40,000 bunches, which have a purple outer layer, but retained their orange centres.

It is thought the purple version dates back to the 17th century,

and they were more common in the UK than the orange version.

Toby and Oliver work on their family farm, Alan Bartlett and Sons which was set up over 60 years ago.

£10m makeover for Lincoln with East-West contract award

Lincoln’s new east-west link road will reduce congestion and enable business growth in the town. The work includes two kilometers of road with double lanes, bus-lanes and pedestrian crossings.

It’s intended to improve road traffic flows, and provide opportunity for a section of the High Street to be pedestrianised. Balfour Beatty will also demolish some Victorian buildings and restore the facades on others, and provide drainage systems and storage tanks to prevent flooding, several signalised and pedestrian crossings, tactile paving and street-lighting. Work commenced as Pride goes to press and will be complete by the end of 2016.

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What’s On

MayOR’s CHRisTMas CRaCkeR

peTeR paN paNTO

Christmas cheer with the Mayor’s evening of entertainment. The finest acts and local talent take to the stage at Grantham’s Guildhall Arts Centre on Thursday 4th December. There will be singing and dancing to enjoy with artists such as 1940’s style singer Sarah Jane, singer Eleni Skarpari and Dennis Hannant, March to the Grave, Walton Girls School & more! Tickets £12.

The Palace Theatre is delighted to announce that its Christmas production, in association with Paul Holman Associates, is Peter Pan. Bernie Clifton will be back as he takes on the role of Smee in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, creating even more comedy chaos. From Wednesday 10th December to Saturday 3rd January. Tickets on sale now.

www.guildhallartscentre.com 01476 406158

GeRvase pHiNN

Top/Right: Enjoy the Mayor’s Christmas Cracker at Guildhall Arts Centre and see a variety of artists including Eleni Skarpari.

Top: Wade Lewin will be playing the role of Aladdin at The Lincoln Drillhall panto for Jamie Marcus Productions.

Above: Peter Pan will be showing at The Palace Theatre, in association with Paul Holman Associates.

An Evening with Gervase Phinn at the Blackfriars Theatre and Art Centre in Boston will have you on the edge of your seat, as he shares his hilarious and sometimes poignant tales of life as a schools inspector in the Yorkshire Dales. Saturday 6th December, tickets are £16.50. www.blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk 01205 363108

www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk 01636 650000

La NaTiviTe dU seiGNeUR An Organ Concert performed by Colin Walsh will take place in the Nave and St Hugh’s choir of Lincoln Cathedral, Sunday 21st December at 5.30pm. www.lincolncathedral.com 01522 561644

aLaddiN paNTO Jamie Marcus Productions present Aladdin at The Lincoln Drillhall, which is jam-

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- WHat’s on -

packed with well-known songs, amazing costumes and hilarious comedy. It will be a spectacular treat for young and old alike.

Friday 12th December to Sunday 4th January.

Wednesday 10th December to Saturday 3rd January. This year’s show will be full of magic, laughter, audience participation and spectacular surprises. Tickets £13.50.

www.lincolndrillhall.com 01522 873894

www.southhollandcentre.co.uk 01775 764777

TOy & TRaiN faiR Based in the Exhibition Hall at Lincolnshire Showground, this 200 table event is a trove of collectables where you’ll find everything from Corgi and Hornby to Sci Fi, Star Wars, film and TV related items. The fair is open to everyone, collectors and enthusiasts, young and old. Sunday 14th December, 10am to 3pm. Early entry - 6.30am. £5 early entry, £2.50 adult. www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk 01522 522900

CiNdeReLLa paNTO Polka Dot Pantomimes and Spalding’s South Holland Centre present the nation’s favourite pantomime, Cinderella, from

die MeisTeRsiNGeR James Levine returns to one of his signature operas, and is back at the Met for the first time in eight years. See the satellite screening of Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg at Stamford Arts Centres. It tells the story of a group of Renaissance ‘master singers’ whose song contest unites a city.

Johan Reuter, Johan Botha and Annette Dasch lead the superb international cast in this charming and magisterial celebration of the power of music and art. Sunday 14th December at 2pm. Tickets £20.

Top: An Evening with Gervase Phinn at the Blackfriars Theatre.

Above: Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg.

www.stamfordartscentre.com 01780 763203

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- WHat’s on -

Three Years of

Scunthorpe’s The Baths Hall to celebrate its third anniversary, one of the county’s largest entertainment venues this month reveals the highlights of its Christmas season, and celebrates strictly in style with a new live show for spring featuring tV’s Brendan Cole...

Three years of entertainment at The Baths Hall. Scunthorpe’s entertainment venue which dates back to the 1930s and reopened in November 2011 - this month celebrates its third anniversary. One of the largest entertainment venues in the area, The Baths Hall has some great events coming up to celebrate its anniversary, as well as some major events in Spring which necessitate early booking.

6th december - 4th January dick Whittington at The plowright Theatre The Plowright Theatre pantomime has local performers, mirth and plenty of mayhem as Dame Annie Fanny takes centre stage in a comedy retelling of Dick Whittington. Take the children or grandchildren and enjoy a great family show, with tickets from £12/conc to £15/adults and £49/family.

10th december That’ll Be The day - Christmas show Meanwhile, get ready to party with a variety of rock ‘n’ roll acts in a brand new show with Cliff, Elvis and many more. Tickets £23.50.

23rd december a viennese strauss Gala End the year on a fabulous festive high with a vintage Champagne of Strauss waltzes, Christmas music and songs from Vienna

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performed by The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Enjoy The Blue Danube, Vienna Blood and The Radetsky March, with tickets £19-£21/adults.

28th february Magical Mozart by Candlelight Also on a classical music theme, Magical Mozart is a sumptuous show immersing audiences in the baroque festival of one of the world’s greatest romantic composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

25th March Brendan Cole - a Night To Remember And finally, Strictly comes to Scunthorpe with a dazzling UK show featuring incredible choreography, as Brendan Cole promises a Night to Remember. Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographer and performer will host throughout as he leads his cast on a journey of music and dance in a spectacular night of theatrical entertainment.

Loaded with ballroom magic and Latin excitement, booking early is recommended for Brendan’s new live music and dance extravaganza - tickets are £27-£34.50/adults and will also make a great Christmas gift for the Strictly fan in your life.

For more information on any of these shows, see www.bathshall.co.uk or call 0844 854 2776.

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- nanCY BirtWHistLE -

“i’ve got an agent now! I’ve never had an agent before.” says Nancy Birtwhistle, with a warm-hearted, modest laugh.

make a poor quiche or meat pie than buy a good one. I wouldn’t bake for fun though.”

Nancy was last month revealed as the winner of BBC1’s Great British Bakeoff. From anyone with an ounce of arrogance it might sound like a boast, but Nancy’s far too lovely to ever be called such a thing. And in fairness, with the amount of media attention she’s attracting, and the inevitable book, TV and other media requests that will ensue, it’s quite necessary. For now though, Nancy’s husband, retired GP Tim is acting as PA, dealing with emails and incoming offers.

“We worked hard to buy ourselves an early retirement. I wanted to cook and bake more, travel, read, do all of those things. Thursday became baking day, cooking day, and I just got hooked.”

Hull-born Nancy has worked on our side of the Humber for around 20 years, firstly in admin for a GP surgery then, following an MBA in her 40s, as practice manager, before retiring seven years ago.

The couple have lived in their pretty Victorian property in Barton on Humber for around 15 years, but whilst retirement was once a peaceful business, the baker this year shot to fame in the show, which saw her competing with 11 other contestants to each week complete a signature bake, a technical challenge and design a showstopper to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry.

“I’d never been in the baking industry - in fact you’re not allowed to enter if you’ve any professional experience.”

Nancy’s love of baking began at around eight years of age, working alongside her grandmother in the kitchen. Baking then was necessity, not nostalgia, says Nancy but she was keen to take in all of the knowledge that she could impart.

“In the school holiday I’d go to her house on my bike and we’d bake. It always seemed as though there was loads going on - trays of jam tarts, lemon pies, puddings, mince pies, Christmas cakes... the usual Christmas fayre!”

“You don’t realise as a child but it was her legacy. I was a practical cook, I baked to feed the family and I’d rather

“Bread was always a mystery. I brought a breadmaker and got quite into it, memorising the ingredients. As the machine got older the results became inconsistent so I had a go at making it myself. Making bread got me hooked on

have to follow. My grandmother said you need a light hand for pastry and a heavy hand for bread, and that’s so right.”

Nancy took to watching the programme from its second series. “I dipped in and out, watching bits of it. I was more of a Masterchef fan in those day, but it seemed a little serious, a bit brutal.”

“I got well and truly hooked on Bake Off during series three and I even practised the technical challenges - they really enticed me! They were quite complicated, but the throwaway

Ready, Steady,

Bake

this month we talk exclusively to the queen of consistency herself, the Barton baker who, like her Victoria sponges, rose to the occasion Words: Rob Davis. to triumph in BBC1’s great British Bakeoff.

baking and it grew from there. I like making cakes but my favourite bake is pastry.”

Nancy and Tim have five children and eight grandchildren between them, and Nancy would always bake for their birthdays chocolate cakes with Smarties and fresh cream, but says she has been a serious baker for around seven years.

“Cooking is about experimenting but baking is more exact. It’s fascinating.

I look forward to baking bread and never buy a loaf now, I look forward to baking day and look forward to seeing how each loaf works out. With baking there are more exact rules that you

comments to most viewers weren’t throwaway comments, they were really useful tips to me.”

“My perception was that Paul and Mary’s appearance was fleeting - they would do their judging and you wouldn’t see them again. In fact, they were there the whole weekend, hanging around.”

“They were there and I can remember chatting to Paul about my underproved bread. ‘How am I going to sort it out?’

I asked, to which he replied ‘you’ve only got a five minute window in reality.’

It gave me a real sense of comfort.”

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- nanCY BirtWHistLE -

It never occurred to Nancy that she could appear on the show until she applied for series four - the previous series.

enormous job to do.’ I was thrilled and excited and everyone was pleased for me but then it dawned on me; I had to step up and do the work.”

Nancy passed a telephone audition, and two more face-to-face auditions after that, taking her down to the last 60. She didn’t get on the show.

“I remember saying to Tim ‘I’ve now got to perform,’ and it’s a public fall from grace if you get it wrong. I remember thinking ‘I wonder how I’ll deal with it, the week I go out,’ because you really want to do well.”

“I was disappointed. I recognised Howard, Lucy - two or three faces. I though ‘Crikey, I’ve met those people.’”

She applied again the next year. It was the same process; a rather lengthy form, available around October, with around 16,000 people vying for a place on the show at this stage. There’s a telephone interview at which point contestants are asked 10 questions. Around 200 people are selected for a first audition at one of several auditions around the UK around December, which includes a screen test to which the prospective contestants also have to take along one of their bakes.

One of several second auditions takes place in London around January, surrounded by cameras, crew. and around 12 other competitors. It’s as near as can possibly be to the actual programme. Nancy was given a technical challenge, and people posing as judges spoke to Nancy during her baking, practice for how she would appear on the show. At this stage, prospective contestants even have to see a psychotherapist to make sure they’ll cope with the stress.

Soon Nancy began to see the signature and showstopper challenges.

These are sent out in advance with only the technical challenges remaining secret. “We had a week to see our original recipes - you’re not allowed to use anything out of books or recipes from the internet. I only practised up to week seven, I never thought I’d be there until the end! Even the person who goes out in week one has already done seven weeks of work.”

The show is recorded between April and the end of June, airing from August

“Everything you need had to be there because it’s not a kitchen, just a work area. Runners would take everything away to be washed up immediately. It served as a dress rehearsal, then we were set up with microphones and so on. We went off the The Bakers’ Room for breakfast, and actual filming started around half past nine.”

“In the early weeks when there were lots of bakers, so we were interviewed at around half past nine or ten o’clock at night, but the days get shorter each week as you lose bakers.”

“Sunday it was the same thing. Up at five, collected, blocked for the showstopper, and filming started around half past nine. The challenges were sometimes five hours long. You’d stop for lunch then go back into the tent for judging around 6.30pm. We didn’t get to see the judges’ comments until the show aired. After that you’d grab your stuff and head home quite quickly. I’d usually arrive back in Lincolnshire at around midnight or one o’clock in the morning.”

“I only practised up to week seven, I never thought I’d be there until the end!

Even the person who goes out in week one has already done seven weeks of work...”

“It’s pretty gruelling. Social media exposure, for example. Ruby got a pretty hard time in the previous series.

I purposely haven’t looked.”

Nancy was told in March that she was one of the 14 prospective contestants; 12 ‘definites,’ with two ‘stand-ins.’

As a final prospective, the crew came to film Nancy at her Barton home in March. It was just before the film crew arrived that Nancy was told she’d definitely be appearing on Bake Off. “My first thought was excitement.

I couldn’t wait to tell people. Then the reality sunk in. I thought ‘I’ve an 18

to October, over 10 weeks. Filming takes place at Walcott Hall in Berkshire, every weekend, so Nancy would leave Barton just before noon on Friday to travel six hours on the train, accompanied by a modestly-sized suitcase for clothes, and a somewhat larger suitcase full of ingredients and equipment.

During each Friday evening the competitors would have a meal together, and would get an early night ready to be on set by around half past six in the morning.

“They’d take you on set, straight into the tent then block us. They went through the recipes, checked your ingredients were there, that your oven was working, check the equipment.”

“On Monday, you’d get up and immediately start practising for the following week. My Monday bakes were never a success.

I should have written off Monday because I was too tired, but I wanted to get on with the next episode.”

There are six camera teams and around 100 members of crew, and at any time there was 40-50 people in the tent. Another tent at the back stores all of the equipment... and washing up!

“We really were all in it together. It’s a competition in the first couple of weeks but then you develop a friendship that transcends that.”

“The first week I wanted to survive. I didn’t know anyone. It was strange; the tent, the cameras, all seemed terrifying and I felt totally out to sea. I just wanted to survive.”

Nancy did survive and, indeed, won star baker in episode one. By the end it was like going to work. I knew the crew, the production team. Paul and Mary were the bosses; ‘Here’s the bosses, coming to see what we’re up to.’ Being TV, there’s

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lots of time to bond with your competitors. More often than not you’d laugh about disasters. Baked Alaska week for example. It was a nightmare situation; 35° in the tent, a freezer down, but it was the same for everyone, and we all laughed about it in the end, how chaotic it was.”

“There was only one stable week, the week a competitor didn’t go home.

Even when someone did though, we’d sort of reform, come back together.”

“At the end I remember saying to a nervous Richard and Luis ‘Richard, there’s a winner here and two finalists, so nobody ‘loses.’ Just do your best.’

He was suffering. Exhausted and at the end of his tether.”

“Luis was very precise. Very competent, He’s probably technically the best baker.

His weak spot, if he had such a thing, was flavour. But technically he was superb and he had some really original ideas.”

“Richard was a bit volatile. He was either brilliant or in danger, not often middling. He got star baker five times, whereas I was in the middle throughout.

His scrambled egg lemon tart was the result of nerves.”

The final took place in the last week of June, and with confidentiality agreements in place, Nancy and her fellow bakers are sworn to secrecy.

Nancy’s family joined her for the revealing of the show’s winner.

“We didn’t tell anyone. Tim knew, I’d won though, and the family, all of whom had to sign the confidentiality statement. It would be the worst thing if the result had got out. When people knew I was in the final, many asked if I won. I’d just say ‘I did my best, can’t do anything more than that.’ It became quite easy to fob them off in the end!”

“On the day of the final it was very tight, time wise. I’d gone ten minutes over during my practise bake, and that’s without cameras and interruptions.

The discipline kicks in, you don’t have time to be stressed, you’re in the zone, totally focused. I didn’t even look up to see what the other two had done. When I stepped back, when they called time, I thought; ‘that’s it. I can’t do any better than that.’ Luis was in tears. Richard was

clearly very flustered.” The completion of the final bake meant an end to all the hard work, stress and wondering.

“Then, you’re told to leave straight away.

Paul was standing at the entrance. He tapped me on the shoulder as I walked out, then we weren’t allowed to join family and friends outside, they just sent us to The Bakers’ Room, and we had lunch.”

“We were interviewed separately and I was asked if I thought I’d won. I said ‘I’ve absolutely no idea...’ and I really didn’t.”

The three bakers made their way outside and lined up for the winner’s reveal. Nancy was named winner, after weeks of higher and higher stakes.

“You see people winning on TV, jumping up and down, screaming.

I was the opposite. I just dropped my head. Even now it hasn’t sunk in.

I think I’m a bit of a fraud.”

Post-Bake Off, Nancy has, with help of a mentor, had to adjust to being on the front page of daily newspapers, TV interviews and proposals for future projects. “My mentor is part of Love Productions. She’s told me not to rush into anything and has arranged all the interviews and press releases. I’ve been

very well looked after. I’ve been writing a recipe a day with a view to creating a book, and have done recipes for BBC Good Food, Children in Need and Macmillan.

All I’ve done so far is charity work.”

Finding sudden fame has certainly proved an unexpected twist to Nancy’s retirement, but for the Barton baker who always rose to the occasion, the fame is well-deserved and most definitely hard-earned. Nancy will this month enjoy a family Christmas but 2015 is set to be very interesting indeed for the queen of consistency!

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CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR AT

THE BALL HOUSE Now taking festive bookings, please call for more details.

Waineet Road, Boston PE21 9RL

01205 364478

www.theballhouseboston.co.uk

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STARTERS Veloute of celeriac and apple cider, walnut, blue cheese and crouton.

Terrine of confit duck, salt baked beetroot, orange and festive Cumberland sauce.

Gratin of Cornish cock crab with aged parmesan and chive.

MAINS Roast black feather turkey, traditionally garnished.

Roast fillet of salmon, buttered kale, roasted Jerusalem artichokes, salsify and parsley.

Butternut squash & feta cheese bake, toasted pumpkin seeds and dried cherry tomatoes.

DESSERTS Baked apple tarte tatin, clove ice cream.

Christmas pudding, brandy crème anglaise.

Selection of three fine cheeses, homemade biscuits and chutney.

2 COURSES £18.50 OR 3 COURSES £22.50 Available Wednesday to Saturday 12 noon – 2.30pm & 6pm – 9pm

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A Stunning Lincolnshire

Christmas Feast

substituting guinea Fowl for the traditional turkey this year will result in a moist, succulent Christmas treat for those who find turkey a little bland.

We’ve asked the Lincolnshire Chef steven Bennett to design a compelling Christmas menu that’s luxurious, but easy, liberating you from kitchen chores and ensuring you’ve more time to spend with your guests this season...

Words: Rob Davis, Steven Bennett.

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- CHristmas rECiPEs -

Christmas lunch is one of the highlights of the season, but it’s also one of the most labour-intensive, taking you away from your family and lunchtime guests when you should be playing host and enjoying a glass of Champagne.

That’s why, this month, we’ve asked Steven Bennett, The Lincolnshire Chef, to come up with a three course meal to liberate you from the kitchen this Christmas.

After learning his trade growing up as a baker and butcher’s son in Louth, Steven went on to work in some of the region’s top Michelin starred restaurants; Winteringham Fields and Harts Hotel in Nottingham.

A head chef at 23, restaurant director at 26 and having obtained his first AA Rosette at 27, he now serves as a hospitality consultant and has an outside catering business. He was recently inducted into The Guild of Master Craftsmen earlier this year, and has also filmed a cookery series for Grimsby’s Estuary TV, due to air on the local channel this month.

“Preparing Christmas lunch can seem like a daunting task.” says Steven. “We’ve created a three course Christmas lunch here that’s entirely home-made, luxurious, and deliciously different from the totally traditional turkey you were going to serve.

“Much of it can be prepared in advance meaning minimal work and a tidier kitchen on Christmas Day, as well as more time to spend with your guests, opening gifts.”

“Our starter is smoked salmon rillettes.

This can be as coarse or smooth as you wish and, sealed with clarified butter, can be prepared up to a week in advance - though the closer to Christmas Day the better.”

“We then substitute turkey for a more moist guinea fowl option. These birds are much smaller than turkeys, which allows for more even cooking of, for instance, two or three smaller birds rather than one large one.”

“Its gamier flavour and a darker meat gives Christmas lunch a more robust taste, one which suits chestnut stuffing, ‘pigs in blankets,’ and other Christmas staples perfectly.”

“We finish with a chocolate roulade which can, again, be prepared in advance. It’s rich and chocolatey, but less heavy than a Christmas pudding, perfectly indulgent and popular with children too!”

a super seasonal starter of smoked salmon Rillettes serves six. Preparation time: 20 minutes.

Cooking time: 25 minutes.

200g poached scottish smoked salmon fillet • 200g scottish smoked salmon • 75g salted butter or 4tbsp crème fraiche • 1tbsp mayonnaise • 1tsp creamed horseradish • lemon juice to taste • 1tbsp chopped chives • sprig of fresh dill

Our smoked salmon rillettes can be made up to a week in advance, because the real selling point of the dish - the feature that makes it especially ideal as a Christmas lunch starter - is its ability to be preserved in clarified butter until required.

Melt a little butter in a pan and add the smoked salmon, cooking for around three minutes. Cool and refrigerate, setting aside for later. Poach the remaining salmon in hot water for around five minutes then remove, cool and refrigerate.

Once cold, mash each of the salmon dishes together, aiming for a coarse texture.

Beat together the remaining butter, and crème fraiche, mayonnaise & horseradish, if you’re using them. Add the chives and some dill. Add lemon juice to taste and season with black pepper. Combine the mixture with the salmon and spoon the rilettes into kilner jars or terrines. Seal with the remaining butter.

Serve with melba toast or home made bread; garnish with watercress and a slice of lemon.

“With a well-planned menu, you can prepare much of your Christmas lunch well in advance...”

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- CHristmas rECiPEs -

Roast Guinea fowl with Traditional stuffing serves six. Preparation time: 45 minutes. Cooking time: 1hr 30 minutes. two white onions, diced • 1tbsp sage • 100g walnuts • 100g breadcrumbs • the zest of three lemons • 200g cooked chestnuts • two eggs, medium; beaten two guinea fowl; one bird per two or three diners, assuming 1kg per bird • 12 rashers of pancetta • 100g butter • large white onion, sliced • tbsp flour to thicken juices • stock, chicken or vegetable; approx 500ml

Why serve two guinea fowl for Christmas lunch, instead of one bird? Having two separate birds will enable each to cook more evenly, and will shorten cooking times considerably. Each can be placed on your table and carved simultaneously... of course, there are twice the number of legs to go around!

Also, if you’re having a couple’s Christmas dinner, one guinea fowl will feed two people comfortably. Finally, if you’re cooking turkey, it’s tricky to sufficiently cook the stuffing in the bird’s cavity. Because of their smaller sizes, stuffing in a guinea fowl bird will cook more effectively.

substituting a huge turkey for two smaller guinea fowl birds will enable you to cook each more evenly, and have two smaller birds rather than one monster onto your Christmas table, speeding up serving...

Make your stuffing first by softening your onions in a pan and cooking with the sage for two minutes or so. Place in a bowl with the other ingredients and combine well, seasoning to taste.

Wash your bird/s, wipe the stuffing cavity and pat dry with kitchen paper before pushing some of your stuffing mix under the skin.

Spread your pancetta across the bird/s and season, then fill the cavity with your mixture, rolling any remaining stuffing into balls. The bird/s can now be chilled for up to 24 hours.

On Christmas day, bring back up to room temperature for 30 mins or so, and roast at 200°c/gas six, for 15 minutes then reduce to 180°c/gas four for 45 mins (based on 1kg bird/s). Check each is cooked using a skewer or sharp knife to check for clear - not bloody - juices. Rest for around 20mins whilst you prepare the gravy by pouring off the juices, spooning off the fat and adding the flour before stirring well and straining to remove lumps.

Right: Steven Bennett, The Lincolnshire Chef, in his kitchen garden.

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Rich Creamy Brussels sprouts serves six. Preparation time: 30 minutes.

Cooking time: 15 minutes. guide quantity of 1kg sprouts for four-six people; choose ones grown in Lincolnshire! • 500g pancetta or smoked bacon lardons • 250ml double cream • two cloves of garlic • salt and pepper to taste

Sprouts have a bad reputation at this time of year, but with 40,000 tonnes of them consumed each Christmas and one in 20 of them produced in North Lincolnshire by farmer John Clappison who grows 175,000,000 each year, they’re here to stay... especially in our county!

The secret to cooking a good sprout is to cook them in salted boiling water for about five minutes before draining and blanching them in ice cold water; half- water and halfice cubes works well.

Fry your lardons and set aside. Then, drain your sprouts. Add the cream and garlic to a small pan, boil, then add your sprouts into the bacon, combine and add both into the creamy mixture. Season and serve, or keep warm by placing on your Aga top, or into a hostess trolley.

sensational seasonal sides n Maris Piper potatoes are floury, and work best for roasties. Prepare a day or two in advance. Par-boil, then drain, roughen up and roast in goose fat with rosemary and polenta. n Roast parsnips with 150g finely grated Parmesan, fresh breadcrumbs and fresh thyme. n Give your carrots character with a glaze of butter, sugar, and star anise. Boil the above in a pan and reduce, then pour over them. n Add the juice of a lemon, two bay leaves, a cinnamon stick and 250ml cranberry juice to create flavoursome red cabbage.

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- CHristmas rECiPEs -

a Rich Chocolatey Christmas Roulade serves six. Preparation time: 45 minutes.

Cooking time: 20 minutes.

175-200g good quality dark chocolate, with high cocoa content e.g.: Lindt 90%, Hotel Chocolat 100% • 175-200g caster sugar • seven large eggs; separated • 2tbs good quality cocoa powder • 300ml double cream • some icing sugar to dust

Christmas pudding is falling out of fashion, especially with the young. Rich, laden with brandy and stodgy. It may be traditional, but after Christmas lunch, few are prepared to endure a heavy pudding, so we’ve an alternative that’s light, delicious and popular with children, too.

The secret of producing a ravishing roulade is to ensure as much air is introduced into the mixture and, subsequently, to ensure you don’t squidge the air out in the process of working it.

Preheat your oven to 180°c/gas four slightly less for fan ovens - then line a Swiss roll tin with greaseproof paper, pushing the paper into the corners of the tin to ensure nice square edges. Use a bain marie to melt your dark chocolate, being sure not to let the water in your saucepan touch the bottom of the bowl.

Separate the whites and yolks of your eggs and whisk the whites until stiff. Next, whisk the yolks until thick and ribbon-like, then stir in the melted chocolate. Fold two spoonfuls of egg white into the mixture to loosen it, then using a metal spoon, fold in the remaining whites, being careful not to knock the air out.

Use a sieve to add the cocoa powder, fold in, then spoon the mixture into the tin and level out as gently as possible.

Bake the mixture for about 20 minutes, until it rises slightly. A good roulade will crack a little and won’t look ‘perfect.’

“To give your roulade a little bit of Christmas cheer, add a few drops of Disaronno to the batter...”

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Whip the cream until it’s almost stiff, then lay a large piece of greaseproof paper onto your work surface, and dust with a little icing sugar. Turn out the roulade and peel off its paper then leave the cake to ensure it’s completely cool.

Score off the edge of the roulade and spread the whipped cream over the base, evenly, to a depth of about a centimetre. Roll your roulade tightly, using the paper to help. Don’t worry when it cracks; it should have an organic rather than immaculate appearance!

The roulade can be frozen for up to a month before serving without the icing sugar coating, or kept in the fridge 24 hours beforehand. Serve with berries, and if you want to give your roulade a little extra Christmas cheer, you can also add a few drops of brandy, or Disaronno, to the mixture.

Christmas Lunch: The finishing Touches n If you’re following our festive menu, make your salmon rillettes and roulade in advance, and prepare your veg a day or two beforehand, minimising how much you have to do on Christmas Day. n Lincolnshire’s Go Crackers provides both ‘make your own’ and ‘fill your own’ crackers - an end to poor presents and terrible cracker humour. See later in this edition. n Make carving your guinea fowl easy with Arthur Price’s sterling silver three piece carving set, available in seven designs from Retford-based Lincoln House; £300, 01777 818008, www.cutlery.uk.com. n Add a sparkle to your table with real Swarovski crystals to scatter; £10.50/50x8mm, 0161 972 0088, www.scattercrystals.co.uk.

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- Food -

Woodhall’s Winter

Wonderland

a frosty winter at Lincolnshire’s most beloved Edwardian hotel, The petwood, is always special, and this season a brand new menu courtesy of head chef philip Long provides even more appeal Words & Images: Rob Davis. a winter wonderland for diners this season, Woodhall Spa’s Petwood Hotel is the area’s largest, oldest and most beautiful hotel. It’s an ideal base from which to enjoy a walk through the woods, the newly refurbished Jubilee Park or a family film at Kinema in the Woods.

Developers GN Construction and Wheway are seeking to restore the town’s historic baths houses, hopefully using water from the town’s spring, to create a luxury day spa venue. With The Petwood Hotel itself continuing to stimulate interest in the restoration of its own Harold Peto landscaped grounds, too, Woodhall will have plenty to offer Lincolnshire people and tourists alike over the next few years.

Left: Saddle of rabbit stuffed with spinach, wrapped in Parma ham and presented with rabbit faggots.

That’s why the village needs good quality restaurants to satiate its visitors, and it’s why The Petwood Hotel is still as popular as ever.

Head Chef Philip Long joined the hotel a year ago and has ensured its provision of dining can rival any restaurant in the area.

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Left: Nuts and Beer in a crisp peanut brûlée with home-made Guinness ice cream.

Below: Venison liver served with candy and golden beetroot.

Bottom: Philip is celebrating a year at the hotel and has completely transformed its provision of dining.

afternoon tea option. Daytime service takes place from noon until 3pm, and there’s separate provision for Sunday lunches in the Terrace Bar or main dining room too.

“Philip’s chicken soup is a thin, glossy consommé poured at the table by the diner over a wild mushroom garnish and chicken soubic...”

“We wanted to retain a sense of tradition, a sense of relaxed formality, improving the food and taking it to the next level.” says Philip. “We’ve created a range of dishes that are more fine dining oriented, retaining a good sense of provenance and good value.”

Philip’s dishes are powerful in flavour, usually quite bright and colourful, and deliciously distinct from the usually gastropub-oriented offerings elsewhere.

That suits the hotel, with its Edwardian architecture, dark wooden interior, panelling and large dining room, with its fresh flowers and traditional table linens, perfectly.

More formal than a pub restaurant but still welcoming and relaxed, ex-Claridges chef Philip brings a sense of traditional quality to the hotel’s dining. Restaurant service takes place between 12noon-3pm Monday to Friday and from 6.30pm-9pm, seven days a week, in the evening.

A single à la carte menu provides a choice of seven starters, nine main courses and seven desserts plus a local cheese option.

In the Terrace Bar, there’s a choice of around 10 more substantial dishes, six smaller offerings, plus sandwiches, salads, ciabattas, nibbles and a very popular 30

Our visit saw us sampling Philip’s brand new winter dishes, with a traditional Poacher cheese soufflé that’s twice baked; creamy, presented with an apple and shallot salad.

A second starter was a soup option, but rather different in presentation to other restaurants.

Philip’s chicken soup is a thin, glossy consommé rather than a brothy opaque soup and is poured at the table by the diner over a wild mushroom garnish and chicken soubic - a bread and chicken patty or terrine that serves as a sort of soft crouton.

A main course of thickly-sliced venison liver was pan-fried and served with candy and golden beetroot. Our favourite main course from the preview of the new menu, however, was the menu’s rabbit dish. A saddle of rabbit stuffed with spinach and wrapped in Parma ham with rabbit faggots and served with hand-cut fondant potatoes. With two fish dishes, three game options plus two steak options and two vegetarian dishes, there’s plenty of choice and a range of six side dishes to accompany.

Desserts at the hotel are all home-made with the preferred option during our visit a classic tiramisu presented on slate with an Italian biscotti and cinnamon & ricotta dumpling.

We also enjoyed the hotel’s ‘nuts and beer’ dessert, a crisp peanut brûlée with home made Guinness ice cream.

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- Food -

“There’s lots happening at The Petwood Hotel and, indeed, in the village of Woodhall Spa, too...”

Group during the summer, and Autumn’s sell-out Fawlty Towers dining event.

To accompany your meal, the hotel’s wine menu comprises no fewer than 50 wines with prices from under £20, rising to £59.50 for a Riserva Borolo.

There’s a strong link between the hotel and Select Lincolnshire. Local suppliers include Woodhall Spa’s Taylor’s Butchers and Peterborough Game.

One of The Petwood Hotel’s strengths has always been its provision of a good calendar of events, from this year’s 1940s weekend, which the hotel always plays a large part in, with its Dambusters heritage, to its classic car events and live theatre performances in conjunction with the Chapterhouse Theatre 32

This season, Christmas afternoon teas will include mince pies and scones on tiered cake stands, and places are still available in December for the hotel’s party nights, a Boxing Day brunch and for its New Year’s Eve event, at £95/person, with a champagne and canapé reception, four course supper and live entertainment.

With new menus, a wealth of Christmas entertainment and a new events calendar for 2015 being confirmed as Pride goes to press, there’s plenty happening at the Petwood and, indeed, in Woodhall Spa too.

There’s lots going on in the little village, and at the heart of Woodhall is the area’s oldest, largest and best-loved hotel. So, if you’ve not paid a visit for a few months, do so this month and remind yourself why the hotel remains a highly recommended, traditional, venue with a restaurant that’s ideal for those who appreciate quality dining.

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Sample Menu startErs the Ham Hock terrine

£6.75

Ham hock terrine served on a white peach glaze with peaches, pomegranate and parsley dressing. the soufflé

£5.75

Twice baked Poacher soufflé presented on a shallot and apple salad. the smoked salmon

£7.25

Smoked salmon mousse encased in a soft-boiled hen’s egg, breaded and deep-fried with pickled cucumber.

mains the Cod

£14.25

Pan fried cod with peas and chorizo on saffron mash with chorizo foam. the steaks

£19.75/£29.50

Sirloin or fillet steak, cooked to your liking, with field mushrooms, cherry tomatoes.

With hand-cut chips and onion rings. the duck

£19.00

Chinese-spiced duck breast served on stir-fry vegetable with soft-boiled egg and confit spring roll. the gnocchi

£12.50

Gnocchi tossed with wild mushrooms, served with rocket and parmesan.

PUdding Chilled soup

£4.50

A chilled strawberry purée blended with double cream and yoghurt. Dotted with fruit, berry sorbet and walnut oil. the Fondant

£4.50

A rich chocolate fondant with a chocolate orange centre served with vanilla ice cream.

Cheese

£5.50

Locally sourced cheese with savoury biscuits and homemade chutney.

Find out more: The petwood Hotel, stixwould Rd, Lincolnshire LN10 6QG. Tel: 01526 352411 www.petwood.co.uk.

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The Queen’s Head KIRKBY LA THORPE, SLEAFORD

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS...

Our Christmas menus are now available, with the best festive fayre and a warm welcome. And, with live entertainment and dancing throughout December too, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

ON THE A17 AT SLEAFORD, NG34 9NU Call 01529 305743 | www.thequeensheadinn.com

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- Food -

Plate of The Art Grimsby’s Comfy duck restaurant has a new Head Chef and now an aa Rosette too, as recognition of its high quality food. We were delighted to pay a visit to find out what’s on the menu for discerning winter diners Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Grimsby’s Comfy duck restaurant has a newly awarded AA rosette, a new Head Chef and brand new menus for the winter season. With so much happening, it’s well worth a visit - especially if you prefer food that’s not so much state of the art, as plate of the art.

Built in 1877, commanding a Grade II listing, the property was a family home to the Lockwoods until it was sold in the mid-1960s and turned into a hotel.

Sarah Underwood, granddaughter of the property’s last private owner, was dismayed when the hotel failed, so she and husband Nigel purchased the place, reopening after a £1m refurbishment and creating The Comfy Duck restaurant to service not only the hotel’s 46 bedrooms, but nonresidents too, who remain welcome to this day.

Left: Five-spiced leg of duck with potato terrine, pear chutney, purée and crisp with watercress garnish.

The restaurant has been a success story in its own right thanks to freelance food and hospitality consultant Steven Bennett. He remains in post as Operations Director and works alongside two Head Chefs, Gareth 37

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Left: Salmon fillet with chardonnay jelly, chervil purée and hollandaise.

Below: Pistachio sponge with home made ice cream.

“A ‘posh’ take on fish and chips followed, utilising curried tail of monkfish with tempura cheek, polenta chips and assorted pickles, with pea shoot garnish...”

An example of this is our scallops - one of our starters and a mainstay on many menus.

In a typical example of the kind of twist the trio of chefs likes to introduce, Alasdair served our scallops with a smoked broth with barley, samphire and sea vegetables. Lifting the dish’s cover, a whisp of smoke arose revealing pure white, beautifully presented scallops decorated with edible flowers.

Our other starter, a salmon fillet, was just as imaginatively presented, with a sliver of chardonnay jelly, chervil purée and hollandaise in an egg shell.

A ‘posh’ take on fish and chips followed,

Below: Our scallops were smoked at the table with a hand-held device. Diners’ scallops are smoked in the kitchen and uncovered for a big reveal at the table.

utilising curried tail of monkfish with tempura cheek, polenta chips and assorted pickles, with pea shoot garnish.

Bartram and newly appointed Alasdair Beccles to ensure the food produced within the restaurant is commensurate with the rest of the hotel.

With the three men leading a brigade of no fewer than 12 chefs, there’s plenty of cooks in the kitchen, but evidently, not too many as to spoil the broth, because the food that the kitchen produces is extremely impressive. Better than most standalone restaurants, there’s the fundamentals of good technical ability and sound judgement of flavours, supplementing a willingness to introduce real flair into the food, too.

“I’m from Scotland and have been a chef since I was 19. I grew up in a strong region for game and seafood, so coming to Grimsby suits me perfectly.” says Alasdair.

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“The food is already really strong and this year the team was delighted to win an AA rosette, so now we’re confident that the quality is evident, we’re happy to introduce some extra imagination and flair too.”

Local suppliers help to keep quality high and ensure imagination in each dish. These include Oscar Cleve - one of Grimsby’s oldest fish merchants - plus vegetable producer Coven Garden, based in Louth, and butcher John Pettit’s, as well as Cote Hill, Stokes, Batemans and Pipers.

The team is keen to promote The Comfy Duck as a standalone restaurant rather than an integral part of the Oaklands Hall Hotel.

That’s because residents and nonresidents alike can enjoy dining seven days a week in the restaurant, with lunchtime service from 11.30am - 2.30pm, evening service from 5.30pm - 9.30pm and extended opening hours for weekend service.

The evening à la carte menu provides a choice of eight appetisers, around six main courses and six desserts, whilst the daytime menu also provides a range of sandwiches and seven ‘classics’ - from sausages with ‘bubble & squeak,’ to haddock & chips.

The evening menu includes three grill

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- Food -

“We were delighted to receive an AA rosette this year, and we hope it’s testimony to the fact that we put real effort into our food...”

“We were delighted to receive an AA rosette this year, and we hope it’s testimony to the fact that we put real effort into our food.

Everything from bread to ice creams and sorbets are made in house.”

The hotel is also keen to continue to host its regular special dining events such as last month’s champagne evening, run in association with Laurent Perrier with a six course taster menu. options and a sharing platter of pork, with all cuts for the dish butchered in the kitchen by the brigade themselves.

Our dessert options included pistachio sponge served with cream cheese ice cream - home-made in house - and a toasted pistachio-crumb fondant.

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“We’re just confirming the details for our 2015 events and we’ve some exciting events coming up that combine great food with great wine and great service.” says Steven.

Regular diners are also rewarded by way of a VIP club which offers incentives such as complimentary desserts and drinks.

For those who prefer warm, gooey desserts in winter, our salted chocolate fondant was delicious, but was given an imaginative twist, too, with vibrant beetroot ice cream and lemon curd.

Set in five acres on the edge of the Wolds themselves an area of outstanding natural beauty - and with its listed status, the building is the perfect setting for a restaurant that pays great attention not just to the flavour of its food, but its appearance too.

“2014 has introduced some new and tasty dishes to the restaurant.” says Steven.

“We’re keen to make diners aware that the restaurant is available to non-residents, and to produce food in a modern style with fresh local ingredients and a great atmosphere to provide an exceptional overall experience.”

With this winter yielding dishes of exceptional taste and beauty, The Comfy Duck in Grimsby’s Oaklands Hall Hotel is one restaurant we’re delighted to recommend this month. Its food is a work of art... albeit art which really does look good enough to eat.

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Sample Menu startErs Local Pig

£5.95

Brawn terrine with cider-braised pork cheek, aerated parfait, crispy skin and salt-baked beets with dried sage, apple purée and apple crisp.

Cottage Pie

£5.25

Mini cottage pie presented with ale and treacle bread.

Comfy duck scotch Egg

£6.50

Scotch egg with haslet, piccalilli, pickled vegetables and apple crisps.

mains duck

£16.95

Signature dish of five-spiced leg, potato terrine, pear chutney, purée and crisp, with watercress.

Venison

£17.95

Cured smoked loin of venison, sausage, liver and pomme dauphine with braised red cabbage and pickled shallot rings.

Beef

£19.95

Cheek, fillet and brisket of beef in puff pastry with swede, young turnip, celeriac purée and shallot marmalade. monkfish

£16.95

Curried tail of monkfish with tempura cheek, celeriac, polenta chips, hummus and an assortment of pickles.

PUdding Chocolate Plate to share

£9.95

Chocolate fondant, white chocolate parfait, dark chocolate sorbet and chocolate soil with marshmallow and biscotti.

Cheese option

£7.95

Selection of four British cheeses with frozen grapes, celery, fruit chutney, homemade crackers, rosemary scones and raisin bread.

Find out more: Barton street, Laceby, Grimsby, Lincolnshire dN37 7Lf. Tel: 0845 330 0393. www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk.

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- Food -

Exciting new café venue at sacrewell refurbished café complete just in time for working farm and country centre’s calendar of Christmas events... sacrewell, with fantastic views across rolling farmland our newly refurbished café and coffee area, offers you a wonderful venue so come and try our Christmas themed menu we are launching on 29th november.

Working with local suppliers we hand-make our range of lunches and have different daily specials for you to try. our hot main meals are £4.95, with a seasonal soup with bread £3.95, whilst our range of sandwiches start at £2.40, or you can just enjoy barista coffees and some delicious cake in our comfy seating area.

For children, there’s a special pick-and-mix cold food area with mini-sandwiches, cheese and biscuits, fruit pots, our jellies, cookies, muffins and lots more or children’s portions of the hot food. there is no admission to sacrewell required to visit the café. an exciting Christmas event is planned from 29th november at weekends with Christmas stalls and Father Christmas will be in his grotto daily from the 13th-24th december.

Check out the details on www.sacrewell.org.uk.

Free parking Opening hours Mon-Sun 10am - 4.30pm.

The proof is in The pudding Lincolnshire & nottinghamshire air ambulance have launched launch a Charity Cook Book with over 150 yummy recipes to try...

This Christmas, give a gift that will help hundreds of people across the county in 2015: The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Charity Trust’s new Charity Cook Book.

a week, 365 days of the year. During the winter months, they also fly into the hours of darkness to provide additional support to local emergency services.

The cook book was created by two supporters, Liz Vitoria and Jane Shirley, and you can choose from over 150 recipes. for meals, snacks and tips including soups and starters, vegetables and pasta, fish dishes, poultry and game, meat dishes, tasty puddings, cakes and biscuits.

The Essential Air Ambulance Cook Book is the ideal gift; its costs £10 and every penny comes back to support the charity.

With your help their lifesaving emergency helicopter continues to operate seven days

To get your copy visit any of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance charity shops. or call 01522 548469.

Festive flavours in Belvoir’s winter drinks range... enjoy a winter tipple this month with beautifully flavoured local drinks from Grantham’s Belvoir Cordials. If you’re enjoying festive drinks at home this year, Belvoir’s non-alcoholic cordials, pressés and cans are perfect for the ‘designated driver.’

Our favourite flavours for winter are spiced apple and ginger, honey, lemon and ginger, apple plum & cinnamon and the company’s mulled winter punch.

Find Belvoir’s winter range in your local farm shop or order online at www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk.

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With over a thousand copies already sold, raising £10,000 towards helping save lives – the proof really is in the pudding…..and they guarantee the pudding is in the book!

Above: The Air Ambulance has released a charity recipe book.

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THE NEW INN DINING • BAR • ROOMS 01469 569998

WELCOME This Grade II listed Inn nestles in the heart of the Brocklesby Estate and has welcomed locals and tired, hungry travellers for nearly 240 years.

The surrounding area is rich in history and during summer months the nearby Estate woodland walks are open to the public. The Estate hosts the Annual Brocklesby Country Fair in June along with other events during the year, including two point to points. They are closely linked with the nearby business communities of the Humber bank and wider Lincolnshire area and The New Inn will provide a perfect venue for these communities to come together.

Located near Humberside airport and within 35 minutes’ drive of Hull, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Scunthorpe, Immingham, Market Rasen and Louth. The New Inn offers a superb venue in which to dine and relax. Its ten luxurious bedrooms, forty four cover restaurant and private dining room will provide a setting to enjoy great British menus with a few subtle twists, using a wealth of fine seasonal produce from the Estates organic kitchen garden and local areas.

The Head Chef, Ian Matfin, spent his formative years with Gordon Ramsay at the Aubergine restaurant and Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’saison. This was followed by eleven years with Michael Caines at Gidleigh Park in Chagford, and subsequently at his hotel, Manchester Abode. Ian and his wife Lisa, whose career has also been in the hospitality industry, will operate The New Inn in partnership with the Brocklesby Estate.

2 High Street • Great Limber • Grimsby • North East Lincolnshire • DN37 8JL Telephone: 01469 569998 Email: enquiries@thenewinngreatlimber.co.uk • www.thenewinngreatlimber.co.uk

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TheWineCellar

Not so much the 12 days, but rather the five wines of Christmas this month, as wine writer Trevor Langley suggests wines to tittivate your turkey, go with your goose, or make your guinea fowl gleeful. Trevor also makes his mind up as to which is the best bubbles for Bucks Fizz, recommends a beautiful brandy for your Christmas pud, and treats Santa to a joyful sherry that will bring a smile to the man in red, when he comes down your chimney this month...

Our Gift Subscriptions last a whole year

Louis Roederer Cristal 2004, France; £190.

Clos Apalta Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley; £50.

For Christmas morning Bucks Fizz has become very traditional. This mix of two parts orange juice and one part champagne can incorporate your favourite champagne or you can purchase Bucks Fizz ready bottled.

Roederer is powerful but elegant with a crisp & complex finish.

Merlot is a lighter wine option and accompanies turkey very well. Chilean Merlot is great, like Clos Apalta 2010 Casa Lapostolle, a deep purple, the wine is chocolately, bold and voluptuous. It’s a great recommendation and a wine to enjoy round your Christmas table.

Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir 2011, New Zealand; £20.

every single month in 2014!

As goose has a stronger flavour than turkey, Pinot Noir is an excellent pairing.

Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir accompanies the rich flavour of goose, perfectly. The complex palate is balanced, yet complemented by fine silky tannins.

Grant’s Morella Cherry Brandy, £28.99.

Fernando de Castilla Classic Pedro Ximenez; £20.

A favourite tipple of Queen Victoria, this has a full, fruity style, with lovely notes of maraschino cherries and fresh morella with blackcurrant leaf and tea character. Beautiful by itself, Grants makes a brilliant addition to a rich, fruity Christmas punch and goes well with your Christmas pud.

Don't Forget to leave a Sherry for Santa (and his grown-up helpers!)

Fernando De Castilla Classic Pedro Ximénez is, to me, a sherry that entices and pleases.

Big on flavour and sweetness, their aim is to offer the best products from the Sherry district in an elegant way.

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

A Highland Fling in Grimsby

Raising Money for Guide Dogs Grimsby’s Oaklands Hall Hotel recently held a Highland Fling ball in order to raise money for the Guide Dogs and Four Legged Friends charities. Organised by Ian Wilson, the event was attended by Mayor of Grimsby Cllr Alex Baxter and consort, along with his piper Danny Fleming.

The Scunthorpe Pipe Band attended before guests enjoyed a three course meal followed by music and dancing to The Elderly Brothers party band. The event proved a resounding success for the charities with over ÂŁ700 in total raised throughout the evening, which will be used to support the local branch of the Guide Dogs Charity.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Property & Infrastructure to Benefit from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Growth deal The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) works with Government to improve the economic climate across Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

One of the first LEPs to be established in the UK, it is a partnership between the private and public sector led by the private sector. Its aim is to improve infrastructure and the conditions for doing business.

The organisation works across a diverse range of industries, from ports, logistics and farming to tourism and engineering.

The Government’s Growth Deal, which the LEP and its partners have been negotiating for nine months, will give Greater Lincolnshire new resources and powers to build infrastructure, create jobs and train local people.

Projects which have secure funding from the Growth Deal for 2015-16 are: • Grantham Southern Relief Road - £16 million • Boston Quadrant - £4.75 million • Boole Technology Centre, Lincoln - £3.38 million • Unlocking Rural Housing - £4.13 million • Bishop Burton College - £7.5 million • Skegness Countryside Business Park (including western relief road) - £4 million A further £27.48 million has been earmarked for spending in 2016-17 subject to additional information and approval. The projects which would benefit are as follows: • Grantham College - £2.28 million • Transport Hub in Lincoln - £11 million • Access to Employment A16/A46 - £4.2 million • Lincoln East – West Growth Corridor - £3.1 million • Skegness Sustainable Transport - £4.0 million • Berkeley Circle, Scunthorpe - £2.1 million “This is really exciting news and demonstrates that once again Greater Lincolnshire is securing funds to assist the industries in our area to develop and flourish and provide infrastructure and development.

This will allow Lincolnshire to compete with neighbouring counties and encourage development to allow Lincolnshire to grow”.

Tim Shaw is part of the “East Midlands Exposed Seminar”, which takes place on the 6th November 2014, at the Property and Business Investment Show, talking about Select Lincolnshire for Business.

Hodgson Elkington LLP 1 oakwood road doddington road Lincoln, Ln6 3LH 50

telephone: 01522 698989 Email: info@hodelk.co.uk www.hodelk.com

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Chattertons Solicitors wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year www.chattertons.com

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A Hall’s

Embrace When Ray and Fiona purchased Aylesby hall in 2009, leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind, they spent four years lovingly updating and renovating the property and its gardens. This month we take a look inside the impressive hall, which almost embraces you with warmth and love as you pass through the front door...

Words: Ceri Jackson.

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Living in the hustle and bustle of the city in Leeds, Ray often longed to purchase a property which had a garden and large, open spaces.

It was in 2009 that Ray found, and fell in love with, Aylesby Hall after seeing the potential the property and gardens presented to him. Shortly after purchasing the house, Ray met his future wife Fiona, and they moved in together in 2010 with her son Bertie.

“When you walk through the front door, Aylesby Hall embraces you. You just know immediately; you get a feeling when a house is right for you and this property had that.

Although it is a large property, it is warm and welcoming. It really is spectacular.”

The Hall dates back to 1805, when it was originally a large farm called Holme Farm.

It was Samuel McCorley who, in 1859, turned the farm into Aylesby Hall, where he significantly extended and improved the house, to impress the girl he wanted to marry.

“Ray and I got together shortly after he purchased Aylesby, and although the layout worked perfectly and it was structurally sound - it needed a lot of work doing in regards to the decor.”

“We hired interior designers, Woods of Harrogate, who specialise in large country houses, to help restore the traditional feel whilst retaining some of the contemporary edge. Ray’s daughter Sophie also helped give us ideas and inspiration as she is in an interior designer.”

The couple have spent the last four years renovating the house and gardens, and they have put in a huge amount of love and energy into the property to create what they planned to be their forever home.

“Although impressive, Aylesby Hall doesn’t feel intimidating. It is very homely; it almost embraces you...”

“Aylesby Hall is very impressive from the outside, and although inside it has large rooms, it doesn’t feel intimidating. A lot of the time it’s just Ray and I at home - yet it is still very homely.”

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The couple kept the original family kitchen, which has a very modern feel. There is a large macassar unit which features an abundance of Miele appliances, such as heated drawers, an integrated fridge and dishwasher, and there is also an induction hob and coffee machine.

There is a breakfast and seating area which is a great place to enjoy time together as a family.

On the opposite side to the kitchen is a snug with traditional fireplace, sofa and TV. The snug has been given a rich, red colour which provides a perfectly cosy place to sit in the winter months. From the snug, there is a smaller kitchen, boot room and laundry.

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Throughout the property, Ray and Fiona have replaced all of the modern fireplaces, and sourced antique fireplaces to enhance the traditional decor.

which would make the perfect bedroom suite, or even a games and cinema room.

Currently it is being used as a play room and ‘sleepover quarters’ for 11 year old Bertie.

Downstairs there are two reception rooms currently being used as a reception hall and drawing room. There is also an impressive dining room with bay windows, a gym and cloakroom.

As renovation work began throughout the property, Ray and Fiona also found a hatch to the attic where they uncovered four large rooms where the servants used to sleep.

Although they haven’t done any work to the space, it has the potential to make another huge bedroom suite.

Making your way to the first floor, you will find four double bedrooms, three of which feature modern en suites, the majority being sourced from Porcelanosa.

A small flight of stairs leads to two further guest bedrooms which have their own Victorian style bathroom with roll top bath and black & white floor tiles, and en suite.

Sometimes it’s nice to ‘save the best till last’ and that’s the case with Aylesby Hall’s interior. On the second floor you will find something remarkably impressive. Covering the full width of the house is one large room

An area that is particularly close to the couple’s hearts is the remarkable garden space, and this was one of the main attractions for Ray when he first viewed the property.

Enlisting the help of local landscape architect Ian Stubbs, Ray and Fiona have spent that past four years completely transforming the gardens and outdoor space.

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screening off the 11 acre paddock, which was a complete wasteland. We decided to open up the gardens and re-grassed the paddock, planted lots of trees and plants, and created a beautiful woodland walk.

There are so many different aspects to the garden. It’s fabulous.”

In addition, the couple created a walled garden, a rose garden, and formal garden area with pleached hornbeams and beech & yew hedges with a rill that trickles and collects in a pond area. As well as the 11 acre paddock area, there is a woodland area with its own gazebo and party barn.

market after creating what was to be their ‘forever home’.

“Shortly after Ray purchased Aylesby Hall, another property did catch our eye. We had literally just moved in, so we decided we couldn’t change our minds - we had too much that we wanted to do and achieve with Aylesby Hall, and we had already fallen in love with it.”

Five years later, and Ray and Fiona had no intention of ever leaving Aylesby Hall.

But, following a spontaneous look in a local newspaper earlier this year, Fiona excitedly saw that the property was back on the market - and they thought why not?

“We’ve spent the last four years updating the house and gardens, which are a sight to behold...”

“Ray and Ian have worked so hard on the garden. It has taken four years, but it truly is a sight to behold. We even got married here in the gardens last year - everywhere was lit up and it looked so beautiful. We just love it here.”

It is apparent just how passionately the couple feel for this property and how much they love living there, so one must wonder why they have decided to put it on the 56

“It had to take something exceptionally special for us to even consider moving, but it is a little larger than this house, and closer to Leeds where Ray works, and to our friends too.”

“Although we love living at Aylesby Hall, this is the next chapter for us as a family, and we are really excited about making this new property our home.”

About This Property: Location: Grimsby 5.8 miles, Caistor 7.7 miles, Louth 17 miles, Scunthorpe 23.5 miles, Market Rasen 16.3 miles, Lincoln 32 miles.

Style: An exceptional village home set within over 12 acres of grounds.

Finished to the very highest standards and with impeccable taste with a superior quality interior scheme by Woods of Harrogate.

Receptions: Four - which are currently being used as study/drawing room, dining room, sitting room and snug.

Bedrooms: Seven; two have walk in wardrobes and one has a dressing room. Five bathrooms. Two outbuildings including a garage with two store rooms, and a workshop.

Aylesby Hall: £1,750,000

Find out more: Estate Agency: England Residential, Station Road, Holmfirth HD9 1AB Tel: 01484 842105 Web: www.englandresidential.co.uk

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A BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME

Reserve your plot by the end of the year to enjoy: FREE flooring, FREE curtains, FREE garden landscaping to front and rear...

PLUS FREE £4,000 Cammacks voucher upon legal completion...

and £4,000 to spend in Cammacks to furnish it...

Linden Court, Boston An exclusive development of 6 executive properties, close to Pilgrim Hospital, each boasting four/five bedrooms, two three bathrooms, and generous plot...

Call us NOW on 01205 351010

William H Brown Boston, 14 Wide Bargate, Boston, PE21 6RH

01205 351010 | www.sequencehome.co.uk

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Inspiration and Gift Ideas for your Home & Garden

A1, Markham Moor, Retford DN22 0QU 01636 822000 www.elizabethandstevens.com Wednesday to Saturday off the A1 signed to Lincoln A57 then take the turning to Retford A638 - come in and browse, we’re really friendly!

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Beautiful

Bathrooms Without the Expensive Flannel...

Bathroom Desires’s Ian mcCready has identified the qualities that his customers look for when choosing their next bathroom. The ability to have one trusted point of contact who will manage the whole project from start to finish with a personal, attentive service‌ Words: Rob Davis.

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Beautiful bathrooms without the expensive flannel. That’s what Ian McCready and his team offer at Market Rasen’s Bathroom Desires. The company has been trading for two years but Ian himself has over 35 years provenance in the industry. In fact, the Lincolnshire bathroom professional has helped over 3,500 families to achieve the bathroom of their dreams over his career.

“Too many businesses these days - in every sector, not just bathrooms - treat their customers like a number. It’s dreadful, and as a customer you should expect more.” says Ian.

burdened by the responsibility of managing the team installing it.

“Right from the very beginning we conduct a home visit to measure, and provide on-site advice. There’s rarely such a thing as a simple installation, but seeing the room for ourselves enables us to advise on the technical aspects of installation and pre-empt any potential problems. That means a quicker, less stressful experience for the customer.”

“It’s all about personal service. We open from 6pm-9pm three nights a week by appointment for those with busy working lives. We take all of the hassle away from the customer, which is exactly what we should do; provide a great experience.”

Working with budgets from £2,000 to £15,000, Bathroom Desires stocks suites, screens, taps, accessories, wall and floor tiles... as well as providing finishing touches.

Whether you’re looking to create a luxurious family bathroom, a welcoming cloakroom or an en suite, Ian and his team can provide you with the bathroom you desire, with service to match.

“It’s all about personal service. We take all of the hassle away from the customer, which is just what we should do.”

Stockist of brands like Aqualisa, Lakes, Vitra and Manhattan, Ian prides himself in ensuring he’s working with an experienced team, and can coordinate the building, plumbing, electrical, gas, plastering, tiling and decorating works necessary to ensure everything that gets done in the correct order... and gets done to Ian’s standards, too.

That means the customer only needs to choose their bathroom, and is never

Find Out More: Bathroom Desires is based at Queen St, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3EN. Call 01673 843351 or see www.bathroomdesires.co.uk.

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Châteaux d’

ELEGAnCE

With the launch of sanderson’s new Fabienne collection, you don’t need to travel to Paris to find create a Châteaux inspired interior. You can create your own elegant yet classic home decor with a rustic and antique charm...

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Giselle is the signature design of the Fabienne collection, and is a very modern take on an archive document. Painted in oils then gravure printed, it depicts a fabulous oral bouquet in a ceramic vase. It is reminiscent of frescos in châteaux...

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This month, there’s no need to hop onto the Eurostar in order to achieve a ‘châteaux chic’ home. Thanks to Sanderson’s brand new collection, Fabienne, you can give your own home an elegantly classic French styled decor.

Inspired by relaxed, classic French interiors made up of inherited patterns and rich furnishings which have been worn over time, the collection conjures up the faded elegance of châteaux and the charm of rustic country manoirs.

“18th and 19th century documents from the Sanderson archive provided the inspiration for many of the floral prints which have been given a fresh, yet contemporary treatments, with stunning results.” say Sanderson.

Certain textures have been used throughout the collection to soften the designs, and give them an aged, antique linen feel, perfect for creating an elegant home with a French vintage twist.

“The new Fabienne collection has six prints, three embroideries and eight wallpapers - and conjures up the faded elegance of French châteaux and the charm of rustic country manors. ” The colour palette includes a number of soft, mineral colours; from serene blues and romantic pastels, through to the much richer, autumnal tones of russet.

“The beauty of this collection is that is has been given a deliberately pared back styling that is simple and relaxed. This will allow you to create a versatile range of living spaces throughout your home, from the kitchen and living room, to bath and bed, that are both welcoming and informally elegant.”

The Fabienne collection comprises of six prints and three embroideries including Abbeville, Clemence and Josette. With 31 colour variations for the nine designs, you’ll enjoys lots of choice.

There are also eight wallpapers with 39 colour variations, including the Fabienne, Florrie, Solaine and Tuileries.

Main Overleaf: Giselle, the signature design of the collection, has a very modern take. Painted in oils then gravure printed, it depicts a fabulous floral bouquet in a ceramic vase. It is reminiscent of frescos in châteaux.

Also available as a digitally printed fabric.

Far Left: Sofa using one of the Giselle fabrics.

Left: Solaine is a stylised interpretation of an old Indienne block printed fabric design.

Top: Fabienne wallpaper the faded opulence of this damask harks back to grander times, yet is equally at home in a modern country setting.

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These designs are complemented by the tumbled-textural Savary Weaves and the versatile Bramley Checks.

The new Savary weaves collection has two new designs - Luynes with eight variations, and Savary which has 11. Both are beautifully soft but, at the same time, they both have high performing qualities so they are made to last.

Each fabric is suitable for curtains and severe contract upholstery usage, and they are designed to complement the Fabienne Prints and Wallpaper collections. They have a wonderfully faded and antique feel to help complete the look of your home.

You can also use the pre-existing Bramley Checks collection, a versatile collection of small to mid-scale checks and stripes in clean, bright colours and some neutral shades. All five designs are are suitable for curtains and severe contract upholstery, and woven in 100% cotton.

“The new Savay weaves collection complements Fabienne perfectly, with a wonderfully faded, antique feel which will help complete the look...”

Above: The Josette wallpaper depicts a lively pastoral scene. This 19th century toile has been updated with a fabulous washed effect in the ground and works beautifully as a colour carrier across all of the other printed designs. It is also available as printed fabric. Pair with a Bramley Checks collection fabric.

Lincolnshire Suppliers: Aitch Interiors: The Stables, Wellingore Hall, Wellingore, Lincoln LN5 0HX, 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

J&L Ball: North St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1EH, 01780 481416, www.jandlball.co.uk.

Lees of Grimsby: 222 Victoria Street, Grimsby DN31 1BJ, 01472 353251, www.leesfurnishers.co.uk.

Oldrids: Downtown Superstore, Gonerby, Grantham, 01476 590239, Downtown Boston, 01205 350505, Downtown Lincoln, 01522 500588, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Roger Davis Interiors: Newlin Business Park, Exchange Road, Lincoln, 01522 531371, www.rogerdavisinteriors.com.

Timeless Interiors: High St, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 5JH, 01790 754477, www.timelessinteriors.co.uk.

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THE LARGEST RANGE OF RECLINERS IN THE AREA Riser Recliners

from only Three Piece Suites

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Fireside Chairs

£449 VAT Exempt*

PETERBOROUGH RECLINER CENTRE LTD www.peterboroughreclinercentre.co.uk T: 01733 325566 1B Mancetter Square, Lincoln Rd, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6BX Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 11am-4pm

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

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

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

Peter_jacksonCM

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

An Exciting New Concept in Lincoln

JAB at Roger Davis Interiors

Discerning homeowners and interiors specialists were among the first to see and touch exciting new top flight furnishing fabrics and floorings at a special launch in Lincoln. Instead of having to travel miles, they were able to learn about the latest trends available on their doorstep, when Roger Davis Fine Interiors’ directors Adrian Davis and Richard Telezynski welcomed them to their JAB shop-in-shop. JAB is a German company and, in addition to its range of vibrant fabrics, it offers innovative bespoke carpet designs and designer-style flooring. Adrian and Richard said getting the JAB shop-in-shop concept was a real coup and the launch had proved to be a superb opportunity to share details about amazing fabrics and floor coverings. Richard said: “It is fantastic to be at the forefront of offering new interiors fabrics and flooring in Lincolnshire and we enjoyed telling complementary businesses and homeowners about them.”

Photographs: Mick Fox. Words: Glynis Fox.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY SHUTTERS WALLPAPERS

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

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Providing Great Design in Lincoln

Ali Carrott celebrates 15 years in business Ali Carrott soft Furnishings was established by Alison over 15 years ago.

The soft furnishing business has grown continuously ever since...

Gilly henson provides a professional and creative design service for town and country homes...

Based in uphill Lincoln, Gilly Henson Design is an established interior design practice offering a full service from concept to completed installation. You don’t have to commission a full interior design scheme to take advantage of our expertise; you control the extent of the help you need.

We charge a very affordable set fee for an initial consultation with no obligation. Value for money and client satisfaction is paramount and because we are a small company we can give our clients maximum attention. By offering an accessible, affordable first class service we have built up a local customer base who know they can rely on us for a professional service and our total discretion at all times.

Having a friendly, trained, professional eye can avoid making costly mistakes and using our services to simply source products can save you time and money.

Gilly is based on Danesgate, Lincoln. For more information see www.gillyhensondesign.co.uk or call 01522 536840.

Ali Carrott Soft Furnishings offers a complete service, design, measuring, fabric supply, make up & fitting.

Customers are more than welcome to call in and view their extensive collection of fabric books - the company had over 400 at the last count, offering a huge choice - with Ian or Ali at hand to help and guide clients through the entire process of fabric choice and window dressing design, alternatively you can make an appointment with Ian and the process can be done in the comfort of your own home.

Ali Carrot Soft Furnishings is now 15 years old, and as Ali’s husband Ian joined the company 10 years ago, to work alongside Ali, it has become a true family business.

The work room and the recently converted showroom

are based in converted barns outside the village of Bicker in South Lincolnshire where Ali and her team produce bespoke curtains, blinds, pelmets swags, and tails as well as cushions, bed throws, headboards, in fact anything that is made out of fabric.

Alongside soft furnishings, Ali Carrotts also offers a selection of quilting and patchwork fabrics and a range of classes.

“We specialise in bespoke curtains, blinds, swags & tails, pelmets, bed throws, quilted bedspreads, headboards, cushions, pillow shams, voiles, interlined curtains, all hand-made in our own workrooms.” says Ali. For more information call 01775 822155 or see www.alicarrotts.co.uk.

Pictured is Nocturne and Apollo from Jane Churchill’s 2014 collection.

Choose a Watermill Interiors kitchen or bathroom to ensure a happy new year...

Make sure you have a happy new year by choosing a new kitchen, bedroom or bathroom from Watermill Interiors.

“Watermill Interiors are with you every step of the way.

Throughout the whole process we will ensure your new kitchen, bedroom or bathroom is perfect for you, your needs and lifestyle.” says hayley of Watermill. The company offers full project management and a team that can manage contractors to provide the room of your dreams with minimal stress.

See www.watermillinteriors.co.uk or call 01507 609441.

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

Elysium opens its doors for Decorative Arts & Antiques...

The village of Branston has a beautiful new gallery, based in its converted Methodist chapel. Elysium opened last month with a VIP event showcasing the gallery’s paintings, sculptures, period pieces, ceramics, glassware and furniture.

The gallery is home to partners Marlene Robottom, Peter Segasby and Susan Hodson, who share a commitment to providing a place for people to enjoy to an eclectic collection of contemporary and period art as well as antiques, with a keen gallery-wide commitment to careful conservation and restoration of its pieces.

“There’s no better place to browse carefully chosen pieces of exceptional quality to enhance your home. If it’s ‘wow’ factor you’re looking for, you’re in for a treat.” says Marlene.

For more information on Elysium, visit the gallery on Chapel Lane, call 01522 792511 or see www.elysiumgallery.co.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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- ChRIsTmAs -

Johnsons of Boston wishes you a

Merry Christmas Get ready for Christmas with Johnsons of Boston this month with plenty of home and tree decorations, gifts, local produce, and both artificial & real Christmas trees. make sure you also pay santa and ms Claus a visit at his lodge too, and enjoy a bite to reat together...

Get ready for Christmas with Johnsons of Boston this month. To the delight of local children, Santa is also stopping by from Saturday 22nd november and he will be at the centre every weekend until the 19th December then you can visit him every day until Christmas Eve. “Santa, Ms Claus and his elves will be visiting until Christmas Eve, then he will need to fly back to the north Pole to make his final Christmas Day preparations! So whilst he’s here, make sure you enjoy a visit to his lodge and take a ride on his train.” says Olivia, at the centre.

You can visit Santa every day from 9am to 5pm. There will be fun fair rides, and every child which visits Santa will receive a Christmas present and a Christmas tree.

On top of that - nothing beats a traditional Christmas Lunch available every Wednesday and Sunday from 23rd november. Group bookings for 10 or more are available please contact our restaurant to make a booking You should also stop by the Fine Foods Store where their team can create a completely individual Christmas hamper either for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. These hampers can be made to suit any taste or budget.

“Our Christmas hampers are great, as you can choose whatever you would like - including preserves, biscuits sweets or even chilled meats & cheeses from Hambleton Farms butchery.

“We can also make fruit hampers and vegetable boxes, or you can pick up all the ingredients you need to make the tastiest dinner on Christmas day.”

“Santa will be here from 22nd November, so make sure you visit before he heads to the North Pole...”

As well as visiting his lodge, anyone, young and old can enjoy breakfast with Santa from 9.15am until 10.15am, but booking is essential to avoid any disappointment.

As well as Santa, the garden centre will have an abundance of Christmas decorations and cards on sale, helping you to create your very own winter wonderland at home.

“We have hundreds of artificial and real Christmas trees to choose from, plus a great range of decorations for both your home or work, including lights, decorative Santa’s or winter animals like reindeers, bears and penguins.”

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There’s no need to panic about getting ready for your Christmas parties either, as Johnsons has recently opened a brand new hair salon, Studio 10.

“The new hair salon is the perfect place to be pampered by their experienced hair stylists after a spot of shopping in the centre.

You can have your hair put up for a special event, or even try a completely new style!

The saying is new Year, new you after all!”

Visit Johnsons of Boston, Wainfleet Road, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 9RZ. Call 01205 363408 or see www.johnsonsofboston.co.uk.

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Main: Santa will be at the centre from 22nd November, so enjoy a visit to his lodge and a ride on his train.

Above, Left: The centre has a selection of decorations on offer.

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- GARDenInG -

A Winter of

Colour

mark and Angela Chambers’s garden provided the opportunity to create a traditional English garden from the very beginning.

Despite climatic instability, their garden is looking great and best of all, yields plenty of colour, even in the winter months!

This month we sent Nicola Stocken along to take a look for herself...

Words & Images: Nicola Stocken.

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- GARDens -

“Initially we started to gradually reduce the trees with the help of the tree preservation officer.

It’s let so much light into the garden,” says Angela.

Far Left: A waterfall tumbles rainwater into a lake - the couple decided to use, rather than fight against, the Great British climate.

Left: The planting consists of large half-hardy and hardy perennials such a phlox, thalictrum, penstemon, heuchera, dahlias, Diascia personata and salvias.

After recent extremes of weather, few would wholly dismiss the threat of climate change, least of all Mark and Angela Chambers. “We witnessed a large part of our walled garden disappear under water, when a brook running between the wall and the orchard burst its banks,” recalls Mark.

That was five years ago, shortly before they began renovating the ancient five-acre country garden and woodland, respecting its heritage while adding imaginative contemporary touches.

Looking today at the gloriously balanced, long herbaceous borders, or the waterfall that tumbles into a lake fed with rainwater from the property’s roofs, or even the walled garden with its formal rose parterre around a still pool, it’s nigh-on impossible to envisage swirling, muddy flood waters, or any of the other climactic events that have recently ruffled the tranquil village. Bitter winters, predicted droughts and the wettest summer

of the century struck the garden, but did little to dampen the exuberance of the plants, as swathes of late flowering perennials peaked – maybe a little lankier than usual owing to the high rainfall, but resplendent in autumn’s softening light. This is a rare garden, a serene place to wander at will, to linger as hidden delights unfold at each turn.

It is, however, a far cry from the manor house and garden that the Chambers bought in 2006. “The house was structurally in good condition, but internally was in need of significant refurbishment,” says Angela.

It’s believed to have stood on the site since the 14th century, but was rebuilt with stone in 1605, with some remodeling in the 1870’s.

Back in 2006, the garden was mainly laid to lawn, with a few borders largely filled with shrubs and some roses, as well as areas that best could be described as wilderness.

“We recognised that there was potential to create a traditional English garden from scratch,” says Angela. It was a mass of overgrown shrubs, hemmed in by dense, shady woodland of oak, fir, copper beech and lots of yew. “We started to gradually reduce the trees with the help of the tree preservation officer. It’s let so much light into the garden,” says Angela.

As light returned, so too did the opportunity to flank the long gravel path in borders of Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle,’ nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low,’ Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’ and spiky Phormium.

Meanwhile, in the walled garden, a pond made in the shape of a crucifix was indeed proving a cross to bear. “The water was like pea soup by midsummer, and even though we tried installing a pump, it was a complete nightmare to keep clear,” says Mark.

“We decided to keep only the long, rectangular middle bar as a formal pool.”

A central fountain plays at its centre, creating a rainbow effect against the rising sun.

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An important element of the initial brief was three late flowering herbaceous borders, so first Paul designed the long border, which, now mature, peaks in autumn with clumps of echinacea and asters, spires of Penstemon ‘Raven’ and waving molinia grasses. Adding a sense of rhythm are repeated mounds of Sedum ‘Purple Emperor,’ ‘Matrona’ and S. telephium subsp. Ruprechtii. There are also box balls and yew cones for structure in winter, while clematis and roses clothe the wall.

“From the very outset, planning of the garden has been a collaborative effort, initially with Angela and Paul, and now with garden designer Jonathon Heath...”

Top: Angela and Paul Chambers in the garden.

Opposite: Three late flowering borders ensure the couple can introduce an element of colour into the garden in autumn.

At the start of the garden redesign they decided to consult a designer, Paul Williams, the former head gardener of a nearby stately home. Their brief included the creation of ‘structural’ elements such as topiary, a straight line of yew hedging, box edging to borders and the pleached hornbeam screens that contain the long border on the east side of the walled garden.

From the very outset, planning of the garden has been a collaborative effort, initially with Angela and Paul, and now with Jonathon Heath.

Another border along the easterly outside wall has proved more challenging.

“Each year it’s different, as some plants have thrived while others have pulled back.”

The planting consists of large half-hardy and hardy perennials such a phlox, thalictrum, penstemon, heuchera, dahlias, Diascia personata and salvias, such as S. microphylla and S. involucrate. Adding structure are yew pyramids, espalier pear tress and shrubs such as Hibiscus ‘Woodbridge.’

So too do the four boxed-edged beds that extend each long side of the pool in the walled garden. Each is filled with Rosa ‘Flower Carpet white’, which flowers unremittingly until early frosts, smothering the ground beneath three evergreen Portuguese laurel standards (Prunus lusitanica) – a small leaved, hardy evergreen that is easy to topiaries and a good alternative to bay.

Originally, the beds were narrower, but Angela widened each by a metre. “As a result the proportions now look far better.”

The pool and rose parterre make a marvelous centrepiece to the walled garden.

“It has structure as well as beautiful herbaceous borders, a scented walk, rose parterre and two ponds,” says Angela. “These are all elements that I love in a garden.”

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- GARDens -

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- ChRIsTmAs CRAFTs -

A wreath fit for the

PRIME MInISTER

To have the honour of hanging your wreath on the door of 10 Downing street twice is an extraordinary one. That’s exactly the privilege that ella miles enjoys. This month, we visit local couple ella and husband Will to find out how to make your own wreath...

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- ChRIsTmAs CRAFTs -

Below: Will and Ella now have 30,000 trees growing on their family farm.

Opposite: Ella’s best tip to make a wreath is to invest in a glue gun.

It’s one thing to know how to make a Christmas wreath, but to pick the brains of an award-winning expert on the subject proved too tempting to resist.

Ella Miles has had the privilege of having her wreath hang proudly on the door of 10 Downing Street during Christmas not once - but twice!

“I made my first wreath in 2010, and I was somewhat naive as to the sheer scale of some of my competitors had gone to. It was a huge learning curve for me - I made a small wreath, and everyone else’s was a lot bigger and grander, so I knew I had to up my game.”

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This didn’t deter Ella, who came back fighting the following year, eventually taking the crown. Once a competitor has won, they are then not allowed to enter the following year, so when Ella entered two years later in 2013, she went on to win her second title.

“I made a very classical wreath using red ribbon for bows, berries and cones.

There were 35 other entrants, and we all had to make two wreaths. The winner is then voted for by other contestants, so winning on my second attempt was great.”

Ella’s wreath making began when she met her husband Will, who started growing and

selling his own Christmas trees from his parents’ family farm 21 years ago when he was just 17 years old.

Today, they have 30,000 trees growing, with a range of types including the popular nordmann Fir, Frazer Fir, Blue Spruce and norway Spruce. The average tree takes nine years to grown to 6ft, so over the years he has staggered the stages so they have enough stock each year.

Ella wanted to help Will, so she turned a stable into a shop and started making improvements with decorations.

It’s not difficult for you to make your own

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- ChRIsTmAs CRAFTs -

“Making your own seasonal wreath is easy - it’s about being creative, and trying out different things...”

Christmas wreath at home too. The most popular tree branches to use are the noble Fir or nordmann as the other tree types are too prickly.

To get started, you’ll need your wreath ‘body.’ There are different materials you can use, and Ella showed us using a metal ring which can be purchased from local florists or wholesalers. You can also use a coat hanger which is shaped into a circle, using the hook as the hanger, moss or oasis.

You’ll need three to five branches from a tree - for our wreath we used nordmann.

You then need to trim these branches to 20/25cm, each with three to five stems.

Using two or three of these trimmed branches, you need to make a fan-like posey rather than layering them directly on top of each other, and then wire them together on the stem using robust garden wire or raffia.

Once you’ve made your posies, start to add them diagonally to your hanger, making sure the ends aren’t sticking out and you hide the wire with the next posey. Ella usually works clockwise, adding each posey diagonally.

“If there are wires showing, don’t worry as you can hide these with branches or sprigs later on. Once you’ve made your wreath, there are so many things you can use 98

to decorate it - eucalyptus, holly, cones, berries, and nuts. You can forage and use an array of natural things but the best advice I can give is to invest in a glue gun!”

It’s all about being creative, and trying out different things. You can even recycle baubles that you have previously used on your Christmas tree, or use different things like dried lotus heads or chillies, cinnamon sticks, felt... the list really does go on.

glue gun, making sure they are secure and stable.

For that extra finishing touch, you can also tie a pretty ribbon around the top of the hanger where it will hang to cover the wire.

“Another top tip to make your wreath more stable is to use rolled up newspaper which you can then place around your coat hanger or metal ring, securing it using wire.”

Once she’s made her wreath, Ella props it up so she can ensure it hangs correctly. She then places all of her decorations around the wreath, always working with odd numbers.

This will widen the frame and surface area for your wreath, making it stronger. Ella even used this technique when she made both of her award winning wreaths for Downing Street!

When she has the right look, she then glues each of the decorations into place using her

This year however it’s Will’s turn and he is hoping for victory at Downing Street. He is

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Left: The easiest tree branches to use are Noble Fir or Nordman; the other types are too prickly to handle!

entering the Christmas Tree competition for the first time this year. There are different categories, including Spruce, Fir, Pot Grown and Pine, and the winning tree will stand alongside the winning wreath.

“I’m really excited to be entering the tree competition. It’s always really tough and the criteria to win is really high - it has to be 6ft or smaller and have a perfect shape, and have a really good colour and condition.”

The business is also a smaller retailer, which means they don’t have as much stock to choose from... so they will be up against some big competition!

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- nATuRe -

Wildlife and Folklore at

Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us; a time for giving and receiving cards. This month our nature writer Richard owens ponders the presence of nature in winter folklore, and asks why you often find the robin, holly & mistletoe on cards during the festive months...

Well folks, it’s that time of year when once again we are heartened by the sound of Carol singers in the streets, nativity scenes and of course perhaps even a visit by the man in the red suit, but only if we’ve been good boys and girls! Yes, the festive season is upon us once again.

During this season of goodwill, many of us will give and receive Christmas cards. Take a closer look at your mantlepiece and you may notice an abundance of wildlife upon them, but have you ever wondered why it’s always a Robin, a Holly Wreath or even some Mistletoe ? There are lots of theories in folklore as to why and this month I’m going to share a few of them with you.

and can be heard singing their little hearts out pretty well anywhere.

So, why do we see so many on our Christmas Cards you may well ask, well their association goes back to Victorian times when the postmen, who wore red suits were aptly nicknamed Robin redbreasts.

It’s widely believed that the Victorians were the first to give and receive cards and the picture of the Robin would mimic the postmen of the day. I think it also helps that the Robin is one of our most commonly seen garden birds at this time of year and therefore makes a great winter subject.

“During the season of good will we give and receive Christmas cards - often a Robin, Wreath or Mistletoe...”

Of course we all love the iconic Robin don’t we, the little bird with the red breast that likes to fly out from a bush and land on the handle of your spade, or if you’re patient and lucky, even feed out of your hand.

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So why is it holly wreaths that grace so many cards and front doors? It’s actually a pagen tradition. Pagans believed that by hanging a garland of holly outside the house, you will be protected from evil forces, witchcraft and even lightning. In fact, holly trees do conduct lightning into the ground better than many other trees, so perhaps there’s more to this

myth than meets the eye? It’s also believed that the splash of colour radiated by the glossy leaves and shiny red berries would also prevent bad luck.

Christmas aside, holly is actually a really good plant for wildlife. The berries provide an important food source for our thrush species, in particular the Mistle Thrush which will often set up a territory around a holly bush and defend it vigorously.

It won’t eat them all at once though, and will make them last through winter, so if you go near a holly bush with an abundance of berries, beware you may be being watched.

Last but by no means least: mistletoe... and I think we all know what this beautiful plant symbolises. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and an even Happier new Year.

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

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- farming matters -

Seeking a new start for

Farming recent bad weather has left a black cloud looming over British agriculture, and it’s set to remain. farming correspondent Barry Poston looks at current farming issues including low yield prices during a real winter of discontent. it’s not all doom and gloom, as new ways to generate electricity with straw opens up exciting new markets for farmers...

Heavy rain in mid-October put a stop to land work and delayed the lifting of potatoes and sugar beet. But fortunately for most arable farmers, they were well prepared, already sowing rapeseed and wheat.

Good yields of potatoes were harvested in dry conditions, and although hit with bad thunderstorms, few fields had been briefly flooded so few suffered from a rotting crop.

Prices were a lot lower than in previous years though, and contracted growers for processing potatoes for frozen chips and crisps were pleased to have fixed prices.

Far fewer farmers are growing potatoes; rather, they are letting their land to larger growers with large scale harvesting machinery and temperature controlled stores.

with farmers anxious to reduce the occurrence of blackgrass in their crops.

However with a lot of early drilling the prospect of more blackgrass is increased.

A considerable quantity of maize for use in anaerobic digesters has been produced this year, with good yields. One wonders with all the tractor power required to cultivate, plant and harvest it could be possible to produce cheaper electricity. Farmers, however, are still pleased to grow the crop as it gives them a chance to reduce the amount of blackgrass and gives a useful arable break.

However, even its positive news was overshadowed by an arson attack on a large stockpile of bales awaiting collection by the plant. 24,000 bales - 12,000 tonnes - were set alight and were still smouldering a week after the flames were extinguished. The fire has also fuelled the concerns of those already sceptical about new technology.

There is a real black cloud over British agriculture at the moment with a slump in most agricultural prices. Despite record yields of wheat and rape per acre, prices are well down owing mainly to high world production and returns are also reduced due to continued oversupply.

However, world prices of these products are at a low ebb and very little interest is being shown in them. This does seem strange when a litre of bottled water is being sold for more than a litre of milk in the local supermarket.

“Heavy rain put a stop to land work but fortunately arable farmers were well prepared with sowing rapeseed and wheat...”

Although early lifting of sugar beet showed excellent yields per acre, unfortunately the British Sugar Corporation has reduced the tonnage required in 2015 at a lower price. Some growers may decide to take a ‘holiday’ from growing this year as British Sugar will not penalise them for so doing.

Rape and early wheat sowings had proceeded well, and it was interesting to see a lot more land being ploughed this year

However growing demand for straw to generate electricity is opening up new markets for growers.

The straw fuel power station at Sleaford was due to begin commercial generation last month and is the latest of similar plants in the pipeline. This will give a useful additional return on cereal acres in the future.

At present, milk producers are possibly the hardest hit, with prices well below the cost of production. Generally in times of oversupply, the excess milk can be processed into butter and cheese and stored.

Most farmers will have a difficult year financially with below average returns for most of their products. However many are familiar with these situations and will hopefully be looking forward to an end to agriculture’s annus horribilis.

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

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- MoToRS -

Ghost of a Chance...

The most modest variant in Rolls Royce’s stable of thoroughbred motor cars has been updated, with new technology and an eye-watering asking price of over £200,000. So, does it stand a ghost of a chance, against Mercedes’s S-Class, or a Range Rover?

For the price of even the most modest Rolls Royce Ghost, you can more or less purchase two Range Rovers. And not just any Range Rovers; top of the range, long wheelbase, hybrid versions. You could also purchase a couple of Aston Martin Vantages, or as many as three Mercedes S-Class saloons.

The Ghost is eye-wateringly expensive, at £209,400 for the ‘basic’ model and £239,000 for the extended wheelbase version which offers 17cm more legroom. Both models use the firm’s hand-built 6.6 litre V12 engine and feature eight speed automatic gearboxes.

Read through the press blurb for the Ghost, and phrases like ‘modern luxury,’ and ‘effortless dynamism,’ and ‘super-premium’ feature throughout. Much is made of modernising the brand with the introduction of new technology. The trouble is, in this respect, the brand is already playing catch-up with brands like Mercedes and Range Rover, whose cars already boast voice control, adaptive cruise control, wi-fi provision and night vision systems, for example.

The car’s brochure proudly boasts of a new glass Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller, but that’s a system that has been fitted, as standard, to even sub-£20,000 cars from Audi, Mercedes and BMW, for years.

The Ghost may be nicely appointed, with lambswool rugs and beautifully polished veneers, but the fact is, the car isn’t that well-specified. Many of the car’s headline features remain optional, making it appear even poorer value for money compared to an S-Class or Range Rover.

Worse still are the overheads necessary to run such a large engine. 60mph is reached in 4.9 seconds, and the car will achieve 155mph where legal, but the Ghost is not a sports car; who on earth wants that performance in a car that’s more suited toward wafting silently around the capital?

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Spirit of Ecstasy?: The Rolls Royce Ghost has been update to blend new technology with the firm’s heritage.

However, at more than £200,000 it’s expensive next to rivals like Mercedes’s S-Class or the long wheelbase Range Rover which are just as prestigious, better equipped more economical.

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- motors -

“Rolls Royce may once have offered the best motor cars in the world, but in 2014, with rivals like the Range Rover and Mercedes S-Class, the smart money embraces a spirit of sensibility, not the spirit of ecstasy...”

Moreover, achieving little over 20mpg on a combined cycle - and just 13mpg in towns and cities - the Ghost lacks the frugality of a 40mpg Range Rover, or a 50mpg S-Class.

Both of those vehicles also have hybrid or plug-in hybrid models on the way too, offering a better option for the environmentally conscious and financial incentives for company car drivers.

The Ghost offers a choice of 11 veneers, single and two tone hides, different seat piping, personalised nameplates, monogrammed veneers and a near-infinite number of exterior colours. Doubtless, it’s beautifully made, with a glass rotary controller, but as more technology and colour screens creep into the cabin, the interior is less like Rolls Royce cars of old and more skin to an S-Class. Meanwhile, the Ghost’s unique selling point of quality is no longer applicable given the exquisitely crafted interiors of the S-Class and Range Rover.

Our conclusion, then, is that there’s nothing especially wrong with the car. However, its rivals have progressed to offer comparable luxury, more standard equipment and the ability to personalise their cars too; Range Rover offers personalisation with its Autobiography scheme whilst Mercedes offers the same with its Designio line.

At over £200,000, the Ghost is just too expensive. The £100,000 hybrid Range Rover Autobiography has just as much on-road presence as the Ghost and a badge that’s as prestigious too. It’ll achieve twice the miles per gallon, offer the same scope for personalisation, and as an added bonus, it will offer the ability to deal with the county’s bumpy, rough potholed roads with peerless ability. Meanwhile Mercedes’s new V12 S600, at £140,000, offers the best technology, a higher specification and a ride that’s just as comfortable for drivers and the chauffeured.

Rolls Royce may once have offered the best motor cars in the world, but in 2014, the smart money embraces a spirit of sensibility, not the spirit of ecstasy.

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

The Orthopaedic Ball

of Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital Staff from Boston based Pilgrim Hospital’s two orthopaedic wards recently held a charity ball to raise money for Cancer Research. The event was attended by over 130 guests and was held at Boston’s Haven High School.

Welcome drinks were followed by a three course meal and dancing with live music courtesy of Lincoln band The North. Numerous donations of raffle prizes from local businesses were gratefully received, in addition to catering

by Bites to Banquets and decorations by Event Exquisite. The event was organised by Becky Taylor, Ward Sister of Orthopaedic Trauma and colleagues. The eventual sum raised from the event was £2,000.

Photographs: Rob Davis.

feature your event in our magazine.

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- WeDDings -

Your Dream

Wedding Venue Choosing the right wedding venue can be a challenge, so this month we speak with local wedding coordinator sally Peacock from Boston’s Poachers Country Hotel about what to consider when planning your wedding reception...

Your wedding reception is a celebration of your marriage and a chance for your friends and family to meet each other and to toast to your future together.

You’ll want to create a night to remember, so making sure you take into consideration all the elements of finding the right venue and planning the perfect reception is important.

Local wedding coordinator Sally Peacock has been working in the hospitality industry for over 15 years and has lots of experience helping brides to plan weddings.

“I get to work with so many amazing couples planning their wedding day who have fantastic, creative ideas. It’s my job to help turn these visions into a reality.” says Sally. “There is lots to consider when choosing the right venue for your special day and reception, from room size and food to those additional extras!”

Find a Blank Canvas When you start planning, try and find a venue that has a blank canvas so you can create exactly what you want.

Try and be creative with decorations, and ask the venue what elements can change to suit your needs, such as the lighting and room layout.

“Your wedding theme should be coherent, and remember: sometimes less is more. A lot of brides enjoy making DIY decorations, and personal favours are a nice additional touch. Make sure your centrepieces and top table stand 112

out, and lighting is key to setting the mood and making everything look great.”

“Your seating plan should also work for you and your guests, and a great tip make sure your venue is suitable for your entertainment, too.”

Planning a wedding can be a somewhat stressful process, so getting a personal service or hiring a wedding coordinator is a great idea as they can discuss your requirements with you, and help make sure everything is organised and runs smoothly on the day.

Tailor Your Package to Suit Choose a venue that can tailor their wedding packages to suit you and your budget. Discuss your requirements and check the venue offer everything you want to avoid disappointment.

“Look for flexibility and ideas to suit you, or packages that can fit around your theme. Try not to stick to the standard, and ask what else the venue can do for you. Hiring a venue that is exclusively yours and your guests for the day or weekend really makes your occasion extra special” If you are having a civil ceremony, hire a venue that can host your entire day including the ceremony and reception.

This will help make it a much smoother process to organise you and your guests.

It’s All About the Suppliers “Your reception is a great opportunity

>> Choosing the right wedding venue for you: over the page we have included our top questions to ask your wedding venue when it comes to planning your perfect wedding...

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the top Questions to ask your venue!

You want your wedding day to reflect your theme and style - so we have put together our most essential questions to ask your venue...

Practical Considerations...

Is the venue big enough to accommodate all of your guests?

There’s nothing worse than trying to squeeze all of your guests into one room, so find out how many they can cater and if they have any additional rooms or an area outdoors that you can also use.

Everything Included...

to showcase the best food from the local area for guests travelling from afar. So find out what suppliers the venue use and if they are local. Liaising with the chef and asking for a taster session is a great opportunity for you to try what the venue has on offer too.

You also want guests to enjoy their food so it’s worth paying that little bit extra to have the food you want that is high quality. You should also check they can cater for different food allergies.”

Once everything has been finalised, get all of the details written down and confirmed with your venue and suppliers.

Adding Extras to Personalise Your Day Lots of venues can now offer those additional services to add that little bit extra to your wedding day, like a resident DJ or live entertainers, sweet tables or carts, and video or photo booths.

“There are so many other ideas to help make your wedding reception really stand out and make it a memorable day. Ice cream vans, interactive games for children (and the grown-ups), video diary... the list goes on.

What’s great about these suppliers is that they can keep guests entertained during your wedding photographs, for example.”

“Planning a wedding can be stressful. Having access to a wedding coordinator can help ensure things run smoothly on the day” Some venues, like The Poachers, also offer suppliers that can help you perfect that first dance or speech, so do some research.

“Keep your vows and speeches short and personal to avoid any boredom with your guests, and jazz up your first dance to make it truly memorable.”

It’s All About The Bride Your wedding day is meant to be the best day of your life and it’s important to remember that the most important thing about your wedding reception is celebrating your marriage with your loved ones and that you do it how you want.

Sally is the wedding coordinator at The Poachers Country Hotel based in Lincolnshire. For more information please call 01205 290310 or visit www.poachershotel.co.uk.

Does the venue have the equipment you need to set up the room, or will you have to hire? This includes tables and chairs, linens, plates, glassware and cutlery. You should also ask if they have their own catering service, or if you need to hire this too.

Going with a Bang...

Fireworks are very romantic way to mark the beginning of your marriage, and guaranteed to impress your guests. If this is a key element, make sure you check the venue will allow this as not all of them do.

All Night Long...

Some guests will want to stay with you for the entire evening, which means they will need somewhere to stay. If this is the case, consider hiring a venue at which you can block book bedrooms.

Accommodation...

More often than not, the bride and groom will stay at the venue after their wedding reception. Ask if the venue will provide a complimentary suite for your wedding night, and don’t by shy to ask for an upgraded suite or a welcome hamper too.

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- WeDDing Dresses -

Wedding Dress Trends

Your wedding dress is one of the most important dresses you will wear in your lifetime, so it’s important to ďŹ nd the right one for you. this can be quite daunting with trends coming and going, so this month we speak with local bridal boutiques to discuss the hottest wedding dress trends for 2015...

Images: Christopher Dadey. Words: Ceri Jackson.

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- WeDDing Dresses -

Your wedding dress: it’s probably the most important dress you will ever wear in your life. Making sure you pick the right dress for you and that gives you that ‘butterfly feeling’ of knowing it is The One is very important, and can be a great source of preoccupation for brides.

Local bridal shops often stock an abundance of different styles, from the classic A-line, fishtail and princess, to short wedding dresses and Grecian. Although some, if not all designers, have a signature style, trends are ever-changing and that is true for 2015 wedding dress trends.

Next year, there are plenty of new trends making an appearance, and some are even set to make a comeback - albeit with a bit of an update!

“Designers are bringing back much simpler styles with fitted bodices and fuller skirts.” says Maggie Blackband from Wellingore’s Belle & Bouquet.

“Classic A-line style wedding dresses are trying to make a comeback next year, and short wedding dresses are still going to be very popular. Expect to see a slight variation though, with ballerina lengths rather than below the knee.”

Lace and vintage was a big trend this year, and Maggie believes that this will remain throughout 2015 too, along with light gold and champagne colours rather than the standard white and ivory wedding dresses.

Sparkle and embellishments will always remain a popular choice amongst brides, however, more simple dresses with clean lines will be inspiring brides next year, with see through caps or sleeves with lace or sparkle detail.

“Darker embellishments will also make an appearance with silver and blacks creating a vintage look.”

Joanne from Jdezire bridal boutique agrees that the vintage trend is here to stay: “Vintage 116

will still be a key trend but we are moving away from the full lace fishtail. Think beautiful delicate lace detailing mixed with soft chiffon, organza or tulle skirts.”

Another style which is making a comeback in 2015, and one that is becoming more popular amongst wedding dress designers is the ball gown. However these are taking on a softer look thanks to breezy fabrics and relaxed, elegant classic silhouettes.

“Satin is making a comeback with full ballgown skirts adding a more formal feel to bridal wear. Including those finer details like nipped in waists with crystal belts or lace bodices add even more wow factor.” says Joanne.

Joanne shared that straps and detailing over the shoulders are becoming even more popular as brides are going for “A slightly more demure look and preferring a bit more coverage on their wedding day. In contrast backs can be cut low and open or covered with a sheer layer of lace or tulle, as well as open midriffs.”

Blush is the colour for wedding dresses next year, with soft hues adding a very romantic touch to your wedding day. But brides beware - colour wedding dresses can date very quickly so they may not be in fashion the

Above: Blush will be a key colour for 2015, and ball gowns will have breezy, relaxed fabrics as shown with this Suzanne Neville wedding dress.

Right Short wedding dresses are here to stay as Cutting Edge Bridals prove!

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“Ball gowns are becoming more and more popular with dress designers, taking on a softer look with breezy fabrics and relaxed, elegant and classic silhouettes!�

Above: Brides are opting for a bit more coverage, making way for low cut or open backs and midriffs covered with lace, as Sandra Dias shows.

Top/Left: Vintage is still going strong, and lace capped sleeves is a big trend, like this Claire Pettibone gown.

Above/Left: Ivory & Co have mastered the elegant yet minimalistic detailing, with their simple gown with crystal belt.

Left: Top designer Jenny Packham has embraced the lace and sheer sleeves trend, and has added that extra wow factor with over-the-top embellishments.

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- WeDDing Dresses -

Left: As well as local bridal boutiques, wedding fairs such as the National Wedding Show can help you find out the latest wedding dress trends.

Local boutiques Belle & Bouquet Set in the beautiful surrounding of Wellingore Hall, Belle & Bouquet has a relaxed atmosphere and scenic views making it the perfect location to help you find your wedding dress.

With over 50 years combined experience in bridal retail, owners Maggie and Simone have a second to none range of wedding dresses, their aim being to offer the widest choice of the finest gowns, at the best possible prices.

With a selection of stunning gowns from five of the industries leading suppliers – Ian Stuart, Maggie Sottero and Benjamin Roberts, Mori Lee and Sincerity – they fulfil the dreams of over 300 brides a year.

following year. Opt for softer shades with a subtle colour to be on the safe side.

A trend for the fashion conscious brides to look out for is the two piece wedding outfit moving the emphasis away from the back to the midriff. This will take a while to filter through, but an interesting concept to watch!

The ceremony-to-reception is the wedding version of day-to-night dressing. Changing the look of your dress by swapping details such as overskirts or a detachable train, without having to have two gowns, will be very popular in 2015, especially as you will be able to achieve two looks from one dress.

With lots of new wedding dress trends coming, and old ones going - as well as those making a comeback - every year, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest fashions from the designer catwalk. It can sometimes be quite daunting when it comes to trying on, and finding the right wedding dress for you.

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“A trend for fashion conscious brides is the two piece wedding outfit, moving the emphasis from the back to midriff.”

One way is to visit a wedding fair or show, either locally or, for instance, the National Wedding Show. These shows have experts, including those from bridal shops and boutiques, on hand to discuss finding your dream dress. They also have samples of the latest wedding dresses to try on.

Local bridal boutiques, like Belle and Bouquet and Jdezire are also always on hand to give help and advice as to what wedding dresses are on trend and will suit your body shape and taste perfectly to help create your dream wedding.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. For more information or to book an appointment, call 01522 811122 or visit www.belleandbouquet-wellingore.co.uk.

Jdezire Jdezire Bridal Boutique is the place to visit for stunning bridal gowns and fabulous friendly service. Rails full of stunning wedding dresses stretch from wall to wall and beautiful delicate tiaras and jewellery.

Jdezire’s main aim is fabulous customer service, and they want you to relax and enjoy your wedding dress shopping experience.

Private appointments are offered, where they help guide you through their wide selection of wedding and bridesmaid dresses so you can choose your own fabulous gown.

Visits by appointment only. For more information or to book an appointment, please call 01522 682636/07908 697493 or visit www.jdezire.co.uk.

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The best of

both worlds T

he only private hospital facility in Lincolnshire, where profits are returned to the NHS for the benefit of all local NHS patients. Patients enjoy privacy and individual attention whilst having the reassurance that The Bostonian is adjacent to the sophisticated services of The Pilgrim Hospital, with its expert diagnostic and emergency medical and surgical facilities.

H Award Winning Sleep Apnoea Service Please visit our website to view the full range of services we offer

www.the-bostonian.co.uk Comfort & Peace of Mind The Bostonian is the private wing of Pilgrim Hospital and is set in its own grounds and gardens. There are 19 en-suite single rooms with digital TVs and telephone. Our dedicated housekeeping team ensure continually high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Professional Expertise Almost any condition can be treated at The Bostonian by our dedicated team of professionals – most of our Consultants live only minutes away.

We welcome self referral and provide 24 hour medical cover.

Range of Payment Options Available We deal with all the major insurance companies and also offer Fixed Price packages for the uninsured.

The Bostonian Private Wing, Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Telephone: 01205 360606 / Facsimile: 01205 311442 www.the-bostonian.co.uk • ISO 9001:2008 accredited

Pilgrim Hospital’s Private Wing

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Why are

Dental Implants so popular?

Dental implants are widely recognised to be the most successful method of tooth replacement used today and are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth. They are an investment but as a long lasting solution, what price can you put on being happy, confident, sociable and able to eat the foods you like and enjoy?

• Dental implants are accepted by dental professionals for over 40 years as a successful and trusted method of tooth replacement.

• They act like your natural tooth root. You do not feel the difference.

• Your implant can last a lifetime with proper care and good oral hygiene.

• Implants are made of biocompatible materials.

As a result, they are accepted by your body.

• They provide stability and comfort, for a wide variety of replacement teeth solutions including single crowns, bridges and dentures.

• Maintain natural bone, and minimise further bone loss due to bone stimulation – one of the most important advantages.

Principal dentist Colin Sutton has successfully placed hundreds of dental implants since 2000 and has an excellent reputation.

The Dental Health Centre Grantham is one of very few dental practices to have invested in a 3D dental CT scanner.

Our state-of-the-art scanner makes implant treatment, safer, quicker and more accurate for our patients and makes us one of the most technologically advanced dental clinics in the area.

If you would like to find out more, please visit us for a free 30-minute initial consultation with Colin Sutton by calling 01476 594480 or visit our website to find out more.

The Dental Health Centre, 3 Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6TA. Tel: 01476 594480, or see www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk

Colin Sutton and his implant team at The Dental Health Centre

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- CHristmas Perfumes -

Scent-sational Seasonal

Fragrances great for giving, wonderful for wearing - seasonal scents that will make your winter simply scentsational...

Ladies’ scents, opposite, from top row left to right: Chanel 50ml Coco Mademoiselle £68 • Narciso 30ml Eau de Parfum £39 • Bulgari 40ml Omnia Indian Garret £45 • Agent Provocateur 50ml Fatale Eau de Parfum £62 • Thierry Mugler 25ml Angel £51.50 • Prada 50ml Candy Florale £51.50 • Vera Wang 30ml Eau de Toilette £40 • Marc Jacobs 50ml Daisy Dream £52 • Lalique 50ml Eau de Parfum £67.

All of our featured scents are available from Oldrids, Boston 01205 361251 and Downtown, Grantham at Gonerby Junction, Grantham 01476 590239. Alternatively, see www.oldrids.co.uk.

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A Passion for

Partywear Words: Ceri Jackson.

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- fasHion -

Opposite: Lyonele cape back maxi dress in deep pink; £299.

Above: Graise beaded neckline dress. Also available in black; £999.

Dance the night away this winter with the new collection from designer ted Baker. ted has choreographed his luxurious womenswear collections beautifully, creating elegant and ultra-feminine looks, ensuring that you will look sensational for the season. Likewise, the brand’s menswear collection is inspired by exotic destinations and is full of thrilling precision and rhythmic wit this season...

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From the Mambo and Tango, through to Fandango, Ted Baker’s latest men’s and womenswear collections are dancing cheek to cheek to create a display of rhythm and electricity.

Choreographing luxury clothing and accessories, combining vintage-inspired floral prints, he continues his love affair with the 1950s to create ultra-feminine looks ensuring all ladies become the belle of the glitter ball.

Creating contrast, the collection also has a chic, urban and futuristic feel with 126

sportswear influences. Engineered prints, are themed around landscapes, and electric blues, acid yellows and pinks pop.

Contrasting texture is key from snakeskin and sparkling sequins, to fur and metallic graphic jacquards. Nearly every piece enjoys an embellishments, with jewelled collars and encrusted tunic style dresses.

The menswear collection comes alive with burgundy, teal, emerald green and vibrant orange on knitwear, jersey and chinos.

Exciting, contemporary textures include the Birds Eye and Royal Oxford knits.

Fresh detailing and modern finishes add classic touches, and colour blocking takes a bow on blazers, and knitwear’s bold blocks colour.

Ted Baker’s geos, dogtooth and paisley patterns stand out across the collection, and are available on everything from pocket squares and ties to jersey and even the classic brogue.

So take the lead this winter and take a stylish spotlight, as it just goes to prove that when you’ve got the spotlight, you’ve got to dance like everybody’s watching.

Above Left: Theon check blazer; £279. Theotro check cotton trousers; £119.

Theowai check waistcoat; £120. Wonson leopard print tie; £59. Gabsy checked pocket square; £25.

Right: Olien goat hair jacket; £499.

Karmyn blooms of enchantment dress; £399. Sackina ankle tie heel; £120.

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Below: Georgio Armani designer frames £240 and Paul Smith designer frames £198 from O’Brien’s Opticians, Wrawby Street, Brigg; 01652 653 595, www.obriensopticians.co.uk

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Above: Forel Wool flannel blazer; £259. Babel Merino wool v neck jumper; £85. Some Paisley print shirt; £89.

Wonson Leopard print tie; £59. Yearone Paisley print pocket square; £25. Right: Tissa scalloped edge cami; £35. Floa gem flower stud earring; £39. Bright blue Sackina ankle tie heel; £120. Lilthus check cape; £239. Carron jacquard pencil skirt; £139.

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- fasHion -

Left: Candiss opulent bloom print dress; £159. Above: Flawra strapless ruffle dress; £399. Find local stockists on the Ted Baker website: www.tedbaker.com.

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OSCARS MENS LADIES AND CHILDRENS DESIGNER WEAR

STOCKISTS OF Hugo Boss • Stone Island • Armani • Ralph Lauren • Versace • Ted Baker • Joules • Barbour • Ugg... and many more

71 LUMLEY ROAD, SKEGNESS, LINCOLNSHIRE PE25 3LS

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TEL: 01754 766555

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Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits

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by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

b

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

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makeover for family jeweller moore & scrupps in sleaford a fresh look, but traditional values remain at one of Lincolnshire’s best-loved jewellers, which last month enjoyed a comprehensive facelift...

Sleaford’s Moore & Scrupps jewellers recently re-opened after a comprehensive facelift, aimed at presenting its traditional values of quality and good service in more modern premises.

The jeweller, which also has shops in Bourne & Newark, and in Lincoln & Peterborough under its Faze Four brand, was established in 1998, and its original Sleaford store is the first to receive a makeover.

This Christmas, you’ll find all you need for the Pandora enthusiast with new charms for the season.

A brand new brand at the shop is composable brand Links of

London, joining existing brand Mi Modena, the customisable coin and pendant jewellery.

Another new brand for the store is Clogau which combines silver and rose gold for a lovely, on-trend look, whilst Hot Diamonds’s new range Emozioni debut at the shop, and will appear alongside Endless fashion jewellery.

There’s also an extended range of watches for men and women from Michele Herbelin, Radley London, Rotary and Pulsar.

To see the store’s new ranges for yourself, visit the Sleaford jeweller on Southgate or visit www.mooreandscrupps.co.uk.

You can also call 01529 302674 to find out more.

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- Create Your CHristmas -

Your Home Made

Christmas this month we seek the advice of a group of local women who have a particular penchant for presents, who go crackers for festive traditions or just enjoy seeing the season all wrapped up...

Words: Rob Davis

The Festive Season may be lots of work, but it’s lots of fun too, especially when you put lots of effort into making your family Christmas really personal.

It’s easy, but somewhat lacking in depth, to purchase pret-a-pull crackers, or wrapping that’s bland and mainstream. Fortunately, we know some local ladies who specialise in showing people how to create a home-made Christmas that’s stylish, unique and a little more thoughtful.

We’ve sought the advice of Jane Means, the Lincoln lady who has made a career out of designing Christmas ribbons and hosting gift-wrapping courses. Her new book, Giftwrapped, which is released this month, provides ideas and inspiration, for wrapping your gifts with more panache, as well as offering stylish wrapping ideas.

Opposite: Local gift-wrapping expert Jane Means this month releases her new book, Giftwrapped.

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Meanwhile the county’s Sally Virgett and Sue Fisher sell bespoke and ‘fill-your-own’ Christmas crackers to bring a touch of quality to your table, and we talk to Jane Schofield whose Christmas craft classes provide an opportunity to create bespoke

cards, vintage gift tags and more for adults and families too, at the county’s arts centres and village halls.

Our ladies have provided fun ideas that are very simple to do. It’s the Christmas season, and you’re bound to be busy, but make this season all about investing time, not money, to create a Christmas that’s thoughtful and personal.

Purchasing presents, tags and gift wrap is all well and good, but we believe in creating your Christmas and delighting friends and relatives with beautifully bespoke gifts which evoke a sense of thoughtfulness, not commercialism.

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Wrapping Tips from The Gift Wrapping Guru...

Jane’s book describes how to wrap anything, from bottles to circular tins to plants and bouquets. Here, she’s given us a few tips on how to ensure your wrapping is a pleasure, not a chore this season... n Choose the Right Paper: If you struggle with wrapping, make your life easier. Avoid thin or flimsy paper, paper with stripes (too difficult to match up), or cellophane. One of the best types of paper to use is actually wallpaper, which is much thicker. n Double Sided Sticky Tape: Avoid using single sided sticky tape. Visible tape is unsightly, using double sided tape will ensure your giftwrapping looks polished and professional. n Less is More: Use smaller quantities of higher quality ribbon, rather than lots of cheaper ribbon. Jane is also a ribbon designer and has over 110,000 ribbons available from her Lincoln workshop available by mail order. n Experiment with Materials: Furoshiki is the Japanese tradition of using fabric rather than paper to wrap or carry an item.

Inexpensive silk scarves and similar fabrics can look wonderful as part of your wrapping designs, as can more rustic fabrics like hemp and linen. n Accessorise your Wrapping: Utilise whatever is around to finish off your wrapping; jewellery, feathers, Christmas decorations and even leaves, twigs and other material from your garden.

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- Create Your CHristmas -

Five Themes for your Christmas Wrapping take some inspiration from Lincoln wrapping expert Jane means’s new book, giftwrapped, which is available in all good bookshops this month priced £20...

1. Gold and Silver: Make the most of metallics with Christmas decorations and even old jewellery.

2. Monochrome: Diamanté flashes, vibrant white stitching and glass droplets can make a monochrome wrapping theme luxurious and sophisticated.

3. Arctic Ice: Blending silver and white works really well - snowy white paper makes a great canvas for festive wrapping.

4. Go for Glamour: Colours like rich burgundy and amethyst create a great look for those seeking a 1920s look, à la Downton.

Utilise peacock feather decorations, costume jewellery and corsages to achieve the look.

5. Bold Colours: Use different shades of one overall colour and you won’t go wrong - no colour is too bold for Christmas!

Find Out More: Hints taken from Jane Means’s Giftwrapped, published this month in hardback, 144 pages, £20 from all good bookshops, at www.janemeans.com or by calling 01522 522544.

Jane will be signing copies of her book in Waterstones on Lincoln’s High Street on 19th November and Lindum Books on 21st November.

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- Create Your CHristmas -

Vintage Labels and Hand-Made Cards...

Creating your own cards and tags this year will give your wrapping a unique look Christmas cards purchased in bulk and gift tags that are an afterthought to your wrapping; both can let down an otherwise thoughtful gift. It’s easy to create beautiful, bespoke cards and tags that have a lovely vintage look and feel.

Crafter Jane Schofield organises and hosts regular ‘make and take’ craft courses at Spalding’s South Holland Centre, Stamford Arts Centre and Children’s Centres around the county.

“It’s not really about instructing, it’s about inspiring”, says Jane. “The techniques I use are simple, so it’s just a case of demonstrating how they can be used.”

Jane’s vintage gift tags are created for pennies by soaking cheap white tags in tea for around an hour to give them an aged look. Then, she uses stamps, buttons and scraps of ribbons to create unique designs.

The crafter also creates homemade cards using petal templates to cut out pieces of fabric, or paper from old French text books.

The result is a pretty vintage look that’s completely bespoke.

Jane will be hosting her Christmas craft classes at Spalding’s South Holland Centre on 21st November, 28th November and 5th December, creating vintage gift tags, mini-Christmas tree table decorations and rustic Christmas wreaths on each date.

Top: Age labels by soaking them in a weak tea solution for an hour then use stamps and vintage ribbons to decorate.

Find Out More: o find out more about Jane’s craft courses call 01780 722148 or see www.heartstitch.co.uk/www.liveandlearncourses.com.

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Left/Above: Jane’s craft courses take place at the South Holland Centre in November and December, with lots of ideas for creating vintage tags, cards and other ideas.

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Create crackers that’ll go with a bang...

Fill your own crackers, or design your own with Sally Vergette and Sue Fisher, who create over 4,000 of the things each year Every year we pull 300,000,000 crackers.

It’s a wonder, really, given the terrible jokes and cheap novelties inside. That’s why Sally Vergette and Sue Fisher decided to take their versions more upmarket, and have, since 2003, been making their own luxury and super luxury crackers, bespoke crackers, and ‘fill your own’ crackers too.

Their crackers measure a generous 14” that’s a good 2” larger than the standard size.

Quilted organza, feathers, lamé and glitter paper all create plush look and the ladies can create completely bespoke designs to match

“Sally and Sue have, since 2003, been making their own luxury bespoke crackers, and provide ‘fill your own’ crackers too...”

whatever Christmas table theme you’ve decided on, with almost limitless numbers of colours and decorations available.

Unlike conventional crackers, sold in boxes of six of 12, you can order anything from one to 99 crackers from the pair, and can specify gifts for ladies, gents or children in each.

Novelties in the pair’s Luxury ranges around £4/each - include Cath Kidston cosmetics, nail varnishes, torches, truffles.

Their Super Luxury crackers - around £10/each - are filled with luxury cufflinks, memory sticks and corkscrews.

The pair also provide the option to make your own crackers with DIY ‘kits’ or complete crackers ready for you to fill with your own novelties, as well as crackers with place names on the barrels. Sally and Sue trade as Go Crackers and will be taking orders for their bespoke crackers until 18th December.

Top/Left: A few of Sally and Sue’s festive crackers - they can be filled with off-theshelf novelties, or you can purchase them to fill with your own items.

Top: Sue Fisher puts the finishing touches to a box of her bespoke crackers.

Above: Materials like quilted organza provides the pair’s products with a luxurious look and feel.

Find Out More: Go Crackers is based in Riby near Grimsby.

Call 01469 560435 or 01472 371406 or see www.gocrackers.co.uk.

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Celebrating Christmas and a very special anniversary!

25 Years of Downtown

Downtown!’

the centre, near grantham, celebrated its 25th anniversary as Pride went to press...

‘You can get it all,

it’s easy to celebrate the festive season at Downtown Superstore and Garden Centre in Grantham, thanks to a superb range of Christmas treats. enjoy an indoor snowball fight in the giant snowglobe experience, find this season’s most beautiful decorations and meet santa in this year’s grotto...

Downtown Superstore is celebrating the season in style this month. With no fewer than five themes for your Christmas tree including a glamorous gold Gatsbyinspired theme, a luxurious red berry scheme, and a traditional Scandi-chic theme of red and white, you’ll find the perfect look for your tree.

A wander round the Superstore and Garden Centre will also provide inspiration for your Christmas wish list. There’s lots of toys and winter fashion to explore, as well as gifts for the home, a comprehensive beauty and fragrance department and stacks of gadgets for the technically minded.

As part of its seasonal celebrations, Downtown Garden Centre, at Gonerby Junction, near Grantham, will be welcoming Santa Claus to its first floor C h r i s t m a s department from 29th November to 24th December, with gifts for the children and entry to the store’s Winter Wo n d e rl a n d .

Pre-booking for a visit with Santa is advisable, go to www.oldrids.co.uk for further details.

There’s also a candy-filled sweet department with lots of treats for the season, as well as a selection of pet gifts to ensure that nobody in the family is left out this Christmas.

“Christmas is a special time for us here, and we’ve all worked especially hard this year!”

“It’s a great way to get the whole family in the festive spirit.” says Caroline Baines. “It’s a truly magical experience. Our snowman glasses help make the lights come alive.

Then, interact with our themed winter fun and games as you explore and see if you can spot our penguins and polar bears.”

As Pride goes to press the garden centre will also host its Santa’s Big Breakfast event on 29th November, with breakfast, a goody bag and gift from Santa for the children, with entertainment, face-painting and a fancy dress competition all part of the fun.

“Christmas is a really special time for the Downtown family, and we’ve worked especially hard this year. We’re looking forward to helping all of our customers create a really great Christmas!” says Caroline.

Downtown has another reason to celebrate this month as it reached its landmark 25th anniversary. a weekend of celebrations took place on 1st/2nd november, and included children’s entertainment as well as prize draws, food tasting and champagne plus a birthday cake cutting ceremony. there was a chance to meet the craftsman who creates somnus Beds’s luxurious mattresses, as well as cookery demonstrations from Lincolnshire chef nigel Brown. throught the weekend, there were electrical demonstrations, the chance to win furniture from Halo and 25% off in store over the whole weekend, too. the 10 acre site opened to shoppers in 1989 and was expanded in 1996. the company celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2004 and has since added stores in Lincoln and gainsborough to its stores in Boston and grantham.

Visit Oldrids’ Downtown Superstore and Garden Centre at Gonerby Junction, A1 Grantham. 01476 590239.

Oldrids has stores on Boston’s Strait Bargate, on Lincoln’s Tritton Road and in Gainsborough’s Lindsey Centre. See www.oldrids.co.uk.

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- CHristmas -

2.

4.

5.

Christmas Gift Ideas from

Eve & Ranshaw

6.

eve & ranshaw in Louth is the perfect place for Christmas shopping, with an extensive choice of gifts for women, men and children all under one roof.

Here we bring you just some of the perfect gift ideas on offer this winter...

1. maxine wears oui jacket £199.99 and Betty Barclay ski pants £100.

Lucy wears Betty Barclay rose cardigan £90, Betty Barclay tank top £95 and tweed trousers £115. the retailer also has a wide selection of bags available.

2. Yankee Candle advent Calendar, complete with 24 seasonal tealights £21.99. nine Yankee Candle Wax melts £11.99.

7.

3. Heathcote & ivory secret Paradise Journal bath & shower set £20, Bathing flowers £10 and fizzer Crackers £5.

4. olily Handbag £69.95.

5. Dents gloves £15.50, Hat £15.50 and scarf £31.

6. secret Paradise soap £5.

7. totes slippers £18.

Bath Bombs set £11.99.

8.

8. orange tree toys money Box £17.99 and fire engine £14.99.

9. Children’s letters £1.50 each.

Push along Princess £8.99.

Jelly Cat Dog £11.95.

10. Yankee Candles in icicles £16.99/£19.99. Large Yankee Candle jar £19.99. Votive Book with 12 Yankee Candles £21.99.

11. selection of mugs £6.99/£7.99.

All of our featured items are available from Eve and Ranshaw, Market Place, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 9NT. Call 01507 602902 or see www.eveandranshaw-louth.co.uk.

11.

10.

9.

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- chrisTmas counTdown -

Pyjamas and Slippers (Top left) Cyberjammies £45, slippers£12.

(Top right) Joules pyjamas £49.90, slippers £14.95.

(Bottom left) Joules dressing gown £39.95, Ugg slippers £70.

(Bottom right) Dressing gown £18, Totes slipper boots £16.

Cartier La Panthere 50ml EDP, 100ml body lotion £70.

All from Oldrids; 01205 361251 www.oldrids.co.uk.

New Holland Toy Tractor for the little farmer in your life from Burdens, North Kime, 18months+ £call.

01526 860060 www.burdensgroup.com.

Coeur de Lion Bracelet from John Cussell Jewellers, Grantham, 01476 571721 www.johncussell.co.uk

Bronze Laying Hare Bronze sculpture, 70cm, £575 from Elizabeth and Stevens, nr Retford. 01507 354085, www.elizabethandstevens.com.

Fabulously Festive

Gift Ideas This month we’ve asked Lincolnshire businesses to provide suggestions for high quality gifts suitable for any member of your family...

Embrace Diamond Ring In 18ct White Gold with 0.43cts Diamonds, £3,645.Created by ‘Designer of the Year’ Andrew Geoghegan and available at S T Hoppers, Boston.

01205 362087, www.sthopper.co.uk.

rs, 1

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Red Arrows gift set from Oldrids. £POA. 01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Stoneglow diffusers; £20 each.

01636 611933, www.gracegentle.co.uk.

Joules Laverton Leather Shoulder Bag; £99.95 from Thomas Bell Country Stores. 01652 600690, www.thomasbellcountrystore.co.uk Ted Baker Ferne Exotic Base trapeze bag; £299. Tempany earrings; £25 from Coneys.

01205 311355, www.coneysdesigner wear.co.uk.

Lamp including shade from Aitch Interiors; £125. £45 extra for different shade colour. 01522 810961, www.aitch interiors.co.uk.

Miniature Bronze Cat Stretching

by Butler & Peach; £30.

Stronger Together Pearl Bracelet by Claudia Bradby; £36.

Eric A Bird Jewellers, 01522 520977, www.eric-a-bird.co.uk.

Great Plains Florence Devore Scarf; £45 from Echo Clothing. 01507 354085.

Environ Christmas gift box with AVST Cleansing Lotion, Moisturising Toner, Moisturiser and C-Quence Eye Gel, plus three complimentary products; £144 from Nevitas Hair and Beauty.

01205 351754, www. nevitas.co.uk

Ruark R1MkIII Digital radio with alarm clock; £199.95. www.superfi.co.uk

18ct White Gold and Diamond ring; £4175 from Maudes.

01205 367959, www.lovelinksjewellery.com.

Nomination bracelets including the composable charms; £POA, from Wilcox & Carter.

01205 362719, www.wilcoxandcarter.co.uk.

Cath Kidston Autumn bloom small leather trim tote; £60. Folk Flowers mini navy satchel; £38. Clifton Rose baby teddy; £10.

All from Gente Bella, Newark. 01636 643733.

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

The Aegis Discovery Ball

at the Lincolnshire Showground The Lincolnshire Showground recently hosted the Aegis Charity’s Discovery Ball, attended by over 80 people, featuring a three course meal, casino and live music.

The Newark based charity has offices in the UK, US and Rwanda, and works internationally to raise awareness of human rights issues across the world, working to prevent genocide in areas such as Kigali, Kosovo and the DRC. All money raised will go towards local girl Lynsey Collinson’s continuing expansion of the Discover Rwanda Hostel, supporting Aegis’ Peace Building Regeneration Programmes being delivered to communities across Rwanda, supporting the survivors of genocide.

Photographs: Rob Davis.

feature your event in our magazine.

154

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

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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- independent education -

Lincoln Minster School opens doors, providing...

Modern Education in a

Historic Setting this month we go back to school and enjoy a tour of the 700 pupil Lincoln Minster School, a modern independent pre-prep, preparatory and senior school, for boys and girls, offering high quality education Words: Rob Davis. from the ages of two to 18...

The best days of your life, just became even better for your child. Lincoln Minster is an independent school that will not only ensure your child achieves the best possible results academically, but also, creates a nurturing, stimulating environment that encourages friendship, compassion and creativity.

With over 700 pupils, the school’s pre-preparatory, preparatory, junior and sixth form environments all provide quality independent education for boys and girls from the age of two to 18.

Best Ever Results “We were delighted to achieve our best ever A-Level results in 2014.” says Clive Rickart, Principal. “Our students achieved a 99% pass rate; 65% at A* to B grade and 15% at A*.”

“It’s a similar result with our GCSE students, with 91% achieving five A*-C grades; 91% passes at A*-C grade.”

“Academic results are important, of course, but they’re only part of the story. The most important element of this school, ‘the heart,’ is our sense of community which stresses a belonging, an affection and a proud spirit.”

20th Anniversary The school will mark its 20th anniversary in 2016 and also has a strong tradition for nurturing a sense of community, and ensuring its pupils develop strong friendships. The school also encourages a strong appreciation for music, with keen links to the Cathedral via its choristers, and theatre, with pupils this year taking part in The Drill Hall’s October Shakespeare Festival. Lincoln Minster School also opened the doors of its new pre-preparatory and preparatory school, for pupils between two and 11, this year.

“Both junior and senior schools have enjoyed significant investments over recent years. The new prep school, which opened in September 2014, is a revelation, combining the best of the old and the new and making sense of the old Stonefield House building on Church Lane.”

“The most important element of this school, ‘the heart,’ is our sense of community...”

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The school is now situated in a building fit for Key Stage 2 children with a progressive new section linking the old coach house and the main Victorian building.

“It says much about the school in terms of reliability, strong foundations and a great future, it’s a very happy school with well cared for and motivated young people.” says Clive.

New Prep School The new prep school sits alongside other purpose-built school-wide facilities including a state-of-the-art music school and sports centre.

The school is planning to expand its provision for students who wish to board in 2015. The purchase of The Mount on Wragby Road will increase the school’s capacity for full time, weekly or flexible boarding beyond its current capacity of 90.

Open Mornings “The open mornings represent a chance to meet the Principal, staff and pupils, view our first-rate facilities, and to see us in action or ask us more about specific issues.” says Clive. “Parents are also welcome at any other time, including evenings and weekends by prior appointment.”

“We’re proud of the school and always enjoy showing parents around. We’re keen that the school is as inclusive as possible and with that in mind, we also have a limited number of scholarships for pupils entering years seven, nine and 12 whom we anticipate will make a significant contribution to the school community.”

“We’re proud of the school and always enjoy showing parents around,” says Clive.

A Safe, Fulfilling Environment “The point of boarding is to expand upon the school’s 24/7 desire to create a safe, happy, fulfilling environment and builds upon the academic progress and all-round personal development of the pupils in our charge. We pride ourselves on the quality of pastoral care provided by our experienced and well-qualified boarding staff.”

Top: Lincoln Minster School’s Choristers sing Evensong at Lincoln Cathedral.

Right: The school’s new purpose-built sports and music facilities.

158

A sixth form admission day takes place as Pride goes to press in November, with whole school open mornings held in March, during which prospective parents and pupils can view the pre-prep, preparatory and senior schools.

Assessment dates for scholarships for our 2015 admission take place from January 12th-16th for art, academic studies, sport and music respectively.

“The academic results that we’ve achieved have been the result of outstanding teaching, attention to detail and in excess of 40 extra classes per week which all help to support and encourage our young people to achieve their very best.”

“But beyond our academic record, we’re most proud of the way our young people emerge from the school as well-rounded, sociable and creative members of society.”

“At Lincoln Minster School your child will take on new responsibilities and make new friends. They will flourish here with strong, positive support and guidance, both socially and educationally.”

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- independent education -

Dates for your Diary performances for the public and the chance to view the facilities at Lincoln Minster School for yourself

The School in Numbers...

25,441

99%

1265

The ratio of pupils to teaching staff.

The Guardian reports current state primary school class sizes of 27.3:1 teacher.

The number of pupils enjoying independent education in the UK according to the Independent Schools’ Council.

The year that Bishop of Lincoln Richard of Gravesend established the forebear of Lincoln Minster School. It was formally created in 1996 following the amalgamation of The Cathedral School, St Joseph’s School for Girls and Stonefield House School. In 2011, St Mary’s Preparatory School merged with Lincoln Minster School to provide pre-preparatory education.

700 90

The number of pupils currently enrolled across the pre-prep, prep and senior schools.

The number of boarders in Lincoln Minster School’s senior school across four boarding houses. Full, weekly or flexible boarding is available.

A-Level pass rate in 2014. 87% of sixth formers were successful in achieving their first choice university destination.

15:1 9

The number of lessons pupils take each day, with two breaktime slots and a pre-lunch enrichment session facilitating pupils’ independent study, or the opportunity to take part in music, drama or sport.

3

The number of houses within each year - there are five years in the senior school (Key Stage 3 and 4), with average class sizes of fewer than 20 pupils.

2-18

The age range of pupils at Lincoln Minster School, with its pre-preparatory, preparatory, junior and sixth form schools.

Friday 21st November Sixth Form Open Parents’ Day

Ensuring a smooth transition from GCSE to A-Level, with a chance to view the facilities at Lincoln Minster School.

Saturday 22nd November Handel’s Messiah

Performed by the School’s Choristers with the Lincoln Chamber Orchestra.

Saturday 13th December Ceremony of Carols

Matinée (2pm) and evening (7.30pm) performances of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.

Wednesday 17th December Carols by Candlelight

The full Cathedral choir and Lincoln Minster School Choir perform Carols by Candlelight from 7.30pm in the Nave.

Find Out More: Lincoln Minster School is open by appointment to prospective parents wishing to enjoy a tour of the school. Situated on The Prior Building, Upper Lindum St, Lincoln LN2 5RW. Call 01522 551300 or see www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk.

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Supporting You Through Your Grieving Process offering free advice on funerals and funeral planning

Carr Funeral Service A Tradition of Dignity and Total Care

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Independent Funeral Directors Since 1909

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Crosswords CRYPTIC CROSSWORD test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s Cryptic Crossword. each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

ACROSS 1,1down Dog's not in my care? One chained, why not! (1,4,4,2,1,2) 6. Smothered in ketchup, a Venezuelan flag (4) 8. I'm backed by the party, and — only one brother can win (8) 9,22 Eternally so desperate to grab husband — might they be? (6,6) 10. See 12 11. Soldier, daft Don (8) 12,10. Finnish, we hear, from these languages? (6,6) 15. Eventually choose home for badger ahead of Trotsky (6,2) 16. Film review, "Strong hit", nonsense (8) 19. Poser, dolly (6) 21. A derringer initially firing shot beneath someone (5,3) 22. See 9 24. Island's south as frozen? (6) 25. Hollywood, where Neil Diamond's initials added to triplet of notes (2-2,4) 26. Head of government into Scandinavian money, the beast! (4) 27. Talk sure to be unintelligible at back of night club (9)

DOWN 1. See 1 across 2. View work in something charged (7) 3. See 20 4. One's written about five hundred in accurate digits (7) 5. Range fixed, I love to enter Welsh town going north (9) 6. Arcade game, where Spooner has to throw me away? (7) 7. Loved touring capital city where cyclists race (9) 13. Fast kept in check, good to be easing off (9) 14. Passport indeed put in storage compartment, as went on leave (9) 17. Little child carries gun, like it or loathe it! (7) 18. No wizards should get face and legs jumbled up (7) 20,.3 Alas, the three R's, it's difficult for ill-educated Americans (7,5) 22. ___ _ Heaven 1: away win welcome (5) 23. Trace element, for example, brought up (5) 24. Hill made from brown earth (4)

DOWN

1. Inhabitant (8) 5. Worthless people (4) 9. One of the founders of Rome (5) 10. People scorning (7) 11. Chronic anxiety about one's own health (12) 13. Most unusual (6) 14. Hazard (6) 17. Attract the most attention and praise (5,3,4) 20. Give a right to (7) 21. Become eventually (3,2) 22. Unpleasing to the eye (4) 23. Fidgety (8)

1. Undercooked (4) 2. Dog — someday (anag) (7) 3. Unhappy and unable to be comforted (12) 4. Beautiful young women (6) 6. Transparent (5) 7. Indiscriminate slaughter (8) 8. Newspaper giving prominence to gossip (7,5) 12. French painter known as le Douanier (8) 15. Native of Tyneside (7) 16. Cunning plan (informal) (6) 18. Speak well of (5) 19. Musical composition (4)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

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