Lincolnshire Pride March 2020 by Pride Magazines Ltd

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LINCOLNSHIRE

PRIDE LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

£4.50

Spring Lambs with Grantham’s Sophie Arlott Lincolnshire’s shepherdess celebrates our Great British Breeds COVER IMAGE: PRIDE MAGAZINES’ ILLUSTRATOR JOCELYN LAWMAN

FREE ONLINE

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WELCOME

incolnshire really is home to some talent. Take this month’s interviewee; none other than Bernie Taupin, the songwriter behind Elton John’s greatest hits. He’s not exactly shy and retiring, but let’s face it, he was always going to be slightly overshadowed by the über-flamboyant Reg Dwight, was our Bernie.

Born and raised in Anwick near Sleaford, Bernie is a lyricist more talented, in my opinion, than Lennon & McCartney, so to think that he grew up just a few miles from where I live is surreal. Suffice to say I loved hearing about his Lincolnshire connections and I trust you will too! Speaking of talent, we’ll also meet Daniella Draper in this edition. The Cleethorpes-born jewellery designer is clearly talented, but we’re not the only ones to recognise that. Daniella has a wealth of celebrity clients from the Beckhams to Kate Moss... and even a few high profile clients we’re not allowed to mention! Yet commendably, the artist is happy to design for you and I, as much as for her celebrity fans, proving that she’s as humble as she is talented. Elsewhere in this edition, we’re meeting our cover star Sophie Arlott and her flock of Lincolnshire lambs and we’re recommending the county’s best venues for afternoon tea with mum. Our best wishes for a great month! Executive Editor rob@pridemagazines.co.uk 3

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30 62

CONTENTS

90 51

NEWS & EVENTS

FOOD & DRINK

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

WHAT’S ON The best March events from live music to theatre.

HOMES & GARDENS

HIGHLIGHTS 14

SOPHIE ARLOTT Celebrating the joy of being a smallholder with Sophie’s Lincolnshire herd in Lenton.

DANIELLA DRAPER The Lincolnshire jewellery designer with an impressive celebrity client base.

115 4

DINING OUT Enjoying spring dining at The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall.

WELCOME HOME Modern and comfortable; The Paddocks near Louth.

BLUE IS THE COLOUR Find out how to incorporate this year’s most on trend colour into your home.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN 92

WEDDINGS Megan and Andy marry at Scrivelsby’s Walled Gardens.

AFTERNOON TEA Treat mum to afternoon tea with these delicious recommendations.

105 FASHION Beautiful dresses for

HERBS Fragrant and easy to grow, it’s always good to have herbs in your garden. We meet Peter and Christine of Thistleton’s Herb Nursery.

111

BASS MALTINGS Sleaford landmark approaches its 120th anniversary.

122 MOTORS Ferrari’s impressive

proms and balls with Lincoln’s Belle & The Peacock Feather.

COSMETICS Makeup and perfume.

THE HIGH LIFE 115

HIGH LIFE Networking with KuKu. new sports car, the Roma.

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44 THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN THE AREA READ PRIDE MAGAZINE

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FREE ONLINE

Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to properties in the top three council tax bands - homes which are predominantly worth over £300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an afﬂuent readership commensurate with our content. In addition the magazine is also sold in supermarkets and newsagents including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, WHSmith, Tesco, Asda, Co-Op and Morrisons. Our in-house distribution team also works hard to hand-deliver the magazine to selected hotels and restaurants, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area. Our magazines also have more social media fans than any other local magazine, and we are available to read free of charge, online on your tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website and via the Readly and Issuu platforms. If your business would beneﬁt from being showcased to the wealthiest people in the area, please call our friendly sales team on 01529 469977.

To read the latest edition and all of our back editions online, free of charge, visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

THE PRIDE TEAM

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

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson. Production Director: Ian Bagley. Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson. Sales Manager: Charlotte Daubney. Sales Supervisor: Cydney Dyson. Executive Editor: Rob Davis. Chief Photographer: Dean Fisher. Illustrator: Jocelyn Lawman. Features: Laurin Dempsey, Carissa Smith. Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray. Web Developer: Joe Proctor. Ofﬁce Managers: Sue Bannister and Melissa Trestrail. Sales Executives: Cassy Ayton, Emily Brown, Ruth Vinter, Grace Mumford.

Pride Magazines Ltd., Elm Grange Studios, East Heckington, Boston, Lincs PE20 3QF

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

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NEWS & EVENTS

Lincoln’s Jane is Knitting for Oz LOCAL KNITTERS CREATING WOOLLY HELP FOR DEVASTATED WILDLIFE... LINCOLN Hundreds of knitters in Lincoln are putting their needles to good use to create woolly pouches for baby kangaroos, mittens for koalas and wraps for bats following the devastation of Australia’s wildfires. Inspired to help, Lincoln’s Jayne Fisk joined 800 knitters working with Paws Across the Ocean which was established by Australia’s Animal Rescue Craft Guild to create knitted havens for wildlife in devastated habitats across Australia, from animal jumpers and birds’ nests to joey pouches, quilts and blankets. A traffic light system on the AARCG website advised volunteers which items were most in demand. Temperatures approaching 40°c, and 100km/h winds led to 1.65m hectares being burned. 25 people and millions of animals have died or been

displaced following the fires, with the bill for the damage thought to be somewhere in the region of £370m. “Australians have a strong culture, they’re big on being

New Ranges for Sophie LOCAL DESIGNER SOPHIE ALLPORT HAS BUTTERFLIES OVER NEW SPRING RANGE...

out there to help people and now it’s our turn to help them,” says Jayne. “An Australian friend says they're not bothered whether they see people donating a few pennies

or a pound or a million pounds to them, it’s the fact people care.” n Email jaynefisk@outlook.com to help out with her involvement in AARCG.

BOURNE Local designer Sophie Allport is pleased to announce the launch of her brand new Butterflies range, which is part of the firm’s Spring/Summer 2020 collections due to launch at the end of February. Sophie’s latest design features a variety of beautiful butterflies which have spread their wings and are fluttering gracefully against a soft neutral background. Inspired by the butterflies in Sophie’s country garden, these delicate insects showcase intricate distinctive colours. From kitchenware and home furnishings to gift

inspiration and accessories, there is plenty to choose from for butterfly enthusiasts. There are 48 products in the new collection with prices starting from £8 for a folding shopper bag to £49 for a knitted cushion. New products include plant pots, small notebooks and a rucksack. Sophie was born in Potterhanworth and founded her company in 2004 alongside her brother Jem in the town of Bourne. n The collection will be available to purchase from sophieallport.com or by calling 01778 560256 from the end of February 2020.

RECOGNITION FOR SANYUKTA’S DRESSES

LINCOLNSHIRE Spilsby-based wedding dress designer Sanyukta Shrestha has been named one of the UK’s leading sustainable wedding dress designers and is currently creating a real stir in the international wedding industry. The Hagworthingham designer’s dresses are made from milk or hemp fibres and have been shortlisted by UK Wedding Awards 2020 for

The Best Innovation Award. “There are serious problems ahead for future generations. As a designer I feel we have a responsibility beyond creating beautiful designs.” Sanyukta has pioneered the concept of sustainable luxury in 2011. The awards ceremony will be held at The Biltmore in London’s Mayfair as Pride goes to press. n See www.sanyuktashrestha.com.

Lost pup gives Tattershall Castle its ‘seal’ of approval...

Honours for Boston’s Alison Fairman... BOSTON Well-known resident of Boston, Alison Fairman has been awarded an BEM in the 2020 New Years Honours List. Alison is chair of the Boston in Bloom partnership, plus a member of the History of Boston Project, a trustee of the Boston Preservation Trust and serves on the Fydell House Committee. Alison was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the Community in the town. Over 1,097 honours were given out in this year’s list, including 315 BEM titles. n

TATTERSHALL Local couple Michael & Charlotte Pooler encountered a surprise visitor on a recent trip to Tattersall Castle; a young seal pup who took a wrong turn on the River Bain and ended up 15 miles from the Lincolnshire Coast! More commonly spotted in Skegness, the creature was not so much lost at sea as lost on land, travelling the wrong way whilst scavenging for food. The couple and their daughter spotted the pup trying to get into the National Trust owned castle. Surely a seal of approval for a grand day out at one of the county’s most recognisable landmarks! n

200 Calories

Wedding Award

IF YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS are faltering, head to Woodhall Spa. As Pride goes to press, Jubilee Park will see the opening of a new 27-station technogym with rowing machines, weights and cycles. The new gym is part of Jubilee Park’s plan to improve and enhance the health of the community... and a healthy dose of exercise will burn over 200 calories and hour! n

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LOCAL

NEWS In Brief LINCOLN

VOLUNTEER FOR AIR AMBULANCE WINS NATIONAL AWARD Andrew Pearce, Trustee at the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, has scooped the Charity Volunteer of the Year award title at the Association of Air Ambulance’s Awards for Excellence. Andrew, who joined the Charity as Trustee in 2006, secured the prestigious title, one of 12 awards given to pilots, doctors, fundraisers and volunteers from the sector. He has helped to raise over £200,000 for the life-saving work of the Air Ambulance in a number of extraordinary and extreme ways, from trekking to the North and South Poles to climbing four volcanoes in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The service has flown 20,500 missions so far and has recently begun to operate 24/7. n For more information, see ambucopter.org.uk

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WITHAM HOUSE, LANGRICK, BOSTON

£885,000

A splendid Grade II listed six-bedroom Georgian House overlooking the River Witham offering five well-appointed reception rooms and a wealth of period features throughout. The house is set in formal gardens and includes a full sized unmarked tennis court and grazing land of some 6 acres (STS). The substantial swimming pool complex which houses a heated indoor pool with shower, WC and changing facilities benefits from a kitchen and terrace, making this a superb area for entertaining. There are a range of original buildings including a games room, gym, office, garage and stabling. 5

WILLOW HOUSE, HOUGH ON THE HILL

EPC Rating: Exempt

THE BLACKSMITHS GARDENS, LEADENHAM

£595,000

Located on this prestige development of four properties, this wonderful four-bedroom family home has been constructed to the highest standards of quality by Grey Willow Developments. The internal accommodation includes a beautiful open plan family kitchen/diner with separate utility room, spacious living room with feature fireplace and a study. Externally the property enjoys private gardens, spacious driveway, double garage and views towards Leadenham Polo Club. Grantham’s high-speed rail network to London Kings Cross (approximately 65 minutes) is located 11 miles. 4

EPC Rating: C

THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, COLEBY, LINCOLN

£425,000

The Wesleyan Chapel is a delightful conversion located in the much-desired cliff village of Coleby. The interior has been tastefully converted whilst retaining an wealth of historic features, character and charm. Externally the property enjoys an enviable position and benefits from having a private courtyard garden, driveway, garage and open views. Coleby is located just six miles south of Lincoln and has a primary school and two public houses, the nearby village of Navenby offers a full range of amenities. 2

£775,000

Willow House is an impressive executive family home located within this pretty and much desired conser vation village. The accommodation, nearing 3100 sq. ft, has been infused with the highest specification and quality throughout. Externally the property occupies a commanding hilltop position with formal lawn gardens, entertaining area for Al Fresco dining, wonderful views and spacious garage. Commuters are well served by Grantham’s high-speed rail network to London Kings Cross which is located a short distance away.

EPC Rating: C

Fine & Country Lincolnshire,

55 High Street, Navenby, Lincs LN5 0DZ Telephone: 01522 287008 or 01476 247070 Email: lincoln@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com Associated offices at Grantham, Stamford, Nottingham and throughout the UK

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HOTCHKIN Plot 3 | Petwood Oaks | Woodhall Spa | Lincolnshire | LN10 6AH

• A Magnificent Five Bedroomed Detached House of Architectural Merit • Large Kitchen Family Area with Dining Room, Separate Lounge and Study • Three En-Suite Bedrooms, Two Further Bedrooms and FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH Family Bathroom • Nestled on the Edge of Parkland in a Select Gated Development VACANT POSSESSION • Located in One of the East Midlands most Desirable Villages Subject To Contract • Triple Garage and Private Gardens

£995,000

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

• Spacious and Characterful 6 Bedroomed Period Family Home with Private Gardens • Set in 1.23 acres with its Own Commercial Yard and 8,000sqft of Buildings Including Workshops and Offices FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH • House Requiring Some Further Modernisation Features VACANT POSSESSION Large Kitchen/Diner with Pantry

£475,000

• 2 Large Reception Rooms, 2 Staircases, 6 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Orangery and Ancillary Offices • Suitable for a Variety of Businesses with Modern Workshops & Stores Subject To Contract

ACORN HOUSE Holme Road | Kirton Holme | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE20 1SY

• Luxurious 7 Bedroomed House Adjoining Golf Course in Desirable Village FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH • Offering 7 Bedrooms, 4 Reception Rooms, 2 External VACANT POSSESSION Kitchens, Hot Tub, Garage Workshops with Secure Courtyard Parking, Master Bedroom Suite, Oil Fired Central Heating, Double Glazed Windows, High Level Subject To Contract of Internal Finish Including Oak Floors and Solid Oak Doors

£750,000

• Separate Open Plan Annexe Accommodation

One Acre Paddock Available for £100,000 Subject to Contract

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COVER STORY: THE SHEPHERDESS

Where There’s a Wool

THERE’S A WAY Lincolnshire’s Sophie Arlott has succeeded in creating an amazingly successful smallholding comprising around 300 ewes, marketing her artisan lamb to an appreciative audience of chefs and local families. Her hard work and determination to ensure the best standards of welfare for her animals just goes to show that where there’s a wool, there’s a way... Words: Rob Davis. Images: Dean Fisher.

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“I’ve begun to work with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and use conservation grazing whereby the lambs can live on the Trust’s managed reserves nearby...”

Love me... love my sheep. It’s a reasonable enough basis upon which to conduct family life... and the Arlotts’ Sunday lunches are something really quite extraordinary, which helps too. Sophie Arlott has managed to establish her smallholding and turn a fond reminder of her childhood into an artisan farming operation which has succeeded in impressing some of the UK’s most famous or well-renowned chefs. After a busy December lambing half of her flock over the festive season, Sophie Arlott is once again in the thick of it, anticipating the birth of 250 lambs this month. But where there’s a wool, there’s a way, and happily, the creation of a unique crossbreed specific to Sophie’s Lavinton Lamb flock has yielded not only great tasting lamb, but also a flock which can happily exist in harmony with their surroundings. Sophie has fond memories of a childhood in the countryside, and despite not coming from a farming background - and though 16

her father was a countryman, but not a smallholder - she decided that upon moving to Lincolnshire that she wanted to raise her own flock. We counted around 300 ewes before dozing off, but when Sophie woke us up, she explained that one of the reasons her flock has become so well-regarded is the canny way they incorporate the independence of a Hebridean breed with a Border Leicester for hardiness and Southdown for flavour. “It’s taken about three years from creating the female to producing lambs and rearing them to sell as fat lambs, but those three years have been worth it,” says Sophie. “In that time I’ve also begun to work with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and we use conservation grazing whereby the lambs can live on managed reserves nearby.” “Commercial breeds can be a little too big and soft to live comfortably outdoors. Hebrideans are hardier and like to graze.” >>

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>> “They’ll eat invasive species as well as native grasses so it’s a mutually beneficial relationship for us both. The Trust’s land is grazed, the lambs enjoy a natural way of life and the resulting meat is really flavoursome.” At this time of year the evocative phrase spring lamb comes into common parlance across restaurant menus, farm shops and in supermarkets. In fact, it’s a misnomer that lamb - as opposed to hogget or mutton - is any less enjoyable. “We tend to refer to lamb as being under a year old, and hogget as being less than 18 months old. Mutton is less than two years old. Lamb has a softer texture, but I would suggest that hogget has more flavour.” “It’s akin I suppose to rib-eye steaks being more flavoursome but a bit more fatty, and a fillet steak being less flavoursome but more tender. I think hogget is underrated, with faster lamb farming cycles more suited to more intensive farming operations.” “Smaller, more artisanal operations have the ability to keep their animals longer allowing flavour to develop. Artisanal farmers can also hang meat too. I hang my lamb for anywhere from 10 days to two weeks and I think the difference really is noticeable.” Around 80% of the meat Sophie farms is produced for restaurants, in particular discerning chefs like Lincoln’s Gavin Aitkenhead of Steep Hill’s Jew’s House, Sat Bains in Nottingham or a range of Michelin lauded chefs spread all over the UK, typically supplied as whole carcases for chefs to butcher themselves. Happily, though, Sophie always keeps a few animals back to sell directly to consumers seeking not only local livestock with the highest standards of welfare, but also lamb from the same flock as she has historically

“Having acres of pasture around Lavinton - now known as Lenton Sophie is able to cut her own meadow hay and provide her her flock with natural food...” 18

supplied venerated food retailers like Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. Alongside her insight into breeding the perfect cross, an inclination to allow her flock to graze as the sheep-god intended and all that fresh Lincolnshire air, Sophie also puts the quality of her meat down to the quality of her animals’ diet. Having acres of pasture around Lavinton incidentally, that’s the historic name of the village of Lenton in which Sophie is based Sophie is able to cut her own meadow hay and provide her flock with natural food. When her ewes need extra - when lambing, for example - Sophie has sourced an excellent feed from The Blankney Estate, right here in the county. Made up of peas - which are sweet and loaded with protein - plus barley and grass, the feed is also free of soya, enabling Sophie to improve her input and avoid being reliant on non-local feed.

Connections to the Land for Sophie... Sophie was born in Hampshire and studied archaeology and history before working in the media as a researcher on daytime TV programmes. Moving to Bristol with husband Robert, who works as a commercial pilot, Sophie began working with a team ﬁlming wildlife and nature documentaries and lived in Leamington Spa and Paris before moving to the equally glamorous town of Luton. She and hubby Robert eventually settled in the county in 2008 and with fond memories of a childhood in the country, established her ﬂock. n

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“They do really well on the feed. They’re more energetic, healthier and much happier looking,” says Sophie. “My husband Robert helps me out when I ask him to, but generally speaking he’s happy to leave looking after the sheep to me... he knows how very important they are to me!” Robert is a good deal more keen to enjoy the end result though, as are sons Freddie, aged 17 and Max, 21. The latter is currently studying Spanish and Drama at Bristol University. When he returns to the family home with a bag of washing, they all enjoy Sunday lunch... roast lamb naturally. “There’s something about a Sunday lunch which reminds us all of what food should be about,” says Sophie. “Raising livestock and cooking aren’t just inextricably linked, they also have something in common; slower is better. The longer and

happier an animal’s life and the more we make time for cooking proper food the better. Farmers in the county are doing a great job despite that we’re encouraged to spend less and less time cooking food and enjoying meals together. Food isn’t a ‘problem’ to be ‘solved’ as quickly as possible.” “Slowing down the raising of livestock and farming in a way that’s less hurried, in synergy with nature instead of trying to rush it, will create better quality food.

Likewise making time for a great Sunday lunch together is a simple pleasure that too few of us make time for these days.” Foremost in Sophie’s mind is giving her flock a happy healthy life and enabling them to live as nature intended. In return they reward her with the most flavoursome meat and the chance to enjoy a career in farming that’s ethical, environmentally friendly and a return to traditional farming practices. n

Find Out More: Sophie Arlott founded Lavinton Lamb in 2008 and raises her Hebridean/Leicester/Southdown cross ﬂock between Grantham, Sleaford and Bourne. Sophie sells her high-welfare meat to restaurants, and directly to the public. For joints of lamb, lamb burgers and sausages direct from the farm gate call 07899 833157 or see www.lavinton.com. n

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Call now for a FREE, strictly no obligation quote on:

08000 141452 or see lincs-surfacing.co.uk THE OLDE FORGE, BOSTON ROAD, SPILSBY PE25 2HQ

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BUYING OR SELLING Top 5 legal considerations WHETHER you are an individual or couple looking to downsize, or a family wanting to increase your living space, the perfect home may just be a few steps away. As you progress your plans, Wilkin Chapman property expert Sally Wright looks at the top five legal considerations for both buyers and sellers: If you’re selling: 1. Make use of estate agents. A good one will utilise their experience and act as a go-between through the transaction. They will advise on unforeseen problems and help to ensure a smooth transaction; 2. Fill in the Law Society Protocol Forms (Property Information Form and Fittings & Contents Form) promptly. The quicker you can respond to the initial requests for information, the quicker your solicitor will be able to move on to the next stage; 3. Inform your solicitor at the outset if you’ve carried out any works on your property and provide the necessary documentation including planning permission, building regulations approval notices and building regulations compliance certificates; 4. Honesty is the best policy. Under the current home buying process in England and Wales, the onus is on the buyer to commission a survey of the property and discover any defects or

risks after an offer is accepted. However, it is usually better to be honest from the start, and let your buyer know about any outstanding defects that could impact the value. That way, the offer price will reflect the real value of the property, and expectations are managed fairly on all sides;

“The quicker you can respond to the initial requests for information, the quicker your solicitor will be able to move on to the next stage ” 5. It is easy to get sentimental and you may not like the changes/alterations that the buyers are proposing. Therefore, once you have made the decision to sell, it would be helpful to distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling. If you’re buying: 1. Have a mortgage in place as soon as possible as this will prevent any delays in the legalities; 2. Prepare your finances/have your deposit ready. Have evidence available for your solicitor to review in accordance with money laundering requirements;

3. Please be mindful of Stamp Duty Land Tax as this is a major cost you’ll need to factor in when budgeting. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or buying a second home, be aware of your stamp duty liability; 4. Instruct a reputable surveyor. You need to ensure that you are happy with the result before you proceed to exchange, making your purchase legally binding; 5. Once you have purchased a property you need to think about making a Will. This is vital if you want to ensure your assets pass as you intended to your loved ones

To discuss this in further detail, Sally Wright can be contacted on 01472 246681, email sallylouise.wright@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk

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Lincolnshire jewellery designer Daniella Draper’s business is a real family firm. Holly Draper, Daniella’s sister, is the designer’s exclusive in-house model!

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THE INTERVIEW DANIELLA DRAPER

AS GOOD AS

GOLD Lincolnshire jewellery designer Daniella Draper’s work has been seen on A-list celebrities from Kate Moss to Ed Sheeran and even the Beckham family. We caught up with the designer in her studio to ﬁnd out why her most famous clients think she’s as good as gold... Words: Rob Davis.

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DANIELLA DRAPER

PROVERBIALLY there’s no rest for the wicked. But jewellery designer Daniella Draper, is as good as gold; the very medium she works in... and she’s even busier!

provide a finishing touch. One of Daniella’s pieces was spotted, it suited her and when the images appeared in press, Daniella’s work really took off.

Rather generously she also afforded us a couple of hours of her time prior to Valentine’s Day, which as you can appreciate is a rather a busy time for a talented jewellery designer, just pipping Christmas and Mother’s Day as the most frantic occasion for her team.

Ellie Goulding was then seen wearing a collection of Daniella’s pieces at Glastonbury, whilst Ed Sheeran duetted with Beyoncé wearing one of Daniella’s personalised bangles during their Grammy performance. Kate Moss has also worn her work as have a myriad of other A-listers like Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham.

By spring she’ll be getting ready for a rest, but finding herself busier year on year, there’s little chance of her business giving her such a luxury as a ‘quiet period.’ A succession of stars have sported the Cleethorpes jewellery designer’s work. One of the earliest fans of Daniella’s work was her university housemate Elizabeth, who, in 2009, was working as a stylist for a magazine shoot featuring Kate Moss. The pictures were looking great but the supermodel required a piece of jewellery to 24

The designer’s work has also graced the glossies of Vogue, Tatler, Harpers & Elle… and this month we add Pride to that list, too. Daniella has over 700 pieces in her current range and over 650 of those are priced under £5,000. Her bespoke work and unique ‘Cinderella’ pieces are priced from £1,900 to £20,000. With a studio based in North East Lincolnshire, the designer employs over 50 people in total.

Daniella’s celebrity fan base includes Kate Moss and the Beckhams’ kids. She has enjoyed coverage in magazines from Vogue and Tatler to Harpers... and Pride!

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Last year the team created 40,000 pieces with Daniella heading up the design of around ten new pieces for her core collection and over 50 exclusive pieces as part of her Cinderella work. About a quarter of her work is personalised for her customers and though she occasionally designs with a specific time of year in mind – Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day for example – most of the designer’s work is designed ad hoc, the result of pure, unadulterated inspiration and a love of working with the material. Right now, Daniella is putting the finishing touches to a new range featuring endangered species of animals, from whales to polar bears to turtles. The collection of keepsakes will also see a donation from sales made to animal welfare charities. At 32 years of age, Daniella was raised in Cleethorpes and as a youngster attended

St James’ School in Grimsby, before attending an independent school in Windermere and returning to the area to complete a foundation degree at De Montfort University. “I really found an affinity with metalwork during my foundation degree, initially working on metal sculptures, but soon concentrated on designing jewellery instead and enlisted on a Jewellery Design degree at St Martin’s College in London.” “I’ve always loved jewellery – I’m a bit of a magpie, drawn to shiny things – and there’s something inspiring about jewellery. Each piece when it’s gifted has a sentiment behind it – you’re not giving someone jewellery, you’re giving someone love, or at least something that represents your love.” The Draper family have a long-standing fondness for the Lake District, and as well as Top: Daniella Draper (Centre) with mum Della and sister Holly. Above/Left: Daniella’s Lincoln Store.

her Lincolnshire studio, Daniella has a lakeland bolthole where she takes inspiration from the breathtaking landscape to sketch out her ideas for new designs in pencil, refining her ideas and returning to Lincolnshire at least once a month where she will create a master piece in hard wax. Daniella’s go-to material is 9ct solid gold, but she also works in silver, and in white gold and platinum for her Cinderella work. For a number of years, Daniella’s gold and silver has actually been made from recycled metal giving her work sound eco-credentials. For practical reasons the casting of her pieces is outsourced. As a rule, gold melts at 1,064°c but typically casting is completed at several hundred degrees above this… so it’s a violent process requiring rather specialist equipment. Once the cast jewellery is returned to Daniella’s Lincolnshire workshops, each piece is assembled, hand-finished and then personalised with precious stones added. 25

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DANIELLA DRAPER

“My name appears in the branding but I’ve a really superb team around me, especially our senior makers, and we all work really well together. It’s very much a family business, with my mum Della and sister Holly managing the direction of the business and keeping everything running smoothly.”

“But I think it’s equally satisfying to be shopping in Lincoln and to catch sight of someone wearing one of our collection pieces.”

“The growth of the business has been quite surreal but really rewarding. My first love is designing new pieces but my role within the business has had to evolve.”

Currently around 90% of Daniella’s work is sold via her five shops and her website. A further 5% is produced as commission work, and the remaining 5% is sold via other retailers.

“I’m happy to sit on any chair in the business. I had a dream that the business would be successful, but you don’t realise until you begin to grow the brand what will touch you the most or surprise you.” “We opened the first shop in Cleethorpes in 2014, then Lincoln in 2015, Beverley in 2016, Bowness in 2017 and finally a shop in Leeds last year. There’s still something surreal about just seeing my name above the door.” Many jewellery designers rarely progress beyond one-person companies. There’s a gulf, Daniella says, between the artisan maker and then the large international companies producing for a mass market. Daniella Draper sits almost uniquely in its sector, and just as uniquely, satisfies a huge price range from £25 to £20,000. What’s more, Daniella say’s she has no desire to leave behind her commercial collections in favour of her more expensive commissions. “I’m happy designing at any price point. Each area of the market has its own appeal. At the most expensive end of the market it’s really nice to work with extravagant materials and with precious stones.”

“I’m grateful and humble when I see that someone has seen something we’ve made and decided to buy it and wear it.”

Daniella has resisted outsourcing production and selling to a mass market, which has kept the brand exclusive, but equally, she’s keen not to alienate customers with high fashion expensive pieces that are the preserve of celebrities. Of course, despite wanting as many people as possible to enjoy her work, there are still some customers who are especially important to Daniella.

Most notably we refer to mum Della; Daniella’s sister Holly, who is frequently called on to model new ranges, and the designer’s husband David, currently working to set up a new business in hospitality in Liverpool. When Mother’s Day or birthdays come around, the whole family are still given completely one-off pieces designed by Daniella to thank them for her love and support. There’s no word yet when Daniella’s son Rocco will join the business. At just one year old he’s currently exploring a range of career options but doubtless he’ll play some point in the future growing one of the most successful names to come out of Lincolnshire. “I’m touched and humbled that my designs are so popular,” she says. “Every day I’m so grateful to do something I love and something which also brings a lot of pleasure to people.” n

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FAVOURITE PIECES

SIX OF OUR FAVOURITE DANIELLA DRAPER DESIGNS

Shown left are designs from The Lincoln Edit - a collection inspired by the historic city’s cobbled streets. Pictured is a gold Maxi Shell Necklace £1,950; silver Falling Feather ring in silver £85; silver Rectangle Signet Ring £150; gold pirate ring £650; gold green Quartz Maxi Claw ring £950.

Shown below is a 9ct Gold Midi Bangle with a Lincoln Imp Charm, referencing one of the city’s most famous symbols. Daniella has created a quirky charm to reflect its mischievous character. If Lincoln City is part of your story then this special piece is just for you, £825.

Seen above, a solid Sterling Silver chain on which sits three 9ct Gold Mini Star charms. This piece combines the symbolism of number three, which is creative self expression and exuberance, with that of the star which symbolises the five elements earth, air, water, fire & spirit, £395.

Pictured right is a Gold Rose Quartz Mood Ring. One of Daniella’s classic designs the Mood ring is strikingly bold, with a charming rustic finish, a stunning statement ring. The blend of milky white & pink hues of this rose quartz ring will complement any outfit. A wonderfully elegant addition to your jewellery collection, £850.

Shown left, bangles from the Original Signature Collection. Cherish your special memories with engraved pieces and combine multiple pieces in different coloured metals. Daniella’s Silver Dream Bangle is from solid silver, £125, in five sizes. Gold luxury signature bangle 9ct yellow gold £1,300, both available with engraving.

Daniella reclaimed the 1.52ct round brilliant centre diamond from a vintage necklace, giving it a new lease of life. She has surrounded the stone with four delicate baguette diamonds to frame the large sparkly stone, £20,000. n

Find Out More: Jewellery designer Daniella Draper has boutiques on High Street, Lincoln and Sea View Street, Cleethorpes, as well as Beverley, Bowness and Leeds. For more information call 01472 351341 or see www.danielladraper.com.

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BEING BERNIE

50 YEARS AS ROCKETMAN’S

WRITER 2020 is Lincolnshire songwriter Bernie Taupin’s 70th birthday, and the 50th anniversary of his collaboration with Elton John. Here, we find out what it’s like to spend half a century working with the Rocketman, co-writing his out of this world hits... IMAGINE 50 YEARS WITH ELTON JOHN. Half a century with tantrums, tiaras and talent. Controversy and conflict. Outrageous costumes and turning beautiful lyrics into beautiful songs. The collaboration of Elton John and Bernie Taupin is practically unprecedented in the music industry, matched perhaps by Lennon and Words: Laurin Dempsey. McCartney, if at all. Lincolnshire’s Bernie was born on 22nd May 1950 and therefore celebrates his 70th birthday this year. Bernie was born at Flatters House, near Anwick. Married four times, and with two daughters by his current wife Heather Kidd, Bernie has enjoyed a very successful life both as Elton’s closest friend and in his own right. Unlike his older brother Tony who attended a local grammar school, Taupin was not a diligent student... although he did show an early flair for writing. At the age of 15, Bernie left school and started work as a trainee in the print room of the Lincolnshire Standard newspaper, with aspirations of becoming a journalist. Taupin however soon left that job, and spent the rest of his teenage years hanging out with friends, hitchhiking Lincolnshire to attend youth club dances in the surrounding 30

villages, playing in the Aston Arms Pub in Market Rasen and drinking after his family moved to the Lincolnshire Wolds so his father Robert Taupin could become a farmer at Maltkin Farm near Owmby-by-Spital. It was at the age of 17 that Bernie’s life was no longer going to be the same.

In 1967, Bernie answered an advert in the UK music paper New Musical Express by Liberty Records, a company needing new songwriters. Liberty has been founded in 1955 and enjoyed early success with artists like Julie London, Henry Mancini and Eddie Cochran. Ten years before hiring Bernie Taupin, Liberty was verging on bankruptcy. The company was saved by songwriter David Seville’s novelty pop song Witch Doctor, to which Seville applied an altered speed technique and three cartoon chipmunks - Alvin, Simon and Theodore achieving a Christmas hit in 1958. Had he failed to do so, Liberty would never have been able to pair Bernie Taupin and Elton John. Elton - Reg Dwight, as he was known until 1967 - was introduced to Bernie a year before to solve the problem of Elton’s

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Bernie (left) and Elton are pictured in 1972 prior to the release of Tiny Dancer, Crocodile Rock and Rocketman, just three of the duoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most memorable hits.

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Bernie has been married since 2004 to Heather Kidd.

Bernie (third left) and Elton in Cannes in May 2019 at the launch of Rocketman. Bernie was played by Jamie Bell in the film.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin at the premiere of Rocketman at the Cannes Film Festival, May 2019.

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BERNIE TAUPIN

potential to write music but inability to create lyrics, and because Bernie was a potential collaborator. “I was the quintessential country bumpkin and he was sophisticated,” says Bernie of their early years together. “He lived in London and played in clubs! So, he looked out for me. He was like a big brother.” They hit it off, and soon began a 50-year collaboration which, curiously, relied on a remoteness. The two would never sit in the same room and write together. They only really ever worked side by side once or twice. Elton and Bernie always wrote separately. And there is something about that process that gave them a critical distance. A year after meeting at Liberty, the two joined DJM Records and spent much of the following two years together writing material for other artists, among them Lulu and Roger Cook. Bernie would dash off lyrics and Elton would compose the music, eschewing any of Bernie’s verses he could not engage with quickly. Their first album was Empty Sky (1969), which was followed by Elton John (1970). The second album established their early musical focus of heartfelt ballads and gospel-chorded rock songs, including the single ‘Your Song,’ which reached number seven on the UK singles chart. The writing of Your Song, plays a key role in Rocketman, the 2019 movie musical about Elton John’s rise to fame, and is presented as a song about platonic love between two friends and creative partners. But according to Bernie, the lyrics weren’t inspired by a specific person. “I can only assume that the invention is more appealing than the actual truth.

“I assume the invention is more appealing than the actual truth. I scribbled the lyric down at the kitchen table of Elton’s mother’s apartment in Northwood Hills.”

The truth is that I scribbled the lyric down on a lined notepad at the kitchen table of Elton’s mother’s apartment in the London suburb of Northwood Hills, breakfast time sometime in 1969. That’s it. Plain and simple. It was not to my recollection inspired by anyone, although at the time Elton secretly thought it was.” Elton also acknowledges the close relationship the two have and says “We lived together at my parents’ apartment in North London, and he became the brother I never had. I love Bernie; not in a carnal way, but in the most beautiful and emotional way!” The film traces John’s life from his repressed upbringing in a strained Pinner household to his explosive popularity in the 1970s and his stint in rehab in 1990. Bernie was alongside him almost every step of the way, writing lyrics to classics like Tiny Dancer and supporting him through times of crisis and addiction. “I questioned the original script. I wasn’t happy with it,” Bernie says. The writer event suggested tweaks to factual details and personality traits, including his character’s use of profanity or certain turns of phrase. “I’m not a guy that swears, for example. Also, it bent the truths of my own song writing tendencies. Songs like Tiny Dancer are not about just one person. They take elements of different people and mould them into one character.” While many details may be semi-factual, Bernie says that several scenes captured his life with a startling vividness. One of those depicts Elton coming to terms with his sexuality after a row with Bernie and Elton’s bandmate Long John Baldry; he then went to break up with his girlfriend in a drunken haze in the middle of the night. “Baldry basically said to Elton that evening when we went out, ‘You have to understand, you’re gay. You’re ruining two lives here.’ When I watched that,” Bernie recalls, “I was reliving it, totally. Because we were hammered and falling into garbage cans, just like in the film.” “I think Jamie Bell definitely comes across as a very caring anchor, and that’s all I could ask for,” he says.

Connections to

Lincolnshire Bernie & Elton are responsible for more than 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, 30 consecutive US Top 40 hits, have sold more than 255 million records worldwide, and hold the record for the biggestselling single of all time, Candle In the Wind 1997, with more than 33,000,000 copies sold. Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, released in 1973 was based on the visits Bernie had to Boston. The son also references his experience of rival gangs from Caistor, near his home village of Owmby-by Spital, and Market Rasen. The following year Elton John released Grimsby, song inspired by Bernie’s visits to the docks. The lyrics include the words: ‘As I lay dreaming in my bed / Across the great divide / I thought I heard the trawler boats / Returning on the tide.’ Elton John visited Market Rasen in 1971. Bernie Taupin married his ﬁrst wife, an American, Maxine Frebelman and had Elton John as his best man on his wedding day at Holy Road RC Church, Market Rasen, on April 27, 1971. Bernie had also been an altar boy there! The pair also performed at Boston’s Gliderdrome in 1973, following in the footsteps of T-Rex, The Sweet, Slade, Hot Chocolate, Tom Jones, The Small Faces, Ike & Tina Turner and Lulu. Elton John also appeared at the Lincolnshire Showground in 2016 and performed to an audience of more than 17,000 people. n

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BERNIE TAUPIN

In 1973, Elton and Bernie accept some of their first gold records, having sold 500,000 units.

Bernie Taupin & Elton John: Their Greatest Hits Bracketed numbers represent peak chart positions in UK. 1968: I’ve been Loving You. 1970: Your Song (7). 1972: Tiny Dancer (70); Rocket Man (2); Crocodile Rock (5). 1973: Daniel (4); Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (7); Goodbye Yellow brick Road (6); Step Into Christmas (10).

>> “I’d like to think I’ve been someone who can’t be ruffled by the insanity of his career and that I’ve always been there as the soft pillow to fall on, in times of need.” “I cried at the screening but not as much as Elton. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I think everyone in the theatre could hear him!”

From the early 1990s, he worked on canvas, but gravitated towards to sculptural creations initially in cord and wire to bind together requisitioned items like a guitar and the US flag and now creating pieces using multilayered materials with materials as diverse as scorched paper, wax, wire, wood, corrugated cardboard, fabric, bubble wrap, and resin.

“We’ve weathered the storm of fame for over 50 years now and we’ve been able to maintain the most extraordinary bond with each other. I don’t think there’s anything on god’s green earth that could separate us now!”

“There’s a synergy between my writing and my art,” says Bernie. “The imagination is the most powerful tool artists possess enabling us to conjure up this beautiful distraction for the eyes and ears.”

With massive success and respect in the music industry came wealth - Bernie Taupin is now thought to be worth over £52m.

“My dimensional work is simply the visual extension of what I have spent my life creating through words.”

Though he’ll never leave behind music, he also has a lifelong relationship with art, specifically pop art and the abstract expressionist school.

An inductee into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 1992, a Golden Globe winner in 2005 and a Grammy award winner, Bernie can also add radio DJ, championship bull-rider and horseman to his talents, living on a ranch near Santa Barbara.

“Elton and I have the most extraordinary bond with each other. I don’t think there’s anything on god’s green earth that could separate us now!” 34

But still, it’s his music for which Bernie will continue to achieve recognition. The songwriter is still touring with his Americana band Farm Dog, but the Lincolnshire lad is now very much living the American dream. n

1974: Candle in the Wind (11); Bennie & The Jets (37); Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (16). 1976: Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (1); Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word (11); Are You Ready for Love (42). 1983: I Guess That’s Why they Call it the Blues (5); I’m Still Standing (4); 1984: Sad Songs (7). 1985: Nikita (3). 1987: Your Song; Candle in the Wind (5). 1989/90: Sacriﬁce (55/1). 1991: Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (1). 1994: Can You Feel the Love Tonight (14); Circle of Life (11). 1997: Something About the Way You Look Tonight (1); Candle in the Wind ‘97 (1); Perfect Day (1). 2001: I Want Love (9). 2002: This Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore (24).

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EVENTS

What’s On... BOSTON

FRIDAY 6th MARCH

GRIMSBY

BLEAK HOUSE

FRIDAY 20th MARCH

Join The Pantaloons for a fog-ﬁlled adventure in Victorian London. When a dead body is discovered in Mr Krook’s Rag-and-Bone shop, a web of mysteries starts to untangle. Dickensian fun at the town’s Arts Centre courtesy of the touring theatre company.

FIREDANCE WITH KAREN HAUER & GORKA MARQUEZ The brand new Latin spectacular, Firedance, featuring Strictly Come Dancing favourites Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer, will ignite audiences. Enjoy an Argentine Tango, the Flamenco and contemporary dance from a more than passable Paso Doble to a scintillating Samba and a sublime Salsa. Expect hot pulsing beats, seductive choreography and passion that will take your breath away. With live Latin musicians and a dynamic dance ensemble. A seductive dance experience you strictly won’t want to miss.

n Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston, 7.30pm, 01205 363108, or see www.blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk. SPALDING

SUNDAY 22nd MARCH

THE ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS’ FAIR The Spalding Antique & Collectors Fair at the Springﬁelds Events and Conference Centre features a display of products like traditional antique furniture, silver, ceramics, vintageware & clothing, shabby chic, telephone & radio, quality interesting collectibles etc.

n Grimsby Auditorium, from 7.30pm, tickets £25.50-£42.50. Call 0300 300 0035 or see www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

Relive the 1990s in Lincoln

SATURDAY 7th MARCH

FROM MADONNA’S VOGUE IN 1990 TO RICKY MARTIN’S THRUSTING HIPS IN 1999’s LIVING LA VIDA LOCA... ENJOY A TRIP BACK TO THE 1990s... PERHAPS WITH SOME ‘FRIENDS!’

THE LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND’S BIG NINETIES FESTIVAL

LINCOLN

Full festival production and lots of live music in this cultural retrospective featuring some of the biggest and best dance acts from the 90s. This March the Showground is taking you back to the 90s, from 1990s Vogue to 1999’s brief interest in Ricky Martin. Lincoln is one of 11 venues across the UK hosting the concerts, expected to attract 15,000 people. n Lincolnshire Showground, from 6pm, £30-£35, call. 01522 522900 or see lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

n Springﬁelds, Events Centre 10am-4pm, admission £2.50, www.springﬁeldsevents.co.uk. STAMFORD

FRIDAY 20th MARCH

FRANCIS ROSSI: I TALK TOO MUCH Discover the story behind Status Quo with Francis Rossi, who along with cofounder Rick Parﬁt created Status Quo. The singer will share the extraordinary secrets of his 50-plus years in rock’n’roll when he takes to the stage for chat and music. n Stamford Corn Exchange, doors 7.30pm, tickets £30-£75. Broad Street, Stamford PE9 1PX. Call 01780 766455 or see www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

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Send your press releases and events to: the Features Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

LOUTH

LINCOLN

WEDNESDAY 11th MARCH

SUNDAY 15st MARCH

LOUTH PLAYGOERS PRESENTS THE THRILL OF LOVE

SLEAFORD

SUNDAY 1st MARCH  TUESDAY 31st MARCH

BODY & MIND: SEEN OR UNSEEN This exhibition at Sleaford’s NCCD - The Hub - brings together science and art with mixed-media work depicting health, the human body, and what it means to be ‘well.’ The exhibition considers both visible health and those less visible

aspects of well-being, through works exploring personal experience of health issues and pieces that examine our relationship to our bodies and the treatment of illness. The show includes works of contemporary craft and design in a wide range of forms, including installation-based works and sculptural objects. n NCCD, Carre Street, Sleaford NG34 7TW free, call 01529 308 710 or see www.nccd.org.uk.

Timeless. Emotional. Aida. It’s Russian State Ballet... FEATURES ‘SE QUEL GUERRIER IO FOSSI!’ ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS ARIAS IN THE WORLD OF OPERA...

A dramatisation of the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain. Ruth has a young child and works in nightclubs where more than drinks are on offer. She meets the wealthy, womanising David with whom she becomes obsessed. Why does their relationship end in murder? Why does she plead not guilty but offer no defence? n Riverhead Theatre, Louth, 7.30pm. Call 01507 600350 or see www.louthriverheadtheatre.com. LINCOLN

SATURDAY 21st MARCH

SPRING CONCERT

Lincoln Symphony Orchestra spring concert at Drill Hall, featuring Borodin & Chopin. n Drill Hall, Lincoln 01522 873894.

SCUNTHORPE

THURSDAY 12th MARCH

RUSSIAN STATE OPERA’S AIDA

The Russian State Opera Presents premiere of Aida, a timeless and emotional opera with breath-taking melodies. Music by Giuseppe Verdi sung in Italian with English surtitles. Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a live Orchestra numbering over 30 musicians. After its successful season of Madama Butterfly, Carmen and La Traviata last year, Russian State Opera returns to delight you with the premiere of Opera, Aida. This new

AN EVENING WITH ALAN JOHNSON

One of the most popular politicians of recent times and now he’s a best-selling author. Here, Alan tells his personal story from growing up as an orphan in a West London slum in the 1950s to becoming a postman and then rising through the Labour Party ranks to become Home Secretary. n New Theatre Royal, Lincoln. £19, 01522 519999, or see newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk. GRIMSBY

SATURDAY 7th MARCH

I’M STILL STANDING

A simply breathtaking concert of Elton John’s music from Crocodile Rock to Rocket Man. n £24, Grimsby Auditorium call 0300 3000035 or see www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

production guarantees to delight you with sumptuous sets and splendid new costumes. Aida is a gripping love story that will keep you on the edge of your seats until the very end. Aria such as ‘Se quel Guerrier io fossi!’ sung by Radames in the first act is one of the most famous arias of the operatic world. A deeply moving opera overflowing with emotion and containing moments of despair and joy. Aida is an unforgettable, inspiring experience. n Baths Hall, Scunthorpe. Tickets, £33-£36, from 7.30pm. Call 0844 8542776 or see www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk.

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EVENTS

Send your press releases and events to: the Features Editor via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Discover Lincoln Weekend

SUNDAY 1st MARCH

IT’S EASY TO OVERLOOK THE ATTRACTIONS AND GREAT DAYS OUT RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP, SO THIS MONTH, DISCOVER LINCOLN!

BAILGATE WEDDING FAYRE 2020

LINCOLN

SATURDAY 28th MARCH  SUNDAY 29th MARCH

DISCOVER LINCOLN WEEKEND Discover Lincolnshire in March with a weekend of free entry to many of Lincoln city and countryside’s attractions, plus other free activities and special offers - part of the national English Tourism Week initiative. As well as enjoying the shopping and food available throughout Lincoln, visitors and residents alike can also explore some of the county’s most fascinating attractions offer free activities or admission to help you

discover Lincolnshire for yourself. Highlights include free rides on Lincoln’s open-top tour bus, free entry to Lincoln Cathedral, and free guided tours of the city. There are many other attractions across the city that are free to enter all year long too. Discover Lincolnshire Weekend is part of English Tourism Week: an annual celebration of the people, places and experiences that help make holidays in England so great. Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle are among the local attractions taking place, and on 7th and 8th March you can take your four-legged friend

along to Lincoln Castle to as the attraction hosts its dog-friendly weekend. Meanwhile, this month also represents the last chance to see Bastion of the Air at Lincoln’s Collection museum. This never to be repeated exhibition is a unique opportunity to see Dambuster Guy Gibson’s famous Victoria Cross medal, along with other rare artefacts, telling the story of bravery in the air and on the ground through three periods in Lincolnshire’s military history, World War One, World War Two and finally The Cold War. n See www.visitlincoln.com for more.

LINCOLN

Planning your wedding? The Bailgate Wedding Fayre is a must attend event for brides and grooms to be. Explore ﬁve stunning wedding venues all in one day. Enjoy the beautiful setting of Lincoln’s historic Cathedral Quarter. And meet more than 50 trusted local suppliers for all those added wedding extras. The Bailgate Wedding Fayre is a fun day out – it will help reduce the stresses of your wedding planning and the choice of venues will inspire and excite you. n 11am-3pm, Uphill Lincoln, free admission. For more information see www.bailgate weddingfayre.co.uk.

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THEN & NOW

Brigg’s Buttercross There’s generosity, and then... there’s Elwes generosity! Brigg’s prominent landowning family gifted the town its Buttercross in 1819 as a meeting place for the community, a function it still serves today. Images: Francis Frith Collection and Pride’s Dean Fisher.

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2019 saw Brigg’s Buttercross celebrate its 200th anniversary. The old girl isn’t looking too bad, with the odd worn timber and paintwork having been taken care of in time for the building’s bicentenary. The building was created by the Elwes family, whose local origins can be traced back to 1674 when Jeremy Elwes purchased the Tyrwhitt estates of Wrawby, Brigg and Bigby, which at the time amounted to no more than a few houses. Gradually the family developed the area into the town of Brigg during the 1700s and 1800s. 1955

The family created a town hall from 1817, and by the mid-1800s, shortly before the birth of tenor Gervase Elwes the family moved into Elsham Hall, which is still owned by Robert and Gervase Elwes, nephew of the singer. By the 1980s the town was thriving, but the departure of WHSmith from the town provided North Lincolnshire Council with an opportunity to create a Tourist Information Centre. A restoration of the clock in 1989 as part of a broader £600,000 refurbishment of the building saw the clock removed and restored. The Buttercross has been Brigg’s Tourist Information Centre since 1991. Princess Diana officially started the regeneration project in 1988. There used to be a bell at the other end of the building which would chime on the hour, but it developed a large crack which not only represented a health and safety hazard but also

sounded dreadfully out of tune... and so, the bell and its supporting structure was removed, permanently silencing the bells of Brigg. Clock repairers C&F Build of Haxey - now Smith of Derby - were responsible for completing the restoration of the clock, removing and shotblasting the cast iron dials and creating replica mahogany hands, then replacing the old glass with perspex and finally adding gold leaf. Also seen in our modern picture is the Brigg Angel, on the mock-Tudor front of the Angel Suite. Rather unfortunately the poor girl has lost one of her wings, now stored safely in a North Lincolnshire Council depot for safe keeping, pending restoration. The bandstand in Brigg Market Place was erected in 2005, administered by Brigg Town Council. The Buttercross, though, is managed by North Lincolnshire Council and in 2019 celebrated its 200th anniversary. NLC invested £20,000 last year to preserve and enhance the exterior of the building, including repairing and reinstating the previously-damaged weather vane on the clock tower, replacing the worn timbers. Anything else of note in Brigg? Well, yes. You’ll note the presence of a Farmer’s Market on the fourth Saturday of the month, which has been running since 2000. You’ll remember the first such market, no doubt, as it was opened by a real celebrity, John Savident... better known as Coronation Street’s Fred, I say, Fred, Elliott... n 2020

Above: Brigg’s Buttercross was built in 1817, funded by the Elwes family before the birth of tenor Gervase Elwes.

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Our main course of Trout Supreme with Tempura Belly, Grilled Baby Gem Heart, Lemon Purée, Sautéed Potatoes and Tartare Dressing.

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FOOD & DRINK

The Petwood Hotel at WOODHALL SPA Edwardian elegance and formidable dining are just two of the highlights of Woodhall Spa’s Petwood Hotel this month... pay a visit and enjoy the fresh air and historic charm of one of Lincolnshire’s most diminutive towns... Words: Rob Davis. Images: Dean Fisher.

Some things age well. Not editors, however. Having reached and breached the landmark of 40 years of age I’ve discovered that middle age spread is a tangible peril rather than mere urban myth, whilst my hairline has receded as far as the worry lines across my forehead have spread, almost as though the two have decided to reach out in unison. Fortunately some things age better than people. The Petwood Hotel, for example, or the timeless, ageless, unspoilt joy of a really good dining experience. Happily in an age of Farrow & Ball-sed up pubs, this perennial Woodhall Spa favourite is happy to remain true to its Edwardian style. In fact, the last couple of years have seen the hotel restore its grounds to their 1912 Harold Peto-designed landscaping. Woodhall Spa itself was invented (well, OK, not invented as such... but at least created as we know it) in 1811 by John Parkinson with the discovery of underground springs in place of the seam of coal he was hoping to discover and mine.

HEAD CHEF PHILIP LONG AND HIS BRIGADE DO AN AWESOME JOB OF CREATING A GREAT PLACE FOR LOCALS TO ENJOY A MEAL...

meet the CHEF TOM HALL, SOUS CHEF AT THE PETWOOD HOTEL WOODHALL SPA

It became popular as a spa town and soon became home to the rather splendidly named Baroness Grace van Eckhardstein who created a country retreat in the village to help her recover from what has been described as a painful divorce - as opposed to one of those thoroughly enjoyable divorces, one supposes - adjacent to her favourite or ‘pet’ wood. Architect Frank Peck somewhat inflated her initial plans for a bungalow and The Petwood became a hotel in 1933, having also served as a military hospital and of course, the home of the Dambusters. Today, there are 53 bedrooms and the hotel is popular for weddings and leisure breaks, but don’t discount its value as a super place for non-residents to dine. Head Chef is supported by his very capable young brigade and does an awesome job of creating a great place to enjoy a meal. >>

Food Experience: “I was born and raised in Keithley but moved to Lincolnshire about 15 years ago. The Petwood is great, there’s a real sense of team spirit and plenty of fresh local ingredients.” Food Philosophy: “I teach my young team mates to be proud of what they produce. If you’re not proud preparing it, why would your diner enjoying eating it?” Food Heaven: “I love banana. In any form it makes a dessert for me and I just adore the ﬂavour! Food Hell: “Cucumber!”

45 45 45 45

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>> If you’re seeking a more relaxed dining experience, The Petwood’s Terrace Bar and its lounges run a bar menu. The 70-cover restaurant, meanwhile, is reserved for evening service and for à la carte dining. A number of private dining rooms and function rooms, meanwhile, accommodate bespoke menus for parties, family dinners and so on... should you be celebrating rather than bemoaning a landmark birthday. Happily menus are simple, with nine starters, 12 main courses and seven desserts plus the cheese option.

OPEN FOR FOOD

Beer-glazed Chicken Breast with Sprout Leaves, Bread Sauce Foam, Roast Cauliflower & Cauliflower Carpaccio.

À La Carte Restaurant Menu Monday to Saturday 6.30pm - 9pm. Sunday Noon - 2pm, 6.30pm - 9pm. Terrace Bar & Terrace Monday to Sunday Noon - 9pm. Afternoon Tea Mon to Sat 2.30pm - 5.30pm, Sun 3-5.30pm.

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on the MENU FROM THE À LA CARTE MENU AT THE PETWOOD HOTEL Starters Smoked haddock kedgeree with curry spices, pilau rice cake, and quails’ egg £9.75. Pigeon breast with griottine cherries, cherry liquor glaze and chocolate jelly £8.25. Large scallop, with breaded cod cheek, chorizo, and oyster butter sauce £10.65. Main Courses Trout supreme with tempura belly, grilled Baby Gem heart, lemon purée, sautéed potatoes and tartare dressing £21.25.

Above: Blackberry Sorbet with Liquorice Syrup, Lemon Cream and Chocolate Soil.

Sunday lunch is provided via a separate menu with four starters, five main course options and four desserts, with three courses weighing in around £25. Being pretty much slap bang in the centre of Lincolnshire, Philip Long and his brigade are well-positioned to take advantage of the county’s best ingredients, and so the majority of meat comes via local butchers like Graham Fidling of Woodhall Spa and Wards of Ruskington. Naturally fish is delivered daily from Grimsby by Moorcroft and there are plenty of vegetables from the Fens too. The hotel is unique in the town for holding an AA rosette for the quality of its food, and equally commendable, Philip is keen to impart as much education into his protégés as possible, which is not only beneficial to the youngsters working alongside him, but ensures chefs stick around, so helping to ensure the consistency of The Petwood’s dining too. Dishes are neatly presented, flawlessly executed and have precision and creativity in equal measure, as you’d expect from a dining room as established as The Petwood.

In the summer months there’s a series of events such as live theatre from Chapterhouse. This year Jane Eyre will be enchanting Mr Rochester and entertaining audiences. July sees the hotel taking part in Woodhall’s 1940s Festival, and there’s a classic car event in August too. However, if we’re to recommend just one event at The Petwood, it’s the hotel’s Faulty Towers and Only Fools & Horses-themed evenings which blend dining with live comedy. If you’re a fan of either of these great British comedy icons, be advised that they’re usually sold out but it’s worth putting your name on the reserve list because the team is currently exploring the possibility of hosting more performances throughout the year. Much like the shows on which they’re based, they’re very funny indeed, with audience interaction and great entertainment as well as great dining. The shows are really enjoyable... much like a visit to the Petwood itself... and quite unlike the whole business of ageing. n

7oz Fillet Steak cooked to your liking, field mushroom, cherry tomatoes, hand cut chips and onion rings £29.50. Maple glazed breast of duck with duck leg croquette, fig ketchup, baby veg, pickled mustard seeds, orange and anise jus £21.50. Dessert Blackberry sorbet and liquorice £6.10. Bitter chocolate textures with chantilly, ganache, brownie and honeycomb ice cream £6.10. NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n The Petwood Hotel, Stixwould Rd, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QG. Call 01526 352411 or visit www.petwood.co.uk. 47

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CARAVAN PARK TO BE OPENED MARCH 2020

THE THATCHED COTTAGE RESTAURANT & BAR • Beautiful unique thatched cottage • Stunning 40 seater A La Carte restaurant • Function room catering for birthdays, wakes, christenings, conference, small wedding receptions • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

POOLS LANE, SUTTERTON, BOSTON, LINCS PE20 2EZ

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

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THE BLACK HORSE GOSBERTON RISEGATE

HOMEMADE, BEAUTIFUL, CLASSICAL DISHES

Pub Classics & À La Carte Dishes Grill Night Wednesday • Sunday Lunch • Sparkling Afternoon Tea Available • Mother’s Day Bookings Now Being Taken

01775 840 995 www.theblackhorse-gr.co.uk See our website for opening and food service hours

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TREAT MUM to

TEA Afternoon tea is always a pleasure, but it’s also a great way to treat mum and to enjoy a spring day out this month. We’ve rounded up our favourite afternoon tea venues... Words: Rob Davis.

Treat mum to afternoon tea this month at one of our favourite restaurants or hotels.

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THE FUEL TANK AT BELVOIR CASTLE’S ENGINE YARD... BELVOIR CASTLE’S Engine Yard is a superb shopping destination and a great place to spend an ad hoc day out. At The Fuel Tank restaurant there’s a selection of pastries made in house, plus custom blends of tea. A traditional afternoon tea is also available at Belvoir Castle opposite the development. Manners’ Afternoon Tea is £24/person with an optional castle tour. Royal Afternoon Tea on Mothering, Sunday 22nd March, is inspired by Netflix series The Crown filmed at Belvoir - and is served in The State Dining Room with a harpist on hand to accompany your dining experience, £70/adult. Belvoir Castle, Grantham 01476 871001, www.belvoircastle.com.

The Petwood Hotel... BEST KNOWN for its Dambusters connections, we’re profiling The Petwood Hotel’s provision of Dining Out in this edition. Options begin with a standard Cream Tea at £6.95, whilst full afternoon tea is £18.25/head. Options include a Champagne variation, Bucks Fizz version, one with Prosecco and an afternoon tea option with gin.

The White Hart Hotel, Boston... Boston’s White Hart Hotel is part of the Coaching Inn Group; 16 hotels across the country, headquartered in the town. The White Hart and its sister hotel, Horncastle’s Admiral Rodney, offer cream teas from £5.50/head, a tiered afternoon tea option for £15/head and a Champagne option too. The spring and summer months provide a choice of desserts from an English summer sundae to giant macaron. 01205 311900, www.whitehartboston.com. 52

Current treats include a raspberry éclair, basil and passion fruit pavlova, cherry marshmallow and lemon meringue pie. Patisserie is all made in house and of course, the hotel also boasts beautiful grounds which have recently been restored, surrounded by woodland for a great walk to work up an appetite. Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk.

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The Black Horse Inn

THE LINCOLN HOTEL, EASTGATE, LINCOLN...

GOSBERTON’S BLACK HORSE COMBINES THE HOSPITALITY OF A PUB WITH THE LUXURY OF AFTERNOON TEA...

TAKING AFTERNOON TEA at The Lincoln Hotel on Eastgate means enjoying impressive views of the Cathedral whilst you savour finger sandwiches, an assiette of homemade cakes, savouries with a Lincolnshire twist plus optional ‘G&Tea’ all served alongside awardwinning Birchall teas or coffee blended by Stokes. Afternoon tea costs from £16/person. 01522 520348, www.thelincolnhotel.com.

BASED AT GOSBERTON RISEGATE, The Black Horse Inn introduces afternoon tea with a twist - their version is served al fresco in the pub’s large garden with its all weather marquee. From a simple cream tea from £6.95/person to sparkling afternoon tea at £13.50/person it’s the ideal way to enjoy the traditional hospitality of this well-run Fenland pub and a great place to put the finishing touch on a visit to South Holland. Whilst you’re in the area, the gardens of Springfields Outlet Shopping is just 15 minutes away.

Crystal & Sandra took over The Black Horse recently and say they hope to bring something new and exciting to the already beautiful, village pub. “Our aim is to work towards achieving an AA Rosette for our à la carte evening food within 12 months,” the couple says. Is Siltside, Gosberton 01775 840995 www.theblackhorse-gr.co.uk

it Time

For Tea? Afternoon Tea is traditionally served between 2pm and 5pm, whereas High Tea is served between 5pm and 7pm. ‘Low tea’ is posher than ‘high tea!’

Stallingborough Grange... BASED IN NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE, Stallingborough Grange is a thatched country house hotel, family owned since 1989. Their traditional afternoon tea offering from £16/person provides a selection of traditional finger sandwiches filled with roasted ham and chutney, cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg and watercress.

That’s followed by a selection of homemade fancies and cakes, fruit scone with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Options include a Prosecco version, plus a G&Tea afternoon tea with Lincolnshire’s Pin Gin, whilst Ringtons provides artisan blends of tea and coffee. 01469 561302, stallingboroughgrange.co.uk 53

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Afternoon tea at Branston Hall of Lincoln.

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- AFTERNOON TEA -

Johnsons Garden Centre JOHNSONS TAKE ON AFTERNOON TEA INCLUDES A COUPLE’S VERSION, ‘HIS AND HERS’ AND FAIRYTALE AFTERNOON TEA TOO JOHNSONS GARDEN CENTRE near Boston offers an excellent choice of afternoon teas with a traditional version available at £17.50 for two people with optional Champagne. The tiered tea includes miniVictoria sandwich, macarons, mini-trifle and finger sandwiches. Also available is a ‘His & Hers’ Afternoon Tea is available in both the tea, with pork pie and chutney, or Pink Lounge and Melville Bar of Branston a Fairytale Tea with cupcakes for Hall. Full afternoon tea is £15.50/head those dining with a little princess. and Prosecco, Pimm’s and Champagne The latter includes cupcakes, variations are available too. The hotel also macarons, fairy finger sandwiches offers its ‘Dip & Dine’ promotion which & other yummy treats plus of combines afternoon tea with the use of its course tea for two! The centre pool and ﬁtness suite, a rather good also has a Fine Foods farm way to work up an appetite. shop so you can take a The adjacent Spa allows few treats home, too. The Origin of you to work in some much

Branston Hall near Lincoln...

needed pampering too. 01522 793305, www.branstonhall.com.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea was introduced in the 1840s by the 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna, whilst visiting the Duke & Duchess of Rutland. It was during her stay near Grantham that the ritual was born!

01205 363408, www.johnsons ofboston.co.uk.

THE WHITE HART HOTEL, LINCOLN... BASED IN THE BAILGATE, Restaurant Manager Luke Davies and Head Chef Myles Mumby run a tight ship at the White Hart, which is currently undergoing a refurbishment. Later in the year the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail lounge will be redesigned, and you’ll be able to enjoy stylish afternoon tea in the hotel’s Room bar. The hotel’s afternoon tea offering features specialist teas from Imperial Teas on Steep Hill; you can venture out to see the specialist retailer during your visit and take some home as a gift or for your own pantry. Optional chocolates from Chocolatier on Steep Hill are available too. 01522 526 222, whitehart-lincoln.co.uk. 55

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- AFTERNOON TEA -

THE CHUBBY CASTOR, NEAR PETERBOROUGH... A SHORT DRIVE FROM LINCOLNSHIRE is The Chubby Castor... and it’s well worth the trip. This beautiful thatched country pub provides finger sandwiches on homemade artisan bread, scones and a selection of French pastries plus the Chubby Castor’s own blend of Newby tea. Prosecco and Champagne variations are available, with prices from £24-£34. The Chubby Castor is a beautiful historic building of stone and thatch with all the charm and character of the building’s 17th century style. Its Chef Patron is Adebola Adeshina who has earned a Michelin Plate and who has been praised by Harden and the AA. 01733 380801, www.thechubbycastor.com.

How Popular is

A Cup of Tea?

Barnsdale Lodge One of the Most Beloved hotels in Rutland, just over the border of Lincolnshire is Barnsdale Lodge, a 50-odd bedroom country house hotel which offers great dining during both lunchtime and evening service, plus an excellent provision of afternoon tea. The latter certainly deserves a recommendation, with cream tea, full afternoon tea, plus Champagne, gluten-free and vegetarian versions

Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray... THE STUNNING MANSION of Stapleford Park is an assuredly elegant environment in which to enjoy afternoon tea. The country house hotel is privately owned and set in 500 acres of parkland. Dining is excellent and afternoon tea is priced from £27.50 with optional fizz, gluten-free or vegetarian variants. There’s a spa in the former stableyard to really make an occasion of your visit, too. 01572 787000, www.staplefordpark.com. 56

165 million cups of tea are enjoyed in the UK every day of the year, 98% of people take their tea with milk, but only 30% take sugar.

available. The hotel also has a ‘gentleman’s afternoon tea’ with savouries and ‘slider’ style burgers available, whilst Barnsdale’s location close to Rutland Water provides ample opportunity to work up an appetite beforehand. Exton, Oakham. 01572 724678, barnsdalelodge.co.uk.

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A DECADENT EXPERIENCE

Enjoy the new spring season at Branston Hall, one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most quintessentially English country houses , nestling in 88 acres of parkland. Indulge in Afternoon Tea or a Spa package or dine in our beautiful restaurant from our a la carte menu or bar area for a lighter dining option. Overnight accommodation is also available in one of 50 luxury en suite bedrooms. Branston Hall was originally built in 1885 as a stately home for Sir Leslie Alexander Melville, and today, it remains an unspoiled and totally serene stately home close to Lincoln City Centre.

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Wine of the Month

Belvoir Launches a Bespoke Gin that’s fit for a Duchess

Veuve Clicquot Rosé. Pinot noir; Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, France. £49.95 / 75cl / 13%

Small batch gin created for Belvoir by local distillery... The Belvoir Estate has launched a small-batch handcrafted gin inspired by the rich history of the estate and created by the Duchess of Rutland. Belvoir Gin marries juniper, coriander and angelica with fig, vanilla and chamomile. The gin has been distilled by local distillery Brentingby’s Tom Nichol and Bruce Midgley. Well balanced notes from the fig and pine from the juniper combine with subtle vanilla on the finish, and sweetness from liquorice and orange peel. The distinctive castle turrets are shown in silhouette through the bottle. n £39,99/ 70cl / 41% ABV

The Wine Cellar HEARD OF CRÉMANT YET? IT’S ‘THE NEW PROSECCO,’ SET TO BE POPULAR THIS SUMMER. WE PICK THREE EXAMPLES THIS MONTH ALONG WITH SOME NEW LOCAL SPIRITS...

CREMANT: Crémant is the new Prosecco! Here are our three favourite examples... 1. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this Burgundy Crémant offers remarkable complexity. Well-structured with aromas of red and citrus fruits dominate,but the nose has hints of flowers and butter too; £21.99 / 75cl / 12% ABV. 2. Crémant is created using the same traditional method as Champagne. Alsatian grapes Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir - give it brioche and notes of pear and apple; £19.50 / 75cl / 12% ABV.

3. Flexible and full of fruity flavour, with intense notes of brioche. Pale gold in colour with light, shimmering bubbles and an assured, persistent finish; £13.50 / 75cl / 12%.

Well-made Champagne, beautifully presented. Notes of raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry predominate, followed by a touch of dried fruits and pastry. On the palate, Veuve Clicquot Rosé NV is powerful, leaving behind a harmony of fruit. Elegant and sensual, the wine offers exceptional balance and surprising intensity. Comes with bag perfect for carrying wine to picnics and other outdoor events. n

Local Distillery Bottomley Launches Lincolnshire Whisky Bottomley Distillers has released an uncasked Lincolnshire Grain Single Malt. The whisky project has been the centre of the growth of the distillery and has been a personal project for the distillery with Amy Conyard, director of Bottomley Distillers designing the labels. The personal touch is the culmination of this project coming to fruition! The Lincolnshire Grain Whisky Spirit is available at the distillery and is hand-numbered in a batch of just 103 bottles... so buy yours quick! £45 / 70cl / 41%

n Our featured wines are available from

the best local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary from those stated. 59

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HOMES & INTERIORS

THOROUGHLY

MODERN Sean Lawson and his family have rethought the family home with a new build house that provides plenty of space, economical running costs and lots of space. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeking somewhere low-maintenance, easy to run and stylish, this could be your next home...! Words: Carissa Smith.

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Modernism is the foundation for this month’s featured property... think curved exterior, aluminium anthracite full length windows, open plan living and ultimately pushing the boundaries of design. Louth’s Paddocks is home to Sean and his wife. The couple sought to experiment with a modern property using new, innovative and creative designs. The property was built in 2015 to an impressive level with help from Richard Sutton Designs, the Grimsby based kitchen, bathroom and interior specialists. Standing in a prominent and captivating position the modern house is set within five acres of countryside. Top: Grimsby based interiors specialist Richard Sutton has helped to source and install the property’s kitchen, bathrooms and to source furnishings, too.

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The plot is surrounded by Louth Golf course and has the benefit of being situated on a hill, with far ranging views of the Lincolnshire Wolds. This stylish and contemporary home is approached via electric gates and a sweeping driveway. The couple designed the property to maximise the sunlight with partially curved and features aluminium anthracite full length windows and sliding doors to create a bright and airy atmosphere. The house has been built in brick with timber cladding with a zinc roof, bespoke open plan kitchen, dining and living areas. It’s built over two floors with four double bedrooms and two reception rooms. Sean’s favourite spot in the house is the downstairs open plan kitchen and diner. The kitchen diner has been designed and installed in its entirety by Richard Sutton.

“The couple have designed the property to maximise the sunlight which makes it both bright and energy efficient...” It’s the perfect spot to relax after a busy day with a hot drink. With porcelain flooring, Rempp Küchen high gloss cupboards and feature lighting this kitchen, like the house itself, is terrifically modern. The kitchen is fitted with a Miele fridge and separate freezer as well as a Miele double oven with warming drawer and microwave. What’s more the kitchen is fitted with Quooker instant hot water mixer tap. Standing centrally within the bespoke kitchen is a

substantial island with Tristone cream sands worktop with an overhang to one side providing a large breakfast bar and a Miele induction hob with a remotecontrol extractor fan above. The open-plan living and dining kitchen is far reaching and separated from the rest of the property by a grand walnut and glass panelled staircase. The living area has been designed to create a stylish entertaining area with LED lighting and Bhutan slate tiling. A bioethanol ribbon fireplace provides an elegant and cosy feel to the modern open plan space and porcelain tiled flooring. The ground floor also features three of the double bedrooms each with en-suites. As you wander up the grand walnut and glass panelled staircase you arrive at the first-floor sitting room with balcony. 65

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>> With glass panel surround, outdoor power sockets, space for lounges and outside dining furniture the balcony is the perfect spot for entertaining and enjoy the countryside views. The master suite is also on the second floor, both the master suite and first floor sitting room are fitted with wall to ceiling full length windows, whilst the master suite also has a door to the roof terrace. All the bathrooms in the property have been designed by Richard Sutton too, and feature Duravit fittings, LED lighting and porcelain tiled flooring. Sean and his wife have designed the property to incorporate a landscaped courtyard garden within the centre of both wings, merging open plan living and the gardens. Top: The living kitchen is on the ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor, whilst a ďŹ rst ďŹ&#x201A;oor reception room provides views over the Wolds.

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The gardens are paved with inset borders and neatly trimmed shrubs on white pebbled beds. The paving walks down alongside a water feature to a lower garden which enjoys the waterfall and further gravel borders and paved patio areas, ideal for alfresco dining. As well as the property having a modern design it also features an environment friendly ground source heat pump and Salda air recirculation system. After living in the property for five years Sean and his wife are ready for another property project and have put the property on the market. They say theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sad to leave the property and have enjoyed the innovative, modern living which The Paddocks has afforded them. n

THE PADDOCKS, HORNCASTLE ROAD, NEAR LOUTH Location: Louth one mile; Lincoln 27 miles; Grimsby 17 miles. Style: Innovative new-build property on the outskirts of Louth. Bedrooms: Four with four en suites, dressing room to master. Receptions: Two, arranged as open plan living kitchen/diner, and first floor sitting room. Other Features: Matrix media system, ground source heat pump, Richard Sutton designed interiors (01472 268377, www.richardsuttondesigninteriors.com). Guide Price: ÂŁPOA Find Out More: Hunters Estate Agents, Cornmarket, Louth LN11 9PY. Call 01507 601633 or see www.hunters-exclusive.co.uk. n

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

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

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

PJCabinetMakers

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

ROOF LANTERNS

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

01529 300609 07832 344046 morrissandshawgardenhouses.com info@morrissandshawgardenhouses.com chris@morrissandshawgardenhouses.com 70

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WELCOME HOME

Acres of Space to

WORK & PLAY There’s plenty of space to work and play at this luxuriously appointed modern property near Boston. It’s currently on the market with estate agency Poyntons, awaiting its next owners... Words: Rob Davis.

Make a wish list for your next property and you’re likely to have the following qualities on your wish list. Plenty of space, modern accommodation that provides energy efficient low-maintenance living. Room for family life, space for entertaining... space perhaps to accommodate work for those who run their business from home.

The latter is well-equipped with dining area, breakfast bar, bespoke cabinetry and marble work surfaces as well as state of the art appliances from an integrated wine fridge and coffee maker to induction hob.

Perhaps you’ll want a decent sized garden, mainly laid to lawn for development, to keep horses, or for your ambitious landscaping plans.

With lots of storage too, there’s space for family clutter, and space for work in the form of a separate studio in the grounds. Other features include a sunken outdoor swimming pool, eight seater spa and large patio area for the summer months.

Whatever’s on your wish list, it’s likely that The Firs will fit the bill. A large detached country home that’s not overlooked and has great views fore and aft. There’s two acres of grounds, the reassurance of a modernhome with immaculate bathrooms and a modern living kitchen.

There’s a large sitting room, four good sized bedrooms with an suite to the master, plus a utility and boot room.

The Firs is currently on the market for £675,000 and whether its next owners are seeking to work, play or conduct family life, they’ll enjoy modern accommodation that’s perhaps one of Boston’s best family homes. n

The Firs, Wyberton, Boston: Guide Price £675,000. Location: Located two miles from Boston on West End Road, convenience for the A52 and A16. Style: Modern property located on the outskirts of town with convenient access to supermarkets and main routes. Set in two acres of grounds. Bedrooms: Four bedrooms with en suite and dressing room to master bedroom.

Receptions: Large sitting room plus living kitchen with dining area and breakfast bar. Kitchen: L-shaped having a polished tiled ﬂoor and a range of modern ﬁtted kitchen units with island unit and breakfast bar, complementing square edged marble work surfaces with inset sinks, integrated appliances including induction hob, wine fridge and coffee maker, inset spotlights.

Outdoors: Fitted timber chalet office with fitted wood burning stove, fitted corner bar, tiled floor and raised enclosed patio area overlooking the lawn. Chalet has wood burner, patio doors, and steps to the outdoor sunken swimming pool. Included in the sale is an eight seater spa bath located next to the chalet. Potential for further landscaping, keeping horses or further development. n

Find Out More: The Firs is currently on the market with Poyntons of South Street, Boston PE21 6HT. Call 01205 361694 or see www.poyntons.com

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Interiors . Garden . Gorgeous Gifts at

Looking for inspiration for your garden? Look no further - visit our “Bricks ‘n’ Mortar” store at Markham Moor . We have a huge showroom full of wonderful products for the home, garden and gifting.

The Showrooms, Great North Road, Markham Moor, Nr Retford DN22 0QU 01636 822000 www.elizabethandstevens.com Open from Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 10am-4pm. 24/7 online. Please call ahead if you are making a special journey.

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

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

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HOME FURNISHINGS

Story of the

BLUES Each year Pantone provides its ‘colour of the year’ for designers of interiors, home furnishings and the media. This year, the colour management ﬁrm has declared 2020 the year of ‘Classic Blue,’ so expect to see it everywhere. Here’s how to use it in your home... Image: Cole & Son’s new Macchine Volanti wallpaper , £276/roll.

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Each of our wallcovering and fabrics brands are stocked by local interior designers who can create bespoke furnishings for your home... Left: Harlequin Momentum, wallpaper £60/roll. Top: Lexi Fabric by Jane Churchill in blue colourway, £45/metre. Above/Right: Colefax and Fowler Conway yarn mix fabric in aqua and natural, £62/metre. Right: Prestigious Textiles Journey Beyond fabric in Twilight, £38/metre.

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Above: Cecily, Vertex, Pulsar and Gershwin from Jane Churchill £various. Top/Right: GP & J Baker, Modern Country Trims for cushions and curtains; Fairfield braid, Fortrose and Munro £various. Clarke and Clarke Electro Quantum in taupe and blue £40/metre. Right: Avalon collection by Clarke and Clarke, sofa in Levante, curtains in Monterrey, £30/metre.

Local Suppliers... Anelise Home: 01522 530400, www.anelisehome.co.uk. Delcor: 01780 762579, www.delcor.co.uk. Elizabeth & Stevens: 01636 822000, www.elizabethandstevens.com. Lees Furnishers: 01472 353251 www.leesfurnishers.co.uk. Richard Sutton Interiors: 01472 268377, richardsuttondesigninteriors.com. Roger Davis Interiors: 01522 531371, rogerdavisinteriors.com. Sack Store: 01205 310101, www.sackstore.co.uk. Stevensons: 01472 233111, www.stevensonsgroup.co.uk. n

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ELECTRIC & MANUAL GATES, AND BESPOKE METALWORK FABRICATION SPECIALISTS 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE, FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTES

01522 688285 • 07748 187801 www.mjbmetalwork.co.uk

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TAKING HOME EXTENSIONS TO THE NEXT LEVEL... W I T H M O R E P E O P L E T H A N E V E R C H O O S I N G T O I M P R O V E R AT H E R T H A N M O V E , S T U D I O 1 1 A R C H I T E C T U R E C A N M A K E T H E M O S T O F Y O U R E X I S T I N G S PA C E

According to research published last year, it seems that most of us would rather have an extension than move home - in fact, only 24% of people would prefer to move rather than improve.

at ways of making better use of their existing space.”

It’s a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed at Studio 11 Architecture, as the CIAT registered practice finds that transformations and remodelling are becoming increasingly popular.

“It’s easy enough to add another room onto your house, but if you’re not careful that can compromise the entire internal layout of the property,” says associate Johnathon Gower. “We encourage people to take a step back and get the fundamentals right - and re-think the way they use their home.”

“It's a trend we’ve been noticing for some time now,” says managing director Kris Baxter. “Instead of going through all the expense and upheaval of moving house, people are looking

But for Kris and his team, it’s not simply a case of adding a new bedroom, creating a separate office or making your kitchen bigger.

Although the idea of ‘transforming’ or

‘remodelling’ your home may sound a rather drastic and extravagant step, it’s amazing what a small and relatively inexpensive alteration can make - even if it’s simply a case of moving the position of your front door. “People often tend to focus on the extension itself, which prevents them thinking of alternative ways to achieve the same result,” says Kris. “If you are thinking of improving rather than moving then it’s essential you make the best possible use of the space and the rooms that you have already - and that’s where we come in.” With a proven track record of successful projects across Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, Studio 11 Architecture can maximise your budget to truly stunning effect - and ensure the work is fully compliant with all planning, building regulations and any restrictions related to conservation areas.

BEFORE

AFTER

For more details and a free consultation, please contact Studio 11 Architecture today and discover how easy it is to transform your home. n

Lincoln Studio: The Sparkhouse, Enterprise @ Lincoln Building, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS. Call 01522 275039. Email design@studio11architecture.co.uk or see www.studio11architecture.co.uk.

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THE HERB NURSERY

Heaven

SCENT Whether you’re a gardener or a chef, you’ll appreciate the variety, appearance, scent and flavour of herbs. And if you’re seeking to curate the perfect herb garden there’s really only one place to visit. One of the UK’s most knowledgeable and well-stocked specialist nurseries is, by happy coincidence, right on our doorstep! Words: Rob Davis.

I’d like to share a theory with you. Well, I say a theory, it’s more a philosophy. I contend that design is art with a purpose. A piece of art hanging on the wall is pleasant enough, but it isn’t exactly useful beyond its aesthetic qualities.

Equally, the most prolific of herbs like mint and lavender will spread most quickly to fill awkward gaps in border. Gardening pedants will argue that lavender isn’t a herb because its stem is woody, and in fairness they’re correct, technically; its officially designated as a flowering perennial.

Something designed well, that also proves practical too, and performs its intended duties flawlessly is, to Images: Jonathan One of the happiest characteristics Scrimshaw. my mind, of greater value than any of herbs, then, is their ability to sculpture or canvas. And I think that’s why take pride of place in small gardens, large I have such affection for herbs in the garden. gardens, productive gardens or nearly maintained show gardens. Getting Your Growing Going Whilst gaudy blooms are pretty, they also serve no purpose and demand constant attention and dead-heading. Herbs, on the other hand, are simple to grow, with most happy enough when well-watered and given the opportunity to drain freely. Whilst a little recreational pruning doesn’t hurt, if you’re using them assiduously, it really shouldn’t prove necessary. Whilst an expansive herb garden is a luxury, herbs can also prove very happy indeed in the smallest of pots or troughs near your boot room or on a kitchen windowsill if they’re protected from full sunshine.

What to Plant

The commercial herb market is worth over £68m a year, and one of the UK’s largest commercial growers is right on our doorstep, in Bourne. Lincolnshire Herbs does what it says on the tin but on a massive scale - their operation is robotised and covers 20 hectares, with automated systems for sowing, growing, climate control and irrigation. Any idea of the most popular common herb purchased in the UK? believe it or not, it’s coriander, by quite a significant margin. Commonly used in pan-Asian dishes, it >>

Right: Christine Bench has worked alongside husband Peter for over 40 years to curate their specialist herb nursery near Grantham.

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T H E

>> accounts for around 20% of all herbs purchased in supermarkets by consumers. The next most popular herbs are parsley with flat leaf and curly parsley counted together - then mint, basil, rosemary and chives. You can sow seeds indoors from January until well into April, and from about March onwards, outdoors if we’re enjoying a relatively mild spring. Later in the summer, take cuttings of mint, rosemary or sage and you’ll be able to get a head start on next year’s growing. To plant out young plants after hardening them off, make sure your soil is fine and well-broken up, then handle your youngsters via their leaves and root balls to avoid damaging delicate stems. The root ball should be just below the service and at least initially you should keep the plants wellwatered as they tend to drink moisture from the ground voraciously.

H E R B

N U R S E RY

Annual or biennial herbs include basil, coriander, parsley and dill, whilst oregano, thyme, rosemary and mint are perennials. There’s a huge number of cultivars for each different herb, hence the importance of consulting an expert like Christine Bench of Thistleton’s Herb Nursery. The Bench Family

The Bench family moved to the site in 1976, originally intending to set up as a self-sufficient smallholding. Arthur and Nancy Bench had no working capital but they did have four acres of pasture land and a family who were keen to be involved. The family kept goats, geese, ducks and chickens, and sold produce at the farm gate to fund greenhouses and equipment. Nancy had a keen interest in herbs and gradually the family began to specialise. By the time son Peter returned from horticultural college, the family was quite knowledgeable. >>

YOU CAN SOW SEEDS INDOORS UNTIL WELL INTO APRIL AND FROM ABOUT MARCH OUTDOORS IF SPRING IS RELATIVELY MILD... Below: The Herb Nursery has over 450 different herbs and in excess of 1,500 varieties.

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“Pick fresh herbs and crush them or wring them out to break them open and make the most of their flavour...”

Top: Christine’s work is closely supervised by a furry friend.

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>> Peter and Christine Bench now run the business which is not so much a nursery as a library of all thing herbaceous. At the last count the nursery had 450 different herbs and 1,500 varieties. The family now sells at specialist herb and produce markets and to specialist landscapers and gardeners. Using Herbs

Of course, whilst itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to have pretty herbs growing in your containers and borders, and whilst itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a profound pleasure to enjoy the scent of herbs on a warm day, the whole point of herbs is being able to use them in your cooking. Indeed, the original purpose of herbs in cooking was to disguise spoiled meat prior to refrigeration. Thankfully, herbs these days can just be cut for pleasure and flavour. Herbs elevate dishes to a whole other level. Woody herbs like rosemary and thyme are too tough to be eaten raw, as opposed to soft herbs like basil, coriander and parsley. Pick fresh herbs, crush or wring them out to break them open, and use them to infuse their flavours into oil for cooking. Finally, use sharp knives to ensure herbs are cut clearly instead of being bruised and blackened. n

Find Out More: The Herb Nursery at Thistleton was created a little over 40 years ago between Grantham and Stamford. With over 1,500 varieties of herbs, it gives the sweet scent of satisfaction for gardeners and cooks alike. Open seven days, visit Thistleton, LE15 7RE, call 01572 767658 or see www.herbnursery.co.uk. n

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Danish Dreams Works from the Royal Copenhagen factory continue to be collected in great number, with buyers continuing to purchase figure groups from this European heavyweight in large number. Looking at the Post Modern design and style associated with the pieces commonly seen at our three Lincolnshire salerooms, one would assume the history of the Royal Copenhagen factory was a recent one. Nothing could be further from the truth as you have to go back to 1775 to find its starting date.

Production has remained in rude health since its inception. Bing and Grandahl added a collectable edge to the works with the introduction of their Christmas plates in 1895, with moulds being destroyed, so more could not be made. This led to a large collecting field which has continued along with the popularity of the more traditional figures, animals and birds we see today. The large horse illustrated proves the skill of the factory. A rare, enormous piece which proves the ability of Royal Copenhagen; a work immensely difficult to fire at such size and an object which has been produced that classically illustrates the modernist pieces associated with the factory in recent times, it sold recently at our Grantham Rooms for £360.

The chemist Franz Heinrich Muller is credited for its creation and with his 50 year monopoly gave the factory a firm footing. By 1779 its finances were the responsibility of the Danish Royal Family when it was rebranded as the Royal Porcelain Factory. It was indeed Royal links which assumed the more famous designs of the company with the most famous Floral Dancia pattern pieces being made as gifts for Catherine II of Russia. With the familiarity of the green three wavy line mark and the post modern later pieces being made in association with the likes of Georg Jensen and the Holmegaard Glass works, it is somewhat a surprise that Royal Copenhagen has been in existence for the thick end of 260 years producing elegant tableware and high class and large pieces which would grace any sideboard throughout Europe from the Royal Family downwards.

Objects are now produced under the name Royal Copenhagen at sites in Thailand. What hasn’t been lost from this Far East move is the quality, craftsmanship and modern design associated with this magnificent factory, which continues to attract buyers in large number who collect nothing other than this most famous of names. n Find Out More: Craig Bewick is an antiques specialist with Golding, Young & Mawer: The Bourne Auction Rooms, Spalding Road, Bourne PE10 9LE, 01778 422686; The Grantham Auction Rooms, Old Wharf Road, Grantham NG31 7AA, 01476 565118; The Stamford Valuation Ofﬁce, The George Mews, Station Road, Stamford PE9 2LB, 01780 751666 or The Lincoln Auction Rooms, Thos Mawer House Station Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 3QY, 01522 524984. Alternatively, see www.goldingyoung.com.

Here for all your needs... Free Auction Appraisals We offer free professional advice on items you wish to sell.

Sold For £25,000

Free Home Visits Our valuers will help with house clearance advice or large collection dispersal.

Sold For £2,100 Sold For £700

Advisory Days We have regular days at our Bourne, Grantham, Lincoln, Louth & Stamford offices.

Sold For £1,000

Do not hesitate & contact us now!

The hallmark of a professional auction house offering executor client advice & The Grantham Auction Rooms The Bourne Auction Rooms The Lincoln Auction Rooms & private services for valuation, auction sale &01522 property clearance 01476 565118 01778 422686 524984

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EYE IN THE SKY

The Bass Maltings It’s the site’s 120th anniversary year in 2021, so could the year leading up to it be the one that finally reveals plans for the future of Sleaford’s historic Bass Maltings site...? Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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From icon to eyesore... the ignominious neglect of the Bass Maltings has been a blot on the skyline of Sleaford since it fell into dereliction in 1990. 30 years on, could 2020 be the year that more is made of the site? Locals can only hope.

Below: The site covers 13.3 acres, and comprises eight buildings with 50,000sq ft, two kilns, a water tower and five malting bays with six floors each. There are offices, weighing sites, cartsheds and the workers’ mess on site too.

Plans were passed for the site exactly 120 years ago, and work began in 1901, lasting for seven years and resulting in eight buildings totalling 50,000sq ft, created according to designs of Herbert Couchman who was the chief engineer for Bass, Ratcliffe and Gretton. Though plans were completed in 1900, this was a project which had taken 20 years to plan, with twice the number of malthouses originally intended. Lincolnshire was a main Barley producer and Sleaford was the perfect location for the Bass Maltings. For a start it’s adjacent to the railway line, which provided transport for an abundant source of barley much closer to cereal farming operations than the brewery, which was based in Burton-on-Trent. Additionally, Couchman identified the presence of an artesian well - in a geographic layer of limestone - which would provide a suitable source of water. In addition there was an abundant supply of workers, and so the 13 acre site was created and though only eight of the original 16 buildings were completed, construction of the site lasted until 1907. The buildings have five bays and six storeys, with a water tower in the centre and two kilns.

A traditional maltings - albeit on a much more vast scale than similar sites - the Bass Maltings played a key role in producing beer for thirsty workers by soaking or ‘steeping’ barley over several germinating floors before being kilned - hence the enormous chimney at the heart of the complex. The early days were a powerhouse of production, producing barley at a remarkably competitive price until the inconvenient interruption of war when production was reduced and any vacant space was rented out to local businesses. Despite taking 20 years to plan and 10 years to build, and despite only operating at capacity for about 10 years, the building closed after just 52 years following Bass’s installation of a fancy automated mechanical malting system in Burton-on-Trent. Fires in 1969, 1976 and again in 2014 have left the buildings in a ruinous state. Owner Gladedale intended to develop the site, facilitated by an access route funded by Tesco. This was dependent on the latter’s ability to create a new superstore, but plans fell by the wayside following the supermarket’s fall in profits in 2015. It was the final nail in the coffin following a dispute over the creation of an access road through the current recreation ground on Boston Road. The Bass Maltings is still awaiting development. But perhaps 2020 will see news break of its future in time for the site’s 120th year. n

Above: Despite the derelict site’s obvious aesthetic shortcomings in the 21st century, many original features are still present. In 1974 it was awarded Grade II* status and Pevsner described the site as ‘sheer impressiveness.’

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WEDDINGS

DISTANCE

Makes the Heart Grow Fonder After meeting online and having been used to being apart due to Andy working as a Marine engineer, nothing made Megan happier than having her beloved home for a surprise visit and proposal... Photographer: Louise Anna Photography, www.louiseanna.co.uk

Megan & Andy have put our minds at rest that meeting a partner online really does work. “Andy and I met online,” says Megan. “Andy works as a marine engineer so he’s away for a few months at a time, so we had a lot of dates in a short space of time and then had three months apart. Luckily we already knew we were pretty set on each other!”

WEDDING SUPPLIERS MEGAN & ANDY

“Andy proposed to me in July 2018. He came home from working at sea without telling me. I was at work when he went to our house to pack a bag and hide his suitcase, then got a train to Lincoln as we were living in York at the time.”

“I really wanted Scrivelsby Walled Garden as the venue and church are surrounded by daffodils in the spring.” “My father passed away when I was 19 years old and daffodils remind us of him, so it seemed perfect to be able to have a reminder of him on the day.” For Megan & Andy daffodils then ended up being the theme of their wedding with the

“I bought my dress from Belle & Bouquet in Wellingore. It was a Maggie Sottero dress and I fell in love with the detail. It was a strapless fitted lace gown but what sold it to me was the jewelled jacket over the top.” “It was really light but covered in pearls and jewels which caught the light and made my dress sparkle. On the day everyone commented on how the sunlight made it glisten. It wasn’t the dress I imagined that I would pick but I loved it and I appreciated the fact that it was a little bit different.”

“He even took my Mum for dinner at the Petwood Hotel and asked her for permission to marry me. Andy then drove to York in the early hours, with me none the wiser. At 7am, there was a knock at the front door and he surprised me! He cooked me breakfast and proposed in the kitchen... definitely a morning I will never forget!” Megan & Andy started planning their wedding within a few weeks as they both knew that they did not want a long engagement, and their first priority was finding the perfect venue for a country wedding.

table names being types of daffodils and Wildflower Illustration designing their beautiful stationery incorporating daffodils.

Megan & Andy married at St Benedict’s Church which is a walk across a field from the Walled Garden in Scrivelsby. “It’s a beautiful church and the perfect size for a wedding. We had 120 guests and the place felt full without being uncomfortable.”

Photographer: Louise Anna Photography, www.louiseanna.co.uk, 07787851309. Venue: scrivelsbywalledgarden.co.uk. Wedding Dress: Belle & Bouquet, 01522 811122, belleandbouquet.co.uk. Caterers: Rolling Scone, 07764 859260, www.the-rolling-scone.co.uk. Florist: Vincent & Stubbs, 01507 603911 www.vincentandstubbs.co.uk. Stationery: Wildﬂower Illustration, 01242 699827, wildﬂowerillustrationco.com. Entertainment: Bluestones Band, New Bolingbroke, 07765 934089. n

“The Walled Garden is incredible, it is like something from a fairytale. You enter through a wooden door and the garden in spring is full of lovely flowers in the meadow and we filled the garden with lights for the evening. The tipi we had was wonderful and gave so much scope to be individual.” “We used Vincent & Stubbs as our florists and they did an amazing job! We had flowers in an arch over the church door, with greenery surrounding the altar and beautiful arrangements.” “Then in the tipi, we had two huge flower rings which were raised at two of the tipi peaks and looked wonderful along with two huge displays that made the entrance to the tent.” 93

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- WEDDINGS -

“Marrying Andy on a sunny day, with all our family and friends, was all that mattered and I wouldn’t have changed anything...!” “The table displays were rustic with wooden candle holders, moss and greenery and all different spring flowers.” Megan & Andy also used Lincolnshire’s Rolling Scone as their caterers with antipasti platters, tapas and profiteroles. “We liked that it was a bit different and gave people a choice. We had banquet tables so it also meant people were encouraged out guests to talk to one another as they were passing the food down. The food was also exceptional!” “The most memorable part of the day for me was seeing Andy at the altar. He looked at me and said ‘wow’ which put me completely at ease.” “Our guests however would probably say the most memorable part was my entrance into the church; my Brother Matt walked me down the aisle and at the top of the aisle was a huge flower display, he misjudged the gap and ended up hitting my face with some of the flowers!” Megan & Andy celebrated their marriage with a honeymoon the following weekend. “We did a tour around South Africa, Zambia and Botswana. It was amazing!” “A piece of advice I would offer to other couples is to avoid focusing on the small details. The only thing that matters on the day is that the room is full of all the people that you love.” n

Photographer: Louise Anna Photography www.louiseanna.co.uk

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

TAILORING FOR 2020... BY ORDER OF CONEYS WEDDING PARTY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

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

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

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

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PLAN YOUR WEDDING PROPERLY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR 854,876 MEMBERS

We are the Number One wedding website in the UK -

Win a Â£25,000 dream wedding Browse through 20,000 wedding dresses Free wedding planning tools like our table planner Claim a free engagement photoshoot Win monthly wedding related prizes Talk to like-minded brides in your area for support

Join now for free at www.ukbride.co.uk To advertise your wedding business to 43% of brides-to-be in your area, call us on 0800 112 3 112.

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CHOOSING YOUR

WEDDING CAKE Choosing a wedding cake isn’t exactly... well, a piece of cake. That’s why it’s always wise to consult an expert... and who better than Woodhall cake artist Dawn Blunden, who created one for HRH The Prince of Wales? Words: Carissa Smith. Images: Dean Fisher.

Dawn was delighted to receive a thank you letter from HRH The Prince of Wales after she designed the couple’s wedding cake (below) in 2005.

The dress may be the centrepiece of the wedding, but the cake is centrepiece of the reception, advises Dawn Blunden. She should know. The Woodhall Spa based wedding cake artist has 35 years experience as a wedding cake artist and created a very special commission - the cake for HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall - in 2005. So what tips does she offer brides to be looking for the perfect wedding cake? “Cake trends are always evolving. Rather than just choosing a wedding cake from an image you have seen, a professional cake maker should help design your dream wedding cake to create a personal and bespoke cake just for you. Are the couple having a rustic or botanical theme wedding? What is the colour scheme, what are the flowers or is there a favourite part of bride’s wedding dress which can be incorporated into the design?” The top five wedding cake flavours are vanilla, chocolate, lemon, red velvet and carrot cake. Dawn is also a pioneer of fruit cake with her famous fruit cake recipe going back five generations, even though fruit cakes have fallen a little out of fashion. “Local cake makers get booked up fast, so book early – say, a year in advance. If a cake maker doesn’t offer you tastings, then step away! A professional cake maker will want you to try their cake and be proud of their flavours. Have a realistic budget in mind and let your cake maker know – around £350-£500. A professional cake maker will be able to fit within your budget. Go to your cake appointment with an array of questions and take colour swatches, images and flower designs.” “Also, make sure you consider the weather. A ‘naked’ cake may look lovely but if it is a hot day and the cake is left out too long it will go dry and start to drop. Ensure you have a detailed delivery plan. Make sure you know what time your cake will be arriving, who is setting it up and where it will go in your venue. Follow this advice, and achieving a beautiful wedding cake that’s individual and beautifully designed should be easy!” n

n Dawn Blunden is a wedding cake designer with 35 years experience. She’s based in the Broadway Centre, Woodhall Spa. Call 01526 351777 or see www.sophisticake.co.uk. 98

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WEDDING CAKES

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Wedding Cake Trends Local cake artist Dawn Blunden offers her insight into 2020/2021 Wedding Cake trends...

1. Deckle-Edging: If you’re seeking a more contemporary twist on the traditional tiered cake, Deckle Edging refers to a rough or uncut finish. 2. Naked Cakes: Ideal for rustic weddings, especially when embellished with seasonal fruit and when you and you guests prefer sponge to fruit cakes. 3. Alternative Cakes: If you’re not a fan of traditional cake, alternatives include savoury cheese or if you still have a sweet tooth, cupcake towers. 4. Metallics, Marble and Stained Glass: This is one cake trend which Dawn has told us to look out for, with texture and designed surfaces set to prove popular this year. Choices include cakes with edible gold leaf, edible copper paint, marble, stained glass and polished ‘stone’ finishes. 5. Macarons: Towers of macarons as a multi-colour table centrepiece or to embellish your traditional wedding cake. 6. Edible Flowers: Still the preserve of traditional wedding cake artists, edible flowers are sustainable, and romantic. They look great cascading down your wedding cake. Dawn Blunden owns Sophisticake in Woodhall Spa, Call 01526 351777 or see www.sophisticake.co.uk.

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SPRING

IN YOUR STEP This month Betty Barclay suggests a few ways to step into spring with trouser suits and separates... This Page: Pastel suit pink blazer £155; trousers £95; floral blouse £55.

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- FASHION -

Top/Left: Jacket £125; ticking stripe blouse £55, trousers £80 in white navy and pink. Top/Right: Snakeskin effect reversible jacket with sequins £215. Bottom/Left: Grey knit blazer £105; ‘luxury’ motif top £45; jeans £105. Bottom/Right: Red pullover £80; blouse £55; houndstooth check trousers £90. n

For local stockists call 020 7580 3577 or see bettybarclay.com

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DIVINE

INSPIRATION For spring and summer events, we’ve some divine inspiration for how to shine courtesy of Lincoln occasionwear retailer Belle & The Peacock Feather, based on the city’s High Street... Images: Rob Davis.

1. Sparkling royal blue dress with mermaid silhouette, V-neck decollete, £225.

5. Caramel coloured ﬂoor length dress, beaded and embellished halter neck and bust, £275.

2. Elegant form-ﬁtting dress in heavy chiffon. V-neck decollete and appealing V-shaped back, £245.

6. Simple and elegant occasionwear dress in crépe with open back and thigh-height slit, £205.

3. Crépe dress with trumpet silhouette with sequin off-shoulder straps and ﬂoor-length skirt, £265.

All dresses featured here are available in sizes 4-24, alterations available. Visit Belle & The Peacock’s Feather, 79 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AA. Call 07728 981568 or see bellemode.co.uk.

4. Minimalistic dress with formﬁtting silhouette. Accented waist, covered neckline with small keyhole and deep open back, £265.

Thanks to our models Jill and Mira Duarte, and to Revd., Lorna Brabin-Smith for the use of our location, All Saints Church Branston, www.branstonallsaints.co.uk.

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Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979

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43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS Tel: 01652 653595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk Call for an appointment or pop in to view our latest designer eyewear.

BESPOKE CARE PACKAGE FOR BOTH WOMEN AND MEN: • LJM Homecare hold their standards high • Personalised service, no two care packages are the same • Respect, dignity and promoting independence • Both short and long term care available

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COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE VERY BEST DENTAL HEALTH CARE... “Before I joined the Dental Health Centre about two years ago my teeth weren’t in good shape. I happened to pick up a copy of Lincolnshire Pride in my local restaurant and read a feature on the Dental Health Centre. I have since had two implants, one at the front and one at the side, which is a double one, as well as a bridge. The care I have received has been absolutely fantastic and the change my treatment has made to my life has been very dramatic...” Steve Finn, Newark

Avenue Road, Grantham, NG31 6TA CALL 01476 594 480 WWW.DENTALHEALTHCENTRE.CO.UK • BRACES • DENTAL IMPLANTS • NERVOUS PATIENTS • HYGIENIST • FAMILY DENTISTRY • TOOTH WHITENING • WHITE FILLINGS • SAME DAY CROWNS • VENEERS •

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SPRING BEAUTY

Spring Forward! YOU CAN’T HELP BUT FEEL HAPPY WHEN YOU POP ON SOME PASTELS AND CLEANSE AWAY THE WINTER DARKNESS WITH THESE SOOTHING SHADES

1. Amouage’s Secret Garden Collection... The first fragrance in Amouage’s The Secret Garden collection, the Lilac Love eau de parfum features powdery tones with a balance of jasmine and rose, while top notes of gardenia, peony and heliotrope result in a floral aroma. Orris, cocoa bean and tonka bean met with the warm tone of sandalwood is rounded off with vanilla, giving it a musky veil, £300 / 100ml.

5. A Brush with Comfort... One of our best-loved products has been supersized! Hairbrushes aren’t usually interesting, but they’re a dressing table staple, and Tangle Teezer’s Wet Detangler, offers superior detangling benefits now spread over a bigger brushing surface area, making it ideal for those with thick and curly hair. Perfect for use on wet hair, it has a non-slip grip for use the shower, £14, in Millennial Pink, Serenity Blue or Peach.

2. Day Wear by Estée Estée Lauder Day Wear is the most important thing you’ll put on today! With the most effective anti-oxidant power ever, it defends against and diminishes the appearance of the first signs of premature ageing like dullness and fine lines, £45 / 50ml.

3. Call Me, Baby... Join Jessica’s tea party with the popular spa brand’s Spring Collection and this shade, Call Me Baby. The vitamin-enriched, longlasting formula is cruelty and available in a variety of finishes, £11 / 14.8ml.

6. Illuminating Eyes with Iris Foreo... Recreate a professional beauty treatment from the comfort of your own home with the Iris Illuminating Eye Massager, designed to combat dark circles, fine lines and puffiness around the delicate eye area. Delicate pulsations leave the eye contour smoother and brighter, £119.

4. Nurture Your Skin Dior’s lip balm beautifies and durably enhances your lips’ natural colour and provides a customised colour result. Lips seem revived from within, amazingly fresh, full and radiant. Shade we’ve featured here is Pink 001, £26.

n All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, please note that prices stated are RRP and may vary according to retailer. 109

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DENTAL HEALTH CENTRE

Committed to Creating CONFIDENT SMILES GRANTHAM’S DENTAL HEALTH AND IMPLANT CENTRE AIMS TO PROVIDE A PAINLESS, PRECISE AND PERFECT OUTCOME TO CREATE A MORE CONFIDENT HEALTHY SMILE... A SMILE ISN’T JUST COSMETIC. A healthy, confident smile can go a long way to making you feel good. The trouble is, many of us have outdated and wholly incorrect ideas about modern dentistry. Grantham’s Dental Health Centre, run by Colin Sutton with dentists Simon Reeves and Elisa Lago Garcia alongside their team is one of the best and most modern, well-equipped, user-friendly practices offering everything from general dentistry to the latest cosmetic treatments, all virtually pain-free in a contemporary, well-equipped practice. With such a vast array of treatments on offer, it’s difficult to know which treatments would best suit your needs. That’s why Colin Sutton has enlisted the help of treatment

coordinator Paula Parkes to provide free, no obligation consultations so potential patients can discuss the options available to them. Paula can assess the potential for improving the appearance of your smile, then talk through viable treatments so you can make an informed decision about the procedure, time scale, cost and benefits. “There are really three aspects of the practice which we think benefit our patients most,” says Colin. “The first is adoption of technology like our Cerec® machine which makes creating crowns and veneers much faster and easier with 3D scans and computer controlled fabrications Above: The Dental Health & Implant Centre’s team’s can provide a range of treatments to improve both your smile and your conﬁdence.

milled to sub-millimetre accuracy for the best fit.” “The second aspect we’re proud of is an approach which puts the patient first, promoting a relationship between dentist and patient which inspires trust.” “But above all, it’s our team which we’re most proud of. The whole team is committed to patient care and to creating a professional, stress-free experience. That’s the most meaningful feedback we receive and it’s the standard by which we judge our performance.” n Find Out More: For a free, no obligation introduction to treatments, visit The Dental Health and Implant Centre on Avenue Road, Grantham, NG31 6TA, call 01476 594480 or see dentalhealthcentre.co.uk.

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PRIDE MARKETING

A Fresh Perspective on Your Business...

Aerial photography using the drone services offered by Pride Magazines will offer a unique perspective on your business. Still images and video footage can really help your marketing... The scale of your business, the setting in which your country house hotel is located, your fleet of vehicles, or an overhead image of the different buildings which make up your estate. Sometimes conventional photography just doesn’t do your business justice. That’s when you need aerial photography, instead. Once the preserve of helicopter pilots, a new generation of small unmanned aircraft, or ‘drones’ makes capturing high quality photographs or video footage easy... but only if you’ve the equipment, the qualifications and the insurance to legally perform commercial operations. The great news is that Pride Magazines does, so we’re making our drone pilots available to your business as part of our range of marketing services.

By hiring our Civil Aviation Authority registered, fully insured and qualified pilots you can achieve aerial still images and video footage of your business. If you’ve a stunning premises, set in stunning grounds, show it off to potential clients. If you’ve a vast estate, demonstrate the scale of your operation from the air... perhaps your property is on the market and you’d like aerial shots for your brochure? Our pilots will complete a full safety assessment, complying with all legislation, and will retouch and post-process all material before supplying it to you. You can use images and footage on your website, on social media, in print advertising and anywhere else you need to present a professional image to potential clients. Come fly with us, and you’ll enjoy achieving a new perspective on your business. n

Find Out More: Pride Magazines is now offering ground or aerial photography & videography, 3D Virtual Tours, bespoke websites plus design and print for businesses like yours. To discuss your requirements call 01529 469977 and don’t forget to take a Virtual Tour of our ofﬁces at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. n

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Legally compliant and fully insured, our drone pilots are now available for your business.

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PRIDE MAGAZINES HIGH END MARKETING

For almost 18 years the Pride Team have worked solely on producing the finest magazines in their areas. We now feel that the time is right, having a proven track record for quality y,, that our clients should receive the benefits of our professional marketing team too. If you require any of the following services for your business please get in touch. We are reasonably priced and of course you already know the quality of our work by the magazine you are holding in your hands!

3D V I R RT TU UA AL REALIT Y TOURS HIGH QU UA ALIT Y PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT BEA AU U TIF UL BROCHURES COOL COMMERCIAL VIDEOS LEGALL LY Y LICENSED DRONE VIDEOS H A N D D RA AW WN ILLUSTRA AT T IONS

FOR MORE INFORMA AT TION ON MARKETING SERVICES CALL OUR FRIENDLLY Y TEAM ON 01529 469977 OR EMAIL SALES@PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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THIS MONTH: THE FARMERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BALL AT THE PETWOOD HOTEL IN WOODHALL SPA...

To feature your event call 01529 469977. Our magazines are free to read online, so you can share the magazine with your friends. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk. 115

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The Farmers’ Ball at The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa OVER 480 FARMERS recently enjoyed the annual Horncastle Farmers’ Ball which has been held at The Petwood Hotel for a number of years. Farming families across the county come to the event to celebrate the year, enjoy a meal, have a dance and raise money for local charities in the process. It’s a chance for the farming community to come together and meet people in the same profession. The event is a long-standing tradition which started in the early 1900s as a key networking event for the local farming community. It continues year on year, and has only had to cancel during the war years. Recent charities to beneﬁt include Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, LIVES, the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network, Headway, The Getaway Club, Sellwood Gardens Memory Support Group, and Riding For The Disabled. n Photos: Rob Davis.

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A New Era for Branston Hall with

KuKu Connect BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP KuKu Connect held their latest reception at Branston Hall, celebrating a new era for the hotel. “Branston Hall has been in many ways quietly forgotten, but 2020 will see the hall go into a new era and chapter of its life. The hall will be undergoing a careful and loving programme of development, headed up by Chris Tomlinson, who has recently joined the hotel as its new leader and GM.” “Chris has a vast portfolio of experience in hospitality and providing excellent customer-based service, which is more about experience and personable service.” “KuKu Connect Receptions are fresh, welcoming, vibrant and eﬀective for business. With a focus on building authentic business relationships with decision makers. Our receptions are relaxed and informal with complimentary hospitality with no pitches, no presentations and no push.” Photos: Rob Davis.

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Raising Money for

Skegness RNLI BOSTON’S FIRST RNLI fundraising charity dinner dance held last month at the Boston and County Club, 7th December 2019 was a roaring success. Guests enjoyed a festive three course dinner followed by dancing, music played by Anthony Jordan. The committee held a raffle also had an auction of a Fortnum & Mason gift hamper which helped contribute to the £1,162 raised. They would like to thank all of the guests for their kind and generous support. Chairman, Margaret Langford said she was delighted the RNLI Boston Branch fundraising committee had raised such a significant amount from their first fundraising Charity Dinner Dance. Looking to continue the success Margaret has rebooked the Boston and County Club for 21st November 2020; a date for your diary. The RNLI was founded in 1824 and Skegness’s station is home to both its Inland and All-Weather boats. n Photos: Rob Davis.

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MOTORS

LA NUOVA DOLCE VITA Presenting the Ferrari Roma: the prettiest motor car the famous prancing horse badge has ever adorned. And with a plush interior and plenty of technology, its beauty isn’t just skin deep... Words: Rob Davis.

IF THERE’S A MORE BEAUTIFUL car on sale today than the new Ferrari Roma, we’ve yet to behold such a mythical design. Look at it. Just look. Sharp creases; flowing lines; muscular haunches... it’s just about as perfect as a car could possibly look, from that pointy nose to the exquisite detailing on the deep crease on the rear light cluster. Good news, too, that beauty isn’t just skin deep. That’s because the Roma, which is based on the roofless Portofino convertible, features the latest Ferrari technology, and is rather more like a luxury GT than a stripped-out performance car, more so than any Ferrari before it. But it’s certainly not the case that you’ll be left wanting for performance. With a 3.9 litre engine and eight cylinders plus forced induction, the Roma’s engine generates peak power at 7,500rpm. At that point the car will be generating an indecent 760nm of torque, channelled to the rear wheels via an

eight-speed F1 style dual clutch gearbox and 20” wheels to dispatch the 60mph sprint in 3.4 seconds. Top speed where legal is just a nip short of 200mph. Whether you want to purr along in sedate GT comfort, or sharpen up the driving experience, the Roma’s Manettino switch is now standard on Ferraris. Inspired by the adjustable electronics of an F1 car, the ‘little lever’ - to apply a literal translation to its name - allows for the simple adjustment of the electronics governing suspension settings, traction control, electronic differential, and change speed of electronic gearbox. Ferrari presents the car as a ‘2+’ GT, meaning customers have a choice of two tiny rear seats or a storage space behind the front seats. It’s really Hobson’s choice, as the rear seats are little more than ornamental, and if you’re enjoying Ferrari ownership, the last thing you’ll want to do is spoil your life by having children along for the ride... so let’s say it’s a two seater and have done. >>

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Super Models: The most beautiful cars on the market...

Aston Martin Vantage £120,900: The baby in the Aston Martin family has been updated with, paradoxically, a fussier interior and simpler, smoother lines on the exterior. Avoid those garish lime shades and opt for something like this Morning Frost White paint job and you won’t go far wrong style wise. Dipping its ﬁngers into the Mercedes Benz biscuit tin of interior parts, you’ll ﬁnd solidity and quality throughout the interior, whilst a 4.0V8 turbo engine, also borrowed from Benz, yields 60mph in 3.6 seconds. n

Bentley Continental GT £140,300: As British as bad footballing and as satisfying as even a poorly made cup of tea, the Bentley is a British champion that offers luxury and a huge speciﬁcation, more comfortable and more spacious than the Ferrari, softer edged than a 911 or Vantage. Four wheel drive, automatic, with a 4.0V8 to sprint to 60mph in 4.8 seconds. Enjoy the widest choice of hides and dual-ﬁnish wood veneers, plus the added creature comforts of the Touring and City Packs, diamond knurling and swish rotating triple-faced dials. n

>> The other reason you’ll be reluctant to have the ankle-biters along for the ride is the plush interior, with its suede door trim and pleasant mushroom leather seats. Hardly compatible with younger aficionados of the brand... frankly, we wonder why the company bothered with the two rear seats at all.

Porsche 911 Carrera S £77,891: Starting at under £80,000, Porsche’s iconic 911 looks like a comparative bargain against the Ferrari, but opt for an S, 4 or Turbo derivative, or for convertible or Targa version and the gap will close, especially given the myriad available optional extras. 911’s look is evolutionary, not revolutionary, compared to its 1963 ancestor, but still offers arguably the sharpest drive of almost any car on the market today. A Boxster may be smaller, as sharp and better value but there’s still only one 911! n

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The interior, though, has been designed with an interesting concept in mind, namely the creation of two ‘cells,’ as the press blurb refers to them. Passengers have their own cluster of controls on that side of the car to control heating and audio. The driver, meanwhile, controls many of the car’s functions via the now ubiquitous portrait tablet-style display which, Ferrari says, uses

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“Despite its new-found civilisation, the Ferrari tips the scale at little over 1,470kg, and for context, that’s about the same as a Ford Focus, with its rather more modest performance...” haptic feedback to compensate for the lack of physical buttons to prevent the driver having to take their eyes off the road. Other thoroughly modern creature comforts include the availability of adaptive cruise control for comfortable, safe and legal motorway driving, and keyless entry, as well as navigation. Despite its new-found civilisation, the Ferrari tips the scale at little over 1,470kg, and for context, that’s about the same as

a Ford Focus, with its rather more modest performance. As such, the power to weight ratio of the Roma, says Ferrari, is best-in-class. The ability to turn the Roma into more of a GT or hardedged sports car increases the car’s versatility. Proverbially looks are only skin deep but in fact this Italian is one whose dark locks and olive skin bely hidden depths and true breadth of talent, performance and comfort. But... those looks! Mamma mia! n

FERRARI ROMA Price: £175,000 (available to order now, first deliveries summer). Drivetrain: 612bhp, 3.9 V8 turbocharged petrol, eight speed automatic transmission, RWD. Performance: 0-62 mph: 3.4 seconds. Top Speed: 199mph. Economy: 26mpg (estimated). Equipment: Leather, electric seats and windows, sat nav and Human Machine Interface. n 125

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MOTORS

EXCESS EXPRESS Coachbuilder Maybach has added its own particular style of excess to Mercedes’s GLS large off-roader... Words: Rob Davis.

IT’S FRIGHTENING, but there are some drivers out there who think a Range Rover is a bit pokey. Not particularly luxurious. A bit... modest. They’re rappers, probably, or footballers. But for the shallow of taste and the deep of pocket, there’s a new motor car based on Mercedes Benz’s otherwise perfectly adequate GLS off-roader, but with a Maybach badge. Out goes the £75,000 asking price and 3.0V6 engine. In comes a 730nm V8 engine, two-tone ruby paint job inspired by a hearse, aircraft-style reclining rear seats and a price tag likely to be double that of the original car on which it’s based. The standard GLS features luxuries such as heated arm rests, warming and cooling cup holders, massaging seats, electric sunblinds, enormous 23” wheels and ‘energising’ aromatherapy system with six programmes; refresh, vitality, training, warmth, comfort and joy. That being the case, it’s tricky to imagine what Maybach can add to the vehicle’s specification to make the additional expense worthwhile. Add in an electrically deployable ramp to allow easy entry, 12cm extra rear legroom, a few leather scatter cushions in the rear and a handful of glitzy Maybach badges and you’re just about there. The Maybach isn’t bad, per se, but it is a triumph of excess over success in the sense that the GLS is more than enough car for anyone in its standard form. We’d plump for the standard Mercedes and instead invest the extra cash in a Porsche 911 or similar. n 126

MERCEDES MAYBACH GLS Price: £180,000 (on sale summer). Drivetrain: 4.0V8 with nine speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Performance: 0-60mph 4.9secs, max speed 155mph. Economy: 24.1mpg (combined). Equipment: Perfume dispenser, TV, tablet, leather scatter cushions, massaging seats, heated armrests, MBUX navigation. n

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MOTORS

Cleared for Takeoff ASTON MARTIN’S CONCORDE SPEC SUPERLEGGERA IS SUPERSONIC..

SLC bows out gracefully with Final Edition models...

Strictly limited to only ten examples and featuring lavish personalisation via Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde proudly celebrates not only the half century since the iconic luxury passenger jet took to the skies, but also the centenary of one of Concorde’s two flag carrying airline operators: British Airways. n

BMW shows off electric i4 TESLA MODEL 3 COMPETITOR WILL SELL FOR £35,000 IN 2021...

NEWS In Brief FLOOD MOTORING

The end is nigh for Mercedes’s previousgeneration C-Class based two-seater roadster the SLC. And to ensure the car goes out with a bang, Mercedes is launching Final Edition versions of the car with a few creature comforts thrown in. The SLC Final Edition spec is available on the 2.0 V4 SLC200, or the 3.0V6 AMG SLC43, and includes electrically adjustable seats, a Harmon Kardon hi-fi, Airscarf neck warmer and exclusive Sun Yellow paint finish. n

CATASTROPHIC AUTUMN FLOODING PROMPTS SEARCH FOR FLOODCAPABLE MOTORS... Catastrophic floods in parts of Britain have prompted a surge of interest among motorists in cars that can tackle deep water. Online motor retailer buyacar.com’s editor, Christofer Lloyd, says: “As soon as the recent catastrophic floods in parts of the UK hit the headlines we saw website traffic to our articles about driving in flood water surge, along with searches for cars with off-road capabilities.” The retailer has compiled a list of cars with the best ‘wading’ capabilities, just in time for the impact of ‘February Filldyke,’ in February and March, when snow melts and river levels rise!

BMW The future of motoring was revealed recently as BMW previewed its all-electric i4 model, aimed at the Tesla Model 3, and mooted to go on sale from 2021 with prices starting at £35,000. With a weight of some 550 kilograms, it has an energy content of around 80 kWh. This gives the BMW i4 a range of approximately 600 kilometres. Expect similar proportions but more futuristic styling than the 3-Series and 4-Series mid-size models, which will still be available with conventional and plug-in hybrid variants for the forseeable future prior to the i4’s launch. n

1. Land Rover Defender: 900mm wading depth. 2. Ford Ranger: 800mm wading depth. 3. Toyota Land Cruise: 700mm wading depth. 4. Mitsubishi Shogun 700mm wading depth. 5. Toyota Hilux: 700mm wading depth. 6. Land Rover Discovery 600mm wading depth. 7. Ford EcoSport 550mm wading depth. 8. Jeep Cherokee 500mm wading depth. 9. Jeep Renegade 480mm wading depth. 10. Volvo XC40 450mm wading depth. n

MERCEDES

ASTON MARTIN Few aircraft of the jet age are more instantly recognisable, or more fondly remembered, than the worldrenowned Concorde. Now, 50 years since its first flight, this supersonic passenger jet – created in a unique piece of Anglo-French co-operation – is the inspiration for the latest member of the highly desirable Aston Martin Wings Series.

MOTORING

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The Directory To advertise here call our friendly team on 01529 469977

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