Lincolnshire Pride April 2017

PRIDE

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LINCOLNSHIRE

LINCOLNSHIRE

PRIDE

APRIL 2017

Spring has Sprung in Lincolnshire

Great ways to enjoy the county over the coming months

A Leafy Market Town: Boston in Bloom A second gold medal is recognition for the town’s efforts

LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

Lincolnshire’s Best Restaurants Dining Out at Kenwick Park in Louth

£4.50

APRIL

2017

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- APRIL 2017 -

welcome letter Julian Wilkinson

Managing Director

Ian Bagley

Production Director

Zoie Wilkinson

Advertising Director

Emily Brown

Sales Director

It’s always a pleasure to write my Editor’s Welcome, as it marks the satisfying conclusion of each month’s magazine.

This month, however, is even more of a pleasure, because it falls to me to thank all of the readers and advertisers who have already noticed and been impressed by our new format.

Whilst we anticipated good feedback, even we were surprised by the number of messages which arrived congratulating us on our magazines’ new look and new feel. Thank you for all of the feedback we’ve already had!

For our next edition, we’re looking to evolve the magazine further with a subtle redesign. With content planned for our summer editions, and being just a couple of months away from our Lincolnshire Show edition, we’re feeling very optimistic and very excited about the next few months!

Our best wishes for a wonderful month,

s i v a D b o R Editorial Director, Pride Magazines

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april COnTEnTS 42

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HIGH SOCIETY We’ve covered the Valentine’s Ball at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln for Help for Heroes...

FEaTurES 20 28 34 38

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NEWS Each month, we bring you a round up of the county’s good news stories.

SPRING This month we’ve a bucket list of the 22 best things to do in Lincolnshire at this time of year.

FRAGILE LIVES We interview the

Lincolnshire heart surgeon who has written a book about his experience and the past 11,000 surgeries.

LITERARY FESTIVAL The debut of the

Deepings Literary Festival happens this month; we have a roundup of events.

WHAT’S ON From theatre productions, to live music, theatre to comedy, each month we provide a roundup of the county’s best live events.

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BIG SKIES Lincolnshire’s beautiful big skies have recently been photographed, and raised £4,700 for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.

HISTORY We’re going back in time to the siege of Bolingbroke, when the Roundheads and Cavaliers fought in the English Civil War.

FOOd & drInk 50

FINE DINING We pay a visit to

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RECIPE Stephen Bennett’s recipe this

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THE WOODHOUSE ARMS A beautiful pub restaurant in Corby Glen.

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Louth’s Kenwick Park, after its recent spa refurbishments, to sample their restaurant menu.

month is a very pretty mille feuille.

SAMPLE DISHES We’re beside the seaside in this month’s roundup of best loved fish dishes.

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hOmES & gardEnS 66 74 86 90

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HOUSE BY THE RIVER A converted barn farmhouse set in two acres.

HOMES If you’re looking to style your interiors, we have a beautiful selection of fabrics and furniture from the latest home brands.

GARDEN DESIGN Leonie Brown shows us how garden design is done as we head into spring.

BOSTON IN BLOOM Boston is blooming with colourful green spaces.

NATURE Wildlife in April.

HIGH SOCIETY Caythorpe recently held its own Valentine’s Ball at the village hall.

FaShIOn & bEauTy

100 WEDDINGS This month we have

a beautiful New Year’s Eve wedding at Washingborough Hall.

106 WEDDING DRESSES The latest in bridal fashion from top designers.

109 FASHION The latest spring collection from Betty Barclay.

123 MOTORS Abarth’s 124 Spider.

ThE LIFESTyLE magazInE FOr hIgh quaLITy hOmES

In print, and to view on your computer, tablet or mobile device from www.pridemagazines.co.uk

LEgaL dISCLaImEr

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

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

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

ThE prIdE TEam

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Production Director: Ian Bagley.

Advertising Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Director: Emily Brown.

Editorial Director: Rob Davis.

Features Editor: Tilly Wilkinson.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Distribution: Joe Proctor. IT: Ryan Potter.

Office Manager: Sue Bannister.

Customer Account Managers: Lauren Chambers, Nicola Smith.

Sales Manager: Roberta Hall.

Sales Executives: Sian Jarratt, Carissa Clay, Hayley Scott, Aileen Perolio-Jones, Cassy Ayton, Izzy Wilkinson and Tamer Hodgson.

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

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County News Lincoln Cathedral has just been granted £11m funds The Cathedral has just received a lottery funded grant of £11,000,000 for restoration, after the Castle has been restored in previous years...

Lincoln Cathedral is set to receive £11 million worth of refurbishment and restoration thanks to lottery funds recently.

Their main aim for the project is to provide unprecedented access to the Cathedral’s large collection of archaeological artefacts.

The outdoor space will look brand new with landscaping and many parts of the Cathedral will be opening to the public for the first time in decades. restoration and conservation of the romanesque frieze and Exchequergate arch are also going to be included in the project thanks to the £11m funding, in addition to a number of other important structures in the Cathedral.

Sleaford Butchers Strikes Gold with nine awards

Simpsons Butchers from Sleaford has received a golden haul at the q guild Smithfield awards.

The butchers in heckington won awards for their pork sausage, cracked black pepper pork sausage, gluten free Lincolnshire pork sausage, Simpsons steak & stilton burger, lamb & mint burger, steak pie, cheese, pork & caramelised onion pie, lamb rumps wrapped in prosciutto ham kitchen ready product, roast beef ready meal, and lasagne ready meal.

“We are delighted to win so many awards,” says gary Simpson. “It shows our quality.”

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Lincoln Mathematician George Boole monument Lincoln residents are choosing their favourite design out of a shortlisted two for a monument of George Boole in the city centre...

“Lincoln Cathedral is one of England’s finest surviving architectural examples of norman power and norman dominance,” says ros kerslake of the heritage Lottery Fund.

“Lincoln Cathedral rightly takes its place among the very best buildings in the world,” says The dean of Lincoln, the Very reverend Christine Wilson. “The grant would allow the Cathedral to thrive as a place of awe and wonder.”

The restoration work is set to be completed by 2020 and is about of a larger project that will see the Cathedral receive £16m worth of restorations. n For more information, please visit www.lincolncathedral.com.

The Heslam Trust are hoping to create a bronze statue of the famous yellow belly, probably for the new transport hub in Lincoln.

he was born in Lincoln, selftaught, and his work forms the basis of electronic circuitry and computer science. he invented boolean logic and was born in 1815.

The two sculptors fighting for their work to be turned into reality are martin Jennings and antony dufort. It’s up to the public to decide what they would prefer to see in the city.

“We are excited to see a sculpture celebrating boole and hope to find a suitable location for it within the new transport hub development,” says kate Ellis, major developments director at City of Lincoln Council.

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

Skegness Aquarium Proposal... in the tank!

The aquarium on Lincolnshire’s East Coast has recently held a promotional offer which sees couples proposing to each other under water...

Visitors to the aquarium can book a dive experience, and receive a free tour, free lunch and free souvenir photograph too, much to the surprise of the soon to be bride who will receive a free engagement ring too!

“It is something out of the norm. a real treat that your loved one will remember and treasure forever,” says Louise Chapman, the supervisor at the Skegness aquarium. n The Friends of bourne Wood held their first ever Wassailing event last month.

It’s an ancient custom to celebrate the apple harvest and ‘re-awaken trees’ but very new to bourne.

n Princess Anne visited bourne recently for the Sense day service. She has been a supporter of the cause for a long time.

n Bourne schoolgirl phoebe has decided to cut off all her hair and donated it to a charity that creates wigs for youngsters suffering from cancer and hair loss. n Stamford’s newest fish and chip shop has just opened up its doors to customers. Staff at the Cambridge road Chippy, previously known as the britannia Takeaway, are

If you wondering how the proposal actually works while floating among the fish, and if the diamond rings are actually brought into the tank, they’re not.

Stamford-based Jenny Collier has just won her entire wedding worth up to £25,000 with UKbride The number one wedding website has recently provided an incredible prize to local Jenny Collier and partner Alex Marshall...

but while his girlfriend is distracted, the brave boyfriend gets out a ‘Will you marry me?’ underwater sign with rings on it, and holds it up before she turns around again.

It’s definitely a surprise you wouldn’t expect! excited to get started on its business venture.

n Stamford can now boast a brand new Joules shop. The brand is relocating from St mary’s hill to a better position; 14 high Street. n Alexander O’Neal an iconic rnb star is coming to Lincolnshire in april. he’s appearing at Lincolnshire’s Engine Shed, on tour for his new album, 30 years of hearsay, an album that sold over 700,000 copies. n Lydia Rusling is the new appointed head of Visit Lincoln, playing an active role in the development of the city.

n A rare arctic bird has been spotted on a river. The white-billed diver was seen near Woodhall Spa recently.

Bride-to-be Jenny Collier received the perfect Valentine’s day gift this week as she found out she’d won her entire wedding through ukbride.

number one wedding website ukbride called one of their 650,000 members to announce Jenny and fiancé alex, who live in Stamford, had won their entire wedding.

“I’m still in complete shock!” said Jenny after the call.

“We’ve been saving up and we don’t have a big budget, so this has lifted an enormous weight off our shoulders.”

Jenny won her honeymoon from kuoni, her wedding and bridesmaid dresses from berketex bride, photography, videography from dream a Theme, wedding cake from Sophisticake, wedding flowers from L’homme de Fleurs and suit hire from Formally yours.

She has also won a spa break, entertainment from One Fun band, catering from Soho pizza, photobooth courtesy of Cheesy Smiles, confetti and sparklers. n Visit www.ukbride.co.uk/prizes for more information.

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County News Lincolnshire WWI Lifeboat Lifted from Field and Restored A lifeboat built in 1896 and used in the Great War has recently been discovered and restored...

The Francis Forbes barton is one of the oldest surviving lifeboats. a farmer who no longer wanted the lifeboat on his land, was ready to have it destroyed, but local history enthusiasts saved it and have taken it to be restored.

“When we get funding she will go to the ship builders to be

restored,” says Susanne brimm, district Councillor.

The lifeboat was built by rutherfords of birkenhead in 1896 and served at broadstairs from 1897 to 1912.

It served at north deal during the great War and was sold in 1926. hopefully the national Lottery will fund the project.

Chattertons’ Law Firm Annual Charity Quiz Raises £396

A year of fundraising kicked off with a bang in January as local firm, Chattertons Solicitors and Wealth management, raised £396 for their Charity of the year.

Following a team vote towards the end of 2016 the firm chose to support The alzheimer’s Society in 2017.

Their fundraising efforts started with their annual charity quiz

in grantham, which included a raffle to help raise extra funds.

Teams from across the county attended the event at the grantham Cricket Club, with South kesteven district Council taking home the winning title. robert Clark, partner at the grantham office and quiz master on the night said they were very pleased with the results.

THE BOOK CLUB This month we look at the bestselling contemporary fictions, and some have become TV dramas...

The Gustav Sonata, Rose Tremain, £6.99 Gustav Perle grows up in a small town in Switzerland, where the horrors of WWII seem a distant echo, but his father has mysteriously died, and his adored mother Emilie is strangely cold to him. As time goes on Gustav makes a close friend - Anton - but their lives are already deeply entwined...

Sirens, Joseph Knox, £9.99 Isabelle has run away again.

When Aidan Waits, a junior detective, is summoned to her father’s penthouse, he finds a manipulative man.

He finds Isabelle to be intelligent and scared to death. As he investigates, he realises she was right to run away, but he struggles saving himself.

The Essex Serpent, Sarah Perry, £12 Set in 1893, the novel is about Cora Seaborne, a widow freed from her bad marriage.

Retreating to Essex, she hears the rumours surrounding the Essex Serpent, a creature of folklore killing people. Her investigations bring her to William Ransome, a man she becomes deeply involved with.

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Apple Tree Yard, Louise Doughty Yvonne Carmichael has worked hard to achieve the life she wanted; a high-flying career in genetics, a beautiful home, a good relationship with her husband and two children.

One day she meets a stranger at the Houses of Parliament, and by impulse, begins a passionate affair with him, £6.

The Muse, Jessie Burton, £6.99 In 1967, Odelle Bastien goes to Skelton gallery in London, knowing that her life is about to change forever.

Having struggled to find her place in the city, she had been offered a job. But when a lost masterpiece with a secret history is delivered to the gallery, her life takes a spin...

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BECKETTS COTTAGE, LEADENHAM

Guide £210,000

Becketts Cottage is a charming detached period cottage set back from the High Street and within the Conservation Area of this appealing Cliff village.

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EPC Rating: F

HILL HOLT FARM, NORTON DISNEY £650,000 An attractive period farmhouse in a tranquil rural position yet offering easy access to Lincoln and convenient for commuting from nearby Newark.

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Fine & Country Lincoln 55 High Street, Navenby, Lincs LN5 0DZ Telephone: (01522) 287008 Email: lincoln@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com

EPC Rating: E

£550,000

MASONS LODGE, COLEBY

A charming detached stone barn conversion with delightful south facing walled gardens and situated on the edge of a favoured Cliff conservation village.

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EPC Rating: F

£725,000

DIGBY MANOR, DIGBY

Grade II Listed farm house dating from the early 19th Century and standing in gardens and grounds of approximately 7 acres together with a range of outbuildings and a superbly renovated holiday cottage.

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EPC Rating: C

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www.mountandminster.co.uk

LD O S

Nettleham Close, Lincoln A well proportioned 3/4 bedroom family home with exceptional outdoor space situated in uphill Lincoln. Accommodation briefly includes a good sized lounge, a dining room that flows nicely into the kitchen space with double doors leading out onto the terrace. Additional space upstairs includes another three bedrooms and the family bathroom. The property further benefits from private parking and a single garage. EPC: D. Guide Price: £275,000

Winton Road, Navenby An exceptional family home, recently extended, renovated and finished to a very high standard. This attractive property offers extensive, high quality accommodation to briefly include a living room, dining room, modern kitchen, 4 bedrooms, the family bathroom and two ensuites. There is private off-street parking to the front and a lovely rear garden with decking, paved area and lawn. EPC: D. Guide Price: £260,000

Atton Place | 32 Eastgate Lincoln | LN2 1QA – 01522 716204 40 St James’ Place London | SW1A 1NS – 020 7839 0888

Ralph Wyrley-Birch James Ward Lincoln Lincoln

Edward Chetwynd- Bob Bickersteth Talbot, Lincoln London

Milly English London

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

Valentine’s ball Raising funds for Help for Heroes at The Bentley Hotel

A Valentine’s Masquerade Ball was held last month in an effort to raise funds for Team Tommy. It was a great evening of fun and laughter raising £3,000 in total for help for heroes. The food was excellent and entertainment was provided by the band The Stolen Fridays. rachel monk and maria Lea, organisers of the event, want to thank everyone who was able to attend and donate money and prizes for the raffle. The bentley hotel and Spa held the event, and discounts were offered for a night’s stay to guests, so thanks go out to them too. n See our exclusive images from the event at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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- 22 WAYS TO ENJOY SPRING -

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WayS TO EnJOy

SprIng In

LInCOLnShIrE

Spring is a fantastic time to explore what Lincolnshire has to offer. It’s getting a little bit warmer, so it’s time to make the most of the county’s beautiful countryside walks to a day at the races in market rasen.

This is a guide to give you an idea of what’s on offer...

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STUDY THE MAGNA CARTA AT LINCOLN...

If you haven’t already been to see the magna Carta, spring is the perfect time to do so. Its story is incredible and so is its preservation at Lincoln Castle...

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EXPLORE BOMBER COUNTY’S HERITAGE

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Enjoy Belton’s Beauty...

Most calendars across the county will include a visit to Belton House in spring.

It’s a perfect time to see the beautiful National Trust property in Grantham.

It’s one for the family with the property’s new adventure play area for children.

Enjoy a seasonal walk too if you’re not coming for the slides, in the parklands.

There are deer to see and the gardens are picturesque. If you’re not prepared to embrace a walk in the countryside just yet in the unpredictable British weather, you can tour the house. It has a wealth of history, once used as a battle corps during WWII. Call them on 01476 566116. The house is at NG32 2LW.

Lincolnshire is rich in aviation heritage with connections to the battle of britain memorial Flight and the dambusters.

It’s also home to modern aviation with a new air show scheduled for 2017.

Explore bomber County Above: Heritage and particularly, raF and modern aircraft Cranwell for a really great in Lincolnshire. aviation experience.

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Take a trip on the Boston Belle boat...

See Boston from a unique perspective on the Boston Belle. They will give you an inland cruise up the River Witham or take you on a bracing trips out to sea.

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DAY AT THE RACES

Lincolnshires market rasen’s racecourse hosts a season of events and races and has recently seen a number of celebrities visit including Tom Jones.

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- 22 WAYS TO ENJOY SPRING -

DISCOVER LINCS FROM THE SADDLE OF A BICYCLE...

With miles of traffic-free cycle routes, plenty of spaces to stop for a drink and some pretty views along the way, this is definitely the season to rediscover cycling. more comfortable than cycling in a stifling hot summer, and definitely preferable to a very cold winter bike ride! >>

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Isaac Newton’s Trail...

You could visit Isaac Newton’s birthplace in the south of the county. The scientist grew up in Woolsthorpe, and the manor is now a visitor’s centre for people to learn about Newton’s laws of gravity and his research that changed the world.

SAY CHEESE!

Lincolnshire doesn’t have just one cheesy claim to fame, but two, producing Lincolnshire poacher and Cote hill blue. Try some on celery or crackers this spring...

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See sheep and cattle in action...

From Rand Farm Park to Hardy’s Animal Farm, and various other local village farm parks, the county has a plethora of places to appreciate what our county is known for; farming.

See Lincolnshire Long Wool lambs, cows being milked and even some piglets!

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ENJOY A LOCAL DELICACY IN THE FORM OF AN OSTRICH BURGER

granted, this is one of Lincolnshire’s more bizarre foods to try, but ostrich burgers from the local company Oslinc are delicious and something to tick off the bucket list. you can enjoy them at county fairs and shows where they usually sell their products, or you can order them online at www.oslinc.co.uk.

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Embark on the Medieval Wall Walk...

The great stone curtain wall is one of the most dramatic features of Lincoln Castle and a permanent reminder of its role as a medieval stronghold in years gone by. Now, visitors can walk the full circumference of the wall for the first time. A third of a mile long, the Medieval Wall Walk is a journey through the history of Lincoln and a place for spectacular views across the city and surrounding countryside.

There is no finer view of Lincoln Cathedral than that from the Castle’s walls.

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KNIGHT’S TRAIL

Following on from the success of the baron’s Trail, in may 2017 you’ll see knights around Lincoln. you may have spotted artists painting them, but the knights will be in full Lincolnshire livery and on display soon.

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YOU’LL LOVE HORNCASTLE’S ANTIQUES

horncastle is one of the uk’s best towns for antiques, and is frequently seen on programmes like bargain hunt. you’ll love rummaging through the town’s 200 dealers’ stock to find a bargain, from small items to larger items like dramatic antique furniture for your home.

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Right: Shopping for antiques in Horncastle sounds great!

A WALK IN THE LINCS LIMEWOODS The Limewoods is an ancient woodlands with many archaeological sites, a place waiting to be explored.

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Talking Bengal Tigers

Not long ago, tigers made an appearance at Lincolnshire’s Wildlife Park. The bengal tigers are on show at the sanctuary, and have seen an unprecedented amount of visitors.

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- 22 WAYS TO ENJOY SPRING -

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Explore Easton Walled Gardens

Time for tee near Horncastle

Keen golfer? You’ll want to pay a visit to the Woodhall Spa Golf Club then. Its Hotchkin and Bracken courses have been voted among the top 20 courses anywhere in the world www.woodhallspagolf.com.

A day in the fresh air is welcomed at this time of year, especially with the smell of freshly cut grass and fragrant roses in the air. Easton Walled Gardens is beautiful if you haven’t already been, with care and attention applied to every part of the gardens and a coffee shop for afterwards.

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WORLD’S GREATEST SAUSAGE...

It would be wrong to talk about what to enjoy in the county and not mention our most famous export, the Lincolnshire sausage.

Enjoy a couple on mash smothered in gravy...

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Celebrate Windmills during National Mills Weekend...

The county has a wealth of mills, so during National Mills Weekend in May, it’s a good idea to visit one. Most open for free during the weekend and some host special events. Some of our favourites including Heckington Windmill with its unusual amount of sails and Sibsey Trader Windmill shown above, a fully operating mill providing flour for the local town 25 of Boston. Visit www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk for more information.

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- 22 WAYS TO ENJOY SPRING Below: Batemans Brewery has a visitors’ centre in addition to pubs across the county.

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Enjoy a pint at Batemans Brewery...

Lincolnshire is lucky to benefit from its very own brewery, and Batemans has provided ales since 1874. The brewery is in the form of a beautiful converted windmill. Tours begin with the Victorian Brewhouse, followed by the new Brewhouse now called the ‘Theatre of Beers'.

All tours are conducted by a professional and very entertaining guide.

Opposite: A scene across the Lincolnshire Wolds, often enjoyed on a walk with the ramblers.

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BESIDE THE SEASIDE

The coast is still a fantastic place to visit for a walk along the beach with a tray of fish and chips. It’s now a place of overwhelming nostalgia; explore the arcades, watch the donkeys plodding along the beach and walk through the gardens in Skegness.

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Walk in the Wolds

If it’s a beautiful spring walk you’re seeking, the Wolds is the place to do it. There are a number of different rambling societies to join or you could venture out with your partner and pooch. There are an unlimited amount of views in this part of the county, and it completely dispels the belief that Lincolnshire is flat.

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- THE LINCOLNSHIRE SURGEON -

puLSE keeping a finger on the

It weighs about 300g, it beats 2,500,000,000 times during a life span of 80 years, and every day it’s responsible for squirting more than 6,000 litres of blood into your body. But the mysteries of the human heart extend well beyond these numbers. For the inside beat on the human heart, you need to read Scunthorpe cardiologist Professor Stephen Westaby’s incredible new autobiography...

“Oh.” declared the surgeon. and with that, the patient died. It was the first death Stephen Westaby had witnessed. It was november 1966 and the 18 year old Scunthorpe student had sneaked, alone, into the ether dome, an old fashioned circular viewing balcony of an operating theatre at Charing Cross hospital medical School.

he wasn’t supposed to be there, but having an idea he wanted a career as a heart surgeon, Stephen was desperate to witness for himself the work of a number of surgeons’ pioneering work in their newly emerging medical discipline.

Stephen didn’t leave the viewing gallery. he watched the auxiliary staff clean up the ensuing mess of an aortic cannula giving way. he watched the despondent surgeons walking away, the conversation about the identity of their patient, and the porters taking away the body for autopsy. It was difficult viewing, but necessary too.

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“That experience taught me three incredibly valuable lessons,” says Stephen. he’s now 11,000 operations further on in his career, he’s also a professor, and an inventor of some of the very latest devices which will soon make their way into cardiothoracic medicine. “number one; it’s important not to dwell on death. Learn from failure and try to do better next time. number two; there’s no time for contemplation, philosophy or doubt, just rib retractors, blood and gore. number three; The job has a steep learning curve and the cost is measured in human life.”

“HEART FAILURE IN THE UK AFFECTS CLOSE TO 1M PEOPLE, WITH 60,000 NEW CASES EACH YEAR..”

Main: Stephen, pictured on the right, has written an autobiography telling the gritty reality of life as a heart surgeon, and the story of how the profession has led to a dramatic increase in survival rates.

Stephen’s new book, Fragile Lives, is an autobiography of one of the world’s most eminent heart surgeons. It covers about 340 pages, it’s somewhere in the region of 80,000 words in length and covers a career spanning five decades. but if you’re expecting a self-aggrandising puff-piece celebrating Stephen’s many achievements, prepare for a grittier read and a book more concerned with humility than triumph, because the surgeon is just as humble as his early life in Scunthorpe. “my family lived on a grimy council estate, dirt poor, in Scunthorpe,” recalls Stephen.

“I was really close to my grandparents, and witnessing their deaths had a profound effect on me. I vowed that day to become a doctor.”

Stephen turned seven in 1955. The year was significant for a number of reasons: “We got our first TV set, a 10” black and white one with, of course, just one channel. I watched the bbC and was mesmerised by one of its

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- THE LINCOLNSHIRE SURGEON -

new shows, your Life in Their hands - a programme which, 50 years later, the bbC would reboot in 2004. I featured in it, and appeared alongside henry marsh, a surgeon with the paediatric cardiac unit at the John radcliffe hospital in Oxford.”

“In the original programme, surgeons in the uS had closed a hole in the heart with a new machine, termed the heart-lung machine because it did the job of both organs. I was captivated.”

1955 was a source of fascination to Stephen, too, because is was the year that molecular biologists Crick and Watson made their breakthrough by ‘discovering’ dna, and it was the year that the link between smoking and heart disease was first discovered.

“at ten I passed the entrance exams for Scunthorpe grammar School and was quiet, compliant but ‘promising,’ artistic and good with my hands.”

“I was one of the last students through the doors of Scunthorpe grammar School, before it became a St Lawrence academy Comprehensive. my brother davis is three years younger than me and was the last head boy at the school.”

“I’m really proud of my roots and when I still had friends and relatives in the area, I used to visit there often. It was my childhood home, good old Scunthorpe, a steel town and long-suffering butt of music-hall jokes.”

Stephen’s early years are told in the second chapter of his book following his gritty description of his experience peering through the ether dome and after a prologue which serves as a crash course - perhaps crash isn’t the word, given it’s use as medical slang for a cardiac arrest - in cardiology. he provides a brief but useful précis of how the heart works before embarking on a roughly chronological memoir of a career in cardiology.

“I was persuaded to put my memories down on paper about three years ago, and

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“The device is a rotary pump, connected via a bolt screwed into the skull to recharge. I’ve been called Dr Frankenstein..!” it proved to be a really cathartic experience.

I’ve written 15 textbooks, 350 scientific papers. It should have been a light hearted experience but as I began to recall my experiences on paper, it proved more difficult than I expected, emotionally.”

Today, Stephen’s sitting at the stripped pine farmhouse kitchen table of his 100 year old house. he’s by an open fire, overlooking his garden, in a pretty rural village. It’s idyllic, quiet, the perfect place to consolidate one’s thoughts, with pen in hand.

“I could never type and don’t get on well with computers so instead of typing and editing, I wrote everything out longhand over the course of about three years, sometimes drafting and redrafting four or five times.”

“In the early days of heart surgery Sir russell brock was renowned for his bluntness when it came to losing patients; ‘I have three patients on my operating list today, I wonder which one will survive.’”

FRAGILE LIVES Stephen Westerby’s autobiography Fragile Lives is available in shops as Pride goes to press, published

by Harper Collins, at £14.99, 340 pages. www.harper collins.co.uk

“Today the survival rate for open heart surgery is 97%. Virtually all patients died during the early days, but only through bloody persistence have we achieved the ability to save so many lives today.”

For all its blunt realism, Stephen’s book is fundamentally optimistic, he took the chances, ignored the rules, and pushed the boundaries to make surgery what it is now.

In addition to looking back at memorable patients during his career, Stephen’s book also provides an insight into the future of cardiac medicine. Stephen’s hand has become deformed following the physical rigours of 11,000 operations. he no longer operates on patients but is still pioneering in the field. In the book, he describes how a chance meeting with rob Jarvik during a medical conference in the uk led to the two to co-pioneer the development of the Jarvik 2000 artificial heart.

“The device is a continuous rotary blood pump, connected via a bolt which is screwed into the skull to recharge it.”

“I’ve been called dr Frankenstein on the basis of the way it looks, but it’s certainly one of the devices which will shape the future of cardiac surgery. It’s a continuous pump and therefore, when it’s installed, the patient no longer has a pulse.”

In 2008 Stephen founded Calon Cardiology, which has created the Calon Vad, an implantable micro blood pump. both the Calon and Jarvik devices are still 10 years away from common availability and the former, Stephen says, still needs £20m of funding before it’s suitable for use in humans.

however, with 15,000 patients under 60 with heart failure, and an average of just 150 donor hearts in the uk, Stephen’s insight into the future of medicine is as fascinating as his autobiography is lively and readable. “another day in the office for me; potentially the end of the world for them,” summarises Stephen. “This is cardiac surgery.” n

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IN A HEARTBEAT

Past, Present & Future

THE PAST

The first heart transplant took place in 1967, performed in South Africa

by Christiaan Neethling Barnard.

Early pioneers across the world lost many of their patients but today, the survival rate for open heart surgery is about 97%.

THE PRESENT

Stephen was born within just two weeks of the NHS being formed and was among the first babies born into it. “I’m a staunch supporter of it, it was incredibly important, especially in poor communities like Scunthorpe. It remains full of great people, but it’s also facing real challenges. We’re leaking talent from both ends; juniors are under pressure, walking away to other countries because of the pressure, whilst staff in their mid-50s are becoming disenchanted with the bureaucracy. Even the best facilities, like GOSH, rely on charitable funding, which is frustrating when, with the talent we have, we could but for the want of funding, continue to have a first class health service.”

THE FUTURE

Scunthorpe’s Stephen Westerby has co-pioneered the Jarvik 7 and subsequent 2000 rotary blood pump and his own mini VAD (ventricular assist device), having founded his blood pump bioengineering company, Calon Cardiology, in 2008. Stephen estimates £20m of funding and 10 years of further development will be enough to bring the latter into common use. n

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- DEEPINGS LITERARY FESTIVAL -

dEEpIngS LITErary

FESTIVaL

This month sees the debut of The Deepings Literary Festival, created by alumni of those who have saved their community library and want to celebrate the building as a community, with music, culture and food too...

Local libraries aren’t just an anachronism, say organisers of the inaugural deepings Literary Festival.

“In fact,” says ann Taylor, “this is one of the busiest libraries in Lincolnshire and, since becoming a community library a year ago, it has gone from strength to strength, and lends over 30,000 books each year, to our 2,000 monthly users.”

With the proliferation of, latterly, kindles, and ipads, but also competition from multi-channel TV, good old fashioned physical books, and libraries as a direct consequence, are struggling to retain support, which is why alumni of deepings Library - ‘the library that wouldn’t die’ wanted to celebrate its popularity and prove

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Words: Rob Davis.

that there’s still a place for the buildings within even modern communities.

“Stamford has its georgian Festival and grantham has its gravity Fields science festival,” says ann.

“We thought that the deepings should be able to host its own festival, so a number of volunteers have joined together to create a programme of events which are centred around the building and aim to highlight what a great resource a library can continue to be.”

Opposite: Making a special guest appearance at The Deepings Literary Festival is Alison Bruce the local crime author of Cambridge Black.

“We began discussions in spring last year and have been working to bring a programme of 13 events, involving internationally renowned authors as well as local writers.”

The programme includes performances of works by local speakers, some set to live music, as well as discussions and events for schools, too.

“The event will be funded and supported by South kesteven district Council, and we’re hosting it with help and advice from Stamford arts Centre,” says ann.

“We have a strong team with a wealth of experience, from district Councillor Judy Stevens, children’s author and illustrator

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- DEEPINGS LITERARY FESTIVAL -

Ellie Sandall whose latest book Everybunny dance, follows the heels of her previous much loved book birdsong, which has been read on Cbeebies.”

“We’ve book lovers Carol precey and helen morgan, author rosalind rendle (now writing the next in the ‘Strong Sisters’ trilogy following the success of Flowers of Flanders), as well as district and County Councillor phil dilks.”

“We’ve some great names, a stellar cast of writers of both fiction and non-fiction, storytellers and folk singers, from Louise doughty whose apple Tree yard was recently adapted for TV by the bbC, as well as historian alison Weir and an entertaining talk by martin davies, who is presenting the bewildering business of book Covers.”

“Friday is the big day for our schools, when a host of talented authors visit , including malorie blackman ObE, who held the position as Children’s Laureate until 2015. and of course, authors will include deepings’ own Ellie Sandall (see above) and Will hussey, co-author of the 11th book in the Spy dog series, Storm Chaser.”

“Food will feature large in the festival, with a luncheon hosted by top women’s author Erica James in the delightful Lilli’s Tea room and afternoon tea held at The bluebell helpston, where John Clare was potboy to the appropriate accompaniment of poet Stuart henson and folk duo, the Sheepish grin, builds on the food and festival links.

The bluebell's scones are legendary for those of us south of the county.”

“The event will culminate in a black tie gala dinner on Saturday evening when raconteur and wordsmith, gyles brandreth will do what he does best: that is, speak! he’s a regular on Countdown and the One Show, and really needs no introduction.”

“The finalé of the event will be Lincolnshire Letters aloud, and will be held at deeping St James parish Church. here, to the music of the Intermezzo String quartet and of course rousing verses of Lincolnshire poacher, we will revel in all that has come from the Lincolnshire pen, from notables 36

“It will be great to meet and listen to some of our bestselling authors including Alison Weir and Louise Doughty...” such as William Stukely, newton and from ordinary Lincolnshire folk too.”

Events across the festival will take place at venues such as Coronation hall, Lilli’s Tearoom and St guthlac's Church, as well as in the library itself.

Tim Walker who runs Walkers bookshops in Stamford and Oakham and was recent president of the booksellers association of the uk and Ireland will be selling books throughout the festival.

“I am really pleased that we will be supporting the deepings Literary Festival.

The quality of authors is simply amazing and the team have worked tremendously hard to bring such fabulous talent to the deepings.”

“It will be great to meet and listen to some of our bestselling authors including alison Weir and Erica James along with rising stars such as Louise doughty, who has recently received recognition as the author of the recent stunning bbC1 adaptation apple Tree yard.”

With 13 events in total and a diverse programme of both local and internationally renowned authors, the event promises to be a Festival to remember and will certainly put the deepings on the literary map.

“It is a testament to the strength of passion for libraries and their need for protection which has seen a host of top authors keen and eager to visit and generously support us,” says ann. n The Deepings Literary Festival takes place from 28th - 30th April 2017, for details of events, see opposite.

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Deepings Literary Festival...

Saturday 29th: Book Covers...

Best selling author of The Conjuror’s bird which was selected for the richard & Judy book Club and sold over 150,000 copies - and the mrs hudson series, martin davies will talk about book covers old and new.

The author covers his own personal joys and frustrations in discovering how a book gets its cover. Funny, furious and highly visual, this session is a must for anyone who has ever judged a book by its cover. martin is now based in the Vale of belvoir, where he hosts residential writing courses. n Held at Coronation Hall, Market Deeping, from 11.30am, £2.50.

Sat 29th: Alison Weir

Alison Weir’s ‘Fotheringhay and the fall of mary queen of Scots’ lecture, fronted by the top-selling female historian in the united kingdom. alison has sold over 2.7 million books worldwide.

She has published seventeen history books; her latest biography is The Lost Tudor princess, and her latest novel is katherine of aragon: The True queen, the first in a series of novels about the wives of henry VIII. alison has completed over 650 events over the years; these include at hampton Court palace, The Tower of London and peterborough Cathedral. music rediscover’d will play music that would have been heard in mary’s queen chamber.

n St Guthlac’s Church, Church Street, Market Deeping, 4.15pm, £6.

Saturday 29th: Gyles Brandreth

Black Tie Dinner in which gyles will regale his audience with entertaining anecdotes about his life and his books. gyles is a writer, prolific broadcaster, former mp and one of britain’s most sought-after award ceremony hosts and after-dinner speakers. a reporter on The One Show on bbC1 and a regular on radio 4’s Just a minute, his many books include The Oscar Wilde murder mysteries and the no 1 best-seller: The Seven Secrets of happiness.

n Taking place in the main hall of Deepings School, 7.30pm for 8pm, £45/head.

Sunday 30th: Letters Aloud...

Celebrating the written word through letters, cards and articles penned to and from ‘yellow bellies’ past and present, some famous, some ordinary leading not so ordinary lives. War, farming, politics, families, adventure, you will be captivated by the written words we have unearthed. read out by talented Lincolnshire folk accompanied by the magic that is the lively Intermezzo String quartet. n Deepings St James Priory Church, 7pm, £7.50.

DEEPINGS LITERARY FESTIVAL Friday 28th April: Alison Bruce Popular crime fiction and non-fiction author Alison lives near Cambridge, where she sets her detective novels.

Friday 28th April: Literally Pennyless Popular local folk band.

Friday 28th April: Louise Doughty An afternoon conversation and workshop with the award winning author of eight novels including the recently published Black Water.

Saturday 29th April: Poison, Pottage & Plague Karen Maitland is fascinated by the murder and magic of the Middle Ages - she has written seven thrillers.

Saturday 29th April: The Bewildering Business of Book Covers Martin Davies on book covers old and new.

Saturday 29th April: Lunch with Erica James Author of 20 bestselling novels including ‘The Song of the Skylark.’

Sat 29th April: The Travelling Talesman Family storytelling show by traditional story teller Cliff Eastabrook.

Saturday 29 April: Lynn Knight Telling Social History through Family Stories with the author of Lemon Sherbert and Dolly Blue, an account of the three generations of adoption in her family.

Sunday 30 April: Tour and Tea at John Clare Cottage including a performance by Pennyless.

Sunday 30 April: Stuart Henson and the Sheepish Grin Afternoon tea at The Bluebell at Helpston where poet John Clare was once the pot wash!

Sunday 30 April: Lincolnshire Letters Aloud 7pm Deeping St James Priory Church. www.deepingsliteraryfestival.co.uk

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What’s On...

REMEMBERING FRED

Find out What’s On this month with events taking place in different venues across the county. We look at some of the fantastic stage productions, what’s happening in stately homes and tribute acts...

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL CHOIR

Saturday 1st April Join the Lincoln Cathedral Choir as they perform St John passion by Johann Sebastian bach in the nave of Lincoln Cathedral.

Compared with the St matthew passion, the St John passion has been described as more extravagant, with an expressive immediacy, at times raw and unbridled. See the choir live on 1st april in the beauty of the Cathedral, a great way to celebrate Easter.

01522 561600, www.lincolncathedral.com

ARRIVAL: THE MUSIC OF ABBA

Saturday 1st April This high energy show features the vast catalogue of hits loved by many generations.

The winning formula of fantastic hits, harmonies, authentic costumes and first class vocals and musicians, recreates the true feel and thrill of a live abba show. Watch the incredible tribute at the new Theatre royal, Lincoln.

01522 519999, www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

FAMILY HOUSE TOURS

Thursday 6th, 13th, 20th April Join a guided tour to uncover some of the special stories about belton house. This interactive tour has a limited number of tickets available on each day, so pre-booking is strongly advised. belton house also has a number of Easter holidays activities in its calendar too. Check the website or call the number for more information.

01476 566116, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house

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Thursday 6th April relive the magic of Fred astaire with remembering Fred, a beautiful evening of song and dance, featuring a live band, singers and dancers from Strictly. It celebrates one of the true screen legends of our time. The event is held at the guildhall arts Centre in grantham.

- bIg VOICES -

01476 406158, www.guildhallartscentre.com

BILLY OCEAN

Thursday 6th April british soul icon billy Ocean has added a grimsby date to his uk headline tour Here You Are: The Best Of. With the release of his latest album soaring to number four, billy celebrated his highest charting album since 1989. The Caribbean queen star is britain’s biggest selling black artist of all time, with a string of multiplatinum hits. See him live at the grimsby auditorium.

0300 300 0035, www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

AN EVENING WITH MATT FORD

Saturday 22nd April matthew Ford is widely regarded as the finest big band singer in the uk and will enchant you with ballads from the greats Sinatra, Crosby, bennett and more. he is in constant demand performing with the best big bands and Orchestras in the land including halle and philharmonia.

01522 873894, www.lincolndrillhall.com

MICHAEL THE LEGACY

Sunday 23rd April an incredible tribute act, michael the Legend is set to be a powerful show at the Stamford Corn Exchange.

01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

THE RETURN OF NEVERLAND

Wednesday 12th April peter pan and Tinkerbell are struggling to keep the spirit of neverland alive. Over the last thirty years the magic has rapidly decreased, leaving peter pan and The Lost boys grounded and Captain hook and his crew docked. See this musical of the tale at new youth Theatre in Lincoln.

01522 519999, www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

COMEDY CURRY

Friday 14th April Spice up your night with curry, naan bread and poppadoms, and add a side order of laughs and entertainment. now in its sixth year, Comedy Curry is proving a recipe for success at the Lincolnshire Showground.

The event will feature talented comedians from all over the country for one laughterfilled night of entertainment, food and friends.

01522 522900, www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

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

CINEMA LIVE

Friday 21st April Join the talented cast as they perform the most iconic of movie hits from the 80s and 90s. get ready to sing a long to all time classics from hit movies including ghost, dirty dancing, Fame and The bodyguard at the new Theatre royal in Lincoln.

01522 519999, www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

STACEY KENT

Friday 21st April The internationally acclaimed and grammy nominated vocalist, Stacey kent, returns to Spalding’s South holland Centre with a brand new concert, featuring music from her latest album Tenderly.

01775 764777, www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

- COunTrySIdE LInCS -

Visit the Lincolnshire Showground for Countryside Lincs, a fun packed family day out about food, farming and the countryside this Easter holidays. now in its third year, Countryside Lincs returns to the Showground on Sunday 9th april with a fun-filled and interactive day.

GINO’S ITALIAN ESCAPE

Saturday 22nd April Fresh from a hugely successful fourth series of gino’s Italian Escape on ITV, gino d’acampo is taking his passion and flair for Italian cookery to live audiences next spring including grimsby auditorium.

0300 300 0035, www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

meet producers, crafters, farmers and lots of animals all in one place, to inspire young minds all about Lincolnshire’s heritage.

With a huge variety of activities in both indoor and outdoor zones, Countryside Lincs is the perfect day out whatever the weather.

The showground have several

different zones for children to explore including learning how to make and bake tasty local foods, getting hands-on with creative activities, and meeting farmyard animals big and small.

Children can even have a ride around the Showground on the big tractor and trailer.

In addition to all of this, the Showground also has two packed ring timetables packed full of displays for you to enjoy and this is including the popular dog and duck Show and The Sheep roadshow. Visit the website for more information.

01522 522900,

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

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What’s On...

PIANO MEN: GENERATION

Louise Doughty

Wednesday 26th April The music of billy Joel and Sir Elton John come to life in this multimedia show at new Theatre royal in Lincoln. Featuring a truly sensational world renowned seven piece band and amazing backing vocalists pulsing with energy, fresh from disney uSa, the Venetian hotel in Vegas and now on a World Tour and a first for the uk. at the new Theatre royal in Lincoln.

01522 519999, www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

80S AND 90S NIGHT

- dEEpIngS LITErary FESTIVaL - naTIOnaL gardEnS - TaLkS FrOm 28Th TO 30Th SChEmE aprIL -

LOUISE DOUGHTY WOODLANDS

Louise, an author of Sunday 2ndaward-winning April eight novels, plus radio plays, will be a lovely mature woodland garden giving a talk at deepings Library. with a multitude of unusual plants.

This year BRUCE the garden will feature a ALISON popular crime fiction andisnon-fiction new asiatic bed which still being writer alison lives in and writes about developed.

Cambridge. at the Iron horse.

Fotherby, LouthTalking LN11 0UW

BURGHLEY KAREN MAITLAND

karen maitland fascinated by the Saturday 8th - 9this April middle ages with sevenatmedieval The private South gardens burghley thrillers.

Coronation will openShe’s with at spring bulbs inhall. a park like setting and the opportunity to enjoy MARTIN DAVIES the lake and hall, summerhouse. alsofamous at Coronation best-selling Stamford 3JY novelist PE9 martin davies guides you through the joys and frustrations of GRIMSTHORPE CASTLE how a best-selling book Saturday 8th - 9th Aprilgets its cover.

65 of large formal lawns, fine topiary ERICA JAMES author of 20hedges, bestselling novels, this is and formal kitchen garden, a rare opportunity chatrose to Erica over herbaceous borderstoand parterre. lunch in theBourne delightful Grimsthorpe, PE10 Lilli’s 0LZ tearoom.

LYNN KNIGHT EASTON WALLED GARDENS

Lifting 14th the lid on Women’s Lives’ at Friday April Coronation tellsforgotten the story 12 acres of hall, 400 Lynn year old of 20th century women through buttons gardens undergoing an extensive and the clothes they fashioned. renovation. Set in parkland with dramatic ALISONviews.

WEIR Easton NG33 5AP This prolific and accomplished author, a top selling female historian in the ASHFIELD HOUSE uk, will be giving Sunday 16th Apriltalks at St guthlac’s.

Ten acreBRANDRETH garden with sweeping lawns GYLES Join us in thearound deepinga School main constructed planting of hall for delicious threeare course meal trees andashrubs.

There 110 flowand acherries hilariousofand talk by ering 40 fascinating different varieties. special guest brandreth.

Branston, Lincolngyles LN4 1NS

FIRSBY STUARTMANOR HENSON

afternoon17th tea April at The bluebell where Monday poet and playwright Stuart will share Three acres surrounding a georgian his new publication ‘Feastthroughout of Fools.’ farmhouse with interest the is attheitsevents most n Foryear, morealthough informationitabout in the Deepings, calland 01780 or lovely in lateplease spring early763203 summer. visit www.stamfordartscentre.com.

Firsby, Spilsby PE23 5QJ

Saturday 29th April Enjoy an 80s and 90s night at the poachers hotel, part of the Supreme Inn group, with more information to be released nearer the date. On the 16th april, enjoy a three course Easter Sunday lunch and with chocolate treats at sister restaurant, the red Lion at bicker.

01205 822804, www.supremeinns.co.uk

LINCOLN FASHION WEEK

Saturday 29th April Lincoln has a fantastic fashion offer with global brands alongside independent designer labels from the south high Street to bailgate. The Waterside Shopping Centre and St marks Shopping Centre are hubs for shopping and a vibrant fashion course runs at the university of Lincoln. To celebrate fashion, Lincoln will be filled with events and entertainment for all to enjoy. don’t miss the launch night on the 29th at new Theatre royal and the spectacular finale catwalk show at alive Church on 5th may.

01522 545711, www.visitlincoln.com/fashion

ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Saturday 29th April The English String Orchestra, make their first visit to Lincoln with a programme celebrating the romantic string orchestra literature which lifted it to international acclaim.

01522 519999, www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

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bIg

- BIG SKIES -

skies

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LINCOLNSHIRE’S STUNNING ‘BIG SKIES’ HAVE HELPED TO RAISE OVER £4,700 FOR THE LINCS & NOTTS AIR AMBULANCE...

1

3

Rachel Rodgers of Surfleet has created a calendar made up from amateur photos of some of Lincolnshire’s most beautiful skies to raise £4,747 for the Lincs & notts air ambulance. In September rachel set up a Twitter account for local photographers to share their favourite photographs of the famous big skies of Lincolnshire. She then asked the account’s followers to submit photos to be considered for a calendar.

Out of more than 60 entries, 12 winning photos were chosen including these examples.

1.The river glen by nicola marshall.

2.Sunflowers at Sunset in hagnaby

by Jeremy plant.

3.The Lancaster over Tattershall Castle taken by Claire hartley.

4.dawn at Oxcombe by Jeremy plant.

5.Cleethorpes beach by glyn Fletcher.

6.Lincoln high bridge by andrew Scott.

n For more information on the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance or to find out how you can help to raise money, visit www.ambucopter.org.uk.

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6

5

n Rachel is planning to create another Lincs Skies calendar for 2018, so get shooting those skies! Keep an eye out on @LincsSkies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more information.

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- HISTORY -

Bolingbroke ThE SIEgE OF

Period dramas and epics tell us stories of great battles and bloody wars where men rode on horseback, sword in hand. The English Civil War between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists in the 17th century tore the country in two, causing destruction to so much of Britain, including Bolingbroke Castle near Spilsby. The siege of Bolingbroke in 1643 lead by Oliver Cromwell marked a decisive point in the war...

Horses galloping, flags flying, men shouting, and metal clashing. The stories you hear about some of the greatest battles in our country are so bloody and shocking, it’s hard to believe they happened.

The English Civil War is probably the best example of a battle fought on horseback this country has seen. It was principally over the manner of the government, a fight between parliamentarians - known as roundheads and royalists - known as Cavaliers.

king Charles I wanted to rule as an absolute monarch. he did a number of things that upset the largely protestant English parliament, including marrying a Catholic and refusing to call a parliamentary assembly for 11 years.

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

roundheads fought for parliament to take control while the Cavaliers defended the monarchy. a decisive moment in the war happened in our county; the battle of Winceby and eventually, the Siege of bolingbroke Castle.

In October, Sir John henderson, the royalist governor of newark-on-Trent, took 1,500 men, consisting predominantly of cavalry, with some dragoons and infantry, to relieve the garrison at bolingbroke. after a sharp skirmish they took horncastle from a small

The next morning, leaving enough men to stop the bolingbroke garrison from launching a sortie, the parliamentarian army took its position on kirkby hill, which overlooked bolingbroke.

They started a general advance towards horncastle, and eventually met the royalists advancing in the opposite direction at Winceby.

The field of battle was not ideal as the land falls away into sharp gullies on one side, but it was not poor enough to stop the battle.

The two forces were roughly the same size and composition, as each army’s infantries weren’t present; men on horseback advanced faster.

When Charles finally called parliament to raise money, they refused to discuss taxes, and brought forth a decade of grievances.

Eventually, Charles tried to have several of his parliamentary enemies arrested in 1642 and open civil war broke out as a result.

outlying detachment. The parliamentary detachment reported back to the main army that the royalists were moving towards them.

Main Image: Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War and the Battle of Winceby. Above: A re-enactment of the Battle of Winceby.

The ensuing battle lasted about half an hour. Cromwell feigned a retreat and lured the royalists from a good defensive position 45

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- HISTORY -

onto flat ground. The parliamentarians advanced on the royalists while they fired their weapons at them. Cromwell then led his main body of horse in a charge, hoping to press home his attack before the royalists had time to reload. however, dismounted royalist dragoons managed to fire a second time, hitting several parliamentarians.

Cromwell had his horse shot from under him, apparently by Sir Ingram hopton, who was himself killed in the subsequent fighting, and was only able to rejoin the battle after he had secured another mount. royalist cavalry decided to counterattack, hitting Cromwell’s right flank.

In the resulting melée, the royalists lost cohesion when a command to about face was taken to be an order to retreat and part of the royalists fled the battle.

On the roundhead’s left wing the Cavaliers enjoyed greater initial success, but the collapse of the royalist left and centre meant that they had to retreat or face envelopment. a flanking attack by Cromwell’s reformed cavalry was enough to cause the royalists to flee the field in confusion back towards newark.

In horncastle, at a place now known as slash hollow, some royalists were killed or captured when they became trapped against a parish boundary gate that only opened against them, and in their panic the press of men jammed it shut.

For the remainder of the day the roundheads hunted down Cavalier stragglers, not stopping until dusk when they were recalled.

The royalists lost about 300 men and the parliamentarians about 20 with a further 60 wounded.

parliamentarians left bolingbroke Castle under siege and proceeded to retake Lincoln and gainsborough. With all hope of relief gone, the garrison of bolingbroke Castle surrendered in november.

Above: Sir Thomas Fairfax, Oliver Cromwell’s right-hand man in winning the war. Main: The Battle of Naseby, a similar battle with Fairfax and Cromwell on the front line.

Inset: Bolingbroke Castle today.

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BATTLE OF WINCEBY The Royalists were led by Sir William Widdrington, while the Parliamentarians were led

by Oliver Cromwell and the Earl of Manchester.

The strength of the Royalists was 2,500 to 3,000 on horseback, compared to 3,000 men on horseback and 2,000 on foot in Cromwell’s army.

The casualties and losses for the Royalists totalled 200 to 300 killed and 800 taken prisoner while only 20 Parliamentarians were killed.

Thus Lincolnshire, which had been almost entirely in the royalists’ hands before being compelled to undertake the siege of hull, fell into the hands of parliamentarians.

For parliament’s Eastern association, this battle meant their first major campaign. It was also the first nationally important victory for Cromwell’s cavalry and the first battle in which he fought side-by-side with Sir Thomas Fairfax, with whom he would finally destroy the royalist cause.

The battle of Winceby didn’t just foreshadow the bigger battle yet to come for Cromwell and Fairfax, but the end result of the English Civil War as well.

The overall outcome was threefold; the trial and execution of king Charles I in 1649,

and the exile of his son, Charles II in 1651.

It also saw the replacement of the English monarchy with the Commonwealth of England between 1649 and 1653, followed by the protectorate under the personal rule of Oliver Cromwell. after Cromwell’s death, and a brief period of rule under his son richard Cromwell, the start of the restoration of the monarchy began.

Though the monarchy was restored in 1660 with Charles II’s crowning, the rebellion established that the king could not rule without parliament’s support.

So next time you watch a re-enactment, documentary or drama of cavalry colliding, remember that the battles were real, and they happened right on our doorstep. n

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Bolingbroke Castle Today PART OF ENGLISH HERITAGE

Bolingbroke Castle, although destroyed during the siege, still remains, currently owned by the English Heritage. Its destruction in the 17th century war didn’t stop it from having a long lifetime, being built in the 13th century.

An extremely powerful member of the royal court, John of Gaunt became the guardian of Richard II when the young king succeeded to the throne at the age of 10.

John of Gaunt and his first wife, Blanche, lived at the castle during the 1360s. Their son, Henry of Bolingbroke, was born there in 1367.

Henry had a tempestuous relationship with his brother Richard II and was exiled in 1397. He returned to England after the death of his father in 1399, enraged that the king had seized the estates he had inherited. Richard was in Ireland, attempting to quell a rising, when he heard of Henry’s return.

These events marked the end of Richard II’s reign.

Henry of Bolingbroke was encouraged to claim the throne of England from his unpopular rival, and Richard was imprisoned. Soon afterwards, Henry was crowned king as Henry IV. There is no documentary evidence to suggest that Henry IV ever returned to his birthplace. n For more information about Bolingbroke Castle and to visit, please go to the website www.englishheritage.org.uk or call 01529 461499.

Right: Henry IV was born at Bolingbroke Castle, and alternatively known as Henry of Bolingbroke.

Left: Charles I was trialled and executed as a result of the English Civil War.

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ESCAPE to the COUNTRY It’s hidden away in the countryside surrounding Louth, perhaps a little too well hidden.

This month we think diners across Lincolnshire will benefit from a reminder that Kenwick Park provides dining, golf and spa treatments not just for its residents or members, but for anyone who lives in the county... Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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- EATING OUT -

meet the CHEF CHRIS McIVER, HEAD CHEF, KENWICK PARK

Nobody could argue with the quality of food at kenwick park. nobody could take issue with the idyllic countryside surrounding the hotel. Certainly nobody could object to the number of activities available on the estate.

but there’s a problem. because the hotel is hidden away in 320 leafy and wellestablished acres, because it’s firmly established in the county, and because much of its business comes from out of the area, the hotel is sometimes overlooked by local diners.

That’s a shame, because dining is available not just to those staying in one of the 34 bedrooms and 25 luxury lodges, but to all visitors seeking quality dining in a lovely setting.

“THIS MONTH, WE’RE CELEBRATING THE HOTEL’S DINING, AND THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS HEAD CHEF, CHRIS McIVER...”

CV: Chris was born in Grimsby and trained at Grimsby College. He spent a couple of years working at Cleethorpes’s Beaches and at Riverside. He arrived at Kenwick Park in April 2012... happy fifth anniversary Chris!

kenwick began life as a private estate and was converted into a hotel as recently as 1992. It’s always been popular as a golfing venue with an 18 hole championships course, plus the addition of a health club, rebuilt last year as a state of the art spa, and kenwick park’s popularity as a wedding venue - hosting 70 weddings a year - have given it really diverse appeal.

but this month, we’re celebrating the hotel’s dining, and the fifth anniversary of its head Chef, Chris mcIver, a local chap, born and raised in grimsby who first arrived at kenwick park in april 2012. Working in a brigade of six, he’s prepared dishes for us to show off from the hotel’s Fairways restaurant.

Food Wisdom: “I think the secret of good dining is to use fresh ingredients, and to make sure that front of house and the kitchen both work together to provide a really good experience.

Food Heaven: “I love spring minted lamb!”

Food Hell: “I really don’t like rhubarb!”

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>> The restaurant is open in the evenings seven days a week, with daytime service in the restaurant by request, or in the adjacent bar with a dedicated bar menu.

providing 40 covers, the restaurant’s single menu comprises six starters, three sharing boards (a ‘ploughman’s platter, plus Taste of the Seas and mediterranean-themed boards), as well as four salad options.

There are nine main course choices, four further hot skillets, and a trio of grill options, as well as seven sides. dessert options include five puddings, plus a cheese option and a choice of ice creams and sorbets.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch Service - Bar 12pm - 6.00pm Monday to Saturday Evening Service - Restaurant 6.00pm -9 .15pm Monday to Sunday.

Sunday Lunch - Restaurant 12.30pm - 2.30pm.

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- EATING OUT -

on the MENU FROM THE À LA CARTE MENU AT KENWICK PARK Starters

Chicken liver and cognac parfait with sweet red onion jam and warm crusty brioche £5.95.

Chargrilled bourbon glazed pork belly with smoked paprika and sweet potato purée £6.25.

Seafood risotto primavera with shavings of parmesan and fresh peas £6.95.

Main Courses

12-hour slow cooked blade of beef with thyme fondant potato, glazed root vegetables and red wine sauce £16.95.

Local suppliers feature throughout the menu, with LkTE providing fruit and veg, Fairburns of Louth providing meat, and the fish used by the brigade arriving fresh from grimsby docks each day. highlights of the menu during our visit included a chicken liver parfait starter, flavoured with cognac and served with a crusty, homemade brioche.

We followed up our starter with a blade of beef, cooked slowly over 12 hours and served with thyme fondant potato, glazed root veg and a lovely unctuous red wine gravy.

Our two desserts were a carrot cake served with blackberry and a duo of cocoa with dark chocolate brownie and milk chocolate and Cointreau mousse, served with a homemade biscotti on the side.

In addition to à la carte dining provision at kenwick park, look out for a series of special evenings throughout the year as the hotel continues to remind local diners that it’s not a restaurant for residents.

kicking off its supper club on 26th march is the first of six monthly themed evenings, focusing on food by nationality or seasonality.

The evenings will cost £29.95 per couple and include two courses and wine.

The exact programme of evenings is still to be confirmed, but look out for a gin & Jazz evening on 14th July, and a Strictly Come dancing-themed murder mystery evening on Friday 13th november.

Otherwise, you’ll enjoy great dining and, of course, the option to enjoy a round of golf, or one of a number of Club Spa treatments. packages are available which will enable you to enjoy a half-day, full-day, twilight and or overnight spa visit, with the usual array of massages, facials, manicure and pedicure treatments. The new £4.5m spa is a superb facility, and has already seen around 5,000 people through the door.

With spa treatments, plus golf and superb dining, kenwick park isn’t just for those visiting from out of the area, it’s a compelling option for locals seeking quality dining too.

pan fried seabass fillets with seared Chorizo, three bean and coriander broth and shallow fried samphire £17.95.

Chargrilled kenwick classic burger served in a boule bun with crispy bacon, mature cheddar, baby gem and pickles with double cooked chips £12.95 Desserts

duo of chocolate with dark chocolate brownie and light chocolate & Cointreau mousse, and biscotti biscuit £6.95.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n For bookings, call Kenwick Park Hotel, Louth LN11 8NR, via 01507 608806 or see www.kenwick-park.co.uk.

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v

The Bustard Inn Award winning food freshly prepared from local ingredients AA Rosette • Michelin Recommended

e

Beautifully restored historic building Delightful beer garden • Private dining areas Warm, friendly, first class service • Licensed for weddings

e

À La Carte Menu - Sunday Lunch Menu - Light Lunch Menu Early Bustard Menu - Children’s Menu GOURMET SEAFOOD EVENING - Friday 31st March Please visit our website for further details

The Bustard Inn

Main St, South Rauceby Sleaford NG34 8QG

01529 488250

www.thebustardinn.co.uk Tues–Sat 12 noon – 2.30pm, 6pm–9.15pm, Sun 12 noon – 3pm

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mille Feuille

- RECIPES -

with white chocolate, pistachios & raspberries (Serves 6)

For the caramelised puff pastry: 350g Puff Pastry 50g Icing Sugar For the soaked raspberries: 30-40 raspberries 50ml Cointreau For the chocolate cream: 100g White Chocolate 50g Mascarpone 300ml Double Cream For the pistachio cream: 1tbsp Pistachio Paste 3tbsp Condensed Milk 200ml Double Cream 50g Mascarpone

For the raspberry purée: 100g Raspberries 50g Caster Sugar

Recipes: Steven Bennett, The Lincolnshire Chef.

Styling: Charlotte Hay, The Creative Larder.

Not only does this dessert and sweet treat look pretty and taste delicious, but it’s super simple to put together, and all of the components can be made ahead of serving to save time.

make the pistachio cream by mixing mascarpone, condensed milk and pistachio paste together with an electric whisk.

raspberries need a steady heat to grow, and are produced in heated greenhouses throughout the colder months, meaning these delicious sweet fruits are available from January through to december. If you can’t get hold of fresh raspberries, you can replace with frozen raspberries.

To make the raspberry purée, blend together fresh raspberries and 50g caster sugar. pass through a sieve and leave with the other ingredients until ready to serve.

raspberries are generally available in british supermarkets all year round and sourced from within the uk.

preheat your oven to 180ºc before rolling out your puff pastry onto a greased baking sheet. Cover with icing sugar and place another baking sheet on top with some heat proof light weights.

bake for 20 minutes until crisp and golden, and cut into 12 equal rectangles with a shape knife.

Leave to cool before placing in an airtight container until ready to serve.

To make the chocolate cream, melt the white chocolate and 50ml of cream over a bain-marie.

Once melted, place into a bowl and whisk together with the mascarpone, before adding the remaining 250ml double cream and whisking together until it forms a semi whip.

The cooling of the chocolate will do the rest of the work and set it even further. place into a piping bag and place in the fridge.

add the double cream and whisk together until thickened. place into a piping bag and place in the fridge. using condensed milk in sugar helps to eliminate any graininess giving a smooth consistency.

To plate each mille feuille, splatter a tablespoon of the raspberry purée on a plate and place one of the cooled caramelised rectangles of puff pastry on top. alternate between piping white chocolate and pistachio cream with fresh soaked raspberries to fill up the first layer. place another rectangle of the caramelised puff pastry on top of the first layer and repeat, topping with the third and final rectangle of puff pastry.

repeat this method for the remaining five mille feuilles and save any left over purée or cream in the fridge, storing up to three days.

This is such a simple recipe, and creates a dessert that will impress your guests. It’s a dessert to welcome you into spring, with the nuttiness of the pistachio cream to the sweetness of the raspberries. n This recipe is courtesy of the Lincolnshire Chef at the Comfy Duck in Grimsby. Visit www.thecomfyduck.co.uk.

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Main: Smoked salmon and prawn parfait.

SprIng FOrWard Words & Images: Rob Davis.

One of the pleasures of April has to be the opportunity to venture out and about and enjoy spring dining... and if you’re short of a suggestion we’ve a corker this month in the form of the very wonderful Woodhouse Arms in Corby Glen...

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- EATING OUT -

meet the CHEF WE MEET ONE OF THE PUB RESTAURANT’S CHEFS, BART DONICZ

Love at First Sight: “I’ve been working here for about two and a half years.

I loved the look and feel of the place right from the start!”

Who doesn’t love spring? The plunging temperatures and hassle of winter are a distant memory, we’re over that risky ‘will it snow?’ period, and lots of snowdrops, crocuses and aconites are cheering us up, whilst days become lighter, longer and a little warmer.

Then, of course, there’s spring dining.

Lamb, asparagus, new potatoes and all of the other delights of the new season.

It’s a season when we’re all more inclined to venture out and as such we’ve a corking recommendation in the form of Corby glen’s Woodhouse arms.

The pub restaurant is about 25 minutes from grantham, newark, Sleaford and only about 10 minutes from bourne.

Owners amanda and Ian Clayton treated their derelict country pub to a makeover in

“THE WOODHOUSE ARMS IS A GREAT ‘HIGH-END PUB’ WITH CREATIVE FOOD, AND CONSISTENT HIGH QUALITY...

2013, and the result is a really good high-end pub restaurant that provides creative food, consistent high quality and a really nice atmosphere.

There’s a bar area with flagstones and a lovely roaring fire - in case the warmer weather is yet to make its presence felt - as well as a rustic dining room with stripped pine furniture and exposed stone at the front of the building, as well as a more formal restaurant at the back of the building.

There’s a total of about 100 covers, 22 staff and a team of five full time chefs, but amanda says her most valuable achievement is fostering the happiest environment for them to all work in. >>

Food Wisdom: “The love that Amanda and Ian have for good ingredients, used well, shows, and we’ve a really stable team, which ensures consistency too.”

Food Heaven: “I love beef, and I really do think that our beef roulade is one of our best dishes; rich, warm and delicious!”

Food Hell: “Anything that hasn’t been thought about and prepared with love!”

Right: Bart and a five strong team of chefs provide quality and consistency.

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>> amanda claims to retain team members longer, keep them well-motivated and as result, enjoys better consistency than other restaurants might achieve to ensure that whenever you dine and whoever’s in the kitchen, the same standards are prevalent.

Satisfying dining is achieved not just with a nice setting and a happy team, but with the addition of some fine local ingredients, too, with nearby suppliers too numerous to list.

keeping things nice and simple, there’s a single menu, available during daytime and evening service, with six starters, eight main courses, as well as six desserts.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Lunch: Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 2.00pm.

Dinner: Monday to Saturday 5.00pm to 9.00pm,

Saturday: 12 noon - 9.00pm.

Sunday: 12 noon - 4.00pm.

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- EATING OUT -

on the MENU À LA CARTE MENU AT THE WOODHOUSE ARMS

Starters

Smoked Salmon & Prawn Parfait with Bruschetta Crisp £6.25.

Ham Hock Terrine with Woodhouse Piccalilli & Toasted Brioche £5.75.

Manchego Cheese Croquette with Spiced Tomato Relish £5.75.

Main Courses

Beef, Bacon & Grain Mustard Roulade with Celeriac Mash & Braised Red Cabbage £12.95.

There’s a specials board too, with about six daily changing options. The Woodhouse is the same distance from most places in South Lincolnshire and from Peterborough too, making it a popular meeting place for friends seeking a light lunch and a catch up, or morning coffee. As such there’s a decent selection of sandwiches and paninis. But really, you’re missing a trick if you don’t give proper dining a whirl.

Happily - and actually due to requests from diners - the Woodhouse Arms has extended its opening hours and opens the kitchen from 5pm most days a week, particularly on a Monday, the traditional sabbath of the hospitality industry.

Chef Bart Dunicz’s favourite dish is his beef and grain mustard roulade. Served with celeriac mash and braised red cabbage, it’s flavoursome, with a rich jus and lovely smokiness from its bacon. Even our pictured vegetarian option of bubble and squeak cake had lots of flavour, thanks to a spiced tomato sauce.

Desserts include our chocolate roulade and a Baileys Irish Cream cheesecake. Naturally, desserts are all made in house, and by way of an accompaniment, there’s a choice of 33 bins of wine topping out at no more than £35.

Nearby, there’s Grimsthorpe Castle, ideal for those seeking a walk in pretty gardens, whilst Easton Walled Garden with its spectacular spring display of snowdrop is just ten minutes away. Combine a meal at The Woodhouse Arms with either of those venues, and you’ll be very happy indeed... and Amanda’s team is even offering an Escape to the Pub promotion with a two course meal, and overnight stay for just £99 this season.

Great presentation, imagination and a wealth of flavours in every well-considered dish makes dining at The Woodhouse Arms a real pleasure. If winter has brought with it a sense of cabin fever, now is definitely the ideal time to enjoy getting out and about again, and as part of your spring rehabilitation, a visit to Corby Glen is highly recommended and most definitely worthwhile!

Bubble & Squeak Cake with Poached Hens Egg, Spicy Tomato Sauce £10.95.

Rolled Fillet of Plaice with Smoked Salmon & Prawns, Creamy Leek and Dill Sauce, Sautéed Potatoes £13.50.

Desserts

Chocolate & Meringue Roulade with Raspberry Ice Cream £5.95.

Baileys Cheesecake with Chocolate Shard £6.25.

Woodhouse Cheese Plate £7.50.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n The Woodhouse Arms, Bourne Road, Corby Glen NG33 4NS. Call 01476 552452 or see www.thewoodhousearms.co.uk.

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beside the Seaside...

THIS MONTH WE HAVE A ROUNDUP OF THE BEST FISH DISHES WE’VE BEEN SERVED IN SOME OF THE COUNTY’S BEST RESTAURANTS AS WE STEP INTO THE FRESHNESS OF SPRING...

MOULES MARINIERE

Bar ‘67, the new bar at the Lincoln hotel served a seafood meze; moules marinière, tempura seabass, scottish smoked salmon, roast crevettes, and smoked trout £12.95.

01522 520348, www.thelincolnhotel.com.

n The Ram at Newark offers fine dining experiences, especially when it comes to their fish dishes.

We enjoyed herb crusted lemon sole fillets served with poached mussels

n The Green Man in Norton Disney served pan fried loin of cod with parmentier potatoes, spinach, chorizo and thyme cream sauce.

01522 789804, www.thegreenmannortondisney.co.uk.

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and prawns, sautéed potatoes, and lemon dill emulsion for just £16.50.

Lime and garnish finished the presentation off beautifully.

01636 940220, www.theramnewark.com.

n BROWNLOW ARMS, HOUGH-ON-THE-HILL a unique and delicious dish is brownlow arms’s whole Torbay sole with garlic and lemon gnocchi.

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- SAMPLE DISHES -

presented beautifully

The Green Room at the Lincoln hotel serves pan fried sea bass with tempura vegetables and sautèed potatoes with spinach velouté, definitely a fresh taste for spring.

01522 520348, www.thelincolnhotel.com.

A SMOKED STARTER

A visit to the Woodhouse Arms saw us enjoy a course of smoked salmon and prawn parfait.

Fish features in many dishes at the Woodhouse Arms.

01476 552452, www.thewoodhousearms.co.uk.

The Wheatsheaf Inn served pan fried hake fillet, potato terrine, green lip mussels, pea puree and peas. The fresh pea taste blended beautifully with the freshness of the hake fillet and mussels.

01400 281458, wheatsheafdrydoddington.co.uk.

01400 250234, www.thebrownlowarms.com.

n Featured dishes are representative examples of our featured chefs’ skills... the menus of our featured restaurants change frequently so dishes are subject to availability. Check each restaurant’s website prior to your visit for an up-to-date menu.

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Easter Dining IN THE HEART OF LINCOLNSHIRE Spring means locally sourced produce and a wealth of new dishes on the menu at The Queen’s Head, the home of quality dining in the heart of Lincolnshire...

Located on the A17, Kirkby La Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NU

Call 01529 305743 www.thequeensheadinn.com

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The Queen’s Head Q U A L I T Y P U B R E S TA U R A N T

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The gin from the home of great whisky...

Wine of the Month Ascheri Pisapola Barolo, Italy, £29.99 / 75cl, Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo 14% ABV

Botanist, the artisan gin with 22 botanicals

A recommendation for all gin drinkers, The Botanist is an artisanal Islay gin from the isles of Scotland, usually associated with peat-ey whiskies. It uses 22 local botanicals, hand-picked by expert foraging team. Rich and mellow with coriander and aniseed. £38.49/70cl, 46% ABV.

“If you’re hedging your bets as to what the weather will do this month, this high-end Barolo will suit spring roast dinners and game too.”

The Wine Cellar THIS MONTH OUR WINE WRITER HARISH KHANDERIA PRESENTS HIS APRIL FOOLS: A GIN FROM THE HOME OF ISLAY WHISKY, AND AN ENGLISH WHISKY THAT’S ACTUALLY A SHERRY...!

RIOJA AND ROLL: A TEMPTING TRIO OF WINES USING THIS FRUITY FAVOURITE 1. The first of two Riojas from Bodegas Valdemar Reserva.

Complex aromas with subtle spicy notes and ripe black fruit touches. Potent and fleshy, taste of ripe fruits and oak. £17.99 / 70cl / 13.5% ABV. 2. A successful white Rioja from Bodegas Valdemar - Finca Alto Canpabria which blends modern fruit and traditional oak ageing: lemony, smoke and vanilla scented, with subtle aromas of peaches and apricot. £15.99 / 70cl / 13.5% ABV. 3. A fresh, neatly proportioned Ribera del Duero, with bright black cherry, violet and vanilla aromas. A delicious juiciness in the mouth gives way to a poised, appetising finish. £14.49 / 70cl / 13.5% ABV.

Brilliant intense garnet colour.

The wine displays the characteristic, ethereal and intense bouquet with notes reminiscent of violets and ripe fruit.

Full-bodied, soft, velvety, persistent palate, austere but harmonious and pleasant. n

A Uniquely British Liqueur Pedro Ximenez Spirit

When is a whisky not a whisky?

The English Whisky Co matures some fine single malt whiskies in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks, but this spirit defies description either as a sherry, or a whisky.

These casks are full of beautiful rich dark flavour and the resulting drink is a wonderful fortified wine, that makes a superb drink for many occasions. It’s also glorious poured over ice cream. £24.95 / 70cl, 20% ABV.

n Our featured wines are available from Lincolnshire’s best independent wine merchants, prices RRP and may vary from those stated.

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rIVEr The house by the - LINCOLNSHIRE HOMES -

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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For commercial property expert Rachel Rowley, a property by the river was the perfect way to avoid the hassle of a property restoration.

Offering plenty of space for children, dogs and horses, it’s currently on the market seeking new owners, and we think it’s a great prospect!

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RIVER HOUSE MAIN STREET, CAREBY

Above: The living kitchen room is surrounded by natural light on three aspects.

“We’ve done it before,” says rachel rowley.

She’s looking out of the window over two acres of paddocks and stabling after a morning ride.

“you renovate a property, and live in chaos and muck for a year or two. We didn’t want that again, so what appealed about this place was the fact that it was already completed, whilst still affording us just enough scope for adding some finishing touches.” rachel’s home is river house, and it’s situated in Careby, within easy reach of Stamford, and close to Witham hall School.

“I’m from horninghold originally, but moved to norfolk, and returned to the county seeking a place at a good school for my son george.”

“For a property in the country, this is a surprisingly convenient location. you’re not in the middle of nowhere, but there’s enough space to enjoy life in the country.”

It’s uncertain how old the property is, but the previous owners completed a full refurbishment on the house, which is set in two acres.

Location: Stamford 6.8 miles, market deeping 11 miles.

Style: a period barn farmhouse set in two acres, restored by previous owners.

Bedrooms: Five, with master en suite and dressing room, three further en suites & family bathroom.

Receptions: Four, currently arranged as drawing room, lounge, dining room, living kitchen.

Other Features: paddocks and stabling for horses.

Price: £1,490,000.

rachel and partner Timothy bergerison purchased the house in 2011, and aside from some remedial light redecoration work, they’ve done little else to the house.

arranged over two floors, there’s a satisfying combination of the results of a modern refurbishment and the retention of period style to be found. The front door, for example, is a thick timber one, reclaimed from a church.

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>> at the heart of the house is a living kitchen with light on three aspects. It’s a bespoke kitchen created by Laura deaton of Intone designs in bourne.

With bespoke cabinetry finished in Farrow & ball’s pavilion grey, and granite surfaces, it incorporates a two oven electric ‘Total Control’ aga, as well as the usual array of modern appliances. a separate utility room and a boot room keeps family clutter and white goods out of the way too.

There’s a formal living room with southfacing French doors to west wing of the house, and above this casual sitting room is a further reception room, ideal as an office or games room. meanwhile, a sitting room and adjacent dining room on the east wing of the house feature stone fireplaces and period features line stone lintels and oak beams throughout.

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On the property’s first floor, there’s a master bedroom suite above the living kitchen with an en suite and dressing room. With three further bedrooms with en suites and a further bedroom and family bathroom too, residents and guests alike are afforded plenty of space and privacy.

Separate to the house is a triple garage incorporating a garden store, the entire first floor of which provides further storage.

Separate to this is detached purpose-built stabling and tack space for rachel’s three horses. The grounds are mature and mostly laid to lawn, providing ease of maintenance and giving two substantial paddocks for her animals. To the bottom of the garden there’s a quint river, a tributary of the glen.

“There are lots of lovely walks and riding opportunities around here too,” she says.

“We’re just a stone’s throw from grimsthorpe Castle, which is especially beautiful, and pickworth Woods is a beauty spot that’s ideal for spring dog walking.”

“When we moved here my son was younger, and I didn’t want the hassle of a project. I’m getting itchy feet though, and though I’m in two minds as to whether to leave, I’ve put the property on the market.”

“I’m never going to find a house that’s as nice as this, but I’m seeking a project with even more land for the horses. It’ll break my heart to leave the place though!” n

Above: The sitting room in the west wing the house has south-facing French doors.

Right: The sitting room area of the family’s dining kitchen, and their pooch too.

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- LINCOLNSHIRE HOMES -

“I’M NEVER GOING TO FIND A HOUSE THAT’S AS NICE AS THIS, BUT I’M SEEKING A PROJECT WITH EVEN MORE LAND FOR THE HORSES. IT’LL BREAK MY HEART TO LEAVE THE PLACE THOUGH!” Left: The bespoke kitchen was created by Intone Designs.

Above: The bathrooms feature Porcelanosa fixtures and tiling.

Below: There’s a total of five bedrooms and five bathrooms on the first floor.

n River House is currently on the market for £1,490,000 with Moores Country & Equestrian, Station Road, Grantham, NG31 6BT. Call 01476 242045 or see www.mooresestateagents.com/country-equestrian.

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- INTERIOR DESIGN -

made to measure Bespoke curtains and blinds can have a transformative effect on any room, but for one Lincolnshire homeowner, made to measure blinds created by Geoff and Jennie Durrans were the perfect way to complete a brand new living space, and turn a house into a home...

“It really has made the room,” said one Lincolnshire householder, from the timber-framed extension of her 1950s bungalow north of boston.

“The other really great recommendation that geoff made was to have electrically powered systems to raise and lower the blinds by remote control. It seemed like a gimmick but actually it’s really practical as you don’t have to stretch to operate them, there are no untidy looking cords to tangle up and they are also fully child safe too.”

“It’s a lovely house, but we wanted more living space, a large kitchen which incorporated a living room and dining area.”

Completed in 2016 the new room enjoys wonderful south-facing views, solid oak floor with underfloor heating, a large glazed roof light and solid timber beams and windowsills.

Once complete, it was a large, light space, but to add a soft but contemporary feel, the householder turned to geoff and Jennie durrans of doddington-based Osbourne blinds to create window treatments, scatter cushions, and to cover their existing dining chairs.

“From start to finish,” she says, “geoff and Jennie were superb. I think it’s important to pay for quality and honestly, the fit and finish were impeccable. They were great to deal with not just because of the end product, but because of the service too.”

geoff suggested fabric from Voyage - you’ll know the company from its trademark watercolour on canvas cushions and fabrics.

Choosing the brand’s hedgerow print in linen would ensure the design of the three 70

roman blinds that the couple created would provide a little colour and a good blend of traditional colours but a contemporary look to suit the exposed timber frame of the building and its location in the countryside.

“geoff also suggested voiles, too, which could be raised and lowered independently of the blinds themselves.”

“This was the best suggestion, because it enables us to diffuse strong sunlight without blocking out the natural light altogether.

It’s also a way to ensure that strong sunlight doesn’t fade out the other furnishings in the room,” she says.

“GEOFF AND JENNIE WERE SUPERB. THE QUALITY, THE FIT AND THE SERVICE WE RECEIVED WAS EXCELLENT...”

“We’ve been absolutely delighted and the blinds really have made the room something special. We first met geoff and Jennie at the Lincolnshire Show and we’ve used the company to create shutters for our kitchen, too. Their work is wonderful, and they’re a great company to deal with.”

geoff and Jennie’s 10 years of experience in the industry has ensured a keen eye for what looks good and works well, whether a customer is keen to install made to measure curtains, blinds, awnings or shutters.

“We’re stockists of brands like Voyage rOmO & Luxaflex, and have a huge number of fabric sample books so customers can gain a really accurate impression of how a finished design will look,” says Jennie.

“We offer a complete service from a free design consultation to the fact that we install each of our products ourselves. We think that offering a bespoke service is the best way to ensure the customer ends up with exactly what they want!” n

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THE UPS and DOWNS OF MODERN BLINDS The choice of material and colour is no longer the only determinant when choosing your blind: SMART CORD (pictured): Pull cord with safety retract and automatic lowering with one pull of the cord.

LITERISE: Eliminate cords with this simple push up, pull down system which operates the product at a touch of a finger.

POWERVIEW: A contemporary pebble remote (pictured) provides convenient control. It’s also compatible with an iPhone/iPad for timed operation.

You can set ‘scenes’ like ‘bedtime,’ ‘home cinema’ or ‘afternoon,’ SKYLIGHT: These integrate neatly into the frame of your window with no handing cords ideal for skylights. n

n Osbourne Blinds is based at Cedar Parc, Lincoln Road, Doddington, Lincoln LN6 4RR. For a no obligation consultation, call 01522 684371 or see osbourneblinds.co.uk.

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Top Quality Timber and uPVC Windows VIsit our Caythorpe showroom to experience unsurpassed quality, style and value...

The Old Barn, Elms Farm, Frieston Heath, Caythorpe, Lincs NG32 3HD

01476 578699 01400 272538 Windows | Doors | Bi-Folding Doors

www.new-window.co.uk

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Quality furniture & homeware, with ever changing pieces to suit all tastes and budgets...

Small items, larger pieces of furniture and a ‘finders’ service to help you source the perfect piece...

Vintage | Antique | Contemporary

391-392 High Street, Lincoln LN5 7SS

01522 543555

The Best of British There’s always new inspiration at Elizabeth and Stevens, perfect ideas for gifting, home and gardens...! Well worth a visit E+S xxx and online too x ELIZABETH & STEVENS The Showrooms, Great North Road, Markham Moor, Notts DN22 0QU

Tel: 01636 822000 | www.elizabethandstevens.com

Open daily Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Just off the A1.

Free parking. Please call us if you are making a special journey.

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- HOMES -

prints Charming...

WE’RE GOING BOLD THIS MONTH WITH RETRO PRINTS FROM OUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS. THE COMPANY IN LINCOLNSHIRE STOCKS SCION, A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER THAT IS DEDICATED TO CREATING BEAUTIFUL AND BOLD PATTERNS...

It’s now spring, and that means we can welcome all things bright and beautiful back into our homes.

a room that’s neutral and calming will always prove restful, but each room in your home should also have warmth and character, so this month, we’re springing into action with some floral prints, bold designs and mustard shades exploiting cheerful pink tones and other neon fabrics.

Our images feature fabrics and wallpapers from our local suppliers, a fantastic local stockist of Scion, a professional designer that likes to bring out vibrant and beautiful patterns in homes in a big way.

Commissioning a Lincolnshire stockist doesn’t mean a complete redesign of your home; local designers are happy to create curtains or blinds for a single window, or cover an old chair, as well as working on a complete redesign of a single room or your whole home. bespoke options aren’t simply limited to the creation of cushions and curtains.

Lincolnshire’s suppliers can also create totally Main: Stunning blue floral patterned wallpaper from the designer Scion stocked at our local suppliers. Right: A lot of Scion’s colour schemes are mustard and navy, creating a modern playful feel in any home.

bespoke sofa and chair frames working with uk upholsterers usually based in nottingham’s renowned Long Eaton, allowing you to create furnishing to your own dimensions, and choose details like piping, studding and bespoke legs.

Opting for bespoke furnishings for your home will provide a unique and cohesive look, one characterised by quality and up to the minute style. >>

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- HOMES -

Above: Patterned cushions are also sources for a little home DIY. Turn them into storage space to match the colour theme in your rooms.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR SOFT FURNISHINGS IN LINCOLNSHIRE

Left: If you would like to make a subtle introduction to pattern, try stripes.

Above: For a relaxed outside area used for entertaining, introduce bold coloured cushions that go well with nature.

Right: Bold navy patterns with a subtle introduction of green and cream.

Oldrids downtown Furniture Store, a52 boston pE21 7nL, 01205 350505, or gonerby Junction, a1 grantham, Lincolnshire ng32 2ab, 01476 590239, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Osbourne Blinds & Interiors 16 Cedar parc, Lincoln rd, doddington, Lincoln, Ln6 4rr. 01522 684371, www.osbourneblinds.co.uk.

Aitch Interiors no.4 The Stables, Wellingore hall, Wellingore, Lincoln, Ln5 0hX. 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

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quaLITy

TImbEr

If you’ve a period property, the opportunity to preserve the look and feel of your home, whilst saving money on energy bills and making your home more secure is an encouraging prospect.

Traditional Timber Windows’s Ryan and Shaun Kempster can help you replace your windows, without any ‘pane’...!

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There’s no doubting the appeal of traditional country homes, but as we emerge from winter, you may have felt the chill over the past month or two... it’s a chill that suggests you’ll benefit from brand new, beautifully hand-crafted timber windows.

That being the case, we’ll point you in the direction of ryan and Shaun kempster from Cranwell who founded Traditional Timber Windows in november 2012.

The two brothers have been taking the chill out of winter ever since, hand-crafting softwood and hardwood windows for more than 50 clients a year from their workshop.

“Too few things are available as hand-made, bespoke products these days,” says ryan.

“Our homes, especially period properties,

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- HOMES -

are so unique, and it’s so important to respect their look and feel, that fitting traditional timber windows is one of the best ways to show them the respect they deserve.”

The team create every window from totally bespoke measurements, and use sustainable oak, sapele or acoya wood, according to the client’s wishes and conservation rules.

With an average three month lead time, each of the company’s creations use traditional mortice and tenon joints, sophisticated pilkington k glass units. They can be painted to any Farrow & ball shade or raL number, with a practically limitless range of door furniture in brass, iron, satin chrome or antique black and a huge number of door furniture to choose from to create your desired look.”

“WE’RE A FAMILY BUSINESS, WITH A NO PRESSURESELLING POLICY AND A REAL COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER CARE,” SAYS RYAN. Choice of windows include box and mock sash, yorkshire sliding and casement windows, and of course the company offers bi-fold doors, glazed or solid doors and a range of other carpentry services from bespoke timber staircases to other architectural joinery for new homes and restoration projects. The team can even refurbish existing windows as an alternative for likefor-like replacement.

“We’re a family business, with a no pressureselling policy,” says ryan. “Our windows are guaranteed for anything from 10 years to 50 years depending on the wood, and we’ve a huge number of satisfied customers prospective clients can talk to, to seek reassurance that ours is a trustworthy family firm that values its excellent reputation.”

“Our site surveys, measuring service and no-obligation quotes are all designed to ensure that those seeking replacement windows, building a new country home or looking to take the chill out of next winter will all benefit from a commitment to quality.” n Traditional Timber Windows is based at The Beeches, Byards Leap, Cranwell, Sleaford, NG34 8EY. For more information call 01529 309123 or see www.traditionaltimberwindows.co.uk.

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Extensive Range of Modern & Traditional Stoves... n Live stoves on display n New showroom just outside Stamford n Expert advice and in-house fitting team Unit 18a I Station Road Business Park Barnack I Stamford I Lincolnshire PE9 3DW 80

01780 769274 |

Mon– Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm

www.stamfordstoves.co.uk | info@stamfordstoves.co.uk

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Creating room for Independence If you’ve an elderly or less able relative, ensure they can remain in their own home whilst providing extra peace of mind and safety, and improving the look of their home. Newark-based AHM can help to achieve all this and more...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Joni Cooper.

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- HOMES -

Independence is an important element of security and happiness in later years. If you or a relative are less mobile or visually impaired in later life, being able to remain in your home will mean the world.

That’s why ahm Installations, based in newark, work across Lincolnshire and all over the uk to create rooms for those with mobility problems, visual impairment, or those seeking the security and peace of mind of a safer bathroom or kitchen.

“We’re a family firm, founded over 25 years ago by Simon and Julie Symcok, with the couple’s son Charlie also helping us to run the business,” says Joni Cooper.

“We found a niche in creating bathrooms and kitchens that blend good looks and modern features with the ability to provide relatives with peace of mind, utilising features that make our rooms easier to use.”

“Ostensibly, this means creating rooms to cook, clean, bathe and relax in, but really, what we’re doing, is making our clients’ homes safer.”

The firm is based in Oldrids’s Lincoln based Tritton road store, and have a head office in newark. really, though, the team work in the field visiting clients and their relatives to advise on home improvements.

“We think it’s really important to be trustworthy when working with an older customer base,” says Joni.

“That’s why we have a strict no-pressure selling policy, provide free, no obligation quotations, use our own in-house fitters and project manage each job from start to finish, and why we offer a 12 month warranty on all of our installations.”

“We also provide living aids from walking frames to scooters, and from rise and recline chairs to smaller accessories for making everyday tasks easier.”

From wheelchair-friendly kitchens to those with low or rise-and-fall work surfaces and many other features, the firm can help to ensure that their customers can retain their independence for longer, remaining safer in their own homes.

n Find out more about AHM Installations’s bespoke kitchens and bathrooms for independent living, by calling 01522 500288 or 01636 821443 or see www.ahminstallations.co.uk. Visit the company’s showroom at Oldrids and Downtown, Tritton Road, Lincoln LN6 7TN.

The firm’s bathrooms and wetrooms are all bespoke designs, incorporating easy-access shower and bath cubicles, grab handles and safe, non-slip surfaces.

“We pride ourselves not just in the technical and safety features of our rooms, but also their modern appearance and functionality too. Ours is a really specialist task - to create a room that provides independence, peace of mind and helps to improve your home too.”

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

Quality Appliances

and the best customer service...

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Devereux Way, Horncastle LN9 6AU

Tel: 01507 527113 W: www.peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk E: info@peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk 84

45

Kettles, plus 40 Toasters, 30 Mixers & Blenders

Bagged & Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

118

40

100

Fridges, Freezers and Chest Freezers

Peter Jackson Cabinet Makers Ltd

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Washing Machines and Tumble Driers

Cookers plus ranges, built-in ovens & hobs

Ceiling, Wall, and Table Lights

All items on display in our showroom ready for immediate delivery. Ample free parking.

Norfolk St., Boston PE21 9HG 01205 350 737 www.bostonelectrics.co.uk Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 4pm

Peter_jacksonCM

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

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Scandi Style for your garden As our gardens wake from a long cold winter, it’s time to create compelling outdoor spaces which will suit the amount of time you want to spend in your garden, and the size and shape of your plot. Leonie Brown presents her ideas for fusing outdoor spaces with on-trend Scandi style...

Words & Images: Leonie Brown.

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- GARDEN DESIGN -

The days are starting to brighten with daffodils glowing and the prospect of warmer days temptingly close.

The garden is waking from its winter slumber, borders are beginning to fill and fresh bright green shoots are sparkling in the sunlight. Leonie from Leonie brown garden design has nurtured these little surprises to create planting schemes that give extra colour and dynamism to your garden.

planting can provide so much to a garden; colour, scent, sound, and structure – all these factors are carefully considered when each individual planting scheme is researched and created. but it is not just creating the scheme that excites Leonie – she wants to inspire clients to get in the garden and embrace the benefits and joys of gardening.

To achieve this aspiration, Leonie uses an informed knowledge of the client’s gardening ability, time commitment and site suitability to carefully select the right palette of plants.

When the garden needs more than some soft landscaping treatment, Leonie will fashion a new look to the outdoor room. With a strong influence from her Scandinavian background, Leonie creates contemporary gardens.

The Lincoln garden was created for a professional couple living in a modern development in the Lincoln area.

Well-established trees populated the garden, giving the space a gentle, wooded feel and lots of screening from neighbouring properties.

Leonie Brown - Designer Find Out More: Leonie is a garden designer specialising in the creation of both hard and soft landscaping elements to create compelling outdoor spaces.

Winston Drive Elston, Newark, NG23 5NX. Call 07821 760799 or see www.leonie browngarden design.co.uk.

The design facilitates a flexible, but modern space to entertain whilst allowing the garden to accommodate a future family.

The modern garden building informed the design and the elevated position enabled some levels to be introduced. The rounded box balls soften the linear design, with the lawn breaking up the density of the patio and decking areas. The low-level wall separates the lawn from the patio but offers ample impromptu seating.

The desire was to have a classic modern garden with clean, uncluttered lines and structure and inspiration came from a love of classic danish design and travels to Scandinavia. n

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Blooming in

bOSTOn

90

The market town of Boston in the south of the county has received some pretty negative press in recent years, but the town is thriving and so too are its gardens. Boston in Bloom has recently been awarded its second gold medal for its efforts in the East Midlands in Bloom competition...

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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- GARDENS -

Boston in

BLOOM Britain in Bloom is a nationwide community gardening campaign to transform cities, towns and villages. It has been improving local environments since 1964.

they achieved it because of their army of very willing volunteers. This includes the boston greenscapers and the South Lincolnshire horticultural Society.

The boston in bloom team claimed a silver award at its first attempt, and a silver gilt the following year.

2017’s activity is aimed at the central park, the grounds of the boston Stump, Witham Way Country park and haven bridge in preparation for the event.

boston has been in Bloom since 2012 though, in an effort to transform the market town and turn the attention away from the negative headlines to its success.

They missed gold by just a single point in 2014, but 2015 finally saw them claim gold and hold onto it in 2016. The team believe

“ON 13TH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, BOSTON IN BLOOM HAS AGREED TO HOST THE EAST MIDLANDS IN BLOOM COMPETITION AWARDS AT THE BOSTON STUMP...”

now, on 13th September this year, boston in bloom has agreed to host the East midlands in bloom awards at the boston Stump.

an area around the b&m store achieved a judge’s special award in 2016. In preparation for the competition, the raised beds next to boston police Station have been cleared and will be transformed into bee heaven using species such as verbena boriensis, geranium roxanne, bergamot and scabiosa. an avenue of multi-stemmed birches was planted at the Tawney Street entrance to Central park last autumn, but this year, the team will be re-vamping the Tawney Street public garden with metal arches and planting.

The borders next to the central pathway

OUR FEATURED GARDENS FOR APRIL...

Gardeners: Volunteers and local businesses, chaired by alison Fairman.

Locations: boston Stump, Witham Way Country park & haven bridge.

Features: Formal gardens, wildflower meadows, arches and silhouette Lincolnshire Long Wool sheep.

Contact: please visit www.bostoninbloom.co.uk or call 01205 314225.

Above: A mosaic made by members of a dementia help group. Despite its title, in bloom is not all about flowers, but more about any improvements to the environment.

Right: Alison Fairman.

Top: Begonias in Boston.

Left: The Boston Stump’s knot garden and parterre.

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- GARDENS -

into the park will also be replanted by bloom volunteers.

boston in bloom are working with the Friends group to provide large park sculptures and make the community orchard larger at the Witham Way Country park.

This year, the judges will return here for the first time since 2012. boston borough Council’s park staff, boston in bloom and the rotary has planted crocuses throughout the town.

boston police Cadets are also getting involved by creating another knot garden in the Stump grounds to complement South Lincolnshire horticultural Society’s garden (pictured). plenty of shade-loving ferns will also be planted by the church and boston in bloom volunteers to enhance the north border opposite County hall.

Springfields in Spalding has provided daffodil bulbs to create a mosaic of yellow flowers in the two large bell-shaped beds, which have been over-planted with yellow viola.

The White hart hotel has agreed to fund improvements to the garden area near Town bridge, which will have a maritime theme. bargate roundabout will feature new metal Lincolnshire Long Wool sheep, replacing the wooden ones, aiming to be a memorial to a big local supporter of the cause, garth Isaac.

PLANT of the MONTH Name: Tulips.

Description: a popular bulb, valued for their brilliant colours and shapes.

This month: Expect to see plenty of tulips growing in gardens this spring. It’s dubbed as old fashioned, but tulips are still as popular as ever. Spring is a quiet time for planting; get bulbs planted in autumn.

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“The efforts of all involved can’t be overrated,” says alison Fairman, chairman of the boston in bloom committee. “From volunteers who work hard on the ground through to support from local businesses and personal donations.”

“The standard in the large town category for the 2016 awards was the highest ever seen,” says councillor Claire rylott. “gold award winners were separated by only three marks. gaining gold for the second year running was a huge achievement for boston when one considers some of the other gold award winners and the much bigger resources they have access to.” “all this good work has a knock on effect. We have some very good schools which have startered to get involved, and last year boston West academy was not only a gold best school garden winner, but overall winner of that category.”

The britain in bloom campaign is vital in improving green space, and it’s fantastic that boston’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. n

“THE WHITE HART HOTEL HAS AGREED TO FUND THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GARDEN AREA NEAR TOWN BRIDGE, WHICH WILL HAVE A MARITIME THEME...”

Above: Judges at the urban meadow at the Haven Bridge and flowers outside the White Hart Hotel.

Main: The memorial gardens in the centre of the market town.

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Jobs for APRIL

TOP JOBS FOR YOUR FLOWER, VEGETABLE AND FRUIT GARDENS...

4 Continue to plant

herbaceous perennials.

4 Apply a layer of mulch

around your perennials.

4 Harvest asparagus spears 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

when they are no taller than 18cm.

Plant chitted potatoes in the ground or in potato grow bags.

Plant out your strawberry beds, place cloches over plants for earlier crops.

Cover fruit blossom with a fleece over night to protect them from late frosts.

Start to sow tomato seeds indoors in a greenhouse.

Pinch out the tips of your fuchsia shoots and sweet pea plants.

Repair any bare patches in your lawn.

Check your compost bins to see if there is any ready to be used.

Above: Reme mber to pinch fuchsia shoots and sweet pe a plants in Ap ril.

n For more information on Boston in Bloom, please visit www.bostoninbloom.co.uk or call 01205 314225.

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Nature

nOTES

Nature is returning to our gardens in April. We finally hear the morning chorus in full voice, start to see well-hibernated hedgehogs, and celebrate Earth Day...

Sticky

SpInES

Hedgehogs, when stimulated by a strong smell or taste, will self-anoint.

This means they cover their prickles in foamy saliva. No one is certain why they does this.

Spring is in the air in april, the month we all start to head outdoors again after hibernating through the winter months.

In correlation with this, april is full of nature celebrations including Earth day and picnic for the planet.

blackbirds will be flying high this year in search of pyracanthas, a red fruit, if the plants aren’t stripped of the berries already. robins and finches meanwhile are on the search for snowberries, white in colour.

The berry bushes are a good food source for the young birds and also provide good shelter from predators.

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Our summer birds will be coming back to the country this month and you’ll start to see more seabirds if you’re taking a stroll along the coast. as bird numbers increase, so does the volume of the morning chorus. Songbirds will be singing in full throttle in april.

horticulturally, watch out for woodland flowers, as these will be everywhere, while trees and hedgerows will finally be in leaf.

another clear sign of spring will be the butterflies emerging of all different varieties. Look out for these at nature reserves and in your back garden.

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- NATURE -

raInbOW

on Wings

As butterflies return to our gardens this month, here are a few you may see from April to May...

Speckled Wood is a common species found in woodland and scrub where grass grow in damper shaded areas.

Green-veined White are green in colour as larvae. A very adaptable and common species, it’s one of the world’s most successful butterfly species.

Above: Hedgehogs will start to come out of hibernation in April.

Opposite/Top: Robin red breast will still be on the search for snowberries.

Opposite/Bottom: Walk along the coast to see seabirds come out of nesting.

Opposite/Left: Grow wildflowers to see your garden come to life with nature this month.

you may see them particularly around early meadow flowers including orchids.

Spring is a glorious season as the days get longer and the sunshine brings growth and greenery; buds are fit to burst and leaves slowly unfolding. you won’t just see butterflies in april either. all sorts of welcomed insects are attracted to our gardens as flowers appear including the buzz of bees.

The first few warm days will be when hibernating animals slowly emerge. keep an eye out for any hedgehogs, newly emerged queen bees, frogs, grass snakes and toads.

If you have hawthorn in your garden, watch it burst into life as new fresh green leaves appear followed by creamy white flowers in late april.

The flower was known as May but now, we’re seeing the blossom in late april.

It’s a good idea to sow wildflower seeds this month if you want to bring nature into your garden.

If you would like see an abundance of nature, warts and all, create a pond as it’s the perfect time to attract toads and frogs.

They will travel long distances to find suitable ponds for their frog spawn and they travel at night. n

Orange-Tip is a distinctive spring butterfly. It is often seen in gardens and along hedgerows and roadside verges. It’s a fairly common butterfly.

Holly Blue butterflies emerge early in spring well before any other of the blues. It’s a common species but its population fluctuates often because of a parasitic wasp that feeds on holly blue larvae. You’ll see them around holly and ivy bushes.

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TRUSTED, PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL EXPERTS Rodents | Insects | Bird | Wildlife For homes, businesses and farms.

Discreet, professional and effective.

For free, no obligation pest control advice, call

01522 705 511

or see www.guardian-group.co.uk

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a FarmEr’S

- PEST CONTROL -

guardIan

agaInST ILLEgaL pEST COnTrOL New health and safety legislation means farmers and other businesses will require certification to be able to manage their own pest control matters in March 2017. That’s why Lincoln’s Guardian Group is stepping in to help farmers to protect their land, their buildings and their crops this summer...

Have you heard of CRRU? If you’re a farmer, or landowner, we hope so. Crru’s new code of practice is a 24-page document created by the industry for the health & Safety Executive which means that, from march 2017, farmers and similar professionals, who haven’t had the relevant training, won’t simply be able to purchase pest control supplies to protect their fields, farms and outbuildings.

combined fields hoping to take up residence in grain stores, in turn affecting the quality of farmers’ produce. We see many farmers who try to tackle pest control proactively with little success.”

“We understand the rodenticides we use, when its ineffective or illegal to use mechanical traps, and we have an expert understanding of the creatures’ behaviour.

So, we can always prove more effective than a layperson at proactively preventing pests, and getting rid of existing infestations.”

“The new rules are nothing less than a bible for pest professionals, farmers, gamekeepers, landowners and, eventually, it’ll apply restricted use for householders too,” says Lincoln’s adam hawley.

adam is the owner of guardian group, providing a range of pest control, Legionella and water hygiene services and specialised cleaning both in Lincolnshire and nationally, too.

he established his company in 2002, and has grown the business to develop a customer base which includes the united Lincolnshire hospitals Trust, rank group, priory healthcare, kFC and mcdonalds.

The new rules mean that he’ll be busier than ever. as the county’s largest pest control business, and the only Lantra trainer in the county, he’s able to come to the rescue by providing complete pest control services for private customers, and for businesses and farms, billed monthly with regular inspections to facilitate proactive control and monitoring.

Top: New legislation makes it more important than ever to make sure your pest control measures are within the law, says Guardian Group’s Adam Hawley.

“pest control doesn’t always mean poison.

Often the denial of food and water or habitat is enough to discourage them. When the new changes come into effect though, protected species like barn owls who have died by ingesting food containing poison will result in real problems for farmers.” he’s also the only provider that he knows of in the area for training in the new rules.

“The new code dramatically restricts the volume of pest control rodenticides that unlicensed users can purchase. It’ll also introduce a ‘best practice’ guide which advises on many of the approaches that professionals like guardian group have already adopted.”

“The new rules were supposed to be implemented in time for 2016’s harvest, but their introduction has been delayed. It’s a good job too, because many farmers have found themselves unprepared or unaware.”

“We’re already finding that farmers and other landowners are approaching us for advice in advance of harvest time when rats and mice will come scampering off freshly

“In short, now is the ideal time to seek a partnership with a reliable, proactive pest control expert who can provide a continuity of service and ensure you don’t fall foul of the new rules.”

“Tackling pest control problems yourself is often ineffective and more costly. Our training and pest control processes can ensure you achieve better results and contribute to operate within the new best practice guide, protecting the investment you’ve made in your buildings and in your crops.” n Adam Hawley of Guardian Pest Control provides legionella, hygiene, Pest Control & Deep Cleaning of commercial, healthcare and public facilities. They’re based on Newark Road, Lincoln and can be contacted on 01522 705511 or via www.guardianpestcontrol.co.uk.

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To view photographs from this event, please visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

The Valentine’s ball

Held at Caythorpe Village Hall...

Last month saw a number of Valentine’s balls across the county, raising money for various local charities.

Caythorpe Village hall decided to follow suit, hosting their own Valentine’s ball with a red dress code.

The Valentine’s ball raised enough money to host the soldiers again the following year, and people travelled from as far as Somerset to offer their support on the night, organised by locals doreen and debbie.

Caythorpe is the only village in England that has the honour of an active regiment returning on an annual basis to its village hall. They host an annual luncheon for the return of the regiment, and the Village hall plays a very active role in its local community. n For more information and see photos of the event, please visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Happy New Husband!

It’s rare we get to feature a winter wedding, but to feature a stunning New Year’s Eve wedding at Washingborough Hall is a real luxury. Our beautiful bride Sophie told us more...

Photographer: Stuart Wilde Photography, 07974 695626, www.stuartwildephotography.com.

Sophie is a bookseller/barista in The Book Fayre in Woodhall Spa and lifestyle blogger and Nick is a geologist with a firm in Horncastle. The couple live in Woodhall Spa and have lived together for two years.

The couple met at the university, Nick with his head over a microscope and Sophie practicing a business presentation in the same room.

“Nick proposed the day before our four year anniversary of being together,” says Sophie.

“We were at home getting ready to go out and he made me go into the living room and gave me a gift bag, I assumed it would be a necklace. It was my ring and it was perfect.”

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“It was when we went to visit Washingborough and spoke with Lucy that she put the idea of a New Year’s Eve wedding in our minds and once we’d considered it we honestly couldn’t picture doing it any other time, so we booked it for NYE 2016.”

“Next was the dress. I was quite open to trying lots of different styles on and see what suited me. I bought it from the lovely Victoria at the Ivory Room in Woodhall Spa. Her shop is gorgeous, she was fantastic and the first time I tried my dress on I cried so I knew it was the right one.”

“We booked our photographer Stuart through the recommendation of Nick’s twin

brother. He was absolutely fantastic, and it was good to see him in action at my brother-in-law’s wedding that summer.”

“Our flowers were by Shirley Dee. We loved working with her as it was so obvious she just knew what she was doing and we had no worries about the flowers at all. For the cake I was adamant from the beginning that I wanted to make it, despite everyone telling me not to. It turned out to be brilliant!”

“We also made the favours which were Prosecco cupcakes. This was Nick’s mum’s idea and we all made them together.”

“On the day, I was a lot more nervous than I thought I’d be. Honestly it’s kind of a blur

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- WEDDINGS -

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- WEDDINGS -

“We had a lovely musical duet playing, Ark Angel, throughout the ceremony.

Everyone enjoyed it...” walking down the aisle because I was concentrating so hard on not crying and ruining my makeup!”

“We had a lovely musical duet playing, ark angel, throughout the ceremony. It was so obvious how much everyone was enjoying the day and we had so many lovely comments.”

“We went to new york for our honeymoon as we thought it was kind of the perfect destination after a new year wedding. We went for a week and stayed in the paramount hotel Times Square which was amazing.”

“Everybody we worked with throughout the planning process were incredible and put s totally at ease. Special thanks of course go to Lucy and all of the staff at Washingborough hall. I’m sure there was three of her on the day; she made sure everything went to plan.”

Photographer: Stuart Wilde, 07974 695626, www.stuartwildephotography.com.

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- WEDDINGS -

WEddIng a Touch of Tweed in this Windmill

Top/Left: Prop hire & styling is by Pretty Quirky Prop Hire, while flowers are by Flowers from Holland.

Below: Models Gareth and Hannah enjoying a drink after a long day’s wedding shoot!

Opposite: The shoot took place at Wymondham Windmill in Melton Mowbray.

THIS MONTH, A TEAM OF TALENTED LOCAL WEDDING SUPPLIERS COME TOGETHER TO COLLABORATE Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

AND SHOW OFF QUIRKY IDEAS TO INCORPORATE INTO ANY WEDDING...

The shoot was set at Wymondham Windmill.

The mill is nestled away, surrounded by grazing horses and quiet roads. The team of local, professional and friendly suppliers were handpicked to enhance all the details needed to create a pretty quirky shoot.

The florist used large sunflower heads and long corn kernels in milk churn arrangements to keep a country theme.

robinsons of Stamford supplied everything needed to give gareth the british shooting look, whilst a bridal gown provided by the The Wedding room in Stamford worked perfectly. The long floaty grecian style was stunning, with it’s delicate lace back and shoulders.

The task was then set for harvey & harvey photography to capture the day. The quality of the photos speak for themselves and showcased everyone’s hard work perfectly. n 104

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Our SUPPLIERS Prop Hire & Styling: Pretty Quirky Hire, Langtoft, www.prettyquirkyhire.co.uk.

Flowers: Flowers from Holland, Grantham, www.hollandsflowers.co.uk.

Hair & Makeup: Kelly Warner, Grantham, www.kellywarner.co.uk.

Bridal Wear: The Wedding Room, Stamford, www.wedding-room.co.uk.

Groomswear: Robinsons of Stamford, www.robinsonsofstamford.com.

Photography: Harvey & Harvey Photography, Grantham, www.harveyharveyphotography.com.

Venue: Wymondham Windmill, www.wymondhamwindmill.com.

Models: Gareth & Hannah.

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1

2

3

Wedding Dresses SPRING/SUMMER 2017

8

4

1. Eddy K Collections offer timeless Italian designs that never go out of style, like this a-Line Ivory style.

2. Sassi Holford has been creating designer wedding dresses for 35 years. all gowns are handmade in England.

3. Caroline Castigliano is an internationally renowned designer of luxury bridal gowns handcrafted in the uk.

4. Maggie Sottero believe there is a perfect dress waiting to be discovered for every bride like this long-sleeved lace gown.

5. Cutting Edge Brides is uk’s largest stockist of tea length wedding dresses with a quirky vintage feel.

6. Justin Alexander is a well known brand globally. Their latest collection features a timeless bateau neckline.

7. Cristiano Lucci offers sexy and romantic styles, like this champagne and lace style with a plunging neckline.

8. Alvina Valenta is part of JLm Couture. They offer ethereal romance, iconic elegance, and effortless glamour.

Consult Lincolnshire’s independent bridal shops for prices.

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6

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bLuSh &

bLuE

Put a spring into your step with Betty Barclay’s new collection of spring and summer essentials. The new collection features a stunning selection of blush and navy designs, hinting on modern fashion with a light pink but keeping it classy with a nautical theme, popular for spring and summer fashion...

Main: Navy floral Betty Barclay dress, ÂŁ90. This is a perfect dress option for an early summer holiday this year.

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- FASHION -

Betty Barclay, an original brand synonymous with high standards and sophistication, has just released its spring and summer collection for 2017.

This year, betty barclay has introduced into its range a modern blush pink theme.

The modern style stays classy and sophisticated, in shift dresses, coats and jackets.

betty barclay has also chosen to theme their latest designs around the sea and all things nautical. navy is immediately a classy colour to wear in any style, but betty barclay flatters your figure and steers clear of the typical nautical themes you see year on year; they’ve put their own spin on a very popular summer style. n

Below: V-neck navy dress, £100.

Right: Pink dress with silver belt, £140.

Part of the brand’s celebration range.

Opposite Page: Betty Barclay jacket £140, pink and purple lace dress £140.

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- FASHION -

Main: For the Betty Barclay look: scarf £30, blouse £100, knitwear £75, trousers £110.

Below: This style includes a blush blazer £160, blouse £100, and denim trousers £100.

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Main: Part of Betty Barclay’s nautically styled items.

Jacket £150, blouse £75, and jeans £90.

Above: Betty Barclay scarf £30, jacket £140, shirt £45, jeans £100.

Find Out More: For more information and to discover more designs from the brand, or to purchase any you have seen in Pride, please visit www.bettybarclay.com.

Below: Face à Face designer glasses frames from O’Briens Opticians, Wrawby Street, Brigg 01652 653595.

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glen eden MEDICAL  AESTHETICS

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Offered alongside cosmetic treatments like muscle relaxing injections for fine lines and wrinkles...

Call 01476 550056 www.glen-edenmedical.co.uk Market Cross Surgery, Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Stamford NG33 4BB

The Latest Laser and Injectable cosmetic procedures performed by fully qualified GP or Nurse Practitioner

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Dentures must be tolerated

ImpLanTS can be forgotten NO MATTER HOW WELL FITTED YOUR DENTURES MAY BE, THEY WILL NEVER FEEL COMPLETELY NATURAL. DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE PLACED INTO YOUR JAW, SO THEY LOOK, FEEL AND WORK JUST LIKE YOUR OWN TEETH. dental implants allow you to eat, drink, taste, chew, talk, laugh and smile with confidence.

When fitted properly by skilled clinicians, they are stable, comfortable and look exactly like natural teeth.

Our patients at the dental health Centre in grantham say they cannot tell the difference – once their implants have been placed, they can happily forget all about them and start living their lives to the full once more.

dentures can make it difficult to chew, which can stop you from eating many of the foods you once enjoyed. Often, your palate is covered and this can prevent you from tasting your food properly. Wearing dentures may also affect how you pronounce words and therefore the way you speak.

Exceptional reputation

unsecured dentures are an old-fashioned solution for people who have lost many of their teeth. unfortunately, many people find wearing dentures painful, inconvenient and awkward.

When teeth are lost the bone that held them in your jaw will shrink. placement of dental implants can preserve this bone, maintaining the shape and structure of the lips and cheeks and improving your appearance.

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dental implants prove to be the most cost effective solution to replacing missing teeth and to help spread the cost, the dental health Centre offers payment options including 0% finance.

principal dentist Colin Sutton has successfully placed hundreds of dental implants since 2000. he has an excellent reputation for providing dental implant treatments, including single implant crowns and full implant-retained bridges and dentures.

The dental health Centre in grantham is a leading implant centre in Lincolnshire that has invested in the training and technology

that allows the team to provide a number of implants systems.

It is one of very few dental practices to have invested in a 3d dental CT scanner. This state-of-the-art scanner makes implant treatment, safer, quicker and more accurate for patients and makes the dental health Centre one of the most technologically advanced dental clinics in the area.

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

For more information please visit www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk The Dental Health Centre, 3 Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6TA. www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk

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- COSMETICS -

1. SEndIng a

SkInCarE SOS Soothe, de-stress and calm skin with Elemis SOS Emergency Cream.

Elemis is renowned for its ubiquity in spas and salons across the county, and now you can take the experience home too.

This product treats many skin concerns such as inflamed skin, sensitivity and acne thanks to Camomile, Lavender absolute and myrrh Essential Oil. We recommend applying a generous layer all over the skin, £52.50.

Spring Fresh

2. Scandi Skincare...

Wrap your skin in a velvety gel full of rich, hydrating ingredients. highly concentrated aloe Vera deeply replenishes whilst Vitamin a smoothes uneven skin. Scandinavian True north de-Stressed mask is perfect for skin that may be lacking in nutrition, £59.

3. Sleeping Serum...

Regenerate, nourish and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with purelogicol anti-gravity Serum. Idealift peptide prevents skin sagging. nano-vitamins allows faster absorption into the skin, £69.

4. In the pink...

Illuminate, contour and lift with rodial’s pink diamond body Soufflé. retinol improves skin texture, whilst star ingredient diamond powder adds long-lasting radiance and sparkle. We recommend taking the soufflé all the way up to the neck. £95.

BEAUTY MUST-HAVES FROM JOHN ROHNAN WHARFF THIS MONTH WITH PICK-ME-UPS TO GIVE YOU A FRESH LOOK THIS SPRING...

5. renew your Skin...

Renew, replenish and restore skin with zelens Transformer Instant renewal mask.

It’s a high performance mask which washes off easily and leaves behind a youthful, luminous glow.

See a visible, instant result thanks to the powers of hyaluronic acid, Sesame proteins and real pearl powder.

We recommend using this mask before a smart evening out, £95.

n John Rohnan-Wharff is a beauty and makeup blogger, who reviews and rates products at www.mr-wharff.com. All products from good independent local stockists unless otherwise stated, prices are RRP. 117

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An Enriched & Truly Independent

CurrICuLum

Highfields Independent School attracts pupils from Lincoln, Newark and many villages across Lincolnshire thanks to an enhanced learning experience which fosters a sense of personal development. The school is truly unique as it has recently moved away from participation in SATs and follows the Cambridge International Primary Curriculum, rather than the National Curriculum. Headmaster Richard Thomson explains why...

Highfields School, based just minutes from the centre of newark, and set in a leafy, 15 acre campus, is an independent day school with a significant difference.

It’s a kindergarten, pre-prep and prep school for children aged two to 11. It’s a place of learning for 140 children, and it’s a school with no more than 20 pupils per class. but it’s there that the similarity between highfields and other independent schools in the area ends, though.

That’s because, as of September 2016, headmaster of highfields richard Thomson and his team have made the bold decision to drop the national Curriculum and associated testing via conventional Standard attainment Tests (SaTs).

“Instead, we’ve partnered with the Cambridge university affiliated International primary Curriculum. It’s a brave decision given that we’ll no longer appear in league tables and will, therefore, lose the ability to boast our status as one of the top 40 independent schools in the country.”

“SaTs is not a transitioning process looking towards secondary education,” says richard. “It’s a measure for the industry and can sometimes lead schools to coach exam success rather than looking at the overall pedagogic needs of a child, both in terms of their academic and also their emotional development.”

“Our assessment systems will still be externally validated by Cambridge university and they will facilitate an internationally comparable benchmark, as well as allowing us to look at the school internally to benchmark our own success too.”

“however, without the strait jacket of the school being inextricably tied to an ever-changing and politically linked national curriculum, and without the linear assessment of SaTs, we’re able to create a bespoke programme of education that provides a more enriched, more diverse curriculum.” >> 118

Main: Established in 1945 and adopting the Cambridge University Primary Curriculum rather than the conventional National Curriculum with its SATs, Newark’s Highfields School attracts pupils from Lincoln, Newark and many of the villages around South Lincolnshire.

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- EDUCATION -

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- EDUCATION -

>> during morning lessons, the school offers a strong commitment to the development of core subjects; English, maths and science.

afternoon lessons, though, are based on a new ‘hook’ each term. recently ‘big dig’ explored archaeology, and life underground, allowing project-based lessons which introduced into pupils’ learning science, nature, and history based exploration.

“It’s a carousel of enriched learning which allows us to explore different dimensions around a central theme,” says richard.

Computing is woven throughout the whole school’s learning experiences, whilst sport is delivered by the same sort of ‘carousel’ of sporting activities, changing every six weeks and including squash, golf, sailing and archery.

“We recognise that it’s important to deliver a broader remit of sporting activities to include those who excel on an individual level as well as within a team. With this in mind, we also offer a great range of opportunities in the performing arts, including music and drama.”

“It’s important to provide as many keys to as many doors as possible, doors to unlock each child’s individual inspiration.” “highfields School’s specialist teaching staff include, for example, nine peripatetic music teachers who work under the guidance of rowan Cozens, examiner at The associated board of the royal Schools of music.”

Elements of Forest school style teaching is also introduced through the curriculum, even though the school isn’t a Forest school

FOUR PILLARS for HIGHFIELDS SCHOOL Small Class Sizes: a maximum class size of 20 pupils ensures each child gets the attention they deserve.

Single Form Entry: Small year groups are never amalgamated to the year above.

Skilled, Experienced Teachers: Ensuring a quality of teaching.

Enhanced Curriculum: highfields’ curriculum concentrates on pupils’ emotional development as well as their academic potential.

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per se, but despite its truly independent, very much modern and progressive approach to teaching, richard is keen to stress that there are some elements of the school which are unapologetically traditional.

“We retain the captaincy system and house system, to allow pupils to look after younger children, and to encourage our boys and girls to become role models, taking pride in their learning environment.”

“One of the benefits of an independent school is the ability to forge its own way, both in terms of its curriculum and the opportunities it can offer children. To not grasp and utilise that freedom would be a shame.”

“We’re preserving key skills and encouraging academic achievement, whilst empowering pupils with core social and emotional traits; resilience, self-awareness, leadership, providing, what we believe is a richer, more progressive approach to learning, in a school that’s big enough to cope, but small enough to care.” n

“ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IS THE ABILITY TO FORGE ITS OWN WAY, BOTH IN TERMS OF ITS DELIVERY OF CURRICULUM AND THE OPPORTUNITIES IT CAN OFFER CHILDREN...”

Above: A six-week carousel of sporting activities includes rugby and squash, but also golf, archery and sailing.

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Dates for Your

DIARY

HIGHFIELDS SCHOOL WILL WELCOME A FAMOUS EX-TEACHER BACK TO THE SCHOOL THIS SEASON THURSDAY 30TH MARCH

JOHNNY JOHNSON

Former teacher and dambuster Johnny Johnson returns to reveal the school’s new honours board and host a q&a session with pupils, before enjoying a trip to Lincoln’s bomber Command memorial.

THURSDAY 4TH MAY

SPRING OPEN DAY

Enjoy a tour of highfields School, meet the teaching staff and pupils to gain a real feel for the school.

n To see what Highfields can offer your child, contact the Admissions Manager, Mrs Cleo Staniforth, on 01636 704103 or at Highfields School, London Road, Newark NG23 4AL or see www.highfieldsschool.co.uk.

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WEB A SPIDER’S - MOTORS -

WITH WARMER WEATHER AND BRIGHTER SKIES COMES A YEARNING FOR TOP-DOWN MOTORING. IRONICALLY, GIVEN OUR CLIMATE, THE UK IS ONE OF EUROPE’S LARGEST MARKETS FOR CONVERTIBLE CARS, AND THIS ONE SHOULD PROVE ESPECIALLY APPEALING. IT’S ABARTH’S HEAVILY REWORKED VERSION OF FIAT’S 124 SPIDER, AND WE’RE ONLY TOO HAPPY TO BE CAUGHT IN ITS WEB...

Words: Rob Davis.

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- MOTORS -

When is a Fiat not a Fiat? When it’s an abarth. The name refers to the tuning arm of the Italian company, responsible for taking the dinky Fiat 500 and creating scorching mini Cooper destroying Italian hot hatches.

In the same way that amg is the sporty sub-brand of mercedes, or Lexus the luxury sub-brand of Toyota, so too is abarth a premium brand under the Fiat umbrella. as far as abarth/Fiat’s new 124 Spider goes though, it’s a little less straightforward.

The two-seat roadster has been designed in conjunction with mazda as they reinvented their mX5 model.

So why purchase an abarth over a Fiat 124 Spider, and a Fiat 124 Spider over an mX5? Well, when mazda delivers a virtually complete roadster to Fiat, Fiat change the engine, suspension and the body panels.

maximum speed rises from 134mph to 144mph, and it’s quicker to 60mph too.

Fiat’s 1.4 turbo engine is gloriously revvy, fizzy and fun. It’s also easy to drive with a flick five speed gearbox as standard.

Then there are the handling upgrades.

The car’s limited slip differential aids grip, plus bilstein dampers and a model-specific anti-roll bar.

For a start there’s a power upgrade, with power boosted from 140ps to 170ps, and torque rising slightly to 250nm, but is accessed at higher revs.

It’s the handling improvements, rather than the outright speed increase which makes the abarth a more competent sports car, but even if you’re not an enthusiastic driver, you’ll still appreciate the stylistic upgrades that abarth’s transformation brings.

In turn, abarth takes the 124 Spider and turn the Italian passion up a notch still. The 124 Spider is priced at between £21,000 and £24,200 depending on trim, whilst the abarth is £29,565 in manual, and £31,605 when specified with a sequential automatic gearbox. So where has that extra budget been spent?

124

That’s all very technical, but the result is a sportier drive, a feel akin to a sports car tens of thousands of pounds more expensive, and a model that builds on the mX5’s already solid reputation for roadster fun.

“IT’S THE HANDLING IMPROVEMENTS, RATHER THAN THE OUTRIGHT SPEED INCREASE WHICH MAKES THE ABARTH A MORE WELL-ROUNDED SPORTS CAR...”

Above: The roadster is faithful to the original 1974 125 Spider. Its cabin, though, is a little more hi-tech, smothered in black and red leather.

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- MOTORS -

>> glossy black alloy wheels, a matte black bonnet, and a beautifully finished interior transform the bland mX5 and plain looking Fiat into a scorchingly desirable sports car.

The abarth is well-specified, far beyond its price point, too. you’d expect a roadster to be basic, spartan even, but with heated leather seats, climate control, cruise control, keyless go, dab radio and bluetooth all standard, the equipment roster is generous.

The only options are sat nav, a visibility pack, which includes rear parking sensors and LEd headlights, and a bose branded sound system.

What’s more, an economy figure of 44mpg combined (33mpg in town) ensures that it’s not too thirsty, and on a long run, you can expect 50mpg. That means it’s a sports car that will deliver the thrills its muscular looks promise, without destroying the planet.

126

If I’m totally honest, roadsters aren’t really my preferred style of car, but really, I’d choose this car in a heartbeat over a porsche boxster, and certainly over the equivalent mazda or Fiat.

The abarth is cheaper than a mercedes SLC, or a boxster, and even if you compromise on looks and opt for, say, a mini Cooper, the price will still creep up to more than the price of an abarth by the time you’ve added the same level of specification.

It’s not only lovely to look at, with handling faithful to its Italian sports car heritage, it’s great value too. at £31,000, the abarth can make a fun, fizzy and affordable second car to your family friendly 4x4 - something fun for the summer months when the children have better things to do than go out for tea with mum and dad on warm summer nights. as roadsters go, it’s pretty much the best one on the market right now.

Abarth 124 Spider Turbo MultiAir 170hp

Price: £30,825.

Engine: 1.4 V4 Turbo, 6-speed automatic (170hp) Economy: 42.8mpg (combined), 153g/CO2.

Top Speed: 142mph; 0-60mph 6.9secs.

Equipment: heated leather seats, 7” screen, cruise control, climate control, dab radio, automatic transmission. roadster hood and electric windows.

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1 - Lincs Pride APR 177.qxp 27/02/2017 11:46 Page 130

Crosswords CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s Cryptic Crossword. Each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

ACROSS

1,27. Old advertiser’s royal links, a lot cut short (8,3) 6. School place found earlier, quite a coup (6) 9,13. part of a county custom it may suit Imogen to hack (6,5) 10. Square fruit, second one guy replaces (8) 11. One way to get restaurant tip? I’m about to tell you (4,3,2) 13. See 9 15. back in a moment (6) 17. Idle part of field difficult to turn over (6) 18. Frustrate check on tax (6) 19. 10 head back for costume drama feature (6) 21. See 29 22. College oddly calm with undergraduate finally in cell (9) 25. advantage is seized by partners on the side (8) 26. Street guide not needed in new magazine puzzle (6) 28. Spirited, if small, yet insecure (6) 29,21. I now understand effect of minor currency devaluation (3,5,5)

DOWN

2. 2. Would you count me as a friend? (3) 3. See 8 4. healthy policeman lucky to be working here? (2,4,4) 5 Insolence I brush aside (6) 6. metallic sound as thin piece of steel lands on surface of ground (4) 7. pull back, having eaten badly out here? (3,6) 8,3. abstemious man meaning to construct scientific theory (11,5) 12. not quite rate game a tricky proposition (but it is!) (5,6) 14. bishop cooked food in small church (5,5) 16. Our prices are shocking: we rake it in (9) 20. get mad alternative to using something? (4,2) 23. Steal and use card (5) 24. Flexibly strong, one’s twisted round (4) 27. See 1

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

1. Weapon for minors (3,3) 4. Lion or tiger? (3,3) 9. mountaineer’s spike (7) 10. use – ask (for) (5) 11. machine for cutting, drilling or polishing (5) 12. Cocked hat with brim turned up on three sides (7) 13. Short large-bore musket with flared muzzle (11) 18. Cowslip, perhaps (7) 20. Finger next to the thumb (5) 22. Seeing stars? (5) 23. With great enthusiasm (4,3) 24. Esteem (6) 25. nice place! (3,3)

DOWN

1. Lather — relish (6) 2. braid (5) 3. plentiful (7) 5. From baghdad? (5) 6. ample (7) 7. Straining one’s patience (6) 8. dire (beyond words?) (11) 14. City in Saxony – Wagner’s birthplace (7) 15. hod carrier (7) 16. rest for a cue (with eight legs?) (6) 17. book after genesis (6) 19. In a state of unconsciousness (5) 21. raise objections (5)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

ACROSS

1 - Lincs Pride APR 177.qxp 23/02/2017 11:14 Page 131

1 - Lincs Pride APR 177.qxp 23/02/2017 11:15 Page 132