Lincolnshire Pride January 2023

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Thank you so much! This month I’ve had the pleasure of venturing out into Lincolnshire to award some of the county’s best restaurants, pubs and food producers with our annual Good Food Awards titles. It’s only possible for me to do so because our readers have been so keen to vote for their favourite local businesses, and to give us their unbiased opinions on where to enjoy dining out, a long lunch or comfortable accommodation.

It really has been a privilege to visit the winners, who have themselves been touched by our readers’ recommendations, so we hope you’ll enjoy seeing the smiling faces of our winners and we hope you’ll continue to support the area’s best local businesses, as we hope to, by holding our awards.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Executive Editor

robin@pridemagazines.co.uk

This month’s cover shows a beautiful winter image of Gibraltar Point taken last year on a chilly dog walk! We’re always looking for scenes of Lincolnshire to feature on our covers and in the magazine. If you’re a budding photographer, email your pictures to the address above!

CONTENTS

NEWS & EVENTS

06 NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across the county including Royal visitors to RAF Coningsby. 24 WHAT’S ON Live events, music and theatre productions this January.

HIGHLIGHTS

13 THE GOOD SPA GUIDE New Year relaxation with some of the area’s finest spas for a day visit or an overnight stay. 20

ZACHARY HARDSTAFF Lincolnshire’s dance prodigy this month heads off to the most prestigious dance school in the country. 29 A TRIP TO SLEAFORD A love letter to a town with industrial heritage and a sense of community too. 36 LOUISE BROWN The Lincolnshire painter and sculptor whose work has incredible depth and character. 42 EDUCATION Schools & Colleges.

FOOD & DRINK

46 DINING OUT Delicious dining in uphill Lincoln at The Tower Hotel’s No.Thirty8 restaurant. 51 THE GOOD FOOD AWARDS After inviting nominations from our readers, we reveal the winning restaurants, coffee shops and food heroes in this year’s awards.

HOMES & GARDENS

72 WELCOME HOME Lincolnshire’s one and only Huf House, now on the market near Grantham! 79 HOMES New season style with botanical home inspiration.

LIFESTYLE

104 MOTORS Porsche’s Style Editions. 110 FASHION New Year’s Eve party dresses. 115 HIGH LIFE Harvest Festival supper at Lincoln Cathedral and a new restaurant. 126 WEDDINGS A Celtic connection.

THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN THE AREA READ PRIDE MAGAZINE

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

The magazine is also sold in leading newsagents and supermarkets and we also deliver the magazine to local businesses including selected hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.

Our titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 45,000 online visitors viewing our magazines free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website, our app, and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

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

Amazing new app out now: You can read our magazines on any device anywhere.

THE PRIDE TEAM

HRH Prince of Wales visits county

LOCALS GRAB A ‘SELFIE’ WITH THE FUTURE KING AT RAF CONINGSBY

HRH The Prince of Wales made a flying visit to RAF Coningsby last month to learn about future technological innovations.

During the visit, His Royal Highness spent time in the Air Traffic Control Centre to hear about ‘Project Marshall,’ a multi-billion-pound equipment upgrade programme of air traffic control radar services across Lincolnshire.

Among his fans, the future king met Abi and Stef Boland, 10-year old twins who chatted to the Prince about their shared love of Aston Villa, and three-year old Blake Ferney, who presented him with a picture of Mickey Mouse which he promised to put on his fridge.

The Prince also opened RAF Coningsby’s new boxing club then tried on a pair of Virtual Reality goggles

designed to improve fighter jet maintenance in the future whilst in a hanger housing Typhoon jets.

The Prince is no stranger to Lincolnshire’s RAF bases, having completed an intense 12-week flying course at RAF Cranwell in 2008, after which he received his wings from his father, Prince Charles.

That year, Prince William was appointed Honorary Air Commandant of Royal Air Force Coningsby by his grandmother The Queen, in recognition of the strong links between the RAF and the Royal Family. Later, Princes William and Harry were based at the home of the Defence Helicopter Flying School as they underwent military heli copter training courses. William trained to become an RAF Search & Rescue pilot, while Harry aimed to become a pilot with the Army Air Corps. n

800,000 Books in 10 Years

SUCCESS OF IMAGINATION LIBRARY IS BEING CELEBRATED ON SCHEME’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The success of North Lincolnshire’s Imagination Library is being celebrated on the eve of the book gifting scheme’s 10th anniversary. The scheme has delivered an incredible 800,000 free books to the area’s underfives, boosting communication and language skills. The children who receive the books perform better in school.

Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I am proud that the council continues to pay for books for all children through our fantastic Imagination Library scheme. It is and it will remain a priority.”

“In North Lincolnshire, we are passionate about ensuring all our children receive the best start in life. Sparking a love of reading is critical to a child’s learning and has important life-long impacts.

“To reach the tenth year of the scheme is a fantastic milestone. I hope the books –and the precious time families spend enjoying them –continues for years to come.”

North Lincolnshire’s scheme was launched in 2013 after a recommendation from Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy. It has risen rapidly to become treasured by families ever since. n

NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE

CONINGSBY

Image: HRH Prince of Wales Facebook page.

£36m for Boston

TOWN BENEFITS FROM £36M INVESTMENT TO BRING ‘TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS’

Hundreds of Christmas trees, thousands of lights... and guaranteed snow awaits you at Lincoln Castle this December.

Already, Boston is starting to benefit from over £36m of investment that will bring far-reaching, transforma tional improvements to the town. The figure was high lighted in this year’s Boston Town Deal annual report and brings together the £21.9m Town Funding that was awarded to Boston in 2021 together with £14.3m in match funding.

Already work has started on the repair, renovation, and redevelopment of the Blenkin Memorial Hall, and on the refurbishment of St Botolph’s library. The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics has been created and consultation with residents has taken place about the Mayflower, Boston’s new learning and development facility, meaning a Happy New Year in store for the town! n

Bronze Age artefact at Collection

BRONZE AGE GOLDEN SUN GOES ON DISPLAY AT THE COLLECTION MUSEUM IN LINCOLN...

Image: Lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Following the city’s Christmas Market, Lincoln Castle will be decorated with hundreds of Christ mas trees and festive lights for Lincoln Castle Illumi nated, from Saturday 10th to Friday 23th December. A magic snow machine will help to ensure a White Christmas! n

LINCOLNSHIRE Lincoln Town Deal a £19m investment fund for the city’s economic future has donated £226,000 to Lincoln Community grocery to help it relocate to a permanent presence after a successful first year. The project redistributes surplus or waste food in the community. n

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

GRIMSBY Vital work to restore Ross Tiger are now complete...

Vital renova tion works to the deck of historic trawler Ross Tiger are now complete. The scheme, which started in September, is intended to retain the fish ing vessel as a permanent exhibit at Grimsby’s Fishing Heritage Centre.

A Bronze Age golden sun, which gives an insight into the cosmology of Bronze Age Britain, is now on display at The Collection Museum in Lincoln. The sun pendant, also known as a bulla, with its elegant form and intricate decoration could be one of the most significant pieces of Bronze Age metalwork ever discovered in Britain. This spectacular object includes an exceptionally rare depiction of the sun, not previ ously seen on objects found in Britain. The pendant celebrates the life-giving power of the sun during the time of the earliest metalworkers. It will be on display at The Collection Museum until 20th February 2023. n

£226,000 Funding

“We want Ross Tiger to be seen in all her glory by the public once again, but with health and safety the ut most priority, a walkway must now be created and installed following the main works to allow for public access,” says Tom Furneaux of North East Lincolnshire Council which has delivered the renovation works as project lead. n

LINCOLN

LINCOLN

Winter snow is guaranteed at Lincoln Castle!

BOSTON

A (Very) Happy New Year for locals!

LINCOLNSHIRE’S ONE OF THE HAPPIEST PLACE IN COUNTRY, SAYS SURVEY

It’ll be a very Happy New Year for people living in Lincolnshire, as the county has just been named the third happiest place to live in the UK.

A survey by Glint has looked at factors including average salaries, house prices, crime rates, life satisfaction and green spaces, concluding that the three happiest place to live throughout the UK are Dorset, the East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Beating Cornwall and Devon, and more locally both Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire was praised for its high standard of living, low property prices and low crime rates, as well as being a ‘green’ county.

A similar survey last year conducted by property finders Garrington named Horncas tle the best place to live in

Lincolnshire, followed by Coningsby, Gainsborough and the city of Lincoln.

In April 2022, The Sunday Times newspaper also named Lincolnshire’s Cliff Villages

Navenby,Wellingore, Welbourn, Leadenham, Fulbeck and Caythorpe the East Midlands’ best places to live. Experts conclude that the ‘working from home’ trend

£3.3m project begins...

In Brief GRANTHAM OUTLET SHOPPING VILLAGE SET TO OPEN IN 2024 WITH MAJOR BRANDS...

Rioja Estates has confirmed that its Grantham Designer Outlet Village adjacent to the A1 is on course to open in 2024. The £100m development will initially feature 90 retailers with a further 130 expected to open in a second phase. n

JANUARY IS SET TO SEE SPADES IN THE GROUND AS WORK BEGINS AT GRIMSBY’S RIVERHEAD SQUARE

which ensued as a result of the pandemic has caused peo ple to move away from cities into more rural areas, with good transport links and broadband connections. n

Councillors at North East Lincolnshire Council have confirmed that work will begin in January on the remodelling of Grimsby’s Riverhead Square. The new designs will incorporate a lot more green space and planting, as well as providing new seating, lighting, security and a flexible event space with improved infrastruc ture to support future events and activities.

There is also space for outdoor café seating at the entrance to Freshney Place, and the £3.3m project has been funded by the government’s Town Deal fund which totals £3.6bn established in 2019. n

GRIMSBY

LINCOLNSHIRE

THE GOOD SPA GUIDE

A cold spell? The winter blues? No matter! We’ve something to warm your body and soothe your mind in the form of the county’s most luxurious and well-appointed spas...

Words: Rob Davis.

The Grange Spa at Pointon

Nestling in the little village of Pointon between Bourne and Sleaford, The Grange is an award-winning, family-run spa...

CREATED IN 2008, and run by Matt & Emma Craven, The Grange Spa is smaller than super-spas like Eden Hall or Ragdale Hall, but that’s no bad thing because, actually, the place feels a lot more intimate and relaxing... just what you want from a spa!

Visitors aren’t left wanting in terms of facilities either, with a refurbished 12 metre swimming pool, heat experiences and a wellequipped gym.

There are six treatment rooms, with nine body treatments, seven facial treatments, manicures and pedicures, plus a range of treatments for pregnant women and for men.

Choose from a half-day package from £70, an all-day experience from £97, or push the boat out and enjoy The Ultimate Grange Experience, £256, which includes three and a half hours of treatment time.

There’s also provision for hard-working folk in the form of twilight spa experiences, either for individuals or couples.

The Grange’s Online Shop

The Grange Spa at Pointon has launched its new Online Shop with spa-quality Pinks Boutique products, Thalgo cleansing and moisturising products, and Proverb skincare for men.

In addition, look out for regular promotions, from ‘Mum & Me’ days to ‘Three’ days which are designed for a trio of friends to enjoy.

Spa treatments are powered by Thalgo with its marine-derived Thalassotherapy-based ingredients and Pinks Boutique with its range of sustainable, organic products.

One last recommendation for treating yourself throughout 2023 is the availability of spa memberships, where you can book in advance for four, six, 12 or 24 visits through out the year. You can also split the cost with a friend, partner or relative. n

Above: Manicures and pedicures make use of Jessica products, whilst this intimate, family-run day spa has a newly refurbished swimming pool, heat experiences and six treatment rooms, plus a well-equipped gym.

FEATURES & FACILITIES THE GRANGE AT POINTON

n Facilities: The Grange Spa has six treatment rooms, a recently refurbished swimming pool with an adjacent heat experience suite including mist and rainfall showers, herbal bath, aroma bath and gem stone steam bath plus an ice fountain. There’s also a quiet room and a health and fitness suite.

n Spa Treatments: Treatments are powered by brands like Pinks and Thalgo, with a 30-minute Stretch & Align massage from £50. Thalgo facials feature sea minerals and can include anti-ageing ingredients such as algae or hyalu-procollagene. Manicures £39, pedicures £45. Also available are specialist treatments for men and for pregnant women.

n Food & Drink: Lunch at The Grange Spa includes soups and salads and there’s an afternoon tea option, too.

n Contact Details: The Grange Spa, Millthorpe Road, Pointon NG34 0NF. Call 01778 440511, or see www.thegrangespa.co.uk.

Simpsons Boutique Spa at Branston Hall

SIMPSONS BEAUTY GROUP has its three venues in Branston, Lincoln and North Hykeham respectively. Its flagship day spa is located within the 88-acre grounds of what was known as Branston Hall, now The Vedanta, a Grade II listed Elizabethan estate reinvented as a wellness retreat.

Simpsons Boutique Spa has its conservatory and also outdoor re laxation areas three ‘igloos’ and a ‘slumber cabin’ plus an out door hot tub. Back inside there’s a spa café, six therapy rooms, and a dedicated room for manicures and pedicures too, as well as a Rasul mud temple.

The Simplicity Spa Experience begins at £69, with half day and

full day spa packages from £86.25 and £131 respectively.

Elemis powers many treatments, but other aesthetic treatments like contouring, semi-permanent cosmetics and laser-aesthetics are available, as are treatments for men and pregnant women. n

Find Out More: Simpsons Boutique Spa is based at Branston Hall, LN4 1PD. Call 01522 797989 or visit www.simpsonsbeauty.com for a spa menu.

Overnight Spa Breaks

Overnight breaks at Ragdale Hall begin at £353, with Simple, Classic and Luxury room grades available. A 40-minute treatment is included, plus three course lunches and evening meals.

BACK IN 1990, Michael Isaacs and Penny Nesbitt opened one of the earliest and probably still the largest spas in the area, with both day spa and short break provision.

Ragdale Hall installed a Rooftop Infinity Pool back in 2017 and during Covid, created a Twilight Bar cocktail bar and lounge, as well as a new industrial-style gym and two studios: Heart & Soul. This year it has rebranded and its owners are restyling the spa in more ‘earthy’ colours for a bit more of a modern luxe image. The spa has also celebrated being awarded the Best Spa for Guest Expe rience title in the 2022 Good Spa Awards.

The 13-acre spa has 50 treatment rooms, eight relaxation rooms and over 100 treatments.

Twilight Taster evening available from £109, an Experience Day costs £130... seven night ‘Ultimate Experience’ is from £1,281! n

Relaxing art Ragdale Hall.

Find Out More: Ragdale Hall is equidistant from Lincoln, Grantham, Stamford and Newark. Call 01664 434831 or see www.ragdalehall.co.uk.

Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire

Hall, Elston, Newark

EDEN HALL was originally a private country house owned by Robert Middleton, who built Middleton House in 1875. What was once the family chapel is now the day spa’s restaurant, following Eden Hall’s transfor mation into one of the most popular local spas, back in 2002.

Facilities include a Vitality swimming pool of 25 metres, outdoor hot tubs, a thermal spa suite with six temperature experiences, plus a slumber lounge and a conservatory. In the warmer months, take advantage of a rooftop terrace and gardens.

If you’re feeling especially disciplined there are activities and classes from high-impact cardio to meditation, as well as a number of outdoor activities for the spring and summer months. Personal trainers, too, are on hand to help with health and fitness goals.

Otherwise, if you’re of the more hedonistic persuasion, Eden Hall has 30 treatment rooms with luxury body and face treatments powered by Elemis and Voya. There are 10 body treatments from £85, six facials from £85, deluxe manicures and pedicures from £55 and additional holistic treatments like Indian head massage and reflexology.

Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are all available, the latter from £25 although it must be pre-booked. There’s a Shepherd’s Hut in the grounds too, serving ice cream and Pimm’s in the summer. n

Find Out More: Eden Hall is based at Elston near Newark, NG23 5PG. For availability call 01283 576522 or see www.baronseden.com.

Eden

Shown here is the Scented Room in the Thermal Spa at Ragdale Hall.

Twilight luxury at Eden Hall.

Le Sanctuaire, Lincoln

LINCOLN’S STEEP HILL isn’t an obvious location in which to create a boutique spa, given the somewhat less than relaxing climb up to it and its location right in the middle of a very busy city.

But in fact, Lincoln’s Le Sanctuaire is incredibly well-regarded among its 3,000 clients and having established the spa in 2014, Elizabeth Cook and Jane Richardson are already seeing mums returning for a visit alongside their daughters and plenty of repeat visits too.

The spa has a Cedarwood hot tub, sauna, steam elixor, dedicated pedicure area, relaxation room, spa lounge and terrace. Twilight visits are available from £65; taster visits are from £55; a Clarins-powered Spa Experience with body and face massage is £75/person, and the Ultimate Spa retreat

experience is £105, with additional treatments like manicures and pedicures from £15 and £25 respectively. Packages are also available for couples. n

Find Out More: Le Sanctuaire was founded in 2014 and is based at 13-14 Steep Hill, Lincoln, LN2 1LT. For details of treatments and availability, call 01522 535553 or see www.lesanctuaire.co.uk.

The Stableyard Spa at Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray

STAPLEFORD PARK is a really beautifully located country house hotel between Grantham and Melton Mowbray.

The 500-acre country estate has impeccable dining thanks to its Grinling Gibbons dining room, plus beautiful grounds and a spa in the former stableblock with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room. Stableyard day experience with 60 min treatment £140. n

Find Out More: The Stableyard Spa at Stapleford Park is located just off the A1 at Grantham, LE14 2EF. For details of treatments and availability, call 01572 787000 or see www.staplefordpark.com.

Belton Woods, Grantham

A FOUR STAR HOTEL and golf resort, Belton Woods’ facilities include tennis courts, squash courts, gym and health club with steam room, sauna and swimming pool. Overnight spa breaks from £105, Simply Spa for £55/day including 30 min Elemis treatment. n

Find Out More: Belton Woods, NG32 2LN. 01476 593200, www.beltonwoods.co.uk.

Forest Pines Hotel, Brigg

LIKE BELTON WOODS, Forest Pines near Brigg is part of the QHotels Collection and offers Elemis-powered treatments with the same day spa pack ages from £55. There’s a 188-bed hotel, 27-hole Championship golf course and an 18-metre pool on site, too. n

Find Out More: Forest Pines, DN20 0AQ. 01652 650770, www.forestpineshotel.co.uk.

Keeping Zachary Hardstaff

ON HIS TOES

Some youngsters seem to have the world at their feet, but that’s definitely true of Zachary Hardstaff, Lincolnshire’s 14-year old dance prodigy, who is hoping to take up a full-time place at The Hammond school of performing arts in January. We meet Zachary, mum Kay and dance teacher Miss Josie to find out why the UK’s National Boys Dance Day ambassador will be kept on his toes in 2023...

I’VE NEVER SEEN anything as painful or as physically demanding as the warm-up that Zachary Hardstaff embarks on before his dance class.

At 14 years of age, the dance prodigy is looking forward to an exciting new year and to enrolment at The Hammond, one of the country’s most prestigious dance schools a sort of Eton for the next generation of professional performers across all different dance disciplines.

Zachary’s talent warrants comparison to the eponymous star of Billy Elliot. But unlike the film with Billy’s father sceptical of his son’s inclination towards a career in dance Zachary’s parents Joe and Kay are both really supportive towards and naturally in awe of their son’s talent. And his 19-year old brother, a keen footballer, is equally in awe of Zachary’s core strength and flexibility!

One aspect of Zachary’s life in which a comparison to Billy Elliot does stack up, however, is the presence in his life of a really good and very supportive dance teacher, Josie Clarke.

“I always really loved dance,” says Zachary. “Right from being young I couldn’t sit still and was always dancing around the house. At about seven years of age mum and dad reasoned that if I was going to dance, I might as well have professional tuition and really learn to do it properly.”

Zachary began attending JCADA, the Josie Clarke Academy of Dance and Acrobatics. The studio has around 250 dancers, of which just four are boys, a fact she’s keen to change.

Miss Josie’s youngest starlet is just three year old, but she has clients up to their 70s too, and the school’s dance disciplines include everything from the three core subjects of ballet, tap and modern dance to belly dancing which is entertaining, but also very good for achieving core strength and developing isolated movements of the body and acrobatic dance, which is ideal for

improving a dancer’s flexibility. Less common but ideal for a career-minded dancer is freestyle dance choreographed routines of which are commonly seen on TV, at concerts or in commercial dance videos.

Dance is in Miss Josie’s family, with her great great aunt Winifred Greswell launching the Boston School of Dance in the early 1930s; both Josie’s grandmother, Nan Stanwell, and mother Alison Noble, have run very successful schools in Boston too.

“Dancing is great for strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and overall physical health, but it also provides opportunities for developing friendships.”

“We’re a really close, collegiate team, very welcoming and inclusive regardless of age or ability. Most of our dancers come here for the enjoyment, with fitness being a bonus. Only a few dancers go on to pursue dance as a professional career, because there are so many other career choices and opportunities in education available to a young person.”

“But we can educate right up to professional dance standards, and that’s been the case with Zachary, given that he’s such an incredibly talented, diligent, hard-working dancer. We really will miss him enormously, but we know that he’s going to one of the top schools and that it will really open up lots of opportunities to him.” >>

Words: Rob Davis.

Zachary started dancing from about seven years of age.

>> Miss Josie often works with professional dancers like professional dance artist Mark Hindle, who spotted Zachary’s talent when he visited JCADA and subsequently offered Zachary a place at the Hammond’s summer school.

This led to Zachary also being offered a full-time placement to the specialist performing arts school. In addition to its excellent facilities the school has its own dance and drama studios, music suite and recording studio, numerous practice rooms and 420-seat theatre The Hammond is also sufficiently prestigious to underwrite Zachary’s talent on his CV.

“It’s a place geared up for performing arts so I’m really excited,” says Zachary. “It’s a school in which academic subjects and the performing arts run parallel, with mentors and access to independent auditions.”

“I can study for GCSEs and A-Levels, and after that, possibilities include working in musical theatre, the West End or as a full time dancer in performances on cruise ships.”

A pupil of Boston Grammar School, currently in year nine, Zachary and his parents are hoping to move to Chester, where The Hammond is based, ready for the school’s January intake.

Also standing Zachary in good stead is the fact that last month he was named 2022/23 ambassador for National Boys Dance Day, promoting his profession and attempting to alleviate some of the unhelpful stereotypes about male dance being effete.

With Strictly Come Dancing giving a wider audience a greater understanding of dance techniques, and with the Billy Elliot effect haloing over male dancers too, much progress is still being made to challenge the idea that dancing isn’t for boys.

Still, if a few of his less enlightened peers at school have been uncomplimentary about his interest, they’ll definitely be silenced if not by his future fame, then just by watching

one of Zachary’s routines... even just his punishingly demanding warm-up.

Zachary’s ability to stretch and his range of movement is superhuman. Of course, I’m no Strictly judge, but even observing a warmup session at the dance school anyone can see that his ability to land precisely and crisply, to hold his frame absolutely still and to complete an hour-long class without breaking into a sweat and without breaking a hip bone, as I would have done is the result of hours of discipline, hard work and training to achieve epic strength, balance and stamina.

During the summer, Zachary performed alongside Lincolnshire Youth Ballet at the Stamford Corn Exchange and this

December sees Zachary’s last performance on stage in Boston at Blackfriars Theatre, as part of the dance ensemble for the local pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk,’ with dancing choreographed by JCADA. As Pride goes to press he’ll be performing an acrobatic dance routine at Butlins in Skegness, for Children in Need.

After that, though, it’s hoped that Zachary will begin his first term at The Hammond, and will soon be on the way to an epic career as a professional dancer.

Take another look at the tremendously talented Zachary and commit his name to memory because if you don’t spot him in a few years on stage, on Strictly or in some similarly prestigious dance role, we’ll be very surprised indeed! n

Find Out More: Zachary Hardstaff is the Lincolnshire dance prodigy and National Boys Dance Day ambassador hoping to begin schooling at The Hammond in January. He’s currently a pupil of the JCADA dance school run by Josie Clarke (www.jcada.co.uk) and can be seen as part of the school’s choreographed performances at Blackfriars Arts Centre’s Jack & The Beanstalk from 10th-31st December

Zachary and Josie Clarke.

What’s On...

SPALDING SATURDAY 7th JANUARY SUNDAY 8th JANUARY ANDRÉ RIEU

IN DUBLIN... AND SPALDING!

Start 2023 in style with André Rieu in Dublin. This exclusive live screening in Spalding is the best way to enjoy the maestro!

André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will delight you with romantic melodies, popular classics, party tunes and beloved waltzes.

This is the maestro’s first recorded concert in the Irish capital for more than 20 years – it is an event not to be missed, and with a live-streamed performance in Spalding, you definitely won’t miss it!

n Tickets £20/adults, from 2pm, Spalding South Holland Centre, PE11 1SS, 01775 764777, www.southhollandcentre.co.uk.

The Big Top comes to Lincoln

ALL NEW SHOW FOR PLANET CIRCUS’S OMG LINCOLN BASED PERFORMANCE AT THE SHOWGROUND...

LINCOLN

SATURDAY 17th DECEMBER SUNDAY 1st JANUARY PLANET

CIRCUS AT THE SHOWGROUND

Planet Circus brings traditional circus entertainment bang up to date with a thrilling two-hour production for all the family. Featured acts include Andreea the clown, the OMG FMX motorcycle stunt display team, Kizzy on the cube and tightrope, Krisztian and Jackie Louise Armstrong on the pole, aerial straps, trapeze and silks. n Tickets £6.99, suitable for all ages, doors 1pm, call 01522 522900 or see lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

LINCOLN JANUARY AT LINCOLN’S NEW THEATRE ROYAL LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE

Christopher Wheeldon’s new full-length ballet brings the magic realism of famous Mexican novel, Like Water for Chocolate, to The Royal Ballet with a live screening.

n 19th January, 7.15pm, tickets £17/standard.

FROM GOLD TO RIO

Two of the UK’s most iconic bands, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran, in one nostalgic journey back to the New Romantic era. With over 20 top 10 hits, the show will feature two hours of non-stop, classics including Gold, Rio, True, The Reflex, Through the Barricades, Save A Prayer, Lifeline, Girls on Film, to name a few, guaranteed to leave the audience shouting for more!

n 21st January, 7.30pm, tickets £24.50/standard.

THROUGH THE YEARS

Critically-acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest tribute shows, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years continues to delight audiences across the globe. Featuring stunning vocal harmonies from world-class musicians.

n 22nd January, 7.30pm, tickets £26/standard.

Above events at Lincoln’s New Theatre Royal, call 01522 519999, newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk.

SCUNTHORPE

SATURDAY 14th JANUARY ELKIE BROOKS

Long before the end of a live show and the frequent standing ovations that accompany it, there comes a point where Elkie does something so amazing that it leaves her audience almost spellbound.

It could be a particularly emotional rendition of one of her ballads, a powerhouse

blues vocal or one of her trademark impossibly long notes that leaves the audience mesmerised.

Here, Elkie performs her biggest hits including Pearl’s A Singer, and Fool (If You think It’s Over), as well as fresh hits featured on her recent hit album Elkie Brooks: Pearls.

n Tickets £31.65/adult, 7.30pm, Baths Hall, Scunthorpe DN15 7RG, 01724 296296, www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk.

Let there be light at Belvoir!

A BREATHTAKING WINTER WALK THROUGH LIGHT, COLOUR AND FANTASY AT BELVOIR CASTLE...

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

GRIMSBY FRIDAY 27th JANUARY A CELEBRATION OF THE SONGS AND MUSIC OF GEORGE MICHAEL WITH ROB LAMBERTI

After Rob Lamberti appeared on national TV on Stars in Their Eyes as his idol, George Michael, he made the live final and soon earned the title of the UK’s number one George Michael tribute artist, transporting him onto the international stage. In a 2014 interview, George was asked if he was ever mistaken for being somebody else, his reply quite simply was ‘I’m often mistaken for being Robert Lamberti, he’s a George Michael lookalike!’ n £25.50/adults, from 7.30pm, Grimsby Auditorium, 0300 300 0035, DN31 2BH, www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

GRANTHAM

FRIDAY JANUARY 27thSUNDAY FEBRUARY 19th SPECTACLE

OF LIGHT AT BELVOIR CASTLE

A breathtaking walk through light, colour and fantasy will welcome in the 2023 season at Belvoir Castle, brightening the winter evenings with a magical after-dark experience for visitors.

Beautiful installations will showcase the Capability Brown gardens, its formal features and sculptures as well as lighting up the Regency castle exterior as never seen before.

LINCOLN

TUESDAY 17th JANUARY

HAMLET

Matters of life and death in the court of the Danish royal family, as Shakespeare’s tragedy takes on the usual themes of life, death, madness and revenge.

n Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, 01522 837600, www.lpac.co.uk.

BOSTON FRIDAY 27th JANUARY BALLET THEATRE UK PRESENTS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Presented by Ballet Theatre UK, this is one of the most enchanting love stories of all time. Set to a stunning classical score with fresh new backdrops and choreography. n £19.50/adults, 7pm, Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston, PE21 6HP, 01205 363108, www.blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk

2023 will also be the first time the gardens have been opened to the public during early spring as snowdrops carpet the woodland floor.

The trail around the Castle grounds will allow visitors to discover some amazing light installations like Curve, Carpet of Colour and Paraluna.

Hot chocolate and mulled wine will be available on the Castle terrace to enjoy along with street food and sweet treats.

n Tickets £19.20/adults, £9.60/child, entry slots from 5.30pm, Belvoir Castle, 01476 871001, www.belvoircastle.com.

A TRIP TO SLEAFORD

Culture, Craft & Community in SLEAFORD

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

>> LINCOLNSHIRE has many fine market towns, in addition to its modern, thriving city and by my reckoning about 1,000 villages – given that there are 1,049 civil parishes, minus 30 or so market towns – but there’s one particular market town which I have a soft spot.

Having spent much of my life in Boston, Sleaford has been my home town for just under 15 years and I can’t help it; I love the place to bits… far too much, in fact, to write an unbiased article on the town. Why?

For a start, I‘ve always felt like the place is a sort of Goldilocks town; large enough to have all of the shops, restaurants and other infrastructure you need, but still in such a relatively small area as to allow you to walk around the town and to quite often bump into people you know. That creates a real sense of community, and I’ve always felt Sleaford is a very friendly place to live, even by Lincolnshire’s standards.

It’s a town on the grow too, with new housing being constructed on the south side of the town, a new village established at Greylees to the west of the town from 2004, and the tantalising prospect of the town’s Bass Maltings one day being developed too.

Unlike many market towns across Britain, there’s a sense that Sleaford’s town centre is still thriving in spite of the internet’s intru sion into our shopping habits. Fancy a meal out? There’s a super pub in the form of the Barge & Bottle adjacent to The Hub, a smart café bar and brasserie in the form of Millers plus two Italian restaurants (Italian Connection and Tiamo), the Turkish café and restaurant Tablez, plus a rather good Thai (Thai Sabai) and what must be the best Indian restaurant in Lincolnshire in the form of The Agra. Just recently the town also gained a bar and grill restaurant, CeCe’s Kitchen… and all of the above are within walking distance of the town centre. >>

“This month we’re enjoying a tour around Sleaford with its arts and crafts, industrial heritage and a thriving town centre for its 18,600 residents...”

St Denys’ Church.

Handley Monument.

Cogglesford Mill.

The Hub.

The newest place to enjoy a coffee with friends, though is a freshly-extended Hub. With the closure of Heckington’s Pearoom craft centre, The Hub established itself as the new home of arts and crafts in Lincolnshire, changing its name to The Na tional Centre for Craft & Design in 2011, then back to The Hub last year.

A £1.2m investment in 2021 saw a new performing arts studio and a ground-floor gallery/café created. In early 2023, Bypass, Ceramics with Narrative, Glass and Shifts & Allusions are all set to champion varied crafts from textiles to ceramics to sculpture.

Another attraction in the town is the small – but perfectly formed – Sleaford Museum, which opened in 2015 adjacent to the town’s Handley Monument. Its changing exhibits

are brilliantly curated by volunteers, and al ways relevant to the history of the town, with previous themes including the history of the Bass Maltings and Sharpes Seeds.

Which brings us neatly onto the subject of the town’s industrial heritage. The Bass Maltings today are in a sorry state. Built from 1901 until 1907 and spread over 13 acres, the site consists of eight malthouses with a central water tower and engine shed.

The place was ideally situated, with a natu ral spring on the site and good railway links plus an abundant supply of barley from local farmers. However, when the site opened, Britain was just ten years away from a World War which would see demand for beer drop and fewer men available to work in the place. The Maltings continued to op

erate for just over 40 years, but by that time pneumatic malting mechanisms had been introduced at Bass’s Burton on Trent brewery, and road transport was beginning to super sede the railways. The site was abandoned for malting purposes in the 1950s and altogether in 1973, following which fires in 1976 and 2014 resulted in the buildings’ continuing decline. A £50m regeneration is a tempting prospect, but many locals doubt whether owners Gladedale will ever manage to break ground.

One local business that had a much longer history is Sharpes Seeds. At one time it was among the most important seed companies in the world, publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange and with 300 employees. Taken over by Avanta and later Booker in 1985, Sharpes Seeds moved out of the town

Left: The Bass Maltings. Below: An aerial view of Sleaford with (left to right) the town’s cricket club, town centre, Carre Street, The Hub and NKDC offices. Just out of shot is the town’s Renewable Energy Plant.

Another attraction in the town is the small –but perfectly formed –Sleaford Museum, with changing exhibits brilliantly curated by volunteers, and always relevant to the history of the town...

A little further out of town, Cogglesford Mill is another example of Sleaford’s industrial heritage. It was restored in March last year, following a £51,000 refurbishment which saw its water wheel once again turn the millstones...

but the brand still exists today with Sharpes Express Seed Potatoes still one of the best known heritage potato varieties.

The town was also home to George Lee and Charles Green who together founded a very successful bottled water company in the town. After outbreaks of cholera and smallpox, locals recognised the merits of clean, safe water and Sleaford Waterworks was founded in 1879. Lee & Green founded their aerated water company, with further factories in Bourne, Spalding, Skegness and in the US, too. The firm later produced flavoured drinks like ginger beer in stoneware bottles until the company ceased trading in 1938.

also next to St Denys’ Church, the earliest parts of which date back to the 12th century.

Above: Northgate Almshouses, built 1850-1860, by Kirk & Parry.

Speaking of water, 2019 saw the town’s Bristol Water Fountain, Grade II listed and built in 1874, restored by the Sleaford & District Civic Trust. Located in the Market Place, it enjoys pride of place next to the town’s War Memorial, commemorated in June 1922, and

A little further out of town, Cogglesford Mill is another example of Sleaford’s industrial heritage. It was restored in March last year, following a £51,000 refurbishment which saw its water wheel once again turn the millstones. Cogglesford Mill is adjacent to the Sleaford Navigation which is now navigable by boat up to that point. Beyond the mill are Bone Mill, Cornmill and Haverholme locks, and with ongoing fundraising and work to restore these and a lift bridge already installed in 2008 by Sleaford’s Navigation Trust it’s hoped that one day Sleaford’s waterway will join up with the rest of Lincolnshire’s waterways offering county-wide navigation.

Should that happen, it’ll be a new era for a town rich in history, offering a great lifestyle for residents and with a real sense of community too. n

CERAMICS & PAINTINGS BY LOUISE BROWN

Nature and whimsy combine to great effect in the work of Louise Brown, the Lincolnshire sculptor and artist whose work is on sale in over 250 shops and galleries across the country...

FINALLY! Louise Brown has a ‘proper job.’ Growing up in Kirton near Boston and having been educated at the town’s High School, a young Louise reached a point where she either needed to pursue her love of art or as someone once advised with good intentions, we suppose get a ‘proper job.’

Admittedly the pursuit of art as a career is a less secure vocation than being behind a desk at least initially but once you’ve established yourself in the profession, it’s every bit the fulfilling career that Louise craved.

“I studied radiography at St George’s Hospital on Long Leas Road in Lincoln and spent 30 years working in the medical profession, at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital.

It was a really rewarding career and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to help people and to support those in A& E and on the wards who work so hard for their patients. It was rewarding but not exactly creatively fulfilling... there’s not much scope for producing artistic images using an X-Ray machine, as you can imagine... the medics are a bit more concerned with anatomy than producing a creative image!”

“I’d always loved visiting galleries and I’d kept painting for pleasure, but a real turning point was when I approached a publisher, The Art Group, to enquire if they’d represent me commercially... which they did!”

That was in 2010, and to say that there was a tremendous reaction to Louise’s work is rather an understatement. Soon, her happy and prolific labours were rewarded not only by recognition of her signature style by some of the country’s top galleries, but also by some pretty enormous names in retail too.

Louise’s biggest outlet for her work now is UK retailer The Range, which has around 200 shops and stocks the artist’s work on framed prints, canvases and cushions. Each year, her work sells in quantities of not just hundreds or thousands, but tens of thousands, through that single retailer alone.

For most artists, though, there’s usually a question of whether to pursue recognition through commercial volume or to produce art in more exclusive quantities.

Happily, for Louise, she’s able to satisfy both ends of the spectrum as a commercial artist.>>

Words: Rob Davis.

>> Able to work on commissions as well as producing work for her publisher, Louise discovered another dimension literally, another dimension to her talent in 2003 when she attended The End Room near Sleaford, for some pottery classes, in 2003.

The class introduced her to wheel-based pottery vases and so on and Louise soon found herself ‘at one with the clay.’

She wanted to combine the craft of pottery with her enjoyment of representing the natural world, and so began to experiment with sculptures of animals, figurative and anthropomorphic.

Today, Louise reckons her division of time is a bit more biased towards sculptures, partly because her publisher already has access to a large back catalogue of work, and because she’s so well-established in the market, but also because sculpture is a good deal more time-consuming compared to her canvas based work.

“You can produce a piece of canvas-based and then license prints either in limited runs for galleries or in greater quantities for larger retailers.”

Individual Commissions

Louise Brown accepts commissions from fans of her figurative and whimsical canvas and sculpture-based works, as well as offering original canvases. For more information see www.louisebrownart.co.uk or call 01205 722931.

“It’s more difficult, though, to produce multiple versions of a sculpture, so those pieces are the ones that galleries are keen to stock. I remember the first gallery that expressed an interest in my sculpture. We were away in Norfolk for my 50th birthday, and I was enjoying looking around the Red Dot Gallery in Holt.”

“A little on impulse I approached the owner and to my delight he jumped at the chance to include my work in the gallery. He’s still a client of mine today, along with The Really Very Nice Gallery in Bury St Edmunds, The Cloud Galleries in Brighton, Acorn in Pock lington and Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge.”

“Some galleries are happy to tell you what they want so I can produce ranges specifically for each gallery, whereas some are keen to give an artist or a sculptor more of an open brief.”

“The Red Dot Gallery saw my style and discussed a range of dogs sitting on boxes. I think the first was Salty Sea Dog, sitting on a crate and styled as if he was a sailor. Another in the series was a French bulldog, styled accordingly. They sold well!”

“I spend a lot of time nature-gazing, which tends to feed my imagination, and occasion ally I see a photograph or other visual online which can give me inspiration if I approach the photographer and as permission for its use. But I don’t like just producing a very literal copy. I like my work to have a back story, lots of personality and whimsy.” >>

>> “For my canvas-based work, I tend to stick to acrylics, complete a rough sketch in pencil and then build up detail on successive layers, blocking in colour then adding more refinement. I’m fairly quick but it still takes about two days to produce something I’m happy with. After that, I’m fairly disciplined and don’t tend to go back and make constant tweaks.”

“The largest work I produce measures about 30” x 20”, for which I’d charge £500 for an original. I’d love to work on a few more bespoke commissions, although I’m really busy so I don’t actively promote them... but I should because they start from about £500 which for a one-off piece of bespoke art is, I think, really accessible.”

“Sculptures are a little more complicated, because when you’re working from a visual or you have an idea in your head, you can

only see one side of the subject, so your understanding of anatomy for each species of animals has to be sound.”

“If something isn’t quite right, even if you don’t know what, you’re still aware that something isn’t correct, so there’s nowhere to hide when it comes to realism, whether you’re creating a representation of that animal or one of my anthropomorphic pieces. But in the case of the latter, each animal has a personality which I love to bring out, which definitely gives me something to work with.”

“Hares are the most popular subject, probably because they’ve lots of character and personality, they’re ubiquitous in the countryside and they’re so alert and always seem to look poised. But dogs, foxes and horses will probably be the next most popular subjects.”

“Sculptures are made with an underlying framework of paper to form an armature onto which I press stoneware clay, building up layers of musculature. It takes me around a day to sculpt each piece, then they have to dry for a week before being given a bisque firing. After that they cool for 24 hours.”

“Once they’re cool I use underglaze to dye the clay, painting it on and building up layers of colour. That colour has to be fired for about 10 hours to bake it in, and I use a glossy underglaze to add shine to an animal’s eyes.”

“When you’re young it’s common for people to tell you to keep your dreams close to your heart but to be realistic about your career.”

“I’ve always really enjoyed working on paintings and on sculptures, but to find appreciation from people for my work and to do this as a ‘proper job’ is a dream come true!” n

Find Out More: Louise Brown is the Lincolnshire artist who works both on canvas and as a sculptor producing works of realism and quirky anthropomorphic pieces. Louise’s work is available to view, purchase and you can commission exclusive work at www.louisebrownart.co.uk or by calling 01205 722931.

Schools & Education

St Hugh’s School

Lincoln Minster School

“Providing an inspiring education for life...”

Based in the idyllic village of Woodhall Spa, we are a leading independent Nursery, day and boarding Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 2-13. Set in our own beautiful grounds, we have exceptional facilities. Our swimming pool has recently undergone major refurbishment to benefit not only our own students but also local schools and swim clubs in the area. Here at St Hugh’s, all of our pupils benefit from weekly swimming lessons and our provision sees a clear progressive pathway from our youngest Nursery children aged just two to our eldest pupils in Year 8. This year our School Swim Squad competed at national level, travelling to London to swim in the Olympic pool where they came away with bronze medals.

The enviable learning environ ment at St Hugh’s provides a space where classrooms and

playing fields provide equal opportunities for all – be it in a lesson, a match, a concert or a play, there are opportunities for children to develop, encouraged by caring professionals who are proud to be part of the school and who love what they do.

In our last ISI inspection we achieved ‘excellent’ in all areas and our Nursery was deemed ‘outstanding’. While in the Independent Schools Awards 2022, we were proud to be shortlisted for Small Independ ent School of the Year and In dependent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing. Most re cently we were a finalist in the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards.

n Come and see the opportunities on offer. Tel: 01526 352169

Email: office@st-hughs.lincs.sch.uk Website: www.st-hughs.lincs.sch.uk

Lincoln Minster School is an independent co-educa tional HMC day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 – 18 years based in the heart of Lincolnshire.

The Lincoln Minster School experience provides an en riched education that consis tently creates high achievers with purpose, ambition and character.

The relatively small class sizes allow us to give each student the attention and individu alised nurturing needed to sup port their development as they reach their full potential.

Our pupils and parents have the opportunity to help curate their learning experience, with the option to take advantage of our 150 co-curricular clubs, our excellent sports and music facilities, our peripatetic music specialists or through life-

changing, character-forming overseas travel opportunities. When our pupils and parents join us, they join the rich Lincoln Minster School family, a close-knit community that stays connected beyond graduation

We aim to provide an environment that sets high expectations, facilitating stretch and challenge, where each child is stimulated to fulfil their potential in preparation for the next stage of their edu cation and future employment.

Through an inspiring curriculum, exciting clubs, activities and trips, excellent academic and pastoral support, and dedicated and caring staff, we provide each and every one of our pupils with an ‘education for life.’

n For more information visit www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk or call 01522 5551300.

“An ‘excellent’ rated school with great facilities!”

Oakham School

Year 6 is a ‘Hidden Gem’ at Oakham School...

Stamford Endowed Schools

The Schools are woven into the tapestry of the town...

Oakham School is known for its academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care, Oakham School is an outstand ing co-educational day and boarding school for 10 to 18 year olds located in the heart of Rutland’s historic county town.

Within the 70-acre campus and outstanding facilities is the ‘hidden gem’ of the Lower School, offering a first-class education to the youngest pupils at the School. Children can join Oakham from Year 6 (aged 10), giving them an early introduction to the vast range of opportunities available.

Lower 1 (Year 6) pupils at Oakham School follow a timetable that is grounded in primary teaching with a pri mary specialist class teacher and a classroom base where they’re taught their lessons. They also benefit from being taught by subject specialists for

French, Science, the Creative and Performing Arts subjects, and Physical Education (PE), as well as taking part in several exciting trips and activities.

A former Lower 1 parent said: “All three of my children joined Oakham in Lower 1 and it re ally helped to ease them into the rhythm of School life. They loved starting at ‘big school’ a year early and enjoyed all the social and academic advan tages, whilst benefitting hugely from being taught in small classes in their own classroom.”

Joining Lower 1 means that pupils can immediately benefit from the broad Oakham cur riculum that swiftly embeds them into the rounded experi ence of life at Oakham School.

n Find out more by contacting Oakham School’s friendly Admissions team: admissions@oakham.rutland. sch.uk or 01572 758758.

At Stamford, our purpose is to give young people the opportunity to thrive. Our aim is to help them become the best version of themselves, to become rounded and grounded individuals ready for the next chapter of their lives.

Stamford strives to offer an out standing, contemporary educa tion in which students develop the ability to think for themselves and to interpret the world around them. Our Schools have a long and prestigious heritage, but everything we do at Stamford is focused on preparing young people to lead happy and fulfilling lives in the 21st Century.

Stamford Endowed Schools encompass the Nursery, Junior, and Senior Schools, as well as Sixth Form. The current Stam ford School and Stamford High School will be fully co-educa tional from September 2023.

At Stamford our passion and drive for the best in our students is often coined ‘Stamfordian Spirit’. The atmosphere of a house sport event or a spine tingling musical recital in the Oswald Elliot hall is second to none. Our core school day starts at 8.30am and finishes by 4pm Monday to Friday, but our schools are busy and buzzing long after the end of the day with a vast array of sporting activities, co-curricular clubs, music events – the list is endless! Our new Wothorpe Sports Centre has also recently opened, offering a multi-million pound sports complex to the west of our site for all Stamford students to enjoy. This complements our already extensive provision of sports facilities for students n For more information or to book a personal tour to Discover Stamford, please contact our admissions team on 01780 750311 or visit www.stamfordschools.org.uk.

Should Auld Acquaintances Be Forgot at NO.THIRTY8 in LINCOLN

A familiar face returns to our Dining Out pages as we pay a visit to The Tower Hotel in uphill Lincoln and its No.Thirty8 restaurant, home of Billy Frost’s satisfying winter dishes...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

IT’S THE TIME OF YEAR when Robert Burns reminds us that Auld Acquaintances shouldn’t be forgotten. We certainly hadn’t forgotten Billy Frost who has, since 2020, been heading up the kitchen of The Tower Hotel’s uphill Lincoln restaurant, No.Thirty8.

We already knew of Billy’s talent from his tenure as Head Chef at another, much larger, hotel not too far away. His move, Billy says, was to a place with a more modest number of covers fewer large banqueting functions and weddings which he quite correctly reasoned would allow him to create one of Lincoln’s most satisfying uphill dining out prospects, and focus on quality.

In The Tower’s early life the place served as stables for those on Bailgate and the surrounding area, becoming a garage for cars during the halcyon days of vintage motoring. In 1990, owner Philippa Creasey’s father renovated the hotel and created on the site a hotel which she has run ever since.

The hotel comprises 15 en suite rooms, a friendly bar which is popular with locals and visitors to the city, and its restaurant. With 35-covers there’s a sufficient number of diners to give the place a nice atmosphere, whilst ensuring Billy and fellow chefs Adam, James, Lewis and Noah can treat their diners to a really well-executed menu of winter dishes that make the most of fresh local ingredients.

During daytime service, there’s an all-day menu for those seeking proper feel-good food. A ‘gourmet’ burger, fish ‘n’ chips, steak & ale pie, club sandwich and a couple of steaks are all present and correct. There’s also an à la carte menu, too, typically comprising four starters, and four mains.

King Scallops £10.

This is served during both daytime and evening service, with slightly more complex dishes, some new examples of which we’ve photographed and featured here.

Running alongside these menus and also available during both daytime and evening service is a table d’hôte menu available for £14/two courses; £16/three courses.

And finally, once a season the restaurant previews its forthcoming dishes with a ‘pop-up’ fine dining experience powered by a five-course tasting menu. >>

MEET THE CHEF BILLY FROST, HEAD CHEF

History: Raised in Doncaster, Billy came to Lincoln in 2018, after working at The Ritz. He fell in love with the city and has remained here ever since, working in uphill Lincoln.

Food Heaven: Pork! It has so much flavour, and it’s so versatile.

Food Hell: Oily fish! n

DINING OUT AT THE N O.THIRTY8 IN LINCOLN

on the MENU

Starters

Whipped Yellison goats cheese with goats cheese bon bons, variations of heritage beetroot, £7.

King scallops with pressed ham terrine, vanilla soaked grapes, pickled shallot and baked hazelnuts, £10.

Wood pigeon breast with pigeon leg lollipop, dandelion & burdock purée, pistachio crumble, soused black berries, with jus, £7.

Main Courses

Plate of pork; slow cooked belly pork, prosciutto wrapped tenderloin, braised cheek, crackling, tender stem broccoli, apple puree, fondant potato, mini toffee apple, pork jus, £17.

Trio of Gelston lamb; lamb loin, lamb shoulder shepherd’s pie, lamb fritter, Lincolnshire poacher crisp, baby leeks, pickled turnip, £18. Roasted cod loin with cod and dill hash, caramelised fennel, balsamic pearls, seaweed & butter sauce and dill oil, £17.

Desserts

Seasonal fruit Eton mess with vanilla bean chantilly, sloe gin jelly, homemade fruit pastille and blackberry sorbet. Sticky toffee and stout pudding, butterscotch sauce, clotted cream ice cream.

NB: This is a sample menu, and featured dishes are subject to availability and change.

>> The team’s philosophy, Billy says, is to take a single premium ‘halo’ ingredient and then to make sure any other element orbits around that ingredient.

Billy isn’t afraid to use traditionally cheaper cuts of meat alongside premium ones either, to give a dish extra dimension.

A case in point is the à la carte menu’s Plate of Pork dish. Full disclosure; pork remains my very favourite meat, so I admit to significant bias already, but even so... the use of slow-cooked pork belly with prosciuttowrapped tenderloin was lovely, especially alongside a braised cheek which had been cooked long and slow. A strip of crackling, mini toffee-apple and accompaniments including apple purée and fondant potato were excellent additions.

Local suppliers assist in the creation of dishes like the kitchen’s Trio of Gelston Lamb dish with lamb loin and a deconstructed shoulder of lamb which Billy created for the National Chef of the Year competition last year, reaching the final 30 entries.

Other suppliers include butchery from Owen Taylor, plus fish landed at Grimsby Docks arriving via Moorcroft and Direct, and Pilgrim Foods as well as local independent suppliers such as Poacher Cheese and Lymn Bank which contributes its Just Jane vintage cheddar to a dish with roast celeriac, wild mushroom duxelle and black garlic purée.

The kitchen team creates its own speciality breads (e.g.: focaccia), desserts and bar snacks like the black pudding bon-bons.

“The team’s philosophy, Billy says, is to take a single premium ‘halo’ ingredient and then to make sure any other element orbits around that ingredient. It’s an approach that works very well!”

Whipped Yellison goats cheese £7. Whipped Yellison cheese

Eton Mess.

Trio of Gelston Lamb, £18.

Wood Pigeon Breast, £7.

To accompany their dishes, the team has also partnered with Hallgarten wines to curate a range of wines, and with smaller real ale producers to accompany each dish and warm up your winter.

Speaking of warming up your winter, as Pride goes to press, the team will have served up hot chocolate and mulled wine to visitors attending Lincoln Christmas market before leaping into action (like 10 lords) to satisfy their Christmas parties and serve a set three-course menu. In the New Year, No.Thirty8 will then start taking bookings for its Valentine’s Day tasting menu and for Mothering Sunday, which always fills up very quickly quite far in advance.

“I knew of the place when I worked elsewhere in Lincoln and I’d sometimes pop in to

see the team after work,” says Billy. “I always loved the feel of the place, how friendly the team was. When a chance to work here and to head up the kitchen arose, I jumped at the chance. It’s a great team, we’re all proud of what we produce and the warm welcome we provide our guests. I think that rubs off on everyone who comes through the door!” n

DINING OUT AT...

No.Thirty8 at The Tower Hotel

The Pitch: Welcoming Uphill Lincoln hotel providing à la carte dining, tasting menus and great value table d’hôte menus.

Dining Times: Food served Monday to Friday, 12noon to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm.

Saturday 12noon to 9pm. Sunday 12noon to 3pm.

No.Thirty8 Restaurant at The Tower Hotel, 38 Westgate, Lincoln LN1 3BD Call 01522 529999 or see www.thetowerlincoln.com.

Chocolate and honeycomb.

This month we reveal the winners of our 2022 Good Food Awards.

Back in October we invited our readers to vote for their favourite local restaurants, coffee shops and food & drink producers... and now, the results are in!

Words: Rob Davis.

In October we asked our readers to vote for their favourite local restaurants, cafés, food and drink producers. The votes have been counted and the results are in...!

Lincolnshire Pride’s Restaurant of the Year

BACK IN OCTOBER, we asked our readers to name their favourite restaurants and the votes are in. Happily, we’ve seen a wide range of restaurants receiving nominations, from every part of Lincolnshire. A few restaurants clearly stood out, among which was our winner, Hough on the Hill’s Brownlow Arms. Dating back to 1852 and commanding Grade II listed status, it’s a pretty ironstone and limestone quality pub restaurant which was taken over by Paul and Lorraine Willoughby back in 1979.

More than 40 years on, it has become renowned for striking a really good balance between beautifully constructed dishes, but in an environment which is determinedly a local pub in nature.

The dining room of The Brownlow Arms features wood panelling and Farrow & Ball’s Downpipe shade, with smart table linens and ticking fabrics on comfy dining chairs. In the bar, meanwhile, there’s an open fire, wing chairs and real ales.

An à la carte menu provides six starters, six main courses plus a couple of grill options including chateaubriand, and five desserts plus a couple of ice cream and sorbet options and a good cheese board with Hambleton bakery’s sourdough and Lincolnshire Poacher among the local producers represented.

A Sunday lunch option is very popular with Lincolnshire folk, and the Brownlow Arms also has five bedrooms for those who want to stay over.

The Good Pub Guide 2021 awarded The Brownlow Arms its Lincolnshire Dining Pub of the Year title, with 2022’s awards yet to be confirmed, whilst the AA has also awarded the place two rosettes for the quality of its cuisine.

Reviews point to delicious dining, impecca ble service and luxury, with one reviewer remarking on the pub restaurant’s menu, saying that it offers ‘comforting, flavoursome British fayre, seasoned and presented to upmarket standards.’

We identify The Brownlow Arms’ signature dish as Chef’s twice-baked soufflé which has found its way onto several other menus in the area but we reckon it originated at the pub first.

With a relaxed, traditional feel and the benefit of Paul and Lorraine’s welcome which is consistently warm without ever compromising professionalism or service we agree with our readers that The Brownlow Arms is a worthy winner, one of the best restaurants in the county for offering superb dining, a welcoming feel and for showcasing the very best local ingredients on offer. n

We’re

Also highly commended...

n The Jew’s House: Set in a 12th-century town house on The Strait, The Jew’s House is Grade I listed and almost certainly the oldest building for any restaurant in Lincolnshire. Back in 2006, Gavin Aitkenhead set up his own dining room to cook the food he wanted, exploiting the right balance of texture and flavour. Very smart dining, whether you opt for the à la carte or five-course tasting menu. Tel: 01522 524851, www.jewshouserestaurant.co.uk.

n Winteringham Fields: Home to Colin McGurran and his chef Gareth Bartram, Winteringham Fields is North Lincolnshire’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. Tel: 01724 733096, www.winteringhamfields.co.uk.

n The Pig & Whistle: Based at Healing Manor Hotel, The Pig & Whistle is run by Steven and Charlotte Bennett, with two-rosette food and menus of delicious British classics. Tel: 01472 884544, www.healingmanorhotel.co.uk.

n The George of Stamford: Traditional coaching inn with oak-panelled dining room and stone mullion windows for a grand feel. Head Chef Gareth Thorpe’s treats include Dover Sole, Sirloin of Beef and Woodbridge Duck and Beef Wellington. Tel: 01780 750750, www.georgehotelofstamford.com.

n The Bustard Inn: Based in South Rauceby, The Bustard Inn recently benefited from the return of legendary local chef Phil Lowe. Great dining! Tel: 01529 488250, www.thebustardinn.co.uk.

In October we asked our readers to vote for their favourite local restaurants, cafés, food and drink producers. The votes have been counted and the results are in...!

Café Manager Amy WrightFoster (holding plaque) who has worked at Doddington Hall for 11 years and married on the estate this year! Amy is pictured with the team, including Jordan Cody, Head Chef and Katrina Bell & Rebecca Leeder, Assistant Mangers.

Image: Simon Broadhead.

THE SECOND CATEGORY in our Good Food Awards is concerned with daytime dining and so it’s open to votes from our readers for their preferred cafés, coffee shops, bistros and farm shops.

Daytime dining is typically less expensive than evening dining and often customers are looking for simpler or lighter dishes that emerge from the kitchen faster. That doesn’t mean daytime dining can’t or shouldn’t be as enjoyable and reflect the same strong values of freshly cooked dishes, locally sourced ingredients and great flavours... all qualities that those living in Lincolnshire expect during evening service.

Our winner for the second year running in our daytime dining category is Doddington Hall and its new lunch menu proves that daytime dining can be really good too.

Doddington Hall was built in 1600, and has been under the custodianship of James and Claire Birch since 2006. Today the place is nothing short of ambassadorial to the county’s culture of food and farming.

For instance, a driving force of the estate’s Wilder Doddington project is the herd of rare breed, pasture-fed Lincoln Red cattle which is helping to build biodiversity and carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation. An excellent farm shop on site is well stocked,

and Doddington Hall’s Café uses produce from Doddington Hall’s kitchen garden, plus pasture-fed Lincoln Red beef reared on the estate and meat from local butcher Hambleton’s which also has a butchery counter in the farm shop. Fish is sourced from Grimsby Docks. Eggs are sourced from Welton Farm. Cheese suppliers include Lincolnshire Poacher, and Cote Hill.

On the menu is haddock and chips, steak, a Lincoln Red burger, sausage and mash, plus 48-hour maple-braised pork belly and homemade soup of the day, as well as sandwiches and cakes and tray-bakes made freshly in house. Doddington Hall’s Café is an excellent example of how daytime dining can be just as enjoyable as dining out in the evening. n

Also highly commended by our readers

n Millers, Sleaford: Millers calls itself a bar and restaurant, or restaurant, café bar and brasserie. In fact, that’s a real understatement of a restaurant that is ideal for daytime dining, Sunday lunch or evening dining. A robust number of daytime dishes including haddock ‘n’ chips, Millers burger, Lincolnshire sausage and mash, sandwiches and homemade cakes. Next door is Millers’ ice cream parlour and chocolate shop, which also provides warm crêpes and waffles too.

Tel: 01529 414 888, www.millerssleaford.com.

n The Parlour, Springfields: An Edwardian feel to a menu of afternoon teas, brunch and bistro dishes, plus shopping at Spalding’s Springfields. Tel: 01775 760949, www.springfieldsoutlet.co.uk.

n Greyz Tea Room, Bailgate: Homemade cakes, sandwiches and paninis, afternoon tea and brunch options all on Gordon Road, just off Lincoln’s Bailgate. Tel: 01522 536117, www.grayztearoom.co.uk.

n Tablez Bistro, Sleaford: Great for daytime dining and English food with a Mediterranean twist... Turkish nights on Saturday! Tel: 01529 300922.

In October we asked our readers to vote for their favourite local restaurants, cafés, food and drink producers. The votes have been counted and the results are in...!

Best International Dining Restaurant

ZADA in Arabic means ‘fortunate’ and Zillur Hussain’s restaurant, founded in 2015, has been fortunate enough to have been recognised by its satisfied diners as this year’s Best Restaurant for International Dining.

Turkish cuisine may be less prevalent in the UK than other dining nationalities, but it’s a winner for winter, with spiced mezza and dishes of slowly-cooked and delicately flavoured tagines of lamb, chicken and for vegetarians and vegans tofu or veg.

Starter options include the usual Hummus, Babaganush, Kofte, Taramosalata & Falafel, whilst dessert options include Baklawa with its layers of filo pastry, and Sultak, a traditional rice pudding-style dish.

Hence there’s dark wood, bright colours, soft lighting and soft furnishings, plus incense and of course, a performance by belly dancers on the first Wednesday of each month. One of the nicest aspect of Turkish cuisine is the sense of theatre. Entertaining for Turkish people is, says Zillur, fundamental.

“We provide authentic home style Turkish cuisine from a very authentic menu,” says Zillur. “Our refined homestyle cuisine is served with unpretentious abundance in the spirit of traditional Arabian hospitality!”

That certainly appears to have been the experience of our readers, who have named Zada their favourite international dining experience and a real Turkish delight. n

Also highly commended by our readers

n The Agra, Sleaford: Sleaford’s oldest Indian restaurant still prides itself in preparing delicious Indian food, created by award winning chefs with diverse cooking skills acquired from Chennai and Bengal.

The Agra is home to the charismatic LK, inventor of ‘The Widower’ which was at one time the world’s hottest curry, with 20 Naga Infinity chillis resulting in a 6,000,000 Scoville rating it left some of those who braved it shaking, crying and sweating. Happily, many of LK’s dishes are less intense, beautifully flavoured and really enjoyable.

Tel: 01529 305900 www.theagra.co.uk.

n San Pietro, Scunthorpe: San Pietro is absolutely not your average Italian restaurant with the usual Anglicised offering, but a stylish, fine-dining oriented Mediterranean restaurant with Menu Del Giorno, à la carte and tasting menus, and dishes like Pig Three Ways, Fillet of Veal and Loin of Venison. A definite recommendation. Tel: 01724 277774, www.sanpietro.uk.com.

n Cognito, Lincoln: Pan-Asian fusion restaurant with a special focus on Japanese dishes, designed to share, including Uramaki Sushi, Gyozas and Bao.

Tel: 01522 575840, www.cognitouk.com.

n Olivares Tapas Bar, Lincoln: Authentic Spanish food on the corner of Castle Hill, with authentic Queso, Tortilla, and sharing options.

Tel: 01522 410627, www.olivarestapas.co.uk.

In October we asked our readers to vote for their favourite local restaurants, cafés, food and drink producers. The votes have been counted and the results are in...!

Lincolnshire’s Best ‘Restaurant with Rooms’

THERE ARE FEW HOTELS quite as beautiful as Washingborough Hall. It’s set in three acres of grounds, the building dates back to 1750 and it carries a Grade II listing. So charming is its setting and appearance that you’d think it’s located in the middle of rolling countryside, not 10 minutes from the modern thriving city of Lincoln. Since 2008 Washingborough Hall has been under the custodianship of Lucy and Ed Herring. The former is a cordon bleu-trained chef who now works in close partnership with Head Chef Mark Cheseldine. whose previous appointments include Lincoln’s Wig & Mitre, Newark’s Café Bleu and Reform Restaurant at The Castle Hotel.

The hotel’s two AA-rosette restaurant is classically-styled, with crisp white linens and a real ‘country chic’ feel, but in addition to creating one of the smartest dining experiences in or around Lincoln, the hotel also comprises 20 rooms commanding four AA-stars.

Our readers have voted Washingborough Hall their favourite Restaurant with Rooms, and it’s easy to see why taking a peek at Room 20 with its four-poster bed, light olive green and soft gold colour scheme and its views over the front lawn and neighbouring church. Best of all, there’s a real friendly feel to the place with no stuffiness, just a lovely atmosphere, and the most assiduous standards of dining and accommodation. n

Also highly commended...

n The George of Stamford: For over 900 years now, The George of Stamford has offered a proper coaching inn welcome to guests travelling up and down what we now know as the A1. The place has 45 bedrooms, classicallystyled, with lots of olde-worlde charm. As for its oak-panelled restaurant, few places feel as comfortable and smart. With its oak panelling and mullion windows, it’s like dining in a private member’s club or in the Palaces of Westminster! Tel: 01780 750750, www.georgehotelofstamford.com.

n The Petwood Hotel: Woodhall Spa’s Edwardian gem has 53 beautiful bedrooms and took the opportunity during Covid to complete room and bathrooms makeovers to keep this classically-style hotel looking smart. A four-poster room and Weigall Suite are also available, and the hotel offers excellent dining and afternoon teas. Look out for a great programme of live dining events, themed around Fawlty Towers, James Bond and Only Fools & Horses.

Tel: 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk.

n Doubletree by Hilton, Lincoln: Overlooking Brayford Pool, Doubletree by Hilton has 160 rooms and eight suites, plus a Marco Pierre White branded steakhouse and grill on one of the upper floors.

Tel: 01522 565182 www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk.

In October we asked our readers to vote for their favourite local restaurants, cafés, food and drink producers. The votes have been counted and the results are in...!

ALL HAIL to the Lincolnshire sausage, and to Redhill Farm, producers of free range pork, which the farm sells both from its Shop on the Farm in Morton and from its Shop in the Bail on Bailgate.

Our readers have named Redhill Farm their favourite food producer or retailer for 2022, and they’re not alone in considering the farm’s Lincolnshire Sausages among the best in the country. The Guardian newspaper named the company’s sausages among the top ten in the UK, and they placed in the top three UK sausages in BBC Good Food magazine, as well as being voted Lincolnshire’s Best Sausage in our own Lincolnshire Sausage Awards.

The sausages have also been awarded a Great Taste Award star no fewer than five times, including 2021.

The company’s Bailgate shop opened in spring 2017, and in addition to sausages, it provides locals with their free range pork, bacon, ham, pork pies, haslet... so expect queues out the door in December as locals pick up their ‘pigs in blankets’ to enjoy with Christmas lunch.

Terry & Jane Tomlinson set up the company 23 years ago and have also created an online shop which ensures those from outside the county can also enjoy high-quality, highwelfare pork no matter where they live. n

Also highly commended...

n Mansion Farm Shop, Louth: Jim & Odile Sutcliffe have been running their online farm shop from the Lincolnshire Wolds since August 2021. Customers can order beef, lamb, pork, poultry, game, bread, cakes, pies, dairy goods, greengrocery and fish... all with local provenance, and with home delivery directly to your door. www.mansionfarmshop.com.

n The Cheese Society, Lincoln: Cheese lovers worship at the altar of Kate O’Meara’s Cheese Society on the city’s St Martin’s Lane. As well as a 16-seater café, the business, founded in 1997, saw the potential of the internet when e-commerce was in its infancy and now serves as an online retailer for 81 different types of cheese online, also offering subscriptions and gift boxes.

Tel: 01522 511 003, www.thecheesesociety.co.uk.

n Myers Bakery, Horncastle: Home to the beloved Lincolnshire Plum Loaf and to five generations of the same family, working since 1901 to produce the very best bread and cakes.

Tel: 01507 522234, www.myersbakery.co.uk

n Alfred Enderby, Grimsby: Now run by Patrick Salmon, but with a history stretching back to 1918, providing smoked salmon and haddock. Tel: 01472 342984, www.alfredenderby.co.uk.

n Gary Simpson Butchers: Located in Sleaford, Lincoln, Stamford, Spalding and Heckington, providing high-welfare butchery and pies and ready meals.

Tel: 01529 460403, www.gsimpsonbutchers.co.uk.

In October we asked our readers to vote for their favourite local restaurants, cafés, food and drink producers. The votes have been counted and the results are in...!

SIMON & BRIDGET WHITE can raise a glass to our readers, who have named their winery near Louth our Best Local Drinks Producer for 2022.

There are now 658 vineyards in the UK, and they’re producing really good wines thanks to a warming of the UK’s climate which has seen the conditions traditionally experienced around France’s Champagne region move gradually north.

Simon planted the first of his 6,000 Bacchus and Solaris vines in 2015, and having given them a few years to settle in, he’s now able to produce fantastic wine like his Bacchus

and Solaris, produced with grapes from the sloping fields of Harrington, in an area of the Lincolnshire Wolds designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Look out for recent products from Ovens Farm including its own gin and sparkling wines which are also offered as a case of six mixed wines. And if you’re at a loose end next summer, you can also join in the fun during grape harvest... 15-20 people a day volunteer, in return for a good sun tan and a bottle or two to take home!

Also highly commended...

n Lincolnshire Tea & Coffee: Back in 2013 we wouldn’t have said there was anything better than a cup of tea. And then... along comes Susie and John Carlisle’s Lincolnshire Tea with its biscuity flavour and loose leaf and prism tea bag options. Ideal for our hard water and absolutely delightful. If you’re a coffee person, though, the company also produces its own blends, in both ground and bean form.

Tel: 01522 681838, thelincolnteaandcoffeecompany.co.uk

n Stokes Coffee, Lincoln: Also synonymous with coffee in Lincolnshire is Stokes, over 120 years old and with Columbian and Honduran blends available online and from its High Bridge Café or its roastery in The Lawn.

Tel: 01522 523548, www.stokescoffee.com.

n Bateman’s Brewery: Established in 1874 and with a fourth generation of the family Jaclyn and Stuart Bateman now at the helm, Batemans’ flagship beer, its XXXB is easily the most well-regarded of the county’s local ales.

Tel: 01754 880317, www.bateman.co.uk.

n Belvoir Fruit Farm, Grantham: Pev Manners resurrected a childhood favourite, his mum’s elderflower cordial in 1984 and has gradually grown his range to include over 50 premium soft drinks.

Tel: 01476 870286, www.belvoirfarm.co.uk.

In the KITCHEN

Sssh! Don’t tell anyone, but this is the easiest and most impressive looking showstopper you’ll ever create for visitors over Christmas and New Year!

CHOCOLATE & HAZELNUT SNOWFLAKE

Preparation Time: 25 minutes + chilling. Cooking Time: 35 minutes. Serves: 8. 2 x 320g packs Jus-Rol Puff Pastry Sheet • 100g hazelnut chocolate spread 50g chopped roasted hazelnuts • 1 free range medium egg, lightly beaten • Icing sugar, for dusting

Unroll both of the pastry sheets and cut a 20-22cm circle from each (save the offcuts to make tarts, cheese twists or palmiers). Put one pastry circle on a sheet of baking parchment and cover one side evenly with hazelnut chocolate spread. Sprinkle over 1⁄2 the hazelnuts, leaving a 1cm border around the edge. Put the second pastry circle on top, pressing lightly around the border to seal.

Put the lid of a small jar (about 4-5cm in diameter) in the centre of the pastry (so you don’t cut through it), then use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into quarters (excluding the central circle). Cut down the centre of each quarter and then repeat. You should have 16 equal strips of pastry attached to the centre. Take two strips next to each other and twist them away from each other three times. Press the ends together in a point, to seal. Repeat all the way around the circle – you should now have 8 snowflake ‘arms’. Slide the snowflake, on its parchment, onto a baking sheet; chill for 30 minutes. 4 Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6 Lightly brush the egg all over the top of the snowflake. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and puffed up. Allow to cool, then dust with icing sugar and sprinkle over the remaining hazelnuts to serve. n

Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

In the KITCHEN

IRISH CREAM FUDGE

Preparation Time: 20 minutes + cooling and chilling. Makes about 30 pieces. 397g can condensed milk • 150ml whole milk • 425g light brown soft sugar 115g unsalted butter • 100ml Baileys The Original Irish Cream • Large pinch of salt 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped.

Line a 20cm x 20cm baking tin with parchment. Put the milks, sugar and butter in a large, nonstick saucepan and warm over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Put a sugar thermometer in the pan and turn up the heat a little, bringing the mixture to a moderate bubble. Stir continuously until the thermometer reaches 113-115°C or ‘soft-ball stage’ (this should take about 15 minutes). Take the pan off the heat and set aside for five minutes.

Stir the Irish cream and salt into the mixture. Using electric beaters set to a medium speed, beat for about 10 minutes until you have a thick mixture that’s starting to come away from the sides of the pan. (You can also do this with a wooden spoon, beating for about 15 minutes.) Tip the mixture into the lined tin, spreading it out evenly. Cool to room temperature, then cover and chill for an hour.

Melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water, stirring until smooth. Meanwhile, put a large sheet of baking parchment on the work surface. Turn out the fudge and trim the edges to neaten, then cut into squares about 3cm x 3cm. Dip 1⁄2 of each square of fudge in the chocolate. Leave to set on the parchment, chilling again briefly if needed. n

Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

A delicious festive twist on fudge... you could give this to visitors over the festive season... or you could just pull up the drawbridge, light the fire and scoff this Baileys fudge with a good book!

A Highland whisky to raise a toast to the New Year...

Pure water running down from the Cairngorms and a whiff of heather help to make this a dram to remember!

If you’re looking for a top quality single malt to raise a glass and bid farewell to 2022, this is the one! Distilled at the foot of the Cairngorms, it’s sweet and syrupy, with the taste of honey and heather. Aged 15 years, it enjoys a price point that won’t leave you agonising over whether to open it, but will still give you a real treat. ‘Slainte!’

£44.95 / 70cl / 43% ABV,

The Wine Cellar

5, 4, 3, 2, 1: Count down to 2023 with some fabulous fizz, here are our favourites!

1. Not a year goes by without a blind taste test in the tabloids which declares an Aldi budget Champagne better than more expensive options. Monsigny is actually pretty decent though, £14.99 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV.

2. For a good mid-range Champagne, Mumm’s the word... its Cordon Rouge edition was adorned with a red ribbon that has paid homage to the Legion of Honour since 1876. Fine bubbles and enticing white and yellow fruitiness, £39 / 75cl / 12% ABV.

3. A high-end offering from Waitrose. This vintage Dom Pérignon from 2012 offers apricot, and a toasty finish for those seeking the ultimate expression of Champagne, £195 / 75cl / 13% ABV.

Wine of the Month

Nyetimber 1086 Rosé, £175/75cl; £980/6 x 75cl; £280/2 x 75cl Cuvée Duo, West Sussex, 12% ABV, “Alors! Les Rosbifs et leur vin, comme c’est effronté!”

Whilst rules on Protected Geographical Status prevent West Sussex’s Nyetimber calling their sparkling wine Champagne, this is very much a rosé by any other name tasting as sweet. A blend of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay grapes, plus méthode champenoise and the warming British climate make this a winner... even finer as a 2010 vintage. Rosé or white Cuvée Duo available, from nyetimber.com. n

Local distillery Warner’s is renowned for its alcoholic spirits, but the company also caters brilliantly for those who want to raise a glass on New Year’s Eve but get a head start on ‘Dry January.’ With no alcohol to cover its modesty, the spicy base, herbal hit, citrus edge and peppery finish gives it the recognisable kick of a top-shelf spirit. Distilled with lemon thyme, lemon verbena and water drawn from the spring on the family’s farm. £18 / 70cl / 0% ABV, www.warners distillery.com.

n Our featured wines are available from the best local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary from those stated.

HUF HAUS LINCOLNSHIRE’S ONLY

It’s probably the most distinctive property on the market in the county right now. This month we’re enjoying a tour around Lincolnshire’s one and only Huf Haus, built in 2004...

Words: Rob Davis.

THE DETAILS

Wildwood, Aisby near Grantham

Location: Grantham 16 mins, Sleaford 15 mins, Stamford 33 mins.

Provenance: One of just 300 UK Huf Haus homes, created in glazed post and beam form back in 2004.

Rooms: Open plan living space with drawing room, dining room, kitchen and balcony. Five bedrooms with two en suites. Gym, sauna and barn with Class Q permission.

Guide Price: £1,850,000.

Find Out More: Fine & Country Lincoln, High Street, Navenby LN5 0DZ. Call 01522 287008 or see www.fineandcountry.co.uk.

GO ON... INDULGE ME Ever since I saw that Wildwood was back on the market I was desperate to feature it in the magazine. Strange, really, because my preference by far is towards older properties with lots of character. Ordinarily, very few modern homes appeal, but look at Wildwood’s huge expanses of glazing, and the way it nestles into the property’s curtilage! Look at the panoramic views, and the amount of natural light that floods in! Look at the open plan layout and the gleaming white surfaces!

A fan of modern homes or not, it’s impossible not to be awed by Wildwood, located in the village of Aisby, pretty much equidistant to Grantham, Sleaford and not a great deal further from Lincoln, either, or Stamford with its commutability to London.

Like me, Wildwood’s current owners were smitten with older properties until they experienced a bit of an epiphany, moving into a Grand Designs property near Oundle. Suddenly the joy of natural light and low energy bills became apparent. Sadly there was no room for the Jacob sheep the couple breed though, and so

Top/Main: Wildwood is Lincolnshire’s only Huf Haus, arranged over three floors, with five bedrooms and an open plan ground floor with generous balcony.

they began to look for a new home which would provide lots of modern living space and room for some livestock too.

Their search yielded Wildwood, created in 2004 by its previous owners. The couple moved in back in 2011 and became one of just 300 homeowners to live in a Germanengineered Huf Haus, designed and then fabricated in Westerwald, before assembly in situ in the UK. There’s even an owners’ club for Huf Haus residents and with their prop erties in common, our couple have become good friends with the owners of the next nearest Huf Haus near Oundle. It really is quite a community, with practical shared interests like the best suppliers to use for furnishings, to an enthusiasm for the unusual but beautifully engineered buildings.

Wildwood is arranged over three floors. From the front, only the ground floor and

first floor are visible, whilst from the rear of the property, you can see the basement level.

On the ground floor is an open plan living space with drawing room, dining room, kitchen and retractable doors opening onto a large balcony. Happily, the layout doesn’t seem monolithic, though, thanks to some well-thought out zoning and the central staircase around which the living space is wrapped. There’s a separate snug or TV room, too, which is enclosed for when you’d like a bit of peace and quiet.

On the basement level are three bedrooms and a shower room with sauna, as well as a utility room and gym. The first floor has two master bedrooms, each with its own en suite and balcony, and with a dressing room to the principal bedroom. A mezzanine gallery also provides a study area with space to work which has views over the countryside.

>> In terms of running costs, the couple’s beautifully nurtured garden is irrigated using recovered water and power for the house is generated via the 3.9kW PV solar panels. The underfloor heating installed throughout ensures low running costs, as does the thermal glazing. Nice and cosy in the winter then especially in the living room with its Boley log burner but in the summer months too the house is just as temperate thanks to its electrically controlled automatic blinds. The owners say that the place is comfortable all year round, and of course, with all that glazing, it also enjoys near-360° panoramic views over the countryside.

“The house is set in about 12 acres, of which three acres is the property itself and formal grounds. Every year we open the garden to the NGS and with eight paddocks, it’s ideal for those with livestock or those who want to create a smallholding.”

“We’ve really loved living here and we’ll miss the place enormously, but we’ve stopped breeding our Jacobs now and so we’re looking to reduce the amount of land we have. We’d definitely consider another Huf Haus; they’re so well-built almost over-engineered. There’s a lot of flexibility available in terms of how the space can be used, so we’re hoping its next owners love the place as much as we have!” n

n Aswardby Hall, Spilsby Guide Pride: £2,250,000

Beautiful country home with 10 bed rooms and six bathrooms, plus five reception rooms set in 12 acres. The house is surrounded by gardens on all sides, and were designed by the broadcaster Bunny Guinness. www.knightfrank.co.uk

n Low Farm, Fulstow, Louth Guide Price: £1,600,000

An attractive farmhouse of red brick construction under a under a pantile roof with exposed timber beams throughout the property. Poultry sheds and polytunnels, and a home fully modernised throughout. www.savills.co.uk

n York Lodge, Friskney, Boston

Guide Price: £695,000

A large, well-appointed five bedroomed detached house set in 3.22 acres.

Five bedrooms, two en suites, four reception rooms, mature gardens, paddocks and pond. Raised vegetable patches and gazebo, ideal for someone looking to create a smallholding. www.poyntons.com

BOTANICALS A NEW SEASON for

Inky shades from indigo to botanical are on-trend for spring 2023, so we’ve chosen our favourites from leading designers’ new collections...

To make the best of these fabrics, seek out one of the county’s leading interior design specialists to create bespoke soft furnishings and decoration for your interiors...

Top: William Yeoward cushions, Somerley and Paddy Velvet.

Top/Right: Silverwood fabric in navy from Jane Churchill.

Right: Emerald Forest bedding, Clarke & Clarke Wedgwood.

Malacca, marine fabric from Manuel Canovas.

Lincolnshire Interiors: Delcor: 01780 762579, www.delcor.co.uk. H-Works: 01780 754605, www.hworksdesign.co.uk. Richard Sutton Interiors: 01472 268377, richardsuttondesigninteriors.com. Stevensons: 01472 233111, www.stevensonsgroup.co.uk. n

Please note availability of brands and ranges at the above design studios subject to variation.

Exotica Passiflora from Clarke & Clarke, in Midnight & Spice colourway.

3.

Kilburn & Scott throw, 130cm x 170cm, in herringbone, £59.99, from Gates Garden Centre.

Gate Garden Centre, 01664 454309, www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

1. Duresta Horatio chair from a selection of Duresta and own label chairs and sofas at The Sack Store, Boston £call. Sack Store, 01205 310101, www.sackstore.co.uk.

2. Metal globe and crystal chandelier, with eucalyptus wood and five bulbs, 900mm tall x 780mm diameter, 1,700mm chain. Richard Sutton Interiors, 01472 359559, richardsuttondesign.com.

Bespoke sofas and chairs, designed by you and made in England by Delcor of Stamford, £call. Delcor, 01780 762579, www.delcor.co.uk.

Haven footstool in Pistachio £839, and Chesterfield sofa from £3,035, Stevensons of Grimsby, 01472 233111 www.stevensonshome.co.uk.

Breathing

home, Lavish Bathrooms is revealing

AT A POINT where form and function meet, is Lavish Bathrooms. When you invest in a new family bathroom, en suite, cloakroom or wetroom, it needs to look great, but also fit beautifully, be aligned with your require ments and last for years to come.

Furthermore, it should incorporate the imaginative use of space, storage, and all the after-care knowledge required to ensure last ing functionality.

Owner and Director Simon Tisseman has over a decade worth of experience within the bathroom industry. In addition to possessing an eye for quality and a knack for making the most of sometimes smaller & quirky spaces, Simon considers there to be only a certain number of brands he’s happy to use, to ensure quality and longevity in a bathroom. He’s also acutely aware that the higher the quality of fittings provided, the better a product will perform over a longer period of time.

That’s why, in 2017, he and partner Nicola Dixey-Chambers set up Lavish Bathrooms in Louth, with a manifesto of providing only the best quality products, a truly thoughtful and collaborative approach to design, and an insistence on providing only the most exacting standards in customer experience, from a customer’s first visit to the showroom to the installation of a new bathroom.

In June 2022 the team moved from their original, smaller premises into a new 4,000sq ft purpose-built showroom, with 20 bathroom displays available to view – and more still to be unveiled!

“We believe this makes Lavish Bathrooms the county’s largest independent bathroom showroom, and the one with the most sought-after brands in terms of being high quality, sustainable, practical and design-led.”

“Alongside plenty of choice and brands that we know we can recommend for their quality, appearance and their functionality, we take our time to understand our customers and their needs, investing in customer care right from an initial enquiry to full CAD design creation and through to full installation.”

“We use our own in-house installers and local subcontractors, to offer a full project management service – although we’re also happy to work with a client’s own contractors too.”

“Affording the time necessary to avoid rushing your installation means it’s right first time, and by using our own installers plus a regular team of tradesmen, clients benefit from continuity and accountability.”

“Our halo brands include Utopia, which has such a diverse range of cabinetry, styles, colours and accessories as to make its products virtually bespoke to each customer.”

“The company design storage and utilise clever thinking to give as much practical storage and room for your toiletries and cosmetics as possible.”

“It also covers the whole sweep of freestand ing and wall-hung designs. Plus it’s manu factured in the UK”

“We’re expanding our range of Porcelanosa products for 2023, too. With luxury, design-led products like on-trend large-format tiles and their own in-house designed sanitaryware – making us Lincolnshire’s only Porcelanosa dealer with such a huge range to choose from.”

“For the same reason, we love Dansani’s latest ranges of sustainable and design-led products, including furniture available in

any RAL colour for the ultimate in choice. Meanwhile, Laufen provides ceramics and brassware that combine exceptional manufacturing and cutting-edge design, while Roman provides all of our shower enclosures, designed and made in the UK.”

From the right products to the right design insight, to the right installers, we also commit to the right amount of time and effort for each job and every customer.

Find Out More: For a free, no obligation chat about your project with no pressure-selling guaranteed, visit Lavish Bathrooms, established since 2017 and now at Units 1-4 Risby Court, Bolingbroke Road, Louth, Lincs LN11 0WA. Appointments are preferred to give you the time and attention you deserve.

Open 9.30am-4.30pm, call 01507 201161, or see lavishbathrooms.co.uk for more design inspiration.

Devereux Way, Horncastle LN9 6AU

Tel: 01507 527113

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

Peter Jackson Cabinet Makers Ltd

PRACTICAL, SUSTAINABLE, BEAUTIFUL

Images: Dean Fisher, deansaerialphotography.co.uk.

AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, it’s common to look to the future. A new year beckons with its unfulfilled potential and its unrealised possibilities. Oliver and Charlotte Penn are also looking to the future as the order books for their timber-framed structures are already looking really healthy. And their clients, too, are looking forward to enjoying their new garden rooms, extensions, kerb appeal-enhancing porches and carports, all due for completion in 2023 and all made in the company’s workshops from beautiful, sustainable oak.

“It’s 10 years since Oliver set up his business as a joiner,” says Charlotte. She’s speaking to us from the couple’s beautifully converted 100-year old barn, rescued from dilapidation by Oliver using timber-framed building techniques and heritage joinery.

“Whilst he was working as a joiner, he always loved the traditional methods of timber framing, so when we set about transforming the barn Oliver really capitalised on his talent and has built a full oak frame incorporating sling brace trusses to support the roof and remove the stress on the old brick walls. After we’d completed our own home, we set up a new business specialising in the creation of timber-framed buildings.”

“The plan was to keep the general joinery and construction business running alongside. However we’ve experienced such demand and such a warm response to the style and quality of the buildings that we have closed the other business and are concentrating purely on Top Barn Timber Frames.”

“In line with such interest, we’ve taken on a couple of new members of staff and a new partner, James. James learnt timber framing from his Dad and has worked at some of the largest framing companies in the country so brings a wealth of experience with him and enables us to run two teams of staff to keep multiple projects progressing. We’ve now got over 30 years collective experience in the company of creating timber-framed structures, as well as our junior staff coming through the ranks. We’re looking forward to an exciting and busy 2023.”

To say that the foundations of Oliver and Charlotte’s company, Top Barn Timber Frames, is rooted in traditional techniques, materials and workmanship, the company is surprisingly relevant to the 21st century. >>

Opposite: Top Barn’s structures are made in the company’s workshops and then assembled on site.

Beautiful, practical, sustainable and affordable... We think that Top Barn Timber Frames’ buildings are the future for many Lincolnshire people looking to enhance their home...

TOP BARN TIMBER FRAMES

“One of the biggest benefits of using traditional timber-framed construction techniques is the ability to pre-fabricate structures off-site in the company’s workshops...”

Right: The couple even married in the oak-framed barn they created for their own home.

>> For a start, there are few building materials more sustainable than oak. The company plants trees to replace those it uses, and the business is run entirely on renewable energy.

In addition, the glazing used in the company’s structures and new building materials that the firm is adopting such as its hempcrete –lime mortar and dense hemp fibre – means its buildings remain breathable, sustainable and energy efficient.

One of the biggest advantages, though, in using the traditional timber-framed construction techniques in which the company specialises is an ability to pre-fabricate structures off-site in the company’s workshops.

“Some clients already have an architect’s drawing ready to go, and other clients want us to produce technical drawings ourselves. Either way, we can produce millimetre-accurate drawings, and design beautiful structures, either adjacent to or completely independent of existing buildings.”

“Our bespoke structures are pre-fabricated in our own workshops, which means we’re free of disruption from bad weather and can do trial build runs, ensuring when we get on site everything will fit perfectly together. We cut traditional mortice and tenon joints, and when we assemble the structure on site, everything is pegged together with timber pegs which are, again, made in house.”

Typically a garden room takes around four weeks to make in the workshop, then its timber frame can be erected in just a day. Roofing and glazing follows, along with other work like plastering, but the disruption on site is kept to a minimum.

Charlotte and Oliver’s own home is testimony to the potential of timber-framed construction methods and with every structure able to be built to completely bespoke specifications, there’s a terrific amount of scope in the construction method.

Timber-framed structures are especially suitable when adjacent to listed buildings, or those in conservation areas, and of course, they blend equally well and look great adjacent to new structures too.

“Our barn must be over 100 years old.” says Charlotte. “Oliver’s skills have enabled us to bring an old, run-down farm building back to life, and though our initial plan was to live here for a few years and move somewhere else, neither of us have any intention of moving anywhere else, we love the place so much!”

“We even hosted our wedding here, and we’ve brought our daughter into the world here. It’s a beautiful family home that we really love and the timber frame is taking all the support from the walls which means it will happily stand for another 100 years.”

“If we can offer the same solutions to our clients too, and create beautiful, high quality, sustainable structures that are energyefficient, and less hassle for our clients than conventional building methods, we think the future will be bright both for our business, and for this approach to construction, too!” n

or see www.topbarntimberframes.co.uk

Find Out More: Top Barn Timber Frames produces garden rooms, timber-framed buildings, extensions, porches and carports using sustainable oak and time-honoured construction methods. Call 07501 087593

for a free, no obligation, pressure selling-free discussion about your project.

A WINTER of WILDLIFE

Lincolnshire comprises towns, villages, it’s city... and vast expanses of countryside in-between, in which a diverse amount of wildlife lives. And the best time to enjoy the natural world? Winter, unfortunately, so wrap up warm and be sure to take a flask of coffee along!

THIS JANUARY what could be a better antidote to all that shopping, wrapping, cooking and cleaning the house ready for family to visit, than enjoying the stark, crisp tranquillity of the new year, and watching the natural world go about its business.

Mammals, birds, they’re all oblivious to the festivities, as each species adopts its different techniques and strategies to survive the winter. It’s a sort of silent wonder, going on all around us, life or death for so many creatures, and yet we’re busily oblivious to it, unless we make time to notice nature this month.

Lincolnshire’s expansive countryside, towns and villages are ideal places from which to enjoy observing the natural world, and there’s so something mindful about watching animals with more to concern themselves about than all of the self-induced stress of festive preparations.

Hedgehogs

It’s widely stated that hedgehogs hibernate. In fact, their state is more accurately one of torpor. The creatures build thick-walled nests known as hibernacula and rather than

sleeping, lower their body temperature and slow their bodily processes to enter a sort of silent running state.

Hedgehogs will, occasionally, venture out of their hibernacula, especially if it’s particularly cold, and can sometimes relocated to a warmer place. Hoglets are typically born in midsummer but can make an appearance as late on as mid-autumn. That being the case, the race is on for hoglets to reach about 750g, the weight that experts reckon is suffi cient to allow them to survive in the winter.

Badgers

If there’s one species akin to humans in their winter habits, it’s badgers. Whilst they don’t hibernate per se, badgers nonetheless put on weight around Christmas and then live off that bloat during January and February. Living with their kin, a badger’s sett can be shared by anything from three or four to 15 badgers.

Foxes

Whist many mammals take it easy during the cooler months, though, vulpes are very much up and about during the winter months, even in daylight.

>>

Words: Rob Davis.

>> There are about 350,000 foxes in the UK and their sense of derring do often leads them into urban areas as much as the countryside.

The winter months are mating season for foxes and so they’re more vocal than at other times of the year in winter.

A vixen in heat makes the most extraordi nary blood-curdling screech, usually late in December and into January before she retreats to a den or ‘earth’ to give birth typically to four or five cubs in March or April. Foxes may look cute but can, of course be very territorial and vicious!

Starlings

The collective term is a murmuration of starlings. But the sight is extraordinary. The flock can number up to 100,000 birds and later November into December is usually the most prolific time for murmurations of starlings, most of which are native, although some migrate to the UK from Northern Europe, arriving via the East Coast.

Owls

Barn owls are the UK’s best loved owls, seen at dusk around farmland and woodland. You’ll see them more often during winter given that their prey tends to be less active and therefore trickier to hunt. Meanwhile barn owls are poorly insulated and require extra energy to survive over winter. Starvation for barn owls peaks between December and March.

Garden Birds

Every January, the RSPB launches its Big Garden Birdwatch campaign, one of the UK’s largest surveys of native birdlife.

This year’s survey asks members of the public to spend one hour counting the number of common bird species observed in their garden, park or local woodland.

Last year’s survey revealed that the region’s top five bird species are the House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Starling, Blackbird and Woodpigeon.

Among our most conspicuous garden birds this month is the robin, which is far less tolerant of others as temperatures drop.

ham and Barton Claypits in the north all great places to see species like Curlews, Plovers, Lapwings and Avocets.

Insects

People often question what happens to spiders during the winter, having seen so many during the autumn. Most simply die. Those that do survive the ravages of winter will either do so in a comfortable nook in our houses or outbuildings (some that live in our centrally-heated homes may continue to be active if there’s sufficient food) or in torpor in the leaf litter.

Deer

October and November mark the deer rut, so in December, they tend to be a little calmer, making spotting deer a little easier. The best time to see deer is early morning or late evening, and the area’s estates are the best places to observe deer. Photograph them with a long lens and keep at least 50 metres from them.

Flora and Fauna

Despite their demure appearance, robins are territorial birds and can be highly aggressive… to another bird they’re hardly the friendly little fellow we’re used to seeing on our Christmas cards!

Wildfowl

Lincolnshire’s RSPB and LWT managed marshlands are among the UK’s most unique bird habitats, with Frieston and Frampton near Boston, Donna Nook and Gibraltar Point on the East Coast, Coven

If you’re handy with a camera, winter interest isn’t simply limited to mammals and birds… walk off your Christmas pud in one of the area’s patches of woodland will enable you to admire the range of underappreciated mosses and lichens that create startling displays on the forest floor.

Meanwhile mistletoe, a parasitic evergreen species, adorns the branches of other trees this month and holly is a regular bedfellow of oak and beech tree... not to mention a species synonymous with winter, with some mature holly bushes dating back nearly 300 years in age. n

Find Out More: The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 27th to 19th January. See www.rspb.org.uk.

Every January, the RSPB launches its Big Garden Birdwatch campaign, one of the UK’s largest surveys of native birdlife in England...

Porsche’s 718 Boxster and Cayman range gain new

Style Edition Models

Porsche Boxster, we’ve yet to see it!

This month we’re looking at Porsche’s new 718 Style Edition models...

PORSCHE REALLY OUGHT TO BE CAREFUL Its current 718 Cayman (coupé) and Boxster (convertible) models are so desirable, handle so well and offer such exhilarating perfor mance that its customers might well find themselves standing in the showroom agonising between a Boxster or a 911. And this new Style Edition of the Boxster won’t do anything to quell the car’s immense desirability. It’s finished in Ruby Star Neo, with 20” wheels available in high-gloss white or black paint. Inside there’s black leather with crayon grey contrast stitching and other stylish details like the Porsche logo stitched into the headrests and stainless steel illuminated door sills.

So far, then, stylish details which only add to the Boxster or Cayman’s appeal. But this isn’t just a case of style over substance.

Both models feature the entry-level version of the 718’s engine, a turbocharged, fourcylinder unit generating 380Nm torque and 300ps power.

And as standard both models feature Porsche’s six-speed manual gearbox for an engaging driving experience, although if you prefer, the company’s excellent sevenspeed PDK automatic is optional.

Cayman and Boxster models start at £47,700 and £49,700 respectively, with Style Edition versions commanding a £4,000 premium.

Both editions, though, are well-equipped, with daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, heated seats and steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, climate control and cruise control.

With Porsche 911 models starting at a snip under £90,000, that makes the 718 Boxster and Cayman models and the Style Editions in particular look like exceptional value for money.

Nothing but nothing in the motoring world handles as well, looks as good, or has been coveted by so many for so long as a 911... so arguably, the latter still has the edge in terms of desirability. But if you’re keen to enjoy one of the most authentic and visceral sports cars on the market today, the 718 is just that... and it’s also great value, too! n

If there’s a nicer looking colour for a

Price: £53,600 (On sale now). Powertrain: 2.0 four-cylinder, six speed manual or seven-speed auto. Performance: Top speed 171mph, 0-60mph 5.1secs. WLTP 29.1mpg.

Equipment: ParkAssist front and rear including rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, cruise control, heated leather steering wheel, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather package in black with contrast stitching in crayon. n

A supertruck from across the Atlantic Hummer EV

The bigger the better, say American motorists, but until now, the ridiculous dimensions and eye-watering running costs of the Hummer haven’t gone down as well with us. Will an electric version prove any more popular in the UK?

FOR AMERICANS, size is everything. Especially when it comes to cars, and especially especially when it comes to trucks. The Hummer has come to exemplify transatlantic motoring excess, but it didn’t sell well over here. Now, a London-based UK importer, Clive Sutton, is having another try at introducing the Hummer to Britain, but rather than being powered by a six-litre plus, eightcylinder diesel engine, this one is an EV. So it’s more sensible, right?

Not a bit of it. The all-electric Hummer provides 350 miles of range, which is quite practical for the real world. Less practical is the 1,000bhp is generates from its three electric motors. The first drives the front wheels, ideal for cruising. The two rear motors power each of the rear wheels, affording the car a greater ability to direct

power in slippery conditions and affording a total of 1,592 Nm of torque. In addition to its four-wheel drive system the Hummer also benefits from four-wheel steering, in cluding a ‘CrabWalk’ facility to improve low-speed manoeuvrability.

The vehicle also rides on sensible 18-inch alloy wheels, but these are wrapped in very knobbly 35” off-road tyres. In terms of its off-road ability, the vehicle can drive through water 71cm deep, but raising its air suspension into a special ‘Extract’ mode increases this by an additional 10cm, making it comparable in ability to Land Rover’s Defender. Unlike the latter, the Hummer is a strict five seater with no six or seven seat configurations available.

The Hummer EV is available, though, with a five-foot long pick-up truck bed. There’s also a small front-boot under the bonnet, too.

Where the Hummer’s true statement of intent is expressed, though, is its performance figures and cost. 60mph is reached and breached in just 3.5 seconds which, for a vehicle with a kerb weight of four tonnes that’s right, four tonnes is impressive, albeit potentially lethal in a crash, too.

Not only is it heavy, it’s also huge; 5.2 metres long, 2.3 metres wide and nearly two metres tall. For reference a Land Rover Discovery is 20cm shorter, 10cm narrower and 20cm lower. The number that really will cause Britain to shun the Hummer compared to its JLR competitors though, is the US car’s price... to you, just £350,000! Ouch! n

Price: £320,000 (Via import).

Powertrain: All electric, 1,000bhp, 1,592Nm torque, three electric motors, automatic transmission.

Performance: Top speed 171mph, 0-60mph 3.5secs. Range 350 miles.

Equipment: Removable roof panels, SuperCruise autonomous driving aid, Ultravision 18-camera surround view, CrabWalk all-wheel steer, air suspension, Bose audio system, leather, 13.4” driver screen. n

New Year? New Smile!

THE DENTAL HEALTH & IMPLANT CENTRE REINVIGORATES A PATIENT’S CONFIDENCE

If your New Year’s Resolution is to go through 2023 beaming with happiness, take heart from a lovely story we’ve heard recently from a patient of the Dental Health & Implant Centre in Grantham which saw her going from nervous and embarrassed to looking healthier and beaming with delight!

“THEY’RE IN A RIGHT STATE,” said Jo as she shuffled awkwardly in the dentist’s chair. “I’m sorry to say but I avoid the dentist because I’m a really nervous patient.”

Six months later, Jo is back in the practice, sporting a new hair style and beaming with confidence. Even she reckons she looks like a different person!

“It’s not just transformed my smile, it’s transformed my life. I’ve got more confidence and one of my friends didn’t believe the treatment I had was limited to just my smile, she thought I’d had a facelift, too!”

“Wanting a nice smile isn’t vanity; it goes much deeper than how you look. It’s how much you’re willing to smile in photos or when you’re out with friends. It’s about whether you want to express yourself with confidence or hide away.”

“Since I’ve visited The Dental Health & Implant Centre, I’ve even been on a date, and I’d never have dared to do that before. That’s the difference feeling confident brings to you.”

Jo first arrived at the practice with her hand over her mouth, not wanting even the dentist to see her teeth. Six of her front teeth had

previously been replaced with a bridge, and that repair had since failed and fallen off.

Appearance-wise it was obviously effecting her confidence, but it was effecting her in other ways too, not least the fact that she could only eat soft food a baguette or steak was definitely off the menu so there were health grounds for reinstating her smile as well as cosmetic ones.

Paula Parkes has 23 years experience working at The Dental Health & Implant Centre and as Treatment Coordinator, it’s her job to guide patients through the treatments on offer, explaining the difference betweens crowns, bridges, veneers, implants and so on.

Another really important part of her job, though, is reassuring those who have had bad experiences or hate visiting the dentist, making sure they’re sufficiently well-informed and transforming the relationship between patient and dentist from one of fear to one of favour.

“Dental practices have changed enormously over the years in terms of the technology and treatments we have on offer, but also in terms of how user-friendly they are,” say Paula. “It’s no good having patients who are too afraid to come and see us, and I can’t

think of a single patient we’ve not managed to ‘rehabilitate’ from one who fears the dentist to one who’s happy to sit in the chair.”

A full examination of Jo by practice owner and Principal Dentist Colin Sutton revealed that Jo’s upper teeth were failing, meaning that extractions, dentures or implants were among the options. Dentures, Jo said, were a definite no, and so after consultation, Jo, Colin and Paula together came to the conclusion that ‘All on Four’ creating implants and then installing bridge work onto them was the best option.

Precision implant treatment is a dental specialism, and one that Colin and the team are especially well-versed in. After a temporary fix of the bridge, Jo returned for her permanent implants and bridge to be created in the same appointment... Jo stepped out with a smile that changed her life.

“I’ve moved house since and it’s now a four-hour round trip to the practice, but it’s a trip I’m willing to make because I feel like I’m visiting friends, not just going to the dentist,” she says. “I’m full of confidence, I’m back to my old self and I’m so glad I had my treatment with Colin, Paula and the team!” n

Find Out More: The Dental Health Centre & Implant Centre is based on Avenue Road, Grantham, NG31 6TA. Call 01476 594480 or see www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk to enquire about the practice’s range of treatments. NB: The patient’s name has been changed.

NYE

PARTY

Our selection of stylish outfits for your New Years Eve Party

Orianne Sequin Dress,

Plisse Dress, £89.

Sequin Maxi Dress, £275.

Spot Bell Sleeve Dress, £99.

Sequin Pleat Dress, £179.

Chiffon Sequin Dress, £129.

Sequin Shirt, £95.

Metallic Cowl Neck Knit, £69.

Blouse, £95.

LINCOLN

Lincoln Cathedral Hosts the High Sheriff’s

Harvest Festival Supper

OVER 260 PEOPLE attended a Harvest Supper held in the nave of Lincoln Cathedral recently, hosted by Lincolnshire’s High Sheriff, Tim Strawson.

The evening raised over £50,000 with beneficiaries to include The Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund and Warm Welcome, which aims to support organisations that open their doors to communities struggling to keep warm this winter amid the rising cost of energy bills. The charity provides care packs and supports buildings like Lincoln Cathedral as they prepare to open their doors to those who are homeless or who will struggle through winter.

Entertainment during the evening was provided by three local Military Wives Choirs from Cranwell, Digby and Waddington and by mezzo soprano Laura Wright. Guests also enjoyed a three course supper with local ingredients such as smoked salmon, donated by Lincolnshire’s Alf red Enderby. n

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

The Grand Opening of Meet & Meat

A NEW RESTAURANT in Boston celebrated its grand opening recently with a Champagne reception. Meet & Meat is a new Mediterranean-themed dining experience created by Erkan Kurnaz and his team on the town’s West Street.

The restaurant is also home to Unique Bar & Lounge with its retractable roof enabling those enjoying Champagne or a cocktail to enjoy the stars, and to the Inferno entertainment venue.

Opening the restaurant following its £1.5m investment was Boston Mayor Cllr Anne Dorrian and consort David Middleton, who marked the opening by breaking a bottle of Champagne onto the ground to the sound of cheers! Features of the restaurant include an open kitchen format as well as dry-aging cabinet to mature the restaurant’s quality cuts of meat, ensuring the very best dining experience. n

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

When Midnight Strikes

AS THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE, YOU’LL LOOK GREAT WITH THESE MIDNIGHT-BLUE INSPIRED PRODUCTS

1. Make New Year’s Eve a Night to Remember...

Like the 1980s disco group Shalamar, Guerlain’s Shalimar aims to make New Year’s Eve ‘a night to remember,’ with a floriental scent described as the perfume of temptation. Soft, voluptuous oriental floral notes are enveloped in a creamy vanilla embrace. First launched in 1925, this special edition flaçon celebrates the scent’s timeless longevity.

£92/90ml, from John Lewis.

2. Midnight Recovery

Kiehl’s invites you to recover and restore your skin as you sleep with its Midnight Recovery cream, infused with essential Omegas 3 & 6 and botanical oils that restores your skin’s lipid barrier for visibly plumper skin by morning, £41/50ml.

3. Deep Relaxation

An ideal gift or a New Year’s Eve treat from Aromatherapy Associates, designed to relieve the mind and calm the body. Pour in a bath and inhale the scent, or use it as a massage oil. Aromatherapy Associates’ spa provenance makes it a proven and popular brand, £12.

4. Double Wear

Our ‘Go-To’ Mascara is Estée Lauder’s Double Wear. Created with Estée’s Smudge-Shield technology, with a Lash-Xtender brush to ensure each lash is able to resist high temperatures, humidity and smudging, £26.50, 6ml.

5. Keep your guy’s beard in check with Murdoch...

Hirsute chaps across the county will benefit from this neat set of beard grooming paraphernalia, which includes beard shampoo, moisturiser, beard oil and a dedicated beard brush, as well as a guide written by the Redchurch Streetbased gentleman’s barbers shop, £50, from John Lewis.

6. Diptyque hand and hair gift set...

Diptyque presents this gift set, paying homage to its Eau Rose fragrance. The set contains hand cream and hair mist. The brand’s latest collection is in spired by shimmering constellations and starry nights, perfect for New Year’s Eve! £75, John Lewis.

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

Technology is Revolutionising Healthcare with Robot-Assisted Surgery

It’s a cut above the rest: technology set to revolutionise surgery and transform our expectations of healthcare. Best of all, it’s available right now at The Park Hospital in Nottingham. This month, we speak with Consultant General Surgeon Mr Adam Brooks who is bringing robotically-assisted surgery to his patients, providing greater surgical dexterity and faster recovery times...

Words: Rob Davis.

TECHNOLOGY is at its best when it works in conjunction with the intuition and experience of a human being. Similarly, healthcare works best when a desire for the best patient outcomes is matched by an investment in the best facilities and equipment.

So it’s little wonder that Circle Health Group’s The Park Hospital is enjoying great success with one of its newest investments; robotically augmented surgery.

18 months ago, the hospital group invested in its Intuitive Systems Da Vinci X surgical system, where Consultant General Surgeon Adam Brooks uses the machine to help him perform abdominal wall surgical procedures such as hernia repairs and cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal).

The notion of ‘an operation done by a robot’ is a bit dramatic, and rather misleading. The robot is NOT performing the surgery, but rather works as an interface to enhance the surgeon’s vision and dexterity.

At all stages it’s the surgeon, augmented by technology, bringing to bear their experi ence, knowledge and intuition during the procedures.

“Using Da Vinci we can become technically more precise, well beyond the limitations of human dexterity, whilst retaining everything that makes a human surgeon… human,” says Adam.

“Traditionally, such procedures as those we are increasingly using Da Vinci for, were carried out with open surgery techniques, which give surgeons the whole range of movement.”

“From the early 1990s, surgeons began to favour laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques, with smaller incisions ensuring quicker recovery times and surgeons benefiting from 2x magnification of their vision, ensuring a better view of their patient.”

“Conventional laparoscopic techniques and instruments don’t provide the range of movement that conventional surgery facilitates. Da Vinci takes the best of both previous approaches and combines them.”

“The system utilises 3D high-definition video, so for the first time we can perceive depth. There are more points of articulation too, so we can work laparoscopically, but it’s still like having wrists that can rotate, plus fingers and hands that have a greater range of movement. The system’s magnification factor too is about 10x, so all of a sudden we can see, with incredible clarity, right down to individual blood vessels in the pancreas, for example.”

“One of the biggest benefits of the system, though, is its precision. The movement of the machine’s instruments are much more subtle, relative to my physical inputs at the controls, so we can be very nuanced in our gestures.”

“It is also a much more ergonomicallyfriendly way to work. As a surgeon I’m used to spending eight hours standing up, but with Da Vinci I’m sitting down, absolutely immersed, with close-up, 3D vision. Experiencing less fatigue is definitely beneficial for any surgeon.”

“It is certainly a different way to work, but the benefits are significant. I feel the system is a very good investment for ensuring the best patient outcomes, with smaller ports (incisions) and more nuanced movements meaning less pain and quicker recovery times for patients. That, in turn, will also result in reduced overnight stays.”

“I’ve been working alongside other consul tants, as in addition to general surgery, The Park Hospital also offers robotically assisted surgery for prostate cancer, colorec tal cancer and hysterectomy procedures. I’m very proud that The Park Hospital sees the investment as being good for patient outcomes, and recognise the investment by giving its surgeons the best equipment and facilities to work with.”

Circle Health Group was founded in 2004 and is now the UK’s largest independent hospital group, with 52 hospitals.

The Park Hospital has 66 en suite rooms, five state-of-the-art theatres and an intensive care unit.

Specialisms include general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery, ophthalmology, gynaecology, urology, cancer care, cosmetic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, private GP services, as well as medical diagnostics with its CT, MRI, ultrasound & Xray services and its cardiac cath laboratory.

Robotically-augmented surgery is just one of the ways that Circle Health Group is

investing in better patient outcomes, and access to its service is now more flexible than ever.

The Park Hospital see patients on an insured and self-pay basis, and offers flexible finance options*, making treatment more affordable. That means accessing high-quality, consultant-led healthcare in a well-equipped modern private facility is now easier than ever. n

Find Out More: For a free no obligation chat call 0115 966 2000 or see www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/the-park-hospital.

The Park Hospital, Nottingham, NG5 8RX.

* Terms and conditions apply, please enquire for further details.

WHAT DO THE PATIENTS THINK?

By the end of January 2023, Consultant General Surgeon Adam Brooks believes the team at The Park Hospital will have performed abdominal wall surgery, augmented by the Da Vinci robot, on over 50 patients. So what does one former patient think of the technology?

“About 20 years ago I had a hernia repair using conventional surgery. Around a year and a half ago, I realised another hernia had developed. I’m a joiner by trade and though I wasn’t in any pain, I didn’t want to risk making it worse as I was waiting for surgery.”

“I’d been quoted a waiting list time of around two years, so instead I went for a consultation with Adam Brookes, who told me that he could repair my hernia the following week, at The Park Hospital, in Nottingham”

“During the consultation he advised that he would be utilising robotically-assisted surgery, and I was quite comfortable with that, reasoning that whilst the technology is very new, it would be accurate down to the sub-millimetre. The experience was the same as conventional surgery, but the scar left behind was much smaller than it was 20 years ago, and recovery was much faster.”

“I was able to walk into the hospital at 11 in the morning and walk out again the same day. I didn’t need to stay over and I felt really comfortable after the procedure.”

Mr W from Lincolnshire

Shown right is the patient cart of The Da Vinci X surgical robot system. The surgeon console provides the controls for the robot’s instruments, and provides 3D HD vision. The surgeon remains in control and benefits from assisted dexterity and a better view of their patient.

Mr Adam Brooks, left.

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The Joining of the Clans

This month’s couple were counting down the days until they could marry... 1,203 days to be precise. But the best things come to those who wait, such as an enjoyable wedding with Celtic connections. Here, Jess Tuckey and Ross McLuckie let us into the secrets of their big day!

Wedding Photographer: Matt Selby Photography, 07855 036209, www.mattselbyphotography.co.uk.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY would lead us to believe that it has dating all wrapped up, and old fashioned notions of fate and chance meetings are a thing of the past. Not a bit of it.

Ross McLuckie was returning to his home in North Hykeham from the University of Salford, travelling on the train on the same day and at the same time Jess Tuckey was returning from a visit to Brighton back to the University in Nottingham. Only briefly were the two in sufficiently close vicinity for Tinder to be able to flash the two up on each other’s screens. A few minutes here or a distracted glance away from a phone screen there, and the two might never have met. Happily, the two did begin speaking, and once more their romance was sealed by the fickle hand of fate... this time on a crazy golf course, though.

“I’ve always considered myself a man of science, not faith,” says Ross, “But the final hole of a crazy golf course rarely leads you awry. At the final hole I won a free game, and then Jess did too. That second game, I reckon, was just enough time to guarantee true love... somewhere between the windmill and the loop-the-loop hole, I think.”

The couple met in 2014 and Ross popped the question on a cruise the couple were enjoying together in June 2019.

Nobody said that the course of true love is easy, even if you are a deft touch with a crazy golf club. As Jess worked in a branch of Ernest Jones during her University days she was surrounded by many diamonds, day in, day out and so had quite a particular eye for the engagement ring she was keen to place on her finger.

“I was working away for a couple of weeks and in the evening I spent most of the time

WEDDING SUPPLIERS

JESS & ROSS

emailing a diamond merchant discussing princess cut diamonds and shoulder settings,” doing so proved to be time well spent though. Ross proposed on the ship one evening, to Jess’s surprise and delight.

“I knew that he was the one, and I guess I knew that we’d marry each other one day, but I wasn’t expecting a proposal,” says Jess. “It was a real surprise... so much of a shock in fact that I actually forgot to say yes until he prompted me!”

The couple began to plan their day and say they fancied somewhere traditional, grand, perhaps a little bit old and rustic. “We came across Stoke Rochford Hall and we imme diately loved it. It’s an incredible building and such an impressive backdrop.”

Wedding Ceremony and Reception: Stoke Rochford Hall, 01476 530337, www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Wed2Be, www.wed2b.com.

Groomsmen’s Attire: Wiseguys, Newark, 01636 703046, www.wiseguysmenswear.co.uk.

Bridal Hair: Robyn Wood, Perfect Silhouette, 07584 304535, perfectsilhouettehairdressing.com.

Make Up Artist: www.clarephilpot.co.uk.

Photographer: Matt Selby Photography, 07855 036209, www.mattselbyphotography.co.uk.

Videographer: Charlotte Frisby, 07746 774688, www.charlottefrisby.com. n

“We’ve a contingent of relatives in Brighton, and Ross’s family are from Scotland, so it was quite a practical place to hold our wedding too, given that it’s just off the A1. But aside from all of our UK guests, we had loved ones from as far away as Amsterdam and even Norway. We felt really blessed and humble that so many people travelled from so far away to spend the day with us.”

The couple were really keen that as many Celtic traditions as possible would find their way into the day. Jess’s bouquet incorporated thistles, of course, and the groomsmen were kitted out in Lamont tartan. As part of the marriage the couple enjoyed a traditional hand-fasting ceremony, and even created their own bespoke whisky blend.

One of their two bottles was used for a family quaich, a toast where both families drink from the same cup, a two-handled vessel. Holding it with both hands prevents the use of any weapons, indicating peace and a joining of the clans.

>> The couple’s second bottle of their own bespoke blend of whisky will be saved for when their daughter Lily gets married in the future. Given that she was only nine months old at the time mum and dad married, and given that the whisky was already 30 years old, it’s reckoned that it’ll be a rather splendid 60-year old whisky when that bottle is finally uncorked.

Speaking of wains, the couple had to wait until Covid was done disrupting the wedding industry before they could finally marry. And by that time, there was quite the baby boom, swelling the number of junior guests from an anticipated three to 17... perhaps there’s something in the water, or rather in the whisky?

In any case, the couple enjoyed a wonderful family event, with Jess’s mum Carol con tributing a wonderful five-tiered cake and with Newark’s Flower Barn providing silk flowers which, Jess says, will be passed from her to Lily... again, hopefully not for another 30 years or so.

“We were also really lucky with our photog rapher and videographer,” says Jess. “Matt our photographer was so amazing it was like having another guest there, and the images are fantastic. Charlotte Frisby our videogra pher was unflappable too. In fact, during the best man’s speech, a candle fell into the one of the silk flower displays and set it alight.”

“With a slight intake of breath from guests, Charlotte just calmly picked it up and dunked it in an ice bucket. A crisis averted, much to everyone’s amusement! Likewise, when my grandmother felt unwell at the reception, we had two very nice paramedics join the party... happily she recovered quickly and the medics posed for a photo!”

“There were so many lovely, funny, wonderful and warm moments! It was a really happy, fun day, we don’t think you can ask for more than that from a wedding!” n

Wedding Photographer: Matt Selby Photography, Hucknall, 07855 036209, www.mattselbyphotography.co.uk.