Lincolnshire Pride January 2024

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LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

OF LIN ST C BE

FRES H

NEW L OOK

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OUR LONG TIME COLLABORATOR WITH JOOLS HOLLAND’S 30TH HOOTENANNY

SHIRE E V LN INGLE

Gilson Lavis

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A CAPPUCCINO WITH

£4.50

Our Restaurant of the Year for 2023...

THE WINNERS OF OUR AWARDS, AS VOTED FOR BY READERS

FOOD & DRINK

LUXURY HOMES

THE WHITE HART

NAMING THE WINNERS OF OUR 2023 GOOD FOOD AWARDS

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN THE AREA

A PREVIEW OF LINCOLN’S NEWLY REFURBISHED HOTEL

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Welcome M

ost of the time I leave the writing of our welcome page to Rob Davis, Executive Editor of Lincolnshire Pride. But as this is a rather special edition of the magazine he has insisted that I ought to have the opportunity to welcome you personally to the new look magazine and to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support.

You’ll notice that as well as a new look, there’s also a new feel to the area’s finest magazine. Our intention is to create a luxurious, silky feel to our pages to reflect our content whilst revising our typography and design to enhance the magazine’s readability and to facilitate larger images of the county, with improved colours and contrast.

Download our App: Search for Pride Magazines in Apple’s App Store and on Google Play.

In this month’s magazine, we reveal the winners of our Good Food Awards as voted for by our readers and we enjoy a look at the newly revealed White Hart in Uphill Lincoln following its refurbishment by Andrew Long.

Elsewhere we’ll meet former Hootenanny drummer, former member of Squeeze and Jools Holland’s long-time collaborator Gilson Lavis, and we’ll reveal the brand new exhibit at Freiston Shore’s We’ll Meet Again.

Best wishes and enjoy our new look magazine!

Julian Wilkinson Publisher, Pride Magazines LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

SHIRE E V LN

FRES

LOO K

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OUR LONG TIME COLLABORATOR WITH JOOLS HOLLAND’S 30TH HOOTENANNY

£4.50

O

NEWH

INGLE

Gilson Lavis

YS ER

A CAPPUCCINO WITH

OF LIN ST C BE

Find us on Instagram: @lincolnshirepride

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Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LincolnshirePride

This will really show off Lincolnshire to best effect, making the most of our photography, notably the social images on our High Life pages, our food photography and the properties we feature in our new property section – the largest showcase of the finest properties in the area.

Our Restaurant of the Year for 2023...

THE WINNERS OF OUR AWARDS, AS VOTED FOR BY READERS

FOOD & DRINK

LUXURY HOMES

THE WHITE HART

NAMING THE WINNERS OF OUR 2023 GOOD FOOD AWARDS

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN THE AREA

A PREVIEW OF LINCOLN’S NEWLY REFURBISHED HOTEL

January’s front cover shows Washingborough Hall near Lincoln at dusk. The hotel was the recipient of our Restaurant with Rooms title on our Good Food Awards, and you can meet our other winners later in this edition.

We’re always looking for great images of the county so please feel free to email us your best photos of Lincolnshire to our editor via robin@pridemagazines.co.uk

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76

56 Contents

104

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NEWS ‘Good news’ stories from around Lincolnshire.

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HIGH LIFE At Kenwick Park.

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WHAT’S ON Live music and theatre.

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Food & Drink 65

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Congratulations to our winners as we reveal the recipients of this year’s awards, as voted for by our readers.

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DINING OUT A new dining room and

104 NATURE A parliament of owls.

108 ON THE FARM With Andrew Ward.

a new menu for The Crown Hotel, a jewel in Stamford’s dining out scene.

Highlights 38

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JANUARY 2024

GILSON LAVIS Drummer and artist Gilson Lavis prepares for his 30th Hootenanny with long­time friend and bandmate Jools Holland.

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EDUCATION The best independent schools in and around Lincolnshire.

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HISTORY Paul and Linda Britchford’s We’ll Meet Again museum gains a new exhibit... a Hawker Hurricane as seen in the 1969 film, Battle of Britain.

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A SHORT BREAK IN NORFOLK With Barefoot Retreats.

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WHITE HART LINCOLN A new look for an old favourite in Lincoln.

Homes & Gardens 92

WELCOME HOME Order in the court with Dorota and Oli’s quirky Spalding property... a former courthouse!

Lifestyle 110

MOTORS Supercars and Smart cars.

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FASHION & BEAUTY Giléts and mindful products for a cosy January.

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Delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county

FREE ONLINE

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 £500,000. 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.

Download Our App: Read our magazines on any device anywhere.

Read Pride Magazine free online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk or by downloading our free iOS and Android App to your device.

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

In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Advertising Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

General Manager: Matthew Deere.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Sales Executives: Aisha Joyce, Gemma Mills, Yvette Curry.

Accounts Department: Steve Parrish, Margarita Pavlesevica, Chloe Watson, Beth Freeman­Burdass, Mia Garner.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

IT Manager: Ian Bagley.

Web Developer: Joe Proctor.

Pride Magazines, Boston Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Way, Boston, Lincs PE21 7TW

Telephone: 01529 469977

www.pridemagazines.co.uk | sales@pridemagazines.co.uk

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01205 361694 www.poyntons.com

sales@poyntons.com

CHARTERED SURVEYORS & ESTATE AGENTS

94 MURROW BANK Murrow | Cambridgeshire | PE13 4HD

GEORGIAN LODGE FENSIDE ROAD | BOSTON | LINCOLNSHIRE | PE21 8JJ

• Exceptional Detached Dwelling in Desirable Residential Area, Open Rear Aspect

• Large Secluded Detached House in One Third of an Acre • Superb Modernised House on Private Drive FOR SALE • High Quality Fitted Kitchen, Timber Floors FREEHOLD WITH • Impressive Solid Wood Staircase and VACANT POSSESSION Matching Internal Doors

• 3/4 Reception Rooms • 6 Bedrooms, Master En-suite, Family Bathroom • Gated Entrance with Extensive Parking Area, Private Patio and BBQ Area

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

• Air Source Heat Pump, Large Double Garage with Office/ Games Room, Additional Garage, Potential for Live/Work Unit

£895,000

Subject To Contract

17 TANSY WAY PINCHBECK | SPALDING | LINCOLNSHIRE | PE11 3YU

• Highly Sought After Superb Five Bedroomed Detached House • Private Gardens Benefitting from Direct Sunlight Throughout the Day FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH • EnSuite Master and Family Bathroom • Large Open Plan Kitchen Dining, Utility Room, Living Room VACANT POSSESSION

£395,000

• Spacious Entrance Hall • Driveway, Garage, Private Rear Garden with Patio and Summerhouse Subject To Contract • An Energy Efficient Home with Luxury Fittings in Excellent Condition No Onward Chain

• UPVC Double Glazed Windows, Gas Fired Central Heating • Detached Garage, 2 Garden Buildings

£495,000

Subject To Contract No Onward Chain

CHARTERED SURVEYORS • ESTATE AGENTS • COMMERCIAL

OUR SOUTH STREET OFFICE POYNTONS 24-28 SOUTH STREET PREMIER PROPERTY MARKETING & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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Luxury Homes

Find Your Perfect Home The largest selection of luxury homes on the market in Lincolnshire and the surrounding area

Above: Impressive Arts & Crafts house near Holbeach on the market with Fine & Country for £1.75m, call 01780 431635 or see www.fineandcountry.

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Yew Gardens Kirton, Boston Tucked away along a quiet country lane and yet within walking distance of several village amenities is the exclusive development of Yew Gardens. Each property on this small development is totally unique having been designed and built to an incredibly high standard.

Guide Pride: £795,000 Fairweather Estate Agents 22 Dolphin Lane, Boston, PE21 6EU. Call 01205 336122 or see www.fairweather-estateagents.co.uk

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Grange Lane Hough-On-The-Hill, Grantham Tucked away within its own spacious gardens and up a private driveway, this elegant home offers the discerning buyer an opportunity to acquire a spacious property in an enviable location within easy reach of convenient local transport links.

Guide Pride: £1,100,000 Mount & Minster 32 Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA. Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk

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Haycroft Lane Fleet, Spalding An individual mock Tudor manor house set in 7 acres of grounds wrapping around the house and stables.

The stable block has capacity for 5 horses and there are paddocks to the side and rear of the property.

There is also a manege to the rear of the grounds and views of open field.

Guide Pride: £1,700,000 Longstaff & Co LLP New Road, Spalding PE11 1BS. Call 01775 766766 or see www.longstaff.com

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The Grange Bourne Road, Carlby A striking, 4 bedroomed, period property set in beautiful grounds, boasting an impressive office block and two garages, located just north of the village of Carlby equidistant between Stamford and Bourne.

Offers in Excess of: £1,100,000 King West 13 St Mary's St, Stamford PE9 2DE. Call 01780 484520 or see www.kingwest.co.uk

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Waterside Drive Grantham An individual residence providing the utmost flexible living anyone could wish for. If it’s large open plan living space you’re looking then look no further! The property is split level and boasts three bedrooms.

Guide Pride: £1,300,000 Yopa Wheatfield Way, Hinckley, LE10 1YG. Call 01322 584475 or see www.yopa.co.uk

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The Old Barn Stowe, Lincolnshire Nestled within the peaceful Lincolnshire hamlet of Stowe stands an exclusive collection of five beautiful homes. Originally a functioning farm barn, The Old Barn was converted in 2004 into a characterful home unlike many others.

Guide Pride: £1,000,000 Pelham James Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 494653 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk

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Holbeach South Lincolnshire An impressive family home is set in a secluded enclave and overlooking open farmland in the South Lincolnshire fens. It was built in the 1920s in an Arts and Crafts style in stone and brick, and in more recent years has been sympathetically extended providing attractive garages, annexes, a cinema, a heated indoor pool, and a hard tennis court beside the original pavilion.

Guide Pride: £1,750,000 Fine & Country Rutland High St, East Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Call 01780 431635 or see www.fineandcountry.co.uk

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Badger Hills Beelsby, Grimsby Originally built in the 1970s, this substantial family home has been thoughtfully extended and renovated for the modern day to create a stunning executive home with all the expected conveniences and additional desirable extras. The property has an imposing appearance.

Guide Pride: £1,250,000 Savills - Lincoln Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 3SE. Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk

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Station Road Legbourne, Louth An exceptionally handsome, detached, 5/6-bedroom Victorian Vicarage, secretly positioned in a mature plot on the fringe with full planning permission for a pair of semi-detached cottages in coach house style.

All located on the outskirts of popular Legbourne village, just a few minutes ‘drive from Louth.

Guide Pride: £1,400,000 Masons Sales & Lettings The Cornmarket, Louth, LN11 9QD Call 01507 736023 or see www.masonsandpartners.co.uk.

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Beacon Way Skegness The property comprises a substantial detached house offering 5 bedrooms and 4 reception rooms being built to a high specification. Access to the property is from an electric gated entrance, the house having a walled garden complemented by mature trees.

Guide Pride: £1,100,000 Poyntons Consultancy 24-28 South Street, Boston, PE21 6HT. Call 01205 361694 or see www.poyntons.com

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HOUGH ON THE HILL

NETTLEHAM

• Country House • Open-Plan Kitchen & Living • Six Double Bedrooms • Three Bathrooms • Study • Triple Garage & Outbuildings • Stunning Gardens

• Stone detached residence • 0.3 Acre plot • Five Bedrooms • 4000 sqft (approx inc annex garage) • Underfloor heating • Parking for several vehicles • Air conditioning to bedrooms

GUIDE PRICE: £1,100,000

GUIDE PRICE: £950,000

LD

SO

OSGODBY

INGHAM

• Detached Georgian style Residence • Four Bedrooms • Three Reception Rooms • Sun Room • 5 Acre Paddock • 2 1/2 Acre Paddock with Field Shelter • Equestrian Facilities

• Executive detached House set in approximately 1.8 acres • Detached double garage • Six Bedrooms • Four bathrooms • Living room & Dining room • Open plan Kitchen Diner • Substantial rear Garden

GUIDE PRICE: £850,000

GUIDE PRICE: £775,000

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Spilsby Road, Horncastle

Offers Over £550,000

Weirs Lane, Butterwick

£550,000

Beautiful Bokhanger Lodge is on the close outskirts of Horncastle and has been an ideal property for the current owners and their young family growing up. With the schools, shops and restaurants all within walking distance it has been a happy and convenient home. When you step into the garden however, you can hardly imagine that you are so close to town, as a large lawn with beautifully established fruit and nut trees leads down to the river at the bottom of the garden – such a lovely spot. With four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and three reception rooms to include a large drawing room, new sunlounge and cosy snug, this interesting property is totally unique and has many period and character features as well as a superb cellar. Only moving because of an unexpected job relocation means that the new buyers will benefit from a new AGA, new sun-room extension and a brand new boiler and radiators fitted earlier this year.

Weirs Farm in Butterwick was totally re-built when it was extended by the previous owner and is filled with charming character features that reflect all of the qualities of the original farmhouse.

The clear benefit to a new buyer of course is that all of the hard work behind the scenes has already been carried out and the fact that this spacious family home has three double bedrooms to the main house in addition to a one bedroom self-contained annexe in the garden. A large plot of just over one and a half acres with open country views provides a wealth of opportunity to the right buyer, along with several useful outbuildings to include a brick studio and a timber workshop.

Lamb Lane, Benington

Saxon Gardens, Fishtoft

Offers Over £600,000

Situated with no immediate neighbours upon a plot approaching half an acre, Gorse Cottage is an incredibly versatile property. Surrounded by quiet country lanes ideal for dog-walking, the property is located in Benington Seas End and so enjoys many miles of coastal walks. The main house has three reception rooms, four wood burners and has three double bedrooms, an en-suite and a family bathroom plus an additional two bedroomed annexe which is completely self-contained. This annexe was only finished last year and has already had considerable success as an Airbnb. With large gated driveways to both the front and rear of the property, the property is totally secure and very private and there is a fantastic amount of parking as well as a double garage and several brickbuilt outbuildings.

£375,000

With an enviable position overlooking the playing field in the popular village of Fishtoft, this attractive three storey property is offered with no onward chain. Saxon Gardens is a sought-after area of similarly sized well presented properties arranged around a private block-paved driveway, and all within walking distance of the village amenities. The property has two reception rooms, five double bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a surprisingly private rear garden for such a modern property. It really is an ideal property for a family, located only five minutes by car from both the town centre and the hospital in one direction and miles of coastal walks along The Cut to Freiston Shore Nature Reserve in the other.

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Local News Devolution Plans for Lincolnshire Plans for an elected mayor for the county would also offer a £24m year windfall for 30 years, and creation of a Combined County Authority

Bishop Stephen enthroned Over 1,000 people celebrated the enthronement of Bishop Stephen at Lincoln Cathedral, over 950 years after the first Bishop of Lincoln, Remigius In the sunshine of a perfect autumn day, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, accompanied by a group of children, approached the west front of Lincoln Cathedral. Knocking on the great west doors with his pastoral staff, he entered the Cathedral as the 73rd Bishop of Lincoln.

Over 1,000 people attended the service including civic dignitaries, clergy, Readers, ministers, parishioners and other church officers from the Diocese of Lincoln, Bishops, representatives of ecumenical and interfaith groups, and members of the public.

During the course of the service that was filled with beautiful music, Bishop Stephen was installed in the cathedral, the Bishop’s seat. After the enthronement, he was greeted by a number of representatives from the city, county and Diocese.

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Last month’s Autumn Statement from the government included new plans for the creation of a devolved Lincolnshire which would also deliver a £24 million annual funding package guaranteed for the next 30 years.

The proposal includes the set-up of a new body (called a Combined County Authority) to oversee these powers, that would include a Mayor elected by Lincolnshire residents. The existing councils would remain, and would continue providing the services they do now.

Devolution is a way that central Government can transfer agreed powers and funding to regions across the country. It will bring more money and powers to Greater Lincolnshire if plans are approved at Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire as Pride goes to press.

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Send your press releases and business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Revised plans for Sleaford

Chris retires after 32 years

North Kesteven has submitted revised plans for its future vision of Sleaford’s Market Place

Chief Constable Chris Haward will leave Lincolnshire Police after 32 years at the helm to tackle serious crime

Plans for a £1m refurbishment of Sleaford’s Market Place have been revised, with new plans submitted by North Kesteven District Council. The revised plans include new landscaping, revisions to the area that is surrounding the war memorial and the removal of bollards, all aimed at enhancing the role of

the Market Place as providing a vibrant environment for traders, for members of the public and for the town to host more public events. The council wants to create a space with better paving, mood lighting and more seating areas for the whole community to enjoy.

See www.n-kesteven.gov.uk.

Following a policing career spanning more than 32 years, the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police, Chris Haward, last month announced that he will be leaving Lincolnshire Police in February 2024 to take up a role with the National Police Chief’s Council as the UK Coordinator tackling Serious and Organised Crime.

“I’m really proud to have served as Chief Constable in Lincolnshire Police and of the people who serve in this force. I have enjoyed a positive and productive working relationship with PCC Marc Jones and I am very grateful for his support over the last three years.”

San Pietro celebrates 20 years Mediterranean restaurant in Scunthorpe founded by Pietro & Michelle Catalano celebrates its ‘ventesimo!’

Congratulations to Pietro and Michelle Catalano, who recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of their restaurant, San Pietro.

Michelle says “Genuine passion and dedication have steered the restaurant through many challenges, a pandemic and fire included, with a focus not just on survival but on excellence, and winning countless awards along the way!”

See www.sanpietro.uk.com.

“Since I joined policing, I have either been on the frontline or helping to deliver day-to-day policing, and during the last three years in Lincolnshire I have put focus on the day-to-day culture and wellbeing that runs through the force, with the aim to make sure we deliver the highest possible standard of policing to our communities.”

“It’s been a privilege to be Chief Constable here in Lincolnshire.

I have a few months yet to go so will make sure to carry on with the day job until then and will save my goodbyes for closer to my actual leaving date.”

And Finally... They say pigs might fly. Well, this little piggy really did. Alison & Ruben Castillo, the owners of Jubilee pig Wilbur, couldn’t bear to leave the little fellow behind when they relocated from North Carolina to Lincolnshire. Instead, they paid £11,600 to fly him 4,000 miles so he could join them at their new home in Heckington.

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High Life

Raising Money for Macmillan Kenwick Park Hotel was the venue for Sam Donner’s fundraising ball, attended by over 120 people and raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support...

Images: Rob Davis.

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Kenwick Park Hotel in Louth was last month the venue for a fundraising ball in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support organised by Samantha Donner. The event was attended by over 120 people and was held in memory of Sam’s husband who died in December 2021 along with her close friend Wendy in the same year. Over 98% of the work conducted by Macmillan Cancer Support is funded by charitable donations, and the organisation provides practical, emotional and physical support for those who experience the condition, as well as their families. The event’s venue decorators were Finishing Touches, Adore Flowers and Party Planet, entertainment was courtesy of Two of Harps, SoFunDisco and Alan Horner.

For information see www.macmillan.org.uk.

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A Cappuccino with Gilson Lavis

Lincolnshire Saved

My Life 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and with the crackle of fireworks and a cascade of beats from Gilson Lavis, we’ll welcome in 2024. This month we’ll meet the South Lincolnshire drummer, artist and former member of Squeeze who really is cool for cats...

Words: Rob Davis.

A

uld acquaintances, at this time of year, shouldn’t be forgotten. Having said that, new acquaintances can be equally memorable. Our kitchen table conversation with Gilson Lavis, for example, is bound to be remembered as one of the funniest and one of the most touching interviews in a very long time.

As New Year’s Eve teeters on the stroke of midnight and as Jools Holland begins his hootenanny countdown, beside him will be his long-time collaborator, trusty drummer and fellow bandmate in the New Wave band Squeeze. For now though, we’re in Gilson’s studio, one room of which is almost entirely filled with different drums.

It’s not the largest of spaces and has a low, intimate ceiling. It’s a converted barn too with thick stone walls. And so when, for the camera, Gilson begins to perform, the speed, the pace and the sound is phenomenal. Muscle memory? Super-human co-ordination?

Natural rhythm? Haven’t got a clue, but it’s very impressive.

“I’ve just come back from being on tour with the orchestra,” he says, referring to the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra co-founded with Jools Holland in 1987. “So I’m rehearsing the different acts which will appear on the hootenanny this year.”

Gilson has appeared in every single one of the New Year’s Eve celebrations since the first one in 1993. That makes this one the 30th anniversary, and Gilson’s part in the broadcast is particularly important given that when the floor manager tip him the wink, it’s Gilson who counts in the song and keeps everyone in tempo.

Think of him as the guy who’s walking the bridal party down the aisle and gets them all to set off on the right foot. Or is it the left?

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In any case, Gilson’s talent began as a teenager, when he first picked up the drumsticks at the age of 13. Born in Bedfordshire his mother and father worked as the area manager for a building firm and as a shop manager respectively.

Hardly bohemian folk, but they were very supporting indeed, even when, at the age of 15 Gilson announced that he was leaving home to move to Scotland, to become the drummer in a band called the Bo-Weevils.

“I was very young, not at all worldly-wise and I came in for a bit of teasing and banter, but it was my first taste of life on the road, and I did enjoy it even though I was quite homesick and eventually returned to Bedfordshire after about six months.”

Gilson formed his own band, Headline News, and over the next few years, ended up touring in European countries like West Germany on bases for British and US military personnel, with particular repertoires for different gigs; The Animals for the enlisted officers, The Supremes for the NCOs and later on, in the officers’ mess, Misty.

With the tour at an end, the group of musicians found themselves in Hamburg’s Kaiserkeller ‘K52’ club with every few gigs yielding funds for a coveted ticket home.

Lots would be drawn, and gradually the six-piece band turned into a five-piece, four-piece and eventually a three-piece.

Like a captain going down with the ship, Gilson – working as a minicab driver to shore up finances – drove his employer’s old Citröen cab down to the ferry, took his drum kit out of the boot, and left his keys in the ignition, returning home.

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A Cappuccino with Gilson Lavis

Back in the UK, Gilson secured a Cambridge residency at The Rex club and alongside myriad hypnotists, strongmen and house bands. Eventually he was sought out by a promoter with a less than reassuring name, Mervyn Conn, who was seeking a house band for Chuck Berry’s European tour.

Touring and old friends “He was... a handful,” says Gilson and imparts one of many unprintable but very funny anecdotes during our interview. “He was a huge name and a real talent, and the profile of the people you work with yields people of comparable profile. I was soon working with the Four Tops in a residency in Southend, a venue which attracted names like Bruce Forsyth – one of the nicest people to work with – any comedians like Little & Large, Tommy Cooper [cue another anecdote] and Bob Monkhouse [very sharp, quick-witted]. I also worked with Lulu in the early days and about 50 years later I’d work with her again, again, very lovely.

“Another tour working with Chuck followed, this would be in the early 1970s and at the time I was drinking an awful lot. There are some professions, some situations more conducive to creating what we’d call a drinking culture today, and being a touring musician is definitely such an environment. Mervin sought me out for the tour and against my better judgement I undertook it, but I was soon drinking heavily and inevitably returned home unemployed and broke, not least because it was 1974 and Ted Heath’s three-day week was taking its toll on the economy; people certainly couldn’t frequent clubs and gigs as they used to.”

“Around the time I was touring with the Springfields - and backstage the club’s owner came to see me, put a large Scotch in my hand and delivered the news that my father had died. Both of my parents were lovely people and so supportive of my career, so it was heartbreaking, but the club owner insisted ‘on you go’ and ushered me on stage.

It wasn’t long before I was back home.”

Bricks and sticks “Mum moved to a bungalow near Bedford and at the time I was working for The London Brick company, stacking bricks as they came out of the kiln. It was the hardest gig I’ve ever had and my hands were ruined. Mum could see I was desperate to get back into music and used some of dad’s money to buy me a black Ludwig Octopus drum kit, and more importantly, put up with me practising in the front room.”

“Melody Maker was an essential read for anyone in the industry, and in late 1974 I responded to an advert from a band seeking a drummer.

Securing an audition I took the front passenger seat out of my mum’s mustard-coloured Mini, loaded the drums in, and headed to Deptford to audition for the band.”

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“The band was already in its infancy, led by Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, with Jools already on board and Harri Kakoulli joining on bass at the same time I joined. The name Squeeze was one of several names pulled out of a hat [an alternative name that Squeeze might have been known by is unprintable!].”

The Squeeze years “After touring pubs and clubs for a year or two, our manager Miles Coupland encouraged us to record an EP entitled ‘Packet of Three’ under our record label Deptford Fun City, but in 1978 we were signed to A&M Records and gained John Cale as a producer. As a founding member of the Velvet Underground he had real talent but didn’t think we had a single.”

“We released Take Me I’m Yours and that served as a catalyst to getting us better known. There was a school of thought in British music that to be a success you have to ‘break America,’ but a lot of our most successful recording artists – Cliff Richard – were never that big in the US. Squeeze did gain a cult following in the states, but we were there, touring, when our second album, Cool For Cats, was released in 1979. There were screaming fans, excitement and appearances on Top of the Pops but when the band properly exploded we were in the states. I worked on about five albums with the band’s original lineup, but success does strange things and everything casts a shadow. I was drinking very heavily and both Glenn and Chris wanted to form their own band and do their own thing.”

A move to Lincolnshire “I moved to Lincolnshire initially because it was quiet and cheap. I was exhausted, because if being a recovering alcoholic is hard, being a drinker is even more difficult. I still live in the cottage and it was derelict at the time so it’s taken a lot of time and love to create somewhere that’s home.”

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Top: Gilson, centre, with his Squeeze bandmates. including Jools, top right, Chris and Glenn.

Top Left/Above Right: A couple of examples of GIlson’s artwork, Sinatra and Blondie.

“There were screaming fans, excitement and appearances on Top of the Pops but when the band properly exploded we were over in the states...”

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A Cappuccino with Gilson Lavis

“The cottage has an old pig sty at the back and the plan was to never be in the music industry again; to just retire and to maybe reach the drums to others. It was a phone call from Julian [Jools] who asked me to do one more gig. It was a charity event with Prince Edward in the audience, a fundraiser. I refused several times but I think I’ve only got about three refusals in me and in the end I conceded and agreed to do it.”

Julian had limited success with another band he formed, Jools Holland his Millionaires, but his TV career was taking off not least with the success of The Tube, the music-oriented youth show which attracted some really big names. Another show took place in New Orleans and then duo shows, and eventually in 1987 Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra was formed.

Gilson’s painting career “I credit Lincolnshire with saving my life, among other counterpoints like my wife Nicky and my discovery of painting. I’d enjoyed it at school and I was pretty good at drawing. Years of drinking had ruined my teeth and I found myself at the time in Budapest, having my smile repaired. I’d booked into a flat, the condition of which had been drastically overstated, and found myself in a squat.”

“Gilson only provides original artwork, no prints or limited editions, and has always been reluctant to pursue tuition of either the drums or art as was the original plan when he moved to Lincolnshire, citing that he’s self-taught. Taking a quick peek at the vinyl by the music centre it’s a varied mix, as will be the selection that he’s performing at this year’s hootenanny.

“The TV at least worked, but with just a single channel, broadcasting in Hungarian, it left a bit to be desired, and so I picked up a pad and pen and began sketching, just with a biro.”

“We’ve some real talent this year and it’s as varied as ever,” says Gilson, making us promise that we won’t give this year’s performers away. It should be a surprise, and it’s a broadcast that has always commanded respect because of the quality of its artists and its respect for ‘proper’ music and performers.”

“That continued when we were on tour, and I found myself in a hotel, not wanting to go out drinking. I’d draw the musicians or people we worked with and our tour manager Steve Taylor saw a sketch and wanted to have it. It really fed into my sense of self-worth and it was a healthy interest to channel my time.”

“My interest in art great, sketching family pets and the people I’d worked with until I reasoned that if I could sketch in biro, I could probably paint too, which I did, improving over the years.”

“Today we’re force-fed commercial pop. The nuances have changed and the lyrics of modern music have stopped being about love and they’re increasingly concerned with sex instead. I must admit I struggle to listen to music without deconstructing it and analysing it.

And when a Squeeze track comes on the radio it almost goes over my head. It’s like a lifetime away!”

Gilson has been painting for over a decade and adjacent to the room where his drum kit is – and where gold discs are mounted on the wall – is his painting studio, with spatters of acrylic paint, a nearlycomplete commission on an easel and the de rigueur turntable and selection of vinyl records providing a soundtrack.

Hootenanny, though, remains a fun celebration not just of New Year’s Eve but of musical quality. It’s designed to appear like a live broadcast, but the reality of producing the show is that it’s logistically impossible to get all of the talent together and broadcast it live with an audience of about 250 at 11.30pm on New Year’s Eve.

There’s another room too. Behind a barn door is a small gallery with Gilson’s private artwork, framed and hanging around the room.

These are the signed editions, from Rod Stewart to Kylie, to Paul Weller to Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards to a couple of Lulus – one depicting the artist the first time the two worked together, and one from their tour just a few years ago. Each one has the signature of both Gilson and the musician depicted, each one in Gilson’s trademark monochrome chiaroscuro style.

It’s recorded a day or two before and so Gilson and Nicky will be enjoying a rather quieter New Year’s Eve together, here in Lincolnshire, a county evidently well-suited to reflecting on auld acquaintances who remain in memory and have been immortalised on canvas, too.

Jools' Annual Hootenanny will be broadcast on 31st December from 11.30pm. For more information on Gilson’s art, including the availability of commissions, see www.gilsonlavisart.uk.

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Education

Lincolnshire

Schools

Here, we profile some of the best independent schools and colleges, across Lincolnshire offering the very best education the region has to offer...

Below: St Hugh’s School, Woodhall Spa, www.st­hughs.lincs.sch.uk.

Right: Lincoln Minster School, www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk.

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St Hugh’s School

Lincoln Minster School

Developing your Child's Individuality

Happy, achieving children

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.

Lincoln Minster School is an independent co-educational HMC day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 – 18 years. The school, which is situated in the idyllic Bailgate area of the City of Lincoln, includes Preparatory, Senior and Sixth Form teaching as well as an extensive offering of out-of-hours support, activities, and clubs. The school provides an enriched education that consistently creates high achievers with purpose, ambition, and character.

The enviable learning environment 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. From day one, even our very youngest children benefit from specialist teaching in French, Music and PE, as well as Swimming in our heated indoor pool.

Underpinning what we do is the care and support needed for every pupil to thrive throughout their education and wherever their aspirations take them. As part of their learning journey, we prioritise wellbeing, happiness and exciting learning. In our last ISI inspection we achieved ‘excellent’ in all areas and our Nursery was deemed ‘outstanding’. We are proud to have been shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year 2021, Small Independent School of the Year 2022, and Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing in 2022 & 2023. In addition, we won the School category for the Lindum Lincolnshire & LTA Tennis Awards for 2022-23 and were a finalist in the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2022.

We welcome prospective families to visit us to see the opportunities on offer. Call 01526 352169, email office@st­hughs.lincs.sch.uk or visit our website at www.st­hughs.lincs.sch.uk.

The small class sizes provide each student with the attention and individualised nurturing needed to support their development as they reach their full potential. One of the main priorities for the school is to nurture the academic abilities of their pupils. Their Aspire Programme is designed with this in mind, providing opportunities that aim to extend knowledge and understanding, provide stimulating and demanding academic challenges, and, ultimately, inspiring students to apply for the most competitive courses at the most prestigious institutions. The Preparatory school was recently ranked in the UK top 40 Preparatory School (The Times Parent Power Guide 2023) and became a finalist in the national Independent Schools of the Year Awards (2022 and 2023) for Student Wellbeing.

The Senior school’s sports offering was also shortlisted in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards (2022) for Sporting Achievement and ranked in the UK's top 70 sporting schools, placing 63rd, in School Sport’s Top 200 Sporting Schools of 2022.

To find out more, families can book an individual tour of the school online. Visit www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk or call 01522 551300.

The school is based on Upper Lindum Street, Lincoln LN2 5RW.

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What’s On Saturday 6th January

Saturday 20th January

La Nativité du Seigneur performed

by Jeffrey Makinson

Spandesque Ballet & Duran The Drill presents a double header of a 1980s evening, one paying tribute to not one but two of the 1980s finest groups!

Written in 1935, at age 27 Olivier Messiaen wrote his ‘personal statement to faith’ as the birth of Jesus inspires the nine-movement work.

Spandesque Ballet are the world’s number one tribute to the great Spandau Ballet, fronted by soundalike Taylor Graham; Duran really is the UK’s premier tribute to the 1980s band.

Described as one of the greatest Organ works of our time, Lincoln Cathedral’s Organist, Jeffrey Makinson, will be playing on the spectacular Father Willis Organ in this unmissable concert. There will

Tickets £20, doors 7.30pm, The Drill, Lincoln LN2 1EY. Call 01522 534160 or see www.lincolndrill.co.uk.

be an opportunity to enjoy a drink in the Cathedral and meet the organist.

Thursday 25th January

An introduction to the Loire Valley

Tickets £15, from 7pm, Lincoln Cathedral LN1 1PX, call 01522 561 600 or see www.lincolncathedral.com.

Pantomime Fun in Lincoln Traditional pantomime fun in Lincoln with special guest Olympic gymnast and star of Strictly, Louis Smith...

Wine tasting at Doddington Hall.

Discover the diverse wines of the Loire Valley, it has more to offer than Sauvignon Blanc!

Until 7th January 2024

Aladdin Everything you could wish for in a pantomime with some popular songs, brilliant dance routines, stunning sets and costumes, a great deal of laughter, and also a tonne of audience interaction!

Olympic gymnast and winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Louis Smith MBE stars as Abanazar.

Tickets on Monday 1st Jan 7pm £26.50/adults, £23.50/under 18.

New Theatre Royal, LN2 1JJ. Call 01522 519999 or see newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk.

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From 7pm­9pm, tickets £20, held in the Farm Shop at Doddington Hall, LN6 4RU. Booking essential by calling 01522 688581 or online at www.doddingtonhall.com.

Saturday 27th January

The Dreams of Fleetwood Mac The rock band’s greatest hits performed by the UK’s top tribute act at Grimsby Auditorium.

From 7.30pm, Grimsby Auditorium DN31 2BH. Call 0300 300 0035 or see grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

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Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

Until Sunday 21st January

Vanity of Small Differences Artist Grayson Perry’s tapestry exhibition telling a fascinating story of class and taste is now on display at Lincoln Museum.

The tapestries weave some autobiographical references with characters, places and objects that Perry encountered on his travels through regions of England for the Channel 4, BAFTA-winning documentary

series entitled All in the Best Possible Taste with Grayson Perry’ back in 2012.

Taking inspiration from many art-historical references, like Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress, this exhibition tells the story of the rise and demise of Tim Rakewell, aiming to act as a record of a moment in history.

The Lincoln Museum (formerly The Usher Gallery), 01522 782040 or see www.lincolnmuseum.com.

Barn Owl Conservation Alford & Mablethorpe’s Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust group joined by guest speaker, owl expert Garry Steele

Thursday 18th January

Friday 19th January

IBCC Lecture: The Victoria Cross

The 1980s... live!

The Victoria Cross is the highest decoration of the British military honours and is awarded for valour ‘in the presence of the enemy.’ Instigated in 1856, it was first awarded to a military airman in May 1915.

During World War Two, over 20 Victoria Crosses were awarded to bomber aircrew.

Phil Bonner from Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire will be telling their stories and the acts of gallantry that led to the awards.

Tickets £15, from 6.30pm, International Bomber Command Centre, LN4 2HQ. Call 01522 514755 or see internationalbcc.co.uk.

Thursday 11th January

The Conservation of Barn Owls The Alford & Mablethorpe Area Group of the LWT is are joined by guest speaker Garry Steele, who will give a talk on the ongoing efforts to ensure the conservation of barn owls in Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire is one of the better counties of the country for barn owls. Garry spoke to the group a few years ago on his work with barn owls in the county and he will update the group on the progress

All of your favourite hits from the neon decade are present and correct from Tainted Love to Relax!

Tickets £26, 7.30pm, Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, DN15 7RG, call 01724 296296 or see scunthorpetheatres.co.uk.

Friday 19th January

An Evening with Stuart Pearce Join Nottingham Forest Legend Stuart Pearce as he talks about his fantastic career at Nottingham Forest.

Tickets £35­£125, 8pm, Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham NG31 6PZ. Call 01476 406158 or see guildhallartscentre.com.

that has been made so far in conservation efforts.

The Wildlife Trust was one of the earliest groups to be established in the UK, formed from the Naturalists’ Union in 1948.

Today it is one of 46 such trusts across the UK and manages nearly 100 reserves with over 27,000 members and 1,300 volunteers.

Free event, doors 7.30pm, St Wilfred’s Church Hall, Church Street, Alford, LN13 9EG. For details see www.lincstrust.org.uk.

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Gaining Wings Paul and Linda Britchford, the founders of Freiston’s We’ll Meet Again museum, were walking on air recently as they unveiled their brand new exhibit, a Hawker Hurricane aircraft which also appeared in the 1969 film Battle of Britain...

Words: Rob Davis.

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It was a suitably windy day when Paul and Linda Britchford recently unveiled the latest addition to their homefront museum We’ll Meet Again... a Hurricane!

purposes of education before creating a permanent home for the collection and opening their museum to the public in August 2017.

The museum was founded on Paul’s private collection of wartime artefacts, and the two originally travelled from school to school showing off their collection for the

Recently the museum was delighted to reveal its latest exhibit, a Hawker Hurricane replica as featured in the 1969 British war film, Battle of Britain.

Image: The Lord­Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, and the Mayor of Boston, Councillor David Brown joined members of the media and supporters of the museum at the unveiling of the Hurricane.

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History

“When the film was released, the Hurricane was mounted on the Odeon cinema roof in Lincoln to promote the film” The film starred Michael Caine and Christopher Plummer, and was directed by Guy Hamilton, produced by Harry Saltzman.

strategic defeat on the Luftwaffe and so ensured the cancellation of Operation Sea Lion, Hitler’s plan to invade Britain.”

Attending the unveiling of the new exhibit was Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Toby Dennis and the Mayor of Boston, Councillor David Brown.

“When the film was released, the Hurricane was mounted on the Odeon cinema roof in Lincoln for promotional purposes in December 1969 to February 1970. It remained in place until it was placed in a car park at the rear for several weeks and it was moved then to Newark Air Museum.”

“The film drew many respected British actors to accept roles as key figures of the battle, including Laurence Olivier as Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, Trevor Howard as Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park, and Patrick Wymark as Air Vice-Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory,” says Paul. “The film endeavoured to be an accurate account of the Battle of Britain, when in the summer and autumn of 1940 the British RAF inflicted a

In August 2023 the aircraft was acquired

by Paul and Linda. Paul was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2022 and since purchasing the plane he has worked tirelessly to lovingly restore it to its former original state in order to keep it in on display in Lincolnshire.

Find Out More: We’ll Meet Again is based at Freiston Shore, PE22 0NY. Open Friday­Sunday 10am­4pm, for more information call 01205 270473 or see www.wma­ww2museum.co.uk.

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Self-Catering Breaks

A Winter Break This month we’re enjoying one of Barefoot Retreats’ luxury self-catering properties in North Norfolk, and a rare opportunity to bring the whole family together...

Words: Rob Davis.

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Self-Catering Breaks

>> It’s the perfect antidote to the winter blues. Having something lovely to look forward to makes the darker nights and the chilly temperatures much more bearable. Our suggestion is a short break in North Norfolk, like the one we enjoyed a month or two ago, courtesy of luxury self-catering accommodation provider Barefoot Retreats.

The company was founded in 2014 and as it approaches its 10th anniversary, we’re delighted to report that it has grown into a carefully-curated portfolio of over 120 luxury self-catering properties, stretching right along the coast from Snettisham, to Wells-Next-The-Sea, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is fast becoming the most sought-after holiday destination in the UK. The beauty of a Barefoot Retreats break is that each of the properties in the company’s portfolio are privately-owned and lovingly styled, each has its own character and each one is really comfortable, with everything you need to enjoy your short break in Norfolk.

Recently, we were invited to spend a weekend enjoying one of the company’s newest additions to its portfolio, Mulberry Cottage, in the village of Thornham.

Ideal for a getaway with family or friends, the property has five bedrooms and sleeps 12 people, making it an ideal venue for a weekend spent with our immediate family – two older teenage boys, plus our two grown-up daughters.

We couldn’t possibly leave our mini-dachshund Nellie behind – no family break would be complete without her, after all – but fortunately, there was no need to as Mulberry Cottage is one of many dog-friendly properties in the company’s portfolio.

Mulberry Cottage offers self­catering accommodation for up to 12 people.

There’s much to enjoy across North Norfolk, when staying at a Barefoot Retreat.

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Self-Catering Breaks

“Barefoot Retreats offers every kind of property, from cosy cottages for romantic breaks for two, to big boltholes for families...”

Having stayed in a Barefoot Retreats property before, it came as no surprise that the place was spotlessly clean with very modern furnishings and bed linens.

Nor was there any doubt that the house would have plenty of character, since the entire Barefoot Retreats portfolio comprises solely of properties with exceptional character from cosy cottages for couples, to big boltholes for entire families, plus some unusual additions with lots of character; a converted railway carriage or a beautifully restored Old Rectory in Stanhoe for example.

There’s a lovely selection of properties, from traditional barns and cottages with pebbled fronts, to really modern buildings with light timbers and vast bifold doors to make the most of the coastal views and natural light – there’s a very good choice of properties right on the coast, too. One of the nicest aspects of a Barefoot Retreat break is the ability to get away without going too far, and Mulberry Cottage was no exception. After driving just an hour we arrived at the house and settled in.

Waiting for us in the kitchen was a beautiful welcome hamper with some very special treats, from local biscuits and bread, to a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy later. Tea, coffee and milk were all present, correct and much appreciated, so after exploring the property and after a friendly squabble over who gets which bedroom, we convened in the living room to enjoy a pot of tea.

Mulberry Cottage is unique and very well-thought out in terms of its layout. It’s an upside-down house, with a large open plan living kitchen, dining room and living room on the first floor. Its elevation ensures lots of light and panoramic views not least over a very large garden.

Above: Fish ‘n’ chips in Wells, and dog­friendly... fortunately for Nellie!

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Self-Catering Breaks Among Barefoot Retreats’ selling points is the company’s knowledge of the area and its ability to create tailored stays and recommendations for guests.

Over the years, the team has of course recommended restaurants and days out, but also facilitated personal chefs, arranged picnics, organised the delivery of birthday cakes, provided babysitting services a visit from beauty therapists, e-bike hire, marriage proposals, boat trips and helicopter rides... the list is long, and the service bespoke.

Likewise, there’s plenty to do in the area, but this, we intended, would be a slowcation, just spending time as a family and enjoying a rare chance to all be in the same room together... and with the open plan nature of the first floor, that’s exactly what the house enabled. Cooking ensued, wine flowed, there

were a few friendly games of table tennis and later, we lit the large wood-burning stove... the logs were (of course) ready and waiting.

After an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep and some bacon butties in the morning, we ventured out (five bathrooms; useful for a large group all getting ready simultaneously) for a wander around Wells-next-the-Sea, followed by the tradition of crabbing off the side of Wells’ quay, as the kids used to enjoy when they were much younger, followed by some fish ‘n’ chips.

That afternoon, after a long walk along the seafront, Nellie came to the conclusion that short legs and long walks are sometimes incompatible with one another, so we stopped for a hot chocolate at the café.

Upon returning to Mulberry Cottage, and freshening up for an evening meal at the local

pub, we stumbled back ready for a nightcap by the fire and another good night’s sleep thanks to a day with ample fresh air and exercise.

The beauty of a Barefoot Retreat is its ability to bring people together. Get away, without going too far; spend time doing lots or doing very little, and enjoy one of the most underrated parts of Britain.

With our older children now living and working away, co-ordinating our diaries has become increasingly tricky, so to enjoy a weekend away, plus some quality time as a family, was a really lovely experience.

And of course, as a venue, Mulberry Cottage really was the perfect backdrop; spacious, comfortable, beautifully furnished, with a warm and cosy feel which the whole family appreciated.

Find Out More: Barefoot Retreats has over 120 luxury self­catering properties around Norfolk. Mulberry Cottage in Thornham, four nights from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th January example price £1,745 for up to 12 guests. For more properties, for video tours of each one and for tailored pricing, see www.barefootretreats.co.uk or call 01485 512245.

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What to do in North Norfolk Enjoy your idyllic retreat or venture out and enjoy these North Norfolk highlights

The Orange Tree Thornham’s stylish, contemporary dining pub and rooms, nestled in the heart of Thornham, one of North Norfolk’s most beautiful coastal villages. The Orange Tree is really popular, serving award-winning food.

High Street, Thornham, PE36 6L. Call 01485 512213 or see www.theorangetreethornham.co.uk.

Holkham Hall

North Norfolk’s Nature

An elegant 18th century Palladian style house, based on designs by William Kent and built by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. Impressive marble hall, grand staircase, galleries of works

by Old Masters. Currently enjoying renovation of its walled garden.

Tucked away on the north coast of Norfolk, between the villages of Titchwell and Thornham, RSPB reserve Titchwell Marsh is blessed with diverse habitats like reedbeds, freshwater and saltmarsh lagoons with Avocets, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers nesting.

Titchwell Marsh, PE31 8BB.

Wells­next­the­Sea, NR23 1RH. Call 01328 713111, holkham.co.uk.

Seal Watching A must-see experience in North Norfolk. Enjoy a boat trip to see grey seals in their natural environment basking on Blakeney Point. Temples Seal Trips provide a perfect subject for those keen on photographing the natural world, so don’t forget your camera! www.sealtrips.co.uk

North Norfolk Railway

Drove Orchards

Rediscover the warm scent of coal on a crisp spring morning with a visit to the North Norfolk Railway which runs from Sheringham to Holt. Steam and heritage diesel trains transport passengers on an 11 mile return journey past some of Norfolk’s stunning scenery.

Drove Orchards Farm Shop is a great place to find a wonderful collection of food producers who dedicate their lives to the goodies they are so very passionate about making. You’ll find everything from fruit and vegetables to meats and cheeses, plus jams, pickles and chutneys to cakes and biscuits. www.droveorchardsfarmshop.com.

Sheringham, NR26 8RA. Call 01263 820800 or see www.nnrailway.co.uk.

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The Good Food Awards

Revealing Our

Winners This month we’re delighted to reveal the winners of our six Good Food Awards categories including our flagship Restaurant of the Year Title... as voted for by Lincolnshire Pride readers!

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Restaurant of the Year

Winteringham Fields Convincing win for the area’s only Michelin Star Restaurant, home to Chef Patron Colin McGurran and Head Chef Gareth Bartram...

North Lincolnshire based Winteringham Fields was founded in 1988 by Annie and Germain Schwab, and their tenure cemented what was one of the UK’s first ‘restaurant with rooms’ style establishments.

Upon his retirement Germain sought to pass his kitchen onto a trusted pair of hands and chose Colin McGurran, who purchased the restaurant in 2005. Colin was born in Zambia and trained at the 2-Michelinstarred Domaines Haut de Loire in Onzain, France before working for the Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates.

The restaurant has a Michelin-star and is the only restaurant in Lincolnshire to hold such

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an accolade, alongside five AA stars for its Restaurant with Rooms title, four AA rosettes for Culinary Excellence and a Hardens award too.

Now we add to those accolades the title of Restaurant of the Year, awarded by readers of Lincolnshire Pride in our independent vote. The restaurant has its own productive kitchen garden and an open kitchen created in March 2023. Lunch is £99/person, evening dining is £170/person, following a tasting menu format comprising 13 servings.

Winteringham Fields, North Lincolnshire, DN15 9ND. Call 01724 733096 or see www.winteringhamfields.co.uk.

Also Highly Commended The Jews House: Elegant restaurant on Lincoln’s Strait with tasting menus created by Gavin Aitkenhead. jewshouserestaurant.co.uk.

The Brownlow Arms: Excellent food, warm welcome from Paul & Lorraine Willoughby. thebrownlowarms.com.

The George of Stamford: Traditional coaching inn in Stamford with a traditional oak­panelled dining room. www.georgehotel ofstamford.com.

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Barbecue chicken taco with fermented white cabbage, lime and herb emulsion and chicken fat panko breadcrumbs. Image Tim Green/Winteringham Fields.

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Café of the Year

Image: Simon Broadhead/Doddington Hall

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since 2006 and today the whole estate is a well-run modern operation.

Doddington Hall Desirable daytime dining on Lincoln’s country estate...

North Lincoln’s stately home, Doddington Hall dates back to 1600 and commands a Grade I listing, it’s also proud to showcase estate-grown produce and support local and British producers throughout its menus.

At any time of year a visit is recommended, but winter is a particular pleasure with the availability of good coffee and cake plus lunchtime dishes, followed by a winter walk in the parkland. The estate has been under the custodianship of James and Claire Birch

“There is game and foraged produce from across the estate along with fruit and vegetables picked daily in our walled Kitchen Garden. Beyond the estate, we seek out the best local growers and producers from Lincolnshire and surrounding counties for produce such as bread, cheese, eggs, meat, vegetables and fruit. Our chefs cook everything from scratch, so you might have to wait a few minutes for your food, but we hope you think it is worth it!” says Claire.

Doddington Hall, Lincoln LN6 4RU. Call 01522 694308 or see www.doddingtonhall.com.

Also Highly Commended The Parlour: Edwardian­ style tearoom based at Spalding’s Springfields, with homemade cakes and lunches. springfieldsoutlet.co.uk.

Greyz in the Bail: Stop by in Lincoln for a traditional tearoom experience.

Based on Gordon Road, off Bailgate, Lincoln.

Tablez Bistro: Based in Sleaford, English food with a Mediterranean twist. Based on Sleaford’s Southgate, 01529 300922.

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A Restaurant with Rooms Washingborough Hall Hotel, Lincoln Two AA-rosette quality dining and classically-styled ‘country chic’ bedrooms located close to Lincoln...

Beauty is not just décor deep in the village of Washingborough where country house hotel Washingborough Hall offers its guests an elegant Georgian environment in which to enjoy both two AA-rosette dining and beautifully-styled rooms too.

The building dates back to 1750 and it carries a Grade II listing, but since 2008 the hotel has belonged to Lucy and Ed Herring, who have treated the place to a very well-thought out refurbishment introducing tasteful colours and comfortable furnishings including rooms with four-poster beds and views over the grounds. A brigade of chefs is led by Mark Cheseldine and provides a menu of quality à la carte dishes.

Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1EH. Call 01522 790 340 or see www.washingboroughhall.com.

Also Highly Commended The Petwood Hotel: Beautiful Edwardian hotel, privately owned, located in Woodhall Spa, with connections to Lincolnshire’s Dambusters. 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk.

Doubletree by Hilton: Marco Pierre White branded steakhouse and the benefit of contemporary rooms, located on the city’s Brayford Wharf. 01522 565182 or see www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk.

Bronze Pig: Fine dining and boutique accommodation on Burton Road, 01522 524817, thebronzepig.co.uk.

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Best International Dining Restaurant

Castle View Authentic Indian cuisine adjacent to Lincoln Castle Castle View is located in Uphill Lincoln, right next to the Castle, and offers authentic Indian cuisine with tandoori dishes, biryani and other cuisine inspired by pan-Asian dining cultures.

Traditional dishes include balti, vindaloo, madras and jalfrezi, whilst vegetarians are well catered for, with no fewer than 15 dishes.

There’s also a selection of rice and roti dishes

and English dishes, and the restaurant is open seven days a week.

The quality of Aminur Rahman’s restaurant and its popularity is also underwritten by the fact that it is a previous nominee of the national English Asian Food Awards.

Castle View, Union Road, Lincoln LN1 3BJ. Call 01522 523040 or see www.castleviewindian.co.uk.

Also Highly Commended The Agra: Well­regarded pan­Asian dining experience in Sleaford, 01529 305900, www.theagra.co.uk.

San Pietro, Scunthorpe: Exceptional Mediterranean cuisine from Pietro Catalano. www.sanpietro.uk.com.

Cognito, Lincoln: Authentic Japanese restaurant providing sashimi and uramaki etc., www.cognitouk.com.

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Food & Drink Producer of the Year

Mountains Boston Sausage Four generations producing quality butchery in Lincolnshire Lincolnshire’s most famous export is its own recipe sausage, characterised by a coarse blend of pork, natural casings, sage and pepper. Though all Lincolnshire butchers have their own variation on a theme, to our mind, Mountains Boston Sausage is the quintessential example of what constitutes a proper Lincolnshire sausage, and our readers agree, having voted Mountains their chosen Food Producer or Retailer of the Year.

The business was established in 1852 and found its specialism in 1985 whereupon it changed its name to Boston Sausage. It even offers online shopping now, to deliver the taste of Lincolnshire nationwide!

Abbey Parks Farm Shop/Mountains Boston Sausage, East Heckington, 01205 821610 or see www.bostonsausage.co.uk.

Also Highly Commended Hawkens Gingerbread: Not all heroes wear capes; some wear aprons. Alastair Hawken saves Grantham Gingerbread from obsoles­ cence with a delicious range of authentic biscuits. www.hawkensgingerbread.com.

Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese: Tremendously popular cheese produced by Simon Jones’ 250 Holstein Fresian cows. The farm even received a visit from King Charles in July! www.lincolnshirepoachercheese.com.

The Cheese Society: Ambassadors for local producers and for quality, Kate O’Meara founded the business in 1997 and it’s now incredibly popular with fans of good cheese with retail and online trade and its café too. www.thecheesesociety.co.uk.

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Batemans Brewery, Wainfleet Voted Lincolnshire’s favourite drinks producer by our readers Four Generations of creating its ‘good honest ales,’ Batemans Brewery is based at Wainfleet and was established in 1874 by the great grandfather of current custodians George Bateman.

At the time landworkers were paid a wage, some harvest and were also paid in beer so there was a strong demand for a good local beer that would satisfy thirsty farm workers.

Today the business is under the direction of brother and sister, Stuart and Jaclyn Bateman. The company produces cask ales including its ‘classic’ ranges XB and Triple XB, as well as bottled beers and monthly changing specials which, at the time of writing include the very festive Rosey Nosey with its festive fruit and spices!

For more information see bateman.co.uk.

Also Highly Commended Mayfield Wine: Lincolnshire wine producer based at Burton Pedwardine, see www.mayfieldwine.co.uk.

Lincoln Tea & Coffee: Celebrating 10 years, see www.thelincolntea andcoffeecompany.co.uk.

Stokes: Synonymous with good coffee in Lincolnshire at The Lawn & High Bridge. www.stokescoffee.com.

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SAN

PIETRO RESTAURANT • ROOMS

20 years of award winning fine dining

/SanPietroRestaurant @SanPietroNLincs

Whether you are visiting for a unique dining experience, a luxurious overnight stay or both, San Pietro truly is the perfect boutique destination.

Taste of Excellence finalist and Food & Farming’s Restaurant of the Year - visit us soon and say ‘Salute’ to quality...

11 High Street East Scunthorpe North Lincolnshire DN15 6UH

01724 277774

sanpietro.uk.com

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Dining Out

The Crown Hotel This month we’re enjoying a new menu and a new dining room too, at one of Stamford’s most popular and well-respected, places to dine in the pretty Georgian town...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

The Crown in Stamford has a new jewel in the form of a recently refurbished dining room; a great new environment in which to enjoy Executive Chef Nick Buttress’s new menu for January 2024.

Most Stamfordians will already know that The Crown Hotel is part of the Knead Pubs group which also comprises The Tobie Norris – which was added to the portfolio in 2007 – and Paten & Co, historically known as The Periwig and The Marsh Harrier, which underwent a masterful refurbishment in 2017.

The Crown Hotel, however, is the most venerable hotel in Knead’s portfolio, owned by the company since 1999. Heading up the group are Michael and Sophia Thurlby, and if evidence was ever needed about the couple’s involvement in the day-to-day running of the hotel, it’s to be found in the fact that on the day of our shoot, both were up and down stepladders trimming up their new dining room, The Jewel, ready for the festive season, as we photographed dishes from Nick’s new menus.

Left: Trio of Knead Farm Lamb with pulled shoulder of Lamb Shepherd’s pie, herb crusted lamb chop & rolled loin of lamb stuffed with rosemary and apricots, rainbow beets, carrot puree and celeriac fondant, £21.95. Top: Hake kiev with garlic & parsley butter with lemon hollandaise, £19.95.

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Crown Hotel, All Saints’ Place in Stamford Starters/Small Plates Venison Scotch egg with Guinness mayonnaise, £10.25.

Crab and prawn thermidor with parmesan crumb, £10.75.

Mozzarella and roasted pepper arancini, £10.75.

Classics Steak and stout pie with 14hour braised beef, rich stout & bone marrow gravy, and whole grain mustard mash, £19.95.

Venison sausage and mash with creamy mash potato and onion gravy and greens, £18.95.

From the Knead Farm Trio of Knead Farm lamb with pulled shoulder of lamb, shepherd’s pie and rolled loin of lamb £21.95.

Knead Farm braised beef bourguignon with horseradish mash, £21.95.

From the Sea Fish & Chips with St Austell Tribute beer-battered haddock served with chunky chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce and lemon, £19.95.

Hake kiev filled with garlic and parsley butter served with lemon hollandaise, charred gem and truffle oil fries, £19.95.

Grill Options The Crown’s Provenance Burger with 100% local Lincoln Red Beef from Knead Farm, £19.95.

Sirloin steak, 8oz, with chunky chips and beer-battered onion rings, £31.95.

“Much of our meat comes from Knead’s own farm, which allow us to vouch for its quality and welfare” “We refresh our menus seasonally, in order to make the most of the area’s best ingredients,” says Nick. “And much of our meat comes from Knead’s own farm, based at Tallington. We’ve a flock of 360 lambs and 85 Lincoln Red Cattle, so every burger or steak that we serve uses meat which has been reared ourselves, which means we can vouch for its welfare and its provenance. It also encourages us to make sure we use as much of each animal as possible and use each cut to its fullest potential.”

There’s a single menu for evening service available throughout The Crown with an additional lunchtime menu of baguettes, rolls and grazing platters, plus cakes, scones and pastries for the hotel’s brisk midmorning coffee trade. The latter has been popular for lonely home workers who bring their laptops along to work in the hotel whilst enjoying good coffee and human interaction.

The evening menu offers a decent choice with 11 nibbles, small plates or starters to mix and match, as well as 16 main course options when you add up the ‘quality pub-inspired’ Classics, two special Knead Farm options, a couple of From the Sea dishes plus a grill selection and four well-considered options for vegetarians and vegans.

Black forest tart with rum and raisin gelato, £10.50.

“For instance, the shoulder of lamb we serve during Sunday lunch service at the Tobie Norris is cooked slowly, overnight, giving it melt-in-the-mouth texture whilst The Crown Hotel has its trio of lamb dish which is among the most popular dishes on the menu, and one that many of our diners come back to enjoy, time and time again.”

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

Top: Wood pigeon Wellington with mushroom duxelle wrapped in puff pastry with red wine sauce, £20.50 Right: Pancetta and pork croquettes, Piccalilli purée, scratching popcorn, £10.50.

Desserts Millionaire chocolate torte with vanilla bean ice cream, £10.50.

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Other local suppliers contributing to the menu’s sense of provenance include Grasmere Farm, Askers Bakery and Marrfish.

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Dining Out

The bar still enjoys its botanical look with early 20th century industrial influences that make the most of the hotel’s architecture.

Meanwhile The Jewel dining room in The Crown was completed just in time for 2023’s Burghley Horse Trials and not withstanding its additional and very lovely festive touches courtesy of Michael and Sophia as we were photographing, the place is lovely looking with a new parquet floor, teal walls and Clarke & Clarke fabrics with their whimsical botanical and jungle-inspired design.

“The hotel’s 28 bedrooms are also very pretty with comfortable rustic design and lots of character”

It’s a lovely place to be and as well as creating a large and sociable dining space, it’s one of several comfortable rooms around the hotel available for functions and private dining.

As a restaurant, it’s easy to see why you’d dine at The Crown. It uses only the best ingredients in its well-conceived dishes created with skill and nice presentation.

Whilst we visited the hotel, we also took the opportunity to sneak a look at a few of the hotel’s bedrooms and to say they’re pretty is an understatement, with a comfortable rustic look and lots of character. You can enjoy them for a £165/person ‘Sunday Sleepover’ package which includes two-course dining, an overnight stay and breakfast the following morning... it could be the perfect way to enjoy what we reckon is one of Stamford’s most satisfying dining experiences!

Crown Hotel, All Saint’s Place Stamford The Pitch: “A striking hotel with dining areas of varying styles offering delicious food and real ale and wines” Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 7am.

Saturday & Sunday from 8am.

Food served Mon to Sat 11am­9pm, Sun 12pm­8pm.

The Crown Hotel, All Saints’ Place, Stamford PE9 2AG. Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

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Hotels & Restaurants

Lincoln’s White Hart A New Look for an Old Favourite

Dating back to 1722 and carrying a Grade II listing, the new owner of Lincoln’s White Hart Hotel on Bailgate has lavished lots of love and care on its comprehensive refurbishment. The hotel has now reopened and it’s well worth a visit…

Words: Rob Davis

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Hotels & Restaurants

Following a comprehensive six-month refurbishment, the White Hart Hotel on Bailgate has finally reopened, and we’re happy to confirm that it looks better than ever!

Purchased in 2022 by Lincolnshire resident and businessman Andrew Long, the hotel is one of the oldest Coaching Inns in the region and has been transformed with a tasteful renovation of the bedrooms, a fully refurbished and renamed Colonnade Cocktail Bar & Lounge and the all-new Gibson Club Bar, the latter named as a nod to the county’s

The White Hart Hotel has finally reopened, and it looks better than ever!

aviation heritage and Dambusters squadron leader Guy Gibson.

The hotel is also set to unveil its new restaurant ‘Antlers’, which opens Saturday 9th December, serving the very finest local and seasonal produce from a host of Lincolnshire suppliers and artisan producers.

“Since acquiring the White Hart, we have had ambitious plans to turn it into one of the most elegant and desirable hotels in the region,” says Andrew. “The refurbishment was comprehensive but respectful and should ensure that it quickly regains its reputation as the city’s leading ‘special occasion’ destination for both locals and visitors alike, especially when our restaurant is revealed too.”

“We’ve spent the last few months training and developing our highly valued team and getting ready to reopen,” says hotel General Manager, Paul Noble.

“So, we were excited to be able to realise our vision and to open the doors at the start of November.”

Andrew Long has also acquired the nearby Judge’s Lodgings and plans to refurbish and redevelop that building too.

The works will provide fully serviced ‘apartment style’ rooms with a restaurant and licensed café bar as well as an arcade of independent retail units and an improved car park opposite the White Hart Hotel, all scheduled to begin development in 2024.

Find Out More: The White Hart has reopened on the city’s Bailgate LN1 3AR, with 49 luxurious bedrooms, cocktail bars and Antler’s Restaurant due to open soon.

For more information and for bookings call 01522 526 222 or visit www.whitehart­lincoln.co.uk.

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Cooking at Home with a Thermomix

Eat healthier, faster, better Too good to be true? A kitchen essential that you’ll use every day, cooking healthier food, faster. This month Lincolnshire’s Sam Parker challenged us to try her all-in-one kitchen helper, the Thermomix. After a week’s trial, we were left seriously impressed!

Words: Rob Davis.

I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t jump at the chance to eat healthier food, spend less time planning and preparing meals and to relieve their worktops and cupboards of a surfeit of food processors, blenders, soup-makers and breadmakers. Happily, that’s what Sam Parker promised when she introduced us to Thermomix, assuring us that we’d find it more useful, more versatile and easier-to-use than any kitchen appliance we’ve tried before. So what exactly does it do?

Don’t say ‘blender’ It’s truly unique, and whilst Thermomix does look a bit like a blender, it’s way more functionally diverse. For example the machine has a blade but it’s sharp on one side and edgeless on the other, so it can chop or just stir, depending on the direction of rotation. Plus the machine also incorporates weighing scales and direct heating of its stainless steel bowl.

That means a Thermomix’s functions range from stirring, chopping and puréeing to kneading and whisking to sautéing, steaming, boiling and slow cooking. And that’s the case when you take manual control of Thermomix’s functions or if you follow its recipes...

A helping hand from Cookidoo Another draw of Thermomix is its ability to guide you, step-by-step, through a recipe. The machine has a dedicated app, Cookidoo, which gives users access to over 80,000 triple-tested recipes.

All recipes have been optimised for Thermomix, making planning meals and broadening the variety of your kitchen repertoire a cinch.

The app can plan your chosen dishes into your weekly meal planner and even curate a shopping list of ingredients which it can put straight into your online shopping basket if you shop with Tesco, Sainsbury, Amazon Fresh or Ocado.

That’s not all. Once you’ve planned your meals and obtained your ingredients Cookidoo, or its smartphone app, will synchronise your selection straight to your Thermomix and when you’re ready to cook a particular dish, it’ll take you through the recipe, step-by-step, via its hi-res, interactive touchscreen. The machine will tell you which ingredient to add, weigh the ingredient as you add it to the bowl and determine what blade speed, temperature and timer settings to use to achieve the perfect results.

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First impressions count Its functions may be easy to access, but because Thermomix does so much, some might feel a bit intimidated by its breadth of talent and wonder where to start. Happily, independent advisor Sam Parker provides a free, no-obligation demonstration in your home.

We can’t stress enough that a visit from Sam is NOT a sales pitch.

It’s a relaxed, fun and enjoyable chance for a one-to-one cooking experience (or for a small group if you prefer) to experience with the machine, and an opportunity to ask questions about how to get the best from a Thermomix. As we were to discover ourselves when Sam arrived to provide a demonstration. Sam gave us a tour of the machine and promised to make three easy recipes to get us started.

The first was a chopped broccoli, salad, the second was a red pepper and tomato soup, and the third a simple sorbet.

Sam’s Visit I asked Sam if it puts potential buyers off that the only way to obtain one of the machines is via an independent advisor.

“No, not at all,” she says. “Once someone understands that there’s no pressure-selling, and that we just want to share what can be achieved with a Thermomix, they’re generally more relaxed and enjoy the experience of some good one-to-one advice on how to get the best from the machine, rather than just being given a manual to read.”

“A Thermomix does so much that it’s a real point of principle to us that somebody investing in the machine won’t just leave it on the side or in a cupboard as can be case with some appliances. It’s important to us that it becomes so useful and such an essential part of your life.”

Useful everyday “I’m always keen to (politely!) correct anyone who refers to it as a ‘gadget’ because that suggests it’s something you use only occasionally or that its use is limited. In fact, it incorporates so much functionality that whether you consult Cookidoo and use the machine to follow recipes, or just use its functionality to ‘freestyle,’ it soon becomes a go-to appliance, no less important than your hob or oven.”

To prove that point, we set ourselves a challenge. For a whole week the cooker was virtually off-limits and everything would be prepared using the Thermomix. We borrowed one of Sam’s demo machines and set about enjoying a week in the life of a Thermomix.

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What’s Cooking Mid-week meals made easy with Thermomix, but what’s on the menu?

Top: The Thermomix TM6 and fresh bread, no need to knead! Middle Row: Red Pepper and Tomato Soup; Duck with Blackberry Sauce and Celeriac Mash; Quick Beef Massaman Curry. Above: Creamy Mustard Chicken Stew; Salmon with Lemon Hollandaise, Asparagus and Rice; Raspberry Peach Crumb Cake. Prepared with a Thermomix, recipes available via Cookidoo website, Cookidoo app and on the machine itself.

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Our first dishes Our first foray into life with a Thermomix was with Sam’s chopped broccoli and pine nut salad, which was impressive, and after a quick bite, made its way into the fridge to provide lunch for the following day at work.

A winter of content The weather outside was filthy, and after Sam’s visit, we were very keen indeed to try the machine out. That evening’s tea – Sam’s satisfying soup – was ready and waiting, so we dived into the Cookidoo app and chose to make a raspberry and peach crumb cake with custard, from scratch. We know how to make custard, but whether we’d be bothered to do so is another matter. It felt rather good to be able to do something else in the kitchen whilst waiting for the machine to help achieve the silkiest custard, no manual stirring needed.

Mid-week cooking is always a chore, and so as the working week began, we popped the machine’s Varoma steaming basket onto our Thermomix and took advantage of the ability to steam salmon with (homemade) hollandaise, asparagus and rice using just the machine.

The following evening, rice also appeared on the menu as we put one of Cookidoo’s curry recipes to the test with probably its harshest potential critic; our neighbour, a local restauranteur specialising in Bengali cuisine. It was very well received, unsurprisingly, since curries, soups and stews all take full advantage of the way Thermomix works, and in the interests of being less dependent on spice jars and stock cubes, the machine also enables you to make your own store-cupboard staples from meat or vegetable stocks to garam masala and tikka pastes.

Confession time In the interests of honesty, I did cheat a couple of times, and resort to the oven for a roast duck dish, albeit with help from the

Thermomix for the creation of a blackberry sauce and celeriac mash, whizzed up in a matter of minutes.

February, we’ll embark on a healthy winter diet of soups, stews, curries and other seasonal warmers: proper food.

Sunday lunch, too, was enhanced with Yorkshire pudding batter made in the machine and some roast potatoes entrusted to the machine’s Varoma steaming basket prior to being roasted in the oven.

It’s well worth mentioning, too, that as both an independent Thermomix advisor and its biggest fan, Sam curates a Facebook page (Let’s Thermomix) with recipe inspiration, live videos and demonstrations.

All of the above served to demonstrate that as well as functioning as a standalone machine, a Thermomix can work alongside the way you cook already.

The surprise success of the week, though, was a loaf of wholemeal bread mixed and kneaded using the Thermomix, the only time I’ve managed to produce an actual loaf rather than something resembling a house brick.

After a week, I’d come to the conclusion that a Thermomix is neither gimmick nor gadget.

It’s well thought-out and well-built, intuitive and it integrates well with the library of recipes available on Cookidoo. Anything else? How about Thermomix’s self-clean function? It makes rinsing the bowl easy and fast... very much appreciated, a great idea!

My wife and I both agreed that as we’ve both seen the benefits, there might be one under the Christmas tree this year; a gift to both of us, with the promise that in January and

A Thermomix community Already via the group we’ve joined in the excitement upon learning of the impending release of the cutter attachment which extends the machine’s functionality to slice and grate. Then there’s the latest accessory for the machine, Thermomix Sensor, a new wireless temperature probe that can be used for anything from cakes through to meat and fish. The probe communicates with the machine to measure internal temperatures of food to ensure it’s cooked at the perfect temperature with no guesswork required.

I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that we’ve seen the future of cooking. Using a Thermomix is convenient, fast and easy.

Most importantly though, it’ll free you from a dearth of processed food and bland or unhealthy meals. If that’s not a delicious prospect, I don’t know what is!

Sam Parker is the area’s independent Thermomix advisor, offering free, no­obligation demonstrations of Thermomix. Call 07542 930998 or see www.myfoodforthought.co.uk.

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A local gin perfect for Paddington...

Aft gang agley? It’s an English Whisky for Burn’s Night!

Paddington Bear will definitely be a fan of the

James Nelstrop embarks on a quest to create English whisky...

latest offering from Multum Gin Parvo, the local drinks producer behind innovative flavoured gins including Earl Gray & Honey and Strawberry & Lavender.

The distillery’s latest offering is this zesty offering which, as well as its other botanicals, enjoys a good dollop of fruity marmalade to give a warm, citrus flavour.

Based in Norfolk, the audacious James Nelstrop isn’t too far away from us... but he’s quite far from Scotland, which makes it all the more unusual that he’s embarked on a mission to create ‘England’s finest single malt,’ with its vanilla, citrus and almond nuttiness. £18.30, 75cl, 0% ABV. www.sparklingtea.co.

The Wine Cellar This month we’re raising a glass to 2024 with a trio of brand new Champagne releases plus a carefully chosen selection of local spirits and a real treat for the designated driver...

Happy New Year: Raise a glass to 2024...

Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut: Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, citrus, with a fine mousse. £25, 75cl, 12.5% ABV. www.tesco.com.

Moët & Chandon GV 2015 New release 2015 vintage has remarkable maturity with a full­bodied finish. £62, 75cl, 12.5% ABV. www.moet.com.

Dom Perignon Plenitude: 2004 vintage from Hautvillers’ most famous Champagne producer. £445, 75cl, 12.5% ABV www.domperignon.com.

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£38, 75cl, 40% ABV. www.multum ginparvo.com.

Keep a clear head with sparkling tea An usual way to enjoy the nation’s favourite beverage Copenhagen’s Sparkling Tea is an entirely new and rather innovative drinks category, developed by the Danish award­winning sommelier Jacob Kocemba.

Each version of its Sparkling Tea has its very own unique character and are either low­alcohol or no­alcohol options, ideal for Dry January. £18.30, 75cl, 0% ABV. www.sparklingtea.co.

Our featured wines are available from local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary.

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Cook from scratch, eat better and save time!

When we say it does it all... we mean it, and WE CAN PROVE it too, with a tailored, free, strictly no-obligation cooking experience...

The kitchen appliance that renders

Chop, blend, steam, knead,

all other appliances redundant!

sauté, grind, whisk, sous-vide, slow cook and more.

Integrated scales, mixing and cooking functions plus 80,000+

Cook healthy food ‘from scratch’...

triple-tested follow-along recipes

e.g: Create five weekday meals in less

via an interactive digital screen.

than an hour! Sam will show you how!

ONLY available via an independent advisor.

Call to book your own tailored, strictly no-obligation cooking experience, courtesy of local expert Sam Parker:

Call 07542 930998 or see www.myfoodforthought.co.uk SamParkerThermomixAdvisor

REVOLUTIONISE THE WAY YOU PLAN MEALS, PREPARE, COOK & ENJOY FOOD, WITH THERMOMIX’S LATEST GENERATION TM6 ALL-IN-ONE KITCHEN ASSISTANT

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Welcome Home

Order in the Court Dorota and Oli, you are charged with having ambition and flair. For this you are hereby sentenced to life enjoying a unique family home in Spalding’s former courthouse, a property with space and potential, plus a real sense of fun...

Words: Rob Davis.

They reckon an Englishman’s home is his castle. And with its crenelations, angular proportions and thick stonework you’d be forgiven for thinking that Dorota and Oli’s property is just that; a castle.

But in fact, from shortly after is construction in 1843 to the end of its working life in 2014, The Sessions House was the local court, serving Spalding and the surrounding area.

Dorota and Oli had never renovated a property before, but fancied the idea of a project for their first home. Some couples would have started with a less ambitious project, but fortune favours the bold and the results speak for themselves.

What’s more, as well as creating a quirky but surprisingly practical family home, the couple have also created a really good events venue

and founded a successful business exploiting the building’s uniqueness… that happened almost accidentally at first, but the couple were shrewd enough to take the initiative and capitalise on the building’s potential.

Olly was born and raised in Pinchbeck and like Dorota, works in the fresh produce industry, the latter travelling all over the world to meet suppliers.

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Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service were disposing of about 150 properties nationally at the time The couple returned to the area looking to buy their first property after being in the rental sector, and also fancying ‘a bit of a fixer-upper,’ according to Olly who should in future be careful what he wishes for.

They found the property in January 2016 and rather than be intimidated, they decided to throw caution to the wind and embrace the idea of taking on a wildly interesting property.

At that time Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service were disposing of about 150 properties nationally and though the actual purchase and change of use was a pain, the two got the keys on 23rd December 2016 and began living in the property which, remember, had been a working court and had been unoccupied for two years.

“It’s a heck of a building in terms of its construction,” says Olly. “It’s been well-maintained – the roof, for instance, was repaired and re-leaded in 2002 – and everything is designed to reflect its working life as a secure, solid building. Structurally it was brilliant, but it was quite perfunctory in its appearance, not cosy-looking and quite austere.”

The property is one of two halves. On the ground floor were the offices and waiting areas for the court and of course the cells themselves, referred to as interview rooms. The ground floor therefore has smaller rooms and the architecture is industrial, with thick walls and solid floors.

Then, on the first floor, the property takes on an absolutely elaborate palace-like look and feel with carved timbers, chunky roof beams, and the enormous thrones that the judges would sit on.

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Welcome Home

The courtroom itself is a whopping 54ft x 31ft with a public gallery and the magistrate’s retiring room behind. Also on the first floor are two towers, the first containing the clock – still in working order and just requiring a weekly winding

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Welcome Home The Sessions House Court Provenance: Grade II listed former courthouse designed and built in 1842 by archi­ tects Charles Kirk & Booth.

Rooms: reception rooms currently arranged as dining kitchen, sitting room, and TV room. 1­7 bedrooms, former court room and magistrates’ retiring room, two towers.

Guide Price: £1,000,000.

Find Out More: On the market with Unique Property Co., 020 8187 4599 or see uniquepropertycompany.co.uk.

The courtroom itself is a whopping

One of the cells is currently being used as a wine and gin cellar

space, it’d be a shame not to capitalise

the second of which is fitted with

daughter and son plus three rooms for

couple’s wedding reception took place

many pigeonholes for securely storing

storage. Opposite the cells are further

documents.

rooms; one a decent-sized playroom,

54ft (16m) x 31ft (10m) with a public gallery and the magistrate’s retiring room behind. Also on the first floor are two towers, the first containing the clock – still in working order and just requiring a weekly winding – and

Back downstairs, the couple have worked hard to adapt the space with a

one as a boiler room and one as a large family bathroom.

on the building’s potential.

It was a successful event, and it seems that word got out. One day, somebody knocked on the couple’s door asking if they, too, could hire the venue. The in March 2018, with their first wedding guests hosting their own event in September that year. Olly has also authored a Murder Mystery event and hosted some very successful

lovely big living kitchen and a

All of these rooms are located right in

evenings

comfortable reception rooms which

the centre of the building – off the

investigate a real life case which once

Dorota has styled nicely with an

arterial corridor – and therefore have

reached the court.

expert eye, with lots of round mirrors

no windows. Does that make them

and glass cabinets with old leather

a tiny bit gloomy, especially for a

bound legal tomes.

youngster’s bedroom?

The couple’s master bedroom has a

“No! They’re actually really cosy and

the chance to make it a success. It’s a

roll-top bath on a raised plinth and

warm,” says Olly. “When we moved in

really unique property and we’d like

the retiring room just off it would

we didn’t have children, so it’s all

to think that the next owners would

make an ideal dressing room, but it’s

they’ve ever known and I think they

continue to make it a success.”

currently being used as a nursery for

love the place a great deal!”

the couple’s one-year old.

with

guests

to

“It was never our intention to create a business out of the property, but realising the potential we’ve leapt at

“On the other hand it has lots of

Nor when the couple moved in were

potential and lots of appeal as a family

The cells, meanwhile, have been

they married, and upon searching for

home. It’s unusual, but practical.

employed as a gin cellar, two

a wedding reception venue, Olly and

Everyone who visits the place falls in

bedrooms for the couple’s older

Dorota reasoned that with so much

love with it!”

Above: The building offers an impressive 10,000sq ft living space. It’s also being used as a quirky wedding venue and to host Olly’s self­penned murder mystery evenings.

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trying

LINCS Pride JANUARY 258.qxp 29/11/2023 13:24 Page 97

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LINCS Pride JANUARY 258.qxp 29/11/2023 13:24 Page 99

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Florabundance This month we’ve a growing interest in botanicals as we show off some of our favourite fabric brands’ efforts to bring floral designs to life...

Colefax & Fowler chair in Campion fabric, pink/green. Cushion in Carnforth, leaf green, www.colefax.com.

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Homes

Top Left: Bower, Morris & Co, www.sandersondesigngroup.com. Top Right: Jane Churchill, Chiana, red/green. Stool Kansa stripe, janechurchill.com.

Bottom Left: Designers Guild Kiyosumi, www.designersguild.com. Bottom Right: Zoffany Eleanora, www.sandersondesigngroup.com.

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Andrew Dams

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coated colours available. Horticultural, toughened or polycarbonate glazing.

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Follow us for regular updates...

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Nature

A Parliament of

OWLS

Once endangered, barn owls are making a welcome return to the countryside as conservation efforts have yielded an increase in populations. Their increasing numbers, though, doesn’t mean it’s not a treat to see the birds swooping down in the night to take advantage of their silent flying, keen eyesight and deadly ability to hunt their prey...

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Nature

Specialised feathers on their wings break up the turbulence of air, allowing them to fly virtually silently

The silent hunters of the night, barn owls are enigmatic birds of prey that play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. From their ghostly appearance to their silent nocturnal flights, barn owls are a testament to the wonders of nature.

Breeding season for barn owls in the UK typically begins in late March to April. They are monogamous birds and often mate for life. Nests are established in quiet, secluded locations, and both parents play an active role in raising their offspring.

The barn owl is instantly recognisable with its heart-shaped face and distinctive plumage. Sporting a mix of golden-brown and white feathers, these medium-sized owls are well-adapted for their nocturnal lifestyle.

The female typically lays a clutch of eggs, and the pair takes turns incubating them. After hatching, the parents work together to feed and protect their chicks until they fledge and become independent.

The facial disk helps funnel sound to their ears, enabling them to locate prey with remarkable precision even in complete darkness.

Several organisations in the UK are actively engaged in barn owl conservation efforts.

The Barn Owl Trust, for example, works to conserve the species through habitat preservation, education, and research.

One of the most striking features of barn owls is their silent flight. Specialised feathers on their wings break up the turbulence of air, allowing them to fly virtually silently.

Nest box programs have also been successful in providing additional breeding sites for

While they are often associated with rural landscapes, barn owls can also thrive in urban areas. Farmlands, grasslands, marshes, and woodland edges provide the diverse landscapes necessary for their survival. Old barns, church towers, and hollow trees serve as ideal nesting sites, offering shelter and seclusion for raising their young. Primarily nocturnal hunters, barn owls are most active during the night.

Their exceptional hearing and keen eyesight make them efficient predators, and they primarily rely on their sense of hearing to locate prey. With a diet consisting mainly of small mammals, barn owls play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.

Our farmers’ use of set-aside land and the increase of conservation farming is helping greatly to restore the food chains in the countryside that barn owls need.

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Above: Youngsters in the nest and late night supper.

barn owls, helping to offset the loss of natural nesting sites.

The Barn Owl Trust was established in 1988 with a view to increasing the species’ population, which is now estimated to be between 5,000 and 10,000 breeding pairs.

Conservation initiatives and also public awareness are crucial in ensuring the continued existence of these majestic birds.

By preserving their habitats, adopting owl-friendly pest control practices, and supporting organisations dedicated to barn owl conservation, we can contribute to the protection of these silent hunters of the night and the ecological balance they help maintain.

For more information see www.barnowltrust.org.uk.

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Farming & Nature

On the Farm This month a brand new feature and expert commentary on the farming industry, courtesy of Andrew Ward, Leadenham Farmer and star of the YouTube channel Wardy’s Waffle

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After harvest has been completed, and after preparing their land for next year’s crops, farmers breathe a bit of a sigh of relief but remain busy in the run up to Christmas.

Lately we’ve been lifting sugar beet, seeing that beet off to British Sugar at Newark and getting cereals off to grain merchants.

I’ll definitely fall short of saying we’re not busy, because as we all know there’s no such thing as a farmer with nothing to do.

But the winter months do at least provide an opportunity to service machinery well into the new year, tidy up the yard, cut back hedges and attend events like Newark’s recent Midlands Machinery Show.

Unfortunately for many Lincolnshire farmers, though, those tasks have all been overshadowed somewhat by a bigger problem. Sadly, one that was all too avoidable.

Storm Babet brought October’s rainfall to about 160mm (about 100mm over the monthly average). October 20th saw two months worth of rain in just one day falling on some parts of the county.

This wrought havoc to areas like Bardney and Horncastle, ruining freshly-planted wheat and barley, plus sugar beet and potatoes.

Seed, sprays and fertilisers will already have been purchased and applied so losses of up to £100/acre will be incurred with no chance of compensation from the Environment Agency, Defra or from insurance policies.

The farmer, ultimately, will be the one to foot the bill.

Whilst Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) tend to enjoy a good working relationship with farmers, it’s a frustration that the EA could have helped to mitigate flooding by allowing a more proactive management of watercourses and drains. More than a third of Lincolnshire is below sea level, and much of that land is used to help Lincolnshire produce 27% of the country’s vegetables.

If those waterways had been cleaned out – trees, bushes and weeds removed – water could have flowed better and the Environment Agency should bear that in mind and work with farmers, showing better communication and using us to mitigate such occurrences of flooding in the future.

“A third of the county is below sea level, and much of that land is used to help Lincolnshire produce 27% of the UK’s vegetables, highlighting the importance of drainage”

Farmers have the equipment, the knowledge and a real desire to help manage the waterways around their land, but they’re prevented from doing so. Perhaps in the future, with support from the EA, farmers can be part of a working relationship which will look after watercourses, providing resilience against future flooding.

On a positive note, many farmers have prepared their land for spring crops. We use a Sleaford-made Simba Solo pulled with a John Deere 8RX rather than a plough, which we’ve found is ideal in heavier clay soils, leaving a level surface whilst proving more fuel-efficient too. For lighter cultivation, we’ve a Simba Express which works 2-3 inches deep, just mixing the surface of the soil.

Some impressive machinery was also on display in Newark, where I met George, a local farmer who reckons the Witham near him was last cleaned out in 1972. That, he says, has had an adverse effect on the presence of fish and other creatures in the food chain, which rather contradicts any environmentalist who reckons it’s bad to clear watercourses.

Checking the soil around the farm recently also gave me the chance to inspect the 20 or so wild bird feeding stations in the areas of our land under stewardship schemes – field margins of 8-16 metres, for example – the value to wildlife of these can’t be overstated.

It’s rewarding to see songbirds and the population of coveys of English partridge thriving. This also goes to show what a valuable (and often unrecognised) role that farmers play in the conservation of the countryside.

Andrew with farmer George at the Midlands Machinery Show in Newark. Opposite: One of the partridges in a covey that has taken up residence of Andrew’s farm.

Watch Wardy’s Waffle: Our farming correspondent Andrew Ward farms 1,600 acres in Lincolnshire, growing wheat, barley, oil seed rape, sugar beet, beans and oats.

Andrews has his own YouTube channel, Wardy’s Waffle, which is enjoyed by over 13,000 subscribers. Watch his updates Wednesday evenings from 7pm and Sunday mornings at 8am. Search YouTube for @WardysWaffleAndrewWard.

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Motors

McLaren’s Peak

Supercar McLaren hones its already well-proven track record of producing supercars that represent the best of British engineering, with its new 750S, it’s lightest, most powerful car yet

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McLaren is a British success story through and through. Established in 1985, it was originally intended as a maker of Formula 1 vehicles but decided that its experience and engineering know-how could also filter down into cars for motorists... albeit ones with rather more performance than you’ll ever need for a trip to Waitrose.

After collaborations with Mercedes, the company released its own sports car division in 2011 and launched its first ‘domestic’ car that year too.

The firm’s new 750S replaces the 720 and promises peak supercar performance with pure exhilaration. The vehicle is the lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren, with segment-leading power-toweight ratio of 587PS-per-tonne.

Compared to its predecessor, over 30% of its components have been re-engineered or replaced, resulting in a car that’s just 1,277kg in weight, making the most of its awesome performance.

The firm’s new 750S replaces the 720 and promises peak supercar performance with pure exhilaration...

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Motors

The car is available both as a coupé or a convertible, badged Spider, and its light weight construction, aided by a wealth of carbon fibre and a monocoque construction enables its 750ps of power to reach 60mph in just 2.8 second and a potential top speed of 206mph on a closed track.

McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control linkedhydraulic suspension, which is renowned for combining astonishingly precise body control with a remarkably compliant ride, is now even more impressive.

Naturally drivers can fettle the aero, handling, powertrain and transmission settings, saving a tailored combination.

Drivers can also switch between Comfort, Sport and Track Active Dynamic settings while keeping their hands on the wheel and a complete focus on the road ahead.

There’s also a McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) for avoiding wheel-spin when moving off, and a lift mechanism allows you to tiptoe over uneven surfaces and speed bumps without damaging the front splitter.

Inside the cabin has been given a refresh and whilst the McLaren is a sports car, not a comfy GT, a few creature comforts like a surround view camera and Apple CarPlay afford the opportunity to enjoy the cabin, as well as the car’s awesome performance.

The Details

McLaren 750S Price: £244,815 Powertrain: V8, 3994cc, twin­turbocharged, petrol, driving a seven­speed auto gearbox, rear­wheel drive.

Performance: Top speed on closed track 206mph, 60mph 2.8 seconds. 23.2mpg.

Equipment: Carbon Fibre Racing Seats and a new Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Surround­view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, vehicle lift system.

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Motors

Smart Choice Smart it may be. But if you’re expecting a small car, prepare to be surprised as we test drive the Smart #1 which is all-new, all-electric, and totally premium Words: Rob Davis.

25 years ago, the automotive brand Smart

The #1 is also fully electric, and as it was

The #1’s pearl white interior finisher

launched with its dinky, city-friendly ForTwo

fully-charged when I picked it up from

matched the exterior colour and its cream

model with two seats and the ability to fit into

Listers Mercedes and Smart on Lincoln’s

white vegan leather replicated the finest

any parking space.

Kingsley Road, I was able to look forward to

nappa with aplomb. Material quality is

273 miles of all-electric range.

excellent, nothing flexes under interrogation

remains on sale today, albeit following new

Right away, I fell in love with the car a little

and the large touchscreen which dominates

models in 2003, 2007 & 2014, with cabriolet

bit, not just because of its chunky,

the centre console is responsive and sharp.

and roadster versions, and latterly as an all-

playful, modern but not gratuitously futuristic

electric model too.

look, but because of its great interior too.

The look of the car is still iconic and it

Now though, there’s a new model in the brand’s portfolio, the modernity of which is reflected in its name, #1 (pronounced as ‘hashtag one,’ apparently).

It’s certainly not the teeny-weeny city car you’d expect from the brand at 4.2m long and 2m wide. For context a Ford Focus is 4.3m long and 1.9m wide, so think ‘family car but a bit chunkier,’ more rounded and definitely taller, with SUV-like design influences.

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Equipment wise, the #1 is definitely sufficiently well kitted-out to justify its price

I’m a real fan of lighter interiors rather than

with an embarrassingly generous list of

the gloomy black plastic and leather

standard features including the sharpest,

interiors of many modern cars with grim

clearest, best rear view camera – with 360°

slivers of aluminium or fingerprint-hungry

birds-eye view – I’ve used in a long time.

black plastics.

Material quality is great; the large touchscreen is modern, responsive, sharp and easy to use, too

Adaptive cruise control is standard, too.

A panoramic roof, electric windows, mirrors and electrically-adjustable seats, heated seats and navigation plus 64-colour ambient lighting are all standard, the latter giving the cabin a wonderful evening look.

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Motors

It’s a fantastic environment and room in the cabin is generous too both for those in the front and rear. A lower-spec Pro model will be available later, but for now there’s our model with its 66kWh battery achieving 273 miles range, 60mph in 6.7 seconds and reaching 112mph.

A Brabus model is available too, which makes the 60mph dash in 3.9 seconds. For context that’s quicker than a Porsche 911 Carerra. We wouldn’t bother though; not withstanding the fact that nobody needs that much performance, the standard #1 Premium is a satisfyingly brisk drive which is not only quick off the mark as one expects from electric cars with their instant delivery of

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power, but in terms of its mid-range performance. If you need to overtake an HGV the pick-up is very impressive.

Smart #1

Electrification brings serene motoring too, and the #1 is quiet and comfortable with a lovely smooth ride, a sense of effortlessness and well-judged engineering.

Powertrain: 66kWh motor, with 273 miles range, charg­ ing in <30mins to 80% using a DC charger. Top speed 112mph, 0­60mph 6.7secs.

Price: £38,950 (Premium).

There aren’t many cars I’m gutted to give back, but handing back the #1’s hockey puck-style key to Rory at the dealership was a moment of anguish.

Equipment: Duo leather seats with electric adjustment and heating, adaptive cruise.

Backed by Mercedes engineering, the #1 is like a mini-S-Class limo inside: it’s a real premium drive and a car that you’ll take pleasure from owning and driving, every single day.

Smart at Listers Mercedes­ Benz of Lincoln, Kingsley Road, LN6 3TA, call 01522 696016 or see www.listers.co.uk.

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LINCS Pride JANUARY 258.qxp 29/11/2023 13:24 Page 118

Fashion

Giléts

for Winter This month we’re making the most of winter with some stylish giléts...

Lead Image: Moncler Lempa down gilet, £1,125, www.moncler.com.

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Top Left: Ralph Lauren, Belted Gilet £349.00 www.ralphlauren.co.uk. Top Right: Holland Cooper Valais, £199. Bottom Left: Guess puffer vest, £165, from www.guess.eu, Bottom Right: Canada Goose Freestyle vest, £625, from www.canadagoose.com.

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Cosmetics

Mindful Over Matters Treat yourself to a relaxing bath, a bit of pampering and something to ease your winter aches and pains with these mindfulness-focused products

A meditative and uplifting experience Olverum will definitely be a permanent part of our bathtime ritual as we enjoy a long hot soak in the tub this winter. It’s powered by natural essential oils, just a few drops of the brand’s Bath Oil helps to soothe aching muscles. £28, 60ml, from uk.olverum.com.

L’Occitane’s Amande L’Occitane’s Almond Delicious (AKA Amande) is the gold standard of hand cream for hands this winter. Almond milk helps to moisturise the skin and prevent chapping. £18, 75ml, from uk.loccitane.com.

Ginger Rush Cream Origins presents an invigorating, luxurious body cream. It deeply hydrates and instantly softens skin plus it leaves senses revitalised with an enticing, spicy aroma. £38, 200ml, www.origins.co.uk.

Penhaligon’s Balm of Calm Luxury Perfumier Penhaligon’s has added a brand new and absolutely sublime fragrance. The marketing folk promise ‘a lullaby of lavender, a cloud of geranium.’ Iris and sandalwood.

Base notes of vetiver, middle notes of geranium and iris, top notes of cardamom and clary sage and lavender. £195, 100ml EDP penhaligons.com.

The Winter Wellness Collection for men Espa is a brand which powers many of the treatments offered by many of the area’s best spas. The company also offers a range of treatments to enjoy at home, like this Winter Wellness bundle providing Invigorating Face Wash (150ml), Fitness Shower Oil (15ml); Hydrator (50ml) and Fitness Bath Salts (55g), £45, from www.espaskincare.com.

Botanical Kinetics Aveda’s Botanical Kinetics hydrating lotion is derived from 97% natural origin ingredients, including coconut and jojoba. Light, non­greasy formula. £36, 150ml, from www.aveda.co.uk.

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

LINCS Pride JANUARY 258.qxp 29/11/2023 13:25 Page 121

LINCS Pride JANUARY 258.qxp 29/11/2023 13:25 Page 122

Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979

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LINCS Pride JANUARY 258.qxp 29/11/2023 13:25 Page 123

LINCS Pride JANUARY 258.qxp 29/11/2023 13:25 Page 124

Collingham Dental Practice

Smiles Better

TEETH WHITENING WHITE FILLINGS

Start your journey with a healthy smile, at a practice which provides the highest standard of dentistry for the whole family. Now welcoming new patients...

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LINCS Pride JANUARY 258.qxp 29/11/2023 13:25 Page 126

Health

From Pioneering to Proven

Lasting Pain Relief for those with Knee Osteoarthritis Anyone living with the misery of osteoarthritis of the knee will doubtless be dreading winter, with cold temperatures aggravating the condition. Happily, Lincolnshire’s Professor Paul Lee is the local practitioner offering a pioneering treatment Words: Rob Davis.

Shakespeare once wrote of ‘the winter our discontent’ – but for the 5,400,000 in the UK with osteoarthritis of the knee joint, a winter of discomfort is what January actually entails.

Cold temperatures aggravate the condition whilst a lack of mobility, coupled with pain, can mean a miserable start to the year, especially for the 100,000 annual NHS patients for whom a surgical knee replacement this year is the ultimate treatment of the condition.

Top Harley Street consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Professor Paul Lee, renowned for treating celebrities and elite athletes, has brought his expertise to Lincolnshire.

Now, from his Grantham-based Keep Clinic and Silk Willoughby’s MSK House, he’s one of the first clinicians in the UK offering a pioneering treatment to those with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. The injectable treatment, Arthrosamid®, has already seen many patients across the UK and Europe enjoying pain-relief and greater mobility for up to three years.

“As someone who had the privilege of being the first in the UK to administer Arthrosamid®, I firmly believe that this treatment represents a complete paradigm shift in managing knee osteoarthritis,” says Professor Lee.

“Arthrosamid®’s injectable formulation is unique and provides a durable and minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments, offering patients a substantive improvement in pain relief and joint function.”

“Having followed our patients for nearly three years, the long-term benefits are promising, further reinforcing Arthrosamid® as a good treatment in knee OA management.”

Arthrosamid® is a non-biodegradable hydrogel which can be administered with a

Professor Lee was one of the first clinicians in the UK offering this pioneering treatment to those with osteoarthritis of the knee joint... simple injection to relieve osteoarthritis in the knee. The gel itself has already been used in human medicine for around for 23 years, with over one million syringes already manufactured and used, but following clinical trials on humans in 2019 it has now been approved by the EU as a means of treating osteoarthritis in the knee.

So now, Arthrosamid® and Lincolnshire’s Professor Lee can offers hope to those in pain

and discomfort via a privately-funded outpatient procedure taking no longer than 30 minutes and offering both pain relief and the return of mobility in trials for three years.

The hydrogel is, as its name suggests, predominantly water-based with a bio-scaffold material called polyacrylamide (iPAAG) that’s both non-degradable and non-migratory.

That means it’s 97.5% water, but it stays put to offer sustained relief, with 79% of patients under the age of 70 reporting a satisfactory response to the treatment. Anecdotally, patients also report continuing benefits up to a decade after treatment. Furthermore the use of Arthrosamid® doesn’t rule out surgical knee replacement in the future, if necessary.

As somebody who has seen so many patients suffering long-term pain, losing the ability to exercise and risking both a reluctance to remain mobile and potential weight gain, Professor Lee hopes that this will be the year that he’s able to bring lasting pain relief to those with the condition.

For those keen to enjoy winter walks, and those looking forward to an active spring and summer whose only hope otherwise is knee replacement surgery, Arthrosamid® is a pioneering, minimally invasive and effective treatment, one that could see those suffering the misery of osteoarthritis of the knee enjoying a pain-free life.

Find Out More: For more information about Arthrosamid®, Lincolnshire consultant orthopaedic surgeon Professor Paul Lee has practices on Harley Street and in Grantham & Silk Willoughby, Sleaford. Call 0330 001 0048 or see www.amsk.co.uk or www.thekeepclinic.com.

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Pain Relief

Our real-life experience of Arthrosamid® “After undergoing the Arthrosamid® injection with Professor Paul Lee, my life has changed significantly.

A year post­treat­ ment, my pain has reduced substantially, and my mobility has improved remarkably.

The follow­up care and the research­ backed approach employed by Professor Lee and his team make this treat­ ment all the more trustworthy. Having my treatment form part of ongoing academic research gives me confidence that I received the best care possible.”

S.D, (57) 12­months post Arthrosamid® treatment.

“Eight months ago, I was preparing for a total knee replacement due to excruciating, bone­ on­bone arthritis in my knee. I opted for Professor Paul Lee's Arthrosamid® treatment, hoping it could provide some relief. Something astonishing happened at the six­month mark: my knee pain, which had been relentless, vanished out of the blue.

Now, at 8 months post­treatment, I am completely pain­ free and have taken myself off the surgical waiting list.”

D.I (67) 8­months post Arthrosamid® treatment.

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