Lincolnshire Pride March 2019

PRIDE

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LINCOLNSHIRE

LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

£4.50

Welcome to the 200th Edition of Lincolnshire Pride We look back at 200 editions of the county’s finest magazine

We March into Spring with Fashion, Flavour and Finesse The very best of fashion, food, homes, cars, gardens, businesses and pleasure

BUMPER

200 PAGES

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ENJOY LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE, PLUS 3,000 OTHER MAGAZINES, EVERY MONTH ON YOUR TABLET OR MOBILE PHONE Download Readly and read Lincolnshire Pride plus all of your other favourite magazines every month...

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WELCOME

M

arch is a very exciting month. It’s a milestone in our company’s history. That’s because this edition is the 200th of the county’s finest magazine, Lincolnshire Pride.

We’re shouting about it too! We’re up close and personal with the Executive Editor of the magazine Rob Davis in this edition, we discover the history of Lincolnshire Pride through the years including how much the cover has changed, and as a celebration of local business, we meet long-standing advertisers who have been advertising with Pride for countless years.

We would like to thank all of the readers too. You never fail to make us smile with all the kind comments you have about the magazine, and we’ve loved meeting you all at the Lincolnshire Show over the years.

We will see you again this year! Make sure to come and say hello.

As a special thanks to both readers and advertisers, and to celebrate our 200th edition, this magazine is a bumper 200 pages! Enjoy more of the stories you love in Lincolnshire, including that of the rare breed Lincoln Longwool sheep, walks around Gibraltar Point and the story of longstanding Bostonian and one of the former owners of Oldrids & Downtown, Adrian Isaac, who tells us why he loves his town so much.

Best wishes for another great month,

Editor, Lincolnshire Pride tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk 3

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CONTENTS NEWS & EVENTS

HOMES & GARDENS

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WHAT’S ON The best events in Lincolnshire this month.

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LAMBING We visit Louise Fairburn’s

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NEWS Our roundup of good news in and around the area.

HIGHLIGHTS 28

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Lincoln Longwool flock at Risby Grange.

THE INTERVIEW Meet our very own Rob Davis, Pride’s Executive Editor.

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MY TOWN Adrian Isaac on why Boston is his favourite Lincolnshire town.

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DINING OUT We visit a new Steep

FOOD & DRINK 48 52

Hill restaurant Lawsons Bar & Bistro.

PANCAKES Unique recipes to try on Pancake Day from toffee to mango.

IN THE KITCHEN Delicious spring

recipes using different cuts of lamb.

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WELCOME HOME A very unique property on the market for £2,000,000.

NEW FABRICS A classic navy blue theme from high end fabric brands.

103 GARDEN Discover the garden of

LADIES & GENTLEMEN Firsby Manor with the NGS.

140 WEDDINGS Gold and blush theme

wedding inspiration and a styled shoot that took place in Belvoir Castle.

147 FASHION Latest from Boden.

156 BEAUTY Our suggested beauty products for March.

THE HIGH LIFE

167 HIGH SOCIETIES Over 20 pages of

high society events that we’ve covered over the past 200 editions.

190 MOTORS BMW’s X5 & Porsche’s 911.

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THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN THE AREA READ LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE

Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county.

Our circulation is to properties in the top three council tax bands - homes which are predominantly worth over ÂŁ300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content. In addition the magazine is also sold in supermarkets and newsagents including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, WHSmith Tesco, Asda, Co-Op and Morrisons.

Our in-house distribution team also works hard to hand-deliver the magazine to selected hotels and restaurants, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs.

This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.

Our magazines also have more social media fans than any other local magazine, and we are available to read free of charge, online on your tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

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

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

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

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

By supplying editorial or advertising copy to 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.

THE PRIDE TEAM

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Production Director: Ian Bagley.

Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Manager: Charlotte Aiken.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Editor: Tilly Wilkinson.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Distribution: Joe Proctor.

Office Managers: Sue Bannister and Melissa Trestrail.

Aftersales Managers: Hannah Boyle and Carissa Clay.

Sales Executives: Cassy Ayton, Emily Brown, Ruth Vinter and James Barnes.

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

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

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

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NEWS & EVENTS

Lottery win for ‘nice guy’ Andrew... £76M EUROMILLIONS WINNER WILL HONOUR HIS EXISTING CUSTOMERS BOSTON “It could be you...” is one of the National Lottery’s advertising slogans, but by golly, it really could, as Boston man Andrew Clark’s good fortune goes to show.

In a masterful demonstration of both modesty and understatement, Andrew told the Lottery call handler ‘I think I’ve won a few quid.’

Andrew purchased the winning ticket from a convenience shop in Boston in early November, and after several subsequent rollovers, the jackpot built up to a rather impressive £76,369,806.80 when his numbers came up.

After six nailbiting weeks and a Lottery campaign to find the winner in the Boston area, Andrew was persuaded to check his hoard of tickets kept in his work van.

“It was something of a standing joke that I had all these tickets while there was a local prize outstanding, so for

LOCAL NEWS In Brief

AMULETS WARDING OFF EVIL SPIRITS IN SKEGNESS...

Spooky goings-on in Skegness as two chess pieces used as amulets to warn off evil spirits are found in a Burgh le Marsh barn near Skegness. Discovered during renovations of a barn, the pieces were described by County Council Archaeologist Dr Adam Daubney as a ‘fascinating discovery.’ n

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weeks they were on at me to check,” says Andrew.

The winner broke the news to wife Trisha as she was settling in for a quiet evening after work.

“It started to seem real when Andrew called back and said, ‘Honestly, it’s real, so start looking for a mansion,’ says Trisha. “Bang went my quiet evening. I didn’t sleep a wink!”

Pipers is Number One!

ELSHAM SNACK VOTED BRITAIN’S BEST SAVOURY SNACK

BY FINE FOOD DIGEST PRIOR TO POSSIBLE TAKEOVER...

Self-employed Andrew says he’ll honour all of his existing work commitments and says the best thing about the win will be the fact that he’ll be able to help out his family. n BRIGG North Lincolnshire’s Pipers Crisps are celebrating their seventh consecutive Fine Food Digest award after being named Britain’s best savoury snack brand. The company was established in 2004 by three farming entrepreneurs as a new market for Lincolnshire’s potato trade. It now exports to 37 countries around the world, creating 10 flavours and winning a total of 42 Gold Great Taste awards.

An agreement was made in November for the firm to be acquired by global food giant PepsiCo which owns Walkers, Pepsi-Cola and Quaker. n See www.piperscrisps.com.

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SLEAFORD Local filmmakers from Sleaford Tin Hat Productions have completed work on their wartime, with Lancaster Skies due to be screened for the first time recently.

Producer Andy Burn says: “We never expected to get a cinema release. It wasn’t planned and is nothing short of a miracle.”

The film will be distributed on DVD as well as enjoying its debut screening at Kinema in the Woods and in Boston.

The film was filmed and produced entirely in Lincolnshire with scenes filmed at locations such as East Kirkby Airfield.

The film follows a Spitfire pilot and Battle of Britain veteran who joins Bomber Command and takes over an aircrew who have just endured the trauma of losing their own crew. n Lancaster Skies will be screened on 27th February at Boston’s Savoy and on 28th February at Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa.

A New Era for Lincoln

NEW MULTI-MILLION POUND WESTERN GROWTH CORRIDOR WILL PROVIDE NEW GROUNDS FOR LINCOLN CITY PLUS 3,200 NEW HOMES AND FACILITIES...

GRIMSBY North East Lincolnshire Strictly professional Kevin Clifton says he’s glad to be back in his home town after his Strictly win with Stacey Dooley over the winter.

"I really felt the support from Grimsby. I am so grateful for it. I feel like everyone in Grimsby was voting for their lives,” he said after returning to the county last month. n

LINCOLN Plans to accommodate a 20% growth in the population of Lincoln over the next 30 years will include a new Western Development Corridor comprising 3,200 new homes and a potential new stadium for Lincoln City FC. The site will also include a new primary school, 20 hectares of commercial developments and leisure facilities. Consultations on the new development will take place as Pride goes to press.

“The proposed Western Growth Corridor development would go a long way toward meeting the need for more housing and jobs in Lincoln,” says the council’s Kate Ellis. n

£55,000 grant

SLEAFORD FILMMAKERS’ WORK TAKES OFF

local grantham youngsters will benefit from a complete overhaul of Dysart Park’s play equipment thanks to a £55,000 grant from WREN, a not-for-profit business that awards grants to community, biodiversity and heritage projects. Work will begin this month and will be completed in time for spring for the park’s 30,000 annual visitors. n

Local Film Screens

Strictly winner Kevin glad to be back in the county...

news

In Brief LINCOLN

local bbc station is listening out for the new voice of the county BBC Radio Lincolnshire has launched a bid to find the next voice of Lincolnshire as it auditions potential presenters for a brand new weekly radio show.

Due to be held as Pride goes to press, successful candidates don’t need to have previous experience on the radio, just a warm, enthusiastic personality and lots of passion.

The right candidate will be trained and supported by experienced presenters and may appear on radio, TV and in future digital projects as well.

“This is a great chance to step into the spotlight and be ‘The One.’ No qualifications and no experience is necessary. Just you!” says Charlie Partridge, Editor of BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

The winner will be announced in spring. n

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HURN HOUSE FARM Willows Lane | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE22 0TG

THE GRANGE Highgate | Leverton | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE22 0AW

• House and Farmyard Extending to 1.02 Hectares, 2.52 Acres For Sale • A Detached Three Bedroomed House with Three Reception Rooms • Private Gardens and approximately 14,370sqft of Outbuildings • Including Brick Barn, Cold Stores and Workshops

• Superb 6 Bedroomed Period Family Home • Set in Mature Parkland Extending to 1 hectare, 2.4 acres

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£650,000

Subject To Contract

EVERGLADES Trader Bank | Sibsey | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE22 0UJ

• Excellent Location on the Edge of a Highly Desirable and Popular Village • A Superbly Equipped Modern Country House in a Fantastic Rural Setting • With Excellent Equestrian Facilities, Gardens and Paddocks; Set within Approx 5.6 Acres • Parking for a Number of Vehicles including Horseboxes

SOLD IN 2018

• Additional Coach House Previously Used as Offices with Garaging and First Floor • Total Accommodation Extending to over 650m2, 7,000ft2

SOLD IN 2018

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CHURCH FARM, BRACEBY

£880,000

A highly attractive Grade II Listed farmhouse with a range of outbuildings including a separate annex situated in the conservation village of Braceby.

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THE OLD POST OFFICE, ANWICK

EPC Rating: N/A

£645,000

A south facing Georgian house situated in the heart of the village offering versatile accommodation including three large reception rooms. The property is set well back from the road nestled in extensive and mature gardens.

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EPC Rating: F

HIGHFIELD HOUSE, CANWICK £780,000 A charming period house in a private setting offering substantial accommodation with a wealth of period features.

Highfield House is set within extensive gardens and grounds.

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THE LODGE, FOLKINGHAM

EPC Rating: F

£535,000

Situated in the heart of the village is this Grade II listed town house providing an elegant family home. Set over four floors, the accommodation is most characterful and offers flexible accommodation.

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EPC Rating: N/A

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

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HIGHLIGHTS

A Close Shave

The Lincoln Longwool is a beautiful breed known globally for its phenomenal long coat and its size. It’s a world record-breaking breed in fact, but it’s also a dying one. In the midst of lambing season, Louise Fairburn took time out to discuss the problems the woolly wonders are facing...

We’re certainly a county known for our farming. We grow more food than any other and we’re proud of it. We benefit from it too with far-stretching fields and a beautiful rolling landscape to look over. However, one thing that seems to be missing from our farming landscape is leaping lambs and bleating ewes.

Lincolnshire is not well known for its sheep population, but this is only a recent phenomenon. Louise Fairburn, Chairman of the Lincoln Longwool Sheep Breeders Association, says that in just two generations the county’s native breed of sheep has declined so much so that many locals have never heard of a Lincoln Longwool let alone seen one. It’s now classed as a rare breed and Louise is doing everything she can to save the Longwool.

Louise, originally from Yorkshire, moved to be with husband Ian. ey bought 50 acres of Lincolnshire land to farm; their home commands an incredible view over the landscape aforementioned.

Neither had a background in farming having ran their own business previously. eir plan was to get out of city life. e land they bought was too steep for arable crops and even cows would struggle with the incline, so they settled on sheep. >>

Main Image: Two beautiful newborn lambs that were born in January this year on Louise’s farm. They were very curious about the camera...

Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson & Louise Fairburn.

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>>

“I knew nothing about rearing sheep, and now I have a flock of 50 ewes..!”

“Ian called me saying ‘meet me at the cattle market, I have something incredible to show you’ and that is how our journey into shepherding began,” says Louise.

He was of course talking about the wonderful Lincoln Longwool sheep and Louise, after arriving at the market, fell in love with them as well. It’s hard not to; if you’ve ever come across the breed, perhaps at the Lincolnshire Show, you may have also experienced a sense of awe at the length of its curly white coat and the sheer size of them too.

They left the market in 2004 setting out a plan to keep a flock, knowing absolutely nothing about looking after sheep let alone the particular breed.

“It was a really steep learning curve and a small budget,” says Louise. “We started with as many sheep as we could afford - six ewes and a ram lamb - and now we lamb 50 ewes every year, producing 70 to 80 lambs. That’s why when people approach the Lincoln Longwool Association and ask if they would be able to keep a flock, I tell them if I can do it, anyone can!”

For Louise, she did not get into the livestock industry to make money. Looking after Lincoln Longwools is a labour of love. She likes to

Above: Two beautiful little lambs on the farm.

Right: Louise standing in front of her farm.

Far/Right: The cutest little lamb amongst reels of their wool.

Top/Right: Ian and Louise with a prize ewe in wool.

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think of herself as more of a hobbyist, a custodian of history, rather than a shepherd.

This is for one main reason.

“Lincoln Longwools are not commercial, there is no market for them, and that’s why they’re now a rare breed,” says Louise. “It has happened so quickly for this important breed of sheep; in the past 100 years, they have gone from being prolific and wellknown globally to a rarity and unknown in their own county.”

“This is because Longwools were bred primarily for - you guessed it - their wool. Up until the late 50s, this was still a very popular product. In fact wool brought a great deal of wealth and fortune to the area. The Longwool was known as a ‘dual purpose breed’ - it would grow wool and then produce mutton at the end of its breeding life so Lincolnshire benefitted enormously from the native animal.”

However, soon after manmade fibres were invented, the popularity of wool declined

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- LINCOLN LONGWOOLS -

RISBY GRANGE LONGWOOLS

Buy Local & Support the Sheep!

Lincoln Longwools grow top quality wool which is both long and lustrous. Their long crimped staples are awe-inspiring. At Risby Grange, the product is almost entirely from home pastures and a lasting legacy of this veteran of the sheep world.

“At our main annual clip, the fleeces weigh around 8kg with a 12 inch staple length,” says Ian. “The first show shearlings are clipped on 1st March and those fleeces are slightly longer and heavier. Our full season show shearlings are clipped in July and yield a whopping 15kg or more, with a staple length of around 18 inches.”

Lincoln longwool is perfect for spinning, felting, weaving, knitting, dying and lots of other crafts. With a little imagination it can be

Curly Coat Pig The Lincolnshire curly coat pig also known as the Baston pig is an extinct breed, possibly due to changing farming patterns and a taste for leaner meat.

the raw material of many stunning creations.

You can buy the actual fleece from Risby too from their product ‘Fleece in the Grease’ the original product - to ready washed locks, silky carded tops and dyed fibres. They also sell yarns of wool.

Situated on the North West Scarp, between the villages of Walesby and Tealby, the Risby Flock graze on a varied permanent pasture and drink from natural springs which arise from the chalk beds of the Wolds.

Buy any of Louise and Ian’s products on their website or visit their sheep shed - you’ll find a map there too - and support the sheep by going to www.risbygrangelongwools.co.uk.

Above: Lincoln Longwool yarns of wool. Right: Louise and Ian showing off one of the lambs. You may think that all the sheep look the same but to Louise, they’re all very different. She knows all of her flock’s personalities and names!

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“The Lincoln Longwool is a dying breed and we need to ensure its survival as it has provided so much for us...”

dramatically. Lamb is also much more popular than mutton too, and Longwools had not been bred to provide meat lambsand although Lincoln lamb is still a fantastic commodity they take longer to rear and consequently couldn’t compete with the breeds of sheep that had been specifically bred for lamb meat.

“I decided to get involved because Longwools are part of our incredible history. We would never decide to demolish Belton House as it’s no longer of use to us, so why would we let this breed of sheep die out just because it’s a different kind of heritage that walks around on four legs? I feel very proud to be a small part of keeping it alive.”

Louise and Ian’s year consists of lambing and showing. They will lamb up until March and show their sheep throughout the rest of the year, spreading the word about the breed and trying to get people to take up a flock.

“The shows are fantastic. They generate interest into our wonderful county breed.

There are several classes to enter, however, those for the ram and ewe in wool really are a rare opportunity to demonstrate the magnificence of the breed in full fleece. These are the crowd pleasing specimens.”

“A wise shepherd once told me ‘Lincolnshire farmers weren’t daft. They wanted a sheep with the biggest fleece so they decided to breed the biggest sheep!’ The Lincoln Longwool is the largest native sheep breed in the UK.” The other part of Louise’s very busy sheep calendar is of course lambing, which is in full swing right now, and we were lucky to see a couple already born on our visit.

“The very sad part about lambing is that there has to be some sort of industry or the breed just wouldn’t exist. We try to give our lambs a natural a life as possible before the end of their lives. We also take a natural 21

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- LINCOLN LONGWOOLS -

approach with our ewes too; instead of using hormone-inducing drugs, we do what is called the ram effect.”

“This means we remove all the rams as far away from the ewes as possible. After a period of time we introduce the rams back to the flock, and just their presence brings the ewes into season.”

Louise and Ian produce 1.3 lambs per sheep. It sounds a little odd - Longwools don’t produce one normal lamb and one really little one at a third of the size - but they sometimes get pairs. Sheep only have two teats so Louise takes precautions to avoid triplets.

“We avoid what is called ‘flushing’ in shepherding,” says Louise.

“This is when you give a ewe more food, put her into greener fields just before you introduce the ram, she thinks that conditions are good so she decides to throw out more eggs and therefore produce more lambs.”

Louise introduces her ram around the 10th August and gestation takes around 147 days. Because Louise doesn’t have a commercial operation, she raddles her sheep - adding a pigment to the ram’s chest to mark the backs of ewes he mates with - and she does it in stages. At the moment, all the sheep with yellow marks are being housed and all the sheep with orange marks will be the next ones to come in to give birth for instance.

“I like to be present for every lamb that’s born. That’s possible for about 90% of the time as I spend a lot of time with them, but I also have a sheep monitor! They make certain noises when they’re ready to lamb so I’m constantly listening. Sometimes a membrane will be stuck over the lamb’s face and the mother will be licking the wrong part of it so it may have breathing difficulties. It’s just good to be there to ensure everything goes smoothly. If it’s a mother’s first lamb, she can be in labour for about two to three hours while a seasoned sheep will usually only take around half an hour.”

One thing Louise likes to avoid at all costs is bottle feeding lambs.

If you have to bottle feed a lamb it means that something wrong has happened; either the mother has died or the mother has rejected it. She has never had a ewe die during lambing, but mothers can reject their young for many different reasons; if she goes through a painful labour, she has lasting memories of that and rejects the cause of pain! Pairs tend to suffer as sometimes a mother can reject one and if a shepherd has been too involved in the labour, a mother may reject their young.

“Another reason why I avoid bottle feeding is the time it takes!

If you have one lamb on bottle feed, you may as well have a whole flock. You have to bottle feed the lamb every three hours - that’s through the night too. If you feed it too much in one go, it will get a bloated belly, and not feeding it enough will make it too small to Top/Right: Ian and Louise at the Lincolnshire Show. Left: A lovely Lincoln Longwool with its offspring. Louise expects around 70 to 80 lambs by the end of March this year.

sell. A mother sort of drip feeds its young and this is what results in the best growth rates.”

Louise is well prepared for a busy lambing season as are the other Longwool flock owners. However, Louise says that they struggle as an association.

“We have around 100 members but that doesn’t equate to the amount of flocks that exist as some members are retired shepherds.

There’s probably around 30 active flocks in the entire country.

That’s why showing these sheep at rural events is so vital to ensure its breed remains alive. We could genuinely lose them forever, it’s a very precarious breed.”

“It’s important we attend shows across the country too and not just in Lincolnshire. Currently around 85% of flocks are based in the county, so if something awful like foot & mouth were to sweep across the area, we would be left with about 100 breeding ewes.”

“We have bred this animal to be so domesticated and trusting after such a long history of breeding. Even in the Luttrell Psalter that dates back to the 1300s and depicts life in Lincolnshire, you can see pictures of sheep with distinct curls that only Longwools have.

That is their strength and their weakness.”

“The Longwool is such a lovely breed to work with. You literally rattle a bucket and they will follow you anywhere, you don’t need a sheep dog. They’re so charismatic and just lovely to be around.

However, they’ve become entirely dependent on us because of this for their existence to continue.”

“It is so important that we do ensure they continue to exist too.

They have literally won a plethora of world records from the heaviest sheep to the most amount of sheep to be exported. They took Longwools to breed with sheep in Australia and create an entirely new species. At one time, nearly every field in Lincolnshire would be home to Longwools, and the world was envious of our wool production and our woolly wonders.”

“I am most certainly very proud of that fact and losing them would be a tragedy. That’s why I’m rallying for people to support them, to preserve our history and to ensure Longwools live forever.”

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Considerations in pursuit of an injury claim

By Steve Hennegan, Partner in the Personal Injury team at Wilkin Chapman solicitors.

Unfortunately, accidents happen and when they do it is the actions taken in the aftermath that will determine how you are best able to deal with the consequences.

Following accidents there can be injury, loss of earnings, periods in hospital and the need for care and rehabilitation and, whilst no one wishes to consider such events, they are unfortunately a fact of life.

Where appropriate the successful pursuit of a compensation claim can soften the blow, provide access to medical treatment and ease the financial strain – and this is where the choices you make, can and do matter.

There is no doubt, you cannot ‘go it alone’ when it comes to pursuing a legal action – cases can be complex and often require the services of a professional.

Whilst these claims can or are funded under a ‘no win no fee’ scheme, many people are unaware they may also have access to legal expenses to pursue such a claim under their home insurance policy, credit card and/or car insurance. Such insurance policies can be versatile and legal protection sometimes comes as standard or can be added as an additional extra, which many take out without realising what they have paid for!

These policies can provide expenses for other professional legal services too, for example funding for an employment dispute, or a criminal defence such as contesting a speeding fine or even a contract dispute. It is wise to check and remember, that if you are a member of a Union you may well have legal expenses or funding courtesy of your membership.

“A compensation claim can soften the blow, provide access to medical treatment”

In respect of the above, at any initial consultation with a legal professional, particularly relating to personal injury claims, enquiries should be made as to any legal expense funding that may be in place.

Remember also that government reforms mean up to 25 per cent of any compensation awarded in personal injury cases may be deducted to cover solicitors’ unrecovered costs.

Any responsible legal team should provide the client a full breakdown of costs charged, justifying the deductions based on the costs incurred in a claim, rather than automatically taking 25 per

cent of any final settlement. This is an issue that is gaining an increasing amount of attention – yes, a legal firm is entitled to make a deduction from any damages, but it is up to 25 per cent and there is growing concern that some are taking the maximum as standard, without any consideration of the work done. Quite often if there is a legal expenses policy in place there may be no need for any compensation to be deducted to cover any legal costs or disbursements.

At a time when you are perhaps at your most vulnerable, it is important that you receive the correct advice in order that your case and the outcome for you is handled responsibly and with care.

For more information,please contact Steve Hennegan at Wilkin Chapman on 01472 253948, email steve.hennegan@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk

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LET US PLAN YOUR 2019 ESCAPE! Sip on a rum cocktail whilst slipping into the laid-back way of life. If you daydream of paradise dreamy beaches, beautiful blue seas and swaying palms.

From ocean front boutique resorts to larger family friendly complexes and everything in between, we have you covered.

Contact us to arrange your sun-chilling nirvana holiday.

Call 01778 338530 or 01733 210687 www.travelcounsellors.com/clare.lockett clare.lockett@travelcounsellors.com

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TH E

I N TE RV I E W

ROB DAVIS EXECUTIVE EDITOR OF PRIDE MAGAZINES

Celebrating Lincolnshire Pride’s 200th edition, we this month talk to one of the company’s longest standing team members to reflect on a career in publishing and the future of print...

Mind your ‘p’s and ‘q’s... It’s a phrase from the days of movable type where words were set using individual metal letters placed into frames in reverse - hence the potential for confusion with those particular letters. ings are rather different now. Gone are legions of leather-aproned typesetters with eyeglasses and boxes of type. Producing a magazine instead requires a legion of sleek iMacs capable of meeting an editor’s whim at the click of a mouse to increasingly tighter deadlines.

Manually developing photographs is another anachronism, replaced by digital cameras which capture incredible detail in images and allow the almost instant download of pictures. Newspaper and magazine pages are created in full colour throughout and the industry has seen the emergence of the internet and latterly of social media.

Print may have changed dramatically but Rob Davis, the Executive Editor of Pride Magazines, says it’s still the most trusted and established branch of the media, from national to local level. As Lincolnshire Pride publishes its 200th edition Rob - as one of the county’s most longserving editors working for the same publisher - reflects on the future of the industry.

In a world more rich in media than ever, is there still a place for print?

Oh absolutely. e advent of the internet saw many declaring print redundant. For breaking news and developing stories the immediacy of the internet is valuable, but for analysis and less time-sensitive stories, print media is undoubtedly still superior, whilst lifestyle content is best represented in magazines where everything from typography and design to photographic styling - and of course, the copy itself - affords greater creativity for the author and a better experience for the reader.

We hear so much of fake news, social media backlash and search engine optimisation that the internet industry - and it is just an industry - is about who can shout loudest or has the most to spend to climb the search rankings, rather than which individual or company is most trustworthy.

Electronic media is rich in capability, less so in validity. Hopefully that will change and if so then perhaps the internet’s technology will dominate or at least integrate itself within mainstream media, but until that happens there’s something vital missing from new media - trust. >> Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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>> You also spoke on the radio recently about trust?

Absolutely. In a media environment where influencers and bloggers are prolific and where social media posts are fast and easy, print has more authority and is more trusted as an unbiased media.

For anyone marketing a business, print is an essential element of a multi-channel campaign, especially if the product or service offered needs to be presented visually. Other channels like social media are useful, but in my opinion still don’t have the public’s trust.

How did your career in print begin?

As a college student I worked as a typesetter for our publisher’s father, but with a move away from paste-up - literally sticking together and photographing onto printing plates whole pages of newspapers and magazines - the industry was ailing.

New technology such as desktop publishing packages made publishing less labour intensive and gradually many publications began to take their contracts in house.

I then had a spell in the North East at the University of Sunderland.

It remains one of the best universities in the country for media.

It was also the place that I met and fell in love with my wife Anna, who moved down to the county. We made our home in Sleaford, conveniently close to the Pride Magazines office.

Meanwhile our publisher, Julian Wilkinson, recognised the changes in the industry. Smaller publishing houses that concentrated on building up their own portfolio of publications began to fare much better than typesetting agencies or publishing giants.

His aim was to concentrate on a portfolio of county magazines which grew to include Rutland and Stamford Pride - and they would reflect the best qualities that the areas have to offer and deliver a better-quality product for readers than those publications that existed at the time.

Trusting his ability to deliver on his aim I jumped at the chance to work with him and I’ve been with him ever since. He and the family - Zoie our Sales Director; Tilly their daughter and a fellow Editor, and the rest of the family are my great friends as well as being lovely people to work alongside.

So, a partnership that remains strong today?

Absolutely. And a working relationship that really does work well.

I’m incredibly lucky that my publisher affords myself and my team complete creative freedom. We can determine on own features; write our own copy; take our own photographs; design our own pages and generally see a feature through from start to finish.

I’m absolutely appalling at dealing with numbers and spreadsheets.

I couldn’t run a business to save my life. Julian excels in this area and also loves to be involved with the ideas, design and the production of Lincolnshire Pride.

Julian still insists in signing off the pages, which can be quite daunting sometimes as he is a stickler for detail, but it’s that beady eye which ensures we can produce a portfolio of publications that are enjoyable for our readers, that are of great benefit to our advertisers and that form the basis of a really strong, successful business. >> 30

Main: Rob meeting a very happy reader at the Lincolnshire Show in 2016.

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T H E I N T E RV I E W E X E C U T I V E E D I TO R O F P R I D E M AG A Z I N E S R O B DAV I S

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Top/Left: Rob had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Evans.

Top/Right: We used to run a feature called ‘Challenge Rob’ which included getting Rob to fly a plane and to jump from one too (Bottom left)!

Centre: Two more notable interviewees; John Major, former PM, and Colin Ward, owner of Live Promotions.

Bottom: Our Publisher and Managing Director, Julian Wilkinson pictured with his wife, our Sales Director Zoie Wilkinson.

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T H E I N T E RV I E W E X E C U T I V E E D I TO R O F P R I D E M AG A Z I N E S R O B DAV I S

We’ve always wanted our products to stand out. at’s why we reformatted the magazine in a bespoke size, why we opt for bond paper for a more premium feel and why we publish eye-catching illustrations on the cover...

>> Mandy Bray heads up our customer care team. She’s another important team member who has been at my side for over a decade now and is simply the glue that holds the magazine together.

She makes a huge contribution to gathering in advertising material, to co-ordinating proofs and amendments and generally helping the magazines run smoothly. I jokingly refer to her as my ‘work-wife,’ but it’s a description that’s grounded in reality more than humour.

She’s a wonderful colleague and a great asset for the team.

Is the industry still fast-paced?

Oh yes! There’s a really buzz to any publishing operation. We have a transitional week tying up the loose ends of a previous edition, followed by production meetings. Next we create our flatplans - a map of the next edition indicating where features and advertising will go.

Then, our teams all become very busy and we pull each magazine together... quite a task, but it’s great to see each edition come to life.

We’re very lucky to have a publisher who invests in the latest equipment - our Canon photography equipment is top of the range, we’ve blisteringly fast state-of-the-art Apple computers... we’ve even purchased our own drone. In addition, we enjoy a beautiful and calming working environment in converted barns at East Heckington (halfway between Boston and Sleaford). The barns, with their leafy surroundings, recently enjoyed a six-figure refurbishment, so it’s a joy to create our magazines here.

Why purchase a drone?

They’re controversial devices right now but the creative potential in using them is impressive. We’ve had to invest not just in the aircraft itself but the training, insurance and in a Civil Aviation Permission for Commercial Operations certificate.

Why make such investments?

It’s about pushing the boundaries of the product. Julian has always wanted to ensure our products stand out. We like to evoke all of the senses, from what a product looks and feels like - our bond paper, for example - or the scent of it when it comes back from the printers.

None of those things apply to online media but they’re what characterise

the sheer pleasure of a printed magazine. That’s why we create the magazine in a bespoke size rather than conventional A4 and why we why we publish eye-catching illustrations on our covers. The other reason is the fact that magazine publishing is changing and sadly at some point in the future, magazines may appear only on devices like iPads, incorporating video clips and sound. Lincolnshire Pride is read online by thousands of people each month, as well as in print. It’s free to read all of our magazines online as we want as much ‘reach’ as possible for our clients (visit www.lincolnshirepride.co.uk).

It’s likely in the future that we’ll be given the ability to trade pictures on a page for frames of video and audio clips to blend the format of a magazine with the ability to introduce different media.

Editors of the past had a pen and paper... that was it. Nowadays, we have a computer and a camera to take static images. In the future, we’ll have video cameras, sound recording devices, drones and 3D graphics to really bring a magazine’s content to life. At Pride Magazines we’re already aware of this, we’re early adopters of technology and we’re ready for whatever revolution occurs.

Future proofing?

Yes. The technology is there. The missing link is just a standardised means of distributing and consuming electronic titles. The Spotify app has become the ubiquitous way of streaming music; one subscription, unlimited listening and without the need to download or ‘own’ material.

We anticipate that the online newsstand we already use, ‘Readly,’ will fill that gap and serve as a bridge between publishers and readers.

The service is available on the App store now - just download it and search for Lincolnshire Pride.

Our publisher has always had the foresight to look into the distance as well as looking at what’s happening in our industry at the moment.

Around five years ago we transitioned to a predominantly direct mail circulation whereby homes in the top three council tax bands receive the magazine for free via Royal Mail. In doing so we can guarantee both a wealthy and local audience and ensure they’re commensurate with the products and services our advertisers offer, which is why they enjoy a better response from their advertising >> 33

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T H E I N T E RV I E W E X E C U T I V E E D I TO R O F P R I D E M AG A Z I N E S R O B DAV I S

We used to create a feature that we nicknamed Challenge Rob. I’ve flown aeroplanes and helicopters - conquering a long-standing fear of heights - driven a rally car around Cadwell Park and helped to nurse a slippery seal back to health at Skegness’s Natureland...

>> with us than with other magazine or media in the area. Meanwhile, the retail sales or bulk distribution we achieve on top of our main distribution is a bonus. It was a very smart move and not only gives us a unique distribution but also - because it isn’t necessary to achieve ‘newsstand saleability’ from our covers - allows us to be free with the look of our magazine, notably in its quirky off-thewall cover artwork. That adds to our uniqueness and really makes us stand out.

What do you love most about the job?

Easy. People. You can train someone to operate a camera or to write an article, but without an interest in people those skills are useless. As a team we’re lucky to meet fascinating people and everyone has a story to tell.

What about away from work?

Honestly my job is also my hobby. I adore the computer, the software, the camera and latterly I’ve enjoyed getting to grips with our drone. I take shamefully few photographs of my seven-yearold son George and of my wife Anna. Mercifully though, there are few photos of me since I’m usually behind the camera, which suits me just fine.

What are your standout memories of 200 editions?

We used to create a feature that we nicknamed Challenge Rob. It started off as something light-hearted but actually yielded some unusual features. Challenges included spending a weekend training with the SAS, swimming with sharks, painting the top of the Humber Bridge and being chased by police dogs as part of a training exercise in Lincoln.

In addition, I’ve flown aeroplanes and helicopters - conquering a long-standing fear of heights - I’ve driven a rally car around Cadwell Park and helped to nurse a slippery seal back to health at Skegness’s Natureland. Great fun!

And which are your favourite and least favourite features to write?

Whilst I don’t fancy myself as the next Jeremy Clarkson, I do enjoy writing our motoring features. Most of all though I enjoy creating our dining out features.

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Food is the most technically challenging subject to photograph and I’m happy with the way we style and shoot our featured restaurants’ dishes. I remember in the early days, one chef told us we’d soon run out of restaurants to feature in the magazine. 200 editions later we’re still spoilt for choice and still produce great looking restaurant features. The feedback I receive is that our features are unrivalled and that they’re of enormous benefit to those who advertise their restaurants with us too, which adds an extra layer of satisfaction for me, because as well as producing good editorial we’re also supporting local businesses.

Who have you managed to interview and who was your favourite?

Former PM John Major was the nicest chap I’ve interviewed; a real gentleman. I’ve met my TV crush, Amanda Mealing - Casualty’s Connie Beauchamp - and a few pop stars too. But fame doesn’t matter as much as an interesting story. From local Buddhist nuns and Grimsby trawlermen, to exotic animal keepers and Red Arrow pilots... never a dull day and hopefully never a dull edition!

Any features you’re less keen to write?

No, I’m happy to turn my hand to any subject in the magazine.

One of the most curious facets of producing a county magazine is the wide variety of subjects that such a magazine covers. I find myself writing homes and gardens editorials, food and restaurantbased features, then fashion, wedding, cosmetics and motoring features. Not to mention the one-off features. The breadth of topics overall is vast, but that’s part of the fun.

What does the future hold for the magazine and for the company?

2018 was the best year in the history of Pride Magazines. We increased our advertising sales by over £250,000 and produced some great editions and enjoyed really good feedback both from our readers and our clients. This year we’re determined to do the same again. We’ve a professional and really experienced sales team who, like the editorial teams, have worked for us for many years.

One thing we can promise our readers is that we’ll never tire of pushing boundaries and that we will always fulfil our brief to produce ‘The County’s Finest Magazine.’ n

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NEWS & EVENTS

What’s On...

BOSTON

LINCOLN

SAtuRDAY 16tH MARCH

BOStON SINFONIA IN CONCERt

SAtuRDAY 2ND MARCH - 28tH APRIL

MuSEuM OF tHE MOON

Watch and listen to the sounds of Ruslan and Ludmilla, Glinka from the Swan Lake Suite, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.1 and Sibelius performed by the fantastic Boston Sinfonia. Tickets are £10 from the Stump Gift Shop, online and on the door at £12.

The touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram will be accompanied by an exciting and lively programme of events, including afternoon film screenings and new performances at The Collection Museum in Lincoln.

n For more information, visit www.bostonsinfonia.org.uk.

Measuring six metres in diameter, the moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At a scale of 1:600,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 6km of the moon’s surface.

GRIMSBY

tuESDAY 26tH - 30tH MARCH

FAME

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA winning composer Dan Jones.

n Call 01522 782040 or visit www.thecollectionmuseum.com.

Russell Watson Returns

THE UK’S BESTSELLING CLASSICAL MUSIC ARTIST RETURNS TO LINCOLNSHIRE FOR A ‘VERY SPECIAL EVENING...’

LINCOLN

FRIDAY 8tH MARCH

RuSSELL WAtSON Join four-time Brit Classical Award winner Russell Watson for a very special evening, accompanied by his pianist and guest choir.

Having sold more than seven million albums worldwide, Russell Watson will perform in Lincoln’s Drill Hall. To date, his illustrious career has included performances for Her Majesty The Queen, The Pope and two US Presidents.

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Based on the 1980 pop culture film, Fame The Musical is the international smash hit sensation following the lives of students at New York’s High School for Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows, the romances and the heartbreaks and the ultimate elation of life. n Call 0300 300 0035 or visit www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

SCUNTHORPE

FRIDAY 8tH MARCH

BEYOND tHE BARRICADE tOuR

Russell continues to wow audiences with his enigmatic and entertaining live performances.

See the UK’s longest running Musical Theatre Concert Tour featuring past performers from Les Miserables.

Delivering over two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End, and of course ending with a stunning finale from Les Mis, this show is not to be missed at Baths Hall in Scunthorpe.

n Call 01522 873894 or visit www.lincolndrillhall.com.

n Call 0844 8542776 or visit www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk.

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

LOUTH

FRIDAY 1St MARCH

tHE GREAt tRAIN ROBBERY 15 men stole £2.6m from Her Majesty’s Royal Mail train. Five days later the first clues were found, the gang was busted and the rest is history. But what about the ones that got away?

PETERBOROUGH

15tH - 17tH MARCH

HIGH FLYERS

High Flyers, the prestigious new horse show, opening on March 15th at the East of England Arena and Events Centre, Peterborough, is a weather resistant equestrian show with a top class indoor competition ring. With many entries already confirmed, classes are expected to reach the maximum numbers.

Betsy Branyan, equine event director at East of England Arena, explained more about the show, saying, “High Flyers will be a treat for the spectators as much as a highlight for the competitors. There will be lots of action, including all the competitions and displays and visitors will also be able to enjoy shopping, debates and Judges interviews.” n The full schedule is available from the High Flyers Show website at www.highflyersshow.co.uk.

Snowdrop Winter Walk

BRIGHTWATER GARDENS IN SAXBY NEAR MARKET RASEN IS HOSTING ITS ANNUAL SNOWDROP AND WINTER WALK IN MARCH THIS YEAR...

Join the four forgotten females as they leave behind their kitchen-sink lives and embark on a madcap adventure.

All donations go towards the Air Ambulance and various military charities. n Call 01780 750310 or visit www.ses.lincs.sch.uk.

GAINSBOROUGH

SAtuRDAY 9tH MARCH

BLAkE The greatest songs of the last 100 years in vocal harmony from Blake at Trinity Arts Theatre. This brand-new tour features the finest songs from all seven chart-topping albums. n Call 01427 676655 or visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk.

GRANTHAM

n Call 01507 600350 or visit www.louthriverheadtheatre.com.

SAtuRDAY 23RD MARCH

tHuRSDAY 7tH MARCH

tHE NICk ROSS ORCHEStRA

STAMFORD

tHE BAND OF tHE RAF WItH SES The Band of the Royal Air Force will delight the audience with a rousing fundraising concert joined by the Stamford Endowed Schools musical students.

SAXBY

FRIDAY 15tH FEBRuARY SuNDAY 10tH MARCH

SNOWDROP WALk Brightwater Gardens is one of the country’s newest winter gardens with 120,000 snowdrops, 40,000 crocus, and winter iris throughout the site. These have created a magical winter walk leading through the garden and new woodland for around a quarter of a mile.

There are banks of willows, dogwoods and winter flowering shrubs and pleached red-twigged limes to delight you as you

Recapture the sounds of a bygone era as the Nick Ross Orchestra presents ‘an unmissable evening’ the Classic Big Band Sound of the 1940s, as they play the sounds of the Glenn Miller era. n Call 01476 406158 or visit www.guildhallartscentre.com.

wander around the green space. The enthusiasm and long term vision of Brightwater makes up for the immaturity of this exciting new winter garden.

In total, Brightwater includes eight acres of beautiful gardens, wildflower meadows and woodland. n The garden is open from Wednesday to Sunday from Friday 15th February to Sunday 10th March from 11am - 4pm.

Good parking and mown grass paths. Entry is £5. Enjoy the warmth of the log fire in the Hay Barn where delicious soup, sandwiches and homemade cakes are served.

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RANBY HOUSE SCHOOL

Looking for Early Years Childcare?

TOP 5 THINGS TO HELP YOU IN YOUR SEARCH Are you starting the search for childcare in the local area? You’ll know there are lots of options. We spoke to Stephanie Payne, Head of Pre-Prep at Ranby House School to get her steer on how to find the best setting for your child.

Here are Stephanie’s top 5 tips to help you navigate your way to the best fit for your family.

Decide what kind of setting suits your child There are many different styles of childcare, so it’s important you are sure what will suit your child's needs and interests. Some settings are more play-based, while others weave reading, writing and maths into the day, right from age three. For many parents, outside space and the freedom to run around is an important consideration, so look at the physical location and make sure it suits your requirements. Another important consideration is the number of children the nursery takes in one session. Nurseries can range in size from 10 to 60+ places. The hours that childcare is provided is also important. We know that lives are increasingly busy, so if you need wraparound care, it’s worth considering that during your search.

Go and take a look It's a good idea to visit several settings and ask questions in person about the childcare provided. As soon as you step through the door, you will start to make your own impressions

about the setting. You may want to take your child with you on these visits, as the way staff respond to you and your child is important!

You should be looking for: • A warm welcome!

• Trained and experienced staff who seem responsive to children’s needs

• Busy children who appear happy and purposeful • Safe, secure and clean premises - with outside play space • A full and varied activity programme with individual children’s interests in mind

• An idea of how your child’s progress will be managed and how they are being prepared for the next stage in their education • Cultural sensitivity

What’s the next stage?

It might be hard to consider your little one going off to school, but it’s a good idea to consider this. Is the Nursery linked to any particular school? If so, how do they support your child with their transition and you with the admissions process?

A Teaching Nursery will often be linked to a school, so if you like the ethos of the Nursery, the chances are this will follow right through into the subsequent years!

Ask these questions There are a few key things you should ask of Nursery staff during your visit

• Be sure to find out about the ratio of staff to children.

• Are the staff qualified teachers and/or childcare professionals?

• Do they operate a ‘keyworker’ scheme (a dedicated staff member for your child)?

• The approach to discipline is also important.

How are children rewarded and how are they encouraged to learn from mistakes?

• Does the Nursery encourage children to be adaptable, independent and resilient learners?

• How are children eased into the routines.

This is so vital in helping the transition from home to school?

• What is included in the fees; lunch, snacks, activities. Does the Nursery accept Government payment schemes?

Register your interest If you’ve found the right setting for you and your child, register your interest early. There is likely to be a registration fee, but if you’ve found the perfect place, it’s worth securing it. n Stephanie Payne is Head of Pre-Prep at Ranby House School. An independent school and teaching nursery educating children aged 3-11 in the heart of North Nottinghamshire. www.ranbyhouse.co.uk| 01909537100 | admissions@wsnl.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Lawson’s Bar & Bistro,

STEEP HILL LINCOLN

Lawson’s Bar & Bistro opened its doors this year on one of the most expensive streets in Lincolnshire, but with head chef Paul Fields’s experience in Steep Hill’s kitchens and determination to offer something different, affordable and British - to tourists and locals alike - its no wonder their sales have soared...

The restaurant industry is one of the most if not the most - difficult industry to break into as a new business. There is an enormous amount of competition nowadays, there are many chain restaurants taking over high streets and there’s a demand for something unique, something different.

Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson.

PAUL FIELDS,

Despite the risk, Paul Fields and his partner Stacey Lawson opened Lawson’s Bar & Bistro at the bottom of Steep Hill in August 2018 and it has most certainly paid off.

It’s still early days but the couple have been very busy with a fully-booked restaurant through Christmas, wine tasting evenings and even weddings.

But this isn’t by chance. Paul knew exactly how to run a restaurant well and he knew how to do it on Steep Hill too. It’s his partner Stacey - still a full-time nurse - that recognised his potential and pushed him to open the bistro, which is why he named it after her.

“I WANTED A GOOD QUALITY, AFFORDABLE PLACE THAT CUSTOMERS ARE ABLE TO RETURN TO WEEKLY...”

meet the CHEF LAWSON’S

Food Philosophy: “You only get what you put in to cooking and being a chef.”

“I’ve been in the restaurant industry all my working life,” says Paul. “I studied at Lincoln College, went to the Lake District to gain experience and knowledge in some of the best restaurants in the area, and returned to Brown’s Pie Shop on Steep Hill where I was head chef for 11 years.”

His studies taught him the basics of cooking, his experience in the Lake District turned him into an excellent chef and his experience on Steep Hill has given him the knowledge of the area’s client base and a list of reliable and affordable quality local suppliers. Why wouldn’t he open his own place?

Food Heaven: “Honestly, I like a good quality roast chicken dinner on a Sunday. Simple and delicious!”

Food Hell: “Fast food. It’s just cheap and easy.

For real flavour, it’s worth putting time into a dish.”

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The premise of Lawson’s Bar & Bistro is to offer good quality, tasty comfort food but with a modern twist.

“I didn’t like the way food was going. I think chefs are making quality dishes too fancy, hard to pronounce, strange to look at. I wanted to open a restaurant that offered reliability, and good home-cooked food at an affordable price, but with a unique take on it.”

“I think the secret to creating a good dish is for someone to say ‘that was not what I was expecting but it was delicious.’ We’re creating recognisable dishes with a hint of something different, not changing the whole dish. So no fancy foam or dry ice!”

For example, the crispy belly pork starter on the a la carte menu is pork that is cooked in its own fat for 12 hours, pulled apart then fried in panko breadcrumbs. It’s not what

OPEN FOR FOOD Weekday Dining: 12noon to 2pm and 5pm to 9.30pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Weekend Dining: 12 noon to 8pm, Sundays.

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on the MENU A SELECTION FROM THE A LA CARTE MENU AT LAWSON’S BAR & BISTRO Starters

Crispy belly pork, served with black pudding, fresh apple and mustard £6.95.

King prawns with avocado, melon and salsa £8.50.

Main Courses

Roast Duck with stir-fry vegetables, soft noodles, and a plum sauce £15.95.

Fettuccine with wild mushrooms, spinach and pine nuts £10.95.

you would expect of crispy belly pork but delicious nonetheless and a pleasant surprise.

Paul’s take on dining has been welcomed by the community; after just six months, the restaurant has five star reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook.

It’s also getting feedback Paul was striving for; one lady said that she went on a Thursday, returned on a Friday because she enjoyed her experience so much and then returned again the following week with friends.

“There aren’t many restaurants in the area that can boast a quote like that, because the prices are too high for people to return weekly. That’s the market we’re aiming for.”

Paul’s supplier list is local where possible.

He’s been working with some of them for over 15 years.

He gets his fish from Grimsby, meat from Boston and he knows a few people who own orchards in Lincolnshire. All of the dishes are fresh too, right down to desserts.

Everything is made in house.

His knowledge of suppliers is the main reason for the affordable menu. He offers the most affordable steak on Steep Hill despite it coming from the same supplier as others. They’ve already sold over 900 bottles of wine too

because they’re able to offer it at an affordable price after using Small Beers in Lincoln.

The restaurant can seat up to 40 people comfortably. There are three chefs and about 12 members of staff in total.

“We’re a small size but we don’t want to get any bigger. We’re not looking at opening other restaurants. We want this to be success, a well-known central restaurant that people return to. It doesn’t need to be bigger.”

At the moment, Stacey and Paul are organising dedicated wine nights and a calendar of events throughout the year. The first event sold out in two days without any promotion needed.

It included arrival drink and canapés, six courses, six wines to try, all for just £45 a head. Check their Facebook page to keep updated on events in 2019.

The food speaks for itself in the photos we took on the day. A delicious goats’ cheese mousse and an oozing scotch egg were our starters, followed by roast duck and belly pork. The desserts were a peach melba and panna cotta, all with unique additions.

If you haven’t already tried Lawson’s, find an excuse to. It truly is a great place with a great ethos and we wish them every success.

Smoked haddock with peas, spinach, a poached egg, mustard and chives £13.95.

Steaks

10oz Ribeye £23.95, 8oz Fillet £25.95 or a 10oz Sirloin £23.95.

All served with tomatoes, wild mushroom, onion rings and chips.

Dessert

Lawsons chocolate and peach melba with meringue and raspberries £6.50.

Coffee and mascarpone cheese cake with Ameretti biscuits and raspberries £6.50.

Sticky toffee pudding £6.50.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change. n For more information about Lawson’s Bar & Bistro call 01522 520202 or visit the restaurant’s website www.lawsonsbarandbistro.co.uk.

You’ll find Lawson’s on 8-9 The Strait in Lincoln LN2 1JD. 45

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Forthcoming Ev Events

at The Jew’s Ho House Restaurant

Wednesday 20th & Thu Thursday 21st March

Wo World Tap apas Ev Evening Sunday 31st st March

Mother’s Day ay Lunch Friday ay 17th th May

Fish Ta Tasting Menu Dinner Friday 28th th June

Ta Taste of Asia Dinner 15 Th Thee Strait, Lincoln LN2 1JD Telephone 01522 524851

www.jewshouserestaurant.co.uk • info@jewshouserestau urant.co.uk

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MARCH MORNINGS

Traditionally a feast enjoyed before Lent, Shrove Tuesday celebrates the joy of milk, egg and flour. We’re upping the game with these pancake twists...

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MANGO MOJITO PANCAKES

serves 4. vegetarian.

Prep: 15mins. cook: 15mins.

slice, peel and stone two mangoes and place in a heatproof bowl. Gently heat 3tbsp rum (or apple juice) and 2tbsp muscovado sugar in a pan, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour over the mango and set aside to cool.

Zest and juice a lime before adding some of the juice and 2tbsp shredded mint to the cooled mango then chill.

Place 100g flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Crack in an egg. Whisk, gradually adding 300ml milk. Lightly grease a frying pan. Add batter and cook until golden brown.

Flip and cook the other side.

Place on a warm plate and cover with greaseproof paper. Repeat to make eight pancakes. Keep them warm by placing in the oven at 120°C. Place two pancakes on each plate and top with the mango and a dollop of coconut yoghurt sprinkled with the remaining lime zest.

>> Images and recipes in this feature are courtesy of Waitrose, www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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TOFFEE APPLE PANCAKES with vanilla ice cream serves 4. Prep: 10mins. cook: 10mins. ingredients: 40g butter • four apples, cored and cut into thin wedges • three tbsp clear honey • three tbsp light brown soft sugar • 480g pancakes • four scoops vanilla ice cream • 25g hazelnuts, chopped and toasted

Heat the butter in a large frying pan. Add the apple wedges and fry for three minutes until beginning to soften and turn golden. Stir through the honey and sprinkle over the brown sugar. Continue to cook for a further four minutes until sticky and glazed.

Warm the pancakes in the microwave or oven, according to the packet instructions, or make your own. Divide the toffee apples between the warmed pancakes then fold each one in half and in half again.

Place two filled pancake cones on each plate and top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle over any sauce left in the pan and scatter with hazelnuts before serving. n

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BANANA BUTTERSCOTCH PANCAKES with Fairburn’s Eggs serves 2-4. Prep: 10mins. cook: 25mins. ingredients: (for the pancakes) 150g plain flour sifted • 50g golden caster sugar • 1⁄2tsp bicarbonate of soda • 284ml buttermilk • one egg from Fairburn’s Eggs, beaten • unsalted butter, for frying • two small bananas, sliced • (for the butterscotch sauce) 75g unsalted butter • 75g golden caster sugar • 100ml double cream, plus extra to serve • 1⁄2 tsp vanilla bean paste • 1⁄4 tsp flaky sea salt

Mix the flour, sugar and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk and egg, whisk together until smooth, then set aside for 30 minutes.

For the butterscotch sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat, then add the sugar and allow to dissolve.

Simmer for four to five minutes, stirring regularly, until golden. Take off the heat and stir in the cream, vanilla and salt.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium

to low heat. Melt a knob of butter, then add a small ladleful of the batter and spread to a circle roughly 12cm in diameter. Cook two to three at once, if possible.

Flip after two to three minutes when bubbles appear, then cook for another two to three minutes.

Repeat to make eight pancakes. Stack onto plates, top with banana and spoon over the warm butterscotch sauce.

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Fresh, Fresh, homemade, homemade, locally locally sourced sourced delicious delicious food food in in the the heart heart of of Lincolnshire...

Lincolnshire...

Enjoy a taste of fine cuisine with our à la carte dining experience

SERVING FRESH LOCAL AND SEASONAL FOOD!

Available Available 12 12 noon noon –– 2pm 2pm and and 6pm 6pm –– 9pm 9pm Monday Monday to to Saturday.

Saturday.

Sunday Sunday Lunch Lunch served served 12noon 12noon –– 5pm.

5pm.

BOOKING BOOKING IN IN ADVANCE ADVANCE IS IS RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED DUE DUE TO TO HIGH HIGH DEMAND DEMAND

Church Lane, North Kyme Lincolnshire LN4 4DJ

(01526) 861 400

www.theplough.restaurant

THE THATCHED COTTAGE RESTAURANT & BAR • Beautiful unique thatched cottage

• Stunning 40 seater A La Carte restaurant • Function room catering for birthdays, wakes, christenings, conference, small wedding receptions • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Tel: 01205 461006

POOLS LANE, SUTTERTON, BOSTON, LINCS PE20 2EZ enquiries@thethatchedcottagerestaurant.co.uk www.thethatchedcottagerestaurant.co.uk

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In the KITCHEN

is month we spring into the season with meals using local lamb

LEG OF LAMB with redcurrant jelly glaze

Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes 3 parsnips (about 300g), peeled and quartered • 1 tbsp olive oil 4 charlotte potatoes (about 400g), cut into wedges • 200g radishes, trimmed 1 garlic bulb, halved • 5 rosemary sprigs • 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly 750g leg of lamb • 200ml fresh chicken stock Preheat the oven to 180˚C, gas mark 4. Put the parsnips in a large roasting tin and sprinkle over ½ tbsp oil. Season and roast for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the potatoes, radishes, garlic halves and rosemary sprigs to the tin.

Toss together in the remaining ½ tbsp oil and season.

Warm the redcurrant jelly in the microwave and brush all over the lamb. Season and sit the lamb on top of the veg, then pour in the stock. Roast for 1 hour, turning the veg halfway through.

Ensure the surface of the meat is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear, then remove from the oven and squeeze the roasted garlic out into the roasting tin.

Mix with the veg and roasting juices and transfer to a serving dish. Slice the lamb and arrange on top of the vegetables, drizzling with the roasting juices. Serve with steamed green vegetables and more redcurrant jelly on the side, if liked.

Recipes & Dishes: Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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MOROCCAN LAMB MEATBALL & BASMATI BAKE Ingredients: 300g Basmati rice • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 500ml hot chicken stock • 1 tsp harissa paste • 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half • 500g (approx 24) lamb meatballs • 25g pack fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6.

Place the Basmati rice in a casserole dish.

Stir together the tomatoes, chicken stock and harissa paste. Pour over the rice, add the cinnamon stick halves and mix well.

Sit the meatballs on top then cover and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the lid, stir and cook for a further 15 - 20 minutes, uncovered, until the rice is tender, the liquid has been absorbed and the meatballs are cooked through and nicely browned.

Scatter over the parsley and serve. n

EASY ROAST LEG OF LAMB WITH LEMON & OREGANO

Ingredients: juice of two lemons • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 crushed cloves garlic • 2 tsp dried oregano • 2kg whole leg of locally sourced lamb • 1.5kg red-skinned potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes • 500g lamb gravy, warmed according to pack instructions

Mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and oregano.

Place the lamb in a large roasting tin and make some incisions all over the leg using a small, sharp knife. Pour over the lemon mixture and leave to marinate, covered, in the fridge for 1 - 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6.

Roast the lamb for 45 minutes then add the potatoes to the tin, turning to coat them in the juices. Roast for a further 45 minutes until the lamb is nicely browned but the meat is still a little pink on the inside. Lift the lamb onto a board, cover with foil and leave to rest for 10 - 15 minutes.

Drain any juice from the tin (add this to the gravy) and return the potatoes to the oven for a further 10 - 15 minutes until tender and golden brown. Carve the lamb and serve with the roast potatoes, gravy and some steamed green vegetables. n Recipes & Dishes: www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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ROAST LEG OF LAMB WITH CAPER & LEMON BUTTER CRUST Preparation Time: 20 minutes.

Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes.

Ingredients: 1.5kg maris piper potatoes, cut into slices ½ celeriac, peeled and cut into slices One large onion, sliced • Four garlic cloves, crushed Three rosemary sprigs, leaves stripped • Six juniper berries One tbsp capers • 100g butter, softened Zest of a lemon • 2-2.5kg leg of lamb, trimmed of excess sinew • 450g pack lamb gravy, heated

Preheat the oven to 220°C, gas mark 7. Season and toss the potatoes, celeriac and onion over the base of a large roasting tin; pour over 100ml water. Use a pestle and mortar to crush the garlic, rosemary, juniper and capers to a rough paste; stir in the butter with the lemon zest and plenty of black pepper.

Pierce the lamb all over with a sharp knife and rub with the butter mixture. Sit the lamb on top of the potatoes, season with sea salt and roast for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 180°C, gas mark 4, and cook for an hour and 20 minutes, rotating the lamb halfway. Lift the lamb off the potatoes and rest on a board loosely covered with foil.

Increase the heat to 200°C, gas mark 6. Tip the tin and baste the potatoes with any juices; return to the oven for 30 minutes while the lamb rests. Before serving, pour off and discard any excess fat from the potatoes. Serve with the sliced lamb, gravy and steamed greens, if liked. n

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ECLECTIC & ECCLESIASTIC

UNIQUE DOESN’T EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THIS MONTH’S FEATURED PROPERTY. RAMPTON PREBEND IS A GRADE II LISTED FORMER PREBENDAL WITH A WELCOMING PARTERRE AND PHENOMENAL MODERN RENOVATIONS WITHIN. WE SPEAK TO THE OWNER AND VENDOR MICHAEL FARNSWORTH ABOUT WHAT HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED...

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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What a property. It’s rare to come across such a unique property with such period charm yet a modern interior, so decided to feature it this month as our featured home despite it being just a small step over the border near Newark.

Rampton Prebend is Grade II listed and one of the important Prebendal houses that are set around beautiful Southwell Minster itself.

There are records of a property on the site that go back 900 years, but the earliest parts of the existing property date back to the early 17th century with later additions. As you can see from its exterior, the property is dripping in heritage, but its interiors may surprise you.

Above: One of the four bedrooms and the main entrance hall.

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Main: The beautiful kitchen and to the right is the family room/garden room.

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Rampton Prebend has been subject to a comprehensive refurbishment and renovation by the current owners to create a house of outstanding calibre.

What’s really special is the view. The property enjoys a view over the formal landscaped front gardens towards the twin towers and main entrance of the Minster itself. It’s unlike any other property in the area and can really offer something different.

The main house has been restored and renovated to an exceptional standard retaining and enhancing a wealth of original features including flagstone floors, original sash windows and feature fireplaces, all of which echo the elegance and grace from the era of construction.

“What’s most amazing about this property is the view. The property enjoys a view over formal landscaped gardens leading to a Cathedral...”

The front entrance door opens to a stunning reception hallway which will immediately present the beauty of this home.

There are three original reception rooms set to the front of the house together with a carefully extended entrance hall and refitted breakfast kitchen which now leads onto the additional family room and garden room

featuring a high vaulted ceiling and bi-fold doors leading out onto the gardens.

The ground floor accommodation is complete with various practicalities including a utility room, shower room, guest cloakroom and boiler room. There is also access to a cellar.

The first floor accommodation is accessed via a traditional oak winder staircase leading to a spacious central landing providing access to four good sized bedrooms, two with en suite shower rooms and a luxurious family bathroom.

The historic winder staircase continues to the second floor where there is further potential to adapt the restored and now open roof space which can accommodate an additional

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two bedrooms, sewing room, bathroom facilities and store room if required.

If all this wasn’t enough, there’s an exterior Coach House that has also been converted, ideal to rent out or to be used as an annexe.

It’s a detached Grade II Listed two storey coach house which has been completely renovated to provide a stunning three bedroom residential home fitted and finished again to an exceptional standard with a nice range of original features.

The ground floor provides a sitting room with log burner, kitchen and ground floor bedroom with en suite shower room. To the first floor a two further double bedrooms

Left: The property’s utility room. Above is an aerial view of the rear of the property and to the right is the front entrance with formal gardens and Southwell Minster.

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with vaulted ceilings share the use of a high quality bathroom. Outside is a courtyard garden.

For the main property, the house sits within a delightful, mature plot of a pleasant and manageable size. The house benefits from a walled frontage to Westgate with a widened driveway leading up to the side courtyard parking and turning area.

The front gardens are a glorious feature of this stunning home, showcasing formal gardens in the design of an original style Tudor knot garden with box hedging and an expanse of planted tulips providing sensational colour. There are also generous lawns with courtyard areas and a terrace ideal for outdoor entertaining. There’s a good level of privacy but it’s also in a prime position on a frontage which has many fine period properties with ecclesiastical connections.

Planning permission has recently been granted for the construction of a brick built double garage with gardens, so there’s the possibility for further buildings too. n

RAMPTON PREBEND,

NEAR NEWARK Style: A really unique property with 17th century features and ecclesiastical connections.

Bedrooms: Four bedrooms with separate three bedroom coach house detached from the main property.

Receptions: Four arranged as dining room, drawing room, study and entrance hall.

Features: A beautiful parterre formal garden with a view over to Southwell Minster. Large gardens and a garden room with double doors onto a patio and large garden laid to lawn. Planning permission for further development.

Price: £2,000,000.

Find Out More: Rampton Prebend is currently on the market with Fine & Country, 52 Rectory Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6BU. Call 0115 982 2824 or for more info see www.fineandcountry.com.

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GIVE YOUR FLAT ROOF A MAKEOVER WITH LINCOLNSHIRE’S PREMIER FLAT ROOFING COMPANY

01522 246563 | 01205 316563 www.advancedflatroofing.com info@advancedflatroofing.com

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HOMES & INTERIORS

Experienced &

EXCLUSIVE

Roger Davis Interiors in Lincoln benefits from two strong selling points; the family business has been running for over 40 years and is the exclusive stockist in the county for some of the most premium brands...

Main: Wallpaper from Sandberg. Opposite/Left: Colefax and Fowler. Top Left: Adrian Davis. Right: Jane Churchill.

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For fine interiors, it’s very important to look at all the providers in the area rather than just going to the one you’re aware of, as some may offer more products or offer a better service. That’s when you’ll come across Roger Davis Fine Interiors.

The family business has been established for over 40 years in Lincoln. Adrian and his team pride themselves on offering the very best brands in fabric, wallpaper, blinds and soft furnishings.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of what we sell and the service that we provide,” says Adrian. “Our longstanding reputation in the county has allowed us to become the ‘go-to’ interior company for fabric suppliers and customers alike.”

Adrian has dedicated part of the showroom to Jab, the largest supplier of fabrics and soft furnishings in Germany - this is a ‘shop in shop’ of which there are only four in the UK

for this particular brand. There is also a dedicated Luxaflex section in the showroom to display the variety and ability of modern day blinds controlled via a remote, an app on your phone or even your voice.

The family-run business has been running for over 40 years and has exclusivity in Lincolnshire on many luxury fabric brands...

Some of the luxury brands Roger Davis Interiors stocks includes Jane Churchill, Silent Gliss, Linwood, Colefax & Fowler Bradley and Harlequin. Roger Davis is also the only interiors showroom in the county that stocks the brands Cole & Sons and

Sandberg which is the largest wallpaper company in Sweden.

“We have a wide range of fabrics and furnishings to browse through, but it’s our service that we’ve perfected through the past 40 years of experience.”

Roger Davis Interiors offers a full home advice and fitting service, and the company hires independently trained and apprenticed curtain makers. The three curtain makers have a combined experience of 60 years creating handsewn curtains, so the quality is excellent, and with Adrian himself on the scene to fit them in your home, you won’t be disappointed by the service of this company.

“It’s the personal service that we really value, and the fact we’ve kept a relatively small, family-oriented business is something our customers really value.” n Call 01522 531371 or visit the website www.rogerdavisinteriors.com for more information.

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BESPOKE KITCHENS • FINE FURNITURE

Premium bespoke kitchens without the premium price Come and visit our extensive showroom QUOTE PRIDE19 ON THE PURCHASE OF YOUR KITCHEN AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A FREE 30CM WINE CHILLER WITH EVERY COMPLETED KITCHEN OVER £8,000

Chris Sharp Cabinets Ltd Tillbridge Lane Scampton Lincoln LN1 2SX email: enquiries@chrissharpcabinets.co.uk www.chrissharpcabinets.co.uk www.cscbespokekitchens.co.uk

CALL US TODAY ON:

01522 504 506 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

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

Call 07534 808903

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

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HOMES & INTERIORS

STONE A HEART OF

It’s the local ‘ingredient’ with true provenance - but this isn’t food or drink, it’s an ingredient for creating a beautiful home; locally quarried limestone. It’s ideal for use both inside and on the exterior of your home...

The phrase local ingredient typically refers to food and drink. But what about local limestone? Thousands of years in the making, and taken from the earth in an ecologically sustainable operation, it’s a product with natural provenance and a beauty all of its own.

Stamford Stone Company has been providing homeowners, architects and builders with limestone both locally but further afield too for over 20 years, for restoration of some of the countries most prestigious buildings, from restoration of The Houses of Parliament to award winning new colleges at Oxford University.

Operating from three quarries in Lincolnshire - Stamford Stone Company can supply material both for the exterior and the interior of your home.

Launched in 2017, Stamford Stone at Home focuses on a

range of natural limestone for your home, with a range of flooring, paving and patios as well as bespoke staircases and fireplaces.

“As a company, we wanted to be able to supply the whole package of Natural limestone to not only the commercial sector, but the self-builder and home improver.”

“The property we’re featuring here was constructed in 2018 and shows how natural stone can be used in every element of your home and how the product suits the area’s architectural vernacular beautifully,” says the firm’s Laura Green.

“Natural stone doesn’t date.

It speaks quietly and elegantly of permanence, inherent quality and resilience, bringing warmth and beauty to every room. Choosing natural stone allows you to express yourself, your sense of style and your individuality.” n

1. self build home in leicestershire in clipsham limestone.

2. Kitchen flooring – walcott honed limestone from £75 per m2.

3. fireplaces are the focal point of a living room – a cosy fire burning bright and keeping you warm through winter, framed by a stunning bespoke fireplace surround.

4. external Paving – cathedral gold from £55 per m2.

5. bedroom floor - lima cream limestone from £65 per m2.

6. e company can produce material for your portico, datestones and exterior & interior cills and as mullion windows. n Stamford Stone is based at Swaddywell Quarry, Stamford Road, Helpston PE6 7EL. Call 01780 740970 for a no-obligation discussion of your individual product or visit www.ssathome.co.uk.

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Nicholas Martin Cabinets High quality fitted and freestanding kitchen, bedroom & bathroom furniture

01522 789011

Bassingham, Lincoln LN5 9LL www.nicholasmartincabinets.co.uk

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

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

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

PJCabinetMakers

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Singing the Blues

DARK BLUE AND NAVY SHADES ADD A TOUCH OF CLASS INDEPENDENTLY, BUT COMBINED WITH THE NEW DESIGNS AND QUALITY FABRICS FROM CLARKE & CLARKE, THEY TRANSFORM YOUR HOME INTO THE INTERIOR OF A MULTI MILLION POUND LUXURY LONDON PENTHOUSE SUITE...

Clarke & Clarke have seriously upped their game with this new collection dripping in decadence and exuding class. You could just picture these high quality fabrics and iconic designs in an interior designed London penthouse apartment, but who’s to say you can’t have them in your own home?

Treat yourself this year and decorate your home with furniture and fabrics from the Lusso 2 Collection.

“The first collection was a glamorous collection of luxurious satin, chenille and linen fabrics with intricate sequin detailing and metallic flashes,” says the brand. “Inspired by the art deco glitz of old Hollywood, delicate ivory, silver and rose gold made these fabrics opulent, yet understated.”

The story of the successful Lusso range continues with this beautiful new collection of lustrous fabrics.

Swirling marble, distressed textures and metallic highlights shimmer in seven colour groups, from striking kingfisher, black and gold to soft champagnes and linen tones.

Main: The coffee table/footstool is in Struttura in Kingfisher blue while the sofa’s pattern is Lavico in Midnight blue.

Curtains are in the brand’s Fascino pattern.

Right: From top to bottom, Solare, Corallino, Lavico and Fascino patterns from Clarke & Clarke’s Lusso 2 collection.

Ornate geometrics, sophisticated textures and a 3D effect coral pattern promote style and luxury.

All the styles and patterns you see in this feature are suitable for made to measure curtains, Roman blinds and accessories, and are available in a multitude of colours. Look out for the Lusso Sheers collection too. >>

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Above: Commission a completely bespoke sofa from Delcor.

The Stamford based firm can create this Florence design in an almost limitless range of fabrics.

Right: The Cosmopolitan collection from GP & J Baker includes luxurious silks and opulent velvets together with contemporary textural weaves and embroideries.

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“Use bold blue in your home to create dramatic, intimate reception rooms and to contract spaces like dining rooms. In spaces like bedrooms and day rooms, pair with neutral colours like grey and Old English White...”

Top: The Little Greene Paint Company created a specific range of blue paints anticipating this year’s design trend. Shown here is Juniper Ash over Clockface Grey. Shown top/right is Jane Churchill’s Samara in teal. Above: A brand new collection for Cole and Son, Bluebell from the Botanica collection.

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LOCAL RECOMMENDED FABRIC STORES Oldrids & Downtown: Boston, Grantham and Scunthorpe, 01205 361251, oldrids.co.uk.

Roger Davis Interiors: Lincoln, 01522 531371, rogerdavisinteriors.com.

Osbourne Blinds: Lincoln, 01522 684371, osbourneblinds.co.uk.

Left: Clarke and Clarke’s Truttura in Kingfisher against Solare Midnight curtains and a range of cushion patterns.

Above: The chairs are in Clarke & Clarke’s Tessere fabric while the cushion is Fascino.

Right: Top Right are shades from the firm’s Lusso Sheers range.

Aitch Interiors: Wellingore, near Lincoln, 01522 810961, aitchinteriors.co.uk.

Kimbell & Co: Market Harborough, 01858 433444, kimbellinteriors.co.uk.

Cushion and Curtain Centre: Woodhall Spa, Skegness and Lincoln, 0800 044 8179, cushionandcurtain.com.

Dobbs Blinds: Lincoln, 01522 500100, dobbsblinds.co.uk.

Vernons Interiors: Skegness, 01754 896699, vernonsinteriors.co.uk.

Eye 4 Design: Spalding, 01775 680109, eye4designupholstery.co.uk.

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MY TOWN

BOSTON MY TOWN

By Adrian Isaac, one of the owners of Oldrids We’ve a new monthly feature for Lincolnshire Pride, My Town, with the launch of our 200th edition.

Its debut is Boston where we speak to Adrian Isaac to discover what he loves most about the area he has lived in his whole life. Adrian played a very big part in the success of department store Oldrids & Downtown, he chairs several local committees and he’s on a mission to bring more to Boston...

Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson. Main: Adrian in front of his home in Boston.

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We decided to launch a new feature that focuses on local people in towns across the county starting with Boston. Why? Well frankly, we’re fed up of Boston’s bad reputation portrayed by the news media.

So is Bostonian Adrian Isaac who is on a mission to bring more to the area, as he has done his whole life. We interview him in this edition about the town he has called home for over 70 years.

How long have you been in Boston and how did you arrive here?

“I’ve been here all my life, and my family has been ever since my grandfather moved here. The Isaac family is originally from Kidderminster. In 1915, my grandfather was in partnership in a department store with someone he didn’t want to be in partnership with in a shopkeeping venture. However, when he suggested he buy his partner out, his partner said that he would buy my grandfather out!”

“In the midst of war, my father in France as part of the ambulance corps and my grandfather out of a job, the Isaac family found themselves in a tricky situation! Through a London agent, he was offered a retail business in Boscombe and one in Boston. The business in Strait Bargate was between the marketplace and the cattle market giving a good footfall, and grandmother liked the sea air so Boston it was!”

“The Oldrids business was very run down by 1915 but in 1918, grandfather was able to buy the freehold and rebuild the space behind the frontages. From the 1950s, my generation joined the business, and were keen for expansion partly to give jobs to us all!”

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What about your career?

“Leaving school at 17, within a week I went to Nottingham to learn the trade and started at Debenhams where I worked for over two years. I would cycle home to Boston every few weekends for my mother’s Sunday dinner! My father said to me one Sunday that I would have to come home because he needed a menswear buyer.

I had no experience of this area of the business, but my mind had been made up for me.”

“I did that from 1961 to 1968 until my father wanted to retire. I was made General Manager and held this position for 19 years when our managing director my brother Bob retired. I succeeded him until my own retirement 15 years later. Apart from the day to day running of the shop, much of my time was liaising with the architects and builders as we developed new stores.”

“Over the years, I had been the archivist for the company, saving any items from our history. After I retired, I spent some six months in the library reading through 200 years of the local papers before collating all the information I could find on Boston as well as Oldrids into a book.”

What makes Boston unique and what do you miss when you leave?

“Many people are put off by Boston because of its isolation. This is of course a problem if you want to travel to cities and towns further afield, but it has meant we have more independent shops than many other towns. It’s a real draw to the area.”

“The other highlight of Boston is most certainly the people. That’s something I most definitely miss when I’ve been away. Everyone is lovely here, and as I’ve met thousands of customers through working

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- MY TOWN -

“Boston has a fantastic selection of butchers, there are a number of quality jewellers and although I’m a little biased, Oldrids & Downtown is a brilliant department store in Boston...” at Oldrids, I can’t walk through town without bumping into at least someone I know. Everyone seems to know everyone in Boston.

With experience of living in Nottingham, York (where I attended a Quaker Boarding School growing up) and spending some time in London, you don’t get that and you wouldn’t have that kind of relationship even if you had lived there your whole life. It’s just not as personal.”

“I used to know almost every street in Boston as a boy as during the holidays, I would be the errand boy, going around the town on the trade bike, so I needed to know every street, road and shortcut!”

Who inspires you around Boston?

“Doctor Richard Allday was quite inspiring. He was part of a local family and his grandfather owned Kymes Fish Shop, under the Assembly Rooms in town.”

“He published a selection of local history books on the area and how it has developed. Local history really fascinates me and what he has done for the town is rather inspiring.”

“In my life, I suppose the Quakers at the boarding school I attended were quite inspiring. We weren’t a very academic family so my father sent us there as if you weren’t academically minded, there were other opportunities like woodwork. I loved making things and still do it today. Most of the wood around my house including doors, tables, chairs and cabinets were made by myself.”

What’s the area like in spring and where should we visit?

“Bringing people into the area is very important to me. Up until 1998, we were lacking in this area. On our borders and outwards, everything is just agribusiness, and there were no places of peace for relaxed walks other than Frieston Shore which was a little bracing for half of the year.”

“I spoke to the Woodland Trust and they agreed to create Westgate Wood. This was planted in December 1999. Since then, we founded Boston Wood Trust and now have 110 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow. The more recent developments include Grange Wood and Beech Wood off Fenside Road and Jenny’s Wood on West End Road.”

“The areas of green space have transformed Boston. We would’ve said that two trees were a wood in Boston beforehand and three were a forest! Now we have beautiful places that really enhance the town. All the woods are beautiful in spring, planted with English bluebells and other woodland flowers. A volunteer team including myself of the Boston Woods Trust spend three days a week at the various locations, improving the sites, planting, trimming and maintaining them. If you haven’t visited, they’re great to go to!”

Where would you take friends and family to dine or have a drink in Boston?

“I’m not a big drinker, but there are a number of places I love to eat in Boston! Believe it or not, Boston College is a fantastic place for lunch and sometimes an evening meal. During my time at Oldrids, we would send our restaurant staff to the College just to brush up their chef skills.”

“We’ve since been and I love it there. The chefs go on to get top jobs in restaurants across the country and some have even starred as TV chefs. The food is delicious and well worth a try!”

“The other places I would recommend would be the Roper’s Arms, a new Italian round the corner from us, and Bizarro’s, a smaller Italian in Wormgate.”

What independent shops and businesses would you recommend to visitors?

“Well, I’m a little biased, but I’d recommend Oldrids! It’s an excellent department store and it brings a great deal to Boston. I would say it has definitely helped to put the town on the map.”

“The butchers shops are also all fantastic, supplying restaurants across the county with fabulous meat. We also have a wide variety of independent shops such as Hoppers Jewellers.”

What are the best views of the town?

“The town bridge provides a fabulous view of the Stump and of the town. At night, when the Boston Stump is lit up, that makes

Top: Adrian in front of the main sign into boston.

Above: Top is Fydell House, an important part of Boston’s history. Centre is the Maud Foster Mill which Adrian can view from his house. Below is Boston Guildhall.

Opposite: Westgate Woods wouldn’t exist without Adrian, and it’s now one of his favourite spots in the town.

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a lovely view too. The Assembly Rooms looks great and is 200 years old. The view from Sluice Bridge is lovely during the day.”

What about nature a quiet place to escape?

“The woods in and around Boston are perfect for that. We’ve recently planted 12,000 hazels in the hope to bring nuts and therefore dormice into the woods. We’re constantly trying to bring nature to the areas. We’ve recently planted honeysuckle too, to attract butterflies.”

“The River Witham that flows through the town, especially past Sluice Bridge, brings a variety of nature and offers a peaceful walk along it.”

What would you change about Boston?

“I think we should convert some of Boston’s shop properties. The upper floors aren’t usually used, and they could be made into accommodation.”

Clockwise from top: The Boston Stump, the town’s most notable building. Mountains is one of the many butchers that Adrian loves about the town. Adrian played a big part in the construction of Pescod Hall.

Bizarro, Adrian’s favourite Italian.

Adrian at Oldrids, his former workplace.

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“It literally brings people right into the centre of town and uses up wasted space. We just need to find a way of introducing walkways behind the shops, allowing the upper floor apartments to become independent from the ground floor shops. Also, our town is unique in the way that we

turn our backs to the river, while towns like Spalding have buildings facing it creating a pleasant aspect.”

“I think we would be making a big improvement to the town if we used the river more. It would be fantastic to have more cycle routes and walkways laced throughout the town. I don’t know just how we would go about doing that, it would be an almighty task, but it would be my recommendation to improving this already beautiful town.”

“I would recommend you visit Boston if you haven’t already. It has suffered from a negative reputation due to various stories in the news, but it simply isn’t true. It’s a fantastic town with a vast amount of history, from Maud Foster Mill to the Boston Guildhall which is now a museum too. The Boston Stump or St Botolph’s can be seen for mile around and the centre has a fantastic offering of stores. I’ll continue to push for Boston to be a more successful town.”

Adrian is chair of the Unitarian meeting house and the Disney Trust at Kirkstead, plus the chair of Boston Woods Trust and he was an archivist of Oldrids & Downtown and Boston. He was also a trustee of the Boston Preservation Trust whose flagship building is Fydell House.

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• Tree Surgery & Felling

• £10 Million Public Liability

• Tree Reports

• NPTC Qualified

• BS 3998

• BSC Honours Landscape Ecology

• BS 5837 • Stump Grinding • Site Clearance

• Professional Tree Inspection

• National Diploma in Forestry and • Council Approved Arboriculture Contractor • Hedge Cutting

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HIGHLIGHTS

A WALK AROUND THE WASH

It’s getting warm enough to venture outside again in March with glowing sunsets, spring breezes and perhaps a touch of colour in the natural scene. Our recommended Sunday stroll this month is Gibraltar Point.

The Nature Reserve is known for its stunning panoramic views, its diversity along the coast of habitats and its smart Visitors’ Centre...

Few habitats around the country are as diverse and as unique as that of the land around the Lincolnshire Wash.

Whilst the county’s landscape itself comprises everything from a vibrant city to market towns, to quint villages and everything from flat, rich Fenland to undulating Wolds topography, it’s the coastline which is perhaps the most diverse in terms of its bird life, plants and insects.

It’s easy to dismiss the coastline as bleak and vast, but the diversity of its wildlife is one reason the Lincolnshire Wildlife trust has taken such care to preserve the delicate ecosystem of its coastal nature reserve Gibraltar Point. e wildlife trust itself was founded in 1948 - the same year that the NHS was founded and that the Summer Olympics were held in London - and, incidentally, the first year that Polo mints went on sale. Lincolnshire’s ted Smith was 28 at the time and as a member of the Lincolnshire Naturalists’ union, compiled a list of sites which held scientific interest. e county’s own wildlife trust, though, was the third one to be set up following Yorkshire and Norfolk, with Lincolnshire’s addition causing a new country-wide Wildlife trust organisation to be founded in 1948. >>

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- NATURE AROUND THE WASH -

>> At the end of its inaugural year the Lincolnshire Trust had just 130 members and an income of just £82. Today though, it’s one of the largest organisations of its type, with 100 nature reserves, 28,000 members and over 1,000 volunteers.

It’s hard to believe but back in the 1930s, the nature reserve very nearly became a housing estate and was simply intended to provide land for 400 bungalows. Only four were created before the developer ran out of money and after the war, the land was leased to the Naturalists’ Union, and latterly the Wildlife Trust.

Gibraltar Point itself as opened to the public in 1949, the group’s very first reserve. Its sand dunes, salt marshes and brackish pools are three miles from the diametric brashness of Skegness’ resorts, and the reserve covers 437 hectares - around 1,080 acres. Gibraltar Point also attracts over 250,000 visitors each year.

The site’s visitors’ centre was decimated in December 2013 following a tidal surge, with a new £1m centre created in 2016. A new centre elevated on stilts will avoid a reoccurrence in the event of similar freak tidal conditions and has the bonus of providing visitors with an elevated vantage point from which to enjoy panoramic views of the reserve.

The spring months are arguably the best time to visit the resort, even if a spell in the visitors’ centre café afterwards is necessary to stave off the chills from that bracing sea breeze.

The first migrant birds stop by to refuel and to establish their territories, and as the season really gets into gear, you can expect to see little terns, and skylarks. Closer to the ground, the site is also a haven for Lincolnshire’s native wild orchids too.

A History of Gibraltar

Barrie Wilkinson’s new book, A History of Gibraltar Point, has taken the author and naturalist 10 years to compile. It sites the history from the mid-1700s to the present day.

Already at the time of writing whooper swans, bewich swans, snipes and a hen harrier have already been spotted.

Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a National Nature Reserve (NNR), a RAMSAR Wetland Habitat and area of designated scientific protection, (SPA), Gibraltar Point is undoubtedly a site teeming with interest for keen naturalists, but with excellent interpretation, it’s also a place that families and non-naturalists can enjoy too.

A natural habitat that’s well-managed and unspoilt as it’s possible to find.

Main: The site spans over 1080 acres and is visited by 250,000 people each year.

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n The full history of Gibraltar Point is available to read in Barrie Wilkinson’s The Story of Gibraltar Point. available in a limited edition hardback and softback from the Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre and Banovallum House, the headquarters of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust in Horncastle. £25, all money raised from sales of the book directly support the work of the Trust.

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The Wildlife of the Wash

n Natterjack Toad: Found in abundance at Gibraltar Point, the Natterjack is smaller than a common toad, found in coastal locations and is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. n Avocet: The avocet is a distinctively-patterned black and white wader with a long up-curved beak.

Protected by the RSPB, there are estimated to be fewer than 1,500 breeding pairs left in the UK.

n Little Tern: This delightful chattering seabird is the UK’s smallest tern.

It is short-tailed and has a fast flight.

Its bill is a distinctive yellow with a black tip. Listed as a Schedule One species in The Wildlife and Countryside Act.

n Bee Orchid: A small orchid, the Bee Orchid has a rosette of leaves at ground level and two leaves that grow up the stem as a sheath. The stem displays a number of relatively large flowers with pink sepals that look like wings, and furry, brown lips that have yellow markings on, just like a bee. n Common Seal: The smaller of our two UK seal species, it’s smaller and has a shorter head than the grey seal.

Visible predominantly in the winter months but sometimes they can be spotted at other times of the year off the Lincolnshire coast.

n Sea Lavender: Found around our coasts on mudflats, creek banks and saltmarshes. Despite its name, its not a lavender at all, and certainly doesn’t smell like one. Clusters of pretty, mauve flowers appear at the top of stiff, long stems, giving Common Sea-lavender a distinctive look.

Find out more at www.wildlifetrusts.org.

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OUTDOORS

SPRING

Step into

is month, we’ve discovered a garden that resembles the scene of a fairytale at this time of year.

Firsby Manor takes on a beautiful English countryside manor house theme in March to May, with bright fields of bluebells, yellow spots of daffodils and a dusting of snowdrops too...

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

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Spilsby isn’t just the home of a beautiful snowdrop garden. Bluebells, daffodils, clematis and even a vegetable patch also grow in the garden of Firsby Manor too.

LINCOLNSHIRE

Daffodil Society

The Spilsby Narcissus and Tulip Society was formed in 1902 to encourage the growing of narcissi and tulips to show This is the home of doctors Gill and David John Adlard and he’s people how varied the Boldy. The couple moved to the county after basically the grounds person species were. discovering its beauty through regular visits to Gill’s

brother’s house in the area.

“We always wanted to move to the countryside after living in the centre of Birmingham for so long,” says Gill. “We had a viewing at Firsby Manor on the 14th February 1993 and we just fell in love with the snowdrops in full bloom in the garden. We didn’t care what the house looked like inside, we were set on it from that moment.”

“It was probably a good thing that we had that mindset because the house was full of rot and needed a lot of renovating to get it to where it is today! The oldest parts of the house were built in 1730 and the latest parts were built in 1840.”

“When we moved to Firsby, although the snowdrops looked absolutely beautiful, it wasn’t just the house that was in desperate need of renovation. We started with a blank canvas despite the pretty flowers. There were large areas of concrete and you were up to your neck in nettles walking around most of the garden.”

“We had to reconstruct the garden using the skeleton of existing walls and trees. If that wasn’t a job in itself, the garden is spread over three and a half acres.”

“I’m very passionate about gardening and I do it when I have the time to, but because of the size of the garden, we do have to have someone come in one day a week just to trim the hedges, mow the lawn and carry out general maintenance work. His name is 102

of Firsby Manor.”

Whilst John works on the structure and skeleton of the garden, Gill focuses more on the aesthetics. The garden is also home to a well-loved vegetable patch usually maintained by John, an expert on veg, but Gill and David also keep an eye on it.

“My husband David is becoming more and more interested in the garden. He retired a few years ago so he’s spending a lot more time in the garden. He loves photography too so he’s often taking photos of the flowers.”

Gill is the chair of the Lincolnshire Daffodil Society so she has an abundance of narcissus in the garden. They’re beautiful at this time of year, and with so many coming out early, the couple have been able to enjoy them for a lot longer.

“The way I would describe our garden is a cottage garden with plenty of room. It is, in a way, quite themed in its individual sections.

At the front of the house, there’s a lot of white, cream and ivory foliage which suits the brickwork and the front of the house.”

Above: Snowdrops at Firsby Manor.

Right: A beautiful summer border, beautiful bluebells, delicate daffodils and another bright border filled with alliums.

Top is one of the stone features left behind from the previous owners who were farmers.

Left: Firsby Manor from a bench in the garden.

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“In the wooded area, it’s more of a fairytale woodland scene. You’ll find thousands of bluebells, snowdrops, primroses, some stray daffodils and forget-me-nots.”

“There’s a secret garden too surrounded by hedges and a north-faced wall. This allows us to have plenty of sun and an area of shade, much appreciated in the summer months and a well used area for us.”

It has taken a while to get the garden to the standard it’s at now, and Gill and David wanted to share that with the locals and raise some money for charity in the meantime.

“We started the National Garden Scheme not too long ago,” says Gill. “We will be opening on two dates this year; Monday 22nd April and Sunday 30th June, to show the garden in late spring and in the middle of summer.”

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“April is the perfect time of year to see the garden. It’s full of alliums, bluebells, clematis montanas, there are still some daffodils and other bright and beautiful flowers...”

“I have to say, April is the perfect time to see the garden. It’s definitely my favourite time of the year. The garden is full of alliums, bluebells, clematis montanas and other beautiful flowers.”

It also gives us a chance to show off the daffodils. As you can imagine, the garden in May is even more colourful than April and full of the stunning yellow flowers.

Being a chairman in the Lincolnshire Daffodil Society, this is important for me.

The different daffodil cultivars are not only beautiful, but they offer a chance for people to see them in full bloom before they decide to grow them themselves.”

Membership to the Daffodil Society costs a minimum of £5 per year and entitles the member to enter any classes for which he or she is eligible. Garden clubs and society membership from £25 per year for which they will be able to enter any classes for which they are eligible.

Find Out More: Firsby Manor Gardens will be open on Monday 22nd April and Sunday 30th June from 1 - 4.30pm. £3/admission.

The couple offer homemade teas for guests and a walk around the garden. For more information, visit www.ngs.org.uk or call 01754 830386.

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FULLERS LANDSCAPING

Design by Nature

Gardens are important to our wellbeing so it is worth having an outdoor space that you can enjoy. Fullers prides itself on designing and creating gardens that suit a client’s budget regardless of its shape or style...

Ed Fuller has built up his company Fullers Forestry over the last 18 years to provide specialised services in landscaping, garden design, forestry and garden maintenance.

Ed started his career after studying Forestry Woodland Management and when he began his company he started with small scale gardening however he has progressed to employ a team of highly skilled landscapers who can create anything from low maintenance gardens with artificial grass to romantic cottage gardens and state-of-the-art contemporary gardens.

One project that the team at Fullers have carried out is a garden near Lincoln which enabled them to use a variety of materials.

The property sits at the end of a long shared driveway and the original garden was bare

except for lawn. The owners have acquired some land from next door which was extremely overgrown but it would enable them to extend the size of their garden to complement the size of the house.

The initial brief from the client was to provide a full makeover for the garden which had to include certain features.

It had to include a courtyard area to the front of the house where they could park three vehicles, two separate seating areas in the sunny parts of the garden, which has to be private but not too overshadowed, features to join all the areas LANDSCAPING of the garden together, an outdoor room and for a Fullers can offer management simple low maintenance plans, tree and hedge planting,

Fullers

planting design. After an initial survey, a design was created by Fullers to include the wish list.

fencing, tree felling, wood chipping, tree shaping and many more services.

The fully insulated outdoor building which will enable the owners to have a quiet retreat all year round, is positioned within the courtyard and is clad with cedar.

The cedar theme is carried along the boundary of the courtyard. A gabion retaining wall and pillars filled with white limestone and a band of coloured glass have also been used to create a striking first impression when you arrive.

Images: Left is one of the two seating areas in Fullers’ featured garden. Above is Ed Fuller and to the right is a walkway connecting a seating area to a feature.

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You then enter the garden through timber archways to the first seating area. The gabion theme is reiterated with a large gabion light feature filled with glass, corresponding with the glass bands in the gabion pillars.

This is a unique feature which comes into its own at night. The timber archways, which also have lighting then carry you along the back of the house through the lawn on stepping stones to the second seating area.

This area has granite chippings which are surrounded by timber raised beds. The planting throughout the garden consists of coral bark maples, lavender, rosemary and low maintenance grasses. This garden is a perfect example of how a great design can ensure that a garden is not disjointed and

“The brief from the client was to provide a makeover for the garden which had to include certain features like low maintenance planting...” provides you with exactly what you need to complement your house.

Ed and his team can help to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful haven.

“With every job we work closely with clients to create their perfect garden and help them to use their space more wisely,” says Ed. “This can be through innovative and inventive designs or by making some small changes

that can make a big impact. We want people to use their space wisely and enjoy the outdoor area they have. We can provide innovative and inventive ways that can achieve this. We can also work with any size of garden and budget.”

As well as providing bespoke landscaping services, Fullers also offers tree surgery and gardening services which includes grass cutting, weed control and all types of planting from bare root hedges to specimen shrubs. n Fullers is an award-winning and family run company which was established in 2001. For more information on the services Fullers Landscaping can offer you, contact Ed on 07867 510544 or visit the website www.fullerslandscaping.co.uk.

Fullers covers gardens in Lincoln, Nottingham and the surrounding areas.v

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Give the Gift of Lincolnshire

It’s easy to subscribe to the county’s Finest Magazine, either to enjoy yourself, or to be delivered to a friend or loved one as a Gift Subscription throughout 2019.

Six months for £18, 12 months for £36, both delivered by Royal Mail.

Call 01529 469977 and pay by credit or debit card, or subscribe online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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200 PRIDE at

“IT’S A MATTER OF PRIDE!” Julian Wilkinson, Publisher, Lincolnshire Pride

This month our publisher reflects on 200 editions of Lincolnshire Pride with a look behind the scenes, finding out what it takes to create the county’s finest magazine...

Words & Images: Rob Davis & Julian Wilkinson.

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- 200 EDITIONS OF LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE -

Above: Team Pride enjoying themselves at their annual Christmas Party. Right, from top: One of our sales teams; three members of the Lincolnshire Pride sales team, Hannah Boyle, Sales Director Zoie Wilkinson and Sales Manager Charlotte Aiken; Pride Studios, our headquarters.

How do you create Lincolnshire’s finest magazine? It’s as easy as one, two... ten.

At least, it is when you’ve a team as committed to the job as we are. Celebrating our 200th edition, we thought we’d share a little behind-the-scenes information on how the team creates Pride each month.

1. Perfect planning!

I have a favourite saying, a quote by Lincolnshire’s own John Ruskin. “Quality is never an accident, it’s always the result of intelligent effort.” That’s why the Pride teams working on our portfolio of county magazines all share responsibility for the quality of the magazine. Every member of staff is encouraged to offer ideas for features in our production meetings. It’s important that we all take ownership of the magazine, so that it’s a product we’ll be proud of when it comes back from the printers.

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2. ‘Flat plans’ become a way of life...

3. Looking after our clients...

Creating a map allows our editorial and sales teams to each know how many pages they have, what features will run, where they’ll be positioned and where adverts will be placed around them.

Once we’ve a relationship with a client we need to ensure their advertising always gets a good response to ensure that relationships lasts for years.

Known as a dummy, flat plan or thumbnails, every newspaper or magazine creates a map of the edition before beginning work.

Our flat plans always separate out our larger features and our homes, food, fashion and motors sections to ensure there’s a good mix of content in every edition.

Julian’s favourite quote is “Quality is never an accident, it’s always the result of intelligent effort”

As a magazine publisher I steer the ship. My staff in our advertising sales department are dedicated to making and maintaining really good relationships with our clients.

Our sales team last year increased our advertising sales by £250,000 - the best increase in our history - but that would mean nothing if we were complacent.

Instead, we value our customers and make sure their advertising works for them in order to ensure we’ve a great relationship with each other year after year. They work really hard for our advertisers, visiting them face to face, making sure our clients remain happy. >>

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Lincolnshire Pride’s

HISTORY

CELEBRATING 200 EDITIONS IN THE LIFE OF THE COUNTY’S FINEST MAGAZINE

Lincolnshire Pride was founded by our Publisher and Managing Director Julian Wilkinson (pictured below), who saw an opportunity to produce a quality magazine which concentrated on the present, rather than the past and one which offered the very best that the county can offer, in terms of its produce, its products and services.

Julian was born in Boston, Lincolnshire and has lived there all of his life.

He comes from a printing and graphic design background with over 33 years in the printing industry, 25 of those years as a self-employed publisher.

The ambitious entrepreneur works very closely alongside his editorial teams to ensure every edition of our magazine meets his exacting standards. He is also seen motivating and driving his sales teams to hit their targets as well as being a master of Excel, creating his spreadsheets, bar charts and projections (he’s not very often wrong with his planning and calculations!)

Under his direction Julian masterminded Lincolnshire Pride’s brand new look; he designed the new covers with unusual but eye-catching illustrations, a new custom paper size and the use of bond paper, as well as gloss paper to ensure all senses are ‘tickled.’ One of his phrases, when passing off the proofs for the magazine, is “If it can be 3mm out, it can be 3mm in.” It is this attention to detail which has helped Pride survive and indeed flourish in such a tough market. Julian also owns UKbride.co.uk, which is the number one wedding website in the UK. n

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“Creating a good advertisement is a real art. They’ve got to look great, but also work well commercially, conveying information accurately and representing a client’s brand...” >> 4. Creating our content...

Once the content of each of our editions has been finalised, our editorial teams set to work making appointments to see the people we want to interview, visiting clients and writing copy. Within this magazine alone are 30,000 words and 435 images!

5. Camera, action...

One of the most important elements of a magazine is its images. We’ve invested thousands of pounds in the latest Canon digital camera systems. Having taken our images, our digital darkroom systems allow us to retouch, adjust colours - and yes, airbrush people - using Photoshop when they request it too... with a few clicks of the mouse we can take years off someone! Last year, we also invested in a drone to allow us to take aerial photographs and video footage too. It’s enabled us to get some really unique shots of the county.

6. Making up our pages...

We use the latest version of a state-of-the-art desktop publishing package known as QuarkXPress to create our pages exactly as they appear in print. Our software not only gives us tremendous control over our text and photographs, but also enables us to check for any pre-press errors like problems with colours before we send the pages off to our printers.

7. Creating our advertising...

Of course, our editorials are only part of the story. We’ve a very busy artwork studio, headed up by Mandy Bray, which is responsible for co-ordinating the flow of advertisers’ copy, ensuring that nobody misses an edition and that all of our adverts appear correctly.

Creating a good advertisement is a real art.

They’ve got to look great, but also work well commercially, conveying information accurately and representing a client’s brand. The team created over 4,000 adverts last year! >> Above: Editor Tilly Wilkinson creating one of our features, on our Apple Macs. Right: Pyjamas and baking for Children in Need!

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200 PRIDE at

The First 12 Lincolnshire Pride Covers...

When we began to produce Lincolnshire Pride trends in design and page layout were rather different. Our early magazines were sold exclusively in shops, so ‘newsstand appeal’ meant punchy colours, plenty of callouts to advertise the content as well as local scenes and people. Things have changed a good deal since then, as you’ll see over the page where we compare our most recent covers from the past 12 months! >>

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- 200 EDITIONS OF LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE -

8. A pressing engagement...

Printing Money

A modern press hall is very The German-made presses impressive. Our magazines used to print our magazine cost around £1.3m, are printed on incredibly and are electronically sophisticated Heidelberg controlled throughout presses which operate at breakthe process... neck speed in a 24-hour operation.

Even so, it takes a week to print, collate, then finish and deliver the magazine.

Many copies are mailed out directly from our printers, including those delivered to the top three council tax banded properties across the whole of Lincolnshire, whilst others are sent directly to magazine wholesalers to be sent to over 500 independent newsagents, and to the regional distribution hubs of supermarkets like Waitrose and Tesco, or Marks & Spencer.

9. Ready for delivery...

Once our office copies are returned to us, our distribution manager Joe Proctor and his team are responsible for ensuring the magazines are delivered to advertisers who have requested boxes of magazines for their clients and to prestige motor dealerships, golf clubs, hotels, café’s and waiting rooms across the county.

10. And finally...

The best part of the whole process is knowing that at some point, tens of thousands of copies of Pride will drop through the letterbox of the county’s finest homes or purchased in a newsagent and supermarket. That means someone, somewhere will always be enjoying the magazine with their morning coffee or with a glass of wine in the evening! n 114

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...and our most recent cover images!

>> Fast forward to 2019 and our covers are a good deal simpler. We’ve exchanged traditional glossy paper for bond (‘matte’) paper for a more luxurious feel, we’ve added a white border to allow our cover artwork to breathe within its own frame and of course, we’ve minimised the number of teasers. Circulation by Royal Mail to homes of distinction means we no longer have to concentrate wholeheartedly on ‘newsstand appeal,’ so we enjoy greater freedom to choose the artwork we want and can deviate from a traditional looking cover with artwork rather than photographs of the county. n

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30,000

THANK YOUS We would like to thank all of our advertisers who have supported us over the past 200 editions by placing 30,000 adverts in our magazine. We dedicate the next 20 pages to 10 loyal advertisers who have been in Lincolnshire Pride magazine for many, many years, and some from the very beginning!

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THE PETWOOD HOTEL

Wedding Venue & Hotel

After winning ‘Best Loved Hotel in the East of England’ last year, the Petwood team is looking forward to the 2019 season with a host of exciting events. Director Emma Brealey has advertised the Petwood Hotel in Pride Magazines for nearly a decade...

For the team at the Petwood, 2018 was reminiscent of a glorious summer, a record number of guests and visitors, RAF100 and being fortunate to scoop several awards.

Emma Brealey

Commenting on the last 12 months, Director Emma Brealey said, “We are so thankful to our guests, visitors, neighbours and staff for their continued support of our family business. We are overjoyed to have received recognition of the team’s hard work through a wonderful array of awards and are humbled that our guests have voted for and supported us every step of the way.”

WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES

DIRECTOR

Afternoon tea remained ever popular and Lincolnshire Pride readers voted the Petwood the ‘Best Afternoon Tea in Lincolnshire.’

“Work on the Petwood Garden restoration project completed last year and culminated in winning a coveted landscaping BALI Award. Presented at a 300-strong event at Grosvenor House, London, the BALI award recognised the hard work of all involved in the restoration project from designers to landscape contractors and stone masons.”

“This year will see the addition of some new statues in the grounds, hand-carved by Nigel Sardeson of Sardeson Sculpture. Woodhall Spa friends might recognise Nigel’s handiwork from his sculptures along the Spa Trail. An RAF-themed statue has been commissioned for the Memorial Garden and looks to be a fitting tribute to the past as well as to those serving today.”

The gardens also serve as a great event venue and this year will see the return of outdoor cinema in May, the Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival from 13th to 14th July, a classic car show on 11th August, and garden theatre with Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s Cranford on 18th August.

The theatre entertainment continues into Autumn with the return of the popular Faulty Towers The Dining Experience from 17th to 19th October.

Tickets for the latter are available now from Reception on 01526 352411. Visit the website www.petwood.co.uk for more information.

“FOR THE TEAM AT PETWOOD, 2018 WAS REMINISCENT OF A GREAT SUMMER, A RECORD NUMBER OF GUESTS AND VISITORS, AND SCOOPING SEVERAL NOTABLE AWARDS...”

“We have been very proud supporters of Lincolnshire Pride since 2010 and love the great working relationship we have with all of the Pride team.”

“The quality of the Pride Magazine is the product of a focused and enormously professional team who, from editorial to advertising, understand their clients’ businesses and deliver an outstanding level of service.”

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GOLDING YOUNG & MAWER

Chartered Auctioneers & Valuers

We have been working with chartered auctioneers and valuers Golding Young & Mawer for many years. They’re the go-to people in the county for selling and buying anything from fine art to vintage toys. Managing Director Colin Young discusses his time advertising in our magazines...

Golding Young & Mawer are a family run Lincolnshire auction house. As a firm we have been serving the county since 1864.

Colin Young

Colin Young, our current Managing Director, first took the helm of Goldings saleroom in Grantham in 1994.

He then later went on to merge with Thos Mawer & Sons of Lincoln in 2010. In line with this merger, his daughter Kirsty began working for the firm as Lincoln Saleroom Manager.

As the firm progressed there was another later merger with Richardsons of Bourne in 2013.

As a firm of Chartered Auctioneers & Valuers, we serve Lincolnshire and the neighbouring counties, but sell to collectors worldwide through our own online bidding at Golding Young Live.

Whether you are looking for valuation or house clearance, we have a variety of services on offer to suit your needs.

With monthly sales at all of our salerooms, there is always plenty on offer throughout the county, ranging from specialist sales of Fine Art, Asian Art, Automobilia & Toys as well as our monthly Collective sales.

We also have a specialist professional services department who are available for a variety of formal written valuations, such as insurance and inheritance tax, all prepared to RICS Regulation standards of the ‘Red Book.’

THE CEO

WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES

Whether you are looking to sell or just need some advice feel free to give us a call. We offer a free auction appraisal service every Friday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm at our Lincoln, Grantham and Bourne salerooms and home visits can be arranged.

Please feel free to visit any of our offices to meet the team for free auction advice.

For more information, visit Golding Young & Mawer’s website www.goldingyoung.com.

Alternatively, call 01522 524984. Attend the next sale - the Lincoln Fine Art Sale - on 29th February on Station Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 3QY.

“AS A FIRM OF CHARTERED AUCTIONEERS AND VALUERS, WE SERVE LINCOLNSHIRE BUT SELL TO COLLECTORS WORLDWIDE THROUGH OUR ONLINE BIDDING PLATFORM...”

“Pride Magazines have enabled us to help reach our ever-expanding client base over the years,” says Colin Young Managing Director.

“With their assistance we have been able to reach target areas throughout the county.”

“We are Proud to advertise in such a strong county magazine that takes Pride of place on so many coffee tables throughout the region.

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JOHNSONS

Garden Centre

Johnsons Garden Centre is a one-stop shop for gardening with an enormous range of plants and tools, as well as a popular fine foods section and a section for decorating your home and buying gifts. As Pride launches its 200th edition, Johnsons are celebrating a new launch themselves...

At Johnsons, we like to think of our customers as our friends. We delight in supplying local gardeners with fantastic quality plants, tools, landscaping and everything they need to keep their gardens ‘blooming beautiful.’

Jocelyn Lawman

TESTIMONIAL

We all work hard to make Johnsons more than just a Garden Centre!

Our Fine Food Hall is well loved, with Hambletons Butchers, Pie Maker and Deli, freshly baked bread daily, local fruit and vegetables as well as a range of groceries from everyday essentials, to artisan, local and gourmet products. Last year we launched a fantastic new section that features a wide variety of wine, beer and spirits.

2018 also saw the launch of Garth’s coffee shop. It is dog friendly and ever since it opened, the coffee shop has proved to be very popular and complements our busy restaurant well.

We have a fabulous new card department and are currently undergoing a makeover as we look forward to launching new gift and kitchenware departments and lots more.

Our brand new summer shop will be launching in March with lots of exciting new products helping you to make the most of your garden in the warmer months.

We are proud to be the home of Boston Aquatics & Pets too, in addition to Tufts & Tangles Dog Grooming Salon, Studio 10

WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES Hair Salon, Klass Clothing, Seacroft Mobility & Murdoch Troon kitchen showroom and accessories.

We really are a one-stop shop for everything you need, and with so many new areas of the store opening up and big things planned, there’s always something new to see at Johnsons Garden Centre.

For more information, visit the website www.johnsonsofboston.co.uk or call the garden centre on 01205 363408. Alternatively, visit Wainfleet Road, Boston PE21 9RZ.

“The Pride team are honestly a joy to work with. The editorial team are creative with their ideas and supportive with ours!”

“They have really gone the extra mile for Johnsons again and again.”

“The magazine is really original and its always a great read every month.

We all particularly love the illustrated covers! We are always ‘proud’ to be in ‘Pride!’

“WE HAVE A BRAND NEW SUMMER SHOP OPENING IN MARCH WITH LOTS OF NEW PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN IN SUMMER...”

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LINCOLN MINSTER

Independent School

Lincoln Minster School has an outstanding reputation for Music. From Pre-Preparatory, where the foundations are enthusiastically laid for a lifelong love of music, through to Senior. We have worked with Lincoln Minster School for several years, this month they’re shouting about their Music offer...

Music is absolutely central to life at the school and the pupils are encouraged to participate through playing, composing or attending concerts and recitals; it is a key component of the school’s curriculum throughout all year groups.

A wide variety of musical activities, led by a range of experts, offers pupils a valuable experience and the chance to associate with musicians of differing ages and abilities.

The department runs a busy concert programme in esteemed venues, such as Lincoln Cathedral, Royal Northern College of Music and the Barbican Centre London, working closely with professional musicians and the community of Lincolnshire, such as Alexandra L’Estrange, RAF Waddington Military Wives Choir and RAF Auxiliary Wind Quintet. Current pupils will be performing at Scunthorpe Baths Hall in 2019 with Collabro, as part of the ‘Road to Albert Hall’ tour.

A dedicated body of peripatetic music teachers allows an extensive range of musical tuition to be available to pupils, with many tutors inviting interested parties to book in for a taster session to trial out different instruments.

Our Harper Building is dedicated to music and performance and includes individual practice rooms, classrooms, a fully-equipped Drama Studio and a purpose-built grand Recital Hall - the ideal venue for concerts, performances, rehearsals and workshops.

Mark Wallace

HEADMASTER WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES In an increasingly competitive Higher Education market and workplace, universities and employers are not only looking for impressive grades, but also subjects which demonstrate a pupil’s versatility and a greater breadth of skill and interest.

“It is an honour to be a part of Lincolnshire Pride magazine, whose modern thinking, high quality and proud history match those of Lincoln Minster School.”

For more information, call 01522 551300 or visit www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk.

“We have worked with the publication for a number of years and we will continue to do so.”

As a very varied subject area, teaching transferable skills such as self-discipline, time management and teamwork, Music is recognised both as a rigorous academic subject and as excellent preparation for many courses in Higher Education.

“OUR HARPER BUILDING IS DEDICATED TO MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE AND INCLUDES A FULLY-EQUIPPED DRAMA STUDIO, CLASSROOMS AND PURPOSE-BUILT RECITAL HALL...”

“It is a wonderful platform, allowing us to share our latest academic achievements and extensive co-curricular offer to an affluent local audience.”

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CHATTERTONS

Solicitors & Wealth Management

Lincolnshire legal staff at Chattertons Solicitors and Wealth Management have raised thousands of pounds in the last year for mental health charity, and plan on doing so for 2019 too. They’ve worked with Pride for over 10 years, as both companies have grown...

A gruelling charity walk, quiz nights and a sponsored fast were just some of the activities staff at Chattertons Solicitors & Wealth Management successfully completed in 2018 to raise more than £9,000 for mental health charity MIND. Memorable moments included 37 employees battling extremely wet and rainy conditions to complete 50 miles of the Viking Way to raise £2,089.95.

Other events included a World Cup sweep stake held in the offices, Chatterton’s very own version of BBC’s popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing, and of course bring a dog to work day raised plenty for charity and made many staff very happy to have their companion beside them.

“Every year the company votes and selects a charity that we will raise money for. Last year we chose MIND,” says Katherine Bunting, Partner and Head of Chattertons Charity Committee.

“We are hugely proud of our efforts and truly hope the money we worked hard to raise will help make a difference to many people’s lives.”

Staff are now busy planning a calendar of fundraising events for the RSPCA, which was chosen as the 2019 charity of the year following a staff vote.

Planned events so far include quiz nights and bowling nights. Later in the year staff

Edward Conway, THE CEO

WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES plan to take on the 33-mile Water Rail Way Challenge between Boston and Lincoln.

Charity work and supporting the local community is very important to Chattertons Solicitors and Wealth Management, and Edward Conway himself, CEO of the firm.

Chattertons are based in 9 locations across Lincolnshire with one office in London too.

Call the Boston office on 01205 351114, Lincoln on 01522 541181 and Sleaford’s on 01529 411500. Visit www.chattertons.com for more information on the other offices based in the county, for email addresses and for specific locations.

“WE ARE HUGELY PROUD OF OUR EFFORTS AND TRULY HOPE THE MONEY WE WORKED HARD TO RAISE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO MANY PEOPLES’ LIVES...”

“We are proud to be a part of Lincolnshire’s foremost county magazine Lincolnshire Pride for the last ten years.”

“As a company that has multiple offices across Lincolnshire, we are delighted that we have an outlet that is able to reach out to such a large amount of local households and businesses across the region.”

“We have certainly grown with Pride. Well done and congratulations on your 200th edition!”

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LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Here’s to an ‘Epic’ year and a Decade of amazing events

2019 marks a special year for the Lincolnshire Showground as the Epic Centre celebrates its 10 year milestone of hosting many of the County’s most loved events - and what a fantastic decade it has been!

The award-winning venue, which sits at the heart of the 270 acre Showground, will take centre stage for a line-up of outstanding events and exhibitions to showcase its anniversary.

The Epic Centre - one of the UK’s largest green purpose built conference centres officially opened its doors in 2009 following a £7m investment, helping to secure the future of the charity and opening a new world of opportunities for the Showground and the County.

Built to the highest environmental standards, the sustainable timber built building demonstrated the latest developments in energy efficiency, complete with a biomass boiler and a sedum roof for rain water harvesting.

Over the past 10 years the venue has played host to wedding shows, award ceremonies, music concerts, clothing sales, plus the much loved Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair and many more. It really has been a decade of amazing events that have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors each and every year.

The unique EPIC centre has transformed the way in which the Showground is used, with a growing programme of events and increased educational activity to support the charitable objectives of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society. It’s used week-in, week-out for a variety of events ranging from balls, proms and parties, through to weddings of 800+ guests, exhibitions and corporate events.

Jayne Southall THE CEO

WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES

To commemorate the special anniversary there will be a range of exclusive offers and an exciting calendar of brand new events, as 2019 marks a momentous year of celebrations. Happy birthday EPIC Centre – and a decade of amazing events!

To find out more about the Epic Centre’s 10th birthday and their anniversary offers for the year, please visit lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, contact the events team on 01522 522900 or events@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, or follow #EPIC10

“AS LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE CELEBRATES 200 EDITIONS, THE EPIC CENTRE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF THE FABULOUS EPIC CENTRE AND 150 YEARS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY...”

“It has been a great pleasure to work with Lincolnshire Pride over the years and thank you for your continued support to the Lincolnshire Showground.”

“The magazine is beautifully produced and a fantastic platform for the county.

We have had the opportunity to share so many of our fantastic events and achievements and we look forward to sharing many more.”

“We wish you many more years of success and celebrations.”

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LARKFLEET HOMES

Property Developments

Local builders Larkfleet Homes and Allison Homes have developments across Pride’s publishing area with a wide variety of housing sizes and styles. They aim to meet the needs of everyone from first-time buyers to those nearing or past retirement...

Builders Allison Homes and Larkfleet Homes between them have nearly 20 developments either currently ‘live’ or ‘coming soon’ in the East of England and East Midlands. Their range of new homes runs from single bedroom bungalows to five-bedroom ‘executive houses.’

Karl Hick THE CEO

The developments mostly consist of just a few homes sited in villages or market towns.

They offer home buyers the unique blend of urban and rural living which is possible with this type of location - reasonably priced, good-sized homes, close to amenities such as shops and good schools, within vibrant local communities.

Each individual development also aims to meet a local housing need. So, while each has a wide range of houses on offer, the actual mix of property styles varies widely according to the location.

This enables the builders to innovate in a variety of ways. For example, some developments include bungalows with up to four bedrooms designed with families and first time buyers in mind.

Psychologists tell us that communication and family life benefit from everyone living on the same level.

Larkfleet Homes also offers homes aimed specially at an older generation. Its development at The Croft in Baston - between the town of Bourne and the city of Peterborough - consists entirely of bungalows.

WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES

They are sold exclusively to the over-55s, whether retired or still working, who want the independence of owning their own homes combined with the benefits of being part of a community.

Both Larkfleet Homes and Allison Homes are members of The Larkfleet Group of Companies. Wherever they operate, and with all types of home, they aim to build not just houses but a reputation for innovative design, high quality and customer service.

For more information, call 01778 391550 or visit www.larkfleetgroup.co.uk or go to Larkfleet House, Falcon Way, Bourne PE10 0FF.

“WHEREVER THEY OPERATE AND WITH ALL TYPES OF HOME, THE GROUP AIMS TO BUILD NOT JUST HOUSES BUT A REPUTATION FOR DESIGN, QUALITY AND SERVICE...”

“Like Larkfleet, Pride Magazines are simply part of the local community.”

“We have been delighted to work with them over the years to promote our new homes across the region.”

“Both organisations are committed to meeting the needs of our customers, whether that be house buyers, readers or advertisers.”

“That has enabled both of us to celebrate recently we’ve been going for 20 years and Pride for 200 issues.”

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OLDRIDS & DOWNTOWN

Department Store

Serving the Lincolnshire community and visitors far and wide for over 200 years, Oldrids & Downtown offers a vast range of products and services across their five stores in the county. They have advertised with Pride for years and we wish them every success...

With well-loved brands ranging from Barbour to Benefit Cosmetics, Joules to Jellycat and Molton Brown to Mastercraft, the family owned independent retailer is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for all.

Winning the prestigious Midlands Family Business Award’s People’s Choice 2018, Oldrids & Downtown are proud to represent the people in Lincolnshire.

As you step into their stores, situated in Grantham, Boston and Scunthorpe, whilst receiving exceptional customer service from over 700 employees, visitors are welcomed into visual displays that continue to please year on year.

Expert product knowledge combined with enthusiastic personnel, the WorldHost accredited retailer looks forward to attracting more and more visitors in 2019.

The ‘Love Oldrids & Downtown’ campaign, introduced last summer, not only intends to reengage the people of Lincolnshire by appreciating their favourite independent department store, but it also seeks to really recognise and cherish the county itself, and put Lincolnshire on the map.

The year of 1804 saw the beginning of Oldrids & Downtown’s retail dynasty and now two centuries later, the two department stores, two superstores and the garden centre present opportunity and choice for thriving Lincolnshire.

Richard Broadhead

MANAGING DIRECTOR WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES

From supporting local charities, creating partnerships with local sports teams and embracing locally sourced products, Oldrids & Downtown’s future in contributing towards the wider Lincolnshire area looks to be bright and prosperous.

For more information about Oldrids & Downtown, call 01205 361251 or visit the website www.oldrids.co.uk. Visit the Grantham store at Gonerby Junction, A1 NG32 2AB, the Boston store on Wyberton Chain Bridge, Lincolnshire PE21 7NL or on Boston’s main high street or Scunthorpe’s store in The Foundry, 28-32 Southgate DN15 6SU.

“THEIR STORES IN BOSTON, SCUNTHORPE AND GRANTHAM OFFER EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM OVER 700 EMPLOYEES AND A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS...”

“Working with the team at Lincolnshire Pride has been a pleasure to say the least.”

“We have been publishing with the magazine for uncountable years now and it brings us much joy to be celebrating their 200th edition.”

“The team are fantastic examples of delivering fresh and exciting campaigns whilst understanding the Oldrids & Downtown brand story.”

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LIVE PROMOTIONS

Events & Entertainment

Live Promotions is an entertainment company bringing incredible acts to historic venues in Lincolnshire. Some of their performers include stars such as UB40, Brian Ferry, Jools Holland and this year, they bring Billy Ocean to Burghley House...

Live Promotions Events Ltd have been promoting heritage concerts in Lincolnshire now for over ten years. The company’s concerts venues include the historic Lincoln Castle and Burghley House.

Acts who have been featured include UB40, Tony Hadley, Nick Kershaw, Brian Ferry, Bananarama, Heather Small, Status Quo and Jools Holland to name but a few.

This year Burghley House will feature Billy Ocean and Heather Small on 8th June and Lincoln Castle will feature The Magic of Motown Under the Stars on 6th July.

“Both venues are steeped in history but more importantly, they have such a fabulous atmosphere,” said Managing Director Colin Ward. “At Burghley House we have the spectacular view of the house all lit up behind our stage, and at Lincoln Castle we have the splendour of the castle walls and of course the Cathedral. Both venues now feel like home.”

Last Summer saw ‘Magic of Motown - Under the Stars’ wow a 5000-strong crowd at Rochester Castle and similar numbers were left dancing in the aisles at Chepstow Castle, Leeds Millennium Square and London’s O2.

Now seen by over a million people, it’s no surprise that The Magic of Motown is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. So what better way to experience a night of pure entertainment than in some of the most beautiful outdoor venues that the UK has to offer.

Colin Ward THE MD

WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES

The timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Jackson 5 and more, are sensationally recreated for you by the cast and band. The Magic of Motown is on Saturday 6th July 2019 at Lincoln Castle!

Burghley plays host to the wonderful Billy Ocean too. After scoring his first UK Top 20 successes, he went on to accumulate a series of other successes, including three US number ones.

Joining Billy on this concert will be the Voice of ‘M People’ Heather Small. Heather enjoyed hits like One Night in Heaven and Search for the Hero.

For more information on this event and others hosted by Live Promotions, please call 01775 768661 or visit the event website www.livepromotionsconcerts.co.uk.

“LIVE PROMOTIONS MANY CONCERTS INCLUDE LINCOLN CASTLE AND BURGHLEY HOUSE OUTDOOR SHOWS WITH STARS LIKE BILLY OCEAN...”

“As we are operating in Lincolnshire and The East Anglia region, it's important that we advertise our events in publications that reach our intended audience, but also quality magazines that share the same values as ourselves and the Pride certainly does that.”

“It’s been great working with them over the years and we congratulate them on reaching this very special anniversary.”

We hope to work with them for many more!”

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LJ FAIRBURN & SONS

Free Range Eggs

With 80 units across 17 farms, L J Fairburn and Son Limited may have grown into an enterprise which can now boast at being one of the largest egg producers in the UK. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the commitment to family values and loyalty...

Shoppers can now buy LJ Fairburn & Son’s award-winning British Blue Eggs at 11 Lincolnshire Co-op stores and, for every pack sold, a donation will be made to the new Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park.

The delicious pastel blue eggs, with a vibrant golden yolk, are laid by free range hens fed a bespoke natural diet, containing extracts from brightly coloured flowers, on Fairburn’s Lincolnshire farms.

Judges at the prestigious Great Taste Awards described the British Blue as a ‘perfect egg’ when the range won a sought-after two-star award.

Customers at 11 Lincolnshire Co-op stores can buy the eggs and for every pack of six eggs sold 1p will be donated to Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park.

Around eight kilometres of coastline and 35 square kilometres inland between Sandilands and Chapel St Leonards form part of the new park which aims to provide high quality facilities for local communities and visitors, and improvements for wildlife whilst contributing to a healthy local economy.

“We are really proud as every part of this project has local Lincolnshire roots,” says Sarah Louise Fairburn, Brand and Sales Director for LJ Fairburn.

“Our British Blue hen was developed, hatched and reared in the county, and to have these unique eggs stocked in such a well-respected

Sarah Louise Fairburn

SALES DIRECTOR WORKING WITH PRIDE MAGAZINES

local retailer, whilst raising funds to help a major project aiming to boost tourism and the economy in Lincolnshire, is wonderful.”

Passionate about their hens and the eggs they kindly produce, Fairburns is a young, progressive family business. They are the third generation of Fairburns to produce eggs.

“We are in control of everything we put in and every egg we send out, ensuring the finest quality and the freshest egg.”

For more information on Fairburns Eggs, please visit www.fairburnseggs.co.uk or call 01507 462264. Alternatively, go to Ivy House, Farlesthorpe Road, Alford LN13 9PL.

“WE ARE IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING WE PUT IN AND EVERY EGG WE SEND OUT, ENSURING THE FINEST QUALITY AND THE FRESHEST EGG POSSIBLE...”

“Congratulations to everyone at Lincolnshire Pride on reaching your 200th edition.”

“As regular readers, the Fairburn team loves the content and quality of the magazine as much as we love working with the professional and helpful team at Lincolnshire Pride.”

“Huge congrats and here’s to the next 200 editions!”

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Win a £25,000 dream wedding Browse through 14,000 wedding dresses Free wedding planning tools like our table planner Claim a free engagement photoshoot Win monthly wedding related prizes Talk to like-minded brides in your area for support

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WEDDING THEMES

INSPIRATION FOR A

GOLD-BLUSH

WEDDING Combine the luxury of iridescent gold with the warmth and femininity of blush pink. Create your theme with our hints...

Warm up your white wedding with the twin hues of soft gold and blush pink. The two shades go hand-in hand and are easy to work with. Warm up the appearance of your bridesmaids with Essence of Australia’s glittery gold bridesmaids’ gowns and add a sparkle to their outfit or your own with sparkly shoes from brands like Paradox or Jimmy Choo.

Invitations are another ideal way to incorporate gold in your wedding theme. Don’t try to DIY your own invitations as your domestic printer won’t be able to recreate a gold colour faithfully.

Instead, opt for a commercial supplier and use gold stock of paper or foil embossing to create a realistic looking gold.

Gold leafed cakes and gold candles will look good against your wedding breakfast tables, as will pearl and gold accessories around your crockery, especially if your caterer is just using white china.

It’s tricky to utilise gold in your flowers without combining with another colour. Especially for spring and summer weddings, combine with light pink ad incorporate that shade as well. n

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WEDDINGS

Contemporary Country Elegance

Local photographer, Rachael Connerton, has combined forces with Natalie Hewitt, wedding planner, and other local wedding suppliers to create a styled wedding shoot that combines country elegance with a contemporary twist...

Images: Rachael Connerton, 01664 822342, www.rachaelconnertonphotography.co.uk.

Rachael Connerton, local photographer, and Natalie Hewitt, Weddings and Events Planner, have teamed up with other local suppliers to present a stunning styled wedding shoot at Belvoir Castle for brides in the area looking for inspiration and ideas.

“We’ve been fortunate to shoot a number of weddings at beautiful Belvoir Castle and, having found an image of an architectural, feather-themed bouquet, we were inspired to design something unique,” says Rachael.

“We aimed to create a shoot which paid homage to the grandeur of the Castle, and also reflected the rich history of country pursuits. Usually, the two have a clear divide and attract very different types of couples, but we wanted to achieve a look that appealed to both and would attract the modern, stylish bride looking for sophistication and elegance, with a fresh twist.”

“We also aimed to create a sophisticated, light and bright shoot which showcased country tweed in a completely new way.

Keeping many elements of the styling elegantly simple allowed us to create a look which would work at any time of year and didn’t restrict us just to an autumnal feel (often the first assumption with tweed).”

“The castle provided the lavish backdrop and the opulent table settings added a touch

Wedding Suppliers Photography: Rachael Connerton.

Styling/Planning: Natalie Hewitt.

Venue: Belvoir Castle.

Bridalwear: Joanna Leigh.

Florist: Floraldeco.

Hair/Makeup: Jenn Edwards & Co. Bridesmaids Dresses: Ghost.

Models: Blake Models.

Cake: Couture Cakes.

Stationery: Rose Press.

Linen Table Runner: Mad Philomena.

Accessories: Waring Brooke.

Furniture: Rosetone.

Glasswear: Whitehouse.

of elegance to the styling,” says stylist Natalie Hewitt. “The subtle use of pheasant feathers throughout provided a reference to the surrounding rural countryside.”

“Creating dramatic floral arrangements for the ceremony and dining set up oozed sophistication but the asymmetrical construction of the flowers brought the opulence into the modern era.’

The colour palette comprised romantic, faded hues of apricots, blush, lilacs and soft grey tones. The colours were inspired by the warm stone of Belvoir, and the subtle colour palette of the Castle’s elegant interiors.

“The dramatic floral installation was designed to create a stylish, opulent focal area for the Grand Ballroom,” says Rebecca at Floraldeco.

“The main bouquet contained the same blooms interspersed with an abundance of feathers (to mirror the striking architecture of the Castle’s turrets) and this married together beautifully with the tweed bodice and antique-inspired skirts of the couture wedding gowns.”

The four-tiered statement ‘floral skirt’ cake mirrored the same beautiful flowers as used in the dramatic installation and, by positioning on an elegant perspex plinth, was designed to create the illusion of it ‘floating.’

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- WEDDINGS -

“Belvoir Castle’s various tapestries influenced our subtle French embroidered lacework on the waist, framing the hemline...”

“A glance into history offered immediate inspiration for the ‘Belvoir-inspired’ tweed gown,” says Joanna from Joanna Leigh Couture. “The unique design pays tribute to aristocratic traditions and also to the likes of Coco Chanel for reinventing tweed for feminine and softly sculptured tailoring.”

“Belvoir’s Louis XlV tapestries influenced our subtle French embroidered lacework on the waist, framing the hemline of the gown delicately adorned with hand stitched Swarovski crystals and pearls to add weight and lustre.”

As you can see from the shoot, all of these elements and suppliers combined have produced something really beautiful. Visit each suppliers’ websites for more information.

Images: Rachael Connerton, 01664 822342, www.rachaelconnertonphotography.co.uk.

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LIFE IN TECHNICOLOUR

TECHNICOLOUR FASHION BRAND BODEN HAS JUST RELEASED THEIR LATEST COLLECTION AND IT’S FULL OF BRIGHT COLOURS, BEAUTIFUL STYLES AND STRIKING OUTFITS FROM TROUSERS TO TOPS...

Main: Vintage swing coat in Happy Yellow.

Also comes in Garden Rose Pink, £198.

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Opposite: Hambledon trousers in navy, £80, Adrianna court shoes varying in colours, featured in mini spot, £130 and Maria Relaxed shirt £70.

Main: Lottie Midi Dress, £130.

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Main: Maria Relaxed shirt £70, Edie cardigan £98, Hambledon trousers in Happy yellow £80.

Opposite: The Jessie jumpsuit in classic khaki £120 and Henrietta courts in Poinsettia £120.

For more products, see www.boden.co.uk.

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Opposite: Hadley jumper £80, Brooke embroidered skirt £85 and Elsworth heeled boots £140. Main: Sarah Ottoman top £55, Richmond trousers £65 and Henrietta flats £80.

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BEAUTY

SPRING FRESH SKINCARE

HEAD INTO SPRING WITH A FRESH AND HEALTHY LOOK WITH THESE NEW BEAUTY PRODUCTS. ALL ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A SUBTLE BLUSH OF COLOUR AS SPRING UNVEILS ITS OWN PALETTE...

1. Bronze & Glow Delilah’s Bronze & Glow collection is a new collection from a really up and coming brand that will put the colour back into your cheeks this spring. It’s halo product is this Sunset matte bronzer palette, available in light or medium dark. Its ultralight, silky texture blends perfectly over the skin while soft focus pigments help to veil imperfections, leaving a beautiful, even complexion, whilst Vitamin E helps protect the skin and Jojoba oil aids hydration. £34/11g.

2. Soft, Smooth Skin

Coveted for its luxurious texture and luminous finish, NARS’s new Radiant Creamy Concealer evens skin with lightweight medium to high buildable coverage. It creates a softer, smoother complexion, instantly obscuring imperfections and diminishing fine lines. £24/6ml.

3. Spring Lip Service

Whilst some matte lipsticks can feel too heavy, we’ve found a wonderful example from Charlotte Tilbury that’s worth its purchase price. Create the illusion of fuller, wider lips, with 11 shades available including our favourite, shown here, Pillow Talk. £24/3.5g

4. A Fresh Look

FreshFace Instant Glow Luminizer Sunset is a lightweight luminiser improves the appearance of skin, leaving it silky, supple, and smooth. Use it to highlight areas such as cheekbones, cleavages, and brow-bones as they play off light. £26.50/30ml.

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5. ESSENTIAL NAIL COLOUR

An essential part of your beauty regime is immaculate nails, and Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire nail colour is one of the best nail colours we’ve encountered.

Uniquely, it’s scented with a floral fruity fragrance, rather than the usual chemical-smell.

It also provides an ultra-shiny finish thanks to new plasticisers and improve pigments.

Shown here is Pink Ballerinas shade. £18/8.8ml.

6. Fresh Spring Cologne Jo Malone’s new fragrance collection includes this woody scent evokes a fresh emergence of lighter evenings and the first signs of spring.

Vibrant juniper and fresh grapefruit are offset with sultry leather and base notes of vetiver. An ideal scent for those looking forward to the fresher months. £75/50ml; £120/100ml.

n All our beauty products are available from local high quality independent stockists unless otherwise stated, prices are RRP. Visit each makeup brand’s website for more information on local stockists.

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Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979

WOOW and Face a Face ladies glasses - range of colours in stock now.

43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS Tel: 01652 653595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk

Call for an appointment or pop in to view our latest designer eyewear.

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AWAITS Your Next Adventure

Clare Lockett at Travel Counsellors can advise you on your next adventure. She has suggested four adventures for our readers to enjoy the finer things in life, from the African planes to Asian jungles. Get out and explore the world with help from your personal travel expert...

Above: The Galápagos Islands are home to an abundance of wildlife Top/Right: Clare recommends you travel on the Belmond Andean Explore. Centre/Right: See gorillas in Ugandan rainforests.

Right: Sail Asia on a mighty Tall Ship that looks like it has been plucked straight out of a film.

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Intrepid adventures and the finer things in life

may not go hand in hand but you don’t have to forego sumptuous sheets and gourmet cuisine to explore these days! Discover incredible destinations with more than a little luxury…

Peru on the Belmond Andean Explorer

Imagine a journey that combines the charm of opulent train travel from decades gone by with the dazzling landscape of South America.

Welcome aboard the new Belmond Andean Explorer. With space for 48 passengers, South America’s first luxury sleeper train offers one and two night itineraries in Peru. You’ll be nestled amongst Peruvian textiles, modern comforts and the exquisite luxury you’d expect from a Belmond train. Your adventure will take you to Cusco, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and more.

Uganda to see mountain gorillas

What could be more adventurous than searching for one of the animal kingdom’s

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL

COUNSELLORS

PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE WITH PERSONAL TRAVEL EXPERTS

Clare Lockett

Your Personal Travel Counsellor

most incredible creatures? Head to the brilliant green rainforests in Uganda to spot endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. You’ll find beautiful lodges and luxury tented camps here.

“Words cannot describe what it feels like to sit in the presence of such powerful yet gentle animals and how you feel when they look at you, or in my case, try to nab your camera.

This experience should be on everyone’s list.”

Asia on a tall ship

Travelling across the seven seas always sounds more adventurous than soaring through the air, and if you’re picturing a wooden vessel cutting through the waves, sails billowing, it’s time to step aboard a tall ship! With mahogany panels, dining rooms, swimming pools, libraries, and modern luxuries, you’ll find luxury amid these tall ships that evoke years gone by.

While the tall ships travel far and wide, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, there’s

something special about exploring the glorious blue waters and islands of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Galápagos Islands

The mystery of the Galápagos Islands and the wonders to be found here are part of their charms. Added to this charm, is the task of getting there, nestled in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. One of the best ways to explore the Galápagos Islands is by boat.

There are different types of ships to choose from, but you’ll find luxurious vessels complete with balconies, gourmet cuisine and cocktails while you watch the sun set. What adventures will you find in the Galápagos Islands?

“In the central highlands amongst the trees and green vegetation find giant tortoises. Lava rock formations are home to rare birds. Stroll beaches amongst seal colonies and swim amongst untouched coral reefs, shoals of tropical fish, manta rays and baby sharks.”

“I’ve been in the travel industry for 25 years in various roles ranging from retail to tour operation reservations, managing a 24 hour emergency duty office and customer relations.

I’ve been lucky to travel to and explore many countries over the years. This wealth of experience and great contacts within the travel industry has helped me build a fantastic business.”

“Whether you’re looking for a quick city break, a relaxing beach holiday, or an adventure to explore local culture, a wedding aboard, sports packages or group and business travel you can rest assured I have it covered.” n Visit Clare’s website www.travelcounsellors.com/ clare.lockett or her Facebook page www.facebook.com/ ClareLockettTC/ for more info or call her team on 01778 338530.

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WILKIN CHAPMAN LLP SOLICITORS

legal team in horncastle expands

A whole range of legal advice and service that’s second to none: introducing Wilkin Chapman’s busy team in Horncastle.

A legal team that combines local knowledge and experience with some of the most talented law professionals in the region has expanded its work in Lincolnshire.

Wilkin Chapman solicitors, which currently sits at 106 in the UK’s Top 200 law firms, has bolstered expertise in its Horncastle office, which serves the Wolds area - working closely with colleagues in Louth and Alford, alongside those in Lincoln and the firm’s Grimsby headquarters.

In Horncastle, the team now numbers 17 in full and part-time roles - with a further 17 employed in Alford, 21 in Louth and 94 members of staff in Lincoln. In total the Wilkin Chapman workforce across the Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire regions is almost 400, with 46 partners.

Partner and Head of the Wolds’ team is Claire Parker. A well-known professional,

Claire has a deep knowledge of Lincolnshire along with the challenges and opportunities that the county presents.

A specialist in property law, Claire also heads up the firm’s moving home residential property department, along with advising clients on all aspects of commercial property. Committed to the county, she is a trustee and secretary for Age UK Lindsey.

Claire has seen her Horncastle team grow recently, to include Katherine Marshall (dispute resolution), Faye Bentley (family), and Lucy Butterfint (probate/private client), who join Property Executive Alan Duckworth as well as Chartered Legal Executive Louise Gregory.

“The expertise and experience we have in a relatively small market town such as Horncastle really is second-to-none. I am delighted with our team here,” said Claire.

With an aging district population, Lucy Butterfint’s introduction has been vital, working in all areas of Wills, estates, tax, trusts, succession planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

A fully qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Lucy is also a member of Solicitors for the Elderly, whose members demonstrate expertise in elderly client issues.

Faye Bentley’s experience in family law allows the team to develop a broad spectrum of work in what can often be complex divorce and separation cases.

Meanwhile it has been a busy start for dispute resolution expert Katherine Marshall, who deals with a range of work from smaller estates to more valuable and complex estates involving multi-party disputes and professional negligence. n

From left to right: Claire Parker, Katherine Marshall, Faye Bentley and Lucy Butterfint.

For information on how Wilkin Chapman can help you contact Claire Parker on 01507 527521, email claire.parker@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk 163

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Women lead the search for new homes WOMEN LEADING THE SEARCH FOR NEW HOMES SAYS DEVELOPER LARKFLEET

LINCOLNSHIRE Research carried out by housebuilder Larkfleet Homes and a number of media partners has revealed that, when it comes to finding a new family home, if there is one person ‘in charge’ it is women who take the lead.

A survey found that in the majority of households there is shared responsibility for the search for a new home, with even the children playing a role in some cases. In almost 70 per cent of households there is no clear leader in the property search.

However, where there is one individual leading the search it is likely to be a woman. This is the case in more than 30 per cent of households. In only a very small number of mixed gender households is it a man taking the lead.

The research also identified a strong role for extended families in both searching and

decision-making by first-time buyers with parents (in particular) being heavily involved.

Larkfleet CEO Karl Hick said: “It is important that we understand our customers,

“Adopt don’t buy,” says pet charity Wood Green...

WOOD GREEN CENTRE HAS PLENTY OF PETS LOOKING FOR A ‘FOREVER HOME’

what they are looking for in a new home – and who is doing the looking.”

“As with any business, our success comes from meeting the needs of our customers.”

“And the first step is to find out what those needs are.” n Larkfleet Homes has developments in 10 locations including Boston, Pinchbeck and Nettleham. For details see www.larkfleethomes.co.uk.

STAMFORD & BOURNE Wood Green The Animals Charity, has a dedicated service to help pet owners or people who are considering having a pet in the future with any questions they may have about owning a pet from general advice to behaviour tips or health and wellbeing advice.

and their pets to live in harmony and get the best out of life. If you are interested in taking home one of their pets, Wood Green take the time to carefully match every pet looking for a new home with the personalities and lifestyles of owners.

Life can also be unpredictable and if pet owners are no longer able to care for a pet, Wood Green Animal Charity can guide you through that process too.

Wood Green’s dedicated teams are there to listen and give you all the help and advice you need. From coping with a new puppy to advice about preparing a pet if you are about to move home, their experts continuously help pet owners 164

n Visit woodgreen.org.uk or to contact Wood Green’s pet advisors call 0300 303 9333 ext. 1281 or email pet.support@woodgreen.org.uk.

HOLBEACH’S BOOST FOR FOOD FIRMS

Blow for town as M&S mulls Boston exit...

Residents in Boston have reacted with sadness to the news that the town could lose its multinational clothing and food retailer Marks and Spencer.

The firm announced recently that alongside 16 other stores, the Boston branch could be closed down with the loss of 49 jobs. The retailer struggled over the festive period with like-for-like clothing and home sales dropping 2.4%.

The chain announced in 2018 that it would close 100 stores by 2022. n BOSTON

HOLBEACH The development of the Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone has received another significant boost, with the announcement of around £50,000 government investment to help enable manufacturing growth on the site.

The funding, is part of £500,000 invested in the space, food and drink and advanced manufacturing sector across several new enterprise zones in the East Midlands.

This follows the news that South Holland District Council has approved an order giving a range of planning freedoms for the 17-hectare site, where the University of Lincoln has already been granted permission to build a Centre of Excellence in Agri-Food. The news was welcomed by Nick Worth who said: “This is an ideal start to 2019 making Holbeach an even more attractive prospect for any food businesses.” n

Oldrids & Downtown reports exceptionally strong trading

GREAT SERVICE, GREAT VALUE AND QUALITY PRODUCTS MEAN LOTS OF HAPPY CUSTOMERS

BOSTON & GRANTHAM Challenging trading conditions nationally haven’t affected Lincolnshire retailer Oldrids which reported a rise of 10% from its winter sales over the season, on top of a 24% increase the year before.

Richard Broadhead, MD, congratulated his team and said “In fact, we are once again market-leading on some key branded lines. It’s great to have had such a strong start to the sale and I’d like to thank our customers for their continued loyalty and for shopping with us.” The retailer has 250,000 product lines, 700 employees and 500,000sq ft of retail space. n

£8,000,000

Growing business

IN LINCOLN work is on track to complete St Modwen’s Network 46. The site will comprise 30,000sq ft and 60,000sq ft units and will be completed by the end of March. The £8m project is anticipated to create 150 jobs and will cater for modern businesses as part of a 70acre business park enjoy proximity to the A1. See www.bankslong.com for more information. n

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business

news

in brief TEALBY

safe, reliable tree services...

Have confidence in contacting professionally qualified tree specialists, Lincolnshire Tree Services Ltd, for all your tree surgery, felling and tree reports.

As tree surgeons rooted in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we are experienced in quality, sensitive domestic and commercial tree surgery.

Based at Bully Hill Top, Tealby, the company is run by directors James Kendall, Ben Redford, Amy Prentice and Simon Friend. It’s NPTC qualified staff, and certified in Professional Tree Inspection and Tree Risk Assessment, with £10m public liability insurance and great experience in arboriculture, site clearance, stump-grinding and hedge cutting.

A Council approved contractor providing a friendly and efficient service. n Call 01673 838901 or see www.lincolnshire treeservices.co.uk.

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VACANCY

WWW.UKBRIDE.CO.UK

EXPERIENCED SALES REPRESENTATIVE Basic Salary: £40,000 - OTE £70,000 Location: Between Boston and Sleaford in Lincolnshire

Hours: Full Time, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. Part Time may be considered.

Salary Basic salary up to £40,000 plus bonus and commission. Basic salary is based on your experience in telesales. Over 10 years of experience in telesales, selling media or data would be a basic of £40,000. You can then earn commission and bonus in addition. On target earnings £70,000.

Facts and figures UKbride has over 785,000 members, 180,000 Facebook Fans and over 120,000 brides-to-be plan their wedding each year with UKbride. UKbride is Facebook for Brides and the number one wedding website in the UK. We achieve on average six bookings per venue per year.

The Role In line with our current success, we are currently looking for a Sales Representative to sell over the telephone to Wedding Venues and Wedding Businesses across the UK. Full training is given, however experience in telephone sales is essential.

Working in beautiful converted barns based at East Heckington, near Boston and Sleaford, you will give an online telephone presentation to marketing managers at wedding venues and wedding businesses across the UK. You will be selling the features and benefits of advertising through our website www.ukbride.co.uk.

Duties Include: • Booking online meetings with new customers • Build rapport with the clients, find out how the relationship is benefiting the customer and what we could do more to add to value • Identify any needs that the customer may have The Ideal Candidate: • You must be confident • Have excellent communication skills • Be enthusiastic and must have a will to win • You must be hard working and self motivated

UK

bride

Benefits: • Five weeks holiday per year plus bank holidays (32 days).

• No weekend work, no early starts or late finishes.

• Staff are looked after very well, in terms of morale, training and especially salary and commission.

• Bonuses, days off and even prizes.

All that is asked is that you put your full effort in when you are at work. Part time to help mothers with children at school for example is considered, but full time preferred.

To Apply If you’re the ideal candidate then send in your CV today to jobs@ukbride.co.uk with a cover letter.

More info www.ukbride.co.uk/mediapack

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PR

ID

E MA GA Z I N

ES

this month: a SPeCIaL RouNduP of SoCIety eveNtS fRom PRIde’S aRChIveS!

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

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It’s one of the most enjoyable aspect of our job. At the weekend you’ll usually find our photographers covering a black tie event or charity ball to take images for our High Life pages.

This month we review a few of our most recent events and find out about the secret life of a social photographer!

“It’s great fun!” that the verdict of Lincolnshire Pride’s Executive Editor Rob Davis on 200 editions spent working as one of the our society photographers.

for’ and as soon as we let them know which magazine we’re from they make a sort of ‘oooh!’ noise and can’t wait to pose, which is really rewarding!”

“I love getting to an event early; there’s a sort of calm before the storm, and when people begin arriving there’s always a frisson of excitement. People are sometimes reluctant to have their photos taken, but ask ‘what’s it

n Over the next few pages, we’ve recalled a few of our favourite images from our past editions’ archives...

“You’ll be amazed how many people appear at successive events, and you get the know them, have a joke with them,” says Rob.

Miss England Semi Final

“Pet hates? Crowded bar areas where there’s too little elbow-room to work, and perhaps photobombers, but it’s all part of the fun.

I’ve met some really lovely people, I’m always really impressed by how smart people look and above all I really do love the banter when I’m out taking photos!”

Chattertons McKinnells Open Evening Lincolnshire Show

DoubleTree Electric Ball

Eden Hall Valentine Ball

Lincolnshire Rural Charities’ Dinner

Aled Jones at Lincoln Cathedral

MacMillan Ball

St George’s Day... at The George

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Aegis Discover Ball

The Georgian Festival

Bomber Command Turf Cutting Ceremony

Thomas Bells Fashion Show

HRH Princess Royal opens the Gelder Education Centre

Copt Hill School Dance Area 28 Ladies Handover Dinner

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Blankney Hunt Ball

The Electric Bar’s Second Birthday Mercedes-Benz C-Class Launch

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Macmillan Race Night

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Farmers Ball

The Ram Reopens Business Angels

Jane Means Book Signing

Highland Fling in Grimsby Burton Hunt Ball

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The New Inn, Great Limber

Macmillan Masquerade Ball

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

The Orthopaedic Ball

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The Orthopaedic Ball

The Sparkledust Ball

Burns Night Supper

Blankney Hunt Ball

HRH Princess Royal at Boston Stump

The Inner Wheel Club of Bailgate

The Masked Ball

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Chatterton Charity F1 Night

LIVES Charity Ball

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Heart Foundation Ball

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The Lincolnshire Show

The Farmers Ball Help for Heroes Charity Ball

The Blankney Hunt Ball

Spalding’s JDRF Ball

Readyfield Bloodhounds Hunt Ball

Garden Party at Farndon Boathouse

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Boston West Hospital 10th Anniversary Cruise

The Burton Hunt Ball

Rural Charities Dinner

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Boston Rotary Club

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The Orthopaedic Ball

The MND Ball

Bollywood in Lincoln

The Farmer’s Ball

The Snowflake Ball

Soroptimist’s Luncheon

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Ladies Day at Boston West

Chattertons Celebrates

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

The JDRF Ball

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Garden Party

Help for Heroes

Lincolnshire Chamber Charity Banquet

Spilsby Young Farmers Ball

The Valentine’s Ball, Caythorpe

The Lincolnshire Show

Garden Party with Live Music

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Electric Ball in Lincoln

The Soroptimist Ball

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Breast Cancer Care

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The Starlight Ball

Market Rasen Ladies Day The Soroptimist Ball

JDRF Ball

The Blankney Hunt Ball

The HalleĚ Orchestra at Lincoln Cathedral

The Masquerade Ball

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The Purple Polio Ball

End of Summer Ball

The Masonic Lodge’s Ladies Festival

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Butterfly Hospice Trust Ball

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Lincolnshire Young Farmers

The Winter Ball

Farmers & Friends Ball

The Blankney Hunt Ball

The FEAL Winter Ball

Beaumond House’s Winter Ball

Boston Orthapaedic Ball

JDRF Ball

Lincolnshire Tea Official Launch

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

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The Star Ball

The Horncastle Farmers’ Ball

The Lincolnshire Show

Lincolnshire Young Farmers

Hope for Tomorrow Ball Cranwell Bloodhounds 26th Annual Ball

St Barnabas Hospice’s Lipstick & Champagne Ball

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The ‘You Only Live Once’ Ball

Sophie’s Journey charity ball

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

The Blankney Hunt Ball

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Aston Martin Launch

The Zeebra Ball

Market Rasen Races Ladies’ Day

Motor Neurone Disease Annual Charity Ball

Nicholsons Charity Ball

St Barnabas Hospice’s Ball

The Priory Academy LSST, Lincoln Summer Ball

The Mad Hatter’s Ball

The Merry Macs

to feature your event call 01529 469977 to speak to our events Desk, or email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

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MOTORS

HIGH

FIVE

With fresh technology, more room in the cabin and the option of seven seats, BMW’s new X5 is ready to take the fight to a host of new luxury 4x4s equally adept in the field as on the school run...

It was 20-odd years ago that BMW launched its landmark X5 model. Unveiled just a couple of years after Mercedes Benz’s ML, it entered a market of few competitors. It pre-dated the Porsche Cayenne by three years and the Audi Q7, rufty-tufty Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport models by more than five years. At the same time it undercut the price point of Range Rover’s Vogue considerably.

One of the first 4x4s to major on more road-biased handling and on affordable luxury against the Range Rover Vogue, X5 was an instant success and that success has not abated through a second version sold from 2006-2013 and a mark three model sold from 2013-2018.

But in 20 years the 4x4 SUV market has changed immeasurably.

With more competitors than ever, a new fourth generation X5 has to be sharper to drive, posher to sit in and better to own than ever in order to stave off its would-be rivals. This king is dead... long live the king. A new model reaches showrooms this month with an all-new platform and a sales target of about 200,000 a year.

From the outside it’s a controversial makeover. A deeper front grille gives the X5 a bit of a buck-toothed look, whilst taller dimensions give it lanky proportions. Any reservations though are forgotten once you see the results of the cabin makeover. >>

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>> As few buttons as possible line the dash, with only key HVAC and stereo controls remaining as physical buttons. Other controls function via the iDrive rotary controller.

Commensurate with the most modern interiors are twin configurable screens and digital instruments plus the ubiquitous wi-fi hotspot and a slew of ‘connected services.’

The cabin isn’t quite as cleanly designed as the Range Rover Velar, but it’s as solidly built and beautiful to touch as any controls you’re likely to experience and it does a good job of neatly integrating technology.

What is impressive is the amount of standard equipment the car comes with. For the first time in its life the X5 is available with a seven seat option.

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“All models have all-wheel drive, eight speed automatic gearboxes and six-cylinder engines so there’s no shortage of power...”

All hail the bundled options packages; a Comfort package (£2,350) or Comfort Plus package (£4,750) are likely to solve only first world problems with stuff like ventilated seats, heated cup holders and soft-close doors.

We won’t be ticking that optional extra, nor the off-road package which features off-road modes and a diff lock. It still won’t leave drivers who go off the beaten track breathing a sigh of relief that they chose an X5 over a Discovery. The latter is still vastly preferable when the tarmac expires.

All models have all-wheel drive, eight speed automatic gearboxes and six-cylinder engines so there’s no shortage of power so we’d avoid larger-engined models or M-Sport models with their hard ride for that matter.

Opt for the base model xDrive 30d xLine and perhaps add a few options. With the current trend for engine downsizing, it’s possible - inevitable - that a 2.0 four cylinder engine or plug-in hybrid X5 will be along soon though. Waiting for one of those could prove a shrewder course of action. n

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Four Wheel Drive, Seven Seats: Room for the whole family...

Mercedes GLE 300d 4Matic £56,795: It’s the newest model here with evolutionary rather than revolutionary design on the outside but a superb new interior boasting the latest Mercedes design touches on the inside.

Arguably the better looking car externally and perhaps internally - except for the odd little row of four rectangular air vents that spoil an otherwise lovely interior. For the price you get a 2.0V4 engine, seven seats with four zone air con, all wheel drive, and a generous equipment roster. 46mpg, 0-60mph 7.2 secs. n

Audi Q7 45TDi Sport £53,250: Audi’s Q7 is keenly priced, but add the Parking Assistance and Touring packs for the latest autonomous cruising and driving technology... you’ll certainly thank us for the former, given the car’s five metre length. Seven seats are standard, along with heated electrically adjustable leather seats, all wheel drive, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital displays, sat nav, a powered tailgate and a rear view camera. With a 3.0V6 engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox, you’ll achieve 41.5mpg and reach 60mph in 7.3 seconds. n

BMW X5 3.0 V6 XLINE Price: £57,495 (xDrive 30d xLine).

Engine: 3.0 litre six-cylinder.

Performance: 0-60mph 6.5 secs 155 mph top speed.

Economy: 45.6mpg (combined).

Equipment: Auto lights and wipers, heated leather, electrically-adjustable seats.

Sat nav, DAB stereo, automatic tailgate, Bluetooth and wireless phone charging. n

Land Rover Discovery 2.0V4 240hp £54,305: If you’re heading off the beaten track, Land Rover’s Discovery is still the class-leader. It has low-range gears, adjustable Terrain Response settings and air suspension. Here the car has just four cylinders and displaces just two litres. Better-equipped HSE variants are more expensive, however you still get seven seats, 360° parking assistance, navigation and heated electric leather seats. 60mph is reached in a slightly slower 8.3 seconds, and Discovery will achieved just 37.7mpg, but it’s unsurpassed off road. n

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MOTORS

A Legend Reborn for the 21st Century

e shape of the Porsche 911 has remained instantly recognisable since its launch in 1963, but a range of challengers - and the desirability of its own Cayman - have meant a new model has had to be created for the 21st century Society, technology and motoring. All have changed dramatically since 1963 when the first Porsche 911 rolled off the production lines in Stuttgart. e 911’s formula of a rearengined 2+2 sports car with six pots of power may have remained and its design may have evolved slowly, but ever more dramatic changes are demanded of the 911 to keep up with new driving technology, a move towards hybridisation and to fend off rivals like BMW’s i8 and Jaguar’s F-type.

So here is a new 911, one for the 21st century.

It’s ready for hybrid power, newly endowed with fancy LED lights and dripping in technology like adaptive cruise control, parking assistance and surround view cameras to keep up with luxurious Gts as well as more hardcore sports cars. Currently only two models are available; a Carrera S and Carrera 4S, with two and four wheel drive respectively.

Gradually the range will grow to include non-S versions, convertible, turbo, targa and Gt variants and all of the dizzyingly different permutations thereof.

Porsche 911

Price From: £93,110, on sale now.

Engine: 3.0 straight six, rear wheel drive, eight-speed automatic.

Performance: 0-60mph 3.7 seconds.

191mph top speed.

Weight: 1590kg.

Power: 530Nm.

911 has always majored on providing a very connected, visceral, physically tangible driving experience. at won’t change with the new 911 Carrera S. Engine displacement is slightly smaller with a six-cylinder 3.0 unit ensuring 60mph in dealt with in 3.7 seconds. top speed is a track-worrying 191mph, and conservative drivers can expect 32mpg, a figure likely to plummet if you begin having fun on continental Autobahns where such speeds are permitted.

Our verdict on the new 911 then? More of the same; handing excellence, one of the most rewarding driving experiences and performance that’s nothing short of breathtaking. n

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It’s A Dog’s Life...

YOUR PAMPERED POOCH CAN TRAVEL IN LUXURY THANKS TO JAGUAR

JAGUAR Jaguar has dog owners covered this spring with the launch of its all-new range of pet products. Designed for comfort and convenience, the bespoke accessories are ideal for those who love their four legged friends. The premium accessory range puts canine comfort at the forefront with a spill-resistant water bowl, foldable carrier and a convenient rear access ramp.

Muddy paw prints in the car will also be a thing of the past, thanks to a quilted luggage compartment liner and you can rinse away the mud thanks to a handy portable shower.

The foldable access ramp is suitable for animals up to 85kg, whilst the portable dog-rinsing system is hand-pumped and can also clean muddy boots and mountain bikes. n See www.gear.jaguar.com.

Aston’s 1,000bhp monster RIDE OF THE VALKYRIE IN BRITISH FIRM’S V12 HYPERCAR

MOTORS

Emissions falling, though drivers are still on the road...

MOTORING Motor vehicles in Great Britain travelled a record distance of 327 billion miles in 2018 – 1.3 per cent more than in 2017. Of the 327 billion miles travelled, 254 billion were covered by passenger cars, 51 billion by vans 17 billion by lorries.

Data from the Department for Transport (DfT) also shows the volume of greenhouse gases emitted by cars has decreased by three per cent since 1990, despite car traffic having risen 22 per cent over the same period of time. n

ASTON MARTIN If you’re deep of pocket and have a need for speed, Aston Martin’s new Valkyrie hypercar is available to order now for an anticipated price tag of between £2m and £3m and the first deliveries due later in the year.

The car’s engine has been created in collaboration with Cosworth, famous for Ford’s 1980 rally cars. Unlike your average Sierra RS though, the Valkyrie’s 6.2 litre V12 engine generates over 1,000hp (986bhp) and is as fast as a Formula 1 car. Only 150 road-going and 25 track-only Valkyries will be created, each very much handmade. n

MOTORING

NEWS In Brief

LUXURY CARS

r

A RIGHT ROYAL SECOND HAND MOTOR CAR...

Make like a monarch and upgrade your wheels to a classic Range Rover.

The car driven by Prince Phillip for a state visit by President Obama and wife Michelle, is listed on Auto Trader for £129,850.

The Range Rover 4.4 SD V8 was used for a high-profile visit in April 2016 when Prince Phillip drove himself and Her Majesty The Queen to meet President Obama and First Lady Michelle as they attended a state visit to the UK. With a super low mileage of just 3,200 miles on the clock, it has seated royalty and diplomats alike whilst being part of the Royal Household for two years and would have previously been equipped with some very royal extras.

The Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 is top of the range and has previously been kitted out with thousands of pounds worth of upgrades including covert lighting, police emergency lighting and specially adapted side steps to allow Her Majesty to sit in the rear passenger seat comfortably. Brand new this model of Range Rover would cost £105,080, but this car has an increased price value of 24% due to its royal owners and esteemed passengers.

Prince Harry’s old Audi RS6, was priced +8.3% above the average market value, recently, whilst Prince William’s Range Rover, listed for sale in 2016, held a staggering +200% premium and the Queen’s Bentley Mulsanne had an asking price +99% above the market value. n

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