Lincolnshire Pride May 2021

Discover how to get your growing going...

The joy of kitchen gardens with Sophie Allport & Adam Frost

10 ways to enjoy Lincolnshire this summer... Ideas for days out, activites and shows to make the most of summer

Hopefully there will be no ‘rough winds to shake the darling buds of May’ this month, as the county prepares to open up once more, and we reunite with friends, family... and our favourite places in Lincolnshire too. It’s especially apt that we quote Shakespeare, because one of this month’s features sees us returning to Tolethorpe Hall, open air theatre and home of the Stamford Shakespeare Company.

The theatre is once again able to host its productions this summer and we can think of few combinations more compelling than Shakespeare, Stamford and sunshine, so find out later in this edition why we think you should pay a visit.

Elsewhere we’ve 10 more ideas for enjoying post-lockdown freedom and if you’re suffering a little lethargy following what has felt like the longest winter we’ve ever endured, why not get out into the garden to enjoy fresh air by ‘growing your own’ in your kitchen garden?

We’ve tips from Adam Frost of BBC Gardener’s World. Speaking of vegetables, we also meet the absolutely lovely Sophie Allport who has provided this month’s front cover artwork featuring her new collection, Home Grown.

Finally, a trip to the seaside as we discover what plans James Mellors, new owner of Skegness Pier, has for the landmark as Britain anticipates a boost in staycation trade.

Best wishes for a wonderful month!

CONTENTS

NEWS & EVENTS

08 NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across Lincolnshire... meet Lucy, the newest resident of Lincoln Castle!

HIGHLIGHTS

16 OUT & ABOUT IN LINCOLNSHIRE

With lockdown due to be relaxed this summer we’re delighted to present our top 10 suggestions where to enjoy our new-found freedom!

26 PIER PRESSURE IN SKEGNESS

With international travel restricted and UK ‘staycations’ set to enjoy a boom this summer, we talk to James Mellors, the new owner of Skegness Pier.

34 A BARD INFLUENCE We’re happy to report that the Stamford Shakespeare Company is treading the boards once more this summer.

42 SAM SCORER The famous Lincolnshire architect and inventor of the hyperbolic paraboloid!

FOOD & DRINK

48 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Celebrating the reopening of Lincolnshire hospitality.

54 RECIPES & WINE Growing for gold in Lincolnshire’s fields and enjoying elderflower cordial desserts.

HOMES & GARDENS

64 WELCOME HOME A pretty Manor House between Newark and Lincoln.

80 SOPHIE ALLPORT A lovely new collection for summer from our favourite homeware designer.

90 GARDENING Kitchen gardening with Gardener’s World’s Adam Frost.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN

104 WEDDINGS Jen and Henri host their lockdown ‘mini-wedding’ in Lincoln.

108 FASHION Spring style for all.

AND FINALLY...

122 MOTORS Porsche’s Taycan.

THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN THE AREA READ PRIDE MAGAZINE

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

The magazine is also sold in supermarkets and newsagents and 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 titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 30,000 online readers each month who view the magazine free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website, our app, and via the Readly and Issuu platforms.

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

THE PRIDE TEAM

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

General Manager: Ian Bagley.

Sales Manager: Charlotte Daubney.

Sales Supervisor: Cydney Dyson.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Illustrator: Jocelyn Lawman.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Web Developer: Joe Proctor.

Administration and Office Managers: Carissa Clay and Sami Millard.

Sales Executives: Grace Mumford.

Meet Lucy at Lincoln Castle...!

AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LINCOLN THIS SUMMER IS A NEW RESIDENT, LUCY!

LINCOLN Tourism bosses in Lincolnshire are anticipating a big boost in visitor numbers this summer, and have created a website at visitlincolnshire.com described as a ‘big beast’ to try to capitalise on 2021’s likely staycation boom.

Lincolnshire County Council has made a £500,000 investment in tourism services which includes a new tourism website under the Visit Lincolnshire brand.

“This year we are expecting our county to be incredibly popular as a tourist destination, both for people who live here and from elsewhere in the country,” says Councillor Colin Davie, of Lincolnshire County Council. “The development of the site has been a long-term piece of work but I’m delighted we’ve been able to accelerate its launch to enable it to go live as people plan their summer holidays.”

“The new website will help to show that Lincolnshire has more to offer than just the coast, or a day trip, and that visitors can book a week or even longer to really explore the countryside too.”

Outlet village breaks ground

RIOJA DEVELOPMENTS BEGINS WORK ON ITS IMPRESSIVE £100m RETAIL DEVELOPMENT

Business Lincolnshire reports that tourism is worth £2.39bn to the county’s economy and employs 30,000 people full time. It’s thought that over 20m people visit Lincolnshire each year.

GRANTHAM A ground breaking ceremony was recently held near Grantham making the beginning of work on Rioja Estates’ new £100m outlet shopping development on the A1 at Spittlegate Level.

Covid has delayed the beginning of construction work and pushed back the site’s anticipated opening date by a year to summer 2023.

Already a number of retail partners have been confirmed though these remain subject to a press embargo.

The site will total 273,000ft2 in its first phase and will comprise 90 retailers

n In addition to its Lincolnshire Experiences, and City, Countryside & Coast sections, the new website also teases Lucy, the castle’s resin dragon sculpture (pictured), who will appear this summer.

with a further 48 to follow in a second phase of development.

It’s anticipated that the site will attract over 3,500,000 visitors each year and will create 1,500 jobs. Even during construction the site has created 200 jobs with Bowmer & Kirkland appointed the main contractors for the project.

“Grantham Designer Outlet Village will serve Lincoln in the north, Nottingham to the west, Leicester in the south west and Peterborough and Cambridge in the south,” says Rioja MD Giles Membrey. n

Adopt a phone box

EAST LINDSEY HAS 16 RED BOXES FOR SALE

SPILSBY Alas, but with the emergence of the mobile phone, a British icon has pretty much come to the end of the (telephone) line.

In the East Lindsey region of Lincolnshire alone, there are now just 16 remaining telephone boxes which for all intents and purposes have now become redundant.

That’s why BT bosses are offering them up for sale to communities wishing to transform them into... well, anything constructive, really.

4,000 red boxes across the UK have already been transformed into minimuseums, arts centres, or to house life-saving defibrillators. One example in Burgh-leMarsh near Skegness is already being used as a book exchange.

If you’ve a great idea how to use one near you, BT’s Adopt a Kiosk scheme will allow members of the public to take them over for just £1. n For more information on the scheme, see business.bt.com.

Carre Gallery reopening

SLEAFORD GALLERY HOSTS POSTPONED EXHIBITION FEATURING TWO VERY DIFFERENT LOCAL ARTISTS

LINCOLN If you’ve grumbled about your spring cleaning travails recently, remember, it could be worse. Cleaners have spent 93,000 hours utilising the latest laser technology to expertly restore and conserve Lincoln Cathedral, a project which has been progressing since 2016. The 14th century Gallery of Kings is the latest frieze to benefit from the use of lasers to remove carbonate and sulphate pollution gently, preserving and brightening the stone for future generations. n

SLEAFORD The Carre Gallery in Sleaford will host an exhibition this month delayed following its closure because of Covid. Welding & Watercolours on from 1st - 22nd May will feature Brett Barker of Upcycled Innovations’ eclectic metal poppies, WWII aircraft and other sculptures created from upcycled metal tools. Simultaneously, Sleaford’s Pat Christopher will exhibit her watercolour work featuring local scenes, farming equipment, sea views and eclectic red telephone box images. The exhibition will include social distancing and other Covid precautions.

n See www.carregallery.co.uk.

The Diana, Princess of Wales, Hospital in Grimsby is enjoying an £8.4m investment in its estates and facilities which has just seen one of two brand new MRI scanners delivered to the hospital. Currently being installed, they will replace 15-year old machines and will run alongside a new CT suite which has already helped to treat 650 patients.

BOSTON x BOSTON’S £21.9m TOWN FUND WINDFALL

Boston is looking forward to a new era after receiving the news that it is to be given £21.9m from the Government’s Towns Fund scheme.

The Boston Town Deal group put forward several large projects aimed at creating jobs by investing in the town.

GRIMSBY

£8,400,000

These include the creation of a Digital Transport & Logistics academy at Boston College, the creation of a multi-purpose space for the community in Shodfriar’s Hall, an upgrade to Boston’s train station and restoration of 102 properties in the town’s Heritage Cluster. n

93,000 hours of spring cleaning for Cathedral...

YOUR HOME, OUR VISION

5 BED EXECUTIVE HOMES AT HOLBEACH MEADOWS

Based in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, Holbeach Meadows is an exclusive flagship development brought to you by Ashwood Homes.

£575,000 with double garage and large garden

Just 4 plots – 5 bedroom homes plus additional downstairs guest suite giving a 6th bedroom

Specification as standard includes underfloor heating throughout ground floor, vanity units in each bathroom and en-suite, flooring package throughout, bi-fold doors.

Holbeach Meadows, Hallgate, Holbeach, Lincs, PE12 7HZ

Showhomes open daily 10-5pm book your private viewing on 01406 430940.

WOODNOOK, HOUGH ON THE HILL, GRANTHAM OIEO £1,000,000

A magnificent seven-bedroom country residence whose elegant proportions effortlessly combine contemporary interior styling with classic period design elements to create a truly unique family home. The ground floor accommodation is entered through a palatial reception hall with central oak staircase and includes a light and spacious family kitchen with Aga and granite worktops, sun-room with vaulted ceiling and a spectacular drawing room with mezzanine and impressive inglenook fireplace with wood burner. The spacious driveway leads to a detached triple garage with separate one bedroomed guest accommodation whilst, to the rear, the large gardens lead down to a stream with a cascading waterfall and woodland beyond.

5 7 4

EPC Rating: D

NORTH LODGE, SYSTON PARK, GRANTHAM £850,000

Distinctive stone-built former country estate lodge in an idyllic and secluded woodland setting which has been lovingly renovated and extended to create a contemporary sixbedroom family home. Ground floor accommodation includes a stunning family kitchen with Aga, granite worktops, and vaulted ceiling, a stylish formal dining room, elegant living room with feature fireplace and charming study. There is an impressive principal bedroom with feature fireplace and stylish en-suite bathroom and five further spacious double bedrooms; three to first floor and two to ground floor. Nestled on a hilltop, with an imposing stone walled and gated entrance and south-facing 2.4-acre (STS) garden/paddock, North Lodge offers the perfect blend of country and town life, within walking distance of the nearest village and farm shop, and a short drive from the historic market town of Grantham with its high-speed rail network to London Kings Cross and excellent Grammar schools.

3 6 3 EPC Rating: E

THE WOODHALL, ALLINGTON, GRANTHAM £595,000

A charmingly contemporary property in a sought-after commuter village location which has been extended and upgraded to create a stylish hi-spec four-bedroom family home boasting over 2,200sq ft of accommodation. Ground floor accommodation includes a stunning family kitchen with bi-folding doors, dining room, elegant sitting room, study / playroom and utility room. To the first floor there is a stylish principal bedroom with en-suite wet room, en-suite guest bedroom and a further two double bedrooms. To the front aspect of the property there is a driveway leading to a double garage with impressive loft conversion whilst, to the rear, the south-facing garden has been professionally landscaped. Grantham’s excellent grammar schools and high-speed rail network to London Kings Cross are within easy reach (3 miles).

5 4 3 EPC Rating: C

BURNS PLACE, THE COLOSSEUM, LINCOLN

£795,000

A superior six-bedroom family home located in the prestigious Uphill Lincoln gated development, The Colosseum. Burns Place is part of a landmark crescent of homes and offers 4450 sq. ft of modern living space combined with classic Georgian design over four storeys. The superb light filled open plan kitchen/dining room with log burner is a particular feature as is the opulent primary bedroom suite which occupies the entire second floor. The fully enclosed garden with patio terrace offers a beautiful space to relax and entertain. Residents of The Colosseum will find themselves surrounded by a wide variety of amenities; the popular Bailgate shopping area, the cathedral, the castle and a superb choice of restaurants are all within a short distance. There are direct daily trains from Lincoln to London Kings Cross (travel time approximately 2hrs) 3 6 3 EPC Rating: B

Fine & Country Lincolnshire and Grantham, 55 High Street, Navenby, Lincs LN5 0DZ Telephone: 01522 287008 or 01476 247070 Email: lincoln@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com

With offices in over 300 locations worldwide Fine and Country combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with national marketing campaigns and local expertise...

Spilsby Road, Boston £525,000

Fantastic four bedroom Grade Two Listed Georgian property, with many original features and a range of outbuildings to include former coach house, stables, multiple garages, games room and a workshop. There are four reception rooms, three en-suites and an attractive mature garden with outdoor kitchen and pizza oven.

Halton Holegate £495,000

Hawthorn House is a beautifully designed property with a high standard of fixtures and fittings throughout and features the most stunning views over the Wolds to the rear. Situated on a no-through-road, in an idyllic location. It has four double bedrooms.

Linden Way, Boston o/o £385,000

Incredibly well presented four bedroom detached house convenient to both Pilgrim Hospital and Boston High School, with a beautiful large and well established garden divided into several individual sections, two reception rooms and two bathrooms. Offered with No Chain.

Station Rd, Sutterton £399,000

Charming five bedroom detached period property with spacious and versatile accommodation. With a large plot, situated in a village location with several amenities and offered with NO ONWARD CHAIN.

Cemetary Rd, Bicker £365,000

Located in the sought after village of Bicker. With four double bedrooms and two reception rooms as well as a dining kitchen, the property would be ideal for a family. There is also an incredibly spacious driveway and a Double Garage converted into an Annexe which could also be used as a studio or home/office.

Toynton All Saints £375,000

This absolutely beautiful detached bungalow has been renovated within the last five years. Immaculately presented throughout, with three double bedrooms, en-suite to the master and a lovely fitted kitchen. Two individual garages or a garage and a workshop depending on preference.

Exceptional Detached House with 15 acres and over 7,000sqft of Agricultural Buildings

Modernised House with 4/5 Reception Rooms, Large Modern Kitchen/ Diner, 4 Bedrooms, Dressing Room

Integral Double Garage, Underfloor Heating, Garden Room

Set in 2 Acres of Formal Gardens with 1/3 of an Acre Lake

Adjoining Agricultural Yard Extending to 0.63 Acres, 0.25 Hectares

Over 680sqm, 7,300sqft of Steel Framed Agricultural Buildings

Would Suit Smallholder, Equestrian, Self Sufficient Lifestyle

AVAILABLE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£875,000

Subject To Contract

Spacious Executive 5 Bedroom Detached House on a 0.23 acre Plot in a Non Estate Location in Popular Village

Large Fitted Kitchen with Separate Utility Room and Pantry/ Cloaks, 3 Reception Rooms and Spacious Conservatory

5 Double Bedrooms, En-Suite to the Master, 2 Family Bathrooms

Double Integral Garage, Large Driveway with Parking for over 8 vehicles

Private Rear Gardens and a Number of Additional Sheds/Stores

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£450,000

Subject To Contract NO ONWARD CHAIN

Well Modernised Detached House For Sale Freehold

3 Reception Rooms with Open Plan Kitchen/Diner, Separate Office, Conservatory

Coach House, Outbuildings and Mature Private Gardens Extending to 0.33 Acres

3 Bedrooms, Box Room, Family Bathroom, Ensuite

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£379,950

Subject To Contract

OUT & ABOUT

With the relaxation of lockdown we’ll finally be free. And where better to be free than in Lincolnshire? is month we’ve compiled a top ten of what we’re looking forward to when we’re able to go out...

Words: Rob Davis.

1. Discover Bomber County’s RAF legacy

Our second world war legacy goes beyond the Dambusters, as you can discover this summer...

More than ever Lincolnshire’s heritage sites need our support. Canwick’s International Bomber Command Centre lost 90% of its income during the pandemic, and now that we’re allowed out once more, it’s definitely on our list of places to visit, not just because it’s deserving of our support, but because it’s a beautifully curated centre.

With peace gardens landscaped to reflect both Lincolnshire, but also the international contributions to Bomber Command’s part during the war, the Spire of Names, and the Chadwick Visitor Centre, the site pays

tribute to the 57,861 who lost their lives supporting Bomber Command’s operations during missions and taking part in missions like Operation Manna, which was the world’s first humanitarian air drop.

The centre will open again from 12th April, and on 31st July 2021 you can enjoy a poignant afternoon as the IBCC’s Celebration of Life event will see a Service of Commemoration taking place with prayers and an afternoon tea in the events marquee of the Lincolnshire Peace Garden. n See www.internationalbcc.co.uk.

2. Enjoying Lincoln...

Revisit the historic city’s best attractions

As we’re all lucky enough to live in Lincolnshire, we’re all within easy reach of the county’s historic city. Of course you’re familiar with Uphill Lincoln, with Brayford Wharf and with the Showground, but as the county opens up again post Covid, we’re advocating that we all re-acquaint ourselves with the attractions on our doorstep that, we may otherwise be tempted to overlook.

You’ve visited Lincoln Cathedral, but have you enjoyed one of its guided tours? You’ll discover previously unknown facts and the historical context of the building’s features. What about a roof tour, or a visit to the Cathedral’s new Dean’s Green gardens? We also suggest you book tickets for Vision 2021, the Cathedral’s Flower Festival, which runs from 29th July to 2nd August.

And of course, in uphill Lincoln there’s the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln Castle and Bishop’s Palace to enjoy as well as Steep Hill and Bailgate. n

3. Enjoy a local garden

NGS gardens are open from this month...

You know summer will be along soon when the National Garden Scheme’s yellow leaflet arrives through the post. We count no fewer than seven new gardens this year, in addition to the following highlights for May:

n Woodlands at Fotherby near Louth is a firm favourite with us, a woodland garden open on Sunday 2nd May, Sunday 6th June and Sunday 4th July. The artists’ studio, too, provides interest beyond the myriad planting and well-stocked RHS nursery: www.woodlandsplants.co.uk.

n New to the NGS for 2021, Your Place is an oasis garden and community project in Grimsby, open on 22nd and 23rd May.

n We’ll also recommend King’s Hill Lodge, another new NGS garden, with no fewer than 20 mixed herbaceous beds, water feature and climbing roses. Blissful!

Above: Steep Hill, The Strait and Bailgate are worth revisiting post-lockdown, as is Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle and Bishop’s Palace.

Right: Lincoln Cathedral’s tour guides will provide an education even if you consider yourself reasonably au fait with the finer points of the building and its history.

4. Enjoy Lincoln’s Imp Trail in 2021

This summer, have fun finding 30 of these friendly fellows around Lincoln...

Following the success of Lincoln’s Barons and Knights trails, summer 2021 will see 30 different painted imps located across the city for locals and visitors to spot.

Artists, both professional and amateur, local and national, have designed each sculpture to add lots of colour to the city centre through the trail.

The full Imp Trail leaflet will be available with a children’s competition. A new interactive app will also be launched bringing new features, and engagement opportunities. Souvenirs, merchandise and an auction catalogue will be available too.

“The new plans will make the Lincoln Imp Trail bigger, better and more fun,” says organiser Sarah Loftus of Lincoln BIG. “It will bring people back into the city and put a smile on people’s faces.”

The Imps will assemble for their farewell event at Lincoln Castle before being auctioned to raise money for St Barnabas

Lincolnshire Hospice on 1st October 2021 at Lincoln Cathedral.

n See www.lincolnimptrail.co.uk.

5. Explore Lincolnshire’s historic buildings...

Our last edition included some incredible historical highlights, and we’ve some more here too

Last month in Pride we celebrated some of the county’s most remarkable castles, stately homes and manor houses. With lockdown finally lifted, we’ll reiterate our recommendation to pay a visit to explore some of Lincolnshire’s most impressive buildings:

n Lincolnshire is well-served with National Trust properties, with Tattershall Castle, Belton House and Gunby Hall all providing the opportunity to enjoy a great day out, and parkland or gardens that facilitate social distancing.

6. Spend a little time on the East Coast

Lincolnshire’s East Coast is expecting to enjoy a bumper year of visitors...

Lincolnshire’s East Coast isn’t just for holidaymakers hoping to find the biggest and fastest rollercoasters. Since the railway arrived in the town from 1877 it has been a destination for those from outside the county but also for Lincolnshire folk to enjoy too.

Our go-to destinations are Gibraltar Point, one of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s flagship reserves, with its stunning new observatory. Sit and enjoy coffee and cake surrounded by wildlife and soak up those coastal vistas.

n Lincoln Castle, meanwhile, allows visitors to complete a 360° wall walk around the circumference of the building, and is home to the Magna Carta.

n Ordinarily, May would represent National Mills Weekend, when over 300 windmills and watermills across the county open their doors to show visitors around. The event has been cancelled this year but buildings like Sleaford’s Cogglesford Mill will be open, showing off a newly refurbished working waterwheel mechanism.

Rediscover Skegness Pier

In this edition we’re meeting James Mellors, the new owner of Skegness Pier. He’s revealing why Skegness is a better destination than ever for locals to visit this summer.

Elsewhere, audiences can get Lost in Disco, or spend One Night with Queen at the Embassy Theatre on 18th June and 19th June respectively as the arts centre reopens post-Covid (embassytheatre.co.uk). And of course, the East Coast is synonymous with nature, so make sure you visit Skegness Aquarium on Tower Esplanade and Natureland. The latter was established in 1965 and is appealing for local support following losses of more than £300,000 with fewer visitors to the site during the virus. n

7. It’s still a summer of entertainment!

Live music, comedy & cinema will still feature across Lincolnshire in 2021

Whilst many events have been cancelled, happily some of the county’s best venues will still offer live entertainment.

n The county’s showground will host pop act McFly on Friday 2nd July, then Comedy in the Park with John Bishop, Rob

Beckett, Nish Kumar and others on Saturday 3rd July, ticket prices TBA, for details see www.lincolnshire showground.co.uk.

n The Battle Proms are returning to Stamford’s Burghley House too on 10th July. As always, take along a picnic and enjoy the finest classical

music, fireworks and cavalry displays plus a Spitfire flyover, tickets on sale now, £44/adults, www.battleproms.com.

n And finally, enjoy outdoor cinema at the Lincolnshire Showground with Dirty Dancing and WWII epic 1917 on 17th and 18th July, tickets from £14.50.

9. Lincolnshire’s Parklife

Discover the county’s green spaces...

The county is rich in green spaces to explore and enjoy this summer. Whether you’re looking for a family day out or a long dog walk, these are our highlights...

n Louth’s Hubbard’s Hills (right) is a really spectacular, lush glacial valley gifted to the town by Alphonse Pahud in 1907. It’s clear, cool stream makes it a favourite with gambolling dogs and boisterous children all summer long!

n Lincoln’s Boultham Park is currently approaching the completion of phase two of its restoration, with new footpaths and artwork around its lake.

n And Skegness’s Tower Gardens refurbishment has been completed including the creation of its new £1.6m pavilion. The multi-use space will bring music, history and exhibitions to the pleasure gardens.

8. By water, or by air!

Take to the air or enjoy a narrowboat trip...

Why not consider seeing Lincolnshire by air or water?

n Virgin offers hot air balloon flights for two from £260-£350, available seven days a week subject to weather conditions. It’s tranquil, smooth and quite warm but certainly unique. The flights take place from Belton Woods, Grantham; Kelham Hall, Newark; Grimsthorpe Castle in Bourne and from Stamford Meadows. For more information see www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk

n Take a trip on the Brayford Belle, departing from Lincoln’s Brayford Wharf. 50 minute guided tours of the city’s waterways are from £7/adults. Another great way to see Lincolnshire by water is Spalding’s Water Taxi, which links the town to Springfields, the town’s outlet shopping and festival gardens resort (£7/return, spaldingwatertaxi.co.uk). Finally, the Boston Belle provides cruises out into The Wash, £8/adults, Sunday River Cruise, www.bostonbelle.co.uk.

Above: Virgin offers pleasure flights in their hot air balloon over the countryside around the county, flying from locations like Belton Woods and Grimsthorpe Castle.

Left: Enjoy a trip along Lincolnshire’s waterways with a trip of Lincoln’s Brayford Belle or the Boston Belle, which takes visitors out into the Wash.

10. Enjoy Lincolnshire’s prettiest Georgian town

Declared by Walter Scott to be one of England’s finest Georgian towns, rediscover Stamford...

Stamford was England’s first ever designated conservation area (the status was awarded in 1967) and now has over 600 listed buildings in and around the town. Its original wealth came from the wool trade and its location on the Great North Road, enabled it to enjoy coaching inn trade too. These days, its independent shops, cafés and restaurants ensure Stamford remains a go-to destination for shopping for those who don’t care much for cities. Elsewhere, no fewer than five medieval parish churches and Georgian architecture to enjoy, plus the

green space known as the Meadows at the heart of the town, make Stamford a green and pleasant space to spend a summer afternoon. Also playing a prominent part in attracting visitors to the town is Burghley House. The estate’s Sculpture Gardens and Gardens of Surprise will open to visitors with additional opening of the South Gardens on selected dates. There’s deer-grazed parkland to enjoy and the Elizabethan stately home itself with its stunning interiors. Organisers say they are still keen to deliver the Burghley Horse Trials sporting event this year too. n

Lincolnshire’s green shoots are attracting a new generation

FROM feeding the nation to educating future generations, Lincolnshire is emerging as a force to be reckoned with –tempting young professionals here, and even drawing them back.

Solicitor Limara Rickell is an example of how the might of our county is being recognised by those who value a blend of city living, countryside and heritage alongside a growing commercial and technological base.

If proof were needed that Limara had done the right thing in returning to her home city, it came on a recent virtual meeting. Organised by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Limara heard the Head of Brand at supermarket giant Sainsbury’s say the county was ‘emerging as a force to be reckoned with’.

Limara re-joined the region’s largest law firm Wilkin Chapman solicitors, at its city office on Brayford Wharf East last November. Working within the Corporate and Commercial team, the Lincoln-born and educated professional had spent two years at an international law firm in Birmingham.

Before leaving for the Midlands, she had trained at Wilkin Chapman after completing her law degree at King’s College, London.

When opportunity arose to return, she was keen - aware of the change that was occurring: “Even in the time I had been away, the amount of development that you see in the city centre especially, is amazing,” commented Limara.

“The university continues to grow and the expansion of the Science and Innovation Park in partnership with Lincolnshire Coop are examples of the opportunities that exist. It’s a great time to be returning – to be a part of this expansion and offering support for businesses to succeed.”

Joining the team headed by Partner Russell Eke, Limara settled straight away and noticed how Wilkin Chapman was supporting a growing number of clients with anaerobic digestion and solar projects, energy crops, and Agri-Tech.

“The business start-ups we are dealing with is also encouraging, as is the number of clients we work with in

the renewables and technology sector. Their success is our success and the relationships we enjoy with clients was a factor in my decision to return,” commented Limara.

“It is an exciting time to be back to play an integral role in both the future of the team and in Lincolnshire’s growth and economy,” she said.

As Limara’s return to Lincoln came during lockdown, her opportunity to re-explore fully has been restricted. When she is able, she is looking forward to grabbing a working lunch from Bar Unico and revisiting her favourite city restaurant Ole Ole Tapas.

Limara can be contacted on 01522 515013, email limara.rickell@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk

A NEW DAWN for SKEGNESS PIER

Skegness has a fresh opportunity to reinvent itself in what is likely to be a bumper season for the staycation market. One of the families championing the town’s success is the Mellors family, the fourth generation of which is James Mellors Jnr, who has been heavily involved with purchasing and renovating Skegness Pier to reboot it as a modern family attraction…

Words: Rob Davis.

WHEN IT COMES to getting away from it all, something has to give. We’re told that cutting carbon is important for the future of the planet. But that’s diametrically opposed to the budget airline industry offering low-cost flights all over the world, a culture that has caused a surge in the past decade or two of carbon-copious international travel.

This year might be the one during which everything changes, as travel difficulties and uncertainty arising from Covid creates a perfect storm for the travel industry.

Fortunately, that should mean a surge in national holidays and short breaks; so-called staycations. The UK tourism industry is set to see a huge increase in trade as people who can’t or won’t travel abroad instead enjoy all that the UK tourism industry has to offer.

Right at the centre of that industry is Skegness, a seaside town otherwise populated by around 25,000 but visited by eight million tourists a year, spending £526m each season.

Skegness is undoubtedly lively, loud and a bit brash in the high season, but isn’t that all part of the fun? Bright lights and fast rides?

James Mellors certainly believes so. He’s one of the new owners of Skegness Pier, which was on the market for £3m last year and eventually sold to the Mellors Group.

The Pier previously spent 44 years under the ownership of Carolyn Wilkinson and her family including the late Robin Mitchell. Carolyn described its sale upon the family’s retirement as a hard decision, but says she was relieved that James and the family are taking on the landmark and that she remains confident the company will do a great job of ensuring its continuity as an attraction at the forefront of the seaside town’s appeal.

James is the fourth generation to work in the leisure industry and the Mellors family came into Skegness from their native Nottinghamshire. Back in 1850 Skegness was still a town whose economy was founded on fishing and farming, rather than tourism.

>> By the time the railway arrived in 1877, for the first time the working classes could enjoy a trip to the seaside, a ritual previously only available to the middle classes and prior to that, the upper echelons of society.

At around this time James Mellors Snr’s grandfather was working in the industry and in 1890 started his business, running coconut shy and swingboat attractions. Over the next century the family galvanised their role in providing family fun across the East Midlands. By the 1970s, the family was bringing much larger rides to the area and soon added bingo halls and arcades to their estate, as well as trading in audio-visual equipment for the entertainment industry.

James Mellors Jr joined the family business in 1994 and helped to expand the company which now operates rides right across the UK, in destinations like London’s Olympic Park and Hyde Park. The company also has over 100 rides globally, building and managing the world’s largest touring theme park in Saudi Arabia, as well as designing and building its new waterpark attraction on an island just of the coast of Jeddah, connected to the mainland by a cable car.

In March 2016 though, the firm invested a little closer to their Nottinghamshire home and purchased the Fantasy Island site, which was founded in 1995.

Their faith in Skegness and the East Coast as a tourist destination was underwritten with its 2021 purchase of the Skegness’s iconic Pier.

The Pier dates back to 1880 and comprises 10,000 square feet of entertainment space. At the moment, it also comprises a team of tradespeople overseeing James and the Mellors group’s investment in the attraction.

James is keen that as Pride goes to press, 2021’s holidaymakers will enjoy a new look facility that’s ready to benefit from this year’s influx of staycation tourists. It’s nothing more than a vote of confidence in Skegness, and the East Coast as a whole, says James. “We made our first venture into Skegness with the purchase of Fantasy Island at Ingoldmells,” says James. >>

“James is keen that as Pride goes to press, holidaymakers will enjoy a new look pier for this year’s influx of staycation tourists. It’s a vote of confidence for Skegness...”

SKEGNESS IS (STILL) SO BRACING

SKEGNESS MAY BE LOOKING TO THE FUTURE BUT THERE’S A STILL A PLACE IN THE TOWN FOR ITS FAMOUS MASCOT!

Back in 1877, The Earl of Scarborough brought the railway to Skegness, and with it, the ability for tourists to visit the town to enjoy a seaside holiday. To capitalise on the still relatively new railway and Skegness’s capacity for visitors, the Great Northern Railway in 1908 commissioned John Hassall to create the most famous holiday advertisement in the world, featuring the Jolly Fisherman and the slogan Skegness is So Bracing.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) wrote to the town council in 2015 encouraging them to drop the logo because of its animal cruelty connotations. Five years later in 2020, health and safety rules – it’s hot in the costume – again threatened the mascot’s continued role along with concerns over the towns ability to store and clean the costume.

Happily, the town’s then Mayor Mark Dannatt and councillor John Byford stepped up to save Jolly and we’re happy to say that he’s today still able to welcome visitors to the town, assuring them of a great British seaside holiday experience! n

A Jolly reprieve - doubts over the town’s mascot have been put to rest by Skegness Town Council who have said they’ll continue to look after the fisherman’s costume.

>> “We felt the site was under-utilised and had a lot of potential to offer in terms of increased visitor numbers and its ability to pull in visitors from both the local area but from much further afield too.”

“Happily, Fantasy Island now enjoys footfall somewhere in the region of 40,000 people a day in peak season. It has the largest open-air market in the UK and it has 36 rides over its 43 acres, as well as numerous cafés, food outlets and other attractions. It’s a safe, popular and family-friendly resort and we’re really proud of it.”

“We’ve real affection for the East Coast so when the opportunity came up to invest in one of its most iconic and important landmarks we jumped at the chance. Skegness Pier came onto the market and we immediately started to consider how we could update it, improve it and secure its future for generations to come.”

“We took over the pier in February this year; a challenging time for the East Coast but one which we think will provide a lot of opportunities too. We’re making a big investment in the site to update it cosmetically, and we’re installing new equipment and attractions.”

“Currently the attraction has its amusement and video game machines, soft-play areas, a 10-pin bowling alley, Laser Quest game and its latest attraction; a totally immersive virtual reality experience. We’ll look to add new attractions in the future but for now we’re keen to get the site back open to visitors and to capitalise on what we hope will be a great year for the town.”

UK tourism has needed a helping hand for a number of years, and from the crisis of Covid might come a lifeline. If that’s the case this year, then it’s important that the whole town capitalises on Skegness’s potential.

The purchase of the Pier by James and the Mellors Group is just one of the improvements that visitors to the East Coast will enjoy this season.

Plans are currently underway to create a two-storey colonnade comprising a ‘look-out’ and café bar at Sutton on Sea, with new beach huts being created and a gallery space for hosting events and exhibitions. Already work has been completed on Tower Esplanade which is being part-pedestrianised and is already enjoying new lighting and a more upmarket look. In addition, Skegness’s railway station will be subject to a series of improvements to ensure that visitors who arrive in the town by train will gain the best first impression possible.

Connected Coast working group to put forward ambitious plans for improving the coast. Achieving funding and promoting the seaside is more important than ever as the tide turns on international travel.

“Cheap European flights have seen people venturing abroad for holidays but this year we’re likely to see a reluctance to travel either due to fears about Covid, or concerns that international travel arrangements might be compromised.”

“Britain can benefit from that, and not just the East Coast but London, the Cotswolds, the Lakes, the South West, Scotland. We’ve some amazing opportunities in this country for tourism and we’re hoping that Skegness will enjoy great popularity this year because of that.”

“I have three children, aged between nine and 16, and my brother has two children too. Skegness – for families like ours – offers so many opportunities to enjoy a safe, family-friendly holiday that provides good value and offers lots to do.”

Further up the coast, and four years after the closure of Cleethorpes’s Pleasure Island theme park, planning permission has already been submitted by Adrian Smith and Ming YPG Yeung of Fab2 to create a 57-acre holiday site with 250 eco-lodges, a new hotel and superstore to create a ‘Center Parks by the sea’ resort which will see £90m invested in the area, creating between 200 and 200 jobs.

All of the improvements and investment in the area are being helped by the government’s invitation for towns to bid for its Town Deal funds. Already Skegness and Mablethorpe have joined forces to bid for £50m of funding and have formed the

“Skegness has an incredible stretch of beach; clean and safe with golden sand. It has kiosks for ice creams, amusement arcades, a wonderful nature reserve at Gibraltar Point and all of the associated opportunities to enjoy spending time together. The aquarium, crazy golf and outdoor swimming pool, the beautifully landscaped gardens, fish ‘n’ chip shops and bars… all of them together create a really good holiday destination.”

“We’re delighted with the improvements we’re making to the Pier and we’re looking forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and Lincolnshire residents into the town to make the most of everything the East Coast has to offer. With the sun set to shine on the East Coast and the anticipation of restrictions being relaxed on 17th May and 21st June, we’re hoping that we can play our part in making Skegness somewhere really special to visit this summer!” n

Above: James Mellors Jr and Senior. The latter’s grandfather founded the family’s interest in the leisure industry back in 1890 back when Skegness was enjoy its new found status as a seaside town rather than one founded on farming and fishing.

A History of Skegness’ Iconic Pier...

n Skegness’s future as a tourism destination was sealed in 1877 when the Earl of Scarborough brought the railway to the town and formed the Skegness Pier Company.

n 44 designs for the new pier were submitted and Clarke & Pitwell of Hull’s design.

Work began in 1880 with a construction measuring 1,817ft in length and 25ft in width, with successive bays extending every 120ft, four of which contained glass and wooden shelters.

n The pier opened on 4th June 1881 and its final cost was £20,840. It included a 700-seat concert hall at the t-shaped head and a dock from which steamboat trips began in 1882.

n In March 1919, the schooner Europa crashed into the pier and though a temporary repair was made, it wasn’t properly restored until 1939, after additional entrances and improvements were created in 1929 and 1936.

n 1948 saw a series of further repairs necessitating £25,528 of investment. A steel canopy was installed in 1949 but the East Coast floods of 1953 damaged the pier head and necessitated £3,000 of rebuilding.

n Further developments took place in 1971, followed by further damage in 1978 and a fire gutted the pier in October 1985, necessitating complete modernisation of the building.

n Investment by the MitchellWilkinson family continued in 1991 with modern attractions and new bars, shops and stalls.

n The pier’s most recent addition was a ‘Hologate’ virtual reality experience and escape room, a casino was also considered at the time.

n September 2020 saw the Mitchell-Wilkinson family put the pier on the market for £1m with auctioneers Christie & Co describing the site as ‘a rarity.’

n It was purchased by the Mellors Group and has been subject to a refurbishment over the winter months ready to reopen this season.

INFLUENCE A BARD

Welcome back! That’s the message of Stamford Shakespeare Company which is delighted to announce that this summer will see the resumption of productions at the open air theatre near Stamford... all’s well that ends well? Not quite, says Chairman Caroline Stephenson...

Words: Rob Davis. Image: Red & Round Photography.

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE, but nowhere more so than Tolethorpe Hall. This year, the open-air theatre company’s 600-seater auditorium may seem a little less crowded, but happily, Stamford Shakespeare Company will prove the old adage that the show must go on, as it returns to the area’s calendar of events, albeit with the continuation of some restrictions.

The place would already be one of beauty simply as a private residence, but the fact that it’s home not to a family, but to an experience we reckon is the finest open air theatre in the country makes Tolethorpe even more precious; a theatre of which locals are justly proud. There remains, however, a problem.

The pandemic has hit all theatres and arts centres hard, but Tolethorpe – by virtue of its seasonality, its uniqueness and its lack of other revenue streams – was more vulnerable than most.

“What a time to be a chairman,” says Caroline Stephenson with a shudder in her voice. Heading up Stamford Shakespeare Company’s board of directors, she’s of course not averse to a bit of drama, but 2020 was a bit too dramatic, even for her and the 10-strong board.

“In my previous life I worked for the BBC and moved to the area for a better lifestyle when I had a young family. I began working as a drama teacher at my children’s school, Witham Hall, near Bourne and I joined the Stamford Shakespeare Company in 2001, when the company’s founder Jean Harley was still playing an active part in creating productions.”

“I performed in eight plays; including Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as Viola in Twelfth Night and as the eponymous Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew. In 2009 I was asked by Jean herself to direct A Midsummer Night’s Dream and made my directorial debut for the company.”

“Jean was an inspiration and I have so much respect for her. She was so driven and everything I’ve done as part of the theatre since has been with Jean in the back of my mind, determined – like everyone here – to honour her professional standards and her belief in creating a really special experience for our audiences.”

So, was the Stamford Shakespeare Company and Tolethorpe Hall going to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous

Covid on Caroline’s watch? Not a chance. This act in the theatre’s history would never be a comedy, but at least it wouldn’t turn into a tragedy. Taking arms against a sea of troubles for performing arts, she and her team were determined to ensure the theatre’s survival.

“I’d been chairman in 2019 which was comparatively plain sailing,” she recalls. “I was re-elected in 2020 and Boris, on 16th March, advised the public not to go to theatres. It was an unenviable decision for him, and nobody disputed the necessity of that decision, but it remained a devastating blow to the industry, awful.”

“Each production at Tolethorpe is a year in the making. We begin to think about what plays we will host for the following year even as the current productions are being performed. Scripts are prepared in the late summer, auditions are held in October, readthroughs begin in December and rehearsals begin properly in January. Naturally, as that’s all happening, costumes, sets and other preparations are all underway too.”

“And so, with news of the lockdown coming in March, productions were already underway, and furthermore, 11,000 tickets – about a third of our total annual ticket sales – had already been sold for the three 2020 productions. We made the awful decision to close down the theatre and furloughed our full-time staff.”

Despite its suspension of productions, a number of Tolethorpe Hall’s overheads remained. Anyone with a listed property or even a modestly-sized estate can relate to the travails of maintaining a Grade II* listed 19th century property, set in seven acres. With the impossibility of raising any income through ticket sales that year, Caroline and the board announced the launch of the company’s Save Your Theatre appeal in August and made public the shortfall figure of £240,000 that Covid was costing Stamford Shakespeare Company, admitting that without support the future for the theatre was grim. The announcement was a clarion call and a huge number of people were quick to aid the theatre.

“From that terrible declaration everyone joined in efforts to help mitigate the shortfall,” says Caroline. “From donations, to revenue from car boot sales, and the sale of kitchen garden produce to the many people who allowed us to keep their ticket revenue irrespective of the postponement of the shows. The support we received was absolutely overwhelming. We were truly touched and it’s no exaggeration to say that the love and affection that people showed the theatre has secured it for the future.”

“Within two or three weeks of the appeal we had tens of thousands of pounds, the majority of the beneficiaries of the Government’s Cultural Recovery Funds were announced.” >>

Above: Chairman of Stamford Shakespeare Company Caroline Stephenson is grateful for the support the theatre has received but cautions that they’re not quite out of the woods yet...

>> “In October, we were one of the 1,385 venues to be awarded a share of the £1.57bn funding, receiving the £240,000 figure which represented the equivalent of 20,000 tickets.”

Happily though, just prior to an official announcement last month, Pride Magazine was made aware – albeit under embargo –of news that the theatre’s 2021 productions, which were postponed last year, will go ahead this summer and tickets are on sale now. All’s well that ends well, then? Unfortunately, no.

“The capacity for the auditorium is 600 and though we’re relieved to be opening again for our 2021 season, there remains in place a number of conditions that we need to adhere to in order to keep our audiences safe,” says Caroline.

“With a requirement towards social distancing we’re limited to audiences of about 250 per performance, and we can’t hold any additional performances to make up the shortfall from what would ordinarily be a total annual audience in excess of 34,000 people. That’s because the three annual plays run over four weeks each, continuously, and because cast and crew are almost entirely unpaid volunteers with day jobs and commitments beyond the productions.”

“That means although we’ll be able to put on three productions this year our audience numbers and our ticket revenues will remain lower than usual and the knock-on effect from Covid will continue into 2022. Things are looking more positive, but we’re not out of the woods yet.”

It’s a cautious note, and the whole team remains truly delighted to be able to bring two of their three productions back for the summer, but the third play – Shakespeare’s most famous – did need a rethink.

“Each year we aim to present two of Shakespeare’s plays plus a wildcard – usually a comedy or a family performance with

broader appeal – and in 2020 we were due to present Love’s Labour’s Lost. Rehearsals for that performance were already underway and we’re delighted that will still go ahead. Our wildcard play for the year was Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, preparations for which were also underway. Happily, for each of those productions we have managed to retain most of our cast and crew.”

“However, we were also due to present Romeo & Juliet. Star-cross’d lovers who are madly in love, but have to socially distance during their courtship, would look a little odd, to say nothing of the fact that the production also involved sword-fighting; impossible to rehearse or perform with social distancing in place too.”

“I spent most of the Christmas holidays reading plays and came across Humble Boy, written by Charlotte Jones, which was first performed at the National, rather later in the day than many of our other productions, in 2001.”

Though this be madness, yet there is method in it; it’s inspired by Hamlet so there’s a very loose connection to the theatre’s usual oeuvre, but it’s a comedy, rather than a tragedy which, let’s face it, is what we all need at the moment.

“It’s also set in the 1990s with the lead, Felix Humble, a Cambridge astrophysicist rather than a Danish Prince. The modern mise-enscene made sets and costumes easier, and though it feels a bit more hurried than our usual year-long works, we’re confident that the creative decisions we’ve made will enable us to host a production with polish that we can be every bit as proud of.”

Stamford Shakespeare Company’s productions fall stubbornly and resolutely between amateur dramatics and professional theatre. For whilst it’s true that the company’s work is absolutely stellar in scale, quality and talent, it bears a reminder that none of the actors and very few of the crew for each performance are paid. >>

Opposite: When it’s full, Stamford Shakespeare Company’s Tolethorpe Hall auditorium accommodates 600 people, but this year the theatre group will be limited to the number of seats it can sell because of social distancing rules.

“The whole team is cautiously optimistic about the theatre’s future, and are truly delighted to be able to bring two of their three productions back for the summer, but the third play – Shakespeare’s most famous – did need a rethink...!”

>> With just four full-time staff – and some freelance work on the part of costume designers like Miriam Spring Davies – over 100 people work hard to create three plays a year, and put on around 80 performances.

Each play itself has a cast of about 20 actors, but a team of up to 40 behind it, some working extra hard across multiple plays. An in-house costume department looks after a collection of 1,000 costumes and to create or modify about 200 a year for the three productions, ensuring they fit the cast beautifully and reflect the setting in which each production is based. For instance, Love’s Labour’s Lost is set in the 17th century, but The Importance of Being Earnest requires a late-Victorian look. Previously the costume designers have been called upon to create dresses for 1920s flappers and 1940s spivs as well as their staple of codpieces and ruffs.

Behind the scenes – literally – are the set-builders, Nick Carlton and his team, who hand-build multiple sets measuring 30ft x 20ft. These weigh two and a half tonnes and have to be on wheels to facilitate quick production changeovers. They’re hand-painted and are designed to blend in with the leafy setting of Tolethorpe’s openair amphitheatre.

Actors are required to put in around 500 hours during the course of a production, and maintain the company’s high standards – and its faithfulness to Shakespeare’s text, which in itself necessitates admirable studiousness.

It seems grossly disrespectful to suggest that the actors on the stage of Tolethorpe Hall are amateurs. Though it’s true that they’re not paid, their commitment to their production is unquestionable, and because of the high production values throughout the theatre, the company attracts a very good calibre of acting talent as a way of giving aspiring performers a way into professional theatre.

Let’s not forget, too, that Tolethorpe is one of the best opportunities for new talent to emerge, and has launched the careers of a fair few theatre professionals, courtesy of the Tolethorpe Youth Theatre group.

A RADA graduate, Jean Harley founded the company in 1968 and died in 2014 at the age of 91. Five years later, in 2019 Stamford Shakespeare Company sold its 1,000,000th ticket, something that she would have been proud to see.

Initially the theatre performed in the monastery gardens of The George of Stamford, before work on the buildings meant that in 1977 the hotel could no longer accommodate the theatre’s productions.

With just £78 in the bank, a private loan of £36,000 was necessary to enable the group to purchase the near-derelict Tolethorpe Hall and has been paid back long since. Once the dust settles from Covid, audiences in excess of 30,000 will enjoy the group’s productions.

Still Jean’s ethos is woven through the commitment of cast and crews at Tolethorpe Hall and still today the actors behind of each performance don’t take curtain calls, both because some volunteers whose contribution Jean deemed just as important would be omitted from the appearance, but also because she didn’t want to ruin the illusion in theatre of deceased characters coming back to life.

Caroline is quite right; her directorial debut for the company was A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2009, and the audience had failed to notice the little pond that had been created on the set until Helena rejects a frustrated Demetrius and pushes him into the water. I was there and witnessed the audience’s frisson of shock and giggles as it rippled gleefully across the auditorium. It was just one in thousands of magical, hilarious, dramatic and wonderful moments of talent played out to audiences in the 53 years that the company has been around.

Stamford Shakespeare

The theatre hosts three plays a year and a total of 80 performances. The theatre has sold over a million tickets since it was founded by Jean Harley in 1968 at The George of Stamford

Theatre today has a real uniqueness. In an era of big-budget film, computers can be used to create any vista, landscape, any explosion or creature. Think about the lush, colourful landscape of James Cameron’s CGI film Avatar, or the weird and wonderful creatures of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, all made possible with technology like motion capture.

Theatre at Tolethorpe has none of this technology. No editing techniques or sound effects. Instead, the script is king and acting talent remains its queen. The story comes to the fore, always, and is never compromised or substituted by the introduction of technology and techniques.

“It’s a medium unlike others, and in an era when theatre has been technically surpassed by cinema and TV, theatre endures because of the purity and pleasure that its authenticity ensures,” says Caroline.

“We’d considered introducing streaming technology as used by some much larger productions both during and before the pandemic, but it’s just not the same. The atmosphere of the performance, the reaction of others around you to what’s happening on stage… that performance playing out in front of you in real time. It’s not something that can be replicated the way we want to on screen.”

Supporting the group is as simple as purchasing tickets and enjoying a night out – something that you should do this season more than ever – but for £15, you can all also become a Friend of Stamford Shakespeare Company, offering priority booking two weeks prior to tickets being offered on general sale, plus free programmes for each year’s performances and bulletins with updates on events and other activities at Tolethorpe.

“We’re enormously grateful for all the support we’ve had from our public, and we’ve been shown great love by the Friends of Stamford Shakespeare Company and by those who have allowed us to retain their ticket revenue even when the productions were delayed,” says Caroline.

“We’d like to thank all of those people and to assure them of priority booking for future shows beginning with the 2021 season.”

“Across Tolethorpe the sun is shining, the grounds are looking super. Summer is coming, and so are our productions.”

“We’re delighted to be back and we have greater resolve than ever, so when it comes to celebrating the great British summer and enjoying a really lovely evening of entertainment, once again… the play’s the thing!”

n Stamford Shakespeare Company, based at Tolethorpe Hall, will host Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Importance of Being Earnest and Humble Boy this summer from June to August. Ticket prices are from £14.50-£19.50, for dates and for more information on become one of the Friends of Stamford Shakespeare Company, see www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk or book by calling Stamford Arts Centre on 01780 756133.

The Black Horse at Gosberton.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

After loneliness and lockdown, summer is here and this month we can all once again enjoy a drink or a meal with friends and family. And we should do just that because hospitality deserves our support and our custom now, more than ever, says Kate Nicholls...

Words: Rob Davis.

IT’S SERIOUS FOOD FOR THOUGHT, says Kate Nicholls of UK Hospitality Industry, the group responsible for representing the sector to the government.

It’s an easy sell, after months of lockdown and loneliness, to encourage people to hurry back to their favourite restaurants, hotels, pubs and coffee shops, but as if we needed any extra inducement, Kate (pictured right) was only too keen to tell us why the industry deserves our support post-lockdown.

“Hospitality is a vibrant, dynamic and innovative sector delivering vital jobs, growth and investment in the heart of our local communities and to the national economy,” says Kate. “We are also a big sector within the economy, with a £130bn turnover and whilst we account for 5% of the country’s GDP, 90% of businesses in the hospitality sector are local SMEs.”

The hospitality sector is the UK’s third largest employer, and provides 9% of all UK jobs, employing 3.2m directly plus another 2.8m incidentally. Its economic contribution to the UK is bigger than the automotive, aeronautic and pharmaceutical industries combined. That makes it twice as important to the economy than the financial services industry and provides the Chancellor with £39bn of tax receipts.

This month as the hospitality sector cautiously reopens, initially outdoors and then eventually with indoor dining allowed from 17th May, it’s imperative that everyone, right across Lincolnshire, does their bit and returns to their favourite pub, restaurant, hotel or coffee shop.

We’ve all missed family and friends, so the opportunity to help out this absolutely vital and much loved sector of the economy, whilst reuniting with those we’ve missed during lockdown, is one that’s simply too important to pass up.

Over the page we’ve a few suggestions places to dine at a time when eating out to help out has never been so important. >>

DINING OUT IN LINCOLNSHIRE

This month we present our recommendations for those hoping to once again enjoy dining out. Please note pictured dishes and dates are subject to alteration... please call to book and confirm details.

1. e Petwood Hotel...

It’s renowned for its Dambusters heritage, but the appeal of the Petwood Hotel goes way beyond just history. The hotel’s Petwood Suite, Garden Room and Terrace Bar have all enjoyed a refurbishment during lockdown and the grounds of this pretty Edwardian icon stand out as some of the best in the county, which means that whether you dine outdoors from 12th April or indoors from 17th May, you’ll enjoy polished service, great dining and a really lovely setting in which to reunite with friends and family.

Remember that The Petwood Hotel also offers brilliant afternoon teas so if you’ve missed being able to catch up, book now to enjoy a reunion in the sunshine with finger sandwiches, homemade cakes and patisserie and of course, good conversation in a beautiful setting! Definitely recommended and a huge favourite of ours!

The Petwood Hotel, Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QG, 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk. n

2. e Black Horse...

Authenticity is always a winner and Gosberton’s Black Horse pub restaurant is an authentic, traditional but very good option for relaxed dining. Dishes are well-presented, made with ingredients locally sourced where possible and there’s a nice garden and marquee in the grounds of the pub restaurant which will make a great setting when the sun shines and prior to a full reopening on 17th May. Just make sure you save room for one of the restaurant’s beautifully presented and delicious desserts... after lockdown, you deserve a treat!

The Black Horse, Gosberton Risegate, Spalding PE11 4ET. Call 01775 840995, www.theblackhorse-gr.co.uk. n

What a simple pleasure it is to sit down with friends or family and enjoy a Sunday lunch... especially when it’s cooked for you! If you’re wondering where to go for that compelling combination of a really top class Sunday lunch but a lovely relaxed setting too, we’ll direct you to The Cross Keys at Grasby, between Caistor and Brigg. In the kitchen is the stellar talent of Steph Barker.

A team equally skilled at front of house includes partner Malika Garwell who ensures the pub restaurant’s service is every bit as good as the food. Combine that with a setting on the edge of Grasby with views over rolling countryside towards Lincoln Cathedral and you’ve a potent recommendation for a great dining experience.

The Cross Keys Inn, Grasby, Barnetby DN38 6AQ. Call 01652 628247 or see www.crosskeys-grasby.co.uk. n

3. e Cross Keys at Grasby...

4. Ye Olde Red Lion at Bicker...

5. e Lincoln Hotel...

There are plenty of reasons to recommend Ye Olde Red Lion near Bicker. So many, in fact, that it’s difficult to know where to start.

It’s owned by a farming family, which is directly reflected by the freshness and the quality of the ingredients that Head Chef Marcus Franklin and his brigade work with.

Next, there’s the setting. It’s a 350 year old cosy country inn that’s every bit as good as that sounds, and as well as the little nooks and indoor spaces – subdivided in a manner that’s cosy, really quite commensurate with character of the place – there’s also a very pretty

garden area overlooking farmland that’s highly recommended before May’s full indoor reopening across the hospitality industry. And finally, there’s the food. A stunning... stunning... Sunday lunch, brilliantly presented dishes bursting with flavour and colour, and the pub restaurant’s Lincolnshire Tapas option; featuring small but perfectly formed dishes!

Ye Olde Red Lion, Bicker, Boston PE20 3EF.

Call 01775 821200 or see www.redlion bicker.co.uk n

Open for Business

Rediscover the joy of Uphill Lincoln this summer as Bailgate and Steep Hill reopen for business. And where better to dine? We’re keen to recommend The Lincoln Hotel, with its quirky architecture but genuinely wonderful dining experience. A generous terrace in front of the hotel provides al fresco dining opportunities or somewhere to enjoy a glass of wine, whilst Billy Frost – formerly of The Ritz on London’s Piccadilly – makes the most of local ingredients to create anything from fine dining style dishes under the Green Room name to morning coffee and cake in the lounge, ideal for a reunion with friends. As if that couldn’t get any better, the view of the adjacent Cathedral in unsurpassed! The Lincoln Hotel, Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1PN. Call 01522 520348 or see www.thelincolnhotel.com. n

Government guidance at the time of going to press states that from 12th April restaurants and pubs may serve alcohol outdoors. Indoor dining may resume from 17th May for up to six people.

6. And finally... Hambleton Hall!

Our final recommendation is a little further afield but my gosh... it’s worth the journey! The Relais & Châteaux affiliated Hambleton Hall was created 40 years ago by Tim & Stefa Hart and the hotel rapidly achieved a Michelin star, plus four AA Rosettes for its impeccable dining experience.

Head Chef Aaron Patterson has been at the helm since 1992 and is returning to the kitchen this month bursting with ideas for new dishes.

There are 17 bedrooms, too, and breathtaking gardens to the rear of the hotel, which slope down towards Rutland Water with its impressive views.

There’s a slight premium to pay for the dining experience but once you’ve experienced the food, the service and the setting, you’ll see exactly where your investment in pleasure has gone.

Hambleton Hall, Ketton Road, Oakham LE15 8TH. Call 01572 756991 or see www.hambletonhall.com. n

GOOD AS GOLD

This month the combines will be getting ready to roll through the golden yellow fields of Lincolnshire, gathering in the rapeseed crop that’s pressed, filtered and bottled to create a product for our cooking that’s good as gold. And now, premium oils from Borderfields are available courtesy of Yummy, bringing fresh local food right to your door…

Words: Rob Davis.

COULDN’T HELP IT Upon drawing up to Borderfields – one of the biggest producers of rapeseed oil in the UK – I was really hoping it’d resemble the 1980s TV show Dallas. Men in Stetsons and massive ranches, spurting oilwells yielding golden, er, oil… . Afraid not.

It is, however, a modern, hugely successful and surprisingly large farming operation… one that serves the UK with around 50% of all the rapeseed oil we consume. And this year is going to be a bumper year indeed. For a start the 2019/2020 worldwide olive crop was poor, which has made producing a decent olive oil much trickier.

Secondly, and to the delights of Scott Boyce of Borderfields, the consumer is waking up to the wonder, versatility and health benefits of rapeseed oil over its competitors. Cooking oils are a bit of a ‘Cinderella’ ingredient; ubiquitous in the dishes we cook, yet rather undervalued.

“We produce over 2,000,000 litres each year,” says Scott. “The oilseed rape crop you see in the fields of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire is harvested, cold-pressed, filtered then bottled. We’ve our Borderfields and Borderfields Gold products, plus our flavoured Infusions range (with basil, garlic, lemon or chilli),

each of which are now available for delivery right to your door with Yummy.”

Happily, rapeseed oil is one of the most useful ingredients to have within reach. Unlike olive oil, it has a much higher burn point, somewhere in the region of 230°c, which means it can be used for frying, roasting, baking or just cold, drizzled on salads and so on.

The more subtle and discreet flavour of rapeseed oil doesn’t compromise the flavour of the dish you’re cooking, and it doesn’t taint the taste of your other ingredients when it gets too hot, for instance, over 190°c – the burn point of olive oil – it starts to smoke and break town. >>

Main Image: Scott Boyce of Border fields, creating high quality oilseed rape based cooking oils, now available for delivery right to your door via Yummy, bringing fresh local food right to your door.

“YUMMY: COVERING THE WHOLE OF THE COUNTY!”

Fresh local food delivered directly to your doorstep across the whole of Lincolnshire!

Now available across the whole of Lincolnshire, Borderfields is just one of the Yummy suppliers you can now use to have quality produce delivered right to your door. The service delivers produce from local butchers, bakers, fruit & veg suppliers, fishmongers and other local food businesses, with shopping delivered straight to your door. How does it work? Simply visit www.yummy.co.uk and browse through the different products available.

Once you’ve chosen your products from each of our different Yummy partners, you complete one single secure checkout.

Next, we visit each of our partners in turn, collect each of the different products in your order, then pack them safely and deliver them using our fleet of our refrigerated vehicles.

We’ll deliver your Yummy box to your doorstep which means you can enjoy local food, from local suppliers with maximum convenience.

As well as local produce, Yummy has lots of practical groceries too such as milk, butter, honey, and sliced bread.

n Discover Yummy now by visiting www.yummy.co.uk... you won’t be disappointed!

>> And thirdly, rapeseed oil is much healthier thanks to the fact that its cold-pressed production method eliminates the need to supplement the oil with additional chemicals to replace nutritional elements or make it easier to process and use.

Next time you’re in the supermarket, take a look at the ingredients label of one of the UK’s best-selling cooking sprays. The olive oil version of the product, for example.

Actually, it’s only 51% olive oil. Just over half. The rest is water, alcohol, natural flavouring and Xanthan gum. By contrast, Borderfields rapeseed oil contains… well, rapeseed oil. 100%. That’s it. Nothing else. Nada. Zilch. Just... rapeseed oil.

“And rapeseed oil is much healthier than other oleics,” says Scott. “It’s a near perfect balance of Omega 3, 6 and 9. It contains less saturated fat and it’s a good, natural source of Vitamin E.”

“We sow the crop around late August or in the first week of September, to allow the juvenile crop to establish before the soil temperature drops and autumn kicks in,” says Dave Pye, Commercial Manager of Borderfields’ parent company Hammond Produce. “Our farms are located on a Victorian estate and cover about 2,000 acres but we also use the oilseed rape crop from farms across Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire to source different varieties too.”

“The little black seed is the same part of the crop that’s planted into the ground as the part that’s harvested then pressed. When the outside of the seed is breached it’s an amazing pollen yellow colour inside.”

“The crop tends to flower in April and May, and it’s harvested using a combine with a special header. The straw is separated from the seed, chopped and left in the field to break down, leaving just the seeds in the combine that we crush to release their oil.”

“On other farming operations, oilseed rape as a crop fell out of fashion a couple of years

“Borderfields rapeseed oil is a pure, local product, one you’ll probably use every single day. And with Yummy, you’re able to buy straight from the farm and have it delivered to your door...”

ago but it’s now finding favour again thanks to the popularity of rapeseed oil, of which we’re suppliers of over half of all the UK’s total consumption.”

“Oilseed rape fits in well with some farms’ root vegetable crop rotations, and with other brassicas and pasture as part of farmers’ efforts to ensure good soil management.”

The crop is farmed on fields like those around Lincolnshire. It’s harvested in May when those fields are a lovely bright yellow, then it’s pressed in one of Borderfields’ three tractor-sized presses.

The black seed is loaded into the hopper where it’s pressed through corkscrew-shaped augers and then filtered – five times – from one micron down to 0.2 microns.

That means it’s pure, and no heat has been utilised in the process to damage the purity of the oil.

“That purity, plus its versatility and its clear health benefits over other oleics are really giving rapeseed oil increased popularity in the market.”

“With Yummy, you’re able to buy straight from the farm and have our products delivered right to your door. You’ll notice the difference; it has a less obtrusive flavour, a cleaner taste and you’ve the peace of mind that comes from knowing it’s a pure, local product… one you’ll probably use every single day!”

n To purchase Borderfields’ range of rapeseed oil and speciality flavoured oils, see www.yummy.co.uk.

GET YOUR JUST DESSERTS

ENJOY THESE SWEET TREATS AT HOME

If you’ve a sweet tooth but can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, and into the dining room, with a delicious dessert delivered directly to your door.

All around the county some entrepreneurial cottage industries are emerging, all offering restaurant-quality desserts to enjoy at home.

Lockdown has created a number of food producers like Mandy Jagger, whose fabulous cheesecakes are available on Yummy.co.uk.

The cheesecakes she used to create for family and friends were so good that soon she began to receive requests, and has now partnered with Yummy to create two sizes of cheesecakes (5”, for 3-4 people, £8.95; 8”, for 10-12 people, £24.95). Trading as Orchard Cottage Desserts, Mandy’s products are available in ‘Lotus Biscuit’ Biscoff; Bueno; caramel; lemon meringue; strawberry and of course vanilla flavour too. There’s even a gluten-free variety.

They’re so delicious and so universally popular that there’s little purpose making your own dessert, especially with doorstep delivery.

Alternatively, if you’re keen to tuck into a warm gooey pud, Yummy also provides Cartmel’s range of puddings, from lemon

drizzle to sticky banana, plus sticky chocolate, ginger and toffee apple crumble flavours. And if you’re welcoming friends or family round for the afternoon, you can be very cheeky indeed and pass off the stunning homemade scones of Spalding’s Debbie Fisher – Posh Nosh – as your own.

Any sense of guilt over claiming them as your own creations will quickly fade as you slather Debbie’s fruit, plain or cherry scones with clotted cream and jam from Lincoln’s Jenny’s Jam, and tuck in... enjoy! n All products are available from yummy.co.uk.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Quality local rapeseed oil that’s as good as gold...!

THE VOICE FROM THE FIELDS

FRESH PRODUCE SPECIALIST AND ONE OF YUMMY’S SUPPLIERS, JONNY KING, KEEPS US UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE FIELD...

I’m sure you’re all aware that the days are creeping out to be longer and the temperatures are becoming bearable! This is great news for local produce, as the very best of what Lincolnshire has to offer is just around the corner. As we move into May, we will begin to see local new potatoes available – our first variety will be Rocket; a variety almost entirely grown in Lincolnshire. May will also see the first crops of spring or Sweetheart cabbage. It may be a little too early to see any summer cauliflower, but there will be plenty of UK grown vegetables available. Namely, these will include asparagus, artichoke, beetroot, chicory, chillies, lettuce, marrows, parsnips, radish, rhubarb and watercress. Glasshouse strawberry crops should be well underway by May too, and we will be supplying local strawberries until September. The growing conditions reported to me by my suppliers have made it very tough this month for over-wintered cabbage and cauliflower. The supply has not been as good as expected, and the density of cauliflower has not been as good as we would like. However, new season supply is very close, and the quality will improve quickly. n

1. Borderfields Gold... Using Lincolnshire oilseed rape, this cold pressed oil is made from specially selected seeds to create a unique blend and exceptional flavour. Pure, smooth and beaming with versatility. n £4.99/500ml

2. Two Calorie Spray... All the benefits and versatility of Borderfields cold pressed rapeseed oil in a controllable spray. Use every day in cooking stir-fries, breads, BBQs, roasts, cakes or spray it directly onto salads. n £2.85/200ml

3. Borderfields Pack...

Lovely Borderfields British Infusions: a four pack of bottles of infused oils with added chilli, garlic, lemon or basil, to add a gentle perfusion of flavour to your cooking. n £9.99/125ml x four Border fields’ range of rapeseed oil and speciality oils are available on www.yummy.co.uk.

LINCOLNSHIRE BUTCHERS

QUALITY AND LOCAL

With Yummy, you can fall in love with food all over again! Enjoy fresh, high-quality meat, fish, fruit, herbs, vegetables, bread, and other locally sourced food like smoked barbecue dishes, cakes plus speciality oils and sauces, all sourced from the local shops you already know and love.

You simply choose your favourite shops and select your items to create one ‘basket’ using our website. Complete your order, then we’ll pick up all of your products from all of the shops, pack and deliver all of your items together, right to your doorstep.

Yummy is the idea of Lincolnshire businessman Julian Wilkinson and owner of Lincolnshire Pride magazine.

He’s a keen advocate of supporting local retailers and food producers, but also a fan of the convenience that online shopping provides. So now… he’s combined the two!

Julian and his team have partnered with trusted independent butchers like Simpsons Butchers, Carl Dunham Butchers, and Dawsons Butchers, Curtis of Lincoln for butchery and baked goods, smoked barbecue products from The Lincolnshire Smokehouse and of course, Yummy works with local greengrocers and farmers for fresh fruit & vegetables.

Yummy also provides seafood from East Lincolnshire Seafood and

LINCOLNSHIRE FISHMONGERS

LINCOLNSHIRE BAKERS

Chapmans of Grimsby, locally made cheese from Lymn Bank Farm, and delicious cakes and teatime treats from Posh Nosh, Myers Bakery and Hawkens Gingerbread as well as jam from Jenny’s Jams of Lincoln.

We will add more shops over the forthcoming months. If you are food producer or restaurant in Lincolnshire why not get involved? Yummy provides the amazing convenience of home delivery from local shops with one single doorstep delivery. We’re rolling out Yummy across the United Kingdom, starting with Lincolnshire and then the rest of the UK, prioritising local independent retailers, food producers and farmers.

We will try to source local produce where possible, though sadly our efforts to source a Lincolnshire banana grower have not borne fruit –literally or figuratively – so we’ll also look a little further where necessary, to keep the quality of our produce high, our prices competitive, and our range comprehensive!

Enquiries

If you’d like to get in touch, please email us at enquiries@yummy.co.uk.

LINCOLNSHIRE FARMERS & GREENGROCERS

CURTIS OF LINCOLN, BAKERS & BUTCHERS

In the KITCHEN

Light, zesty, the perfect pudding to enjoy this summer. This cheesecake is powered by the wonderful local cordials produced on Belvoir Fruit Farms...

GINGER & ELDERFLOWER CHEESECAKE

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves Eight.

250g ginger biscuits • 100g butter • 280g cream cheese at room temperature

2tbsp Belvoir Elderflower Cordial • 100g icing sugar • 150ml double cream

First, weigh out all the ingredients, then place the biscuits into a sturdy plastic bag and bash them into crumbs with a rolling pin.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat and stir through the biscuit crumbs.

Press into a loose-bottomed tart-tin (we used a 20cm fluted tin) and place in the fridge to set. Stir together the cream cheese,

Elderflower Cordial and the icing sugar until smooth. Next, whip the cream until firm, gently fold the cream through the mixture until just combined.

Finally, pile the soft cheesecake mixture onto the biscuit base and chill for at least four hours or overnight before serving –as this cheesecake doesn’t use gelatine to make it as light and fluffy as possible, it does definitely needs the chilling time!

For more information on Belvoir Fruit Farm’s cordials, see www.belvoirfarm.co.uk.

Think pink and enjoy a gin with a hint of blush...

Bottomley Distillers is renowned for its spirits, but this one will lift your spirit too: with a hint of pink it’s cheerful and refreshing!

A cheerful twist for your tipple from Bottomley Distillers as we implore you to think pink this month.

Pin Gin’s premium gin will leave you in the pink... as it’s floral to the nose, spicy to the palate and sweet to finish. Ideal when paired with an Indian Fever-Tree Tonic Water the citrus comes alive for a gin and tonic that’ll have you raising a glass to this local distillery, based in Louth and founded by Alan and Amy Bottomley. n £20/35cl; £35/70cl from www.bottomleydistillers.co.uk

The Wine Cellar

PINK GINS, A TRIO OF SOUTH AFRICAN WINES AND A LIGHT AND LOVELY RED WINE TO ENJOY WITH SPRING LAMB... IT’S THIS MONTH’S RECOMMENDATIONS!

OUT OF AFRICA: A trio of South African superstars to enjoy all summer long...

1. From the Elim region, Ghost Corner is a blend of Sauvignon and Semillon grapes. It provides a tropical citrus taste great with seafood dishes and roast chicken, £19.99 / 75cl / 13% ABV.

2. From the Western Cape to your sunny terrace, Rustenberg is a super little dessert wine that reminds you of Turkish Delight and spicy red fruit. Enjoy it in a cocktail, with ice as a digestif or as a pudding wine, £13.49 / 37.5cl / 16% ABV.

3. And our South African superstar this month is a fine and complex Bordeaux-style wine with a juicy, pure berry Merlot/Cabernet grape blend, £32 / 75cl / 13.5% ABV.

Wine of the Month

Fleurie Georges Duboeuf, Beaujolais, £13.49 / 75cl / 13% ABV

On the lighter-bodied scale of reds, this lovely nimble Fleurie provides you with a gorgeously fruity and floral aroma with iris, violets, roses, red berries and wild peaches on the nose. From a 17th century family of winegrowers, Georges Dubœuf has striven since 1964 to come up with the best wines in Beaujolais and Mâcon to reveal the essence of the finest terroirs from each appellation. Ideal with chicken, spring lamb or locally sourced cheese. Available from Waitrose Cellar, www.waitrose cellar.com.

An alcohol-free spirit that’s gin-credible!

You’ll be in the pink this season but can still retain a clear head thanks to Ceder’s Pink Rose ‘gin-style’ alcohol-free spirit, with its juniper, rose and hibiscus botanicals. Vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free and devoid of alcohol, it’s the perfect aperitif throughout the day and is best enjoyed with a good quality tonic, lots of ice and a garnish of mint and raspberries... the taste of summer and ideal for the designated driver this summer.

£18 / 50cl / 0% ABV, ceders-alt-gin.com.

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

A COUPLE OF

A BEAUTIFUL CLASSICAL MANOR HOUSE

Beautifully proportioned, with a huge amount of space, and the stunning backdrop of the 15th century church of St John the Baptist, Christine and Andrew say they’ll miss their pretty Manor House enormously, but a move closer to family means they’re looking for new custodians of this beautiful family home with its gorgeous gardens, five reception rooms and five bedrooms...

Words: Rob Davis. Twilight Images: Dean Fisher. Interior Images: Lee Jones.

CHRISTINE already has her Easter egg hunt planned. Even if she and husband Andrew have to wait a little while longer to sneak those little chocolate treats into the nooks and corners of the garden, they’re in the kitchen cupboard, ready to be hidden in the couple’s fiendish secret places... we get the feeling that the couple are especially pleased with their hiding places this year.

“Our grandchildren love it and it’s a highlight of the year for us too,” says Christine. “It’s a very used house, and always has been. When we moved in we opted for wooden floors because we had two girls and two dogs so it was always busy.”

The couple’s Manor House at East Markham is, technically, just over the Lincolnshire

Main/Right: The property has five reception rooms, currently arranged as a drawing room, sitting room, dining room and breakfast room, plus the garden room adjoining the kitchen.

border, but Lincolnshire Pride has always been ‘Newark-friendly’ and quite aside from that, we’ll note the property’s location, more or less equidistant between Lincoln, Newark, Gainsborough, Grantham and Worksop. It’s also four minutes from the A1; brilliantly positioned for those who work right across the country.

“The transport links are really great,” says Christine. “My sister lives in London and we have relatives in Edinburgh too, so usefully, not only are we on the A1, we’re also right on the main rail line.”

“And yet, the village is not a thoroughfare so the only people who really come into East Markham are residents. It’s really quiet and lovely, and the approach to the property is stunning. We come from Derbyshire. We’ve lived here since 2009 and when we first discovered the property we kept

popping back to see it. On one occasion, showing round a couple of friends, we happened across the 600th anniversary celebrations of St John the Baptist, next door. The church was hosting a flower festival so it was a lovely first impression for what life would be like in the village really pastoral and friendly!”

The Manor is 612 years old and was home to eponymous villager Sir John Markham, Chief Justice under Edward VI. It was rebuilt or extended in the 1700s, and on

several subsequent occasions transformed from a Long House into the Manor. Markham, incidentally, also commissioned the church of St John the Baptist adjacent to the property

The property is arranged over three floors and offers spectacular accommodation, totalling 6,500ft2 living space and providing five reception rooms. These are currently arranged as a drawing room, sitting room, dining room and breakfast room, plus the garden room adjoining the kitchen.

There are five bedrooms too, three of which have en suite bathrooms. The house also has a separate and entirely self-contained annexe with two additional bedrooms.

It’s a practical home too with a kitchen installed by Wiltshire-based Smallbone of Devizes, and finished in warm white featuring a white two-oven Aga. >>

“The property is arranged over three floors and offers 6,500ft2 living space plus five reception rooms and five bedrooms...”

>> Other appliances integrated into the kitchen are from premium brands such as Miele, and there’s a very practical pantry, a separate laundry room for white goods and a dedicated boot room for boots, coats, clutter and dog leads.

Need more space? Happily there are extensive cellars and a garage with a first floor storage area and a home office or studio for those who work from home.

The property’s reception rooms include no fewer than four multi-fuel stoves, to ensure a cosy winter. But for the optimists who trust that April and May will bring bright sunshine – and Easter Egg hunts – the gardens are a spectacular sight, relandscaped by Christine and Andrew with an ornamental pond and adjacent terrace. >>

Above: The kitchen was created by Smallbone of Devizes and includes integrated appliances and classic in-frame shaker cabinetry.

>> With grounds totalling around 0.7 acres, there’s plenty of space for the couple’s three grandchildren, without being so extensive that The Manor’s next owners will spend all weekend on the lawnmower.

“The views of the church are absolutely lovely, and it really does provide a focal point for the village, not just architecturally, but to ensure we all look after one another.”

“The sight of the building lit up in the evening is lovely, and there’s a village shop, and plenty of great dog walks in the area.”

“We’ve a huge amount of history on the property, with a box full of documents. You’re never really the owner of an old property, just its custodian for future generations, so we think it’s important to pass on as much of its history to its next owners.”

“It’ll break our hearts to leave the house but a move nearer to our daughters and the need to downsize to a smaller property has caused us to make a ‘head over heart’ decision. We wish we could pick the house up and take it with us, but we can’t. So, it’s time for someone else to make the place their own and to enjoy it as much as we have!” n

THE MANOR, NEWARK

Location: Newark 26 minutes; Lincoln 35 minutes; Grantham 39 mins; Gainsborough 35 mins.

Style: Seven bedroom Manor House adjacent to C15th church.

Guide Price: OIEO £1,295,000. Find Out More: Fine & Country, Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0DZ. Tel: 01522 287008, or see www.fineandcountry.com.

FRUIT BEARING

Quirky, whimsical fruit prints can give your room a real impact with their swirls, pops of colour and bold designs...

This Page: One of William Morris’s most loved wallpapers, Lemon Trees with its branches and blossoms, £83/roll.

Top Left: JP & G Baker’s Medlar wallpaper in blue and red £79/roll. Top Right: Sanderson Pineapple Royale fabric in graphite and linen £59/m.

Above: Fruit Aviary wallpaper in sage and neutral by Sanderson, £73/roll. Right: Sorrento fabrics from Clarke & Clarke’s Pomarium £31/m.

Above: Agrias fabric, Grapefruit colourway, £51/m from Clarke & Clarke.

Top: Tiger Grove jungle scene with citrus fruit, toucans and tigers, £230/3m x 2.1m, Matthew Williamson for Osborne & Little.

Top: Fruit wallpaper by Morris & Co, slate and thyme colourway from the firm’s Archive Wallpapers collection, £88/roll.

Above: Allotment wallpaper by Sanderson, Fennel colourway, with vegetables, fruit and potting shed motif, £56/roll.

Lincolnshire Suppliers: Aitch Interiors: 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk. Anelise Home: 01522 530400, www.anelisehome.co.uk.

Delcor: 01780 762579, www.delcor.co.uk. Richard Sutton Interiors: 01472 268377, richardsuttondesigninteriors.com. Sack Store: 01205 310101, www.sackstore.co.uk. Stevensons: 01472 233111, www.stevensonsgroup.co.uk. n

Clarke & Clarke Tobago wallpaper with pineapple motif, £47/roll. Ebony, colourway, indigo and silver available too.

Crafting bespoke hardwood conservatories and orangeries, roof lights & timber windows...

Sophie Allport’s new COLLECTION

It takes an artist to design something beautiful for your kitchen, but it takes a mum to design something that lasts, standing up to the rigours of family life. Local designer Sophie Allport’s new collection, Home Grown, is inspired by her love of gardening and growing her own collection at home, and we think they look really great!

Words: Rob Davis.

‘Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful,’ said William Morris, he of the Arts & Crafts movement and the busy-looking textiles. Quite right, too.

Sophie Allport, based near Stamford, is of course an artist, and perhaps the best-known of all homeware designers. Her work is unmistakable in its style; cheerful and brilliant.

But Sophie is also a mum. And that means she recognises the importance of her products not just looking beautiful, but proving themselves to be useful and resilient.

It’s all well and good producing a range of kitchen linens or crockery which look great, but if they fail to stand up to the rigours of family life, they’ll only fulfil half of the designer’s remit.

And that’s why Sophie’s work, her range of products, remain so popular. Not only are they a stylish addition to any kitchen, they’re also top quality, designed not to be left on the shelf and used ‘for best,’ but to be used day in, day out; to endure endless dishwasher cycles or tussles with the washing machine and tumble drier; to suffer the bumps and bangs of clumsy kids and haphazard husbands.

It’s little wonder then that Sophie had to relocate the business into their current

35,000sq ft space in Bourne in October 2017. The company now has 68 members of staff, 50 different designs, and 3,000 different lines to accommodate and 2,000 stockists internationally to keep happy.

It’s a business that has grown terrifically well since Sophie and her brother Jem founded the company ten years before in 2007.

“We were raised in Potterhanworth – a little village in Lincolnshire – and I attended Lincoln Minster School before moving to pursue a Graphic Art & Design degree at Leeds Metropolitan University.”

I left in 1994 and moved to London where I met my husband Chris,” say Sophie. “I loved to paint and would take on the odd commission to fund my way through university.”

“I even sat on pavements in central London sketching and selling the odd piece to tourists. That was in-between trying to get my work in front of illustrative agents and publishing companies. I had a friend who worked at the Country Living Show and in 1996, she asked me to be a demonstrator. I produced a few cards to sell at the show and it all began from there.”

“Eventually they were selling before I’d even produced them, and I was picking up work in advertising. One of my most memorable early commissions was for Harrods and they used my illustrations in their window displays. Working from the spare room of my London home I began producing a few mug and card designs of my own.”

“In 2004 our father suffered a stroke. We’re a close family and it felt like our world came tumbling down. My brother Jem and I were devastated. It acted as a catalyst to set up our family business and so Sophie Allport Limited was born. And then the world... just... exploded!”

“I’m still the creative element behind the business and Jem is happy to be behind the scenes but honestly, he’s terrific.” >>

Main Image: Sophie Allport designs her ranges from her kitchen with a coffee on the go and the dogs at her feet!

>> “I can’t sing Jem’s praises enough. His role in the finances, logistics, sales and distribution of our ranges enables me to just concentrate on what I love... creating beautiful products.”

Despite the company’s growth, Sophie still designs her ranges as she always has, never designing for a particular market or with commercial interests in mind, but sitting in front of the wood burner in her kitchen with the dogs at her feet and a mug of coffee.

The company is still able to ensure that the dogs and children or the Aga that you see in Sophie’s marketing images are those of family or friends, and that when Sophie extended her product range to include pet collars, leads and pet toys, their own dogs took a starring role.

Sophie’s beloved Mable is a renowned destroyer of dog toys and so she was also keenly involved in testing each of the new products to destruction, ensuring their

ability to squeak wouldn’t peak after a bit of roughhousing... or perhaps that should be ruff-housing?

Other more recent additions include hand lotions and soaps for your cloakroom – sold exclusively through Sophie Allport’s Stamford & Bourne shops and via Waitrose – plus bedding, cushions and throws. Also new for this summer is a range of t-shirts and pyjamas and adorable bibs and swaddle blankets for babies.

Sophie has launched five new collections for spring and summer 2021, the Multicoloured Hearts collection, which launched in time for Valentine’s Day and Mothering Sunday this year; Bees Teal, which is a extension to her ever popular Bees design; Giraffe which includes a donation from sales to the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

Bears & Balloons features adorable animals and a range of baby grows and lunch bags for children, and Dalmatian features spotty dogs and navy teal background.

The final collection launching this summer, Home Grown, the one we’ve featured both here and on this month’s front covers.

“The collection features our favourite seasonal vegetables, including parsnips, carrots, turnips and beetroot on a pale linen or dark green coloured background,” says Sophie. The range includes plenty of excellent gift ideas for gardening enthusiasts and those who love their wholesome veg.”

Naturally, Sophie's linens are still made from 100% cotton, and the brand's mugs are made from fine bone china. But she has also introduced lots of new products from stoneware mugs, jugs and bowls to new bags and accessories. All will stand up to daily use and will continue to look great year after year.

“If there’s one value, one philosophy that underpins what we do it’s family,” says Sophie. “We’re a family business, making products for families, and despite growing as a business, we still have the feel of being an extended family here too. We want to remain faithful to that ethos forever.” n

Find Out More: We've teamed up with Sophie Allport to offer a 15% discount for our readers throughout May. Use discount code PRIDEMAY21 at the checkout when you shop at www.sophieallport.com, alternatively, you can call 01778 560256 or visit their Sophie Allport shop on Stamford High Street or their Bourne Outlet on Spalding Road.

Home

100%

HOME GROWN HEROES

Stamford based Sophie Allport’s latest range is Home Grown, a super collection inspired by the designer’s love of fresh, home grown food...

Each of our featured products are available from www.sophieallport.com or by calling 01778 560 256.

Everyday

100%

Placemats & Coasters

Set

The Kitchen Garden Mug Standard 275ml or ‘Editor’s cuppa’ size, 475ml, £12/£14.50.

of four placemats/coasters 29cm x 21.5cm/10.5cm2, £30/£14.

Home Grown Tea Towel Sophie Allport’s tea towel, 45cm x 65cm, 100% cotton, £9.

Grown Apron

cotton apron with front pocket, 72cm x 90cm, £21

Tote Bag

cotton 46cm x 35cm x 18cm, popper fastening, solid base, £21.

Tea Towel Sophie Allport’s statement tea towel, 45cm x 65cm, 100% cotton £9.

Printed Tray Birchwood, 27cm x 20cm or 43cm x 33cm, £18/£30.

Home Grown Mug Standard 275ml or ‘Editor’s cuppa’ size, 475ml, £12/£14.50.

Create a Better Home with TURNBULL

Lincolnshire’s largest family owned independent builders’ merchant is looking forward to a bumper year as Turnbull gets ready to create stunning new spaces in time for summer…

Words: Rob Davis.

Indoors, outdoors, for any room in your home. It’s time to visit Turnbull to invest in your home and your lifestyle. The team at Turnbull are poised and ready to open the doors on 12th April to customers eager to get their home improvement projects underway.

“We have had a lot of interest recently in all areas of our business, from kitchens and bathrooms to outside living ready for clients to welcome their friends and family back into their new and improved homes,” says Group Showroom Manager, Olivia Hopkins.

“Obviously people are reluctant at present to commit to international travel plans this summer and we have all spent a lot of time at home. So, people across Lincolnshire seem keener then ever to invest in their property instead. We have seen an increase of clients wanting to incorporate their outside entertaining area with their indoor living space.”

“It’s understandable; if you’re going to be spending more time at home with family or friends, why not make it the best home it can be?”

“We can happily provide everything you need for your kitchen and bathrooms including, appliances, flooring, worktops and much more. All our products are of characterised by their quality, and they can suit any budget.”

“All our showrooms have a range of beautiful displays including contemporary kitchens by Rotpunkt which are made to order in Germany as well as more traditionally styled kitchens from Symphony and Sheraton.”

“Our bathroom offerings include German brands such as Duravit and Hansgrohe as well as Crosswater and Merlyn.”

“We like to partner with well-known manufacturers within the industry such as Silestone and Dekton for our solid surfaces, Quooker for 100 degree boiling water taps

and Neff, known for their hide and slide ovens and for which we are a five star master partner. We have working displays in each of our showrooms so you can see and feel the quality of the products for yourself.”

“What’s more if you are looking to ensure your kitchen and outdoor spaces flow into each other then we have everything you need to create terraces and patio areas for al fresco dining for the long summer evenings we are all looking forward too.”

“Our original showroom in Sleaford has been established for over 40 years which gives us the experience in the industry, and making all of our six showrooms among the largest and most respected in the county.”

“This summer we will hopefully be spending more time at home entertaining, so helping our clients to make their homes the very best places they can be is both our profession, but also our pleasure, too.”

n Turnbull Kitchens & Bathrooms has showrooms in Sleaford, Boston, Newark and Brigg, plus a flagship 7,500sq ft showroom on Lincoln’s Deacon Road. For a no obligation discussion about your kitchen or bathroom, and for free advice too, call 01529 308839 or see www.turnbullsonline.co.uk/showrooms.

UNSURPASSED QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP

Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms - full project management and free quotations

Devereux Way, Horncastle LN9 6AU

Tel: 01507 527113

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

PJCabinetMakers

Peter Jackson Cabinet Makers Ltd

IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN

This month is a great opportunity to get your growing going and create beautiful ingredients for use in your summer dishes. You’ll enjoy great food, fresh air and gain a sense of satisfaction, but if you need to advice to get started Stamford based Adam Frost has all the help you need at his kitchen school...

Words: Rob Davis.

>> Have you ever stopped to consider whether the future will be better? For every decade since the mid-20th century, futurists gazed into their crystal balls and predicted that we’d be living on the moon. We’d wear tin foil, they said. We’d have flying cars, they said. We’d be popping nutritionally complete food pills eliminating the need to shop, cook and eat whilst consigning both starvation and food wastage to history across the globe.

It hasn’t happened. Instead some families even in this country struggle to feed themselves whilst others throw perfectly good food away from their larders, cupboards and refrigerators.

Meanwhile our diets are poorer than ever, food intolerances are rife, obesity levels have reached unprecedented levels and our food arrives via increasingly complicated supply chains and everything we eat is the subject of industrialised processing.

Supermarkets and Groceries 33p in every pound spent on food in the UK spent in Tesco, which has a 27.8% market share of all supermarkets. Its three main competitors, accounting for a further 15.8% (Sainsbury’s), 15.3% (Asda) and 10.4% (Morrisons) share of the supermarket sector; just four companies controlling nearly 70% of all our £28bn food and grocery supermarket shopping. Seasonality no longer applies; we can eat strawberries in January and game in June.

The farming industry has had to resort to industrialised processes to keep us fed, whilst food producers have to incorporate preservatives, emulsifiers, antioxidants, bulking agents and flavour enhancers.

A reward for convenience?

Of course, being able to simply pick groceries up from the supermarket means we now have plenty of spare time as a society. But that’s time which is increasingly spent in a sedentary state; in front of TV screens, smartphones and tablets or working longer hours in front of your computer screen at work.

In short, our diets are worse than ever, our activity levels are lower than ever and our stress levels are through the roof. If only there were a way to address all three issues.

“Even if you can’t dedicate lots of space, or time to create a full kitchen garden, you can start with herbs on a kitchen window sill or tomatoes in grow bags...”

Above: RHS Ambassador Adam is the author of How to Create Your Garden: Ideas and Advice for Transforming your Outdoor Space (hardback, 256 pages) available from good bookshops for £20, or see adamfrost.co.uk.

To enable us to eat healthily, get some fresh air, relax and enjoy achieving something more constructive.

We can think of nothing better to address all of the above than curating your own kitchen garden. To be fair, we’re perhaps overstating matters. There’s no single silver bullet to solve all of the above problems in one fell swoop.

For a start we don’t all have the space, and large country homes no longer employ permanent staff – as was the case in years gone by – to tend a kitchen garden. Plus, we’re all time poorer by virtue of the increasing demands of our lifestyles.

A Happy Medium

But there’s always a happy medium. Even if you can’t dedicate lots of space, time and energy to creating a full kitchen garden, there’s always a compromise to be achieved between growing some of your own food and enjoying the sense of achievement that brings.

From herbs on a window sill or tomatoes in a pot or growbag, to a single raised bed, or a few fruit trees in a corner of your garden.

So what are the questions you need answering if you’re considering getting your growing going? We sought the advice of Adam Frost, who moved to his Domesday-

era stone Barnack patch five years ago but has lived and worked in the area since he moved here to work with Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens when he was in his 20s.

Within the three-acre garden, which the broadcaster is gradually renovating, Adam has created a stunning kitchen garden. He has also been busy inspiring gardeners through The Adam Frost Garden School and now runs regular day or two daycourses on topics ranging from garden design, to getting the best from your borders to using space well in smaller gardens, and of course… gardening with edibles - fruit, veg and flowers. >>

>> He’s even offered online courses during the pandemic.

Adam’s Expertise...

Our first advice is to dive in; just get started. Any initial degree of success will encourage you to go further; like salad leaves in a pot in spring leading to strawberries in the summer and so on. And there’s no ‘wrong’ time to start your efforts.

“April and May are wonderful months to start growing your own food,’ says Adam. ‘The hedges come alive, the birds start singing and you can get out in the veg garden and get stuck in.”

“It’s important to make sure the area you have put aside for growing is prepped, so free from weeds and dig in some compost, or well-rotted manure to put lots of goodness into the ground.”

“Weeding is one of those jobs all gardeners wish they didn’t have to do, but weeds appearing in spring is a good sign that the soil is warm enough to germinate seeds. In April, you can plant out chitted potatoes in the ground or in grow bags and many seeds can be sown straight into the ground as the risk of frosts has hopefully passed.”

Pots and Containers...

Grow bags planted up in summer are ideal for germinating herbs and salads leaves, especially in a glasshouse or sunny spot. Grow cut-and-come-again crops for a supply of homegrown leaves all summer.

Pots and troughs are ideal too, but make sure they are deep enough for the veg you are growing. You don’t need any special soil for growing veg, just a good quality, peat-free compost. However, you can buy special fruit and veg soil which contains extra nutrients to help your crops to grow.

Crops like carrots, lettuce, peas and potatoes can be grown easily, as long as you take care not to let crops dry out in the summer and leave plenty of root space for crops. While fruit trees, vines and bushes can be planted in containers at any time of year, April and May are especially good months as there is plenty of time for the roots to establish.

“A really quick, easy and rewarding thing that I love to grow is a micro-herb. You sow them as normal and harvest when the first

set of true leaves have grown - these appear after the first set of leaves, which are called the seed leaves. Peashoots, coriander, mustards and radishes are good ones to try. You won’t believe how much flavour they have and are great to add to salads or as a garnish!”

Making the most of space...

Just a few beds and canny rotation of crops throughout the year are sufficient to create a productive kitchen garden that can keep feeding a family throughout the year.

Crop rotation also assists with soil fertility and weed control, and helps to control pests since most pests and diseases tend to attack specific plant families.

Rotating beds through the year to grow legumes, onions and root vegetables, then brassicas in the autumn and winter followed by potatoes in the spring will enable you to ensure there’s always a crop heading towards a harvest.

And so, to beds...

“One of the benefits of raised beds is that, if you don’t have the best soil in your garden, you are making space to add new soil and

organic matter, which will create a good basis to start growing. For me, they’re brilliant.”

“In my kitchen garden, which I built in 2016, I’ve used half-sleepers, about 6in deep and 50mm wide to maximise space. Most importantly they’re made of pressure treated timber, which means they are less likely to rot and because they’re not as wide as fullwidth sleepers, there’s more space to plant.”

“I’ve used rope too, so I can put net or fleece over the top. Two other advantages are that when you drag a hose pipe around the garden, corner posts prevent you dragging a hose over your crops, and when you’ve been

Right: Adam Frost first came to the area to work with Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens. He moved to his current three acre garden near Barnack, Stamford, and has created a kitchen garden at its heart. It’s just one element that Adam uses for his garden design courses.

weeding all day, they give you a bit of a hand getting up!”

“I’ve painted my raised beds grey, which ties them into the greenhouse and creates a nice finish. I’ve also got a table and benches next to the greenhouse. as it provides as useful place to work, as well as sit and enjoy the space.”

“Just because it’s a working garden doesn’t mean it can’t be a beautiful space too!”

Lastly, if you’re determined to maximise your available space and to yield as many crops as possible, or if you’d like to achieve the ultimate goal and become self-sufficient, professional advice is always available.

Adam’s courses cover not just garden design, but planning and maximising your resources, from kitchen garden to orchard to every last pot and container. Small class numbers make each course a fun and interactive experience, with emphasis on spending as much time outside, as in the classroom. n

ADAM FROST’S GARDEN DESIGN COURSES

Who better than to teach you how to develop your garden than RHS ambassador and BBC TV presenter Adam Frost?

Throughout lockdown Adam has been hosting online courses, from his Introduction to Planting Design course and his How to Create Your Garden sessions.

Back in summer 2021 are Adam’s full day courses from A Day in the Garden which offers seasonal advice on how to get the best from your plants, and his Garden Masterclass course in which he shares tips on how to design a garden and plant the perfect border.

Adam also offers his Introduction to Garden Design and Introduction to Planting Design courses, his Introduction to Garden Drawing class and his Big Ideas for Small Gardens course.

Adam is an RHS Ambassador for Education and Community Gardens, Co-Founder of the Homebase Garden Academy and a presenter on BBC television, including Gardeners’ World. He believes there’s inspiration all around us – in nature, architecture, art, people and food – we just have to take the time to stop and look around.

He draws on memories, special places and people who have been influential to the way he designs.

Adam cares that his garden designs are about creating personal spaces that people can feel comfortable in, places that actually feel ‘real,’ as well as being beautiful.

Adam Frost’s garden school is located only four miles from Stamford. All courses start at 10am and finish around 4.30pm. Online workshops £30, day courses £195/person, call 01780 740531 or see www.adamfrost.co.uk.

Work done well this summer thanks to Doubleday

What happens when you take farm-proven technology and quality, then distil it into a hard-working, long-lasting, easy to use product for your own garden? You end up with a machine that’ll serve you well for years to come. An investment in quality is one that Lincolnshire’s Doubleday knows will prove very wise indeed... and now the firm has a new model line-up of ride-on mowers from the brand.

A decision to make an investment in quality is never one that you’ll regret. Buy once, buy well; buy cheap, and you’ll by twice. Happily, though, for the quality of its products, groundcare brand John Deere is respected not only for the quality of its machinery, but for their good value in the market too.

“It’s our halo brand for the farming industry, but also for home-owners, gardeners and those with larger estates too, says Paul Gregory, Group Parts Manager.

“If we stand by the quality, reliability and engineering of John Deere for our farmers and landowners, why wouldn’t we also want those values to be present in the products we produce to consumers, too?”

“The company provides everything from walk-behind mowers to a wide range of ride-on machines including the new models of the X100 range.”

“John Deere’s newest X100 models are even stronger than ever, providing great quality, ergonomic features and the ability to power through your grass cutting chores this summer without breaking a sweat.”

“Thanks to hydrostatic drive systems, their operation is easier than ever, and they’re a cinch to manoeuvre precisely around your garden.”

“The three-in-one decks of many models mean that you can side discharge rough paddocks, mulch areas of lawn which require nutrients and also cut finer lawns cleanly, or collect clippings neatly and efficiently; a breeze with the optional easy-empty collection system.”

“Their versatility is increased with implements like trailers, spreaders and de-thatchers which help to curate a beautiful lawn, and with an adjustable seat, lower than ever noise levels, cruise control and cup holders, they’re more ergonomic and better to use than ever.”

“The X100 range’s reliability is underwritten by up to three years of warranty, and Doubleday offers free delivery and setup as well as aftersales support to ensure the value of your investment through the years.”

“Quite aside from the quality of the products we choose to stock, and of John Deere as a brand, Doubleday was founded by a farming family in the early 1970s. That means we’ve nearly 50 years of experience in the field – metaphorically and literally – and understand the importance of keeping agricultural, groundcare and domestic customers happy.”

“We’ve only been able to thrive and grow our business because we’re a company founded on looking after our customers, whether that means protecting their valuable crops and their investment in machinery, or ensuring peace of mind that our customers’ investment in their domestic equipment is has been a good one.”

“There are a few constants in life; the sun will keep shining all summer long, the grass will keep growing, and we’ll ensure that you can enjoy your neat garden without spending all summer working in it. Our customers find that to be really reassuring and many wouldn’t purchase their new mower from anywhere else!” n

Find Out More: John Deere specialist Doubleday Group has depots in Swineshead, Old Leake, Holbeach and Kings Lynn, for a no-obligation demonstration and advice call 01205 822440 or see www.doubledaygroup.co.uk.

A COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING

This month’s featured couple, Jen and Henri Laurent, enjoyed creating their country house wedding in Lincoln they describe as a midi-wedding. Not too big but not too small, just right to ensure family and close friends could wish them well on their big day!

Wedding Photographer: Gary Anderson, GJA Photography, 01507 351639, 07708 949288, www.gjaphotography.com.

Love, music and comedy... they all depend on one thing; good timing. And so does successful wedding planning. Happily, Jen and Henri were able to marry just before the number of guests permitted at weddings was cut down to 15.

“We never wanted a huge wedding – more like a midi-wedding – we’ve heard from others that a long guest list can mean you’re too busy trying to see all of your guests to spend much meaningful time with them,” says Jen.

“The kind of day we had in mind is one where we could spend time with our closest family and friends, celebrating the day with a nice relaxed atmosphere. That’s exactly the wedding we ended up creating and both of us look back on the day and feel really lucky it played out that way.”

Jen and Henri were both born and raised in Lincoln and decided early on after engagement that they wanted a local wedding in their hometown.

“After we met; we spent six months living separately – I was working in Wakefield at the time and only seeing one another at weekends was frustrating, so when we moved in during the spring of 2018 it was really lovely to be able to spend a lot more time together.”

“It was just over a year later that Henri surprised me with an absolutely wonderful proposal. We enjoyed a weekend away in London and had returned from a lovely meal at a swanky restaurant.”

“I was pouring us a night cap when Henri said he had something to ask me. I turned around and to my surprise he presented me with a beautiful ring. It was the perfect proposal – intimate and relaxed – and I was delighted!”

WEDDING SUPPLIERS

JEN & HENRI LAURENT

“We were really excited but neither of us had any idea what sort of day we wanted. Even as a little girl I hadn’t planned my dream wedding, with big dresses and an even bigger entourage, so I was really starting from the beginning.”

“The date we chose in late summer turned out to be absolutely perfect, not just because it was a lovely warm and sunny day but because it was just before the number of guests permitted was cut down to 15.”

“We found Doddington Hall and it proved to be the perfect wedding venue for the style of day that we wanted to create. You can marry in the Long Gallery in the Elizabethan hall but we chose to hold the ceremony at the coach house and were lucky enough to be blessed with wonderful weather and so were able to marry in the walled garden under the new arbour.”

Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Doddington Hall, 01522 812501, www.doddingtonhall.com.

Wedding Dress: Pronovias at Jayne’s Bridalwear, Lincoln 01522 244082 www.jaynesbridalwear.co.uk.

Wedding Suits: Moss Bros, Lincoln 01522 542651, www.moss.co.uk.

Wedding Flowers: Violet & Vine, Lincoln 07908 892031, violetandvineuk.com.

Wedding Cake: Cakes by Zoe, Lincoln, 07783 179254, cakesbyzoelincoln.co.uk.

Wedding Photographer: Gary Anderson, GJA Photography, 01507 351639, 07708 949 288, www.gjaphotography.com. n

“Choosing Doddington Hall as a venue also meant that we had caterers for our wedding breakfast, and that we could use the venue’s tables, chairs, linen and so on. It also meant there was very little venue decoration needed; the architecture and style of the Coach House was pretty enough.”

“I found my wedding dress at Jayne’s Bridalwear at The Lawns in Lincoln and Henri chose the suits for himself and Best Man from Moss Bros in Cornhill. We also commissioned our wedding floristry and cake from Violet & Vine and Cakes by Zoe.”

“It was really nice that we didn’t have to go too far to find really good suppliers, they were all local and all wonderful to work with.”

“Gary Anderson, our photographer, was also really lovely. We didn’t want to have too many ‘over-posed’ shots, and wanted a nice relaxed look. Gary was perfect. He captured our guests’ expressions really well and just by looking at the images we’re taken right back to the day and how it felt.” >>

>> “His dusk shots were lovely too, much more arty than we were expecting but we love them!”

“Our plans for a honeymoon were a little compromised by the next lockdown. We had planned to go to Croatia but had to defer that.”

“We did have a lovely few days away the following weekend though, when Henri’s cousin married in London. And then we spend a few days in Bath before returning via the Cotswolds.

“All in all we had never planned a wedding, but perhaps through a combination of luck and good suppliers, everything turned out to be perfect.”

“It was great to be surrounded by friends and family, the weather was lovely, the venue was great and the number of guests created a really nice cosy intimate wedding!”

n Images courtesy of: Gary Anderson, GJA Photography, 01507 351639, 07708 949288, www.gjaphotography.com.

“We had never planned a wedding at all, but through a combination of luck and good judgement everything turned out to be perfect!”

OLD MAC IS BACK IN TOWN

As April showers give way to better weather in May, these lighter raincoats and jackets help with the Lincolnshire adage that one shouldn’t “Cast a clout ‘til May be out...”

This Page: Morris Waterproof Mac by Boden £140.

Barbour Findhorn jacket, £249.

Barbour Swanage Jacket £279, Barbour Roseate Knit £84.95.

Waybridge relaxed fit waterproof raincoat by Joules £59.95.

Musto X LandRover Primaloft Parka in carbon. Eco-insulation, two-layer, £250.

Top/Left: Musto Evolution Loft hooded jacket, platinum or black, £170 Top/Right: Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket £350. Bottom/Left: RAB Women’s Cirrus Flex 2.0 hoody, ruby, storm green, zest, nightfall blue £130. Bottom/Right: Berghaus lightweight and packable, £80. Stockists: Barbour: www.barbour.com. Berghaus www.berghaus.com. Boden: www.boden.co.uk. Helly Hansen: www.hellyhansen.com. Joules: www.joules.com. Maude & Foxe: www.maudeandfox.com. Musto: www.musto.com. RAB: rab.equipment.

Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear

Since 1979

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

The GÖTTI DIMENSION collection in stock now.

Tickled Pink

THIS MONTH WE RE ENJOYING BRIGHT MAGENTA PRODUCTS TO ENSURE YOU CAN SPRING INTO SUMMER LOOKING AND FEELING TICKLED PINK

1. Pure pleasure in a perfume from Viktor & Rolf...

The scent of summer to celebrate better days ahead!

A ‘floriental’ fragrance, it has citrussy top notes of mandarin, orange and blackcurrant, woody cedarwood, sandalwood and amber. As you’d expect from a fashion house whose name evokes haute couture and conceptual glamour, it’s an extravagant scent that’s perfect for long summer nights, £54/30ml £110/ 90ml.

2. Long lasting colour...

Prolong your hair colour with Philip Kingsley’s Pure Colour shampoo treatment. This is an innovative treatment that casts an invisible, veil over your hair with heat protection and protection against UV damage in order to maintain the vibrancy of your colour, £25/250ml.

3. Rebellious rose...

Estée Lauder’s Pure Colour Envy, shown here in Rebellious Rose shade, has a super creamy, smooth and long-wearing formula, caring for lips with a hydrating formula to enable you to sculpt your smile with colour, £27.50/3.5g.

4. Helping hands...

Compagnie de Provence presents a wild rose hand cream, which, by any other name, would smell as sweet and provide exceptional care for hard-working hands. The essential antidote from alcohol-based hand sanitisers, £15/100ml.

5. Think pink and give your hands a treat...

By now we’re all used to the regime of constant hand washing, and Molton Brown is always a pleasure when you come across a bottle in someone’s cloakroom. In addition to its cheery bright pink colour, the brand’s Fiery Pink Pepper hand wash enjoys pepper, nutmeg and patchouli for true invigoration, £20/300ml.

6. A current affair in facial toning...

Using microcurrents to help lift, tone and re-contour your face, Foreo has five different intensities designed to target areas like the jawline, cheeks, neck, and forehead. Based on salon technology, it’s rechargeable, and connects to your phone via Bluetooth to put you in full control of your treatment, £297.

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

INSPIRED by ITALY

FOPE at HEWITT

Italian designer Fope has been creating elegant and iconic jewellery since 1929. Fope’s newest creations are available at G Hewitt and Son...

Established in 1871, G Hewitt & Son is a family business who specialise in luxury jewellery and watches, based in Victoria Street, Grimsby, DN31 1DP. Call 01472 342609 or see www.ghewitt.co.uk.

NB: Prices quoted should

1. Solo MiaLuce 18ct Y/W/R/ Diamond Flex’it bracelet, 651B PAVE from £12,595.

2. Solo MiaLuce 18ct Y/W/R/ Diamond ring, AN651 PAVE, from £5,475.

3. Solo MiaLuce 18ct Y/W/R earrings, OR651 PAVE, from £6,070.

4. Eka 18ct Y/W/Diamond necklet, 730C PAVE, from £2,700.

5. Eka 18ct W/Diamond Flex’it bracelet, 733B PAVE, from £2,595.

6. Eka 18ct Y/W/Diamond Flex’it bracelet, 707B PAVE, from £6,075.

7. Prima 18ct Flex’it bracelets, 745B BBR, from £2,435/each.

8. Prima 18ct W/Diamond earrings, OR745 BBR, from £3,415.

9. Prima 18ct Y/W/Diamond Flex’it ring, AN744 BBR, from £1,450.

Gut Instincts

Looking after your gut health can work wonders not only for your digestive system but your overall physical health and your mental health too, says Alison

Words: Ali Hutchinson.

UNDERSTANDING GUT HEALTH became one of my passions almost seven years ago when I experienced a significant improvement in my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) after my first elimination diet and introducing fibre, and pre- and probiotics into my diet.

I had taken acidophilus for years to fight a build up of candida bacteria which cause thrush but had never looked into my overall gut health.

30 days of changing my diet, reducing my gluten and sugar and adding a combined gut health product with pre- and probiotics, as well as digestive enzymes to help with nutrient absorption, and I honestly felt like a different woman.

So why is the gut so important?

Our gut microbiome affects our digestion, immune system, mood and cognitive function. According to research 70% of immune function resides in the gut and healthy digestion is important for a healthy immune system. Can you believe we have more microbes in our gut than stars in the Milky Way?

Coupled with this, our gut bacteria is producing nutrients and neurotransmitters that convey messages to the brain via the vagus nerve which reaches from the brain stem to the gut. Anything that stimulates the vagus nerve in the gut feeds back to the brain.

Gut Health Underwrites your Mental Health

In the BBC programme The Truth About Improving your Mental Health, researchers revealed a new field of research called psychobiotics which is showing that food that we know is associated with good gut bacteria is beneficial to our mental health too.

Hutchinson...

One of the things the researchers at Oxford University led by Professor Phil Burnett did was to add a probiotic with various strains of bacteria to test panellists’ daily diet to see whether it supported the gut. He studied a group of 70 people who experienced low mood, lack of pleasure and feelings of sadness and after a month taking a gut support they saw a 50% improvement in these areas and a 50% reduction in their levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

So what should you look for?

I have continued to take the original Arbonne brand Digestion Plus which I was first introduced to seven years ago because it has such an incredible balance of bacteria. It contains pre- and probiotics as well as digestive enzymes and is designed to be stable until the very moment you drink it. That’s unlike most of the supermarket yogurts and probiotic drinks which contain just one bacteria. One of the things Professor Burnett is keen to stress is the importance of multiple strains to support the gut.

Other areas you can find good gut boosting bacteria is in fermented foods like kimchi (Korean salted and fermented vegetables); Sauerkraut (finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria); kefir (a fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt that is made from dairy or goats milk and kefir grains) and kombucha (the fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea).

You can make all these things at home or buy them but where possible an artisan version rather than a highly mechanised manufactured version is preferable if you are to get the most strains of bacteria and significantly boost your gut biodiversity. n

Find Out More: If you’re struggling with gut issues, weight loss or weight management, energy levels, menopause or would just like a body MOT, I’d love to help you. Through the blog www.ali-hutchinson.co.uk you can book a free discovery call to find out how I could help you on the path to a brighter future or ring: 07973 843020 or email: hello@ali-hutchinson.co.uk to book a consultation. For more info on the Arbonne Digestion Plus gut health support go to www.alisonhutchinson.arbonne.com or ring to discuss how it might help you.

Good for Guts Red Cabbage Sauerkraut

Fermented foods are achingly hip at the moment. We are rediscovering the sharp, savoury tang that comes from a lactic acid fermentation. It is generally believed to be terribly good for your belly. Veer from the tried and tested path of braised red cabbage and try a bit of home brewing. This takes about 15-30mins, and perfect piled next to your bangers and mash or with creamy smashed avocado on toast. Be aware, it’s important to ensure your jars are squeaky clean to avoid contamination.

Ingredients: 1 small red cabbage (organic if possible); sea salt; caraway seeds; juniper berries; 1 large kilner jar.

n Trim the outer leaves from the cabbage and put to one side. Quarter the cabbage and cut away the root and core. Thinly slice the cabbage and weigh it.

n For every 500g of sliced cabbage add 10g of sea salt. Add the cabbage to a large bowl sprinkling the salt in as you fill the bowl. Massage it for 5 -10 minutes, working and turning with your hands (wear gloves or your hands will turn pink/red/blue!). The cabbage should get quite wet as it creates its own liquid.

n Add a quarter teaspoon of caraway seeds and a 4-5 lightly crushed juniper berries for every 500g cabbage. Pack tightly into a jar and place a cabbage leaf on top. Place a weight on top of that ensuring the liquid covers the cabbage completely. Replace the seal and close the lid to store.

n If there is not enough liquid make a 2% brine (20g salt to each litre of water) and add enough to cover the cabbage. Keep at room temperature in a dark corner. During the first week open the lid to release some of the gas that builds up. It should be ready to eat after 1-2 weeks but can be left a little longer to let the flavour develop. You may need to top up the brine too.

n When ready you can transfer it to a sterilised jar and store in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it. Should store for about a month. n

ESTATE OF THE ART

I’M NOT SURE I think I’m indecisive, but I can’t be certain. Fortunately, Porsche has the ideal car for me... and for anyone else who isn’t sure whether they want to drive an estate car, a 4x4 crossover, a sports car, a GT or an eco-friendly electric vehicle.

To profess to be able to tick all of those boxes in a single vehicle is quite an undertaking. But Porsche presents its Taycan Cross Turismo as all of the above and more.

Porsche’s traditional lineup of its Cayman and Boxster sports cars and its 911 flagship, plus its Macan and Cayenne off-roaders. To that the firm latterly added its Panamera sports saloon and estate cars.

And now, there’s the Taycan, which is the firm’s only all-electric range, designed to take the brand into a new era defined by

electrification and prove that the electric vehicles it will have to offer in the future can still offer an engaging drive, commensurate with the brand.

The Taycan has been designed from the ground up on a new, purpose-designed platform known as J1. That reflects the extent to which Porsche has accommodated the necessary engineering for electrification.

A four-door coupé was released in 2019, and now there’s this variant, the Cross Turismo. With a slightly more practical boot – akin to a shooting brake rather than a true estate –the car offers more practicality, and it has a slightly elevated ride height. All versions offer all wheel drive although it’s better to think of the Cross Turismo as road-going vehicle rather than a crossover vehicle. >>

A truly versatile option or a Jack of all trades but master of none? Let’s find out, as Porsche releases the Cross Turismo of its newest Taycan model, the firm’s first dedicated all electric vehicle...

Words: Rob Davis.

Plug In Power: The best new electric car options...

You’ve never heard of Polestar? Well, you’ll have heard of Volvo, the brand’s parent company. Whilst Volvo has recently committed to produce only full-electric vehicles by 2030, phasing out its current mild and plug-in hybrids, Polestar will meanwhile serve as an existing ‘premium’ all electric sister-brand. This well-priced five-door, five-seater fastback model is very well equipped (adaptive cruise, 360° camera), it sprints to 60mph in less than five seconds and will travel for 292 miles between charges. n

Mercedes Benz EQC 400 £65,720: This Mercedes SUV is very deliberately styled to look like the company’s conventionally-engined GLC, perhaps in order to prove more reassuringly familiar to buyers skeptical of new brands like Teslas and Polestar. Thought more expensive than the Polestar, it does have a loftier ride height –ideal for our broken road surfaces – and all wheel drive. Its range of 241-255 miles and 5.1 second 0-60mph time is consistent with competitors, and there are sportier looking models if you’re so inclined – but we’d stick to the base model and add the company’s excellent Driving Assistance package. n

>> As usual, Porsche offers a base model Cross Turismo, with 476ps power, then a mid-range ‘S’ version with 571ps and then flagship Turbo and Turbo S versions (though without a turbocharger, given that they aren’t applicable to electric vehicles), with 680ps and 761ps.

The base model costs just shy of £80,000, provides 242-336 miles of range and can be recharged in 10.5 hours from flat using a standard household socket – faster using dedicated chargers. In terms of performance, 60mph is dispatched under five seconds and the car will achieve 137mph on a track day.

Still not convinced by a full-electric vehicle? Well, there are plenty of plug-in hybrid models with conventional engines when the charge runs out. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was the most popular in the UK, not least because of its practical SUV shape. Emissions regulations mean the firm won’t sell its new version over here. Instead we recommend the Sorento PHEV: seven seats, a big boot, a range of 176mpg, plus tonnes of standard equipment like adaptive cruise, 360° camera and leather. n

Naturally the two more expensive models will better performance figures – albeit at the expense of achievable range – but there’s

Kia Sorento PHEV ‘4’ £53,095:

“The

Cross Turismo remains a reasonably unique prospect. It’s part-estate, part-crossover, part-sports car and part-luxury tourer... but it’s also a hugely desirable machine!”

no need whatsoever to seek more power than the base model provides and, topping out at £140,000, we’d plump for the base model, save some cash and add a few options instead.

Speaking of which, for a car north of £80,000, there are quite a number of options that really ought to be standard. Part leather seats are standard, vegan leather or full leather commands between £2,500 and £4,000. Folding mirrors, park assist, keyless entry, adaptive cruise, heated seats or steering wheel and a reversing camera are all options.

We’d stick to the base model and add those creature comforts, rather than opting for superfluous extra performance.

The Taycan Cross Turismo – as opposed to the four door coupé – isn’t overwhelmed by competitors (yet), and remains a reasonably unique prospect. It’s stylish, with as many eco-credentials as a sports car can boast. Part estate, part crossover, part sports car and part luxury tourer, we’re tempted to say that it’s a Jack of all trades and master of none. But it’s still a hugely desirable machine. n

PORSCHE TAYCAN CROSS TURISMO

Price: £79,340. (On sale now).

Drivetrain: 476ps (overboost) electric drivetrain with all wheel drive and two-speed transmission.

Performance: 0-62 mph: 5.1 seconds. Top Speed: 137mph.

Range: 242-336 miles, 0g CO2

Equipment: 19” wheels, part-leather interior, sat nav via Porsche Communication Module, 8-way electric seats. n

Taycan

DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

Land Rover’s new Defender is a technical tour de force but has attracted criticism for having a high price tag diametrically opposed to its original role as a cheap, reliable, no-frills vehicle. e launch this month of a new V8 flagship with its eye-watering six-figure price tag is unlikely to change its critics opinions, but it’s sure to prove desirable...

Words: Rob Davis.

Land Rover Defenders of old were tough as old boots, cramped, uncomfortable and slow. e new version, released in February last year provided a vehicle worthy of the brand’s reputation for creating 4x4 vehicles with formidable capabilities, but it also came with an eye-watering price tag, beginning at £45,000 and rising to Range Rover money.

Critics grumbled at the car’s huge price in contrast to the likes of Ford’s Ranger – the UK’s best-selling pickup – and few farmers would choose a new Defender to shift their hay bales and spring lambs, regardless of its off-road prowess.

Land Rover Defenders of old were tough as old boots, cramped, uncomfortable and slow. e new version, released in February last year provided a vehicle worthy of the brand’s reputation for creating 4x4 vehicles with formidable capabilities, but it also came with an eye-watering price tag, beginning at £45,000 and rising to Range Rover money. Critics grumbled at the car’s huge price in contrast to the likes of Ford’s Ranger – the UK’s best-selling pickup truck – and few farmers would choose a new Defender to shift their hay bales and spring lambs, regardless of its off-road prowess.

Arguably, the car is more akin to what the Discovery 5 should have been, and the Defender ought to have been more basic; less digital, more analogue, certainly cheaper.

Land Rover bucked the trend to produce a cheap, rugged 4x4 in favour of another luxury 4x4, and despite the imminent release of a plug-in hybrid version, it’s also bucked the current trend for eco-friendly motoring to produce this new flagship version powered by a whopping 5.0V8 engine. In three-door 90 form it carries a price tag of... wait for it... £98,500. Five door 110 versions weigh in at £101,150.

Arguably, the car is akin to what the Discovery 5 should have been, and the Defender ought to have been more basic; less digital, more analogue, certainly cheaper. Land Rover bucked the trend to produce a cheap, rugged 4x4 in favour of another luxury 4x4, and despite the imminent release of a plug-in hybrid version, it’s also bucked the current trend for eco-friendly motoring to this new flagship version powered by a whopping 5.0V8 engine. In three-door 90 form it carries a price tag of... it... £98,500. Five door 110 weigh in at £101,150.

To put that into context, you can opt for a range-topping Range Rover Autobiography for less than £10,000 more, or for a base model Range Rover with a saving of £15,000. But the decision to purchase a Defender with a V8 will be a lifestyle purchase, one made with the heart, not the head. Objectively, it’s tricky to justify, but for the so-inclined, it’s likely that the Defender V8’s menacing appearance, 525hp engine and ability to clear 60mph in less than five seconds is unlikely to make you look elsewhere.

that into context, you can opt for a range-topping Range Rover Autobiography for less than £10,000 more, or for a base model Range Rover with a saving of £15,000. But the decision to purchase a Defender with a V8 will be a lifestyle purchase, one made the heart, not the Objectively, it’s tricky to justify, but the so-inclined, it’s that the Defender menacing appearance, 525hp and to clear 60mph in less than five is unlikely to make you look elsewhere.

For the money, not only does the vehicle look formidable but it also retains its more modest four cylinder and six cylinder siblings’ practicality. 90 models still provide five or six seats, whilst 110 models can provide seven seats.

For the money, not only does the vehicle look formidable but it also retains its more modest four cylinder and six cylinder siblings’ practicality. 90 models still provide five or six seats, whilst 110 models can provide seven seats.

Despite the questionable merit of the car’s standard fit 22” alloy wheels in off-road situations, standard air suspension allows for greater ground clearance, whilst Terrain Response 2 configures the car’s off-road systems in rough conditions, and the vehicle has both high-range and low-range gears for really tough conditions.

Despite the questionable merit of the car’s standard fit 22” alloy wheels in off-road situations, standard air suspension allows for greater ground clearance, whilst Terrain Response 2 configures the car’s off-road systems in rough conditions, and the vehicle has both high-range and low-range gears for really tough conditions.

Meanwhile, in the cabin, there are supple Windsor-leather coverings for seats which also have suedecloth inserts. e same seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and cooled, and there’s heated rear seats too, plus leather on the dashboard. Other creature comforts include a 700w Meridian-branded stereo, wireless phone charging, and a heated steering wheel.

Meanwhile, in the cabin, there are supple Windsor-leather coverings for the seats which also have suedecloth inserts. e same seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and cooled, and there’s heated rear seats too, plus leather on the dashboard. Other creature comforts include a 700w Meridian-branded stereo, wireless phone charging, and a heated steering wheel.

Style wise, the car comes with several typically menacing – perhaps gloomy – paint options, plus dark Shadow Atlas exterior trim and quad-exhaust pipes, plus blue brake callipers and Matrix LED headlights.

Style wise, the car comes with several typically menacing – perhaps gloomy – paint options, plus dark Shadow Atlas exterior trim and quad-exhaust pipes, plus blue brake callipers and Matrix LED headlights.

e car’s suspension, transmission, springs, dampers and electronic differential have all been upgraded to handle the increase in power, and solid anti-roll bars help to keep cornering forces in check. e Terrain Response also has a Dynamic setting which sharpens up the driving experience.

e car’s transmission, springs, dampers and electronic differential have all been upgraded to handle the increase in power, and solid anti-roll bars help to keep cornering forces in check. e Terrain Response also has a Dynamic setting which sharpens up the driving experience.

Alongside the new V8 version of Defender comes an XS model, which provides a little of the V8’s sporty look but with a more modest engine. is might be a more sensible option for those seeking the look but without the excessive power and excessive price tag.

Alongside the new V8 version of Defender comes an XS model, which provides a little of sporty look but with a more modest engine. is might be a more sensible option for those seeking the look but without the excessive power and excessive price tag.

DEFENDER V8

Price: £101,150 (110, on sale now).

But whoever said this car was about being sensible or modest? To our mind the V8 Defender is a dubious triumph of excess, but to its intended market, it’ll be a hugely desirable, hugely powerful object of desire that will roar out of showrooms. n

But whoever said this car was about being sensible or modest? To our mind the V8 Defender is a dubious triumph of excess, but to its intended market, it’ll be a hugely desirable, hugely powerful object of desire that will roar out of showrooms. n

Engine: 5.0 V8 525hp Supercharged petrol engine.

Performance: 60mph in 5.1 seconds, 149mph.

Equipment: 22” wheels, Pivi Pro nav, leather, V8 badge . n

Audi’s All-Electric Flagship

Audi isn’t about to let the Tesla Model S steal the blossoming market for performance-oriented electric saloons. Its response to Elon Musk’s challenger is this four-door coupé model, all electric, all powerful, and perhaps all-conquering...

ELECTRIC CARS are taking the market by storm, and they’re successfully casting off their frugal, sensible image as manufacturers like Tesla, Mercedes and now Audi bring to market desirable electric saloons that offer more than their fair share of oomph.

is is the Audi E-tron GT. It’s powered by an 84kWh motor and is available in a two/all wheel drive GT, all-wheel drive Quattro version and range-topping RS E-tron GT versions.

Top speed is 152mph, 60mph is reached and breached in a rapid 4.1 seconds, but the twist in the tale is the zero-CO2 emissions and fuel-free 280mpg-303mpg.

Audi’s modern Virtual Cockpit system brings navigation, infotainment and voice control as standard, whilst the cabin has

Price: £79,900£133,340 (on sale May) Drivetrain: 84kWh electric motor with, two and four wheel drive. Interior: Three or four seats configuration, virtual cockpit, leatherfree option. n

three-zone climate control, eight-way electrically adjustable electric heated seats with operation ventilation and massage. Being a thoroughly modern, most of its interior surfaces are made of recycled materials and there’s a vegan leather-free option for the upholstery.

Air suspension and all wheel drive are options, for those who want to finesse the car’s handling further, but with enormous wheels from 19-21 inches, the car is fighting against its ‘style-over-comfort’ rims.

Against the likes of Tesla’s Model S, the Audi looks sharp, it’s well-specified and offers power and range. It’s a bit of a halfway house between a true sports car and an executive saloon... but as a statement of style, it’s a thoroughly modern prospect. n

Audi E-tron GT

Ferrari Owners Day

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S THE FIXTURE FOR FIRST NATIONAL FERRARI OWNERS’ DAY

Land Rover’s Classic Defender is ready for an adventure...

MOTORING NEWS

In Brief

Careful planning is underway for this Covid-19 secure outdoor event, organised by the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain, but welcoming all Ferrari owners from across the UK to attend as the British motoring scene restarts.

The event will be held on held at the historic Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on Saturday 5th June. At the heart of the event will

be a curated Ferrari Timeline, representing every possible model and era of production from Italy’s most illustrious marque. Ferrari visitors to the show can display their pride and joy in the Meguiars’ Pride of Ownership Trophy – not a concours, but an opportunity for owners who keep their car in excellent order to compete for the free-to-enter Meguiars’ Trophy. n

LAND ROVER SPEEDING LESS ACCEPTABLE THAN FIVE YEARS AGO, RESEARCH REVEALS...

If you’ve been left feeling underwhelmed by the brand new V8 Defender we’ve featured this month, how about this? It’s Land Rover Classic’s Defender Works V8 Trophy, one of just 25 that will be built by Land Rover in 2021.

A 5.0-litre V8 petrol powertrain, eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, uprated suspension, steering and braking packages, are standard, as are a wide range of upgrades specifically for serious off-road adventures. n

Rolls Royce is releasing a special edition of its pinnacle phantom limousine with a new bespoke paint finish, Kairos Blue, which incorporates mica flakes to produce a subtle sparkling effect, mimicking stars in the night sky.

The car’s headlining features fibre-optic lighting and intricate Bespoke embroidery, whilst a Hand-painted Tempus Champagne Chest accompanies each vehicle, comprising thermal flasks for chilling both champagne and caviar, four hand-blown crystal champagne flutes arranged like the layout of a V12 engine and... a fine mother-of-pearl caviar spoon! n

New research from road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed some positive long-term trends in relation to speeding behaviour in the UK. Motorists now considering it less acceptable to speed than they did five years ago, findings which come after recent provisional figures, released by the Department for Transport, highlighted that the number of UK road deaths was down significantly compared to the previous year due to less traffic being on the roads due to Covid.

Out of the 2,000 motorists surveyed, 43 per cent (down from 55 per cent in 2016) thought it was acceptable to drive up to 80mph on a motorway and that 23 per cent (down from 28 per cent in 2016) thought it was acceptable to drive even faster than that.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “Speeding consistently causes more than 4,400 casualties on UK roads each year, which is an average of 12 people a day killed or injured on UK roads.” n

FERRARI

ROLLS ROYCE