Lincolnshire Pride October 2024

THE GOOD FOOD AWARDS

LAUNCHING

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF OXCOMBE POTTERY

Welcome

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Here’s some food for thought. The hospitality industry contributes £93bn to the economy each year, it employs 3.5m people and Rachel Reeves will definitely raise a glass to the fact that the sector generates over £54bn of annual tax revenues for the Treasury. Whilst it’s a really important part of the economy, however, it’s also a source of great pleasure for those of us who appreciate dining out and cooking at home.

In Lincolnshire especially there’s a huge appreciation for good food and drink, perhaps thanks to the symbiotic link between farming and food, plus the fact that we produce some really great local produce here in the county. From the venerated Lincolnshire sausage to haslet and chine to local cheese like Poacher and Cote Hill, as well as thirst quenchers like Batemans Ale and drinks from Belvoir Fruit Farm... we’ve so many great producers.

Our appreciation for food also extends to our local pubs and restaurants who pride themselves on working with local suppliers wherever possible. That’s why we run our Good Food Awards each year and ask our readers to cast their votes to recognise the very best businesses in Lincolnshire – you’ll find our full feature later in this edition. Please do cast your vote, it’s really important to us!

Elsewhere? We’re visiting Horncastle’s Oxcombe Pottery to celebrate the studio’s 10th anniversary, we meet talented textile artist Clare Haggas, and we’re seeing how Heritage Lincolnshire is working hard to save one of Lincoln’s most iconic buildings. And finally, we’re enjoying a chat with singer turned broadcaster Aled Jones, who’s still in fine voice after all these years.

Best wishes for a wonderful month!

Julian Wilkinson CEO, Pride Magazines

Shodfriars Hall and Pilgrim House adjacent to the Witham in Boston. the former was constructed as a guildhall in the 14th century and is now one of the town’s most iconic buildings, currently undergoing restoration.

See later in this edition. Feel free to email us your best photos of Lincolnshire to our editor, Rob Davis, via robin@pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Contents

9 LUXURY HOMES Enjoy the finest selection of quality homes on the market in Lincolnshire.

28 NEWS ‘Good news’ stories from across Lincolnshire including an update on work to create a new 62­acre £7.3m nature reserve on the East Coast.

30 HIGH LIFE Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of The Butterfly Hospice.

58 WHAT’S ON Live music and theatre.

124 ON THE FARM With Andrew Ward.

Highlights

34 OXCOMBE POTTERY A new gallery, the third annual Art & Ceramics exhibition and the launch of a new and exclusive range of ceramics.

42 SAVE OUR BUILDINGS Local charity Heritage Lincolnshire is working hard to preserve Lincoln’s Wonky House.

52 ALED JONES Child singer turned broadcaster visits Lincolnshire.

Food & Drink

66 DINING OUT The Bustard Inn at South Rauceby near Sleaford.

73 THE GOOD FOOD AWARDS

Launching our food awards including our flagship Restaurant of the Year title.

Homes & Gardens

96 WELCOME HOME Primrose House on Torksey’s Fairways development.

106 INTERIORS A good night’s sleep.

Lifestyle

128 MOTORS Mini’s electric Countryman.

134 FASHION Country style with Clare Haggas’s silk scarves.

140 FASHION Style for Autumn.

154 WEDDINGS We attend Jess & Alex’s beautiful Dower House wedding. OCTOBER 2024

Delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county

Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £500,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.

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

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

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

Skirbeck Hall, Boston

£1,100,000

With a secluded location within an exclusive gated development, Skirbeck Hall enjoys an incredibly private position. This simply stunning Grade Two Listed former rectory has been completely and faithfully restored during a full renovation and has been a much loved family home for almost 20 years. It is absolutely filled with incredible period features to include decorative cornice and arches, panel doors,shutters and a fabulous stone staircase. There are five beautifully appointed reception rooms to include a brand new orangery which is less than a year old and four large double bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities. Skirbeck Hall is offered with no onward chain.

Holmes Road, Kirton Holme

£725,000

Comprising a large farmhouse and an annexe, the main house has four large bedrooms (including a master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room) and three generous reception rooms providing the principal space needed for larger families. The farmhouse has been greatly improved by the owners and these updates have sensibly retained all of the character you might hope for. The grounds extend to over ¾ of an acre including extensive secluded gardens. The current owners had the Annexe built and whilst technically an annexe to the main residence, structurally it really is a fully equipped second property - and it’s one of the best we’ve seen for some time. In addition to the two properties, the garages and gardens, there are a number of useful outbuildings, principle among these being a custom-built 46m sq caravan store. Offered With No Onward Chain.

Church End, Frampton OIEO £1,000,000

The Grade Two Listed Park Cottage is absolutely charming and has been a happy family home for several years. Situated next to Frampton Hall, the property is located in a most attractive rural position with two acres of mature grounds. There are three beautifully appointed reception rooms with open period fireplaces in the two larger rooms and six double bedrooms with four shower/bathrooms arranged over the first and second floors. The Coach House within the grounds has been converted into a fabulous two bedroom apartment with studio beneath which enjoys considerable success as an Airbnb and the end of main house also divides perfectly into a two storey self-contained annexe, perfect for visiting family or for multi-generational living.

Woodhall Road, Tattershall Thorpe OIEO £600,000

Any discussion of our most sought-after local areas would inevitably include a mention of Woodhall Spa, and its equally picturesque outskirts. The house has been subject to a thorough renovation, with underfloor heating to the ground floor, and both a traditional front entrance and boot room to the side. In kitchen the sellers have succeeded in creating a spacious open-plan family space with ample room for cooking and dining or simply relaxing in front of the woodburning stove. All four bedrooms are doubles, with the master bedroom including an en-suite shower room. In addition to the remodelling of the house, the sellers have also invested considerably outside. This includes redesigning the garden and driveway, new perimeter fencing and adding a detached garage/workshop.

Woodhall Spa Manor

Woodhall Spa

A fantastic opportunity to embark upon a splendid country lifestyle in the grand residence of Woodhall Spa Manor in the well-served, historic village of Woodhall Spa. Idyllically located between the world famous Hotchkin and Bracken Golf Courses with stunning, far-reaching views across the manicured courses, it is just a minute's walk from the first tee.

Guide Price: £2,750,000

Standing in a spacious plot within a sought-after village setting and close to Louth historic former canal, this individual detached house which was completed 2019 by the current owners and offers extensive and high-quality living accommodation. Thoughtfully designed with the modern family in mind, the property offers spacious rooms over two floors, featuring a spectacular living kitchen which extends out into the rear garden & having bifold doors.

Price: £790,000

John Taylors 127 Eastgate, Louth, LN11 9QE. Call 01507 603648 or see www.johntaylors.com

Lock View

Louth

TORKSEY

• Sited on a prominent (approx) 1 acre plot • Exclusive gated access

• 6,500sqft of living accommodation • Impressive detached residence

• Stunning landscaped garden • High end quality finishes throughout

• Underfloor heating to all floors

GUIDE PRICE: £1,95,000

OSBOURNBY

• Detached Residence • Grade II Listed

• Kitchen Diner & Utility • Drawing & Sitting Rooms

• Six Generous Bedrooms • Three Bathrooms

Range of Outbuildings

GUIDE PRICE: £850,000

GREAT GONERBY

• Stunning Country House •Unspoilt Views

•Landscaped Gardens (1 acre) •Grazing Paddocks (3.42 acres)

•Five Reception Rooms •Five Bedrooms

• Two Studies • Triple Garage

GUIDE PRICE: £1,200,000

NEWTON ON TRENT

• Private gated access • Six double bedrooms

• Double garage • Kitchen Breakfast room

• Dining room • Sitting room

•Snug •Study and Office

GUIDE PRICE: £625,000 - £650,000

A prominent and handsome country house, set within its own extensive grounds of approx. 1.4 acres, enjoying spacious accommodation with an abundance of character over all three storeys, offering the discerning buyer the opportunity to own an important and charming private residence. Standing proudly with a striking presence and ample kerb-appeal, this beautiful country house has been meticulously maintained and improved by the current owners to offer a charming and warm home.

Guide Pride: £850,000

Osbournby Sleaford

Situated in a semi-rural location with stunning lakeside views, Lake View is a delightful four bedroom detached family home, spanning approximately 3,300 sq. ft. Set in around 7.5 acres of land (STS) including woodlands, pond and large lake, this property was built to a high standard offering an array of quality fixtures and fittings.

Price: £1,050,000

Mundys 29 Silver Street, Lincoln, LN2 1AS. Call 01522 510044 or see www.mundys.net

Lake View

Middle Rasen

CHARTERED SURVEYORS & ESTATE AGENTS

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

• Large Secluded Detached House in One Third of an Acre

• Superb Modernised House on Private Drive

• High Quality Fitted Kitchen, Timber Floors

• Impressive Solid Wood Staircase and Matching Internal Doors

• UPVC Double Glazed Windows, Gas Fired Central Heating

• Detached Garage, 2 Garden Buildings

KINGERBY VALE

SALE

WITH VACANT POSSESSION £475,000 Subject To Contract NO ONWARD CHAIN

Bishop Bridge | Market Rasen | Lincolnshire | LN8 3LY

• 4 Reception Rooms, Kitchen Dining Room, Separate Utility

• 4 Bedrooms, Master with En-Suite and Family Bathroom

• Exposed Brickwork, Fireplace, Clearview Stove, Solid Wood Kitchen

• Private Enclosed Gardens with Extensive Patio Area and Covered Swimming Pool

• Immaculate Five Bedroomed Detached House with Master En-suite For Sale,

• 2 Reception Rooms, Conservatory, Kitchen with Separate Utility Room

• Desirable Location on the West Side of Town

• Garage, Front Garden, Driveway and Private Rear Garden 18 STANHOPE WAY

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION £350,000

Subject To Contract

CHARTERED SURVEYORS • ESTATE AGENTS • COMMERCIAL

Thorpe Lane Farm

Brattleby, Lincoln

Nestling in around 6.18 acres of open countryside this immaculately presented six bedroom barn conversion extends to around 5,066 sq ft. The property has been converted and restored to an extremely high standard throughout including the manicured grounds, tennis court and various useful well-kept outbuildings.

Guide Price: £1,600,000

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history! Langtoft House is an incredible five-bedroom, double-fronted, Grade II-listed, detached Queen Ann Property built in the Georgian era. It overlooks the River Welland on the edge of Spalding Town Centre. The current vendors have lovingly renovated this home in recent years, combining characterful period features with modern luxuries.

Guide Price: £750,000

Frank Modern 1 Milnyard Square, Peterborough, PE2

Langtoft House Spalding

AN EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF JUST 18 HIGH QUALITY BESPOKE HOMES

SL Developments are pleased to offer this beautiful development located within walking distance of the historic centre of Swineshead.

All 18 plots are bespoke properties, individually designed and finished to the highest standards and turnkey. There are 3 to 5 bedroom homes available.

PHASE 1 completion October 2024 PHASE 2 completion early 2025

GILDING FIELDS SWINESHEAD

A very rare opportunity to purchase an exceptional detached Georgian farmhouse of substantial proportions in a peaceful and secluded Wolds village setting, directly adjacent to the Grade II Listed church of St Mary. The property stands in beautiful formal gardens and land to the south side, totalling approximately 5.67 acres (subject to survey) with an extensive range of outbuildings providing conversion potential (STP).

Offers in the region of: £1,100,000

Masons 23 Cornmarket, Louth, LN11 9QD Call 01507 350500 or see www.movewithmasons.co.uk

Thoresway Lincolnshire Wolds

Featured in the acclaimed TV series "Grand Designs" in 2021, this unique self-built property offers a blend of contemporary design and local architectural heritage. Situated in the heart of Lincolnshire, this striking home takes inspiration from the Dutch barn-style houses, a characteristic feature of the area. These barns, with their distinctive mansard roofs, steeply sloping gables, and dormer windows, are a nod to the region's historical roots.

Price: £1,275,000

Ark Property 6 New Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire

Coosane Spalding

Ludney House Farm

Louth Guide Price: £2,950,000

Rarely available to the open market is this incredible six-bedroom family home, situated in a beautiful rural location with an impressive plot of approx. 9.52 acres. The striking property stretches to approx. 16,250 sq ft of extensive accommodation, featuring a 75ft leisure complex, which includes a stunning indoor heated swimming pool with a vaulted ceiling and solid oak beams.

3, The Laurels, Black Lane, Doddington

This striking and contemporary property forms part of a small, boutique development of just seven holiday homes, situated around a private lake and surrounded by lovely countryside. It is wonderfully peaceful, with an idyllic setting yet just moments from the amenities of Doddington. Laurel Developments, have created the homes with the future in mind and they meet the latest standards for comfort and sustainability, making them efficient and cost-effective.

Guide Price: £350,000

Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE. Call 01522 508900 or see www.savills.co.uk

Local News

Work begins on £7.3m nature reserve

National Trust is commencing work on the 62-acre (25-hectare) wetland nature reserve which will be home to skylarks, marsh harriers and curlews

New boat for Slea Navigation

Sleaford Navigation Trust is preparing to achieve ambition of river cruises along the river following the delivery of its brand new 30-foot steel narrowboat

Last month saw the deliver of Sleaford’s brand new 30ft narrowboat, built by HD Narrowboats near Foston which was delivered to the Sleaford Navigation Trust as the group prepares to realise their ambition of providing pleasure cruises along the pretty waterway.

The boat has been co-funded by North Kesteven District Council and the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The boat has been christened the Benjamin Handley, in honour of the Sleaford man who served as Sleaford’s mayor three times and was supportive of the creation of a navigation in 1792, appointed Treasurer of the company responsible for its creation.

As Pride goes to press work is still underway to fit out the interior of the narrowboat, which will carry 12 passengers from The Hub to Cogglesford Mill and potentially beyond, subject to future restoration of the navigation. It will be piloted by volunteers from spring 2025.

The National Trust has begun work on the creation of a £7.3m wetland nature reserve on the site of a former golf course at Sandilands near the village of Sutton-on-Sea.

On the path of the so-called Atlantic Flyway, a globally significant route taken by birds during migration, the reserve is expected to be popular with tired bird species during their long journeys and it’s expected that keen ornithologists will be able to see species including marsh harriers, curlew, sandpipers, skylarks, linnets, avocets and lapwings. Plant species are likely to include birdsfoot clover, trefoil and bee orchids.

In addition to the reserve itself there will be a community space and café. The reserve is due to open to visitors in autumn 2025.

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

Simply perfect Norfolk stays

From the owners of Barefoot Retreats, Simply Norfolk Stays presents a portfolio of accommodation

A new collection of privatelyowned Norfolk holiday cottages and coastal retreats is now available to guests from the owners of Barefoot Retreats.

Simply Norfolk Stays is a portfolio of gorgeous properties from quant coastal cottages to beach abodes and rural family homes for really relaxing short breaks and holidays in the pretty county of Norfolk.

Meanwhile, homeowners with boltholes in the area can join the Simply Norfolk Stays portfolio and will benefit from the company’s 10 years knowledge and marketing expertise whilst having the flexibility to manage their property’s maintenance and housekeeping for only 15% + VAT commission.

For details call 01328 730555 or see simplynorfolkstays.co.uk

New Chairman for Bridge Farm

Andy Higginson appointed to top job at cutting edge firm which supplies 100 million plants each year

Former JD Sports Chairman and previous head of the British Retail Consortium

Andy Higginson has been appointed Chairman at Bridge Farm, established in Spalding by Jayne and Tony Ball. The business produces 100m plants and cut flowers for the UK every year, whilst its bioscience centre remains at the forefront of plant research and development.

Guinness World record success

Lincoln & District Indoor Bowling Club is the proud holder of a Guinness World record after 62-hour bid

A team of six players from the Lincoln & District Indoor Bowling Club is the proud holder of a Guinness World record after a 62-hour bowlathon The record was ratified by Guinness May and the team comprised of Andy Sellers, Collette Fawcett, Dean Morley, Stan Day, Lisa Devlin and Paul Fawcett each who played in relays with four players playing at any one time, while two players rested for a couple of hours.

The club was founded in 1972 on Hall Drive, Boultham Park, and is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) which was founded to promote the sport of bowling to the wider Lincolnshire community. It’s also an Associate of The English Indoor Bowls Association. The club is open to anyone in the community and offers various levels of membership including full social junior membership. It is one of the largest indoor bowls facilities in the UK, with eight rinks with newly installed state-of-the-art score boards. Over the years, the club has nurtured many county, national and world champions.

For information call 01522 526327 or see www.lincolnibc.co.uk.

And Finally... We’re really looking forward to introducing DUXIANA to our readers in this edition. The Nordic-inspired range of products includes not only chairs, sofas and tables, but also its DUX range of beds and mattresses which can be customised to suit your preferences for maximum comfort using clever interchangeable ‘cassettes.’ See later in this edition!

High Life

Butterfly Hospice 10th Anniversary

10 years ago near Boston, something really rather incredible happened as the culmination of lots of fundraising, hard work and determination led to the opening of The Butterfly Hospice. A black-tie celebration at the Jakemans Community Stadium ensured the milestone was recognised

Images: Rob Davis.

For ten years now, Boston and the surrounding area has benefitted greatly from the presence of a dedicated facility for the care of those with life-limiting conditions and patients’ families. The idea of creating The Butterfly Hospice was instituted at a meeting held at Boston’s St Botolph’s Church with fundraising and planning for the facility led by Sue Wray and her team. At a recent 10th anniversary celebration, Sue was given the title of Honorary Patron for the facility she helped to create, which is now run by CEO Bridget MacPherson and her team of clinicians, fundraisers and volunteers (including staff at six charity stores). Together, the team provides 24-hour care, a place of tranquillity and support for patients and their families.

For more information, see www.butterflyhospice.org.uk.

Pottery in Lincolnshire

Celebrating 10 years at the wheel with

Oxcombe Pottery

Ever looked at a potter working at their wheel? Permit us to let you into a secret. The skill may take a little practice but the joy is immediate. In Lincolnshire, Oxcombe near Horncastle is celebrating its 10th anniversary with September’s third annual ceramics exhibition, a new permanent Maker’s Gallery plus a host of taster sessions and workshops if you fancy having a go yourself!

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Andy Weekes, 07836 566295, www.andyweekes.net.

Pottery in Lincolnshire

Come for the wheel, stay for the feel. It’s the friendly sense of camaraderie and the ability to explore creativity in a community of artists that has ensured Oxcombe near Horncastle has remained popular with its visitors, ever since founder Susanna Gorst first converted a disused barn on her farm into a pottery studio, back in 2014.

As the team celebrates Oxcombe’s 10th anniversary, there’s plenty to report on besides their anniversary with the studio’s third annual Art & Ceramics Exhibition – on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September –coinciding with the opening of their new Maker’s Gallery which is designed to showcase the county’s homegrown talent, plus the exclusive domestic wares produced by in-house ceramicist Sophie Olivant

That’s in addition to the availability of Oxcombe vouchers, plus its taster sessions,

“Ability is less important than enjoyment. It’s really important to us that everyone enjoys their time here at Oxcombe !”

introductory courses, termly classes and masterclasses which are all ideal for those keen to explore pottery and art plus festive ceramics workshops and even yoga sessions. Oxcombe has also invested in conference resources to enable businesses to enjoy this unique venue for team-building events.

During our visit the team was approaching the end of the venue’s summer break, allowing staff to take holidays, to embark on their annual deep clean and to perform maintenance of the studio and its kilns, as well as completing the build of the new Maker’s Gallery and enhancing the facilities for businesses to take advantage of Oxcombe’s converted events barn for offsites and team building.

But the team all agree that when the studio reopens, as Pride goes to press, their regulars will be keen to return to the potters’ wheels and to reunite with the Oxcombe community.

OXCOMBE POTTERY RANGE

A signature collection of domestic ware created exclusively for Oxcombe Pottery by ceramicist Sophie Olivant

In addition to all of the hands­on workshops and events that take place at Oxcombe, the studio has a range of domestic ware available to buy, alongside a gallery of work made by Oxcombe members. Sophie Olivant, who teaches at Oxcombe, has developed the bespoke collection of ceramic wares that are rustic, durable, and perfect for home use.

Inspired by the Oxcombe landscape and historic farmstead, Sophie has developed glazes that not only reflect the colour palette of the environment but also incorporate wood ash from trees on the estate, utilising a sustainable byproduct of warming the studio spaces on a cold winter days.

Made on site, the work is wheel­thrown by Sophie in a traditional way, with ergonomics in mind. Carved decorative surfaces and pulled handles add the final touches. After bisque firing, the work is glazed and fired in the studio’s large gas kiln in a reduction atmosphere, which brings out the rich tones of the clay and mineral elements in the glazes. Because the Oxcombe range is ‘high­fired,’ it’s hard­wearing and remains safe for the oven, dishwasher and microwave.

The range is on sale exclusively via the Maker’s Gallery at Oxcombe Pottery

“Better than therapy!” says Susanna. “That’s how one regular described it to us. Ability is less important than enjoyment, and whilst everyone soon benefits from the expertise of tutors to unlock their own creativity, it’s just as important to us that people enjoy their time here.”

Where to begin then? At the beginning, probably. Quite far back in fact, as Oxcombe is a medieval hamlet equidistant between Belchford, Burwell and Cadwell Park in the Wolds’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The house and adjacent 13th century church were both remodelled in the 1840s by Louth architect W A Nicholson. The lovely bucolic countryside surrounding it has long been a mixed farming operation where Aberdeen Angus cattle graze. The farmland is also home to crops, to grassland and to lots of species (barn owls and red kites, for example) among the chalkstreams and woodland.

Susanna was inspired to develop Oxcombe’s original pottery by her own experience of attending classes and decided to convert a barn no longer used for farming, to expand that opportunity for others.

“For some people, it’s about producing something beautiful or functional (or both) using one of the oldest materials in existence, and improving their techniques and skills. For others, though, it’s about the meditative pleasure of just enjoying the material, the setting, and the company.”

“We’ve always seen strong friendship groups developing during classes here. People talk as they work, as they break for coffee or they just sit and do something they really enjoy. It’s been proven that pottery and other crafts are tantamount to a meditative experience as it requires concentration, but a special mindful kind of concentration – engagement without expectation.”

“We provide taster sessions and short courses for people who would like to try pottery for the first time, such as our popular Introduction to Ceramics courses, which are run on a termly basis, for three hours on a Tuesday evening or Saturday morning, over six weeks... or in the case of our intensive courses, over three days.”

“Alongside these are our regular termly classes available morning, afternoon and some evenings to continue your journey in art and ceramics.”

“As your confidence grows and you explore new techniques, we offer our masterclasses which focus on specific approaches or materials like slab-building, raku or porcelain. Eventually, some want to come and use the facilities we have here for their own selfguided sessions, working among others rather than alone in a home studio.”

There are probably a few reasons for the studio’s continuing success over its ten years, but to our mind the sheer friendliness of the Oxcombe community – and the development of the local ceramic talent it has consistently nurtured – are two reasons that the team,

Creating a Tea-Light House for Christmas

Friday 15th November, 6pm­9pm

Create a ceramic tea­light house using the slab­building technique. Add windows and decorative texture, and use coloured slips to add the final touches. Materials and festive refreshments included, £70/person, bookable online or call 01507 534238.

Pottery in Lincolnshire

short of space, converted in 2019 and 2020 two further barns that are now used for exhibitions plus art classes and yoga sessions.

Classes are limited to a maximum of 10 people, so everybody gets plenty of attention. New fine art classes led by Kate Westcott provide drawing and painting tuition whilst visiting professionals provide classes on sculpture, host printing workshops or even provide creative development workshops for those who have become artists and makers as a result of their time at Oxcombe.

That was the case with Kate Boulton, Julie Holmes, Stephanie Coggan, and Sue Bush who have all collaborated on their latest body of work celebrating the Lincolnshire coastline.

The group’s members are among the local artists whose work is to be included in this year’s Oxcombe Art & Ceramics Exhibition alongside more than 600 examples of ceramics and 100 canvas-based works. All of the work has been produced in the area and it’s on sale with prices from a few pounds to a few thousands of pounds for home-grown artwork.

With the festive season approaching, it’s an ideal opportunity to find a thoughtful and unique gift for a loved one.

The same is true of the studio’s Artisan Christmas Market on Sunday 24th November from 10am.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make something of your own, Oxcombe Pottery is hosting a festive workshop on Friday 15th November from 6pm in which you can make a pretty stoneware tea-light house to admire all winter long.

“We host taster sessions, pottery with afternoon tea, early-evening workshops and team-building days too,” says Susanna.

“Because everyone is looking for their own unique experience we try not to be too prescriptive by offering vouchers so that recipients can choose for themselves. They can also be used to make a purchase from the Oxcombe collection.”

“We’re so delighted that over the past 10 years we’ve managed to create a fantastic creative community of local potters and artists. The joy of creating or owning something that is completely unique and has been made with care and attention is so special. The fact that we all have a wonderful time interacting with each other in the process makes Oxcombe an even more enjoyable place to spend time!”

n Find beautiful and unique gifts at Oxcombe Pottery’s Ceramics Exhibition, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September from 10am, or visit the studio’s Artisan Christmas Market on Sunday 24th November from 10am­3pm, £1.50 entry, free parking.

Create and Connect at Oxcombe

Oxcombe Pottery Experiences, Morning, Afternoon, Evening: Selected dates. Learn how to hand­build tiles, decorate and have fun on the wheel £60 or focus on throwing pottery on a wheel. £75/person, discounts for groups, tea, coffee and artisan cookies included.

Pottery Experience with Afternoon Tea: Arrival from 2pm, hand­building/throwing, interval then time to finish and decorate your piece, followed by afternoon tea from 5pm, £85/person, groups and gift vouchers available.

Introduction to Ceramics: Six week course (6 x 3hr sessions) on Tuesday evenings from 6pm or Saturday mornings from 9.30am. Create different pieces using a variety of techniques from pinching, coiling, hard and soft slab building, and throwing on a potter’s wheel, £230. Intensive (three day) courses also available.

Art Classes with Kate Westcott: Drawing and painting classes with Kate, making use of the wooded farming landscape and gardens, £28/three hour sessions.

Yoga at Oxcombe: Yoga sessions with Lucy Dee Cawdron to develop strength and flexibility whilst promoting calmness. Team­building and Groups: Bespoke packages available for groups up to 30, (e.g.: birthday, hen parties, corporate etc). Please call to discuss your bespoke requirements. Or hire our conferencing space for an offsite in a relaxing environment. All events require pre-booking, please call 01507 534238 or see www.oxcombepottery.co.uk for details. Oxcombe Pottery is based at Oxcombe Farm, Horncastle, LN9 6LU.

Wonky House Straightening Up Lincoln’s Famous

It’s easily one of the most recognisable buildings in Lincoln, and happily, it has a champion ensuring its future in the form of Heritage Lincolnshire. This month we’re going behind the scenes as the charity works to save the building and bring it back into use

Words: Rob Davis.

Every so often in life (though not often enough, some might argue), common sense prevails. That was the case back in 1933 when the Lincolnshire Architectural and Archaeological Society (now The Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology) intervened to prevent a number of historic buildings in the heart of Lincoln being lost.

Not least among these was the Lincoln property colloquially known as the ‘Wonky House’ but more accurately a property on Michaelgate now comprising the individual houses numbered 40-42.

It’s incredulous to think that a demolition order for the building and a number of other properties was issued as part of Lincoln’s ‘slum clearances,’ but after a half-timbered element of the building was uncovered, and after the house was purchased by Lincoln Council then renovated, it was safe and sound... until its next occupants moved in.

Those unwelcome tenants in question were deathwatch beetles, whose culinary proclivities extend to all sorts of heritage timbers. And since moving in, they’ve really been nibbling on the venerable building. Happily, not all superheroes wear capes: some wear overalls and know their way around heritage building materials instead. At the start of 2024 and having raised over £450,000, Heritage Lincolnshire took over the building’s maintenance and began working in a programme of conservation supported financially by the Architectural Heritage Fund, Investors in Lincoln and the City of Lincoln Council.

To say that the building’s structure is unique is to understate matters somewhat. In fact, it’s believed that one of the chimney breasts was actually built around a tree, incorporating it into the structure!

It was during the initial works to repair the building, when the exterior render was removed, that the deathwatch beetle infestation was discovered to be serious, and with additional funding of £61,000 necessary, extra work began to ensure the building would continue to be admired by local and tourists for centuries to come.

As well as the ‘Wonky House’ itself, the adjacent building known as the Harlequin is also part of the restoration. An 18th century former shop and public house, the building was joined to its 16th century neighbours and was then known as The Harlequin Inn, serving what is now New Theatre Royal on Drury Lane constructed in 1732.

The building remained a public house until 1931 when its alcohol license was refused on the basis that it was ‘structurally unsuitable.’

Later uses of the buildings have seen them serve as premises for an antiques dealer and an antiquarian bookseller until the business within was closed in the early 2000s.

Part of Heritage Lincolnshire’s aim is to ensure the property can sustain itself with a revenue stream, and so the intention of the project is to be able to turn the property into self-catering accommodation for tourists. Before that though, there’s an awful lot of work to be completed, checking and repairing its timbers with heritage materials like a lime wash, the natural alkalinity of which will deter future interest from beasties such as the beetles.

To say that the building’s structure is unique is to understate matters somewhat. In fact, it’s believed that one of the chimney breasts was actually built around a tree, incorporating it into the structure.

Heritage Lincolnshire say they are grateful for everyone who has contributed to funding the refurbishment and hope to have the building ready to open very soon.

“40-42 Michaelgate and the Harlequin building are iconic heritage landmarks within Lincoln’s historic cathedral quarter,” says Tracy Stringfellow, CEO of Heritage Lincolnshire. “They are of great importance to the people of Lincoln, and important elements of Steep Hill’s built landscape. We would like to thank the generous public for their donations as well as the funding bodies who have supported the repairs.”

Over the page we feature some more of the projects and historic sites under the custodianship of the charity.

Heritage Lincolnshire

Conserving History

Heritage Lincolnshire was founded in 1988 and is now based at The Old School in Heckington. The charitable trust is the most active Buildings Preservation Trust in the East Midlands with the aim of providing lifelong education, building conservation and archaeological fieldwork and research.

There are a number of sites currently under the custodianship of the charity, so we thought we’d look at a few of them and examine the work underway to preserve them for the future.

The Old King’s Head, Kirton

Heritage Lincolnshire came to the Old King’s Head’s rescue in 2016, and through fundraising and grants managed to complete an extensive renovation of the 400 year old building from 2019 to September 2021, managed to return the building into public use. Today it has bed and breakfast rooms as well as a café and spaces for community groups to use. See www.theoldkingshead.com.

Bolingbroke Castle near Spilsby (pictured right)

The Friends of Bolingbroke Castle have been working in partnership with Heritage Lincolnshire since 1995 and with English Heritage to ensure the ongoing preservation of Bolingbroke Castle. The site is a prime example of 13th century castle design complete with a large gatehouse, round towers and a moat. Today the castle is a ruin with only the ground floors of the towers remaining and the lower parts of the walls. This castle, built by Randulph de Blundeville, the Earl of Lincoln, became the home of the powerful John of Gaunt in the 14th century and was the birthplace of his son, Henry Bolingbroke, who later became King Henry IV.

Hussey Tower, Boston

Heritage Lincolnshire has also announced that work will soon be underway to conserve the Grade II* Hussey Tower in Boston. A partnership between Heritage Lincolnshire, Historic England, Boston Borough Council and Boston College aims to repair the scheduled monument for future generations to enjoy. Hussey Tower was built in 1450 by Richard Bennington, collector of customs in medieval Boston. At the time, the port was second only in size to London, making it very influential. Following Bennington’s death in 1475, the tower was bought by Sir John Hussey, the tower’s namesake and high sheriff of Lincolnshire. He was important to both Henry VII and Henry VIII, having fought alongside them in numerous battles... he was also made a member of the House of Lords. Hussey met an unfortunate end following the ‘Lincolnshire Rising’ in 1537 when he was executed as a traitor to the crown following his failure to act against the rebelling public.

For more information on Heritage Lincolnshire, and the charity’s work to preserve local historic buildings, see www.heritagelincolnshire.org.

Shodfriars Hall, Boston

Another building in need of renovation is Boston’s Shodfriars Hall, on the wharf of the River Witham. The Grade II* listed building dates back to circa 1400 and it is currently ‘at risk.’

Shodfriars Hall was originally known as the ‘Old Flemish House.’ and is thought to have served as the guildhall or principal mansion for the Guild of Corpus Christi. It was restored and extended by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1873, the architect who also worked on London’s St Pancras Station and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Later still in the 19th century, the Boston Conservative Club also funded restoration works and it’s believed that the name was changed to Shodfriars Hall at this time too.

In the future it’s hoped that a renovated Shodfriars Hall could benefit the community as the home of a dance studio, events venue and offices. It’s also hoped that the building will also incorporate a café/restaurant. Work is currently ongoing with cash from the government’s Town Deal fund overseen by the Boston Town Deal group on behalf of Boston Borough Council. For more information on how the project is progressing, see www.bostontowndeal.co.uk.

Art Exhibition

Malcolm Coward at Sally Mitchell’s Gallery

gallery to hold exhibition of leading equestrian artist, Malcolm Coward

Sally Mitchell’s Gallery is holding an ‘One Man’ Exhibition of the work of Malcolm Coward, at its Tuxford, Nottinghamshire Gallery. The exhibition entitled ‘Movement and Light’ runs from 23rd September to 12th October. Malcolm is internationally known and recognised as one of England’s leading equestrian artists.

At the very beginning of Malcolm Coward’s career, he was selected by the great Stella Walker as an artist to watch. Thirty years ago, in May 1994 Country Life published an article about animal painters to look out for with a stunning picture of him in his studio with his horse. Both these predictions have proved to be right! Now in his 77th year, Malcolm is painting better than ever!

His work has been exhibited around the world over the years, including Stockholm, Tokyo, Paris, Jerez, Verona, New York and London. He has been a guest exhibitor in the American and European Horse Painters’ exhibitions including Saumur and Chantilly. He has been given an Honorary Membership of The Society of Equestrian Artists where he has won numerous awards and is one of only two artists to have won the President’s Medal on five occasions. Malcolm now gives about twenty days a year to Master Classes for the Society.

Not exclusively a horse painter, he has had his work accepted at the Royal Society of Marine Artists, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Royal Birmingham Society and the Pastel Society. Malcolm has also been a guest exhibitor in the American and European Horse Painters’ exhibitions. A book about him and his work titled 'Malcolm Coward, Horse Painter' was published in 2007.

The book, which has long since sold out and has become a collector’s item. It illustrates over 100 of his paintings in colour and has many useful tips for the amateur artist His delightful sense of humour makes it a most enjoyable book so if you manage to find a copy snap it up! He has since produced another book, ‘Sketching Horses from Life.’

Typically Malcolm, it is succinct with plenty of explanatory illustrations and not too many words. It imparts many of the important points about making a good painting without a lot of laborious reading or technical diagrams! The book is available online or via the Gallery.

Malcolm undertakes only a few commissions each year. He is fortunate enough to be able to paint what he wants, which is why his pictures are so fresh. Telling an artist exactly what you want him to paint is like putting him in a psychological straight jacket, unless of course they are simply photograph copiers, in which case, as Malcolm would say, why not use a photograph?

Sally Mitchell, co-owner of Sally Mitchell Fine Arts has been in the art world for more than 50 years. As well as art publishing, Sally has written, numerous books including ‘The Dictionary of Equestrian Artists’, published by the Antique Collector’s Club, which remains the definitive work on the subject.

The Gallery is housed in an old Coaching Inn in the centre of Tuxford, where she has created the Museum of the Horse above the Gallery. The Museum, the only one of its kind in England, has achieved international recognition, won a Heritage award, been on TV on several occasions and is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

A Private View of the Exhibition is being held on Sunday 22nd September 2pm – 4pm. If you would like to be added to the exhibition mailing list, please contact: info@sallymitchell.com, telephone 01777 838234 or visit www.sallymitchell.com.

Tuxford

Interview

Aled Jones In Fine Voice

From his performance of Walking in the Air to a career in broadcasting, Aled Jones is in fine voice, appearing in Lincolnshire this month

Words: Emily Bridgewater.

He’s been ever-present in our lives for more than 40 years. Aled Jones burst on to the scene and enjoyed remarkable success as a boy singer, finding a permanent place in all our Christmases with his smash hit, Walking In The Air.

Aled was the boy treble who captivated the world with his angelic voice. Selling over seven million albums, Aled was the original, classical crossover star. His recording from the animated film The Snowman, firmly established him as a household name and he has become an integral part of the nation's festivities.

Equally at home on the classical stage or starring in musical theatre productions in London West End, his credits include lead roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. As a singer, Aled is in demand globally and has performed in the world's most iconic venues, from London’s Royal Albert Hall to the Sydney Opera House.

A favourite with the Royal Family, he even gave a private performance to King Charles III in Kensington Palace. He is an award-winning television broadcaster and radio presenter who’s interviewed hundreds of A-List stars over the years.

Aled now heads up BBC’s Songs of Praise and his own Saturday and Sunday morning shows on Classic FM. Now, after 40 years in the business, he’s looking back on a remarkable career with a one-man show, that will feature never-before-heard music, tales from the decades and for the first time, his story told in his own words.

Full Circle is the title of both his new book, out in March, and his new tour, which will celebrate his life. Fans can enjoy that unmistakeable voice, as well as amusingly told stories from the man who’s synonymous with Classic FC, BBC Radio 2, and BBC TV’s Songs Of Praise.

Having recently been to Number One on the classical charts with his latest album, One Voice, which paired boy-Aled with man-Aled, he’s looking forward to telling his story.

Aled’s achieved that rarest of feats: he’s somehow managed to sustain a level of success across four decades. There are plenty who enjoy fame as kids, or as stars on talent shows, but they’re frequently here-today and gone-tomorrow. Aled has broken that mould. Having enjoyed a remarkable four years as a kid, during which he became the most interviewed guest on TV’s Wogan talk show, forming a close bond with the ace BBC presenter as he forged a new career.

He became a star in the West End, in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Joseph, while teaming up with Lorraine, as co-host on ITV’s Daybreak.

“I’ve always felt lucky, having the career I have, but as I get older, I feel that I am so honoured to be living this life. I love what I do for a living. I have been so fortunate to be a part of people’s lives for so many years. In fact, I feel almost teary when I think about it.”

The fun part came when he was hanging out with royalty and singing in the Royal Albert Hall, year after year, as a boy.

“It felt like being the heavyweight boxing champion of the world and until you get knocked out it’s great. I knew that my boyhood was to be short-lived but for those four years I crammed in as much as I could. Maximum singing and maximum fun! The fun bit was down to my mum and dad, really. When I was back at school, it was interesting, to say the least!”

His relationship with the Royal Family has endured over many years. He shared the same hairdresser as Princess Diana and was invited to sing for Charles and Di while still a boy. “The highlight was the private performance for Prince Charles and Princess Diana in their home in Kensington Palace. The Palace rang my dad at work and my dad put the phone down thinking it was someone from his work playing a practical joke. Then an equerry rang back and said the call was for real!

“Prince Charles apparently loved my voice and wanted to hear me sing before my voice broke. How would Thursday evening be? My dad said: ‘Yes, that will be fine.’ So off I went from North Wales, with my mum, and my pianist, and I arrived at Kensington Palace.”

“Prince Charles apparently loved my voice and wanted to hear me sing before my voice broke...!’

Back row, from left: Johnnie Fingers, Garry Roberts, Tony Hadley, John Taylor, Simon le Bon, Martin Kemp, George Michael, Gary Kemp, Simon Crowe, Steve Norman, Aled Jones. Seated, from left: Midge Ure, John Keeble, Paula Yates, Bob Geldof and David Bowie.

Interview

“We knew the butler well, because he was a friend of my great uncle, and I remember sitting in their private front room in Kensington Palace. I sat on one sofa and my accompanist from North Wales, Annette Bryn Parri, who’d never been to London, much less Kensington Palace, sat on the other, with my mother also in the room.”

“We waited in silence, until the Prince entered first. ‘Mrs Jones, or can I call you Nest?’ He said: ‘What would you like to drink?’ And I could see my mum thinking: ‘Does he mean water, or coffee, or tea?’”

“It was as though time had stood still. And then he placed a hand on her knee and said: ‘You’ll join me in a gin and tonic, won’t you?’ And she breathed out a sigh of relief and said yes. And Diana came bounding in after that. She’d got wet hair because she’d been swimming. I knew her quite well anyway, by that point, so we had a hug. I sang for an hour, whatever songs they wanted.”

And then there was the performance at the celebrity wedding of the year, when Bob Geldof married Paula Yates and rock royalty descended. Aled was photographed next to David Bowie, before following the members of Spandau Ballet around for the day, in case they wanted him to join.

“The wedding was utterly beautiful. I remember standing with Bob before he went into the church. He wanted everything to be just perfect. I sang my songs, and I remember looking into the congregation and seeing a sea of famous faces all smiling enjoying the music.”

“After the service I was sitting by the organ with Jess [Yates] and I remember Simon Le Bon, best man, coming up to me, and saying to me: ‘I loved your singing, but more than anything, I love your socks.’”

“Let me tell you about my socks. At my school, at the time, there was a fad for wearing luminous socks, one orange and one green, and I wore those for the wedding. What was I thinking! Simon led me upstairs to the house where about 20 of the guests had gathered for the official photo. I was told to go and stand behind a big chair.”

“And so was born one of the most iconic wedding photos ever. I had no idea at the time that the man sitting in front of me, whose shoulder I had my hand on was the one and only David Bowie! I couldn’t take it all in!”

“Bob Geldof suggested we all went out to play baseball, or rounders. It was Paula’s team versus Bob’s team. I was on team Bob if I remember correctly. There were pop A-listers playing rounders in their tuxedos. Light started to fade and I heard Bob shout: ‘Al, take off one of your socks, will you?’”

“We put one of my luminous socks on the ball so that we could still see it as it started to get dark. It was all surreal. Then there was massive fireworks display and a free bar, with the party going on into the early hours. As you can imagine the live band at the party was out of this world. Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Lulu etc all sharing the mic. I didn’t sing then! It was all quite incredible.”

“My dad was an engineer at the time and my mum was a primary school teacher and there we were, the three of us were, rubbing shoulders with A-List celebrities. My parents had the time of their lives because it was so incredible.”

“It was the most extravagant and spectacular thing I’d ever witnessed. Bob and Paula were so kind to me that day and at subsequent meetings too. I was honoured to sing on their big day.”

He sang for Leonard Bernstein, a man he likens to Mozart, and became great friends with Judy Dench. He played alongside Julie Andrews, and won an Ivor Novello, an Emmy, and an MBE – not that he can remember where any of those are.

And then he became one of the nation’s best and most loved interviewers and presenters – so much so that Michael Parkinson told him there was nobody else better, well, apart from himself.

One of the best moments was working with Julie Andrews: “There’s a video of Julie Andrews and me I singing Edelweiss and at the end, we put our heads together and she gives me a kiss. That was probably the most overwhelming thing I’ve ever done.”

“For me, she’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest, film stars of my generation. Growing up, I Ioved those films, like Mary Poppins or The Sound of Music. A brilliant actress with a sublime voice.”

“To get the invitation to interview Julie Andrews on her tour was just a dream come true. It was a pinch-me moment. Julie was so lovely to me. She wrote me a hand-written letter at the end of the tour. I have it framed in my office. Working with her is one of the highlights of my career. It wasn’t just that we performed together onstage. It was also the time we spent backstage, where we were as thick as thieves.”

“She had a wonderful team around her of genuine people who’d been around her for years and years and for them to allow me to get into that inner sanctum was very special. I was completely transported. I was singing Edelweiss with Dame Julie Andrews. It doesn’t get any better than that. It was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

Aled will bring his Full Circle tour to Lincoln New Theatre Royal on 28th September, and to Spalding’s South Holland Centre on 4th October. See www.officialaledjones.com.

What’s On

October through to November

Feathered Friends

Paper artist Kaper (Kate Kelly) creates sculptures from hand printed papers, depicting various species of birds, among flowers and foliage.

The way in which each bird is embellished, with its own markings and pose, ensures each sculpture is unique.

Kate has been a paper sculptor for 18 years, owls and songbirds remain her favourite subject, largely because of their delightful expressive poses.

Separately, Paperwork brings together craftspeople who work in the medium of paper showcasing the versatility of the medium, until 17th November.

The Hub, Sleaford, free entry, see www.hub­sleaford.org.uk.

Champions Dinner in Lincoln

Tuesday 8th October

Champions Dinner at Doubletree

A trio of champions at Lincoln’s Doubletree by Hilton as Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor and John Virgo come together for a twocourse dinner with ‘meet and greet’ provision, plus a trick shot masterclass and Q&A session, as well as a silent auction.

Enjoy plenty of anecdotes and lots of wisdom from three of the UK’s best known snooker superstars.

£65/general, £119/VIP entry, www.wayspromotions.co.uk.

Tuesday 8th October

Arthur Swallow Antiques & Home

Arthur Swallows’ unmissable Antiques & Home Show at the Lincolnshire Showground is hugely popular with those passionate about creating a stylish living space. It offers visitors everything from fine antiques, art, salvage, and much more.

From 9am, entry £5/person, see lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

Saturday 12th October and Sunday 13th October

Lincoln Sausage Festival 2024

Enjoy the marvellous celebration of Lincolnshire Sausages at the Lincoln Sausage Festival, held in the grounds of Lincoln Castle. Plenty of family fun, cookery demonstrations and live music.

See www.visitlincolnshire.com.

Saturday 19th October and Sunday 20th October Dog Friendly Days

Four legged friends are welcome at Lincoln Castle in October as Dog Friendly Days returns.

See www.lincolncastle.com.

Wednesday 16th October Business Showcase

Business networking event at the Lincolnshire Showground, from 10am to 3pm, free entry. lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

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

Monday 14th October The Lion and The Unicorn

On the evening of 13th October 1939, six weeks after war has been declared on Hitler's Germany, Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain meet together with their wives for a private dinner. Prime Minister Chamberlain has seen all his efforts to negotiate peace with

Hitler shattered. Churchill has been recalled to the cabinet after ten years, his dire warning of the Nazi threat is vindicated. History tells us this was the only time the four ever met alone together socially. This play imagines the conversation and has a striking relevance to today in attempting to determine how far one should compromise to pacify a dictator.

The Mersey Beatles

Enjoy an un-Beatle-ble 60th anniversary celebration of A Hard Days Night this month at Grimsby Auditorium

Friday

11th October

The Hallé in Lincoln

A performance of André Andante’s quasi recitativo for strings, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and Brahms Symphony No.3. Founded in Manchester by Sir Charles Hallé, the group has a sound reputation for its artistic excellence, and is one of the UK’s top ensembles.

Lincoln Cathedral, LN2 1PL, £15­£44.70, 7pm, see www.lincolncathedral.com.

Saturday 12th October

Messiah Concert

Handel’s Messiah performed at Burghley House by the Cantus Choir and Orchestra

From 6pm, tickets £45, see www.burghley.co.uk.

Saturday 26th October

Book now for New Year’s Eve

Mobsters, Molls and Murder at the Petwood Hotel

Working in hospitality over the festive season is murder, but that’s nothing compared to what will happen to one poor unfortunate soul on New Year’s Eve as Mobsters, Molls and Murder at the Petwood Hotel provides a drinks and canapé reception prior to a multi-room Cluedo style murder mystery event.

If you solve the crime, we reckon you’ll have earned the ensuing buffet, and live entertainment!

Tickets £90/each, overnight accommodation optional.

For further details and to book call 01526 352411 or see www.petwood.co.uk.

The Mersey Beatles: A Hard Day’s Night

The Mersey Beatles is the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four and they’re back with an all-new show celebrating the 60th anniversary of A Hard Day’s Night.

The beloved and iconic 1964 album and movie perfectly captured The Beatles at their pop peak.

And to mark the diamond anniversary in 2024, The Mersey Beatles will play the entire A Hard Day’s Night album in the first half of their

show – followed by a hit-packed collection of true Beatlemania classics.

The band, who perform soldout shows around the world, will then take the audience on a fabulous ride through the psychedelic brilliance of Sgt Pepper, a walk down Abbey Road and celebrate the melodic wonder of the Fab Four’s later canon of work.

7.30pm, tickets £29.50. Call 0300 300 0035 or see www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

Lincoln Theatre Royal, 7.30pm.

Luxury Self-Catering Accommodation

Relax in the Heart of Lincolnshire

This month we’re exploring a beautiful luxury holiday home nestled in the countryside within the Lincolnshire hamlet of Howell, yet only 20 miles from the historic city of Lincoln. The Ostlers Cottage offers the perfect cosy autumn winter escape for up to four people and it’s dog-friendly too. From charming fireside moments beside the wood-burning stove to hot tub dips under the stars, cottage living has never been so enchanting

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Where Next UK.

Luxury Self-Catering Accommodation

For the owners, of The Ostlers Cottage it was love at first sight. And like all great love stories, there were some challenges to overcome. But eventually, romance blossomed in bricks and mortar, and the delighted couple welcomed their first guests on New Year’s Eve into the now beautifully refurbished property they fell in love with back in 2021.

The Ostlers Cottage sits in the curtilage of Howell’s Old Rectory, a stunning home steeped in rich history built in 1713 using a mix of stone reclaimed from a former Knights Templar and the original Howell Manor. The property carries a Grade II listing and was used during WW2 to accommodate children from the city of London then later for the rehabilitation of military service personnel.

Initial investigation suggested the couple might have had an easier time knocking the cottage down and starting again, but the owners felt the building had a romantic soul, and instead, opted to purchase it and complete a back-to-brick refurbishment following a beautifully reconfigured layout by Rick Smith Design, architectural design consultancy. The result is a magnificent cottage that retains many of the original features including exposed stone walls, floor boards and even the saddle racks and rein holders used by the former Ostler.

Outside the property is immaculate having had the building repointed show casing the locally made Ewerby Yellow bricks, original clay pantile roof, new hand crafted zinc roof and locally handmade wooden windows and doors.

Inside there are two bedrooms; one on the ground floor and the other uses the original bedroom on the mezzanine first floor. The cottage was once the office of Arthur Ling, Vice President of the Royal Institute of Architects 1963-1964, and the designer of The Old Rectory's veranda and garden foley.

The Ostlers Cottage is tastefully furnished with crisp neutral Farrow & Ball shades and a tumbled limestone floor with underfloor heating throughout. The in-frame shaker style kitchen is hand-painted in Farrow and Ball Shaded White, it was made locally by RJC Furniture Kitchens and Bedrooms, with DeVol fixtures and taps, appliances by Smeg

The property has sourced antique furniture throughout including a vintage school chemistry table, equipped with Bunsen burner marks, down lit by vintage enamel industrial lighting and adorned with antique Ercol chairs and an original local reversible railway bench. This takes centre stage in the magnificent vaulted kitchen area. The comfy leather seating surrounding the log burner was discovered over coffee whilst in Good Finds, a local antiques shop and cafe in Heckington.

The bedrooms continue to feature local antiques including a WW2 RAF carpenters locker and Dutch milking stools. The Feather and Black beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton bedding and each of the en-suites include luxury toiletries from Neal’s Yard and The White Company.

The vintage lighting has been selected from across the UK and includes a collection of handmade Lyngard light shades.

The landscaped gardens are framed with Portuguese laurel trees, honeysuckle, cedar fencing and woven hazel fencing with multiple seating areas, hot tub, BBQ and fire pit.

“We were delighted to welcome our first guests on New Year’s Eve and since then the feedback we’ve had from all of our guests has been incredible, it’s really encouraged us to make a stay at The Ostler’s Cottage something very special indeed.”

“We try to go the extra mile with locallybaked artisan bread, fresh eggs, wine and coffee roasted locally by the artisan Two Chimps in Rutland.”

The couple have created a games package which includes arcade and pinball machines and traditional children’s wooden toys by Swedish toy maker Grimm’s.

There’s a private driveway with parking for four cars, and beautifully landscaped gardens as well as views of the adjacent 12st century St Oswolds church.

“We’re proud of what we’ve created – not just a beautiful property, but a haven in which guests can relax, spend quality time together and enjoy the charm of the Lincolnshire countryside.”

The Ostlers Cottage, in the hamlet of Howell, is now available to guests for a minimum of two nights, with prices starting from £100/night. The property is available exclusively though www.cottages.com.

In the Area

The Finch Hatton: A short walk away across open fields is the Finch Hatton, a friendly quality dining pub that also offers afternoon tea. Chef Patron Anthony Smith also has his own chocolate shop located at back of the pub... do try his luxury truffles! 01529 461703, www.thefinchhatton.co.uk.

Heckington Windmill: A working windmill and the world’s only working eight­sailed example, the six­floor windmill is currently grinding flour under a traditional oil engine, but is undergoing restoration to allow it to once again grind flour using wind­power following storm damage in 2019. Adjacent brewery and museum. 01529 461919, www.heckingtonwindmill.org.uk.

The Plough: A stone’s throw further away situated in North Kyme is the The Plough which offers a bustling bar with a wide selection of ales. The food is all locally sourced and in the summer months you can find Ellie’s Icyclle Bycycle doing the rounds. 01526 861400, www.theplough.reasturant

The Bustard Inn at South Rauceby, near Sleaford

Dining fit for a king this month as we enjoy a return visit to The Bustard Inn in the village of South Rauceby near Sleaford

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

November sees King Charles III’s birthday, so no doubt he’ll be looking for a place to celebrate the occasion and enjoy dining out with the family. I wonder if he might consider booking a table at his favourite Lincolnshire pub. In the event he does so, he’ll find that the level of dining on offer is fit for a king, now more than ever.

Back in 1971 His Majesty began his military career at RAF Cranwell where he trained as a jet pilot. Apparently his preferred country pub was South Rauceby’s Bustard Inn, constructed in 1860. Adjacent to the pub itself was a malthouse and brewery to satiate the estate workers’ thirst.

The namesake of the place is Bustard Hill (actually Tom Lane), colloquially-named by locals as it was one of the last places in the UK where one of the remaining examples of the portly 20kg Great Bustard was shot, rendering the bird almost extinct.

Efforts have been made in recent years to reintroduce the species into Britain. The Great Bustard population now numbers over 100, and by 2019 they were breeding at a level which will sustain the population of the birds. Meanwhile a similar conservation effort was made to ensure The Bustard Inn’s continued presence in the county back in April 2007. That’s when the Grade II listed pub’s previous owners embarked upon a comprehensive refurbishment of the building. This included sandblasting the coursed limestone walls and restoring the flagstones in the bar and landscaping the elevated grounds.

The couple who embarked on the renovation ran the place until their retirement in 2018 but they’re now on the other side of the bar, free to enjoy the exceptional hospitality and great dining offered by current owners Lesley & Julian Lonsdale and their Head Chef Phil Lowe.

Today, The Bustard Inn remains one of the best dining pubs in Lincolnshire, one keen to ensure villagers always feel at home but also welcoming diners who travel from Sleaford, Boston, Grantham, Lincoln, Newark and from out of the county to enjoy some truly exceptional dishes.

The result is a place which feels like your friendly local, even if you’re not a resident of South Rauceby, and a dining experience of sufficient quality that it was underwritten with the awarding of a second AA rosette in May 2023 following a surprise visit from inspectors.

Dining Out

On The Menu at The Bustard Inn

STARTERS

Antipasto board (for two) with charcuterie, feta cheese, sun blushed tomatoes, stuffed olives, warm garlic & rosemary focaccia, £17 or £8/supplement with whole baked baby Camembert.

Pressed confit duck & black pudding terrine with pineapple & mango chutney and toasted truffle brioche, £10.

Pan-fried scallops with cuminspiced cauliflower pannacotta, warm broad bean & chorizo vinaigrette, £16.

Smoked haddock with Lincolnshire rarebit, heritage tomato & chive salad, £12.

MAIN COURSES

Breast of Gressingham duck with cassis boulangère, creamed leeks, roast Chantenay carrots, red wine & cherry sauce, £35.

Rump of lamb with Bustard Inn herb garden gremolata, ratatouille, roasted new potatoes and buttered spinach, £34.

Fillet of beef with mushroom & truffle pure´e, jacket potato champ, crispy parma ham, parmesan fleuron, buttered cabbage and madeira sauce, £39.

Beer-battered fish & chips with minted mushy peas, tartare sauce and chunky ketchup, £17.

DESSERTS

Roasted pineapple and raspberry Eton mess with vanilla mascarpone, £9.

Milk and cookies with Baileys & Biscoff milkshake and homemade chocolate chip cookies, £7.

Selection of Lincolnshire cheeses with quince, homemade chutney and biscuits, £12.

NB: Sample menu and featured dishes, subject to availability and change.

Top: Pressed confit duck & black pudding terrine with pineapple & mango chutney and toasted truffle brioche, £10. Opposite: Breast of Gressingham duck with cassis boulangère, creamed leeks, roast Chantenay carrots, red wine & cherry sauce, £35.

Rump of lamb with Bustard Inn herb garden gremolata, ratatouille, roasted new potatoes and buttered spinach, £34.

Today, dining is provided during the daytime with a menu of sandwiches and sides, with a dedicated menu for Sunday lunch service which provides one, two or three courses for £20, £26 and £32 respectively.

Star of the show on Sunday is roasted rump of beef with Yorkshire pudding, horseradish hollandaise, roasted potatoes and cauliflower cheese. There’s also an alternative of roast Grasmere pork loin, too, with sage & onion stuffing and mustard seed relish.

À la carte dining at lunchtime and in the evening is available from Wednesday to Saturday and provides a carefully curated choice of six starters and eight main courses. These range from high quality interpretations of traditional British favourites from a beerbattered fish ‘n’ chips option and dry-aged sirloin steak, to à la carte dishes such as our featured breast of Gressingham duck and rump of lamb.

In respect of desserts, a range of homemade treats are available, including roasted pineapple and raspberry Eton Mess; a really good, rich chocolate brownie... or, if you’re so inclined, ‘milk ‘n’ cookies’ which comprises a Baileys and Biscoff milkshake with homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Local suppliers are favoured where quality permits and as for the dining room itself, tapestry chairs, solid oak furniture, and the soaring ceilings of the former malthouse combine to create a very pretty environment with a posh – but very friendly – rustic feel.

There’s a private dining room too, finished in The Bustard Inn’s trademark Bancha green, ideal for private dining in advance of the festive season. But really, there’s no need to have a particular celebration in mind; a visit to The Bustard Inn is always an occasion in and of itself. With exceptional hospitality and dining fit for a King, we’re of course delighted to recommend autumn dining at this entirely excellent quality pub restaurant.

The Bustard Inn at South Rauceby

The Pitch: “A beautiful Grade II listed stone building in South Rauceby with a welcoming bar, characterful fine dining restaurant and open fires for autumn and winter dining”.

Opening Hours: Lunchtime: 12–2.30pm, Wednesday–Friday. Evening: 5.30pm–10.30pm, Wednesday–Friday. Saturday: 12–10.30pm. Sunday: 12–4pm.

The Bustard Inn, Main Street, South Rauceby, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 8QG. Call 01529 488250 or see www.thebustardinn.co.uk.

Above: Roasted pineapple and raspberry Eton mess with vanilla mascarpone, £9.

The 2024 Pride Magazines Good Food Awards

This month we’re cooking up something rather special as we launch our Good Food Awards for 2024. Vote for your favourite restaurants and food & drink producers from across Lincolnshire and we’ll ensure they get the recognition they deserve...

Words:

Rob Davis.

Pride Magazines

Good Food Awards 2024

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2024

Our first category aims to find our readers’ favourite restaurant

The flagship category of our Good Food Awards is our Restaurant of the Year title. We’re looking for a place which makes the most of local ingredients and prepares their dishes with creative flair and solid technical skills, providing somewhere comfortable for diners to enjoy, with great service too.

However we’re always keen to point out that a consideration of your favourite restaurant in the county doesn’t necessarily mean the most exceptional standards of fine dining. We’re just as keen to celebrate the county’s quality pub restaurant providing a relaxing environment that welcomes families.

Over the following pages we’ve provided a reminder of some of the great dishes that we’ve enjoyed over the past year or so, but as always you’re welcome to vote for whichever restaurant deserves to be celebrated as your favourite place to dine... your nominations do not necessarily have to be a Pride Magazines advertiser and they don’t have to be among the restaurants we feature in this edition.

HOW TO VOTE IN OUR AWARDS

The idea of our awards is to seek our readers’ opinions as to the county’s best restaurants, coffee shops and food & drink producers, with no commercial bias on our part and ensuring the whole county is evenly represented.

n Our awards are designed to provide really good publicity for those working hard in Lincolnshire’s hospitality sector who deserve recognition for providing great dining and front of house service.

n You can vote for whichever businesses you believe are the best in their respective categories. They don’t have to be one of our advertisers although they do have to be in, or near the border of, Lincolnshire.

n In keeping with the spirit of the awards, you should not be commercially affiliated with the businesses and should only nominate those business you think truly deserve recognition. You can vote online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk or by filling in the form at the end of this feature. Please vote in all six categories!

Exceptional presentation of food at Winteringham Fields, the only restaurant in Lincolnshire to be recognised with a Michelin star.

The 12th century, Grade I listed Jews House Restaurant on Lincoln’s Steep Hill, home to Gavin Aitkenhead & Samantha Tomkins’ impressive tasting menus.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

Winteringham Fields, North Lincolnshire

Taking our Restaurant of the Year title last year was North Lincolnshire’s Winteringham Fields. The restaurant’s eponymous village is close to the banks of the Humber and next year Winteringham Fields will celebrate its 20th anniversary under the ownership of Colin McGurran. Colin trained at Domaines Haut de Loire in Onzain with its two Michelin stars before taking up a position as the personal chef to the Royal Family of the UAE. This year, the restaurant has promoted James Nicklin to the position of Head Chef as the restaurant continues to affirm its status as one of Lincolnshire’s best restaurants and the only one with a Michelin­star, plus its four AA rosettes, and Hardens Award. À la carte lunch £69/pp. Eight­course tasting dinner £170/pp, optional flight of wine and accommodation.

>> Celebrating Our Local Restaurants

A reminder of the restaurants across Lincolnshire we’ve enjoyed featuring over the past year or so. You can vote for these, or any other restaurant you wish as you nominate your Restaurant of the Year winner...

1. Achingly cool with breathtaking food, and a flair for the dramatic! Restaurant Jericho is run by Rich and Grace Stevens, offering a 20 course (yes, 20 course) tasting menu for £105/person with optional flight of wine £70/person. Shown here is wild boar, eel and marmite skewers. Call 01949 728288 or see www.restaurantjericho.com.

2. Trio of Knead Farm Lamb, at The Crown, Stamford, with pulled shoulder, shepherd’s pie and herb-crusted lamb chop. The restaurant’s lamb is raised by Knead Pubs who supply their three Stamford restaurants, The Tobie Norris, Paten & Co and The Crown Hotel where we photographed this dish. Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

3. Based near Sleaford at Kirkby la Thorpe, The Queen’s Head’s Barry Liversidge has created this signature dish of marinated heritage beetroot with whipped goats cheese, pickled walnut, lemon cream and dill. Call 01529 300750 or see www.thequeensheadpub.com.

4. Dine out in Victorian elegance at Woodhall Spa’s Dower House Hotel, to enjoy dishes like this pan-fried hake with potato terrine, mussels, dill apple and samphire. Call 01526 352588 or see www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk.

5. Satisfying dining at The White Horse in Baston, near Bourne. Shown here is venison with celeriac and potato dauphinoise. Call 01778 560923 or see thewhitehorsebaston.co.uk

6. The superb Antlers Restaurant within the White Hart in Lincoln was our dining out destination in March. Shown here is pan­seared duck breast, with celeriac, cherries and confit leg croquette. Call 01522 526222 or see www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk.

>>

7. Gavin Aitkenhead & Samantha Tomkins created The Jews House 18 years ago in their Grade I listed 12th century building on Steep Hill. The restaurant offers Gavin’s absolutely stunning dining via a four-course or six-course tasting menus. Pictured here is Roast Lavinton lamb saddle, wild garlic, stuffed morel and baked shoulder. Call 01522 524851 or see www.jewshouserestaurant.co.uk.

8. The Bustard Inn, at South Rauceby near Sleaford, prepared this impressive dish of rump of lamb with Bustard Inn herb garden gremolata, for this month’s Dining Out feature. See page 66!

Call 01529 488250 or see www.thebustardinn.co.uk.

9. Celebrating their third anniversary in 2024, Frazer and Emma King have made a huge success of The Red Lion in West Deeping, creating a fabulous quality dining experience including dishes like this roast rack of fallow deer with herb gnocchi. Call 07421 977661 or see www.theredlionwestdeeping.co.uk.

10. Wonderful Mediterranean dining in North Lincolnshire shown here, with San Pietro’s hot smoked salmon with lemon, ricotta and elements of beetroot.

Call 01724 277774 or see www.sanpietro.uk.com.

11. Woodhall Spa’s Petwood Hotel has enjoyed a fresh infusion of talent with the appointment of new Head Chef Dan Thurlow, who prepared this lamb Wellington with pomme dauphinoise, for our August Dining Out feature.

Call 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk.

12. And finally, we enjoyed a fantastic dining experience at the Grain Store in July, a brilliant addition to Lincoln’s Doddington Hall. It offers both daytime dining, evening dining on Friday and Saturday, as well as Sunday lunches, featuring estategrown, local or Best of British suppliers. Call 01522 243189 or see www.doddingtonhall.com.

NB: You can vote for these, or any other restaurant you wish as you nominate your preferred Restaurant of the Year winner. Featured dishes are subject to availability and change.

CAFÉ, COFFEE SHOP OR BISTRO OF THE YEAR 2024

Our second category is tailored towards celebrating local businesses providing great food and drink during the daytime.

Examples include Lincoln’s Stokes High Bridge Café and Stokes at The Lawn. Founded in 1892, by Robert William Stokes, the company sources, blends and roasts its own coffee for businesses including High Bridge Café which dates back to 1160.

Alternatively The Parlour at Spalding’s retail village Springfields offers a great provision of daytime dining options and in particular afternoon tea.

Other options include places like Sleaford’s Tablez, or Lincoln’s traditional Bunty’s Tea Room. Alternatively, what about voting for one of Lincolnshire’s farm shops? Boston’s Mountains Abbey Parks, for example, or Vine House Farm Shop near Spalding.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS Doddington Hall, Lincoln

It’s been quite a year for last year’s winner of our Café, Coffee Shop or Bistro category, Lincoln’s Doddington Hall. The country estate and farm shop opened in 2007 and has always been popular. Today it’s a place to find fruit and vegetables with zero food miles, butchery courtesy of Hambleton Farm and a great selection of wines and local spirits.

In March 2024 though, 300 guests attended the official opening of the new Grain Store café, restaurant and bar which is also open for evening dining on Friday and Saturday evenings. Operating alongside Doddington Hall’s café, Grain Store has provided Lincoln with a second premium daytime dining option.

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

Celebrating great daytime dining

Above: The Parlour, Springfields. Call 01775 760949 or see springfieldsoutlet.co.uk.

Good Food Awards 2024 Pride Magazines

BEST INTERNATIONAL DINING RESTAURANT

Around the world in eighty dishes... but there’s only one restaurant that counts

Next up is our international dining category. From Mediterranean meals to Indian cuisine or Japanese dishes, this category is designed to recognise the impressive array of international restaurants in our market towns and in the City of Lincoln. For instance, Scunthorpe’s San Pietro offers absolutely superb Sicilian-inspired dining courtesy of Pietro and Michelle Catalano whilst Sleaford’s Agra is home to the talented Leeneth Karim producing exceptional panAsian dining whilst Lincoln’s Cognito and Grantham’s Katana offer an authentic Japanese dining experience.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

Castle View, Lincoln

Located adjacent to Lincoln Castle, Aminur Rahman presents traditional dishes including balti, vindaloo, madras and jalfrezi, whilst vegetarians are well catered for, with no fewer than 15 dishes. There’s also a selection of rice and roti dishes too.

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

Above: Smoked salmon mousse enrobed in citrus cured trout served with lemon ricotta, caviar, pickled cucumber and tapioca crisp San Pietro, 01724 277774, sanpietro.uk.com.

LINCOLNSHIRE’S RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

You recommendation for comfortable, luxurious accommodation!

Our next category invites readers to recommend their favourite ‘restaurant with rooms’ – somewhere offering luxurious and comfortable accommodation as well as great dining.

One of the most venerable and well-respected examples is Woodhall Spa’s Edwardian country house hotel, The Petwood, with its 53 bedrooms subject to a rolling programme of refurbishment ensuring a pleasing blend of modern hospitality and local heritage.

Also in Woodhall Spa is the beautiful Dower House Hotel In Lincoln with built by Colonel Stafford Vere Hotchkin in 1904. Also this year, we’ve enjoyed seeing the results of a comprehensive refurbishment of Bailgate’s White Hart Hotel with its new Antlers Restaurant, whilst the city’s Doubletree by Hilton enjoys an enviable location on Brayford Wharf. Elsewhere? San Pietro and Winteringham Fields offer gorgeous boutique hotel accommodation as well as exceptional dining. Finally, we remain impressed with Stamford’s William Cecil and venerable coaching inn The George of Stamford.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS Washingborough Hall Hotel, Lincoln

A beautiful Georgian country house hotel refurbished by Lucy and Ed Herring in 2008. Gorgeous county house interiors plus two­AA rosette dining and four­star accommodation across 20 comfortable and well­equipped bedrooms and suites.

Washingborough Hall Hotel, Lincoln LN4 1EH, Call 01522 790340 or see www.washingboroughhall.com.

Good Food Awards 2024 Pride Magazines

LOCAL FOOD PRODUCER/RETAILER 2024

In this category we’re looking to celebrate a local producer or retailer of artisan food e.g.: a butcher, baker or cheesemaker.

Next up, we’ve much to be proud of in the county in respect of locally grown vegetables, cereals and other food. Our penultimate category seeks to reward a producer or retailer such as Mountains Boston Sausage, Louth’s Lakings, Grasmere Farm, Gary Simpson of Heckington, Sleaford, Lincoln, Spalding and Stamford, or Lincoln’s Redhill.

Alternatively you may want to use this category to recognise a local bakery from Lincoln-based Curtis or Vines Bakery, to Horncastle’s Myers or Louth’s Pocklingtons. Otherwise, what about one of the county’s cheesemakers, from Ulceby’s F W Read – producers of Lincolnshire Poacher – to Market Rasen-based Cote Hill or the East Coast’s Lymn Bank or Chuckling Cheese Co? The county is also home to a wealth of farm shops, and country estates such as South Ormsby, producers of grass-fed, high-welfare beef.

We look forward to receiving your nominations for a local food producer or retailer, allowing us to celebrate the best local food!

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

Mountains Boston Sausage

Jabez Holland Mountain founded his eponymous butchery in 1852, and four generations later the business is still one of the most respected producers of the Lincolnshire sausage. A visit to the company’s East Heckington farm shop and bistro is highly recommended thanks to its range of local food and drink.

Mountains Boston Sausage, East Heckington, PE20 3QF. Call 01205 821610 or see www.bostonsausage.co.uk.

LOCAL LINCOLNSHIRE DRINK PRODUCER 2024

Your favourite Lincolnshire drink

And finally... there are plenty of ways to quench your thirst in Lincolnshire thanks to companies like venerable coffee roastery Stokes of Lincoln or the Lincolnshire Tea and Coffee Company which produces their own bespoke blend of tea.

Meanwhile, there’s Batemans Brewery, as well as artisan gin producers from The Coastal Distillery Company, to Lincoln’s Gentleman Distillers, to Louth’s Pin Gin. Lincolnshire can now boast among its drinks producers Mayfield Vineyard with its superb white, red and sparkling wines, not to mention that it’s also home to Britain’s best soft drinks, Belvoir Fruit Farm. Vote for your favourite local drinks producer over the page.

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS Batemans Brewery

Celebrating 150 years of Good Honest Ales, Stuart and Jaclyn Bateman are the current custodians of one of Britain’s most respected craft breweries. Its newest ale, 5G, celebrates the fifth generation of the family working in the business. Brewery tours available, plus bottled ales available to purchase online and in good local farm shops.

Based on Mill Lane, Wainfleet PE24 4JE. See www.batemansbrewery.co.uk.

The Pride Magazines Good Food Awards

Voting Form 2024

You’re free to vote for whichever Lincolnshire businesses you choose; they don’t have to be mentioned in this edition. You can also vote online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Restaurant of the Year 2024: Your overall favourite place to dine in Lincolnshire.

Café, Bar or Bistro of the Year 2024: Your preferred place to enjoy a lighter meal or coffee.

International Cuisine 2024: A Lincolnshire restaurant providing great international dishes.

‘Restaurant with Rooms’ 2024: A restaurant that also has really special accommodation.

Local Food Producer 2024: A producer/retailer of local food e.g.: a butcher, baker or farm shop.

Lincolnshire Drink 2024: This could be a wine or spirit, locally roasted coffee, local tea or soft drink.

Name:

Address:

Postcode: Telephone:

Cut out this page and send your nominations to Pride Magazines Good Food Awards, Pride Magazines, Boston Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Way, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 7TW. Closing Date 1st November 2024.

Pear & Blackberry Cake with Flaked Almonds

Preparation Time: 25 minutes. Baking Time: 50 minutes.

200g self­raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder

150g caster sugar • 150g unsalted butter, softened • 3 large eggs

2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced • 150g blackberries

1 tsp vanilla extract • 50g ground almonds • 50g flaked almonds • 2 tbsp milk

Whipped cream, ice cream or custard plus almonds to serve (optional)

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin with baking parchment.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.

Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder. Fold this into the butter mixture, followed by the ground almonds.

Mix until just combined. Stir in the milk to create a smooth batter, then gently fold in the diced pears and

blackberries, being careful not to crush the blackberries too much. Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the flaked almonds evenly over the top of the batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with a piece of foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, slice and serve. Delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and flaked almonds to garnish.

Winteringham Fields have Christmas all wrapped up

Experience an unforgettable gourmet Christmas at Winteringham Fields.

This holiday season, elevate your celebrations with an exceptional dining experience at our Michelin­starred restaurant. From the moment you step through our doors, you'll be enveloped in a warm and festive atmosphere, perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Our chefs have meticulously crafted seasonal lunch and dinner tasting menus that showcase the finest ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Each dish is a masterpiece, designed to tantalize your taste buds and evoke the magic of Christmas. Indulge in a symphony of flavors, where tradition meets creativity in every bite.

Add to this our chefs on show interactive dining experience, every meal is a seasonal sensation.

Plus, for the first three weekends in December, we are offering a spectacular seasonal 4­course Sunday lunch ­ at just £85 per person, consider it a gift to yourself.

Extend your celebration by staying in one of our luxurious AA Five Star rooms. Our elegantly appointed accommodations offer the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, ensuring a restful and memorable stay, with special weekday prices from £100 and £150 on Saturdays.

Wake up refreshed and enjoy a hearty breakfast (additional charge) before embarking on your holiday adventures.

Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, a family gathering, or a festive getaway, Winteringham Fields provides the perfect setting for all your holiday occasions. Our dedicated team is here to ensure every detail is taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy the season to the fullest.

Celebrate with us and let Winteringham Fields be the highlight of your Christmas. Reserve your table now and experience the magic of the holidays in unparalleled style and luxury.

For reservations and inquiries, please visit www.winteringhamfields.co.uk or contact us directly on 01724 733096. We look forward to welcoming you and making this Christmas truly unforgettable.

A good honest celebration of 150 years

Batemans has been brewing since 1874

Vintage Ale is a special limited­edition beer based on a 40­year­old barley wine recipe found in Batemans Brewery’s cellars. Plums, port and almonds on the palate, a must to enjoy this autumn in cask or by the bottle.

7.5% ABV, 500ml from www.batemans brewery.co.uk or call 01754 882030.

Wine of the Month

The Wine Cellar

Raise a glass to Lincolnshire Day on 1st October with a selection of local wines and spirits, plus a trio of autumn sparklers to enjoy courtesy of English winemakers who are currently enjoying glass after glass of success!

A trio of sparkling suggestions from English winemakers

A flagship English sparkling wine from Sussex, made using méthode champenoise with toasted brioche and almonds on the palate, £29, 12% ABV, 70cl.

An award­winning sparkling English rosé wine driven by ripe red fruit, strawberries, fresh cherries and redcurrants, made in Ashford, Kent, £55, 12% ABV, 70cl.

An unusual sparkling red wine from the West Midlands, with cherry, blackberry and a smokey seductive finish, £24.99, 11.5% ABV, 75cl.

Produced by Mayfield Vineyard based at Burton Pedwardine near Sleaford, Tawny Owl is a Bolero and Regent­based mediumbodied red akin to a Montepulciano or Pinot Noir based wine. Tawny Owl has harmonious tannins and fresh red fruit. It’s the sister wine to the dry and medium Little Owl and Short­Eared Owl, and the sparkling Barn Owl fizz. £26, 11.5% ABV, call 01529 460230 or see www.mayfieldwine.co.uk.

Raise a glass to Lincolnshire’s wartime heroes

What better heroes to help raise a glass to Lincolnshire this month than the 133 aircrew members who roared into the sky in 1943 to conduct a daring raid to cripple the Ruhr valley’s industrial infrastructure! Dam Raider has been created by Lincolnshire Coastal Distillery, with citrus botanicals and warm spices. Each of the bottles are hand­numbered.

£36.90/40% ABV/70cl coastaldistillery.co.uk.

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

A Wonderful Modern

Family Home

This month we’re enjoying a look around Derek and Kathleen Plowright’s wonderful modern family home on Torksey’s Fairways, offering 6,500sq ft of living space and high­quality finishes throughout

Words: Rob Davis.

Primrose House is a beautiful modern interpretation of a traditional country home, combining grace with lots of practical living space, and high quality finishes throughout. All good so far then, but in addition, the property also incorporates some very modern and clever renewable energy technology that also makes it efficient to run and sustainable too.

It’s home to Derek and Kathleen Plowright who have enjoyed renovating properties over a number of years. The Fairways near Torksey has been a culmination of all that experience. Created in 2008/2009 by Gusto Homes, The Fairways is a development of 12 properties, each unique, ensuring the development doesn’t look too uniform.

Derek and Kathleen purchased their property on the development, Primrose House, prior to its completion, which enabled them to design and curate their interiors, not least by commissioning a luxury kitchen from Clive Christian and utilising Porcelanosa for the property’s bathrooms.

In addition, retired electrical engineer Derek was keen that the property would also benefit from the latest technology like a ground source heat pump, underfloor heating and a rain water reclamation system.

Arranged over three floors, Primrose House offers an impressive 6,500sq ft of living space with a large orangery, living room, library, and dining room in which to entertain, as well as the separate selfcontained annexe, currently serving as a games room for the grandchildren but an ideal space to facilitate intergenerational living.

Set within an acre of grounds, the property is approached via private gated access, leading to a gravelled driveway and turning circle with fountain...

The kitchen has been created with solid timber cabinetry and finished in Farrow & Ball’s Cooking Apple Green, with black granite work surfaces, an electric Aga, and additional appliances from Miele including oven, hob, steamer, microwave plus a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, US-style fridge freezer and Quooker boiling water tap.

There’s an additional pantry with plenty of storage, as well as a separate boot room. The first floor of the property also incorporates a dedicated laundry and ironing room to save lugging around baskets of laundry, and there’s a centralised vacuum cleaning system too as well as security alarms and high-speed fibre broadband throughout the house.

The bespoke oak split-return staircase rises from the entrance hall to the first floor with its master bedroom suite which has two dressing rooms and two en suite bathrooms. A guest suite and an additional bedroom also benefit from en suite bathrooms, and on the second floor there are two additional bedrooms with dedicated bathroom, providing a total of five bedrooms.

The second floor also has a balcony overlooking Torksey’s Lincoln Golf Course and lots of eaves storage.

Set in over an acre of grounds, the property’s gardens are also impressive. approached via private gated access, leading to a gravelled driveway and turning circle with fountain. The front garden is primarily laid to lawn with mature planted beds.

The main garden is primarily laid to lawn with mature planted beds, along with a wrap-around patio that can be accessed via the orangery, living room and study.

The patio leads to a purpose built sitooterie with power and light, creating a wonderful space to entertain friends and enjoy alfresco dining.

The garden further benefits from a summer house with double glazing, garden shed, greenhouse along with strategic lighting and a gate providing access directly onto hole 15 at Lincoln Golf Club

Standing in the sunshine outside the property during the photographer’s visit was one of Derek’s handsome vintage Sunbeam cars, a ruby red 1931 drophead coupé. It’s one of several vehicles owned or restored by Derek

Welcome Home

and complements rather well the grand entrance with its sandstone pillars.

The property has provided plenty of space to pursue hobbies and to enjoy family parties, with five children and a number of grandchildren all enjoying the space that the property offers.

A move closer to family and a bid to downsize has compelled the couple to put the Primrose House on the market, and it’s now seeking new custodians.

“The house really has been a super family home with lots of space and practicality but it has a lovely feel too and for a property of its size, it never feels to0 large.”

“We’ll miss the place a great deal, but hopefully we’ll be able to celebrate one final Christmas here together as a family before we move on!”

Primrose House, The Fairways, Torksey

Location: Torksey, Lincoln approx 12 miles away.

Provenance: Completed in 2009/2010, modern family home set in one acre with sustainable technologies.

Rooms: Four principal reception rooms currently arranged as living room, library, dining room and study. Five bedrooms, self­contained annexe.

Guide Price: £1,395,000.

Mount & Minster, Lincoln, call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk.

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Better Sleep with DUXIANA

A Good Night’s Sleep

The story of DUXIANA is a hundred years in the making, but brand new to Stamford this year. This month we’ll discover why ingenious design, assiduous manufacturing, plus values like quality and sustainability all combine in the company’s range of mattresses and bedding to give you the best night’s sleep you’ve ever enjoyed, tailored to your exact preferences

One hundred years ago, Nordic chocolate maker Efraim Ljung was staying in a hotel on a business trip. He enjoyed the best night sleep he’d ever had, and so well-rested was he that Efraim took a small pocket knife to the bed and cut it open to investigate what made his mattress so comfortable (he did sew the mattress back up before leaving the hotel, incidentally)

Within two years Efraim left confectionery for a career in comfort and set about creating a mattress to provide the best night’s sleep possible. Fast-forward to 2024 and DUXIANA is a global brand available in 300 locations, including its own 88 sleep boutiques. In the UK its sole retail studio was on London’s George Street until April 2024 when Stamford gained a dedicated DUXIANA sleep boutique led by Paul Allchin and Amanda Wickes which will pioneer a wider UK rollout of stores.

Great Idea #1: A Continuous Coil

The first reason that DUXIANA’s DUX mattress is such an improvement on other sleep systems is its unique continuous coil system, an innovation finessed by the company now for nearly a century.

A single continuous coil at the heart of a DUX mattress design provides greater resilience, ensuring the support it provides doesn’t degrade over time. As the spring system isn’t encased in individual pockets, the design affords greater airflow throughout the bed, managing body heat better, thus providing superior mattress hygiene by preventing moisture, bacteria, fungus and odours from proliferating.

Because the springs of a DUX mattress don’t lose their springiness (or ‘retention’ to use a slightly more technical term), there’s no need to flip or rotate the mattress, and its anticipated lifespan is much greater than other mattress systems.

Great Idea #2: The Pascal System

And if you thought that was innovative, a DUX mattress also incorporates the Pascal system which provides customisable support not just at the time of purchase but whenever you wish, and wherever you wish around your body, independent of your sleeping partner.

The Pascal System uses six individually interchangeable cassettes of springs across the surface with different levels of support that can be changed whenever you wish, allowing you to create ‘zones’ with greater or softer support according to your preference. More support around your hips? Greater elevation for your legs? Sufficient support to align your spine? No problem. >>

Words: Rob Davis.

Better Sleep with DUXIANA

Great Idea #3: A Mattress Tailored To Suit You

In the same way that you can be measured for a bespoke suit or a wedding dress, your first step to better sleep is a visit to DUXIANA’s Stamford sleep boutique for a consultation with Paul or Amanda.

“It’s one of the things I really like a lot about DUXIANA,” says Paul. “Undoubtedly the idea isn’t to sell a product, but to prove that it’s demonstrably better. From the moment you walk in, everything is designed to ensure it’s a really good customer experience.”

“From little points of detail like branded mugs, homewares and slippers on display or the spacious layout and the way the core displays are dressed, it’s an experience designed to really look after our customers.”

“And then there’s the consultation itself. It often takes about two hours, not because we’re drawing out the process but because people really engage with it. We swap out the Pascal cassettes there and then to gradually create a bespoke zoned mattress for each occupant, proving the difference of each level of support anywhere across the body.”

“You own a car for a much shorter period of time than you own a mattress, but you never ‘test drive’ a sleep surface beyond just sitting on it and having a bit of a bounce in the shop... and after choosing a DUX mattress or bed, if you later decide you’d prefer more support, or a softer surface, it’s still possible to customise it to suit.”

“DUXIANA is already proving really popular in Stamford as our customers appreciate the innovation and the fact that it’s definitely a luxury brand.”

The Importance of Sleep...

n A recent study of 7,000 adults, aged over 50, lasting eight years, confirmed that those who sleep well were 75% less likely to develop heart disease.

n A lack of sleep also contributes to higher blood pressure, and greater concentrations of stress hormones in the body. Good sleep hygiene is proven to reduce stress levels.

n Sleep improves your immune system, and promotes greater attention and concentration. Worryingly, the average length of time that people experience sleep issues for, prior to seeking help, is six years. 40% of the population suffer from long­term sleep deprivation.

n To achieve better sleep your bedroom should be cool, quiet and dark with good ventilation. About 16°c­18°c is thought to be the ideal temperature for your bedroom.

n A healthy diet and avoiding stimulants like caffeine at least an hour before bedtime will help to improve sleep hygiene, as will avoiding mobile phones or tablets prior to sleep.

Luxury & Sustainability

“The beds themselves are guaranteed against breakage for 20 years but often last beyond 30 years so it’s a multi-generational product.

DUXIANA’s DUX bedding and pillows are of comparable quality too; I’ve never known a pillow like it, they’re quite fantastic!”

“What’s more, everything is sustainably made with Swedish craftsmanship and with independent certification (Oeko-Tex 100) for meeting human-ecological standards. The very fact that all of DUXIANA’s products are designed to last decades also underwrites that commitment to sustainability.”

A Range of Products

The DUXIANA range includes DUX mattresses and beds including adjustable beds and ones with built-in lumbar adjustment, as well as a range of headboards, top pads and bedding including luxurious down duvets, pillows and sheets.

The company also has a range of Nordic easy chairs, tables and sofas, all offering the same premium feel and all ensuring that you can create an environment that’s comfortable and luxurious for autumn and winter, and for many years down the line too.

“We were so thrilled to be able to bring the brand to Stamford,” says Paul. “To me, all of our products and our complete customer experience really are on another level to anything you’ve experienced before.”

Devereux Way, Horncastle LN9 6AU

Tel: 01507 527113

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

Peter Jackson Cabinet Makers Ltd

Inspiration & Innovation at

Turnbull Kitchens & Bathrooms

Approaching 130 years of supplying quality products you need for your home as well plumbing supplies, building materials, kitchens, and bathrooms

Turnbull is the local name you can trust and the place to find everything you need for your next project. If you’re seeking to improve your home, then let Turnbull see what they can do to help. Lincolnshire’s largest independent family-owned builders merchant remains at the top of their game, with two new showrooms opening this year in Boston & Newark.

The company began life in 1895 based in Sleaford, where they still trade today from two busy sites on each side of the town. The company’s latest showroom opened in March 2023 in Horncastle and is proving a welcome asset to the busy market town and surrounding villages.

Turnbull’s flagship showroom though remains its 7,000sq ft city centre location at Deacon Road in Lincoln. The two-story building offers lots of choice of stunning kitchens and bathrooms from contemporary to traditional designs from well-known brands like Rotpunkt, Symphony & Sheraton.

Each showroom offers free, no-obligation initial discussions to help you get started with your project, then a full consultation with one of their expert kitchen & bathroom designers who can marry together the aesthetics of your new project with all the practical considerations that an investment in a new kitchen and bathroom needs.

Sheraton’s Manor House shaker kitchen shown here in Botanical Green, available in 22 colours.

Monarch in­frame shaker in Limestone, four colourways available.

Kitchens

“Creating a kitchen or bathroom that looks good and stands up to the needs of each of our customers is crucial, and it’s what we pride ourselves on,” says Turnbull’s Olivia Hopkins, Group Showroom Manager

“Because we have been trading for many years, we have access to some of the best brands in the industry so we are able to offer our customers so much choice when they are looking to buy from us.”

“We are constantly updating displays across our showrooms to keep up to date with the latest trends. Each of our showrooms offers different ideas as we want anyone visiting to realise that they have come to the right place from their first visit.”

“With working displays in every branch, Turnbull Showrooms really are a destination place to go and try before you buy, offering products for any budget.”

“Having won the 2020 Builders Merchant Awards Kitchen & Bathroom Showroom of the year in May 2021, Turnbull really are putting a stamp on the map across Lincolnshire for any home improvements.”

“So, whether you are in the market for a full kitchen or bathroom project or just want to put some love back into a room, Turnbull can help with all aspects. The company offers worktops, tiles, appliances, vinyl flooring and so much more... pop in today to see how the team can help you.”

“We’re proud of our heritage and our products, but most of all we are proud of the relationships we have with many of our satisfied customers, who have trusted us to create their dream rooms.”

With showrooms in Boston, Brigg, Horncastle, Lincoln, Newark & Sleaford, Turnbull offer all you need to create a stunning new space in your home.

Turnbull Kitchens & Bathrooms provides quality kitchens from leading brands plus bathrooms, plumbing and building supplies across Lincolnshire. With a flagship store in Lincoln plus branches in Sleaford, Boston and Horncastle (plus a new showroom at its Newark premises, due to open soon), the company offers all you need to create a stunning new space in your home. Call 01522 214366 or see www.turnbull.co.uk/showrooms

Rotpunkt Zerox in timber black and contrast Ripasso dark oak.

• Tree Surgery & Felling

• Tree Reports

• BS 3998

• BS 5837

• Stump Grinding

• Site Clearance

• Hedge Cutting

• Council Approved Contractor

• £10 Million Public Liability

• NPTC Qualified

• BSC Honours Landscape Ecology

• Professional Tree Inspection

• National Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture

BAKERS LANE, FREISTON, BOSTON www.jandjfuels.com

jjfuelsboston@btconnect.com

Autumn Home Inspiration

Getting Warmer

Traditional and contemporary stoves you can install in time for the winter months, courtesy of local suppliers

Opposite: Hunter Herald, available in single or double door from 4kW to 8kW heat output. Top/Left: Esse Ironheart stove and range cooker with 50 litre cooker and two hotplates for up to six pans. As used at Hugh Fearnley­Whittingstall’s River Cottage, up to 7.3kW heat output. Top/Right: Aga Ludlowe multi­fuel stove, contemporary design, 2kW­5kW. Above/Left: Stovax freestanding stove, landscape, 12.3kW output. Above/Right: Morsø 7943 stove, 7.3kW output, with log storage.

Local Suppliers: Blood Brothers, 01636 611191, www.bloodbrothersstoves.com.

Classic Fireplaces, 01778 347267, www.classicfireplaces.co.uk.

On the Farm Farming

What’s happening in the fields of Lincolnshire with farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE

It’s the morning after the night before. My tiredness isn’t the result of a night on the town though, or even the long hours associated with harvest time.

The previous evening I was in the studios of BBC Radio Lincolnshire with Sean Dunderdale as part of the BBC’s Farmwatch, a ‘24-hours in the life of farming’ broadcast from across the country.

The event included pre-recorded interviews as well as live segments with BBC reporter Jess Lord in a Lincolnshire pea viner as it harvested through the night.

As well as talking about the job, the crops and the machines themselves, the broadcast – to its credit – also recognised the pressure that working in the industry can bring, and how farming is one of the most stressful careers with physical demands, financial pressure, and meteorological frustrations among the many ways farmers can feel like the job is way too tough these days.

Happily, there was plenty of recognition for groups like Lincolnshire’s Rural Support Network (www.lrsn.co.uk), as there was in the last edition of Lincolnshire Pride with its extended 17-page feature covering every aspect of farming in Lincolnshire. The feature is now on the Pride website to read in full.

A big relief is that as you read this, harvest will be complete and all of those cereals across Lincolnshire will be gathered in safely and stored in our farmers’ sheds.

Harvest was the usual blend of pleasure and pain with the accidental convergence of a grain trailer and a reversing combine serving as a reminder that long days and long vehicles need only conspire with a brief lapse of situational awareness to result in a slight accident. These things happen and the combine remained very much operational, just a little cosmetically worse for wear. We also remained in good spirits, although it did highlight the need to take regular breaks during even the busiest time.

Happily my family, who were already on their way at the time of the slight mishap, arrived promptly with two grandsons and several pizzas for us all, so we enjoyed a bit of well-earned rest in the evening sunshine. Many regard harvest as being the end of the farming year. In fact, it’s as much about planning and establishing the following crop, with canny crop rotation maximising returns and keeping diseases, pests and weeds down.

A number of our fields were too wet to establish a cereal crop, and by the time they dried off it was too late, so we instead planted a cover crop of phacelia, buckwheat and linseed to help dry out and improve the soil structure. A bonus of this is the benefit to wildlife, although it’s a non-cash crop as it does not generate any Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI) revenue despite requiring a significant investment in time and labour. We rolled (flattened) that cover crop and then used a ‘mole drainer’ which has a narrow leg working below the ground to create a bigger drainage channel about four-inches in diameter, 20 inches underground, linked into the existing drainage system. It’s a slow job, but an investment of effort to improve the soil for future crop establishment, and having since incorporated the cover crop into the soil as ‘green manure,’ (it’s a good source of nitrogen) we used our shallower cultivation methods at an angle across the fields to ensure they’re nice and even. We’ve hopefully achieved quality soils in which to ensure good establishment of winter wheat. So, far from being the end of the farming year, harvest is the start of next year’s operations, which we look forward to with a degree of exhaustion... but with great optimism too!

Watch Wardy’s Waffle: Our farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE farms 1,600 acres in Lincolnshire, growing wheat, barley, oilseed rape, sugar beet, beans and oats. Andrew has his own YouTube channel, Wardy’s Waffle, which is enjoyed by over 16,500 subscribers. Watch his updates Wednesday evenings from 7pm and Sunday mornings at 8am. Search YouTube for @WardysWaffleAndrewWard.

Above: Louth’s Cattle Market featured on the BBC’s recent Farmwatch series of broadcasts, available via the BBC Sounds Listen Again feature. Image: www.masonsandpartners.co.uk.

Phacelia is among the flowers in a ‘green manure’ mix that Andrew has used in some of his waterlogged fields to dry out the soil.

MINI Countryman

With its new Countryman, MINI has taken the performance, build quality and technology from much larger cars, and distilled that premium feel into a more usable size. It’s great around town, brisk on the open road and there’s tonnes of scope for owners to really make the cars their own, with lots of personalisation and bags of charisma... it took us just 48 hours to fall head over heels for this premium compact SUV!

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

MINI is making some truly awesome cars right now, and its new Countryman is the best – and biggest – ever. But to really appreciate the brand, you have to acquiesce to the fact that the brand is no longer a maker of small cars, but of premium cars, and a brand that facilitates great personalisation of your vehicle.

If your first car was a MINI, or if you’ve owned one of the ‘original’ cars (1959-2000), you’ll doubtless retain an affection for a brand synonymous with very small, very cheap cars exemplifying a sense of fun and evoking the swinging sixties; an archetype of British cool.

But as much as you may retain great affection for MINIs of old, you’ve grown up... and so has MINI. Upon the brand’s reboot by BMW in 2000, the emphasis shifted from making a really small car to making a really good car, with as compact proportions as usability and comfort permits. The ‘new’ hatchback MINI has been through four iterations with BMW-engineered models released in 2001, 2007, 2014 and an all new model released in 2024.

The Countryman meanwhile was released in 2011 with a new version in 2017 and now there’s this version, released in 2024. An all-new, smaller SUV model, the Aceman, will also be released later this year, and will fit between the hatchback and Countryman.

The imminent release of the Aceman has given latitude for the Countryman to grow in size and price, and it now counts among its rivals Range Rover’s Evoque (the quintessential luxury compact SUV), the Nissan Qashqai (the UK’s best-selling car overall in 2022) or its electric Ariya stablemate, and Tesla’s Model Y (all-electric and the bestselling electric vehicle, third best-selling car overall in the UK, in 2023).

The MINI Countryman’s other competition includes its sister car, BMW’s iX1, plus Mercedes’ EQA and Audi’s Q4 e-tron. Those are the kind of rivals that would leave most carmakers quaking with fear, but not only does the MINI Countryman look them all square in the eye, it offers comparable practicality and performance, but with bags of charisma and charm, too.

MINI Countryman is available with petrol engines of 1.5 or 2.0 litres, but we’ll nudge everyone we can towards this all-electric model.

You really can go electric: it’s easy, it’s a great driving experience (one that’s especially suited to the Countryman’s character) and it’s the future. So, even if you’re skeptical about range and charging, we would urge you in the strongest possible terms to at least consider an electric Countryman like this one, with which we recently spent the weekend.

In both the petrol and electric lineups of the Countryman, there’s a choice of a front wheel drive or a slightly more powerful all-wheel drive version badged ALL4. Then, there’s a choice of Classic, Exclusive or Sport variants, offering progressively plusher or more sporty materials, a wider choice of colours and wheels, and a few more bells and whistles in terms of standard equipment.

Thereafter, you can choose one of three equipment packs badged Level 1, 2 and 3. All MINI Countryman have parking assistance, rear view camera, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, an electric tailgate and climate control as standard. Stepping up to Level 1 provides keyless entry, heated seats and wireless charging. Level 2 adds adaptive cruise control, panoramic roof, and a Harman/Kardon sound system whilst Level 3 adds electric memory seats with massage function. These option packs add £2,800, £5,300 and £7,500 to your trim level, but the cost of them will be offset by the higher residual values and better finance terms, so it’s important to strongly consider them.

Our car wasn’t far from what we’d consider the sweet spot of the range; an all-electric Countryman in Exclusive trim with rear-wheel drive and Level 2 spec pack. It had 20” Windmill wheels, it was finished in Blazing Blue with a black roof and mirror caps plus Vescin Beige vegan ‘leather.’ We reckon it would weigh in at £51,000.

That’s about what you’ll pay for a similarly-specified Range Rover Evoque Dynamic HSE, but only the diesel version; a plug-in hybrid –not a fully electric vehicle – will add about £4,000 to list price. Nissan’s all-electric Ariya Evolve is similar in price, and Tesla’s Model Y is a little cheaper in rear-wheel drive form until you start to add metallic paint and driver assistance features.

In a nutshell, the Countryman is well-priced in the context of its generous equipment, rock solid residual values, plus the fact that it’s an all-electric vehicle... and remember, this may be a MINI in name, but it’s definitely not a small car!

First impressions are how beautiful the blue paintwork is in the sunshine, with a really strong metallic constituent. Collecting our vehicle from Listers Boston and enjoying a thorough handover from Tom Dunworth, the blue Countryman, Lincolnshire’s blue skies, and the charismatic chunky looks of the car all acquitted themselves very well for a weekend of fun summer motoring.

Having a vague memory of the first generation Countryman, I must admit I was expecting a less than generous boot... I’m happy to have been proven very wrong about that. The boot has an electric tailgate which opens to reveal a wide, deep, flat and square space with a low loading lip. Dogs will have no problem hopping up into the boot, and at 460 litres, you’ll have no problem packing a couple of week’s worth of holiday luggage.

The good news continues in the rear seats. There’s masses of legroom, kneeroom and headroom even for my willowy teenager who’s now approaching 6ft.

Motors

Above: App allows you to heat up or cool down the car and check on its charge.

MINI’s Countryman incorporates a winning combination of 1960s British charisma but underpinned by distinctly 21st century BMW engineering. Material quality is very impressive indeed with a lovely woven dash surface made from recycled plastic bottles which is also backlit at night.

The vegan ‘leather’ is indistinguishable from proper nappa and the seats are adjustable, supportive and snug. The steering wheel, too, is fab. It’s small in diameter with a chunky rim and thick thumb pads. It feels fantastic, and offers the premium tactility you’d expect given MINI’s aim of giving the Countryman an upmarket feel and go-kart-like handling.

If MINI is both blessed and burdened with a name that, whilst acknowledging its heritage, also suggest its cars are diminutive in size, the name Countryman is similarly coy. This is a car fantastically well-suited to A-roads and motorways, with all-electric power providing brisk overtaking but also offering a silent driving experience around town.

On the A17 to Sleaford, the Countryman proved itself to be a fantastic cruiser, settled and confident with just enough of a sporty edge to raise a smile. The driver assistance systems are very well-judged and easy to use. The adaptive cruise system reads speed limit signs and all that’s needed is to press ‘confirm’ on the steering wheel to change the limit and ensure you’re always driving at legal speeds.

The car’s ergonomics are also spot on with the indicators nicely damped, giving a solid thunk. The round touch-screen is responsive too, with the navigation system easy to use and the graphics nice and clear.

In town, the cameras and parking sensors proved responsive, and it’s easy to access the Countryman’s self-parking facility which automatically steers, and uses the accelerator and brake to guide you into or out of parallel, perpendicular or reverse parking spaces. The driving position is nice and lofty for great in-town visibility, and the car’s steering –weightier at higher velocity – becomes much lighter and easier at parking speeds.

Sunday saw us visiting Doddington Hall and having impressed on both open roads and in town, the Countryman then scored a hattrick as a light-duty off-roader.

Good ground clearance and pliant suspension lets the car traverse badly potholed country lanes and to mount grass verges, allowing oncoming cars to squeeze past. This is a car just as accomplished in town or out in the country... and once we reached Doddington Hall, we left the car charging up whilst we enjoyed lunch at the Grain Store restaurant.

The Countryman is definitely MINI’s greatest achievement yet. It’s a premium car, albeit one that offers a good compromise between being large enough to be practical whilst remaining usable and not unwieldy in town.

There’s tonnes of standard equipment, driver assistance features and a high-quality, nice looking cabin, plus great performance and a refined electric drive. The Countryman is definitely desirable and just as easy to live with as it is to fall for. Within 48 hours, I was totally smitten... and you will be too!

The Details MINI Countryman

Price: From £42,080, model as tested £51,380, on sale now, ALL4 from £43,180.

Powertrain: 66.5kWh electric, front wheel drive, automatic gearbox. 150kW (204hp). Also available: ALL4 66.5kWh, electric, allwheel drive, automatic, 230kW, (313hp).

Performance: Top speed 106mph. 0­60mph: 8.6 secs. (ALL4 60mph 5.6 secs).

Range: WLTP combined: 267­286mpg.

Charge time: 29mins (0%­80%, DC), 6hr 30min (0%­100% AC 11kW).

Equipment: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, two­zone climate control, parking sensors and rear camera, DAB radio, electric tailgate, vegan ‘leather’ seats and recycled materials throughout interior, Our MINI Countryman was on loan from Listers Boston, call 01205 350000 or see www.listersbostonmini.co.uk.

Clare Haggas Fine Art & Designs

Country Style in the

Words: Rob Davis.

According to the saying, in business, if you stand still, you’re really going backwards. Chance would be a fine thing for Clare Haggas, for whom standing still has been a luxury that has evaded her all summer long.

It’s been a busy time for the Lincolnshire based artist and designer, who has built her brand on both a passion for the countryside, but also her determination to remain sober, which she will have achieved for 12 years by the time winter arrives.

Among the news stories surrounding Clare’s business recently are a series of appearances at some of the country’s smartest and most well-attended game fairs and country shows plus an investment in new, state-of-the-art printing equipment which further enhances

the bright colours in her work and allows Clare to become the first UK brand to produce double-sided silk scarves, only usually seen with brands like Hermés.

Moreover, spring 2024 saw Clare expand her range to encompass Clare Haggas Home, with luxury king-sized throws perfect for winter, and a range of plush cushions for anyone keen to hunker down on the sofa this winter with a good book and a roaring fire.

“I’ve not had a minute to stand still all summer long,” says Clare. “Customers always think there’s a big team here. In fact there are three of us in the business, and we all work really hard. People are surprised when I answer the phone but I enjoy working hard in a small team, and that also allows us to keep the products as affordable as they can be without compromising quality.”

Clare discovered – or rather, rediscovered –her talent for art after successfully engaging with a rehab programme which has seen her achieve nearly 12 years of sobriety.

Art therapy was something with which she engaged, and as she began channeling her time and attention into painting, favouring nature and birds – specifically those including native birds in the UK and those she had seen whilst living in South Africa – she made a pact with herself to maintain sobriety, and moved from her native Cheltenham down to Lincolnshire in 2013.

One painting in particular is especially important to Clare. The original is still in her studio and Clare considers it both priceless and life-changing: Tuft Warfare shows two pheasants tussling with one another.

“There we were, at the Game Fair this year, standing shoulder to shoulder with brands like Holland Cooper and Fairfax & Favor and being worn by the winners of the Game Fair’s Best Dressed competitions... it felt so good!”

The painting was ‘genesis’ and set a precedent for the look and feel of Clare’s future work.

A chance meeting with someone in the silk printing profession and a throwaway comment that the design would work well on silk led to a few prototypes. In a move that Clare thought might be slightly ambitious, she ordered 50 scarves and presentation boxes for her first run and was thrilled when they sold out within just a few hours.

Clare’s ethos today remains that all of her designs should continue to be made in England, along with her gift boxes.

Nor will she compromise on maintaining a personal presence with customers. Even if that means feeling a little overwhelmed when those customers find themselves feeling a little starstruck to be meeting the designer.

“I don’t like how impersonal online companies are. I was determined that there would always be a friendly voice on the end of the phone, and that I’d be on the stand at country shows and game fairs to meet our customers and enjoy listening to the feedback on the brand. One customer at this year’s Game Fair, though, said that she felt nervous about

Country Style

Clare Haggas Accessories

Above: Grouse Misconduct pocket square in Aubergine, 30x30cm, £40.

or

coming up and talking to me, which was very strange! We’re a small company, but one that offers genuinely luxurious, designs that people will enjoy owning and wearing.”

“There we were, though, standing shoulder to shoulder with brands like Holland Cooper and Fairfax & Favor, being worn by the winners of the Game Fair’s Best Dressed competitions... it felt so good and we were all really proud.”

“This year has seen the launch of our new Caledonia range of bold-faced stags and Watching Over Me, featuring Robins, as well as our range of cushions and throws.”

“I feel extremely proud to have created a range of products that celebrate the British countryside and are still made right here in England.”

Clare Haggas is a wildlife artist and textile designer based in Lincolnshire. Her products are designed and made in England, printed on the finest quality 100% silk. To view her new 2024/2025 collection, call 01507 481693 or see www.clarehaggas.com.

Right: Heads

tails wool silk shawl, Khaki green, 134x134, £250.

Right: Caledonia pure silk twilly Soft Amethyst, £69.

Left: Caledonia Large silk square scarf in Moss Green, 100x100cm, £199.

A Friend in Tweed

tweed jacket by Fairfax & Favor in taupe (navy and monochrome also available), £345, 01760 338199, www.fairfaxandfavor.com.

Madeline

Holland Cooper Richmond jacket in ‘camel sparkle’ bouclé tweed, £549. Also shown here Kensington crossbody bag in tan (black/taupe also available), £169, 01608 658 063, www.hollandcooper.com.

Fashion

Opposite: Combrook mid­thigh coat by Alain Paine in heath tweed with faux suede trim, £369.95. Also seen here Combrook skirt, £169.95, 01623 415775, www.alanpaine.co.uk. Above: Dubarry Blackthorn tweed jacket in mist (oak, denim navy etc also available), £569. Also seen here skirt, £249, 0207 823 4227, www.dubarry.com.

Above: Schöffel Portree tweed jacket, Loden Green wide tweed, £239, 01572

ffelcountry.com. Opposite: Joules Hackmore blazer, £149, 01780 751892,

Fairfax & Favor

Madeline gilét in taupe (navy, mono, denim and oatmeal also available), £265, 01760 338199, www.fairfaxandfavor.com.

Fashion

Top left: Dubarry Hazelwood poncho in woodrose, £199, www.dubarry.com. Top right: LK Bennett Charlee tweed jacket in navy, £359. www.johnlewis.com. Above left: Anna Lascata Alexandra coat in navy herringbone, £439, 01386 854995, www.landmarkstores.com.

Above right: Joules Sandringham tweed cape with removable fur trim £90, 0333 777 4560, www.joules.com.

TOWN: Boss regular­fit suit jacket in melange virgin wool, light green, brown also available, £645. Regular­fit trousers to match £239, www.hugoboss.com. Fairfax & Favor Wentworth mahogany leather belt, £95, www.fairfaxandfavor.com. Chopard classic green resin and rose gold ballpoint pen, £265, Stamford Notebook Co leather journal, £69.95, www.chopard.com, www.stamfordnotebooks.co.uk. Aspinall Mount Street briefcase bag, tobacco pebble, £695, www.aspinaloflondon.com. Rolex Day­Date 40 watch, Everose gold with olive green bezal, £37,800, www.rolex.com. Dunhill Mount suede Oxford shoes, £950, www.dunhill.com.

COUNTRY: Schöffel woven belt in Matlock green, £49.95, www.schoffelcountry.com. Belstaff waterproof motorcycle jacket in forest green waxed cotton, £495, www.belstaff.com. Barbour Healey beanie in olive, £25, www.barbour.com. Hunter Balmoral boots in dark olive, £225, hunterboots.co.uk. Fairfax & Favor signature men’s gloves in chocolate leather, £115, www.fairfaxandfavor.com. Barbour Houghton wool blend socks in olive/burn orange, £16.95, www.barbour.com.

Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear

Since 1979

LINE ART CHARMANT a collection in stock now.

43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS

Tel: 01652 653595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk Call for an appointment or pop in to view our latest designer eyewear

For Your Relaxation, Revitalisation, Recovery and for Your Holistic Health

Advanced Skin Treatments ~ Relaxing Facials ~ Semi-Permanent Makeup ~ Re exology ~ Reiki ~ Sports Injury Massage ~ Nurse Practitioner Clinics including B12 Injections, Ear Syringing, Hayfever Injections and Aesthetic Treatments such as Dermal Fillers, Wrinkle Relaxers, Skin Boosters and much more...

Tattershall Thorpe, LN4 4PL 01526 342696 www.therelaxationstudio.co.uk

Struggling with Menopausal Symptoms?

Reclaim control of your health and hormones with the help of a trained Women’s Health Expert. Understand WHY you gain weight and lose your “zest for life” and learn why STRESS, SLEEP, NUTRITION and the right type of EXERCISE for you can give you back control of your life.

Please visit www.lincolnshiremenopauseclinic.co.uk to book your free non obligation telephone consultation.

Luxury in Autumn Cosmetics

Clever colour, and treats to bring a soothing sense of luxury to your autumn

24 Faubourg from Hermés

A source of inspiration from Hermés with the perfumer’s 24 Faubourg, inspired by the novel written by Maurice Roucel in 1995. A sparkle of white flowers in the top notes, the radiance of a floral heart enveloped in iris, wood and mystery, with vanilla and ambergris too.

£102/50ml, www.hermes.com.

Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer

Achieve a sun­kissed look even when summer turns into autumn with Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Sun­Kissed Glow bronzer, available in four shades, £45/21g, www.charlottetilbury.com.

Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Lips

Luxe Lip Colour from Bobbi Brown is available in 22 shades including this Parisian Red hue. Luxurious satin finish, hydrates and provides colour for 10 hours, £36/3.5g, www.bobbibrown.co.uk.

Estée Lauder Double Wear

Our go­to foundation is Estée Lauder’s Double Wear, available in no fewer than 60 shades in cool, neutral and warm tones. Oil­free matte formula, SPF10, £39.50/30ml, www.esteelauder.co.uk.

Hourglass Curator

Eyeshadow

A unique opportunity to create a custom palette of eye colour with Hourglass. 40 pressed powder shades, four finishes. Pick your empty palette, then fill it with your choice of colours and finishes.

One, three or five pan refillable palettes from £11­£17. Shades £28/ea, www.hourglass cosmetics.co.uk.

Diptyque Exfoliating Hand Wash

Hands down the most luxurious exfoliating hand wash for hard­working hands this autumn. Diptyque’s formula is refreshing, foaming and cleansing with exfoliating ground olive stones leave the skin feeling soft, purified and cleansed, £54/350ml, diptyqueparis.com.

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

A Country Wedding

Jessica Baxter and Alexander Laird wanted their wedding to reflect their love of the countryside and for it to be a celebration that family and friends could enjoy

Images: Jessy Jones Photography, 07947 514456, www.jessyjonesphotography.co.uk.

Sometimes you need a bit of sunshine and good luck. The weather had not been promising leading up to Jess and Alex’s wedding, but surely enough, on the morning of their big day, the sun came out in a very rare example of the Great British weather doing exactly what a farmer needs it to do.

Jess is from Swineshead and works for the IDB whilst Alex is a farmer from New York – the little apple near Coningsby, not the big one across the Atlantic – where the two met during a North Holland Young Farmer’s annual dinner back in 2018.

“We were away in the Lake District, and Alex’s proposal when we were out for a walk after dinner came completely out of the blue,” says Jess.

The couple knew they wanted a happy family day that would reflect the countryside and allow all of their family and friends to celebrate with them.

“We fell in love with the Dower House at Woodhall Spa almost immediately says Jess. “The outdoor spaces were beautiful, especially the folly under the Weeping Willow in the garden where the ceremony took place.”

The couple booked the venue and set a date in June. Next on the couple’s to-do list was finding a beautiful wedding dress. Happily, that’s what Maggie & Simone at Belle & Bouquet specialise in, helping 300 brides a year to find their perfect dress.

Jess discovered her Maggie Sottero A-line wedding dress with sweetheart neckline and embroidered overlay. And her four attendants found their dresses at the online retailer Goddiva, in a cornflower blue colour which, along with deep pink highlights provided a beautiful rural colour scheme.

Weddings

Meanwhile, Alex’s four groomsmen sourced their Cavani tailoring from Coneys of Lincoln and opted for Prince of Wales check navy suits with matching ties and pocket squares.

Jess’s makeup artist was Rachel Bray of Benington, whilst her wedding hair was styled by Michelle Gostelow of Boston salon Retreat.

The bride’s hand-tied bouquet and the groomsmens’ buttonholes were created by Coningsby-based Flowers by Maxine, the florist incorporating many English-grown flowers from pale blue delphiniums, hydrangea, Veronica and lisianthus as well as spray roses, gerbera, and mixed foliage including eucalyptus and gypsophilia.

Also in full bloom, albeit with sugar flowers, was the couple’s three-tier iced cake, with its chocolate, caramel and Victoria sponge layers.

The couple’s ceremony took place in the grounds of The Dower House with a drinks reception in the fresh air and

the wedding breakfast held in the hotel’s ballroom.

The hotel also provided their preferred disco and classically-trained pianist Matt Swainsbury provided music too.

“We were really thrilled with our photographs,” says Jess. “Jessy Jones was so creative and easy to work with, we didn’t know she was there!”

Less easy to work with but undoubtedly looking great on the day was the couple’s chosen method of transport, a beefy New Holland T7 tractor.

Alex’s grandfather contributed rustic decorations from old planters, whilst Jess’s grandmother baked the couple a traditional fruit cake.

“It really was a wonderful day and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped us to celebrate!”

“Everyone was so supportive and we were thrilled that the day was a happy, fun start to married life!”

Local Suppliers

Venue: Dower House Hotel, Woodhall Spa, 01526 352588, www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero at Belle & Bouquet, Wellingore, 01522 811122, www.belleandbouquet.co.uk.

Hair: Michelle Gostelow @ Retreat, 01205 357600. Makeup Artist: Rachael Bray, 07969 382389.

Gents’ Tailoring: Cavani at Coneys, Lincoln.

Photography: Jessy Jones Photography, 07947 514456, www.jessyjonesphotography.co.uk.

Floristry: Flowers By Maxine, Coningsby, 01526 342591.

Pianist: Matt Swainsbury, www.mattswainsburymusic.com.

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