Lincolnshire Pride December 2016

LincolnshirePride

Cover - Lincs (173).qxp 31/10/2016 09:31 Page 1

DEC 2016

OUR FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

PANTOMIMES & FESTIVE EVENTS

COVERING LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK ON TRENT

LincolnshirePride

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

£3.70

Wishing all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

EATING OUT

The Lincoln Hotel & The Ram, Newark

Season’s Greetings CHRISTMAS 2016

DECEMBER 2016

Celebrating Christmas with gifts, food and decorations...

High Society Events: Thomas Bell Fashion Show • Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge

Page 60

LINCOLN’S NEW DEAN

A Christmas message from Christine Wilson Page 22

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 2

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 3

Regular readers of this column can probably predict what I’m about to say, but it’s a sincerely held belief !

JULIAN WILKINSON Managing Director & Publisher

As we approach the festive season we really do believe that whether you’re seeking gifts for loved ones, food for your Christmas table or ways to decorate your home for the season, Lincolnshire’s independent retailers will provide the quality and value you’re seeking.

In this edition, we’ve tried to provide recommendations for anything from fresh Christmas trees and decorations to delicious local food, not only to ensure you have the best Christmas possible, but to ensure the survival and continuity of our market towns’ High Streets too. Shop locally this season, and enjoy a very happy Christmas indeed!

Elsewhere in this edition, we’ll meet the Dean Designate of Lincoln Cathedral who shares with us her Christmas message, and we’ll meet Amy Telford, the Cleethorpes jeweller who has been gracing the pages of Vogue magazine.

ROB DAVIS, EDITOR 01529 469977, editor@lincolnshirepride.co.uk

LincolnshirePride DEC 2016

OUR FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

PANTOMIMES & FESTIVE EVENTS

COVERING LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK ON TRENT

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

££ 3 .. 7 00

EATING OUT

The Lincoln Hotel & The Ram, Newark

Season’s Greetings CHRISTMAS 2016

Celebrating Christmas with gifts, food and decorations...

High Society Events: Thomas Bell Fashion Show • The Starlight Ball...

Page xx

LINCOLN’S NEW DEAN

A Christmas message from Christine Wilson Page xx

COVER PHOTO

We’re always looking for great covers - if you’re a keen photographer, send your pictures to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Finally, as we close off this month’s magazine, we’ll be counting up all of our readers’ votes from this year’s Restaurant of the Year competition.

We’ll reveal all of our winners in our next edition! Best wishes, Rob Davis.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 4

LincolnshirePride DEC 2016

OUR FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

PANTOMIMES & FESTIVE EVENTS

COVERING LINCOLNSHIRE AND NEWARK ON TRENT

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

£3 .70

EATING OUT

The Lincoln Hotel & The Ram, Newark

Season’s Greetings CHRISTMAS 2016

Celebrating Christmas with gifts, food and decorations...

Page xx

LINCOLN’S NEW DEAN

A Christmas message from Christine Wilson Page xx

High Society Events: Thomas Bell Fashion Show • The Starlight Ball...

With best wishes from the Lincolnshire Pride team Managing Director and Publisher: Julian Wilkinson.

General Manager: ian bagley.

Executive Editor: rob Davis. Features Editor: tilly Wilkinson.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy bray. Distribution: Joe Proctor.

Office Manager: sue bannister. IT/Web: ryan Potter.

Account Managers: lauren chambers, nicola smith.

National Sales Manager: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Manager: roberta hall.

Sales Executives: sian Jarratt, emily brown, carissa clay, hayley scott, Jessica cobbold, sarah allen, Yvette coates, aileen Perolio-Jones and cassy ayton.

www.facebook.com/lincolnshirepride Why not follow us on Facebook? You can keep up to date with any news we may have for our lovely magazine!

twitter.com/@LincsPrideMag Follow us on twitter so you can read our tweets. We’ll let you know what’s going on and keep you well informed! by supplying editorial or adverts to lincolnshire Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. in the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. this gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

enjoy lincolnshire Pride, read it cover to cover.

Pick it up, put it down and when you have finished with it pass it on. When everyone has had a good read, pop it in the recycle bin!

Pride Magazines elm grange studios east heckington, boston lincolnshire Pe20 3QF Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

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

131: Dresses for parties and proms with Branston’s Red Carpet Ready.

Contents

06 13 22 42 60 88 131 150

December 2016

A roundup of the county’s ‘good news’ plus a look at WHAT’S ON in the county throughout December.

Celebrate CHRISTMAS IN LINCOLNSHIRE with our festive roundup of decorations, food, gifts and more, from right across the county.

Meet CHRISTINE WILSON, the diocese of Lincoln’s Dean Designate, who this month delivers an exclusive Christmas message.

Meet Amy Telford... she’s the Cleethorpes JEWELLERY DESIGNER who has been praised by, among others, Vogue’s stylists!

We’ve the very best FOOD AND DRINK from across the county, with recommendations for dining in Lincoln plus Christmas recipes.

Our HOMES AND GARDENS pages are brimming this month with beautiful country properties and featured gardens.

From country clothing with Thomas Bell to beautiful dresses with Red Carpet Ready, we’ve FASHION AND COSMETICS for the season.

Festive season left you exhausted? We’ve some great suggestions for short breaks not too far from home on our TRAVEL pages.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 5

5

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 6

County News New Air Ambulance begins to save lives in the sky... bigger, faster, better, flying for longer: new agusta Westland helicopter replaces old MD902 aircraft to provide help to critically ill casualties 365 days a year

Lincolnshire has a new Air Ambulance with the arrival of AgustaWestland 169.

The Air Ambulance began operation in 1994 and has flown over 17,200 missions.

The new aircraft is larger and allows 360° access to a patient, as well as being faster, and allowing to crew to fly for longer.

The new aircraft, offers the paramedics, who are on secondment from the NHS, to defibrillate mid-flight, and to fly at night, increasing the aircraft’s operating hours by 480 hours each year.

The new aircraft replaces the service’s MD902 aircraft, which, like the new aircraft, was on a lease agreement which included maintenance and peace of mind for the charity.

Having flown from Italy to Staverton, where it received a medical fit-out, the aircraft is due to touch down at RAF Waddington as Pride goes to press.

Recruitment begins for new Jaguar and Land Rover dealership

Boston will gain a brand new Jaguar and Land Rover dealership in 2017, a new home for established dealership Duckworths. The site will be based just off the A16, and will see the firm’s existing Land Rover products joined

by Jaguar cars too.

The firm is currently advertising vacancies for a Business Manager, a Sales Manager plus technicians, service advisors and other staff. CVs should be emailed to staceyblyth@ duckworth.co.uk.

n Later in this edition we’ll feature the company’s brand new Discovery model.

6

Funding for restoration of Just Jane really taking off... local jeweller donates £1,500 alpina Pilots watch to auction for restoration of the Panton family’s east Kirkby wartime avro lancaster

It responds to incidents such as road traffic collisions, farming or equestrian accidents, and performs smooth transfers, for spinal incidents, for example.

The service covers an area of 2,600 sq miles and a population of over 1,000,000, costing £2.1m annually. It receives no NHS or government funding. n See www.ambucopter.org.uk.

Boston jeweller S T Hopper has donated a £1,500 Alpina Heritage Pilots watch to raise funds for the planned restoration of East Kirkby’s NX611 Just Jane Lancaster aircraft.

Owners Fred and Harold Panton purchased the aircraft in 1983 as a memorial to Bomber Command and to their elder brother, Christopher Panton, who was shot down on operations in WWII. Currently the aircraft can taxi, but can’t fly. With £4m of funding, it’s hoped that a full restoration will see the aircraft able to take to the skies again.

The Panton family can now use the watch, faithful in design to the Geneva brand’s 1920s watches, to run a competition or use as an auction prize. n See www.lincsaviation.co.uk.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 7

send your press releases and county news to: Features editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Discovering Christmas at Spalding’s Flowers ‘n’ Things

Multi-Award Winning artist comes to Trent Gallery...

35th anniversary for anna and Jane’s gift shop providing flowers, cards, gifts and other treats in the heart of spalding’s town centre...

a spellbinding exhibition of original artwork and sold-out editions from one of the most sought-after uK artists, Kerry Darlington, comes to the area

Spalding’s Flowers ‘n’ Things in the heart of Spalding is sure to have a happy Christmas, with the firm due to celebrate its 35th anniversary.

Originally opened in 1981 as a small and exquisite florist, it now boasts not only the most fabulous selection of fresh flowers, but also gifts for all occasions. An expansion last year created more space for larger quirkier pieces and n Cleethorpes chocolatier Gerald ‘Duffy’ Sheardown has been described as ‘a genius in a shed’ by the Sunday Telegraph, and one of the top chocolatiers in the UK with an award for his six Single Origin’ bars.

n Spalding ‘maze in maize’ has closed down after 10 years, with owners Lance and Sue Whittington citing family and work commitments being too great to continue maintaining the 12.5 acre site. n Gunby Hall’s cats, Craig and Committee, AKA M’Lord and M’Lady, have been recognised in the media as two of the UK’s most famous moggies. The two have 2,200 followers each on Facebook, and help the

upcycled furniture, brought to life with vintage chalk paint.

The shop also hosts regular flower arranging and craft workshops and has a coffee shop, Penningtons, too.

“We’re currently brimming over with lots of Christmas decorations and inspiration for the season... what better time to discover this hidden treasure?” says Anna. n See www.flowersnthings.co.uk. attraction to ensure it’s visited by over 36,000 people each year.

n Lincoln’s Cancer Fighters, the singing sensations who have all been through treatment or lost loved ones to the disease, have released their second charity single, proceeds of which will be donated to Stand Up To Cancer.

See thecancerfighters.co.uk. n Brayford Wharf has seen TV presenter Chris Packam lead the university of Lincoln’s first ever ‘BioBlitz’ as part of his role as visiting professor. The naturalist and students surveyed a number of habitats around Brayford Wharf, with the results of the volunteer-led biological survey being fed into a national database.

Newark’s Trent Galleries will host an exclusive exhibition of artwork from one of the UK’s most sought-after and influential artists as Pride goes to press.

Kerry Darlington will be in the gallery with her new collection of spellbinding unique editions which showcase her innovative technique, colourful storytelling and her infinite imagination.

There will also be a selection of sold out editions and originals available.

“Kerry’s published works are described as ‘unique editions’ as they combine a printed element

with original art,” says Tracey Morris of the Chain Lane gallery.

“She creates small 3D additions which are hand-worked individually and adhered to the print.

The background is also hand embellished, and all the work has resin hand-applied. Therefore although they are in essence a limited edition print, every piece has the appearance of a unique original painting.” n Kerry Darlington’s work can be seen on Saturday 26th November from 2pm-4pm at Trent Galleries, 3 Chain Lane, Newark.

Call 01636 646426 for details.

7

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 8

County News Barnes Wallace’s marbles come home to Lincolnshire gordon hayhurst has all of his marbles, and those formerly belonging to bouncing bomb inventor, too...

Barnes Wallace, the inventor of the bouncing bomb made famous in the Dambusters raids, devised his plan using a box of marbles in the bathtub at home.

Now, those very same marbles have come home to Lincolnshire, with new owner, Northern Ireland history buff Gordon Hayhurst, who visited the

county’s Bomber Command spire last month.

Four of the original eight marbles fetched £27,000 at auction in 2015, but Gordon retained the others and brought them whilst visiting the county to honour great uncle Thomas Hayhurst, who was killed whilst flying a mission from RAF Wickenby.

Washingborough Hall cooks up a new head chef... new head chef Mark joins this family-owned grade ii listed hotel fresh from the reform restaurant at the castle hotel Lincoln’s Washingborough Hall is delighted to welcome new Head Chef, Mark Cheseldine, who joins this local familyowned hotel from The Reform Restaurant at The Castle Hotel, Lincoln. Mark started his culinary career at The Wig & Mitre,

8

Lincoln before moving to Café Bleu in Newark in 2001.

Mark’s style of cooking is modern European, and he is passionate about the use of local ingredients and the freshest seasonal produce. n See www.washingboroughhall.com

the booK club looking to get stuck into a good biography this season? or perhaps you’re looking for the perfect gift? We’ve some great suggestions!

A Life in Questions, Jeremy Paxman Newsnight’s compellingly waspish frontman may have left the programme behind, but he still has some great anecdotes from his time on the BBC’s flagship current affairs show.

These memoirs are brimming with the presenter’s usual frankness, and forthright opinions, and are a perfect blend of tittle-tattle and politics.

Hardback, £15.99.

A Nose for Success, £13.60,

by Jo Malone The sweet smell of success is retold in this autobiography of Jo Malone, from her most beginnings, battling with dyslexia as a teenager to defeating breast cancer and finally selling her Jo Malone brand to Estèe Lauder in 2006.

An inspiration to all.

Nigel, £16.99, by Monty Don The dog of TV’s best loved gardening features in this candid (or perhaps canine) biography espousing the love of canines we all share. It’s affectionate and will doubtless appeal to fans of both Monty and ‘dog people.’ An inoffensive, warm portrait of man’s best friend.

Born to Run, £9.99, by Bruce Springsteen Proverbially, the best things come to those who wait, but even so, an autobiography which has taken seven years had better be good, and with a promise to ‘show the reader of his mind,’ this biography had disarming candour that’s likely to please fans of ‘The Boss.’

Nadiya’s Kitchen, £10, by Nadiya Hussain As sure a night follows day, a book follows Bake-Off, and here’s last year’s winner’s collection of recipes. With ‘innovative twists on old favourites,’ and 100 recipes that are designed to be quick and easy, family friendly and so on... all prepared by the busy mum of three.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 9

The Automatic Choice for Air Conditioning Since 1974

Making your conservatory comfortable, all year round...

ONLY

BESPOKE INSTALLATIONS FOR ANY ROOM IN YOUR HOME

•

FREE SURVEY & QUOTATION

n Air Conditioning systems provide energy efficient heating as well as cooling... n Seven year parts and labour warranty n Government backed - only 5% VAT

Call for a free, no obligation quote on 01522 788799

See www.lynxac.com or email enquiries@lynxac.com

The Automatic Choice for Air Conditioning Since 1974

5% VAT

A-RATED FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 10

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 11

www.mountandminster.co.uk

Fulbeck Cottage, Fulbeck This beautifully renovated family house is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in a sought after Cliff village. The light and modern accommodation briefly comprises, spacious kitchen/dining area, utility room, downstairs WC, living room, five double bedrooms, en-suite, family bathroom and dressing room. Outside there is a rear garden predominantly laid to lawn, with unspoilt views over the Lincolnshire countryside. To the front there is a single garage and ample space for several cars. EPC: E. Guide Price: £425,000

Stone House, Tealby Located in the desirable village of Tealby in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds, this modern property combines traditional style with modern luxury. The accommodation is made up of Entrance Hall, Cloakroom, Shower room, Sitting Room, Study, Kitchen Breakfast Room with Dining Area, Conservatory, 4 Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Shower Room, gravelled driveway and charming rear gardens with exceptional views of the Lincolnshire countryside. EPC: D. Guide Price: £395,000

Atton Place | 32 Eastgate Lincoln | LN2 1QA – 01522 716204 40 St James’ Place London | SW1A 1NS – 020 7839 0888

Ralph Wyrley-Birch James Ward Lincoln Lincoln

Bob Bickersteth London

Milly English London

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 12

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 13

- christMas in lincolnshire -

Your Lincolnshire CHRISTMAS Enjoy your festivities in the county with local suppliers and experts who can ensure your home, gifts and table all look lovely for the season!

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

n Don’t miss Lincoln’s Christmas Market from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th December in the city’s Cathedral Quarter... >>

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:25 Page 14

- christMas in lincolnshire -

How to Wrap... anything!

Jane Means is the lincolnshire ‘giFt-WraPPing guru’ Who travels the WorlD to train clients liKe FortnuM & Mason anD Dior in hoW to WraP giFts. here, she shares soMe oF her secrets...

Five WaYs With

Festive WraPPing Typically, Christmas gift wrap from the high street features snowflake, snowman or santa motifs and so on. to make your gifts look really special though, think outside the box (or whatever shape your gift is) with Jane’s suggested themes:

1. Tins: to wrap tins of sweets or other cylinders, wrap the paper around your gift, then use a series of pleats to the top and bottom, then use Jane’s secret weapon - double sided tape - to discretely secure your handiwork. there’s an illustrated walk-through in Jane’s book, giftwrapped.

2. Bottles: Jane’s technique for wrapping a champagne bottle is equally applicable for wrapping teddies, figurines or other upright objects. stand the object in the centre of your paper, and reinforce it with transparent cellophane. lift upwards and pleat, then secure at the neck.

3. Gift Bag: it’s easy to create a bespoke gift bag, using a sample box as a template, and wrapping one half before removing the sample box, inserting your gift then turning onto itself the flattened top of gift bag, before decorating.

n Jane Means is the Lincoln-based professional gift-wrapping tutor whose book Giftwrapped is available for £20 from www.janemeans.com or by calling 01522 522 544. Her DVD, Art of Giftwrapping, is available too, at £15.

CREAM of the CRACKERS

1. Monochrome: Create smart looking gifts with a black and white scheme using zebra print, black feathers, silver glass-effect accessories or diamanté.

2. Earth: Alternatively, use brown craft paper and embellish with dried orange slices, pine cones, cinnamon sticks and hessian string.

3. Pastels: Instead of heavy red and gold shades, pastel Christmas wrapping schemes make the most of pinks and light blues. Paper doilies and old buttons can accessorise too.

4. Vibrant: Especially ideal for children’s gifts, introduce bright colours like turquoise and yellow.

5. Vintage: Finally, consider old sheet music, wax seals, and vintage fabric to wrap up your festive gifts.

(from left to right) RSW Holly & Berry Six Crackers £10, RSW Silver Snowflake 10 Crackers £4.99, Robin Reed Concerto Eight Musical Crackers £10, Robin Reed Winter Wonderland Six Crackers £15, Robin Reed 12 Christmas Crackers £20; 01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Mood board courtesy of Jane Means in her Giftwrapped book. Buy online alongside Jane’s range of own brand ribbons and luxury gift wrap at www.janemeans.com.

14

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:26 Page 15

sPruceD uP

1. Pine - the scots Pine, top left, makes a decent christmas tree for its colour and price. however, sticky resin often covers the trees buds and needles are fairly spaced out.

2. Spruce - the blue spruce is good if you want an unconventional tree or a tree outside, but its needles are very

spiky and there is an increased amount of sticky resin on its branches.

3. Fir - the nordmann Fir, top right, makes up around 70% of the christmas tree market. it’s a beautiful tree; soft, glossy, and not too sticky but its benefits make it more expensive than the other trees.

Buying & Caring for

Fresh Trees

n before choosing one, run your hand along a tree’s branch and avoid ones whose needles are already coming loose. n cut your tree freshly and once it’s home, saw off a further couple of inches from the trunk to ensure it can ‘drink’ water effectively.

n stand your tree in water before bringing it indoors, and never position it close to radiators or other heat sources. n christmas trees typically drink two litres a day - keep yours well-watered.

Fillingham Trees, Gainsborough DN21 5BS, 01427 667014, www.fillingham-trees.co.uk.

Doddington Hall, LN6 4RU, 01522 812510, www.doddingtonhall.com.

Westwood Nursery, Bourne, PE10 0RU, 01778 591357, www.bctga.co.uk.

Snowbird Trees, Grantham, NG33 4SP 01780 410101, www.snowbirdchristmastrees.co.uk.

15

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:26 Page 16

Main: The centre’s Mulled Wine spiral-themed tree is new for this year.

FESTIVE Six Designs with Decorations for

INSPIRATION With a dedicated Christmas department covering over 14,000sq ft, Cold Overton’s Gates Garden Centre presents a range of festive decorations organised by one of 12 different themes. Here, the centre’s Ali Bailey presents her six favourite themes for creating tree-mendous decorations...

Images & Words: Rob Davis.

16

Create a Christmas tree that’s festive and fabulous with our favourite shopping destination for decorations. Gates Garden Centre’s 12-strong team of Christmas elves spend over 1,620 hours putting together around 12 different themes, with a tree in each design surrounded by the different elements needed to create that look.

From bright and modern to traditional themes, you’ll see how each look will appear once it’s in your home, making the chore of choosing your decorations much easier.

In addition to its Christmas tree themes, you’ll find real and artificial trees, lights, lanterns and much more at the centre. There’s also a well-stocked gift department where you’ll find presents for friends and relatives, whilst a 360-seater restaurant and 8,500m2 of free car parking ensures an easy, stress-free shopping experience! n

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 14:57 Page 17

- CHRISTMAS IN LINCOLNSHIRE -

1. Frosted Winter

2. Woodland Copper

3. Vintage Glamour

A beautiful winter scheme punctuated by lilac and blue shades, designed to evoke scenes of a snow-covered forest...

Warm, rich and inspired by nature, this scheme is characterised by gold and burnt orange, with texture provided by leaves and twigs...

A beautiful cream and gold theme with soft shades of pink, gold and cream to create a tree with a soft, feminine look..

Fluffy penguin ornament £12.99, crépe snowball £3.99, bird with clip £2.99, spiral bauble £3.49, pine cones £4.49, glass heart £2.99, green glittery bauble £6.99.

Large tree £19.99, large acorn £4.29, gold maple leaf £3.99, twig snowflake £3.49, orange leaf bauble £7.99/three, orange glitter bauble £1.49, orange bauble £2.99, bird £2.99, acorn garland £5.99.

Mask £13.99, cream flower £4.49, silver glass heart £2.99, pink dragonfly in foreground £2.49, lace covered cream bauble £3.49, large pink pearl bauble £1.99, bird £4.99, crown £11.99, pink flower £4.99, acorns £2.49.

4. Botanical

5. Elf

6. Victorian Christmas

Bright, stylish and modern, Botanical is a vibrant scheme inspired by nature’s most colourful palette, with green, pink and purple colours...

A colourful scheme inspired by lapland with candy-apple red and bright green baubles, plus treats for boys & girls from Santa’s Workshop...

A traditional scheme with red, gold and green inspired by Prince Albert, who brought the festive tradition of a decorated tree to the UK...

Gold candlestick (back) £7.75, woodland fairy £21.99, green leaf £3.49, peacock bauble £4.29, bird cage £7.99, pink mask £6.99, turquoise leaf £4.99, purple dragonfly £4.99.

Large hat £11.99, friendly elf £9.99, traditional nutcracker £16.99, large candy cane £9.99, smaller candy cane £8.99, white bauble £3.49, two green baubles £79p/two, train £4.99, grotto sign £1.99.

Large Santa Claus £14.99, poinsettia leaf £2.99, skater £4.99, pheasant £6.49, large frosted bauble £9.99, striped bauble £4.49, gold lace bauble £3.99, rocking horse £3.69, rose £4.99.

All of our featured decorations are available from Gates Garden Centre, based at Cold Overton, near Oakham LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

17

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:26 Page 18

Your Christmas Table

- christMas in lincolnshire -

treat Your table to a MaKeover With these iDeas For creating the PerFect bacKDroP For Your turKeY...

Grey: Walton & Co Snowberries Tablecloth 130x230cm Grey (other sizes available) £28; Cashmere Rim Soup Bowl 23cm £8.50; Cashmere Rim Dinner Plate 27.5cm £9; Walton & Co Snowberries Napkin Grey Set of 4 £14; Walton & Co Poinsettia Napkin Ring Silver Set of 4 £16;

Above: Prosecco 70cl 11.5% alc, £9; Floral silk Metal Decor tree 36cm £19.99; berry garland with beads £9; baubles from 89p; candelabra linear - h27 x W49cm £89; set of 3 candle Jewellery - stag £12; also available in vintage gold, candles sold separately; Denby halo collection - Dinner Plate £14, bowl £12.25, side Plate £10, 16 Piece set £190; viners glamour cutlery - 16 Piece set £20, 24 Piece set £28; Kitchencraft charger Plate £3; Kitchencraft set of 4 coasters £6; le creuset salt & Pepper Mills £25 each or 2 for £35; coachhouse set of 4 Plated red Wine glasses £26; Woodland table runner £18; Woodland napkins £3.50 each; Poinsettia napkin rings £16/four.

Red: Polka Wine Glasses Set of 4 £35; Polka Champagne Saucer Set of 4 £35; Walton & Co Napkin Red Set of 4 £14; Peggy Wilkins Robin Runner 16x40cm £15; Viners Eden 24 Piece Cutlery Giftbox £50; Soup Bowl 23cm £8.50; Dinner Plate 27.5cm diameter, £9.

n Tableware from Oldrids & Downtown: Boston (01205 350505), Lincoln (01522 500588) and Gonerby Junction Grantham (01476 590239) or see oldrids.co.uk.

18

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:26 Page 19

19

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:26 Page 20

20

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:26 Page 21

21

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:26 Page 22

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:26 Page 23

- Dean oF lincoln -

PEACE

GOOD WILL Back in May, HM The Queen announced the appointment of the Venerable Christine Wilson as Dean of Lincoln. As Christine begins her new life in Lincoln, the Sussex-born family woman presents a Christmas message in anticipation of her new role...

How did you find yourself in Lincoln?

At 10am on 27th May this year I had the great privilege of standing beside the Bishop of Lincoln in the ancient Chapter House at Lincoln Cathedral.

The announcement was made that the Queen had approved my appointment to be the 84th Dean of Lincoln. Prior to my installation on 22nd October I served for six and a half years as Archdeacon of Chesterfield in the diocese of Derby.

I originate from Brighton in Sussex and the move to the Midlands was quite a radical step after having lived in Sussex for most of my life.

The Peak District was a stunning place in which to live and work and I am looking forward to getting to know the people and landscape of Lincolnshire, contributing to its life and making it my new home.

What does the role of Dean involve and

how does the appointment process work?

The formal answer to that is a fairly daunting list but a simple summary would be

that it’s my job to lead the life and work of Lincoln Cathedral and to share with the Diocesan Bishop and other senior colleagues the oversight of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Part of the role of dean is to represent the Church in public life across the county, to grow partnerships with faith and secular institutions, and to contribute to their intellectual, social and theological capital.

The Cathedral is a ‘body corporate made up of Chapter, Cathedral Council and the College of canons. Our shared responsibility is to work with other statutory bodies to

“i aM looKing ForWarD to getting to KnoW the PeoPle oF lincolnshire, contributing to its liFe, MaKing it MY neW hoMe...”

Main Image: Dean Christine Wilson will begin her new role at Lincoln Cathedral as Pride goes to press.

ensure sound governance across the Cathedral.

As dean and senior priest in the diocese I exercise leadership in the Cathedral’s liturgy, preaching and pastoral care, and share in the daily life of worship and ministry.

There is also the oversight of mission and outreach, interpretation of its heritage, future development and the enormous task of fundraising for its long term future.

We employ a large number of gifted staff and talented volunteers to ensure that the Cathedral’s operations are properly managed.

The historic foundation has existed for nearly 1000 years and another area of the role is to ensure that the constitution and statutes are faithfully observed.

The appointment process is overseen by both the archbishops and the prime minister’s secretary for appointments. It is a crown appointment and Her Majesty’s representative chairs the interview panel. >> 23

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 24

- Dean oF lincoln -

What does Christmas mean to you as a Christian and what should we remember as we celebrate the season?

“Well, like all families I enjoy the time of the Christmas holidays for feasting and parties and the gathering together of friends and loved ones.

Not all of us have those opportunities and amidst the festivities it is good to pause for thought and consider how we might personally enact the hope and joy of the Christmas message.

What can we do to make a difference, how can we shine a little light into the world? >> This includes the diocesan bishop, and representatives of the Cathedral, diocese and county.

How has the role of women in the Church of England changed?

When I was ordained in 1997 I did experience resistance from those who held strong disagreement with the idea that women could serve as priests. - others of course were delighted.

Throughout the last 20 years that position has changed considerably and my own stance is to be gracious, respect differences and look for the common ground that unites us which is our faith in Jesus Christ.

When I served in Hove I took a number of pioneering steps, first as a full time vicar, then a trainer of new priests and then the leader of a large significant parish. This has been the experience of many women. It was the same when I went to be archdeacon.

Breaking new ground is less common now and since November 2015 all senior roles within the Church of England are open to men and women.

24

I am one of eight woman deans and there are now two diocesan bishops and at least eight assistant bishops who are women.

It is difficult to keep count with the pace of change as the church embraces the ministry of women in a wide range of senior roles.

It has ‘become normal.’

What role should Lincoln Cathedral play in the community?

As I begin my new role it will be important for me to listen to experienced colleagues and partners across the County in order to

lincoln catheDral History: Consecrated in 1092, ravaged by fire in 1141 and by an earthquake in 1192.

Cloisters completed in 1292. Wren library added in 1676. Spires removed 1807, organ installed 1898.

Size: The nave is 147m long, it’s 24m wide and 24m high. It covers an area of 5,000m2.

Staff: 100 members of staff.

Cost: In 2015 it cost £11.16/minute to keep the Cathedral standing and running.

properly discern how we might contribute and add value to the life of the County.

That said, the cathedral is an inspiring and iconic resource, and I hope that it will always be experienced as a place of hospitality, welcome and loving service. When visitors come into the building I want them to encounter the extraordinary.

That may be through sharing in beautiful worship, finding a moment of stillness and calm, engaging with the outstanding heritage, lighting a candle and connecting with that which is beyond ourselves in prayer, or taking part in marking a special moment in someone’s life.

Is the Cathedral just for those of the Christian faith, or is it a place for those of non-faith, too?

Should the nation or a community be confronted with tragedy or confusion, I hope it will be a place where we can gather together to find meaning and renewed hope.

The Cathedral resounds with stories of the faith that inspired the holy men and women who have gone before us. I would like to

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 25

think that people might gain a glimpse of heaven within our walls and that through our commitment to listening to the wider community we might contribute to the enrichment of everyone's daily life.

The Cathedral is certainly a place for the whole community and everyone is welcome, and we’ve a wonderful programme of music and theatre throughout the year, so our message is definitely ‘come and join us!’

Do you have a Christmas message for the people of Lincolnshire?

Despite the extra workload I love this time of year. During the weeks running up to Christmas the Church draws upon some wonderful imagery and poetic language from the Bible to speaks of the coming of a Messiah.

Images of rain refreshing dusty land, a great light scattering the darkness from before our path, water springing up in the desert.

Christmas offers a message of hope and new possibilities of peace and goodwill towards all people.

The God we discover at Christmas is revealed in an infant child, vulnerable, homeless and poor; soon to be chased out of Bethlehem and sent into exile. In fear of death the holy family become like asylum seekers in a foreign land.

It is a story that resonates with our world today and the plight of so many human lives. The Christmas gift we celebrate is the promise of a God who is with us even in the mess and the darkness. God, who in sending the child Jesus demonstrated a passion and commitment to the flourishing and transformation of all creation.

Over Christmas hundreds will gather to celebrate and worship with us at the Cathedral as we enact the story of God in involvement and love for the world, the good news of great joy. >> n Over the page we’re profiling a few of Lincoln Cathedral’s festive events, providing a whole season of festive entertainment.

25

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 26

- Dean oF lincoln -

a neW artist in resiDence introDucing DoMinic ParcZuK

cathedral: connected...

Lincoln Cathedral: Connected is a £16million project to radically improve the Cathedral’s setting and visitor experience. The project will see the relandscaping of the West Front and Dean’s Green to create public spaces, as well as renewed floodlights, the conservation of Exchequergate Arch, and new visitor facilities.

The project will be complete by 2020. n

MUSICAL CELEBRATIONS g4: christmas by candlelight...

Wednesday 23rd November: X-Factor stars and operatic multi-platinum selling vocal quartet G4 are back, with their atmospheric Christmas By Candlelight show. Expect to hear timeless classics such as When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas, as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit. n Tickets £22.50-£65, see www.g4official.com.

The Snowman...

Saturday 17th December: Special showings of The Snowman in the Nave, supported by a live orchestra and soloist from the Cathedral Choir.

Watch this festive family favourite surrounded by the beauty of Lincoln Cathedral.

There will be three screenings of this iconic film throughout the day, which will offer you an unforgettable experience.

11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

26 26

A Ceremony of Carols...

Saturday 10th December: A seasonal favourite written by Benjamin Britten, ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ is being performed in the Lincoln Cathedral Chapter House by The Cathedral Choristers and harpist Thea Butterworth, in aid of the Cathedral Music Fund. n Afternoon performance 2pm, tickets £10/adults, £5/children; evening performance 7pm, tickets £25/adults.

la nativite du seigneur...

Sunday 18th December: annual performance of La Nativite du Seigneur played on the world famous ‘Father Willis’ organ and performed by the Cathedral’s own Organist Laureate, Colin Walsh.

Written in 1935 by Olivier Messiaen, it is considered to be one of the greatest organ works of all time.

Performed in the Nave of Lincoln Cathedral, this is one Christmas tradition not to be missed. n 5.30pm, Tickets on the door; £6 available from the website.

Look out for the work of the Cathedral’s new artist in residence over the next year. This year’s incumbent is Dominic Parczuk who has pledged to use the building and the people as inspiration for a year of art.

“I grew up in Lincoln and have painted since the age of five.

Alongside my art I also play violin and have done for over 20 yrs. I lecture part time at Lincoln University in Illustration and teach the violin privately.

My foundation art studies began here in Lincoln leading to further studies at London’s Central Saint Martins College of art and design.

Having worked as a designer and illustrator for many years in London I eventually made the move back to Lincoln to pursue a full time career as a painter. Drawn back to Lincoln for the calmer pace of life and rural surroundings.

“My work is loose, not over thought and often spontaneous and of the moment, impressionistic in style. I’m inspired by how light creates atmosphere and enjoy drawing people in a simplistic sketchy manner.” n

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 27

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 28

What’s On...

JACKSON

Find out What’s on this month with events taking place in different venues across the county. ho-ho-ho! We have a dedicated grotto and panto page this month and plenty of cosy christmas events...

LATE NIGHT MINI MARKET

Saturday 26th November Visit a one off mini market at LMS in Lincoln packed with a variety of stalls ranging from beautiful, handmade crafts, decorations, delicious refreshments, entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas himself ! It’s a fun Christmas market to get you in the mood for the festive season.

01522 810562,

www.lmslincoln.co.uk

LINCOLN ICE RINK

Saturday 26th November Enjoy skating in the heart of Lincoln on the decorated, outdoor ice rink sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. Have fun with friends, watch the professionals whizzing by and try not to fall over! Lincoln Ice Rink is perfect for an evening with friends or a family day out and uses real ice for an authentic experience.

- SACREWELL -

Father Christmas is returning to Sacrewell Farm near Peterborough this year.

Having moved to the old farmhouse for a couple of years while work was being done to the 18th century Grade II* listed building, the team says Father Christmas is looking forward to being back in his regular spot at the Mill House from 3rd December.

www.lincolnbig.co.uk

Entry includes admission to the visitor centre and access to other Christmas activities across the site such as wooden reindeer making, marshmallow toasting and the Christmas craft room where you can make gifts and cards..

01205 363108,

n To sponsor a tree or for more information on Sacrewell Christmas events please call 01780 782254 or visit www.sacrewell.org.uk.

01522 717118,

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Thursday 1st - 3rd November Ebenezer Scrooge lives for money and cares not for how it is obtained. People are worthless, family is a nuisance, employees ungrateful and all no more so than at Christmas when the insanity of love and forgiveness is allowed to run amok. Except, this Christmas Eve is going to be different. Dickens’s tale of one man’s search for redemption is brought to life by Blackfriars Theatre Academy in Boston, in this specially written version by playwright Bryony Lavery. www.blackfriarsartcentre.co.uk

28

Sponsors are also being sought to fund decorated Christmas trees that will line the hill down to the mill throughout December. The trees cost £100 each to sponsor and include lights, decorations, a plaque and associated marketing materials.

Saturday 3rd December Jackson Live in Concert sees long-time tribute act and hugely talented Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs.

Jackson Live in Concert features all live vocals and superb musicians and dancers, fabulous costumes, and of course all the signature dance moves associated so fondly with the undisputed King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The performance will be held at Grimsby Auditorium.

0300 3000035, www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

Saturday 3rd December A host of Victorian characters will be in full swing preparing for Christmas in the house and shops at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. Join them and enjoy the sounds, smells and tastes of a nostalgic look at how the traditions of Christmas began.

01522 782040, www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

SANTA AT LINCOLN CASTLE

Saturday 3rd - 31st December Naughty or Nice? Father Christmas is waiting to meet you at Lincoln Castle this Christmas. Join Lincoln Castle each weekend in December as Father Christmas takes time out of his busy schedule to meet you in his grotto.

01522 554559, www.lincolncastle.com

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 29

send your press releases and events to: Features editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

ANNA HUNTLEY & JAMES BAILLIEU

Saturday 10th December This concert at the Stamford Arts Centre begins with Rossini’s La Regata Veneziana, a set of three songs in which the singer, Anzoleta, encourages her lover to row faster during a gondola regatta. Dvorak’s Ciganske Melodie is a set of gypsy songs including the ever popular, Songs My Mother Taught Me. Braga’s Cinco Cancoes celebrate the folk music and rhythms of north eastern Brazil. After the interval, Anna and James will perform light-hearted and seasonal songs.

01780 763203,

www.stamfordartscentre.com

CHRISTMAS WITH THE OVERTONES

Sunday 11th December The Overtones have firmly established themselves as the number one vocal harmony group. Since breaking in 2010 with their debut Good Ol’ Fashioned Love, the group has established their reputation as an incredibly strong vocal group, so it’s no wonder that they have sold over a million records and had five top five albums. They’re at Baths Hall in Scunthorpe this month with songs from their Christmas album Good Ol’ Fashioned Christmas.

0844 854 2776,

www.bathshall.co.uk

SANTA’S FUN RUN

Sunday 11th December Santa’s of all ages run or walk around Lincoln’s most iconic landmarks, starting and finishing in Castle Square. Expect more than 2,500 dressed up Santas running around the streets of Lincoln for charity.

01522 545458,

www.lincolnsantafunrun.co.uk

- CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE

Saturday 3rd December Put your glad rags on and join Ann Gibbons for a glamorous evening of ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing in Grantham.

01476 406158, www.guildhallartscentre.com

SOUTH HOLLAND CENTRE

Friday 9th - 10th December It’s a great festive night in Spalding with a seasonal meat carvery followed

by Steve Janson Disco Roadshow playing all your favourite party tunes.

01775 764777, www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Saturday 10th December With a glass of bubbly on arrival, a delicious three course meal and entertainment from both a live band and disco, Lincolnshire Showground’s shared Christmas Party Night, is the perfect way to get friends or

colleagues together to celebrate the festive season in style.

01522 522900,

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

SUPREME INNS, BICKER

Throughout December Enjoy a three course festive menu followed by mince pies and disco to celebrate the festive season afterwards.

01205 822804,

www.supremeinns.co.uk

BATHS HALL, SCUNTHORPE

Thursday 1st - 17th December Guests will receive a three course festive meal, live entertainment and then a DJ to dance the night away.

The entertainment will be professional stand-up comedians performing on the 1st December. For all other nights it will be a live band who will perform classic party hits.

0844 854 2776,

www.bathshall.co.uk

29

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 30

What’s On...

send your press releases and events to: Features editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

FESTIVE MILLING DAY

Sunday 11th December Join Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford for the last ever milling day until March 2017.

There will be mulled wine and mince pies at the mill for a festive day out and it will be decorated for the season too. Experience what life was like for a local miller.

- NEW YEAR -

01529 413671, www.cogglesfordwatermill.co.uk

YE OLDE RED LION, BICKER

Ye Olde Red Lion in Bicker is hosting a live music night on New Year’s Eve with music from the band Kings & Bears. There will also be a delicious traditional hog roast all for just £15/head. Book a table by calling the number below, or visit their website for more information.

01775 821200, www.redlionbicker.co.uk

SOUTH HOLLAND CENTRE

Bring the whole family to the South Holland Centre’s New Year’s Eve Party in Spalding. All ages are welcome to join in the fun with a buffet, party games for children and a disco through to 1am. Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £8 for children under 16.

01775 764777, www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

COGGLESFORD WATERMILL

Meeting at Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford, join Discover North Kesteven for a bracing walk through the surrounding countryside as you take in the scenery and plan ahead for the year to come. The event takes place on New Year’s Day at 10.30am, call for more details.

Entry is free.

01529 413671, www.cogglesfordwatermill.co.uk

30

LANTERN PARADE & NATIVITY

Thursday 15th December The lantern parade leaves from Lincoln Cornhill at 6pm and leads up the High Street and Steep Hill to Castle Square for a nativity play and carol service. Join the local school children as they lead the parade with paper lanterns for a wonderfully festive family evening in Lincoln.

01522 842711, www.visitlincoln.com

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

JASON DONOVAN

Monday 12th December Due to phenomenal demand, Jason Donovan has announced eight brand new dates for this coming December which will conclude his sold out 33 date spring Ten Good Reasons and Greatest Hits Tour. Jason returns once more to his pop roots to celebrate Christmas and his 1989 five times platinum debut, Ten Good Reasons at Baths Hall in Scunthorpe.

0844 854 2776, www.bathshall.co.uk

THE NUTCRACKER

Sunday 11th December Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into a magical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy performed by pupils from The Hebden School of Dancing at the Stamford Corn Exchange.

01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

Saturday 17th December The popular EYMS Band returns to the Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough to present a Prelude to Christmas concert. The programme will include Christmas favourites, sing along carols, music from stage and screen, traditional brass classics and top class soloists.

01427 676655, www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/trinity-arts-centre

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

Sunday 18th December Acclaimed musicians, Chris Green and Sophie Matthews, present a festive romp at the Stamford Arts Centre through 600 years of Christmas music and stories in the area, beginning in the Middle Ages and ending in the 20th Century.

01780 763203, www.stamfordartscentre.com

CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT

Sunday 18th December Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a carol concert. Join Baths Hall for their annual Christmas carol concert featuring local groups and choirs. The perfect way to kick off Christmas.

0844 854 2776, www.bathshall.co.uk

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 31

31

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 32

Pantos & Grottos... if you’re looking to take the kids or grandchildren to see santa claus in and around the county, he’ll be visiting quite a few venues and garden centres, as will Widow twanky at some of the county’s theatres...

PLOWRIGHT THEATRE, SCUNTHORPE

Saturday 3rd December - 3rd January The Plowright Theatre doesn’t feature just one dame in their panto Cinderella, but two.

Annie Fanny and Hambi Pappas are the two evil stepsisters in this classic pantomime story. There are 59 performances but tickets are selling fast so get them fast on their website or by calling the number below!

01724 297862, www.plowrighttheatre.com

LINCOLN DRILL HALL

Friday 9th December - 3rd January Beauty and the Beast is set to be a fantastic panto at Lincoln Drill Hall with glittering costumes, stunning sets, sing-along songs, dazzling choreography and a multi-talented cast all come together to make this a magical show to remember! James Campbell will be playing Dame Dusty Doorknockers at Drill Hall’s pantomime.

01522 873894, www.lincolndrillhall.com

QUEENSGATE, PETERBOROUGH

Throughout December Santa’s at North Square in Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough giving little shoppers an early Christmas gift. Visits are £5 per child and for a little extra, they can have a photo with him too. The opening times for the grotto are 10.30am - 8pm on 19th November, various times between 20th November and 24th December. Visit the shopping centre’s website for more information or see their advert in this month’s edition of Pride for opening times.

01733 311666, www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk

32

- STATELY HOME -

BELTON HOUSE, GRANTHAM

Throughout December At Belton House there are plenty of things to help create those special Christmas moments. For the family, there will be a host of activities to enjoy every day from seasonal trails to craft making and dressing up.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit from Santa. Children can see Father Christmas in his cosy winter grotto or have fun in the Ride Play Café with a special Christmas breakfast or supper. All the Father Christmas experiences need to be booked in advance.

From 18th - 20th December a special evening event titled Lights and Song promises an extra special treat for families where you will see Belton sparkle like never before.

The outdoor adventure playground and Ride Play Café will also be open every day except Christmas Day, great for younger ones to let off some steam.

01476 566116, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house

BLACKFRIARS THEATRE, BOSTON

Friday 9th December - 3rd January Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood makes for a great pantomime tale. Robin Hood and his merry men aim to save the babes, guarded by Nurse Martha from the evil Sheriff. It’s a pantomime with laughs, mayhem, sparkling scenery and costumes.

01205 363108, www.blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk

SOUTH HOLLAND CENTRE, SPALDING

Saturday 10th - 31st December Beauty & the Beast is the pantomime in Spalding full of audience participation, modern songs to sing-along to, huge amounts of laughter and a great story to ensure that everyone leaves with a smile on their face, whether they’re three or 103.

01205 363108, www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

EMBASSY THEATRE, SKEGNESS

Friday 16th - 27th December Back by popular demand is Adam Fox as Smee and Mark Hyde as Nurse Nelly. Local celebrity Gary Starr makes his Embassy Theatre debut as Captain Hook and we are delighted to introduce Samuel Bailey as Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up! This will be full of fun, laughter, songs and magical enchantment including well-known songs.

01507 613100, www.embassytheatre.co.uk

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 33

send your press releases and events to: Features editor via tilly@pridemagazines.co.uk.

JOHNSONS OF BOSTON

Saturday 19th November Visit Santa at Johnsons Garden Centre in Boston. He’s going to be at the garden centre’s Christmas Market this year and the store will be themed to The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, so look out for fawns, beavers and the White Witch...

01205 363408, www.johnsonsofboston.co.uk

SPRINGFIELDS, SPALDING

Throughout December Father Christmas’s arrival at Springfields in Spalding will be in the evenings and his Grotto will open for a limited number once he has arrived. See him around travelling on Springfields land train to the grotto!

01775 760909

www.springfieldsshopping.co.uk

- GIFTS & GROTTOS -

Gates Garden Centre

GATES, COLD OVERTON

Saturday 19th November Stroll through a winter wonderland before visiting Santa in his Christmas Grotto. Meet the elves and choose a special gift from Santa’s toy workshop.

After visiting the Grotto you can enjoy a festive treat in the Garden Restaurant or stroll through 14,000 sqft of themed Christmas displays, decorations and lights to get you into the festive spirit! Just £7.99 per child including gift. For groups of more than ten, please call to book your visit.

01664 454309, www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk

The Plowright Theatre’s Hambi Pappas and Annie Fanny...

SACREWELL FARM, PETERBOROUGH Throughout December Visit Sacrewell Farm in Peterborough to see Santa, receive a free present, take part in marshmallow toasting, card and decoration making, meet real reindeer and have fun in the playbarn for just £11/children, £6/adult.

For toddlers, enjoy a sleigh tractor ride too.

01780 782254 www.sacrewell.org.uk

OLDRIDS & DOWNTOWN

Throughout December Oldrids & Downtown’s Grantham store will host the retailer’s Christmas grotto this year, so look out for Santa Claus giving gifts out from the store, and ho-ho-hoing! More details on their grotto and other Christmas events will be released by Oldrids as Pride goes to press.

01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk

STAMFORD CORN EXCHANGE

Tuesday 27th December - 1st January Stamford Pantomime Players are proud to present this years production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The beautiful and kindhearted Princess Snow White celebrates her 18th Birthday with a party, but the Queen changes the plans and makes it a party for the arrival of the Prince in hope this will win his heart, instead he falls for Snow White.

01780 766455, www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk

33

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 34

34

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 35

35

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 36

- JiM broaDbent -

Christmas with Jim This month Louth’s most famous export is back on our screens. With his easy-going, affable mannerism, Jim Broadbent is a much beloved actor who has been seen in everything from TV roles to big-budget films both here and in the US. Aged 67, his acting career sees no signs of abating, and this Christmas, he’s voicing one of our best-loved children’s books...

Some actors become typecast, constantly drawn into particular roles, but the width and breadth of characters on Louth actor Jim Broadbent’s CV is huge.

He’s played comedy in TV roles such as Blackadder and in films, from Hot Fuzz to 2016’s Bridget Jones’s Baby.

He’s done history, playing Prince Nicolai Bolkonsky in this year’s adaptation of Tolstoy’s War & Peace, and King William in The Young Victoria, and he’s tackled fantasy roles from his appearance as potions master Professor Horace Slughorn in the Harry Potter franchise.

Next year, Jim will also play an as yet unrevealed character in 2017’s series of Game of Thrones.

At 67 years of age work has always seemed in plentiful supply, not least in the field of his work as a voice over artist, and it’s just these credentials that he’s exploiting this Christmas too, as he brings one of Raymond Briggs’s children’s story to life in one of this year’s seasonal TV highlights.

“The adaptation of Ethel & Ernest, is due to be screened this Christmas,” says Jim. “It’s a newly adapted and beautifully hand-drawn, animated feature film, which is also semi-autobiographical.”

of lady’s maid Ethel and milkman Ernest from their first chance meeting in 1928, through the birth of their son Raymond in 1934, to their deaths, within months of each other, in 1971.

Described as heart-warming, humorous and bittersweet, the film follows the lives

Jim provides the voice for milk delivery man Ernest Briggs, an ardent socialist at odds with his wife’s more conservative take on life.

“It tells the true story of Raymond’s own parents – Ethel & Ernest - two ordinary Londoners living through a period of extraordinary events and through immense social change.”

“it’s such a beautiFul booK bY a WonDerFul artist,” he aDDs. “it’s trulY insPiring; an honest storY oF a Whole generation...”

Main Image: Jim Broadbent is the Louth actor on our screens this month in what is set to be one of the season’s must-see TV highlights.

“It’s such a beautiful book by a wonderful artist,” he adds. “It’s truly inspiring; a great, very honest story of a whole generation. It’s lovely and irresistible.”

Ethel Briggs, a lady’s maid who acquired an appreciation for upper class sensibilities from her employers, is constantly trying to convince Ernest that they are not, in fact ‘working class.’ Played by Brenda Blethyn, the couple’s love for one another shines through, and helps to ensure the 90 minute animation is full of warmth and humour. >>

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 37

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:27 Page 38

- JiM broaDbent -

>> The animation is the work of 28 background and layout artists, 112 animators and assistant animators, 19 compositors and 14 colourists, working to create 67,680 frames of animation. The whole production has taken nine years to make, and even the sound department tracked down period milk floats, bicycles from the era and a Spitfire based here in Lincolnshire to provide the sound effects.

In other words, it’s a family masterpiece, set to provide one of Christmas television’s highlights this season.

Born in Halton cum Beckering, Jim’s mother was a sculptor; his father was an artist and furniture maker. His father founded the Broadbent Theatre in Wickenby, of which Jim remains the Honourary President.

“I did a play there when I was five, there was a sense of casting off self-consciousness.

Right from the start, I found that very easy.

That’s a funny contrast… I still think of myself as quite shy, but as soon as I start exploring a character I’m supremely at ease and confident. Sometimes that really surprises people,” he says.

“I remember when I was starting out I did an audition for a director and she said that the difference between the interview I’d given beforehand when I’d been this shy mumbling man, and the performance I gave on stage was the most startling she’d ever witnessed.”

Today he divides his time between London and his home near Louth, and is married to wife Anastasia, a former theatrical designer.

JiM’s

Life on Screen Left: Jim as Scotty in 2015’s London Spy. Right: Professor Horace Slughorn.

1983: Jim appeared in one of the early Blackadder episodes as Don Speekinglish, then with Victoria Wood on her sketch shows which ran from 1985-1987.

1985: Perhaps you’ll remember Jim alongside David Jason in Only Fools & Horses, as ‘copper’ Roy Slater!

1998: Jim directed ‘The Ministry’ in The Avengers.

2001: Jim acted alongside Judy Dench in Iris, the biographical drama of irish novelists Iris Murdoch.

2001: The actor played Zidler in Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 39

wince. “Well yes, I suppose so, in a way.

C-list national treasure. I’m not a Thora Hird or a Julie Waters.”

Jim’s modesty even caused him to turn down an OBE; “I didn’t think it would suit me.

I’ve been fairly selfish with everything I’ve done and I get enough prizes elsewhere and I didn’t think I deserved it, really. And also my father died when I was 22 and he was quite an anarchic spirit, and he would have been proud of me to have turned it down.”

Ethel & Earnest

raMonD briggs’s

“You know how it is, the usual line: ‘Oh, I accepted it for my parents.’ Whereas I turned it down for my parents. But I was lucky because the list was leaked, which meant I got the best of both worlds. They knew I’d been offered it and they knew I’d turned it down.”

“The main reason is that I think actors should be anti-establishment. And I like the idea of being a rogue and a vagabond and not being appreciated by the powers that be.

I like the idea, even if I don’t do it much.”

The same anti-establishment sentiment is a faint theme of Ethel and Ernest.

Above: Ethel & Earnest is set to be one of the family TV highlights this Christmas. Jim Broadbent voices socialist milkman Ernest whilst Brenda Blethyn voices graphic novelist Raymond Briggs’s class conscious mother, Ethel.

The film follows them from 1928 to 1971.

Having attended a Quaker boarding school, he eschewed a career in London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) from which he graduated in 1972.

His extensive range of work means he’s one of the recognisable faces on TV and in film, but Jim still rejects the idea that he’s a national treasure. “Oh no,” he says with a

“The film echoes the lives and concerns of the London working classes through momentous social and political change,” says Jim. “Ethel & Ernest is a heartfelt and affectionate tribute to an ordinary couple and an extraordinary generation, covering 40 years, one love and countless cups of tea.”

“It’s heartwarming, humerous and also bittersweet, hopefully one of the highlights of this Christmas!” n Ethel & Ernest will be shown on BBC1 this Christmas - time and date to be confirmed as Pride goes to press.

2001: Zidler in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of Moulin Rouge.

2001-2016: Jim played Bridget Jones’s affable dad in the eponymous franchise.

Right: Jim as Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky in 2016’s War & Peace.

Ethel & Ernest spans the period from the socially stratified 1920s, to the moon landing of 1969, and depicts live through ethel and ernest’s eyes, with the most defining moments of the 20th century: the darkness of the great Depression, the build up to World War ii, the trials of the war years, the euphoria of ve Day and the emergence of a generation from post war austerity to the cultural enlightenment of the 1960s. the book is semi-autobiographical, following the lives of raymond briggs and his parents. released in 1998, it’s a successor to the popular snowman. briggs will be 83 in January, and was born in Wimbledon. now living in sussex, he continues to illustrate books for other authors. n

2016: Jim appeared in 2016’s adaptation of War & Peace.

2017: Speculation is already growing as to who Jim will play in US fantasy drama Game of Thornes. n

39

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 40

40

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 41

KEEP YOUR

WHEELS TURNING

With fuels and lubricants for tractors and other farm machinery...

01949 81019

or see www.e.org/fuels

Fuels Division E (Fuels), based in Owthorpe, Notts., Heating Oils, Lubricants and Fuel Additives...

Domestic, Farm or Commercial use...

Delivery anywhere in the county...

41

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 42

Hooked on

- JeWellerY -

AMY

If you’re looking for a heartfelt Christmas present from a local designer this year, Cleethorpes based silversmith and designer Amy Telford creates beautiful authentic handcrafted sterling silver jewellery.

Inspired by nature, her latest collection, ‘Enchanted Garden,’ showcases her extraordinary and unconventional work...

Words: Tilly Wilkinson. Images: Anete Lusina, www.anetelusina.com.

The Logo Explained...

To go with her unconventional items, Amy decided to create a slightly unconventional name. Worm Child was the name her boyfriend used to call her, jokingly saying she looked like a worm.

She wanted the business name to be personal to her, so this is the name she chose. There are also a lot of

42

personal references in the logo itself.

The signature on the worm stands for her name, and the eye in the V represents her focus on eyes during her Fine Art degree.

It really stands out and sets Amy’s designs apart from any other jewellery brand.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 43

Amy Telford: JeWeller Amy Telford, 25, grew up in cleethorpes. she loved jewellery from a young age, and would often sneak into her grandma’s jewellery box to try on anything sparkly. she also enjoyed making jewellery when she was younger, threading beads and making bracelets. after her a-levels, amy decided to study Fine art at university. During the degree, her boyfriend moved to teach english. she decided to follow him after graduation, and spent five months there.

During her time in thailand, she studied jewellery further creating macramé, a type of tribal jewellery. she was so committed, amy would get an eight hour night boat to an island for courses on silver smithing. this made her realise that when she returned to the uK, she wanted to create her own silver-smithing business. after touring the area’s craft fairs with her products and spreading the word through family and friends, she gained quite a lot of attention. she now has a website and an online shop and several lines of jewellery. there are several stockists in the local area that have supported amy, and she’s had products feature in three editions of vogue including its 100th edition.

Peter Doherty has also been spotted wearing several pieces of her jewellery.

>>

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 44

- JeWellerY -

Christmas is always an exciting time for us.

You’ll find us exploring Christmas tree farms, speaking to gift wrap experts, taste testing delicious Christmas menus from a variety of local restaurants and getting prepared for our Restaurant of the Year awards.

This year an especially exciting visit was to local jeweller and silversmith, Amy Telford in Cleethorpes. She showed me how she creates her bespoke range of sterling silver jewellery from her workshop, home to Holly the terrier and George the bunny.

Amy employs an interesting and lengthy process to produce her jewellery, but what makes her products unique is their design.

Above: Amy hand wraps all of her items, creating beautifully packaged products, and she photographs all items herself.

Below/Right: Amy at her bench making an 'Acorn Cuff' sawing and soldering the pieces of silver.

“My latest collection Enchanted Garden is inspired by nature,” says Amy. “I try to find beauty in nature from different angles; not always going for the obvious choice.”

“For example, some of the pieces in the Enchanted Garden Collection aren’t instantly recognisable, such as the Seed Scale pieces, which are cast from one section of a pine cone rather than creating a design from the entire piece. Or her Poppy Crown pieces which are taken from the top of a poppy seed pod instead of working from the flower.”

Amy’s inspiration comes from the beauty of nature. She is often collecting natural forms that grab her attention. Once Amy has an idea for a collection she gathers together all her findings and starts sketching out ideas.

Once she knows which natural forms she is going to use, she adds brass sprues to the objects and creates silicone moulds. The mould is injected with wax and the wax is cast in sterling silver using the method of lost wax casting. Once the items have been cast in silver Amy assembles them using silver wire to create bangles, cuffs and rings, or attaches pieces to chains making necklaces.

She can create bespoke items too. If clients want a message or initials engraving into the jewellery, she can incorporate these, too.

44

the collections Enchanted Garden Collection: This collection is inspired by nature, featuring acorns, pine cone scales, poppy seed pods, and leaves.

A particular favourite in this collection is a birds claw grasping a black onyx ball on a necklace.

Windfall Collection: One of her earlier collections, windfall features copper items, skulls, arrows and hearts.

All is Not Lost Collection: Fox claws, wishbones and silver shark teeth feature in this collection, themed on animals.

Initial Collection: If you want to buy something personal for someone special this Christmas, she can engrave their initials on rings, bangles,cuffs and cufflinks - bespoke jewellery is also a speciality of Amy.

Amy can also create any design you would like. For example, someone got in touch about a girl called Holly’s 21st birthday, so Amy made two bespoke silver bangles and joined them with a silver holly leaf.

“I’ve always wanted to run my own business and I’ve loved doing anything creative, so this was just the perfect job for me. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.”

There’s no future collection planned just yet as she’s in the midst of the enchanted garden collection, but we wish her every success as her business grows and grows.

A selection of the Enchanted Garden collection are featured on the right of this page, they’re perfect as Christmas gifts. n

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 45

THE IDEAL

GIFT here’s a selection of amy’s jewellery, available from local stockists and her online store below...

Above: Five Charm Seed Scale Bracelet, £140.

Right: Finders Keepers Necklace with black onyx Below: Poppy Crown and Seed Scale stone, other stones in varying colours available £185.

Cufflinks, £75.

Below: Acorn Cuff with Text, prices from £80 - £90.

n Amy’s jewellery is stocked at Swags & Tails in Waltham, Annika’s in Louth and the Pyramid Gallery in York. To buy any of her items online, visit www.wormchild.com or call 07490 898484.

45

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 46

46

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 47

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 48

Jewellery

48

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 49

ry designer A TRIBUTE TO ROD - local PeoPle -

TEMPERTON he’s the local songWriter behinD soMe oF PoP’s Most MeMorable toe-taPPers. having recentlY PasseD aWaY FolloWing a short illness, We this Month PaY tribute to one oF the WorlD’s Most ProliFic songWriters, cleethorPes’s roD teMPerton...

Words: Tilly Wilkinson. Image: Lucy Sewill.

Was The King of Pop really Michael Jackson?

One man can take credit for two of his greatest songs, and he’s from Cleethorpes. Sadly passing away very recently at the age of 66, Rodney Temperton had been involved in music since a young age. This lead to an incredible career working with some of the greatest names in music.

“My father wasn’t the kind of person who’d read you a story before you went off to sleep; he put a transistor radio in the crib, right on the pillow, and I’d sleep listening to Radio Luxembourg and that had an influence.”

Rod Temperton attended De Aston Grammar School in Market Rasen and he made a group for school music competitions. He was a drummer at this time.

“I’d get in the living room with my snare drum and my cymbal and play along to the Test Card, which was all kinds of music they’d be playing continuously.”

On leaving school Rod started working for Ross Frozen Foods in Grimsby.

After deciding that music was what he wanted to do, Rod soon became a fulltime musician as a keyboard player, and played in several dance bands.

This took him to Worms in Germany.

In 1974 Rod answered an advert in Melody Maker placed by Johnnie Wilder and as a result became a member of the funk and disco band, Heatwave.

“He was the first British guy that I had ever met,” said Wilder. “He spoke funny but he had a good sense of humour and he was a friendly guy. Just after meeting him and then seeing him play I determined he was a good enough player and entertainer and I just knew he would fit in the group.”

The songs Boogie Nights and Always and Forever were million-sellers in the US. However, Rod’s life was far from glamorous. Alan Kirk, a Yorkshire musician from Jimmy James & the Vagabonds who toured with Heatwave says, “Always and Forever was written on a Wurlitzer piano next to a pile of pungent washing; sorry to disappoint the romantics.”

In 1978 Temperton decided to concentrate on writing and left Heatwave, though he continued to write for the band.

“You coulD see it at the toP oF the charts hoW it JuMPeD oFF the Page as ‘thriller’...”

His work attracted the attention of Quincy Jones, and in 1979, Rod was recruited to write Michael Jackson’s first solo album in four years; Off the Wall. Rod wrote three songs for it, including Rock with You which became a US No.1 single.

In the early 1980s Temperton left Germany and moved to Beverly Hills.

In 1982, he wrote three songs, including Thriller, which became the biggestselling album of all time.

“I wrote about 300 titles and came up with Midnight Man. The next morning I woke up and I just said this word.

Something in my head just said, this is the title. You could visualise it at the top of the Billboard charts. You could see the merchandising for this one word, how it jumped off the page as Thriller.”

Temperton wrote for other musicians too. His songs include Stomp! for The Brothers Johnson, George Benson’s Give Me the Night, and Baby, Come to Me for Patti Austin and James Ingram.

He was also nominated for a number of Oscars for his work in film.

On the 5th October this year, Temperton’s death at 66 was announced after what was described as a brief aggressive battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Kathy. The couple had homes in Los Angeles, the south of France, Fiji, Switzerland and Kent.

He was an unsung hero, the pop legend behind pop kings and queens, who deserves to be remembered for his incredible career and dedication to the music industry. n 49 49

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:28 Page 50

to view and purchase photographs from the event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

The Orthopaedic Ball In aid of the Butterfly Hospice Trust in Boston...

The Orthopaedic Ball was recently held at Boston’s Haven High School, raising money for the area’s Butterfly Hospice. Organised by a committee of four ladies, led by Samantha Goy, the event was attended by over 150 people, predominantly from Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital’s orthopaedic wards. It included a three course meal, fundraising activities and live music.

The hospice opened in 2014 on a site adjacent to Pilgrim Hospital. It provides 24 hour care for patients, improving the quality of life for both them and their families when they face a life limiting illness, providing choice, care & support.

■ For more information on the condition see www.butterflyhospice.com.

Feature your event in our magazine.

50

call 01529 469977 and speak to our events Desk...

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 51

Purchase photographs from this event online. visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

51

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 52

52

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 53

- christMas giFts -

GIFTS s a m t s i r h C

Celebrate the season and give your loved on a gift they’ll treasure courtesy of the county’s best independent retailers.

This month we’ve asked them to suggest thoughtful gifts for ladies, gents and younger members of the family too...

Compiled by: Tilly Wilkinson

Gifts: Vineyard Candles from Gates Nurseries, Fairfax & Favor handbag from Giles & Bella and earrings from Pandora Boston.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 54

- christMas giFts -

Handbag Fairfax & Favor Windsor handbag from Giles & Bella in Newark, £345, 01636 643733, www.gilesandbella.com.

Fine Art Fabien Perez, Black Phone II, Limited Edition of 195 from the Little Red Gallery, £1350, 01522 589134, www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk.

Face Mask Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask from Orchard Barn Integrative Health, £22.99, 01472 884834, www.orchardbarn.co.uk.

Bracelet Thomas Sabo Together Forever Sterling Silver Glam & Soul Collection from You & Beyond, £80, 01780 755996, www.youandbeyond.co.uk.

Soft Toys A selection of Christmas toys from LMS (Lincoln) Ltd, £call, 01522 810562, www.lmslincoln.co.uk.

Fine Art Picking Bluebells by Sherree Valentine Daines, Limited edition from Trent Galleries, £350, 01636 646426, www.trentgalleries.co.uk.

Home Décor Beautiful glass sea chimes from Gallery Tiles in Spalding, £call, 01406 424296, www.gallerytiles.com.

Scarf Land Rover Icon cashmere scarf from Duckworths Land Rover in Market Rasen, £95, 01673 842101, www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk.

Candles Vineyard Candles like Gin and Tonic, Sex on the Beach etc from Gates Garden Centre, £18.99, 01664 454309, www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

Glasses Beautiful set of four Martini cocktail glasses from Elizabeth & Stevens, £29.99, 01636 822000, www.elizabethandstevens.com.

Dressing Table Partney Painted Bedroom Range from Askews of Alford, £209, 01507 462936, www.askewsofalford.co.uk.

54

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 55

Stool Goat skin stool perfect for a country-styled room from Barefoot Living, part of Barefoot Retreats, £156, 01328 738100, www.barefootretreats.co.uk.

Lamp Worn silver plate teapot by John Bull & Co (1896 - 1938) from Aitch Interiors, £295, 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

Earrings Dazzling Droplet Earrings from Pandora in Boston, £70, 01205 364587, www.pandora.net.

GIFT VOUCHERS

There are some fantastic gift vouchers available in the county, and some exclusives for Lincolnshire Pride readers only...remember to mention us!

Gift Sets Dermalogica skin and body gift sets from Essential Well-being in Spalding, 01775 249425, www.essentialwell-being.co.uk.

Necklace Coeur de Lion necklace, matching bracelet and earrings available from Maudes in Boston, £89, 01205 367959, www.maudesthejewellers.co.uk.

Earrings Sapphire and Diamond set cluster earrings in 18ct white gold from James Usher, £2,550, 01522 527547, www.hl-brown.co.uk.

Pen Links of London rose ballpoint pen from Maudes the Jewellers in Boston, £65, 01205 367959, www.maudesthejewellers.co.uk.

Ring December Droplet Pandora ring from Pandora in Boston perfect for December birthdays, £40, 01205 364587, www.pandora.net.

John Ferrett Photography If you have a relative who adores their pet, the perfect gift for them would be a pet photography voucher. Pre-book a photography session to receive a £50 discount when you mention Lincolnshire Pride on any of John Ferrett’s printing packages.

01522 754274, www.jferrettphotography.com.

Evergreen Spa at Kenwick Park Choose from the wide range of pampering treatments and spa days available at Kenwick Park’s brand new spa facility in Louth, and give them as gift vouchers to loved ones instead of a physical gift. It’s a gift they will always remember and one you can ensure they will use and enjoy.

01507 353008, www.kenwick-park.co.uk/spa.

55

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 56

- christMas giFts -

Contemporary Art Sara Pope’s Lips 1 signed, limited edition print from Nigel Rhodes Fine Art, £300 framed, 01780 756667, www.nigelrhodesfineart.com.

Illuminated Letter full alphabet available, 40cm high, with replaceable LED bulbs, £21, 01775 724297, www.flowersnthings.co.uk.

John Deere Remote Controlled Tractor suitable for ages 18 months or older from Doubleday, £25.99, 0333 6000 670, www.doubledaygroup.co.uk.

all WraPPeD uP

christMas tiPs Prevent wrapping paper from unravelling with kitchen roll tubes.

Mug National Trust Mug sold at Belton House in Grantham, Dunwich Heath, £12, 01476 566116, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A rotary cutter cuts long straight or decorative edges on wrapping paper. Use it with a ruler to get quick, even cuts; swap out the blades to create decorative pinked and wavy edges.

Always use double-sided tape to hide nasty looking streaks of sticky tape.

Candle Peppermint stick red candle in a small jar from Askews of Alford, 01507 462936, www.askewsofalford.co.uk.

Colour code your wrapping: Assign each family member a different colour paper, and you won’t even need gift tags.

When wrapping soft items like scarves, cut a piece of cardboard to and place the garment on top before wrapping.

Festive Treats A wide selection of Crabtree & Evelyn Christmas gifts are sold at Oldrids & Downtown, 01205 361251, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Jewellery Anais lockets from £129.85 complete, charm sets from £29.95 from Faze Four, 01522 262556, www.mooreandscrupps.co.uk.

56

The secret to a beautifully wrapped box? Not using too much paper, which causes bulky, sloppy folds. Before trimming, wrap the paper around the box - the ends should overlap just a couple of inches.

Fine Art Charles Walter Simpson, 1885 - 1971, Wigeons in Winter, Oil on Board, £3750, 01780 756667, www.nigelrhodesfineart.com.

Watch Breitling Chronoliner Limited Edition from Andrew Michaels, £23,705, 01636 679638, www.andrewmichaels.co.uk.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 57

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 58

ing with Chr Brimm istmas Inspiration...

Gifts, Cards, Flowers, Coffee, Gossip...

“Join us as we celebrate 35 years of Spalding’s most amazing shop!”

2-3 Red Lion St, Spalding PE11 1SX 01775 724297

www.flowersnthings.co.uk

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 59

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:29 Page 60

FLOCKS Top of The

a brand new menu, fresh suppliers and new wine list combine to ensure it’s all change at newark brasserie the ram. thankfully, some things haven’t changed like the consistently excellent quality of its dining and the relaxed setting...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Chicken ballotine: Corn-fed breast of chicken stuffed with wild mushrooms, sage and truffle, with fondant potato and tarragon cream.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 61

- eating out -

meet the cheF JitKa caJova, heaD cheF at the raM, in neWarK on trent

The Ram is a real wolf in sheep’s clothing.

From the exterior the Newark bar and brasserie on Castlegate looks like a town centre pub.

Food Experience: “i’ve been in england for 11 years, and came across newark quite by accident. it’s a great town, very friendly. i love the ram we’ve a great team in the kitchen, all focused on providing the best quality food possible.”

Inside, though, it’s a different story, with a couple of smart dining rooms, a cosy bar and lounge, the quality of which belies its appearance as a mere town centre drinking establishment.

If you’ve not visited Newark lately, now is definitely an ideal opportunity. With Lincoln’s traffic system snarled up and Christmas just around the corner, Newark’s range of independent retailers include several really nice boutiques and gift shops, all providing the opportunity to shop for gifts that are individual and quirky, arguably more thoughtful than those sold at multinational retailers.

“the raM in neWarK is one recoMMenDation We’re haPPY to MaKe, With Dining Which Far exceeDs its brasserie ManDate...”

It’s a great little town, but if you’re spending an entire day enjoying its local shopping, you’ll soon work up a hunger. And so, you’ll appreciate this month’s Eating Out recommendation, The Ram. Our last visit in was a year ago, and since then, there’s been a fresh influx of talent in the form of new Head Chef Jitka Cajova, who has created new menus which sit comfortably between quality pub and smart restaurant dining.

The current building dates back to the 18th century and is Grade II listed, but fell into a state of disrepair until it was taken on >>

Food Wisdom: “You’ve got to put soul into food, create it with real passion and enthusiasm ‘good’ just isn’t good enough these days.”

Food Heaven: “i love sociable food - our sharing platters are really popular.”

Food Hell: “ordinarily, i’d have to say chips, but i love our aspen fries and sweet potato fries.”

61

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 62

>> by father and son team William and Dan Derry who invested heavily in everything from repairing the fabric of the building to installing a new commercial kitchen and the creation of a smart courtyard including a new wood fired pizza oven.

The front bar is as traditional as it gets, with reclaimed stripped pine pews, flagstones on the floor and a wood burner.

Meanwhile, there’s a comfortable sitting room with squashy sofas and both a main restaurant and a private dining room which,

oPen For business Weekday Dining: Monday to Friday 12noon to 3pm - 5pm - 9pm.

Saturday Dining: 10am - 4pm; 5pm - 9pm.

Sunday Dining: 10am - 4pm.

NB: Open for drinks from 11am - 11pm.

62

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 63

- eating out -

on the Menu Main Menu anD sPecials boarD

Appetiser & Starters Smoked chicken & ham hock terrine £7.00

Shredded duck pancakes with plum sauce £7.50.

Twice baked Lincolnshire goats cheese soufflé́ £7.50.

Main Courses

Chicken ballotine: corn fed chicken breast stuffed with wild mushrooms, sage & truffle, potato fondant and tarragon cream £15.50.

Herb crusted lemon sole fillets with poached mussels & prawns, sautéed potatoes, lemon dill emulsion £16.50.

together, provide a total of 50 covers. They’re more formal, with damask wallcoverings, giltframed mirrors and smart soft furnishings.

Those enjoying The Ram’s à la carte menu can opt to dine in a less formal bar area or in the lounge, or in the restaurant according to their preference.

When they do, there’s a choice of 11 appetisers and starters, three sharing boards, 10 more ‘gastropub’ main courses, plus additional grill and ‘gourmet’ burger options.

Further dining options include six pizzas, cooked in the outdoor pizza oven during the warmer months. For lighter lunches, there’s nine sandwiches too, and an Early Bird option, with two courses for £13.95.

With everything from lobster arancini or a Moroccan tagine to fish & chips or sausage casserole on the menu, The Ram provides compelling dining options no matter what level of formality diners are seeking.

The commonality across all dishes, though, is that all of The Ram’s food is prepared freshly in house by a team of seven in the kitchen. Local suppliers are used where possible, providing fruit & veg, meat, fish and various items are sourced from the town’s market including the table flowers.

The Ram also has a decent selection of real ales, including those sourced from Newark Brewery - Dan’s other business - including ales designed and brewed by the publican himself.

With a function room to the first floor, a decent provision of Sunday Lunch with a dedicated menu, plus a new wine list due to launch alongside fresh autumn menus, The Ram is a recommendation we’re happy to make, for dining of a quality which far exceeds its brasserie mandate. Like the town itself, The Ram is the perfect place for a spot of lunch amid all that Christmas shopping!

Lobster arancini with poached salsify, lobster emulsion, shaved parmesan & watercress £15.50.

The Ram Burger: 8oz prime minced beef, smoked bacon, Poacher cheese, bloody mary mayonnaise, brioche bun and triple cooked chips £10.95.

Pizza

The Ram Meat Feast: prosciutto crudo, anise salami, air dried bacon, pepperoni, sweet chilli tomato sauce £12.50.

Desserts

Pear, blackberry and apple crumble £6.00.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n The Ram Bar & Brasserie, Castle Gate, Newark NG24 1AZ. Tel: 01636 940220, www.theramnewark.com 63

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 64

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 65

65

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 66

LIGHT THE GREEN

the lincoln hotel’s green room restaurant has always had an element of fine dining, with neat presentation and a smart dining room. but plans are currently underway to ensure it can provide dining that’s even more upmarket, says head chef Dale gill...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Main Picture: Pan fried sea bass with tempura vegetables and sautèed potatoes with spinach velouté.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 67

- eating out -

meet the cheF Dale gill, heaD cheF at the lincoln hotel

The Lincoln Hotel’s modernist appearance is architecturally striking next to the Cathedral, but equally smart is the quality of its flagship Green Room restaurant.

“The Green Room has always been our fine dining oriented restaurant, and we’ve always been proud to create dishes which are well-presented, creative but fundamentally, delicious.”

New for 2017 though, Head Chef Dale Gill and his team will open a relaunched restaurant in place of the existing cellar-based Bar 67.

Previously a live entertainment venue, it will offer casual dining - venison burgers, sharing platters and mezzé - which will enable the existing restaurant, to take quality to a whole new level...

The hotel celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, opening in 1966 in response to a demand for more accommodation in

“it’s a Wise Diner Who escheWs the Pubs anD bistros oF bailgate anD chooses insteaD to Dine at the lincoln hotel...”

Lincoln during the late 1960s on the back of the original ‘cool Britannia.’ Rather than fight against its architecture, a makeover last year has seen lots of retro decor incorporated which is a refreshing change both from the historic architecture of Lincoln, and the traditional appearance of many pubs and restaurants across the county.

It’s a wise diner who eschews the pubs and bistros of Bailgate and chooses instead to dine at The Lincoln Hotel instead. The Green Room restaurant has always had an element of fine dining with neat presentation and a smart dining room. When Bar 67 launches as Pride goes to press, the >>

“as bar 67 launches though, we’ve been able to explore a different style, with ‘gourmet’ burgers like beef, but also venison, for example.” “social dining is at the heart of our new creation.

We want friends and family to come together somewhere really smart, so we’ll also be providing sharing boards, mezzé and other really ‘sociable’ dishes too!

We are proud to have a aa rosette”

67

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 68

>> restaurant will be able to push its provision of food even more upmarket, but for now, we’re impressed with the bright, colourful, food and the equally effervescent flavours within its dishes.

Green Room dining takes place seven days a week, and earlier in 2016, the restaurant decided to open for lunchtime service as well as evening dining. There’s also a dedicated Sunday lunch menu. At other times, diners can eat in the hotel’s lounge, via a dedicated lounge menu.

oPen For business Lunch Seven days a week, 12 noon to 3pm.

Dinner Seven days a week, 6pm - 10pm.

Sunday 12 noon to 3pm.

68

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 69

- eating out -

on the Menu FroM the green rooM’s Dinner Menu

Starters

Pressed Norfolk ham hock terrine with pease pudding, pickled shallots and homemade bread £5.00.

Atlantic sea black pearl scallops with black pudding mash and wilted Boston leeks £6.00.

Main Courses

Seared Gressingham duck breast with Parmentier potatoes, baby vegetables, cherries and spring onion £12.00.

There are separate à la carte menus in The Green Room for lunchtime and evening diners. The former provides three starters, four main courses and four desserts, as well as a provision of afternoon tea.

During this service, two courses cost just £14 and three course dining is just £17.

Evening dining in the 30 seater restaurant provides seven starters, seven main courses and six desserts. Local suppliers across the hotel include Fosters Butchers on Monk’s Road, Peterborough Game, M&J Seafood, delivering fresh fish from Grimsby Dock each morning, and Pilgrim Foods, providing fresh veg grown in the fields of Boston and the Lincolnshire fens.

As Pride goes to press, the big news is the impending replacement of Bar 67, but with the festive season now upon us, a few places are still available for the hotel’s New Year’s Eve black tie ball. This includes four courses and coffee for £89/person, plus champagne

on arrival and live entertainment in the form of a soul band. Equally, if you’re nursing a sore head following celebrations the night before, why not enjoy The Lincoln Hotel’s three course New Year’s Day lunch, with three courses for just £25.

Even the hotel’s Valentine’s Day dining and accommodation package - three courses with a bottle of Prosecco for £165 - is filling up quickly.

2017 is set to be an exciting one in the life of the hotel, with rebranding and a new website in the offing, plus a large programme of refurbishment currently underway, which will focus on the hotel’s bedrooms.

This month, then, gives the green light to some real changes, not least in the Green Room.

The hotel’s fine dining oriented restaurant is already one of Lincoln’s best dining rooms, and these changes should afford Dale and his brigade of nine chefs the chance to improve quality even more.

Pan seared seabass with tempura vegetables, potato gnocci and sweet chilli jus £14.00.

Fosters hand-cut rib-eye steak, flat mushroom, chunky chips and choice of sauce £18.00.

Desserts

Chocolate and hazelnut tart with candied orange syrup, and mint chocolate ice cream £6.00.

Sweet basil panna cotta with mango sorbet and shortbread £5.00.

Sloe gin and wild berry jelly with lime mascarpone and charred lemon £6.00.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n The Lincoln Hotel, Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1PN. 01522 520348, www.thelincolnhotel.com 69

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 70

70

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:30 Page 71

71

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 72

CHRISTMAS MADE EASY This month we’ve a cheat’s guide to the perfect Christmas lunch with dishes that, as far as possible, can be prepared in advance to ensure you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the family...

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 73

- christMas FooD -

“Our two starter suggestions can be prepared in advance; serve our Potted Stilton starter cold, or reheat our soufflés gently for ten minutes whilst the turkey rests... Our suggested dessert can be made in advance too, and is a lighter alternative to Christmas pudding...”

TWO SIMPLE STARTERS:

COOK LIKE A PRO:

POTTED STILTON

TRADITIONAL TURKEY

ingreDients

ingreDients

(Per raMeKin) 200g stilton cheese, 140g butter, 2 teasPoons oF sherrY, PePPercorns

This easy starter can and should be prepared in advance, ready to reveal and serve in just a minute or two. Mash together the Stilton, most of the butter, and the sherry, then spoon into individual ramekins, pressing the mixture down. Spoon over the remaining butter and refrigerate for at least three hours so it ‘seals’ the tops.

AN EASY SOUFFLÉ ingreDients (MaKes Four) 100g cheese (Poacher cheese or stilton WorKs Well), 15g MustarD, 5 egg Whites, 2 egg YolKs, 250ml MilK, 50g Flour 50g butter

Soufflés needn’t be terrifying. By ‘twice baking’ them, you can make them in advance and simply reheat them in advance of serving. Melt the butter and flour in a pan, then add the mustard, milk and cheese.

Leave to cool. Whisk in the egg yolks, then whisk the whites and fold in. Place in ramekins, bake in a bain marie for 45 mins on a medium heat. Reheat before serving.

(serves eight) 4kg-6kg turKeY, a couPle oF baY leaves, a leMon, an onion, 500g stuFFing (oPt) butter, Fresh thYMe

Paying a little more when choosing your turkey will really yield dividends over supermarket birds, with better welfare conditions resulting in a healthier bird and a better textured meat. Opt for a butterfly or crown if you find carving difficult.

As a guide, an 8lb turkey will serve five, an 11lb turkey will serve eight and a 14lb turkey will serve 12.

Source your turkey from a farm, farm shop or at least your local butcher. If frozen, allow eight hours to defrost in the fridge, two hours at room temperature.

Once thawed it’ll keep for two days, but cooked turkeys should be kept for no longer than fours days. Cook from room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 180°c, 350°f, gas mark 4. Ensure giblets are removed, tear up the bay leaves. Stuff neck cavity with the stuffing and brush the turkey skin with melted butter, then scatter over some fresh thyme.

A small amount of water in the bottom of the roasting tin will create steam, helping to keep your turkey moist as it cooks.

Roast on a medium heat under foil, basting two or three times during roasting. Budget around half an hour per kilo, and rest for 30 minutes under foil before carving.

Test to see if the bird is cooked by skewering it; the juices should run clear with no traces of pink meat. If you see any traces of undercooking an additional 15 minutes in the oven should prove sufficient.

To carve, place the turkey securely on a wooden board with a teatowel underneath and, having invested in a quality carving knife, remove the legs from the carcass.

Split the drumstick from the thigh, and make a horizontal cut under the breast then slice the meat, across it - working along the grain of the meat. >>

“a sMall aMount oF Water in the bottoM oF Your roasting tin Will create steaM, helPing to KeeP Your turKeY Moist as it cooKs...”

Stuffing: Make a basic stuffing by sweating an onion in a pan, with a tablespoon of rapeseed oil, then mixing together a tablespoon of chopped fresh sage and 80g of fresh white breadcrumbs. Add enough egg to bind the mixture then flavour with lemon juice, pancetta, cranberry or chestnuts. Roll into balls and cook on a medium heat (180°c, gas four) for around 30mins.

73

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 74

- christMas FooD -

>>

PERFECT ROASTIES roast Potatoes (PreFerablY Maris PiPer), goose or DucK Fat, FlaKeD or coarse sea salt, grounD PePPer

Really good roasties necessitate being parboiled in salted water for around half an hour before being roasted in goose fat. to spent more time with family on christmas day, prepare your potatoes in advance and store in salted water, putting them on to boil a few hours before lunch. once boiled, test with a table knife, which should penetrate just the outer surface. add most of the fat to a large baking dish and heat at your oven’s maximum temperature with three cloves of garlic. Drain the potatoes into a colander, then invert them a few times to bash up the outsides. tip the roughed up potatoes into the baking dish, and brush with the remaining fat, seasoning well. roast for an hour and half. turn and re-season during baking.

SPROUTS & PANCETTA brussels sProuts, on the stalK, raPeseeD oil, PacK oF Pancetta

Brussels sprouts are a bit of a cinderella vegetable, but with some tlc, they’ll prove popular. the sour taste comes from overcooking, but cook them well and they’ll remain sweet. trim the bases of your sprouts and blanch in salted boiling water for just two minutes. Fry some pancetta in rapeseed oil and toss in some butter, then add the sprouts. Warm for two minutes and store in a warmed serving dish. this side dish can be prepared a day or two before and simply fried just before serving.

GINGER CARROTS carrots, butter, clear honeY, ginger, PeeleD anD grateD, one orange

Sweeten up your carrots by simmering them for

10 minutes, then rolling in grated ginger, the zest of an orange and honey before baking for half an hour. this method allows you to prepare your carrots in advance ready for a final cooking on christmas morning. n

74

MAKE IT IN ADVANCE:

YULE LOG ingreDients (serves 12) 6 large eggs (seParateD), 150g caster sugar, 50g cocoa PoWDer, 1 tsP vanilla extract, Five tsP teasPoons icing sugar For Dusting, 175g QualitY chocolate, 250g icing sugar, 225g butter vanilla extract

Christmas pudding is so heavy after a large meal, so we suggest an alternative in the form of this Christmas yule log which is a doddle and can, of course, be made in advance. Preheat the oven to 180°c, gas4.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then add a third of the caster sugar.

Set aside and in another bowl whisk together the egg yolks, remaining caster sugar, then add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Fold a couple of spoons of egg white into the yolk mixture to loosen, then add the remaining egg whites, trying to avoid losing the air within them.

Line a swiss roll tin with baking paper, leaving overhangs to enable you to roll it.

Pour in the mixture and bake for

20 minutes, then allow it to cool. Transfer it to a second piece of greaseproof paper sprinkled with icing sugar, which will prevent sticking.

Make the icing by melting the chocolate over a bain marie. Whizz the icing sugar in a bowl and add the butter, then add some melted chocolate to make a smooth mixture.

Neaten up the edges of the cake by trimming it off, smooth the icing mixture over the cake with a palette knife ensuring you reach the very edges.

Roll it tightly and use any trimmed remnants to add ‘branches’ as texture.

Dust with icing sugar for a ‘snowy’ effect and serve with ice cream or whipped cream. n

“PrePare as Much oF Your christMas lunch in aDvance to ensure that You sPenD More tiMe With FaMilY on the DaY...”

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 75

We hope you have a very

Merry Christmas!

Celebrate the Festive Season with The Queen’s Head - fresh ingredients, wonderful food and a warm welcome!

Located on the A17, Kirkby La Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NU

Call 01529 305743 www.thequeensheadinn.com

The Queen’s Head Q U A L I T Y P U B R E S TA U R A N T

75

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 76

TRADITIONAL

PANETTONE

with Raisins & Sultanas For the panettone: 75ml Dark rum 75g Raisins 75g Sultanas 550 - 620g Strong white bread flour 175g Butter 1tsp Salt 65g Caster Sugar 1/2 tsp Freshly ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp Vanilla essence 10.5g Fast action dried yeast Zest of one lemon Zest of one orange 2 Medium eggs 2 Egg yolks 175ml Milk 150g Candied orange and lemon peel For the topping: 30g Blanched chopped almonds 1tbsp Caster sugar 1tbsp Egg whites 1tbsp Icing sugar

Panettone is a type of sweet bread loaf originally from Milan in Italy. The word panettone derives from the Italian word panetto, which means a small loaf cake. The added part one changes the meaning to simply large cake.

It’s quite a tricky recipe, but if mastered, you can impress guests at Christmas and enjoy a delicious traditional treat with a mug of hot cocoa.

First of all, grease a 17cm round spring release panettone or just ordinary cake tin and line the base and sides with a sheet of baking paper that sits five inches above the rim. Place the rum, raisins and sultanas in a bowl and leave for around two to three hours.

Sift the flour into a mixer with a bread hook and add the butter and salt. Mix on a medium speed for around two minutes until combined. Add the sugar, nutmeg, vanilla, yeast, orange and lemon zest, eggs and milk and blend on a fast speed for

76

two minutes until a soft dough has formed. Knead in the bowl for a further two minutes.

Remove the bowl and cover with cling film. Leave it for two to three hours until the dough has at least doubled in size.

Replace the bowl onto the mixer and kneed on a fast speed for two minutes, to knock the dough back down. Add the sultanas and raisins and kneed for a further two minutes. Lightly flour a cold surface and knead with your hands for two to three minutes to make sure all of the fruit is combined with the dough. Work the dough into a ball and place into the cake tin.

Lightly cover with cling film and leave to rise for a further one hour until the dough has risen to just slightly above the tin.

In a bowl combine the almonds, icing sugar, egg whites and caster sugar. Using a pastry brush, gently brush over the top of the risen dough.

Bake in a 200Âşc oven for 15 minutes before turning down the temperature to 180Âşc and baking for a further 40 minutes.

Leave the panettone to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tin and cooling completely. To serve, wrap in parchment or baking paper for decoration and generously top with icing sugar. To eat, place the panettone upright on a cutting board and cut it with a serrated knife, as you would slices of a round layer cake. Alternatively, turn the panettone loaf on its side and slice half inch rounds.

Toast the rounds in the toaster and place on serving plates. Place individual cake slices on cake plates and enjoy! You can enjoy sweet and savoury panettone too. Start with this traditional panettone recipe, and you could perhaps progress to a delicious panettone bread pudding or panettone panzanella with pancetta and brussel sprouts. The combinations for this delicious seasonal dish are endless. n

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 77

- reciPes -

Recipes: Steven Bennett, The Lincolnshire Chef.

Styling: Charlotte Hay, The Creative Larder.

77

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 78

78

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 79

Give the Gift of Lincolnshire With bespoke hampers from Abbey Parks Farm Shop...

Lincolnshire has a superb array of speciality food, best enjoyed over the festive season. Now though, you can also give ex-pats, loved ones or that ‘difficult person to buy for’ a treat, with a Christmas hamper full of the best Lincolnshire food.

The farm shop can produce gift and speciality food hampers with speciality cheeses, meats, pâté, olive, jams,

chutneys, sauces and biscuits from £15-£50, either for collection, or delivery anywhere in the UK (at just £7.95 extra).

Hampers can include Lincolnshire produce like Dambuster cheese, Batemans ale, local plum loaf, Grantham gingerbread and Pipers Crisps.

“Customers can choose from wicker or wooden hampers, and they can even be branded with your company name and given as corporate gifts.”

“You can choose your own produce or we can design one to your budget,” says Abbey Parks’s Sophie Loweth.

“We offer a totally bespoke service aimed at creating a thoughtful gift of local produce that everyone will enjoy over the season.”

■ Abbey Parks Farm Shop’s bespoke hampers are available by calling 01205 821610 or by visiting the farm, located on A17 at East Heckington, between Boston and Sleaford.

See www.abbeyparks.co.uk for more information.

79

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 80

Winter Warmers...

looKing For a cosY little Pub restaurant With a roaring Fire anD a Menu Full oF coMFort FooD? here are our suggestions FroM restaurants in the area For Delicious ProPer Pub grub...

COMFORT DEFINED

Cheese on toast is the definition of comfort food, and the best in the county is as Pimento Tearooms along Steep Hill. The vegetarian restaurant includes chilli and mango chutney in their cheese and toast, 01522 544880.

n The Inn at Woodhall Spa serves hearty pub grub food like burgers in a Brioche bun with Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, relish, pancetta and gherkins.

But we opted for the steak.

n The Generous Briton in brant broughton offers a popular king of comfort eating; the fishcake. this is a real winter warmer and we gladly visited the pub restaurant last month to sample their menu welcomed by a roaring fire, a few starters, mains and desserts. their menu is full of heartwarming pub grub.

01400 272119, www.thegenerous briton.co.uk 80

An 8oz 30 day dry aged Ribeye steak to be exact served with fries, mushroom roasted vine tomatoes, ‘slaw and onion rings too at just £19.95.

01526 353231, www.theinnatwoodhallspa.co.uk.

n THE CROWN HOTEL Slow cooked braised Lincoln Red beef with honey glazed carrots and parsnip crisps with creamy mashed potatoes; a proper English comfort dish.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:31 Page 81

- saMPle Dishes -

presented beautifully

The Red Lion in Caythorpe offer a delicious apple and chorizo stuffed belly pork with sweet onion jus. This is a very beautiful winter warmer in our books.

01400 272632, www.redlioncaythorpe.org.uk

THE WHOLE HOG

The Brownlow Arms can’t fit the bill better with a roaring fire and cosy armchairs. They served a roasted pork tenderloin with sautéed apples and black pudding.

01400 250234, www.thebrownlowarms.com.

The Petwood Hotel and restaurant in Woodhall Spa never fails the disappoint. They offer more refined dining, but this supreme of chicken with rösti potato and leek is a delicious winter warmer to us.

01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk.

01780 763136, www.kneadpubs.co.uk

n Featured dishes are representative examples of our featured chefs’ skills... the menus of our featured restaurants change frequently so dishes are subject to availability. Check each restaurant’s website prior to your visit for an up-to-date menu.

81

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:32 Page 82

Ho Ho Ho: Gates Garden Centre’s 360 seat restaurant was created in November 2014, and goes well beyond the remit of garden centre coffee shop. This turkey and cranberry panini is just one of the restaurant’s festive offerings.

s a m t s i r h C

PRESENCE The 360 seat Garden Restaurant at Gates Garden Centre goes well beyond the remit of ‘coffee shop’. It’s a quality restaurant offering brunch, lunch and a host of festive dishes to make Christmas shopping a little more tolerable. Quite simply, the Centre is a retailer unlike any other, and one that we can very much recommend in the run up to Christmas!

82

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:32 Page 83

- eating out -

A magical transformation occurs each November. The normally sedentary Mrs Davis eschews her traditional position, prostrate on the sofa, and becomes emboldened with a sense of energy and festive productivity. I’m by no means lazy in the domestic sphere but Christmas preparations are a job I’m happy to leave entirely to her - she is utterly enthusiastic for the season, whereas I’m a grinch in comparison.

Christmas shopping is a dire task, with chilly High Streets, dated pop music played on loop, and gift wrapping - a task I abhor above all others. I would, I’m certain, be more enthusiastic if I could park up without hassle, shop from one place, remain in the warm, and be able to break up the festive shopping with food, drink and a sit down.

And lo! Behold a Christmas miracle, as Cold Overton’s Gates Garden Centre solves every problem I have with Christmas shopping.

It’s indoors; in the warm. There’s plenty of parking. It’s just a short walk to the car to offload presents. What’s more, the Centre’s giftware department has proper, lovely, original gifts, for absolutely anyone, in your life.

The place also has 14,000 square feet of Christmas decorations, which, in addition to providing you with all you need to create a lovely looking tree, using one of 12 different themed areas, means I can also leave an excited wife to purchase this year’s decorations, whilst I enjoy at least a couple of hours, on my own, in peace, with a couple of items from the restaurant’s Christmas menus.

decorations

Designer gates garDen centre’s 14,000sQ Ft christMas DePartMent noW oPen If you’ve yet to experience the christmas decorations department at gates garden centre, please don’t miss out!

Gates Garden Centre has been owned by the family for three generations. Kathy and Nigel Gates have built up the centre and definitely outgrew their last coffee shop.

In November 2014 they opened a new 360 seat restaurant in a dedicated extension.

Whilst there’s provision for homemade cakes, sandwiches and paninis, the Garden Restaurant, as it’s known, is by no means just a coffee shop. Eight of the menu’s ‘favourites’ are pub restaurant inspired dishes, from fish & chips to sausages & mash to a ‘gourmet’ burger and so on. >>

having opened as the last Pride went to press, it offers 14,000sq ft of baubles, tinsel, lights and decorations. taking 12 people 1,620 man hours to set up, the department is arranged with 12 different themes from neon to highland to scandi to victorian, so you can choose your favourite tree, then find everything you need to create that look nearby.

Top: The restaurant’s roast dinners are good value at £9.95, with festive turkey dinners on Sundays throughout December.

Above: Smoked salmon salad.

83

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:32 Page 84

- eating out -

>> On Sundays, there’s a very popular provision of roasts, usually with a choice of pork and beef for a reasonable £9.95/head.

That makes the restaurant ideal for a spur of the moment lunch and a trip out to blow the cobwebs away on a cold winter afternoon.

In the run up to Christmas though, turkey dinners on Sundays throughout December enable you to fulfil your Christmas shopping obligations whilst also enjoying a roast dinner, in the warm, with no car parking hassles.

Other festive specials include the Christmas themed turkey and cranberry panini featured on our opening spread, and a very good provision of brunch served until 11am which will, I promise you, incentivise (bribe) any gentleman to accompany you and join in with festive preparations.

The restaurant’s afternoon tea is also popular, both as a way of spending time with friends in the run up to the season, or as a gift for a friend by way of a gift voucher.

In December, mince pies and other festive variations will give the restaurant’s tiered treat a Christmas twist, and if you like your festive season bubbly, you can also add a Prosecco and toast the season with friends.

oPen For business Garden Centre Open: 8.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Sunday.

The Garden Restaurant: 9.00am to 4.30pm.

Late Night Shopping: Wednesdays (7th, 14th, 21st) in December, until 8.30pm.

84

There’s a huge surge in the number of diners in autumn and winter, with the massive Christmas decoration displays open from 1st October, and the Centre’s reputation for offering excellent Christmas shopping.

And yet, despite the volume of customers, and the necessary presence of over 40 staff in the restaurant alone, organisation is excellent and quality is kept high. Local ingredients include meat from Nelson’s Butchers, locally laid eggs, bread from Hambleton Bakery, and local fruit and veg. With log burners, plaid sofas and Lloyd Loom style chairs & oak tables, The Garden Restaurant is a really nice environment, with good quality food, good service and a robust menu of proper winter comfort food.

If you’ve not visited Gates Garden Centre’s Christmas decoration displays, please do take this as a recommendation, as they’re a real sight to behold. Otherwise, take the hassle out of Christmas shopping and enjoy a trip to what is comfortably one of Rutland’s best retailers. It’s a pretty great place at any time of year, but Christmas is when Gates really does come into its own!

“there’s a huge surge in the nuMber oF Diners in autuMn anD Winter, With the Massive christMas Decoration DisPlaYs oPen noW...”

Above: The Centre’s gift departments and 14,000sq ft of decorations take the hassle out of Christmas shopping. It’s all under cover and there’s plenty of free, easy parking!

The 360 seat restaurant and all day brunch.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:32 Page 85

Festive: Afternoon teas will be given a festive twist in the run up to Christmas. They’re a post-shopping treat and they can be purchased for friends or family by way of gift vouchers, too.

on the Menu FroM the garDen restaurant’s DaYtiMe Menu Afternoon Tea for Two

Tea, finger sandwiches, cakes, two fruit and two plain scones, clotted cream and Brambles preserves £19.95.

Lunch Menu

Gates ‘Big Burger,’ home-made, glazed with mature cheddar cheese, in a bun with mayonnaise, salad, onion rings and chunky chips £8.95.

Trio of traditional Nelson’s Lincolnshire sausages with creamy mash, onion gravy and vegetables £8.50.

Crispy beer battered fish and chips £8.95.

Ploughman’s; home-cooked ham, Stilton, cheddar, local pork pie, salad, coleslaw and crusty bread £8.95.

Festive panini with turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing, with crisps and salad £6.95.

Sunday Roast

Turkey, beef and pork available throughout December £9.95.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change. n Gates Garden Centre is based on Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham, LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk 85

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:32 Page 86

CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON...

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON SPECIALS Menus from £14.95 for 2 courses, £16.95 for 3 courses.

Available 28th Nov – 23rd Dec (excluding Sundays)

NEW YEARS EVE 2016 7 course dinner, disco and live band, £85.00 per person 7.30pm for 8pm, carriages at 1am BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

SUNDAY LUNCHES £22.95 for 3 courses in restaurant only.

Bar meals also available.

86

OPEN TO NON RESIDENTS Lunch Monday to Saturday 12 noon – 2.30pm, Dinner 6pm – 9.30pm. Food served all day Sunday, last orders 7.45pm

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 87

An Eastern Twist on Single Malt Whisky...

Wine of the Month

Think of whisky, and only scotland and ireland will enter your head, but with burn’s night just around the corner, this is an interesting twist on a favourite winter tipple.

Three Gardens SMG, Langmeil Estate, Australia, £16.95, 14.5% ABV “At this time of year. people ask me to recommend a knockout red that’s quite strong, and delivers a good night’s sleep.”

Made in goa, in south-west india, Paul John (pictured right) has created seven different single malts. this classic select cask variant is akin to a highland single malt, with fruity, malty aromas and an oaky, honey flavour. at 55.2% it also packs rather a punch! rrP £59.95.

The Wine Cellar hoWever You’re celebrating the season, harish can recoMMenD soMe christMas cracKers to Pair With Your turKeY or to enJoY bY the FiresiDe... Words: Harish Khanderia.

TALKING TURKEY: three Wines that Pair verY Well With Your Festive birD...

1. This Chablis pairs well with turkey, having spicy notes with flint and citrus fruit aromas on the nose, followed by a subtle palate showing beautiful minerality and notes of lemon, £26.95.

2. For a fizzy option over Christmas lunch, Dopff is from Alsace and is deliciously dry, showing hints of quince and white flowers, fine bubbles with good length and weight, £19.45.

3. Alternatively, you might want a lightweight red with your turkey - if so, this Loire valley Sancerre is 100% Pinot Noir, medium bodied, silky on the palette with red berry fruit, £23.50

Established in 1843, Langmeil is one of the Barossa’s great modern success stories, and this classic blend of Shiraz, Mouvèdre and Grenache shows lifted aromas of black cherry and blueberry with hints of mocha, spice and white pepper.

The palate has luscious fruit contained within a refreshing, mediumbodied style. n

combination a FruitFul

“Warm up your winter and celebrate the season by adding a fruity twist to your fizz. sweet at first taste, before the irresistibly sharp after-kick, british cassis is the perfect aperitif served straight, over ice, twists beautifully into fizzing champagne or Prosecco and is decadent in cocktails.” n White Heron British Cassis, £19.75, 75cl.

Champagne Moutard NV Grand Cuvée, £34.49, 50cl. n Our featured wines are available from Lincolnshire’s best independent wine merchants, prices RRP and may vary from those stated.

87

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 88

88

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 89

Quality Appliances

and the best customer service...

73

66

45

Washing Machines and Tumble Driers

Kettles, plus 40 Toasters, 30 Mixers & Blenders

Bagged & Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

118

40

100

Fridges, Freezers and Chest Freezers

Cookers plus ranges, built-in ovens & hobs

Ceiling, Wall, and Table Lights

All items on display in our showroom ready for immediate delivery. Ample free parking.

Norfolk St., Boston PE21 9HG 01205 350 737 www.bostonelectrics.co.uk Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 4pm

We Deliver • We Install • We Demonstrate • We Take Away Your Old Appliance We also Provide Servicing, Spares and Repairs for your Existing Appliances...

89

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 90

The Family PROJECT - lincolnshire hoMes -

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

90

The Hall family have enjoyed living at Cliff House in Walesby since 1988, creating a stunning country home from what was once an unloved house in need of a family.

The story about how the property was acquired by the Halls is incredible...

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 91

cliFF house, WalesbY Destiny. That’s what Chris Hall believes brought him to Cliff House in Walesby, and you’d find it hard to disagree.

Chris, his wife Lynne and their two children were living in Ludborough, just north of Louth, before they came to Walesby.

“My wife and I love a property project,” says Chris. “Our home in Ludborough was a property we had renovated, but after living there for a while, we wanted a fresh challenge.”

In 1988 the couple started looking for places in the area to renovate and discovered a cottage in Tealby that ticked most boxes.

“No one was living there so we asked the neighbour about it. The cottage was due to be demolished, and the owner lived in Cliff House in Walesby. We went to visit, and fell in love with the house the owner occupied.”

“DestinY. that’s What chris believes brought hiM to cliFF house in WalesbY, anD You WoulDn’t Disagree...”

Above: The home is in a perfect countryside location, with nothing to spoil the family’s beautiful rural view.

“The old lady who owned the two properties was sadly quite ill with her husband in care.

She told us that Cliff House would suit us better. Soon after our visit she joined her husband in a care home and the letter that I subsequently wrote to her expressing our interest was later found unopened.”

Shortly after, Cliff House became available at auction, and Chris arrived fashionably late, making everyone turn their heads to look, just as the auctioneer had finished describing Lot Number 3; Cliff House in Walesby.

Location: Market Rasen three miles, Caistor seven miles, Louth, Lincoln & Grimsby 14 miles.

Style: A rural family home that has been lovingly restored.

Bedrooms: Six bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shower room.

Receptions: Four arranged as living, study, day room and dining room.

Other Features: A summer house, conservatory, almost five acres of land, two-car garage with gym over and workshop, stables and a sand arena.

Price: £750,000.

“After the auction, I walked to a nearby phone box to tell Lynne I’d bought the house.

I told her that I think we’re celebrating.”

The first year was spent clearing up and having bonfires whilst still living at Ludborough, and then later in a caravan in the garden. The family spent two Christmases here before the home was habitable.

91

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 92

“Life progressed while we were in the caravan, and it was by no means as unpleasant as we had imagined, and a warm and dry retreat after long day spent working. The girls both got their first ponies, and having the facilities on hand was very convenient, especially on frosty mornings when they would muck out in pyjamas and wellies before school.”

The couple fitted new doors, windows, floors, ceilings, plastering, electrics, plumbing; just about everything other than the slate roof which was in good order. Also one of the things that attracted them to the house, is that it was on mains gas.

“The home itself was built in 1939 around the time when the Second World War broke out, so the men who were working on it, would’ve been waiting for their call-up papers.”

“We’re the third owners, the previous two being farming families.

For our part, we filled it with children and friends, and definitely made full use of our beautiful country home.”

“We wanted to keep as many traditional features as possible; so instead of throwing the skirting boards and architraves away, we took them off, renovated them and refitted them. More expensive, but more important. We wanted to make the home true to

“the hoMe itselF Was built in 1939 arounD the tiMe When WWii broKe out, so the Men Who Were WorKing on it, coulD’ve been Waiting For their call-uP PaPers...”

92

character. The servant bells have been left, the back staircase once used by living help has been left too, even though you could question its use nowadays. Even the well and the pump have been left in. Also the clock above the garage had a former life at Cleethorpes railway station.”

Above: The living room with large windows looking onto the gardens.

Chris is interested in his motorbike, cars and his tractor, and he and Lynne spend lots of time in the garden and allotment, and with their few sheep and chickens.

The beautiful summer house was actually the 60s swimming pool changing room from former RAF Binbrook, but now beautifully converted to a quiet retreat or garden office.

Accuracy in renovation is very important to the couple, and that is clear in the finished product.

“But the time has come to pass our home onto another family who will love it just as much as we did, as we travel south to live closer to our daughters now in their 30s with children of their own. The house has always been an important part of our lives and theirs, but family is the most important, and we realise we need to pass on what we’ve enjoyed for so many years to another loving family.”

Right: The home has excellent equestrian facilities with riding arena, stables, workshop and storage loft, a tack room and paddocks, once used by the family’s daughter’s ponies and horses.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 93

- lincolnshire hoMes -

“in recent Years the surrounDing FielDs have been turneD over to graZing Deer, Which are Fascinating to Watch, anD are alWaYs a WoW to our visitors...�

Left: The beautiful gardens and garden shed, once RAF changing rooms!

Below: The dining room and main bedroom to the property.

Above: The kitchen leads to the loggia and it has original hardwood floors.

n Cliff House in Walesby is currently on the market with Mount & Minster. Please visit www.mountandminster.co.uk or call their team on 01522 716204 for more information.

93

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 94

94

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 15:39 Page 95

01636 593 910

www.cooksandcompany.co.uk Brunel Drive, Newark NG24 2FB Monday to Saturday – 9am to 5pm

The Best of British Discover our large selection of vintage, retro & modern products for your home, for your garden or to give as a Christmas gift...

E+S xxx

ELIZABETH & STEVENS The Showrooms, Great North Road, Markham Moor, Notts DN22 0QU

Tel: 01636 822000 | www.elizabethandstevens.com

Open daily Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Just off the A1.

Free parking. Please call us if you are making a special journey.

95

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 96

96

MILL No Run of the - lincolnshire hoMes -

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

96

This month’s home is no ordinary run-of-the-mill property. Greatford Mill near Stamford offers half an acre of beautifully designed grounds and equally stunning interiors.

The current owners have gone above and beyond to update it...

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:33 Page 97

greatForD Mill, staMForD Stamford’s beautiful Georgian architecture is visible in almost every building as you drive down the high street, under the George of Stamford’s sign and around the 17 churches the town is home to.

One of the finest examples of the limestone buildings near the town is Greatford Mill, a glorious period property dating from 1899.

The property is simply striking with a clear attention to detail on every part of its exterior.

Inside, the elegant reception rooms and bedrooms tell a similar story with classic design, high ceilings and picture windows that offer stunning views across the gardens.

The house combines historic character and charm with the best of modern fixtures and fittings. Set in secluded grounds of around half an acre, the property spans both banks

“one oF the Finest exaMPles oF the liMestone builDings near the toWn is greatForD Mill, a PerioD ProPertY...”

Above: The beautifully manicured gardens have been open for the National Gardens Scheme for the past six years.

of the West Glen River, which drops to a wider millpond via a modern sluice gate and the original water wheel dating from 1868.

The gardens have been very thoughtfully landscaped, and have been opened for the National Gardens Scheme for the past six years by the current owners, and there is ample parking with garaging for three vehicles as well as a range of outbuildings including a garden store and laundry.

Location: Six miles to the centre of Stamford and 12 miles from Peterborough.

Style: A period property with stunning modern interiors.

Bedrooms: Four bedrooms, one with an en suite, a Jack & Jill bathroom and access to family bathroom from all bedrooms.

Receptions: Hall, drawing room, dining room and study.

Other Features: Pond, beautiful grounds and outbuildings Price: £1,600,000.

The wide front door opens into the impressive Hall. The centre piece is the elegant staircase with its split landing. There is also a seating area with inset wood burning stove.

On the ground floor, you’ll also find the study, cloakroom, a dining room, drawing room, the kitchen, secondary kitchen and orangery.

The kitchen and orangery is a wonderful space for everyday life, and it has been

97

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 98

entirely refitted to create a kitchen design of outstanding originality.

The light-filled orangery extension has space for a large dining table, as well as an area of comfortable seating and French doors open up to the terrace and gardens beyond.

Above: The kitchen is very modern using the highest quality integrated appliances, but it doesn’t look out of place in the home.

Integrated appliances in the kitchen include an oven, steam oven, microwave and induction hob all by Gaggenau. Further appliances

by Miele include a dishwasher and integrated digital scales.

The kitchen area also benefits from an Amtico floor with under floor heating. This really is a period property that has been modernised and designed to the highest standard possible.

The secondary kitchen is home to a two oven oil fired Aga which is surrounded by a range of bespoke fitted cupboards. There is also a walk in larder.

On the first floor, there is a split galleried landing which provides access to all bedrooms and the family bathroom.

The master bedroom suite is a spacious room with a dressing room and en suite bathroom, in addition to two windows overlook the front aspect. The en suite has Amtico flooring, vanity cupboards and a Jacuzzi bath while the dressing room is fitted with drawers, hanging and shelving space.

the Kitchen area beneFits FroM aMtico Flooring With unDer Floor heating in aDDition to the highest QualitY FitteD integrateD MoDern aPPliances...

98

The first floor also includes three further bedrooms, a Jack & Jill bathroom and a large family bathroom with Amtico flooring.

Outside, in addition to the well manicured gardens, you’ll find the laundry with twin butler sink and bespoke cabinets. There’s also a shower room, a double garage and a single garage with garden store and workshops.

With its peaceful village setting and beautiful interior, Greatford Mill, near Stamford offers genuine style as well as being a welcoming family home. It’s set in a wonderful, desirable location, one that’s ideal for such a glorious period property, re-imagined for modern living.

Left: The split staircase leads to two landings and all bedrooms on the first floor.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 99

- lincolnshire hoMes -

With its village setting anD stunning interiors, greatForD Mill oFFers genuine stYle as Well as being a WelcoMing FaMilY hoMe, all set in a WonDerFul anD Desirable location...

Left: The orangery connected to the kitchen and allowing access to the garden.

Below: The master bedroom and beautiful dining room.

Centre: The drawing room is designed the highest quality by the current owners.

n Greatford Mill is currently on the market with Fine & Country, 2 St. Marys Street, PE9 2DE. Call for details on 01780 750200 or see www.fineandcountry.com.

99

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 100

100

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 101

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 102

YOUR DOMESTIC

APPLIANCE SPECIALIST With over 30 Years oF exPerience, DoMestic aPPliance sPecialists boston electrical services serve the Whole oF the countY, ProviDing the best Prices on toP naMe branDs liKe sMeg, Miele anD bosch...

Words: Rob Davis.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 103

- hoMes -

Who could live without their automatic washing machine, dishwasher or cooker?

Our appliances work hard to ensure we can function day-to-day, providing us with hot meals and endless loads of clean washing.

But of course, their lifespan is as mortal as our own, and when a beloved appliance finally goes to that big utility room in the sky, it’s a race against time to replace it before the next load of washing or dirty dishes.

Whilst the internet claims to offer heavily discounted prices when replacing your laundry, refrigeration or cooking appliances, the reality is often hidden charges (for delivery, installation or removal of old machines), or prices that are rarely lower than those of your local independent electrical specialist.

Established for over 30 years, Boston Electrical Services provides the best of both worlds; internet-busting prices, but also the reassurance of the service and customer care that can only come from an independent, family run Lincolnshire retailer.

you buy, and feel the quality of a product before you commit to it... something that simply isn’t possible with an online company.”

“We’ve over 3,000sq ft of space for products, and hold plenty of stock in our warehouse, which means we often have more choice than online or High Street retailers, too.”

“WE’VE 3,000SQ FT OF SPACE AND HOLD LOTS OF STOCK IN OUR WAREHOUSE, WHICH MEANS WE OFTEN HAVE BETTER PRICES, BUT ALSO MORE CHOICE THAN MOST ONLINE RETAILERS, TOO...”

“The business began in 1985 as a supplier of spare parts and components for electrical contractors,” say owners Stan and Lesley Odell. “Some still think we’re more for trade electricians, but we’re very much open to the public, with free parking and Saturday opening too, and though we’re not in a High Street location, our position on Norfolk Street Industrial Estate affords us much more space to hold stock. With our affiliation to one of the UK’s largest electrical buying groups too, we can also offer lower prices enabling us to compete with anonymous online retailers.”

“Where possible, our appliances, are plugged in, which enables us to demonstrate the suction power of a vacuum cleaner or the control panel of a washing machine before you buy a product. That means you can try before

“We’ve the option of 0% finance, and we provide the convenience of free delivery within a 30 mile radius. Plus, we’ll install our products, take away packaging or old machines and we can set up or demonstrate your new machine too.”

“We also offer servicing and spare parts for existing appliances, and because we repair existing appliances, we’ve come to know most major names literally inside out... so we know from our experience which brands provide the greatest quality and longevity.”

We believe that, next time you need an appliance, you’ll find the best range, the best prices and certainly the best service not online, but rather from Boston’s established domestic appliance specialists.

hoW ManY aPPliances?

Boston Electrical Services holds a huge amount of stock so your preferred appliance can be delivered or taken away immediately. the retailer has, on show and ready for demonstration: n 50 washing machines and 24 tumble driers from names like Miele, bosch and hotpoint.

n 120 fridges and freezers including colourful retro designs from smeg and us-style side-by-side models. n 40 cookers, including 12 range cookers from smeg, stoves and new World. n 70 pendant and accent lights from top lighting designers.

n 40 bagged and bagless vacuums including new cordless models.

n 120 small appliances from kettles and toasters to food mixers and irons.

Visit Boston Electrical Services, at Boston Industrial Centre, Norfolk Street, Boston PE21 9HG; 01205 350737, www.bostonelectrics.co.uk

103

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 104

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 105

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:34 Page 106

106

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 107

107

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 108

A Real Life Hogwarts

108

Grantham’s Harlaxton Manor is a real life Hogwarts from the world of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter. Not only does it resemble the school for witchcraft & wizardry - minus the moving stairs and three headed dogs - but it is actually a university college. It may not be magical, but it does have some beautiful gardens...

Words: tilly Wilkinson. Images: Zoe Dannenmueller.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 109

- garDens -

Dumbledore and Professor Snape may not teach students at Harlaxton Manor, and Hagrid may not be the gamekeeper, but Potter is the head gardener.

OK, so he may not be Harry Potter, but in our eyes, he’s better. Andrew Potter has worked for Harlaxton Manor for the past 10 years whilst also working at nearby stately homes Belvoir Castle and Stoke Rochford Hall. His passion and dedication is clear in his work with beautifully manicured grounds and something new added to the gardens all of the time.

“I completed the restoration of the lawn with a team of helpers,” says Andrew.

“anDreW has WorKeD at harlaxton Manor For the Past 10 Years Whilst also WorKing at belvoir castle anD at nearbY stoKe rochForD hall...”

“We had to install a draining pipe, reseed the lawn and create a new pathway. The Italian garden with chamomile walk is also something we worked hard at, and a really appealing area of the garden. Our main aim has been to create a garden that has interest for all 12 months of the year.”

Andrew was preparing for a wedding at the manor when we spoke to him, making the gardens generally tidier. The manor is home to Harlaxton College but it is also a desirable wedding location for local brides-to-be.

Every month the students go on a trip to somewhere in Europe allowing a weekend free for a wedding. This month they’re in the Lake District, and the month after they’re at Stonehenge, then Paris, then it’s Barcelona.

“After we’ve prepared for the wedding this weekend, it’s time to get started on bringing flowers into the conservatory and potting some up. There are currently quite a lot of pots of daffodils and tulips in the conservatory as we prepare for spring.”

Above: Andrew Potter, head gardener, in the conservatory.

Opposite: Harlaxton Manor and the long formal walk.

Left: The Italian garden near the summer house.

Below: Andrew Potter, Head Gardener.

Harlaxton Manor,

granthaM

our FeatureD garDen For DeceMber...

Garden: Beautifully manicured grounds surrounding Harlaxton Manor.

Features: There’s an Italian garden, beautiful conservatory, chamomile lawn, lion terrace with a feature fountain and a lot more.

Contact: For more information visit www.harlaxton.co.uk.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 110

- garDens -

Andrew is one of the only permanent members of staff at the college. When the students go back to the States, a fresh set of staff come across too, but of course the wedding team and a small college staff team stay at the manor permanently too.

Andrew lives on the estate in a cottage in the six acre walled garden. His passion comes from the fact that there’s something different for him to do everyday, and for the fact that it’s his very own project to manage. Living on the doorstep of such an incredibly beautiful stately home must be quite nice too.

“We’re aiming to give the conservatory a romantic feel, as it’s a favoured location for wedding pictures, so there are climbing roses that lead to a pond with a fountain, and there are grape vines too. It’s as tropical as we can get it, but because it’s part of the original manor, it is quite old and the heating in winter isn’t as good as it could be.”

“We also have the lion terrace, more formal with topiary box hedging and two stone lions next to the giant fountain in the centre, and lawn areas surrounded by laurel hedges.”

“The summer house is surrounded by the Italian garden which features persica roses, tree peonies and hydrangeas. It’s always a good background for wedding photographs.”

Andrew has even thought about the scents in the garden. The chamomile lawn gives off a beautiful aroma of apples, and there

Plant of the Month Name: Poinsettia.

Description: A cheery plant grown indoors over Christmas for their red bracts.

This month: They are disposed of once they start to fade, but with care, you can keep them and it will colour again next year.

110

are two pergolas at Harlaxton that are covered in chocolate cosmos; walking by will give you a strong scent of Belgian chocolate.

Although Harlaxton isn’t a place for the public to visit, there are some open days for you to explore the manor.

There are three Sundays at the start of the year when they open for visitors to see the bluebells but the house isn’t open. You can see the interior of the manor when it opens at the end of July or the beginning of August, when they expect around 1,200 visitors touring the function rooms, wedding rooms and the gardens.

“My favourite time of year to see the garden is at the beginning of September, where everything is shown in a beautiful dusk light and certain particularly pretty plants are able to stand out.”

“there are tWo Pergolas that are covereD in chocolate cosMos; WalKing

bY Will give You a strong scent oF belgian chocolate...”

Above: The conservatory at Harlaxton Manor.

Top: The three gardeners at the estate jetwashing the steps down.

Right: Inside the conservatory are beautiful ornate tables for students to sit at as they study, and tropical plants making for great wedding photos.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 111

Jobs for

DeceMber toP Jobs For Your FloWer, vegetable anD Fruit garDens...

4 Prune climbing roses now, 4 4

4 4 4

4

cutting away damaged or diseased growth. leave faded ower heads on your hydrangeas until spring as these provide frost protection to buds.

Plant up winter containers with hardy cyclamen, ivy, skimmia and evergreen grasses for colour in your garden. lift the last of your leeks and parsnips before the soil becomes frozen. cover winter brassicas with netting to protect them from pigeons.

Protect wall trained peaches and nectarines from wet winter weather which spreads the peach leaf curl fungus brush heavy snow off greenhouses to prevent the glass being damaged.

Above: Rememb er to brush snow greenhouses to off the tops of prevent the gla ss being dama ged.

n For more information on Harlaxton Manor please visit www.harlaxton.co.uk.

Their next annual open day is on Sunday 2nd July 2017.

111

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 112

112

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 113

N E D R GA

S D PO AVE HEN | MAN-C | OUTDOOR KITC M | GY S LETION, ION TO COMP WRITING ROOM FROM INCEPT ITY

N AND ELECTRIC WITH INSULATIO OUND USE FOR ALL-YEAR-R

01775 712398 www.fusionhomeimprovements.co.uk

113

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 114

114

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:35 Page 115

- FarMing -

DECEMBER at

DOUBLEDAY

Celebrate the season with Doubleday. During December, the agricultural and domestic ground care machinery dealer is once again opening its doors for a very special Christmas Event – an event that has become well known on the calendar of Doubleday since opening their doors at Swineshead in April 2014.

It’s a great and rare opportunity for members of the public to visit a John Deere dealer and see what goes on behind the scenes at a tractor dealership. Director of Doubleday, Zoe Spencer explains, “This event is a great opportunity for people interested in agricultural machinery to visit a dealership and take a peek behind the scenes!”

“We have tractors in the workshop that children can sit in to have photos taken of them. We also have lots of fun games and things for the children

to do, including a Pedal Tractor Race track. Last year we also had a winter themed Tractor colouring competition that the children could participate in which proved very popular! We will also have a very special visit from Santa who will be once again arriving on his Deere!”

“It is surprising how many people think that we just sell ‘real’ tractors and farm machinery but we also have a huge range of toys and clothing for all the family too! Within our stores, we offer a wide range of adults and children’s clothing, footwear and

“Within our stores, We oFFer a WiDe range oF toYs, as Well as clothing For aDults & chilDren...”

If you’ve a budding farmer in the family, who’s looking to follow in your footsteps, start them young with a gift from Lincolnshire’s Doubleday.

The supplier of farm and domestic machinery also has a range of country clothing and toys... outdoor wear including well known brands Le Chameau and Musto as well as a wide variety of children’s toys from the small Matchbox tractors to the battery powered and pedal ride-ons!”

“With branches located at Swineshead, near Boston, as well as Holbeach and Kings Lynn, there is always a branch nearby and a warm welcome awaits you!”

To find out more about Doubleday, why not visit them at their Swineshead branch on Saturday 3rd December (8am-5pm) where there will be festive activities all day including fun and games for the children, festive refreshments, Christmas offers and a very special visit from Santa! n For further details or to request a John Deere product brochure please contact your nearest branch on 0333 6000 670 or visit the website doubledaygroup.co.uk.

115

FOX

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 116

- nature -

and HOUNDS As the hunts set off on Boxing Day around the county, we reflect on the traditional object of the hunts’ attention before the Hunting Act came into force. It’s a controversial animal that some love and some hate.

Is the fox just misunderstood, or are they really as destructive to the county’s livestock as they seem?

Words: Tilly Wilkinson.

It’s a Lincolnshire tradition. After Bubble & Squeak for breakfast on boxing day, with a flask of tea, a warm coat and wellies, we head to the local village and watch as the hunt gathers, ready and waiting to sniff out the fox scent. But is this tradition past its time now, ready to be buried with wassailing and worm charming?

There were always cases for and against hunting foxes. Animal rights protestors felt it was a cruel act for human pleasure while many farmers saw it as tradition and a way to protect their livelihood.

It’s now been 12 years since the Hunting Act came into force, which banned hunting of foxes and other mammals with dogs, but it’s constantly under promise of being overturned. We wanted to find a little more out about the animals involved...

Location There are many different types of foxes, and they are the most widespread species of wild dog in the world. Foxes live everywhere; in the countryside, cities, forests, mountains and grasslands.

Arctic foxes live in cold climates far north, and fennec foxes live in the North African desert. The red fox is the only fox species native to Britain, although in the 1800 foxhunts imported many thousands of foxes from Europe to increase the number of foxes in lowland areas.

Food Foxes are omnivorous; they will eat pretty much anything. A large part of their diet is scavenged food, especially urban foxes. They will eat leftover food and waste from dustbins. They’re known to eat insects, fruit and vegetables and wild birds and mammals. Many

foxes have killed game from farms, which is why many farmers are typically all for population control.

Foxes rip the heads off chickens and will kill as many as they can in a frenzy if they get into a coop. They don’t kill for pleasure; surplus chickens are killed and buried for later use.

Life Span The life span of foxes is sadly short; in urban areas, 58% are killed on roads so they have a life expectancy of around 12-18 months. In rural areas, they rarely live beyond three years.

Terms Foxes are members of the dog family. A female fox is called a vixen, a male fox is called a dog fox or a tod and baby foxes are called pups, kits or cubs.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 117

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 118

A group of foxes is referred to as a skulk or sometimes they’re called a leash of foxes.

Breeding In winter, foxes meet to mate. The vixen typically gives birth to a litter of two to 12 pups. At birth red foxes are brown or grey. A new red coat usually ‘grows in’ by the end of the first month, but some red foxes are golden, reddish-brown, silver, or even black. Both parents care for their young through the summer before they are able to strike out on their own in autumn. When fox pups are born, they are unable to see, hear or walk, and their mother must take good care of them. When the pups are young, their father hunts and brings food back for the family.

Behaviour Like a cat, the fox’s thick tail aids its balance, but it has other uses as well.

A fox uses its tail as a warm cover in cold weather and as a signal flag to communicate with other foxes. Foxes also signal each other by making scent posts; urinating on trees or rocks to announce their presence.

Numbers At the end of winter, when numbers are lowest, there are 258,000 adult foxes in Britain, of which 225,000 live in rural areas, 33,000 in urban areas. Around 425,000 cubs are born each spring.

Hunting History Foxes were referred to as beasts of the chase in medieval times, but the earliest known hunt with hounds was in Norfolk in 1534 where farmers began chasing foxes down with their dogs for pest control.

Hunting Today Packs still hunt today, but the sport is now bloodless. They take part in ‘drag hunting’ which involves a scent being dragged over a course with a defined beginning and end before the day’s hunting. The scent, usually a combination of aniseed oils and possibly animal meats or urine, is dragged for distances usually of 10 or more miles.

Like drag hunting, trail hunting involves the use of an artificially laid scent, usually fox, hare or rabbit-based, to provide hounds with a path to follow. Unlike drag hunting, however, the path set for the hounds in trail hunting is designed to simulate the path that would be taken by a fox attempting to evade the hounds. The path will shift and double-back 118

FoxY Facts Catlike Features: Foxes are the only type of dog capable of retracting their claws like cats do.

Foxes also have vertical pupils that look more like those of cats than the rounded pupils that other dogs have, and when they hunt, they can leap five or six feet high in the air.

Hearing: Foxes have amazing hearing; they can hear a watch ticking 40 yards away.

Scent: They smell; their funny musky smell comes from scent glands at the base of their tail.

Whiskers: Foxes have whiskers on their legs as well as their face, which helps them to navigate.

Other Species: Fennec foxes, found in deserts, are the smallest of the world’s fox species.

Their distinctive, batlike ears radiate body heat and help keep the foxes cool. Different species can be found all over the world in all environments.

on itself unpredictably, pass over natural and artificial obstacles, and cross a variety of terrain.

Feeding Foxes If you see a fox in your garden, don’t approach it or give it food from your hand. This makes the fox less wary of other people, and will be more confident in approaching them.

Don’t overfeed them; it will make the foxes dependent on you. They will stop hunting and if, for instance, you go on holiday or have to go to hospital, that fox will most likely die.

You’re also making the fox comfortable in the area around your home which your neighbours may not be too fond of. It’s still lawful to shoot a fox and there are pest control companies that deal with foxes, so you might be killing it with kindness.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 119

- nature -

The Foxless

hunt the blanKneY hunt Was FounDeD in 1871, anD all hunts are conDucteD legallY anD Within the laW...

The hunt covers the Lincoln Heath and is mainly arable country with stone walls and hedges. The hunt borders on the Belvoir Hunt to the east and the Burton Hunt to the north. If you want to join in hunt, contact the Hunt Secretary.

When the Hunting Act 2004 came into force, the hunts changed the game to be foxless. It is now against the law to hunt wild animals with dogs so instead the hounds follow a scent that has been dragged along a particular route - drag hunting.

Another form of hunting is trail hunting. This is very similar but instead, the scent is dragged along the route a fox would’ve taken, attempting to escape the hounds. The path goes back on itself and changes unpredictably.

Hunts have seen an increase in membership since the ban; 320,000 people (their highest recorded number) turned up to meets on Boxing Day 2015.

The Master of Foxhounds association lists 179 active hunts as of February.

n This year, see the Blankney Hunt and foxhounds set off from the market town of Sleaford on Boxing Day. Visit www.blankneyhunt.co.uk for more info.

119

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 120

120

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 121

Guardian Group THE TRUSTED EXPERTS Lincolnshire’s Guardian Group was established in 2002, and the company has since established themselves as the county’s leading providers of hygiene, pest control and cleaning services.

Among their remit is the risk assessment, detection and control of Legionella (responsible for Legionnaire’s Disease), a water-borne danger to any business with water systems - hotel

bathrooms, manufacturing facilities, commercial kitchens, swimming pools and spas, for example.

The firm offers a tailored service including on-site risk assessment, followed by the creation of comprehensive plans for preventative measures and procedures for regular monitoring, including web-reporting systems.

If you’re responsible for the health and safety of your business premises, a call to Guardian Group is the first step to determining whether your premises is managing its risks, and will ensure complete peace of mind.

■ Based in Lincoln, Guardian Group operates across the whole of Lincolnshire, providing hygiene, pest control and cleaning services to all sectors of business.

Call 01522 688 180 or see www.guardian-group.co.uk.

THE LEGIONELLA AND HYGIENE SPECIALISTS Commercial & Industrial Expertise From Legionella Control & Disinfection, to Risk Assessment and Reporting Compliance.

For free, no obligation hygiene advice, call

01522 705 511

or see www.guardian-group.co.uk

121

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 122

Nature

NOTES

Surprisingly, winter is still a good time to see a variety of species. You’ll of course be able to spot more robins as we celebrate Christmas, but what else?

Love is in

THE AIR

The male robin sings loudly, hoping to attract a mate. When a partner is found, the male brings food which she begs from him with quivering wings; this strengthens the bond.

In December most leaves would’ve fallen by now, but ferns will stand out on the woodland floor, especially the glossy evergreen fronds of fern.

You’ll start seeing strange-looking fungus on dead wood which is referred to as the candle-snuff fungus which looks quite a lot like a blackened candlewick.

As the days grow darker throughout December, many creatures such as grey squirrels can be seen gathering what food they can in a short time, but they are a lot less active in the colder months as you can probably guess, sleeping for longer periods, sometimes several days at a time.

122

Rooks and crows roost together in huge flocks in woodland, and if you’re lucky, you might see a barn owl ghosting over a frosty field late one afternoon, however this is a dangerous time for the barn owl.

If there is heavy snow cover, the owls can’t find prey. Prey is generally a lot less active too and so therefore it makes a lot less noise. Barn owl feathers aren’t very water resistant so hunting in rainfall is also generally avoided.

There are still a few late flowers; chickweed, a small white flower with separated petals, red dead nettle, a nettle with dark pink flowers at the top of it, and winter

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 123

- nature -

BLUE EGGS

& Ham

it is against the law to collect birds’ eggs, so don’t go near nests, but if you have some bird houses in your garden, you could see some interesting looking eggs this month...

Robin eggs aren’t that interesting to look at in the uK (right), but in america, robin eggs are bright blue (left).

robins are very sensitive to any disturbance during egg laying and will desert the nest if they think they’ve been discovered.

Above: A seal in the waves at Donna Nook.

Opposite/Top: Barn owls in winter are a relatively rare sight to see.

Opposite/Bottom: Candle-snuff fungus looks like something out of a fairytale.

Opposite/Left: Of course, you’ll see quite a lot of robins around at this time of year.

heliotrope, a white and pink flower with thin petals.

Clumps of mistletoe dotted with white berries are food for mistle thrushes, fieldfares and wintering blackcaps in December.

Mistle thrushes will most likely be noticed perched high at the top of a tree, singing their fluty song or giving its rattling call in flight.

Spot fieldfares spending the winter in flocks of anything from a dozen or two to several hundred strong.

These straggling, chuckling flocks that roam Britain’s countryside are a delightful and attractive part of the winter scene. They look much like the mistle thrush.

The UK’s favourite winter bird with its bright red breast is the robin. Males and females look identical, and young birds have no red breast and are spotted with golden brown.

Robins sing nearly all year round and despite their cute appearance, they are aggressively territorial and are quick to drive away intruders. They will sing at night next to street lights.

Down by the coast you will still be able to see grey seals with their pups and many wading birds, so it’s worth visiting Lincolnshire and our neighbouring county for the view, the nature and the winter walks along the coast.

Fieldfare eggs (right) resemble those of the common blackbird, and the female does all or most of the incubation while the male guards the cup-like nest.

Mistle thrush eggs (below) are usually greenish-blue and spotted with red, purple or brown. the chicks are generally looked after by both parents. they’re also fearless in protecting their young, occasionally even attacking humans. their main predators are cats and crows.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 124

No place like HOME Words: Tilly Wilkinson. Photographer: Ami from Rubie Love Photography, 07816 605947, www.rubielovephotography.co.uk.

meet our couPle Matthew and Elle Betts are this month’s featured wedding couple. elle grew up just outside grantham and Matt in london. elle is a planner within the clothing industry and Matt works for an it firm. they met through a mutual friend at a party in london while elle was living in hertford. both very different - elle being the country bumpkin and Matt the typical london boy - but they just clicked.

When they were at the stage of moving in together, both worked long hours and elle had broken her wrist. they needed a break! a walk along the coast in lymington lead to Matt pulling out a ring...

124

“I was too busy taking photos with our camera to pay attention; it was so windy I wanted to make sure I got the photo of him falling over,” says Elle, reflecting on Matt’s proposal. “But the next thing I knew, he was on one knee with the most beautiful ring and asking me to marry him. He had designed the ring and chosen the perfect diamonds to go on it himself, and had kept it hidden within the kite bag!”

To begin the planning, I went to the internet and magazines. Pinterest became my best friend on my commutes across London.

It was difficult deciding where we wanted to get married; London or Lincolnshire?

We visited many venues in both areas, and decided on Lincolnshire.”

“We were told after we were engaged that Matt’s company wanted to relocate him to their office in Jacksonville, Florida and we

really wanted to get married before the move.

Someone suggested a marquee at home in the fields. I loved the opportunity to be truly married from home.”

“Before we had decided on the venue I started trying on dresses; I was so excited but had no idea what I wanted. There were so many shapes that were unflattering on me!”

“One day, my mum and I decided to visit Wellbet Bridal Gowns in Swinderby. This shop was small and the service was great.

When I put my dress on, I just knew that nothing could beat it. It was a gorgeous lace, A-line, without being over the top.”

“Our cake was made by Louise Baker, from Bakers Cakes in Hougham. The cake looked so pretty and definitely looked as good as it tasted. The wedding bouquets and table flowers I made with the help of bridesmaids.

A few weeks before the wedding we visited

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 125

- WeDDings -

125

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 126

- WeDDings -

>>

a local wedding fayre and found Simply Sweet Cart Hire. We had a Ferris Wheel and cart, filled with sweets for a bit of fun!”

“I fell in love with All Saints Church in Hough on the Hill the first time I saw it. My father and I made the journey to the church in a vintage Bentley. I wasn’t nervous all I wanted was to be next to Matt and marry him. The previous night, where I got about two hours sleep worrying about every possible thing that could still go wrong, was forgotten. Directly after the service we served tea and coffee for people to warm up with and had homemade biscuits made by family friends, whilst photos were being taken.”

Arriving back from the church we greeted the guests back with champagne and some food bites, whilst the Hougham Players provided backing music. Our reception was catered by the incredible Tom and Libby from Whites Fine Foods based in Newark.

Our main course was fun and got people talking to others on the table, we did pork or beef which was a carve-it-yourself joint of both at each table.

Our first dance was to Ben Howard’s Only Love performed by Seamus, Matt’s youngest brother on the guitar and singing. From the first song to the last, everyone was on the dance floor. The DJ also supplied blow up guitars and confetti cannons which people had a lot of fun with.”

“We decided on a mini-moon following the wedding, staying in The Grand Hotel and Spa. We went on day trips to Whitby and the North Yorkshire moors. It was a nice break before we went home to pack up our shipping container and suitcases for Florida!”

“We were so thankful that we had such supportive friends and family, who all joined in with the preparations and details. One thing that really meant the world to us both, is how every aspect of our day was touched by people who meant the world to us and made it so personal. It was a day only made possible by the effort everyone put in. I also want to thank every person who joined us, as without them we wouldn’t have had such a memorable day.” n

Photographer: Rubie Love Photography, 07816 605947, rubielovephotography.co.uk.

126

“Our first dance was performed by Seamus, Matt’s youngest brother on the guitar and singing. From the first song to the last, everyone was on the dance floor.”

Top: The wedding reception marquee.

Left: Matt & Elle prepared for the cold winter weather!

Bottom/Left: Using sparklers at the reception is a really fun idea for photos and for a bit of light-hearted evening entertainment that everyone can get involved in.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 127

Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

Andrew J Musson Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT. 39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS

Tel: (01522) 520142 info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com

127

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:36 Page 128

to view and purchase photographs from the event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Thomas Bell Fashion Show

Autumn Winter outfits previewed at VIP Event...

Wrap up warm this winter, and remain in style, with country clothing from Brigg retailer Thomas Bell. As featured in the October edition this event, held in store, showcased the new season clothing from brands including Barbour, Aigle and Joules, from more fashion-orientated country clothing to technical items suitable for a day spent walking the dogs, riding your horse, out in the yard or shooting.

“Once again, Thomas Bell were very proud to hold our annual Autumn & Winter Fashion Show. It provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase the new season trends in country and equestrian fashion. It was also an excellent opportunity to make our customers feel special and treat them to an exclusive event. Our models work in our store and it’s extremely important that we provide real life models who our customers relate to on a day-to-day basis. Thank you to everyone for making the effort and joining us on the evening!” n Visit Thomas Bell Country Store, Bigby Rd, Brigg DN20 8RA. Call 01652 600690 or see www.thomasbellcountrystore.co.uk

Feature your event in our magazine.

128

call 01529 469977 and speak to our events Desk...

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:37 Page 129

Purchase photographs from this event online. visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

129

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:37 Page 130

130

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:37 Page 131

Our Red Carpet Ready Models: Dresses from top left £360, also available in burgundy and navy, sizes 6-22. Middle dress £80, black and gold dress £435, black dress, seated model £485, also available in red and white.

READY

FOR ANY OCCASION

With Prom season, Christmas and New Year’s Eve right around the corner, you’ll prove yourself Red Carpet Ready with designer dresses from one of the UK’s largest occasionwear retailer. Kirsty Gale picks out her newest ranges from thousands of designer dresses now available from their dress showrooms in Branston near Lincoln...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:37 Page 132

- Fashion -

Red Carpet Ready will ensure you’re dressed to impress for absolutely any occasion this season, from Christmas parties to New Year’s Eve events.

With around 2,000 dresses, Red Carpet Ready is also the perfect place for young ladies to find their perfect prom dress, with short and long styles, and many dresses available in up to 20 different colourways, plus handbags, shoes and jewellery to match. The retailer won the Prom Queen title in over 30 schools across the UK in 2016 and also won Prom Queen on Channel Five.

This year sees a wealth of brand new styles, including dresses designed exclusively for Red Carpet Ready, plus the creation of several new dress studios to create a luxury shopping experience. n

This page: Two piece dress, exclusive to Red Carpet Ready £420, available in red, gold, royal blue, fuchsia and black in sizes 6-14. Centre dress £249 available in flame, burgundy, navy and royal blue. Pictured right, £649, available in black, red and blue. Seated, £295, in red, royal blue and navy, sizes 2-18.

Opposite Page: Left to right £249, also available in royal blue, navy and burgundy. £470 available in 28 colours, £360 in black/gold, burgundy/silver, navy/silver in sizes 6-22. £490 in 2 colours, all sizes.

Below: Fur capes £180 in black, tan, mocha, silver grey, navy and ivory.

132

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:37 Page 133

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:37 Page 134

- Fashion -

Below: Pink dresses as seen below/opp £565 in red, blush and navy, £360 in sizes 6-18, £470 in 28 colours, all sizes to 26, £520, 10 colours, all sizes to 26 also pictured, main.

Bottom: Red dresses £595 (exclusive design to Red Carpet Ready) in red or blush, sizes 6-14. £365 in navy, black, red and coral £365. Two piece dress in various colours, all sizes £565, and £470 for right hand size side dress, also in emerald green, navy and red to size 24.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 14:58 Page 135

Main Image: Gold dresses £595, also in gunmetal, rose gold and aqua, all sizes. £420, also in cream, rose, navy, red and emerald up to size 26. £465, in many different colours and all sizes. £740 couture gown, all sizes.

Below: Sienna was Red Carpet Ready’s Prom Queen Winner for 2016. The company runs a competition where customers can submit their prom photos, from which an annual winner is chosen. Sienna is seen here collecting her tiara and a voucher for £200.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:38 Page 136

- Fashion -

Main: Silver dresses as seen below, £595 also in gunmetal, gold, rose gold and aqua, all sizes. £420 exclusive design to Red Carpet Ready in gold, navy/gold, black/gold, and silver as shown here, sizes 6-18. £360 in silver, sizes 4-18. £485 in gold, silver, aqua and black, sizes 6-26.

Find Out More: Featured items are available from Red Carpet Ready, Hall Lane, Branston near Lincoln.

Open seven days a week until 9pm but you must prebook on 01522 793777. Walk-ins welcome on Saturdays. Alternatively, see www.redcarpetready.co.uk or Instagram @RedCarpet ReadyLincoln Shoot styled by Red Carpet Ready’s Kirsty Gale with hair by Jess Turk of Salon Two, High Street, Lincoln and Burton Road Lincoln (01522 526939, www.salontwo.co.uk).

Makeup by Caroline Hibbs 07786 613631.

136

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:38 Page 137

137

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:38 Page 138

to view and purchase photographs from the event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Ladies Day at Boston West

with St Barnabas Hospice & Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge...

St Barnabas’s Ladies Day took place at Boston West Golf Course recently, featuring a fashion show by Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge, who showcased a brand new Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. Around 100 ladies were welcomed at the charity luncheon to browse the accessories, scarves and jackets on show from the women’s retailer, in addition to products from Barnabas Hospice itself and from Essential Well-Being.

The ladies enjoyed a three course meal with coffee, before Essential Well-Being gave a talk on their new range of facial treatments designed to leave skin feeling lighter and looking younger.

The fashion show followed and we managed to see some of the models before they walked through Bunker’s Bar at the golf course where the ladies were dining. Some fashions are featured on this page. n Visit www.cindysfashions.co.uk and www.essentialwell-being.co.uk. Find out more at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

Feature your event in our magazine.

138

call 01529 469977 and speak to our events Desk...

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 139

Purchase photographs from this event online. visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

139

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 140

Not just for Christmas...

...for Eternity 3 Southgate Sleaford NG34 7SU 01529 302674

14 West Street Bourne PE10 9NE 01778 424228

7 Appletongate Newark NG24 1JR 01636 704488

www.mooreandscrupps.co.uk

140

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 141

JOLLY? ‘Tis the season to be

Christmas is a time for eating, drinking and being merry with friends and loved ones. But what if your teeth cause you to feel embarrassed?

Do you worry about being able to eat Christmas dinner with your friends?

Are you concerned that your denture will slip just at the wrong moment?

Do you sometimes feel isolated and avoid social situations?

The Dental Health Centre in Grantham is a leading provider of dental implants in the East Midlands. Implantologist, Colin Sutton, has a wealth of experience in fitting dental implants to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth or securing wobbly bridges or dentures.

The results are often life changing… but don’t just take our word for it, here is what just a few of our patients have to say about their dental implants: “I now have beautiful natural looking teeth and I can eat with confidence and no longer dread going out for a meal or eating in company (previously my teeth were so loose I could only eat soft food). Now I cannot stop smiling and keep glancing in the mirror as I find it hard to believe the transformation Colin Sutton has performed.” S.A “I got on with my new teeth brilliantly from day one and I don’t even give food a thought – I can eat steak, apples, biscuits, anything I like. It doesn’t even cross my mind what food I can eat.” Mrs A

“Implants have changed my life. The treatment has made such a fantastic difference to my appearance and my health. The results are absolutely wonderful.” D.C “My implants look perfect – nobody can tell they’re not my natural teeth. I’m back to eating apples and sandwiches. I don’t think about them at all now.” Z.W

“My new implants are fantastic – they feel like my own teeth.” Mrs W “I really can’t tell the difference between the implants and my own teeth. I was important to have the gap filled because I think the surrounding teeth become weaker with the extra pressure on them and it also makes chewing more awkward.” I.F

There are lots more reviews and video testimonials on our website, so please visit www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk.

141

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 142

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 143

- cosMetics -

1. SHADES of SUEDE Sophisticated and rich, Rodial Suede Lips Crayons: creamy, non-drying and bold, these jumbo lip crayons are infused with Vitamin C to prevent lips from drying out. Available in three beautiful winter shades, these excitable lip crayons will become a statement element of any makeup look for the festive season, £22.

FestiveTreats 2. Festive Firmness...

Hit the refresh button this Christmas! You’ll look revitalised and visibly younger in just 10 minutes with Clarins’s latest extra-firming face mask. Uncover smoother, stress-free skin with organic green banana and brightening lemon thyme, £46.

3. Shea Joy...

Say bye-bye to dehydrated skin and enjoy ultimate hydration with the Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter.

Enriched with skin-loving shea butter and moisturising emollients, your skin will thank you from head-to-toe, £25.

4. Tea & Chai...

Beat the cold with Origins OolongLa black tea & chai spices body mask scrub. Infused with mindful spices from coriander, ginger & nutmeg.

Invigorating and purifying £25.

FROM LUXURIOUS GIFTS TO THE PERFECT WAY TO TREAT YOUR SKIN, JOHN ROHNAN WHARFF PRESENTS PREMIUM SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR WINTER...

5. Black Bee Venom

Reverse the nightmare before Christmas with Deborah Mitchell’s signature Black Bee Venom Mask. Silky, hydrating and comforting, the black bee venom mask is a truly luxurious product to experience. Patented Abeetoxin relaxes fine lines and wrinkles by tightening, firming and lifting facial muscles giving the skin a youthful rejuvenated anti-ageing effect, £163.

n John Rohnan-Wharff is a beauty and makeup blogger, who reviews and rates products at www.mr-wharff.com. All products from good independent local stockists unless otherwise stated, prices are RRP. 143

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 144

144

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 145

glen eden MEDICAL  AESTHETICS

Look YOUNGER AnD BooST your CONFIDENCE...

Painless, permanent hair removal anywhere on the body...

Permanent removal of unwanted tattoos...

Plus: Skin rejuvenation, facial redness, Rosacea & vascular lesions treatment for unsightly thread and spider leg veins...

Offered alongside cosmetic treatments like muscle relaxing injections for fine lines and wrinkles...

Call 01476 550056 www.glen-edenmedical.co.uk Market Cross Surgery, Bourne Road, Corby Glen, Stamford NG33 4BB

The Latest Laser and Injectable cosmetic procedures performed by fully qualified GP or Nurse Practitioner

Making Christmas a little Easier to Digest

Dr Sally Moorcroft on alternative health...

As the festive season draws nearer, here are some suggestions for making the overindulgence associated with this time of year a little easier to digest!

Milk thistle is a fantastic herb for Christmas and New Year, a powerful liver restorative and protector it can help your body detoxify and eliminate alcohol and rich fatty foods.

Bitter herbs like dandelion root, gentian, Swedish bitters and aromatic spices like cardamom and ginger all help with digestion and will stimulate digestive enzymes and allow your body to break down food more easily, so helping to reduce bloating and that over- full feeling.

Traditionally bitter herbs are taken before a meal for this very reason; plant based digestive enzymes are also another fantastic supplement to take before overindulging and eating larger and heavy meals. They help food to be broken down and are very helpful for reducing bloating..

After your last helping of Christmas pudding, a cup of peppermint, fennel or ginger tea offer a wonderful soothing aid to your digestion and taste delicious too!

All the supplements, digestive aids and tea are available in our Natural Pharmacy. Dr Sally Moorcroft, Orchard Barn, Stallingborough

145

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 146

SMILE WITH

CONFIDENCE iF You’re DreaMing oF a White christMas, DreaM no More. You can achieve the Pearl White anD beautiFullY straight sMile You’ve alWaYs DreaMeD oF, With the conFiDence-insPiring teaM at sleaForD sMile centre...

Words: Rob Davis.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 147

- DentistrY -

Last Christmas, Kay Marshall was dreaming of a white Christmas... or at least, straight, white teeth and the perfect smile.

This year, though, she’ll be smiling with confidence at her Christmas parties, having completed a six month cosmetic treatment designed to straighten her teeth with ‘clear’ braces, at Sleaford Smile Centre.

“I was with an NHS dentist, and went along diligently every six months. I had healthy teeth, but I wasn’t confident and couldn’t bring myself to smile because I had gaps between my teeth and they weren’t straight.”

“My last dentist was quite impersonal, they were limited in what they could do in terms of cosmetic treatments, and didn’t put me at ease, which wasn’t great, because I’m a very nervous patient.”

Kay visited Sleaford Smile Centre, on the town’s Boston Road. It’s a small, but personal and very friendly practice, headed up by Dr Kajal Bathia, a dental surgeon formerly of Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital, who established the practice in March 2012.

“My first impressions of the place were brilliant,” says Kay. “They were so lovely.

They really put me at ease and explained all of my treatment options to me so perfectly.”

“For a nervous patient that really put me at ease. They were patient, and they told me that at any point during my initial checkup and hygiene appointment I could just tell them to stop and they would. I felt in control and more confident and relaxed as a result.”

After an initial appointment, Kay was surprised to hear that the treatment Sleaford Smile Centre could provide was a system of ‘clear brackets’ which would transform her smile in just six months.

“The braces were barely visible, so I didn’t feel self-conscious, and the results have been really amazing. I smile so much now, and I’m much more confident as a result. For a treatment which is purely physical, it’s had a surprisingly positive psychological impact on my life too. I began my treatment in February, and have just one more follow-up appointment. I’m really delighted with the results. Kajal and the team are so friendly, I won’t be going back to my NHS dentist.”

Before & After:

in just six months!

the PerFect sMile ...

Kay achieved the perfect smile with Six Month Smiles© - Kajal’s preferred type of ‘clear bracket system,’ which are virtually undetectable and aims to straighten your smile in just six months.

With annual ‘smile plans,’ for adults and children, Kay and the rest of Sleaford Smile Centre’s patients can receive bi-annual checkups, hygiene appointments, annual x-rays and can take advantage of discounts on the practice’s range of cosmetic treatments, from crowns and implants, to whitening and of course, adult orthodontics.

“I’m really happy with my treatment, and would definitely recommend the practice to anyone, especially those who are nervous.

It’s made a real difference to me, and I’m delighted with my new smile! n

Find Out More: Offering a wide range of hygiene and cosmetic dentistry, from deep cleaning to crowns, veneers, clear bracket systems and whitening, Sleaford Smile Centre is based at Clover House, Boston Road, Sleaford NG34 7HD. Call 01529 304136 or see www.sleafordsmiles.com. Open Monday to Wednesday and Friday. Late night and Saturday consultations too, by appointment.

147

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 148

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 149

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 150

Winter Breaks

What better way to recover from the madness of the season than a ‘twixmas’ * or winter break to peaceful North Norfolk - it’s the beautiful coastal destination that enables Lincolnshire folk to get away, without travelling too far!

Words: Rob Davis.

Of course, we all love Christmas. But gosh, it’s hard work, stressful in places. And, it does leave us with a touch of the winter blues once the turkey has been stripped bare and the gifts bereft the bottom of the tree.

There is a slightly deflating sense that all there’s left is a long, cold winter.

Let’s not be too gloomy though, because a winter break will lift the spirits beautifully and prevent those post-Christmas blues.

This month, we’ve the perfect destination in the form of North Norfolk, the getaway that’s sufficiently close to avoid long drives and chaotic airport lounges, whilst still offering a getaway with a compelling change of scene.

This month we’ve partnered with Barefoot Retreats, providers of luxurious self-catering accommodation, and with Discover North Norfolk to create a few suggestions of where

150

to stay, where to dine and what to enjoy whilst you’re enjoying the area’s starkness, natural beauty and idyllic coastline.

Our suggestions are ideal for a ‘twixmas’ break, a weekend or a week away in January, or even a romantic Valentine’s Day break.

Barefoot Retreats provides everything from cosy cottages for couples to larger properties which can comfortably accommodate groups of friends or families seeking that much-

“the FirM’s besPoKe concierge service can arrange anYthing FroM helicoPter riDes to babYsitting services to a Personal cheF...” * Twixmas - that is, the period of time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, a term dating back to the middle ages!

needed post-Christmas break. You could even book one of the company’s properties by way of a gift to be enjoyed later in the year.

Best of all, the firm’s concierge service brings local knowledge to bear and can arrange anything from babysitting services to coastal helicopter rides to winter picnics or even your own personal chef for dinner parties in your own accommodation.

Barefoot Retreats was established two years ago by Emma Mason and the firm now has 70 different properties to choose from in the area, all beautifully refurbished to a high standard, and including some quirky accommodation like former chapels to luxurious options with cinemas and hot tubs.

From the unspoilt and empty beaches of Holkham and Brancaster (favoured by everyone from kite-boarders to film makers),

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 151

- Winter getaWaYs -

to the family friendly sands of Old Hunstanton, Brancaster and Wells-next-to-the-Sea, the North Norfolk coast is truly remarkable.

Head inland and you’ll discover an amazing array of places to visit as well as undulating countryside with a rich agricultural past that’s also home to a host of small and awardwinning food producers and local pubs.

FooD For thought

Three Dining Recommendations in North Norfolk

Pretty market towns and villages are also waiting to be found, including gems such as Holt, and Burnham Market.

Their historic streets are lined with independent boutiques, galleries and delis are perfect for a day’s ambling.

The area is rich in heritage and culture too - grand stately homes, museums, festivals and theatres are in abundance. There is also a whole raft of things to do such as a >>

The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe: Spectacular views overlooking the Norfolk Coastal Path and the tidal marsh beyond to Scolt Head Island - The White Horse is a great place to eat local seafood and seasonal produce! whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk

Eric’s Fish & Chips, in Titchwell: Eat in, takeaway - whatever.

You’ll absolutely love this smartly presented retro fish and chip restaurant, voted one of the top five seafood restaurants on the UK coast! www.ericsfishandchips.com

The Duck Inn, Stanhoe: Michelin commended family run pub re-opened in March 2013

by Ben and Sarah Handley, Warm and inviting place to enjoy seasonal pub food prepared to the highest standard! www.duckinn.co.uk

151

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 152

Three Great Winter Activities

AT ONE WITH THE NATURE OF NORFOLK

North Norfolk’s beautiful coastline is a wealth with activities like Pensthorpe Natural Park’s birdwatching and narrated feeds taking place (4pm, daily, 01328 851465, www.pensthorpe.com).

See seals at Blakeney Point and take a trip out into the wash with Beans Boat Trips (01263 740505, www.beansboat trips.co.uk), or enjoy the packed calender of events at the RSPB’s Titchwell & Snettisham reserves.

THE BEST SHOPPING IN NORTH NORFOLK

Avid shoppers will adore Burnham Market’s Barefoot Living lifestyle shop, a sister company to Barefoot Retreats.

The Thursford Show is a draw for visitors in winter, whilst Dalegate Market features a wealth of luxury market stalls. Find the best food to take home at Creake Abbey’s food hall.

SIGHTSEEING & HERITAGE

If you’re seeking culture and some grand days out in North Norfolk, we’ll recommend the North Norfolk Railway, which runs from Sheringham to Holt (01263 820800, www.nnrailway.co.uk), plus the delights of the 18th century Palladian Holkham Estate with its lively calender of events (01328 713111, www.holkham.co.uk), or National Trust property Felbigg Hall (01263 837444, www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

152

Enjoy beautiful accommodation in North Norfolk...

There’s plenty to see and do in North Norfolk, and lovely places to dine... but you’ll need somewhere to stay, too! Our luxury self-catering accommodation recommendations, on the North Norfolk Coast, provide suggestions from cosy cottages for couples to beautiful boltholes for friends and spacious barns for families...

Recommendations by Emma Mason of Barefoot Retreats.

Lavender Cottage, Thornham

Über-stylish holiday pad offers open plan living in two large reception rooms and has a country-style kitchen with aga. With three spacious and light super-King bedrooms, all with en-suites. thornham Deli, three gastro pubs, a restaurant in a yurt (shucks) and the best fish and chips along the coast, are all located nearby.

Guide Price for Winter Break (one week stay, per night, per person based on max occupancy), £71.71.

n Our suggested restaurants and activities have been provided by www.visitnorthnorfolk.com, where you’ll find more activities and highlights from the area, plus a calender of events for the exact time you’re planning to visit.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 153

- Winter getaWaYs -

>> range of amazing family attractions, walks and boating tours and if you are wondering what’s on, there is always a variety of different events taking place throughout the year.

Popular National Trust properties including Blickling Hall and Felbrigg Hall, with their extensive grounds, restaurants and shops are perfect for a day out. As are the independently-owned, and therefore unique, houses of Holkham Hall, Houghton Hall and the royal home and estate at Sandringham.

North Norfolk is alive with an abundance of fauna and wildlife. The coast, with its RSPB nature reserves at Titchwell Marsh and Snettisham, is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, rare sightings and impressive seasonal migrations. You’ll also discover winding country lanes and woodlands ripe

Main: Winter on the Beach.

Circle, left: North Norfolk railway.

Inset, right: First Staithe Field.

for a spot of foraging, seas perfect for fishing and rock pools calling out for nosey children with nets and buckets in tow!

Whatever you’re seeking this winter, Barefoot Retreats will ensure you enjoy luxurious accommodation from which to enjoy all that the area has to offer, taking the chill of the season and avoiding those post-Christmas blues. n

“north norFolK is alive With an abunDance oF WilDliFe. the coast’s rsPb nature reserves at titchWell Marsh anD snettishaM, is renoWneD For its birDWatching...”

Goosebec, Burnham Market

Church View, Brancaster

First Staithe Field, Brancaster

Whaleback, Stanhoe

Guide Price for Winter Break (one week stay, per person per night, based on max occupancy), £121.43.

Guide Price for Winter Break (one week stay, per person per night, based on max occupancy), £160.71.

Guide Price for Winter Break (one week stay, per person per night, based on max occupancy), £278.57.

Guide Price for Winter Break (one week stay, per person per night, based on max occupancy), £294.29.

goosebec is a beautiful grade ii listed property overlooking the green in chic burnham Market. once a saddlery and later a post office, this house is full of character and charm. located in the centre of norfolk’s loveliest village, less than 100 yards from the hoste arms and burnham Market's fabulous shops. sleeps five in three bedrooms.

the perfect friends and families retreat and only a short walk from brancaster beach. only a stones throw away from the fabulous coastline and great places to dine, you will be spoilt for choice.

Featuring four spacious bedrooms with en-suite facilities, open plan living areas and private enclosed gardens. a real gem on the north norfolk coast!

this fantastic property has undergone a full refurbishment recently and offers open plan luxury and an unrivalled location. set in five acres with grounds sweeping down to the marshes. stunning property which sleeps 12 people in five bedrooms. close to brancaster beach and the royal West norfolk golf club.

very large barn conversion set in three acres with wonderful views in a tranquil setting. Just a short walk through open countryside from one of the best pub/dining restaurants on the coast, the Duck inn. seven large bedrooms, four en-suites and a family bathroom/shower room plus huge games room.

All of the featured properties seen here are available via luxury self-catering accommodation provider Barefoot Retreats. To confirm availability, view images for each property and view to others, call 01485 512245 or see www.barefootretreats.co.uk. The firm is based on High Street, Thornham, North Norfolk PE36 6LX. 153

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 154

154

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:39 Page 155

A VOYAGE OF - Motors -

DISCOVERY 155

it’s unrivalleD oFF-roaD. it’s resPecteD in the citY. Whether You’re seeKing a caPable oFF-roaDer, a luxurY car, or a seven-seater FaMilY FrienDlY Motor, lanD rover’s DiscoverY is all things to all Motorists. anD noW, orDer booKs have oPeneD For an all neW MoDel...

Words: Rob Davis.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:40 Page 156

- Motors -

Back in 1989, Land Rover filled a huge gulf.

The firm’s Defender was capable, but a bit agricultural, whilst its Range Rover was capable... but pricey. Discovery was a compromise. Eminent off road, powering through muddy fields, yet simultaneously posh enough to replace your executive saloon, and it was affordable too.

It’s incredible to think that this new version is the fifth iteration of the car. Generations three and four looked largely similar, but this new vehicle is unmistakably new. Not only is it new, it’s better better better than any Discovery before it. More capable, more luxurious, more economical, and absolutely modern.

The car is still a seven seater, more so than ever in fact. Intelligent Seat Fold allows the second and third row seats to be reconfigured using the car’s touch screen or via a remote control on a smartphone. The company promises that the rearmost seats are designed for full-sized adults, as well as children.

Discovery is also still very much an off-roader. Low range gears are standard, for tough off-road conditions, whilst the car’s electronically controlled off-road systems are operated by a second generation Terrain Response dial, making off-roading a cinch, and full-time four wheel drive is, of course, standard too. The car uses air suspension and automatically lowers itself 4cm to aid passengers’ entry, whilst in off-road mode, it switches between two ride heights (up to +75mm) to accommodate rutted ground.

156

There are a host of other technologies useful in our part of the world, too, like Advanced Towing Assist which utilises the rotary Terrain Response controller to automatically steer a trailer into a desired parking spot.

There’s also a camera-aided hitch assist and a trailer light test. Meanwhile, a towing capability of 3,500kg is epic, to say the least.

Proving the current motoring adage that less is more, new Discovery has also downsized its engines, improving economy without sacrificing performance.

Whilst you can still order Discovery with a 285ps 3.0V6 engine, or a supercharged 3.0 Si6 generating 450nm torque, the ‘everyman’ engine will doubtless be the new Ingenium 2.0 in-line 4 cylinder unit which debuted in the Evoque. Generating 180ps, 430Nm >>

“less is More: neW DiscoverY has also DoWnsiZeD its engines, iMProving econoMY Without sacriFicing PerForMance...”

Above: Still seven seats, still epic off-road, and still luxurious on-road.

But the Discovery has been re-engineered for the 21st century...

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:40 Page 157

Discovering Technology

MaKing liFe easier

Land Rover’s new Discovery is available to order in showrooms now, and with it comes a new generation of technology designed to make your journey easier. never mind black wheels and ‘dynamic design’ packs, these are the essential options you should check when ordering a new car, and all are available on the intelligent new land rover Discovery, too:

n Adaptive Cruise Control: essentially, an ‘autopilot’ system which accelerates and brakes automatically to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, resulting in safer, smoother cruising, especially on motorways and a-roads. n 360° Camera: reversing cameras are useful, but if there’s a 360° option, tick it. the car’s screen features an ‘overhead’ view of the vehicle created from cameras around the vehicle. it’s useful when parking, and even if it’s a cost option, preventing just one parking ding will ensure the system pays for itself. n Park Assist: simply press the Park assist button, and indicate the direction of your desired parking space, then operate the pedals yourself. the car will automatically steer itself into perpendicular and parallel parking spaces. these systems will also steer you out of a space and provide cross-traffic warning when reversing out of a space, too. n Trailer Assist/Advanced Tow Assist: uses a rotary controller to automatically control the vehicle’s trajectory when towing. it’s a boon if you’re trying to precisely reverse a horsebox or trailer.

n Lane Keep Assist: Prevents the car from drifting out of your lane with gentle steering interventions maintaining your placement on the road.

157

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:40 Page 158

- Motors -

>> torque, it’s the most economical Discovery ever, achieving 43.5mpg and reaching 60mph in eight seconds. Bringing unprecedented refinement, it may be the smallest engine, but still has an excellent blend of economy and performance, especially as it’s mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Standard equipment on the car is even more generous than before, with S models enjoying 19-inch alloy wheels, four-mode Terrain Response and two-zone manual climate control. SE model feature air suspension, automatic climate control and upgraded audio while our preferred HSE trim provides leather upholstery, satellite navigation, 20-inch alloy wheels and LED headlamps.

Top of the range HSE Luxury derivatives include Windsor Leather upholstery, 21-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof as standard.

158

There’s a ‘dynamic’ design pack with dark wheels and contrast roof, and being a thoroughly modern Discovery, the new infotainment system has been beefed up to offer a modern interface with smartphone compatibility.

Best of all, Discovery is now thoroughly modern, with options like adaptive cruise control, the essential 360° view camera and automatic perpendicular & parallel parking functions. These are the ‘must-have’ systems you’ll use every single day, providing greater security and greater peace of mind.

The outgoing Discovery was always epic, hugely desirable with a terrific breadth of capability. And yet, improving on an already pretty perfect vehicle this is Discovery for a new generation. Leaner, more modern and utterly practical, it’s probably our favourite car in Land Rover’s entire portfolio. n

Land Rover New Discovery HSE 2.0

Price: £56,995.

Engine: 2.0 Litre Sd4 Diesel Automatic (240HP) Economy: 43.5mpg (combined).

Top Speed: 121mph; 0-60mph 8.0 secs.

Equipment: Four wheel drive, low range gearbox, heated windscreen, heated leather seats, panoramic roof, climate control, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera.

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:40 Page 159

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:40 Page 160

L.F. Connell & Son FURNITURE CLEARANCE, HOUSE REMOVALS & GARDEN CLEARANCE munity, Supporting the com centre sis cri e th d the needy an Help Lincoln’s poor and needy with unwanted furniture and home accessories - REMEMBER these people have nothing!

• Family run • Friendly and professional • Free collection for quality furniture

The Directory – To advertise here call our friendly team on 01529 469977

MOBILITY

TOWN & COUNTRY Affordable stairlifts, with free no-obligation surveys in your own home...

“Your One Stop Shop for all your Mobility & Healthcare needs...”

Scooters, wheelchairs, stairlifts, bath and shower aids...

Your one stop shop for all your mobility needs!

Sales • Servicing • Repairs • Hire • Finance

Call 01205 362444 • Market Place, Boston

www.townandcountrymobility.co.uk

160

• Furniture, crockery, glasses, anything you have that you no longer need • Free quotations

t: 01522 521582 m: 07783 874407 email: gtfod@hotmail.com

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:42 Page 161

Take out one of our Christmas

Gift Subscriptions It’s the perfect gift idea for your loved one You can choose to have a six month subscription for £14.75 or a twelve month subscription for £29.50 We’ll deliver Pride free of charge to your friend or loved one’s doorstep - every month! they’ll never miss a single issue!

01529 469977 siMPlY call us on

LincolnshirePride L ine coridLlneinshcoirLleP eP ir sh ln ri co id d in e r L P e ir i h n n s e s ln h id c o r i c r o P e in e PnscrhidireePr L r l i n h s e n l d L o r c n i P i e L r i h d o s iidree r n l l n P o L c e s d r n h i i i L n r h s c P n l P o e o riirdee r l c i n n i h s L h s n l Pride Linco DEC 2016

DEC 2016

OUR FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE PANTOMIMES & COVERING LINCOLNSHIRE SHIRE WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES COVERIN FESTIVE EVENTS AND NEWARK ON TRENT OUR FESTIV LINCOLN G E GIFT GUIDE TRENT PANTOMIMES & ONBUSINE PANTOMIMES & E LOCAL NEWARK ANDWITH SSES COVERING LINCOL OUR FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE OLNSHIR FESTIVE EVENT FESTIVE LINCEVENTS NSHIRE S BUSINESSES COVERING AND NEWARK ON TRENT WITH LOCALMES ON TRENT OUR FESTIV & AND NEWARK PANTOMI WITH LOC E GIFT GUIDE TS IRE E AL BUSINE COLNSH GIFT GUID FESTIVE EVEN PAN OUTOM SSES ERING LIN ON TRENT OUR FESTIVE NESSES R FEIME COV BUSI AL ARK FES STIVSE& WI TIV WITH LOC THE LO COVERING EVE AND NEW IMES & GIFT LIN PANTOMEVENTS CANTS GUAND L BUSIN ID NEWARK COLNSHIRE FESTIVE T GUIDE ON ESSE E LNSHIRE S TIVE GIF S PANT TRENT G LINCO TRENT OUR FES AL BUSINESSE FEST OMIMES COVERIN WARK ON WITH LOC IVE EV £3 .7 0 & T H E L I F E S T Y L E M A TGHAEZ ILN E F O R H I G H Q U A L I T Y H O M E S S & RE AND NE ENTS I F E S T Y L E EMSA MIMENS £ 3 .. 77 0 HI COVE TS OUR G M A O PANTO EN H T Z OL I Y N T I E EV L F A O U EN Q NC R VE HIGH QUALIT AND RING LINC TR STILI WITHFESTIV FOR HIGH IDE FE NG NEWA Y HOMES THE LI £ 33 . 7 0 OLNS E YLE MAGAZINE T VERI WARK ON S GIFT GU LO S E £ F S I L 3 .

RK ON E SE E 0 7 VE HI CO F H M T E CAL GIFT GU E ES O STYLE STI H NE IR SIN HE L TRENRE BUSH BUSI AND OUR FELOCAL LN M A G AT Z Q U A L I T 7Y 00 &NT H T NES IDE G I I ES H F E O TH I R .

IM N E C R O 3 WI SES E F OSRT Y £ TS OMON T NE F LIN PAN H LI G EVEN ES PAGNT MAGAZI E M H E K E TOM O L IN Q Y R IV H M T U FEST R S A A Y ST AGA LITY H T E VE FEW IVE IMES & THE LIFE OMES QUALI ZIN GUIDES COND NE H OUR EVEN G I FT H E A GI £ 3.7 0 SS OR TS FOR WIT FEST IVE SSI COVE &NE £3 .70 ZINE F H LO IVE A FESTCAL BU H E G R T A I S AND RING LI M G H S IM T OU H LO M EN H Q CAL GIFT LE E L OME NEW NCO UAL FESTY BUSI GUID WITPANTO E EV IFE LN ARK TY H ITY THE LI NESS E IV STY ON TRSHIRE U A£L3I .. 77 0 HOM ES LE FEST ENT IGH Q ES PAN MA OR H S TO GAZ FEST I N E .. 7F7 00 H O M E Z £ A 3 G I IVEMIMES .

3 70 A NE £ 3 TY EVE & TH FOR YLE M A£ L I T NTS S U E E Q F HI LI E LI G SH

DEC 2016

DEC 2016

DEC 2016

DEC 2016

DEC 20 16

DEC 2016

DEC 2016

DEC 2016

16 DEC 20

2016 DEC

E UIDES TG GIF ESS IVE BUSIN FESTCAL OUR H LO WIT

I E TH R OHM E FO H ZIN ITY AGA UAL E M Q TYL IGH FES I H L R THE FO INE AZ AG E M YL ST E IF E L TH

FES

TY LE

GH

MA

QU ALI

GA

ZIN

TY

HO MES

E F OR

HIG

H Q U

£3.

70

AL ITY

HO

COVE AND RING NEW LINC ARK OLN ON SHIR TRE E NT

ME

EATING OUT EATING OUTThe Lincoln Hotel & TThe Lincoln Hotel & The Ram, Newark EATING OUT EATING OU & el The Lincoln Hotel & k Hot Newar UT Ram, The O The Lincoln EATINGHo The Ram, Newark EA tel & The Ram, Newark TING Lincoln LINCOLN’S OUTTheTh Newark The Lincoln OUT G m, ’S Ra IN e OLN T LINC Hotel & EA oln Hotel & CHRISTMAS 2016 NEW DEAN CHRISTMAS T ’S LN 2016 U O The Linc , Newark LINCO DEANA Christmas message LINCOLN’S The Ram, Newark EATING NEW G T IN & CH m T RISTMAS 201 ANA Christm ’S The L OUT NEW DEAN MAS 2016 e CHRISTM OUEA incoln Hotel arkCHRIST The Ra as messag 6 from inco LINCOLNN NEWasDE AS 20Wilson Christine L ew 16 ING HoteTl & A Christmas message LIN message N he Wilson The R ln Hotel & ne , T Christi istm EA from D Chr am A A COLN am, N arkTISTM E Lincoln NewCHR he RAS 2016 N’S NEW from Christine Wilson ewark ge Christine Wilson , NEW DEA ’S LINCOLEANA Christmas messalsofrom The he Ram EATIN CHR n N ’S ISTM Christmas with T A Christma ine Wi Cel LN NEW D saCelebrating ebrating Ch AS 20 GO The s message LINCO AS 2016 ge m Christ ristmaCsewith 16 from es fro CHRISTM N’SLINCO N risbrat with ming as L as A L Ch C istm N rist tm E Chr el N gifts, food and decorations... ine eb ’S ThLeincoln HoteUT O D Wi giftions EW D ra le lson C Cele s, AgeCh tin foo d b e Wilson with g and EW messa r tin C l Ram, dec N A a E hr ris ora ...

LIN DEAN ti C C tion A is Ch as HRIS hristm tm s... n m N orat tm gi Newar& froon g g as ft ris and aCgehristmastin d if s, w TMA Ch High Society dec Events: Thomas Bell Fashion Show • The Starlight Ball... as foo C W , 6 fr fo ith ss g ts ils High gifts m om 201 e h od Society E k EA S W Events: Thomas Bell Fashion S 2016 MA A so Christin essage foocodraaCtio ristmas N stmas mCe n hrra tine d,t Ball... hEvents:co Show • Thean itde de CHRIST Starligh il leb rations... • The Starlight Ball... w C isst e Wils as High Society LINC ri m Th TING d n e Thomas Bell Fashion Show from w an ns on d ri inegW Events: ThoHigh Society le Society ... h od High it stn C fo d A Ch Chriti b h , O mas .. • The Starlight Ball... e fts Bell FashEv r s. enSho gi LN’S Te Lincoln H OUT c a n N ts: Th o ra o ion t ti E r eb in g m om w ra a • el W Show The o if as ti ion he R C 16 co Star gC fr Be h Thomas Bell FashBall...

20 on tssht,ionBallfSh...oowo C A Ch DE ll ligh Fa ditde am, otel & sanw STMAS Society Events: New CHRI from ristmas m AN • Th stomdaHigh de StaarlineghdlteBahbll..sr..is.tmas High hriitfo .. w • The Starlight ark gift Christ es Cs, Societ nhions.Sho g Fas n Bello h ti y Eve ine W sage LI .ra ra masti w ra Tho o d b nt c g nts: it w e s: e Eve t le ilson NCO Thom ift ietyd e h i c s Soc n h C a d o Hig 16 n as Be s, ll... g r m .

Ba 20 a N t ht .. d S ll Fash fo t s C o is EW LN’S io Starlig r n fo h h h TMA ion Sh o , n t w • The io H A IS i ts t r Sho C s ig n R if a D d C i .. ow h So gg w or ll Fashio CH • The a ciety from hristmas EAN nligdht Bad st. mas Star Event Ch me lebratintmSocnaietysdEvdentes:ncThsom..as. Be arlight Ball... s: Page xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page

Page

xx

xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page xx

Page

St High • The Show .

Fashion ht Ball.. as Bell lig ts: Thom • The Star ty Even cie ow So High on Sh Fashi Bell mas s: Tho vent ety E Soci h ig H

Ce ts, foo gif

161

xx

Page

£3 .

Page xx

Season’s asgsonS’seG tinGreetings eeSe Gr S’seinG n’s asorenet aso Se asgsorene’stinGgs s g in et re G ’s n so s ea g S n ti e Seasroenetings e r SeaGsorene’stinGgs S’seaGsoreetin ’s s n g o s n i a t e S’s Ginrgese n’s Ggs n reetin t o e s a e Sne’s Gr gs e a o s e i C i o d c orati with ons..

Sealebsratgiifndgtsa,Cnfhdorodecorat . e Page xx

S

Page xx

xx

Page

Page xx

Alternatively, visit our website at www.pridemagazines.co.uk

Thom ll... as B ell Fa shion Show •

The Starlig ht Bal l...

Page

xx

Page

xx

xx

ristin essage e Wil son Pa ge xx

161

70

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:42 Page 162

Crosswords CRYPTIC CROSSWORD test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s cryptic crossword. each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

ACROSS

1. Stupid selfie taken by stupid linesman (9) 6. Republic’s salutation interrupted by pause (non-Western) (5) 9. Musical basket with ends removed (5) 10. Papal irritation with Lent gets one unhappy with verdict (9) 11. Director of Ground Hog Day cutting corner in Jersey? (5,5) 12. Lead blast rejected (4) 14. Italian wine behind mother superior in restaurant (6,1) 15. Drive off, carrying a representative’s carpet cleaner? (7) 17. Unbeatable rival seems in for a beating (7) 19. Staple food off one’s trolley (7) 20. Sadomasochism dropped by unctuous host (4) 22. Suppression of cold person and his replacement (10) 25. Bird acted like a ram with ewes — pranced (9) 26. New Zealand conifer polluted UK air (5) 27. Former premier didn’t get that in retreating vessel (5) 28. Charter to restrict drugs craving making a come-back (9)

DOWN

1. Orlando’s cry: “11’s ex rejects far right” (5) 2. Neurosis beaten by miles, which enables one to interpret the world (9) 3. Racist society’s brand? (5,5) 4. Former soap character was bloody empowered! (7) 5. Get down from foreign media sector (7) 6. Auditorium bag, not old (4) 7. Unfit, one sleeps, having temperature (5) 8. Unlikely it’s Renoir’s roomy scenes? (9) 13. Board member, having no money, right, becomes dealer in securities (10) 14. Guy Bowler-Brown’s drink? (9) 16. Superior at mobile phone incorporating time application (9) 18. Kipper, which is tracked (7) 19. Other than live teams (7) 21,23. Marriage and Dot’s court battle almost over? (5,5) 24. Wig turned up on head of unfazed leading authority (4) 1. Unpleasantly moist (6) 4. Clearly presented and easily understood (5) 7. Rats and mice (6) 8. Gambling house (6) 9. Honest (4) 10. Done in desperation (or at the point of death?) (4-4) 12. Tree with silky grey catkins (5,6) 17. Boat with three hulls (8) 19. Something with teeth (for the hair!) (4) 20 Gambol (6) 21 Score of forty with one dart, perhaps? (6) 22. Ages (slang) (5) 23. Lively (6)

DOWN

1. (Of bad weather) improve (5,2) 2. Drifting — Melissa (anag) (7) 3. Ship equipped to position underwater explosives (9) 4. Very minimum (5) 5. 1970s’ John Kander/ Fred Ebb musical (7) 6. Hanging down (6) 11. Swim naked (6-3) 13. Mythical one-horned creature (7) 14. Apply a sleek, glossy coat (7) 15. English national football stadium (7) 16. Close (6) 18. Also known as (5)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:42 Page 163

1 - Lincs Pride DEC 173.qxp 31/10/2016 10:42 Page 164