Lincolnshire March 2015

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LinCOLnshiRE And nEWARK

Lincolnshirepride

Lincolnshirepride THE

NUMBER

ONE

MAGAZINE

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 £3.70

Exclusive interview with the people’s tenor, opera superstar Russell Watson...

the Lifestyle Magazine for high Quality homes

MARCH 2015

Russell Watson - Opera Exclusive 800th Anniversary of Lincoln’s Magna Carta bELvOiR CAstLE & hiddEn EngLAnd - spRing hOMEs & gARdEns - fAshiOn

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Spring is so near, and yet, at the time of writing, so far. As I look out of my office window, delicate flakes of snow are falling and we can only dream of blue skies and the first signs of colour in the garden.

ROB davis Editor, PridE magazinEs editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

When the better weather does emerge, I’m looking forward to smartening up our new home, and one of the favourite aspects of my job is being able to see how professional designers work their magic on the county’s best homes.

This month we feature a few ideas from Lincoln’s Sophie Peckett, whose family home featured in last month’s Homes & Gardens magazine, and we’ve bespoke furnishings from Aitch Interiors, whose statement chairs and home accessories will, we hope, provide inspiration for your home, too.

Elsewhere, we find out what’s happening in the county’s stately homes and historic attractions on our new Hidden England pages, and we’re on the trail of Lincoln’s Magna Carta, one of the founding documents of modern democracy, which this year celebrates its 800th anniversary.

Finally, we hope you’ll enjoy our exclusive interview with Russell Watson who’s set to perform for an audience in Lincolnshire very soon.

This Month’s Cover: Belvoir Castle in Spring. Read about what’s happening in Hidden England’s stately homes in our new feature on page 26.

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

General Manager: Ian Bagley. Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Graphic Designer and Customer Care: Mandy Bray.

IT: Joe Proctor. Accounts Manager: Sue Bannister.

Sales Managers: Zoie Wilkinson, Jayne Broughton.

Sales Executives: Liz King, Roberta Hall, Abigail Colley, Carissa Clay, Emily Brown, Sami Millard, Lauren Chambers, Emma Barrett, Hayley Scott, Emily Maplethorpe and Amy Whiley.

Distribution Manager: Paul Dixon.

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.

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

Farmers Having Fun: Horncastle’s Farmers’ Ball this month on page 20.

Contents

06 16 26 30 38 74 107 133

March 2015

A round-up of News and events on our wHat’s ON pages, with information from around the whole county.

We talk exclusively to Russell watsON, opera star and multi-million selling recording artist, visiting Lincolnshire.

What’s happening in HiddeN eNglaNd this month? Find out in a new feature with a roundup from our stately homes.

Our HistORy pages celebrate the anniversary of Lincoln’s Magna Carta, the document that gave justice to the world.

Our FOOd aNd dRiNk pages are brimming this month with recipes and our feature on Brant Broughton’s Generous Briton.

This month’s HOmes sections has ideas for your home from designer Sophie Peckett, and bespoke furnishings from Aitch Interiors.

Our March gaRdeNiNg pages pay a visit to a Lincolnshire spring garden to celebrate aconites, narcissus and snowdrops.

This month’s FasHiON pages celebrates the 30th anniversary of Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge and fashions from Marc Cain.

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County News Lincolnshire actor Brett King is heading for Hollywood 23-year old actor will be living the american dream after a £7,500 boost to scholarship plans to study towards an ma in tV & Film in California... grimsby’s talented young local actor, Brett King, will jet off to start his new life in America later this month thanks to funding support committed by Cleethorpes arts venue, The Pier. The 23-yearold’s plight was highlighted in the local media late last year as he needed £7,500 to cover costs that would enable him to take up a prestigious scholarship at the New York Film Academy.

He starts his two-year MA in Acting for TV and Film in California this month as one of only 16 actors accepted on the scholarship worldwide.

mBE For macmillan’s Lincolnshire Charity Leader...

Lincolnshire’s rolec celebrates two local business awards...

Boston’s Sue Kirk, of Macmillan Cancer Support has been honoured with an MBE for her services to people affected by cancer.

Frampton based rolec services wins manufacturer of the Year and Business of the Year awards. Firm employs 100 and operates in over 40 countries

Since joining the charity in 1999 she has helped Macmillan achieve income of £186.9m and charitable expenditure of £121.7m in 2013.

Sue has been fundraising for Macmillan as part of the Boston & District Volunteer Fundraising Committee for 40 years, and she was also chair of the Boston to Skegness Seabank Marathon fundraising event for two years running.

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It provides the opportunity to work on productions based at Universal Studios alongside a host of major names in film.

“The financial support from the local businesses will be used to cover some of my living expenses while studying as I cannot work. Without their support I would be living on the streets of California!”

The Pier’s Simon Huxford, said: “One of the reasons we became involved in revitalising The Pier was to inspire pride among young, local residents to show that people from this region - like Brett - can achieve anything they want to.”

Boston’s Rolec Services has won awards for both Manufacturer of the Year and Business of the Year at the 2014 Boston Business Awards, held recently at the Princess Royal Arena.

The awards recognise companies which work hard to boost the area’s economy, providing employment, and products and services to be proud of.

Rolec, formed in 1990, has become one of the world’s leading outdoor and indoor companies.

The company has six service divisions which include the manufacture of products for the marina, EV, power solutions and leisure industries, employing more than 100 and operating in over 40 countries.

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

Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant honoured with CVo award CVo Honour for tony Worth recognises the Holbeach born farmer’s efforts to bring a permanent Bomber Command memorial to the county...

lincolnshire’s Head of the International Bomber Command Centre Project and Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth, has been awarded The Commander of The Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 2015 New Years Honours List.

The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood recognising distinguished personal service to the order’s Sovereign, currently the reigning monarch.

The Worth family are established Lincolnshire farmers and landowners with some 4,500 arable acres near Holbeach Marsh.

Tony Worth, married with four children, has previously served as Vice Lord Lieutenant and High

Sheriff. He was President of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society and was a founder member of the Board of Governors of the University of Lincoln.

The International Bomber Command Centre is being created to provide a world-class facility to serve as a point for recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for Bomber Command.

The Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial Trust, in partnership with the University of Lincoln, aims to open the Centre in September 2015.

The Bomber Command Memorial addresses the lack of memorial recognising the history and heritage of Bomber Command for future generations.

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What’s On

a visiON OF elvis

Paul welleR

Appearing at Lincoln’s Theatre Royal on Saturday 28th February from 7.30pm, A Vision of Elvis stars Rob Kingsley, his sensational band and backing singers.

Scunthorpe will this month see the arrival of the one and only Modfather, Paul Weller. Surly self-styled frontman of The Style Council & The Jam and solo artist with hits like Wild Wood and Peacock Suit, Weller will this month release his 12th studio album as a solo artist, and appears at Scunthorpe’s Baths Ball on March 17th, with tickets from £38.

Recognised as Europe’s most authentic and successful tribute to Elvis Presley, this show brings you a full evening featuring all the classic hits, from the hip swivelling 50’s at Sun Studios to the Movie Years and the 1968 Comeback Special with the finale being the electrifying Jumpsuit Concert Years. Tickets £18.50, £16.50/conc.

Top: The Modfather, Paul Weller.

Top/Right: Leading lady Katie Leigh and leading man Darius J James appearing in Grantham’s homage to 1980s movie Dirty Dancing.

Above: A Vision of Elvis appears in Lincoln...

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Meanwhile, on March 27th, Nashvillebased singer-songwriter and country music star Gretchen Peters will perform both her favourite songs from her own back catalogue plus future hits from her new album Blackbirds, due for release this month. www.lincolntheatreroyal.com 01522 519999

Book early for next month’s star at Baths Hall, tenor and classical crossover artist Russell Watson, who appears on Saturday 18th April from 7.30pm with tickets on sale now from £45.

Russell is the UK’s best selling classical artist ever and has won four Classical Brits.

He has performed for some of the world’s greatest figures including, HM The Queen, and the late Pope John Paul II. www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk 0844 8542776

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- WHat’s on -

diRTy daNCiNg

la TRaviaTa

Grantham’s Meres Leisure Centre welcomes the cast of A Night of Dirty Dancing, for a trip back to the summer of 1963 and a healthy dose of homage to the 1980s cult film which made Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray household names.

Friday 27th March, 8pm, tickets £20, £18.50/conc.

Grimsby Auditorium this month presents an Ellen Kent production of La Traviata on Wednesday 18th March from 7.30pm.

The love story that gripped Paris is back by public demand. A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias.

Tickets £19.90-£36.40.

www.guildhallartscentre.co.uk 01476 406158

jOHN sHuTTlewORTH Louth’s Playgoers Riverhead theatre welcomes John Shuttleworth, née punk star Jilted John for his character show, popular on BBC Radio 4. Profits from the show, on Saturday 28th March from 7.30pm, will go to The Ark Animal Rescue Centre in North Somercotes. Tickets £15. www.louthplaygoers.com 01507 600350

www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk 0844 871 3016

Bleak HOuse The Pantaloons theatre company arrive in Boston to recount the story of Dickens’s Bleak House at Blackfriars. A cast of 50 characters keeps the team busy on Tuesday 10th March, from 7.30pm. www.blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk 01205 363108

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The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.

Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

Fight in and around buildings or in the woods and undergrowth.

The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve.

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk www.freefirezone.co.uk Designed by email: games@urbanassault.org.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk

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- rUssELL Watson -

The numbers surrounding Russell Watson’s career are fairly staggering, for a classical crossover artist.

He’s performed to over one billion people, sold 7,000,000 albums, released 10 studio albums and five singles, and survived 15 years in the music industry.

It might come as a surprise, then, that the people’s tenor is eschewing big numbers to return to playing smaller venues, having been inspired by none other than Lincolnshire’s Baths Hall.

Russell grew up in Salford, Manchester, and initially sang in working men’s clubs, performing hits from musical theatre.

Introducing opera into his performances to a Mancunian working class audience might not be something you’d think would go down well. But in fact, audiences were highly appreciative, which affirms the presence of one of Russell’s bugbears; when classical music or opera is requisitioned as high culture, seen as somehow out of reach to mainstream audiences.

“It annoys me. Classical music, regardless of whether you’ve a deep understanding of the genre, or whether you can pronounce the names correctly, can be enjoyed by everyone. Classical FM is a good example; they’ve created a radio station which appeals to a mass audience, not just an elite one.”

Russell’s aim of reaching a mainstream audience was perfectly timed to coincide with the X-Factor generation.

He blends a knowledge and passion for classical music and opera with unprecedented youth, good looks and the ability to appeal to a wide audience.

When Russell left the working men’s clubs in 1999 and signed to Decca, 50,000 was considered a good album run. Russell’s first album, The Voice, sold over 1,000,000 albums, making him the first male solo classical artist to reach the figure and also paving the way for other popular-classical artists like Il Divo, Kathrine Jenkins, Alfie Boe, G4 and Susan Boyle.

Though he’s a modern crossover artist, fusing classical music with pop-star celebrity, Russell’s career has been influenced just as much as pop artists’ careers by shows like X-Factor.

58-date tour, taking place from March to July, the singer will be visiting more intimate venues, having enjoyed a trip to Scunthorpe’s Baths Hall venue already.

“These days, emerging artists - ones coming out of the talent shows - in essence have 18-19 weeks of massive exposure on a TV platform. That’s not too dissimilar to doing a tour. Then they release a record. The industry has changed in that respect because previously, you’d release an album and then use a tour to promote that album.”

“I performed in Scunthorpe on my last tour and it’s the reason I decided that I wanted to tour smaller venues.”

“I did Baths Hall on the last tour, and we had such a fantastic night there.

It was amazing, I really enjoyed the precedent it set; more venues with smaller audiences, and finding little gems around the UK.”

The People’s

Tenor

this month, multi-million album selling people’s tenor, russell Watson comes back to the county, and back to the venue which inspired him to embark on a tour of the UK’s smaller, more intimate venues. Russell talks exclusively to lincolnshire Pride and explains why getting back in touch with his audience is the best way of celebrating over 15 years as a crossover classical artist...

Words: Rob Davis.

“The market for classical crossover used to be considered a niche. When I first released The Voice, there was just me. I don’t think I established the genre, but perhaps re-established it.

Before me, there were only mainstream artists like the 1950s’ Lanza. Back then though, he was mainstream. So, what we did in 2000 was to give the genre back to the people. It reintroduced classical music into the mainstream.”

It’s true that Russell has performed at some of the UK’s most spectacular music venues, but for his forthcoming

“We usually tour with a big symphony orchestra, but now, we’ve stripped the shows down so we can take them anywhere we want. A typical performance before would be to an audience of 2,000-2,500 - Symphony Hall, The Albert Hall - or the summer concert tour with audiences of 3,000-7,000.”

“So I wanted celebrate my 15th year and go to places like Scunthorpe with a stripped down narrative; me with a piano, a string quartet, and some percussion. We can travel the show wherever we want. I love going out on 17

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- rUssELL Watson -

“I love going out on stage to 15,000, it’s a fantastic feeling, but I prefer an audience of, say, 600 where you can see everybody’s face. It’s about closer interaction...” stage to 15,000 people, it’s a fantastic feeling, but I prefer going out in front of an audience of, say, 600 where you can see everybody’s face. It’s about more interaction, closer interaction.”

“We’ll do two spots, usually of around 45 minutes each. We’re going to move a few things around this year, with a tribute to Frank Sinatra, to celebrate the anniversary of his 100th birthday I love the great American songbook.”

“We’ll do some traditional neapolitan arias; O Sole Mio, Funiculì Funiculà, there’ll be a section of classical arias like Nessun Dorma and all the usual fan favourites; You Raise Me Up, that sort of thing.”

“Nessun Dorma is always popular.

Even in the clubs of Salford it was popular. It will always hold a place in my heart because it was one of the first aria I sang. They were absolutely loving it and it proved that there was real demand for those types of songs which continues today.”

Russell also sang old music hall standards and points out that smaller venues today have much in common with the old music halls - though thankfully without the bawdiness.

“Look at composers like Puccini or Verdi though, and they definitely weren’t high-brow when they were writing their operas. They were badly behaved buggers and those pieces of music were popular culture back then. Going back to when opera was popular, or going back to a music hall style environment is taking the music back to where it came from.”

“Today, classical music and opera is one of the arts but what annoys me is when it’s banded around - ‘this isn’t for the man on the street; go back to your pop music!’ The experience of going on stage doesn’t lose anything with smaller 18

venues when you perform it. In fact, it gains. Probably because when the venues are smaller there’s a real sense of connection. I like that.”

Russell is currently working on a new album, planning to release it under his new label, Sony, in the last quarter of 2015 in time for Christmas sales.

“I made the conscious decision not to release the album because it’s got to the stage where the market is quite heavily congested. Every record company now has their version of a classical crossover artist. So last year the market was heavily congested with similar records.

They all cancelled each other out and I didn’t want to be involved in that.

So this year, we’re concentrating on the tour and I wanted to leave it some months before I release my next record, but it’s still very much work in progress.”

When he’s not on tour or working on his new album, Russell lives in Cheshire with partner Louise. The two are raising the singer’s two children and are currently in the throes of wedding planning. Russell is also a keen tennis player, claiming he can give even pros a run for their money.

He’s also working on new projects with his charity interest, The Katy Holmes Trust and The Kirsty Club, which help to fund research into brain tumours.

Russell was, of course, diagnosed with a pituitary tumour in 2006, having experienced headaches the previous year, which were misdiagnosed as stress.

Problems with his vision as the singer flew to Los Angeles to record That’s Life led to the real problem being discovered.

“It was difficult to deal with but it gives you a new perspective on life.” he says.

“It appears to come from nowhere and it turns your life around, but it changes you profoundly, too.”

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“It’s difficult to go through and it was a shock but it’s one of those things and you can bury your head in the sand or face it head on and hope that you can overcome it. People have said that I’m brave, but I’m not. I got ill, and I didn’t want it to beat me. I just didn’t want to die.”

“Charity work is something I now have an affinity with, and it’s given me a new appreciation for people, for my family.

People said I’d never sing like I used to sing; that the pressure on that area will make you feel dizzy when hitting the high notes because of the damage done up there.”

“It’s taken my seven years to get to the stage where I am now and it’s been hard work but it’s been worth it, and hard work never scared me, anyway.”

Russell has sang for The Queen, for Pope John Paul II, for Bill Clinton and for George Bush, not to mention countless other heads of state. Still, he remains just as happy, just as fulfilled singing for a smaller Lincolnshire audience. That’s perhaps the true indicator of a superstar, and the reason that he’ll be so popular with his audience in Scunthorpe next month.

Russell Watson appears in An Intimate Evening with Russell Watson - Up Close & Personal, on18th April from 7.30pm. Tickets £45.

live in scunthorpe russell appears at Baths Hall next month, these are some of the other acts appearing at the venue in spring...

17th March: Paul weller the modfather comes to Lincolnshire as part of a 14 date tour to promote his 12th solo studio album. Tickets £38.

25th March: Brendan Cole a night to remember with the strictly star, with amazing choreography and lavish costumes, music and ballroom magic.

Tickets £27-£34.50.

9th april: giselle moscow state Ballet presents one of the world’s most romantic ballets. 10th april sees the appearance of swan Lake at the venue too. Tickets £17.50-£31.50.

9th april: giselle moscow state Ballet presents one of the world’s most romantic ballets. 10th april sees the appearance of swan Lake at the venue too. Tickets £17.50-£31.50.

25th april: Royal Philharmonic Celebrate st george’s day with the royal Philharmonic orchestra performing music from some of England’s finest composers Elgar, Williams et al. Tickets £17.50-£33.

For more information or to book tickets on any of Baths Hall events, call 0844 854 2776 or see www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk.

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

The Farmers’ Ball at The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa lincolnshire’s farmers do an incredible job... so we think they’re entitled to let their hair down every so often.

Over 400 of the county’s finest farmers do just that each year at the Farmers’ Ball. The event, held at Woodhall Spa’s Petwood Hotel, began in 1906 as The Bachelors’ Ball. Last year’s event raised around £6,500, with the two biggest beneficiaries LIVES and The Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. Other charities to benefit included Carers UK, The Horncastle Getaway Club, Headway Lincs, Riding for the Disabled and the Ryan Smith Foundation.

This year’s sponsors included Chattertons, Brown & Co, Barclays, Great Plains, Louth Tractors and NFU Mutual, among others. Guests enjoyed a raffle, a three course meal of Poacher Cheese & Red Onion Tartlet, Lincolnshire turkey, beef or ham, and an assiette of desserts.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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- HiddEn EngLand -

Enjoy spring in

Hidden England a new monthly feature in Pride this month champions the area’s stately homes and visitor attractions, who work together as the Hidden England group...

This spring is the ideal time to explore the area’s consortium of visitor attractions historic houses and gardens.

The group includes Belvoir Castle, Burghley House, Doddington Hall, Easton’s Walled Gardens, Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, plus Deene Park and Rockingham Castle.

“We’re working together because we believe it’s really important that we preserve and promote the area’s best attractions both for our own generation and for future generations to enjoy.” says the group’s Ray Biggs.

“Highlights this month include the stunning spring displays of Easton Walled Gardens and the grounds of the group’s historic properties, which are all wonderful venues for a spring walk.”

“Easter will see Belvoir Castle and its gardens reopen to visitors, whilst Burghley House opens its house and Gardens of Surprise from 14th March.”

“Lincoln Castle begins its Magna Carta 800th anniversary celebrations, in partnership with the adjacent castle, whilst Doddington Hall’s gardens will

open from February every Sunday from 11am-4pm.”

“There really is so much happening at all of the Hidden England partners, so every month in Pride, we’ll be reporting on events and attractions at each and meeting some of the people who help to keep the historic properties running.”

SPRIng FoRWARD A trio of gardens in the Hidden England group are all celebrating the arrival of spring with a series of events for keen gardeners and novices alike... spring presents a magnificent opportunity to cure your cabin fever and cast off winter with a day out. it also represents the chance to see snowdrops, aconites and crocus in the gardens of Hidden England: n at a time when most gardens look sad, easton walled gardens, just off the a1 at grantham, looks magnificent in February and March with breathtaking displays of snowdrops. snowdrop week takes place as this issue of Pride goes on sale, whilst the beautifully restored 12 acre garden opens to the public for the 2015 season on sunday 1st March.

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n lincoln’s doddington Hall opens on sundays from the middle of February until easter from 11am-4pm.

The Hall’s wild gardens look especially wonderful, with drifts of lent lilies and heritage daffodils. n easter also marks the opening of Northamptonshire based deene Park’s gardens, with snowdrop week from sunday 22nd February to 1st March. its south and east facing gardens and Tudor parterre are especially impressive.

Above: Burghley House’s Gardens of Surprise open later this month.

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wHaT’s ON

iN HiddeN

eNglaNd March and april sees most of the properties and gardens in the Hidden England group opening for business once again, and they’ve organised plenty to keep visitors busy this season...

HoW DoES yoUR gARDEn gRoW? If you’re seeking a glorious display of colour in your home and garden this month, an event hosted by florist Rachel Petheram will help... a cutting garden will ensure you have a beautiful looking garden display but also an ample supply of fresh flowers to enjoy in your home all summer long.

Creating a cutting garden is easier than you’d think, according to the county’s Rachel Petheram who this month hosts her How to grow a Cutting garden course on Thursday 19th March at Doddington Hall, Lincoln.

The event will tell you everything you need to know to create a cutting garden of your own like a Victorian pickery - whether you’re a complete novice or a more seasoned gardener.

Notes and a tray of seeds are provided, as is tea & coffee, and lunch in Doddington’s restaurant.

Lecturer Dr Rachel Petheram is a tutor at RHS Harlow Carr, and was voted one of the top 50 florists in the UK according to The Independent newspaper.

The wedding florist grows all of her own flowers, she has featured on the BBC2 show Great British Garden Revival and has been growing cut flowers for over 12 years.

The course runs from 10am-4pm and costs £79/person. Call Rachel on 07758 730462 for more information or see www.doddingtonhall.co.uk.

BOOkiNg eaRly FOR BuRgHley Tickets now on sale for Battle Proms - book your place in time for July event spring may have only just sprung, but already our thoughts are on summer, and one highlight of summer, in particular; Burghley House’s Battle Proms.

Tickets for the event have just gone on sale, even though this year’s event is not taking place until Saturday 4th July.

Going with a Bang: Tickets are on sale this month for Burghley House’s Battle Proms, which takes place every year in July.

This year’s programme will feature Napoleonic cavalry displays, a musical programme compèred by Pam Rhodes, and a rousing firework finale with a full complement of 193 cannons. Tickets are available from www.battleproms.com for £29.50/adults.

n sunday 22nd February doddington Hall & gardens Just as Pride appears in shops, doddington Hall and save the date Events hosts a wedding fair at the civil licensed house, providing an opportunity to meet local wedding suppliers and have a look at doddington. n Tuesday 24th March lincoln Cathedral Professor nicholas Vincent visits Lincoln Cathedral this month to deliver a lecture entitled Who Wrote magna Carta. it’s the document’s 800th anniversary this month, find out more later in this edition. n sunday 5th april doddington Hall & gardens Easter Crafts at doddington Hall, with 35 local craftspeople providing a great day out from 10am-4.30pm. n sunday 5th april Burghley easter egg Hunt Follow a treasure hunt around Burghley House’s gardens of surprise, and collect your full size chocolate egg from the Easter Bunny. n Thursday 30th april Belvoir Castle Charity shoot 30 teams of four guns are sought to embark on a charity clay shoot, replicating a real day’s pheasant and grouse drive. includes champagne reception and late lunch.

Finding Out More: For more information on any of the Hidden England attractions, see www.hiddenengland.org.

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THE LARGEST RANGE OF RECLINERS IN THE AREA Riser Recliners

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The Anniversary of

juSTICe This year represents the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. Despite the document’s age, it’s more relevant in 2015 than ever before, enshrining the rights which underpin the democracy of not just England, but the US and Europe too. In an exclusive interview we speak to Lincoln Magna Carta’s custodian The Very Rev’d Philip Buckler about how Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle will team up to celebrate the anniversary and reveal its new home in a purpose-built £11m vault...

Words: Rob Davis.

Lincolnshire will this year celebrate a very important anniversary. It’s not just the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta but the 800th anniversary of the principle of justice which is at the heart of all western civilisation.

Magna Carta is not just as relevant today, it’s more relevant at a time when religious freedom is being tested and the moral obligation of a country to deliver justice in an appropriate way is more important than ever. Lincoln’s Magna Carta is one of just four surviving copies - two are in the possession of the British Library and the remaining copy is held by Salisbury Cathedral.

Contrary to popular belief, it is Lincoln Cathedral, not the Castle or County Council which owns Magna Carta. The document is on a long-term loan to the Castle, which, by way of quid pro quo can house the document to attract visitors. Via Mary Powell of Lincolnshire County Council and HLF funding, the cash has been raised to display the document in a new vault as part of the £22m Lincoln Castle Revealed project.

comprising a charter that would later come to be known as Magna Carta. This followed its ratification by the King and the document’s sealing after a meeting with the King on The Meadow at Runnymede.

The document defines our state by determining the limits of the monarch and laying down the laws relating to religious and legal freedoms which formed not only the basis of our legal and governmental systems - e.g.: habeas corpus - but the uS Constitution too.

“The document prevented civil war and established laws relating to religious and legal freedom. It formed the basis of Habeas Corpus and, later, the US Constitution...”

On the day Pride goes to press, a reunification event will unite all four copies at the British Library - it will be the first time in 800 years that all copies can be seen and compared together.

Closer to home though, Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle have teamed up to create a programme of events to celebrate the anniversary here in the county. The Castle will also unveil a new £11m vault for the storage of Magna Carta and both Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral will offer a joint ticket to allow visitors to see both attractions for a single, discounted fee.

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Following a disastrous invasion of Normandy in 1214, the document was designed to lay down rules resolving taxation and financial disputes between King john and 23 of the barons who had suffered financially under the King’s tyranny and as a result of his recklessness.

The barons met in Stamford in 1215 and it was ‘chief architect’ of the document, Lincolnshire’s Archbishop Stephen Langton who devised the articles of the barons - 49 articles which would eventually form the 63 clauses

The Dean of Lincoln, the Very Rev’d Philip Buckler, is responsible for the running of the Cathedral, and travels with the document - the most welltravelled of the four surviving Magna Cartas - to countries like the united States of America, which especially values the document as the foundation of its constitution, too.

Philip has travelled internationally with the document seven times, describing doing so as being part of the Cathedral’s educational mission. He delivers lectures on its history and relevance to modern society.

“The country was embroiled in what was likely to become a civil war.” says the Dean.

“1215 was the date when it was agreed - after

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the draft was forced upon King john at the Meadow at Runnymede where he met his barons. This was, however, the meeting where they forged a truce and it was on the basis of this agreement that the power of the King was limited for the very first time.

It said he was answerable to rather than above the law. It made the point that nobody was above the law and that is its continuing importance.”

“Magna Carta was generally between the Barons and the King and was mainly about tax and issues like property and rights of inheritance. It also covered justice and the whole legal system and the idea that people were entitled to justice without delay.”

“Nobody was to be imprisoned except by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land. This is the foundation of habeas corpus and much of today’s legal framework stem from it - including trial by jury. On a more practical level it has weights and measures which, again, form the basis of any fundamentals of fair trading.”

“We don’t know how many copies there were at the time. It could be as few as a dozen or as many as 35 or 40. The main strategic centres would have received a copy.

“As Lincoln was a key city, it was sent its copy, and the interesting thing about our version is that it has on the back in the court script of the time, the word Lincolnia.

In other words, that was its destination.

So we know it was the one which was originally intended for here and it has been here ever since.”

“Magna Carta has been called the birth certificate of our society and of democracy itself...”

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“Following john’s death in 1216 it was reissued in the name of the young Henry III by his regent, William Marshall. In 1217 another charter was issued which drew out further the rights and opportunities for the ordinary person - this became known as the Charter of the Forest.”

“Lincoln Cathedral has an original 1217 Charter of the Forest, so we are actually the only place that has two original charters but the Charter of the Forest became known as the Lesser Charter. Magna Carta became known as the Greater Charter; Magna Carta.”

Magna Carta’s adoption was not, of course, smooth and simple. “King john reneged on Magna Carta just a few weeks later.” says Dean Philip. “The Pope annulled it, saying the King had been coerced into it, so the barons again threatened civil war. Then john died and at that point a number of barons were trying to encourage the French Dauphin over to become King here. It was just a small group of barons who were loyal to King john’s son, Henry III.” “The French prince came over and was met by many of the barons who were rebelling.

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a TiMeLine of

Magna

CaRTa

n 27th May 1199 Coronation of King John John is crowned King of England following the death of his older brother Richard I in France on 6th April 1199. n 17th May 1215 Barons Capture Tower of London The rebel barons capture the Tower of London, greatly strengthening their position in their struggle with King John. n 10th June 1215 Meeting at Runnymede The barons assemble at Runnymede by the River Thames to negotiate with King John. Their demands are listed in the Articles of the Barons drafted slightly earlier by Stephen Langton (of Wragby) in Stamford. n 15th June 1215 granting of Magna Carta King John grants Magna Carta. n 19th June 1215 Peace is Restored The barons make formal peace with King John by renewing their oaths of allegiance. Distribution of Magna Carta begins. n 24th august 1215 Pope annuls Magna Carta Pope Innocent III issues a papal bull declaring Magna Carta null and void. n 22nd May 1216 french invasion of england Prince Louis of France invades England and attracts substantial baronial support. n 22nd May 1216 french invasion of england Prince Louis of France invades England and attracts substantial baronial support. King John loses royal treasure in The Wash, dies suddenly in Newark on 18th October, succeeded by Henry III. n 20th May 1217 Battle of Lincoln fair Battle which reduced the threat of invasion by the French and restored peace on the condition that Magna Carta would be observed. n 12th november 1216 Revision of Magna Carta The document was revised on 12th November 1216, 6th November 1217 (alongside The Forest Charter) and on 11th February 1225. n 12th october 1297 Ratification by edward i Edward I conďŹ rms Henry III's 1225 version of Magna Carta. This text is subsequently placed on the ďŹ rst statute roll.

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There followed a battle and the key skirmish was fought here in Lincoln - that was the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217.”

“Many historians would say this was the third most important battle Britain has ever faced, after 1066, when we lost, and the Battle of Britain, which we won. We won the Battle of Lincoln Fair saved ourselves from French rule. Henry re-issued Magna Carta and promised to keep to this agreement in order to remain united.”

Lincoln Cathedral’s Magna Carta remained in its Dean and Chapter Archives until the early 19th century. It was, thereafter, actually framed and hung on the wall of one of the Diocese’s offices - the office of Chapter Clark Robert Swan - in exchequer Gate.

“Fears about Magna Carta’s safety amid the outbreak of war meant it was stored in Fort Knox, returning to the UK in 1946 and being displayed in the Castle in 1993...”

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In 1939 the document was in the uSA, on loan to the uSA World Fair. Fears about its safety amid the outbreak of war meant it was stored in Fort Knox, returning to the uK in 1946 and being displayed in the Castle in 1993. The £11m vault, opening on April 1st 2015, will display the document in safer conditions with new interpretation as part of the larger restoration project.

Chapter Clerk of the Cathedral, jackie Croft - essentially the general manager of the Cathedral’s non-liturgical matters - has been instrumental in creating a joint-ticket scheme which will allow visitors to access and enjoy both the Cathedral and the Castle at a really competitive price that represents great value for money.

“Magna Carta will be a catalyst for people to visit Lincoln.” says jackie. “Lincoln Cathedral attracts over 184,000 visitors each year, and this joint ticket between the two attractions will create a synergy, a partnership that will result in a visitor experience - for local, national and international visitors that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

“The joint ticket will enable visitors to return again to both attractions on another day within six months, so essentially the new joint ticket provides four days out - two visits to each of the attractions – for a discounted price of £16 for adults and £40 for a family.

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Magna Carta Facts n Each of the Magna Carta are

a single piece of parchment measuring between 43cm-51cm by 33cm-43cm. The charters are made of animal skin - probably from sheep - with text written in Chancery script in gall, an ink obtained from apples. n The text is written in medieval Latin and amounts to around 3,550 words. There were 63 clauses, rising to 69 clauses when it was reissued

by Henry III, the King later reduced the number of clauses to 27. n Just three of the original clauses

are still directly relevant; that the English church should be free (clause 1), that no man should be punished except by lawful judgement (clause 39) and that nobody should be denied justice (clause 40). n The name Magna Carta was not used until the document’s reissue in 1217. Charters (Cartas) were issued all the time, but this document was the major (Magna) Carta, rather than the Forest Charter which was the ‘minor’ Carta. n Contrary to popular belief, the

document was not signed. It was sealed by the King in wax. The £2 coin issued to mark Magna Carta’s anniversary depicts King John signing the document.

This is erroneous, but the Royal Mint says the image is symbolic, rather than a literal depiction. n Whilst Magna Carta is incredibly important, the 1217 Forest Charter granted greater security to the general population, promising them that the King could not simply commandeer land from common land - it repealed ‘forest law.’ n Nobody is sure how many

Magna Carta were produced - it could be as few as a dozen, or as many as 40 - one for each major centre of population. n When Magna Carta travels it does so under incredible security.

It’s monitored by independent conservator Chris Woods with its lighting, humidity and temperature all scrutinised. It is examined microscopically (a ‘condition survey’) both before and after it is exhibited as a condition of its Government Institution Indemnity Insurance.

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“The Magna Carta event will renew appreciation for both Lincoln Cathedral and the Castle, our most famous landmarks...”

“We want to ensure we are more accessible than ever. I took up post in September last year and when I tell people where I work, and explain about my job, they’re always surprised to learn that the Cathedral receives no government or council funding.”

tour, make their way to the other site then go on that one, too.”

“We’re a charity and we rely upon on donations, grants, investments, legacies and on income from visitors & activities.”

“Doing so will ensure that visitors can learn the whole story of Magna Carta this year and really make the most of their visit.”

“each year we need to spend £1.6m on the repair and conservation of the building and that is a huge challenge to us. Lincoln Cathedral is a fantastic building and everyone who works here wants everybody to feel welcome and to come and enjoy it.

Similarly the Castle is going to be amazing when it re-opens in April. The interest around Magna Carta is one key way of encouraging the public to visit the Cathedral and the Castle, to recognise and appreciate two of the county’s most famous landmarks.”

In addition, the Cathedral is hosting a whole series of events designed to celebrate the important milestone in the document’s history, from lectures to musical events, drama productions and a celebratory dinner.

Visitor Services Team Leader Ruth Paynton agrees. She’s responsible for co-ordinating 70 guides who all work on a voluntary basis to maintain an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Cathedral’s architecture, its history and its role in Magna Carta’s story.

“The Cathedral is gearing up for a very busy year.” Ruth says. “We believe that visitor numbers will increase by around 30% and to ensure Magna Carta is well-integrated into our tours we’ve revised the tour that we deliver, making it more cohesive, making more sense out of the timeline.”

“This year we’re cutting the duration of our tours from an hour and a half to 40 minutes, ensuring that timings are co-ordinated with the Castle so visitors can go on one 36

even if you don’t attend one of the special events though, a visit to the Cathedral and the newly re-opened Castle next month is essential to appreciate Lincoln’s role not just in national history, but world history too.

“Magna Carta is not just a historic document, it’s one of greater relevance than ever today.” says Dean Philip. “It is very important at the present time, I believe, because it reminds us of these values of freedom and the observance of law at a time when global terrorism is making people very fearful and trying to tempt us to dispense with those freedoms that we value most highly, out of fear.”

“That is where it is a very contemporary document. It is saying there are patterns of justice, patterns of law and nobody is above these things.” “even terrorism should not frighten us into losing important principles like trial by jury and proper justice. It is something that reminds us of the values of our society at a time when all these things are under threat... it is a very, very contemporary document.”

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MAGNA

CARTA

events

AT THe CATHeDRAL

To mark the 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta, Lincoln Cathedral has planned a programme of events throughout 2015...

5th June

18th - 21st June

Magna Carta Dinner in the nave

eastern Three Choirs festival

A flagship Magna Carta dinner will take place in June to allow 800 people to celebrate the anniversary that Magna Carta was sealed.

International visitors, Cathedral VIPS and Lincoln residents will all enjoy this inclusive event.

All 800 tickets have already been sold for the event, which takes place in the Nave.

A four day celebration of choral music featuring the choirs of Lincoln, Peterborough and Southwell. Includes performances from Tasmin Little and Piers Lane with Sinfonia Viva and An Evening with BBC Radio 3’s Michael Berkeley.

January – october

26th June - 27th Sept

23rd July - 1st august

The Lincoln Lectures 2015

Lincolnshire’s great exhibition

Jesus Christ, Superstar

This year, the Lincoln Lectures will see leaders and personalities from across the country discuss the Magna Carta and its impact on society through the ages.

Speakers will include Igor Judge (Lord Judge of Draycote), former Lord Chief Justice of England & Wales; Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England; and Sir Mark Elder, Director of the Hallé Orchestra.

The Cathedral’s Wren and Medieval Libraries host a section of Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition where it will the display Volume II of the Lincoln Chapter Bible, side by side with Volume I. The two documents have never been brought together before, so the event follows the unification of the four Magna Cartas at the British Library.

Look out for a nine-night community production of the musical Jesus Christ, Superstar, in the Nave of the Cathedral this summer.

With a cast of 200, and audiences of 450 each night, it’s set to be a superb production with dazzling acting and choreography.

Ticket prices TBC, for more information call 01522 561644 or see www.lincolncathedral.com.

Tickets for the event are available from February at Lincoln Cathedral Shop or at www.superstarlincoln.co.uk.

Magna Carta: The Lincoln Story The complete Magna Carta story is told in a new book published by Lincoln Cathedral Publications and Pitkin.

The 50-page full colour book has been written by Carol and Nicholas Bennett and has 88 illustrations.

The book is available to purchase for £6.99 from Lincoln Cathedral’s Shop, by calling 01522 561644 or by visiting www.lincolncathedral.com/shop.

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Main Course: SwordďŹ sh steak with pesto risotto.

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- Food -

A Truly Great

BRITON this month we celebrate the great British Pub with a return visit to the generous Briton. owned by John Cork and Jane King since 2008, its open fires, beer garden and terrace allow visitors to enjoy quality pub dining whatever the weather...

spring may be on its way, but you still can’t predict the weather we’re likely to endure or enjoy this month. Fortunately, we’ve a recommendation that will suit both a warm spring or a cooler one, with its open fires and cosy dining room, or its sunny terrace and beer garden.

The Generous Briton is not a posh restaurant, but it’s a friendly, relaxed pub with great food, ideal for those evenings you’d like a meal for two without a long drive or the hassle of parking in a town centre.

Words: Rob Davis.

The restaurant is owned by John Cork and Jane King, with Jane as chef patron.

Originating from Claypole, Jane understands what locals want from a pub restaurant and has, for over six years, worked hard to refurbish the pub restaurant, building up a reputation for consistently great dining.

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Left: Banana fritters.

Below: Chicken strips in a sweet chilli sauce.

“With a modest number of covers and a couple of chefs in the kitchen, plenty of attention is paid to the preparation of each dish...”

Bright white walls, pine furniture and table linens create an ambience of unfussy rustic quality, with a well-considered menu of both pub favourites and the kind of dishes you’d expect to see in gastropubs or restaurants, providing plenty of choice.

During our visit, a choice of simple but wellimplemented starters included smoked salmon with asparagus, wilted spinach and a poached egg, but we also tried battered strips of chicken breast with sweet chilli sauce.

Main courses include everything from sausages & mash, scampi and lasagne, to honey roasted duckling, a beef Wellington and the yellow-fin sole fillet featured on our opening spread.

Below: Yellow fin sole in a tomato and prawn butter.

The pub restaurant is roughly the same distance from Lincoln, Newark, Sleaford and Grantham, so unsurprisingly it attracts people from a wide area.

Dining takes place from Tuesday to Saturday, noon until 2pm and 6pm to 9pm, with a Sunday lunch service from noon to 3pm.

Diners can choose from an à la carte menu with around eight starters, 12 main courses and six desserts, as well as three daily changing blackboard specials. There’s also an ‘early bird’ promotion which provides two or three courses at a discounted cost.

The Generous Briton is open plan, with a main dining room that offers around 30 covers and a bar area. It’s a real ‘pub as a hub’ venue with regular quiz nights and other community events. That’s not to say, however, that it’s unwelcoming to those from outside the village, and with a modest number of covers and a couple of chefs in the kitchen, plenty of attention is paid to the preparation of each dish.

Local suppliers helping Jane to implement her menus include Skinners of Barrowby, supplying meat, Maxeys of Newark, which supplies vegetables grown in the fields surrounding the restaurant, and M&J, supplying fish daily from Grimsby Fish Market.

During the summer months the restaurant is also popular for its summer salad options; pork belly, goat’s cheese and red onion marmalade, for example.

“They’re very well regarded, different from run of the mill salads, but delicious for the months when you’re seeking a nice light lunch.” says Jane.

Dessert options included our banana fritter, and an assiette of desserts with a chocolate brownie, a strawberry and red wine jelly, and a citrus cheesecake - all desserts are home made by Jane and the team in house.

To accompany, there’s also a choice of three house red and white wines, and six further

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Main: Smoked salmon with asparagus and poached egg.

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- Food -

“The atmosphere and surroundings are to the same high standard as the food itself, making it easy for us to recommend this month...”

offering one, two or three courses for £10.50, £13.50 or £15.50 respectively.

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options from around £20/bottle. The pub also has a constantly changing selection of real ales - unsurprising since before becoming a restauranteur, real ale connoisseur John worked for a brewery supplying ale to pubs and restaurants.

The Generous Briton proves that there’s a sweet spot between low cost and high quality dining, offering well-cooked food with high levels of technical skill, without the formality of pricier pub restaurants. Best of all, the atmosphere and surroundings are to the same high standard as the food itself, making it easy for us to recommend this month.

This month is set to be especially busy for the Generous Briton with a Mother’s Day menu providing four choices of each course, and three courses for £19.95. If you consider that good value, you’ll be equally impressed with the pub restaurant’s one, two or three course Sunday lunch menu,

“A great dining experience is about the food, but it’s also about the service and about the welcome.” says Jane. “We’re always popular in spring because we’re such a cosy place to enjoy a meal. The atmosphere is one of a homely country pub, but with high quality food that goes way beyond this remit.”

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Sample Dishes startErs smoked salmon

£5.95

Smoked salmon topped with asparagus, wilted spinach and poached egg.

Whitebait

£5.95

Deep-fried whitebait on a bed of salad leaves with home-made tartare sauce.

Chicken Breast

£5.95

Battered strips of chicken breast topped with sweet chilli sauce.

main CoUrsEs Beef Wellington

£14.95

Sliced fillet steak on a puff pastry croute with a mushroom duxelle and finished with a red wine sauce. sole

£13.95

Yellow-fin sole fillet topped with pan-fried prawns and a lime & ginger butter. steaks

£14.95-£19.95

Choice of sirloin, 10oz rump and 20oz rump served with hand-cut chips, mushroom and onion rings.

dEssErts Fritter

£5.25

Banana fritter with ice cream and syrup. assiette

£5.25

Assiette of desserts with chocolate brownie, strawberry and red wine jelly and citrus cheesecake.

Find out more: The generous Briton, 72 High street, Brant Broughton, lincoln lN5 0RZ Tel: 01400 272119 www.thegenerousbriton.co.uk 43

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FABULOUS FOOD

Relaxed Atmosphere, Great Service is what you discover in our bar and restaurant Our delicious new spring menu is now available.

Serving lunch & dinner daily.

MAKE MOTHERS DAY EXTRA SPECIAL 3 Course lunch ÂŁ24.95pp

includes a special gift for every mother Book early to avoid disappointment See our website for all our special offers

Riby Rd, Stallingborough

N/E Lincolnshire DN41 8BU.

Tel: 01469 561302

reception@stallingboroughgrange.co.uk

www.stallingboroughgrange.co.uk

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- Food -

Fresh Dining for

Spring the rain may have fallen during our visit, but we’ve a spring eating Out recommendation that’s warm and satisfying no matter what the weather... a beautifully conceived, flawlessly implemented dining experience in the village of Baston...

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

My wife is from the north east. She would probably describe the day we paid a visit to Baston’s White Horse pub as ‘clarty.’

The word is a Mackem colloquialism to describe a grim, dark, dirty, wet, muddy, rainy and thoroughly miserable day.

It’s an almost onomatopoeic word, and even if you’ve never heard it before, you’ll picture exactly the type of day; brooding, slate grey skies and buckets of rain falling helplessly onto the car as I made a wringing wet dash into the 18th century pub restaurant.

I’m still not entirely sure if it was the poor weather outdoors that made the inside of the place seem even more cheerful, or whether it really is as warm, comfortable and as welcoming as I found it... I suspect the latter, because by the end of my visit I came to the conclusion that the place really is quite fantastic.

Left: An assiette of lamb dish included a grilled chop and individual shepherd’s pie, served with minted peas.

The village boozer closed in October 2012 and was rescued from obsolescence by local farmer Mark Richardson. Having embarked upon a comprehensive refurbishment, he installed landlord & landlady Ben & 47

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Left: The dining room is rustic and charming, with a warm, relaxed, sociable feel.

Below: Our venison rillettes with celeriac remoulade.

A filo, feta and spinach roulade will satisfy vegetarians.

Opposite: Our starter of duck breast with tea-poached pear and blackberry dressing.

Dining at The White Horse is by way of a lunch menu comprising four snacks including a pulled pork hash with poached egg and crispy bacon, the mere description of which sent me weak at the knees - and a choice of five sandwiches with fillings like steak & red onion marmalade, sausages & mustard and a White Horse Club option.

To experience the full breadth of talent demonstrated by head chef Leighton O’Callaghan and his brigade though, we’ll instead implore you to try evening dining, and the restaurant’s seasonally changing menu with its seven starters, 13 main courses and seven desserts.

Germaine Larter upon its reopening in July 2013. They remain in the completely transformed pub restaurant today, with children Alfred and Peggy and their Springer Spaniel Audrey.

You’ll know when you’ve found the pub restaurant thanks to its distinctive dark blue exterior. It’s exactly the same colour as the sky was during our visit, almost adopting its hue by way of sympathy.

Once you’re inside though, the place is a great deal warmer and really very cheerful.

An open plan layout means a front lounge with an Aga wood burner, then, deeper into its heart there’s a long bar, and eventually a 30 seater restaurant.

Stripped pine tables and rustic chairs, exposed beams, wood panelling plus a cream and blue colour scheme provide a really charming look that’s smart and relaxed.

It’s a dining room that remains informal, but still comfortable and still evokes a sense of real quality.

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The presentation of the restaurant’s food goes way beyond the remit of a pub restaurant - even a ‘gastropub’ - with neatly arranged food such as our first starter, a smoked duck breast, served with a tea-poached pear and blackberry dressing.

Our second starter was venison rillettes, served with a celeriac remoulade and walnut bread, the latter baked freshly in house.

Every dish the restaurant serves has fresh, vibrant pops of colours, and nowhere is this more evident than in our first main course which also served to prove how well vegetarians are catered for at the restaurant.

A filo, feta and spinach roulade featured an aubergine purée with roasted Jerusalem artichokes. Leighton assures us that there’s always at least two vegetarian main courses which are given equal precedence in terms of their creativity and presentation than their meat-based counterparts.

Our meaty main was a lamb platter, served on a board. The assiette comprised lamb chop with an individual shepherd’s pie, together with a serving of minted peas.

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- Food -

“The White Horse also has monthly themed gourmet evenings.

During our visit , a Caribbean theme was in full swing.”

Needless to say the restaurant has strong relations with local suppliers, and prepares its ice creams, sorbets, bread and so on all in house. There’s also a robust wine list devised and supplied by Amps Fine Wine, comprising 10 whites, 10 reds, a brace of bubbles and a couple of rosé wines, plus the Sauternes served with our chocolate torte. Priced between £15 and £45 (for Tattinger fizz), wines have a skinny makeup and are good value.

In the great tradition of sampling a fruity pud and a chocolate based dessert, we first tried the restaurant’s rich chocolate torte, a very very rich, bold torte indeed, with shortbread base and Chantilly cream. It’ll appeal to the true cocoa aficionado with its dark and delicious depth.

Meanwhile, an apple panna cotta with blackberry compote was a stark contrast; light, creamy and vanilla-ey with a lovely infusion of apples.

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Speaking of wine, the pub restaurant also hosts a cheese and wine evening every Monday from 5pm-8pm, with three different cheeses on offer, alongside homemade chutney and biscuits. That’s in addition to regular Tuesday evening gourmet events, the topics of which change monthly; we visited when an unseasonally warm Caribbean theme was in full swing!

Leaving The White Horse, we were certainly impressed with our experience.

The pub restaurant is around 30 minutes from Sleaford, Grantham and Spalding - so is it worth the trip?

Our answer is a rounding ‘yes!’ given the skilfully prepared, colourful dishes, the pretty presentation of the building and dining room and for a dining experience that really will warm up your spring!

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Sample Menu startErs mushroom tart

£5.95

Wild mushroom and confit garlic tart with olive salad.

Crab Cakes

£7.50

Breaded crab and chilli cakes with an orange and fennel salad. goat’s Cheese

£6.00

Warm goat’s cheese and pickled beets with a herb dressing.

mains Chicken supreme

£12.00

Pan seared chicken supreme, celeriac rösti, pumpkin puree, and parsnip crisps chicken jus. daube Beef

£13.50

Pork Belly

£12.50

Daube of beef served with confit garlic mash and buttered greens.

Slow roast pork belly with apple tart, fondant potato and sesame carrots. steak

£17.50

Sirloin or rib-eye with hand cut chips, grilled tomato and mushroom.

PUdding toffee apple sponge

£5.75

Toffee apple sponge served with a thickened cinnamon cream. roasted Pear

£5.75

Honey roasted pear and almond tart with vanilla ice cream. taster menu

£8.50

Assiette of desserts in miniature.

Cheese and Biscuits

£7.50

Selection of local and artisan cheeses.

Find out more: The white Horse, Church street Baston, lincolnshire Pe6 9Pe Tel: 01778 560 923. www.thewhitehorsebaston.co.uk.

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THE

Brownlow Arms • À La Carte Dining • 17th Century Coaching Inn • 5* AA Accommodation

Michelin Guide 2015 AA Rosette 2015 Waitrose Good Food Guide 2015 ENJOY AWARD-WINNING DINING COURTESY OF RUARAIDH BEALBY, LIZZY GOODWIN & GARY BRIDLE! OUR NEW MENU NOW AVAILABLE. PRIVATE DINING FOR UPTO 28 PEOPLE AVAILABLE. HOUGH ON THE HILL, GRANTHAM ROAD NEAR GRANTHAM, LINCOLNSHIRE NG32 2AZ 01400 250 234 • armsinn@yahoo.co.uk Current menus online now at www.thebrownlowarms.co.uk.

Open 6pm – 11pm Tuesday to Saturday with dinner served 6.30pm – 9.30pm. Sunday lunch served 12 noon – 2.30pm.

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- rECiPEs -

A Taste of

SPRING this month tom Kerridge releases his new book based on his popular BBC series Best Ever dishes. as the most down-toearth but high-ying chef on the food scene, tom Kerridge has become known for his big avours and beautifully crafted yet accessible food. Each of our featured recipes will make sure your spring dinner party is something very impressive indeed...

Words: Tom Kerridge.

Photos: Cristian Barnett.

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- rECiPEs -

Sea Bass with Black grape Sauce and Celery 2 x 200g wild, line-caught sea bass fillets, skin on, pin bones removed Plain flour, for dusting Vegetable oil, for frying the fish Knob of butter squeeze of lemon juice 25g toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped or crushed 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil salt and freshly ground white pepper For the black grape sauce 60g butter, plus a knob more for finishing 1 red onion, halved and finely sliced 175ml ruby port 75ml red wine 300g black seedless grapes, halved 30g blackberries (frozen is fine) 1 tablespoon redcurrant jelly For the celery 1 small root end of a celery head 200ml water 2 tablespoons dessert wine 75g butter 1 teaspoon thyme leaves

sea bass is a fantastic round fish with a firm but flaky flesh which makes a great contrast to its crisp, cooked skin. Poaching the celery heart is a super way to use the end of a head of celery and it pairs well with the rich and slightly sweet grape sauce, tasty fish and toasted hazelnuts.

To make the black grape sauce, put the butter into a saucepan and melt it over a medium heat. Add the red onion and sweat gently for approximately 10-15 minutes until soft, stirring from time to time.

Pour in the port and red wine, then add the grapes, blackberries and redcurrant jelly.

Bring to the boil, turn the heat down and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by half. Remove from the heat.

Blitz in a blender or food processor until smooth, pass through a fine sieve, season, and keep in the fridge until needed if not using immediately.

To cook the celery, cut the root in half lengthways and trim any brown or dirty bits from it. Pick any leaves from the celery and reserve.

Peel any tough strings from the celery heart halves with a vegetable peeler then place the heart in a high-sided frying pan. Pour in the water and dessert wine and add the butter.

Season with a generous pinch of salt, place the pan on a medium-high heat and bring to the boil.

“A fantastic fish for Easter Sunday - firm, flaky and flavoursome!”

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Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook until the celery heart is soft, the cooking liquid has reduced and the butter and water have emulsified - this should take about 25 minutes. Baste the celery with the cooking liquid, stir in the thyme leaves and keep warm.

serves two

With a sharp knife, cut a few incisions in the sea bass skin to prevent it from curling up during cooking. Don’t cut too deeply into the flesh. Dust the sea bass flesh with flour and shake off any excess. Season with salt.

Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and pour in a little vegetable oil. When hot, place the sea bass fillets in the pan, skin-side down, and hold them in place with your hand until you feel that they’ve relaxed and the skin no longer wants to curl up.

Cook until the skin is crisp and the fish is cooked 90 per cent of the way through – this should take about 3-4 minutes. If you cook it over a medium heat, you will get a much better result and a crispy skin. If you cook it too high and fast, the skin will burn and cook unevenly.

Flip the sea bass over, add the knob of butter to the pan and squeeze in the lemon juice.

Baste the fish so it is ready to serve.

Warm the grape sauce - you may want to stir in a knob of butter to enrich it. Pour a spoonful of the sauce (you won’t need all of the sauce, but it freezes well so you can save any extra for another time) on to a warmed serving plate and place a sea bass fillet and a piece of celery heart on top.

Sprinkle over half the toasted hazelnuts and drizzle on half the hazelnut oil. If you have any leaves left from the celery, garnish the top with them. Repeat with the other fillet then serve immediately.

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- rECiPEs -

Calves’ Livers with Sage & onion Fritters Vegetable oil, for cooking 2 pieces of calf’s liver, about 180–200g each some plain flour, seasoned with salt, pepper and a bit of cayenne pepper, for dusting Juice of 1 lime 4 tablespoons sherry vinegar 4 tablespoons meat stock base salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 rashers of streaky bacon to finish For the bacon butter 100g bacon trimmings, from your butcher, diced as finely as you can 250g unsalted butter ½ teaspoon smoked paprika For the onion fritters 2 onions, halved and finely sliced 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt 1 teaspoon dried sage 3 tablespoons chopped sage 1 teaspoon curry powder or use a good-quality bought one 1 tablespoon tapioca flour about 1 tablespoon gram flour Vegetable oil, for deep-frying For the spinach Knob of butter 80g broad-leaf spinach, tough stalks removed, rinsed Few gratings of nutmeg

“This is a superb modern take on that well-loved dish of liver and bacon. Keep the leftover bacon butter - it’s a nice little condiment you’ll use time and again!”

serves two

This is my take on that well-loved favourite, liver and bacon. The sage and onion fritters are a bit like an Indian pakora, which gives a great crispy texture to contrast with the meltingly soft and luscious calf ’s liver. The bacon butter is a little condiment which I’m sure you’ll make again and again – you can use it in all sorts of recipes, or simply spread it on hot toast, and it freezes very well.

mixture into the oil – they should be about the size of golf balls – and cook until they are golden and crisp. Carefully remove from the fryer and drain on kitchen paper; season.

First make the bacon butter. Warm a large saucepan over a medium–high heat and cook the bacon trimmings until the bacon starts to crisp and little bits stick to the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat down, add the butter and paprika, and stir everything together.

Warm a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and drizzle in a little oil.

Continue to cook until the butter starts to foam, then pass the mixture through a fine sieve into a container, discarding the bacon, and cool. When cool, seal and place in the fridge until it sets. You can freeze the bacon butter for up to 3 months.

To make the fritters, place the sliced onions in a large mixing bowl and season with the flaky sea salt and dried sage. Mix together and leave to stand for 15–20 minutes, until the onions have softened. Wrap the onions in a clean tea towel and squeeze out any excess liquid over a bowl. Reserve the liquid.

Put the onions back into a clean bowl and stir in the fresh sage.

Stir the curry powder, tapioca flour and gram flour into the drained onion water, to form a paste which is a bit thicker than double cream – you may need to add a little more gram flour. Mix this paste with the onions to make a fritter batter.

Heat the oil in a deep fat fryer to 180°C. Gently lower small spoonfuls of the fritter

You may need to cook the fritters in batches; make sure you let the oil come back up to temperature between batches. Place in a low oven to keep warm while you finish preparing the rest of the dish.

Dust the pieces of calf ’s liver with seasoned flour and shake off any excess. Place them in the pan. When coloured on one side, which will take 2–3 minutes, flip over and add 2 tablespoons of the bacon butter to the pan.

Baste the liver. Squeeze in the lime juice and baste again. When cooked – about 4 minutes in total – put the liver on a warm plate to rest for a couple of minutes. Place the pan back on the heat, and add the sherry vinegar and meat stock base to the butter left in the pan.

Season and whisk together. Keep warm.

To make the spinach, melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat, add the spinach, put the lid on and cook for a couple of minutes until wilted. Grate on some nutmeg, season with salt and drain.

Cook the bacon rashers over a medium–high heat in a non-stick frying pan until crisp.

Place some wilted spinach on a warmed plate and then put a piece of calf ’s liver on top. Dress the liver with the bacon butter sauce and then garnish with the sage and onion fritters and crisp bacon rashers.

Repeat with the second piece of calf ’s liver and serve immediately.

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- rECiPEs -

Strawberry Tartlets with Easy Strawberry Ice Cream For the strawberry ice cream 1kg strawberries, hulled and halved 500ml single cream 200g caster sugar For the sweet pastry 250g softened butter 120g caster sugar 400g plain flour, plus more for dusting 1 egg, lightly beaten For the crème patissière 580ml milk 6 egg yolks, lightly beaten 110g caster sugar 60g plain flour, sifted 90ml 8-year-old balsamic vinegar 11/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper For the glaze 100ml water 50g caster sugar 4 tablespoons strawberry jam 2 tablespoons 8-year-old balsamic vinegar Juice of ½ lemon To finish 400g strawberries, the best quality you can find, thinly sliced some baby basil or basil cress, to decorate

“These little tartlets look like classic strawberry tarts, but I’ve turned them up a bit... the crème patisserie is amazing!”

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Preheat First make the ice cream. Put the strawberries in a large pan and gently stew them over a very low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring from time to time, until they have broken down - you don’t need to add any water. Tip them into a blender or food processor and whizz until smooth. Pass them through a fine sieve and leave to cool. Weigh out 500g of the purée (if you have any left over, it’s delicious used to dress a fruit salad or with yoghurt).

Mix it with the single cream and sugar. Place this mix in an ice-cream machine and churn until frozen. Scrape into a freezer container, seal and freeze until needed. Remove from the freezer about 10 minutes before you want to serve it.

Make the pastry. Cream together the butter and sugar in a stand mixer with the beater attachment. When smooth, reduce the speed and slowly add the flour and start to bring to a paste.

Just before it comes together completely, add the egg. When it has just come together into a paste, remove from the bowl and wrap in cling film. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 170°C/Gas Mark 3.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin. Cut out circles and line six 10cm loose-bottomed tart tins, pushing the pastry in tightly. Let the excess hang over the sides.

Line each tart with several layers of cling film or baking parchment and fill with baking beans or uncooked rice or pulses. Place on a large baking sheet and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the pastry looks crisp and golden.

makes six tartlets

Remove the beans and cling film and bake for a further 5-8 minutes to make sure the tartlet shells are dried out and have an even colour. Leave to cool.

To make the crème patissière, bring the milk to the boil in a medium saucepan.

In a mixing bowl or a stand mixer, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy, then whisk in the flour. Pour on the hot milk, whisking constantly, and then pour the mixture back into the pan.

Cook over a gentle heat, stirring until it thickens, and continue to cook for a further 2-3 minutes to cook out the flour.

Remove the crème patissière from the heat and pour into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add the balsamic vinegar and turn on to a slow speed. Keep mixing until it cools down to a smooth paste. Add the cracked black pepper, put into a container, cover and refrigerate until needed.

To make the glaze, put all of the ingredients into a saucepan, bring to the boil and stir until smooth and emulsified. Pass through a fine sieve and cool.

To construct and finish the tarts, trim the excess pastry from the tops with a small, sharp knife and remove them from the tins.

Spoon in a generous portion of the crème patissière.

Place the strawberries in a ring around the top of the tarts, trying to ensure the slices overlap neatly, then brush the strawberries with the glaze.

Place a lovely scoop of strawberry ice cream in the centre of each and decorate with a few baby basil sprigs. Serve immediately.

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TheWineCellar Keep mum this month with a selection of perfect Mother’s day wines which will make perfect gifts, or exceptional accompaniments for a spring sunday lunch of roast lamb. this month our wine expert Haresh Khanderia presents his recommendations...

Our Gift Subscriptions last a whole year

Remolinos vineyard Malbec, argentina, £12.95

The little Rascal arneis, New Zealand, £14.95

Pascal gitton, sancerre Rosé, France £16.49

jean-Marc Brocard Chablis, France £15.95

Reserve du Couvent, Château ksara, lebanon £11.95

A remarkable single-vineyard estate, this winery is state-of-the-art, having been equipped for the debut 2006 vintage, a wine of elegance and sophistication; seductively textured and freshly aromatic. Intense violet aromas and purity of raspberry and red fruit flavours.

Coopers Creek was established in 1980 with the aim of reflecting New Zealand’s outstanding cool climate viticultural conditions. A mixture of lemons, grapefruit, marmalade, peach and feijoa on the nose.

The palate is rich and textural with stone fruit character and good length.

Established in 1945 by Marcel Gitton, this domaine today covers around 27 hectares in the region’s best areas.

Each vineyard is vinified without the use of artificial yeast or enzymes.

Pale pink, crisp and refreshing, combining the berry fruit of Pinot Noir with Sancerre elegance.

80 of Domaine JeanMarc Brocard’s 200 hectares are biodynamic.

The approach is one of minimal intervention; cultivation is practically organic throughout.

The results are pure, unadorned expressions of the great chalk slopes of Chablis. Structured, crisp and delicious.

Château Ksara is Lebanon’s oldest and now its largest winery.

A blend of Syrah, and Cab Sav, this flagship wine has a complex aroma of cloves, vanilla and mulberry. On the palate it shows abundant of blueberry fruit with supple tannins. Ideal with Red Meat & Game.

every single month in 2014!

our featured wines are available from leading independent wine retailers, prices are correct at time of going to press but may vary according to each retailer.

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

The Ram Reopens newark gains a new bar & brasserie...

Newark gained a new bar and brasserie restaurant last month as The Ram reopened on the town’s Castlegate.

Formerly known as Ye Olde Market, the venue was a hotel, then a pub before it fell into disrepair, latterly having a poor reputation in the town, before it was purchased by Newark businessman Dan Derry who has just completed a complete refurbishment of the Georgian building with partner Rebecca Collin and the Derry family. The new venue will provide high quality brasserie dining, during both lunchtime and evening service.

“It’s been a long project but we’re delighted with the results and want to thank all involved in creating an upmarket, stylish venue, for enjoying both food and drink. We think it’s just what the town needs.” says Rebecca.

For more information or to see sample menus visit www.theramnewark.com.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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Call 01529 469977 and speak to our Events desk...

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Purchase photographs from this event online.

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- MothEr’s DAy -

Treat Mum to a pampering experience...

Essential Well-being can help you treat mum, with 20 years of health and beauty experience...

This mother’s day, treat mum to a pampering with the most relaxing and indulgent treatments for body and mind.

“I am the owner of Essential Well-being which is a small and intimate practice, offering a comprehensive range of treatments.” says owner Jo Esdale, who has 20 years experience and has established her salon on Spalding’s Vine Street.

“Our main focus is on your well-being, with stress relief, massage, skin health and lifestyle advice. We offer Dermalogica facial therapy treatments, a variety of massage treatments, from nohands massage, to aromatherapy, hot stone and deep tissue treatments, plus a range of manicures and pedicures with IBD gel polish.

For more information, visit the salon at Floor, Vine House, Vine Street, Spalding PE11 1AN. Call 01775 249425 or see www.essentialwell-being.co.uk.

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Noa Noa: beautiful gift ideas that are just perfect for Mother’s Day...

Noa Noa on Lincoln’s Bailgate opened its doors in 2010 within Lincoln’s prestigious Cathedral Quarter. It’s the perfect place to find a beautiful gift for Mother’s Day. From patterned knits to fine scarves, gorgeous dresses and sheer chiffons Noa Noa caters for every occasion. The brand famously encourages layering and a mix and match capsule style wardrobe perfect for the ever changing British weather.

There is also the addition of the Noa Noa Baby collection, for girls aged 0-24 months.

The Lincoln store, which is a franchise, is owned by Rebecca Owens who has previously been an Interior Designer.

The store itself boasts beautiful Danish lighting, a chandelier and carved wooden furniture to emphasise the Noa Noa style.

Rebecca actively works in store playing a key role in advising and creating perfect outfit combinations for the customer’s needs.

Noa Noa is renowned for wearable, yet feminine and delicate style. In addition to clothing, there are many accessories in store this spring too, perfect for a little treat or a Mother’s Day gift. Visit the shop or stay warm this month and shop online.

Noa Noa, 88c Bailgate, Lincoln, LN1 3AR. Tel: 01522 787 709, www.noanoabailgate.co.uk.

The Proof is in the Pudding...

Treat mum this Mother’s Day to a fabulous meal cooked from the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Charity Cook Book. Choose from over 150 recipes like some of the book’s mouthwatering puddings.

With your help our life saving emergency helicopter continues to operate seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

The Essential Air Ambulance Cook

Book costs £10 and every penny is used to support the charity.

Over 1,000 copies have already been sold, raising £10,000 towards helping save lives – the proof really is in the pudding… ..and we promise that the pudding is in the book!

To get your copy visit any of the charity’s shops or call 01522 548469.

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Pamper mum with anti-ageing treatments...

Treat Mum to an evening of

Aled Jones

The enliven lounge is a brand new venture in the Birchwood area of Lincoln, with a relaxing drop-in coffee lounge, offering a range of luxurious beauty treatments from anti-ageing face and body treatments, and ones to address cellulite, stretch marks, scars, fine lines & wrinkles or tired eyes.

the superb Tv and radio star, multimillion album selling recording artist and voice of Walking in the air comes to Newark this month...

the salon also offers beauty treatments from waxing, tinting, massage, pedicures, tanning and two nail bars offering simple manicures through to full show quality nail extensions.

if you’re looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, look no further than tickets to see Aled Jones.

Aled’s new one-man show, Songs of Hope and Inspiration, will arrive at the Palace Theatre in Newark on Saturday 14th March.

Aled Jones MBE, singer, actor, author, broadcaster, TV presenter, musical theatre performer and part time dancer, invites you to spend a sensational evening with him.

Accompanied by world class musicians, the show will feature an eclectic mix of songs and stories from Aled’s time in the public eye.

Originally loved by the nation for his pure treble voice, Aled has recently celebrated over 27 years as a household name.

Famous, of course, for song Walking in the Air from the animated film of Raymond Briggs’s 1978 children’s book, the Welshman had been a regular on Songs of Praise for more than 10 years and was also a presenter of Escape to the Country.

the Enliven Lounge also offers gift vouchers enabling you to treat mum this month.

He also appeared in the second series of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.

Call 01522 692146 or visit www.enlivenlounge.co.uk

Aled’s 29 albums have sold over 6.5 million copies to date, and he has become a regular fixture on Songs of Praise, Escape to the Country, Cash In the Attic and Daybreak.

“I really am looking forward to this tour and to performing some old favourites as well as some new songs,” says Aled.

“I love life on the road and I especially love seeing my fans!”

Tickets are available now from the Palace Theatre Box office on 01636 655 755 or from the theatre’s website www.palacenewark.com.

n A great place to find Mother’s Day gifts: Based in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, in the thriving market town of Louth, Chilli Peppers Cook Shop is a true hidden treasure, situated slightly off the beaten track, on Eastgate.

Established in 2003, Chilli Peppers stocks a huge range of cookware and bakeware.

In store or online, you’ll be sure to find the kitchen gadget you’ve always needed or the perfect gift for friends and loved ones.

Chilli Peppers proudly stocks brands such as; KitchenAid, Dualit, Chasseur, Wusthof, Joseph Joseph, AgA, Silverwood and many more.

Phone 01507 608787 or see www.chillipepperscookshop.com

FLoWERS FoR MUM oldrids has a beautiful selection of floral gifts for mum...

Mother’s day is just around the corner, so why not pop along to oldrids stores in grantham, Lincoln, Boston & gainsborough where you'll find a wide variety of gifts including fragrance, fashion, food & drink and much more. n lavender Basket: Three plants including Begonia, kalanchoe and Fern/Palm £16.99. n Celebration: seven plants, including Begonia, kalanchoe, saintpaulia, Fern, Palm and two spider Plant £25. www.oldrids.co.uk.

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- motHEr’s daY -

The lincoln Hotel promises a Mother’s day experience she’ll remember forever...

The lincoln Hotel on Lincoln’s Eastgate promises a three course Mother’s Day meal she’ll really enjoy this year.

Ruddocks offers a chance to say thanks to mum ruddocks offers a chance for us all to say thankyou for all that mum has done...

“Mother’s Day is a celebration and time to thank our mothers for all the love and support they give.” says the hotel’s James Little.

“For a really meaningful Mother’s Day gift this year, why not book a table for the family to have lunch at The Lincoln Hotel.”

“This privately owned, modern hotel enjoys superb uninterrupted views of Lincoln Cathedral as it is situated in the heart of the Cathedral quarter. Mother's day lunch will be served in the Long Room overlooking Lincoln Cathedral. Come and enjoy a delicious three course meal, while spending precious

and valuable time with mum.

Lunch is served from 12.30pm, with the last sitting at 3pm.”

“Make this Mother’s Day one that mum will never forget!”

To reserve your table, please contact us on 01522 520348.

The Lincoln Hotel is located on Eastgate, Lincoln Ln2 1Pn or see www.thelincolnhotel.com.

Visit the Little Red gallery this Mother’s Day for internationally acclaimed talent...

The little Red gallery is proud to host new and exciting works from the internationally acclaimed artist mary shaw. mary is happily married with two daughters and has lived for a time in zimbabwe and Cape town where her work is well known.

Art: Mixed media on board, original, 61cm x 61cm £695

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during her time in africa, mary developed a love of wildlife and since her return to England has found the abundance and variety of European wildlife to be a fascinating and exquisite subject, particularly as many species are now endangered. Her paintings are acclaimed for the attention to detail and accuracy.

With her first commissioned work at the age of thirteen there is no doubt that mary’s work touches hearts and allows you to have your own little piece of the country. mary is currently working on an exciting new style with countryside scenes that also incorporate her signature floral patterns. she captures beautifully the harmony between nature and modern painting techniques with scenes that are fresh and original.

Come and visit The Little Red Gallery to see these brand new pieces in person; Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AE, 01522 589134, www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk

we all want to find the perfect present for Mother’s Day, and Ruddocks of Lincoln can help you to find a special gift.

If you wish to relive those magical memories of growing up, our ‘Dear Mum Journal of a Lifetime,’ allows you and your Mum to record all those childhood firsts and nostalgic moments, sure to spark a few tears of happiness. For another meaningful gift idea, take a look at our Willow Tree range of figurines which symbolise mother and child relationships.

Book a place onto one of our Art & Craft workshops to create a unique gift with character or treat Mum to the whole experience: visit our website for more information or pick up a brochure in store.

Check out our wide range of Art & Craft supplies, enabling you to to get creative at home and create a thoughtful gift.

Whilst in store, remember to pick up the essentials to add those special finishing touches.

Pay us a visit on Lincoln’s High Street and pick up a well-deserved treat for Mum this March.

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- HomEs -

Tuscany in the Wolds... risby manor is a beautiful Lincolnshire manor house brought right up to date by its current owners. the property, near market rasen, was gloomy and in a poor state of decoration before owner gerry Peckett worked with her daughter sophie to bring the beautiful property back to life. the result is a modern and comfortable family home which manages to retain the original building’s period charm...

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Mark Crapper, www.mcphotography.co.uk.

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Tuscany in the wolds: that’s what the owner of this month’s property thought Risby Manor would provide upon purchasing the house around 12 years ago.

“We were first attracted by the views.” says Gerry Peckett. “We’re situated at the top of an escarpment and can see all the way to Lincoln, it’s a very beautiful Lincolnshire panorama. The views reminded me of Tuscany, with the huge expanse of countryside that unfolds beyond the windows.”

The Grade II listed house was extended in the Georgian era, and once again when Gerry came to own it. The family spent two years renovating it, replacing cornices and ceiling roses, and knocking down walls to create, for instance, a large drawing room in place of two separate reception rooms.

Gerry was very lucky to be able to call upon the services of her daughter, Sophie Peckett - based both in the village and in London who works as an interior designer, creating

“We’ve opened up the rooms to emphasise the property’s neoclassical architecture...”

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some of the most beautiful and characterful properties we’ve seen for a while.

Sophie also added no fewer than seven fireplaces, installed underfloor heating and added an extension, which would house a new kitchen and living room, serving to counterbalance the traditional look and feel of the house with a large, versatile and very practical open plan living space.

“Over the past few years we’ve opened up the rooms to take advantage of the surroundings, and emphasise the house’s neoclassical architecture.” says Gerry.

Outside, Sophie added an Italianate portico, smothered the entrance hall in travertine and used a pilastered fireplace to welcome visitors into the house. Meanwhile, in the drawing room, Cole & Son’s Procuratie e Scimmie wallpaper supplements Fornasetti wallpaper used elsewhere in the house, and a Christian

Top: The Chiselwood Kitchen features bright ‘Sloe’ cabinetry over contrasting tones of wood.

Above: The drawing room has elaborate window dressings and wallpaper by Cole & Son. Opposite: The entrance hall has travertine flooring and an Italianate fireplace.

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Liaigre sofa create an elegant but understated feel with mirrored alcoves, lavish window dressings and antique chandeliers.

The kitchen is a more lighthearted space with Lincoln’s Chiselwood providing bespoke cabinetry, contrasting tones of woods painted in a rich sloe-coloured shade and plenty of hi-tech appliances from names like Miele and Fisher & Paykel incorporated.

Lighting is something that Sophie has paid particular attention to. That’s hardly surprising since she was a lighting designer after graduating from London’s Inchbald School of Design, then set up her own business.

Upstairs, bedrooms boasts contemporary boutique hotel style, with son Henry’s room featuring Cole & Son’s Palm Leaves paper whilst Soft Jardin bespoke blinds utilised a fabric created by Christian Lacroix.

Gerry’s bedroom has an en suite featuring 78

Villeroy & Boch fittings and Cole & Son cherry blossom wallpaper, whilst a walnut four poster bed has been given a new life with the employment of Farrow & Ball’s Clunch shade, creating a pop of colour and modernity in the traditional room.

All through the property, Sophie’s trademarks of large whimsical patterns, bold flashes of colour, and quirky lighting & furniture, all help to create, from a traditional building, this contemporary family home that’s both fun and stylish.

“Sophie is definitely the professional here.” says Gerry. “I’m very proud of her. But to her credit she’s encouraged me to be involved in the look and feel of the place and we’ve worked very well together.”

“Her ideas are edgy, but work very well, and they’ve created a really wonderful place to live.”

Above: The property’s main reception room was originally two rooms, combined to create a large grand space with chandeliers, fireplaces at each end and whimsical Procuratie e Scimmie wallpaper from Cole & Son.

Find Out More: Sophie Peckett specialises in the interior design of both residential and commercial properties and has studios in Lincolnshire and London. Call 020 799 35368 or 07515 944 593 for more information or see the website www.sophiepeckett design.com.

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www.mooresestatagents.com/countryandequestrian 25 S 3. RE AC

5 ES R AC

GRANGE HOUSE, THISTLETON

GUIDE PRICE £715,000

Approximately 5 acres of landscaped gardens, orchard and three separate paddocks.

Briefly comprising of: The ground floor, entrance vestibule, reception hall, sitting room, dining room, study, breakfast kitchen, utility room, side lobby with boot room, WC and store. To the first floor there is a master suite with dressing room having quality Shortland furniture and an en-suite bathroom. There are three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

S R G W FA HIN VIE C IDE A RE RYS T UN CO

HATTON LODGE, BULWICK

GUIDE PRICE £775,000

Recently restored Georgian residence situated within grounds and paddock of approximately 3.25 acres. Enjoying far-reaching views across open countryside over the Lincolnshire Wolds. The Old Vicarage provides well-proportioned and beautifully presented living accommodation whilst incorporating original features. Accommodation comprises; Dining hall, study, cloakroom, sitting room, drawing room, kitchen breakfast room, utilty, pantry, five good sized bedrooms, two of which are en-suite and a family bathroom. On the second floor is a further bedroom plus an attic room.

5 1. ES R AC

OFFERS OVER £799,995

Set on its own private, substantial plot, this detached stone property boasts far reaching countryside views from all aspects. The property has been designed and furnished to a high standard combining modern and character features with working fireplace and alongside a state of the art kitchen. The accommodation comprises, entrance hall, reception hall, breakfast kitchen, utility room, two reception rooms, study, cloakroom with separate WC, master suite with ensuite and dressing room, three further bedrooms, one with ensuite, and a family bathroom. Outside the property benefits from lawned gardens with further orchard, a private driveway and an integral double garage. Hatton Lodge boasts an efficient eco-friendly air source heat pump and rain water harvesting system as well as underfloor heating throughout ground and first floor.

ES M UD O CL RO E IN BED TAG 2 COT

THE GRANGE, LANGHAM

THE OLD VICARAGE, MARTIN

PADDOCK HOUSE, COLD OVERTON

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1,000,000

Substantial six bedroom stone family home with south facing aspects over its own mature private grounds of approx. 1.5 acres. Having well proportioned and laid out accommodation with large entrance hall, drawing room and family/dining room, living kitchen. A self contained area of the house gives a further reception room/play room with its own back staircase, bedroom and bathroom. The main bedroom has both en-suite and dressing area. A further five bedrooms, two shower rooms and an additional bathroom, make this a very practical family home. Separate driveway to stable yard with five brick built loose boxes and a range of outbuildings, stores and tack rooms and garden room.

45 8. RES AC

OFFERS IN REGION OF £1,000,000

Attractive character property with south facing gardens and a separate two bedroom cottage.

There is a large driveway with a courtyard, detached two bedroom stone cottage, triple bay garaging, workshop, six stables and a good sized barn. There is a small paddock area to the rear and a further five acres available to purchase by separate negotiation. The main residents comprises of: sitting room, dining room, farmhouse kitchen, study / snug, large utility / boot room, downstairs cloakroom, five double bedrooms, master with en-suite plus a family bathroom.

LAUNDE HOUSE, LAUNDE

GUIDE PRICE £1,750,000

With idyllic views overlooking Launde Abbey’s parkland, Launde House provides substantial family accommodation. Set in its own 8.45 acres, with a separate driveway into its own stable yard this home has been sympathetically remodelled to an impeccable standard incorporating both original and bespoke features. The three storey accommodation gives a teenagers suite to the top floor, leaving the first floor to have a master suite, with dressing room and shower room, three further double bedrooms and four bathrooms. The ground floor has an impressive sitting room with panoramic views. Further large family games room, snug, dining room/study, luxuriously fitted farmhouse kitchen with aga.

OAKHAM 36 High Street, Rutland LE15 6AL

UPPINGHAM 2 Orange Street, Rutland LE15 9SQ

STAMFORD 1 Sheep Market, Lincolnshire PE9 2RB

MELTON MOWBRAY 18 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1NW

LONDON 40 St James's Place, London SW1A 1NS

Tel: 01572 757979

Tel: 01572 821935

Tel: 01780 484555

Tel: 01664 491610

Tel: 0207 8390888

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Home, Garden, Gifts, Vintage and Retro Finds at Elizabeth & Stevens

Elizabeth and Stevens has a unique, stylish and unusual collection of ideas for your home & garden.

Our showroom is an emporium of the unexpected.

We would love to see you!

A 1 Markham Moor (also signed to Lincoln A 57) then take the turning to Retford A 638.

Near McDonalds and Markham Moor Hotel.

The Showrooms, Great North Road Markham Moor, Retford DN22 0QU Telephone: 01636 822000 www.elizabethandstevens.com

Open from Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, with free parking.

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Unsurpassed Quality, Affordable Craftsmanship Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms - full project management and free quotations

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

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

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Peter_jacksonCM

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Create a place in the

COUNTRY our homes are our castles, a place of sanctuary and safety, a place to relax and rest from the stresses and strains of modern life. to help you create yours, look for bespoke chairs, soft furnishings and ‘mix & match’ furniture, and seek out the help of interior designers like Heather Hocking.

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

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style and substance is what country homes are all about, and to help you create yours, look for bespoke chairs, soft furnishings and ‘mix & match’ furniture with the help of interior designers like Heather Hocking.

Heather created her interiors studio, Aitch Interiors, a year and a half ago, in the stable block of Wellingore Hall near Lincoln.

“Having a house you love, decorated and styled the way you want creates a haven.

Somewhere you want to be.”

“As an interior designer I’ve always thought it important to be a guide, working with a client collaboratively, and helping them to create their own home, rather than just providing a room for them.”

“It makes their room even more personal, even more individual. Clients love getting involved, and one of their favourite ways of doing that is to design a bespoke chair or other custom made furniture that local craftspeople can produce for them to their exact specification.”

“In the studio, clients can see around 10 examples of Aitch Interiors’s bespoke chairs, made by traditional craftsmen in Long Eaton, the home of many British furniture brands like Duresta and Tetrad.”

“A customer can choose the style of their chair, deciding how high or how wide they want it. Then, we can choose the fabric they want from a large range of fabric books in the studio, with names like Clarke & Clarke, Nina Campbell, Sanderson and Osborne & Little.”

Not only can Aitch Interiors provide made-to-measure bespoke chairs, from under £400 to over £1,000. The studio has a number of antique, reproduction and new, cabinet maker crafted, console tables and dressers, and fairtrade furniture from India which can also be customised with the specialist paints that Heather stocks.

The studio’s Autentico paints are chalk based and can be used to ‘upcycle’ any piece of furniture, whilst its Miss Mustard Seed paints are 86

“Bespoke furniture is an affordable luxury, and it can make such as difference to your room, adding uniqueness and style to any home...” casein based, making them the oldest type of paint, and the most versatile. They’re suitable for painting interiors and exteriors, walls, varnished surfaces, ceramics, metals and even glass. The studio’s Mylands paints are durable, marble-based paint for walls whilst its Earthborn paints are breathable, providing a luxurious matte finish for older homes.

“We also run regular courses from lampshade making to paint effect workshops.

Above all, I want to give customers the tools to enjoy creating their homes, and enable everyone to become more confident in their own design decisions.”

“The interior design industry has a reputation for being aloof and only for those of us with larger houses. I want to make this a myth. I myself have a small Victorian cottage and

each room has its own problems. By using colour and pattern in the correct manner many issues can be overcome. I can offer the service to help you create individual designs tailored to your needs and budget.”

With a range of lamps, throws, mirrors, finishing touches and other accessories, Heather has not only the products but also the expertise to help anyone create their home, no matter what the budget.

“Bespoke furniture is affordable at Aitch Interiors, and it can make such as difference to your room, adding uniqueness and style to any home.”

Above: Heather outside her studio at The Stables, Wellingore Hall, showing some of the many fabric books available to order from at Aitch Interiors.

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Previous Page: Hand made painted console £195, white table lamp £49, plum coloured chair £495, lantern for pillar candle £39, olive and plum wool throw £79, wooden picture frames from a selection from £12, candle block for holding pillar candle £25.

This Page: Nocton chair in Jim Dicken’s new Artisan fabric £725, cushions ‘Jack & Jill,’ the donkeys and Ace The Jack Russell £39 each, original two over one chest set of drawers £150, gun dog cushions £45, wool throws £79 each, water decanter and glass £20, lamp £45

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Left: Not all paint is created equal - Heather’s range of Autentico, Mylands and Earthborn paints allow you to upcycle furniture and transform plain pine or tired looking wooden furniture into beautiful looking bespoke pieces.

Below: Cane bedroom chair £125, Abraham Moon 100% wool chair £395, candelabra £125, heart shaped mirror £65, silver coloured mirror £75, painted merchant’s chest £95, candle lanterns £22, table lamp £65, throws from £79.

Opposite: Gainsborough chair covered in Jessica Zoob fabric £985, mirror £75, merchant chest £95, wool throw £79, table lamp complete with shade £45, Fairtrade candle block £25, glass trinket box £12.95, cushion £45.

“Interior design has a reputation for being aloof, only for those with larger houses.

I want to make this a myth, and give customers the tools to enjoy creating their homes, enabling everyone to become confident in their own design decisions.”

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CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY SHUTTERS WALLPAPERS

Newlin Business Park, Exchange Road, Lincoln LN6 3AB. Tel: 01522 531371 www.rogerdavisinteriors.com

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Main: Manuel Canovas’s spring 2015 collection includes our featured curtain fabric, Coutras in indigo colourway; footstool fabric Marsanne in ciel; scatter cushion fabrics Grimaud, Duras, Nimes and Marmande; sofa in Royan, linen colourway.

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BLUE many of the UK’s premium fabric houses have introduced indigo into their spring collections, and a few have paired the shade with lighter blues or ombre. Here, we provide some visual inspiration and advice on how to get the most from the county’s leading independent soft furnishing houses and interior designers...

Words: Rob Davis.

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alberesque and marlena are the newest ranges from designer’s guild shown here are chairs in melika chairs in ink, Pierretti curtains and sofa in Latea indigo...

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winter may be on its way out, and spring just around the corner but blue shades are still featuring in many of the leading fabric houses’ spring 2015 collections.

This is traditionally the time that fabric houses like Colefax & Fowler, Sanderson, JAB, O&L and Designer’s Guild present cohesive collections designed to work together to create fabric and wallcoverings you can employ on walls, in window treatments, bespoke chairs, for sofas, footstools and on headboards and scatter cushions.

Rooms created ‘off the peg’ will never look as good as those created by professional interior designers utilising their skills to create furnishings to suit the scale of your space.

Whilst a professional designer will create a cohesive room design utilising the fabrics shown here, trends this season influenced by fabric houses include geometric designs and eastern-inspired designs.

“Paisley swirls, metallic fabrics and an injection of fuchsia, purple, gold and olive can be seen in vibrant fabrics from JAB and in the spring 2015 fabrics of Colefax & Fowler...”

Bold geometric prints are evident in Designer’s Guild’s Alberesque, Jane Churchill’s Patino & Odissa, and Colefax & Fowler’s Jerome fabrics.

Paisley swirls, metallic fabrics and an injection of fuchsia, purple, gold and olive can be seen in vibrant fabrics from JAB and in the spring 2015 range of fabrics from Colefax & Fowler.

Ombre - the blending of one colour into another, or a graduated tint of one colour into a neutral background - is another trend evident in some collections.

Fun designs and trompe l’oeil is also on trend, with Cole & Son’s Whimsical and New Contemporary ranges especially suited to old homes or those with high ceilings, as they utilise large prints and bold designs.

Cole & Son also have a collection of murals, with digital printing technology also

Top: Rialto Collection from JAB, combining petrol blue and olive green.

Above: Curtain and cushion trim in denim and créme ombre Woodsford from Osborne and Little.

Left: Chairs in Colefax & Fowler’s Jerome fabric, blue colourway.

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introducing the ability to create a bespoke scene to suit the size of your walls. We’ve already seen trompe l’oeil wood panelling and shelves of leather bound library books.

Employing these may be somewhat intimidating for the average householder, but a professional designer who is more confident using bolder colours and patterns, can really make the most of more dramatic wallcoverings.

Cole & Son’s Woods & Stars is a good example of the kind of bolder looking papers emerging, its enchanted woodinspired look suits smaller rooms into which you’d like to inject a little fun - cloakrooms, for example.

Naturally there will always be more subtle employment of blue and white, such as Colefax & Fowler’s Eaton Check curtains and Simone chair fabric shown opposite.

Against a palette of neutrals fabrics, like heavy linens, blue can still look fresh without seeming too dark and oppressive.

“Employing trompe l’oeil or bolder wallpapers may sound intimidating but for a bold professional interior designer, they can look impressive...

Above: Colefax and Fowler’s spring 2015 collection includes the fabric used to cover this sofa, Patara, and footstool, Konya.

Right: Casa Collection from JAB. Far Right: Woods & Stars from Cole & Son’s whimsical collection.

Lincolnshire Suppliers: Aitch Interiors: The Stables, Wellingore Hall, Wellingore, Lincoln LN5 0HX, 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

J&L Ball: North St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1EH, 01780 481416, www.jandlball.co.uk.

Lees of Grimsby: 222 Victoria Street, Grimsby DN31 1BJ, 01472 353251, www.leesfurnishers.co.uk.

Oldrids: Downtown Superstore, Gonerby, Grantham, 01476 590239, Downtown Boston, 01205 350505, Downtown Lincoln, 01522 500588, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Roger Davis Interiors: Newlin Business Park, Exchange Road, Lincoln, 01522 531371, www.rogerdavisinteriors.com.

Timeless Interiors: High St, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 5JH, 01790 754477, www.timelessinteriors.co.uk.

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Main: Sofa in Colefax & Fowler’s Eaton.

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Top: A sage coloured timber-framed design from Auburn Hill.

Above: This Evolution extension with bi-fold doors was designed and installed by Stamford’s Orchard.

Right: Living kitchen interior

by Vale Garden Houses.

grow your home with a quality

gaRdeN ROOM Forget drafty conservatories - a luxurious, professionally designed and spacious garden room orangery will help you to extend your home, without spoiling a period property...

space is one of the most valuable commodities for most families. Adding a garden room or orangery to your home is the best way to add a comfortable room in which to enjoy the summer, or to create a purpose-built space for a new kitchen, perhaps one with a sitting area and dining room, without having to work around the layout and proportions of an older house.

Forget drafty conservatories of old; our local suppliers work predominantly in hardwood or aluminium to create warm, robust

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structures that don’t look out of place when installed adjacent to a period home. Timber framed installations can also be painted after a few years, and finished in a colour to suit your home.

When it comes to orangeries and garden rooms, the place where innovation is least recognisable but most important is in the new types of glass used. Solar protection, heat retaining and dirt-resistant properties all mean that your room will be more comfortable during the hottest summer months, but still warm in the winter.

Local experts such as the ones featured in this edition are also able to advise on the policies of local planning officers, especially when your property is listed, or with regard to whether your home is located in a conservation area.

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- orangEriEs and gardEn rooms -

Choosing your orangery or garden Room... n Pay attention to where and when the sunlight falls on your home.

How and when you intend to use your room will determine what light levels you need. n Will you need planning permission? modest installations may not, but usually planning permission must be sought for larger rooms. it’s especially important to source an installer who can advise specifically on the area you live in. n Ensure you have a good idea not just of your new room’s external dimensions but its internal ones too, to make sure it’s large enough for your intended furnishings. n if you’re seeking additional space as part of a larger renovation, consider the trend of living kitchens. When installed next to an older property, an orangery extension is a cost effective way to create a new kitchen with completely customisable layout, plus living and dining spaces with a further space outdoors for dining terrace. doing this will also preserve the reception rooms in the original part of your home. n don’t just consider the exterior of your room, but its internal features too - limestone flooring with underfloor heating, bi-fold doors and roof vents for instance. n Finally, when furnishing the interior of your room, used large mirrors on either side to reflect more light into the room and give the illusion that the room is larger.

Top Left: Georgian style orangery designed and created by Auburn Hill.

Bottom Left: Vale Garden Houses period orangery.

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- orangEriEs and gardEn rooms -

making your conservatory cooler, with Luxaflex, inshade and J&L Ball...

Letting the light in, without uncomfortable glare - J&L Ball has plenty of advice for ensuring you get the most amount of comfort from your conservatory... stamford’s j&l Ball can really enhance your garden room or orangery with blinds and shutters to ensure your comfort during even the hottest months.

Each of J&L Ball’s solutions are tailored to suit your conservatory or orangery perfectly, installed by a professional firm with over eight years experience in Stamford. luxaflex: A conservatory is an attractive way to extend your home, serving as a light and airy link in style between house and garden.

To soften the sunlight, control the temperature, protect furniture

little more contemporary, we have the perfect solution.

We aim to provide the highest possible standards of service, fitting and after sales support.

All our conservatory blinds are backed with a five year guarantee. inshade: InShade sails are elegant, eye pleasing and natural complement to both traditional and modern tastes. They are an excellent alternative to fitted blinds for lanterns, roof lights and conservatory roofs. The sails are made from an advanced stretch fabric that creates a sail that is easy to install or remove and that can be cleaned in a domestic washing machine.

Our unique self-tensioning edge increases the versatility of the sail by allowing the sail to adapt to fit the fixing positions, creating a taut, smooth surface every time.

The sails can also be used to great effect when providing only partial coverage, in order to shade, for example, just the south facing aspect.

Multiple overlapping sails generate combinations of direct and diffuse light and on sunny days this creates wonderful pools of light and shadow that move with the sun to create a very natural, outdoor feel.

See www.jandlballinteriors.co.uk or call 01780 481416.

“Each of J&L Ball’s solutions are tailored to suit your conservatory or orangery perfectly...” and plants and provide privacy whilst creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, blinds are an essential requirement.

They help keep your conservatory cool by reflecting heat and reducing glare in summer, whilst maintaining warmth and comfort in winter, giving your conservatory an air of elegance.

Whatever the style of your conservatory, modern lean-to; elegant Edwardian; traditional Victorian or maybe something a 100

Looking after your investment... a conservatory is a fantastic investment for any home as it gives you extra space that we all need at times and in the warmer months it is a lovely place to sit in the warm sunshine and relax and do whatever you want. But after a heavy winter with leaves, rain, frost and snow, these can take their toll and can make your conservatory look dirty and tired, so why not bring it back to life?

Here at guttercleanse we can clean your conservatory from finials to brick work and have it looking clean and shiny again, also, if anything starts to leak we can fix those problems as well.

We don’t use pressure washers or hose pipes because they can cause leaks by tearing the seals so we only use soft brushes and a anti-fungal additive to water to remove the green mildew that grows on conservatories. if you require any help or advice please give us a call and we will help you with our many years experience of erecting and cleaning them in all shapes and sizes.

Call 07877 362941 or see gutter-cleanse-sleaford.co.uk

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The Power of the Sun...

elegant furniture for your conservatory...

Bennington Furniture is proud to design and manufacture its timeless, elegant furniture from its workshops in Long Bennington near newark... launched in 2000, Bennington Furniture is sister company to Bennington Carriages which holds a Royal Warrant from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

solar panels were fitted to a home every five minutes in the UK last year. Solar has become highly popular, with over 500,000 households now producing their own power.

Chris Williams Electrical have created over 500 solar panel installations in Lincolnshire and are expert solar panel, specialists for the design of solar PV systems for home or commercial use.

They are fully accredited as a solar panel installation company

by MCS and the Renewable Energy Association. Their fully trained staff are always on hand to provide information and advice on all aspects of solar panel installation, the feed-in tariff and solar PV in general.

The firm is proud to be known for their high level of customer service and exceptional quality of workmanship. All their installations are carried out by Chris and his team, and their work is never sub-contracted out to other installers.

They take personal pride in all their installations. Chris will see the job through from design, installation and after-service maintenance; providing the highest quality products and workmanship fully tailored for your home or business to your exact requirements.

Sharing the same workshops, as well as the passion and craftsmanship, the company’s furniture ranges include traditional and contemporary designs; tables and chairs for kitchen, conservatory and dining room, sofas and benches for home and garden and occasional furniture including coffee and console tables, footstools and lampstands.

Bennington is still family owned, with sisters Wendy Palfrey and Sue Mart, the founder’s daughters, now at the helm. Wendy, who runs the furniture business, is passionate about the products and has a particular passion for Bennington’s conservatory ranges.

“Our philosophy is simple,” says Wendy. “Make the finest products and offer the best

customer service. We want our furniture to become heirlooms – like our carriages – and our conservatory furniture is just that; timeless, comfortable and built to last a lifetime.”

“Our Blenheim sofa is one of our most popular and whilst we’ve added new metalwork colours and fabrics, the Blenheim has remained a firm

favourite for over 10 years.

It’s the perfect sofa to relax in with a good book and a cuppa!”

Bennington’s showroom, located in 10 acres of beautiful rolling countryside, is easily accessible and a warm welcome always awaits.

Call 01400 281280 or see www.benningtonmetalfurniture.co.uk

what do dream curtains and blinds in your conservatory or orangery look like...?

The experienced, professional team at dFW Curtains are here to help inspire you with creative window solutions to make your home exactly how you imagine. dFW will take all of the hassle out of measuring; making and fitting your new beautiful home furnishings to leave you feeling relaxed accomplished. the firm offers a friendly home-measuring service where you can choose your fabric samples in our stores, book an appointment at a time that suits you and our consultants will take care of the rest. it’s hassle free and there is absolutely no- obligation to order.

Lincolnshire’s leading fabric specialists

have had an increasing demand in their made-to-measure services, especially with their perfect fit blinds, tailored to fit ultra precisely into the majority of UPVC windows, doors and conservatories. the innovation of the Perfect Blind system means that you can have your Venetian, pleated or cellular aluminium framed blind attached to the internal double-glazed frame of your window.

you’re in any doubt, our furnishings consultants will take care of the rest.

Visit DFW Curtains, Snowdonia Avenue, Scunthorpe, DN15 8NL or see www.DFWCurtains.com.

Perfect Fit Blinds are not the only spectacle at dFW Curtains, as the company stocks over 5,000 fabrics. From contemporary cotton prints to luxurious and traditional styles, there’s a design to suit every customers needs and if

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The Lincolnshire Home of

QUALITY KITCHENS

Christian dales explains why Christian dales Furniture is the home of quality kitchens, with 48 years experience creating kitchens, bedrooms and reception rooms as well as architectural joinery to introduce an element of bespoke luxury into your home...

Words: Rob Davis.

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lincolnshire’s MG Dales has always had a reputation for quality, throughout its 48 years of trading, but with the launch of Christian Dales Furniture By Design a couple of years ago, they’ve also gained an enviable reputation for their stylish bespoke furniture, seen in some of Lincolnshire’s best homes.

“We create everything from freestanding furniture to one-off pieces, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and studies.” says Christian Dales.

glass, metals and fabrics. We are not tied to a certain moulding or panel design.” says Chrisstian. “Our designs are only limited by imagination. If you can imagine the impossible then the impossible can be created.”

“We can also, of course, provide a comprehensive service with a home visit and a full design scheme, creating bespoke furniture and providing, as standard, full project management.”

“Our designs are only limited by imagination.

We can create exactly what our clients are looking for...”

Christian Dales Furniture

by Design works with a client to create a completely bespoke product, and can take advantage of its parent company, MG Dales, which provides the technical know-how, experience and sense of craftsmanship.

“We are proud to be fully bespoke rather than working with an existing range. This allows full design flexibility and means we’re able to explore all timbers, veneers, stone,

Above: The 11-strong team provides a consultation in your home anywhere in Lincolnshire and creates bespoke rooms in solid oak.

Working with an 11strong team in 10,000sq ft of workshop space, the team provides an on site consultation for properties anywhere in Lincolnshire and the surrounding area.

“We’ve always offered exceptional quality, but design is also important to us, and no matter whether you want a contemporary or traditional room, we can provide full project management, great design and, working as part of MG Dales, the exceptional quality our customers have always appreciated.” says Christian.

Find Out More: Christian dales Furniture By design is part of mg dales. the company is based at sharpes Lane, Leverton PE22 oar, but the team works across the UK. For more information telephone 01205 760275. www.christiandalesfurniture.co.uk www.dalesjoinery.co.uk.

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- gardEning -

Tiptoe through the

Tulips

summer will soon be here, but for a generous spread of spring colour, lin and derek walker are fans of spring-owering bulbs, especially tulips and narcissi. Little wonder, then, that in march their half-acre plot is a riot of cheerful colour and thick foliage...

Words & Images: Nicola Stocken.

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- gardEns -

There is an entire bed devoted to growing daffodils and tulips for cutting. “We choose the daffodils for their long stems,” says Lin. cold spells deferred the arrival of spring’s flowers. “Several years ago, temperatures plummeted and we lost plants such as Clematis armandii, some pittosporums and elaeagnus,” recalls Derek. “And whereas the cocoon of woodland protects the garden from the worst of any strong winds, occasionally mini whirlwinds appear from nowhere, sending plants swirling in their path.”

There's no better clue to the arrival of spring than Lin Walker’s garden. The glistening hues of spring-flowering bulbs, form a multi-faceted jewel in a living setting of sombre woodland. A thatched cottage sits off-centre in the couple’s rural garden, with colour-themed beds of tulips and bedding plants swelling outwards in undulating waves of colour over their sloping plot.

Main: Lin Walker and husband Derek were in the tulip industry for 45 years.

“After a long, cold winter, tulips bring a welcoming blaze of colour in a way that no other early-flowering bulbs do - whilst snowdrops or cyclamen are lovely they don’t have anything like the visual impact.” say Derek and Lin Walker who for some years masterminded this remarkable display in their half-acre garden, planting thousands of bulbs interspersed with bedding plants such as pansies, forget-me-nots, bellis daisies and polyanthus.

The plot is not without its challenges during winter though, and last winter’s prolonged

It’s a decade or so since the Walkers moved to the plot, relieved at last to find a thatched cottage with views and a garden to develop after their retirement from the garden centre business. They soon discovered that the soil was poor, so dug up the struggling lawn, excavating hundreds of tons of clay and replacing it with a good top soil to sustain the many shrubs and perennials to follow. Workable soil also makes it easier to plant thousands of bulbs each autumn, a mammoth task that takes a few weeks.

“I concentrate on preparing the ground, digging in loads of compost with the help of a part-time gardener, whilst Lin designs the different areas,” explains Derek.

A tour of the garden starts at the cottage’s front door which is flanked in pots of Buxus sempervirens, and tulips - pink ‘Angelique,’ white ‘Mount Tacoma’ and the miniatures ‘Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Lucky Stripe.’ Even the hanging basket features the pretty little golden Tulipa batalinii ‘Apricot Jewel’ intermingling with pansies and ivy.

A path leads down from the gravel garden beyond to the lowest corner where there is a greenhouse - essential for growing the many bedding plants used in both spring and summer displays - and a kitchen garden with vegetables and cut flowers.

There is an entire bed devoted to growing daffodils and tulips for cutting. “We choose the daffodils for their long stems,” adds Lin. “They include the white trumpet Narcissus ‘Mount Hood,’ the pink-cupped ‘Salome’ 109

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- gardEns -

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and fragrant, multi-flowered ‘Geranium.’

Lin’s favourite tulips for cutting include the lovely Viridiflora tulip ‘Greenland,’ ‘White Bouquet’ and the golden, fringed ‘Hamilton,’ all standing around 45cm tall.

There is no shortage of foliage, with evergreen Pittosporum tenuifolium, Eucalyptus gunnii, Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Limelight’ and Euonymus fortunei available all year round, whilst asparagus fern comes into its own when the summer cutting garden is peaking with gladioli, dahlias, asters, sweet peas and larkspur.

It is Lin who has designed the new planting schemes, combining new tulip varieties with old favourites. “I need to balance the different heights and colours of each variety against their flowering times, to ensure each area peaks at a similar time,” she points out.

She works with a broad palette of colour, based on some 110 different varieties of tulips and 50 of narcissi.

Unfortunately, it is not only visitors who are attracted to tulips - so too are the scores of squirrels living in the three-acre woodland behind the Walkers’ cottage, raiding many of the pots of tulips that are planted up to slot in wherever gaps appear. “I checked a couple of pots last autumn, and found only two out of 14 bulbs remained, so now we’ve put netting over them,” says Derek.

It’s impossible to imagine Derek in a garden without tulips, having established his first nursery at the age of 17, and spent the next 43 years in the business. “As you can imagine, I’ve grown and sold millions of tulips over the years, and have become very fond of them.”

Derek spent 45 years in the tulip business; “I’ve grown and sold millions of tulips over the years, and have become very fond of them!”

Bedding displays, too, are in Derek’s blood, with one planned for spring and another for summer. “Bedding plants never lose their ‘wow’ factor, and we know from previous years’ feedback, when we’ve opened the garden as part of the National Gardens Scheme, that they appeal to all ages.” insists Derek. “We’re looking forward to the warmer months. We love having friends over. It’s a time when all the hard work is over, and we can sit and relax, chatting over a cup of tea, just enjoying the garden.”

Top: A path leads down from the gravel garden to the lowest corner with a greenhouse and a sloping kitchen garden with vegetables and cut flowers.

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- Nature -

A Snake in the Grass in the

Natural World...

this month, you may find ophidian interest rustling through your garden - the proverbial snake in the grass. this month, our nature writer, Richard Owens, reveals why March is the month to see a creature that is intriguing and unsettling in equal measure...

March is a favourite month of mine in the wildlife calendar. Why, you may ask? Well it signals the re-emergence of a particular family of creatures that I’m really passionate about. Some love them, some loathe them, many just misunderstand them, I am of course talking about snakes, and March is a great month to see them.

Two of our native snakes, The Adder and the Grass Snake can be found throughout the UK, so why is March such a good month to see them?

Snakes are cold-blooded and during the cooler winter months they will hibernate beneath logs, down old rabbit burrows, in fact much anywhere they can keep warm and safe from predators.

Adders are the smallest of our snakes, usually around 70cm in length and recognisable by the ‘Zig-Zag’ pattern along their backs. I’ve had some fantastic views of adders in the past, particularly on heathland sites which seem to be their habitat of choice, although they can be seen elsewhere.

“Two of our native snakes, can be found throughout the UK, so why is March a good month to see them?”

On emergence from their hibernation sites in March, a snake’s metabolism is still quite slow. Therefore they need to warm their bodies up to become more active. To do this they need to absorb the heat from the sun and will lay out in the open often on pathways to do this, making them easier to see. The process makes them much slower in early spring making them less responsive, unlike in summer when the 112

simple snap of a twig will send them slithering into cover.

One of my most memorable wildlife experiences was seeing a group of eight basking together in the sun just after emergence, prior to pairing off to mate.

Adders give birth to live young later in the summer.

Their prey usually consists of small rodents, other reptiles and they will also take small fledgling birds.

Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake and will use it to kill their prey, and although unlikely to be harmful to humans, it’s always advisable to wear stout boots if you know they are present in the area you may be walking.

The harmless Grass Snake is our most common species, regularly reaching over a metre in length, and usually found not too far from water, the home of their favoured diet of amphibians and sometimes fish.

Olive green in colour with a distinct yellow collar the Grass Snake is non-venomous and will kill its prey by constriction. Unlike the Adder, the Grass Snake lays eggs, often in compost heaps from June to September, so please take care if turning yours over, ideally just don’t do it.

If you do go to photograph or simply admire snakes, or indeed any other wildlife at any of our fantastic nature reserves, always stick to the pathways as the welfare and protection of these beautiful creatures and their habitat must come first - all Reptiles are protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Remember if you do see a snake, don’t be afraid, be in awe!

Richard has spent his career promoting bio diversity within the world of turf and is currently the UK's Golf Course Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year.

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Nature in March: Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake

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- farming matters -

International influences

On The Farm there’s no escaping the influence of europe, or the rest of the world on our UK agriculture. Globalisation is a blessing and a curse on the industry, but what will the effect be on jobs in the industry for future generations, and the effect on life in Lincolnshire villages?

As Lincolnshire farmers move into a new year in 2015, many challenges stand before them. The prospect for many sectors looks rather less positive than a year ago. However those farmers with good plans and expertise will reap the rewards when markets turn.

Most local arable farmers will be looking towards combinable crops (wheat, barley, and oil seed rape). At the time of writing, in mid-January, they all appear to have established well and are growing away strongly.

Bumper world crops mean high stocks and consequently, lower prices overall. However the situation can alter quickly with a period of bad weather soon producing higher prices. There is a local trend towards more spring sown crops which can be used to reduce costs besides giving the chance of killing the over wintered blackgrass before spring drilling.

thought to their future production of this crop. There may be alternative outlets including anaerobic digester plants, which are more local and consequently offer more convenient logistics.

Good growing conditions in 2014 meant that most potatoes met lower prices and lacklustre demand. The demand for fresh retail continues to fall but baking potatoes appear to have become more popular with the innovation of a large company specialising in these products. Most small to medium size potato growers now let their land to larger and more efficient growers which have invested heavily in the required machinery and stores.

“How are keen and able enthusiastic young farmers able to have a chance to farm in their own right in the future?”

Sugar beet faces a dramatic price reduction in 2015, following high stocks and excellent yields in 2014. British Sugar is cutting contract tonnage by 9% considerably reducing the price paid per tonne. The European quota is due to end in September 2017 and most growers will have to give considerable

Similarly there has been a reduction in the number of field vegetable producers with now only the largest renting land and growing the crop themselves. They have established market links with all the multiples who are now the only major buyers.

The number of dairy producers in our area seems to get smaller every year. Higher production per cow, supermarkets and dairies seeking lower prices for consumers, plus a Russian import ban, together with less

demand from China, has meant that commodity prices have slumped. Once again it is only the fewer and more efficient producers who will stay in business.

One of the most talked about topics on the farm at the moment, though, is the large-scale purchase of agricultural land, with many large individual farms being purchased at any cost with only a passing reference being made to its viability.

No doubt the favourable tax treatment of farmland and non-farming money looking to invest in this sector has caused this situation.

From a purely personal point of view we do wonder how keen and able enthusiastic young farmers will have a chance to farm in their own right and whether village life as we know it can continue.

There are no longer volunteers to mow the churchyard, trim minor roadsides and hedges, or clear the snow on the back lanes or any of the other little jobs around villages which now go uncompleted.

Barry Poston is the area’s foremost farming expert with a long history working in both arable and livestock environments. During his career he has seen a great many changes in the industry!

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Schools Colleges... this month, we’ve a round-up of the best schools and colleges in the area for those seeking high quality education for children, teenagers or for adult learning opportunities...

For the future: Worksop College Prep School.

Worksop College Prep school...

Parents all want our children to be the best that they can be.

At Worksop College Preparatory School, we also want your child to be the very best that they can be.

This is why we pride ourselves on providing an outstanding learning experience that supports each and every child to reach their full potential.

Set in over 60 acres of stunning countryside in the village of Ranby, Nottinghamshire, our excellent teaching standards are complemented by superb facilities for learning, sport, art, ICT, performance and music.

The site has ten sports pitches, an indoor sports centre, ninehole golf course, tennis courts and a purpose built Performing Arts Centre.

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State-of-the-art classrooms allow children to use the latest technology to assist their learning in all subjects, as well as three dedicated ICT labs with an animation studio and 3D printing.

nick Cooper Violins, newark

Our cosy boarding surroundings make Ranby House the ideal place for weekly, flexi or casual boarding, allowing your child to develop their independence and take full advantage of everything on offer.

Nick Cooper is this month celebrating the first anniversary of the opening of Nick Cooper Violins, her violin shop and workshop in Newark.

For day pupils, we offer a free breakfast club and flexible after school finishing times.

An extensive bus service is also offered across the region.

To arrange a tour or for further information regarding joining the Preparatory School telephone Jackie newbold, Headmaster’s PA, on 01777 714387 or email admissionsprep@wsnl.co.uk.

Alternatively why not visit us on our open Morning on Saturday 14th March, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Nick has been working in the violin trade since graduating in 2005 from the world renowned Newark School of Violin Making.

Since graduating Nick has been busy not only making and restoring violins but also teaching the violin to students with a wide range of ages and abilities.

Nick began teaching the Violin in 1983 in Devon and continued teaching until 1998 before working in Singapore and Paris.

On her return to the UK in 2001 Nick was awarded a place at the Newark School of Violin Making and after graduating has developed her business and teaching practice further. Nick expanded her business and opened her violin shop in December 2013.

The shop sells quality handmade violins and violas both antique and contemporary, (showcasing instruments made by students past and present from the Newark School) as well as smaller sized violins suitable for the youngest of students.

In addition to having a wide range of violins for sale, Nick also offers a violin rental service with preferential rates for students.

The shop also aims to supply a complete range of violin accessories, including cases of various colours and styles, strings, bows and a wide variety of fittings.

Call 07899 792599 or see www.nickcooperviolins.co.uk.

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trent College, nottingham a year 7 pupil today will be graduating in 10 years’ time, aged 21, with their whole career ahead of them.

To put that into context, only five years ago the iPad didn’t exist.

How can we possibly imagine now what academic and career opportunities will exist for pupils of today in tomorrow’s world, when something that is already so synonymous with 21st Century living, like the iPad, is still itself so new?

At Trent College students are prepared for tomorrow’s tomorrow.

No one can possibly know what the future looks like, but pupils at Trent College are given the

encouragement and confidence to be inquisitive, courageous and ambitious.

They are equipped with the life skills to recognise opportunity, to look ahead at the possibilities and the mind-set to question and challenge.

This is all underpinned by a robust academic excellence enabling pupils to make the most of whatever comes their way.

Bill Penty, Head of Trent College: “We encourage our pupils to aim as high as they can.”

“All this we do in the classroom but also through the richness and diversity of school life that lies beyond; the pupils of today need to learn the skills that will allow them to operate in this brave new world.”

Based at Long Eaton, nottingham, to find out more contact the college via www.trentcollege.net or call 0115 849 4949.

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Lincoln minster school... lincoln Minster school is a thriving educational community in the heart of Lincoln.

Via our ten dedicated bus routes students join us from all reaches of the county, and further afield as part of our international boarding community.

Our motto - ‘the best in everyone’ - may be seen in action across the whole school, from Nursery to Sixth Form.

Pupils are known as individuals - their strengths, enthusiasms, challenges and aspirations are important to all of us as we offer the guidance and direction to achieve both in school and beyond. The spring term is always a busy one as we

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welcome visitors to Open Events, in addition to the regular Cathedral Concerts, trips, matches, recitals…

If you know a child who loves to sing, there are places available in the Lincoln Cathedral Choir and these come with 50% scholarships.

Please join us at our Open Events on 21 March and 4 July, 9.30am-12.30pm, to see us in action and tour our facilities, including our superb new Junior boarding house and recently redeveloped Prep School.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to see us on a normal working day, we would be pleased to welcome you.

Contact my Registrar, Mandy Stuffins, on 01522 551300 to book a convenient appointment.

Alternatively, find out more at our website by visiting www.lincoln minsterschool.co.uk.

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- PHotograPHY -

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Taking Shots of

TINY TOTS any parent can appreciate the beauty of a sleeping baby, and the fact that newborns don’t stay as peaceful - or as still - for long.

Photographer sarah Riley loves capturing the contentment and adorable expressions of babies. this month, she shares her most emotive shots with us... any parent knows how precious the sight of their sleeping newborn is. Becoming a parent is the most profound experience and those first few days and weeks are the most precious of all, but they’re so easily forgotten as a newborn quickly turns into a baby, and eventually a grumpy toddler.

The pace with which babies develop is surprising and their expressions are delightful, so it’s little surprise that photographer Sarah Riley finds newborns the most fascinating and rewarding subject.

Spring is the busiest time of all - the time when Lincolnshire’s very own baby boom sees more and more mums wanting to have their bumps and newborns preserved for posterity in Sarah’s studio at Wellingore Hall, near Lincoln.

Sleeping like a baby: This month we coo over adorable pictures captured by Lincoln photographer Sarah Riley.

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“My girls are aged five and eight now.” says Sarah. “Being a mum is the best experience in the world but it’s true, babies and children do change so quickly. I’d always been into photography, but just as a hobby.”

“Like many mums I felt it was important to document them growing up so I could always look back on the many happy memories that come with parenthood.”

“Sarah has a huge number of props from booties to knitted hats, headbands and fluffy blankets...”

“I started being asked by friends and family to photograph their little ones and eventually a hobby turned into a business. I became a professional photographer four years ago, and as of 2011, decided to leave wedding and portraiture behind to concentrate on maternity and newborn photography.”

fluffy blankets all highlight the difference between Sarah’s specialism of newborn photography, versus any other standard portrait photography.

As a magazine photographer I’d never given a thought to the quirks of newborn photography, but my goodness, it’s specialised!

Sarah’s studio has several areas all set up with different coloured or textured backgrounds for different styles of photography.

A huge number of props from booties to knitted hats to cute little headbands and

In the background, Sarah’s white noise CD provides womb-empathy sounds, as two of her clients, Jade & Paul Williams and Kelly & Graham Prince come in with their babies, six day old Baby Oliver and Christmas Day baby Rory. Sarah had invited the couples in to show us how she works, and started to settle Baby Rory down onto a fluffy blanket.

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The studio is also very hot... roasting in fact.

Comfortable for a newborn, but tropical by the standards of other photography studios.

Top: Sarah has a host of props to create really cute image like this one!

Above: Even babies can benefit from some airbrushing to remove milk spots or dry skin.

Sometimes, it’s necessary to have a parent’s hand in shot supporting the newborn in a particular pose. The hand can then be airbrushed out afterwards.

Right: Posing newborns is incredibly specialised, best left to a dedicated newborn photographer.

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- PHotograPHY -

Far Left: Sarah operates from her studio in Lincoln’s Wellingore Hall, and shoots under studio lighting.

Left: Sarah offers both newborn photography, photography for children up to one year of age, and maternity or ‘bump’ photography.

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- PHotograPHY -

“The best bit about newborn photography is the reaction of the parents when they see the shots for the first time... they’re usually so emotional!”

“It’s amazing how many general photographers profess to offer a newborn service, but it’s so specialised, from the props I use to different ways to pose little hands and feet. Some of the shots are composites, too, with mum or dad’s hands in the shot, which are airbrushed out later.”

“Safety is hugely important too. Knowing what temperatures newborns need, and being careful to handle babies with fontanelles.”

“Above all though, you need lots and lots of patience. A shoot usually takes three hours, but can take up to six. There are frequent breaks for feeding and changing.”

Baby Rory proved one of the more amenable clients, settling quickly and falling asleep, oblivious to Sarah clicking away.

On the occasions he stirred, she quickly settled him back to sleep whilst mum and dad enjoyed the chance to enjoy an hour or two with their feet up, having a coffee in the studio, watching Sarah at work.

Generally a shoot involves one or two sets of photographs on white or cream blankets, shots on blue, pink, or grey backgrounds and on a fluffy rug, then a few shots with props, with around 20 or 25 edited shots ready to view a couple of weeks later.

Parents can have as much or as little retouching as they like, correcting jaundice, flaky skin or spots if they wish. Sarah charges £350 for a shoot with the final edited shots on a memory stick. She’s able to provide canvases, prints and albums, but having experienced pressure selling during her own newborn shoot, has a strict ‘no hard sell’ policy.

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“The best bit about newborn photography is the reaction of the parents when they see the shots for the first time.” says Sarah. “They’re usually so emotional, and often cry when they see a really nice, expressive image.”

I couldn’t help feeling a hint of nostalgia, wishing my own three-year old was as small as Oliver and Rory. Which led me to wonder, does the job make Sarah broody?

“No!” she smiles. “I get my fix, get to dress them up, photograph them, then I can hand them back afterwards. Much as I love working with newborns, that suits me fine!”

Sarah Riley provides maternity & newborn photography from her studio in The Stables of Wellingore Hall. Call 01526 320833 or see www.sarahrileyphotography.co.uk.

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FĂŞte Accompli - WEddings -

sophie and matthew Lennie married near stamford recently in a wedding styled around the idea of a village fĂŞte with lots of flowers, lots of fun and lots of family & friends. incredibly, the whole event took less than six months to plan!

Images: Paul Massey Photography, 07770 630364, www.masseyphotography.co.uk.

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wedding bells chimed recently for Stamford couple Sophie Wilson and Matthew Lennie.

The two had known each other since primary school, growing up together in the town. Sophie left to study fashion at Nottingham Trent University whilst Matthew studied towards his International Tourism Management degree in Leeds, but the pair would often return to the town to see family and friends.

“Stamford’s a lovely place to live and we’ve a great circle of friends here. There’s a friendly atmosphere in the town and we’d come back from uni and enjoy nights out.

So really, Matthew and I would see each other all the time.”

The two friends began dating in 2009 and moved in together in April 2013.

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Sophie wasn’t expecting a proposal but when her parents were away travelling in Australia at the end of 2013, she and Matthew decided to join them for New Year.

“I really wasn’t expecting him to propose, it came completely out of the blue, but I was delighted. I didn’t realise but he’d asked my father’s permission beforehand and, more than that, asked him where in Sydney he could propose. Matthew chose a spot under the Harbour Bridge overlooking the Opera House, it was stunning!”

Following the January proposal, the couple would marry in September, giving them little over six months to plan their wedding, when they started to organise it in spring.

“Matthew chose a spot under Sydney’s Harbour Bridge overlooking the Opera House, it was stunning!”

Images: Paul Massey Photography, 07770 630364, www.masseyphotography.co.uk.

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- weddings -

Above: Sophie and Matthew’s mum designed the bridesmaids’ dresses themselves. Even Matthew flexed his creative talents by working with graphic artist Frances Beale designing invites to match his groomsmens’ ties.

Right: The couple married in Stamford’s All Saints’ Church, and enjoyed a reception at Grange Farm in Wittering.

They also hired an old Routemaster bus from A1 Bus near Peterborough.

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- WEddings -

Far Left: The Rutland Gourmet, Sarah Rivett, provided canapés, the wedding breakfast, a vintage cake table and a hog roast for the evening.

Left: Matthew themed each table according the couple’s favourite films and TV shows. Each table had different floral arrangements with quirky vases, kilner jars or vintage cups and saucers.

Images by: Paul Massey Photography, 07770 630364, www.masseyphotography.co.uk.

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“Planning a wedding in that short space of time was pretty stressful, but we managed it.” says Sophie. “We knew we wanted to marry in the town’s All Saints Church as it’s really pretty, and when we found Grange Farm near Wittering we were really happy.”

As the wedding and reception were held a short drive from each other, Sophie and Matthew hired a Routemaster bus to transport their guests to Grange Farm.

“We wanted a marquee wedding but Grange Farm proved a really good compromise as it had all of the facilities there already, but would still let us have the village fête-style wedding we set our hearts on.”

“Originally we were going to travel separately but we thought we’d be missing out, so we all rode in the bus together and had a great time. It was lovely to have a glass of champagne and travel with family rather than leaving them whilst we had our photographs taken.”

Sophie then worked with her friend from university, Kirsty Cross, who owns Couture Mango in Nottingham, to design her couture wedding dress and worked with Matthew’s mum to create bespoke bridesmaids’ dresses from some floral fabric she’d fallen in love with.

The couple did defer to the expertise of Rutland Gourmet - Sarah Rivett - to create canapés for guests, to provide a three course wedding breakfast, a vintage wedding cake table and a hog roast in the evening.

Meanwhile, photographer Paul Massey captured the day.

The couple’s creativity didn’t stop there either - Matthew was charged with the responsibility of making a table plan based on themes of favourite TV programmes and films, whilst Sophie and her father created all of the floral arrangements for the venue themselves.

“Paul was absolutely brilliant!” says Sophie.

“He was really professional, and we couldn’t have imagined better photographs.”

“The whole day was just so nice from start to finish.” says Sophie. “It was exactly what we wanted; a fantastic fun day with everyone included and everyone having lots of fun.”

sophie and matthew’s stamford Wedding: Reception held at: Grange Farm, Wittering www.grange-farm.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Couture Mango, 07878 825768, www.couturemango.co.uk.

Wedding Breakfast and Cakes: Rutland Gourmet, 01572 747909, www.rutlandgourmet.co.uk.

Photographer: Paul Massey, 07770 630364, www.masseyphotography.co.uk.

Vintage Bus: A1 Bus Hire, 01733 890816, www.a1bus.co.uk.

Toastmaster: Ian Hall, theexecutiveguildoftoastmasters.co.uk.

Flowers: Mandy Taylor, 07816 637161.

Stationery: Frances Beale www.francesbealestudio.tumblr.com.

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Main: Fitted bouclé jacket £459, and flowing skirt £135, in white and crème.

Short sleeved silk blouse £165, jacket with woven texture £239, trousers with glitter effect £175.

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- FasHion -

Light &

Breezy spring will shortly be cheering up the county with the first flourishes of colour in our gardens, brighter days, sunnier skies and the first spring and summer fashions of the season.

Here, we’ve picked a selection of the lightest, breeziest fashions to banish the winter blues... light and breezy: as spring comes along, Christabel Paul of Boston’s Coneys says we should expect lots of whites and neutrals in high summer, mitigated by enthusiastic pops of colour in the spring months.

“There’s a definite 70s theme to most collections this season.

Expect many brands to feature wide leg trousers, and skinny denim jeans, with linen in high summer and lots of textures,

punctuated by pops of neon colours, to reflect a resurgence of the 1970s trends of garish geometric prints and gypsy prints.”

“Nude will be a big trend in high summer with floppy hats and big beach bags, wedges and 1970s style pumps all on trend. Opt for lighter white and cream outfits early in the season, then be bold in the summer months with splashes of colours and a mix of retro prints.”

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Opposite: Marc Cain denim jacket £315, and skirt £125.

Left: Silk printed chiffon oversized shirt £355, turquoise cotton shorts £219.

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Right: Indigo cotton top £115 and silk print skirt £239.

Marc Cain silk print dress £289.

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Left: Flowing blouse with snakeskin print £239, and snakeskin trousers £239.

Marc Cain cardigan coat in pastel blue £315, 7/8 trousers £185, and triple link chain £85.

stockists across Lincolnshire: Coneys Wide Bargate, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 6RX Tel: 01205 311355 coneysdesignerwear.co.uk Jane Young Chain Lane, Market Place, Newark-on-Trent, Notts NG24 1AU Tel: 01636 703511 www.jane-young.co.uk Think Bubbles Sea View Street, Cleethorpes DN35 8EU Tel: 01472 291601

Above: Designed glasses frames by Bulgari £290 and Oliver’s People £245 available from O’Brien’s Opticians, Wrawby Street, Brigg, 01652 653595 www.obriens opticians.co.uk.

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e

Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits

Bespoke & Made to Measure Suits

Andrew J Musson

Andrew J Musson

by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew 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

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by a Savile Row Tailor, Andrew Musson

Bespoke Tailor of Lincoln

Win a Wedding worth £25,000 CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BESPOKE OR MADE TO MEASURE SUIT. 39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS

It’s free to enter, just visit Tel: (01522) 520142 www.ukbride.co.uk/join info@andrewjmusson.com www.andrewjmusson.com

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Celebrating 35 years of style at

Cindy’s march 18th represents a milestone for Cindy marritt as the retailer of ladies fashions celebrates 35 years of trading in sutton Bridge...

Words: Rob Davis.

Congratulations Cindy’s, as the ladies fashion retailer, based in Sutton Bridge, celebrates 35 years of trading this month.

“We still have customers who would come and see us when we started out, back in 1980.” says Cindy.

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“Fashion nowadays is more varied, imaginative, constantly changing. We used to buy in season but that’s impossible today; we have to choose our ranges a season in advance at least.”

“We’ve already chosen the ranges we’ll stock for winter, but looking ahead to this season, we’ve vibrant colours from the bubblegum pinks and emerald green of our Doris Streich casuals, to lime and red tones in our Frank Lyman and Lebek brands - the latter is new this spring, it’s been an instant hit with the casual tops.”

“Maxi dresses are strong again, very on-trend, whilst crop trousers from Michele, Doris Streich and Marble will look great when matched with tunic tops. Layering is always popular, so we’ve chosen our ranges with that in mind.”

“One of our top brands is Eugen Klein, which is a really comprehensive collection, it enables you to select key pieces that can be mixed and matched for great versatility and value.”

“Our Frank Lyman brand was new last spring and offers some really special looks with lots of geometric prints and bright colours - fashions with a real ‘wow’ factor.”

“All of our collections, though, are chosen on the basis of whether they’re high quality.”

Cindy’s also stocks a range of occasionwear from names like John Charles, Cabotine and Zeila, with the option of coordinating jewellery and millinery.

Located in Sutton Bridge, the business attracts shoppers from as far away as an hour and a half; Boston, Skegness, Lincoln and Newark, as well as Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

“Our customers say they appreciate the uniqueness of our ranges, the easy parking and shopping experience but above all, the customer service.” says Cindy.

n Cindy’s of Sutton Bridge is located at 108 Bridge Rd, Sutton Bridge, Spalding PE12 9SA. Tel: 01406 350961 or see www.cindysfashions.co.uk.

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Far Left: Frank Lyman black and white maxi-dress with optional print jacket and Amaré necklace.

Left: Frank Lyman tropical print maxi-dress, uncrushable, so it won’t crease in your suitcase.

Far Left: John Charles bluebell dress with Bolero jacket teamed with matching millinery from a selection - also available is a fascinator and hatinator.

Left: Casual lime co-ordinates from Lebek; 7/8 crop trousers, teamed with top and gilét.

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- WatCHEs -

time FLIES

1.

This month we ask sam Michael of Newark’s andrew Michael jewellers to select the finest watches for spring and summer 2015...

1. Romain jerome Moon invader – £15,950 the technically complex case of romain Jerome’s moon invader has a few grams of actual moon dust injected into the case.

2. Hublot Big Bang 38mm – £7,600 the instantly recognisable Hublot Big Bang ‘Fusion’ case is now available for the ladies. Here the bezel is fully set with high grade diamonds.

3. graham Chronofighter Oversize - £4,150 the patented trigger mechanism of graham’s Chronofighter is unique, practical and aesthetically distinguished. the case is diamond Like Carbon and the bezel is Ceramic.

4. Breitling Transocean Chronograph limited edition - £7,060 the Breitling transocean Chronograph is based on a classic design from the 1960s. this Limited Edition example has a hinged caseback for personal engraving.

5. Breitling 41 airborne – £6,760 Breitling’s airbourne is a return to the classic style of the original 1964 flagship model which this model commemorates.

6. Hublot Big Bang 44mm - £14,400 Hublot’s Big Bang is fast becoming

an all-time classic design. this example has a bezel fully set with high grade diamonds.

7. Rolex daytona - £14,400 the rolex daytona is the most desirable sports watch on the market... hence the waiting list that runs into years.

8. Hublot king Power Ferrari limited edition – £19,600 this Limited Edition Hublot King Power Ferrari, with skeleton dial, is a perfect amalgamation of luxury cars and luxury watches.

9. Romain jerome Batman - £12,500 the Caped Crusader would be proud to wear romain Jerome’s Batman Limited Edition. it has been released to commemorate the superhero’s 75th anniversary.

10. Rolex datejust 36mm - £13,100 the rolex datejust continues to be the most recognisable watch on the market. Presented here with diamond Bezel and mother of Pearl and diamond dial.

For more information on any of our featured watches visit andrew Michaels jewellers, 38-39 stodman street, Newark Ng24 1aw.

Tel: 01636 679638. www.amjwatches.co.uk.

NB: all prices are subject to change

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The best of

both worlds T

he only private hospital facility in Lincolnshire, where profits are returned to the NHS for the benefit of all local NHS patients. Patients enjoy privacy and individual attention whilst having the reassurance that The Bostonian is adjacent to the sophisticated services of The Pilgrim Hospital, with its expert diagnostic and emergency medical and surgical facilities.

H Award Winning Sleep Apnoea Service Please visit our website to view the full range of services we offer

www.the-bostonian.co.uk Comfort & Peace of Mind The Bostonian is the private wing of Pilgrim Hospital and is set in its own grounds and gardens. There are 19 en-suite single rooms with digital TVs and telephone. Our dedicated housekeeping team ensure continually high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Professional Expertise Almost any condition can be treated at The Bostonian by our dedicated team of professionals – most of our Consultants live only minutes away.

We welcome self referral and provide 24 hour medical cover.

Range of Payment Options Available We deal with all the major insurance companies and also offer Fixed Price packages for the uninsured.

The Bostonian Private Wing, Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Telephone: 01205 360606 / Facsimile: 01205 311442 www.the-bostonian.co.uk • ISO 9001:2008 accredited

Pilgrim Hospital’s Private Wing

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- motors -

A Voyage of

Discovery one of land Rover’s best-selling 4x4s, the compact Freelander, has been infused with dna from the firm’s larger seven seat off-roader to create a new model; discovery sport. the car aims to be practical for families, yet unstoppable on muddy estates and back roads...

Words: Rob Davis. downsizing is a motoring trend that’s set to be more prevalent as 2015 progresses. You’ll notice the proliferation of three, rather than four cylinder vehicles, or executive cars being offered with four, rather than six cylinders, and you’ll see a reduction in overall engine sizes.

The trend isn’t just limited to under the bonnet reductions, either. Land Rover has replaced its Freelander model with a new car, badged as the Discovery Sport. It’s a neat marketing trick aimed at ensuring its small 4x4 can trade off the name and popularity of its larger Discovery sibling. And, like its larger sibling, the Sport now offers seven seats (or rather 5+2, indicating smaller rearmost seats), which should boost the car’s appeal for family buyers of SUVs. The Discovery Sport, like the Freelander before it, offers a lot of car for its size, even if its third row of seats are more suited to children. One advantage that the Sport has over the larger Discovery is its lighter weight, yielding better traction over muddy, rutted farm tracks.

The Sport is a compromise between Range Rover Sport and the smaller Evoque in terms of styling, but its brand new body facilitates significant changes to the car’s architecture.

Monocoque construction provides better strength and stiffness, but at the same time, weight savings and better efficiency. New multi-link rear suspension also provides weight savings, greater off-road ability and less intrusion into the boot to accommodate the two extra seats and provide a larger load space. This new architecture results in a firm but composed ride, and most importantly, continued best-in-class off-road ability.

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A Sporting Chance: The Discovery Sport rises to a hefty £43,000, putting it in Discovery and Evoque territory.

Still, compact dimensions and a 5+2 seating configuration will suit family buyers. It’s just a shame that despite all new chassis architecture, the firm is using its previous-generation 2.2 190ps four cylinder engine.

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“The Discovery Sport is a compromise between a Range Rover Sport and the smaller Evoque model in its styling...”

Right: The new model has seven seats as standard, even if the rearmost ones are designed for children. Every Discovery Sport is well-equipped but top of the range HSE Luxury models benefit from heated and cooled electric leather seats, heated steering wheel, automatic parallel and perpendicular parking plus a rear view camera. Adaptive cruise control is an omission from the options list, though.

The Discovery Sport currently relies on previous-generation engine technology, with just one unit, the current Freelander and Evoque’s 2.2 four cylinder diesel, tuned to provide 190ps of power. Four wheel drive is mandatory but a two-wheel drive model will be available later in the year alongside the firm’s new 2.0 engine which promises greater efficiency. For now, there’s at least a choice of automatic or manual gearbox, but with the nine speed automatic providing a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds and 44.8mpg, with a top speed of 117mph, that’s good enough for us.

There’s a choice of SE, SE Tech, HSE and HSE Luxury variants. SE models provide cruise and climate control, DAB radio, heated front windscreen and seats plus rear parking sensors. Our preferred SE Tech trim adds auto lights and wipers, a powered tailgate and front parking sensors, with a price tag of £35,695 in automatic form.

Cabin design is beautiful, with high quality trim and a leather covered dash. Controls are simple, and accessing the car’s massive off-road ability is easy thanks to Land Rover’s Terrain Response system which automatically primes the car’s 4x4 systems.

Prices for the Discovery Sport rise to £43,000 which encroachs on both the Discovery and Evoque. Still, there’s definitely a strong case for taking a look at the Discovery Sport. The car is spacious yet compact and easy to handle in town.

It’s well-mannered on road yet very, very capable off-road, and it’s generously equipped and very stylish... a perfectly practical premium choice for negotiating Lincolnshire’s country roads.

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new Kia sportage ‘alpine Edition’ on sale at Victor Wood of grantham – a striking design, interior enhancements and premium technology • sleek outer design in four metallic paint colours • stylish interior with heated front & rear outer seats • infinity Premium sound system • seven inch satellite navigation with European mapping • available in manual isg and auto aWd powertrains kia's stylish new sportage, the ‘Alpine Edition’, offers attractive features and equipment, unique to the design. It follows the recent ‘Black Edition’ and ‘White Edition’ and sits between ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades in terms of specification walk-up. An ideal car for those who like to explore, the ‘Alpine Edition’ boasts a seven inch satellite navigation system with European mapping, detour function, motorway junction views as well as multi route planning.

Heated front and rear outer seats, keep you and your passengers comfortable wherever you’re headed. This hotly anticipated Sportage Edition is now available at Victor Wood of Grantham priced at £22,895 for the manual and £26,595 for the automatic.

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Featuring a gloss designed radiator grille with chrome surround highlighting, the ‘Alpine Edition’ also comes with electric folding door mirrors, and integrated LED indicators.

To further enhance the design and available exclusively on the ‘Alpine Edition’ silver painted front and rear skid plates are included as well as stainless steel door scuff plates and premium branded carpet mats.

The two-tone light grey and black leather upholstery befits the unique design of the ‘Alpine Edition’, and black headlining detail adds to the luxurious feel of the interior.

The Infinity® premium sound system with subwoofer and external amp provide an exceptional sound system, perfectly tuned to

provide outstanding sound quality in all driving conditions.

Available in Phantom Black, Dark Gun Metal, Fusion White and Silver Storm, the ‘Alpine Edition’ boasts metallic paint at no additional cost and benefits from the same 17 inch alloy wheel currently offered on the ‘2’ grades.

Dealer Principal of Victor Wood of Grantham, Andy Doyle said, “We’re really excited to bring the Sportage ‘Alpine Edition’ on sale at Victor Wood complete with all of its fantastic premium features. The upgrades both inside and out add an even more high end, luxury feel to the model, and we’re looking forward to welcoming local customers interested in a test drive!”

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Top: The hydraulic accumulator tower was built in 1852 to provide hydraulic power for the machinery of the Grimsby Docks. The tower, by James William Wild, holds a water tank of 30,000 imperial gallons at a height of 61m, and was inspired by the Torre del Mangia in the Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy.

Above: Nissen Huts near Fillingham, designed by Major Peter Norman Nissen of the 29th Company Royal Engineers of the British Army. Invented for housing troops during the First World War, used principally for their cost-efficiency and portability.

Right: Gedney’s Water Tower, a whimsical, yet practical structure, one of several quirky designs in the county.

Lincolnshire’s Architectural

ugly duCkliNgs Lincolnshire is home to many of architecture’s ‘ugly duckings’ - or as photographer theo simpson has referred to them, in his exhibition at sleaford’s National Centre for Craft & design this month, examples of lesser known architecture...

Photos: Theo Simpson.

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Think of lincolnshire’s most unique architectural landmarks and it’s easy to picture Lincoln Cathedral, the Castle, Burghley House and so on.

But what about Lincolnshire’s examples of Lesser Known Architecture? That’s the question posed by photographer Theo Simpson, whose exhibition appears at The National Centre for Craft & Design (formerly known as the Hub) in Sleaford until 20th March.

Each of Theo’s 30 chosen examples of Lesser Known Architecture have been

photographed between 2012 and 2015, and are presented in the centre’s first floor gallery as single colour offset prints, with an accompanying biography of each example.

“I wanted to identify extraordinary buildings, structures and designs that helped to define their time and inspire future architectural visions.” says Theo. “The exhibition offers an alternative portrait of our industrial and cultural heritage which allows us to reconsider the often-overlooked sculptural forms which exist in the landscape.”

The project, which is free and open to all, is a touring exhibition from The Design Museum in London, but features six local examples of architecture which are unusual, groundbreaking... or just plain interesting! n See Lesser Known Architecture at The nCCD on Carre Street, Sleaford until March 30th.

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- arCHitECtUrE St John the Baptist, Ermine: Much church architecture in the 20th century aimed to find a balance between traditional worship and more modern theological ideas.

This Grade II* listed modernist church, designed by Sam Scorer and built in the early 1960s clearly embodies this thinking. The church features a version of Scorer’s pioneering hyperbolic paraboloid roof design, the distinctive curve appearing to ‘reach for the heavens’ at its highest points, whilst the lower edges of the curve plunge into the water, reflecting the idea of baptism.

Dishes: Tropospheric Scatter Dishes at the former site of RAF Stenigot. Stenigot was a WWII radar station and was part of the ‘Chain Home’ radar network. This site was later upgraded to be part of the NATO ACE communications network. The addition of the four tropospheric scatter dishes in the late 1950s, which today lay dismantled on farming land, allowed operators to transmit and receive microwave radio signals, providing long-range detection of enemy aircraft. The site was decommissioned in the 1980s, with most buildings demolished by 1996.

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TheDirectory To advertise here call 01529 46 99 77 and speak to our friendly team.

Celebrating 50 years as the county’s independent Land Rover specialist...

50 years old in 2015, 4 Wheel Drive Truck Centre, near Spalding, can repair and restore any age of Land Rover, even creating bespoke builds...

Country Workshops, home of 4 Wheel Drive Truck Centre, is a small, family run business, established in the 1925 and at its present premises and management celebrating its 50th anniversary and 90 years of business overall.

The company specialises in restoration, modification and the design and manufacture of British 4x4 Classics, together with a stores department which carries parts from 1948 to date, serving automotive, agricultural, industrial and marine specialists.

Its workshop makes and recycles component parts which are no longer manufactured, also building the early MK1 Land Rover 162

to the same very high standard as the special projects. Recent projects include Land Rover Classics, campers and Range Rovers.

Classics and Defenders can be built from the last nut and bolt to create a completed vehicle, virtually as new, with uprated engines and transmissions, newly build bodies with new parts and special coachwork.

Country Workshops proudly boasts that if Land Rover produced the part as standard, they may stock it, they can find it or they’ll make it.

Country Workshops is based at Risegate near Spalding.

Call 01775 750223 or see www.british4x4centre.co.uk.

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