Lincolnshire Pride February 2018

PRIDE

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LINCOLNSHIRE

LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

£4.50

A Focus on the Wily Fox

The controversial topic about foxes in Lincolnshire

Lincoln Cathedral’s History

A concise history and timeline of Lincoln Cathedral

Belvoir Interiors

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No one ever regretted buying quality...

Kitchens | Bedrooms | Studies | Homes Cook House, Brunel Drive, Newark NG24 2FB Tel: 01636 705892 | www.belvoirinteriors.com

www.belvoirinteriors.com

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- FEBRUARY 2018 -

welcome letter Julian Wilkinson

Managing Director

Life is so busy. Christmas and New Years is out of the way and New Year’s Resolutions have slowly fizzled out by now.

But with work and other commitments, it’s still hard to find spare time to relax, and when you do, it’s hard to decide what to do with it.

That’s why this month we have a roundup of the top 10 museums and galleries to visit in the area, some you probably never knew existed.

Ian Bagley

Production Director

Zoie Wilkinson

Advertising Director

If you’re looking to do something a little more ‘hands on,’ we’re rolling up our sleeves at Oxcombe Pottery in Horncastle and taking the wheel for a spin.

If working at the potter’s wheel isn’t for you, but antiques, art and horses peaks your interest, meet Susan Williams, a lady in Ewerby who has discovered her passion for rocking horse restoration.

My number one hobby has to be eating out in the area’s finest restaurants, and luckily we’re visiting two in this edition. Hop over the border to Barnsdale Lodge in Rutland for exceptional fine dining or for something a little closer to home, enjoy the more humble delights of the Red Lion at Bicker with its roaring fire and country pub style, perhaps with a loved one on Valentine’s Day.

If Pancake Day is a day you’d prefer to celebrate, we cater for you too with the perfect pancake recipe and filling suggestions. Enjoy exploring how much there is to do in Lincolnshire, and this fabulous February edition.

Our best wishes for a wonderful month,

Emily Brown

Sales Director

Rob Davis,

Executive Editor 3

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CONTENTS

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62

FEATURES 10 20 28 32 38 40

HIGH SOCIETY The Winter Ball at

Farndon Boathouse near Newark.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES A roundup

THE FOX Our cover article features the controversial topic of the Vulpes vulpes and its cunning behaviour. of what you can see and do in February.

POTTERY We take to the wheel in this edition to discover what it’s like to be a potter in the Wolds.

WHAT’S ON A roundup of events in the county throughout February.

HISTORY A concise history and

detailed timeline of Lincoln Cathedral.

FOOD & DRINK 48 52

EATING OUT We dine at the Red Lion at Bicker this month and slightly further afield at Barnsdale Lodge, Rutland.

PANCAKE DAY The perfect pancake recipes and filling suggestions.

HOMES & GARDENS 62

HOMES A stunning contemporary build in Caythorpe.

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THE EDIBLE GARDEN Why edible

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FURNISHINGS Top soft furnishing suggestions available in Lincolnshire. flowers can make a nice addition to your vegetable patch or garden.

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ROCKING HORSES Discover the craft of rocking horse restoration.

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WEDDING ALBUM Rachel and Jonathan’s wedding at Woodhall Spa.

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Ready for 2018?

FASHION & BEAUTY

105 BALL GOWN Are you Red Carpet

JEWELLERY Diamonds are a girl’s best friend for anyone struggling with Valentine’s Day gifts.

126 YOUNG FARMERS’ BALL

High society event photographs.

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THE WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN LINCOLNSHIRE READ LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE Lincolnshire Pride magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county.

Our circulation is to properties in the top three council tax bands - homes which are predominantly worth over ÂŁ300,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content. In addition the magazine is also sold in over 550 supermarkets and newsagents including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, WHSmith Tesco, Asda, Co-Op and Morrisons.

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

This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across the county.

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

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

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR HIGH QUALITY HOMES

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

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

By supplying editorial or advertising copy to Lincolnshire Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at pridemagazines.co.uk.

In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion.

This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available.

Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

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

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

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

THE PRIDE TEAM

Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson.

Production Director: Ian Bagley.

Advertising Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Sales Director: Emily Brown.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Features Editors: Tilly Wilkinson and Hannah Vickers.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Distribution: Joe Proctor. IT: Ryan Potter.

Office Manager: Sue Bannister.

Account Manager: Lauren Chambers.

Sales Executives: Hannah Boyle, Tamer Hodgson, Yvette Coates, Carissa Clay, Hayley Scott and Cassy Ayton.

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NEWS

The 100th Anniversary of the RAF LANCASTER BOMBER SCULPTURE PLANS TO CELEBRATE RAF ANNIVERSARY...

LINCOLN A team of ambitious local people are working on the plans to build a Lancaster Bomber sculpture next to the A46.

Their plan is for this to look like a landmark welcome sculpture for Lincoln.

You’ll be able to find it on a field near Norton Disney and it’s been recorded that over 30,000 drivers a day will pass it through the ‘gates of Bomber County.’

Hopefully, the project will go ahead alongside the various celebrations surrounding the RAF’s 100th anniversary throughout 2018 across the country.

The vision is that the sculpture will be developed near to Hill Holt Wood which is the land that has been promised to the Bomber County Gateway Trust.

Donations are still needed for the project to go ahead however.

They’re looking for £100,000

to £200,000 in donations and planning permission is still needed from North Kesteven District Council so it’s a dream at the moment that will hopefully come true.

Designer Shopping Centre Plans Revealed

PLANS HAVE BEEN REVEALED FOR A NEW SHOPPING CENTRE IN OLDRIDS & DOWNTOWN GRANTHAM...

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“Our research shows that one particular Lancaster, crashed on in Thurlby Top Wood which is the other side of Hill Holt Wood,” says Ken Sadler from the Trust. “Canadian GRANTHAM Images have been released of the brand new £125 million designer shopping development in Grantham. The designer shopping outlet, which is set to open in 2019 pending planning permission, would create over 1,700 retail and leisure related jobs.

It would hold 107 individual designer outlet shops, covering 220,435 square feet, and would even feature a brand-new railway station and park and ride provision.

The development would be situated at the existing Downtown site in Gonerby

crew member Sgt J R Gibbons lost his life in the incident. The plane that we hope to recreate will feature the markings and number of that particular Lancaster in tribute.”

Moor, Grantham, and hopes to help boost the local economy.

“We’re confident that this is great news for Grantham,” says Richard Broadhead, Downtown managing director.

“We believe in this, we are serious and we’re going to deliver it.”

“We are part of Grantham, we are important to Grantham and Grantham is important to us. Clearly, it’s a direct fight now, but we’re confident it’s a viable scheme and the right thing to do.” n For more information please visit www.oldrids.co.uk.

WORLD RECORD BREAKING CRICKET

BILLINGBOROUGH A trio of cricketers from Billingborough has successfully beaten the Guinness World Record for ‘longest cricket net’, after batting continuously for 72 hours.

Dave Newman, Richard Wells and Shaun Brown, all of whom are members of Billingborough Cricket Club, set out to beat the previous record of 52 hours.

They went on to defeat it by a phenomenal 20 hours.

The trio has set out to raise £15,000 for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Trust, and at the time Pride goes to press they would have already raised over £4,000 of that target, already holding the World Record. n To donate to the cause, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ worldrecordcricketnet-2017.

Extremely Rare Seal Sighting JET BLACK SEAL CUB SIGHTED AT DONNA NOOK

The Pawfect Companion LINCOLN Cockapoo puppy

Teddy is making a difference to residents at The Laurels Neurological Rehabilitation Centre in Lincoln. Introduced to the Centre by manager Sue Houston, Teddy currently visits residents four days a week and is training to become a registered Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog. Pets As Therapy is a national charity that helps to enhance health and wellbeing through the visits of volunteers and their beloved, behaviourally assessed pets.

“Our patients all have neurological conditions, so by having the therapy dog we hope to be able to aid their recovery in a variety of different ways,” says Sue. “I know how much love a dog can bring into someone’s life.”

DONNA NOOK Visitors to the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve near North Somercotes got a surprise when they spotted a jet-black seal cub amongst the other seals on the Reserve.

During November of last year, thousands descended on the Nature Reserve to witness the annual event in which hundreds of seals give birth.

However, a black cub is a sight that’s rarely seen.

“We believe that there is about a one in 400 chance of a seal pup having a black coat. This one is particularly visible because it’s quite close to the fence line of the viewing area,” says Rachel Shaw from the Wildlife Trust.

£1,400,000...

72-Hour Cricket

WORK HAS BEGUN on a brand-new hotel development in Gainsborough. The development, which is being built on the former Sunn Inn site, will feature a new Travelodge hotel and Ponti’s Italian Kitchen restaurant. The development will cost £1.4 million and will create jobs for local people to work in the hotel and in the restaurant too. An opening date is yet to be confirmed. n

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LOCAL

NEWS In Brief SLEAFORD

SLEAFORD RESTAURANT NAMED BEST IN COUNTRY The Agra in Sleaford has been given the title of one of the best restaurants in the UK at the British Curry Awards.

The established curry restaurant was ranked in the top 100 restaurants in the country.

Specialising in authentic Indian cuisine from around South East Asia, The Agra also has a private function room available for hire.

“We are ecstatic to have been recognised in this way and to have shown Sleaford and Lincolnshire in a positive light within the Indian food sector,” says Muhammed Karm, Business Development Manager at The Agra.

“We take great pride in our cooking - we have a specialist on board from South India who maintains quality.

The whole team has worked extremely hard this year since the relaunch.”

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NEWS

Award for Successful Young Butcher

HECKINGTON’S SIMPSONS BUTCHERS HAS JUST SCOOPED ANOTHER AWARD

HECKINGTON After winning our annual Lincolnshire Pride Food Hero award last year, Simpsons Butchers have just scored a second award but instead of owner Gary Simpson, James Taylor has been announced as the winner.

James Taylor, a Q Guild Butcher from Simpsons Butchers of Heckington, was named Young Butcher of the Year in the National Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards 2017 at a ceremony at London’s County Hall.

Capping off an unbelievable two weeks he then went on to win the UK WorldSkills final 2017 at the NEC in Birmingham.

The awards recognise excellence and innovation in butchery and were organised by industry title, Meat Trades Journal.

James was awarded the Marco Peerdeman Award for Young Butcher of the Year for his whole supply chain knowledge and creative product development.

SKEGNESS STAR ON ITUNES In Brief

SKEGNESS student from Skegness has released his very own album which is featured on iTunes. William Jacobs, a 15-year-old who studies at Skegness Grammar School, produced the 10-track album entirely on his own.

The album took one year to make and was released in November last year. The album, titled ‘The Calm’, is available to download via iTunes. n 8

Commenting on James’ Young Butcher of the Year Award, judges recognised his successes to date.

“Twice runner up for Young Butcher of the Year in the past

two years, 21-year-old James was also a member of the 2017 International Young Butcher team.”

“He won the Leeds heat of the Butchery World Skills contest

Little Mix in Lincoln

ONE OF THE BIGGEST GIRL GROUPS IN THE WORLD IS SET TO COME TO LINCOLNSHIRE IN 2018 WITH AN ENORMOUS PERFORMANCE AT THE SHOWGROUND...

this year and is now moving to take up more management responsibility within the Simpsons Butchers business.” n For more info about Simpsons, please visit www.gsimpsonbutchers.co.uk.

LINCOLN One of the biggest girl groups in the world is set to perform in Lincoln this summer.

After completing their ‘Glory Days’ tour towards the end of last year, the X Factor contestants Little Mix announced that they would be touring the UK once more as part of their brand-new ‘Summer Hits Tour 2018’ with all of their best songs.

The girls will be heading to the Lincolnshire Showground on Friday 20th July 2018, to perform their greatest hits, including ‘Wings’, ‘Black Magic’, Shout Out To My Ex’ and ‘Touch’. n Visit www.lincolnshireshow ground.co.uk for more information.

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To view photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

The Winter Ball at

Farndon Boathouse

Farndon Boathouse recently hosted its first ever Winter Ball, a black tie event with Champagne upon arrival, a three course meal, table entertainers and live music.

A headline DJ and fireworks finished off the evening, and around 200 people attended,

located both in the restaurant itself and an adjacent marquee.

The restaurant opened in 2008 and is owned

by Dan Garner. Providing a contemporary dining room and impressive Ă la carte cuisine courtesy of its Head Chef Luke

McGowan, January will see the restaurant given a makeover with a new grill dining room as well as its more formal Ă la carte dining. The restaurant is also renowned for live music, including its Sunday Sessions. n For information see www.farndonboathouse.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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View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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To view 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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View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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www.mountandminster.co.uk

Old Parsonage, Glentham The Old Parsonage is a charming and versatile Grade II Listed period, stone cottage situated in an attractive and landscaped grounds in a sought after popular village. Accommodation briefly comprising; Living room, dining room, entrance hall, kitchen diner, utility room and downstairs wc.

First floor accommodation provides a master bedroom, 3 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The outside space is beautifully maintained while being a good size, yet manageable. This property further benefits from having a powered garden room, garage and off-street parking space.

EPC: Exempt.

Guide Price: £300,000

Ashgrove, Scawby Custom built in the early 1980s by the current owner, this unique 'Potton House' is a timber framed structure that was customised to suit the needs of the owners. This beautiful family house sits in a generous plot with landscaped gardens, a triple garage and an attractive copse to the front of the property. The property has exposed beams and tailored features, unique to this style of house. Internally the property briefly comprises; entrance hall, office, large living room with adjoining sitting room, kitchen diner with separate utility room. On the first floor is a spacious landing area with a master bedroom and ensuite, three further bedrooms, family bathroom and oil fired central heating. EPC: E. Guide Price: £395,000

Lincoln – 01522 716204 Grantham – 01476 515329 London – 020 7839 0888

Ralph WyrleyBirch

James Ward

Bob Bickersteth Milly English

Amy Merrigan

Paul Baxter

Ann Gwyther

Daniel Baines

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ideal inVeStMent oPPortunitieS Planned ProjeCtS in 2018: 900 hoMeS in holbeaCh, CoWbit PhaSe 2 and donnington

abbey Walk, SWineShead

Exclusive development of two, three, four & five bedroom homes...

Located in the charming village of Swineshead offering a semi-rural feel the development is in a good location for major road links.

Visit our Sales and Marketing Suite.

Moulton, SPalding

Exclusive development of two, three & four bedroom homes...

A charming collection of new homes and bungalows in the village of Moulton near Spalding.

2-4 bedroom properties available.

Premium plots just released from £235,000.

Contact us for more information.

developments at: Westmoreland Road, Moulton • Station Road, Swineshead Manor Farm, Holbeach • The Roostings, Crowland • Mill View, Cowbit...

With over 25 years in the residential property market, each development is carefully designed to provide a sense of space to suit the family, retired and singletons alike...

01406 490590 • www.ashwoodhomes.co

MANOR FARM, FEN ROAD, HOLBEACH, PE12 8QA

Please note: internal photographs reflect the typical style and finish of properties, but exact specifications and room layouts may vary according to individual plot and development. help to buy terms and conditions may apply, please call for further details.

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THE OLD COACH HOUSE MOTEL Church Lane | North Kyme | Lincolnshire | LN4 4DJ

COACH HOUSE LODGE Church Lane | North Kyme | Lincolnshire | LN4 4DJ

• Substantial Motel Business For Sale Freehold with Licensed Restaurant

• Adapted Bungalow Arranged to Provide Five En-Suite Letting Rooms

• Trading as a Going Concern

• Modern Ground Floor Extending to 107.3sqm, 1,160sqft • Ancillary Accommodation, Private Rear Gardens and Parking

• Accommodation Extending to Over 3,000sqft with 7 Letting Rooms For Sale Freehold with Vacant Possession

• 36 Seat Covers in Licensed Restaurant • Parking and Private Gardens, Manager’s Accommodation with 3 Bedrooms • For Sale in Conjunction with the Coach House Lodge Located Opposite

£550,000

Subject To Contract

OSBOURNE HOUSE Main Street | Mareham-le-Fen | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE22 7RW

• Unique Opportunity to Let a Bespoke Production Facility • Extending to Over 210m², 2,200ft² • Packing, Refrigeration and Freezer Areas • EC Approved Standard • First Floor Office Accommodation Totalling Around 103m², 1,113ft² • Located in an Attractive Village with Secure Rear Yard and Store

Available To Let Leasehold Immediately

£17,500 per annum Subject To Contract

• Suitable for Conversion Back to Residential • For Sale in Conjunction with The Old Coach House Motel

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£249,950 Subject To Contract

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THE FORGE HOUSE, EWERBY

£499,000

A Grade II listed 2 storey house with many interesting features set in generous landscaped gardens including a self-contained wildlife garden. The accommodation is versatile and extensive.

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4

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CHURCH FARM, BILLINGBOROUGH

EPC Rating: Exempt

£550,000

A detached Grade II Listed stone farmhouse believed to date from the Jacobean era and sympathetically refurbished to offer absolutely charming accommodation of great character and appeal.

WILLOW FARM, DIGBY FEN, BILLINGHAY £450,000 An established detached house in an open rural position with grounds of approximately 3 acres to include a range of traditional buildings with planning consent for a separate dwelling.

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EPC Rating: F

ELM TREE HOUSE, LONG BENNINGTON

£895,000

A highly appealing and adaptable detached Grade II Listed period home offering very spacious accommodation combining period features with stylish modern fittings. Generous outside space.

5/6

3

3

Up to 8

2

EPC Rating: Exempt

EPC Rating: Exempt

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

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Museums

Galleries

February’s weather is chilly to say the least, so if you would like to get out in the county this month, why not visit one of the many museums and galleries The there are to see?

Lincoln Imp Here are our top James Ward Usher obtained the sole rights to use the Lincoln ten suggestions...

Imp on his jewellery set with precious stones. It can be seen on display in the Usher Gallery.

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- MUSEUMS & GALLERIES -

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The story of Lincolnshire can be discovered at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life

This is the largest and most diverse museum in Lincolnshire.

The museum has built up a collection of over 250,000 objects that illustrate community, commercial, agricultural and industrial life. There’s even a working Victorian kitchen and printing press used on event days for you to see. This year there will be a Morris Exhibition and a Lincoln Longwool Sheep Exhibition too.

The museum can be found in Lincoln and it’s free to enter. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/heritage-and-tourism

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The Collection & Usher Gallery, Lincoln

James Ward Usher, the son of a local jeweller, devoted his life to business and collecting things. When he died, he left money for a museum to be built to house his collection. The Usher Gallery was opened in 1927, and the Collection, previously known as the City and County Museum, merged with the gallery in 2005. www.thecollectionmuseum.com

3: The Bubblecar Museum...

Microcars and Bubblecars are a significant part of British motoring history offered an alternative to full sized cars with larger fuel consumption, and an enthusiast on the subject has over 50 vehicles on display in his museum in Langrick near Boston.

There’s also a row of recreated shops for you to explore, memorabilia, a giftshop and a café.

There’s a rally field too offering a multitude of interesting runs for a range of different events with all

facilities needed, and bubblecar rides for just £12 per person.

Entry to the museum is £4 for adults and £1 for children. www.bubble carmuseum. co.uk.

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- MUSEUMS & GALLERIES -

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Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and IBCC The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre in East Kirkby and the new International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln are both examples of the exceptional aviation heritage our county prides itself on.

The Aviation Heritage Centre is the largest Bomber Command museum, the only place to see a Lancaster Bomber on an original wartime airfield and have a taxy ride in one in the entire country.

The International Bomber Command Centre has a 31-metre tall memorial spire in recognition of the Bomber Command and there are walls surrounding it with the names of the men and women who served and supported the Bomber Command.

Both centres are definitely worth visiting if you want to learn more of Lincolnshire’s aviation history. www.lincsaviation.co.uk, www.international bcc.co.uk

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Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre...

Above/Right: The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre and a fishing boat in Grimsby.

Left: Wall of names at the Bomber Command Memorial.

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Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Grimsby at the Fishing Heritage Centre.

Discover the life of trawlermen and climb aboard the Ross Tiger trawler to experience the conditions aboard a trawler boat.

Fishing is often described as one of the hardest jobs in the world and the museum is there to show what life is actually like at sea. There is a cafĂŠ and a gift shop here too. www.nelincs.gov.uk

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The Trolleybus Museum

The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft has over 60 historic trolleybuses in its collection which is the biggest collection of preserved trolleybuses in the world.

Many are in working order and on open days visitors can ride on them.

Most of the trolleybuses come from towns and cities around Britain, but there are also a few important examples from around Europe and from Canada and New Zealand. The Museum has a number of other historic vehicles for you to see too.

The museum is based at RAF Sandtoft; the cafĂŠ and trolleybus depot is where a massive hangar used to be and the route of the trolleybuses is using the old plane runways. Admission is ÂŁ8 for adults, check the website for open days. www.sandtoft.org.uk.

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Alford Manor House

Reputedly the largest thatched manor house in the country, Alford Manor House was built in 1611. The Museum of Rural Life is part of the Alford Manor House Complex. Situated at the rear of the 17th century thatched Manor, it houses many of the towns historic artefacts. Agriculture is very strongly represented as Alford is a farming town. One of the largest exhibits is a 1957 Massey Harris 780 special combine. www.alfordmanorhouse.co.uk

Left: The Trolleybus Museum in Sandtoft between Doncaster and Scunthorpe.

The National Centre for Craft and Design

The NCCD is the largest venue in England entirely dedicated to the exhibition, celebration and promotion of national and international craft and design.

Under one roof, five gallery spaces showcase up to 20 exhibitions every year from the most innovative and accomplished artists to new and emerging talent.

The gallery is based in Sleaford. www.nationalcraft anddesign.org.uk.

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Navigation House and Cogglesford Watermill...

Navigation House is a unique Grade II listed canal company office with interactive exhibits detailing the history of travel and trade by canal.

Built in 1838, Navigation House stands in the old public wharf area of Sleaford, now known as Navigation Yard.

The building is thought to be the only one of its kind still in existence and has a heritage theme covering the early development of the River Slea and the river’s impact on Sleaford’s history.

The house has interactive exhibits for all ages showing the history of the building, as well as exhibitions and film footage for those who are fascinated by the history of trade and transport. There is also a small gift shop.

A pleasant walk along the river bank will take you past the National Centre for Craft and Design and to Cogglesford Watermill. www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk Above: Navigation House and Whisby Nature Park.

Right: Lord Alfred Tennyson.

Discover Whisby’s Natural World...

The Natural World Centre is set in the heart of the beautiful Whisby Nature Park.

The centre has free entry and you can sample light refreshments or delicious home cooked meals using Lincolnshire produce in the stunning lakeside setting of the Boardwalk Bistro overlooking Thorpe Lake or outside by the children’s Playpark.

Browse for unique gifts in their gift shop stocked with fair trade, recycled and natural products.

Whisby Nature Park is managed by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and offers over six miles of all ability footpaths, ideal for a relaxing day out or a

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bit of wildlife watching. The Wildlife Trust and Natural World Centre offer activities and workshops throughout the year. www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk

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- MUSEUMS & GALLERIES -

Tennyson Research Centre, part of the Lincolnshire Archives in Lincoln...

Alfred Lord Tennyson, who was born and raised in Lincolnshire, was the most famous poet of the Victorian age. He was the first ever poet to become a Lord and the first to amass considerable wealth from his writing. The most significant collection on Alfred Lord Tennyson in the world can be found in the Lincolnshire Archives in Lincoln. If you’re a self-confessed bookworm and want to know more about the famous poet, this is a treasure trove. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives

Tennyson Lord Alfred

Tennyson had enjoyed writing and poetry from a very young age. At the age of just 12, he wrote a poem that was 6,000 lines long, and he was born and raised in Lincolnshire.

n Above: Alfred Tennyson with his wife and children, and the Lincolnshire Archives in Lincoln. For more information on opening times for museums and galleries across Lincolnshire, call the county council or visit their website.

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FOXES

Cover Story

The Wily

FOX

It’s one of the most common species in the British countryside, and yet, it’s one of the most divisive, too. Anyone who has ever felt the wrath of Charlie in their chicken coop will detest the creatures, and yet, with their bright eyes and bushy tails, the creatures are still regarded as a cunning part of the rural landscape...

Synonymous with cunning behaviour, or wily dealings, the fox is a divisive creature in the countryside, and yet, one regarded with respect, too. Certainly if your chicken coop has ever fallen fowl of Charlie, you’ll have little affection for the creatures, but the fluffy appearance of foxes have at least helped to ensure it remains an icon of the British countryside.

How Many?

The truth is that because of the timid nature of foxes, nobody knows for certain how many foxes there are in the UK, but conservative estimates put populations at about 250,000 in rural Britain, with 40,000 in our cities.

As many as 27 foxes occupy a square mile of countryside, and whilst in urban enclaves foxes usually have a territory of just a couple of square kilometres, rural environments see foxes roam around up to 40 square kilometres.

Life Cycles

Foxes tend to mate in January, and gestate for a couple of months, so vixens tend to give birth around May. 28

FOX FACTS

Foxes can run at up to 30mph and jump up to three feet.

The collective noun for a group of foxes is a skulk, leash or an earth.

The scientific name of red foxes or foxes, as they are commonly known, is Vulpes vulpes.

Foxes are around 10kg-14kg and up to 1.5m in length. The tail represents around half of the creatures’ total length.

Foxes can live up to 14 years - comparable to certain breeds of domestic dog - however, in areas where population control is employed, 80% of the population is less than a year old.

Foxes are omnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, frogs, earthworms and carrion, as well as berries and fruit.

Foxes are the only type of dog capable of retracting their claws like cats do.

37 species are referred to as foxes, but only 12 species actually belong to the Vulpes genus.

A typical litter comprises four or five cubs, born blind and deaf with short black fur. The animals are completely dependent on the vixen for about a month but in mid-spring will begin to emerge from the den.

From the cubs’ first summer fox cubs become self-sufficient and venture further away from the den. The creatures are solitary, and territorial but occasionally form social groups.

Males and vixens typically pair for life.

A vixen’s season, which occurs in winter, is very short - typically less than a week - and at this point a male fox’s vocalisation and aggression is most pronounced; the chaps emitting a bark whilst the vixens emit a spinechilling scream in response.

Lifespan and Death

In protected environments, the lifespan of a fox is comparable to certain breeds of domestic dogs - they can live up to 14 years.

However, in urban environments only 3% of foxes are older than five years, and where fox population controls are in place in rural areas, 80% of the population is less than a year old. >>

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- FOXES -

“With the advent of the 2004 Hunting Act, all of Lincolnshire’s packs now hunt artificial trails rather than live quarry. Eradication of foxes for sport has been all but eliminated and the county’s roads are more likely to pose a risk to the creatures...” >> Contrary to preconceptions, the hunting fraternity have historically had a negligible effect on fox populations, with healthier, younger foxes being able to escape hunting and only older, weaker examples of the species prone to being killed.

With the advent of the 2004 Hunting Act, all of Lincolnshire’s packs now hunt artificial trails rather than live quarry. Eradication of foxes for sport has been all but eliminated and the county’s roads are more likely to pose a risk to the creatures.

Diet and Feeding Foxes

One of the reasons foxes are so prevalent across the countryside is their diverse diet. Being omnivores, a foxes diet in the countryside will still consist mainly of scavenged meat and fruit, followed by invertebrates like earthworms and beetles, and thereafter wild mammals like rats and wild birds like pigeons.

Love Them; Hate Them

A survey of 4,000 urban households across Britain revealed that 65% ‘liked’ foxes, whilst only 8.5% actively ‘dislike’ them - although that figure is likely to be different in the countryside.

If you need to deter foxes from your garden, reducing the amount of available food is the best way. Secure bins, avoid overstocking bird feeders and replace fix or bone fertilisers with plant-based ones.

Secure fencing is, of course, essential if you’ve animals like chickens or rabbits, otherwise Charlie will return repeatedly to your buffet.

Scent is incredibly important to foxes, so commercial products for removing foxes from your garden work well too. Cage traps and snares are legal if inhumane, whilst firearms are another legal if brutal form of population control.

On the other hand, if you’d like to encourage foxes in your garden, make sure to put out tinned pet food and food scraps. This will encourage them to visit.

What’s in a Name?

Historically foxes are referred to by the soubriquet ‘Charlie.’

It’s thought the name originates from Charles James Fox, the 16th century whig politician who loved hunting. In European folklore, the germanic character Reynard was a wily clever creature too.

Fast, cunning and beautiful, it’s fair to say that whilst foxes can prove destructive, and may occasionally divide opinion, they remain a much loved part of the British countryside. n

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The Natural World

WHAT’S ON Find out more about the natural world with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

British Native Trees

1st February, 7.30pm, Franklin Hall, Spilsby Geoff Lee will provide a fascinating insight in the trees that are native to the British Isles.

Birds and Wildlife in Lincolnshire

13th February, 7.30pm, Franklin Hall, Spilsby Local artist and photographer, Neil Smith, talks about the wildlife of the county.

Shadow Woods A Search for Lost Landscapes

FOX MORTALITY FROM HUNTING...

Before the Hunting Act 2004 banned hunting with hounds in England and Wales, each year registered hunts killed between 21,000 and 25,000 foxes i.e. they account for about 5% of the overall fox mortality in a year.

About half of these foxes were cubs killed before the main hunting season began and therefore, highly likely to die anyway as cub mortality is very high. n

15th February, 7.30pm, Whisby Nature Park An illustrated talk by Professor Ian Rotherham from Sheffield Hallam University.

The Farmer Who Grows Bird Seed

23rd February, 7.30pm, Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, Louth Nicholas Watts from Vine House Farm in south Lincolnshire will give a personal account of farming and wildlife.

For more information see www.lincstrust.org.uk.

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POTTERY

Going Potty

IN THE WOLDS

Working with our hands is a pleasure we’ve all but forgotten in a digital era when even being creative means being stuck in front of a screen. One pottery studio in the Wolds, however, invites you to try the distinctly analogue and highly tactile pleasure of working at the potter’s wheel, the perfect antidote to a busy life and a new hobby for 2018...

I’ve always admired those who can pick up a pen or pencil and draw or paint. Whilst within the remit of a photographer or page designer our team can still be considered ‘creative,’ I for one have always lacked the coordination and ability to create something in the non-digital arena.

But whilst the ability to draw and paint has eluded me, the idea of taking to the potter’s wheel seems even more abstract... as it does to many who visit Oxcombe Pottery in the village of the same name, nestled in the Wolds between Horncastle and Louth.

“There’s nowhere around here for pottery. I had to travel to Hull a couple of days a week to do it, and though there are teaching facilities within colleges in Lincoln and Grimsby, this is the largest dedicated pottery facility in Lincolnshire.”

“We’ve four wheels, two kilns, space for groups and we can offer taster sessions on Saturday afternoons.” >>

It’s a diversification from farming run by Susanna Gorst and her two tutors Charlotte Lauriston-Norris and Nicki Jarvis, both of whom hold degrees in the subject.

Located in a conservation area, on a productive mixed farming operation, the team introduces people to the skill of pottery.

“It’s therapeutic and fulfilling,” says Susanna.

“We had a vision in 2013 to introduce others to a skill that we really love and a skill that we’re really passionate about.”

Going Potty: Owner Susanna Gorst created the studio in 2013, in the hamlet of Oxcombe, home to just five families.

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- POTTERY -

“It’s therapeutic, fulfilling,” says Susanna.

“We had a vision in 2013 to introduce others to a skill that we really love. We’ve four wheels, two kilns, space for groups of eight at a time and we offer taster sessions on Saturday mornings.”

>> “The inherent pleasure is that you’re using natural materials to create something in a purely tactile way; it’s really rewarding,” says Susanna.“I’d done pottery for a number of years and I love the number of things you can make and use on a day to day basis.”

Given that it’s one of the oldest crafts in existence, it should come as little surprise that there are so many different ways to create pottery. The earliest method of creating wares is known as coiling, where extruded lengths of clay are spiralled up and smoothed out.

Slab building and moulding involves rolling out, hand-shaping and moulding flatter forms into the shape of your desired piece.

A similar technique is used to create ‘pinch pots,’ where balls of clay are pushed, prodded and pinched into shape.

Of course, the most common form and the one that everyone thinks of when considering the subject is that of throwing, where a quantity of material is batted down to soften it, then centred on the wheel before raising it up.

It’s a bit of a messy process, but immensely satisfying, and it’s easy to see why those who frequent Oxcombe Pottery and really get into the craft return time and again - it’s as therapeutic as any craft you could care to consider, and a great way of releasing stress!

The term ‘clay’ is used as a sort of shorthand but more accurately the studio works with terracotta, white earthenware and buff-coloured stoneware. Some seasoned potters also bring in their own materials, such as porcelain.

“Once our students’ pieces are complete, the ‘raw’ pot is still pretty delicate, and so we complete a firing process in one of the kilns, known as a bisque firing,” says Susanna.

“This turns dry clay into bisque - or biscuit - by firing to 1,000°c for up to 12 hours, with a further 24 hours to cool and temperature very gradually controlled upwards and downwards to prevent the piece from cracking.”

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The pottery hosts two firings a week and once complete, the piece will be tougher, but still too porous to be used immediately so Susanna gives her students the option to colour them with glazes or paints.

Above: Trimming a thrown pot prior to firing.

Once complete, there’s no reason why pieces can’t be used and indeed, the eclectic range of teacups hanging up in the pottery’s kitchen are all made in house by tutors and students.

Complete beginners might want to take up the offer of a taster session. These are held on Saturday afternoons and include the chance to try out making a decorative tile or tealight, plus a go at throwing on the wheel too.

You could also try a class when more skills and techniques are learnt and used running from week to week during term times - to learn both hand-building disciplines and throwing, including creating lids, handles and so on where appropriate, and learning how to fire and decorate your finished piece.

“The classes are really supportive, and we all become good friends,” says Susanna.

“It’s great fun, creative and a wonderful way to unwind, quite unlike any other craft!” n

n A Saturday ‘taster’ session is £30/two hours, whilst regular six/seven week courses are £8/hour.

Oxcombe Pottery is based near Horncastle LN9 6LU. Call 01507 533227 or see www.oxcombe pottery.co.uk.

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Rolling Up Our

SLEEVES Pride Editor Rob Davis takes to the wheel for a first hand experience

“Remember that scene in Ghost?

Patrick Swayze at the potter’s wheel? Well, my taster session was nothing like that. Throwing a pot, however, is a really enjoyable experience... one I can highly recommend!”

“I’ve never tried a craft as tactile.

Warm water, gooey clay and the need to coordinate the speed of the wheel all make the experience a soothing, meditative one.”

“There’s certainly an art to centering the clay on the wheel, but once on, it’s tricky at first to keep the symmetry of the piece.

Once off-centre, a wonky pot quickly goes awry.”

“Fortuntely, Susanna is a sympathetic and patient tutor, and as it wasn’t necessary to end up with a finished piece, we were able to ‘reset’ the clay and start again. I certainly won’t be giving up my day job but take it from me, it’s even more challenging and even more enjoyable than it looks... I heartily recommend you give it a try!” n

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WHAT’S ON

What’s On...

GRIMSBY

FRIDAY 9th FEBRUARY

SCUNTHORPE

CIRQUE ENCHANTMENT

WEDNESDAY 14th AND THURSDAY 15th FEBRUARY

This concert style cirque production features stunning choreography, breathtaking live vocals and mesmerising circus performers. With an eclectic musical soundtrack including current pop, rock and classical, Cirque Enchantment is a magical family show that will delight you this Winter.

SWAN LAKE AND NUTCRACKER,

BY THE SAINT PETERSBURG CLASSIC BALLET

Swan Lake is Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, a tragic tale of love and betrayal with an instantly recognisable score being performed live on Wednesday. Meanwhile, there’s a spectacular new version of The Nutcracker, live on Thursday, too. with stunning baroque designs, is a delightfully festive tale and the perfect treat for the whole family.

n Tickets £19-£23. Grimsby Auditorium, Cromwell Rd, Grimsby,North East Lincolnshire, DN31 2BH. Call 0300 300 0035, www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

LINCOLN

SATURDAY 24th FEBRUARY

GRIFF RHYS JONES: WHERE WAS I?

n Baths Hall, Scunthorpe DN15 7RG. From 7.30pm, tickets £18.50-£32.50.

Call 0844 854 2776 or see www.scunthorpetheatres.co.uk.

Sounding Sweet: Sixteen at Lincoln Cathedral...

A CONCERT BY THE SIXTEEN CHOIR AND ACCOMPANYING ORCHESTRA, CONDUCTED BY HARRY CHRISTOPHERS!

LINCOLN

THURSDAY 1st FEBRUARY

THE SIXTEEN CONCERT

The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles.

Comprising both choir and period-instrument orchestra, The Sixteen’s total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction.

The centrepiece of The Sixteen’s 2018 choir and orchestra tour is Vivaldi’s Gloria – one of sacred music’s most uplifting choral works and a joyful hymn of praise with moments ranging from festive brilliance to profound sadness. n Thursday 1st February from 7.30pm. Tickets £15-£30, Lincoln Cathedral. Call 01522 561600.

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Join the star of Not the Nine o’clock News, Smith & Jones and Three Men In A Boat as he airs stories, anecdotes, reminiscences and outright lies – from forty years of travelling down rivers and up mountains, into Africa, out of India, and across the arid wastes of the BBC canteen. It’s a career, if you mean bouncing chaotically downhill without a map. n Lincoln Drill Hall, 8pm, tickets £12-£24.

Freeschool Lane, Lincoln LN2 1EY www.lincoln drillhall.com.

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

GRANTHAM

FRIDAY 16th FEBRUARY

GRANTHAM MAYOR’S 2018 CHARITY SHOW

Mayor of Grantham, Councillor Mike Cook welcomes you to a fun and entertaining night.

The Mayor’s Charity Show 2018 will showcase the best of Grantham’s considerable song dance and comedy talent.

LINCOLN

SUNDAY 25th FEBRUARY

2018 BAILGATE WEDDING FAIR

Lincoln’s Bailgate is an unrivaled wedding destination. Cobbled streets are lined with independent boutiques and places to eat; a magnificent public square leads to Steep Hill – voted Britain’s Best Street – and the towers of the stunning Lincoln Cathedral dominate the skyline sitting next

to Lincoln Castle. Within this beautiful historic quarter of Lincoln there are six wedding venues all opening their doors for you to view.

On arrival at any of the venues you will receive a map and goodie bag making it easy to find your way around. n The Bailgate Wedding Fair takes place across uphill Lincoln, 11am-4pm, see www.bailgate weddingfayre.co.uk.

Tosca at Lincoln’s New Theatre Royal

DRAMA & PASSION: PUCCINI’S OPERATIC THRILLER IS ONE OF THE GREAT OPERA EXPERIENCES...!

n Tickets £12. Guildhall Arts Centre, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, NG31 6PZ. Call 01476 406158, www.guildhallartscentre.com.

SPALDING

THURSDAY 1st FEBRUARY

ANTHONY STRONG Jazz singer-pianist Anthony Strong has won plaudits around the world for his high energy, feel-good shows.

His repertoire is unashamedly ‘old school’ – from jazz standards to early Stevie Wonder and Motown and tonight he pays tribute, in song, to some of the greatest male jazz singers of all time.

n 8pm, tickets £14-£15, South Holland Centre, Spalding PE11 1SS. Tel: 01775 764777, www.southhollandcentre.co.uk.

SLEAFORD

FEBRUARY - 25th MARCH

AIRSHIPS OVER LINCOLNSHIRE

Explore the vital role of airships and hot air balloons have played in the history of aviation at Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum’s exhibition.

n Free admission. North Rauceby, NG34 8QR. 01529 488490, www.cranwellaviation.co.uk.

LINCOLN

WEDNESDAY 7th FEBRUARY

THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE’S TOSCA (LIVE SCREENING)

Tosca is one of the great evenings of opera, and from its strident opening chords conjures up a world of political instability and menace.

Jonathan Kent’s production for The Royal Opera captures the dangerous political turbulence of Rome in 1800.

The Chief of Police, Scarpia – one of the most malevolent villains in opera – ruthlessly pursues and tortures enemies of the state.

His dark, demonic music contrasts with the expansive melodies of the idealistic lovers, Tosca and Cavaradossi, who express their passion in sublime arias, including ‘Vissi d’arte’ and ‘E lucevan le stelle.’

Giacomo Puccini’s dramatic work was a hit with audiences on its 1900 premiere and it remains one of the most performed of all operas – with its gripping plot and glorious music, it’s easy to see why. n Tickets £16.50-£18.50, doors 6pm. New Theatre Royal, Clasketgate, Lincoln LN2 1JJ. Call 01522 519999, or see newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com

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HISTORY

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LINCOLN A Concise History of

CATHEDRAL

Its 83 metres high, 833 years old, and was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years of its life. Whilst Lincoln Cathedral could scarcely be described as an inconspicuous landmark on the city’s skyline, it’s still easy to take for granted as our most prominent landmark, so this month we deliver a concise history of Lincoln Cathedral...

Words: Rob Davis.

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- A HISTORY OF LINCOLN CATHEDRAL -

“The foundations were laid in 1088, and it’s likely Remigius oversaw its construction personally. The building was complete in 1092 and Remigius dies in the same year, just two days before its consecration...” >> At the time of its creation, the county’s most prominent landmark, Lincoln Cathedral was certainly the tallest building in Europe, and probably the tallest building in the world. The very fact that the building could be created in an age long before the advent of mechanisation let alone with such breathtaking detail incorporated is nothing short of miraculous.

The Cathedral’s gothic architectural style was influenced by Romanesque architecture, created by the first Bishop of Lincoln Remigius de Fécamp upon his relocation of the episcopal seat to the area in the late 11th century.

The foundations were laid in 1088, and it’s likely Remigius oversaw its construction personally. The building was complete in 1092 and dies in the same year, just two days before its consecration as The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln.

The building’s early life was beset with misfortunes, with a great fire in 1124 ravaging the building, and a severe earthquake in 1185 all but destroying the building, leaving only its west front unaffected.

Its rescuer and the second man to be credited with the Cathedral’s appearance today was Hugh of Avalon. Hugh was a Carthusian monk who originated from the country we now know as Switzerland. Hugh took on the bishopric of Lincoln and embarked on a rebuilding of the Cathedral which would see the transcepts and choir rebuilt, as well as the addition of the great transcept, the Galilee porch and cloisters, though these were not completed until after Hugh’s death.

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CHORAL MUSIC IN THE NAVE

Lincoln Cathedral 1st February From 7.30pm.

Tickets £15-£30.

LINCOLN A concert will take place featuring live music from The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christopher in early February, with Vivaldi’s uplifting Gloria one of the highlights of the programme.

See this month’s What’s On pages for more information.

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A TIMELINE OF LINCOLN CATHEDRAL 1072: Bishop Remigius starts work on the Cathedral.

1092: Lincoln Cathedral is consecrated.

1124: Lincoln Cathedral is ravaged by a great fire.

1185: Earthquake damages all but the west front.

1186: Hugh of Avalon becomes the Bishop of Lincoln and begins to organise the rebuild of the Cathedral after the shock earthquake.

1192: Morning Chapel build begins.

1220: The Chapter House build begins.

THESE DAYS WE REALISE THE DOCUMENT’S VALUE, BUT AT ONE POINT MAGNA CARTA WAS SIMPLY A FRAMED MANUSCRIPT WHICH HUNG CARELESSLY ABOUT THE BISHOP’S STUDY...

Hugh was immortalised in The Angel Choir, commissioned by Simon of Thirk.

The 1670s saw the addition of The Wren Library, created by Sir Christopher Wren, Inset: The Dean's Eye in the north transept dates from the 1192 rebuild begun by St Hugh, finally being completed in 1235.

1237: Central Tower collapses due to most of the work on the building of the Cathedral being experimental.

1250: Galilee Porch built as a more regal entrance for the Bishop’s ceremonial procession.

The ambitious nature of the Cathedral’s construction also proved problematic in the 1200s with the central tower collapsing due to the weight above it. The tower was replaced with a tower and spire making the Cathedral the tallest building in the would at 160m for the next 238 years. Today the building still holds the distinction of being the third largest Cathedral in England after Canterbury and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Around this time Cathedral’s western towers were improved and heightened, with a central tower added later in that reputedly raised the Cathedral’s overall height even further - the until 1548 whereupon it was blown down.

1220: The Dean’s Eye window is installed facing the north where it was believed that evil came from.

1295: Cathedral Cloisters are built.

1300: Parapets around the roof added.

and today the library is one of two repositories of precious documents, the Wren library containing around 300 manuscripts alone.

Today we recognise the value of Magna Carta, but at one point the document was simply a framed manuscript which hung carelessly about the bishop’s study. Only in the 1930s was the value of the document realised, and last year the document, still owned by the Cathedral, was put on display in a new purpose-built £20m vault in >>

1311: Central Tower is replaced with a tower and a spire, it made Lincoln Cathedral the tallest building in the world for 238 years, at 160m!

1330: The Slype is built as an enclosed passageway that joins the main body of the Cathedral to the Cloisters and the Chapter House. >>

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- A HISTORY OF LINCOLN CATHEDRAL -

Left: Only three of the Cathedral’s towers remain, the others having been removed in 1807.

Below: The Cloisters were created in 1295.

Bottom/Left: At 160m tall, the Cathedral was once the tallest building in Europe, probably the world.

The Imp The Imp is a grotesque created in Norman times and located in the Angel Choir. The creature was turned to stone by an angel.

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>> 1365: The Misericords are installed.

1422: The Medieval Library is built.

1548: The Central Tower spire is blown down.

1644: Cromwell’s forces cause damage to Lincoln Cathedral.

1674: The Wren Library build begins by Sir Christopher Wren.

1807: The West Tower spires are removed, endangered by their own weight.

1834: The bell ‘Great Tom’ is lifted into the Central Tower.

1898: The Father Willis Organ is installed.

1998: 100th anniversary of the Father Willis Organ.

2005: Filming for ‘The Da Vinci Code’ within the Chapter House.

2007: Filming for ‘The Young Victoria.’

2012: Reconstruction work begins on the North West Turret.

>> Lincoln Castle, opposite the Cathedral and the only place with sufficient room to create a vault to display the document with its strict humidity and temperature requirements.

The Cathedral’s Father Willis Organ was installed in 1898 but some time before that tin 1826, William Allen built a new organ on the choir screen in a case designed by the Lincoln architect E J Wilson. The Allen instrument proved insufficiently powerful and Henry Willis designed a new organ in 1885, but building work could not be undertaken due to a lack of funds until the 1890s, when Lincoln industrialist Alfred Shuttleworth gave £1,000 towards the total £4,675 cost.

Completed in 1898, it proved to be the last cathedral organ finished by ‘Father’ Willis himself, and one of his finest instruments.

Top: The Father Willis organ was completed in 1898 at a total cost of

£4,675 and is today cared for by Lincoln’s Organ Laureate, Colin Walsh.

2015: Lincoln Cathedral Connected Team are earmarked £12.4 million by HLF for repairs and new facilities. n

Today, skills to repair the ageing building are highly sought after, and the Cathedral’s Works department comprises five craft teams stonemasons, carpentry, leadwork, engineering and glazing teams all charged with looking after the building. £12.4m of Heritage Lottery funding will be used to create new visitor experience facilities in the Cathedral and effect repairs to the building’s fabric, but visitor numbers remain essential for ensuring that the Cathedral will be a feature on the county’s landscape for many more centuries. n 45

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THE FOOD OF LOVE

IN THE HEART OF LINCOLNSHIRE

JANUARY & FEBRUARY SPECIAL OFFERS

Our Valentine’s Day menus are now available and with the best ingredients, a cosy dining room and lots of choice, we’re the ideal venue for a romantic meal for two...

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

Call 01529 305743 www.thequeensheadinn.com

"LUNCH FOR LESS" 2 Main Courses For £15 Mon – Fri, 12 - 2.15pm

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

"SUPPER SAVERS" 2 Main Courses For £15 Mon – Thur, 6-9pm

T&Cs apply - subject to availability

TOFT COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF CLUB, Toft, Bourne, Lincs PE10 0JT 01778 590614 | www.tofthotelgolf.co.uk

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THE RED LION AT BICKER

Ye Olde Red Lion

IN BICKER

If you’re looking for a traditional English country pub with roaring fires and Lincolnshire produce throughout its menu options, you won’t find a more charming pub than Ye Olde Red Lion at Bicker. Visit this month or attend February’s Game Night...

The Red Lion at Bicker is a very much a patriotic Lincolnshire pub through and through. Everything about the charming country pub, from its very local seasonal menus to its setting - roaring fires, tartan and leather armchairs, flagstone floors and nobbly beams - resonates with everything we know and love in this county.

Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson.

YE OLDE RED LION’S HEAD CHEF PHIL PACK

I’m lucky to call it my local, but it would be worth the journey if you’re from elsewhere in the county.

The pub restaurant offers great quality food, prepared with skill and presented brilliantly, all with a Lincolnshire twist.

The pub is quite a distance from the coast, but in the 16th century, when the place was first created, The Red Lion was on the edge of the Fens and was originally a lighthouse.

Its position reportedly made it popular with smugglers, but over 350 years on, the clientele

“THE PLACE OFFERS THAT FINE CLICHÉ, THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS; GREAT QUALITY FOOD, BUT ALSO THE SETTING OF A LOVELY OLD VILLAGE PUB...!

meet the CHEF

has improved and now it’s frequented by a nice mix of locals and those from slightly further afield.

The Hobble Barn at the back of the pub is a 60-seater restaurant, characterful space. To our mind though, one of the nicest aspects of The Red Lion is its cosy feel, with lots of little dining space and nooks, from The Smuggler’s Den to the Lion’s Laird dining area to the front of the pub.

These give the impression of dining at a friend’s house, rather than a restaurant, and with stripped pine furniture, sofas and chairs

Food Experience: “I was born in Spalding, and raised on good food and local veg.

My mentor was Roy Macfarlane, I worked with him at Cley Hall in Spalding, and later in his seafood restaurant in the Isle of Man. I came back to the county, to in 2012 and started here in January 2015.”

Food Heaven: “I enjoy fish I love sea bass prepared simply.”

Food Hell: ”My food hell will always be Branston Pickle!”

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in the bar and rustic decoration, the place is about as friendly and comfortable as it’s possible for a restaurant to be.

This lovely sense of cosiness doesn’t detract from the flawlessly created food available during lunchtime and evening service. The Red Lion is in the custodianship of the Duffy family, who have been farming the area for a number of years.

To excel itself even further, the Red Lion has a calendar of events that it holds throughout the year. In addition to the cliché Mother’s

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Top/Right: Homemade Scotch Egg, part of the lovely Lincolnshire Tapas. Above: Pan-fried breast of pigeon. Right: Zingy lemon roulade.

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Lunch Wednesday - Saturday, 12noon - 2pm Dinner Wednesday - Friday, 5pm - 9.30pm Saturday, 6pm – 9:30pm Sunday Carvery 12noon to 5pm

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- EATING OUT -

on the MENU FROM THE RED LION’S EVENING MENU Starters

Homemade free range chicken, chorizo & basil tart, £6.25.

Pan-fried scallops with crispy pancetta, black pudding and creamed peas, £7.95.

Breast of local pigeon with mixed leaves and blueberry compôte, £6.95.

Red Lion Manes

Crispy skinned fillet of sea bass, king prawn and lemon & dill risotto, £15.95.

Breast of local pheasant wrapped in parma ham, £14.95.

Day, Easter, Valentine’s Day and St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Red Lion will hold host to a Game Night in February which usually sells out - dates announced as Pride goes to press - Beaujolais Night, and various Lincolnshire Tapas Nights. Ladies that Lunch and quiz nights are regular occurrences too.

It’s a perennial restaurant too; despite the warm cosy winter appearance, the Red Lion hosts events in its summer garden area too.

But back to my favourite part about the charming country pub; the food.

Fish used in the restaurant is landed in Grimsby, Bycrofts of Boston, Boston Sausage, Lincolnshire Game and Jonathan Hull all contribute ingredients.

A team of chefs headed up by Phil Pack, Adam Nagy and Matt Walker all ensure everything from the restaurant’s tiny tapas treats to its Sunday carvery are the very best reflection of quality pub restaurant dining.

The menu changes every two or three months to reflect the seasons, and head chef Phil decides what will feature for that season.

On our recent visit, we enjoyed scallops with crispy pancetta, black pudding and creamed peas, and a second starter of pan-fried breast of pigeon with mixed leaves and blueberry compôte Phil assured me the scallops will stay on the menu with a few minor tweaks throughout the year. For a taste of the Lincolnshire tapas, we also had a homemade Scotch egg with piccalilli.

For the main, the pan-fried breast of chicken with potato and leak purée contrasted beautifully with crispy pancetta. This came with a side of roasted vegetables. The second main was a pork-lovers dream; honey glazed belly pork with root vegetable mash and apple purée.

For chocolate lovers, I enjoyed a salted caramel cheesecake, and also tried the lovely lemon roulade.

With all the charm of a pub but the quality dining of an à la carte restaurant, Bicker’s Red Lion Inn is a highly recommendable place.

It’s one Red Lion which will have you positively roaring with delight! n

Sweet potato, butternut squash & chick pea curry £12.95.

Free range chicken breast with mushroom duxelle, £13.95.

Desserts

Bramley apple & sultana flapjack crumble, £5.95.

Poached pear & cinnamon creme brulee £5.95.

Green & Blacks dark chocolate & cherry fondant £5.95.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n Ye Olde Red Lion, Bicker, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3EF Call 01775 821200, www.redlionbicker.co.uk.

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Perfect Pancakes

ON THE 13TH FEBRUARY, WE WILL BE CELEBRATING SHROVE TUESDAY BY TUCKING INTO DELICIOUS PANCAKES. HERE WE HAVE OUR IDEAL RECIPE AND TOPPING SUGGESTIONS...

A SAVOURY CHOICE

Makes: 8. Preparation Time: 15-20 Minutes. Cooking Time: 10-15 Minutes.

INGREDIENTS: THREE LARGE FREE RANGE EGGS • 125g OF PLAIN FLOUR • 250ml MILK • UNSALTED BUTTER • PINCH OF SEA SALT RECIPE: Crack all three eggs into

a blender, then slowly add the flour, followed by the milk and one small pinch of sea salt. Blitz until smooth.

Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and leave to stand for 15 minutes.

Melt the unsalted butter, or a drizzle of oil if you’re trying to be a bit healthier, in a large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat, then tilt the pan so the butter coats the entire surface.

Pour in one ladle of the egg and flour mixture and tilt again, so that the batter spreads all over the base.

Then cook for one to two minutes, or until the mixture starts to lift and come away from the sides.

Once the pancake is golden underneath, flip the pancake over and cook for one further minute, 52

or until its entirely cooked through.

Serve straight away with your favourite topping.

Savoury pancakes aren’t for everyone, but those wanting to try a savoury style this year, we recommend going for English pancakes with a creamy and mushroom sauce. Fill your pancakes with the sauce and drizzle too.

TIP: It’s sometimes a good idea to

mix it up and swap 75g of plain flour for wholemeal to give your pancakes lovely texture and flavour, and make them a little healthier.

To make more American-style pancakes, swap the plain flour for self-raising, dolloping ladlefuls of batter into the pan without spreading it around the base.

HOW TO FLIP: Tip the pancake to the edge of the pan and three, two, one… flip.

Remember to apply the same action as you would use when making a stir-fry with a wok; it’s just about employing a confident flick of the wrist. Cook it on the other side and flip again if you like.

And finally, toppings. We have six great suggestions for sweet and savoury pancakes for you to try on Shrove Tuesday. n

n If you have more of a sweet tooth, go for chocolate pancakes with bananas, nuts and chocolate sauce. Just add cocoa to your mix.

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- SHROVE TUESDAY -

American-Style

Ricotta Pancakes are popular in America. To make fluffy ricotta pancakes, add ricotta cheese, baking powder, sugar and vanilla extract. Add blueberries too!

If you prefer the traditional mix, another good filling is a variety of berries.

TIMELESS CLASSIC

Of course, Pancake Day would not be Pancake Day without the suggestion of lemon and sugar. Cut wedges of fresh lemon and serve on your pancakes with a sprinkle of sugar.

You can use Jif, but fresh lemon is best. Mix it up by using orange juice and orange wedges!

Another savoury option; why not try baked vegetable pancakes? Use the usual mix but add pumpkin, courgettes, and garlic and serve a with sour cream dip.

Great as a shared dish with the family round.

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EATING OUT

Barnsdale

LODGE

It’ll certainly be a happy new year for customers of Barnsdale Lodge as one of Rutland’s favourite restaurants reveals its new winter menus and some impressive treats for diners. David Bukowicki impresses us... once again!

2017 was quite a year for Barnsdale Lodge.

New Executive Chef David Bukowicki was getting stuck into improving the hotel’s already impressive restaurant. There was a rebranding in Easter with a new logo and a new style of the menus. Meanwhile, the hotel’s 46 bedrooms were updated for its guests, too.

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

DAVID BUKOWICKI, HEAD CHEF AT BARNSDALE LODGE

For all the improvements though, Barnsdale Lodge has stuck determinedly to its intention of providing a hotel and restaurant that offers a relaxed vibe without sacrificing quality.

It was just that mission statement which appealed to Barnsdale Lodge’s new General Manager Warren Browning prior to his appointment. He’s been in post for about six months now, and has found himself consistently impressed with the diversity of customers - businessmen rattle away on laptops next to country folk in muddy wellies - but also the enthusiasm that guests have for the place.

“We’re lucky today... it’s not too busy,” he said during our visit towards the end of

“BARNSDALE LODGE HAS STUCK DETERMINEDLY TO ITS INTENTION TO PROVIDE A RELAXED VIBE WITHOUT SACRIFICING QUALITY...”

meet the CHEF

service, when only a few lunchtime diners still lingered over desserts and coffee.

“Even in autumn when the dining room was full, diners insisted they’d rather eat outside in the cool air than go elsewhere. Our Head Chef David has done a great job of creating new menus that suit light lunchtime dining, and long, enjoyable evening dining too.”

Dining at Barnsdale Lodge is by means of daily changing lunchtime and evening menus.

There’s a concessionary lunchtime menu too, with two or three course dining from £18.95 to £21.95, and a dedicated dessert menu. New to the hotel this month is a dedicated cheese menu with seven artisan cheeses to ‘mix and match,’ paired to port, sherry and dessert wines.

Food Experience: “I’ve worked in the Square in London (two Michelin stars), a restaurant in Devonshire (one star) and one in Leeds (one Michelin star).”

Food Heaven: “Seafood and fresh fish is my food heaven. I used to work in Spain so I love tapas!”

Food Hell: “It would have to be something like a very bad carvery; piles of food that has just been thrown

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>> Lunchtime offerings include hot and cold sandwiches, whilst the dinner menu includes a choice of two seasonal cocktails.

There’s also an afternoon tea menu with a ‘Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea’ option, and new to Barnsdale as Pride goes to press will be a Café Gourmand option, with an assiette of desserts and speciality coffees, as well as Affogato al Caffè option - coffee with vanilla gelato.

The Barnsdale team has enlisted the expertise of fancy coffee folk Café du Monde, who will provide barista training to take the hotel’s provision of a hospitality staple to the next level.

Other suppliers are very local indeed. Game, for example is shot on the adjacent Exton estate, at Easton, or on nearby farms. Duck eggs are from the hotel’s own flock.

OPEN FOR FOOD Afternoon Tea: Everyday from 2.30pm until 5pm.

Lunch: Mon – Saturday 12pm – 2.30pm.

Sunday Lunch: 12pm – 2pm.

Dinner: 6.30pm – 9pm.

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- EATING OUT -

on the MENU FROM THE RESTAURANT’S WINTER DINNER MENU

Starters

Pan fried wood pigeon with heritage beetroot, poached blackberries and blackberry vinaigrette £8.95.

Potted local rabbit with pease pudding, toasted sourdough and mini game faggots £8.25.

Main Courses

There’s also a productive kitchen garden, and trout comes from, where else, but that estimable pond slap bang in the middle of Rutland.

Other fish is courtesy of Notts Seafood, meat is from Owen Taylor, veg is from Eureka, and the blackberry vinegar used on our featured wood pigeon starter is from... well, it’s from Ron. He’s the uncle of Head Chef David’s partner.

The effort that David - and Ron - and the team spend getting Barnsdale Lodge’s food right is significant to say the least. Bread, petit fours, ice cream and sorbet are all made in house, and a new fleet of cool grey crockery is a restrained backdrop against which some colourful and beautiful dishes can ‘pop.’

During our visit we enjoyed a taste of the wood pigeon, and potted local rabbit, beautifully presented and vibrant. The latter was served with homemade sourdough and pease pudding, a comparative rarity on menus outside of the North East - indigenous territory of the present Mrs Davis, who considers herself a connoisseur of the stuff.

Main course was another celebration of game, this time pheasant, shot very locally at neighbouring Exton Estates.

Here, it was served with chestnut and cranberries, and root veg. Winter on a plate.

Our dessert options included a white and dark chocolate delice with salted caramel, and doughnuts, with raspberry coulis and an Amaretto hot chocolate chaser.

Diners can choose the nice but traditional Vettriano-lined dining room, the light and more contemporary orangery, or for family celebrations over Christmas and new year without the hassle, one of five private dining rooms for parties of up to 12, 16, 24 or 200.

Our sincere recommendation is evening dining this month, to lift the winter blues.

David’s new menu is somewhat phenomenal; yielding pretty food that’s imaginative without ever succumbing to being gimmicky, and technically excellent chefcraft faithful to flavours, not fuss. Barnsdale Lodge’s dining is excellent without ever seeming like it’s showing off... it’s just effortlessly brilliant.

It’s a little later than usual but the hotel is about to unveil what Warren promises will be a really good programme of events throughout the year. For now though, winter dining at Barnsdale Lodge remains one of the most enjoyable, relaxed and lovely experiences that Rutland has to offer. n

Roast Rutland pheasant breast stuffed with chestnut and cranberries, Jerusalem artichoke purée, roasted potato & parsnips £17.95.

Roasted North Atlantic cod fillet with crispy baby octopus and bouillabaisse £18.95.

Easton Estate venison loin wrapped in pancetta, spiced red cabbage, game chips with bitter chocolate jus £21.95.

Desserts

Raspberry doughnuts rolled in cinnamon sugar with Amaretto hot chocolate £6.95.

White and dark chocolate delice with poached figs and salted dulce-du-leche £6.95.

Selection of cheeses; Somerset Brie; Lincolnshire Poacher; Colston Bassett; Rutland Red; Golden Cross; Cornish Yarg; Pont L’Eveque £7.95/three; £11.95/five.

NB: Featured dishes are subject to change.

n Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham LE15 8AH. Visit www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk or call 01572 724678 for more information.

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Give the Gift of Lincolnshire

It’s easy to subscribe to the County’s Finest Magazine, either to enjoy yourself, or to be delivered to a friend or loved one as a Gift Subscription throughout 2018.

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

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

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Wine of the Month

Think Pink!

For February Fizz...

Rosé champagne is sometimes seen as a poor relation to ‘proper’ champagne, but it’s no less authentic than its pure white grape stablemate.

Château Belingard Reserve, Monbazillac, France £14.75 / 70% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon and 15% Muscadelle 12.5% ABV.

Rosé champagnes are created using the traditional méthode champenoise - the inclusion of a second stage of fermentation, which takes place in the bottle - but with the addition of red grapes, typically pinot noir, the skins of which provide the blush colour.

Harish’s recommendation for a pink champagne of exceptional quality is this Ruinart example. Subtle and fresh with berry fruit, £69.95/75cl set with flutes.

The Wine Cellar ENJOY BURNS’ NIGHT AT THE END OF JANUARY WITH A SINGLE MALT WHISKY OR A SELECTION OF WINES SUGGESTED

BY HARISH KHANDERIA, RUTLAND PRIDE’S WINE EXPERT...

THREE OF A KIND: A RED, WHITE AND ROSÉ TO ENJOY IN 2018...

1. Bursting with Viognier character combining the flavours from apricots, peaches and preserved citrus fruit.

The palate is smooth and fresh, with hints of spice.

A wine from the producer Delas. £12.49 / 70cl / 12.5% ABV. 2. Cahors by Château Haut-Monplaisir is a wine that shows the classic Malbec characteristics; deep plum and berry aromas, with some leafy brightness, and a rich, appetising palate that blends fruit with mineral and tobacco notes. £15.69 / 70cl / 13% ABV.

3. Finally, we’re in Provence, for Rock Angle. A pale pink but with structure to accompany food. Offers apple, grapefruit and rosehip notes and a nice bit of grip on the palate. £32.99 / 70cl / 14% ABV.

“A full nose with honey, candied fruits, quince and the characteristic smells of botrytis.”

“Wine is rich and sweet supported by a very fresh acidity which gives the lightness, and the mineral balance to this special dessert wine.

Ideally paired with light desserts with red fruits, fruit salads, lemon pies, apple pies, tart tatins and light puddings.” n

Burns Single Malt A wee dram that’s fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face!

If you’re planning to celebrate the great Scottish poet this month, you can do worse than a wee dram of this, his eponymous drop.

Fresh and light with honey or toffee and summer fruits, it has a robust apple citrus flavour too, the absolute antithesis of heavier, peat-ey whiskies, £30, 70cl/43% ABV.

n Our featured wines are available to buy from Harish’s shop, Oakham Wines. Call 01572 757124 or visit his website www.oakhamwinesonline.co.uk.

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State of the Art: Marianne and Peter’s eco-home is a steel framed home with super insulating concrete structure underneath a StoRend render & cedar cladding.

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WELCOME HOME

ART State of the

It’s a truly unique property that blends an established plot in a traditional Lincolnshire village with state-of-the-art technology and a wealth of bright, spacious, open plan accommodation.

Marianne Langley shows us around her Caythorpe eco-home...

Words: Rob Davis.

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- LINCOLNSHIRE HOMES -

“Sometimes life throws you curve balls,” says Marianne. “It makes you realise what’s important and that makes you reassess your future.”

The Caythorpe teacher and her husband Peter - a designer of nuclear submarines - have been reassessing their lives since Marianne was diagnosed with a comparatively common but, paradoxically, underdiagnosed form of cancer known as Lynch Syndrome, which she has been battling for 11 years.

Marianne was born in Leasingham to RAF parents and returned to the county in 1999 with Peter to create a barn conversion before renovating a farmhouse in 2002 and eventually creating a third property in the village in 2007 whilst opening their alternative health and acupuncture practice, The Carre Street Clinic, in Sleaford.

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“Our intention was to create a home that was light, with plenty of open-plan space...”

“We’re re-evaluating our lives, both in the respect of my health and as our two children are now in further and higher education.”

“Our original plan was to create an acupuncture studio on the land, but we didn’t think it would be viable, so instead we created two traditional homes on the site and retained half an acre of the space to create an eco-home. Our intention was that it would yield a home that had a well-thought

out layout, as well as natural light, plenty of open-plan space and great energy efficiency.”

The property, Orchard House, has a steel frame, dense concrete blocks and eight inch super dense insulation, as well as thermally efficient glazing and a heat recovery system which pre-heats fresh air.

It’s super efficient and has preparation for PV solar panels and ‘grey’ water recovery once Peter is satisfied that the technologies have been sufficiently matured.

Arranged over two floors, with a large open plan living room, dining room and kitchen with double height atrium to the former, it’s a very bright, very efficient family home that’s well-specified and cheap to run.

In addition to the open plan living space there’s a separate family room as well as a study on the ground floor too.

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Above: The oak staircase was designed by Peter; an inventor, submarine designer and in his spare time, a civil engineer!

Opposite: The ground floor’s living space has a vast open plan layout, incorporating a kitchen, dining room and living room.

Above/Left: The living room has a double-height atrium and wood burner that’s ‘double sided,’ warming the kitchen too.

Top: The cedar cladding is ageing beautifully, giving the wood a beautiful patina.

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- LINCOLNSHIRE HOMES -

ORCHARD DRIVE,

CAYTHORPE “THE PROPERTY’S CLEAN EDGES AND THE GENTLE AGEING OF THE CEDAR CLADDING BEAUTIFULLY MITIGATES BETWEEN THE ESTABLISHED PLOT AND THE LOOK OF THE MODERN HOUSE...”

The kitchen was created by Turnbulls and as well as modern Corian surfaces and truffle cabinetry, it features Neff appliances.

There’s a separate utility room, plus a large pantry which Marianne found so practical in her old farmhouse, as well as a centralised vacuum cleaning system, double garage and an additional garage room too which could be converted into an additional reception room, gym, home office or cinema room.

Upstairs there are three large bedrooms each with en suite bathrooms, plus a dressing room to the master suite and a box room for storage.

Above: The property is positioned on half an acre of grounds and incorporates an open plan living space as well as a separate family room.

It has three bedrooms each with an en suite bathroom, plus a study, utility and pantry.

Life may throw curve balls, but there are certainly no curves on the property’s exterior. Its clean edges and the gentle ageing of the cedar beautifully mitigate between the established plot and the modern house.

Mature beech, ash and walnut trees were retained, and the couple have planted pleached hornbeams alongside the two-level contemporary water sculpture and terrace.

With a move to Yorkshire, closer to family, the family aren’t sure if they’ll be embarking on another eco-home, but say that even they’ve been surprised by how efficient and easy to live with their modern home is.

For the next custodians, this revolutionary property will really will prove state of the art, great for busy families and sensitive to the environment too. n

Location: Grantham 8.9 miles, Lincoln 16.9 miles.

Bedrooms: Three, each with en suite bathrooms and a dressing room to master.

Receptions: Two, currently open plan living kitchen/diner lounge, plus a family room.

Other Features: Heat recovery, system, pantry, utility, study.

Price: £675,000.

Contact: Mount & Minster, Autumn Park Business Centre, Dysart Road, Grantham NG31 7EU. Call 01476 515329 or see mountandminster.co.uk. n

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BESPOKE KITCHENS • FINE FURNITURE

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CALL US TODAY ON:

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

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

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Tel: 01507 527113 W: www.peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk E: info@peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk 70

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HOME FURNISHINGS

White Balance

NEUTRALS FOR YOUR HOME

Create a sense of calmness for your home this season with a palette of neutral colours from taupe, to silver via warm white shades to really give your home a restful feel...

As winter unfolds its palette of whites and greys, it’s common to crave a splash of colour.

But neutral tones can imbue your home with a sense of calmness and serenity that will see you through to spring and allow you to gain the most benefit from natural light entering your home too.

Most recently, the fabric and upholstery trade show Decorex saw manufacturers reveal their newest collections, and there was a strong presence of both traditional and contemporary designs featuring lighter shades with botanical or traditional prints and metallic fabrics for more modern rooms.

wearing, plain backdrop to cover sofas and chairs, or create other soft furnishings that have a traditional look.

As ever, we must recommend the county’s independent interior designers and soft furnishing specialists, who can create anything from individual window treatments, sofas or statement chairs, to whole rooms or homes, assisting with your design projects and creating bespoke items to suit your home perfectly. >>

If you’ve a barn conversion or open plan property with bi-fold doors, but don’t want a room scheme that’s too stark, Morris & Co’s heritage prints have been reproduced with more neutral, monotone colour schemes.

Period properties, meanwhile, can benefit from collections like Sanderson’s Chiswick Grove collection of leafy florals and damasks, or the brands’ Arley linens, which provide a hard-

Left: Sanderson’s Woodland Toile is available in ivory, linen and cream, as shown here, with prints of British woodland.

Right: Morris & Co’s Pure range of heritage prints.

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- HOMES -

“SANDERSON’S CHISWICK GROVE IS INSPIRED BY THE 1870S, WHEN ARTHUR SANDERSON WANTED TO CREATE A RANGE OF DAMASKS AND FOLIAGE DESIGNS WITH A NEUTRAL COLOUR PALETTE...”

Top: Sanderson’s Chiswick Grove features damasks and geometrics.

Below: Jane Churchill’s Eden, Palma and Brock in charcoal, green and ochre colourways.

Right: Sanderson’s Arley cotton and linens in neutral with weave texture. 30 colours available.

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Colefax & Fowlers, sofa in Dunsford stone, cushions in Danby, Lucerne, Anders.

Chair in Quinn, stone.

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- HOMES -

Above: Harlequin’s Saroma in sapphire colourway.

SOFT FURNISHING SUPPLIERS ACROSS LINCOLNSHIRE Aitch Interiors The Stables, Wellingore Hall, Lincoln LN5 0HX, 01522 810961, www.aitchinteriors.co.uk.

Left: Clarke and Clarke Delta in Ink and Natural.

Above: Sofa in Jane Churchill’s Halcyon silver.

Cushion in Luma, silver.

Right: Harlequin’s Yoko collection.

Oldrids Boston 01205 350505, or Grantham, 01476 590239, www.oldrids.co.uk.

Osbourne Blinds & Interiors (below) Doddington, Lincoln LN6 4RR, 01522 684371, www.osbourneblinds.co.uk.

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DISTINCTIVE HOME

BATHROOMS

Providing Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding areas with a quality bathroom service...

We only supply top brand components and install to impeccable standards.

High quality family bathrooms, en suites, wet rooms and shower rooms, and mobility bathing solutions, all at affordable prices.

DH Bathrooms’ small team of hand picked, master craftsmen will amaze you with their ability and attention to detail...

01526 830058 07971 293682 78

We provide free advice, designs and a competitive, no obligation quotation...

www.dhbathrooms.co.uk

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The Edible Garden

It’s amazing just how many flowers growing in your garden are edible. A little work in the glasshouse this month will see you planting up platefuls of pleasure this spring and summer...

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Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden taste? Like Mary, you’ll be amazed just how many of the flowers we grow for decoration in your garden are actually edible.

What’s more, February is the month that you can get busy creating a bountiful crop to exploit in the spring and summer months.

A Bloomsbury salad can include nasturtium, viola, borage, and calendula, combined with young lettuce leaves, and a little olive oil and vinegar.

February and March are the ideal months to sow nasturtiums - they’ll flower from summer right through to autumn, and can be used as garnish, as well as exploiting their peppery style to add flavour and colour to salads. You can also combine them with cream cheese and use on canapés, or in a cheese and tomato sandwich.

Bellis (daisies) can be used in the same way - their small white quill-shaped petals makes a colourful garnish on desserts and in soup, and can be used in salads.

Calendula (pot marigolds) can also be sown in situ in spring, whilst cornflowers, can be sown from next month and used during the summer months in salads, omelettes, and in pasta dishes.

Pansies have a lettuce-like flavour ideal for garnishing a paté, or as a decorative addition to a salad. They also crystalise and can be used to decorate cakes and cream desserts.

Sweet William petals can add zest to ice creams, sorbets, fruit salads and dessert sauces, whilst violets and lavender add

“Cornflowers, can be sown from next month and used during the summer months in salads, omelettes, and in pasta dishes. Pansies are ideal for garnishing a paté or fish dish...”

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Main: Swedish celebrity chef Tareq Taylor is well known for using flowers in his cooking.

Right: Kitchen gardens and vegetable patches don’t have to look boring; design your foodie garden to look pretty too.

Far Right: Borage is one of the most versatile edible flowers.

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- GARDENING -

IN THE GARDEN

Jobs for February...

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Prune your fruit trees before the end of February. Later pruning can lead to loss of sap. Bear in mind that vigorous pruning will promote the growth of substantial shoots.

Wait until May before pruning trees with stoned fruits - such as cherries, plums, nectarines, peaches and apricots - because of the risk of silverleaf disease.

Check whether perennials in beds and borders have been lifted by the frost. Push them back into the soil.

Weeds may already have grown significantly, particularly annual meadow grass and other annuals.

It is best to remove them by hand as hoeing can damage the roots of your ornamental plants.

A thorough clean ensures that any surviving vermin is removed from the box so that it does not bother the new hatchlings.

This is the best time to remove trees. Leave the removal of big trees to a professional/tree surgeon/arborist. They have the right equipment and know precisely how to avoid any damage.

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- GARDENING -

flavour to desserts and biscuits. Rosemary can add fragrant flavour to biscuit dough and can also be used in your baking to create lovely focaccia - great with home-grown garlic, which can be planted now, and home-grown tomatoes, which should be sown from seed in the glasshouse this month.

Whilst it’s surprising how many of the flowers growing in your garden can be eaten safely, we should sound a few words of caution.

Daisies can cause an allergic reaction in those with hayfever, whilst pregnant women should avoid borage, as it’s a diuretic.

Lavender oil can be poisonous in an undiluted state, whilst marigold flowers and leaves, whilst citrus-ey, can be harmful in large amounts.

Pea shoots are delicious in salad, but sweet-pea flowers are toxic, and poppy seeds make great muffins and bread toppings, but poppies themselves are poisonous. Do be careful and always research after harvesting flowers you believe to be edible.

Borage and lavender are two of the most versatile edible flowers, and can be used in vegetable and fruit salads.

Both can be planted from next month, with April prime growing time.

Finally, what article on growing your own food would be complete without an honourable mention for lettuce?

Plant from seed this month then harvest from mid-summer, an enjoy an abundant supply of fresh, delicious salads throughout the season! n

Main: Dedicate a small section of your garden to edible plants like lettuces and pansies.

Right: Always have a herb garden; it’s so handy and creates so much flavour in cooking.

Above: A simple summer salad using fresh plants and flowers from the garden. You can make dishes look so colourful with edible flowers.

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In The Garden...

SIX JOBS FOR FEBRUARY A LITTLE GROUND WORK NOW WILL PROVIDE VIBRANT DISPLAYS IN WINTER, COURTESY OF PLANTS LIKE WITCH HAZEL AND JASMINE...

Plant Witch Hazel Plant Witch Hazel in February to take advantage of the spicy fragrance and vibrant yellow and orange hues next winter.

Open, sunny positions are best, as the plant struggles in shade.

Trim Winter Jasmine By vigorously pruning you’ll promote newseason growth. Take the previous year’s growth back to about 5cm from the old wood.

Trim Oriental Grasses This is the month to thin back oriental grasses, and strip out old, dead foliage.

Clip to within a few centimetres in length.

Plant Bulbs Alliums are relatively maintenance-free bulbs which provide height and structure. You can also plant lilies for fragrance and vibrant colours in the warmer months.

Prune Fruit Trees Prune apple trees and pear trees this month, whilst they’re dormant for winter.

Don’t worry too much about plum, cherry or other soft fruit trees. Stone fruit trees can be planted now though, blackcurrant bushes, gooseberries and redcurrants can be pruned to maintain a productive framework, and currant bushes can be planted between now and spring.

Lift & Divide Snowdrops Galanthophiles; lift and split your snowdrops this month to preserve the joy into spring.

n Our recommended Garden Centre in Lincolnshire is Downtown Garden Centre at Downtown, Gonerby Junction, Grantham 01476 590239.

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Hold Your Horses

By combining her love of antiques, art and horses, Susan Williams of Ewerby discovered that restoring rocking horses was her passion. The majestic collectable was a subject she was keen on as a student, and now she’s turned it into something a little more profitable...

Words & Images: Tilly Wilkinson.

Although children across Lincolnshire would have woken up on Christmas morning with stockings full of toys, I’m sure most parents will agree with me that there is only one they’ll play with; the iPad. Technology has taken over. Gone are the days of the Jack in the Box, hula hoops and the illustrious Space Hopper. However, there is a bittersweet side to this.

The toys of the past have now become popular collectables and none more so than the rocking horse. This is especially because of the finely ornamented design and the association with the rocking horse being the toy of future kings.

They were immensely popular in Victorian times and some that are still around today date back to the early 18th century.

Susan Williams from Ewerby, not far from Sleaford, has decided to combine her career in art with her passions for antiques and horses and now restores rocking horses.

“I started collecting rocking horses as a student,” says Susan. “I just thought they were beautiful and I even wrote a thesis on the popular Victorian toy at university for my art degree.”

“After working in London as a freelance illustrator for many years, my husband and I moved to Lincolnshire. I had bought my first rocking horse in a junk shop in Boston and the hobby grew from that point onwards and I built my little collection up to around 12 rocking horses. We then had three children and four real horses!”

Susan then put her hobby on hold and her rocking horses in the attic for the next 20

“I ended up buying even more with a view to turning my hobby into something a little more profitable...”

years. Two of her children left for university and she only has one horse now. One day, her husband asked what was to become of the rocking horses in the attic.

“I asked him to bring them down for the time being, and I decided I’d downsize my collection and sell some of them. Some still needed restoring so my plan was just to finish them.”

“Of course, after restoring the remaining horses, my passion was reignited. I ended up buying even more - three in a week - with a view to turning my hobby into something more profitable.”

Susan started her collection again last year, and ironically technology has helped her again; not only are rocking horses becoming collectable items, but there’s a group Susan has been able to connect with online for people who enjoy collecting and restoring rocking horses too.

“It’s incredible that so many people are interested in something that I always thought

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- LOCAL PEOPLE -

was quite niche. It’s nice to be able to discuss and get advice from people who enjoy the hobby too.”

Because Susan restoring rocking horses part-time while most of her work is painting pet portraits, she will manage to do two or three a year. She invests a lot of time in the hobby, which is why it’s quite hard to part from them when it comes to selling the finished products.

“I try to go for attractive restorable horses at auction, or even horses in their original condition and these I’ll usually keep for myself. However, I have had some that were almost unrestorable. I’ve had one that arrived in pieces in fertiliser bags! However, I like the challenge.”

“I restore my horses to look like they would have done if they had been in original condition.”

“Often, horses are painted over and they lose the classic dappled grey look of a rocking horse. I will carefully remove the gloss and paint and restore it to its original appearance.”

“It is still very much a hobby but in the future, I’ll be looking at splitting my time more evenly so half my time is spent on restoring

and the other half is spent on my work painting pet portraits.”

The most common makes of rocking horses Susan goes for are G&J Lines and FH Ayres. They are the most popular British makes and represent the classic ‘Victorian’ style rocking horse.

“I don’t do any of the woodwork myself so I need help with that. I get local master saddler Mark Bushell to make the leather for the horses I restore, then I work on making sure everything is how it should be, removing gloss paint, sanding, repainting, resurfacing and polishing before adding a real horsehair mane and tail.

“I love doing what I do and I’m glad that this has now become something of interest for so many people.”

It turns out that technology has surprisingly helped Susan a great deal. Thanks to the internet, interest in rocking horses comes from as far as America and Australia now, while it still remains popular in the UK. It’s a fascinating subject and a blend of three keen interests for many people in Lincolnshire - antiques, art and horses. n 90

Above: Susan picking the first layer of paint and varnish off a rocking horse.

Main: Susan and two of her prized rocking horses.

Left: A before and after of Susan’s work on a recent restoration project.

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The History of THE HORSE The history of rocking horses traces back to the Middle Ages. They had hobby horses; a fake horse’s head attached to a long stick. The hobby horse was replaced by the barrel horse, which was a log supported by four legs with a fake horse head.

The rocking horse in its current form is believed to have first appeared in the early 17th century.

But improvements were to be made to the first rocking horses. Made from solid wood, they were heavy and they could easily topple over.

In the Victorian age the safety stand was made and the horses became hollow. This meant a secret compartment could be fitted in the horse. The family heirloom horse then stored treasures for future generations. In this era they were dappled grey; Queen Victoria’s favourite.

By the 1960s it seemed the craft was disappearing, until craftsmen started to restore them and now they’re treasured antiques. n For more information and if you have a horse in need of restoration, please email susan@ewerby.plus.com.

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Nature

NOTES

Weather dependent, February should be a time where we slowly leave winter and enter spring, with some animals waking up for the year ahead...

Black & Yellow

ROBBERS

Some bumblebees cheat when out pollinating; they collect nectar by piercing a hole in a plant without entering and pollinating the flower first.

This is often referred to as nectar robbing.

Spring usually starts in March so we should still be in the throes of winter, but spring may come early this year dependent on the weather.

February is the buildup to spring when everything starts to emerge from its winter hibernation.

The first bumblebees should be about on sunny days collecting nectar from early garden plants like crocuses.

The majority of the bees you see will be large queen bees. These have hibernated over the winter and they’re now searching for a place to start a new family.

The homes they search for often tend to be the old nests of mice.

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They like to start their homes in untidy places.

In milder spells, ladybirds will come out to sun themselves too.

Back on the ground, bluebell leaves are slowly pushing through the soil and under hedges in woodland areas. Wild arum leaves will slowly start to unfurl too.

Alder trees along rivers and streams will be surrounded by long brown and yellow catkins.

Soaring over woods on clear days, you should be able to see buzzards and sparrowhawks as they begin to mark out their territories.

Chaffinches, blackbirds, great spotted woodpeckers and song

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- NATURE -

Morning Chorus You should start to hear birdsong in February. Here are a few you will be hearing in the morning chorus...

Song Thrush These are one of the very few birds in the UK that eat snails! This is critical food in late summer.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Their first drums are heard in early January and will continue through to June.

Above: Pheasants in a frosty field.

Opposite/Top: A sparrowhawk will establish his territory at this time of year.

Opposite/Bottom: Catkins on an alder tree near rivers and streams.

Opposite/Left: A bumblebee pollinating early flowers like this crocus.

thrushes will become louder and louder as birdsong begins.

You may be able to see thousands of gulls on colder evenings. The reservoir may produce a blizzard which makes the birds fly in to roost.

You should start to see more animals in towns like Grantham, Louth and Boston in February.

Food is sparse in the countryside so you should be able to see more wildlife in your local park and gardens.

Help the birds out at this time of year by putting a birdfeeder out.

This will ensure you keep the beautiful birds in your garden too.

Use your house as a secret hiding place to photograph the birds too as they perch on your birdfeeder.

You’ll see a fewer pheasants in the county over February as shooting season comes to a close.

The pheasant was introduced to Britain in the 11th Century by the Normans. There are thought to be over eight million birds in the countryside during winter.

Blackbird Blackbirds typically like to sing after rain.

Chaffinch The one essential for chaffinches to thrive in gardens is plenty of trees, while oaks are their favourites.

Most of the pheasants you see are reared from chicks by gamekeepers.

Nearly half are shot and most of the others die from other causes like foxes and road incidents.

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- ON THE FARM -

The History of Breeding

Alison Pratt, Communications Manager for NFU East Midlands, on how breeding programmes have transformed livestock over the years...

The sheep, beef and dairy cattle that we see in our fields today look very different to those our ancestors would have kept. By careful breeding to enhance certain traits, we’ve changed our animals, in some cases quite drastically, to make them into the meat and dairy champions they are today.

The paintings of livestock from the 17th and 18th centuries depict huge bodied animals.

The artists were asked to over-emphasise; the actual animals were probably smaller and certainly less muscled than modern day stock.

Breeding programmes didn’t exist until the 1700s when farmers decided they should control when and with what their animals should mate. Previously, farmers had kept their male and female animals together in the same fields, so they’d breed randomly.

The move to more controlled breeding meant that farmers could breed their animals for the traits they wanted. With more streamlined breeding, today’s breeds developed.

Robert Bakewell’s most famous animal breed is the Longhorn. By breeding closely within his herd, Bakewell found that his cattle, became well-muscled, good feed converters and produced a large, fatty, beef animal.

Over time the original Longhorn breed became less popular, but Robert Bakewell’s

breeding methods have lived on and his legacy is seen in our modern British beef and cattle breeds.

Similarly, Robert Colling was developing the Shorthorn breed of cattle. In the late 1700s, and using the same techniques as Robert Bakewell, Colling’s cattle breeding expertise lead to the birth of two famous bulls: the Durham Ox and Comet.

ON THE FARM THIS MONTH

Arable Sector: Early potatoes will be planted and general farm maintenance will still be underway through the winter period.

Livestock Sector: Early lambing starts in February and some farmers will be preparing for spring calving for dairy and beef cows.

Cattle will be put out to grass in March and April time depending on the weather.

The Durham Ox was so famous that he was taken around the country and exhibited at fairs and shows. For most of 1807 he stayed in London and people paid to see him; entrance fees on one day were said to total £97 (nearly £10,000 in today’s money)! So, back to the present day. Modern livestock breeders put a great deal of thought and care into their cattle and sheep, but physical traits of animals are measured more accurately.

Many livestock farmers use a scoring system called Estimated Breeding Values (EBV).

The farmer weighs and measures his animals from birth and the data is submitted to a recording company that calculates how much of the animal’s physical attributes are due to genetics or environment. In addition to weighing their animals, farmers also use ultra-sound to scan livestock for muscle depth and density. Recorded scores are important when selecting animals for breeding programmes to produce the best quality stock.

When you’re walking round the Lincolnshire Show livestock lines, this summer, take time to appreciate the thought and attention that goes into producing our fabulous livestock.

It’s not just about good feed and painstaking husbandry, it’s about the generations of careful breeding that the farmer has overseen and hundreds of years of history, too.

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WEDDINGS

Leap of Faith

Sometimes its good to take a chance on love, as this month’s featured couple discovered when they took a leap of faith and turned friendship into true love... this is the story of how Rachel Miller and Jonathan Whelbourn were married.

Images: Charlotte Maddison Photography, 01205 872182, www.charlottemaddison-photography.co.uk.

Fear is a healthy emotion, protecting us from harm. But just occasionally it’s good to face your fears and take a leap of faith.

That’s exactly what Rachel Miller and Jonathan Whelbourn did, when they gambled a solid friendship against declaring their love for one another.

Like the most audacious of chances though, that leap of faith paid off and love blossomed profoundly, leading to a vintage country wedding last year near Woodhall Spa.

A secondary school teacher, originally from Essex, Rachel studied towards a degree in drama at the University of Lincoln where she met Lincolnshire resident Jonathan, at Newland’s Alive church.

The couple began their relationship in 2013 and in the run up to their second anniversary Jonathan had decided to propose. In the second and perhaps more risky example of audacity in the couple’s story, Jonathan decided to throw caution to the wind and risk the British weather spoiling the moment by planning a romantic picnic.

“I was on a three month missionary secondment in Birmingham, and whilst away we wrote to one another, which gave me the chance to ask about Rachel’s perfect picnic,” says Jonathan.

Compiling a shopping list, Rachel’s romantic fiancé also booked a hot air balloon flight which, thanks to a storm, didn’t quite get off the ground. However, Jonathan made up for

The Wedding of

RACHEL AND JONATHAN

the first failed attempt with a picnic at Lincoln’s Liquorice Park, having drafted in his family to put up bunting and fairy lights in advance of their arrival.

“It’s one of our favourite places, our ‘escape place,’ offering a panoramic view over the city. There was a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting for me, champagne and chocolates. I couldn’t quite believe it was for me but when I turned around and saw Jonathan on one knee, I was thrilled!”

The couple were now living on the East Coast and wanted to marry at St Mary’s Winthorpe. The wedding took a year to plan and as they were seeking a vintage country wedding, they were thrilled to come across a new wedding venue, Woodhall Spa’s Abbey Farm with its newly renovated barn and an abbey in the grounds.

“My dress was a bespoke gown from North Hykeham’s Caroline Chamberlain. It was a really wonderful experience and it felt lovely to be able to work with her to design it.”

“As a bride you get to keep the original drawings of the dress which are beautiful in themselves. They drawings are now framed and they’re an extra keepsake from the day.”

The couple’s theme was upheld with flowers from Steep Hill’s Arbour Florists. Native wild flowers and burlap trim worked alongside lace detail and looked lovely against the five bridesmaids’ beautiful lavender grey dresses.

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- WEDDINGS -

With a background of Rutland countryside, the couple’s wedding was a fun day full of rustic charm...

The wedding cake, meanwhile, was from High Street retailer Marks & Spencer, with thee tiers - fruit and sponge - trimmed with the same flowers and burlap. Jonathan and his three attendants wore tweed suits with accents of plum.

“We wanted the reception to have a relaxed feel, which the venue suited,” says Rachel.

“We had sparklers and a photobooth, and for our formal photos we chose Charlotte Maddison who was absolutely lovely to work with... she has taken some wonderful images and between her and Jonathan’s best man Johnny, the two ran the show!”

“We took a ‘day off,’ following the wedding then enjoyed a holiday to Spain where we stayed in a whitewashed fishing village.

It was so peaceful and pretty and warm,” “It gave us the chance to reflect on what a wonderful day we had, celebrating with family and friends... we really felt blessed and hope everyone else did too!” n 98

Images: Charlotte Maddison Photography, Leverton, Boston PE22 0AY. Call 01205 872182, www.charlottemaddison-photography.co.uk.

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ANDREW MUSSON

Tailor 10 Years a

This month, Andrew Musson will be celebrating 10 years in business in Lincoln. The bespoke tailor has 20 years of experience on Savile Row, but took over his father’s company on Lincoln’s High Street in 2008. He’s offering Lincolnshire Pride readers £100 off a bespoke suit to celebrate...

The 1st February is a date to celebrate in Andrew Musson’s diary, marking 10 years of business in Lincoln. He took over his father’s bespoke tailoring company on the High Street in Lincoln in 2008 and with 20 years of experience on Savile Row, Andrew has taken the business from strength to strength.

A great amount has happened over the past 10 years, and the business has evolved with modern technology.

“I’ve seen a lot of change in the market over the past 10 years,” says Andrew. “When my father had the business, the main market seemed to be local people, and with the shop positioned on the High Street, passing trade was valued.”

“Nowadays, we have people travelling from far and wide, as customers are willing to travel further, and it’s easier for people to discover us with the power of the internet.

We’re no longer reliant on passing trade.”

Andrew has had customers from as far as Hong Kong travel to visit him in store in Lincoln.

Without the sky high overheads of Savile Row, he’s able to offer bespoke tailoring at the same standard but at a much more affordable price.

Words & Photos: Tilly Wilkinson.

This change of moving back to Lincoln and offering more affordable bespoke suits has immensely helped Andrew’s business and it has grown year on year.

“We’re very busy at the moment and slowly outgrowing our shop. Because of this, we’re hoping to move to more rural quarters out of Lincoln. 10 years ago we would never have dreamed of getting the business to where it is now and we certainly wouldn’t have dreamt of moving premises being so reliant on local passing trade.”

In the past ten years, Andrew has won numerous awards for his success and it’s clear to see why business is booming for Andrew; the attention to detail and the quality put into each and every stitch of fabric is clear, and to offer it at such good prices is really exciting.

To celebrate his ten years of business, Andrew has treated himself to an anniversary suit featuring ‘the Lincolnshire Tailor’ caricature in the lining. He’s also giving the readers of Lincolnshire Pride £100 off their bespoke suit.

We hope he’s celebrating with champagne in February and wish him luck for the next ten years of business.

n Awards: Andrew has won the #SBS - Small Business Sunday - Award whilst working in Lincoln, presented to him by the dragon himself Theo Paphitis. n Anniversary treat: Quote Lincolnshire Pride or bring along the magazine and you’ll receive £100 off your bespoke suit in February (new customers only). n For more information: Visit www.andrewjmusson.com, call 01522 520142 or visit him in store at 39 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8AS. 102

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RED CARPET READY

READY Red Carpet

Red Carpet Ready are the UK’s largest dress specialists, based near Lincoln, stocking over 2,000 dresses for all budgets across short, midi and long styles. Their new 2018 collections have just arrived ready for all your upcoming 2018 Proms & Events...

Images: Images: David David Glover.

Glover. (Left) (Left) Available Available in in Silver/Gunmetal, Silver/Gunmetal, Gold, Gold, Wine/Gold, Wine/Gold, Navy/Gold, Navy/Gold, Black/Gold Black/Gold £455, £455, (Middle) (Middle) Gunmetal, Gunmetal, Gold, Gold, Rosegold, Rosegold, Red, Red, Navy Navy £745, £745, (Right) (Right) Silver, Silver, Navy, Navy, Wine, Wine, Blush Blush £325. £325.

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- FASHION -

Red Carpet Ready’s range of over 2,000 dresses will ensure 2018 ‘ballers’ and prom queens will find the perfect dress, with short and long styles, and many styles available in up to 27 different colourways, plus exclusive designs created for the Lincoln retailer. n

Opposite: (left) Emerald green, blush, £525, in sizes 2-28, (middle) emerald green, silver, red, navy, blush, nude, burgundy, £485, in sizes 6 - 18 (right) emerald green, navy, red, wine, deep violet £325, 2-20.

Above: Blue dress, also available in wine, red, navy, royal blue, £425, in sizes 8-14.

Top/Right: Over 2,000 styles stocked, many of which come in lots of colourways across Red Carpet Ready’s three luxury dress showrooms based in Branston, near Lincoln.

Right: Exclusive Design by Red Carpet Ready, £345, (left) silver and blush, £345, sizes 4 - 14, (middle) two piece, silver and blush, £695, sizes 4 - 16, (right), silver/nude only, £605, in sizes 2 - 28.

Left: (left) Exclusive design by Red Carpet Ready, £545, gold only, in sizes 4 - 18, (middle) two piece, gold only, £545, in sizes 2 - 18, (right) in gold and garnet, £345, in sizes 4 - 20.

Featured dresses are available from Red Carpet Ready, 40 Hall Lane, Branston near Lincoln. Open seven days a week until 9pm but please prebook on 01522 793777. All styles and prices of their entire ranges can be viewed on www.redcarpetready.co.uk. Please note Instagram page @RedCarpetReadyLincoln.

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A Girl’s Best Friend JEWELLERY

GIVE A TOKEN OF TRUE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY WITH JEWELLERY FROM THE TOP 10 LUXURY BRANDS IN THE WORLD...

Harry Winston This is the pearshaped diamond solitaire pendant from one of the top luxury jewellery brands in the world, Harry Winston.

Available with one pear-shaped diamond starting from 0.50 carats, set in platinum.

For more than 80 years, Harry Winston has been creating fine diamond jewelry.

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Cartier Cartier is another luxury brand and these earrings sell for £12,000 although there are options for less diamonds with prices more around £2,000. They are the Trinity de Cartier earrings and this particular pair features white gold, yellow gold, pink gold and diamonds.

Van Cleef & Arpels Between the Finger rings are a new style of jewellery where the ring doesn’t wrap around the whole finger but rather sits between two fingers.

This stunning Frivole ring fron Van Cleef and Arpels is £4,850.

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Buccellati As part of the brand’s opera collection, these stunning Opera Colour Pendant earrings incorporate pink gold and onyx.

It’s in the shape of three Buccellati logos and the brand is known for detail and quality. This pair will sell for £4,600.

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Graff Graff has an Icon collection which is centred around the company’s logo.

Icon’s delicate lines and curves are inspired by the renowned Hair & Jewel coiffure, created by Laurence Graff in 1970.

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Tiffany and Co Rubies and diamonds add an elegant touch to this pendant from Tiffany & Co. The price for this necklace is £2,325. Go for the famous Tiffany heart tag pendant with the Tiffany logo for a more affordable £120. The key pendant is £3,175, while the olive leaf medallion is £525.

For the more classic garnet, you’ll pay £770.

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Mikimoto These Mikimoto pearl earrings to the left feature Akoya cultured pearls and 0.08ct of diamonds. You can purchase a pair for £1,850 or opt for a slightly more affordable pair of pearl earrings.

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Bvlgari This bracelet is part of the B.Zero1 collection from Bvlgari and features all three shades of gold in its spirals sitting on a gold chain. Treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day; this beautiful bracelet is £1,960.

Piaget For extreme luxury, go for the Extremely Piaget range at Piaget. This is the ‘Palm Tree’ bangle bracelet in 18K pink gold, set with 332 brilliant-cut diamonds (around 3.53 ct).

Of course, with that many diamonds and that stunning attention to detail and quality, there is quite a large price tag of £44,800.

Chopard The Happy Hearts bangle is set in 18-carat rose gold and the heart is made of natural motherof-the-pearl. This line of jewellery features various jewels in the hearts. This beautiful bangle will cost you £2,230.

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JEWELLERY

Tiffany and Co

The Tiffany Setting in 18 karat yellow gold from £8,550.

Faberge

Ella pink sapphire, diamond, rose gold and platinum ring £11,106.

Cartier

Trinity Ruban platinum and diamond solitaire ring, price on application.

BELL Rings a

Asprey

Violet sapphire ring, price on application.

Monica Vinader

The Ava diamond pave ring by Monica Vinader, £595.

If you’re planning on popping the question on Valentine’s Day but you’re struggling to find the perfect ring, here are our suggestions from some of the leading jewellery brands for every kind of personality...

Annoushka

White gold and diamond Daisy ring, £1,900.

Ernest Jones

Yellow gold and diamond ring for an affordable £999.

Robinson Pelham

Diamond ring by Robinson Pelham with ‘Something Blue,’ £6,450.

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Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris An endearing mix of juicy top notes, sensual Datura Orchid and base notes of Patchouli and White Musk, YSL Mon Paris is an intense love affair for the senses.

50ml, EDP, £71.

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush, in Candy Blush Fall in love at first flush with these stunning blushes from Too Faced. Baked for a beautifully buildable finish, with three individual colour swatches, they achieve a multi-dimensional glow.

Available in a range of shades. £30.

PRETTY in Pink Create the perfect look for Valentine’s Day with long-lasting lip colours, swoon-worthy blushers and fragrances to fall in love with from Lincolnshire Pride’s beauty editor, Hannah Vickers...

MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush Shown here in Fleur Powder.

Give yourself a natural pink flush that will stay put all day long with MAC’s Powder Blush. Available in a range of shades, £19.50.

Antipodes Moisture Boost Natural Lipstick, in Dragon Fruit Pin Bursting with natural ingredients including rich healthy oils, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, Antipodes’ lipsticks help to condition your lips as they colour. Available in a range of shades, £19.99.

Laura Gellar Shine Stick, shown here in Pink Dazzle This innovative 3-in-1 formula combines high pigment with the shine of a gloss and the smooth texture of a balm. Feather and transfer resistant, colour stays true to take you easily from day to night.

Available in a range of shades, £16.

Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint, in Bare Pink Sparkle A sheer, lightweight and ultra-moisturising lip stain, the Extra Lip Tint has all the benefits of a balm whilst giving a sheer wash of colour. As part of the Extra Glow collection Bobbi Brown has released this new Limited Edition shade perfect for Valentine’s Day, £25.50.

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Paco Rabanne Olympéa A luxurious blend of Salted Vanilla, Water Jasmine, Ginger Blossom, Green Mandarin and Ambregris wrapped up in a lavish envelope of cashmere, Paco Rabanne’s Olympéa is a truly enchanting scent.

80ml, EDP, £75.

Diego Dalla Palma Geisha Matt Liquid Lipstick, in Hot Coral In a velvety matte finish, this lipstick contains Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Microspheres to keep lips feeling silky soft.

It also contains Marine Flower Oil to protect lips from wind, pollution, sunlight and free radicals, which helps to fight signs of ageing. Available in a range of shades, £15.50.

Yvest Saint Laurent Volupté Tint-in-Balm, in Seduce Me Pink The 2-in-1 formula combines stunning colour with nourishing lip care that will leave your lips looking and feeling more kissable than ever.

Available in a range of shades, £28.

Bobbi Brown Highlighter, in Opal Glow Part of Bobbi Brown’s Limited Edition Extra Glow collection, the Opal Glow Highlighter is a high-impact, light-reflecting powder that delivers the perfect lit-from-within glow. In a stunning pink champagne hue, it is sure to give you the look of love, £35.50.

Nudestix Intense Matte Lip and Cheek Pencil, in Royal Give your lips and cheeks the perfect pop of colour with these multi-use lip and cheek pencils from Nudestix. Kiss-proof, waterproof and non-feathering for up to six hours, the long lasting formula will keep your lips and cheeks looking beautiful throughout the day. Available in a range of shades, £24.

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick, in Russian Red A stunningly rich red that flatters every skintone, MAC’s Russian Red offers the perfect matte Valentine’s lip. Available in a range of shades, £16.50.

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LOVE Show yourself some

IN A MID-AIR EMERGENCY, WE ARE ALWAYS TOLD TO FIT OUR OWN OXYGEN MASK FIRST. THIS IS TO ENSURE WE ARE ABLE TO HELP OUR LOVED ONES IN A CALM, CONSIDERATE AND EFFICIENT MANNER - WHILST BEING ABLE TO BREATHE OURSELVES! It may sound selfish but it is absolutely essential – and not just in a crisis situation.

If our own wellbeing isn’t being cared for, our ability to give our love to others is diminished.

One of the most undermining and debilitating issues we can face is when our mouths don’t work properly. This not only affects our ability to eat and look after ourselves properly but also how we cope in community and social environments.

If you are struggling to eat, chew, smile and socialise because an uncomfortable, troublesome mouth occupies your mind, now is a good time put yourself first.

“It isn’t overstating things to say that my implant work really has transformed my dental health and life in general. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It really is worth the investment,” Mr Hartwell Dental implants allow you to eat, drink, taste, chew, talk, laugh and smile with confidence.

When fitted properly by skilled clinicians, they are stable, comfortable and look exactly like natural teeth.

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Unsecured dentures and bridges are an old-fashioned solution for people who have lost teeth. Unfortunately, many people find having bridges or wearing dentures painful, inconvenient and awkward.

Dentures and bridges can make it difficult to bite and chew, which can stop us from eating many of the foods we once enjoyed. Wearing dentures may also affect how we pronounce words and therefore the way we speak. The knock-on effects of these issues can be immense.

Once implants have been placed, our patients say they can happily forget all about them and start living and loving their lives to the full once more.

Dental implants prove to be the most cost effective solution to replacing missing teeth and to help spread the cost, the Dental Health Centre offers payment options including 0% finance.

Speak to us about your free, 30minute, no obligation consultation with our principal implantologist, Colin Sutton.

The Dental Health Centre, 3 Avenue Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6TA. Tel: 01476 594480 www.dentalhealthcentre.co.uk

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The surgery-free ‘facelift’ - an anti-ageing technique which takes years off your face

Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979

Designer frames from Face à Face - just one of the famous names available at O’Briens.

Introducing Julie Smith - Lincolnshire’s new ‘Eva Fraser Facial Fitness’ Practitioner...

Use facial exercises to work muscles and tighten your skin, at a fraction of the cost of a facelift.

A former client of Eva’s, Julie is now one of just 16 Eva Fraser practitioners in the world.

Learn the techniques once, use them for the rest of your life - no drugs, no pain, no surgery.

Pioneered by Eva Fraser, pictured here, who was born in 1928.

Call 07796 000001 or see www.lincsfacialfitness.co.uk FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION CHAT ABOUT HOW EVA’S METHODS CAN TAKE YEARS OFF YOUR FACE I cover the whole of Lincolnshire and courses can take place at my studio near Boston or in the comfort of your own home. Bookings must be made at least a week prior to your appointment.

43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS Tel: 01652 653 595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk

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

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- LINCOLN MINSTER -

Lincoln Minster School

Lincoln Minster School has just been named in the UK’s Top 50 Independent Preparatory Schools for 2017. That’s a 46 place jump compared to this time last year in the leaderboard...

Lincoln Minster Preparatory School has been listed in the Sunday Times Parent Power Top 100 Preparatory Schools for the second year running, soaring up the league table to 44th place.

Independent Preparatory Schools are ranked by aggregated average scaled scores achieved by children in reading, spelling, grammar and maths in their SATs tests taken at the end of the primary phase in Year 6 before going on to secondary school.

“The result comes at the same time as a more demanding curriculum and more rigorous SATs tests.”

“The percentage of high scores achieved by our pupils is particularly impressive. At Lincoln Minster Preparatory School we have successfully managed to raise attainment,

This comes just a few weeks after a highly successful ISI inspection which graded the school as ‘Excellent’ for pupils’ personal development and ‘Good’ (with Excellent features) for pupils’ achievements.

“Being listed in the Top 50 Independent Prep Schools is a wonderful achievement for Lincoln Minster School,” says Head of the Preparatory School, Fiona Thomas, who has led the Prep School since 2012.

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“This achievement is further testament to the excellent work taking place at Lincoln Minster School from Nursery to Sixth Form; the efforts of the staff have been rewarded through the success of our pupils - both from a curricular and co-curricular point of view,” says Lincoln Minster School Headmaster Mark Wallace.

Lincoln Minster School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 - 18 years.

In 2016 the school, which is not at all academically selective, ranked in the Top 100 for the first time in 90th position.

Just one year later it has soared to 44th position as a result of pupils’ attainment in the summer term.

but have not compromised on our extensive enrichment offer, leading to a true education for life for every child.”

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER

“We pride ourselves on putting our pupils first seeking to ensure that their talents and abilities are nurtured and encouraged to flourish in an environment of support and appreciation,” says Mark Wallace. “Our staff understand the importance that excellent pastoral care and a focus on pupil well-being plays in developing assured young adults.”

Their aim is to provide an inspirational all-round education which combines academic achievement with a wealth of co-curricular opportunities including music, sport and the arts.

They’re not selective on the students that can study at Lincoln Minster School which is further testimony to their incredible success. n For more information about Lincoln Minster Preparatory School, please call 01522 551300 or visit www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk for more information about what they can offer your child.

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‘Excellent’ Inspection Results

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) visited Lincoln Minster recently and have graded the school as ‘Excellent’ for pupils’ personal development and ‘Good’ for pupils’ achievements...

The school aims to provide an inspiring ‘education for life’ from Nursery through to Sixth Form in an environment that combines academic achievements with a wealth of co-curricular opportunities.

The inspection looked at provision across the whole school including the Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory and Senior sites, all based in uphill Lincoln.

The report summarised that ‘Senior leaders and governors promote an environment which treats each pupil as an individual,

meets their pastoral and welfare needs effectively, and supports their excellent personal development.’

The key findings of the report acknowledge, not only the pupils’ progress in a wide range of areas, but also the relationship of pupils with each other and with staff which displays a high degree of respect, tolerance and appreciation of diversity.

The report makes reference to the exam results from the Summer, stating that ‘Results in 2017 are above or well above the

national average for age related expectations in all areas.’

It also notes that ‘in 2017, over 90% of pupils gained grades A*-C or equivalent with almost a third of entries at A* and A grades. Almost 90% of grades were at A*-C including Mathematics and English.’

“The results of the report are a testament to the hard work of all staff and pupils,” says headteacher Mark Wallace. “We are not surprised with the findings of the report; we know the provision for the pupils is excellent.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Stamford Stone Launches ‘At Home’ STAMFORD One of the UK’s leading limestone suppliers Stamford Stone has launched a brand new website to showcase its stunning range of stone products they have created for the home.

Stamford Stone At Home is the interiors branch of Stamford Stone Company, a family firm based at Swaddywell Quarry in Helpston.

The new website showcases a wide range of bespoke stone products and accessories crafted by specialist stonemasons, from stunning staircases to feature fireplaces, luxury cooker hoods to sinks, tiles and flooring.

“We are absolutely delighted with the look of the new website,” says Director Dan Wilson.

“Our business began selling stone for mainly architectural use, so we’re proud to have developed another string to our bow with interiors here at

Stamford Stone Company and now Stamford Stone At Home too.”

Natural stone is a beautiful and versatile product that enhances every property.

New Jewellery School Launches in Lincoln...

FANCY MAKING YOUR OWN JEWELLERY? NOW YOU CAN WITH NEW SCHOOL...

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There’s a place for beautiful stone in every room in the house.

It’s also a great choice for gardens, especially in walls, patios and paving.

n For more information, visit the new website at www.ssathome.co.uk or call 01780 740970. Visit the quarry at Swaddywell Quarry, Stamford Road, Peterborough PE6 7EL.

LINCOLN One of Britain’s top silversmiths and local jewellers is offering couples the chance to wear a personal wedding ring which money can’t buy, and one they have made together.

Lincoln-born Martin Drury is very passionate about his craft which has lead him to launch the brand new Lincoln School of Jewellery so people can share his love in making rings and bracelets.

“You are using your hands to bend and solder,” says Martin Drury. “There’s something very special and unique about a handmade piece of jewellery, especially if a loved one has

gifted to you as a present.

It’s so much more personal.”

“It is very fulfilling making something yourself, especially in metal because it is so permanent. You can have an idea and make it a reality. You can make a lovely ring and think ‘I made that.”

Martin recently held his first workshop at the Lawn Complex in Lincoln behind Stokes.

“Everyone was absolutely thrilled. Some said that they didn’t realise that they could do it and it has given them the confidence to go on and try other things. With guidance they can go home with a piece.”

STAMFORD WINS OSWALD ELLIOTT CUP

STAMFORD After a successful inaugural debating event held last year at Stamford School, the second Oswald Elliott Cup debate was hosted this year by Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

A team of Stamford Endowed Schools students, Daniel White and Daisy Jowers, retained the

hotly contested Oswald Elliott Cup in their debate against a team of undergraduates from Fitzwilliam College.

The motion of this year’s impending Oswald Elliott Cup was ‘This House believes that free speech should never be restricted.’

Lincolnshire Law Firm Bags £21m Petrol Station Deal

THE SALE OF SEVEN PETROL STATIONS HAS JUST BEEN PASSED

81 Year Old Models for First Time...

MARKET RASEN A local Lincolnshire woman has proven that age is no barrier to a modelling career by becoming a model at the age of 81.

Avril Parsons from Snitterby near Market Rasen has recently taken part in her very first modelling photoshoot.

Avril posed in front of the camera modelling the very beautiful JAK silks. JAK silks is a business that sells luxurious silk scarves.

The venture was founded by herself and her two friends, Joy Clews and Karen Richardson and the shoot was part of a new book called ‘Tied up in Silk: A Simple Guide on Ways to Wear your Scarf’.

“I was persuaded by my business partner to model in the book, the book caters for an audience of women from the age of 40 onwards. I am the oldest lady there at 81, and we wanted to feature older women in the book, so I decided to model,” says Avril.

“The book has been a huge success, I can’t believe how much interest we have had. We are already considering a second book.

NEWARK A local law firm has recently helped to secure a huge multi-million pound deal which involved the sale of seven large and well used petrol stations.

Involving some of the A1’s most well known petrol station service areas, the sale was secured by law firm, Wilkin Chapman solicitors.

They were delighted with the eventual outcome, which saw the sale of seven filling stations for an enormous £21,000,000 to the petrol station giants Applegreen PLC. It’s fantastic that a local Lincolnshire firm was able to secure such an incredible deal.

£3,500,000...

School Wins Cup

A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART £3.5 million science block that will provide high-quality learning space for students has been completed at Bourne Grammar School. The new two-storey standalone building will provide 15 laboratories, three preparation rooms - complete with a dumb waiter - plus a large glazed entrance lobby, and student and staff toilet facilities.

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BUSINESS

NEWS In Brief RETFORD

RETFORD FIRM GETS £1M FOR A RESTORATION A Retford firm has recently been nominated for £1,000,000 to go towards restoration work on its Grade II listed building.

Kierson Sash Window and Timber Restoration has been nominated for helping to bring a former grammar school in Chesterfield dating back to 1911 back to its former glory.

GAINSBOROUGH

WORK BEGINS ON NEW £1.4M HOTEL The main construction work has recently begun at the brand new hotel development in Gainsborough.

The main contractors are starting their construction work on the new Travelodge hotel that is currently being built on the former Sun Inn site, which was demolished earlier in the summer. The new 56 room Travelodge Hotel and Ponti’s Italian Kitchen restaurant are key parts to the design plan.

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MOTORS

DOLCE

VITA

In a world of Germans, be an Italian! That’s the message from Maserati.

The exotic car marque best known for sleek GT models is making an attempt to cash in on the current boom in SUV sales, with a new road-oriented 4x4, the Levante...

Words: Rob Davis.

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Fortunate favours the bold, according to proverb. Still, there’s bold, then there’s downright audacious. Take Maserati, for example. Established in 1914 in Bologna, the company produced between 1,500 and 9,000 cars per year between 1999 and 2012.

Most commonly these were sleek GTs and a handful of Quattroporte sports saloons.

From 2013 to 2015 though, it really upped its ante, producing 36,000, 32,000 and 42,000 cars. Not only is the brand hoping to become more of a mainstream manufacturer, it’s also hoping to steal sales from Range Rover, Audi, BMW and Mercedes in the executive SUV market.

This, then, is the new Levante. It debuted in the UK in summer 2016, but this is a new version. It’s beautiful, and it has four doors and four wheel drive too... and Maserati hopes it’ll usher in a new era as a mainstream car. Prices are between £56,000 and £77,000, putting it firmly in Range Rover Velar/Sport territory.

“The Levante’s key selling point is that it’s simply something different, something more unusual and a bit more glamorous...”

There’s a choice of 3.0 litre V6 diesel or ‘S’ badged V6 petrol in base, GrandLusso or GrandSport trim. Air suspension, all wheel drive and an automatic gearbox are standard, there are adaptive dampers and a limited slip differential. All that means the car will handle well on-road, and though you’re unlikely to throw a Levante around a green lane, it’ll at least also handle 2,700kg towing and the odd muddy verge.

Driving off-road isn’t really the point of a Levante though; style and luxury is, and my word, does the car deliver! Choose between five types of wood trim or the ubiquitous carbon fibre option for the dash, enjoy hide with contrast stitching or Zegna silk leather; it’s all beautiful and tactile, like a fine Italian wool suit. It’s all laid out well inside too, with sound ergonomics and modern switchgear.

The car has a swooping bonnet, audacious details like the triple air intakes on its flanks, and a sporting rear end not dissimilar to a Porsche Cayenne. In base form it will also perform as a sporty SUV should, reaching 60mph in 6.9 seconds and 143mph on a track.

MASERATI LEVANTE Price: £56,250.

Engine: 3.0V6 diesel 275hp.

Drivetrain: Eight speed automatic with four wheel drive.

Performance: 0-60mph 6.9 seconds; 143mph top speed.

Economy: 39.2mpg combined.

Equipment: Leather seats, climate, cruise, navigation.

Optional: Adaptive cruise, 360/reversing camera, Bowers & Wilkin hi-fi, heated seats, panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, ventilated seats. n

Whatever else you can praise the Levante for though, its key selling point is that it’s simply something different, something more unusual and a bit more glamorous.

Evoking Italian style and cutting an unusual dash, it’s an SUV with more than its fair share of dolce vita... n

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ROAD TEST

The Magnificent Seven

Here it is... finally! A sports car you can use every single day. Audi has managed to combine slippery, attractive sports car lines with a practical four seat package... there’s even space for your luggage in the A7; a performance car sans compromise!

Finally, a sports car you can use every single day. One that won’t break the bank on the way to work, one that can accommodate the whole family, and one that can swallow a week’s worth of Waitrose spoils or a golf bag.

Audi has taken DNA from its four door executive models and distilled it into this; the second generation of A7 Sportback.

You can choose from SE Executive; S-Line and Black editions, or the fire-breathing S7, but even modest models in the range offer all of the luxury, performance and usability you’d expect from Audi. Fitted as standard is a 3.0 six cylinder diesel, with or without the firm’s well-renowned Quattro four wheel drive system. Driving is a cinch thanks to an automatic gearbox, and as long as you don’t specify sporty models with their skinny tyres,

the ride should be pliant too, with body roll kept in check and plenty of feel through the steering wheel.

Price: £48,500-£69,125.

Engine: 3.0TDi Ultra, seven speed automatic.

Performance: 0-60mph 7.3 seconds; 149mph top speed.

MPG: 60.1mpg (comb).

Equipment: Heated leather seats, sat nav, four zone climate, cruise, parking sensors.

Equipment is generous, with LED lights, electric, heated leather seats, electric tailgate, four zone climate control, sat nav, parking sensors, keyless go and cruise control all standard. Naturally the options list is extensive, with air suspension, panoramic roof, adaptive cruise, automatic parking and £6,300 Bang & Olufsen stereo all available, so any driver can make the A7 their own.

Despite its lithe performance, drivers enjoy a return of 60mpg and with four full-size seats, plus a boot with 535 litres in size about the size of a Mondeo - the A7 Sportback may well be the holy grail - a sports car completely free of compromise! n

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To view photographs from The Event visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

Lincolnshire Young Farmers’ 2017

‘Best of British’ Ball

Rule Britannia! And kudos, also, to the county’s Young Farmers, who pulled together a county ball with the theme ‘Best of British,’ attended by over 400 youngsters and held in Spalding’s Springfields exhibition hall.

The event included a three course meal, live music courtesy of The Holbeach Town Band, as well as a DJ and raffle.

Beefeaters and morris dancers were there to keep an eye on festivities, too! Led by young people, for young people, our Young Farmers’

Clubs provide their 23,500 members aged 10 to 26 with a unique opportunity to develop skills, work with local communities, travel, take part in a varied competitions programme and enjoy a dynamic social life. n See www.lincsyfc.org.uk for more.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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To view 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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View photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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Crosswords CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Test your lateral thinking skills with this month’s Cryptic Crossword. Each puzzle has a set of perplexing clues to unravel, and as every lover of logic knows, the frustration is all part of the fun!

ACROSS

9. Bury’s outstanding player shouted “Referee!” (9) 10. Tennyson’s first crude poem kept by maestro (5) 11. Took on old English, swapping parts (7) 12. See 22 down 13. Court service admitted trickery (5) 14. Plug new gold bed till thoroughly sick of it (2,7) 16. Men Only issues cover playing field, 22 down’s one of them (5,10) 19. Insurance for theatrical feats spanning river? (6,3) 21. Sage in 5 Hindu borders (5) 22. Bent front off charm (7) 23. See 22 down 24. Radio Nicosia’s dialect? (5) 25. Was very camp redcoat sacked about a quarter past five? (9)

DOWN

1. Dilemma: director in Tesco’s fiddled over- heads (5,5) 2. Such blemishes are unusual for a magistrate (8) 3. Cargo avoiding Spain for a start (6) 4,8. One of 16 useless people (8) 5. Low needs winds and time to cross Atlantic (10) 6. Begin to take drugs regularly for that dreamy feeling (8) 7. A short distance to river wall (6) 8. See 4 14. One line transformed into a complex Brechtian effect (10) 15. When queens made out in disguise? (10) 17. Cast of ten performed this in Paris foyer (8) 18. Old big-chested guys’ backstreet scraps (8) 20. Federer starts serving well opposite (6) 21. High-spirited doctor, one who 25 in hospital? (6) 22,12,23 across Lacking love, baby due to expire, Ursa involved – best known of 16? (4,7,2,1,4) 23. Last platform that’s retained by its former operating company (4)

QUICK ANSWERS

QUICK CROSSWORD

1. Strike with something flat (6) 4. Supposedly expert judge of films, music etc (6) 8. Craze (5) 9. Old, moderately quick French dance (7) 10. Hot stuff ! (7) 11. Expel from home or country (5) 12. It’s followed by an aircraft when landing (5,4) 17. Egg cell (5) 19. Dropout (7) 21. Press (a lover?) (7) 22. Sediment (5) 23. Car accidents (6) 24. 52 times a year (6)

DOWN

1. Love apple (6) 2. Motormouth (7) 3. Form (5) 5. Mediterranean resort area (7) 6. Ethnic group in Rwanda (5) 7. Sharp and able (6) 9. Fantastically hideous (9) 13. Kind of lettuce (7) 14. Sit at any available office workstation (7) 15. Appears suddenly (4,2) 16. Cold and unfriendly (glance or reception?) (6) 18. Flap at the back of the soft palate (5) 20. (In fillms or music) group not linked to a major company (5)

CRYPTIC ANSWERS

ACROSS

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