Lincolnshire Pride April 2026

LINCOLNSHIRE

PRIDE LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

164 PAGES

LINCOLNSHIRE’S LARGEST MAGAZINE

Drawing Uphill Lincoln

Artist Matthew Wright’s year-long labour of love DELICIOUS DINING OUT AT RESTAURANT JERICHO THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF COUNTRYSIDE LINCS, LINCOLNSHIRE’S HERITAGE RAILWAYS, EXCLUSIVE IMAGES OF LINCOLNSHIRE’S YOUNG FARMERS’ COUNTY BALL, PLUS: THE FINEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN AND AROUND LINCOLNSHIRE APRIL 2026 ­ £7.99

Julian Wilkinson, CEO & Publisher, Pride Magazines

WELCOME TO PRIDE

S

ome things take a bit of time. Others take

shared by some really dedicated volunteers, who

much longer... and some things are just

will be blowing their whistles this month and

a labour of love. An example of the latter

shouting ‘All aboard’ as a new fireman, Andrea

is Matthew Wright’s remarkable large-scale

Laister, steps onto the footplate of the railway’s

artwork, approaching completion this spring.

heritage locomotives.

The Papestry is a project that Matt has been

This month we’re also dining out at Restaurant

working on since August. His mission is to draw, in ink, each of the buildings along Lincoln’s Bailgate and Steep Hill. That sounds tricky enough, but with wonky old buildings and a sloping street to contend with, Matt’s patience and attention to detail are nothing short of heroic. We’ll meet him later in this edition and find out how he’s getting on with a project that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.

A labour of love too is the care and maintenance of the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway’s engines and station near Ludford. Happily it’s a labour

Jericho in the Vale of Belvoir. We meet Alfie Boe, who will be appearing at Skegness’s Embassy Centre as part of a tour to promote his 18th studio album, this time featuring songs penned by the opera singer himself.

Elsewhere, we’re marking the 10th anniversary of Countryside Lincs at the county’s showground and, staying with the theme of inspiring youngsters, we’ve images from the recent Lincolnshire Young Farmers’ County Ball.

Our best wishes for a wonderful month!

3

APRIL 2026

10

16

LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

FOOD & DRINK

08

LOCAL NEWS Our round-up of ‘good news’ stories from across Lincolnshire.

16

10

HIGH LIFE The Lincolnshire Young Farmers hold their 2026 county ball.

DINING OUT A restaurant unlike any other in the Vale of Belvoir, we visit Restaurant Jericho for a 20-course tasting menu!

31

THE GUIDE The best live events, music theatre and other events taking place across Lincolnshire in April.

22

LINCOLNSHIRE RESTAURANTS Our comprehensive guide to the best local restaurants, cafés, bistros and food producers and suppliers.

42

FULL STEAM AHEAD Heritage rail in Lincolnshire with Andrea Laister.

26

52

THE PAPESTRY Illustrator Matthew Wright’s labour of love in Lincoln.

RECIPE Classic French bistro dining courtesy of Matthew Ryle’s new book of Gallic dishes.

29

WINE April recommendations.

104

FARMING With Andrew Ward MBE.

106

WEDDINGS Jono & Dee say ‘I do!’

4

88

140

HOMES & GARDENS

PORTFOLIO

58

WELCOME HOME Look around this month’s feature property, a superb family home beautifully updated with open countryside views.

118

PROFILE Five decades of art plus the finest names in 20th-century design, in a gallery like no other.

66

HOMES & GARDENS A spring reset with ideas for outdoor living and furniture from Gates Garden Centre.

126

FASHION Reinventing denim, plus our bright and beautiful fashion ideas for spring and summer.

72

BRIGHT IDEAS Broughtons lighting.

136

STYLE FOR MEN Style with Sunspel.

82

GARDENING Advice from Mark Lane plus the county’s NGS open gardens.

140

TRAVEL Beautiful balmy Bali.

146

MOTORS Mazda’s MX-5 Convertible.

94

LUXURY HOMES Executive and rural homes across Lincolnshire.

160

ALMANAC Trivia and fiction.

READ FREE ONLINE: visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk/lincolnshire TO SUBSCRIBE: visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk/lincolnshire/subscribe

5

LINCOLNSHIRE

PRIDE LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

164 PAGES

Professionally delivered to the region’s wealthiest households

LINCOLNSHIRE’S LARGEST MAGAZINE

Pride Magazines engage with over 60,000 readers across print and digital. Each edition is delivered free of charge via Royal Mail directly to the wealthiest households — exclusively those in council tax bands F, G and H, typically valued at £500,000+.

Drawing Uphill Lincoln

Artist Matthew Wright’s year-long labour of love DELICIOUS DINING OUT AT RESTAURANT JERICHO THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF COUNTRYSIDE LINCS, LINCOLNSHIRE’S HERITAGE RAILWAYS, EXCLUSIVE IMAGES OF LINCOLNSHIRE’S YOUNG FARMERS’ COUNTY BALL, PLUS: THE FINEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN AND AROUND LINCOLNSHIRE APRIL 2026 £7.99

This month’s cover shows Lincoln’s Frequency Festival of Light, Play and Discovery. We’re always looking for outstanding images that show off the area in which we live. To submit your photograph for possible use on our cover, email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

CEO & Publisher of Pride Magazines: Julian Wilkinson.

Managing Director: Matthew Deere.

Advertising Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Sales Executives: Aisha Joyce, Miranda Harness, Chelsea Zealand, Eboni Canham, Grace Trotter, Hermione John.

Finance: Margarita Pavlesevica.

Accounts: Mia Garner, Craig Relton.

IT Manager: Ian Bagley.

Web Developer: Joe Proctor.

We are the only local magazine delivered by Royal Mail directly to letterboxes. We never rely on paperboys or bulk drops. Every copy is placed with precision, ensuring your brand reaches a discerning, affluent audience.

Our circulation is further extended through carefully selected placements in premium venues including luxury dealerships, private hospitals, golf clubs, fine dining restaurants, and boutique hotels – keeping Pride highly visible across the region’s most influential spaces.

Alongside this unrivalled distribution, Pride also leads the way online, with over 36,000 discerning social media followers – more than any other local magazine. Our editions are also available via our website, app, and on Readly and Issuu, allowing readers to enjoy every issue online.

Each issue blends engaging editorial, striking design, and features that celebrate luxury living – the perfect setting to showcase the region’s finest businesses.

To promote your business in Pride, call 01529 469977, email sales@pridemagazines.co.uk, or download our media pack at www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

Pride Magazines Boston Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Way, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 7TW. Telephone: 01529 469977.

Web: www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

Email: sales@pridemagazines.co.uk

Enjoy Pride Magazines on your tablet or computer

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

In the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride Magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available. Selected images in our content may be sourced from www.shutterstock.com.

You can enjoy all of our Pride magazines free each month on your tablet. Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk to start reading, or visit Readly, the online newsstand.

Readly is a downloadable app for your phone and tablet enabling you to view all of the pages in over 8,000 magazines, with all back issues of magazines available to view too.

Magazines appear in high resolution, you can zoom in or view in reader mode. You can also receive notifications when a new edition is published so you’ll never miss an edition!

See gb.readly.com to begin your free one month trial.

Available in print, via our app, and on Readly, the online newsstand. Don’t forget to follow us on social media too... www.facebook.com /LincolnshirePride

6

www.instagram.com /lincolnshirepride

Local News Market Rasen Racecourse one of the best in Britain

Lincolnshire & Newark MPs set for senior Reform roles Two MPs from our area have been identified as the candidates for senior roles in a future Reform government.

Newark MP Robert Jenrick, the previous Conservative Party Housing Secretary, defected to Reform in January and has been named by the party as the party’s equivalent of the Shadow Chancellor.

Separately, Richard Tice, MP for Boston and Skegness, has been given a new portfolio combining business, trade and energy, comparable to a Shadow Business Secretary, in addition to holding serving as Deputy Prime Minister if Reform is successful in the next General Election.

£28m upgrade for RAF Coningsby Vital work has begun on improving the airfield and runways at RAF Coningsby, with an investment of £28m.

The site is home to the Quick Reaction Alert squadron and to the RAF’s BBMF and Typhoon display teams.

8

Market Rasen Racecourse has been named one of Britain’s leading racecourses after it achieved an ‘excellent’ rating in the Racecourse Association’s Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS). The Jockey Club-owned venue was one of just 14 out of 59 racecourses nationwide to score 90% or higher in independent raceday assessments.

Author Frances’s Unwin nomination Lincolnshire-born journalist and author Frances Ryan has been shortlisted for The Unwin Award 2026, a £10,000 prize recognising outstanding early-career non-fiction writers. Frances is a Guardian columnist and reporter for the past decade, is the author of Who Wants Normal?: The Disabled Girls’ Guide to Life. The judging panel praised her writing for helping readers achieve resilience. The award winner will be announced on 21st April.

New cathedral canon will lead lifelong learning Lincoln Cathedral appoints The Revd Canon Dr Kevin Walton as its new Canon Chancellor who will also create a new research centre

L

incoln Cathedral is pleased to announce that The Revd Canon Dr Kevin Walton is to become Canon Chancellor.

Kevin was Canon Chancellor at St Albans Cathedral, and before that he was a parish priest in Sunderland and a curate in Hartlepool, both in the Diocese of Durham where he was ordained. He comes to Lincoln with his wife Linda.

The Chancellor is responsible for developing Lincoln Cathedral as an outward-facing place of lifelong learning and research, and will deliver a new, creative programme of activities and events.

He also has responsibility for the Cathedral’s library and archives,

and for the care, conservation and the display of the Cathedral’s artefacts. As part of this role, Kevin will lead the development of a new research centre at the Cathedral.

Kevin said, “It is with deep gratitude and much excitement that I look forward to coming to Lincoln and sharing in its mission to be a beacon for all in its diocese and region.”

“What particularly drew me was the opportunity to start and grow in partnerships a new programme of lifelong theological learning to help more people encounter God and deepen their discipleship. St Albans and its people have be-

Sign of the times for ABP New 227-acre industrial, automotive and logistics hub is autographed by VIPs

A

ssociated British Ports (ABP), recently invited VIPs to sign their names on some of the 650 tonnes of steel structure used to create HELM, the new 227-acre industrial, automotive and logistics park which will open later this year. Lincolnshire’s mayor, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, joined Andrew Dawes Regional Director of ABP

plus Martin Vickers, MP for Brigg & Immingham; Melanie Onn MP, for Grimsby & Cleethorpes; Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council; Simon Green, the CEO of Humber Freeport; and Greg Dawes, Head of Property for ABP Associated British Ports in Humberside.

Image: David Lee Photography.

Send your Lincolnshire news stories or press releases to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

VisitEngland praises Sleaford heritage sites Local News

T come very dear to us, so moving on will be a wrench, but my experience of ministry and learning in that place with its own deep and lively roots of faith, makes me ready and eager to welcome this new challenge in Lincoln.”

The Very Revd Dr Simon Jones, Dean of Lincoln said, “I'm delighted that Kevin has accepted the Bishop’s invitation to become

Lincoln Cathedral’s next Canon Chancellor. He is joining us at an exciting time as we look forward to the reopening of the Medieval and Christopher Wren Libraries next year, and to the setting up of its new Library, Archive and Research Centre.”

Kevin will be installed during Choral Evensong on Saturday 25th April 2026.

wo of Sleaford’s best-loved heritage attractions have been praised by VisitEngland for offering an outstanding visitor experience.

Cogglesford Watermill and Navigation House have both retained their Quality Assured Visitor Attraction Status following recent inspections, with assessors highlighting the warmth of the welcome and the enthusiasm of staff.

Cogglesford Watermill, a fully restored working mill owned by

North Kesteven District Council, achieved an overall quality score of 85% after an inspection in January. VisitEngland described the site as “warm and welcoming” with “friendly staff,” noting its beautiful natural surroundings and strong reputation with visitors. The report also praised the calm, professional service provided even during busy periods.

Nearby Navigation House, built almost 190 years ago as the original canal company office, scored 87%, rising from 80% in 2023.

Inspectors commended its “fantastic customer engagement,” quirky facts and highly effective storytelling, as well as its interactive activities for children.

Councillor Richard Wright said the results reflected the dedication of staff and the value of the sites to Sleaford’s economy.

Cogglesford Mill’s volunteers... the mill is open for its Traditional Milling Day on Sunday 12th April and Sunday 10th May.

9

HIGH LIFE

LINCOLNSHIRE YOUNG FARMERS’ COUNTY BALL Lots of fun and a celebration of the county’s rural future at the Lincolnshire Showground recently. The Lincolnshire Young Farmers’ County Ball, attended by over 300 youngsters, was a great event to photograph!

Images: Rob Davis.

10

Over 300 of Lincolnshire’s Young Farmers gathered recently in the Epic Centre for the annual County Ball supported by many generous sponsors. With clubs spread across Lincolnshire, the group offers far more than farming, creating a social network where friendships are formed and confidence is built.

Members take part in competitions, training and events that develop practical skills, leadership and teamwork, from stock judging to public speaking. There is also a strong emphasis on giving back, with fundraising and volunteering supporting local charities and causes throughout the year. Social events remain at the heart of the organisation, from rallies and dances to trips and informal gatherings, ensuring plenty of fun alongside hard work.

See www.lincsyfc.org.uk.

11

13

LEAKE’S MASONRY LTD TRADITIONAL STONEMASONS SINCE 1840 New granite and marble memorials, additionals and cleaning work undertaken.

EVE STREET | LOUTH | LINCS | LN11 0JJ T: 01507 604 828 E: leakesmasonry@aol.com

www.leakesmasonry.co.uk

14

15

DINING OUT

RESTAURANT

JERICHO

It’s a restaurant unlike any other. It offers a dining out experience unlike any other. ‘Unique’ is a term that’s so often overused, but on this occasion, it’s wholly applicable to Richard & Grace Stevens’ tasting menu restaurant on the border of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire Words: Rob Davis.

It’s safe to say that Restaurant Jericho is a place like no other. Located on Richard Stevens’ family farm, which has been in the family for four generations, it’s situated in the village of Plungar in the Vale of Belvoir.

Before we go any further, we ought to acknowledge that the village is on the border of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, so technically not in Lincolnshire, but on this occasion it’s worth us playing fast and loose with county borders in order to recommend a dining experience that’s really quite extraordinary in terms of its ambition, scale and creativity.

In fact, we can’t think of a comparable dining experience anywhere else in Britain, never mind in our neck of the woods. Founded by Rich and Grace, it follows a tasting menu format comprising no fewer than 20 courses.

This is served to just 14 diners on a Friday and Saturday and priced at £140 per person with an optional flight of half a dozen wines for £80.

Rich is self-taught and opened an artisan butchery on the farm in 2017, then a steakhouse called Dickies before Covid sent the whole hospitality sector into torpor.

When it reopened, Rich and Grace had reinvented the place, establishing Restaurant Jericho adjacent to a kitchen garden with a view to producing ultra-seasonal dishes from a single menu that evolves every single week.

Our visit came at the worst time for the couple. It was a Saturday morning with a kitchen team prepping for evening service, when Rich and Grace were due to fly out to Dublin to the Michelin Awards for GB & Ireland 2026. There they were to find out if they would retain their Michelin Green Star, an accolade that was established in 2020 to recognise ‘sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly practices.’

Oh, and did we mention that Grace was due to deliver the couple’s fourth daughter as Pride goes to press? Suffice to say the couple are very busy indeed... as is the restaurant itself, it seems.

Opposite: Wild boar, eel and Marmite skewers. Above: Cheese, orchard apple and sorrel. Porthilly oyster, blackberry & Bramley.

17

DINING OUT

ON THE MENU

JERICHO NB: Menu changes every day, based on what is seasonal and fresh.

This is a sample menu only.

20­course menu £140 per person, Kitchen Bench £160 per person, Paired wines £80 per person.

Artichoke, White Stilton, Damson.

Jericho Charcuterie.

'Dans Ma Bulle', Les Enfants Sauvage, Cotes Catalanes, 2021

Lincolnshire Poacher Churros.

Pigs Blood Tart.

Chicken Leg. Lamb, Blackberry.

Duck Leg Croquette.

Patchwork, La Cuverie, Savoie, 2023

‘Our Bread, Our Butter.’

'Keep on Pushing', Baby Bandito, Testalonga, Swartland, 2022

Celeriac, Celery, Apple Today’s Cheese, Leek, Red Onion 'Cool Moon' Les Enfants Sauvage, Cotes Catalanes, 2021

Garden Herb Chawanmushi, Ox Liver Bushi.

Squash, Naked Oats, Lincolnshire Poacher 50.

Blaufränkisch, Judith Beck, Burgenland, 2023

100 Day Old Chicken, Tenderstem, Chicken Liver.

Lamb, Date, Turnip.

‘Absteme S’abstenir, ‘Cosse Maisonneuve, Cahors, 2018

Pork, Beetroot, Bramley Apple.

Botterill's Duck, Fig. Silage Ice Cream.

'Blet Tendre', Les Terres Blanches, Oiron, 2021

Apple, Crown Prince Squash, Caramel.

Parsnip, Hazelnut, Molasses.

Stilton Creme Brûlée.

18

In fact, during our visit in early February, the place was booked up until April, with hopeful diners on a waiting list, keen to secure a table in the event of a cancellation.

Walking through the door the place was as we remembered it, but... even better. The door in question is a heavy, weathered Corten steel one, leading to the dining room with an open kitchen at the far end with open flame cooking ranges. There are timber beams, timber and metal cladding, painted timber floors, a turntable with vinyl records, a wood burner and metal topped tables. At the centre of the room is a reclaimed workbench with a Bonsai tree and green moss. It’s all really rustic and really cool.

Next to the restaurant is a bar with a similar vibe; retro seating and chunky furniture with a sort of rustic/Scandi colour scheme.

If you’re used to Michelin-level dining, you’re probably accustomed to white tablecloths, formality and adaptable service.

This is the antithesis of what Restaurant Jericho is about, but any perceived inflexibility is simply a reflection on the labour that goes on behind the scenes. The restaurant can’t cater for vegetarians or vegans and can’t accommodate substitutions... it’s just not possible at this level.

Instead, Rich and the team grow their own produce in their kitchen garden or, when quality and consistency necessitate, source produce like potatoes from the farm five minutes down the road.

As a trained butcher, Rich and his two chefs take whole carcass pig, beef, lamb and venison, using every last bit, ensuring no waste. Meat is hung and dry-aged in-house for as long as possible, far exceeding the usual 28-days quoted by most butchers. Game is sourced from Belvoir and Buckminster.

In addition the team utilises raw milk from less than a mile down the road to make their own cream and butter in-house as well as baking the restaurant’s bread.

Working in such a way means the availability of ingredients changes from day to day and so the restaurant’s menus change every single week, the brigade thinking on their feet and creating new dishes each week.

That fact, and the restaurant’s long lead times have led Rich and Grace to offer Work in Progress evenings, colloquially, ‘WIP’ nights on Wednesday and Thursday.

The idea is that instead of a 20 course menu at £140, you can enjoy six to eight dishes currently under development.

Feedback is actively sought and when diners love the kitchen’s WIP dishes, they make it onto the Friday and Saturday tasting menus.

The couple have certainly raised eyebrows in the industry. After all, so few covers, so many courses, the restaurant’s price point and the fact that it’s only open for diners four evenings a week, not to mention the labour-intensive

Above/Left: Farm Egg.

nature of the dishes would conspire to make even the bravest restaurant owners nervous.

But the couple are smashing it out of the park, not because of the fancy nature of the dishes, or the smart dining environment.

RESTAURANT

JERICHO

Plungar, near Grantham

The best explanation we can offer for Restaurant Jericho’s demonstrable success is the authenticity and down-to-earth warmth of experience. At its heart, Rich is really down to earth; ‘humble and honest hospitality,’ as it says on the restaurant’s website.

The Pitch: “A dining experience inspired by humble ingredients and the most honest way to cook; fire.

20­course tasting menu from the kitchen garden and local farms.”

Fundamentally, Rich and the team of chefs understand farming, ingredients, and about bringing a warm welcome to diners. For all its drama and the extensive number of courses, Restaurant Jericho is about local, seasonal ingredients, really good food and a great evening.

Menus: Work in Progress (WIP) Wednesday, Thursday, £50 per person. tasting menu of 20 courses Friday, Saturday £140 per person.

Booking essential.

It’s absolutely unique and the couple really do deserve all of the success, having created something very different... but really quite brilliant.

Restaurant Jericho Orchard Farm, Plungar, Nottingham NG13 0JA. Call 01949 869733 or see www.restaurantjericho.com.

19

Proud to be part of St orrd’’ss hospitality S amffo and tourism community

R ess t or i n g S t am f or d ’s h i s t or ic p as t f or o t he enj o y m en t o f t o ur i s t s an d l o c a l s a l i k e , f or gene er a t i on s t o c om e.

kneadpubs.co.uk |

THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE

BOSTON THE BALL HOUSE

A family­friendly pub with a cosy atmosphere, offering traditional British fare. Known for its Sunday carvery and extensive menu that includes options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten­free diners.

Wainfleet Road, Boston, PE21 9RL. Call 01205 364478 theballhouseboston.co.uk.

San Pietro, Scunthorpe

MEET & MEAT

A distinctive fusion of Mediterranean­inspired cuisine with a modern touch.

West Street, Boston PE21 8QN. Call 07723 237070 or see www.meetandmeat.co.uk.

THE MILL INN OUR GOOD FOOD AWARDS WINNERS

A popular pub known for its warm ambiance and classic British pub dishes and Italian too.

Spilsby Rd, Boston, PE21 9QN. Call 01205 352874 or see www.themillboston.co.uk.

MONKEY & I Each year we ask our readers to vote for their favourite restaurants, coffee shops and food producers. We reveal our winners in our January editions. We’ve highlighted our winners in gold to make sure they’re easy to see!

Promote your business in our Good Food Guide for just £15 + VAT per month!

Get in touch with our friendly team on 01529 469977 or email us at sales@pridemagazines.co.uk to find out more.

Help us keep Lincolnshire Pride up to date: If you notice a change to any restaurant, pub or café featured, we’d love your help to ensure our listings are comprehensive and up to date... email any updates to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk 22

Conveniently located in Church Street, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to meet up, relax, and enjoy our authentic Thai cuisine.

Church Street, Boston PE21 6NW. Call 07808 590203 or see www.monkeyandithai.co.uk.

THE ROPERS ARMS

Italian bistro serving authentic dishes, set in an early C19th public house overlooking the Maud Foster mill and river.

Horncastle Road, Boston PE21 9BU. Call 07572 456110.

THE WHITE HART

Part of the Coaching Inn Group, set within a charming 19th­century hotel, this restaurant provides a varied menu focused on British cuisine. The riverside views make it an ideal spot for a memorable meal.

High Street, Boston, PE21 8SH. Call 01205 311900 or see www.whitehartboston.com.

YE OLDE RED LION

An award­winning country pub that prides itself on producing satisfying dishes.

Cosy atmosphere in the winter, with Low beams & log burning fires. For great summer dining there’s also a relaxing beer garden. Try the Lincolnshire Tapas, too!

Bicker, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3EF. Call 01775 821200, www.redlionbicker.co.uk.

GRANTHAM ANGEL & ROYAL

Reputedly England's oldest inn, with the Kings Room Restaurant and Bertie's Bistro and Bar. High Street, Grantham, NG31 6PN. Call 01476 565 816 or see www.angelandroyal.co.uk.

BELTON WOODS

Bar & Grill with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and offers an inviting selection of flavourful grilled dishes.

Spa, golf course and four­star accommodation on site.

Gonerby NG32 2LN. Call 01476 593 200 or see www.beltonwoods.co.uk.

BROWNLOW ARMS

In the heart of a picturesque village in Lincolnshire, the Brownlow Arms is a 17th­ century country inn formerly owned by Lord Brownlow.

Providing good old fashioned country hospitality and modern comforts in a tranquil and relaxing location.

Hough on the Hill, NG32 2AZ. Call 01400 250234 or see www.thebrownlowarms.com.

THE CHEQUERS

Seasonal dishes from longstanding favourites to monthly changing dishes, from a team passionate about creating the tastiest and most interesting food they can.

Woolsthorpe By Belvoir, NG32 1LU. Call 01476 870701 or see www.chequersinn.net.

THE GREEN MAN

A traditional British pub offering hearty meals in a friendly setting, specialising in steaks and classic pub fare.

High St, Ropsley, NG33 4BE. Call 01476 585897 or see the-green-man-ropsley.com.

HARE & HOUNDS

17th­century public house promises good dining, and a friendly atmosphere.

Fulbeck, Grantham NG32 3JJ. Call 01400 273322 or see hareandhoundsfulbeck.com.

PLOUGH, WILSFORD

Exceptional pub restaurant home to Paul Reseigh, formerly of the George of Stamford. Fabulous à la carte menu of satisfying dishes prepared with excellent chefcraft and imagination.

Wilsford, NG32 3NS. Call 01400 664037 or see theploughinnwilsford.co.uk.

RESTAURANT JERICHO Fine dining in the Vale of Belvoir courtesy of this fascinating 20­course tasting menu based restaurant, with just 12 covers a night.

Orchard Farm, Plungar NG13 0JA. Call 01949 728288 or see www.restaurantjericho.com.

LINCOLN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2025

ANTLERS AT THE WHITE HART

Lincolnshire Pride’s Restaurant of the Year for 2024, as voted for by our readers. Antlers serves seasonally inspired à la carte lunch and dinner menu. For those who are looking for a perfect way to celebrate, Antlers also serves a full Afternoon Tea menu and classic cocktails as well as offering a private dining.

Bailgate, LN1 3AR. Call 01522 526222 or see whitehart-lincoln.co.uk.

THE BRONZE PIG

A stylish, modern restaurant known for its seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients with an innovative Mediterranean twist.

Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LB Call 01522 524817 or see www.thebronzepig.co.uk.

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR 2025

GRAIN STORE CAFÉ, RESTAURANT & BAR Delicious breakfast and lunch served daily, with evening dining Friday and Saturday, showcasing seasonal estate­grown produce, rare breed Lincoln Red beef and the finest local ingredients.

Doddington Hall, Lincoln, LN6 4RU. Call 01522 243189 or see www.doddingtonhall.com.

HOBBSONS

Formerly Browns Pie Shop & Restaurant. A ‘Best of British’ restaurant.

Steep Hill, Lincoln, LN2 1LU. Call 01522 527330 or see www.hobbsons.co.uk.

THE JEWS HOUSE RESTAURANT

Respected restaurant housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings.

Set menu and tasting menu.

Artisan produce, seasonal, freshness, excellent service.

The Strait, Lincoln, LN2 1JD. Call 01522 524851 or see jewshouserestaurant.co.uk.

NO.38 AT THE TOWER

KENWICK PARK

3 AA star hotel offering exceptional dining for non­residents, delivering satisfying à la carte dishes.

38 Westgate, Lincoln LN1 3BD. Call 01522 529999 or see www.thetowerlincoln.com.

Fantastic food and drink in the family­friendly Fairways Restaurant and Keepers Bar. Kenwick Park, Louth LN11 8NR. Call 01507 608806 or see www.kenwick-park.co.uk.

THE OLD BAKERY

Phenomenal dining and rustic quality courtesy of Gareth Bartrum... highly recommended.

Cornmarket, Louth, LN11 9PY Call 01507 311805 or see auctionhouserestaurant.co.uk

A not­for­profit restaurant offering tasting menus that highlight seasonal ingredients.

26-28 Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LB. Call 01522 244646, www.theold-bakery.co.uk.

OLÉ OLÉ

Family­run authentic Spanish restaurant set in the heart of Lincolnshire’s historic Lawns, great for summer dining outdoor but equally satisfying in the cooler months.

The Lawn 3 Ingleman Place, Union Rd, Lincoln, LN1 3BU. Call 01522 534222 or see www.oleolelincoln.co.uk.

THE THOROLD ARMS

Paul Vidic, renowned Lincolnshire chef, took over the running of a community pub, in 2021 to provide excellent food and drink in a relaxed and beautiful setting in Harmston.

High Street, Harmston LN5 9SN. Call 01522 722788 or see thoroldarmsharmston.co.uk.

WASHINGBOROUGH HALL HOTEL

Grade II listed, 4­star Georgian Manor House hotel two miles east of Lincoln. Serving two AA­rosette award­winning dishes under Head Chef Mark Cheseldine.

Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1EH. Call 01522 790340, www.washingboroughhall.com

AUCTION HOUSE

NEWARK TAYLOR’S FINE DINING

Family­run, fine­dining restaurant in the heart of Newark. Locally sourced, seasonal produce with tasting menus and set menus.

Castle Gate, Newark NG24 1AZ. Call 01636 659986, or see www.taylors-restaurant.co.uk.

NORTH & NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE FOREST PINES

Spa, hotel and golf estate with restaurant near Brigg offering bistro dining.

Brigg, DN20 0AQ. Call 01652 650 770 or see www.forestpineshotel.co.uk.

HOPE & ANCHOR

Fantastic Michelin Bib Gourmand lauded pub restaurant run by Slawomir Mikolajczyk.

South Ferriby, DN18 6JQ. Call 01652 635334 or see thehopeandanchorpub.co.uk.

RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS 2025

PIG & WHISTLE

Locally­sourced British dishes with a rustic charm and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Healing, Grimsby, DN41 7QF. Call 01472 884544 healingmanorhotel.co.uk.

BEST INTERNATIONAL DINING RESTAURANT 2025

SAN PIETRO

Two­AA Rosette Award winning fine dining restaurant benefitting from the Sicilian heritage of Pietro Catalano who runs the business with wife Michelle.

Scunthorpe, DN15 6UH. Call 01724 277774 or see www.sanpietro.uk.com.

WINTERINGHAM FIELDS

Lincolnshire’s only Michelin­ star restaurant offering an immersive dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

Winteringham, DN15 9ND. Call 01724 733096 or see www.winteringhamfields.co.uk.

SKEGNESS GINGERLILY, THE VINE

Cosy, friendly atmosphere and delicious dishes including traditional English meals.

Vine Road, Seacroft, Skegness, PE25 3DB Call 01754 610611 or see www.thevinehotel.co.uk.

SAN RUFO’S

Family­friendly Italian eatery known for its authentic pizzas.

Roman Bank, Skegness, PE25 1SD. Call 01754 612242 or see www.sanrufos.co.uk.

LOUTH & RASEN ADVOCATE ARMS

Award winning restaurant serves fabulous meals created from local ingredients.

The restaurant has been awarded two stars for its dining by the AA. Queen Street, Market Rasen LN8 3EH. Call 01673 842364 or see www.advocatearms.co.uk.

Kenwick Park, Louth.

23

SLEAFORD THE BARGE AND BOTTLE

A canal­side pub with a relaxed ambiance, and a wide range of satisfying food, including a good provision of Sunday lunch. Outdoor seating area with heaters.

Carre St, Sleaford, NG34 7TW. Call 01529 303303 or see www.thebargeandbottle.co.uk.

THE BUSTARD INN

Beautifully­presented Grade II listed quality pub restaurant, whose awards include two AA rosettes and a Traveller’s Choice award. Exceptional dining in a beautiful rural setting with private dining room and bar with flagstone floor and open fires.

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

THE CARRE ARMS

Charming Edwardian hotel and restaurant renowned for quality service & fabulous food. An eclectic mix of modern English and Mediterranean dishes.

Mareham Lane, Sleaford NG34 7JP. Call 01529 303156 or see carrearmshotel.co.uk.

THE MALLARDS RESTAURANT

Classic British cuisine in a cosy setting, known for its Sunday roasts and welcoming service.

Eastgate, Sleaford, NG34 7DJ. Call 01529 413758.

THE SOLO BISTRO From cosy inns to fine dining, Pride’s Good Food Guide has your Lincolnshire dining plans sorted...

Promote your business in our Good Food Guide for just £15 + VAT per month!

Get in touch with our friendly team on 01529 469977 or email us at sales@pridemagazines.co.uk to find out more.

24

Bistro bar and hotel with traditional dishes presented in a contemporary style making the most of local ingredients.

Market Street, Sleaford NG34 7SF. Call 01529 303200 or see www.thesolo.bar.

TABLEZ BISTRO

Award­winning cafe bistro.

With indoor and outdoor seating as well as a fantastic balcony, a great place to pop in for breakfast or lunch.

Southgate, Sleaford NG34 7RZ. Call 01529 300922.

Jashir in Long Sutton.

THAI SABAI

Contemporary Thai restaurant specialising in Authentic Asian cuisine. Dishes are expertly prepared on the premises.

Thai Chefs using only the finest ingredients along with herbs and spices imported directly from Thailand.

Millstream Square, Sleaford NG34 7RZ. Call 01529 413333 or see thaisabaisleaford.co.uk.

WATERGATE YARD

An all day and late night bar and kitchen in the heart of Sleaford. With world beers and cocktails plus a range of artisan gins.

Water Gate, Sleaford NG34 7PG Call 01529 413489 or see www.watergateyard.co.uk.

SPALDING THE BLACK BULL

Quality pub restaurant offering a well­curated menu packed with hearty food.

Market Place, Donington, Spalding, PE11 4ST. Call 01775 822228 or see theblackbulldonington.co.uk.

JASHIR INDIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

A culinary destination that offers unforgettable Indian dishes made with the finest ingredients and spices.

Market St, Long Sutton, PE12 9DD. Call 01406 821197 or see www.jashir.co.uk.

THE PARLOUR

Authentic, Edwardian­style restaurant for lunch and afternoon tea, overlooking Springfields’ Festival Gardens.

Camelgate, Spalding PE12 6EU. Call 01775 760949 or see www.springfieldsoutlet.co.uk.

STAMFORD THE BULL & SWAN

Everything a traditional English inn should be, with gastro food and real ales, on the magnificent Burghley Estate.

High Street St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 766412 or see www.thebullandswan.co.uk.

CROWN HOTEL

This historic former coaching inn is now a well­regarded restaurant and hotel. A warm atmosphere and dishes with quality local ingredients.

All Saints' Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

MILLY’S BISTRO

Located within the Georgian William Cecil Hotel, Milly’s offers a homely vibrant feel and an inspired menu.

St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 750070 or see www.millysbistro.co.uk.

THE OAK ROOM AT THE GEORGE OF STAMFORD

An elegant, historic venue offering a fine dining experience with classic British cuisine. Located in The George Hotel, this restaurant features candlelit tables and oak­panelled walls, ideal for special occasions.

Choice of two dining rooms; The Garden Restaurant and The Oak Room, the latter has a truly exceptional menu.

St. Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LB. Call 01780 750750 or see georgehotelofstamford.com.

WOODHALL SPA, HORNCASTLE AND CONINGSBY THE ADMIRAL RODNEY

200 year old coaching inn offering daytime and evening dining as well as comfortable accommodation. Part of the award­winning Coaching Inn Group which also includes Boston’s White Hart Hotel.

North St, Horncastle, LN9 5DX. Call 01507 523131 or see www.admiralrodney.com.

THE DOWER HOUSE

Elegant country house hotel providing a range of freshly cooked dishes in a Victorian country house once home to Col Stafford Vere Hotchkin.

Woodhall Spa, LN10 6PY. Call 01526 352588 or see www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk.

KITCHENETTA

Deli and coffee shop providing freshly baked cakes and hampers as well as daytime favourites.

Broadway, Woodhall Spa LN10 6ST. Call 01526 268008 or see www.kitchenetta.co.uk.

THE LEAGATE INN

Quality dining pub, run by the Dennison family since 1983 with Harry & Laura offering delicious seasonal dishes.

Leagate Rd, Coningsby, LN4 4RS. Call 07957 756495 or see www.theleagateinn.co.uk.

MAGPIES

Small family run Restaurant with Rooms set in a row of 200 year old cottages in Horncastle serving a menu of fine dining dishes created by Andrew Gilbert with Caroline Gilbert at front of house.

East Street, Horncastle, LN9 6AA. Call 01507 527004, www.magpiesrestaurant.co.uk.

PETWOOD HOTEL

Serving delicious and creative food with an AA rosette award for quality and consistency.

Restaurant and terrace bar, popular classic afternoon tea provision, historic links to the Dambusters Squadron which once counted the Petwood at its home, and handsome Peto­landscaped grounds. Also renowned for Sunday lunches, and a popular wedding/events venue.

Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QG. Call 01526 352411 or see www.petwood.co.uk.

ZUCCHI BISTRO

Established in 2011 as a Mediterranean bistro with culinary influences.

Tapas and sharing dishes as well as stone­baked pizzas, pasta and al forno dishes.

Station Road, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QL. Call 01526 354466 or see www.zucci.org.

FOOD & DRINK BUTCHERY

Boston Sausage/Mountains, home to the Lincolnshire Sausage, with a dedicated farm shop at Abbey Parks near East Heckington.

Call 01205 821 610 or shop online at www.mountainsfarmshop.com.

Gary Simpson Butchers, offering traceable and exceptional butchery including dry­aged beef plus Lincolnshire sausages, haslet, stuffed chine and more.

Sleaford, Heckington, South Hykeham and Stamford.

01529 460403, shop online at www.gsimpsonbutchers.co.uk.

BAKERY LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE’S BEST FOOD PRODUCER 2025

Myers Bakery, home of the Lincolnshire Plum Loaf and artisan bakers founded by Charles Myer in 1901.

Call 01507 525871 or shop online at www.myersbakery.co.uk.

Vine’s Bakery, specialise in baking artisan breads and pastries using the highest quality ingredients and time honoured traditions.

Call 01522 581353 or shop online at www.vinesartisanbakery.co.uk.

LOCAL CHEESE The Cheese Society, cheese ambassadors, retailers and cheese café in the heart of Lincoln. Subscriptions and gift boxes available. www.thecheesesociety.co.uk.

Cote Hill Cheese, home to Michael and Mary Davenport who have been creating Cote Hill White, Blue, Red, Yellow and Snowdrop from their farm since 2004, now ably assisted by son Joe, second generation cheesemaker. www.cotehill.com.

Lincolnshire Poacher, F W Read’s Tim and Simon Jones produce Lincolnshire Poacher, with a little help from their 230 Holstein Friesian cows... www.lincolnshirepoachercheese.com.

FISH Alfred Enderby, traditional smokehouse in Grimsby specialising in dry­smoking haddock, salmon and trout. www.alfredenderby.co.uk.

East Lincs Seafood, established in 1987 and providing the freshest wet fish and shellfish to consumers. Call 01205 364372.

LINCOLNSHIRE DRINKS Bateman’s, good honest ales since 1874, including flagship XXXB ale, available in bottles or on tap in the best Lincolnshire pubs.

See www.batemansbrewery.co.uk.

Belvoir Fruit Farms, the home of delicious elderflower cordials and pressés, more than 40 drinks, all with natural ingredients.

See www.belvoirfarm.co.uk.

8 Sail Brewery, multi­award­winning microbrewery based in Heckington Windmill. See www.8sailbrewery.com.

Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company Multi­award­winning and passionate about supplying roasted coffee, fine leaf tea, barista training & equipment with excellent customer service. Proud sponsors of The Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Typhoon Display Team. Products include the iconic Lincolnshire Tea. A true fresh approach. www.thelincolnteaandcoffeecompany.co.uk.

Mayfield Vineyard, located in the heart of Burton Pedwardine on a 100­year­old family farm, producing still and sparkling wines. See www.mayfieldwine.co.uk.

Stokes of Lincoln, artisan coffee roastery at The Lawn, Lincoln and on the city’s High Street at High Bridge café. www.stokescoffee.com.

LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE’S BEST DRINKS PRODUCER 2025

Kitchenetta Woodhall Spa.

Tipplemill London Dry Gin, dry gin with locally­milled wheat, juniper and bittersweet citrus and elderflower. See www.tipplemill.com.

25

Recipes

SERVES 4 1.5kg onions (about 6), finely sliced 100g butter 3 garlic cloves, crushed 3 bay leaves Leaves from a few thyme sprigs 300ml white wine 1.3 litres good-quality beef stock 50ml (3 tbsp) soy sauce ½ baguette, 1 day old 250g Gruyère cheese Sea salt flakes and fresh-cracked black pepper n Slowly caramelise the onions in the butter in a wide, heavy­ based pan. After 10 minutes, add a pinch of salt, the garlic and bay leaves. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onions are caramelised and brown, about 45 minutes. I know this sounds a long time... but it'll be worth it! n Add the thyme to the onions, along with the wine. Bring to a simmer and cook until the wine has reduced by half. n Add the beef stock and soy sauce and gently simmer for around 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the baguette into 2cm­thick slices and grate the Gruyère cheese.

RUSTIC FRENCH ONION SOUP

n Preheat the grill and check the seasoning of the soup, adding salt and pepper if required. Ladle the hot soup into 4 ovenproof bowls that can go under the grill, top with the baguette slices and mound high with grated Gruyère, dividing it evenly between the bowls. Place under the hot grill until golden brown and bubbling, then serve. n The secret ingredient to this soup is time, as the onions need to be cooked very low and slow. The more caramelised, deeper colour the onions develop, the more flavour they'll have. n Although making your own stock will result in the most authentic­tasting soup, shop­bought stock will do the trick so long as your onions have received enough love. It's not traditional, but my other secret is a splash of soy sauce, which adds richness and makes those caramelised onion flavours sing.

26

SERVES 4 For the choux pastry: 50g butter, 50ml whole milk 50ml water, 5g (1 tsp) caster sugar, Pinch of salt 100g plain flour, 2 eggs, plus more if needed For the cream: 250ml whipping cream, 25g icing sugar /4 vanilla pod, split lengthways and seeds scraped out

1

For the sauce: 25ml (1/2 tbsp) water 25g caster sugar, 120ml whipping cream 100g 70 per cent cocoa solids chocolate, chopped n Start with the choux buns, so they have time to bake and cool while you are preparing the filling and chocolate sauce. Place a saucepan over a medium heat, add the butter, milk, measured water, sugar and salt and bring to the boil. Once it is boiling, add the flour, then mix well over a medium­low heat for 6–8 minutes, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. Put into a bowl and leave to cool slightly.

PROFITEROLES WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE

n Add the eggs one at a time, and, using the wooden spoon, beat until fully combined. Once both eggs have been added, the mixture should have a spooning consistency: this means it holds its shape, but when you take a spoonful and tap the spoon on the side of the bowl, the mix falls off. If the mix is too thick, add a little more egg. Place in a piping bag. If you are planning to bake these straight away, preheat the oven to 170°C fan. n Put a small spot of choux mix on each corner of a baking sheet and line with baking paper; the mix will stop the paper from flying off in the oven. Pipe the mix with at least a 3cm gap between each profiterole; you're aiming for each to be slightly bigger than a £2 coin. Freeze them now, if you want (see recipe introduction), or proceed to bake them now. Bake the choux buns for 25­30 minutes until firm and golden. Don't open the oven door while they're baking! Take out of the oven and leave to cool. n For the crème chantilly filling, put all the ingredients into a bowl and whip together until you have soft peaks. Spoon into a piping bag, then make a small hole in the base of each cold profiterole and fill with the cream. Alternatively, cut the buns in half to fill them, if you want the cream on show.

ON SALE NOW French Classics, Bloomsbury Publishing, £26, Matthew Ryle.

n Leave the chocolate sauce until you are ready to serve, as you want to be pouring this warm over your choux buns! Bring the measured water, sugar and cream to the boil. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot water and cream mix over the chocolate and mix until the chocolate has melted. Pour generously over the top of your profiteroles.

27

WINE OF THE MONTH

THE SPIRIT OF ENGLAND Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka £33.25, 70cl, 40% ABV www.ramsbury.com

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Pauillac Réserve Spéciale 2020 £89.95, 75cl, 13.5% ABV

An exceptionally smooth English vodka which comes from Ramsbury Estate in Wiltshire, distilled entirely from home­grown wheat and filtered through chalk water. Bright, elegant and silky, smooth with notes of dried fruits, cocoa and caramel.

It’s a lovely choice for a crisp Martini or served over ice with citrus zest.

There’s no better way to celebrate the turn of the season than with a classic claret. Rich cassis, cedar and graphite notes balance with refined tannins and bright acidity. Blackcurrant and a brambly character make this a wine that’s immediately enjoyable yet has the structure to

Wine & Spirits From crisp English vodka to fine Champagne, expressive spring wines and elegant alcohol­free spirits, discover beautifully balanced bottles designed for lighter dishes, longer evenings, garden tables and seasonal entertaining.

Elegant Single Bottles to Savour This Spring Whispering Angel Rosé is an iconic rosé, with delicate aromas of grapefruit, red berries and citrus, £22.50, 75cl, 13% ABV.

Bollinger Special Cuvée, classic grower Champagne with fine mousse, brioche complexity and citrus, £56, 75cl, 12% ABV.

Aldo Conterno Bussia Barolo is a structured red for spring. Cherry, and spices, ideal for easter roasts, £124, 75cl, 14% ABV.

age. Pair it with lamb cutlets, roast spring vegetables or simply enjoy beside a roaring fire on a cooler April evening.

THREE SPIRIT’S ALCOHOL FREE PICK-ME-UP Three Spirit Livener, £25.99, 50cl, 0% ABV, www.threespiritdrinks.com For those embracing mindful drinking this spring, this herbaceous, refreshing non­alcoholic spirit delivers complexity without compromise.

Perfect with premium tonic and citrus, or in a sophisticated mocktail, it brings aromatic depth from botanicals and gentle spice, making it far more interesting than your average soft drink.

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

29

30

What’s On

The Guide APRIL 2026

LIVE EVENTS | MUSIC |THEATRE | CINEMA | BOOKS

32

40

Alfie Boe

What’s On

An exclusive interview with Alfie Boe ahead of his live performance at Skegness’s Embassy Centre.

Live music and theatre, in and around Lincolnshire plus new releases of books and movies.

38

42

Spring Forward

Vintage Rail

10th anniversary of Lincolnshire Showground’s family­friendly celebration of the countryside.

Steaming ahead with the Lincolnshire Wolds Heritage Railway

31

ALFIE BOE

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT

ALFIE? Alfie Boe returns to Lincolnshire this May with a new tour and a strikingly personal new album, Face Myself, his first record to feature predominantly self-written material

A

Words: Rob Davis.

lfie Boe has never been short of surprises, not least in surprising his workmates. Born in Lancashire, he left school and began working at TVR, a manufacturer of lightweight, handbuilt sports cars. Whilst polishing the paintwork of the firm’s Chimera and Griffith, Alfie began belting out operatic arias, not the usual soundtrack to working life in a factory or workshop.

He did manage to impress one customer who had come to see their car on the production line, though, and that client had connections to the music industry. He urged Alfie to audition in London with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, and the rest is history.

From a factory in Fleetwood to the world’s grandest stages, via an OBE and a Tony Award, Alfie has built a career defined by versatility, passion and an unmistakable voice.

Whether commanding opera houses, leading the cast of Les Misérables as Jean Valjean, or selling out arenas alongside long-time friend Michael Ball, he has become one of Britain’s most admired performers, with four UK Number One albums and a multi-platinum discography to his name.

This month, Alfie is preparing to unveil perhaps his most personal project yet, a record that steps away from the familiar ‘Opera Dude’ label and reveals the man behind the stage persona. Face Myself, released on 10th April, is his first album

featuring predominantly original material, marking a songwriting debut that has been quietly building for years.

Alfie spoke to us from an uncharacteristically sunny Manchester in advance of the album and admitted that he is excited about its release. “It’s been quite a journey to get to this point where I can release a number of my original songs, a number of songs that I’ve written for this album.”

For an artist so celebrated for interpreting the classics, the move into original songwriting might seem like a dramatic reinvention. Yet Alfie insists this is not a sudden pivot, but the culmination of a long-held ambition and decades of experience.

“I’ve been writing for years,” he reveals. “I started writing really back in the early days, back when I was a student in college.”

He explains that his songwriting has always evolved alongside his career, shaped by the repertoire he was immersed in at the time.

“When you sing certain types of repertoire and you sing a lot of it, it influences your writing,” he says. “I was singing a lot of Italian, Viennese music, German music, and I started to write melodies and lyrics that fit that sort of genre of music.”

As his career expanded, so did his musical vocabulary. “When I got into the operatic world, I started writing certain types of arias.

And then when I got into musical theatre, I branched out into that.”

33

“And then the contemporary world with Michael Ball encouraged me to write in more of the contemporary vibe. And then the rock vibe with Pete Townshend.”

IN BRIEF

Alfie Boe

That musical education, he says, is the foundation of Face Myself. “I’ve had all this wealth of information saturated on me, and I’ve soaked every bit of it up. It’s influenced where I am right now.”

Yet despite writing for years, Alfie admits it has not always been easy to break free from expectations. “When you sort of establish yourself as a certain performer or singer in this industry, sometimes you can get locked into a bit of a bit of a box,” he says.

“Having the artistic licence to try and break out of that slightly to bring in your own creative music and your own creative worth can be a little tricky.”

Still, he believes the timing is right. “The years that I’ve spent in a certain lane, or performing other people’s music, has given me the opportunity and the education to write songs within that spectrum,” he says. “I don’t think the music that I’ve written is so shocking or diverse that it’s going to worry anybody.

Because it’s quite emotive. It’s very me.”

That emotional honesty is at the heart of the album’s title. “It’s a celebration of everything that’s happened in the past, personally and professionally,” he says. “I thought, what is it about me that I have to face? For me, it was a number of moments in the past, my childhood, my teenage years, what got me to where I am today, my personal life.”

The album touches on themes of fatherhood, love and identity, rooted firmly in his Northern heritage. “Fatherhood is a theme.

My job is a theme,” he says. “The journey and journeys, experiences in life, falling in love, all that sort of stuff is a theme. There’s everything under the sun there, really.”

Alfie is a father of two teenagers, with his daughter Grace turning 18 in May and his son recently turning 14. “They’re wonderful kids.”

34

Early Years: Born 1973, Alfie Boe grew up in Fleetwood, Lancashire. While working at the TVR sports car factory, his singing caught the attention of a customer who urged him to audition for the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company.

Training: Alfie later studied at the Royal College of Music and the National Opera Studio, gaining formal operatic training.

Stardom: Alfie has released 17 studio albums, including four UK Number One albums.

His defining stage role is Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.

He was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to music.

Best Friend: A long­standing friendship and musical partnership with best friend Michael Ball has produced record­breaking albums and sold­out arena tours.

ALFIE BOE

“I JUST WANT THE AUDIENCE TO ENJOY THE ALBUM,” HE SAYS. “IF YOU COME INTO THE SHOW ON THE ROAD, ENJOY THE SHOW AND TAKE A CHANCE AT FACING YOURSELF.” Face Myself was written partly over several years, but much of it came together quickly in the studio. Two songs were written three or four years ago, while the rest were created during sessions beginning in the summer of 2025. “We started writing probably May, June of last year,” he says. “We just got the bank of songs and we chose which ones will go together.”

The record was completed on 19th January, produced by acclaimed duo MyRiot, Tim Bran and Roy Kerr, with Alfie taking a hands-on role in shaping its sound. “The good thing about this album for me is the fact that I’ve been able to have hands on the production,” he says. “So I’ve played piano, I’ve composed string lines on there, I’ve played guitar on it, I’ve done percussion.”

His writing style, he explains, is not built around traditional storytelling, but imagery, inviting the listener to interpret rather than being given a fixed narrative. The album includes a handful of carefully selected cover songs, chosen for their emotional intimacy and ability to sit alongside his own work.

Among them are Guiding Light by Foy Vance, Trying to Find a World That’s Been and Gone

by Noel Gallagher, and Have a Little Faith in Me by John Hiatt. “They fit side by side with everything that I’ve written,” he says.

The first single from the album, Meanwhile Gardens, is released now and offers a glimpse into the record’s raw and cinematic direction.

“Ultimately, the song is about trusting someone close to you and asking them to believe in you,” he says.

“It’s about saying: let’s live our dreams together, let’s plant them, and let’s travel down that road hand-in-hand.”

Alfie will embark on a major UK tour in March and April 2026, bringing Face Myself to life on stage, including a date at Skegness Embassy Theatre on 12th May. The show, he says, will feel stripped back and genuine. Having visited the theatre before, he admits it is one of his preferred venues, where he is almost guaranteed a great audience.

“The opening element of the show is me literally walking out, no big fanfare, no big hurrah,” he says. “It’s just me walking out with a guitar.” He will begin with a lullaby his father sang to him, Beautiful Dreamer by Slim Whitman. “That’s the start of my musical journey,” he says. “Those are the first songs I ever heard in my life.”

From there, audiences can expect a sweeping musical journey through his career, from Italian classics and operatic favourites to musical theatre and contemporary hits.

“There’ll be a huge classical element, and then I’m going to open the floor to people to ask me a question if they want to,” he adds.

With Face Myself, Alfie Boe is stepping into a new era, not by leaving his past behind, but by embracing it fully. “I’m just writing from the heart and believing in what I’m saying,” he says. “Hopefully it can connect with other people and their memories and they can reflect on themselves too. I just want the audience to enjoy the album,” he says. “If you come into the show on the road, enjoy the show and take a chance on facing yourself.”

Alfie Boe will release his new album, Face Myself, on 10th April, before embarking on a 40-date tour including Skegness’s Embassy Centre on 12th May, call 01754 474100 or see www.embassytheatre.co.uk, alternatively, visit www.alfie-boe.com for more dates and venues.

35

36

37

WHAT’S ON

Countryside

LINCS 38

A brilliant spring day out for all ages, Countryside Lincs returns to the Lincolnshire Showground on Sunday 19th April with animals, equine displays, rural demonstrations and a packed programme of ring entertainment...

Of all the spring days out in Lincolnshire, few capture the spirit of the county quite like Countryside Lincs.

Returning to the Lincolnshire Showground at Grange de Lings, this much loved family fun day puts agriculture centre stage, with a lively mix of animals, entertainment, food and rural crafts that will keep everyone busy from morning to afternoon.

A major part of the day is the action in the Countryside Ring, where there is a full programme of demonstrations and displays.

Visitors can enjoy the high energy performances of The Trickstars, while Hawkeye Falconry brings the drama of birds of prey up close, offering a fascinating glimpse into the skills and traditions of falconry.

For something a little more light hearted, East Lincs Basset Hounds are always a crowd pleaser, while the BMX Show adds pace and daring to the timetable.

With the main ring programme running in half hour slots across the day, it is easy to dip in and out and still catch plenty of highlights.

A busy main ring programme means plenty to see throughout the day, besides all of the demonstrations, rural crafts and animals that make living in the countryside so exciting...

The Equine Display Ring offers a different but equally memorable experience. There are inspiring displays from Riding for the Disabled, showcasing confidence and skill in the saddle, and polished demonstrations from Burton Pony Club.

Younger visitors will love meeting Tinkerbelle the Miniature Pony, while Northcote Heavy Horse Centre provides an impressive look at these powerful working animals and their important place in farming heritage.

Beyond the rings, there is even more to explore, with countryside themed activities and demonstrations happening throughout the showground.

From hands on learning opportunities to family-friendly entertainment, it is a brilliant day out that celebrates rural Lincolnshire at its very best.

Countryside Lincs takes place on Sunday 19th April, 10am to 4pm; tickets £12 adult, £6 child (2 to 16). Under two free, family ticket £34; Lincolnshire Showground 01522 522900 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

39

April

12th April Bardney Manor Walled Garden Open Day

Bardney Manor Walled Gardens boast a fascinating history that will captivate any visitor! Originally established in the 18th century, and now undergoing a full restoration, these enchanting gardens were designed to supply fresh produce to the manor, showcasing the ingenuity of early horticultural practices.

See www.bardneymanor walledgarden.com.

What’s On

17th April

40

The Sounds of Simon Countryside Lincs.

26th March The Vicar of Dibley Based on the popular BBC series starring Dawn French which ran from 1994­2000.

When the new vicar turns out to be a woman – chocolate­ loving, witty, and full of surprises – the quiet village of Dibley is thrown into chaos!

Follow Geraldine Granger as she battles tradition, wins hearts, and delivers big laughs.

With lovable characters, hilarious moments, and even a wedding, this feel­good stage adaptation is pure joy from start to finish" Presented by Boston Playgoers in partnership with Blackfriars Theatre From Thursday 26th March to Saturday 28th March, tickets £15, Boston’s Blackfriars Arts Centre, call 01205 363108 or see blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk.

3rd April Alford Easter Craft Market

Alford’s Easter Craft Market takes place from Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April from 10am­ 4pm with free admission and all welcome. Established

by Heather & Michel Ducos of Alford Pottery, who wished to create a venue where Lincolnshire craftsmen, makers and artists could gather and sell their work offering the public something different, handmade with love in a variety of disciplines: ceramic, wood, iron, glass, textiles etc.

Alford Craft Market has always encompassed the arts as a whole. Music, theatre and specialist makers have been encouraged to join and display their skill. The organisation relies entirely on the goodwill of volunteers to make things happen for the benefit of all.

See alfordcraftmarket.co.uk.

As seen on BBC The One Show! The Sounds of Simon is a tribute to the wonderful music of Simon and Garfunkel.

Lose yourself to nostalgia with such classics as Mrs Robinson, The Boxer, The Sounds of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water as well as all the others that have established Paul Simon as one of the most successful songwriters of all time.

Sleaford Little Theatre, Westgate, Sleaford NG34 7PP, call 0333 666 3366 or see www.sleafordplayhouse.co.uk.

Samantha Cook, Bardney Walled Gardens.

19th April

26th April

Countryside Lincs Visit the Lincolnshire Showground this Easter to experience a flavour of farming, food production and the countryside. Jam­packed with hands­on activities, experiences, cookery activities, exciting demonstrations and live entertainment, Countryside Lincs celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, making it the perfect day out for all the family whatever the weather, £13.44/adult, £6.99/2­16yrs.

Sunday 19th April from 10am, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln LN2 2NA, call lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

Crafterama and Stamperama

Alford Craft Market.

24th April Lipstick on your collar Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn't touch the floor. Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax ­ you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s!

24th April Jive Talkin’

Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and the only Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees! As with the original Bee Gees, Jive Talkin’ is very much a family affair, with brothers Gary and Darren Simmons taking the roles of Barry and Maurice Gibb, with Darren’s son Jack taking on the role of Robin Gibb. The guys are supported musically by a four piece band with lead guitar, violin, cello and drums, to ensure that every note in every song is just right!

Tickets £29.50, 7.30pm.

Grimsby Auditorium, DN31 2BH, grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

From the birth of Rock n Roll through to the Beat Group

Lipstick on your collar.

sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, the show is packed with hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more. Performed by a full live band, this incredible show features excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun.

New Theatre Royal, Lincoln from 7.30pm, tickets £30, call 01522 519999 or see newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk.

A day of crafting inspiration with art stamps and paper crafts including dies, stencils, mixed media, card & paper plus more, plus resin art, diamond art, haberdashery, needle felting, fabric, cross stitch, and embroidery.

Demonstrations, talks and make & takes. £4/adults, 9.30am-4pm, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln, LN2 2NA, see www.stamperama.com.

2nd May

Burghley Spring Fine Food Market Burghley House invites you to enjoy the best food and drink with a host of artisan stalls and street food vendors from across the region over the Spring Bank Holiday. Discover a world of tastes and flavours including Persian street food, wood fired pizzas, locally distilled gins and award winning ciders. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply love discovering something new, there’s something to tempt your tastebuds. 10am­4pm, free admission, based in the Chestnut and Stable Courtyards.

From Saturday 2nd May to Bank Holiday Monday 4th May, call 01780 752451 or see www.visitlincolnshire.com.

41

LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS RAILWAY

A GOOD HEAD OF

STEAM

This month we’re adding coal to the fire and setting off on a heritage journey with the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway Society and its newest fireman, Andrea Laister

R

Words: Rob Davis.

emember your driving test? Mine was with a stern gentleman with an officious moustache and regulation clipboard to bang on the dashboard, signalling the need to perform an emergency stop.

Andrea an official Fireman. According to the HRA there are over 170 operational railways and over 600 miles of track, allowing 13m visitors every year to enjoy the sight, sound and scent of heritage rail travel.

I must have done something right as I passed, although I do remember what a nervewracking experience it was, so I have considerable sympathy for anyone going through the trauma today... especially as the driving test has become more more difficult.

“I’ve had an interest in steam railways from an early age as my father introduced me to the sights, smells and sounds of the locomotives when I was very young,” says Andrea.

As for Andrea Laister, she too can also relate.

Having moved from Oxfordshire to Lincolnshire in 2022, her interest in steam railways, enjoyed a resurgence as she was living at North Thorseby, near Lincolnshire’s only standard-gauge heritage railway, the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway.

Andrea is about to climb onto the footplate of the heritage railway’s Lion locomotive, whereupon she will face something not too dissimilar to a driving test, fulfilling her aim to become the railway’s latest fireman on board the steam train.

The Heritage Railway Association is the UK’s trade association and professional support body for the heritage rail sector. They’re also the people who have the authority to declare

“He also volunteered as a station master on the South Devon Railway, so I’m proud to be following in his footsteps.”

“I have had a couple of ‘driver’ experiences previously, at the Severn Valley Railway and the Great Central Railway, but these were one-off experiences, and we didn’t live close enough to a preserved railway for me to participate or volunteer on a regular basis.”

“When I moved so close to the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, my interest was re-ignited and I was keen to volunteer.”

“I started by suggesting a few pots of flowers at North Thoresby station may enhance its appearance, so began there with a little gardening. I then started to attend on running days so that I could help our station master, Norman, and cover for him if he ever needed or wanted to be absent.”

Andrea Laister is the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway’s newest fireman.

43

LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS RAILWAY

“This led to one of the engine drivers seeing my enthusiasm and I was offered a footplate ride, which then became an offer to spend a day to see what the duties of a fireman would be, which then led to me starting my training as a cleaner and fireman! I started in autumn 2024 and have now completed about 15 running days on three different engines, Spitfire, Cranford and most recently, Lion.”

The heritage railway opened in 1848 and closed in 1963 as Dr Richard Beeching took an axe to the rail network.

At the time the rail network comprised 23,440 miles of tracks. Beeching’s first report proposed closing 5,000 miles of line, and over half of the country’s stations, with the loss of 67,700 British Rail jobs, too. His second report a couple of years later identified another further cuts, and closures peaked at

Special Steaming Days Sunday 5th April, 4th July, 2nd August Cream Teas aboard a Heritage Railway Delicious cream teas, £20/person, pre­booking essential.

Sunday 5th and Easter Monday 6th April Easter Cracker Hunt for golden Easter Eggs and enjoy a sweet treat and some railway heritage.

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April Medieval Weekend With medieval re­enactments courtesy of the Knights of Skirbeck.

Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May Murder Mystery Special 1920s­themed murder mystery adventure on the ‘Disoriented Express,’ £36/person.

Sunday 21st June, Sunday 26th July Fish & Chip Trains A fish and chip supper aboard one of the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway’s steam trains.

The railway also runs steaming days on Sundays from the beginning of July to the end of August and on Wednesdays throughout August, too.

44

around 1,000 miles a year in the mid-1960s... for context, today Great Britain has just 9,848 miles of track.

In 1991, a Light Railway Order was granted to the forerunner of the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway group in order to run a railway.

The group acquired the track beds, although the rails had already been removed, and so the group began its work, clearing the weeds and brambles, commissioning and laying new track and creating a mile and a half of track from Ludborough Station to North Thoresby.

The LWR owns the trackbed from Tetney right down to Louth’s Fairfield Industrial Estate so the group’s aim is to run trains from Tetney to Louth in the future.

From the mid-1990s, the heritage railway has also built or renovated its platform at Ludborough, plus its waiting room, ticket office, station building with the Steaming Kettle café, and other buildings essential for a fully operation railway including its signal box, carriage shed, engine shed and workshops.

Pauline Neal is the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway’s Company Secretary and has been involved with the group for nearly 30 years.

“We’re a really dedicated group and we’ve some smashing people and real talent here,” she says. “We’re keen to extend how far we can travel and we’re hoping that by the end of 2026 or early in 2027 we’ll have create a runround loop at the Pear Tree crossing, similar to the one we have at North Thoresby, enabling us to create a round trip for visitors in excess of 40 minutes.”

It’s not just the track that the heritage railway has to create though. The group’s two steam locomotives are Fulstow, a 1928 Peckett 0-4-0 engine built in Bristol which spent it working life in Derbyshire, and Lion, which will come back into service this year after its 10-year annual overhaul.

Opposite: The platform at North Thoresby and the railway’s restored signalbox.

LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS RAILWAY

This back-to-the-bolts safety inspection and service must pass a Fitness to Tun test from the HRA before it’s allowed to carry passengers. Both locomotives are owned by the Great Northern Locomotives Company, who lease heritage rail assets to railways such as the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway. In addition, the railway runs two Ruston and Hornsby shunters, built in Lincoln, other steam locomotives such as Zebedee and Spitfire (whose ten-year permission to run, otherwise known as a boiler ticket, ran out in 2024), and a handful of diesel engines too.

You’d think the railway is the preserve of older chaps in oily overalls, and whilst that has been the traditional demographic,

46

Pauline says the group is lucky to have a number of women and younger people involved, especially in the engineering team where the youngest person is just 18.

“We’re a really close team, we all work well together and we love that it’s not just older men are involved in preserving the line,” she says. “It’s by no means uncommon for women to be involved in heritage railway organisations, such as Andrea on the footplate as a fireman. We’re really happy too that a younger generation are keen to volunteer on the railway and learn the skills necessary to keep Britain’s heritage locomotives operating.”

Andrea says that her secret of success in her role as a fireman is control. The job is multifaceted, ensuring small additions of coal for consistent power, an even distribution of coal and heat, anticipating when extra power will be needed (inclines for example), and ensuring sufficient water is available in the boiler to generate steam, as well as generally supporting the driver.

Learning this craft does involve digesting some pretty stodgy manuals written in the 1950s, but ultimately there’s no experience for time spent on the footplate. Andrea rises at 5am and is on site an hour later, warming the locomotive ready for its first trip at 10.45am.

A History of the Rail

In a day they’ll use 800 gallons of water, heated by a tonne of coal (about 30 tonnes a year) and remind around 200 people of what live was like in the age of steam.

“One of my favourite memories was when a youngster visited the railway,” says Pauline.

“He was absolutely fascinated, and asked how it worked. He’d never heard of coal before so we gave him a piece to take away with him and he took it into school the next day to show his classmates!”

“It’s stories like that one we thrive on. It’s keeping the fascination, the history and the engineering alive so that a whole new generation can enjoy the sight, the sound and the smells of a steam railway!”

The Lincolnshire Wolds Railway’s line originally opened in 1848 as part of the Great Northern route running from Boston to Grimsby. Stretching for 47 miles and laid as double track throughout, it followed the low lying coastal plain to the east of the Lincolnshire Wolds, and was known for having some of the longest straight sections of railway in the country. For more than a century it played a vital role in the region, carrying passengers and freight with equal importance.

For 122 years the East Lincolnshire Line provided a fast, direct connection between Grimsby and London, while also serving local communities including Louth, Boston and Peterborough. Freight traffic was particularly significant, especially the transportation of fish from Grimsby. As a perishable cargo it was treated with special priority, and the fast fish trains were often allowed precedence even over express passenger services.

However, the future of the line was thrown into doubt in 1963 when it, along with its connecting branches, was listed for closure under Dr Richard Beeching’s plan to Reshape British Railways. Several groups mounted strong opposition and two public enquiries were held, but many felt the outcome was inevitable. Geoff Hannant, Louth’s last station master, believed the high cost of running the route, particularly

due to its numerous level crossings, was ultimately its downfall.

Despite fierce local resistance, the line closed to passengers in October 1970. The last train was a special excursion from Grimsby to London and back, organised by the Lincolnshire Standard newspaper, and over a thousand people gathered at Louth station to witness its return. Hannant later remarked that if even a fraction of those people had travelled regularly, the line might still have survived.

Although the track south of Louth was quickly lifted, the section between Grimsby and Louth remained open for freight until 1980, transporting grain from the Maltings at Louth to Grimsby Docks. When that contract ended, the final stub of the East Lincolnshire Line fell silent.

In the years that followed, the railway was effectively demolished, with buildings, platforms, track and ballast removed. Yet through persistence, negotiation and sheer determination, the preservation group eventually secured a Light Railway Order in 1991, allowing them to rebuild.

Ludborough became the operational centre, and after years of clearance and reconstruction, the first public train finally ran between Ludborough and North Thoresby on 26 August 2009.

The Lincolnshire Wolds Railway operates from mid-March to December on selected days.

Volunteering enquiries are always welcome and the group is currently raising money to extend its line towards Louth. To donate to its Make Tracks appeal or book a trip or a footplate experience, call 01507 363881 or see www.lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk.

47

>>

Tales from the

RAILS Lincolnshire’s railway story is packed with brilliance, beauty and unexpected charm. We travel the tracks of local history, from the legendary Mallard in Grantham to the much loved miniature railway within at Belton House...

Breaking Records in Grantham On 3rd July 1938, the London & North Eastern

Railway’s

streamlined

steam

locomotive Mallard set a world speed record for steam engines when it reached 126mph (203km/h) on the East Coast Main Line at Stoke Bank, south of Grantham. Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley as part of the A4 class, Mallard hauled a seven-coach train with a dynamometer car to record the speed officially. This remarkable achievement still stands as the highest speed ever reached by a steam locomotive, and it cemented

Mallard achieved a record 126mph in 1938 just south of Grantham.

48

Grantham’s place in railway history and remains a source of pride for the county.

Belton House’s ‘Little Train’ Ruston & Hornsby

CEREMONIAL MACES

As a child I remember enjoying a trip on the ‘little train’ at Belton House and, some years later, taking my own son on the train too. Originally coal-powered and owned by the Brownlow family, the diesel-powered replacement introduced during the National Trust era of the estate has been running for over 20 years, but has sadly reached the end of its life.

The Save Belton’s Train campaign is aiming to raise a six-figure sum to replace the engine with a new electric train, which the National Trust hopes will also improve accessibility. The train will run along the same 0.75km of track, passing a new adventure playground, which reopened in 2015 at a cost of £1.5m.

However, a new train will also mean a new gauge (and therefore new track) as well as new carriages, from a bespoke supplier… hence the steep cost of replacement.

Small is Beautiful The Heckington Railway Museum is located in what was the offices of the stationmaster and the ticket office when the railway ran from the 1850s to the 1960s. Until November 2025 it was home to three layouts, an O­gauge, and OO­gauge layout, an an N­gauge layout based on the Heckington line from the 1960s. The building, owned by Network

If you’d like to support the campaign, you can text BELTON to 70525 to donate £5, or donate in person at Belton House’s Info Hub during your visit.

Rail and leased by East Midland Railway

For more information on Belton House, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

be able to reopen soon.

to the Museum is closed for refurbishment, but members of the museum including George Wing hope that the museum will See facebook.com/railwaymodelclub.

Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway

Founded in Lincoln, Ruston & Hornsby became one of Britain’s most influential engineering names. Formed in 1918 from the merger of Rustons and Richard Hornsby & Sons, the company built everything from heavy machinery and engines to agricultural equipment, and the company produced an early tracked vehicles widely regarded as the first tanks used in the First World War. Ruston & Hornsby is also remembered, for its railway legacy. From 1931 onwards the company produced a hugely successful range of diesel shunters and industrial locomotives, building over 6,500 diesel locomotives over the following decades.

Many were exported worldwide, and today there are 50 Ruston locomotives remain in regular service at heritage railways, including the Severn Valley Railway and Rocks by Rail: The Living Ironstone Museum in Rutland.

Closer to home, the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway proudly operates two Ruston & Hornsby shunters, keeping Lincoln-built engineering alive on local rails.

The Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway first opened on 27 August 1960, making it more than 65 years old and one of the county’s most characterful heritage attractions. Established by enthusiasts to preserve the spirit of rural narrow­gauge lines, it later found its present home at Skegness Water Leisure Park. Today, visitors can enjoy rides behind historic steam and diesel locomotives and admire a fascinating collection of restored rolling stock all capturing the charm and ingenuity of Britain’s light railway tradition.

See www.lclr.co.uk.

49

THE GUIDE

MUSIC

NEW BOOK RELEASES

High Noon Blondie

A Hymn To Life Gisèle Pelicot By no means a comfortable read but an important one.

The extraordinarily powerful memoir by a heroine of our times, whose story inspires change, compassion and courage. After suffering decades of abuse at the hands of her husband, Gisèle not only had the courage to stand up against violence perpetrated against women, but also waive her right to anonymity in the court to encourage more women to find their voice too. £22, 256 pages, released as Pride goes to press.

The Age of Diagnosis

Talking Classics

Suzanne O'Sullivan

Mary Beard

From autism to allergies, ADHD to long Covid, more people are being labelled with medical conditions than ever before. But can a diagnosis do us more harm than good?

Drawing on the stories of real people, as well as decades of clinical practice and the latest medical research, Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan overturns long held assumptions and reframes how we think about illness and health.

320 pages, released on 19th March, published by Hodder & Stoughton, £10.99.

Our favourite description of historian Mary Beard is by the Financial Times: ‘rock star scholar of Ancient Rome.’ In this new book, the academic and broadcaster points to the surprising connections between antiquity and the present. After half a century teaching and studying classics, she fills the book with lively stories, curious facts and some good gossip. It's not compulsory, she argues to be excited by antiquity, but it's a shame not to be. £16.99, published on 1st May.

CINEMA RELEASES IN APRIL April brings a varied mix of new cinema releases. Michael, the long­awaited biopic of Michael Jackson, arrives on 24th April, charting the rise of the King of Pop. British thriller Fuze, 3rd April, centres on the discovery of an unexploded bomb in London, delivering tense, high­stakes drama. For romantics, You, Me and Tuscany, 10th April, offers sun­drenched escapism and heartfelt emotion. And if you’re entertaining children or grandchildren, 1st April brings The Super Mario Bros Movie promises colourful, family­ friendly fun.

The Kinema in the Woods, www.thekinemainthewoods.co.uk.

Savoy Cinema Boston, 01205 363634, www.savoyboston.co.uk.

Odeon Lincoln, 0871 224 4007, www.odeon.co.uk.

50

Blondie return in spring 2026 with High Noon, their twelfth studio album and first since 2017’s Pollinator, promising a record that stays true to the band’s eclectic, genre­ blending roots. Frontwoman Debbie Harry has described High Noon as “very traditional Blondie,” reflecting the group’s knack for mixing rock, pop and dance­infused moods. The project also features the final recorded performances of late drummer Clem Burke, adding emotional weight to this highly anticipated release.

Long­time fans can expect a sharp, witty celebration of Blondie’s enduring legacy.

Price and release TBC.

LINCOLNSHIRE ARTIST

The

PAPESTRY The Labour of Love

by Matthew Wright

Matt Wright is on a mission... and a tight deadline, too! The Lincoln­based architectural illustrator and artist has set himself the ambitious challenge of creating a large­format drawing of Bailgate... in one long run! With the piece due to debut in June, the last thing he needs is to be interrupted, but he’s still managed to have a chat with us to tell us how to undertake such an ambitious project

Illustrations: Matthew Wright, @matandhiscat.

T

he last thing Matthew Wright needs is a distraction... so an hour-long conversation with an excited journalist isn’t ideal, but the architectural illustrator is very patient with me as I fire question after question about his ambitious project, The Papestry.

It’s like the Bayeux Tapestry, but Lincolnbased, specifically Bailgate and Steep Hill, so I suppose it’s the Bailgate Tapestry. Matt began working on the project in August last year, and the idea was to take his illustrative style and use it to create one long panoramic illustration of the buildings along Bailgate.

The piece is due to be completed by early June, when it will make its debut at The Usher Gallery, probably six metres long and about half a metre tall... so how do you go about undertaking such a task? We had to find out, even if it meant interrupting the artist when he really needed to be working!

Matt’s year-long project is due to approach completion ready for an unveiling in June at The Usher Gallery. The Papestry will be a sixmetre continuous ink illustration of Bailgate.

54

LINCOLNSHIRE ARTIST

“I was born in Lincoln, and I went to school and college here. I moved away in my 20s and went to Leeds, then London, before returning to Lincoln during lockdown.”

“I’m completely self-taught as an artist and I started drawing purely as a way to relax.

Having studied music production at university, I spent my time touring with our punk band, playing a few festivals and did some session musician work in between.

Drawing was a way of calming my mind: it was never meant to be a serious career!”

J

ust before moving back to the city, Matt had illustrated a couple of children’s books starring his cat, Nermal, hence his handle online, ‘matandhiscat.’ Living in Bailgate with his wife Roz and five-year-old son Ruben, he became fascinated with the architecture that he’d failed to appreciate in his younger days and began drawing the buildings around him.

After posting a few online, people soon began to commission him to draw their properties, he went self-employed and the rest is history.

Between his commissions, Matt also created Haunted Lincoln in 2023 (updating it in 2025), featuring local buildings in the city reputed to be haunted... this was a reflection of his fascination with ghost stories.

T

he following year he created The Great Lincoln Pub Crawl, featuring around 30 of the city’s local public houses; a sort of ‘Tower of Babel’ of Lincoln’s boozers. Limited editions of both prints are available on Matt’s website and, together with his online illustration tuition and commissions, help to fund his passion project, The Papestry.

“I always wanted to push myself further and whilst finishing The Great Lincoln Pub Crawl I came up with the idea of one continuous drawing of Bailgate. I was inspired by The Bayeux Tapestry, which I’ve always thought was monumental, telling a story in one long piece of work.”

“I came up with the idea of one continuous drawing of Bailgate. I was inspired by The Bayeux Tapestry, which I’ve always thought was monumental, telling a story in one long piece of work...”

“There was quite a bit of planning involved, but it’s not until you actually start working on it that you realise some of the difficulties. I reasoned that much of my time would be taken up working on houses on Bailgate if I were to start from Newport Arch, so instead the Assembly Rooms is the first building to feature, and I’m working along the east side of Bailgate, with the aim of eventually reaching The Rest and the wonky lamp post where Steep Hill meets Danesgate.”

Deadlines mean Matt might have to stop earlier than that, but that’s where the piece will eventually finish, and where Nermal, who sadly died last year aged 22, will be pictured.

Next, though, is the west side of Bailgate, which is set to keep Matt busy into 2026 and 2027... assuming his patience can take it, because drawing each building takes a week, sometimes two.

M

att is usually up and in the studio from about 5am, and works into the evening after taking Ruben to school and picking him up again. To create an illustration of each building, Matt starts by taking reference photos. Each building is accurate in terms of its scale, often taking doors as a good point of reference for dimensions. Ostensibly the perspective is as if you’re standing in front of the building, although the reality is that Matt has to employ a bit of artistic license in terms

55

LINCOLNSHIRE ARTIST

Matt hand­draws each brick, each object in a shop window and each shadow on a roofline in detail. He tries to take a break every hour, or if he feels himself losing precision; “You can’t rush it. The detail is the integrity of the piece...” of perspective. But he also chooses to include any cracked plasterwork or crumbling brickwork to ensure the representation is as true-to-life as it can be.

A

nother practical problem, though, is the gradual slope which of course becomes more pronounced from the Magna Carta pub down towards Steep Hill. Matt described the slope as ‘a bit of a headache’ which is probably understating matters considerably.

“I work on Arches watercolour paper, which is thick, slightly textured and very expensive,” he says. “The process is straightforward but meticulous. I photograph each building from multiple angles and then I take measurements. Next it’s a case of pencilling it out before beginning the inking stage.”

Matt hand-draws each brick, each object in the shop window and each shadow on the roofline in detail. He tries to take a break every hour, or if he feels himself losing precision. “You can’t rush it,” he says. “I think the detail is the integrity of the piece.”

strokes and above all, the sheer ambition of the project.

“My mum was on the bus the other day and she heard two people talking about it, which I thought was really sweet! I’ve been interviewed on BBC Look North, Radio Lincolnshire and on Calendar News and people have spotted me on Bailgate when I’ve been out. Some have even come up to me asking me not to draw things like their blinds, or asking if I can add things into the windows, so there will be a few secret details in the finished piece!”

As for what happens next, Matt isn’t quite sure yet. Since the piece will end up being six metres long, displaying it on a wall in your home will be tricky.

S

“We are bombarded so much with digital work and AI stuff that can be too perfect. With this, you can see it’s human. It’s been drawn out of love and care and attention to detail.”

ome buildings have a slight space between them on the illustration to reflect actual spaces between, for example, Eastgate between the Post Office and the White Hart. There’s scope, then, for excerpts from the overall artwork, offered as limited edition prints, or for the piece to be digitised and reproduced in a giant format and shown somewhere around Lincoln.

The artist reckons he didn’t anticipate such strong public interest, but really, it’s impossible to see why anyone would be less than impressed with the detail, the lovely boldness of the black and white pen

One thing’s for sure, though, seen in its entirety, Matt’s labour of love will be incredibly impressive and very beautiful.

We can’t wait to see it, so I suppose we’d better let him get on with his work!

Matthew Wright is known on Facebook as matandhiscat, and is an architectural illustrator and artist currently working to produce a large­scale illustration of Bailgate, ‘The Papestry,’ which will debut on 20th June at The Usher Gallery.

Matt accepts commissions and has a limited number of his existing pieces for sale as well. The artist is also offering online illustration courses via his website too.

See www.matandhiscat.bigcartel.com or find him on social media: @matandhiscat.

57

58

WELCOME HOME

Exceeding Expectations Hill House, Corby Glen A modern reinvention of a 1960s home, Hill House has been extended and beautifully upgraded to suit contemporary family life, with five bedrooms, three reception rooms, and swimming pool, all set within generous grounds overlooking open countryside Hill House is one of those properties that quietly exceeds expectations.

From the outside, it still carries the confidence of its 1960s origins, but step closer and it becomes immediately clear this is not a home that has simply been refreshed. It has been properly reimagined.

Modernised, extended and finished to a high standard by the current owners, it blends contemporary family living with the sense of space and outlook that so many buyers seek but rarely find in one place.

Set high on its vantage point and tucked behind electric gates, the house is approached via a broad driveway with plenty of parking and access to a double garage.

A sweep of lawn adds to the arrival, giving the property a pleasing sense of privacy and proportion, while the grounds extend to around half an acre, and its location is a particular strength.

Words: Rob Davis.

59

WELCOME HOME

The home overlooks open countryside, with

garden. A central island breakfast bar

Practical details have been thoughtfully

views stretching out across rolling fields,

anchors the space, creating a sociable focal

handled too. A large utility room provides

offering the sort of outlook that changes with

point for everyday living. With features such

space for an extra fridge and plumbing for a

the seasons and makes daily life feel that

as a Quooker hot water tap and a strong

washer and dryer, with access through to the

little bit calmer. A bright hallway is filled with

selection of culinary appliances, the kitchen

integral garage.

natural daylight from striking double-height

has been planned for practicality as well as

glazing to the front, setting the tone for the

style, supporting everything from family

rest of the house.

suppers to larger gatherings.

At its heart is the open-plan living kitchen,

Additional reception rooms add valuable

sitting room and dining area, a layout that

flexibility, allowing the home to adapt to

suits both busy mornings and relaxed

different ages and stages of life. A versatile

evenings. The sitting room is spacious and

family room currently serves as a games room

welcoming, with a bay window to the front, a

and opens from the kitchen, with French

standard main bedroom.

large side window with a cushioned seat, and

doors reinforcing the indoor-outdoor feel.

Four further bedrooms provide ample

There is also a dedicated cinema room with

accommodation for family and guests. One

a further walk in bay with bifolding doors to the rear.

integrated

ceiling

speakers,

Upstairs, Hill House offers five generous bedrooms, including a principal suite that makes the most of the countryside views.

ideal

for

It also benefits from French doors plus a shower room en suite and a walk-in wardrobe, offering the storage and dressing space that elevates the room beyond the

benefits from its own balcony and en suite, while the remaining bedrooms are served by

When the weather turns, the log burning

weekend films, teenagers looking for their

stove, set within a handsome brick surround,

own space, or simply a quieter place to

brings warmth and character. The kitchen

unwind. For those working from home, the

Outside, the landscaped gardens have been

and dining area continue the theme of

study is tucked off the hallway, a secluded

designed to extend the living space into the

natural light, with skylights overhead and

retreat overlooking the front that offers

open air. Indian stone terraces wrap around

bifolding doors that open out towards the

privacy away from the main living areas.

the home, creating a continuous promenade

62

a family bathroom.

for outdoor seating and dining. A brick built pizza oven is a standout feature, ready for summer gatherings, while lawns stretch to the front and rear, framing the setting and giving children and pets plenty of room to play.

Perhaps the most impressive element is the private swimming pool, housed within its own glasshouse pavilion. With walls that slide back, it becomes a true all season facility, offering an indoor sanctuary in cooler months and a seamless open air setting in summer.

Tiled surrounds provide space for sun loungers, and discreet smart technology monitors water quality, adding ease to what is already a rare and desirable feature.

With its seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor living, Hill House feels like a property that has been elevated to suit modern expectations, while retaining the solid footprint and presence of its original era.

Hill House Corby Glen

Location: Corby Glen. Grantham 14 miles, Stamford 18 miles.

Rooms: Three reception rooms currently arranged as open­plan kitchen with living and dining area, plus dining room and cinema.

Five beds, two en suite. Swimming pool.

Guide Price £1,000,000.

Find Out More: Currently on the market with Pelham James of Stamford, call 01780 437 360 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk.

63

64

HOMES & INTERIORS

Spring Reset Indoors & Out Thoughtful home and garden updates designed to welcome lighter days and outdoor living

ARECA OUTDOOR CUSHION Plush outdoor cushion in putting‑green, vibrant comfort for spring lounging, £95, www.oka.com.

ELEGANT TEAK LOUNGER

WHITE TRELLIS WINDOW

FIREBOWL TABLE

Handcrafted reclaimed teak lounger, outdoor comfort with natural charm, £995, www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk.

Decorative white trellis window, adds charm and structure to walls, £350, www.coxandcox.co.uk.

Stylish firebowl table, offering cosy warmth and ambience for outdoor evenings, £595, www.kadai.co.uk.

66

SLATTED WALL GAZEBO

SIENA GREEN RUG

VINTAGE GREEN CAN

Spacious slatted gazebo with sides, stylish shelter for outdoor living, £3,914, www.dunsterhouse.co.uk.

Indoor or outdoor green rug, bold pattern for stylish spring patios, £419, www.benuta.co.uk.

Stylish vintage‑inspired watering can, practical garden tool with character, £60, www.coxandcox.co.uk.

GRADIENT PLANTER DUO

PREMIUM HOT TUB

BRONZE BIRD SCULPTURE

Modern round planters with gradient glaze, perfect for indoor greenery, £417, www.getpotted.com.

Luxury spa hot tub package, ultimate relaxation and wellness, £9,995, www.urbancedarhottubs.co.uk.

Elegant bronze birdbath‑feeder, artistic garden accent with timeless charm, £789, www.avantgardenbronzes.com.

PEMBREY TEAK TABLE

SOLAR FLOOR LAMP

ICARIA HANGING CHAIR

Solid teak table with clean lines, timeless outdoor dining essential, £2,050, www.neptune.com.

Sleek outdoor solar lamp, ambient lighting for patios and gardens, £319, www.neutralighting.co.uk.

Double hanging chair, relaxed, seating for stylish outdoor comfort, £795, www.coxandcox.co.uk.

SUZANI GARDEN THROW

KAMADO GRILL COOKER

TIMELESS TRAVERTINE

Vibrant green‑blue Suzani throw, cosy, decorative and stylishly layered, £295, www.birdiefortescue.co.uk.

Versatile kamado BBQ, perfect for grilling, smoking and outdoor feasts, £1,170, www.kokko.net.

Calming travertine side table, refined texture for timeless indoor‑outdoor style, £279, www.atkinandthyme.co.uk.

67

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN A family business serving all of Lincolnshire • SOLAR PV & BATTERY STORAGE • FUSEBOARD UPGRADES • REWIRES • EV CHARGERS • AIR CONDITIONING

Call: 01522 396780 info@quantum-electrical.uk www.quantum-electrical.uk

68

69

MANTHORPE FURNITURE

Manthorpe

Furniture Manthorpe Furniture expands to meet growing demand for handcrafted upholstery and furniture restoration Words: Sarah Barker.

Manthorpe Furniture has relocated to a new, larger workshop with an onsite showroom at Ellesmere Business Park on the outskirts of the town. Based in Grantham, the specialist upholstery and furniture restoration business is enjoying continued growth and seeing rising demand from homeowners choosing to refurbish rather than replace.

The move marks an important milestone for the family-run business, providing significantly more production and storage space and helping the team reduce turnaround times while maintaining the quality of craftsmanship the company is known for.

With many households taking a fresh look at the true cost of throwaway culture and mass produced furniture, the appeal of reupholstery continues to grow, particularly for pieces that carry character, history or sentimental value.

Manthorpe Furniture specialises in high quality, handcrafted upholstery for items ranging from well loved sofas and armchairs to heirloom dining chairs and bespoke seating. The focus is on preserving what matters to clients while updating furniture to suit modern homes and lifestyles.

Every project is treated individually, with customers supported throughout the process, from selecting premium fabrics and fillings to choosing finishes that complement their interiors.

Reupholstery allows comfort to be tailored too, making furniture feel personal and right for the way people live today.

Founder James Truswell says many of the pieces brought to the workshop have a story.

“They might be beautifully made, sentimental, or simply better quality than anything you could buy today. Our role is to honour that, while giving the furniture a new lease of life that feels completely right for the home it’s in now.”

Alongside domestic work, Manthorpe Furniture also supports commercial and contract clients, including interior specialists and hospitality businesses, helping drive investment in skills and equipment that benefits all customers.

As well as improving comfort and appearance, reupholstery reduces waste by reusing existing frames built to last for decades. The new Ellesmere Business Park base gives customers improved access to the worshop, and a dedicated space where well made furniture can be carefully reimagined.

For more information about Manthorpe Furniture and its services, call 01476 568690 or see manthorpefurniture.co.uk.

70

Circus Table Lamp

Blue and white ceramic, with shade, 58cm tall, £152.

Ferroluce Ceiling Lamp

Available in 10 different colours, hand­dipped ceramic, 35cm2, £338.

Archer Gold Leaf Lamp Elegant curved leaf lamp with shade, £53cm, £95.

THE BEST POSSIBLE

LIGHT 18 Light Pendant

By David Hunt in chrome and Arctic White, 83cm diameter, £2,252.

Tidal Blue Lamp

Amalfi blue ribbed ceramic, with optional tapered drum, £41cm, £377.

Lighting and ironmongery specialists Broughtons present a range of elegant lighting for your home in red, white and blue

Knighton Three Light Pendant

Words: Rob Davis.

Gold leaf and ivory cotton, 60cm diameter, 90cm­2.1m drop, £425.

Ferroluce Pendant Light

Lorelai Ceramic Lamp

Available in 10 different colours, hand­dipped ceramic, 20cm dia, £918.

Deep blue glaze, with shade, 61cm, £90.

Products featured here are all available from Broughtons, established in 1888. Call 0116 2341888, see www.broughtons.com or visit the firm’s flagship showroom at Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7BP.

73

OUTDOOR LIVING

Outdoor Comfort

Unwind in comfort and style with a roundup of the best new products to ensure you’re comfortable in the garden all summer long... Gates Garden Centre presents their pick of the products that will see you enjoying unprecedented comfort this season Image: Kettler’s Cora Rope corner set, table 150cm x 90cm, £1,899.

75

76

OUTDOOR LIVING

This season, Gates Garden Centre’s 14,000 sq ft outdoor living area features the latest products from the best brands, designed to ensure you’re comfortable all summer long...

At Gates Garden Centre in Cold Overton, outdoor living is all about comfort, quality and making the most of every sunny moment.

With weather-ready materials and timeless design, these pieces are made to be enjoyed year after year.

Whether you’re planning long, lazy lunches or simply want a peaceful spot to unwind with a morning coffee, the 2026 collection of outdoor furniture brings style and relaxation together beautifully.

Of course, no summer setting is complete without great food. Gates also stocks premium barbecues from Weber, perfect for effortless grilling, alongside Gozney pizza ovens that turn al fresco entertaining into something truly special. From quick family meals to impressive weekend gatherings, it is all here.

This season, the centre’s 14,000 sq ft outdoor living area will showcase stunning ranges from trusted names such as Bramblecrest and Kettler, offering everything from elegant dining sets to luxurious lounging options designed to transform patios, terraces and garden corners into inviting outdoor rooms.

Even better, Gates Garden Centre provides UK delivery and assembly, meaning your garden can be summer ready without the stress. Start the season as you mean to go on, relaxed, comfortable and enjoying the outdoors in style.

Opposite: Bramblecrest Somerford sandstone rattan sun lounger with side table, £599.

Weber Genesis E­335W gas barbecue with triple grill burners and side burner, £1,299.

Richmond six­seat wooden dining set with 180cm oval table, parasol & base, £1,199.

Bramblecrest Somerford triple hanging cocoon chair in sandstone weave, £799.

Gozney Dome S1 gas pizza oven, cooks 16” pizzas in under 60 seconds, £1,399.

Prague sofa set in latte with rectangular height­adjustable table, seats seven, £2,399.

Above: Bramblecrest Chedworth two­seat recliner set in sandstone rattan, £999.

Featured products available at Gates Garden Centre, see over for contact details.

77

OUTDOOR LIVING

Bramblecrest’s Wentworth double hanging cocoon in pewter rattan, £699.

Find Out More: Gates Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham LE15 7QB. Tel: 01664 454309, email: info@gatesgardencentre.co.uk or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm, Bank Holidays 9am to 5pm.

78

G A R D E N C E N T R E | H O M E & L I F E ST Y L E | D I N I N G | F A R M S H O P | F A R M I N G

STU N N I NG GA R D E N C ENT RES IN R U R AL LOC AT IONS

There’s always something special to enjoy at Gates.

Enjoy our Garden Restaurant or unwind in our Courtyard Coffee Shop.

Discover stylish brands, locally sourced meat and produce in our farm shops, and gorgeous plants to make your garden picture-perfect this spring, summer and beyond.

GAT E S OA K H A M C O L D O V E R T O N , O A K H A M L E 15 7 Q B

GAT E S W O O D L A N D S H I N C K L E Y STA P L E T O N , H I N C K L E Y L E 9 8 J E

G AT E S G A R D E N C E N T R E . C O . U K

79

81

82

APRIL IN THE GARDEN WITH MARK LANE

GARDENING with MARK LANE

With spring gathering pace, April is the month to nurture, tidy and plan ahead. Pride’s gardening writer Mark Lane reveals the simple tasks that will keep your garden looking its best all year Words & Images: Mark Lane.

I

purple orchids at Legbourne Wood; or common dog-violets and other woodland species at Whisby Nature Park, Lincoln.

love April for its sunshine and showers.

With the clocks going back, there’s an extra hour or so of daylight, which makes all the difference; soils begin to warm, and growth suddenly feels urgent. It’s a time of promise, but also one that rewards restraint.

Do too much too early and a late frost can undo your good intentions; do too little and the season can run away from you. April gardening is, therefore, about pace, observation and putting foundations in place for the months ahead.

Before diving into jobs, take time to look. April weather can be wildly variable, and microclimates within a garden become obvious now. South-facing borders may already be bursting, while shaded areas lag behind. Notice where soil dries fastest, where frost lingers, and where new growth is most advanced. This awareness helps you prioritise and prevents unnecessary losses.

If March was about preparation, April is about improvement. As long as the soil isn’t waterlogged, it’s a good time to incorporate organic matter such as well-rotted compost or leaf mould into borders and vegetable beds.

Either apply as a 5cm mulch or gently work it into the soil, keeping mulch clear of plant stems. This improves structure, boosts microbial life and helps regulate moisture later in the year. Avoid excessive digging,

As temperatures rise, indoor-sown plants can be moved outdoors, and you can begin sowing directly outside. Keep an eye on frost in your area, though. Hardy annuals such as calendula, cornflowers and nigella can be sown outdoors, but half-hardy plants such as cosmos and zinnias are better started under cover.

however; where possible, work from the surface down, letting worms and roots do the rest. Mulching now, before weeds fully wake up, can save hours later.

As a gardener and garden designer who wants to create a garden that’s climate and carbon positive, I’ve been looking closely at the wider Lincolnshire landscape to see what thrives in hedgerows and fields, then selecting cultivated plants or wild species that can be used at home.

For inspiration, you can find carpets of cowslips at Red Hill Nature Reserve, Louth; abundant bluebells, primroses and early

April lawns often look tired after winter, but aggressive treatments now can do more harm than good. Begin with a light rake to remove moss and debris. If necessary, apply a spring feed once grass is actively growing, but avoid high-nitrogen products too early. Overseeding bare patches works well now, too, as soil moisture and temperature are more favourable. Keep newly sown areas damp and avoid mowing too low. Let the lawn ease into growth rather than forcing it.

Many shrubs respond well to April pruning, but timing is critical. Shrubs that flower on new wood, such as Buddleia or Hydrangea paniculata, can be pruned now to encourage strong flowering later. Spring-flowering shrubs, however, should be left until after they bloom. If you want to see great hydrangea displays later in the year, visit Doddington Hall near Lincoln.

Above: Mark Lane is a horticulturalist, garden designer, TV presenter, author of The Thrifty Gardener, Royal Gardens of the World and the Future of Gardens.

83

APRIL IN THE GARDEN WITH MARK LANE

If not already done, roses benefit from a final tidy. Remove dead or crossing stems and aim for an open goblet shape to improve airflow.

Always cut to an outward-facing bud, using clean, sharp tools.

Herbaceous perennials will be pushing through old growth. Resist the urge to clear everything too early, dead stems still provide shelter for insects and can protect new growth from late frosts. Cut back gradually, leaving some areas undisturbed. And although you’ll be marvelling at daffodil displays and perhaps deadheading faded blooms or cutting a few for vases indoors, leave the foliage intact so the plant can photosynthesise and feed the bulb for next year.

Containers really come into their own this month. Refresh compost in existing pots, topdress with a slow-release fertiliser, and begin planting with frost-hardy choices such as violas, primulas and small bulbs. I also love growing summer bulbs, corms and rhizomes in containers: oriental lilies, towering Eucomis

pole-evansii (the giant pineapple lily), ranunculus in rich colours, dahlias in all shapes and sizes, Iris sibirica for elegance, and crocosmia or canna for warm, exotic touches.

These can fill gaps in borders or add colour to a terrace, balcony, patio or window box, as long as the ground isn’t frozen and frosts have passed in your area.

Whether you’re a keen gardener, a beginner or a true ‘plantaholic’, remember we are always planning ahead. If you’re aiming for summer displays, start assembling plants now in a sheltered spot so roots establish before warmer weather. Ensure containers have adequate drainage, too, April rain can be heavy and persistent.

You can also make new plants from existing herbaceous perennials this month, plants for free. Dividing and replanting hostas, asters and daylilies reinvigorates mature clumps. With hostas, ideally divide before they come into leaf, although it can be difficult to remember where

some perennials are still below ground. This is why it helps to label plants, keep a plant diary and take photographs.

If dividing feels daunting, dig up the entire clump and separate it according to the root type: cut through with a spade or knife, pull apart with your hands, or use two forks backto-back to tease roots apart. As long as each division has shoots or buds and a good root system, and is replanted at the same depth, watered in well and kept moist, it will grow away happily.

As growth accelerates, so do pests. Aphids often appear first, but resist immediate chemical intervention. Encourage predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies by planting nectar-rich flowers and avoiding broadspectrum sprays. Check for slug damage, especially on young seedlings; barriers, hand removal and habitat management are all effective. Healthy soil and strong plants are your best defence!

April in the Garden n Clean and service garden tools now, sharpening blades and oiling moving parts, so summer maintenance is efficient, safe and far less physically demanding. n Install plant supports early for tall perennials and climbers, allow­ ing stems to grow naturally through them without later disturbance or breakage. n Harden off young plants gradually by increasing outdoor exposure daily, reducing shock and improving survival rates once planting out. n Check irrigation systems, hoses and water butts for leaks or blockages, ensuring a reliable water supply before prolonged dry spells arrive. n Divide overcrowded clumps of summer­flowering bulbs, such as agapanthus, in containers, to maintain vigour and prevent disappointing flowering later. n Begin regular greenhouse ventilation on mild days, improving air circulation, reducing fungal problems and encouraging sturdier, less leggy plant growth. n Thin seedlings promptly to recommended spacings, reducing competition for light and nutrients and producing stronger, healthier plants long term.

Dr Mark Lane, is a multi­award­winning garden designer, horticulturalist and TV gardening presenter (BBC Morning Live, BBC Gardeners’ World, the RHS Flower Shows, Channel 5). Mark is the author of The Thrifty Gardener (Quarto), Royal Gardens of the World (Kyle Books) and the Future of Gardens (Melville), see www.marklanedesigns.com.

84

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

Tel: 01507 527113

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

86

THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME

Blooming Great Discover Lincolnshire’s most inspiring private gardens as the National Garden Scheme returns for 2026, offering visitors a chance to enjoy beautiful blooms, home made refreshments and the simple pleasure of supporting life changing charities Saturday 29th March

Sunday 5th April

A two acre garden with 160 year old tulip, plane and beech trees: borders of shrubs, roses, herbaceous plants. Snowdrops, early bulbs, hellebores in woodland. Shrub roses and herb garden in old paddock area, surrounded by informal borders with pond, bog garden, wildflowers, grasses and bulbs.

Small fruit and vegetable garden. Grass and flower meadow.

Garden managed environmentally for 35 years. Wheelchair access via gravel drive. Some hard paths but mostly grass.

Discover 140 flowering cherries and 30 magnolias. Many thousands of spring bulbs, sweeping lawns and lake. Beautiful naturally landscaped garden with superb mature trees and a fascinating arboretum. One of the best flowering cherry displays in the area. Fairly level garden. Wheelchair access via grass paths.

12pm to 3.30pm. £5, children free. Refreshments not stated for this date. Low Road, Holbeach Hurn, PE12 8JN. lizdixonspain@gmail.com.

Woodlands

The Old Vicarage

Friday 3rd April

Easton Walled Gardens A 400 year old, restored 12 acre garden set in the heart of Lincolnshire. Home to snowdrops, sweetpeas, roses and meadows.

The River Witham meanders through the gardens, teeming with wildlife. Other garden highlights include a yew tunnel, turf maze and cut flower gardens. The Applestore Tearoom and Coffee Room offers hot and cold drinks, light savoury snacks, home made cakes. Regret no wheelchair access to lower gardens but tearoom, shop, upper gardens and facilities are all accessible.

11am to 4pm. £12.50, children £5. Refreshments available in the tearoom. Easton, NG33 5AP. 01476 530063. info@eastonwalledgardens.co.uk. www.visiteaston.co.uk.

88

Ashfield House

11am to 4pm. £6, children free. Light refreshments.

Lincoln Road, Branston, Lincoln, LN4 1NS. 07977 505682. john@tinsleyfarms.co.uk.

Sunday 5th April, Sunday 3rd May A lovely mature woodland garden where a multitude of unusual plants are the stars, many of which are available from the well stocked RHS listed nursery. During 2022 several small areas have been redesigned and a great deal of fresh planting has taken place.

Award winning professional artist’s studio and gallery open to visitors. Specialist collection of Codonopsis for which Plant Heritage status has been granted.

Wheelchair access possible to some areas with care. We leave space for parking at the house for those who cannot manage the walk from the car park.

10.30am to 4.30pm. £5, children free.

Home made teas. Peppin Lane, Fotherby, Louth, LN11 0UW. www.woodlandsplants.co.uk.

Please park on the right verge opposite allotments and walk approximately 350 yards to the garden.

No parking at the garden.

Image: Easton Walled Gardens.

THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME

Saturday 11th April/Sunday 12th April

Sunday 26th April

Saturday 9th May/Sunday 10th May

The Private South Gardens at Burghley House open for the National Garden Scheme with spectacular spring bulbs in a park like setting with magnificent trees. Relish the opportunity to enjoy Capability Brown’s famous lake and summerhouse. Wheelchair access via gravel paths.

A WWll airfield site and farm. Garden developed over 35 years comprising five acres of trees, shrubs, mixed borders, spring bulbs, roses, wildflower area, large wildlife pond, vegetable patch and topiary. War memorial and pop up museum, craft stalls, vintage vehicles and music.

The striking Regency castle sits proudly overlooking the beautiful Vale of Belvoir and is surrounded by Capability Brown landscape.

The roses in the garden today are the design of Emma, Duchess of Rutland. Bistro cafe and farm shop at Belvoir’s Retail Village.

10am to 4pm. £12/adults, children £9.50.

Stamford, PE9 3JY. 01780 752451. burghley@burghley.co.uk. www.burghley.co.uk.

Pre booking essential via www.ngs.org.uk.

11am to 5pm. £5.50/adults, children free. Home made teas. Dunholme, Lincoln, LN2 3QA.

Sunday 19th & 26th April/Sunday 3rd May

Oxcombe Manor

Tuesday 12th May

Oxcombe lies in a secluded picturesque valley of the Lincolnshire Wolds, with a manor house, traditional farmstead and parish church among a kitchen garden, orchard, lawns, woodland and flower beds.

Today it offers a tranquil retreat for developing potters and artists. Visitors can enjoy the gardens while trying pottery taster sessions, browse local produce stalls, and relax with tea and home made cakes.

The Grade I listed gardens encompass nearly 70 acres and include large formal lawns, fine topiary and formal hedges, ornamental and productive kitchen garden, large herbaceous borders, rose parterre and woodland walks with spring bulb displays and Capability Brown landscape. Farm shop, adventure playground, historic house and park trails.

Burghley House

23 Accommodation Road

A medium sized garden to wander around and discover different plants. A range of tall and dwarf bearded iris, auricula theatres showing off lovely doubles, plus fruit trees and bushes. Designed with small rooms showing off flowers, with garden plaques throughout. Plants and garden wall plaques to purchase. Partial wheelchair access to decking area.

11am to 4pm. £3.50, children free.

Horncastle, LN9 5AS. Mr and Mrs D Chapman.

Grimsthorpe Castle.

Dunholme Lodge

Sunday 3rd May

11.30am to 5.30pm. £7/adults, children free.

Tea, coffee and cake. Oxcombe, Horncastle, LN9 6LU. www.oxcombepottery.co.uk.

Belvoir Castle

9.30am to 5pm. £10/adults children £6. Last entry to the garden at 4.30pm. Belvoir, Grantham, NG32 1PE. 01476 871001. info@belvoircastle.com. www.belvoircastle.com.

Grimsthorpe Castle

10am to 5pm. £10, children £6. Tea, coffee and cake at Coach House Tearoom. Grimsthorpe, Bourne, PE10 0LY. 01778 591205. visit@grimsthorpe.co.uk. www.grimsthorpe.co.uk.

Sunday 17th May

Saturday 23rd May

Saturday 23rd May

A two acre garden with 160 year old tulip, plane and beech trees: borders of shrubs, roses, herbaceous plants. Snowdrops, early bulbs, hellebores in woodland. Shrub roses and herb garden in old paddock area, surrounded by informal borders with pond, bog garden, wildflowers, grasses and bulbs.

Small fruit and vegetable garden. Grass and flower meadow.

Garden managed environmentally for 35 years.

Garden of one acre planted in the grounds of a handsome eighteenth century house and coachhouse.

Partial walled garden, wildflower meadow surrounded by ornamental grasses and a 30 metre long herbaceous border. Two box parterres, woodland shrubs and stunning views over ancient ridge and furrow grassland. A lovely complement to a visit to Aswarby Park.

The kitchen garden at Scawby Hall was developed during the Victorian era and maintains the original framework of four quadrants with box hedging edged with espaliered fruit trees. Brilliant peony display in late spring and dahlias in late summer.

Traditional garden with productive vegetable patch and modern additions including a pleached copper beech circle and grass collection. Paths lined with woodchip.

The Old Vicarage

Scawby Hall

Aswarby House

1pm to 5pm. Combined with Old White House £8, adults, children free. Refreshments served at Old White House, in aid of a local charity. Low Road, Holbeach Hurn, PE12 8JN. lizdixonspain@gmail.com.

2pm to 5pm. Combined with Aswarby Park £10/adults children free. Home made teas in Aswarby Park, refreshments in aid of Aswarby Church. Aswarby, Sleaford, NG34 8SE. Penny and James Herdman.

Sunday 17th May

Saturday 23rd May

A mature garden of one and a half acres featuring herbaceous borders, roses, patterned garden, herb garden and walled kitchen garden. Large catalpa, tulip tree that flowers, ginkgo and other specimen trees.

Formal and woodland garden in a parkland setting of approximately 20 acres. A unique rose walk, a cutting garden created in 2022 and a wildflower bed in 2023.

Old White House

1pm to 5pm. With The Old Vicarage, £8/adults, children free. Home made teas and cakes, in aid of a local charity. Baileys Lane, Holbeach Hurn, PE12 8JP.

Accommodation Road.

Aswarby Park

11am to 4pm. £6/adults, children free. Tea, coffee and cake in the church, refreshments in aid of local church. Vicarage Lane, Scawby, Brigg, DN20 9LX. www.scawbyhall.com.

Saturday 6th June

2pm to 5pm. Combined with Aswarby House £10/adults, children free. Home made teas, refreshments in aid of Aswarby Church. Aswarby, Sleaford, NG34 8SD. www.aswarbyestate.co.uk.

Woodside Farmhouse 17th-century Lincolnshire Longhouse, the garden has been 16 years in the making.

From a derelict house and plot, it has evolved to provide space for living, working, exercising, cherishing plants and relaxing.

10.30am to 4.30pm. £5/adults, children free. Tea, coffee and cake. Newton, Sleaford, NG34 0EE.

Belvoir Castle.

Woodside Farmhouse.

01205 361694

www.poyntons.com sales@poyntons.com

CHARTERED SURVEYORS & ESTATE AGENTS

70 PARK ROAD BOSTON ǀ LINCOLNSHIRE ǀ PE21 7JP

SLEAFORD ROAD BOSTON | LINCOLNSHIRE | PE21 8EY

• Large Five Bedroomed Chalet Bungalow

• Large 4 Bedroomed Detached Family Home

• Set in One Third of an Acre of Mature Gardens • Two Reception Rooms and Sunroom

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

• Double Garage with Vehicle Parking

Subject To Contract

£625,000

• Private Gardens, Conservatory and Garage • Desirable Residential Estate • Fully Fitted Kitchen

• Off Street Parking, Private Rear Courtyard and Workshop • 12 Solar Panels with Feed-in Tarif*

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£295,000

Subject To Contract No Onward Chain

CHARTERED SURVEYORS • ESTATE AGENTS • COMMERCIAL

23 CLEYMOND CHASE KIRTON ǀ BOSTON ǀ LINCOLNSHIRE ǀ PE20 1DP

• Desirable Two Bedroomed Detached Bungalow

• Desirable Residential Area

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£247,500

Subject To Contract No Onward Chain

OUR SOUTH STREET OFFICE

POYNTONS 24-28 SOUTH STREET PREMIER PROPERTY MARKETING & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

The Fairways Lincoln Walnut House is a spectacular mansion offering 8600 sq ft of exceptional accommodation comprising eight bedrooms and bathrooms, along with a private gym, outdoor heated swimming pool and a self-contained private wing, all set within an exclusive gated private community adjacent to Lincoln Golf Club. Externally, the property benefits from garaging and enjoys a tranquil, private, landscaped position extending to approximately 1.3 acres.

Guide price £1,350,000

By Design Homes Call 01522 412802 or see www.bydesignhomes.com 94

Bigby Green Bigby A rare lifestyle opportunity to secure two adjoining residences on separate titles, offered as one exceptional holding—ideal for extended family living, private guests, or a seamless home-and-work retreat with complete independence. Set at the entrance to Bigby Green and accessed via electric gates, the home enjoys an ample courtyard. It combines the architectural drama and generous space of The Barn with the contemporary practicality of a stylish three-bedroom barn-style bungalow.

Price: £800,000 Fine & Country Northern Lincolnshire 72 Wrawby Street, Brigg DN20 8JE. Call 01652 237666 or see www.fineandcountry.co.uk 95

The Grange Carlton Scroop Set in an elevated position in this popular Cliff Village with stunning views over the open countryside, this impressive private residence offers the discerning buyer the rare opportunity to acquire a splendid holding totalling 8.69 acres with excellent equestrian facilities and charming formal gardens that have been meticulously and beautifully maintained.

Guide price: £1,250,000 Mount & Minster 32 Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA. Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk 96

TO PROOFED AND HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE REQUESTED

The Glasshouse Louth A rare opportunity has arisen to own this unique and striking residence in the vibrant Lincolnshire market town of Louth, known as the capital of the Wolds. The Glasshouse is a stunning example of contemporary architecture which brings together high quality building materials such as warm Siberian larch timber cladding, mellow buff brickwork and light inducing floor to ceiling windows and doors with bold design features such as a cantilevered first floor.

Price: £925,000 Robert Bell & Company Old Bank Chambers, Horncastle, LN9 5HY Call 01507 522222 www.robert-bell.org 97

Bay Tree House Lincoln Bay Tree House is an impressive modern family home, extending to nearly 2,400 sq ft, with elegant styling and light-filled, spacious accommodation arranged over three floors. The interiors feature bespoke fittings and a neutral, calming palette throughout, creating an inviting environment perfect for both family living and entertaining.

Guide price: £690,000 Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk 98

Church Street Market Deeping Tucked away in the heart of Market Deeping, this beautifully extended five-bedroom home blends 1930s character with striking contemporary design. A dramatic double-height atrium leads to three generous reception rooms and an exceptional vaulted kitchen-dining space. Three bathrooms, including two en-suites, complement flexible family living. Outside, landscaped gardens wrap around the property, with a triple timber car port, detached garage/workshop.

Price: £849,000 Winkworth 5 High St, Market Deeping PE6 8ED Call 01778 347098 or see www.winkworth.co.uk 99

LUXURY HOMES

Beck Farm

Spridlington

Woodhall Spa

Market Rasen

A most appealing four bedroom detached house set well back from the minor passing road and standing within approximately 8 acres (stms) of lawned grounds.

A stunning Georgian residence set in approximately 1.6 acres includes a paddock, tennis court and self contained one bedroom annex/holiday let.

£895,000

Offers in Excess of: £900,000

Robert Bell & Co 19 Station Rd, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QL Call 01526 353333 or see www.robert-bell.org

Mount & Minster 32 Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA. Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk

Heydour House

James Street

Grantham

Lincoln

A handsome Grade II listed former rectory with seven bedrooms, an annexe and stunning gardens, in a picturesque and peaceful village location.

An exceptional and rare opportunity to acquire a modern and unique family home in a secluded position in one of the most prestigious locations in Lincoln.

Offers in Excess of: £1,500,000

£1,875,000

Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk

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

100

LUXURY HOMES

Hedgerows

Newark Road

Swineshead

Lincoln

Hedgerows is a beautiful home that enjoys a stunning location, surrounded by open fields and uninterrupted countryside views in every direction.

An excellent opportunity to acquire this substantial detached 9 bedroom family home with separate former 4 bedroom coach house on a large site area of 0.776 acres (0.314 ha).

Guide Price: £845,000

£1,250,000

Fine & Country Central Lincs & Grantham Navenby, LN5 0DZ Call 01522 287008 www.fineandcountry.co.uk

Pygott & Crone 36a Silver St, Lincoln LN2 1EW. Call 01522 568822 or see www.pygott-crone.com

Manby House

Victoria House

Manby

Lenton

Meticulously transformed by the current owners, Manby House is an exceptional former station commander's residence for RAF Manby, boasting a sympathetic and comprehensive refurbishment.

Escape to tranquillity at Victoria House, a modern country retreat where scale, seclusion, and sophistication quietly converge.

Guide Price: £895,000

Guide Price: £1,395,000

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

Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01780 437 360 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk 101

LUXURY HOMES

The Old Rectory

Lodge Farm

Westborough

Norton Disney

A distinguished seven bedroom Grade II* listed home set in 1.1 acres with refined period styling and extensive living and entertaining space, in a picturesque village setting.

Lodge Farm is a stunning Grade 2-listed farmhouse, set within around eight acres (sts) of grounds near the charming village of Norton Disney.

Guide Price: £995,000

Offers in Excess of: £1,150,000

Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk

Fine & Country Central Lincs & Grantham Navenby, LN5 0DZ Call 01522 287008 www.fineandcountry.co.uk

Thorpe Farm

The Georgian House

Tealby

Legbourne

A truly one-of-a-kind country home. Thorpe Farm is a beautifully restored Grade II Listed farmhouse with a stunning converted crew yard, set within approx. 7.88 acres of grounds on the edge of Tealby.

A home of distinction — where elegant design meets timeless quality in one of Lincolnshire’s most desirable village settings.

£1,400,000

£825,000

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

Jackson Green & Preston 19 West St Mary's Gate, Grimsby, DN31 1LE. Call 01472 311113 www.jacksongreenpreston.co.uk

102

LUXURY HOMES

Maltby House

Gainsborough Road

Raithby cum Maltby

Market Rasen

Maltby House and Lodge forms a substantial early 20th Century country residence, alongside a lodge within the grounds – which total 3 and a 1/3 acres (sts).

Handsome detached Grade II Listed Georgian house with 20.3 acres(STS), substantial outbuildings and a separate detached 2-bedroom tenanted cottage in the grounds which include parkland gardens, paddocks and pasture land.

Offers in Excess of: £1,000,000

£1,400,000

Robert Bell & Co 19 Station Rd, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QL Call 01526 353333 or see www.robert-bell.org

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

No 27 Orby Road

Manor Farm Barn

Burgh le Marsh

Hatcliffe

This exceptional executive residence, built to the highest standards by the Welton Group, is located in the charming village of Burgh Le Marsh.

A substantial and characterful family home in a glorious rural setting with five bedrooms, equestrian facilities, private parking and lovely gardens.

£870,000

Guide Price: £995,000

Pygott & Crone 24 Wide Bargate, Boston PE21 6RX. Call 01205 359111 or see www.pygott-crone.com

Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk 103

FARMING

ON THE FARM This month we’re finding out what’s happening in the fields of Lincolnshire with farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE

A

pril on the farm is always an exciting and busy time of year. After a long winter, the days are noticeably longer and with better light in the fields we can really start to see our combinable crops like wheat and barley respond.

In most seasons we top dress our winter cereals with a little extra nutrition once soils have warmed and dried sufficiently, and we walk fields regularly to check on disease and weeds so that decisions on sprays can be made at exactly the right moment. Attention to detail now will pay dividends at harvest.

Spring drilling gathers pace during April if conditions allow. The aim is always to travel when land is fit, creating a good seed bed without compromising soil structure. Spring barley, peas and beans are often prioritised, while oilseed rape continues to demand careful monitoring as it moves through stem extension.

Sugar beet drilling also gets underway in earnest across the county, with growers keeping a close eye on soil temperature and moisture to secure even establishment. With input costs still high, every pass and every application must justify itself.

Elsewhere in the country there has been much discussion about flooding and extreme weather, reminding us how variable our climate has become. In Lincolnshire we are fortunate to farm some of the most productive land in the UK, yet drainage, water management and soil resilience remain central themes.

104

Conversations at this year’s Lincolnshire Farming Conference at the Showground reflected exactly that, focusing on resilience, innovation and making the most of new opportunities in a changing policy landscape.

It was encouraging to see such a strong turnout from farmers, agronomists and young people keen to shape the future of our industry.

Livestock farmers are equally busy. Lambing is in full swing on many units and spring calving herds require constant supervision.

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing healthy lambs and calves turned out onto fresh grass as soon as conditions permit. Good stockmanship at this time of year sets the tone for the months ahead.

Above: Andrew Ward MBE. Opposite: Countryside Lincs, image

by Steve Smailes Photography.

On 19th April the Showground hosts the 10th anniversary of Countryside Lincs, a thoroughly family friendly event which plays an important role in encouraging children to take an interest in food, farming and the countryside. I have always believed that if young people can see, touch and experience agriculture first hand, they are far more likely to value it.

When time allows I enjoy visiting local schools myself, sometimes taking a tractor along together with cereals trays filled with wheat and rapeseed, plus sugar beet, flour, bread, vegetable oil and even a packet of biscuits.

Asking children to match the crop to the product is great fun and often quite revealing.

Those moments of connection matter. April may be demanding, but it is also full of optimism and the promise of the season ahead!

Watch Wardy’s Waffle: Our farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE is an arable farmer in Leadenham growing wheat, barley, sugar beet, beans and oats. Andrew has his own YouTube channel, Wardy’s Waffle, which is enjoyed by over 22,500 subscribers. Watch his updates Wednesday evenings from 7pm and Sunday mornings at 8am.

Search YouTube for @WardysWaffleAndrewWard.

WEDDINGS

Enduring Love Some love stories are written slowly, unfolding over years rather than moments.

For Jono and Dee, theirs began almost before they realised it had started at all.

Images: Holly Cook Photography, 07425 151 989, www.hollycookphotography.co.

Some love stories are written slowly, unfolding over years rather than moments. For Jono and Dee, theirs began almost before they realised it had started at all.

Jono is Stamford born and bred — in fact, he was one of the last babies to be born at Stamford Hospital — while Dee moved to the town from Cornwall at just three years old due to her father’s work. Their paths crossed early; Dee had been close friends with Jonathan’s brother since the age of five, meaning the couple grew up knowing one another through school

and shared circles. But it wasn’t until later that their story truly began.

Eighteen years ago, friendship turned into something more, and from that point on, their lives became deeply intertwined. After building a family together and sharing nearly two decades of memories, the couple knew the time was right to make it official.

Jono’s proposal came in 2019, set against the breathtaking backdrop of a secluded island just off Bali. After more than ten years of waiting, Dee

admits she had begun to wonder if the moment would ever arrive — making it all the sweeter when it did. With Jonathan having already asked her father’s permission before they travelled, the proposal carried both romance and tradition, wrapped in a moment they’ll treasure forever.

When it came to planning the wedding, the couple were certain of one thing: they wanted more than just a single day. “We knew it had to be magic,” Dee explains. They viewed only one venue — Molecey Mill in Deeping — and instantly knew it was

107

108

WEDDINGS

the one. With its riverside setting, rustic romance and space to host loved ones across an entire weekend, it offered the freedom to create something truly personal.

There was poignancy behind the timing too. Dee’s mum had sadly passed away shortly before they viewed the Mill, and Dee — a firm believer that everything happens for a reason — took comfort in what followed. Just two weeks later, the venue revealed a rare last-minute availability: only six months away.

The couple embraced the challenge, planned instinctively, and turned a short timeframe into something beautifully focused and heartfelt.

Dee found her dress at Gowns & Garters in Thrapston, where Julie presented a selection that made choosing surprisingly difficult. The final choice was an Essence of Australia gown, featuring romantic lace, a cathedral-length train and hand-sewn pearls.

The groomsmen wore classic suits from Moss Bros, while floral styling

by Kim Cross brought softness and colour to the Mill’s characterful spaces. Marianna Easson created the wedding cake, and guests were treated to exceptional food from David at Lincolnshire Smokehouse, served beneath a whimsical marquee

by Events Under Canvas.

There were moments of laughter and emotion woven throughout the day, including a mischievous ring “prank” involving the registrar and a hidden surprise beneath the groom’s father’s chair — a moment that left few dry eyes. Captured beautifully by Holly Cook Photography and Thomas Waghorn Videography, Jono and Dee’s wedding was a celebration of patience, family, and a love that quietly grew stronger with time — proof that sometimes, the most meaningful stories are the ones already years in the making.

Local Suppliers Images: Holly Cook Photography, 07425 151 989, www.hollycookphotography.co.

Wedding Ceremony & Reception Venue: Wootton Hall, Ulceby, www.woottonhall.com.

Seamstress: Stephanie Kate Bridal Couture, 07515 015571, www.stephaniekate.co.uk.

Hair: Tracey Houldsworth, @trace.homehaircrafts.

Make­Up: Morgan James, 07999 244009.

Floristy: Sarah Richards Bridal Florals, 07768 446858.

Décor/Styling/Hire: Happicakies www.happicakies.co.uk.

Wedding Cake: Polka Dotty Cakes, 07814 908667.

Entertainment: Singing Surprise Waiters & DJ, 07946 429066, www.singingsurprise.co.uk.

109

Rus c luxury in an idyllic rural se ng Award winning venue for bespoke wedding days Roman c backdrop of Kirkstead Abbey Abbeyfarmweddings.co.uk | info@abbeyfarmweddings.co.uk 07769 283555

PERSONALISED SKINCARE & WELLBEING TREATMENTS EMSCULPT NEO: Non-invasive body sculpting HYDRAFACIAL: Cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating RF MICRONEEDLING: For younger, firmer skin LASER AESTHETICS: Hair removal, pigmentation and vascular concerns Also: Massage, LED phototherapy, manicures and pedicures

SCULPT A NEW YOU AT

Call 01572 490950 or see www.calveo.co.uk Rutland Garden Village, Oakham LE15 7QN

110

Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979

SALT. a collection in stock now.

43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS Tel: 01652 653595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk Call for an appointment or pop in to view our latest designer eyewear.

111

RAMSAY BOSTON WEST & FITZWILLIAM HOSPITAL

A state-of-the-art new theatre at

Boston West Boston West Hospital has unveiled a £1.85 million expansion including a new state­of­the­art operating theatre and refurbished patient facilities, as the independent hospital celebrates a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission and strengthens access to consultant­led care across the county and beyond Words: Rob Davis.

Boston West works closely with its sister hospital, The Fitzwilliam Hospital in Peterborough, also part of the Ramsay group.

Together, the two facilities provide an extensive range of diagnostic services including CT and MRI scanning, enabling patients to benefit from rapid imaging and onward referral without unnecessary delay.

For more complex procedures or inpatient requirements, the Peterborough site offers additional surgical capability and facilities, ensuring continuity of consultant-led care within the same trusted network.

Boston West Hospital has marked a significant milestone in its continued development, celebrating the opening of a brand-new state-of-the-art operating theatre alongside a comprehensive refurbishment of its reception, consulting and recovery facilities.

The £1.85 million investment by Ramsay Health Care UK has delivered a second operating theatre, an additional consulting room, new recovery bays and a redesigned reception and waiting area – enhancing both capacity and patient experience at the purpose-built day-case hospital.

The new theatre was officially opened by the Mayor of Boston Borough, Councillor Barrie Pierpoint, in a ceremony attended by local dignitaries, community representatives and hospital staff. The expansion represents not just a physical transformation of the building, but a strategic strengthening of healthcare provision for Boston and the surrounding area.

Crucially, the development follows the hospital’s recent ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Inspectors praised the exceptional standard of care, highlighting the kindness, empathy and compassion demonstrated by staff, and commending the strong culture of respect for patients’ privacy and dignity. The endorsement places Boston West firmly among the region’s most trusted independent healthcare providers.

With demand for surgery and minor procedures continuing to rise, the additional

theatre significantly increases the hospital’s capacity, with the potential to almost double the number of patients treated.

The facility provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment across a wide range of specialties including orthopaedics, general surgery, gastroenterology, urology, gynaecology and ophthalmology, alongside endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy.

Patients can access care via both self-pay and private medical insurance pathways, offering flexibility and prompt access to consultations, diagnostics and treatment. The hospital’s modern outpatient suite includes six consulting rooms and a dedicated preoperative assessment area, ensuring a streamlined journey from first appointment through to recovery.

Both hospitals are part of Ramsay Health Care UK, one of the country’s leading independent healthcare providers. The group comprises 34 hospitals and clinics nationwide and treats more than 200,000 patients each year. Its model of consultant-led care ensures that patients are seen and treated by experienced specialists, in modern medical technology.

For Boston West Hospital, the opening of the new theatre is more than an expansion – it is a clear statement of intent. Backed by national expertise yet rooted firmly in the local community, the hospital continues to invest in facilities, people and services designed to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care.

For patients in Boston and across the East Midlands, that commitment is now matched by greater capacity, enhanced surroundings and the reassurance of a CQC ‘Good’ rating – which is very healthy indeed!

Boston West Hospital and the Fitzwilliam Hospital in Peterborough are both facilities in the Ramsay Healthcare family offering access to consultant-led care from diagnosis to treatment, plus Private GP services and more. Self-pay and insurance-funded care pathways are available, for more information call 01205 591860 or see www.ramsayhealth.co.uk

113

Portfolio

NEW

FASHION - LIFESTYLE - BUSINESS

BUSINESS

Local business round up with our brand new

Feature Spotlights STYLE FOR MEN

SUNSPEL BRITISH LUXURY SINCE 1860

APRIL 2026

TRAVEL

Soak up the sun in

BALI MOTORS

BRITAIN’S BEST SELLING CONVERTIBLE FOR SUMMER

MIKE THE BIG INTERVIEW

GOLDMARK

THE ART OF BEING A SUCCESSFUL SHOPKEEPER

116

Rob Davis, Executive Editor, Pride Magazines & Portfolio

WELCOME TO PORTFOLIO

W

ith great fondness, I remember

the time to engage in conversation, which was

my grandfather and grandmother,

lovely compared to today when we just scan

who ran a very successful fruit

barcodes into a self­service terminal.

and veg shop in the market town of Boston for

This month we’re profiling the fine art retailer

three and a bit decades.

Mike Goldmark or as he insists, Mike Goldmark

Depressingly, all we have now is supermarket

a shopkeeper.

selling ultra­processed food and anaemic

The

looking veg that can’t be too wonky. Back then,

of the finest examples of lithographs and

it was all proper, real produce. I was the Saturday

ceramics from the 20th and 21st century, but

gallery

may

be

full

of

some

boy for a few years until a dreadful lack of

you wont find any pretentiousness at Goldmark

arithmetic necessitated a change in career, but

Art, just a warm welcome, a down­to­earth

back then, the veg that came off the land just a

experience and the ability to browse without

few miles from the shop still had all of the ice

any of the stuffiness associated with some

and soil on, it was bright and fresh, and the

galleries.

relationship we had with customers was also a million miles away from what we know today.

It’s shopkeeping, as shopkeeping should be, proving that no business, even one dealing with

We were on first name terms with many of

something as fancy as high brow art, is above

them, we had our regulars and we always took

customer service.

117

GOLDMARK ART

Talking

Shop He calls himself a shopkeeper, yet over five decades Mike Goldmark has built one of Britain’s most distinctive art businesses in the heart of Uppingham. From giving away books to making award winning documentaries and hosting world-class musicians, Goldmark Art proves that generosity, integrity and slow growth can be the smartest business strategy of all

Words: Rob Davis.

M

ike Goldmark calls himself a shopkeeper, and he means it. When I suggest it is an almost charmingly modest way of describing a man who has built one of Britain’s most distinctive and admired art businesses, he cuts me off immediately.

There is no false humility here. No performative downplaying. He is not being coy. A shopkeeper is exactly what he is, and the word matters to him. It is not a romantic label, nor a nostalgic one. It is simply the truth.

And yet it is also, in its own way, the perfect opening statement for the story of Goldmark Art, because it explains everything about the place. It explains why it feels so unpretentious, why it welcomes you so warmly, and why it has quietly become a magnet for collectors, artists, musicians and art lovers from all over the world.

Still, the shopkeeper label raises a rather awkward question. If you are a shopkeeper, giving things away is not generally regarded as sound business practice. Retail is about margins, about turnover, about keeping the tills ringing. It is not about generosity for generosity’s sake. And yet, Mike Goldmark has made a habit of giving things away, and not in the small token ways businesses sometimes do to appear charitable.

He tells me about a customer who came into his second hand bookshop years ago and found a title he had never seen before. The man was thrilled, delighted to discover it. The price was £30, a fair amount for a specialist second hand book. But instead of paying, the customer asked for a pencil and paper so he could write down the details and search online later for a cheaper copy. >>

119

GOLDMARK ART

M

ost shopkeepers would be insulted. Many would be angry.

Some might argue. Mike did something else entirely. He gave him the book. “I’ll save you the trouble,” he told him.

“You’re going to have it. Take the book. It’s a gift.” When the stunned customer protested that he could not do that, Mike’s response was brisk and final. “I can. It’s mine. It’s my book. I can do anything I like with it. Now it’s yours.”

It is one of those moments that says more about a company than a polished business plan ever could. It also, in Mike’s view, marked the end of his second hand book career. He had no interest in competing with the internet, and no interest in an industry where the scholarship had been replaced by people who knew nothing about the books they were selling and cared even less. But the story does not end there. It is only the beginning.

Because if giving away a book seems like a strange business decision, Goldmark Art has spent decades doing something similar, only on a much grander scale. People are invited in to browse extraordinary art and ceramics without the slightest pressure. Hundreds of beautifully produced documentary films about artists and makers are uploaded to the Goldmark website and made available free of charge. Even the quarterly Goldmark magazine, a substantial 64 page publication, is often given away.

None of this is done as a calculated strategy to lure people into spending. It is simply the way Mike believes a shop should work. He wants people to feel safe and welcome. He wants them to leave feeling better than when they arrived. If that happens, he says, they will probably come back, and every now and again they will buy something.

This might not sound like a blueprint for building one of the most respected specialist art businesses in Britain. And yet it has done exactly that. In fact, it is probably the whole reason for Goldmark’s success.

Mike arrived in Uppingham in 1972 after losing everything he had.

He had been running a fashion tie business in London, one that had grown quickly and successfully, until the three day week brought it crashing down.

He had lived opposite Regent’s Park, and his life was rooted in the capital. But with young children and a need for stability, he came to Rutland looking for somewhere he could rent a house. He was also drawn by friendship. A man he very much respected, John Tasker, lived in Uppingham. An antique dealer and a poet, Tasker was the sort of person who leaves an imprint on you, and Mike moved to the area partly to be near him. Tasker was killed a couple of years later. Mike, grieving, considered leaving, but decided he could be just as miserable anywhere else and stayed. The town became his home.

H

is first venture in Uppingham was not art at all, but books.

He rented a shop opposite Baines in a building called Old Constable, once an old schoolhouse. There was already a bookseller in the premises, but he was not doing well. Mike became his best customer for a while, buying second hand books simply because he liked them. Eventually the bookseller offered him half the business, and Mike agreed. Two years later, he bought the shop outright. No paperwork. Just a handshake.

He describes himself then, and now, as a shopkeeper. The art, he insists, was never the sole obsession but something glorious in addition. “The interest has always been in shopkeeping. That’s the thing that I like, but a parallel appreciation for art I have developed has added another dimension to the pleasure.”

The word shopkeeper comes up repeatedly in our conversation, almost like a refrain. Mike sees it everywhere. Religions are shopkeepers selling belief. Schools sell education. Universities sell prestige. Magazine editors sell magazines. Everyone is a shopkeeper, he says, but many pretend they are not. And he is not remotely apologetic about it. On the contrary; he is fiercely proud.

ART IN THE UK £42bn

18%

75%

Global art sales are somewhere in the region of $57.5bn; £42bn sterling.

The UK has an 18% share of the global art market. The US has a 43% share, China 15%.

Number of working artists in the UK who are women.

40,500,000

1,860

Number of transactions in the global art market, up 3% from the previous year.

The number of commercial art galleries in the UK, employing over 7,350 people.

42,000,000

£8.23bn

56,500

2,000­2,500

Art sales in the UK, the second largest market for art in the world after the US.

Number of working artists in the UK, of which 42,000 identify as ‘visual artists.’

Total museums in the UK, inc 14 ‘national’ (DCMS­run) examples. 170 are in London.

120

Annual visits to Department of Culture Media & Sport’s art galleries and museums.

W

hen I suggest the word sounds like it underestimates what he has built, he immediately turns the argument back on me. The issue, he suggests, is not his choice of label but society’s snobbery towards the idea of shopkeeping itself.

The room around us is clearly a shop, he points out. It is full of items for sale. Everything has a price on it. What else could it possibly be?

This down to earth attitude is precisely what makes Goldmark feel so different from many conventional art galleries. There is no hushed reverence here, no unspoken rule that you must already understand the difference between an etching and a lithograph before you dare to enter. Mike believes the art world has often made people nervous, and he understands why.

“People are very nervous of walking into art galleries,” he says.

“Understandably because for too long they’ve pretended to be elitist.”

He is dismissive of the self importance that can surround the industry.

Words like gallerist and curator, he says, are mostly nonsense.

Mike’s approach is disarmingly simple. If someone comes in, treat them well. Make them feel welcome. Let them look. Talk to them. And if they love something enough, they will buy it.

What is remarkable is that this is not a philosophy he adopted after decades of success. It is how he has always worked. Goldmark’s model is not built around chasing trends or predicting what will sell.

In fact, Mike described his method as the opposite of everything he was taught working on the shop floor of Marks and Spencer or Sainsbury’s. Traditional retail wisdom, he says, is to identify winners, push them hard, and eliminate slow sellers. That is not how he operates. “The antithesis,” he explains, “is you buy what you think is real. And irrespective of whether people like it, you stick it on the walls and you talk to people that come in.”

I

f you have the nerve to keep going long enough, he says, you build a business. His definition of real art is equally clear. He wants craftsmanship. He wants intelligence. He wants the sense that the maker has learned their skill properly and is saying something meaningful about the world. He has little time for conceptual work that looks like a rusty filing cabinet with football boots hanging off it. That might belong in the Tate, he says, but it will not be coming into his shop.

Over the years, Goldmark has built enormous stock, often buying against the market long before the rest of the world caught up.

121

Chagall, Hockney, Picasso and Matisse, all on display as part of Goldmark Art’s Original Artists’ Posters exhibition.

122

GOLDMARK ART

H

e estimates the business now holds around 100,000 items in its warehouses. This is not a small boutique operation with a few framed prints on the walls. This is a major enterprise, employing around 30 people across its gallery in Uppingham and its wider operation, including Atelier, its specialist publishing and fine art printing arm.

Goldmark Atelier, based in Corby, began around 20 years ago and focuses on what Mike calls real prints: screen prints, lithographs and etchings. It works not only for Goldmark but for other clients too, producing fine art editions and even printing for Royal Academicians on occasion.

Then there is the film side of the business, a venture that feels as radical as anything Goldmark has done. Mike began making art documentaries around 30 years ago after reading that the BBC would no longer make art films unless the subject already had substantial public recognition. It was, to him, an act of cultural cowardice.

If the BBC was no longer interested in introducing audiences to lesser known artists, then Goldmark would do it instead. The films were initially made by independent filmmakers, but the business soon brought production in house.

Should you invest in art?

Art has long been regarded as both a cultural pleasure and, occasionally, a store of value. Record­breaking auction results at Christie’s and Sotheby’s can give the impression that art is a reliable investment, yet the reality is far more nuanced. As British art market commentator Georgina Adam has observed, the art market is ‘driven by fashion and taste,’ and those can shift quickly. What is highly sought­after today may fall from favour tomorrow.

Financial experts tend to strike an equally cautious tone. Merryn Somerset Webb, writing in the Financial Times, has repeatedly reminded readers that art should be considered a passion purchase rather than a core investment, noting that it produces no income and can be costly to insure, store and sell. Auction commissions alone can significantly reduce any apparent profit.

Even seasoned collectors diversify carefully. The consensus among UK wealth managers is that art should represent only a modest proportion of an overall portfolio, if included at all. Provenance, condition, rarity and the reputation of the gallery are all crucial in underpinning long­term value — but none can guarantee appreciation.

The most consistent advice from across the industry is reassuringly simple: buy what you love. Choose work that you will enjoy living with, that sparks conversation and gives lasting pleasure. If it increases in value over time, that is a welcome bonus. But art should enrich your walls before it enriches your wealth.

“Goldmark’s approach was to focus on a small number, typically no more than around a dozen worldwide. They concentrated on domestic ware, pots intended to be used, rather than purely sculptural objects...”

Today it has two full time cameramen, led by Mike’s son Jay, who has travelled all over the world making films about artists and potters.

Perhaps most astonishingly, Goldmark does not sell these films. Even when the BBC has asked to buy them, Mike has refused. The films go online and are simply given away. One documentary, about Korean potter Lee Kang Hyo, has been watched over a million times and Mike says it changed the potter’s life.

It is tempting to call this altruism, but Mike would likely shrug off the label. He frames it as part of the business’s broader mission to educate, to share, and to build a deeper relationship between people and the objects they might one day choose to live with.

Goldmark’s ceramics operation is another example of Mike’s instinct for doing things differently. He admits he had been using, breaking and giving away pots for 50 years, but what pushed him into building a ceramics division was frustration at the way other dealers treated potters. He felt the makers took all the risk while the sellers took the profit. As Goldmark was strong enough, he decided they would sell ceramics in a completely different way.

They started around 25 years ago, guided by the late Phil Rogers, a renowned Welsh potter. Goldmark’s approach was deliberately narrow. Instead of representing dozens of potters, they focused on a small number, typically no more than around a dozen worldwide.

They concentrated on domestic ware, pots intended to be used, rather than purely sculptural objects. It was a strategy that helped them build a global reputation quickly.

T

oday, Mike says Goldmark is generally reckoned to sell more pots per show than anyone in the world. There is a blunt practicality to the way he explains it. Many ceramics sellers offer huge variety. If a customer does not like one potter, they can be shown another.

That might be good for the shop, he says, but it is not good for the potter, because no single maker can earn a living when they are just one name among fifty. Goldmark’s model, by contrast, supports its artists properly and gives them the focus they need to thrive.

123

GOLDMARK ART

“Mike surrounded himself with work, original prints by masters like Picasso, Chagall and Miró, pieces that were once produced in large quantities so ordinary people could own them..”

T

hat sense of looking after people is a theme that runs through everything Mike says. He speaks warmly about staff, about the pleasure of being able to employ more people, and about building a business that is rooted in integrity. He recalls reading EF Schumacher’s Small is Beautiful, Economics as if People Mattered, and describes it as a formative influence on his thinking.

He is openly sceptical of the modern obsession with speed, with young people being told they must have ‘made it’ by the time they are 28. He has no time for it. His approach is patient. Slow growth. A long view.

A belief in learning by doing.

It is the same philosophy that shaped his own education in art. He insists he never set out with an artistic background or formal qualifications. Instead, he surrounded himself with work, original prints by masters like Picasso, Chagall and Miró, pieces that were once produced in large quantities so ordinary people could own them.

Living with those works, seeing them daily, taught his eye more than any book could. It is also why Goldmark feels so accessible. It is not an ivory tower operation. It is a place built by learning, listening, and slowly developing taste through direct experience.

Goldmark’s clientele now spans the world. Mike says people would be amazed at who shops here. At one point he mentions selling original Goya etchings to... well, someone very famous. He is happy to talk about it privately, but discretion is clearly part of the culture.

The business itself has become an ecosystem. The gallery. The publishing. The printing. The framing. The films. Even the live performances.

Downstairs, the space transforms into an intimate 60 seat auditorium for live music, with musicians performing amid the art. It is a concept that sounds improbable until you see it, but it has become a beloved part of Goldmark’s identity. Mike says they host around 10 gigs a year, and that the calibre of performers can be extraordinary.

It is all done with the same quiet insistence on quality and hospitality.

Musicians are paid properly. They are fed properly. They are looked after. Mike is almost bewildered that anyone would do it differently.

The quarterly Goldmark magazine reflects the same ethos. It is a serious art publication, produced without advertising, and Mike suggests it has been described by someone at the Arts Council as the best art publication in the country. It contains some forthcoming information, but much of it is educational, informative, and written by people within the Goldmark circle alongside established contributors.

A

ll of it points back to that original idea. Mike Goldmark is a shopkeeper. He is proud of the word. And he has built a business that feels like the antidote to everything people dislike about the art world.

There is no snobbery here. No intimidation. No sense that art is reserved for the wealthy, the educated, or the self-consciously cultured. Goldmark is a place where you can come in knowing nothing and leave knowing a bit more. It is a place where you can look without pressure, learn without embarrassment, and perhaps, one day, buy something because it feels real.

And if you do not buy anything at all, you will still have been welcomed. You might have watched a documentary for free. You might have read a magazine without adverts. You might have seen a rare print or held a pot that was made by a master. You might even have listened to world-class music in a room that, earlier in the day, was simply a gallery.

For most shopkeepers, that would be madness. For Mike Goldmark, it is simply good shopkeeping. And judging by the scale of what he has built since arriving in Uppingham with nothing, it is also the smartest business decision he ever made.

Goldmark Art is based on Orange Street, Uppingham LE15 9SQ. Call 01572 821424 or see www.goldmarkart.com.

124

WHAT’S ON at GOLDMARK On Now

Wednesday 15th April

Goldmark’s current exhibition celebrates the artist’s poster as a form of creative expression in its own right. These are not simply promotional pieces but original works, often created with the same visual intelligence and craftsmanship found in prints, paintings and illustration. Bringing together a striking selection of twentieth century posters, the show highlights how artists have used the format to communicate ideas with immediacy, energy and graphic impact. For visitors, it is an accessible way into the world of original works on paper, offering the chance to see pieces where art and design merge seamlessly with bold typography, and cultural history.

On 15th April, Goldmark welcomes L.Y.R to the Front Room. Known for their distinctive sound and richly layered compositions, the group brings an evening of live music that fits perfectly within Goldmark’s wider cultural programme.

Original Artists’ Posters

Saturday 21st March

Charlie Collier

Goldmark’s next ceramics exhibition opens on 21st March with the work of Charlie Collier. The show presents a carefully chosen group of pots that Collier has been setting aside over recent years. His work sits comfortably between functional domestic ware and sculptural presence.

These are pots designed to be used, but which also reward slow looking and appreciation of glaze, texture and subtle variation. The exhibition will be available to view both in the gallery and online.

L.Y.R

Saturday 25th April

Sid Burnard

Sid Burnard was born in Brighton in 1948 and introduced to the art of beachcombing by his Romany grandmother. He now utilises the flotsam and jetsam from the nearby sea is his only source of materials, creating driftwood pieces, usually birds, boats or mythical beasts, are full of his passion, integrity and wonderful humour.

Sid Burnard.

Sunday 23rd May

John Farrington

John Farrington’s exhibition opens on 23rd May. His paintings and drawings reflect a long engagement with place, memory and composition, brought to life through sensitive colour and careful structure. The show continues Goldmark’s commitment to thoughtful, focused exhibitions that reward attention and deepen understanding.

Sunday 12th April

Art Themen Trio Goldmark’s live music programme continues on 12th April with a performance by the Art Themen Trio. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The trio features Art Themen, a celebrated figure in British jazz for more than sixty years, joined by organist Pete Whittaker and drummer George Double. Their performances are known for musical depth, warmth and rhythmic drive, blending jazz standards with inventive interplay. The Goldmark Front Room, with its intimate sixty seat capacity, offers a rare opportunity to experience musicians of this calibre at close quarters, surrounded by art.

Charlie Collier.

125

FASHION

DENIM Reinvented Daily

From light washes to indigo, explore versatile denim dresses, jackets, jumpsuits, blouses, tops, and trousers.

D

enim is no longer just a wardrobe staple - it’s a canvas for creativity this spring. Designers are embracing different shades and weights of denim, offering everything from airy chambray blouses to heavyweight indigo jackets. The beauty lies in mixing textures and tones: pair a soft, stonewashed denim blouse with structured, dark indigo trousers for a balanced, modern look.

Dresses in denim have evolved from casual to contemporary chic. A midweight denim dress with puffed sleeves and a cinched waist can effortlessly transition from daytime errands to evening drinks.

Meanwhile, denim jumpsuits are back with a tailored twist, featuring defined waists, sleek legs, and practical pockets - a nod to functional fashion with a stylish edge. Casual denim dresses in lighter washes remain perfect for spring garden parties, while darker indigo options bring instant sophistication for more formal occasions.

Layering remains key. Denim jackets, whether cropped, oversized, or embroidered, work over blouses, tops, or even jumpsuits, offering dimension and visual interest. Lighter denim tops in soft washes provide a fresh springtime palette, while deeper indigo pieces anchor outfits with sophistication. Trousers in varied weights - relaxed, flared, or widelegged - offer comfort without sacrificing style, allowing readers to mix casual with elevated elements effortlessly. For those who love playful textures, consider denim-on-denim combinations in contrasting shades for a chic, curated look.

Accessories in neutral or contrasting hues complement the denim spectrum beautifully. A leather belt, structured handbag, or statement boots can transform a simple denim ensemble into a polished outfit worthy of countryside lunches or city excursions.

This season, think beyond one uniform wash. Embrace layers, textures, and varying weights to craft outfits that are uniquely personal and effortlessly chic, proving denim is endlessly versatile, contemporary, and undeniably stylish. With spring upon us, it’s the perfect time to reimagine your denim wardrobe, incorporating both classic staples and statement pieces for an updated, fashion-forward look.

Opposite: Gigi wool­blend double­breasted blazer in navy, £298. Solenge cotton cropped long­sleeve shirt in white, £98. Liv Messy Weekend square frame sunglasses in brown, £85. Anika suede bowling bag in tan, £248. Tyla chunky chain­link bracelet in gold, £125. Talia twist bangle bracelet in gold, £110. Athena leather strap­detail lug­sole loafers in burgundy, £158. Isabel slim­leg mid­rise jeans in mid blue, £120.

All available from www.reiss.com

126

127

FASHION

Above: Mid­indigo crochet trim denim jacket from Mint Velvet, £135, www.mintvelvet.com.

Opposite: Sahara stretch denim jacket, an essential go­to for chic, laid­back style, £179, Sahara, Red Lion Square, Stamford, call 01780 408 549 or see saharalondon.com.

128

>>

1

2

3

Above: Tona dress, £245, www.ba­sh.com.

Left: Fit & flare midi dress, £275, www.meandem.com.

130

1. Indigo denim midi shirt dress, £150, www.mintvelvet.com.

2. Rappa top, £299, www.munthe.co.uk.

3. Pilcro denim sleeveless top, £88.

Kayden Carpenter barrel jeans by Pilcro, £128, www.anthropologie.com.

4. Gigi denim track jacket, £328, www.veronicabeard.com.

5. Catrin jacket, £195, www.wyselondon.com.

6. Calla denim crop top and skirt, £250, www.curated­crowd.com.

Below: Danie wide­leg zip­through denim Jumpsuit, £240, www.reiss.com.

4

5

6

131

PRINTED ELEGANCE

£349, hobbs.com

Embrace spring’s joyful spirit with colourful patterned midi dresses featuring elegant long sleeves. Perfect for garden parties or weekend brunches, these statement pieces combine playful prints with timeless, flattering silhouettes.

£1,390, suzannah.com £595, meandem.com

£625, thefoldlondon.com

£258, reiss.com £2149, coastfashion.com

£299, hollandcooper.com

GLAMOUR BAGS

Opulent, colourful clutch bags bring playful extravagance to refined wardrobes, proving accessories remain the quickest route to modern elegance with personality. £59, aftershockplc.com £300, butlerandwilson.co.uk

£3,000, aspinaloflondon.com £75, veranohill.com

132

£450, self­portrait.com

£139, hobbs.com

£42, shop.kew.org

£200, artemest.com

£85, bluntumbrellas.co.uk

BRIGHT

£39, originalduck head.com

FORECAST Vivid prints and joyful colour elevate everyday umbrellas from necessity to statement piece, perfect for stylish women refusing to compromise on elegance, even in drizzle.

CHIC STEPS

Kitten heel slingbacks in playful brights and elegant neutrals offer subtle height, all­day comfort and a grown­up way to refresh spring wardrobes. £240, essentiel­antwerp.com

£69, contrado.co.uk

£117, stickandcaneshop.co.uk

£169, hollandcooper.com

£319, hugoboss.com £99, dunelondon.com

£795, manoloblahnik.com

£129, karenmillen.com £740, veronicabeard.com

Pastel Power

£275, gb.marella.com

From powder blue to pale lilac, these blazers add femininity, polish and versatility to everyday outfits, day through evening.

£120, anthropologie.com

£540, store.pinko.com

133

Classical pianist Hélène Grimaud is a 2024 Rolex Testimonee.

LUXURY WATCHES

Rolex Lady­Datejust, oyster 28mm, white gold and diamonds, £15,450, (01482 329 449, www.hughrice.co.uk).

Nomination mother of pearl watch, £139, Rubirox, St Mary’s Street, Stamford (01780 755996, www.rubirox.co.uk).

Breitling Lady Premier Automatic 36, £4,400, for local stockists see www.breitling.com.

SPRING

TIME Spring forward this month and enjoy our selection of the latest luxury watches for ladies

Tissot Glendora Gold, 33mm, £1,525 for local stockists see www.tissotwatches.com.

Product selection: Mandy Bray.

Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori watch, stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold, £8,800, local stockists se www.bulgari.com.

Chanel J12 Calibre watch, 38mm, £6,900, for local stockists see www.chanel.com.

Omega Constellation Manhattan Steel & Rose­Gold Watch, Hugh Rice, £10,400, (01482 329 449, www.hughrice.co.uk).

Nomination Time Collection watch, with black dial, £375, brand stocked by Rubirox (01780 755996, www.rubirox.co.uk).

135

Timeless British Wardrobe Essentials

STYLE FOR MEN >>

1

2

3

4

5

136

SUNSPEL remains a benchmark of refined British menswear, championing beautifully made essentials that feel as good as they look.

Known for its exceptional fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and understated elegance, the brand excels in elevating everyday dressing. From impeccably cut T­shirts and polos to lightweight knitwear and effortless tailoring, each piece reflects a dedication to comfort, longevity and timeless style. It’s menswear for those who value quality, restraint and quiet confidence over fleeting fashion.

6

1. Cotton Mesh Polo, £325.

2. Suede Loafer, £450.

3. Cashmere Half Zip Jumper, £395.

4. Textured Wool Trouser, £310.

5. Smart Suede Belt, £95.

6. Classic Boxer Shorts in Liberty Fabric, £75.

7. Wool Twill Jacket, £470. Long Sleeve Sea Island Cotton Knit Polo Shirt, £295.

8. Regular Fit Chino, £175.

9. Loopback Hoodie, £175.

7

8

9

137

138

TRAVEL

Beautifully Balmy

BALI

A refined, restorative journey through Bali­temples, teak, turmeric, and time very well spent

B

ali is not a place you simply visit; it’s somewhere you arrive.

Villas are private sanctuaries with plunge pools, oversized stone baths

The transition begins the moment you leave the damp greys

and shaded terraces made for long, quiet mornings.

of East Midlands skies behind and step into warm,

frangipani-scented air. From London Heathrow, you can fly direct or connect smoothly via Singapore or Doha.

If you prefer a split stay (highly recommended), Bali’s south coast offers a very different mood. Beach resorts here lean more glamorous, with cliff-top villas, private beach clubs and sunset

If you’re travelling in business class (Singapore Airlines and Qatar

dining. In Uluwatu, Bulgari Resort Bali delivers sleek, high-end

Airways are both excellent), the journey becomes part of the holiday:

design paired with one of the island’s finest views, the cliffs dropping

flat beds, attentive service and the kind of calm that means you land

sharply into the Indian Ocean below. Elsewhere, you’ll find

feeling ready rather than wrung out.

everything from polished family resorts to boutique hotels that focus

Ngurah Rai International Airport is busy but manageable, particularly

on wellness, privacy and style.

if you’ve arranged a fast-track arrival and a private transfer. This is

For travellers who like independence, Bali also offers exceptional

the best way to start: no haggling, no waiting, just a quiet,

private villas with staff, pools and gardens — ideal for multi-

immaculately presented driver and a chilled bottle of water as you slip

generational trips, groups of friends, or anyone who values space.

into the warmth.

What to do (and why people go)

Many first-time visitors head north towards Ubud, the island’s

Bali’s great strength is its variety. People come for the warmth and

cultural heart. The drive sets the tone. Rice terraces glow green

the beaches, of course, but they stay for the sense of balance: nature,

against the hills, villages appear in soft bursts of colour, and small

culture, rest and indulgence, all within easy reach. It’s a destination

offerings of flowers and incense sit neatly outside doorways and on

that suits many different travel styles (honeymooners, solo travellers,

pavements. It feels both everyday and ceremonial, as though the

families and friends) because you can shape it to your pace.

island is gently reminding you that beauty is part of the routine here.

Start in Ubud by doing very little at all. A sunrise walk through quiet

Where to stay

lanes reveals artists opening studios, locals heading to temple, and

Bali’s accommodation is one of the reasons it remains so popular

the island beginning its day without rush. Breakfast is best taken

with discerning travellers. The island has mastered the art of luxury

slowly: tropical fruit, strong Balinese coffee, warm pancakes, and

that doesn’t feel showy: design that blends into nature, service that

jungle views that make your phone feel irrelevant.

is warm but not intrusive, and spaces that make you breathe a little more slowly.

Ubud rewards unhurried exploration. Browse galleries showcasing wood carving, textiles and contemporary Balinese art. Dip into

In Ubud, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan remains one of the most

boutiques selling linen, jewellery and homeware you’ll insist you

memorable choices and is well worth the splurge. Suspended above the

don’t need (but will definitely take home). The Sacred Monkey Forest

Ayung River, it feels like a modern temple: flowing water, dark timber,

is a must — slightly chaotic, often funny, and a reminder to keep

open-air spaces and jungle views that soften the edges of everyday life.

sunglasses and hats firmly secured.

140

TRAVEL

For a quieter, more exclusive feel, consider April, May, September or early October, when the weather remains excellent but the atmosphere is less hectic...

Top: Monkey Forest Ubud Bali Indonesia.

View of Nusa Dua resort area in the vicinity of Denpasar. Above: Kelingking beach in Nusa Penida. The pond at Tirta Empul Temple in Bali, Indonesia, popular tourist attraction of Asia.

Beyond town, Bali invites you into its slower rituals. A spa treatment

many travellers, this is the sweet spot, particularly if you’re planning

inspired by local healing traditions is almost compulsory, whether

to explore beyond the resort or want reliable beach weather.

it’s a massage to the soundtrack of the river or a longer wellness

July and August are busiest — popular with European families and

programme combining movement, meditation and restorative

peak holiday travel — so prices rise and the island feels more

therapies. You can also take a private class in a local home, learning

crowded. If you prefer a quieter, more exclusive feel, consider April,

techniques and ingredients that are part of daily life here.

May, September or early October, when the weather remains

Further south, the scenery changes. A stop at Tanah Lot at sunset is

excellent but the atmosphere is less hectic.

undeniably theatrical, the temple silhouetted against sea spray and

The wet season (roughly November to March) brings heavier

black volcanic rock. Continue on towards the cliffs of Uluwatu, where

showers, often short and intense rather than constant. It can still be

Bali’s coastline becomes dramatic and its evenings become a little

a lovely time to visit, especially for spa stays, cultural exploration and

more polished.

those who enjoy the island at a softer pace; just expect humidity and

Here, time is measured in sunsets, sea views and long dinners. Bali

the occasional downpour.

is a year-round destination, but timing matters depending on what

Bali is sure to send you off quietly. No fanfare, just a lingering

you want from the trip. The dry season typically runs from April to October, bringing lower humidity, clearer skies and calmer seas. For

142

sense of calm and the feeling that you’ve been somewhere very special indeed!

Attractions

Food & Drink To understand Bali properly, you need to taste it. The island’s food is rooted in ritual and community, shaped by spice, smoke and slow cooking, yet it can feel wonderfully re­ fined when served in the right setting.

Salads and vegetable dishes are just as important, including Lawar, a fragrant mix of vegetables, herbs and spices, and Gado­Gado, steamed vegetables topped with a rich peanut sauce.

A must­try is Babi Guling, Bali’s famous slow­roasted suckling pig, served with crisp skin and richly seasoned meat, often along­ side rice and punchy sambals.

To drink, start the day with Balinese Coffee, dark, intense and unmistakably local, and if you’re curious after dinner, try Arak, the island’s traditional spirit, best enjoyed sparingly and well mixed.

Equally iconic is Bebek Betutu, duck rubbed with aromatic spices, wrapped and cooked for hours until meltingly tender.

For something lighter but still full of flavour, order Nasi Campur, a composed plate of rice with a selection of small accompaniments, from vegetables and shredded meats to chilli heat and fragrant herbs.

Seafood lovers should seek out Sate Lilit, minced fish or seafood skewers mixed with coconut, lime and spices, grilled until smoky and golden.

Bali’s attractions are wonderfully varied, moving from culture and craft to dramatic coastline and lush interior scenery.

Ubud is the obvious starting point, a relaxed cultural hub where galleries, temples, markets and cafés sit among rice fields and jungle. Just outside town, the Sacred Monkey Forest offers a memorable mix of nature and heritage, with ancient temple structures tucked beneath towering trees and macaques roaming freely.

For Bali at its most photogenic, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces are hard to beat, especially early in the morning be­ fore the crowds arrive and the light turns the landscape into a wash of emerald greens. Those looking for something more spiritual can visit Tirta Empul, a holy spring temple where locals and visi­ tors take part in purification rituals in the cool water, a fascinating glimpse into everyday Balinese faith and tradition.

On the coast, Tanah Lot Temple delivers pure theatre at sunset, a sea temple perched on black volcanic rock as waves crash below. Further south, Uluwatu Temple pairs cliff­top views with the chance to watch a traditional Kecak dance at dusk, an atmospheric experience even for those who don’t usually seek out performances.

For a slower pace, Jimbaran Bay is ideal for relaxed beach time and easy evenings by the water. If you want a more active moment, a sunrise trek up Mount Batur rewards early risers with panoramic views, while inland escapes such as the Sidemen Valley reveal a quieter, more rural Bali with beautiful scenery and a calmer feel.

Opposite: Bebek Betutu is one of the best culinary from Bali, rich in taste and very spicy.

143

Accommodation Como Uma Ubud Understated luxury A beautifully understated wellness­ focused retreat offering calm, space and excellent service. Expect yoga, holistic treatments, and elegant rooms and suites.

From £500 per night, www.comohotels.com/bali.

Alila Villas Uluwatu Modern architectural villas With private pools, a superb spa and a stylish atmosphere, with direct access to Bali’s best coastal scenery.

From £650 per night. www.alilahotels.com/uluwat.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Ubud Ultra luxurious jungle retreat A serene jungle retreat above the Ayung River, known for exceptional service, beautiful private villas and a world­class spa. Ideal for couples and anyone want­ ing culture, wellness and calm.

From £900 per night, www.fourseasons.com/sayan.

Bulgari Resort Bali, Uluwatu Private report offering ultra luxury A dramatic cliff­top resort with immacu­ late design, outstanding privacy and pan­ oramic Indian Ocean views. Perfect for a glamorous split stay with sunset dining.

From £1,100 per night, www.bulgarihotels.com/bali.

Capella Ubud Ultra luxury rainforest camp Standout resort with tented suites that feel adventurous yet exceptionally indulgent. Expect impeccable service, and a real sense of escape in the jungle.

From c£1,000 per night, www.capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud.

144

TRAVEL

Travel Arrangements

Bali is straightforward to reach from the UK, with most travellers flying from London Heathrow, although Manchester and Birmingham are also popular departure points.

There are occasional direct services in peak seasons, but most routes are one stop via hubs such as Singapore, Doha or Dubai.

Guide prices in economy typically start from around £750 to £1,100 return from London, with regional airports often £850 to £1,250 depending on the connection and time of year. Business class fares vary widely but are generally from around £2,800 return, rising significantly in school holidays.

You’ll land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), close to the southern resort areas.

Left/Above: Capella Ubud resort.

Transfers are best arranged in advance via your hotel or a reputable private driver.

As a guide, allow around 30 to 45 minutes to Seminyak or Jimbaran (traffic dependent), around 60 to 90 minutes to Uluwatu, and roughly 90 minutes to two hours to Ubud.

The main language is Bahasa Indonesia, with Balinese also spoken locally, but English is widely understood in hotels and tourist areas.

The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Etiquette is relaxed but respectful: dress modestly when visiting temples, remove shoes where asked, and avoid touching anyone on the head.

Loudness or public displays are frowned upon, and a polite, calm approach is always appreciated.

145

MOTORS

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Words: Rob Davis.

Back in 2019, British motorists collected the keys to over 36,000 new convertible models. Last year, just over 12,000 were registered... we may well have fallen out of love with soft­tops, but the Mazda MX­5, the UK’s best­selling drop­top, is still a delight on a summer day!

Convertible cars are becoming an endangered species. In 2010 there were 60,000 such vehicles sold, but by 2019 that number had dropped to just 36,193 and last year, sales fell further with just 12,174 finding a home with British motorists.

Oddly, Britain used to be the biggest market for convertibles in Europe, and the second biggest market for convertible vehicles after the US. You’d think claims of global warming would work in favour of convertible sales, but in fact, it seems that we’ve fallen out of love with wind­in­the­hair motoring. One car, however, is still fighting the good fight: Mazda’s MX­5, the UK’s best­selling convertible.

MOTORS

Last year, Mercedes consolidated its C-Class and E-Class convertibles into a single model, the CLE. BMW’s 2-Series convertible, Z4 and 8-Series were axed, with only approved used models remaining on the company’s website.

Peugeot’s hasn’t replaced the 207 convertible since launching its 208. There’s no longer an Audi TT roadster. Or an Audi A3 or A4 convertible. VW’s Golf Convertible? Ford’s Focus? Vauxhall’s Cascada? The odd but likeable Range Rover Evoque Convertible?

All gone the way of the dodo, I’m afraid.

There are still 45 convertible models on sale in the UK, although most are track-biased sports cars or high-end models, from Caterham’s 7 to Porsche’s 911, to Bentley’s Continental GT and Ferrari’s three ‘Spider’ models. Just 16 convertibles on sale in Britain cost less than £150,000, the average price of all British drop-tops on sale is £68,500, and only two models on sale in Britain cost under £30,000: the Mini Convertible and Mazda’s MX-5.

That’s problematic, because having a convertible as a second car used to be a treat.

But at such a high price, buyers are inevitably increasingly scarce.

Standard equipment is decent enough with a leather steering wheel and gear shift, heated seats, electric windows and mirrors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, remote locking, rear parking sensors and heated seats plus 16-inch alloy wheels.

Mazda MX­5 Prime­Line 1.5

Step up to mid-tier Exclusive Line and you’ll get a Bose-branded stereo, leather seats and keyless entry. Top-spec Homura models upgrade those alloy wheels to 17-inch and provide Recaro seats. On balance we think the base model is better value. A 2.0-litre engine with 184PS on tap is available with the upper two trim levels, but the visceral driving experience of a convertible will always feel rapid, so we’d stick with the 1.5-litre.

Performance: Top speed: 127 mph, 0–60 mph: approx. 8.3 seconds.

Speaking of the driving experience, the MX-5 is here to remind you why summer days are a treat for motorists. The handling is fabulous, with a kerb weight of less than 1,000kg to the car, plus an agile chassis and a ride set up to ensure comfort rather than outright sports car performance as its aim.

Price: £28,585.

Engine: 1.5­litre, four­cylinder 132PS, with six­speed gearbox, rear­wheel drive.

Economy & Emissions: Combined fuel economy: approximately 45.6 mpg (WLTP) CO₂ emissions: approximately 140g/km Equipment: Electric windows, mirrors, manual roof, air conditioning, heated seats, 16­inch alloy wheels. Apple CarPlay and Android auto with Bluetooth. Rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers.

The MX-5 is predictable, relaxed and fun, a nice way to turn a summer afternoon into a joyous drive that’ll put a smile on your face and remind you of what motoring is all about.

Of the Mini Convertible and Mazda’s MX-5, the latter sells in slightly higher volume, about 1,000 cars a year. It’s less customisable than a Mini, and remains a two-seater... although the Mini Convertible’s rear seats, whilst present, won’t be accommodating any basketball players.

What’s more, if you want an automatic gearbox, or adaptive cruise control, or the electrical operation of your roof, or if you want to plug-in your drop-top and go electric, only a Mini will accommodate any of the above.

The MX-5 does counter, though, by offering considerable value for money. It’s the cheaper of the two cars in base model form, albeit by only £500 or so. And in Prime-Line spec in its 1.5-litre 132PS form, Mazda asks just £28,585 for the MX-5.

149

More affluent readers. More online readers.

Highest engagement. Transparent circulation.

Reach the region’s most affluent readers - every month.

Over 60,000 engaged readers across print and digital.

PRIDE MAGAZINES When you need premium readers, Pride delivers - literally! w: www.pridemagazines.co.uk t: 01529 469977 or e: sales@pridemagazines.co.uk

LOCAL BUSINESSES

HERITAGE SOCIAL Heritage Social, the hospitality group celebrated for its dedication to quality, community, and craft, has expanded once again with the opening of its fourth venue: Fletchers, which opened its doors in October in the heart of Grantham. Set within a beautifully restored Grade II listed building, Fletchers brings renewed purpose to a site rich in local history—once a wine merchant, later a pub, and home to various eateries over the decades. Its original charm has been carefully preserved while being thoughtfully reimagined for a dining experience that feels both modern and comfortingly nostalgic.

Designed as a welcoming hub for locals and visitors alike, Fletchers offers high-quality, comforting food at an accessible price. The restaurant blends the timeless appeal of a traditional pub with contemporary style, featuring a relaxed interior, intimate courtyard garden, and an inviting fireplace that creates a cosy focal point during the cooler months.

The menu centres on seasonal British produce, showcasing familiar favourites crafted with care, flavour, and provenance.

Updated regularly to reflect the seasons, dishes highlight the best ingredients available throughout the year and are complemented by a curated drinks list featuring excellent wines, spirits, and an impressive selection of beers, including local brews.

For Grantham, the opening of Fletchers represents a positive and timely addition to the town’s evolving hospitality scene. At a moment when many residents look elsewhere for memorable dining, Heritage Social aims to bring people back to the high street—championing community, quality, and warm hospitality.

Chef Patron Ade Adeshina said: “We’re thrilled to bring Fletchers Public House to Grantham. With the investment happening across the town, this felt like the right time to contribute to its growth. We hope Fletchers becomes a place the community can be proud of.”

Fletchers Public House is located on Westgate, Grantham, NG31 6LE www.heritage­social.com.

152

RUTLAND & STAMFORD

LINCOLNSHIRE

PRIDE LINCOLNSHIRE’S FINEST MAGAZINE

164 PAGES

PRIDE THE AREA’S FINEST MAGAZINE

Drawing Uphill Lincoln

Going Wild in Rutland

DELICIOUS DINING OUT AT RESTAURANT JERICHO

COOKERY MASTERCLASSES AT THE OLIVE BRANCH, CLIPSHAM

THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF COUNTRYSIDE LINCS, LINCOLNSHIRE’S HERITAGE RAILWAYS, EXCLUSIVE IMAGES OF LINCOLNSHIRE’S YOUNG FARMERS’ COUNTY BALL, PLUS: THE FINEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN AND AROUND LINCOLNSHIRE

STAMFORD MUSICIAN JONNY KERRY’S NEW ALBUM OF SELF-PENNED SONGS TALKING SHOP WITH UPPINGHAM GALLERY OWNER MIKE GOLDMARK PLUS: THE FINEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN RUTLAND & STAMFORD

Artist Matthew Wright’s year-long labour of love

164 PAGES THE AREA’S LARGEST MAGAZINE

LINCOLNSHIRE’S LARGEST MAGAZINE

Nature-inspired tourism with Wild Rutland

APRIL 2026 £7.99

APRIL 2026 £7.99

Subscribe to Pride Magazine Subscribe to our delightful magazine and enjoy it delivered to your door each month

For a limited time, we’re pleased to offer our subscription for only £39.99 for 12 months with no extra charges for postage – we’ll cover that for you!

To subscribe to Pride Magazine, simply call our Subscription Hotline on 01529 46 99 77 (Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm). We’re delighted to bring you Pride each month to accompany your morning coffee, delivering the very best of our area, right to your doorstep.

www.pridemagazines.co.uk

153

FLAT ROOFS? WE’VE GOT THEM COVERED

NEW TOTALLY ENCLOSED / FULLY BUNDED STORAGE TANKS From 500 galls. (2,500 litres) up to 22.000 galls (110,000 litres) capacity Pump Cabinets with Roller Shutters and all equipment.

Pumps and Fuel Flow Monitors supplied and fitted.

Tank manufactured at our SCUNTHORPE factory.

SUPPLIERS OF:

SUPPLIERS TO:

Storage Tanks:

• Oil Industry

• Mild Steel

• Haulage Companies

• Stainless Steel • Bunded

• Construction Contractors

Ancillary Equipment:

• Water Authorities

Specialising in all flat roofing work, from

• Pumps • Alarms

• Agricultural Industry

garage roofs to conservatory conversions.

• Fuel Monitors

• Waste Managers

We can replace old conservatory roofing –

• Oil/Water Separators

• Environmental

• Storage Tank Disposal

Agencies

• Storage Tank Hire

• Chemical Industry

too hot in the summer, to cold in the winter – with a fully insulated roof and skylight system for comfort and an improved appearance Commercial & Domestic Roof Repairs Guttering, Fascias & Soffits

www.neilvessey.com sales@neilvessey.com

Conservatories and Balconies

Call 07825 381878 or see www.firstrateflatroofing.co.uk No Pressure Selling • Free, No Obligation Quotes • 25 Year Guarantee 154

Flixborough Industrial Estate, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 8SH

For further information please contact 01724 850224

LOCAL BUSINESSES

CLASSIC FIREPLACES In an age of mass production, Classic Fireplaces Ltd stands as a testament to true craftsmanship. Established in 1989 by Terry Roberts and his sons, Simon and Tim and daughter Emma, the company has built an enviable reputation for designing and creating some of the region’s most distinctive bespoke fireplaces.

From their base in Market Deeping, the family-run business has spent over three decades perfecting the art of fireplace design, seamlessly blending traditional masonry skills with contemporary living.

Today, the company is led by brother and sister team Tim and Emma Roberts, who continue to uphold the founding principles of quality, precision and personal service.

At the heart of the business lies its in-house manufacturing capability — a rarity in today’s marketplace. Skilled stonemasons handcraft each natural stone and marble

fireplace on site, allowing complete creative freedom in size, proportion and material selection.

From elegant limestone surrounds to striking marble statement pieces, every commission is tailored precisely to the client’s vision and interior space.

Complementing these handcrafted surrounds is an extensive choice of heating solutions, including wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, high-efficiency gas fires, electric fires and contemporary media walls — each carefully selected to combine performance with aesthetic excellence.

Attention to detail extends beyond design.

With their own dedicated Gas Safe and HETAS-registered installation engineers, every project is executed with meticulous care and technical expertise, ensuring both safety and flawless presentation.

From the initial visit to the showroom through to the home survey, customers are supported at every stage.

The survey process is designed to help homeowners select the most suitable fireplace and appliance for their space, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and practical performance.

The company attributes its enduring success to its ability to offer something increasingly rare: true bespoke manufacturing.

By crafting fireplaces to any specification and offering an extensive range of natural stones and marbles, Classic Fireplaces Ltd delivers a level of individuality and refinement that homeowners value.

More than 35 years after its founding, Classic Fireplaces Ltd remains a trusted name with a commitment to exceptional customer service — combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to create the heart of the home.

Call 01778 347267 or see www.classicfireplaces.co.uk.

155

LOCAL BUSINESSES

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Sometimes the best ideas happen when you step away from the desk. The Lincolnshire Showground, we create experiences that help teams reconnect, recharge and rediscover their creativity.

Our corporate away days are designed to break the routine and give your team something truly memorable.

Set in the heart of Lincolnshire, the Lincolnshire Showground blends modern facilities with open green spaces, offering an inspiring environment for collaboration and fresh thinking. Whether you are planning a strategy session, a team-building retreat, or simply want to celebrate success, we have the flexibility to make it happen.

From bright, spacious conference suites to

acres of outdoor space, every detail can be tailored to your goals.

parties like Calypso Carnival will keep the momentum going.

We work with trusted partners to deliver activities that bring people together and spark energy.

Our team takes care of everything from catering, AV support, breakout zones and activity coordination so you can focus on what matters most - your people. We also offer special rates for mid-week and off-peak bookings December-March, making it easier to plan an unforgettable experience without stretching your budget.

Quick icebreakers like Beat Box and Human Bingo set the tone, while indoor challenges such as CSI Experience and Master the Task encourage problemsolving in a fun way. Outdoors, you can take on Crystal Maze, Monopoly, or Squid Game, or try something completely different like falconry, archery or even have a go on a Segway.

If you want to finish the day in style, we can provide a themed evening entertainment such as murder mystery dinners or vibrant

Call 01522 522900 or see lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

156

The Lincolnshire Showground is more than a venue; it’s a place where ideas grow and teams thrive. If you’re ready to break out of the office and give your team a day they’ll talk about for months, call our friendly team on 01522 522900 to discuss your requirements or book a site visit.

SAN PIETRO, ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BOUTIQUE HOTEL

BROUGHTONS, LIGHTING & IRONMONGERY Broughtons of Leicester has become a beacon for those with a passion for period style and fine finishing. They curate a sumptuous collection of lighting — from lanterns to chandeliers — alongside door furniture, cabinet hardware and exquisite ironmongery, favouring designs that resonate with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Wherever your project lies — whether restoring a heritage home or dressing a sleek contemporary space with character — Broughtons delivers craftsmanship, choice and personal service. Their showroom is a treasure trove of tactile finishes and timeless details, designed for clients who demand more than the ordinary.

www.broughtons.com

San Pietro, in the heart of Scunthorpe, offers an authentic Sicilian dining experience paired with a luxurious boutique hotel. Helmed by chef-director Pietro Catalano, the restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine, with standout dishes like Lobster Ravioli, Roasted Halibut, and Vanilla Crème Brûlée. The elegant dining rooms and outdoor terrace provide a refined and intimate setting, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. San Pietro also offers 14 individually styled rooms and suites, ideal for a weekend getaway or a stay after a memorable dinner. The venue is a popular choice for weddings, private parties, and corporate events, with tailored packages and attentive service ensuring a flawless experience.

www.sanpietro.uk.com

DARKE AV, AUDIO VISUAL INSTALLATION & INTEGRATION For those seeking refined AV solutions in elegant domestic and commercial spaces, Darke AV delivers with precision and style.

Whether you’re creating an immersive home cinema, a discreet multi room audio system, or a fully integrated business communications suite, their expertise lies in harmonising technology with luxury interiors. With meticulous attention to aesthetics, cabling is hidden, components are crafted into the architecture, and the user experience is seamless. Ideal for countryside homes, conversion barns or heritage settings, Darke AV ensures your space not only looks exceptional but functions flawlessly. Tailored, discreet and high end — for clients who expect nothing less.

www.darkeav.com

DEXTER & SHARPE, CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS Established in 1882, Dexter & Sharpe is a trusted firm of Chartered Certified Accountants with offices across Lincolnshire, including Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness, and Spilsby. With over 130 years of experience, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including audit and compliance, taxation, cloud accounting, business start-up support, and consultancy. Their team of 12 partners and associates brings individual specialisms to provide tailored services for clients across various sectors, such as agriculture, charities, construction, manufacturing, motor retail and repair, transport and logistics, and veterinary. Dexter & Sharpe is committed to delivering practical, jargon-free advice to help clients achieve their business objectives. www.dextersharpe.co.uk 157

Sales Executives required No weekends – No late nights No burnout culture – No pressure selling

£50,000 basic Uncapped commission (OTE £70,000) Up to 69 paid days off per year

We’re hiring

Sales Executives to join The Whitespace Group — the UK’s largest multi-media wedding network.

£50,000 basic Minimum 5 years Sales Experience

A Sales Career With Real Rewards At The Whitespace Group, we believe great salespeople should be rewarded properly — with strong earnings, genuine support, and a role that is sustainable long term. As the UK’s largest multi-media wedding network, we have spent more than two decades helping wedding businesses get seen, get enquiries and win more bookings through trusted brands including UKbride, Confetti, Confetti Magazine, UKgroom, We Still Do and Wedx App. Our role is simple: we deliver the audience, and our clients turn that visibility into bookings.

The Role And What Makes It Different We are now looking for Sales Executives to join our growing team, speaking to wedding businesses across the UK in a consultative, phone-based sales role. You will introduce suppliers to our marketing platforms, explain how our network works, and help them choose the right level of exposure for their business.

69 days off per year When targets are hit.

Clear targets.

Clear rewards.

Earnings, Benefits And Time Back The role offers a basic salary of £50,000 (minimum five years experience in sales or telesales) with uncapped commission, bonuses and OTE of £70,000+ based on consistent performance against a monthly goal target of 24 sales.

We reward quality and consistency, not pressure tactics, and the package is designed to support both performance and work-life balance, including no weekends or late evenings, a 3:30pm finish every Friday (subject to the team being on track), 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, including a two-week Christmas shutdown, modern air-conditioned offices with free

No weekend work

parking, team incentives and rewards, and clear progression opportunities.

Monday to Friday (9-5) - 3.30 Fridays

For the right people, hybrid or work-from-home options may be available.

Self-employed/part time roles also available.

Available roles: Experience - Sales Executive - Circa £50,000.

No Experience - Sales Representatives - Circa £30,000.

Experienced - Credit Controller - Circa £30,000.

AN ME SC

FO

R

FO

More Info: www.wedhub.co.uk/advertise/suppliers MORE IN

Apply now - complete the form:

www.thewhitespacegroup.co.uk/apply

Almanac JAN

FEB

MAR

April Zodiac: Aries (21st March to 19th April) brings energy and initiative; Taurus (20th April to 20th May) offers steadiness and quiet determination.

Birthstone: Diamond, emblem of strength, clarity and enduring love.

Notable Dates: 1st April: April Fool’s Day. 23rd April: St George’s Day. In the Garden: Tulips and narcissi are at their peak, camellias still flower, and it’s time to sow hardy annuals and early vegetables as soil begins to warm.

Seasonal Table: Forced rhubarb, wild garlic, spring lamb and the first Jersey Royals appear; pair with elderflower cordial or a crisp English white.

On the Farm: Lambing season continues, fields brighten with oilseed rape, and spring barley is sown across the county.

SOUND & VISION On the airwaves in history, for the month of April

160

APR

MAY

Folklore: April in Britain is a month threaded with proverb, weather lore and gentle superstition. The familiar saying ‘April showers bring May flowers’ reflects an old rural faith that spring rain ensures summer abundance.

Country wisdom also claims that a dry April foretells a poor harvest, while a wet one promises barns well filled.

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

IN OTHER WORDS

“Why, in 2026, are women still afraid of ageing and of living in our own selves? We are more than our appearance... we are artists, mothers, sisters, wives, nurses, teachers... the list goes on!”

April Fool’s Day on 1st April has been observed in England since at least the 18th century, traditionally ending at noon, after which the joker becomes the fool.

Sharon Stone, 67-yr old actress on societal attitudes towards ageing.

In Scotland, the mischief historically lasted two days, the second known as ‘Taily Day’, devoted to pranks involving pinned notes and practical jokes.

St George’s Day on 23rd April celebrates England’s patron saint and the enduring legend of the dragon — a tale symbolising bravery, chivalry and the triumph of good over evil.

Gardeners still speak of ‘blackthorn winter’, a sudden cold snap said to arrive when blackthorn blossom covers the hedgerows in white, reminding us that April’s beauty often comes with a final, fleeting chill.

WEATHER WATCH April sees daytime highs of around 12°C, overnight lows of 3–4°C, and typical rainfall of approximately 45mm across the month. By mid­April, the sun rises at about 6am and sets close to 8.05pm (BST), giving just over 14 hours of daylight.

NOV

DEC

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BRITISH TAXATION It’s often said that nothing in life is certain but death and taxes, especially as the new tax year starts from 6th April.

Medieval monarchs levied duties on land, trade and goods to fund wars and royal households, while the Poll Taxes of the 14th century helped spark the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381... it happened again in 1990 when Margaret Thatcher unwisely introduced her ‘Community Charge.’

By the 17th century, Parliament had asserted its authority over taxation, establishing a constitutional principle that endures today.

Modern income tax was introduced in 1799 by William Pitt the Younger to finance the Napoleonic Wars.

Though briefly repealed, it was reintroduced permanently in 1842. PAYE, allowing income tax to be deducted at source, began in 1944. National Insurance was created in 1911 and expanded significantly in 1948 with the foundation of the welfare state. VAT was introduced in 1973, replacing Purchase Tax.

IN THE CHARTS

ON YOUR TV

AT THE CINEMA

In April 1973, Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree by Dawn topped the UK Singles Chart.

In April 1984, Lionel Richie’s Hello reached number one.

In April 1998, and in April 2006 Gnarls Barkley began its long reign with Crazy.

In April 1955, Dixon of Dock Green debuted on the BBC. In April 1964, Top of the Pops was first broadcast from Manchester.

In April 1981, the thriller series Bergerac premiered, and in April 2011 Game of Thrones made its debut on Sky Atlantic.

In April 1963, From Russia with Love premiered in London’s West End. In April 1983, Gandhi continued its strong run in British cinemas.

In April 1997, The Full Monty opened in the UK, and in 2019 Avengers Endgame broke all box office records.

TRIVIA, FOLKLORE AND HISTORY FIND JOY IN THE ART OF LIVING WELL IN APRIL WHAT’S COMING UP

HATCHED, MATCHED & DISPATCHED Hatched: William Shakespeare was baptised in April 1564, while Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21st April 1926, a spring arrival who would define a century. Matched: On 29th April 2011, Westminster Abbey hosted the marriage of Catherine Middleton and Prince William, a modern royal fairytale watched worldwide. Dispatched: April also marks the deaths of novelist Charlotte Brontë (1855), Sir Charlie Chaplin (1977) and pop icon Dusty Springfield in 1999.

AS SURE AS EGGS IS EGGS For an indulgent Easter, Harrods offers its Luxury Filled Chocolate Easter Egg at around £95, with pistachio, hazelnut and salted caramel in a generously thick shell.

Fortnum and Mason’s own Decorated Easter Egg Trio at £60 features handcrafted detail and elegantly moulded milk, dark & white chocolate.

Meanwhile, Hotel Chocolat’s showstopping Classic Ostrich Easter Egg, priced at about £90, is packed with pralines, caramels and truffles, crafted from high cocoa chocolate, beautifully boxed for gifting.

THE GRAND NATIONAL

The first London Marathon took place in 1981, inspired by the New York Marathon and founded by former Olympic champion Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley. Fewer than 7,000 runners started that inaugural race.

ON THIS DAY APRIL IN HISTORY 21st April 1509 Henry VIII became King of England, beginning one of the most dramatic reigns in British history.

29th April 1707 The Act of Union between England & Scotland took effect, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.

15th April 1912 The RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg, claiming more than 1,500 lives and prompting major reforms in maritime safety.

11th April 1953 The discovery of DNA’s double helix structure was published by Watson and Crick in Cambridge, revolutionising modern science.

12th April 1961 Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space, orbiting Earth aboard Vostok 1 and opening a new era of exploration.

1st April 1979 The United Kingdom’s first mobile phone call was made, heralding a communications revolution... it was probably answered in a restaurant or in the theatre.

17th April 2013 Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s funeral took place at St Paul’s Cathedral.

THE LONDON MARATHON

First run in 1839 at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, the Grand National remains Britain’s most famous steeplechase. The race is contested over four miles and two and a half furlongs, with 30 fences to be jumped across two circuits. Becher’s Brook, The Chair and Canal Turn are among the most recognisable obstacles in British sport.

The race is run at 4pm on Grand National Saturday and is the centrepiece of a three day festival that contributes an estimated tens of millions of pounds to the regional economy each year.

Up to 40 runners line up, having qualified through strict rating and safety criteria. The race attracts around 150,000 spectators across the three day meeting, with millions more watching on television in the UK and abroad. Prize money in recent years has stood at £1 million, with the winner receiving a substantial six figure sum.

Notable winners include Red Rum, who triumphed three times in the 1970s, and Tiger Roll, with consecutive victories in 2018 and 2019.

Nick Rockett, a 33­1 shot ridden by Patrick Mullins, won the race in 2025.

Today, more than 40,000 participants take part, with hundreds of thousands lining the 26.2 mile route from Greenwich to The Mall.

The event has produced world records and Olympic champions, but it is equally known for its breadth of entrants, from costumed fundraisers to serving members of the armed forces running in full kit. It has become a defining fixture of the British sporting spring.

HAPPY 108th BIRTHDAY TO THE ROYAL AIR FORCE The Royal Air Force was founded on 1st April 1918, becoming the world’s first independent air force by merging the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. At its creation it numbered more than 290,000 personnel and some 20,000 aircraft. Today the Royal Air Force employs around 33,000 regular personnel, supported by several thousand reservists and civilian staff across 30 active stations and bases, including RAF Waddington, RAF Coningsby, and RAF Wittering in our area.

161

MOMENTS THAT MATTER - FIVE MINUTE FICTION

THE LAST FROST A small gift from next door reminds Eleanor that spring isn’t just a season — it’s a quiet return to hope

T

he first sign that spring had truly arrived wasn’t the daffodils, or even the sudden bravery of the sunlight. It was the sound of a greenhouse door being opened. Eleanor heard it from her kitchen sink, hands in warm washing-up water, watching a thin April breeze worry at the washing line. It was a small noise — a hinge, a click, the faintest shuffle of footsteps on gravel — but it made her pause as if someone had called her name.

Next door, Mr Hargreaves was back. He hadn’t been in the garden all winter. Not properly. The greenhouse had sat with its panes clouded over and its little roof vent shut tight, the whole thing looking like a forgotten promise. Eleanor had kept an eye on it in the way neighbours do, quietly, without admitting it to themselves.

“Morning!” she called over the fence. There was a pause, then a head appeared above the fence line. A woolly hat. A familiar face, older than last year, but still with the same kind eyes.

“Morning, Eleanor,” Mr Hargreaves said. His voice was a little rough, as if it hadn’t been used much. “I thought I heard you out there,” she said. “How are you?” He gave a small shrug, the sort that meant fine enough. “Better today. Thought I’d see if anything survived.”

“Thank you,” she said. “But why are you giving it away?”

Mr Hargreaves looked down at the path, then up again. “Because,” he said quietly, “I’ve got too many. And because I remembered… she liked sweet peas.” Eleanor knew who she was. Everyone did, in the gentle, unspoken way of villages and small towns — the way news travels without ever being announced.

His wife, Margaret, had died last autumn. It had been sudden. One week she was walking to the shop with her trolley; the next, the house next door was dark at six o’clock and the curtains stayed drawn. Eleanor felt her throat tighten, but she didn’t let it show. She just nodded.

“I’ll put it somewhere sunny,” she said. “I’ll look after it.” Mr Hargreaves’s shoulders relaxed slightly, as if he’d been carrying something heavier than a seedling. “There’s one more thing,” he said.

“Oh?” He held out a folded scrap of paper. “Planting instructions,” he said, then added, almost apologetically, “I thought it might help.”

Eleanor unfolded it. Margaret’s handwriting — neat, slanted, the sort that belonged on recipe cards and Christmas labels. Pinch out the tips when it’s brave enough. Talk to it kindly. Protect it from the last frost.

Eleanor glanced towards the greenhouse. “Anything ever survive in there?!? You’ve got magic hands.” That earned her a smile.

Eleanor smiled. “She wrote this?”

“Not magic,” he said. “Just stubborn.” He disappeared again, and Eleanor went back to her own garden, though she didn’t do much.

She pulled at a few weeds, straightened a pot, moved a chair into a patch of sun. Every so often she looked up, listening.

Eleanor looked up at him. “Would you like a cup of tea?” she asked.

“I’ve just made a pot.” He hesitated, then nodded.

There were sounds from next door: the soft scrape of a trowel, the clink of terracotta, the occasional muttered word.

The kind of sounds that meant a person was still part of the world.

By late afternoon, the sky had turned the bright, rinsed blue that only April seems capable of. Eleanor was making tea when she heard a knock at the back door.

Mr Hargreaves stood there holding a small plant pot like it was something precious. A seedling, no taller than Eleanor’s hand, with two determined leaves. “I wondered,” he said, and cleared his throat.

“If you might… have this.”

Eleanor blinked. “Oh. That’s lovely. What is it?”

“Sweet pea,” he said. “A good one. Old variety. Smells like proper summer.” Eleanor accepted the pot carefully, as if it might shatter.

The leaves were impossibly green.

162

He nodded. “She wrote everything,” he said. “Couldn’t help herself.”

“Alright,” he said. “That’d be nice.” They sat at Eleanor’s kitchen table with the back door open, letting the April air drift in. They didn’t talk about grief, or hospitals, or the terrible quiet of winter evenings. They talked about small things: the price of compost, the stubbornness of slugs, the way the light seemed different this week.

Later, as he stood to leave, Mr Hargreaves paused by the windowsill where Eleanor had placed the sweet pea. “It’ll do well,” he said, more like a hope than a statement.

“It will,” Eleanor replied. “And when it flowers, I’ll cut you a bunch.”

He smiled again. “Margaret would’ve liked that.”

Are you a budding writer? Share your work with us and reach thousands of readers! Write a compelling short story — fictional or, even better, non­fiction — up to 650 words, and send it to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.