Lincolnshire Pride Jul 2013

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SUMMER

JULY 2013

JULY

2013

FULL SIZE EDITION

LincolnshirePride

LincolnshirePride T H E

N U M B E R

O N E

C O U N T Y

M A G A Z I N E

DAMBUSTERS 26 Pages of Luxury

HOMES The Good Spa Guide Quality Restaurants Summer Fashion

T hi s m on th w Jo hn M aj or as he e m ee t fo rm er P M v is it s L in co ln sh ir e. ..

ISSUE 132

COMMEMORATING THE DAMBUSTERS SQUADRON’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY

70th Anniversary of the 617

£3.70

SUM M ER

Food & Drink

Family Fun

Dambusters

Picking Fresh Strawberries

Days Out for Families

Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans’s Tribute

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LincolnshirePride July The number one counTy magazine

Welcome to July’s Lincolnshire Pride in which we remember Lincolnshire’s most famous RAF Squadron, The Dambusters, following their 70th anniversary. We hear from the last surviving Dambuster and meet BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans as he broadcasts live from RAF Scampton.

Elsewhere we’ve the 2013 Good Spa Guide plus days out this summer, such as a visit to Hardy’s Animal Farm with the children, and in our food section, lots of ideas for picking and enjoying fresh strawberries.

Enjoy!

Days Out

Chilling Out

Eating Out

Going Out

From a day on the farm with the children to county shows, there are lots of ideas on our What’s On pages...

Seeking a spa in which to relax and unwind? Enjoy our 2013 Good Spa Guide, and its recommendations...

Enjoy a bite to eat at one of the county’s restaurants - like the Greyhound in Louth, this month’s featured restaurant...

Events from across Lincolnshire, like the Dambusters 70th anniversary screening at Kinema in the Woods...

summer 2013

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Meet The Number One Team...

It’ s summertime and we’ ve enjoyed picking strawberries this month... but what’ s your summer treat?

Zoie Wilkinson

Rob Davis

Julian Wilkinson

Sales Manager

Executive Editor

Publisher & Managing Director

“This summer i’m going on holiday to new york, so my foody treat will be the big apple!”

“my grandfather was a greengrocer, so my summer treat was always a nice big bowl of locally grown strawberries in the summer!”

“i love spending a long hot afternoon in the summer months enjoying a barbecue with the family!”

Emily Rippin

Mandy Bray

Jayne Broughton

Sales Executive

Customer Care Manager

Group Sales Manager

“my balcony has a great view of the city of Lincoln and in the summer, i love sitting out on it and enjoying a mojito with friends!”

“We recently saw Jools holland perform in the grounds of burghley house. my friend rachel, a chef, treated us to an amazing picnic!”

“i enjoy growing and eating my own salad leaves... i think salads are really underrated and there’s nothing better than picking your own food!”

Runners and Riders...

Publisher & Managing Director: Julian Wilkinson. General Manager: ian bagley. Group Sales Manager: Jayne broughton.

Executive Editor: rob Davis. Customer Care Manager: mandy bray. Accounts Manager: sue bannister.

Sales Manager: zoie Wilkinson. Sales Executives: charlotte aiken, Jo Leadbitter, rachel Jones, emily brown, emily rippin, elaine hall, sami millard, Lauren chambers. Sales Support: Lorraine bashforth. Distribution Manger: Paul Dixon.

LincolnshirePride The number one counTy magazine

Pride magazines elm grange studios east heckington boston Lincolnshire Pe20 3QF

Tel: 01529 469977 Fax: 01529 469978

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

twitter.com/@LincsPrideMag Follow us on Twitter so you can read our tweets. We’ll let you know what’s going on and keep you well informed!

Web: www.lincolnshirepride.co.uk enquiries@pridemagazines.co.uk

enjoy Lincolnshire Pride, read it cover to cover. Pick it up, put it down and when you have finished with it pass it onto your best friend.

When everyone has had a good read, pop it in the recycle bin!

by supplying editorial or adverts to Lincolnshire Pride you accept in full the terms and conditions which can be found online at www.pridemagazines.co.uk. in the event of an advert or editorial being published incorrectly, where Pride magazines Ltd admits fault, we will include an advert of equivalent size, or equivalent sized editorial, free of charge to be used in a future edition, at our discretion. This gesture is accepted as full compensation for the error(s) with no refunds available.

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TO VIEW AND PuRCHASE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ‘THE EVENT’ VISIT WWW.PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.uK

THE EVENT

Pride Editor Rob Davis and Sir John Major.

Rt. Hon. John Major at the ESU The English Speaking Union recently welcomed VIP speaker Sir John Major to a dinner function held at Doddington Hall near Lincoln. The ESU aims to bring together and empower people of different languages and cultures using English as a shared language. The event was organised by the Committee of the Lincolnshire Branch. Also in attendance was chairman Sir Michael and Lady Graydon, Rt Hon Douglas Hogg & Baroness Hogg and the Lincolnshire branch President Anthony Worth, the county’s Lord Lieutenant.

Words and Photos: Rob Davis.

Sir Michael and Lady Graydon with Sir John and Dame Norma Major.

Geraldine RichardsonEames’s party.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

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THE EVENT ESU

Dinner with Sir John Major

Sir John with Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant Anthony Worth.

The event was held at Lincoln’s Doddington Hall.

Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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PICKING STRAWBERRIES

The Taste of Summer There could be few better tastes this summer than that of fresh strawberries, and the bold, bright, quintessentially British fruit always seems to taste better if you’ve picked them yourself...

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ENJOy... Picking

T

he taste of summer is embodied in the great British strawberry. It’s really easy to grow, great fun to pick with the children and has an evocative flavour, perfect on its own or in the suggestions you’ll find over the page.

The Strawberry Season Just one variety of strawberry, Elsanta, accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of the British fruit crop, certainly those sold in supermarkets. Around 55,000 tonnes of the fruit are grown each year, with the crop worth around £800m to UK farmers.

Last year’s weather meant an outdoor crop that was saved from decimation only by virtue that many growers now use polytunnels and glasshouses or hydroponic systems and in fact, yields of 2012’s crop actually rose by 10%, in a general farming climate that was poor, to say the least.

Buyer’s Guide If you’re purchasing from a supermarket, insist on British strawberries this summer - there’s no excuse preferably seek out your local farm shop or farmer’s market for the best examples and look for unblemished strawberries with bright-green hulls.

Pick Your Own Better still, visit a local grower and take the children to pick your own. Our recommendation is Willows Farm, whose family have farmed on their 1,000 acre Chapel St Leonards arable farm since 1979.

Strawberries

Pick your own right here in the county this month, and get the kids involved!

The family has dedicated 15 acres for growing fruit, and each year around 5,000 people enjoying picking their own strawberries, raspberries, plums and gooseberries.

Just one variety of strawberry, Elsanta, accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of the British fruit crop, certainly those sold in supermarkets. Around 55,000 tonnes of the fruit are grown each year, with the crop worth around £800m to uK farmers...

“It’s my birthday tomorow.” David Pridgeon told us on 22nd May. “We usually pick the first lot on my birthday, then families come along and enjoy a picnic and PYO strawberries all summer for about £1.20/lb.”

The best time to pick your own is in the morning when the fruit is cooler. Pick with around 1cm of stem attached and place them into smaller punnets rather than larger trugs and containers as the fruit is too delicate to bear the weight of other berries.

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ENJOY...

Picking Strawberries

Strawberries should never be washed until you’ re ready to eat or use them, and they should always be hulled.

A drinking straw through the core is the best way to do so...

To enjoy picking your own strawberries this month, visit Willows Fruit Farm on the A52 at Chapel St Leonards.

Call 07771 696001 or see www.willows-farm.com.

Using Strawberries Leave the cap and stem on as avoid washing the fruit until you’re ready to eat or use them since this will hasten the spoiling process. Be sure to eat the refrigerated strawberries within a day or two. After that, they lose their flavour, colour, and will shrivel, rot, or become mouldy. Freezing strawberries can prove disappointing as, once thawed, they become flabby.

To get around this problem, freeze whole strawberries in thick raspberry purée or pulp them and freeze to use in other recipes.

For better flavour, let strawberries come to room temperature before eating them: if possible, put them out to warm in the sun for a couple of hours to bring out their full taste and aroma.

As with any other delicate berries, wash and handle them gently and as little as possible to avoid bruising

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them. Always wash strawberries before hulling them the best way to do this is to use a straw to poke out the core of the fruit.

Involving the Children Arguably children are the ideal harvesters; lower to the plant with smaller hands, so it’s a good idea to involve them early and save yourself the back pain! Children love growing their own fruit then picking, cooking with and eating berries.

Making the Most of Your Fruit One of the best elements of picking strawberries is your ability to enjoy strawberries with a minimum of preparation - just a blob of cream, a sprinkle of sugar, or a bowl of melted chocolate is all the accompaniment you need, unless you’d like to be a little more creative, in which case we’ve some great recipes over the page.

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STRAWBERRIES FOR SuMMER

Grow Your Own

£ Strawberry plants can be grown almost anywhere – in borders, containers or hanging baskets – they just need sun, shelter, and fertile, well-drained soil.

£ Order plants in late summer so that they can be planted in early autumn. Strawberry plants bought as cold-stored runners should be planted from late spring to early summer and will fruit 60 days after planting.

£ Runners look like little pieces of roots with very few leaves. Don’t be alarmed, this is how they should look. You can buy runners from late summer to early spring, and they should be planted in early autumn, or early spring (avoid planting in winter when the ground is wet and cold). You sometimes also see strawberries for sale in pots (normally from late spring onwards) and these can be planted as soon as you buy them.

£ Strawberries in containers can also be grown in an unheated greenhouse, which encourages an even earlier crop, by 10–14 days. In a heated greenhouse or conservatory, it is possible to bring forward flowering by several weeks, so long as the temperature does not go above 16°C (61°F), because this will inhibit flowering.

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THE TASTE OF SuMMER Make the most of berry season as we present amazing ideas for strawberries - like those you’ve picked right here in Lincolnshire Words & Photos: Heather Chubb.

Celebrate the summer with this delicious strawberry tart - one of five recipes using strawberries this month.

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Recipes

with Strawberries

Strawberry & Cream Muffins with White Chocolate Makes 12 muffins Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes You’ll need: 120g butter 120g soft brown sugar 150ml milk

2 medium eggs Seeds of one vanilla pod 250g plain flour ½ tbsp baking powder 60g white chocolate 100g strawberries, diced into small pieces

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Pre-heat the oven to 170°C. Place 12 muffin cases in a muffin tray.

Melt the butter in a saucepan with the sugar.

Mix well. Take off the heat and add the milk, eggs and vanilla.

Sift the flour and baking powder and mix into the mixture quite quickly, using just 10 strokes to fold in.

Stir in the strawberry pieces and chocolate.

Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases and bake for 25 minutes, till golden brown on top and springy to the touch. Cool on a wire rack.

Strawberry Tart with Ricotta and Lemon Cream Serves 6 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes You’ll need - For the pastry: 100g cold butter 175g plain flour 1 tbsp caster sugar 1 egg A little cold water For filling the tart: 200ml double cream 250g tub of ricotta Zest of a lemon 2 tbps ground cinnamon 250g strawberries

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Rub the cold butter into the sifted flour till it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Mix in the sugar and the egg, adding just enough cold water to create a dough, but no more.

Roll the pastry and use it to line a 20 cm tart tin which has been greased with a little extra butter. Prick the base of the tart with a fork.

Place the tart tin in the fridge for 30 minutes.

In a roomy bowl whisk the fresh cream till it forms soft peaks. Add the ricotta, lemon zest and cinnamon and mix well.

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pastry tart case for 20-25 minutes, till crisp and golden. Cool on a wire rack.

When you are ready to serve the tart, spoon the ricotta and cream mixture evenly across the tart base. Decorate the top of the tart with remaining strawberries.

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Classic Strawberry Summer Trifle...

Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes for the sponge fingers.

10 mins for the custard.

You’ll need For the sponge fingers 1 egg 45g caster sugar 60g plain flour

For the custard 2 eggs 1 tbsp caster sugar 300ml milk Seeds of a vanilla pod or 1 tbsp of vanilla bean paste For the trifle 250g strawberries 200ml double cream 2 tbsps caster sugar

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For your convenience, you could buy the sponge fingers and the custard readymade, in the same quantities as above, instead of making your own. However, to make the sponge fingers. Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Whisk the egg and sugar in a big bowl until light and quite stiff. Sift half the flour over the mixture and fold in lightly. Add the remaining flour.

Spoon the mixture into a piping bag with a 1cm nozzle. Pipe the mixture onto the baking sheet in 5 cm lengths, set apart because they expand while in the oven. Bake in the prepared oven for 10 minutes, till golden. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

To make the custard (makes 300ml). In a bowl beat the eggs, sugar and 50 ml of milk. Put the rest of the milk in a non-stick saucepan with the vanilla seeds or vanilla bean paste. Bring the milk to the boil. Set the milk aside to cool for 10 minutes then pour onto the egg mixture. Mix well.

Strain the custard mixture into a clean saucepan and place back onto medium heat. Keep stirring while the custard cooks and take off the heat when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set aside to cool.

To assemble the trifle. Slice the strawberries into thin slices. Whisk the fresh cream with the caster sugar until it forms soft peaks.

Take a deep trifle bowl and assemble alternate layers of strawberry slices, sponge fingers, custard and whipped cream. You may wish to arrange the strawberry slices so that you can see them in a row through the glass.

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Strawberry Cranachan with Homemade Granola...

Serves 6 , Prep time: 20 minutes, Cooking time: 15 minutes For the Granola 4 tbsps sunflower oil 2 tbsps honey 100g light brown sugar Pinch of cinnamon 120g oatmeal flakes

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120g porridge oats 150g chopped pecan nuts 150g chopped almonds For the Cranachan 300ml double cream 300ml yoghurt 1 tbsp caster sugar Seeds of one vanilla pod 500g strawberries

To make the granola. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C, Then warm 2tbsps of sunflower oil, honey, sugar and cinnamon together in a saucepan. Lightly oil a baking tray. Mix together the oatmeal, oats and nuts and spread them evenly over the baking tray. Pour over the warmed honey mixture and toss well together, to coat all the dry ingredients. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, until the mixture is crisp.

To assemble the Cranachan. Whip the cream till it forms soft peaks and then add the yoghurt, sugar and vanilla. Break the granola into small pieces and fill serving glasses with layers of granola, cream and strawberry slices.

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Recipes

with Strawberries

All of our featured recipes can be made from locally grown strawberries or those harvested in your garden or local PYO farm.

Alternatively, look out for the Sweet Eve variety...

Strawberry Meringue Roulade with Mascarpone...

Serves 8, Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 16 minutes Vegetable oil Whites of 6 eggs

300g caster sugar 80g flaked almonds 400g mascarpone cream cheese 1tbsp icing sugar 300g strawberries

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Preheat the oven to 200째C and place the oven rack quite near the top.

Line a standard Swiss roll baking tin, or a shallow baking tray with baking parchment and brush with vegetable oil.

In a big, clean bowl, whisk the egg whites till they are quite stiff. Add the caster sugar slowly. Continue whisking until the meringue mixture is stiff and shiny, forming peaks.

Spread the meringue mixture in the Swiss roll tin and sprinkle the flaked almonds on top, evenly. Place in the oven and bake the meringue for eight minutes. After eight minutes lower the oven temperature to 160째C and bake the meringue until golden brown, which will take approximately another eight minutes.

When the meringue is golden brown, remove from the oven and turn it almond-side down on a big, clean sheet of baking parchment. Peel off the paper from the base and leave to cool.

Whisk the mascarpone cream cheese and the icing sugar till stiff. Spread the mascarpone cream and three quarters of the Sweet Eve strawberries, sliced in halves lengthways, evenly over the cold meringue. Use the sides of the parchment paper to roll the meringue roulade onto a serving tray or platter. Keep in the fridge until you are ready to decorate and serve.

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OUR NEW SUMMER MENU IS NOW AVAILABLE MONDAY & TUESDAY EVENINGS

Homemade Curry & Drink Night £9.95pp

THURSDAY & FRIDAY EVENINGS

Steak, Cake & Wine Night £32 per couple

FRIDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL Haddock, Chips & Peas £7.50pp

Riby Road, Stallingborough Nr Grimsby, N/E Lincs DN41 8BU

Tel: 01469 561302 www.stallingboroughgrange.com

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One of our main course options was Wild Venison with Blackberry Jus and Asparagus.

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RESTAuRANT OF THE MONTH

THE GREYHOUND on upgate, Louth

For sTyLish Dining in a conTemPorary enVironmenT, LouTh’s greyhounD is an imaginaTiVe Venue ThaT moVes WiTh The Times. The Former coaching inn ProViDes Diners WiTh an oPen kiTchen LayouT anD a ThoroughLy moDern menu...

Words & Photos: rob Davis.

>>

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The Greyhound was a coaching inn but a dramatic reinvention in 2007 created a much more contemporary place in which to dine...

Head Chef Scott Adam wants diners to see their food being prepared and witness the skill of his four-strong brigade first hand...

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RESTAuRANT OF THE MONTH

The Greyhound’s traditional coaching inn origins give way to a contemporary restaurant with an industrial look and open kitchen.

W

hen you’re looking for somewhere pretty and traditional to dine in the county, you’re spoilt for choice no matter where you are in Lincolnshire.

However, if you’d like to try somewhere livelier -somewhere with a modern ambience you’ve fewer options.

Stainless steel and leather combines with quirky decor in the restaurant and there’s a stylish terrace outdoors for summer dining.

Fortunately there’s really only one place you need to know, especially if you’re within easy reach of Louth; The Greyhound on the market town’s Upgate. It’s owned by Paul Tipper, who had a vision of creating a stylish, contemporary place to dine in a market town which is often cited as one of the foody capitals of Lincolnshire.

It appeared on Ade in Britain not so long ago and features a disproportionately generous range of delis, cheese shops and family butchers.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why The Greyhound is popular in the town - provenance of ingredients and quality of food are just as important to the restaurant as the opportunity to see its chefs hard at work. That’s why, during its 2007 refurbishment, Paul created a modern ‘open’ kitchen where diners can watch their food being prepared.

It’s not the only modern feature of the restaurant; the staircase is an industrial steel design, the walls are a dark grey colour, and the tables are stainless steel. That may make the restaurant sound gloomy, but in fact, it’s quite nice to dine somewhere different, and it’s stylish, rather than uninviting. Certainly at night it creates a more intimate feel despite the fact that, rather than lots of separate enclaves, there’s just one large dining space in the main restaurant.

Even the restaurant’s website describes the outside of the building, as ‘unremarkable,’ but inside, there’s a stylish bar and coffee lounge to the front and a snug and a further bar towards the back. The terrace is a fabulous looking place to enjoy a drink in the summer - a real sun-trap - and it’s

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This spread; starter, and two puddings from the venue’s summer menus.

Our starter (below) was pan Seared Scallops with Tomato and Basil Soup with Parma Ham Shards and Basil. Dessert (right) was Poached Pineapple on Sweet Vanilla Tagliatelle with Chilli and Mint Soup.

here that the rather understated entrance to the first floor restaurant is located.

In addition to the main dining room there’s also a private dining room for about 15 people, which has a round table, frosted glass and the same dark, but stylish, decoration. A separate bar menu is served downstairs whilst upstairs is dedicated to full à la carte dining from Scott’s team in the open kitchen.

The menu changes constantly with ‘tweaks’ made weekly

by Scott and front of house manager Alice Haskett-Smith.

There’s a choice of seven starters with staples like soup and scallops, to a charcuterie plate comprising cured meats, breads and olives with mini tapanade dips.

During our visit, we enjoyed a more imaginative twist on the popular option of Pan-Fried Scallops, offered in a Tomato and Basil Soup with Parma Ham Shards and Fresh Basil. From a choice of five main courses including Greyhound Risotto, comprising Roasted Root Vegetables

THE GREYHOUND on upgate, Louth 24

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Main Course; Pan Fried Sea Bass on Thai Baked Wild Rice with Coriander Spring Onions and Coconut Foam.

The Greyhound offers contemporary dining and imaginative food with traditional options and more imaginative dishes on its Ă la carte menus...

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Sample M enu £ STARTERS Charcuterie £7.00 a selection of cured meats, bread olive and sundried tomato tapenade dips and baby gherkins.

Tiger Prawns £6.50 With a honey and mustard glaze, served on a bed of pan fried vegetables and noodles.

Chicken Liver Pâté £5.00 served with toasted bread, dressed salad and a homemade fruit chutney.

£ MAINS Risotto £12.00 roasted root vegetable risotto with garlic, thyme and spinach. Topped with fresh parmesan shavings.

Fish & Chips £13.00 coated in a light batter, served with homemade chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce.

Pan Fried Chicken £15.00 Wrapped in Parma ham and stuffed with spinach and sun dried tomatoes. served with mini fondant potatoes, green beans and spinach cream.

Venison £call Venison fillet and venison wrapped in savoy cabbage on a garlic and potato purée with carrots and shallot rings.

£ PUDDING Pineapple Tagliatelle Poached pineapple on a sweet vanilla tagliatelle pasta with chilli and mint soup.

Cheesecake Deconstructed mixed berry cheesecake.

£ OPENING TIMES Restaurant: Wednesday until Sunday 5.30pm til 9.00pm.

Bar Menu: Available Monday til Sunday.

Lunches 12.00pm until 2.00pm.

Evening 5.30pm until 9.00pm.

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RESTAuRANT OF THE MONTH

with Garlic, Thyme and Spinach with fresh Parmesan shavings, and a Teriyaki Salmon with wok-fried vegetables, we selected one meat and one fish option.

The first was a Venison Fillet and Venison Boulette wrapped in Savoy Cabbage and served with Garlic and Potato Purée with Carrots and Shallot Rings.

The Greyhound does enjoy serving its food on slate, and with slate grey walls too, the restaurant’s colourful offerings do stand out. Every dish we were served seemed especially vivid and bright... perhaps this is the logic for all that grey? Whatever the psychology, it really works well!

What’s more, the flavours are equally vivid; personally, I love garlic so the Venison dish really appealed. I’m less keen on sea bass but when our next slate made its way over from the kitchen, even I couldn’t help being impressed!

Pan Fried, the fillet was served on a Thai Baked timbale of Wild Rice with Coriander Spring Onions and Coconut Foam. The skin of the fish shimmered beautifully and its meat was pure brilliant white; a technically flawless execution of a magnificent looking dish.

Our first dessert, Deconstructed Mixed Berry Cheesecake was an impressive slate comprising a quenelle of delicate vanilla with thick berry compote, sweet biscuit base and sliced strawberries. A beautiful looking dish with the real artistry in presentation it was, again, flawlessly delivered.

Our next dish was a shock though; Poached Pineapple served on Sweet Vanilla Tagliatelle with Chilli and Mint Soup. I’ve been writing about food for over a decade, but I’ve never seen a similar dish to it. Pasta for dessert may seem a little strange but it was fun and worked well. Like the rest of the menu it was vibrant and creative, and with local suppliers including John Pettit Butchers, CJT Fisheries and MJ Shaw for vegetables, there was as much local produce as possible.

For those who want to try something different, The Greyhound won’t disappoint. It’s not gratuitously different; everything works brilliantly and tastes amazing, but we definitely gained the impression that Scott is out to provide something unique and special.

There’s a large selection of wine (200 bins) and over 100 of each of the main spirits, so you’re never far from an aperitif. The ambience of the restaurant is also enhanced with candles and easy listening music, meaning a look, feel and ambience commensurate with the restaurant’s vibrant cuisine.

For us, The Greyhound is great fun. Imaginative food, a keen brigade, a great atmosphere and of course, skilful implementation of local ingredients will keep us coming back for more time and again. With a great terrace for summer dining out too, there’s nothing to dislike about one of Louth’s best restaurants.

All in all, this month we can’t help but recommend the new tricks that Louth’s not-so-old dog offers!

Opposite; Our dessert option of Deconstructed Mixed Berry Cheesecake.

THE GREYHOUND on upgate, Louth

38 Upgate Louth, LN11 9EX To book a meal call

01507 604 685

From Lincoln - Leave Lincoln on the A158 and continue along Louth Road for about 15 miles until reaching Wragby. At the mini-roundabout take the left hand road signposted A157 and carry on for 10 miles.

At the mini-roundabout of the A157/A16, take the second exit onto the B1200, the turn right onto Grimsby Road B1520 - the restaurant is 300 yards on the right with car parking to the rear.

www.greyhoundlouth.co.uk

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À La Carte Dining | 17th Century Coaching Inn | Seven En Suite Rooms

Come try our Set Menu...

THE SET MENU IS SERVED ALONGSIDE OUR Á LA CARTE MENU

Starters

Mains

Pudding

Homemade soup of the day

Slow cooked Gloucester Old Spot pork with peppers, tomatoes, paprika, cayenne and cream, mashed potato

Lincolnshire rhubarb crumble, vanilla crème Anglaise

Calves liver, onion gravy, bubble and squeak, buttered spinach

Classic panna cotta, raspberry compote, shortbread

Brownlow chicken Caesar salad

Egg pappardelle, goats cheese, wild garlic and pumpkin seed pesto

Warm treacle tart, yogurt ice cream

Smoked haddock kedgeree risotto, poached hens egg

Fillet of sea bass, Thai fragrant rice, Asian slaw and dressing

Brownlow chocolate mousse, citrus crème fraiche

Garlic sautéed Portobello mushrooms, roasted garlic toast

Lemon and garlic chicken, crushed new potatoes, sugar snaps and peas

Plate of cheeses, handmade biscuits, chutney

Timbale of prawns and crayfish, watercress, melba toast, lemon

2 Courses £16.95 3 Courses £21.95 Served Tuesday - Friday by prior booking only

e Brownlow Arms Hough On The Hill, Grantham Road near Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2AZ Booking advisable, please call 01400 250 234.

Menus online now at www.thebrownlowarms.co.uk.

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Sample Dishes

SAMPLE DISHES

FROM THE GATE TO yOuR PLATE This month, exceptional Lincolnshire cuisine which takes advantage of the best locally farmed and traditionally presented produce...

Photos: Rob Davis

<<

Locally reared Lincolnshire Steak with melted Stilton.

The Village Limits, Woodhall Spa 01526 353312, www.villagelimits.co.uk <<

Lincolnshire Ploughmans; Ham Hock, Poacher Cheese, and Scotched Pickled Onion with Wholegrain Mustard Ice Cream and Farmhouse Loaf.

Doubletree by Hilton, Lincoln 01522 565180, www.doubletree3.hilton.com >>

Blade of Lincolnshire Beef with roasted Root Vegetables and Fondant Potato The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk

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SAMPLE DISHES

<<

Sirloin Steak with Garlic Mushrooms and Duck Fat Chips.

The Lincoln Hotel, Lincoln 01522 520348, www.thelincolnhotel.com

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Pork with Redcurrant and Goats Cheese with ‘Bubble & Squeak.’

The Red Lion, Bicker, 01775 821200, www.redlionbicker.co.uk

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Lincolnshire reared Steak with Summer Greens and locally grown Asparagus.

Barley Mow, Friskney, 01754 820883 www.barleymowfriskney.co.uk 31

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TheWineCellar Here comes the summer! This month Blake Johnston recommends all things light and beautiful, perfect for summer garden parties, picnics and of course, Wimbledon!

2011, Muga, White Rioja, Spain - £10.95 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, this lesser known cousin of the more famous red Rioja is worth a go!

Barrel fermented for extra punch, this is a lovely creamy Rioja that will provide a real talking point!

2009 Domaine Rollin, Burg - £22.00 Not the best know Burgundy appellation, but those with a bit of inside knowledge will tell you it is up there with the best!

Steely with beautiful Chardonnay fruit, and a very delicate balance of oak.

2011 Louis Guntrum, Germany - £12.99 Whenever spices are in town I always reach for the trusty Gewurtz. With a naturally spicy tang to it, this excellent example of Louis Guntrum’s refreshing wines with their great aromatics.

2011 Villa Wolf, Germany - £8.99 Bored of wishywashy Pinot Grigios?

Give this a go.

Using the same grape varietal, this wine shows grapefruit and peach fruits; subtle and fresh, perfect for summer picnics!

2012 Pinot Noir Rose, France - £10.99 A brand new wine on our list, from Auvergne. Pinot Noir lends itself beautifully to rose, with soft summer fruits dancing on the palate. This is definitely Wimbledon wine!

This month’s features wines are recommended by: The Stamford Wine Company, 17 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2DG Tel: 01780 489 269 www.thestamfordwinecompany.com.

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RESTAuRANT OF THE MONTH

The Queen’ s Head

This month we renew our recommendation of one of Lincolnshire’s most popular pub restaurants, located at Kirkby la Thorpe surrounded by a wealth of local ingredients which provide the basis for John Clark’s excellent summer menus...

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RESTAuRANT OF THE MONTH

Left: Filo wrapped baked fillet of fresh salmon with fresh local asparagus, seared king scallops, chive & saffron beurre blanc.

Right: A warm salad of seared Scottish king scallops, warm asparagus & smoked pancetta, warm lemon & white wine vinaigrette dressing & crispy croutons.

W

e’ve long championed The Queen’s Head as one of the county’s best quality pub restaurants, because of the quality and presentation of its dishes, the warmth of its welcome and our mutual promotion of quality local ingredients.

Left: Swan meringue with mint Chantilly, raspberry compote, set on a lake of Belgian chocolate sauce.

Recent news is a £40,000 refurbishment of the dining room providing a fresh new look, and brand new menus for the summer months. Thankfully though, some aspects of the restaurant remain the same... like owner John Clark’s determination to offer quality pub restaurant food rather than fine dining, prioritising pleasure over pretentiousness at the Kirkby la Thorpe restaurant near Sleaford.

John and front of house manager Paul Prust came to the venue in 1997 and have grown the business steadily over their tenure, extending the restaurant from 28 to 70 covers in 2004, and again in 2006 with the addition of its orangery.

The restaurant’s continued expansion is testimony to the fact that its formula of good traditional food, beautifully presented, and backed up by excellent service really works.

John is the son of a gamekeeper and was raised on fresh produce, attending Grimsby’s North Lindsey College where he gained a degree before working in France at the three-Michelin Star Maison Lameloise in Chagny.

Today’s menus include a lunchtime menu with fish, steaks, and lighter bites as well as four à la carte main courses, and an evening à la carte menu with 12 starters, 14 main courses plus five grill options and nine dessert options.

Extremely popular with regular diners is The Queen’s Head’s Suppertime Specials; Early Bird dining provides two courses and coffee for £13.95 per head, with similarly priced steak night on Thursday evenings and Fish Supper on Friday evenings.

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Sample M enu £ STARTERS Twice Baked Poacher Soufflé £7.95 served on caramelised, onions, topped with double cream and chives.

Creamed Field Mushrooms £7.95 With pancetta, garlic & sherry topped with melting Poacher cheese.

£ MAINS Gressingham Duck £17.95 roast breast of gressingham duck with piquant orange & cognac sauce.

Chicken Breast £15.95 roast breast of corn-fed chicken with sage, onion & Lincolnshire sausage stuffing.

Lincolnshire Sausages £13.95 grasmere Farm award winning sausages with mild mustard mash & onion gravy.

£ PUDDING Bakewell Tart £6.95 bakewell tart with Dennett’s of spilsby vanilla ice cream & cornish clotted cream.

Lemon Tart £6.95 French lemon tart, caramelised topping with passion fruit sorbet & fresh cream.

Slate of Local Cheese £7.95 Lincolnshire Poacher, blue stilton, cote hill blue & Dambuster with quince jelly, celery, grapes, crackers & fruit cake.

£ OPENING TIMES À La Carte:

Tuesday-Sunday 12 noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm.

Early Bird: Monday-Wednesday 6pm-7pm Late Bird: Monday-Wednesday 7pm-9.30pm.

Steak Supper: Thursday 6pm-9.30pm.

Fish Supper: Friday 6pm - 9.30pm.

Sunday Supper: Sunday 4pm-7pm.

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RESTAuRANT OF THE MONTH

Three chefs in the restaurant lavish attention on dishes and a wealth of local suppliers ensure the quality of The Queen’s Head’s ingredients remains high.

“I was always taught to satisfy a market when running a restaurant.” says John. “Our market consists of customers who want great value for money, attentive service and quality local ingredients.”

Speaking of desserts, our classic crème brûlée was finished with Dennett’s ice cream, home-made shortbread and passion fruit jus, whilst our swan meringue was elaborately presented with Chantilly cream, Belgian chocolate and raspberry compote.

The Queen’s Head’s menus are extensive, but popular starters include a twice baked poacher soufflé, stuffed chine platter and our warm salad of Scottish king scallops served with local asparagus and pancetta.

“We unveiled a new summer menu and have already had great feedback. We’ve tried to offer a wide variety of dishes to ensure there’s something to please everyone. But no matter what our customers choose, everything is freshly prepared with lots of effort and attention to detail - from ingredients and flavours that work, to finishing touches like our home made bread.”

Our main course options were a filo pastry baked fillet of fresh salmon and pork with stuffing and mint & redcurrant gravy. These are typical examples of the large portions at the restaurant and The Queen’s Head never scrimps on presentation, colour or embellishment, with berries and fresh vegetables on main courses and spun sugar on its desserts.

It’s an ethos that works well. The restaurant has never been more popular, and has never been more worthy of our recommendation. With a refurbished restaurant, new menus and a skilled chef in the kitchen, if you haven’t been to The Queen’s Head lately, you should definitely pay a visit and remind yourself just how good Lincolnshire cuisine can be!

THE QUEEN ’S HEAD

at Kirkby la Thorpe, near Sleaford

Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford, NG34 9NU To book a meal call

01529 305743

Location: Situated around five minutes drive to the east of Sleaford on the A17 in the village of Kirkby la Thorpe.

Follow signs for A17 to Boston/Kings Lynn from the A15/A17 Holdingham roundabout.

www.thequeensheadinn.com

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WeLcome home

Welcome Home to the

MANOR IN MOULTON 38

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Nicola and Alastair Mitchell have spent six years ensuring their three storey former manor house combines the style of a 200 year old property with modern features for a young family.

Park house, mouLTon, sPaLDing

FOLLOWING AN ExTENSIVE REFURBISHMENT By ITS PREVIOUS OWNERS, THE FORMER MANOR HOUSE IN MOULTON KNOWN AS PARK HOUSE IS ON THE MARKET ONCE MORE, OFFERING LOTS OF CHARACTER AND VERSATILE ACCOMMODATION...

Photographs: Fine & Country and Rob Davis.

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WELCOME HOME

The property is arranged over three storeys and has eight bedrooms with three en suites and four reception rooms...

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F

or a family home, Park House at Moulton, Spalding, offers really versatile accommodation and a great combination of period style and modern features. It’s the family home of Nicola and Alastair Mitchell, who have lived at the property since 2007. For Alastair it was certainly love at first sight, and though Nicola was initially reluctant to view the property, as soon as she saw it, she too had to agree it was a pretty impressive family home!

The house is approached from a long sweeping driveway and is set at the back of a plot of some two and a half acres. It’s a mature well-established garden and the family have been very careful to ensure it remains easy to maintain but colourful all year round. There’s a large enclosed terrace for the property’s children who were four, two and new-born when the couple moved in.

It’s now a puppy-proof space for the couple’s spaniel Charlie, and the terrace leads to a practical utility and the property’s best feature, it’s large living kitchen.

With bespoke cabinetry in old English white, glossy granite toppers in black, butler sink and a large central “At the time Alastair was commuting and we were some distance away from my family, so I’d discounted the The curved stone mullion leaded windows to the rear of area when we were looking the property give way to a beautiful terrace that’s ideal for somewhere to live.” says for Sunday mornings enjoying a coffee and the papers...

Nicola. “He was trying really hard to get me to look at the island, it’s simply beautiful. There’s a dining area where property and it was with a bit of reluctance that I went the children, now aged between five and seven, can to view it with my mother. I think Alastair had pretty complete their homework, and a beautiful duck-egg much fallen in love with it right from the start, but as blue four oven Aga. soon as I saw it, it’s fair to say that I was just as enthusiastic... we were both smitten with it!”

Whilst the terrace captures light in the afternoon and evening, there’s a second breakfast terrace just off the “It was immaculate when we moved in, so the work main drawing room at the rear of the property. we’ve done has been about making the house our With curved stone mullion leaded windows it’s a real own.” says Nicola who has used large furniture and sun trap when the family enjoy morning coffee and a cheerful Georgian colours to inject real life into the leaf through the papers on Sunday morning. beautiful old building.

The property’s main drawing room has a wood burner and fireplace created in reclaimed materials. It leads to the kitchen and to a large study which also features an open fire.

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The family has a lovely spaniel puppy called Charlie as well as a wealth of wildlife which visits the property, like a family of muntjac deer...

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WELCOME HOME

The relaxed duck-egg blue morning room is Nicola’s favourite reception room.

“I sometimes sneak off for a quiet coffee in the afternoon. If one of the kids shout me, I pretend I haven’t heard them!”

The kitchen features a duck-egg blue four oven Aga, electric hob & oven, butler sink and separate utility/boot room.

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WELCOME HOME

Park House’s kitchen leads onto the children’s playroom, a great little reception room that’s cosy, and ideal for keeping an eye on the children whilst Alastair and Nicola are cooking.

There’s also a large drawing room to the rear of the property with wood burning stove and a morning room, which is Nicola’s sanctuary in the afternoon if she’s able to enjoy a quiet coffee, and a large dining room.

“Alastair loves the kitchen best, and it’s a nice quiet room but I love the morning room. It’s nice on a sunny afternoon as it has plenty of light later in the day. It’s also really cosy in the winter, too.”

With two further storeys, the property has eight bedrooms with three en suites and two family bathrooms too, meaning plenty of space for the whole family. There’s a tremendous amount of built-in storage, too, not least its walk-in cellar.

Outdoors, the property’s grounds with its mature trees (many of which have TPOs on them), are a haven for wildlife, with Nicola and the family regularly enjoying the visiting muntjac deer and a family of rabbits who have taken up residence in the garden.

Sadly a fox recently deprived the family of their chickens, who used to live in a coop at the side of the garden, but the quality and quantity of wildlife is a perfect example of why the family moved from London to enjoy a better life in Lincolnshire.

“It’s a superb house, and it offers us a great standard of living. I love the fact that the children have a large spacious garden surrounded by nature.” says Nicola.

“We’re looking to move closer to my family but I must admit I’m going to have a hard time tearing myself away from the house... it really has been the perfect family home!”

Park House, Moulton near Spalding The property’s terrace is safely enclosed - great for children and puppies! The grounds total two and a half acres with mature, low-maintenance trees and shrubs.

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style: 200 year old Georgian manor house arranged over three storeys and set in 2.5 acres. receptions: Four, currently arranged as drawing room, dining room, morning room and dining kitchen. bedrooms: Eight, with three en-suites and two family bathrooms. other features: Cellar, study.

Price: £695,000 estate agency: Fine & Country Kings Lynn 27-28 Tuesday Market Place, Kings Lynn PE30 1JJ. Telephone: 01553 769100.

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BATHROOM STyLE

INSPIRED By NATuRE Lincoln’s Luna Ceramics recommends this sleek Villeroy & Boch designer bathroom. The company has over 5,000sq ft in which to show off its collection of beautiful designer bathrooms and tiles...

Experience wellness with Luna Ceramics and Villeroy & Boch, as the Lincoln company, which opened its showroom in 2011, has over 5,000sq ft of space dedicated to just one bathroom name... and its installations really are quite stunning!

“Organic curves and zen-inspired shapes are a feature of the brand, which combines chestnut wood with floral decoration and high-tech CeramicPlus wall-hung pans.” says the company’s Mark Franklin. “The latter has an extra-hygienic, pure white finish to provide a bathroom that looks stunning, stays clean and suits any home.”

Recommending the brand’s My Nature range, Luna Ceramics has set up 25 luxury bathroom installations designed to show off exactly what Villeroy & Boch can do at its best. With accessories by Aqata, Kludi, Dornbracht and Keuco too, Luna is the ideal retailer for anyone looking to create a mini-health spa in your own home.

Luna Ceramics has the county’s largest range of ceramic, porcelain, limestone, travertine and marble tiles for kitchen, bathrooms, floors and walls.

“We think we’ve the most beautiful ranges in the county.” says Mark “But we’re happy to let our customers come, create the bathroom of their dreams and judge that for themselves!” more information: Luna Ceramics, Bishops Road, Lincoln LN2 4JZ. Tel: 01522 521 112.

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For more information see www.lunaceramics.co.uk

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BATHROOM STyLE

with Luna Ceramics

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BATHROOM STyLE

MODERN STyLE With in-house specialists and a range of stylish Italian designers, Ian McCready of Market Rasen’s Bathroom Desires brings form and function to both contemporary and traditional bathrooms anywhere in Lincolnshire...

Cutting edge style meets traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail at Market Rasen’s Bathroom Desires. The company’s Ian McCready has over 32 years experience designing and installing bathrooms. He set up his company in March 2013 to offer clients across Lincolnshire designer bathrooms to suit all budgets from £1,000-£10,000.

“We work with suppliers like Manhattan, Rak Ceramics, Aqualisa, Roman and this supplier, Novellini.” says Ian. “It’s an Italian brand renowned for quality and style, but it’s also surprisingly competitive compared to other high end bathroom manufacturers.”

The range includes transparent glass baths, complete enclosures and the wetfloorsystem shown here, as well as double baths like this sunken Sense Dual installation. Remote controlled spa bath functions, contoured neck rests and the firm’s chrome Fly tapware create a luxurious spa-like experience. Meanwhile the two Feel 3 Pure EQ panels include directional shower jets, waterfall head and hand shower for real convenience.

“Our in-house installation team has over a decade of experience, meaning we project manage a job from start to finish, and with lots of displays in our showroom, plus oneto-one appointments from 6-9pm Tuesday to Thursday, we can give customers the service, care and attention they deserve.” more information: Bathroom Desires, 55 Queen Street, Market Rasen LN8 3EN. Tel: 01673 843351.

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For more information see www.bathroomdesires.co.uk

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BATHROOM STyLE

with Bathroom Desires

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BATHROOM STyLE

FORM & FuNCTION A beautiful, practical bathroom that won’t date and provides lots of storage for busy families. Paul Trevor of Swineshead bathroom experts Colin Luesby Interiors can provide a room that will look great year after year...

Over 53 years in business has ensured Colin Luesby has great expertise and a long list of satisfied customers, all with beautifully designed kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

This month the company’s Paul Trevor recommends Henley, its fitted timber installation which is great for period properties and modern homes alike.

“It’s a popular range because it’s well-made, it won’t date and there’s plenty of practical storage.” says Paul. “The way we use our bathrooms has changed dramatically over the past decade or two. They’re places to relax and unwind, and both men & women have so many health and beauty products these days that lots of practical storage is essential to ensure your room remains tidy and uncluttered.”

Paul’s featured installation has a hygienic back-to-wall pan, a combination of drawers and cupboards, illuminated fog-free mirrors and shower bath, all finished in natural wood with a choice of golden oak or deep walnut.

Offering full project management and in-house design and installation, the company’s Paul Trevor says; “The bathroom has become a retreat for those with busy lives, so it’s important that it’s a room that looks great and works practically too. Helping customers to find their dream bathroom really is what we do best!” more information: Colin Luesby Interiors, Market Place, Swineshead, Lincolnshire PE20 3LJ. Tel: 01205 820215.

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For more information see www.colinluesby.com

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BATHROOM STyLE

with Colin Luesby

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FOR GATES AND FENCING, TALK TO

The Bright Sparks..

Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s JB Engineering are the bright sparks of the gate and fencing industry. The company creates bespoke fencing, palisades and railings to ensure the security of your home, business or farm...

Safe as Houses: JB Engineeringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s John Beeson works with homes, businesses and farms to create bespoke gates and fencing that secure premises, keep animals safe and provide peace of mind.

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BuSINESS FEATuRE

J B Engineering for Gates and Fencing

£ SAFE & SOUND Lincolnshire’s JB Engineering provides bespoke security fencing, gates and remote entry systems to protect domestic customers businesses and agricultural or equestrian premises anywhere in Lincolnshire and over surrounding counties.

Fight back against farm thefts, or secure your home and enjoy peace of mind. With gates, railings and powered access systems for homes, businesses, equine and agricultural premises, JB Engineering is the Lincolnshire firm that really cares about your peace of mind.

For over 18 years, John Beeson and now his son Chris, too, have been creating fences, railings and gates to ensure Lincolnshire’s farmers and country homes don’t fall victim to the ever-increasing incidences of fuel & equipment theft, vandalism and trespass.

Every one of John and Chris’s installations are bespoke, measured and designed to suit your space.

Choose from any design and add floral embellishment, hand-made timber inserts and practical additions like keypad/remote entry and video entry systems.

JB Engineering’s products are always galvanised or hand-painted and will last for around 25 years due to the quality of steel and finishing methods JB employs.

“We work on both domestic and commercial jobs and usually have a lead time of about six weeks.” says John.

“The beauty of our work is that everything is bespoke

and everything is built to last. It’s really sad that so many farmers and stables fall victim to rural crime.

Farm machinery and fuel is expensive so our customers tend to see what we do as an investment rather than a cost, especially in the case of palisade security fencing around fuel tanks, for example.

“However, the peace of mind that we provide goes way beyond the price of each installation, and with electronic entry systems, they’re more convenient too.”

“Everything we do is hand cut, welded, finished and installed by us, with a real sense of workmanship and a reputation for making products that last to uphold.”

“It’s satisfying to think we’re helping to prevent rural crime and provide peace of mind for everyone who lives in the countryside.” says John.

For more information call 07931 510621 or email jb.engineering@hotmail.co.uk.

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

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

Tel: 01507 527113 Web: www.peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk Email: peter@peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk

Peter_jacksonCM

Many offers throughout the store on selected models, up to 1⁄2 price beds KING SIZE BEDS FOR THE PRICE OF A DOUBLE (INCLUDING FREE DRAWERS) FREE DELIVERY AND SET UP ACROSS LINCOLNSHIRE FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD BED

OUR EXPERT STAFF ARE ON HAND TO ADVISE – LET US HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE CAMMACK & SONS LTD WIDE BARGATE, BOSTON PE21 6RU

Tel: 01205 362300 www.cammacks.co.uk 56

SUMMER SALE NOW ON – MASSIVE REDUCTIONS THROUGHOUT THE STORE

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IN THE GARDEN

Sowing Biennials...

From forget-me-nots to foxgloves, pansies to poppies, now is the time to sow biennials, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be treated to a riot of colour next season...

This month, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll show that, when it comes to biennials, patience really is a virtue!

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GARDENING

I

t’s always good to get a head start on the gardening season, so for flowers that bridge the gap between spring and summer try growing biennials such as Forget-me-not, Foxgloves, Sweet William and Wallflowers for flowering next year. These can be sown in July for a wonderful display next spring. Since many biennials are wild flowers, they’re easy to grow and a delight to behold in spring.

Generally speaking, biennials are sown in the nursery area of the garden or in a seed bed where they can grow without being disturbed until they’re ready to be transplanted. Seeds sown this month will result in fledgeling plants that are strong enough to be transferred to their flowering positions in a couple of months, normally when the summer bedding plants have given of their colourful best.

General advice is to scatter seeds of varieties like wallflower, sweet william and foxgloves into a large seed tray filled with compost.

These will germinate in around 10 days and can be pricked out a couple of weeks later. Whilst biennials will germinate and produce shoots this year, they won’t flower until 2014, so once they shoot, they should be transferred to borders so their roots can become well-established over winter.

Sweet William Sweet William is a biennial that belongs to the Dianthus family, which also includes Carnations and Pinks. It features low mounds of grass-like foliage with

Opposite; This Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Auricula) is a prolific, self-supporting biennial that comes in a range of colours. Above/Left; Foxglove Camelot from Thompson & Morgan.

Above; Parsley is also a biennial.

Left; Variegated Wallflower Winter Sorbet.

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Plant your seeds in pots and compost trays now, transferring them as fledgeling plants to their growing position in a month or two. cheery pink, red, purple, white or violet flowers which are often bicoloured.

Sweet William is one of the hardiest biennials, and can even survive a mild winter. It’s an easy-to-grow flower that will happily self-seed and survives well in a welldrained spot out of fierce heat.

Foxgloves Another biennial, the Foxglove, thrives in semi-shade and lighter, cooler soil. Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora is a great white variety, but look to Sutton’s Apricot and Thompson & Morgan’s Camelot Trio for displays of purple and pink.

Wallflowers Romantic and wonderful wallflowers look great with a mix of colours and can be cut for a great flower display in your home too. Sear the ends in boiling water and a splash of vinegar and they’ll last for a week. Opt for Fire King for a bright red display, Vulcan and Ivory Giant for bright purple and pure white respectively.

Iceland Poppies With a texture resembling crumpled chiffon, iceland poppies come in yellows, apricots and pinks, and look stunning. Papaver nudicaule is a variety of meadow pastels that are hardy, preferring moist but well-draining soil.

Stocks Matthiola incana is by far the best of the stock family, it flowers well in its second season and may survive to a third. Keep picking or dead-heading it to keep it looking good. An occasional general feed boosts the foliage and stops it turning yellow at the base.

Main; Iceland poppies look beautiful and are great self-seeders.

Right; Sweet William is an easy-to-grow biennial that comes in a range of colours.

The aim of biennials is to have large bushy plants ready to plant into their flowering positions in autumn at the time you are busily planting spring flowering bulbs...

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GARDENING

IN THE GARDEN

Jobs for July

£ Have you sown herbs in your garden? If you harvest them now, you will be able add a little something extra to your meals. Pick sage and bay leaves and dry them. If you store them in an air-tight container or glass pot, they will remain useable for a long time.

£ July is also the perfect month for sowing plants such as pansies and forget-me-nots.

Keep the seeds nice and damp for the best results.

£ If you are going away, don’t forget to ask a good neighbour or friend to look after your pots and containers - they will need regular watering. The pond also needs to be topped up regularly: in warm weather the water evaporates quite quickly. This causes the water level to drop, and pond plants can end up dry.

£ Wisteria forms many searching shoots which may extend to spots where you don’t want them to be. Cut them back to around fifteen centimetres. Summer raspberries will usually have finished by the end of July. All the stems which have borne fruit can then be cut back as far as possible.

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ON THE FARM

BARRy POSTON This month our sage of the soils takes a farming themed holiday to find out how small enterprises can compete on quality, leaving larger farmers to service the supermarkets...

A

t the time of writing, in early June, most arable crops have improved considerably from earlier in the year.

Wheat crops - although thin in places are much greener and healthier in appearance. Unfortunately, yet again, the dreaded blackgrass weed is appearing above the wheat crop and will cause considerable reduction in yield.

A yield loss of one tonne per acre of wheat can easily take place, despite the use of expensive sprays at approximately £50 per acre, which do not seem to be able to control the blackgrass. It would appear that a lot of the blackgrass is becoming resistant to the current sprays available. Farmers will have to look closely at their rotations and grow more spring-sown crops, which have lower potential yields but do not require such expensive sprays.

On a recent farming trip to Jersey, flying into East Midlands airport one noticed how many poor patches were showing in the wheat and rape seed crops.

In the group of farmers we had a good cross-section of all types of UK farmers, ranging from the largest beef producer in Scotland, a 500 cow Welsh milk producer, large sheep and arable producers from Yorkshire, an asparagus and arable farmer from our county and several others with their various farming interests.

The vining pea drilling programme finished on time but the crop will be two or three weeks later in maturing due to the cold spring and lack of sunshine.

Negotiations have been taking place with processors for higher prices due to recent lower yields, especially in 2012 and - so far - they appear a little more sympathetic to proposed price increases.

Visits were made to a large potato organisation producing Jersey Royal potatoes, with a state of the art grading and packing line which enable them to lift potatoes in one day, grade and pack them ready for British supermarkets the next day. The crop was about 2-3 weeks later than normal which follows the pattern set on the mainland. There are now only 15 herds of Jersey cows on the island, no other breeds are allowed.

The milk producer we visited had one of the largest herds (250 cows) and all dairy producers belong to one marketing growers group with their own factory where they concentrate on producing high grade ice-cream, cheese and butter to make full use of the extra high quality of the milk produced.

There appears to be many more patchy crops of oil seed rape and there is no doubt that when one considers the number of acres ‘pulled up’ it would seem certain there could be a relative shortage come harvest time.

Other places visited were a local vineyard, a lavender farm, and a unique collection of old tractors. The trip was really worthwhile and many new farming friendships were made with a good insight into their various and diverse farming operations.

Words: Barry Poston

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ON THE FARM

with Barry Poston

Our visit to Jersey, on a sort of farming-themed holiday, proved that small producers can remain profitable with high grade quality local produce...

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ENJOY...

HARDY’S ANIMAL FARM

DON’T ALLOW THE CHILDREN TO BECOME GLUED TO THEIR VIDEO GAMES THIS MONTH... SHOW THEM WHAT LIFE IN THE COUNTRY IS REALLY ALL ABOUT WITH A FUN VISIT TO A WORKING FARM...

Words: Rob Davis.

S

unshine, an ice cream, and the opportunity to cuddle some really cute animals on the Lincolnshire coast. The county’s farm parks offer families the opportunity to show children what life on a working farm is all about and how hard the county’s farmers work to put food on our plates.

They’re enormous fun, as we proved with a visit to the county’s best farm park, Hardy’s Animal Farm at Ingoldmells near Skegness, where we met Stuart Hardy. The sun was shining, the animals were friendly and everyone had a great time...! >> >>

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Take the family to visit one of Lincolnshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s farm parks this month... theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; re great fun for all the family!

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“The countryside really is a magical place for children, and at farm parks like Hardy’ s , little ones can experience it first hand whilst being able to stroke, feed and cuddle the animals...”

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Enjoy... Hardy’ s Animal Farm

Children can pick up and cuddle the animals and see new born lambs all year round!

W

hen the sun’s out and the children are bored we can really recommend a visit to one of Lincolnshire’s farm parks, and the one we’d recommend is the county’s longest established example, Hardy’s Animal Farm, set up in 1991 by Ingoldmells farmers John and Geoff Hardy.

Visitors can enjoy the site’s adventure playground, toy tractors and Hardy’s Animal Farm’s indoor play area.

The brothers are fourth generation Lincolnshire farmers, with their grandfather and father having farmed land around Boston before moving to the coast in the early 1940s.

Crucially Hardy’s is still a productive working farm, mostly arable but with a pig unit producing animals for Waitrose under the RSPCA’s Freedom Foods scheme. However, its farm park has grown in popularity and has around eight acres dedicated to providing lots of family fun.

“We’ve six barns, for the rabbits, pigs, larger farm animals, and poultry, plus a nursery barn for the new born animals and a playbarn too.” says John’s son Stuart Hardy, the fifth generation of farmers in the family. “We’re surprised that more locals haven’t heard of us before, as we’re the one of the oldest farm parks in the area. When people find us though, they’re always really pleased and return year after year to see what has changed.”

“It’s a great place to spend time with the family and as we’re just a five minute walk from the beach, they can combine a visit to us with an afternoon trip to the seaside and a fish and chip supper. We added the indoor playbarn last year too, so even the British weather can’t spoil your visit!”

Hardy’s offers daily contact sessions with the animals where staff can answer children’s questions about the animals. The farm park has various breeds of commercial and rare breed cattle which calve throughout the year, along with a working pig breeding unit rearing around 300 piglets through the season, plus a flock of sheep, a couple

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Enjoy... Hardy’ s Animal Farm

Hardy’s Animal Farm features both outdoor and indoor play areas with a café for adults.

of cart horses and a myriad of chickens, guinea pigs, pheasants, and the odd peacock thrown in for good measure. The countryside really is a magical place for children, and at farm parks like Hardy’s, little ones can experience it first hand whilst being able to stroke, feed and cuddle the animals.

“Children often don’t know much about where their food comes from and the best way to learn is to visit a working farm.” says Stuart.

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methods too, especially visitors to the area who haven’t been raised in a rural county, so it’s really nice to be able to teach grown ups a thing or two, as well!”

Speaking of adults, there’s a superb café with views over the adventure play areas so little ones can wear themselves out where mum and dad can keep an eye on them whilst enjoying a coffee or a snack.

“We’re not a zoo, so the emphasis is on education through interaction and contact, but predominantly we’re about allowing children to have lots of fun with their families.”

The playbarn includes a three tier soft play zone with slides, trampoline, climbing wall and football area.

There are also child friendly seating areas for reading, puzzles and a large chalk board for drawing. New this year is a toddlers play-pit where little ones can play with soft shapes and padded farm animals.

“We’ve plenty of boards up and we’re always introducing new activities to ensure we can make learning about the farm as much fun as possible.

Adults also tend to be less aware of modern farming

“Animals and children are a perfect recipe for fun, so to create and work in a place where both come together, and to see the look on the children’s faces when they make a new friend, is really brilliant!”

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Visiting Hardy’s Animal Farm...

Hardy’s Animal Farm is a great day out in over eight acres of countryside, and it’s just 10 minutes walk from the beach!

Hardy’s Animal Farm is open seven days a week throughout July and August.

It’s located four miles north of Skegness, on Anchor Lane in Ingoldmells, just off the A52. Tickets are £6.25/adults, £24/family.

Call 01754 872267 or see www.hardysanimal farm.co.uk for more information.

“Animals and children are a perfect recipe for fun, so to create and work in a place where both come together, and to see the look on the children’ s faces when they make a new friend, is really brilliant!” £ EAST COAST ATTRACTIONS: Church Farm Museum Have more fun discovering the county’s agricultural heritage at Skegness’s Church Farm Village. July 28th and 29th sees the museum host a Vintage Steam Traction event and on 18th August, it will hold The Village Garden Party. www.churchfarmvillage.org.uk.

Natureland Seal Sanctuary Skegness’s Natureland is both a sanctuary rescuing and returning seals to their natural environment, and a place to enjoy seeing seals, penguins, meercats and tropical butterflies. It doesn’t have the interaction of a farm park, but with feeding sessions at 11.30am, 2pm and 3pm, children will love meeting the sanctuary’s inhabitants. www.skegnessnatureland.co.uk 71

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TO VIEW AND PuRCHASE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ‘THE EVENT’ VISIT WWW.PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.uK

The next generation of Stapleford’s membership was also welcomed!

THE EVENT Stapleford Park M embers’ Evening Scores of people recently got together at Stapleford Park Country House Hotel and Sporting Estate recently to enjoy Champagne and canapés at their annual Members’ Evening. Held at the heart of the main house in its luxurious saloon area, the event gave both long-standing and new members the opportunity to enjoy a friendly chat, meet members of the estate’s management team and look forward to another year of enjoying the venue’s facilities. Membership provides access to a busy social calendar with regular house events such as Bonfire Night, Christmas Carol Concert and many other annual sporting activities. For more information, visit www.staplefordpark.com.

The event was just one in a calendar of events for the estate’s members.

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THE EVENT Stapleford

M embers’ Champagne Evening

Members enjoyed a glass of fizz in the hotel’s saloon.

Stapleford Park offers dining, accommodation and leisure facilties.

Images shown here are by Lionel Heap.

Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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£ 1940’s WEEKEND

£ HECKINGTON SHOW

, What s On... £ HECKINGTON SHOW

£ FOOD IN LOUTH

£ LINCOLN FESTIVAL

30,000 people can’t be wrong when they say the heckington show, on 27th and 28th July, is a great day out!

This will be the 150th heckington show - the largest village show in the uk and 2013’s event features main ring entertainment with the Vander brothers Quad Wheel of Death, the kangaroo kid with his stunt display, comitatus roman cavalry Displays, as well as regular attractions like the 10 mile heckington road race, terrier racing, heavy horses, a grand parade of livestock and showjumping. unique to the heckington show, saturday night features a spectacular firework display from 7.30pm.

Tickets for the show are £8/adults, £3/children. www.heckingtonshow.org.uk Tel: 01529 461823

Louth will host a food festival on sunday 14th July in the town centre as local producers’ stalls line the streets of the town. The event takes place from 10am - 4pm with family entertainment and cooking demonstrations taking place throughout the day in and around the market Place.

13th July will see the brayford Waterfront explode into life as the Lincoln Festival arrives with live music, free activities, a carnival procession and a firework finale. inspired by the olympic Torch celebrations of 2012, the Lincoln Festival, from 10am, will bring street stalls, have-a-go sporting activities, live music and entertainment to the brayford Waterfront.

The evening will be compered by presenters from Lincs Fm and the day will culminate with a carnival procession, co-ordinated by mahogany, a group of multi-disciplinary artists who specialise in carnival costumes and utilising the human body in the art form of mask making. a day for the whole family is not to be missed and there will be a firework finale for those who stay until the 10pm. www.visitlincoln.com Tel: 01522 550646

www.visitskegnessandmablethorpe.com

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Get ready for the

2013 Burghley Horse Trials...

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONE OF THE TOUGHEST FOUR-STAR EQUESTRIAN EVENTS IN THE WORLD!

£ LINCOLN FESTIVAL

£ 1940S WEEKEND

£ YOUNG MUSICIANS

Thorpe Camp near Coningsby hosts its 1940s weekend on 6th and 7th July from 10am. Displays of 1940s memorabilia with military & vintage vehicles, re-enactors, food in the NAAFI, song and dance; wartime military and civilian stalls plus 1940s scenarios and demonstrations. Saturday night also features a 1940s dance from 7:30pm - midnight at Coningsby Village Hall. www.1940weekend.co.uk Tel: 01673 849393

Enjoy a performance by the Youth Symphony Orchestra at Lincoln Cathedral on 13th July from 7.30pm.

The finest young musicians in Lincolnshire, will perform a programme that includes Dvorak’s New World Symphony, and the effervescent Merry Wives of Windsor Overture. An evening not to be missed!

Tickets £6-£10 from the Lincoln Cathedral shop. www.visitlincolnshire.com Tel: 01522 553354

£ SPILSBY SHOW

£ KITCHEN GARDEN

This year’s Spilsby Show takes place on Sunday 14th July on the town’s Ancaster Avenue Playing Fields. Attractions this year include the Storm UK Martial Arts team, craft & model marquees, six mile road race, shire horse parade, and over 100 trade stands. www.spilsbyshow.co.uk Tel: 01702 549623

Doddington Hall offers a kitchen garden cooking demonstration on 15th July: relaxed and informal cookery demos highlight what's seasonal and good now.

Cookery demonstrator Amy Claridge uses produce from the Kitchen Garden to create interesting dishes, which the audience then polish off! Free entry. www.doddingtonhall.com

Save the date now! The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Box Office will be open this month with significant savings for those purchasing tickets in advance for the famous international sporting event.

The Trials take place from 5th-8th September 2013) and are the most hotly-contested in the country’s calendar.

The competition starts with two days of dressage in the main arena on Thursday (and Friday), while Saturday is cross country day, when 80 horse and rider combinations will test their mettle around Burghley’s famous course which is designed by Captain Mark Phillips.

The competition comes to its climax with show jumping on Sunday to determine who will carry home the Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy and the substantial prize fund.

Burghley is more than just horses, it is acknowledged as one of the major British social occasions and is especially renowned for its shopping. So whether it’s the excitement of watching the world's top riders in action - many of whom will have won medals at last year’s London 2012 Olympics - or the lure of the famous retail village with new exhibits every year, the event provides activities and displays to appeal to all the family.

For information and bookings, visit: www.burghley-horse.co.uk or call 01933 304 744.

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SO FESTIVAL 28th June - 7th July 2013

28th JUNE - 7th JULY | performing arts on the east coast

SO FESTIVAL 2013 LincoLnshire’s fLagship performing arts event, the so festivaL, is now five years oLd. Based in and around skegness and the east coast, and staged each JuLy, it wiLL this month attract over 341 artists performing to an audience of more than 160,000...

SO! What’s it all about? Between 28th June and 7th July, SO Festival 2013 is set to transform Lincolnshire’s coastal district of East Lindsey into an international arts venue with spectacular visual art, street theatre, world-class performers and dance acts.

In 2012, SO Festival brought over £1m to the district’s economy, creating 684 volunteering opportunities.

Now, it’s back again, and in addition to boosting the county’s coastal tourism economy, SO Festival will also provide a wealth of free entertainment for holidaymakers and locals alike.

Colourful, confusing and complex, but always creative, the event will this month feature a life-size recreation of Hansel and Gretal’s house, with Garsington Opera performing the production of the same name, Heliosphere’s weightless acrobatics in the sky will be performed from a helium balloon, and there’s a version of Ted Hughes’s The Iron Man performed live.

SO Festival’s growing reputation as one of the East Midlands’s biggest cultural festival is piquing the interest of private sector businesses throughout the region too.

In addition to its main sponsor, Centrica Energy, Lincolnshire Co-operative has also agreed to support this year’s SO Festival, in particular the event’s first-ever ‘Youth Zone’ featuring a climbing wall, circus performances and skills workshops, and a world record-holding BMX display with workshops.

“SO Festival doesn’t just bring arts, entertainment and culture to East Lindsey, it also attracts thousands of people from near and far.” a spokesperson for the event said. “This helps the local economy and also challenges people’s perceptions of the district, encouraging them to spend time with us, discovering the many attractions on offer in East Lindsey.”

£ SO IN SKEGNESS the so festival is the county’s flagship performing arts contest, worth £1m to the local economy and able to attract over 160,000 visitors.

This will be the fifth SO Festival, with the event beginning in 2009. It’s varied, diverse, but best of all, it’s also free for visitors and ensures Skegness and the East

In 2012, SO Festival brought over £1m to the district’s economy, and attracted 160,000 spectators. This year it will once again provide a wealth of free entertainment for holidaymakers and locals alike...

Also appearing at the festival are local musicians, from Gainsborough’s 16-year-old singer/songwriter Lizzie Goddard, Lincoln rapper Hype-O, North Hykeham street dance group Pressure, and Ska saxophone, sousaphone, trumpet and accordion group Hot Dinners.

The SO Festival attracts over 160,000 spectators, 341 artists and 144 performances, making it great value for money for the area and amazing entertainment for those visiting Skegness this summer.

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Coast continues to attract people into the town, so make sure you, too, rediscover Skegness this month. Make a day of it by combining your visit with ‘Skeggy’ fish and chips, a walk along the beach and a visit to the town’s other attractions, from The Church Farm Village and Ingoldmells’s Hardy’s Animal Farm.

The event takes place from 28th June to 7th July in and around Skegness town centre. For more information call 01507 613456 or see www.sofestival.org.

£ HELIOSPHERE keep an eye on the sky and experience a one-of-a-kind aerobatic spectacle in wragby on 6th July. sure to inspire and enchant, dream engine’s heliosphere will provide a climax to the festival.

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SO Festival: Performers like these colourful stiltwalkers entertained crowds last year.

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The RAF Waddington Voluntary Band provided the event with music.

THE EVENT Dambusters 70th Anniversary Screening Woodhall Spa’s Kinema in the Woods last month welcomed a capacity crowd of 260 to acknowledge the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid with a screening of the 1959 film about the squadron.

In attendance was Mary Stopes-Roe, daughter of Barnes Wallis, and last surviving bomb aimer Johnny Johnson as well as members of the current 617 Squadron. The event featured a flyover of the BBMF’s Lancaster and a champagne reception afterwards at The Petwood Hotel, home to the squadron during the war. The event raised £2,500 for the Leonard Cheshire Trust charity.

Photos: Darren Garwood.

Today’s 617 Squadron members were in attendance.

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THE EVENT Dambusters

70th Anniversary Screening

The event featured a red carpet screening of the 1959 film.

The screening raised ÂŁ2,500 for the Leonard Cheshire Trust.

The event was attended by 260 people

Guests enjoyed a champagne reception at The Petwood Hotel afterwards.

Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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THE LAST DAMBUSTER

JOHNNY JOHNSON

George ‘Johnny’ Johnson is the last surviving bomb aimer from the fabled 617 raid. Here, he tells his story.

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A RENDEZVOuS WITH

The Last Dambuster...

At 92 years old, George ‘Johnny’ Johnson is the last surviving bomb aimer from the legendary Dambusters raid. Here, he recalls how, 70 years ago last month, he made history over a misty Sorpe dam in the Ruhr Valley with two little words; ‘Bomb gone.’

Why did you choose to enlist with the RAF? I didn’t like what I’d seen and heard about trench warfare in WWI. I didn’t like the water so the Navy was out of the question. I rather fancied the air force and I wanted to fly on the bomber side. I didn’t want to be a pilot as I didn’t feel I had the aptitude or the co-ordination to do it properly. I didn’t want the responsibility of being responsible for a crew as well as flying the aircraft.

The selection committee thought differently and I was recommended for pilot training in America, November 1940. From the bombing point of view I did 50 operations; the last 20 of those trips was flown as the Bomb aimer on Flt Lt Joe McCarthy’s crew [which attacked the Sorpe Dam during Operation Chastise, the Dambuster raids].

Wg Cdr Gibson was a bit much, but he got away with it and we got our leave... so I got my wedding!”

What did you think of Wg Cdr Guy Gibson?

Oh god here we go. What I finally think of Gibson has to be retrospective. One of his major failings was he couldn’t bring himself down to the lower crews. He mixed very well with senior officers, particularly those above him and with the senior officers immediately below him but even with the junior officers he had difficulty. With the NCO’s he just didn’t want to know.

He was difficult?

He was bombastic, he was arrogant but at that time he was one of, if not the most experienced bomber pilots in bomber command and he’d also done a tour on night fighters as well, so he had something to be

Can you remember when you first heard “Guy Gibson was bombastic, he was arrogant. about Sqn ‘X’, which later became 617 Sqn? But at that time he was one of, if not the most Towards the end of March 1943. Wg Cdr Gibson had met Joe previously experienced bomber pilots in bomber command and he rung Joe and asked him: to join so he had something to be arrogant about.” this new squadron for ‘one special trip.’ On 3rd April Joe said what Gibson had asked him, he said he’ll have to ask the crew, arrogant about. He was a strict disciplinarian. and we said; yes we’ll go with him. In some writings it When he came to form 617, although at that stage he says Gibson chose all the crews; he didn’t. He selected didn’t know what the target was, he knew it was a very a few people that he knew anyway and whom he conspecial trip and that he was going to have to get more sidered were going to be useful pilots on the Sqn. out of the crews than he would on a normal crew, on a normal Sqn. He cooled off a little bit.

What happened when you first arrived at RAF Scampton?

By this time, because we were coming to the end of What did you think the special mission was? this tour we should have had a week leave and on this The only indication that we might have drawn, which leave Gwyn and I had arranged to get married. Joe in we didn’t, was that we did a lot of training on the typical American style took us as a crew up to Gibson’s Derwent Water Dam in Derbyshire and on Uppingham office and said “we’ve just finished our first tour; we’re Lake in Rutland. On the Derwent Water was a towered entitled to a weeks leave. My bomb aimer is supposed dam, at Rutland there wasn’t so they put up a couple of to get married on the 3rd April and he’s going to get posts for us. >> married on the 3rd April”. Now that for a Flt Lt to 83

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9,000lbs of which 6,500lbs was explosive. Sir Barnes Wallis had said the bomb had to be spun backwards at 500 rpm, it had to be dropped from 60 feet at a ground speed of 220knts. The whole operation was a crew exercise, the navigator was watching the lights from the Perspex at the front, the flight engineer was watching the speeds and the bomb aimer was giving the pilot directions to guide the aircraft on to the target. That meant the pilot was being told by three members of the crew what to do.

The first time we ever heard about what the target was, was at the briefing, on the day of the attack. We had no idea what it was until then. It was 3pm on the Sunday afternoon and the tannoy message said ‘All 617 aircrew into the operations room.’ and then we found out what the targets were.

617 Squadron training for the raid. Courtesy of Air Historical Branch (Royal Air Force).

One of the things we had to do when we joined the Sqn as a bomb aimer was to make our own bomb sights. It consisted of a small triangle of plywood with pins or pegs in each corner and the distance between the base pins had to be specific and the distance from those to the apex pin had to be specific and the idea was that the bomb aimer held a single pin up to his eye and directed the aircraft until the base pins were in line with the towers on the dam or the poles that had been erected on the bombing range at specific distances, and when those coincided you released the bombs.

We were using 25lbs package bombs at that stage. If you didn’t get it right, you would do it again and again until you got it right. It wasn’t so much a bombing site as a ranging site.

When I said ‘bomb gone’ a voice from the rear turret said; “Thank Christ!” Because we were nose up, I couldn’t see the explosion or anything, but Dave could see it from the rear turret. He estimated that the water went up to a height of about 1,000ft.

Can you recall the brief before the raid?

On the night before the raid, Sir Barnes Wallis showed us a film of his development of the bouncing bomb; an interesting film, including the early disasters and disappointments until he finally ended up with, what we found when he came onto Station was a glorified dustbin.

The special aircraft had arrived at the squadron with no mid-upper turret and a bomb bay virtually sealed with two legs either side of the fuselage sticking down just below or just behind. At least it explained to us where the bomb was going to be carried. It weighed 84

What dam was your target?

Gibson explained to us what was going to happen.

Five crews, of which we were one, were briefed for the Sorpe. The Sorpe was different from the other two dams, different in construction, it had no towers and it was built within hills on either side and also from the approach, so a frontal attack was more than difficult. It had a central core of concrete and either side there was rock built right out on the front and the back of it.

Barnes Wallis had told us at the briefing, he estimated that it would take at least six bombs to crack that dam.

‘If you can crack it, the water pressure will do the rest...’ he told us.

What did you do prior to the operation?

It was then back to the messes for good old eggs and bacon, probably powered scrambled egg. The crews all meld together, a family of crews. I do believe that one or two felt they weren’t going to come back.

What did it feel like being in a Lancaster that night?

Oh, the same as usual. It was noisy, sometimes smelly, but it was so reliable and its great advantage was its ability to carry a greater bomb load than any other aircraft. I have no doubt whatsoever; it was the finest bomber aircraft used during the War. They are flying fortresses.

How long did it take you to get to the dam?

I can never remember these times; perhaps two, two and half hours. Incidentally this was low-level flying all over the continent, map reading and of course it had to be done in bright moonlight. The timing of the raid had to coincide with a full moon and the highest possible height of water in the dams and it had to be within the first two weeks of May.” What happened when you reached the dam?

We found the Sorpe, which was a little difficult at first because mist was beginning to form at that stage. Over the dam itself was perfectly clear, brilliant moonlight.

Having seen what we had to do, we discovered that what we hadn’t been told at briefing was that there was

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RENDEZVOuS The

Last Dambuster

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RENDEZVOUS

The Last Dambuster

The whole of 617 Squadron. Courtesy of Air Historical Branch (Royal Air Force).

a church steeple on the side of the hill from which we were supposed to be making the attack. So Joe said right we’ll use that as a marker; it was fairly well lined up with the dam itself. We got the line up right and we actually dropped from 30feet and I pride myself for the drop; pretty near the centre, a little bit over-shoot maybe but not too bad. When I said ‘bomb gone’ a voice from the rear turret said; “Thank Christ!”

Because we were nose up, I couldn’t see the explosion or anything, but Dave could see it from the rear turret.

He estimated that the water went up to a height of about 1,000ft.

What did you see?

We circled then and we saw that we had crumbled the crest of the dam from a distance of about twenty yards that was all, there was a little leak going over the top into the overflow pool and that was that and eventually we set course for home, not before the navigator had said to Joe “For god’s sake stop talking and let’s get on our way home.”

What was the journey like back home?

The first thing we saw on the route home was what had been the Mohne dam, it was just like an inland sea, there was water everywhere! We had the satisfaction at least of knowing that some of it had been successful, 86

we had heard this over the radio broadcast. We also heard that the Eder had been breached as well. But having seen that was wonderful satisfaction of seeing what had been achieved. We tootled off towards home.

What happened when you landed back at RAF Scampton?

Scampton in those days was a grass airfield, so all landings were a bit rough, but ours was rather rougher than rough and we were starboard wing low. The engineer looking out the side said, “We’ve got a burst tyre skipper.” The shot that we heard was that the shot had gone through the starboard undercarriage nacelle and we ultimately learnt went on through the wing and ended in the roof, just above the navigators head.

Another foot either way and it would have been in to the petrol tanks and that would have been bye bye McCarthy’s crew. Lady luck was with us that night without a shadow of doubt.

How do you feel having survived the raid?

It was shattering. Of the 19 aircraft that took off, two had boomeranged, 17 headed for target of those, eight were shot down or missing which meant it’s getting very close to 50% which is an awful lot of loss. When Barnes Wallis heard the tragedy of the loss he cried and he said; “I’ve killed all those young men I’ll never do anything like that again.”

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I hear from Mary [Barnes Wallis’s daughter] that he never got away from that right up to his death, he thought about that the whole time, it always troubled him, that of his invention would cause so many deaths on one occasion, that I think was typical of the man, he was a wonderful man there’s no doubt, first class engineer and inventor.

What happened after?

I don’t think we had appreciated how serious that raid was. It wasn’t until we saw the national paper headlines the following morning that we though ‘did we do that?!?’ But it was a feeling of satisfaction certainly that so much had been achieved and from our point of view a bitter disappointment that we hadn’t been able to achieve the ultimate with the Sorpe as well, but I suppose sometime subsequently we learnt that they had to drain the Sorpe in order to repair the damage lower down, so some satisfaction ultimately of that.

What did your wife say when she knew what you’d been up to?

She didn’t know of course. Gwyn was in the billet and the girl who was on duty said “we’ve been shot down, there’s something special happening at Scampton and Gwyn said she heard the aircraft take off, she went to sleep and woke up to hear the aircraft come back.

She said” I didn’t count them but I knew you’d come

back.” Gywn knew Joe and she never ever felt I wasn’t coming back.

What do you think 70 years on?

It makes me think in retrospect, I feel lucky in that I was in the right crew, in the right place at the right time. I feel privileged and honoured to have been able to take part in that particular raid.” The modern 617 Squadron are terrific! If I dare say this, they follow the example that the original Squadron set.

Any final thoughts?

One of the television programmes we did involved going back the dams and when we went back to the Sorpe, I fully expected to get my nose punched, but I was amazed at the friendlessness of the German people. They explained to me how very few of the real German people were supporters of Hitler, but if they’d said so they would have been shot. I said to them; “It was a long time ago, we won’t forget it, but it’s up to us two countries now to make sure that sort of situation doesn’t arise again.” It was at this time when I met the engineer who had been part of the programme to repair the Sorpe lower down, so that added to my satisfaction. I remember walking along the dam and looked over the edge and I was dropping that bomb again... it came back just like that.

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TO VIEW AND PuRCHASE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ‘THE EVENT’ VISIT WWW.PRIDEMAGAZINES.CO.uK

Spitfire pilot Duncan Mason starts his engine.

Chris with Lincolnshire Pride’s Editor Rob Davis.

THE EVENT Chris Evans - Live from RAF Scampton To mark the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid, the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, fronted by Chris Evans, broadcast live from RAF Scampton. The presenter flew to Biggin Hill in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, flanked by two Spitfires, for a rendezvous with colleague Jeremy Vine. All media were strictly prohibited... except us! Lincolnshire Pride was granted exclusive access and loved meeting Chris and his hard-working production team. Children from Scampton C of E School and Pollyplatt Primary School sang live on the show, and the programme’s Pause for Thought came courtesy of Lincoln Cathedral's Canon John Patrick.

Words and Photos: Rob Davis.

Interviewing 617 Squadron's current Wing Commander David Arthurton.

Feature your event in our magazine.

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

Canon John Patrick read out the show’s Pause for Thought.

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THE EVENT Chris

Evans - Exclusive Pictures

Chris with the BBMF team.

Chris flew in the BBMF Lancaster to Biggin Hill to rendezvous with fellow presenter Jeremy Vine.

Children from Scampton C of E School and Pollyplatt Primary School sang live on the show.

Chris with producers ‘Lady’ Lisa and Mr Tickle.

Purchase photographs from this event online.

Visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

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History Remembering 617

REMEMBERING THE

DAMBuSTERS On the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid, 617 Squadron was remembered with a memorial service in Lincoln Cathedral, a recreation of the Squadronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practice ďŹ&#x201A;ight over Derwent Water and the unveiling of a memorial to bomber command due to be completed in 2015...

Words: Rob Davis

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The Squadron’s 70th anniversary was marked with a recreation of 617’s practice flight over Derwent Water with BBC Historian Dan Snow, a memorial service at Lincoln Cathedral, sunset ceremony at RAF Scampton and with the unveiling of a Bomber Command memorial due to be completed in 2015...

Main; A sunset ceremony at RAF Scampton paid tribute to the Dambusters Raid.

Above; This is the final design for a memorial to Bomber Command which now needs £3.5m of funding. It is hoped the memorial will be completed by May 2015.

Left; BBC Historian Dan Snow recreated the Dambusters practice flight over Derwent Water.

L

ast month saw the 70th anniversary of the infamous 617 Dambusters Squadron’s mission to break the dams of Germany’s industrial heartland.

Lincolnshire marked the occasion with a series of events, from the BBC’s Dan Snow’s recreation of the squadron’s practice flight over Derwent Water, to a memorial service in the Cathedral and a sunset ceremony at RAF Scampton, as well as the unveiling of a new memorial commemorating Bomber Command.

On the 16th May, 1943 the RAF’s 617 Squadron launched arguably the most audacious and innovative air assault into Nazi Germany to destroy dams in the Ruhr valley. The assault, known as Operation Chastise, destroyed the Mohne and Eder dams and damaged a third.

As a result the Squadron has ever after been known by the epithet, The Dambusters.

Exactly 70 years to the day, the RAF’s BBMF Lancaster took off from RAF Scampton wth Dan Snow to recreate a training mission over

Images: SAC Helen Farrer, Sgt Pete Mobs, SAC Blake Carruthers, SAC Steve Buckley/MoD Crown Copyright 2013.

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History Remembering 617

the Derwent that the original Squadron undertook in the days before the raid.

Afterwards Dan, who is one of only a handful of individuals given the opportunity to fly in the Lancaster, spoke of the significance of Chastise; “It was a daring mission; there was huge danger involved. It was innovative.”

That evening Dan hosted the BBC’s coverage of RAF Scampton’s sunset ceremony veterans ceremony, where Lincolnshire dignitaries and serving members of the Royal Air Force joined together in collective thought and prayer for all those who died on the mission.

The following day, The Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving took place at Lincoln Cathedral with a congregation that was more than 1,500 strong which included 617 Squadron veterans Les Munro & Johnny Johnson and Barnes Wallis’s daughter, Mary Stopes-Roe. And finally, on 30th May the final design was unveiled from three ‘prototypes’ for a new memorial to Bomber Command.

The unveiling of the final design, A Spire of Names, at East Kirkby, marked the beginning of a £3.5m fundraising drive to create a memorial and an interpretation centre with peace gardens near Lincoln’s Canwick Hill.

The spire will feature the names of 25,000 aircrew who lost their lives, with the words cut into the steel structure increasing in size and remaining visible even at the top of the 30m high structure. It is anticipated the memorial will be completed in May 2015 in time for the 70th anniversary of cessation of hostilities.

Images: RAF Scampton’s sunset ceremony, the Lincoln Cathedral service and historian Dan Snow after his Derwent mission.

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THE FASHION PAGES

A Summer of

Fashion

CELEBRATE HIGH SUMMER WITH RELAxED CASUALS FROM SANDWICH - IT’S A SUPERB BRAND WITH A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOUR AND COMFORTABLE, WEARABLE qUALITy...

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<<

£ GARDEN PARTY yellow sunshine sleeveless dress with printed clouds on single jersey, £79. necklace with mixture of beads, £23. navy striped cotton top in single jersey, £39 and navy short sleeved cardigan in linen cotton, £75 with navy skinny shorts with printed flower dots in woven stretch £59.

H

igh summer means high temperatures, high fashion and the chance to revel in relaxed style.

Key style tips this month include loose, layered silhouetted separates with long, flowing maxi-dresses, short tunics and three-quarter lengths trousers.

Materials this season are relaxed, but sturdy enough to wear all day.

New fabrics include overprinted linen, fine soft lawn cotton, and opaque woven jersey.

Contrasting prints are placed together to make a bold statement. The season ends on a softer note with ink-blot florals.

This month we feature fashions from Sandwich, stocked by many of the county’s independent fashion retailers, wearable, well-made and stylish...

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FASHION

£ ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Bright Lilac printed scarf, £25. Sleeveless maxi dress with wrap top and large stripe skirt printed on viscose, £99. True red sleeveless dress in combo draped jersey, £65. True red cardigan with three quarter sleeve in draped jersey, £69. Cotton cord necklace with bunch of beads, £25.

Nile Green short sleeved t-shirt in cotton jersey, £55.

Optical White Skinny pants in ultra-stretch cotton, £79. Cotton cord bracelet with beads, £15.

£ GREEN WITH ENVY Nile Green short sleeved dress in garment dyed linen – £79.

<< £DESIGNER GLASSES FRAMES BY TAG HEUR £345/£175, O’Briens Opticians 01652 653 595, www.obriensopticians.co.uk

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eve les s d res s . le s d e R .

9 s s d res s £ 7 ouser s £ 7 9 L il a c s leeve le - s h irt £ 5 5 , w h ite tr t £ 6 5 . G reen

Re d lon g- sleeved blouse w print £ 59 . Re d popl in tr ith Pa is ley ousers £ 79 . £ STOCKISTS Oldrids and Downtown straight bargate, boston, Pe21 6uF gonerby Junction, grantham, ng32 2ab Tritton road, Lincoln, Ln6 7Tn Lindsey centre, gainsborough, Dn21 2bP 01476 590 239, 01205 361251 01522 500588, 01427 612346. www.oldrids.co.uk.

Sally's of Swaton The granary, north end Farm, swaton, sleaford, Lincolnshire ng34 0JP 01539 421335.

£ MAIN IMAGE sleeveless maxi dress with a wrap and top large stripe skirt printed on viscose, £99.

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w w w. m o o r e a n d s c r u p p s . c o . u k

MOORE & SCRUPPS 3 Southgate, Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 7SU Tel: 01529 302674

14 West Street, Bourne Lincolnshire PE10 9NE Tel: 01778 424228

7 Appletongate, Newark Notts NG24 1JR Tel: 01636 704488

345 High Street, Lincoln Lincolnshire LN5 7DQ Tel: 01522 262556

21 Long Causeway Peterborough PE1 1YQ 01733 551182

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Classic Clothing for the Modern Lady...

Smart Casual Wear from every-day brands like Steilmann and Sandwich... gift vouchers available

Swaton, near Sleaford, Lincs NG34 0JP

Tel: 01529 421335

Opening Hours: Monday 11am – 3pm, Tuesday – Sat 10am – 4.30pm

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Find somewhere to relax... with the

GOOD SPA GUIDE Enjoy a day of peace and quiet, indulge in a massage or facial treatment, book an overnight stay with a partner or arrange a fun day with some friends.

No matter how you choose to enjoy one of the area’s spas, we’re happy to recommend the county’s best places to relax and unwind!

Words: Rob Davis.

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THE BENTLEy HOTEL BEAuTy SPA

Spa with a Salon The Bentley Hotel’s health and beauty facilities were moved to a dedicated spa, created in 2011 adjacent to the North Hykeham hotel. With a great location and in-house hair and nail salon, it’s the perfect place for pampering...

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THE GOOD SPA GuIDE

The Bentley Hotel and Beauty Spa

£ SPA FACTS Seven treatment rooms, hair salon, nail bar, pool, sauna, steam room and thermal suite. Thalgo and Murad treatments used.

The Bentley Hotel is now a Best Western Plus hotel, meaning extra facilities and a higher standard of food and accommodation. However, its Beauty Spa and hair & nail salon, which grew from an earlier provision of health and beauty at the hotel, is now one of its flagship features.

With seven treatment rooms, swimming pool, sauna and steam room, Rasul mud temple and aromatherapy & salt rooms, plus a well-appointed gym too, its spa facilities are unsurpassed.

However, with a three chair hair salon with nail bar too, the Bentley Hotel’s Beauty Spa can provide clients with all they need to relax and revive or look great in advance of summer holidays, weddings or society events.

The spa uses Thalgo and Murad products, plus Anthony Braden makeup, Label M & Macadamia hair products and Zoya gel polishes for nails. The spa offers five main full day packages - from Discover, at £65, which entitles clients to full use of the spa’s thermal suite to Platinum, at £235, which provides a Thalgo Organic Lavender Massage, Mer Organic Facial, dry floatation treatment and manicure or pedicure too.

Half day, full day and twilight packages available from £30-£235.

Other packages available include those for mothersto-be, post-pregnancy, teenagers or dual treatments for friends or partners. No fewer than 13 massage and 14 facial treatments ensure plenty of choice of individual treatments, and there’s a full range of waxing, makeup, St Tropez tanning and makeup treatments too.

With 80 en suite rooms, The Bentley Hotel offers food and accommodation for full spa days and overnight packages, whilst a wonderful chill-out area with recliners allows clients to take some time out from a busy lifestyle and enjoy some rest.

The look and feel of the spa is plush, and belies its proximity to the A46. It’s really well positioned, has great facilities and with The Bentley Hotel next to it, represents the perfect place to relax if you live in and around Lincoln.

The Beauty Spa is located adjacent to the Bentley Hotel, Newark Road, North Hykeham LN6 9NH. For information call 01522 823222 or visit the website at www.beautyspa.so.

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SIMPSONS SPA AT BRANSTON HALL

A Beautiful Retreat Set in the grounds of the beautiful Branston Hall Hotel, Simpsons Spa supplements the firm’s in-town salon and provides health and beauty treatments in a great location - and there are plenty of special offers month by month...

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THE GOOD SPA GuIDE

Simpsons Spa at Branston Hall

£ SPA FACTS

A Beautiful Spa in a Beautiful Location: Simpsons opened its countryside spa in the village of Branston in 2007, with mother and daughter team Paula Wade and Terri Taylor bringing to the new venue experience gained from their city centre medi-spa, on Lincoln’s Guildhall Street.

Seven years on, their day spa features six treatment rooms, hot tub, Rasul mud temple and - via Branston Hall Hotel, the 88 acres of grounds of which Simpsons is based in - a pool, sauna and steam room too.

Simpsons is especially good at introducing new treatments and can provide non-surgical facelifts, slimming and toning via its Genie system, dermal fillers and laser hair removal.

Full day spa packages range from £165 to £205 with all packages representing phenomenal value with a luxury manicure, pedicure, skin-specific facial and de-stress full body massage all included. There’s also a taster spa experience available every Wednesday for just £55, and over night spa breaks from £99/person.

Packages are excellent value, but for a bespoke experience clients can choose from seven massage experiences, six body treatments and nine facial treatments.

Men are especially well provided for at the spa, with a full range of waxing, massage, five facial treatments

and two packages for those seeking a cut-throat shave.

Likewise, there are Lazy Sunday, Twilight Time and Rasul Mud Rituals for friends or couples. There’s also a ‘double’ treatment room for those who want a little company during their visit.

Six treatment rooms, pool, sauna, steam room and manicure & pedicure room adjacent Branston Hall Hotel where an overnight stay and dining is also available. Treatments by Elemis and Jessica. Half day packages are from £95£140, full day packages are from £165-£205.

Open Sat/Sun until 6pm, weeknights until 8pm.

Treatments are powered by spa-favourite Elemis, and a dedicated manicure and pedicure suite uses Jessica products to offer an exceptionally relaxing experience.

Finally, there’s a large chill-out lounge and an outdoor area with hot tub for high-summer relaxation, and good dining provision at Branston Hall itself.

With a great location, purpose-built facilities and a wealth of expertise plus a good choice of treatments and the quality of Elemis as a spa brand, Simpsons is a great place to enjoy a spa experience.

What’s more, the venue offers some really good value monthly special offers with great value promotions keep an eye out for them!

Simpsons Spa is located in the grounds of Branston Hall Hotel.

For information call 01522 797989 or visit the website at www.simpsons beauty.com.

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BARNSDALE HALL HEALTH CLuB

A Country Club Spa Barnsdale Hall Hotel oďŹ&#x20AC;ers the convenience of country club-style membership, but is open to all providing the best of both worlds for those seeking a luxurious, relaxing spa experience...

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THE GOOD SPA GuIDE

Barnsdale Hall Health Club

£ SPA FACTS

Barnsdale Hall Hotel is set within 65 beautiful, waterside acres of country club, and for the ultimate in Rutland relaxation, its health spa facilities are unsurpassed.

Spa partners Elemis and Jessica providing treatments for face & body, and luxurious manicures & pedicures, clients can choose from eight facials, nine body treatments and seven nail treatments.

Day spa packages begin at just £76, including Elemis’s Face & Body Sensation which includes a full body massage and anti-ageing facial treatment with mini manicure. That’s probably one of the best value packages, especially as it includes access to the spa’s extensive health club facilities too - there’s a 22m swimming pool, with spa pools, sauna, and steam room.

The spa also features a salon with styling and colouring, and anti-ageing treatments including Caci’s non-surgical facelift system with microdermabrasion and LED phototherapy.

Barnsdale Hall also offers floatation therapy which is designed to induce a state of deep relaxation, benefiting circulation and detoxifying the body, this can also be combined with a residential package for couples featuring an overnight stay. Men are also well-catered for with five men-only treatments using Elemis’s dedicated range, and there are packages for brides-tobe and mothers-and-daughters, too, as well as a full

Dedicated treatment areas, plus health club with pool, water area and temperature experiences. Excellent accommodation and dining facilities, timeshare ownership providing country club access available for regular visitors.

range of waxing and instant tanning treatments.

Residential breaks also enable spa-goers to take advantage of the site’s exceptional dining with the Brasserie Restaurant offering AA rosette standard dining. The hotel also offers afternoon tea for locals and timeshare ownership of its 49 lodges and cottages.

With a great location, lots of facilities and good value packages with the option of timeshare ownership, plus excellent accommodation and dining, Barnsdale Hall is often mistakenly thought of as a ‘members only’ country club. In fact, it’s open to anyone, and remains both welcoming, and great value too.

Barnsdale Hall is located at the water’s edge, near Oakham, LE15 8AB. For information call 01572 757901. or visit the website at www.barnsdale hotel.co.uk.

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THE SPA, AT STAPLEFORD PARK

Exclusively Excellent A beautiful location in a converted stable block provides exquisite spa facilities at the 500 acre Stapleford Park country estate. With Clarins powered treatments and exceptional dining, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots to love!

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THE GOOD SPA GuIDE

Stapleford Park Country House Hotel

Stapleford Park is exclusively for everyone: The 500 acre country estate offers the last word in luxury for those seeking accommodation, dining, golf or country pursuits, so it comes as little surprise that its spa is just as luxurious.

Located in the Victorian stable block, its spa provides seven treatment rooms, a technogym which also offers regular classes, 22m pool, steam rooms, sauna and jacuzzi. The spa has chosen to ally itself with Clarins products for face/body treatments and OPI for nails.

It provides day packages from £70 which includes two treatments (and a choice of manicures, pedicures, massage or facial treatments) plus use of the spa’s facilities.

Even the spa’s Luxury Pamper package costs just £180 and includes lunch, dinner, and three treatments, whilst overnight packages are also available from just £160.

Further value is assured by the spa’s provision of a monthly ‘special’ treatment, offered at a concessionary price, whilst regular spa-goers can join Stapleford as a member and benefit from discounted spa treatments, accommodation and dining.

There’s a choice of nine individual massage treatments, four facials plus manicures, pedicures, waxing and beauty treatments. In addition, there are a number of special treatments and therapies, from reflexology to Reiki and the spa is unique in offering Voyt yoga, too.

The former country pile of Lord Gretton, the property was acquired in the mid-1980s by American entrepreneur Bob Payton who refurbished Stapleford Park, before it passed to is current owner in 1994.

Today, it can boast 55 beautifully decorated bedrooms, excellent dining in both the Pavilion and the two AA-rosette Grinling Gibbons Dining Room, plus a number of private dining rooms.

A set lunch in the Grinling Gibbons is available for just £18.50/person with two choices for each course and a chance to sample the hotel’s cuisine - ideal following a relaxing spa experience.

Stapleford also provides an excellent afternoon tea and has facilities like its Capability Brown landscaped golf course and beautiful gardens for guests to enjoy.

With a beautiful setting, excellent facilities and great dining, Stapleford Park is highly recommended, definitely worth the short journey across the county borders.

£ SPA FACTS Seven treatment rooms utilising Clarins and Opi products. Overnight stays and dining.

Day packages from £70 including use of spa facilities and two treatments.

Stapleford Park is based in the village of Stapleford near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 2EF. Call 01572 787000 or see www.staplefordpark.com.

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RAGDALE HALL, MELTON MOWBRAy

A Beautiful Retreat

Relaxation and a huge range of treatments at one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most well-equipped spas.

Ragdale Hall near Melton Mowbray enjoys an idyllic location and has a new Beauty Express spa area for those seeking great value treatments...

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THE GOOD SPA GuIDE

Ragdale Hall, M elton Mowbray

£ SPA FACTS Huge number of treatments and packages for both residential and day visitors.

Treatments featuring Elemis, Clarins and OPI mani/pedi. 91 bedrooms, restaurant and two swimming pools plus large Thermal Spa.

Ragdale Hall offers a massive choice of spa days and spa breaks - no fewer than 13 residential and 12 day packages. It’s a huge, well-equipped spa in a beautiful location just 20 minutes or so from Melton Mowbray.

The Health Hydro and Thermal Spa includes a candle pool, waterfall pool, temperature experiences and esoteric experiences like the Thought Zone and Colourflow Cave. There’s two swimming pools, the 25m pool with its massage jets, steam room and sauna, as well as a separate exercise pool with underwater gym and daily programme of water exercise sessions.

For those seeking beauty treatments, Ragdale Hall offers treatment rooms sponsored by its main spa partners; Elemis, Decleor and Clarins, and The Beauty Express which is a fabulous unique one-stop area where our highly trained beauty therapists are on hand to offer you the latest in quick-fix results-driven glamour.

Speaking of treatments, you can choose from no fewer than 29 face & eye treatments, 39 massage treatments, 17 manis/pedis and a choice of 18 floats, detoxs & wraps. That’s in addition to treatment for men, mumsto-be and holistic therapies like acupuncture, plus treatments involving chiro therapy, chakra guidance, crystals and colours... suffice to say there’s plenty of choice!

It may seem as though you’re spoilt for choice but Ragdale never feels overwhelming, nor imposing.

Areas like its Lounge, Retreat and its new contemporary relaxation area, The Pavilion, afford the opportunity to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. The latter features beautiful garden loungers, sofas, artwork and glassware in a bright, contemporary, plush environment.

With a superb dining room and 91 bedrooms plus The Lodge - a country house with four bedrooms there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a spa break from around £300 per person for two nights, or one of the spa’s day packages from around £84.

That makes Ragdale Hall a good value spa that’s well-equipped and offers lots of choice. The perfect way for anyone in Rutland to enjoy a short break close to home.

Ragdale Hall is based near Ragdale Village in Melton Mowbray, LE14 3PB. For information call 01664 434831 or visit the website at www.ragdale hall.co.uk.

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EDEN HALL DAy SPA

Unforgettable Luxury OďŹ&#x20AC;ering absolute luxury in a dedicated day spa environment, Eden Hall this month reveals brand new packages and introduces Aromatherapy Associates, making it even easier to choose a luxurious, relaxing treatment...

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THE GOOD SPA GUIDE

Eden Hall Day Spa

Eden Hall near Newark has always offered luxurious treatments in a dedicated day spa environment, but from this month it’s even easier to plan a visit thanks to a brand new range of packages.

The spa has consolidated and simplified its day packages with one half day and four full day packages.

Taste of Eden for just £49 offers use of facilities and classes from 2:00pm to 6.30pm and includes afternoon tea, whilst full day spa experiences begin with the Simply Spa Day, for just £85. There’s also a twilight Evening Escape package at £39 which provides evening access to the thermal suite from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on selected Wednesday and Friday evenings.

The spa’s top of the range day package, Perfectly Pampered, at £155 provides chocolates and champagne, a back massage and facial. In addition, there are 20 individual facial treatments and 25 body treatments, plus a range of manicures, pedicures and treatments like reiki and reflexology.

Visitors to Eden Hall also enjoy one of the largest and most well-appointed thermal suites with salt-water vitality pool, steam room, sauna, and water therapies.

Eden Hall also boasts a very well-equipped gym, and a programme of exercise and relaxation classes, plus an outdoor area with hot tubs and garden.

The spa’s restaurant, Seventh Heaven, and its Temptation café go well beyond its remit of providing spa-goers with a simple lunch. Their food shames most fully-fledged restaurants, with everything from

healthy salads and smoothies to home-made cakes and chocolate truffles.

In addition to its new spa packages, Eden Hall will this month also reveal a range of treatments based on products by its new Aromatherapy Associates brand.

The brand uses essential oils and active botanicals, and will be available in Eden Hall’s Ultimate Aromatherapy, Rose Hydrator Body Wrap, Age Repair Facial and Soothing Facial treatments. Prices start from £38 and the treatments can be added to any package.

Whilst Eden Hall is a day spa, it has recently partnered with quirky boutique hotel Manor Court to provide overnight packages from £330.

Built in 1875 in traditional stone, Eden Hall looks beautiful, and its restaurant and palm conservatory areas are stunning. Its spa facilities, meanwhile, are thoroughly modern and with new treatments and brands, the spa is clearly keen to remain one of the best in the area.

It’s a pretty, well-equipped, desirable spa with excellent treatments in a great location.

£ SPA FACTS Day packages from £85 to £155. Half-day and twilight from £49 and £39. Excellent restaurant and chill-out areas. New Aromatherapy Associates treatments and five new day packages.

Eden Hall Day Spa is situated on Lodge Lane, Elston Village, Newark NG23 5PG. Call 01636 525555 or see www.edenspa.co.uk for details.

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The best of

both worlds T

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

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

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

Professional Expertise Almost any condition can be treated at The Bostonian by our dedicated team of professionals – most of our Consultants live only minutes away.

We welcome self referral and provide 24 hour medical cover.

Range of Payment Options Available We deal with all the major insurance companies and also offer Fixed Price packages for the uninsured.

The Bostonian Private Wing, Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 9QS Telephone: 01205 360606 / Facsimile: 01205 311442 www.the-bostonian.co.uk • ISO 9001:2008 accredited

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Pilgrim Hospital’s Private Wing

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THE WEDDING ALBuM

THE WEDDING ALBuM

Julie and George Peach coming from farming stock, george Peach is used to being busy, but with elements of their wedding made themselves, this month’s couple were extra busy in the run up to the day - but the result was a personal, family occasion that the couple and their guests all loved...

Photos: Dean’s Street Photography Studio, 07708 833940, www.andycrossphotographer.com

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d “We both w ante d to getithm faarmrieily in ou r villa ge chur ch w da y too! ” an d fri en ds enjoyin g th e

s like t n e m le e d e t a “ We c re ake ou r se lves to c ta gs an d ou ry re a lly p er s on a l! ” m a ke o u r d a

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THE WEDDING ALBUM

“We had a ‘ f amilymoon’ in Herefordshire with our seven month old son Rupert and Basset Hound Mabel!”

W

e met online and after exchanging a few emails and telephone calls, got to the point of asking the inevitable question, ‘shall we meet?’

Four years later, George came into the sitting room, went down on one knee in front of the fire, reached under the sofa and with a snoring dog next to me, popped the question!

The date was the first thing we organised - it had to fit around the lambing, George’s family being farmers!

Then it was the church; we both wanted to get married in our village. We easily chose the reception venue; we loved the space at Barnsdale Lodge and the food was fantastic!

We can honestly say that both of us had very similar ideas on what we wanted. We both wanted to get married in a church and wanted the day to be filled with close friends and family.

We didn’t have any nerves until the rehearsal when neither of us could repeat the correct words! On the day itself though we were both very relaxed and were looking forward to the day ahead.

I knew that I wanted something a simple but elegant dress and when I saw my dress I knew that it was the one! It was very comfortable on the day and I felt ‘like me’ in it. The style was called Vanessa - the name of George’s Mum! We had a ‘familymoon’ in the UK where we took our seven month old son and three year old Basset, Mabel to a self-catering cottage in Herefordshire. The weather was glorious for the whole week that we were away!

We’d like to thank our parents, Richard, Vanessa, Brian and Olive for their help and support. Graeme Ough for letting me borrow his Aston Martin to arrive at the Church, Zsuzsa for doing all the flower arrangements, and Claire for looking after Rupert for not only the day but also over night!

Our photographer Andy Cross took some amazing photos but never interfered with the way the day went.

Julie’s hairdresser, Vicky Brown, created beautiful styles that lasted the whole day and Gladstone Carriages provided a ‘surprise car’ for Julie to take her to the church. Barnsdale Lodge Hotel were very accommodating, we’d definitely recommend them, too!

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T H E W H I T E H A R T , B O S T O N • T H E A D M I R A L R O D N E Y, H O R N C A S T L E

T WO B EAUTIFUL V ENUES, O NE U NFORGETTABLE DAY

• Riverside Location with beautiful Boston Stump as your backdrop.

• 24 well-appointed rooms.

• Courtyard Bar and Riverside Restaurant for exceptional dining.

• The Boston Suite - Lincolnshire’s premier function room.

THE WHITE HART, 1-5 HIGH STREET, BOSTON PE21 8SH TEL: 01205 311900 www.whitehartboston.com

• Personal Wedding Coordinator to help you make the very best of your special day.

The Admiral Rodney Hotel • Luxury and style in the heart of historic Horncastle.

• Lots of character in a 17th century former coaching inn with 31 en suite bedrooms.

• Courtyard Restaurant and Rodney Bar, function room and more.

• Recently refurbished.

THE ADMIRAL RODNEY, NORTH STREET, HORNCASTLE LN9 5DX TEL: 01507 523131 www.admiralrodney.com

• Personal Wedding Coordinator to help you make the very best of your special day.

C A L L E AC H O F T H E V E N U E S A B OV E F O R A N O -O B L I G A T I O N G U I D E D T O U R A N D P E R S O N A L I S E D W E D D I N G C O N S U LT A T I O N BROUGHT

T O YO U B Y

THE BULLDOG HOTEL GROUP

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Left; little metal buckets make great favour holders; fill them with sweets, flowers, favours... use a parcel tag to create ‘shabby chic’ placeholders and use in conjunction with other elements with similar colours.

6

BEAUTIFUL

TABLE

IDEAS

Make the most of your wedding breakfast with our innovative ideas for creating top tables...

With an average of 75-100 guests, your wedding tables will dominate your reception venue and take up a good deal of room. However, with so much scope in terms of how to style and decorate them, you can really use your tables to express your style.

Decide on a theme, name each table and carry this through - different flowers, favourite bands - the quirkier the better.

Opt for white or cream table linen and build in your highlight colour with chair covers, bows on the back of chairs, napkins, runners and charger plates.

Next, create a centrepiece for your table. Dramatic flower arrangements will have visual impact; tall and narrow arrangements with long trailing elements mean your guests won’t be peering round them all the time. Incorporate place name into hand-tied floral sprigs, organza bags, candles or favours. Finish off with a sprinkle of petals, crystals or similar.

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Place markers are a way to introduce a vintage style - these pegs can also be painted to match your colour scheme.

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Inset; Diamonds are a brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend when creating a beautiful table.

These table crystals are a good deal cheaper than the real thing, and look great scattered around.

Available in clear, gold, blue and ruby.

Left; name your tables and indicate where guests can sit with these rustic chalkboards.

Main; scratchcard quizzes and favours containing lottery tickets are always popular with guests.

Right; Bunting - really popular for 2014â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vintagethemed weddings.

Our venue styling ideas come courtesy of Ambience Venue Styling the company sells its products online but also has dedicated styling experts in each county throughout the UK. See www.ambiencevenuestyling.com.

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Land Rover’s new V8 flagship has raised the bar for capability, driving pleasure and luxury.

MOTORING NEWS

A Countryside Icon When talking about the Range Rover it’s easy to resort to clichés like ‘king of the road’ - but hyperbole aside, it’s demonstrably the most luxurious and capable vehicle both on and off road. To find out just how much better the new vehicle is, we headed to the East of England Land Rover Experience proving ground...

Words and Photos: Rob Davis

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MOTORS Range

P

ity the poor soul who wandered into work one day thinking ‘I wonder what today will bring...’ before being summoned to the office of Land Rover’s chairman, only to be told; “I’m putting you in charge of improving the Range Rover line!” From that moment, not only was he responsible for ensuring the continuity of reputation for one of the world’s most iconic vehicles, he also faced the challenge of improving a vehicle which was, for all intents and purposes, already perfect.

The car was first created in 1970, and was designed to be just as good on-road as it was off-road. Arguably it invented the SUV (sports utility vehicle) as a concept, in an age where 4x4s were crude uncomfortable utilitarian vehicles like the Land Rover Defender or the Willy’s ‘Jeep.’

The Range Rover was instantly adored by wealthy land owners and, eventually, urbanites for whom the car became a huge status symbol. 2013’s new model now available, and it’s better in every respect.

To find out how much better the new model is for ourselves, we visited the East of England Land Rover Experience at Rockingham Castle which serves Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Nottinghamshire.

Rover

So what’s it like? For a start it’s more economical and cleaner. Stick to the basic 3.0V6 and you’ll enjoy combined economy of 37.7mpg - the same as a 2.0 Mondeo - whilst enjoying reaching 60mph in 7.4 seconds and a potential top speed of 130mph.

What’s more, whilst it seems ludicrous to describe a car that starts at £71,000 as ‘good value’ it’s around the price you’ll pay for a long wheelbase S-Class Mercedes, a Audi A7 or BMW 7-Series MSport.

Not only does the new Range Rover offer the same peerless driving experience as its rivals though, it also offers four wheel drive, low-range gears for heavy duty off-roading, a lofty ‘command’ driving position and much more space inside than the previous generation.

Pride’s Editor Rob Davis gets behind the wheel of the V8 flagship at the area’s nearest Land Rover Experience centre.

All of a sudden the Range Rover looks good value, and it’s just as well equipped too; electric leather seats with memory and heating for front and rear seats, heated steering wheel and front screen, three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, sat nav and TV, automatic lights and wipers, electric windows and folding mirrors are all standard.

Upgrade to the mid-range Vogue SE model and you’ll gain air conditioned front seats and adaptive cruise control, whilst top-spec Autobiography models have a 125

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The new model is larger and longer. To find out if its determination to be more luxurious has come at a cost to its off-road ability, we visited The East of England Land Rover Experience.

360° camera system, panoramic roof, and massagers built into the seats.

Fundamentally, there’s more room in the cabin, especially for passengers in the rear - that’s a direct response to feedback from buyers in China where chauffeured cars are more popular. This is also evidence that the company is allying the new model closer to limos rather than luxury 4x4s of which there are more and more competitors nowadays - not least the company’s own Range Rover Sport and Discovery.

Taking Range Rover even more upmarket, challenging limos rather than rival SUVs, means the new model is even less likely than before to get its tyres muddy, but if you should feel the need to risk scuffing your £70,000 Range Rover and venture off-road, you’ll be safe as houses - for proof of this, just look to Luke Cobley!

Lots more space - especially in the rear - plus more equipment and better soundproofing makes the Range Rover more refined on-road. But it’s still capable of amazing, physics-defying feats off-road!

Range Rover From: £71,000.

Engine: 3.0V6, 4.4V8, 5.0V8 Supercharged.

Performance (3.0V6): 0-60mph 7.4 seconds top speed 130 mph.

Fuel Economy: 37.7mpg.

Equipment: Heated electric leather seats and steering wheel, TV, climate, cruise, sat nav, rear view camera.

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Our nearest Land Rover Experience is run by father and son Vince and Luke Cobley. Establishing the 400 acre proving ground in September 2002 in the grounds of Rockingham Castle, the duo used a JCB to create an area which tested the whole range of off-road perils; uphill and downhill inclines, side slopes, ruts and water.

A third of the site’s 1,200 annual users are there for specialist courses (winching, towing) or to gain professional driving qualifications; fire and rescue, EA and paramedic customers, for example... whilst two thirds are there so the Land Rover subsidised site can show potential buyers what its vehicles can do!

The site has six vehicles from across the range, from the fashionable new Evoque to the dependable Defender plus the Freelander and Range Rover Sport.

Luke says the Evoque model is his favourite, as it’s youthful and funky, but even his head has been turned away from his favourite by the new Range Rover.

“It offers unprecedented luxury but it’s off-road ability has been enhanced rather than compromised.” says Luke. “No other car wafts you along like it on-road, or help you to traverse objects off-road.”

Our hour-long test drive both on and off road allowed us to experience the full range of the car’s abilities.

On-road it’s smooth, quiet and composed, but it’s epic off-road, despite its luxury. A new Terrain Response system almost dulls the drama down, but it’s capable of wading through water 90cm deep, climbing 40° inclines and crawling over rocks 30cm tall with commensurate ease.

You can leave the new Terrain Response 2 system in automatic or select the grass/gravel/snow or mud ruts programme. You can also select low-range gears for more torque and better grip, and with the automatic gearbox in drive, it creeps along with surefootedness, constantly monitoring and controlling its movement.

The system is epic in its ability; the first hill we descended pointed us almost vertically downward, but served as a good ice-breaker to prove the car could do what Luke was promising. Even on a loose damp surface, the car detected and compensated for the surface and eased us down. We didn’t need to intervene, just steer as we steadily reached the bottom.

Our next challenges were a series of deep ruts, all cleared with commensurate ease, and vertical ascents which saw us driving blind, unable to see bonnet which at that moment was towering high above us. No inclines or landscapes challenged the car, but with no drama, lots of grip and no conceivable circumstances worse than those we were experiencing, the only criticism we’d level is that the car takes all of the drama out of off-road driving.

“Dealerships are now offering purchasers of any Land Rover product a complimentary off-road experience.” says Luke. “People are gob-smacked by what their cars can do, which is nice, it serves to prove what their new vehicle is capable of, which in turn provides the driver with confidence. Crucially though, it also teaches some good off-road driving habits; the cars’ technology is reactive, whereas we teach driving techniques that are proactive.”

Off-road there’s simply nothing to touch the new car, but on-road too, the 2013 Range Rover is smarter and more desirable, as well as being very quick for a two-tonne off-roader. But it’s also pretty clean and economical, it’s a pleasure to drive and surprisingly, it’s great value too. The best just got bigger, but undoubtedly it’s got much better, too.

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MOTORS Range

Rover

Finding Out More...

The East of England Land Rover Experience provides Experience Days, Gift Vouchers and Training using its fleet of vehicles. A half day experience begins at ÂŁ195, full day experiences cost from ÂŁ270. The centre is based at Rockingham Castle, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8TH. Call 0844 8484463 or see www.eastofengland.landroverexperience.co.uk.

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Country Workshops Independent Landrover Specialists Bespoke Vehicles & Accessories.

Restorations and Manufacture.

Parts From 1948 to date. Retail Trade Export.

Tel/Fax 01775 750223 Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs PE11 4EZ

www.british4x4centre.co.uk

Simply Nothing To Wear Personal Wardrobe Advice... ...in the comfort of your own home.

I can help you make the most of the clothes you have and show you how little you need to buy to bring new life to you and your wardrobe.

Call JEAN HOLMES

01205 367287

www.simplynothingtowear.com â&#x20AC;˘ jean@simplynothingtowear.com

F. E Addlesee & Son Privately Owned and Family Run Funeral Directors Established in 1930

by Frank Addlesee 44 Castle Street, Boston, Lincs

Telephone: 01205 311303

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