Julian Wilkinson CEO & Publisher julian@pridemagazines.co.uk
Exciting times are ahead. Better times, too, says the inaugural mayor of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, Dame Andrea Jenkyns who swept to victory in our recent mayoral election.
You might recall that we posed four questions to the four mayoral candidates in our May edition in order to get a sense of what each one stood for. Broadly each one promised a new era of politics, devolved from Westminster and designed to better suit the needs of those who live and work in Lincolnshire. To really understand what that means though, we’ve enjoyed an in-depth discussion with Andrea and we present her plans for Lincolnshire later in this edition, together with an explanation of how the new mayoralty will work in practice. Fascinating stuff!
Elsewhere in this edition we’re enjoying a visit to Lincolnshire’s East Coast where we’ll consider the story behind our historic piers, a redevelopment of Skegness’s Embassy Theatre (100 years old in 2026) and the newest additions the coastline including Sutton on Sea’s new £7.5m colonnade, which is due to open this month.
Also, we’re celebrating the fundraising efforts of the Lincolnshire NHS Hospitals Charity, we visit the Heckington Show and the Battle Proms at Burghley House, we’re recommending the best NGS Open Gardens and we enjoy a meal at Harmston’s Thorold Arms courtesy of Paul Vidic.
And finally, welcome to the wonderful Tina Brocklebank, our new beauty editor who brings 30 years of wisdom to our fashion and beauty pages from this edition.
Our very best wishes for a great month!
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Local News
Festival for Thatcher’s 100th anniversary
October will see a series of special events commemorating 100 years since the birth of Margaret Thatcher, due to be held in her home town of Grantham
From Lincoln to Windsor
Cathedral Canon Dr Nick Brown seconded to take up post at St George’s Chapel, Windsor
After five years at Lincoln Cathedral, The King has approved the nomination of The Revd Canon Dr Nick Brown as his Residentiary Canon of St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Canon and Mrs Lucy Brown will move from Lincoln to the Canons’ Cloister in late summer with the Installation Service to take place on Thursday 2nd October.
“I am delighted that Nick has been appointed to this significant post at St George’s Chapel, Windsor,” said The Dean of Lincoln, the Very Revd Dr Simon Jones. “Over the past five years, Lincoln Cathedral has greatly benefited from Nick’s ministry. He has been a focus for stability at a time of transition in the life of the Cathedral, alongside which he has exercised a pastoral ministry that has been appreciated by many. At a personal level, I have learnt much from Nick and he leaves Lincoln with the thanks and prayers of the whole cathedral community.”
Founded in 1348, The College of St George offers worship to God, prayers for the Sovereign and the Order of the Garter.
The 100th anniversary of the birth of Margaret Thatcher will be marked in October with a series of events designed to remember the country’s first female prime minister who held the position from 1979 to 1990 and was never afraid to favour comprise on policies for popularity.
Karen Whitfield of South Kesteven District Council says the anniversary will prove to be “A significant event for Grantham. There will be a lot of organisations wanting to put on events, performances and shows.
“What we’re trying to do is bring together a group of stakeholders so they don't all end up fighting for the same bite of the cherry, and so there's a co-ordinated approach.”
No further information is available at the time but we’ll confirm more details about the festival soon.
Restoring Lutyens’ memorial
Work will be completed in time for November on the restoration of Spalding’s Lutyens war memorial
A five-month programme of restoration to Spalding’s Grade I war memorial in Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens has begun as part of South Holland District Council’s work to preserve and protect the Lutyens Memorial created in 1922.
The £205,000 works will include the delivery of numerous repairs and improvements made to the monument, including cleaning and repair of the stonework, and careful restoration of memorial panels in time for November’s remembrance events.
Sean Matthews is new Leader
Retired police officer and Tattershall councillor wins 44 of Lincolnshire County Council’s 77 seats
Following the success of Dame Andrea Jenkyns in the mayoral elections and after taking 44 of the council’s 77 seats, Reform has chosen retired police officer Councillor Sean Matthews as the new leader of Lincolnshire County Council. Sean has spent 25 years in the Metropolitan Police and says that it is ‘an honour and a privilege’ to be named leader.
Send your press releases & business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
New A&E at Pilgrim Hospital
Boston’s new facility is twice the size of previous A&E department with state-of-the-art facilities for patients
The first phase of a multi-million pound transformation of the Emergency Department at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital opened to patients last month. Back in August 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Pilgrim Hospital and met staff, announcing the provision of £21.3 million funding towards the cost of a new Emergency Department.
The new department is twice the size of the old A&E department and has eight resus cubicles for the highest levels of emergency care, plus 12 ‘majors’ cubicles and well as a dedicated children’s area and direct access to the department for ambulances.
Work has already begun on the next phase. This will see the new department knocked through to a corridor in the next few months to create some additional rapid assessment and treatment cubicles.
The new building uses air source heat pumps, it’s carbon neutral and has been designed in mind with the pledge by the NHS to be the world’s first net zero national health service by 2045.
“A massive thank you to everyone involved, and also to our amazing patients and staff for their support, which will enable us to create a state-of-the-art Emergency Department in which to provide the very best care, not only today, but also in the future.”
And Finally... Unexpected item in bagging area! Skeggy Freddie is enjoying feline fame as the cat who won’t keep out of Skegness’s Tesco store. The cat enjoys greeting customers and sleeping on the shelves of the supermarket... he apparently comes home in a huff when the store closes early on Sunday. Freddie has his own Facebook page and is much loved by the store’s regular customers.
Historic England.
High Life
Lincolnshire NHS Charity Ball
A fantastic night was enjoyed by over 170 people at Lincoln’s Doubletree by Hilton recently as the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity held its spring ball to celebrate the charity’s work
Images: Rob Davis.
A warm welcome was extended and bright sunshine shone through the big windows on the fifth floor of Lincoln’s Doubletree by Hilton as over 170 guests celebrated an evening of fundraising in aid of the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity’s spring ball. The programme included welcome drinks, a welcome by radio presenter and MC Melvyn Prior, followed by dinner and dancing. A raffle and silent auction added to the fun, but there was a serious point to be made as well. The charity supports our local hospitals in Lincoln, Boston and Grantham with fundraising activities to provide equipment, services and amenities to ensure patients and staff working in the hospitals have the best experience whilst enjoying the best care and treatment too.
See www.ulhcharity.org.uk.
Andrea Jenkyns
Jenkyns Andrea Meet Lincolnshire’s New Mayor
On the back of a very convincing recent victory in the mayoral elections for the new Greater Lincolnshire’s Combined County Authority, we find out what challenges will define Andrea Jenkyns’ new role
The people have spoken, and it wasn’t sotto voce, but fortissimo; loud enough to leave nobody in any doubt. ‘We choose Andrea,’ they said, in Lincolnshire’s mayoral elections.
Among the more interesting – if slightly less pertinent – facts about Lincolnshire’s new Combined County Authority Mayor, Andrea Jenkyns is a former soprano singer who released her own classical-crossover album, ILYIS (an acronym of I Love You In Secret) in 2006. Andrea was also a finalist in the 1992 Miss United Kingdom competition.
She has three dogs, she was made a Dame in 2023 and finally, there was a personal reason behind her appearance in a sparkly dress, rather than the more understated (and onbrand) turquoise blue one, on the morning of Friday 2nd May 2025.
“There was hatchet job after hatchet job, and I’m a strong person, but I’m also a human being. It got very personal with some of the candidates. Something in me said ‘I’m not going to let you get away with it.’”
The it in question is the fact that during the campaign, it was suggested Andrea was ineligible to stand because she wasn’t a resident of Lincolnshire.
“I was looking at two outfits in my wardrobe –two pale blue outfits – and then I saw the sparkly dress I wore for Nigel [Farage’s]’s 60th. There’s a little rebel in me and I thought ‘I’m going to get on that stage. I’m going to own it. I don’t care if it’s sparkling and glittery.’”
“If you’ve got a good campaign team, you can read the room. And every political party has watchers everywhere there’s a count.”
Words: Rob Davis.
Images: Stuart Wilde photography, www.stuartwildephotography.com
“It was a horrible, bruising campaign. It was emotionally draining, and if I’m honest, it nearly broke me,” she says. “It didn’t need to get this vicious. It didn’t need to get this personal.”
“In 2015 when I stood against Ed Balls in the General Election for the constituency of Morley & Outwood, you couldn’t tell because it was such a marginal result, but there was a recount and 422 votes put me ahead.” >>
Andrea Jenkyns
“I’ve always been outspoken as an MP and never afraid to do what’s right. People either like that or they don’t but I’ve got to be honest and true to myself...”
>> “This time though, we clearly knew from seeing the votes coming in. It was how they were piling up and up on the table. You could see the stacks of papers building up.”
“It got very personal with some of the candidates. I am outspoken and after the count there was a speech that didn’t pull any punches, but it’s representative of what’s to come as we fight to make a stronger Lincolnshire. And it’s reflective of the ethos of Reform too, to not be afraid to speak out.”
“I’ve always been outspoken as an MP and never afraid to do what’s right. People either like that or they don’t but I’ve got to be honest and true to myself. If any further evidence of that commitment is needed, it’s well-known that I’ve spoken out against my previous party and doing so has became necessary because the landscape of two-party politics in Britain is changing and it needs to change.”
Prior to her political career Andrea worked in retail, in senior management and in a directorship at the University of Bolton where she ran a think tank advising on educational policy. She has also worked in performing arts groups with children at Blackfriars in Boston and Polka Dot in Spalding. As well as living in the Fens she has also lived at Healing near Grimsby and in Mablethorpe.
Andrea’s interest in politics, though, began in 2011 when her father died after catching MRSA and discovering the mistakes in the NHS that she says were preventable.
“National health policies, and ensuring that compassion is at the heart of every interaction in the NHS was my motivation. I joined the Patient Safety APPG as soon as I got elected. I worked closely with Jeremy Hunt, because patient safety is a big thing for him too. In the NHS nationally, 650 people a month die through preventable mistakes and that’s a massive figure, a shocking one.”
parents. My sister and I were both in the Young Conservatives, but for me things were starting to turn sour in the party. I saw that Theresa May was Brexit in name only and Remainers were trying to stop Brexit. As a democrat, I believe that whatever the vote –the mandate – you have to respect it.”
“Boris Johnson had a massive mandate and was trying to deal with Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine War, but I saw first-hand what they did to him as I was in the whips’ office. Key people in the party were trying to bring him down. The eventual vote to boot Boris out was, I thought, quite shameful.”
“After Boris the party never had the leader they needed. Rishi was promoted too quickly and I always said publicly that if they chose Kemi as leader I’d leave the party because I saw how she worked as a minister. She was good on the culture stuff but quite lazy. I didn’t feel she was a conviction politician.”
“Initially I met with Rishi and with Reform to see if we could have joint candidates, uniting to stop a Labour supermajority.”
”But the Conservative party had already moved too much to the centre, in the same way that Blair moved too much to the centre.”
“Reform meanwhile has demonstrated an ability to pull from both the left and right, unifying people just as Thatcher did in 1979. The politics of the party were getting more attention than the national politics that we should have been more concerned with.”
“The day after the 2024 General Election and having already worked with Nigel and Richard on the Brexit campaign – they’ve been friends for over eight years – I was approached by Reform.”
“Initially I told both of them that I wasn’t sure I wanted to be in politics any longer. The period I spent as an MP was quite a bruising time. That’s compounded when the country is a laughing stock, unable to get a Brexit deal. It’s compounded in times of national crisis, like Covid, too.”
“During the election campaign the Conservatives insinuated that I’ve slept around to advance my career. Friends have phoned me up before and said ‘did you realise you’re sleeping with so-and-so,’ and I’m tough enough to ignore a lot of that but it’s something with which a male politician would never have to contend.”
“I’m in politics, but I’m also a human being and a single parent to my eight-year old son Clifford, who is neuro-diverse. He’s going to grow up seeing anything unpleasant that has been written about me in print or online, and that shouldn’t be acceptable.”
“I no longer have parents alive to support me. But my sister Debbie and I are really close too. She has MS and as a family we all work
Above: Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE with her sister Debbie and son Clifford.
together to ensure we stay physically and mentally well, so that I can juggle a career and family life, and make a difference either in national politics or to Lincolnshire in my new role.”
“Nigel and Richard are amazing in offering their support too, but there are times that you really do have to muster more strength than usual, and a cruel or alarming message on social media is awful.”
“But what do you work hard for, if not family?
My son messaged me at one o’clock in the morning and then again at three o’clock. He was so excited, ‘mummy, have you won?’”
The result was announced just before seven in the morning with Andrea securing 42% of the votes, 104,133 against the 64,585 votes of the next-closest candidate. After an irascible interview with Sky News, it was a Friday and Saturday full of media (and fresh coffee), culminating in a Sunday appearance on the BBC’s Politics North followed by a quiet Sunday afternoon and Bank Holiday Monday.
At the vote the team who were in place to support the new Combined County Authority (CCA) mayor had already introduced themselves to the candidates.
On Tuesday 6th May, Andrea was sworn in during a ceremony in Lincoln Cathedral officially becoming Lincolnshire’s first ever county-wide mayor, heading up a combined authority which will sit above county, district, borough and town councils, serving as a direct point of liaison with Westminster.
In principle the role means being able to command attention and secure funding from central government, ensuring the relevance of policy as somebody with a strong understanding of Lincolnshire’s needs.
Andrea will chair a CCA board comprising six voting members from the three constituent councils (Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire) and other non-constituent members who will vote on some matters. The new authority will have wider membership from other district or
borough councils, from the business community and the police and crime commissioners for the area.
“For now we’re based in the buildings from which Lincolnshire County Council operates, with a team of 16, comprising of researchers, legal experts, and people with an economic or business background.”
“Literally on day one they said that they’ve seen the manifesto, and so we all set about developing policy.”
“It was just a case of throwing myself in to that and getting on with it, but I work in a really good team and there’s much to do in order to prove that the role, and the incumbent will benefit the county greatly.”
“Among our other priorities though, we need to restore interest and faith in politics. Apathy is at an all-time high, as is frustration with politicians. I want to provide complete transparency. All my combined authority meetings will broadcast and how people vote will be publicly recorded.” >>
Andrea Jenkyns
>> There are a number of pots of money that Andrea can utilise in her role including a new budget of £24m/annually for 30 years to invest in key priority areas of infrastructure and skills development.
“That’s in addition to a one off £28.4m capital investment fund for Greater Lincolnshire’s priorities – which is already being invested in new roads, infrastructure and housing sites.”
“But on top of those the CCA can bid for further money to improve the county’s provision of services and strengthen its economic potential.
“Though it’s an ostensibly local role, we can also liaise with national and international partners to generate inward investment.”
“I’m also keen to hold an annual Great Exhibition highlighting what a contribution Lincolnshire can make to the country. It’s about shifting the dial, and that feeds into an ability to encourage a groundswell of political pressure which can encourage changes at a national level too.”
“We can improve transport for Greater Lincolnshire, fix transport issues, and reform the way we run the country, not just the county, setting an example by consolidating and streamlining authorities to save the taxpayer money in conjunction with a county-wide restructure of local authorities mandated by central government that’s still at consultation stage until November.”
“You don’t need different authorities all with HR departments and payroll departments,
legal departments… ultimately, we can offer taxpayers better value for money which is a good thing. I’ve grown up in Lincolnshire. I know the challenges that a rural county faces from infrastructure to transport to skills gaps.”
“I also know of the need to support businesses and farmers in a county that should value the important contribution that agriculture makes both to the county and nationally.”
“I know I can get my teeth into this role and I know I can do a good job with the same commitment to the values I share with Nigel and Richard and with Sean as leader of the County Council.”
“It’s about family, community and country. It’s about making the public voice heard, and it’s about delivering for them.”
Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE was named the first mayor of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (CCA) on Friday 2nd May. To find out more about the role, see www.greaterlincolnshire-cca.gov.uk
Eat Drink & Enjoy
FIND JOY IN THE ART OF EATING WELL
DINING OUT AT THE THOROLD ARMS IN HARMSTON
A FRESH SUMMER RISOTTO USING PEAS AND ASPARAGUS FROM THE GARDEN PLUS: RESTAURANT LISTINGS: OUR LOCAL SUGGESTIONS WITH OLD FAVOURITES AND NEW DISCOVERIES
Our product of the season this month, fresh peas from the garden, great in soups, with your Sunday roast or in this month’s recipe.
Dining Out
The Thorold Arms at Harmston, near Lincoln
If the face of this month’s chef patron rings a bell, that’s because Paul Vidic has a rich history of running successful restaurants in Lincolnshire. Since 2021 he has continued to create first class dishes at The Thorold Arms near Lincoln, this month’s dining out recommendation
Words & Images: Rob Davis.
Shakespeare said that ‘reputation is the immortal part of one’s self,’ and we can think of few chefs in Lincolnshire whose reputations are as robust as Paul Vidic.
For over 35 years now, Paul has been working around Lincolnshire, arriving in the county having already worked in the kitchens of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison under Blanc, in Knightsbridge’s Berkeley and latterly at The Wig & Mitre, The Brownlow Arms and The Bell at Coleby. In May 2021, Paul and partner Lisa moved their business from Coleby to the adjacent village of Harmston.
The Thorold Arms – which had been purchased few years ago by locals – and Paul’s reputation was always going to be a match made in heaven, right from the start.
The combination would prove instantly popular with diners, with customers travelling from miles around to enjoy Paul’s dishes, founded on classical French chefcraft and blending premium dining with the charming ambience Lisa has given the pretty 19th century building. It’s set in the beautiful conservation village of Harmston, swish, subtly quirky, but determinedly relaxed.
Dining across two rooms, there are roaring fires, fresh flowers, well-thumbed books from the world’s finest chef’s and food writers, aromatic candles, and planters all gracing the space, adding comfort and complimenting the superb dishes for which Paul is renowned. There’s a single menu which is adjusted daily to ensure Paul and his team can make the most of the best ingredients, day-by-day.
Nine starters, 13 main courses and six desserts seems to us to be a sensible number to provide a degree of choice whilst ensuring the kitchen is well-practised in the preparation of each dish. Some of Paul’s dishes are so popular that regular diners would riot if they were absent, these include double baked Poacher cheese soufflé, 12-hour cooked blade of beef, and chef Paul’s caramelised bread and butter pudding.
In the kitchen, Paul works alongside Cameron Ackroyd and another apprentice to ensure the consistency of each dish.
Cameron has been with Paul and Lisa for over seven years. Cameron has adopted the skills and methodologies behind Paul’s unique approach to food and the two enjoy a formidable working relationship.
Above: New season asparagus wrapped in parma ham, with poached egg, chive butter and melba toasts. Fillets of lemon sole on saffron mousseline potatoes, green beans and Champagne velouté.
Toasted crumpet with brown shrimp, crab and garlic chilli butter and confit croquettes.
ON THE MENU
The Thorold Arms Harmston, Lincoln
STARTERS
Seafood thermidor with salmon, cod, tiger prawn, and macaroni, £13.50.
Chef Paul’s Lincolnshire Poacher double-baked cheese soufflé with smoked haddock, and creamed spinach, £13.50.
Toasted crumpet with brown shrimp, crab and garlic chilli butter and confit croquettes, £11.95.
Chicke liver and Armagnac pâté with house chutney and melba toasts, £9.95.
MAIN COURSES
Roast rump of lamb on pesto and parmesan mash with minted pea juices, £27.95.
12-hour blade of beef on buttered mash with onion relish and red wine jus, £25.95.
Pan-roasted chicken breast with Stornaway black pudding, leek mash and Stilton sauce, £24.95.
Battered haddock goujons with chips, tartare sauce, mushy peas and lemon, £19.95.
Tagliatelle egg pasta with melting goats cheese, wilting spinach, rough basil pesto and pine nuts £19.95.
PUDDINGS
Amaretto crème brûlée with Amaretto biscuits £8.95.
Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and salted caramel ice cream, £8.95.
Thorold Arms caramelised bread and butter pudding with vanilla custard, £8.95.
Plate of farmhouse cheeses with grapes and biscuits, £12.95.
NB: Sample menu and featured dishes, subject to availability and change.
“With three chefs and 55 covers across the restaurant and bar, there’s a good chef-to-diner ratio which ensures plenty of time and effort is invested in every plate...”
With 55 covers across the bar and restaurant, there’s a good chef-to-diner ratio which ensures plenty of time and effort is invested in every plate.
Local suppliers help to keep quality and consistency high too, for example Owen Taylor is a third-generation butcher, who has been supplying restaurants since 1922. Fish is sourced from Grimsby and delivered fresh each day, and vegetables are easy to source locally, hence Lincolnshire asparagus on the menu during our visit.
Much of The Thorold Arms’ veg is grown in the fields of the Fens, again where seasonality and quality permits.
However, green-fingered Cameron is also turning his own hand to growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables on the restaurant’s allotment, making a sustainable, field-to-fork contribution to The Thorold Arms’ menus and adopting a micro-seasonal approach to creating food.
Meanwhile, Paul works with Brewster’s Brewery of Grantham to source guest ales from local microbreweries, although his stalwart ale of choice remains Timothy Taylor’s, not just because of its reputation, but because like the ale, Paul was born and raised in Keighley, West Yorkshire.
Locals and destination diners know Paul is bona fide wine buff. With his 50 bins of wine, Paul’s exceptionally well-curated wine list, and a special selection list also on offer, the prices range from £25 to £250 so there is something for everyone and every occasion.
If you’re really pushing the boat out, there’s the chef’s private cellar, with some really special bottles for those with a keen interest in oenology... or just for connoisseurs.
Whatever glass you raise, though, you’re in for a treat. This is a chef with great reputation in a restaurant serving exceptional dishes in a location that’s terrifically welcoming... one that we can highly recommend!
The Thorold Arms Harmston near Lincoln
The Pitch: Renowned Lincolnshire chef Paul Vidic celebrates his four year anniversary at Harmston’s Thorold Arms, offering an inventive menu and a warm ambiance that effortlessly marries tradition with a modern twist.
Food Served: Wednesday and Thursday 4pm 8.30pm. Friday and Saturday 12.30 8.30pm. Sunday 12.30 4pm. Closed Mon/Tues.
The Thorold Arms, Harmston, Lincoln, LN5 9SN. Call 01522 722788 or see www.thoroldarmsharmston.co.uk.
Prawn, Pea & Asparagus Risotto
A Taste of Summer Luxury
A luxurious summer dish with a delicate balance of creamy risotto, sweet prawns, fresh peas, and tender asparagus. Light yet indulgent — ideal for a warm evening with a crisp white wine.
This month’s recipe Prawn, Pea & Asparagus Risotto
Cut out and collect our great seasonal recipes each month in Pride Magazine.
Prep & Cooking: 45mins.
Serves: Four.
Ingredients
250g raw king prawns, peeled and deveined
300g arborio rice
1.2 litres hot fish stock
125ml dry white wine
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
100g fresh peas (or frozen)
100g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2cm pieces
50g Parmesan, finely grated
50g unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of half a lemon
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
There’s something undeniably elegant about prawns, and when paired with the sweet freshness of peas, the delicate bite of asparagus, and creamy risotto, it becomes the perfect midsummer dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a special supper al fresco, this dish is rich yet light—just the thing for July. Serve it with a chilled glass of English sparkling wine or a crisp Chablis for the ultimate indulgence.
A simple yet elegant dish for summer dining, this risotto balances the natural sweetness of prawns and peas with the earthy freshness of asparagus and the rich, creamy texture of perfectly cooked arborio rice.
Method
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a low heat. Add the shallot and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
Stir in the arborio rice, coating it well in the oil, and cook for two minutes until slightly translucent at the edges.
Pour in the wine, stirring continuously until fully absorbed.
Begin adding the hot stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This process takes around 20 minutes.
When the rice is nearly cooked but still has a slight bite, stir in the peas and asparagus, cooking for a further 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is just tender.
Meanwhile, in a separate pan, melt a little butter and quickly sauté the prawns for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the butter, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Gently fold in the cooked prawns and chopped chives, reserving a few prawns for garnish.
Serve immediately, topped with a final sprinkle of chives. Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine.
THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE
BOSTON
THE BALL HOUSE
A familyfriendly pub with a cosy atmosphere, offering traditional British fare. Known for its Sunday carvery and extensive menu that includes options for vegetarians, vegans, and glutenfree diners. Wainfleet Road, Boston, PE21 9RL. Call 01205 364478 theballhouseboston.co.uk.
MEET & MEAT
A distinctive fusion of Mediterraneaninspired cuisine with a modern touch. West Street, Boston PE21 8QN. Call 07723 237070 or see www.meetandmeat.co.uk.
THE MILL INN
OUR GOOD FOOD AWARDS WINNERS
Each year we ask our readers to vote for their favourite restaurants, coffee shops and food producers, revealing our winners in our January editions. We’ve highlighted this year’s winners in buff to make sure they’re easy to see!
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Help us keep Lincolnshire Pride up to date: If you notice a change to any restaurant, pub or café featured, we’d love your help to ensure our listings are comprehensive and up to date... email any updates to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
YE OLDE RED LION
THE CHEQUERS
A popular pub known for its warm ambiance and classic British pub dishes and Italian too.
Spilsby Rd, Boston, PE21 9QN. Call 01205 352874 or see www.themillboston.co.uk.
MONKEY & I
Conveniently located in Church Street, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to meet up, relax, and enjoy our authentic Thai cuisine. Church Street, Boston PE21 6NW. Call 07808 590203 or see www.monkeyandithai.co.uk.
THE ROPERS ARMS
Italian bistro serving authentic dishes, set in an early C19th public house overlooking the Maud Foster mill and river. Horncastle Road, Boston PE21 9BU. Call 07572 456110.
THE WHITE HART
Part of the Coaching Inn Group, set within a charming 19th century hotel, this restaurant provides a varied menu focused on British cuisine. The riverside views make it an ideal spot for a memorable meal.
High Street, Boston, PE21 8SH. Call 01205 311900 or see www.whitehartboston.com.
An awardwinning country pub that prides its self on producing satisfying dishes. Cosy atmosphere in the winter, with Low beams & log burning fires. For great summer dining there’s also a relaxing beer garden. Try the Lincolnshire Tapas, too! Bicker, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3EF. Call 01775 821200, www.redlionbicker.co.uk.
GRANTHAM
ANGEL & ROYAL
Reputedly England's oldest inn, with the Kings Room Restaurant and Bertie's Bistro and Bar.
High Street, Grantham, NG31 6PN. Call 01476 565 816 or see www.angelandroyal.co.uk.
BELTON WOODS
Bar & Grill with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and offers an inviting selection of flavourful grilled dishes. Spa, golf course and fourstar accommodation on site.
Gonerby NG32 2LN. Call 01476 593 200 or see www.beltonwoods.co.uk.
BROWNLOW ARMS
In the heart of a picturesque village in Lincolnshire, the Brownlow Arms is a 17th century country inn formerly owned by Lord Brownlow. Providing good old fashioned country hospitality and modern comforts in a tranquil and relaxing location.
Hough on the Hill, NG32 2AZ. Call 01400 250234 or see www.thebrownlowarms.com.
Seasonal dishes from longstanding favourites to monthly changing dishes, from a team passionate about creating the tastiest and most interesting food they can.
Woolsthorpe By Belvoir, NG32 1LU. Call 01476 870701 or see www.chequersinn.net.
THE GREEN MAN
A traditional British pub offering hearty meals in a friendly setting, specialising in steaks and classic pub fare. High St, Ropsley, NG33 4BE. Call 01476 585897 or see the-green-man-ropsley.com.
HARE & HOUNDS
17th century public house promises good dining, and a friendly atmosphere. Fulbeck, Grantham NG32 3JJ. Call 01400 273322 or see hareandhoundsfulbeck.com.
PLOUGH, WILSFORD
Exceptional pub restaurant home to Paul Reseigh, formerly of the George of Stamford. Fabulous à la carte menu of satisfying dishes prepared with excellent chefcraft and imagination. Wilsford, NG32 3NS. Call 01400 664037 or see theploughinnwilsford.co.uk.
RESTAURANT JERICHO
Fine dining in the Vale of Belvoir courtesy of this fascinating 20course tasting menu based restaurant, with just 12 covers a night. Orchard Farm, Plungar NG13 0JA. Call 01949 728288 or see www.restaurantjericho.com.
The Pig & Whistle at Healing Manor.
LINCOLN
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2024 ANTLERS AT THE WHITE HART
Lincolnshire Pride’s Restaurant of the Year for 2024, as voted for by our readers. Antlers serves seasonally inspired à la carte lunch and dinner menu. For those who are looking for a perfect way to celebrate, Antlers also serves a full Afternoon Tea menu and classic cocktails as well as offering a unique private dining option.
Bailgate, LN1 3AR. Call 01522 526222 or see whitehart-lincoln.co.uk.
THE BRONZE PIG
A stylish, modern restaurant known for its seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients with an innovative Mediterranean twist. Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LB Call 01522 524817 or see www.thebronzepig.co.uk.
GRAIN STORE
Delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunches, with evening dining Friday and Saturday, based at Doddington Hall, utilising ingredients sourced from the farming estate. Doddington, Lincoln LN6 4RU. Call 01522 243189 or see www.doddingtonhall.com.
HOBBSONS
Formerly Browns Pie Shop & Restaurant. A ‘Best of British’ restaurant specialising in home crafted pies.
Steep Hill, Lincoln, LN2 1LU. Call 01522 527330 or see www.hobbsons.co.uk.
THE JEWS HOUSE
Set in a 12thcentury stone building, this finedining spot offers carefully curated tasting and set menus with bold flavours. Known for an intimate dining experience.
15 The Strait, Lincoln, LN2 1JD. Call 01522 524851 jewshouserestaurant.co.uk.
NO.38 AT THE TOWER
3 AA star hotel offering exceptional dining for nonresidents too, delivering satisfying à la carte dishes.
38 Westgate, Lincoln LN13BD. Call 01522 529999 or see www.thetowerlincoln.com.
THE OLD BAKERY
A notforprofit restaurant offering tasting menus that highlight seasonal ingredients. 26-28 Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LB. Call 01522 244646, www.theold-bakery.co.uk.
BEST INTERNATIONAL
DINING RESTAURANT 2024 OLÉ OLÉ
Familyrun authentic Spanish restaurant set in the heart of Lincolnshire’s historic Lawns. The Lawn 3 Ingleman Place, Union Rd, Lincoln, LN1 3BU. Call 01522 534222 or see www.oleolelincoln.co.uk.
THE THOROLD ARMS
Paul Vidic, renowned Lincolnshire chef, took over the running of a community pub, in 2021 to provide excellent food and drink in a relaxed and beautiful setting in Harmston. High Street, Harmston LN5 9SN. Call 01522 722788 or thoroldarmsharmston.co.uk.
WASHINGBOROUGH HALL HOTEL
Grade II listed, 4star Georgian Manor House hotel two miles east of Lincoln. Serving two AArosette awardwining dishes under Head Chef Mark Cheseldine. Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1EH. Call 01522 790340, www.washingboroughhall.com
LOUTH & RASEN
ADVOCATE ARMS
Award winning restaurant serves fabulous meals created from local ingredients. The restaurant has been awarded two stars for its dining by the AA. Queen Street, Market Rasen LN8 3EH. Call 01673 842364 or see www.advocatearms.co.uk.
KENWICK PARK
Fantastic food and drink in the family friendly Fairways Restaurant and Keepers Bar. Kenwick Park, Louth LN11 8NR. Call 01507 608806 or see www.kenwick-park.co.uk.
MANSION
HOUSE
British eatery known for warm service and delicious meals, featuring an inviting open fire Upgate, Louth LN11 9HD. Call 01507 610305 or see mansionhouselouth.co.uk.
NEWARK
TAYLOR’S FINE DINING
Familyrun, finedining restaurant in the heart of Newark. Locally sourced, seasonal produce with tasting menus and set menus. Castle Gate, Newark NG24 1AZ. Call 01636 659986, or see www.taylors-restaurant.co.uk.
NORTH & NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE
FOREST PINES
Spa, hotel and golf estate with restaurant near Brigg offering bistro dining. Brigg, DN20 0AQ. Call 01652 650 770 or see www.forestpineshotel.co.uk.
HOPE & ANCHOR
Fantastic Michelin
Bib Gourmand lauded pub restaurant run by Slawomir Mikolajczyk. South Ferriby, DN18 6JQ. Call 01652 635334 or see thehopeandanchorpub.co.uk.
The Chequers, at Woolshorpe by Belvoir
PIG & WHISTLE
Locallysourced British dishes with a rustic charm and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Healing, Grimsby, DN41 7QF. Call 01472 884544 or see www.healingmanorhotel.co.uk.
SAN PIETRO
TwoAA Rosette Award winning fine dining restaurant benefitting from the Sicilian heritage of Pietro Catalano who runs the business with wife Michelle.
Scunthorpe, DN15 6UH. Call 01724 277774 or see www.sanpietro.uk.com.
WINTERINGHAM FIELDS
Lincolnshire’s only Michelinstar restaurant offering an immersive dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Winteringham, DN15 9ND. Call 01724 733096 or see www.winteringhamfields.co.uk.
SKEGNESS
GINGERLILY, THE VINE
Cosy, friendly atmosphere and delicious dishes including traditional English meals prepared by our experienced Chefs using local ingredients. Vine Road, Seacroft, Skegness, PE25 3DB Call 01754 610611 or see www.thevinehotel.co.uk.
SAN RUFO’S
Familyfriendly Italian eatery known for its authentic pizzas, hearty pastas, and welcoming staff Roman Bank, Skegness, PE25 1SD. Call 01754 612242 or see www.sanrufos.co.uk.
From cosy inns to fine dining, Pride’s Good Food Guide has your Lincolnshire dining plans sorted...
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SLEAFORD
THE BARGE AND BOTTLE
A canalside pub with a relaxed ambiance, and a wide range of satisfying food, including a good provision of Sunday lunch.
Carre St, Sleaford, NG34 7TW. Call 01529 303303 or see www.thebargeandbottle.co.uk.
THE BUSTARD INN
Beautifullypresented quality pub restaurant, whose awards include two AA rosettes and a Traveller’s Choice award. Exceptional dining courtesy of Head Chef Phil Lowe. Main Street, South Rauceby Lincolnshire, NG34 8QG. Call 01529 488250 or see www.thebustardinn.co.uk.
THE CARRE ARMS
Charming Edwardian hotel and restaurant renowned for quality service & fabulous food. An eclectic mix of modern English and Mediterranean dishes. Mareham Lane, Sleaford NG34 7JP. Call 01529 303156 or see carrearmshotel.co.uk.
THE MALLARDS RESTAURANT
Classic British cuisine in a cosy setting, known for its Sunday roasts and welcoming service. Eastgate, Sleaford, NG34 7DJ. Call 01529 413758.
THE QUEEN’S HEAD
This charming village pub and restaurant in Kirkby la Thorpe serves classic British fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere with friendly service. Church Lane, Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford NG34 9NU. Call 01529 300750 or see www.thequeensheadpub.com.
THE SOLO BISTRO
Bistro bar and hotel with traditional dishes presented in a contemporary style making the most of local ingredients. Market Street, Sleaford NG34 7SF. Call 01529 303200 or see www.thesolo.bar.
TABLEZ BISTRO
Awardwinning cafe bistro. With indoor and outdoor seating as well as a fantastic balcony, a great place to pop in for breakfast or lunch. Southgate, Sleaford NG34 7RZ. Call 01529 300922.
THAI SABAI
Contemporary Thai restaurant specialising in Authentic Asian cuisine. Dishes are expertly prepared on the premises. Thai Chefs using only the finest ingredients along with herbs and spices which are import directly from Thailand. Millstream Square, Sleaford NG34 7RZ. Call 01529 413333 or see thaisabaisleaford.co.uk.
SPALDING
THE BLACK BULL
Quality pub restaurant
offering a wellcurated menu packed with hearty, food. Market Place, Donington, Spalding, PE11 4ST. Call 01775 822228 or see theblackbulldonington.co.uk.
JASHIR INDIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
A culinary destination that offers unforgettable Indian dishes made with the finest ingredients and spices. 11 Double Street, Spalding PE11 2AA. Call 01775 423001 or see www.jashir.co.uk.
THE PARLOUR
Authentic, Edwardianstyle restaurant for lunch and afternoon tea, overlooking Springfields’ Festival Gardens. Camelgate, Spalding PE12 6EU. Call 01775 760949 or see www.springfieldsoutlet.co.uk.
STAMFORD
THE BULL & SWAN
Everything a traditional English inn should be, with gastro food and real ales, on the magnificent Burghley Estate.
High Street St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 766412 or see www.thebullandswan.co.uk.
RESTAURANT WITH
ROOMS 2024 CROWN HOTEL
This historic former coaching inn is now a wellregarded restaurant and hotel. A warm atmosphere and dishes with quality local ingredients. All Saints' Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.
MILLY’S BISTRO
Located within the Georgian William Cecil Hotel, Milly’s offers a homely vibrant feel and an inspired menu. St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 750070 or see www.millysbistro.co.uk.
THE OAK ROOM AT THE GEORGE OF STAMFORD
An elegant, historic venue offering a fine dining experience with classic British cuisine. Located in The George Hotel, this restaurant features candlelit tables and oakpanelled walls, ideal for special occasions. St. Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LB. Call 01780 750750 or see georgehotelofstamford.com.
The Dower House, Woodhall Spa.
WOODHALL SPA, HORNCASTLE AND CONINGSBY
THE ADMIRAL RODNEY
200 year old coaching inn
offering daytime and evening dining as well as comfortable accommodation.
North St, Horncastle, LN9 5DX. Call 01507 523131 or see www.admiralrodney.com.
THE DOWER HOUSE
Elegant country house hotel providing a range of freshly cooked dishes in a Victorian country house once home to Col Stafford Vere Hotchkin. Woodhall Spa, LN10 6PY. Call 01526 352588 or see www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk.
COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR 2024 KITCHENETTA
Deli and coffee shop providing freshly baked cakes and hampers as well as daytime favourites. Broadway, Woodhall Spa LN10 6ST. Call 01526 268008 or see www.kitchenetta.co.uk.
THE LEAGATE INN
Quality dining pub, run by the Dennison family since 1983 with Harry & Laura offering delicious seasonal dishes. Leagate Rd, Coningsby, LN4 4RS. Call 07957 756495 or see www.theleagateinn.co.uk.
MAGPIES
Small family run Restaurant with Rooms set in a row of 200 year old cottages in Horncastle serving a menu of fine dining dishes created by Andrew Gilbert with Caroline Gilbert at front of house. East Street, Horncastle, LN9 6AA. Call 01507 527004, www.magpiesrestaurant.co.uk.
PETWOOD HOTEL
Serving delicious and creative food with an AA rosette award for quality and consistency. Restaurant and terrace bar, popular classic afternoon tea provision, historic links to the Dambusters Squadron which once counted the Petwood at its home, and handsome Petolandscaped grounds. Also renowned for Sunday lunches, and a popular wedding/events venue.
Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QG. Call 01526 352411 or see www.petwood.co.uk.
ZUCCHI BISTRO
Established in 2011 as a Mediterranean bistro with culinary influences. Tapas and sharing dishes as well as stonebaked pizzas, pasta and al forno dishes. Station Road, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QL. Call 01526 354466 or see www.zucci.org.
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FOOD & DRINK ACROSS LINCOLNSHIRE BUTCHERY
Boston Sausage/Mountains, home to the Lincolnshire Sausage, with a dedicated farm shop at Abbey Parks near East Heckington. Call 01205 821 610 or shop online at www.mountainsfarmshop.com.
LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE’S BEST FOOD PRODUCER 2024 Gary Simpson Butchers, offering traceable and exceptional butchers including dryaged beef plus Lincolnshire sausages, haslet, stuffed chine and more. Sleaford, Heckington, South Hykeham and Stamford. 01529 460403, shop online at www.gsimpsonbutchers.co.uk.
BAKERY
Myers Bakery, home of the Lincolnshire Plum Loaf and artisan bakers founded by Charles Myer in 1901. Call 01507 525871 or shop online at www.myersbakery.co.uk.
Vine’s Bakery, specialise in baking artisan breads and pastries using the highest quality ingredients and time honoured traditions. Call 01522 581353 or shop online at www.vinesartisanbakery.co.uk.
LOCAL CHEESE
The Cheese Society, cheese ambassadors, retailers and cheese café in the heart of Lincoln. Subscriptions and gift boxes available. www.thecheesesociety.co.uk.
Cote Hill Cheese, home to Michael and Mary Davenport who have been creating Cote Hill White, Blue, Red, Yellow and Snowdrop from their farm since 2004, now ably assisted by son Joe, second generation cheesemaker. www.cotehill.com.
Lincolnshire Poacher, F W Read’s Tim and Simon Jones produce Lincolnshire Poacher, with a little help from their 230 Holstein Fresian cows... www.lincolnshirepoachercheese.com.
FISH
Alfred Enderby, traditional smokehouse in Grimsby specialising in drysmoking haddock, salmon and trout. www.alfredenderby.co.uk.
East Lincs Seafood, established in 1987 and providing the freshest wet fish and shellfish to consumers. Call 01205 364372.
LINCOLNSHIRE DRINKS
Bateman’s, good honest ales since 1874, including flagship XXXB ale, available in bottles or on tap in the best Lincolnshire pubs. See www.batemansbrewery.co.uk.
Belvoir Fruit Farms, the home of delicious elderflower cordials and pressés, more than 40 drinks, all with natural ingredients. See www.belvoirfarm.co.uk.
LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE’S BEST DRINKS PRODUCER 2024
8 Sail Brewery, multiawardwinning microbrewery based in Heckington Windmill. See www.8sailbrewery.com.
Mayfield Vineyard, located in the heart of Burton Pedwardine on a 100yearold family farm, producing exceptional still and sparkling wines. See www.mayfieldwine.co.uk.
Stokes of Lincoln, artisan coffee roastery with 120 years experience, based at The Lawn, Lincoln and on the city’s High Street at High Bridge café. See www.stokescoffee.com.
What’s On
Thursday 17th July to Wednesday 23rd July
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat!
A colourful production in Lincoln Cathedral with a live version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Set against the dramatically beautiful backdrop of Lincoln Cathedral’s nave, featuring hits including Any Dream Will Do.
DTC Productions and Lincoln Academy of Theatre Arts’ 20th anniversary production.
1.30pm/7.30pm shows, Lincoln Cathedral, from £22, call 0333 666 3366 or see dtcproductions.co.uk/joseph
Ibiza Rocks at Lincoln Castle
Saturday
26th July
Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems
Ministry of Sound, the worldrenowned dance music brand, presents a spectacular live event, Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems presents an opportunity to lose yourself by reliving your favourite anthems, including tracks from Faithless, Eric Prydz, Becky Hill, The Shapeshifters, Daft Punk and more, all with the backdrop of Lincoln Castle.
From 6pm to 10pm, £35/adults, Lincoln Castle, call 01775 768661 or see www.livepromotions.co.uk.
Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July
The Winterton Show
Two day country show spread over 20 acres with show jumping, horses, cattle and sheep, dog show, and monster trucks. Plus fun run, float parade, vintage tractors, trades and food stands.
Annual country fair. Bring your friends and family to enjoy plenty of exhibitions, events, entertainment, trade stands, food and refreshments, or run the Spilsby Show 10k.
£8/adult advance, £3/child, Ancaster Playing Fields, Spilsby, PE2 35HL see www.spilsbyshow.co.uk.
Sat 19th & Sunday 19th July
Lincoln 1940s Weekend
Get ready to experience the spirit of 1940s Britain with two days of vintage performances, activities and classic vehicle displays in Lincoln’s historic Cathedral Quarter and across the city. The event has become a popular, free, regular attraction in the city's summer events calendar and is not to be missed!
See www.lincolnbig.co.uk.
Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
Sat 12th and Sun 13th July
Belvoir Castle Flower & Garden Show 2025
Nestled in the breathtaking grounds of Belvoir Castle, the 2025 Flower & Garden Show is shaping up to be the biggest and most exciting event yet, with incredible displays, experts
from the world of horticulture, talks, demonstrations and much more. Shopping and lots of local food and drink too.
Special guests this year include TV gardeners Adam Frost and David Domoney.
Tickets £15/adult, £5/child, based at Belvoir Castle, NG32 1PE, call 01476 871001 or see www.belvoircastle.com.
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
From Tudor Queens to pop princesses, Six is a vibrant production based on the six wives of Henry VIII
Sunday 6th July
Thursday 24th July
Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
As the UK’s most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland OBE has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world, including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Sting, BB King and Paul Weller. He appears as part of his 20-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra alongside Chris Difford and Lincolnshire resident, former Squeeze member, Gilson Lavis.
Taking place Sunday 6th July at Skegness Embassy Theatre, 01754 474100 and also at Thursday 24th July, Grimsby Auditorium, 0300 300 0035.
Tuesday 22 July
Friday 4thSunday 6th July
Skegness Reggae & Ska Festival
A celebration of the Caribbean on the East Coast with two live stages, food and trade stands.
www.reggaeskeggy.co.uk
Wed 23rd & Thurs 24th July Opera on the Lawn at Doddington
Hall
Wild Arts presents an evening of operatic and musical hits. 75 minutes of music – from arias and scenes by Handel, Mozart, Rossini, and Britten, to the songs of Rodgers and Sondheim.
From 7pm, Doddington Hall, £35/adults, £25/under16, www.doddingtonhall.com
Six at Skegness’s Embassy Theatre
The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash-hit musical Six pays a royal visit to Skegness with music and history.
Winner of over 35 international awards including the Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, double winner of the What’s On Stage Award for Best West End Show and a Gold-Disk winning album. This sell-out Tudor takeoff has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message’ and is ‘pure
entertainment’ to quote just two press reviews.
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.
From 8pm, tickets from £20£39.50/adults, Embassy Centre, call 01754 474100 or see embassytheatre.co.uk.
Your Summer of Romance
Looking for some witty, enjoyable and sparky romantic fiction for your summer holiday? Boston author Megan Clawson offers a compelling mix of tartan and tiaras as the third novel in her romantic fiction series sees Lady Alice Walpole swept off her feet at Balmoral
Words & Image: Rob Davis.
If you’re on your summer holidays, one of the simple pleasures is being able to wake up not to the sound of an alarm, but to birdsong and sunshine. Unfortunately for Lady Alice Walpole, her early morning wake-up call is the sound of Fraser Bell’s bagpipes, groaning through the stony abodes of the Balmoral estate.
In fairness, she’s brought it on herself. After partying too hard with her latest royal beau, Lady Alice is in disgrace and so her father banishes her to the Highlands so she can clean up her act.
Whilst in exile, Lady Alice is initially disgruntled by the sound of Fraser’s bagpipes. As Piper to the Sovereign on the estate, Fraser only has eyes for his royal duty. But soon Lady Alice finds herself falling for the rugged landscape – and maybe even Fraser, too. Returning to her glittering but empty life in London sounds less like an escape, and more like a punishment. And besides... who can resist a man in a kilt?
Kilted Lovers is a witty, light-hearted and sparky novel by Boston-born author Megan Clawson, and it’s the third book in her series of romantic fiction, published by Harper Collins’ Avon imprint.
“I’ve spent so much time in the Highlands and it’s impossible not to be inspired by the landscape, places like Glencoe and Loch Lomond,” says Megan. “I’ve a bit of affection for my characters too so for readers who have already enjoyed the first two books, there’s a subtle throwback to either the people or the events referenced in the others!”
The other two volumes to which Megan is referring are Falling Hard for the Royal Guard, published in 2023 and Love at First Knight, released a year later. The first took a setting familiar to Megan as she spent lockdown living with her father in London... in their rather unusual home.
Megan’s father Chris Clawson was raised in Boston and enjoyed a long career (more than 30 years) in the RAF working at Coningsby and Scampton. Holding both a Long Service medal and a Good Conduct medal entitled him to apply for a position as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, and from 2018 he began living within the 14ft-thick
walls of the 11th century citadel, which covers 18 acres, comprises 50 different residences and has a population of over 80 people.
During lockdown a couple of years later, Megan moved into the tower as well where she was completing her King’s College-based university degree in English & Film Studies remotely.
Looking out over a deserted London and struggling to find a job during the pandemic, she picked up her laptop and, using the setting as her inspiration, soon found herself writing her first romantic fiction novel, set in the Tower, following 26-year old Maggie Moore as she swoons over Royal Guard Freddie, looking resplendent in his bearskin hat.
“The process of writing is joyous!” says Megan. “The latest book is around 80,000 words in length. I wish I could say that I sit down each morning and write a thousand or two thousand words in a really disciplined way, but I think you have to retain the joy of writing, not turn it into an obligation. If the house is quiet that’s quite a productive environment, but equally I’m happy to go into town and sit in a coffee shop, half writing and half people-watching!”
Megan already has fans of her work keen to know when her next book will be published. She already has a few ideas in mind but isn’t giving much away apart from teasing that she may take a slightly different direction with her work in future.
“This is the third volume in a three-book series, so I’m not sure what will happen in terms of where my next book will be set. I’d quite like to move away from the Royals as a theme and I like the idea of setting a romantic novel in Boston, which may not seem like the ideal place immediately, but honestly, I think you can fine romance anywhere!”
For now though, if you’re on holiday this summer, or if you’re keen to become lost in a story that’s joyous, lively and romantic, we can definitely recommend packing a couple of Megan’s books in your suitcase!
n Megan’s third book, Kilted Lovers is now available in good local bookshops and online, alongside Falling Hard for the Royal Guard, and Love at First Knight,
Spalding Flower Parade
Tulip Parade Fun in Spalding
A quarter of a million tulips, 100,000 spectators and 28 floats. Last month’s Spalding Flower Parade was the highlight of the town’s summer
Images: www.poacherpictures.com.
A spectacle to watch and to listen to, this year’s Spalding Flower Parade took Music & Musicals as its theme, with 28 floats processing through the town sporting a mixture of over 250,000 tulip heads and knitted flowers to the delight of 100,000 spectators.
The event has its origins in 1959 although the provenance of horticulture in Spalding and the surrounding area stretches much further back in history. From the early 1900s the area was renowned for it fields of daffodils and tulips.
The key export was the bulbs themselves, making the heads of the flowers almost a byproduct. The first tulips in the area were planted by Sam Culpin in 1907 and within 20 years, over 1,500 people were employed in the area to curate over 3,000 acres of horticultural crops. Visitors would soon arrive by the busload to see the fields and the growers’ association organised Tulip Week in 1948, eventually incorporating a parade into the event.
Work on Springfields began in 1964, transforming empty land into a spectacle of over a million bulbs, 30,000 trees and landscaping. There were 3,000 varieties of bulbs and 300 different varieties of tulips alone on display for visitors.
Spalding Flower Parade
The Flower Parade’s 2023 return brought with it community pride and introduced a new generation to the event...
Springfields was redeveloped in May 2004 incorporating an outlet shopping centre, though its Festival Gardens remain under the management of Springfields Horticultural Society who plant 100,000 bulbs annually. Sponsors of the parade, resurrected in 2023 by Steve Timewell, include Greencore, Broadgate Homes, Baytree and Ark ICT.
This year’s chairperson was Ray Clements, 2025’s Spalding Flower Queen was Erika Yao, and her deputy was Briony Mann.
For the history of Spalding’s Flower Parade see www.spaldingflowerparade.org.uk. Images: www.poacherpictures.com.
The Burghley Battle Proms
Going with a Bang for 20 years Burghley Battle Proms
With 20 years of provenance, the Battle Proms at Burghley House has been a long-standing fixture in Stamford’s summer calendar offering a great blend of classical music, live entertainment and the chance to enjoy a picnic!
Images: Rob Davis.
On this scept’red isle and at a time when hope and glory are two much-needed commodities, we’re thrilled to welcome the return to Stamford of the Burghley Battle Proms, organised by JSL Productions.
This year represents the 20th anniversary of the event at Burghley, and the chance to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day too, with a rousing, patriotic celebration of music plus a spectacular firework display and lots of other treats besides.
The core of the event is a programme of uplifting classical music from Holst’s Jupiter accompanied by an aerial display from the legendary Grace Spitfire; the 1812 Overture and Beethoven’s 'Battle Symphony' complete with 200 live firing cannons; themes from The Great Escape and 633 Squadron; muchloved operatic arias from superstar soprano Denise Leigh, and all closing with a jubilant flag-waving, sing-along finale, with all the traditional proms favourites like Jerusalem, Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory and more… under a sky of dazzling fireworks!
However, that programme don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing, so warming up a crowd of around 8,000 prom-goers before the main musical programme are the Battle Prom Belles and Victory Swing Dancers.
The parkland of Burghley House opens from 4.30pm affording plenty of time to secure a good view and set up your picnic, and a good opportunity to look around the event’s Living History displays where the UK’s leading re-enactors will present vintage delights from WWII including military vehicles, and the Napoleonic era.
At 6.15pm, the horsemen and women of the Worcestershire Cavalry present a display of skill-at-arms, including the ever-popular musical ride.
Also dropping in on the act are some rather more modern military men and women in the form of The Red Devils British Army Parachute Team, who perform a freefall demonstration in the skies over the stately home, complete with colourful smoke and gigantic flags.
At 7pm the musical programme begins, conducted by Douglas Coombes MBE and compéred by BBC presenter Pam Rhodes. An evening gun salute just before 8pm and performance by soprano Denise Leigh all help to build up to a sunset finale with, quite simply, the very best fireworks you’ll ever see.
To help your evening along the organisers can also provide hampers with Prosecco and a picnic – from truffles to grazing boxes to a Symphony Gourmet Picnic for two. They can also provide a hire service with chairs and tables or gazebos available. New for this year, The Battle Proms’ organisers are even offering a hotel package to ensure everyone can raise a glass of Champagne and celebrate the evening together.
It's always a treat to attend the Battle Proms, and many return year after year, ensuring that at Burghley House – and the event’s three other venues – over 30,000 people thoroughly enjoy this quintessentially British ‘party in the park.’
Pack a picnic, chill the fizz and join in the party too, we can promise the finest music and an evening that always goes with a bang!
See www.battleproms.com for more details or call 01432 355 416. Tickets are £55/adult, £23/child from five to 15.
The Heckington Show
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July
The Heckington Show
It’s back for 2025, blending agricultural tradition with up-to-date entertainment for the whole family. Over 25,000 people will attend Britain’s largest village show in Heckington, and organisers promise a show that’s even bigger and better than ever before
It’s large, it’s brilliantly organised and there’s lots to do for the whole family. Back for its 157th event, The Heckington Show brings with it a wealth of Main Ring entertainment, agricultural attractions and livestock classes as well as its flagship Saturday evening live music and firework event.
The phrase ‘village show’ leads one to image something quite modest and parochial... that’s the exact opposite of what to expect from The Heckington Show, with 25,000 visitors over two days making it the largest village show in Britain.
Images: Rob Davis.
The show covers 60 acres and features 200 trade stands, with over 50 sheep classes, 40 cattle classes as well as heavy horses, ploughing and showjumping. Naturally the county’s native breeds – Lincoln Longwool sheep and Lincoln Red cattle – are well represented and always attract admiration.
The main ring this year sees The Stannage Stunt Team on Saturday performing recordbreaking quad and bike stunts. On Sunday, The Imps Motorcycle Display Team will perform to raise money for disadvantaged children, whilst traditional attractions such
as the 10 mile Road Race, and British Cyclingaffiliated Grass Track Cycling competition return, alongside the Royal British Legion Band & Corp of Drums.
Saturday evening on the showground always sees a live concert with firework display and this year Take That: Rule the World will bring the music of the 1990s most successful band to the event, which visitors can enjoy with a picnic from 7pm. The concert will also feature the Sleaford Concert Band, Charlie Russel and Rule the World with Robbie, and it will be compèred by radio’s Rod Whiting.
Tickets for the 2025 Heckington Show are available to purchase now with advance discounts, £27/adults, £8/five17yrs, children four and under free. Sat nav users NG34 9RA; What3Words users should input ///theme.relaxed.universal. Call 01529 461823 or see www.heckingtonshow.org.uk.
East Coast
Lincolnshire’s East Coast is over 50 miles in length and the modern iteration of the coastline dates back from the 1870s. Resorts like Skegness have enjoyed a transformation from fishing village to a destination for holidaymakers. Today, Skegness still attracts over four million tourists each year, and thanks to an ongoing commitment and fresh investment, redevelopment and regeneration is taking place all along the East Coast
Words: Rob Davis. Lead Image: Dean Fisher.
The Lincolnshire Coast
Today Skegness has around 22,000 residents, but attracts over 4,000,000 each year, making it the fourth busiest resort in England and helping to ensure East Lindsey’s visitor economy is worth over £824m
In 1873, something transformative happened to the village of Skegness.
The railway arrived in the town and redefined the town’s very nature, changing it from a small fishing village to a coastal town that would continue to welcome holidaymakers into the 21st century.
Today, something similar is happening, with Connected Coast, which is overseeing a multi-million pound investment in the area, determined to ensure that the Lincolnshire Coast remains relevant for decades to come.
“The new learning campus will bring with it a broad curriculum and new opportunities for the community of Skegness,” says Ann Hardy, CEO of TEC Partnership.
The new campus is set to make a huge impact in the community, offering further and higher education tailored towards vocational skills training to meet local needs. Fourteen million has been invested in its creation out of a total £24.5m that the last government’s Towns Fund grant awarded to the town.
Connected Coast has now also facilitated the redevelopment of part of the foreshore by The Burney Group, plus a new multi-user path between Skegness and Ingoldmells as well as a new Police Training Academy and improvements to the town’s railway station. In addition, High Street improvements, with new urban furniture and modernisation of tired looking shop fronts, will help to ensure holidaymakers and Lincolnshire residents can all recognise Skegness as a seaside resort still relevant over 150 years on.
Skegness was not, in fact, mentioned in the Domesday book, despite the fact that it had existed during the Iron-Age and Roman
eras, when a saltmaking operation was a good source of income for the settlement. What we now know to be Skegness though was once referred to as Tric and was a settlement in the hundred of Candleshoe with five households circa 1086. Addlethorpe was actually the more populous area of Candleshoe at the time with over 100 households.
The name Skegness began to be used in the 12th century. The area was a fishing village and coastal harbour whose fortunes were closely linked to much larger ports like Boston and Grimsby.
It’s believed that Skegness was actually in a different location a couple of miles away, but due to coastal erosion, rising sea levels and the village being washed away in a storm in 1525, the whole settlement was relocated slightly to its current position. The 9th Earl of Scarborough, Richard Lumley, engaged James Whitton to design and build a holiday
resort at Skegness and work began in the 1870s, with new promenades, pleasure gardens and pier (1881), plus bathing pools (1883) and the main shopping street (Castleton Boulevard and Burgh Road). Lumley also brought other infrastructure to the town, from its sewage system to its gasworks, waterworks and sea defences. In addition, 787 properties were also built, across 96 acres.
The railway, though, was the development’s raison d’être, allowing 20,000 visitors to come to Skegness each year, ensuring tourism could replace declining local agricultural and ensure Skegness’s continuing economic prosperity.
Next came John Hassell’s Jolly Fisherman railway poster in 1908 and the development of Butlin’s in 1936. A town with a population of just 400 in 1873 was home to over 2,000 by 1900, with a huge influx of seasonal visitors too.
Today the town has around 22,000 residents, but attracts over 4,000,000 visitors each year, making it the fourth busiest resort in England and helping to ensure East Lindsey’s visitor economy is now worth over £824m.
The Connected Coast Board is chaired by Chris Baron, and its membership includes public and private board members. MPs and council leaders as well as organisations such as the Environment Agency, the National Trust, Heritage Lincolnshire and Magna Vitae are represented on the board. The group is keen is to maximise the great potential of Skegness so that it can thrive, similar to the transformative era of prosperity which the Earl of Scarborough envisaged back in the 19th century. >>
Mablethorpe Beach Huts.
The Lincolnshire Coast
Recent regeneration efforts, supported by Town Deal funding, have ensured Mablethorpe continues to thrive as a family-friendly destination
MABLETHORPE
Mablethorpe is steeped in traditional charm. Historically a fishing village, it evolved as a coastal resort from the late 19th century with the arrival of the railway. Mablethorpe is today home to around 12,000 residents, with the population swelling during summer due to its popularity with holidaymakers.
Recent regeneration efforts, led mainly by East Lindsey District Council and supported by Town Deal funding, have seen the construction of the Station Leisure and Learning Centre and a Campus for Future Living developed. Other investment aims to revitalise the High Street, enhance public spaces, and improve connectivity to the coast.
INGOLDMELLS
Located just a few miles north of Skegness, Ingoldmells is a vibrant and energetic holiday spot best known for its vast caravan parks and family entertainment. Its transformation began in earnest during the 20th century with the rise of domestic tourism. Home to Fantasy Island (celebrating its 30th anniversary this year), one of the UK’s largest amusement parks in the area, the town is a magnet for thrill-seekers and bargain hunters alike, thanks to the popular market on-site. It was also a centre for dance music during the mid to late 1990s. Though its permanent population is modest — around 2,000 — the town accommodates tens of thousands in peak season. Continued investment in amenities is helping to bolster its profile as a popular East Coast resort.
THREE OF THE BEST EAST COAST BEACHES
1. Mogg’s Eye, Huttoft
Huttoft beach, or Mogg’s Eye beach, is a peaceful and quiet sandy beach located in Alford. Popular with walkers and cyclists thanks to the serene atmosphere, home to The Vista at the Boatshed, a café and visitor centre boasting a roof terrace seating area with a lovely view of the sea.
2. Anderby Creek Beach
Vast unspoilt beach, home to The Cloud Bar: the world's first purposebuilt cloud observation platform. Ideal for dog walkers.
3. Sutton on Sea Beach
With a Blue Flag awardwinning sandy beach, SuttononSea is ideal for those looking for a relaxing trip to the seaside. Its colourful beach huts line the sea front.
SUTTON ON SEA
More genteel than its livelier neighbours, Sutton on Sea offers a slower pace, ideal for those in search of peaceful coastal charm. With roots dating back to Roman times, it developed into a seaside resort during the Edwardian era, evidenced by its elegant promenades and beach chalets, currently being repainted by local artists including Deb Crummey (below) in cheerful new shades.
The population hovers around 4,500, skewing slightly to an older population due to its popularity with retirees. Sutton on Sea is benefitting from Towns Fund investment which has supported the construction of Seaview Colonnade, led by East Lindsey District Council, which will offer more for residents and visitors to enjoy. Its appeal lies in its relaxed atmosphere, immaculately kept beach, and traditional seaside values.
CHAPEL ST LEONARDS
Nestled between Ingoldmells and Sutton on Sea, Chapel St Leonards is a compact resort town with a friendly, village-like feel. It has long served as a haven for holidaymakers, especially those seeking a quieter stay.
The town’s economy is closely tied to tourism, with numerous holiday parks, pubs, and cafés. Approximately 3,000 people live here year-round, and recent communityfocused initiatives have encouraged local events and arts-based projects to bolster its identity. The beach remains its main draw, with unspoiled sands, colourful beach huts, and striking views over the North Sea.
THE EMBASSY CENTRE The
East Coast Landmarks
Past & Present
The East Coast has never been a place that stands still, and this month the resorts along Lincolnshire’s 50 miles of coastline will offer visitors an all-new Embassy Theatre, plus an all new colonnade at Sutton on Sea, a new King Charles III coastal path and a Coastal Country Park due to open as well...
Words: Rob Davis.
What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Embassy Ballroom than with the completion of a £4.5m refurbishment to transform the building into a new ‘culture house’ for performing arts and live entertainment?
Originally the Embassy Ballroom, opening in 1926, it featured a street-level dance hall with a restaurant below and was initially known as the Piazza. Notable entertainers such as George Formby, Danny La Rue, and Eartha Kitt. In 1978, the original structure was severely damaged by a storm, leading to a significant refurbishment in 1982 when it was pretty much rebuilt and became the Embassy Centre.
Work on the current project began in September 2024 and was completed in late April, when the centre hosted That’ll Be The Day.
Embassy Ballroom, 1952.
Skegness Pier, 1899.
Below: Official opening of the Clock Tower, 1899.
SKEGNESS PIER
If there was an award for the unluckiest pier in Britain, we’re afraid Skegness Pier would be a contender. It had a bright start though, in 1877 when the Earl of Scarborough – who had brought the railway to Skegness, boosting its tourism appeal – formed the Skegness Pier Company and chose a design from Clarke & Pitwell out of 44 submitted designs as his preferred option.
The architects were Head, Wright and Son and work began in 1880. The pier was 1,817ft long and cost £20,840 (£2.1m in today’s money).
It opened on 4th June 1881 with a 700-seat saloon, a concert hall and steamboat trips for visitors.
Disaster struck in March 1919 though, when the schooner Europa crashed into the pier, which would not be repaired until 1939. Then the 1953 floods again damaged the pier head, and a storm would wash away much of the pier in 1978, before a fire during repairs in October 1985 further gutted the structure.
Historically, many improvements have been attempted from a new 1,200 seat theatre and monorail in the 1970s to a canopy which would link the pier with Bottons Pleasure Beach and a sea taxi, both proposed in 2013 but subsequently abandoned when European Regional Development Funding was pulled.
Happily, recent years have been rather kinder to the pier with a full redevelopment resulting in a reopening in 1991, and a redecking and refurbishment in 2005/2006. More recently the Mellors family, purchased Ingoldmells’ Fantasy Island in 2016 then purchased the pier from the Mitchell family for £3m in 2021. The Mellors Group has invested substantially in improving the 10,000 sq ft of entertainment space that the pier, now 118 metres in length, provides.
July 2023 saw the Mellors Group submit plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment which would include new beach huts and a multi-use ampitheater.
The Lincolnshire Coast
CLEETHORPES PIER
With plans approved in November 1866 and construction taking place from 1867 to 1973, Cleethorpes Pier predates Skegness Pier. It was financed by Manchester Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway (later LNER) and cost £8,000 (£750,000). It was 1,200ft long and had a pavilion as well as an adjacent pier gardens site. Sadly the pier was breached in 1940 and rebuilt with a more modern pavilion in 1986. Numerous owners have come and gone since until the pier was purchased by the Huxford family, who invested £4.7m and two years in its restoration in 2015, only to sell it the following year after it was awarded the title Pier of the Year. That year it was transformed into ‘the world’s biggest fish and chip restaurant,’ with a capacity of 500 people and with George Papadamou helping to put the pier in the 2019 top 10 restaurants award in the National Fish & Chip Awards. August 2022 saw the pier celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Cleethorpes Pier, undated, but circa 1905.
Image: Simon O'Neill Photography
The East Coast’s Modern Seaside Landscapes
This month sees the greatlyanticipated completion of construction for Sutton on Sea’s new Colonnade. In 2021 the government’s Towns Fund awarded the area £24.5m to regenerate the Lincolnshire Coast and support its longterm economic growth.
Joined Up Thinking
The Seaview Colonnade has been led by East Lindsey District Council with Towns Fund investment. Projects arising from the investment were to target Skegness and Mablethorpe. In Skegness, improvements to the Foreshore, a new railway interchange, a new Skegness TEC learning campus plus improvements to the Grade II listed Tower Gardens (completed in June 2024) and a refurbishment of the Embassy Theatre were all projects that resulted from the investment.
New Areas for Nature
Connected Coast is also working with a number of external partnerships from delivery partners like the National Trust, which is working on a redevelopment of Sandilands as a new coastal country park.
Sandilands covers 30 hectares and has been created with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council to provide a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
A huge native shrub planting project in spring saw over 100 volunteers planting more than 6,500 scrub plants, from hawthorn, sea buckthorn and blackthorn whilst seating areas and boardwalks will ensure the site can be enjoyed by as many people as possible without compromising the natural habitat. The site is due to be complete by 2026.
Meanwhile, Lincolnshire County Council has helped to establish the King Charles III England Coastal Path which stretches from Hunstanton to Skegness and eventually reaches the Humber.
When completed the Coastal Path will be 2,700 miles long, connecting British coastal towns and places with notable heritage or historic links.
In addition a MultiUser Trail is a onemile path between Chapel St Leonards and Ingoldmells which interconnects to other footpaths to create a fourmile route. Supported by Towns Fund investment and created by Hardy’s Farm, the route is ideal for walkers and cyclists and opened in 2023.
The Seaview Colonnade
The East Coast will also benefit from the opening of the Seaview Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens in Sutton on Sea, construction of which began in September 2023 and at a cost of £7.5m. Residents and visitors to the new Colonnade will enjoy a stateoftheart pavilion, including a café and restaurant, and an exhibition space. New beach huts will also be included as part of this phase of the works, as well as improvements to the Pleasure Gardens to create further seating areas and a space for popup events and markets. There will also be planting and community gardens and a new dunes landscape whilst retaining popular existing features, including the anchor water feature and paddling pool areas.
The North Sea Observatory
The Seaview Colonnade is the first major new construction on the East Coast since the North Sea Observatory which opened in 2018. It is located at Chapel Point in the seaside village of Chapel St. Leonards, with an exhibition and art space alongside a café with views over the sea.
Further Afield
Slightly further away from the East Coat, East Lindsey District Council is also working with partners to restore Alford Manor House, built in 1611, with a new event space, and Spilsby’s Sessions House, which was awarded £4.9m to develop a new café, bar, theatre and meeting space.
On the Farm Farming
What’s happening in the fields of Lincolnshire with farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE
As the familiar saying goes, where there’s muck, there’s brass... or perhaps something even more precious than brass, like lots of lovely nutrients for a farmer’s land.
Not too long ago a brand new, state-of-theart poultry farm not too far from us took delivery of its first consignment of chicks.
They’ll rear each intake of birds for around seven weeks and with six sheds, each housing 40,000 birds, the result will be plenty of material that, when it’s cleaned out of the sheds, can be spread on the land.
Like treated biosolids from water treatment plants, which can also be spread on the fields by farmers, this material is not only a natural byproduct, it’s also rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, potash plus a few other trace elements. It’s a fantastic fertiliser!
Recently our Spalding-based contractor JSE Systems came to help us apply the material, which we’ll work into the soil, reaping the benefits for the next crop in the field, which will most likely be winter barley.
Walking around the fields at the time of writing in mid-May, the crops are looking good, with our sugar beet nice and healthy despite a notable absence of rain with just a few broad-leaf weeds that need to be hoed.
Likewise our cereals all have a good canopy of leaves which means lots of potential for photosynthesis and in turn expectations of a good crop when we come to harvest it. However, we really could really do with some more rain over the coming weeks.
As this edition of Pride lands on the doormat, we’ll be very busy hosting Cereals 2025, and we anticipate 25,000 visitors to the event, on
11th/12th June, which will feature over 600 trial plots and 450 exhibitors.
We’ll barely have time to catch breath before the Lincolnshire Show, another highlight of the summer calender and a very good opportunity to view some new and impressive farming machinery
Speaking of which, John Deere is using our Cereals event as an opportunity to launch its brand new tractor in the UK, the monstrous 9RX. It’s the largest and most powerful that the company has ever produced, with 913hp, and it weighs in at over 33 tonnes! John Deere provided me with a special sneak preview prior to its official UK debut at Cereals, and I can say, unreservedly, that it’s very very impressive!
In this edition of Pride, we’ve already met our new mayor, Andrea Jenkyns. A month or two ago I met Andrea at my godson Henry Ward’s Shortferry farm, afflicted by flooding in 2023 ruining thousands of acres of crops.
Andrea has pledged to lessen the damage of Labour’s policies – and those of previous governments – to the farming industry, and to protect UK food standards from imports, following the announcement of a trade deal between the UK and the US which, farmers agree, must not result in hormone-treated beef or chlorinated chicken being allowed into Britain.
Andrea is already working with the NFU and we hope that as our new county-wide mayor she can support Lincolnshire’s farmers around issues such as flood prevention, drainage and other matters.
Watch Wardy’s Waffle: Our farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE farms 1,600 acres in Lincolnshire, growing wheat, barley, oilseed rape, sugar beet, beans and oats. Andrew has his own YouTube channel, Wardy’s Waffle, which is enjoyed by over 20,500 subscribers. Watch his updates Wednesday evenings from 7pm and Sunday mornings at 8am. Search YouTube for @WardysWaffleAndrewWard.
Above: Andrew with Chris Wiltshire, marketing manager for John Deere, enjoying a special Lincolnshire visit from the mighty new 9RX, which will make its UK debut at Cereals this month.
Homes & Gardens
FIND JOY IN THE ART OF LIVING WELL
WELCOME HOME TO HEIGHINGTON HOUSE
ENJOYING A VISIT THE THE AREA’S NGS OPEN GARDENS
PLUS: THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN AND AROUND LINCOLNSHIRE
Georgian Quintessentially
Welcome home to a property that’s large, practical and set in beautiful mature grounds, one that enjoys a village location, a Georgian look and feel, and one that’s just four miles from Lincoln
Words: Rob Davis.
It’s a graceful Georgian property on the outskirts of Lincoln, but Heighington House is also a modern family home which has proved wonderfully accommodating for the life of a busy family, ensuring everyone can work, rest, play and entertain to their hearts content!
The family were attracted by the property’s ability to offer practical space, and by its proximity to the centre of Lincoln. It’s also less than 15 minutes from the main line train station, with London less than two hours away.
The village of Heighington offers just what you need with a park for younger children, a recreation ground for games of football, plus two pubs – one under new management – and a convenience shop for bread and milk, as well as a really good butcher.
The owners are leaving what has been the hub of family life with great reluctance, in order to move closer to family. The property is now on the market with Mount & Minster, seeking its next custodians. They family have lived in the house for a decade and have redesigned its interiors, as well as ensuring its plumbing, wiring and the roof are all in good order. >>
Welcome Home
“The oldest part of the property dates from 1742 and commands a Grade II listing, constructed in local limestone and ashlar with a slate roof ...”
The property was originally a farmhouse called Arden House, named after its builder William Arden who created it in 1742. In the early 20th century, it was used as a girls’ finishing school for the daughters of wealthy farmers. One ex-pupil recalled that the young ladies learned French for ‘menu, deportment and conversation.’
Since the school closed, the house became a family home, including to an eminent ENT surgeon and his family for over 30 years in the latter part of 20th century.
The property also commands a Grade II listing and is constructed in local limestone and ashlar with a slate roof wrapped. The house is surrounded by a landscaped walled garden, complete with summerhouse and entertaining space.
The sash windows have also been fully reconditioned and the family have refreshed the in-frame shaker kitchen, restyled the property and modernised the roof on the orangery, with a ceiling lantern to create a dining space that is now a great room in which to entertain friends and family.
Three of the five bathrooms have also been replaced and the property has been updated generally with Amtico flooring, and other high end brands such as Jim Lawrence, Mulberry and Jane Churchill. An imposing reception hall leads to two large reception
Heighington House
Location: Heighington, four miles east of Lincoln.
Summary: A stunning six bedroom
Grade II Listed Stone Georgian residence with Victorian additions has been sympathetically updated by the current vendors. Four reception rooms currently arranged as drawing room, dining groom, orangery, living kitchen.
Guide Price £975,000.
Find Out More: Currently on the market with Mount & Minster, Atton Place, Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA. Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk.
rooms, currently serving as a sitting room and dining room each with original stone fireplaces and shutters.
Beyond that is a fabulous living kitchen with cabinetry finished in Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone, plus timber and granite work surfaces. The island was an newer addition by the couple, commissioned and created by Dry Doddington-based Hill Farm Furniture. It provides a large food preparation space and lots of storage, whilst a dedicated pantry doubles up as a utility room. The kitchen is equipped with appliances from premium brands such as Siemens, Fisher & Paykel and Quooker.
Also on the ground floor is a study, a snug with wood burner and bookshelves, plus the orangery with French doors leading onto the terrace which wraps around the property.
On the first floor there are four bedrooms with an en suite to the master bedrooms, and an en suite to the guest bedroom on the south-aspect of the house, as well as the north-facing bedroom above the snug, accessed by means of a second staircase.
The property’s grounds extend to the rear of the house and provide a huge lawned area. The grounds are mature with floral and herbaceous borders, mature trees, an alfresco dining area, and summer house, ensuring a good-sized plot without incurring too much work. Ideal for a busy family!
ELECTRIC OUTDOOR HEATER
Bromic Eclipse SmartHeat, no gas needed, 13m2 heat area, LED light too, portable, £3,601, www.bromic.co.uk.
Holland Cooper picnic blanket, 147cm x180cm, toffee, waterproof, £159, www.hollandcooper.com.
WINDPROOF LED CANDLES
Flameless, safe and windproof, LED pillar candles, £15/small, £18/medium, £22/large, www.thewhitecompany.com.
FORTNUM & MASON HAMPER
Ideal for four people with enamel plates, mugs, glasses, cutlery, corkscrew and flask, £695, fortnumandmason.com.
WINE COOLER SLEEVES
Place in the freezer then pop in your bottle for cool wine all day, 12 colours, £27, www.lecreuset.co.uk.
RECHARGABLE BUG ZAPPER
Ryobi 18v system; lanterns, speakers, fans and coolers also use the same rechargable batteries, uk.ryobitools.eu.
BARBECUE TOOLS
Le Creuset’s four barbecue tools (turner, fork, prongs, basting brush) in carry bag, £129, www.lecreuset.co.uk.
‘PROPER’
OUTDOOR GLASSES
From The White Company, £10/ea, made of Tritan resin for durability and a glasslike feel, thewhitecompany.com.
Homes & Gardens
ICE CUBES IN SIX MINUTES
Caso Design ice maker for ice cubes in six minutes, or 500g ice/hour, 12kg ice 24hrs, £119, www.casodesign.co.uk.
INSTANT COCKTAILS AT HOME
Like a coffee machine that uses pods, but for cocktails. Makes 40 different cocktails, self clean function, £299, bartesian.com.
FRESH STONE-BAKED PIZZAS
Ooni’s Volt 12 is an electric pizza oven creates a 12” pizza at 450°c in 90 seconds, £799, www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.
Al Fresco Treats & Outdoor Eats
Gadgets and good ideas to ensure you can make the most of summer in the garden, from light and heat to outdoor treats
BEERS ON DRAFT AT HOME
Perfect Draft brings the pub’s cellar to your home, offering draft ales from big name breweries, £189, perfectdraft.com.
GREEN EGG BARBECUE
The Rolls Royce of barbecues, small from £850, large BBQ starter bundle £1,999, www.biggreenegg.co.uk.
ENJOY HOME MADE ICE CREAM
Gelato Expert is selffreezing so there’s no prefreezing of bowls. Makes ice cream, gelato and sorbet, £500, magimix.co.uk.
FRESH AND COOL FOOD
Ninja 61 litre food cooler with dry storage drawer, wheels for easy transport, £349, ninjakitchen.co.uk.
BIG
Lincolnshire’s Open Gardens
The NGS returns for a season of garden visits, afternoon teas and plant stalls. Last year
The NGS returns for a season of garden visits, afternoon teas and plant stalls. Last year
Lincolnshire contributed to the charity’s £3.5m fundraising total by more than £60,000, with all money going to some great charities. This month we speak to Lincolnshire’s county organiser Lesley Wykes who prepares to open her own garden near Lincoln
Lincolnshire contributed to the charity’s £3.5m fundraising total by more than £60,000, with all money going to some great charities. This month we speak to Lincolnshire’s county organiser Lesley Wykes who prepares to open her own garden near Lincoln
Words: Rob Davis. Image: Dunholme Lodge, the garden of Hugh & Lesley Wykes.
It’s nearly 100 years since Elsie Wagg took a break from meticulously weeding her garden in West Sussex and looked up at a lovely blue sky, only to conceive of an incredibly clever idea.
When she wasn’t working hard tending to her garden, Elsie was equally industrious raising money as part of the fundraising committee of the Queen Victoria Jubilee Institute for Nurses – founded in 1887 and rebranded several times, eventually becoming known as The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing in March 2025. Elsie’s idea was simple, but effective.
“Many of us around this table have lovely gardens. Why don't we open them to the public and charge them a shilling a time?”
An open garden wasn’t unheard of at the time, but this was the first time that gardens had been marketed under one identity.
A year later, the National Gardens Scheme was founded and those ‘shillings a head’ added up with 609 gardens opening, raising a total of £8,191–the equivalent of raising half a million pounds in today’s money.
King George V was also persuaded to open his gardens at Sandringham and the total number of visitors that year exceeded 164,000 people.
By 1930 over 900 gardens were opening nationally, and celebrity garden owners throwing open the gates included Sir Winston Churchill and Vita Sackvill-West.
Two years later and the first NGS guide was published, with 1,079 gardens to visit. Its 2025 contemporary has just landed on my desk with 3,500 gardens and over 700 pages.
The National Gardens Scheme continues to be a really neat idea: gardeners get to meet likeminded folk, and to show off their handiwork, whilst visitors enjoy a day out.
Raising Money for Charity
Last year the National Gardens Scheme raised over £3.5m in funds. Because the charity was originally founded to benefit the Queen Victoria Jubilee Institute for Nurses, healthcare charities have always been foremost in the charity’s mind when considering beneficiaries. The charity supported community gardens with £232,000 of funding as well as their six main charities which are:
n The Queen’s Nursing Institute received £500,000.
n Macmillan Cancer Support received £450,000.
n Marie Curie received £450,000.
n Hospice UK received £450,000.
n The Carers’ Trust received £350,000.
n Parkinson’s UK received £350,000.
In addition, a number of garden and health charities benefitted including:
n Maggie’s received £122,227.
n Horatio’s Garden received £90,000.
n Army Benevolent Fund received £80,000.
n John King Brain Tumour Trust, £50,000.
n Cancer Help Preston received £50,000.
n The County Trust received £25,000.
Support was also given to the following:
n English Heritage received £125,000.
n Perennial received £100,000.
n National Botanic Gardens, £26,000.
n Professional Gardeners’ Trust, £20,000.
n Garden Museum received, £10,000.
But the real beauty of the scheme is the amount of money it raises for charity, nationally, but locally too.
“Last year the NGS donated £3.5m to charity, with Lincolnshire raising £60,000,” says Lesley Wykes who first opened her five acre garden in the village of Dunholme, four miles north east of Lincoln, 14 years ago and has, herself, raised £40,000 over the years.
“It’s been a really rewarding year and we’re proud that 35 garden owners and a team of 10 volunteers here in the county can provide some great days out for visitors as well as supporting both national and local causes.”
“All of the money we raise is distributed by the charity’s head office, but local good causes can apply for grants from the charity.”
“That’s how the NGS has been able to help groups like The Rock Foundation in Grimsby, The John Dawber Garden in Lincoln and to fund the Lincoln City Foundation.”
“The latter is a community garden project near Sincil Bank stadium for community use. It will be created on waste land which is being put to good use and will give local people a garden to enjoy, also providing local flora and fauna a safe area to thrive.”
“None of this is possible without the support of our garden owners and volunteers who are integral to our remarkable success in Lincolnshire and we’re also indebted to our sponsor, Duckworth Motor Group, who have kindly sponsored our famous Yellow Booklet of which 30,000 copies have been distributed throughout the county by our volunteers.”
“The booklet that we curate, which contains Lincolnshire’s Open Gardens, is then incorporated into the NGS’s big yellow book, ensuring that if you’re travelling beyond the county’s borders, you can find a place to visit wherever you are.”
Lesley Wykes and Dunholme Lodge.
Nationally there are 860 new and 549 returning gardens opening for the NGS this year as well as 56 community gardens and 46 allotment groups and 647 gardens opening by arrangement, rather than on a specific date.
In Lincolnshire we’re delighted to have five new gardens to enjoy this year, all opening for the NGS for the first time. These include Boston Exotic Garden which was created in 2017 and now boasts an array of tropical plants, lush foliage and narrow pathways to explore within a plot of around 42m x 12m.
Meanwhile, Belvoir Castle in Grantham and Fleet’s Battleford Hall are opening too, offering a chance to enjoy larger estate gardens surrounding older properties.
“We’re always keen to introduce new gardens into Lincolnshire’s programmes and it’s interesting to challenge the preconceptions that some people have had, missing out on the chance to open because they think their
gardens are too small or located in town, or because they’re a little wilder than some.”
“In fact gardens are as diverse as their owners and we delight in the variety of garden styles that our visitors can see. We always look for quality, interest and character, but that doesn’t mean the largest or ‘neatest’ gardens.”
“Wild flowers, woodland and some different features in a garden all help us to give other gardeners ideas and added interest is always welcome, from Dunholme Lodge’s museum and war memorial to the kitchen gardens of Gunby Hall near Spilsby to the art available to view at Woodlands near Louth.”
“Of course, there’s another reason to visit a NGS garden this season too, and that’s the teas and coffees that our 36 gardens provide for our guests. They’re always a pleasure, and when enjoyed in the sunshine against the backdrop of a beautiful garden, I don’t think there’s a better way to spend an afternoon!”
“In Lincolnshire we’re delighted to have five new gardens to enjoy this year, all opening for the NGS for the first time...”
Opposite we’ve a few suggestions for a visit to some of the county’s most impressive gardens this summer, but there are more open by appointment only for dates, directions and details, visit the NGS’s website at www.ngs.org.uk.
Dunholme Lodge.
Gardening
Lincolnshire’s NGS Open Gardens in 2025
Sunday 6th July: Mill Cottage, Market Rasen
Garden designer Jo Deaton show off her garden with welldefined spaces and unusual plants, renovated windmill engine shed and various themed summerhouses. Market Rasen LN8 6NN
Saturday 12th July: Aswarby House & Park
Garden of one acre planted six years ago in the grounds of a handsome C18 house and coachhouse, parterres and 30m herbaceous border.
Aswarby, Sleaford NG34 8SE
Sunday 13th July: Church Street, Long Benington
A beautiful riverside garden with fabulous open views. With mature trees, topiary, borders and several relaxing seating areas in different styles. Long Benington, Newark, NG23 5ES
Sunday 20th July: Walnut Tree Cottage, Welbourn
A peaceful halfacre garden full of interesting perennials planted in long, curved and colour themed borders. Winding paths surrounded by shrubs and climbing roses provide varied vistas and secluded seating areas.
Welbourne, Lincoln LN5 0NN
Sunday 20th July: Yew Tree Farm, Gosberton
A lovely country garden, one and a half acres.
Large herbaceous and mixed borders surround well kept lawns. Wildlife pond with two bog gardens, woodland garden, shaded borders containing many unusual plants. Gosberton, Spalding PE11 4EP
Thursday 24th & Sunday 27th July: The Ash
From a plain field in 2022, Angela and Mervyn
Aylett have created a garden is full of shrubs, trees, cutting garden and vegetable patch. This, along with the pond, has brought a great amount wildlife to the garden and is a constant source of joy.
Covenham St Bartholemew, Louth LN11 0PF
Sunday 27th July: Gunby Hall & Gardens
Eight acres of formal and walled gardens managed by the National Trust. Old roses, herbaceous borders, herb garden and kitchen garden with fruit trees and vegetables, greenhouses, and lawns. Gunby, Spilsby, PE23 5SS
Every Thursday & Sunday in August:
The Secret Garden of Louth
Lush, colourful, exotic plant packed haven. A whole new world on entering from street. Exotic borders, raised exotic island, hot border, ponds, stumpery. Mandy seating areas and children’s activities.
Watts Lane, Louth, LN11 9DG.
Sunday 3rd August: Fydell House, Boston
Within three original red brick walls a formal garden was been created in 1995. Yew buttresses, arbours and four parterres use Dutch themes. South Square, Boston PE21 6HU
Sunday 10th August: The Fern Nursery
Designed as a wildlife garden with a number of features of interest to both visitors and wildlife, helped by having a natural stream running through the garden, which supplies water to a pond and water features. Binbrook, Market Rasen LN8 6DH
Sunday 17th & Sunday 21st August: Woodlands
Renowned for its rich planting of shaded beds, but plenty to interest sun lovers too, especially salvias. Fotherby, Louth LN11 0UW.
Saturday 23rd August: Boston Exotic Garden
Built from a blank canvas since 2017, and totally transformed into an exotic garden packed full of interesting tropical plants with huge lush foliage. Allington Gardens, Boston PE21 9DW
Saturday 23rd August: Willoughby Rd Allotments
Set in five acres the allotments comprise 60 plots growing fine vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs. There is a small orchard and wildflower area and a community space adjacent. Boston, PE21 9HN.
Sat 20th & Sun 21st August: Inley Drove Farm Garden developed over 27 years for colour, scent and wildlife. Three acres of predominantly flower gardens, meadow, vegetable garden and orchard. Sutton St James, Spalding PE12 0LX.
Stone Lane, Little Humby.
Aswarby House.
Boston Exotic Garden.
HEIGHINGTON
• Grade II Listed Georgian Residence • Four Reception Rooms
• Cliff Village Location • EPC: Exempt GUIDE PRICE: £775,000
BARKESTONE
• Detached Residence • Stunning Views
• Three Reception Rooms • Four Bedrooms
• Two Bathrooms • Double Garage
• Separate Home Office • EPC: TBC
GUIDE PRICE: £600,000 - £650,000
The Manor House, Sibsey
£1,250,000 Rawsons Lane, Boston Offers Over £995,000
Standing in approximately six acres of the most impeccably maintained grounds, The Manor House in Sibsey is widely regarded locally as one of the area’s most beautiful period properties. This Grade Two Listed, four bedroom home dates back to the early 19th century and enjoys a most idyllic position, set back behind a front paddock and surrounded by its own mature gardens, quiet courtyards, a sweeping gravel driveway, and a range of useful outbuildings, to include a fully renovated three bedroom barn conversion, and separate coachhouse with an office, and studio above.
Wainfleet Road, Burgh Le Marsh
£695,000
Jock Hedge Farmhouse is situated off a long private driveway within an established 25 acre Country Park, and only five miles from the coast. Beautifully renovated throughout approximately 15 years ago as the family home of one of the area’s most well-respected developers. This exceptional five bedroom farmhouse, secluded grounds and attached two bedroom self-contained ‘Lavender Cottage’ are immaculately well-presented and utterly charming; with neighbouring properties also tasteful conversions of 19th Century barns. Offered with No Onward Chain.
This fabulous, architect designed property has a fantastic spacious floorplan of just under 7000 square feet. Built five years ago, Eight Elms is a wonderfully energy efficient ‘Eco Property’ with four double bedrooms, two being on the ground floor benefiting from en-suites and patio doors, and a master suite with an incredible bespoke dressing room and guest room with mezzanine floor to the first floor. Reception rooms include a large games room, cinema room and an incredible home spa / gym with sauna. There are the most beautiful views over established parkland to the rear, an oak framed and slate roofed ‘Al fresco’ outdoor kitchen and dining area and an oak framed triple open-ended garage. Offered with No Onward chain.
Meer Booth Road, Langrick
£625,000
This greatly improved and extended cottage has open country views to the front, side and rear, and a fantastic sweeping driveway that leads to a large parking area at the rear of the property. Filled with character, this beautifully presented country home has a farmhouse style kitchen and four other reception rooms to include an oak framed garden room. A detached self-contained annexe is ideal for family or visiting gusts.
West Street
Wellingore
A wonderful Grade II Listed detached stone family home, owned by the current owners for over four decades and located in a prominent position within the highly sought-after Lincolnshire Cliff village of Wellingore. The accommodation, located over three floors, includes five bedrooms, two reception rooms, and two bathrooms. Externally, the property enjoys a superb plot of nearly 0.7 acres, which includes a generous driveway for numerous vehicles and a detached double garage, workshop, and store.
Guide Price: £795,000
Kingswood is a handsome modern home, featuring five bedrooms and almost 4000 square feet of beautifully appointed accommodation. Completed in 2018 by renowned local builders, N R Burton Builders Ltd, the property features various stunning luxury fittings and eco and technological features including underfloor heating, combined with highly attractive classical styling.
Guide Price: £995,000
Kingswood Hundleby
Manby House
Meticulously transformed by the current owners, Manby House is an exceptional former station commander's residence for RAF Manby, boasting a sympathetic and comprehensive refurbishment. Set within generous grounds of approximately 2.24 acres (STS), this six-bedroom home harmoniously blends modern living with period features and a rich historical background.
Guide Price: £925,000
Masons 23 Cornmarket, Louth, LN11 9QD Call 01507 350500 or see www.movewithmasons.co.uk
Manby
The
Corner House South Rauceby
The Corner House is a highly attractive detached period house that features four bedrooms, and almost 3,000 square feet of comfortable living space, with a wealth of character details throughout, including exposed timber beams, leaded, stone mullion windows and original fireplaces.
Guide Price: £895,000
Lucklaw House Swayfield
The Manor House
Castle Bytham
The Manor House is a charming Grade II Listed detached residence positioned on a generous plot of approximately 1.2 acres, offering over 4500sqft of accommodation with a total of 7 bedrooms, including ground-floor bedrooms which could be used as a self-contained annexe. The property is offered to the market with NO CHAIN. Thought to date back to the 1600’s, the property has now been in the same family ownership for 70 years and offers a wealth of character throughout.
Guide Price: £1,250,000
Moores Estate Agents Goodwood House, Hackamore Way, Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com
Luxury Homes
Sheepcote Farm
North Kelsey
Sheepcote Farm is a beautifully presented Grade II listed four-bedroom farmhouse accompanied by a modern, detached two-bedroom bungalow – an exceptional combination offering flexible multi-generational living.
Price: £825,000
Fine & Country Central Lincs & Grantham Navenby, LN5 0DZ Call 01522 287008 www.fineandcountr y.co.uk
Welby Warren Manor House
Grantham
Set behind its own electric private gates & in circa 2 acres of established gardens, this home ensures peace and seclusion, offering an idyllic sanctuar y away from the demands of modern living.
Offers Over: £1,150,000
Moores Estate Agents Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com
Bell Lane
Boston
A beautiful Grade II Listed former vicarage set in an idyllic and wonderful position with far-reaching views. The fivebedroom detached family home enjoys views towards the church and has been upgraded by the current owners.
Guide Price: £795,000
By Design Homes Call 01522 412802 or see www.bydesignhomes.com
Eight Elms
Boston
There is so much that makes Eight Elms special that it is hard to know where to begin. This fabulous, architect designed property, completed only five years ago, stands in a much sought-after position.
Offers Over: £995,000
Fairweather 22 Dolphin Lane, Boston, PE21 6EU. Call 01205 336122 or see www.fairweather-estateagents.co.uk
Luxury Homes
Church Lane Swineshead
A magnificent, unlisted Victorian country residence, dating from the 1890s, occupies a splendid position in the picturesque conservation village of Swineshead.
Price: £1,250,000
Fine & Country Central Lincs & Grantham High Street, Navenby, LN5 0DZ Call 01522 287008 fineandcountr y.co.uk
The Broadway Woodhall Spa
The former Wesleyan Chapel comprises a large and luxurious two storey residential conversion with a small room in the tower.
Price: £950,000
Poyntons 24-28 South Street, Boston, PE21 6HT. Call 01205 361694 or see www.poyntons.com
Burnham Manor Burnham
This fabulous property is on the market ready for new owners to move in and enjoy this period piece. With landscaped grounds including a woodland and a pasture.
Price: £1,500,000
Lovelle 9 King St, Barton-upon-Humber DN18 5ER. Call 01652 636587 or www.lovelle.co.uk
Swinstead Grantham
A fabulous school conversion in a beautiful conservation village setting, combining versatile and spacious accommodation, character and outbuildings, within the most beautiful gardens.
Guide Price: £850,000
Savills St Martin's, 9 High Street, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 484696 or see www.savills.com
Luxury Homes
Northorpe Lodge
Thurlby
Set on extensive grounds of approximately 5.7 acres (subject to measured survey), Northorpe Lodge combines elegance, comfort, and all the expected charm of rural living whilst still being conveniently situated.
Guide Price: £1,595,000
Fine & Country The Old Jewellers, Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Call 01572 335 145 or see www.fineandcountr y.co.uk
Fotherby Louth
Tucked away on the outskirts of Louth in a peaceful, private setting, this exceptional eight-bedroom detached residence offer s an extraordinary blend of scale, flexibility, and rural charm—set within approx. 1.25 acres (STS).
Price: £975,000
Haart 37 Silver Street, Lincoln LN2 1EH Call 01522 217126 or see www.haart.co.uk
Westgate
Louth
Without doubt, this is one of the finest Period town houses in North Lincolnshire with a remarkable mature landscaped garden of 1 acre (STS), and within just a few minutes walk of St James' Church and the town centre.
A stunning Georgian residence set in approximately 1.6 acres includes a paddock, tennis court and self contained one bedroom annex/holiday let.
Guide Price: £1,000,000
Mount & Minster 32 Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA. Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk
Luxury Homes
Hovenden Manor Harrington
This captivating home will tempt those with the most discerning eye and, with its generous proportions and situation near to excellent schools, will be a draw for a families and for those who love to entertain.
Guide Price: £1,300,000
Fine & Country Central Lincs & Grantham Navenby, LN5 0DZ Call 01522 287008 www.fineandcountr y.co.uk
Northorpe Hall Gainsborough
Nestled within approximately 6.5 acres of pristine countryside, Northorpe Hall stands as one of Lincolnshire's finest countr y houses. A Grade II listed property, dating back to 1873.
Price: £2,950,000
Carter Jonas 82 Micklegate, York YO1 6LF Call 01904 558200 or see www.carterjonas.co.uk
Heath Farm Grantham
A six-bedroom farmhouse with detached cottage, swimming pool and beautiful grounds of about 13.24 acres.
Offers in excess of: £1,500,000
Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk
Priory Fields Kettleby
Priory Fields offers modern living with rural charm set on over 20 acres. Highlights include converted barn, indoor pool, traditional 3 bed farmhouse, equestrian facilities, a seasonal business, thriving Christmas tree plantation.
Price: £1,750,000
Fine & Country 72 Wrawby Street, Brigg, N Lincs DN20 8JE. Call 01652 237666 or see www.fineandcountr y.co.uk
White Hot Fashion
Chic, effortless and timeless — your summer style staple sorted.
Whether you’re heading abroad or hosting drinks at home, few shades say summer quite like white. Elegant, crisp and endlessly versatile, it’s a colour that works just as beautifully on the beach as it does for high summer events here in the countryside.
At Home:
For those long, lazy lunches or evenings in the garden, a simple linen co-ord feels cool, polished and unfussy. Wide-leg trousers with a relaxed shirt or sleeveless top make for easy hosting without compromising on style. Or try a soft cotton midi dress with embroidery or subtle lace detailing — comfortable enough for all-day wear, but still smart enough to feel dressed up with a statement earring or sleek sandals.
On Holiday:
White really comes into its own in the sunshine. Whether you’re sunbathing by the pool or enjoying dinner by the sea, it always looks fresh and flattering. A high-waisted bikini or classic swimsuit in white feels effortlessly chic — pair with a flowing cover-up, some layered jewellery and a good book. In the evening, a floor-sweeping maxi or softly tailored slip dress in ivory or chalky white adds instant elegance, especially when worn with sun-kissed skin and neutral accessories.
Occasions:
Weddings, race days or any event that calls for a touch of glamour are a chance to show how refined white can be. A tailored jumpsuit, a blazer dress or a sleek shift in cream or ivory creates a clean, modern silhouette. Pair with metallic heels, a bold clutch or a statement hat for extra polish. If you’d rather not wear head-to-toe white, mix in soft neutral tones or pastels for a beautifully balanced look.
The key to wearing white well is keeping your fabrics high-quality and your styling simple. Avoid anything too sheer, make sure everything is properly pressed, and don’t forget—confidence is your best accessory.
From home entertaining to holiday adventures, white is the timeless palette for your most stylish summer yet.
5. Nelle shirt, £325, Nelle trousers, £295. temperleylondon.com.
6. White denim midi dress, £140, www.mintvelvet.com.
Below: Edina cotton maxi dress, £285, www.rixolondon.com.
£140, reiss.com
£159, karen millen.com
GOLDEN GLOW
£240, farmrio.uk
Add warmth and subtle definition with softfocus powder bronzers—your secret to a naturally sunkissed, effortlessly healthylooking complexion this summer.
Chic, breezy, and effortlessly stylish — short playsuits are your shortcut to warmweather dressing with maximum impact and minimal fuss. Whether you prefer tailored silhouettes or relaxed fits, a playsuit offers comfort, confidence, and just the right amount of fun for sunny days, casual evenings, and everything in between.
£100, uk.seafolly.com
£118, anthropologie.com
sisley
£48, guerlain.com
£48, yslbeauty.co.uk
£119, phaseeight.com
£48, dior.com
£350, demellier london.com
WOVEN STYLE
Celebrate summer with timeless raffia bags — lightweight, elegant and effortlessly chic for holidays, weddings, and sunny weekends in the country, by the coast, or abroad.
£430, gucci.com
£1,650, fendi.com
£319, ralphlauren.co.uk
£1,950, dior.com
£2,580, uk.louisvuitton.com
£945, mulberry.com
£139, kurtgeiger.com
£195, zimmermann.com
£100, bash.com
£325, gerard darel.com
£595, zimmermann.com
GOLDEN STEPS
Shimmer through summer with goldtoned flat sandals — elegant, understated, and endlessly versatile for sunny days and balmy evenings alike.
£780, gianvitorossi.com
£59, mintvelvet.com
Sun Shield
A summer staple with a retro twist—this season’s bucket hats blend fashion and function: throwonandgo in style.
£780, valentino.com
£159, kurtgeiger.com
£695, jimmychoo.com
Meet our new Beauty Editor
Makeup Advice from Tina Brocklebank
Looking good and feeling great is something we all covet. Happily, we’re meeting our new beauty editor Tina Brocklebank this month, on hand to offer her beauty advice and product recommendations
Meet Tina Brocklebank... our new superstar makeup artist whose 30-year career has seen her working with major brands such as Bobbi Brown in editorial, TV, theatre, on commercial shoots and during London Fashion week.
Tina’s journey began when she was 20 after attending a two year City and Guilds Beauty Therapy course then followed with a HND two year course in London in fashion styling for hair and makeup. She then trained with Bobbi Brown in London and Nottingham and worked with various top model agencies around the UK.
In 2003, Tina returned to her roots in Lincolnshire, opening her own studio where she offers makeup lessons and special occasion makeup. In 2016 her exceptional talent was recognised when she was awarded Wedding Makeup Artist of the Year regional finalist for The Wedding Industry awards. Tina’s philosophy is profound: ‘Simplicity is the key to beautiful makeup.’
She believes in the transformative power of makeup to boost confidence and self-esteem, working with women of all ages and ethnicities, enhancing natural beauty with subtle definition, minimal makeup and the right tools and techniques. In 2020 Tina created her own collection of cruelty-free makeup brushes with the help of Maggie Hunt, one of Princess Diana’s makeup artists. Despite her impressive national reputation, Tina remains deeply connected to her hometown of Grimsby, her studio being based in the Lincolnshire countryside.
She appreciates the influence it has had on her career, showing that success can be achieved from anywhere if you have passion, resilience, dedication and a talent. Tina’s story is also a testament to the power of community support too:
What were your early inspirations?
“I loved art as a youngster and would sit for hours drawing. Mum was a big inspiration to me too, as she always looked her best. When I left school I felt lost and lacked direction, but I knew I wanted to be creative.”
“I loved fashion and collected Elle, Vogue and The Face magazines. I used to love looking at the makeup and fashion and always looked at who was credited with doing the makeup.”
“I began researching how I could train and the best course was at The London College of Fashion. This is where it all started to evolve, it was such an amazing time and coming from a small town then moving to London at the age of 23 I was keen to learn and experience more. My parents were very supportive and it felt natural... scary but exciting!”
How did you begin your career?
“In those days we didn’t have social media or the internet. Networking had to be done the hard way. I soon learned that you had to ally with agencies to work and gained representation with several good ones then slowly, the work started to come in so I could build my portfolio. I worked with lots of different companies all over the UK.”
“Working for Bobbi Brown Essentials in Nottingham was amazing experience too, as I got further training in London and working on a counter in-store applying makeup on various ages and skin tones, which was brilliant, plus getting to work with the hottest brand of the moment was a dream!”
“The products and less is more philosophy behind the brand were exceptional. It took a good eight years of hard graft to make the move back home to Lincolnshire, and start my own business, after becoming a mum to Alisha and having put my career on hold. I began to start offering makeup services and lessons again and I had soon found a niche.”
How can makeup can empower women?
“There is an overwhelming amount of information, brands and products available these days. Women want to look and feel their best whilst going about their daily lives.”
“Using the right skincare and makeup is a powerful tool in helping achieve this. The products they use need to be effective, easy to apply and long lasting.”
“A makeup routine can positively impact mental health by offering a sense of control, provide a creative outlet and boost selfesteem. I think the greatest gift you can give to yourself is time. I see so many women who don’t put themselves first. I know first hand how important it is to give myself this time each day as it impacts my day if I don’t look after my skin and apply a little bit of makeup to lift not only my face but my mood too!”
Subscribe to Tina’s blog via her website www.tinabrocklebank.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @tinabrocklebankmakeup and Facebook Tina Brocklebank Make-up artist. See over the page for the first of Tina’s new monthly columns in Pride.
CAZAL EYEWEAR a collection in stock now. Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979
43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS
Tel: 01652 653595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk Call for an appointment or pop in to view our latest designer eyewear
Makeup Musings with Lincolnshire’s Tina Brocklebank
Awarm welcome to my new makeup column which will hopefully impart the experience of a career spanning 30 years working in TV, editorial and theatre, bringing you knowledge and product recommendations you can use at home.
Based at my Lincolnshire studio, I offer makeup lessons, makeup artist training and special occasion makeup. I also have my own cruelty-free brush collection and love helping people look and feel their best using the most exclusive brands in the area.
I believe that makeup and skincare is self-care and good skin begins with having a good skincare routine, protecting it well so that means using a good sun protection factor (SPF).
Summer holiday make-up should be relaxed, easy and minimal. I know first hand how little time I want to spend applying make-up when all I really want to be doing is enjoying a new location or country. That said, I really like to take good care of my skin and that means using a good SPF prior to applying any makeup.
It horrifies me when I think back to when I was younger, I used to smother myself in oil to tan and thus sport a very unattractive lobster look. Nowadays I use an SPF all year round, (especially on my face). Basically sun damage causes skin ageing and skin cancer... remember that there’s no such thing as a safe tan.
Points to consider when looking for a good SPF include:
n Look for broad protection sunscreen which includes UVA and UVB and keep reapplying it.
n Use nothing lower than an SPF 30.
n If you layer your SPF’s you will only have the highest SPF that you are using.
n No sunscreen is waterproof only water resistant, which isn’t the same thing.
n Darker skin tones still need SPF.
n Use a dedicated SPF, not just the one in your foundation or moisturiser, as the SPF in these will overtake any active ingredients in your skincare.
n SPF degrades so buy new every year.
n Don’t forget to apply on the top of your ears, the back of your neck and if you have a hair parting!
n If you have acne use an oil-free SPF as a lot of SPF’s are comedogenic, (they blocks pores).
Have a very enjoyable summer but, please... protect your skin too!
Tina’s Recommended Products
1. I really like La RochePosay Anthelios SPF gel as it’s lightweight and nongreasy (£50). 2. Founda easy holiday skin. Try the Bobbi Brown one, the best I’ve tried and tested (£39). 3. For a tinted moisturiser try Trinny London BFF cream which will give you a sheer, healthy instant glow, (£41). Eldridge’s lip colour in Skyscraper rose (£27), for an instantly glamorous statement. 5. I can also recommend By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra powder, (£20), as it hydrates and helps to set makeup.
Tina is a professional makeup artist available for weddings, tuition and commercial work. You can see Tina’s work and keep up to date with her at www.tinabrocklebank.co.uk or via @tinabrocklebankmakeup on Instagram; Tina Brocklebank Makeup on Facebook.
Friends & Family
Luke and Imogen celebrated their perfect day with a romantic summer wedding surrounded by friends, family, flowers, and laughter at the stunning Hazel Gap Barn
Images: Lindsay Betts and Sarah Carter, 07956 305332, www.lindsaybettsphotography.co.uk.
This month’s featured couple married around friends, family... and a tiddly grandmother! Luke and Imogen met through mutual friends and began dating in 2018.
That love endured and just a few years later, Luke went down on one knee during a New Year’s Eve party in 2021, proposing in front of their loved ones. The surprise moment had been carefully planned with Imogen’s cousin, who would later become her Maid of Honour, and was choreographed to perfection, accounting for everything... well nearly everything.
In fact, Imogen very nearly walked right past Luke without realising what was happening! Thankfully, she quickly recognised what was going on and said yes to Luke as he presented the beautiful white gold, tanzanite and diamond ring he had chosen — exactly the design Imogen had always dreamed about.
Having passed Hazel Gap Barn on a day out years earlier, the couple remembered it fondly when they began venue hunting. After a visit in person, the couple were sold and the couple booked their June wedding,
just three days after Imogen’s birthday
The couple also secured Boston-based photographer Lindsay Betts, whose gorgeous work had already captured Imogen’s imagination.
The bride then found her dream dress almost by accident on a trip to Derbyshire with her mum.
Popping into a nearby bridal shop to try on styles for inspiration, she fell for the third gown she tried—a strapless mermaid-style dress with lace and a sweetheart neckline and cathedrallength veil, whilst the bridesmaids’ dresses came from Vinted.
Weddings
Imogen chose different green tones and ‘mix and match’ styles to suit everyone individually, whilst hair was handled by Imogen’s cousin Michael and makeup was by makeup artist Leanne Hunt.
Luke’s best man was his childhood best friend Dale, with Harry, Callum and Ashley as his groomsmen.
Imogen’s bridal party included cousins Emily (her Maid of Honour), Abbie, Amy and Holly, sister-in-law Keely and best friend Jess. Their children also played important roles, with son Finley matching the groomsmen in lighter suits with forest green ties, and daughter Madison joining nieces Myla and Charlotte as little bridesmaids.
The couple chose local suppliers who were familiar with their venue, including their florist Flowers By Kay in Nottinghamshire, who created stunning arrangements and even preserved the bouquet after the day.
Talented friends and family also contributed with a wedding cake made by a talented family friend and transport to the venue came courtesy of Imogen’s father’s girlfriend, who decorated her car beautifully for the day.
Hazel Gap Barn took care of catering, and guests were full of praise for both the service and the menu, whilst DJ Ben Matthews kept the dance floor full all night long with a fantastic set.
Photography was by the exceptional Lindsay Betts, with a second shooter, Sarah Carter, capturing even more magical moments from the day.
Imogen’s grandmother enjoying herself so thoroughly that she earned the title of most tipsy guest!
Luke & Imogen are both enormously grateful to their parents, Paul & Alison and Robert & Andrea, and to Imogen’s grandparents Gill & Paul, for helping to make the day possible.
Their heartfelt thanks also go to bridesmaids, groomsmen, and to the incredible team at Hazel Gap Barn.
Local Suppliers
Wedding Venue: Hazel Gap Barn, 01285 740035, www.crippsandco.com.
Photographer: Lindsay Betts Photography, 07956 305332, www.lindsaybettsphotography.co.uk. & Sarah Carter Photography, 07970 327716, www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk.
Bridal Makeup: Makeup by Leanne, leannehunt93@hotmail.co.uk.
Entertainment: Ben Matthews DJ, 07545 781238, www.benmatthewsdj.co.uk.
Flowers: Flowers By Kay, 01777 818284, www.flowersbykay.co.uk.
“Luxury,
culture, and breathtaking views on Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast....”
Discover Italy's Coastal Gem
The Amalfi Coast, with its sun-drenched cliffs and azure waters, beckons those seeking a blend of luxury and authentic Italian charm. Here’s your guide to an unforgettable journey through this Mediterranean paradise.
Arrival and Accommodation
Begin your sojourn by flying into Naples International Airport. From there, a private car service can whisk you along the scenic coastal roads to the heart of the Amalfi Coast. For an unparalleled stay, consider the renowned Le Sirenuse in Positano. This family-owned gem offers 58 individually decorated rooms, each adorned with antique furnishings and original artworks. Perched above Positano, guests are treated to panoramic sea views, with amenities including a Michelin-starred restaurant, an oyster bar, and a spa.
Day 1: Exploring Positano
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on Le Sirenuse's terrace, overlooking the vibrant town below. Wander through Positano's winding streets, lined with boutiques offering handcrafted sandals and artisanal ceramics. Pause at a local café to savour a refreshing lemon granita. In the afternoon, relax on Spiaggia Grande, the
town's main beach, or charter a private boat to explore hidden coves along the coastline. As evening descends, dine at La Sponda, Le Sirenuse's Michelin-starred restaurant, where the glow of four hundred candles enhances the romantic ambiance.
Day 2: Ravello's Heights
A short drive brings you to Ravello, a town renowned for its cultural heritage and breathtaking vistas. Visit Villa Rufolo, a 13th-century villa with terraced gardens that inspired composer Richard Wagner. Nearby, Villa Cimbrone offers the Terrace of Infinity, where marble busts frame endless sea views. For lunch, enjoy traditional Italian fare at a local trattoria, accompanied by a glass of Greco di Tufo, a crisp regional white wine. In the evening, attend a classical concert at the Ravello Festival, held annually from July to September.
“Charter a private boat along the Amalfi Coast to uncover hidden coves, crystalclear waters, and secluded beaches...”
“Explore Capri’s Blue Grotto, where sunlight creates an ethereal glow, transforming the cave’s waters into a luminous blue...”
Day 3: Amalfi's Allure
Descend to the historic town of Amalfi, once a powerful maritime republic. Explore the stunning Amalfi Cathedral, an architectural marvel blending Arab-Norman, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Nearby, the Paper Museum offers insight into the town's papermaking tradition dating back to the 13th century. For lunch, savour seafood pasta at a seaside restaurant, paired with a glass of Falanghina. In the afternoon, consider a limoncello tasting at a local producer, experiencing the vibrant flavours of the region's famed lemons.
Day 4: Capri's Charms
Embark on a private yacht to the island of Capri. Visit the Blue Grotto, where sunlight creates an ethereal blue reflection in the cave's waters. Take the funicular up to
Capri Town, exploring upscale boutiques and cafés. For lunch, dine at Da Paolino, a restaurant set amidst a lemon grove, offering a unique and fragrant dining experience. In the afternoon, relax at La Fontelina beach club, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and bask in the Mediterranean sun.
Day 5: Culinary Delights in Sorrento
Conclude your journey in Sorrento, a town perched atop cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Join a cooking class to learn the art of crafting traditional dishes like gnocchi alla Sorrentina and tiramisu. Stroll through the historic centre, visiting the Basilica di Sant’Antonino and sampling gelato from a local gelateria. For your farewell dinner, dine at a cliffside restaurant, enjoying panoramic views as the sun sets over the sea.
Top: Ravello village, Amalfitana, Boats at Marina Grande embankment in Capri Island. Above: Sorrento, Landscape with colourful houses on Procida island, Italy.
Culinary Must-Trys
Linguine alle Vongole – Pasta with fresh clams, garlic, and white wine.
Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare – Thick pasta with mixed seafood.
Melanzane alla Parmigiana – Baked aubergine with tomato, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Delizia al Limone – Lemon sponge cake dessert.
Sfogliatella – Pastry filled with sweet ricotta.
Caprese Salad – Tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad originating from Capri
Limoncello – Zesty lemon liqueur.
Frittura di Paranza – Lightly battered and fried mix of small local fish inclusing prawns and squid.
Torta Caprese – A rich chocolate and almond flourless cake allegedly created for the Italian mafia in the 1920s!
Zeppole di San Giuseppe – Italian pastry filled with cream and dusted with powdered sugar.
Must-Visit Attractions
Villa Rufolo, Ravello –
Historic villa with terraced gardens and stunning sea views.
Blue Grotto, Capri –Sea cave illuminated by vibrant blue light.
Villa Cimbrone, Ravello –
Home to the Terrace of Infinity
Spiaggia Grande, Positano –Main beach offering a vibrant ambiance.
Ravello Festival –
Annual classical music festival.
Paper Museum, Amalfi –
Showcasing traditional papermaking.
La Fontelina, Capri –Exclusive beach club with stunning views.
Cooking Class, Sorrento –Handson experience crafting Italian dishes.
Limoncello Tasting, Amalfi –
Sampling the region's famed lemon liqueur.
A journey to the Amalfi Coast ffers the perfect balance of luxury, history, and exquisite gastronomy. With each town presenting its own unique charm, this stretch of Italian coastline is nothing short of mesmerising.
Opposite from top: Linguine alle Vongole, Italian eggplant with mozzarella in tomato sauce, limoncello, Naples sfogliatella, shellshaped layered pastry, with sweet custardlike lling made with semolina, ricotta, and candied lemon citrus fruit.
Porsche Macan A Success Story for over 10 Years
Porsche’s smaller SUV has come into its own as the brand’s best selling model embracing electrification and offering a sharp-handling, practical and easy to live with car that’s as at home in town as it is on the open road
Words: Rob Davis.
Happy anniversary. In fact, happy Macaniversary. It’s been just over a decade since Porsche released the second of its two sports utility vehicles (SUVs). And the sightly smaller of those two, the Macan, is enjoying its position as the best-selling Porsche in the company’s lineup.
The Cayenne SUV debuted in 2002, with a second generation in 2010 and a third generation in 2017, facelifted for model year 2024. Some were sceptical about the idea of a company better known for its sports cars dipping its toe into the SUV market. They were soon silenced by Cayenne’s popularity and its adherence to the brand’s hallmarks of handling and performance.
The Macan meanwhile joined the company’s lineup in 2014. There were a couple of minor facelifts before an all-new version which launched last year, aimed at incorporating an all-electric powertrain. The Macan has since become the firm’s best-selling model, shifting 850,000 units worldwide and over 24,000 in the UK in 2024 alone.
Surprisingly the second most popular model is not the large, more practical Cayenne SUV, but Porsche’s venerable 911 sports car, and I can see why. Comparing the smaller Macan and larger Cayenne the former is hardly lacking in practicality or interior space.
Prototypes of a new Cayenne have already been seen testing and with competitors like Aston Martins’s DBX, Defender Octa, Bentley’s Bentayga and Lotus’s Emeya to face down, it’s likely that the next Cayenne will grow significantly in both size and price.
The Macan, though, offers everything you’re likely to need, exceeding expectations by a country mile… and talking about county miles, if you’ve a few of those to dispatch, there are few cars better to drive.
First impressions? It’s bigger than expected and higher-riding, ideal for our choppy road surfaces, mitigating potholes and patchy surfaces well.
Around town, excellent cameras and parking sensors shrink its dimensions to a manageable size, but then on fast straight roads – like the A15 from the Humber Bridge to Lincoln – it’s a joyously quiet and smooth cruiser that loves refined tarmac, too. So far, so smooth, but then get the car on a twisty county road like the one between Riseholme and Nettleham, past the agricultural campus’s college, and it’s taut handling and disciplined feel both inspire a genuine sense of confidence.
I don’t profess to be a racing driver, and on public roads when I’m in a borrowed vehicle I retain the utmost respect for a car, but you
don’t need to forensically assess the Macan’s ride or handling, nor do you need to drive erratically to see it at its best. Whether you’re a driver who takes a keen technical interest in what’s going under the tyres or somebody who doesn’t give it a second thought, and just gets in and drives, you’ll appreciate the fact that the Porsche Macan just feels generally exceptional, all the time.
I rather wish I could say something more technically insightful. But the fact is, it’s just well-behaved, fuss-free and pleasant.
For now, Macan is available in either petrol or all-electric versions. If you’re adamant that you’re not ready for electrification… well, fine. You’ll still find the Macan a pleasure. But remember this was a car intended to be all-electric, designed that way the ground up. And the electric expression of Macan suits its fuss-free personality best. There’s a rear-wheel drive Electric version at the start of the range, then the all-wheel drive 4 Electric – the version we tested – followed by the hot 4S Electric and scorching Turbo Electric version.
The very least you’ll enjoy is a 60mph dash in 5.7 seconds which we reckon is plenty for anyone. Our 4 Electric reaches 60mph in 5.2 seconds and has all-wheel drive which, to us, makes it the sweet spot in the range. >>
“From an initial impression of ‘that’s pretty,’ grew a huge respect for just how well-rounded Macan is: proof that performance and practicality can co-exist happily...”
>> Faster versions are impressive on paper but if anything, the extra power is superfluous for daily driving. Our model, fully charged, offers an ample range of between 321 and 380 miles which to our mind is a usable blend of performance and practicality.
Rather than spending money on a hotter Macan, we’d suggest spending the budget on a few of your preferred options instead. Macan is well-equipped with its 20” wheels, heated and electrically adjustable Sport-Tex and leather seats, wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay connectivity, climate control, powered tailgate, park assist plus its reversing camera and cruise control.
Our model, though, was loaded with toys. We’d definitely specify Adaptive Cruise Control at a reasonable £500 (it’s a good system), and your standard 20” alloys will thank you for the scuff-saving 360° camera with active parking support at £800.
Beyond that there are three different paint levels – Shades, Dream and Legends – the option to paint your vehicle to a specific sample, plus 10 wheel designs, and 12 different options for your leather.
You can easily swell the price of your Macan, but the ability to create a bespoke car to appeal to your personal priorities is welcome.
I have to say, too, that the Bose Surround Sound System (£917) is the best stereo I’ve ever experienced in a car: crisp and clear with detailed sound at even low volume.
Our Gentian Blue metallic paint really suited the car as well, accentuating its low bonnet and handsome rear. It’s the colour we’d opt for, though I’d lighten up the interior with a chalk coloured upholstery rather than our all-black interior.
Space in the front is exceptional, storage is generous, especially in the centre console, rear space is good, accommodating even our 6’2” teenager, who just won’t stop growing.
The boot – long and wide – does suffer slightly by the rakish rear profile but at 540 litres in capacity, it’s still up there with its rivals, and there’s a small front boot ideal for storing charging cables, which is useful.
A weekend on, and from an initial impression of ‘that’s pretty,’ grew a huge respect for just how well-rounded the Macan is. It’s a superb driver’s car, proving that performance and practicality can co-exist happily.
Build quality is exceptional, performance is athletic and effortless as a quiet cruiser. It’s likely that you’ll never want for anything more than the competence and quality that underwrites just why Macan is Porsche’s best-selling model.
The Details
Porsche Macan 4 Electric
Price: £71,200 (Macan range from £68,500).
Powertrain (4 Electric): All electric, 100kWh battery, 408ps, 650Nm torque, allwheel drive via sevenspeed PDK automatic gearbox.
Performance: 137mph, 060mph 6.3 secs.
Range: 380 miles range, 21 min charge from 080% with DC Connection.
Equipment: Power tailgate, climate control, cruise control, electrically adjustable/heated seats, reverse camera/sensors. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Our Porsche Macan 4 was supplied by Porsche Hull, HU13 0GW.
For more information call 01482 911918 or see www.porschehull.co.uk.
READ BY THE WEALTHIEST
PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY
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Almanac
FIND JOY IN THE ART OF LIVING WELL IN JULY
HELLO JULY
Treat Yourself
Walk the Wolds in July
There’s something quietly luxurious about a walk in the Lincolnshire Wolds. July brings the chalk hills to life with wildflowers, soft breezes, and the hum of bees. It’s not about distance or speed — it’s about the simple pleasure of stepping out into a landscape that asks nothing of you but your presence.
Start from the village of Tealby or Binbrook, where footpaths lead you through rolling fields, ancient hedgerows, and shady copses. Pack a flask, a slice of something homemade, and leave your phone on silent. You’ll find yourself noticing the scent of elderflower, the shimmer of barley, and the way the light pools in the valleys.
It’s a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t always come wrapped in extravagance. Sometimes, it’s just a pair of boots, a quiet path, and the time to follow it.
Starsign for July: Cancer
(21st June – 22nd July)
July belongs to Cancer, the zodiac’s homebody with a heart of gold. They’re intuitive, loyal, and have a knack for making everyone feel welcome—often with a wellstocked biscuit tin. But don’t mistake their soft centre for weakness. Cross a Cancer and you’ll see just how sharp those pincers can be. They’re fiercely protective of their loved ones and have a memory like an elephant—especially when it comes to slights. Looking for love? A Taurus might just be the one to match Cancer’s need for comfort and stability. Together, they’re the couple who host the best dinner parties and always remember your birthday
Try Something New Botanical Painting
This month, why not try your hand at botanical painting? It’s a hobby that combines art and nature, patience and precision.
Start with a simple sketch of a flower from your garden, then add watercolours to bring it to life.
Small Wins
An Immaculate Garden
There’s a particular satisfaction in an immaculate garden come July. The borders are bursting with colour, the lawn is a perfect green carpet, and not a weed in sight. It’s the result of early mornings, muddy knees, and more trips to the compost heap than you can count. But oh, the rewards. A garden in full bloom is a feast for the senses. The scent of roses on the evening air, the buzz of bees flitting from flower to flower, the cool shade of a wellplaced tree. It’s a space that invites you to pause, to breathe, to simply be. So take a moment to appreciate the fruits of your labour. Pour a glass of something chilled, settle into your favourite chair, and let the beauty of your garden wash over you. You’ve earned it.
It’s a meditative process that sharpens your observation skills and results in a beautiful piece of art.
Plus, it’s a lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon. You don’t need to be an expert— just a good eye, a steady hand, and a willingness to have a go.
Why not join a local class or simply take your sketchbook outside and see what inspires you.
THINGS TO NOTE AND NOTICE - THINGS TO PLAN AND DO
A Mini Adventure
A
Motorhome Holiday
If you're looking for a unique and flexible way to explore the British countryside in comfort and style, consider hiring a motorhome for your next getaway.
Modern motorhomes are a far cry from the clunky vans of yesteryear — today’s models are sleek, surprisingly luxurious, and designed with ease of use in mind. Many come with automatic gearboxes, cruise control, and reversing cameras, making them reassuringly simple to drive, even for firsttimers.
What really sets a motorhome break apart, though, is the freedom it offers. With no hotel bookings or checkin times to worry about, you can roam where the mood takes you.
And you won’t be sacrificing comfort: onboard you'll find your own fully equipped kitchen, perfect for cooking up a quick breakfast or evening meal, and a private bathroom with shower and toilet facilities — no need to rely on campsite blocks or public loos.
Choose from a range of stunning UK destinations. The North Coast 500 in Scotland is a spectacular 500mile loop starting and ending in Inverness, with dramatic cliffs, castle ruins, and remote whitesand beaches.
For something a little closer to home, the Lake District’s rugged mountains, peaceful lakes and charming villages are a joy to discover at your own pace.
Or head to the honeystone villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds, where you can park up in pretty market towns like BourtonontheWater or StowontheWold.
Further south, Devon and Cornwall beckon with winding coastal roads, seaview campsites, and plenty of pasties and cream teas. Wherever you roam, you’ll enjoy the open road with the comforts of home — and the adventure of waking up somewhere new each day. A motorhome holiday really is the perfect blend of freedom, flexibility and comfort.
Our Little Quiz
A Celebrity Riddle
Two different names are on the spine, Robert soon used to help me define. From silence and struggle, a life was reborn Ideas as my weapon, words as my brawn.
Not one for the spotlight, yet in its beam, I built an world from one quiet theme. This month I mark a new decade’s start, A sixtieth year for a welltravelled heart.
In 2001 I was summoned with grace, An OBE granted in a formal place. I write, I give, and still make the time, Who hides in plain sight, line after line?
On This Day
What will happen on Tuesday 15th July 2025 that will reference a folklore poem and a 9th century bishop, lasting last until Sunday 24th August?
Walk on the Wild Side
A flash of flame, a streak of blue, I vanish just as quick from view. I haunt the stream, the reedbound bend, Where waters hush and willows bend.
No song I sing, no chatter loud, But still I draw a silent crowd. With dagger beak and jewelled hue, I pierce the calm and dart straight through.
You’ll rarely see me stay or land, I’m gone before you raise your hand.
But lucky feet by river’s edge, May glimpse my flight from leafy hedge. What am I?
What am I?
I stretch across the water wide, Reaching out on either side.
Two arms of steel in graceful flight, A symbol that says strength and might. Not flesh and bone, but forged with care, A tribute to the people there. By day I gleam, by night I glow, Much like the Witham’s steady flow Where am I?
ANSWERS ON PAGE 130.
SWEET PEAS FOR MABEL
A community comes together to celebrate an enduring love
Every Thursday at precisely ten past three, Arthur Wellingham shuffled into Fiskerton’s village shop with a single goal: to buy a bunch of sweet peas.“Back again, Arthur?” grinned Molly, the shop’s owner, knowing the answer already.
“Of course,” Arthur replied, straightening his tie. “They’re for Mabel.” Mabel had passed away nearly seven years ago, but Arthur, who had loved her for 62 years, wasn’t one for letting little details like that interrupt his weekly ritual. He’d place the sweet peas in the brass vase on her grave, then sit on the wooden bench nearby with a red flask of tea and tell her what the birds were up to, how the cricket club was faring, and which of the villagers had got a new dog or repainted their conservatory.
To Arthur, love didn’t fade—it adapted. What Arthur didn’t know was that the village had noticed. At first, it was just Molly making sure she ordered an extra bunch of sweet peas—“Arthur’s flowers,” as the delivery driver soon called them. But then ten-year-old Libby from the farm down the lane began leaving drawings at Mabel’s bench: flowers, hearts, a remarkably good attempt at a guinea pig.
Soon, others joined in. The WI ladies started adding lavender sachets. George, the retired postman, began mowing the grass around the bench every Friday, sometimes leaving a packet of custard creams on the seat. One June morning, someone even stitched a tapestry cushion with the initials A + M and tied it to the bench with string.
Teenagers walking home from school started using the bench too— not to smoke or mess about, but just to sit quietly for a moment. One lad even asked Arthur if it was okay.
“She’d be delighted,” Arthur said, smiling. “She always liked a bit of company.”
By autumn, Arthur’s quiet corner had become a sort of unofficial village sanctuary. No one disturbed Arthur’s Thursday chats with Mabel, but around that sacred time, the bench was never empty for long. One grey November afternoon, as Arthur set down his sweet peas and unscrewed the lid of his flask, he noticed a small laminated card propped against the vase. He peered at it through his spectacles. In a neat child’s handwriting it read:
Dear Mr Wellingham,
Your love story makes us believe in love too. Thank you for sharing Mabel with us.
From everyone in Fiskerton x
Arthur blinked a few times, then chuckled. “Bit of a fuss, eh Mabel?” he said softly, folding the card into his coat pocket.
Even he had to admit—his heart felt a little fuller. The next week, he came with two flasks, one labelled Tea and the other Share.
When Libby passed with her mum, he waved her over.
“I hear you’re an artist,” he said, pouring her a cup. “What do you think of a drawing of Mabel and me dancing in the village hall?”
Libby grinned. “Deal.”
Over the following months, the bench became more than a memorial. It became a meeting place, a haven. People left not just tokens, but time. Stories. Laughter.
There were moments when Arthur sat quietly while a teenager cried quietly on the other end of the bench. Once, he shared his flask with a widower from Lincoln, visiting his daughter. They didn’t speak much—just nodded in that understanding way men of a certain generation do when words would only get in the way.
The next spring, the bench bore a small plaque—organised by the WI, funded by a whip-round at the village fête:
To Arthur & Mabel, who taught us that love, once planted, grows in every season.
Arthur cried when he saw it. Not out of sadness, but something gentler. Gratitude. Joy, perhaps, at the fact that Mabel had never really left, and neither had he.
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Our Little Quiz
A Celebrity Riddle: J K Rowling (also known as Robert Galbraith). On this Day: St Swithin’s Day, predicting 40 days of rain. Walk on the Wild Side: Kingfisher. What am I: The Empowerment Sculpture, Lincoln.
