Lincolnshire Pride September 2026

THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR LINCOLNSHIRE

SEPT 2026 £7.99 THIS EDITION IS SPONSORED BY

WELCOME TO PRIDE’S 25TH YEAR

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s Pride Magazine enters its 25th year, we’re proud this month to reflect on a quarter of a century celebrating the very best that Lincolnshire has to offer.

I think September is a rather underrated month. The holidays are over, we’re all sufficiently refreshed, ready to take on new projects and our diaries begin to fill once again. There is a renewed sense of purpose, a new season of events and opportunities.

As we go to press, harvest is approaching completion, recognising the hard work and success of our farmers. The hedgerows are full of berries, fruit swells on the trees and gardens are still full of colour, whilst fields across the county provide a reminder that Lincolnshire remains one of Britain’s most productive agricultural counties. It is a season that celebrates not only the beauty of the countryside but also the dedication of the people who work so hard to care for it throughout the year.

In the south of the county, the Defender Burghley Horse Trials once again provides a spectacular showcase for world class eventing talent in one of Britain’s most impressive settings. The event attracts visitors from across the country and

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beyond, giving thousands of people the opportunity to experience the warmth, character and hospitality of Stamford and the surrounding area. It is just one example of how fortunate we are to have such exceptional events on our doorstep.

This month we would also like to thank our sponsor, Duckworth Motor Group, who will be showcasing the very latest models from Land Rover and Range Rover.

The two brands have long been synonymous with the countryside, making them a natural partner for this edition.

Their support also complements our celebration of Lincolnshire’s farming community, a theme we explore further in this month’s food feature.

After 25 years of producing Pride Magazine, we remain continually inspired by the people, places and businesses that make Lincolnshire such a remarkable place to live, work and visit. Every month we thrive on discovering another fascinating story, another corner of the county worth celebrating, and we hope this edition inspires you to do the same.

Please accept our very best wishes for a wonderful September!

Julian Wilkinson CEO & Founder, Pride Magazines 3

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Contact D kworth Duck h today to order yours 5

September 2026

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LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

FOOD & DRINK

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DUCKWORTH MOTOR GROUP Exploring Land Rover and Range Rover’s ‘house of brands.’

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT Lincolnshire’s best farmers, food and drinks producers.

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25 YEARS OF PRIDE The people, personalities and passion behind your luxury lifestyle magazine.

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DINING OUT Doddington Hall’s exceptional Grain Store restaurant.

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LOCAL NEWS ‘Good News’ stories from across Lincolnshire.

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SAMPLE DISHES Perfect puddings.

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HIGH LIFE Market Rasen’s Ladies Day.

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THE GUIDE Live music and events.

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

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HISTORY A crisis at Belton House.

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EDUCATION For a brighter future.

RECIPES Seasonal French recipes courtesy of Manon Lagrève.

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FARMING With Andrew Ward MBE.

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TIPPLEMILL DISTILLERY Grown in harmony with nature.

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WEDDINGS Becky & Sam’s big day.

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WINES & SPIRITS September’s picks.

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CELEBRATING YEARS OF PRIDE

Portfolio SEPTEMBER 2026

COVERING LINCOLNSHIRE & RUTLAND

FASHION - LIFESTYLE - BUSINESS

STYLE FOR MEN

FASHION

COUNTRY STYLE

Rural Tailoring

with Purdey of London

PLUS AUTUMN ACCESSORIES

TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE

CANADA

MOTORS

WILDLIFE

Land Rover

Autumn

Defender

Nature

A motoring icon remastered for the 21st century

A me of change for local wildlife

BURGHLEY WORLD CLASS EQUESTRIAN TALENT

HORSE TRIALS WORLD CLASS EVENTING FIXTURE RETURNS TO STAMFORD

HOMES & GARDENS

PORTFOLIO

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FASHION Iconic brands celebrating the countryside this autumn.

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STYLE FOR MEN Purdey of London.

WELCOME HOME Brauncewell Lodge near Sleaford, with its beautifully-maintained grounds.

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HERITAGE An impressive restoration for a country house near Boston.

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LUXURY BRANDS Hermès’ equestrian métier.

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AIRSWITCH Air conditioning.

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TRAVEL Exploring Canada’s Rockies.

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TOP BARN TIMBER Hand-crafted.

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GARDENING Advice for September.

BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS Celebrating eventing talent.

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NEW HOMES Truelove, at first sight.

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NATURE Local wildlife in September.

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LUXURY HOMES Executive and rural homes across Lincolnshire.

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MOTORS Land Rover’s new Defender.

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ALMANAC Trivia and folklore.

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

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Professionally delivered to the region’s wealthiest households THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR LINCOLNSHIRE

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

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

SEPT 2026

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

£7.99 THIS EDITION IS SPONSORED BY

Discover Something Special in Every Issue There’s something special about holding a beautifully printed magazine, turning each page and enjoying every story and image at your own pace. A subscription to Lincolnshire Pride or Rutland & Stamford Pride ensures you never miss an issue, with complimentary Royal Mail delivery direct to your door every month.

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

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

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

Discover the very best restaurants, fashion, events, homes, people and places across our counties. A subscription also makes a thoughtful gift and costs just £5.99 per month, saving 25% compared with the £7.99 single-issue price.

To subscribe, call 01529 46 99 77, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, or email subscriptions@pridemagazines.co.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you as a subscriber soon.

Pride Magazines Ltd PO Box 337, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 1HA Telephone: 01529 469977.

Web: www.pridemagazines.co.uk.

Email: sales@pridemagazines.co.uk

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

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

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Enjoy Pride Magazines on your tablet or computer You can enjoy Pride Magazines free each month by visiting www.pridemagazines.co.uk, or by downloading our app: simply search for Pride Magazines on Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

Alternatively, enjoy us via Readly, the online newsstand.

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

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

See gb.readly.com to begin your free two­month trial.

Available in print, via our app, and on Readly, the online newsstand.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media too...

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S

eptember, eighty years ago. We’re on Lode Lane in Solihull in the West Midlands. In the workshops of the Rover Company, a group of engineers have been admiring the American-made Willys-Overland Jeep. They reckoned that they could create something similar; tough and capable, an all-purpose vehicle that could drive down the road as easily as it could take a farmer across a soggy rutted field or a soldier across a desert. One year later, a prototype of this ‘Land Rover’ was created, with an 80” wheelbase, a 50bhp 1.6-litre engine and a pick-up body, commanding a price of £450 (equivalent to £24,460 today).

The company’s chairman, Maurice Wilks, tested the prototype (which had the registration plate HUE166 and was subsequently nicknamed Huey) on the sand dunes near his home in Anglesey and on his Laggen Estate on the Isle of Islay. The prototype is still on display at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, and when the vehicle went on sale in 1948, it was an instant hit.

Through Series I to III (1948, 1958, 1971) then 90/110 (1983) and the Defender iterations (from 1990), over 2,016,933 Land Rovers have been made. The vehicles’ most high-profile champion was HM Queen Elizabeth II, who adored them, and even today the royal family still prefer to travel in a Land Rover or Range Rover vehicle.

Over 60 Years of

Motoring Heritage

Duckworth Motor Group: 60 Years of Heritage The original Land Rover was also a hit with Martin Duckworth, son of precision engineer James Duckworth. The family relocated from Sheffield to Lincolnshire in 1952; father and son then set up in business together, repairing and servicing motor vehicles.

Martin loved the vehicles and worked a lot with Land Rovers as they became popular with local farmers. In 1978 he set out to become an official Land Rover franchisee, and created his new premises on Willingham Road in Market Rasen with a showroom, workshop and parts department. Martin’s son Ben joined the business in 2002, and the company added a second site near at Kirton near Boston. In 2007, Duckworth created a new £7m purpose-built premises near Kirton; a 50,000 sq ft facility providing sales, servicing and pre-loved vehicles.

Ben Duckworth became Dealer Principal in 2007, upholding his father’s values of integrity and a commitment to customer care, building a community around the vehicles and genuinely caring for his customers as well as his team. A year ago Martin passed away, leaving behind the legacy of a truly successful business which most recently acquired Jaguar Land Rover Norwich, creating one of the largest Land Rover franchises in Britain. The business employs over 160 members of staff, and has over 200 new and used vehicles in stock as well as representing other brands including Isuzu, Jaecoo and Omoda.

A ‘House of Brands’ But if Duckworth Motor Group has been busy during their 60 years in business, Land Rover has also made some remarkable progress. In 1970, the company introduced the Range Rover, offering a vehicle that combines both capability and luxury. Next, the company added the Discovery to its lineup in 1989, before creating 1997’s compact SUV, the Freelander, the DNA of which is now in the Discovery Sport compact SUV. Today, Land Rover is a ‘House of Brands’ with three distinct pillars. Defender, Discovery and Range Rover.

Each provides unprecedented choice to ensure you find the vehicle to suit your lifestyle, from diesel and petrol-powered vehicles to new plug-in hybrid powertrains. And this autumn will see the launch of new, fully electric, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. >>

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Defender Within Land Rover’s Defender range, there’s a choice of three-door 90, fivedoor 110 or long-wheelbase 130 models. There’s seating for anywhere from five to eight people, and everything from torque-rich diesels to tax-friendly plug-in hybrids. Unsurpassed off-road capability comes as standard with full-time allwheel drive, Terrain Response helping drivers to surefootedly navigate even seemingly impossible ground, and either coil or air suspension for exceptional off-road geometry and on-road comfort. For businesses, Hard Top variants of the Defender are also available, providing two seats and a permanent bulkhead separating a huge practical loadspace. Range-topping HSE versions enjoying Windsor leather, heated and cooled seats, a sliding panoramic roof and Meridian premium sound system. See page 150 for the latest updates to Defender.

Range Rover Synonymous with luxury and capability, Range Rover’s portfolio of models includes the Evoque, an SUV with city-friendly dimensions and off-road capability that belies its comfort. Meanwhile, Velar is a stylish mid-size model with impeccable road manners and luxury credentials.

Range Rover Sport is the most driver-focused of the Range Rover family, with a stylish, dynamic look. Models range from the efficient plug-in hybrid P460e with 73 miles of electric-only range and a 2.0-litre petrol engine, ideal for company car drivers, to the Range Rover Sport SV Ultimate Edition with its 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 750Nm torque, 635hp and reaching 60mph in 3.7 seconds.

Since its launch, Range Rover has been synonymous with luxury and today the company’s flagship still leads the way in comfort and refinement. It’s available with a standard or long wheelbase for extra space and luxury, equipped with executive-class seating akin to first-class air travel, or seven seats for families.

Every single model is beautifully appointed and well-equipped with modern materials and tactile finishes. Off-road performance is undiminished, ensuring Range Rover offers the blend of on-road luxury and capability that customers have enjoyed for over 50 years. There’s even a performance-oriented SV model matching the pace and handling of track-focused sports cars and luxury GTs, as well as plug-in hybrids with smooth, silent and powerful electrification.

Unprecedented care from a family business For as long as the Land Rover and Range Rover marques have been engineering exceptional vehicles, Duckworth, too, has been offering exceptional support with sales, servicing, MOTs and bodyshop repairs. Experts in securing the best finance deals for customers, and ensuring everyone finds the vehicle to suit them, Duckworth is your perfect Land Rover and Range Rover partner, keen to prove their products’ comfort and capability too. Every new and used vehicle customer enjoys the opportunity to visit Land Rover’s Experience Centre, at Rockingham Castle (see page 154) to see just what their vehicle can do off the beaten track.

2026 sees the best product lineup ever, with an unprecedented blend of luxury and capability, and with the support of Duckworth Motor Group underwriting Land Rover and Range Rover’s products. There’s never been a better time to secure the vehicle that best suits your lifestyle and enjoy what are arguably the most desirable Land Rover and Range Rover models available today... modern iterations of a Great British icon that changed motoring forever, 80 years ago.

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Duckworth Motor Group has dealerships with new and used vehicle sales and servicing centres on Avalon Road, A16, Boston PE20 1QR, call 01205 722110, and on Willingham Road, Market Rasen LN8 3RE, call 01673 842101.

Also at Maple Way, Norwich NR13 5HB, call 01603 788 887. See www.duckworth.co.uk.

Defender

Range Rover

Discovery

90: £57,255­£72,265 (three­door).

110: £62,915­£80,055 (five­door).

130: £84,240­£112,005 (LWB).

Octa 4.4V8: £148,245 to £158,245.

Commercial (Hard Top): From £58,620.

Evoque: The original luxury compact SUV. Petrol, diesel or plug­in hybrid, with rear­wheel­drive or all­wheel­drive.

From £44,430 to £58,390.

Discovery: Full­size seven­seater SUV blending off­road ability with luxury.

D350 diesel, from £69,540 to £83,940.

A British icon, reinvented for the 21st century

Seats: Two to eight depending on model.

Power: D250/350 (diesel); plug­in hybrid, 2.0 300hp (petrol); P380 3.0 (petrol).

Trim: S, X­Dynamic SE, X­Dynamic HSE, Vertex, Octa.

Standard Equipment: Full­time 4x4 with Terrain Response and low­range gearbox, 19” alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, 360° parking aid, 3D Surround Camera, heated Resist (synthetic leather) seats.

First class travel and refined capability

Velar: Style­focused mid­size SUV. Mild­hybrid diesel, petrol, plug­in hybrid.

From £55,460 to £76,020.

Sport: Large, performance­oriented SUV with sharp handling and dynamics.

Diesel, petrol, plug­in hybrid, from £77,620.

SV Ultimate Edition V8 £146,195.

Range Rover: Peerless luxury & capability, short or long wheelbase, seven­seat option. Diesel, petrol, plug­in hybrid, from £107,530. LWB SV Black £203,400.

The most versatile and usable SUVs

Discovery Sport: Compact five or seven­seater SUV, rear­wheel drive or all­wheel drive, D165/D200 diesel, petrol plug­in hybrid, from £45,520 to £59,310.

Coming Soon...

In September, Range Rover will debut its first ever all­electric Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, with 76,000 customers already on the global waiting list, keen to experience an unprecedented breadth of zero­emission capability.

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

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

www.leakesmasonry.co.uk

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CELEBRATING YEARS OF PRIDE

THE VISION. THE LEGACY. JULIAN WILKINSON FOUNDER

LIONHEARTED The people, personalities and passion behind 25 years of the luxury lifestyle magazine.

Words: Julian Wilkinson.

Twenty­five years in business is a milestone few companies ever reach. In a world where technology changes almost daily, consumer habits evolve constantly and entire industries can be transformed in the space of just a few years, surviving is an achievement. Thriving is something else entirely.

As Pride enters its twenty­fifth year, we have found ourselves reflecting not just on the magazine itself, but on the people behind it. Because whilst logos evolve, designs change and technologies advance, businesses are ultimately built by people. Or perhaps, in our case, lionhearts.

At the centre of Pride’s story are three very different personalities. Julian Wilkinson, the founder, whose original idea and passion for design, quality and innovation created the magazine in the first place. Zoie Wilkinson, Sales Director, whose instinct for people, relationships and growth has helped develop the business and strengthen its connection with advertisers. And Rob Davis, our wordsmith, editor and storyteller, who has lived and breathed Pride for so long that if you snapped him in half, you would probably find the word Pride running through him like lettering in a stick of Skeggy rock.

When Lincolnshire Pride first appeared in 2002, the publishing world looked very different. Social media did not exist in the way we understand it today. Smartphones were still to come. Artificial intelligence belonged firmly in science fiction. What did exist was an idea: that there was room for a magazine which celebrated the very best of county life. Not hard news, gossip or controversy, but beautiful photography, exceptional homes, inspiring people, great food, wonderful places and stories worth telling.

That belief remains exactly the same today. Julian’s passion has always been quality: design, detail and the little things most people never notice individually, but somehow always feel. From the carefully selected paper to the choice of typeface, from photography to layout, from how a feature

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CELEBRATING YEARS OF PRIDE opens to how it ends, Pride has always been built on the belief that quality is rarely an accident. It is created deliberately, patiently and sometimes obsessively.

If Julian provides the vision, Zoie provides much of the energy behind the magazine’s growth. As Sales Director, her passion has always been people: conversations, relationships and understanding what makes businesses successful. Advertising has changed dramatically over the last twenty­five years. Businesses today are surrounded by marketing opportunities, from websites and social media to Google, video, influencers and now artificial intelligence. Yet despite all the noise, one thing remains unchanged. People still buy from people. They still value trust, relationships and genuine recommendations. Zoie’s ability to build those relationships has played a huge role in the magazine’s success, and many of our advertisers have been with us for years, some for decades. That loyalty is never taken for granted.

It is earned.

Then there is Rob Davis. Every magazine needs an editor, but Pride has something rather more valuable than that. Rob understands the magazine’s voice, its readers and its tone. More importantly, he understands that great magazines are built on great stories. Every feature begins with a blank page, and Rob’s gift is filling those pages with warmth, humour, personality and humanity. It is one of the reasons Pride has always felt authentic, and one of the reasons readers have remained loyal for so many years.

This year, as part of our refreshed identity, we also wanted to recognise Rob’s contribution in a small but meaningful way. Many readers will already have noticed our new logo. Look closely and you may discover a subtle hidden detail within the design: a quiet tribute to someone whose dedication has helped shape Pride for a very long time. It is our way of saying thank you. A quarter century of excellence deserved more than a thank­you.

Of course, no business reaches twenty­five years by standing still. One of the greatest lessons we have learned is that change should never be feared.

It should be understood, embraced and used intelligently. Some readers may look at the portraits featured in this article and immediately say, “That’s AI.” They would be absolutely right, and that is precisely the point.

Twenty­five years ago, we embraced digital photography when others still worked with film. We embraced desktop publishing, digital editions,

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THE EDITOR. T H E PA S S I O N. ROB DAVIS EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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THE DRIVE. THE GROWTH. ZOIE WILKINSON SALES DIRECTOR

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CELEBRATING YEARS OF PRIDE

websites, social media, drones, video and online magazines. Today, we are embracing artificial intelligence, not because it is fashionable, but because it is useful. For businesses across Lincolnshire and Rutland, AI has the potential to transform productivity. A solicitor can draft documents faster.

An estate agent can create property particulars in seconds. A retailer can generate marketing ideas. A manufacturer can analyse data more effectively. A farmer can monitor crops and identify trends. For readers, the possibilities are equally exciting, whether planning a holiday, researching family history, learning a new skill, visualising a room before redecorating it or simply finding smarter ways to organise everyday life.

Artificial intelligence will not replace people. But people who use artificial intelligence may well replace those who do not. That is true in publishing, true in business and true in life.

The publishing industry has changed dramatically over the past quarter century. Magazine sales have declined across the country, and reader habits have evolved. We recognised those changes years ago. Rather than relying on traditional newsstand sales, we focused on direct distribution, delivering Pride free of charge into carefully selected homes across Lincolnshire, Rutland and Stamford. That decision was not made by accident. It was made because we could see where the market was heading. Today, Pride reaches engaged readers directly in their homes while continuing to provide exceptional value for advertisers.

That approach is supported by what our readers tell us. Pride is not a magazine people simply flick through and discard. It is read, kept, shared and discussed. It sits on kitchen tables, coffee tables and in waiting rooms.

It is passed to friends, taken into offices and enjoyed over coffee or a glass of wine. In a world dominated by fast scrolling and disposable content, that matters.

As we celebrate twenty­five years of Pride, we do so with immense gratitude to our readers, advertisers, contributors and the team who have helped create every edition. We are proud of our history, but we are even more excited about the future. New technology, new ideas and new opportunities will continue to shape the way we work. The world will keep changing, as it always has. The important thing is not to resist change, but to meet it with confidence.

The Lionhearts may help lead the Pride, but no lion succeeds alone. Behind every edition stands a remarkable team of talented, dedicated people whose creativity, hard work and passion bring the magazine to life month after month. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Together, they are the true strength of Pride.

Naturally, in publishing, good ideas are sometimes noticed by others. As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But for us, the aim has never been to follow.

It has always been to lead.

After all, lionhearts were never meant to follow the herd.

They were born to lead.

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Local News

A ‘MUM & SON’ VISIT TO RAF CONINGSBY

Grimsby makes UK Town of Culture shortlist, but other towns aren’t so lucky

RAF Coningsby welcomed two very special visitors recently as Catherine, Princess of Wales, was joined by Prince George to mark Armed Forces Day with a visit to RAF Coningsby and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The visit was especially significant for Prince George, who was undertaking one of his most prominent public engagements to date.

Grimsby is the only Lincolnshire town to reach the shortlist for the UK’s first Town of Culture award after bids were submitted from ten communities across Greater Lincolnshire.

During their visit, the Princess and Prince George met serving personnel, learned more about the Flight’s remarkable heritage and were invited to look inside several of the heritage aircraft.

Still today, RAF Coningsby remains one of Lincolnshire’s most important military bases, home to one of the Royal Air Force’s two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations.

The competition celebrates the cultural life, heritage and community spirit of towns across the country, with the winning destination expected to benefit from increased national recognition, tourism and investment.

Veterans commemorate the 90th anniversary of Bomber Command at Lincolnshire’s IBCC The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln welcomed veterans, serving personnel and guests last month to mark the sixth International Bomber Command Day and the 90th anniversary of Bomber Command. A service of remembrance included the laying of 51 wreaths beneath

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the centre’s iconic spire, with flypasts by a Dakota, Typhoon and later a Spitfire. World War Two veterans joined senior RAF representatives, while music, readings and a sunset ceremony honoured the service and sacrifice of those who served with Bomber Command throughout its history.

Other Lincolnshire entries included Stamford, Skegness, Louth, Boston, Grantham, Spalding, Scunthorpe, Sleaford, and the joint bid from Horncastle and Spilsby.

Each town produced a postcard showcasing its attractions, with all entries displayed at the Museum of Liverpool.

Grimsby now joins the national shortlist, with the winner set to become the inaugural UK Town of Culture and follow in the footsteps of successful UK City of Culture programmes.

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

Tour of Britain rolled through Lincolnshire As Pride goes to press, the county had just welcomed the opening two stages of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men. For the first time, Lincoln hosted both the start and finish of a stage, with riders setting off from Castle Square before tackling the famous Michaelgate climb five times on a demanding city centre circuit. The 180­kilometre opening stage also passed through Market Rasen, Caistor and the Lincolnshire Wolds before returning to the city.

Stage Two began in Boston and finished on Skegness seafront.

The cycling route took the peloton through Coningsby, Woodhall Spa, Horncastle, Wragby, Louth, Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea before a fast finish on the coast.

Before the event, Councillor Natalie Oliver said: “Across both stages, we’re proud to be showcasing the very best of Lincolnshire, from our historic city and market towns, to our beautiful villages, the Wolds and iconic coastline.”

The Lincolnshire stages marked the opening two days of Britain’s premier professional men’s cycle race, covering almost 900 kilometres across five stages.

New aircraft will secure future of Red Arrows The Red Arrows are set to receive new aircraft under the Government’s £15 billion Defence Investment Plan, which includes £360 million to develop a new British Jet Trainer System.

The new jets will replace the RAF’s ageing Hawk aircraft, which have been in service since the 1980s.

Anderby Creek named among Britain’s best beaches Lincolnshire’s Anderby Creek has once again been recognised as one of the UK’s finest seaside destinations, earning a place in The Times and The Sunday Times 50 Best UK Beaches guide for 2026.

The annual rankings are compiled following visits to more than 600 British beaches with each assessed against criteria including water quality, cleanliness and accessibility.

The guide praises Anderby Creek for its peaceful, unspoilt character and its unique Cloud Bar, described as the only one of its kind in the world, where visitors admire the changing skies rather than order drinks.

The judges also highlighted the beach’s distinctive light and tranquil atmosphere, making it one of seven beaches in the East of England to feature in this year’s prestigious guide.

The announcement follows a decision by the display team to fly with fewer aircraft this season to help extend the Hawks’ operational life.

The investment package also includes £1.1 billion to upgrade Typhoon fighter aircraft based at RAF Coningsby. Former Red Arrows pilot Andy Wyatt welcomed the news, describing it as “much needed certainty” for the future of the world famous display team.

Dambusters name for new bus route A new bus service celebrating Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage has been introduced. The B617 has been named after the famous Dambusters squadron and will operate from Monday to Saturday. The new service connects Horncastle, Woodhall Spa, Tattershall, Coningsby, Billinghay, Metheringham, Branston and Lincoln.

Councillor Natalie Oliver said: “This is a terrific thing to provide for the community.”

Lucy and Norman to be joined by a new friend at Lincoln Castle Lincoln Castle could soon welcome a third dragon sculpture, joining the popular Lucy and Norman as part of its visitor attraction.

Plans submitted by Lincolnshire County Council propose installing the new artwork on the roof of the Heritage Skills Centre from autumn 2026 until January 2028. If approved, it would be the largest dragon yet, with a head and neck standing 4.6 metres high and wings measuring 3.5 metres across and 2.4 metres tall.

Planning documents state: “This third sculpture will further enrich the narrative of the Castle, joining Lucy and Norman in captivating visitors’ imagination and enhancing their experience.”

The dragon would overlook the South Lawn in a nod to the castle’s origins as a Norman stronghold. Its name has yet to be announced, and planning permission is still required before installation.

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HIGH LIFE

MARKET RASEN LADIES’ DAY Style, creativity and a touch of romance took centre stage at Market Rasen Racecourse as Helene Price and local couple Evie Thomas and Alfie Jarvis looked splendid on Ladies’ Day Images: Andy Langley, thenorfolkphotographer.co.uk.

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Helene Price enjoyed a memorable first visit to Market Rasen Racecourse when she was named Best Dressed Person in the Laceby Manor Style Awards. The 34 year old safeguarding officer from County Durham impressed judges with an elegant purple ensemble, complemented by a handmade floral headpiece and matching bag. Her victory earned her £1,000, a design session with Jessica Purdie, a spa break for two at Laceby Manor and several other prizes. Best Dressed Couple was awarded to Evie Thomas and Alfie Jarvis, for whom Market Rasen has special significance as the place where they first met.

See www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/marketrasen

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Coorrpporraatee Ev C Eventtss SPACE TO THINK ROOM TO RECONN NECT P L A N YO U R NEXT EVENT

Step out of the office and into the Lin ncolnshire countryside, with aaw ward-winning ven nues, memorable experiences, seasonal food and on-site accommodation. d ti

01522 812516 LEAHBARR@DODDINGTONHALL.COM

DODDINGTONHALL.COM

Celebrate life’s special moments: doddingtonh hall.com/celebrations

DODDINGTON HALL LINCOLN LN6 4RU

FOOD & DRINK

This month we’re enjoying the finest food and drink that Lincolnshire has to offer, from quality dining at Doddington Hall’s Grain Store to a selection of autumn desserts, plus local restaurants, recipes and our choice of September wines and spirits...

Image: Nassima Rothacker.

LOCAL FOOD

Cereals & Vegetables Around 250,000 hectares of Lincolnshire’s farmland are devoted to cereal production, with Lincolnshire producing approximately 11 per cent of the nation’s wheat as well as barley for some of Britain’s best known beers and oats for cereals too.

Lincolnshire also produces 1.7 million tonnes of sugar each year, with approximately 1.2 million tonnes produced from sugar beet. Thousands of growers supply British Sugar’s factories, including nearby Newark, between September and March, producing sugar sold under the Silver Spoon brand.

The fertile Fenland soils also produce around one fifth of England’s fresh vegetables; 13% of the UK’s potatoes, 10% of its peas plus root veg and brassicas. whilst Lincolnshire grows around 10 per cent of the nation’s peas.

The largest producers are Lincolnshire Field Products (16,000 acres); Clements (12,500 acres) and Staples (10,000 acres).

Butchery & Fish The county’s famous Lincolnshire sausage is protected by tradition rather than legislation, recognised for its natural casings, generous seasoning with sage and a distinctive hint of white pepper. Out of the county, other Lincolnshire delicacies, from haslet to stuffed chine are less-well known.

Among our favourite local butchers is Boston Sausage at Abbey Parks Farm Shop, East Heckington, where the Mountains family has earned an outstanding reputation for traditional sausages, pies and locally reared meat; www.bostonsausage.co.uk.

Redhill Farm Shop, with outlets in Gainsborough and on Lincoln’s Steep Hill, champions Lincolnshire beef, lamb and pork alongside its award winning sausages and pies; www.redhillfarmshop.co.uk. And Gary Simpson Butchers, with shops in Sleaford, Stamford and South Hykeham, is another gold-standard butcher; www.garysimpsonbutchers.co.uk. Also worth seeking out are Grasmere Farm, renowned for its free range pork; www.grasmerefarm.co.uk, and Foster’s Butchers on Monks Road in Lincoln.

Lincolnshire’s seafood is equally impressive. The Wash is internationally important for its cockles and mussels, whilst Grimsby Fish Market remains one of Britain’s busiest, supplying around 50 merchants daily. Fish processing supports around 6,000 jobs across 50 local factories. For outstanding seafood, we recommend East Lincs Seafood in Boston; www.eastlincsseafood.co.uk, and the renowned traditional smokehouse Alfred Enderby, famous for its authentic dry smoked fish beside Grimsby Docks; www.alfredenderby.co.uk.

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Cheese & Baked Goods Lincolnshire has become one of Britain’s most respected cheesemaking counties, led by the internationally acclaimed Lincolnshire Poacher. Produced by brothers Simon and Tim Jones near Alford, the cheese is made from unpasteurised milk from around 230 Friesian cows. Combining the richness of a traditional Cheddar with the nuttiness of Alpine cheeses such as Comté, it is available as original Poacher or the more mature Vintage Poacher; www.lincolnshirepoachercheese.com.

Lincolnshire Drinks Batemans Brewery has been brewing at Wainfleet for more than 150 years, producing traditional ales from its historic windmill brewery; batemansbrewery.co.uk.

Also worth discovering is Eight Sail Brewery in Heckington, eightsailbrewery.co.uk.

Another county favourite is Cote Hill Cheese, near Market Rasen. Established on the family farm in 2004, the business was founded by Michael and Mary Davenport and is now run by sons Joe and Ross. Its range includes the award-winning Cote Hill Blue, Yellow Belly and Red; www.cotehill.com.

Belvoir Farm has spent more than 40 years producing premium cordials and pressés including elderflower cordial using hand­picked blossoms gathered from local hedgerows; www.belvoirfarm.co.uk.

Lymn Bank Farm has also earned an excellent reputation for its Mouse House waxed truckles and more than 16 varieties of artisan cheese, including the two-year-matured Just Jane Cheddar; www.mousehousecheese.co.uk.

Stokes Tea & Coffee, was established in 1902 and is now run by the fourth generation of the family; www.stokescoffee.com.

Lincolnshire is home to 39 dairy holdings. Among them is Home Farm, where Adam Duguid manages 380 Montbéliarde, Norwegian Red and Holstein cattle across 1,880 acres. The farm sells milk from the farm gate, just off the A15.

Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company, producing its own Lincolnshire breakfast tea and Earl Grey blend; www.lincolnteaandcoffee.co.uk.

No cheeseboard is complete without plum loaf. Myers Bakery in Horncastle has made its celebrated recipe since 1901 and has supplied everyone from HM Queen Elizabeth II to British Airways First Class passengers. See www.myersbakery.co.uk.

We also recommend Modens Bakery in Alford; www.modens.co.uk, and artisan sourdough specialist Vines Bakery in Lincoln; www.vinesbakery.co.uk

We also recommend Tipplemill, where fifth generation farmers James and Lily Craven distil gin from a wheat spirit produced using grain grown on their own farm; www.tipplemill.co.uk.

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Food & Drink RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

The Grain Store at Doddington Hall

been known for its farm shop and café, which bridges the gap between local farmers, producers of artisan food, and the consumer.

Nobody appreciates good food quite like a farmer. Having invested time, expertise and capital to produce their crops or raise their livestock, harvest is well underway as I write this, earlier than usual, and it may even be done and dusted as Pride goes to press.

Especially in our part of the world, there’s a real appreciation for locally sourced ingredients, and when values such as provenance, quality and reduced food miles are clearly observable, diners recognise that, and really appreciate it.

Doddington’s Farm Shop Café has always championed good food, and it has always been a great place for morning coffee or lunch. Whilst visiting, you can also shop for local butchery, baked goods, fruit and veg, and other seasonal produce, much of which is produced on or around the estate: fruit and veg from the kitchen garden, eggs, honey, Lincoln Red beef and game... we could go on.

Farmers know the effort that goes into food production, and they know what happens when supermarkets, factories, processing and food imports all conspire to undermine quality in favour of more profits for big firms.

Doddington Hall is a country estate covering around 1,900 acres, and at its heart is the Grade I Hall itself, built in 1595. Since 2007, and under the diligent custodianship of James and Claire Birch, the estate has also

The Farm Shop Café can get very busy, so in 2024 Doddington Hall opened the Grain Store, which provides more capacity during daytime service, but also becomes a restaurant and bar on Friday and Saturday evenings.

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ABOVE Lincoln Red beef at Doddington Hall’s Grain Store is aged for at least 28 days.

It’s become very popular indeed, and during daytime opening there’s a good range of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads and jacket potatoes, plus some classic dishes like a very good Lincoln Red burger, haddock and chips and cottage pie.

On Friday and Saturday evenings there’s a choice of more substantial à la carte starters, main courses and a choice of four desserts, all made on site. Lincoln Red steaks are aged for at least 28 days, and the chefs employ a ‘nose-to-tail’ approach to using every part of the animal to reduce waste and ensure seasonality.

‘Low and slow’ dishes change often, and the kitchen garden dictates a

range of changing specials, with the team adapting the menu constantly and providing side dishes such as beeffat roasted carrots, hispi cabbage and beetroot with a honey glaze, and wild herb salt and vinegar hand-cut chips.

There’s a dedicated menu for the Grain Store’s excellent Sunday lunch too.

ON THE MENU

Finally, desserts like the strawberry parfait or elderflower posset offered during our visit will soon give way to puddings with apple or blackberry.

Main Courses Slow­cooked Doddington beef, mashed potato, herb gremolata, rich red wine & herb jus, £22.

The restaurant itself is smart and contemporary, service is great and overall, there’s a real sense that the Grain Store is simply a place where excellent food and the countryside itself are celebrated in all their glory.

Find Out More: Grain Store at Doddington Hall, Lincoln, LN6 4RU. For bookings call 01522 243189 or see www.doddingtonhall.com.

Starters Estate venison tartare, soy­cured egg yolk, Anya potato game crisps, pickled wild garlic, tallow emulsion, nasturtium, £11.50.

Doddington gin­cured chalk stream trout, smoked potato, kohlrabi, £13.

Smoked potato & wild garlic tortellini, foraged nettle & herb butter sauce, braised leeks, spring onion, £19.

Desserts Lemon & spruce posset, wood sorrel, caramelised puffed grains, £9.

Hazelnut, dark chocolate & coffee crémeux, rum & raisin ice cream, £9.

NB: Dishes subject to availability & change.

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SAMPLE DISHES

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Raspberry gin and lemonade cheesecake, at The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, 01526 352411, www.petwood.co.uk.

Textures of rhubarb at Hambleton Hall, 01572 756 991, www.hambletonhall.com.

Yorkshire rhubarb custard tart at The Jew’s House, Lincoln, 01522 524851, www.jewshouserestaurant.co.uk.

Traditional sherry trifle at Hobbsons, Steep Hill, Lincoln 01522 527330, www.hobbsons.co.uk.

SAMPLE DISHES

Caramelised bread and butter pudding with vanilla custard, at The Thorold Arms, Harmston, 01522 722788, www.thoroldarmsharmston.co.uk.

Blackberry panna cotta with compressed apple, at The Old Bakery, Lincoln, 01522 244646, www.theold­bakery.co.uk

Glazed croissant, pain au chocolat and butter pudding, whisky muscovado clotted cream, Grain Store at Doddington Hall, 01522 243189, www.doddingtonhall.com.

Yorkshire Tea crème brûlée, and ‘penguin bar,’ at The Pig & Whistle, Healing Manor, 01472 884544, www.healingmanorhotel.co.uk.

NB: Featured dishes subject to availability and change.

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GOOD FOOD GUIDE THE LOCAL GUIDE TO DINING OUT

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 high­ lighted our winners in orange to make sure they’re easy to see!

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

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

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

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, including a good selection of steaks, pizza and pasta.

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

THE MILL INN

A popular pub known for its warm ambience and classic British pub dishes and Italian dishes 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 enjoy authentic Thai cuisine.

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

THE ROPERS ARMS

Traditional 19th century Lincolnshire pub, converted into an Italian bistro serving authentic dishes, overlooking the Maud Foster river and its mill.

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

THE WHITE HART

Part of the Coaching Inn Group, set within a charming 19th­century hotel, this restaurant provides a varied menu focused on British cuisine. The riverside views make it an ideal spot for a memorable meal. Sister venue to the Admiral Rodney in Horncastle, afternoon tea available too.

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

YE OLDE RED LION

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

This former smuggler’s den now provides a cosy atmosphere in the winter, with low beams and log burning fires. For great summer dining there’s also a relaxing beer garden. Try the Lincolnshire Tapas, but the Red Lion is also a great option for those seeking Sunday lunch.

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.

Offering 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.

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

THE CHEQUERS

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

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

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THE GREEN MAN

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

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

HARE & HOUNDS

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

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

PLOUGH, WILSFORD Exceptional pub restaurant home to Paul Reseigh, formerly of the George of Stamford. Good à la carte menu of satisfying dishes.

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

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

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

LINCOLN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2025

ANTLERS AT THE WHITE HART

Lincolnshire Pride’s Restaurant of the Year for 2025, 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 private dining.

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

THE BRONZE PIG

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

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

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THE COSY CLUB

A chain of restaurants rather than an independent, but quite characterful. Located in Cornhill Quarter, it’s decent enough for brunch or lunch with friends whilst shopping.

Sincil St, Lincoln LN5 7ET, 01522 401157, or see www.cosyclub.co.uk.

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR 2025

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

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

HARBOUR LIGHTS BAR & KITCHEN

Waterfront restaurant on the marina at Burton Waters offering enticing dishes including seafood and steaks.

Burton Waters, LN1 2TU. Call 01522 808233 or see www.harbourlights.uk.com.

HOBBSONS

Formerly Browns Pie Shop & Restaurant. A ‘Best of British’ restaurant. The team produce all food from starters to puddings in house including its flagship traditional pies.

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

THE JEWS HOUSE RESTAURANT

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

Set menu and tasting menu.

Artisan produce, seasonal, freshness, excellent service.

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

NO.38 AT THE TOWER

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

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

THE OLD BAKERY

The Old Bakery, is the county’s only not­for­profit restaurant, serving as a finishing school for Lincoln College, with students working under the watchful eye of Head Chef, Phil Cooke.

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

OLÉ OLÉ

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.

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

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

AUCTION HOUSE

THE PALE

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

Robbie Dowdall’s family­run restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes with an Irish twist, and an ethos of comfort food and quality, influenced

by Robbie’s childhood in Howth, Dublin. Robust breakfast menu too, with traditional Irish scones... sweet or savoury!

West Parade, Lincoln, LN1 1JT. Call 01522 646801 or see www.thepale.co.uk.

THE THOROLD ARMS

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

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

Gareth Bartram welcomes you to Restaurant Auction House.

Offering a menu using the finest produce available in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.

Cornmarket, Louth, LN11 9PY .

Call 01507 311805 or see auctionhouserestaurant.co.uk.

KENWICK PARK

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.

GOOD FOOD GUIDE THE LOCAL GUIDE TO DINING OUT

SLEAFORD THE BARGE AND BOTTLE

Newly refurbished and under new ownership, this is a canal­side pub with a relaxed ambiance, and a wide range of satisfying food, including a good provision of Sunday lunch. Outdoor seating area with heaters.

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

THE BUSTARD INN

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

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

THE CARRE ARMS

The subject of a complete refurbishment in early 2026, charming Edwardian hotel and restaurant renowned for quality service & fabulous food. An eclectic mix of modern English and Mediterranean dishes.

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

THE MALLARDS RESTAURANT

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

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

THE SOLO BISTRO

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 café 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.

The George of Stamford.

THAI SABAI

Contemporary Thai restaurant specialising in dishes that are expertly prepared on the premises by Thai Chefs using only the finest ingredients.

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

WATERGATE YARD

An all­day and late­night bar and kitchen in the heart of Sleaford. With world beers, cocktails and artisan gins.

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

SPALDING THE BLACK BULL

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

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

JASHIR INDIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

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

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.

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 built in the 14th century, and now offering a fine dining experience with classic British cuisine. Located in The George Hotel, The Oak Room restaurant features candlelit tables and oak­panelled walls, ideal for special occasions. Specialities of The Oak Room include Dover Sole and sirloin of beef carved at the table.

Meanwhile, The Garden Restaurant offers a more relaxed feel. St. Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LB. Call 01780 750750 or see georgehotelofstamford.com.

THE SIX BELLS

Village pub with bedrooms serving locally sourced, seasonal dishes ­ seven days a week. Founded by Jim & Sharon Trevor, formerly of Jim’s Yard and now co­owned by son and daughter Lauren & James. Awarded the coveted Bib Gourmand from Michelin Guide, look out for stunning value auberge menu on selected Monday evenings.

Witham on the Hill, Bourne PE10 0JH. Call 01778 590360 or see www.sixbellswitham.co.uk.

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WOODHALL SPA, HORNCASTLE AND CONINGSBY ADMIRAL RODNEY

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

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

THE DOWER HOUSE

Elegant country house hotel providing a range of freshly cooked dishes in a Victorian country house.

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

KITCHENETTA

Deli and coffee shop providing freshly baked cakes and daytime favourites.

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

Dower House, Woodhall Spa.

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THE INN AT WOODHALL SPA

Relaxed dining in the bar or restaurant, Sunday carvery.

Woodhall Spa, LN10 6ST. Call 01526 353231 or see theinnatwoodhallspa.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 200­year­old cottages in Horncastle serving a menu of fine dining dishes created by Andrew Gilbert with Caroline Gilbert at front of house.

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

PETWOOD HOTEL

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

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

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

ZUCCHI BISTRO

Established in 2011 as a Mediterranean bistro with culinary influences.

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

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

FOOD & DRINK LINCOLN TEA & COFFEE COMPANY

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

TIPPLEMILL LONDON DRY GIN

Gin grown in harmony with nature on this Lincolnshire family farm! Tipplemill London Dry Gin, dry gin with locally­milled wheat, juniper and bittersweet citrus and elderflower.

See www.tipplemill.com.

Tipplemill Distillery Gin grown in harmony with nature on our fifth-generation Lincolnshire family farm The perfect tipple to enjoy with friends and family all summer long!

PREMIUM, SUSTAINABLE AND REFRESHING Made with Lincolnshire wheat and distilled with 10 botanicals including elderflower, sweet fennel, sundried orange, grapefruit and bay leaves

Order online at www.tipplemill.com For trade/wholesale enquiries contact lily@tipplemill.com

Recipes

SERVES 4 1 onion, thinly sliced, 4 garlic cloves, crushed, 400 g (14 oz/22/3 cups) fresh, or frozen peas 1 tablespoon salted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 thick fillets of cod, or any seasonal white fish lemon wedges, to serve For the crust: 100 g (3½ oz/⅔ cup) shelled pistachios, chopped 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons dried breadcrumbs zest of ½ lemon, 2 tablespoons garlic and herb soft cheese, like Boursin, or another soft cheese like soft goat’s cheese salt and freshly ground black pepper For the Sides: 1kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and chopped 100g unsalted butter, 100 ml whole milk or double cream Broad beans, a knob of butter and a squeeze of lemon. n This all­in­one traybake is the perfect quick spring dinner to make on repeat! The pistachio crust elevates a simple fish fillet, adding texture and flavour to any white fish. It is even more delicious with freshly podded peas. n Preheat the oven to 210°C fan (450°F).

PISTACHIO-CRUSTED FISH WITH PEAS

n Prepare the crust by mixing together the pistachios, egg, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, cheese and some salt and pepper in a bowl to create a paste. Set aside. n Mix together the onion, garlic and peas in a baking dish or tray (pan), add the butter and drizzle with the olive oil. n Nestle the fish fillets in the peas and then top them with the pistachio crust. n Cook in the oven for 15–20 minutes until the fish is cooked.

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SERVES 8 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) rhubarb (forced or maincrop), diced 250 g (9 oz/1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) caster (superfine) sugar 320 g (11¼ oz) sheet of ready­made shortcrust pastry (pie dough), or make your own 3 large eggs, separated, 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch) 2 pinches of salt 250 g (9 oz) strawberries, hulled and sliced 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste 100 g (3½ oz/generous ¾ cup) icing (powdered) sugar n Preheat the oven to 200°C fan (425°F). n Put the rhubarb into a bowl along with 200 g (9 oz/1 cup minus 2 tablespoons) of the caster sugar. Set aside to macerate for 30 minutes.

RHUBARB AND STRAWBERRY MERINGUE TART

n Line a 24–26 cm (91/2–10 inch) tart tin (pan) with the pastry, neatly trim the edges and prick the base with a fork. Cover with baking parchment and fill with baking beans (pie weights) or uncooked rice and bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove and set aside, but don’t turn off the oven. n Transfer the macerated rhubarb to a saucepan and cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes until softened. Add the egg yolks, cornflour and a pinch of salt and, using a spatula, stir and cook for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a curd. n Pour the curd into the pastry case (shell), then top with the sliced strawberries and bake for a further 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely. n Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites and a pinch of salt in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form, then gradually add the icing sugar, whisking constantly until stiff peaks form.

ON SALE NOW La Saison: Over 80 Seasonal French Recipes, from a Year in My Kitchen

by Manon Lagrève’s, £26.

Photography Nassima Rothacker.

n Top the tart with the meringue and use a blow torch (or put it under a hot grill/broiler) to brown and set the meringue.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Grown in harmony with

NATURE

A

s we write this month’s magazine, farmers are making the final checks to their combines and sweeping out the grain sheds ready for harvest. This time of year involves hard work, long hours and the occasional spanner in the works (sometimes literally if the combine is not behaving), not to mention keeping fingers crossed that the weather does not frustrate one of the most important periods in the farming calendar.

Beyond the hard work there is joy too, with sunshine, camaraderie and the sight of grain tanks filling up with cereals such as wheat, to which around 180,000 hectares of Lincolnshire farmland is dedicated. The county produces around 20% of Britain’s wheat, and farmers are justifiably proud of it. Especially the Craven family, who have been farming in the Fens for five generations.

Brother and sister James and Lily Craven wanted to celebrate the farm’s heritage and bring farming closer to consumers. So, in 2023, they launched Tipplemill London Dry Gin, with a base spirit created from the farm’s own wheat, ground using the power of wind at nearby Moulton Windmill.

Alongside juniper, coriander and citrus botanicals, the family also use elderflower and sweet fennel grown in the hedgerows of Lincolnshire to create an outstanding, well-balanced gin that is ideal in a gin and tonic. Tipplemill London Dry Gin soon impressed the industry, taking a Double Gold Medal and being named Best Overall Gin at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition in 2023, before winning another Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024.

Authenticity and traceability of ingredients were priorities for the family and even the glass bottle, gold and white artwork, and the millstone bottle stopper were designed and made in Britain. Today, Tipplemill is available to purchase directly from the family via their website, and it is already appearing in some of the area’s best bars and restaurants.

“We feel a true connection to our land and have the privilege of taking care of it into the fifth generation. Farming in harmony with nature is so important to us,” says Lily. “Looking after the soil health, the wildlife which shares our land, and growing the highest quality crops for you to eat, and drink!”

“We take a crop, spend a year tending to it, and then turn it into a product that is enjoyed on all occasions and which brings people together. It also gives us immense pride in British agriculture and optimism for the future.”

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Tipplemill Gin is available directly from www.tipplemill.com, £44, 70cl, 44% ABV. Ask for a Tipplemill & Tonic next time you are out!

WINE OF THE MONTH

HIGHLAND HONEYED LUXURY

Domaine Chanson Beaune Premier Cru Clos des Mouches Blanc, £78.00, 75cl, 13.5% ABV domaine­chanson.com

Nc’nean Botanical Spirit, £34.95, 70cl, 40% www.ncnean.com Crafted on Scotland’s west coast using organic botanicals and sustainable production methods, this vibrant spirit offers delicate citrus, wild herb and soft floral notes.

Wonderfully refreshing served long with tonic or sparkling water, it’s an elegant, contemporary choice for adventurous drinkers seeking something a little different.

A beautifully poised white Burgundy from one of Beaune’s most respected Premier Cru vineyards.

Expect layered notes of ripe pear, white peach and citrus zest, supported by subtle toasted almond and a fine mineral edge.

Elegant, complex and

WINE & SPIRITS Discover September’s finest pours, from elegant Burgundy and premium Gascony whites to sophisticated alcohol free alternatives and an exceptional spirit worthy of autumn entertaining

Bright Gascony Whites with Crisp Citrus Character Domaine de Pellehaut Harmonie de Gascogne Blanc, white peach and citrus peel, refined and dry, subtle oak influence, £18.95, www.pellehaut.com.

Château de Cassaigne Colombard Ugni Blanc, ripe pear and grapefruit, crisp mineral edge, elegant and structured, £19.50, www.cassaigne.com.

Château de Millet Cuvée Prestige Blanc, citrus blossom and ripe pear, fresh and elegant, crisp lingering finish, £21.50, www.chateaudemillet.com.

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long on the finish, a superb match for roast chicken, creamy fish dishes or simply savoured on its own.

BOTANICAL RESERVE Seedlip Grove 42, £27, 70cl, 0% ABV www.seedlipdrinks.com A refined non­alcoholic spirit distilled with bitter orange, lemon peel, ginger and lemongrass for a bright yet sophisticated citrus profile. A cool prickle of Japanese peppercorn gives this non­alcoholic spirit a bright, dry finish.

Crisp and aromatic with a dry, elegant finish, it is perfect served over ice with premium tonic and a slice of orange for a truly elevated alcohol­free serve.

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

GROW YOUR BUSINESS You’ll get a better response with Pride Magazines ­ here’s why...

Since 2002, our locally crafted magazines have been meticulously curated for discerning readers, gracing the coffee tables of the wealthiest people in the area.

Call our friendly team on 01529 469977 www.pridemagazines.co.uk or sales@pridemagazines.co.uk

THE DRIVE. THE GROWTH. ZOIE WILKINSON SALES DIRECTOR

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THE GUIDE

I N S I D E : W H AT ’ S O N • T H E AT R E

• FILMS • BOOKS • MUSIC • 47

Lincolnshire

3rd, 4th Sept The Great Gatsby & Alice in Wonderland Two magical open air theatre productions will transform the grounds of Doddington Hall this September, offering audiences the chance to enjoy classic stories beneath the Lincolnshire sky.

What’s On

On 3rd September, This Is My Theatre presents The Great Gatsby on the Croquet Lawn.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless tale transports audiences to

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Tour of Britain.

2nd 3rd Sept

The Tour of Britain The world’s best cyclists will be heading to Lincolnshire this autumn as the Lloyds Tour of Britain arrives in the county for two spectacular stages.

The prestigious race, part of the UCI ProSeries calendar, will bring elite international riders, team support crews and thousands of spectators to the region, showcasing Lincolnshire’s landscapes to a global audience.

Lincoln will host the opening stage on Wednesday 2nd September, marking the first time the city has welcomed the modern Tour of Britain.

The route will both start and finish in the historic city, which already enjoys a strong cycling heritage through events such as the Lincoln Grand Prix.

The following day, the race moves to Boston and

Skegness, with riders setting out from the market town before racing across the county towards the Lincolnshire coast. Neither Boston nor Skegness has previously hosted a stage of the modern Tour of Britain, making the event a significant occasion for both communities.

Beyond the sporting spectacle, the race is expected to deliver a substantial economic boost.

British Cycling estimates that the 2025 Tours of Britain generated more than £62 million in economic impact for host locations, underlining the value of the event for tourism, hospitality and local businesses.

For cycling fans and newcomers alike, the Tour of Britain promises an unforgettable celebration of world­class sport right on Lincolnshire’s doorstep. www.britishcycling.org.uk.

the glamour and excess of the Roaring Twenties, where mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby hosts dazzling parties in pursuit of a lost love.

Featuring live music and a talented ensemble cast, this energetic adaptation captures all the romance, intrigue and heartbreak of one of literature’s most enduring novels. Gates open at 6pm, with visitors encouraged to bring a chair and picnic for a memorable evening of outdoor entertainment.

Then, on 4th September, enjoy Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll’s much loved classic follows Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole into a fantastical world filled with curious characters, from the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat to the Queen of Hearts. Combining colourful costumes, inventive storytelling and plenty of humour, the production promises fun for all ages and is ideal for families looking for a magical late summer outing.

Both productions are set against the beautiful backdrop of one of Lincolnshire’s finest country houses. £20/adults, £14/child, call 01522 694308 or see www.doddingtonhall.com.

3rd­6th Sept

Defender Burghley Horse Trials Both a world­class sporting fixture and a country show taking place in the parkland of Burghley House, this month sees the Burghley Horse Trials taking place from 3rd to 6th September as the Defender Burghley Horse Trials takes place in the spectacular grounds of Burghley House near Stamford. First staged in 1961, the event has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and remains one the few five star events recognised by the Fédération Equestre Internationale.

The competition challenges horse and rider combinations across three demanding disciplines. Dressage tests precision and elegance, cross country requires courage and stamina over a challenging outdoor course, while showjumping provides a finale in the main arena.

Each year, thousands of spectators travel from across the UK and beyond to enjoy world class sport, shopping, food and entertainment. The event is also a major economic driver for the region, contributing an estimated £20 million to the local economy through tourism, hospitality and visitor spending. A true local institution, Burghley remains an unmissable September spectacle.

See our feature in this edition.

6th Sept The Wragby Show A much loved Lincolnshire tradition returns on 6th September as the Wragby Show & Country Fayre welcomes visitors for a celebration of rural life, agriculture and family entertainment.

Held at Goltho near Wragby, the event features livestock classes, equestrian competitions, horticultural exhibits, vintage vehicles and more than 100 trade stands.

Visitors can also enjoy live music, food and drink, a dog show and children’s fun throughout the day.

Organised by local volunteers, the show continues a tradition revived in 1983 and remains one of the area’s most popular late summer events. £12/adults, £5/children, Goltho, near Wragby, LN8 5JD, 07583 692576 see www.wragbyshow.co.uk.

10th Sept

12th Sept

Stars of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat sing the greatest musical hits in this spectacular stage show at Lincoln New Theatre Royal.

Experience the UK’s biggest night of musical smash hits in this star­studded musical concert featuring brand­new songs and arrangements.

The concert includes everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway classics, Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Rocky Horror, Saturday Night Fever, Mamma Mia and the toe­tapping Jersey Boys. Relive all your favourite productions in one epic evening.

From 6.10pm, Lincoln New Theatre Royal, £32, see newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk.

Q The Music presents its James Bond Concert Spectacular with the world’s finest and most critically acclaimed tribute to the music of James Bond... and the event is compered by Caroline Bliss, Miss Moneypenny in the Timothy Dalton era of Bond.

Celebrating more than 20 years as the first original and pioneering Bond concert, they are known for their stirring emotional and adrenaline­ fuelled performances, mixed in with superb musicianship and flair. Indeed, every fan club around the world recognises them as the best and finest performances of the songs since the originals.

Saturday 12th September from 7.30pm, Grimsby Auditorium, tickets £36.50, see grimsbyauditorium.org.uk.

Dreamcoat Stars: Songs from the Musicals

James Bond: Concert Spectacular

Wragby Show.

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>>

13th Sept

13th Sept

15th­19th Sept

Last Night of the Proms

Stourton Woods Food & Drink Fayre

1984 Stamford Shoestring Theatre

A wide selection of quality Lincolnshire food & drink producers showcasing their goods in and around the Roundhouse in the woods.

A fresh new adaptation of George Orwell’s provocative (or prescient?) tale of a state that wants to control the narrative. In 2050, a group of historians pore over the diary of ‘Winston Smith’, a records clerk at the Ministry of Truth.

A stirring celebration of British musical tradition comes to Boston’s Blackfriars Theatre on 13th September with Last Night at the Proms. Following the success of last year’s event, audiences can once again enjoy an evening of much loved classical favourites, patriotic anthems and singalong classics in Boston’s historic venue.

Expect beautiful melodies, rousing performances and a flag waving finale inspired by the famous Proms concerts held each summer at London’s Royal Albert Hall. An entertaining and uplifting night for music lovers.

Below: Masterclasses at The Olive Branch.

Tickets £12.50, doors 6.30pm, Boston Blackfriars, call 01205 363108 or see blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk.

Demonstrations and Talks from local producers, farm safaris, plus self­guided walking trails from 1km­5km.

Sunday 13th September from 10am-4pm, £5/car, see www.visitlincolnshire.com.

17th Sept Enigma Machine: Its Fatal Flaw Dave Gilbert, one of the international Bomber Command Centre’s trustees, delivers a fascinating talk on the WWII machine that was believed to be unbreakable... £15.50, from 6.30pm, see www.internationalbcc.co.uk.

In a world of telescreens and thought police, Winston has chosen to rebel. He searches for the truth, falls in love, joins the rebellion of Emmanuel Goldstein.

But Big Brother is watching, and the doors of Room 101 can swing open in an instant.

Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th September. Stamford Arts Centre, from 7.45pm, tickets £12. Call 01780 763 203 or see www.stamfordartscentre.com.

17th Sept Autumn Cookery Demonstration Join award­winning chef Dean Carroll at The Olive Branch, Clipsham, for an inspiring cookery demonstration.

Beginning with coffee at 10am, this engaging two­hour masterclass showcases Dean’s ‘back­to­basics’ approach, using the finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

Guests can watch, learn, ask questions and pick up professional tips before enjoying a delicious three­course lunch with a glass of wine.

Recipe sheets are provided so you can recreate the dishes at home. Coffee 10am, demonstration 10.30am, lunch 12.30pm, £80/person.

The Olive Branch, Clipsham, pre-booking essential, call 01780 410 355 or see www.theolivebranchpub.com.

18th Sept

27th Sept

Motorhome & Campervan Show

The Haunting of Blaine Manor

Whether you’re a seasoned campervan user or someone who likes the idea and needs to explore what’s available this is the place for you.

Explore 40+ dealers showcasing 350+ motorhomes and campervans for sale, as well as exhibitors selling outdoor leisure products, from gadgets to camping essentials.

Lincolnshire Showground see lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

Prepare for an evening of spine­tingling suspense as Blaine Manor arrives at Lincoln’s New Theatre Royal.

Winner of The Salford Star’s Best Play of the Year Award, this acclaimed production from writer and director Joe O’Byrne combines classic ghost­story storytelling with the atmosphere and drama of vintage horror cinema.

18th Sept

Thank ABBA for the Music Featuring all of ABBA’s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance On Me, Gimme! Gimme!

Gimme! Knowing Me Knowing You, SOS, Fernando, Super Trouper and many more!

Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, 7.30pm, £29.50, see scunthorpetheatres.co.uk.

Blaine Manor.

25th, 26th Sept

Wonder, Marvin Gaye and The

Concerts by Candlelight in Lincoln Cathedral

performed by a live band and

Two atmospheric concerts will illuminate Lincoln Cathedral this September as audiences enjoy the music of Motown and Pink Floyd by candlelight.

On 25th September, Motown

by Candlelight brings the timeless sounds of artists including Diana Ross, Stevie

Supremes to the cathedral, vocalists. The following evening, 26th September, Pink Floyd by Candlelight celebrates one of rock’s greatest bands, featuring favourites such as Comfortably Numb, Wish You Were Here and Another Brick in the Wall in the spectacular surroundings of Lincoln’s most iconic landmark.

See lincolncathedral.com.

Set in England in 1953, the play follows renowned American parapsychologist Dr Roy Earle, a man famous for debunking hauntings and exposing fraudulent mediums.

Invited to investigate Blaine Manor, reputed to be the most haunted house in England, Earle expects to uncover a rational explanation. Instead, his arrival appears to awaken something far darker lurking within the manor’s walls.

As a violent storm isolates the house from the outside world, Earle and his fellow guests find themselves trapped in a terrifying battle against forces they cannot explain. Yet the greatest danger may not be what already inhabits the manor, but what has entered with them.

Strong Enough: a Tribute to Cher

Inspired by the chilling tales of M. R. James and infused with the spirit of classic Hollywood horror and the golden age of Hammer films, Blaine Manor is a stylish and atmospheric theatrical experience.

Featuring all of the classic hits including Turn Back Time, I Found Someone, Believe, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, her modern Abba remixes and many more.

The Drill, Lincoln, £26.40/adults, from 7pm, see www.lincolndrill.co.uk.

Lincoln Theatre Royal, Sunday 27th September, from 7.30pm, £32/adults, £26/conc, call 01522 519999 newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk.

19th Sept

For fans of ghost stories and classic thrillers, this is a hauntingly good night at the theatre.

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Beyond Lincolnshire

11th­13th Sept BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair As the gardening season turns towards autumn, the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beauty and abundance of this rewarding time of year. Held in the stunning grounds of Audley End House and Gardens in Essex, the festival brings together some of the country’s leading horticultural experts, specialist growers and gardening enthusiasts for a weekend packed with inspiration.

4th­6th Sept

Entertainment

Concours of Elegance Few motoring events can rival the prestige, elegance and sheer spectacle of the Concours of Elegance, which returns to the magnificent grounds of Hampton Court Palace this September. Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading automotive showcases, the event brings together an extraordinary collection of some of the rarest and most valuable cars ever created, displayed against the backdrop of one of Britain’s most iconic royal palaces.

Over three days, visitors can admire around 60 to 80 exceptional automobiles, many making their first appearance in the UK. From pioneering vintage machines and historic racing cars to modern hypercars. The

Concours is unique in that the coveted Best in Show award is chosen not by judges but by the owners of the participating vehicles themselves, adding a distinctive sense of camaraderie and prestige to the competition.

Alongside the headline collection, visitors can enjoy displays from prestigious car clubs, specialist manufacturers and luxury brands, as well as fine dining and hospitality experiences throughout the palace grounds.

For enthusiasts of classic motoring, luxury design and British heritage, the Concours of Elegance offers an unforgettable celebration of automotive excellence in one of the country’s most spectacular settings.

Admission £112.50/adult, £37.70/child, parking £20/day, call 07867 397 357 or see concoursofelegance.co.uk.

Visitors can enjoy live talks and demonstrations from familiar BBC Gardeners’ World presenters and gardening experts, gaining practical advice on everything from autumn planting and seasonal colour to preparing gardens for the months ahead. The event also features a carefully curated collection of specialist nurseries offering high quality plants, bulbs and shrubs, making it an ideal place to find unusual varieties and expert guidance.

Beyond the gardens, there is plenty to enjoy for food lovers and countryside enthusiasts, with artisan food producers, craftspeople and exhibitors showcasing the best of seasonal produce and rural living.

Whether you are an experienced gardener or simply looking for inspiration, the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair combines expert knowledge, seasonal beauty and a wonderful day out, making it one of the highlights of the autumn events calendar. £25.50/adult, For details see bbcgardenersworldlive.com.

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>>

11th­20th Sept Jane Austen Festival For admirers of Jane Austen and lovers of English history, few events capture the romance and elegance of the Regency era quite like the Jane Austen Festival in Bath.

Held each September in the city most closely associated with the celebrated author, the festival transforms Bath’s magnificent Georgian streets into a living period drama, complete with bonnets, military uniforms, dancing and literary discussion.

The festival began in 2001 and has grown into the largest and longest­running Jane Austen festival in the world, attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe.

Its most famous event is the spectacular Regency Costumed Promenade, which sees more than 2,000 participants dressed in

authentic Regency attire processing through the city in a Guinness World Record­ holding celebration of Austen’s enduring appeal.

Over ten days, visitors can enjoy an extensive programme of events including elegant balls, theatrical performances, guided walks, talks by Austen scholars, dance workshops and afternoon teas. Whether you’re a devoted fan of the author or simply curious about the world of Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, the festival offers a wonderfully immersive experience.

Set against the backdrop of Bath’s beautiful architecture, much of which inspired Austen’s novels—the festival is a charming celebration of literature, history and timeless English style, making it one of the country’s most distinctive cultural events.

For a full programme see www.janeausten.co.uk.

12th, 13th Sept Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show The skies above Cambridgeshire will come alive this month with the sights and sounds of aviation history at the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show, one of the most evocative events in the British airshow calendar.

Held at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, the historic airfield that played a vital role during the Battle of Britain, the event offers a spectacular tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who defended Britain during the Second World War. Visitors can expect an unforgettable programme of flying displays featuring some of the world’s most iconic historic aircraft. Spitfires and Hurricanes take centre stage, accompanied by an impressive collection of wartime and post ­war aircraft that recreate the drama and excitement of Britain’s aviation heritage.

The event is renowned for its atmospheric flying demonstrations and carefully curated displays that bring history vividly to life.

Beyond the action in the air, guests can explore Duxford’s remarkable collection of aircraft and exhibitions, enjoy period entertainment and discover the stories of the pilots, engineers and support crews whose efforts helped shape history. The venue itself remains one of Britain’s most important aviation landmarks, adding an authentic sense of place to the occasion. £49.50/adult, £130/gold experience, IWM Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QR. Call 020 7091 3067 or see www.iwm.org.uk

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13th Sept

17th­20th Sept

Duxford Air Show.

Great North Run The Great North Run returns this September, bringing together more than 60,000 runners for the world’s largest half marathon.

Stretching 13.1 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields, the iconic event attracts elite athletes, charity fundraisers and first ­time runners from across the UK and beyond. Spectators line the route to create an unforgettable atmosphere, cheering participants on. Since its launch in 1981, the Great North Run has raised millions for charitable causes and has become one of Britain’s most inspiring and celebrated sporting occasions. www.greatrun.org

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

17th Sept André Rieu André Rieu returns to the UK in September 2026 with his world­famous Johann Strauss Orchestra for a nationwide arena tour.

The celebrated Dutch violinist begins in Aberdeen on 9th September, followed by Glasgow on 10th September, Manchester on 11th September and Liverpool on 12th September.

18th­20th Sept Goodwood Revival

Step back in time at the Goodwood Revival, taking place from 18th to 20th September 2026 at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex. Widely regarded as Britain’s most stylish motoring event, the Revival recreates the glamour and excitement of motor racing’s golden age, with visitors encouraged to embrace the spirit of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s through period dress and vintage style. £225/three days, for details see www.goodwood.com.

André Rieu.

After a short break, the tour continues in Nottingham on 16th September, before two performances at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on 17th and 18th September.

The final concert takes place in Birmingham on 19th September. Renowned for his uplifting blend of classical favourites, waltzes and film music, Rieu’s spectacular performances remain among the world’s most popular.

See www.andrerieu.com.

For equestrian enthusiasts who find themselves wanting more after the excitement of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials provides the perfect encore. Taking place from 17th to 20th September in the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, this four­day event is widely regarded as one of Britain’s premier showcases of international eventing.

The competition brings together many of the sport’s leading riders and horses for thrilling dressage, cross country and showjumping, all set against the backdrop of one of England’s most magnificent country estates.

Beyond the action in the arena, visitors can enjoy extensive shopping, food and drink experiences, countryside attractions and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the event popular with both dedicated horse lovers and families alike.

Combining world­class sport with the grandeur of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim offers a fitting finale to the eventing season and an excellent opportunity to enjoy more top­class equestrian competition after Burghley has drawn to a close. www.blenheimpalace.com.

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18th­20th Sept

26th Sept

Hay Fever.

Newby Hall Flower Show Celebrating the richness of the late gardening season, the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show returns to Newby Hall, North Yorkshire, from 18th to 20th September. Widely regarded as one of the country’s finest autumn horticultural events, the show showcases spectacular floral displays, giant vegetables, award­winning produce and expert gardening advice.

Visitors can enjoy talks and demonstrations from leading horticultural experts, and explore the beautiful grounds of Newby Hall. www.rhs.org.uk

22nd Sept Hay Fever

The world premiere of Noël Coward’s 1920s comedy starring Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant under the direction of Emily Burns.

Set at an English country house during the summer of 1923, we follow the bohemian and utterly self­absorbed Bliss family as they discover each has invited a guest to stay for the weekend, without bothering to tell the others!

A classically exuberant Cowardian comedy, expect plenty of laughs! £106, running until 21st December, Wyndham’s Theatre, Covent Garden, see www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk.

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As You Like It Tony Award­winning Jonathan Groff makes his RSC debut at RSC Stratford in Shakespeare’s most sweet­natured comedy, where love is love, no matter where it falls.

25th­27th Sept RHS Malvern

Garden lovers can look forward to the RHS Malvern Autumn Show, taking place from 25th to 27th September 2026 at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire. Celebrating the very best of autumn gardening, the show combines spectacular floral displays, expert advice, specialist plant nurseries and inspiring

RHS Malvern.

demonstrations from leading horticultural experts.

Visitors can explore beautifully curated exhibits, discover seasonal planting ideas and browse a wide range of gardening and lifestyle retailers.

Rosalind is banished from the court of Duke Frederick – but not before she and young Orlando fall for each other.

Seeking out her exiled father in the Forest of Arden with her devoted cousin, Celia, Rosalind disguises herself as a young man, Ganymede.

In fear of his own life, Orlando also escapes to the forest and soon runs into Ganymede, who pledges to cure his lovesickness. www.rsc.org.uk/as-you-like-it.

Set against the backdrop of the Malvern Hills, this much­loved RHS event offers a wonderful day out for gardeners seeking inspiration as the seasons begin to change. www.rhs.org.uk

27th, 28th Sept The Archers at 75 The nation’s favourite rural drama takes to the stage in 2026 as The Archers: Live at 75 celebrates the BBC Radio 4 programme’s remarkable 75th anniversary. Featuring members of the cast and behind­the­scenes stories from Ambridge, the live show visits Harrogate Convention Centre on 27th September at 2pm before heading to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 28th September at 7.30pm.

Expect laughter and memories as The Archers marks three quarters of a century on air.

See www.fane.co.uk.

THE GUIDE

SEPTEMBER BOOK RELEASES

House of Boleyn

Queen Elizabeth II

Tracy Borman

Hugo Vickers

Lincolnshire­born historian and author Tracy Borman turns her acclaimed Tudor expertise to fiction in The House of Boleyn, a richly imagined retelling of one of history’s most fascinating dynasties. Set largely within the walls of Hever Castle, the novel follows the Boleyn family’s dramatic rise and devastating fall as Anne Boleyn captures the heart of Henry VIII. The book blends meticulous historical detail with compelling storytelling.

Royal biographer Hugo Vickers offers a thoughtful and richly detailed portrait of Britain’s longest­reigning monarch.

Drawing on decades of royal expertise, Vickers charts the late Queen’s life from her wartime childhood and unexpected accession to the throne through seven decades of service and duty.

Combining personal insights with historical perspective, the book celebrates Elizabeth II with this new and thorough, accessible, engaging account.

£18.99, hardback, 416 pages.

£22.33, hardback, 672 pages.

Starchild Maggie Aderin Renowned space scientist and broadcaster Dame Maggie Aderin shares the inspiring story of her journey from a challenging childhood in Camden to the forefront of modern astronomy. Best known as a presenter of The Sky at Night, Aderin reflects on overcoming dyslexia, prejudice and setbacks while pursuing her passion for the stars.

Warm, engaging and deeply personal, this uplifting memoir celebrates curiosity, resilience and the power of following your dreams, no matter how distant they may seem. £13.67, hardback, 320 pages.

The Showgirl and the Prince Ruthie Henshall West End and Broadway star Ruthie Henshall lifts the curtain on one of the most intriguing royal romances of recent decades in The Showgirl and the Prince. This warm, witty and candid memoir recalls her relationship with Prince Edward during the late 1980s and early 1990s, while she was building a career on the musical theatre stage. Filled with backstage anecdotes, royal encounters and nostalgic glimpses of London’s theatre scene, it’s an engaging story of glamour and first love. £22, hardback, 352 pages.

SEPTEMBER’S MUSIC PICK

Jenius I admit to a case of hopeless bias here as The Beautiful South was my first love, musically speaking. As a moody teen I wore out at least three cassette versions of Carry on Up the Charts, a greatest hits compilation apparently owned by at least one in five UK households. Paul Heaton, former Housemartins frontman, Beautiful South songwriter and now solo artist releases his 23rd studio album.

Paul Heaton Expect the usual iconic, laconic and occasionally ironic lyrics that skewer issues like misogyny and alcoholism.

The album is produced by former Lightning Seeds frontman Ian Broudie who will be guest starring on a live tour to promote the album later in the year.

Look out for the first single from the album, Favourite Kind Of Idiot. www.paulheaton.co.uk.

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THE GUIDE

September Cinema Releases

The Death of Robin Hood

How to Rob a Bank

The Incomer

Director Michael Sarnoski presents a dark and thoughtful reimagining of the legendary outlaw. Hugh Jackman stars as an ageing Robin Hood, haunted by a lifetime of violence and poor choices.

After suffering grave injuries, he finds refuge with a mysterious woman played

by Jodie Comer, who offers him a chance of redemption. Also starring Bill Skarsgård as Little John, the film explores guilt, mortality and the burden of legend, delivering a gritty and emotional farewell to one of folklore’s greatest heroes.

David Leitch, whose previous films include Bullet Train and The Fall Guy, delivers a fast­paced action comedy with a distinctly modern twist. Nicholas Hoult leads an ensemble cast including Zoë Kravitz, Anna Sawai, and Christian Slater.

The story follows a gang of ambitious bank robbers who document their daring crimes on social media, turning themselves into online celebrities.

As their popularity grows, so does the attention of law enforcement, sparking a high­stakes cat­and­mouse chase.

Eccentric British comedy from writer and director Louis Paxton starring Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley in Harry Potter), Gayle Rankin, Grant O’Rourke, Michelle Gomez and John Hannah. On a remote Scottish island, siblings Isla and Sandy have spent decades living in isolation, surviving on folklore, superstition and a deep mistrust of outsiders. Their unusual existence is disrupted when a well ­meaning official arrives with orders to relocate them to the mainland. Warm, whimsical and unexpectedly moving.

Practical Magic 2

Heart of the Beast

Oasis Documentary

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens in this long­awaited sequel. Directed by Susanne Bier, the film revisits the magical Owens family as a new generation begins to discover its extraordinary powers.

When an ancient family curse threatens those they love, the sisters must once again combine their gifts to protect their family and confront secrets from the past.

Blending romance, fantasy and humour, the film celebrates sisterhood, love and the enduring power of magic.

Brad Pitt stars in this intense survival thriller. James Belmont is a former Special Forces soldier whose aircraft crashes deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Stranded far from civilisation, his only companion is Odin, a loyal retired combat dog that served alongside him during his military career. Together they must battle extreme weather, dangerous terrain and packs of wolves in a desperate fight for survival.

Combining action and emotion, the film explores resilience, friendship and the bond between a man and his dog.

One of the most anticipated music films of the year, this currently untitled documentary chronicles the remarkable reunion of Noel and Liam Gallagher and Oasis’s triumphant Live ‘25 world tour.

Created by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight, the film features unprecedented backstage access and footage of the brothers’ first joint interviews in more than twenty­five years. More than a concert film, it explores reconciliation, the power of music and the extraordinary bond between Oasis and their devoted fans.

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Pressure

The Uprising

Sense & Sensibility

The untold story of the D­Day landings.

Based on the acclaimed stage play by David Haig, Andrew Scott stars as meteorologist James Stagg, the man tasked with advising Allied commanders on the weather conditions that would determine the success or failure of D­Day. Brendan Fraser portrays General Dwight D. Eisenhower, with Kerry Condon, Damian Lewis and Chris Messina also starring. 72 hours before the Normandy landings, the film frames a crucial historical decision as a high­stakes race.

From director Paul Greengrass, The Uprising is a sweeping historical drama set during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381.

Andrew Garfield stars as Wat Tyler, the farmer who becomes the reluctant leader of a rebellion against the rule of King Richard II. Featuring an impressive cast including Thomasin McKenzie, Katherine Waterston, Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot), Cosmo Jarvis and Tom Hollander, the film combines epic battle sequences with a powerful story of justice, resistance and ordinary people challenging authority.

This elegant new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel is directed by Georgia Oakley and brings fresh life to one of English literature’s most enduring stories. Daisy Edgar­Jones stars as the passionate Marianne Dashwood, alongside Esmé Creed­Miles as her sensible sister Elinor. Following the death of their father, the sisters must navigate love, heartbreak and social expectations in Regency England. With a distinguished supporting cast and sumptuous period settings, the film captures Austen’s wit and romance.

Lady

Bad Apples

Ish

Lady arrives in cinemas this August as an eccentric British comedy­drama blending sharp satire with surreal humour. Starring Fleabag actress Sian Clifford alongside Juliet Cowan and Laurie Kynaston, the film follows aristocratic socialite Lady Isabella, who hires a documentary crew to capture her glamorous life, only for events to spiral into increasingly bizarre territory. Directed by Samuel Abrahams, the film explores fame, loneliness and privilege with wit and warmth.

Stylish, offbeat and distinctly British!

Saoirse Ronan stars in this darkly comic thriller from director Jonatan Etzler, making his English­language feature film debut. Ronan plays Maria, an overworked teacher struggling to cope with a disruptive pupil whose behaviour is making life miserable for classmates and staff alike. Maria begins making increasingly questionable decisions, leading to unexpected and often shocking consequences, in a film that blends satire, suspense and black humour in a sharp examination of modern education.

Ish is a powerful British coming­of­age drama from artist and filmmaker Imran Perretta. The film follows twelve­year­old best friends Ish and Maram as their close bond begins fracturing after a traumatic police stop­and­search incident. Against a backdrop of racial profiling, grief and growing social tension, the boys struggle to understand friendship, identity and the pressures of masculinity. Shot in striking black and white, the film is an intimate portrait of modern British adolescence and prejudice.

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HISTORY

B

elton House has often been described as the perfect English country house. Standing within more than 1,300 acres of carefully designed parkland just outside Grantham, it is a place where architecture, landscape and family history combine to create one of Lincolnshire’s finest historic estates. Today it welcomes thousands of visitors each year under the care of the National Trust, yet it remains very much a living house, with part of the building still serving as a private home for the current generation of the Brownlow family. Few houses manage to balance public history and private life quite so gracefully.

A House Built to Impress The story of Belton House begins in the 1680s, when Sir John Brownlow decided to replace an earlier manor with a residence worthy of his family’s growing status. Construction began in 1685 and was completed three years later, creating what has become one of the country’s finest examples of Restoration architecture.

Unlike the sprawling medieval houses that had preceded it, Belton reflected a new confidence in classical design. Its elegant proportions, symmetrical façades and carefully planned interiors demonstrated wealth without unnecessary extravagance. The red brick exterior, softened with limestone dressings, creates an appearance of dignity rather than ostentation, allowing the house to sit comfortably within its surrounding landscape.

A royal scandal at

Belton

House

Generations of the Brownlow family would expand and enrich the estate without fundamentally altering its original character, ensuring that Belton has retained an extraordinary sense of architectural harmony for more than three centuries.

State Rooms and Family Treasures Visitors entering Belton quickly discover that its restrained exterior gives way to remarkably rich interiors. The house contains an impressive sequence of state rooms designed not only for everyday family life but also for entertaining distinguished guests.

The Marble Hall immediately establishes the tone, with its soaring proportions and elegant decoration providing an impressive introduction to the house. Beyond lie drawing rooms, dining rooms and reception spaces filled with paintings, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts collected over many generations.

The library remains one of Belton’s greatest treasures. Lined with thousands of historic volumes, it reflects the intellectual interests of successive generations and creates one of the most atmospheric interiors anywhere in Lincolnshire. Elsewhere, intricate plaster ceilings, finely carved woodwork and beautifully preserved fireplaces demonstrate the craftsmanship that characterised late seventeenth-century building.

Many of the furnishings remain exactly where they were intended to stand, giving the interiors an authenticity sometimes lost in houses whose collections have been dispersed. Portraits of the Brownlow family hang throughout the rooms, reminding visitors that this was never simply an architectural showpiece but the centre of a family’s daily life across many generations.

The house contains countless smaller details that reward careful observation, from delicate embroidery and porcelain to clocks, silver and personal possessions that reveal changing fashions and tastes through the centuries.

A Living Estate Through Changing Times Belton has witnessed many of the defining moments of British history. During both World Wars the estate adapted to national need, with parts of the property being used for military purposes and medical care.

Like many great country houses, Belton became far more than a family residence, contributing directly to the wider war effort during periods of immense national challenge.

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Belton has witnessed many of the defining moments of British history. During both World Wars the estate adapted to national need, used for military purposes and medical care...

HISTORY

The twentieth century proved difficult for many historic estates as taxation, changing social structures and the enormous cost of maintaining large houses threatened their survival. Belton faced similar pressures before eventually passing into the care of the National Trust in 1984, securing its future for generations to come.

Its history also brushes against one of the twentieth century’s best-known constitutional events. The Brownlow family had connections with figures involved during the abdication crisis, although Belton itself remains defined far more by its architectural and cultural significance than by that brief association.

Unlike many historic houses that became museums once ownership changed, Belton continues to evolve. A private apartment within the house remains occupied by members of the Brownlow family, maintaining an unbroken residential connection stretching back over three hundred years. That continuing presence lends Belton a sense of authenticity that visitors often remark upon, reminding them that this remains a family home as well as one of Britain’s most important heritage properties.

Parkland, Gardens and Bellmount Tower The grounds surrounding Belton are as carefully composed as the house itself. Designed to complement rather than dominate the architecture, they provide a series of changing landscapes that reveal different aspects of the estate throughout the seasons.

Formal gardens close to the house gradually give way to wider parkland, where ancient trees, open grassland and carefully positioned avenues create long vistas across the Lincolnshire countryside. The Dutch and Italian gardens demonstrate changing fashions in landscape design, while colourful herbaceous borders provide spectacular displays throughout late spring and summer.

Beyond the formal gardens lies one of Belton’s greatest pleasures, its extensive deer park. Herds of fallow deer continue to graze beneath centuries old oaks, creating scenes that would be instantly recognisable to visitors from hundreds of years ago.

Among the estate’s most distinctive features is Bellmount Tower, an elegant eighteenth century folly positioned to command magnificent views across the surrounding countryside. Such ornamental buildings became fashionable additions to great estates, providing destinations for leisurely walks while also serving as carefully positioned landmarks within the designed landscape.

What makes Belton House exceptional is not simply the quality of its architecture or the richness of its collections.

It is the remarkable completeness of the estate. House, gardens, parkland and family history remain closely connected, offering visitors an unusually vivid picture of how a great English country estate developed over successive centuries.

90 YEARS AGO: BELTON’S ROLE IN THE ABDICATION Before the National Trust took ownership of Belton House, it was home to one of the most intriguing figures in modern royal history. Peregrine Francis Adelbert Cust, the 6th Lord Brownlow, inherited the estate in 1927 and became a close friend of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII. Belton was a favourite country retreat for the Prince during the early 1930s, providing a discreet setting away from the formality of court life.

When Edward insisted on marrying the twice­divorced Wallis Simpson in 1936, Lord Brownlow found himself at the heart of the constitutional crisis that followed. Serving as the King’s Lord in Waiting, he remained fiercely loyal to his friend, even though he recognised the gravity of the situation.

Brownlow personally escorted Wallis Simpson to France as public and political pressure intensified, urging her to abandon the marriage in the hope that the monarchy could be saved.

He even sought an audience with Queen Mary in an unsuccessful attempt to find a solution.

Edward ultimately chose abdication, and Brownlow quietly withdrew from his former friend’s circle, leaving Belton forever linked with one of the most dramatic episodes in twentieth century British history.

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Education ST HUGH’S SCHOOL WOODHALL SPA At St Hugh’s School in Woodhall Spa, Years 7 & 8 are designed to be transformational, two years that give children the confidence, curiosity and character to thrive at senior

From outdoor adventures and international trips to school productions and competitive sport, every experience builds confidence and character.

Parents often describe St Hugh’s as a family, and it’s easy

school and beyond.

to see why. Children feel valued, supported and celebrated. This sense of belonging gives them the emotional security they need to step boldly into their teenage years.

With small class sizes and strong pastoral care, every child is genuinely known. Teachers tailor learning to each individual, ensuring pupils are supported, stretched and encouraged to achieve their best.

By Years 7 and 8, pupils are ready to take on greater challenge, and St Hugh’s provides it through a rich curriculum, specialist teaching and a focus on high­level study skills. Regardless of their next steps, pupils of St Hugh’s School are typically exceptionally well prepared.

Above all, Years 7 and 8 at St Hugh’s offer so much more than academic preparation. It’s a launchpad not just for senior school, but for life. For families seeking a nurturing, ambitious and joy­filled environment, St Hugh’s School, Woodhall Spa is an exceptional choice.

St Hugh’s School: 01526 352169, www.st­ hughs.lincs.sch.uk.

NEW YOUTH THEATRE SCHOOL

New Youth Theatre offers a great theatre experience for all kinds of children and young people. Performing arts classes are divided to accommodate different overlapping age ranges; Tiny Tots (3­5yrs), Juniors (6­12 yrs), and Seniors (12­18 yrs). Here your child will do much more than learn lines, dance steps and song lyrics; they’ll learn about teamwork and confidence building.

They’ll discover that side of themselves which encourages others as they progress through the New Youth Theatre experience.

NYT provides 3 shows a year for the children to be a part of a classic production specially written and scored for children such as The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Footloose, Fame or Peter Pan to name just a few.

NYT provides a wonderful

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outlet for emerging talent. As a theatre group, New Youth Theatre is always looking for its next star. Maybe you’ve held a secret wish to perform on stage.

Perhaps you’ve told yourself that this sort of thing is not within your abilities. Well, you needn’t worry: New Youth Theatre is famous for its friendly welcome. And you never know where you might go from here. Most West End stars began in such groups; after all, we all have to start somewhere.

The main thing is to get involved and to enjoy every moment as you tread the boards; who knows where it may lead in the future!

New Youth Theatre: call 07715 369920, or see www.newyouththeatre.co.uk.

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www.pridemagazines.co.uk

01529 469977

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66

HOMES

INSIDE: HOMES • INTERIORS • GARDENS • LUXURY PROPERTY • 67

WELCOME HOME

E

BRAUNCEWELL LODGE NEAR SLEAFORD

very so often a property comes along that really is the perfect example of kerb appeal.

Not that Brauncewell Lodge looks out onto the kerb. The views are, in fact, of a beautiful garden and countryside beyond, thanks to its location in the small hamlet between Leasingham and Metheringham.

Set discreetly behind wrought iron gates and surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds, this Grade II listed country house is a home with genuine character and an equally fascinating history.

Originally constructed during the 17th century, with later additions, Brauncewell Lodge retains an abundance of period detail, from its handsome stone mullioned Gothic windows to beautifully carved corbels beneath the eaves, all carefully preserved while the house has been sensitively updated for modern family life.

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WELCOME HOME

Its story stretches back even further than its architecture suggests.

The previous owners purchased the property from the estate of the Marquis of Bristol in 1978. The Hervey family had owned extensive land between Lincoln and Sleaford from the 17th century until the 20th century, with Brauncewell Lodge originally serving as a hunting lodge before later generations used it as an elegant house for entertaining.

That sense of history is immediately evident on entering the property. Rather than feeling formal or imposing, the house is warm, welcoming and exceptionally liveable. Across more than 4,500 square feet of accommodation there is an excellent balance between generous reception rooms and practical family spaces.

A welcoming reception hall leads to an elegant drawing room, a beautiful library lined with bookshelves, a formal dining room and a comfortable family room, whilst a dedicated home office offers an ideal environment for remote working.

The kitchen is exactly what buyers hope to find in a country house of this calibre. Full of charm, with exposed beams and plenty of space for family life, it centres around a substantial dining area, complemented by a walk-in pantry, utility areas and useful ancillary rooms. It is a space designed as much for everyday living as for entertaining family and friends.

Upstairs,

five

generous

bedrooms

provide

excellent

accommodation. The principal bedroom enjoys an impressive dressing room, whilst the remaining bedrooms are served by two beautifully appointed bath and shower rooms. The layout offers flexibility for growing families, visiting guests or multigenerational living, ensuring the property adapts comfortably to changing needs.

Outside, Brauncewell Lodge is equally impressive. The landscaped gardens are undoubtedly one of the property’s greatest assets, with broad lawns framed by mature trees, colourful borders and carefully clipped hedging creating an atmosphere of complete tranquillity.

A number of paved terraces provide ideal places for outdoor dining throughout the summer, whether enjoying a quiet morning coffee or entertaining larger gatherings against a backdrop of mature planting and open skies. The collection of traditional outbuildings further enhances the property’s appeal.

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Brauncewell Lodge’s landscaped gardens are undoubtedly one of the property’s greatest assets, with broad lawns framed by mature trees, and colourful borders...

WELCOME HOME

Brauncewell Lodge offers the romance of a period house without compromising on practical requirements for modern families

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An extended double garage sits alongside the driveway, whilst a separate studio offers obvious potential as a creative workspace, home gym or additional office.

Other outbuildings present opportunities for a variety of future uses, subject to the necessary permissions, making Brauncewell Lodge a property capable of evolving alongside its next owners.

Properties of this quality rarely become available. Combining centuries of history with carefully considered improvements, Brauncewell Lodge offers all the romance of a period country house without compromising on the practical requirements of modern living.

Beautifully presented, wonderfully private and surrounded by some of Lincolnshire’s most attractive countryside, it is an exceptional home that feels every bit as special as its history suggests.

Brauncewell Lodge

Brauncewell near Sleaford Location: Brauncewell. Sleaford 6 miles, Lincoln 15.4 miles, Grantham 17.2 miles.

Accommodation: Four reception rooms currently arranged as living room, library, dining room and dining kitchen. Five bedrooms with dressing room to master and two bathrooms. Separate barn and studio buildings.

Guide Price £850,000.

Find Out More: Currently on the market with Mount & Minster, Lincoln.

Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk.

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FLAT ROOFS? WE’VE GOT THEM COVERED

Specialising in all flat roofing work, from garage roofs to conservatory conversions.

We can replace old conservatory roofing – too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter – with a fully insulated roof and skylight system for comfort and an improved appearance Commercial & Domestic Roof Repairs Guttering, Fascias & Soffits Conservatories and Balconies

Call 07825 381878 or see www.firstrateflatroofing.co.uk No Pressure Selling • Free, No Obligation Quotes • 25 Year Guarantee

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AUSTIN JOHN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Heritage Experts “We like a project, and we were keen to roll our sleeves up,” said Colin Clarke and Clayton Jones. Careful what you wish for! Keen to relocate to the country having worked in London for a number of years, they found West Skirbeck Hall, a Grade II listed property created in the late 1790s, set within 11 acres.

The property was formerly home to Henry Clarke and to William Garfit, who owned several of Boston’s six private banks, including Capital & Counties, which eventually merged with Lloyds, with Garfit serving as the company’s Chairman.

The couple were by no means naive to the degree of work the property necessitated, but only when you begin work and start to peel back the layers of past refurbishments does the way forward become clear.

It’s all worth it in the end, of course, but restoring a beautiful home such as West Skirbeck Hall is not an undertaking for the fainthearted.

As a Grade II listed building, the property demanded that any work should be a faithful reflection of its provenance, while also satisfying Lincolnshire’s conservation officers.

Fortunately, Colin and Clayton were not alone. They enlisted Austin John, architectural designers and heritage consultants, who have over 20 years of experience working in all aspects of design and build, including conservation, planning, and building control.

Their job, says Austin John’s director, Nicola Chamberlain, is to spot potential problems before they arise and to help clients navigate the process of working with heritage buildings.

The couple initially sought Austin John’s input on replacing the building’s windows. This meant creating a window schedule proposal with detailed designs for bespoke replacements.

However, the company soon became more involved with the whole renovation and produced a Heritage Statement with up-todate, accurate measurement surveys, plans, elevation drawings and a photographic study.

The team at Austin John were instructed by Colin and Clayton to design a bespoke timber orangery. The final outstanding design was successfully granted planning permission before being constructed and installed by their highly trusted team of local craftsmen. Serving as the main point of contact between the client, authorities and contractors, Austin John also offers project management services.

The orangery was completed in June 2026, and the couple are thrilled with it, both as a space in which to entertain and for the value it adds to the property’s architecture.

With four members in the team and completing over 300 projects a year, Austin John offers the technical expertise, creativity and breadth of knowledge to turn a heritage project, no matter how challenging, into a success. That makes them an essential contact for anyone undertaking work on a heritage building.

For a free, no­obligation discussion about your heritage building project, call Austin John on 01775 760246 or see www.architecturaldesignlincolnshire.co.uk

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Lauren and Harriet Austin and Nicola Chamberlain.

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AIR-SWITCH AIR CONDITIONING

For all four

Seasons Air conditioning systems for year-round comfort, from Lincolnshire’s Air-Switch Air conditioning used to be something homeowners barely noticed. Most units were large, plain white boxes chosen for their cooling performance rather than their appearance. However, as homes have become more focused on style and personal expression, people now expect every feature to look good as well as function well. In response, manufacturers have redesigned air conditioning systems to be sleek, modern and available in a variety of colours and finishes that complement different interior styles.

Today, air conditioning is seen as part of a home’s overall design rather than just a practical appliance.

Smart technology has made units more streamlined by reducing the need for visible controls, while architects and interior designers now include climate control in their plans from the beginning. Like furniture, lighting or artwork, modern air conditioning systems contribute to the look and feel of a space, proving that comfort and style can go hand in hand.

The Toshiba Haori combines stylish design with high performance. Its interchangeable fabric covers let homeowners match the unit to their décor, making it look more like part of the room than a traditional air conditioner. It also offers excellent energy efficiency, cleaner indoor air, gentle airflow and smart controls through a smartphone or voice assistant, bringing together comfort, style and convenience in one system.

Toshiba’s commitment to quality extends beyond innovative design and performance, offering homeowners added peace of mind through industry-leading warranties of up to 10 years when installed and maintained by approved partners. With warranty options ranging from 7 to 10 years, Toshiba demonstrates confidence in the reliability and durability of its systems, helping customers enjoy longterm comfort, protection and value from their investment.

Air-Switch Limited is a family-run HVAC business based in Lincolnshire, serving both domestic and commercial customers. Founded in 2021, the company has grown steadily by delivering environmentally responsible solutions while staying true to its core values of being safe, sustainable and secure.

Fran Nash-Smith, Managing Director of Air-Switch Limited, describes the Toshiba Haori as a product of “contemporary beauty that often commands positive attention in beautiful home and office spaces.”

She also highlights the exceptional efficiency of air-to-air heating and cooling compared with air-towater heat pumps and encourages homeowners to take advantage of the current domestic Energy Saving Materials (ESM) incentive while it remains available until March 2027, unless withdrawn earlier by the Chancellor.

To discover more call 03330 508168, email info@airswitchlimited.co.uk or visit www.airswitchlimited.co.uk.

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TOP BARN TIMBER FRAMES

Top Barn Timber Frames Watch the Seasons Change Through a Glazed Gable

S

ome homes have a room that naturally becomes everyone’s favourite. It’s where the first coffee of the morning tastes a little better, where family and friends gather without thinking, and where the changing seasons become part of everyday life.

For many of our clients, that space is an oak-framed extension with a glazed gable, and as we move into autumn and nights draw in and become cooler but the garden is still full of life, the joy of still being immersed in the outdoors whilst enjoying the shelter of the indoors is a lifestyle that most desire.

There is something quietly special about a room filled with natural light. Glazing framed in oak, in turn, frames the landscape beyond, creating an ever-changing picture that transforms with the seasons. In spring, fresh green leaves begin to emerge and gardens come back to life. Summer brings long evenings filled with golden light, open doors and outdoor entertaining. Autumn paints the view with rich oranges and deep reds, while winter offers crisp mornings, dramatic skies and the comforting contrast of a warm oak-framed room against the cold outside. It’s a connection with the outdoors that can be enjoyed every day, whatever the weather.

Unlike many home improvements that focus solely on creating additional space, an oak-framed extension or garden room changes the way a home is experienced. The room becomes brighter, more welcoming and more connected to the garden. It encourages slower mornings, relaxed evenings and those everyday moments that often become the memories families treasure most.

Whilst modern slimline designs are becoming ever more popular, the joy of an oak frame stands the test of time and will never become dated with changing architecture.

Over time, the timber develops character, mellowing gently as it ages while remaining every bit as strong as the day it was handcrafted. Rather than dating, it becomes more beautiful with every passing year, complementing both traditional country homes and contemporary architecture alike.

At Top Barn Timber Frames, every frame is individually designed around the home, its surroundings and, most importantly, the people who will enjoy it. We believe no two families live in exactly the same way, so no two frames should be identical.

Every project begins with understanding how our clients want to use the space, before being handcrafted in our Lincolnshire workshop using traditional mortise-and-tenon joints and held together with handmade pegs. The result is far more than an extension. Our frames are a lifestyle choice adding far more than just value to your property.

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Above: This double orangery extension transformed this 1970s bungalow from functional to enjoyable. Two glazed extensions connected with an oak pergola open up the house for inside/outside everyday living.

Opposite: This garden room quickly became more than just a summer house. Three glazed elevations frame glorious views, whilst heating and electrics provide the comfort needed to enjoy this peaceful setting all year round.

If you are interested in an oak frame extension, garden room or any other timber frame please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Top Barn Timber Frames at info@topbarntimberframes.co.uk or via the website www.topbarntimberframes.co.uk.

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84

Gardening

GARDENING with MARK LANE

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

Words: Mark Lane.

S

eptember is a month of transition in the garden. Cooler mornings and earlier evenings signal the approach of autumn, yet it remains one of the busiest and most rewarding months of the gardening year.

The soil still holds summer warmth, rainfall is often more reliable and many plants enter a period of active root growth.

These conditions make September ideal for planting, dividing, propagating and preparing for the months ahead.

Rather than viewing it as the end of the season, think of it as the beginning of the next one.

Playing with Bold Colours I love bold colour in the garden and the range of plants available is enormous, from bulbs and rhizomes to perennials, shrubs and trees. Over the years I have become more confident in combining strong colours.

Christopher Lloyd’s planting at Great Dixter remains a huge inspiration, demonstrating how strong colours can work together brilliantly.

In my own garden, colour begins with bulbs and herbaceous perennials in spring before later flowering perennials and bulbs take over through summer and autumn.

Even when most plants are fading, surprises such as Nerine bowdenii and Nerine ‘Codora’ provide a final burst of colour. Any gaps are filled with half­hardy perennials, bulbs grown in pots or seasonal bedding plants.

The Art of Successional Planting To maintain colour throughout the year, think about succession. As one plant finishes flowering, another should be ready to take its place. With careful planning, gardens can provide colour for most of the year.

Have confidence to experiment. Consider structure as well as colour by including shrubs, grasses, climbers and taller plants to add height and texture.

Plant in generous drifts rather than isolated clumps and repeat combinations through the border to create rhythm and cohesion. This approach keeps displays looking fresh and also provides plenty of flowers for cutting.

Colour can influence how we perceive space. Hot colours such as red, orange and yellow appear to advance, making borders feel closer. Softer colours placed further away can help make a garden appear larger.

September is also one of the best months for planting hardy perennials. Unlike spring­planted specimens, which must quickly cope with rising temperatures, autumn planted perennials can establish strong root systems before winter.

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Gardening When choosing new plants, look beyond flowers.

Attractive foliage, seed heads and autumn colour all contribute valuable interest later in the year.

season’s most striking displays. September is also a good time to tidy borders, leaving attractive seed heads where possible for winter structure and wildlife.

Divide and Rejuvenate

By September many borders are beginning to look tired.

Perennials may have flopped, annuals can appear exhausted and some plants may have outgrown their space.

If sufficient compost is available, top­dress borders while the soil remains warm, allowing worms to incorporate nutrients naturally.

Many herbaceous perennials benefit from division every few years. Hardy geraniums, asters, heleniums and daylilies often become congested, reducing their vigour and flowering performance. Dividing established clumps rejuvenates growth and provides free plants for other areas of the garden. Lift the clump carefully, separate it into smaller sections with healthy roots and shoots, then replant immediately. The warm soil encourages rapid establishment before winter.

I also extend displays by planting container­grown specimens into borders. Favourites include Lilium speciosum ‘Black Beauty’, Lilium tigrinum splendens and half­hardy salvias. In recent years I have left salvias in the ground and protected them with a mulch of homemade compost, which has helped them return successfully each year.

As autumn progresses, hidden yellow, orange and red pigments become more visible, creating some of the

Sow, Plant and Collect September offers several opportunities to prepare for next year’s displays. Hardy annuals such as cornflowers, calendula, nigella and larkspur can be sown now. They often establish strong root systems over winter and flower earlier the following year.

It is also the start of bulb planting season. Daffodils, crocuses, muscari and many other spring­flowering bulbs can be planted throughout the month. Plant them in natural­looking drifts rather than rigid rows, or try layering bulbs in containers to create longer lasting displays.

Seed collecting is another rewarding task. Many annuals, perennials and wildflowers will have produced ripe seed by now. Allow seeds to dry thoroughly before storing them in labelled paper envelopes somewhere cool, dry and frost­free.

Collecting seed is economical, helps preserve favourite plants and encourages a deeper understanding of the garden’s natural cycles.

SEPTEMBER IN THE GARDEN Divide overcrowded perennials such as hostas, geraniums and daylilies. Replant vigorous sections elsewhere in the garden to create free new plants and improve flowering next year.

Plant spring­flowering bulbs including daffodils, crocuses and alliums. September soil is still warm, allowing roots to establish before winter arrives.

Collect seeds from favourite annuals and perennials.

Store them in labelled paper envelopes in a cool, dry place ready for sowing next spring.

Refresh containers and hanging baskets by removing tired summer bedding and replacing it with autumn colour such as pansies, violas and cyclamen.

Deadhead late­flowering plants such as dahlias, cosmos and roses to prolong displays well into autumn and encourage further blooms.

Plant evergreen shrubs and conifers while the soil remains warm. Autumn planting allows roots to establish before next year’s growing season.

Harvest apples, pears and plums as they ripen. Store only undamaged fruit and enjoy the season’s abundance from orchards and kitchen gardens.

Prepare for colder nights by moving tender plants, including citrus and pelargoniums, into greenhouses or sheltered positions before the first frost threatens.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Choosing a new home isn’t limited to the number of bedrooms, the size of the garden, or the view from the kitchen window. It is about the feeling that washes over you the moment you step inside. It is about light, how the space flows, the details that finish off every corner perfectly, and the quiet confidence that everything has been thought through.

Across two developments at Nettleham, Truelove Property brings together conscientious homes, generous living spaces, quality craftsmanship and a calm, personal approach to creating places people are proud to call home.

It is that considered approach that shines through at Hawthorn Meadows and Cricketers’ Walk, where every home has been designed

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Homes

Designed to be as individual as you to offer flexibility, comfort and a sense of quiet luxury. From the moment you arrive, it is clear that these homes are made for modern family life. Open-plan spaces unfold,

ABOVE Truelove understands that a home needs to work beautifully in real life, not just on paper.

ready to encourage more time together, while separate rooms quietly wait to offer a moment of calm when it is needed, all finished with the kind of eye for detail that makes the Truelove difference.

‘The Snitterby’ is the perfect example. One of Truelove’s most impressive house types, it has been created with space, flexibility and individuality in mind. A grand entrance hallway, complete with a vaulted ceiling and feature window, sets the tone from the start.

At the heart of the home is an expansive kitchen, dining and family space, designed to become the natural

centre of day-to-day life. Large bifold doors bring in generous natural light and create a seamless connection to the outside, making the space feel open, calm and connected to its wellconsidered village surroundings.

But houses are made to be homes, and in a Truelove Property, there is always room to introduce some personality. For buyers who reserve early, there are opportunities to shape key details and finishes as the build progresses, an important step to help every home feel more personal from the very start, from flooring and fitted features to practical additions and those finishing touches.

Shaping the details isn’t where the flexibility ends. With the addition of a second reception room, buyers can enjoy valuable versatility, whether

ABOVE Features include underfloor heating, electric vehicle charging, solar panels and energy­ efficient air source heat pumps.

used as a home office, snug, library, playroom, hobby room or simply a quieter space away from the main family area.

The Snitterby can be configured as either a four or five-bedroom home, giving buyers the freedom to choose a layout that suits their lifestyle.

Generous bedrooms, beautifully appointed bathrooms and contemporary wet room-style designs continue the contemporary and calm, yet comfortable, feel throughout.

Carefully finished bathrooms aren’t the only addition that contributes to the wider Truelove experience.

Premium flooring, sculptural lighting, high-quality carpets, stylish radiators… these are not just decorative choices; they are the details that will continue to shape how a home feels every day.

For Truelove, building homes has always been about more than creating houses. It is about quality, longevity and a genuine pride in taking the time to do things properly.

At our Truelove developments, that philosophy is clear: homes designed with care, built with attention to detail, and made to support the way people really want to live.

FIND OUT MORE To see Truelove Homes’ current developments, visit www.trueloveproperty.co.uk or call 01522 526979.

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

Tel: 01507 527113

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

90

Luxury Homes

Woodside Grange Lincoln Woodside Grange is a truly outstanding contemporary country residence of remarkable scale and architectural presence, extending to over 12,990 sq ft (1,206 m²).

Guide price £1,995,000 Robert Bell & Company 43 Silver St, Lincoln LN2 1EH Call 01522 538888 www.robert-bell.org

Mill House Market Deeping At the edge of Market Deeping, where the town gives way to open countryside and water meadows, Mill House rests quietly in a setting that feels timeless. This handsome Grade II listed Georgian home dates from 1782.

Guide price £1,850,000 Fine & Country High Street East Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Call 01780 750 200 or see www.fineandcountry.co.uk 91

MARKET DEEPING 3 The Precincts | PE6 8FG 01778 341827 BOURNE 11 Victor Way | PE10 9PT 01778 424294 enquiries@crowlandcarpets.co.uk www.crowlandcarpets.co.uk

92

LUXURY HOMES

Blyborough Hall Estate

Thorpe Farm

Blyborough

Tealby

Blyborough Hall is a magnificent Grade II* listed country house set in a well-kept landscape within the Lincolnshire countryside. Dating back to the early 18th century, the hall offers over 10,000 sq ft of stylish accommodation.

A truly one-of-a-kind country home. Thorpe Farm is a most appealing, restored farmhouse with a converted crew yard, set within 7.88 acres of grounds (sts).

Offers over £1,750,000

Guide Price £1,250,000

Clark Estates 16 Eldon St, Tuxford, Newark NG22.

Call 01777 801901 or see www.clark-estates.co.uk

Mundys 22 Queen St, Market Rasen LN8 3EH. Call 01673 847487 or see www.mundys.net

Tathwell Grange Farm

Glebe Farm

Louth

West Halton

The Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is renowned for high quality arable production and superb scenery and Tathwell Grange is an outstanding farm in this area.

Glebe Farm is a rare mix of character, space and modern living, set in over five acres on the edge of West Halton with rural views and easy access to the Humber Bridge.

Guide price £12,500,000

Guide price £1,350,000

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

Beercocks 8 Kingston Rd, Willerby, Hull HU10 6BN Call 01482 656789 or see www.beercocks.com.

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94

LUXURY HOMES

Eagle Moor

Bourne Eau House

Lincoln

Bourne

Executive five-bedroom family home plus a self-contained annexe occupying a generous plot within the semi-rural hamlet of Eagle Moor. Benefits include, but are not limited to, a quadruple garage.

Positioned in one of Bourne’s most sought-after central settings, Bourne Eau House is an elegant and highly versatile five-bedroom family home with the added benefit of a self-contained two-bedroom annexe.

Guide price £1,075,000

Guide price £1,500,000

Martin & Co 33 Forum, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8HW Call 01522 503727 or see www.martinco.com

Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk.

The Old Wood

Juniper Court

Skellingthorpe

Woodhall Spa

Tucked away within The Old Wood, Skellingthorpe, and surrounded by mature woodland, this remarkable home offers a lifestyle that is genuinely hard to replicate.

Set to the fringe of mature woodland stands this beautifully crafted home of some considerable appeal providing thoughtfully designed accommodation.

Offers over £1,350,000

Offers over £985,000

Walters Cromwell House, Tritton Road, Lincoln LN6 7YT Call 01522 512 513 or see www.walters-property.com

Robert Bell & Company 19 Station Rd, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QL Call 01526 353333 www.robert-bell.org 95

LUXURY HOMES

The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory

Broxholme

Scampton

The Old Rectory is a splendid, substantial Grade II listed house offering a wealth of characterful accommodation arranged over two light-filled floors.

The property dates from the late 18th century.

The Old Rectory is an impressive Grade II listed period residence with striking limestone elevations. Internally, the house has been carefully styled, with understated, elegant décor.

Guide price £1,500,000

Guide price £1,650,000

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

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

Grainthorpe

Acorn House

Louth

Witham on the Hill

This immaculate five-bedroom detached house is in a sought-after rural setting of Grainthorpe, on the outskirts of Louth, combining extensive accommodation with substantial grounds and versatile outbuildings.

Enjoys breathtaking views, located on the outskirts of Witham on the Hill, a picturesque village nestled in the rolling countryside, offering a serene and idyllic setting for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.

Offers in Excess of £1,190,000

Guide price £1,400,000

YOPA Call 0330 808 7966 or see www.yopa.co.uk

King West 13 St Mary’s Street, Stamford PE9 2DE Call 01780 484520 www.kingwest.co.uk

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LUXURY HOMES

Stoneycroft

Wellsyke Farm

Lincoln

Kirkby on Bain

A prestigious detached period home with seven bedrooms, extensive refined accommodation and beautiful gardens, enviably positioned close to Lincoln’s historic centre.

A ring-fenced, highly versatile arable farm with large period house in close proximity to the sought-after former spa town of Woodhall Spa.

Guide Price £2,000,000

Guide price £3,430,000

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

Robert Bell & Company Old Bank Chambers, Horncastle, LN9 5HY Call 01507 522222 www.robert-bell.org

The Old Hall

White Home Farm

Fenton

Branston Fen

Stunning Grade II listed detached country residence situated in the heart of this popular village. The idyllic gated approach, with an in-and-out drive and private pond, leads to this delightful spacious home.

Residential arable farm. Four-bedroom modern family home in close proximity to Lincoln with fantastic countryside views. Productive arable land extending to 91.52 acres.

Guide Price £1,450,000

Guide price £1,520,000

Alasdair Morrison & Mundys Newark, NG24 1AL Call 01636 700888 or see www.amorrison-mundys.net

Savills Olympic House, Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk 97

98

LUXURY HOMES

Manor House

Rectory Lane

Sudbrook

Addlethorpe

Substantial manor house with an outdoor swimming pool, set within approximately two acres and enjoying stunning elevated views. An impressive and substantial six-bedroom manor home.

A fine detached four-bedroom residence with elegant proportions set within grounds of approximately 1 3/4 acres with private gated access. The property is located on the edge of the village of Addlethorpe.

£1,100,000

Guide price £1,300,000

Pygott & Crone 23 Watergate, Grantham NG31 6NS. Call 01476 591414 or see www.pygott-crone.com

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

Knaith Hall

Georgian Manor

Knaith

Welton Le Wold

Grade II listed detached country residence situated in the heart of this popular village, the idyllic gated approach with in-and-out drive and private pond leads to this delightful limestone and red brick spacious home.

This exceptional house is nestled in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, designated an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and offers an unparalleled blend of lifestyle living alongside breathtaking natural beauty.

Guide price £995,000

Offers in the Region of £1,450,000

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

Visum Nationwide 82 James Carter Road, IP28 7DE. Call 03300 10 11 15 or see www.visum.co.uk 99

100

LUXURY HOMES

North Ormsby Manor

The Covey

North Ormsby

Evedon

A stunning example of a period country manor house with a series of richly appointed rooms providing a range of versatile and adaptable accommodation.

Tucked away in one of the area’s most coveted village settings, The Covey presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a truly bespoke, executive five-bedroom detached residence.

£2,000,000

£1,000,000

Relo Estate Agents Prince Albert Gardens, Grimsby DN31 3AT Call 01472 494600 or see www.reloea.com

William H Brown 75 South Gate, Sleaford NG34 7TA. Call 01529 303040 or see www.williamhbrown.co.uk

The Hall

Drury Lane

Ashby-cum-Fenby

Lincoln

A magnificent Grade II listed house offering highly appealing accommodation, converted outbuildings and beautiful gardens, in the charming village of Ashbycum-Fenby.

A fully refurbished, high-specification modern property available in Lincoln’s historic uphill centre.

The property has undergone significant renovations.

Guide price £1,000,000

£999,950

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

Newton Fallowell 42 Silver St, Lincoln LN2 1EH Call 01522 516590 www.newtonfallowell.co.uk 101

01205 361694

www.poyntons.com sales@poyntons.com

CHARTERED SURVEYORS & ESTATE AGENTS

HIGH ROAD WESTON | SPALDING | LINCOLNSHIRE | PE12 6JU

WYBERTON WEST ROAD BOSTON ǀ LINCOLNSHIRE ǀ PE21 7JU

• Luxurious and Spacious Well Appointed Four Bedroomed Detached Bungalow FOR SALE • Desirable Location Close to Amenities and FREEHOLD WITH Good Transport Links VACANT POSSESSION • Large Double Garage Workshop, Potential for a Separate Annexe, Significant Loft Storage Subject To Contract • Integral Solar Panels (4KW), Dual Room No Onward Chain 8KW Log Burner, Solar Boost for Hot Water

• Currently Arranged as a 3 Bedroomed Family Home, Gardens and Detached Annexe with a Builder’s Yard and 140sqm, 1,510sqft of Workshops • Spacious and Highly Adaptable Family Home, FOR SALE Offering Versatile Options for Modern Family Life FREEHOLD WITH • Luxurious Family House with Detached Residential VACANT POSSESSION Annexe and Commercial Yard in Half an Acre • Unique Opportunity to Buy a Mixed Use Site with Excellent Long-Term Flexibility as Family Needs Evolve Subject To Contract

£595,000

CHARTERED SURVEYORS • ESTATE AGENTS • COMMERCIAL

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

• Desirable Two Bedroomed Detached Bungalow • Private Gardens, Conservatory and Garage • Desirable Residential Estate • Fully Fitted Kitchen

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£495,000

FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION

£235,000

Subject To Contract No Onward Chain

OUR SOUTH STREET OFFICE

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

LUXURY HOMES

Northorpe Hall

Toynton All Saints

Northorpe

Spilsby

Set within private grounds and surrounded by rolling countryside, Northorpe Hall is an outstanding Grade II listed Gothic Mansion, providing extensive accommodation and a wealth of magnificent original details.

Occupying an elevated position within the sought-after village of Toynton All Saints, this impressive four-bedroom executive detached residence combines character, generous living space and exceptional potential.

Guide price £2,250,000

£1,200,000

Strutt & Parker Albert St, Harrogate HG1 1JX Call 0115 934 8000 or see www.struttandparker.com

William H Brown 14 Wide Bargate, Boston PE21 6RH. Call 01423 205442 or see www.williamhbrown.co.uk

Old Manor House

The West Wing

Little Humby

Pickworth

Old Manor House is a distinguished Grade II listed former farmhouse, rich in character and positioned in the heart of an attractive semi-rural village with convenient access to Grantham.

Pickworth Hall underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2020 and was split into three dwellings. The West Wing includes a top-floor apartment, accessed via a separate entrance.

Guide price £1,025,000

Guide price £1,250,000

Savills High Street St Martin’s, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 484696 or see www.savills.com

Strutt & Parker South View, Tinwell Road, Stamford PE9 2JL. Call 01780 510039 or see www.struttandparker.com 103

ON THE FARM

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FARMING

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

H

arvest is now complete across Lincolnshire, and for many arable farmers it has proved a frustrating season. Wheat and barley crops looked exceptionally promising earlier in the year, with thick crops suggesting we’d enjoy a strong harvest.

three day UK wide training event featuring its newest combines. During the three day event, three machines worked simultaneously in our fields. These included an S7 single rotor combine, a T6 straw walker machine and the company’s 2027 X9 1100 twin rotor flagship, fitted with a 50 foot header, the first of its kind in the UK.

And yet when it arrived a month early, after prolonged sunshine, the grain that emerged was often small, very dry or inconsistent in size. Moisture was around 12%, instead of the ideal 15%, which means farmers are likely to have obtained yields about 2.5ton/ha below what might usually be expected.

Dealer staff travelled from across the country to learn about the latest machinery, and the technology continues to become more sophisticated each year. Modern combines can automatically control trailers as they pull alongside, scan the crop ahead and adjust forward speed to maintain a steady flow through the machine.

This has been the earliest harvest for around 20 years, with yields generally falling below the 10 year average. Oilseed rape performed rather better, offering at least one more encouraging result in a season that did not quite fulfil its early promise.

Farming rarely delivers exactly what the crop appears to suggest, and this year has been a reminder that good looking fields do not always translate into equally good grain.

Lincolnshire remains one of Britain’s most important food producing counties, so the quality and quantity of each harvest matters far beyond the farm gate, affecting millers, maltsters, merchants and consumers alike.

There has, however, been one advantage to bringing harvest in so early. With the grain safely stored, we have been able to begin spreading muck from a neighbouring poultry farm, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and preparing the land for the next growing season.

Harvest on our farm was not only early, but completed with unprecedented speed. John Deere selected Glebe Farm as the venue for a

Headers can flex to follow the contours of the field, while automatic systems can even manage turning at the end of each row.

All we need now is a combine capable of controlling the weather!

Elsewhere, we recently held a barn dance at Glebe Farm to raise funds for Lincolnshire Rural Support Network. LRSN provides an important lifeline for people working in agriculture, horticulture and related industries across the county. Its work includes one to one support, awareness campaigns and practical services focused on physical health and wellbeing.

Farming can be a rewarding way of life, but it can also be demanding, uncertain and isolating. Charities such as LRSN provide confidential, specialist support at times when it is needed most.

After a harvest that brought speed, impressive machinery and some disappointing yields, it was good to bring the local community together for a cause that understands rural life so well.

Watch Wardy’s Waffle: Our farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE is an arable farmer in Leadenham growing wheat, barley, sugar beet, beans and oats. Andrew has his own YouTube channel, Wardy’s Waffle, which is enjoyed by over 23,500 subscribers. Watch his updates Wednesday evenings from 7pm and Sunday mornings at 8am. Search YouTube for @WardysWaffleAndrewWard.

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Real Weddings

The Power of

LOVE

Some love stories begin with a grand gesture, but for Becky and Sam, theirs grew from years of friendship, shared interests and countless memories together.

Having first met while playing hockey at the University of Lincoln in 2011, the pair became part of the same friendship circle before their relationship naturally blossomed in 2015.

Their engagement was every bit as personal as their relationship. On Becky’s birthday in February 2025, Sam surprised her at home before the couple headed off on a holiday to

Norfolk. Rather than a traditional proposal, he wrote his question inside her birthday card, asking if she would like to join the family.

It was a complete surprise, although Becky admits she had a feeling it might happen soon. In a touching detail, Sam had asked her parents for permission almost two years earlier and had patiently waited for the right moment.

Once engaged, the couple quickly began planning the wedding they had always imagined.

Wanting a summer Saturday outside the hockey season, they began searching for a venue that would allow them to spend as much time as possible with their closest family and friends. Hanbeck Farm proved to be the perfect choice. The venue offered accommodation for their wedding party, allowing everyone to gather together the night before the ceremony.

For Becky, one of the most treasured memories of the entire weekend was sharing an informal evening meal prepared by her mum, surrounded by the people they love most.

IMAGES: ALEXANDRIA FRENCH PHOTOGRAPHY, @ALEXANDRIAFRENCHPHOTOGRAPHY, WWW.ALEXANDRIAFRENCHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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Their wedding style reflected their personalities beautifully. Inspired by the lavender and rosemary growing in their own garden, the day featured elegant shades of blue and purple alongside soft spring flowers.

Running throughout the celebration was a charming bee theme, a nod to Becky’s family nickname, ‘B.’ Subtle bee motifs appeared on the stationery, table décor and even within Sam’s wedding attire.

With around 60 guests attending the daytime celebration and a further 30 joining for the evening, the couple deliberately chose a smaller wedding so they could spend meaningful time with every guest.

Becky looked stunning in a beautifully embellished gown featuring intricate beadwork and sequins which shimmered as she moved. Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, the dress perfectly complemented the elegant yet relaxed style of the wedding.

Bridesmaids wore cornflower blue gowns, while the flower girls added a sweet finishing touch in navy dresses.

The couple also incorporated several deeply personal details into the celebration. Their tables were named after beloved family dogs, including Damson, who had belonged to Sam’s late mother before coming to live with the couple. It was a touching tribute that ensured her memory remained part of the day.

One of the most memorable moments came during their first dance. The couple chose a live version of The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, a song that holds special meaning for Becky and one that perfectly captured the emotion of the occasion.

Looking back, neither Becky nor Sam can single out one favourite moment.

Instead, they remember an entire weekend filled with love, laughter and togetherness.

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Wedding Suppliers Photography: Alexandria French Photography, www.alexandriafrenchphotography.co.uk.

Videography: Ellen Jackson Videography, www.ellenjackson.co.uk.

Wedding Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hanbeck Farm Weddings, Wilsford, www.hanbeckfarmweddings.com.

Wedding Coordinator: Amy Lauren Weddings, www.amylaurenweddings.co.uk.

Hair & Make Up: www.makeupbybecca.co.uk.

Floristry: Farmers Florist, www.farmersflorist.com.

Wedding Cake: Cake & Thistle, www.cakeandthistle.co.uk.

Catering: Black Peppermint, www.blackpeppermint.com.

Entertainment: The Rhodes Brothers, Jonny Ross Music, www.jonnyrossmusic.com.

Stationery: Sophie Botsford Stationery, www.sophiebotsford.com.

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Health & Beauty NEWS & UPDATES

LINCOLNSHIRE NHS £3m BOOST FOR DENTISTRY

Record number of patients seeking private GP appointments for convenience

Access to NHS dentistry in Lincolnshire is set to improve following plans to invest over £3 million in new services across Lincoln, Boston and Skegness.

The proposals are expected to provide around 29,000 additional NHS dental appointments each year, with a particular focus on communities where access has been most limited and oral health outcomes are poorest.

Alongside routine treatment, the new services will promote prevention, early intervention and oral health education, while also helping to train the county’s future dental workforce. By the time this issue is published, the public consultation will have concluded.

For private dental care and NHS provision, see Collingham Dental at www.collinghamdental.co.uk.

HydraFacial Named Best Hydrating Facial in 2026 Beauty Awards HydraFacial has been named Best Hydrating Facial in the 2026 NewBeauty Beauty Awards, recognising one of the world’s most popular non invasive skin treatments. The treatment combines cleansing, exfoliation, painless extraction and intensive hydration using antioxidant, peptide and hyaluronic acid serums, leaving

skin refreshed with no downtime. Suitable for addressing congestion, fine lines and uneven skin tone, HydraFacial continues to grow in popularity for its immediate results. In Rutland, the treatment is available from Calveo Clinic www.calveo.co.uk, which offers tailored HydraFacial treatments.

Private GP appointments are becoming increasingly popular, with around 13% of all GP consultations now taking place outside the NHS. Many patients are choosing private healthcare for faster access to appointments, longer consultation times and the convenience of same­day or next­day availability.

Appointments typically last 20 to 30 minutes, allowing more time to discuss symptoms and treatment options, with straightforward access to diagnostic tests and specialist referrals where required. Many people choose to pay on a consultation­by­consultation basis, whilst others are covered through private medical insurance. In Lincolnshire, private GP services are available through HS Health Group, www.hshealthgroup.co.uk, whilst Ramsay Health Care also provides private GP appointments via Boston West Hospital and Bretton’s Fitzwilliam Hospital, www.ramsayhealth.co.uk.

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Your Health Our Priority Committed to excellence in holistic healthcare, working alongside your NHS GP, providing prompt access to care, diagnosis and treatments NEW: Hepatitis B Vaccination: For Individuals or Employers looking for the vaccination for their staff, look no further. Contact us for flexible injection course options and prompt appointment arrangements.

Private GP services: Blood tests, private prescriptions, wellness check Ear, nose and throat: Consultations, diagnostics and treatment Orthopaedics & Physio: NHS and Private Musculoskeletal clinic Injectables: Steroid, Hyaluronic acid, PRP, Vitamin B12 injections Aesthetics: Dermal filler, Botox, skin hydration, B12infusion Book your appointment today at

hshealthgroup.co.uk

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Call 03330 147700.

Read House, Gilbert Drive, Boston, Lincs PE21 7TQ.

CONSULTANT LED CARE ESTABLISHED IN 2011 CQC REGISTERED SELF-PAY OR INSURED PROMPT APPOINTMENTS

BEAUTY

SEPTEMBER RITUALS

REFINE YOUR ROUTINES AS AUTUMN ARRIVES

Words: Mandy Bray.

A

s September arrives and the pace of summer begins to soften, there is a natural shift in the way we approach beauty and wellbeing. Longer evenings and cooler mornings encourage a return to ritual rather than haste, where skincare, haircare and self-care become less about quick fixes and more about deliberate, restorative habits. For a discerning audience, this seasonal transition is the perfect moment to refine routines and reintroduce treatments that support both appearance and overall wellbeing.

Autumn is often underestimated as a beauty season, yet it is arguably one of the most important. After months of sun exposure, travel and outdoor living, the body and skin benefit from recalibration. This is not about dramatic change, but subtle restoration. Texture, tone and energy levels all respond well to consistency, hydration and a renewed focus on nourishment from within as well as on the surface.

Hair, in particular, often reflects seasonal change early. Sun, sea air and heat styling can leave lengths feeling slightly weakened or lacking in shine. September is an ideal time to introduce more intensive conditioning treatments, focusing on moisture retention and repair.

Rich masks, bond-building treatments and regular scalp care help restore vitality, while trimming away summer-damaged ends ensures healthier growth in the months ahead. The result is hair that feels stronger, glossier and more resilient as the season progresses.

Makeup too naturally evolves. The fresh minimalism of summer gives way to a more polished, structured approach. Complexions benefit from subtle definition, with softly sculpted cheeks, richer lip tones and more intentional eye makeup choices. However, the modern approach remains refined rather than heavy, focusing on enhancement rather than transformation. Skin-like finishes and breathable formulas ensure the overall effect remains elegant and effortless.

Wellbeing becomes increasingly central as daylight hours shorten.

Energy levels can dip slightly as routines change, making sleep quality, movement and nutrition particularly important. Gentle forms of exercise such as yoga, Pilates or long countryside walks support both physical and mental balance, while small daily rituals such as evening skincare routines or mindful breathing can have a cumulative restorative effect. Beauty at this stage of the year is as much about how one feels as how one looks.

Ultimately, September offers a reset. It is a gentle invitation to slow down, refine and restore. By focusing on nourishment, balance and considered beauty choices, it becomes possible to move into autumn feeling not only well presented, but quietly re-energised.

Our Recommended Products (above): 1. Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense Riche Hair Mask. Intensely nourishing treatment designed for dry, sensitive hair, restoring softness, shine and manageability after summer exposure.

Leaves hair smooth and revitalised. £46.50, www.kerastase.co.uk.

2. Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil. Luxurious aromatherapy blend designed to ease tension and support restful sleep. £90, www.aromatherapyassociates.com.

3. Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense. Warm fragrance with amber, vanilla and resin notes. A sophisticated scent that feels elegant. £164, www.jomalone.co.uk.

4. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3. Gentle vitamin A serum that supports cell renewal, improves texture and boosts radiance, helping skin look fresher and more refined over time. £50, www.medik8.com.

5. Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate for Night. A nourishing botanical oil blend designed to restore balance, softness and radiance overnight. Rich in plant oils including rosehip, avocado and argan. £36, www.lizearle.com.

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Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear Since 1979

TOM FORD a collection in stock now.

43/44 Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS Te el: 01652 653595. We Web: www.obrie ensopticians.co.uk

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

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

SCULPT A NEW YOU AT

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

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Portfolio SEPTEMBER 2026

COVERING LINCOLNSHIRE & RUTLAND

FASHION - LIFESTYLE - BUSINESS

STYLE FOR MEN

FASHION

COUNTRY STYLE

Rural Tailoring

with Purdey of London

PLUS AUTUMN ACCESSORIES

TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE

CANADA

MOTORS

WILDLIFE

Land Rover

Autumn

Defender

Nature

A motoring icon remastered for the 21st century

A time of change for local wildlife

BURGHLEY WORLD CLASS EQUESTRIAN TALENT

HORSE TRIALS WORLD-CLASS EVENTING FIXTURE RETURNS TO STAMFORD

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FASHION

Countryside Style

ICONS

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Words & Product Selection: Mandy Bray

hether you are dressing for a day at Burghley, an autumn walk across the Wolds or simply embracing the enduring appeal of country style, rural clothing continues to balance

practicality with elegance. The best country attire has always been about more than fashion. It reflects a lifestyle rooted in the countryside, where quality, durability and timeless design matter far more than fleeting trends.

Get the look: see over the page.

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Above: Baker boy cap, glen green, £79; Hampton waistcoat, tawny, £299; Bridle boot, chocolate, £349; Tweed riding jacket, glen green, £399; Classic button­down shirt, white, £99; High­waisted wide­leg trouser, moss herringbone, £299, www.hollandcooper.com.

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Above: Silverfir women’s tweed poncho, thistle, £249; Honeysuckle jeans, bourbon, £129.

Downpatrick knee­high boot, cigar, £279, www.dubarry.com.

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>> Below/Right: Wisteria tailored blazer, £269; Petunia mini skirt, £99.95, www.barbour.com.

Braemar Luxe khaki green showerproof diamond quilted gilet, £99.

Charlotte jersey shirt printed with horse icons, £45. Cream slim­fit, straight­leg, mid­rise jeans, £59, www.joules.com.

Holland Cooper Artillery barn jacket in Hunter Green, £179. High­waisted straight trouser in Oyster linen, £299, www.hollandcooper.com.

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Right: Lyndon fleece gilet, £160. www.schoffelcountry.com.

The Bilsdale cape, £299, www.huntandhall.com.

Balmoral tweed country jacket, £695, www.reallywildclothing.com.

Sadie khaki waxed jacket, £395, www.fairfaxandfavor.com.

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£189, hugoboss.com

COUNTRYSIDE LAYERS Practical, flattering and endlessly versatile, the quilted gilet remains a countryside wardrobe essential. Layer over knitwear, shirts or dresses for effortless warmth and timeless rural style.

£129, barbour .com

£190, gant.co.uk

£199, dubarry .com

£220, schoffel country.com £99, holland cooper.com

£415, woolrich.com

SILK SCARVES

Beautiful silk scarves featuring equestrian motifs, florals and heritage­inspired prints, bringing colour, texture and effortless elegance to every country wardrobe.

£165, aspinalof london.com

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£275, sabinasavage.com

£700, ralphlauren.co.uk

£125, houseofbruar.com

£149, hollandcooper.com

£195, rmwilliams .com

£295, thespanishbootcompany.co.uk

£425, fairfaxandfavor.com £499, penelope chilvers.com

£115, hicksandbrown.com £349, hollandcooper.com

RIDING

£280, glazeandgordon.com

Feminine felt fedora­style hats for women, finished with feathers, ribbons and subtle trims in earthy tones, adding a refined countryside flourish to seasonal country dressing.

BOOTS Riding­style boots in leather and suede, from classic black and tan to soft taupe and stone, blending equestrian polish with versatile country­ready comfort.

FELT FEDORAS

£399, dubarry.com

£47.95, cotswoldcountryhats.com

£395, soeur.uk £4,100, dior.com £550, uk.polene­ paris.com

£129, hollandcooper.com

£125, veranohill.com

£415, attavanti.com

Saddlebags

Timeless saddle­shaped handbags in rich tans and deep browns, perfect for country style.

£89, dubarry.com

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Crafted For Autumn Days

STYLE FOR MEN

>>

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AS THE SEASON SHIFTS and mornings become cooler, September is the ideal time to refresh a gentleman’s wardrobe with pieces that balance practicality and understated luxury. Purdey has long been synonymous with exceptional British craftsmanship, creating clothing that feels equally at home on a country estate, a weekend shoot or a leisurely stroll through town. Rich tweeds, beautifully tailored jackets, fine knitwear and timeless accessories offer enduring style that transcends fleeting trends, delivering effortless elegance for the discerning modern country gentleman. www.shop.purdey.com

Leather Thermos Flask In Brown, £125. Men’s Hairsheep Leather Sporting Gloves, £265. Grain Leather Hip Flask in Dark Brown, £265.

Featherburst Card Holder In Dark Brown, £195. Grain Leather Twin Strap Boot in Dark Brown, £995. Emberton Rose and Scroll Sweater in Loden, £595. Raglan Tweed Field Coat, £1,595. High Collar Tweed Shooting Vest, £725. Petersham Corduroy Teba Jacket in Olive, £1,295, and matching trousers, £395. Unlined Bridle Leather Belt in London Tan, £150. Cotton Shepherd Check Single Pocket Shirt in Olive, £325. Balcombe Coat in Chestnut, £1,200. The Field Day Bag in Sporting Green, £995. Grassmere Jacket in Dark Olive, £1,650.

Litton Short Peak Tweed Cap, £115.

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LUXURY

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HERMÈS’ SELLERIE MÉTIER

ew names in the world of luxury command quite the same respect as Hermès. Founded almost 190 years ago, the Parisian house has built its reputation not through advertising or fleeting fashion trends, but through exceptional craftsmanship, patient growth and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Today it is recognised for everything from its coveted leather handbags and silk scarves to fine watches, jewellery, homeware and fragrances. Yet despite its global success, the company remains firmly rooted in the equestrian heritage from which it was born, a connection that remains central to its identity.

For visitors to the Defender Burghley Horse Trials this month, Hermès is a particularly appropriate presence. Long before the brand became synonymous with luxury fashion, it earned its reputation by creating the finest harnesses and saddles for Europe’s horse-drawn carriages. Today, while its product range has expanded enormously, the horse remains at the very heart of the maison.

From Harness Workshop to Global House The story begins in 1837, when Thierry Hermès established a workshop in Paris specialising in harnesses and bridles for Europe’s wealthy carriage owners. His leatherwork quickly became renowned for its durability, precision and elegance, attracting aristocratic and royal clients from across the continent.

By the late nineteenth century the business had expanded, moving to its famous headquarters at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, where it remains today. Successive generations of the Hermès family gradually diversified the company, introducing saddlery, luggage and leather travel goods as changing fashions and new forms of transport altered customer demands.

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The arrival of the motor car might have ended the fortunes of many traditional harness makers, but Hermès adapted successfully. Throughout the twentieth century it expanded carefully into clothing, accessories and luxury goods, while maintaining the artisanal methods that had established its reputation.

Remarkably, Hermès has remained largely family-controlled throughout its history, allowing it to take a long-term approach rather than chasing seasonal trends or rapid expansion.

Leather Goods That Define Luxury Although Hermès now creates products across numerous categories, leather remains the company’s signature craft. Rather than working on production lines, a single craftsman will often create an entire handbag from beginning to end using traditional saddle stitching techniques first developed for equestrian leatherwork.

The Kelly bag, originally known simply as the Sac à Dépêches, became internationally famous after Princess Grace Kelly was photographed carrying it in the 1950s. Equally celebrated is the Birkin bag, introduced in 1984 following a chance conversation between actress Jane Birkin and Hermès executive Jean Louis Dumas during a flight.

Demand for both bags consistently exceeds supply, with waiting lists, limited production and meticulous craftsmanship contributing to their desirability. Yet they represent only a small part of Hermès’ leather collection, which also includes wallets, luggage, belts, small accessories and business cases.

Silk, Fashion and Colour Hermès entered the world of silk in 1937 with the launch of its first carré, the now famous square silk scarf measuring 90 centimetres on each side.

Since then thousands of designs have been created, featuring everything from equestrian scenes and wildlife to abstract art and historical themes. Each scarf involves an intricate printing process using numerous individual colour screens, while many are regarded as collectors’ pieces in their own right.

Ready-to-wear clothing followed later, with collections for both women and men that reflect the company’s understated approach to luxury. Rather than embracing conspicuous branding, Hermès favours timeless tailoring, exceptional fabrics and subtle detailing.

Jewellery, Watches and Fragrance Over recent decades Hermès has steadily expanded into additional luxury categories without losing sight of its heritage.

Its watchmaking division combines Swiss mechanical expertise with distinctive French design, while jewellery collections often incorporate motifs inspired by horse tack, stirrups and harness fittings.

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The company once described the horse as Hermès’ first client, reflecting the continuing importance of saddles and riding equipment to the brand

Above: Hermès’ Birkin bag, the second most exclusive version of which was the Himalayan crocodile variant, priced at $432,000. Jane Birkin’s original Hermès bag, though, sold at auction in 2025 for €8.6m.

LUXURY BRANDS

The company’s fragrances have also become highly respected.

Classic perfumes such as Terre d’Hermès, Twilly d’Hermès and Un Jardin sur le Nil have developed loyal followings, while more recent launches continue to balance originality with elegance.

Elsewhere, Hermès produces home furnishings, tableware, furniture, decorative objects and even bespoke interior collections, demonstrating the breadth of its craftsmanship.

The Equestrian Métier Among Hermès’ sixteen métiers, or specialist product divisions, none carries greater historical significance than its equestrian department. Indeed, senior figures within the company often describe the horse as the brand’s first client, reflecting the continuing importance of riding equipment to the business.

Today Hermès continues to produce handcrafted saddles, bridles, stirrup leathers, grooming accessories and riding equipment for professional and amateur equestrians alike.

Every saddle is individually made, combining traditional techniques with careful attention to the specific horse and rider.

Horse-inspired motifs appear throughout its collections, from silk

scarves and jewellery to handbag hardware and the famous horse and carriage logo.

The company’s annual Saut Hermès international showjumping competition in Paris further demonstrates the continuing importance of equestrian sport to the brand’s identity. Hermès’ equestrian heritage ensures it will enjoy a presence at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials this month, where it will offer a bespoke saddlery clinic.

Quiet Confidence Unlike many luxury houses, Hermès rarely relies upon celebrity endorsements or dramatic reinvention. Instead, its reputation has been built steadily through craftsmanship, limited production and products designed to last for generations.

Nearly two centuries after Thierry Hermès first opened his Paris workshop, the company’s values remain recognisably the same.

Whether producing a handcrafted saddle, a silk scarf or a finely stitched leather bag, each piece reflects the same commitment to craftsmanship that first established the house in 1837. It is a heritage that feels especially at home among the horses, riders and traditions of Burghley.

Hermès’ Faubourg Workshops.

Image: Jack Orton.

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

T THE ROCKIES, CANADA

here is a certain breed of railway journey familiar to anyone in our area. It involves a delayed service to Peterborough, then a replacement bus at Grantham, with a gentleman opposite eating something pungent from a foil tray, and the particular thrill of discovering that the buffet car has run out of everything except a warm tonic water and a Twix. We have all done it.

We have all stood on a windswept platform at Grantham watching the departure board cheerfully rearrange our entire afternoon. This, we tell ourselves, is the romance of rail travel.

It is not. The romance of rail travel, the real, lump-in-the-throat, why-did-Ileave-it-so-long version, is happening four and a half thousand miles away, in a glassdomed carriage gliding through the Canadian Rockies, while a steward refills your coffee and a bald eagle banks lazily over a turquoise river below.

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TRIP OF A LIFETIME

This is the Rocky Mountaineer, and it is, by some distance, the most civilised way ever devised to look at a mountain. The Rockies in early autumn are a particular kind of glory. By September the summer crowds have thinned, the children are back at school on two continents, and the larch trees begin their slow turn to gold against the deep green of the pines. The air sharpens. The light goes long and amber.

The lakes (Louise, Moraine, Emerald) hold their impossible mineral colour, fed by glaciers grinding rock into a powder so fine it tints the water like a jeweller’s trick. You will have seen the photographs. They are not exaggerated. If anything, they undersell it, because no photograph carries the silence, or the cold clean smell of the spruce, or the faint sound of a distant rockfall echoing across a valley.

Getting there is refreshingly straightforward, which we appreciate is not always the case with a trip of this magnitude. From the area, you make your way to London Heathrow, a run down from East Midlands, or the train if you must, though we’d forgive you for driving after that opening paragraph, and from there it is a single direct flight to Calgary, gateway to the mountains and a city far more charming than its oiland-cattle reputation suggests. No connections, no scrambling through a foreign terminal with a boarding pass clamped between your teeth.

Just one flight, west, into the afternoon sun.

A word of caution, since we promised honesty. This is not a cheap trip; the Rocky Mountaineer is a genuine luxury, priced accordingly, and September is its most expensive, and most beautiful, season.

The flights are long, the time difference will fog your first day, and the weather in the mountains does as it pleases regardless of what you have paid.

But for those who can stretch to it, this is the kind of trip people describe, years later, with a slight catch in the voice. It is the holiday you remember at the end. And on that basis alone, we think it earns its place in these pages. Turn the page, pour something good, and let us take you to the mountains.

The Rockies in early autumn are a particular kind of glory

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Moraine Lake is a spectacular glacier­fed lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Famous for its vibrant turquoise water and dramatic mountain backdrop, it is one of the most photographed and highly sought­after natural landmarks in the Canadian Rockies.

See and do Lake Louise & Moraine Lake: The two most photographed lakes in Canada, and rightly so. Rough guide: shuttle/tour from around £15–£40 per person.

The Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain: Eight minutes to a 2,300-metre summit and a boardwalk with views down the Bow Valley. Rough guide: around £40–£50 per person.

Where to stay and the train itself This is a trip of two halves — the rail journey, and the mountain towns at the end of it. Do both properly.

The Rocky Mountaineer (the journey): The route you want is First Passage to the West, the historic line from Vancouver to Banff and Lake Louise, and the only passenger train permitted on this stretch of the original Canadian Pacific Railway. It is a two-day daylight journey with an overnight hotel stay in Kamloops — you travel only in daylight, so you miss nothing, and sleep in a proper bed rather than a rattling berth. Two classes of service: SilverLeaf (single-level glass dome, excellent) and GoldLeaf (bi-level dome, outdoor viewing platform, the dining room downstairs — the one to book if you can).

Rough guide for September: from around £1,800+ per person SilverLeaf, rising to roughly £2,400+ per person for GoldLeaf, including meals and the Kamloops hotel.

Fairmont Château Lake Louise: The grande dame, sitting directly on the lake’s edge with that view. Not cheap, not understated, but a genuine bucket-list address. Rough guide: £400–£650+ per night in September.

Fairmont Banff Springs: The ‘castle in the Rockies’ is baronial, turreted, gloriously over the top, and walkable to Banff town. Rough guide: £350–£550 per night. For something quieter and more boutique, the Post Hotel & Spa in Lake Louise is a Relais & Châteaux

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favourite with one of the best wine cellars in Canada. Rough guide: £300–£450 per night.

The sensible structure: fly to Calgary, transfer to Vancouver, take the train eastbound back into the Rockies (cheaper than westbound, oddly), then a few nights split between Lake Louise and Banff before flying home from Calgary.

Glass-domed carriages, glacier-fed lakes the colour of jewels against the pines. The Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies is, we promise, a true trip of a lifetime.

The Icefields Parkway & Columbia Icefield: One of the greatest drives on earth, Lake Louise to Jasper, past glaciers you can walk on via a guided ‘Ice Explorer.’ Rough guide: glacier excursion around £60–£90 per person; the drive is free and worth a full day.

A wildlife drive at dawn or dusk: September is rutting season for elk and prime feeding time for bears ahead of hibernation. A guided wildlife tour vastly improves your odds. Rough guide: £70– £120 per person. Keep your distance.

Banff Upper Hot Springs: Soak in steaming mineral water with a mountain panorama, ideally as the light fades. Rough guide: around £10 per person.

A perfect, cheap, unforgettable end to a day.

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

DELICACIES The Rockies feed you the way the mountains demand, hearty, generous and unfussy, and working through the menu is half the fun.

ALBERTA BEEF World-class steak from the surrounding ranchlands. Order it simply, cooked rare, and do not overthink it.

Who You’ll Meet Grizzly and black bears: The headline act.

September is feeding season, when bears gorge on berries before winter, making sightings more likely than at any other time.

Watch from a vehicle or with a guide — never on foot, never close. Spotting one ambling across a hillside is a moment you won’t forget.

Elk: Impossible to miss, and September is the rut, when bull elk bugle their eerie, high-pitched call across the valleys and clash antlers for dominance. Magnificent to watch, genuinely dangerous to approach — give them a very wide berth, especially around Banff town, where they wander the streets with total indifference to traffic.

Bighorn sheep & mountain goats: Surefooted dwellers of the high crags, often glimpsed clinging to impossible ledges along the Icefields Parkway.

The goats are a brilliant, startling white against the grey rock.

Bald eagles & osprey: Riding the thermals above the rivers, hunting for salmon and trout. Keep one eye on the sky from the train. The Rocky Mountaineer crew are expert spotters and will point them out.

Moose & beaver: The shy ones. Moose lurk in marshy lakeshores at dawn and dusk, while beaver dams reshape entire valleys.

Patience and an early start are rewarded, and a good pair of binoculars is absolutely essential.

PACIFIC SALMON Wild-caught and often cedar-planked or maple-glazed. Fresh, rich and a genuine taste of the west.

POUTINE Chips, cheese curds and gravy. Inelegant, deeply unhealthy, utterly delicious.

Order one to share, guiltily.

NANAIMO BAR A no-bake Canadian classic: custard, chocolate and crumb. Have one with a strong coffee after a cold morning.

A grizzly bear feeding in shallow water.

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DEFENDER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS 2026

Get Ready for E

Burghley World Class Eventing Talent

very September, the world’s finest horses and riders gather beneath the magnificent silhouette of Burghley House for one of the most prestigious sporting occasions on the international calendar.

Defender Burghley Horse Trials is much more than an elite equestrian competition.

It is a celebration of the countryside, a showcase for rural businesses and craftsmanship, and one of Great Britain’s greatest annual events, contributing around £20 million to the local economy each year. Whether you arrive to watch world class sport, enjoy a day’s luxury shopping, indulge in fine food and drink or simply soak up the unique atmosphere, Burghley offers something for everyone.

The Ultimate Test of Horse and Rider Alongside Badminton in Gloucestershire and Kentucky in the United States, Burghley forms the Grand Slam of eventing. As a five-star FEI competition, it is recognised as one of the toughest and most respected equestrian challenges anywhere in the world.

Each year around 80 of the world’s leading combinations travel to Stamford, with riders representing many different nations. To reach Burghley, competitors must already have demonstrated exceptional ability at four-star level, making qualification an achievement in itself.

The competition unfolds over three demanding phases.

Dressage opens proceedings, testing the precision, balance and obedience of horse and rider through an elegant series of movements. Cross country follows, with a challenging course of solid fences spread across the historic parkland, demanding courage, stamina and split-second judgement. Finally comes showjumping in the main arena, where even the smallest mistake can dramatically alter the leaderboard.

Success at Burghley requires athleticism, partnership and consistency across all three disciplines, making victory one of the sport’s greatest honours.

Every Mark Counts Unlike many sports where the highest score wins, eventing rewards the lowest penalty score. Dressage penalties provide the starting point before faults and time penalties accumulated during cross country and showjumping are added together. A single rail, refusal or second over the optimum time can prove decisive in such closely contested competition.

The eventual winner not only earns international recognition but also shares in a substantial prize fund that attracts many of the world’s leading riders. Beyond the financial rewards, a Burghley victory becomes a defining moment in an equestrian career and is remembered long after the rosettes have faded.

For spectators, the format creates compelling drama, with positions constantly changing as each phase places different demands upon horse and rider. It is this unpredictability that makes Burghley so captivating.

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DEFENDER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS 2026

Shopping in Style Even visitors with little knowledge of eventing quickly discover that Burghley is one of Britain’s finest outdoor shopping destinations. Hundreds of carefully selected exhibitors transform the showground into an impressive retail village offering everything from country clothing and jewellery to furniture and luxury homewares.

The shopping avenues are renowned for their quality, bringing together established country brands alongside independent designers and craftspeople.

Fashion, footwear, leather goods, sporting equipment, gifts and interiors all feature prominently, making it easy to spend an entire day browsing between competitions. Over the page we’ve a profile of some of the brands you can expect to see at this year’s event.

A Celebration of Country Living Food and drink are every bit as important to the Burghley experience as the sporting action. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy everything from artisan street food and freshly prepared lunches to afternoon tea and locally produced delicacies.

Hospitality packages offer an even more luxurious experience, combining exceptional dining with outstanding views of the action. Beyond the restaurants and cafés, visitors can sample regional produce, browse specialist food retailers and enjoy refreshments while overlooking one of the country’s most beautiful sporting venues.

More Than Just the Horse Trials Burghley continues to expand beyond its famous competition, offering attractions that appeal to every generation. You can watch tomorrow’s stars compete in dedicated classes, while visitors keen to improve their own understanding of the sport can enjoy demonstrations and masterclasses delivered by respected riders and trainers.

One of the most popular attractions is the series of Defender driving demonstrations, showcasing the remarkable off-road capability of the event’s title sponsor across a specially designed course.

The celebrations extend well beyond the gates of Burghley House itself. Stamford embraces the occasion with a Best Dressed Window Competition, as independent shops and businesses decorate their displays in an equestrian theme.

The result is a town alive with colour and creativity, welcoming thousands of visitors who take the opportunity to explore its historic streets before or after their day at Burghley.

It’s an example of the community eagerly anticipating one of Britain’s great country occasions and an event that continues to attract loyal visitors year after year. www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

DAVID CECIL, 6TH MARQUESS OF EXETER David George Brownlow Cecil, 6th Marquess of Exeter, was born at Burghley House on 9 February 1905 and became one of Britain’s greatest sporting aristocrats before his death on 21 October 1981.

Known as Lord Burghley until succeeding to the marquessate in 1956, he won Olympic gold in the 400­metre hurdles at Amsterdam in 1928 and silver in the 4 x 400­metre relay at Los Angeles in 1932.

He also claimed three gold medals at the 1930 British Empire Games and later chaired the organising committee for the 1948 London Olympics.

A Conservative MP for Peterborough from 1931 to 1943, he also served as Governor of Bermuda and became President of the International Amateur Athletic Federation.

In 1961 he welcomed the Burghley Horse Trials to his estate after a foot­and­mouth outbreak forced the event from Harewood House, creating a sporting institution.

He also inspired the character Lord Andrew Lindsay, played by Nigel Havers in Chariots of Fire, although the portrayal took considerable historical liberties.

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DEFENDER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS

The Best Brands at Burghley

Boodles the Jewellers

Holland Cooper

Fairfax & Favor

Founded in 1798, Boodles is one of Britain’s most distinguished family­owned luxury jewellers, renowned for combining exceptional gemstones with imaginative contemporary design. Still run by the Wainwright family, the company has earned a reputation for elegant collections including Raindance, Blossom and Wonderland, alongside exquisite bespoke creations. Every piece is designed in­house and crafted to exacting standards, making Boodles a byword for British craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Created in 2008 by Jade Holland Cooper, Holland Cooper has become one of Britain’s fastest­growing luxury fashion brands, celebrated for combining timeless country style with contemporary tailoring.

Best known for impeccably cut tweed jackets, wool coats, knitwear, leather goods and equestrian­inspired clothing, every collection reflects exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Signature gold hardware and flattering silhouettes have become hallmarks of Holland Cooper.

Fairfax & Favor brings a polished sense of country glamour to Burghley, with footwear and accessories designed to move effortlessly from showground to smart weekend wardrobe. Its signature Regina boot remains an icon, joined by elegant loafers, heeled boots, suede handbags, belts and interchangeable tassels. The appeal lies in its combination of comfort, quality and style, with finished pieces that feel practical enough for country life yet refined enough for the smartest social occasions.

Boodles.

Holland Cooper.

Fairfax & Favor.

Pol Roger

Dubarry

LeMieux

For more than 175 years, Pol Roger has been one of Champagne’s most distinguished houses, producing elegant wines that have long been associated with celebration, refinement and exceptional craftsmanship. Favoured by Sir Winston Churchill and still family­ owned, the maison is renowned for its Brut Réserve, vintage Champagnes and prestigious Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill.

As the Official Champagne of the Burghley Horse Trials, Pol Roger brings more than a little joie de vivre to the event!

Originally established in Ireland in 1937, Dubarry has earned an enviable reputation for premium country footwear and clothing designed to withstand the demands of rural life. The brand’s waterproof leather boots are instantly recognisable, combining Gore­Tex technology with beautifully crafted leather for comfort, durability and style.

Alongside its celebrated boots, Dubarry offers coats, knitwear, shirts, accessories and sailing wear, making it a trusted choice for those seeking practical luxury.

Created by former international event rider Robert Lemieux, LeMieux has become one of the equestrian world’s most respected brands, combining technical innovation with stylish design.

Best known for its premium saddle pads, horsewear, riding clothing and accessories, the company develops products with performance, comfort and horse welfare in mind. Its coordinated colour collections and meticulous attention to detail have earned a devoted following among professional riders.

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Latham & Taylor

Tom Lane

Claire Haggas Scarves

Latham and Taylor specialises in high quality country clothing and accessories for men and women. The company brings together respected heritage brands alongside carefully chosen seasonal collections, offering everything from tweed jackets and knitwear to waterproof outerwear, shirts, footwear and country essentials. An emphasis on quality, practicality and timeless style has helped make Latham and Taylor a trusted destination for those seeking elegant clothing built to last.

Proudly rooted in Lincolnshire, Tom Lane has built a loyal following for its beautifully made country clothing that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style. The family business is best known for premium shirts, knitwear, outerwear and accessories, all designed with comfort, durability and understated elegance in mind. Inspired by rural life and British heritage, Tom Lane creates versatile clothing equally suited to country pursuits and everyday wear, making it a real local success story.

Colour, character and craftsmanship define Claire Haggas, whose luxurious silk scarves have become highly sought.

Each design begins as an original hand­painted artwork, featuring horses, hounds, wildlife and rural themes before being transformed into beautifully printed silk accessories. Made in England using the finest materials, Claire Haggas scarves combine timeless elegance with striking artistic detail, creating distinctive pieces that are as collectible as they are wearable.

Latham & Taylor.

Tom Lane.

Claire Haggas.

Joules Burghley Collection

Loake

Musto

With its headquarters at Market Harborough, just a short distance from Stamford, Joules has become one of Britain’s best­loved country lifestyle brands. Since its beginnings selling clothing at rural shows, the company has grown into a household name renowned for colourful prints, quality outerwear, knitwear, shirts, footwear and accessories. Its exclusive Burghley Collection celebrates one of the country’s greatest equestrian events with stylish, heritage inspired pieces.

Handcrafted in Northamptonshire since 1880, Loake is one of Britain’s most respected shoemakers and still manufactures many of its finest styles in the county where the company was founded. Renowned for Goodyear welted shoes and boots, Loake combines traditional craftsmanship with premium leathers to create footwear that offers exceptional comfort, durability and longevity. From classic brogues to smart country boots, every pair reflects more than a century of expertise.

Musto has spent more than 60 years developing technical clothing that excels in the toughest conditions. Today the brand is equally respected in the equestrian world, producing innovative riding jackets, breeches, base layers, waterproofs and country wear that combine freedom of movement with exceptional weather protection. Trusted by professional riders and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Musto is renowned for blending cutting­edge fabric technology with practical design, and comfort.

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COUNTRYSIDE ­ Bransby Horses BELOW Last year alone Bransby Horses rescued 129 equines, rehomed 105 and responded to hundreds of welfare concerns affecting almost a thousand animals.

In this month’s magazine we’ve seen some world-class horses and riders, living their best lives together.

Sadly not all horses are destined to be as fortunate, which is why Bransby Horses was established in 1947 to rescue, rehabilitate and care for equines in need.

The charity also aims to positively influence equine care by offering non-judgemental advice and support to owners and carers, preventing cruelty or neglect.

Today, Bransby Horses is one of the United Kingdom’s largest equine welfare charities, caring for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules across its 600-acre Lincolnshire site and through a network of foster homes nationwide. Every animal has its own story, but each receives the

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same commitment to compassionate care and the chance of a better future.

ABOVE Bransby Horses is one of the largest equine charities in the United Kingdom

The charity was established when Peter Hunt first rescued Sally, a four year old mare found on a bomb site in South London.

She had already endured hard work at just 18 months old, pulling logs from a spinney before being rescued from an uncertain future.

When Peter moved to Bransby to found the charity, Sally came too, becoming the inspiration for everything that followed.

The charity’s work begins with rescue, removing equines from neglect, cruelty or dangerous situations.

Rehabilitation follows, a process that can take weeks, months or even years depending on the individual with

veterinary treatment, patient handling and expert care gradually invested in rebuilding confidence and trust.

“The Charity works closely with each animal, ensuring their rehabilitation programmes are tailored to each of their individual needs,” says Bransby’s Neil White.

Countryside BRANSBY HORSES

Where possible, horses are matched with carefully selected foster homes through the charity’s rehoming programme, giving them the opportunity to enjoy life with experienced carers.

Those with more complex medical or behavioural needs remain at Bransby for lifelong sanctuary care, where they can live safely and comfortably for the rest of their lives.

Last year alone Bransby Horses rescued 129 equines, rehomed 105 and responded to hundreds of welfare concerns affecting almost a thousand animals. Every success relies on public support.

There are many ways to help.

Visitors are welcome to discover the charity’s work first-hand, while donations and gifts in wills provide vital funding for future rescues.

Transforming the Lives of

Horses

ABOVE Two of the charity’s current custodians, enjoying a new life and finding friendship together.

Animal lovers can also sponsor one of Bransby’s resident horses or, if they have the experience and facilities, offer a deserving horse, pony, donkey or mule a loving retirement through Bransby’s very successful fostering programme.

for equine rescue and welfare increases, we can only continue this work with the generous support of those who visit us and support us in so many ways. We cannot thank you enough for all your support, which simply makes what we do possible.”

“We’re proud of our work,” says Neil, “We rely solely on support from the general public to help us continue our mission and so as the demand

Find Out More: Call 01427 788 464, visit the charity at Bransby near Lincoln or see www.bransbyhorses.co.uk.

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NATURE

A A MONTH OF QUIET TRANSITION

s September arrives, the countryside enters a subtle in-between season. The intensity of high summer begins to ease, yet autumn has not fully taken hold, leaving the landscape suspended in a moment of quiet transition. Light softens, colours deepen and the natural world begins to adjust its rhythm in preparation for the months ahead. There is a distinct sense of movement without urgency, where change is visible but unhurried.

Meadows and grasslands Knapweed, yarrow, scabious and late clovers may still be found in flower, offering valuable nectar to insects as the season changes. On warm afternoons, butterflies such as red admirals, commas, peacocks and small tortoiseshells can still be seen feeding busily, building reserves before colder weather arrives.

The grasses themselves are now one of the great features of the landscape. Seed heads catch the low September light, turning roadside verges, old pastures and conservation meadows into areas of bronze, gold and silver. Grasshoppers and crickets continue to sing in sheltered places, their sound a lingering reminder of summer.

Birds also make use of these habitats. Goldfinches and linnets feed on seeds from thistles and teasels, while kestrels hover above rougher areas in search of small mammals. Where meadows are left uncut until later in autumn, they provide food, shelter and breeding opportunities for an impressive range of wildlife.

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September is therefore not an ending, but a quieter and very productive chapter in the grassland year, especially on estate parkland, nature reserves, churchyards and traditional grazing land.

Woodland and hedgerows Woodland and hedgerows are among the richest habitats in September, when the countryside begins to show the first signs of autumn.

Most trees are still in leaf, yet field maple, rowan, birch and horse chestnut may begin to show touches of yellow, copper and russet. The light has changed too, falling lower through the trees and giving familiar woodland walks a softer, more atmospheric quality.

Hedgerows are at their most abundant now. Hawthorn berries glow red, elderberries darken, rosehips shine and blackberries remain plentiful along lanes, footpaths and field edges. These fruits are vital for birds and mammals preparing for winter.

Blackbirds, thrushes, robins, wood pigeons and migrating warblers all take advantage of this natural harvest. In good berry years, a well managed hedgerow can be as valuable as any woodland edge.

Around the farm Farmland defines much of the eastern and Midlands landscape, and in September it is particularly active.

Seagulls, rooks, crows and jackdaws follow cultivation, searching for worms, insects and spilled grain.

Buzzards circle above fields, while kestrels hunt along field margins and grassy banks. Brown hares may be seen in open stubble, their shapes more visible now that the crops have been cut.

Wide field margins and winter bird food plots all help support species that have struggled in the wider countryside.

September is a good month to notice these features, as many are still full of seed and insect life.

The farmland landscape may look tidy after harvest, but it is far from empty.

It is a working environment that also supports a web of wildlife, from soil

148

organisms and pollinating insects to owls, finches and birds of prey.

As evenings draw in, barn owls may be seen hunting low over rough grassland, taking advantage of the abundance of voles and mice that remain active in field margins and uncultivated corners.

Waterways and rivers Rivers, drains, streams, reservoirs and gravel pits remain lively places, especially during calm, mild weather.

Dragonflies still hunt above the water, their movements fast and purposeful, while damselflies linger among reeds and marginal plants.

Along quieter stretches, kingfishers may be easier to spot as young birds disperse and look for territories of their own. Their sudden flash of blue is one of the great pleasures of an autumn walk by water.

September is also an important month for migration. Swallows and house martins gather in restless groups before heading south, often feeding low over rivers and lakes where insects are plentiful.

Wetlands and reservoirs may attract passage waders, especially where muddy edges are exposed. Redshanks, greenshanks, sandpipers and godwits can appear briefly before continuing their journeys.

Reedbeds and riverbanks provide shelter for many resident species.

Moorhens, coots and mallards remain visible, while herons stand motionless in the shallows.

In September, waterways connect the richness of summer with the movement and anticipation of autumn.

Reservoirs such as Rutland Water become particularly important during this period, acting as staging posts for migrating birds and offering some of the finest wildlife-watching opportunities of the year, including views of its ospreys.

As dawns become cooler and the landscape grows quieter, these waters provide a fitting reminder that nature is constantly changing, with one season gradually giving way to the next.

ABOVE Green hawker dragonfly, berries in local hedgerows and a barn owl on alert.

Nature

Butterflies such as red admirals, commas, peacocks and small tortoiseshells will all be feeding busily...

149

Motors

DEFENDER

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE OF LIMITATIONS

LAND ROVER ­ Defender BELOW Updates for 2027 include a new Vertex urban trim level, matte white and Namibia Orange paint options.

110 gains a six­seat option with spacious mid­row captain’s chairs.

Time flies, doesn’t it? The ‘new’ Land Rover Defender was revealed on September 10th 2019, with the first vehicles being delivered the following year. That’s seven years ago, so perhaps it’s about time we stopped referring to the vehicle as the ‘new’ Defender, although Land Rover has just announced a range of changes to the car, not quite a facelift, but improvements all the same.

To say Defender has been a success is a great understatement. Of the 430,000 cars that Jaguar Land Rover sells each year (about 80,000 in the UK), it’s reckoned that 112,000 wear a Defender badge.

More Range Rover-branded vehicles are sold, but that’s a figure split between the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque.

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ABOVE Octa is the 4.4­litre V8 engined Defender but as impressive as it is, we also like the mid­range D350.

For fans of petrol, 2027 brings a new P380 petrol option.

Defender is the company’s bestselling and most coveted vehicle, with the five-door 110 version by far the most popular variant, compared to the three-door 90 version or the humongous 130. Good old diesel remains by far the most popular fuel, followed by petrol and then the PHEV powertrain.

Next month, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will officially be available as all-electric vehicles and it’s likely that an all-electric Defender will follow (try getting their press office to admit any of that, though).

Range-topping HSE is the most popular trim, which rather lays waste to the argument that a ‘proper’ Defender should be capable of being hosed out and carrying a bale of hay.

The new Vertex trim for the facelifted car gives the option of an ‘urban’ look.

Defender’s prowess off-road didn’t come as a surprise, but what shocked everybody was just how brilliant the Defender is on-road, too. For a large, tall vehicle, its on-road manners are impeccable, especially when airsprung rather than relying on conventional suspension – and all of its engines are smooth and powerful.

Motors with ROB DAVIS

Diesel remains overwhelmingly popular, with two choices, the slightly more frugal D250 and the better-fit D350 which offers more torque. The P400 plug-in hybrid is a really good fit, and until the all-electric Defender arrives, it’s definitely one to consider, even if you’re an electric sceptic.

As part of last month’s changes Land Rover announced a new P380 threelitre straight-six petrol engine, with 355hp. It replaces the thirsty V8 and puts some distance between the rest of the range and the performance flagship, the Octa.

Powered by a 4.4-litre V8, the Octa’s performance has been tempered slightly to achieve compliance with Euro 6e emissions criteria. It’ll now reach 60mph in 4.2 seconds, which is still frighteningly fast.

Defender’s performance off-road wasn’t a surprise.

More impressive is just how brilliant it is on-road too...

ABOVE A bluff shape, good ground clearance and proven off­road tech offers all you need for off­road adventures.

As technically impressive and peerless off road as the Octa is though (see over the page), most drivers are likely to appreciate the lower running costs of the 110 D350 HSE. That version of the Defender reaches 60mph in 6.1 seconds, and rewards steady drivers with 33mpg, which isn’t bad for a car with a kerb weight of 2.5 tonnes.

Another of the Defender’s pluspoints is its ability to be ordered with up to seven seats.

The vehicle also provides 800 litres of boot space when you’ve passengers, or 2,000 litres with the seats folded.

The model year changes include, for the 110 Defender, a new option for six seats, with two middle-row Captain’s Chairs and through-loading capability.

All Defenders provide a 3D camera, as well as adaptive cruise control.

Also standard is full-time 4x4, lowrange gears for tough off-roading, and Land Rover’s ‘I’ll handle it’ Terrain Response system.

A capable off-roader? People carrier?

Luxury SUV? Motorway cruiser?

Spacious load-carrier? Whatever you need Defender to be, it’ll cope with it.

The car remains as recognisable and as endearing as the original, but with bags more comfort. Even seven years into its life, and with several would-be rivals, Defender remains absolutely at the top of its class.

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LAND ROVER EXPERIENCE

An Off-Road Experience Discover exactly what your Range Rover, Defender or Discovery can do off the beaten track at the Land Rover Experience East of England Upon taking delivery of your new luxury all wheel drive vehicle, with its six figure price tag, immaculate paintwork and four pristine alloy wheels, the last thing you will probably want to do is drive it across jagged rocks. Likewise, tackling roads with steep inclines and loose gravel, or wading through dirty, metre deep water, is probably out of bounds too.

And if the prospect of spoiling your immaculate vehicle is not enough to deter you from taking it anywhere more perilous than Waitrose, there’s also the fear of getting stuck and the question of whether you are sufficiently familiar with all the off road technology found in modern Range Rover, Defender or Discovery models from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Happily, the purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle from a retailer such as Duckworth Motor Group, which is sponsoring this month’s magazine, comes with the opportunity to visit one of nine Land Rover Experience Centres and discover what the vehicles can do in complete safety, and in someone else’s vehicle.

Land Rover Experience East of England is based in the grounds of Rockingham Castle. The 40 acre closed site has been established for almost 25 years and features a purpose built off road course designed to demonstrate exactly what the vehicles can do. A team of 15 Product Experts provides instruction, explains how to use the off road technology and gives drivers the confidence to take a Range Rover, Defender or Discover across terrain far more challenging than they are ever likely to encounter in their own vehicles.

The company is family owned, and its Managing Director, Claire-Louise Cobley, believes its fleet of 16 Range Rover, Defender and Discovery models is better than ever before. All of them, incidentally, are standard production vehicles with no modifications, demonstrating exactly what your car can do.

We visited the site to try not just a Defender, but the OCTA version, with its 4.4 litre V8 engine, terrific soundtrack and 6D Dynamics suspension, enabling it to perform even more impressive off road feats than a standard Defender.

Our Lead Product Expert was Allan Jackson, a former member of the military and an experienced off road driver with a background in operational planning for the special forces. Our Sargasso Blue OCTA, protected by matt paint protection film, was comfortably the best vehicle I have ever driven. Its power and acceleration were otherworldly, but the terrain it can tackle will surprise anyone, even those who think they understand the vehicle’s capabilities.

As a specialist on the OCTA, Allan explains the technology, demonstrates how it works and inspires drivers to have confidence in their vehicles. Should the time come to venture beyond the tarmac, they will feel safer and better prepared as a result.

The tuition, explanation and increased confidence provide practical reasons to visit the Land Rover Experience East of England. Quite apart from those benefits, however, it is also a huge amount of fun!

Land Rover Experience East of England provides three hour driving experiences for £350 (one hour £130, seven hour £595; max three drivers), in their fleet of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles, as well as off-road training for individuals and companies: call 01536 772238). The experiences are also offered free with the purchase of new or pre-owned Range Rover, Defender or Discovery vehicles from retailers such as Duckworth Motor Group, call 01205 722110 or see www.duckworth.co.uk.

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156

157

ALMANAC JAN

FEB

MAR

Sept Zodiac: Virgo until 22nd September then Libra.

Birthstone: Sapphire symbolising wisdom and calm reflection.

Notable Dates: 1st September, meteorological autumn begins, 21st September International Day of Peace, 23rd September autumn equinox.

In The Garden: Late summer borders begin to soften with asters, rudbeckia and sedum providing structure while lawns recover from heat.

Seasonal Table: Blackberries, plums, apples, pears and early root vegetables begin to dominate harvest menus.

On The Farm: Harvesting continues for cereals with straw baling. Wildlife activity shifts with hedgerows providing essential food sources for birds and small mammals as daylight gradually shortens and evenings draw in with cooling temperatures across the countryside.

SOUND & VISION ON THE AIRWAVES IN HISTORY

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APR

MAY

Folklore: September has long been associated with transition in British folklore, marking the slow turning from abundance to reflection. Traditionally it was seen as the month when fairies and woodland spirits retreated deeper into the woods as the human world became busier with harvest work. Old rural beliefs suggested that blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas on 29th September, as legend claims the devil cursed them after being cast from heaven. This belief is still echoed in some countryside communities today. Michaelmas itself was historically a major quarter day in England, when rents were paid and agricultural workers were hired or released from service. Roast goose was traditionally eaten to mark the occasion, a custom still enjoyed in some households. In folklore, September storms were sometimes attributed to battles between seasonal forces, while the equinox was seen as a time when day and night stood in perfect balance, symbolising fairness, harvest completion and preparation for winter months ahead.

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

MOMENTS OF QUIET SIGNIFICANCE

IN OTHER WORDS

“I wish there was a way to bottle the feeling of early autumn light, it always makes everything feel possible.”

September is the month when summer settles into itself. The urgency of early growth has passed, replaced by a slower, more generous rhythm. Gardens are at their fullest, borders spilling over with colour, while orchards and hedgerows begin to offer their quiet bounty. It is a time for gathering rather than planting, for enjoying rather than anticipating.

Emma Thompson, British actress and screenwriter known for Sense and Sensibility and Love Actually.

There is something deeply reassuring about September’s abundance. Long lunches stretch into the afternoon, evenings linger with golden light and the countryside hums with activity.

Farmers work steadily through the harvest, while at home, bowls of fresh produce fill kitchen tables.

WEATHER WATCH Average daytime highs around 18°c to 20°c falling later in the month with overnight lows near 10°c. Rainfall 50 to 65mm across the month with mixed showers. Sunrise moves from about 6.15am to 7am and sunset from 7.30pm to 6.45pm.

It is also a moment of pause.

Before the shift into autumn, September offers a chance to take stock, to enjoy the rewards of the season and to savour simple pleasures.

Whether in the garden, at the coast or gathered with friends, it remains one of the most quietly satisfying months of the year.

IN THE CHARTS

ON YOUR TV

AT THE CINEMA

September 1966: Yellow Submarine, Beatles; God Only Knows, Beach Boys; All or Nothing, Small Faces.

1976: Don’t Go Breaking My Heart Elton John and Kiki Dee. 1986: So Macho, Sinitta.

1996: Wannabe, Spice Girls.

September 1966: The Dick Van Dyke Show; Til Death Do Us Part.

1976: The Sweeney, UK debut of The Muppet Show. 1986: Debut of Brush Strokes and Casualty. 1996: Debut of Changing Rooms.

September 1966: The Bible (In the Beginning). 1976: Bugsy Malone.

1986: Aliens, Flight of the Navigator. 1996: Independence Day, Mission: Impossible. 2006: Casino Royale, Da Vinci Code.

2016: Bridget Jones’ Baby.

TRIVIA, FOLKLORE AND HISTORY FIND JOY IN THE ART OF LIVING WELL IN SEPTEMBER 15TH SEPT: BATTLE OF BRITAIN DAY

HATCHED, MATCHED & DISPATCHED Hatched: Prince Harry born 15th September 1984, Agatha Christie born 15th September 1890, Rob Davis, editor of Pride born 1st September 1979.

Matched: John F. Kennedy Jr. married Carolyn Bessette on 21st September 1996 on Cumberland Island, Georgia; Audrey Hepburn married Mel Ferrer on 25th September 1954 in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. Dispatched: Queen Elizabeth II died 8th September 2022, Jimi Hendrix died 18th September 1970.

ON THIS DAY SEPTEMBER IN HISTORY 16th September 1620 The Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, transporting 102 Pilgrims to the New World.

2nd September 1666 The Great Fire of London begins in a bakery on Pudding Lane, rapidly spreading through the City and destroying thousands of homes, churches and businesses over the following days.

3rd September 1939 Britain declares war following Germany’s invasion of Poland, with the ultimatum delivered to Berlin marking the beginning of the Second World War and a period of profound national change.

21st September 1792 Following the revolution, France abolished its monarchy and declared a republic.

11th September 2001 Coordinated terrorist attacks in the United States lead to the destruction of the World Trade Center towers in New York, reshaping global security.

8th September 2022

HARVEST MOON September’s Harvest Moon is the name given to the full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox, usually in September.

For centuries it played an important role in rural life, providing farmers with extra light to gather crops after sunset during the busy harvest season.

Unlike other full moons, the Harvest Moon rises at nearly the same time for several consecutive evenings.

Today it remains one of the most striking and celebrated sights in Britain’s autumn skies.

Britain enters a period of national mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral, marking the end of the longest reign in British history.

The Battle of Britain was one of the defining moments of the Second World War and remains one of the most important chapters in British history. The campaign began on 10th July 1940, when the German Luftwaffe launched a sustained air assault against Britain. Following the fall of France, Adolf Hitler hoped to achieve air superiority over southern England as a precursor to a planned invasion known as Operation Sea Lion.

The battle was fought almost entirely in the skies above Britain. German aircraft targeted shipping convoys, airfields, radar stations and aircraft factories in an attempt to destroy the Royal Air Force. If the RAF could be defeated, Britain would be left vulnerable to invasion.

Instead, the campaign became a remarkable demonstration of determination, innovation and courage.

At the heart of Britain’s defence was Fighter Command, led by Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding.

The RAF’s network of radar stations provided early warning of incoming raids, allowing fighter squadrons to be directed quickly and efficiently towards enemy aircraft. This combination of technology and organisation proved crucial.

The pilots who flew Hurricanes and Spitfires came not only from Britain but also from across the Commonwealth and occupied Europe. Men from Poland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Czechoslovakia and many other nations joined the

fight. Despite often being heavily outnumbered, they inflicted significant losses on the Luftwaffe while maintaining the strength of Britain’s air defences.

One of the most important days of the campaign came on 15th September 1940.

On that day, large German formations crossed the Channel but were met by determined RAF resistance.

The scale of German losses convinced Hitler that air superiority was unlikely to be achieved. Today, 15th September is commemorated annually as Battle of Britain Day, providing an opportunity to remember the courage and sacrifice of the airmen who helped secure Britain’s freedom.

By the end of October, the battle had effectively been won by Britain. Although bombing raids continued during the Blitz, the immediate threat of invasion had receded. The victory was the first major defeat suffered by Nazi Germany and provided a vital boost to morale both at home and abroad.

Today the Battle of Britain is remembered as a testament to the bravery of those who defended the country in its darkest hour. Their success was one of the most significant victories in modern British history.

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The last word ROB DAVIS

I

’m very jealous of people who can take their

Immediately the cat glares at her, or more usually,

dog into the office. I’ve always been both a

turns his back. By now he’s made his peace with the

dog person and a cat person; equally so,

fact that he just has to lump it for a week or so and

50/50. Due to my working hours though, and the

then he’ll get his house back. But occasionally

fact that with a dog in the office, we’d spend all of

tensions do boil over and Willow’s inclination to yap,

our time making a fuss of them and never get

follow him around, or get a bit too close for comfort

anything done, we just can’t have an office dog.

may sometimes be answered by a thump with a paw.

And so, for now at least, my lifestyle has dictated

Willow undoubtedly has separation anxiety, which

my status as a confirmed cat owner.

is why the in-laws are so relieved that she’s so

I do love my moggy to bits. He’s a black and white

demonstrably happy staying with us. And we’re

tuxedo cat, from the Cats Protection charity, now

happy too because for a week or two, especially in

about 13 years old. We named him Deuteronomy (which was soon shortened to Ron), and back in the

WALKIES

the summer, we can enjoy long dog walks by the river, throw a ball or a stick for her, and generally

day he was as tough and chunky as they come, but in recent years he’s

revel in being dog owners... or surrogate dog owners, at least.

become a sleeper, not a fighter. Alas he’s now also short of an eye after

Having a dog to walk at the weekend, when it’s sunny, is a real

a scrap with a particularly vicious rat. We love him enormously and a nicer-natured cat you couldn’t hope to meet (unless you’re a rodent) so we don’t really mind that practicality dictates that we’re cat servants rather than dog parents.

delight... less so when it’s a dark winter morning chucking it down with rain and you’ve a day at work ahead of you. So really, we only get the good bits of dog ownership, and it is a pleasure to have her, but we’re also a little bit glad when she goes home too.

That said, we’re also lucky in the sense that we’re the first port of call when my sister-in-law needs a dog-sitter. Over numerous visits, her

For a start she’s incredibly needy. She doesn’t just have to sleep upstairs, or in the bedroom, but on the

cockapoo Willow has come

bed, stretched out between

to regard our place as a

us. She does smell a bit

second home, and for a week or two when we look after her, we really enjoy having her to stay.

The cat... less so. My in-laws live three hours away, and either by virtue of the fact that it’s the only time Willow travels such a long distance, or maybe because

doggy, too. Then there’s the

With a dog in the office, we’d spend all of our time making a fuss of them. We’d never get anything done, so we simply can’t have an office dog...

scratching and the allergies.

Anything even vaguely edible, you can bet that Willow is hopelessly allergic to it, and that’s frustrating to say the least because one of the reasons I’m so popular with dogs is my willingness to bestow upon them Sunday

Sleaford smells different from

lunch titbits from the kitchen.

home, she always realises

Of the two species, cats

when she is close to us, and

are definitely the lower

this usually kicks in at Holdingham roundabout. Perhaps it’s the smell

maintenance pet. But perhaps that’s the whole point. It’s nice to be

of the farmland but she suddenly knows where she is and becomes very

needed. So when Willow turns up for her summer holidays this month,

excited. Straining to get out of the car, she runs excitedly into the house

we’ll welcome her with open arms (or in Ron’s case, a clenched paw),

and immediately settles on the sofa, or on our bed... or just on me, because

and enjoy having to pander to her every whim for a couple of weeks,

she is very clingy and very affectionate and she won’t leave me alone.

keeping her in the manner to which she has become accustomed.

Here at Pride, we love to read your feedback... email us on any subject at robin@pridemagazines.co.uk.

162

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Cayenne Electric Models: Electrical consumption combined (model range): 3.2 – 2.8 mi/kWh, Range combined (model range): 350 – 398 miles, CO2 emissions combined (model range): 0 g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes only and may not reflect real life conditions which will depend upon a number of factors including any accessories fitted, variations in weather, topography and road conditions, driving styles, vehicle load and condition.