Lincolnshire Pride May 2024

LIFE ON THE WATER

FROM BURTON WATERS TO BRAYFORD

WHARF: EXPLORING THE CITY BY WATER

THE QUEEN’S HEAD

KIRKBY LA THORPE COUNTRY DINING

RESTAURANT GAINS ITS FIRST ROSETTE

Welcome

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Summer is nearly here and the ‘What’s On’ listings that we keep such a close eye on are heaving with interesting events. So much so, in fact, that we’ve felt compelled to produce a guide to a few of the events and newsworthy developments that are taking place right across Lincoln.

Firstly there’s Lincoln’s Festival of History, a city-wide event that both county and city councils have worked hard to create, alongside several other partners like Lincolnshire Co-Op (as the owners of the Cornhill Quarter), plus Lincoln BIG, Lincoln Castle, the Cathedral and Museum of Lincolnshire Life. Their cooperation shows joined-up thinking, with all partners keen to promote the city as a whole, and encourage lots of footfall throughout Lincoln all summer long

Elsewhere Lincoln’s Cornhill Market is due to open on 17th May and there will be more food, too, this summer at The Stack in Lincoln’s St Mark’s Railway Station with 10 new food outlets and five bars plus live entertainment.

In terms of live entertainment the Cathedral is hosting candlelit concerts (featuring the hits of Elton John and The Beatles) whilst Lincoln Castle will welcome some big names from Madness to Crowded House for a series of outdoor concerts too. In summary, it’s going to be summery, right across the city: vibrant, fun and enjoyable, with lots of entertainment and food.

Just space to mention some more highlights in this edition including Horncastle Crufts participant, the lovely Freya, with her Australian Shepherd dog Echo plus boating in Lincoln, black tie balls, and a visit to The Queen’s Head at Kirkby la Thorpe near Sleaford to offer the country dining restaurant our congratulations on being awarded their first rosette.

Our best wishes for a great month!

Julian Wilkinson Publisher, Pride Magazines

In this edition we’re championing the NGS whose open gardens events last year raised an impressive £3.4m for local and national charities. We’ve dedicated our cover to the beautiful grounds of Aswarby House which opens on 26th May. We’re always looking for great images of the county so please feel free to email us your best photos of Lincolnshire to our editor via robin@pridemagazines.co.uk

Delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county

Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £500,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.

The magazine is also sold in leading newsagents and supermarkets and we also deliver the magazine to local businesses including selected hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.

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

Find Your Perfect Home

The largest selection of luxury homes on the market in Lincolnshire and the surrounding area

Above: Skirbeck Hall near Boston, currently on the market for £1.25m, see page 76.

MAUD FOSTER MILL & MILL HOUSE, WILLOUGHBY ROAD, BOSTON PE21 9EG

Price Guide £948,800

A rare and unique opportunity to buy one of Boston’s most iconic landmarks - the Maud Foster Windmill and its handsome Mill House built in 1819. The Maud Foster Windmill is a seven-storey, five sail windmill located on the banks of the Maud Foster it is Grade I listed and is still working and grinding flour to this day with a healthy profit as a shop and flour business also formally as a café. At the back of the building there is a staircase which winds up several floors with bedrooms off it to an incredible loft style penthouse bragging character throughout, currently arranged with three bedrooms. The white Mill House is a beautiful, traditional house with fabulous room proportions and ceiling heights, freshly painted white with character a plenty. Five bedrooms upstairs and a family bathroom, down the central stairs a second bathroom/utility room, kitchen, dining room and two reception rooms. The house has some lovely garden areas, as well as with plenty of parking to the front.

A deceptively large detached five bedroom country house just outside Wrangle. The first thing you notice about this house is the space and how large the rooms are, also the rooms could have a flexible use or even possible create an annex. Upstairs off the landing are four double bedrooms one en-suite and a family bathroom. A large reception room had a feature brick fireplace and patio doors to the patio and garden, off the entrance hall is a country kitchen and utility room, downstairs cloakroom, second reception room and a further bedroom at the end. There is a double garage and plenty of parking and the house is surrounded by lawn. The house is located 9 miles approximately up the coast from Boston for all you amenities although Wrangle does has a village shop/post office and a primary school.. NEW HOUSE, NUT LANE, OLD LEAKE, BOSTON PE22 9JF £400,000 01205

James Street

Lincoln

One of the most prominent residences in the Cathedral Quarter, this stunning home has been meticulously renovated and modernised by the current owners to create a fine home just meter s from the stunning Lincoln Cathedral. A glorious Grade II listed property being sold with no onward chain, situated in one of Lincoln's most sought after addresses in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

Guide Price: £825,000

Fossdyke Paddock

Saxilby, Lincoln

This award-winning energy-efficient eco-home embodies the perfect blend of elegance and functionality, meticulously designed to enhance your modern lifestyle with longevity in mind. Step inside these captivating fourbedroom homes, bathed in natural light, and immerse yourself in the seamless flow of space. Thoughtfully curved architecture and an expansive roof terrace overlooking the surroundings will inspire a sense of tranquillity.

Guide Price: £699,000

By Design Lincoln Call 01522

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Lets Comply Property Rental Experts

Limited are an Independent Agent celebrating their third year in business. Headed by John Thorogood (ARLA) and an experienced team of Residential Letting and Property Management Experts. With the head office in Boston we manage properties throughout South Lincolnshire and provide a highly professional and personal service to our landlord clients at a realistic management fee with no hidden extras.

Our aim is to give the best advice, be transparent and open, and ensure landlords maximise their income on their portfolio, no matter if they own one or multiple properties.

We offer a refreshing approach to property management which is why we have become such a highly regarded and respected Residential Letting Agent, proving that not all letting agents are the same. Call us today for a free, no obligation discussion.

ROSE COTTAGE, 5 CHURCH LANE, KIRTON BOSTON PE20 1EL

£378,900

A delightful, newly refurbished and extended, detached three bedroom bungalow on the edge of Kirton village. A completely remodelled home and garden, the accommodation comprises of; three double bedrooms the master is en-suite, a modern family bathroom, and large light modern kitchen with an island and open plan living space with patio doors overlooking the lawn which has a paddock beyond so its not overlooked. The garden to the front is well designed with parking as well as a garage that links to the kitchen. Although on the edge of Kirton it is close enough to walk to the shops, Kirton also has places to eat and a school with easy access up to Boston.

6 Pump Square, Boston, Lincs PE21 6QW www.brucemather.co.uk

01205 365032 sales@brucemather.co.uk

A SELECT DEVELOPMENT OF FOUR PROPERTIES WITH FOUR BEDROOMS AND THOUGHTFUL FEATURES THROUGHOUT. BASED AT WIGTOFT, WITH CONVENIENT ACCESS TO SPALDING AND PETERBOROUGH.

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Local News

Famous Lincoln dog Snips’s statue honour

Lincoln’s four-legged fundraiser will be honoured with a statue in the city’s Cornhill, and just like Snips himself, it’ll help to raise money for local charities!

Historic Library reopens

Boston’s St Botolph’s Church reopens its newly refurbished library with over 1,500 books on subjects from theology to history, some dating back to 1170

One of Boston’s best kept secrets, St Botolph’s Library in the church, has reopened, allowing the public to view its 1,500 books. The library features books from 1170-1790 with subjects spanning liturgy and theology but also history, geography, music and English.

Within the collection is the first Latin to English translation of the Quran (The Alcoran) dating back to 1649 as well as Greek historian Plutarch’s Lives, the two-volume historical record upon which Shakespeare would have based his own works (for instance, Anthony & Cleopatra). The oldest volume in the collection, St Augustine’s Work on Genesis, is over 850 years old.

The library has been refurbished with funds from The Boston Town Deal, and the collection is available to view on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays at set times or by appointment; call Parish Resource Officer Chris Ladner, 01205 310929, www.parish-of-boston.org.uk.

Lincoln’s most famous four-legged resident is to be celebrated this month with the unveiling of a new statue in his honour. Snips’s owner Henry Tyler, a Cornmarket trader in the 1950s, charged people a penny to stroke Snips, donating the money to charity. Over the course of his life, Snips raised £35,000 for good causes (£100,000 in today’s money!) and following his death in 1961 at the age of 15, his body was laid in state on the Cornhill and his silver collar, awarded to him by the City, was kept on display in the Guildhall. A statue of Snips will be installed and unveiled in Lincoln’s Cornhill this month after a campaign by Matthew Thomas and Brant Clayton, Founders of Lincoln Free Walking Tour. It will feature a contactless point the public can use to donate to local charities. Image: Co­Op/City of Lincoln.

Grantham’s £4m regeneration

Work has begun on Grantham’s £4.19m town centre improvement thanks to the Future High Street Fund

The regeneration of Grantham’s town centre with £4.19 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund is underway. Work began in early April and will firstly see a transformation of the Market Place and the Conduit, where refurbished

public toilets will be reopened. A second phase will improve the town approach from the railway station, and complete a ‘cultural quarter’ comprising the Arts Centre and Guildhall on St Peter’s Hill. Work will continue until March 2025.

Spalding Flower Queen named

Rebecca Roberts from Pinchbeck will take over as the town’s Flower Queen at this year’s parade on 11th May

Congratulations to Pinchbeck’s Rebecca Roberts, who was last month named Spalding’s 2024 Flower Queen at a ceremony in The Vista which was attended by 180 guests.

The 36-year-old mum will make her debut on 11th May in the town’s Tulip Parade and will represent the town alongside her deputy, Demi Fontaine Gilchrist.

Send your press releases & business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

Classic jet is helping to launch the Red Arrows’ 60th display season

Before the Hawk jet in its distinctive livery there was the Folland Gnat with its distinctive ‘yellow belly...!’

The Red Arrows will launch their 60th display season with a little help from an old friend. The Folland Gnat – which dates from 1964 and was the precursor the team’s current Hawk T1 jets – with its canary yellow livery was the aircraft of choice for the display team from its formation in 1965 until it was replaced by the T1 in 1980.

The formation of the Red Arrows consolidated a few existing display teams including the RAF Yellowjacks, hence the colour, and the old aircraft’s cameo helped to celebrate the announcement of the Red Arrows’ 60th anniversary display dates for 2024.

May 21st will see the team debut in Greece before a display in France on May 25th. The team can then be seen in Britain at the Midlands Air Festival and Duxford on 2nd June, then in a series of displays to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on 5th/6th June. The Red Arrows will also make an appearance for HM The King’s birthday flypast on 15th June and in Cleethorpes on 29th June as part of the town’s Armed Forces Weekend.

And Finally... It’s official, Lincolnshire is an up and coming holiday destination! Travel broker Expedia says it has seen a 70% increase in enquiries to its website from those looking to visit the county. Separately, the Visit Lincolnshire website saw an increase in traffic of 61% over the last 12 months. All indications are that the trend of enjoying holidays and short breaks in this country remains strong following the pandemic.

High Life

The Burton Hunt Ball

Last month saw nearly 400 people enjoying The Burton Hunt Ball at The Lincolnshire Showground. The event included a drinks reception, dinner and live entertainment plus a bucking bronco and casino

Images: Rob Davis.

A wonderful night for nearly 400 people recently as The Burton Hunt Ball once again took place at the Lincolnshire Showground. The event included a three-course dinner created by CGC Catering, a casino, and after-dinner entertainment courtesy of Light It Up Entertainment. The Burton Hunt is one of the oldest pack of foxhounds in the county, founded in 1672 by John Monson of Burton. The territory was divided into the Burton and Blankney hunts in 1871 and today both continue to hunt within the law under MFH James Lockwood, Benjamin Atkins and Gareth Williams.

A Girl’s Best Friend

The story of Freya & Echo

This month we offer our congratulations and best wishes to Freya and Echo, who competed at this year’s Crufts and received rapturous applause in the Best Friend Category of the Hero Dog Awards

Words: Rob Davis. Images: BeatMedia/Kennel Club.

Diamonds are supposed to be a girl’s best friend, whilst dogs were always referred to as man’s best friend. Disproving both of those adages though is the enduring and touching friendship shared by Freya and Echo Harris from Horncastle, who recently competed in Crufts.

Proud parents Gemma and Rikki Harris moved to Lincolnshire from Essex just after Covid and enjoyed watching nine-year old Freya and Australian Shepherd Echo bounding happily around the ring at Crufts, back in March, for the second time.

More importantly though, it marked the second anniversary of Freya’s ongoing recovery from Wilm’s Tumor, a rare form of a paediatric nephroblastomic cancer that effects the kidneys.

“Freya and Echo are besotted with one another and share lots of licks and cuddles, lots of walks,” says Gemma. “We’ve always had dogs in the family, and we love supporting rarer breeds, like our MaremmanoAbruzzese, ‘Albus’ and our Alaskan Malamute, ‘Fenris.’”

“We’d always admired Australian Shepherds. They’re a comparatively rare breed but still at Crufts there were nearly 200 examples of the breed taking part. Freya really loves them too, and once described them as her ‘dream breed.’ When she was poorly, she lost a lot of weight and couldn’t walk, so a new puppy would be a real incentive for her recovery, encouraging her to walk and to regain her mobility.”

“There are waiting lists for the breed but happily the stars aligned and we found a puppy in Wales. We fell in love with Echo immediately, and the friendship between them has quickly grown to be so strong.”

Back in December 2021, just after her seventh birthday, Freya was poorly, with symptoms of sickness and exhaustion that were initially thought to be anxiety as a result of the family moving to Lincolnshire, with Covid restrictions still in place, a nervous population and Freya starting a new school.

Gemma wasn’t convinced though, citing mum’s instinct, and insisted on tests. She received a call early one morning insisting that Freya be admitted to hospital in Nottingham to begin treatment for a stage four cancer, which had also spread to her lungs, liver and inferior vena cava.

In January 2022 Freya’s chemotherapy had the rare side effect of causing organ failure, so she was given a different, more aggressive form of treatment, but one that didn’t cause such damaging side effects to Freya’s organs. The youngster also had surgery to remove one of her kidneys and received radiotherapy too.

It was undoubtedly an awful time for the family and by the summer Freya had lost much of her strength and her ability to walk.

In September 2022, Freya was introduced to Echo who offered a new incentive to regain her mobility, and the youngster would always make the effort to walk her puppy, even when it was a real effort to do so. Soon the two had formed an inseparable bond and a real friendship, and even competed in some local dog shows together.

“Freya said that it would be her dream to show Echo at Crufts and we did think that would be something to aim for in a few years. As a family we watch Crufts every year, enjoying four whole days of TV, on the sofa cuddled up with our own dogs... we call it Cruftsmas!”

Freya & Echo

“Freya was great though; very nervous before she went into the ring, with a few tears as she said she felt a little overwhelmed and didn’t want to let anyone down, especially her fellow ‘Warriors,’ the other youngsters she’s befriended who are also fighting cancer”

“In January 2023 we were thrilled when Freya and Echo were placed in a Championship show here in the county, which meant we could enter Crufts too.”

“Freya didn’t realise that winning at Championship level meant she qualified to enter, we told her on the way back to the car and she absolutely screamed with delight. In March 2023 we headed off to Birmingham, arriving at about 7.30 in the morning with a smart looking Echo.”

Crufts was first held in 1891 and this year 21,701 dogs competed across 222 different breeds. The event is held across five halls and 36 rings, spanning 25 acres.

The three most common breeds in the competition are Golden Retrievers (538 entrants); Labradors (519 entrants) and Cocker Spaniels (421 entrants). There were 195 Australian Shepherds like Echo competing... the rarest breeds, incidentally, are the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Turkish Kangal Dog with three entries each.

“Echo always receives lots of attention, especially when she’s been pampered and well-groomed but the reality is that she’s a complete swamp dog. Frustratingly, she’s attracted to every bit of mud, every dirty puddle... but she’s so lovely you have to forgive her for that!”

“It does mean that you have to watch her very diligently just before a show, but when she’s nicely presented and freshly groomed she’s very pretty,” says Gemma. “Freya, too, needed to learn how to be a Junior Handler, as there are lots of rules like facing the judge and not standing between the judge and the dog.”

“Freya was great though; very nervous before she went into the ring, with a few tears as she said she felt a little overwhelmed and didn’t want to let anyone down, especially the ‘Warriors,’ the other youngsters she’s befriended who are also fighting cancer.”

“She could never have let us down though. She was wonderful in the ring, as was Echo. The two of them together were fantastic and some of the other participants really took Freya under their wing.”

This year, too, Freya and Echo returned to Crufts, this time nominated to appear in the competition’s prestigious Hero Dog Award 2024. The two were entered into the Best Friends category, alongside four other shortlisted finalists the eventual winner voted for by the public.

The award takes place just before the event’s Best in Show event and this year it was the turn of search and rescue dog, a four-year old Belgian Malinois named Vesper, to take the title. However when Freya and Echo returned to the ring, both received a huge round of applause so rapturous that took even the TV presenters by surprise.

“They’d never seen anything like it,” says Gemma. “The surrounding rings were all applauding and clapping and both Freya and Echo looked absolutely delighted.”

“Of course we’re really proud of them both. Freya is brave and brilliant, and Echo is a most wonderful fluffy ball of ego who just loves all of the attention and the pampering... she very clearly loves the show ring!”

“Freya is keen to show Echo at other events this year, and has recently completed her treatment so although we can’t say that she’s in remission, her scans are she’s showing clear and she will continue to have scans every three months.”

The absolutely lovely bond between Freya and Echo is evidence of just how much love and support a dog can provide and how important friendship is. We’re thrilled by the success that both enjoyed at this year’s Crufts and look forward to seeing them back in the ring next year, and competing in championship level events in the county this summer too.

Crufts is available to watch again at www.channel4.com. The family wants to recognise the work of PASIC (Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children, www.pasic.org.uk, Young Lives vs Cancer (www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk) and Kidney Cancer UK www.kcuk.org.uk.

What’s On

Saturday 11th May

Johns’ Boys Male Voice Choir

As seen on Britain’s Got Talent and at The Royal Variety Performance, Johns’ Boys Male Chorus is one of the most decorated British male choirs in history.

Formed in 2016 by Aled Phillips, Johns’ Boys initially came together for Noson Lawen to celebrate the life and work of two composers and conductors from Rhosllannerchrugog village John Tudor Davies and John Glyn Williams. The choir will be appearing at Grimsby Auditorium, performing ahead of the release of their first EP, Simply Biblical.

Grimsby Auditorium, DN31 2BH Tickets £25.50, 7.30pm, See www.johnsboys.co.uk.

Festival of Music: Concert by the Band of the RAF College

Varied musical programme including well-known favourites in the awe-inspiring setting of the Cathedral

Saturday 11th May

Festival of Music

A special concert performed by the band of the Royal Air Force College to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the RAF Music Charitable Trust.

Varied musical programme with music from throughout the years including classic well-known tunes in the truly awe-inspiring setting of Lincoln Cathedral.

Tickets £20­£37, 7.30pm, Lincoln Cathedral, LN2 1PX. Call 01522 561600, or see www.lincolncathedral.com.

Saturday 11th May Abba

Sensation

Widely considered to be one of the best ever Abba Tribute Acts, this is a stunning stage show, which will combine costume changes, lighting and a faithful reproduction of the Abba sound.

From 7.30pm, tickets £19.50, Boston Blackfriars, PE21 6HP, call 01205 363108 or see www.blackfriarsartscentre.co.uk

Saturday 18th May

Forever Elton

All of Elton’s best loved songs that include Your Song, I’m Still Standing, Crocodile Rock, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down, Candle in the Wind and many more.

From 7.30pm, tickets £20, Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham NG31 6PZ, call 01476 406158 or see guildhallartscentre.com.

Saturday 25th May

The Magic of the Bee Gees

A spectacular musical journey, taking you through all your favourite Bee Gees songs, including Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, More Than a Woman, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep is Your Love and many more!

From 7.30pm, tickets £28.30, South Holland Centre, PE11 1SS Call 01775 764777 or see www.southhollandcentre.co.uk.

Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

Saturday 11th May and Sunday 12th May

National Mills Weekend 2024

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) hosts its 2024 summer celebration of windmills and watermills across the UK with the public invited in to see how these intriguing buildings work.

In Lincolnshire participating windmills include Boston’s Maud Foster and the Sibsey Trader Windmill, Heckington and Moulton Windmills too.

In Sleaford, you can also visit Cogglesford Mill, a working watermill which has recently had its waterwheel mechanism restored.

For more information see www.spab.org.uk/mills.

Live at Lincoln Castle

Advance notice of a series of concerts taking place in the grounds of Lincoln Castle throughout June...

Saturday 17th May to Monday 27th May

Lincolnshire

Wolds Outdoor Festival 2024

From cycling, fishing, golf, water sports and high ropes to navigation through The Lincolnshire Wolds, dancing crafting, gliding and so much more.

Taking place across Alford, Caistor, Horncastle, Louth, Market Rasen, Spilsby and Wragby, you will have the opportunity to try something different whilst enjoying the great outdoors.

More than 150 events and activities take place during the Festival, across a real multitude of locations.

For more information see woldsoutdoorfestival.com.

Sunday 26th May and Monday 27th May

Living Heritage Game & Country Fair 2024 at Burghley House

Enjoy a visit to the popular Game and Country Fair over the late May Bank Holiday Weekend at Burghley House, Stamford.

The weekend will be packed with experiences and have-ago opportunities, from clay shooting, fishing, falconry and country crafting, as well as entertainment in the main arena demonstrations, plus live music, plenty of local food and much more.

£16/adult; £5/child, 10am to 6pm, call 01780 752451 or see www.burghley.co.uk.

From Wednesday 15th to Thursday 30th June

Live at Lincoln Castle

Promoters Cuffe and Taylor are working closely with Lincoln Castle to deliver a spectacular series of concerts for 2024, making a major commitment to Lincoln to bring some world-class acts to perform in this outstanding historic location.

Standard and VIP tickets with fast-track entry available, ‘meet and greet’ also available for selected artists, contact venue for further details.

This year’s programme is as follows:

15th June: Crowded House 16th June: Jess Glynne, 22nd June: Paloma Faith 28th June: Kaiser Chiefs

29th June: Madness 30th June: Gregory Porter

Tickets vary in price and availability.

For full details see www.lincolncastle.com.

SPEND SUMMER IN LINCOLN

This month we’re looking at a few of the special events, live music performances and new attractions coming to the city of Lincoln to make this summer very special indeed

Words: Rob Davis.

Summer in Lincoln

Lincoln will embrace its rich history this month with a new city-wide event, taking place from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May, a really successful partnership between Lincolnshire County Council, City of Lincoln Council, Lincolnshire Co-Op , plus the Castle, Cathedral and Lincoln BIG.

The Lincoln Festival of History will comprise different zones, each with their own activities, plus re-enactment performances and living history experiences across the city such as a medieval market in St Mary Le Wigford church:

1. Cornhill’s Viking Mint: From the minting of Viking coins and the creation of jewellery to calligraphy and shield-making workshops, join craftspeople and warriors from the Viking era in Cornhill Quarter.

2. Castle Square’s Roman Artisans: From blacksmiths to bakers, to weavers and decorators, discover 1st Century AD’s ‘Vicus’ and its tradespeople, with some of the UK’s finest historical demonstrators and craftspeople.

3. City Square, the Realm of the Relics: This interactive zone will discover how we learn more about life in the past, with archaeology and have-a-go sessions plus other fun activities like axe-throwing.

4. Roman Artefacts at Lincoln Museum: The venue formerly known as The Collection hosts a fascinating range of artefacts, providing a revealing insight into our knowledge of life in the Roman era.

5. Time Travelling with Lincoln Castle: Join Lincoln Castle’s very own time-traveller and chart the history of the building and its role in the city, from the Roman era and the Norman Conquest to the creation of Magna Carta and as Royalists stand firm against the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War... right up to the building’s role as a Victorian prison and a modern-day courthouse.

6. Meet The Victorians at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life: A truly fascinating look at the Victorian era at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, once home to the Royal North Lincoln Militia, now housing over 250,000 objects illustrating commercial, domestic, agricultural, industrial and community life.

Lincoln Festival of History takes place from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May, across the city, see www.visitlincoln.com for details.

Lincoln’s 1940s Weekend: On Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, Lincoln will also celebrate the vintage era of the 1940s with two days of reenactments, activities and displays in Lincoln’s historic Cathedral Quarter, organised by Lincoln BIG. Live 1940s music and dance, themed food & drink, crafts, family activities and more. See www.lincolnbig.co.uk/news­events/events/1940s­festival.

Live Music in Lincoln

Fans of live music are in for a treat this summer with a series of events at Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle Celebrating Lincoln’s Neville Marriner: Lincoln-born conductor Neville Marriner is celebrated with a special homecoming concert this month to mark 100 years since Marriner’s birth. Performed by the Academy of St Martins in the Fields, the orchestra he founded in 1959. Taking place on Wednesday 24th April, 7.30pm in Lincoln Cathedral, call 01522 56160 or see www.lincolncathedral.com.

The Beatles by Candlelight: A cast of West End singers perform the hits of the Fab Four, illuminated by candlelight, in the nave of Lincoln Cathedral. On Friday 3rd May, see lincolncathedral.com.

Elton by Candlelight: Second candlelit concert, this time featuring the Rocketman’s hits. On Saturday 4th May, see lincolncathedral.com.

Live at Lincoln Castle in June: A series of live outdoor concerts will take place at Lincoln Castle in June. Acts include 1990s band Crowded House, Jess Glynne, Paloma Faith, Kaiser Chiefs, Gregory Porter and the original ‘nutty boys,’ 1980s ska/pop band Madness. The programme takes place from 15th June ­ 30th June, call 01522 782019 or see www.lincolncastle.com.

Highlights of Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter for Summer 2024

T he transformation of Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter has created an exceptional area for those seeking a unique mix of independent and national businesses, places to eat or drink and to enjoy arts, culture and history.

The reinvention of the area was first proposed by Lincolnshire Co-Op’s Chief Executive, Stanley Bett, in the 1980s, with work finally beginning around a decade ago.

The first phase was a £12m regeneration of the historic Corn Exchange building in 2017, followed by the £70m modernisation of Sincil Street and Exchange Square 2019, plus the creation of Lincoln’s £30m Lincoln Transport Hub, including its new bus station, improvements to Lincoln Central railway station and 1,000-space multi-storey car park.

Lincolnshire Co-Op is the majority landowner with other partners including the City of Lincoln Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Banks Long & Co and Lindum.

Lincoln’s Food Market: Friday 17th May will see the City of Lincoln’s Cornhill Market open, following a refurbishment which has been ongoing since May 2022 and cost £7m.

When it opens the building will include a central food court, a mezzanine floor seating area and 35 food stalls and retailers, mostly startups and small businesses. See www.lincoln.gov.uk.

The Cornhill Cove: If you do like to be beside the seaside, but can’t bear to leave Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter, worry not. Lincoln BIG has teamed up with Open-Air Events and Place Immersive to create a mini seaside with beach bar, crazy golf, street food and lots of live entertainment from circus performers to musicians and DJs. The Cove opens from 30th May and will remain in situ until late August. See www.lincolnbig.co.uk.

What’s On in Lincoln

A look ahead to some varied and wonderful outdoor events in and around Lincoln

Saturday 4th May

Lincoln Makers’ Market

Discover unique crafts, works of art, and artisan makes at the Lincoln Makers’ Market on Castle Hill. Hosted by a talented local group and featuring paintings, feltwork, hand-sewn garments, homeware, jewellery, pottery, glass art, and so much more.

See www.visitlincolnshire.com.

Saturday 4th May to Monday 6th May

Truckfest in Lincoln

Europe's largest trucking festival comes to the Lincolnshire Showground. Thousands of classic and modern trucks on display plus fun fair, live music, and trade stands galore including the biggest vehicle manufacturers.

Advance day tickets £20/adults, £8/junior, For details see www.truckfest.co.uk.

Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th June

The Lincolnshire Show

Attracting around 60,000 each year, this year’s 139th Lincolnshire Show is an impressive and diverse blend of rural entertainment and will feature an expanded horticulture area with the addition of the ‘Garden Show’ giving 10 new show gardens to admire, plus the return of live demonstration within the Potting Shed. Last year saw the debut of the Lincoln heat of the Farmers’ Weekly Britain’s Fittest Farmer qualifier, and the Shetland Pony Grand National, both returning this year. Elsewhere, an anticipated 1,450 horses, 900 sheep, pigs and cows, over 50 local food and drink producers and 550 trade stands across a total over 260 acres.

£24.00/adults, £8.00/child, FREE/Under5s advanced* via www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk.

*Subject to a booking fee.

Wednesday 13th July

Midsummer Motown

All-star Motown comes to Lincoln Castle... Featuring Nya King as Whitney, with special guest Roy G Hemmings of The Drifters, with his Motown Revue. Rory Jackson from TV’s Britain’s Got Talent as Michael Jackson, supported by backup dancers. Tickets £34.50.

See www.livepromotions.co.uk.

Wednesday 17th July ­ Thursday 18th July

Open Air Opera

An unforgettable open-air opera experience on the Croquet Lawn at Doddington Hall. 75 minutes of musical favourites from Rossini, Handel and Viardot, to Bernstein and Gershwin. Performed by four world-class singers and a string quintet.

See www.doddingtonhall.com.

Lincoln

Lincoln by Water From Burton Waters to The Brayford Pool, enjoy

Explore Lincoln as never before and enjoy a cruise along the Fossdyke from Burton Waters to The Brayford Pool... it’s a unique experience now offered by Adam Cox and the team at Burton Waters Boat Sales, with the company’s hire fleet. You can even stay over too, thanks to their brand new Luxury Water Lodges!

Words & Images: Rob Davis.

Shimmering water, impressive sunsets, lots of birdlife and the knowledge that there’s no need to rush; the journey is more important than the destination. Life at Burton Waters is pretty sweet, reckons Lincoln’s Adam Cox. Adam, alongside the co-owners of the Burton Waters Boat Sales, Malcolm and Jill Cox, and Alistair Haigh, is convinced that everyone should be able to enjoy Lincoln’s waterways. That’s why he’s providing four self-drive hire boats and has created the company’s two new Luxury Water Lodges at Burton Waters, so Lincolnshire visitors can enjoy life on the water.

Adam grew up on a smallholding in the village of Long Clawson near Melton Mowbray, not too far from the borders of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland. His father Malcolm had boats and so Adam enjoyed many family holidays on the water and says he was always happiest working with boats. As a teen, he decided to turn his enthusiasm into a career and soon the family had established a business in Lincoln Marina in 1988, relocating to Burton Waters in 2001.

The move provided plenty more room; the Brayford Trust currently maintains about 120 long-term moorings and has 10 short term visitor moorings, whilst Burton Waters has 200 long-term moorings plus a selection of visitor moorings, with chandlery and a workshop that can accommodate three good-sized boats, providing servicing and maintenance.

The appeal of the water is indisputable, and there are some beautiful boats at Burton Waters, not least those which are offered for sale. Turn up and look at the impressive cruisers and yachts, up to about 42ft, and you’d be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated. But, Adam says, getting into boating is much more accessible and less expensive than those (admittedly very smart) examples would seem to suggest.

To prove it, the company established a self-drive hire fleet a couple of years ago. There are now four boats that you can hire, including the newest addition to the fleet, Lolly, an electric boat for up to six people. Life jackets, insurance and fuel are all included, of course.

The team assured us that even a landlubber like Lincolnshire Pride’s editor could enjoy life on the water, and to prove it we arrived at Burton Waters on a beautiful spring morning ready for a quick lesson courtesy of Iain Harvey-Ashenhurst (Burton Waters Boat Sales’ RYA Principal and boating instructor) before we set off for Lincoln’s Brayford Wharf to enjoy some shopping and a spot of lunch.

“It’s a great experience, especially on a sunny day,” says Adam. “Our hire boats will allow six or eight people to enjoy a cruise towards Lincoln and there are both open and covered boats, plus one with a dining table for a picnic and a dog-friendly boat too.”

Day hire rates are from £150 and hire lasts from about 10am to 4pm, which is sufficient time to leave Burton Waters and turn left, making your way along the Fossdyke to The Brayford. Turn right, instead of left, when you leave the marina and you’ll be heading in the opposite direction, reaching Torksey Lock in a couple of hours.

If you’re a novice, though, a trip from Burton Waters Marina to The Brayford is an enjoyable and easy way to dip your toe in the water... proverbially speaking; not literally.

Above: Malcolm & Jill Cox, co­owners, with son Adam (right) and co­owner, son­in­law Alistair Haigh... not pictured is the next generation of the family including Freddie Cox who, during our visit, had a date to keep with Lincoln City FC instead!

Iain reckons he can ensure someone hiring one of the boats is proficient in its operation in about 15 minutes, meaning you’ve plenty of time to enjoy a trip to Lincoln, or to stop along the way at the Pyewipe Inn, with its mooring.

Lolly is a pleasure to pilot. Virtually silent in operation, with a simple forward/reverse throttle and a lovely glossy walnut steering wheel, like on a classic car. Iain took us for a trip around the marina to ensure we could acquaint ourselves with the controls and learn to moor up, and then we were off.

In comparison to driving a car it’s steady, genteel and serene. The most unusual part of the experience is that boats drift rather than come to an immediate stop as with a car, so that requires a little more foresight during low-speed manoeuvres. Also you pilot a boat on the right hand side of the river which, for someone used to driving on the left hand side of the road, feels a little unusual.

Successfully clearing the lock gates at Burton Waters was a confidence boost, and from that point on, it really was plain sailing. From Burton Waters to the Pywipe Inn was about 10 minutes, the whole journey from Burton Waters to The Brayford took little over 30 minutes.

Reaching Brayford Wharf, I was a bit dismayed to see about 20 members of Lincoln Boat Club who had met up and were there to witness my first (then second, third and final) independent attempt at mooring up. No cheering and jeering though… I’m happy to report the boating community is not critical of newcomers who are less than adept at ‘parking.’ Leaving lovely Lolly moored up, we walked past the University of Lincoln’s campus and enjoyed a bite to eat on Brayford Wharf, then ventured to Cornhill to take a few pictures in the spring sunshine.

Reach Brayford Pool and you’re well-placed to enjoy an even greater choice of local coffee shops and restaurants. If you’re a day cruiser it’s unlikely you’ll want to venture much further than Brayford but, geographically, passing through Brayford under Wigford

Lincoln

Way’s bridge will take you under High Bridge’s Glory Hole and towards Stamp End Lock, then out of Lincoln along the Witham. Eventually you’d reach Tattershall Bridge, Boston (the river becomes tidal at Black Sluice Lock) and the Wash, but you’ll need a little longer than just day hire for that journey.

Back on Lolly after an enjoyable stay, and after a £10 mooring fee payable to the Brayford Trust, we were soon heading back to Burton Waters where the team was hosting an open day for the boating community and their customers.

Lolly had looked after us very well, but after a sad farewell, we rejoined Adam along with co-owners Malcolm, Jill and Alistair.

Alistair is a New Zealander who came over to the UK as a teenager, met his now wife Jane at a Young Farmer’s event, began working at Lincoln Marina and never went back! A fish ‘n’ chip van was also present, and we enjoyed looking around some very smart boats, plus a peek inside the company’s two new Luxury Water Lodges.

“We’ve just started to offer the retreats for guests who want to enjoy the marina with private outdoor decking and seating areas overlooking the water, fully-equipped kitchenettes and en suite bathrooms, plus charging points for electric cars,” says

Alistair who also showed us around and offered us a sneak preview of another new venture to be revealed later in the year… our lips are sealed for now, though. The lodges are beautifully appointed, with contemporary artwork by Alistair’s wife Jane, plus quality bed linens, wi-fi and of course, marina views.

It’s taken a lethargic 2,000 years for Lincoln’s Brayford Pool to finally achieve its potential as one of the most enjoyable parts of Lincoln. Brayford Pool was the site of the first Lincoln settlement around the first century, and in fact the etymology of the city’s name is ‘Lin don’ or ‘pool at the bottom of the hill.’ The area around what is now Brayford was an important port for the Romans, not least because the Foss Dyke connected the Witham and the Trent.

Renamed The Brayford (‘breit ford’ meaning ‘where the river is broad and fordable’) by the Vikings, and remaining the country’s fourth busiest waterway until its decline in the mid13th century, the Brayford’s second lease of life came from 1744 when it was dredged and reopened. It enjoyed a new era of good fortune with its warehouses, mills, granaries and maltings until the railways arrived in 1846, leading to a period of decline which lasted until 1969 when the Brayford Trust was formed to rescue the area.

A case of third time lucky, perhaps? From the final restoration of the pool as a marina for pleasure boats and with the coming of the £32m University campus in 1993, plus all of the restaurants, hotel and cinemas which overlook the pool, Brayford Pool once again became a thriving area of Lincoln.

Meanwhile, as Brayford Wharf was enjoying its most recent redevelopment, a few miles away, plans were already underway for an impressive development near Saxilby, on land previously known as Burton Fen, comprising four areas of arable farmland that was prone to flooding.

In March 1991 plans were put forward for the area’s redevelopment too and by March 1997, there were detailed plans for a 126-acre site that would become known as Burton Waters.

Above: Burton Waters Boat Sales and Lincolnshire Pride’s Editor Rob Davis at the wheel of the company’s very lovely hire craft, the all­electric six­seater cruiser, Lolly!

With completion of the development by the millennium, it would became home to nearly 1,000 people, 210 properties (with a further 60 planned) and a 200-berth marina, plus associated amenities from its health club to its pubs, restaurants, cycle hire and of course, Burton Waters Boat Sales.

“Typically, about 30 of the boats around us make up our inventory of boats for sale, and these range in price from a few thousand to some pretty impressive models up to 42ft in length and typically up to £500,000,” says Adam. “In 2011 we established a second site in Ipswich which, thanks to its geography, can accommodate the physically larger boats that our customers soon sought, and it’s from our place in Suffolk that we can provide larger motor yachts with prices of up to £5m.”

Should you discover that life on the water is the place for you, you’ll be reassured to know that guidance is on hand to ensure you choose a pre-owned or brand new model of boat to suit your needs, which ultimately brings us back to some of those impressivelooking cruisers we saw that morning.

The company’s portfolio of brands includes Jeanneau, which is one of the most wellestablished names in boating, with models from about five and a half metres and 120hp

for less than £40,000 right up to nearly 12 metres or 37 feet in the case of the NC37 with its twin 270hp engines at £400,000.

As well as Jeanneau, Burton Waters Boat Sales also provides its Prestige Motor Yachts in Lincoln and Ipswich. These are larger boats, such as the 60ft Prestige X60 at just over £2m.

Much like motoring, the world of boats is transitioning to electric power and so Burton Waters Boat Sales’s newest brand is Delphia, whose Delphia 10 offers full electric power, four berths and a cruising speed of 8 knots for about the price for £200,000.

Interestingly a decent-sized and well-equipped boat now has a price point comparable with vehicles such as a new Range Rover, or with a second home or holiday lodge. It’s a fact not lost on consumers who are ensuring that interest in boats has never been stronger, helped in no small part because of better waterway access than ever before.

As Adam points out, the nice thing about a boat is the ability to travel not just around Britain, but overseas too. For now though, hiring a boat and enjoying Lincoln by water is a great way to enjoy your first experience of life on the water... and a very rewarding, very comfortable experience it is, too!

Burton Waters Boat Sales provides sales, moorings and self­drive boat hire by the day plus two Luxury Water Lodges from Burton Waters, LN1 2WN. Call 01522 567404 or see www.burtonwaters.co.uk.

Enjoy a ride along the Slea soon, in Navigation Trust’s new boat...

Sleaford Navigation Trust is awaiting delivery of a brand new 30ft narrowboat which will be used for leisure trips from The Hub in the town centre to Cogglesford Lock. The Sleaford Navigation was opened in 1794 and remained in regular use up until 1878 when the coming of the railways led to its decline and it was officially wound up.

The Sleaford Navigation Trust, founded in 1977, has worked hard to revive the navigation, successfully restoring Bottom Lock in 1986 and Cobblers Lock in 1994. Working with the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership, the Trust created a slipway and lift bridge in the town itself in 2010. Realising a long­held aspiration, the Trust has secured funding through NKDC from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda, and reserved a build slot for its new 30ft long, 7ft narrowboat, the shell of which will be delivered adjacent to The Hub ready for the Trust to fit out the interior with its 12 passenger seats. Work is also needed to de­silt and clear the navigation of reeds, but once the river is a little more tidy, boat trips for the public, about 20 minutes in duration, can begin along the water, realising the Slea as a great asset for the town.

See www.sleafordnavigation.co.uk or www.n­kesteven.gov.uk for updates.

Springfields 20 Years of Spalding’s

There’s a spring feel at Springfields this month and the whole team is especially excited because the outlet shopping village and show gardens this month celebrate their 20th anniversary, and the return of Spalding’s colourful Flower Parade too! Get ready for sunshine and fun!

Words: Rob Davis.

Visit Springfields

Time, according to the saying, flies when you’re having fun. That’s certainly been the case in Spalding because, believe it or not, this summer sees the 20th anniversary of the outlet shopping and leisure site and its Festival Gardens. Springfields can trace its history back to April 1964, although the town of Spalding had been associated with the bulb industry since the late 19th century.

The town, for many years, attracted visitors to see the expansive fields of tulips: not least among them was King George V and Queen Mary in 1935 during their Silver Jubilee.

The Spalding Flower Parade also debuted in 1959 with a series of commercial show gardens established in 1946, later opening to the public after a collective effort to establish a proper visitor attraction, managed by the Springfields Horticultural Society charity and opening in April 1966, after the planting of a million bulbs and 30,000 trees.

The site became as much of a tourist attraction as a site for the promotion of the area’s horticultural industry, but falling visitor numbers meant that a reimagining of the site was needed.

In 2004, after a £30m investment, the site reopened as Springfields Outlet Shopping & Leisure, incorporating the Festival Gardens. Today the site is still popular with those who love its blend of shopping and horticulture, with 12 individually-designed feature gardens across 25 of the site’s 38 acres plus wetlands and a natural setting for The Bird Hide with its live links to Lincolnshire nature reserves including RSPB Frampton Marsh.

Celebrity gardeners from Kim Wilde to Chris Beardshaw and Charlie Dimmock contributed to the gardens’ design, and today Head Gardener Andy Boyton with his team of six people help to maintain the look and feel of the gardens for visitors.

Last year over 130,000 new bulbs were planted on the site, three quarters of which were tulips.

Visitors also enjoy the sight and sounds of contemporary sculptures created by Stephen Newby in stainless steel, all based around a theme of moving water.

In addition, though, Springfields has become synonymous with great value outlet shopping, and there are no fewer than 50 retailers across the site, including big names like M&S Outlet, Next Outlet, White Stuff, Jack Wills and Radley, plus the newest names to be added to Springfields’s list of retailers, namely Cadbury and Levi’s.

Further renowned brands are planned to open this year, providing more reasons to visit for shoppers.

Seven restaurants also provide plenty of food and drink including The Parlour, the site’s Edwardian-style tearoom and restaurant with its brunch, lunch and afternoon tea options. More relaxed alternatives include The Noshery and Springy’s American Diner, providing something for all tastes.

Springfields has also maintained a familyfriendly feel, with the presence of Adventure Land, with ten child-friendly activities including the Tree Top Village with its seven wooden towers, JCB Young Drivers’ Zone –mini JCB diggers, a scaffolding play tower and many other construction-themed play activities. Also for youngsters is Springy’s Beach, which has a sand play area and rockpool water stream all covered by a huge canopy and Springy’s Railroad, the miniature railway which meanders through the woodland.

Around 2.3m visitors enjoy the site each year and this summer marks the 20th anniversary of the site with bunting decorating the mall and plenty of entertainment planned throughout the year. Highlights are set to include a Fireworks Spectacular and Winter Wonderland Walk.

To top off the celebrations, visitors to Springfields will have the chance to win a brand new MG3 Hybrid+ car this year, as part of an exclusive promotion with local dealership WH Brand.

Springfields Outlet Shopping & Leisure, including the Festival Gardens, is open seven days from 9.30am (10.30am Sunday) on Camelgate, Spalding PE12 6EU. The site features 25 acres of gardens plus over 55 retailers offering up to 60% off RRP, www.springfieldsoutlet.co.uk.

Saturday 11th May & Sunday 12th May

The 2024 Spalding Flower Parade

The most colourful event in Spalding’s calendar returns this month as the Spalding Flower Parade departs on its three mile route from Castle Sports Ground on Pinchbeck Road from 11am.

The event will feature around 50 floats and this year’s theme is Movies.

In addition to the parade, the event has fun games for children, classic cars and vintage vehicles, 20 food stands, 50 craft stalls, live entertainment from the mainstage,tradestandsand more.

Theeventwasfirstheldin1959andwas resurrected for 2023 by Steve Timewell and his team of volunteers.

“With the help of the local community and backing from hundreds of local companies,wehave brought this project to fruition. The team is truly humbled by the support we’ve received. This event will forever be part of our heritage and it’s here to stay!”

Saturday 11th May with festivities continuing on Sunday 12th May.

Above image by Jan Whitbourn. See www.spaldingflowerparade.org.uk.

‘Award-Winning’ Adults Only Treehouses

Treetop Hideaways has been enticing guests since 2021 with its magical treehouse experience in a stunning, peaceful and natural setting.

Set amongst seventeen acres of mature rhododendrons, ancient woodland, meandering lakes, hidden islands with an abundance of wildlife guests are able to switch off, relax and detach themselves from the busy world we live in.

• Explore the beautiful trails hand-in-hand • Watch the sunrise or sunset together from the privacy of your elevated terrace • Soak up views from the outdoor bathtub while listening to the birds and the rustling of the trees • Unmoor your private rowing boat for a water adventure • Light up the fire pit, toast marshmallows and enjoy the tranquility of the night sky • As the evening draws to a close and the log burner glows enjoy a peaceful, luxurious night’s sleep high in the treetops• Nature provides a beautiful backdrop for any romantic moment.

For more information please visit our website www.treetophideaways.co.uk or email us at stay@treetophideaways.co.uk

Dining Out

The Queen’s Head

AT KIRKBY LA THORPE NEAR SLEAFORD

What better way to celebrate your third anniversary than with a visit from the AA to award your restaurant its first rosette! The Queen’s Head country dining restaurant, at Kirkby la Thorpe near Sleaford, has been under the ownership of Francis & Erin Taylor since June 2021 with Head Chef Barry Liversidge in the kitchen since its opening... and we reckon that its latest accolade is very well-deserved!

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Rob Davis, Steve Smailes, www.stevesmailes.co.uk.

Whilst out walking in Scotland, a tourist once passed the late Queen Elizabeth II and remarked ‘you look just like The Queen,’ to which the monarch, who was renowned for her wit and sense of humour replied ‘how reassuring.’

Speaking of familiar monarchs, next month represents three years since Francis & Erin Taylor and their Head Chef Barry Liversidge took over The Queen’s Head, in the village of Kirkby la Thorpe just a stone’s throw from Sleaford.

Since then the building itself, its interiors, menus and Barry’s dishes themselves may have given the place a totally new identity, but the familiar values of quality dining, an appreciation for seasonality and local suppliers, plus an understanding of what local diners enjoy all remain very much in evidence. As The Queen said, that sense of familiarity is reassuring.

When Francis and Erin Taylor purchased the place in June 2021, they embarked on a full refurbishment, reopening it with a fresh new look and a more contemporary silver colour scheme. Head Chef Barry Liversidge has been in post ever since the place reopened and has very consciously noted his diners’ preferences over the time, gradually evolving his menus to ‘give the public what they want.’

And what they want, Barry says, is a country dining restaurant with well-executed dishes, confident flavours, provenance and consistency. The AA concurs, too, for just after our visit The Queen’s Head was visited by the group, and presented with their first rosette. The accolade denotes a restaurant that ‘achieve standards that stand out in their local area, and ‘serves food prepared with care, understanding and skill, using good quality ingredients.’ We’re happy to underwrite that assessment, and Barry is proud, too.

Opposite: Pan­roasted chicken breast Piccolo parsnip, black cabbage, Parmesan croquette, wild mushroom butter sauce, £18.50. Above: Ham hock terrine, Granny Smith and caper jam, crispy pork £8.50. Sticky toffee pudding, miso butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream, £7.95.

The Queen’s Head, Kirkby la Thorpe

STARTERS

Ham hock terrine, Granny Smith and caper jam, crispy pork £8.50.

Marinated heritage tomatoes, whipped goats’ cheese, crouton, tomato water, basil £8.95.

Confit chicken and spring onion terrine, mushroom ketchup, and sourdough £8.50.

Cream of watercress soup, poached egg, bakery bread £7.50.

MAIN COURSES

Pan-roasted chicken breast, Piccolo parsnip, black cabbage, Parmesan croquette, wild mushroom butter sauce, £18.50.

Pan-fried pollock, buttered leeks, spring onion, new potatoes and smoked mussel butter sauce £18.95.

Corner Farm of Helpringham pork chop, butterbean mash, roasted apple, black cabbage, cider sauce £22.50.

Pan roasted chicken breast, dauphinoise potato, charred corn, pak choi, spring onion, wild mushroom butter sauce £18.75.

Lincolnshire pan-roasted trout, garden pea, spinach, baby onion, herbs, baked potato sauce £18.95.

DESSERTS

Dark chocolate cremeux, and ginger shortbread with caramelised banana £7.50.

Sticky toffee pudding, butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream, £7.95.

72% chocolate brownie, raspberry compote, raspberry sorbet £7.95

Warm treacle tart, clotted cream, pear, caramel £7.95

Lincolnshire Poacher, Colston Basset, Red Fox, Baron Bigod, Dazel Ash celery, grape chutney, Lincolnshire plum bread, water crackers £9.50/three £12.95/five.

NB: This is a sample menu, and featured dishes are subject to availability and change.

Dining Out

“The only measure of success that concerns us is happy diners, which we achieve with nicely-presented dishes, prepared with skill, consistent and fairly-priced...”

“We’re weren’t chasing an award, but it is very flattering – we don’t aspire to a Michelin star and we reject terms like gastropub,” says Barry. “Our real measure of success is happy diners, and for us that’s achieved with authentic food prepared with skill, wellpresented and fairly priced.”

The Queen’s Head comprises of a 40-seater restaurant with white table linen, low ceilings and a comfortable, intimate feel, perfect for evening dining. There’s a conservatory too and a covered outdoor terrace which is ideal for those seeking fresh air dining in summer.

In terms of menus, there’s a single, simple, daytime menu with five starters, five main courses and four desserts, optimised for prompt service with lighter dishes and a choice of two or three courses for £24.95 and £29.95 respectively. A dinner menu during evening service provides à la carte dining and adds a couple of extra dishes per course.

There are several specials on offer each day too, supplier-led and dictated by ingredients that Barry sees are especially good that day and offer scope for creativity. Two chefs work alongside General Manager Kevin Bligh who provides friendly, attentive and wellorganised front of house service.

Barry and the team create their own speciality bread in-house but also work with family-run Bloomsbury Bread in Grantham, and source produce like traceable, free range pedigree and rare-breed meat from Helpringham’s Corner Farm, eggs from Ruskington’s Priory Free Range Foods, and rapeseed oil from Hogsthorpe’s R G Taylor on the East Coast.

Barry, though favouring local suppliers, isn’t shy about venturing further afield for the best suppliers either. Nottinghamshire’s Gelston Lamb and Price & Fretwell of Derbyshire provide butchery, whilst ice creams and sorbets are from Retford’s Thaymar,

Opposite: Pan­fried pollock, buttered leeks, spring onion, new potatoes and smoked mussel butter sauce £18.95. Marinated heritage beetroot with whipped goats cheese, pickled walnut, lemon cream and dill, £8.95.

Dining Out

Other points to note include the provision of discounted dining for senior citizens during both lunchtime and evening service on Mondays and Tuesdays – happily, the place is open seven days a week – whilst a quiz night on a Tuesday evening is helping to ensure The Queen’s Head remains a favourite with villagers whilst also proving popular with diners from Lincoln, Boston, Newark, Horncastle, Woodhall Spa and of course Sleaford’s outlying villages.

One intriguing idea that’s set to return (on an as yet unconfirmed date) is the restaurant’s Dining in the Dark evenings. These are best described as mindful dining experiences with really subdued lighting encouraging diners to

enjoy a tasting menu where the experience of different flavours is enhanced by dining, not quite blindfolded, but certainly without testing the adage that ‘one eats with his eyes first.’

Looking further ahead, The Queen’s Head team also has future plans for the restaurant. They’re still very much under wraps at the moment, but should prove to further enhance the opportunity to dine at one of Lincolnshire’s most established country dining rooms later in 2024.

For now, though, summer dining is a compelling prospect thanks to Barry and the team’s efforts to ensure The Queen’s Head remains absolutely at the top of its game. A great recommendation for summer dining!

The Queen’s Head, Kirkby la Thorpe, near Sleaford

The Pitch: The Queen’s Head enjoys a longstanding reputation as a top Lincolnshire dining room and remains synonymous with great dining under chef Barry Liversidge.

Lunchtime: 12:00 ­ 14:15, Mon­Sat.

Evening Service: 17:30 ­ 19:45 Mon­Sat.

Sunday lunch service from 12:00 ­ 15:45.

The Queens Head , Church Lane, Kirkby La Thorpe, NG34 9NU

Call 01529 300750 or see www.thequeensheadpub.com.

Above: Dark chocolate cremeux, with caramelised banana £7.50.

20 years of award winning fine dining

Whether you are visiting for a unique dining experience, a luxurious overnight stay or both, San Pietro truly is the perfect boutique destination. Taste of Excellence finalist and Food & Farming’s Restaurant of the Year - visit us soon and say ‘Salute’ to quality...

Simply bringing you the very best cocktails in the area!

Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nights 6pm – 11pm

George’s Bar opened March 2024, an Exclusive Bar like nothing else Boston has ever seen before. Reservation only, allow the fantastic handpicked staff to show you to your table where you can choose from the brand new menu of Cocktails, Mocktails, Beers & Shots. These will be freshly created by George Drury himself and delivered to your table. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the music while you decide what to have next...

The drinks were amazing, staff were fabulous... we will definitely be going back!”

ROWLFIE2015

“The team have done an amazing job creating a go-to, on-trend cocktail bar!”

ROWLFIE2015

Elegance, sophistication and glamour, with a welcoming and relaxed ambience!”

ANGELAP

Emery Lane, Boston, PE21 8QA

Visit www.georgesbars.co.uk to book your table now

LOUTH ROAD, HAINTON, LINCOLNSHIRE LN8 6LX 07912 762819 info@theheneagearms.co.uk

www.theheneagearms.co.uk

Friday & Saturday 5pm until late & Sunday 12pm - 5pm

An Artisan Summer

Cheese Board

Images: Rob Davis.

We’ve yet to discover anything more enjoyable than good bread, wine and company whilst relishing really good cheese. On average, British households consume 600,000 tonnes of cheese a year, with cheddar making up half of that consumption. The top cheeses consumed in Britain are mainly staples of the school and picnic lunchbox.

The Cheese Society, though, is a champion for speciality cheese, and has supported smaller or artisanal producers since its inception in 1997, initially as an online business, with the Cheese Society Café and retail Shop opening in 2001.

The business which is now fronted by Lucie Nock (daughter of founder and former local wine-bar and deli-owner, Kate O’Meara) and it was voted Best Cheese Shop UK recently, remaining proud to champion Britain’s own artisan cheesemakers – of which there are around 700 – as well as many continental cheesemakers too.

Usually stocking 100 different types of cheese at any one time, they provide a friendly and knowledgeable experience for both seasoned cheese aficionados and novices alike, offering artisanal examples, and delicious alternatives to the ubiquitous cheddar.

The company offers a very popular cheese subscription service by mail order which sees four incredible cheeses delivered UK-wide straight to the door each month with suggested pairings, tasting notes, and gift messages.

The Cheese Team selects unique and lesserknown examples of artisan cheese for the subscription box, which is changed at the beginning of each month.

Seasonal selections are always available online, to gift or personally enjoy. The company also sell biscuits, crackers, and chutneys... everything you need to complete the experience!

Lincoln’s Cheese Society provides artisan and speciality cheese available for mail order to addresses in the UK. A Cheese Club, subscription and gift subscription service is also available, and the company has an 18­seater Cheese Café, Wed­Sat, on Lincoln’s St Martin’s Lane. Call 01522 511 003 or visit www.thecheesesociety.co.uk.

1. Tunworth: Handmade, pasteurised, bloomy English Camembert­style. According to Raymond Blanc, ‘the best Camembert in the world!’

2. Dazel Ash: Dazel Ash has fresh flavours that pair perfectly with lemon curd, wildflower honey, or frozen grapes. Coated in an edible ash which matures into a crinkly rind and takes on a lustrous, satiny, dark hue of black and white.

3. Cornichons: Made from whole Indian cornichons pickled in white balsamic vinegar, perfect with Alpine cheeses, strong cheddars, and soft, blue cheeses.

4. Bath Soft: White bloomy­rinded cheese with a creamy texture, and a mushroomy taste with a hint of lemon. Comes wrapped in parchment paper with a red wax seal.

5. Appleby’s Double Gloucester: A rich, nutty, and buttery flavour with some bite.

6. Pink Peppercorn Crackers: The perfect blend of sourdough flavour with a slight kick of peppercorn. Pairs excellently with a soft, fresh cheese and a glass of crisp white wine.

7. Rachel: A semi­firm goat’s cheese with a lightly­washed rind. Subtle sweet and nutty lingering flavours. A fragrant cheese that’s not too strong or ‘goaty’ on the palate.

8. Local Fourseed Sourdough Crackers: Made from the starter used for fresh sourdough. Ideal for pairing with most cheeses but works especially well with softer varieties.

9. Classic Italian Stick: A classic Italian ciabatta­style bread. Best enjoyed warm. 10. Comte: A smooth, creamy, and nutty mountain cheese. A good intensity of flavour which improves when aged up to 24 months.

11. Colston Bassett Stilton: Regarded as one of the best traditionally made, naturally crusted Stiltons in the country. Mature, with good blueing and rich, deep, herbaceous flavours that linger on the palate.

12. Vacherousse D’Argental: Smooth and creamy French cow’s cheese from the Lyonnais region of France. Brushed with brine and annatto to develop the distinctive red, orange and white mottled mould exterior.

13. Cornish Yarg: A light­textured cheese with citrus notes. Young cheeses carefully wrapped in nettle leaves, creating a distinctive subtle herbaceous flavour.

14. Mini Camembert Baker: A perfectly­sized skillet for baking petite Camembert. Simply pop the cheese in the pan, then put it in the oven and bake until the outside is crispy and the inside is melted.

Rhubarb & Ricotta

Bread and Butter Summer Pudding

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Baking Time: 35­40 minutes.

300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 1cm pieces

50g granulated sugar

• 8 slices of white bread,

50g unsalted butter, softened

250g ricotta cheese

• 2 large eggs

100ml whole milk

•

50g demerara sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon

Pinch of ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Icing sugar to dust

• Crème Anglaise or ice cream to serve.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). In a bowl, toss the chopped rhubarb with the granulated sugar and let it sit for about 15 minutes to macerate. While the rhubarb is macerating, generously butter each slice of bread on one side.

In another bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, whole milk, demerara sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and salt until well-combined.

Arrange half of the buttered bread slices in a single layer in the bottom of a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them if necessary.

Spoon half of the macerated rhubarb over the bread slices, along with any juices that have accumulated.

Place the remaining buttered bread slices on top of the rhubarb layer, again overlapping them if necessary, either upright or flat – upright will ensure the crusts are a little more crisp. Spoon the remaining rhubarb and juices over the top layer of bread.

Pour the ricotta mixture evenly over the bread and rhubarb layers, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Allow the pudding to sit for about 1015 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with good ice cream or crème Anglaise.

White Horse was founded in November 2023 by Dan and Jason, who share a deep-rooted love for food, hospitality and have dedicated the past decade to the culinary industry. Honing their skills and expertise before embarking on this exciting venture, a restaurant and bar that celebrates fresh, locally sourced produce accompanied by an exceptional drink selection. The team including head chef Jack, have curated a menu that is both refined and seasonally inspired, every dish is crafted in-house.

At the weekends brunch is served from 10am-1pm, and each Sunday the iconic roast is served from midday, both small and large plates are available 6 days a week. White Horse has curated a diverse wine and cocktail list, alongside a craft beer selection, that changes every week. Walk-ins for drinks in the bar area are welcomed, with a new beer garden opening in Spring.

Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Baking Time: 35­40 minutes.

500g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 1­inch pieces 250g strawberries, hulled and quartered 100g granulated sugar (adjust according to taste and sweetness of fruit)

1 tablespoon cornflour 150g plain flour 75g unsalted butter, cold and diced

75g demerara sugar

50g rolled oats (optional)

A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Good ice cream or crème Anglaise to serve.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4). In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornflour. Toss gently to coat the fruit evenly.

Transfer the fruit mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly, or spread out into separate individual dishes.

In another bowl, combine the plain flour and cold diced butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the demerara sugar and rolled oats if using, along with a pinch of ground cinnamon if desired. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit in the baking dish or dishes. Place the baking dish/dishes on a baking tray (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until

the crumble topping is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling.

Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve the rhubarb and strawberry crumble warm, with really good ice cream or for a real treat, crème Anglaise.

To create the latter, use a vanilla pod split length-ways and scrape out of the seeds adding the seeds and pod to 500ml whole milk. Warm for 10 minutes on a gentle heat to infuse the flavour then leave to cool.

In a separate bowl, whisk together four egg yolks and 100g caster sugar until pale. Add the cooled milk to the egg yolks and sugar, whisk, then return to a very gentle heat to thicken. Cool completely, then whisk in 300ml double cream and freeze, churning every hour.

Alcohol-free, low-calorie and award-winning!

Say hello to Clean G Pink, a non-alcoholic pink gin alternative...

Bursting with fruity strawberry and sweet raspberry notes, this hangover­free hero delivers the perfect summer cooler, with that all important pink peppercorn and juniper kick. At just 13 calories per serving, Clean G Pink is sugar free and vegan, and of course, it’s nonalcoholic. Guilt­free indulgence!

£16 / 70cl / <0.5% ABV. From www.clean.co.

The Wine Cellar

Great value wines and spirits with big flavours ideal for the summer months... here we’ve some really indulgent drinks to ensure you can toast the arrival of summer in the garden!

Great value Vin de France trio inspired by La Belle Époque

You’d be a fool to dismiss

Vin de France such as this trio in favour of just sticking to AOCs, this Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing and aromatic, £9.99 / 12% ABV.

Finally, a smooth, fruity rosé, pretty in pink with Cinsault and Grenache grapes, £9.99 / 13.5% ABV, All La Belle Angèle from www.majestic.co.uk. Its sister bottle is this Pinot Noir­based wine with raspberry and blackcurrant, offering hints of spice and vanilla, ideal with meat and cheese, £9.99 / 13% ABV.

Wine of the Month

Brunello di Montalcino is obtained from the meticulous selection of Sangiovese grapes from Tuscany’s Collosorbo estate, in the southern part of Montalcino, between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate.

An exceptional, full­bodied wine with oaky notes. Perfect with red meat and Sunday roasts. Well­balanced with red cherry, crushed raspberry, and cinnamon.

£78.99 / 75cl, 15% ABV, from Waitrose Cellar, waitrosecellar.com.

Raspberry and Strawberry Rum

Pull the Pin’s pink rum is perfect for the summer months!

A pink rum flowing with flavours of British raspberry and strawberry.

A beautiful fruity rum with a slight hint of citrus sharpness to complement the sweet berries.

Makes a fantastic berry daiquiri or mojito and tastes great with tonic, lemonade or cream soda.

£36 / 70cl / 37.5% ABV pullthepinspirits.com.

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

High Life

Lincoln’s White Hart Officially Opens

The White Hart Hotel in the city’s historic Bailgate – complete with its newly-established restaurant, Antlers – is now officially open following a complete and extensive refurbishment of the hotel

Images: Rachel London Photography, www.rachellondonphotography.co.uk.

The White Hart Hotel in the city’s historic Bailgate is now officially open following the extensive refurbishment of the hotel. The Right Worshipful Mayor of the City of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean officially cut the ribbon to mark the hotel officially open. This was followed by a drinks reception in the newly refurbished Royal Courtyard with its spectacular transparent dome, held for invited guests, partners, associates and friends of the hotel who were able to view the distinguished sword of King Richard II, which is kept at the nearby Lincoln Guildhall, first presented by King Richard II to the Mayor of Lincoln in 1387. Owner of the White Hart and Principal Director of Travel Sector Property, Andrew Long, said: “It was a pleasure to declare the White Hart officially open and to celebrate with those who have made it possible to transform this amazing, historic hotel!” For more information see www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk or visit the hotel in Lincoln’s Bailgate.

A handsome, spacious Georgian mansion, on a private gated development

Skirbeck Hall

A beautifully maintained mansion that blends period style with modern features, and plenty of space. This month we’re enjoying a look around a very handsome family home close to the town centre of Boston

Words: Rob Davis. Images: Matt Thompson, Matte Black Media.

Saint Nicholas is best known as being the ‘Jolly’ (but quite unseasonal, for our May edition) patron of gift-giving, hence his association with the festive season.

But among his other patronages were travellers, fishermen and sailors too. And so, it stands to reason that Saint Nicholas’s Church, in Skirbeck near Boston, should stand so close to The Haven with its many centuries worth of association with Hanseatic trading and with the sailors on the many ships that have travelled via The Wash over the years... not least among which were the Pilgrims in 1607.

The former rectory adjacent to St Nicholas’s Church is Skirbeck Hall, rebuilt for Reverend Doctor William Roy by Edward Lapidge in 1847 to replace a former rectory on the site destroyed by fire: it’s believed there has been a rectory on the site for around 1,000 years.

Robert Roy was William’s son, and succeeded his father as rector of Skirbeck until his death in 1902. After serving as a private girls’ school until the mid-20th century, then accommodating teaching facilities for nearby Boston College, Skirbeck Hall was later abandoned until the 1990s when it was renovated between 2004 and 2006.

Now, after 20 years under the custodianship of its present owners, Skirbeck Hall is a spacious, elegant, much-improved family home seeking new custodians, a rare opportunity for new owners to enjoy its beautiful interiors, modern features for day-to-day family life, and a convenient location on a private gated development, close to Boston’s town centre.

“We moved into the property just after the renovation, so all of the significant works had been completed,” say the present owners. “That meant we benefitted from a handsome period property – a Georgian building, reconstructed following the fire of 1847 with the addition of a Victorian extension – but it had a brand new roof, new windows and new plumbing and wiring. The benefit is all the period charm... with none of the problems!”

The stylish property’s period features, from the deep skirtings, cornice work and sash windows are all matched by thoughtfullyselected heritage colours.

Welcome Home

Meanwhile, some rather more modern touches ensure the property is also an assuredly modern family home despite its opulence.

The shaker-style kitchen, for example, features cabinetry in grey and cream which is complemented by solid oak work surfaces, Rangemaster cooker, Quooker boiling water tap and appliances from premium brands from an integrated dishwasher to a US-style fridge and freezer. Adjacent is a bespoke hardwood orangery completed in 2023 with underfloor heating and Karndean flooring.

The open plan living space is one of four reception rooms, the others being an adjacent dining room, plus a drawing room and drinks room, each with Clearview wood burning stoves and carved stone fireplaces.

The property’s east-facing orangery provides lots of morning sunshine. Faithful in style to the heritage of the property, it has electrically deployable roof vents, ensuring it remains temperate.

Adjacent to the open-plan kitchen and orangery is a south-facing terrace with kitchen garden, eight raised beds, herbs and lavender borders

Top: The adjacent hardwood orangery was completed in 2023.

Above: The drawing room is one of four receptions rooms, alongside a dining room, drinks room and living kitchen/orangery.

The views of the kitchen garden and church are idyllic and the orangery serves as a modern, open plan reception room with a light, handsome dining space for the whole family to enjoy. It has become the true heart of the home since its completion, last year.

Adjacent to the kitchen and orangery is a sunken kitchen garden also created in 2023 with eight raised beds and two Victorianstyle glass houses plus lavender and herb beds too, which are beautifully illuminated at night when viewed from the orangery. Elsewhere there are olive trees, neat box hedging, plus terraces and a hot tub.

The property’s large, grand hallway features encaustic-style Victorian tiles, with flagstones too, adjacent to a beautiful period stone staircase featuring handsome balustrading.

To the first floor is a split-level landing leading to four double bedrooms. The master suite includes a bay window, dressing room and newly-refurbished en suite with sixpiece Burlington suite.

There’s a second bedroom with a Jack & Jill ensuite with sunken spa bath and steam shower. The three principal bedrooms enjoy air conditioning, and there’s a further bedroom too. Unusually each one has an en suite bathroom, a rare but welcome and very practical feature for a period property and a real boon for modern family life.

A second floor is ready for conversion with similar high ceilings to the other two floors. It could comfortably accommodate three further bedrooms and a bathroom, offering the potential to provide eight-bedrooms.

On the ground floor there’s also a large study as well as cellaring and a practical utility/boot room. Outdoors, there’s a goodsized triple garage plus workshop space.

Nestling in about half an acre, Skirbeck Hall is located on a friendly private development with electric gates and intercom, immaculate gardens and a mature Jerusalem Cedar tree adjacent to the property’s entrance.

“The town centre and the local grammar school are just five minutes away, but we still

Welcome Home

enjoy a location that’s semi-rural with pretty views over the ancient church and river.”

“It’s been a super place to live and we’ve been very happy here – it’s a great family home –but with a move out of the county pending, it’s time to let somebody else enjoy it. We’ll miss the place very much, but we’ll take with us some very happy memories of family life at Skirbeck Hall.”

Skirbeck Hall, near Boston

Provenance: Spacious and stylish Grade II listed former rectory adjacent to St Nicholas’s Church, rebuilt following a fire in 1847 with additional Victorian features, tastefully modernised by current owners.

Rooms: Four receptions currently arranged as living kitchen/orangery, drawing room, dining room, drinks room. Four bedrooms with four en suites. Study, cellar.

Guide Price: £1,250,000.

Find Out More: Fairweather Estate Agents, Dolphin Lane, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 6EU. Call 01205 336122 or see fairweather­estateagents.co.uk. A beautifully presented video of the property is available to view via Rightmove.

Skirbeck Hall, Boston

£1,250,000

With a secluded location within an exclusive gated development, Skirbeck Hall enjoys an incredibly private position. This simply stunning Grade Two Listed former rectory has been completely and faithfully restored during a full renovation and has been a much loved family home for almost 20 years. It is absolutely filled with incredible period features to include decorative cornice and arches, panel doors,shutters and a fabulous stone staircase. There are five beautifully appointed reception rooms to include a brand new orangery which is less than a year old and four large double bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities. Skirbeck Hall is offered with no onward chain.

Spilsby Road, Horncastle

£550,000

Beautiful Bokhangar Lodge is conveniently located only a short walking distance from the schools and a variety of independent shops and restaurants in this historic antiques market town. Offered with NO CHAIN, it is filled with charming features, the property has three reception rooms in addition to four large double bedrooms and a useful cellar with full head height. A modern AGA, new boiler and radiators were fitted in 2023. The property has a large well-established rear garden, filled with many mature trees which is private and secluded.

Wigtoft, Boston

£750,000

Llwelyn House really is a most charming and beautifully restored period home within the village of Wigtoft. The main house comprises four double bedrooms and four reception rooms in addition to a separate, three bedroom detached house within the grounds, ‘The annexe’, which has three double bedrooms, three reception rooms and a double garage. The property benefits from grounds extending to approximately one acre to include a large driveway and yard and superb custom-built 15m x 6m workshop with electric roller door.

Church Lane, Algarkirk

£475,000

Situated upon a generous plot of approximately half an acre, this spacious family home can be found along a country lane through the village with open views over countryside to the rear, and the beautiful listed Village Hall and Church to the front. The property has four generous reception rooms with two wood burners to the ground floor and four double bedrooms with an en-suite to the master. Solar panels and a battery storage system were fitted only 18 months ago and have made a huge difference to utility bills already. A large driveway provides parking for many vehicles and leads to a generous double garage.

Peter Jackson Cabinet Makers Ltd

Devereux Way, Horncastle LN9 6AU

Tel: 01507 527113

W: www.peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk

E: info@peterjacksoncabinets.co.uk

All Creatures Great & Small

Whimsical wallpapers and fabrics using animals as their inspiration, for design projects both great and small

Sanderson Elysium Geese wallpaper/fabric. Amsterdam Green colourway, blue clay, briarwood and gilver (not ‘silver’!) colours also available: £119/roll wallpaper; £79.99/metre fabric. Call 0203 4575 862 or see www.sandersondesigngroup.com.

Interiors

Game Birds wallpaper by Voyage Maison, linen or cream colourways, £30/metre, call 0113 539 9896 or see www.voyagemaison.com.

Acquario whimsical fish wallpaper in print room blue, dark viridian, ink, taupe and charcoal also available, £295/roll, Cole & Son, call 0207 647 7717 or see www.cole­and­son.com.

Osborne & Little Quentin's Menagerie wallpaper illustrated by Quentin Blake, pistachio shown, also white and sky blue, £67/roll, call 020 8812 3123 or see www.osborneandlittle.com.

Busy Dogs wallpaper by Hannah Dale of Lincolnshire’s Wrendale Designs, £59.99/roll, call 01652 680253 or see www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk.

Evesham Deer wallpaper by

shown

birch (cream) colourway also available, £95/roll. Call 203 4575 862 or see www.sandersondesigngroup.com

Sanderson, indigo

here,

• Tree Surgery & Felling

• Tree Reports

• BS 3998

• BS 5837

• Stump Grinding

• Site Clearance

• Hedge Cutting

• Council Approved Contractor

• £10 Million Public Liability

• NPTC Qualified

• BSC Honours Landscape Ecology

• Professional Tree Inspection

• National Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture

Grow? Garden How Does Your

A great day out, or a way to change lives? A visit to one of the National Gardens Scheme’s open gardens can be both. Happily the charity is providing an even greater number of opportunities to visit a Lincolnshire garden in 2024, says the county’s organiser Lesley Wykes

Words: Rob Davis. Image: Ludney House Farm.

Last year, the National Gardens Scheme changed many lives with an impressive £3.4m donated to many beneficiaries. It remains a great idea: proud gardeners are able to show off their green fingers, visitors enjoy a day out and gain some wonderful ideas for their own gardens, and some of Britain’s most important charities benefit from the proceeds of admissions, teas & coffees, cake and plant sales.

Lesley Wykes has been Lincolnshire’s NGS organiser since 2021 and has opened her own garden, Dunholme Lodge, since 2012. Not only do visitors to her five-acre garden enjoy a range of bulbs, ferns, shrub and roses, there’s also a museum and memorial to RAF Dunholme Lodge in the grounds, plus craft stalls, a ukulele band and vintage vehicles to enjoy when the gardens open on Sunday 5th May and Sunday 30th June.

And if all that’s not a sufficient incentive to pay a visit, we’re reliably informed that the 900 visitors a year to Lesley and her husband Hugh’s garden also enjoy very good homemade scones! Lesley is responsible for making many of them plus homemade sausage rolls and cakes alongside other members of her local community and the church for visitors enjoy with their cups of tea during the opening, with funds from refreshments going to the church and the rest of the proceeds going to the NGS.

“It’s hard work but incredibly rewarding,” says Lesley. “In total there are 3,372 gardens which participate in the scheme nationwide, with 34 gardens opening this year in Lincolnshire. Here in the county we’re lucky to have a team of 11 people who are really supportive and absolutely committed to providing local gardeners with the chance to show off a wide variety of gardens, with different styles and a range of features.”

“The NGS is an especially good organisation when it comes to supporting garden owners who want to raise money for charity. The charity offers lots of assistance in terms of advice and publicity, whilst still ensuring that over 80p in every £1 goes to our good causes.”

“Macmillan, for example, has benefitted from £20m during their 40 years as one of our charities and last year we donated £450,000 to the charity and the same amount to Marie Curie and Hospice UK.”

“Other beneficiaries include the The Queen’s Nursing Institute, The Carers’ Trust, and Parkinson’s UK as well as five garden or natural history organisations such as English Heritage, and half a dozen or so other health charities such as Maggie’s. That’s in addition to supporting a number of community gardens across Britain too.”

“We’re always looking for new gardens that we can incorporate into our calendar of events, and we are always happy to visit and provide advice about how to open up a garden to visitors as part of the scheme.”

“It’s a misnomer that you need to have a big garden. Quality, character and interest are the most important aspects and we’ve a really good mix of gardens in Lincolnshire with both public and private gardens available for visitors to enjoy.”

“In Lincolnshire we also have many gardens which are long-standing members of the scheme, including Marilyn Cooke & John Knight’s Great Hale garden, Shangrila, which has been open to the public every year for a decade now. In July we host a garden owners’ lunch at which Marilyn and John will this year be presented with an engraved trowel to thank them for their 10 years of participation.”

“It’s a wonderful scheme and we’re so happy to enjoy the support and hard work of everyone who helps to make the National Gardens Scheme in Lincolnshire such a success... as well as supporting some very worthwhile charities we also hope it provides a lot of pleasure and some really enjoyable days out in the summer months too!”

Over the page, we’ll provide a list of all of the dates for this year’s openings, from mid­April to September. Please check the NGS website for up to date information, admission prices and directions, at www.ngs.org.uk.

National Gardens Scheme 2024

Sunday 14th April Ashfield House, Branston, Lincoln, LN4 1NS

Sunday 5th May Dunholme Lodge, Lincoln LN2 3QA

Sunday 5th May 66 Spilsby Road, Boston, PE21 9NS

Sunday 5th May Woodlands, Fotherby, Louth LN11 0UW

Flowering cherries, magnolias. Spring bulbs, arboretum, lake 11am­4pm

Five acre garden, ferns, shrubs, natural pond and wildflowers 11am­5pm

1⅓ acre with moat, Venetian folly, summerhouse and orangery 11am­4pm

Shaded beds, salvias, RHS­listed nursery. New crevice garden 10.30­3pm

Saturday 11th May 23 Accommodation Road, Horncastle LN9 5AS Medium sized garden mixing flowers, fruit, iris and perennials 11am­4pm

Saturday 11th May Oasis Garden, ‘Your Place,’ Grimsby DN32 7JP

Community garden, volunteers produce 15,000 plants a year 11am­3pm

Sunday 12th May 23 Accommodation Road, Horncastle LN9 5AS Medium sized garden mixing flowers, fruit, iris and perennials 11am­4pm

Sunday 12th May Fydell House, Boston PE21 6HU Yew buttresses, arbours and four parterres with Dutch themes 10am­4pm

Saturday 18th May Willoughby Road Allotments, Boston, PE21 9HN Five acres of allotments, 60 plots growing vegetables, fruit etc 12noon­4pm

Saturday 25th May Greatford Mill, Stamford, PE9 4QA

Sunday 26th May Aswarby House/Park, NG34 8SE/NG34 8SD

One acre English country garden overlooking church and pond 11am­4pm

Planted five years ago adjacent to C18 house, herb borders 2pm­5pm

Sunday 26th May The Fern Nursery, Market Rasen LN8 6DH Wildlife garden with natural chalk stream running through 11am­4pm

Every Sunday June/July Ashcroft House, Tallington, PE9 4RG

Sat 1st/Sun 2nd June 23 Accommodation Road, Horncastle LN9 5AS

Sunday 2nd June Firs Farm, Market Rasen LN8 5QB

Sunday 2nd June Manor Farm Barton on Humber DN18 6HS

Sunday 9th June 23 Linden Walk, Louth LN11 9HT

Sunday 9th June West Syke, Sleaford NG34 7QJ

Tuesday 11th June 23 Linden Walk, Louth LN11 9HT

Sunday 16th June Shangrila, Great Hale, Sleaford NG34 9LH

Sunday 16th June Woodlands, Fotherby, Louth LN11 0UW

Compact cottage garden with shrubs and different ‘rooms’ 11am­4pm

Medium sized garden mixing flowers, fruit, iris and perennials 11am­4pm

Herbaceous borders, dahlias. Pond, veg patch, woodland 10am­4pm

Formal garden with shrubberies and herbaceous borders 11am­4.30pm

Formal Victorian style with herbaceous perennial borders 1.30pm­4pm

One acre site: bog gardens, rockeries, three ponds, wildflowers 12noon­5pm

Formal Victorian style with herbaceous perennial borders 11am­2.30pm

Three acres, colour themed beds, topiary, Japanese garden 11am­5pm

Shaded beds, salvias, RHS­listed nursery. New crevice garden 10.30­3pm

Sunday 23rd June Old Vicarage, Holbeach Hurn PE12 8JN

Sunday 23rd June Old White House, Holbeach Hurn, PE12 8JP

Saturday 29th June Home Farm, Ryhall, Stamford PE9 4HA

Sunday 30th June Dunholme Lodge, Lincoln LN3 3QA

Sunday 30th June Home Farm, Ryhall, Stamford PE9 4HA

Sunday 30th June Ludney House Farm, Louth LN11 7JU

Sunday 30th June Walnut Lodge, Bransby, LN1 2PH

Sat 13th/Sun 14th July 21 Chapel Street, Haconby, Bourne PE10 0UL

Saturday 27th July Gunby Hall Gardens, Spilsby PE23 5SS

Sunday 28th July Yew Tree Farm, Gosberton, Spalding PE11 4EP

Every Thurs/Sun August Secret Garden of Louth, Watts Lane, LN11 9DG

Sunday 4th August The Fern Nursery, Market Rasen LN8 6DH

Sunday 4th August Fydell House, Boston PE21 6HU

Sunday 11th August Woodlands, Fotherby, Louth LN11 0UW

Two acres, 150 year old tulip, plane and beech trees, roses 1pm­5pm

Mature garden, 1½ acres, borders, roses, walled garden 1pm­5pm

More than 100 roses, inc many old English fragrant varieties 2pm­5pm

Five acre garden with mature trees, spring bulbs and ferns 11am­5pm

More than 100 roses, inc many old English fragrant varieties 2pm­5pm

Large garden, formal and informal planting, rose garden 1pm­4pm

Rural garden of ½ acre, mature trees, herbaceous borders 10am­4.30pm

Beautiful cottage garden with new gravel garden meadow 11am­4pm

Eight acres of formal/walled gardens adjacent to stately home 10am­4pm

Lovely country garden, 1½ acres, woodland gardens, pool 11am­5pm

Lush, colourful, exotic plant packed haven, borders, ponds 11am­4pm

Wildlife garden with natural chalk stream running through 11am­4pm

Yew buttresses, arbours and four parterres with Dutch themes 10am­4pm

Shaded beds, salvias, RHS­listed nursery. New crevice garden 10.30­3pm

Saturday 31st August Willoughby Road Allotments, Boston, PE21 9HN Five acres of allotments, 60 plots growing vegetables, fruit etc 12noon­4pm

Sunday 1st September Skellingthorpe Hall, Lincoln LN6 5UU 3½ acre landscaped garden, shrubs and perennial borders 10.30am

Sat 14th/Sun 15th Sept 21 Chapel Street, Haconby, Bourne PE10 0UL Beautiful cottage garden with new gravel garden meadow 11am­4pm

Sat 21st/Sun 22nd Sept Inley Drove Farm, Sutton St James PE12 0LX Three acres, predominantly flower gardens, with woodland 11am­5pm

Sunday 22nd September Firs Farm, Market Rasen LN8 5QB Herbaceous borders, dahlias. Pond, veg patch, woodland 10am­4pm

Opposite Page, Top: 21 Chapel Street, Haconby; Old White House, Holbeach. Bottom: West Syke, Sleaford; Aswarby House. Below: The Secret Garden, Louth. For details of each opening, refreshments, directions and contact details, see www.ngs.org.uk.

On the Farm Farming

What’s happening in the fields of Lincolnshire with farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE

A decent pair of boots and a reliable tractor are two essential pieces of kit for a farmer, but sometimes a crystal ball wouldn’t go amiss either. I’m writing this in mid-March, at which time our spring planting should be well underway. Instead, the ground is sodden following what has seemed like relentless rain... this has proved a particular concern on our heavier land.

Spring barley has been drilled on our lighter heathland, but our sugar beet seed is still waiting to be planted. On our other farm, oats and wheat are still waiting to be drilled but the current wet weather means we can’t get going, and the optimum window for completion is the end of March. There’s still a chance... but I can’t see it happening due to the current conditions.

Last year we didn’t get the spring crops in the ground until the middle to end of April, and as a result our crops took a real hit; spring barley yielded about 6.5 tonnes/hectare; spring oats 4.5, and beans 3.5.

Whilst those numbers were disappointing, the commodity prices meant we were cushioned from the impact of the poor yields and we managed to make a small margin.

However, this year it’s a different situation because of the weather and prices. We’ve set a deadline of 10th April, but if the oats and wheat are not planted by then, a combination of low yields and low prices will mean it’s simply won’t be worth planting them.

A possibility for us is participation in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) which is a Defra/government scheme offering a few options for farmers involving the planting of non-food crops, to benefit wildlife or the environment: the advantage is the security of a guaranteed return of £550/hectare.

Participation in the SFI requires a three year commitment, and I can’t imagine the idea of being paid not to produce food sits very comfortably with farmers who are keen to

ensure we grow our own cereals and become less reliant on international imports.

However, a farm is no different from any other business and profitability has to come first. A crystal ball or some way of looking into the future would help with the kind of judgement calls that farmers have to make, but in lieu of that, we just have to make the best decisions we can, based on experience.

Whilst we can’t get on with drilling spring crops, we have at least been able to use the time to equip our Polaris Ranger all terrain vehicle (ATV) with a John Deere GPS guidance system and over the coming weeks we’ll be using it to map all of our field boundaries to centimetre-level accuracy.

That information will by used across all our machinery and by our farm management software, Gatekeeper. It will help us with precision planting, spraying, cultivations and harvesting. Employing this technology across all of our operations will reduce fuel costs and avoid wasting inputs, with no overlapping and facilitating auto turning of machinery at the end of the field (the headlands).

It’s all sounds very technical, but it gives farmers of today a real advantage and makes life a lot easier, contributing to a reduction in costs. The weather might not be reliable, but thankfully, such technology is... and any farmer will be glad to have at least something they can rely on right now!

Watch Wardy’s Waffle: Our farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE farms 1,600 acres in Lincolnshire, growing wheat, barley, oil seed rape, sugar beet, beans and oats. Andrews has his own YouTube channel, Wardy’s Waffle, which is enjoyed by over 14,500 subscribers. Watch his updates Wednesday evenings from 7pm and Sunday mornings at 8am. Search YouTube for @WardysWaffleAndrewWard.

SPORT GOOD

There’s a new and eye-wateringly expensive Range Rover Sport flagship, is it worth the £100,000 premium or is enough, enough?

nough is enough. Or... is it? No Range Rover Sport will leave its owner feeling short-changed in terms of luxury, performance or badge prestige. Indeed the Range Rover Sport is now a legitimate preference to the ‘proper/Vogue’ Range Rover, not something you’d settle for instead with a begrudging

The new flagship Range Rover has seen its list price pushed well into the territory of six-figure motoring, and with that model increasing in cost, the Range Rover Sport has also been given a bit of scope to increase in cost, ultimately yielding this flagship version.

It’s called the Range Rover Sport SV Edition One and it costs £185,360, which is pretty much £100,000 more than the entry-level Range Rover

The short answer that whilst this firebreathing flagship is great, the standard Range Rover Sport is so well-equipped and well-rounded, with additional strengths that you’re only likely to be able to make the most of if you’re on a closed racing circuit. We reckon a plug-in hybrid version of the Sport might be a better bet in terms of still feeling brisk but delivering better

That’s not to say that the SV Edition One isn’t impressive, though. Rather than JLR’s 5.0V8 supercharged engine, this new flagship has knocked on BMW’s door and asked to borrow an engine, specifically the company’s 4.4 litre V8 twin turbo with bespoke fettling to achieve

Performance is enormous. Really enormous. The car weighs 2,500kg, which is only a couple of Kg more than the base model thanks to a smattering of lightweight carbon fibre. The flagship reaches 60mph in 3.6 seconds and will proceed to 180mph if you’re on a race track and have no sense of selfpreservation.

Naturally fuel economy takes a hit. The stated fuel consumption figure is 23.7mpg, but that’s with the engine’s hybrid assistance, and an assumption that you’re driving it like a risk-averse nun. Otherwise, you’ll be on first name terms or possibly cohabiting with the person who runs your local petrol station. The expense doesn’t even end with the initial purchase price or the fuel consumption either. If you’re a fan of the Carbon Bronze paint pictured here, you’ll be dismayed by the fact that it’s a £13,900 option. Fancy some yellow coloured brake calipers? They require the £7,000 carbon ceramic brakes option to be ticked.

And those satin grey carbon fibre wheels? 23” in size they’re (mercifully) included in the car’s list price, but kerb them and you’ll be writing a cheque for several thousand pounds, making us question whether the weight saving of 9kg per wheel is really worth it.

What the car does have as standard is the SV button on the steering wheel which, as you can imagine, allows all sorts of sideways motion and tyre-screaming.

Elsewhere? Carbon fibre on the bonnet, and as the material of choice for bumper details, and even the name badges. Inside, there’s also SV performance seats – covered in vegan Ultrafabric – and BOSS a sort of bass speaker in the seats itself for a ‘vibro-acoustic’ feeling when listening to bass-heavy music.

It’s all very impressive, from a technical point of view, but as an ownership proposition, it’s unlikely you’ll gain the benefits from the engineering anywhere but on a race track.

Motors

Otherwise, the standard Range Rover Sport SE still reaches 60mph in 6.3 seconds, achieves nearly 40mpg, and it still comes with creature comforts like adaptive cruise control, 360° camera, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel and windscreen, and the same generous interior proportions, large boot and off-road capability... not to mention that six-figure saving and lower running costs.

As impressive as the SV Edition One is, we’ll stick with the SE version, and perhaps even use the saving for a Porsche 911 Convertible, or at the very least, opt for a more practical plug-in hybrid version of the Sport instead.

The Details

Range Rover Sport SV Edition One

Price: £185,360 on the road.

Powertrain: 4.4 litre eight­cylinder

P635 Petrol Mild Hybrid twin turbo.

Performance: 0­60mph, 3.6secs.

Top speed 180mph.

Economy: ‘Up to’ 23.7mpg.

Equipment: BOSS (Body and Soul) seats in Ultrafabric, 23” carbon fibre, wheels, 6D Dynamics, adaptive cruise, 360° camera, all­wheel steering.

Fashion

Maxi Dresses

Light, floral, beautiful... this month we’ve picked a few of our favourite maxi dresses in which to enjoy the sunshine

Opposite Page: Winslow Dress, £348, www.thereformation.com.

Top/Left: Crinkle tiered dress, £319, www.ralphlauren.co.uk. Top/Right: Border print, £189, www.karenmillen.com.

Above/Left: Daiya pleated, £398, www.reiss.com. Above/Right: Charissa silk dress, £349. www.phase­eight.com.

Hugh Rice Prestigious Rolex Service Accreditation for

Hugh Rice Jewellers holds the prestigious Rolex accreditation, meaning it can service Rolex watches in-house at their Authorised Service Centre. The accreditation, achieved in 2022, recognises the high standards set by the family jewellers and its partners at Rolex.

To secure the accreditation, Hugh Rice watchmaker Joe Rice completed two years at the British School of Watchmaking, before undertaking another 18 months of training with Rolex to gain the knowledge and expertise required to deliver the highly detailed service.

Paul Rice, Managing Director at Hugh Rice, said: “We are hugely proud and excited to be named a Rolex Authorised Service Centre.

“This means that we can offer our customers an in-house service for their watch that meets the exceptional standards a Rolex watch requires, with customers receiving the same two-year international guarantee as would be achieved at the Rolex headquarters.

“Customers can also benefit from added peace of mind that their timepiece will remain on site for the length of the process.”

The Rolex service procedure is designed to ensure that every timepiece leaving a Rolex workshop complies with its original functional and aesthetic specifications.

A detailed process, the service starts with a total disassembly of the watch, inspecting each component for functionality and wear, before replacing any part that is found to be worn or not functioning correctly.

Following this, each watch undergoes an ultrasonic clean, before being reassembled, oiled and regulated to perform within tolerance.

The process for the case and bracket also involves totally disassembling them, followed by the refinishing and cleaning of all metal components.

The final process involves waterproof testing of the case, before fitting the dial and hands to the movement, fitting the movement to the case, and final quality control and performance tests.

Paul continued: “To enhance customer experience and showcase the dedication and expertise we now have in store, our watchmaking area is also now visible to the public within our showroom in St Stephen’s Shopping Centre in Hull.”

The accreditation means that the jewellers can offer an interim service, in between the 10-year servicing periods, that includes cleaning and polishing. This could only previously be offered as part of a full service.

Hugh Rice are also able to undertake warranty work on behalf of Rolex under the five year international sales guarantee.

For more information, or to book an appointment at the Rolex Authorised Service Centre at Hugh Rice Hull, call 01482 329 449 or email rolex@hughrice.co.uk.

Cosmetics

Dark Nights

This month we’re taking inspiration from some of our best luxury brands to look stunning for a night out this season

The scent of summer from Diptyque

Sandalwood­driven scent from Diptyque of Paris.

Asian spices highlight the wood and creamy nuances, anchoring Tam Dao solidly in its region of origin. A memory from the holy forests of Indochina, and the velvety, scent of sandalwood.

£153, 75ml, diptyqueparis.com.

Try Rodial’s Snake Bubble Sheet Mask

The Ultimate from Nars

A detoxifying and deep­cleansing mask with bubbles to remove dirt, dead skin cells and excess oil, revealing a brighter­looking complexion.

Deeply cleanses and unclogs pores for fresher, smoother looking skin.

£39/four, Available at rodial.com

Ultimate eyeshadow quad in nine variations, for intense colour and a luxurious texture.

Shown here is Golden Shimmer, Champagne Shimmer, Light Cocoa and Matte Coral, £34, 4.4g, www.narscosmetics.co.uk.

Mac Longwear Foundation

Mac’s hydrating waterproof formula can be used as a foundation or concealer, wearing for an unprecedented 36 hours. Blends seamlessly to a satin finish, eight shades, £24, 25ml, www.johnlewis.com.

Olverum’s helping hand

Olverum Purifying Hand Wash is specifically designed for dry, dehydrated and stressed hands, and has a beautiful marjoram, lavender and geranium scent, 90% natural ingredients, £24, 250ml, uk.olverum.com.

Radically replenished skin from Harley Street

Achieve radically replenished skin with this advanced formula that targets the three key signs of ageing; wrinkles, age spots, and a loss of elasticity.

Black Diamond is Dr Yannis Alexandrides of 111 Skin’s hydration and antioxidant cream designed to target wrinkles, age spots and loss of skin elasticity

£600, 50ml from www.111skin.com.

All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, note that prices stated are RRP and may vary.

Start your journey with a healthy smile, at a practice which provides the highest standard of dentistry for the whole family. Now welcoming new patients... 01636

Reclaim control of your health and hormones with the help of a trained Women’s Health Expert. Understand WHY you gain weight and lose your “zest for life” and learn why STRESS, SLEEP, NUTRITION and the right type of EXERCISE for you can give you back control of your life. Struggling

Please visit www.lincolnshiremenopauseclinic.co.uk to book your free non obligation telephone consultation.

Health

From Pioneering to Proven

Lasting Pain Relief for those with Knee Osteoarthritis

Anyone living with the misery of osteoarthritis of the knee will doubtless be delighted to learn that Lincolnshire’s Professor Paul Lee is the local practitioner now offering a pioneering treatment for the condition

Words: Rob Davis.

With over 5,400,000 people in the UK currently enduring osteoarthritis of the knee joint, we’re delighted to report that help could just be a consultation away, thanks to Lincolnshire’s Professor Paul Lee and a pioneering treatment called Arthrosamid.

A lack of mobility, coupled with pain, can mean the condition is pretty miserable for the 100,000 annual NHS patients for whom a surgical knee replacement this year is the ultimate treatment of the condition.

Top Harley Street consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Professor Paul Lee, renowned for treating celebrities and elite athletes, has brought his expertise to Lincolnshire. Now, from his Grantham-based Keep Clinic and Silk Willoughby’s MSK House, he’s one of the first clinicians in the UK offering a pioneering treatment to those with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. The injectable treatment, Arthrosamid®, has already seen many patients across the UK and Europe enjoying pain-relief and greater mobility for up to three years.

“As someone who had the privilege of being the first in the UK to administer Arthrosamid®, I firmly believe that this treatment represents a complete paradigm shift in managing knee osteoarthritis,” says Professor Lee.

“Arthrosamid®’s injectable formulation is unique and provides a durable and minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments, offering patients a substantive improvement in pain relief and joint function.”

“Having followed our patients for nearly three years, the long-term benefits are promising, further reinforcing Arthrosamid® as a good treatment in knee OA management.”

Arthrosamid® is a non-biodegradable hydrogel which can be administered with a

Professor Lee was one of the first clinicians in the UK offering this pioneering treatment to those with osteoarthritis of the knee joint...

simple injection to relieve osteoarthritis in the knee. The gel itself has already been used in human medicine for around for 23 years, with over one million syringes already manufactured and used, but following clinical trials on humans in 2019 it has now been approved by the EU as a means of treating osteoarthritis in the knee. So now, Arthrosamid® and Lincolnshire’s Professor Lee can offers hope to those in pain

and discomfort via a privately-funded outpatient procedure taking no longer than 30 minutes and offering both pain relief and the return of mobility in trials for three years. The hydrogel is, as its name suggests, predominantly water-based with a bio-scaffold material called polyacrylamide (iPAAG) that’s both non-degradable and non-migratory. That means it’s 97.5% water, but it stays put to offer sustained relief, with 79% of patients under the age of 70 reporting a satisfactory response to the treatment. Anecdotally, patients also report continuing benefits up to a decade after treatment. Furthermore the use of Arthrosamid® doesn’t rule out surgical knee replacement in the future, if necessary. As somebody who has seen so many patients suffering long-term pain, losing the ability to exercise and risking both a reluctance to remain mobile and potential weight gain, Professor Lee hopes that this will be the year that he’s able to bring lasting pain relief to those with the condition.

For those keen to enjoy walking and those looking forward to an active summer whose only hope otherwise is knee replacement surgery, Arthrosamid® is a pioneering, minimally invasive and effective treatment, one that could see those suffering the misery of osteoarthritis of the knee enjoying a pain-free life.

Pain Relief

Our real-life experience of Arthrosamid®

“After undergoing the Arthrosamid® injection with Professor Paul Lee, my life has changed significantly. A year post­treatment, my pain has reduced substantially, and my mobility has improved remarkably. The follow­up care and the researchbacked approach employed by Professor Lee and his team make this treatment all the more trustworthy. Having my treatment form part of ongoing academic research gives me confidence that I received the best care possible.”

S.D, (57) 12­months post Arthrosamid® treatment.

“Eight months ago, I was preparing for a total knee replacement due to excruciating, boneon­bone arthritis in my knee. I opted for Professor Paul Lee's Arthrosamid® treatment, hoping it could provide some relief. Something astonishing happened at the six­month mark: my knee pain, which had been relentless, vanished out of the blue.

Now, at 8 months post­treatment, I am completely painfree and have taken myself off the surgical waiting list.”

D.I (67) 8­months post Arthrosamid® treatment.

Hay Fever?

We’ve got you covered

With 16 million Brits suffering yearly, chances are hay fever affects you or someone you know.

At AEGA HEALTH, we offer non-invasive diagnostic tests and natural, targeted treatments to effectively clear up the worst of your hay fever symptoms.

THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE AIR.

Early spring signals the start of hay fever symptoms for many susceptible to tree and flower pollens. Grass pollen accounts for 90% of summer hay fever cases.

In summer our beautiful Lincolnshire landscape boasts its signature yellow fields. Oilseed rape, wheat & barley amongst other crops add to the pollen count, triggering hay fever symptoms.

By autumn, the rise in rainfall triggers a surge of mould spores, linked to late cases of hay fever.

POLLEN IS THE 'STRAW THAT BREAKS THE CAMEL'S BACK'.

At AEGA HEALTH we recognise that pollen is a specific additional burden that tips the scales of the gentle balance of our immune systems.

This seasonal visitor applies added pressure to the body’s already occupied immune system.

An overworked immune response releases an excess of a cell-response chemical called histamine. Histamine excess causes a range of debilitating hay fever symptoms such as:

• Itchy, watery, swollen eyes

• Itchy, sore throat

• Blocked nose, sneezing and sinus pain

• Poor sleep and poor concentration

• Reduced school or work performance

An overspill of histamine can often trigger skin irritations and breathing issues such as eczema and asthma.

ISN'T THERE ANYTHING BETTER THAN TAKING ANTIHISTAMINES AND STEROIDS?

Yes, there is! Most hay fever sufferers have tried antihistamines and steroids, such as the Kenalog steroid injection. While these can suppress some of the symptoms, the effects are temporary, wear off quickly, and are linked to countless side effects.

At AEGA HEALTH we offer individualised treatments and therapies to clear excess toxic overload. With the removal of extra burdens, your body becomes more tolerant to pollen. This strategy safely provides a longer-term solution with lasting symptom-relief.

Book into our hay fever clinic today to start enjoying the outdoors! Our doctors look forward to helping you. Whilst you wait for your appointment why not try some of the following.

TOP-TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE:

• Apply cooled bags of chamomile tea on your eyes

• Drink a strong brew of nettle tea at least once a day

• Avoid foods and drinks that you do not tolerate

• Try some local honey

• Make a shot of ginger, turmeric and cinnamon

• Apply beeswax balm / shea butter to your nostrils

• Add drops of eucalyptus, rosemary, mint or thyme oil into your bedroom diffuser overnight

• Spring clean! Clear out dust and get a home assessment if you suspect mould.

Why not check out our other services for optimising your health and beauty?

AEGA HEALTH Helping you weed out your illness from the roots

YOUR HEALING JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Revolutionary, non-invasive diagnostic tests and therapies to optimise your health. Safe and suitable for all ages.

"I would seriously recommend AEGA HEALTH to anyone with health issues."

Mrs R. Age 72, Brain fog & Migraines

We help you to identify and improve:

• Allergies

• Skin problems

• Bowel disorders such as IBS & IBD

• Migraines and ‘brain fog’

• Fatigue and ‘burn-out’

• Poor immunity

• Hormonal imbalances

• Fertility issues

• Pain and inflammation

• Diabetes and thyroid conditions

• Low testosterone

• Menopausal symptoms

• Behaviour and concentration issues

We offer:

• Full body diagnosis through our unique medical analysis

• Functional Medicine GP appointments

• Skin assessments by our dermatology specialist GP

• Nutritional analysis

• Same day ultrasound

• Same day blood tests

• Vitamin & hormone injections

• BIO RESTORE therapeutic treatments

• Clean aesthetic packages

• Nutrition consultations

• Naturopathy & Herbal medicine

• Occupational therapy

• Cancer support health coaching

• Reflexology

• Reiki

• Hypnotherapy

• Breathwork coaching

"AEGA HEALTH's treatment has given me my life back"

Ms L. Age 57, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Deep insights, therapeutic interventions and optimised wellness.

Visit www.aegahealth.com to discover and book our naturopathic health solutions.

Call us on 01522 396632 | Email us at info@aegahealth.com

Find us at 5 Boundary Lane, South Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9NQ, United Kingdom

Made for Love

Family and friends all contributed their skills and creativity to create a beautifully designed wedding for Sophie and Steve at Aswarby Rectory

Yves Saint Laurent is quoted as saying ‘fashion fades, style is eternal,’ and on that basis, Sophie and Steve’s wedding, which took at Aswarby Rectory, will remain both beautiful and timeless.

Sophie has an eye for detail as part of her career; she has spent a number of years designing clothing for some of the UK’s largest High Street retailers.

Whilst studying fashion at Leeds’ Arts University, Sophie met Lincolnshireraised Steve, had a long-distance relationship until Sophie was able to leave London behind and move down

to Lincolnshire, the two settling in Tattershall with daughter Harper.

After 10 years together, the couple were enjoying a short break in Norfolk when Sophie spotted a ring in a local jewellery shop window and instantly fell in love with it.

Mum-in-law to be Marise gave Steve a nudge into the shop and back at the hotel, Steve popped the question.

The couple then began planning their wedding with no shortage of creativity and a great eye for detail, not least in the respect of Sophie’s dress.

“We began having a look at a few venues but when I saw Aswarby Rectory I knew I had to look around,” says Sophie, who took Marise with her and immediately fell in love with the place, even taking it as a source of inspiration when designing her own dress for her friend and atelier Jeanette Hanna to create. The aim was a simple, elegant fitted gown which would evoke vintage Hollywood.

“I’d always had in mind a colour scheme for our wedding of dusky pink and mauve, so blush dresses for my three bridesmaids, and matching

Images: Leanne Donohue Photography, 07919 350975, www.leannedonohue.com.

Weddings

ties for the groomsmen, then a Champagne tie for Steve, and relaxed taupe jackets for the guys over black moleskin chinos. I didn’t want the day to look too formal, so we were really keen to create a softer, warmer, look.”

Sophie was also able to call on the talent of her sister Rachel, a florist in the family’s native Lake District, to create some stunning looking flowers featuring eucalyptus and pampas, with hydrangeas like the girls’ grandmother would grow in her garden.

Sophie’s mum Michele and one of her friends also harvested and dried hydrangeas and roses to create natural confetti for guests to throw on the day, whilst Sophie’s brother is a graphic designer who helped to create invites and the table plan.

Michele also created a couple of her famous homemade gins – with lemon & thyme and rhubarb & ginger botanicals – in little vintage bottles for table favours with luggage labels as

name place cards courtesy of Sophie’s 17-year old niece. Sophie and Steve’s cake was a two-tier design created by Sleaford’s Shannon Riglin of Tiffin & Co, and best friend from university Charlotte O’Regan created Sophie’s hair, working alongside makeup artist Bethan Rylett.

“We were so lucky to have so many lovely people around us,” says Sophie. “Our photographer Leanne Donohue is a friend too. “We’ve known each other for years, raised our children together and she was amazing on the day, really great company, but also taking some amazing images.”

“We even met Nino, an electric violinist and Rory, DJ and saxophonist at a close friend's wedding in Spain the year before and instantly knew we wanted them for our wedding.”

“It really was an amazing day with everyone coming together and having a really wonderful time. It’s a day we’ll look back on and smile, thanks to some really fantastic people!”

Local Suppliers

Venue: Aswarby Rectory, near Sleaford, 01529 455578, www.aswarbyrectory.com.

Wedding Breakfast: Black Peppermint, Lincoln, 07583 858827, www.blackpeppermint.com.

Wedding Dress: Designed by Sophie, created by Jeanette Hanna, Jeanettehanna64@yahoo.co.uk.

Suits: Gere Menswear, Lincoln, 01522 514794.

Wedding Bands: Wilcox & Carter, Boston, 01205 362719.

Hair Stylist: Charlotte O’Regan, 07749 973277.

Makeup Artist: Bethan Rylett at John & Associates, Tattershall, 01526 342309, johnandassociates.co.uk.

Wedding Cake: Tiffin & Co, tiffinandcobakehouse.co.uk.

Entertainment: @ninoviolin and @djrorypurvis.

Images: Leanne Donohue Photography, 07919 350975, leannedonohue.com.

The Directory

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