< PreviousHEALTH & FITNESSWhen Jim joined, he was your typical50 year old, he liked a drink (or 10),smoked, loved his food and justwanted to lose a few pounds before hisholidays in the summer. He’d dabbledwith gyms before but never lastedmore than a few weeks and he insistedhe would only be with us for January tomake the most of his Christmas presentfrom Craig. It quickly became evidentthat Jim had incredible heart anddetermination but his body couldn’tkeep up with what his head wantedhim to do. He had very little, if any,cardiovascular fitness, had not liftedweights since his teens and workingbehind a desk for long parts of his lifehad ruined his mobility and flexibility.Slowly but surely, day-by-day, we beganto see improvements.The end of January came round andthere was a knock on the office door.Jim had a month’s membership in cashin his hand, he wanted to stick with usfor another month but didn’t wantsetting up online because he’ddefinitely be leaving in March.Another month of grind was tofollow and then Jim was back atthe office with a knock, “Sign meup til Summer” he said, “I can’t quitnow.” Well we’re deep in toDecember now and I think we canconfidently say he has beenconverted. Jim has continued tosurprise and impress us throughoutWith the New Year just around the corner, we are expecting theinevitable influx of new members to the gym looking to work off theChristmas excesses. Last year, one of our members bought his DadJim a one month membership for exactly this reason as a Christmaspresent… and so his journey began.A gym is for life,not just for Christmas“Sign me up til Summer,I can’t quit now.”40-41_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:40 Page 1HEALTH & FITNESSthe year and can now hold his own inworkouts alongside people half his age. Healso doesn’t need to worry about getting intoshape for his holidays in the coming year, asthe hard work he has put in has certainlypaid off and he’s in fantastic shape. As well asday to day workouts Jim has also thrownhimself in at the deep end and competed ina pairs throwdown in Derby as well as variousonline masters competitions this year. At our end of year bash, Jim took home theaward for Best Transformation (the photosspeak for themselves) and also Spirit ofCrossFit. The secret to Jim’s success? He hasembraced everything we do at CrossFitWitham and fallen in love with the process,the community and the results. Everyone ofour members started with differentbackgrounds, fitness levels and goals butthose people who have seen the best resultsare those who made a workout 3 or 4 times aweek as much a part of their life as going towork, walking the dog or doing the laundry.A one hour workout is 4% of your day, so trytelling me you don’t have time.The beauty of CrossFit is that we canaccommodate all fitness and skill levels in toour workouts. Our youngest member is 15and our oldest is 53, we have occasionalexercisers and 6 or 7 times a week athletes,new mums and mums to be and all of themin every shape and size you can imagine. Itdoesn’t matter if you’ve not exercised inyears or whether you are a seasonedCrossFitter, by scaling the complexity andintensity of the workouts no one works outalone and no gets left behind. Fancy giving CrossFit a go? They invite anyone to come for a look round or to try afree taster session by visiting the gym Monday to Friday,or contacting the team via Facebook, email hello@crossfitwitham.co.uk or by calling 07725 124535. For more information see www.crossfitwitham.co.ukOur youngest member is15 and our oldest is 53, wehave occasional exercisersand 6 or 7 times a weekathletes40-41_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:40 Page 21stissues only £1Great reasonsto subscribe...Each issue is brimming with a diverse topic range...• Heritage • Fashion • Hair & Beauty • Leisure • Homes & Gardens • County Motoring • Dining Out • What’s On • Free Reader Giveaways and much much more…First 3 issues only £1!FREE delivery to your doorReceive your copy before it hits the shopsORDER FORMYes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazinefor the next 12 months, with the first 3 issues only being £1.Personal Details:First name:Last Name:Address:Town:County: Post Code:Tel: Mobile:Email:Payment by DEBIT/CREDIT cardName as it appears on card:Type of card: Mastercard / Visa / Visa Debit / OtherCard Number:Card Verification number (3 digits on signature strip):Expiry Date:Amount Authorised:Cheque enclosed YES / NO Please post this form back to: Subscriptions,Lincolnshire Today Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby. N.E. Lincolnshire DN31 2QEMake cheque payable to Business Link Magazine Group&Call now to subscribe on01472 310301 8or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341orScan QR Code3333Looking for a great gift idea?A gift Subscriptionis the perfect present that lasts all year round!Total Price: £27.553£1442_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:41 Page 1Roast Duck Breast with Damson Beer GlazeIngredients:2 duck breasts1tsp Chinese five spice250ml damson beer1 bay leaf3 juniper berries, crushed1tbsp damson jelly1tsp chopped rosemary100ml hot chicken stockMixed wild mushrooms1 garlic clove sliced1tbsp olive oil20g butter1 fresh thyme sprig, choppedMethod:1 Preheat the oven to gas mark 6. In a small saucepan bring the beer, juniper, bay leaf and jelly to the boiland reduce until glossy syrup is formed, remove from heat. Score the skin of the duck with a sharp knifemaking sure not to cut into the meat then rub in the Chinese five spice.2 Fry skin side down until golden in an ovenproof frying pan, flip over to seal the meat and then backonto the skin side. Spoon some of the glaze over the duck and cook in the oven for 12 minutes, rest for 5minutes.3 In a separate pan add the olive, garlic and butter and when hot add the mushrooms, sauté for 2-3minutes before adding the thyme then divide between serving plates. Place the remainder of the syrup backonto the heat with the chicken stock, slice the duck and arrange over the mushrooms and finish with thesauce.Courtesy of BoothsPictureYour VenueLINCOLNSHIRETODAY43FOOD & DININGExotic Thai Restaurant205 High Street, ScunthorpeTel: 01724 843204Exotic Thai Restaurant is a testament to traditional Thaicuisine. The only Thai restaurant in Scunthorpe, Exotic Thaican accommodate up to seventy guests for a deliciouschoice of authentic starters, main courses and an impressiveselection of fish dishes along with a choice of tasty desserts.The Exotic Thai prides itself on authentic Thai cuisine with friendly service, giving a truetaste of the east.The FarmersMarket Rasen Road, Welton Hill, Lincoln, LN2 3RDTel: 01673 885671Based in Welton near Lincoln, The Farmers offersa delightful range of meals from locally sourcedingredients. With a friendly team, and excitingmenu, The Farmers caters for anything from singleguests to large parties and has ample seating bothwithin the restaurant, and outside in the fantastic beer garden. Poached PearsIngredients:4 medium-size firm pearsBottle red wine 1⁄2 cup sugar 1 whole cinnamon stick Peel from 1 orange and lemon1 vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise 2 whole cloves 1 star anise Whole bay leaf Method:1 Peel pears, and place in medium saucepan. Add wine and all other ingredients. Set saucepan over highheat, and bring to a boil.2 Reduce to a simmer and cook, occasionally stirring gently over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes.3 Remove pan from heat and let pears cool in liquid. 4 Transfer pears to a plate. Pour poaching liquid through a filter over a bowl.5 Discard solids, and return liquid to saucepan.6 Place over medium-high heat for about 45 minutes. Cook until liquid has been reduced to a syrup thatcoats the back of a wooden spoon then allow to cool.7 When ready to serve, arrange pears on plates, and drizzle poaching liquid over them.Courtesy of iminseason.comFLAVOURSofLINCOLNSHIREChristmas might be over, but the festivities don’t end there as these delectable recipes prove.43_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:42 Page 144 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - THE BRIDE & GROOM1) Romantica: Pure and simple, with intricatedetailing on the corset – perfect for traditionalweddings at churches. 2) Augusta Jones: Boasting a fresh andcontemporary approach to stylish wedding gowns,creating intricate silhouettes and curves, this gown issure to turn heads. 3) Pure Bridal: Pure Bridal offer a diffusion collectionof design led, modern and young dresses for thediscerning bride. 123Star of the showFor many, the chance to achieve an ambition fromchildhood and feel like a fairytale princess is one of thebest things about the wedding day. Lincolnshire’s bridalfashion specialists can certainly help you pile on theromance and find a fantastic, flattering dress.44-45_Layout 1 11/12/2015 10:29 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY45WEDDINGS - THE BRIDE & GROOMAn exclusive range of Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaids, plus ranges from other leading designers, Venus, Phoenixplus others.Contemporary and traditional styles, accessories too. All alterations completed in-house.Ladies 01522 522616PERFECTIONBRIDAL & MENSWEARAlso one of Lincolnshire's longest established menswear hire specialists with over 30 years experience. All hire suits held in stock to try on before you order.Groom goes free with five or more outfits.Menswear 01522 533615 31/32 Silver Street, Lincoln, LN2 1EW www.perfectionbridalandmenswear.co.ukWellgroomedWhile the bride is likely tosteal the show at awedding, it’s stillimportant that the groomprove he is worthy of herattention. The goal is tokeep it simple, yetsophisticated and stylish –while also matching thecolour palette of the brideand wedding itself. Hereare a few selections fromsome of Lincolnshire’s menswear providers. PHOTO: PERFECTION BRIDAL & MENSWEARPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/TYMONKO GALYNA44-45_Layout 1 11/12/2015 10:29 Page 246 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - OCCASIONWEARMaking astatement11) Ispirato: New to Anne Wilkinson, this Rose Quartz dress andjacket with an overlace bodice and plain short bolero jacket,perfect occasion wear for any wedding. 2) Bridesmaids: Available in a range of colours, this simple yetstylish offering is fit for multiple events, even beyond weddings.3) Veromia: This beautiful collection is designed by Veromia’s in-house designer Jason Jennings, who uses only the finest fabrics,satins, taffetas and chiffons available in an array of stunningcolours, and lengths. 4) John Charles: John Charles has become synonymous foroffering some of the most beautiful mother of the bride outfitswhich subtly incorporate new trends and directionChoosing that perfect outfitfor a wedding, whether it’syour own or someone else’s,can be a difficult task – wetake a look at some of ourfavourite offerings. Making astatement46-47_Layout 1 11/12/2015 10:43 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY47WEDDINGS - OCCASIONWEARFor special occasionsJohn Charles Ispirato Condici20 GROVE ST. RETFORD DN22 6JR Tel: 01777 7031484 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN LN2 1DH Tel: 01522 52675www.annewilkinson.co.uk23446-47_Layout 1 11/12/2015 10:43 Page 248 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSAVE THE DATEWEDDING SHOWCASEON SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2016, 10AM – 4PMAT THE PIER, CLEETHORPESCome and view our recently refurbished iconic venue and its stunningnatural backdrop to see how it can be used to create your dream day.Free entry and canapes served.FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 01472 602280 OR EMAIL WEDDINGS@THEPIERCLEETHORPES.CO.UKlMarriages lCivil Partnerships lNationality Checking Service lCitizenship Ceremonies lNaming & Renewal of Vows CeremonieslCopy Certificates (from 1837 to date) lCivil Funeral, Memorial, Woodland Burial and Interment Ceremonies lPre planned Script only Funeral Service Registration &CelebratoryServicesTel: 01522 782244Email: regist@lincolnshire.gov.ukwww.lincolnshire.gov.uk/registrationPlanning for your special day?If you are getting married then this guide is yourmust have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints andtips from the county’s top wedding specialists andwill provide you with inspiration for your big dayTo receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide,Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QEAlternatively visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/weddings where you canview the whole guide onlineThe essentialguide forthe Brideand Groomto beWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET/WEDDINGSWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET/WEDDINGSThe essentialguide forthe Brideand Groomto be48-51_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:47 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY49WEDDINGSIt’s surely one of the most romanticmoments you can get – the final presentunder the Christmas tree is the smallestof them all, but when you open it, it’saccompanied by your partner goingdown on one knee. If you or one of yourrelatives were fortunate enough to get anengagement ring on December 25th, oryou’ve decided that after ages togetherthis is finally the year you’re going tomake it official, there’s certainly plenty ofexcitement in store.Yet if you thought organisingChristmas was a challenge, imagine theequivalent of an entire festive seasoncrammed into 24 hours, attended byalmost everyone you know and – with abit of luck – something you can’t repeattwelve months later. Planning a weddinghas been likened to a military operationand certainly you’ll need your wits aboutyou to make sure it’s a day that sticks inthe memory for all the right reasons, butthat doesn’t mean the planning can’t begreat fun in its own right.Lots of that is thanks to Lincolnshirebeing home to a host of fabulous venuesand wedding experts who have theknowledge and experience to turn yourplans into reality. Some people are waryof making use of wedding planners andspecialists, though, envisaging that theirown views will be marginalised and thatthey’ll become bit-part players in astandard tried-and-trusted weddingtemplate recycled for every other couple.But that’s almost never the case. Therole of a wedding specialist is to helpmake things happen, not tell you whatthose things are going to be. Their skilland experience in organising specialevents mean they have an innateknowledge of what will and won’t workin that context. This mean they’ll be ableto let you know if one of your big ideas islikely to be unworkable before you’vemade a commitment to it – or think of amore effective way to do it that will bejust as glamorous but less expensive.One absolutely vital role for thewedding planner too is that of animpartial voice. It’s likely that it won’t justbe the happy couple-to-be who’ll haveideas about what they want to see on thebig day but also their friends and,50 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/TYMONKO GALYNAThat special momentChristmas or the New Year arepopular times to receiveproposals, but even if you’vebeen engaged for a while –there’s more to planning awedding than meets the eye. That special moment48-51_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:47 Page 2Next >