< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYespecially, their immediate family, andthey won’t be shy in pitching them.Often it can be hard for unsuitable ideasto be rejected without looking as if you’refavouring one side over the other, whichcan cause tension, but the weddingspecialist can offer their unbiasedopinion on why they won’t be able to doeverything they wanted.Best of all, the wedding specialists cando all the Is and cross all the Ts duringthe build-up while leaving you to lookafter the more interesting aspects.Certainly, deciding on the dress, themenu and the entertainment can begreat fun and you’ll certainly want tokeep control of those aspects. But whatabout the tedious business of makingsure all the entertainment licences are upto date, or that the caterers have all thefacilities they need? They’re vital aspectsof ensuring the day can run smoothly butthey’re not always the most fun, so thewedding specialist can take care of thosemundane aspects while you concentrateon the bits that require your input.Certainly there are plenty of things toconsider when you’re planning your bigday – and there are almost as many typesof wedding as there are venues inLincolnshire. The latest figures from theOffice of National Statistics show that thehighest number of marriages in Englandand Wales is between men and womenaged 25 to 29, while the biggest increasein recent years comes from men aged 45to 49 and women aged 30 to 34. This iscertainly a change from a generation orso ago when you would almost alwaysget married much earlier in life and thischange, combined with the increase inthose getting married for a second time,means people have more money tospend on their big day and are moreinterested in something different.The number of weddings that aretaking place in England and Wales hasactually gone up in recent years – albeitfrom a particularly low base – with anincrease of 3.7% in the latest figures,though this is countered with a similardecrease in those getting married abroad.The increased options might also havesomething to do with it, too, and achange in the law means it’s nowpossible to get married at any time of theday or night. This was already the case inScotland but now England are no longerlimiting events to daylight hours. If youthink it might be more romantic to enjoya late evening wedding, you now havethe option, though the various localauthorities continue to have the final say.In Lincolnshire, most are offering it on atrial basis.By taking advantage of the skill andknowledge of the co-ordinators andplanners at Lincolnshire’s top venues, youcan be sure that a day you’ve beenlooking forward to for many years willlive long in the memory for all the rightreasons.WEDDINGSPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/CHAMILLE WHITE48-51_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:47 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51A perfect wedding venueTRULY MADLY DEEPLYSitting proudly in the medieval splendour of Lincoln Cathedral, the White Hart Hotel is the perfect wedding venue. Your bespoke wedding will be perfectly tailored to your every wish by our dedicated team of professionals.With inclusive packages to suit your ideas, your dream wedding day at the White Hart Hotel could be closer than you think!For further details contact our Wedding Manager onT 01522 563 298 | E weddings@whitehart-lincoln.co.ukBailgate | Lincoln | Lincolnshire LN1 3AR | www.whitehart-lincoln.co.ukBentleyHotel BEST WESTERNPLUST: 01522 878000 E: conf@bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk www.bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk The Bentley Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa, Newark Road, South Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9NHWill you Marry Me?If the answer is YES book our Diamond Wedding Package£5300* Room Hire * Red Carpet Arrival * Bridal Suite* 3 Course Wedding Breakfast for 50 guests * Evening Buffet for 100* Flowers for the Tables * Glass Prosecco on Arrival * 1/2 Bottle House Wine per person with meal * Glass Sparkling Wine for the toast * Disco 7.30pm-Midnight* Ivory Cloths & Chair Covers * Master of Ceremonies48-51_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:47 Page 452 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYTRAVELIf you’re looking for avacation with a differencethen you’ve just got to try acruise holiday. With so manydifferent cruise ships tochoose from nowadays it canbe as luxurious or as laid backas you’d like it to be and aschild friendly or child free asyou’d like too. Cruising really has changeddramatically over the years - the oldstereotype of cruises being stuffy andformal and appealing to just the oldergeneration no longer applies. Of course,if that’s the sort of thing you’re afterthere are ships that offer just that. Butthere’s also the tall sail ship experiencewhich provide a breathtaking adventureon the waves with all the atmosphereand character of traditional sailing butthe comfort and luxury found on mostmodern cruises. Alternatively, there’s thefull family experiences offered by the likesof Disney cruise lines, or the RoyalCaribbean party cruises which both offerfun cruise like no other and include suchactivities as: rock-climbing, ice-skating rink, theatres, countless diningvenues, bars and lounges, mini-golfcourse, surf simulator, swimming poolsand whirlpools; to name but a few –orshould we say phew! Of course, different people wantdifferent experiences and with the vastrange of chips and cruises available,there is now something for everyone.There are a lot of more relaxed andinformal ships to choose from now and ahuge choice of itineraries anddestinations, from the old favourites inthe Med and Caribbean, to unique,specialist cruises, such as Antarctica andthe Northern lights.And, if you’re a singleton fear not -Cruise lines are catering much more forsolo cruisers, in fact some of the newerships such as P&O Cruises’ Azura has asmall number of single cabins that aresupplement-free and other cruise linesare following suit. Many solo guests findthat cruising is a very sociable holidaybecause there are so many activities bothon board and on shore that its impossiblenot to meet new people in the process –and without that awkward feeling thatsometimes prevails. If you’re holidaying with friends youcan spend lots of quality time togetherby the pool, watching the outdoorcinema, or in the bar. And, if you’replanning a honeymoon, then whatbetter way to relax after the stress oforganising a wedding? Not only is acruise an effortless holiday that dreamsare made of, but there’s somethingmagical about awaking on a differentisland each day. Last but by no means least, if you’reworried about getting travel sick, some ofthe new super liners are more likefloating cities with so many technologicalaids to improve the ride quality, thatmost of the time you don’t even noticehow fast it’s travelling or how large thewaves are until you step outside. Creating holidayMEMORIESCreating holidayMEMORIES52-53_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:57 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/TARAS VYSHNYAPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ALVOVSometimes, it’s the extras.*Terms and conditions apply. Valid on bookings confirmed between 27th December 2015 and 1st February 2016 departing between 1st May and 31st October 2016. Ask in branch for full details.Receive up to £150*nd conditions apply.Receiveto £150The more you spend, the more IUHHVSHQGLQJ PRQH\ we give you...52-53_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:57 Page 254 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEDUCATIONTheextramileA new year, a new you – butwhy not try and involve thechildren in those resolutionsby signing them up to anextra-curricular club oractivity?A new year is upon us, and for many ofus it’s a chance to try, and maybe evensucceed, at reinventing themselves. Butwhy should such things be limited toadults? With the Christmas holidaysbehind us, perhaps it’s time to look atwhat your children can do to trysomething new in the coming year.For most parents education comesdown to hard figures and exam results,with schools being chosen based on theiracademia and scores. And while this is byno means a bad thing, it’s worth pointingout that there are other things childrencan be doing to give them a competitiveedge in life, and also an improved qualityof life.Extra-curricular activities and clubs areone such prospect, and in many cases aresomething that neither parents norchildren particularly look forward to. Foradults it’s yet another school run, orbeing forced to pick the kids up later,while for children it eats into their freetime – something they have earned bygoing through the rigours of the schoolday. And yet, there are many reportedbenefits to attending clubs, not just interms of health and happiness – but alsofuture success.SocialisingJoining a sports team, academic club oreven learning an instrument with otherscan help a teen socialise with their peers.What’s more these clubs often open aperson’s social circle to people older,younger – or just those they hadn’t metbefore. Not only do children get theopportunity to make more friends, butthey also learn valuable conversation skillsthat will serve them well in all aspects offuture life. From the confidence tointroduce themselves and talk to anemployer in an interview, through to theskills necessary to diffuse an argumentwith loved ones. In a world where the social skills ofteenagers are well-known to be lacking,particularly in the employment market,early practice could make all thedifference.Self-esteemNothing is more important to a youngperson than self-esteem and self-respect,and this carries on through life.Achievement, exam success and evensocial success can often depend onconfidence, and no doubt every adultcan attest to performing worse whenunder stress. Events like these offer teensthe chance to boost their self-esteem bylearning skills their peers might otherwisenot have, while at the same timeexperiencing success in competitions,sports games or through achieving levelsof mastery in a new skill. It’s worth pointing out as well thatopening up to new skills also offers teensthe chance to find something they trulylove, be it a hobby – or even somethingthey might take into a future career.Often the only difference betweensuccessful entrepreneurs and those whoare consigned to the nine-to-five isconfidence, self-esteem and an idea.Quality of LifeIt’s easy for an adult to look at whatseems to be a rather simplistic life of ateenager, and to assume that there areno problems going on – that whateverissues they might have pale incomparison to those the adult world54-55_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:48 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55EDUCATIONSixth Form Boarding in Lincoln‘Outstanding’ in all five categories – OfstedContact Mr John Nuttall, Head of Boarding, to arrange a visit or to apply for a place in 2016 or 2017The Priory Academy LSST, Cross O’Cliff Hill, Lincoln LN5 8PW Telephone: 01522 889977 l Email: boarding@prioryacademies.co.uk l Visit: www.prioryacademies.co.uk/boardingThe PrioryAcademy LSSTRobert de Cheney BoardingHouse is situated in thegrounds of The Priory AcademyLSST, a top-performing Stateschool in Lincoln. Recentlyrated Outstanding in everycategory by Ofsted, ourpurpose-built Sixth Formfacility is designed to offer asmooth transition from schoolto university, training,employment and adult life.“Boarders develop into mature, responsible and successful youngadults in a highly supportive and nurturing environment. They makeexceptional progress in personal and social development andeducational achievement. The boarding experience matches theschool’s already outstanding educational provision.”Ofsted, November 2014faces. And in some way this might be true, butthat doesn’t mean quality of life isn’t somethingthat young teenagers struggle with. Thoughthey may not face mortgage payments, difficultbosses or bills – teenager’s own problems areno less important to them, and stress anddepression can shape their futures greatly. Active sports and events can help to burnaway stress and promote more interaction,meaning that sporting clubs are a great way toimprove the mood of children. This holds truefor more academic or creative clubs andactivities too such as music or chess. Thecreative process not only helps to engage aperson’s imagination, but also their focus,giving them an easy way to distract themselvesfrom whatever pressures hold them down.What’s more the self-esteem and ego boostfrom succeeding at something can help todirectly counter more negative emotions. Improved academicsStudies have also shown that children involvedin musical or theatrical activities (and likely othersthat bolster creativity or mental acumen) performbetter in their academic subjects, and often goon to score higher grades some the end of theirstudies. Activities such as these directly boostmental capacity, including memory, criticalthinking and problem solving skills.Even physical activities can help in this regard,teaching students the importance of taking timeaside to practice (both on your football skillsand revising), but more than that, the reductionof stress caused by physical activity can helppeople perform better in classes. So perhaps the New Year is a time toconsidering looking at activities for your youngones, be it a sports team, learning a newinstrument – or even something outside ofschool, like a martial art or just a new hobby. Itmight mean a little extra work from the point ofview of transportation, and maybe even thecosts of continuing the activity.The benefits can last a life-time, just like thethings they learn in school. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/FOTOKOSTIC54-55_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:48 Page 256 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEQUINEOn October first, 2015, the Sale of Goods and Supply ofGoods and Services Acts were replaced by the ConsumerRights Act 2015. As with all new laws, it will be interpretedover time by cases in Court, but the Act does have potentialimplications for equine “service providers” such as ridingschools and commercial sellers that should be noted.The law isn’t fundamentally changed, but some areas areclarified and it may now be easier for buyers and service users-”consumers”, in the Act- to obtain refunds andcompensation.Horses are goods in law and must still be of satisfactoryquality, fit for purpose and as described. How is “satisfactory”going to be interpreted? Goods must be fit for purposegenerally and for specific purposes made known to the seller.Will buyers now have to be careful in describing what theywant a horse for? A show jumper must jump and a dressagehorse perform dressage movements. But what if the buyer can’tride to the level they say they want the horse for and thereforethe horse does not perform? What would be the specificpurpose of a “general all-rounder”? What if the seller deniesthe buyer said anything about purpose?There is a specific 30 day right to return unsatisfactory/ not fitfor purpose goods and obtain a full refund for most items.What if your buyer tries to return a horse after 29 days in a badcondition, claiming it is not fit for purpose? Outside the 30 dayperiod there is a right to a “repair” or replacement (but not forsomething much more expensive), or in some cases a full orpartial refund. What constitutes a horse “repair”? A buyer couldchoose to exercise a right to keep the “defective” goods at aprice reduction.If a “defect” is alleged within 6 months of purchase, then theburden is on the seller to prove that the defect was not there atHorses are goods in law and must still be of satisfactory quality, fit for purposeand as described. But what is “satisfactory” when dealing with a horse? KNOWINGyour rightsKNOWINGyour rightsHorses are goods in law and must still be of satisfactory quality, fit for purposeand as described. But what is “satisfactory” when dealing with a horse? 56-57_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:50 Page 1Call Lincoln 01522 512345 or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk^jnbg^eZplghm\abe]lieZrUnderstanding equine law means understanding horses and their owners. Our specialists have the ^qi^kb^g\^mh^glnk^rhnk^covered for all the ups and downs. There for you for business, for lifeLINCOLNSHIRETODAY57EQUINEsale, not the buyer to prove it was. It may be advisable forprospective sellers to insist on a full vetting by the buyer beforesale so that in the case of an alleged physical defect, theremight be some evidence of whether it was there at the time ofsale. Sellers could refuse to sell if the buyer refuses, if there isno completed contract in place. A horse’s vet records could beobtained.Is it possible that a seller would have a claim against a vetnegligently failing to pick something up at a vetting for which abuyer then wants a full refund?“Services” could include riding lessons, which would have tobe given with “reasonable care and skill”. No real change there,but failure to do so could mean having to re-do a lesson orcourse at no cost to the consumer, or a price reduction given. Contract terms must also be “clear and transparent” - nohidden charges.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/LINDA GEORGEPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SARAH BARRY56-57_Layout 1 11/12/2015 09:50 Page 258 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGFirst up has to be Honda’s NSX as itreceived such unprecedented demand,that the company opened a pre-orderbank to enable potential owners to placetheir deposit and secure their position inline, to get behind the wheel of one.The new NSX combines supercardynamic capabilities with advancedenvironmental performance and ispowered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine mated to Honda’sSport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super HandlingAll-Wheel Drive) system. It utilises aunique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a‘bilateral torque adjustable controlsystem’ so the new hybrid all-wheel-drivesystem can instantly generate negative orpositive torque to the front wheels duringcornering, which Honda say deliverhandling performance unmatched byprevious AWD systems.Then there’s the Ford Mustang fastbackand convertible – it won ourcorrespondent’s heart for notonly it’s looks, but also thedrive and sound which is,apparently, a wholly visceral experience! Ford’s acclaimed 5.0litre V8 is joinedby an all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost enginethat brings state-of-the-art technology tothe brand and delivers turbochargedperformance with fuel efficiency and CO2emissions that we now all demand.The Mustang’s also loaded with anumber of innovative technologiesproviding drivers with enhancedinformation, control, and connectivity;when they want it.So, on a twisty back road, the drivercan tap the toggle switches on theconsole to quickly adjust steering effort,engine response, and transmission andelectronic stability control settings.Advanced driver-assist features includestandard Ford SYNC withVoice Control andTouchscreen, that lets drivers controltheir entertainment, plus a navigationsystem utilising the 8-inch central colourscreen in conjunction with a premium12-speaker sound system.The Jaguar XE is worthy of a mentiontoo - every bit a modern Jaguar, albeitmore compact in size but visually strikingnonetheless. Notably, it’s the firstaluminium monocoque vehicle in thesegment, bringing drivers great handling,performance, refinement and efficiency. A new engine and aluminium chassiscomplement each otherperfectlyNew Kids on the BlockManufacturers have certainly kept us busy this year with launch after launch of newcars – so many in fact that we almost wore our shoe leather off at shows over the last12 months so, here’s our pick of some of the best… New Kids on the Block58-61_Layout 1 11/12/2015 10:03 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY59Honda NSXFord MustangJaguar XEand with top speeds of over 186mph andemissions lower than 100g of CO2/km, wewere suitably impressed.Then there’s the car heralded as thepinnacle of the Ford Performance line-up; theall-new Ford GT. Admittedly, it’s a real petrolhead’s car, and thanks to its extremelyaerodynamic design and carbon fibre body,powered by a fuel-efficient twin-turbochargedV6 EcoBoost engine, it has one of the bestpower-to-weight ratios of any production car.Personally I was that taken I’d have bought it60 Á58-61_Layout 1 11/12/2015 10:03 Page 2Next >