£2.95 JANUARY 2017£2.95 JANUARY 2017THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMNewBeginnings Hot styles for thecolder monthsHomeinspirationsKeeping thoseresolutions Societysplendor Hot styles for thecolder monthsHomeinspirationsKeeping thoseresolutions Societysplendor NewBeginnings WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET30 years young30 years young01_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:29 Page 1www.riversidetrainingspalding.co.uk01775 710945Take your next step towards your careerStudy a qualification with Riverside Training, we offer Apprenterships, Traineeships, NCFE/CACHE qualifications for Teaching Assistants, Early Years and Health/Social CareFurther courses commencing from September 2016 PLACES AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE STARTNew courses commencing monthlyStudy a qualification with Riverside Training, we offer Apprenticeships,Traineeships, NCFE/CACHE qualifications for TeachingAssistants, Early Years and Health/Social CareContact Mr John Nuttall, Head of Boarding, to arrange a visit or to apply for a place in 2017 or 2018The Priory Academy LSST, Cross O’Cliff Hill, Lincoln LN5 8PW Telephone: 01522 889977 l Email: boarding@prioryacademies.co.ukVisit: www.prioryacademies.co.uk/boardingThe Priory Academy LSSTRobert de Cheney Boarding House is situated inthe grounds of The Priory Academy LSST, a top-performing State school in Lincoln. Recentlyrated Outstanding in every category by Ofsted,our purpose-built Sixth Form facility is designedto deliver academic excellence throughout theA-Level programme and also to provide asmooth transition from school to university,training, employment and adult life.“Boarders develop into mature, responsible and successful young adults in a highly supportive andnurturing environment. They make exceptional progress in personal and social development andeducational achievement. The boarding experience matches the school’s already outstandingeducational provision.” OfstedSixth Form Boarding in Lincoln‘Outstanding’ in all five categories – Ofsted02_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:31 Page 1Happy new year from us all at Lincolnshire Today. Yes we’rebraving the cold weather to bring you 2017’s very first edition ofyour favourite county magazine and we’re looking forward to anexciting year ahead, although 2016 will take some beating given therevelations over America’s new President and Nigel Farage’s rise tostardom, it just goes to show how the impossible can happen! As we ring in another year, I’m pleased to see Lincolnshire’sretailers in high spirits and undaunted by the predictions of ameltdown following the vote to leave the EU, and we implore readers to helpboost the tills of Lincolnshire’s independents and bag yourself a bargain in theJanuary sales. After all, you’re doing it for your county and your country so whatbetter excuse? The arrival of a new year, they say, is that it brings new hope so whetheryou’ve always wanted to give up smoking, drinking, lose weight or getter abetter career, what better time could there be to make a new start? As you’ll see from our latest issue, we’ve managed to put together anothergreat magazine for you this month, so if you didn’t quite get what you wantedfrom Santa, or have suffered withdrawal symptoms from the shops beingclosed for one day, you’re bound to find this issue a huge relief. We usher in the New Year with an issue dedicated to change and newbeginnings, be that in health, beauty, homes or fashion. Take a look around areader’s home with a lot to offer, and see a garden with some hidden gems. For those of you who can’t seem to keep those pesky New Year’s Resolutions(that is to say, 99% of us), we’ve also taken a look at the science andpsychology of change, highlighting the best ways scientists have found to giveyou the greatest chance of success possible. Here’s to a new year and a new Lincolnshire Today magazine.Good reading, as alwaysMichael Fisherand the Lincolnshire Today teamLincolnshireToday@lincstodaylincolnshiretoday.netGroup Editor:Steve FisherEditor:Michael Fisher, Journalists:Dominic Cuthbert,Stuart PearceySales Director: Angela CooperSales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes(01472) 310301Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen,Mark CassonAdvertising: Tel: (01472) 310302, Fax: (01472) 310312 Editorial: Tel: (01472) 310305, Fax: (01472) 310317Part Of The Business Link MagazineGroup: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street,Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QEEmail: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded orotherwise without express permission of the copyright holder,for which application should be addressed first to thepublisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither thepublisher nor its participating agents accept liability for lossor damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives orother material of whatever nature submitted to thispublication. The views expressed in this publication are notnecessarily the views of those held by the publisher.This magazine is now fully recyclable. Byrecycling magazines, you can help reducewaste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes ofpaper already recycled by the UK paperindustry each year. Before you recycle yourmagazine, please ensure you remove allplastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. Ifyou are unable to participate in a recyclingscheme, then why not pass your magazineonto a local hospital or charity?welcomeFRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ALEXANDER RATHSMORE WAYS TO READLINCOLNSHIRE TODAYLog onto www.lincolnshiretoday.net03_Layout 1 16/12/2016 12:09 Page 1Features6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIREWhat’s been going on in the county this month?8 LINCOLN SPORTSMAN’S DINNERThe second Sportsman’s Dinner of the new season recentlytook place at The Bentley Hotel in Lincoln. This time formerprofessional footballer Kevin Ratcliffe was the special guest10SPALDING GOLF CLUBFounded in 1907, Spalding Golf Club is undoubtedly an“Oasis in The Fens”30EXPLORING LINCOLNSHIRE ON FOOTThe Wolds have been described by the national press as “aramblers’ paradise” and has featured in The Times’ top 20walks so it seemed a suitable choice for our January edition32SUNFLOWER BALLThe Stott family organised a special Charity Ball at Jocastasin Lincoln to raise funds for ‘Meningitis Now’. It’s a causevery close to the family’s hearts, as their son Dylan, tragicallydied of Meningitis B in 200534GET THIS PARTY STARTEDChristmas might be behind us for another year, but withcelebrations still bringing in the New Year and Valentine’sDay on its way, the party season is far from over46NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONSMost of us feel like going back to bed and hibernating untilthe sun comes out again rather than making a plan of attackfor the New Year, but how about using this down time assome me time? 48NEW YEAR, NEW YOUA new year means a new chance to make a bunch ofresolutions you likely won’t keep, but are there any ways toimprove your chances of meeting these much-desired goals?52WINTER WARMERSThe New Year may be here but the days and nights are stillcold. Why not try some of these winter warmers as we lookforward to the spring months56LINCOLNSHIRE’S HERITAGE EXPLORED This month we take a look at Lincoln’s iconic castle and itslong, colourful history58HOMES OR CARE?Many feel that with old age comes a lack of independence,but that’s not always the case – if you keep certain things inmind61LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFEBeneath its adorable veneer, Britain’s smallest carnivore isknown to hypnotise prey and scarf down a third of its bodyweight each dayJANUARY3434CHRISTMAS MIGHT BE BEHIND US FORANOTHER YEAR, BUT WITH CELEBRATIONSSTILL BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR ANDVALENTINE’S DAY ON ITS WAY, THE PARTYSEASON IS FAR FROM OVERcontents04-05_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:33 Page 18282TAKING PLACE FROM 18 – 19 JANUARY 2017AT PETERBOROUGH’S EAST OF ENGLANDSHOWGROUND, THE UK’S LEADING FARMMACHINERY, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICESSHOW RETURNS FOR ANOTHER YEAR62COUNTY MOTORINGIt’s been an interesting year for new model launches in 2016,but 2017 looks to be even better with some great carsscheduled to arrive to our shores. Here’s our run down ofjust a few models buyers can look forward to• Bentley Flying Spur• All new Renault Scenic• Ready for anything - Soper of Lincoln73WHAT’S ONThere’s always something going on in Lincolnshire76STYLE AND SETTINGBranston Hall Hotel is set within some of the most strikingcountryside we have in the county. What better place to getmarried?78YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY…Jocasta’s Group began as a small catering business in the1950s. Known then as Horbury & Sons Outside Catering –the company has grown organically to become a majorplayer in the event and weddings industry 82LAMMA 2017Taking place from 18 – 19 January at Peterborough’s East ofEngland Showground, the UK’s leading farm machinery,equipment and services show returns for another year 84LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AT IOD LUNCHLincolnshire Directors came together recently at the annualInstitute of Directors (IoD) Christmas lunch at Lincoln’sBentley Hotel 86CAN I HAVE AGO…?Recent cases may make owners fearful of letting others ridetheir horses, but the truth is not as bad as feared Desirable homes14COUNTRY HOUSE SPLENDOURIf you are lucky enough to find yourself wending your waythrough the Lincolnshire Wolds around Spilsby, you maycome across Raithby Manor, a property with unique vistas ofverdant countryside19EASY LIVINGAs the focal point of interior design, the living room isintended to make a statement. Though not exclusively,guests will typically walk through the living room before anyother in the house, and first impressions really do count22CHANGING PERCEPTIONSJohn Wilson is challenging and changing perceptions ofmodern art with his engaging 3D images that move as youlook at them24AN EVER CHANGING LANDSCAPEIt’s very rare that we come across a garden that’s dedicatedto trees rather than flower borders but that’s precisely whatwe found when visiting John and Judy Tinsley’s garden atAshfield House in Branston; and what a magnificent find 28WINTER WORKINGEd Fuller for Fullers Forestry and Landscaping reveals there’smore to gardening in winter than you’d think04-05_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:33 Page 2The Red Arrows, Lincolnshire’s world renowned air display team, have completed a 60-day tour of the Asia-Pacific and MiddleEast region. This takes the number of displays since its formation to a staggering 4,800 across 57 different countries.The tour included its first ever public display in China and a rare opportunity for officers from the Indian display team – theSuryakiran – to join them in the cockpit.It was a chance for the officers to exchange experiences of flying, with both teams operating the Hawk fast-jet. An aircraft fromeach team was positioned nose-to-nose on the ground too – providing a unique backdrop for a team photograph.The activities in Hyderabad, which also included a reception hosted by the British Deputy High Commission, celebrated the closelinks between the United Kingdom and India, especially across defence, aerospace and engineering.The last leg of the tour included flypasts or displays in Pakistan, Oman, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait and after a short rest, theteam will once again be returning to Scampton, in Lincolnshire.Red Arrowscomplete‘Best ofBritish’ tourLATEST NEWSMore than 1,000 silver coins dating back to the English CivilWar were found near Ewerby. The discovery was made by Steven Ingram, who wassearching a ploughed field near the village. The coins werescattered throughout the soil, but fragments of the pot theywere originally contained in were found nearby.Dr Adam Daubney, Finds Officer for the Portable AntiquitiesScheme at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is amonumental find from the turbulent years of the English CivilWar. The latest coin in the hoard shows that it was buried early in1643 – just months after the war broke out.“The total value of the hoard – in terms of when it was buried –comes to just over £34. To put that in perspective, an infantryman in the Civil War earned about a shilling a day, while agentleman could easily live off £20 a year. So this is a significantsum of money.“This is the largest of the hoards that has been found from thattime in the county, and it contains coins from the reigns ofEdward VI, Elizabeth, Mary, James I, and Charles I.”Black Death ‘Plague Pit’discovered atLincolnshire monasterysiteA mass burial of bodies, known to be victims of the BlackDeath, has been discovered at the site of a 14th-centurymonastery hospital at Thornton Abbey in Ulceby.Archaeologists from the University of Sheffield revealed 48skeletons, many of which were children, at the extremely rareburial site.The Black Death was one of the worst pandemics in humanhistory. It devastated European populations from 1346-1353 andresulted in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people.The presence of such a large burial site suggests the localcommunity was overwhelmed by the Black Death and was leftunable to cope with the number of people who died.Teeth samples were sent to McMaster University in Canadawhere ancient DNA was successfully extracted from the toothpulp. Tests revealed the presence of Yersinia pestis, which isdocumented to have reached Lincolnshire in the spring of 1349.Dr Diana Mahoney Swales, from the University of Sheffield’sDepartment for Lifelong Learning, who is leading the study of thebodies, said: “Once the skeletons return to the lab we startproperly learning who these people really are.”Civil War haulunearthed inLincs village06-07_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:35 Page 1Wolf Hall costumes to goon display inGainsboroughFans of the criticallyacclaimed BBC drama WolfHall will be able to get upclose and personal withcostumes from theshow as the clothingwill be on display atGainsborough OldHall in thesummer of 2017.The Tudorcostumes, courtesy of Angels Costumes, promise atreat for fans of drama, history and fashion. Jon Hogan, Public Engagement Manager, said:“Henry VIII himself stayed at Gainsborough Old Hallwith his fifth wife Catherine Howard in 1541, making itthe perfect setting to see these magnificent Tudorcostumes.“Wolf Hall was celebrated by critics for its historicalaccuracy, and the costumes are a brilliant example. They’reimpressive replicas of the clothes we know were worn byHenry VIII and his courtiers.”The historical smash hit was shown on BBC Two in January2015, telling the story of Thomas Cromwell’s rise to fame inthe court of Henry VIII.Olly Mursheadlining nextyear’s Market Rasen’sLadies DayHot on the heels of Jess Glynne’s record performance, Market RasenRacecourse has revealed pop sensation Olly Murs will headline 2017’sLadies Day.“It’s going to be amazing to have Olly Murs come to Lincolnshire,” said NadiaGollings, General Manager, Market Rasen Racecourse. “I know he is used toarenas but his heart will skip a beat when he sees the size of the crowd atMarket Rasen.”Since Olly shot to fame on X Factor in 2009, he has released four multi-platinumalbums and produced four number 1 singles with total record sales exceeding 10million. His latest studio album ’24 HRS’ was released in November 2016 andbecame his fourth consecutive LP to reach the top spot on the UK charts. “I’m really looking forward to playing Market Rasen Racecourse next summer,”said Olly. “It’ll be one of the first chances I’ll get to play tracks from 24 HRS inthe sunshine so will be a special show to share with my fans. “I love a day out at the races too so can’t wait to get in the crowd during theday to place a cheeky bet.” Lincs music informationservice saved from closureMUSIC:LINK, the musicinformation service and forLincolnshire and the East Midlands,has had its future secured by not-for-profit community musicorganisation soundLINCS. The service provides monthlydiaries of events as well as amembership directory of musicteachers, venues and othermembers. It had faced the threat of closureafter failing to find new committeemembers earlier this year, butsoundLINCS’ intervention will seeMUSIC:LINK continue to providethe familiar and valued existingservices, whilst also looking to develop its reach and influence throughnew additions, such as a new Facebook group where organisations andindividuals can share their events.Nikki-Kate Heyes MBE, soundLINCS CEO, said: “When we heard thatMUSIC:LINK was facing the threat of closure, we knew that we couldn’tlet that happen. As an organisation and as a musician myself, we havebeen engaged and benefitting from MUSIC:LINK for as long as I canremember.”Picture perfect finishfor Femmes of theFens exhibitionHailed as innovative and experimental, The Femmes of theFens art exhibition attracted record numbers and raised£1,766 for the West Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service(WLDAS). Held at the Gallery at St Martins in Lincoln, the exhibitionshowcased artwork that celebrated inspirational women fromacross the county. But it was as much a celebration of localtalent, with some of the most gifted artists in Lincolnshire,including Baron artists Mel Langton, pictured, JemimaCholmondeley-Smith and Rosie Ablewhite. Local businesses Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, Greens WaterSystems and the Lincolnshire Bombers Roller Girls all donatedto the cause, with the public also donating online via theFemmes Justgiving page. Opening in style, in a private viewing-cum-launch party washeld to mark the opening of the exhibition, with inspirationsubjects Michele Franklin, chef Rachel Green, Barbi andChristabelle Horner, aswell as artists thatcreated their portraitsattending. Lucy Kind, WLDASRefuge ProjectManager, said: “Themoney that Femmes ofthe Fens has raised willmake a huge differenceto the lives of thefamilies we support.”PHOTO: PETER WORTH - WWW.PETERWORTH.COM 06-07_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:36 Page 2Lincoln Sportsman’sdinnerThe second Sportsman’s Dinner of the new season recently took place at The Bentley Hotel in Lincoln.This time former professional footballer Kevin Ratcliffe was the special guest. In a 15 year career from1980, Kevin played for 6 clubs but of his 406 appearances some 348 were for Everton where heenjoyed great successwinning the football leaguefirst division twice, FA cupand EUEFA Cup Winners Cupall as captain. He alsoreceived 59 caps for Wales.Kevin was supported byScouse comic Denny Watersfor an insightful andentertaining evening allround. Next dinner is Thursday 23rd February.Keep an eye on Facebook for further details.To contact the club you can email at info@lincolnsportsmans.com, telephone on 01522 508355 or visit the comprehensive website at www.lincolnsportsmans.comDinners are heldat The BentleyHotel, SouthHykeham, LincolnPHOTOS: RICHARD PICKSLEYDENNY WATERS, ROD TAYLOR, KEVIN RATCLIFFE,NEIL GODDARDALEX JACKSON & MUM,WENDY DAYPHIL GRUNDY, JOHN COPSEY,HARRY GILBERT, DAVID MAKEPEACETHE GILES & COULING PARTYGEORGE GILBERT, ALEX JACKSON,KEVIN RATCLIFFE, IAN TURTONROY FROGGATT, ALEX JACKSON, BERNARD ROSSKEVIN RATCLIFFESOCIAL SCENE8 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY08_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:36 Page 109_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:38 Page 1Next >