< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYNEW YEAR, NEW YOUUniversity of Rochester found out that of 128obese individuals who sought to lose weight, thehighest rate of success was in those who had giveninternal desires to change, either to improve theirhealth or mood. Conversely, those who wished tolose weight due to peer pressure, concern fromfriends or to fit in scored the lowest weight lossand highest rate of forfeit.The age old advice remains true; if you want it,you’re more likely to stick to it.Make a planOf those who seek to achieve their goals,numerous studies have shown that people whohave a plan of action, specifically one that isbroken down into smaller goals, are more likely tosucceed. Quitting smoking might seem aninsurmountable task, but starting by cutting yourdaily intake by a quarter is more achievable.Similarly, a picture of a slim model on your fridgeisn’t likely to help in any way, but rewardingyourself for each half-a-stone lost might. The trick is to have goals you can reach and feelproud of reaching, often with a reward toincentivise good behaviour. As humans, we like towin and feel accomplishment, so the more steps,the better our chances of keeping on the plan.Be prepared for hiccups along the wayRome wasn’t built in a day and the same is trueof our habits and lifestyle. Psychological studiessuggest that it takes sixty-six days of repetitivebehaviour to form a habit, which explains whydropping one can be hard. Unless you have a will of steel, there are goingto be situations where you falter in pursuit of yourresolution. You might eat a take-out, be pressuredinto smoking or otherwise drink when youpromised not to. It’s easy to feel as though all islost at that stage, and that’s because many peoplecling to the strange ideal that a resolution is abinary thing that you either keep or break. Beprepared for those times when you falter, but don’tallow them to get you down. It happens to thebest of people so get back up, forget about it andmove on.But whatever happens, don’t let it be the end ofthe New Year’s Resolution.Do it as a groupIt’s always easier to do things when we’re notalone. On an optimistic level this is becausefriends can help to motivate and support you,offering help and advice – or just cheering youon. On a cynical level, you don’t want to look likea failure in their eyes and the pressure can pushyou in the right direction. Whatever yourpersonal view on it, having others work alongsideyou has been proven to boost your chances ofsuccess.If you don’t have any friends willing to gothrough the same resolutions, however, then thereare still options. Fitness groups at gyms can be onechoice, or you could join a new club such ascycling, jogging or any other outdoor activity. Forlosing weight, horse riding might not be what thepersonal instructor advised, but it’s going to be alot better than sitting at home. For those looking to drop a vice there are alsonumerous help clubs that offer more than just achance to confess. These exist and continue to doso because they have a reputation for working. Monitor your progressAfter a long time slaving away at a resolution itcan be easy to see very little in the way ofchanges. For weight loss it can be a slow andgruelling process, taking time to be visible. If youwant to quit smoking then the pangs can continuefor months.No success can come around if there is notsome form of monitoring and recording, if only toremind yourself that there has been progress andthat it is working – no matter how slowly. It can beeasy to fear the scales, to fear the judgment or tofeel disheartened at what seems such a minutedifference.But every step counts, and these steps need tobe counted each time.Hopefully with these tips we’ll allbe able to make some changes thisyear. The 2016 year has been adifficult one for many, but from strifecomes opportunity as we look into2017. Here’s to a new year, andmaybe even a new you.48-51_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:42 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51NEW YEAR, NEW YOU 48-51_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:42 Page 452 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGBERRYWORLDSTRAWBERRY ANDRHUBARB CRUMBLEWinter warmersThe New Year may be here but the days and nights are still cold. Why not try someof these winter warmers as we look forward to the spring months.What to do1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. 2. Trim and cut the rhubarb and place half of it in asaucepan with the golden caster sugar, the water andthe ginger wine and simmer gently until syrupy. 3. Halve the strawberries the place all the fruit andRoughly chopped fruitwith a dash of gingerwine and a crunchy barcrumble topping! Thispudd is a great way tohave somethingwarming that stilltastes like summer.Serves: 6Preparation time: 15minutesCooking time: 40 minutesYou’ll need• 500g rhubarb• 100ml water• 100 grams golden caster sugar• 1 tbsp Stones ginger wine• 250g strawberries• 75g butter• 175g self-raising flour• 1/2 tsp ground ginger• 60g Demerera sugar• 1 Crunchie bar, crushedrhubarb syrup into a baking dish. 4. To make the crumble, put the butter, flour into a bowland rub with your fingers until it resembles bread crumbs.Stir in the sugar, ginger and the crushed Crunchie bar andsprinkle generously over the fruit. 5. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. 52-55_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:38 Page 1Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend break discovering the history of the local Lincoln Cathedral or Castle, or world go by. Here at The Lincoln Hotel you can do as much or as little as you like. !stay in one of our beautiful Cathedral view rooms with a chilled bottle of Prosecco and a bowl of strawberries waiting in the room. Valentine’s Break for TwoTHE LINCOLN HOTEL | EASTGATE | LINCOLN | LN2 1PN01522 520348 | WWW.THELINCOLNHOTEL.COMBook now for only £138.00 per couple on 01522 520348 or enquiries@thelincolnhotel.comAAHotelThree course dinner served in the Green Room, full English breakfast in the morning !!Why not add even more luxury to your " #$ % % The Valentine’s break is available for two weeks starting from Friday 10th February 2017 to Sunday 19th February 2017.70 BEDROOMS | CONFERENCE & EVENTS | WEDDINGS | GREEN ROOM RESTAURANT | BAR 67 | LOUNGE & COFFEE BAR | PRIVATE DININGLINCOLNSHIRETODAY5397, High Road Weston, Spalding,Lincolnshire, PE12 6RArestaurant@thechequers.pubwww.thechequers.pubTel: 01406 370407Open: Wednesday-Monday,lunchtimes and eveningsThe Chequers of Weston delivers a relaxedpub atmosphere, couple with ahigh quality dining experience.Locally sourced good honest foodVisit our websitewww.thechequers.pubfor events and special offersLIVE MUSIC, CRAFT FAYRES,BEER FESTIVALS AND MOREVisit our websitewww.thechequers.pubfor events and special offersLIVE MUSIC, CRAFT FAYRES,BEER FESTIVALS AND MOREJACKSONSBUTCHERS LOUTHTraditional Lincolnshire Butcher - winning the “Lincolnshire Butcherof the Year” on six separateoccasions since 1990.Lincolnshire’s only stockistof Yorkshire Wagyu Beef118 Eastgate, LouthTel: 01507 602797Lookingfor a greatgift idea?1st 3 issues only£1Lincolnshire Today’s giftsubscription for only£27.55 with free deliveryCall 01472 310301or visitwww.lincolnshiretoday.net/34152-55_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:38 Page 2Picture yourvenueByards Leap LodgeEast View, Byards Leap, Cranwell, SleafordTel: 01400 261375/07595 760 774www.byards-leap-lodge.co.ukWhether you are on a leisure or business trip, you’ll find warmhospitality at the Country Kitchen and Lodge. It offers four star,silver awarded accommodation, having won a TripAdvisor award of excellence.The Lodge has five double rooms, all of which are en-suite and on the ground floor, as wellas two two-bedroom apartments. Dedicated facilities for the disabled are available.The China RoyalRestaurant6 Bridge Street, Brigg DN20 8LNTel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway)www.chinaroyal.co.ukThe intimate, warm surroundings of the China Royalare ideal for the most romantic dinner or the largestbanquet. Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it has five star scores on the doors, and is openthroughout all Bank Holidays. Also open over Christmas and New Year - bookings available.Exotic 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.Half Moon Hotel25-28 West Street, AlfordTel: 01507 463477www.halfmoonhotelalford.co.ukThe Half Moon has 16 full sized bedrooms whichinclude singles, twins, double and family rooms. Oneof the twins has en suite facilities for wheel chairusers. Function and conference rooms are also available. The à la carte restaurant open lunchtime and in the evenings. Merrimans Lounge & RestaurantGreat Fen Road, Wyberton Fen, BostonTel: 01205 362378Merrimans is based in a unique timber framed buildinglocated on the outskirts of Boston, where all food is freshlyprepared in the restaurant kitchen, using only locallysourced ingredients. As well as the À la Carte and char-grillmenu, there are also early bird, lunch and children’s menus.Merrimans can provide the very best in business buffet lunches as well as catering forcharity functions and special occasions.54 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGClick’em InnSwinhope, Nr Binbrook, Market Rasen, LN8 6BSTel: 01472 398253 Web: www.clickem-inn.co.uk The Click’em Inn is a family-owned freehouse,established for over 30 years in its current incarnation.Steeped in history, the inn is open seven days a week,offering a wide choice of drinks, including six real alesavailable at any time, with a regularly changing selection of personally recommended guestales. The kitchen is open all week for evening dining, plus lunchtimes on certain days of theweek. The menu varies from day-to-day with the chef’s specials, alongside regular meals. To promote your services callAngie Cooper on 01472 310302or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukServes: 4Prep: 10 minutesCooking: 1 hourFor the pie:1⁄2x 85g bag of watercress, chopped1 onion, finely chopped1 celery stick, finely chopped1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped25g butter500g minced lamb1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce400g can chopped tomatoes1 tbsp tomato ketchup1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, roughly choppedFor the mash:1⁄2x 85g bag watercress, chopped1kg Desirée potatoes, peeled 25g buttersalt and freshly ground black pepper50g Cheddar, finely gratedWhat to do:1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, 400°F, gas mark 6. For the pie,finely chop the onion, celery and carrot. Melt butter in afrying pan and gently fry the vegetable mixture for 8-10minutes until tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.2. Add the lamb to the pan, turn up the heat and brown forabout 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then add thevegetable mixture, the Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes,ketchup and thyme. Stir and simmer for 20 minutes untilreduced then stir in half the watercress.3. Meanwhile, for the mash, cut the potatoes into even-sizedchunks and cook in boiling, salted water for 20 minutes. Drainand mash with butter and seasoning. Stir in half the Cheddarand the remaining watercress.4. Season the meat mixture and spoon into a shallowovenproof dish. Top with the Cheddar mash. Sprinkle overthe remaining cheese and cook for 30 minutes until goldenbrown and hot.Recipe courtesy of Watercress.co.uk SHEPHERD’S PIETOPPED WITHWATERCRESS ANDCHEDDAR MASH52-55_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:39 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55To make a Valentine booking, please contact us on T 01522 563 290 | Bookings onlyBailgate | Lincoln | Lincolnshire LN1 3AR www.whitehart-lincoln.co.ukWITH LOVE... Restaurant at the White Hart Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a beautifully intimate Valentine meal on the most romantic weekend of the year. Allow our outstanding team to effortlessly tempt your taste sensations in the company of your loved one. VALENTINE DININGAT THE WHITE HART VALENTINE PACKAGE INCLUDES • Sparkling cocktail on arrival• 4 course menu which can be viewed at www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk• Complimentary bottle of House Red, White or Rose wine per coupleV•• • upleValentinesmenu for 2£79Available Tuesday 14th February 2017FOOD & DININGBoost your nutrient intake with this supergreen juice. Enjoy in the morning for ahealthy start to the day or in the evening tohelp with a good night’s sleep as celerycontains the chemical serotonin, one of themost important brain chemicals, orneurotransmitters, for regulating thesleep/wake cycle.Serves: 1 Preparation time: 5 minutes eachCooking time: n/aYou’ll need: 1 cucumber5 sticks of celery 2 apples1 bag Fresh & Naked baby spinach leaves1 lime1 tsp honeyWhat to do:Chop the cucumber, celery and apple into chunks. Puteverything through a juicer then chill in the fridge. Stir wellbefore serving.Recipe courtesy of www.lovethecrunch.comCELERY, SPINACHAND CUCUMBERJUICE52-55_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:39 Page 4too surmounted by the polygonal LucyTower, whose walls were originally higherthan today; the name “Lucy” is believedto derive from Countess Lucy of Chesterwho was wife and daughter of twoLincoln Sheriffs. Gravestones within it areof executed prisoners.Across the bailey stands the horseshoe-shaped Cobb Hall dating from around theturn of the C12th/C13th. The castle hadalways functioned as a prison – oneprisoner, named Turgot Lag, is knownfrom 1069 - and Cobb Hall once fulfilledthis role. Public executions took place atgallows erected on its roof – thirty-eightin all from 1817 until 1859 when publichangings ceased. (Note the graphic signon the Strugglers Inn below, from whichthere was a good – and popular - view ofthe proceedings!)Near the East Gate stands theObservatory Tower the lower part ofwhich is Norman, but is now crownedwith an early C19th turreted addition,which gives the tower its name. It wasbuilt by John Merryweather, who was aprison governor and keen amateurastronomer. (A grand viewpoint indeed!)The first substantial jail was built duringthe Georgian era opening in 1788 and itsurvives today but attached to a Victorianextension built in 1848. This contains thefamous but forbidding prison chapelwhere prisoners were segregated inindividual, enclosed compartments fromwhich they could not see each other, onlythe pulpit; all part of the severe “SeparateSystem” of prison life of the day. It wasused for only 30 years until shortly after anew prison (outside the castle) was builtheritageOf course fortifications existed onLincoln’s hilltop much earlier than thecastle we see today, which itself standswithin the precincts of the walled RomanLindum Colonia, the remains of whichare still much in evidence around uphillLincoln. The Romans had recognised thestrategic importance of this site abovethe river surveying where two of theircanals (The Car Dyke and the Fosse Dyke)and two of their major highways (ErmineStreet and Fosse Way) converged. And ofcourse this strategic considerationremained important throughout the DarkAges into mediaeval times.So, following the conquest of 1066,the first substantial Norman castle wasbuilt on the orders of William I who in1068 had a Saxon township of over 160houses demolished to accommodate it.William’s castle consisted of a motte(mound) that occupied the southwestcorner of the Roman town and a bailey(area within the walls) covering an areathat would have included today’scathedral close and Bailgate. Within a fewdecades however the walls were re-aligned to their present course. During itslife Lincoln castle has been used fordefensive purposes, as a countyadministrative centre run on behalf of themonarch by a castle constable, a prison,for dispensing justice and as a place ofexecution. The law courts remain butLincoln Castle is now primarily a touristattraction.But despite its calm 21st centuryatmosphere the castle has witnessedplenty of conflict. It saw bitter fighting in1141 during the civil war betweenStephen and Matilda over who shouldsucceed Henry I and was besieged duringthe reign of King John in 1217 after hehad reneged on the 1215 Magna Cartaand the exasperated barons attempted toinstate Prince Louis of France onto thethrone. In the C17th the castle again sawaction, exchanging hands several timesduring the Civil War but was no longerused a military base following theRestoration.The curtain walls, including the Eastand West gates, are early C12th of whichremarkably 97% has survived althoughthe West gate was blocked up in theC15th and only re-opened in the 1990’s.The original Norman motte is still thereThis month we take a look at Lincoln’s iconic castle and its long, colourful history.with Hugh MarrowsLincolnshire’sexploredFrom 2005 to 2015,the ten years leadingup to Magna Carta’seighth centenary, themajor £22 million“Lincoln CastleRevealed” project hastaken place.56 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYOBSERVATORY TOWER AND CATHEDRAL56-57_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:37 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY57in 1872.The present courthouse dates from1826 and replaced an earlier one of 1776,which had itself replaced an even earlierShire Hall. The County and Crown Courtsstill sit here although its role of CountyHall has now ceased.The castle continued to be held by theCrown until 1831 when it was sold toLincoln Corporation for £2,000. And ofcourse history and heritage continue toaccumulate within its walls even duringthe present century.From 2005 to 2015, the ten yearsleading up to Magna Carta’s eighthcentenary, the major £22 million “LincolnCastle Revealed” project has taken place.This has involved the restoration of almostall the castle. Clearance and stabilisation ofthe outer embankments, and the wallsthemselves, has taken place and adramatic new wall walk providing a circuitof the entire castle has been createdgiving fabulous views over the bailey, thecathedral, the city and the surroundingcountryside. The prison blocks have alsobeen refurbished and given visitorinteractive displays.Lincoln cathedral has since 1215 owneda copy of the Magna Carta, now one ofonly four surviving, and this has been onloan for display at the castle since 1993.As part of the preparations for the 2015eighth centenary a new modern - butharmonious humidity controlled vault,costing £2.4 million (£1.4 million of whichwas donated by the David RossFoundation) has been constructed. Insidethe equally important Charter of the Forest(1217) is now also on show. Anothercompletely new building is the HeritageSkills Centre – grass-roofed andunobtrusively sited on the lower level thatwas the former prison exercise yard.During all the restoration many majorarchaeological discoveries have been made– most of which are still under evaluation!Amongst them was the discovery of anunknown Saxon church with a stone coffincomplete with skeleton.So, at Lincoln Castle at least, we can seeour heritage still in the making!INSIDE THE JAILGEORGIAN & VICTORIAN JAILSTHE PRISONCHAPELTHE NEW HERITAGESKILLS CENTRE56-57_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:37 Page 258 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCARINGThere comes a point in any person’s lifewhere they are forced to consider whatthey are going to do for the future. It ishuman nature to become less able as weage, and what was suitable for us twentyyears ago might not be feasible now. It’simportant however, that you are awarewhat options are available, and what theyentail. The most common wish is for a personto continue living in their home, with asfew changes to their lifestyle as possible.People want to continue beingindependent, and can often feelembarrassed at any changes they feelthey have to make for their ownconvenience. While certain conditions aregoing to require more specific care, suchas those suffering with Dementia, it’s stillpossible to maintain independence andlive in your own home.What must often happen, is a period ofadapting the home, and yourself, toaccommodate your needs – as well aswhat needs you might have later on.constantly being forced to get up andmake one’s way to the door can easilywear a person out. Intercom systems,particularly if you can have some form ofremote entry lock in place, can enable aperson to at least determine who iscalling before having to get up. Trustedfamily can let themselves in, as can acare-worker, but an intercom can saveeffort when it comes to unsolicited orunwanted guests. Bathing can be another difficult task asa person gets older. Getting into and outof a bath can be an inconvenient enoughtask whatever your age, and the matter isonly made worse if the floor is wet orslippy. But for a person with more brittlebones and slower reflexes, even the act oftaking a bath can be fraught with risk.This is another aspect however for whichthere are various solutions. With a widerange of mobility baths and showersavailable on the market, many of whichinclude a door which opens to allow aperson to simply `walk into` their bath,Home orcare?Many feel that with old age comes a lackof independence, but that’s not always thecase – if you keep certain things in mind. Simple tasks can become more difficult astime goes on, and taking steps to makethem easier sooner, rather than later, canprevent not only potential injury but keepmental health strong by empowering aperson to look after themselves. It’s important therefore to catalogueeach task that might become moredifficult with age, and what steps one cantake to fix them. Perhaps the mostobvious problem is that of staircases,particularly if they are used commonly.Thankfully when it comes to traversingthe staircase, there is always the clearoption of a stairlift to fall back on. Thesecan be relatively inexpensive to haveinstalled, but will often require bringingin a professional to look at your housebeforehand, no two sets of stairs are thesame after all, and the task really needsto be done safely. Something else to consider should be away of answering the door in case ofvisitors. Whether it’s family, a visitingcarer, or a door-to-door salesperson,58-60_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:36 Page 1AHMBATHINGWALK-IN BATHS, WET ROOMS & SHOWERSLINCOLNSHIRETODAY59info@ahminstallations.co.ukwww.ahminstallations.co.ukVouchers sent out 30 daysafter completion ofbathroom installation£100 worth of M & S voucherswith every bathroom installedwith this advert. 31st March 17DIFFICULTY BATHING– WE CAN HELP• Wet rooms • Walk in showers (low level & level access) • Walk in baths • Product & installation guarantee • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets• Local family business • Zero VAT on disabled bathroomswe design • we supply • we fit • we care*Discounts for over 60’s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel*Call now to arrange a FREE survey and quoteLincoln 01522 500288Freephone 0800 7316495rather than climb in. Changes such as these can be easily made in ahome and can offer a person independence as wellas peace of mind. But many people shy away fromconsidering these problems, often due to pride or afeeling of embarrassment at considering theirbodies getting weaker. What is important howeveris to remember that such conditions are natural asa person grows older, and like any problem,ignoring it for longer only makes it worse. It might come to pass that as time continues, aperson’s requirements might change, particularlywhen it comes to illnesses or disease, or an elderlyindividual who either has little family, or that familylives far away. Accepting a carer into the home,even if it is just a part-time care worker mightbecome a necessity. The types of care availablemight include help getting in and out of bed,bathing, preparing meals, taking a person outshopping or simply cleaning the house. These services are often provided by a localcouncil, although they do not come at no cost.Financial help might be available given yourcircumstances, though that can often depend onyour situation, including what finances you alreadyhave available. As such, it’s worth contacting alocal council and enquiring further. Many however,look to reduce their costs by down-sizing theirhome. Selling their existing property and movingto a new one that is smaller in size and containsless rooms. This can not only cut out undesirableelements like staircases, but also allow the house tobe heated for less cost. While this option can be good on the financialside of things however, it’s worth doing someresearch into the new location. Does it have goodaccess to shopping centres, how safe is the area,does it still enable the tenant to continue anyhobbies they might have? Is it closer to yourexisting family? It’s important to remember thatone should look to be happy as well as safe in anew home, so if golf is your hobby, then why notlook for a smaller home near a golf course? It might be however, that a person feels they areunable to live in their home any longer. Be it dueto their health, the difficulty or simply the lack ofinteraction. As such, the next option is oftenlooking at care homes themselves. Such a decisionmight be suggested by others, due to a trip or fall60 Á58-60_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:36 Page 2Next >