£2.95 JANUARY 2020 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 JANUARY 2020 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 01.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:55 Page 11 OFFER NOT TO MISS. The Ultimate Driving Machine FIXED PRICE SERVICING NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR BMW 1 SERIES. If your BMW 1 Series is 3 years or older, we now have a fixed price servicing offer available. Call 01522 690000 to book your appointment, or book online at soperbmw.co.uk MOT £39 Small Service (Petrol) Was £257 Now £203 Small Service (Diesel) Was £279 Now £219 Large Service (Petrol) Was £491 Now £387 Large Service (Diesel) Was £450 Now £364 SOPER OF LINCOLN Roman Way, South Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9UH Terms & Conditions Applies to BMW 1 Series models, 3 years and older. Excludes M Power. Does not include Brake Fluid Service and Vehicle Check Service, these are to be paid for separately should your vehicle require them. Offer valid on visits before 31st March 2020. 02.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:56 Page 1from the editor It’s a new year! Or it will be soon for those receiving our January issue a little earlier than the expected date. It feels like 2019 has gone by in a blur, what with its divisive politics and complicated raft of issues dominating the headlines. While it might be too early to assume 2020 will be much better in that regard, there’s no reason not to At the time of writing, we actually have no idea who is even going to win the General Election. That’s the problem with having to write in advance. A rather interesting (but woefully flawed) solution someone offered me recently was to write different magazines talking about different Prime Ministers, essentially covering every possibility! That would certainly raise a few eyebrows, especially those issues welcoming in Lord Buckethead as Prime Minister. Yes, he’s a real candidate in previous elections who goes by that name – feel free to Google him. As it is, and to no one’s dismay, we’ll have to eschew politics entirely and talk about Lincolnshire instead. I’m sure it will be a great chore, but I shall endeavour to push through. With January here and the New Year ahead, we’ve got plenty of time ahead to explore and enjoy our beautiful county, and it’s something that not enough people do. In our busy lives, it’s easy to get trapped in a cycle of work, home, sleep, work, occasionally interspersed with a holiday abroad or to another county. It has made me wonder this year just how many people live in Lincolnshire who have somehow managed to explore their home county less than they have other countries! I must admit that before working here, I’d have been among that number, visiting Spain regularly but never having visited Stamford, Horncastle or even Louth! Nowadays, I’m far more versed in Lincolnshire thanks to working at Lincolnshire Today and having the excuse – or even the duty – to go out and experience it properly. And I can say right now that there’s so much to the county that people have yet to enjoy, from picturesque forests to the Wolds, historical sites and market villages. Things we may speed through on our busy way from Point A to Point B, but never really enjoy. So, if you have a spare weekend this year or maybe even this January, I encourage every reader to spare a thought for Lincolnshire. Ask yourself just how well you know the county you call home, and surprise yourself by discovering something more. Good reading and a happy new year to everyone! Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher, Journalists: Dominic Cuthbert, Stuart Pearcey, Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper Sales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes (01472) 310301 Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Advertising: Tel: (01472) 310302 Editorial: Tel: (01472) 310305 Part Of The Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299 © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a local hospital or charity? FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK/BACKUP LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:56 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 10SPORTSMAN’S DINNER Lincoln Sportsman’s Club recently hosted its latest Sportsman’s Dinner at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln. Attendees were dressed in lounge suits and were treated to a three-course meal to help raise money for local sportsmen and women 32LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE This month, we take a closer look at the snow bunting, a rare but regular visitor to our shores 34THE PERFECT EXCUSE The Christmas season might be coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of parties ahead of us with all those New Year’s get-togethers 40THE LAST LITTLE SOMETHING There’s no such thing as an outfit without accessories. Until those finishing touches are added, it’s just a collection of clothing. To help inspire those flourishes this party season, we’ve gathered some of this month’s must-haves 42REDEFINE YOUR LOOK Most men’s wardrobes exist somewhere on the spectrum between smart and casual, but to help you make the most of both worlds, we’ve put together this handy little style guide 44NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL Q&A We recently spoke to North Lincolnshire Council about fostering and adoption and how you can change a child’s life 46GO YOUR OWN WAY Recently there’s been efforts to rediscover old walking tails, but some 10,000 miles of historic paths in Britain are missing from official maps. Without intervention, these paths could be lost forever 48STARTING ANEW January represents the time in which many set their minds on becoming fitter, however demotivation can set in quick. But with the variety of activities the county holds, an interesting new exercise experience is just around the corner and sure to keep your attention 53NEW YEAR, NEW MENU January is here and with it, our best efforts to start the year off with a healthy twist. There’s no telling how it will last, but for those looking to shed pounds here are some recipes that are sure to help • Oaklands Hall Hotel Q&A JANUARY THE CHRISTMAS SEASON MIGHT BE COMING TO AN END, BUT THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF PARTIES AHEAD OF US WITH ALL THOSE NEW YEAR’S GET TOGETHERS contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:58 Page 1IT’S A BRAND-NEW YEAR BRINGING WITH IT A NEW BEGINNING FOR ANY AREA OF YOUR LIFE YOU’RE LOOKING TO IMPROVE, DEVELOP OR EXPAND 60FINDING A FRESH START It’s a brand-new year bringing with it a new beginning for any area of your life you’re looking to improve, develop or expand. Perhaps you’re looking to propose to your partner, buy a new car or house, or make an effort to get involved with cultural events in venues across the region 64LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED We’re looking at Lincolnshire’s waterways again this month to discover the story of the historic Horncastle canal 66COUNTY MOTORING If you’re thinking about a new car for 2020, check out what we’ve been driving since the last issue • We put the all-new Bentley Continental GT Convertible through its paces 72WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire Desirable homes 12GUSTO HOMES Q&A We recently spoke with Gusto Homes about smart living, sustainable communities and the company’s new ‘Home of the Future’ development 16A FAMILY HOME FOR ALL AGES This month’s featured property is perfect for family, entertaining and peaceful privacy 22OUT WITH THE OLD There’s nothing at all wrong with setting health and fitness focussed New Year’s resolutions – in fact, we salute you for it. But how about this year extending those promises of getting into shape and looking good to your home 24SCENES FROM A STREET This month we look at the works of Leigh Lambert, whose beautiful, often humorous, works show scenes of the nation’s industrial heartland like you’ve never seen them before 26A LINCOLNSHIRE COTTAGE GARDEN It’s been thirty years since Gillian and Colin first bought their Lincolnshire property and oh how the garden has developed in those years 30GETTING OUT AND GETTING ON Everything is going at a much slower pace in your garden due to it being the dormant time, and so now is the best time to be out and getting on. It won’t be long until your garden is going at a much quicker pace and you may be struggling to keep up, as Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:58 Page 2Demand for property in Stamford has remained strong in the last twelve months with an 80% rise in transactions over £1 million between September 2018 and August 2019. This is despite fragile consumer confidence, caused by an uncertain political and economic climate, says Savills Transactions over £400,000 year on year remained consistent, with 172 between September 2018 and August 2019 compared to 171 during the same period the previous year. The research also highlighted that Stamford remains one of the fastest growing prime markets in Britain, with values rising annually by 4% during the third quarter of this year. James Abbott, head of residential sales at Savills in Stamford and Peterborough, said: “Stamford continues to be a hotspot for families moving to the area to take advantage of the schools and quality of lifestyle on offer, but we are now also seeing an increase in grandparents moving to the area to be closer to their grandchildren.” Community music charity shortlisted for national award soundLINCS, the Lincolnshire community music charity, has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Music Education Resource’ category of the National Music & Drama Education Awards for its Good Vibrations toolkit. The National Music & Drama Education Awards is an annual event which celebrates work and contribution made by professionals, companies, charities, schools and other organisations to the lives of others through the medium of these two key performing arts. The toolkit promotes an understanding of how people who are deaf and hearing impaired can experience music. People who are endeavouring to deliver musically inclusive activities can practically use this toolkit to find information, activities, advice and resources to support their music delivery. It is designed to be a colourful and dynamic booklet offering short, quick tips and advice for adults who need a time-effective information source when delivering music with deaf and hearing impaired children and young people. ‘Little Libraries’ open offering free books for children North Lincolnshire Children’s Literacy Trust has launched ‘Little Libraries’ to provide children with access to free books. The new libraries have recently been opened at Luddington and Garthorpe Primary School, The Arc in Westcliff, and at Belton Kitchen and Visitor Centre. They have been created in partnership with the council and the Isle of Axholme and Hatfield Chase Partnership Trust. The Literacy Trust was also successful in receiving £3,000 funding from the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme. The scheme is aimed to help children who don’t live within walking distance of their nearest library to access the books free of charge. The Little Library works like a normal library, in which children can borrow a book of their choice and return it when they have finished. “If we are able to secure further funding, we would like to open up even more ‘Little Libraries’ across North Lincolnshire,” said Cllr David Rose. © Shutterstock/travellight latest news © Shuttertock/Goldsithney Stamford remains ‘hotspot’ for buyers 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:59 Page 1YMCA Humber has received £3.3 million in funding from the government’s housing agency to help construct a new centre on Freeman Street in Grimsby. Currently based at Peaks Lane, the organisation will use the capital to part-fund a new venue to provide facilities for young people. The funding is awarded as part of Blue Skies Consortiums programme and the YMCA will join the Consortium to access the allocation. The organisation will be borrowing some £3.5 million and securing further additional grants to position the building as a community facility, a meeting place for businesses and local groups. “We are excited and confident that this building will meet the needs of our residents, partners and members of the local and wider community,” said Andrew Hornsby, Accommodation Manager at YMCA Humber. YMCA Humber has recently secured planning permission from North East Lincolnshire Council for the construction of this new centre. Local hospice recognised in national care awards Lindsey Lodge Hospice in Scunthorpe was awarded the ‘Innovation in Care Award’ at the ninth annual Hospice UK Awards, a national awards ceremony highlighting innovation in hospice and end of life care in local communities. The award was in recognition of the hospice’s work in supporting people with life limiting conditions and their families to enjoy the many benefits of gardening, thanks to grant funding its first polytunnel. “There are around 200 hospices in the UK, so to be selected as one of only eight winners – and the only one in the Yorkshire and Humber region – is a great achievement for our team,” said Chief Executive Karen Griffiths. Commenting on the reason for choosing the Lindsey Lodge project for the award, the judges said: “This was work that was started with people with lived experience and is not staff-led or meeting a service development need or shortfall – so in our eyes a true innovation.” YMCA Humber to build new Grimsby centre Lincolnshire’s digital sector now worth £1bn Lincolnshire’s digital sector is now worth close to £1 billion, according to the ‘2019 Digital Landscape Report’, commissioned by Business Lincolnshire. The report shows that the sector now employs 8,250 people – up from 7,045 in 2017 – and reveals that the sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the county. An additional 394 businesses have launched in the sector since 2017 when the first report was published. Zoe King, digital lead for the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The digital landscape for Lincolnshire is advancing in a big way. This report has highlighted so many positives for Lincolnshire. “I’m confident that by growing and supporting our digital community, we can work together to keep talent in our county and help to nurture those wanting to develop a career in digital. “This is really exciting news and I’m confident that if we support this sector further, we can put Lincolnshire on the digital map.” © Shutterstock/mrmohock 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:59 Page 2Two woodland areas in Scunthorpe could be extended as part of the Government’s £50 million ‘Woodland Carbon Guarantee’ scheme to tackle climate change. The national scheme aims to help boost tree planting rates and tackle climate change by paying landowners as those trees grow. Successful participants will be offered the option to sell Woodland Carbon Units to the government over 35 years at a guaranteed price set by auction, providing new income for land managers who help businesses compensate for their carbon emissions. North Lincolnshire Council has identified two areas of woodland in Scunthorpe that could be extended over 6.32 hectares as part of the scheme. In Manor Park, the area of woodland at the top of the hill near Bridges Road could be extended, spreading to the other side of Bridges Road towards West Common Lane. The wooded area at the back of Collinson Avenue playing field between Doncaster Road and Ferry Road could also be extended. Archaeologists recently arrived in Grimsby town centre in search of historic artefacts dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. The area around the River Freshney basin is being transformed as part of a multi-million-pound scheme to revitalise the Haven area. But before work began, the historical importance of the area required the deployment of Lincoln-based PCAS Archaeology. “The Garth Lane site has the potential to reveal evidence of medieval activity ranging from occupation, industry and all sorts of activity that people undertook,” said Will Munford, Director of PCAS Archology. As an inward point of the river, this area was known to be occupied by some of Grimsby’s earliest settlers and since then it has been pivotal in the town’s progression – it was where Collinson’s boatyard operated, and the Esther was constructed. Legend also says it is the site where Grim, the founder of Grimsby, was said to have landed, after saving the infant Prince Havelock of Denmark from the sea. latest news Mental health investment to help Lincoln’s rough sleepers Increased investment in specialist mental health support as part of new NHS funding will benefit rough sleepers in Lincoln. As one of seven parts of the country receiving funding, Lincoln will be receiving around £300,000 to employ dedicated mental health professionals, who also have experience of substance misuse care. The team will work alongside existing rough sleeper projects in the city, offering homeless people advice and treatment to tackle mental ill health and support with any substance misuse and physical health care needs. The team will bring together doctors, nurses and other clinicians to co-ordinate treatment and support existing rough sleeper projects provided by organisations such as Public Health funded P3 and City of Lincoln Council. The team will form part of co-ordinated efforts to ensure that rough sleepers have better access to mental health support – joining up care with existing outreach, accommodation, drug and alcohol and physical healthcare services. Archaeologists arrive in Grimsby in search of Anglo-Saxon finds Scunthorpe woodlands could be extended to tackle climate change © Shutterstock/ Andrey_Popov 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:59 Page 3Seth Lakeman to visit Lincolnshire in support of Mayflower- inspired album Seth Lakeman, the multi award-winning folk singer- songwriter, is bringing his upcoming tour to several key Lincolnshire locations next year, marking four centuries since The Mayflower ship departed the UK. A Pilgrim’s Tale, his new album, will be released amidst a selection of UK concerts where he will visit locations significant to the Mayflower tale, including Immingham, Gainsborough and Boston. The record is narrated by Doctor Who and Withnail & I actor Paul McGann and features a host of guest performers including Cara Dillon, Benji Kirkpatrick, Ben Nicholls and Seth’s father Geoff. To coincide with the album’s release, Seth will play live dates specially routed in a trail of towns and cities that, for various reasons, hold significance to the Mayflower journey. The tour stops off in Immingham’s St Andrew Church on Thursday 6 February, Gainsborough’s Trinity Arts Centre on Saturday 8 February and Boston’s Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre on Sunday 9 February. Riverside Training (Spalding) Ltd announce that its student, Rebecca Coward, has scooped the title of ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the prestigious Institute of Certified Bookkeeper's (ICB) LUCA Awards held in December. Not only is this fantastic news for Rebecca - who truly deserves the recognition for her hard work and commitment - but also for Riverside Training (Spalding) Ltd as it is the second year running one of its students has picked up the award. Therefore, if you’re nifty with numbers and are considering a career in accountancy, then an apprenticeship training may be the best choice for you. Employers depend on bookkeepers, accountants and finance managers to keep their companies in strong financial health and are looking for people with a methodical and rigorous approach to tasks and a key eye for detail. Contact Riverside on 01775 710945 for further details on our accountancy and payroll apprenticeship schemes. 15 Bigby Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8EJ Tel: 01652 650 520 Comforts Avenue, Scunthorpe, North Lincs DN15 6PN Tel: 01724 280 082 J. Naylor Funeral Directors Independent Funeral Directors www.jnaylor-funerals.co.uk We have experienced staff to personally help you with your individual needs. Planning for the future? We can help you arrange a funeral now or help if you are planning for the future. Member of National Association of Funeral Directors Riverside Training student scoops ICB ‘Apprentice of the Year’ a second time 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/2019 09:59 Page 4Next >