£2.95 JANUARY 2021 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 30+ years young 30+ years young WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 JANUARY 2021THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 01.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2020 07:46 Page 1Freephone: 0800 328 5492 Email: sales@allertonuk.com Website: www.allertonuk.com The Dependable Choice in Drainage In rural areas without a mains drainage system, and where septic tanks will no longer reach environmental standards, Allerton can provide the ideal solution. Trading since 1974, Allerton are leading specialists in efficient treatment systems. They pride themselves on their individual, problem solving approach to dealing with alternative means of treating and disposing of raw sewage. The Allerton ConSept converts your existing Septic Tank or Cesspit into a fully functioning Sewage Treatment Plant. Servicing & Maintenance on a wide range of Sewage Treatment Plant and Pump Stations by BRITISH WATER ACCREDITED ENGINEERS. The Diamond Sewage Treatment range is suitable for either individual homes or small population applications When Gravity Drainage is not possible choose Allerton Pumping Stations for Sewage or Dirty Water ACCREDITED ENGINEERS 9 Clifton Street, Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, Lincoln, LN5 8LQ tel: 01522 546118 email: sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk SINGLE USE MENUS / NOTICES AND SIGNS / INFORMATION LEAFLETS LOGOS AND BRANDING / STATIONARY / BUSINESS CARDS / NEWSLETTERS POSTCARDS / FLYERS / BROCHURES / VINYL BANNERS / ROLLER BANNERS / POSTERS / PLAN PRINTING Printing / Copying Graphic Design More than 40 years in business 02.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2020 12:09 Page 1As of writing, all of Lincolnshire remains in Tier 3 restrictions as we move into a new year. Given the unprecedented challenges and hardships of the previous twelve months, we’re all glad to see the back of 2020. Unfortunately, the difficulties don’t end there, and while we’re in a better, more robust position, the crisis is far from over. But you don’t need us to tell you what is patently obvious. Combined with Brexit fallout, COVID will define 2021 as much as it did the proceeding year. However, let’s not lose sight of the possibility, opportunity and positivity that a new year brings. It remains a time for self-reflection, for betterment, for trying to achieve your dreams. All of that remains as true for 2021 as in previous years – perhaps more so. That’s why our January issue is jammed packed with excellent articles on how to improve yourself, whether that’s a total reinvention, or just getting into shape after the Christmas glut. Reinvention might mean taking the plunge and starting your own business. It’s a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one. Our handy new year, new start feature lays out the key information you need as well as pointing you to where you can find expert advice. We’ve also got editorials on mindfulness and great new ways of living for older readers. So, whether or not you’re setting a resolution this year, we hope you’ll find plenty to get stuck into this issue. Good reading and a happy new year to everyone! Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Assistant Editor: Dominic Cuthbert Journalist: 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/YGANKO LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2020 07:47 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 20 MATERNITY VOICE PARTNERSHIP Q&A We spoke to Amanda Pike, Chair of the Lincolnshire Maternity Voice Partnership, about the amazing Latch-On-Lincolnshire campaign. 22 BRAND NEW YOU The beginning of any year is the perfect time to revaluate yourself, find areas to improve and make positive changes. Some of the most profound can stem from something as simple as swapping up your wardrobe. So why not try on any of these amazing outfits on for size? 28 A POP OF SOMETHING SPECIAL Set off your New Year looks with some stunning jewellery and, yes, that includes eyewear. 30 SARTORIAL SOPHISTICATION There’s never been a better time to mix up your wardrobe and explore your style. 32 GET THE 2021 LOOK With a whole new year ahead of us, it’s time to take a look and see what beauty trends are on the horizon. We might still be socially distancing, but that’s no reason not to look as good as you want to feel. 34 ADAPTING TO THE SEASON Frequent outdoor exercise shouldn’t be restricted to spring and summer or simply when the sun is beaming. It’s important to continue moving through the year, and with the January health drive underway there is no better time to get back on track. 36 CULTIVATING AWARENESS No doubt, you’ve heard of “mindfulness” recently – but what exactly is it and how do you practice? 38 FEED THE BODY, NOURISH THE SPIRIT After the great Christmas glut, you’ll probably never want to see a mince pie or pig in blanket again. Instead, your body will be calling out for fruit, grains and vegetables. 42 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED This month we visit the market town of Alford and Lincolnshire’s plague town. 44 FAMILY BUSINESS As the heart and soul of our region, family businesses JANUARY 22 22 THE BEGINNING OF ANY YEAR IS THE PERFECT TIME TO REVALUATE YOURSELF, FIND AREAS TO IMPROVE AND MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES. SOME OF THE MOST PROFOUND CAN STEM FROM SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS SWAPPING UP YOUR WARDROBE. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2020 14:58 Page 152 52 STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST, BRAVEST DECISIONS YOU CAN MAKE THIS SIDE OF BUYING A HOUSE AND GETTING MARRIED. have had unprecedented challenges to contend with in the wake of the pandemic and, for those that trade with Europe, Brexit. But this critical sector is resilient, resourceful and have already more than risen to the challenge. As a family business itself, Lincolnshire Today explores this crucial part of British industry. 52 NEW YEAR, NEW START Starting your own business is one of the biggest, bravest decisions you can make this side of having children, buying a house and getting married. Needless to say, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly but it can be a hugely rewarding path. 54 COUNTY MOTORING As the interest in electric vehicles (EVs) rises in response to a fresh push from the Government, car enthusiasts are not only looking at new EVs, but considering converting their classics. 58 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. 61 CARING From assisted living to retirement apartments, the way people are choosing to spend their silver years is changing for the better. Desirable homes 10 OUTSTANDING VIEWS Offering panoramic views of the Lincolnshire Wolds like no other, this home has been cherished by its owners for decades. 14 OUT WITH THE OLD Following the festive influx of new possessions, the New Year is the perfect opportunity to have a clear out. Go through your home room by room with the aim of cutting down the clutter and keeping only what you love. 16 THE LULL OF LANDSCAPES We explore the life and works of Andrew Craig, an artist who has worked on everything from painting popular wargame miniatures, to stunning oil landscapes. 18 REMEMBER, REMEMBER YOUR GARDEN IN NOVEMBER Having spent more time than usual in our garden in 2020, the new year is the perfect excuse to create a new garden to enjoy in time for the spring, as Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explores. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2020 14:58 Page 2latest news Over £1 million of funding has been secured to acquire accommodation units in East Lindsey and Boston to prevent homelessness as part of the next phase of the Governments COVID-19 response. Both Boston Borough Council and East Lindsey District Council will work with Framework Housing Association to deliver additional units of accommodation through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme making accommodation available longer term for those who have been accommodated during the pandemic and for current and future rough sleepers on a longer-term basis (30 years). £443,800 of funding will deliver six units of accommodation in East Lindsey and £739,297 will deliver ten units of accommodation in Boston Borough. These units will be available for occupation by March 2021 and will be prioritised for rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping. © Shutterstock/Andrey_Popov £1m secured to acquire accommodation for people sleeping rough £27m proposals to transform Scunthorpe submitted for Government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund North Lincolnshire Council has submitted its plans for a £27 million investment across Scunthorpe through the Town Deal programme. The proposals are designed to see the county town compete with cities across the United Kingdom to attract private sector investment. Investments will be focused on creating an advanced manufacturing park with 4m sq ft of space to attract more world-class engineering firms to the area, a green energy park, further development of the town’s cultural quarter in and around Church Square and progressing work on a health and emergency services hub. These projects are to be supported with significant investment in gigabit broadband to help businesses gain a competitive edge, the development of around 500 new homes in the town and a skills development programme designed to ensure local people are best placed to take advantage of all the new opportunities. This latest investment proposal follows £40 million of funding that has been invested by the council and Government alongside businesses and educational institutions since 2015 in the town centre. This £25 million investment plan is additional to the bid also being led by the council through the Future High Street Fund which has seen a pitch for almost £20 million to create a business incubator hub and student accommodation on the 2.5 acre development site on the High Street. The seven projects which will be progressed are: • Project 1 – Advanced Manufacturing Park Lincolnshire Lakes • Project 2 – Enabling a Future for Clean Growth in Scunthorpe • Project 3 – Developing Scunthorpe’s New Cultural, Arts and Heritage Offer • Project 4 – Developing Our People and Communities • Project 5 – Integrated Health, Innovation and Emergency Services Hub • Project 6 – Creating 21st Century Digital Connectivity • Project 7 – Transforming the Scunthorpe Housing Market 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2020 07:49 Page 1Lincoln Eastern Bypass to open this weekend Lincoln’s new bypass, one of Lincoln’s most anticipated infrastructure projects in decades, has finally opened. “This is, without a doubt, one of Lincoln’s most anticipated infrastructure projects in decades, so I know this news will be welcomed by everyone living and working in and around the city,” said Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways. He added: “Getting this scheme built has been no easy task. In fact, since starting construction, nearly 1.4 million hours have been spent building the new bypass, along with over 150,000 tonnes of tarmac and other road building materials.” “Even though the road will be open…there are still some works left to complete over the next couple months,” he said. “This includes removing the plant crossing at Heighington Road, planting new trees and shrubs, and removing the site compound and topsoiling the area. “But I want to assure everyone that this will all be completed with little to no disruption for drivers. “I want to thank everyone for staying patient while we’ve been building the new road and very much look forward to opening it this weekend.” The 7.5km Lincoln Eastern Bypass project is part-funded by a £50 million Central Government capital grant and will improve Lincoln’s infrastructure, encourage growth, minimise traffic congestion and enhance the inter-city environment. City of Lincoln Council has completed the legal paperwork with Nottingham City Council to preserve Lincoln’s art and artefacts – including the Usher Collection. The move has been made following unsuccessful negotiations with Lincolnshire County Council over the future storage of such material. Unfortunately, the city council was given notice by the county council in September 2019 that it intended to hand back all of the art and artefacts it was storing on the city council’s behalf, unless the city council was prepared to pay for its storage in future. This is despite the city council providing the Usher Gallery and The Collection building to the county council on leases that are essentially rent free. This move left the city council with no option but to explore all opportunities for storing this significant collection elsewhere, resulting in a better value deal with Nottingham City Council who have been procured for an initial two year period to safeguard the material whilst the future of the Usher Gallery within the county council’s vision for heritage services is determined. In October, the city council’s Executive agreed a proposal to move its art and artefacts to a new, purpose-built storage facility owned and run by Nottingham City Council. Although located outside of Lincolnshire, the facility is only 45 minutes away and is staffed by experienced heritage professionals who will be able to ensure the future of the collection. The city council remains determined to find a way to keep the Usher building open and intact as a gallery space and so, as part of this new deal, the county council will be given access to the art and artefacts from the new storage facility so they can rotate displays regularly to create ever changing art works to entice repeat visitors and aid sustainability of the Usher Gallery. Lincoln Council moves to © Shutterstock/trabantos © thedroneman.net preserve city’s history and heritage 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2020 07:49 Page 2latest news £7.7 million of taxpayers’ money saved in fraud team’s 10th year Lincolnshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre celebrates 10-year anniversary Spring Lodge, a sexual assault referral centre run by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), has been providing support to people in the county for 10 years. The centre, which is jointly commissioned by the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner and NHS England and Improvement, supports any adult, male or female, who has been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused at any point in their lives. Since opening its doors in March 2010, the centre has helped 2,275 men and women through its Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and Forensic Medical Examination services. Amanda Farquhar, Manager of Spring Lodge, said: “Our aim is to help empower people by informing them of their options and assisting people in making their own decisions about their recovery. “We do not just work with recent cases nor do we only work with those wishing to report to the police which is a common misunderstanding.” Initiative to compare key data across the public sector to prevent and detect fraud. Cllr Alexander Maughan, the council’s Counter Fraud Champion, said: “It’s vital that our council is not seen as a soft touch. We have a duty to protect taxpayers’ money, and will not tolerate those who seek to defraud our residents. “We can assure those that whistle-blow that we take all reports of alleged fraud very seriously, and will fully investigate using all the powers available to us.” Historic England funding to save historic local church Historic England has awarded a grant to St Bartholomew’s church just outside Louth to carry out emergency works on the south transept roof. The redundant Grade II church is among 162 organisations receiving lifeline grant from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. It was put on the at risk register in 2019, is of 14th Century construction, the south transept roof is in very poor condition with an uneven and failing slate roof and ceiling which is in danger of collapse, there is also significant movement to the south gable wall. The Covenham St Bartholomew Heritage Trust, the charitable body responsible for maintenance and repair, have been fighting to bring the history of the church to life and breath life back into this beautiful building. The works, which finished in December, involved the removal of the existing slates and ceiling, full inspection by the engineer, repair and reinstatement of the timber roof including introducing wall plates to protect the rafters. £7.7 million has been saved by Lincolnshire County Council’s Counter Fraud and Investigations team since its formation in 2010. In 2019/20, the team recovered £114,000 of taxpayers’ money from counter fraud work and investigations, and stopped a potential bank mandate fraud of £1.56 million. During the year, the team investigated 19 fraud referrals, with some cases referred to Action Fraud for potential criminal investigation. It has recovered £312,000 by working with the National Fraud © Diane Seddon © Shutterstock/BlurryMe © Shutterstock/golubovystock 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2020 07:49 Page 3ORDER FORM Yes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazine for 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 card Name as it appears on card: Type of card: Mastercard / Visa / Visa Debit / Other Card 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. 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