£2.95 JANUARY 2022 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 2022 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 01.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 15:57 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 T: +44 (0) 1472 872248 E: weddings@oaklandshallhotel.co.uk Oaklands Hall Hotel Barton Street, Laceby, DN37 7LF OAKLANDS WEDDINGS www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk The perfect backdrop for your big day. Get in touch with one of our Wedding Coordinators and come have a look around our beautiful grounds, choice of 3 function rooms and the perfect spot in our garden for your civil ceremony. Taking bookings for weddings - a few spaces in the last part of 2022 and spaces for 2023 and 2024 02.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 15:58 Page 1Happy new year We’ve finally put 2021 behind us and stepped into 2022 and with Omicron and mandatory face masks yet again (at the time of writing) it doesn’t so much feel like a new year as a step back in time. Thankfully, we’ve been here before which does mean we know how to handle this. Lincolnshire Today has already moved back to a working from home environment to protect our staff, and many others may be doing the same. At times like this it’s important to remember that while we may feel upset about this ourselves, there are others we are doing this for. Those who have immunocompromised family and those who are vulnerable. It’s easy to feel anger at what feels like an inconvenience to the individual, but our actions can affect other people and a little bit of empathy can go a long way. We’re also at a much higher level of vaccination than we were last year. Although Omicron is highly contagious, there is no evidence yet to suggest it is any more dangerous than the Delta variant. With hopefully everyone double- jabbed in our region – and hopefully those who have held off finding the common sense to get vaccinated – we should all be that much safer. Local businesses may find that scant comfort, however. For the hospitality and high-street stores that rely on foot traffic, having to go back to online sales may be painful. That’s why we’d like to ask everyone to spare a thought for your local boutiques when you shop online. Yes, you could order something from the megalithic Amazon, but why not take a little extra time to check some Lincolnshire stores online first? These stores give back to the community here and help make our county beautiful, whereas money thrown at big corporations all too often go and hide in Panama or wherever the latest tax haven is. I suppose the true message here is that we must all work together, show some of that community spirit and support one another. Let’s let that be the motto of 2022, that we’ve faced this before and we will face it again, this time to put it to rest for good. Happy New Year. Let’s all make this one special. Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Journalists: Tess Egginton, Eleonora Gallina 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. FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ LUMIKK555 LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 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? Looking forward at new business opportunities 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 Established more than 40 years ago, Lincoln Print & Copy Centre has experienced the highs and lows of the economy alongside many other businesses in the area. Looking at the opportunities as the economy grows, they identified areas where they can help their customers stand out from the crowd and have invested in new printing and finishing equipment. With the latest Xerox Versant 280 press and Kasfold 640 booklet maker, they can now supply landscape A4 brochures, 6 page A4 leaflets and A5 concertina leaflets with other products available in the near future, all in smaller as well as large quantities. The combination of the new machines offer many new exciting products for customers. Their experienced design team have worked in print for many years so understand what’s required in the worlds of commerce, industry, hospitality, culture and tourism. They can help customers understand how the new ideas will work for them, discuss branding and logos, what will attract and inform their customers. For more information visit www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk 9 Clifton Street, Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, Lincoln, LN5 8LQ 01522 546118 sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk 03.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:36 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 22 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED This month we visit historic Barton-on-Humber to explore its long history. 24 TIME FOR SOMETHING NEW New year, new me, new clothes - it’s time to revitalise that wardrobe. 30 TO TOP IT OFF Accessories are a must for anyone looking to make an outfit more memorable. 32 A FRESH START A new year means new clothes – whether you’re stocking up on basics or something more fun and unique. 34 WINTER BEAUTY The winter months can be really tough on your skin, as well as your mental and physical health. 36 FITNESS FIRST Most New Year’s resolutions fail after the first month but let 2022 be the year that you keep your fitness aims and chart a course to a happier, healthier you. 40 JANUARY SPECIALS Tis the new year with cold weather, healthy living and all those new resolutions to keep (or break). We’ve collected some simple, warm and hearty meals – and also something a little fresh and healthy to break it all up. 44 THE FUTURE OF FARMING Sustainable practices, lockdown and robotics – the future of farming is looking more and more real, and this decade could well be make or break for the industry’s future. 48 SOCIAL SCENE Guests were wined, dined and shown a good time at the Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham recently in support of the Willow foundation charity. JANUARY 24 24 NEW YEAR, NEW ME, NEW CLOTHES - IT’S TIME TO REVITALISE THAT WARDROBE. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:38 Page 136 36 MOST NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FAIL AFTER THE FIRST MONTH BUT LET 2022 BE THE YEAR THAT YOU KEEP YOUR FITNESS AIMS AND CHART A COURSE TO A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER YOU. 50 THE NEXT LEVEL There are more options for young people and school leavers than ever before, but with the rise in online training and upskilling, it’s never been a better time for adult learners to learn new skills. 54 WHERE THERE’S A WILL Having an up to date will in place not only ensures that a person’s funeral wishes are honoured, their inheritance specified, and provisions made for any children, it can also have a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. 58 PETCARE IN WINTER MONTHS Here are some tips and games from Susie Parker-Garrick, of Lady Pea’s Dogs, to help you get through the winter months. 60 COUNTY MOTORING As the year comes to a close it’s time to look at some of the new motors we can expect to see on the roads in 2022. 64 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 10 A COSY GEORGIAN TOWNHOUSE This month’s featured property is a stunning, characterful home. While spacious, light, and airy, its owners have created a warm and welcoming abode, loved by all who enter. 18 BRIGHT, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Bright, bold and beautiful! Letitia Guilbaud’s work is back in the UK and as incredible as ever. 20 A NEW GARDEN FOR THE NEW YEAR Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping discusses how you may wish to refresh your garden this year, from following pastel plant trends to embracing sustainable living. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:38 Page 2Lincolnshire’s hospitals to invest £2.6m to expand nursing and midwifery workforce latest news Lincolnshire farmer purchases land and secures business for future generations Virgin Money has helped one Lincolnshire farmer finance the purchase of 212 acres, as well as secure a loan for a 3,000-tonne grain store and a new cutting-edge crop sprayer, safeguarding the future of their farming enterprise. Building a farming business that is an attractive and profitable offer for the next generation, requires investment, determination, and ever-increasing efficiencies. David and Jane Pridgeon, along with David’s parents, run Pridgeon Farms Limited near Chapel St. Leonards. They have spent 15 years building a successful soft fruit and cereal business and a farm shop expanding over 20 acres. Recent investments in land, and machinery utilising the latest technology to streamline production and reduce labour, are all a part of the strategy to ensure a fit for purpose business which will withstand future challenges. Commenting on their recent business developments, David said: “The most important aim going forward is to ensure sustainability for the future. My father has worked hard to create the foundation to build on and I would like to continue this for future generations.” Lincolnshire’s hospitals have committed to investing an additional £2.6 million over the course of a year into expanding their nursing and midwifery workforce, to ensure wards remain safely staffed and to further improve the quality of care provided to patients. United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) recently undertook an ‘establishment review’, looking at nurse and midwifery staffing across all wards in all of its hospitals. Following the review, the Trust has decided to invest an additional £2.6 million over the coming year in increasing numbers of staff on most wards, to ensure they remain safe and to reduce the amount of money spent on expensive agency staffing to fill gaps. Director of Nursing for ULHT, Dr Karen Dunderdale, said: “We carried out our establishment review so that we could be assured that the nursing and midwifery staffing levels across our wards continue to be appropriate and sufficient, in light of the recent pandemic. “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure the investment to both recruit these new staff members, and also to support them in an ongoing way once they start with us to ensure they stay.” New £5m depot opening signals new age for West Lindsey District Council A new era has begun for staff at West Lindsey District Council following the opening of a new £5 million, purpose built central depot, nearly 20 years in the making. The site, which was constructed and designed by partners Henry Boot Construction and Whittam Cox Architects, has now been passed over to Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Operatives, to begin their first waste collection journeys around the district. The site near to Caenby Corner was officially opened on 26 November by local constituency MP Sir Edward Leigh, on a day which saw previous depots at North Warren Road, Gainsborough, and Gallamore Lane Industrial Estate, Market Rasen, cease operations. Sir Edward Leigh MP said: “This new site is a delight to behold. Communities deserve and need their local District Councils to lead by-example, and with this new site, not only is the council putting the security of the District’s Operational Services at the forefront, they are also doing so with the future of the climate in mind. This is thinking about what communities need from their local councils.” © stock.adobe.com/chrisdorney 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:40 Page 1Work to transform heart of Grimsby given boost Plans to transform the heart of Grimsby have been given a boost with the appointment of a specialist development management organisation to lead the project. Queensberry, a nationally recognised regeneration specialist has been brought on board to drive the “Future High Streets” town centre project forward which will create a mixed use cinema and leisure space and a new market in the centre of Grimsby. Queensberry will coordinate the whole project, from overseeing the work to progressing planning applications, developing the business plans, through to the construction of the new facilities. The project will provide a leisure-led scheme for the centre of Grimsby town which incorporates a new market and food hall alongside new leisure and retail units and a new cinema. Cllr Callum Procter, Cabinet member for Economic Growth at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m delighted to have Queensberry on board to help us really push on with our plans to transform the heart of the town and build on the great work that’s already been done at St James’ Square and Garth Lane.” One of the East Midlands’ leading independent home improvement specialists is investing in its workforce of the future after securing a £1m sales boost this year. James Oliver Conservatories, which has invested over £250,000 into its new showroom on Crofton Road in Lincoln, has taken on two new apprentices as part of a recruitment drive that has seen employee numbers rise from 35 to 50 since the end of lockdown. Part of the Conservatory Outlet retail network, the company has taken on Lloyd and Zack as apprentice bricklayers to ensure the skills and knowledge of its skilled tradespeople is passed down to the next generation and to help its expanding fitting team cope with a rise in demand from homeowners pressing the button on improvement projects. Simon Ahearn, general manager of James Oliver Conservatories said: “We’ve taken on a lot of experienced people, but also recognised the need to grow our own staff and this has seen us invest in Lloyd and Zack, working with Lincoln College to help deliver a mix of practical and theoretical training, boosted by an internal mentoring programme with senior colleagues.” Lincolnshire’s James Oliver targets the future after New Lincolnshire COVID-19 testing bus launches Lincolnshire County Council’s Public Health COVID-19 Testing Bus is launching this week, offering supervised lateral flow tests for people without symptoms, and providing community testing kits. The county council have joined forces with Stagecoach to provide the bright green bus providing rapid testing with results within 30 minutes. Or residents can pick up test kits to use and make sure they aren’t infected before visiting family and friends with vulnerable members, large indoor events or other high-risk environments. Staff will be on hand to provide advice and guidance on testing. Natalie Liddle, Acting Head of Service – Health Protection said: “The testing bus is a timely boost for our testing programme in Lincolnshire. It will be used in locations across the county where our data shows it is most needed, for example areas of high deprivation, low vaccination uptake and areas where there are high infection rates. The bus will provide residents with quick and easy access to lateral flow testing.” © stock.adobe.com/Freedomz £1m ‘home comforts’ boost © stock.adobe.com/ManuPadilla 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:40 Page 2Scrap metal recycling business purchases large scale premises in Scunthorpe Scrap metal recycling business, Acetech Metals, has purchased a large scale premises in Scunthorpe after securing a £3.25m funding package from ThinCats, the alternative lender to mid-sized SMEs. Acetech is a leading player in the metals recycling sector, offering a combination of innovation, technical expertise and resources. Operating from their own purpose designed premises as well as within steelworks sites, they offer a fleet of plant equipment and machinery and an expert team working to the highest levels of safety and workmanship. The funding will support the purchase of a new 20 acre site with 180,000 sq ft of steel framed buildings, which when fully developed will be one of the largest specialist metals processing facilities in the North of England. Jonathan Wells, chairman, Acetech, said: “We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to deliver market leading services, whilst upholding the highest standards in health and safety and increasing our already substantial contribution to decarbonising the steel and aluminium production industries. We are delighted to have found a like-minded funding partner in ThinCats, who have supported our vision for the growth of the business.” latest news Work starts on new Lincoln apartments Work has started in Lincoln in preparation for construction of 24 new apartments for people aged over-55. Lindum Group is currently on site at Roman Gate Court, off Nettleham Road, just north of the city centre. Work to set up the site compound is underway with construction of the new homes scheduled to begin in January. LACE Housing, which is a non-profit making association specialising in the provision of housing and support services for older and vulnerable people, appointed Lindum Group to build the new homes following a competitive tender process. The finished scheme will provide affordable, safe and secure homes and will consist of 24 one bedroom apartments, as well as a communal lounge facility, mobility scooter store and landscaped gardens. LACE Housing’s CEO, Nick Chambers, said: “Despite the many challenges experienced over the past year, we are delighted that works have now begun on a further development of 40 much needed homes for older people in Greater Lincolnshire.” Plans submitted for new Scunthorpe town centre enterprise and innovation hub A planning application has been submitted for a new enterprise and innovation hub in Scunthorpe town centre. The plans funded by Government cash include business space, workshops, meeting rooms, breakout spaces and business development and networking areas. The focus will be on creating space for technology businesses and those in the creative industries. Alongside the flexible office space and meeting rooms the proposal includes a licensed café and bar and 46 en suite studios for young professionals. Globally recognised architects AHR have designed the concepts for the £10.7m redevelopment for North Lincolnshire Council as part of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. The project is designed to further drive regeneration in the area. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We’re confident this will be a game-changing addition to the high street, continuing the development already made into Church Square and extending it further into Scunthorpe. We worked closely with the towns MP Holly Mumby-Croft to secure the money from the Government for this amazing new development.” © stock.adobe.com/FreePod 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:40 Page 321 years of excellent service London Camera Exchange has had a branch in Lincoln for 21 years, offering new and used photographic equipment to budding and professional photographers alike. A long-standing team of Jamie (Manager), Rob (assistant manager), Jacob, Matt and Luke on sales have spent 6+ years with LCE which has recently become an Employee-Owned Business. LCE believes that a fair deal for everyone was the sustainable way to a healthy and prosperous business and now, as an Employee-owned business, that is more important than ever. Our promise to you and all our valued customers is that you can be assured of great value and the best possible service. For more information call 01522 514131 or visit the store at 6 Silver St, Lincoln, LN2 1DY. Your money is completely secure We're ABTA bonded and work with ATOL protected suppliers. Complete financial protection when you book your holiday with us You’re in safe hands One of our travel consultants will personally handle your booking and will be with you every step of the way through to your departure date – we’re here to help in branch or over the phone. Our travel insurance includes covid cover as standard We’re totally independent We work with over 200 suppliers so we can cherry pick the right holiday for you. Visit Lincolnshire.coop/travel to find your local travel branch Don’t book anywhere else until you have given us a try! Lincolnshire business launches Nemo, a new type of potato Lincoln-based potato grower Branston was searching for a quicker-cooking potato variety to make crispy, golden roasties that taste deliciously buttery, and they found Nemo. As a phureja hybrid variety, Nemo combines the vigorous fast- growing nature of original Peruvian potatoes with the agronomical hardiness of modern European varieties from the Solanum tuberosum Solanaceae family. It has the golden yellow flesh typical of an Andean phureja, with a more uniform cell structure which enables it to cook much more quickly. Its distinctive pink skin has creamy yellow patches around its large eyes, giving it a parti-coloured appearance. David Nelson, Branston agronomy director said: “Nemo is a natural hybrid that has been developed through carefully crossing an exceptionally wonderful tasting fast-cooking Peruvian variety called Inca Bella and a popular red-skinned Salad variety called Franceline. As this is a new variety, we only have a limited amount this year, but enough to cover the all- important Christmas period, when roasting potatoes are at their most popular.” 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:40 Page 4Next >