Feel the loveInspiration forValentinesDesirablehomes Romantic walks Moods ofLincolnshirewww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLM£2.95 FEBRUARY 2013£2.95 FEBRUARY 2013A passionfor living….A passionfor living….Inspiration forValentinesDesirablehomes Romantic walks Moods ofLincolnshireTHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEFeel the love25 years young25 years youngWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETmaking this Valentines one to remember making this Valentines one to remember 001:Layout 1 21/1/13 08:59 Page 1Great Springcollectionsnow in store88c The Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AR01522 787709www.noanoalincoln.co.ukSue Kitchen | Managing Partner23 Algitha Road, Skegness Lincolnshire PE25 2AGTel: 01754 766 991 |Fax: 01754 769 318skegness@hwca.com |www.hwca.com/skegnessWe provide high quality financial advice to local businesses and individuals. Being part of Haines Watts places us in a unique position - allowing us to offer our national range of services without losing the local personal attention to detail. Being in Skegness we are always close by to pop in and have a chat and help and advise you.We specialise in Accountancy, Book Keeping, Tax Planning, VAT and Financial Services.Corporate Finance Taxaon VAT I.T & Accountancy soware support Expenses Asset Finance002:Layout 1 21/1/13 09:00 Page 1So, shall we begin with the good news or the bad news first? I’llstart with the bad, I guess, as I much prefer to finish on a positivenote. The bad news is it’s been a shockingly bad start to the year formany of the big High Street chains, including Jessops and HMV whoare going into administration, and, in the former’s case, disappearingfrom our towns and cities forever. The so-called “retail bloodbath”always seems to happen just after Christmas, when creditors realisethey’re not going to get paid.On the other side of the coin is the good news that Lincolnshire isblessed with one of biggest, best and widest range of independent retailers in thecountry. Many of these are bucking the trend as discerning shoppers realise theyhave so much more to offer than the big multi nationals. Take a look down anyhigh street in our county, and you’ll see a plethora of top quality shops andrestaurants staffed by people who really care about their customers. It’s this old-fashioned customer service that you just don’t seem to get in big stores any more –half the time you have to wait for them to finish chatting behind the counter toserve you! And, as a result the smaller independents are bucking the trend.More good news is that, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, readers ofLincolnshire Today can take inspiration from this magazine to help you find aunique approach to the day or a place you’ve not previously considered for yourloved one. It’s the essential guide to making sure your Valentine gets the day theydeserve.For those not blessed with the romantic spirit, don’t worry, there’s plenty more toenjoy. We’ve got loads of home and garden inspiration if this is the year you’refinally going to revamp your surroundings. We also get out and about and explorethe most exciting places to visit as the county finally awakens from its winterhibernation and more besides. If you want to make the most of Lincolnshire, we’vegot it covered.Good reading as always, and don’t forget to pay a visit to our website,www.lincolnshiretoday.net, for more great articles.Steve FisherEditorLincolnshireToday@lincstodaylincolnshiretoday.netEditor:Steve FisherJournalists:Steve Williams, Mike Shields, Michael Fisher, Stuart PearceySales Director: Teri CooperSales Manager: Becky RobertshawSales: Angela Cooper, Jo Waddington,Leon MurrayAccounts: Angela Sharman,John DownesCirculations: Dawn CookDesign & Production: Gary Jorgensen,Mark Casson, Rachel GreenAdvertising: 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 WWW.LEE-BEEL-PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK003:Layout 1 21/1/13 09:02 Page 1Love Lincolnshire!Romance is in the air this month, so this issue isinspired by passion…36 Red carpet momentsWith Valentines balls and proms in mind ourfashion pages are full of glitz and glamour51 Lots of loveSpoil your loved one with our selection of thebest valentines gifts56 The lap of luxuryWe highlight some of the county’s mostrelaxing destinations60 The food of loveOur dining guide offers inspiration if you’reeating out or staying in80 A friend indeedOur new pet pages emphasise the sheer joyand companionship they bringFeatures6 This month in LincolnshireYour fast guide to what’s been happening24 Artistic LincolnshireWe meet Peter Wood, who’s putting thecounty on canvas30 Moods of LincolnshireThe wintry weather showed Lincolnshire off inunfamiliar fashion32 The class of CaistorWe take a closer look at this increasinglyvibrant area48 Look good, feel greatExpert advice on getting active66 Lincolnshire close upWe take a heart pumping trek around theWolds to experience Lincolnshire at its bestFebruary 2013Contents305128004-005:Layout 1 21/1/13 09:07 Page 168 Exploring Lincolnshire on footWhisby Nature Park, Truman Wood andThorpe-on-the-Hill70 Flying highFenland birds are at last returning to thecounty72 Sleaford’s successHistory and heritage are mingling with newideas in Sleaford76 New bloodOn the hunt for the county’s top businesstalent78 Taxing issueWith the taxman looking to improve theirtake, make sure you don’t become acasualty…84 Get into gearOur motoring section looks at what’s hotand what’s not90 That’s entertainment!Make the most of your free time what ourwhat’s on guide94 Literary LincolnshireA leaf through the local bookshelf96 HoroscopesWhat does the coming month have in storefor you?Desirable homes14 Home inspirationWe visit another fabulous readers’ home22 The green houseA fantastic development in Caistor is settingnew environmental standards26 Readers’ gardensA model garden in Market Rasen28 The new season emergesAs the days begin to lengthen our expertsoffer more valuable adviceSocial Scenes58 Scunthorpe Round Table65 Lindsey Lodge Fundraising Ball75 Lincoln Sportsman’s Club70866690004-005:Layout 1 21/1/13 09:07 Page 2Lincolnshireteens hit theright noteMusic-loving teenagers have spent hours in therecording studio to create a charity albumdesigned to raise money to brighten the lives ofyoung people thousands of miles away.National Citizen Service graduates have mixeda fantastic CD, bursting with great sounds,including beatbox, original acoustic music andpop covers - and they hope the album will selllike hot cakes and drum-up at least £1250 forMusic Aid.NCS graduate Abi Szulc-Neild from Lincolnsays, “There are nine tracks on the CD, whichfeatures a wide range of music genres, from Indie Rock to R&B, beatboxing and acoustic pieces. Some areoriginal, but it also includes covers of songs by Amy Winehouse and Adele. We chose to support Music Aidbecause it doesn’t only help people from the UK, it supports those in developing and Third World countries.We are thrilled to be taking the message about NCS to people much further afield.”At the mixing desk are Matthew Williams, Jess Ball, Philip Rollett and Ebony Daley.LATEST NEWSAutomotive perfectionJust Audi VolkswagenLincoln is a newindependent Audi andVolkswagen specialist inLincolnshire, located onOuter Circle Road,Lincoln. Offering sales,service and technicalsupport for all Audi andVolkswagen groupvehicles, including Audi,Volkswagen, Seat andSkoda, the team is madeup of familiar faces forAudi and Volkswagonowners locally.Based on a two-acre site, its newly-refurbished premises feature a superblyappointed showroom, workshop and outdoor display area for over 100vehicles. The workshops are fully equipped with the latest in diagnostictesting facilities. A loan car service, collection and delivery service are alsoavailable as well as valeting services and MOTs.Just Audi VW Lincoln is part of Just Automotive Solutions Ltd, a companyowned and managed by Adrian Morvinson, who has been associated with theAudi brand for over 22 years.The company offers a hand-picked selection of high specification Audi andVolkswagen cars, and has sourced its buying team from across the UK. Itsteam of manufacturer-trained technicians offer a first-class service, utilisingapproved equipment.New showroom forHill Farm FurnitureHill Farm Furniture has just celebrated over 25 yearsof creating solid wood, bespoke kitchens with a newlyrefurbished showroom.The showroom features examples of the company’slatest handmade kitchen designs along with the latestin appliances and lighting. Hill Farm is run by theAshwin family and it specialises in hand crafted, handpainted kitchens and free standing furniture. All of thecompany’s designs are created specifically to blend inwith a property and the owner’s lifestyle, with Victorianand Georgian properties being a speciality.Located on the Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire border,the showroom is open Monday to Friday and Saturdayby appointment. Alternatively, visitwww.hillfarmfurniture.co.uk.006-007:Layout 1 21/1/13 12:58 Page 1Metal detectionmakes moneyAn extremely rare medievalsilver gilt seal matrix discoveredin a field in Lincolnshire by aman using a metal detectorhas sold for £1900 at auction.The 14th century love orloyalty seal, believed to have beendropped by a nobleman of the day, wasbought by a collector from the south of Englandwho was bidding over the telephone during thesale at auctioneers Golding Young & Mawer.Auctioneer John Leatt says, “This seal wasdiscovered in a field in East Keal and wasextremely rare. We were aware of very few sealsof this age that had come onto the market andcertainly none that had been in as good conditionor quality. Before the sale, we had lots of interestfrom private collectors which was reflected in priceachieved on sale day.”Silver seals are the rarest of all seals and would havebeen used by the elite of society. They were veryexpensive and a goldsmith would have beencommissioned to produce them. The engraving on highstatus seals is superior as the metal is softer and easier to cutthan cheaper metals such as bronze.LATEST NEWSSearch is on to findLincoln’s biggest starLincoln’s star is rising and the city is keen toreflect on its growing success by rewarding anoutstanding individual, organisation orcompany with its top honour.The search has begun to find the 2013winner of the magnificent Lincoln CivicAward – a striking silver accolade which iscrafted in the style of an eight-sided obeliskand which stands 19 inches high. For thefirst time ever, people are being invited tonominate potential winners by goingonline and registering their nominations atwww.lincoln.gov.uk/civic. You can alsopick up printed entry forms fromRuddocks in High Street, Lincoln, anddeliver completed entries to City Hall,Lincoln.This highly-coveted award celebratesthe very best of traditional values andcontemporary design – and it is aseyecatching today as when it was firstcommissioned. The winner keeps theAward for one year, but from this yearthey will retain a small replica.The award will be presented in aspecial ceremony in the city’sGuildhall.BishopGrosseteste gets sealof approvalBishop Grosseteste University can now officially use the title university afterreceiving written approval from Privy Council – which means that Lincoln isofficially home to two universities.Professor Muriel Robinson, who becomes the university’s first ViceChancellor, says, “It’s fitting recognition for our hard-working and talentedstaff and for our students, who will be the first to graduate with a degreefrom Bishop Grosseteste University.”Until last month only higher education institutions with four thousand ormore students could use the title university. Smaller institutions were calleduniversity colleges, but now all HE institutions with more than a thousandstudents have the right to apply to call themselves a university.Professor Robinson says, “Last year our applications from prospectivestudents bucked the national trendand increased, and we expect thatuniversity title will make BGU evenmore attractive to students. But thereare many advantages associatedwith being a small university andwe have no plans to increasethe number of full-timeundergraduate studentswho come here.”Skegness lifeboat stalwartretires after long serviceThe Coxswain/ Mechanic of Skegness lifeboat has retired from the stationafter 28 years of service with the RNLI. John Irving has taken the all-weatherlifeboat Lincolnshire Poacher to sea for the final time, having spent the lastthirteen years working for the charity, ensuring the lifeboat was ready to go tosea at any time of day and in any conditions.John, pictured with the crew on his final launch, has earned severalcommendations for his leadership, boat handling and seamanship over theyears. In December 2011, he received a letter of thanks for saving the lives ofthree people aboard the MV Sarah in very cold conditions.John says he will miss the station and the camaraderie among the crew, butnot being called out of bed during the cold mornings. He says, “I will miss theadrenaline rush when the pager goes off and the sense of pride that comes aftera shout. It’s a great team at Skegness, I will miss them all, but I know they willcontinue in the best traditions of the RNLI.”John is not retiring from lifeboating or the RNLI just yet, and now takes up theposition of Second Coxswain at Humber lifeboat station.006-007:Layout 1 21/1/13 12:58 Page 2WEDDING EVENTSLincolnshire’s premierchoice for unique weddingsSet in over two hundred acres of idyllic countryside, theLincolnshire Showground offers an unrivalled level of flexibility fora host of wedding ceremonies and celebrations. This February it plays host to #WedCraft – Lincoln’s first DIYwedding craft event. On Sunday 24th February, enjoy a beautifullyrelaxed wedding “crafternoon”, filled with lovely ideas and DIYwedding inspiration from a host of clever crafty folks. Follow@WedCraftEvent for more information on this event.The Lincolnshire Showground is a beautifully scenic venue. TheTennyson Pavilion is a pretty retreat with unbeatable views of vast, green spaces, and is licensed forceremonies from March 2013.If you dream of a rustic festival wedding, pitch up beside the picturesque Saxondale building andcreate a beautifully relaxed, private celebration for as many guests as you wish. You can also sayyour vows within this historic timber-built structure from March.Visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk for more information.Plan your perfectwedding at The ShowroomThe Showroom, the fabulous venue on Lincoln’sTritton Road, will host the Lincolnshire WeddingFayre on Thursday 21st February, from 6pm to 9pm.Prolong the romance of Valentine’s Day and get planning your wedding with this uniqueevening event. The Fayre will feature some of the best independent local suppliers andshowcase The Showroom as a wedding reception venue. There’s something for couples at allstages of planning – from beautiful dresses and cars with the ‘wow’ factor, to the perfectflowers, venue decoration and much more.To see the directory of exhibitors visit www.lincolnshireweddingfayre.co.uk, and for moreinformation, call Lyndsey Hannam on 01522 508377.The big dayBECKONS...In keeping with the loved-up theme of this issue, some of you may well be fortunate enough toreceive an engagement ring as a Valentines gift – and the planning will no doubt start in earnest. Fortunately, acrossLincolnshire there’s plenty of inspiration –including a host of fantastic wedding fairs over the next few weeks.The chance to meet dozens of the county’s top wedding specialists in a single location can certainly help in your preparation. You’ll be able topick their brains, find out how your dreams can be realised and get the chance to examine the products close up. You may even get some ideas youhadn’t thought of before!As well as the fairs we feature below, don’t forget the first Bailgate Wedding Fayre, held under the lights of Lincoln Cathedral on Sunday 3rdMarch, between 11am and 4pm, where you can walk along Lincoln’s cobbled streets to discover the city best wedding venues and stunning grounds,plus sample Lincolnshire’s best wedding suppliers. Find out more about this event at www.bailgateweddingfayre.co.uk.All you desireunder one roofNorth Lincolnshire’s premier weddingevent returns to the Grimsby Auditorium onSunday 17th February. With over seventystands, the Lincolnshire Wedding Exhibitionis now the largest event in the area, soyou’re sure to find everything you’re lookingfor – under one roof.Organisers Pronuptia, the bridal specialists,aim to provide you with the widest choiceimaginable from a vast array of differentwedding services, all of whom are theleading names in their field. Planning expertsFairytales and videographers WeddingHD,who are sponsoring the event, are amongthe renowned experts who will be displayingtheir wares and available to discuss whatthey can offer to make your big day extraspecial. This is the perfect opportunity foryou to plan every aspect of your weddingand speak to the specialists.The event runs from 10.30am to 4pm andadmission is free. For more details on theevent, and who is exhibiting, visitwww.lincsweddingshow.co.uk.008:Layout 1 21/1/13 12:24 Page 1Now in its 129th year, theLincolnshire Show proves awinning formula with two packeddays of entertainment, agriculturaldisplays, livestock and equineevents, music, shopping, family fun,cookery, crafts and more! The 2013Show takes place on 19th and20th June at the LincolnshireShowground, and over 60,000people are set to visit.The organisers have vowed tomake this year the best yet.Already confirmed to appear areold favourites like the Sheep Show,Young Farmers Decorated Trailersand the Parade of the Houndswith a good dose ofnewcomers too.In the main ring Lincolnshire’sBritish Scurry & Trials DrivingShow promises to bring the crowdsalive with ponies of all sizes andshapes. Katy Cropper, the only femalewinner of One Man and His Dog, will be giving a working sheepdogdisplay, while the fast and furious Mounted Games Association wowyou with their speed, agility and skill! Shopping continues to be ahuge feature with over six hundred stands to browse includingthose lining the Mews Shopping Avenue.If you’re looking to beat the queues, advanced tickets areavailable from the Showground office now! Alternatively ShowMembership entitles you to free entry on both days, exclusivefacilities and priority parking at the Show, plus discounts andfreebies throughout the year! Advanced adult tickets are £20(£22 on the gate), children’stickets are £6 (£7 on the gate)and a family ticket is £42 (£47on the gate). Membershipstarts at £38 for YoungPerson’s and £53 for adults.The group ticket is also on salefor coach trips, schools andclubs.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY9LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWYOU US?Please support The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulancewww.ambucopter.org.ukEnquiries@ambucopter.org.uk01522 548469greatest giftgiftLIFELooking for agreat gift idea?Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription foronly £27.55 with free deliveryCall 01472 310301or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341Fantastic free giveaways Mouth watering festive recipes What to wear Lincolnshire after dark Great gift solutionswww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETTHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE£2.60 DECEMBER 2012£2.60 DECEMBER 2012WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETAll you want for ChristmasAll you want for ChristmasFantastic free giveaways Mouth watering festive recipes What to wear Lincolnshire after dark Great gift solutionsWISHING ALL OUR READERS A MERRY CHRISTMASLincolnshireAfter DarkWhere to go, who tosee, what to wearRememberingOur Heroes The county's wartimeconnectionsChristmas isComingYour completesurvival guidewww.blmgroup.co.ukwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMBLMGROUPGROUPBLMWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETTHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE£2.60 NOVEMBER 2012£2.60 NOVEMBER 2012WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETUnmistakablyLincolnshireUnmistakablyLincolnshireLincolnshireAfter DarkWhere to go, who tosee, what to wearRememberingOur Heroes The county's wartimeconnectionsChristmas isComingYour completesurvival guide1st 3issues only£1Stand by for theLincolnshire Show!Make sure you don’t miss the county’s favourite day outFor bookinginformation visitwww.lincolnshireshow.co.ukor call 01522 524240 andfollow daily updateson Twitter@lincsshow009:Layout 1 21/1/13 09:10 Page 1Next >