LoveLincolnshire£2.95 FEBRUARY 2014£2.95 FEBRUARY 2014THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET25 years young25 years youngValentine'sinspirationGifts andgiveawaysGorgeousfashionHomes andgardensLoveLincolnshireValentine'sinspirationGifts andgiveawaysGorgeousfashionHomes andgardens01:Layout 1 20/1/14 09:05 Page 1Wainfleet and St Mary’sCare HomesWainfleetSt. Mary’sWainfleet Care Home Rumbold Lane, Wainfleet, Skegness PE24 4DSSt. Mary’s Residential & Dementia Care HomeSt. Mary’s Court, Speedwell Crescent, Scunthorpe DN15 8UPCome and visit ourwonderful homes in theHumberside areaQuality care homes forthe elderlyWorking in partnership with Orchard Care Homes£100offrespite and permanent stays with this advertTerms and conditions apply LarchwoodcareQuality care from a dedicated team of expertsOur team are experts in providing quality care,tailored to the individual. We care about every detailof our residents' lives, their health, diet, exercise andmental stimulation. Each of our homes are purpose–built, beautifully decorated and superbly equipped.Larchwood offer safe, supportivehomes that promote confidenceand independenceOur residents are encouraged to get the most out oflife, whilst receiving the very best in care.For more information call 0845 602 7469or visit www.orchardcarehomes.com02:Layout 1 17/1/14 11:24 Page 1February already? Where is the time going? We welcome you toyet another issue of your favourite county magazine, brimming witharticles on a whole variety of subjects close to our hearts. It’s allhappening here - from homes and gardens through to fashion, finedining, Lincolnshire walks, wildlife and of course things to do andsee over the coming weeks. It’s also that time of the year again – the one that most mendread, a day when their true value is put to the test, not to mentiontheir wallets. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Valentine’s Day - 24 hours of eitherromantic bliss or heavy silences that mean your dinner is now in the dog.Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of our February issue of Lincolnshire Today.We’ve worked tirelessly again this year to bring you inspiration on how to wowyour loved one. For those who might think Valentine’s is just another overcommercialised event in the calendar, we’ve strived for ideas that won’tnecessarily break the bank, affording you the chance to save hundreds of poundson some of the best-value and most thoughtful Valentine’s gifts around. We’vegot everything from lingerie to romantic meals for two to choose from andeverything in between. So, this year, there really can be no excuse to turn upwith a bunch of flowers from the petrol station and a box of Roses chocolates!Of course, for those of you who are already completely organised, its anopportunity to smirk as others panic at this time of the year. Some people maystill be reeling from the memory of gift shopping over Christmas, so there mightnot seem much respite from the retail roundabout. But our High Streets still needall the help they can get as the recovery takes place, and it falls on each of us todo our bit for the economy. Besides, there’s so many great bargains out there rightnow it’s almost a sin not to get out there and snap up a few.We hope you enjoy reading our latest offerings and are keeping up to date withall the news as it breaks at www.lincolnshiretoday.netand don’t forget, if you’re afan, you can spread the word to others by visiting our Facebook page and liking orsharing with others. On that note, we’ve a special online competition runningthroughout February, so log on to our website or our Facebook page for furtherdetails…Good reading as alwaysSteve FisherEditorLincolnshireToday@lincstodaylincolnshiretoday.netEditor:Steve FisherJournalists:Steve Williams, Mike Shields, Michael Fisher, Stuart PearceySales Director: Teri CooperSales Manager: Angela CooperSales: Marie RuddAccounts: 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 SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JJ PIXS03:Layout 1 17/1/14 13:33 Page 1With love fromLincolnshire Today!Pile on the romance with our Valentine’s Dayinspiration throughout this issue!36 Stay cool in the coldThe gloomy weather at least gives us theexcuse to cuddle up to our loved ones!42 Love lingerieLincolnshire’s lingerie specialists can help youfind some underwear you’ll love!48 Roll out the romanceValentine’s Day brings its own challenges ifyou want to look your most glamorous56 Make it countCheck out our fantastic gift guide – withgreat prizes to be won!60 Platters of the heartThe food of love can be found throughoutthe county as our dining pages proveFeatures6 This month in LincolnshireWhat’s been going on in the county?22 Form and contentWe meet Alexis Rago who is causing a stir inSleaford30 Community counts in CaistorHow the beautiful Lincolnshire town workstogether for success34 Exploring Lincolnshire on footBourne Woods, Scottlethorpe and Edenham50 Energise your default mode!How can you maintain your New Year’sfitness resolutions?63 Creating a sustainable futureCompanies are saving money – and theplanet – thanks to a new schemeFEBRUARY 2014Contents42125004-05:Layout 1 17/1/14 11:51 Page 164 Give your birds a homeOur wildlife pages showcase the glories ofthe garden66 Marketing RasenThere’s a renaissance in Rasen, with lots toenjoy this year70 Combating the coldHelping our four-legged friends stay warmand toasty during the colder months72 Get into gear......and take a look at the latest vehiclesfresh onto the forecourt75 Fast track into successWe speak to Jack Harvey, LincolnshireSportsman of the Year78 What’s happening?Our guide to the best events in Lincolnshireover the next few weeksDesirable homes12 Beautiful in BriggVisiting a self-build which is infused with theowners’ personality20 Warm and toastSettle back and relax in a cosy home –without worrying about energy bills24 Our green and pleasant landA tour of Grimsthorpe Castle in the headgardener’s company reveals myriaddelights28 When the wind blowsOur gardening expert provides valuableadvice to get you geared up for springSocial Scenes10Lincoln Sportsmans’ Club77 Scunthorpe Round Table Christmas Ball2472787504-05:Layout 1 17/1/14 11:51 Page 2High flyers atLincolnshireAnnual LunchJas Hawker, a former team leader with the Red Arrows was thekeynote speaker at the sixth Institute of Directors Lincolnshire branchannual lunch at the Bentley Hotel, Lincoln. This popular seasonalbusiness event, sponsored by Lincolnshire building and civilengineering contractors John Martin-Hoyes Ltd, attracted 120 of thearea’s leading business people and their guests, and helped raisefunds for Linkage Community Trust.Jas is now Operations Director of Mission Excellence, aperformance consultancy company which works with some of themost successful global organisations. He spoke about highperformance teams through operational excellence.Struan Wiley was another “high flyer” attending the event. He waspresented with his Honorary Life Fellowship, marking fifty years as aMember of the IoD.LATEST NEWSNew era dawns onthe CobbIts gallows may be consigned to history, but the roof ofLincoln Castle’s Cobb Hall is about to swing into action onceagain. Heritage specialists Martin-Brooks have carried out acomplete re-roof on the grade I listed tower, so a new walkwaycan be installed carrying visitors right around the castle walls. The large round tower was constructed as a defensivestructure in the 13th century and later served as the castleprison. Its roof was last restored in 1815 and from 1816 to 1859was used for public hangings. Dale Wright of Martin-Brooks says, “We were able to finishthe project in just six weeks, ensuring the hall will remainwatertight and in good order for another two hundred years.There is a great view from the rooftop and I have no doubt itwill be a popular spot with visitors wanting to soak up thecastle’s history and the Lincolnshire landscape.”The refurbishment of Cobb Hall forms part of a wider £20million project of restoration at Lincoln Castle.Grantham churchshares in fundingPlaces of worship across the UK benefit from the latest round offunding from the National Churches Trust – including St Wulfram inGrantham, which receives funding to rebuild its 282 foot high spire,the sixth highest of church spires in Britain.St Wulfram’s is one of the largest medieval churches in the country,seating around seven hundred people. Constructed in the early1300s, at 282 ft the spire ranks as sixth highest of British churchspires and dominates the views of the town.The £40,000 NationalChurches Trust grant willhelp fund a project torebuild a 24 feet section ofthe spire, 16 feet below thetop. This work will consist ofreplacing the rusting ironcramps with stainless steelones together with replacingthe stonework.Huw Edwards, broadcasterand Vice-President of theNational Churches Trust,says, “Churches, chapels andmeeting houses are some ofthe most beautiful buildingsin the country and thesegrants will help to bringmore of them back to theirfull glory.”PHOTOS BY RICHARD PICKSLEY06-07:Layout 1 17/1/14 11:37 Page 1Shush scheme will help make asilent nightA new campaign aimed atreminding young people tokeep the noise down whenreturning home from anight out has beenlaunched.Purple wristbandswith the words ‘Shush– Let’s Make it aSilent Night’ will begiven to youngsters aged over eighteen and not living oncampus at the University of Lincoln. The bands also have otheradvantages for the wearers as they allow queue jumps at certainnight spots for a limited time and there will be other specialoffers and benefits throughout the year.The scheme has been created to reinforce the message thatstudents and partygoers should return home quietly at night sothey don’t wake up their neighbours or anyone living in housesalong their route.Sandra Lewis, Treasurer of West End Residents’ Association, says, “Ithink this is a good idea. We hope that it works and we will giveanything a go to try to get things sorted. We are pleased the council,Students Union and university are taking this seriously.”LATEST NEWSContribute toSleaford’s newpublic artworkMichael Condron is creating a brandnew piece of public art which will be sitedat the Renewable Energy Plant on BostonRoad, Sleaford – and the public themselvesare invited to contribute! Michael is delivering free workshopsexploring the processes that drive the powerstation. He will demonstrate how to createcard sculptures based on the power stationjourney, from the farmers’ field to electricity.The work created during these sessions willcontribute to the final public artwork’sdesign – and you can take your own workhome at the end of the session.The workshops at The National Centrefor Craft & Design are open to everyone, at 10.30am, 1pm,3.30pm and 6pm on Thursday 30th January and 10.30am, 1pmand 3.30pm on Friday 31th January and Saturday 1stFebruary. The Saturday sessions are ideal for families.To book a free place, call 01529 308710 or emailinfo@nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk.Children set to be inspired withSchool Games FestivalSchoolchildrenfrom across thecounty will cometogether to takepart in an actionpacked day ofsport at theSainsbury’s SchoolGames WinterFestival.On Wednesday5th March, oversix hundredyoung athletesfrom acrossLincolnshire will be competing in fifteen different sporting competitions atGrantham Meres Leisure Centre. With support from the Lincolnshire Sport, thisnationwide celebration of sport will see numerous primary, secondary andspecial school teams involved. Jo Purkiss, Sport Project Officer at Lincolnshire Sport, says, “The SchoolGames is a unique opportunity to motivate and inspire millions of youngpeople across the country to take part in competitive school sport. The Gameswill be a great opportunity for pupils to feel part of the London 2012 Olympicand Paralympic Games legacy. It will be a fantastic day of sport for everyoneinvolved.”For further information about the School Games and to register your school,go to www.yourschoolgames.com.See the Snowdrops atHodsockCome and see the Snowdrops at Hodsock. Our friends atHodsock Priory are offering two for one entry on standardadmission to our annual garden spectacular. Just cut out thisnews item and present it at the kiosk!The Hodsock Snowdrops can be seen at the beautifulbuilding, in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, every day from 1stFebruary to 2nd March between 10am and 4pm.Roam seventeen acres of snowdrops before heading to themarquee tea room. You’ll find homemade pie and pealunches, cream teas and tempting cakes for sale. Bring welliesand let your children enjoy the great outdoors, making densand exploring the woodland play area. Warm up by thebonfire before browsing for gifts and plants, while you canalso find out about the history of Hodsock with a free talk. For more information, visit www.snowdrops.co.ukTerms and conditions- This voucher entitles 2 for 1 entry on adult admission.Kids entry is just £1, Children under 5 go free. Maximum two people per voucher.No photocopies – original vouchers only. Voucher must be redeemed at the kiosk.Valid from 1st February to 2nd March 2014, 10am to 4pm.06-07:Layout 1 17/1/14 11:37 Page 2Laughton targeted againDear Lincolnshire Today,At the risk of sounding like a professional moaner – is it just coincidence howLaughton and the surrounding area is constantly being targeted for unpopularprojects? It’s not just the fracking which has recently been announced but before thatthere was the wind farm project, the nearby maggot farm which, until it closed,emanated pungent odours across the area and of course just half a mile up the roadthe government decided to store remains of cattle that’d been slaughtered beforethey were 30 months old (as that’s when signs of BSE could show which meant thatsome of the remains could be infected, hence them slaughtering the cattle). My question is, when is Laughton and the surrounding area to be given a break? Itis, or at least was, a beautiful rural area before we became targeted for everyconceivable project the government could think of. Of course, David Cameron’s range of incentives for local councils that backfracking, could be to blame but perhaps this makes WLDC an easy scapegoat for thegovernment as often, we are told, the local councils are powerless to act against thegovernment.It could be just coincidence that this area is targeted again but it really makes youwonder what we’ll be hit with next! D HurdwellLaughtonReaders’lettersWe’d love to hear from you. If you have any news, views or issuesyou would like us to cover, do get in touch.Food for thoughtDear Lincolnshire Today,Just a word of thanks to the staff at the Old Palacein Lincoln who cooked up a storm at the New Year.We feasted on roasted turbot served with sautéedcurly kale, steamed clam with lemon grass andcoconut. Lincoln has got a real hidden gem in thishotel restaurant, and more people from around thecounty should know about it. We’ll be returning nextyear, for sure.R RobsonGranthamPICK OF THE MONTHThe winner of our letter of the month wins acase of wine.We’d love to hear from you: Lincolnshire Today,Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE.Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk We reserve the right to edit published lettersRaising the standardsDear Lincolnshire todayHow ridiculous the furore surrounding the schoolboy who’dbeen sent home from Sir Robert Pattinson Academy in NorthHykeham, after returning to school with an inappropriate haircut.While it might seem a little draconian to act in this manner, surely we shouldapplaud the school for trying to maintain and raise their standards. A hairstyle maynot affect his ability to learn but students and parents need to remember that inlife there are rules to abide by and this is surely part of teaching children, isn’t it?Not just the academic skills but how to get on in life. Many parents seem to think it is the schools job to teach their children etiquettethen scoff when they try to do so. Its about time parents backed the schoolsdecisions for their children’s sake and, if they don’t agree, maybe keep quiet whilethey discuss it privately with the head. Remember kids aren’t born horrible - it’s the influence of their parents thatdictates how they turn out!T SmithLincolnNice GuyDear Lincolnshire TodayOnce again, it’s great to see Lincolnshire lad GuyMartin fly the flag for the county on his newprogramme, Speed. Having known Guy personally forthe last few years, it’s great to know that fame hasn’taltered him at all, he remains the down-to-earth roguehe always has been! Guy - we salute you!R MetcalfKirmingtonPICKOF THEMONTH8 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY08:Layout 1 17/1/14 11:30 Page 1Serious about health. Passionate about care.27613-1893 © BMI 2014MEDICAL AND AESTHETIC RELIEFVaricose veins are relatively common and can cause a variety of problems including unsightliness, aching legs and occasionally more serious complications such as skin thickening and ulceration.Until recently, treatment for varicose veins involved surgery with a recovery period of several weeks and a high chance of the veins returning. 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Getting expert help doesn't have to be...With a variety of treatment options available, many of which involve minimal time in the hospital and very fast recovery XMQIWXLIVI´WRIZIVFIIREFIXXIVXMQIXSXEOIXLI½VWXWXIT to relieving varicose pain.'EPPXS½RHSYXQSVI or to book an appointment.BMI The Lincoln Hospital, Nettleham Road, Lincoln LN2 1QU bmihealthcare.co.uk/lincolnVARICOSE VEINS09:Layout 1 17/1/14 12:42 Page 1Next >