£2.95 FEBRUARY 2016£2.95 FEBRUARY 2016THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET30 years young30 years youngDiscover thedifferenceLincolnshire’swildlife Real lifehomes andgardensWhat’s onFashionyou’ll loveCountymotoring Lincolnshire’swildlife Real lifehomes andgardensWhat’s onFashionyou’ll loveCountymotoring Discover thedifference01_Layout 1 26/01/2016 07:50 Page 1To make a Valentine booking, please contact us on T 01522 563 290 | Bookings onlyBailgate | Lincoln | Lincolnshire LN1 3AR | www.whitehart-lincoln.co.ukWITH LOVE... Restaurant at the White Hart Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a beautifully intimate Valentine meal on the most romantic weekend of the year. Allow our outstanding team to effortlessly tempt your taste sensations in the company of your loved one. VALENTINE DINING AT THE WHITE HART VALENTINE PACKAGE INCLUDES • Sparkling cocktail on arrival• 4 course menu which can be viewed at www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk• Complimentary bottle of House Red, White or Rose wine per coupletaste sensations in th V Available Sunday 14th February 2016Valentinesmenu for 2£79Stores in Boston, Grantham, Lincoln & Gainsborough(]HPSHISLVUZLSLJ[LKKLWHY[TLU[Z^OLU`V\ZWLUKVYTVYL6ɈLYHWWSPLZ[VM\SSWYPJLKTLYJOHUKPZLVUS`W\YJOHZLKPUHZPUNSLKH`,_JS\KLZÄ[[PUNJVZ[Z(SS[LYTZH]HPSHISLPUZ[VYLAvailable on Upholstery, Flooring*, Beds, Bedroom Furniture,Dining, Technology, Large Domestic Appliances,Fitted Kitchens*, Custom & Bespoke Curtains,Leisure Furniture, Garden Buildings, BBQs and Spas*.OFFER AVAILABLE IN STORE8TH FEBRUARY - 1ST APRIL 2016.RECEIVE £120IN VOUCHERSSPEND VOUCHERSSTARTPURCHASEITEM02_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:09 Page 1We’re moving ever closer to spring, and, personally speaking, it can’tcome quickly enough. With the sudden frost and snow coming in towardthe end of January, after what was one of the wettest Christmases around –the sun will be a welcome break.But before that, we have February - a month I like to consider the truestart to the year. By now many of us will have thrown away our New Years’resolutions (or delayed them) and will be settling back into work.Valentine’s is around the corner, and as commercial an event as it may have become,it’s undeniable that there is love in the air.Some people will be enchanted with the idea of showering, or being showered,with love, affection, and gifts. Others will be nauseated at the dramatic displays ofardour, or left wondering when their time might come.Flowers will be in high demand of course, but in our February issue we’ve alsocompiled a few other options for couples, from spa breaks to gift choices, rightthrough to wonderful venues and restaurants to take your loved one. Whatever theoccasion, Lincolnshire always provides.Beyond that we have a host of favourite regulars, including our through thekeyhole - a look at a fantastic reader home. We visit a garden in North Lincolnshirethat shows us limited space can’t stop creativity, as well as a small town that showsus what community really means, with a visit to Caistor. We even have a special lookat how people can enact large changes in their homes, with our don’t move –improve feature.Alongside our regular fashion pages, hair and beauty – health and fitness, andmuch more. This February issue of Lincolnshire Today is chocked full of inspiration,ideas and fun.Have a great read and a wonderful February!And let’s hope the sun is just around the corner. Steve FisherEditorLincolnshireToday@lincstodaylincolnshiretoday.netEditor:Steve FisherJournalists:Michael Fisher, Stuart Pearcey, Dominic CuthbertSales Director: Angela CooperAccounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes(01472) 310301Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen,Mark CassonAdvertising: 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.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ALEKSEY SAGITOVMORE WAYS TO READLINCOLNSHIRE TODAYLog onto www.lincolnshiretoday.net03_Layout 1 25/01/2016 14:14 Page 1Features6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIREWhat’s been going on in the county this month?28EXPLORING LINCOLNSHIRE ON FOOT Hugh Marrows shows us another great walk -The Nettleton Valley via Rothwell30LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFEThe largest and most impressive grebe, thismajestic animal is a common site across thecounty, but it wasn’t always so32IN LOVE WITH CAISTORCaistor is a town that puts community first, andas such it’s perhaps little wonder that there’s somuch going on36LOVE IS IN THE AIRLincolnshire’s array of top restaurants,independent retailers and relaxing spas40WAVING AWAY THE WINTERAs spring begins to peak behind the cloud coverand the frost begins to abate, it’s time to shed afew layers in time for Valentine’s Day, but don’tditch the gloves just yet46SAYING IT WITH STYLEValentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity toshow off your accessories, so get creative48FINE-TUNED TAILORINGIf the modern man wants an outfit that’s hardwearing but suitable for an evening out, thenthe latest lines are awash with successes50MAKING A STATEMENT FOR FEBRUARYComing as it does in the depths of winter,Valentine’s Day brings with it its own challengesfor those who want to look their mostglamorous52CROSSFIT - WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?Walk into any CrossFit gym and you’ll findpeople from all backgrounds working throughvarious challenges that life has thrown at them.Here CrossFit Witham member Sally shares herexperiences of how she has used exercise tomanage her diabetescontentsFEBRUARY4040AS SPRING BEGINS TO PEAK BEHIND THECLOUD COVER AND THE FROST BEGINS TOABATE, IT’S TIME TO SHED A FEW LAYERS INTIME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, BUT DON’T DITCHTHE GLOVES JUST YET.04-05_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:10 Page 13030THE LARGEST AND MOST IMPRESSIVE GREBE,THIS MAJESTIC ANIMAL IS A COMMON SITEACROSS THE COUNTY, BUT IT WASN’TALWAYS SO54COME RAIN OR SHINEBrenda Gilligan from Wilkin Chapman Solicitorsconsiders what methods horse owners can taketo manage the damage the recent weather andflooding has caused56COUNTY MOTORINGThere was a time when those of us who chose todrive all terrain vehicles were ostracised bysociety and would fear eco-warriors chasing usdown the road with burning torches andpitchforks. Thankfully, that’s not longer the case!60WHAT’S ONThere’s always something going on inLincolnshire, here’s a sample of what’shappening in the county this monthDesirable homes10FULL OF CHARM AND SURPRISEAmanda and Simon Perkins have enjoyed almost12 years at Holly Cottage, nestled in the friendlyvillage of Hagworthingham, halfway betweenHorncastle and Spilsby - a property that echoesall the qualities of a beautiful and personalhome, and with quite a few surprises14CONTEMPLATING THE CONSERVATORYPerfect for parties or lazy evenings, theconservatory is a gift to any homeowner. Doyourself a favour this winter and breathe somenew life into it16DON’T MOVE - IMPROVEDifferent is exciting, but it can also be expensive.But there are ways to breathe life into a homewithout moving22A TOWN GARDEN WITH REAL FLAIRReaders’ gardens never cease to amaze and thismonth we look at what Leigh and DawnWilkinson have achieved in their town garden inNorth Lincolnshire26BRINGING IN THE GARDENEd Fuller from Fullers Forestry and Landscapingshows you that houseplants still need plenty ofcare of attention04-05_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:10 Page 2Some 22,000 trees are to be planted across the county,creating more than 4.7 kilometres of hedgerow and 1 hectareof woodland, reinvigorating the county’s green credentials. The trees, supplied by Lincolnshire County Council through the Hedge and Small Woodland Grant Scheme, will enhance the county’slandscape and benefit wildlife habitats. The programme is also designed to remedy the loss of hedgerows that has occurred over the last 70years. Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “One of the best things about living in Lincolnshire is our beautifullandscape. And we’re determined to protect and enhance this important part of our heritage for future generations.”The scheme, which is currently accepting applications for next year, is open to anyone who owns or manages land within the county, withthe exception of domestic gardens and planting required through the planning processes. Once an application is made, the council’s Environmental Services Team will work with applicants to make sure tree species selected arecarefully matched to local conditions.LATEST NEWSExciting exhibitionexplores Anatomy ofObjects at the Collection The Anatomy of Objects is a display of new work created byAdam O’Meara and David McAleavey in conversation with the staffand service users of Lincoln’s Great Northern Terrace householdwaste recycling centre.As an integral part of exhibition, David and Adam are invitingvisitors to ‘recycle’ something in the bin provided in the show.These will then be photographed and added to the project’sarchive as part of the contemporary still life workshop.David McAleavey said: “The exhibition explores questions like:How does the meaning of an object change over time? Why doesthe same object mean one thing to you, another to me? It alsolooks at how the meaning of an object changes when it’s takenout of its usual context or photographed. This is sure to be athought-provoking exhibition. Don’t miss out.”The exhibition runs in the Courtyard Gallery from 16 January to14 February. Admission is free. There are also two complementaryworkshops allowing visitors to become even more involved.Lincoln officially ranked6th best place for businessstart-ups Lincoln has been named as the sixth best place to start a newbusiness in the UK, by company formation experts, Quality Formations.In compiling the list, researchers marked each UK city on eightcriteria: commercial property; energy; virtual office services; publictransport; broadband services; workforce demographics; access tofinance, and quality of life. By factoring in the livingcosts of bustling financialcentres like London andEdinburgh, some of the UK’smost revered business hubswere downgraded in searchof the country’s next up-and-coming start-up scene andto find the easiest place inthe UK to start a company. The research showed thatLincoln boasts a well-educated work force andgood availability of primecommercial real estate ataffordable rates. It alsoscored well on its internetspeeds and quality of living,quoting accommodationprices for the average two-bedroom property comingin at just £525.00. Thousands ofnew trees to beplanted acrossLincolnshire PHOTO: CONNOR WYATT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM06-07_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:12 Page 1Deaf teen lands dream job asLincoln radio presenter Landing your own radio show at 18-years-old is impressive enough as it is,but for Liam O’Dell, who is studyingat the University of Lincoln, it issomething he once thoughtwould never be possible.Liam is mild to moderatelydeaf, meaning he can’t hearvery well in public spacessuch as bars or restaurantsand prefers face-to-faceconversations. He has beenwearing hearing aids since the age of 13.He has always been interested in music and started to playthe drums at 9-years-old. He initially wanted to be a drummerin a band but now has his sights set on becoming a full timeradio DJ after securing a slot on Siren FM. Liam said: “Some hearing people think deaf people can’t listento music, but that’s not always true. I can still listen to music. Infact, being deaf made me appreciate it even more. I’m so proudto be running my own radio show.”Savills urgesvendors to act now tobeat stamp duty deadlineSavills in Lincolnshire is urging those considering selling in 2016 to bringtheir property to market sooner rather than later, to ensure a sale iscompleted before 1st April. This is the anticipated deadline after whichpurchasers will be liable for an increased level of stamp duty on ‘additionalproperties’ including buy to let properties.Roo Fisher, head of residential agency at Savills in Lincoln, pictured, said: “If anindividual owns a property as a main residence, at home or even abroad, andthen buys a new home before selling their old one, they will be liable to pay theincreased stamp duty at the time of that purchase completing. We anticipate thisrise in stamp duty having a noticeable impact on the prime market in Lincoln.“In our view, the pending 30th March 2016 sale completion deadline will createan initial rush of demand from those seeking to avoid the additional tax with aquieter period thereafter. “So we are urging would-be vendors to act now to bring their property tomarket, if they want to capture these motivated buyers.”Lincoln’s first Fashion Weekset for May dateLincoln BIG, citycentre retailers, fashiondesigners andrepresentatives fromthe world of hair andbeauty, have beenputting their headstogether and hatchinga plan to give Lincolnits first Fashion Week. Initial conversationswith managers at StMarks Shopping Centre and the Waterside Shopping Centre havehelped to set the scene for a week-long event, which will be staged fromMonday to Saturday, May 16 to 21. This concept is already creating a buzz of excitement and it is hoped thatthis new event in the city’s calendar will become an annual affair. All that isneeded to make Fashion Week happen – apart from a big helping ofenthusiasm and plenty of hard work – is for Lincoln BIG to sign-up sufficientsponsors by the end of January. Waterside Shopping Centre Marketing Coordinator Chantelle Hendersonadded: “As a fashion-led shopping Centre … we are really pleased to beinvolved in the planning of Lincoln Fashion Week 2016. “We’re busy planning a range of events to showcase the extensive fashionoffering at the Waterside and will be holding several free activities in theCentre during the week” PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.CIOM/ROGER ASHFORDCommunity libraryopens in SpilsbyLincolnshire County Council has handed over the responsiblyof running 30 libraries to the community. One of these is SpilsbyLibrary, which closed in its previous home in West End Villas lastautumn, and is now being run by Lincolnshire Co-op. Customerswill be able to borrow books as well as buying bags of shoppingafter the opening of a community library inside a food store inSpilsby.An area of the store which was previously used as warehousespace has been transformed into the library through the £30,000project. Facilities include a self-service machine, a stock ofthousands of books including fiction, non-fiction and large printtitles, a children’s section, a seating area and two People’sNetwork computers.Chief executive Ursula Lidbetter said: “Libraries are importantto our members and their communities so we’re proud to do ourbit to help sustain such services in Lincolnshire with the threefacilities we run, including in Spilsby.” The library will be open from 9am until 5pm from Monday toFriday and from 9am until 1pm on Saturdays, with borrowersable to use the self-service facilities.PHOTO: LINCOLN BIG06-07_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:12 Page 2READERS’lettersWe’d love to hear from you. If you have any news, views orissues you would like us to cover, do get in touch.Thirteen months a year!Dear Lincolnshire Today,It’s been a wet, wet winter this year – and as Februarycomes round I’ve found myself wondering what will be instore this month. It seems decades ago now, that I used toexpect a snowy winter each year, and back then if yourchild asked you if it was going to snow for Christmas, youcould say yes. Now that doesn’t seem to be the case, in fact, I’msurprised if there’s any snow whatsoever in December. Itseems to come instead in either late January or February.And this plays havoc on more than just my Christmaspredictions. Perhaps we ought to consider changing thecalendar for a 13 month system as winter would then notfall later and later every year.It might also enable us to get a few more holidays inand help save for Christmas as we’d have 56 weeks insteadof 52! Samantha K, SleafordPICK OF THE MONTHThe winner of our letter of the month wins a case of wineWe’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 lettersMisleading statsDear Lincolnshire Today,I was shocked and horrified to read a report recently that claimed Boston are the most likely town inEngland for a person to be murdered in! Obviously this was shocking and distressing news, because I wasn’taware there was so much violent crime going on.Looking a little deeper though, I can’t help but feel disgusted, not at the people who live here, not at ourMP’s – but at the tabloid newspapers themselves, or whomever organised this report. Apparently there’s beenten cases in Boston, two of which were homicides in 2015. I’m not sure in what world two killings makesBoston the capital of murder for England, especially not when we’re always hearing about people being killed inManchester or London. And that’s the issue, they’ve worked out how many victims there are, and thencompared it to the population of that area. London has a vastly higher number of murders than Boston, but since the population is higher, they’vealtered the results to make us look worse. Obviously ten cases of murder or attempted murder is ten too many,but Manchester reports three times that number – and comes in at sixth on the table!This doesn’t feel very fair for Boston. Anonymous, Boston Say it withlove…Dear Lincolnshire Today,Valentine’s day, is finallyon the horizon. Mypartner and I have a bit ofan agreement when itcomes to Valentine’s day.Not a maximum pricerule, or anything alongthose lines. Our agreementis that we’re only allowedto buy things that both people can enjoy, and usually that meansexperiences. Flowers are nice and all, but I’m always surprised when myfriends say it’s the only day of the year they receive them. Flowers are aperfect gift for any time, and are best served as a surprise.Valentine’s day though? That only comes around once a year, so we liketo be a little bit more special. Usually we go visit a spa, or get a massage –some kind of relaxation therapy. Which brings another degree ofanticipation for the date, since we each know it’s going to be a mini-holidaywhere we can detox all the stress of our jobs. I always wonder why others don’t try that, so just wanted to throw theidea out there. It’s romantic, something that both people can do, plus it’sincredibly relaxing. Follow it up with a restaurant meal from the otherperson, then with a movie? That’s a fantastic night, all without the awkwardwondering whether they’ll like their present.Kelly, LincolnPICKOF THEMONTHPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ERSLER DMITRY08_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:13 Page 1Serious about health. Passionate about care.CDS1103131/APP/APPAPPHQHQ131780466BREAST HEALTHTHE REASSURANCE OF FAST RESULTSFor most people, breast health can create worry and anxiety, even though many changes are absolutely normal and nothing to be concerned about. If you do need reassurance, The Park Breast Care Clinic, based at BMI The Park Hospital is open every Monday* and Wednesday and offers patients a consultation with a Specialist Breast Consultant, an examination and results in one appointment.It’s the little things that make the difference.bmihealthcare.co.uk/park 0800 101 0337*Except bank holidays. 09_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:13 Page 1Next >