< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING What to do: 1. Line a baking sheet and pre heat the oven to 180°C. 2. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff peaks form, then slowly add the sugar, rose water, vinegar, corn flour and whisk again until the mix becomes very thick and shiny. 3. Gently fold in half of the pistachios then carefully spoon the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, forming a circle and working the mixture outwards to form an edge and leaving a slight dip in the centre. 4. Drop the oven temperature to 150°C and bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven, leaving the meringue in there to cool. If you have time, make the meringue the night before, and leave it in the cooling oven overnight. The parchment should pull away easily now and you can place the meringue on a plate. 5. Whip the cream adding in the icing sugar and spread generously over the cooled meringue. Scatter the strawberries over the top, arrange the whole strawberries in the centre, sprinkle with the rest of the pistachios and finally scatter with the rose petals and serve. Recipe provided by BerryWorld A slight Middle Eastern take on one of a favourite pudding. Lashings of sweetened cream flavoured with a dash of rose water, loaded onto a huge sticky meringue round, filled with fresh halved strawberries, topped with crushed pistachios and fragrant rose petals. Strawberry, rose petal and pistachio pavlova Serves: 8 Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour, plus cooling You’ll need: 6 large egg whites 250g caster sugar 1 tsp rose water extract 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp corn flour 100g crushed pistachios 475ml double cream 1 tbsp icing sugar 450g strawberries cut in half (keep 3-4 whole strawberries aside to garnish) Handful of pale pink rose petals 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:21 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 You’ll need: 950g leg or half leg of lamb on the bone, trimmed of all visible fat 1 garlic clove, sliced thinly 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tsp Dijon mustard 900g new potatoes, halved if large 480g frozen peas What to do: Preheat the oven to gas mark 5/190°C/fan 170°C. Pierce the leg all over with the tip of a sharp knife and insert the slices of garlic into the holes. Season well and roast for 30 minutes per 450g – this joint should take just over an hour. Combine the redcurrant jelly, mint and mustard. Fifteen minutes before the lamb has finished roasting, baste it carefully with the redcurrant marinade. Return it to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time, then allow it to stand for 15 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, cook the new potatoes until tender and steam the peas. Thinly slice the lamb and serve with the vegetables. Picture your venue To promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk The China Royal Restaurant 6 Bridge Streets, Brigg, DN20 8LN Tel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway) Web: www.chinaroyalrestaurant.co.uk All ingredients freshly prepared with a healthy concept. Open for takeaway. Restaurant now open and taking bookings. Adhering to Covid-19 guidelines at all times, with screened seatings. Roast lamb with redcurrant glaze 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:21 Page 442 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LOVE IN LOCKDOWN © Shutterstock /Dikushin Dmitry Love is in the air? Celebrating Valentine’s Day in lockdown isn’t ideal, but that doesn’t mean that romance can’t be kindled at home or through a Zoom call. There’ll be a stark difference celebrating Valentine’s Day in 2021 verses the previous year. 2020 saw Valentine’s Day fall a whole month before the first national lockdown came into effect when COVID-19 still seemed as if it would be easily contained and controlled. Couples went about their usual romantic rituals, swapping gifts, going out to restaurants, shops, pubs and clubs. As of writing, we’ll be celebrating this year’s Valentine’s Day in lockdown. However, that doesn’t mean couples should give up entirely. There’s plenty of ways to express one’s love whilst also observing social distancing measures. Let’s start with those couples that live together. Assuming there’s no children in the picture, a couple will have no problems celebrating Valentine’s Day together in the comfort of their own homes. Food can be delivered from a restaurant, or ingredients from a supermarket or deli to make your own. Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, but cooking together is a great way for couples to spend time together. As well as the benefit of just working together towards a mutual goal, it also inspires communication and cooperation – both of which are vital to healthy relationships. But in lieu of actually going out, it can be a lovely stay-at-home date. If one partner does the majority of the cooking, it might also be nice if the other takes a turn. Often, it’s the smallest gestures that have the biggest, most meaningful impact. As with Christmas during a pandemic, Valentine’s Day will be a case of compromises. So, rather than being able to go out to the cinema, for example, why not have a movie night in. With streaming services and on-demand viewing, there’s almost limitless choices to pick from. You could add some luxury by making some homemade snacks ahead of the evening to enjoy. As for the evening, well… let us just Love is in the air? 42-43.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:22 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 43 LOVE IN LOCKDOWN say that spending so much time at home coupled with it being Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to try something new in the bedroom – just so long as you’re both on the same page and there’s no coercion. As any parent will tell you, lockdown is about a thousand times more difficult with kids in the equation. Whether they’re a toddler or a teenager, kids don’t do well when they’re cooped up all the time, which can make trying to have a romantic evening a tricky proposition. The best approach is inclusion and diplomacy. For example, spend the day doing activities with the kid/s, perhaps even having them help prepare food and cakes for later, or even decorating the lounge with the requisite love hearts and sparkles. Then, if they’re younger, you can enjoy a relaxing evening after they’re in bed or, if they’re older, you can kindly ask that they give you some space for a few hours. You could try bargaining so that if they give you space for the evening, you can return the favour the next day, giving them control of the main TV, for example. That’s all well and good for couples that live together, but what about those that don’t? We’re fortunate that the pandemic happened when it did. Even ten years earlier and it would feel so much more isolating. In a decade, video calling and messaging technology has come along in leaps and bounds, allowing us to feel connected even when we’re apart. So there’s plenty of options for couples to spend time together this Valentine’s Day even if they’re self-isolating in different parts of the county or country. A couple can agree in advance on a meal they’d like to share and synchronise their serving, so that when it comes to eating, a video call can be instigated, and they can share the meal together. It’s not ideal, but it does mean that you can be eating at the same time, seeing each other’s face and, most importantly, talk to one another. There are also hundreds of games and activity apps you can share whilst enjoying a tipple together. So while celebrating Valentine’s Day in 2021 is hardly ideal, it doesn’t have to be unromantic. There’s compromises to make the most of a bad situation. © Shutterstock /Rawpixel.com 42-43.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:23 Page 244 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY In the Middle Ages Lincolnshire, one of England’s largest county’s and least populated, was nevertheless wealthy through its wool trade. Stamford and Lincoln were wool “staple” towns whilst Boston traded extensively with northern Europe through the Hanseatic League but there remained remote countryside attractive to various monastic orders. At that time religion was crucial to the lives of the whole population, had been throughout Anglo-Saxon times, and continued after the Conquest by William I in 1066. During the 12th and 13th centuries, there was a significant increase in founding monasteries and abbeys. Several religious orders established themselves throughout England, with most originating from continental Europe, each with their own beliefs and rules; some for example were quite reclusive whilst others made a point of being seen to minister amongst their local communities. There were considerable differences in wealth too between those orders that held large estates of land for their income compared with some who remained quite poor. (The Gilbertines for example were relatively poor whilst Thornton Abbey, an Augustinian house was extremely wealthy.) Eventually there were over seventy priories or monasteries in Lincolnshire, their locations scattered throughout the county; not counting Knights Templar estates. Larger towns like Grimsby, Boston, Stamford and Lincoln had several “houses” within their boundaries. And there was a remarkable concentration of sites in the Witham Valley, nine in all, where small isolated “islands” of higher ground amongst the marshy fens provided ideal – but remote - sites for sheep farming but with river access to markets. There were four main “continental” monastic groups that settled in Lincolnshire. The Benedictines, who followed the seventy-three Rules of St Benedict, led a life primarily of prayer, religious study and physical labour; their black habits led to them being known as Black Canons and they had abbeys at Lincoln, Grimsby, Bardney and Stainfield. The Premonstratensians were the White Canons who came from Premontre in France following the teachings of St Norbert; they took a more active interest in pastoral work in their local community and had abbeys at Barlings and Tupholme. The Augustinians – friars rather than monks - also undertook pastoral work along with a life of prayer and contemplation and this order included nuns too. Their most important community was at Thornton Abbey, founded in 1139; they too were Black Canons. Other locations with Augustinian abbeys were Nocton, South Kyme and Bourne. And fourthly there were the Cistercians with abbeys at Kirkstead, Stixwould, Louth and Vaudey This month we look at the religious heritage of the Middle Ages, and its effect on Lincolnshire’s history. heritage Lincolnshire explored Bourne & The Abbey Barlings Abbey 44-45.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:24 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 45 (Grimsthorpe). They were originally from Citeaux in France and were an extra strict branch of the Benedictine’s. Sempringham in south Lincolnshire however is particularly revered since it is unique in having a monastic order founded there by St Gilbert and also the only one to be founded in England. (See Lincolnshire Today August 2017.) Gilbert was the son of a local knight who took to the religious life after education in Paris. There were eventually seven Gilbertine priories in Lincolnshire the most important (after Sempringham) being at Alvingham, Haverholme, Sixhills and Newstead (near Brigg). Within a brief four years the Dissolution of the monasteries from 1536 under Henry VIII swept away centuries of religious history along with (almost) all the monastic buildings although a few, such as Barlings, where the abbot was implicated in the Lincolnshire Rising and executed, had a very brief reprieve, usually only for a year or so. So, which are the best to visit? Most monastic sites have disappeared leaving little trace other than a few grassy humps though many of their locations can be found on OS maps. But several sites do still have fairly substantial remains. Although little actual masonry survives above ground (most was buried for preservation following archaeological excavations between 1909 and 1913 by the local vicar) Bardney is a good site to visit since the ground plan is well preserved and there are excellent information boards. The abbey occupied an earlier Saxon abbey site that was destroyed by the Danes during their AD870 invasion. At Alvingham too distinct earthworks of the Gilbertine priory remain between the village and the Louth Canal. The earthworks of the Cistercian Kirkstead Abbey, founded in 1139, are also clear on the ground, plus traces of a moat - still sometimes containing water following wet weather. The OS map shows the site of the abbey’s fishponds etc. However here we can see remains of the southeast corner of the south transept still standing at some 50 feet high. There are similar remains at Barlings Abbey – a Premonstratensian house. The remaining masonry here was part of the nave and tower of the church. Again, earthworks indicate the location of fish ponds and other buildings. At nearby Tupholme (also Premonstratensian) there is even more to see and the remains include a remarkable readers pulpit from which the bible was read during meals in the adjoining refectory. Both Barlings and Tupholme have helpful information boards. In the far south at Stamford stands St Leonard’s Priory, a Benedictine outpost of Durham founded around 1100 where the west front may well be original. Thornton Abbey however has the grandest remains of all. Now in the care of English Heritage there is a lot to see here as much of its imposing approach remains, plus the huge fortified gatehouse within which internal rooms can be visited, as well as other masonry remains set in extensive grounds. Some of the grander monastic churches such as Bourne and Crowland survived the Dissolution as parish churches and at Crowland it is sobering to realise that this is merely the former north aisle of the original abbey. Bourne’s great parish church is a similar survivor as is St Mary’s at South Kyme. by Hugh Marrows Readers Pulpit Tupholme Crowland Tupholme AbbeyKirkstead Abbey Thornton Abbey 44-45.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:24 Page 2Welcome to The Beaufields Visit our 1 & 2 bed show apartments, designed exclusively for the over 55’s Ready in July 2021, reserve now! Beaufields House has been designed as a community for the over 55’s who are looking to enjoy their free time in a new, low maintenance home, leaving the owners the freedom to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. You will find a selection of ground and first floor luxury 1 and 2 bedroom apartments that have been carefully designed to offer all the pleasures of home-comforts, without the associated chores of house and regular grounds- maintenance. Imagine the peace of mind from knowing your home is covered by a 10-year new build warranty, the grounds are always beautifully maintained and there is a warm welcome waiting for you in the coffee lounge situated within Beaufields House. With just 22 apartments, Beaufields House will maintain its exclusive, community feel. Inside the apartments, you will find a modern, open-plan kitchen and living area, 1 or 2 bedrooms, main bathroom and/or en-suite, storage spaces and a patio area or balcony. All the properties are finished to the exceptionally high standards for which Gusto Homes are applauded. Locally sourced, high-quality fixtures and fittings throughout include a Chris Sharp kitchen with A rated appliances and high-speed fibre optic broadband straight into your home. As a resident of Beaufields House, you will have full access to excellent communal facilities including a residents’ lounge, a hobbies room, the community gardens and community allotments. You will also have access to a visitor’s suite which can be pre-booked for overnight guests. An on-site Community and Estate Manager will be responsible for the running of the development, including a schedule of events and activities. They will also be able to offer guidance on accessing extra care provisions should you need additional help at any time. Location Become a part of the community in the highly sought-after village of Collingham. Located in the centre of the Village and only a short walk to everything you need. Interested? We welcome you to our show apartments which are currently open by appointment only. Please book via our website: www.gustohomes.co.uk or call us on 01636 894210 . 46-49.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:37 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 47 © Shutterstock /Photographee.eu It’s all too common when growing older to hear stories about being put in homes, left to the care of relatives or otherwise in a state where you can’t look after yourself. People tend to focus on the negative when considering topics like that, forgetting that these are the rare cases. Many people live fulfilling and independent lives until their end and there are options available for those who don’t need the kind of twenty-four hour care necessary in a care home. On the other hand, growing old does mean a reduction in mobility and sometimes change is required. There are middle- ground options, however, and these have been growing in popularity over the last decade. Alternative living solutions for the elderly may seem like a loaded phrase but is far more relaxed than it first appears. One of the most common decisions made by people in their later years is to downsize. Large homes, especially with large staircases, are perfect for a growing family but less convenient when those staircases become a hindrance. Also, a smaller home requires less maintenance, heating and electricity, making it more affordable for those who are retired or on pensions. Typically, people would search for bungalows in peaceful areas for downsizing, but nowadays it’s easy to find community lots in most towns and cities that cater specifically to the over-55 demographic; these are often known as sheltered housing. These gated communities often come with lower house prices and homes specifically modified to be more convenient to those lacking in mobility, saving time and stress on modifying an otherwise new home. They are also situated in ideal spots in many towns, close to amenities and shopping centres, but also securely set away and monitored. This method of hands-off care lets people decide how much independence they want, up to complete independence if desired. While many communities will offer the possibility of carers, they are an offer and nothing more. They can be rejected. These communities often feature relatively small homes, almost always bungalows with a bedroom, kitchen, living room and a little extra space with a relatively small garden. The goal is to be compact and affordable, which is often more than can be said for the high expenses of care Independent living Care homes and living with relatives aren’t the only options for those growing older. There are a number of housing schemes that allow people to live independently, whether they need no, a little or a lot of care. 48 Á CARING 46-49.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:37 Page 2homes today. Most sheltered housing schemes have a warden who works for the site and is available to help with problems from mechanical or electrical faults to contacting a doctor in an emergency. However, tasks such as cooking meals, bathing or helping with medication are usually not included, and are left to the residents themselves. For those who need it, the local authority will often offer a package of services, but the point of sheltered housing is to let the residents live private lives with hands-off caring. An alternative to sheltered housing is assisted living. This still retains some elements of independence – letting residents stay in their own apartment- style flats with their own front door, but also having 24-hour care provided by staff. This will often include communal areas for lounging, games or entertainment but always your own home to return to if you want peace and quiet. This is perfect for those who are mostly able to look after themselves but who may need help with tasks like bathing, cooking or medicine, as staff will always be available to visit a flat and assist with individual tasks. This is more of a cross between a care home and living in your own house, with community managers often arranging events and social gatherings to keep people healthy emotionally, but with residents having their own personal homes. Which will be more suitable to an individual will mostly come down to needs – those who cannot perform tasks like laundry, bathing or cooking will almost certainly have to consider assisted living, while those who are able to do all those tasks themselves would be wasting money in assisted living and should instead consider sheltered housing. Because assisted living requires constant care, it is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and so ratings should be asked for and inspected before any decisions are made. Sheltered living is not regulated in this way because most of the residents are fully independent and the warden acts more to assist with housing infrastructure and security than personal care. Deciding which is better for yourself or loved ones can be a difficult task but it’s one worth addressing. One of the first things to look at is exactly what the affected individuals need help with. Being honest about how much care is needed and how much assistance will be required can help ease minds, and once those tasks – if any – are taken care of, time can be spent enjoying one’s golden years. © Shutterstock /Monkey Business Images 48 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING 46-49.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:38 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 49 Looking for a great gift idea? ARY 2021 Lo T evv FEBRUA £2.95 fe li L eef eev gardens HHH fe l d Fabulou i lkd in lockd Valentin g dd ’ D wildlife Lincolns fashion F hi W W W L I N C e 30+ y W W W . L I N C O L N S H I R E T O oo ears y O L N S H I R E T O O D A Y N E T oung O D A Y . N E T BLM GROUP 1st 3 issues only £1 Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 Funeral Services Our funeral homes provide the best facilities including private arrangement rooms and peaceful chapels of rest. We also provide a funeral dividend during this difficult time of bereavement. A service from caring professionals To find out more contact your nearest funeral home: Lincolnshire.coop/storefinder We have Care Homes across London For more information visit www.countrycourtcare.com Country Court Care & Nursing Homes in Lincoln Vaccinating our residents against Covid-19 Country Court Care Homes provide the kind of care we’d want all of our loved ones to receive. Our care homes are beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes them feel extra special. If you’re concerned about how your relative is coping and would like them to have more support, our Care and Nursing Homes provide family-led care in a comfortable and homely environment. The Covid-19 vaccine will be offered to all those in our care, allowing them to live safely and as they wish. For more information visit www.countrycourtcare.com Eccleshare Court Lincoln (01522 695 458) Swanholme Court Lincoln (01522 689 400) Ruckland Court Lincoln (01522 530 217) Neale Court North Hykeham (01522 682 201) 46-49.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 11:38 Page 4Next >