£2.95 FEBRUARY 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 FEBRUARY 2022 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Healing hearts Fashion you’ll love Valentine’s inspiration Winter workouts Healing hearts Fashion you’ll love Valentine’s inspiration Winter workouts Love Lincolnshire Love Lincolnshire 01.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:20 Page 1The hallmark of a professional auction house offering executor & private client advice & services for valuation, auction sale & property clearance Entries now accepted for the Forthcoming Sales Program & The Fine Art of Auctioneering in Lincolnshire Here for all your selling needs... Regulated by RICS - The hallmark of a professional auction house offering executor & private client advice & services for valuation, auction sale & property clearance. The Bourne Auction Rooms T: 01778 422686 E: bourne@goldingyoung.com BRM Buildings, Spalding Road, Bourne, PE10 9LE The Grantham Auction Rooms T: 01476 565118 E: grantham@goldingyoung.com Old Wharf Road, Grantham, NG31 7AA The Lincoln Auction Rooms T: 01522 524984 E: lincoln@goldingyoung.com Thos. Mawer House, Station Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 3QY Visit goldingyoung.com for catalogues, sale results, services & contact details. Sold for £16,000 Sold for £3,800 Sold for £6,000 Left: Sold for £900 Right: Sold For £1,200 Sold for £12,500 Phantom was found abandoned on Bodmin Moor in need of urgent veterinary care. As an emaciated foal, he had limited chances of survival. Never in our 54-year history has your support been more needed. A regular donation of just £3 a month will help us continue to rescue and support more horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, just like Phantom. Follow his journey as a Regular Giver by visiting BransbyHorses.co.uk/lincstoday Forever Safe with Bransby Horses Charity No: 1075601 SAFE Forever You help us to help them stay safe, forever 02.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:20 Page 1As we move into February perhaps the biggest news across the county, and even the country, is that Plan B is being scrapped and masks and working from home will no longer be necessary. Be this a play by the PM to save his career or not, it’s going to have knock-on effects in our county that are both good and bad. On the good side, struggling businesses and the hospitality sector especially will be seeing this as a godsend. On the other, the decision to scrap masks has been based on the fact that, according to the Govt’s sources, Omicron has peaked across the UK. Except, annoyingly, in our region. Omicron cases have, at the time of writing, continued to rise in the Northeast and the East Midlands – it is mostly London and the South that have peaked and that the Govt is focused on protecting. That’s not to say we disagree with the need to support the economy, but we will be advising our readers to still take a little care and exercise some common sense, especially if you have elderly or immune-compromised members of your family. By all means go out and support local businesses, we will always approve of that, but it’s perhaps not time yet to go and attend a concert of ten thousand packed shoulder to shoulder like sardines. Thankfully, many restaurants and businesses in our region still will be enacting social distancing, reducing the risk, and vaccination uptake has been high (it could be higher) which means many of us will have a bolstered immune system against the virus. All in all, the lockdown had to end eventually, and we are pleased to see it do so, but it doesn’t hurt for those with family at risk to continue wearing masks in public even as they do go out and embrace shopping, dining out and night life once more. It’s always up to the individual to decide how much, or how little, they feel at risk and adapt to suit, but do spare a thought for those who might not be as comfortable as you – and grant them a little distance if they request it. Let’s not forget that we’ve gotten this far as a community, and that the scrapping of Plan B is no excuse to devolve into tribalistic states. Insulting anyone over their choice to wear (or not wear) a mask won’t help anyone. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor The magazine that cares WE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Lincolnshire Today believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. 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/LAURENTIU IORDACHE 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? 03.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:20 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 10 SITTING DOWN WITH THE HORNCASTLE EDUCATIONAL TRUST Horncastle Educational Trust is a family of four schools: Banovallum School and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) in Horncastle, New York Primary School near Coningsby, and Frithville Primary School near Boston. 26 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED This month we pay a visit to Hartsholme Country Park and Swanholme Lakes nature reserve. 28 FALL IN LOVE WITH A NEW LOOK As we slowly transition away from colder days, a new outfit is in store. 34 THE FINISHING TOUCH No outfit is complete without a few accessories. 36 A FRESH LOOK FOR FEBRUARY It only takes a few simple pieces to revive your wardrobe. 38 FEBRUARY FANCIES The early months of the year are a time to focus on detox and healthy living, but there is also romance on the air and a home cooked meal for a special someone might be on the menu. 42 SOMETHING NEW THIS VALENTINE’S With lockdown lifted, we suddenly have a lot more options this Valentine’s – our suggestion is not to squander that opportunity, and to go all out! 46 THE STRUGGLES OF WINTER WORKOUTS What can you do when the need to workout has been replaced by the urge to stay in? How can you work out when the cold weather takes away your motivation to stay healthy? 48 HEALING HEARTS Our British Heart Foundation feature shines a light on this ever-important charity, one that Lincolnshire Today is proud to support. FEBRUARY 28 28 AS WE SLOWLY TRANSITION AWAY FROM COLDER DAYS, A NEW OUTFIT IS IN STORE. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:21 Page 142 42 WITH LOCKDOWN LIFTED, WE SUDDENLY HAVE A LOT MORE OPTIONS THIS VALENTINE’S – OUR SUGGESTION IS NOT TO SQUANDER THAT OPPORTUNITY, AND TO GO ALL OUT! 54 NESTLED IN NATURE Caistor is a jewel in the crown of the county’s Wolds villages. Whether it’s history, heritage, arts, food or natural beauty, there’s plenty of reasons to pay a visit. 58 IT’S A VERY STRESSFUL WORLD They cheer us up whenever we’re down, they greet us like no one else does and they love us unconditionally, but the fact that they help us ease our anxiety, doesn’t mean they don’t suffer from it themselves. 61 MAKING YOUR HOME YOU FRIENDLY You don’t have to adapt to your house, it’s your house that needs to adapt to you and your needs. 64 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 14 A BEAUTIFUL SANCTUARY Described by its owner as a beautiful sanctuary, this top-notch townhouse is positioned in a sought-after area of Lincoln. 20 A TOUCH OF THE COUNTRYSIDE Jane Morgan brings the outdoors inside with her distinctive paintings featuring the Somerset countryside in all its colourful glory. 22 MAINTENANCE AND PLANNING While you may not spend much time in the garden in February, Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping details the maintenance and planning that can be done to ensure you are ready for the growing season ahead. 24 YOU CAN GROW YOUR OWN WAY Great for the mind and body, gardening is becoming ever more popular, with vegetable patches proving particularly preferable. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:21 Page 2Museum records millionth item in ‘buried treasure’ scheme latest news Omicron variant support grant opens to Boston’s hospitality and leisure businesses The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG), aimed at supporting those businesses in the hospitality, leisure, and accommodation sectors most impacted by the COVID-19 Omicron variant, is now open to eligible businesses across Boston Borough. The grant was announced by government in late December 2021 recognising that the rise in rates of the Omicron variant resulted in significant business impact. Eligible rated businesses will be supported with one-off grants of up to £6,000, with total grant amounts dependent on each business’s rateable value. Councillor Nigel Welton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder – Economic Development and Planning, said: “I’m pleased to be able to open this scheme for our businesses. “I know the surge in cases that began in December disrupted a lot of the traditional trading that our businesses would typically experience over Christmas, so it’s great to be able to offer them some support. I’d encourage all eligible businesses to make sure they get their applications in as soon as they can.” A national register to record discoveries of ‘buried treasure’ has reached one million finds – with the millionth being recorded at North Lincolnshire Museum. The Portable Antiquities Scheme records archaeological finds often discovered by metal detectorists. In this case the landowner waived their right to a reward, enabling North Lincolnshire Museum to acquire the bangle at a reduced cost. Run by The British Museum and local partners, the scheme has announced its millionth find – a copper-alloy medieval harness pendant found at Binbook near Market Rasen. It was recorded by the Northern Lincolnshire Finds Liaison Officer based at North Lincolnshire Museum. The pendant would have been attached to a horse’s harness and may have had a heraldic device on it showing who owned the horse or employed the rider. Arts Minister, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, said: “I’m delighted that one million records of archaeological finds made by the public have now been logged. It shows the important role we all can play in protecting and cherishing our heritage.” Work poised to start on phase four of Lincolnshire housing development Work is poised to get under way on phase four of Charterpoint’s housing development in Louth, Lincolnshire. It will bring a further 40 plots into build at Westfield Park on the edge of the town. Planning permission was granted for 240 homes on the site in 2018. This latest phase is the penultimate phase and will bring the total number of homes built at Westfield Park by Snape Properties to 200. Charterpoint CEO Adrian Goose said: ““It’s an excellent location which has already become a thriving community for families in Louth and we are delighted to be releasing a further 40 plots to Snape Properties so that they can continue building and move onto the penultimate phase of the development.” The housing development features a mix of three and four-bedroom semi-detached houses and four and five-bedroom detached houses. A two-storey, 66-bed care home has also been built on the site, which is off Grimsby Road. © stock.adobe.com/Ирина Абраменко © stock.adobe.com/freebird7977 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:22 Page 1North Lincolnshire’s parks and gardens in running for national award The region’s parks and gardens have received national recognition after being shortlisted for a coveted award from environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. North Lincolnshire Council has fought off stiff competition from across the country to be one of just three authorities in the running for the Love Parks Award 2022 The awards recognise and celebrate local authorities committed to making significant improvements to the environment on residents’ doorsteps, from community engagement work to waste enforcement work. Cllr David Rose, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This is a brilliant achievement, though not at all surprising – everyone can see how our parks have gone from strength to strength over the past few years, as is shown by the fact we now have five Green Flag awards – they just keep getting better and better. Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton, said: “We are thrilled that so many authorities entered our awards and, again, the standard was incredibly high. We look forward to seeing representatives from North Lincolnshire at our awards ceremony in Birmingham in February.” The award winners will be announced early in 2022. A lot has happened at LNAA over the past year, from moving to a new headquarters to upgrading the helicopter, the charity hasn’t stood still through what has been a monumental year of change. And the numbers reflect the pace of transformation with the crew having responded to more than 1,400 missions in 2021. Compared to 1,095 in 2020 and 877 in 2019, it’s a significant leap. The charity teams and crew moved into a new, purpose- built headquarters in Lincoln – HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) Way – in the summer and throughout the year additional, highly skilled doctors and paramedics have joined, this meant that by September, crews were able to respond day and night using a mix of the helicopter and critical care cars. CEO Karen Jobling said: “We are so pleased that we have been able to be there for more patients in 2021. It is only because of the generosity of our supporters that more patients have been helped by a crew with the highest skills and standards in pre-hospital care. Everyone here at LNAA would like to send all of our wonderful supporters our whole-hearted thanks.” Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance sign off 2021 as busiest year A mule in a million: Bransby Horses celebrates oldest resident One of Bransby Horses’ oldest residents Ebony the mule has celebrated turning 30, making her the oldest and second longest staying equine at the charity. Ebony – who is the offspring of a female horse/pony (mare) and a male donkey (jack) – was wandering the streets of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire when Bransby Horses were called to her rescue back in 1992. Bransby Horses were only able to care for Ebony and the thousands of other sick and abandoned horses just like her thanks to the kind donations of its supporters. Visitor Centre Team Leader, Shell, said: “Everyone loves Ebony. She is such a cheeky little lady who doesn’t act her age at all. She has a distinctive voice when she brays and I can tell it’s her just from the noise she makes.” On the big day Ebony was presented with an equine friendly cake made from grass nuts, carrots and molasses, which she shared with her companions, 26-year-old Shetland pony Cinderella and 21-year-old Penelope, who is the charity’s only other mule. in charity’s history 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:22 Page 2Project to improve water quality of River Freshney set to begins Work has started on a key project to improve the water quality of the River Freshney in Grimsby. For around 6 weeks, a specialist contractor, Ebsford Environmental, have been appointed to undertake dredging of the river between West Haven Maltings opposite Frederick Ward Way and the ABP pumping station. Dredging is the removal of accumulated silt to make the river channel deeper and disposing of this either in deeper sections of the river or removing the silt off site. This work will allow the water to flow much more freely in the town centre section of the river. Specialist contractors, Ebsford Environmental, based in West Yorkshire, will be undertaking this work for North East Lincolnshire Council. Cllr Stewart Swinburn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “The work to improve the water quality in the river is being done as a final stage of the Garth Lane project, one that’s already seen a major site in the centre of Grimsby transformed into a lovely natural area.” latest news Ready to bring modern rural living into your life? Keepmoat Homes’ Warren Wood View is now open Not your average community, Warren Wood View offers modern and connected living with the peace and quiet of rural life. Let Antony Rowe, sales manager, provide his top three highlights: * Views like no other, look outside and you’ll find unspoilt woodland. * Just 1.5 miles from Gainsborough town centre, you’ll find endless shopping and eateries. * Connectivity like no other, in no time at all you’ll be exploring Lincoln, Doncaster, Peterborough and beyond. The buying process? Seamless. But don’t take our word for it. Jane and Mark Pick, Warren Wood View buyers, said: “We cannot speak highly enough of the way that our Sales Executive at Keepmoat handled our property purchase, making it as smooth and stress free as possible. We are so pleased with the design and quality of our house.” Book now to visit four stunning show homes: www.keepmoat.com/warren-wood-view-gainsborough or call 01427 857950. Play park upgrade boosts family fun in Bourne Two play areas have been refurbished after developers chipped in thousands of pounds as part of the planning process. Local councillors, South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) staff and the town council have worked with the developers of two major projects to help improve the local area and bring some family fun to parts of Bourne. The result is bright new children’s play equipment at the Pinewood Close and Northfields play areas. SKDC’s Bourne West Councillor Helen Crawford worked with Bourne East Councillor Philip Knowles and Town Council Clerk Ian Sismey to bring the project to fruition – and all the apparatus is fully open to play on. Cllr Crawford said: “We are delighted to have supported this refurbishment project and pleased this funding was earmarked to provide facilities for children. We have been looking forward to seeing it come together and expect it to be well used. They will help keep younger residents occupied during their spare time and provide somewhere to meet up and socialise in the fresh air. I am sure the improvements will be enjoyed for many years to come.” © stock.adobe.com/Seventyfour Photos courtesy of Shaun Flannery/shaunflanneryphotography .com 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:22 Page 343/44 WRAWBY STREET, BRIGG, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE OPHTHALMIC OPTICIANS & CONTACT LENS SPECIALIST PRACTICE MANAGER - JANE PALMER, OPTOMETRIST - Dr. S A Janjua BSc(Hons) MCOptom Doptom Prof Cert Glau Prof Cert LV Prof Cert Med Ret DipSV bii iiibii ik FINEST OPTICIANS IN LINCOLNSHIRE Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear since 1979 B 42 YEARS Visit O’Brien’s See Dr. Janjua See Better. 43/44 WRAWBY STREET, BRIGG, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE OPHTHALMIC OPTICIANS & CONTACT LENS SPECIALIST PRACTICE MANAGER - JANE PALMER, OPTOMETRIST - Dr. S A Janjua BSc(Hons) MCOptom Doptom Prof Cert Glau Prof Cert LV Prof Cert Med Ret DipSV WEB: www.obriensopticians.com EMAIL: enquiries@obriensopticians.co.uk TEL: 01652 653 595 / 01652 649024 Visit O’Brien’s See Dr. Janjua See Better. O’Brien’s Opticians launches brand new Low Vision Service and Eyewear Styling Consultation Service! FINEST OPTICIANS IN LOOKING FOR INDEPENDENT SERVICE AND DESIGNER BRANDS? Professional Eyewear Styling Service Low Vision Aids and Specialists lenses for Macular Degeneration (AMD), Glaucoma and More Dry Eye and Blepharitis Treatment UK Optician Awards runners-up 2018 & 2019! O’Brien’s Opticians now offers an Eyewear Styling Service for existing and new patients at their practice in Brigg after recently training their team as professional eyewear stylists. This service offers patients a unique and bespoke eyewear styling consultation to help them to discover their perfect eyewear to suit both their optical and style needs. Optometrist Dr. Janjua recently completed the College of Optometrists acclaimed Professional Certificate in Glaucoma and also the Professional Certificate in Low Vision from Cardiff University. He has launched a private low vision service using the highest quality low Vision aids from Germany. O’Brien’s welcomes the registration of new patients. The practice is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Telephone 01652 653 595 or 01652 649 024 to make an appointment. Do you suffer from poor vision or do you know anyone who may benefit from specialist spectacles and aids? Book an eyewear Styling Consultation at the practice with Dr. Janjua and subsequent Low Vision Assessment with the team by calling us today! DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT… READ WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY…. My daughter came in for a routine eye test and casually mentioned to Dr. Janjua that she was having headaches. Dr. Janjua discovered that she had a bilateral optic disk swelling which could have been fatal if not treated. My daughter needed two CT scans and a lumber puncture to release some pressure behind her eyes. She is now on medication for life but thanks to Dr. Janjua’s expertise and knowledge she is on the road to recovery. D. Marie Thank you so much for all your help, patience and expertise in my eye test and selection of new glasses. With my prescription it is a process I dread, but I’m so grateful for your help and I’m thrilled with my new glasses. J. Stones O’Brien’s Optician has the nicest shop front - a very traditional practice. I like the quality of the glasses and the test with Dr. Janjua was very thorough and he provided me with helpful advice. The team at O’Brien’s are polite, courteous and friendly. P. Rafferty I chose O’Brien’s as they are a local firm with good reviews. They have different examinations which have indicated vision issues that were not previously detected. Dr. Janjua was very thorough, patient and explained the issues found with my vision. He inspired trust not always felt with other opticians. I found the staff at O’Brien’s Opticians very kind, caring, helpful and competent. S. Hanson I like to shop local, that is why I chose O’Brien’s. They are more experienced, professional and personal than other opticians. Dr Janjua put me at ease and is genuinely interested in my eyecare - I am not treated as just a number. All the staff are lovely. C. Hackford A good reputation is what made me choose O’Brien’s. I like their professionalism and very high standards. An excellent experience compared to other opticians. My glasses are very stylish. Dr. Janjua was very professional and a gentleman, and the rest of the team are very helpful and friendly. V. Keane The practice is professional, the staff are always helpful and friendly. My glasses are modern and stylish. Dr. Janjua is helpful, knowledgeable but above all projects professionalism. I have full confidence in his abilities. The team meet each appointment with a calm professionalism. G. O’Brien You get fab service at O’Brien’s. I got some great glasses and the staff there are nice - the experience was excellent - second to none. J. Ellis Great choice of frames to choose from and excellent service. Thorough eye test also carried out. Would highly recommend. D. Boulton I was sent to O’Brien’s Opticians by my GP to see Dr. Janjua. The staff at the practice are helpful and friendly and you get much better personal service than you do compared to other opticians. They always have an excellent selection of frames. and Dr. Jamjua goes to a grat deal of trouble to put his patients at ease. B. Slater The staff are friendly and nothing is too much trouble. They have a more sensitive approach and do not rush you. My new glasses are very light and comfortable. Dr. Janjua was very patient during my eye examination and was determined to get things right. E. Foster & P. Foster O’Brien’s Opticians were the only opticians who were willing to help me. They were very friendly, professional, extremely positive and nothing was too much trouble. Dr. Janjua who performed the eye examination is a really nice, professional man and really knows his stuff. C. Smith O’Brien’s Opticians are close by to where I live. I love the beautiful shop front. Dr Janjua has a lovely manner and is kind, friendly and jovial with plenty of enthusiasm. The team are more friendly and enthusiastic than other opticians I have been to in the past. S. Addison Our small, independent practice is currently going through a period of growth. If you’re a professional, customer-focussed and above all, positive person, then we’d love to hear from you. 09.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 14:22 Page 1Next >