< Previous70-71:Layout 1 16/2/12 14:35 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY71FARM & COUNTRY LINK - MOTORINGRimmer Bros -a 30-year storyIn March 1982, two Triumphenthusiasts - Bill and Graham Rimmer -started their own business, the plan wasto buy, sell, service, restore and sell partsfor Triumph sports cars. To finance theiroperation, they sold their own Triumphsand took over spare buildings at theirfamily farmhouse.Rimmer Bros was a modest operation,business was slow. To pay the bills at first,they became retained members ofLincolnshire Fire Brigade, and evenrenovated and sold used lawn mowers.Both brothers are still involved andboth are still rabid classic car enthusiasts.More recently, shelves have had to sharespace with Range Rover, Land Rover,Rover SD1 and MG-Rover componentstoo.These days, the buildings are burstingwith 75,000 sq ft of storage space onthree floors. Sixty people run theoperation, which is expanding to storeeven more stock.In the early days, availability was theproblem, “We realised Triumph franchiseswere beginning to convert to Austin-Rover outlets, which meant they were leftwith Triumph parts, tools and expertise asa diminishing asset,” says Bill. Graham adds: “We found a list ofnames and addresses, wrote to more thana hundred and bought up stock, bringingit back here.”By chance, several importantcomponents suppliers contacted Rimmers,suggesting if demand existed, they couldre-start production. The result was areincarnation of parts, from rubber O-rings to rear light assemblies. Two big moves have been needed toaccommodate stock, in the mid-1980s, aredundant egg-packing station atBranston seemed to offer a solution, but :“Five years later, the business had becomefive times bigger and we had to rent otherwarehousing.”In 1991, the present complex inBracebridge Heath was found, but spaceproblems continued as opportunitiesmounted up. Gaining of British MotorHeritage approval was followed by thebuying up of all Rover SD1 parts availablefrom the Canley factory, which required afleet of hired artics to move.Rimmers moved into supporting the‘classic’ Range Rover in 2000, it wasn’tlong before they started to support theDefender range too.In the mid-2000s, two acquisitionsoccurred. First there was MG-Rover’splunge into receivership, and not longafter, the news that hundreds of RoverSD1 build kits were sitting in a disusedfactory in Chennai, India. Bill first of allconcluded a deal with XPart, to set up theMG-Rover parts business, then made avisit to India, inspecting SD1 stocks.In the mid-1980s Rover had agreed tosupply kits of SD1 parts for assembly inChennai to be re-engined, but this projectfloundered and many complete kitsremained under-delivered: “I found atleast 600 complete kits, still in originalshipping crates. ‘ says Bill, “I was amazed,it was going to secure the long-term partssupply for the SD1 for a long, time.”More than twenty shipping containerswere needed to carry the stuff back andspace was found to store and catalogue it.Reel forward to 2012, where Bill andGraham’s enthusiasm is undiminished.Within months, a new building will havebeen added to double stock holdingcapacity.Who said that the classic car hobby wasa declining phenomenon?70-71:Layout 1 16/2/12 14:35 Page 272 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARM & COUNTRY LINK - EQUINESpecialising in Paddock MaintenanceGeneral Weed control•Fertiliser Application •Fencing •Slug Pellet Applications •To discuss your requirements Call Dean: 07860 624475For a friendly and reliable serviceFully certified & insured for Chemical Application.Covering North Lincolnshire, North Nottinghamshire &South YorkshireLincolnshire event rider EmilyParker is hoping a winter of trainingwith an Olympic medallist willstand her in good stead as sheprepares to start the 2012 season2012 is going to be a big sporting year – and not just inLondon. Our top riders are preparing for a number of majorevents, including of course the Burghley Horse Trials later inthe autumn and as the season gets going again, big thingsare expected.One Lincolnshire rider on which high hopes are beingplaced is 22 year old Emily Parker from Market Rasen. Emilyfirst came to prominence back in 2010 where she won Teamand Individual Gold at the Young Rider EuropeanChampionships. In addition, she was also part of the BritishEquestrian Foundation’s East Midlands Regional FoundationSquad, which aims to identify and support riders who showthe potential to progress to national and internationalsporting success.As part of this squad she’s progressed to become part ofthe BEF’s World Class Development Programme. TheProgramme works with talented riders considered likely tobe the best hopes for future competition to maximisesuccess. After Emily expressed an interest in going to workand train at a top yard over the winter, Sarah Verney, thediscipline co-ordinator for eventing on the DevelopmentProgramme, put her in touch with four-time Olympiceventing silver medallist Ian Stark.Hence, during the winter months, Emily has been trainingwith Ian Stark at his yard in Scotland. She has taken her toptwo horses with her – Treefers, her own twelve-year-old baygelding and Allstar B, a seven-year-old bay gelding owned byBritish Eventing’s National U-18 coach Caroline Moore –and has been making the most of lessons as well as workingon the yard. Emily says, “It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ve learnta huge amount. Both horses had a month or so off after theseason finished in September but since then we’ve beenworking hard both in the school and also out on the hills.I’m looking to compete Treefers in the U25 section at thethree star Bramham International Horse Trials in June withthe ultimate aim of taking part in a four star event by theend of the season. We are targeting All Star B for the sevenyear old championships at Osberton Horse Trials inSeptember. A big yearin store forEmilyEmily Parker ridingTreefers at theLincolnshire HorseTrials72-73:Layout 1 17/2/12 10:05 Page 1Breakthrough for horse careThere’s good news for horse owners with a chance of approach to MRI scanningLINCOLNSHIRETODAY73FARM & COUNTRY LINK - EQUINE“I’ve also recently been having World Class trainingsessions where we’ve focused on dressage and jumping.Everything is looking very positive for the season aheadand I can’t wait to get started. It’s an especially excitingyear because of the Olympics and I’m looking forward tocheering on Team GB in London!”The work of the World Class Development Programmehas been funded by the government, through grants andlottery funds, for some fourteen years now. It underpinsWorld Class Performance and, together with the EquinePathway, they comprise the Equestrian World ClassProgramme. It incorporates the three Olympic sports ofdressage, eventing, showjumping and the Paralympic sportof para-equestrian dressage, and the success of many of ourriders in recent years illustrates the money has gone togood use. Good luck to Emily for the new season!Market Rasen riderEmily Parker istipped for success. With nearly thirty thousand horses and ponies scannedglobally, the pioneering MRI scanning technique forproviding a fast and accurate lameness diagnosis goes fromstrength to strength, particularly in the foot thanks to itsability to visualise both bone and soft tissue injury.These standing scans have a great effect because they canconfirm the diagnosis earlier than in any other form. Youcan ask for an MRI of your horse as soon as the ‘nerveblocks’ confirm the location. You don’t have to spend moneytrying different treatments and then MRI in three to sixmonths’ time as a last resort. In the vast majority of cases,MRI examination can provide the information yourveterinarian needs to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This inturn allows more accurate treatment and more satisfactoryoutcomes.The great news is that the UK’s leading rural insurer, NFUMutual, has announced it will cover 100% of the cost for anMRI scan, making it far more convenient and cost-effectivefor owners. Providing the claim complies with the terms andconditions of the policy, the cost of an MRI examination willnow be fully covered for customers with equine insurancefrom NFU Mutual and many other equine insurers in theUK. This new development will include all new and existingpolicies, where a horse develops a problem that requires anMRI scan, providing valuable peace of mind and confirmingit as an accepted part of horse treatment.The move has been welcomed by Hallmarq VeterinaryImaging, the market leaders in standing MRI who have morethan fifty scanners in vets across the world. Jos Belgrave ofHallmarq says, “We are delighted that NFU Mutual is nowcovering the full cost of a standing equine MRI scan. This isa real breakthrough for horse owners who want lamenessdiagnosed accurately and efficiently.”NFU Mutual has announced it will cover 100%of the cost for an MRI scanPHOTO BY PETER NIXON72-73:Layout 1 17/2/12 10:05 Page 274 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARM & COUNTRY LINK - SHOWCASEThe Twenty-SeventhA great family day outSunday 24th June 20129am - 6pmAdults: £11.00Senior Cizens: £9.00Brocklesby Park, LincolnshireTel:01469 561400 or visitwww.brocklesby.co.ukG. L. CommercialsGraham LockingtonTrailer Rentals & Sales• Mobile Repairs • HGV Trailer Servicing• MOT PreparationWork: Europa Way, Stallingborough, Grimsby DN41 8DSTel: 01469 574239 / Mobile: 07711 496 138Accounts Office: The Laurels. South Kelsey,Lincs LN7 6PQ Tel: 01652 678358 (after hours)Saturday 9th June 2012Sunday 24th June 2012The Showground, Elvaston, Near Derby - ShowgroundBigger and better than ever!Traditional Family County Show- not to be missed!For further information call 01332 793068 or visit our website www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.ukPenistone Agricultural Society LtdSaturday 8th September 2012Schedule and entry forms will be available online from June at www.penistoneshow.org.ukEnquiries: Trade Mrs D Clegg 01484 606458A Good Family Day OutEmail: jackieclegg23@googlemail.comR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDOur meat is only of the best quality and we pride ourselves on our customer serviceOur meat is only of the best quality and we pride ourselves on our customer service16 High Street 2 Market PlaceHorncastleWragbyLN9 5BLLN8 5QU01507 527371 01673 858968Traditional ButchersRIPLEY SHOWRIPLEY CASTLE PARK HARROGATE - 12TH AUGUST 2012Horses, Pigs, Cattle, Sheep, Baking, Horticulture, Open Dog Show, Gundog Retrieve,Sheep Dog Trials, Craft Marquee, Trade Stands.The Mellin family sheep and duck display, The Sheep ShowSchedules online from May or 5 Bank Parade, Otley, LS21 3DY Tel: 01943 466654Trade Standʼs - The Blacksmiths Arms, North Cowton, Northallerton, DL7 0ETTel: 01325 378310 or www.ripleyshow.co.ukReg. Charity No 225059SCRAPMETAL WANTED!•General public & trade welcome•All grades of scrap collected•Scrap vehicle collection •Skip ServicesCall Sam07710 183 398 01205 354 077The Lincolnshire farming sector has had to endure sometough times in recent years – BSE, foot and mouth andfreak weather conditions have all had a major effect onprosperity. Yet the talent and dedication of local farmersand producers means the county continues to exceldespite everything thrown at it.Certainly agriculture remains a big business. In recentmonths, Pygott & Crone smashed the UK record for aprice achieved for prime arable land, fetching £18,055 peracre near Boston, while Savils of Lincoln expect theaverage capital value of farmland to continue to increaseby 36% in the next five years. That’s in addition to itsstratospheric value rise of 138% in the last five years,during which farmland has significantly outperformed otherinvestments. For 2012, Savills is also predicting averagefarmland value growth of 5%.Lincolnshire’s agricultural sector continues its role as oneof the most important industries in the county, withhorticulture, food and farming together bringing hugeamounts to the local economy. Increasingly, too, the generalpublic have become more aware and have a greaterappreciation of the work the sector does.The companies on this page all provide exceptional serviceand quality products. Lincolnshire Today’s Farm & CountryLink recommends them all and looks forward to themcontinuing their fantastic work.FarmingShowcaseCaistor Farm and GardenMachineryLawnmower Sales & RepairsMountfield Honda Hayter StigaStihl Farr ATV/UTV products1 Hersey Road, Caistor, Market Rasen LN7 6RGTel: 01472 852222Large or small we can help you find the right machinery74:Layout 1 17/2/12 11:31 Page 11st 3 issues only £1Great reasonsto subscribe...Each issue is brimming with a diverse topic range...• Heritage • Fashion • Hair & Beauty • Leisure • Homes & Gardens • County Motoring • Dining Out • What’s On • Free Reader Giveaways and much much more…First 3 issues only £1!FREE delivery to your doorReceive your copy before it hits the shopsORDER FORMYes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazinefor the next 12 months, with the first 3 issues only being £1.Personal Details:First name:Last Name:Address:Town:County: Post Code:Tel: Mobile:Email:Payment by DEBIT/CREDIT cardName as it appears on card:Type of card: Mastercard / Visa / Visa Debit / OtherCard Number:Card Verification number (3 digits on signature strip):Expiry Date:Amount Authorised:Cheque enclosed YES / NO Please post this form back to: Subscriptions,Lincolnshire Today Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby. N.E. Lincolnshire DN31 2QEMake cheque payable to Business Link Magazine GroupCall now to subscribe on01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341orScan QR Code4Looking for a great gift idea?A gift Subscriptionis the perfect present that lasts all year round!Total Price: £24.4075:Layout 1 17/2/12 11:42 Page 176 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE WALKSExploring Lincolnshireon footWe begin at Culverthorpe withits imposing Hall, matureparkland, lakes, and extensiveviews. The Domesday Bookrecords three carucates, a vaguemediaeval land measurement ofbetween 120 and 200 modernacres, of taxable land, eightvillagers, plus their families, achurch and a priest. The church haslong disappeared, its site unidentified,so the Domesday reference might be tonearby Heydour. The Hall, part 17thcentury and part 18th century isreminiscent of a French chateau. It wasbegun around 1680 by Sir JohnNewton, Grantham’s Member ofParliament and a cousin of Sir Isaac;the wings were added about 1730.However a private chapel was built atthe hall about 1691 though laterdemolished. The façade, with grandionic columns, was re-erected in woodseast of the hall and is just visible fromthe lane leading to Wilsford.Aisby, a tiny place, has no churcheither and is set away down a “NoThrough Road”. Remote and peaceful itdoes not rate a mention in eitherrebuilt in 1826 and altered duringthe 19th century, its origins aremuch earlier since the chancelarch contains an Anglo-Saxoncarving. Everything is on aminiature scale; the nave with itsgabled bellcote, the chancel andthe simple windows.Contemporary with the re-building are box pews, pulpit,reading desk and the royal coat of armsdated 1825. There are two, paintedcommandment boards of similar dateand unusual alter rails in barley-sugartwist style though the tub font ismediaeval.Aunsby is the largest communityvisited on this walk with an impressivechurch dominating the village streetand dedicated to St Thomas-a-Becket.There is much 12th century stoneworkwith many carvings surviving the 1861restoration. Spot the lovely carved frogin the porch! The Perpendicular-style14th century broach spire is topped bya 15th century finial carved with an“Avé Maria” motto.NOTES.Self-sufficiency is essentialon this walk! The nearest inn is offroute at Oasby.AISBYAUNSBYVILLAGECULVERTHORPE - VIEWACROSS THE LAKECulverthorpe, Aisby,Dembleby and AunsbyFor March we offer a fine walk inremote countryside along ancientgreen lanes to visit a few of the area’sunusual churches.Pevsner’s “Lincolnshire” or ArthurMee’s “Kings England” it is so small. Yetit did merit an entry in the DomesdayBook where recorded landowners,freemen and smallholders warrantedeight ploughs between them; anestimated population would be aroundfifty, very similar to today!St Lucia’s at Dembleby was built in1867 on land donated by the Lord ofthe Manor and replaced a smaller,ruinous building located 500 yards westof the present church. Constructed oflocal stone it cost just £1200. Thepopulation now is around half that ofthe 1860s for whom the new churchwas built.St Andrew’s at Scott Willoughby issaid to be the smallest Lincolnshirechurch still in regular use. Although76-77:Layout 1 16/2/12 15:21 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY77LINCOLNSHIRE WALKSTHE ROUTE.From the carpark turn right along theroad for 300 yards and then cross to a footpath sign andaim diagonally up the field towards the left-hand cornerof a copse on the skyline. From a waymark maintainyour line to a stile at a lane, crossing this to a secondstile. Then veer right on grass aiming just right of a greybarn where a gap in the hedge gives onto a lane.Go left into Aisby, pass the green and keep leftdownhill through the village until the road dwindles intoa track. Follow this out of the village. There now comes aseries of “Byway” signs. At the first keep ahead; at thesecond bear left and at third bear right. At the next sign(a 3-way one) bear left along a broad grass track thatdevelops into a lane leading down into Dembleby.Continue until reaching the church.Keep ahead and at the first bend take the track to theright of a cottage. When this meets a road at a bend themain route turns sharp left; just over a right angle! (Butfirst go right 300 yards to Scott Willoughby church.)Walk uphill (the path is usually marked) to afootbridge and footpath sign at the top of the field.There are good views here, both south and north, as theridge is crossed. A broad, grass path descends the far side,finally zigzagging left then right over a paddock to theroad; turn left through Aunsby.Keep forward past the church to a footpath sign andhandgate on the right near a telephone box. Walkthrough a small orchard to its back left-hand corner anda hedge gap; then trend slightly left over an arable field(path marked) to reach a road at a “T” junction.Cross into the lane opposite and in 300 yards go rightat a footpath sign. This section is well waymarked! Aftertwo left-hand and two right-hand turns follow a fieldedge path down to a footbridge in a stream valley. A fewyards further on turn right up a short hedged sectionthen left again by a dyke and at a waymark do a doglegso that the dyke is now on your right. Continue to theroad near Culverthorpe.Go right into the village and left at the road junctionwalking ahead through gates into Culverthorpe Park. (Tosee the former Culverthorpe chapel remains turn rightfor 200 yards along the lane just before the Hall gates.) Inabout 60 yards climb the stile on your left following apath by a fence almost down to the lake; then take thefenced path to your right. On reaching the estate road goleft across the lake causeway back to the start.by Hugh MarrowsFACTFILESTART: Culverthorpe lake carpark. (Grid ref 109399)MAPS: OS Landranger 130 (Grantham) • Explorer 248DISTANCE: 9 miles • 14.5 kilometresREFRESHMENTS: None on routeDEMBLEBY CHURCHCULVERTHORPE HALLAPPROACHINGAUNSBYGREEN LANE TODEMBLEBY76-77:Layout 1 16/2/12 15:21 Page 278 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBOURNEThe approach to Bourne is rollinggreen fields, and even with the end ofwinter still in effect, the views from theopen roads on the way are breath-taking. Twisting and turning throughthe nearby villages of Aslackby andFolkinghham introduces you to theunique charm that the south of ourcounty holds. Unspoilt is the word thatcomes to mind and with free parking,the town does much to encouragevisitors, which is helped by its vast arrayof shopping outlets, offering everythingfrom hand-made teddy bears totempting looking chocolate andconfectionery. The town is growing fast, andrecently boasted the fastest-growinghousing market in the UK. This isthanks mainly to the stunningsurroundings and the availability ofland, but shows that Bourne is set tobecome a must-live place in the future.Trailing round Bourne’s town centre isa head-spinning experience. Far fromdeserted, its shops seem to be enjoyingincredible footfall, with the youngrubbing shoulders with the elderly andpeople of all ages sipping drinks in thearea’s many cafes and bars. With newbuildings synching with the old, Bournehas a pretty, but functional air to it, butsomething new is always there to greetyou. Investigating every alley becomes aduty as you walk round, the next couldharbour a deli, a beauty salon orspecialist shop. The undeniable focal point is theimposing town hall, which standsproudly right on the crossroads thatbisect the town, surrounded by shopsand pubs that are inviting andappealing. Walk a short distance fromthere and you will find the town’sfamous Memorial Gardens. In thecentre lies a cenotaph, but its mainfocus is a pleasant water feature and twoornate bridges that lead you over thewaterway to the wide, open field inwhich it stands. There you will findpeople walking dogs, parents withchildren feeding the ducks and localworkers enjoying their lunch.Those visiting must feel a pang ofjealously for such a well-kept andrelaxing public space, which also falls inthe shadow of the town’s Bourne Abbeyand Parish Church of St Peter and StPaul. The spire reaches high above thesurrounding streets and the immediatestreets have an ancient feel to them,which adds to the unspoilt feel of thetown in general.Tucked away townBourne is one of the county’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away on the western edge ofthe fens, it boasts a beautiful and serene setting with a real sense of communityTucked away townBourne is one of the county’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away on the western edge ofthe fens, it boasts a beautiful and serene setting with a real sense of community78-79:Layout 1 16/2/12 14:39 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY79BOURNEJust a short distance from the towncentre lie Bourne Woods. Originally aresource for the town, it now forms anineteen-mile cycle route and has asculpture trail to keep even the mostenthusiastic of walkers busy. For thosewith stamina, the nearby villages offermuch in the way of refreshment andfood, so why not plan a day of hikingwith a meal as your reward?Bourne is not just a pleasant place towander around and lose an afternoonin, the residents make sure the town haslots going on. An annual beer festival,originally set up for the Queen’s GoldenJubilee, has been extended this year totake place around the time of theDiamond Jubilee, showcasing local alesand ciders. A unique tradition also takes place inBourne, on the Monday before Easter.An auction takes place to let thegrazing rights of the WhitebreadMeadow be decided. Bidding takes placewhile two boys race toward the Queen’sBridge in Eastgate, the end of whichdash is equivalent to the falling of thegavel. The whole affair dates back to the1742 will of William Clay. The profitsfrom the auction would be used to buybread for the poor, but these days it isused to raise charity funds. If you canmake it to Bourne during this time, itmay be something worth seeing.Bourne is also known for itsmotorsport heritage, as it is home toseveral motorsport enthusiasts andcompanies, including Hall Brothers,Pilbeam Racing Designs, ERA, RaymondMays and BRM. British Racing Motors isperhaps the best known, having been aBritish Formula One motor racing teamfor three decades from the fifties. Thetown will look back to these glory dayson Sunday 2nd October. The details arestill to be announced, but for all car andmotoring enthusiasts, it promises to bea must-attend event. Cars will mostlikely be on display from that time, so ifyou’re a real petrolhead, it’d be a goodidea to add it to the diary now.Bourne seems to be a place that hasits own unique charm in droves, butlike so many other Lincolnshire towns,harbours an active community and hasmuch more to discover once you delveinto it. If you need us, we’ll bestretching our legs at the MemorialPark…COURTESY BOURNE TOWN COUNCIL78-79:Layout 1 16/2/12 14:39 Page 2Next >