EthicalfashionNaturalbeautyWalking inthe wildFarm &Country Link£2.95 MARCH 2013£2.95 MARCH 2013Where stylecomes naturallyWhere stylecomes naturallyEthicalfashionNaturalbeautyWalking inthe wildFarm &Country LinkTHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMBLMGROUPGROUPBLMWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET25 years young25 years young001:Layout 1 15/2/13 13:27 Page 1The Belton House Wedding FayreThe perfect place to plan your perfect dayYou are cordially invited to the wedding fair of the year on Sunday 10th March 10.30 - 4.30At the picturesque Belton House, Belton. Grantham NG32 2LSPre-register at www.lincolnweddingfayre.co.uk to gain free entry & the chance to win a fabulous wedding gown...002:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:28 Page 1It’s sometimes hard to remember what the sun feels like, but springis in the air. A long walk on a cold, sunny morning is one of myfavourite pastimes, and Lincolnshire has the perfect terrain for suchhikes. Some of the scenery you can take in on an early, brightmorning is breathtaking - or is that just a sign of how unfit I’vebecome? That made me stop and think that maybe we should focus ourlatest issue on how we can improve our lifestyles more naturally. Afterall, we all want to leave the planet in a fit state for the next generation so how dowe become caretakers rather than exploiters of our planet? Don’t worry, we’re not talking tree hugging and tiptoeing barefoot throughforests – although if that’s your thing, credit due to you! We’re looking at thesimple changes we can all make such as the food we choose (and there’s a subjectclose to our hearts given the latest controversies), the soil and water in which wegrow our crops, right through to the plant, animal and microbial life of the farm.Let’s face it, those who’ve always shopped locally at farm shops or farmer’s marketswon’t be wondering how much horse meat they’ve consumed over the last fewyears! Given the hectic lifestyles we all lead, it’s all too easy to take for granted what ageographically diverse part of the country we live in. Where else would you findsuch an abundance of great market towns and villages, so much culture andheritage and so many great eateries serving local produce? That’s to mention thewealth of wildlife we have and the great woodlands and nature walks. All this canbe harnessed for our enjoyment and preserved for future generations with a fewminor lifestyle changes and these changes should also pay dividends in the meantimeby affording us a healthier and more energetic life. We hope our latest offerings inspire readers to do things a little differently, toconnect with both the world around you and the world inside you and to remind you,life isn’t a dress rehearsal for the real thing - so stop waiting till you have the time andmake the time now! As my wife never tires of reminding me, nobody ever passed away saying they wishedthey’d spent longer at the office! Good reading, as alwaysSteve FisherEditorLincolnshireToday@lincstodaylincolnshiretoday.netEditor:Steve FisherJournalists:Steve Williams, Mike Shields, Michael Fisher, Stuart PearceySales Director: Teri CooperSales Manager: Becky RobertshawSales: Angela Cooper, Jo Waddington,Leon MurrayAccounts: Angela Sharman,John DownesCirculations: Dawn CookDesign & Production: Gary Jorgensen,Mark Casson, Rachel GreenAdvertising: Tel: (01472) 310302, Fax: (01472) 310312 Editorial:Tel: (01472) 310305, Fax: (01472) 310317Part Of The Business Link MagazineGroup: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street,Grimsby,N E Lincs DN31 2QEEmail: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded orotherwise without express permission of the copyright holder,for which application should be addressed first to thepublisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither thepublisher nor its participating agents accept liability for lossor damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives orother material of whatever nature submitted to thispublication. The views expressed in this publication are notnecessarily the views of those held by the publisher.This magazine is now fully recyclable. Byrecycling magazines, you can help reducewaste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes ofpaper already recycled by the UK paperindustry each year. Before you recycle yourmagazine, please ensure you remove allplastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. Ifyou are unable to participate in a recyclingscheme, then why not pass your magazineonto a local hospital or charity?WelcomeFRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JAMESDAVIDPHOTO003:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:29 Page 1Natural SelectionThis month Lincolnshire Today gets closer to naturewith a focus on natural goods, sustainability andethical items...18 At home with natureStylish items that don’t cost the earth arebecoming de rigueur30 Keep it simpleSome handy hints to improve your life balancenaturally46 Naturally localOrganic and pesticide free is always bestwhen it comes to produce – but what abouttaking it a step further?67 The green generationLincolnshire’s schools are creating a moreenvironmentally aware generation70 Set fairFairtrade Fortnight is upon us – emphasising itscontinued popularity71 Farm and Country LinkOur regular selection full of news and viewsfrom this vibrant sectorFeatures6 This month in LincolnshireYour fast guide to what’s been happening20 Artistic LincolnshireWe meet Jennifer Cottis, who capturesmovement on canvas26 Market cultureWhether it’s retail therapy or a sense ofheritage you’re after, Newark has it all32 Exploring Lincolnshire on footA Fulletby figure of eight34 Catwalk classicsOur fashion section includes the firstspring/summer ideas for men, women and kidsMarch 2013Contents726212004-005:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:34 Page 144 Adapting to stressPut aside your worries with our wellbeingexpert’s tips52 Time to spoil mumMake sure your mum gets the specialtreatment she deserves56 On the waterfrontVibrant community and pretty settingsmake Brigg and Barton well worth a visit60 Moods of LincolnshireThe gradual change of the seasons arecaptured by readers in some stunning shots62 A home from homeWe enjoy the rolling countryside of Cheshire82 Four-legged friendsMore and more of us are seeing pets as areal part of the family84 On the roadThe very latest on the county motoring front90 That’s entertainment!Make the most of your free time with ourwhat’s on guide95 Literary LincolnshireA leaf through the local bookshelf96 HoroscopesWhat does this month have in store for you?Desirable homes12 A modest modern marvelWe visit a self-built home in Humberstonconstructed to the highest standards ofliving21 Size isn’t everythingVisiting a small but perfectly-formed gardenin Normaby-By-Spital24 Everything’s coming up...This is the month gardens really get going,and we’ve got plenty of adviceSocial Scenes51 Lincoln Sportsman’s Club80 Burton Hunt Ball89 Pelican Décor Grand Opening50843490004-005:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:34 Page 2England staropens newsports facilitiesCasey Stoney, England and Team GB 2012Ladies’ football captain, has officially opened thenew community sports facilities at The Priory Cityof Lincoln Academy.New at the Academy are totally refurbishedchanging facilities for swimming pool users,newly created dry changing rooms to serviceoutdoor sports, plus the gym, sports hall, dancestudio and fitness suite, and other vitalmaintenance work to a centre that was built in1974. The pool, also nearly forty years old, wasreopened after a refit in 2011.The new facilities have been assisted by a SportEngland ‘Inspired Facilities’ award of £150,000, in addition to the Priory Federation of Academies contribution of £440,000.Priory City of Lincoln Academy Director of Sport Russell Fenton says, “Many pupils, groups, schools and clubs are alreadyenjoying the benefit of these superb facilities. The project has increased sustainable participation by making our facilitiesmore modern and accessible to the whole community..”LATEST NEWSCindy Marshall-Day starts twonew enterprisesWalcot Hall Estate nearAlkborough has long beenrenowned as an absolutelystunning setting forweddings – and now CindyMarshall-Day is bringing herfantastic eye for venuestyling and talent forbeautiful floristry to othervenues.Cindy has a vastexperience in floristry havingworked in Los Angeles andwon national awards. Her new company Flowers From Heaven offers stunningfloral design for weddings and corporate events. Flowers From Heaven offersfloral designs for any kind of celebration and also offer flowers in lovingmemory through sister company Flowers To Heaven.Cindy says, “I’m also constantly working with the top florists in the UK andabroad so we’re right on trend with what’s new and happening – and are ableto offer a one stop shop for all your venue styling needs.Cindy has also launched a venue styling company too called Heavenly VenueStyling. She tells us, “We have huge stocks here at Walcot Hall, so we’re able tooffer a superior service. “I’ve been venue styling for ten years, both at home and abroad and I’vebeen repeatedly asked by other venues to do thesame for them, so I decided to take the plungeand set up these two new businesses.”Contact Cindy and her team on 01724720266 or 07766 664441 for more details ofwhat they can offer, or visitwww.flowersfromheaven.co.ukPelican Décor opensits doorsLocated in the SouthVillage of Lincoln, oppositeAndrew Musson’s BespokeTailors, Pelican Décor offersa variety of quality objectsranging from reclamationpieces to bespoke furniture.Specialising in individualitems that suit any home,owner Alison Richards says,“We have furniture byGordon Russell and G.Plan alongside antiques, artglass, art pottery and individual objects of art. Webelieve everyone can enjoy beautiful design from avariety of styles.”Alison added, “Up-cycling is a new and innovativeway of providing quality pieces with an individual andstylish look.” Pelican Décor cancustomise any piece, offering ahand finished painting servicealong with upholstery and re-covering. Searching around thecountry, they are also in aposition to provide a ‘seek andfind’ service where customerscan send a request, with theirbudget, and the team will behappy to look for particularinterior pieces and furniture – perfect for those withbusy lives.Visit Pelican Décor in Lincoln’s High Street or go towww.pelicandecor.co.uk.006-007:Layout 1 15/2/13 14:48 Page 1Help Jess help othersA Nettleham schoolgirl with a serious spinal condition has started a charity to provide giftstreats and grant wishes to help children suffering with serious conditions and illnesses.Jessica McGuire,, began her charitable work after she had to undergo a major operation, totreat a 68-degree curve and a 38-degree twist in her spine. The operation was a success butwasn’t without complications and and at one point her parents were warned that Jessica couldbe in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Fortunately she has now made a full recovery.It was during her time in hospital that Jess felt that other youngsters going through similarproblems might benefit from a small gift in the post to cheer them up and, as she regained herstrength, she began arranging various fundraisingactivities; even a sponsored swim at North KestevenLeisure Centre to raise valuable funds.Jess’s charity work has grown enormously and thegifts she has been able to send youngsters with seriousillnesses have already helped many but her coup degras recently came when she heard a youngster was smitten by the popular TV programmeTop Gear, so you can imagine her surprise when the BBC arranged for the cast to meet theyoungster in person!Spurred on by her success to date, Jess is now arranging a charity ball which is to be heldon Saturday 11th May at Jocastas in Lincoln where she hopes to fill the marquee and raisefurther valuable funds to help sufferers. Tickets are on sale now at £40 for which guests will enjoy a three coursemeal and live entertainment provided by Lincolnshire’s premier party bandOff Limits, who have also waived their fee to help the charity. For further information or to purchase tickets visit Jess’scharity website at www.scolio.org LATEST NEWSThe perfect dayLincolnshire’s top wedding experts can ensure your special day is one to remember – Keymarquemarquee and event specialists are working with the National Trust Belton House and Belton WoodsDeVere Hotel to create the region’s ultimate wedding venue.The 4 star luxury spa hotel accommodation combines with what is regarded as England’s foremostcountry house – ensuring absolutely fabulous surroundings. It offers the chance to get married in theMarble Hall, enjoy drinks on the West Terrace and hold a marquee reception in the stunninggrounds. Add to that the glamour of champagne breakfasts, fine dining and the luxurious spa. Withavenues, follies, fountains and formal gardens there are thirty acres of photo opportunities.You can experience the surroundings for yourself at the Belton House Wedding Fair, held in thegrounds of this stunning venue on Sunday 10th March – the perfect treat for Mother’s Day. Theevent brings together florists, photographers, accessories and catering all under one roof.Register for the fayre for free entry and the chance to win a fabulous wedding gown courtesy ofBrides of Bailgate, Lincoln’s premier bridal boutique, at www.lincolnweddingfayre.co.uk. For moreinformation on weddings at Belton House or marquee receptions, visit www.keymarque.co.uk006-007:Layout 1 15/2/13 14:48 Page 28 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYReader’slettersWe’d love to hear from you. If you have any news, views or issuesyou would like us to cover, do get in touch.In the moneyDear Lincolnshire Today,I was intrigued to read, on your website, thatcoastal businesses in our country can share in a£250,000 pot of funding thanks to the GreaterLincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership andLincolnshire County Council. What great news thatbusinesses will be able to bid for a share in themoney. One hopes the money will help open upnew opportunities to businesses in the industrial,retail and hospitality sectors along the coast whichcurrently suffer from poor broadband connectivityand little access to digital services. It’ll be great tosee how the money is spent.R FeathersCleethorpesRoyal spoilsDear Lincolnshire Today,Congratulations to all at theBishop Grosseteste University inLincoln, after another landmarkday in its history. The visit of HerRoyal Highness The Princess Royalto officially open the new universitywas a day to remember. As someone with close ties to education in LincolnI’ve rarely been as proud as when I saw a member of the Royal family atBGU. It’s got a great future ahead of it.T WilkinsWaddinghamPICK OF THE MONTHThe winner of our letter of the month wins a case of wine.We’d love to hear from you: Lincolnshire Today Magazine, Armstrong House, ArmstrongStreet, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk We reserve theright to edit published lettersFlood fearsDear Lincolnshire Today,If the last twelve months is anything to goby, then the Government’s pledge to committhe Environment Agency to spending almost£15 million on Grimsby’s flood defences is mostwelcome. With 14,000 homes under threat alongthe two miles of sea defences, Grimsby can illafford to sit back and wait for the next flood. Someof us still remember the floods of the seventies,and we’d rather not see those days again!R GrahamGrimsbyParklifeDear Lincolnshire Today,It’s sad to see Scunthorpe’sQuibell Park in such a sorrystate, and I truly hope NorthLincolnshire Council can comeup with a plan to restore whatwas once such a vital facility toits former glory. As a schoolboy Iregularly ran at Quibell, and wewere proud to do so. It’d begreat to go back there and see itupgraded so that anothergeneration of youngsters canenjoy it as much I did.P NicholasSleafordPICKOF THEMONTH008:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:40 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY9ArChWay CYCLE ROUTEKeep fit! Have fun!Discover art!Adventures with ArChWayExplore the countryside with an ArChWay Cycle Route through some ofLincolnshire’s most beautiful scenery. There are routes for all abilities and fitness.Should you like a gentle pace then take the ten mile Burwell route, pictured,visiting three of The Churches Conservation Trust’s historic churches andstopping off at the Royal Oak for some light refreshment. For those wanting asomething in between, the twenty mile Buslingthorpe route is just for you. Thethirty mile Yarburgh route, for the more adventurous, takes in six historicchurches with a pit stop at Appleby’s Famous Farm Ices.Get on your bike and have your own adventures with ArChWay! Todownload these routes visit www.visitchurches.org.uk/archway.ArChWay thank Andy Townhill and the Lincolnshire Cycle Touring Clubfor their help and guidance.If cycling’s not for you, why not take a leisurely drive and discover theArChWay Art Trailor come along to the ArChWay Arts Festivalin eight EastLincolnshire churches on the weekends of 1st and 2nd and 8th and 9th June,where artists, artisans and musicians invite you to unleash your artistic talents.The ArChWay Craft Weekendon 13th and 14th Julyat St Botolph’sChurch, Skidbrooke, offers a weekend of demonstrations and ‘hands on’ activities. To find out more visitwww.visitchurches.org.uk/archway,email archwayproject@thecct.org.uk orcall 0113 244 1689.come on an adventure through ArChWay art trail - glass, poetry, digital interpretation excite your senseswww.visitchurches.org.uk/archwayPhone 0113 244 1689 or email archwayproject@thecct.org.uk ArChWay training opportunities for volunteers are on offer and there is an imaginative programme of events and activities to suit all tastes – so join the Adventure.Contemporary glass panels by Derek Hunt incorporating poems by Lincolnshire’s Poet Laureate Joel Stickley have been installed in five churches and spectacular digital interpretation by Glassball. To findout more visit www.visitchurches.org.uk/archwayThese innovative creative artists have come together to fashion a sensory delight in St. Martin's, Waithe; All Saints, Saltfleetby; St. Mary's, NorthCockerington; St. Michael's, Burwell; St. George’s, Goltho.The ArChWay (Arts in Churches) project is jointly funded for three years by The Churches Conservation Trust and the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) via the Lincolnshire LEADERAction Groups – the Coastal Action Zone and the Lindsey Action Zone. 009:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:41 Page 1Next >