< PreviousWe’d love to hear from you: Lincolnshire Today, Armstrong House, Armstrong St., Grimsby, N. E. Lincs DN31 2QE. Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk. We reserve the right to edit published letters.yourlettersWe’d love to hear from you. If you haveany news, views or issues you wouldlike us to cover, do get in touch.PICKOF THEMONTHOsama fuelledmy car Dear Lincolnshire Today,The other day I was filling up at myfavourite Lincoln fuel station and wasapproached by a member of staff who askedme which fuel I’d like – I reeled like I’d justbeen approached by Osama Bin wotsit, indisguise, and insisted I was fine. Quitewhat was going through my mind I’mnot sure, after all isn’t this what we allused to enjoy and how had Osamarisen from the grave and changedthe colour of his skin?As my mind reeled, the attendantexplained they were just trying toimprove their service and I was still abit befuddled as he reached for thenozzle and asked “diesel ?“ It wasn’t very long ago I recall every fuelstation worked like this – then along camecomputerised pumps, tills and cardmachines..and the old boys that used towork the pumps started to vanish;presumably because by the time they’d filledyour tank and shuffled back to their booth,figured out how to work the till and processour chip and pin - the fuel you’d just boughthad just about evaporated. It seems some businesses are beginning torealise that what we all yearn for is a morepersonal service – although someonecould’ve warned us.P Wood, LincolnKnock it down and startagainDear Lincolnshire Today,I was pleased to read the news on the Gainsborough redevelopment of theSun Inn. Frankly, it’s rare that we see positive press on the town – perhapsjournalists find it difficult to wax lyrical about the stores that have all closed in thetown centre leaving little more than dilapidated charity shops and pound shops intheir wake. Even the council moved out of our town centre into wonderful new officesover at Marshalls Yard.On the subject of Marshalls yard (which you did mention of course) we find the oppositeextremes, like Browns who sell designer perfumes and clobber that very few Gainsboronianscould afford, let alone fit into, and Laura Ashley –a shop which my wife often peruses but veryrarely buys anything from. I’d love to know if she’s alone in this as there’s not much evidence tothe contrary looking at the houses around the town.What we do have is an enormous number of coffee shops, fast food outlets and pizzerias,so one more Italian restaurant is just what the town doesn’t need, especially with such poorparking choices and equally poor public transport which all seems to cease at 6pm - even thetrain station looks like it’s been redundant for years.Yes Gainsborough is indeed ripe for investment (or knocking down and starting again)although it’s hard to see who in their right minds would want to – after all Primark haveavoided it so far and even Mackays pulled out after giving up, presumably after growing tiredof trying to flog a very dead horse. T Duncan, GainsboroughAbandoning all hope for theNHSDear Lincolnshire Today,I never thought I would moan about the NHS. Ihave long been a supporter and dismissed thecomments of anyone who might decry the servicethat the staff provide. That was, until my partnerbecame an ‘inmate’ at Grimsby Hospital recently,where – despite being told he had to have tabletswith his breakfast –he was completely forgottenabout and had to take them with his lunch or relyon visitors to bring food! It didn’t stop here though, despite makingrepeated requests for something to wee into and eventually getting to bursting point somehours later, when ignored, given that he was in isolation and not allowed to use the publicbathroom, he was forced to relieve himself; in the sink! When my partner explained this to thestaff they just shrugged and said “oh dear, we cant have that, we’ll get you some morereceptacles” then failed to do so. I know the NHS is under strain but would this care free attitude change if more money waspumped in? Highly doubtful, given the long conversations staff seem to have about their sociallives while patients are trying to sleep at night which doesn’t suggest they’re overworked orunderpaid – just Laissez-faire.Email, Name withheld by requestThe winnerof our letterof the month wins acase of wine10 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY10_Layout 1 21/02/2017 10:33 Page 1Schemes and incentives availableThe Cheltenham5 bedroom detached home. For only £406,995 The Morgan5 bedroom luxury home. For only £689,995 The Barns2 bedroom linked-detached home. For only £320,995 The Chelmsford3 bedroom terrace homes. From only £244,995 The Hexham2 bedroom mid-terrace homes. From only £161,995The Towcester2 bedroom coach house. For only £168,995The Newbury3 bedroom detached home. For only £182,995The Oaklawn4 bedroom detached home. From only £322,995The Redcar4 bedroom detached home. From only £309,995The Sailsbury4 bedroom detached home. For only £244,995We have developments across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland!Developments coming soon: Oakley Rise, Corby Doddington Grange, Doddington Pinchbeck Fields, Pinchbeckwww.larkfleethomes.co.ukGeneral EnquiriesLarkfleet House, Falcon Way, Bourne PE10 0FF 01778 391555 Sales Office open daily 10am - 5pm2458 0217Prices and information correct at time of going to print. Images are for illustrative purposes only.Solar panels as standardBourne Heights Bourne, LincolnshireGretton Valley Corby, NorthamptonshireButtercross Park Oakham, RutlandWhittelsey Green Whittlesey, CambridgeshireGreetham Square Greetham, Rutland3, 4, & 5 beds from £195,9952 & 3 beds from £161,9953, 4, & 5 beds from £182,9952 & 3 beds from £320,9952, 3 & 4 beds from £166,9952, 3 & 4 beds from £155,995Last home left!3 & 4 beds from £199,9952, 3 & 4 beds from £147,500Thorney Meadows Thorney, CambridgeshireHempsted Park Peterborough, CambridgeshireLangham Barns Barleythorpe, RutlandParson’s Prospect Eye, CambridgeshireLast home left!The Paddock Stamford, LincolnshireCall or visit one of our showhomes today!Reserve NowA new home ready for Spring!eds, beck11_Layout 1 21/02/2017 10:34 Page 1Help to Buy12_Layout 1 21/02/2017 10:35 Page 1chestnuthomes.co.ukBacked by HM GovernmentThe Quadrant, BostonAn outstanding collection of small and family homes in Boston.Kings Manor Phase 3, ConingsbyAn exciting development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses on the outskirts of Coningsby.Register your interest at sales@chestnuthomes.co.ukLN6, LincolnA range of contemporary homes in the heart of Lincoln.Visit our show home at Westbrooke Road, LN6 7TB.Open daily from 10.30am to 5:30pm.Call 01522 525450Riverside, BostonA range of high-spec apartments overlooking Boston Marina.Visit our show home at Tattershall Rd, PE21 9DX.Open daily from 10:30am to 5:30pm. Call 01205 311473The Grange, ScothernA beautiful range of village homes in rural Lincolnshire.Visit our show home off Heath Road, LN2 2UD.Open daily from 10.30am to 5:30pm.Call 01673 861015Willoughby Chase, AlfordA charming development of family homes andbungalows just 15 minutes from the coast.Visit our show home at Willoughby Road, LN13 9AT.Open Friday to Monday 10:30am to 5.30pm.Call 01507 463440From£169,950From£152,950From£144,950From£102,950ComingSoonFro£169FFFFFFFFFrrrrroom£££££££££1111155Building Quality Homes Across LincolnshireComingSoon13_Layout 1 21/02/2017 10:35 Page 114 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESWhile the last year or so has been abusy time for the Addisons, holdingdown full time careers whilstsimultaneously creating their dreamhome, the couple are no strangers tohard work. Having undertaken severalsuch projects in the past, they arepassionate about what they create.The couple both grew up in Louth andlove the area, so one can imagine theirdelight when they first discovered a plotof land in such a prime location wascoming up for sale. As Maureen explains,“We were really fortunate that, while atthe local swimming club with ourdaughter that one of her friend’s parentsmentioned they were thinking of puttingup some building land for sale, and Ithought, wow that’d be a great spot.” Most people embarking on a self-buildproject will tell you that finding theperfect building plot for sale is key to a successful self-build, and can be one ofthe most challenging parts of the process, so Steve was naturally delightedwhen Maureen relayed the news. The next step was deciding what theywanted in a new home and getting thisvision down on paper to attain thenecessary planning approval. This initself can take up to eight weeks for aplanning department to consider anapplication but, this also proved relativelyContemporarycountry chicSteve and MaureenAddison have created astunning home inKenwick Pastures thatoffers all the comfortand class you’d expectfrom a family home.And, building from theground up meant theycould introduce somewell thought out featuresto make the house trulyoriginal, with its owneco-credentials.14-17_Layout 1 21/02/2017 11:15 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY15straightforwardas the couple had agood idea of what they wanted, and hadchosen their architect to bring their visionto fruition.An architect’s fee can seem costly, ifyou’ve never undertaken a self-buildbefore, but,more often than not theirexpertise outweighs the expense. It helpsof course if you collate your ideas, as youcan then give your architect cleardirections.Steve, who works full time in thebuilding trade full time, didn’t need hisarchitect to project manage the differentstages, which meant more of theavailable budget could be poured intotheir home and he could call ontradesmen which he knew could be reliedupon to do a first rate job. As Steve tellsus, “Building your own house is a largeinvestment, so you want to get it right;from the start.”The results really do speak forthemselves - where there was once only agarden, there now sits a quality familyhome that looks, to all extents andpurposes, like it has always been there,rather than the stark new builds thatsometimes stand out like a bright pair oftrainers. Approaching the house with the soundof the gravel drive crunching beneathyour tyres, this property exudes16 Á“Buildingyour ownhouse is a largeinvestment,so you want toget it right;from the start.”14-17_Layout 1 21/02/2017 11:15 Page 216 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESopulence. You can’t help notice the tranquillity of thearea and entering the property there are some reallygreat touches, like the exceptional open plan livingroom/kitchen and dining room. Tiled floors act almost like radiators, as under floorheating radiates warmth into the room. Maureen tellsus: “The under floor heating only needs to come on fora couple of hours each day as the tiles emit heat the restof the day, which is great – it’s so cosy, even on days likethis, and so economical too.” The living area is suffused with light from the dual aspectwindows and the French doors leading out to the gardenoutside accentuate the feeling of space “We often see wildlifeplaying in the garden,” says Maureen, “squirrels as well ascountless species of birds, but that’s the great thing we loveabout living so close to the countryside,” she continues, “theother thing is of course the fact that Louth is almost on ourdoorstep and there’s everything you could want there. It’s alovely market town, and hassuch great schools. Both ourdaughters went to the localGrammar School and came out withexcellent grades.” On the ground floor there’s also a utility room alounge and a study all opulently decorated throughout andmaking full use of the available space. Upstairs the property boasts four double bedrooms. Themaster bedroom has its own dressing room and en-suite and ofthe three remaining bedrooms, one has fitted wardrobes anden-suite, while the others share a high end family bathroom. Ithas to be said the charm and character along with the highlevel of finish is a theme which seems evident throughout thehome and it seems no expense has been spared in the build.Steve and Maureen have been skilful in their design of theirhome and have certainly completed what they set out toachieve. The couple tell us they now on the hunt for anotherplot of land so they can embark on their next adventure, whichmeans this superb residence is now going on the market. Theprice tag for such luxury will be just £415,000 - a very realisticprice that will undoubtedly mean a quick sale and we wish thecouple well with their next project.This home in Kenwick Pastures is now on the market with BairstowEves Countrywide, 13 Cornmarket Louth, LN11 9PY. Telephone01507 594 042 or visit www.bairstoweves.co.uk. FOR THATOLD FASHIONEDPERSONAL SERVICEBRIGG BEDSCome visit our showroom at Princes Street, Brigg, DN20 8HGTel: (01652) 651828 Email: briggbeds@hotmail.co.ukwww.briggbeds.co.uk10% OFFVOUCHER**OFFER TO BE USED ONLY ONCEPER CUSTOMERSUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS“We oftensee wildlife playing inthe garden - squirrels aswell as countless speciesof birds, but that’s thegreat thing we love aboutliving so close to thecountryside”14-17_Layout 1 21/02/2017 11:15 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY17Outstanding Bespoke furniture Chesterfields in Lincoln “For Quality, Style and Value” 01673 866656 www.chesterfieldsinlincoln.co.uk Brunel House, Deepdale Lane, Neleham, LN2 2LL Open Mon - Sat 9am-5pm. Sunday by appointment Deepdale Lane is off A46 3 miles North of Lincoln. Follow the signpost for Lincolnshire Police headquarters. We are first on the left. Offers on all Stoves, Fires & SurroundsFor the best deals, visit or call:Boston01205 310 327Boston Heating, Church Road, Boston PE21 0LGFireplaces & Multifuel ServicesMultifuel & woodburning stoves from just £299Valor and Dimplex centre with fire surroundsBeautiful fireplaces, firesand stoves for every homelOver 75 beautiful displays in Huge Showroom with room settingslBespoke fireplace manufacturing service availablelIn-house Gas Safe and HETAS registered fitting serviceslFires available in Gas, Electric and Solid Fuel – including wood burning and multi-fuel stoveslFamily run showroom established in April 1989Burning Sensation(Grimsby) LtdArmstrong Street, Grimsby. DN31 1XDTel: 01472 351651Email: sales@burningsensation.co.ukwww.burningsensation.co.uk14-17_Layout 1 21/02/2017 11:15 Page 418 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMES18-21_Layout 1 21/02/2017 11:17 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY19HOMESPicture the scene – you’ve justredecorated a room, gotten it exactlyhow you like it, but something crucialis still missing. The inevitable truth ofredecorating any room is excising itsexisting personality and replacing itwith something different. The vibe youwere going might not gel the wayyou’d expected, but with a fewcarefully selected additions, suddenlyall your interior design dreams arerealised. A couple of quirky additions in andaround the bedroom, living room oreven bathroom will add a uniquetouch and oodles of stylish flair. Thesecret is not to rely too heavily on anyone brand or supplier. Lincolnshire isawash with shops, stalls and outlets toexplore, and that perfect piece isn’tgoing to find you, so get hunting. Let your run wildTempo Sofa- Natuzzi’sTempo sofa consists ofseveral modules that cometogether to form linear,corner and peninsularagreements. imagination18-21_Layout 1 21/02/2017 11:17 Page 2Next >