£2.95 MARCH 2018THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE30+ years young30+ years youngWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLM£2.95 MARCH 2018THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEWelcomingSpringWelcomingSpringNewseasonfashionFarm &CountryLinkThe best ofLincolnshireNewseasonfashionFarm &CountryLinkThe best ofLincolnshire01_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:06 Page 1GROUNDBREAKINGEVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR NEXT LANDSCAPING PROJECTFrom classic styles to contemporary looks, we have everything you need to create the perfect outdoor space.View the range & find your local branch at: buildbase.co.ukView the rangNEWLANDSCAPINGCATALOGUEOUT NOWate & find your local branch APINOGUOW02_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:07 Page 1from theeditorI trust that whether you were celebrating thatspecial person in your life or enjoying time withfriends, you had a pleasant Valentine’s Day. But thefestivities don’t stop there, with Mother’s Day andEaster well on the way. With Easter falling earlier in 2018, March is a busymonth this year. If you haven’t already found yourmum the perfect present, then we’ve got youcovered with our extensive fashion pages and our home trendscollating this month’s must haves for the home. Failing that, my onlyadvice would just be to get out there and see first-hand what thiscounty has to offer. But where to go? Lucky for you, we’ve got not onebut two area features this month espousing the cultural andentertainment highlights of both Boston and Woodhall Spa. With the sun starting to make more regular appearances, we canfinally get out and enjoy this gorgeous county we keep harping onabout. Our golfing pages are a great read for novices and pros alike,while the caring pages have a very healthy bent. Regular readers will know that March is when we publish our muchanticipated farming supplement, and boy do we have a corker for youthis year. With all the latest agri-news and insight, our editorial teamtake a look at county shows, machinery and management. The greatoutdoors can also be gleaned in this month’s artist profile, which youjust need to see for yourselves. With all the must-attend events and the latest news that about topsoff this month’s Lincolnshire Today. Don’t forget to spoil your mothersrotten and go easy on the chocolate. Good reading, as alwaysMichael FisherEditorand the Lincolnshire Today teamLincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.netGroup Editor:Steve FisherEditor:Michael Fisher, Journalists:Dominic Cuthbert,Stuart PearceySales Director: Angela CooperSales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes(01472) 310301Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen,Mark CassonAdvertising: 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 all plasticwrapping, free gifts and samples. If you areunable to participate in a recycling scheme,then why not pass your magazine onto a localhospital or charity?FRONT COVER: SHUTTERSTOCK/CARON BADKIN03_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:08 Page 1Features6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIREWhat’s been going on in the county this month?10LINCOLN SPORTSMAN’S DINNERThe most recent Lincoln Sportsmans Club Dinner was areturn to the 1977 FA Cup Final, between Manchester Unitedand Liverpool. The guest speakers were Phil Neal, who madea record 365 consecutive league appearances for Liverpooland Sammy McIlroy, who had already made his debut as a 17year old for Manchester United33WHEN IN WOODHALL SPASituated on the southern edge on Lincolnshire’s verdantWolds, Woodhall Spa is often held up as one of the county’smost picturesque and inviting villages38LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFEThe March Hare is one of the more memorable characters inLewis Carroll’s surreal menagerie, although its associationwith this month stretches further back40THIS SEASONS HIGHLIGHTSSpring is in full swing so it’s time to dive deep and see whatour favourite designers have on their rails this season50YOUR BEAUTY GUIDE TO SPRINGAs the wind, snow and ice abates, spring offers an altogetherkinder time on your skin and hair. But that means the beautyregime you’ve been relying on for the last four months needsto change52LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLOREDAmongst Lincolnshire’s canals built in the late 1700’s theGrantham Canal was the longest. We look at its history,demise and subsequent revival54THOSE SPRING MONTHSSpring is here, and though it’s perhaps not time to bring outthe barbecue just yet, we can finally move away from fooddesigned to keep us warm! Here are some of our favouritespring time recipes. 60ESCAPE FROM MODERN DAYHistorical architecture, wildlife, waterways and culture:Boston is the surprising port town, and well-kept secret, thatcan provide it all65STAYING SHARP AS WE AGEIt is important to stay healthy and active as we age, not justphysically, but mentally. While puzzle books are having aresurgence in popularity for maintaining strong brains, thereare other factors that are easy to forget when consideringhow to avoid mental deterioration76OFF THE BEATEN TRACKThere’s nothing better than a brisk, bracing walk to get fit -it’s also a great way to meet like minded people so here’s arelatively moderate one that should suit readers of most agesand fitness levels78COUNTY MOTORINGThe Geneva Motor show is back again with a whole new rangeof cars to display, but which ones should keep your eye on?MARCH4040SPRING IS IN FULL SWING SO IT’S TIME TODIVE DEEP AND SEE WHAT OUR FAVOURITEDESIGNERS HAVE ON THEIR RAILS THISSEASONcontents04-05_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:09 Page 12626AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, YOU MIGHT NOTWANT TO VENTURE OUT INTO THE GARDENSO MUCH – BUT EVER THOUGHT ABOUTBRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN WITH ACONSERVATORY OR ORANGERY?81GOLF YOUR WAY FITFor those who find frequent trips to the gym less thaninspiring, golf might become an attractive alternative84WHAT’S ONThere’s always something going on in LincolnshireDesirable homes14YOUR OWN WOODLAND PARADISEThis month’s featured home is a magnificent modernisedperiod house, perfectly placed south facing in natures serenity,but with the rare and desired bonus of great travel links20BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMSThe bedroom has long been one of the most neglectedspaces in one’s own home. Of course, it’s the room for resting,but how much time can you honestly say you spend in there?22Q&A - ASKEWS FURNITUREWe talk to Mark & Helen Lawrence, owners of Askew’sFurniture in Alford24VISIONS OF SPRINGIt’s officially the beginning of spring which means Lincoln’sLittle Red Gallery has some blooming great art26GET CLOSER TO THE GARDENAt this time of year, you might not want to venture out intothe garden so much – but ever thought about bringing theoutdoors in with a conservatory or orangery?30GARDENING IN FULL SPRINGIt’s a wonderful time of year, with spring on its way andsummer just around the corner, and now is the time thatpeople turn their attention to their garden. Unsure where tostart? Don’t worry, Ed Fuller from Fullers Forestry andLandscaping gives you everything you need to knowFarm & Country68FARM & COUNTRY NEWSThe latest new from across the countryside70FARM MACHINERYFarm machinery is by no means a new invention, butinnovation in the sector has seen benefits abound for thosewilling to invest72FARM MANAGEMENTChallenges abound, but opportunities beyond. Farmmanagement remains the difficult task it has always been,albeit with a few new twists74COUNTY SHOWSCounty shows aren’t just a fantastic event for getting thefamily outside. They’re a means of education for children andadults alike, and offer plenty of attractions to that effect04-05_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:09 Page 2Tour of Britainrace visitors spent£3m in North LincolnshireFigures from Tour of Britain race organisers show that visitors spent nearly £3 million in North Lincolnshire when it hosted a stage ofthe race last year.The figure, revealed in a report to North Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet, was welcomed by its Leader Cllr Rob Waltham as “a massiveboost to the North Lincolnshire economy” in terms of the benefits from the special day.Big names from across the world of cycling – including Mark Cavendish and Gerraint Thomas – brought an estimated 200,000spectators to North Lincolnshire on the day, with almost half coming from outside the area.Many visitors stayed overnight, putting £530,000 into the area’s accommodation businesses.An estimated 25,000 people saw the stage’s climactic end on theKingsway by Central Park in Scunthorpe, over 50% more than werepredicted.Internationalattention forScunthorpe literacyproject A delegation from the Maltese National Literacy Agency has come toNorth Lincolnshire to borrow ideas from the Scunthorpe United ReadingStars project aimed at engaging young readers through football.Children’s author Tom Palmer – best known for his Football Academy andFoul Play series of books – lead sessions with 150 children from nine localprimary schools at Scunthorpe’s Glanford Park.He was joined by footballers from Scunthorpe United at their homeground to treat the pupils to a spooky ghost tour of the stadium, football-themed activities, a penalty shoot-out and a question and answer session.In their native Malta, the National Literacy Agency’s work uses TomPalmer’s books andresources from his website tomake pupils passionateabout reading through theirlove of football. Tom invitedthem to see him in actionwith our Scunthorpe UnitedReading Stars project toget ideas on how tofurther improve theirown project back inMalta.latestnewsLincoln counsellinghub doubles size withfunding boostNWCH has doubled the size of its Lincoln hub with anew dedicated training centre after securing £60,000from The Key Fund.The funding is made up of £50,000 in loan finance anda £10,000 grant and will allow the community interestcompany to achieve its ambitions of helping more people.The training centre will generate a fresh source ofincome for the future sustainability of the enterprise.Twenty-five people, including 18 counsellors, now workout of the Hub, which is seeing a rising demand for itsservices.CEO and co-founder Naomi Watkins said: “We areabsolutely thrilled with the support received from The KeyFund. This is vital to our plans to grow and help moreindividuals and families, as well as to train more people forour profession.“To receive such important backing less than a yearafter we opened our doors is amazing. It highlights TheKey Fund’s confidence in our business plans.”© Shutterstock / Stefan Schurr© Shutterstock / Tatiana BobkovaNWCH Co-founderAlex Parkin, BusinessDevelopmentManager CharlieBlackwell and CEOand Co-founderNaomi Watkins06-08_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:16 Page 1Grimsby-based Red Herring Games is targeting new markets with theopening of its first overseas office in Australia.The murder mystery dining experience specialist has been workingwith advisers at the Department for International Trade (DIT) totransform into a global exporter.As a result, overseas sales accounted for almost 40% of the business’annual £185,000 sales total in 2017. This year, targeting overseas markets via Amazon is forecast to bring in almost £70,000alone.The company moved to new premises in Grimsby in 2013 and has since boosted its two-strong team with three new recruits to meetits export demand.Managing Director Jo Smedley said: “Our latest challenge is establishing an office in Australia. It’s been a steep learning curve but,again, DIT has been close at hand to support us and provide crucial market insight and knowledge.”The company now has plans to open an office in the United States.Lincoln duo braveEverest base forcharityThis March, Sue Robinson and daughter Dani will take on thechallenge of trekking to Everest Base Camp to raise money for StBarnabas Hospice, in memory of their dad/grandad Bob Shaw.The mother-daughter duo was inspired to take on this challenge lastyear, when an old military friend asked friends to join him to mark the end ofhis 38 years in service. Sue was instantly interested in this once in a lifetime trip,and asked her daughter to join in.“Dani has aspirations to see the world, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to trek to thedizzying altitude of 5,380 metres. Dad was an inspirational man to many throughout his lifetime. He worked in theArmy and the Prison Service, and was a loving husband, dad and granddad,” she said.“We all have such fond memories of him and his humour. He was such a character, and once you met him you wouldnever forget him.”Buildbase unveilsLandscapingBrochure 2018From classic styles to contemporary looks, Buildbase haseverything you need to create the perfect outdoor space.You can get up to speed with the full range in the latestBuildbase Landscaping Brochure, making it easier than everbefore to find what you need and bring your landscaping dreamsto life.Coloured borders within the guide make it easy to navigateproduct sections from paving, landscaping, doors and drivewaysto fencing and timber structures, decking and cladding. As well as advice and guidance on choosing the right products, there’s a “plan your project” section. You’ll also findinformation on landscaping tools for hire.• Six Buildbase/Tiselo ranges. • BSW acoustic Fence panelling. • LPD Bi-fold doors. • New driveway and double gate options.• More garden furniture and artificial grass products. • Product care, patio specialist, Azpects, and timber and decking experts,Akzo.Buildbase Landscaping Brochure 2018 is available at local branches and Buildbase.co.uk.mystery businessmakes a scene overseasMurder© Shutterstock / urfinJo SmedleySue and DaniRobinson06-08_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:16 Page 2Lincolnshire children’scharity receives £19kfrom Branston potatoesChildren attending out-of-school activities organisedby the Lincolnshire branch of national charity KIDS wererecently presented with a cheque for more than £19,000from potato supplier Branston.KIDS Lincolnshire offers children and young peoplewith additional needs the opportunity to attend afterschool clubs and activity days during the school holidays.Each week, local children can benefit from one trip away,one sporting day out and two sessions at local communitycentre St Christopher’s School in Lincoln.John Griffin, General Manager at Branston’s Lincoln site, said:“We were proud to have KIDS Lincolnshire as our site’s charityof the year in 2017. Their activities provide local children withsome much-needed opportunities for fun, learning and adventure.Our team’s activities raised a fantastic £12,950.40 and Branstonadded 50% on top of this to bring it to a total of £19,425.60.” Free drinks testingfor safer nights outin LincolnBars and pubs in Lincoln are taking part in a new six-month pilot scheme offering to test drinks for the presence of drugs. The 10participating venues are trialling this as part of measures introduced to help keep people safe when they’re on a night out in the city.Following on from the highly successful ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, organisations in Lincolnshire are working with research companyDrug Lab 118 who are supplying their ‘Drink Detective’ narcotic-testing kits for free.The bars will supply feedback on the kits to help further product development. In exchange, anyone on a night out will be able to askbar staff in these venues for their drink to be tested, should they have any concerns.Hayley Child, from Lincolnshire County Council’s Safer Communities Service, said: “The bars taking part have already signed up to theAsk for Angela scheme and are showing their commitment to helping keep people safe.”latestnewsLionel Richieto play LincolnshireShowgroundInternational pop superstar Lionel Richie will return to the UKthis year, with a performance at Lincolnshire Showground in June.Performing hits from his extensive and much-loved repertoirespanning decades, all the way from the Commodores to the presentday, Richie’s shows are world renowned for their party atmosphere.“I’ve been missing the UK and can’t wait to make my long awaitedreturn and to see parts of the country I’ve never made it out tobefore,” Lionel says. “The fans are always incredible and they make theatmosphere at every show electric, so I look forward to singing alongwith them soon.”These will be Lionel’s first UK shows since receiving glitteringreviews for the ‘All The Hits’ tour which included three nights atLondon’s O2.Jayne Southall, CEO at the Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We’redelighted to be announcing another concert here at the Showground,and especially an act as prestigious as Lionel Richie.”© Shutterstock / MEDIA66606-08_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:16 Page 3facebook.com/Ambucopter @LNAACT AMBUCOPTER.ORG.UKRegistered Charity Number: 1017501The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance are the official Charity Partner of Lincoln Fashion Week 2018. BALL DRESS BLITZDuring Lincoln Fashion Week in May we will be hosting our very own Ball Room Boutique in Lincoln City Centre, and we urgently need your donations! We’re on the lookout for high quality, pre-loved clothing and accessories, suitable for school proms, black tie events, a day out at the races and even a holiday cruise. Dresses, jewellery, shoes, bags, hats and fascinators welcome. Your outfits will be resold, at affordable prices, at our Ball Room Boutique in Lincoln, raising money to get us flying 24/7. Please help support your local air ambulance by donatingyour pre-loved outfits at one of the following locations up until the 15th April:• Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Shops: Lincoln High Street, Bracebridge Heath,Wragby, Market Rasen, Spalding or Ashby• Debenhams St. Marks Shopping Centre• Waterside Shopping Centre• The White Hart Hotel, Bailgate, LincolnWE NEED YOUR HELP!DONATE YOUR DRESSESNOW!4th – 11th May09_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:16 Page 1Next >