< Previousthe latest lockdown. You might have noticed it yourself, but the public has generally taken this third lockdown more seriously than the others. Supermarkets are experiencing a lot less footfall in 2021 as more and more people shop from home. Yet some people are putting businesses at risk. Firms right across the industrial divide have adjusted their working practices and routines to ensure they remain in line with government guidance and keep everybody safe. Yet despite this, many people have cancelled appointments with builders, landscapers and myriad other businesses. Needless to say, this has caused a body blow to many firms. Not only was a company expecting that income, but will not then have enough time to fill that lost appointment. Essentially, cancelling appointments, especially late in the day, literally costs businesses money. So, if you have appointments booked in for works around the home or garden, we implore you to keep them. We’re by no means suggesting you do anything you’re © Shutterstock /Halfpoint 10 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY A YEAR ON 12 Á A warm welcome from Millstone Garden Centre We’re really looking forward to seeing all our regular and new customers alike. As we all progress towards a more relaxed, sustainable gardening season, we’re all now very aware of the benefits of being active outdoors enjoying the fresh air. Gardening has been unquestionably proven to be very beneficial for both physical & mental wellbeing; especially during these challenging times. Not only that, but you get to eat the freshest of fantastic food from your own labours! We would also like to express our deep gratitude to all our splendid staff who have been a tremendous asset to our sustainability, and again, our grateful thanks to all our customers who have given us their support throughout. We are obviously following Government guidelines to the best of our ability and we politely ask you to do the same. We are welcoming all visitors who just want to get out of the house and take a breath of fresh air or walking your dog on a lead. Browse our comprehensive range of high- quality, hard-to-find specimens along with a fantastic range of landscaping supplies. We regularly have new stock arriving. We hope to see you soon and all of our best! Tom & Joanne Rutherford - Millstone Garden Centre 09-13.qxp_Layout 1 02/03/2021 09:58 Page 2 d SldMiMiEarlies,li li& Hand-selected, 31 TALITY SCOQU , , 3 U t i ld & diGri ti& did v Fi tOCKIN STi ti& new v TTISH SEED PO r. .T Fruit plants Hd id BARE esistance!ase r SecondEarlies, OESTTOTA r , TT much more! it PLANTS A All your f VEGET d Soft TROO tes and SS ABLE Haemmerlin Wheelbarrows lightweight yet sturdy ,op qualityT WSHEELBARROW , W!! O NO PLANT O ias tasty as it gets y easy to grow anderV ARLIC & ONIONG r S V NS ailable in bulk or baggedav f StChii& A sizes & teNumerous colours, URFUL STOOLC , ALITY COMPQU V ALALUE! TT V GREA AA V ates xtures ONET POST MMO CO NUM t & ltthiibd B ibtif l b i htt KINDER SEEDL , S & S WW NO O NO PLA g! o your INGS W! NT special specimen! supply thatcanwe wersroork of gnetw geThrough our lar w PLANT SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PROFESSIONALFREE luding aquaticinc ideal for all applications Chif ALITY COMPQUU m ADVICE FROM SEASONED E mposts POST Su 5:00pm.— 8:00 ecentrdengarmillstone Mon to Sat: TSEXPER 4pm—01 e co uk n: ! 01 m Grimaltham, WCheapside,50 472 828 1 ecentrdengarmillstone msby DN37 0HX e.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 D.D.S ROOFING Enhance your old tired roof to an elegant distinctive modern style • all roof repairs • insurance work • free estimates • slate and tile roofs • re-roofing • storm damage • gutters and fascias • slating & tiling • flat roofs and felting • fibre glass roofing Tel: 01472 267709 • Mobile: 07980 962009 Email: derrick.saxby@homecall.co.uk 9 Clifton Street, Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, Lincoln, LN5 8LQ tel: 01522 546118 email: sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk SINGLE USE MENUS / NOTICES AND SIGNS INFORMATION LEAFLETS LOGOS AND BRANDING / STATIONARY BUSINESS CARDS / NEWSLETTERS POSTCARDS / FLYERS / BROCHURES VINYL BANNERS / ROLLER BANNERS POSTERS / PLAN PRINTING Printing / Copying Graphic Design More than 40 years in business CLICK & COLLECT SERVICE Working within COVID-19 guidelines 09-13.qxp_Layout 1 02/03/2021 09:59 Page 312 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY A YEAR ON uncomfortable with, or put you or your family at risk, but cancelling appointments for the sake of it is damaging to companies. This is a business’s livelihood, so it is in their interest to ensure socially distancing and safety measures are in place and strictly observed the entire time. Remember, it’s not just the businesses that suffers, but its employers and all those that depend on them. Of course, not all the blame can be heaped at the public’s feet. The government bears the brunt of the responsibility and the blame and their often contradictory, sometimes nonsensical advice has resulted in confusion. No wonder people are still unsure what they can and can’t do and why businesses are still dealing with so much uncertainty. Over the last twelve months, businesses have been forced to adapt and change – not only the way in which they operate but, in many cases, the products and services they offer. For example, restaurants that have never before offered takeaway and home delivery have had to rapidly adapt in order to keep a revenue stream, while offers have been delivery boxes of fresh local produce and home baked goods. The pandemic has forced businesses to get creative like never before and it’s had a transformative effect. It might be hard to see © Shutterstock /M2020 DIRECT GASKETS LIMITED Contact us today on 01482 219655 or visit our website www.direct‐gaskets.co.uk Since 1989 we have been market leaders in the manufacture of Gaskets. Having been established for over 30 years and based in Hull, we play an important role in the city’s manufacturing sector. Whilst doing this we have also built up a strong reputation for supplying high quality products at very competitive prices and an unbeatable service. Oil Fired Boiler Engineer OFTEC Registered Steve Russell Plumbing • Oil Tank Replacement Service • Installation • Commissioning • Repairs • 24 Hour Call Out • Servicing & General Plumbing Call Steve on 07840 531403 09-13.qxp_Layout 1 02/03/2021 09:59 Page 4LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 13 A YEAR ON any good that has come from the coronavirus crisis, but there is always a silver lining. Having had their mettle tested, businesses and bosses will be stronger and have a more dynamic and creative approach to crisis and problem solving. As well as restaurants and hospitality businesses, retail firms have had to get creative. Click and collect has become prevalent across the entire retail environment, as companies look for ways to operate within the law whilst also ensuring business continuity. Other businesses now fall under ‘essential retail’ and can therefore remain open. Although that might sound like a blessing, especially for the number of amazing garden centres we have in Lincolnshire, there are plenty of challenges. For example, garden centres like Millstone Garden Centre in Waltham, Grimsby continue to be open to the public, providing a key service and offering. Studies have highlighted time and again the benefits of plants and flowers on mental health and, as people deal with the collective trauma of the pandemic, and are forced to stay at home, this can be a literal lifesaver. Other companies that remain open for business and continue to serve the community are Grimsby-based Saxby Roofing; GL Commercials; Lincoln’s Steve Russell Plumbing Services; Lincs VWA in Tetney, and Lincoln Print and Copy who are offering click and collect. So, whether you’ve got roofing or plumping works booked in, or need to hire a trailer (or have one serviced or repaired), we implore you to keep supporting local businesses and keep your appointments whenever humanly possible. Although many retailers are currently closed, they are offering click and collect and delivery service, so rather than going straight to Amazon and the like, consider instead using what’s right on your doorstep. As we move into spring, doubtless you’ll want to start spending more time in the garden, so consider visiting your local garden centre for supplies – just make sure to observe all social distancing and safety rules. Keep safe, save lives, safe businesses. © Shutterstock /Stepan Bormotov T: 01469 574239 | M: 07711 496138 E: glcommercials@btinternet.com W: www.glcommercials.com GL GL GL Commercials Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby Hire, Service & Repairs Keeping Your Business Moving 09-13.qxp_Layout 1 02/03/2021 10:00 Page 514 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES Charming Full of character, this unique church conversion, sitting in an idyllic location, has been transformed into a family home. church conversion 14-18.qxp_Layout 1 01/03/2021 16:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 15 HOMES Standing in the village of Withern, up a quiet lane and sweeping gravel driveway, St Margaret’s House is a unique Grade II Listed church conversion on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, yet close to the coast. The property has been transformed into a family home by its owners, who have lived here for 23 years, originally attracted by its charm and ambience. When they arrived at the dwelling, it had been “very badly converted.” The couple have since worked painstakingly to restore its character and open the abode up to create a good flow that more so replicates that of the church originally there, allowing you to walk in several different directions. Speaking on the works overall the owners said: “We did quite a lot of research before we actually undertook anything. It was a vast area to work with, but we were in no great rush. We decided we would rather have things done right than rushed.” They added: “A lot of church conversions can feel like they are very staged and theatrical, but what we wanted was a home to live in and share with friends and family. I think we’ve definitely achieved that.” While creating a family home the owners have restored the building to its former glory. Worth noting is the effort made to bring the character of the stonework in the church back to life: “The stone arches and columns were all painted over previously, and we spent months with a special treatment taking the paint off.” The couple also put a great deal of thought into their use of colour: “Many church conversions have everything painted white, and we had a 16 Á 14-18.qxp_Layout 1 01/03/2021 16:36 Page 216 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES long think of what we should do.” The property initially hosted a baby blue and baby pink palette, not in keeping with the church. It now houses a much warmer, fitting colour scheme. Perhaps the biggest change for the property came in the chancel, or living room, which is the couple’s favourite room in the home. The owners explained: “The chancel was literally just a bare shell. We completely redecorated it.” With such a large ceiling they decided they couldn’t simply paint it white as it would look too stark. Now the ceiling holds a stencilled design. “We had a Michelangelo lying on his back on scaffolding for three weeks making the design,” the couple laughed. If one tours the home you will step through grand bespoke double wooden doors into the hallway, which also hosts a further original oak Church door. On the ground floor one will find the dining kitchen, with a range of bespoke wall and base units, complimentary Caesar stone work surfaces, a Rangemaster double oven cooker with five ring gas hob, ceramic Belfast sink, integrated appliances, bespoke windows, and a walk-in pantry with shelving. From the kitchen, one can enter the formal dining room, also accessible from the hallway, which holds a large brick open fireplace with wooden mantle and stone hearth. Continuing through the house the chancel/living room, referred to as the “grandest of the rooms,” waits to be discovered, with high ceilings, a stunning stone arched window, imposing stone archway, inset fireplace with stone mantle and hearth housing a multi fuel burner. “The flood of light that comes into that room is just fabulous,” the owners said. They added: “It also has a fantastic wood 14-18.qxp_Layout 1 01/03/2021 16:37 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 17 HOMES burner which makes it really cosy. Even though it is a large room it feels warm and comfortable.” The ground floor also hosts a study and bedroom with large built-in storage cupboards and an en suite shower room with electric under floor heating. Ascending upstairs the spacious gallery landing is currently set up as a library and seating area. The first floor holds four bedrooms, including the master which features a stone arch, and a bathroom with a five-piece suite comprising of a close coupled WC, two mounted ceramic wash hand basins with chrome mixer taps over, a walk-in shower unit with glass screen, a free-standing feature bath, radiator, electric under floor heating, a feature window, and airing cupboard. Travelling outside, mature landscaped gardens wrap around the property, providing privacy and tranquil panoramic views out across open fields. “That’s where the church is quite unusual because churches are normally right in the centre of villages,” the owners noted. In addition, as the house is in the centre of the plot there is always a spot 18 Á 14-18.qxp_Layout 1 01/03/2021 16:37 Page 418 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES to sit out in the sun. The gardens are partly laid to lawn with several borders with shrubs and plants. There is also a vegetable patch which keeps the couple self-sufficient for most of the year, a greenhouse, and seating areas. It’s a far cry from the garden with four concrete leaking fishponds that existed when the owners purchased the property. “We spent weeks breaking the ponds up with a sledgehammer and getting rid of the concrete,” the couple said. A haven for wildlife, the property has a deliberate open aspect on the back of the home where fencing and high hedges have been avoided to maintain the view and allow wildlife to get from one farmland to another. “We get plenty of pheasants, hares, and deer going by. Our garden is almost like a corridor for the wildlife to go from one side of the village to the other,” the owners said. One side of the house also holds an entrance to an owl box in the chancel roof. On a number of occasions barn owls have rested here, and for the first time, last summer, kestrels moved in, putting on a display as two chicks learned to fly around the garden. Despite loving the home, the owners are now looking to move. They explained: “We are simply ready for a change of scenery. We have investigated and seen most of the area here, cycled every lane, walked every path numerous times. We’re looking for a new adventure. If we could pick the house up and take it with us would definitely would, but I think it’s time that somebody else enjoys it and what its surroundings can give, whether it’s another retired couple or a family.” St Margaret’s House is now on the market with Hunters for £625,000. 14-18.qxp_Layout 1 01/03/2021 16:37 Page 5ORDER FORM Yes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazine for the next 12 months, with the first 3 issues only being £1. 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