< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEASTERBLOOMINGfantastic!Just when we were all getting ready toturn the thermostat down and possiblyput the thermals away, winter seemed toenjoy something of a second wind thisMarch with the snowploughs back inforce. But if the weathermen are to bebelieved, the arctic conditions shouldcome to an end just in time for the Easterholidays.The Easter holidays for most of us arethe first chance of the year to make themost of the county and there’s plentygoing on, whether you’re looking forways to keep the kids occupied for afortnight or just hoping for a pleasantdiversion for your long weekend.Certainly many of Lincolnshire’s toprestaurants are offering special menusand numerous offers for the holidayweekend, and with the clocks goingforward on Saturday night it’ll be yourfirst chance to enjoy the long springevenings in suitably attractivesurroundings (if the weather holds out).In recent times, Lincolnshire has begunto cast off its old image as a sleepy anddull destination and is welcoming agrowing number of visitors – often incontrast to a downturn on a nationalscale. North Lincolnshire, for example,saw over 2.6 million people visit the areafor the day in 2012 – a 3.4% increase,while most other places in the UK haveseen an increase. With tourism chiefsannouncing that around £167 million isEaster’s the time whenthe county wakes upwith a bang, andthere’s plenty ofexcitement to be found– especially if you’refascinated by the past060-065:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:55 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY61EASTERPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SOFIAWORLDcontributed to the local economy by tourism, andsome four thousand jobs are involved in it, you knowthat as well as having great fun, you’re alsosupporting local businesses.Of course, the Olympics and Queen’s Jubileecelebrations played a huge part last year’s successand 2013 could almost be an anti-climax – butthere’s plenty going on across the country. In NorthLincolnshire, recent investment means The Pods andBaths Hall are still brand spanking new and the newEpworth Food Fair is helping attract even morevisitors, with some 12,000 attending last year. Afterlast year’s washout summer, too, fingers crossed2013 might be somewhat nicer.62 060-065:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:55 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEASTERLincolnshire’s top attractions usuallytake the Easter weekend as the start ofthe summer season and open their doorsfor longer. Many of our regular animalsvisitors also take the holidays as their firstopportunity to make the journey, andindeed a number of Heron Watchweekends have been planned atHartsholme Country Park to help peoplediscover more about this distinctive bird.Organised by the Lincolnshire branchof the RSPB, visitors are invited to takepart in the event which will take in anumber of Hartsholme’s fantastic lakeviews, across the Easter weekend and theSaturdays and Sundays either side.Venues such as Elsham Hall and Water’sEdge also host a number of special eventsover the holidays that are great fun forkids and adults alike. On EasterMonday, there’s a rareopportunity to take a closer lookat Wrawby Mill, near Brigg,which is the last remaining postmillin the North of England and will offera nostalgic look back at Lincolnshire’s richhistory.Gainsborough’s Old Hal, meanwhile,offers a peep into medieval cookery andEaster traditions over the holidayweekend. Visitors will be able to discoverquirky and inventive medieval recipesfrom Easter-time, and see how foodwould have been cooked for Henry VIII,who ate food cooked in the samekitchen. The fires will be lit and a pot ofaromatic ‘stew’ will be simmering in thebackground as costumed charactersprepare various dishes throughout theday, alongside pre-prepared delicacies.You can even try making them yourself!As we’re seeing elsewhere in this issue,there’s a growing interest in the style andappeal of the past and the LincolnshireRoad Transport Museum has illustratedthat in recent times. On Easter Sundaythey’ll be hosting a special open day attheir site in North Hykeham with plentyof stalls, lots of free car and bus rides anda sale which could be invaluable if you’rea classic car enthusiast looking for thatsought-after part. You can even ride aclassic bus to the museum from Lincolnrailway station and the Moorland CentreCo-Op!It may well be that you’re looking forsomething a bit more intense andexciting and happily Lincolnshire candeliver that in spades as well. CadwellPark, for example, bursts into life atthe end of March and the highlymodified machinery of the TimeAttack Series will bring plenty oftension to the track on EasterMonday. Competitors race against64 Lincolnshire’stop attractions usually take theEaster weekend as the start of thesummer season and open their doorsfor longer.Above: Cadwell Park, bursts into life at the end of March and the highly modified machinery ofthe Time Attack Series will bring plenty of tension to the track on Easter MondayRight: Lincoln BIG, Stagecoach and the Visit Lincoln Partnership, which jointly operate theTour Lincoln sightseeing bus, are gearing up to put the service back on the road060-065:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:55 Page 3Join us thisEaster!Spring timeat thePyewipeWhere diners can enjoy freshly prepared culinary delights...01522 528708enquiries@pyewipe.co.ukwww.pyewipe.co.ukPyewipe, Saxilby Road, Lincoln060-065:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:55 Page 4the clock and the challenge of Cadwell Park’s twisting and undulating tarmac,creating one of the most exciting days of racing in the UK.And if Easter weekend is to you an opportunity to let your hair down andparty in style, Lincoln nightclub Home looks set to be the place. They’rehosting an Alice in Wonderland weekend from Thursday to Sunday, invitingvisitors to fall down the rabbit hole as they transform the whole of HomeLincoln into one tea party you won’t want to miss. Of course their barand restaurant are great destinations all year round.Whatever you’re looking for at Easter, Lincolnshire has something tooffer – and as well as these special events, Lincolnshire’s fine statelyhomes, country parks and shopping centres will all be opening theirdoors to the crowds.Flying high this EasterThis Easter marks the 95th anniversary of the Royal Air Force,which formed on 1st April 1918, and that’s something of specialresonance to Lincolnshire thanks to its long association with theRAF. Indeed the county has often been referred to as the home ofmilitary aviation in the UK. Venues such as Scampton, Waddingtonand Cranwell continue to play an important role in the nation’sdefences and, as we illustrate elsewhere in this issue, the RAFthemselves play a valuable part in their local communities.It’s not the only aviation anniversary that’s being marked in thecounty over the next few months. The Newark Air Museum iscelebrating forty years of being open to the public with a special galacelebration on Sunday 14th April, and with admission prices beingreduced to just £4 per person the Museum is expecting a bumperturnout.One of the most exciting aspects of the event is that members of theCockpit Opening Team will be opening aircraft cockpits that the general public64 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEASTEROne of the largest and most varied selecons of owlsand birds of prey, with a large indoor flying arenaTel: 01406 372840www.baytreeowlcentre.co.ukOpen 10 - 4pm7 daysuniqueinteracve experience...Peace of mind withClaire Gent Travel Overseas, UK , Bespoke Tailor made, Ski, Activity Holidays & City Breaks, Cruises, Beach, Wedding and honeymoons 22 years experience with support of the Co-Operative Travel Advisors ABTA & ATOL protection for secure travel Flexible working hours and homes visits to suit my customers Book your holiday with a relaxed atmosphere & all the time in the world!claire.gent@co-operativepta.co.uk 0843 4590 979One child free with this advertCannot be used with any other offer/discount. Valid to 31.10.13LT13 www.skegnessnatureland.co.ukThe Strait leading toSteep Hill in Lincoln,named Britain’s GreatestStreet 2012The Newark Air Museum is celebrating fortyyears of being open to the public with aspecial gala celebration on Sunday 14th April060-065:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:56 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY65EASTERgenerally don’t get to see up close. This could include the Vampire,Venom, NF14, Jetstream, Viggen and Draken. Some cockpits will befree to look in, and for a very small donation it’s even going topossible to sit inside and live out your childhood fantasies. Visitorscan also reminisce with the Favourites from 40 exhibit wheremembers of the public were invited to submit friendly, factual,fantastic and funny photos reflecting the past four decades of themuseum’s history.2013 also sees the seventieth anniversary of one of the mostfamous and fascinating parts of World War II, the Dambusters raid.Of course the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa was used as theOfficers Mess for the 617 Squadron and a tribute to the crew is apopular attraction at the Hotel. To commemorate the anniversary,on Wednesday 15th May there will be a day of celebrations inWoodhall Spa, with a screening of the Dambusters film at theKinema in the Woods, a flypast and a special reception at thePetwood Hotel, where Heather Marie, who you’ll have read aboutelsewhere in this issue, will be singing some sentimental songs. Two days later, on the afternoon of Friday 17th May, the crew willalso be commemorated at a special event in Lincoln Cathedral,which will culminate in a flypast by the Lancaster of the RAF Battleof Britain Memorial Flight and a pair of Tornado aircraft from 617Squadron. Both these special events are bound to be memorableand often moving celebrations.The anniversary also marks the launch of a major new appeal tohonour the memory of those who lost their lives during the war.During hostilities 25,000 aircrew from Bomber Command, flying fromLincolnshire, died, and to mark their sacrifice a memorial is to beerected on top on Canwick Hill – overlooking Lincoln Cathedral whichthe crews used as a navigational aid on missions. The project is beingled by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire with support from all sectorsof the community, including the city’s University, the local councils andthe county’s RAF stations and the plan is to have the memorialcompleted in time for the seventieth anniversary of VE Day in May2015. Doubtless you’ll hear more about this fantastically worthy causeand the progress that’s being made over the next few months.In recent years events such as Armed Forces Day have regularlyreminded people from across the county of the sacrifices that peoplemade, and continue to make, with the aim of defending thecountry. With some particularly notable anniversaries during thecourse of the year, Easter provides the perfect opportunity to takesome time to reflect on the RAF’s proud history in the county somany of their recruits have called home.This Easter marks the95th anniversary of the Royal Air Force,which formed on 1st April 1918, andthat’s something of special resonance to Lincolnshirethanks to its long associationwith the RAF.060-065:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:56 Page 666 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCENTER PARCSOf course, the make-up of our familieshave frequently changed over the pastquarter of a century, so our most recentvisit to the Sherwood Forest village waswith three boisterous teenage boys andgrandparents – the ideal opportunity tosee what it has to offer for all ages.Anyone who hasn’t had the pleasureof a real family mini break wouldcertainly experience a fabulous time atthe Sherwood Forest village. Its safe ‘nocar’ policy and indoor and outdooractivity facilities means that, whateverthe English weather throws at you, youcan rest assured your trip will have aheady mix of adrenaline-fuelled fun andtranquil peace and quiet. 25 years since they arrived in the UK,Center Parcs have continued to innovateand offer a host of new experiences –even to those who have been visiting formany years. What hasn’t changed istheir dedication to customer service withthe helpful and knowledgeable staffensuring all your troubles are left at thevillage’s gates.One of the newest additions to thevillage are the exclusive villas. These twostorey lodges offer pure luxury, withWiFi, a games room, a spa, steam roomand hot tub meaning you really can’t gowrong. The-fully equipped kitchen offersup a home from home feeling, while ensuite bathrooms for each of thebedrooms makes this a wonderfullycomfortable ‘go to’ destination –especially with the summer holidays notfar away.While the grown-ups in our partyenjoyed a relaxing massage and glass ofwine in the Aqua Sana and Zilli bar, theteenagers had a fun-filled day25 years atCENTER PARCSOne of the newest additionsto the village are the exclusivevillas. These two storeylodges offer pure luxury.Center Parcs is celebratingits 25th anniversary – andover the years it’s been adestination we’ve alwayscome to rely on for afabulous family experience066-067:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:20 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67CENTER PARCSpaintballing. As regular visitors to CenterParcs we knew that not only would theyhave a great time, but that it would alsobe safe with the fully-trained staff havingvast experience. As ever, the pool areaand other facilities were clean, safe andgeared towards a great experience foreveryone, regardless of their age orability.We’ve often found that it’s the smallaspects of the Center Parcs experiencethat make it so memorable, with newideas that appeal to the whole family.One new idea that should make thebreak even more relaxed for those withyounger children is that ofthe teddy tag. Center Parcssay that aim of the schemeis to “give families theconfidence to bring even themost treasured toys on holiday”,and on arrival, tags are available whichguests are invited to tie to their teddy’sarm. This ensures their bears can beeasily reunited with the family, shouldthey get lost. Anyone who’s had to copewith an inconsolable child after afavourite furry friend has gone missingwill certainly welcome this small butpotentially vital scheme.Over the past 25 years, thousands offamilies have appreciated the fun andexcitement of Center Parcs and, as partof the anniversary celebrations, thecompany has invited many of them toshare their memories. Some of the bestare now being used in the company’slatest advertising campaign.Center Parcs’ Colin Whaley tells us,“We’ve had a fantastic response fromfamilies eager to share their specialmemories at Center Parcs and, withthousands of photos to choose from, itwas an extremely difficult decision tochoose the final five. The family photosstarring in our ads capture each familiesown unique memories and all that thereis to do at Center Parcs. We hope ourguests enjoy sharing them as much aswe do.”As our family has grown up, we’veconstantly been surprised by how CenterParcs continues to offer activities andfacilities that ensure our visits remain asenjoyable as they’ve always been.For more information onCenter Parcs at Sherwood Forest,visit www.centerparcs.co.uk.One new idea thatshould make theCenter Parcs breakeven more relaxedfor those withyounger children isthat of the teddy tagRegular visitors toCenter Parcs know kids don’t justhave a great time at Center Parcs, butthat it’s safe with the fully-trainedstaff having vastexperience066-067:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:20 Page 2BostonTuesday 9th and Wednesday10th AprilJane Eyre, Blackfriars Arts CentreFrom a harsh childhood controlled byunfeeling adults, plain little Jane Eyre hasto rely on her own courage andconvictions to make her way in the world.Employed as a governess, she travelsacross the bleak Yorkshire moors to themysterious Thornfield Hall, a house oflocked doors that holds a dangeroussecret. There she meets the strange,sardonic and intriguing Mr Rochester. Theaward-winning Hull Truck company bringthis classic story vividly alive in this newadaption of one of the great gothicnovels. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £10and £12 from 01205 363108.CleethorpesSunday 7th to Friday 19thAprilLAA Spring Exhibition of Art andCrafts, Cleethorpes LibrarySomething of interest for young andold in this latest exhibition from theLindsey Art Association. A raffle will alsobe drawn during the event. Admission isfree and doors are open weekdays 10amto 4pm, Saturday 10am to 2.30pm andSundays 11am to 3pm.GrimsbySaturday 30th MarchMother Africa, GrimsbyAuditoriumWelcome to Mother Africa - the CircusWhat’s Onof the Senses. This is a stirring journey tothe colourful world of Africa and acelebration of its glorious attitude to lifein a veritable firework display of circus artand emotion. It features artists from ninedifferent countries, vivid costumes, foot-tapping rhythms, breathtaking acrobatics,energetic dancing and the sheer joy oflife. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets from £16from 0844 871 3016.Sunday 7th AprilSlung Low, Fishing Heritage CentreSlung Low is one of the country’s mostup and coming theatre companies. Theirhome is the Holbeck UndergroundBallroom in Leeds, and they makeadventures for audiences outside ofconventional theatre spaces. This event aspart of the All at Sea Festival in NorthEast Lincolnshire features performances ofnew writing by both local andprofessional playwrights. Performancesstart 3pm, tickets £5 from 01472323345.LincolnFriday 19th AprilGraham Gouldman’s Heart Full ofSongs, Drill HallAnyone who’s attended a 10cc concertin recent years is likely to have seen co-founder Graham Gouldman’s openingacoustic set. Taking it a stage further,Graham and his 10cc bandmates RickFenn, Mick Wilson and Mike Stevenspresent an acoustic performance in anintimate setting. The show will feature10cc classics such as I’m Not In Love andDreadlock Holiday, as well as songs fromhis highly acclaimed new solo album LoveWhat’s On68 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYAnd Work, and some surprises. Showstarts 7.30pm, tickets £22.50 from 01522873894.ScunthorpeSunday 7th AprilS-Con, Baths HallS-Con is the increasingly popularanime, manga and gaming convention.This year the event is at a new venue andthe organisers promise more events, moreguests, more competitions and muchmore. Workshops include the return ofSonia Leong and Morag Lewis fromSweatdrop Studios who will be giving068-073:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:24 Page 1help, tips and advice on style and characterdesign, storytelling and making comics. Formore information visit ww.s-con.co.uk.Tuesday 9th and Wednesday10th AprilThe Wizard of Oz, Baths HallFour action-packed performances of thisfamous story featuring number one children’sstar Dani Harmer in the iconic role of Dorothymake up the Easter entertainment inScunthorpe. Dani will be joined along the YellowBrick Road by comedy legend Bobby Davro as70 The Wizard of Oz,Baths Hall, ScunthorpeMother Africa,Grimsby AuditoriumJane Eyre, BlackfriarsArts Centre, Boston068-073:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:24 Page 2Next >