< Previous80 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY080-084:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:56 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY81SPRING SUPPLEMENT - WHAT’S ONWhat’s OnWhat’s OnGrimsbyThursday 1st MayRick Wakeman’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Grimsby AuditoriumCelebrating the fortieth anniversary of the release of his landmarkconcept album, Rick Wakeman and The New World SymphonyOrchestra, accompanied by The English Chamber Choir andThe English Rock Ensemble, host a state of the art livepresentation of this epochal, classical-rock crossoverwork. The first half features Rick telling the oftenhilarious and unlikely story of the original album tolife in his own irrepressible style. The second half willrelive the thrill for the millions who grew up with the original album.Show starts 8pm, tickets £49.90 from 0844 871 3016.LincolnMonday 14th AprilMeeting Mr Boom!, Lincoln Performing Arts CentreAn out of this world new live music and dance by Darren Ellis andRonen Kozokara. A show that will inflate before your eyes taking you ona journey of discovery, creating a new world but who knows what wemight find in this magical bouncy land? A fun filled show for all thefamily performed on an inflatable set. Show starts 1.30pm and 3pm,tickets £5 from 01522 837600.Friday 18th and Saturday 19th AprilQ The Music, Drill HallEnjoy a live performance of all the very best Bond themes withamazing vocals and an outstanding band of musicians plucked fromleading orchestras. The iconic James Bond films have developed intoperhaps the most popular film series ever and the Bond Band will beperforming all the title themes, including favourites such asGoldfinger, Live and Let Die, A View To A Kill, Skyfall, and of coursethe unmistakable Bond Theme. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £18.50from 01522 873894.NewarkFriday 2nd MayHot Flush!, Palace TheatreMeet Myra, Sylvia, Helen and Jessica in this hilarious show,Hot Flush!,Palace Theatre,Newark83 080-084:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:56 Page 282 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYPlease contact the Box Office: 01636 655755www.palacenewark.com Suggs: My Life Story in Words and MusicThursday 1st May, 7.30pmHot Flush!29th May, 1pm & 3.30 pmFriday 2nd May, 7.30pmHe’s just turned 50, thekids have left homeand his cat just died… In Suggs: My Life Storythe Madness frontmantakes to the stage in a hilarious, yet moving,one man tour de forceplaying to rave reviews.£27Meet Myra, Sylvia,Helen and Jessica in this hilarious show.Share in the friendships,the secrets, the laughs,the tears and the upsand downs of four ordinary women – andone man – living extraordinary lives. £20NewarkShowgroundNG242NYFREEPARKING•CHILDRENGOFREEADVANCEAdultTicket:£12.00GATEAdultTicket:£16.00You’llrememberdayslikethese...10&11May2014Where visitorshold handswith farming & nature...Tel: 01625 678822South Kelsey, LincsLN7 6PRFor opening hours visit:www.hallfarmpark.co.uk Birthday pares &School trips welcomeEaster Weekend Fri-MonEaster Egg Hunt Indoor play barn Outdoor play areas Meet the animals Take a goat for a walk Tractor & trailer rides Keith’s Krazy Karts Farmyard crazy golf woodland walk Heritage Shed Tea room & Gi shop Brandnewsoplayareafor2014Come & enjoy a tractor rideEnjoy a Tractor and TrailerRide with the “dancing farmer”in our covered trailer on a journey tothe working farm to visit the cale.Highly recommended family friendly venue award 2013 (East Midlands food & drink awards)080-084:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:56 Page 3dynamic Food Experience marquee full offood retailers and producers selling a widerange of local and regional producealongside cookery demonstrations. Formore information, visitwww.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com.ScunthorpeSaturday 3rd MayBuddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party,Plowright TheatreIn February 1959, Buddy Holly began astring of dates across the American Mid-West on his Winter Dance Party Tour,which included Ritchie Valens, Big BopperDion Di Mucci and the man himself. ThisWinter Dance Party Concert is acelebration of that tour from their earliersongs, including Blue Days Black Nights,True Love Ways and Heartbeat. MarcRobinson along with the CounterfeitCrickets pay attention to detail with hisStratocaster guitar and authentic costumechanges. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £18from 0844 854 2776.SkegnessSaturday 3rd MayShowaddywaddy, Embassy TheatreShowaddywaddy are celebrating theirfortieth anniversary, and their live showremains as dynamic and uplifting as ever,featuring all of their biggest hits, many ofwhich reached number one in the chartsacross Europe. So come and join theDancing Party - You’ve Got What It Takes!Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £19 from0845 674 0505.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY83SPRING SUPPLEMENT - WHAT’S ONstarring Lesley Joseph. Share in thefriendships, the secrets, the laughs, thetears and the ups and downs of fourordinary women – and one man – livingextraordinary lives. More fun than joininga gym and cheaper than botox, HotFlush! might even leave you feeling 341/2 again! Wipe away the credit crunchblues and grab your girlfriends togetherfor an unmissable night at the theatre.Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £20 from01636 655755.Saturday 10th and Sunday11th MayNottinghamshire County Show,Newark ShowgroundThe Nottinghamshire County Show justgets better and better! The 2013 eventproved to be a great favourite with familiesas entrance figures for children were up by25%. Despite cold, wet weather, overallattendance figures remained strong. Thisyear, the Countryside Area is a perfect placeto watch and enjoy a wide range of countrypursuits and skills, while there’s also aQ The Music, Drill Hall, LincolnBlack Sheep: The DarkerSide of Felt, National Centrefor Craft & Design, SleafordWin tickets to a double show spectacular!Preparations are well underway for two great shows that will berunning side-by-side at Newark Showground in April – and we’vegot tickets to this fantastic event double up for grabs.The Newark & Notts Garden Show opens on Friday 25th Apriland then, on Saturday and Sunday, organiser Aztec Events willalso be treating visitors to its paws-itively spectacular All AboutDogs Show. So whether you’re a serious green-fingeredenthusiast or just looking for a ‘grrrreat’ way to entertain theentire family, the Newark Showground will have it all. The Newark & Notts Garden Show will feature atreasure trove of the finest trees, shrubs, flowers andpot plants for green-fingered enthusiasts to explore.The ‘How to’ theatre will feature a fertile mix ofgardening experts, botanists and landscape designers.Popular TV presenter Pippa Greenwood will be givinggrow-your-own advice on Saturday and Ground Forceduo Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh will be backin action on Sunday. Elsewhere the All About Dogs show will be offering awhole host of canine fun for the whole family. Fromentertaining demonstrations and shopping to plenty of ‘have a go’ games and competitions,this show actually offers the chance for every dog to have its day! It also features stacks ofexpert grooming or behavioural advice from top canine professionals. Visit www.aztecevents.co.uk for more information about these shows – but we’ve gotfamily tickets to give away! Simply send your name, address and telephone number toNewark Showground Competition, Lincolnshire Today, Armstrong House,Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE or competitions@blmgroup.co.uk byFriday 11th April. Good luck!84 080-084:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:56 Page 484 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSPRING SUPPLEMENT - WHAT’S ONSelect Lincolnshire... and realise yourpotential!Select Lincolnshire for Business continues to raisethe profile of Lincolnshire, showcasing the county asan ideal place for companies to expand or relocate.Lincolnshireoffers anenviable qualityof life alongwith its centrallocation makingit a desirablearea in which towork and reside.From a business perspective, Lincolnshire is one of the most thrivingand dynamic counties in the UK. It has benefited from a wealth ofinvestment and regeneration projects in recent years, with amultitude of projects planned for the future.Lincolnshire has always excelled in a number of sectors, notablyengineering, agri-foods, manufacturing and ports and logistics, andthese areas continue to flourish: firmly positioning Lincolnshire as aglobal player in all of these industries.In recent years the county has emerged as one of the leadingdestinations for the renewable industry, with the area aroundGrimsby and the Humber establishing itself as a strategic centre formajor offshore wind operations and maintenance organisations.Indeed the area is recognised by Government as a Centre ofRenewable Engineering.However, Lincolnshire not only offers a diverse range ofinvestment and employment opportunities. It also provides anenviable quality of life, unsurpassed by anywhere else in the UK. TheSelect Lincolnshire team will be promoting the high-quality lifestyleavailable, along with the increasing investment opportunities acrossthe county, at a special networking lunch at Belton Horse Trials onFriday 4th April.The event is supported by some of the county’s most prestigiousbusinesses such as Ping, Siemens, Pilbeam Racing Designs andPygott and Crone. James Birch, owner of Doddington Hall, will beproviding the keynote speech. The event takes place between11.30am and 2pm after which the guests will be able to enjoy anoptional tour of the house and gardens or explore more of theHorse Trials.Tickets are available by invitation only. For moreinformation, call 01522 550618.SleafordTo Sunday 11th MayBlack Sheep: The Darker Side of Felt, National Centre forCraft & DesignMaking felt is simple, but felt itself is a brilliant versatile textile,one of the most ancient in the world. Black Sheep will show youthe edgier side of this extraordinary, versatile and often overlookedmaterial. You’ll see exciting and sometimes surprising processesused by contemporary masters of the craft to produce innovativeand inspiring work. Look out for the teddy bear skulls by StephanieMetz, seamless show-stopping garments by Horst Couture, animal-based head wear by Barbara Keal and sculptural forms by MarjolienDallinga. The exhibition is open every day from 10am to 5pm.SpaldingFriday 2nd MayA Night at the Musicals, South Holland CentreMusic from the Musicals will be played by the outstandingmusicians of the RAF Swing Wing accompanied by the top bigband singer Matthew Ford and a female vocalist. Award-winningvocalist Matthew is widely regarded as the finest big band singer inthe UK, performing regularly with the BBC Big Band and the JohnWilson Orchestra. As with previous RAF Band concerts all theproceeds will be donated to Help for Heroes. Show starts 7.30pm,tickets £19 from 01775 764777.StamfordWednesday 9th AprilSuggs – My Life Story, Corn ExchangeThe Madness frontman takes to the stage in a hilarious, yetmoving, one man tour de force. The death of Suggs’ beloved cat onhis fiftieth birthday triggers a personal quest to discover whathappened to the father he never knew. Stunned by what he learnsSuggs is taken back to his childhood on the tough streets of seventiesSoho and his first appearance on Top Of The Pops at the age ofeighteen. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £26 from 01780 766455.Suggs – My LifeStory, CornExchange,Stamford080-084:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:56 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY85COUNTY MOTORINGWhatever the reasons, it looks like ourlove affair with convertibles isn’t likely todiminish. In fact, a recent survey ofconvertible drivers resulted in nine out often of them saying they’d almostcertainly buy another when the timecame to replace theirs.With that in mind and to celebrate therecent arrival of better weather -hopefully - we bring you the very latestlaunches in luxury convertibles. First up, we have the new BMW 4Series Convertible - the latest entrant to amarket segment where BMW has enjoyedwidespread acclaim and great successover five generations of premiumConvertibles.The design language introduced withthe 4 Series Coupé is evident in this, thesecond model debut in the series. Theresult is a sporting yet elegant car,whether the top is up or down. It’s analtogether different car from itsstablemate, the 3 series Cabriolet too, asits lower, wider and longer and with avisibly greater sporting intent.Its folding metal roof can be raised orlowered in just twenty seconds and atspeeds of up to 8mph. A nice touch toois the optional wind deflector, which canbe stored behind the seats when not inuse. But what we like best is the new AirCollar system blows warm air around ournecks in the front seats allowing you toenjoy open-air driving on cooler days.The German marque has chosen tolaunch the 4 series with two petrolLet the sunshine in86 BMWWe may not get too many opportunities to putthe roof down in this country but as a nationof car lovers, when the weather does smilefavourably, there’s nothing we love more.Perhaps it’s the rarity of the sun that draws usto convertible cars – that and the fact that welove to feel the freedom of driving with the topdown. Let the sunshine in085-087:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:43 Page 186 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYengines and one diesel engine choice,available across five different trim levels.But interestingly, there is a markedincrease in the standard equipment leveloffered.Starting at £36,675 OTR for a 420d SEConvertible, it all looks pretty good valuetoo.Of course, for those who want to makea less subtle statement, Porsche’s new911 should tick the boxes. Taking its cuesfrom the classic Targa concept, pioneeredby Porsche back in the sixties, this latestmodel is the first to combine state-of-the-art open roof technology with thedistinctive coupé appearance.Just like the original model, the newmodel features a characteristic wide barin place of the B-pillars aft of the doors, amovable roof section above the driverand passenger, and a wrap-around rearwindow - with no C-pillar. Where thenew model differs somewhat is that,unlike the classic models, the roofsegment of the new Targa can be openedand closed at the push of a button –stowing the roof top behind the rearseats.The rear-biased Porsche TractionManagement all-wheel drive fitted asstandard is a further typical dynamicfeature, and results in optimum drivingdynamics on all road surfaces and in allweather conditions.Another marque well worthy ofinclusion into our convertible line up isJaguar and here we celebrate two newlaunches – the XK Signature and the XKDynamic R Jaguar sports cars have long held areputation for blending athletic high-performance with effortless cruisingcomfort. Nothing exemplifies this moreclearly than the new supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine fitted to the new XKspecial edition carsThe luxury focused XK Signature model– with a 385PS 5.0-litre V8 engine – isfitted with a host of additional featuresincluding standard 20” Kalimnos wheelsand Reverse Park Camera. Theperformance focused 510PS 5.0-litresupercharged XK Dynamic R – based onthe existing XKR – offers Black DynamicPack, incorporating XKR-S suspensionand dynamics as well as a 10mmreduction in ride height, plus Speed Pack,which equips the car with anAerodynamic Pack and an increased topspeed of 174mph. The price tag for such luxury? Well theXK Signature comes in at £54,950 whilethe XK Dynamic R will set you backPorsche085-087:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:43 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY87COUNTY MOTORING£69,950 on-the-roadOf course we’ve saved the best forlast. Those with perhaps less limitedbudgets than us mere mortals canbehold the new McLaren 650S spider…unveiled at the 84th InternationalGeneva Motor Show. We’tre just itchingto get behind the wheel of one and willkeep you posted on its handlingcapabilities as soon as we manage thefeat.What we can tell you, though, fromour travels to the Show is that the Spideris mechanically identical to the 650SCoupé and is fitted with the uniqueMcLaren M838T twin turbo V8 engine,producing 641 bhp and 500 lb ft. This issaid to translate into a 0-60 mph sprint of3.0 seconds and 124 mph is reached in8.6 seconds. Maximum speed is 204mph. Fuel consumption should return24.2 mpg on the EU combined cycle and275 g/km although we’re guessing that’sthe last of your worries if you’ve got thebudget for one of these!What we like best is the way the Spideruses a heated glass rear window,operating independently of the roof.With the roof down, the rear windowacts as a wind deflector, reducing cabinbuffeting. Roof up, the rear screen can belowered to allow more engine noise (anddriving drama) into the cabin, and asemi-open top driving experience evenwhen it is raining. When down, the roofis stowed beneath a body-coloured hardtonneau cover incorporated in the twinrear buttresses. With the roof raised, thearea beneath the tonneau cover can beused as additional luggage space.As one would expect, the 650 Spider isfitted with a high level of luxuryequipment as standard. As yet we haveabsolutely no idea what the price tag islikely to be - our guess is they’re stillcounting the cost of all that Alcantaraleather and carbon fibre.JaguarMcLaren085-087:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:43 Page 388 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEQUINEWith competitions on the horizon, riders may be reviewing theirtransport requirements. They might have changed their ponies fora horse, or want to upgrade their vehicle. Yet as equine specialistBrenda Gilligan, Senior Solicitor at Wilkin Chapman, points out,transport regulations are complicated and it is easy to break thelaw without realising it. Brenda says, “It is your responsibility to ensure the method oftransport you use is legal and used legally. VOSA and the DVLCare the main bodies for regulating and enforcing the law.Fortunately it’s easy to get the information you need.“Practical issues to think about are, for instance, do you needyour own transport, or would hiring suit? Do you need the livingspace of a box? Can you afford just a towing vehicle? Have youthe space to park a bigger vehicle and do you feel confidentdriving a big lorry rather than your familiar truck and trailer?”Once you decide to acquire or change your own transport, youhave to be sure you can comply with the law. As Brenda says, thechallenge is to ensure your towing vehicle is big enough to towthe trailer, plus the horses,equipment, hay and wateressential to take to shows.“Check the Gross VehicleWeight (A) and the GrossTrain Weight (B), which isthe total weight of thetowing vehicle plus trailerplus load. Taking A from Bgives you the towingweight. The GVW is alsoknown as the Mass Authorised Mass. This information will be onthe vehicle’s plate or in the owner’s manual.“A good general guide is that the trailer should not weigh morethan 85% than the towing vehicle’s kerb weight – the vehicleweight plus a full tank of petrol and 75 kg for the driver andluggage. Beware horseboxes with beautifully appointed living – itall adds to the weight.”Spencer starsin Spain!South Hykeham-based rider Spencer Roe has been making a splash onthe Sunshine Tour! The recent event in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain sawSpencer beat off a host of international competition.Spencer is part of the World Class Development Programme, funded bythe National Lottery via UK Sport, which offers support to those riders whoare considered to have exceptional talent. Contesting the Sunshine TourCSI3* Grand Prix, Spencer produced two superb clear rounds with WonderOn the hoof...legallyCompetition season is nearly upon, but how can you make sure yourhorse gets to the venue safely and securely?South Hykeham-basedrider Spencer Roe hasbeen making a splash onthe Sunshine Tour088-089:Layout 1 14/3/14 12:34 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY89As Brenda warns, “There are some odd rules you may not knowof. If you have a speed limiter in your horsebox, you are notallowed in the outer lane of a motorway with more than twentylanes. If you drive a lorry over 7.5 tonnes, then you may find youcannot drive to shows on both weekend days if you work fulltime. This is because you need an unbroken rest period of 24hours between certain periods of driving. You may need atachograph fitted if the vehicle is between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes andused commercially – but you don’t if it is for private use within a50km range of your ‘base’.“There’s much debate over what commercial use is. It couldcover taking a friend where they offer to pay your expenses inexchange. You need to check with VOSA, as they can giveexemptions for strictly private use. A useful website in addition toVOSA and www.gov.uk are www.drivinghorseboxes.co.uk. And, ofcourse, don’t forget your horse’s passport!”Why, owned by his mother Sally, in a hotly contested jump-off.Finishing in a quick time of 37 seconds, with only just overtwo seconds separating him from the leader, Spencer tookthird place behind fellow Brits William Whitaker on Fandango,who is also a World Class Development rider, and BEF ExcelTalent rider Holly Gillott on Dougie Douglas, who finished firstand second respectively.Being part of the Programme means Spencer has access tobenefits including mentoring, coaching, human and equinesports science and medicine, and the aim of the scheme is tobe a sustainable system that can deliver more medals on theinternational stage now and in the future. Spencer’s certainlyillustrated that in Spain – congratulations to him!EQUINEPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/WIL TILROE-OTTE088-089:Layout 1 14/3/14 12:34 Page 2Next >