< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFive years ago, the Royal HorticulturalSociety (RHS) launched NationalGardening Week. This year it is beingheld from 11-17th April and the theme is‘Get Fit in the Garden’.The RHS states: “The aim of NationalGardening Week in 2016 is to encouragepeople and organisations to cometogether and help keep theirneighbourhoods, environments andshared spaces beautiful throughgardening… and reap the health benefitsthat gardens can provide.”It is widely reported that gardens andgardening have a positive effect on ourmental and physical wellbeing. Nomatter what the size of your garden youcan still get involved in gardening andenjoy the health benefits, such as:Burning fat and toningSpending half an hour digging andshovelling, mowing the lawn, weeding orraking will burn calories and help keep youfit. For example half an hour of diggingcould burn up to 250 calories, while thesame amount of time weeding could burnoff 105 calories. It all soon adds up.Good for bonesResearch has shown that women over50 who garden at least once a week havea higher bone density than women whotake part in other forms of exercise.According to one report, gardening wasbetter than jogging, walking or aerobics.While you are outside you are alsoexposed to UVB rays of the sun whichstimulate the production of vitamin D.This helps the body absorb calcium whichis essential for healthy bones.Ed Fuller from FullersForestry andLandscaping showsyou the many positivebenefits of gardening. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MUBUS7Get fit with gardeningGet fit with gardening30-31_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:05 Page 1Stress busterResearch has also proven that being outside and in thesunshine, fresh air and enjoying the colours, smells andsounds of a garden lower blood pressure and relieves tensionin muscles. Your garden can help to lift your mood andprovide you with psychological benefits. Build confidenceThe sense of achievement when you see the garden bloom,or you know at the end of a day gardening you have madeyour green space better provides self-confidence. Gardeningcan also teach children about responsibly, because if theydon’t water the plants and look after them then they won’tgrow. This in turn helps their confidence when they see theseeds become a flower or vegetable.If you don’t want to be hands-on then visiting a localgarden is just as rewarding and on Friday 15th April as part ofNational Garden Week there is also National Open GardensDay, where many gardens will open for free. To find out whichgardens will be open in Lincolnshire visitwww.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk or you can also visit theNational Garden Scheme website to see which gardens areopen all year round.No matter what the size of your outdoor space make sureyou go out and enjoy it and if you aren’t hands-on then giveus a call and we can come and transform it for you.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY31Specialised Servicesin Garden DesignLandscaping andTree MaintenanceBacked by a highly-skilledand experienced team,we’ve built our reputationon an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored gardening and forestry solutionsFREE NO OBLIGATIONQUOTATIONSFULLERSForestry & LandscapingCall 01522 868717 or 07867 510544info@fullersforestry.co.uklwww.fullersforestry.co.ukwww.landscapinglincolnshire.comHOMEMAKER - GARDEN ADVICEAround thegardenlKeep weeds under controllMow your lawn (lowering the blades gradually)lDig a layer of compost into your bedslDeadhead daffodils but leave the foliage intact allowing it to die back naturally, so they’ll bloom again next yearlSow hardy annuals and herb seedslFeed hungry shrubs and roseslKeep bird baths and bird feeders topped up to encouragebirds to your gardenlPlant out perennials in groups of three, five or sevenlProtect fruit blossom from late frostslDivide bamboos and waterlilieslKeep feeding the birdsPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/CREATIVE TRAVEL PROJECTS30-31_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:05 Page 232 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLOUTHSuch is the appeal of Louth’s perennialbeauty, that many famous faces have eithermade the place their home or can be seenwandering the streets from time to time. Acase in point is musician Robert Wyatt, thefounder of prog rock outfit Soft Machine.Having made the heart of the quaint townhis home since the mid-eighties, they havesince become synonymous with oneanother if not in presence than in art. Thenthere’s actor and celebrity Warwick Davieswhose wife, and fellow actor Samantha,lived in the area and frequently visitsrelatives. Perhaps this explains why Davies isoften seen participating in charity eventsacross our county.For many, Louth has an alluring, nearspiritual connection and has long fascinatedcultural figures and historical influencers.Among its many noted visitors andsometime champions are Winston Churchill,FromartstomarketLouth is a quintessential market town steeped in cultureand mystery and in love with its rich and bountiful history. PHOTOS: DANNY COY - WWW.WILDCOYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM32-35_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:04 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY33LOUTHacclaimed writer Julian Fellows and popeccentric Björk, who enjoyed the localmarket and cafés whilst working on analbum with Wyatt. But this relationship ishardly the preserve of the rich or famous,and extends to the town’s variedresidents. Louth is steeped in the arts and, unlikeother market towns, has a real sense ofculture about it. The Playhouse Cinema,with its art deco frontage, was convertedfrom a Victorian chapel in the 1920s and,despite numerous refurbishments, theestablishment still retains some of itsoriginal fittings. The cinema operates amid-movie intermission, which offerscinema-goers a moment of reverie, or atleast enough time to enjoy an ice creampurchased from staff. As well as packingin the punters with the typicalblockbusters, the cinema also offers avariety of independent and art houseofferings, as well as live streams of balletand theatre performances. The community is very muchintegrated in the arts, with thecommunity owned Louth Playgoers’Riverhead Theatre attesting as much. Infact, it’s run and maintained almostentirely by volunteers. Based on VictoriaRoad, the theatre puts on an eclectic mixof shows, appealing to all audiencemembers, with ample choice for childrenand more introspective options for adults. But for many, nothing quite sums upLouth like its range of independent familyowned businesses. Louth is awash withstores, boutiques and eateries that alloffer a more individual and personalexperience than is so often encounteredin chain stores. And, if you’re looking forthat one-off gift for a loved one thenLouth is a must. Since the building of a canal in the1770s, Louth has been a thriving marketcommunity which remains to this day. Itsweekly market is awash with localproduce, crafts and vendors offering across section of the town’s most delightfulofferings. Little wonder that in 2012 thetown won Britain’s Favourite Market Townin BBC Countryfile magazine Awards. The Georgian and Victorianarchitecture give the town much of itsdistinctive character, particularly itsbackstreets nestling chocolatiers andtraditional sweetshops, but it’s the varietyof independent retailers that prove to besuch a draw. Louth is every bit as welcoming as it isimmersive too. For many visitors, the34 Á32-35_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:04 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLOUTHspeciality shopping is the biggest draw. Aswell as its range of craft and clothingshops, there’s also plenty of unexpected.The indoor market, for example, whichoffers a range of quirky and unusual stalls. For locals, however, there’s no shortageof clubs and societies to get stuck into.From martial arts to photography tosinging and fitness, it’s no exaggeration tosay that there’s something for everyone. For any interested in history, LouthMuseum is one of the town’s biggestvisitor attractions. Made up of fourgalleries, a classroom/library and a giftshop, the Museum is an award-winninginsight into days of old. The Town Galleryshowcases objects made or used in Louth,and boasts the largest national collectionof the works of Victorian woodcarver andartists Thomas Wilkinson Wallis of Louth.The display ranges from detailed birdsand foliage in lime-wood to oakfurnished, to a Punch and Judy cabinetand a gargoyle. The Mezzanine Galleryemphasises more recent history, with aninteractive story of the devastating LouthFlood of 1920. One building stands above the othersin puncturing the town skyline. Thetower of the parish church of St Jamesstands some 300 foot over the town, andis one of the most striking and famouslandmarks in the immediate area. It alsohas the tallest Church of England parishchurch spire in the country. The gothicarchitecture and intricate stained glasswindows can be seen from almost allparts of the town. As well as its architectural allure,illuminating history and shops, Louth isalso home to some stunning naturalbeauty. Hubbard’s Hills is perfect for apicnic and delightful at any time of theyear. With refreshments on offer, a playpark for children and the infamousstepping stones across the water,Hubbard’s Hills is a major draw for localsand visitors alike and it’s easy to seewhy. Louth has so much to offer that it’slittle wonder why it attracts so manyvisitors and famous faces, and why itsresidents are some of the proudest inLincolnshire. With its fascinating historyand vibrant artistic community, Louth isone of the UK’s best and brightest markettowns.PHOTOS: DANNY COY - WWW.WILDCOYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM32-35_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:04 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY35H1 carp lake (fish in double figures)H1 match lakeHStatic caravans available all year roundHElectric hook ups for motor homes etcHCamping in a beautiful settingFor further details visit www.alvinghamlakes.co.uk orTel: 01507 328777Lock Road, Alvingham, Louth LN11 7EUPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/DUDAREV MIKHAIL“an oasis of tranquillity”Opening Hours:Monday - Friday 8.45am - 6:00pmSaturday 9:00am - 11.30amConsultations are by appointmentMonday - Friday 8:45am - 11:00am & 4:00pm - 6:00pmSaturday 9:00am - 11.30amAfter hours emergencies - 07956 991959We are a small animal veterinary practiceLooking after your pets atBlack Sheep VetsUnit 4, Meridian Centre,Belvoir Way, Fairfield Industrial Estate,Louth, LN11 0LQ. Tel: (01507) 609929www.blacksheepvets.co.ukLife Coaching and Counselling to help with: • Relationships • Bereavement • Depression• Panic & Anxiety Attacks • Low Self Esteem & Confidence Issues• Assertiveness • Work Related Stress • Anger Management• Self-Discovery •Acceptance of Yourself and Others.Ian Whittington, Dip. CounsellingT: 07815 315408E: counselling@ianwhittington.co.ukw: www.ianwhittington.co.ukUnderstand your inner selfGiving you the ability to make life choices andchange your life for the betterBRINGINGYOURMEMORIESTO LIFE114 Eastgate, Louth,Lincolnshire LN11 9AATel: 01507 307 797www.kodakexpresslouth.co.ukWe are celebrating 25 years as a Kodak Express store this year, having traded in thetown for27 years.SHOOT IT - CREATE IT - PRINT IT- DISPLAY IT - SHARE IT'&) * +&' &,& -&. /''&, 0 1&&, +& 2. 3##&) -'%, 4. 2) +&) % +$ 2&0 +' -&'&, /. !"!#!$ %&' ( Looking fora great giftidea?Lincolnshire Today’s giftsubscription for only £27.55 with free deliveryCall 01472 310301or visitwww.lincolnshiretoday.net/3411st 3issues only£132-35_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:04 Page 436 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCYCLINGThey say that those who cycle regularlyin mid-adulthood typically enjoy a levelof fitness equivalent to someone 10 yearsyounger. So, having been bitten by thefitness bug this last year, yours trulydecided to hang up his walking bootsthis month and don his cycling helmetand gel padded shorts (what a lovelyimage) for a five hour cycling adventure.Of course you don’t have to attemptthis whole route the first time around, asit can easily be adapted to suit youravailable time and/or fitness level - andboy do I wish I had done this!Our route begins at Woodhall Spa andturns south to ride along the RiverWitham, which takes us on a tranquil,meandering ride through the very heartof our county, which in itself offers aglimpse of what is to be expected on ouradventure.Turning eastwards at Chapel Farm,towards the Limestone uplands of NorthKesteven we keep our eyes peeled forwildlife such as weasels and small birdswhich are nestled in the reeds. In fact, aswe look overhead we even see a few birdsof prey on the hunt for shrews and mice.Continuing our ride, we reach thevillage of Timberland where the ridegently undulates and takes us through thevillage of Scopwick – a rather picturesquescene with its stone buildings and acrystal clear stream running through it. The ride now offers the opportunity ofa bit of a sprint down to the Roman builtCar Dyke at Potterhanworth and acrossthe fens to Bardney, which is a great wayto blow the cobwebs away and we enjoychanging scenery as it flashes by.Heading eastwards making a slower,gradual ascent up to the Belmonttelevision transmitter, we catch abreather before careering down intoDonnington on Bain and along the valleyBIKEOn yourPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/OLGA DANYLENKO36-37_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:49 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY37of the river – what great sights. Our energy levels restored, we makeanother climb, and it’s worth the effortonce we see the magnificent viewsacross the valley to our right, and thedistinctive red chalk hills to our left.Red Hill Nature Reserve covers bothsides of the hill, and with spring arrivinga little earlier this year, you might evenbe able to enjoy the wildflower meadowsin the area.We enjoy a short breather, then followthe ancient Bluestone Heath road south,which again offers spectacular viewsthrough the valleys. It’s not unusual tospot lapwings over nearby fields so if youhave a camera to hand you might evenbe able to capture their graceful flightspatterns. Onwards and through the charmingvillage of Tetford we encounter our laststeep climb, but thankfully it descendsback down towards the River Bain,giving us time to recompose ourselvesand take in the magnificent views of thecathedral in the distance. For those that have made it this farthere’s a less hilly ride as we cross theBain at which point the route thenleads us into Kirkby Moor. In starkcontrast to the rest of the ride, thescenery becomes almost surreal herethanks to the remains of the ancientheathlands that dominated this area.The bracken and moss covered drystone walls and woodland give you areal feel for how things used to be andthe area is of course a valuable a havenfor many rare and threatened species.From here, we’re spurred on by thepromise of well-deserved refreshmentsback at Woodhall Spa where we’respoiled for choice with eateries, teashops and pubs, making it allworthwhile and giving us the chance tomarvel at the scenery we’ve taken inover the last few hours. Caloriesburned: hopefully hundreds. Caloriesconsumed: well, what happens inWoodhall Spa stays in Woodhall Spa! ROUTE PLANStart of route0.0 miTurn left toward Martin Dales Drove1.3 miTurn right onto Timberland Drove2.7 miContinue onto Fen Rd6.5 miTurn right onto Church Ln7.0 miTurn left onto West St7.0 miTurn right onto Main St7.1 miTurn left onto Station Rd7.1 miContinue onto B11917.6 miTurn right onto B118810.5 miTurn left onto Bloxholm Ln10.9 miTurn right onto Branston Ln15.9 miContinue onto B117816.3 miTurn right onto B118817.9 miTurn left onto Station Rd/B117817.9 miTurn left onto Moor Ln/B120219.1 miContinue onto Branston Causeway/B119020.6 miTurn left onto Horncastle Rd/B120223.8 miTurn right onto Queen St/B120223.8 miSlight left25.0 miTurn right at Short Ferry Rd26.1 miTurn left27.1 miTurn left onto Sparrow Ln28.5 miSlight left at Shortwood Ln28.8 miTurn right29.2 miTurn left onto A15831.0 miTurn right onto Stainton Ln31.1 miTurn right33.8 miTurn left onto Lincoln Rd/B139936.1 miTurn left onto Market Rasen Rd/B120236.8 miTurn right37.0 miTurn right38.1 miTurn left38.3 miTurn right41.6 miContinue onto Hainton Rd41.9 miTurn right to stay on Hainton Rd41.9 miContinue onto Station Rd42.8 miSlight left onto Donnington Rd42.9 miContinue onto Mill Rd45.5 miContinue onto Main Rd45.8 miContinue onto Station Rd46.0 miTurn left48.3 miTurn right onto Bluestone Heath Rd49.6 miTurn right onto Tetford Hill55.3 miContinue onto White Gate55.6 miSlight right onto North Rd56.2 miContinue onto West Rd56.2 miContinue straight onto South Rd56.5 miTurn right onto West Rd56.5 miTurn right56.7 miTurn left58.5 miContinue onto Mill Ln60.3 miTurn left onto Long Hedge Ln60.7 miTurn right onto Spilsby Rd/A15861.4 miTurn left61.5 miTurn right63.3 miTurn left onto High Ln63.8 miTurn left onto B118365.1 miTurn right67.1 miTurn right onto Wood Enderby Ln67.7 miTurn left onto A15369.4 miTurn right onto Rime’s Ln69.8 miTurn left toward Kirkby Ln70.3 miSlight right onto Kirkby Ln70.5 miTurn right to stay on Kirkby Ln70.5 miTurn left onto The Broadway/B119172.9 miEnd of route73.6 miPHOTOS: DANNY COY - WWW.WILDCOYPHOTOGRAPHY.COMPHOTOS: DANNY COY - WWW.WILDCOYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM36-37_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:49 Page 238 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONPassportSubtle design and sharp linesmake this Passport outfit oneof the touchstones of theseason. 38-47_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:25 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY39FASHIONcool and classyWhether it’s a dress or denim, thisseason is all about looking cool,comfortable and, above all else, chic. 38-47_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:25 Page 2Next >