£2.95 APRIL 2021 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 30+ years young 30+ years young WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 APRIL 2021THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE A new start A new start Artistic Lincolnshire Easter traditions Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Pets corner Artistic Lincolnshire Easter traditions Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Pets corner 01.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 14:47 Page 1Freephone: 0800 328 5492 Email: sales@allertonuk.com Website: www.allertonuk.com The Dependable Choice in Drainage In rural areas without a mains drainage system, and where septic tanks will no longer reach environmental standards, Allerton can provide the ideal solution. Trading since 1974, Allerton are leading specialists in efficient treatment systems. They pride themselves on their individual, problem solving approach to dealing with alternative means of treating and disposing of raw sewage. The Allerton ConSept converts your existing Septic Tank or Cesspit into a fully functioning Sewage Treatment Plant. Servicing & Maintenance on a wide range of Sewage Treatment Plant and Pump Stations by BRITISH WATER ACCREDITED ENGINEERS. The Diamond Sewage Treatment range is suitable for either individual homes or small population applications When Gravity Drainage is not possible choose Allerton Pumping Stations for Sewage or Dirty Water ACCREDITED ENGINEERS CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS To find out how to get your business on the up visit www.dextersharpe.co.uk Offices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & Spilsby We pride ourselves on providing a pro-active, friendly and accessible service. Experts in Accounts and Tax Returns Tax Planning and Book-Keeping Audits and Business Advice We’re here to get you in the right direction Keeping business on the up… 02.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 14:47 Page 1I can’t help but compare the state of things in April 2021 to the previous year. Despite the best will in the world, it was difficult to see beyond the doom and gloom to a bright future beyond. Despite these fears, our region demonstrated its dedication, ingenuity and its continuing support. Now that we have a “one-way” road out of lockdown, and more and more people are vaccinated, the spring and summer look very bright indeed. Although society will effectively be back to normal in the latter half of June, the easing restrictions mean that Easter celebrations will, as before, be affected. However, all hope is not lost as we explore in our seasonal feature. For more on transitioning out of lockdown, we’ve got a piece exploring pub gardens, shops and outdoor spaces that you’ll no doubt be as excited about as I am. Not only that, we’ve got two amazing artists profiled in this issue, a lovely piece on pets, and, as every April, we’re carrying our Air Ambulance charity feature. Considering the last year, this amazing organisation needs our support now more than ever. As with 2020, April’s Fool Day may be in rather poor taste at present but, if you need a smile, don’t forget to turn to our watercooler pages. Stay safe, Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Assistant Editor: Dominic Cuthbert Journalist: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper Sales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes (01472) 310301 Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Advertising: Tel: (01472) 310302 Editorial: Tel: (01472) 310305 Part Of The Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299 © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a local hospital or charity? FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK/WILDMEDIA LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 14:53 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 9LEAVING LOCKDOWN BEHIND With non-essential shops, restaurants, and pubs soon to reopen, the end of the third lockdown is on the horizon. 32 LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE As many fallow deer will now be casting off their antlers, we take a closer look at this majestic animal. 34 OUT AND ABOUT As society begins to open up and we can once again start spending time with others outside, it’s the perfect opportunity to get dressed up. Fortunately, our favourite labels and designers have got some must-haves in their spring collections. 44 SPRING CLEAN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE As the seasons change so do the needs of your skin and hair. With spring in full swing, Lincolnshire Today considers how your beauty routine needs to be altered. 46 FLEXIBILITY COMES TO THE FOREFRONT Frequently forgotten in favour of more active workouts, flexibility is a key aspect of fitness. 48 FEED THE BODY, FEED THE MIND There’s no reason why food can’t be both delicious, a little bit indulgent and healthy as these wonderful recipes prove with every mouthful. 53 LINCS AND NOTTS AIR AMBULANCE The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is emerging from the worst of the pandemic thanks to its supporters. 57 SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? From 12 April, holidaying in the UK will once again be allowed, providing millions of people the chance to let down their hair and enjoy some much-needed rest and respite. • Auto Trail Motorhome Rentals Q&A 62 TUCKING INTO TRADITION With the ‘stay at home’ mandate still largely applying to this year’s Easter celebrations, we take a closer look at seasonal traditions and why they remain important to us now more than ever. APRIL 34 34 AS SOCIETY BEGINS TO OPEN UP AND WE CAN ONCE AGAIN START SPENDING TIME WITH OTHERS OUTSIDE, IT’S THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO GET DRESSED UP. FORTUNATELY, OUR FAVOURITE LABELS AND DESIGNERS HAVE GOT SOME MUST- HAVES IN THEIR SPRING COLLECTIONS. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 15:06 Page 162 62 WITH THE ‘STAY AT HOME’ MANDATE STILL LARGELY APPLYING TO THIS YEAR’S EASTER CELEBRATIONS, WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT SEASONAL TRADITIONS AND WHY THEY REMAIN IMPORTANT TO US NOW MORE THAN EVER. 66 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED Donington has for centuries been known for its markets and fairs. But there’s more to this fenland village; we visit and explore. 68 PANDEMIC PET THEFT During lockdown, pet ownership has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, this has also come with a jump in theft as criminals look to take advantage of the desire for fluffy companions. • Greenacres Pet and Equine Crematorium Q&A 72 COUNTY MOTORING There’s a lot to consider when it comes to vehicle leasing. With the motoring industry in flux, we take a closer look. 76 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 14 A MODERN COTTAGE A “labour of love” for its owners, this transformed cottage brings together traditional character with modern flair. 20 CHARMING In the pursuit of style, it’s easy to end up with a carefully curated interior that tends more towards the sterile. Sure, it’s attractive, but it may come across as a picture in a catalogue, rather than a home. 22 DEATH OF THE ARTIST This month, we explore the enchanting works of enigmatic artist, Ryder. 24 LOST IN STILL LIFES We explore the stunning ink and watercolour landscapes and still lifes of Karin Christensen, a talented Norwegian artist that has made Lincolnshire her home for almost two decades. 26 GARDENING YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH With spring finally rolling around and the sun returning, there’s never been a better time to get out in the garden – especially since many of us still can’t get out in the community. 30 THE MAGIC OF SPRING Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explores everything you need to do to maintain your beautiful garden this spring. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 15:06 Page 2latest news The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) has opened for grant applications of up to £10,000 on thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. The PCF is seeking innovative projects that build resilience through community-led solutions, from groups and organisations who are working in villages and hamlets with populations of less than 3,000 residents. Keith Halstead, Executive Director at The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “The Fund’s grant programmes work to empower rural communities to ensure that they flourish, now and in the future. “We particularly want to invest in innovative projects in remote rural areas – our Village Survival Guide has some fantastic examples of unleashing the potential of rural communities.” This grant programme is open for rural communities from across the UK to apply for grants of up to £10,000 and will close on Friday 19th March. Applications can be made here: www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/grant-giving-programme/grant-programme Prince’s Countryside Fund invites rural community resilience projects to apply for funding Freeport to bring thousands of jobs to North Lincolnshire Thousands of sustainable jobs will be created across North Lincolnshire following the announcement on the development of a Humber freeport. The announcement was made by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP in the Budget. Freeports are special economic zones with different rules to make it easier and cheaper to do business. They include infrastructure planning, customs and favourable duties and taxes. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, is co-chair of the steerco which submitted the bid and chair of the Humber Leader’s Board. “We have worked hard with the area’s MPs and businesses to deliver this for the area and it is a fantastic show of confidence in North Lincolnshire and its people,” he said. “This will help us recover and renew by delivering sustainable well-paid jobs and attract more wealth- creators to the region.” Freeport status will provide greater security for the future of steel making in Scunthorpe as British Steel is allocated as a special “customs” site which will create the conditions to develop a greater competitive edge in global markets by reducing tariffs. It will offer the area the opportunity to develop three types of sites within the designated freeport boundary – customs, tax and seed capital. The first two are designed to attract new businesses and encourage existing companies to invest in equipment, machinery and people and give them a competitive edge over rivals across the world by slashing tariffs. The seed capital sites will allow for business rates on new developments to be pooled locally and used to further invest in roads and infrastructure. The customs sites include British Steel in Scunthorpe, Inter Terminals in Immingham as well as P&O Ferries, IBL Bulk Liquids, AAK International and two UM Group sites in Hull as well as ABP’s ports in Grimsby, Goole, Immingham and Hull. © Shutterstock / Gill Kennett 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 14:57 Page 1Women’s mental health unit opens near Sleaford A new women’s mental health unit has opened near Sleaford. The 15-bed acute treatment ward in Greylees will provide support for women who are experiencing a severe, short term episode of mental ill health and who cannot be safely supported by community based services. The unit, managed by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), will help to reduce the number of patients having to travel outside of Lincolnshire for hospital care. The new ward will complement existing adult acute mental health wards in Boston and Lincoln, where patients will receive their initial assessment. Following a thorough initial assessment of people’s needs at these other two units, where it is appropriate, female patients can then be transferred to the treatment ward at Ash Villa to receive their on-going support before discharge. “The opening of Ash Villa will provide a great resource for Lincolnshire, helping to provide invaluable mental health support for women in county,” said Andy Rix, Chief Operating Officer South Locality, NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group. For the second year running, the historic Lincolnshire Show has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Following a review by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS) Board, the next Lincolnshire Show will now take place in 2022 rather than in 2021 as planned. A statement from the organisers said: “We have done everything possible to try and facilitate a Show for this year, but with concerns over ongoing restrictions for large events and the proximity of time between step 4 and the Show, we felt that the most responsible thing to do was to postpone until 2022.” They added: “During 2021, we plan to put on a range of smaller events to support our charitable objectives to educate the county about food, farming and a sustainable environment, and look forward to making our 2022 Lincolnshire Show the biggest and best show to date. “We look forward to welcoming you to the Lincolnshire Show on 22nd & 23rd June 2022.” COVID leads to cancellation of Lincolnshire Show for second year © www.adw-media.com © Shutterstock / ESB Professional One You Lincolnshire here to help pregnant women and partners quit smoking One You Lincolnshire understands how difficult it can be to quit smoking. They are here to support pregnant women and partners, at all stages of your pregnancy journey, to quit smoking. Receiving support from a trained Stop Smoking specialist can improve your chances of quitting by up 4 times than if you face it alone. They are a caring team here to offer you all the support & guidance you need. Their support is currently being delivered over the telephone, providing a 12-week intervention. They provide 12-weeks worth of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy, delivered to your chosen address. Whether you’re smoking 1 a day or 50 a day, the single best thing you can do for you and your baby’s health and future is to quit smoking. Call today or 01522 705 162 or visit the website www.oneyoulincolnshire.org.uk. You can also speak to your midwife or GP for referral. One You Lincolnshire working in collaboration with Better Births Lincolnshire 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 14:57 Page 2Lincolnshire man to cycle 5,600 miles for RAF charity An RAF serviceman based at the Headquarters of the RAF Air Cadets at RAF College Cranwell will be cycling 5,600 miles this year to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity. Wing Commander Mike Ainsworth from Barkston will be covering the distance both on the road and on a turbo trainer. Part of Mike’s challenge will include a 100-mile ride in Lincolnshire on 15 May. The Dambusters Ride has been created by the RAF Benevolent Fund to celebrate the 100th birthday of Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson DFM, the last surviving member of the Dambusters raid. Mike then plans to travel overnight to Germany to complete a 100- mile cycle on 16 May alongside a team of riders taking part in the virtual Dambusters Ride event. On 17 May, Mike intends to cycle a further 100 miles around some the crash sites and graves of the airmen that did not return. You can sponsor Mike by visiting: www.rafbf.enthuse.com/pf/mike-ainsworth Spring is in the air at Ruckland Court Care Home Residents at Country Court Care Homes have been celebrating springtime with a month of spring-themed activities in their care homes. Throughout March, each of their 33 homes have been taking part in activities with a different spring inspired theme for each week, with prizes for the winner. In week one residents enjoyed nature and wildlife activities, during week two they have been getting creative by writing stories and poetry. Week three will see springtime baking and week four is all about preparing for the Easter weekend and decorating their home to mark Easter and the beginning of Spring. At Ruckland Court Care Home in Lincoln, residents have been enjoying nature-themed crafts including decorating fir cones to make Easter decorations, painting and keeping their minds sharp with Easter- themed word searches. “It’s been a long winter for our residents so we’re celebrating Spring with some new activities for residents to engage with,” said Lisa Dent, Home Manager at Ruckland Court Care Home. latest news Beachgoers warned not to disturb wildlife after seal found in Cleethorpes © RAF Benevolent Fund People are being urged not to disturb wildlife after a seal was found on Cleethorpes Beach. Visitors to Cleethorpes beach recently reported a young seal earlier this week, but the public are being urged to stay away from the animals to avoid causing distress. The seal was prevented from resting because of constant disturbance and stress caused by people getting too close and dogs barking at it. Cleethorpes resort officers had to call out the British Marine Divers to move the seal from the North Prom to a sand bank where there were no people. Councillor Stewart Swinburn, cabinet member for Environment at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Marine animals are wild animals. They can carry diseases and can cause injury. Don’t put yourself or your dog at risk. You should stay well clear of them and contact the Beach Safety Team who will be able to help the animal without causing further distress.” © Shutterstock / John Messingham 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 14:57 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 9 LEAVING LOCKDOWN © Shutterstock /Prostock-studio After lockdown upon lockdown, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the Government’s four-step roadmap easing England’s restrictions. If the country remains on track, all limits on social interaction could be removed by the end of June. Kicking off the plans, schools reopened in March, and next, as part of stage two, this month people will finally be able to put down their phones and laptops and go into stores to make purchases as non-essential retail reopens. It should be noted, though, that it is advised shops should only be visited alone or with household groups, and don’t forget the face mask and social distancing, as this will still be required. While retailers will be happy to open their doors again, there is some disappointment as with the current reopening date (at time of writing) of 12 April, trade over the Easter weekend will be missed, and of course the high street we once knew may well not look the same with the number of announced permanent closures. Personal care businesses (like hairdressers), gyms, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas meanwhile are anticipated to reopen in April too, alongside public libraries and community centres, but perhaps, unsurprisingly, the change most anticipated and celebrated Leaving lockdown behind With non-essential shops, restaurants, and pubs soon to reopen, the end of the third lockdown is on the horizon. 10 Á 09-13.qxp_Layout 1 29/03/2021 14:36 Page 1Next >