< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING Electric Volvo ES90 The ES90 is designed to evolve over time and is powered by next-generation core computers that represent an eightfold improvement over the previous generation. It’s the first Volvo car with 800V technology for a longer range and faster charging than any electric Volvo before. And naturally, it’s designed with pioneering safety tech at its core, in a package that is set to be another Scandinavian design classic from Volvo Cars. Inside, the focus is on premium comfort, authentic materials and purpose-driven design, in line with the Scandinavian identity and design principles that are the hallmark of a true Volvo. Thanks to its long wheelbase of 3.1 metres, the ES90 provides extremely generous legroom for second-row passengers, making it an exceptionally comfortable place to travel for adults as well as children. Six interior ambient light themes for sensory well-being and a variety of upholstery options further allows users to personalise the ES90 . Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 Since the Beetle, Volkswagen has been enabling affordable mobility for millions of people with compact and likeable cars. Now, with the world premiere of the ID. EVERY1 show car, the German car manufacturer is presenting an entry-level all-electric model. Volkswagen will launch the production version in 2027 – with a starting price of around 20,000 euros. The ID. 2all1 will be launched in the 25,000 euro class as early as in 2026. Both models are part of the new Electric Urban Car Family with front-wheel drive, which is being developed under the umbrella of the Core brand group in the Volkswagen Group. They are based on Electric Volvo ES90 Volkswagen’s new modular electric drive platform: the MEB with front-wheel drive. The production version of the ID. EVERY1 will be the first model in the entire Group to use a fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture. This means that the future entry-level Volkswagen can be equipped with new functions throughout its entire life cycle if its users so wish. Even after purchase of a new car, the vehicle can still be individually adapted to their needs. Audi A6 Avant The new Audi A6 Avant sets design standards and stands for quality and comfort in the premium full-size class like no other vehicle. It impresses with a cleverly designed body concept and lots of variability, offering plenty of space for everyday life as well as for demanding recreational activities. The Audi A6 Avant models are based on the Premium LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 61 COUNTY MOTORING Platform Combustion (PPC), powered by modern petrol and diesel engines that are more efficient and dynamic thanks to the mild-hybrid technology MHEV plus. Additional highlights include intuitive operating and infotainment concepts, new digital lighting technology, and intelligent driver assistance systems. The A6 Avant goes on sale in the UK on April 1 priced from £52,510 (OTR). First customer deliveries are due mid-June. Advanced lighting technology makes a significant contribution to greater road safety and is an essential part of Audi DNA. The new A6 Avant also plays a pioneering role in its class in this area. The design of the headlights and rear lights is all about digitalization, which gives drivers the opportunity to customize the appearance of their A6 Avant according to their own preferences. At the same time, the digital lighting display provides innovative functions that improve communication with other road users. All the while, the lighting technology reflects typical Audi aesthetics. Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 Audi A6 Avant62 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING Maserati MC20 Review Breathing new life into the iconic marque The Maserati MC20 is breathtaking. It has breathed new life into the iconic marque, which has thrilled aficionados with its blend of power and luxury for years. At the centre of the MC20 is the groundbreaking Nettuno engine - a 630 horsepower V6 wonder that produces an incredible 0-62mph in just under 2.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 200mph. This new generation powerplant is especially significant because it represents Maserati’s return to in-house engine manufacturing after over two decades. The Nettuno is a gem and incorporates Maserati Twin Combustion (MTC) technology. The MC20, which weighs less than 1,500 kg, boasts a weight-to-power ratio of merely 2.33 kg/hp thanks to the employment of high-quality materials such as carbon fibre. The styling of the Italian car combines athleticism and refinement, a nod to history, and a hint of what is to come. Its edgy lines and butterfly doors are not merely an affectation; they are also an ergonomic benefit in the guise of easy access to the interior. Plus, with its aerodynamic shape, which replaces unnecessary complexity with a minimalistic rear spoiler, the MC20 has a respectable drag coefficient of less than 0.38. Inside, it’s all about the driver: The uncluttered, effective design features two 10-inch screens on either side of a centre console constructed from carbon fibre. The controls you need are neatly to hand and positioned to not distract you from the road. Driving modes GT, Wet, Sport, and Corsa are great for different road conditions; with them, you can anticipate a more responsive ride explicitly tailored to each. There are clear references to the MC12, the beast with which Maserati returned to racing in 2004, both in terms of appearance and concept. Like its forerunner, the MC20 heralds the desire to return to competition with its racing spirit, which is evident from its name alone. The MC20 not only reinvents Maserati’s performance line-up, then - but also commences the next chapter of glory for this legendary brand. This dazzling supercar is already shaking the world of high-performance cars - and will undoubtedly do so for a long time to come. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 63 COUNTY MOTORING Fast Facts Maserati MC20 Max speed: 202 mph 0-62 mph: 2.9 secs Fuel economy: 24-25 mpg Engine layout: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 Power (PS): 630 CO2: 262 g/km Priced from: £227,000 On the Road64 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY onwhat’sBardney April 3 Gardening Essentials Workshop - Bardney Manor Walled Gardens Join Bardney Manor Walled Gardens for a practical hands-on workshop focused on sustainable and eco-friendly gardening techniques that you can easily transfer to your own garden. Enjoy a cream tea while you learn! Stamford April 5 The Frog and the Princess (and Other Stories) - Stamford Arts Centre What if wishes were granted? What if magic was real? When a Storyteller appears, everyone is enchanted…beasts and breadcrumbs, wolves and witches, but all Froggy really wants is to hear a story starring someone like him. Head into the woods with Hansel & Gretel, help little elves make beautiful shoes, meet the princess who’s champion of hide-and- seek, and see if Froggy finally gets his wish! Box Tale Soup present a stunning adaptation of Grimm’s most magical tales, featuring wonderful puppets and spellbinding original music. Market Rasen April 5 Heroes Hikes: Lincolnshire Wolds - Market Rasen Join Help for Heroes for a hike through the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds. This beginner-friendly route is perfect for all fitness levels. Enjoy stunning countryside views, spot local wildlife, and support our Armed Forces community. Louth April 9 - 13 Aladdin - Louth Riverhead Theatre Will Aladdin and the Princess find true love? Will the genie of the lamp save Aladdin from evil Abanazar? And will Dame Trott still have time to do her washing! All will be revealed in this spellbinding pantomime full of great music, magic and mayhem, special effects, and loads of laughs. Lincoln April 11 Queen Rhapsody - Lincoln Arts Centre Queen Rhapsody faithfully recreates the energy, excitement, and emotion of a classic Queen concert. An authentic tribute, the four-piece band delivers powerful vocals, driving rock anthems and flamboyant showmanship. The band have been touring Britain and Europe captivating audiences with their nostalgic tribute show. After 10+ years of touring the band is tighter than ever and the show has a great repertoire from fan-favourites to Queen’s stadium rock anthems. Stamford April 11 Luke Wright: JOY - Stamford Arts Centre Following the smash hit success of his Silver Jubilee show, Luke Wright returns with a new set of poems that get to grips with the idea of JOY. Is it possible, as a 42- year-old, to feel pure unbridled happiness, and what does it look like? With a mix of Scunthorpe April 4 Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu: Reborn - The Baths Hall Having made a stunning return to the Strictly dancefloor, Amy Dowden MBE, accompanied by fellow sensational Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu, truly feels REBORN. Join Amy and Carlos as they share an intimate portrait of their lives and journeys in this inspirational show in which the transformative power of dance shines through. Featuring a dazzling cast of world-class dancers and vocalists, the tour will take audiences on an emotional and uplifting journey through powerful and show-stopping routines. © stock.adobe.com/BillionPhotos.com66 Á LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 the comic and the wistful, JOY takes in consumerism, boozing, cancer scares, abseiling vicars, and the joy of language itself. We might have to go down to come up, but we’ll get there in the end. Come let a little joy into your life with a raconteur and wordsmith at the top of his game. Spalding April 12 On the Run - South Holland Centre Get ready to watch as ‘On the Run’ perform exact replications of Pink Floyd works using both original era analogue equipment, and faithful digital reproductions of the same, all accompanied by a stunning professional light show. Grantham April 12 GRAB’S Big Band Bash - Guildhall Theatre This highly energetic and accomplished band will get the theatre jumping with their eclectic mix of big band tunes. As a group of highly skilled musicians, the band has gone from strength to strength, being in high demand for local festivals and events. GRAB always delivers a fun show, full of storming tunes, smiles and laughs. Lincoln April 12 Spring Wreath Making Workshop - Cornhill Market Celebrate the beginning of spring with a Spring Wreath Making Workshop with Bobbin & Bloom Studio, at the Cornhill Market in Lincoln. Whether you’re a crafting expert or a novice, this fun and relaxing workshop from 2pm until 4pm will provide the perfect chance to try something new and creative. Delicious coffee and cake from the Corner Farm Kitchen will be provided and can be enjoyed while you create your floral masterpiece. © stock.adobe.com/meen_na © stock.adobe.com/Tijana Lincoln April 5 - 19 Dino City - Cornhill Quarter The Cornhill Quarter in Lincoln is set to be transformed for a prehistoric adventure, as Dino City returns for the Easter holidays! There will be a giant T-Rex fossil to discover at the Dino Dig site at the Cornhill. There will also be a Dino Safari to embark on, with maps available from the Cornhill Market. Inside the market, there will be an impressive stegosaurus and dino-themed art on display. There will also be a variety of special offers and dino-themed goods available from the stallholders.Barton Upon Humber April 12 - 13 The Ropewalk Print Fair - The Ropewalk The Ropewalk is hosting a Print Fair this April, selling and showcasing affordable art from more than 30 printmakers. At the Fair visitors can expect a diverse array of prints spanning various styles, themes, and mediums. Whether it’s traditional etchings, contemporary digital prints, or experimental mixed-media creations, there’s something to appeal to all. From scenic landscapes to abstract compositions, the diverse nature of printmaking will be on full display. Louth April 17 The Wild Murphys - Louth Riverhead Theatre Join an unforgettable night of hand- clapping, toe-tapping music with The Wild Murphys, an award-winning tribute group renowned for their lively covers of Irish songs since 2005. Experience two electrifying sets, featuring hits from their 66 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WHAT’S ON acclaimed ‘One Night in Dublin’ theatre show, mixed with some timeless country classics, a couple of songs added especially for this tour, and of course some great stories from two decades on the road. Doddington April 18 - May 4 “Art In The Barn” Exhibition - Doddington Hall The Lincolnshire Artists’ Society is returning to Doddington Hall & Gardens at Easter for an Art Exhibition in the Stable Yard Gallery. Founded in 1906, the Society is well-respected for its shows where visitors have the opportunity to experience a wide range of work from some of Lincolnshire’s most talented artists. Sandtoft April 19 - 21 1940s Weekend - The Trolleybus Museum Relive the wartime spirit with re- enactors, displays of vintage vehicles, and entertainment, plus trolleybus rides, vintage motorbus tours and more. Grantham April 24 - 26 Kiss Me, Kate - Guildhall Theatre Join the Grantham Operatic Society as they present the classic Cole Porter musical comedy ‘Kiss Me, Kate’. Fred Graham is directing, producing and starring in a musical version of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. We are witness to the conflict both on and off-stage between Fred and his leading lady (and ex-wife), Lilli Vanessi. Lilli believes Fred is having an affair with the young starlet Lois Lane, but Lois is only concerned for Bill, her gambler boyfriend. Bill gets everyone into hot water when two armed gangsters turn up to threaten members of the cast over an unpaid IOU…with hilarious consequences! Scunthorpe May 2 An Audience with Liverpool Legends - The Baths Hall The ultimate evening of Liverpool © stock.adobe.com/Romolo Tavani Grantham April 16 WonderDome Planetarium - Guildhall Ballroom Get ready for a space-tacular adventure! Hop into WonderDome and blast off into a 30 minute journey through the stars. Let the magic of space envelop you.legends with Jan Molby, Ronnie Whelan and Steve McMahon on stage together. The evening will be full of entertainment, with a full insight into their careers, from previous clubs, to putting on the famous red jersey, to representing their national country. Lincoln May 3 - 5 Lincoln Festival Of History - across Lincoln The Festival of History is your chance to explore Lincoln from a new perspective, as the history of the city is brought to life like never before. Returning for the second year, this city-wide celebration of history and heritage will transport you to pivotal moments in Lincoln’s past. Historic re-enactments, authentic experiences and themed events will be taking place across the bank holiday weekend, taking you on a captivating journey through time. Lincoln May 4 - 5 Truckfest - Lincolnshire Showground Be amazed by monster trucks and arena stunt shows. Meet celebrities and children’s characters. Enjoy exhilarating rides and see some incredible trucks throughout the May bank holiday weekend. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 WHAT’S ON © stock.adobe.com/nataliaderiabina Stamford April 20 The Burghley Easter Egg Treasure Hunt - Burghley House Enjoy some Easter family fun amongst the spring blooms in Burghley’s Sculpture Garden. Bring your family and come with your friends for an egg-cellent Treasure Hunt on Easter Sunday.68 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY AN INTERVIEW WITH… A self-proclaimed “Lincolnshire girl at heart,” Hannah Dale is a wildlife illustrator and founder of the award-winning stationery and gift design company, Wrendale Designs, specialising in watercolour illustrations. Having grown up in the countryside of rural Lincolnshire and influenced by the local landscape, Hannah admits she’s never wanted to be anywhere else. Her background has informed everything from establishing her business in North Lincolnshire to the county’s wildlife sparking her inspiration to start drawing animals. With a deep connection to nature and a passion for ecology and conservation, in 2019 Hannah and her husband embarked on an ambitious rewilding project on their 300-acre farm in North Lincolnshire. We caught up with Hannah ahead of the publication of her new book A WILDING YEAR: Bringing Life Back To The Land, an impassioned and personal illustrated journal of a year during their rewilding journey. From the return of orchids to beavers becoming the most recently introduced animal to the farm — the first to return to Lincolnshire in 400 years — it is certainly an inspiring story, though not one without its challenges. “One of the biggest challenges initially is that we didn’t really know what we were doing,” Hannah shared. “We just felt that the farm wasn’t suitable for producing food. The land An interview with… wildlife illustrator and founder of Wrendale Designs, Hannah Dale Lincolnshire Today caught up with Hannah Dale, a wildlife illustrator, founder of Wrendale Designs, and self-proclaimed “Lincolnshire girl at heart,” ahead of the publication of her new book, A WILDING YEAR: Bringing Life Back To The Land, an illustrated journal of a year during the ambitious rewilding project that Hannah and her husband have undertaken on their farm. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 AN INTERVIEW WITH… that we’re on is incredibly heavy clay, it sits wet all winter and then in the summer, because it has generations of drainage underneath, it bakes very dry and hard.” Going through four years of unproductive arable farming, the farm had equally lost its value to wildlife, creating a “worst of all worlds” situation. This, however, pushed Hannah and her husband to go down a different route, coming to the conclusion it was the perfect candidate for rewilding — a process of restoring ecosystems to the point that nature can take care of itself. Starting their own rewilding project would not be easy, with advice and support difficult to find. “People were just so shocked at what we were considering, especially in Lincolnshire,” Hannah explained. “It was so different from what anybody else was doing and really difficult to get the support, but over the last five years rewilding has definitely entered the mainstream more.” In A WILDING YEAR, Hannah details the struggles of dealing with differing opinions on the project — of which there were many for and against. Not deterred, her commitment to rewilding has seen nature rapidly respond. “We didn’t know what to expect from day one, but very quickly we started to see lots of new species on the farm that we’d never seen before, and them returning with quite significant abundance,” Hannah said. Birds are one of the animals thriving, including 40 nesting sites of Skylark across the farm which did not exist before, the return of lapwing, and lots of grey partridge. “We have birds on the red list [those of conservation concern], that are really struggling and coming back to the farm in large numbers. That has been absolutely amazing to see.” Butterflies are also a star of the rewilding project, showcasing how nature can heal within a short space of time. “Somebody from the local village, who’s been very supportive of what we’re doing, has been surveying butterflies in our local area and around our farm for the past 30 years,” Hannah explained, “and he’s seen the number of species decline and decline from in the twenties to 13 different species. Within two or three years of letting the scrub start to develop on the farm, we did a butterfly survey and recorded 23 different species of butterfly! Within that incredibly short space of time, you can see recovery starting to happen. The lepidopterist 70 Á Fox illustrations taken from A WILDING YEAR Bringing Life Back To The Land by Hannah Dale, published by Batsford in hardback at £14.99.Next >