< PreviousPHOTO: WWW.JANEHOBSON.COMPorter’s apeople personLucy plays at theSouth Holland ArtsCentre in Spalding onThursday 6th June, tofind out more log on towww.lucyporter.co.ukLucy Porter is a comedian with a lotto say. We catch up with her as sheembarks on her first stand-up tour intwo years and find out what hasinspired her latest show.090-091:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:33 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY91INTERVIEW WITH…Tell us about your latest show - PeoplePerson - what can people expect?Well, it’s a show that I’ve done inEdinburgh before - largely aboutfriendship, based on a true story aboutnew friends I made. Then I go off ontangents and talk about things likedaytime TV, online customer reviews andmy husband at quite some length, whichI don’t think he’s that pleased about! It’sjolly, and good fun. Tangents really aremy style, I can never stick to the point! What’s it like being back after such along break? I was still doing the odd charity gig,but yeah, I’m back and it’s lovely. I had ayear off to have my daughter Emily butthen almost immediately got pregnantagain with my son John so it was nice tohave a break. It’s only when you lookback that you realise that you might havebeen a bit bored with all the travellingand I think I was also running out ofideas. Now I love the fact I get to goaway and stay in hotel rooms.After fifteen years or more on thecircuit, what have been yourhighlights? Have there been anyshockers too?The first gig is always a thrill. To findout you can do it in front of an audiencewas a memorable one but I guess CaesarsPalace in Las Vegas was a career peak, it’sall gone downhill since then! I must say it was a conference room inthe hotel, not the actual headliner, itwasn’t me and Jerry Seinfeld co-headlining or anything! A lot of thetravelling has been very enjoyable.Having said that, I nearly died once, astage section collapsed and hit me on thehead. At the time the adrenaline kickedin and I just carried on, but then cameoff stage and realised if it had been a fewinches in another direction it would havebeen a lot worse. As far as bad ones go, if any comediansays they’ve never died on stage thenthey are lying! I once got booked ontoan Asian speed-dating night. It was justpeople sitting there saying ‘Why is thiswoman standing up trying to talk to uswhen all we want to talk to each otherand find love?’ I felt like a reallyunwelcome guest at that one, it was justbizarre. Who influences you as a comedian? I suppose my big inspirations was DaveAllen who was the first person I canremember seeing because my parentsloved him, that gentle storytelling stylehas stayed with me. Ellen Degeneres isamazing, I tried to be like a Britishversion of her for a long time and alsoSarah Kendall the Australian comic, shewas amazing too. There’s loads of peopleI admire, I’m very fan-girly about comedystill, you’ve got to keep a love of it, itwould be a real shame if you were stuckin your ways. You also have to do whatyou do and not generally go with what’snecessarily cool at the time.Are there any new names you think weshould also look out for?Joe Wells is going to be huge, butmaybe not huge, as he’s very niche, lookout for him playing a small arts centrenear you soon! Ha ha. StephanieStevenson though might be genuinelyhuge though because she is on form andhas interesting things to say. Tom Toles isvery funny, Daniel Simonson is veryinteresting and exciting stuff. LuisaOmielan could be a proper megastar,she’s very young and feisty, I like her. Ihave to seek people out a bit more thesedays now I’m on tour, but Edinburgh is agreat place to seek out new talent. You’re visiting Spalding on your latesttour. Have you been to the town orLincolnshire previously?No, so far it’s been very muchoverlooked, by the time I get there itshould be good. I’ve played in Lincolnbefore at the town hall. I do intend torectify my knowledge, so I’ll be a walkingencyclopaedia on the place when I arrive.There’s nothing worse than going to aplace to get a jaded audience so I’mreally into going somewhere new! Are you involved in any other projectson radio or TV this year?I’m doing bits and bobs, I am on TheUnbelievable Truth on Radio 4 and I dooccasional talking head things on TV. Idid one recently on Clive Dunn as I methim when I was small. I might do a few things, I’m writing asitcom with a friend of mine and I alsorun a mother and baby comedy club. It’scalled Screaming With Laughter, we do itall over, it’s really nice. When you have ayoung baby they don’t get anything outof things you take them to so you’rebetter doing something you and otherparents can enjoy. It’s been great formaterial, that’s very much about thingslike babies and poo though, it’s a verybase show but that’s what you’re intowhen you’ve just had one! Your brain is abit fried and you are sleep-deprived.Some of that kind of show has made itinto my new one, but I have to reassurepeople it’s not all about motherhood! Ican understand if someone has booked ababysitter for the night to go out, theydon’t want to hear someone banging onabout being a mum!090-091:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:33 Page 292 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSOCIAL SCENEThe BlankneyHunt has a ballThe George Stephenson Hall on the Newark Showground was again one of the most popular events on thecounty’s social calendar. The Blankney Hunt Ball once again enjoyed a hugely enthusiastic attendance with over850 guests with its blend of glamour and excitement. Guests enjoying great music from The Flames and danced toDJ AC, as well as enjoying fabulous food from CGC Events.092-093:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:32 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY93SOCIAL SCENEPHOTOS BY RICHARD PICKSLEYThis is just a selection of photographs from this event…Visit www.lincolnshiretoday.netto view and purchasecopies of the photographsLincolnshireTodayTHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE092-093:Layout 1 15/4/13 08:32 Page 2PETS CORNERIn recent years, the trend for exotic pets has become biggerthan ever. It’s now easier than ever for people to forego theusual cats and dogs in favour of species who, a few years ago,would only have been seen in the UK as part of a zoo.However because it’s easier than ever to buy these weird andwonderful creatures, it’s also easier than ever for people withoutthe correct facilities and training to purchase them and findthemselves with a potentially mistreated animal.Lincolnshire is of course home to the Exotic Pet Refuge inDeeping St James and owner Pam Mansfield currently looks afterabout 350 creatures great and small, after setting it up in theseventies when the owner of a Burmese python had secondthoughts about their purchase and couldn’t return it to the shopthey bought it from. One of the Refuge’s recent additions was analligator whose owner claimed they had bought in error aftertrying to find a lizard and being unaware of how big it wasgoing to grow. Events such as this are a cautionary tale for thosewho wish to buy an exotic animal but don’t go to the experts.You won’t get this kind of problem if you make use of one ofLincolnshire’s top aquatics companies who have greatknowledge and expertise. Many stock tropical fish directlyimported from breeders all over the world. Often they now makeuse of on-site quarantine facilities which means they can makesure that their fish are in good health without having to rely onwholesale quarantine.Incredibly, the rise of internet shopping means that a growingnumber of fish, reptiles and amphibians are now being sent topeople’s homes via post. Not only does this lead to somesurprised postmen but also means they don’t adhere toquarantine regulations so could be in appalling quality andcompletely unsuitable to keep.In some nations the sale of reptiles and amphibians is actuallyoutlawed. In Norway, for example, a recent debate on lifting a37 year ban ended with the status quo prevailing. One reasonfor this decision is due to concern about the inability forWeird andwonderful?Fish, reptiles and amphibians are provingincreasingly popular as pets – but there are tipsto bear in mindTop Tottie topsAmong the range of quality items for horse and rider from Tottie is afantastic Jane rugby style shirt in a range of fun bright colours. Jane is along sleeved striped rugby shirt with a white woven collar and placket.Featuring the Tottie polo player embroidery on the chest and the Tottieoutline embroidery on the back in a contrast colour, Jane is kept unique tothe Tottie range.The top is available in Mint and Fuchsia, and for more information, visitwww.tottie.co.uk. However we’ve got one to give away! Send your nameand address to Tottie Competition, Lincolnshire Today, Armstrong House,Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE or competitions@blmgroup.co.ukby Friday 31st May.094-095:Layout 1 15/4/13 09:38 Page 1potential owners to care for them properly – citing a scientific study that showed 75%of reptiles kept in the home died within a year, far less than their potential lifespan.Indeed, some species can live for well over a hundred years.Here is the UK there’s no law against purchasing these creatures with the idea beingthat it’s better for animals to be monitored and sold by licenced dealers as opposed tocreating a blank market of illegal purchases. Certainly those looking to purchase thesecreatures have to seriously consider their ability to look after them and make surethey’re purchasing them from a highly reputable dealer who can provide expertadvice on their obligations. In Lincolnshire there are a number of experts who canmake sure you know what you’re buying and how to look after them.These aquatic creatures are certainly fascinating and often look truly beautiful.You may have to put a bit more work into looking after them but if you makethe effort, you’ll be rewarded with delight.185 Victor Street, Grimsby DN32 7QBwww.victoraquatics.co.ukTel: 01472 358698Aquarium & pond fish & accessoriesJust FishFor all your aquariumneeds!Open 7 days a weekwww.justfish.vpweb.co.ukTelephone:01724 44043007833 606869PETS CORNERPets with poiseZukieStyle is a small independentbusiness offering quality, bespoke fashionand pet accessories, handmade by DianeHarrod at her studio in Lincoln. You cansee her work online, or at the WoodhallSpa Country Show on 19th May. Wehave a fabulous free bandana for yourdog to give away. All you have to do isvisit www.zukiestyle.co.uk and tell uswhat year ZukieStyle was established.Send your answer with your name andaddress to ZukieStyle Competition, Lincolnshire Today, ArmstrongHouse, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE orcompetitions@blmgroup.co.uk by Friday 31st May.094-095:Layout 1 15/4/13 09:38 Page 296 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSUDOKUcompetitionClosing date for entries is: 20th MAY2013To enter just email the numbers thatappear in the yellow squares to:competitions@blmgroup.co.ukWin a £20 voucher tospend with any of ouradvertisers in this issue.Last month’s solutionS2E4PN2O6V469823571271945638538167249154236897396478152827591364943682715785319426612754983Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20Feeling good is usually associated withdoing something rather naughty – andlet’s face it, it doesn’t happen very often,so enjoy it while you can. A budding newfriendship gathers momentum. Taurus Apr 21 - May 21There are no limits to your courage,benevolence and tenacity. The good newsis that you are now starting to see an end torestrictions that have held you back. Showyour partner appreciation for believing inwhat you are capable of achieving.Gemini May 22 - June 21Someone you have been communicatingwith is starting to make an enormousimpression – but all decisions carryconsequences, so be sure of what youchoose to do next. A little light-hearted funand banter could be just what you needthough. Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 23Someone is waving a magic wand asgood fortune is in the air. Your domestic lifeis buzzing and the pace of life will quickenover the coming weeks. There’s a lot ofmoney to be made if you put your mind toit.Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23Someone you have developed feelingsfor is playing hard to get but avoidbecoming embroiled with a commitmentphobic. Work and business issues arecausing you sleepless nights. Are youbehaving obsessively regardingsomething?Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23A close friend will take you to one sidewith the intention of finding out just what isreally going on in your world. An ex-partner refuses to take the hint and is hellbent on causing you as much angst aspossible.Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23When you put your mind to it you can bea smooth operator. You will amaze yourselfby being daring and decisive. Wait for thegreen light at work as blocks andobstacles are suddenly removed.Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22Unexpected help from an unusual sourcegives you the go ahead to make that allimportant move. There is no point in hidingyour feelings any longer. You must leavepartners and associates in no doubt wherethey stand.Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21On the love front, complications areindicated. Someone you are deeply inlove with may have commitmentselsewhere. Be honest with yourself. Are youwasting your time with this one?Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20Your patience is being severely tested.Issuing an ultimatum may prove to be theonly way to get an answer. An unresolvedfamily matter is showing no signs ofimprovement but travel opportunities areon offer, so get the ball rolling.Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19You are not the kind of person who letsothers down. However, once someoneoffends or betrays you, there is no goingback. You face a number of toughchallenges at work, but nothing youcannot handle.Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20You have every right to feel excited andoptimistic about both your personal andworking life. Someone may offer you somework that is handsomely paid.Recognition for all your efforts comes froman unusual source. Astrology by Linda Lancashirewww.lindalancashire.co.ukbroomsticks@lindalancashire.co.ukYOURstarsLincolnshire Today’s guide to the astro month ahead...235987416679143285841265937926714853753892164418536792382671549167459328594328671096:Layout 1 12/4/13 13:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY97ClassifiedTheessentialguidefortheBrideandGroomtobeTheessentialguidefortheBrideandGroomtobeWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET/WEDDINGSWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET/WEDDINGSMotorsWeddingsCosta Blanca - Close to the beach and Murcia or Alicante airportsLuxury detached villa with landscaped gardens, private pool, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and large sun terrace.Enjoy a week or two in a private villa with its own tropical landscaped gardens, (Mood-lit by night).When you’ve had enough of basking by the pool, a short stroll will take you to local shops,restaurants or street markets. Afterwards relax with a cool gin and tonic at one of the many bars, oron one of the many blue flag beaches close by. Prices start from only £99 per day Visit www.playaflamencavilla.co.uk for more informationLUXURYVILLARENTALLUXURYVILLARENTALHoliday Villa RentalBritish ClassicsHeritage MotorsParts 1948 to dateRetail Trade ExportSpecial ProjectsRestorationsManufacturingCountry Workshops Risegate,Nr Spalding, Lincs, England PE11 4EZTel/Fax-01775 750 223-www.british4x4centre.co.ukClassic LandroversVendingFor thevery latestdesigns in“Bean To Cup”coffee machinesand chilledwaterdispensers.Call us for a free survey and information.Tel: 01724 874400or email: info@abcvending.co.ukBrigg ServicesTo receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to:Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby,North East Lincs DN31 2QEAlternatively visitwww.lincolnshiretoday.net/weddingswhere you can view the whole guide onlineIf you are getting marriedthen this guide is yourmust have accessory.It’s full of advice, hintsand tips from the county’stop wedding specialistsand will provide you withinspiration for yourbig dayPlanning for yourspecial day?EntertainmentPickeringsPickeringsFor your Shoe Repairs, Keys, Locks,Trophies, Medals, Locks, Padlocks, Signs - Brass &Plastic, Vinyl Cutting - Letters & Logos, Keyfobs,Engraving, Wallets and Bags, T-Shirt Vinyl lettering,Polish and so much more.Come see us atCome see us atPickerings, 55 Wrawby Street,Pickerings, 55 Wrawby Street,Brigg Tel: 01652 652297Brigg Tel: 01652 652297mark@pickeringsofbrigg.commark@pickeringsofbrigg.comTo advertise your servicescall Angela Cooper atLincolnshire Today on01472 310310OFF LIMITSare a versatile bandspecialising in songs from the50s to the present;Elvisto Robbie, Beatlesto Bryan Adams, OasistoQueen, ClaptontoKaiser Chiefsand much, much more.If you are after a great, tight bandthat can play all types of music foryour event or party then Off Limits arethe band for you. Please contact us for a demo discTel: 01427 615177 www.offlimitsband.co.ukLincolnshire’sPremier Party BandOFF LIMITS097:Layout 1 15/4/13 10:34 Page 198 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLincolnshire Today Live!That’s it from this month’s issue, but don’t forget the printed magazine is only part of what we offer atLincolnshire Today! There’s all the latest news online at www.lincolnshiretoday.net, updated throughout themonth, we’re on Twitter and Facebook, and you’ll see our reporters and cameras at events across the county.Online this month...Visitors to ourwebsite andsubscribers to ournewsletters have beenahead of the gamethis month. Thanks toour friends at Lottie’sAtik of Steep Hill inLincoln, we’ve beenspotlighting what’shot this season withour fashion bulletins.Owner CharlieHarrison gave us hetips for a great lookright now – like inour picture, whichfeatures perfectdaywear, with the jacket being particularly versatile andeasy to wear. These outfits are available to buy in thecounty right now!On our website you’ve also been able to catch upwith last month’s vintage issue, where we focused onhow across the county people are taking cues from thepast for style and entertainment. We got a greatresponse to this special issue from readers andadvertisers alike and if you’re kicking yourself youdidn’t get a copy, why not catch up online?As ever our cameras have also been out and aboutthis month and on the website now you’re able to viewand purchase photos from a host of major eventsincluding the Market Rasen Round Table Ball. We don’thave space to include all the photos in the magazinebut check online to see if we caught you on camera!For more news on this and other events as theyhappen, check on www.lincolnshiretoday.net!Stay in touch withLincolnshire TodayWe love to know what you think of Lincolnshire Today – so get in touch with us viaTwitter at @lincstoday or search for us on Facebook. You can enjoy some behind-the-scenes snippets from the magazine and find out what’s coming up in future issues toget a step ahead of your friends!June’s Lincolnshire Today is one of our biggest issues of the year as we look ahead tothe region’s showpiece, the Lincolnshire Show! Our complete guide to what’s going onat the event, including all the action at our marquee, will provide all you need to knowto make the most of this fantastic event. To coincide this issue will also have a specialcommunity theme focusing on how people are working together across the county.Watch out for it in newsagents and supermarkets across Lincolnshire, and onwww.lincolnshiretoday.net, by the end of May.LoveLincolnshireEvery month we catch up with a familiarface to find out what makes Lincolnshirespecial to them. Here, William Ivory,acclaimed writer of such hit films and TVshows as Made In Dagenham, Bert and Dickie and Common as Muck,tells us why Lincolnshire means so much to him.What do you love about Lincolnshire?My father was in Bomber Command, in Skellingthorpe and I think inWaddington as well. I’ve got a very strong affinity for Lincoln and Lincolnshire asmy dad was stationed there in the war and my mother came from Newark, andthey lived in Lincoln for several years after the war. Whenever I come up the EastCoast I always stop off at the Birchwood memorial for the 50 and 61 squadron. Ialways find it very moving, especially as there’s a school there, as there was whenmy father was stationed there, so you get a sense of new life.Why is the region so rarely seen on our screens?I don’t think television really knows it exists! The East Midlands has a realidentity, yet everyone bypasses it. I’m trying to put it on the map because it has aparticular sensibility and certainly a particular sense of humour. It’s a great place tofilm, especially because you get these big skies. People say it’s too flat, but don’tlook at the horizon, look at the sky!Your play Bomber’s Moon was set at RAF Skellingthorpe. What did thatmean to you?It was particularly poignant as there are so many Lincolnshire landmarksmentioned within the play. Many Lincolnshire landmarks, such as Lincoln Cathedraland the legendary Saracen’s Head public house, were mentioned in the script.LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net098:Layout 1 12/4/13 13:33 Page 1Enjoy a family day out at The Parishes this Summer. Visit our array of big name fashion stores such as Fallen Hero, H&M, BHS and Internacionale followed by a drink and bite to eat at Costa. In a hurry? Grab a snack on-the-go from Cooplands or Greggs.If that’s not enough, we also have our 7-screen VUE Cinema so you can watch the latest Hollywood hit. Enjoy!Family fun at The Parishes /theparishes www.theparishes.comFenton Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6QX Come and see us at the Lincolnshire Showin the ‘Discover North Lincolnshire’ tent. Wed 19th and Thu 20th June.Prices start from £18,000Hill Farm Furniture | Clensey Lane | Dry Doddington | Nr Newark | Nottinghamshire | NG23 5HT01636 626063 | enquiries@hillfarmfurniture.co.ukwww.hillfarmfurniture.co.ukInspired and individual kitchens, studies, libraries and free-standing furniture... all designed and hand-crafted WRVSHFLÀFDOO\EOHQGLQZLWK\RXUSURSHUW\Showroom open: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm | Saturday by appointmentkitchens | studies | libraries | furniture099:Layout 1 12/4/13 13:33 Page 1Next >