< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESbuilt some incredibly long runways andmy grandfather was involved in all ofthat.“It’ll be really exciting to come toConingsby with the Roadshow becauseI’ve only ever visited it once before, whenI was on a camp with the Air TrainingCorps, and that was 35 years ago!”Graham’s great interest is in militaryhistory so he’s particularly lookingforward to visiting Coningsby and seeingsome fascinating items. “What I’d reallylove to see are lots of items relating toConingsby, from people who used toserve there and used to work there. Ofcourse, though, we want as many peoplewith as many items to visit as possible!“It’s quite fascinating because militaryhistory is an area that has growndramatically in people’s interests, andcertainly from a Roadshow perspectivewe’re seeing far more stories than we didwhen I started 25 years ago, maybe threeor four times the number of peoplebringing militaria. It’s a staggeringincrease.“I think we’re almost the only countryin the world that holds our militaryhistory in such wonderful esteem. We allhave ancestors who fought in the FirstWorld War and the Second World War –of course, there’s nobody still alive whofought in the First World War but thereare tens of thousands of men and womenwho fought in the Second World War,and also more recent conflicts like Korea,Palestine and Aden. We get peoplebringing in their own medals and papers,and their children and grandchildren aswell. It’s interesting a youngergeneration.”Those who watch the Roadshowregularly will know that there are plentyof poignant and moving momentsrevolving around the stories andmemories that the items evoke, andGraham says, “There have been somevery memorable moments recently. Onone recent programme a woman was intears after she heard that the medal hergrandfather had won was worth £10,000today – yet he had died in poverty.“The thing I see most of all are wardiaries, particularly First World Wardiaries, but I never tire of looking at themand reading them because every one tells18-23_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:31 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY21HOMESa unique story. They’re fascinating andthey’re moving and tell stories ofincredible bravery. It’s a shame that morepeople don’t take great care of thembecause they’re wonderful pieces ofhistory in themselves.”Over 25 years Graham has seen a hugenumber of items on the Roadshow, butwhat’s been the biggest surprise? “I thinkit has to be last year, when an elderlyman, I think in his nineties, came to theRoadshow in South Wales. He was anengineer in the army in the SecondWorld War and he was sent across to theNormandy beaches with a colleague acouple of weeks before D-Day to checkout a brand new mine that the Britishhad seen there through theirobservations.“They got captured and were takenbefore Rommel, of all people, to beinterviewed. The chap said to Rommelthat he couldn’t tell him anything otherthan his name, rank and number andafter the interview Rommelasked if there was anything hecould do for them. He said hewas very hungry and he’d likea hot meal, a pint of beer anda packet of cigarettes. Rommelsaid something in German andthey were marcheddownstairs, and there in frontof them was a plate of hotfood, a stein of beer and apacket of cigarettes – and he still had thepacket of cigarettes with him at theRoadshow! That’s the story that’s amazedme the most, because of the man’s totalbravery and his complete shock inmeeting someone so high ranking.“I always say, it’s not the object alonethat’s interesting, it’s the story that’sbehind it, and I think people watch theRoadshow for the stories.”Maybe you’ve got something at homethat you think could have a similar storyattached, or an item that’s been in prideof place in your home for many yearsthat you don’t know much about.Everyone’s welcome to the Roadshow onThursday 28th May though, because it’sa working RAF base, on this occasionyou’re asked to bring photo ID. Thedoors are open from 9.30am to 4.30pmand Graham says that around lunchtimeis the best time to visit if you want toavoid the queues! For more information,including details on how they can helpyou transport large items, visitwww.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.“What I’d really love to see arelots of items relating toConingsby, from people whoused to serve there and used towork there. Of course, though,we want as many people with asmany items to visit as possible!”Graham LayMilitaria expert Graham Lay has beenpart of the Roadshow team for 25years and is looking forward to seeingsome fascinating pieces of militaryhistory in Coningsby18-23_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:32 Page 4ThevintagetouchRetro and vintage items are in big demand in homes, andLincolnshire is a favoured hotspot for antique hunters. 22 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYMany say that vintage neverreally falls out of fashion, andwhile it’s certainly the casethat the demand for period or vintagefurniture has always been a strong one.The recent surge in the retro market hasbeen far above the norm. One of thebest aspects of vintage furniture ordecorative items, is that they can also bean investment. Antiques will always be ofvalue to someone, and period itemsrarely devalue over the years. There are also many ways to look atvintage decoration, and it all stems fromwhat an individual wants from theirhome. Some look towards wooden tablesand counters, with a collection ofyesterday items scattered across them inshabby-chic style. Others prefer moreperiod settings, choosing an era andensuring that the furniture matches itacross the room – or even across theentire property. What is perhaps more common inhomes today is to mix vintage furniturewith modern decoration, creating aninteresting contrast which immediatelymakes the item stand out as a focalThevintagetouchRetro and vintage items are in big demand in homes, andLincolnshire is a favoured hotspot for antique hunters. point in a room. This can be asattention-demanding as a period diningtable with comfortable seats, or assubtle as a piled collection of retrocushions on the corner of a couch. Thebeauty is in catching the eye andstirring nostalgia. What makes the vintage style soappealing to so many people isdoubtless its universal accessibility. Thereare numerous shops across Lincolnshirethat specialise in vintage furniture, aswell as hundreds of antique stores acrossthe region. 118-23_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:32 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY23HOMESChesterfields in Lincoln Discover why: showroom open Mon– Sat 10-5pm | Sun by appointment 2, Ryland Bridge, Dunholme Road, Welton, Lincoln,LN2 3RP Our philosophy is simple… By providing an established, in demand product, of unsurpassed quality and unequalled value for money, we know that today’s discerning customer responds positively to genuine offers. We therefore invite you to a ‘no obligation’ sampling of our beautiful leather furniture. We look forward to welcoming you to our showroom. Best Value For Money In the UK See, touch, smell and feel the comfort Worth a Closer Look ! www.chesterfieldsinlincoln.co.uk Handmade furniture, built for you in a choice of hide colour: over 80 to choose from Top grain extra thick first quality leather Solid English beech wooden frame High density, reflex “memory” foam cushions telephone 01673 866656 for information Ample free car parking in front of our showroom in the Cost-cutter car park PHOTO: WWW.PICTURESOFTHINGS.COM1) Cara Sofa Faux Leather –The Cara sofa is a touch ofthe traditional, a Chesterfieldwith rolling armrests andbuttoned back and finished inspecially sourced faux leather. 2) Plantabox Wooden LogCrate – This personalisedwooden apple crate is anideal vintage decoration for anumber of purposes. Picturedhere holding logs, you couldjust as easily use it to stackbooks, children’s toys oranything else. 3) French Chic nest of tables– A beautifully handmaderustic set of three tablesfeaturing beautiful timbergrains and grooves. Thevintage chic table makes for agreat side table for a livingroom. 2318-23_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:32 Page 6GARDENSWONDERS ATWESTCOTE FARMTwo beautiful gardens alongside Westcote Farm in Barrow create fabuloussettings to appreciate the surroundings24-27_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY25GARDENSuite a lot of readers in this particular part of Lincolnshire will have memories ofWestcote Farm in Barrow-Upon-Humber in its original form as a working farm. There’sstill many acres of farmland there now, but there’s also a number of beautifulfamily homes whose gardens offer total relaxation and tranquillity. A coupleare opening their doors in the next few weeks but we took the opportunity tohave a sneak peek.At number three, Westcote Farm House, Gary and Alison have created a wonderfulgarden which is designed to offer a place to relax and enjoy the surroundingcountryside. It’s something it clearly delivers in spades. Gary and Alison have lived in thehouse for fifteen years, buying the property when it was quite derelict, while the gardenhad no boundary fence, just barbed wire and posts separating it from the farmland.Keen to get something established that could grow over the next few years while theyconcentrated on the home itself, they planted the hedges which are still a part of thegarden today. As the family has five children they needed somewhere they could playand run around safely.One of the very best places to relax in the garden is the summerhouse next to the26 ÁQQ24-27_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:36 Page 226 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSpond. Alison tells us, “We dig the pond out and then the childrenbought goldfish from the garden centre in Brigg – and now we musthave hundreds of fish in there! The frogs have turned up now as well.“We were struggling to get things off the ground in terms of thehouse and garden but I really wanted a summerhouse, though theywere very expensive. In the end we went online and bought this onefrom Yorkshire for two hundred pounds which I thought would be agood start. When we went to collect it, we were invited to dismantle itand take it away, and it ended up being like a jigsaw puzzle! Webrought it back in bin liners and rebuilt it but it fits in perfectly.“Gary did the pond and the main layout but we needed a bit ofhelp because it’s on a slope. We got some advice from a local gardendesigner and she recommended that we terrace it, and then put someyew around for a playing area for the kids. The decking is more of asocial area for us but the kids used to love sitting around the pond,they got hours of entertainment from it.“We used to park the cars right up to the extension but the problemthen is that when you’re looking out you’re just seeing your cars allthe time. In the meantime Gary bought some old school railings so wehad the brainwave of putting the railings around the house so you canappreciate the garden more from inside. We’ve put some raised bedsaround the kitchen too for added interest.”The yew hedges are as much of a practical choice as a stylistic oneas the way the garden faces means it can get very windy. Theycertainly give across a formal but contemporary feel throughout thegarden, though, giving unity and seclusion to each individual area.This means the garden offers all kinds of delights and it’s easy to findsomewhere to relax – but the slope and the clever design mean youstill get to appreciate the size of the garden. When the garden’s opento the public in June, you’ll also get the opportunity to appreciate thelarge drifts of herbaceous plants.24-27_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:36 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY27GARDENSIf you’re visiting number three, you can also popacross to The Barn at number six where Lesley andIan have created a fantastic garden almost fromscratch. When they first arrived the garden wasmassively overgrown but they’re worked hard acrossthe acre or so to create something very specialwhich continues to evolve.Again yew hedging plays its part in creating plentyof interest, as well as the mature trees which duringthe summer months make for such a striking setting.And if the weather doesn’t want to play ball there’sthe glorious garden room. Lesley’s role in thehorticultural area of the Lincolnshire Show ensuresthe garden has lots of interest.You can visit The Barn and Westcote Farmhousewhen they open as part of the NGS scheme onSunday 7th June between 11am and 5pm – andwe’d highly recommend it.24-27_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:36 Page 4Ed Fuller from FullersForestry and Landscapinghelps ensure your gardenstays in top shapethroughout the warmermonths28 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYThe Chelsea Flower Show is at theend of the month, one of themajor events in the gardeningcalendar and a reminder the summer isvery nearly upon us. Although you maynot be going away until July or August,now is certainly the time to start thinkingabout your garden’s progress throughoutthe summer and how it can be lookedafter while you’re on holiday.Ideally, you want to find someone youtrust, like a neighbour, who can pop inregularly to water your plants, bothinside and out, and do a few minor jobsto keep on top of things. This isn’talways possible but there are a fewthings you can do and get prepared sothat you don’t return to a wilted andwithered garden.If you can’t fit an irrigation system intime, then there are other things youcan do to make sure your garden has afighting chance of survival. Put your potsin a shaded area so they don’t getscorched and dry out as quick. Makesure you water them well for a few daysbefore you leave, and you can also useshade netting material to reduceevaporation. You can get rolls of thisnetting from your garden centre. Youcould also put some shading on ourgreenhouse to reduce the amount ofevaporation inside.For your flower beds, you can usemulch to save moisture. Make sure thatthe beds are clear of weeds and the soilis moist before you apply it. Spread andrake a 10cm high layer and this shouldreduce evaporation but also allow rainwater to drain through. As it is the startof the season, you should start to watermore deeply and less frequently now.This will encourage plants to send rootsdeeper and means they’ll cope betterfor periods without water.I would also suggest that you mowKeep yourgardenblooming!Keep yourgardenblooming!28-29_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:38 Page 1your lawn just before you go. If we’ve had hot weather, youwon’t need to cut your lawn much but rain may havetriggered growth. If this is the case, then cut your lawn on ahigh setting the day before you go away. This will mean youwon’t return to a very lush growth, which can be hard workto mow, but you won’t trigger as rapid growth as you wouldif you use a low setting on your blades. Another way toensure you don’t get a scorched and dry lawn is to have anartificial one fitted!If you want to really plan and develop your garden so thatnext year it’s prepared for a few weeks of neglect, then youcan think about the types of plants to have in your gardenand pots. Last month I mentioned succulent plants as beingone of this year’s trend for the garden. These are ideal plantsto be able to leave for a period of time without watering andare defined as drought resistant plants as they store water inleaves, stems or roots. This makes them more fleshy thanusual by the development of water-storing tissue.If you are too busy to prepare your garden before goingaway, as you’ve been busy watching the Chelsea FlowerShow, you need to pray for rain in Lincolnshire while you areenjoying yourselves in the sun. Then you don’t have toworry!LINCOLNSHIRETODAY29GARDEN ADVICESpecialised 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 OBLIGATION QUOTATIONSCall 01522 868717 or 07867 510544info@fullersforestry.co.uklwww.fullersforestry.co.ukwww.landscapinglincolnshire.comFULLERSForestry & LandscapingMay’s garden diaryThere are plenty more jobs to be getting onwith this month...• Regularly hoe off weeds• Collect rainwater and investigate ways to recycle water forirrigation• Watch out for last frosts and protect tender plants• Earth up potatoes and plant any still remaining• Plant out summer bedding at the end of the month, unless it’sstill cold• Open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days• Mow lawns regularly• Clip hedges, but check for nesting birds first• Watch out for viburnum beetle and lily beetle grubs and usenatural sprays to control them• Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils and otherspring-flowering bulbs• Start planting vegetables for a harvest this year such as carrots,cauliflowers, artichokes, brassicas and courgettesPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/DIRK OTTPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/TOA5528-29_Layout 1 17/04/2015 10:38 Page 2Next >