< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGBelieve it or not, convertibles are more popular here than many othercountries in Europe. And, guess what? Spring is here, and that meansthe drop-top motoring season starts. Here’s a glimpse of what we thinkis the coolest trio of open-top cars on the market.convertibles70-74_Layout 1 19/04/2017 12:30 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY71COUNTY MOTORING2017 Mazda MX-5 RF ‘RF’ stands for is ‘Retractable Fastback’,but it’s not just the name that distinguishesitself from the regular Mazda MX-5 – thenew RF has its own look.It’s easy to get the MX-5 RF’s top to drop.The time to press the switch to make thecar’s roof and rear window stow away iswhen you’re immobile. But, if you’re in arush, you can complete this action up to6mph. The MX-5 RF is offered with a 131ps 1.5-litre engine, or you can up the enjoymentfactor by going for the 160ps 2.0-litre unit.The latter is the version we squeezed behindthe wheel of. 72 ÁThe 2.0-litre powerplant is hurried, withzero to 62mph arriving in 7.3 seconds andwe found we could drive into twisting turnsof tarmac eagerly. The steering is exact andthe RF feels meticulously balanced in thebends.Inside, the cockpit is very much the sameas the usual MX-5. The only alteration is anup-to-date colour screen housed in thedriver’s instrument binnacle. So, if you’re in the market for a motor thathas a removable roof section, but isn’t a fulldrop-top, then this MX-5 RF could be foryou. 70-74_Layout 1 19/04/2017 12:30 Page 272 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGMINI Convertible The MINI looks like a megastar.There’s an authentic impressionof BMW about the way the car’scabin has been bolted together.It’s all very nicely finished, withtop-class trim and hip-grippingsports seats, and it’s anagreeable place to be. It now seats four people; it hasa larger boot; its electric foldingroof is improved and it contains up-to-the-minute technology. The MINI Cooper S is the moststimulating model, due to its accuratesteering and its turbocharging. The turbogives the in-gear rate an even hotter shotin the arm. The manual gears are easy-going, butit’s difficult not to be bewitched by theautomatic transmission. Here, there arecopious settings to interest you, as well aspaddles to change up and down thegears. It all makes the MINI Cooper S asincerely satisfying car, particularly onbendy roads that require lots of hoppingthrough the gears. COUNTY MOTORING74 Á70-74_Layout 1 19/04/2017 12:30 Page 3DISCOVERY SPORT ADVENTURE. IT’S IN OUR DNA.MONTHLY PAYMENTS FROM £399 PLUS DEPOSIT AND OPTIONAL FINAL PAYMENTGet behind the wheel of the Discovery Sport and discover our most versatile compact SUV to date. Featuring Narvik Black exterior enhancements, rear privacy glass and 20 inch five split spoke Gloss Black alloy wheels. HSE Black offers a more striking exterior, emphasising the assertive and confident stance of the vehicle. With a generous loadspace of up to 1,698 litres and the clever option of 5+2 seating, call us to book a test drive and experience the great indoors in style.Book your test drive today.Duckworth Land Rover (Market Rasen)Racecourse Garage, Willingham RoadMarket Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3RE01673 842101www.duckworthlandrover.co.ukDuckworth Land Rover (Boston)Avalon Road, KirtonBoston, Lincolnshire PE20 1QR01205 722110www.duckworthlandrover.co.ukOfficial Fuel Consumption Figures for the Discovery Sport range in mpg (I/100km): Urban 44.1-50.4 (6.4-5.6); Extra Urban 60.1-62.8 (4.7-4.5); Combined 53.3-57.7 (5.3-4.9). CO2 Emissions 139-129 g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparative purposes only. Real world figures may differ. Representative Example relates to a Discovery Sport HSE Black 180 (7 Seat) Automatic. 6.9% APR Representative available on Discovery Sport HSE Black 180 (7 Seat) Automatic models registered between 1st April to 30th June 2017 at participating Retailers only. With Land Rover Freedom Personal Contract Purchase you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) return the vehicle and not pay the Optional Final Payment. If the vehicle has exceeded the maximum agreed mileage a charge per excess mile will apply. In this example, 14p + VAT per excess mile up to 4,999, or for excess mileage of 5,000 or more, a charge of 28p + VAT will apply to each excess mile above the maximum agreed mileage. If the vehicle is in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and has not exceeded the maximum agreed mileage you will have nothing further to pay; (2) pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (3) part exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing credit agreement; new credit agreements are subject to status. Representative example is based upon an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Credit is subject to status and only available to UK residents, 18 plus only. This credit offer is only available through Black Horse Limited trading as Land Rover Financial Services, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. We can introduce you to Land Rover Financial Services and a limited number of other lenders to provide funding for your vehicle. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders.Discovery Sport HSE Black (7 Seat) Automatic PCP Representative ExampleOn the Road Price*£41,790Finance Deposit Allowance £1,250Customer Deposit£9,610Total Amount of Credit£30,930Purchase Fee (incl. in optional final payment)£1036 Monthly Payments£399Optional Final Payment£22,058Total Amount Payable £47,282Duration of Agreement 37 monthsRepresentative APR6.9% APRInterest Rate (Fixed)6.69%*The model shown is a Discovery Sport HSE Black with optional metallic paint (£625) at an On the Road price of £42,415. Duckworth Land Rover is a trading style of Martin Duckworth Ltd who is acting as a credit broker and not a lender.70-74_Layout 1 19/04/2017 12:30 Page 4COUNTY MOTORINGYou can go for either apetrol unit or a dieselengine, buoyed by turbopower. This is all linkedup to a smooth-operatingnine-speed automatic ‘box,and all-wheel drive. The 2.0turbo diesel is the best engineif you’re after economy,returning around 49.6mpg onaverage.The diesel Evoque Convertible shiftsfrom zero to 62mph in 10.3 seconds,which is 1.3 seconds longer than thehard-top Coupe’s sprint - but bothmanage a top end of 121mph. The240PS petrol propelled power unit isRange RoverEvoque Convertible The Range Rover Evoque Convertible’slooks take a bit of getting used to, butthey grow on you. The car has a material roof that can betriggered on the move – as long as theSUV isn’t doing more than 30mph. Thetop will fold down in 18 seconds and itwill go back up in 21 seconds. The Evoque drop-top will seat fourpeople and, for a convertible, it has anadequate 251-litre load area, too. Theother good thing is that the roof opensand closes inaudibly and it tucks awaycompactly, instead of piling-up on thecar’s tailgate. 74 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYnippier, getting to 62mph in 8.6 seconds.On and off-road, the non-tin-top SUVseems just as gifted as its hard-toppedsibling – with indistinguishableclearances, and a mutual 500mmwading depth. 70-74_Layout 1 19/04/2017 12:31 Page 5Willow Ball 2017The Q Hotel at Belton Woods, Grantham, played host to the Willow Charity Ball on the 8th of April. Set up by Bob Wilson ofSports TV Fame, The Willow Foundation is dedicated to bringing special days to the seriously ill between the ages of 16 and 40.With a three-course meal, disco and live music performed by the band Crazy Ape, the night was a roaring success and raised£2650 from the charity raffle and auction.PHOTOS: RICHARD PICKSLEYLINCOLNSHIRETODAY75SOCIAL SCENECALLING ALL EVENT ORGANISERSIf you are holding an event and would like one of our photographers to come alongplease contact Michael Fisher at m.fisher@blmgroup.co.ukBEVERLEY TOON,KERRY ANGELONIPHIL & SOPHIE DAVIESCHRIS MASTERS & LISA UDALLJAMES & MIRELLA BROWNADAM & ELAINE TAYLORMARK & SUZANNE ANGELONILIZ RIDDLINGTON,TERESA CURTIS,MANDY ALLISON(ORGANISERS)THE CRAZY APEBANDJASON & CLAIREHUMPHRIES75_Layout 1 19/04/2017 11:54 Page 176 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYonwhat’sSleafordFriday 1 April – Sunday 24SeptemberHigh Flying Women –Pioneering Aviators,Cranwell Aviation HeritageMuseum Discover the incredible stories ofwomen who fought against adversity toachieve aviation history. From worldfamous Amy Johnson to the EpiscopalPriest’s wife who became a world classstunt pilot, come along and be inspired.For more information, call 01529 488490.SpaldingFriday 28 AprilFunhouse Comedy Club,South Holland Centre The second Funhouse Comedy Clubdate of the season sees comedian DanNightingale mixing fiendishly accurateobservations with killer punch lines. He’sjoined by the awkward, geeky but everfunny Peter Brush, and Doug ‘imagine ifDerren Brown was funny’ Segal, alongwith compere Barry Dodds. For moreinformation, visitwww.southhollandcentre.co.uk.StamfordSunday 30 AprilDonnie Darko, Stamford ArtsTheatreTo celebrate the fact that the time-travelling, genre bending cult classic hasbeen fascinating and perplexingaudiences for 15 years, Richard Kelly’smagnum opus has been given a 4Koverhaul and released back into cinemas.Alan Alderson-Smith, Stamford ArtsCentre’s very own film programmer, willgive a short introduction before theshowing. For those who’ve never had theexperience of seeing the delightfullyweird tale on the big screen, now’s theperfect opportunity. For moreinformation, visitwww.stamfordartscentre.com. LincolnFriday 5 MaySpark! Engineering Festival,Lincoln Cathedral The third outing of Spark! EngineeringFestival will focus around the theme ‘Backto the Future’, where the organisers willcelebrate the Lincolnshire’s pioneeringpedigree in engineering, as well as itscurrent and future lead in innovation. Co-organised by local companies and theCity of Lincoln Council, Spark! aims toinspire and ignite interest in engineeringamong the young looking to their futurecareer as well as further a sense of pridewithin the sector, which includes worldbeating businesses in the county, as wellwith the wider community. For moreinformation, visit www.sparklincoln.org.North Hykeham Wednesday 10 MayJazz vehicle in Concert, TheTerry O’Toole TheatreJazz Vehicle brings Lincoln Jazz Week tothe Terry O’Toole Theatre for an excitingevening of varied music under theinspirational leadership of founder anddirector, John Crouch. This talentedensemble of young musicians will beMarket RasenFriday 2 JuneOlly MursFollowing Jess Glynne’s spectacular show last year,Market Rasen Racecourse’s Ladies Day will this year beheadlined by none other than X Factor alumni Olly Murs.Since shooting to fame on the talent show back in 2009,Olly has released four multi-platinum albums and clockedup four number 1 singles. With his new album released atthe end of last year, Ladies Day will be a great excuse tohear the new tracks out in the Lincolnshire sun. For moreinformation, visit www.marketrasen.thejockeyclub.co.uk.76-79_Layout 1 20/04/2017 09:39 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY7778 Ájoined by respected professional DaveO’Higgins on saxophone, who has beenrecently mentoring the band. For moreinformation, visitwww.terryotooletheatre.org.uk.NewarkSaturday 13 – Sunday 14May Nottinghamshire CountyShow, Newark ShowgroundEnjoy a great family day out,whatever the weather, at the fabulousNottinghamshire County Show. Therewill be some choice agricultural animalsto gaze at, national level show-jumpingto entertain, over 30 agriculturalmachinery stands to wander around, aplethora of musicians to listen to, aswell as great Nottinghamshire foodproduce to take home. With a wealth ofactivities in the rings plus lots ofdemonstrations and a variety ofshopping opportunities for yourself,family and friends, you won’t bedisappointed. For more information, visitwww.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com.LouthWednesday 17 – Saturday27 MayJesus Christ Superstar,Louth Playgoers RiverheadTheatreWith music and lyrics by Andrew LloydWebber and Tim Rice, the beloved rockopera has become the longest runningmusical in West End history. Even now itremains a firm favourite with fans andfamilies. This amateur production won’tdisappoint. For more information, visitwww.louthplaygoers.com.Gainsborough Saturday 20 MayMAMA – Genesis Tribute,Trinity Arts Centre It’s a telling insight into yourpersonality whether you prefer PeterGabriel helming the prog rock outfit, orPhil Collins leading Genesis to stardom.Fortunately with MAMA, you don’t haveto make that choice. As an ‘all era’ band,MAMA covers everything from the surrealstorytelling of the band’s early albums, tothe catchy ditties at the height of theirsuccess. Lead singer John Wilkinsondelivers his best Phil with power, passionWest Lindsey Saturday 13 – Sunday 21 MayWest Lindsey Churches FestivalOne of the largest festivals of its kind in Europe, and now in its 21st year, the West Lindsey ChurchesFestival sees 95 churches and chapels across this Lincolnshire district opening their doors to visitors onthe weekends of 13-14 and 20-21 of May. All free-entry, each building offers a memorable encounterwith heritage and architecture, with many located in The Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of OutstandingNatural Beauty. For more information, visit www.churchesfestival.info.76-79_Layout 1 20/04/2017 09:39 Page 2Central Park, Boston Sunday 11 June, 10am to 4pm1940s event1940s dress encouragedWhy not bring a picnic and stay all dayFREE ENTRYVisit www.boston.gov.uk for more information on this eventand precision, while John Comish is a wizard on keyboards.Formed in 2011, the band has already made a name forthemselves. For more information, visit www.mama-genesis.co.uk.The WoldsSaturday 20 May – Sunday 4 JuneLincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival This year, the much loved festival has amassed a livelyprogrammed of 103 walks, ready to kick off on Saturday 20May from the village of Claxby nestled close to the VikingWay long distance footpath. Toby Dennis, Lord Lieutenant of78 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWHAT’S ONLincolnshire, will be formally opening the event and joiningamblers of a walk that day. After 16 days of fabulous walks,the festival finishes up with a finale at Tetford, nearHorncastle. For more information, visitwww.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk.CleethorpesSaturday 27 – Monday 29 MayCleethorpes Folk & Cider Festival,Lakeside StationThe 9th annual Cleethorpes Folk & Cider Festival promisesto be bigger and better than ever as it returns for anotheryear with more live music and cider across the bank holidayweekend. As well as more music than you can shake aukulele at, there’ll also be Morris dancing, musician andsingaround sessions, and over 100 ciders and real ales tosample. For more information, call 01472 604657.Cleethorpes Saturday 10 JuneCleethorpes Fake Festival, Meridian ParkAlways an annual favourite, this year’s Fake Festivalpromises its best and biggest line-up to date, with fakeheadliners for Queen, Artic Monkeys and Oasis. Theseprofessional touring grade tribute bands put on a superbshow, rivalling even the real deal. They look, sound andLincolnFriday 12 – Saturday14 MayLincoln Festival ofCycling 2017Cycling enthusiasts will have thechance to enjoy a packed cyclingextravaganza when the LincolnFestival of Cycling brings a hostof sporting events to the city. TheLincoln grand Prix and ITP Eventshave joined forces to create aunified programme of events,which are expected to attractenthusiasts from across thenation to take part in the LincolnCriterium, Lincoln GP Sportive,Lincoln Uphill Dash and theMen’s and Women’s LincolnGrand Prix. For moreinformation, visitlincolnfestivalofcycling.co.uk.© shutterstock/Milkovasa76-79_Layout 1 20/04/2017 09:39 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY79WHAT’S ONBROCKLESBY ESTATEBrocklesby Park, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN41 8PNwww.brocklesby.co.uk/country-fairSunday 18th June 2017including tStannage International Stunt Teamt#FO1PUUFST#JSETPG1SFZt.JOJ'BSNZBSEt5FSSJFS3BDJOH t#MVF$SPTT'VO%PH4IPXt)BWF"(P$PVOUSZ4QPSUT '3&&1BSLJOH"ENJTTJPO"EVMUTb6OEFST'3&& An Action Packed Family Day OutBROCKLESBYCountryFAIRmove like real rock-stars; you have to see it to believe. Formore information, visit www.fakefestivals.co.uk.BrocklesbySunday 18 JuneBrocklesby Country Fair, BrocklesbyEstate The 32nd Brocklesby Country Fair is gathering new andexciting exhibitors and displays for another fun day out in thebeautiful lakeside setting of Brocklesby Park. Positively packedwith activity, head along to experience true country living: tryyour hand at 4 x 4 off road driving, clay shooting, fly fishing,archery, dog agility or even circus skills. If you prefer to sitback and be entertained, the rustic bales surrounding theMain Ring create the perfect spot to see the internationallyknown Stannage Stunt Company’s daredevil show, BenPotter’s magnificent vulture and falconry display and plentyof madness too with terrier racing and ‘It’s a Knockout’ stylecompetitions. For more information, visitwww.brocklesby.co.uk/country-fair. WintertonSaturday 1 – Sunday 2 JulyWinterton Agricultural Show 2017,Winterton Showground The 145th Winteron Agricultural Show promises to be afun filled weekend with something for all the family. Itfeatures traditional events that have a long history alongsidene displays for this year’s show. There’ll be a fly-past from theBattle of Britain Memorial Flight who will be sending a‘Dakota’ during the Saturday. Live music will also be playingduring both days, with both the Suburban Blues and TheMoggies supporting the show. The children’s funfair will beopen throughout the weekend, and there’s plenty of foodand drink at the fully licensed bar. For more information, visitwww.wintertonshow.co.uk.Welbourn Saturday 2 JulyFiring of the ForgeSee traditional ironworking in a traditional Victorian forgelocated in the heart of the village of Welbourn. This formerforge and blacksmith’s workshop dates back to 1864 and isstill in working condition. For over 100 years Welbourn Forgehas served the needs of farmers and tradesmen in the area.The forge opens on the first Saturday of the month and nowexhibits old photographs, displays and memorabilia alongwith a restored earth privy. For more information, call 01400272623.www.wintertonshow.co.ukTHE 145th1 & 2 JULY 201776-79_Layout 1 20/04/2017 09:39 Page 4Next >