< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAYFOOD & DININGPicture your venueTo promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukThe George Hotel 1 Boston Road, Spilsby, PE23 5HB Tel: 01790 752528 Web: www.spilsby.info/georgehotel The George Hotel guarantees a warm welcome and the perfect pub environment. Karaoke is on every Saturday night, and with live music held once a month and a large function room (available free of charge for parties), the George Hotel is the perfect venue for entertaining. The accommodation boasts eight letting bedrooms with TV, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The Blue Bell Inn 1 Main Road, Belchford, Horncastle, LN9 6LQ Tel: 01507 533 602 Web: www.bluebellbelchford.co.uk The Blue Bell Inn is a pub/restaurant situated on the Viking Way between Horncastle and Louth. It has an excellent reputation for fine food, good wine and friendly service. It offers an a la carte menu and fresh local ingredients. Now open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday 11.30am to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm, Sunday noon to 10.30pm. The Duke of Wellington Station Road, Midville Tel: 01205 270593 Web: www.dukeofwellingtonmidville.co.uk At The Duke of Wellington, the aim is to make you welcome and deliver the very best in food and drink that will keep you coming back time and again. The Duke of Wellington is a much loved part of the local community that extends a welcome to locals and visitors alike. On offer is great food, drink and warm hospitality.What to Do: Thoroughly wash the clams. Chop the shallots into a fine dice and cook in the butter until soft, when soft add the chopped garlic and 1 glass of the white wine and reduce slightly. This can be done up to 2/3 days in advance, cooled and kept in a sealed jar. Place a large pan on the gas and allow this to get hot, adding the clams and the remaining white wine. PASTA VONGOLEServes: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes (5 mins if using pre-prepared shallot mix) Cooking time: 10 minutes You’ll need: 800g fresh clams, discard any opened ones 75g butter 12 whole shallots, finely chopped 100g double cream 2 cloves of garlic peeled and chopped 2 glasses of white wine 400g cooked spaghetti or linguine 50g flat leaf parsley When they all start to open add the cooked spaghetti / linguine to the same pan. Then add the double cream and the cooked shallot mixture. After 2/3 minutes when it is all warmed through, check the seasoning and adjust if necessary and add some of the chopped parsley. Serve in hot bowls. Then finish with the rest of the chopped parsley. Recipe by: www.ukshallot.com 46-51.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:52 Page 5This year, the beautiful Bentley Hotel on the outskirts of Lincoln is celebrating its twentieth anniversary, a milestone that’s testament to the tireless efforts of the family that has worked to make the hotel a must-visit destination. It goes without saying that the family, the entire management team and staff members alike are all very proud of the business. The family have generations worth of experience in hotel management, having been in the hotel trade since 1930. The family owned and operated the Grand Hotel in Lincoln until 2004. At one point, there were as many as ten family members working at The Bentley, demonstrating what a truly family orientated establishment it is. Over the last two decades, this venerable business has seen a great many changes, with the addition of thirty bedrooms, a function room, an extension to the bar area and, of course, the beauty spa. One of the latest changes is the addition of new head chef Rory O’Connell. Rory has racked up an impressive resume in the hotel and restaurant trade, having previously worked at a slew of London establishments including The Dorchester, Grosvenor House Hotel, InterContinental Hotel and the Grand Connaught Room. The Bentley offers something for everyone, whether it’s stopping in for a meal, staying overnight or visiting the ample gym and spa facilities. The Bentley is also licensed to hold civil ceremonies and partnerships in three of its suits. It also has ample space for putting on business events. To find out more about the hotel, or to book a room or table for yourself, visit www.bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk, email info@bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk, or call 01522 878000.Twenty years of hotel excellence The Bentley Hotel in Lincoln is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year. Join The Bentley Hotel to celebrate its 20th anniversary on Thursday 16 May, 7pm – 9pm. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and meet new head chef Rory O’Connell at this special tasting evening. All proceeds will be donated to local charity LIVES. Tickets are limited, so call 01522 878000 to book now. Some of The Bentley’s dedicated staff46-51.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:52 Page 6walks52 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAYLincolnshireWalking is a proven a great way to get fit as this intrepid reporter has seen the pounds fall off since exploring some of these routes for our series so it’s a win-win in my books! This month’s feature in the series takes us to the well known Hartsholme Country Park in Lincoln and, if you so wish, the adjoining nature reserve; Swanholme Lakes – both a world away from the commotion of the City, with its traffic, noise, ongoing construction and roadworks combining to stress the life out of us. Hartsholme Country Park comprises some 200 acres and lies some 3 miles south west of the city. The estate was landscaped by Henry Milner in 1862 – a Derbyshire born lad who served as gardener at Chatsworth Estate and later studied horticulture at the famed, Parissienne, Jardin des Plantes. He was also As regular readers will know, each month we venture off the beaten track to get up close and personal with nature and enjoy some of our county’s hidden gems. 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:07 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53LINCOLNSHIRE WALKSresponsible for part of the gardens at Tatton Park, which speaks volumes. Hartsholme Hall itself was a private residence to Joseph Shuttleworth, who contracted it to be built in 1861/62 after purchasing the estate. It changed hands several times afterwards and eventually served as a base for the army during WW11. But, sadly, after falling into disrepair, it was demolished in 1951. The stable block was kept however and now acts as the Visitor Centre. Arguably, the park’s main feature is a reservoir or lake created by the Lincoln Water Company in 1848 and is contained by an embankment with an outlet 54 Áalongside Skellingthorpe Road. Depending on the time of your visit, you may find crowds at Hartsholme Country Park but with such a large estate its hardly the hubbub you’ll have experienced in the City. That said, the Swanholme Lakes nature reserve offers a more tranquil experience still. It’s also an area that has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as the geology and soil types provide a wide variety of heathland and water habitats so if wildlife is your thing this is bound to please. Interestingly, this month’s off the beaten track offers a number of routes to explore, so depending on your energy levels and the weather which has been all too changeable of late, we offer a choice of routes: Our first is arguably the shortest and perhaps ideal for those with children. Perhaps, not too surprisingly, we start at the Visitor Centre, turning left along a fenced path to an open lawn where Hartsholme Hall would once have stood proud. Although there’s no building there now there is an information board which helps one imagine what it would have been like. Continuing towards the lake and PHOTOS COURTESY OR RICHARD PICKSLEY52-54.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:07 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRE WALKSbearing left we skirt the lake and pass the boathouse to reach, and cross, the “White Bridge”. At this point a couple, or more, routes opens up: Turning right offers a short route around part of Hartsholme Lake only – all one has to do is follow the lake edge until it’s possible to bear right, across the embankment at the north end. Crossing this and keeping right brings the walker through woods and back to the lawn where we first started. However, for something a little more adventurous, readers could take a left from our previous position to take a complete circuit of Hartsholme Lake. Continue beside the narrow southern arm of the lake to reach the Black Bridge. Once over that, readers can complete the circuit by turning left leading to the White Bridge. Then follow the rest of the directions above. Alternatively, for those wishing to enjoy Swanholme nature reserve, simply turn right from the Black Bridge (signed for Doddington Road) and some 350 yards on, by a notice board, turn left through a gap along a gravelled path with a lake on the right. This brings us to an open area by the lake corner. Here we bear left along a straight path and some 200 yards further, we take the first path on our right, taking us towards a hut. Bear right here to reach a gate near a house and look for a minor path ahead, which serves as a short cut to a wider main path. Bear left along that to reach the southern arm of Hartsholme Lake and turn right. Look for the White Bridge and, to return, follow the directions given above for the first short walk. There are various options of course if you’d like to extend your adventure, or perhaps make a future visit to take in more of Hartsholme Country Park and/or Swanholme Lakes. As the seasons change so do the views so it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy yet another of Lincolnshire’s hidden gems and recharge the soul. FACTFILE START: Hartsholme Park visitor centre (Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln. GR 946696) OS MAPS: Landranger 121 (Lincoln) • Explorer 272 COUNTRY PARK AND RESERVE MAP: From Visitor Centre DISTANCES: Hartsholme Lake [Short] 1 mile • 1.5 kilometres Hartsholme Lake [Full circuit] 2¼ miles • 3.5 kilometres Hartsholme & Swanholme [Sanctuary Lake] 3¼ miles • 5 kilometres 54 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY52-54.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:07 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55SOCIAL SCENEWe have facilities to suit for your every need! For large events we have a choice of function rooms, which can accommodate up to 200 people, with a comprehensive programme to satisfy everyone’s needs. However, small gatherings may prefer the luxury of our private reception and dining facilities. Hemswell Court offers level ground floor access with additional facilities for the disabled. Car parking is available for up to 150 cars. l Free WiFi l 5*AA Accommodation l Members of Select Lincolnshire HEMSWELL COURTHemswell Court Limited, Lancaster Green, Hemswell Cliff, Lincolnshire DN21 5TQ Tel: 01427 668508 Email: functions@hemswellcourt.com Web: www.hemswellcourt.com Hemswell Court Sportsman’s Dinner Hemswell Court recently hosted a wonderful evening of sport and fine dining, raising in excess of £6,000 for charities Lord’s Taverners, which helps underprivileged and disabled children enjoy sport, and Switch the Play, which helps people transition from the world of sport into business. Guests were entertained by the legend of cricket commentary, Henry Blofeld, AKA Blowers, while the evening was compared by the hilarious Roger Dakin. Guests also had the opportunity to mingle with legends of rugby and cricket, including Chris Tremlett, who helped England achieve victory in the 2010-11 Ashes; Austin Healey, ex-Leicester Tigers, England and British Lion; Leon Lloyd, ex- Leicester Tigers, England and Barbarians; and Andy Craig, ex-Glasgow Warriors and Scotland. Tim Downing, proprietor of Hemswell Court, commented: “It was wonderful to see so many people from the world of sport come to Hemswell Court to help raise money for two worthy causes.” 55.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 11:56 Page 156 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAYBRIGGBrigg is first and foremost a market town thanks to its prime position at the junction of the River Ancholme and east-to-west transport routes. Markets have taken place in the town since the 13th century after they were granted by the Royal Charter, a tradition which continues to this day. Markets take place every Thursday and Saturday, but it’s the monthly farmer’s market that continues to pull in the biggest crowds. Starting life back in 2000, the farmer’s market takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month and boasts local arts, crafts and seasonal produce including meat, cheese and honey. Adding to the overall experience, there’s often entertainment playing in the nearby bandstand. Coupled with the semi-regular antiques fairs, it’s clear that the arts and culture are a special part of life in Brigg and the beating heart is The Steel Rooms. Although it only opened in 2012, the establishment has become an important part of the town, with its art gallery, coffee shop and regular creative events letting everyone from children to seasoned pros explore their creative talents. Live, Love & Create, on the other hand, is situated in a grade II listed building on Wrawby Street and celebrates, promotes and encourages greater participation in arts and crafts. There are also several established art groups in the town, such as the Brigg Amateur Operatic Society; Brigg Singers, a mixed-voice choir that’s been around since 1993, and Brigg Live Arts community group, who promote music, drama, art and dance for people of all ages. For history, there’s the Brigg Amateur Social Historians (or BASH for short), who promote interest in local history. As well as hosting fascinating talks and More than markets A charming market town with modern amenities, a thriving arts scene and a rich history, Brigg has everything you could want for and more. 56-60.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57BRIGGpresentations, the group also undertake ghost walks. Here a guide will take you around the centre of the town to known sightings of ghosts, and you will hear stories of soldiers in the English Civil War, the crowds who came to hear John Wesley preach, and the famed ghost that has been seen on the balcony of The Angel. Definitely something to watch out for come All Hallows Eve. Although doomsayers have predicted the death of printed books, Brigg is definitely a bibliophile’s town. As well as the well-stocked Oxfam bookshop on Wrawby Street, there’s also a regular market stall packed with paperbacks to suit everyone’s taste. One of newer additions to the town’s retail offering is The Rabbit Hole, an independent bookshop which stocks an assortment of reading materials, from new releases to vintage and rare books, as well as a range of vinyl records. Based in the Market Place, the shop also runs themed events and a weekly reading session aimed at little ones. Brigg has a great offering in general when it comes to retail, especially for fashion. There’s an assortment of boutiques catering to all tastes and sizes. But for something a little bit different, why not head to down to the vintage shop RELIX in the Market Place. For those that prefer to make their own clothing and crafts, there’s Jaylaurs Sewing Studio at the top of Wrawby Street, the one-stop sewing shop which has been trading in the town for over three decades. Rather than fight against modernisation and the influx of big brands, Brigg has instead embraced change and struck a balance between old and new. Here we have independent boutiques, bakers and bookshops rubbing shoulders with Tesco, Lidl and 59 Á56-60.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:19 Page 258 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY15 Bigby Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8EJ Tel: 01652 650 520 Comforts Avenue, Scunthorpe, North Lincs DN15 6PN Tel: 01724 280 082J. Naylor Funeral Directors Independent Funeral Directors www.jnaylor-funerals.co.uk We have experienced staff to personally help you with your individual needs. Planning for the future? We can help you arrange a funeral now or help if you are planning for the future.Member of National Association of Funeral DirectorsE:sales@eddisonscjm.comT:+44(0)1724 334 411W:www.eddisonscjm.comThe Auction Centre, Dunlop Way, Scunthorpe, DN16 3RNAuctioneers and ValuersProfessional Auctioneers and Valuers dedicated to serving Local Businesses and the Local Community The Angel Suite - Every Thursday - 9am - 12 noon The Angel Suite, Market Place, Brigg, DN20 8LD Eddisons CJM - Every Friday - 9am - 12 noon Eddisons CJM Auction Centre, Dunlop Way, Scunthorpe, DN16 3RN Melcot Garden Centre - 1st Tuesday of the month - 10am - 12 noon Melcot Garden Centre, Kirton Rd, Messingham, DN17 3RD No Appointment Needed!• Clothing Alterations & Repairs • Fitting Room & Express Service • Fabrics, Haberdashery, Patterns • Crafts Fabrics & Fat Quarters • Soft Furnishing Service Monthly programme of workshops in Patchwork, Embroidery, Felting, Free Machine Embroidery, Overlocking, Crochet & SewingTel: 01652 650047 Email: info@jaylaurs.co.uk 54 Wrawby Street, Brigg DN20 8JE34 years in business“Proud of our History,Excited by our Future”WWW.PEACOCK.CO.UKPremier Agricultural Dealership in Lincolnshire & YorkshireBrigg - Corringham - Halsham - Louth - SelbyFINEST OPTICIANS IN LINCOLNSHIRE Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear since 1979 Eye Examinations • Contact Lens Examinations State-of-The-Art Equipment OPHTHALMIC OPTICIANS & CONTACT LENS SPECIALIST OPENING HOURS - MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00 - 5.00, SATURDAY 9.00 - 4.00 NEW PATIENTS OF ALL AGES WELCOME! 43-44 Wrawby St, Brigg DN20 8BS T: 01652 653 595 W: www.obriensopticians.com E: enquiries@obriensopticians.co.uk FREE HOME EYE TEST CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARY40 YEARS56-60.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:19 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59BRIGGO’Brien’s Opticians celebrate 40 years with award recognition O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg celebrated its 40th birthday by hearing it was worthy finalist and runners-up in the ‘Independent Practice of the Year’ category at the UK Optician awards 2019. Regarded as one of the very best opticians in UK, it is a great achievement for everyone connected to the practice and for Brigg itself. In 2017 Optometrist Sheeraz Janjua was awarded the degree of Doctor of Optometry (DOptom) from Aston University for his research in dry eye syndrome. At the time, he was one of only 25 Optometrists in UK with this qualification. He was runner-up in the 2018 Optician awards for ‘UK Optometrist of the Year’. Doctor Janjua takes great pride in what he calls precision calculation of spectacle prescriptions, using techniques honed over twenty years. He is a sport vision specialist and consultant Optometrist to Derby County Football Club and can supply eyewear with sport specific lenses. To find out more, visit www.obriensopticians.co.uk. B&M. This is all thanks to The Brigg Town Business Partnership which formed in 2011 to support local traders. It’s backed by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England’s national ‘Shop Local’ promotion – the partnership aimed at reinvigorating the local economy while safeguarding jobs and bringing shoppers the very best in local food and produce. History and heritage remain an important part of Brigg’s identity. The name itself is derived from the Old Norse word ‘bryggia’ meaning jetty but, in this instance, refers to ‘a bridge’ – likely the bridge constructed across the River Ancholme to simplify journeys. As well as providing access to the river, the land on which Brigg stands has been used as a crossing point for thousands of years. A jetty or causeway was erected on the riverside during the late Bronze Age and though its exact purpose remains elusive, it does indicate the significance of the location. During the Anglo-Saxon era, the area become known as ‘Glanford’ before it was founded as a new town at the crossing place on the Ancholme and dubbed ‘Glanford Brigg’ around 1182-83 before the Glanford prefix was dropped altogether. To get up close and personal with some of this history, look no further than the Brigg Heritage Centre, situated above the library on the first floor of The Angel Complex, a former Georgian coaching inn in the Marketplace. The Centre leads visitors down through the ages, telling the story of Brigg beginning with its Iron Age roots, through Roman and medieval periods before moving to more recent periods such as the World Wars. Though there’s plenty of pottery, coins, buttons and weaponry on display, the most impressive piece is undoubtedly the Bronze Age sewn plank boat. ‘The Brigg Raft’, as it has come to be known, is one of only two such finds on display in the country. It was originally excavated in 1974 where it was preserved and stored 60 Á56-60.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2019 12:19 Page 4Next >