£2.95 MAY 2020 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 MAY 2020THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Supporting local heroes Homes and gardens Online training Health in lockdown Supporting local heroes Homes and gardens Online training Health in lockdown 01.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:51 Page 102.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:52 Page 1from the editor The country is still on lockdown and, while our readers will be observing the social distancing rules and staying safe, that doesn’t mean they can’t support businesses and service providers across Lincolnshire as our local heroes feature proves. Our entire way of life has been upended but we’re a resilient bunch to say the least. That’s why our May issue is a celebration of the county’s lifestyle and culture. In this way, Lincolnshire Today can be a haven to turn to when you need to just get away from it all. Of course, we do explore the impacts of the pandemic, but it’s always with hope and positivity. Be that celebrating kindness across the region, highlighting how businesses are adapting to keep serving the community, or just looking at Lincolnshire in all its beauty. All that plus a fascinating interview with Miss Britain 2020. We’ve also got plenty of guidance and advice so you can stay fit, happy and healthy in both body and mind. Stay safe, Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team The magazine that cares WE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Lincolnshire Today believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Assistant Editor: Dominic Cuthbert Journalist: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper Sales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes (01472) 310301 Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Advertising: Tel: (01472) 310302 Editorial: Tel: (01472) 310305 Part Of The Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299 © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a local hospital or charity? FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK/MIKE MAREEN LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:52 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 10LINCOLNSHIRE FOSTERING SERVICE We chat with Lincolnshire Fostering Service who help us demystify popular myths about fostering and give us the low down on the actual truth 28LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE The county might be observing social distancing, but wildlife is positively flourishing as the lovely little hedgehog proves 30GETTING THE RIGHT LOOK If you want to capture this year’s spring/summer look, it’s all about loose flowing fits and playing on the season’s hottest colours – yellow and white 36MIX IT UP Embrace the spirit of spring and early summer by mixing and matching your outfits and trying them out with new accessories 38STYLE BY THE BOATLOAD It’s the time of year for shorts, tees and swim gear. Here we round up a few of our favourites 40SPA AT HOME Gillian Jackson, beauty educator and owner of Lincolnshire’s Skin Couture Beauty Salon & Gillian Jackson Aesthetics, shares her secrets for lockdown beauty 42KEEPING UP It can be easy in this time of lockdown and isolation to let go of our regimes, but you may be doing yourself – and your health – no favours by it 44KEEPING FIT AT HOME Though lockdown is underway, health and fitness remain vitally important, with exercise routines now much simpler to maintain from home than one might think 46LOVE IN A LOCKDOWN In life, there are many things that can test a romantic relationship, but one of the biggest stresses is also the most recent – the lockdown 48ADAPTING THE HOME While care homes are an option for all entering their golden years, they’re not ideal for everyone. It’s perfectly possible to continue living at home in today’s technologically advanced world, if you take a few steps to think about convenience and mobility 51SUPPORT THE HEROES ON OUR DOORSTEP Our treasured NHS staff and frontline workers have risen to the challenge and proven themselves day in, day out that they’re heroes since the start of the pandemic. We can’t sing their praises enough, but it’s important to remember that there are heroes across almost every industry that continue to operate and serve the community during this crisis. Here we shine a light on the businesses and service providers that are still operating and adapting in the wake of the outbreak. MAY IF YOU WANT TO CAPTURE THIS YEAR’S SPRING/SUMMER LOOK, IT’S ALL ABOUT LOOSE FLOWING FITS AND PLAYING ON THE SEASON’S HOTTEST COLOURS – YELLOW AND WHITE contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:53 Page 1CELEBRATE THE BEST OF HOMEGROWN BRITISH INGREDIENTS WITH SOME SIMPLE, TASTY RECIPES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR MID-SPRING. WE’VE PERSONALLY TESTED EACH AND EVERY ONE OURSELVES SO WE CAN VOUCH FOR THEIR SIMPLICITY AND FLAVOUR 56THE IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE TRAINING In the COVID-19 pandemic, “normal” training has gone largely out the window. But business never stands still and with online training, a crisis can become an opportunity 60LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED Among Lincolnshire’s famous adventurers and explorers none led a more extraordinary life than Captain John Smith 62DELICIOUS SIMPLICITY Celebrate the best of homegrown British ingredients with some simple, tasty recipes that are perfect for mid-spring. We’ve personally tested each and every one ourselves so we can vouch for their simplicity and flavour 66A COFFEE WITH JEN ATKIN Jen Atkin rose to fame after she was crowned Miss Great Britain earlier this year. She’s also a country singer with a successful single under her belt. We chatted with Jen about her music, pageant success and future ambitions fu 68COUNTY MOTORING With the release of new plates, March is usually one of the car industry’s busiest times of the year, but as the industry struggles to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 has seen its worst March for decades • We put the all-new Lotus Evora GT410 through its paces Desirable homes 13TRIED, TESTED AND TRUSTED The people to choose for your home improvements 14SUPERBLY SERENE Offering a retreat to nature, this month’s featured property is built in a manner that perfectly frames the tranquil views surrounding it 18HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS With social distancing measures still in place, there’ll likely be no holidays or getaways this summer, but one can still enjoy their own home and gardens 20IN LOVE WITH LANDSCAPES This month we take a closer look at the works of Heather Howe, one of the most accomplished and highly sought- after landscape artists working in Britain today 22YOU CAN GROW YOUR OWN WAY Great for the mind and body, gardening is becoming ever more popular while we’re stuck at home, with vegetable patches proving particularly preferable 26SECRETS OF A SUMMER GARDEN There’s plenty of jobs to keep on top of to get your garden ready for the summer, as Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:53 Page 2The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is calling out to the unemployed, redundant, students and those looking for work, to help feed the nation as the food sector suffers from a shortage of workers. The LEP is signposting people to the various schemes that have been put in place to boost the area’s food and farming workforce. “Greater Lincolnshire is the food capital of the UK, producing one-eighth of all England’s food,” said Sarah Louise Fairburn, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Food Board and a Director of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. “During the pandemic our area has a key role to play in helping to keep food in our shops. The last month has seen unprecedented demand for food in our supermarkets and I have seen this at first hand in our business, Fairburn Eggs. I am really proud of how Lincolnshire businesses have responded in helping to keep food on the nation’s shelves. “However, we cannot be complacent because many of our food chain businesses need extra staff now to manage the increased demand. In Lincolnshire we are also the centre of the UK fresh produce sector, and as the peak harvest period for salads and vegetables approaches we will need even more staff from the end of April.” Many food companies in Greater Lincolnshire, from farms and food processors to distributors and retailers, are now looking to urgently recruit extra staff. “Whether you are unemployed, someone who has recently been made redundant or a student, our food chain would welcome your help as we work to keep the nation fed through this difficult time,” said Sarah Louise. A number of schemes have been set up to help get more staff into the food chain, with rapid application processes, usually with an online interview and then quick placement in a job. latest news Lincolnshire called upon to help feed the UK National Trust to create new Lincolnshire coastal nature reserve The Lincolnshire coast will have more to offer visitors than ever before, thanks to an exciting project by the National Trust, which aims to protect wildlife and create an all-year-round experience. The conservation charity has bought a £800,000 2km stretch of land along the Lincolnshire coastline thanks to a generous donation from a supporter, who especially asked for the money to be invested in Lincolnshire, along with funds from the Neptune Coastline Campaign, the National Trust’s longest running appeal to support coastline projects. The National Trust plans to create a new 30 hectare nature reserve from the former Sandilands golf course providing homes for a variety of wildlife, especially uncommon migratory birds such as black-tailed godwit, spotted redshank and spoonbill along with breeding birds like snipe, lapwing and oystercatcher. It is the first coastal acquisition the National Trust has made in Lincolnshire. © Shutterstock/branislavpudar 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:54 Page 1Scammers are taking advantage of the response to Coronavirus by duping the public into handing over personal information including financial details. That’s the warning as fraudsters are actively trying to exploit people during the Coronavirus lockdown. Matt Drury, Principal Investigator from the council’s counter fraud team, said: “We know that scammers have tailored their activity in light of the Coronavirus outbreak and are playing on people’s fears and financial concerns. We are seeing more ‘phishing attacks’ where bank account details or sign-in information is stolen. “This is carried out through encouraging the recipient to visit fake websites promising tax refunds and even a recent attempt encouraging parents to claim refunds for school meal payments. We’re now seeing scams where people are being told they have been fined for leaving the house. This is designed to obtain personal or financial details.” Lincolnshire’s Trading Standards team is also warning about people offering miracle cures or vaccines for Coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Andrew Turner, Scams Awareness and Prevention Officer from Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said: “We’re seeing new false online suppliers targeting both organisations and residents in Lincolnshire offering items in high demand such as hand sanitiser and face masks. But also, many new fake online retailers for a range of products – exploiting the increase in online shopping. Please use trusted and reputable suppliers.” Similarly, there are people impersonating healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for Coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy. Councillor Alex Maughan, Lincolnshire County Council’s Counter-Fraud Champion said: “Please be extra vigilant when you see claims about Coronavirus, or if you see others sharing information which may be false. The best way to check is with the official government and council advice which you can access on our website.” North Lincolnshire Libraries launch free e-book and e-audio service North Lincolnshire Libraries are launching BorrowBox, a new free e- book and e-audio service available 24/7. The service can be accessed at the BorrowBox page on the North Lincolnshire Council website, but also through the BorrowBox app, which is available to download from the App Store and Google Play store. Residents will be able to access BorrowBox from their mobile phones, tablets and laptops. The service provides a wide range of titles from bestselling authors including Lee Child, David Walliams, James Patterson and Hilary Mantel. Featured titles that will be launching on 1 April 2020 include The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths. The bestseller, suitable for children of all ages, is available to download immediately in both e-book and e-audio format. The BorrowBox service is accessed using your library card and pin number. New library cards can be issued via the North Lincolnshire Libraries Team who can be contacted by email at library.enquiries@northlincs.gov.uk.=little-girl- glasses-reading-365175962 Lincolnshire residents warned of Coronavirus © Shutterstock/Evgeny Atamanenko lockdown scammers 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:54 Page 2Coronavirus crisis fund launched to help save lives in Lincolnshire The Lincolnshire COVID-19 Crisis Fund has been set up by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation which is hoping to raise £500,000 and is appealing for donations from kind-hearted businesses and individuals. All the money raised will go to charities, community groups and social enterprises which are providing vital help and support to those most at risk from the disease such as by providing food. The Lincolnshire Community Foundation, based in Sleaford, is also working with the National Emergencies Trust (NET) which has launched a UK-wide appeal, in partnership with the British Red Cross. The NET will distribute money raised via organisations including local community foundations, to ensure it reaches those who need it most. To donate to the Lincolnshire Covid-19 Crisis Fund visit the community foundation’s TotalGiving page: www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/lincolnshirecovid19fund. To apply for a share of funding call the Lincolnshire Community Foundation on 01529 305825. A ten-year-old Lincolnshire schoolgirl has written a book to help children and young people to deal with and openly talk about their feelings and concerns. Erin smith was inspired to write Kiki the Worry Monster after she was referred to the emotional wellbeing service, Healthy Minds Lincolnshire. Erin was referred by her mum, who was concerned over her daughter’s increasing worry over everyday things. The book features tips and advice Erin learned throughout her sessions. Healthy Minds Lincolnshire is delivered by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The service helps children and young people to work through worries and low moods. It offers early help and support to address young people’s emotional wellbeing concerns before serious problems develop. All Healthy Minds practitioners have a nursing, social work, counselling, teaching or mental health background, working both with children and young people directly, and with their teachers to assess how best to provide support. While working through her concerns, Erin’s Healthy Minds practitioner Lucy Harte encouraged her to put her creative flare into practice by writing a book. The storyline includes advice and techniques, as the reader is taken on an illustrated journey with Kiki the Worry Monster , who works through the different types of worries, offering advice on their management. “Erin has since shared her book with her friends at school, offering tips and advice learned during her sessions to help them,” said Lucy. “It’s a very relevant conversation but one that can be undervalued in people of Erin’s age, so it’s encouraging to see her help her peers become more open about their worries.” You can read Kiki the Worry Monster for yourself by visiting https://bit.ly/2UMmg4g. latest news Lincolnshire schoolgirl writes book to help worried young people © Shutterstock/deryabinka 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:54 Page 3Your Ifor Williams Trailer Distributor Trailers from Camping to 3500kg gross Sales • Repairs • Servicing • Spares Sole Distributors in Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Pickup canopies also available You are welcome to view our stock of Trailers Tel: 01526 860317 website: www.scott-trailers.co.uk e-mail: office@scott-trailers.co.uk Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-12 noon • Other times by appointment Horsebox Commercial Livestock Unbraked A telephone befriending service has been launched in Lincoln to help combat loneliness during the coronavirus lockdown. Launched by City of Lincoln Council, the service aims to help those in isolation feel more socially connected. The service endeavours to provide friendly conversation to pre-identified vulnerable people that may be experiencing reduced social interactions during self-isolation, but anyone who feels they would benefit from regular light-hearted chats can also refer themselves to the service. Callers will consist of council employees currently working from home due to Government advice and it is hoped to provide socialisation benefits to both parties during this difficult time. All calls will be verified to give assurance that it is someone from the council calling. The befriending phone line will work in conjunction with the newly established signposting service that has been created to aid support organisations deliver vital help to those most in need, and is part of a wider joint response from the City of Lincoln Council and our community partners to work together to deliver the most impact. “This is a difficult time for many across the country and a lack of positive conversation can have a detrimental effect on mental health,” said Julie Rouston, Electoral Services Officer, who has been part of creating the scheme following the announcement that elections have been postponed. “By working with our partners collaboratively we are able to help those feeling the social impacts of isolation feel a little more connected.” If you would like to refer yourself to the befriending service, you can contact the signposting team on 01522 873461/873374. © Shutterstock/Syda Productions Lincoln launches telephone befriending service to combat coronavirus loneliness Flower business donates bouquets to people in Lincs A Dutch flower business which has a factory in Moulton near Spalding has donated 1,000 bouquets to care workers, NHS staff and those in need in Lincolnshire. Green Partners is the largest flower processing company in Europe and supplies thousands of bouquets from its site in South Holland to UK supermarkets every day. After hearing about the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s appeal for help to #FeedtheNation, Green Partners were keen to do something to show their support for the county’s combined efforts. Operations Manager John Berry explained: “Our Site Manager Johan ten Haken saw the call for workers to keep the food chain flowing, and wanted to bring some happiness to people’s lives at this difficult time and show both vulnerable people and frontline staff that they had not been forgotten.” 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 10:54 Page 4Next >