£2.95 MAY 2021 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 30+ years young 30+ years young WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUP GROUP BLM £2.95 MAY 2021 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Your best you Your best you Revitalising after lockdown Inspiring homes Spring fashion County motoring Revitalising after lockdown Inspiring homes Spring fashion County motoring 01.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:36 Page 1Freephone: 0800 328 5492 Email: sales@allertonuk.com Website: www.allertonuk.com The Dependable Choice in Drainage In rural areas without a mains drainage system, and where septic tanks will no longer reach environmental standards, Allerton can provide the ideal solution. Trading since 1974, Allerton are leading specialists in efficient treatment systems. They pride themselves on their individual, problem solving approach to dealing with alternative means of treating and disposing of raw sewage. The Allerton ConSept converts your existing Septic Tank or Cesspit into a fully functioning Sewage Treatment Plant. Servicing & Maintenance on a wide range of Sewage Treatment Plant and Pump Stations by BRITISH WATER ACCREDITED ENGINEERS. The Diamond Sewage Treatment range is suitable for either individual homes or small population applications When Gravity Drainage is not possible choose Allerton Pumping Stations for Sewage or Dirty Water ACCREDITED ENGINEERS Superior Flooring for Every Customer Based in Lincoln, Croft Carpets Curtains & Blinds is very much a family-run business, where the emphasis is on guiding our valued customers smoothly through the whole process of buying flooring, curtains, and blinds. We’re expert suppliers of carpets, hard floors, vinyl, and more, and have been serving the local community since opening our doors in 2008. Discover Superior Carpet Solutions Add style and class to any room with our excellent range of carpets. We have products to suit all budgets and with so many ranges to choose from why not browse in our impressive showroom. Truly Amazing Real Wood Flooring For unrivalled quality in real wood, check out our extensive range. Wooden flooring is a stunning option for any home being warm and inviting to walk on. Rough sawn, satin, lacquered, waxed or oiled – the choice is unbelievable! Curtains and Blinds to Transform Your Home As well as high quality flooring solutions, we also provide a wide choice of quality fabrics in our made to measure service. Options include curtains, blinds, upholstery and cushions or simply purchasing fabric by the metre for your crafting and up-cycling projects. Unit 2, The Pelham Centre, Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HE 01522 523004 · enquiries@croftcarpets.co.uk · www.croftcarpets.co.uk Full fitting service available following Covid-19 guidelines. Call us for more information on our carpets and flooring options. 02.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:37 Page 1As I write this, the sun is shining, the sky is bright and blue, and the snow and ice seem like a distant memory. I hope that, by the time you’re reading this, it will be that much warmer. Why? Because unlike last year, this spring and summer sees the re-opening of society, rather than shuttering. For the first time this year, non-essential retailers can allow shoppers in through their doors. Moreover, pubs, clubs and bars can serve customers in beer gardens and outdoor seating areas. Considering the wealth of Lincolnshire’s retail and hospitality sectors, this has been a welcome development indeed. We’re all for supporting local businesses, but, as has been the case for more than a year, we urge caution. Continue to maintain distances, wear your masks and wash your hands. Remember, there’s no guarantee that there won’t be a fourth national lockdown. Goodness knows that’s not what any one of us wants, so let’s not take liberties with our newfound freedoms. Until all restrictions are lifted at the end of June, sit back and enjoy our May issue. It’s packed full of all the lifestyle content you love, plus a few extras besides. Stay safe, Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor 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/ARTJAZZ LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:43 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 22 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED Our heritage is reflected in where we live! We take a look at the origins of our Lincolnshire place names. 24 THE NEW NORMAL The nation’s successful vaccination roll-out means that we’re enjoying greater freedoms than we have for many a long month. With the re-opening of the high-street, we’re enjoying the dawn of the new normal. Here’s hoping this one’s here to stay. 30 SEASONAL INSPO The spring season stated months ago, but with the weather only just now beginning to heat up, you’re probably just now breaking out those seasonal outfits. If you’re stuck for inspiration, check out this curated selection of styles to get you fired up. 36 STRUT YOUR STUFF As the weather warms up and we gain increasing freedoms, there’ll be more chances than last spring to accessorise and strut your stuff – whether that’s on the high street, the beach or the leisure centre. 38 LOOK CLOSER There’s plenty to get excited about this season when it comes to men’s fashion. 40 REVITALISING AFTER LOCKDOWN With lockdown at an end, we finally have a chance to be out in public, but for many it’s been a full year indoors, and the impact on our skin cannot be overstated. 42 RETURNING TO THE GYM Gyms are open once again, but how can you ensure a safe return? 44 AL FRESCO LIVING Although we can once again enjoy the pleasures of outdoor dining and pub gardens, there’s still plenty to be said for spending time with friends and family on your own lawn, patio or decking. Armed with these recipes, you’ll be able to show everybody how much you loved them. MAY 30 30 THE SPRING SEASON STATED MONTHS AGO, BUT WITH THE WEATHER ONLY JUST NOW BEGINNING TO HEAT UP, YOU’RE PROBABLY JUST NOW BREAKING OUT THOSE SEASONAL OUTFITS. IF YOU’RE STUCK FOR INSPIRATION, CHECK OUT THIS CURATED SELECTION OF STYLES TO GET YOU FIRED UP. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:44 Page 144 44 ALTHOUGH WE CAN ONCE AGAIN ENJOY THE PLEASURES OF OUTDOOR DINING AND PUB GARDENS, THERE’S STILL PLENTY TO BE SAID FOR SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN OUR OWN GARDENS. ARMED WITH THESE RECIPES, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO SHOW EVERYBODY HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM. 48 NEVER ALONE The pandemic has led to a heightened awareness of deathcare and dying. With social distancing and other stringent safety measures, many people have had to die apart from their families, alone or surrounded by staff decked out in full PPE. But, now more than ever, there’s a greater emphasis on how and where we die. • Lincolnshire NHS Q&A • Lincolnshire Fostering Service Q&A 56 FOR EVERY SEASON Few, if any, of us would have wished for the COVID-19 crisis which ground to a halt our way of life for months on end. However, our nature is to make the best of a bad situation and so the pandemic’s aftermath can be used as a catalyst for change – especially where our schools are concerned. 60 COUNTY MOTORING It’s time to take a look at some of the upcoming motors we may soon see on our roads – and we may get to actually see them now with lockdown lifted. 64 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 10 A METICULOUS RENOVATION Boasting fantastic views of Lincoln, this renovated property is perfectly placed close to Steep Hill. 16 FALLING IN LOVE WITH FLOWERS This month, we take a closer look at the fabulously floral works of self-taught artist, Jane Morgan. 18 BLURRING THE LINE This month it’s all about blurring the line between the home and garden. With a predominantly chill and windy spring, we can only hope that the summer to come will be long and hot. 20 A DESIGN FOR LIFE When you have a specific vision of your garden in mind, but aren’t sure exactly how best to articulate that vision, it’s best to leave the designing to a professional who understands gardens inside and out, as Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explores. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:44 Page 2latest news Drivers are being asked to “bump” up their commitment to safer driving by displaying a #SlowDownInLincolnshire bumper sticker on their vehicle as part of a new road safety campaign by Lincolnshire Police. The new campaign will see motorists display a bumper sticker to the rear of their vehicle or rear windscreen which calls for road users to respect their neighbourhood by observing the correct speed limit. The pledge to drive safely aims to instil community pride and ownership of the safety of their roads. Run in partnership with the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP), it aims to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured in road collisions in Lincolnshire. During 2020 there were 52 fatalities and an additional 394 people seriously injured on county roads. The stickers can be collected from stations across the county and displayed either on the rear bumper or windscreen, and will also be handed out by local Neighbourhood Policing Teams. “Bump” up your support for road safety Discover Gainsborough with free heritage trail booklet A brand new and exclusive heritage trail booklet has been launched in Gainsborough, taking in the scenery and heritage of the small market town. The booklet, which has been designed by the team behind the Townscape Heritage Initiative, leads visitors and locals on a 90-minute walking tour past some of the most iconic sights and attractions of the West Lindsey town. Participants will begin at the Gainsborough Heritage Centre, before being led past landmarks such as the Old Nick Theatre, Marshalls Yard, Old County Court House, Gainsborough Old Hall and more! Townscape Heritage Activities Co-ordinator, Theresa Workman, said that the Townscape Heritage Initiative project included promoting the heritage of the town, as well as restoring it to past glories, and that this booklet highlights its historic attractions. “One of the aims of our project is to really get behind the town and showcase its fascinating history and heritage. Did-you-know, for instance, that an open market has been associated with the Market Place since 1281,” she said. “These are the types of fascinating facts that can be found in our new heritage booklet – something that we hope will be just as interesting to local residents as it will be with visitors. “These new booklets – the next part of our plan to help restore and promote the town – will eventually be found in locations all around the town; for now however, they will be available for home delivery from Easter weekend onwards, completely free of charge.” If you are interested in being one of the first residents to receive a Gainsborough heritage booklet, email is tourism.info@west- lindsey.gov.uk and leave your name and address within the email. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:46 Page 1Chocolate helicopter will raise money for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance A chocolatier from Lincolnshire constructed a chocolate helicopter to support the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA). Jan Hansen, owner of Hansen’s Chocolate House in Folkingham, hand crafted the helicopter using layers of Belgian chocolate. It totals 120kg of chocolate in all! The treat was constructed using an iron frame in the shape of an egg, with additional parts added to create the helicopter rotors and tail. Jan decided to support LNAA after hearing how the charity has seen its income affected by the pandemic. “We often hear the air ambulance fly overhead as we’re based off the A15,” he said. “They do such a fantastic job and thought it would be a perfect opportunity for me to use my chocolate-making skills to help them raise some money.” It was built over the Easter weekend, although the fundraiser remains open for donations. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chococopter. A number of ponds are set to be created in the North East Lincolnshire area, thanks to a new scheme funded by Natural England that is designed to protect the great crested newt (GCN) species. Environmental consultancy Wildscapes CIC has been appointed by Natural England to create a number of ponds across the region this year and is seeking farmers and landowners who would like to have these habitats created or restored on their land. Wildscapes CIC will carry out all pond creation/restoration works (including adding suitable fencing if required) and all landowners are asked to do is to take a few basic measures to protect the habitat quality of the pond. These ponds are required to be a minimum size of 150m2 and Wildscapes CIC will carry out maintenance and monitoring visits on a periodic basis over 25 years. Steven Greenwood, Conservation Contracts Manager for Wildscapes on the Great Crested Newts scheme, explains: “During the 20th Century, half of the UK’s ponds were lost and this has led to the serious decline of the great crested newt population. “This scheme is designed to support the development process to create more habitats and to secure the long-term protection of this important, protected species.” The scheme has seen great success in other areas, such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, where Wildscapes CIC has recently created its 50th pond. The project is part of a national strategy to bolster great crested newt populations in stronghold areas and allow Local Authorities to undertake landscape scale management of the population through District Level Licencing. It is anticipated that Natural England will fund the creation/restoration of over 500 ponds ideally suited for GCN. Landowners/farmers in North East Lincolnshire are encouraged to contact Wildscapes to discuss the suitability of their land for the project. Ponds protecting newt species to be created in North East Lincs 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:46 Page 2latest news Construction completes on Lincolnshire agri-food research facility © Shutterstock/Billion Photos Food industry businesses will soon be able to benefit from state-of-the-art technology at a brand-new, bespoke agri-food research and development facility in Lincolnshire. With construction now complete, the University of Lincoln’s Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technologies is the first building on site at the new South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone in Holbeach, and the latest development in an ambitious vision to put Lincolnshire on the map as a global leader in the agri-tech sector. Building on the success of the University’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), it will act as an innovation hub – primarily promoting the rapid uptake of advanced technologies such as robotics and automation across the food supply chain. Expert staff will be based at the Centre, including industry scientists and their support teams, uniquely focused on delivering innovation support services, pioneering research, skills provision and knowledge exchange for agri-food businesses across Lincolnshire and beyond, strengthening the county’s position as a key player in the agri-tech sector. Eco-friendly ‘Naturehoods’ to be piloted in Lincolnshire Eco-friendly ‘Naturehoods’ are to be piloted by creating habitats in Lincolnshire communities as part of The Wildlife Trusts’ nature recovery plans. The Wildlife Trusts have raised almost £8 million just six months after launching their 30 by 30 ambition to kickstart nature’s recovery across 30% of land by 2030. Funds will buy land to provide new homes for wildlife and allow nature to thrive in increasing abundance across wilder, joined-up places. The plan is to reverse decades of steep wildlife declines and threats to the natural world. Sir David Attenborough and members of the public are backing the call for 30 by 30 – The Wildlife Trusts have been humbled by the way in which the crusade has caught the popular imagination. “If given a chance – nature is capable of extraordinary recovery,” said Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts. “The Wildlife Trusts’ campaign to secure 30 per cent of our land and sea for nature’s recovery by 2030 offers us the vision and level of ambition that is urgently needed to reverse the loss of nature, and so improve all our lives. “We are facing a global extinction crisis which has implications for every one of us. It’s tempting to assume that the loss of wildlife and wild places is a problem that’s happening on the other side of the world. “The truth is that the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries on the planet and the situation is getting worse.” The Wildlife Trusts’ new schemes are additions to a growing list of nature recovery projects that will put new land aside for nature as well as repair and link-up existing, fragmented, wild areas to enable wildlife to move around – some of these are still fundraising. The aim is to bring nature everywhere Including to the places where people live. To donate to Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, visit www.lincstrust.org.uk/support-us/donate. © Shutterstock / Gill Kennett 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:46 Page 3Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance receives keys to new headquarters The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) has received the keys to its new headquarters based on A15 Sleaford Road, next to RAF Waddington. The new purpose-built home, which will see staff, crew, helicopter and Critical Care Cars under one roof for the very first time, will provide a unique opportunity for the charity to welcome former patients, schools, volunteers, donors and fundraisers to see how their support really makes a difference. The crew and helicopter will move into the new headquarters and airbase this month, and staff hope to join them in their new offices once Government restrictions have been lifted at the end of June. Chief Executive Officer Karen Jobling received the keys from builders Lindum Construction. “I am absolutely delighted to have received the keys for our new headquarters,” she said. “Years of planning has gone into our new, future-proof headquarters; our new facility will be fundamental to our success for a rapidly advancing operation.” Auto Trail Motorhome Rental Reserve Your Ride Check out the availability and book your trip with a £250 deposit. Plan Your Trip Plan your staycation! We deliver to any UK Location from Lincoln for just £2 per mile (min 50 miles). Hit the Road Enjoy your staycation. This luxury motorhome has everything you need for a great holiday. Tel: +44 (0)7977 474055 or visit www.autotrailmotorhomerental.co.uk Still want a holiday this year, but don't fancy flying due to Covid-19, then make your own staycation within your own bubble, and rent our luxury modern Motorhome. This luxury motorhome has everything you need for a great family holiday, with enough space for six people. Hit the road in style with your family around the UK or even Europe. Travel in Luxury Travel in Luxury 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2021 07:46 Page 4Next >