< Previous10 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLincolnshirenewsLegacy of lifelong RNLI volunteer helps fund Skegness lifeboatA legacy from dedicated Skegness RNLI volunteerJoel Grunnill MBE will help fund the town’s next all-weather lifeboat, which is to be named Joel and AprilGrunnill.The new lifeboat is expected to go on service in2016 and will be an innovative £1.5 million Shannonclass lifeboat, replacing Skegness’s current lifeboat,Lincolnshire Poacher, when she comes to the end ofher operational life.Joel was a life-long RNLI volunteer. He helpedcollect money for the charity as a small child andserved as a lifeboatman for 45 years, joining the crewat the age of just fifteen at the start of the SecondWorld War. He later became Second Coxswain, holding the position for 33 years and helping to save 197 people. In later years, Joel becamethe Skegness Lifeboat Station Honorary Secretary and then Chairman until his death last May at the age of 86. His cousin April, who ran amotor mechanic business in Skegness with Joel, has also made a large donation.The Shannon, as seen in our picture, has harnessed cutting-edge technology to ensure it meets the demands of a 21st century rescue service.Live a lighter lifeLighterLife is a weight loss plan that shows you how to loseweight through regular weight management counselling and aplan of attack when it comes to diet choices. Having beenbehind the actress Pauline Quirke’s recent shedding of pounds,meaning the once larger thespian is now a svelte size 12.LighterLife seems a great option for those who want to start onthe road to a healthier lifestyle.LighterLife’s unique weight loss programme has been helpingpeople lose weight for over 16 years. Pauline puts it in a nutshell:“LighterLife is different. There’s weekly groups and a counsellorwho can help you change the way you think about food, andhelp you keep the weight off, with shakes, soups, bars and setmeals to help keep you on track.”As LighterLife put it: No points watching, no calorie counting,no hassle.006-010:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:07 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY11LINCOLNPlaces aren’t simply about bricks,mortar and the here and now. Lovinga place isn’t necessarily simply aboutwhat it is today, but also about whathas gone before, carrying with it asense of tradition, knowledge andfamiliarity.That’s what makes Lincoln specialfor Mike Jackson, the branches ofwhose family tree are festooned withLincolnshire names, and was himselfborn at the Bromhead Hospital about400 yards from the Cathedral. “We have been blacksmiths atGlentworth, bakers at Hackthorn andshopkeepers in Lincoln itself,” he said.And then, in one of the asides thatpeppered our conversation, he added,“Did you know that the BromheadHospital is named after GonvilleBromhead, who won a VC at Rorke’sDrift during the Zulu Wars? He camefrom Thurlby. Michael Caine playedhim in the film. Of course, it’s theLincoln Nuffield Hospital now.”It’s Mike’s family history and hisown life in and around Lincoln thathelps him to be so knowledgeableabout the city and its past, andsnippets of history keep popping in.But it isn’t long before we’re talkingabout its most well-known feature. “The remarkable thing aboutLincoln is the Cathedral. It dominatesthe skyline and holds sway over thecity, physically and spiritually,” hesaid. “Over the centuries so many peoplehave gone there with their hopes,their fears and their love. It’s all stillthere.”In a county not over-endowed withhills, the Cathedral commands a spaceatop one of its largest, and is awelcoming sight for travellers. Visiblefrom miles away at ground level, andeven further from the air, sight of itmust have spurred pilgrims to quickentheir pace, and gladdened the heartsof bomber crews coming home tocounty airfields during the secondworld war. It’s also visible from aircraftusing Robin Hood Airport, as Mike isquick to point out. He’s also taken with the BrayfordPool at the foot of the hill, which, likethe Cathedral, is too often taken forgranted.“The Romans thought this place soimportant that they linked it to theriver with a canal. I remember it whenit was still industrial, with the Hovismill and the swing bridge over theWitham. It was down there we used togo to get fishing tackle from a placecalled Harrisons. My dad bought mean air rifle there when I passed my 11-plus exam.” Mike’s family history has beenplayed out against the backdrop ofanother Lincoln tradition – the LincolnAmateur Operatic and DramaticSociety, which was formed in 1900.“My mum and dad met there, andMike Jackson andthe building he wasborn 400 yardsaway from – LincolnCathedral.LINCOLN’Srich historyWe take a closer look at Lincoln’s history through the eyesof Police Intelligence Support Officer Mike Jackson, whowas born about 400 yards from the Cathedral. He’s ayellowbelly through and through, and proud of it.12 011-012:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:24 Page 112 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNthree of my uncles met their wives, and it’s where Imet my wife too,” he said.His Grandma and Grandad Key were significantfigures in the society, and almost becameprofessionals. “They were producing shows for 25years,” he said. Mike’s own involvement started as an11-year-old, playing the part of Winthrop Peroo inThe Music Man, and appearing in White Horse Inn.“In those days the productions filled the TheatreRoyal for a two-week run,” he said. Then he droppedout for a while, returning as a 16 or 17-year-old to bein shows like South Pacific, Half a Sixpence, andCharlie Girl.Talk of earlier generations of his family lead him tomention his grocer Great Grandad Codd, who ran ashop on the High Street opposite Scorer Street, and anuncle, Charles Bamford, who sparked his interest inrallying. That ultimately led him to be a stagecommander on the RAC Rally, as well as involvementwith motor clubs in the county. Intimate knowledgeof the county’s roads has been a huge asset to hiscareer with the police, where he’s worked for twelveyears.Eventually he stops calling Lincoln a city, and startsto refer to it as a town. “ That’s because although it’s acity, it’s not too big,” he said. “It feels like a town, andthere’s a strong sense of community – and that’svaluable. Having lived here for sixty years I know lotsof people, and when I walk into anywhere there willoften be someone I know, or someone I can talk toabout shared interests. It’s a good feeling.”What we love about Lincoln Bailgate and Uphill area-the perfect place to spend a day,dip into smart boutiques, andspecialist stores to bag thatunique item. Enjoy the bars,pubs and cafes flanked by cobblestreets and take in thearchitecture.Wandering about in theCastle- Great place for animpromptu history lesson, or justto sit on the grass and snatchsome peace and a sense ofhistory during a busy day.Diningat one of the manygreat hotels and restaurants inthe city. Lincoln is awash with some of the finest eateries you couldwish for, many of which serve only the best locally producedingredients.The bustle of the centre on a sunny Saturday -Enormousmix of national chain stores and quality independent retailers makeshopping a delight. Plenty of places to sit with a coffee and indulgein people-watching.The Strugglers pub,on Westgate. We think it’s the besttraditional pub in the city – unless you know otherwise……and of course The Cathedral– but that almost goes withoutsaying…One of the entrances to Lincoln Castle. Mikewas part of the team which converted it tothe largest – and probably the oldest – rallystart ramps ever seen in the UK when theLincolnshire Louth Motor Club started itsTour of Lincs Rally here.011-012:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:24 Page 2Step back in time in SpaldingSpringfields in Spalding transported guests back to the fortieswith their special Bomber County Big Band Night. Many of thetwo hundred or so people who attended donned either serviceuniforms or their civvies to enjoy music and dancing to theMainline Big Band and Singers.Thanks to the Ministry of Food they were also able to enjoy awartime meal of steal pie and potatoes, followed by bread andbutter pudding with custard – but withno rationing! They even formed orderlyqueues at the bar, but only under thedirection of military personnel.PHOTOS BY ALAN LONGLINCOLNSHIRETODAY13SOCIAL SCENE013:Layout 1 11/5/12 10:48 Page 1014:Layout 1 11/5/12 11:00 Page 1015:Layout 1 11/5/12 11:01 Page 1016:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:25 Page 1017:Layout 1 11/5/12 11:01 Page 1Victorian coach houseA UNIQUE 18 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYREADER’S HOMESThis month we visit astunning reader’s homein the pretty markettown of Louth – afabulous VictorianCoach House, full ofcharacter and charm.Set within beautifully landscapedgrounds approaching one third of anacre in size, this stunning Grade II*Listed property was created in the mid1980’s by the conversion of the formercoach house to one of Louth’s finesthomes, The Sycamores which standsnext door on Crowtree Lane. The transformation was undertakenwith great skill and sympathy for theoriginal building and the currentowner, Audrey Lidgard, has furtherenhanced the property with a wideranging programme of updating andremodelling during the last few years.The house stands to the rear of itsvery generous gardens and enjoys asoutherly aspect from its principalelevation. The architectural style ofthe property with its Dutch influencedgables, arched Georgian style windowsand decorative brickwork is typical ofits origins. The building wasconstructed around 1840 and retainsall of the character and charm thatone would expect from that period.The home is situated in aconservation area on the west side ofLouth.Luxurious livingOwner Audrey Lidgard bought thehouse in 2005 and she has since madesignificant improvements to theinterior design and decor, in keepingwith the property’s heritage. Nostructural changes have been made butAudrey has installed new bathroomsand a state-of-the-art kitchen, as wellas adding a wonderful vinery housinga fabulously luxurious hot tub! Therenovations took around four years tocomplete and the result is a trulystunning family home of distinction.Only the very best materials andhighly skilled craftsmen were usedduring the project. Audrey’simpeccable taste, her knowledge andpassion for interior design and a keeneye for detail has ensured that theinterior of the property is outstandingthroughout. Each room issumptuously decorated, yet practicalin design. Custom-made fittedwardrobes and units in the bedrooms,office and kitchen allow for plenty ofstorage space with a contemporaryfinish.Today, the Coach House offersA UNIQUE A fabulous VictorianCoach House, full ofcharacter and charm.Victorian coach houseVictorian coach house018-023:Layout 1 14/5/12 10:07 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY19READER’S HOMESexcellent flexibility of layout and use for Audreyand her partner Tony, with bedroom anddaytime accommodation split between both theground and first floors. Principal features include the welcomingreception hall with its spelled balustradestaircase, a fully equipped study with walnutfinish furniture, a downstairs lounge withadjoining vinery, currently housing the optionalhot tub, and a state-of-the-art Alno kitchen byRichard Sutton. This high quality designer kitchen is stunning,yet highly practical, with its contemporary stylecabinets, granite work surfaces and a host of topof the range appliances. A cosy sitting room adjoins the kitchen and isa great spot for relaxing as French doors opendirectly to the eastern courtyard.The ground floor is completed by a beautifullypresented bedroom with adjacent contemporaryshower room.Elegant designThe signature room of the house isundoubtedly the first floor drawing room whichis of breathtaking size and impeccable quality.Measuring over 33ft in length and featuring aspecially commissioned stone fireplace withThe highlight of the house is undoubtedly the first floor drawingroom which is of breathtaking size and impeccable qualityThe welcoming receptionhall with its spelledbalustrade staircaseMeasuring over 33ft in length, thedrawing room features a speciallycommissioned stone fireplace withwood burning stove21 018-023:Layout 1 14/5/12 10:07 Page 2Next >