< Previous80 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYAyscoughfee Hall is a beautiful Grade I listedbuilding set in five acres of unique publicgardens ideal for your photographs. This intimate venue, just minutes fromSpalding town centre, is licensed forcivil ceremonies for up to 40 people.Included are the services of our dedicatedWedding Coordinators and exclusive use ofthe south facing Garden Room for lightrefreshments before and after the ceremony.There is ample public parking nearbyfor your guests. Weddings at Ayscoughfee HallAyscoughfee Hall Churchgate, Spalding, LincolnshirePE11 2RAtel: 01775 764555 email: museum@sholland.gov.ukwwwayscoughfee.org079-083_Layout 1 18/05/2015 12:21 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY81WEDDINGS - VENUESHaving attended more than my fairshare of weddings as a guest I shouldconfess they can sometimes get a bitfamiliar. Of course, the main consideration ofthe wedding day is that of the happycouple, but if you can provide yourguests with something a little out of theordinary, it’ll live far longer in everyone’smemories, and mean that your guests arefar more willing to stay around ratherthan opting for an early night. Weddings have changed in recentgenerations and there’s a much greatersense of informality than ever before.Rather than simply following the familiartemplate that has been passed downthrough the generations, these daysthose getting married are happy todiscard a few traditions, incorporatesome new ideas and end up with theirown special day that better representsthe happy couple, their tastes and,perhaps most importantly of all, theirPHOTO COURTESY CYMBELINEPHOTO COURTESY CHRIS LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY82 Árelationship.The wedding ceremony itself has aspecial dignity all of its own – especiallybecause the law forbids weddings beinghosted outside or in temporary locations– but that doesn’t mean it has todominate the day and if you want, youcan get that out of the way andconcentrate on the party.If you want tradition, though,Lincolnshire’s got it in spades and youcan absolutely pile on the romance.We’re fortunate to have dozens ofbeautiful venues, set in stunningsurroundings, which will create a veryspecial atmosphere and look fantastic on079-083_Layout 1 18/05/2015 12:21 Page 382 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYAt Grange Park our superb Swedish Style venue offers youand your guests something a little different...Whether it's for a small intimate wedding or for 100+ guestsour attention to detail is meticulous. We are now able tooffer your guests accommodation at Grange Park in luxuryPine Lodges.Tel: 01724 762945 Email: info@grangepark.comwww.grangepark.comButterwick Road, Messingham, Scunthorpe DN17 3PPGrangeParkA place for all occasionsthe photos.Although you may wish to be completely creative andcome up with an exhaustive timetable of entertainmentand unique experiences, there is something to be saidfor at least a bit of tradition – if only for your guests.Unique among anything you plan it’s likely that yourwedding guest list will be far more diverse than anyother event, with guests’ ages ranging from ninemonths to ninety years. That doesn’t mean everythinghas to be blanded out but it’s worth bearing it in mindto make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.Although the big day is, of course, all about thehappy couple, the experience of the guests is all-important – you want to keep the party going as longas possible rather than everyone making their excuses assoon as is politely possible. It’s likely that some of yourolder guests may well expect at least some traditionalaspects and, while they might be a bit familiar, thatdoesn’t make them any less special, so it’s worthconsidering who you’ve invited before you decide to gofor any wild diversions from the norm.That includes the menu as well – your first date mayhave been in a sushi restaurant and it may be fun toreplicate that at the wedding, but you’d better makesure all your guests like it as well. However as withPHOTO COURTESY CHRIS LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY079-083_Layout 1 18/05/2015 12:21 Page 4LINCOLNSHIRETODAY83WEDDINGS - VENUESlMarriages lCivil Partnerships lNationality Checking Service lCitizenship Ceremonies lNaming & Renewal of Vows CeremonieslCopy Certificates (from 1837 to date) lCivil Funeral, Memorial, Woodland Burial and Interment Ceremonies lPre planned Script only Funeral Service Registration &CelebratoryServicesTel: 01522 782244Email: regist@lincolnshire.gov.ukwww.lincolnshire.gov.uk/registrationeverything in a 21st century wedding, thetraditions are up for grabs and if you don’tfancy a formal sit down meal you can optfor a buffet or even just canapés. If a fullmeal isn’t on offer, though, you shouldprobably make it clear to your guests inadvance in case they arrive with an emptystomach.Lincolnshire’s venues can provide theperfect setting, with many fine statelyhomes and luxury hotels. But you don’thave to plan your wedding’s colourscheme or theme purely around thevenue’s existing décor. Many venues offerup marquees to provide you with anabsolute blank canvas, ensuring you canenjoy all the convenience of a top hotelwith food and drink on tap while alsohaving the flexibility to transport yourguests into a host of imaginativesettings. They’re also safely enoughaway from the accommodation toensure the party can carry on into thenight without annoying those whoaren’t attending.Making use of a marquee also allowsfor a valuable change of scenery,meaning your guests won’t spend thewhole day staring at the same four walls. Youcould, of course, plan the event to take place at a numberof different venues to have the same effect but then yourun the risk of guests getting lost when travelling – andyou can be sure that if there’s any chance of thathappening, someone almost certainly will!As long as you don’t overwhelm the setting with toomuch design, and make guests feel like extras, beingcreative and imaginative will certainly ensure your big daysticks in people’s minds. Take inspiration from whereveryou find it, from Hollywood to Bollywood, andLincolnshire’s wedding specialists will help you make it areality.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/WOODYGRAPHS079-083_Layout 1 18/05/2015 12:21 Page 5You’ll notice from our pages the huge number ofballs and dinners that take place at the BentleyHotel. It’s such a popular venue for specialevents, thanks to its exceptional events team andbanqueting menus to suit every taste – as well as aperfect location.Both traditional and modern looking, the Bentleystrikes that balance between grandiose comfort andmodern style, and that extends to the rooms too. Thereare four-poster beds in certain rooms, certainlysomething to investigate if you want that step up inluxury.Luxury is certainly on the menu if you’re planning tohost your wedding celebration at the Bentley. Thewhole day can take place under one roof fromceremony, to reception, to the party afterwards – andeven before the event with its fabulous beauty spa andpool facilities. The team at the Bentley often encouragebrides-to-be to spend their last night of freedom at theHotel – they can have their hair done, relax in the spaand have a few drinks, making the night before a bitless stressful and far more relaxing!The wedding packages have been revamped inrecent months to ensure there’s a host of exciting andenjoyable options for the evening reception – you’rebound to find an option that suits you. The Bentley’swedding co-ordinators are on hand at all times to makesure that your big day goes off without a hitch,whether it’s a small family affair or grand social event.BEST WESTERN PLUSBENTLEYHOTELLEISURECLUB & SPAIt’s no surprise the Bentley Hotel in Lincolnhas established itself as one of the county’stop venues for special events of all shapesand sizes – including weddings. We take acloser look at what’s on offerTHE BENTLEY HOTEL084-085_Layout 1 18/05/2015 11:56 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY85THE BENTLEY HOTELThey can assure you that the combination ofexemplary service and excellent food ensures atruly memorable day.As well as being a top wedding and eventvenue, the Bentley is also a great place to visit forfine food and a fabulous atmosphere. Brand newfor 2015, and already enjoying huge success, arethe Friday night specials. Enjoy an 8oz sirloinstick or fantastic fish and chips for only £12.95after 7pm. These have become a popular offeringso you’re recommended to book in advance.Also new for 2015 is the Monday PuddingClub. Visit them on a Monday lunchtime to takeyour pick of starter and main course from theexcellent carvery menu and enjoy an indulgentfree dessert of your choice – a great way to addsome sparkle to the start of the week!These new arrivals to the calendar add to thesuccess of the luxury afternoon teas, servedbetween 1pm and 5pm. Enjoy the relaxedatmosphere for only £12.95 per person – or adda glass of bubbly to make a real occasion of it!It’s an exclusive gathering so pre-booking isessential.No matter when you visit, though, there’ssomething at the Bentley to enjoy. The GrandRestaurant has seating for seventy people andcaters for all tastes and appetites. The menuchanges on a regular basis and watch out fornew arrivals including mini spicy meatballs and atomato and mint brochette.And although it may be the height of summer,it’s never too early to start thinking aboutChristmas! The Bentley Hotel is such a popularvenue that the Party Night events for thisChristmas were filling up even before thedecorations came down last year. Many guestsenjoy these evenings so much they come backevery year, so if you’re after something special forthe festive season, get in touch soon,The Bentley Hotel has long been a fantasticallypopular venue for weddings, parties and dining –and that looks set to continue for a long time tocome. Best Western Plus Bentley LeisureClub & Spa is on Newark Road, SouthHykeham, Lincoln. To find out more orto book a table, call 01522 878000 orvisit www.bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk084-085_Layout 1 18/05/2015 11:56 Page 286 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBusiness inLincolnshireBatemans launches big week for Lincolnshire charityBatemans, the family brewer based in Lincolnshire, has announced plans for anexciting ‘Big Week’ of activities across its 60 pubs with the aim of raising £20,000for county-based learning disability charity Linkage Community Trust. The Big Week will take place between 25th and 31st May, and was launched atan exclusive event at the brewery. Pubs across the Batemans estate will beinvolved, with each landlord deciding for themselves what activities they will beholding to support such a worthy cause. As an added incentive, the Batemans pubthat raises the most money will win an award for Charity Pub of the Year at thebrewery’s annual Rewarding Success lunch.In addition, Batemans will be introducing a new beer for the week, Mr George’sGolden Ale, named in honour of George Bateman, who formed the long-standingfamily connection between the brewery and Linkage, and was chairman of thecharity for 25 years. Money from every pint of this beer sold will go directly to thecharity, further boosting the amount raised.The Big Week is also being supported by a selection of local companies and bigbrands, including Heineken, Coors, Thatchers Cider, Pipers Crisps, as well asCalmax accountancy, and Bulldog Social Club. Further details about the support provided by these businesses, and the activities taking place at thebrewery and Batemans pubs, will be announced shortly.City businesses urged to payLiving WageLetters are being sent to more than 800 businesses in the city urging them to payworkers the Living Wage.‘Making Lincoln Living Wage’ is a campaign started by Lincoln Living Wage Forum,made up of representatives from the private, voluntary, educational, trade union andpublic sectors, including City of Lincoln Council, The aim is to encourage employers to pay the rate that is calculated to meet the basiccost of living in the UK, currently £7.85 an hour outside of London. This is different to theNational Minimum Wage set by HMRC.Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Interim Chair of Lincoln Living Wage Forum and Leader of thecity council, said: “Paying staff the Living Wage not only helps the employee but hasproven benefits for the employer.“Studies have shown that Living Wage employers enjoy better staff retention rates,lower absenteeism and a committed workforce that feels valued.”Technology Investments ContributeTowards 40% Year on Year GrowthWebHostingBuzz, a web hosting company founded in Lincoln almost fourteen yearsago, has kicked off 2015 with a new website solution to improve the way all customersaccess the right information, faster.Over the past few years the company has heavily invested in its support infrastructure,which includes the large installation of 300 new servers at the Timico’s data centre inNewark.The company competes within one of the most competitive and fastest growing onlinemarkets so as a result has to make sure they stay ahead with their technology, as well astheir value proposition.Wayne Reavill, CEO of WebHostingBuzz, says “Having invested heavily in our local infrastructure over the past few years, our online presence wasdue a refresh to match the excellence we’re delivering in other areas. Staying true to our local roots, it was important that the site was re-designedand built here in Lincoln.”PHOTO: CONNOR WYATT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM086-087_Layout 1 18/05/2015 12:55 Page 1Focus Consultants workingwith asra HousingFocus Consultants, which has offices in Lincoln and Boston, has won anumber of contracts to administer almost £5 million worth of plannedimprovements to homes run by asra Housing.It is the second year that the firm has been appointed to run the housinggroup’s kitchen, bathroom, window and roof replacement scheme.At the same time, Focus has also been appointed to a four-year consultants’framework by asra Housing for contract administrator and stock conditionsurveyor roles for planned works for properties in the London area and theMidlands.Partner at Focus Consultants, Keith Butler, said: “Focus Consultants hasworked with the asra Housing Group for several years and we are verypleased to be extending our existing close relationship with the groupthrough these contracts and through being appointed to the consultants’framework.“asra is one of the UK’s leading housing and regeneration providers, witha property portfolio of more than 14,000 homes in the Midlands andLondon, and this work represents a major investment in the group’shousing stock.”Tong Peal appoints newfinance chiefLincolnshire-based Tong Peal Engineering, the UK’s leading designerand manufacturer of quality vegetable handling equipment hasappointed a new Head of Finance, as its current Finance Director retires.Teresa Morgan has joined the business to take over from DougMcArthur who is retiring after 25 years of service with the company. Doug has been an integral part of the team at TongPeal, helping steer the business through big changes, including Tong Engineering’s takeover of Peal Engineering in 2004. He has been a key figurewithin the management team, ensuring sound business development and decisions, and has played an important part in supporting thecompany’s growth and success during his time heading up the financial department.Doug says, “I would like to thank all our customers for their support over the years. I’m veryproud to have played a part in the success of a family owned firm that has grown into a respectedinternational business with customers across the world. The family ethic has always been at theheart of the business making it a great place to have spent the last 25 years. I wish them everysuccess for the future.”Teresa brings a wealth of experience gained over her 25 years working in the financial sector,including five years at FMCG company Bakkavor. “I’m looking forward to helping Tong Peal withthe next exciting phase of its growth by developing an even more strategic and informative cultureto help the business progress.”LINCOLNSHIRETODAY87Record sales in Grimsbyfor estate agentPygott & Crone has reached record sales at its North EastLincolnshire office. The agent, which has eleven offices throughoutthe East Midlands, completed a record 44 residential sales at theGrimsby office last month - a 266% rise from March 2012.Senior partner Tim Downing is attributing the sharp rise in salesto a number of factors - the growth of the renewables sector on theHumber, lower house prices in the area, the support of its Londonbranch filtering buyers further north and being founding membersof the relocation agent network, which has over 600 officesnationwide. Tim says that properties are being snapped up by first-time-buyers and wealthier customers – some with a budget of half amillion pounds. Now the firm is planning to expand by openingmore branches in the region.Tim says, “There are a number of reasons for the upsurge in salesin our Grimsby office and this trend replicates the wider growth inthe renewable sector across the North East Lincolnshire area. In somecases the average UK home costs almost double the cost of a home inNorth East Lincolnshire. They are just more affordable - that isn’t tosay there’s less money around. We’re seeing significant investment inthe economy with even more renewable energy firms in the Humberoffering training and employment opportunities and supportingeconomic growth.Siemens Lincoln jobs under threatSiemens, which has a substantial presence in Lincoln, is set to cut 4500 jobs across its global sites.Whilst 2,200 jobs will be from its German operations, the engineering giant has declined to saywhere the ace will fall on the rest of the positions.The company said: “These measures are being taken in response to the persistently difficultenvironment in the global power generation market.”Unite national officer, Linda McCulloch said: “We need clarity from the Siemens management howthis announcement will impact on the nearly 14,000 people that the company employs in the UK.“While it is saying that 2,200 of the 4,500 jobs under threat will be cut in Germany, it has declinedto say where the axe for the other half will fall.”086-087_Layout 1 18/05/2015 12:55 Page 2088-091_Layout 1 18/05/2015 11:26 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY89EDUCATIONOne doesn’t have to be glued to thenews to hear large companiescomplaining about the quality of newemployees they are receiving from theeducation sector. Poor-working attitude,few life-skills, and a general lack ofunderstanding on what working life islike, are some of the more commonproblems. It can be a difficult issue formany education facilities to address.When they are forced to have eachstudent knowledgeable in a wide rangeof subjects, from science to English to IT,life in school is simply not like workinglife. That’s not to say schools aren’t lookingto improve on this however, and withinLincolnshire there are numerousopportunities for students to attendextra-curricular activities that help exposethem what working life is like. Across the East Midlands last in May forinstance, the Young Enterprise CompanyProgramme took place, in which teams ofteenagers from schools across the EastMidlands were challenged to create theirown company and be judged. The event,which is run by the Young Enterprisecharity, supported by HSBC, enabled 15-19 year olds to set up and run a businessfor an academic year, guided by localmentors. The East Midlands regional finals werein fact won by a team from Lincolnshire’sPriory Academy LSST, who will nowattend the UK finals in July. Team Synergyfrom Priory Academy manufactured andsold a series of books titled “You don’tunderstand” which were about raisingteenagers – written by teenagers, forparents. Their company was forced tofight off stiff competition however, fromother school teams acrossNottinghamshire, Derbyshire and evenothers in Lincolnshire. Beyond being an exciting opportunityfor teenagers to have some fun and learnsome skills outside of school, events likethe Young Enterprise CompanyProgramme enable students to actively90 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ANDREY_POPOVPREPARINGfor theREAL WORLDIt’s often not enough to know the theory on how or whythings work, now schools are focusing on giving studentsreal-life skills to help them enter the workforce.088-091_Layout 1 18/05/2015 11:26 Page 2Next >