£2.95 JUNE 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 JUNE 2021 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Summer’s here! Summer’s here! Farm & Country Link A staycation in Lincolnshire Homes & gardens What’s on Farm & Country Link A staycation in Lincolnshire Homes & gardens What’s on 01.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:08 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 SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY PRESSURE TREATED TIMBER To discover more about our range of timber products visit: www.caldersandgrandidge.com Email enquiries@caldersandgrandidge.com or call our experts on 01205 358866 Fencing Poles Track Timbers 02.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:10 Page 1By the time you’re reading this, we may or may not have crossed the fourth stage of lockdown lifting. This stage, set to lift no earlier than 21 June, is hoped to bring an end to all legal limits on social contact and heralds the re-opening of nightclubs. Barring mutations, or a significant spike in infection rates, I’ll remain cautiously optimistic (writing as I am in mid-May) and assume that society will have taken its biggest move towards normality since March 2020. It’s been a long, difficult, emotionally-draining and downright traumatic year since last summer but – touch wood – the worst of it is now behind us. Now that summer’s officially here, following a spring of snow and rain, the future looks very bright indeed. Of course, readjusting to normality will be tough for many of us, that’s why Lincolnshire Today is here to help. We’ve put together an in-depth guide to getting out and having fun. Not only does it provide plenty of ideas, but also lets you know what you can and can’t do from what date. Our gardening guru, meanwhile, explores the mental and wellbeing benefits of getting out in your garden. If you’re not already feeling summery, I guarantee that our fashion and al fresco pages will get you in the spirit. So, crossing into stage four, I wanted to take a moment to thank our loyal readers for all their support since the start of pandemic. You’re an inspiration, each and every one of you. A huge thank you also to all our clients and advertisers, both old and new. If nothing else, the pandemic has taught us that we’re all in this together and, as ever, united we’re stronger. 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/GILL KENNETT LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:22 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 24 SUMMER’S HERE Summer’s here at last and there’s plenty to get excited about – no least the stunning offerings our favourite fashion brands are serving up. 30 FLOURISHES What better way to show off your summer outfits than with a few carefully chosen final flourishes? 32 SWEET SUMMER STYLE High street to beach, office to golf course, here are the outfits and accessories you need in your wardrobe. 34 READY FOR SUMMER We’re here to help you look and feel your best this summer. We might not be holidaying abroad this year, but there’s plenty of fabulous places in Lincolnshire to sun yourself. 36 WORKING ON YOUR CORE As some of the most important muscles in your body, strengthening and stabilising core muscles is vital in any solid fitness plan. 38 NATURE’S BOUNTY A selection of recipes making the most of fresh fruits and veggies that look as great as they taste. 42 LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE While the small, sleepy, elusive hazel dormouse was once commonplace in Lincolnshire and across Britain, the population has dropped to concerning levels, seeing programmes set up in the county to boost numbers. 44 GETTING SOME ASSISTANCE Growing old isn’t always an easy or graceful experience, which is why we all need a little help. Assistance doesn’t have to mean a lack of independence however. 50 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED This month we look at Lincolnshire’s heritage of monuments and memorials. 62 COUNTY MOTORING Despite the end of lockdown, the motoring industry is still contending with the effects – from millions driving without a valid MOT, to learners struggling to secure testing spots. Lincolnshire Today explores. JUNE 24 24 SUMMER’S HERE AT LAST AND THERE’S PLENTY TO GET EXCITED ABOUT – NO LEAST THE STUNNING OFFERINGS OUR FAVOURITE FASHION BRANDS ARE SERVING UP. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:23 Page 142 42 WHILE THE SMALL, SLEEPY, ELUSIVE HAZEL DORMOUSE WAS ONCE COMMONPLACE IN LINCOLNSHIRE AND ACROSS BRITAIN, THE POPULATION HAS DROPPED TO CONCERNING LEVELS, SEEING PROGRAMMES SET UP IN THE COUNTY TO BOOST NUMBERS. 66 A STAYCATION IN LINCOLNSHIRE Lincolnshire is a prime location to be while staycationing, with a rich history, expansive countryside, vast coastline, and nature spots to explore. 72 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 10 OVERLOOKING THE SEA With panoramic sea views, a swimming pool, tennis court, and putting green, this property is perfect for leisure and relaxation. 16 MAGNIFICENT MENAGERIE This month, we explore the bright, charming animal works of artist Amy Louise who forged herself in Lincoln. 18 SOAKING UP THE SUN Last month we invited the indoors out, and vice versa. This issue, it’s all about being outside. 20 FEELING GOOD WITH GARDENING Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explores how the importance of gardens on our mental health and wellbeing. 22 YOUR GARDEN, YOUR KINGDOM They say one’s house is one’s kingdom, but let’s not go forgetting the garden. After all, what kind of a kingdom would it be without grounds? Farm & Country Link 52 FARM & COUNTRY NEWS The latest news from across the countryside 56 EQUINE It is noticeable that grass livery – once the poor relation of horse ownership – has become much sought after as more horse owners turn to a more ‘natural’ way of life for their horses. 59 FARM MACHINERY Lincolnshire’s farming sector is critical not only to the regional economy, but nationally. Yet that would be downright impossible to achieve without the machinery and equipment that keep this crucial sector moving. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:23 Page 2latest news Sadly, Lincoln Pride has been cancelled for a second year running because of COVID-19. The event, which offers a safe space for the county’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community to come together and express themselves, was cancelled last year in light of the pandemic. But with the threat of coronavirus still very much a reality, the summer event has been cancelled a second time. “Our event is costly and takes many months to plan. Without the guarantee we can go ahead with the full event as normal, and having been unable to conduct our usual fundraising this past year, we do not feel it is possible to put the event on this year,” the organisers said in a Facebook post. “We are happy to announce that we are working with the local council and authorities to bring to you some smaller events later in the year to keep the Pride spirit alive in Lincoln, and we are already well under way with planning Lincoln Pride 2022!” © Shutterstock/lazyllama Lincoln Pride cancelled for second year running Lincoln Uni to help develop next gen robots capable of working with humans An ambitious research project is aiming to help expand the roles that robots can play in assisting humans in manufacturing and distribution processes. The €7 million Dynamic Agile Production Robots That Learn and Optimise Knowledge and Operations (DARKO) project, funded through Horizon 2020, will harness the latest innovations in robotics and involve partners from Sweden, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, alongside experts from the University of Lincoln, UK, and Bosch, a global supplier of technology and research. A robotic arm will be developed to throw non-breakable objects such as plastic pipes and components into containers ready for distribution, with testing taking place at ARENA2036, a high-profile research demonstration area in Germany. The Lincoln team, led by Dr Nicola Bellotto, Associate Professor in the Lincoln School of Computer Science, will be responsible for developing the spatial awareness capability needed for the robots to work safely and efficiently alongside humans in a busy warehouse setting. Dr Bellotto explains: “These robots will work autonomously without the need for human supervision. However, they will encounter people while going about their duties and so will need to learn to understand human intentions in order to share space safely. “As humans, when we encounter a group of people in a narrow corridor, we instinctively know how to navigate the situation safely. We are able to pick up on human intentions and subtle communications of mutual agreement and this is what we are aiming to develop in these robots.” The project team, which also includes University of Lincoln Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Interactive Systems, Marc Hanheide, as Co-Investigator, is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher and PhD student to work alongside them on this research. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:25 Page 1Lincoln Drill Hall saved from closure Lincoln College Group has taken ownership of Lincoln Drill Hall and plans to reopen it to the public in time for this year’s panto. Responsibility for the Drill Hall has transferred from the Lincoln Arts Trust to Lincoln College Group (LCG). The Drill Hall will continue to be a live entertainment venue and the Group will be investing in the café/bar to create a family- friendly environment for coffee and lunch in the daytime and dinner and drinks in the evening. The Drill Hall will also be a training ground for Lincoln College performing and production arts, catering, hospitality and business students and apprentices. In the short-term the venue will remain closed for maintenance and upgrading work to be carried out, but the Group is hoping for an official reopening in the Autumn. Free bike service workshops are coming back to North East Lincolnshire to help residents enjoy a free-wheeling summer. Dr Bike sessions run from April to August and offer cyclists a free service and minor repairs, including punctures and brake adjustments. The events are hosted by the Cycle Hub team, based at Grimsby and Cleethorpes train stations, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council and ENGIE. All events will take place between 3pm and 5:30pm, but may be cancelled at short notice due to the weather. The events are running throughout the summer. Visitors must book a 30-minute slot online. Free bike service returning to North Lincs © Shutterstock/nacroba Tories retain overall control of Lincolnshire County Council The Conservative Party won 54 out of the 70 seats at the county council, maintaining a majority control of Lincolnshire. Five independent councillors were elected, four for Labour, three Liberal Democrats, three South Holland Independents, and one Lincolnshire Independent. Across the county, 179,165 votes were cast, representing a turnout of 31% of 569,480 registered electors. 43 councillors are returning, and 27 councillors are new. Cllr Martin Hill, the leader of the Conservative group and of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I’m very pleased with the result, which nearly matches the excellent result we had four years ago. “We have an ambitious manifesto for the future. It’s all about continuing to provide good services, keeping council tax low, and an ambitious building programme for the future – not just new roads and bypasses, also new schools, better broadband across the county, and many other initiatives which we want to bring forward. “We’re going to continue to ask for more powers from government and also for more money for things like road maintenance, which was probably the most dominant theme of this election. We’ve always prioritised road maintenance but I think we need more help from government to continue the good work. “We’ll do our very best for you over the next four years.” Martin Hill 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:25 Page 2latest news New wave of community projects launched to support people’s mental wellbeing © Shutterstock/Halfpoint Thirty local community organisations and groups which help people with their mental health and wellbeing have launched new projects as part of Lincolnshire’s Managed Care Network. The Managed Care Network is an alliance of groups and organisations that provide a range of activities and services to give people support, structure and choice in their lives, and help maintain their wellbeing in the community. Activities include peer to peer support, sporting and other outdoor activities, creative art sessions, learning different skills, developing coping strategies, meeting new people and taking on challenges. Collectively, these projects aim to support people to live independently in their local communities, reduce social isolation, and build stronger connections and networks with local people. Working in partnership, funding comes directly from Lincolnshire County Council and is managed by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT). Drug and alcohol experts create guide on safe socialising after lockdown Ready for the next step on the roadmap out of lockdown, social enterprise Turning Point is launching a guide for a safe summer aimed at Millennials and Gen Z enjoying the reopening of nightlife. The under 30’s have been hit hard by lockdown, 34% of 16 to 29 year olds in Britain have experienced symptoms of depression since January this year according to ONS data. These age groups would typically be the most social and for many young adults living away from home, friends become family. However due to restrictions until recently, vital social connections have been broken. This has changed now that the county has taken another step on the roadmap out of lockdown, with indoor pubs and dining reopening, and a planned return to nightlife in June. With the easing of lockdown restrictions, sudden freedoms could have knock-on effects for those restarting their nightlife. With binge drinking and drug use likely to increase, the experts at Turning Point want to ensure young people keep safe. Amongst advice for those getting back to the pub and for partying safely, there are ‘ten tips for a safe weekend’, they are encouraging readers to screengrab and save for later. Some of their tips are: • Charge your phone to 100% before you leave• Wallet, ID, keys • Make sure you’ve eaten a carby meal• Let someone else know where you’re going, like a housemate or parent • Share location with friends• Enough bottles of water for the day • Plan your way home You can read the guide here: www.flipsnack.com/A9C5C8CC5A8/coming-out-of-lockdown-safely-vzpank7y6z.html © Shutterstock / Roman Samborskyi 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:25 Page 3Sleaford’s historic arts hub to reopen following £1.2m re-modelling Sleaford’s historic arts hub has re-opened following its £1.2 million re-modelling with a name that celebrates its heritage. Following a year-long programme to extend the café, re-order the gallery space, create new accessible dance and workshop space and re- focus its community provision, the National Centre for Craft & Design will again be known as The Hub. Reflecting on its origins as Hubbard and Phillips’ seed warehouse and its previous name as The Hub, which many people have continued to use over the past decade since it became the NCCD, the name also recognises the building’s status as a multi-arts centre hub for broader expression of arts and creativity beyond craft and design. The Hub maintains Arts Council England’s national portfolio status and continues to operate as a national centre for craft and design, drawing world-class artists, exhibitions, and collaborations, as well as being a hub for more local-based and community creativity. Charity calls on Lincolnshire landowners for wildlife pond scheme A charity is looking for North Lincolnshire landowners interested in having a fully-funded wildlife pond on their land. It is part of a Natural England scheme designed to protect the rare great crested newt, which can be found throughout the region. North Lincolnshire Council is carrying out a survey to see if any of its own land is suitable for pond creation, and is urging other landowners and farmers to do the same. The programme also includes neglected ponds that can be restored. The ponds will be created by environmental consultancy Wildscapes CIC, who will carry out all the creation or restoration work, as well as maintenance and monitoring over 25 years. The work is fully funded by Natural England and landowners are only required to provide basic maintenance to keep ponds healthy. The ponds have to be a minimum size of 150 square metres and are best suited to an area of land that is clay-based, floods regularly or already naturally holds water. The great crested newt is England’s most strictly protected amphibian, and needs clean ponds in which to breed. Once a suitable pond is created, the newts colonise it naturally. Steven Greenwood, Conservation Contracts Manager for Wildscapes, said: “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 is already running successfully in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, and Wildscapes CIC has recently created its 50th pond. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 26/05/2021 07:25 Page 4Next >