£2.95 AUGUST 2020 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 30+ years young 30+ years young WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 AUGUST 2020THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Enjoying summer safely Enjoying summer safely Dining out The best seasonal fashion Getting the garden in shape Trusted traders Dining out The best seasonal fashion Getting the garden in shape Trusted traders 01.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 16:18 Page 102.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 11:35 Page 1from the editor Readers have been able to rely on Lincolnshire Today through thick and thin. Throughout the lockdown, we’ve been here to keep you up-to-date and informed, but have also provided comfort and escape in these uncertain, anxiety-inducing times. Our last few issues have chronicled the easing of lockdown, and as July moves into August, things are looking more like ‘normal’ than ever before. Although social distancing measures remain – and masks have become compulsory for the public inside shops and supermarkets – our high streets are looking and feeling familiar. With restaurants and pubs open again, it can be easy to think the crisis is over. While things are getting better, remember there’s still a devastating pandemic taking place. Please continue to use common sense and good judgement. To help navigate the current climate whilst also enjoying yourself, we’ve put together a helpful guide to dining out safely. Turn to our Trusted Traders pages, meanwhile, for all your print, eyecare, cleaning and sewing needs.. Following a wet start to July, it might be easy to forget that we’re in the height of summer. You’ll find sunshine infused throughout our August issue with an emphasis on good food, getting out in the garden and making the most of Lincolnshire’s outdoor spaces. We might be biased, but we think it’s the most beautiful part of England. 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/ELENAMIV LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 15:46 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 24 TRIED AND TESTED Whatever job you need seeing to, finding the right person or company can be tricky. There’s just so many to pick from, you can’t always be sure what you’re getting and now there’s almost as many comparison and aggregate review sites as there are companies to choose from them. That’s where our handy, reliable and informative Trusted Traders pages come in. 28 LOOKING YOUR BEST We’ve hit the very height of summer and fashion has never been better. We’ve put together a whole brand- new wardrobe to get you excited and inspired. 34 LITTLE FLOURISHES From eyewear all the way down to shoes, accessories aren’t only little extras, but the finishing touches for any outfit. Make them count. 36 EFFORTLESS STYLE Men’s fashion doesn’t get nearly enough credit when it comes to style, sophistication and variance. Here’s a few outfits that shows otherwise. 38 CONTRASTING STYLES With hairdressers and beauty salons open once again, customers are taking one of two routes: drastic makeovers or maintaining their new love for the natural. 40 STEPPING OUT IN THE SUMMER SUN As the mercury rises on these lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer, Lincolnshire Today considers the advantages of, and how to stay safe while, exercising outdoors. 42 HOLISTIC HELP With the coronavirus outbreak and a greater emphasis on wellbeing, more and more people are turning to holistic medicines to combat everything from insomnia and anxiety to aches and pains. 44 DINING OUT POST-LOCKDOWN With lockdown all but ended, restaurants have been able to once again welcome diners. We explore how the government is incentivising people to visit eateries and how venues are keeping diners safe. 48 SUMMER FAVOURITES Quick, easy and nutritious is the name of the game this time of year. We’ve rounded up a few of our tried and tested favourites that are sure to delight the family. 52 LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE People don’t often think of bats as summer critters, but it’s hard to imagine long summer evenings without spotting a few bats fluttering about. AUGUST 28 28 WE’VE HIT THE VERY HEIGHT OF SUMMER AND FASHION HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER. WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A WHOLE BRAND-NEW WARDROBE TO GET YOU EXCITED AND INSPIRED. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 11:39 Page 148 48 QUICK, EASY AND NUTRITIOUS IS THE NAME OF THE GAME THIS TIME OF YEAR. WE’VE ROUNDED UP A FEW OF OUR TRIED AND TESTED FAVOURITES THAT ARE SURE TO DELIGHT THE FAMILY. 54 SCENES FROM WILD LINCOLNSHIRE Even people just passing through our county can’t help but be won over by the bountiful wildlife right on our doorstop. With vast open spaces and a variety of habitats – from woodland to coast – Lincolnshire is truly a treasure trove of natural beauty. 56 STAYING MOBILE We take for granted our ability to come and go as we please. When we grow older and that is taken away from us, how will we cope? 58 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED Lincolnshire is rich in Roman history; this month we look at the Car Dyke, one of their major engineering feats. 60 COUNTY MOTORING Thanks to an independent study we now have rankings of the most and least reliable car brands. Lincolnshire Today investigates. Desirable homes 10 A MODERN MASTERPIECE This month’s featured property is a modern family home that has been completely transformed by its owners. 14 THE LITTLE THINGS Sometimes, it really is the smallest things that can have biggest impact. That’s as true for life in general as interior design. Now more than ever, we each of us need to find little things that make us smile when there’s still so much anxiety and uncertainty around the globe. 16 INFINITE POSSIBILITIES Artist Kevin Bandee’s mixed-media portfolio has become highly sought-after by collectors and admirers. Lincolnshire Today explores this fiercely independent artists work a little closer. 18 THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explores how your garden is the perfect place to keep kids happy, entertained and educated throughout the summer holiday. 20 GETTING OUT IN THE GARDEN Whether making a few improvements or completely transforming your garden, there’s no time like the present to get your outdoor space looking shipshape to enjoy the rest of the summer. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 11:39 Page 2latest news Coastal towns receive cash injection Lincoln resident wins national amateur photography competition A budding local photographer, Andrew Scott, has won a national Wild Bird photography competition. Photography enthusiast Andrew from North Hykeham entered the picture of a barn owl for the wilko Wild Bird Calendar competition. Impressed with the image, Andrew was awarded a £100 wilko voucher and selected as one of 12 winners to be featured in the official 2021 calendar. “I was delighted to discover that I had won the wilko Wild Bird photography competition and that my photo would be used in the 2021 calendar,” Andrew said. Find your dream home in Navenby sooner than expected Huge demand for Rippon Homes’ upcoming development in Navenby has led the housebuilder to open the site for reservation enquiries sooner than anticipated. Eleanor Gardens, named after Queen Eleanor who is honoured with a chapel and monument in Navenby, is a collection of three and four-bedroom houses and bungalows which are now available to register for ahead of the showhome launch in early 2021. With an OFSTED rated Outstanding primary school close by, these stunning homes are ideal for growing families. The village boasts a thriving community and range of local amenities, including an award-winning butchers and bakery. Navenby is well situated for commuter links; Lincoln is less than 10 miles away and easily accessible via road or rail for more extensive shopping, restaurants, or entertainment. Eleanor Gardens is found at The Headlands, Navenby, Lincolnshire, LN5 0TR and appointments can be booked by contacting the sales team on 01522 412099. For more information about Rippon Homes, visit www.ripponhomes.co.uk. Mablethorpe and Skegness will receive additional funding through the Towns Fund scheme as the government looks to kickstart the economy and instil greater resilience in local communities. Both Towns are already included within the Towns Fund programme and the local Connected Coast (Towns Fund) Board are in the process of finalising investment plans for each town in a bid to secure millions of pounds worth of funding. However, it was announced in early July that both towns would receive additional grant funding, with Mablethorpe receiving £500,000 and Skegness receiving £750,000. The Government has tasked East Lindsey District Council with identifying projects that can be brought forward within the current financial year, with a request that projects focus on supporting the towns to respond to immediate issues. The council will now work with the Connected Coast Board to identify suitably ready projects that fit the criteria outlined by Government and that will have a long-lasting positive impact on each area. © Shutterstock/Duncan Cuthbertson © Andrew Scott 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 15:56 Page 1Transformation plans unveiled for Grimsby’s town centre Detailed plans to transform Grimsby’s town centre have been revealed by a public and private partnership aiming to secure government cash. North East Lincolnshire Council and the owners of Freshney Place is bidding for £25 million of Government cash to transform part of Grimsby Town Centre. The government has created the Future High Streets Fund with the objective to renew and reshape town centres and high streets to improve visitor experience, drive growth and ensure future sustainability. If successful, the partners have impressive plans to put the heart and soul back into Grimsby Town Centre with a new cinema, and food and beverage and retail offer – together with a redeveloped market hall and new public square. The vision is to develop an evening economy for the town, increase leisure activities and draw in more visitors with a better experience for the whole community. The location proposed comprises the western side of Victoria Street, incorporating the former BHS building, Flottergate Mall, Grimsby Top Town Market and Old Market Square. Having considered the Grimsby masterplan, the built environment, the current uses and redundant buildings, this site was selected as the prime area for regeneration as required by the Government fund. The vision has been released ahead of the formal bid submission. Winning bids are expected to be announced in the autumn. Detailed talks with all stakeholders will start if the bid is successful. People travelling to Bradley Woods have been urged to act responsibly as visitor numbers increase with lockdown easing. Some people driving to the site are blocking the single-track access road by parking poorly. Motorists are asked to avoid stopping if the car park is full or try visiting on foot or by bike instead. Historic Bradley Woods is one of North East Lincolnshire’s most important sites for visitors and wildlife. The ancient woodland is over 1,000 years old, and was mentioned in the Domesday Book, and has remained largely unchanged ever since. The woods also inspired Grimsby’s coat of arms. The three boar heads which represent the borough are believed to have links to Henry VIII, who is said to have hunted in the woods while staying at nearby Thornton Abbey in 1540. Councillor Stewart Swinburn, cabinet member for environment at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Protecting the ancient woodland is a priority for North East Lincolnshire Council. Visitors to the woods are welcome, but should be considerate when and take care to keep dogs under control at all times. “People have recently been found blocking the single-track road in and out which causes problems for others, especially Council vehicles carrying out important work at the site. If the car park is full, please don’t stop or block Bradley Road. Please also stick to the paths to avoid disturbing protected species and potentially committing a criminal offence.” Taking or removing wood from the area is criminal damage and you can be prosecuted for disturbing bat roosts or nesting birds and dormice. Grimsby’s most important natural wonders Visitors asked to help protect one of 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 15:56 Page 2A raft of government funding for major investments designed to further kick-start economic growth across North Lincolnshire has been announced. A £5 million cash boost will be made available for much- needed upgrades to the A15 from Barnetby top to the Humber Bridge. Additional funding for education and healthcare has been announced, as well as at least £500,000 to begin the imminent revitalisation of Scunthorpe through the Towns Deals project. The announcement also covers further infrastructure investment to protect homes from flooding and broadband investment designed to secure gigabit accessibility for homes and businesses. Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Rob Waltham, has welcomed the investment programme – which also includes cash for John Leggott Sixth Form College, Huntcliff School, Hibaldstow Academy and the Axholme Academy. The £5 billion is to invest in Britain’s infrastructure as part of a ‘New Deal for Britain’ in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. £5bn Government investment to boost North Lincolnshire economy © Shutterstock / Jaromir Chalabala Lincoln Christmas Market 2020 has been cancelled due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus crisis. City of Lincoln Council has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s market in order to ensure the safety of all those visiting and operating the market. The market has taken place in Lincoln since 1982 and is widely considered to be the oldest Christmas market in the country. It involves the installation of more than 200 temporary stalls in the city for four days of trading, with around 250,000 visitors. The decision has been made to cancel city council-organised events which see a large footfall in the city over the next six months, which includes both the Lincoln Christmas Market and the city centre’s Christmas lights switch-on. “This has not been an easy decision to make, but the health and wellbeing of staff, traders, residents and visitors is of upmost importance to us,” said Simon Colburn, Assistant Director for Health and Environmental Services at City of Lincoln Council. “The threat of coronavirus is likely to last for a significant amount of time, and to hold the Lincoln Christmas Market, where social distancing would be impossible, our priority must be the safety of all those involved.” © Shutterstock / Syda Productions latest news Lincoln Christmas Market cancelled as coronavirus crisis continues Experts unite to discuss digital future of Lincolnshire coast The future of the Lincolnshire coast and its digital future was recently discussed by a panel of experts. It was run by the Connected Coast, an entity that is working collaboratively with businesses and local stakeholders across Skegness and Mablethorpe to help bid for more than £50 million of Government funding. The intention is to position Mablethorpe and Skegness as modern towns worth investing in, and to inspire relocation to coast following the disruption that COVID-19 has created. “If the Lincolnshire coast is to develop and realise its true potential, then digital is at the heart of its success,” said Sarah Louise Fairburn, Chair of the Connected Coast board. The panel welcomed Polly Barnfield OBE, founder and CEO of Maybe*, who spoke about the digitalisation of the high street. Councillor Colin Davie, an Ingoldmells councillor and the Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Environment, Strategic Planning and Tourism at Lincolnshire County Council, spoke about the county’s digital hubs and how this will impact investment and business in the future. Polly Barnfield OBE 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 15:56 Page 3A collection of luxury 3 & 4 bedroom stylish modern homes in the charming village of Navenby. Visit this weekend to make sure you don’t miss out on your new dream home! STUNNING LOCATION ENVIABLE SPECIFICATION SALES CENTRE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, THURSDAY TO MONDAY 10.30AM TO 5.30PM ELEANOR GARDENS, THE HEADLANDS, NAVENBY, LINCOLNSHIRE, LN5 0TR FOR APPOINTMENT BOOKINGS AND MORE DETAILS CALL 01522 412 099 CRAFTSMANSHIP | CARE | COMFORT RIPPONHOMES . CO . UK WE ARE NOW BOOKING APPOINTMENTS FOR FRIDAY 14TH ONWARDS... WHEN WE HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN LAUNCHING OUR ELEANOR GARDENS DEVELOPMENT, NAVENBY. 09.qxp_Layout 1 29/07/2020 15:02 Page 1Next >