< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWRAGBYWhen David Cameron came upwith his notion of the ‘BigSociety’, people in Wragby musthave wondered if he’d beenlooking over their collective shoulders –because they’ve been doing it for years. The PM suggested volunteers could runthings in their own communities, and wasgenerally lambasted.But in Wragby this was already working; infact other communities are already visiting tosee how they can make it a model for successin their areas too.For a town with around 1500 people,Wragby and the villages around it cracklewith positive energy and activity. This makesit one of Lincolnshire’s hidden treasures,much less prominent than the obvious jewelsin the county crown, like the Cathedral, coastand countryside.What makes Wragby special is not itssplendid architecture or a chequered history,but the people who live there, creating arange of things that can be done in this far-from-sleepy place. Barbara Bartlett is Secretary of the WragbyCommunity Centre Group, and came hereabout a decade ago from North Wales. Shesays, “We wanted to escape the rat race, andwe drew a line across the country to findplaces we might want to live. We didn’t likeNorfolk, but Wragby ticked all the boxes.” An earlier resource centre advisory groupwas developed into the CCG by Barbara andthe current chair Jeanne Greenwood. “We raised lots of money by recyclingmobile phones and ink cartridges, and wewere able to buy headphones andteach computer skills. We encouragedpeople to come along and take part,and buy teas and coffees.”But learning computer skills wasn’tnecessarily what everyone wanted todo so, with financial support fromthe Resource Centre, the ParishCouncil and district councillor PeterPhilipson, they set up a three-filmtrial for a film group. It was a huge success,and now boasts 85 members and runs a filmseason from September to April.Barbara was sold her house by anothergroup member, Yvonne Bryson, who wasworking for developer Hugh Bourn Homes atthe time. Yvonne says, “I always told peoplethat Wragby was at the centre of things;within easy reach of Market Rasen,Horncastle, Lincoln and Louth. It’s a goodplace to live.”Lincolnshire Today met the volunteers atWragby Library, sharing a splendid year-oldbuilding with the retained firefighters.Volunteers open the library for two of itssessions each week. Next to the books arecomputers with internet access, but oftenthat’s not enough, as some of the schoolholiday youngsters explained. Ryan Young,11, was with brothers Kieron and MorganClarke. He says, “Sometimes you can’t get on,or there aren’t three together. Then we haveto share.”The Wragby Centre Community Group hasaround twenty members, drawn largely fromgroups in Wragby and the surrounding area,and is involved in topics as diverse asMore than apassingPLACEWragby - asmall placewith a bigheart,crackling withpositiveenergy andactivity50-51:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:52 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51WRAGBYBedecked withflowers, The Ivy inWragby’s MarketPlace is ametaphor for thewhole village –pleasant andwelcoming.Things we loveabout Wragby• The Wragby Maze - just the place tohedge your bets for a different andentertaining afternoon out with the children.• The Broadbent Theatre - which bringsnationally-known names to a thrivingtheatre in the unlikeliest of places –Wickenby, which proudly boasts that it hasaround sixty residents and three publicvenues: a Church, a theatre and an airport.• Bardney Limewoods – a national naturereserve made up of a collection of discretewoods, just south of Wragby, with delightfulnames like Great Scrubbs Wood andCamshaw’s Plantation. Together they coveralmost a thousand acres, and representBritain’s greatest concentration ofwoodlands dominated by small?leavedlime trees. Some parts have been managedas coppices since the 11th century.• Thorne’s, the bee people - the UK’slargest supplier of bees and equipment forbeekeepers. Fascinating to visit the shop, atnearby Rand, even if you’ve no intention ofever keeping bees, to see what beekeepersneed to buy, and what else they sell.• Rand Farm Park - two miles to the westof Wragby, this is a working farm with lots ofanimals, petting opportunities andeducational opportunities.gardening, dancing, the WI, toddlergroups and bowls club.The group meets quarterly to supportand promote the Wragby CommunityCentre at the Library, which used to bethe Wragby & District Resource Centre,a County Council Library and MultiuseCentre. Jeanne says, “People like to getinvolved and work together. Thegardening group has attracted so manymembers that it has outgrown itsmeeting room here, and has had tomove to the Town Hall. The footballclub clear snow from the footpaths,and distribute salt with a spreader theParish Council bought.“The WRVS runs a home fromhospital scheme, helping people settleback into routine when they’re gettingbetter. We’re going to extend that intoa befriending scheme, so we’ll give upto twelve weeks’ support and caring toget people back on their feet.”Vice-chair John Lloyd takes up thethought, “We support each other. Wehave the butchers Wisby’s, who supplylocal restaurants, and support localclubs. I was in there once when ayoung girl came in for one egg for aschool recipe. He said he couldn’t sellher just one egg, so he gave it to her.”“We have young people looking forwork, and one of the library staffvolunteers to come in and help themwith CVs and applications.” John has lived in Wragby, which hedescribes as a full-time job, for justover three years, and was attracted toit having been in the area visitingcustomers before his retirement. The village even has a supper club,which offers far more than that.There’s always a speaker or ademonstration, and although it’s not afund-raising organisation, it has stillbeen able to offer financial support toother village organisations. “It’s all there if you want to golooking for it,” said Jeanne. “It’s nogood expecting people to comeknocking on your door; you’ve got togo along and ask to be involved, thenyou’ll be welcomed in.”50-51:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:52 Page 2There’s nothing more stunning than a beautiful bride and most guests wait withanticipation to catch that first glimpse of the bride in that dress! From simple and chic styles to bold statement dresses for ultimate glamour, thereare so many gowns from which to choose. The new 2012 collections from theleading designers offer the ultimate in sophistication - never have brides looked sochic and stylish. Here’s our pick of some of the most gorgeous gowns available...52 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - BRIDALWEARSIMPLYstunningThere’s nothing more stunning than a beautiful bride and most guests wait withanticipation to catch that first glimpse of the bride in that dress! From simple and chic styles to bold statement dresses for ultimate glamour, thereare so many gowns from which to choose. The new 2012 collections from theleading designers offer the ultimate in sophistication - never have brides looked sochic and stylish. Here’s our pick of some of the most gorgeous gowns available...1SIMPLYstunning52-53:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:11 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53WEDDINGS - BRIDALWEAR1) Sottero and Midgley - This is a stunning dress from Sottero and Midgley. The classic elegance of embellished corded lace flourishes throughout this tulle, trumpetgown. A corset closure creates a stunning shape, while a detachable grosgrain belt with Swarovski crystals provides added glamour to the natural waist. The Veronica styleis available in white and ivory. Visit www.sotteroandmidgley.com2) Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner - This gorgeous gown from Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner has a fabulous ruffled organza skirt with a beautifully embroidered appliquéand strapless pleated bodice, and is available in white / silver and ivory / silver. Visit www.morilee.co.uk3) Matthew Williamson - In his new bridal wear collection, Matthew Williamson has created gorgeous bridal gowns which are a natural extension of his work with a laidback sense of bohemian glamour. The pieces are all characterised by feminine, diaphanous silhouettes, great attention to detail through the use of delicate pattern, handbeading and embroidery. Style featured is a Rose Tulle long gown. Visit www.matthewwilliamson.com4) Victoria Jane for Ronald Joyce - The new Victoria Jane collection from Ronald Joyce uses techniques and qualities of contemporary couture. The dress and stolefeatured are lace, satin and tulle, available in ivory and white. Visit www.ronaldjoyce.com5) Maggie Sottero - This is a truly chic dress from Maggie Sottero. This understated, one-shoulder sheath is ideal for the refined bride favouring simple elegance. Lace onPoint d’Esprit over Romance Satin features beaded embellishments with Swarovski crystals encircling the natural waist and decorating the shoulder with a radiant sparkle.The Nina style is available in white and ivory. Visit www.maggiesottero.com6) Ronald Joyce - The main objective at Ronald Joyce is to provide brides with a luxurious and diverse selection of shapes, colours and fabrics to reflect their ownindividual style. The dress and stole featured is taffeta and available in ivory/blush; ivory; or white. Visit www.ronaldjoyce.com7) Ronald Joyce - The Ronald Joyce collection for the new season is simply stunning. Designer, Veni Infantino always designs dresses which are unique and sophisticated.The dress and tulle stole featured are lace, available in white, black and cream. Visit www.ronaldjoyce.com23456752-53:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:11 Page 254 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBEST WESTERNTHEVINE HOTELCelebrate your marriage at the oldest, most famous hotel in SkegnessLicensed for Civil Marriage CeremoniesAn all inclusive Recepon PackagePicturesque GardensBridal Suite availableVine Road, Seacro, Skegness Tel: 01754 610611Email: info@thevinehotel.comwww.thevinehotel.comNEW PACKAGES FOR 2013/14Save time, money and stress when planning your weddingTailor-made wedding packages designed around youWedding Garden PavilionWEDDING OPEN EVENINGThursday 4th October 5.00pm - 9.00pm£100054-63:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:56 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55WEDDINGS - VENUES57 Get thepartystartedIt takes plenty of planningto make a wedding lookeffortless – and acrossLincolnshire plenty ofpeople can helpIt takes plenty of planningto make a wedding lookeffortless – and acrossLincolnshire plenty ofpeople can helpGet thepartystartedPHOTO: C&G PHOTOGRAPHY54-63:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:56 Page 2A Perfect Setting... ... for your Perfect DayCall our wedding co-ordinator for more informationT: 01652 632313 or email info@reedshotel.co.ukWe pride ourselves on the attention to detail and finishing touches that will make your weddinga day to remember… Our wedding package allows you to have the wedding day of yourdreams, making your fairytale dream a reality. Our personal resident wedding consultant will bewith you to help you every step of the way, making all the planning leading up to your special dayas stress free as possible.Our idyllic lakeside position, secluded location and private facilities provide the perfect wedding venue for any Bride and Groom. Our Grand Wedding Fayre Sunday 30th September 2012 10am – 4pm Fashion Show at 1pm featuring bridal boutique by Nettina & Days MenswearAll inclusive Crystal Wedding Package 2013, £3500Have the wedding of your dreams without breaking your bank account! Westfield Lakes, Far Ings Road, Barton upon Humber, DN18 5RGReeds Country Hotel54-63:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:56 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY57WEDDINGS - VENUESIt’s remarkable to think that, for a long time, there were onlytwo ways to get married – a formal church service or a visit to aregister office for a service that was high on efficiency but lowon glamour. If you wanted something different, you’d have totake a trip to Gretna Green or Las Vegas.These days, there are so many options for a weddingavailable, you can opt for something different even if you’vebeen wed as many times as Liz Taylor. Whether you’re after atraditional ceremony that piles on the romance or a quirky,informal event with an individual twist, there’s somewherein Lincolnshire that can help create the day you’ve beenlonging for. Don’t think you’ll have to hold on until nextyear now the summer is nearly over, either – more and morepeople are holding their events in the autumn and wintermonths, the better to stand out from the crowd.Increasingly, people are getting married later in life andthat means they generally have more money to spend on thebig day. Those who have previously been married may alsowant to do something completely different this time around.If you want to go for something out of the ordinary, thenthere are certainly plenty of options to choose from – youshouldn’t have to feel you need to follow all the weddingtraditions to the letter, whether you want to forego thetraditional breakfast for an informal party, or indeedintroduce a special theme to proceedings. Across Lincolnshire, the top venues offer a blank canvas asthe setting for the special day as you want it.Although the familiar template of the wedding seems toemphasise indulgence, with all of your acquaintancesinvited and an orgy of food and drink, it doesn’t mean yourbig day has to be the same. If you’ve overwhelmed by theidea of long-lost relatives arriving out of the woodwork andplans that resemble a military operation, a smaller scaleceremony with close friends and family can prove just as59 The Granary is an early 18th centuryGrade II Listed Barn with a vaulted roof,exposed brickwork and original oldbeams, set in the same pretty courtyardgarden as our nine multi-award winningholiday cottages. It offers you the perfectplace to gather family and friends with exclusive use of the Granary and cottages for your wedding weekendLicensed for Civil Ceremonies 54-63:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:56 Page 458 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBEST WESTERNWedding & Event ShowThe Petwood HotelWedding & Events Show23rd September, 11am - 4pmA variety of exhibitors will be on hand to help with planning your special occasion, whether a birthday, wedding, anniversary or corporate event. Includes fashion show, barbecue and hog roast. Free admission.Petwood Hotel, Woodhall SpaLincs LN10 6QGT: 01526 352411www.petwood.co.uk54-63:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:56 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY59WEDDINGS - VENUESmagical – and linger longer in thememory of both the happy couple andtheir guests.One of the nicest ideas can becelebrating your wedding across aweekend at a beautiful country house.Intimacy can certainly have an appeal– it will ensure you have plenty oftime to spend with your families andfriends. Rather than rushing off afterthe reception, the happy couple canspend time with their guests. Giventhat many couples suggest that one ofthe disappointing aspects of their daywas their inability to speak toeveryone, this can be particularlypopular.Many couples feel unsure aboutputting their weddings in the hands ofthe venues, lest they find themselveshaving to follow the same well-wornprocedure that is rolled out for everyother couple marrying there. The bestvenues, though, will listen to yourviews and allow you to personalise thebig day to your satisfaction. It’s thebest of both worlds as you get all thesupport and backup of a venue, withtheir vast experience, but can put yourown stamp on proceedings. Forexample, you can bring your tablewine for the reception, choose yourown caterers and have your family andfriends help with your flowers.Alternatively you can relax and let thevenue organise everything for you.Venues such as The Granary, next toElms Farm Cottages in Boston, are ofparticular value if you’re hoping for amore intimate approach. Thecombination of the venue - an early18th century Grade II Listed Barn witha vaulted roof, exposed brickwork andoriginal old beams – and the eightadjacent cottages in the same prettycourtyard garden can help your guestsmake a weekend of it and ensure theyfeel part of the occasion. Grandparentscan nip back to their cottage if thereception becomes particularly raucousbut still feel part of the party, whileother guests don’t have to worry aboutfinding a taxi. Certainly this can proveto be a popular option for those whohave guests attending from somedistance where the chance to stay overwill often be a decider in whether theycan attend the event in the first place.Making a weekend of the event canalso prove highly valuable to ensureeverything runs smoothly – arrivingwith your family and friends on aFriday afternoon gives both familiestime to meet, relax over a drink or theopportunity to sort out some of thoselast minute details.An intimate venue such as this canalso help make the bride feel extraspecial. Some brides would find60 PHOTO: C&G PHOTOGRAPHY54-63:Layout 1 10/8/12 11:56 Page 6Next >