< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREriginally fromYorkshire, Jason’s journeyto becoming an artist is anunorthodox one. Having taught art atcolleges for many years, healthcomplications meant he sadly had to giveup work. Confined to his bed with a rare,chronic illness which caused him a lot ofpain, Jason’s art emerged after friendssuggested he should start painting.“I thought, I can’t paint, I’m in bed allday, I’m on medication, but my friendskept suggesting it. Eventually I got myselfan iPad and found the means on there tocreate art. It’s all happened quite fast, Ibought an iPad in December 2011 and Iwas exhibiting in America as part of aPixar exhibition by April 2012. I realised Iwas going somewhere at that point andthat’s when I decided to make acommitment. It’s almost as if it’shappened by accident, but it’s exciting!”Jason creates a tremendous amount ofwork, which you will see Jason uploadingonto his website and social mediaaccounts on an almost daily basis.He says, “I’ve created over a thousandpieces of work in three years because ofthe medium of the iPad, which showsyou how useful I find it, but recently I’vegone back to physically painting and thedepth you can get from that is amazing.”As well as this, Jason works withschools on art projects, engaging pupilswith iPad-dominated workshops.“There’s a school I’ve been to severaltimes in Barnsley that when I arrive, kidsare pressed up against the school fenceshouting to each other ‘It’s the iPadman!’, it’s great to see them so excited.”Arts Council England has enabled Jasonto provide these workshops with multipleiPads and his teaching methods play onengaging with kids’ passions and interests.Jason’s paintings themselves contain notonly a central theme, but the close youlook, the more is revealed. Every item onthere has a personal meaning for Jason,TouchingtechnologyThe art of Jason Wilsher-Mills is a smorgasbord of influences,ideas and a touch of modern technology, we delve into his workto find out more.O20-21:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:41 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY21ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREwhether it’s a model aeroplane, portraitsof the Doctor from Doctor Who or abuilding painted in the background. Hispaintings are busy, but not so complexyou can’t tell what is happening. “I leave little clues in there for peopleto see what might be on my mind at thetime, some of my paintings have littlemessages in for my children to perhapswork out when they are older.”Sometimes, Jason’s personal strugglewith his health takes hold. Particularlyearly on in his oeuvre, self-portraits aresomewhat grotesque and intense, whichreflects his feelings at the time.“That was an attempt from me toshow my family and friends what myillness was like.”Recently, Jason has been involved in aproject to commemorate World War One inSleaford. Jason will be working with fourschools from the area - St Andrews PrimarySchool Leasingham, Kirkby-La-ThorpeChurch of England Primary School,Ruskington Winchelsea Primary School andSleaford Church Lane School and a total ofone thousand pupils. Each pupil will adoptan individual ‘hero’ from the conflict, whichincludes conscientious objectors from thetime to ensure it is a truly inclusive projectand will create art that will be included aspart of a huge mural, which is going to bebeamed onto the side of the town’sNational Centre of Craft and Design.People are encouraged to come forwardwith memories and stories from the war toshare them with the children to bringthem alive. Entitled ‘Sleaford Remembers’the event will be free to attend and willtake place on Remembrance Day onNovember 11th. Jason stresses they arestill looking for sponsorship for some ofthe event, despite the Art Council fundingpart of it and DHE Professional alreadyhaving provided the stage. To find out more about Jason’s work, visitwww.bluejaywaydigitalarts.co.uk, followhim on Twitter @Jasonwilshermil 20-21:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:41 Page 222 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYPure lightYou may already be aware of Pure Land, a Japanese Meditation Centre and relaxation garden onthe outskirts of Lincolnshire, but have you been on a summer’s evening when it’s lit by lanterns?22-25:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:17 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY23GARDENSuddha Maitreya has called Pure Land home since the earlyseventies. Having moved to the county to set up amediation centre, Maitreya missed the solitude and beautyof Japan and so sought to create a space that not only reminded himof home, but also complemented the mediation aspect of his life.In 1980, he started putting together the garden despite having nogardening experience. With a lot of help, he created a hilly, windingand contemplative garden on his two acres. Stepping into the placejust as dusk is descending over Lincolnshire, we can see why peoplereturn here constantly. The garden is styled in a way that you can’t quite believe you arestill in the county. The planting is dense and has created walkwaysand hidden areas that are simultaneously intriguing and peaceful.Ferns, conifers and stone collide in a way that blots out the sky in24 B22-25:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:17 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSmost places, but this is to its credit. Miniaturebridges mean you can navigate over pondsand lead yourself to new areas. There’s severalpoints at which to stop and contemplate andindeed meditate and there’s even a tea housethat Maitreya uses for tea meditation practice.The large rocks, sourced from nearbyquarries, were placed where they appearthanks to meditative positioning and thereforethe paths reflect this spiritual way of designtoo. The whole place as a result exudes calm,as Maitreya writes himself, “The essence of thecrystal garden is for spiritual inspiration, tobring awareness of the beauty of life and themiracle of creation. When we are aware of life,which all creation is, we realize the truth of ourself. Without appreciation there is no respect oflife and we are lead by ignorance, greed andfear, which makes our life frustrating and wefeel discontent. “When we have awareness of life and itswonder we respect all life, all beings, and ourself. When we love our self, we love all.” As the light falls, Maitreya makes sure thelanterns that dot the garden are glowing and22-25:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:17 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY25GARDENSthe dozens of spotlights, solar lights and mood lighting mean thatit is transformed into a twilight wonderland. The sense of calm isreplaced by one of wonder, as you wander round the edges of theponds, light is reflected off the surface of the water, giving aunique and altogether transcendental experience. At points youcould almost mistake it for being another country altogether. Whynot make the trip out this year? We’re glad we did and theatmosphere cannot be beaten.Pure Land is open for the lantern-lit evenings every Friday,Saturday and Sunday throughout August and September. Formore information, visit www.buddhamaitreya.co.ukLanterns that dot the garden are glowing andthe dozens of spotlights, solar lights and moodlighting transform the garden into a twilightwonderland.22-25:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:17 Page 426 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDEN ADVICEYou will have enjoyed your summer blooms forthe last few months, but you still need to continuedeadheading and complete the pruning of yoursummer shrubs. Other jobs include the planting of winter andspring bulbs such as daffodils, snowdrops, tulips,bluebells and crocuses. You can also start totransplant biennials and perennials sown earlier butremember to dig and fertilise the beds thoroughlybefore you plant them. You may also need to giveyour lawn a helping hand. You should rakethrough to remove any thatch and if necessaryspike, fertilise and re-seed. Some common lawndiseases to keep an eye out for are Fusarium Patch(recognised by a white or pink sheer on the leafsurface), Red Thread (recognised by red shards thatgrow outward from the leaf), Dry Patch(recognised by yellow patches) and Rust(recognised by a rust colour appearing due to thespores present on the leaf). All of these diseases are treatable and you canlook them up online to find out the bestWith the summer perioddrawing to a close and thechildren back at school there isno time to waste in your gardensays Ed Fuller of FullersForestry and Landscaping. Preparefor pests!Ash treetreatments. In fact, this is the time of year to keepan eye out for all sorts of diseases in your garden,with two of these being Ash Dieback and HoneyFungus. Ash Dieback has been in the news a lot recentlyand unfortunately looks to still be spreading.Symptoms of this disease are blackened leaves andfailing to flush. Because Ash trees have manyvariants they come into leaf at different times andcan take the longest to flush. If your Ash tree didn’tflush this year then Ash Dieback may be the reasonand you should look to remove and replace thetree. Be careful though, as in the autumn, infectedleaves can be confused with leaves that are naturallychanging colour.Honey Fungus (or Armillaria) is a fungi that liveson trees and woody shrubs in small dense clumpsor tufts. Their caps are typically yellow-brown andsticky to touch when moist. The infection includesthe dying back of leafy branches or failure of leavesto appear in spring. Another pest to keep an eye out for is the26-27:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY27GARDEN ADVICESpecialised Servicesin Garden DesignLandscaping andTree MaintenanceBacked by a highly-skilledand experienced team,we’ve built our reputationon an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored gardening and forestry solutionsFREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONSCall 01522 868717 or 07867 510544info@fullersforestry.co.uklwww.fullersforestry.co.ukwww.landscapinglincolnshire.comFULLERSForestry & LandscapingPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ANESTDiaphania Perspectalis, or Box TreeCaterpillar. This is a species native toAsia and likes to snack on BuxusSempervirens (box hedging) and istoxic to other animals includinghumans. It is thought to be expandingrapidly across the country and isthought to have been brought intothe country hidden on importedplants. The adult moth lays eggs inthe inner branches and the resultingcaterpillars eat their way outwardswrapping the plant in a sticky web. This means the infestation can bedifficult to spot before significantdamage has been done. So keep youreyes peeled for these pests, especiallyin your Yew Hedges, and if you dofind them, they can be controlledprofessionally using pesticides.Box Tree CaterpillarPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ZERBORRemember to care for your lawnas the summer fades26-27:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:19 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE WALKSWe begin from Lincoln’s South Common.This originates from the Danish occupationfollowing the Roman’s departure when thecity’s population spread beyond the Romanwalls and land was needed for the Freemen’sgrazing rights – one that remains inexistence today – look for the ponies! TheCommon has only been encroached upontwice, when the Lincoln turnpike, now theA15, was constructed and the GreatNorthern Railway line to Grantham was builtalong the lower edge in 1867. Incidentallyit’s the only real climb of the walk.Heading south from Bracebridge equallystunning views now open westwards. Onarrival at Waddington the tangle of lanescomprising the old village centre reveal asurprise in the shape of a very modernchurch. The 13th century St Michael’s wasdemolished by a landmine in 1941 andlocal legend is that, seen from above, theruins formed the shape of a cross, seen as aportent of Christ’s own sacrifice; the newchurch was rebuilt by 1954. The interiorwith its modern furnishings is well worth avisit. Nearby is Worsdell’s Mill built in 1820,derelict by 1908 and subsequently loweredas an aircraft danger in WWII. The Horseand Jockey inn dates back to the 16thcentury and has a “Green Lady” ghost; itsname recalls the horse racing that tookplace on the heath here before RAFWaddington was built. Beyond the mill aseat by the trig point at GR974632 offerschance for a breather - with others to comeat Harmston, Coleby and Boothby Graffoe.At Harmston a detour via the A607 isnecessary since the direct right of way toColeby disappeared when Harmston Hall,the 1709 hall built by the Thorold family,was converted into a mental hospital in1932.THE VIKING WAY - BRACEBRIDGE TO NAVENBYApart from the Wolds the Lincoln Heath escarpment, to the south of thecity, is possibly the next most scenically dramatic part of the Viking Way.Exploring Lincolnshire on footBOOTHBY GRAFFOEALL SAINTS CHURCH COLEBYBOOTHBY GRAFFOE VILLAGECOLEBYWELLHEAD28-29:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:21 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE WALKSOn the edge of Coleby, at the Hallentrance, is a replica “Roman” arch basedon Lincoln’s Newport. There are linkshere with the family of KatherineSwyneford, mistress, and later wife, ofJohn of Gaunt, who held the manor herein the 14th century. All Saints church stillhas its Saxon tower – though with a 15thcentury spire on top. In Blind Lane aretwo unusual conical stone wellheads.The next village is Boothby Graffoewhere a small green has a seat for a shortrest before tackling the final section toNavenby. Stop to read the village historyboard on the wall near the junction withCastle Lane. This leads to SomertonCastle where King John of France wasimprisoned after capture by the BlackPrince at the Battle of Poitiers in 1359.Navenby was granted a market charteras far back as 1221. There are manylovely old stone buildings here - note the1816 Old School beside the church, forexample, while St Peter’s is famous for itsoutstanding Easter Sepulchre. Finally takea stroll down the High Street to see theLion and Royal hotel with its sign bearingthe Prince of Wales feathers – anhonour granted after a visit byEdward VII in 1870.Apart from South Commonperhaps the most scenicpart of this walk is thatenclosed path at the top with panoramicviews of the city. At Cross ’O cliff hill crosscarefully into Coningsby Crescent andtake the first left over a field, going rightat the far side, then left after 100 yards atnext signpost.About a mile after skirting a reservoirmeet a road at Waddington. Go left hereand first right, Moxon’s Lane, into HighStreet to pass the inn and the church.Leave the village past a housing estatekeeping all houses to your left.Cross the first lane at Harmston andthen two meadows. At the second lanego left to the A607 traffic lights then rightfor half a mile, there’s a pavement,turning right at the first footpath sign.Another left turn then resumes the waytowards Coleby. On arrival in Coleby turn right then leftnear the church along High Street. TheViking Way leaves by the path oppositethe Tempest Arms. Following Blind Laneinstead will get you there too!There’s a small park in Boothby Graffoewith a welcome seat but at the far end ofthe village keep right onto a track. Onreaching the lane at the edge ofNavenby go left a few yards andthen right along the “Cat Walk”alleyway to the church. Turnleft for the village centre.by Hugh MarrowsFACTFILESTART: Lincoln South Common (South Park.)OS MAPS: Landranger 121 (Lincoln) • Explorer 272DISTANCE: 10 miles • 16.25 kilometres.REFRESHMENTS : Waddington – Horse & Jockey / Three HorseshoesColeby – Bell Inn (Far Lane) / Tempest ArmsNavenby – has a choice of inns and tearoomsLINCOLN FROM SOUTH COMMONVIKING WAY AT BOOTHBY GRAFFOEbeyond Coleby so we finish on a highnote! Two cars are useful for this linear walk.However for those walkers with only onecar I recommend parking, considerately ofcourse, at Navenby and walking back fromSouth Common, free from the need towalk against the clock and the bustimetable. South Common access ispossible from near the school on SouthPark Avenue or from South Park if you areleaving a vehicle there. The walk may beshortened by joining/leaving the VikingWay at an intermediate point. See your OSmap.NOTES - For bus timetables(InterConnect Route 1) see the “lincsbus”and County Council websites.THE ROUTE -The route is clearthroughout – just follow the Viking Way“Helmet” logos – so detailed instructionsare unnecessary but nevertheless a fewpointers may help.Go along the lower edge of SouthCommon towards Canwick Hill then turnright uphill and right again along an28-29:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:21 Page 2Next >