< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGSromantic andunforgettable wedding iswhat every Bride and Groom dreams ofand Lucy & Craig Wilkinson seemed trulydelighted with theirs at The AssemblyRooms in Lincoln - which was followedby an enchanting reception at theLincoln Castle recently. One of the very first weddingreceptions to take place at Lincoln Castle,since the castle’s re-launch, the eventproved nothing short of spectacularthanks to the amazing venue and itsstunning views and Jocasta’s Group - whowere entrusted to provide and managethe event for Lucy and Craig, and madeabsolutely sure that the marquee addedto the sophistication of the venue. Tastefully appointed with drapes andsilks, Jocasta’s Event Directors executedwhat must surely be one of the mostprestigious weddings held in the city thisyear. And, as the company own andoperate all their own in house servicesfrom luxury marquees and kitchens tosumptuous outside catering, licencedbars, and furniture (right down to powergenerators and Posh Loos!), the couplecouldn’t have chosen better.With over 60 years’ experience in thewedding business, the company pridesitself on attention to detail and eachwedding is headed personally by one ofJocasta’s Event Directors. As the pictures ofCraig and Lucy’s reception demonstrate,the result was truly outstanding.But it’s not just off site weddings thatJocasta’s specialise in. The company alsohas its own spectacular and romanticvenue in Thorpe on the Hill, overlookingits very own picturesque lake. Here a glass sided marquee, fully linedwith cream silks, brass chandeliers, and afull in house disco and laser light showwith lighting rig, dance floor and stage,all come as standard. The marquee caneven be fitted with full starlight ceilingsfor a truly amazing finish. Under the watchful eye of SteveHorbury, the company Events Director,the third generation of the family to headweddings and events for the HorburyCatering Family, nothing is left to chanceand it’s this personal attention thatcouples can rely on for their event. Some couples like to attend to some ofthe organisation themselves while othersprefer Jocastas group to arrange thephotographers, entertainment, florists,cakes, and so on. Whatever the couplesAnother super eventfrom the Jocasta’s teamAAPHOTO: WWW.JOCASTASGROUP.NET 60-61_Layout 1 17/08/2015 13:13 Page 1WEDDINGSWeddings at Jocasta’sTel: 0845 6025062 Email: enquiries@jocastasgroup.net Website: www.jocastasgroup.netdecide, Jocasta’s are happy to work side byside and that takes a great deal of the stressaway from the bride and groom to be. The fabulous, romantic lakeside settingof Jocasta’s is ideal for wedding receptionsand civil ceremonies and their experienceand attention to detail, will ensure thatyour day is unique whether you choose tohold it on site, or at a site of yourchoosing. The Thorpe on the Hill venue islicensed to hold civil ceremonies ineither their lakeside restaurant, for up to100 guests, or the lakeside glass sidedmarquee, for up to 500 guests and thisaffords the convenience and simplicity ofhaving both ceremony, reception anddinner at one stunning location. Thisalso means your guests will be able tomove from the ceremony to thereception and on to dinner without theinconvenience of travelling. Whether your chosen venue is in thegrounds of a magnificent castle orsomething in your own grounds – orindeed if you want to take advantage ofthe picturesque lakes at Thorpe-on-the-Hill, it’s easy to see from these imagesthat your wedding is safe in the hands ofJocasta’s.PHOTO: WWW.JANEHARRISON.PHOTOGRAPHYPHOTO: WWW.JANEHARRISON.PHOTOGRAPHYPHOTO: WWW.JOCASTASGROUP.NET PHOTO: WWW.JOCASTASGROUP.NET PHOTO: WWW.JOCASTASGROUP.NET 60-61_Layout 1 17/08/2015 13:13 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE AIR AMBULANCERegistered Charity Number 1017501We’re always looking for volunteers to work in our charity shops & help at events.If you would like to make new friend and be part of our team of dedicated volunteers, please get in touch today. YOUR SUPPORT IS OUR LIFELINETogether we can have fun, learn new skills and keep this vital lifesaving service operating for many years to come.Follow us @LNAACT Like us facebook.com/Ambucopter01522 548 469 volunteering@ambucopter.org.ukCONTACT US NOW SEE HOW YOU CAN HELPVISIT WWW.AMBUCOPTER.ORG.UKOUR VOLUNTEERS ARE THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND ALL THAT WE DO. JOIN US NOW!LINCS AND NOTTS AIR AMBULANCEBack in June this year many charities celebratedUK National Volunteer Week. Social media wasawash with ‘thank you’s and messages of supportfor the people who help keep many of ourcounty’s charities going. One such charity thatcelebrated its ‘lifeline’, their valued volunteers,was the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.With pictures and words of praise on theirFacebook and Twitter accounts, our local AirAmbulance clearly wanted everyone out therewho helps them keep their ‘Ambucopter’ flying toknow how grateful they are. As Sally Crawford,Deputy CEO of the charity explains: “Volunteers,who we affectionately call our ‘Ground Crew’genuinely keep our charity going. From workingin shops, giving presentations and talks, workingat events, through to receiving cheques on our behalf, they allmake a huge difference.”“We couldn’t continue to raise money for our charity withoutvolunteers, it’s as simple as that. With each mission costing£2,100 and the aircrew attending on average 3 to 4 missions aday, you can understand why our small Charity Team need thesupport of our generous public.” Sally continues.“Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes; we have studentswanting to gain experiences and enhance their CV, retired ladiesand gents who want to fill their day with meaningful activities,and everyone else in between! Some people want to make friendsand experience new things, whilst others volunteer as it trulyenhances their feeling of self-worth and offers health benefitsassociated with altruism and basically getting out into thecommunity.”Researchers at the London School of Economics who examinedthe relationship between volunteering and measures of happinessfound the more people volunteered, the happier they were,according to a study in Social Science and Medicine. Comparedwith people who never volunteered, the odds of being “veryhappy” rose 7% among those who volunteer monthly and 12%for those who volunteer every two to four weeks. Among weeklyvolunteers, 16% felt very happy; an increase in happinesscomparable to having an income of £50,000 - £65,000 versusminimum wage.To find out more about how you can help save a life by becominga member of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Ground Crew,email volunteering@ambucopter.org.uk or visit their website:www.ambucopter.org.ukFacebook: /Ambucopter • Twitter: @LNNACTA lifeline for manyThe Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance is more than just a lifeline for the many people itsaves, it’s also an important part of many volunteer’s lives. PHOTO: ROB INGLIS & JOHN PERRING @ HTTP://WWW.IMAGESRI.CO.UK62_Layout 1 17/08/2015 12:55 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY63CARE FOR THE ELDERLYIt would be ridiculous to pick tworandom thirty year olds off the street andexpect them to have exactly the sameinterests, needs and desires – whichmakes it a bit strange that we often treatthose of a certain age as a single group.The catch-all term “older people” candescribe millions of people, from thosewho fought in World War II to the babyboomers of the sixties.Hence there’s no one-size-fits-allresponse to people’s needs. Every olderperson will have their own ideas aboutwhat they’d like to do and where theyfeel most comfortable. It all depends onthe individual’s response and, throughoutLincolnshire, there are plenty of expertswho can explain the myriad optionsavailable – both to those who areintending to use it, and their loved ones.In general there are three main routesan older person will consider when theirhealth begins to deteriorate slightlyshould they decide they need moreassistance and support. They may decidethe continual support of living full-time ina care home with staff on hand aroundthe clock and social groups of a similarage as an option.Alternatively they may prefer tocontinue living at home but arrange forregular visits from carers and possiblyarrange to visit a club or daycare centre acouple of times a week. Many careproviders do often invite in non-residentsto partake in luncheon clubs or specialevents, which can be a great boost forolder people who may not otherwise beable to get out and about as much as theylike. For many old people, they are happyto continue their live on their own butwelcome the occasional outing or visit toprovide a break from the same four wallsand a chance to have a chat and a cuppawith friends. It also provides those whocare for them at home a chance to relax,knowing they’re in safe hands.Sometimes the desire to continue livingin your home could appear to be at riskfrom changing circumstances which maymean it’s no longer suitable. This doesn’thave to be the case, however, as there aremany ways to adapt a home to suit olderage. These include stairlifts for mobility,through to specialised walk-in baths all theway down to a buzzer system at a door –so the tenant doesn’t need to get off theirseat every time the doorbell rings. The other option, and a happy middleground, is making use of shelteredaccommodation and retirement housingschemes. It’s certainly the case that manyolder people remain fiercely independentand wish to enjoy privacy, but at theGrowingolder withgraceNo one looks forward to growing old, but there’sno reason you should have to stop doing what youlove, or that anyone wants to stop you. 65 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/HALFPOINTGrowingolder withgraceNo one looks forward to growing old, but there’sno reason you should have to stop doing what youlove, or that anyone wants to stop you. 63-66_Layout 1 17/08/2015 13:05 Page 163-66_Layout 1 17/08/2015 13:05 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY65CARE FOR THE ELDERLYSpecialists in bathroom adaptionsSpecialists in bathroom adaptionsWhen bathing becomes difficult let us re-design your bathroom with a stylish, practical bathing solutionz Wet floors z Walk in showers and bathsz Slip resistant flooring z Grabrails, Shower seatsz Raised height toilets z Tiling or tile panelsGrants & Council workDiscounts for SSFA, British Legion Ex- services & OAPsTel: 0800 7316495CALL YOUR LOCAL OFFICE TODAY NEWARK01636 821443LOUTH01507 389222SKEGNESS01754 629189BOSTON01205 449326www.ahminstallations.co.ukFamily run businessFree No Obligation Survey & Quote FREEMira Shower with every walk-in shower ordersame time would welcome some company and the peace ofmind that someone is always on hand in case there’s a problem.In these developments, residents treat where they live – it couldbe a suite or a bungalow – as their own homes, coming and goingas they please, inviting guests when they want and engaging anycarers and other services at their own request. At the same time,though, communal areas mean they can enjoy each other’scompany and have someone to turn to when they requirecompanionship and assistance, while the properties have constantsecurity so there’s always someone on hand in case problems occur.This kind of accommodation is sometimes used by those insearch of respite care – they may have just left hospital or arerecovering from a serious illness and are aiming to get back ontheir feet. The safety net of sheltered accommodation can helpease the transition back to total independence, or provide amoment to consider the next move, which could well be stayingin this kind of set-up full time.Ultimately there should be two goals when it comes to makethe decision as to what kind of accommodation to look for.Safety and, just as importantly, happiness. For many people thisis the later stage of their lives, and while they will have doubtlesshad many varied experiences in their youth – there is certainlyno desire to give up and waste away their last years. In addition,research has shown time and time again that happier people livelonger, and have more fulfilling lives. This is often touted as oneof the reasons an elderly person’s health may deteriorate aftertheir spouse passes away. Maintaining independence and living at home goes a long66 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/DIEGO CERVO63-66_Layout 1 17/08/2015 13:05 Page 3Name Address Telephone Send to: Lincolnshire Co-op Funeral Services, Funeral Bond enquiry, FREEPOST RTKS-GJBG-LLUT, LN5 7DBLT0815Funeral BondGuaranteed peace of mind for you and your familyA Lincolnshire Co-op Funeral Bond offers unrivalled peace of mind & protection against the rising cost of funerals. For a free information pack please fill in and return the coupon below. Alternatively for this or any other funeral service, please call Lincolnshire Co-op Funeral Services (Tritton Road, Lincoln) on 01522 534 971.66 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCARE FOR THE ELDERLYway to letting a person still feel they arein control of their own lives – somethingwhich can feel lacking when people aretrying to make decisions over where youwill live. But if the person in questiondoes not have a partner still with them,then living alone in a house is going tolimit the amount of social contact theyget from others. Care homes on theother hand offer a lot more in terms ofsocial events, often arranging walks orbowls events – or even just quizzes andcompetitions. The goal is simply to getpeople active, be it with their body ortheir mind – and not treat them like theyare incumbent burdens of responsibility,but normal people like everyone else. This is something many familymembers forget when dealing withelderly relatives, especially if they haveinvited them to live in their own homes.It’s not unusual to hear that patronising“are you okay nan?” – often delivered inthe same manner one would address aparticularly young child. This is oftendone with the best of intentions. Perhapsthe family member in question is hard ofhearing, or does not respond as quicklyas they used to. But either way the tonecan make things difficult for the person inquestion, often eroding at their alreadyweakening confidence. Conversely if you visit any of the goodcare homes across Lincolnshire, one ofthe things that stands out is just hownormally the staff chat with the guests. Inthe same tone you might use to talk tosomeone you had met at a pub, or somesports event – or even a businessmeeting. They discuss the same thingstoo, recent news, the latest movies orsitcoms – or even how a particularfootball team has recently performed. What is important to remember is thatas we age, our bodies and minds mightto some degree begin to weaken, butthat does not make us any less of aperson. And like many who are in thatsituation now – we will still have a strongsense of self-respect. Along with a desireto do things our way. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/FOTOTIP63-66_Layout 1 17/08/2015 13:05 Page 4LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67CARE FOR THE ELDERLYRose Lodge Care HomeOpening September 2015Ourresidentsand familiesare at their theheartof everythingwedo“”4OlNDOUTMORE PLEASEGETINTOUCH0843 506 9452info@countrycourtcare.comwww.countrycourtcare.com35a Church Street, Market Deeping, PE6 8EDCountry Court Care, who havecare homes acrossLincolnshire are excited toannounce the opening of a newluxury care home this month inMarket Deeping, Lincolnshire. Theopen day will be held on September10th with the Mayor of MarketDeeping cutting the ribbon. Winnersof the prestigious award by HealthInvestor “Residential Provider of theyear in 2015”, the firm is alreadyestablished in the local communitywith Holland House which is a 10 bedresidential and nursing home. This new 31 bedroom home hasbeen built from traditional stone topromote a lifestyle for residents thatoffers a luxurious environment withan exceptional level of personalisedcare to meet the need of eachindividual person. Spread over twofloors all rooms will have en-suites,and the lower floor boasts anorangery to relax in which overlooksenclosed landscaped gardens. Withspacious lounges and a coffee barista,the home exudes comfort andelegance. Elior, an award winningcatering company will be managingthe catering in the home to offer afine dining experience and waitressservice. Country Court Care’s philosophy issimple – “families and residents are atthe heart of everything they do.”Award-winning new care homefor LincolnshireCounty Court Care’s new award-winning care home based in Market Deepingwill be opening this month. 67_Layout 1 17/08/2015 12:56 Page 1Robert de Cheney Boarding House is situated in the grounds of The PrioryAcademy LSST, a top-performing State school in Lincoln. Recently ratedOutstanding in every category by Ofsted, our purpose-built Sixth Form facility isdesigned to offer a smooth transition from school to university, training,employment and adult life.Why choose us?lBoarding House, Academy and Sixth Form all rated Outstanding by Ofsted l93% first and second choice university success rate, with 49% of Y13 students obtaining places in the Russell and 1994 Groups lDesignated Sixth Form support and pastoral stafflModern boarding comprising 60 single en-suite study bedrooms with Internet access and a common room on each floor lNew Sixth Form science centre including planetarium, laboratories and debating chamber lStunning residential centre in NormandylSpectacular sports provision including pool, fitness suite, climbing wall, spinning suite, dance studio and badminton courtsl60-metre indoor sprint track and 400-metre floodlit outdoor track lThriving CCF and DofE programmes“Boarders develop into mature, responsible andsuccessful young adults in a highly supportive andnurturing environment. They make exceptional progressin personal and social development and educationalachievement. The boarding experience matches theschool’s already outstanding educational provision.”Ofsted, November 2014Contact Mr Chris Liston, Head of Boarding, to arrange a visit or to apply for a place in 2016The Priory Academy LSST, Cross O’Cliff Hill, Lincoln LN5 8PW Telephone: 01522 889977 l Email: boarding@prioryacademies.co.uk l Visit: www.prioryacademies.co.uk/boardingSixth Form Boarding in Lincoln‘Outstanding’ – Ofsted, November 2014The Priory Academy LSST68-71_Layout 1 17/08/2015 13:15 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY69EDUCATIONMinistry of Justice figures have foundthat more parents are being taken tocourt over their children skipping school.This might reveal a growing ambivalenceamong parents, or, more likely, they’rejust taking advantage of cheaper familyholidays. Whatever the case, the figuresare indicative of a wider problem.Children are less interested and inspiredwhen it comes to their education. In a move to combat apathy anddiscontent in school leavers, the legalleaving age was bumped up to seventeenin 2013, and then again to eighteen thisyear. But there seems to be an evengreater degree of dissatisfaction. Thegrowing strength and opportunitiesafforded from apprenticeships mightprovide an engaging and rewardingalternative, but more than motivation,young people need to be activelyengaged in their studies and schoolenvironment. The problem of truancy is largely beingtackled by either the implementation offines - or increasing existing fines - or jailsentences and court time which onlyreally serves to appease Ofsted inspectorsand their attendance targets. Of course,it’s not simply a case of a black and whiteproblem with a clear cut solution.Evidence shows that even missing a weekof school has a drastic knock on effect,with students a fourth less likely toachieve decent GCSE results. Many commentators, politicians andteachers agree that fines and sanctionsshould only be used as an absolute lastresort. The biggest contributing factor tothe truancy figures - which saw 16,430people taken to court over their childrenskipping school in 2014 alone - is parentstaking their children out of school forholidays. With the introduction of newrules on term-time holidays two yearsago, the figure is only likely to grow. Oneof the solutions is to shorten thetraditional six week summer holiday. White’s Wood and Mercer’s Woodprimary academies in Gainsborough arethe first schools in England to introduce ashortened summer holiday, cutting theregular six weeks down to four. Thedecision may seem radical, but it’s in linewith parents’ needs and helps to keepchildren stimulated. Parents often70 ÁTo learnIS TO LIVE While truancy levels are rising, and the national teacher shortage continues,plenty of exciting developments in Lincolnshire are keeping teaching fresh. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MICHAELJUNG68-71_Layout 1 17/08/2015 13:16 Page 2Next >