£2.95 SEPTEMBER 2019 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 SEPTEMBER 2019THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Gorgeous gardens Autumn fashion Events and shows Exploring Louth Gorgeous gardens Autumn fashion Events and shows Exploring Louth 01.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:47 Page 1N O T T I N G H A M S H I R E CO U N T Y S H O W T E A M • B R O U G H T T O YO U B Y T H E • Saturday 9 Sunday 10 – November 201 9 – £10 in advance £12 on the Gate – Under 17’s go free – @tractorshow • www.newarkvintagetractorshow.com Original condition vintage machines and the UK’s premier restorations. Commercial vehicles, static and working stationary engines and horticultural equipment on show Rural crafts Trade stands including specialist parts, heritage crafts, clothing and gifts Our regular Sunday Remembrance Service held amidst the vintage tractors in the George Stephenson Exhibition Hall Look out for Father Christmas who will be visiting… 02.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:48 Page 1from the editor It’s been an odd month for sure, not just for Lincolnshire but the country as a whole. The weather has been downright punishing, alternating between blistering heat and torrential downpour. In some parts of Lincolnshire, fears of flooding have been rekindled. This is almost certainly a result of climate change and a pattern we’ve seen repeated in the US with cold snaps blanketing cities in ice and snow. We may be looking at the same for England if the Government doesn’t do something. And alas, that leads onto the other interesting situation in our country – the farcical nature of our Government which, no matter your stance on Brexit, has failed to achieve anything in the last few years. Content now to try and blame the EU for that and not to accept any responsibility themselves, we’re probably not going to be looking forward to much Governance over the next year. Instead, politicians seem content to `tell us` what we should feel and think. Here at Lincolnshire Today, we’re happy to be away from all that political nonsense, and as an independent magazine we prefer to focus on the region we love. As September rolls in, we’re moving toward Autumn and even Winter in the distance. To some it may seem too early to be thinking of Christmas – and I personally agree – but if you’re planning time away, it may be best to start now lest all the good places be booked up. In this month’s issue we visit the towns of Newark and Louth, two locations rather opposed geographically, but each with rich heritage and plenty of reasons to visit. We also visit a few restaurants in the region to sample their menus while our garden experts layout the foundations for the coming months, and even the following year. All that with events and more in our September issue Good reading, as always… Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher, Journalists: Dominic Cuthbert, Stuart Pearcey, 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.COM / S_PHOTO LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net White Hart Hotel | Charlotte House Hotel | Tipi on the Lawn The Lincoln Hotel | The Blue Room at the Lawn | The Wig and Mitre Register for free online at www.bailgateweddingfayre.co.uk @BailgateWeddingBailgateWeddingFayre SUNDAY 6TH OCT 2019 11AM - 3PM 03.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:49 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 28FALL IN LOVE WITH LOUTH Nestled at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Louth is famed for its independent shopping experience, natural beauty, period architecture, bustling marketplace and its vibrant cultural offering 32LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED This month, in a third look at the River Witham, we consider its impact on the county’s religious heritage 34ALL ABOUT AUTUMN We might yet be in for an Indian summer, but as far as the fashion world’s concerned, it’s the start of the autumn/winter season. Lincolnshire Today puts the spotlight on a few of our favourite new looks, offering a taste of the stunning season to come 40ACCESSORISING AUTUMN Looking for some accessory inspiration? Look no further 42DRESSING FOR THE SEASON When it comes to the shift in seasons, there’s more that changes than just the thickness of the fabrics. There’s cut and colour to consider, and layering up shirts, jackets, jumpers and more 44INSPIRING TRENDS With a new season comes a whole check list of up and coming trends to try out 46WALKING FOR WELLBEING Walking is cheap and easy and brings a whole host of physical and mental benefits. So why aren’t more of us doing it? 49SEPTEMBER SPECIAL With colder evenings and nights approaching, it can feel nice to settle down with something warm and filling. That’s why our recipes this month are designed to warm the body from the inside out 56SOMERBY VINEYARD: “A LOVELY LITTLE OASIS” While one may not initially think of Lincolnshire as the prime location to produce wine, Bill Hobson has shown that Somerby is the perfect place to develop international award- winning creations 58A HISTORICAL ADVENTURE With wonderful architecture, an abundance of historical sights, a plethora of intriguing shops and a wealth of entertainment, make sure your next trip is to Newark SEPTEMBER WE MIGHT YET BE IN FOR AN INDIAN SUMMER, BUT AS FAR AS THE FASHION WORLD’S CONCERNED, IT’S THE START OF THE AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:51 Page 1THE GOLDFINCH HAS THE PLEASURE OF NOT ONLY BEING ONE OF THE MOST FREQUENT VISITORS TO BIRD TABLES AND FEEDERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, BUT ALSO ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL 62LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE The goldfinch has the pleasure of not only being one of the most frequent visitors to bird tables and feeders across the country, but also one of the most beautiful 64COUNTY MOTORING The booming SUV market is going electric and it’s something luxury marques are getting on in • MG ZS EV 2019 Review 70GROWING OLD IN A NEW GENERATION There’s no right or wrong way to grow old, and new technology is making it so that even those who would have been isolated before, can reach out with the touch of a button 74PETS CORNER We often say that we do everything for our pets, but science has shown that they do much for us as well – particularly our mental health 76WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire Desirable homes 12GEORGIAN ELEGANCE The Old Rectory has been transformed into a home fit for family life. With its spacious rooms and bright and airy atmosphere, this property also features spectacular south facing gardens 18PRESERVING A SENSE OF SUMMER There are some simple tricks that will leave your interior design feeling light and airy as an August afternoon 20GRITTY ROMANTICISM This month we take a closer look at the works of Richard Blunt, whose love of music and art collide for a truly iconic style 22A GARDEN FOR NATURE This month’s readers’ garden takes us to the home of Sue and Ken Griffin in the village of Claxby, some four miles north from the town of Market Rasen. It’s a garden that lifts the spirits and helps the visitor reconnect with nature 26GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL September is when a change in season starts as autumn is approaching. The leaves start to turn golden and the temperature starts to drop. The prospect of shorter and colder days can make us want to forget the garden, shut the door and look towards hibernating, however there is still plenty to do in the garden as Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:51 Page 2Lincolnshire residents are being called on by wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) to record sightings of mammals – dead or alive – as part of its annual ‘Mammals on Roads’ survey. PTES is asking families going on summer holidays or day trips, car-sharing commuters and anyone else using Britain’s roads, to record sightings of mammals and submit the records via the free Mammals on Roads app – available on Google Play and the App Store. The data collected helps conservationists to see changing population trends and, most importantly, identify where conservation action is needed most and for which species. With clear audio descriptions of each mammal, colourful illustrations and easy-to-use navigation, the app couldn’t be simpler to use. Set it running at the start of a journey and each sighting can be recorded with a few clicks. The survey should, of course, only be done by passengers. Hangar grant is flying high A £5,000 grant from North Kesteven District Council has been made to the Friends of Metheringham Airfield. The money means that a project to build a hangar for the group’s World War II Dakota aircraft can go ahead. Leader of the Council, Cllr Richard Wright, said: “The Council is very proud of North Kesteven’s aviation history and we are delighted to help this project which will take the aircraft away from exposure to the elements. Without cover the aircraft was slowly deteriorating making it difficult to maintain in good condition given its age. “I am also looking forward to NKDC and Friends of Metheringham Airfield, working closer together going forward, on the enhancement of the excellent Aviation tourism offer in NKDC.” Funding launched for autism projects in Lincolnshire A new funding pot for community projects in Lincolnshire supporting adults and young people with autism and their families is set to launch this autumn. Thanks to a one-off amount of £200,000 from Lincolnshire County Council and South West Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group, community groups and organisations from across the county will be able to apply for funding to help develop new projects. Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) will manage the fund alongside its successful Managed Care Network, which supports community projects for adults with experience of mental health problems. Like the mental health promotion fund the monies will be available to support groups wanting to set up accessible community activities specifically for adults and children on the autistic spectrum and their families. The funding application process will officially launch this September, in anticipation of projects starting in February 2020. The schemes will be funded for up to one year. © Shutterstock/kimonofish latest news Cllr Richard Wright (right) presents a cheque to Andrew Scholey, Chairman of the Friends of Metheringham Airfield 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:52 Page 1Lincoln has been named one of the happiest places to live and work in the UK, according to a study by the independent job board, CV-Library. The study consisted of 2,000 working professionals and found that 63% of professionals in the city felt happy everyday— above the national average of 59%. Lincoln beat Manchester, London, Birmingham and Belfast to 5th place. The list was topped by Brighton, where 86% of professionals said they felt happy every day, followed by Swansea, Glasgow, and York. Additionally, 83% of professionals in Lincoln said they have good work-life balance. The report’s author says: “Lincoln may be a small city but it’s still one of the happiest. It’s another location that’s rich with history, which is one of the reasons why people love living there. In terms of employment, big companies like Siemens are based in this city, so you’re sure to find a great job opportunity.” Help for residents in flood risk areas access affordable home insurance A government-backed not-for-profit scheme has launched a campaign in Lincolnshire to raise awareness that those living in high-flood risk areas can continue to get affordable home insurance thanks to the scheme. The local launched follows flooding in June which caused hundreds of homes in Wainfleet to be evacuated. Flood Re is now encouraging residents in high flood-risk areas in and around Lincolnshire to shop around to ensure they are getting the best deal for them and the right cover for their homes. Independent research has shown that four out of five householders with previous flood claims saw a reduction in the price of available quotes of more than 50%. “We work with insurers to make sure that everyone, including those who have already experienced flooding, can get affordable home insurance that is right for them,” said Andy Bord, Chief Executive of Flood Re. Plans to refurbish National Centre of Craft and Design Plans have been drawn up for a £1.2 million refurbishment of the National Centre of Craft and Design (NCCD) in Sleaford which will create an enhanced modernised space for artists and secure the commitment to the town from major employer MRI Software. Under the scheme, the top two floors of the building will be occupied by MRI which will move from its existing premises in Westgate. All the existing features of the NCCD will be retained by the addition of a 200 square metre ground floor extension. The plans for the scheme were drawn up after a month-long public consultation designed to find out what residents and visitors wanted from the NCCD. Subject to planning permission being granted, work is expected to begin early next year. Lincoln crowned UK’s fifth happiest place to work and live © Shutterstock/trabantos © Shutterstock/Andrey_Popov 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:52 Page 22,500 new homes, a lake, a village centre, parks, community facilities and a new school have secured planning permission as part of the Lincolnshire Lakes scheme. Worth an estimated £1.2 billion, the scheme will transform the western edge of Scunthorpe, creating six new waterside villages. The scheme also includes key infrastructure. Earlier this year, plans were approved for a new roundabout on the M181. Also, a £13.3 million Government-funded flood defence scheme is nearing completion along the banks of the River Trent to the west of the Lincolnshire Lakes site. “This development has been nearly twenty years in the making and this is a milestone moment for confidence in housing development in North Lincolnshire,” said Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council. He added: “Now planning permission is in place, the Lincolnshire Lakes scheme can really start. Children growing up across the region today will have the opportunity to start their families in lakeside communities in North Lincolnshire.” Work has started on the ground works for the University of Lincoln’s bespoke agri-food research and development facility. The Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technology will be the linchpin of the FEZ, delivering innovation support services, pioneering research, skills provision and knowledge exchange for agri-food businesses across Lincolnshire and beyond. As the first building on the site, the Centre of Excellence will build on the success of the University of Lincoln’s Holbeach campus, home to the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM). It will be an innovation hub – promoting the rapid uptake of advanced technologies such as robotics and automation and ensuring the UK’s agri-food industry remains competitive, able to overcome challenges facing the supply chain from farm to fork. Ursula Lidbetter OBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We are extremely pleased to be involved in this key location for future economic growth in Lincolnshire, investing £5.3 million into crucial infrastructure provision on site and developing the new Agri- food Centre of Excellence.” latest news Round two of funding programme to rejuvenate town centres The second round of a funding programme which has helped to breathe new life into local town centres is being launched by InvestSK. Since the beginning of the year, the Town Centre Investment Fund has awarded a total of £32,000 to five business. Now the door is open to other businesses in South Kesteven who are looking to move into vacant town centre units within any of the district’s four market towns: Grantham, Stamford, Market Deeping and Bourne. Up to £10,000 is available for successful applicants which can be used to pay for capital costs such as new signage, equipment and fit out work. InvestSK is South Kesteven’s economic development and regeneration company and the funding is being made available by South Kesteven District Council (SKDC). Head of Economy and Skills Jon Hinde said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity and we would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch to find out if they are eligible to apply.” Work starts on Food Enterprise Zone © Shutterstock/Romolo Tavani Lincolnshire Lakes scheme takes major step forward © trabantos / Shutterstock © Shutterstock/science photo 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:52 Page 3Here for you never letting you down Your Oldrids Downtown Team & & Stores in Grantham, Boston & Scunthorpe 09.qxp_Layout 1 14/08/2019 09:53 Page 1Next >