£2.95 SEPTEMBER 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 SEPTEMBER 2020THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Reflecting on summer Reflecting on summer Fashion trends Schools & education Lincolnshire open for business Fashion trends Schools & education Lincolnshire open for business 01.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:08 Page 1Boston’s Outdoor Cinema SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER Pre-booked tickets only: Early bird (available until Friday 28th August at this price) £5.50 adults £3.50 children £15.00 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) Standard tickets £7 adults £5 children £21 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) Gates open from 7pm, film to start no earlier than 8pm Central Park, Boston Chattertons SOLICITORS & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Sponsored by www.visitbostonuk.com events@boston.gov.uk 01205 314200 Photographs and video may be taken at this event for promotional purposes toto s statartrt n no o eaearlrlieier r ththanan 8 8pmpm Central Park, Boston 02.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:09 Page 1It’s begun to feel strange writing these notes thanks to lockdown, like I’ve become a castaway on some desert island writing letters in a bottle for brave Lincolnshire sailors to find and pick up. I’m likely not the only one feeling this way either, even if Lincolnshire has so far been fortunate to avoid any major outbreaks. There’s a temptation present to ignore much of the advice given by the Government, especially when it’s so contradictory. I’m sure we’ve all seen people eschewing masks and ignoring the social distancing suggestions, carrying on like nothing ever happened. This is an urge we all need to be able to resist. Lincolnshire has been fortunate to avoid a severe outbreak thanks to its rural nature and how easy social distancing is for us – with even Lincoln itself being far less crowded than Leicester, Manchester or London. That doesn’t mean the precautions taken are a waste of time however – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. The last thing anyone wants is to at this late stage make things worse for our region, so even though I and many others must feel like hermits by now, we need to show some of the wisdom implied in that and keep our guards up. That’s not to say life should pause on lockdown, however, and that’s the focus of our September issue. We can’t stop doing what we love or stop being who we are – and for some people, especially students in Lincolnshire schools, September is a very real test of that. While us adults can work from home, take furlough or get by on savings, our students need to continue their lives, go to new schools, university and overall continue their lives. Our education feature delves deeper, but we also have an interview with a young man this month who faced similar questions in his own degree, feeling as though life was turned upside down when lockdown hit. We speak with him on how he found inspiration in lockdown and pushed past the immediate frustrations. We also highlight the perseverance of our local businesses as they come out of lockdown, as people return to business in a changed environment, not ignoring the risks but adapting and growing because of them. That is perhaps the greatest lesson that can be learned from this – that only in times of great adversity can we, as people, grow. Let’s all of us grow and get through this together. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor 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/YURIY KULIK LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:09 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 9BACK IN BUSINESS Lockdown may be coming to a close but it’s up to all of us to be responsible. Lincolnshire’s businesses lead the way. 26 FIRST GLIMPSE OF AUTUMN Bidding farewell to summer is difficult every year, but where fashion is concerned, the ending of one season is cause to celebrate. Here were take a peek at a few stylish new autumn outfits from some of our favourite brands and designers. 32 THE DAWN OF AUTUMN ACCESSORIES It’s time to break out those accessories to make your autumn outfits pop. 34 YOUR AUTUMN LOOK SORTED Here’s you first look at the autumn fashion lines. Plan your look ahead of times with a few of these must-haves. 36 WHERE SAFETY AND SKINCARE COLLIDE Having to wear face masks in shops and on public transport has led to many people suffering with rashes, breakouts and skin damage. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract these effects and remain safe. 38 SLEEPING IN TIMES OF CRISIS With the continuing coronavirus adding yet more stress and anxiety to our lives, it’s no wonder people are finding it more difficult than ever to get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are several ways to help, as Lincolnshire Today explores. 40 SEASONAL FLAVOURS As we enjoy the last of the warm weather ahead of autumn, it’s time to make the most of alfresco dining with some delightful simple summer suppers and a little taste of the autumnal food ahead. 44 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED During the latter half of the twentieth century, much of Lincolnshire’s railway network disappeared; we look at our lost legacy. 46 LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE Late summer is one of the absolute best times to try and spot water voles along riverbanks. We take a closer look as these delightful little creatures. 48 FARM & COUNTRY NEWS The latest news from across the countryside . 51 A STRANGE YEAR FOR FARMING The agricultural sector doesn’t hold the monopoly on hard times this year, but it perhaps does for the sheer variety of challenges faced. SEPTEMBER 26 26 BIDDING FAREWELL TO SUMMER IS DIFFICULT EVERY YEAR, BUT WHERE FASHION IS CONCERNED, THE ENDING OF ONE SEASON IS CAUSE TO CELEBRATE. HERE WERE TAKE A PEEK AT A FEW STYLISH NEW AUTUMN OUTFITS FROM SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE BRANDS AND DESIGNERS. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:10 Page 146 46 LATE SUMMER IS ONE OF THE ABSOLUTE BEST TIMES TO TRY AND SPOT WATER VOLES ALONG RIVERBANKS. WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AS THESE DELIGHTFUL LITTLE CREATURES. 54 SEPTEMBER IN LOCKDOWN September is such a historical month for schools in the county and yet the entire world has changed – how are people coping? 56 COUNTY MOTORING The motor industry remains in a precarious position with dealerships open and mandatory MOTs resuming, but the full impact of the coronavirus is likely still to be felt. 60 A CAPPUCCINO WITH… Lockdown has turned life on its head for many people across Lincolnshire, but it wasn’t enough to stop aspiring county-based photographer Callum Rose. 62 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. 65 CARING WITH COVID COVID-19 has not made caring for elderly relatives easy, and while it’s important to think of their physical health, spare a little time for mental as well. Desirable homes 12 RENOVATED TO PERFECTION Boasting the perfect blend of contemporary living and stunning Victorian features, this landmark property is situated on Riseholme Road, a mere ten-minute walk from Lincoln’s Bailgate. 18 DINING WITH CLASS AND STYLE With the shorter days on the way and the cold creeping in, we’ll all be spending less time eating out in the garden and more time inside. So now’s a great time to get your kitchen and dining room looking spick, span and stylish. 20 THROUGH A JOURNEY OF GLASS This month, we look at the works of Matthew Sorrell, a self-taught glass artist creating truly unique pieces. 22 GETTING YOUR GARDEN WINTER READY It is at this time of year that we can still have some warm days, but the autumn colours start to appear reminding us colder and shorter days are on their way. This means that you need to start to think about getting your garden ready for the winter, as Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains. 24 THE JOY OF GROWING YOUR OWN Since lockdown, there has been an upsurge in the number of people getting out in their gardens and growing their own produce. With most lockdown measures now behind us, people are continuing to plant, pick and tuck into their own home-grown fruit and vegetables. But it’s never too late to start. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:10 Page 2latest news Lockdown sees rare archaeological finds Residents spending time at home or on daily exercise in the county have made some amazing archaeological finds this lockdown. While gardening in his home, Andrew Deaton from Moulton found a rare type of medieval seal matrix with a depiction of St Margaret of Antioch with the devil, whilst André Lopes from Grantham on a walk near his house found a wonderfully in-tact Bronze Age flint arrowhead. These are just two of 200 finds reported to Lincolnshire County Council’s archaeology service so far this year. “It’s amazing what people are finding in the county,” said Lisa Brundle, Finds Liaison Officer at Lincolnshire County Council. “We’ve seen everything from prehistoric stone axes, Bronze Age sword pommels, Iron Age brooches, Roman tweezers, coin hoards, early medieval cemeteries and medieval buckles to post-medieval bells. People come to us with their items, and we work with a team of volunteers from across the county to research and catalogue them.” MP backs application seeking culture support for Gainsborough Sir Edward Leigh has recently written to Arts Council England asking for support an application by Trinity Arts Centre for funding from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. The Fund will invest £1.57 billion in Britain’s arts, culture and heritage industries, providing them with vital support in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. The application for the town’s Trinity Arts Centre seeks financial aid to support the venue over the next financial year. It had been forced to close its doors due to the outbreak. “I know this year has been difficult for everyone due to the coronavirus, but we can’t let fantastic venues like this close and be lost to future generations,” said Sir Edward, “which is why I’ve written to Arts Council England asking them to look favourably on this application for support.” A multi-million-pound bid to revitalise Grantham’s town centre, improve access and support local businesses has been submitted. South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) has approved the bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund and committed to contribute £379,092 over the scheme’s four-year duration. If successful, SKDC would receive just over £8 million from the Future High Street Fund and aims to attract around £11.5 million in match funding from the private sector, bringing the total investment to almost £20 million. The aim of the fund is to revitalise town centres by investing in key capital projects to increase footfall, diversify the use of buildings and public spaces, and provide a safe and welcoming environment. The Leader of SKDC, Cllr Kelham Cooke described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He said: “Grantham is growing, let’s be bold, let’s be innovative and let’s make Grantham great.” © Shutterstock/LifeByDrone © Lincolnshire County Council Multi-million-pound bid to revitalise Grantham’s town centre © Shutterstock/Neil Mitchell 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:11 Page 1Plans revealed for £57m redevelopment of Cleethorpes’ Pleasure Island £57.1 million plans to redevelop the former Pleasure Island leisure park in Cleethorpes have been unveiled. The proposals, which could create 369 new jobs, include a new 146-bed hotel and conference centre as well as 250 holiday lodges. Further plans for the 23.5 ha site include two restaurants, comprising around 1,069 sq m, and two leisure units totalling around 2,920 sq m. Other elements of the scheme include a non-food leisure/retail unit of around 930 sq m; and a new Lidl store of around 1,900 sq m. The proposals also include a petrol filling station with electric vehicle charging facilities and a drive-thru coffee shop. The development is being promoted by a consortium of developers including Lidl and YPG. It has appointed national planning and development consultancy Lichfields to progress the plans. North East Lincolnshire Council is keen to bring the vacant site back into use and identified it as part of a designated ‘Resort Area’ within its adopted Local Plan. The Greater Lincolnshire LEP has received a £25.8 million cash boost from the Government to fund ‘shovel-ready’ projects to help the local economy and create jobs. The ‘New Deal’ announcement is part of a comprehensive plan by the Government to “build, build, build”, delivering upgrades to local infrastructure and boosting skills in a move to fuel economic recovery across the UK. Thirty-six 36 LEPs and combined authorities are getting a share of a £900 million Getting Building Fund that will support local infrastructure projects. The investment will support economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and will be used to improve digital infrastructure, support skills and career opportunities, and transition to a low-carbon economy. Together with partners from across the region the Greater Lincolnshire LEP put forward a long list of compelling and innovative projects to deliver growth and continue to develop the £25.8m in ‘new deal’ Greater Lincolnshire receives talent, ideas and facilities in the region. These projects will now be evaluated by the Government to identify which will receive funding and deliver the most value in terms of restarting the local economy and meeting the future challenges of levelling up the UK. Successful projects will need to demonstrate that they meet LEP key priorities and can be completed by the end of 2021. “This funding will provide a major stimulus for our city, towns and communities,” said Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. “The size of our allocation demonstrates a belief in what the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership can deliver and is a testament to the collaborative working between the LEP and its partners. “We will continue to work with partners as we begin negotiations with the Government to determine which projects will receive funding based on their ability to accelerate growth and create employment.” © Shutterstock/trabantos © YPG 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:11 Page 2A move to have parts of North Lincolnshire recognised for its outstanding natural beauty has been made by North Lincolnshire Council. A submission to Natural England to extend the boundary of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has recently been made. The proposed variation is to have the existing boundary extended to include Kirton-in-Lindsey on the southern border of North Lincolnshire. The delineation would then travel north through to the banks of the River Trent taking in Normanby, Burton-upon-Stather and Alkborough. It would then extend east taking in Barton-upon-Humber and across to New Holland before sweeping back around picking up Ulceby, Kirmington and parts of Brigg. The council says that designating areas of the region as AONB will, among other things, contribute significantly to the economic development of North Lincolnshire and the wider © Shutterstock / T ommyboy1289 latest news Bid made to recognise rural North Lincolnshire’s outstanding natural beauty £25.8m awarded to deliver infrastructure projects in Greater Lincs The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership will receive £25.8 million from the government’s Getting Building Fund to deliver ‘shovel-ready’ projects in the region. The announcement is part of a comprehensive plan to upgrade local infrastructure and enhance skills to accelerate economic recovery across the UK following the COVID-19 pandemic. The investment will support economic recovery across Greater Lincolnshire and will be used to support key sectors, improve digital infrastructure, support skills and career opportunities and help the area to transition to a low-carbon economy. “As we reshape our Local Industrial Strategy and recovery plans to reflect the impact of the pandemic, it is important that we help build an economy that it is more resilient in the long term and which responds to the needs of our businesses and communities,” said Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. “We will continue to work with the Government on future funding for investments to support our ambitions and look forward to delivering this transformative programme for Greater Lincolnshire.” The decision to allocate this funding comes after several projects were submitted to the Government for consideration last month. The projects chosen to receive funding were considered to provide the most value in terms of restarting the local economy. The funding has been allocated to the following six projects across Greater Lincolnshire: The Centre for Innovation in Rural Health; Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone; Skills Capital Investment Programme; Lincoln Science and Innovation Park (Phase Two); Killingholme Pumping Station – ABLE Marine Energy Park; Greater Lincolnshire Cycling Programme Scheme 1 – The Immingham to Grimsby Cycle Superhighway & Scheme 2 – Lincolnshire Coastal County Park Cycleway. region, recognising and reinforcing the quality of place in North Lincolnshire. “We know the area is strikingly beautiful but we now want it to be officially recognised for being so,” said Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council. “From the Ancholme Valley to the North Lincolnshire Wolds through to the Humber Estuary and the wetlands in and around Alkborough, there are a whole host of places which are outstanding in their beauty. “A variation of the boundary will be instrumental in achieving all of our priorities to keep people safe and well, enable our communities to flourish and support economic growth. The formal request to vary the northern boundary of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just the beginning of the process and there is a lot more to do but we have the backing and support of lots of people and many key organisations.” © Shutterstock / yuttana Contributor Studio 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:11 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 9 BACK IN BUSINESS With lockdown easing but the pandemic still in place, many people may be nervous of going out. That need not be the case however, as businesses across Lincolnshire have adapted and prepared themselves for safe and hygienic business. Shops, restaurants and businesses across the entire UK have been adapting to Government guidelines and safety regulations to enable their staff and customers to continue operation safely, and that is something that has been embraced in many of our local businesses. It goes beyond facemasks and handwash – though these are commonplace and will be seen regularly around Lincolnshire. Social distancing and COVID measures have been taken to limit the number of people allowed into stores, create more space between people and also to ensure that the highest levels of sanitisation and hygiene are followed in kitchens and workplaces. The news is, as even the Government is saying, that the UK – and in our case Lincolnshire – is open for business in a Post-COVID world. There may well be changes and adaptations, but these are adaptations that have been made on behalf 10 Á Back to business © Shutterstock /Drazen Zigic Lockdown may be coming to a close but it’s up to all of us to be responsible. Lincolnshire’s businesses lead the way. 09-11.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:13 Page 1Next >