< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING 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. You’ll Need: 1 (400g) pack lean lamb mince 1 small onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 tsp ground cumin 1 (85g) bag watercress, finely chopped 1 each red and yellow pepper, cored and deseeded 2 courgettes 1 tbsp olive oil Yogurt sauce: 150ml natural Greek yogurt 1 clove garlic, crushed 50g/2oz watercress, roughly chopped What to do: Place the mince, onion, watercress and cumin in a large bowl with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix together thoroughly. Divide the mixture into 8 then use wet hands to shape each piece into a small burger. Cut each pepper into 8 wedges and thickly slice the courgettes, place in a bowl season add the oil and toss well. Make the yogurt sauce by mixing all the ingredients together with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a small bowl. Cook the burgers and vegetables over hot barbecue coals or under a hot grill for 8- 10mins, turning once until the burgers are cooked through, with no sign of pink juices and the vegetables are char grilled. Serve with the yogurt sauce and flat breads. Note: This meal comes in at just 307 calories! Recipe courtesy of watercress.co.uk Barbequed lamb with chargrilled veg and watercress burgers 40-43.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:34 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 FOOD & DINING You’ll Need: 1 tub Provamel Apple and Green Tea Yogurt 120g blueberries 3 tbsp agave syrup 100g quality dark chocolate 40g toasted flaked almonds 6 ice lolly moulds Apple and green tea What to do: Add the Provamel Apple and Green Tea Yogurt to a food processor along with the blueberries and agave syrup and pulse until blended. Pour into the ice lolly moulds and place in the freezer until frozen solid. Melt the dark chocolate. Dip each lolly into the chocolate and then sprinkle with the toasted flaked almonds. Courtesy of Provamel Apples Provamel Apple and Green Tea Yogurt Ice Pops with Blueberries and Dark Chocolate ice pops Looking for a great gift idea? JULY 2020 Sha T ing e hh J£2.95 sum S mmer ii hh r Lifft f t for pets A passi er i garden Out in t lockdow L th On you bik W W W L I N C e 30+ y W W W . L I N C O L N S H I R E T O oo ears y O L N S H I R E T O O D A Y N E T oung O D A Y . N E T BLM GROUP www.blmgroup.co.uk 1st 3 issues only £1 Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 Whether you are calling in for that special occasion meal, a satisfying snack or a social drink with friends, you will always receive the very warmest of welcomes. All our food is prepared in the restaurant kitchen using only locally sourced ingredients. We offer an À la Carte and Children's menus. We also offer a Chef's Specials menu on Friday and Saturday evenings. We provide the very best in business buffet lunches as well as catering for charity functions and special occasions. Chef's specials are also available all week. To accompany your meal we have a wide selection of fine wines, draught & bottled beers, cask ales, spirits and soft drinks. Great Fen Road, Wyberton Fen, Boston, Lincs PE21 7PB. Tel: 01205 362378 Email: merrimans1@btconnect.com www.merrimansrestaurant.co.uk MERRIMANS LOUNGE & RESTAURANT Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Gold Awarded for outstanding quality and service by LincolnshireToday award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET 40-43.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:34 Page 2You’ll need: 5 juniper berries, bruised with the back of a knife 3-4 pears depending on their size, peeled, cored & sliced 1 tsp ground cinnamon 5 cloves 4 tbsp Streamline apricot jam150g unsalted butter 150g caster sugar3 medium eggs 100g self-raising flour100g ground almonds 1 tsp baking powdercrème fraîche to serve 42 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING Spiced pear and What to do: Heat the oven to 180°C/ 160°C fan/ gas 4. Grease the bottom of a 9 inch spring form tin and line with greaseproof paper. Heat the juniper, cinnamon and cloves with the apricot jam in a pan then add the pear slices and cook gently for 5 minutes until they are soft. Set aside to cool. Whisk together the butter and sugar till light and fluffy, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Use a large metal spoon to fold in the almonds, flour and baking powder. Pick the spices out of the pear juices and discard. Arrange the pear slices in the bottom of the tin along with just 2 tablespoons of the juices. Pour over the cake batter and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until cooked through and the cake springs back when you touch the top. Take out of the oven and cool for 15 minutes then turn out onto a serving plate and peel off the greaseproof paper. Reheat the remaining pear juices and drizzle over. Serve warm or cold with a dollop of crème fraîche. Note: Cook the pears gently so they don’t break up and adjust the cooking time depending on their ripeness. Courtesy of www.streamlinefoods.co.uk Picture your venue The China Royal Restaurant 6 Bridge Streets, Brigg, DN20 8LN Tel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway) Web: www.chinaroyalrestaurant.co.uk All ingredients freshly prepared with a healthy concept. Open for takeaway. Restaurant now open and taking bookings. Adhereing to Covid-19 guidelines at all times, with screened seatings. Streamline apricot jam frangipane cake Byards Leap Lodge East View, Byards Leap, Cranwell, Sleaford Tel: 01400 261375/07595 760 774 www.byards-leap-lodge.co.uk Whether you are on a leisure or business trip, you’ll find warm hospitality at the Country Kitchen and Lodge. It offers four star, silver awarded accommodation, having won a TripAdvisor award of excellence. The Lodge has five double rooms, all of which are en-suite and on the ground floor, as well as two two-bedroom apartments. Dedicated facilities for the disabled are available. The Blue Bell Inn 1 Main Road, Belchford, Horncastle, LN9 6LQ Tel: 01507 533 602 Web: www.bluebellbelchford.co.uk The Blue Bell Inn is a pub/restaurant situated on the Viking Way between Horncastle and Louth. It has an excellent reputation for fine food, good wine and friendly service. It offers an a la carte menu and fresh local ingredients. Now open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday 11.30am to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm, Sunday noon to 10.30pm. Half Moon Hotel & Restaurant 25 - 28 West St. Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 9DG Tel: 01507 463 477 Web: www.halfmoonhotelalford.co.uk This traditional inn is the perfect stop over when visiting the area. Within easy reach of the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Half Moon Hotel offers comfort, warmth and good home cooked meals. The nearby Lincolnshire Coast has wonderful beaches and exciting seaside attractions. The Half Moon Hotel is in a good location in the historic market town of Alford. The Half Moon Hotel is just a short walk away from Alford Manor House and Alford Town centre. Special Edition Chocolate Willingham Hall, Market Rasen, LN8 3RH Tel: 01673 844073 Web: www.specialeditionchocolate.co.uk Special Edition Chocolate prides itself on award- winning handmade chocolate for everyone to enjoy. This includes chocolate suited for diabetics, coeliacs, vegans and other allergy sufferers – such as nuts and dairy – as well as other special delicacies. They also specialise in chocolate gifts, making it the perfect place to get your friend or relative the perfect present. The Duke of Wellington Station Road, Midville Tel: 01205 270593 Web: www.dukeofwellingtonmidville.co.uk At The Duke of Wellington, the aim is to make you welcome and deliver the very best in food and drink that will keep you coming back time and again. The Duke of Wellington is a much loved part of the local community that extends a welcome to locals and visitors alike. On offer is great food, drink and warm hospitality. 40-43.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:34 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 43 FOOD & DINING You’ll Need: 400g mashing potatoes 4 sweet chilli cooked beetroot 2 fillet steaks 1tsp olive oil 4 tbsp Crème Fraiche salt and pepper You’ll Need: 100g broccoli, steamed & tossed in lemon juice and olive oil Sweet chilli beetroot and potato mash What to do: Peel the potatoes and cut each into 8. Put them into a large pan of salted water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender. While the potatoes cook, chop the beetroot into quarters and season the steaks. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and when it’s very hot cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side (longer if you want them well done). When the steaks are cooked to your liking, put them on a warm plate and set aside to rest. Once the potatoes are just tender add the beetroot to the water and simmer for 2 minutes longer. Drain the water away and add the crème fraiche to the pan. Mash everything together well until you have a smooth pink mash. Season to taste. Slice the steak and serve with a dollop of mash and the steamed broccoli. Pour any meat juices over. Recipe Provided by: lovebeetroot.co.uk served with steak Horncastle Cake Art & Hobby House Everything for the Crafter Cake Decorations, Knitting, Crochet, Felt, Ribbons & more www.horncastlecakeart.co.uk 25 North Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5DX Tel: 01507 525926/522659 Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Platinum Awarded for outstanding quality and service by LincolnshireToday award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET Awardwinning family pub Swineshead Road, Boston, PE21 7JE Tel: 01205 361323 Email: wayne.salmon@btconnect.com www.hammerandpincers-boston.co.uk Hammer & Pincers is your first choice for freshly home-cooked food coupled with an extensive range of premium drinks. Whether you're looking for a three course meal with your family or want to sample a few appetisers with a glass of wine, we look forward to welcoming you soon. Our pub is warm and comfortable, ideal for relaxing in and having a good time with friends and family over a good meal. Start your day with a freshly cooked breakfast or treat yourself to a steak from our evening menu. Whatever you choose, you're sure to find something that will tickle your taste buds! Hammer & Pincers is your first choice for freshly home-cooked food coupled with an extensive range of premium drinks 40-43.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:34 Page 444 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY L incolnshire’s geography, being bounded north and south by the Humber and the Wash, was important in determining railway routes. The barrier of the Wolds, running north to south, meant that the only route across was the Bardney/Louth branch line. Geographical compensation though, was the ease of building over the fens. The first railway into Lincolnshire was the Midland Railway’s Nottingham to Lincoln line in 1846 and the last line built was the “New Line” from Coningsby Junction to Firsby. After Lincoln the next main line to be built was the Great Northern Railway’s “Loop Line” in 1848, briefly forming the main route from London to northern England via Boston and Lincoln until superseded by the Grantham to Doncaster route, the “Towns Line”, in 1852. The GNR’s route from Boston to Grimsby also opened in 1848. Another important route was the Midland & Great Northern Joint linking the midlands via Castle Bytham, Bourne and Sutton Bridge with King’s Lynn and Norfolk. From this basic mainline network a system of subsidiary and branch lines developed. These included a direct 18- mile route from Lincoln to Grantham via Honington, which opened in April 1867 and closed in November 1965, although some stations closed earlier in 1962. One secluded section near Leadenham was often host overnight to the Royal train. Further south a line from Sleaford to Bourne opened in 1871/72 but closed in April 1965. However, in less than a century after that first railway into Lincoln, station and line closures had begun. From the late 1930’s for example, halts on the East Coast line and the Washingborough and Five Mile House stations on the “Loop Line” were closed. Finally, Dr. Beeching’s closures in 1963 left our present-day network as a much-depleted remnant of the original. Naturally branch lines went first. The 8- mile GNR Horncastle branch, opened in 1855, closed to passengers in September 1954 – a year short of its centenary - and to goods April 1971 after a busy life serving Woodhall’s spa and Horncastle’s horse fair. The Firsby/Spilsby branch opened in May 1868; passenger services there lasted until September1939 ending as a WWII economy measure and goods traffic stopped in November 1958. The Louth/Bardney branch did rather better surviving from September 1876 to February 1960. The coastal loop from Louth to Mablethorpe opened in 1877 and was joined by the line from Willoughby, to the south, to Sutton-on- Sea in September 1888. Partial closed closure came in December 1960 and fully in October 1970. There were three latecomers to Lincolnshire’s railway scene. The Axholme Joint railway Company had opened their During the latter half of the twentieth century, much of Lincolnshire’s railway network disappeared; we look at our lost legacy. heritage Lincolnshire explored 44-45.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 45 line by 1905 under the 1896 Light Railways Act which permitted lesser engineering standards provided low running speeds were observed. Passenger services ceased in July 1933 and goods in April 1965. A line from Scunthorpe to Whitton, opening in September 1906, mainly to transport ironstone, fared a little better serving passengers until 1961 and goods to1964. Known as the “New Line”, and opened in July 1913, the link between Coningsby and Firsby was a short cut to the coast and the last railway built in Lincolnshire. It increased holiday traffic considerably by avoiding the circuitous route via Boston (where trains had to be reversed) but closed in October 1970. But not all losses have been branch lines. Of the main lines mentioned above only the “Towns Line” survives. The Loop line was closed entirely by 1981 whilst the East Coast route suffered station closures between 1939 and final closure in October 1970 leaving short sections south of Spalding and from Boston to Firsby (for Skegness) in service. Some lost lines however had unusual histories and several were not public railways at all. Amongst these were the “Potato Railways” comprising a large number of private farm lines in the fens. The most well-known was on Dennis’s Nocton estate with 23 miles of track, mostly recycled rails from WWI trenches at Arras. There were two others with military connections. The RAF Cranwell branch was built by the admiralty in 1917 to their HMS Daedalus airship station; it finally closed in August 1956. At Belton (near Grantham) a military railway served a WWI army camp between 1916 and 1924. It has now disappeared completely and was Lincolnshire’s most short-lived railway. In the south of the county Lord Willoughby’s private line, built to standard gauge, opened in 1855 linking a station at Edenham, close by his country seat at Grimsthorpe Castle, to the main line at Castle Bytham where his lordship had his own private waiting room. It closed circa 1873 and few traces remain. Several “industrial” lines have disappeared too, such as the extensive system of ironstone lines around Denton, Harlaxton and Stroxton and Lysaght’s steelworks of Scunthorpe line to their Nettleton ironstone mines. And what has happened to the closed lines? Many old stations survive, often as private homes, and though the tracks have disappeared some now have other uses. For example, at Haxey and Willoughby nature reserves have been created whilst the Loop Line is the Water Rail Way; a walking/cycle route from Lincoln to Boston. Similarly, most of the Horncastle branch is the Spa Trail between Horncastle and Woodhall Spa and the old East Coast line gives access to Legbourne Wood, a Wildlife Trust reserve. The above cannot be an exhaustive list. However, readers will find most lines still traceable on OS maps often with vantage viewpoints from public roads or footpaths. (e.g. near Donington-on -Bain, Tattershall and Castle Bytham.) The Oakwood Press series Locomotion Papers includes volumes by AJ Ludlam giving detailed histories of most Lincolnshire railways as do others by Stewart Squires, notably Lost Railways of Lincolnshire (Castlemead 1988). I am indebted to both. by Hugh Marrows 44-45.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:36 Page 2R ats come with a whole host of unpleasant connotations, and the water vole has been tarred with the same brush. The Wind in the Willows offers a whimsical look at rural England through its anthropomorphic wildlife with Badger, Mole and, of course, Ratty punting down the river. But author Kenneth Grahame was actually referring to a water vole, a rodent colloquially known as a ‘water rat’. In fact, the two animals aren’t interchangeable and, as we’ll learn, have many key differences. Water voles have rounder noses, chubbier faces, fuzzier ears and a hairy tail to match, setting them well and truly apart from the more devilish appearance of the common brown rat. Despite being the largest vole to inhabit the British Isles, the water vole is perhaps the most secretive, hidden amongst the banks of rivers, ponds and canals. The more intrepid among them might even venture into gardens and orchards, even spending the rest of their short lives this way. A typical water vole will live in waterside burrows, which they dig out in the banks of slow- flowing lowland rivers and canals, or wherever there is a fairly consistent water level. They’ll usually live together in small familial units, and there’ll even be multiple floor levels as well as nesting chambers and a food store for the winter in their burrows. Although water voles don’t hibernate, they still need to defend against the elements. This time of year, while other species are preparing for the long sleep, water voles will dig up rhizomes and eat bark to survive as most of the green plants available will be too tough to chow on. As the animal eats around 80% of its body weight every day, getting its fill in winter is no small feat. Habit loss and predation have helped contribute to the water vole becoming Britain’s fastest declining wild animal. The Wildlife Trust is helping to combat this by improving riverbank habitats, controlling mink and with reintroduction schemes. With the flat land and open water bodies here in Lincolnshire, reintroduction is especially necessary. Back in 2011 The Lincolnshire Chalk Stream Project began conservation work to help bolster the water vole, and their efforts have been paying off. Although Lincolnshire’s water vole masses are faring better than much of the country, we all need to band together to protect the aquatic critter from the brink. 46 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 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. Lincolnshire wildlife 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:39 Page 1© Shutterstock/ Mark Bridger LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 47 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:39 Page 248 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Farm&Country Farm&Country Link Rural businesses urged to access funding for equipment Rural businesses in Lincolnshire are being encouraged to access funding available to purchase equipment. LEADER funding is available in four parts of Lincolnshire – the Coastal Action Zone, Lindsey Action Zone, Kestevens and Wash Fens. Businesses, farmers, foresters and those involved in tourism, heritage and community initiatives can apply for LEADER funding for projects that will create jobs or growth in the local rural economy. The call for expressions of interest is open until Sunday 9 August midnight for applications to purchase capital equipment only. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at the county council, said: “This is a great opportunity for rural enterprises to get a boost. These four areas of our county all present challenges compared to urban areas. It’s important they are supported with employment and growth opportunities so they can thrive.” © Shutterstock /smspsy Check security measures, farmers told Lincolnshire farmers are being advised to check their security measures following several reports of criminal damage and burglaries. Since March this year, Lincolnshire Police has received several reports of incidents across the county. Now Lincolnshire Police, working in partnership with the National Farmers Union (NFU), are advising farmers to take extra precaution and ensure they have security measures in place. “We are investigating all possible lines of enquiry to find out who was involved in these incidents,” said Chief Inspector Phil Vickers. “In the meantime, I would like to advise all farmers to check their security measures such as outside lighting, CCTV and to carry out physical checks of their outbuildings, particularly overnight, and to report any suspicious activity.” The NFU’s Rhonda Thompson added: “Our partnership with Lincolnshire Police works really well, and we would encourage NFU members to follow these wise precautions to help keep the number of incidents to a minimum.” © Shutterstock Sundry Photography © Shutterstock/Nick Beer Dog walkers reminded to take care around livestock The RSPCA is reminding dog owners and walkers of the importance of keeping their pets under control to avoid devastating attacks on livestock. “It is heart-breaking to hear that so many sheep have died as a result of dog attacks, which could have easily been prevented had the owners kept their dog on a lead and not let them run loose near livestock,” said RSPCA inspector, Caren Goodman-James. “Whilst the vast majority of people take care as a matter of course, sadly accidents can happen and even the most docile and obedient dogs can get distracted and excited by grazing animals. Ewes have been known to abort unborn lambs whilst under stress which is particularly tragic.” Dog owners could be prosecuted if their dog is caught worrying livestock. 48-50.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:40 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 49 Supporting the rural community News News UK formally launches Trade and Agriculture Commission The UK’s new Trade and Agriculture Commission formally launched at the of July. Animal welfare, consumer and environmental groups met with the Department for International Trade at a formal launch to talk about how they can support the Trade and Agriculture Commission. This is part of a major drive by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss to engage the public and industry in decisions about the UK’s trade policy. The Commission was established to bring together stakeholders across the industry, calling on their expertise to advise on trade policies, protecting British consumer interests, how the UK engages the WTO, developing trade policy that identifies and opens up new export opportunities for the UK agricultural industry. It reports directly to International Trade Secretary and it will produce an advisory report at the end of its six months’ work. It will ensure our high standards are upheld and our farmers are able seize new opportunities to export their goods abroad. This will help the UK agriculture sector to be amongst the most competitive and innovative in the world. “We’re stepping up our engagement with all the groups who have an interest in Britain’s agriculture trade policy. The Trade and Agriculture Commission will ensure the voices of the public and industry are heard, and that their interests are advanced and protected,” said Ms Truss. “It will advise the government on how Britain can remain a world-leader in animal welfare and environmental standards, and how we can seize new export opportunities for our farmers. This is about putting British farming at the heart of our trade policy and ensuring that our agriculture industry is amongst the most competitive and innovative in the world.” © Shutterstock /LALS STOCK © Shutterstock / Valentin Valkov A major overhaul of the planning system must be flexible and support the agricultural transition to a new farming economy to ensure rural businesses and communities can thrive, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has said. The government has published its ‘Planning for the Future White Paper’, which aims to boost the share of houses built by small and medium-sized building firms, which built 40% of new homes 30 years ago but only 12% today. “Without doubt, we need a flexible and enabling planning system to support the agricultural transition to a new farming economy and ensure rural businesses and communities can thrive,” said NFU senior planning and rural affairs adviser Suzanne Clear. “Any new zonal system will only work it if can efficiently deliver what farming and rural communities need; that includes the development of new farm buildings and operations, diversified businesses, affordable homes and digital services. “Reform of the planning system needs to help deliver zero carbon targets for farming for 2040; to help farmers deliver climate friendly, profitable and sustainable food production and to work to complement farm schemes to deliver wider public goods and ecosystem services. “The NFU is inviting members to give us their views on the planning system. It is essential the farm voice is heard in this debate.” Reform of planning system must be flexible and support rural businesses, says NFU 48-50.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2020 14:40 Page 2Next >