County Motoring Bustling Brigg Family Business Seasonal Fashion County Motoring Bustling Brigg Family Business Seasonal Fashion £2.95 SEPTEMBER 2025 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 SEPTEMBER 2025 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEFloislivingwithcancerwithdignitythanks totheexceptionalcareatourhospitals Helpmorepeoplefacecancer withconfidence RememberUnitedLincolnshireHospitalsCharityinyourwill andhelpfundgroundbreakingtreatmentsforcancerpatients. www.ulhcharity.org.uk/wills RegisteredCharityNo:1058065Welcome… As we enter September, a new season evolves around us, shifting from scorching summer days to undeniable autumn splendour. While trees turn amber, auburn and crimson, and much of the local wildlife prepares to retire for the winter ahead, completing their natural cycles, for us humans, September and autumn are also a time of change. They mark new beginnings for younger residents starting the next school year — perhaps transitioning from primary to secondary or even setting off for university — and are a time for self-reinvention, with fresh fashion hitting the racks and warmer classics being unboxed from the back of the wardrobe. The county displays no signs of going into hibernation, though, with Lincolnshire as lively as ever. There are new exhibits and events to see at local landmarks, shows to watch at our arts centres, and festivals to enjoy. And as the beautiful landscape is awash with autumnal colour, a hike through one of our woods, or visit to a town you have yet to tick of your Lincolnshire bucket list, is a must to explore further the county you live in. When the days start cooling off, it’s only natural to want to hunker down inside, but with so much to experience, curtail those instincts and instead relish all Lincolnshire has to offer. Good reading, as always. Tess Egginton Editor from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper 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 FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF STOCK.ADOBE.COM/BURARATN 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? LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net The magazine that cares WE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Lincolnshire Today believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 23KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY Family businesses are more than commercial ventures. They are legacies built on trust, shaped by resilience, and anchored in the communities they serve. 28BUSTLING BRIGG Rich with history, unique shopping experiences, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, there’s a lot to explore in the market town of Brigg. 34PREPARING FOR A NEW SEASON With a new season of fashion on its way, a wealth of outfits await. 40ENHANCE YOUR ENSEMBLE A few accessories can take your outfit to the next level. 42A MOMENT OF VIBRANCE So often menswear is relegated to plain shades, so why not try something rich with colour this month? 44GLOSSY BEAUTY: HERE TO STAY The glossy look has taken over the beauty industry, from skincare and makeup to hair. 46THE POWER OF JAPANESE WALKING A simple method from Japan is challenging the way we approach fitness - proving that short, structured walks can lead to lasting health benefits. 49THE FUTURE OF HOME CARE As pressures mount on traditional services, home is emerging as the new centre of care—powered by technology, shaped by people, and rooted in dignity. 52EMBRACING THE JOY OF BAKING Nothing beats that sense of joy that comes from baking. Here we share some delicious desserts everyone will be eager to devour. SEPTEMBER WITH A NEW SEASON OF FASHION ON ITS WAY, A WEALTH OF OUTFITS AWAIT. contentsA SIMPLE METHOD FROM JAPAN IS CHALLENGING THE WAY WE APPROACH FITNESS - PROVING THAT SHORT, STRUCTURED WALKS CAN LEAD TO LASTING HEALTH BENEFITS. 56CREATIVITY AT THE CORE Lincolnshire’s schools are moving the arts from the edge of the timetable to the heart of learning, using music, drama and visual art to build skills that last a lifetime. • Lincoln Minster School 60THE RISE OF THE MINI WEDDING DRESS From aisle to afterparty, brides are embracing shorter gowns for their style, versatility and rewear potential, redefining what bridal fashion looks like today. 65WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. 70COUNTY MOTORING Mock the names all you like - they’re here, and they’re serious. Chinese manufacturers have gone from copycat curiosities to global players in record time. • We put the McLaren 750S Spider through its paces. Desirable homes 10A FAMILY HOME FOR ALL SEASONS A flexible family home meticulously designed by its owners, Primrose House can be enjoyed in every season. 16DEPICTING THE MAJESTY OF LINCOLNSHIRE Full of feeling and rich with colour and texture, Carl Paul’s paintings are a love letter to Lincolnshire. 18EXTENDING THE LIFE OF WATER FEATURES Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains how to get your water feature winter ready. 20FROM UNKEMPT MESS TO ARTIST’S RETREAT In the village of Bonby, encircling a 19th century cottage, grows an artist’s haven. Lincolnshire set for major boost in EV charging points Baby bank launches to support families and cut waste A new baby bank has opened in Lincolnshire to provide essential items for children aged up to three while encouraging the reuse of quality goods. Run by Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire with support from Lincolnshire County Council, the Baby Bliss Baby Bank serves families in Boston, Sleaford and surrounding areas. It offers donated prams, clothing, toys, highchairs, baby baths, Moses baskets without mattresses, baby walkers, books and other items. Donations in clean, good condition can be dropped at Tattershall Household Waste Recycling Centre from Friday to Tuesday between 9am and 3.50pm. The scheme aims to address local demand, with over 1,200 families seeking children’s support last year. By rehoming unwanted items, the project reduces waste that would otherwise be incinerated. Families using the service can also access wider help from Citizens Advice, including guidance on benefits, debt and grants. Lincolnshire will see 40 new electric vehicle charging points installed over the next year, following £249,000 in government funding. The expansion is part of Lincolnshire County Council’s plan to have 55 new charging points in place by 2027. The county currently operates eight council-owned chargers, with three more recently added. The upcoming installations will be delivered by the council and managed by private contractors. The project is backed by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles and is supported by a wider £5.6 million allocation to expand EV infrastructure in the county. Lincolnshire’s funding forms part of a £39.3 million award from the Local Electric Vehicle Investment Fund, shared among 13 Midlands councils. The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s charging network ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales, with a particular focus on areas where drivers lack off-street parking. Locals’ art goes on display at Usher Gallery Visitors now have the chance to view more than 120 works of art from Lincolnshire’s artists in a new exhibition at Lincoln’s free public art gallery. More than 400 artists answered The Usher Gallery Trust’s open call for entries for their second open exhibition, ‘Art of the Now’, which celebrates the variety of artists living in Lincolnshire. In total, judges received 900 pieces of artwork, from paintings and photography to collage and ceramics. The youngest entry came from a budding artist aged just five! Ian Walter, chair of the Usher Gallery Trust, said: “We like to give Lincolnshire’s talented artists the opportunity to showcase their work at the county’s foremost art gallery and they certainly didn’t disappoint us with their response! “The expert judging panel were most impressed by the creativity and skill on show and had their work cut out narrowing the selection to 126 pieces for display. “The Trustees of the Usher Gallery Trust very much hope that you enjoy this exhibition of art, made in Lincolnshire.” ‘Art of the Now’ is on display at The Usher Gallery until 19 October 2025. latest news © stock.adobe.com/Halfpoint © Lincolnshire County Council © Lincolnshire County CouncilRelief helicopter lands at Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance base Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) has welcomed a relief helicopter to its operation as its iconic AW169 aircraft departs for a scheduled major service in Emden, Germany. The charity’s flagship AW169 will undergo its four-year annual maintenance inspection at HeliService headquarters in Emden. LNAA’s chief pilot, Llewis Ingamells said: “The service includes a complete strip-down of the aircraft to ensure every component is thoroughly inspected, operational, and safe. This work ensures that the aircraft continues to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.” To maintain uninterrupted service during this period, LNAA will operate an AW109 Grand New relief helicopter. It will enable the charity to continue delivering critical care to patients across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The relief helicopter is similar in design and performance to the new model (AW109 Grand New) LNAA plans to introduce in 2027. This provides LNAA’s pilots with a valuable opportunity to gain additional flight hours in an equivalent aircraft, supporting future readiness and operational continuity. O’Brien’s Optician owner marks new achievement In 2017, Sheeraz Janjua, the owner and senior optometrist at O’Brien’s Optician in Brigg, attained a Doctor of Optometry degree. In 2025, he has built on that success by completing his MSc in Clinical Optometry at Cardiff University. His latest achievement entailed a number of examinations and the compilation of an extensive review of current research into Photobiomodulation, a new form of therapy which uses special light sources to treat patients who have Dry Age-related Macular Disease (DryAMD) or patients who have Dry Eye Disease (DED) or Meibomion Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Dr Janjua has been using these new light-based therapies extensively in his practice in Brigg and his treated patients have been reporting very positive results. O’Brien’s, in Wrawby Street, Brigg, welcomes the registration of new patients and is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Call 01652 653595 to make an appointment with Dr Janjua for an advanced eye examination. Dr S A Janjua pictured after the Cardiff University ceremony in July, at which he received his MSc degree in Clinical Optometry. Push for faster trains between Lincoln and Nottingham gains momentum Plans to upgrade the Castle Line between Lincoln and Nottingham are moving forward, with Midlands Connect submitting a proposal to the Department for Transport to improve journey speeds and attract more rail users. The £18 million proposal aims to boost train speeds from around 50mph to 75mph, reducing travel times and making rail a more attractive option compared to driving. The route serves a mix of urban and rural communities including Hykeham, Swinderby, Collingham, Newark, and Lowdham. Despite the line’s importance as an east-west connector, only 10% of trips between the two cities are currently made by train. The upgrades are expected to increase usage, improve access to employment, and support social mobility along the corridor. Midlands Connect estimates a £2 return in regional benefits for every £1 invested, with potential positive impacts on sustainability, local economies, and deprived areas. The proposal has received support from regional leaders and commuters alike, who cite current journey times as a barrier to accessing jobs and services in both cities. latest news © stock.adobe.com/Ulf Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed phase 1 of the multi- million-pound redevelopment of the former Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens, which was celebrated with a time capsule burial with staff and pupils from Sutton-on-Sea Community Primary School. The project, delivered in partnership with East Lindsey District Council, CPMG Architects, and Alan Wood Associates through the Pagabo Medium Works framework, marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the coastal landmark. The recently completed redevelopment includes a pavilion featuring space suitable for a sea-view café or restaurant fit-out and a modern exhibition area. Enhancements to the former Pleasure Gardens provide recreational areas and open community space, alongside a base to receive 15 new beach huts supplied directly by the Council. A link bridge now connects the promenade to the new Seaview Colonnade, improving public access and the visitor experience. Popular nearby existing features have been retained, which include the refurbished paddling pool, tennis court and anchor water feature. Completion marked at Sutton on Sea Colonnade redevelopment Lincolnshire food and drink gift company secures £500k investment Luxury food and drink gift company, IMP & MAKER, has secured a £500,000 investment in a deal that values the business at £2m. The funding comes from an unnamed angel investor in exchange for a minority stake in the growing Lincolnshire-based business. Sarah Louise Fairburn, who founded IMP & MAKER in 2020, hailed the investment as ‘game-changing’. She said: “It’s a real validation in what we’re building at IMP & MAKER and me personally. The investor was impressed by the strength of our brand, the quality of our products, and the breadth and range of our customer base. They saw the amazing growth potential in eCommerce and B2B that will see us grow to over £2m this year. “He shares our vision to disrupt the food and drink gift sector with our beautifully packaged and personalised gifts that our customers remember and savour – all underpinned by the best technology.” IMP & MAKER employs eight people at its head office in Lincolnshire. Sarah Louise Fairburn, founder of IMP & MAKER Contact us today to claim your information pack or to book a viewing www.tingdene-parks.net | 01933 427815 | info@tingdene.net What’s more, with the chance to realise some capital and enjoy ȴQDQFLDOIUHHGRP\RXȇOOEHDEOHWRPDNHWKHPRVWRIOLIHDQGGRDOO WKRVHWKLQJV\RXȇYHEHHQSODQQLQJIRUVRORQJZKHWKHU\RXȇUHIXOO\ UHWLULQJRUZLQGLQJGRZQIURPWKHZRUOGRIZRUN$W$VKȴHOG3DUN \RXFDQHQMR\WKHFRQYHQLHQFHRIVKRSVDQGDPHQLWLHVDQG DZHOFRPLQJFRPPXQLW\ULJKWRQ\RXUGRRUVWHS 7KHUHȇVDZDUPZHOFRPHDZDLWLQJ\RXDW$VKȴHOG3DUNLQ 6FXQWKRUSH<RXȇOOIHHOULJKWDWKRPHLQ\RXUEUDQGQHZKRPHLQ DYLEUDQWOLNHPLQGHGFRPPXQLW\H[FOXVLYHO\IRUWKHRYHUV FULLY FURNISHED HOME Step inside the stylish Image—where VOHHNGHVLJQPHHWVPRGHUQOLYLQJ:LWK HOHJDQWȴQLVKHVVSDFLRXVLQWHULRUVDQG DGHGLFDWHGVWXG\LWȇVDKRPHWKDWWUXO\ LQVSLUHV7KLVIDEXORXVKRPHFRPHVZLWK SULYDWHRXWGRRUVSDFHDQG RQSORWSDUNLQJ 23(1)259Ζ(:Ζ1*6&$//12: e THE SONATA 46Ȓ x 12Ȓ | EHG | EDWK NOW AVAILABLE FEEL AT HOME WITH OUR WAY OF LIFE WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY /RZPDLQWHQDQFHKRPHV for ease of living $FWLYHHQJDJHGFRPPXQLW\ lifestyle 1RVWDPSGXW\ 3DUWH[FKDQJHDQGDVVLVWHG move options available $QDPH\RXFDQWUXVW H[FHOOHQWEX\LQJH[SHULHQFH DQGRQJRLQJVXSSRUW £99,950 HOMES FROMNext >