< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY GARDENS In the village of Bonby, encircling a 19th century cottage, grows an artist’s haven. T ransformed over the last decade, when Peter Wood — an award-winning painter — moved into Rose Cottage its gardens were in dire need of attention. “The house had been rented out, so although the gardens had some established trees and shrubs, which were very useful, it was rather an unkempt mess,” he explained. “It was surrounded by huge conifers that had to be removed, there were falling, aging fruit trees covered in ivy and ancient climbing roses, a scrappy, tiny pond with a leaking liner, some topiary box hedging, and the memories of three, almost hidden flower beds.” Embarking on a long-term project with his stepson Patrick, Peter had several important aims for the garden. He detailed: “These included my needs as an artist, that almost every view should be a composition for a painting right through spring to summer. I am also partially disabled with mobility limitations and so it had to be easily accessible plus easily maintainable. The size is just manageable for me, as a compact but versatile and varied area.” Having spent many years in France, Peter envisioned a garden incorporating a combination of French ideas as well as that of an English cottage garden; and being a great admirer of Monet’s work and gardens, as an Impressionist himself, he had aspirations of creating “a wee patch of Giverny!” The first port of call was to cut back the shrubs, take down a dangerous, ancient, rose-covered, rotten apple tree, leaning at 50 degrees, and start work on renovating the three hidden beds, one of which was filled with ground elder, a troublesome weed. Alongside removing aging decking in the far-right end corner of the garden, this made up most of the first year’s work. The next few years saw the cleaning, enlarging, and planting of the flower beds, the addition of a greenhouse and three raised beds for vegetables. With the greenhouse so bountiful every year, Peter eventually installed a second at the bottom left of the garden for potting, growing on, cucumbers, peppers, and aubergines. After getting the garden under control, Peter started adding more English fruit trees, a few figs, grape vines, a small olive, and various small palms. Existing roses that surrounded and grew up the walls of Rose Cottage were no longer unruly, and the original vast climbing rose that had covered the dangerous apple tree was trained over an arch and over new sheds. Peter further created a workshop, having re-set the terracotta tiles over an old potting shed. “We are told that this was possibly the old village From unkempt mess to artist’s retreat From unkempt mess to artist’s retreat LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 GARDENS fish and chip shop,” he noted. With the garden taking shape, guided by the original footprint, established trees and plants, and movement of the sun and light, the central part of the garden was about to be developed. With Peter’s planning and Patrick’s hard work, the pair decided to remove a small, old pond and use the existing rocks and site for a new replacement, ten foot by eight foot and five foot deep — with a header filter pond above it with a tall multi-tiered fountain. This was fitted within flower beds, lawn, and a twisted hazel tree. With the subsequent planting of Peter’s collection of French iris, several gunnera, red hot poker, ferns, hostas, rockery plants and more, it became “the hub of the garden.” With several sheds holding belongings from Peter’s time in France and the purchase of another property abroad becoming unlikely, plus one shed being filled to the brim with paintings, it was time to complete the next side of the garden. Peter shared: “The conservatory had been my studio for these years. Ideally situated, looking west down the garden. With selling up my second life and home in France, mainly due to Brexit, we decided to remove the old double garage and build a complete two-story studio / gallery in its place. This would house my French items, be a new gallery area / studio and a self-contained unit able to accommodate guest artists. New flower borders around this and extended parking complete the gardens — even so I could still do with a big barn to exhibit all my artwork!” The gardens now stand as a compact, diverse, yet manageable oasis with constantly changing compositions revealed throughout the seasons. Evergreen shrubs help form passageways and tunnels, and bamboo and tall plants make screens between areas in the background, working to shorter plants in the foreground. The gardens welcome a wealth of wildlife from insects and butterflies to birds and animals; Peter even heard the song of a nightingale a few years back. The old trees, ivy, buddleia, and ponds see newts, frogs, toads, hedgehogs, dragonflies and more, while a multi-tier bird table converted into a waterfall / fountain is adored by feathered friends, with its sound adding to the gardens’ ambience. Pears, eight types of apples, plums, cherries and cherry plums, as well as the figs and grapes, leave plenty for animals and insects to enjoy, also filling up Peter’s freezers and those of others! Two French walnut trees seeded from Peter’s last garden in the Creuse look like fruiting soon too. Peter added: “It is not a pristine, weedless garden but a blend of the traditional with the wild countryside we sit in, creeping and blending in.” The journey has not been without its difficulties of course, as Peter shared: “Delays of over a year in the building of 22 Á22 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY GARDENS the studio have certainly adversely affected our own comfort, health and had financial implications. And there is only so much I am capable of, physically, so having help from Patrick has been very useful; although we both struggle a bit with trimming the tall trees and hedges, him with a dislike of heights and me with age and fitness now!” With all the major work complete, most of the labour in the gardens is now simply adjustments and maintenance, although Peter does plan to improve the soil quality in the flower beds, to gain better growth and longer lasting plants. He has also this year planted wisteria, fuchsias, and artichokes, bearing in mind long-term growth. Today the gardens burst with colour and life, full of flora, fruits and veggies, however Peter has also created a retreat for artists. Visited by art societies, clubs and local creatives, Peter explained why he has opened up his Eden: “Sharing is a part of me as a natural teacher. I gain pleasure from seeing others gain pleasure and attain. It is why I have a YouTube channel with nearly 2,000 films on sharing my travels, past life in France, painting, potting, gardening, fishing, shooting, woodcarving, even taxidermy! I have helped people start whole new lives doing this, gain new skills, find new paths. I do not say my gardens are the best, or better than very, very many gardens. Yet if sharing them inspires others to try, to gain ideas, allows those who do not have such to come and, also, enjoy and create, finding the pleasure I do, then all this is more worthwhile and so is my existence and reason to be here. I will, hopefully, be leaving a lot more positive material in this world than existed before I did. I am 74 now, so no time to waste!” Having built and recently opened an art studio / gallery on the property, he added: “In my opinion nearly all of us are able to enjoy art. If we have basic eye to hand co- ordination, some poetry in our soul, and good teaching and help, anyone can be helped to find who they are and what they can do. That is where people like me, and this garden and studio arrive.” Peter continued: “I taught as a head of art, craft, design and tech for 28 years or so, retired early through ill health and started a whole new life turning the ‘disabilities’ into the positive. I know that my medical problems will eventually truly limit me, but if I can mutually benefit other likeminded people by doing this, it makes sense. The studio / gallery is a special place, and I am not going to offer it to the general public to rent or as Airbnb. It is only to be offered as accommodation to creative individuals / couples for short seasonal courses and breaks. Self-catering, but with as many hours teaching in almost any medium as they wish. Although I do welcome the public to visit the gallery throughout the year and the gardens May to August, by appointment, using email only please. I am, also, available for private lessons here, demonstrations or workshops away. Painting in the garden is welcome, without any charge.” Peter has captured his own gardens over the years too, from setting up a large mirror to paint a self-portrait amongst the flowers, to a single rose, and a plethora of flowers from shorter roses into poppies and a towering background of hollyhocks. To see Peter’s artwork, his gallery / studio, and for the opportunity to paint in the gardens, make an appointment with Peter at peterwood66@btinternet.com One of Peter Wood's pieces, painted in his gardens Peter Wood painting in his garden Bursting with life, amongst the plants grown in Peter’s garden are hollyhocks, delphiniums, daisies, red hot poker, iris, gladioli, perennial sweet pea, nasturtiums, hostas, calendula, tomatoes, cucumbers, broad beans, runner beans, French beans, beetroot, asparagus, leeks, onions, mange tout, peas, strawberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, chard, cabbage, lettuce, parsnips and more. © stock.adobe.com/Geber86 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 FAMILY BUSINESS Family businesses are more than commercial ventures. They are legacies built on trust, shaped by resilience, and anchored in the communities they serve - blending tradition with the adaptability needed to endure. F amily businesses occupy a space that large corporations can rarely reach. They are not just commercial entities but living records of shared histories, stitched into the identity of the places they serve. In Lincolnshire, where the rhythm of life is shaped by its towns, market squares and agricultural landscapes, these businesses are part of the fabric. They carry the weight of local memory, even as they adapt to changing times. The image of a family working side by side has a certain familiarity. It conjures a trust that is difficult to manufacture through branding alone. This trust is built over decades, sometimes centuries, of showing up in the same place, serving the same communities, and honouring commitments that go beyond contracts. In smaller communities, reputation is currency. A family business that keeps its word becomes more than a supplier or a shop. It becomes part of the collective sense of reliability. That perception of trust is not accidental. Family businesses are often judged by the way they blend professional service with personal accountability. A customer is not just a transaction but someone whose name is remembered, whose preferences are noted. In a marketplace dominated by algorithms and loyalty cards, that personal recognition is rare. For many customers, it is enough to tilt a decision in favour of the local family-run firm, even Keeping it in the family 24 Á24 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FAMILY BUSINESS Striacroft – Louth’s longest established jewellers Established in May 1978 in the beautiful town of Louth, in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Striacroft Jewellers is a second-generation family business where service and quality are of upmost importance. Now the town’s longest established jewellers, and belonging to The National Association of Jewellers and The Guild of Master Craftsmen, Striacroft stocks stunning jewellery, watches, clocks, and giftware, while also offering repair, engraving, piercing, and valuation services. Find coveted brands such as Amore, Aviv, Citizen, Coeur De Lion, Dollie Jewellery, Fei Liu, Henryka, Hot Diamonds, Iron Annie, Junkers Watches, Nomination, Real Effect, Unique & Co., and Zeppelin. Whether looking for a present, engagement ring, wedding jewellery, or some sparkle for accessorising visit Striacroft at 17 Market Place, Louth, LN11 9PD, or online at www.striacroft.co.uk. To contact Striacroft email info@striacroft.co.uk or call 01507 604029. when bigger competitors might offer slightly lower prices or more options. Running such a business, however, is far from simple. Beneath the warm image lies a constant negotiation between tradition and innovation. Family ownership brings stability but also the challenge of generational change. The handover from one generation to the next can be a seamless passing of the torch or a fraught period of disagreement over direction. Younger members may want to embrace new technology, diversify the offer, or adjust to shifting consumer expectations, while older generations may feel the pull of tested methods that have kept the business steady for decades. The strength of a family business often lies in its ability to adapt without losing its character. This is not about resisting change but absorbing it in a way that feels consistent with the values that built the business in the first place. Whether that means introducing an online ordering system for a traditional shop, investing in energy-efficient machinery for a small manufacturing unit, or expanding into new markets, the decisions are filtered through an understanding of what makes the business recognisable and trustworthy. Economic resilience is another part of the story. Research has repeatedly shown that family-owned firms can be more stable during downturns. Their decision- making often prioritises long-term sustainability over short-term gains, partly because the business is tied to the family name. This can mean slower but steadier growth, with an eye on preserving the enterprise for future generations. In Lincolnshire, where economic cycles have been felt sharply across industries from farming to engineering, that steady hand has often made the difference between survival and closure. Yet stability comes at a price. The blending of work and family life can blur boundaries. Decisions taken around the kitchen table may affect not only the health of the business but the relationships between siblings, parents and children. Disagreements over direction, investment, or succession can take on a sharper edge when business partners are also relatives. For many, finding a balance between preserving harmony at home and making difficult commercial decisions is one of the most delicate aspects of running a family enterprise. Outside the family, employees in such businesses often describe a different kind of workplace culture. There can be a sense of inclusion, with staff treated more like extended family than just members of a payroll. This can foster loyalty and commitment, leading to lower turnover and a workforce that genuinely cares about the business’s success. But it can also mean a smaller margin for formality; roles and boundaries can be less clearly © stock.adobe.com/ivanko80LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 FAMILY BUSINESS Keeping Your Business Moving Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby T: 07739 644398 E: glcommercials@btinternet.com W: www.glcommercials.com 01205 760 638 Bakers Lane, Freiston, Boston www.jandjfuels.com jjfuelsboston@btconnect.com J & J FUELS BOSTON Oil in South Lincolnshire is available at a fair price & with a reliable service from J & J Fuels. We are here to ensure you receive the very best service & at a time that suits you. As a member of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers you can be sure of a safe service every time with quality of product also assured. We pride ourselves on our prompt delivery services as well as our competitive prices. 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In communities like those across Lincolnshire, family businesses have an influence that extends beyond the goods or services they sell. They sponsor local events, support schools, and take part in village and town life in a way that multinationals rarely do. Their decision-making is informed by proximity. They know the people they serve, the seasonal rhythms of the place, and the pressures local households face. That closeness can inform pricing, product choice, and even the timing of investments. The perception of trustworthiness attached to family businesses is reinforced by their visibility. The owners are not hidden behind a boardroom or an investor call; they are present, approachable, and answerable. When problems arise, they are dealt with directly. That sense of accountability builds a relationship that survives beyond a single transaction. Customers come back not simply because the product is good, but because they feel a personal stake in the success of the people behind it. Technology has introduced new pressures and opportunities. While some family businesses have struggled to adapt to the pace of digital change, others have embraced it, using online platforms to reach new customers without losing their local identity. Social media in particular has given smaller firms a way to tell their story directly, bypassing traditional advertising. When done well, this can extend the intimacy and trust of the local relationship to a wider audience. However, the digital era also sharpens competition. Customers can now compare prices and products in seconds, meaning that loyalty must be earned continually. In this environment, the intangible qualities that family businesses offer: trust, personal service, local knowledge become more important, but they must be paired with the convenience and efficiency modern customers expect.Andrew Dams As a family- owned business established in 1983, we have cultivated a strong reputation for serving customers across the Lincolnshire region for over four decades. Our comprehensive range of products includes sheds, summerhouses, and Elite Greenhouses, which we supply and install to our customers in Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and beyond. Our exceptional timber structures are meticulously crafted on our own premises using only the finest materials available. Our mission is to offer our 19mm thick Loglap T&G buildings at a competitive price point, comparable to those of our competitors’ 12mm sheds. To facilitate your purchase, we provide both online shopping through our website and a show site featuring approximately 20 sheds, summerhouses, and 10 aluminium Elite Greenhouses. The show site is open to the public and welcomes all interested parties. 01526 861737 Billinghay, Lincolnshire LN4 4EW www.andrewdams.co.uk sales@andrewdams.co.uk Family run business in Lincolnshire, manufacturing, selling and installing the best quality timber sheds, summer houses and Elite Greenhouses and more! Large display site based in Billinghay with bespoke buildings also available. Family business est. 1983 Follow us for regular updates… 26 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FAMILY BUSINESS Quality cuts from a local family business Situated in the picturesque Lincolnshire town of Louth, Woolliss Butchers considers itself to be both very traditional and also modern. Run as a family business with John Woolliss at the helm, Woolliss Butchers employs an experienced team of bakers who freshly bake their products each day. Catering for both savoury lovers and those with a sweet tooth, not only do they serve award winning pies and meats, but sweet treats, buns and cakes out of their bakery. “Our butchery is about careful selection, professional cutting and educating people on the meat they buy, which is all sourced for quality,” explains Mr Woolliss. “We consider ourselves very traditional but also very modern, and not only offer a wide selection of quality meats, but home-made pastries and pies.” The family business is recognised by numerous local businesses as well, with local restaurants using them to source quality cuts of meat to be cooked and served to their customers. For more information visit www.woolliss-butchers.co.uk Woolliss & Son Butchers –– AWARD-WINNING LINCOLNSHIRE BUTCHERS –– LOOKING FOR A TOP QUALITY BUTCHERS IN LINCOLNSHIRE? Look no further, we have a proven track record when it comes to providing top quality cuts of meat and home made pastries at a competitive price. We are proud of our locally sourced produce and our 5 star hygiene rating. 29-31 Mercer Row, Louth LN11 9JG. T: 01507 603230 E: orders@woolliss-butchers.co.uk W: woolliss-butchers.co.uk Christmas Hamper orders now being takenGates, Fencing, Garage Doors, Auto Gate Systems, Sawmill, Structures, Hardwood, Softwood, Treated Softwood, Decking, Cabins, Garden Furniture, Aged Oak, Building Timber, Sheet Materials, Tools & Firewood. B Knight & Son Ltd Timber Merchants & Manufacturers t: 01522 754207 • e: sales@b-knightandson.co.uk www.b-knightandson.co.uk 30 Main Road, Langworth, Lincoln, LN3 5BJ LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 27 FAMILY BUSINESS B Knight & Son Ltd, Lincoln B Knight & Son Ltd timber merchants and manufacturers have been trading since 1874, being in the Knight family for over 150 years, passed through the generations delivering a personal and knowledgeable service committed to quality and professionalism. Situated in the village of Langworth on the A158 between Lincoln and Wragby, currently under the family leadership of John, Ben and John’s daughter Helen, the traditional sawmill and timber business supplies “off the shelf” and bespoke manufactured items. Anything timber related would be considered for manufacture by the skilled on-site team, offering advice, initial design to fitting the finished product. There is nothing too small or too ambitious to challenge them. Both retail and trade customers are welcome. Examples and images of products and services may be found on their website www.b-knightandson.co.uk and on Facebook, which is updated regularly. We can help make your dream fireplace a reality, whether it’s electric, gas, wood-burning or multi-fuel. We have been fitting fireplaces and fires for over 36 years with our own in-house, highly skilled & experienced fitting team. Visit our large, family run fireplace showroom for inspiration. Burning Sensation (Grimsby) Ltd Armstrong Street, Grimsby. DN31 1XD Call: 01472 351651 sales@burningsensation.co.uk www.burningsensation.co.uk Burning Sensation Fireplaces Meet Mark and Sarah, they are the husband-and- wife team that are the frontline of Burning Sensation Fireplaces. This established fireplace showroom has been in the same family for a little over thirty-six years. They are dedicated to providing customers with the most beautiful fires and fireplaces, whether that is from their standard ranges or something more bespoke. The showroom is ever-changing, keeping up-to-date with trends, along with those time-honoured staples. Boasting over seventy stunning displays in the ‘Tardis’ like showroom, from traditional wood surrounds and marble fireplaces with inset fires to contemporary media walls including TV chimney breast suites and of course, the ever-popular inglenook fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. In-house Gas Safe and HETAS registered fitting services are available too. A free customer carpark is in front of the showroom. You are welcome to browse the displays at your leisure and if you have any questions, Sarah is there to answer them.28 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY BRIGG K nown for its cobbled streets, independent retailers, and riverside walks, Brigg is a charming market town with a history stretching long into the past. Having been an important crossing point for the River Ancholme for thousands of years, the first settlement at Brigg stood at an ancient ford over the river, with prehistoric boats since uncovered in the town. Driving forth its growth as a commercial hub, the town was recognised with a market charter by King John, the signatory of the Magna Carta, in 1205, with this and the right to hold the Brigg Fair reconfirmed in 1235. Brigg’s bustling markets, from the traditional to farmers and arts and crafts, remain a core part of the town’s identity to this day, offering everything from fresh produce and flowers to clothing and artisan creations. Exuding a friendly atmosphere, and boosted by seasonal events, Brigg’s markets’ offer to shoppers is enhanced by the town’s wealth of independent Bustling Rich with history, unique shopping experiences, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, there’s a lot to explore in the market town of Brigg. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 BRIGG stores in cosy courts and yards. These unique boutiques, antique shops, and specialist stores give Brigg distinctive character. The range of eateries available, from cafés and tearooms, to pubs, meanwhile, provide a taste of traditional Lincolnshire delights and global cuisines. Whether shopping for essentials, relaxing with a coffee, or browsing for gifts, Brigg presents that authentic Lincolnshire experience, and does so against the backdrop of historic architecture. A key landmark is the Buttercross, built in 1817 as a meeting place and market by the Elwes family, now acting as an events venue and a tourist information centre. Meanwhile, a stone’s throw away is the Angel building, a former 17th century coaching inn with an early mock Tudor façade hosting a community hub and Brigg Town Council. History buffs will also enjoy the building’s museum, the Brigg Heritage Centre, which details the town’s rich past through interactive exhibits. The star of the show is the Bronze Age ‘Raft’ found nearby in the 31 ÁNext >