£2.95 OCTOBER 2020 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 30+ years young 30+ years young WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUP GROUP BLM £2.95 OCTOBER 2020 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE All about autumn All about autumn Inspiring fashion Fabulous homes Breast cancer awareness month Electric motors Inspiring fashion Fabulous homes Breast cancer awareness month Electric motors 01.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:45 Page 1A clear vision at O’Brien’s Opticians DESIGNE BRANDS? 41 YEARS O’Brien’s Opticians has been located on Wrawby Street, Brigg for over 40 years. A nationally recognised and acclaimed practice being runner-up in the UK Optician awards 2019 - INDEPENDENT PRACTICE OF THE YEAR 2019. All eye examinations are performed by Optometrist, Sheeraz Janjua who was awarded the degree of Doctor of Optometry (DipSv) from Aston University for his research in Dry eye syndrome. He was runner-up in the 2018 Optician awards for UK Optometrist of the Year. Supported by longstanding staff new services have been introduced including dry eye and blepharitis appointments and treatment plans. Doctor Janjua takes great pride in what he calls precision calculation of spectacle prescriptions - using techniques honed over twenty years in optometry. Emphasis is placed on personal service, correctly fitted original and international frames and accurately dispensed ophthalmic lenses by exceptional manufacturers such as Carl Zeiss, Nikon, Seiko, Rodenstock, Essilor (VARILUX, TRANSITIONS), Kodak, Hoya and many other superior independent lens suppliers including one that makes the THINNEST lens in the world using 1.76 INDEX! Dr. Janjua Launches Specialist Lenses for Macular Degeneration (AMD) The practice dispenses specialist lens types, tints and coatings which can help people with various daily tasks such as driving (day driving and night driving), poor vision in low light level and VDU work. In 2016 Dr. Janjua introduced specialist lenses from the USA for people with vision loss related to Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Diabetic Retinopathy and macular degeneration (AMD). These special - prismatic lenses can change the direction of light to alternative healthier parts of the retina. Combined with a special filter to improve contrast - they have been a huge success. The practice can now also supply revolutionary lenses that use a built in mesh in the lens to improve the vision for those who struggle to see very well - especially at night. Now official stockists of LINDBERG - the best eyewear in the world! The Danish royal family, politicians, business tycoons, and high-profile celebrities are your typical LINDBERG customers. With 95+ international design awards including the prestigious Silmo Gold award, this multi award-winning Danish company is undoubtedly the best of the best in the world. Their craftsmanship is unmatched by ANY other existing brands today and now available in BRIGG. O’Brien’s welcomes the registration of new patients. The practice is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Telephone 01652 653 595 to make an appointment. FINEST OPTICIANS IN LINCOLNSHIRE Purveyors of Luxury Eyewear since 1979 pp intment. M e a A See Dr. Janjua - if you or know anyone who has Poor sight - for Specialist lenses for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and many other eye conditions. O’Brien’s Opticians - BRIGG we are OPEN AS (new) NORMAL from Wednesday 1st July. Dr. Janjua & team will see you now. OPHTHALMIC OPTICIANS & CONTACT LENS SPECIALIST PRACTICE MANAGER - Jane Palmer, OPTOMETRIST - Dr. Sheeraz A. Janjua BSc(Hons) DipSv MCOptom DOptom OPENING HOURS - MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00 - 5.00, SATURDAY 9.00 - 4.00 • NEW PATIENTS WELCOME WEB: www.obriensopticians.com EMAIL: enquiries@obriensopticians.co.uk TEL: 01652 653 595 43/44 WRAWBY STREET, BRIGG, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE LOOKING FOR INDEPENDEN T SERVICE AND DESIGNER BRANDS? CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS To find out how to get your business on the up visit www.dextersharpe.co.uk Offices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & Spilsby We pride ourselves on providing a pro-active, friendly and accessible service. Experts in Accounts and Tax Returns Tax Planning and Book-Keeping Audits and Business Advice We’re here to get you in the right direction Keeping business on the up… 02.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:46 Page 1from the editor It’s hard to believe that when the lockdown came into effect, we had just entered spring and now here we are well into the depths of autumn. ‘Bizarre’ doesn’t begin to cover the last seven months, and the rest of the year looks set to be equally as surreal. The introduction of the latest safety rules has limited social gatherings, indoors and out, to six people, scuppering many plans and casting doubt over how Christmas will be celebrated this year. Trying to keep on top of all the rules can be a little confusing, so we’ve put together a helpful guide covering everything you need to know, so you can still enjoy doing the things you love, whilst keeping yourself and others safe. Pandemic or not, October remains Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Raising funds to combat this deadly disease is vital now more than ever and, despite social distancing measures, there’s still plenty of ways to help raise money. For many, there’s no better time of year than autumn. The sights and smells are delightfully evocative, and the colder, darker nights mean blankets, books, candles, hot chocolate and comfort food. We’ve got you covered on all counts with features and supplements exploring everything autumn, from fashion and food to home décor. As always, that’s barely just scraping the surface. Stay safe, Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team 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/LILKAR LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net Virtual Adoption Information Event Find out more about adoption at our virtual information event on Tuesday 13th October at 6:30pm. Register at lincolnshire.gov.uk/adoption or call 01522 554114 for more information. 03.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:48 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 10 HULL COLLEGE Q&A We spoke to HCUK Training about its dedicated Skills Support for Redundancy programme and how business can adapt workplace attitudes towards redundancies. 24 LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE With its beautiful song and fondness for seeds, it’s easy to see why the linnet proves such a popular bird, both historically and today. But intense farming continues to threaten their numbers. 26 SEASON DEFINING There’s no easy definition when it comes to what makes an autumnal outfit – you just know it when you see one. For every look sporting dark colours and heavier materials, there’s one that’s bright and floral. Here we round up a few of our favourites. 32 ALL THAT GLITTERS As the weather drops and the hats, scarves and gloves are worn more regularly, don’t forget about the simple stylish pleasures of jewellery. 34 CURATE YOUR OWN LOOK Mix and match this autumn with fashion pieces that go from rugged outdoor wear, to smarter period-inspired pieces. 36 GETTING THE AUTUMN LOOK There’s no denying that autumn is here, and that means it’s time to update your make-up. But don’t worry, Lincolnshire Today is here with all the latest tips and trends. 38 AN ACTIVE AND HEALTHY AUTUMN The new season may stimulate a desire to curl up with a cuppa and snacks, but it is not time to hibernate. 40 A TOUCH OF COMFORT With the nights drawing in and the temperature falling, we’re all guilty of wanting comforting, filling food. But it doesn’t have to be stodgy, heavy fare as these delicious recipes prove. 44 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED All Lincolnshire’s market towns have long and interesting pasts but Sleaford more so than most. We visit and explore. OCTOBER 26 26 THERE’S NO EASY DEFINITION WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT MAKES AN AUTUMNAL OUTFIT – YOU JUST KNOW IT WHEN YOU SEE ONE. FOR EVERY LOOK SPORTING DARK COLOURS AND HEAVIER MATERIALS, THERE’S ONE THAT’S BRIGHT AND FLORAL. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:51 Page 138 38 THE NEW SEASON MAY STIMULATE A DESIRE TO CURL UP WITH A CUPPA AND SNACKS, BUT IT IS NOT TIME TO HIBERNATE. 47 BEATING BREAST CANCER This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lincolnshire Today shines a light on this devastating disease and the amazing efforts to stop people dying from the UK’s most common form of cancer. . 52 COUNTY MOTORING As confidence and demand for completely electric cars grow, a variety of options are hitting the market, especially SUVs. 56 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. 59 CARING Winter is always a difficult time for the elderly and the recent pandemic may only make things worse. 62 GOING OUT It’s been over half a year since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic with safety measures and social distancing becoming commonplace nationwide. But with some people now taking the rules for granted, we cover the basics so readers can go out and enjoy themselves safely and securely this autumn. Desirable homes 12 A HOMELY COUNTRY RETREAT This month’s property is well located, has been completely renovated, and presents a wealth of classic features while being an ideal family home. 18 STYLISH STORAGE This month the focus is on storage solutions, ones with elegance and sophistication that work in harmony with your décor rather than competing against it. 20 THE LOOK OF LANDSCAPES This month we take a closer look at the colourful contemporary landscapes of Caroline Deighton. 22 GETTING THE GARDEN OF YOUR DREAMS Fullers Landscaping recently designed and completed a garden which was transformed to provide our clients with the outdoor space they wanted, and that the property deserved. Here Ed Fuller explores the process. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:51 Page 2latest news Guidance has been offered to groups organising Remembrance Day parades across Lincolnshire to run as smoothly and safely as possible. A letter of support from Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police offers advice and guidance to organisers. It comes after The Royal British Legion published new guidance that says members cannot be involved in the organising or facilitating of road closures for Remembrance parades. Instead, any road closure for a parade should be organised by the local civic authority – for example the town or parish council. This change in guidance comes after an incident where a member of the public was injured at a Remembrance parade in 2018. Event organisers will also need to adhere to government guidelines on social distancing this year. Alongside Lincolnshire Police, we are able to offer advice on safety at events. Chief Inspector Phil Vickers from Lincolnshire Police said: “A parade is not the Remembrance service in itself. But some areas in the county have enjoyed a long history of holding a parade on the public highway as part of their Remembrance. Parade organiser will just need to take stock of their plans this year, to make sure they can still go ahead. “Lincolnshire Police and the county council are fully supportive of Remembrance Day parades, so please get in touch with us if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions or the new British Legion guidance will affect your event.” © Shutterstock/Mariyana Lozanova Safety guidance offered for Remembrance Day parade organisers New installation to celebrate Mayflower anniversary A new structure celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers will be installed at Scotia Creek near Boston later this year. The metal viewing platform will allow visitors to look out to the Wash and beyond, at an important spot in the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims and their voyage to New England in the 1600s. The joint project between Arts Council England and Lincolnshire County Council is part of a series of projects in the Boston area celebrating the Mayflower’s 400th anniversary. It also adds to a series of other shelters and lookouts installed on the Lincolnshire coast in recent years. Installation for the structure at Scotia Creek is planned for November 2020. The platform provides shelter and has seating that can be altered by visitors to give views back to Boston, as well as out to sea. The £115k memorial is jointly funded by Arts Council England (£90k) and Lincolnshire County Council (£25k), with the land provided by Boston Borough Council. 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:53 Page 1More adopters needed locally More adopters are needed in Lincolnshire to care for children aged 3 years and above, brothers and sisters who need to be kept together and children with additional needs and disabilities. Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of adoptive parents coming forward for these groups of children, and they often end up waiting the longest to find a home where they can feel safe and thrive. This National Adoption Week (12-18th Oct), Lincolnshire Adoption Service is hosting a virtual information event and will highlight the need for more adopters locally. The event will include a talk from an approved adopter about their experience of adopting, as well as information about the process to become an adopter, and what support is available from Lincolnshire Adoption Service. The virtual adoption information event is being held on Tuesday 13th October at 6:30pm. To register your place, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/adoption, or call 01522 554114 for more information. Greater Lincolnshire is now home to 430 fast growing companies that can help the area overcome the economic challenges created by COVID-19. Their importance to the local economy is underscored by the fact that they are employing a total of 29,556 staff and generating £3.4 billion in turnover, according to the ScaleUp Institute’s analysis of the most recent official data. These 430 are part of an innovative and productive scaleup community across the UK of businesses that have grown their turnover or employment by 20% a year over a three-year period. However, with headwinds created by COVID-19 and Brexit these scaleups need effective support to remove a range of barriers that could challenge their long-term growth and the role they can play in helping Greater Lincolnshire flourish economically. “Scaleups have remained resilient in the face of the COVID-19 emergency and continue to be critical to local economies with many still planning to grow,” said ScaleUp Institute Chief Executive Irene Graham. businesses generating £3.4bn Fast-growing Greater Lincs “But this is no time for complacency, with scaleups citing challenges on accessing markets and appropriate finance dialling up, as they face into the uncertainties that COVID and Brexit create. We must double down on efforts to create a supportive environment or risk losing the benefit of their enterprise and productivity. “And that would be a huge loss as scaleups are 54% more productive than other businesses, twice as likely to offer apprenticeships, are more than twice as innovative, and, significantly, they create high quality jobs. “Now is the time to also bring on those firms that are in the ‘pipeline’ – whose performance puts them just outside the definition of a scaleup – of which there are 230 in Greater Lincolnshire. “In Greater Lincolnshire scaleup leaders particularly highlight access to markets in the UK and internationally, access to funding for innovation and R&D, and access to tax breaks as key issues.” © Shutterstock/Worawee Meepian © Shutterstock / Africa Studio 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:53 Page 2latest news Spalding man among finders of bones belonging to a new dinosaur Grantham Southern Relief Road uncovers thousands of years of history Thousands of artefacts have been discovered along the Grantham Southern Relief Road, including bones, an iron sickle, a copper spoon handle, brooches, coins and stone walls. The site has uncovered almost 2,000 years of history and AOC Archaeology, the firm contracted to research the site’s archaeology, has been working to uncover the remains of the buildings. “Although the finds are yet to be looked at by specialists, we believe the oldest activity dates back to the Romano-British period, somewhere between 100 and 410 AD,” said Catherine Edwards, Project Manager for AOC Archaeology. According to Phil Weston, Senior Archaeological Consultant at WSP – the company advising on highway design and environmental compliance - the three most significant finds discovered as part of this investigation are: Several exceptionally well-preserved Roman buildings, burials, and industrial features. The Grantham Southern Relief Road project is scheduled to open during 2023. The scientific study has confirmed the fossils are very likely to be from the same individual dinosaur, with the exact location and timing of the finds adding to this belief. Robin Ward, a regular fossil hunter from Stratford-upon-Avon, was with his family visiting the Isle of Wight when they made their discovery. Another regular fossil hunter, James Lockyer, from Spalding, was also visiting the Island when he found another of the bones. “It looked different from marine reptile vertebrae I have come across in the past. I was searching a spot at Shanklin and had been told and read that I wouldn’t find much there,” he said. “However, I always make sure I search the areas others do not, and on this occasion it paid off.” After studying the four vertebrae, palaeontologists confirmed that the bones are likely to belong to a Genus of dinosaur previously unknown to science. Their findings will be published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology, in a paper co-authored by those who discovered the fossils. © The University of Southampton O’Brien’s Opticians’ Dr Janjua honing his skills for people with visual disabilities As part of his commitment to continued professional development, Dr Sheeraz Janjua at O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg has been attending Cardiff University to study for a Professional Certificate in Glaucoma and also Low Vision. This process will help him hone his skills for people with visual disabilities such as Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Diabetic Retinopathy and macular degeneration (AMD). O’Brien’s Opticians already dispenses special – prismatic lenses that can change the direction of light to alternative healthier parts of the retina. This combined with a special filter to improve contrast - have been a huge success. Recent advancements include revolutionary lenses that use a built in mesh in the lens to improve the vision for those who struggle to see very well – especially at night. call O’Brien’s Opticians on 01652 653 595 to arrange an appointment for yourself, friend or family memory. For more information, visit www.obriensopticians.co.uk. A Spalding native is among the recent finders of dinosaur bones which experts believe belongs to a new species of dinosaur. Palaeontologists from the University of Southampton say that the four bones found over the summer on the Isle of Wight belong to new species of theropod dinosaur – the group that includes Tyrannosaurus rex and modern-day birds. The dinosaur lived in the Cretaceous period 115 million years ago and is estimated to have been up to four metres long. The bones were discovered on the foreshore at Shanklin last year and are from the neck, back and tail of the new dinosaur, which has been named Vectaerovenator inopinatus. The fossils were found over a period of weeks in 2019 in three separate discoveries, two by individuals and one by a family group, who all handed in their finds to the nearby Dinosaur Isle Museum at Sandown. 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:54 Page 309.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2020 15:56 Page 1Next >