< Previous10 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE Q&A Can you tell us about the role that Lincoln and the surrounding areas played in the evacuation during World War 2? On the 1st September 1930, as war with Germany loomed, the first evacuee children arrived at Lincoln station having left cities where heavy bombing was expected. Most were aged between 5 and 15 years of age and evacuated on their own, or with siblings, without their mothers. They arrived carrying a small bag, a gas mask and wore name and address labels pinned to their clothing. With no prior knowledge of where they would end up, each had a stamped addressed postcard on them which could be sent home once they reached their destination. Older brother and sisters had been instructed to take care of their younger siblings and felt a big responsibility ‘not to be parted’. Scared and bewildered, the children were put on buses to distribution centres and billeted to local families or hostels such as Witham View and Greestone. Are their any records or testimony offering insight into how the children were behaved, or how they felt? Children were very well behaved. All doing as they were told. One evacuee remembers leaving the station and arriving at a school. There was a lady with a clipboard who came around and counted all the children. Every so often adults would walk around the children and then go off with them. Mostly it was single children. “Every time anybody came near me, I took my sister’s hand and I said, ‘we’re not to be parted.’ because it had then dawned on me what was going on, that people were taking children home with them and we were the last. They’d all gone. And this lady, Mrs Kemp, with the clipboard, was looking rather worried because she was left with a seven and a five-year-old. Suddenly this lady came in, full of apologies because she hadn’t been able to get earlier. ‘Well,’ said Mrs Kemp, ‘This is all I’ve got left.’, ‘And they’ve got to stay together. I can remember thinking, ‘Please take us. Please take us.’ Eventually, she said, ‘Oh, alright wait here. I’ll see you back at the house,’ She then took us outside to a chap with a horse and cart. For townies of course the countryside was all new, this was all new to us and so we had a ride, a ride with the horse.” What about these children that didn’t adjust so well to the area? Some residents did not take favourably to accommodating city children. It was inevitable, therefore, that some would not look back happily at their time in the county. For many children, having come from a city, adapting to life in the countryside proved difficult and added to the anguish of being separated from their own Q&A International Bomber Command Centre We spoke with International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) about the role the area played for evacuated children in the lead up to World War 2. 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2021 07:49 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE Q&A families. An evacuee that was interview remembered his time in Lincoln. “We stayed in a large house. There was a big nursery with a marvellous rocking horse. And there was a huge staircase. I can remember walking into this house and saying to my sister, ‘I need to go to the toilet.’ And she said, ‘Oh, alright. Let’s go and find one.’ The toilet, when found had a polished mahogany with a loo, a polished brass handle at the side which presumably was the flush. Well, we were used to a flush toilet, you know but it was one the up there. On the way back down the stairs a maid said, ‘What are you doing up there?’ And we were hustled along and ended up in the kitchen downstairs with the cook who said, ‘The next time you go to the toilet,’ and she took us outside, down this pathway and there were the — have you seen the way toilets were then? Well, it was like that. And there was one for adults and then a smaller one for a child. And that’s what we were expected to use.” However, there were many success stories with families keeping in touch with their evacuees even after the war when they had gone home and as the war went on and children left and returned to their families, the city would welcome more evacuees. As well as school, how was rationing handled for the children? Buses took the children to two of the schools which have been named as distribution centres. At these schools the children were handed their rations for 48 hours. They were each handed a paper carrier in which were a tin of meat, a tin of sweetened milk, a tin of unsweetened milk, a pound of biscuits and a quarter pound of chocolate. The behaviour of the children was excellent. There were no tear-stained faces. A teacher said: “Some of them look upon it as a glorified camp. One of the first questions I got was: ‘Sir, shall we be able to keep up our swimming?’.” The Cathedral’s Dean said: “It has occurred to me that some of those who have the care of the evacuated children may be at a loss to find ways and means of occupying their spare time. The Cathedral is an easy place to find and if any children are sent there, we will do our best to look after them.” To find out more about IBCC, visit www.internationalbcc.co.uk or call 01522 514755. • Facebook: @International Bomber Command Centre • LinkedIn: @International Bomber Command Centre • Twitter: @IntBCC • Instagram: @IntBCC 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2021 07:49 Page 212 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES A true one off, this Stamford property has been carefully constructed to offer the best in contemporary living. A contemporary masterpiece 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 13 HOMES Nestled into the hillside, close to the heart of Stamford, Holwell is an ultra-modern masterpiece, built to make real its owner’s dreams of their “forever home.” Set on a large plot and presenting three floors of contemporary living, the five-bedroom property offers light and open spaces that are well connected to the outside. Simon and Gemma moved into the house following its completion around 18 months ago, after Simon’s company, Forest Homes, constructed it. The family chose to place their property at the “fantastic location,” due to its position just off the town centre, but also because of the size of the garden, which has been extended further with the purchase of the garden next door. Sitting behind a stone wall, and approached through automatic sliding gates in a car or an arched door as a pedestrian, the house, which has a rendered exterior highlighted by smooth ashlar friezes, seems to be a single-story building from street level, but this hides the true extent of the home. While there is first floor accommodation in the eaves, this upper ground level leads to an expansive lower ground level which connects through sliding glass doors onto a sheltered and private sunken terrace. 14 Á 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:37 Page 214 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES When initially stepping into the home, one is greeted by an impressive entrance hall, with a distinctive, grey striped, timber veneer along skirtings and architraves. The stairs here have oak treads and glass balustrades. Ahead is a slate-clad chimney breast leading onto the decked balcony which reaches across almost the entire width of the house. On this level the master bedroom suite can also be found, with a vanity area, a separate dressing room, and a large en suite featuring a bath and a walk- in shower. French doors open onto the balcony from the bedroom, while another pair leads onto this from the family bathroom, which is opposite a further bedroom. The decked balcony boasts an external chimney where a fire can be lit for a cosy evening of entertaining. Moving to the lower ground floor, one will discover Simon’s favourite space in the house, an almost fifty-foot-long room with a fitted kitchen at the far end and a wall of glazing onto the garden. A double-sided, glass, log-effect gas fire, lit by a remote, is a central focal point and a delightful backdrop when dining, and from the above wall a television screen can be viewed from the kitchen. A bigger screen at the opposite end of the room meanwhile presents a cinema-style space where the family enjoys relaxing. The kitchen is lined with modern units incorporating Wulf appliances, including eye-level ovens, a red and white wine cooler/cabinet, a fridge freezer, and a large island and breakfast bar, with a wraparound, Dekton worktop, that holds a dishwasher, an induction hob and a sink. There is also a sizeable walk-in larder and a utility area with more storage and another sink. Behind the huge kitchen-dining-living room, is a room lined with cupboards currently used as a playroom. This could be made into a 16 Á 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:37 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 15 PREMIUM MULTI-FUEL STOVES & FIRES ELECTIC & GAS FIRES AND SURROUNDS We have an extensive range of fireplaces, multi-fuel and wood burning stoves along with a magnificent collection of gas fires, electric fires and surrounds on display at our showroom in Boston, Lincolnshire. Our stunning selections from leading British and Scandinavian manufacturers such as Elgin & Hall, Jotul, Chesneys, Dimplex, Valor Contura and Arada to name but a few, means we cater for all tastes. Our friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to give you some ideas and help to guide you with your purchase. Visit our showroom or call us today on 01205 310 327. Church Road, Boston PE21 0LG | Tel: 01205 310 327 E-mail: sales@bostonheating.co.uk | www.bostonheating.co.uk WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES Fitted in just 1 day and working in conjunction with your existing roof, our unique, highly insulated roof upgrade transforms any conservatory into a space that can be used all year round whilst radically enhancing its appearance inside and out. AS SEEN ON TV Call 0800 488 0579 for a FREE, no obligation quote *Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for full details. NO MESS, NO FUSS, NO HASSLE www.thermotecbyspire.co.uk UP TO 50% less than a tiled roof INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE* Before After Warmer in Winter/ Cooler in Summer Unique, patented design direct from the manufacturer no stress to existing structure SPECIAL OFFER FREE Hybrid Roof Upgrade & FREE Any Colour Upgrade 10 YEAR GUARANTEE 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:37 Page 4fifth bedroom however, especially as a shower room is on the other side of the ground floor lobby. Modern tiling inside leads to paving outside through sliding doors, where an outdoor kitchen with Wulf barbecue, worktops, sink and serving areas awaits alongside built-in seating from oak sleepers that also retain the surrounding terraced flower beds. “The patio and outside cooking area is a really big space for family and friends to get together, have some food and enjoy a nice day or evening,” Simon noted. Travelling up to the top floor, there are two bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and dormer windows, and a bathroom in between, with a bath 16 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES Email: info@burtonairconditioningltd.co.uk www.burtonairconditioningltd Air Conditioning Services covering the East Midlands and Lincolnshire areas CALL US NOW FOR A QUOTE 01529 460044 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:37 Page 5Whether you are looking for classic, traditional style or contemporary designs including the latest in media wall electric fires, we are sure to have something to suit. We also have a great selection of fireside accessories including wicker log baskets, fireguards & companion sets, along with cleaning & maintenance products to keep your fire looking great. Plus, our ‘Outdoor Living’ firepits & woodburners will keep you cosy in your garden year round. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 17 HOMES FIREPLACES – FIRES – STOVES Gas – Electric – Woodburning & Multifuel Burning Sensation (Grimsby) Ltd Armstrong Street, Grimsby. DN31 1XD Call: 01472 351651 sales@burningsensation.co.uk www.burningsensation.co.uk and a walk-in shower. The whole property also hosts underfloor gas heating, and a heat recovery system has been fitted whereby all the stale air is sucked out and clean, fresh air is pumped in via a filter system. A water softener is built-in too, as well as a sound system including speakers throughout the interior and external ones on the balcony. The property additionally boasts two double garages and ample off-road parking. The private, peaceful garden is south facing, surrounded by walling and fencing, has been professionally landscaped, and provides entertaining areas as well as a lot of lawn, great for children who love playing outside. Visited by lots of birds, several mature trees can be seen in the garden, such as some silver birch, and beds stocked with perennials and evergreen shrubs. Down the gentle hill is a further fenced and lawned area where there is a timber summerhouse, a greenhouse and some raised veg beds. Being on a lower level, the terrace and garden are perfectly quiet, with the three-story house acting as an ideal buffer from the rest of the world. Despite creating their dream property, Simon and Gemma are now selling the “one off” home. “Another property has caught my eye, one that I had been looking at for quite some time. It has a lot of potential, so we are on to our next project,” Simon explained. Holwell is on the market for £2.5 million with Fine & Country - Stamford. 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:37 Page 6It’s easy to become disenchanted with interior design, to adopt the same tired aesthetic as everyone else. Yet it’s often easier to create a unique space without having to go to crazy extremes. That’s why this issue we’re celebrating those objects and furniture pieces that are at one recognisable, but different – be that in size, shape or colour. Whatever the object, there’s nothing that can’t benefit from a little personality. It’s a fine line between quirky and gauche, so always seek a second opinion, and don’t be afraid to talk to the sellers in those beautiful boutiques, artisan stores, vintage shops and antiques dealers across the county. HOME TRENDS 18 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 2 1 3 Different strokes 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:24 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 19 6 9 4 5 8 1) A unique piece, this statement art wall clock by artist and designer Jayne Leighton Herd is painted in beautiful metallic blue, green, copper, pink, silver and gold, with luscious texture, on premium clear perspex glass. Available from Claude & Leighton. 2) Looking for a statement dining table? The Carter Dining Table from Danetti has it all, from a durable ceramic surface and sleek marble finish to the elegant statement pedestal base. 3) This artistically upcycled vintage art deco-style cabinet from Done Up North is absolutely stunning. Wherever you decided to place this, you’re sure to spark conversations and earn the envy of visitors. 4) The serene face design from Cox & Cox rug gives it an impactful decorative quality that will deliver creativity to any space, whilst the soft pile will bring warmth. 5) A gorgeous medium-sized stoneware dish with cobalt blue exterior and white interior, shaped and textured to resemble the shell of the mussel. Available from Village Green. 6) This storage cabinet from Red Candy has quirky written all over it. A perfect way to add some character to your interiors. 7) A pretty mango wood door wedge with a red varnish finish complete with a handmade textured mehndi style design and a distressed cream coloured door knob. A great way to wedge open any door in your home and will add a traditional rustic charm to any styled home. Available from Blue Iris Interiors. 8) This sconce from Melody Maison will create a beautiful vintage look in any home decor. Perfect for the living room or hallway. 9) This handblown vase from 0zer0 evokes the natural world with its shape and will create a striking addition to your décor. 7 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:24 Page 2Next >