< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE Neil Pengelly is creating some of the most iconic, interesting and symbolically rich artworks in England today. We take a closer look at a few of his most recent artworks. Take a closer look Northants-based artist Neil Pengelly has been honing his skills in drawing, painting, and, more recently, digital artworks since he was a child. That road of self- discovery and -expression has culminated in this innovative artist creating a style that marries together all of these myriad styles. Neil’s artworks have evolved from the chalk and charcoal figurative pieces to a more exciting and looser blaze of colours with varying subject matters. He found that there are limitless possibilities with digital art that he would never be able to recreate with paintbrushes and pencils but likes to stay authentic to his art and so each print and frame is resplendent with added touches of acrylic and oil paints and bejewelled with diamond dust. One of the most fascinating qualities about Neil’s work is that they’re full of symbols and references to culture, entertainment and politics. Here we’ll take a deep dive into two of his most brilliant examples. Three Lions According to Neil, the general theme of this piece is based around tournament football in England – namely World Cup 66, Euro 96, and the recent Euro 2020. “To look at the images, it’s based in three parts; ‘66 on the left, ‘96 in the middle, and ‘20 on the right,” he said. “Imagine 3 columns if you will. In each column are references from the year, pop culture, politics, and news.” Column 1 is about the World Cup 1996 and includes references to: * The Rolling Stones * The Beatles * Mary Quant Fashion * Walt Disney Dies * Old Wembley Sign * Pickles and the cup - the world cup was stolen, pickles the dog found it * Twister - released in 66 * Sir Alf Ramsey (England Manager) * LEGO - released 66 * The world cup ball used in the final * Lunar 9 - first Russian spacecraft to land on the moon. Column 2 is about the Euro ’96 and includes references to: * Dolly the sheep - first cloned mammal * Super Mario * Charles and Diana divorced * Take That * Spice Girls * Mad Cow Disease * John Major was prime minister * German flag on the floor - they won * Wembley Semi-final ticked - we got to the semi finals * Terry Veneables (the manager) Three Lions 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:26 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE THE LITTLE RED GALLERY Love art? Then we’d love to meet you, please call in for a cup of tea and a chat. The Little Red Gallery are feeling ‘Love’ with a fantastic range of pieces and perfect gift ideas. 8 Bailgate Lincoln LN1 3AE 01522 589134 art@thelittleredgallery.co.uk www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk Column 3 is about Euro 2020 and includes references to: * Space X takes off * Bat hanging - COVID-19 * New Wembley Sign * Trump (Acquitted) * Thank You NHS * Harry and Megan - the interview * BLM * Banksy/Brexit * Captain Tom * Brexit Bus * Billie Ellish * Italy Flag and Pizza on the floor - they won * Tumbleweed and dandelions - stay at home and nature claiming back * Deal or no deal - Brexit Rave On the topic of his piece ‘Rave’, Neil says: “As a big fan of the ‘90s rave scene (never went to one, just liked the music and ‘culture’), this was a labour of love for me. Lots of references to the clothes, music and other timely pop items of the early ‘90s but with a slightly ‘ghostly’ effect o show that, really, those days are far behind us and that the real essence of rave culture was a one-off. Peace, love, and good times.” References include: * Keith (Prodigy) * 2 Bad Mice - music * DJ and Decks * Old decks and speakers * Record box * Prodigy album * Old glitter ball * Tape decks * Quotes from records - “Naughty Naughty Very Naughty” “Names not down, you’re not coming in” etc * Thatcher - arms in the air * Police cars and chopper (outside) as raves were illegal * Miners striking outside (it’s said the gloom of the miners’ strike led to the underground party and then onto raving in warehouses) * Rave posters - it was the thing that brands were re-invented to reference the rave scene at the time. Rice Krispies - Rave Krispies as an example. There’s a few in the image. * Magic Roundabout - Legend says that the popular kids TV programme was littered with references to drugs (Douglal=stoned, Zebedee=speed). It became a popular rave theme. * Stussy bucket hat * Timberland boots * Naf naf coat * Rave gloves * Tie die sheet There are other references, some a case of ‘if you know, you know’ along with flyers and vinyl records which were a massive part of the scene. Rave If you’d like to see Neil’s work for yourself, head down to Lincoln’s Little Red Gallery. 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:26 Page 222 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY GARDENS © Shutterstock /Chatham172 Be a garden gourmet Be a garden gourmet 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:28 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 GARDENS In creating a vegetable garden, you’ll first have to decide where to plant your veggies. In most cases they will need as much sunlight as possible, so avoid shady areas. If, however, your garden is prone to shade, don’t worry, vegetables like lettuce, peas, chard, beetroot, spinach and runner beans will be able to handle it. Remove the grass from your chosen area and fork over the soil. Next you will need to ensure your soil will promote the growth of your produce and is clear of weeds and stones. Different gardens will hold different soil, and though you cannot change this, you can improve soil with compost and fertiliser as required. If your garden hosts unideal soil, consider installing a raised bed, which are particularly good for small plots of vegetables and make for an attractive feature. Choose a light and airy open space and create a frame at least 30cm in height. There is a plethora of ready-made flatpack kits for raised beds that can be bought online to make this process easy. Alternatively construct a raised bed from timber, stone or brick. One can then customise soil to grow plants that wouldn’t ordinarily grow well in your garden. Root vegetables including beetroot, parsnips and carrots are ideal for raised beds, but since raised beds offer improved drainage in comparison to the ground, potatoes and leafy greens thrive too. They are also enjoyed by produce that desires well controlled soil, such as onions which like lots of organic matter. Containers filled with potting compost and growbags are other good alternatives where your soil is not an option, while Styrofoam boxes with drain holes can even be utilised alongside yoghurt pots, plastic fruit and veg and takeaway trays to replace small plant pots. Once soil has been warmed up by the sun, it’s time to sow. Sow seeds thinly into fertile damp soil or compost and place them in the brightest possible spot. Vegetables like carrots and parsnips can be sown outdoors in their final location, however others must be sown indoors or under cover. When starting with seeds one might instead begin with trays or pots of compost where seeds will germinate to be transplanted in the garden. A quick Google of your chosen vegetable will offer you a wealth of information on the conditions it requires and the best method for growth. Many are buying packets of seeds at present, but for those too busy to sow seeds why not consider purchasing plug plants to simplify gardening? Though it is worth bearing in mind, this will be pricier. After planting is complete, soil must be damp, yet not too wet. A quick finger wiggle under the surface can be used to test moisture levels. For first-timers fruit crops such as tomatoes and vegetative crops like lettuce are easy grows. Tomatoes can be grown in containers and need around six hours of sunlight daily along with plenty of water. The versatile plant can be grown on a windowsill, patio, or in a pot out in the garden. Merely select good quality potting soil. Lettuce meanwhile can easily be grown in containers. A deep pot is required along with good quality potting soil mixed with vermiculite. For quick growers consider onions, peas, beans, baby carrots, lettuce and radishes. As we enter September, it is a prime time to plant garlic and onions, as well as sowing peas, lettuces. But don’t think there’s not a glut of goodies to be picked this month with apples, carrots, tomatoes, beetroot and, of course, pumpkins all ready to be picked and enjoyed. Though starting a vegetable garden can seem intimidating, once you have a prepared area, and have sown seeds, all that comes after is simple maintenance. What have you got to lose? Many of us nurture desires to grow our own fruit and vegetables but end up putting it off with claims that getting started is too much hassle. But, as we explore, it’s easy to get started and, what’s more, it’s never too late. 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2021 14:28 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY So far this year we have had the opportunity to build several gardens which will enable our clients to enjoy their outdoor space for years to come. One that we have recently completed was built to complement their amazing house. The project involved work to the front, sides, and rear of the property. Due to the property being set back from the road, there was amble room at the front to create a driveway and accommodate a grass area. Before you make your way into the back garden, along the side of the house, is a seating area, which is a bench flanked by two raised beds. These raised beds are near to the side door which leads to the kitchen, therefore they are being used to grown herbs and salad due to the easy access, however it is also a lovely area to sit and enjoy a morning coffee. The rear garden comprises of several seating areas each using individual materials. The main eating area was created using porcelain paving with various shades of grey. This then leads to an area underneath a balcony which is formed with porcelain planks. The step up to the covered area is emphasised with mosaic tiles. These Creating a dream garden Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping details a recent garden build that provided an incredible garden to match an equally impressive house. 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2021 07:51 Page 1• Clear up fallen autumn leaves regularly • Prune Climbing roses and rambling roses once they have finished flowering and tie in the stems before autumn winds cause damage • Plant daffodil, tulip, and allium bulbs for a fantastic spring display • Now is the ideal time to plant clematis plants • Clear up fallen rose leaves to prevent diseases such as black spot. Do not compost the leaves • Clear overhanging plants away from pathways • After tidying borders, mulch with bark chips, well rotten manure, or leaf mould compost to insulate plant roots for the winter and keep weed growth in check • Harvest squashes and pumpkins before the first frosts, and apples and pears • Plant autumn onion sets for cropping next summer and plant out spring cabbages • Remove the netting from fruit cages to allow birds to catch and eat any pests that are lurking there LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 Specialised Services in Garden Design Landscaping and Tree Maintenance Backed by a highly-skilled and experienced team, we’ve built our reputation on an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored gardening and forestry solutions FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS FULLERS Landscaping Call 01522 868717 or 07867 510544 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com Around the garden GARDEN ADVICE tiles are also used within the main water feature as they create a bridge which ties these two seating areas together. This water feature provides a soft rippling sound as the water flows into a pond which is surrounded by rocks and cobbles. The Lilies and other plants in the pond finish off this feature and help to create a wildlife habitat. Overall, the feel of the garden compliments the house and gives a useable space all year round. It is a modern garden but feels like it has been in place for years due to the natural feel of the pond. Maybe you would like to make some changes to your garden, whether it be a few alterations or a complete makeover. Landscaping can be carried out all year round. There may be some planting that you want to wait until Spring to do, but the creation of hard landscaping, such as decking, paths, walls, raised beds or paving, can be done at any time. Now is also a good time to do the work so it is ready for next summer. I have a fabulous team that will work come rain or shine and they are highly skilled landscapers who can create anything from low maintenance gardens with artificial grass to romantic cottage gardens and state-of-the-art ultra- contemporary gardens. Over the last twenty years I have built up a family run business that prides itself on designing and creating gardens that suit each individual client’s budget, regardless of their garden’s size and shape. 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2021 07:51 Page 2When one thinks of Lincolnshire’s wildlife, snakes may not be the first creatures that come to mind, but numerous news stories, garden discoveries, and alerts for dog walkers highlight just how common they can in fact be in the county. There are only two species of snake regularly seen in Lincolnshire; the adder and the grass snake, both of which are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside 26 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Slithering their way through Lincolnshire, the venomous yet shy adder and timid grass snake are not to be feared. Lincolnshire wildlife Act, 1981. The duo are also Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. October is typically the last month to catch a glimpse of these reptiles ahead of hibernation, until the adder returns to view on the first warm days in March, basking on logs and under rocks, followed by the grass snake in April. Vipera berus - the adder The adder is the UK’s only venomous snake, but is a shy creature, often found basking in the sun in woodland glades and on heathlands - areas with sandy soils such as the nature reserves and woodlands near Woodhall Spa. Its poison, delivered through hollow fangs, is usually not dangerous to humans, though a bite can be painful and cause inflammation, most negatively affecting the very young, old, and ill. Bites are generally found on the feet and ankles when exploring adder habitats, disturbing the animal. Those bitten, however, should seek medical attention straight Vipera berus - the adder Fun fact The Anglo-Saxons believed that by saying the word ‘faul’ you would be cured of an adder’s bite. 26-27.qxp_Layout 1 17/09/2021 08:29 Page 1© Shutterstock/ Jamie Hall away, and dogs bitten taken to the nearest vet. Stretching from 60 to 80cm in length, and weighing 50 to 100g, adders live up to 15 years. A rare and declining species, whose habitat is being lost, the adder is a relatively small snake that hunts lizards, small mammals, and ground-nesting birds, like skylark and meadow pipit, using its venom to immobilise and kill prey. Large mammals and birds of prey meanwhile will snack on the reptile. The greyish snake has a dark and distinctive zig-zag pattern down its back and piercing red eyes. Entirely black forms of the snake can also be spotted. Rather intriguingly, the males, which are more silver-grey in colour, perform a ‘dance’ in spring where they fight off competition to mate. Females, which are more light brown or copper in colour, then incubate the eggs internally, ‘birthing’ three to 20 live young - which measure approximately 17cm - in the late summer. The adder will go on to hibernate through the coldest part of the year in sheltered, dry spots, including old rodent burrows and fallen trees. Natrix helvetica - the grass snake The harmless grass snake is Britain’s longest, growing to between 90 and 150cm and weighing around 240g. During their 15-to-25-year lifespan, the green reptile with its yellow and black collar, pale belly, and dark markings on the sides, can be found in grasslands, wetlands, and gardens - particularly if one has a pond. They can also be seen swimming proficiently in the water © Shutterstock/ LecartPhotos during summer and playing dead when threatened by predators such as badgers, hedgehogs, cats, red foxes, and birds. Additionally, when caught by a predator, the grass snake will hiss and exude a foul-smelling substance. Hunters of amphibians, fish, small mammals, and birds, using the element of surprise to constrict and swallow prey whole, females, which are larger than males, lay their 10 to 40 eggs in rotting vegetation in June or July, so keep an eye on those compost heaps. The eggs are incubated before hatching in early autumn, and only a small number of young will reach adulthood, with the rest caught out by predators. The snake will hibernate in warm and humid spots, including tree root systems and fallen trees, compost heaps and rabbit warrens. While snakes are a common fear, as long as you leave them be and observe respectfully from a distance, Lincolnshire’s adders and grass snakes pose little threat. Indeed our venomous adder only tends to attack when picked up or stepped on, will slither away upon feeling the vibrations of footsteps, and timid grass snakes do not bite, usually retreating once a human is detected, but they may strike out with their head, keeping the mouth closed. Natrix helvetica - the grass snake 26-27.qxp_Layout 1 17/09/2021 08:29 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY MARKET TOWNS There’s no two ways about it, the single best way to support the tapestry of fabulous market towns across Lincolnshire is to spend money in their many exquisite shops. That may sound like capitalist rhetoric, but by doing so you’re supporting the regional economy as well as providing crafters, bakers, artisans and more a source of income. Moreover, you’ll find an assortment of amazing products, gifts and goods to give your house, wardrobe and garden a unique twist. With Christmas getting closer (yes, really) now’s the time to get out there and visit our market towns. Trust us, you’ll find all manner of interesting and quirky goods that make perfect presents. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re spotlighting some of our favourite market towns. Of course, we’d recommend visiting each and every one. Alford Gaining a market charter in 1283 helped Alford’s prosperity through the Middle Ages, cementing it as an important trading location for the region – a tradition which continues to this day. For fruit and vegetables, the Tuesday market in the main Market Place is where it’s at. For something altogether more artistic, Alford Craft Market holds its annual Spring Bank Holiday and August Bank Holiday weekend events at Alford Manor House (a building which dates back to 1611). Don’t worry if you didn’t make it this year, Alford Craft Market's Shop and Gallery are open six days a week all year round at 1 West Street and 14a Market Place. Indeed, West Street is a mecca of shops – sporting everything from furniture to antiques and the aforementioned arts & crafts. Louth With its roots in the Anglo-Saxon era, and shaped by Danish invaders, Louth has hosted regular annual fairs since the mid-12th century. Today, the East Lindsey town is famed for its food and shopping experience, offering a bustling marketplace, a busy high street and side streets filled with artisan producers, independent retailers and a few big names packed into its Georgian and Victorian buildings. Owning to these many side streets and squares, Louth has a tremendous selection of boutiques, shops and stalls that will occupy hours (if not days). Brigg In order to fully appreciate all that market towns Lincolnshire lays claim to the best market towns in the country. So, this issue, we want to celebrate these incredible, indispensable and unique towns and their amazing shopping offerings. Mad about © Shutterstock /Electric Egg © Shutterstock /Gill Kennett 31 Á 28-33.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2021 16:53 Page 1Visit Boston www.VisitBostonUK.com Retail | Markets | Attractions | Leisure | Dining | Experiences | Trails | Heritage | Accommodation 28-33.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2021 16:53 Page 2Next >