< PreviousUNASHAMEDThe chance to get behind the wheel of theBentley Mulsanne, a car that’s been eightyyears in the making was just too good to miss.90 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGDisplayed in an art gallery,the new Mulsanne wouldbe a masterpiece - a blendof sportiness, coach builtelegance and solidity. Echoing theBentley S -Type of the 1950s, the carhas a bold front, dominated by thetraditional Bentley matrix grille andprominent, classic round innerheadlamps, flanked by two, smalleroutboard lamp clusters, all featuringthe latest in lighting technology. Thelengthy bonnet, short front overhangand long rear overhang help toexpress a sense of might andmovement, reinforced by burlyhaunches and sharply sculpturedlines which flow charmingly fromthe front wings to the rear. Uniquelydesigned 20-inch (and optional 21-inch) wheels reinforce the Mulsanne’scommanding, sporting stance.Inside, the aroma of leather andwood envelopes us instantly. Thescent is wonderful, yet almostoverwhelming. And there is a reasonfor this - over 170 hours, almost halfthe entire build process, goes intocrafting the interior of theMulsanne. Each steering wheel apparentlytakes fifteen hours to hand-stitchwhile stainless steel brightwaregleams so perfectly, thanks to anintensive ten hour finishing process.The wood veneer takes five weeks toturn from a rough root ball into afull set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves – and a time-honoured tanning process is evenemployed for the leather. The entire cabin is also encasedwithin a ‘ring of wood’ waist railwith an unbroken panel of woodgracing the Mulsanne’s dashboard.Inverted dial needles within theinstrument cluster are reminiscentof early Bentleys, while the wholeUNASHAMEDluxuryThe chance to get behind the wheel of theBentley Mulsanne, a car that’s been eightyyears in the making was just too good to miss.luxury090-091:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:18 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY91COUNTY MOTORINGdashboard and console design is asubtle reminder of the Bentley wingsmotif. Naturally, sitting in the rear of theBentley Mulsanne is the best place tocomprehend the sheer graft that goesinto creating the cabin. Amongst allthe glossy wood and lavish leather,you also start to appreciate how thelatest in-car technologies have beencleverly and unobtrusively placedwithin the lush interior. Amultimedia system drives satellitenavigation, audio/video, personaldata, telephone and Bluetoothconnectivity. The upper dashboardhouses a multimedia screen,positioned discreetly behind anelectrically operated veneered flap,while below sits a chic, leather-linedmedia player stowage drawer withconnectors for iPod, USB and muchmore. However, it’s the pure punch ofenergy unleashed from the Bentley’s6¾-litre V8 engine that reallyclinches it. Affording huge power atlow revs and self-possessedperformance, while maintaininghigh levels of finesse at any speed.The powerplant, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission withsteering-wheel mounted paddles,delivers 505 bhp - and vast torque(752 lb ft) is delivered at 1750 rpm.This spectacular pulling power fromjust above idle and right across therev range ensures that with a simpletap of the accelerator you areinstantaneously rewarded with thatdistinctive, sonorous V8 burble aswell as exceptional acceleration.Quite simply, the Mulsanne is asnear to motoring perfection as youcan get. The only thing that lets itdown is a smaller than expectedboot but, that aside, very few carmanufacturers can offer such aconcoction of performance andrefinement in a single vehicle. FAST FACTS Max speed: 184 mph0-62 mph: 5.3 secsCombined mpg: 16.7Engine: 6752 cc Twin-turbochargedV8 petrolMax. power (bhp): 505 at 4200 rpmMax. torque (lb/ft): 752 at 1750 rpmCO2: 393 g/kmPrice: £225,900 on the road090-091:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:18 Page 2THERE’S PLENTY TO DISCOVER.THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES TOURING.0GשDJBMGVFMFDPOPNZשHVSFTGPSUIFOFX#.84FSJFT5PVSJOH6SCBOŀNQH ŀMLN &YUSB6SCBOŀNQH ŀMLN $PNCJOFEŀNQH ŀMLN $0FNJTTJPOTŀHLN&NJTTJPOTשHVSFTTVCKFDUUPDPOשSNBUJPO#.8&GשDJFOU%ZOBNJDTSFEVDFT#.8FNJTTJPOTXJUIPVUDPNQSPNJTJOHQFSGPSNBODFEFWFMPQNFOUTBOEJTTUBOEBSEBDSPTTUIFNPEFMSBOHFAstle Grimsby(SJNTCZ3PBE-BDFCZ(SJNTCZ/PSUI&BTU-JODPMOTIJSF%/%1XXXBTUMFHSJNTCZCNXDPVLAstle Scunthorpe0ME$SPTCZ4DVOUIPSQF/PSUI-JODPMOTIJSF%/15XXXBTUMFTDVOUIPSQFDPVL8JUIUIFOFX#.84FSJFT5PVSJOHUIFSFņTBSFWFMBUJPOBUFWFSZUVSO%JTDPWFSUIFSBOHFPGQFUSPMBOEEJFTFMFOHJOFTUIBUPGGFSNPSFQPXFSZFUTUJMMBDIJFWFJNQSFTTJWFGVFMFDPOPNZXIJMFFNJUUJOHMFTT$0Ƈ:PVņMMBMTPFODPVOUFSMJUSFTPGDMBTTMFBEJOHMVHHBHFTQBDFQMVTJOOPWBUJWFGFBUVSFTTVDIBTUIFTQMJUGPMEJOHSFBSTFBUTBOEBVUPNBUJDBMMZPQFOJOHBOEDMPTJOHUBJMHBUF8JUIUIFOFX4QPSU.PEFSOBOE-VYVSZNPEFMTKPJOJOHUIFQPQVMBS&44&BOE.4QPSUWBSJBOUTZPVIBWFFWFONPSFPQUJPOTUPFYQMPSF1MFBTFWJTJUwww.astlebmw.co.ukUPDPOUJOVFZPVSWPZBHFPGEJTDPWFSZPSDPOUBDUVTGPSNPSFJOGPSNBUJPOThe new BMW 3 Series TouringThe Ultimate Driving Machine092:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY93COUNTY MOTORINGThe new BMW 3 SeriesTouring is a fantasticcombination of practicalityand precise driving dynamicsNewly arrived in Lincolnshire, thenew BMW 3 Series Touring offers aneven stronger blend of thoughtfulpracticality and outstanding drivingdynamics. Larger and more spaciousinside than ever before, the vehiclepossesses a wide range of practicalfeatures in addition to the class-leading driving dynamics expected ofany BMW.A load capacity that is the largest inits class, complete with innovativestorage solutions, is wrapped in adynamically styled, strong butlightweight body. Three advanced,powerful engine choices are availableat launch. For example, the new BMW330d Touring produces 258hp and560Nm of torque, enough to reach62mph from rest in just 5.6 seconds,yet still achieves 55.4mpg on thecombined cycle.From the side, the new 3 SeriesTouring is defined by the sweepingsilhouette, with its smoothly slopingroofline and glasshouse that extendsto the rear of the vehicle. The new caris 97mm longer overall and 50mmlonger in the wheelbase than beforeand that adds a real sense of forwardmotion to the profile. At the rear, thespoiler ‘peak’ that accentuates the longroofline, together with the horizontallines and L-shaped lights set far out tothe edges, combine with the 48mmwider track to plant the design on theroad.The interior design of the new BMW3 Series Touring is identical to that ofthe recently introduced 3 SeriesSaloon. It’s a cockpit with a traditionalBMW driver focus creating a sportyinterior ambience that is conducive todriving enjoyment. The clear, circulardials and the flatscreen monitor forthe iDrive system integrated into thedashboard structure, define theinstrument panel. The iDrivecontroller is mounted within easyreach of the driver down on the centreconsole.A touring vehicle needs to bepractical and engineers have been ableto improve the interior package forrear seat passengers considerably -there is now 17mm extra knee roomand 9mm more headroom. With itsloading sill just 620mm off theground, and protected by a stainlesssteel strip, the new rear luggage area isa significant 35 litres greater incapacity than the previous generationmodel, at 495 litres. The new BMW 3 Series Touring isfitted with an electromechanicalpower steering system that onlyoperates when steering assistance isactually required. Not only is thissystem lighter and more fuel efficientthan conventional power assistancesystems, it offers a high level ofsteering precision.Explore the new BMW 3 SeriesTouring at Astle BMW of GrimsbyRoad, Laceby and Old Crosby,Scunthorpe. Visit www.astlebmw.co.ukfor more information.PRACTICALITY meets precision093:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:19 Page 1094-095:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:22 Page 1094-095:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:22 Page 296 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYAFTER DARKt may surprise you to learn thatwe actually did have a summerthis year. You remember it, thatquite nice day in June and thatweek or so in early September whenyou could leave the window open fora few hours. It may have been only afleeting relationship but there’s noneed to be downhearted - with theclocks going back, there’s plenty goingon in Lincolnshire after dark.With the news that the governmentare making it easier for pubs and clubsto mount live music, we’re taking theopportunity to take a closer look atthe array of choice in our villages,towns and city in the evenings. Wefeature some of the comedy showsthat will certainly lift the spirits onfreezing cold nights, but there’s plentymore on offer.Lincoln in particular has alwaysbeen a huge tourist attraction duringthe day thanks to its myriad sights,but it’s gaining an enviable reputationas theplace to enjoy a great night out.This has undoubtedly been helped bythe growing number of studentschoosing the city as the base for theirstudies, but even if the days of lecturesand lager have long passed for you,areas such as Burton Waters, BrayfordWharf and the upper High Street havevenues to suit all tastes. Top clubs likeLola Lo, for example, are open sixnights a week with events that canmake even the dullest midweekevening become a special occasion.Indeed Lincoln’s nightlife hasbecome so impressive that for the firsttime it is proudly flying the PurpleFlag – a nationwide scheme thatcommends a city’s evening economy.To fly the Purple Flag, towns and citieshave to meet various criteria –ensuring that there’s a huge choice ofentertainment to suit all ages, tastesand lifestyles, showing imaginationand a sense of place in their offeringsand also making sure that the citycentre is a safe and pleasant place tospend an evening. Winning a PurpleFlag isn’t easy and as a holder Lincolnis proving it’s up there with othermajor night spots such as Liverpool,Manchester and Sheffield.As Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader ofthe City of Lincoln Council, explains,“Lincoln has a great amount to offerin the evening, and we want toencourage as many people as possibleto come and enjoy it. We do this byworking with other organisations,including Lincolnshire Police, LincolnBIG and the Street Pastors to create asafe and welcoming environment afterdark, and our Purple Flag status issomething we are very proud of. Frombars and restaurants to theatres andnightclubs, I hope people will take theopportunity this weekend to see whatthere is in Lincoln.”It’s not just Lincoln where there’s avibrant nightlife, though – throughoutthe county there’s plenty to chooseNIGHT TIMEis the right timeThe clocks may have gone back, but Lincolnshire comes to life after darkINIGHT TIMEis the right time096-097:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:22 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY97AFTER DARKfrom. If you’ve got an interest it’salmost certain that somewhere inLincolnshire there’ll be a place toindulge. Even in the smallest villagesthere are Zumba groups, dance classesand book groups filling halls andtheatres. At the Baths Hall inScunthorpe, for example, a number oflocal groups, ranging from dance todrama and theatre to opera, areshowcasing their talents at specialopen evenings.The open evenings, which are freeand being held throughout thisautumn, give local groups theopportunity to show off their skillsand also recruit new members. Group62, The Hospital Players andScunthorpe Choral Society are amongthose that have recently held events,and on Thursday 8th November theScunthorpe Operatic Society will beshowcasing their talents. If you’re aftera new hobby or interest, these openevenings look to be the perfectopportunity to witness and join inwith those passionate about their art.If you want a slightly more passiveexperience, then Lincolnshire alsoscores when it comes to cinema.There’s something particularlyromantic about eschewing themultiplex for once and instead optingfor the traditional moviegoingexperience, when a trip to the flickswas a special occasion. In Lincolnshirewe’re blessed with both the Playhousein Louth and the Kinema in theWoods at Woodhall Spa. The latterremains one of the most famouslandmarks in the county, with itsstunning architecture mixed withclever management which ensures aconsistently vibrant programme. Forexample, when the last Harry Potterfilm came out, the Kinema opened atmidnight and music from the film wasplayed on the venue’s vintageCompton organ – which certainlyadded a bit of extra magic.Continuing the cinematic theme,the Lincoln Film Society has for sixtyyears been showing seminal movies tothe city’s cineastes and now they’ll bedoing so in The Venue, the revampedBishop Greaves Theatre at BishopGrosseteste University College. Theaim is to complement the existingcinemas in the city with a carefullychosen selection of mainstream andindependent films, and theatricalproductions will also play a major partin the new venue.Lincolnshire’s attractions havealways made it a great place to visitduring the day – and now much workis going to on to make it equallyvibrant after dark!Home is one of the many topvenues that have ensuredLincoln has becomeestablished as one of theUK’s best nights outWoodhall Spa’s Kinema is areally magical venue096-097:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:22 Page 298 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYAFTER DARK - COMEDYPHOTO: ANDREW MCCOLLHi Mark, what’s the new tour about?The show is about the information age and it’s influence on us as people, but thatmakes it sound more complicated than it is! There’s some stuff about ham in there forexample too. It’s a technological show in some ways, but it’s also reflected in the show’scontext, there’s a gimmick where people can text me, so I use that technology to drawpeople into the show.Do you have any gadgets you use day to day?I’ve got an iPhone but it’s an old one now, really old, it’s an iPhone 3 so I’m yet toget the 4 and I’m a long way off the 5! I haven’t even got the one where a lady’s voicetells you everything. It’s weirdly personal, I’m not sure I want a phone knowing thatmuch about me! Have you ever been to Skegness before?There’s not many places in the country I’ve not played at this stage now, but I’venever even been there, let alone performed there, so it’s a voyage of discovery forme! I’m in Hull the night before so I might be able to see a little, but it’sgenerally dark when I get to places. I’ve played in Lincoln and in Louth tooand I’ve got very good memories of playing Lincoln, but I’m lookingforward to seeing the coastal area of Lincolnshire in general.How much of your show is improvised?Because of the texting element, there’s a fair bit of improvisation inthe show. The more there is the better really, as it makes it moreinteresting and exciting for me. I seek out the chances as on areally long tour it’s what keeps you sane. How did you get started?Well I entered a lot of open mic competitions in my early twentiesand worked my way up from there. It’s a long learning curve, you start offdoing unpaid gigs just to get some stage time.I suppose they call it the toilet circuit for a reason...Yeah, and in some of the places I’ve played in my time, toilet would be acompliment!Who on the circuit has impressed you recently?Josh Widdecombe is a really good up and coming talent, he’s probably more thanthat now as he’s getting very well known, he’s very good. Dan Simonsen, he’s aNorwegian who won best newcomer at Edinburgh before and I think he’ll be quitesuccessful. There’s so many people out there these days though and names pop upand I have no idea who they are as I’m away on my tours. It’s changed a fair bitsince I’ve started, there’s a lot more opportunities to take, when I started, Mockthe Week and shows like that were just emerging. It was quite competitive, butten years on it’s a real career choice for people now in a way it probably wasn’tbefore. I’m glad I started when I did for sure.Did you have any nightmare shows on the way?Yeah, I had one particular show in Kent where the audience were justabsolutely feral and I couldn’t get them to shut up, I was on for 20 minutes andthey were just screaming “Off! Off!” and they were throwing coins. Sometimesyou get a crowd who are in the mood to cause trouble, but you can’t take it toopersonally.At odds with the futureMark Watson hits The Embassy Theatre in Skegness on Friday 2nd November. We catch up withhim to find out what his new tour means and why he is embracing technology.098-099:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:23 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY99AFTER DARK - COMEDYComing up…Our top recommendationsfor a hilarious night out inLincolnshire! Friday 2nd November, 7.30pmMark Watson: The Information TourThe Embassy Theatre, SkegnessThursday 8th November, 8.30pmRed Herring Comedy Club with NoelJames, Daliso Chaponda, JessFostekew and MC Ian SmithThe Drill Hall, LincolnFriday 9th November, 8pmJohn Shuttleworth: Out of our ShedsThe Drill Hall, LincolnSunday 11th November, 8pmFour Great Stand-Ups One GreatNight: Hilarious night of stand-upcomedy, provided by London’s andManchester’s Comedy Store.Parkway Cinema, CleethorpesFriday 16th November, 7.30pmAl Murray, The Pub Landlord : TheOnly Way Is Epic TourThe Embassy Theatre, SkegnessFriday 16th November, 7.30pmSo Comedy Live: Tiffany Stevenson,Joey Page, Holly Walsh and MarkOlverGuildhall Arts Centre, GranthamFriday 23rd November, 7.30pmJimmy CricketPlowright Theatre, ScunthorpeSunday 25th November, 7.30pmLenny Henry: Pop Life!Spalding South Holland CentreThursday 29th NovemberAlistair Barrie, Dougie Dunlop andJo WilsonThe Atrium, GranthamWith Home in Lincoln boasting some ofthe best surroundings for a night out, itlends itself well to live comedy. A moderntake on the traditional comedy club,tables are set out in front of a small stageupstairs and around a hundred punterssettle down every month for a slap-upmeal before enjoying the acts.Availing ourselves of the table servicefor drinks - a nice touch - we polished offthe delicious food. The choice is wide andis quickly served, meaning nobody is leftstill eating when the comedians come on.The opening act and compere for theevening was James Redmond. Formerly anactor in both Hollyoaks and Casualty,James has been honing his standup skillson the live circuit since last year andstints at the Edinburgh Fringe haveobviously given him the experienceneeded as he’s a relaxed, funny host.Poking fun at his dodgy TV past, herecalls some choice anecdotes that get theroom going.First act Rich Wilson is a short, affableand incredibly funny guy. A southerner,he gets the crowd on his side from thestart, expounding stories about no matterhow cool he thinks he is, his kids willalways think otherwise. A fantasticrecollection on heckling Shakin’ Stevens atGlastonbury was the highlight of his shortbut sharp set and he’s one we’ll definitelybe looking for again.After the interval’s joke competition, inwhich the audience were given a celebrity -John Terry - and a household object tocompare him with - a toilet brush - thewinning joke is unfortunately unprintablein a family publication, but was quite witty!Headliner Rudi Lickwood was full ofenergy from the very beginning, dancingonto the stage and throwing out some veryrisqué material. Coming close to the edgeof decency a few times, his set relied onthe audience’s reaction to his sometimescontroversial subject matter, but he washilarious too, managing to keep the crowdon his side. Immediately likeable andengaging, his facial expressions and over-emphasised gestures made him a naturalcomic.LINCOLN’S HOME OFCOMEDY GOLDHome has been holding some amazing comedy nights since the start of the year. Forthose who are unaware, on the last Sunday of every month, the Lincoln nightspotrocks with top comic acts. We went along to see what talent was on offer this month.098-099:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:23 Page 2Next >