< PreviousWe’d love to hear from you. If you have any news, viewsor issues you would like us to cover, do get in touch.One for the roadDear Lincolnshire TodayIt’s encouraging news that Boston street drinkers areat long last to be targeted by police but why hasn’tthe dispersal order that was set in place ages ago beenutilised by police? Officers were given these powers toask those drinking in the streets to stop and evenarrest those that refused – yet we still see groups ofdrinkers with cans of beer, shouting and swearing.It’s really bringing the town down and driving outvisitors and it’s about time the police started actinginstead of procrastinating.P Hurst BostonLETTERS10 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWar heroes left high and dry?Dear Lincolnshire Today,The article on your website regarding the £500,000 shortfall in funds caused by the MOD reneging on the recent BomberCommand ceremony made my blood boil. Surely the government didn’t expect trustees of the Bomber Command Association to fund it entirely? They did an amazing joband the memorial is an astonishing achievement. Not only did it draw something like 7000 veterans and members of theirfamilies, but also twelve senior members of the Royal family. That is immense. How could our government try to weedle out of paying when the MOD waste so much money on trivia? I for one would like toapplaud Lincolnshire Today for raising the flag on this, along with the national media - without this intervention I’m sure theveterans would’ve been left high and dry.T JenkinsScunthorpePICK OF THEMONTHThe winner of our letterof the month wins acase of wine.We’d love to hear from you:Lincolnshire Today Magazine,Armstrong House, Armstrong Street,Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk We reserve the right to edit publishedlettersPICK OF THE MONTHWe’d love to hear from you. If you have any news, viewsor issues you would like us to cover, do get in touch.All downhill fromhereDear Lincolnshire TodayWhat a great sight it was to see so many peoplecome along to the Belchford Soapbox DownhillChallenge recently. I’ve been going along to thisevent for a number of years, but this year the crowdswere better than ever. Lincolnshire is home to anumber of eccentric sporting traditions, such as theHaxey Hood. One hopes the soapbox racing can nowbe added to this illustrious list.S SimonsWaddingtonA sportingchanceDear Lincolnshire Today,Congratulations to the county’shockey players who performed so wellat the Olympic Games – and thanks foryour interview with Hannah Macleodand Crista Cullen. I noted with interestHannah’s comments on the money inwomen’s football and hope that they too enjoy a boost from theGames. I regularly see Lincoln Ladies play in the Women’s Super League– yet despite playing in the top flight, the amount of coverage they getcompared to Lincoln City, a non-league club, is abysmal. I know men’sfootball has had about a hundred years’ head start but it looks like thespirit of Richard Keys still lives on among the nation’s sports desks.H JonesLincolnPHOTO COURTESY GB HOCKEY/ADY KERRY010:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:49 Page 1Contact us now to start the clock!We have a team of experts on hand to help you buy a new home and sell your old home with Part Exchange in just 48 hours!Beautiful new homes in LincolnshireWe’ll be your buyer!Part Exchange*Taylor Wimpey normal terms and conditions apply. The buy in 48 hours offer is only available on selected developments and properties, and the 48 Hours time period will be deemed to start from when two valuations have been carried out on the purchasers existing property. Properties must be located within the Taylor Wimpey regional office operating area. Terms and conditions apply. Full details are available from your local Taylor Wimpey office. Prices correct at time of going to press. Images show are typical Taylor Wimpey home.ROMAN FIELDSJuniper Way, Witham St Hughs, Lincolnshire, LN6 9YP r#FBVUJGVMPQFODPVOUSZTJEFr8JUIJOFBTZSFBDIPG-JODPMOand Newarkr"BOEUIF"DMPTFCZ2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £107,995Call 0845 672 5235 taylorwimpey.co.uk/romanfields 4BMFT0GàDFPQFOEBJMZBNmQNISAACS PLACECaunt Road, Grantham, -JODPMOTIJSF/(';r8JUIJOFBTZSFBDIPG Granthamr"NFOJUJFTTDIPPMTDMPTFCZr(PPEUSBOTQPSUMJOLT2 & 3 bedroom homes from £107,995Call 0845 672 3831 taylorwimpey.co.uk/isaacsplace 4BMFT0GàDFPQFOEBJMZBNmQNOAK SPRINGSThe Gables, Elsea Park, Bourne, -JODPMOTIJSF1&':r$MPTFUPUIFDFOUSFPG Bourner(PPEDIPJDFPGTDIPPMTJO the arear$MPTFUPUIF"BOE"2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £119,995Call 0845 688 5446 taylorwimpey.co.uk/oaksprings 4BMFT0GàDFPQFOEBJMZBNmQNPILGRIMS CHASEWygate, Spalding, -JODPMOTIJSF1&(6r#FBVUJGVMPQFODPVOUSZTJEFr$MPTFUP"BOE"r-PDBMBNFOJUJFTPOZPVSdoorstep3 & 4 bedroom homes from £129,995Call 0845 239 8127 taylorwimpey.co.uk/pilgrimschase Sales Office open Thursday to Monday, BNmQNBuyand sellin only...011:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:49 Page 1Your Home... The Way You Want it...Customise your Home with a wide choice of inclusive, high quality kitchens, ceramic tiling, paint colours, carpets & vinyl All Included Within The Price!Visit our New Show Home at Falkland Way, Barton Upon Humber, DN18 5RLand find out what makes our homes Special...Show Home Open 10am - 5pmFriday, Saturday & MondayIncluding Bank Holidaysor call our Sales Team 01652 631939When you’re ready for something specialwww.keigarhomes.co.uk 01652 6319392 - 6 Bedroom Homes AvailableFrom £114,950012:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:50 Page 1The quiet charmof old and newLINCOLNSHIRETODAY13HOMEShe original house built here is believed to dateback to the Edwardian period of the early 1900’s.Since then, the house has been extended severaltimes and extensive modernisation has addedgreatly to its charm and appeal.Today, the house’s facade is historic,striking and grandiose, with afabulously chic and modern interior. Combining the best of bothclassic and contemporary, this homeis exceptional, with plenty of livingspace and five double bedrooms,two of which have en-suite facilities,plus a family bathroom.Located at Brigsley, near Grimsby,Ellesmere House was built in 1923and has since had a long and variedhistory. Over the years, a series of extensions have seen itgrow in size, and substantial renovations andrefurbishments have resulted in a fabulous home ofdistinction. It naturally began life as a farmhouse and, onfirst impressions, has a lovely rusticfeel to it. Sitting in grounds of oneand a half acres, the house issurrounded by lovely gardens, atennis court, stables and a largepaddock, perfect for equestrianpursuits.The current owners, Peter andHelen, bought the house in April2011 and, over the twelve monthswhich followed, they embarked on a14 The quiet charmof old and newEllesmere House is an impressive family home in a fantastic location. A year-long programme ofrenovation and enhancement has transformed the interior into a cool and contemporary space.Lincolnshire Today catches up with the owners, Peter and Helen Smith.A rustic brick fireplace, with a wood burning stove,is a great focal point of the Living KitchenEllesmere House is animpressive family home in afantastic locationT013-017:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:51 Page 1more uniform and functional.”Extra windows were added in the loungeand master bedroom so that the house becamemore symmetrical. This also allows in muchmore natural light and has enhanced theappeal of these rooms, making them brightand airy, with fabulous views over the frontlawn, paddock and countryside beyond.The elegant lounge features a classic oak firesurround with a cast iron and tile inset and aliving flame gas fire. Two windows provide alovely view of the front garden and Frenchdoors open to the southerly facing deckingterrace at the side of thehouse. Adjacent is a wellproportioned dining room.It has rear and sidewindows, as well as Frenchdoors also leading to thedecking terrace, perfect forenjoying drinks al frescoin the summer whilelooking out across thewell landscaped reargarden.The Living Kitchen ismajor project to substantiallyimprove the interior and enhanceits overall appeal.Peter explains, “The house was inneed of modernising, so we strippedit down and began the work. We re-plastered every room, re-wired theelectrics, installed new windows anddoors, added new bathrooms, andcompletely transformed the interiordesign and decor!”Although the house was builtalmost ninety years ago, foursubsequent extensions and a series ofmodernisations have meant that no interiororiginal features remain. The property wasvery much a blank canvas and Peter andHelen have ensured that each and everyroom is now functional, contemporary andperfect for family living.Peter continues, “The Taylors, who livedhere in the seventies and eighties, hadextended the house at the side and back.Following that, our predecessors, the Canefamily extended over the garage, adding anextra ensuite and two bedrooms includingone with a balcony overlooking the tenniscourt. Our mission was therefore to enhancethe house further by making the property14 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESThe master bedroom is large and light with dual aspect windowsThe family bathroom iscontemporary and spaciousWith space for relaxing, diningand cooking, the kitchen hasattractive beech finishcabinets 013-017:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:51 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY15HOMESundoubtedly the hub of this familyhome. With plenty of space for relaxing,dining and cooking, it has attractivebeech finish cabinets and built inappliances. A rustic brick fireplace witha wood burning stove is a great focalpoint of the room and leading off is theThe elegant lounge features a classicoak fire surround with a cast iron andtile inset and a living flame gas fire16 The second largest bedroom has patio doors leading to afabulous balcony and terrace which overlooks the tenniscourt and rear garden013-017:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:51 Page 3side entrance lobby.Upstairs, there are five double bedrooms, two en-suites, plus a contemporary family bathroom. Themaster bedroom is large and light with dual aspectwindows, while the second largest bedroom haspatio doors leading to a fabulous balcony andterrace which overlooks the tennis court and reargarden.Peter and Helen’s revamp has been both thoroughand exceptional, with no stone left unturned. Theinterior is now stylish and ultra-modern. Outside, thegarden has been landscaped, new fencing added andimprovements made to the tennis court and stableblock.High quality fixtures and fittings have been usedthroughout and Peter and Helen were meticulous intheir planning, ensuring that the project was completedprofessionally and to extremely high specifications.Helen says, “We project managed the work ourselvesand used local tradesmen and craftsmen to achieveoutstanding results.”The project was a labour of love, but the end result issuperb. From the exterior, Ellesmere House is a fabulousEdwardian farmhouse, yet inside it is a thoroughlymodern and highly attractive home. This is a fantasticequestrian property in a perfect location, feeling veryrural yet within walking distance to the village ofWaltham.Due to personal circumstances, Peter and Helen arenow looking to relocate. Ellesmere House is therefore onthe market with Martin Maslin Estate Agents at a guideprice of £595,000.16 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESSitting in grounds of one and ahalf acres, the house issurrounded by lovely gardens, atennis court, stables and a largepaddock.Great vistas over the paddocks…and beautiful gardens too!21 years of design excellence...21 years of design excellence... BATHROOMSTILESLarge Showroom at the rear ofCleethorpes Business CentreOpening Times:Mon - Fri 9 - 5.30pmSat 10-3pmCleethorpes Business CentreJackson PlaceHumberstonGrimsbyDN36 4ASSimply the Best!Tel: 01472 210820 www.wiltonstudios.co.uk013-017:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:51 Page 4LINCOLNSHIRETODAY17HOMESInnovationfrom GreensWater SystemsLincoln-based watersoftener suppliersGreens Water Systemsannounce the latestinnovation in domestictechnologyOctober sees the launch inLincolnshire of the brand newWatersprite water softener range,set to save local families a smallfortune through the prevention ofdamage caused by limescale. Recent research from the Battelle Instituteconfirms that fitting a water softener is “one of the very best”household energy savers. That’s because softeners helpmaintain the efficiency of boilers and major appliances andkeep showers and taps unclogged, the report found. The new Watersprite continues the trend towards smaller,highly-efficient yet powerful softeners, a revolution comparedto the old fashioned softeners of the past. Fitting easily into amuch smaller space than you would imagine, and beingsimple to install and operate, the non-electric softeners don’teven need to be plugged into the mains! The range is aimedsquarely towards customers seeking to protect theirinvestment in kitchens and bathrooms as well as enjoy relieffrom the hard work caused by hard water. Jeremy Heath, Managing Director, says, “We know thatcustomers updating a kitchen or bathroom will want to keep itlooking like new for as long as possible, yet in Lincolnshirelimescale and hard water marks can quickly get a grip. The goodnews is that it’s a simple problem to solve - once the Waterspriteis fitted it will give many years of beautifully softened water.”The systems are available through selected kitchen andbathroom outlets as well as from Greens Water Systems’showroom at North Hykeham. For more information call01522 509383 or visit www.water-systems.co.uk.Full coverfromBroadwayCarpets andCurtainsBroadway Carpetsand Curtains havebeen trading now forfifteen years and arerenowned acrossLincolnshire forproviding expert levelsof service – no matterwhat type of productyou are looking topurchase within theflooring and homeinterior sector.Broadway pride themselves on being able to give that extraspecial service, because they feel their customers deservegood, honest and impartial advice. This means they reallyare a unique type of outlet, based in the heart ofLincolnshire.Broadway’s portfolio of product offers a varied selection ofquality, ensuring that they maintain and monitor ongoingmarket trends, The company also benefit from havingavailable leading brands such as Brinton’s Fine Carpets,Parker Knoll, Sherborne, Sanderson and several others.Whether it’s flooring, curtains, blinds, furniture, wallpaper,mirrors or lighting, Broadway really does have anoutstanding choice. They also offer a no obligationmeasuring service free of charge and all products are fittedby a dedicated Lincolnshire-based team.Visit Broadway Carpets and Curtains on the Broadway inWoodhall Spa to see what’s on offer. Alternatively, youcan contact them on 01526 353484 or email atbroadwaycarpets@btconnect.com.Broadway Carpets Curtains013-017:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:51 Page 518 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSOwner, Janet Harwood moved to Brock Houseseventeen years ago with her partner, the lateBrian Hirst. At that time, the house had nogarden at all and was surrounded by roughfarmland, with just a few trees planted and a natural pond.The couple, who were keen gardeners, relocated toLincolnshire specifically to purchase a property with landso that they could pursue their passion for horticulture.Brian had a particular interest in roses and he was keen toplant a range of old-fashioned varieties.This month’s featured garden is Brock House atHalton Holegate, near Spilsby. Covering around threeacres, this fabulous rural retreat compriseswonderful mature woodland, with lots of unusualtrees, ponds, a vegetable garden, fruit cage and apretty walled garden with a wide variety of interestingherbaceous plants.A havenfor wildlifeA havenfor wildlife018-019:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:52 Page 1Directly outside the house is the mostwonderful walled garden which was devisedand created by the couple in 2005. A beautifuland tranquil space, this walled area includes aformal pond and planting in the cottage gardenstyle, with an abundance of old shrub roseswhich were chosen for their lovely perfume.There is also a wide selection of Californian treepoppy ‘Romneya’, as well as a fabulous hotborder full of Eryngium and Agapanthus. Otherplants in the walled garden include Echinops,Asters, Nepeta, Phlox and Rosa Moyesii.Today, Janet is assisted by professionalgardener Laura Pearce who has been helpingout at Brock House for the past four years.Together, Janet and Laura have carefullycontinued to maintain the three acres ofoutdoor space and they have avidly seen itevolve over the changing seasons. Their workincludes propagation and Laura splits plants inthe greenhouse while Janet sells them to raisemoney for local charities including the FenBank Greyhound Sanctuary and ButterflyConservation.Both Janet and Laura are wildlife lovers andthe whole ethos of this garden is to attract beesand butterflies, as well as other wildlifethroughout the year. All of the plants, flowersand shrubs have been carefully selected toattract different species and single flowers arefavoured. Herbaceous plants includeEupatorium purpureum and Echinops whichare surrounded by bees and butterflies in thesummer months. In fact, over 22 varieties ofbutterfly have been spotted here, includingclouded yellow migrants!LINCOLNSHIRETODAY19GARDENSFor the past three years, Janet has opened hergarden a couple of times a year to raise moneyfor local charities. In 2013, the garden will beopen on Saturday 4th May to raise funds for theLincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Following that, inlate June, there will be another open gardenafternoon for the Fen Bank Greyhound Trust.Last year, over £1200 was raised and Janet ishoping to exceed this target next year!The woodland area at Brock House is uniqueand interesting with a plentiful selection oftrees and a natural wild pond. An intriguingpath weaves its way through the wood, whereyou can see hazel trees ravished by ramblingroses and old elms left in situ to attract thewoodpeckers. This is truly a haven for flora andfauna.In the spring, a blanket of snowdrops,bluebells and daffodils add gorgeous colour tothe woodland. Other trees of interest includetulip; noble fir; snake bark maple and awayfaring tree. There is also an abundance ofpurging buckthorn and spindle trees, plus awildflower meadow and orchard nearby.Janet and Laura have created a fabulouslyunique setting. It is wonderful to see theabundance of bees, butterflies and wildlifewhich gather in this tranquil outdoor spaceyear after year – a true haven for Lincolnshire’swildlife!The garden at Brock House, Halton Holegate,is a private garden but it will be open forcharity events on 4th May and in late June2013. For more information, call Janet Harwoodon 01790 752223.018-019:Layout 1 8/10/12 11:52 Page 2Next >