< PreviousEat,drinkand bemerryWhen you tuck into local produce thisChristmas you’re not just helping Lincolnshire’sproducers – it also wins on taste40 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCHRISTMAS - LOCAL PRODUCEe can pretend that the best thing about Christmasis the chance to get the family together, givingeach other gifts or even the chance of there beingsomething decent on the telly – but for most of us, thehighlight of Christmas is the orgy of food and drink we canenjoy. This seems to be the one time of the year when anydiets are ignored and the biscuit tin and chocolate box areconstantly open.An extra bonus is the fact that while you’re enjoying thefeast of food and drink, you’re regularly helping the localeconomy. Lincolnshire remains one of the foody capitals ofthe UK and the local produce remains much sought after byretailers and restaurants in the county, and further afield. Youonly have to look at how many restaurants make great play ofEat,drinkand bemerrytheir use of local produce – ensuring fresh, seasonalingredients in high quality dishes. Indeed it’s one of thecriteria we look out for when choosing the winners of ourDeliciously Lincolnshire Awards.Even if you make use of one of the region’s top venues toenjoy a seasonal spectacular, you’ll doubtless also be servingup plenty of oral gratification at home – and Lincolnshire’stop retailers can help you out here. Certainly local traders willbe more than willing to offer their advice on the best buys,and if you’re really hoping to impress will doubtless point youin the direction of the best ways to prepare them. Such is the huge amount of food dished up at the festiveseason, don’t be afraid to deviate from the conventional fayre,either. You’ll probably tuck into turkey and all the trimmingsat some point, but the tradition doesn’t actually go as far backas you might think – it only became the default roast onChristmas Day as it was cheap and plentiful and in the days ofDownton Abbey you were more likely to see a goose as thecentrepiece. Even these days many top chefs serve up turkeyfor their customers and then opt for something like beef fortheir own enjoyment.If you’re intending to take charge of the catering thisChristmas, the christmas Food and Gift Fair, which takes placeat the Lincolnshire Showground on 24th and 25th November,should provide plenty of inspiration – including demonstrationsfrom top chefs like Dominic Franks and Amy Claridge. You’llundoubtedly be able to pick up a tip or two – a secret ingredientto make this Christmas the most memorable yet.Don’t feelobliged to stickto turkey thisChristmasWhen you tuck into local produce thisChristmas you’re not just helping Lincolnshire’sproducers – it also wins on tasteR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDR. Wisby (Family Butcher) LTDWe are a traditional butchers doing things the traditional way. Our meat is only of the best quality and we pride ourselves on our customer service.Christmas orders now being taken16 High Street2 Market PlaceHorncastleWragbyLN9 5BLLN8 5QU01507 52737101673 858968W040:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:00 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY41EDUCATIONEducation is constantly under thespotlight, but seldom moresothan in the current climate. Theintroduction of the proposed EnglishBaccalaureate qualification over the nextfew years will bring about the biggestchange to how children are taught formore than a generation, and doubtlessthere will be a great amount ofdiscussion about how they aredeveloped and introduced.Yet, given the controversy over thenew qualifications and the potential forlengthy debate and study, a furtherchange to the UK’s educational systemhas been made in recent years that hasvery quickly become commonplace.When the government came to power in2010, 203 schools in England hadacademy status. Two years later, thatnumber skyrocketed to over 1800 – andthat includes more than half of thecountry’s secondary schools.Lincolnshire County Council last yearmade the decision to recommend thecounty’s schools become academies, so itcertainly seems to be the case that theinitiative is being embraced widely andenthusiastically as the way forward foreducation.So why have so many schools opted tomake the transition? For the most part itseems to be the benefit of independence.In the past, funding for most schoolsfrom the Department for EducationCleethorpes Academy is part of the TollbarFamily of Academies and its increasedinvestment will see a brand new school buildingready for the new school year in 2013Securing Academy statusLincolnshire is at the forefront of the new breed of academies – providing newopportunities but also some challengesLincolnshire CountyCouncil last year madethe decision torecommend the county’sschools becomeacademies, so itcertainly seems to be thecase that the initiative isbeing embraced widelyand enthusiastically asthe way forward foreducation.42 041-043:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:01 Page 142 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEDUCATIONwould usually come from the local education authority, andthe LEA would take a top slice of that funding to cover theircosts for the delivery of support and development servicesfor each school and education in the area as a whole.By converting to academy status, this top slicing nolonger takes place and funding goes to the school in full.This gives the school the opportunity to either look for newsuppliers away from the LEA’s choices, who may well offertheir resources at a more competitive price, or indeed reducefunding on those aspects they don’t require so much – asopposed to the LEA’s one-size-fits-all approach. These cashsavings provide something of a windfall that can be investedin teaching and impressive new facilities.Academies also get the opportunity to make changes tothe way they deliver their lessons – there are more chancesto opt out of various aspects of the national curriculum andspecialise in particular subjects, and there is also theopportunity to change the timing of both the school dayand the term if it’s felt more appropriate for their students.The government’s hope is that this will allow head teachersto pursue more innovative thinking in teaching.The swift transfer of so many schools to academy statushas been assisted by the Academies Act that has simplifiedthe process and means that it can take just three months tocomplete the process and enjoy the additional freedom thatacademy status brings about. Schools can receive a grant of£25,000 for the purposes of the conversion and the processis generally straightforward.Some of the smaller schools in our region may questionthe value of converting on their own, which explains whysome schools are banding together to create multi-academytrusts – for example, Cleethorpes Academy is part of theTollbar Family of Academies, alongside Tollbar itself, and thismeans both academies can benefit from the experience andknowledge that exists at both establishments. In essence thisis creating something of a mini-LEA among themselves –enjoying the support of an umbrella organisation while alsobenefiting from flexibility and independence, with decisionsbased on the specific needs and desires of the schoolsthemselves.The thinking is that becoming an academy can be themaking of some schools. Since Cleethorpes Academy hasbeen under the control of the multi-academy trust, it’sLincoln’s Priory Witham Academy has taken the opportunity to launch the Jon Egging Trust Blue Skies Programme, in memory of the Red Arrowspilot, which provides young people with access to inspiring individuals and new opportunities to help them to realise their potential041-043:Layout 1 9/10/12 09:24 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY43EDUCATIONreported that theeducationalstandards havebeen raised withexam resultsexhibitingimpressive growth– benefiting fromits strong link with a high-performing school. Schools haveto be judged by Ofsted to be “outstanding” – or “good withoutstanding features” – to become an academy, so if a schooldoesn’t reach this standard, they can still become anacademy by working in partnership with an eligible school.It’s clear that many schools have thrived under theacademy system – many have taken the opportunity to investin impressive sporting and IT facilities. Despite the ease of theconversion process, however, there are challenges that theschools will have to face up to, most obviously the removal ofthe safety net of the LEA. Schools that take on academy statusare to all intents and purposes now a limited company and,therefore, they now have to take on a number of obligationswhich previously would have been carried out by the LEA.Academies specialist Robert Anderson of Streets CharteredAccountants told Lincolnshire Today, ”Decoupling the schoolfrom the resources and support from its LEA may create asense of freedom, but equally it can be quite daunting.However, a number of commercial firms includingaccountants, lawyers and specialist providers are on hand tofill this gap. The challenge is to identify what support isneeded and to identify providers that can provide the level ofservice and support needed within some form of budget. Theredoes seem to be a trend for schools seeking local advisers whohave an appreciation of the locality and issues faced.”Organisations such as Streets specialise in providing adviceon their obligations, such as the financial procedures, tolocal schools who are going through the process ofconverting – academies, academy federations and multi-academy trusts. Of course, once a school has converted to anAcademy then there is still a requirement for externalaccountants to be employed in terms of financial reportingand management, as well as ensuring the school runssuccessfully. Making use of accountants allows them to makeinformed business decisions on investment and buildingprocesses, as would be the case in any company.The huge increase in schools becoming academies inrecent years illustrates how easy it is to convert and thesuccess of many of our local schools suggests it has been theright decision for many of them. Yet it’s not possible torevert to approved status so it’s vital schools get impartialand informed advice before they take the plunge.It’s clear that manyschools have thrivedunder the academysystem – many havetaken the opportunityto invest inimpressive sportingand IT facilities.A busier timethan usual...The start of a new academic year is always a busy time foreducational establishments but, as Robert Anderson, Partner atStreets Chartered Accountants, points out, for many, the next fewmonths will be busier still.Established academies have to get to grips with the new AccountsDirection, Whole of Government Accounts and Academy AccountsReturn. These have been issued slightly earlier than last year’schanges, but are still putting reporting timescales under pressure dueto the additional information required. New academies whose firstyear end is 31st August 2012 also have to cope with the newreporting guidance. This should result in fewer information requestsin the future, although further changes can’t be ruled out.A large number of schools still haven’t converted. In the main thedecision seems to depend on the school type, roll numbers andintention of the LEA. A number of schools and governing bodies stillappear to be waiting to see the outcomes from those that havealready converted. Undoubtedly, though, pace of conversion toacademy status is gaining momentum.With regards to free schools, the number being created has grownexponentially from 24 opening in 2011 to just over a hundredanticipated in August 2013 - and this is expected to grow further.Streets has dedicated Academy Partners operating across thepractice supported by a dedicated academies team specialised inacademy issues pre- and post- conversion.041-043:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:01 Page 3Lincolnshire is rightly proud of its role in military history and, as wemark Remembrance Sunday, throughout the county people will bepaying tribute to those who gave their lives in conflict44 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYREMEMBRANCE SUNDAYincolnshire’s role in World War II is welldocumented, with the Dambusters memorial atWoodhall Spa’s Petwood Hotel one of the mostfamous destinations in the county. Otherservicemen who did so much to bring peace are alsohonoured across Lincolnshire, and one group who haverecently been remembered are the Eagle Squadrons ofthe US Air Force.Before the events of Pearl Harbour, the USA was aneutral country for the first few years of World War II, butsome nine thousand Americans joined the RAF or RoyalCanadian Air Force, in defiance of their government, tofight for the Allies. Within Fighter Command three uniquesquadrons were formed, each manned by theseAmericans but commanded by a RAF Squadron Leader.71 Squadron, 121 Squadron and 133 Squadron becameknown as The Eagle Squadrons and, uniquely, all threesquadrons were at one point based at RAF Kirton inLindsey.After Pearl Harbour the Eagle Squadron pilots were nolonger an embarrassment to America, but were regardedas highly respected combat experienced pilots, and theLincolnshire is rightly proud of its role in military history and, as wemark Remembrance Sunday, throughout the county people will bepaying tribute to those who gave their lives in conflictsquadrons therefore became part of the American AirForce – as the 334th, 335th and 336th Fighter Squadrons,which are still part of the Force today, flying fromSeymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. Thedate of the transfer was 29th September 1942 and,seventy years to the day, the town of Kirton in Lindseyunveiled their own memorial to the Eagle Squadrons in amoving ceremony attended by representatives fromSeymour Johnson.Lincolnshire’s long association with the RAF will neverbe forgotten and organisations such as Aviation HeritageLincolnshire are helping to ensure future generations areaware of their courage and honour. Throughout this yearthe Counting Them Home exhibition has been travellingacross the county, allowing people to get some idea ofwhat it was like to fly a Lancaster aircraft on a mission.The interactive display is based around leaving an airfieldin Lincolnshire and completing a raid over occupiedEurope. As well as illustrating the excitement and skill ofthe pilots, the aim is also to emphasise the loss of life thatwould take place at all stages of the raid with officialstatistics included at every point.MAIN PHOTO: MICHAEL LYNCHREMEMBERINGLLREMEMBERINGthe heroesthe heroes044-045:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:01 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY45REMEMBRANCE SUNDAYthroughout Lincolnshire those who have served at othertimes are also being remembered. The thirtieth anniversaryof the Falklands War was marked in suitable style earlierthis year, while this October thoughts have turned to thefiftieth anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis.Although this didn’t end in conflict, it was certainly avery worrying time for many people, and Lincolnshire wasat the heart of the UK’s response to the crisis – indeed,RAF Hemswell was the Wing Headquarters for the Thormissile sites at Hemswell, Caistor, Ludford Magna, ColebyGrange and Bardney, while RAF North Coates was hometo one of the Bloodhound Surface to Air Missiles. To markthe anniversary, Heritage Lincolnshire opened up theformer Royal Observer Corps underground post atHolbeach to allow visitors to get a closer look at the vitalrole played out by the ROC during the crisis.Of course, many people from Lincolnshire are stillinvolved in conflict across the world – and onRemembrance Sunday, which this year falls on ArmisticeDay itself, moving ceremonies will take place across thecounty to remember both those who did so much, andthose who continue to help bring peace.Meanwhile at Hemswell Court, visitors can now seepaintings of some of the RAF’s most famous moments.Now a hotel, the venue is based in the former OfficersMess at RAF Hemswell and, thanks to the 31 SquadronRoyal Air Force Association, they are now home to theRAF Collection by Lincolnshire artist Gerard Bauer. Thesefifteen paintings were commissioned by the RAF anddepict the progression of aircraft and their design fromthe Sopwith Pup through to the Harrier.The two largest paintings commemorate the threefighter types used in World War II – the Spitfire, Hurricaneand Defiant, all of which were based with various units inLincolnshire, and the Pathfinder Mosquito which led thenumerous bombing raids over Germany. The paintingshave never been intended to glorify war but insteadcelebrate how the advancement of aviation has helpedto bring about and maintain peace over the years – andvisitors to the venue have proven wildly enthusiasticabout the paintings in their new, highly appropriatesettings.Although the stories of heroism and tragedy in WorldWar II remain at the forefront of our thoughts to this day,The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire Vb AB910,wearing the markings of the RAF’s No.133 (Eagle) Squadron.Photograph by the kind permission of the OfficerCommanding Designate, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight,Sqn Ldr Duncan MasonLincoln Art Works’ new exhibition Reflections andRemembrance features the work of acclaimed aviationartist Simon Atack and runs to Friday 2nd November044-045:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:02 Page 2As the autumn descends intowinter, it’s time to wrap up andkeep warm! This season seesthe return of some gorgeouscoats and jackets, stylishseparates and chunky knits.Whatever the weather, be sureto look bang on trend in casualparkas, funky faux fur andsmart outer wear.46 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONAs the autumn descends intowinter, it’s time to wrap up andkeep warm! This season seesthe return of some gorgeouscoats and jackets, stylishseparates and chunky knits.Whatever the weather, be sureto look bang on trend in casualparkas, funky faux fur andsmart outer wear.046-055:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:03 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY47FASHIONBetty BarclayOnce again this winter, the parka isessential and stays with us as a sportyfashion companion. This style fromBetty Barclay is wonderfully versatileand practical. A real love of detail isrevealed in its subtle decorativeseams, creating very specific effects.046-055:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:03 Page 248 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONMASTERTracey from C’est Chic on the Bailgate, Lincoln, tells uswhat makes the perfect party dress this winterof ceremonieshoosing that party dress can be a dauntingtask for a woman - you need somethingbrilliant, unforgettable even. But it will be adisaster if someone else has the same dress as you.We have a theatrical designer from London calledPhilmore Clague, who has designed clothing forLady Gaga, Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker. We’rethe only ones he will sell to, so our ranges arealways really exciting and really unique. We onlyactually order one of each size in a dress, so thereisn’t much chance of seeing someone else wearingthe same kind of clothing on a night out. “In terms of party wear we’ve been seeing a lot ofdifferent things both within and outside the county.We’re always keyed in to the upcoming fashions,and we’re not afraid to take inspiration from Vogueor other sources. What’s really big all over at themoment is animal print clothing, be it dresses, shoesor handbags. Despite that in London you can seehundreds of women sporting it, it hasn’t quitereached Lincolnshire yet, but we really think it willdo in the coming months.“What we are seeing people focus on, though, ismaking sure they get the most for their money, evenwith party wear like this. Women don’t want tospend a huge amount of money on something theymight only wear once, and designers are catchingonto that. So a lot of our clothing looks fantastic ona night out, but can also be worn casually with afew dress amendments. If you look at what I’mTracey from C’est ChicC“046-055:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:03 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY49FASHIONwearing in the pictures, which is a black and greydress by Philmore, I’m wearing it casually withsome black boots and a bracelet. But if I wanted toturn it more formal I’d slip into some heels andperhaps wear a pearl necklace, or a really standoutpiece of jewellery. Alternatively I could wear it withsome thick tights and go out to town in it for alady’s night out. It’s really versatile and flexible, andthat’s important at the moment.“Another great example of this has to be this redshirt, again by Philmore, which can actually betransformed into three different styles by adjustingthe sleeve, which literally takes about two minutes!Even if someone else somehow managed to havethe same exact dress, you could just adjust thesleeve to make yourself stand out.“We’ve really focused on having this original andexciting style, one thing we find is that women area bit nervous or unwilling to try exciting styles likethis, often saying that they’re too old for suchdresses. But once they get over that and try someclothing on, they feel drop dead sexy, which iswhat dressing up is all about. We can also showthem how to dress down if they want to wear thesame dresses on a more casual basis, be it with ourbrands of jeans or even just simple tights andboots.” You canwear thisshirt with thesleeve longfor onelook…… or you canpin the sleeveacross thechest for adifferent lookentirely…… or you canturn the sleeveinto a decorativerose if you want acentral piece forthe shirt046-055:Layout 1 8/10/12 12:04 Page 4Next >