£2.95 NOVEMBER 2021 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 30+ years young 30+ years young WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 NOVEMBER 2021THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Homes and gardens New season fashion What’s on Winter warmers Homes and gardens New season fashion What’s on Winter warmers A touch of class A touch of class 01.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 13:13 Page 1Freephone: 0800 328 5492 Email: sales@allertonuk.com Website: www.allertonuk.com The Dependable Choice in Drainage In rural areas without a mains drainage system, and where septic tanks will no longer reach environmental standards, Allerton can provide the ideal solution. Trading since 1974, Allerton are leading specialists in efficient treatment systems. They pride themselves on their individual, problem solving approach to dealing with alternative means of treating and disposing of raw sewage. The Allerton ConSept converts your existing Septic Tank or Cesspit into a fully functioning Sewage Treatment Plant. Servicing & Maintenance on a wide range of Sewage Treatment Plant and Pump Stations by BRITISH WATER ACCREDITED ENGINEERS. The Diamond Sewage Treatment range is suitable for either individual homes or small population applications When Gravity Drainage is not possible choose Allerton Pumping Stations for Sewage or Dirty Water ACCREDITED ENGINEERS Operating from our 46 acre site in Boston, Lincolnshire, we have over 100 years experience providing creosoted timber poles, railway sleepers, gates and fencing. View the range at www.caldersandgrandidge.com Email enquiries@caldersandgrandidge.com or call our experts on 01205 358866 Calders & Grandidge, 194 London Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 7HJ 02.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 13:13 Page 1It’s November, and that means I’m allowed to stop avoiding the dreaded C-word. That’s right – Christmas. Well, at least it’s a nice break from talking about coronavirus – oops! Well, Christmas is well and truly upon us dear readers. It’s hard to pretend otherwise when many Christmas fairs will be starting this very month, and when pantomime season is in full swing. Christmas is a time for celebration, family, and joy, and if that’s true then November must be a time for panic, rushing around and last-minute preparations for said joy. Can you tell I haven’t finished my Christmas shopping yet? Is it obvious? I guess we’re lucky that Lincolnshire has a lot of fairs going on because we could all definitely use the chance to get out after lockdown and stretch our legs, and why not take care of that and the Christmas shopping in one fell swoop? There’s more to this issue, and the month, than Christmas, however. It’s finally winter and we take a look at some wonderful winter fashion. We’re not sure yet whether it will be a snow-filled winter - the predictions of previous years have certainly been inaccurate – but we can be sure it’s going to be cold, so wrap up tight and make sure to check out our hair and beauty section for advice on how to protect your hair and skin against the cold. While you’re at it, I hope you’ll all be keeping safe this November, but also taking advantage of the hard work we’ve all done in keeping coronavirus at bay. We’ve worked hard and it’s time for us all to enjoy a little freedom. Good reading and stay safe! Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Assistant Editor: Dominic Cuthbert Journalist: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper Sales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes (01472) 310301 Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Advertising: Tel: (01472) 310302 Editorial: Tel: (01472) 310305 Part Of The Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299 © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK/MATT GIBSON LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a local hospital or charity? Tel: 01652 678822 South Kelsey, Lincs LN7 6PR l Indoor play barn l Outdoor play areas l Meet the animals l Tractor & trailer rides l Keith’s Krazy Karts l Farmyard crazy golf l Woodland walk l Tea room and gift shop For opening hours or further information visit: www.hallfarmpark.co.uk All weather fun Multi award winning farm park and tearoom Christmas activities and Santa’s grotto Nativity with real animals and people! 16th December 7pm, free admission Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from the Hall Farm Park team 03 with ad.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:07 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 24 TAKE A STOP IN SPALDING A town with a rich history, a visit to Spalding will be chock-full of activities. 28 LIGHTSPEED BROADBAND Q&A Lincolnshire Today were able to sit down with Jake Allen, Sales Manager at LightSpeed Broadband, to talk about how they’re bringing ultra-fast broadband to homes and businesses across the region. 30 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED This month we visit Boston and examine the history of this historic port. 32 COSY BUT CHIC As cold and bitter winds blow, it’s time to update your wardrobe. Here we share some of our favourite cosy items as well as those that will brighten your day in these longer nights. 42 LOOKING GLAM THROUGH WINTER There’s plenty to do already in November, what with Christmas around the corner, but if you’re going to make a statement in the winter months, there are things to keep in mind. 44 THE PERFECT SEASON FOR OUTDOOR FITNESS No longer too hot and not yet too cold, autumn provides the ideal temperature for outdoor exercise, making these workouts more comfortable and more interesting as you watch the landscape change colour. 46 WINTER WARMERS The days are shorter, darker and colder and so we collectively crave hot and hearty food. These delicious and moreish recipes are sure to satisfy those cravings. 52 SOCIAL SCENE The Doubletree Hilton in Lincoln played host to a black- tie dinner this month to raise money for the RSPCA. The Wonderland Black Tie Masquerade Ball offered a three- course meal, entertainment and a disco, all to raise money for the wonderful cause that is the RSPCA. 54 FINDING THE PERFECT PRESSIE Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but sometimes the stress of trying to find friends and family that perfect present can saddle you with stress and suck out all the joy. NOVEMBER 32 32 AS COLD AND BITTER WINDS BLOW, IT’S TIME TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE. HERE WE SHARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE COSY ITEMS AS WELL AS THOSE THAT WILL BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY IN THESE LONGER NIGHTS. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:08 Page 146 46 THE DAYS ARE SHORTER, DARKER AND COLDER AND SO WE COLLECTIVELY CRAVE HOT AND HEARTY FOOD. THESE DELICIOUS AND MOREISH RECIPES ARE SURE TO SATISFY THOSE CRAVINGS. 62 LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE Vibrantly coloured and found across our county all through the year, the kingfisher is one of the most photogenic birds to grace our cameras. 64 CULTURE AND HISTORY Stamford is a town that feels special from the moment you lay eyes on it, and that wonder and discovery carries on with every narrow alley, cobbled street and stately stone building. 68 HARD TIMES Growing old is never easy and with the continuing pandemic and a fuel crisis to add onto the usual winter blues. This Christmas could end up lonelier than ever. That’s why it’s up to us to help. 72 COUNTY MOTORING While a brand new top of the line motor may be beyond most of us as Christmas presents, that doesn’t mean we can’t fawn over some truly gorgeous motors we could well be seeing in our region soon. 76 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 10 SUNNYSIDE: A HOMELY HAVEN While providing expansive gardens and a trio of dwellings, this month’s featured property is cosy and comfortable. 16 THE WOOLROOM Q&A We spoke to The Woolroom, the first ever Rutland business to win a Queens Award for Enterprise, about how its wool bedding products can guarantee a better night’s sleep . 18 CREATING COLOUR DESPITE THE COLD Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping details how to bring striking colour and beautiful scents into your garden during these colder months, as well as what maintenance may need to be done. 20 MAN’S BEST FRIEND Stephen Hanson has worked on some of the most well- known animated movies of this decade, and his soulful art reflects that with emotion that can be seen and read in every piece. 22 ARTS AND CRAFTS For many of us it may bring back imagery of school collages or art classes, but arts and crafts are actually an important part of our history and culture, along with a fun way to spend time or pick out some unique Christmas gifts. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:08 Page 2latest news Lincoln Imp Trail auction raises £128k for charity Long lost photos of Lincs Coast Light Railway half a century ago found in the Isle of Man On the last operating day of the 2021 season (the LCLR’s busiest since reopening in Skegness in 2009), a passenger showed members of the Lincs Coast Light Railway team five photographs he had found a few days before in a second-hand shop on the Isle of Man. None of the members on duty had ever seen them before, although a couple of the current volunteers were identifiable in them. They show scenes on both sites which the LCLR used at Humberston (south of Cleethorpes), where, when built in 1960 to link North Sea Lane to Humberston Beach, it was the first heritage railway to be built on a greenfield site by enthusiasts anywhere in the world — although it always was intended to be “real” public transport to and from the beach and The Fitties Holiday Camp. Before closure in 1985 and the eventual move to the Skegness Water Leisure Park, it carried more than two million passengers. The Lincoln Imp Trail auction has raised more than £128,000 for the St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice charity. Taking place on Lincolnshire Day at Lincoln Cathedral, the auction saw all thirty-one statues go under the hammer at an average selling price of £4,000. The highest bid was fetched by ‘A Little Lucky Imp’ at an impressive £10,000. The auction followed the successful Imp Trail organised by Lincoln BIG which ran across the city over the summer. “It was a great evening in support of St Barnabas, and we would like to thank everyone for participating in the trail, our sponsors, artists and partners who made this trail the success it’s been, especially after the one-year postponement due to the pandemic,” said Sarah Loftus, CEO of Lincoln BIG. Neale Court Care Home residents go back to school Residents at Neale Court Care Home in North Hykeham enjoyed a month of ‘Back to school’ themed activities. Care and nursing homes across the Country Court group were encouraged to use resident’s ideas and memories of school days to create fun and engaging activities. The ‘back to school’ activities had a different weekly theme throughout the month, with prizes for the most engaging activity each week. In week one, the challenge was to learn a language, week two was poetry week and week three was science week. For the final week, the care homes held a school theme day, staff dressed up and residents enjoyed fun lessons and activities. Residents enjoyed school dinner themed menus for lunch with sponge pudding and custard for dessert to make it fully authentic. © D. Holmes Collection/LCLR 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:10 Page 1New homes proposed for village near Lincoln Lindum Group is hoping to build 20 new affordable homes in Bassingham, near Lincoln. Plans are being drawn up for one, two and three bedroomed properties on land south of Vasey Close, on the southeastern side of the village. If approved, some of the homes would be offered for sale on a shared ownership basis and others would be available for affordable rent. The proposals are being prepared following a Housing Needs Survey, which was commissioned by Lindum Group and completed by Community Lincs. The homes would predominantly be semi-detached with all properties having private parking spaces and individual rear gardens. The site would be accessed from the existing road on Vasey Close which itself is accessed via a simple priority T-junction from Torgate Lane. LIVES, the emergency response charity, has launched a Critical Care Car to reach more critically ill patients living in Lincolnshire’s coastal towns. The distinctive navy and yellow Volvo XC90, which uses the callsign ‘Medic 50’, is equipped with life- saving medical devices, equipment and advanced medicines to treat patients in cardiac arrest and patients involved in major trauma such as road traffic collision or serious assault. The equipment carried includes a ventilator, automatic chest compression machine, infusion pumps, beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring and specialist freeze dried blood products. “Our Critical Care Car is capable of mobilizing highly specialized critical care in a heartbeat, in all weathers, day and night,” said LIVES Critical Care Doctor, Halden Hutchison-Bazely, who has led the project for the charity. “On board is both the high-level expertise and the equipment to be able to act fast and save lives when patients are suffering from the most life-threatening of illnesses or injuries.” LIVES launch new Critical Care Car service Multi-million-pound Institute of Technology building opens to Lincoln learners Lincoln College Group’s brand-new, multi-million-pound Institute of Technology (IoT), has opened its doors to learners for the first time following a £4.6m refurbishment project; inclusive of £1.6m state of the art equipment. Located in one of the college’s oldest buildings, the Grade II listed Gibney building, the IoT has been extensively refurbished and forms part of a unique collaboration between the college, University of Lincoln and a number of other Further Education providers across Greater Lincolnshire. Lincoln College has worked alongside employers to ensure the courses provide learners with the industry-relevant skills they will need to overcome some of the key challenges facing the technology industries. © Shutterstock/ bluedog studio 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:11 Page 2latest news Illuminate event to light up Gainsborough this November Residents of and visitors to West Lindsey are invited to attend the final event to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower story this autumn. A special Illuminate event involving lanterns, performers, music, projections, an arts trail and a fire garden will bring to an end the commemorations in the town, 400 years after the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving in America. Last year’s event went online due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but this November the 400th anniversary event brings people back together to look back on the story of the Separatists’ journey to America in 1620. Many leading Separatists on the Mayflower, who later became known as the Pilgrims, came from the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire region. The event takes place at Gainsborough Old Hall and All Saints’ Parish Church throughout the evening on Saturday 13th November, from 6pm onwards. A specially commissioned Pilgrim story will be projected onto the walls of the Hall and will be repeated at regular intervals throughout the evening. At the same time, fire sculptures and performers will dance and entertain visitors in the grounds of the Old Hall and the adjacent church. © Shutterstock/markh Students step up to climate change challenge with ‘inspirational’ eco-projects Students across the Humber have come forward with their own innovative ideas to help tackle the climate crisis as part of a campaign to unite the region in the drive to net zero. Dozens of teams from schools and colleges across Hull, the East Riding, North and North East Lincolnshire accepted the challenge and submitted their sustainable solutions, which judges described as “inspirational”. Projects ranged from apps and games to new product ideas and presentations, addressing issues around recycling, minimising food waste, and water management. Each of the finalists will receive a behind the scenes VIP experience with a supporting business, providing an invaluable insight into the career opportunities available to them with a sustainable company committed to protecting the environment, along with £500 per team. Along with the trip to COP26, the overall winners, who will be announced by Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy on the launch day of The Waterline Summit on Monday, October 18, will also receive £2,000 to support their school or college on its eco journey. Local volunteers needed to help collect food for frontline charities this Christmas Kind-hearted Lincolnshire people are being urged to sign up and join an army of volunteers needed to collect food for charities feeding people in their local community this Christmas. The Trussell Trust, which provides emergency food parcels to people in crisis, and FareShare, which provides food to thousands of frontline charities and community groups, are seeking volunteers to help during this year’s Tesco Food Collection. The collection will take place in every Tesco store in the UK from November 18 to 20, and with many people facing a particularly difficult winter, the need to collect food for the charities is greater than ever. Tesco will be topping up the donations made during the collection with a 20% cash donation to help the charities in their work. To volunteer for the collection, please sign up at www.fareshare.org.uk/foodcollection 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:11 Page 3in partnership with 25 NOV – 2 JAN Running selected evenings only The magical, after-dark, illuminated trail CHRISTMASAT BELTON Local councillor gives back to Bransby Horses through councillor initiative fund Bransby Horses, the Lincoln-based equine charity, recently invited Cllr Steve England, West Lindsey Chairman of the Council, for a tour after he selected Bransby Horses as a community project to award a financial contribution as part of the Councillor Initiative Fund. Over a four-year cycle, each District Councillor has £4,000 to award to local community projects and activities, allowing Councillors to get involved with local work and provide funding to help make things happen. Bransby Horses gratefully received a £500 contribution. “Bransby Horses are an organisation that is really close to my heart,” said Chairman Cllr Steve England. “The Councillor Initiative Fund allows all councillors an opportunity to give back to local organisations, and I am delighted to be able to select Bransby Horses as one of my selected causes.” LightSpeed Broadband grows Lincolnshire based team with local talent Spalding-based internet service provider, LightSpeed Broadband, celebrates its rapidly expanding local team as it welcomes 17 new employees to support its full fibre network roll out in towns across the East of England, which will create 30 local jobs. The LightSpeed network roll out is moving at pace with one hundred engineers working across ten towns in South Lincolnshire and West Norfolk, and teams getting ready to start work in another ten towns this Autumn in North Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to build the future- proof, ultra-reliable gigabit full fibre network. On track to reach 100,000 homes and businesses across the East of England by the end of 2022, extending to 1 million by 2025, LightSpeed’s mission is to bring its network to communities currently underserved by the existing broadband infrastructure unlocking their digital potential and becoming the region’s leading provider. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:11 Page 4Next >