< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CHRISTMAS Handmade in Ghana, this tote bag from FLO London is perfect for your everyday essentials from your laptop, gym wear to groceries. With a reversible design these tote bags offer double the styling options with Ahwenepa Nkasa fabric on the exterior and in the lining of the bag. Use this easy to build kit from Annabel James to create a home for solitary bees and other insects. Kids will go wild for this one. The perfect gift for that special someone in your life whose love of Bowie is equalled only by their love of cats. Available from Childstar Samantha. This adorable huggable llama from Five and Dime is just about as cute and comforting as you could wish for. Just pop it in the microwave while you prep to venture into the great outdoors (or a night on the sofa). 54-61.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:56 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 61 9 Clifton Street, Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, Lincoln, LN5 8LQ 01522 546118 sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk Established more than 40 years ago, Lincoln Print & Copy Centre has experienced the highs and lows of the economy alongside many other businesses in the area. Looking at the opportunities as the economy grows, they identified areas where they can help their customers stand out from the crowd and have invested in new printing and finishing equipment. With the latest Xerox Versant 280 press and Kasfold 640 booklet maker, they can now supply landscape A4 brochures, 6 page A4 leaflets and A5 concertina leaflets with other products available in the near future, all in smaller as well as large quantities. The combination of the new machines offer many new exciting products for customers. Their experienced design team have worked in print for many years so understand what’s required in the worlds of commerce, industry, hospitality, culture and tourism. They can help customers understand how the new ideas will work for them, discuss branding and logos, what will attract and inform their customers. For more information visit www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk • Single Use Menus • Christmas cards • Calendars • Gift Ideas • Notices and Signs • Information leaflets • Logos and branding • Stationary • Business cards • Newsletters • Postcards • Flyers • Brochures • Vinyl Banners • Roller Banners • Posters • Plan printing Looking forward at new business opportunities Get in contact today, and experience the freedom of flight! T: 01406 540461 E: info@fenland-flying-school.co.uk W: www.fenland-flying-school.co.uk Fenland Flying School, Fenland Airfield, Holbeach St Johns, Spalding PE12 8RQ Introductory Flights from a little over £50 for 30 mins (based on 3 people) Have a go at flying a light aircraft - Trial Lessons from £110 for 30 mins Fancy some aerobatics? Chipmunk flights from £100 for 20 mins Here at Fenland Flying School we can offer you everything from an Introductory Flight for a special occasion, to learning to fly and gaining your Private Pilot’s Licence and beyond. Why not have a Trial Lesson and see how easy and enjoyable it is to fly an aeroplane under the supervision of one of our highly experienced Flying Instructors, or perhaps take a trip in the Chipmunk for some aerobatics! Whatever your requirements, our friendly staff are here to help. Gift vouchers available for Flight Experiences Looking for a different Christmas Gift? Ever wondered what it’s like to fly an aeroplane? Fast delivery throughout the UK Luxury Lincolnshire Hampers, delivered straight to your door! Tel: 07940404863 | Email: sales@thehamperbox.co.uk www.thehamperbox.co.uk We provide hampers of all sizes and different price points to suit the individuals needs whether corporate or personal. We try to use as many locally sourced products as possible and have also created hampers that are solely full of Lincolnshire products. If there is something really special you are after then we are very happy to create bespoke hampers. The Perfect Christmas Gift Lincolnshir e Hampers from only £20 54-61.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:56 Page 8Unmistakeable in their blue and orange hues, the common Kingfisher does not look very common – especially not compared to their far less elegantly coloured cousins. Most seen around Lincolnshire’s lakes and rivers, the kingfisher flies low over the water and is even capable of hovering above the surface, hunting small fish and insects. This beautiful species is unfortunately on the decline in much of Europe thanks to harsh winters and poor management of water ways; they are currently listed as an amber alert and a schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Kingfishers can be found across Europe and further afield and will only migrate when waterways become frozen in the colder months, which means that November may be the last chance to see them this year. Partnering and breeding for kingfishers begins in February, and the first eggs are usually laid in March. By now, the young will be fully grown and looking to eke out a territory for themselves that provides good access to slow running water and food. This territory, assuming it does not freeze over, will suit them until the 62 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Vibrantly coloured and found across our county all through the year, the kingfisher is one of the most photogenic birds to grace our cameras. Lincolnshire wildlife new year, where they too will begin searching for a partner. Because of this, kingfishers can be quite territorial toward their fellows. A good territory not only ensures the highest chances of finding a mate, but also the best chance of their own survival. This becomes increasingly an issue in harder winters. A kingfisher whose waterways freeze up is forced to migrate in search of fresh water, inevitably leading them into conflict with others of the species. Unlike many local birds, kingfishers do not willingly migrate to warmer climates. If the winter is mellow enough, they will stay in their territory all year round. The best way to spot kingfishers is to look for the best fishing spots. Fast flowing water does not provide enough fish to be a suitable territory, and rivers that are polluted are much the same. Ideally, water would be fresh and not too fast moving as to be a risk to the bird. If there are any low-hanging branches over the water then all the better – these make for excellent perching spots for kingfishers, so pay attention to those. Though their diet mainly consists of fish, they will also eat insects and tadpoles to supplement it where necessary. Did you know? A kingfisher’s feathers are actually brown, not blue! Blue is one of the rarest colours in nature and most of what we see as blue is actually because of reflected light and something called structural colouration. This is most seen with iridescent hues – that sensation you get when something looks to be a different colour depending on the angle you look at it. This is the same with peacocks, who also have brown feathers. To put it simply, kingfishers appear blue because of a trick of reflected light played upon our eyes. 62-63.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:58 Page 1© Shutterstock/ aaltair LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 63 62-63.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 07:58 Page 264 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY STAMFORD Culture and history Culture and history 64-67.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 08:00 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 STAMFORD © Shutterstock /Sergey Mironov 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. With over 600 listed buildings, Stamford is a visual delight for any visitor. Proclaimed a conservation area in 1967, and winner of the Sunday Times’ “top places to live” in 2013, Stamford has a right to feel proud of its heritage and its history and remains a top destination for tourists and those living and working in Lincolnshire. One of the first things you notice coming into Stamford is the abundance of buildings constructed of stone. These now-listed buildings harken back before the industrial era in many cases, and are mostly made of Jurassic limestone, which the area was famous for producing. These stately buildings have stood the test of time and give the market streets and roads winding through Stamford a historic appeal, drawing the eye of any visitor. Despite its historic appearance and industrial past, the town remains bustling today. Tourism marks a large portion of Stamford’s economy, and as a result there © Shutterstock /Fotimageon 66 Á 64-67.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 08:00 Page 266 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY STAMFORD are no shortage of things to do and places to see. Burghley House stands on the outskirts of Stamford, an impressive Elizabethan House with world-renowned tapestries and paintings, along with a stunning garden. The Stamford Shakespeare company is also a must-visit for those with an interest in history. Alas, the Shakespeare season for live plays has passed – these take place from June through to August – but the site is still a key part of the town’s history and worth the visit. If history isn’t enough to excite then there is plenty more to be done. Nearby Tallington Lakes offers extreme activities and sports to enjoy, from water skiing to wakeboarding and jet skiing. The town centre is host to a variety of independent stores you won’t find anywhere else in Lincolnshire, sure to provide original and novel shopping experiences. The best part about these shops is being able to walk down Stamford’s narrow alleyways and hidden routes, between large stone buildings as you discover more and more exciting and unusual speciality stores. Every Friday, Stamford plays host to a bustling market day that draws people from nearby villages to buy and sell fresh produce and vegetables, pies, meats, and bread. It’s no exaggeration to say parking is difficult on a Friday, but it’s well worth a visit if only for the sheer variety of goods on offer. The numerous restaurants, pubs, and inns to rest at afterwards and enjoy a drink or two are a perfect way to cap off a busy shopping spree, and Stamford plays host to numerous award-winning restaurants which will likely be releasing their winter menus right now. If peace and tranquillity is more to one’s liking, you could do much worse than to lose yourself on one of Stamford’s many scenic walks, visit landmarks as you walk down cobbled streets between Georgian buildings, then stop for a rest on the banks of the River Welland, which winds its © Shutterstock /trabantos 64-67.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 08:00 Page 3way gracefully though Stamford on its way to The Wash. As Christmas approaches, Stamford often rises to the occasion with festive lights, decorations, and events – keep an eye on our What’s On pages to find out what is going on in the area. One popular event is set to take place on November 25th – 28th, and is the Burghley Christmas Fair, taking place at Burghley Hall. There will be chances to walk between the chalets, sample fine food and warm drink at the market, and maybe even pick up a few Christmas gift ideas along the way! Stamford really is a feast for the eyes and senses, and one of the most beautiful towns in Lincolnshire. Its rich history and heritage shines bright, and with only a little over 20,000 people living there, you can appreciate all of it without the overpowering crowds found in cities like Lincoln. Recognised as one of the best places in Lincolnshire to live, the local house prices more than reflect it, but it’s hard to find a place where so much culture and history meshes together. A delight to visit and an even better place to stay, we can’t recommend enough that you spare a chance and visit Stamford this Christmas. Just be sure to check what’s going on ahead of time, as there are some wonderful events set around Christmas that you won’t want to miss. HUGE SELECTION OF ARTISAN CHEESES AND DELIGHTS Cured Hams & Salami from France, Italy & Spain Antipasti, Olives & Patés Amazing selection of Deli products (British, Italian, Spanish & French) Original Pasta, Sauces, Chutneys, Biscuits, Vegan Products, Gluten Free etc, Plum Bread etc. BESPOKE HAMPERS FOR ANY OCCASION 16 HIGH STREET, STAMFORD PE9 2AL Order online for next day delivery to all of England www.stamfordcheese.com Call 07749671659 Follow us on for updates and promotions Stamford Cheese & Deli (Previously The Stamford Cheese & Wine Cellar) LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 STAMFORD © Shutterstock /John New 64-67.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 08:00 Page 468 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING Christmas may very well be a time of cheer for many, but it’s rarely the case for the elderly population of the country. Findings by older people’s charity Royal Voluntary Service say that most elderly people don’t expect to see anyone at all on the day, while more than a third won’t even cook themselves a Christmas dinner. That’s a traditional Christmas without the risk of passing on COVID, lockdowns to worry about and now a fuel crisis threatening the county. If prior Christmases have been hard, this one stands to be harder still. Specific figures show that 510,302 older Britons feel lonelier on Christmas Day than any other, while over 375,000 over-75s will be spending the day alone. Of these 41% wished they had someone to spend the day with, and that was only those who felt confident enough to admit that. The figure is probably much higher, and sure to be so given the trying events that have taken place in this year. In many cases this is a result of dwindling social circles, as time, illness or infirmity claims those they once held close. Many elderly people still have their pride as well, and don’t wish to be a burden to others, which only makes the time alone all the worse. Isolation is not something anyone should have to deal with. We’ve all had to this year thanks to the lockdown, but for many of us this closed-in life has come 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. © Shutterstock /Rawpixel.com Hard times 68-71.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 08:02 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 CARING to an end. We have the freedom and mobility to look forward to going outdoors once isolation ends. Not everyone does. For those who, be it from disability or mobility problems, cannot travel on their own, the end of lockdown is no more a solace than the beginning. It may well be worse this year because of the horrible toll COVID has had upon the aged demographic, which the disease targeted beyond many others. With social circles dwindling to natural causes or COVID, it hasn’t been an easy time. Now more than ever, more than any of the years before, it’s up to us to do what we can for those who need us. No one should have to spend Christmas alone, not after going through everything 2021 has had to offer. People with elderly parents or grandparents should spare a thought for involving them this Christmas – this may be difficult given lockdown policies on care homes, but it’s worth speaking to them to see what is possible. If a person cannot leave a care home, then consider bringing Christmas to them instead! In previous years Lincolnshire has hosted some wonderful events designed to bring elderly people together, including large Christmas dinners hosted in fine venues. This may not be possible 70 Á © Shutterstock /Alonafoto 15 Bigby Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8EJ Tel: 01652 650 520 Comforts Avenue, Scunthorpe, North Lincs DN15 6PN Tel: 01724 280 082 We have experienced staff to personally help you with your individual needs. Planning for the future? We can help you arrange a funeral now or help if you are planning for the future. www.jnalor-funerals.co.uk We have experienced staff to personally help you with your individual needs. Planning for the future? We can help you arrange a funeral now or help if you are planning for the future. 68-71.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2021 08:02 Page 2Next >