Hair & Beauty County Motoring Seasonal Recipes Homes & Gardens Hair & Beauty County Motoring Seasonal Recipes Homes & Gardens £2.95 NOVEMBER 2025 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 NOVEMBER 2025THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEFloislivingwithcancerwithdignitythanks totheexceptionalcareatourhospitals Helpmorepeoplefacecancer withconfidence RememberUnitedLincolnshireHospitalsCharityinyourWill andhelpfundgroundbreakingtreatmentsforcancerpatients. www.ulhcharity.org.uk/wills RegisteredCharityNo:1058065Welcome… Against a backdrop of darker and colder days in November, Lincolnshire starts to brighten up as sparkling fireworks displays give way to twinkling Christmas light switch-ons and glowing festive trails. It may not be December yet, but this month events across the county kick off the merry season, whether it be carol concerts, Christmas markets, or workshops for home-made decorations. Plans for purchasing presents will be on the horizon for many, but while it may seem simpler to order everything online from the likes of Amazon and other major corporations, with convenience a key draw, take a moment to consider Lincolnshire’s shops this year, and spend local if you can to support your community. There are unique gifts abound in the county’s boutiques and independent stores whatever your loved one’s interests, whether they are a foodie and wine aficionado, fashion lover, or art enthusiast. Plus, there’ll be no worry of lost parcels, packages left abandoned on doorsteps, or damage during delivery! The evolving act of gift giving is explored in this issue if you’re in need of inspiration, while we also share new fashion for the season, advice on how to enhance gardens for the winter, new trends in health and beauty and more. Good reading, as always. Tess Egginton Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper 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 FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF STOCK.ADOBE.COM/NATALIYA SELYUTINA 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? LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net The magazine that cares WE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Lincolnshire Today believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 22WINTER READY A new season of clothing is ready to enter our closets. 28A SPRINKLE OF ACCESSORIES Adding a few accessories is key to completing an outfit. 30COOL, CASUAL KNITWEAR Now knitwear weather has arrived, Lincolnshire Today shares some dapper options to layer up with. 32THE CAFFEINE BOOST FOR YOUR HAIR Once known only as a morning pick-me- up, caffeine is now making its way into shampoos. Can it really help protect against thinning, or is it just another beauty fad? 34WHY BIOHACKING IS BECOMING THE FUTURE OF HEALTH AND FITNESS Once seen as a niche pursuit, biohacking is now entering the mainstream. From nutrition to wearable tech, more people are turning to science-backed strategies to optimise body and mind. 36CHRISTMAS CLASSICS As we plan for Christmas parties and the big day itself next month, here are some festive favourites to consider adding to the menu. 40THE CHRISTMAS GIFT MARKET TURNS TO CONSCIENCE AND CARE Personalisation is redefining Christmas 2025, with gifts shaped by conscience and care. From recycled notebooks to handmade crafts and tailored tech, consumers are choosing presents that carry meaning as well as value. NOVEMBER A NEW SEASON OF CLOTHING IS READY TO ENTER OUR CLOSETS. contentsTHERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON IN LINCOLNSHIRE. 48THE FIGHT AGAINST WINTER LONELINESS As daylight fades and cold weather sets in, thousands of older people across the UK face heightened risks of isolation. Community groups, volunteers and local initiatives are working to ensure that companionship, warmth and support remain within reach. 52COUNTY MOTORING Here are three luxury vehicles you should consider driving when you want to conquer the cold in style and safety. • We put the Bentley Continental GT Speed through its paces. 58WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. 66A CAPPUCCINO WITH… Lincolnshire Today caught up with filmmaker Andreas Zerr to learn more about his new documentary, Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror. Desirable homes 12A UNIQUE HOME WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS A short walk from Lincoln landmarks, this month’s featured property has been distinctively designed by an accomplished architect to maximise on its views over the city. 18CAPTURING THE JOY OF YOUTH Inspired by his upbringing in Newcastle, Leigh Lambert’s pieces are full of nostalgia, splashing brightness against monochromatic landscapes to capture the joy of youth. 20A WONDERFUL WINTER GARDEN Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains how you can still have a great looking winter garden.New wetland plan could transform flood-prone Horncastle site Contract awarded for major Lincolnshire Housing Partnership retrofit programme Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) has awarded a major contract to property maintenance contractor Fortem to deliver a full retrofit programme that will make 1,243 homes across the region more energy efficient. Backed by grant funding from the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3, the new contract will see Fortem upgrading all homes to an EPC Band C rating. The works follow nearly £18 million already invested over the past year to improve energy efficiency across LHP’s housing stock in its Green Homes Upgrade project. Works will include installing external and cavity wall, loft, and suspended floor insulation, along with solar panels and air source heat pumps, helping to cut carbon emissions and create warmer homes. This latest retrofit programme builds on the strong partnership between LHP and Fortem, with both organisations having worked together since 2023 on a ten-year, £150 million Decent Homes programme, delivering new kitchens, bathrooms, and roofs across 12,000 LHP homes. Plans are underway to create a new wetland nature reserve on the outskirts of Horncastle. The proposed site, known as Harrison’s Holme, sits south of the A158 between the River Bain and River Waring—an area that frequently floods during winter. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and East Mercia Rivers Trust are leading the project, which aims to turn the land into a thriving wetland habitat supporting a wide range of wildlife. The scheme, still awaiting a planning application, would be funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Anglian Water’s Get River Positive initiative. If approved, major groundwork is expected to take place over the winter months. Plans include reshaping the riverbanks to encourage natural flooding, excavating shallow ponds and scrapes, and creating swales and bunds to manage water flow. Native planting would follow to enhance biodiversity and stabilise the banks. The design includes dedicated refuges for amphibians and insects and an elevated viewing area with seating so visitors can observe the reserve without disturbing it. latest news © stock.adobe.com/alagz © stock.adobe.com/AlekssA new £14 million Skegness College has officially opened, marking a major investment in education and training for the Lincolnshire coast. Located on Wainfleet Road within the Skegness Gateway development, the purpose-built campus is the town’s first dedicated vocational college and forms part of the TEC Partnership. The wider development also includes new homes and industrial units, designed to support future growth in the area. The new facilities include specialist workshops for plumbing, electrical, construction, and motor vehicle training, as well as IT suites for business courses. There are also dedicated spaces for health and social care students, including a mock hospital ward and care flat, alongside fully equipped hair and beauty salons. Funding for the campus was secured through the government-backed Connected Coast Town Deal, which supports regeneration projects in Skegness and Mablethorpe. The opening marks a new chapter for local learners, offering access to modern training environments and pathways into key industries across the region. New Skegness College welcomes first students Marshall’s Yard strikes gold in 2025 East Midlands in Bloom Awards The green-fingered team at Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough are celebrating after achieving the prestigious Gold Award in the annual East Midlands in Bloom Awards. The shopping centre also won the Best Retail / Commercial Award in a special ceremony held in Grimsby showcasing the region’s brightest and best floral displays. The planting and landscaping at Marshall’s Yard, including hanging baskets planted each year by Needhams Nursery, as well as additional planting across the centre, impressed the judges for creating a welcoming and calm atmosphere. All of the displays are lovingly cared for by the on-site team as well as some of the local businesses, whose efforts were also singled out for praise in the judges’ report. The East Midlands in Bloom judges highlighted the centre’s high standards commending the fact that local suppliers are used and that hanging baskets, beds and trees were all healthy and well maintained. The creation of bird boxes and bug hotels were also praised as well as the landscaped fountain area at the Yard and the centre’s recognition of the site’s history as a former tractor factory. New supported housing takes shape in Market Rasen Significant progress is being made on a new housing project that will offer supported living to working age adults with disabilities. Grange House in Market Rasen will offer 10 apartments with access to 24-hour care and support, as well as a range of communal areas where tenants can meet with families and friends and enjoy group activities. In addition, there will be a community-focused social enterprise, offering an opportunity to learn new skills through growing produce and caring for animals. The project is a collaboration between Acis Group, Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council, made possible by additional funding from Homes England. The development is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Greg Bacon, CEO of Acis Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to be bringing this development to Market Rasen, investing £3.9 million to give this stunning Grade II listed building and its associated stable block a new purpose that aligns perfectly with our vision for supporting communities when they need us.” © Skegness College to £14m campusEast Lindsey boosts funding for groups tackling loneliness East Lindsey District Council has extended its Social Isolation Grant scheme with an additional £25,000 from the East Lindsey Investment Fund, allowing more community projects to access support for tackling loneliness. The initiative builds on last year’s funding from the Cost of Living Support Budget, which benefited 34 community groups across the district. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help local organisations reduce isolation and strengthen community connections. Projects supported so far include the North Thoresby Community Orchard, which used its grant to run tree grafting workshops, beekeeping sessions, and educational activities for school groups. The orchard’s “Meet the Bees” events have attracted more than 150 visitors, including disadvantaged children and families. Other funded projects range from accessibility improvements at Carrington Village Hall to skill-sharing programmes through Louth Men’s Shed and operational support for local warm spaces and hubs. The council’s investment aims to sustain grassroots efforts that improve wellbeing and social engagement across East Lindsey. Applications for the next round of Social Isolation Grant funding are now open to eligible community groups and hubs. latest news Grimsby streets become open-air gallery with new AR project A new augmented reality experience has launched in Grimsby, turning parts of the town into a digital gallery accessible by mobile phone. The project, called Coastal Voice, is led by the charity Music in Mind with support from North East Lincolnshire Council. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the initiative uses technology developed by Gazooky Studios in partnership with the European Space Agency. By scanning QR codes placed at sites including the Fishing Heritage Centre, Freeman Street Market and Central Hall, people can view multimedia works inspired by local history, identity and environment. Content includes community interviews, artwork from local schoolchildren and extracts from a video opera performed by musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The AR gallery builds on three years of collaboration and follows a year-long programme of workshops and interviews across Grimsby, Dover and Sefton. Around 900 people contributed to the project, which set out to capture the voices and character of coastal towns. © stock.adobe.com/Seadog81 © stock.adobe.com/Azahara MarcosDeLeon Lincolnshire rolls out free paint reuse scheme across all recycling centres Lincolnshire residents can now collect free leftover paint at each of the county’s 11 Household Waste Recycling Centres, following the completion of the Community RePaint network with the opening of a store in Skegness. The scheme gathers unwanted but usable paint and makes it available at no cost to the public. Supplies cover a range of household types and finishes, depending on donations received. Community RePaint Stores are now operating in Skegness, Louth, Grantham, Lincoln, Tattershall, Sleaford, Market Rasen, Boston, Gainsborough, Bourne, and Spalding. Residents can take part by speaking to staff at their local site, whether to donate surplus paint or pick some up for home projects. The initiative reduces waste while providing households with a practical way to save money on decorating and creative work. © Lincolnshire County CouncilBeating the odds to become a champion Charity No: 1075601. Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No: 3711676 Find us at LN1 2PH 01427 788 464 BransbyHorses.co.uk $OLWWOHJLUOZKRKDGDGL̲FXOWVWDUWKDVDFKLHYHGWKHPRVWDPD]LQJVXFFHVV ZLWKKHU%UDQVE\+RUVHVȃUHVFXHSRQ\ DQGEHVWIULHQG 6NLS 6HYHQ\HDUROG3H\WRQ.HLUZDVJLYHQDOHVVWKDQSHUFHQWFKDQFHRI VXUYLYDOZKHQVKHZDVERUQSUHPDWXUHO\$WDURXQGWKHVDPHWLPHKHU SRQ\6NLSZDVDOVRERUQDJDLQVWWKHRGGVWRDPDUHUHVFXHGE\%UDQVE\ +RUVHV 7KH\KDYHVXFKDVSHFLDOERQGDQGFRQQHFWLRQLWȃVEHDXWLIXOWRVHH7KLVLV DOOPDGHSRVVLEOHWKURXJKRXU3HUIHFW3DUWQHUSURJUDPPHZKLFKZRXOGQȃW EHSRVVLEOHZLWKRXWWKHVXSSRUWRIGRQDWLRQVPDGHE\WKHSXEOLF Donate to help us keep beating the odds © Evey Leigh-Oldale PhotographyNext >