£2.95 DECEMBER 2013£2.95 DECEMBER 2013THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET25 years young25 years youngPrizes galore inour bumpergiveawaySparklingseasonal fashionGreat gift ideasAll you want forChristmas!The wonderof ChristmasThe wonderof ChristmasPrizes galore inour bumpergiveawaySparklingseasonal fashionGreat gift ideasAll you want forChristmas!01:Layout 1 11/11/13 10:39 Page 1Wainfleet and St Mary’sCare HomesWainfleetSt. Mary’sWainfleet Care Home Rumbold Lane, Wainfleet, Skegness PE24 4DSSt. Mary’s Residential & Dementia Care HomeSt. Mary’s Court, Speedwell Crescent, Scunthorpe DN15 8UPCome and visit ourwonderful homes in theHumberside areaQuality care homes forthe elderlyWorking in partnership with Orchard Care Homes£100offrespite and permanent stays with this advertTerms and conditions apply LarchwoodcareQuality care from a dedicated team of expertsOur team are experts in providing quality care,tailored to the individual. We care about every detailof our residents' lives, their health, diet, exercise andmental stimulation. Each of our homes are purpose–built, beautifully decorated and superbly equipped.Larchwood offer safe, supportivehomes that promote confidenceand independenceOur residents are encouraged to get the most out oflife, whilst receiving the very best in care.For more information call 0845 602 7469or visit www.orchardcarehomes.com02:Layout 1 8/11/13 13:27 Page 1The magazine that caresWE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place thanwe found itLincolnshire Today believes that being socially and environmentallyresponsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that ourcustomers 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 ‘goodneighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, throughfinancial support of local causes and charities. Environment -Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and naturalresources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.Call me biased if you want, but I don’t think anywhere doesChristmas as well as Lincolnshire. The county really does becomemagical in the run-up to the festive season and we’re reflecting thatin this month’s issue.It’s perhaps surprising to realise that the Lincoln ChristmasMarket, for many people the traditional kick start to the festivities, isonly celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year! It’s become sucha cherished fixture that it’s certainly hard to remember a time whenit wasn’t there, and that’s testament to the team behind the Marketfor giving it that extra special traditional atmosphere. Last year there were a fewgrumblings about how hard it was to get around but the organisers this yearpromise us that there should be a bit less congestion.This month’s Lincolnshire Today includes all you need to make it a fabulousChristmas. We’ve got a giant gift guide with something to suit any taste and ahost of fantastic prizes to give away, as well as a preview of this year’s toppantomimes. We’ve got some slightly less traditional fare as well including someunique Christmas tipples and a look at some less well-known festive events. Inaddition, if you’re anything like me and spend much of the build-up fretting overthe terrifying ritual of buying underwear for your loved one, we’ve also gotinspiration and advice – which could solve a lot of problems!As we reach the end of our 25th anniversary year, it falls to me to thank all ourreaders and advertisers for making this one of Lincolnshire Today’s best years yet!From the various wedding fairs we attend to the numerous county shows we’vebeen able to meet hundreds of you and the magazine you’re reading now hasbeen shaped by your suggestions and opinions. Here’s to the next quartercentury!On behalf of all the Lincolnshire Today team, a very merry Christmas!Steve FisherEditorLincolnshireToday@lincstodaylincolnshiretoday.netEditor:Steve FisherJournalists:Steve Williams, Mike Shields, Michael Fisher, Stuart PearceySales Director: Teri CooperSales Manager: Angela CooperSales: Marie RuddAccounts: Angela Sharman,John DownesCirculations: Dawn CookDesign & Production: Gary Jorgensen,Mark Casson, Rachel GreenAdvertising: Tel: (01472) 310302, Fax: (01472) 310312 Editorial:Tel: (01472) 310305, Fax: (01472) 310317Part Of The Business Link MagazineGroup: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street,Grimsby,N E Lincs DN31 2QEEmail: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded orotherwise without express permission of the copyright holder,for which application should be addressed first to thepublisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither thepublisher nor its participating agents accept liability for lossor damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives orother material of whatever nature submitted to thispublication. The views expressed in this publication are notnecessarily the views of those held by the publisher.This magazine is now fully recyclable. Byrecycling magazines, you can help reducewaste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes ofpaper already recycled by the UK paperindustry each year. Before you recycle yourmagazine, please ensure you remove allplastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. Ifyou are unable to participate in a recyclingscheme, then why not pass your magazineonto a local hospital or charity?WelcomeFRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/RTORIA03:Layout 1 8/11/13 13:30 Page 1Have a crackingChristmas!This month’s Lincolnshire Today is a realfestive feast!46 A festive totRaise a glass to a sparkling season with ourfood and drink pages51 December will be magic againLincolnshire’s High Streets offer a warmwelcome for shoppers53 Deck the halls!Some gorgeous decorations could make yourChristmas even more special57 All I want for Christmas is...Our bumper gift guide has something to suitevery taste – and it’s all to win!69 Capital of ChristmasLincoln’s always worth a visit – but atChristmas it really comes into its own89 The magic of pantomimeYour panto primer for a feast of family funFeatures6 This month in LincolnshireWhat’s been going on in the county thismonth?18 Let your mind driftMeet a Bishop Norton artist with a predilectionfor reclaimed driftwood26 Exploring Lincolnshire on footWelbourn28 Low winter sunJust because the temperatures have taken atumble, you needn’t sacrifice styleDECEMBER 2013Contents12698904-05:Layout 1 8/11/13 13:48 Page 134 Underneath it allLincolnshire’s lingerie specialists mean thehapless husband is a thing of the past42 Glam to beat the gloomWinter needn’t be synonymous with dulland lifeless hair and skin44 Good health!Our fitness expert provides more advice tokeep you active74 Forward thinkingLincolnshire looks set to enjoy an ambitiousnew business dawn76 A winter wildlife welcomeMeet some of the seasonal visitors to ourcounty78 Motoring marvelsCheck out the meanest, greenest new carshitting the roads84 What’s On in LincolnshireAside from festive fare there’s plenty moregoing onDesirable homes12 Set in stoneWe visit a home that typifies the calm andrelaxed aura of glorious Greatford17 Functional livingPull up a bean bag and look over our toptips for a fantastic central point20 Order in natureSet in the grounds of an old rectory, witnessa garden full of twists and turnsSocial scenes24 Britain in Bloom at Cleethorpes50 Grand opening of Pandora in Lincoln82 Diwali celebrations at University of Lincoln3478532804-05:Layout 1 8/11/13 13:48 Page 2Sir Matthew Pinsentopens Priory SportsCentreSir Matthew Pinsent, four-time Olympic rowing champion,officially opened The Priory LSST’s new Sports Centre during aninspirational visit to the academy. Sir Matthew met students andstaff on his tour of the facilities, before unveiling a commemorativeplaque in the new sports hall.Sir Matthew visited the Newton Science Centre and CheneyBoarding House before being introduced to hurdlers and distance runnerspractising on the outdoor athletics track. Inside, he watched volleyball andtrampolining sessions in the hall, and saw students in action on the climbingwall and in the dance studio. In the fitness suite, he went head to head withYear 10 student James Holden on a rowing machine before giving animpromptu talk to a PE class about aerobic and anaerobic exercise.Sir Matthew, who also won ten World Championship gold medals during hisglittering career, paid tribute to the academy’s “exceptional sporting attitudesand environment” when he formally unveiled the opening-day plaque.He said, “I am sure you will all continue to make good use of theseoutstanding facilities and keep up the sporting standards that I have been soimpressed with today.”LATEST NEWSNew face atPretty WomanPretty Woman, of Sea View Street in Cleethorpes, has been ahugely popular shopping destination for many years, helpingladies find the lingerie that’s right for them. The aim hasn’tchanged, but what is new is that it’s now under the ownershipof Julie Sutton.Julie has vast experience having spent twenty years at Forbesin Louth. However the existing team at Pretty Woman remain –Julie Playle, Wendy Simpson and Clare Swales.Julie Sutton says, “It was really important to me to keep theexisting team. Julie, Wendy and Clare are expert fitters –probably the best in Lincolnshire. The ladies spend at least halfan hour with each customer, making sure the fit is correct,because it’s vital you have a good fit for your health andposture. An added bonus is that a properly fitted bra can takepounds off you!”Julie’s plans for the future include a website and an evengreater selection of bras for larger sizes. However the emphasisstill remains on a one to one customer service.Watch out for themorning afterWith the festive celebrations under way, drivers are being warnedabout the morning after effect.Richard Hall from North Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership says,“Going to sleep doesn’t get rid of the alcohol in your body anyquicker and so drinking until late could mean you are still over thelimit when you drive the next day. Nearly one in six drink drivers arecaught the morning after drinking.“For average strength beers (around 4%) it will take about twohours for each pint to leaveyour body. Strong beers andciders (5.5%) will take threehours per pint. Each 35mlshot will take an hour and ahalf before the alcohol leavesyour body and just one 250mlglass of wine (15%) will takefour hours.“If you pour your owndrinks at home they are likelyto be bigger than a pubmeasure and so will takelonger to leave your body.Remember to add an hour forthe time it takes alcohol to beabsorbed in the first place andthat it leaves the bodies ofmen and women at the samerate.”06-07:Layout 1 11/11/13 09:27 Page 1With Love From Italy in GrimsbyLove From Italy has been apopular fixture in Grimsby’s TopTown Market for the past fewmonths – and now it’sbringing its unique senseof style to a permanentvenue in West StMary’s Gate. Thenew shopshowcases a hugerange of fabulousoutfits speciallyselected by owners Alex and Gary.Love From Italy is likely to be a hugely welcome addition toGrimsby town centre, offering fantastic boutique fashion that yougenerally don’t find in the High Street. As the name suggests, theemphasis is on Italian design and there’s something to suit alltastes and price ranges.Some of Love From Italy’s most eye-catching items are the hats,created by Elaine Fox of Hat-solutely Fabulous in Grimsby. Shespecialises in bespoke hats that have attracted a lot of attention.In the run-up to Christmas, too, Love From Italy can come to therescue with their wish list service. Simply choose which items you’d like tosee under the tree and Love From Italy can then pass the information on toyour loved ones!LATEST NEWSGainsborough& Morton Stridersfinish in first placeGainsborough & Morton Striders have celebrated an outstandingvictory away from the running track as the club were named as EnglandAthletics’ Run England Group of the Year.Following a nomination from Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, the groupwere awarded this acclaimed title at the National Volunteer Awards, after avery successful two years for the club. The Striders, who celebrated theirthirtieth anniversary earlier this year, were recognised at the National eventhaving already received the East Midlands award in September.Paul Dagg, Community Liaison Officer, says, “Everyone at the club isabsolutely thrilled to win such a prestigious award. We have a fantastic teamspirit at the Striders, and that has been a driving force behind our recentsuccess, whether it’s hosting Couch to 5k sessions or one of the region’s best10k road races. It’s difficult to single out individuals for their contributions,but Club Secretary Kevin Housham has been the linchpin.”Kamikaze Karting roarsinto actionThose looking for somethingspecial for their Christmasentertainment this year canenjoy high octane thrills atKamikaze Karting, recentlyopened in Victoria Street inGrimsby. Its track and partyroom ensures it’s a fantasticvenue for parties, teambuildingand other social events.Katy and Tristen of KamikazeKarting offer a warm welcome tovisitors. Katy says, “We offer twohours on the track and an hour’s useof our function room, for ten people,for £250, which is a great deal. Wehost a number of corporate eventsand you can also book the track foran entire day. Six people can race onthe track at once so this is fantastic if you’ve got a large group.“It’s particularly popular with businesses because there are no rules whenyou get out on the track – so this is your chance to bump the boss!”Of course you can also enjoy the experience in smaller groups. Grab somefriends and make your day more exciting – enjoy fifteen minutes for £5, thirtyminutes for £10 or any hour for £20. Find out more by giving them a call on01472 352052.Ignite the festive spirit withOSKAIgnite the season’sfestive spirit at theBailgate ChristmasShopping Event andFashion Show, hosted byOSKA Lincoln at theWhite Hart Hotel.On Monday 2ndDecember you can seesome familiar facesshowcasing this season’scollections on thecatwalk and findinspiration for yourwinter outfits. After theshow, you’ll also havethe chance to browsethrough stalls from acollection of Bailgateshops. Ranging fromhomeware and art tofashion and accessories,enhance your winterwardrobe or find some special Christmas gifts.Entry to the event is free so bring along your friends andfamily for a fun and relaxed shopping experience and dropsome subtle hints to make everyone’s Christmas shopping alittle easier!Throughout the evening there will also be a charity rafflewith all proceeds going towards Macmillan Cancer Support.Doors open at 7pm with the fashion show at 7:30pm andshopping until 10pm. For more information call OSKALincoln on 01522 541369.06-07:Layout 1 11/11/13 09:28 Page 28 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYReaders’lettersWe’d love to hear from you. If you have any news, views or issuesyou would like us to cover, do get in touch.Like a chimneyDear Lincolnshire Today,I’ve been a smoker on andoff for 25 years, recently due tohealth scares it was suggestedthat now might be the time tostop for good. During Octoberit was ‘Stoptober’, which isnow an annual challenge thatencourages people to give upfor the month in the hopethat they will stop for good.I’m pleased to say I’vemanaged to get through the month and although it was tempting,especially at social occasions where others were lighting up, I’ve beensmoke-free and want to remain so. If someone as committed as me topuffing away can put them down with a little help, maybe your readerswho want to give up can too! There’s a website atwww.stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk if people want to take a look. I knowI’m glad I did.I Greateford, Stallingborough Memories of the marketDear Lincolnshire Today,I see that there are calls out to ask people to come forward withmemories of the Lincoln Christmas Market, which is now thirty yearsold! I can’t say I’ve been attending since the start, but over the years,it’s one of the true highlights of our family calendar. Even though mychildren are now grown up and have long left the county, they stillcome back every year and we always enjoy a nosey around the stallsand particularly the mulled wine. We went once in the nineties andmanaged to lose two of our children among a particularly busy period,only to find them oblivious to our worry chatting away to a toy stallowner. We’ll be attending this year, but no doubt we’ll be able to keepan eye on them this time round, they’re a bit taller now!J Francis and family, BranstonPICK OF THE MONTHThe winner of our letter of the month wins a case of wine.We’d love to hear from you: Lincolnshire Today, Armstrong House,Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE.Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk We reserve the right to edit published lettersA dog is for life…Dear Lincolnshire TodayI know it might be a much-quotedsaying, but can I please remind yourreaders that a dog is for life, not just forChristmas? I’ve been volunteering at arescue centre for a few years now and theamount of dogs and even cats droppedoff on a weekly basis has increased byshocking numbers. This may be to dowith the financial downturn and peoplenot being able to afford pets’ upkeep, but it’sstill a real shame. Although we never put a healthy animal down, weare struggling with the amount of animals we are having to care for. I’d urge readers to think twice about buying a pet as a present as ifchildren lose interest quickly or financial situations change, that pooranimal will have to sometimes wait a long time to be rehomed. We’realways happy to meet potential owners, so we’re not discouragingpicking out a potential best friend but just suggest caution.G Redfearne, BostonArt and inspirationDear Lincolnshire Today,I’ve been following your features onartists for a while now and just wantedto say how much I am enjoying it.There must be hundreds of artistsworking away in quiet towns andvillages across the county so touncover their hard work is great tosee. I’ve been slowly furnishing mynew home with art, but recently havetried to focus on having more localpieces to really show the county off!Can we have more features onpainters though? I love a goodlandscape and Lincolnshire has so many vistas to offer.A Pulley, Deeping St JamesPICKOF THEMONTH08:Layout 1 8/11/13 13:31 Page 1Serious about health. Passionate about care.27613-1891 © BMI 2013 OUR JOB ONLY ENDS WHEN THE PRUNING BEGINSDon’t suffer in silenceYou might be one of them. One of the millions of people who put up with pain every day due to some kind of arthritic pain. Around 10 million people suffer from arthritic pain, in the form of: Osteoarthritis – the most common, so-called ‘wear and tear arthritis’. Cartilage inside the hip or knee joint wears away, leading to the bones rubbing against each other. Rheumatoid Arthritis – a more severe but less common form of arthritis caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the lining of the joint, resulting in pain and stiffness. Knee pain – arthritis in knees may be helped in the short term by an elasticated support which makes your knee feel stronger, and an arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) may bring some relief for 6 – 12 months. But if arthritis is severe, these measures will become less effective over time and a knee replacement may be necessary. Like hips, the procedure involves removing the damaged bone ERH½XXMRKEREVXM½GMEPORIINSMRXQEHISJmetal, plastic, ceramic or a combination of these materials. This usually involves a hospital stay of around three days. Hip Fracture – the severe damage of a hip joint usually caused by a fall or similar accident.More and more people are undergoing hip replacement and revision procedures. Of course, many will be funded by the NHS. But for those who don’t qualify or who aren’t insured, the alternative is to seek – and of course fund – private treatment. There’s no HSYFXXLMWGERVIWYPXMREWMKRM½GERXFMPPBut help is available. At BMI The Lincoln Hospital we perform many hip and knee operations every year and have a host of experienced and skilled consultants. Backed by access to a full range of diagnostic facilities including MRI and CT, we ensure a thorough diagnosis and treatment for our patients.Our aim is to try and achieve a number of OI]FIRI½XWJSVSYVTEXMIRXWMaximising lifeGenerally, we are living longer as generations KSF]8SFIJVIISJTEMRERHWYJ½GMIRXP]QSFMPIto do the things you like – whether it’s golf, tennis, gardening or simply going for a stroll – is therefore increasingly important. When you come to retire, you’ll be able to enjoy your leisure time and live a full life.A rewarding lifeFor some, a new knee or hip enables them to return to work. This in turn restores self-esteem, helps to regain the social circle of colleagues and ensures the earning of income.Leading orthopaedic surgeon Mr Mark Rowsell comments: “Advancements in orthopaedic surgery techniques, including minimally invasive surgery and enhanced recovery programmes, mean that patients who were previously condemned to years of joint pain can access care that’s focused on their individual needs. We know orthopaedic procedures can make a huge difference to a patient’s quality of life.”For further information please call 0800 656 9606.BMI The Lincoln Hospital Nettleham Road Lincoln LN2 1QU bmihealthcare.co.uk/lincolnMr Mark Rowsell MB BS, MRCS, FRCS (Tr&Orth)Orthopaedic SurgeonMr Rowsell has a specialist interest in the replacement of joints – hip and knee in particular – including complex cases and revisions.ORTHOPAEDICS09:Layout 1 8/11/13 13:27 Page 1Next >