£2.95 DECEMBER 2015£2.95 DECEMBER 2015THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETYour favourite county magazineYour favourite county magazineThatfestivefeeling…Occasions forrejoicingChristmasflavoursSeason of givingPutting on theritzOccasions forrejoicingChristmasflavoursSeason of givingPutting on theritzThatfestivefeeling…WISHING ALL OUR READERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS WISHING ALL OUR READERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS 01_Layout 1 16/11/2015 14:17 Page 1See my story onlineDREAM DOORS®NEW LIFE FOR OLD KITCHENSCall Sheila for your FREEquote on 01522 526400Visit our showroom: Sunningdale TradingEstate, Dixon Close, Lincoln, LN6 7UBNEW YEARNEW KITCHEN?lFrom a simple door replacementto a complete new kitchenlHuge choice of worktops,doors and applianceslTrusted reputation lFREEdesign and planninglOutstanding quality lSenior Citizen discountView our credentials at02_Layout 1 16/11/2015 15:59 Page 1It seems to have come around all too quickly, but the finalcountdown to Christmas has begun and, compiling this issue has putus all, here, in the festive spirit. It’s that time of year when we get tovisit clients and attend press parties all over the county ‘sampling’ aglass or two of pop and I, for one, cant wait…. My euphoria might be short-lived though as distant relatives willno doubt be descending up on us (or us on them) and in alllikelihood we’ll be feasting and drinking to such excess that thelikes of Uncle Ted’s blood to alcohol percentages will become so disparate thatthe magnificent Christmas tree and decorations, we painstakingly erect, will drawhim like a moth to a flame, leaving us wondering if it really was all worth theeffort.Let’s face it though, searching for that perfect present and watching the facesof those closest to you light up is no bad thing. And, who can blame Uncle Ted?After all, a glass or two of Christmas cheer makes the obligatory Queens speecheasier to face and may even help you forgive, or god forbid, have someempathy with his quandary. (I might even be that Uncle Ted to some people –chortle)So, if you just can’t face the TV re-runs of: Wallace and Grommit, James Bond,Willy Wonka… et al, then we’ve plenty of inspired ideas that’ll get you throughthe run up and the day itself. Whether it be that seasonal must-have, a gift witha real wow factor for that special someone, a stimulating evening out, a bracingwintry walk or just chilling out – we’ve something for everyone in this latestissue. It merely leaves me to wish all our readers, on behalf of the team here atLincolnshire Today, a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Good reading, as always Steve FisherEditorLincolnshireToday@lincstodaylincolnshiretoday.netEditor:Steve FisherJournalists:Michael Fisher, Stuart Pearcey, Dominic CuthbertSales Director: Angela CooperAccounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes(01472) 310301Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen,Mark CassonAdvertising: 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” SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/WAVEBREAKMEDIATTTTTTFOR MORE WAYS TO READLINCOLNSHIRE TODAYLog onto www.lincolnshiretoday.netNOW OVER 1 MILLION READERS!03_Layout 1 16/11/2015 14:21 Page 1Features6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIREWhat’s been going on in the county this month?9 TAMING THE DRAGON 3 Taming the Dragon returned to Lincolnshire forits third iteration, and as official media sponsors,BLMGroup were happy to be there14 BUSINESS LINCS. Preparing your farm for sale27FAMILY BUSINESSThe family firm is an incredible unit, mixingbusiness and lifestyle to create somethingenduring and lasting – but how do suchorganisations continue to be successful?• Croft Carpets30LINCOLNSHIRE WALKSWe head west for this months walk, whichbegins at the hilltop village of Dry Doddington32LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFEWith game season in full swing, we take a timelylook at what must surely be one of the world’smost controversial of birds - the humblePheasant34SEASONAL MUST-HAVESWondering how to brave the cold while stillremaining stylish over the fest period? 40ACCESSORISE AWAY THE WINTER Make the most of winter by using the chill asopportunity to wrap up in stylish scarves, hatsand boots42PUTTING ON THE LAYERSLayer friendly fashion choices are the essentialbuilding blocks of a solid stylish wardrobe44A NATURAL CHRISTMAS Good diet and copious exercise is only half thebattle when it comes to looking good, switchingto organic or homemade cosmetics will ensureyou look your best for the party season ahead46WEANING MY WAY BACK TO FITNESS Back in April, Perri gave us an insight in to howshe was maintaining exercise and the gymthrough her pregnancy. In this month’s article,we catch up with how she’s getting on since48CHRISTMAS FLAVOURSChristmas cookery is not all about the ChristmasDay feats so we reveal some deliciously temptingrecipes to indulge in over the festive period50FINAL PREPARATIONSDecember is already here, but for those of uscontentsDECEMBER3434WONDERING HOW TO BRAVE THE COLD WHILESTILL REMAINING STYLISH OVER THE FESTPERIOD? LOOK NO FURTHER…❄04-05_Layout 1 17/11/2015 14:58 Page 12020WITH THE JOLLY HOLIDAYS A SLEW OFPARTIES AND GET-TOGETHER, THE LOUNGEHAS TO WORK OVERTIME TO IMPRESS, BUTFEAR NOT, A FEW SIMPLE CHANGES CANBRING OUT THE MOST OF ANY LIVING SPACEwho still haven’t sorted out our gift-lists, here’s aselection of some of our favourite products57LINCOLNLincoln’s worth a visit throughout the year – butit’s at Christmas when it really comes alive60EQUINEIt is noticeable that grass livery, once the poorrelation of horse ownership, is now becomingmuch sought after as more horse owners turn toa more “natural” way of life for their horses63CARINGChristmas is a time of cheer for many, butfigures show more than 35% of elderly peoplewill be spending it alone68COUNTY MOTORINGIf you’re looking for that special something foryour loved one, or for yourself, this Christmasthen forget the cliché gifts and splurge out onsomething that’ll actually save you money. • New Mini Clubman comes of age76WHAT’S ONThere’s always something going on inLincolnshire, here’s a sample of what’shappening in the county this month. Desirable homes16HOME COMFORTSThis month we visit a reader’s property thatoffers modern luxury in a charming rural setting20STYLE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMASWith the jolly holidays a slew of parties and get-together, the lounge has to work overtime toimpress, but fear not, a few simple changes canbring out the most of any living space22FROM A HOBBY TO A CAREEREver wanted to get into landscaping yourself?Ed Fuller from Fullers Forestry andLandscaping shows you just how varied thebackgrounds of many in the industry are24BURSTING WITH COLOURThirty five year old John Penrose and his wifeKim have had only five short years to make theirmark on their garden – which has been achievedwith dogged determination and attention to deSocial scenes10 YOUNG FARMERS COUNTY BALLOver 500 hundred guests turned out to theYoung Farmers County Ball, held at the EpicCentre in Lincoln❄T04-05_Layout 1 17/11/2015 14:59 Page 2Elton John is one of the most recognisable, most decorated and bestselling British artists of all time, and once again he will performon British shores, having announced a string of dates in June next year – including a very special show at the Lincolnshire Showgroundon June 10.Elton will, as part of these dates, perform in Lincolnshire for the first time with his band since 1973, when he played Boston’sStarlight Rooms. And this will be a ‘once in a lifetime’ event, as Elton has never played Lincoln itself before. Elton commented: “Lincoln is an important stop on this tour – my life long writing partner, Bernie Taupin, grew up very close toLincoln so it’s a sort of homecoming, and one that is long overdue. I hope to see you all there.” On having Elton coming to perform, Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground added: “We are absolutely delighted thatSir Elton John has chosen Lincoln and the Lincolnshire Showground to host his concert. This is fantastic news both for the Showgroundand Lincolnshire.” LATEST NEWSSecond Element lends helpinghand to Help For Heroes andthe British LegionSecond Element, the legionella specialist based in Market Rasen, isdonating 10 per cent of the profit it makes throughout Novemberto the British Legion and Help for Heroes charity organisations.The Company, which adopts a pragmatic and sensible approachto legionella control, is excited to help these important andrespected charities.The percentage of the November profits made from legionellacontrol and plumbing works will provide modern veterans’ servicemen, women and their families with invaluable help and support.Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumoniacaused by Legionella bacteria. People contract Legionnaires’disease by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols), suspended inthe air, containing the bacteria from sources such as coolingtowers, spa baths (Jacuzzis) even showers, and manifests with flu-like symptoms.Barons boost Lincolneconomy Despite having been auction off on October 1, the effect of Lincoln’sBarons are still being felt. Lincoln businesses bosses have revealed thatthe Barons have contributed over £1 million to the local economy. Introduced as part of the Magna Carta 800th anniversarycelebrations, the Barons proved to be a hit with residents and touristsalike. Not only did they draw county - and in some cases country -wide attention, but they also encouraged Lincoln residents to exploreparts of they city they perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise. Matt Corrigan, Chief Executive of Lincoln BIG, said: “The feedbackfrom businesses is that it has been a very good summer and certainlythe celebrations surrounding the Magna Carta have given localcompanies a boost. “Working in retail is still tough and we need to maintain the growthwe have seen but we are delighted by the progress we have made.Looking back, it is something we are very pleased that we did and ithas been hugely successful.” Elton Johnannounces specialsummer date atLincolnshireShowground 06-07_Layout 1 16/11/2015 14:27 Page 1New nursery represents changingface of LincolnNursery choice in Lincoln has beenboosted by a brother and sister Priya andVinay Sidar from Leicester, who haveteamed-up to open a Montessoricentre in the heart of the city,capturing the attention of parents. The pair have launched theirbusiness in the large, light andairy building in Newland,which was formerly occupied by Savills, creating four new jobs– but that number could treble if all goes well.Priya, who has a degree in Education Studies with Law, andwho did her University dissertation on the Montessori method,has worked in other nurseries, but always dreamed of havingher own. She explained: “The Montessori method encouragesthe child to become independent, by understanding theirstrengths and weaknesses through the toddler’sacknowledgement.”The Montessori method was made famous by an Italian doctorMaria Montessori, who originally devoted herself to educating thechildren of Rome’s ghettos and, in the process, gained insights intohow children learn. Vinay, who is involved in other Sidar family businesses, hascomplemented his sister’s knowledge and experience, by bringing hisadministrative and financial acumen to the venture. Lincsentrepreneur to raise aglass at Christmas FairLocal entrepreneur Toby Hope is set to mark the end of a successfulbusiness year by returning to the place where it all began – TheLincolnshire Showground. It’s been just seven months since setting up hisindependent wine wholesaler busines – Hope Wines – in Lincoln city centreafter being made redundant from his previous job.Using the Lincolnshire Showground was the perfect stepping stone to launch hisbusiness, Toby was ecstatic when he saw his orders fly of the shelf at the event ashis brand soon gained national recognition. He has since been inundated withrequest for his wine.Now, with Hope Wines growing rapidly and this business about to take onadditional staff, Toby will be returning to the Showground at the LincolnshireFood and Gift Fair in November. The event is the second largest held by theLincolnshire Showground every each year and will boast more than 200 foodand gift stalls. The fair takes plan on 28 and 29 November – see our eventspages for more. Lincolnshire patients benefitfrom Grantham League ofFriends donation A local support group ishelping to further improvequality of care at a Lincolnshirehospital thanks to a generousdonation. The Grantham League ofFriends has providedGrantham and District Hospitalwith funding to refurbish anout-of-use room and provide apiece of equipment to enablestaff to take full assessments within the hospital of patients with leg ulcers. The League of Friends bought and donated a Doppler ABPI kit which willbe used by a clinical nurse specialist to assess patients’ leg ulcers through theuse of an ultrasound scan. This means that patients can be seen quicker andoverall enhance the patients care delivered. The new waiting area, previously an x-ray room, provides patients withprivacy and preserves dignity whilst they are waiting for examinations in apeaceful and calm environment, particularly for those patients who may beseriously ill. Interim Head of Nursing Linda Keddie, commented: “We sincerely thankthe League of Friends for their continued support to Grantham Hospital,which assists the hospital to continually improve the patient environmentand care that is provided to patients.” Mini Exec Club offersopportunities for youngergenerationThe Mini Exec Club is an exciting opportunity for a youngperson from each secondary school in Lincolnshire to connectwith senior executives and business people from organisationsacross the county. Commenting on the idea, Street’s Chartered AccountantsMarketing Partner, James Pinchbeck, said: “We collectively felt therewas a role for those attending the Exec Club to play in supportingthe development of school pupils in their final years of secondaryeducation. Whether it is in terms of helping them to realise theiraspirations, to gain a greater appreciation of the business world or,just as importantly, to develop their confidence.”Elaine Lilley, Chief Executive of the Education BusinessPartnership (EBP) believes that it is a great opportunity for theworlds of business and education to interact, and to give youngpeople an insight into the world of work. The first meeting will have already taken place at the time ofgoing to print.06-07_Layout 1 16/11/2015 14:27 Page 27XE]MRKSRXSTSJTEMRGERFIHMJ½GYPXEX&1-8LI0MRGSPR,SWTMXEP[I´ZIPEYRGLIHERMRRSZEXMZIRI[TEMRGPMRMGXSLIPT]SYKIXFEGOXS[LEX]SYPSZIEWUYMGOP]EWTSWWMFPI-RMXMEPETTSMRXQIRXW[MXLEGSRWYPXERXEREIWXLIXMWXERHTEMRWTIGMEPMWXJSPPS[IHF]MQQIHMEXIXEVKIXIHTL]WMSXLIVET]XSIRLERGIERHJEGMPMXEXIVIGSZIV]*We can treat:0S[IVFEGORIGOSVSXLIVWTMREPTEMR Joint pain 7poVtW -nNYViIW 7oJt tiWWYI inNYViIW IK QYWGYPaV WtVainW anH pYPPW -J VIUYiVIH [I Gan aPWo pVoZiHI JaWt IaW] aGGIWW anH on[aVH VIJIVVaP to -QaKinK anH otLIV HiaKnoWtiGW [itL tLIWI JaGiPitiIW anH 3VtLopaIHiG 'onWYPtantW aZaiPaFPI onWitI at &1- 8LI 0inGoPn ,oWpitaP to InWYVI ]oY aVI tVIatIH aW UYiGOP] aW poWWiFPI To book an appointment simply call 01522 574708 – you don’t need a referral from your GP to see us.Serious about health. Passionate about care.PRIVATE HEALTHCARE'(7 %44,5 %44,5Initial assessment and physiotherapy for just £235TAKE YOUR LIFE OFF PAUSE.GO PRIVATE AND PRESS PLAY WITH THE LINCOLN PAIN CLINIC.*4L]WiotLIVap] pVoZiHIH aW paVt oJ tVIatQInt pPan [LIVI nIGIWWaV]08_Layout 1 16/11/2015 14:28 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY9TAMING THE DRAGON 3Lincolnshire Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitchto three dragons recently in a bid to receive investment fortheir companies. Taking place at the Lincoln University’sLincolnshire Leadership & Management Centre (LLMC) –the event saw Claire Hall, Eric Hilton, Paul Gascoigne andApostolos Papadopoulos pitch to John Griffiths, formerManaging Director of CONNECT Venture Enterprises Ltd,Ian Fisher, Chief Executive of Mortons of Horncastle Ltd andBryan Carr, Chair of Castlet Ltd. Claire Hall proposed plans for the growth of her vodkaiced-tea company Percy’s, aiming for expansion into retailstores and an automated production process. Eric Hilton spoke on behalf of his firm Nutrapharma, whoproduce a Vitamin-D supplement which can be included insun-screen and other compound goods – seekinginvestment for an ambitious expansion plan. Eric went onto win the best pitch award, provided by Streets CharteredAccountants in Lincoln. Excelling within the agricultural sector, Apostolos has achieved three UK patents for products thatcan improve the efficiency of fertilisers which he wished to take worldwide. With ambitious goals torecruit a lean, but experienced team – and a four-year exit strategy already laid outPaul’s tradesmen app Frunbu is just finishing its trial period in the city of Lincoln. Connectingtradespeople with free time to consumers who need jobs doing, Paul wants to expand the service toLondon and other major cities, and required funding to do so.3Taming theDRAGONTaming the Dragon returned to Lincolnshire for its third iteration, and asofficial media sponsors, BLMGroup were happy to be there.09_Layout 1 16/11/2015 14:29 Page 1Next >