£2.95 DECEMBER 2016£2.95 DECEMBER 2016THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINETHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLMWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET30 years young30 years youngAll youwant for ChristmasSparklingseasonal fashionMouth wateringfestive recipesFrosty walks Entertainingin styleSparklingseasonal fashionMouth wateringfestive recipesFrosty walks Entertainingin styleAll youwant for Christmas01_Layout 1 14/11/2016 12:51 Page 1Showroom AddressThe Stables, 11 Lincoln Road, Welton, LN2 3HZ www.ignitestoves.com01673 308005STOVES FIRESIGNITE&Lincolnshire’s finest collection of British and Scandinavian stoves02_Layout 1 14/11/2016 12:52 Page 1December is finally here, and with it a well-deserved break formany of us – perhaps even abroad for some. But wherever you gothere’s no escaping the Christmas spirit, which even astronauts inspace celebrate with cheer. Down here on Earth, and specifically backin Lincolnshire, there’s much to do for Christmas. Naturally many ofus will still have gifts to buy and wrap, some will be organisingdinners or parties – while others might find some real surprises intheir stockings this year. Christmas is, as always, a popular time forproposals. It’s worth remembering that there’s more to December than the single day,however, and with our time away from work there’s plenty to do and finally thefree time to do it. Get out this month to any of the various events and fairstaking place around the county, be it the Lincoln Christmas Market or one ofthe other Christmas events taking place in many towns. Meanwhile theatrehouses across the county will be holding their pantomimes and shows, a greatoption for those with kids or families. In our fun-packed Christmas issue we’re getting into thefestive season too. We’ll be looking at the city of Lincoln,famous for its market and the effort it puts intoChristmas year after year. There’s a lot more to do inLincoln than shop, however, and the night life remainsprominent. As the festive season is also one famed forits wedding proposals, we look at arranging the bigday and what considerations need to be put in place.Weddings can be stressful affairs at first, especially when it all seems soconfusing, so we lay out some key points to consider so that you can relax andenjoy the rest of December.With festive recipes, winter fashion and Christmas cheer, our December issueis sure to be a hit and filled with great and fun ideas of what you can do thismonth.Good reading, merry Christmas and a happy new year for all!Michael Fisherand the Lincolnshire Today teamLincolnshireToday@lincstodaylincolnshiretoday.netGroup Editor:Steve FisherEditor:Michael Fisher, Journalists:Dominic Cuthbert,Stuart PearceySales Director: Angela CooperSales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & 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 COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KONSTANTTINMORE WAYS TO READLINCOLNSHIRE TODAYLog onto www.lincolnshiretoday.netTTT03_Layout 1 14/11/2016 12:53 Page 1Features6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIREWhat’s been going on in the county this month?11 LINCOLN SPORTSMAN’S DINNERThe Sportsman’s Dinner recently took place at TheBentley Hotel in Lincoln where special guest speakersDennis Booth, ex-Lincoln City player, Danny andNicky Cowly, Lincoln City Manager and AssistantManager respectively, were welcomed by attendees27YOUNG FARMERS COME TO NEWARKOver 400 of the county’s young farmers enjoyed a funfilled evening at the Newark showground Cedric FordPavilion28CHRISTMAS IN LINCOLNCapital of our fair county and a prime destination forboth shopping and entertainment, the city of Lincolncomes alive this Christmas33SPALDING GOLF CLUB ANNUAL BALLClub Captain Mike Crampton together with LadyCaptain Hannah Thorold along with 150 Membersand guests celebrated Bonfire Night by dancing thenight away at Spalding Golf Clubs Annual Ball at theSpringfield Centre, Spalding34EXPLORING LINCOLNSHIRE ON FOOTThis month we visit the Isle of Axholme, for the firstof our winter walks. There’s something refreshingabout getting out and about outside and blowingaway the cobwebs on a bright winters day and Haxeyis a first-rate destination for walkers with its well-marked walks36TIS THE SEASONThere’s no better excuse than the run up to Christmasand into the New Year to get dressed up to the nines 46GIFT OF FITNESSIt’s winter and your body just wants to scarf downcarbs and store fat, but health shouldn’t go out thewindow with the weather 48A BACKDOOR TO BEAUTYDoubtless there’ll be some early starts and late nightsover the party season, but no one wants to go into theNew Year looking fatigued. Fortunately, we have a fewtried and tested tricks so you can get everything doneand look your best50CHRISTMAS TIMEIt’s Christmas, or soon will be, which means that it’stime to bring out those oven mitts and startpreparing a feast for the family – and whatever guestsmight be coming tooDECEMBER3636THERE’S NO BETTER EXCUSE THAN THE RUN UPTO CHRISTMAS AND INTO THE NEW YEAR TOGET DRESSED UP TO THE NINEScontentsTT04-05_Layout 1 15/11/2016 12:40 Page 11616CHRISTMAS, WE’RE TOLD EACH YEAR, IS ATIME A GIVING, BUT IT’S MORE APT TO SAYIT’S A TIME OF HOSTING. OUR HOMES ARETRANSFORMED INTO AREAS TO WINE, DINEAND TEAR INTO PRESENTS56LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE With a reputation for scarfing down fledglings anddisturbing an otherwise tranquil garden, thesparrowhawk has a lot to answer for. But it can’t beall bad, can it?58ONCE UPON A CHRISTMASBeing one of the most common times for proposals,for those lucky enough to receive a ring in theirstockings, it’s never too early – or too late – to startplanning your big day65LOOKING AFTER THE LITTLE ONESChristmas may be here but so is winter – and it’sworth putting some thought into how you’re going tohelp your pet adapt66COUNTY MOTORINGIt may seem a bit Ebeneezer-like but, with fuel likely toincrease in price, getting the most out of your vehicleis an absolute must these days whatever you drive• Duckworth Land Rover give advice on weather-proofing you car• MINI Clubman road test74LINCOLNSHIRE’S HERITAGE EXPLOREDFollowing the Roman occupation Lincolnshire’s earliestarchitectural heritage comprises our Anglo-Saxonchurches. We take a look at this part of our history76WHAT’S ONThere’s always something going on in LincolnshireDesirable homes12BUILDING THEIR WAY TO A DREAM HOMEFor many of us, taking the plunge to make our dreama reality is a big step, but this month we meet a couplewho have just embarked on their second such project16A TOUCH OF CHRISTMAS CLASSChristmas, we’re told each year, is a time a giving, butit’s more apt to say it’s a time of hosting18THE COUNTY ON CANVASWe sat down with local artist Jenny Reynolds whoselandscapes need to be seen to be believed20OH CHRISTMAS TREEEd Fuller from Fullers Forestry and Landscapingreveals just how much work goes into ensuring youhave a tree in time for Christmas 22AN INSPIRATIONAL LINCOLNSHIRE GARDENIt’s such a pleasure for us to visit gardens around thecounty and Mike and Helen Boothman’s garden atGrasby is no exception offering the best of bothworlds - a beautifully landscaped garden overlookingsweeping countrysideTTTTTT04-05_Layout 1 15/11/2016 12:40 Page 2FantasyIslandattractsover £3minvestment Following the company’s purchase in March by Mellors Group Fantasy Island Holdings, Fantasy Island has had a successful 2016season and is looking forward to introducing new and exciting experiences for customers in 2017.Mellors will be investing in excess of £3 million in a number of brand new rides and attractions, ready for visitors to indulge in nextseason and for years to come. This investment includes attractions such as a multi-platform themed indoor mini golf course, anAmerican-style bowling alley and 6 brand new junior and family rides to enhance the overall Fantasy Island offering.James Mellors said: “Announcing a significant investment for 2017 is our vote of confidence in our great management and staffteam, in Fantasy Island as a visitor attraction with amazing potential and in Skegness and Lincolnshire as a fabulous holiday andday-trip destination and as a place to live.”LATEST NEWSAffordable luxuryavailable with uniquepart-exchange offerBuyers who would like to retire to a luxury lakeside home inLincolnshire could now see their dreams become a reality with anew part-exchange deal from Arbor Living at its Lakeshoredevelopment at Burton Waters.Arbor Living is a specialist developer and the first in the regionto bring affordable luxury retirement living in easy reach ofhomeowners, with an offer to help over-55s sell their existingproperty and move in quickly.Selling agent Tim Downing, Director at Pygott & Crone, said: “Itis unique to have part exchange available on this type ofproperty in this region. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enableinterested parties to potentially enjoy a hassle-free transaction.” Currently on phase two of the development, the homes atLakeshore are priced from just £190,000 and come with thepart-exchange guarantee. Finance options are also availablewhich offers tailored products for park homes.When complete, Lakeshore will boast a total of 64 propertiesset within 20 acres of beautiful landscaped parkland around alake, just two miles from Lincoln.Revolutionary houseplanned near SpaldingThe Larkfleet Group of Companies has applied for planningpermission to build an experimental house that could rise onjacks above flood waters. If planning permission is granted by South Holland DistrictCouncil, Larkfleet plans to build a three-bedroom detachedhouse in Weston Hills, near Spalding, Lincolnshire that can beraised up to 1.5 metres above ground level by eight mechanicaljacks.If tests are successful the house could provide a model thatwould enable housebuilding on thousands of sites across the UKwhich at present cannot be developed because of the risk offlooding.Work on constructing the house, which will sit on a steel ringbeam in place of conventional foundations, could begin early in2017. Experiments with raising and lowering the house – includingtesting long-term maintenance and operation of the jackingsystem – will run for up to five years.Because the house will be of modular steel-frame design it canthen be disassembled and re-erected on another site onconventional foundations as a family residence.PHOTO: OSCAR JOHNS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COMPHOTO: LARKFLEET06-07_Layout 1 14/11/2016 12:54 Page 1Remember loved ones withLincolnshire Co-opChristmas is a special time to celebratewith family and friends, and when youhave lost a loved one it is also a timeto remember. Between 1st and 23rd ofDecember, Lincolnshire Co-opinvites you to hang apersonal message on oneof the memorialChristmas trees that willbe displayed in eachfuneral home. The trees will be litdaily throughout thebranch openinghours, offering a placefor reflection aroundthe festive season.As well as this, visit any of its funeral homes onThursday 1st December from 10am to 12pm and you canjoin in with a coffee morning to launch the memorialtrees. Ask in your nearest Lincolnshire Co-op funeral home fordetails or visit the website for more information:www.lincolnshire.coop/memorialtree.Threehundred years ofChesterfield Lincoln is home to the largest display of Chesterfield furniture inthe East Midlands. The family owned and run business, Chesterfields inLincoln, has some of the best value for money handmade, bespokefurniture in the country. The history of the “chesterfield” shape dates backover 300 years, and stands testament as an icon in design history. The deepbutton low back sofa is a comfortable, practical piece of furniture that istimeless, always in fashion and flexible to fit into both modern contemporaryand traditional settings. Chesterfields in Lincoln Limited produce all of their furniture with customercomfort and satisfaction at the heart of each order. Our range remains faithfulto the original in size and shape, only using the finest hides and fabrics, fullsolid English beech frames, and high quality upholstered items to producefurniture that is truly suitable for a lifetime of use. An extensive range of highand low back models and a range of colours and finishes extending from thetruly traditional to the highly adventurous.New Caistor store ‘Pig& Poke’ officially opens‘Pig & Poke’ opened its doors inCaistor this month and welcomed ahost of excited customers. Thefamily business, based on SouthStreet, Caistor is run by Helen andMike White and is set to provideCaistor with an exciting newshopping experience. The coupleaim to combine friendly service witha range of design ideas for thehome. The shop is both chic andshabby in a charmingly rustic way.The eclectic mix of furniture andaccessories chosen and displayedby the couple reflect their own loveof style and a passion forexperimenting with differentmaterials. ‘Pig & Poke’ is openTuesday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm. Pictured in the photo alongside Helen White are her two daughters.Florence aged 5 enjoys sitting behind the counter writing productcodes in her notebook. Erin aged 17, is planning to study Marketing &Management at University and is already playing a major role on theshop floor. The couple’s son, Barney also took part in creating the familybusiness.‘Once in a lifetime’Anglo-Saxondiscovery near LouthA rich array of artefacts thought to belong to a member ofthe local aristocracy, has been found by metal detectoristAlan Smith near Louth.The finds date back to the seventh century and include agold and garnet pendant, fittings from two bronze bowls, andiron weapons including a spearhead, two arrowheads andfragments of a sword. Dr Adam Daubney, Finds Liaison Officer for LincolnshireCounty Council, said: “This is a once in a lifetime discovery.The finds are exquisite and almost certainly come from ahigh-status burial that was destroyed through ploughingmany years ago.“The finds date to the seventh century – a time when theelite in society were often being buried in barrows – smallartificial mounds ofearth. The individualwould either havebeen placed into agrave within themound, or perhapseven into a chamberwhich was thencovered over.”The finds are nowbeing processedunder the TreasureAct, and a report isbeing prepared forthe Coroner.06-07_Layout 1 14/11/2016 12:54 Page 2READERS’lettersWe’d love to hear from you. If you have any news, views orissues you would like us to cover, do get in touch.PICK OF THE MONTHWe’d love to hear from you: Lincolnshire Today, Armstrong House, Armstrong St., Grimsby, N. E. LincsDN31 2QE. Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk. We reserve the right to edit published letters.Times square washoutDear Sir,I would warn any reader who might be thinking of visitingTimes Square in New York to celebrate new year to think again.Last year having crossed the atlantic with my partner andsuffered the indignity of bad mannered security at airports, weeventually found ourselves in the thick of it on the night inquestion. Whilst the countdown and fireworks were great, as soonas it was over everyone was herded off the streets like sheep – nomanners no ambience and no questions asked. It was arguably oneof the most un-appealing evenings I have ever encountered. J Marsden ScunthorpeThe winner of ourletter of the monthwins a case of wineThat’s the spiritDear Sir,I burst out laughing at your ‘ed’s ramblings’this month. My mother in law is one of thosepeople that goes out shopping for next year’spresents in the Boxing day sales (exactlyeleven months and three weeks before thenext event!) Surely Christmas should be about good cheer.Through all the shopping, extravagant officedecorations, house bling, and constant discussionsabout it’s place in society and how we can keep themixed religions happy does make it hard to be politically correct.Christmas should therefore be a time when we all bite our tongues, buy someone apresent and spend time with family and friends? S VaughanLincolnBig earnings tobe madeDear Sir,Have you ever wondered why Trucksand van drivers have a sign on the back oftheir vehicles saying “hows my driving?”If we all drove like white van drivers andpasted a sticker on our cars with an 0906prefix (£1.50 per minute) we could allmake enough to pay for a chauffeur andnever have to worry again about fillingthe Government’s coffers with speedingfines. T FitzgeraldGranthamPICKOF THEMONTHPHOTO: DANIELW / SHUTTERSTOCK.COMPHOTO: ALICE-PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM08_Layout 1 14/11/2016 12:57 Page 1Outstanding Bespoke furniture CChesterfields in Lincoln “For Quality, Style and Value” 01673 866656 www.chesterfieldsinlincoln.co.uk Brunel House, Deepdale Lane, Neleham, LN2 2LL Open Mon - Sat 9am-5pm. Sunday by appointment Deepdale Lane is off A46 3 miles North of Lincoln. Follow the signpost for Lincolnshire Police headquarters. We are first on the left. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY9Visit our website to startviewing today...Available oniPad & iPhoneDigital EditionsNever miss an issueRead on the go!WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETIdeal for those whospend timeaway fromtheir office 09_Layout 1 14/11/2016 12:58 Page 1Next >