< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNwonderful selection of independentbusinesses, climb up the cobbles ofSteep Hill, previously voted Britain’sGreat Street, pop in to its vintageboutiques, tea rooms and more, beforereaching the Bailgate shopping area withits specialist shops and restaurants, whichare surrounded by historic black timber-framed buildings. Though the kudos ofgetting to the top may be worthwhile,one should perhaps consider starting atthe top and moving down Steep Hill withyour bags of Christmas shopping! Thosewith mobility issues need not worrythough, as the Steep Hill Shuttle can helpyou to the top. Perhaps the most important event toexperience during December for visitorsis of course Lincoln’s famous Christmasmarket, which will take place between the6th and 9th of December this year. Sureto be the highlight of your shopping trip,the market - which began with only 12stalls in 1982 - will hold hundreds of stallswith gifts, arts, crafts, food and drink,music and entertainment, and willwelcome approximately 250,000 visitors© Shutterstock /Jacek Wojnarowski49-53.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 12:47 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51LINCOLNover the four days it is open. Make sureto pick up a souvenir, have a sip ofmulled wine, taste the local delights, andtake a ride on the Big Wheel, which atnight will offer a marvellous view of thesparkling lights of Lincoln and the market.Lincoln does not only offer spectacularshopping opportunities though, as it alsoboasts museums and galleries. Visit theMuseum of Lincolnshire Life for free tolearn about the county’s history and tosee the WWI tank Daphne, take a lookaround The Collection, an award-winningarchaeology museum, and then moseyacross the road to Usher Gallery to view acollection of fine, decorative andcontemporary art. The city also enjoys aplethora of theatres and venues. Takepart in an age-old English tradition andgo to see a pantomime, such as SnowWhite and the Seven Dwarfs at the NewTheatre Royal or Peter Pan at Lincoln DrillHall. Or perhaps if you’re not a fan ofpantomimes, enjoy the musical playRapunzel at Lincoln Performing Arts52 Á© Jeanette Teare / Shutterstock49-53.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 12:47 Page 352 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNKeeping businesson the up...We pride ourselves on providing a pro-active, friendly and accessible service.Experts in Accounts and Tax Returns Tax Planning and Book-Keeping Audits and Business AdviceWe’re here to get you in the right directionTo find out how get your business on the up visitwww.dextersharpe.co.ukOffices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & SpilsbyCHARTERED CERTIFIEDACCOUNTANTSCentre, or fully embrace a Christmas classic with the newadaptation of A Christmas Carolat The Blue Room.In addition, if it’s your first time in Lincoln, the tripwould not be complete without visiting LincolnCathedral, which was at one point - in 1300 - the tallestbuilding in the world, a title it held until 1549 when astorm led to the collapse of its spires. The cathedralholds two historic libraries. The 15th century MedievalLibrary holds handwritten manuscripts, and though manyof these are theological manuscripts, there is a rareappearance from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The 18thcentury Wren Library meanwhile hosts a variety of bookson history, science, travel and geography as well asliterature. Though the libraries are closed for generalpublic entry at this time of year, one can book a touraround them. There will also be several carol services forall to enjoy throughout December at the cathedral, andone should also make sure to take the time to gaze atthe outstanding architectural beauty of the building.One should also look out for Lincoln Cathedral’s specialshowing of The Snowmanin the new year (4 - 6January), which will feature a live orchestra.Lincoln Castle is another must-see and is the home ofone of four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, aVictorian Prison, and offers the Medieval Wall Walkwhich acts as a great spot to take in wide spanningviews of the city and countryside. Lincoln Castle will also49-53.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 12:47 Page 4be hosting its unique Christmas Emporium this month(15 - 22 December) which will present a Victorianinspired light show, a variety of stalls, a tipi bar, and achance to meet Father Christmas himself.For something fun and different at Christmas, takepart in the Lantern Parade (13 December), where camelswill lead you around Lincoln, and up to Castle Hillwhere there will be a Nativity service at St MaryMagdalene’s Church. Alternatively, why not watch ortake part in the Santa Fun Run and Walk (16 December).One of the city’s biggest festive fundraisers, 2,500people dressed as Santa Claus will walk or run the3.5km, 2 lap course.Lincoln has had a record-breaking year for tourism in2018, and it’s not hard to see why. With December nowupon us, Lincoln is a must-see winter wonderland for all.From romantic meals, 1 or 2 night stays, cocktail classes or afternoon tea in the beauty of Lincoln’s historic quarter. Our gift vouchers are perfect for every occasion.THE PERFECT GIFT.For more details 01522 526 222 | Option 1 Email info@whitehart-lincoln.co.ukVisit us at whitehart-lincoln.co.ukLINCOLNSHIRETODAY53LINCOLNOpen from Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm100 Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LN. A short walk from BailgateTel: 01522 542085New Wintercollectionnow in Findyour perfectChristmasgift© Shutterstock/Mark William Richardson49-53.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 12:47 Page 554 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYQ&A - LINCOLNSHIRE FOSTERING SERVICEWhat is long-term fostering?Long-term fostering is also known aspermanent fostering. As a long-term foster carer, you willcare for a child or young person until theyreach adulthood and beyond.It’s different to adopt as an adoptionorder ends a child’s legal relationship withtheir birth family. As a foster carer you arenot the legal guardian of the child oryoung person as this remains with thebirth parents and/or the local authority.Long-term fostering requires a highlevel of commitment as carers will needto provide a stable home life for a childuntil they reach independence.Which children need long-termfoster homes?Some children are not able to return totheir birth family because it would not besafe for them to do so, and adoption isnot always suitable for every child. Inthese cases, we strongly believe thatlong-term foster families should be found. In Lincolnshire, there are many childrenand young people, including groups ofbrothers and sisters, waiting right now forlong-term foster families. Many of the children and youngpeople who live with foster carers comefrom a diverse range of backgrounds andmay display some challengingbehaviours depending on their pastexperiences.What are the benefits of long-term fostering? There are many benefits to long-termfostering both for the child or youngperson and for their carers. A long-term foster home gives a childor young person the stability of living inone family home for the rest of theirchildhood. A long-term family gives thema sense of belonging, and with consistentroutine, love and understanding, they canbegin to flourish and be better preparedfor adulthood. Being a long-term foster carer can be achallenging role, but it is also hugelyrewarding. Our foster carers providestability, reliability and consistency tochildren and young people who may notalways have received this level ofparenting when living with their birthfamilies.Our carers tell us by far the biggestreward for them is watching the childrenin their care develop and flourish intoyoung adults and knowing they had a bigpart to play in that.Who can become a long-termfoster carer?We consider each application on anindividual basis, so you can apply tobecome a foster carer regardless of yourgender, marital status, sexuality,employment status, ethnicity or religion. There are some requirements though.You must have a sparebedroom for a foster childor young person to use,and this needs to be inplace from the momentyou apply to foster. If you have any criminalcautions or convictions foroffences against children,or sexual offences againstan adult, then you will notbe able to foster. If yousmoke, including e-cigarettes, you will not beable to foster a childunder the age of 5 years.If you are applying tofoster as a couple, you need to have livedtogether for a minimum of 18 monthsbefore applying to foster. What support is available tolong-term foster carers?We recognise that long-term fostercarers need to be supported in their rolein order for them to do the best job theycan. All of our foster carers receive localsupport including a supervising socialworker to offer them support and advice,regular support groups, and a buddyingsystem. There’s ongoing training anddevelopment opportunities which arealways available to foster carers, as well asQ&A Lincolnshire Fostering Service Lincolnshire Fostering Service has launched a new campaign toattract more long-term foster carers, so we spoke to them to findout what it’s all about.54-55.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 09:50 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55Q&A - LINCOLNSHIRE FOSTERING SERVICEmembership provided to the UK’s leadingfostering charity – the Fostering Network– which offer advice and information on arange of issues including income tax andfinance, legislation and contact visits.We also like to arrange reward days forour foster carers as a way of thankingthem for the hard work they do.Previously this has included a 3-coursesilver service meal and discounted beautytreatments for our foster carers. We alsohost an annual BBQ in the summer, aswell as a Christmas Party for fosterfamilies to all get together and havesome fun whilst the staff do the work. All foster carers receive an allowance tohelp with the cost of looking after a child.The allowance foster carers get dependson the age of the child they are lookingafter. In addition to this, long-term fostercarers may also receive an enhanced levelof payment if the carers are linked with achild who has been waiting for apermanent placement for over 6 months. All permanent foster carers are alsoprovided with 14 nights respite per year,an additional 1-day training course tohelp prepare them for the role of lookingafter a child or young person on a long-term basis, and additional trainingtailored specifically for long-termplacements to give carers the skillsneeded to successfully care for a child oryoung person.To apply to become a long-term foster carer, or for more information,visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering, or call 01522 554114.54-55.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 09:50 Page 2GimmeGimmeGimmeFor some, Christmas shopping issomething to start in summer, whileothers get ahead in September. Forthose of you who still haven’t foundthat certain special something foryour friends and family, don’t panic.There’s still plenty of time and withLincolnshire Today’s curated giftguide, the only thing you need toworry about is making sure you seethe looks on your loved one’s facesas they open up their pressies. Rume’s cushion isadorned in butterfliesand wildflowersinspired by thetraditional Englishgardens of 17th centuryLondon.Designed and handmade byLSA International (andavailable via Farrar & Tanner),this professionally crafteddecanter and tumbler set is athoughtful gift for hosts. 56-61.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 10:10 Page 1Comfortable, high-end andstylish. These fun flirtypyjamas from Cyberjammiesare everything you couldwant from bed wear andmore. And who could resistthat cherry pattern?This stunning ornateleopard candle holderfrom AUDENZA is asure way to create anexotic centrepiece foryour dinner parties. Most Brits will agree that proseccois easily as good as champagne,and we’ve taken it to ourcollective hearts with aplomb. It’llbe tough beating this cheekyprosecco set for gifts this you.Head down to Eve & Ranshaw inLouth to pick up a set for yourself.56-61.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 10:10 Page 2This will delight the sporty gent inyour life with a range of productsfrom Below the Belt tailoredtowards the kind of chap who’soften found in the gym andworking out. Cast from life, thisHawthorn leaf pendentfrom Lucy Sylvester isavailable in solid 18ctwhite gold. A perfectaddition to your winterwardrobe. This blue shade fromBRIDGMAN is unique –not too light, or toodark, just the rightamount to help yourflowers shine. Like one of Tracy Emin’sevocative neon works, thissign from Smithers ofStamford will add anartistic touch to any wall,transforming a blank spaceinto something special. These stylishsports-themedtumblers willsurely delightsomeone special inyour life. Theycome individuallyboxed, perfect ontheir own or in acollection, pricedjust £14.99. Youcan pick one up foryourself at Follie inLincoln.56-61.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 10:10 Page 3Inspired by thewicked witch’s mirror,this magical mirrorfrom Circu is theperfect wall featureto give your littlemajesty’s room acharming décor. These durableleather backpacksfrom Scaramangaboasts a large maincompartment,lined with thickcanvas and apocket. Ruggedand stylish both. This wine cooler/punchbowl from AnnabelJames would make amagnificent centre piecewith its beautifullydetailed stag’s head. You might have seenwreaths before, but nonequite so elegant as thisone from The Gifted Few.The peacock design willmake a real statement inany Christmas display. 56-61.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2018 10:10 Page 4Next >