< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LINCOLN are surrounded by historic black timber-frame buildings. Despite the oft-intimidating angle of the climb up to the castle, Lincoln is a very walkable city, with plenty of connecting footpaths making it an ideal day trip. With so much on offer, however, it might be best to stay overnight in one of its many hotels to truly make the most of it. Readers can be forgiven for thinking we’re biased, but we’ll happily proclaim Lincoln Christmas Market to be the best in the world. According to an Instagram poll last year, it was ranked one of the best in Europe, so clearly we’re not alone. The famous market – which this year will return from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th – will be a shopping highlight for many this December. Considering that the market started life with only 12 stalls back in 1982, it’s amazing that it now welcomes some 250,000 visitors to peruse stalls selling gifts, arts, crafts, food and drink, as well as offering music and entertainment and much more. Whether it’s your first time in Lincoln or not, no trip would be complete without visiting the Cathedral which held the mantle of world’s tallest building for 238 years until a storm collapsed one of its spires. The cathedral holds two historic libraries, with the 15th century Medieval Library boasting handwritten manuscripts, and though many of these are theological in nature, there is a rare appearance from Chaucer’s seminal Canterbury Tales . The 18th century Wren Library, meanwhile, hosts a variety of books on topics including history, science, travel and geology as well as literature. Though the libraries are closed for the general public at this time of year, one can book a tour around them. What the cathedral can offer in December, however, the carol services to enjoy (see our what’s on pages for more). Even just seeing the cathedral all lit up from the Christmas market is enough to evoke festive feelings, so make sure you stop and admire its architectural beauty. Just make sure you don’t go forgetting the castle! As well as housing one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, Lincoln Castle also boasts a Victorian Prison and the Medieval Wall Walk which offers the most remarkable views of the city and surrounding area. As in previous years, the castle will be hosting its Christmas Emporium which, among other things, will play host to Father Christmas himself. For those interested in history, the city has a bountiful offering of museums and galleries to educate, inform and entice. Visit the Museum of Lincolnshire Life for free to learn about the county’s history, take a look around The Collection, an award-winning archaeology museum, and then mosey across the road to Usher Gallery to view a collection of fine, decorative and contemporary art. The city also enjoys a variety of theatres and venues with a plethora of pantomimes to get stuck into (check out our panto highlight on pages 82- © Shutterstock/chrisdorney 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:56 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 61 LINCOLN Keeping business on 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 Advice We’re here to get you in the right direction To find out how get your business on the up visit www.dextersharpe.co.uk Offices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & Spilsby CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS 83 for more). The assortment of artisanal bakeries, cafés and restaurants across Lincoln will be in the full festive swing by the time you hold this issue in your hands. While jars of preserves, an assortment of fudge or home-baked goods make wonderful gifts in their own right, after braving the crowds, you’ll want to take the weight off your feet and enjoy a cake or coffee. For dining there is a wide array of options, spanning the entire globe in terms of taste. Once more the Bailgate plays host to some fabulous hotels, most of which have their own restaurants that we can personally attest to serving fantastic food. There are other locations arrayed down Steep Hill and into the high street itself, many of which have gone for a more contemporary dining experience than the usual restaurant fare. Our advice is to go where your nose takes you, as the city is hardly lacking for little bistros and independent restaurants putting their own twists on classic British cuisine. It’s still a special time of year when Christmas comes to Lincoln, enhancing an already compelling offering of artisan bakers, independent boutiques, tea rooms, museums, galleries and, of course, the cathedral and castle. And that’s barely scraping the surface. To truly immerse yourself in everything Lincoln has to offer, you really need to experience it first-hand. So what are you waiting for? © Shutterstock/FamVeld 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:56 Page 462 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY A lthough no major Civil War battles occurred in Lincolnshire, our county still saw a considerable amount of action. Around it lay important strategic garrisons such as Newark (Royalist) controlling the Trent and the route to the north, Hull (Parliament) guarding the Humber, and King’s Lynn in the south. Sieges at Hull and Newark generated much troop movement across Lincolnshire. The causes of the English Civil War began during the rule of James I who frequently clashed with his Parliament. Things worsened after James’s death and his son Charles I became king in 1625. Conflict with Parliament had been mostly over money, and this continued under Charles who ruled alone without a Parliament (the “Tyranny”) for eleven years between 1629 to 1640. There was also a battle of wills over the extent of Charles’s right to govern as he, like his father, believed in absolute monarchy and the Divine Right of Kings. This was a time of anti-catholic feeling too. Charles nevertheless, having married a Catholic, Henrietta Maria from France, simultaneously managed to alienate his subjects over taxes during the “Tyranny” and antagonise the Scots over religious affairs prompting an invasion and leaving Charles needing an army to repel them. There was trouble in Ireland too. All this required money which Parliament refused, culminating in the king entering Parliament with troops in an attempt to arrest MP’s. War finally broke out when having first helped himself to the arms of Lincoln’s militia Charles raised his standard at Nottingham on 22nd August 1642 thus setting the Royalists (Cavaliers) against Parliament (Roundheads) in a war that fiercely divided loyalties – even amongst families! A full account of the wars events across Lincolnshire is not possible here but some of the main ones are described below. One of the first was the capture of Belvoir Castle for the king in January 1643 although it was besieged and retaken by General Poyntz for Parliament in November 1645. By the 27th February 1643 Royalist Newark was under siege, but only for two days, though later, lengthier sieges occurred in the spring of 1644, unsuccessful after four weeks, and then from November 1645 to May 1646 when the town finally surrendered. On the 11th April 1643 after a fight at Ancaster the defeated Cavaliers fled to Stamford which they occupied but, faced with a Parliamentary army and realising their defences were inadequate they fled to Burghley House. On 28th April the action shifted to Crowland and Cromwell’s first, and successful, siege in Lincolnshire. Crowland was retaken by the Royalists but recaptured by Parliament in 1644 as an information THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR IN LINCOLNSHIRE We look at Lincolnshire’s role during this turbulent time of its history. heritage Lincolnshire explored 62-63.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:58 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 63 board in the abbey explains.) On the 13th May there were two battles on the same day near Grantham, first the Royalists routed three troops of Parliamentary cavalry near Belton, then in turn were driven back by Cromwell. Meanwhile back at Stamford on 24th July 1643 Cromwell besieged Burghley where the outnumbered Royalists quickly surrendered. Within four days the action had moved to Gainsborough (only captured on the 20th) where Parliaments garrison was besieged until relieved by Cromwell on the 28th only for the Roundhead troops to be forced to fall back to Lincoln. Overall in Lincolnshire however Parliament had faired rather badly during the spring and summer of 1643; they lost Gainsborough and Lincoln - but their fightback came when their forces in the southeast of the county, based in Boston and bolstered by reinforcements sent from Kings Lynn, marched via Sibsey and Stickney to take the Royalist garrison at Bolingbroke Castle. Whilst besieging Bolingbroke the Parliamentarians learnt of a Royalist army approaching from Horncastle. On the 11th October the two armies met at Winceby for the most important battle on Lincolnshire soil. The Royalists were annihilated, many mown down in “Slash Hollow”. Although not crucial to the final outcome of the war victory at Winceby did ensure Parliamentary control of Eastern England. Some public footpaths cross parts of the battle site and there are several information boards. Slash Lane still appears on Ordnance Survey maps and the battle is remembered on the village sign and by a memorial stone on the lawn of Winceby House. Shortly afterwards on 20th October 1643 the Roundheads recaptured Lincoln, only to lose it again on the 20th November. On the 18th December 1643 there had occurred what is locally described as a “skirmish” at Alkborough. Over 1,000 Parliamentary foot and horse soldiers from Hull attacked the church where some Cavalier troops were based, ousting them but doing considerable damage. As the church guide says - “Some skirmish!” There were of course many other minor engagements throughout the county – often in such unlikely places as Hougham and Cressy Hall at Surfleet. As late as June 1845 fighting was continuing in Lincolnshire when Parliament suffered defeat at Riby Gap; nearby (one and a half miles south of Laceby) are remaining earthworks of a civil war artillery fort. Riby Gap incidentally was the last battle fought on Lincolnshire soil until the aerial conflicts of WWII. Following his eventual defeat Charles, whilst surrendering to the Scots army at Newark in May 1646, ordered the surrender of the town and the Royalist garrison there as part of the negotiated terms of his own surrender. The Scots however promptly sold him to Parliament for £400,000. He was imprisoned, eventually tried for treason and beheaded at Whitehall in London on 30th January 1649 being the only English king to suffer such a fate. Cromwell’s “Commonwealth” followed the end of the civil wars but the monarchy was eventually restored in April 1666 with the accession of Charles I’s son Charles II. You can learn much more at the National Civil War Museum at Newark. by Hugh Marrows 62-63.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:58 Page 264 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY • Clothing Alterations & Repairs • Fitting Room & Express Service • Fabrics, Haberdashery, Patterns • Crafts Fabrics & Fat Quarters • Soft Furnishing Service Monthly programme of workshops in Patchwork, Embroidery, Felting, Free Machine Embroidery, Overlocking, Crochet & Sewing YOUR ONE STOP SEWING SHOP 35 years in business Tel: 01652 650047 Email: info@jaylaurs.co.uk 54 Wrawby Street, Brigg DN20 8JE Horncastle Cake Art & Hobby House Everything for the Christmas Crafter Cake Decorations, Knitting, Crochet, Felt, Ribbons & more www.horncastlecakeart.co.uk 25 North Street, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 5DX Tel: 01507 525926/522659 FOR THAT OLD FASHIONED PERSONAL SERVICE 10% OFF VOUCHER* *OFFER TO BE USED ONLY ONCE PER CUSTOMER SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS Come visit our showroom at Princes Street, Brigg, DN20 8HG Email: briggbeds@hotmail.co.uk TEL: (01652) 651 828 @briggbeds The Dower House Hotel offers a delightful choice of setting, whether your wedding is a small intimate affair or a larger celebration. Inside the atmosphere of The Dower House Hotel creates a sense of romance and charm. Outside, the grounds provide the ultimate backdrop for your wedding photography. • Ideal wedding venue • Sunday lunches • Afternoon teas • Golfing packages • Corporate hire • Function hire Manor Estate, Woodhall Spa, Lincs., LN10 6PY Tel: (01526) 352588 Email: info@the-dowerhousehotel.co.uk Web: www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk Church Road, Boston PE21 0LG | Tel: 01205 310 327 E-mail: sales@bostonheating.co.uk www.bostonheating.co.uk Premium Multifuel Stoves, Gas & Electric Fires And Surrounds Looking for a great gift idea? WWWLINCWWW.LINC OLNSHIRETOOLNSHIRETO DAYNETDAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk 1st 3 issues only £1 Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 64-66.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:59 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 WOMEN IN BUSINESS D espite efforts across the country, the disparity between men and women in business persists, with huge pay gaps commonplace in the media and on Twitter, and stories abound of women expected to dress, act or be paid differently to men. Today, it’s quite often unconscious bias which causes this, which while a step up from intentional bias, still is a problem to be faced. Whether or not it’s conscious, however, it’s undeniable that women in business face their fair share of challenges – and likely overcome more of them than men do. For instance, Deloitte found that the survival rate of women’s businesses is lower than those set up by men, which can come down to a range of factors from feeling challenged by raising a family at the same time to difficulties raising finance compared to men. Research by AXA showed that 43% of start-ups run by men will access formal business funding, while only 26% of start- ups run by women will do the same. In fact, the evidence suggests that many female entrepreneurs are seen as being less financially competent than their male peers – with little evidence to suggest there is any truth to it. This forms a punishing catch-22 where female-led start-ups are denied funding, fail as a result and then become further “evidence” that female-led start-ups are less sustainable than male-led equivalents. This bias can translate into other elements of business life as well, from women being seen to be less technically savvy, often caused by fewer female students of STEM subjects – more a symptom of male bias in those industries than women not being interested. The same bias can be found in negotiation or dealing with customers, though it should be noted that women in retail, hospitality and other service industries tend to be more commonly accepted. In more technical businesses like accounting, IT or engineering, however, it’s not uncommon for prospective clients to assume less competence on technical subjects from a woman. All of which is, of course, nonsense. The subjects one studies and the experience one gains sticks regardless of gender, and we’re beginning to see the economy lean toward and accept that. It’s © Shutterstock/gpointstudio in business Women The business world is still predominantly male- focused, but hard work in Lincolnshire has seen women in business flourish not despite the challenges, but in spite of them! 66 Á 64-66.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:59 Page 2© Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff 66 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WOMEN IN BUSINESS slow going and that is troubling at times, and certain economies and cultures still refuse or work to impede women in business, but here in Lincolnshire we have our fair share of female entrepreneurs, owners and managers who are to be admired and respected. More than that, many businesses are beginning to see advantages in having female managers – citing better empathy for staff, more productive in the work they do and much better at managing conflict and crisis within the company. And if it wasn’t enough to completely shatter some of the misconceptions mentioned above, Github – one of the largest software companies in the world – found that its coding written by female employees was much more likely to be favoured and accepted by big businesses, being found to be of a generally higher quality than coding by male coders. Of course, it was only favoured when the customers didn’t know it was work done by women, so there’s still plenty of distance to go in proving just how valuable women in business can be. That’s where our numerous stars from Lincolnshire come into the picture. One of the first steps we as a county can take to championing the roles of women in business is to recognise and shout about the fact. It’s all too easy to be humble and take quiet pride in what we accomplish – another thing women appear to be better at than men – but that only feeds into the misconception that women in business are less successful; they’re not, but those who are successful don’t do enough to promote the fact. International Women’s Day (8th March) is a time when women are encouraged to shout out about their roles in business, and a time when Lincolnshire Today and its sister magazines highlight the incredible work done by women, but one of the problems of limiting such to a single day is that it doesn’t help break the narrative. It makes successful women in business sound like something that only happens once a year, when there are plenty of Lincolnshire companies set up, run and managed by women. The stats across the UK are unfortunately lower than other countries, too, showing how much work we have left to do. In 2017, only 5.6% of UK women run their own business, compared to 15% in Canada, 11% in the US and 9% in Australia. In the self-employed market, women do better – with an unprecedented rise from approximately 25% of self-employed being female pre 2008, to around 58% nowadays. Attitudes are changing, and while it’s too premature to say the problem has been addressed – it hasn’t! – that’s not to say we’re not moving in the right direction. Sara Bird gets ready for second year with fashion business Earlier this year, local entrepreneur Sara Bird left her corporate career and followed her passion to launch her Haute Couture fashion label and its luxury brand SqWears Couture. A SqWear is the ‘Square you Wear’ and is worn over other garments such as simple maxi dresses or palazzo pants with a camisole in the summer or trousers, boots and polo necks in the winter. Commenting on her first year in business, Sara said: “It has been a year of massive highs such as showing at London Fashion Week and massive lows where I was making myself ill working 20-hour days.” On the year ahead, she added: “We are now set up for a great second year with new designs, a new website where customers can buy direct and exciting new collaborations with international luxury brands, celebrities, influencers and local students – no matter what age you are, be confident and follow your dreams and make it happen.” 64-66.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:59 Page 3I t’s not hard to see the disconnect in personality between a company running a small operation out of several stores and a multinational owned by numerous Boards, Directors and run by a CEO. You can always tell when a company becomes just a little too robotic, either by their Twitter feed regurgitating the most polite and “sanctioned” tweets you’ve ever seen, to a complaint having to go through ten departments, two continents and a hundred emails back and forth, before it reaches the right person. That’s the weakness of big business. The sense of control is lost and you have to make sacrifices, either to quality, convenience of the ability to deal with every customer yourself. Decisions like this are easily made because to these companies the only thing that matters is the bottom line. A CEO isn’t there to help the company thrive, but rather to gouge as much from it as they can to get a bonus before going elsewhere. That is why today family businesses continue to thrive – because there’s nothing that creates a sense of responsibility and attachment than the business being a part of the family. The family business is a curious entity. In a sense they are the same as every other company, and yet if you visit the website of a family firm – that very aspect is something they regularly In today’s world of big business and companies drawing in billions, can the humble family business cope? boast about. “A family firm for over thirty years,” or “your local family firm,” however long a business has been going it seems that the words “family business” are just as much an advantage as the length of time a company has been established. This has a lot to do with consumer attitude in many cases, with many consumers feeling that family firms offer a more personal and customer-oriented touch than their larger, more unfeeling rivals. There is logic behind this argument too, as family firms often retain day-to-day control of the company, which avoids the typical bureaucratic problems faced by a © Shutterstock/Diego Cervo Business in the family LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 FAMILY BUSINESS 69 Á Business in the family Family business award success for The Petwood Hotel The Petwood Hotel has been celebrating recent awards success in the Midlands Family Business Awards. Now in their 10th year, the Family Business Awards celebrate the successes of all family businesses spanning the Midlands. The family members of the Board of Directors were thrilled to collect a ‘Highly Commended’ award for Best Small Family Business at a ceremony held on 7th November at King Power Stadium in Leicester. “To be considered among the top 6 small family businesses in such a huge area was an achievement in itself,” said Emma Brealey, Managing Director. “However, we were overwhelmed to receive an award and we are immensely proud of the Petwood team and its efforts being recognised.” In March this year, coinciding with International Women’s Day, Emma was delighted to be awarded ‘Business Woman of the Year’ at the Enterprising Women Awards run by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. 67-69.qxp_Layout 1 14/11/2019 09:44 Page 1 '9# ` '` `0)244`024 90 '4` ' ' `-)-` '`)0` ` 0`& #`)0`7"` 40'))'`4 ` < 4 ` `- &&`2`)'`4 `400 `);0#))" ' `)90`249'' ' `0`< '' ' `-4)` 0'2` 4IE`-EV[PPD` PVEL`JT`VIE`QESGEBV`A?TE`GPS`E]QLPSJOH`PNAES`PXOV^`?YJ?VJPO`IESJV?HE`TJVET` VIE`<PLDT`VIE`BPXOW_T`BP?TV`?OD`VIE`IJTVPSJB`BJV_`PG`#JOBPMO` !XTV` *`NJOXVET`DSJYE`GSPN`&`;JTJVPST`EOVSE`?OD``NJOXVET`GSPN`VIE` OVESO?VJPO?L`PNAES`PNN?OD`EOVSE` +(85`:3` 15`#>`+1`+:1`35` $ $`1 53` (`3. $`+13` @LL`0FUFSZ@VJPOU`PO`` ` ` `PS`FN@JL`SFCFQVJPO RFV\PPDCPXK` /6=,,` ,6%` 67-69.qxp_Layout 1 14/11/2019 09:44 Page 2heavily spread out company. What’s more, few people care so much about a company’s reputation than the owner, and family firm’s pass that ethos down through generations, creating a business culture that revolves heavily around core family values. Customers can often recognise this, in the way jobs are done – but also in how staff treat them. That isn’t to say that family businesses are without their difficult periods, or that they have an easier time than their rivals. One of the biggest difficulties faced by such companies is the very differentials between family and business. This can come from children not wishing to be a part of the family business, or even wishing to be a part – but clashing with the current owner. This can lead to tense family meetings, or even talking shop at the dinner table. And it only gets worse if the problems continue, with some parents being forced to face the unenviable decision of how to discipline, or even fire, their own children. For people who run family firms there is often a need to separate the parent from the boss, even if that means making decisions to the initial detriment of one. It’s worth keeping in mind that a family member can recover from a bruised ego and might receive the company in inheritance at some point. Whereas a company might not be able to so easily survive an errant employee doing things wrong. Despite these problems, family firms continue to drive their way to success and are a core part of not only Lincolnshire, but the entire UK economy. One thing to keep in mind with regards to family business, however, is that they do not always need to be handed down from generation to generation – or to remain within the family for perpetuity. While many continue to do so, especially when the business was first established by the family, for those who buy into businesses it is still worth keeping in mind an exit strategy. This might also be something to think about if it turns out that those in line to inherit a company have other plans for their life, which may not include looking after the family firm. No one wants to force their children to do things they do not want to do, but if the company won’t be able to run without direct control than there will need to be some kind of stewardship or exit plan in place. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 FAMILY BUSINESS The Diamond Sewage Treatment range is suitable for either individual homes or small population applications When Gravity Drainage is not possible choose Allerton Pumping Stations for Sewage or Dirty Water Servicing & Maintenance on a wide range of Sewage Treatment Plant and Pump Stations by BRITISH WATER ACCREDITED ENGINEERS. In rural areas without a mains drainage system, and where septic tanks will no longer reach environmental standards, Allerton can provide the ideal solution. Trading since 1974, Allerton are leading specialists in efficient treatment systems. They pride themselves on their individual, problem solving approach to dealing with alternative means of treating and disposing of raw sewage. Freephone: 0800 328 5492 Email: sales@allertonuk.com Website: www.allertonuk.com The Allerton ConSept converts your existing Septic Tank or Cesspit into a fully functioning Sewage Treatment Plant. The Dependable Choice in Drainage © Shutterstock/Africa Studio 67-69.qxp_Layout 1 14/11/2019 09:44 Page 3Next >