£2.95 DECEMBER 2021 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 30+ years young 30+ years young WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 DECEMBER 2021THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Glitz & Glam Winter Wonders Great Gift Ideas Festive Recipes Glitz & Glam Winter Wonders Great Gift Ideas Festive Recipes Seasons greetings Seasons greetings Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas 01.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:31 Page 1www.jamesusher.co.uk 26-27 Guildhall Street Lincoln Tel: 01522 527547 diamond specialists ∙ jewellers ∙ silversmiths ∙ watchm akers 02.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:32 Page 1It’s amazing how quickly this time of year seems to come around, and it feels like only a few months ago we were starting lockdown and now we’re looking forward to Christmas and 2022 – may it be a more “outdoors” year for all of us! Hopefully it has been a good year for some of you, and hopefully the final month of the year is one filled with festive cheer. Mine certainly will, though also with a little helping of festive panic, since as of writing this, I’ve still yet to purchase so much as a single Christmas card. I’ll manage, and I imagine there will be plenty of other people trawling Lincolnshire with me as we search for the perfect presents for loved ones, all the while dodging past crowds, carol singers and well-wishers, wondering why we weren’t more organised and didn’t get this all sorted earlier. But look on the bright side, there’s always that wonderful dinner to look forward to on the day, and the drink that comes with it – which will preferably not leave us feeling worse for wear on boxing day, since I’m sure it’s not called that because I often wake up feeling like I’ve gone a few rounds and lost badly. Let’s face it though, while there’s a lot to look forward to at Christmas, there are some things we just wish would go away. I’m talking about the dreaded TV re- runs, of course. Why is it that we must sit through the same things year after year? Why is there never any variety, and why are all the Christmas pop songs just rehashes of the old ones? If you’re anything like me, you’ll be eschewing much of that this year, and taking to the streets of Lincolnshire instead. Not carol- singing, of course, but enjoying the many events and parties across the county, which will be taking place through all thirty-one days, and not just for the big day itself. And so, with this, we at the Lincolnshire Today magazine wish you a most wonderful Christmas, and hope that all your desires be fulfilled. Merry Christmas to all, and a happy New Year, as well! Merry Christmas, Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Journalist: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper Sales: Kerry Randerson Accounts & Circulations: Angela Sharman, John Downes (01472) 310301 Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Advertising: Tel: (01472) 310302 Editorial: Tel: (01472) 310305 Part Of The Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net ISSN No: 1366-1299 © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK/MATT GIBSON This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a local hospital or charity? LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 27th November - 24th December £5 per child* Santa’s reindeer have escaped and need help getting back to the North Pole! Can you help Santa and Pudding the Shetland pony round them all up and save Christmas? *See website for further details. Charity No: 1075601 Find us at LN1 2PH • 01427 788 464 • BransbyHorses.co.uk Pudding’s Reindeer Roundup 03.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:40 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month 22 A CITY FULL OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Lincoln is a must-visit location at Christmas - from its famous festive market to its period architecture, fruitful food choices, and abundant entertainment, the city has an ambience that can’t be matched. 26 WARM UP YOUR WARDROBE Now we’re in winter, and with Christmas season in full swing, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to some new, warmer looks. 32 TAKING YOUR LOOK TO THE NEXT LEVEL Accessories make all the difference, elevating any outfit. 34 TAKE ON THE CHILL As we walk through winter wonderlands, refresh your wardrobe with these perfect pieces. 36 GLITZ & GLAMOUR GALORE You’d be forgiven for forgetting what it’s like to get dolled up for festive get-togethers, but fear not, Lincolnshire Today has got you covered. 38 A ‘HOLLY’ HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SKINCARE AND AESTHETIC TREATMENT With the festive season upon us, and more social events back on track this year we all want to look our best and may consider or be wondering about face and body aesthetic treatments. 40 FINE FOODS FOR WINTER It’s Christmas, or soon will be, which means that it’s time to bring out those oven mitts and start preparing a feast for the family – and whatever guests might be coming too. 44 LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED Not all Lincolnshire heritage is in Lincolnshire; reminders of our heritage and the influence of many Lincolnshire people is recognised around both the UK and the world. 46 ALL YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Love is the best thing one person can give another, but it’s nice to receive a few Christmas presents as well though, isn’t it? Whether you’ve still got a few people to buy for, or you’re stuck on that one irritating uncle who’s impossible to buy for, Lincolnshire Today has got you covered with this glorious gift guide curated by our very own editorial elves. DECEMBER 26 26 NOW WE’RE IN WINTER, AND WITH CHRISTMAS SEASON IN FULL SWING, THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME NEW, WARMER LOOKS. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:42 Page 152 52 BEING ONE OF THE MOST COMMON TIMES FOR PROPOSALS, FOR THOSE LUCKY ENOUGH TO RECEIVE A RING IN THEIR STOCKINGS, IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY – OR TOO LATE – TO START PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY. 52 ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS Being one of the most common times for proposals, for those lucky enough to receive a ring in their stockings, it’s never too early – or too late – to start planning your big day. 58 BUSINESS AND FAMILY The two often don’t mix but family run businesses are a marked exception and their longevity in the face of a crisis like COVID-19 is a sign of just how robust they truly are. 66 SPALDINGS Q&A Spaldings is a success story for Lincolnshire, founded in the 1950’s and now selling across the UK and Ireland. We visited Spaldings to learn more. 68 PETS CORNER Christmas may be here but so is winter – and it’s worth putting some thought into how you’re going to help your pet adapt. 70 HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW 2021 - LINCOLNSHIRE’S SUCCESS! The Horse of the Year Show for those who are not aware of this yearly event, is the most prestigious all round equestrian show in UK. 72 CHRISTMAS IS CARING So it goes that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Certainly, after the strict rules hampering last year’s festivities, many will go that extra mile this time around. However, for the elderly it can be a more trying time, especially as care homes still contend with coronavirus. 76 WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 12 INBUED WITH CHARACTER & CHARM Full of history, this month’s property boasts a wealth of original features, an abundance of space, and a glorious garden. 18 ART FOR CHRISTMAS Everyone is always looking for that special gift at Christmas, but there’s nothing more unique than a piece of original art. 20 LEVERAGING LEAVES Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping delves into December gardening tasks, and the usefulness of those pesky leaves. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:43 Page 2latest news £250,000 grant to help high street recovery in South Kesteven Historic England removes Lincoln Castle from ‘at risk’ register following £1.2m repairs Lincoln Castle has been removed from Historic England’s ‘heritage at risk’ register after urgent repairs were made totalling £1.28m. The site was first placed on the England heritage at risk site due to a period of prolonged wet weather in early 2020 when it was discovered that the grassy embankment beneath the wall on the west side of the castle had started to slip. Surveys revealed that the ground was becoming unstable there and work was needed to reinforce the bank to stop it from deteriorating further. Thanks to a £1.28m grant from Historic England, work was able to begin in November 2020 to install ground anchors and a reinforced mesh along the embankment, and repair all the retaining walls behind the properties on Union Road. This was completed earlier this year. Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for cultural services at Lincolnshire County Council, explains: “Whilst there never was an immediate threat to the castle walls, we didn’t want the embankment to deteriorate to a point where it could cause an issue to the wall above. This funding from Historic England has allowed us to shore up the bank straight away and stop any deterioration. “As well as being nationally significant for the part it played in our country’s history, Lincoln Castle continues to be a place of safety for our residents, as many people from across Lincolnshire benefit from the safe, green open space it provides as we recover from the effects of lockdown. With any issues about the condition of the embankment now resolved, we’re looking ahead to a year of events that continue to welcome locals and visitors alike to our historic castle.” South Kesteven District Council has received a grant of just over £250,000 to support its high streets as they continue to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Council has been allocated a total of £252,909 from the Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely/Welcome Back Fund, which is backed by the European Regional Development Fund. A marketing and promotions campaign involving a range of community and visitor events is being planned, along with a programme of maintenance and environmental improvements. The first phase will be delivered over the Christmas period. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “A key element of our Corporate Plan is delivering sustainable growth of the economy and, as part of our COVID-19 response, we recognise the importance of supporting the safe reopening of businesses in South Kesteven and welcoming back the community and visitors to the district’s tourism areas. “The Welcome Back Fund presents a great opportunity to invest in the recovery of our four market towns – Bourne, Grantham, Stamford and The Deepings.” © stock.adobe.com/Lucian Milasan © stock.adobe.com/ John 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:46 Page 1Independent ambulance company rated inadequate A Grimsby ambulance service has been rated as inadequate by Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors after finding dirty vehicles risking patient safety. Mobile Medical Cover Ltd is an independent ambulance service providing urgent and emergency care cover at events. The watchdog carried out an unannounced focused inspection of the patient transport service (PTS) and the urgent and emergency care service, to follow up on concerns found at a previous inspection in October 2020, where the provider was told to make more than 30 improvements to keep people safe. Following this inspection, both services were rated inadequate overall and in relation to whether they are safe and well-led. Sarah Dronsfield, CQC’s head of hospital inspection, said: “When we inspected Mobile Medical Cover, we saw some improvements since our inspection last year, however we were concerned there were still areas which hadn’t been addressed so have issued them with a warning notice. This requires them to make rapid improvements in relation to the safety of care being provided, the environment in which people are being treated, as well as requiring the leaders to have better systems and processes in place to enable greater oversight of services being delivered. “It was disappointing that despite being told to take action to improve cleanliness, their building and storage areas were dirty and disorganised, with sterile and non-sterile equipment being stored together. People were being put at risk of harm as they were cared for by staff who weren’t taking enough measures to protect them against infection as they weren’t following their own cleaning guidance. We inspected two ambulances which staff informed us were ready to use, but both were visibly dirty.” On the 10th November 233 children from 6 local primary schools joined the IBCC Learning team for the annual Children’s Service of Remembrance. They were joined by a further 840 pupils who linked to the service via the IBCC’s YouTube channel. This adaptation to the service to allow for COVID has meant that more children than ever can be involved in the annual event. The schools designed and created wreaths as part of their Remembrance learning and also took part in a poetry competition with the winners reading their poems as part of the service. The children at the IBCC placed poppies in the Memorial Walls, learning about those they marked with the help of specially created biographies incorporating pictures of the fallen. The IBCC has now, with the help of a team of 40 volunteers, created over 2,800 biographies of men and women commemorated on the Walls. This element of the project has taken 5 years so far. Over 1,000 local children honour Bomber Command © David Harrison Photography © stock.adobe.com/ Chalabala 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:46 Page 2latest news Extra care housing for Welton gets green light A new Extra Care housing scheme at Prebend Lane in Welton has received the green light from Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive. Developed by LACE Housing, the development will feature 62 one- bedroom apartments with 24-hour on-site care and support available. Work is due to start on the scheme in the autumn of 2022. “Those who take up the tenancies will have the privacy of their own homes, whilst communal spaces will provide an area to meet others and enjoy activities together,” said Councillor Wendy Bowkett, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Public Health. “This type of accommodation will be vital going forward with the forecast increase of older aged people and vulnerable adults in the county. It will provide quality housing for people who want to remain in their own homes with the option of on-site care as they grow older.” The county council is contributing £1.6m towards the Welton scheme. Open new horizons – with a free taster lecture: join The Arts Society Holland and Kesteven The Arts Society Holland and Kesteven was founded by Polly Proctor, who opened the first Lincolnshire branch over 50 years ago, with a vision of making the Arts more readily available outside of London. Nothing stays the same, and recently the London head office underwent a rebranding project and this enabled the Arts Society to broaden the spectrum of its lecture programmes. All speakers are Arts Society accredited and a wide range of subjects are offered throughout the year, from Art, Artists, Glass and Ceramics, to Music, Photography, Theatre, History, and the London Underground. The Arts Society Holland and Kesteven recently enjoyed an excellent Study Day with Mary Alexander who talked about Paris from the Belle Epoque to the 1950s. The next lecturer is Sandy Burnett, well-known musician and broadcaster, who will talk about Beethoven. The Arts Society Holland and Kesteven meet at 2pm on the 2nd Thursday in the month at Great Hale (Hale Magna) Village Hall, just down the road from Heckington Windmill, which has free parking. Members come from a wide area, but the group would like to increase its membership. It said: “We are a friendly group, which welcomes new members.” Interested? Please ring Kate (membership secretary) on 01949 843386 for your free taster lecture. For more information on The Arts Society Holland and Kesteven visit http://www.theartssocietyhollandandkesteven.org.uk Lincolnshire scoops accolade of being one of the UK’s top roadworks capitals Lincolnshire has scooped the dubious accolade of being one of the UK’s top roadworks capitals with over 66,000 projects in two years, according to a recent study. The County took sixth place in the rankings with some 66,761 projects, even beating the likes of Leeds – aptly dubbed the North’s capital – which had only 50,241. The study by Moneybarn requested information using the Freedom of Information Act over the number of roadworks from local councils. It then ranked the results based on the number of councils that responded with useable data. Of course, roadworks play a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure of the country by making sure traffic can run smoothly and safely throughout the land. Nevertheless, they can still be a massive source of frustration to road users as they can cause lengthy delays and disruption to a vast number of people. Meanwhile, it is very hard to find a town in Britain that is not littered with long term potholes as there were 1.1 million of them recorded in 2016. © stock.adobe.com/alpegor 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:47 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 9 RINGROSE LAW Post-Christmas separations – making the right decisions Whilst Christmas time is usually a time for festive fun and cheer, that is not always the case in every household. For some, Christmas and in particular New Year can often signify the start of change for people, ready to take control of their lives, which may indeed include divorce or separation from their partner. It is not necessarily about arguments over under cooked turkey or over cooked brussel sprouts, but during holidays people have time to pause and reflect and perhaps analyse what they want for the rest of their lives. The Christmas arguments can be “the straw that broke the camel’s back” - particularly over the last 18 months where daily routines have been extremely different and pressures on people much greater. Many couples wait until after the festivities are over before commencing proceedings leading to the first working Monday in January being dubbed National Divorce Day. If you are considering a divorce there are many things to consider. Will we have to sell the family home? Where will I live? Will I be able to manage financially? What arrangements will need to be made with regards to the children? Will I be entitled to a share of my spouse’s pension? What will happen regarding joint assets / liabilities? All of these questions and more we can help with to make sure you make the right decisions for you. Here at Ringrose Law we offer free consultations for anyone contemplating divorce or separation. To find out more contact your nearest Ringrose Law office or email wecanhelp@ringroselaw.co.uk Emma Darley, Family Law Available on iPad & iPhone Visit our website to start viewing today... www.lincolnshiretoday.net Digital Editions Never miss an issue Read on the go! Ideal for those who spend time away from their office 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:47 Page 4Next >