< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY D uring the colder season, everyone wants to stay inside because of the warmth and comfort. Winter does not mean that you cannot spruce up your outdoor space to create a warmer environment that you can enjoy even in cooler temperatures, however. Whether you are a person who enjoys hosting parties or likes to have intimate gatherings with your family, an organised outdoor living area is always helpful. Here are some quick tips that you can use to keep utilising your outdoor space during colder temperatures when everyone is looking for warmth and cosiness. The first one is – stay warm! The basic feature of an outdoor setting that can enhance the ambiance of your space is a fire feature. You can consider installing an outdoor fire pit, fireplace or a free standing electric or gas heater that is designed to be used outdoors. Comfortable seating is the second thing to consider. You may need a different type of seating arrangement in the winter compared to the summer. Winters ask for all solid construction and comfortable cushions and throws which you can snuggle up with. You may want to consider outdoor furniture with thicker, lusher, and deeper seating for the winter, and do not worry about it matching as mix-and-match is the latest trend. With all this warm and comfy seating your guests will not want to leave! Finally, the lighting is an important feature needed to enjoy winter evenings. As the days are shorter you need to have a proper lighting arrangement to make your outdoor gatherings comfortable. Proper lighting also helps in increasing the safety and security of your family and guests. You can be creative with lighting, and use different colours, brightness etc. to create a unique space. Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping offers tips on how to ensure your garden is still usable during winter. Warming up the garden for chilly days Warming up the garden for chilly days 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:16 Page 1* Keep checking that your greenhouse heaters are working, and your winter protection structures are still securely in place. You can place cloches over tender plants to give them extra protection from frost. * Make sure your pond does not freeze. * Prune apple and pear trees. * Your leeks, parsnips, winter cabbages and sprouts should be ready for harvesting. However, make sure they are stored away from mice. * You can work off Christmas excesses by digging over bare areas of ground. * You may need to do one last collection of autumn leaves. * Keep your paths clean and remove moss and lichen. * Treat timber sheds and fences with preservatives. * Wrap insulation around garden taps. * Prune tall bush roses, ornamental vines, deciduous hedges, trees, and shrubs. * Keep feeding the birds and providing them with water. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 FULLERS Call 01522 868717 or 07867 510544 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com GARDEN ADVICE Maybe next year could be the year to create a new garden, with a winter area considered in the design. A professionally created design will enable you to view your project and know exactly what to expect before any work is carried out and ensure that the garden works for you, all year round. I have a fabulous team that will work come rain or shine and they are highly skilled landscapers who can create anything from low maintenance gardens with artificial grass to romantic cottage gardens and state-of-the-art ultra- contemporary gardens. For over twenty years I have built up a family run business that prides itself on designing and creating gardens that suit each individual client’s budget, regardless of their garden’s size and shape. If you want to make some changes, no matter how big or small, I would advise you to consider doing them sooner rather than later so you have the perfect outdoor space for next summer. Maybe a new garden could be a Christmas present to yourself. Everyone at Fullers would like to wish you a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. © stock.adobe.com/ Monkey Business Specialised Service in Garden Design and Landscaping Backed by a highly-skilled and experienced team, we’ve built our reputation on an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored gardening and forestry solutions Around the garden © stock.adobe.com/ Photographee.eu © stock.adobe.com/ KCULP 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:17 Page 222 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY © stock.adobe.com/iSong_about_summer © stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business Christmas comes alive in Lincoln Christmas comes alive in Lincoln 22-27.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 W ith its cobbled marketplace and dozens of cosy shops up and around Steep Hill, walking the streets of Lincoln feels like taking a step back in time through celebrations of old. The vibe is given an extra boost by all the traditional treats on shelves in sweet shops and bakeries and served with care in cafes for those taking a well- earned break from present shopping. Lincoln loves its history, and so Christmases past come out to play as well at this time of year. The heart of the season in Lincoln has become the Christmas Market, quickly growing from its modest beginnings as eleven stalls in Castle Square in 1982. Back then, it was the first German-style Christmas market in the UK, opened in honour of Lincoln’s twinning with the town of Neustadt. Now it’s a lovingly adopted modern tradition that’s been taken up by cities all over the UK, from Leeds and Bath to Cardiff and Belfast. But Lincoln’s still pops up on yearly lists of top festive markets all over the web, The Times this year naming it the ‘best for Christmas spirit’. The fact the market brings 250,000 annual visitors to Lincoln (some of whom become proud regulars) hasn’t made the event forget its inspiration. Stall holders from Neustadt now make the pilgrimage to their twin city bringing their gifts with them, whether of food, drink or crafts. These join the treasures the home team brings to the table, such as locally made art for a home gallery, toys or jewellery for precious loved ones young and old, hand-poured candles to warm the heart, or even simply wonderful fresh produce grown in the area. The market’s welcoming atmosphere is known to bring stallholders back year after year. Some veterans from the inaugural ‘82 market will be returning again this year, including ‘The Red Baron’ sausage stall - because you can count on the yellowbellies to ensure provision of quality bangers - and Lincoln’s own sect of the Feucht Fröhliche Neustadter, traditional makers of German mulled glühwein. Part of its popularity likely comes from its offering of something to entertain everyone, with live music, amusements, games and rides filling the city with light, joy and laughter. There is every intention for the Lincoln Christmas Market to go ahead this year from 1st-4th December. It’s only been cancelled three times before - twice for severe weather warnings and in 2020 due to the pandemic - never one to miss out on the festivities if it can be avoided. Government restrictions may still be enforced if needed, but residents and visitors to the city can expect the festive © Shutterstock/chrisdorney 24 Á The city of Lincoln takes on a whole new life at the festive period, one that goes beyond the Christmas lights. 22-27.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:19 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LINCOLN celebration to be in full swing, assuming there are no changes in circumstance. That means another four magical days and nights of local entertainment, family fun, and over 150 stalls laden with craft and culinary delights. If you’re looking for a stroll around the city this winter, just following the market stalls will take you through Lincoln’s historical heart. Start in the city centre’s cultural quarter, where theatres, galleries and museums nestle together with bars and dining spots. From there it’ll lead you up to the medieval square, where the Norman castle and gothic cathedral preside over the festivities, giving them a grand and gorgeous setting. When you’ve seen everything there is to see around the market itself, you’ll be well situated to go off on tangents as you please, as the wealth of culture and retail Lincoln has to offer is all right nearby. The castle hosts its Medieval Wall Walk in all seasons and braving the winter chill is encouraged for the Illuminated Wall Walk that coincides with the Christmas Market from Thursday through Saturday, offering bird’s eye views of the market itself. The cathedral – which was once the tallest building in the world until a storm in 1549 collapsed its spire – continues the adventure for families in their multitudes who come to hunt the Lincoln imp, said to have been © stock.adobe.com/iamtomlewis 26 Á 22-27.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:19 Page 3ACCESS TO THE PEACE GARDENS AND MEMORIAL IS FREE OF CHARGE. FOR EXHIBITION ADMISSION CHARGES AND EVENTS VISIT WWW.INTERNATIONALBCC.CO.UK SHOP & HUB CAFÉTHE MEMORIAL SPIRE & WALLS At the heart of the IBCC are the Memorial Spire and Walls and Names. Surrounded by spectacular views across the City. THE PEACE GARDENS Set across 10 acres of landscaped grounds. Offering quiet, contemplative spaces. THE BOMBER COMMAND STORY The three exhibition galleries tell the story of Bomber Command using immersive and interactive displays and exhibits. Find a wide range of gifts and merchandise. Then take a break with locally sourced tempting treats and wholesome options. EVENTS Find out more about our wide variety of events at internationalbcc.co.uk/ events THE IBCC PROVIDES A WORLD- CLASS FACILITY ACKNOWLEDGING THE EFFORTS, SACRIFICES AND COMMITMENT OF THE MEN AND WOMEN, FROM 62 DIFFERENT NATIONS, WHO CAME TOGETHER IN BOMBER COMMAND DURING WWII. OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK - 9.30AM TO 5PM CLOSED MONDAYS EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS | LAST EXHIBITION ENTRY 4PM 01522 514755 | INFO@INTERNATIONALBCC.CO.UK INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, CANWICK HILL, LINCOLN, LN4 2HQ FREE GUIDED TOURS! Learn about the history of the project and Bomber Command with one of our expert Guides. 22-27.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:19 Page 426 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LINCOLN turned to stone by an angel. For history fanatics, the Magna Carta shares part of its story between the two neighbouring buildings. As a document of church rights, it’s still owned by the cathedral, but one of four preserved copies is housed in the castle for a closer look. For anyone up for a ramble into the city’s heart, the Stephen Langton trail runs a total of 16.5 miles and ends in front of the Magna Carta itself. Named for the Archbishop who was key to sealing the document in 1215, you can start from his birth village of Langton-by-Wragby and take on the whole trail or break it down into shorter sections to your liking or ability. For Christmas as a time of Christian worship, there’s no better way to pay devotion to your faith either. If you’re more the culture vulture, why not wander over to The Collection Museum in the dedicated cultural quarter, peruse its gallery and fascinating artefacts from across the ages, and see which events and workshops are approaching? Better yet, book in advance for activities like the Christmas Wreath Workshop on 11th December, which gives you the chance to display your own handmade creation amongst your decorations this year. Local artist Janet Schooley’s workshops are always in high demand, the wreath making selling out last year and returning by popular request. Or for a family with little ones to entertain, it’s a short step to the New Theatre Royal, which this year presents Cinderella as the annual pantomime. The theatre earned the Lincoln Civic Award in 2020, though lockdown meant the official presentation of the award to custodians Natalie and Mike Hayes Cowley only took place last year. This happy event marked the theatre’s thankful reopening after the upheaval of COVID-19. Ancient and modern history, fantastic fun and quiet reflection come together in Lincoln at Christmas time, holding space for all the collected emotions and atmospheres that make this time so uniquely special. Whether you’re shopping, relaxing or up for a Yuletide adventure, here’s a city that has you covered this December, and everyone going forward should you wish to return in years to come. 22-27.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:19 Page 5Printing|Copying|Graphic Design LOGOS | BRANDING | BUSINESS STATIONERY FLYERS & POSTERS | BROCHURES | NEWSLETTERS A0 COPYING & SCANNING | OS MAPPING CAD & PLAN PRINTING | PRINT FINISHING High Quality Print & Design in Lincolnshire N 01522 546118 E sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk 22-27.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:19 Page 628 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY W e are using the word “heritage” loosely here for the Welland but it has been important to the history of south Lincolnshire, serving the Stamford hinterland as a trading route to the sea and northern Europe. Rivers also influenced settlement where they provided fords or bridging points, at a time when travel by water was often easier than by land; they also dictated the location of inland ports. (for example: Brigg on the Ancholme, Gainsborough on the Trent and Lincoln and Boston on the Witham). In Lincolnshire’s far south these functions were fulfilled by the Welland which, though predominately a Lincolnshire river, rises (at Sibbertoft) near Market Harborough, Leicestershire. We have seen how the Welland was a factor in the location and growth of Stamford serving as a ford from prehistory onwards through Roman times, leading to the town’s importance as a trading route and eventually a Danelaw town. From mediaeval times it provided a trading route from Stamford to The Wash, the North Sea, northern Europe and Baltic ports; the most important export was wool. The river’s name possibly comes from Old English (Anglo-Saxon or even Celtic) of “Weolud” though the meaning remains unclear. Of the river’s 65 miles approximately fifteen are outside Lincolnshire. It enters our county near Stamford’s A1 bypass, so around two-thirds of its course lie entirely within Lincolnshire. The fourteen miles below Spalding are tidal. Since 1975 the river has provided water to be pumped up to Rutland Water. At Stamford the Welland leaves the higher ground of Leicestershire to meet and cross Lincolnshire’s fenlands before flowing into The Wash and draining just over 600 square miles along the way. It is joined by several minor rivers including the Gwash and the Glen as well as numerous drains such as Vernatt’s drain near Surfleet. Over the centuries the course of the Welland has changed considerably having been straightened around Crowland for example where it once ran through the town and under the famous three-arched bridge. And, following the 1947 floods, the Coronation Channel was constructed to divert most of the water around Spalding. The river’s course beyond Stamford passes Uffington Park and under the picturesque late C17th Uffington bridge then past Tallington and on to the (various) Deepings. At Deeping Gate is another bit of historic infrastructure, the beautiful bridge dated 1651. Beyond Deeping St James it turns northeast and then, near Crowland. Here there is an obvious diversion of the river into a wide, embanked man-made channel whilst on After exploring Stamford last month, we return to look at the River Welland and the Stamford Canal. Lincolnshire explored THE STAMFORD CANAL NEAR UFFINGTON DEEPING ST JAMES 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:20 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 the right bank are the remains of a short “canal” that once linked the river to Crowland. Then, flowing north, it comes the Cowbit “washes”, pasture where the river was allowed to flood when high tides prevented the river reaching the sea. At Spalding a reduced river flows through the town but most of it follows the Coronation Channel. It then continues northeast towards The Wash via Surfleet Seas End and Fosdyke with its busy marina. After crossing the Greenwich Meridian and several miles of tidal marshes it reaches the Welland Outfall and The Wash. We will now turn to the subject of the Stamford Canal (called the Welland Canal on some OS maps). It is perhaps Lincolnshire’s least-known canal and it is important because it was one of the earliest in the country pre-dating by a century what we usually regard as the “Canal Age” which extended from late C18th until the mid C20th (c.f. Lincolnshire’s main canals; Louth (1770); Sleaford (1794); Grantham (1797); Horncastle (1802). However, the Stamford canal came much earlier opening in 1670 and when built was, at nine and a half miles, the longest in England with locks; earlier Roman canals had no locks being engineered along contour lines. Stamford’s mediaeval prosperity was declining by the mid C16th, its dependence on the River Welland at risk since mills along its course were drawing off water and there was silting. This restricted navigation upstream to the town and thus its access to the sea and markets of northern Europe. The need for a canal was therefore urgent. The construction of a new cut was authorised in 1571 during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. This authorisation was renewed in 1621 but there were difficulties in getting anyone to take on the work until in 1664 a Stamford alderman, Daniel Wigmore, took on the contract. The canal now cost £5,000 – more than twice the original estimate – for which Wigmore excavated the cut and built twelve locks. Wigmore also got to lease the tolls for 80 years. The first lock was at Hudd’s Mill (1751) just to the east of Stamford town centre and there were wharves on the river near the Town Bridge. Some impressive warehouses from 1756 survive beside Wharf Road. For most of its route the canal ran parallel with, and close to, the north bank of the river. The final locks were at The Deepings where boats regained the Welland. Stamford’s export business (including barley and malt) and prosperity duly revived once it was again connected to The Wash 34 miles away. Various schemes to extend the canal to Melton Mowbray, Oakham and, via the Forty Foot drain, to Boston, all failed. The Midland Railway reached Stamford in 1848 and thereafter canal trade declined with eventual closure in 1863; after just under 200 years of operation. A good section to visit lies just east of Stamford near Uffington where the earthworks can be followed through Uffington Park where a public footpath runs alongside to Uffington Bridge. A section can also be seen near the A16 between West and Market Deeping. At Deeping St James the remains of two lock walls survive. by Hugh Marrows THE WELLAND NEAR CROWLAND UFFINGTON BRIDGE MARKET DEEPING BRIDGE FOSDYKE MARINA 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:20 Page 2Next >