Mother’s Day gift ideas for horse lovers

Tess Egginton
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Mother’s Day gift ideas for horse lovers
With less than a week to go until Mother’s Day, there’s plenty of time to search for the most perfect gift to show that special lady she means the world to you. For horse loving mums, Bransby Horses is the perfect place to pick up a thoughtful, equine related gift either online or in their shop in Bransby, just north of Lincoln. There’s something for every budget and if money is tight, why not treat her with a surprise day trip to the welfare charity, as it’s completely free to visit. There’s a wonderful café serving delicious hot food and cake and miles of wheelchair and pushchair friendly walkways to take a stroll along. There are over 280 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules onsite as well as a fantastic children’s play park and picnic area. Here are Bransby Horses’ top 10 gift ideas which can be bought through their online shop or at their Visitor’s Centre in Bransby near Lincoln:
  1. Afternoon Tea in the Bransby Horses Café for £26 – please book at least 24 hours ahead (email cafe@bransbyhorses.co.uk to book)
  2. Sponsor a Bransby Horses’ resident from their Sponsorship Star scheme. This is a great way to support the animals in the charity’s care, and also means you have a special friend to come and visit or read about in Bransby Horses’ updates. From just £3 a month or £36 for the year you can help to support a horse, pony, donkey or mule: BransbyHorses.co.uk/sponsor
  1. Bransby Horses Four Hooves cotton apron: £9.95
  2. Bransby Horses key ring: £3.50
  3. Horse placement mats: set of four for £8.95
  4. Winter Costs – Food & Care: During the winter, the charity has extra costs to cover to keep all of its equines warm and fed as the weather turns colder. By donating towards its general funds, you will be making a real difference to the lives of hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules: £10
  5. Horse Travel Mug: £9.95
  6. Emerald Purse: £8.95
  7. Friends of Bransby Horses membership from £5 a month. Subscribers receive: An exclusive pin badge; Exclusive product offers; A quarterly newsletter; VIP event invitations and the Bransby Horses Annual Review covering how your donation has helped.
  8. Horse Whispers Oven Gloves: £12.95
To purchase any of the items in this list please visit bransbyhorses.co.uk

Lincoln prepares for invasion of the dinosaurs

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincoln prepares for invasion of the dinosaurs
Lincoln will see an invasion of dinosaurs this Easter. From April 1st – 16th there will be a range of dinosaur themed activities, events, and street dressing (including dinosaur footprints and three caged dinosaurs hidden around the city) to get everyone involved. Get ready to unearth an amazing T-Rex fossil at our DinoDig site and say hello to the Dino Rangers & the baby Rex at the meet and greets. There will also be an amazing lifelike animatronic T-Rex at the Dino Paddock, but approach with caution… Inspired by his son’s love for dinosaurs, Ben Webb (MD at Immersive Hire and Founder of DinoDig) wanted to create a pop-up event space that was fun, inspirational and unique. He designed the attraction to have something for children of all ages to enjoy. Ben added: “I think the fossil pit will be popular and we’re providing small wooden brushes for the guests to unearth our impressive complete T-Rex fossil. “We’ve also got some fun face-hole photo boards and we’d love guests to tag us in their pictures using @dinodiguk #dinodig! We’re hugely excited to be debuting this pop-up attraction in Lincoln and we can’t wait to see guests enjoying a truly immersive experience.” Lush, Lincoln will be present at the DinoDig site on the Cornhill Quarter providing the opportunity for everyone to make a comforter dino bar on the 1st, 8th and 15th April, 11am – 2pm. However, this event is first come, first served. Lincoln will also experience a ‘Dino’s on the Loose’ immersive storybook created by artist Sian Ellis. This is a free self-guided trail across Lincoln’s Cornhill, with 8 dinosaurs to track down. Sian said: “At each stop you’ll find the entertaining escapades of some escaped dinos, each adventured designed in partnership with each of the businesses”. Sian went on to say “I’m really excited to be working with Lincoln BIG and business around the Cornhill Quarter to deliver the fiercely fun Dinos on the Loose trail over the Easter break. The trail runs as part of a jam-packed programme of dinosaur activities which will offer families a great free day out.” Lincoln BIG is also teaming up with LoyalFree and encourage everyone to download the app for FREE and check in at each dinosaur location for the chance to win a roar-some prize! The Dino’s on the Loose project has been made possible with the support of Lincoln Creates, which is a Lincoln BIG initiative supporting new creative art projects in Lincoln City Centre – promoting collaboration between artists and local businesses. Following her successful application to the programme in August 2022, Sian was awarded a grant of £2,473 from the Lincoln Creates fund. We’d like to thank the businesses involved in the project, including Lush, Joules, Doughnotts, Sharpes Sweets, Tortilla, HMV, Card Factory and Burnetts Sandwich Co., without their involvement and support, the project couldn’t take place.

Travelling in your 70s: tips for adventurous seniors

Tess Egginton
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Retirement is when most people are free from many of life’s normal responsibilities. Those who have had children will find their children have moved out and are living their own lives, which means there is much more free time for an older person to spend on themselves. With more free time, what better time is there to go on holiday? Unfortunately, many older people are of the opinion that holidays are reserved for the young. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, you are perfectly capable of getting out there and exploring the world well into your old age. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Check out these top tips for travelling in your 70s. Prioritise Your Health Many over 70s are still fighting fit and ready to take on the world. However, aging does increase the risk of developing certain diseases and health conditions, many of which require regular management and medical attention. Accessing healthcare services abroad can be logistically difficult and also incredibly expensive. The last thing you want is to realise medicine that would be free or cheap back home is several times the price abroad. This is why it’s so essential to get insured before your trip. You will have to find a provider who offers travel insurance that is tailored to over 70s. A good provider will cover any potential health expenses for those suffering from any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as for missed connections and lost baggage. It’s best to get your holiday insurance before your trip so you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday worry-free. Choose The Right Destination Gone are the days when our holiday options were limited to a few European cities and resorts. Now, we can fly to just about anywhere we can imagine. Even locations not accessible from your local airport can be easily reached through connecting flights. As an older traveller, you’ll need to think carefully when deciding where to go on holiday. Generally speaking, an adventure holiday in the Amazon jungle or a Himalayan mountaineering expedition won’t be particularly suitable for elderly holidaymakers. Instead, opt for a city break in one of Europe’s many cultural hubs, or visit a luxury hotel in a beautiful coastal town. Cities and hotels offer both incredible comfort and accessibility. You’ll have everything you need nearby, without the need to travel far. Get To The Airport Early Airports are often the most stressful part of the whole holiday experience. You have to deal with large crowds, long queues, and invasive security checks, all with the fear of missing your flight hanging over your head. In your younger years, you might have been capable of zipping through the airport at breakneck speed and making it onto your flight with time to spare. However, we slow down considerably as we get older, so it’s important you arrive at the airport early to give yourself plenty of time. What’s more, many airport processes such as ticket and passport checks are fully digitised and automated these days, which can be difficult to navigate for older, less tech-savvy travellers, giving you even more reason to arrive at the airport early. Travel Light How much you pack will largely depend on how long you are going away for, but it’s important to not overpack and avoid giving yourself several heavy bags to carry. You could be standing around waiting for a long time in the airport, and could be faced with a substantial walk to your hotel after you land. Carrying heavy bags around can be exhausting and can seriously impact your enjoyment of your holiday. Conclusion Don’t assume your travelling days are behind you just because you’re getting on in years. Use this guide to plan and prepare for the perfect holiday experience.

Cross Keys head chef sets sights on the Swallow Inn for delicious new adventure

Tess Egginton
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Cross Keys head chef sets sights on the Swallow Inn for delicious new adventure
Steph Dexter, the head chef and brains behind the Cross Keys Inn in Grasby, is embarking on a new adventure – running the Swallow Inn. With amazing views spreading right across the Wolds, the pub makes for the perfect rest stop for walkers, runners, bikers and dog walkers, for some much needed refreshments. Located in the village of Swallow it is only a few miles walk away from local villages and a quick drive away from Laceby and Grimsby. The traditional style pub prides itself on delivering excellent service, food and drinks in comfortable surroundings. While running the Swallow Inn, Steph Dexter will also be head chef at the village pub, offering homemade food ranging from a lighter lunch menu to traditional pub classics and Al La Carte Specials. Steph began her journey at the young age of 16 by working at The White Hart Hotel in Lincoln, whilst also studying catering at college. She then went on to work at Doubletree By The Hilton where she continued her training. After leaving The Hilton Steph then landed the head chef job at the Horse And Groom where she was able to pick up even more experience. Steph now runs the Cross Keys Inn in Grasby, with the Cross Keys team and the Swallow team working together to run these two kitchens side by side.

Refurbishment work gets under way at Wyndham Park tennis courts

Tess Egginton
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Refurbishment work gets under way at Wyndham Park tennis courts
Work is under way to refurbish tennis courts at Wyndham Park thanks to a partnership between South Kesteven District Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). The LTA Tennis Foundation is funding the work with an investment of £61,326, delivered as part of its nationwide Parks Tennis Project to open up the sport to more people and bring public park courts back to life for the benefit of local communities. The work is expected to be completed by early May with the courts managed by Grantham Tennis Club. SKDC will also work with Grantham Tennis Club and the LTA to deliver a range of activities, including weekly free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience, with racquets provided. Local Tennis Leagues will provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition and new gate-access technology and booking systems will improve court accessibility for both Wyndham Park and Dysart Park courts. Cllr Kelham Cooke, the leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: “We are very grateful for such a significant investment. It’s a great partnership for us with the LTA and Grantham Tennis Club and we look forward to seeing Wyndham Park’s public tennis courts in better shape and back in full use. “Both Wyndham Park and Dysart Park are holders of the prestigious Green Flag award, recognising the contribution they make to the community, and improved access to sports facilities will significantly enhance that contribution. “Free tennis sessions for all ages and playing levels will also be incredibly valuable for people to improve their tennis or to take up the sport, and I am sure will be very popular.” Julie Porter, LTA chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with South Kesteven District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. “This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project, and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with South Kesteven District Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”   Image: The Memorial Archway at the entrance to Wyndham Park.

South Holland District Council working with partners to create new ‘Holbeach Health Hub’

Tess Egginton
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South Holland District Council working with partners to create new ‘Holbeach Health Hub’
South Holland District Council is working with partners from NHS Lincolnshire, the Primary Care Network and Holbeach Medical Practice on proposals to create a new ‘Holbeach Health Hub’ within the town centre, with the aim of providing residents with new, expanded healthcare provision. The project, which is a key part of the Council’s Town Centre Improvement Plan for Holbeach, aims to support the existing practice in relocating and expanding into new premises, helping it to meet the needs of a growing population in the town, to increase the range of healthcare services available and to support the regeneration of the town centre. Whilst work is still ongoing to make the proposals a reality, the plans have been able to be brought together and progressed with the support of investment from the Council’s existing Holbeach Town Centre Improvement Programme. As well as aiming to provide an improved healthcare service to residents using the facilities, remaining in a prominent central location will also encourage greater footfall by patients through the town and increase their opportunities to visit, shop, eat or drink at some of Holbeach’s town centre businesses and traders. The plans have come about as part of a new, progressive nationwide approach towards high street and town centre regeneration, adopted by the Council and championed by the NHS and Social Market Foundation as part of the ‘Health on the High Street’ campaign, which came about following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Nick Worth, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Holbeach Town Improvement, said: “I think it is vitally important that we approach the need to both improve and protect our town centres in a variety of different ways, and I welcome the opportunity to work with healthcare partners on this new, forward-thinking approach. “This is an exciting project that will potentially have a great benefit for those accessing healthcare services and for our town and businesses, who need people’s support more than ever. I believe it can help to meet the need of residents both now and into the future and help to ensure Holbeach remains a great place to live, work and visit.” Dr Viji Mani and Dr Jagath Gunasekara, Holbeach Medical Centre partners, said: “We are pleased to be working with South Holland District Council and the NHS on these ambitious new proposals, to look at how we can enhance our offer to our patients and increase our overall capacity and service as a healthcare centre, to the benefit of us, our service users and the whole of Holbeach.”

Janice’s passion for gardening greens up part of Lincoln

Stuart Pearcey
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Janice’s passion for gardening greens up part of Lincoln

Driven by a resident with a passion for gardening and part funded by City of Lincoln Council and the Lincolnshire Economic Action Partnership, the Portland Street Project is well under way.

Trying to improve the look of her garden, resident Janice Schlanker first took up gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was encouraged to apply for a grant from the Community Chest with her work gaining recognition from her neighbours and the Sincil Bank Community Hub. As a result of Janice’s application, £2,500 was granted to Sage Gardeners to develop a gardening project with residents. This donation was then matched by McNeil & Co Solicitors to increase the funding. Six planters made by learners from Abbey Access Centre using material given by Jewson Partnership Solutions have been installed at the front of the properties on Portland Street. The project falls into many broader developments being set up by Sincil Bank Community Hub and local communities to regenerate the area, including plans for housing development on Hermit Street. Janice Schlanker said: “Members of the community drive this project under the watchful eye of Sage Gardener CIC. Together we hope to create a beautiful green space in the city centre for the residents to enjoy while improving the area’s appearance to benefit the broader community. “We are working together to create a better sense of community and wellbeing, learning new skills, and expanding friendships; I hope the benefits will be enjoyed for many years. A huge thank you goes out to the neighbours who have been involved and everyone who has supported this project.” Jane Newman, Director at Sage Gardener CIC, said, “The Portland Street project is important to the local community and sets an example about the future of the Sincil area. We are delighted to have been working collaboratively to deliver this project, encouraging people to volunteer, to learn and share practical skills, providing good visual and actual space for wildlife and making the area more attractive.”

Celebrating love in Lincoln’s newest events venue

Tess Egginton
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Celebrating love in Lincoln’s newest events venue
Lincoln’s newest venue, Southside, is to stage its first wedding fair next month to showcase its own spaces as well as local suppliers who can make your big day memorable for all the right reasons. The first Southside Wedding Fair takes place on Sunday 2nd April at the former St Katherine’s Church, which is itself available to hire for wedding receptions of all kinds. The fair will feature a wide range of exhibitors accompanied by live music inside the Grade II listed building. Entry to the wedding fair is free, but tickets must be reserved via the website and printed before arrival or displayed on a smartphone. It will take place between 11am and 3pm at Southside, Colegrave Street, Lincoln LN5 8DW.“We’re so happy to be able to host a variety of wedding receptions here at Southside,” said Emily Nichol, Operations Director at the venue. “As Lincoln’s newest events venue we are excited to showcase the best of local wedding suppliers, providing great ideas and inspiration to make your special day exceptional in every way! “As a venue we’re taking wedding booking enquiries and aim to cater for everyone, so don’t be shy if you’re looking for something a little different. Whether you want a traditional celebration or something completely out of the ordinary, our staff are here to guide and help you from start to finish.” There is plenty of parking available on the day for visitors at the edge of South Common. Interested in having a stall? Book yours now by emailing hello@southsidelincs.com.

Fortis Therapy and Training and Stokes Tea and Coffee celebrate International Women’s Day with a twist

Tess Egginton
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0
Fortis Therapy and Training and Stokes Tea and Coffee celebrate International Women’s Day with a twist
Wednesday 8 March heralded a collaboration between Fortis Therapy and Training and Stokes Tea and Coffee celebrating International Women’s Day – but with a twist. The organisers wanted to break the mould, and bring something new to Lincoln by way of an inclusive, fun & impactful charity event rather than something more traditional, raising money for three local charities – The O’Flynn Foundation, Just Lincolnshire and Edan Lincs. With International Women’s Day and people around the globe focusing on embracing equity this year, this event addressed empowerment in the modern day, celebrating diversity and inclusion, with an opportunity to openly discuss mental health, modern-day issues and the world’s changing perspectives, all while celebrating together. The event was held at The Blue Room with Magnus The Scandi Chef producing three phenomenal courses of Michelin style cuisine and featuring entertainment by the fabulous Celine Begone, a celebrated drag artist. Celine later joined other panel members on stage to take part in a lively and interesting discussion, hosted by Alexis Powell-Howard (TEDx Speaker and Fortis Managing Director). The panel included Jess Morgan, the marketing and PR guru manager at Rapha UK, Flt Lt Alun Pepper, Senior Leadership Instructor at RAF Cranwell, a Tornado navigator, pilot of the Lancaster on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and finally and by no means least, Kerrin Wilson the former Assistant Chief Constable at Lincolnshire Police, hostage negotiator, and founder of the GLOW network in Lincoln. The event was made even more celebratory by the support of local small businesses Santa Maria, who made the venue look stunning, Alex and Ollie from Hebb and Griff, who caught all the action on camera, and Karis Hildred of Stokes, ensuring the event ran smoothly. Alexis and the Fortis team then further collaborated with the O’Flynn Foundation to co-host another International Women’s Day event, this time at Healing Manor Grimsby, where Alexis was a speaker on Thursday 9 March. Across the two events hundreds of pounds have been raised for local charities.

The fun of the fair returns to Stamford and Grantham

Tess Egginton
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The fun of the fair returns to Stamford and Grantham
Rides, attractions and fun for all the family as Mid Lent Fairs return to Stamford and Grantham later this month. Whether you want to take a spin on the waltzers, brave it on white-knuckle rides, eat some sticky candyfloss or try your hand at hooking some ducks – there will be something for everyone. Stamford’s fair will be open from Monday 20 March until Saturday 25 March 2023. It will bring attractions to Broad Street, Star Lane, Red Lion Square, Sheep Market, Castle Dyke and Bath Row. The official opening will take place at the Waltzers on Broad Street at 6pm on Monday 20 March. Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Kelham Cooke said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming the Mid Lent Fair to Stamford and Grantham once again. “The fairs are a colourful part of our tradition and always hugely popular with residents and visitors alike. “With over 100 rides and attractions for all ages to enjoy, it will be wonderful to see fantastic entertainment right here on our doorsteps.” The fair then moves to the Market Place in Grantham on Sunday 26 March until Wednesday 29 March. The official opening will take place at the Dodgems in the Market Place at 2pm on Sunday 26 March. Road closures and restrictions will be in place during the fair.
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