< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WEDDINGS popular demand, this change became a permanent one. Flocks of venues with striking grounds or gardens now clamour for couples to choose their creative locations, and some offer a variety of matrimonial backdrops under one roof (so to speak, a literal roof now being an optional extra). On the topic of weddings with the earth and sky themselves as your witnesses, a celebration under the stars is no longer reserved for the reception. The time of the main ceremony can be just as personal as anything else, and there’s been an increase of interest in twilight weddings. The pluses here are obvious for couples after picturesque scenery, a photo op during golden hour, or if you just can’t bring yourself to delay wedded bliss until spring or summer’s longer days. But there’s an added significance in choosing this liminal time, a point in- between, for making vows - twilight can become beautifully symbolic of marriage as a step into new wonder, romance and togetherness shared by you and your loved ones. If you can choose any time and any place for your wedding, who’s going to tell you that you can’t steal a peek at your beloved partner beforehand? The ‘first look’ has been becoming a bigger deal in recent years, making its way over from across the pond. Before that, many American ceremonies flouted the superstition that it’s bad luck for couples to see each other before the celebration, instead grabbing the chance for a private moment together. Those first reactions to seeing each other in all your finery are raw, personal and precious, so it’s easy to see why so many are choosing to keep this moment between each other, with perhaps a photographer handy to capture those treasured expressions of joy and surprise forever. These small choices to step back from the busy bustle of a wedding, to take stock of what really matters, illustrate a move away from a dusty rule book of dos and don’ts that are often left over from outdated patriarchal values. Instead of staying apart pre-ceremony to preserve anyone’s modesty, why shouldn’t you take every chance to celebrate being together? The same goes for family, friends and all the ceremonial party members, from bridesmaids to best men and everyone in between. An increasing number of weddings are ditching the gender stereotypes altogether, with groomsmaids, bridesmates and men of honour stepping up despite which side of the family they’re from. This way, no matter the gender or relationship to bride, groom or otherwise, anyone can be celebrated with an honoured title. And, let’s be honest, it’s more fun to sneak around the old ways to make sure we show as much love to our dearest ones as possible. Go wild mixing up your ‘I do crew’ and include all your friends in the pre-wedding celebrations too. While we’re still here throwing traditions out the window, let’s take a look at what often becomes the centrepiece of a wedding - the bridal gown. But don’t panic yet. Bearing in mind that certain brides might only have to imagine the layers of fussy flounces to wince, there might be a better way. If it’s a no to the dress, the clear solution is the bridal suit. This slick, no-nonsense answer for someone who doesn’t need a gown to dazzle can also be an affirming choice for © stock.adobe.com/ illustrissima 52 Á 48-53.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:32 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 51 Horncastle Cake Art & Hobby House Everything for the Crafter Cake Decorations, Knitting, Crochet, Felt, Ribbons & more www.horncastlecakeart.co.uk 25 North Street, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 5DX Tel: 01507 525926/522659 High quality Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewellery Main agents for Citizen, Lorus, Iron Annie and Zeppelin Watches Pre Owned Rolex Watches In-house Repairs & Engraving Ear Piercing Celebrating 40 Years Trading in Louth Butcher Lane, Louth Lincolnshire LN11 9JG. Tel: 01507 604029 www.striacroft.co.uk info@striacroft.co.uk PERFECTION BRIDAL & MENSWEAR 31 Silver Street, Lincoln, LN2 1EW www.perfectionlincoln.co.uk An extensive range of Bridal Gowns with prices to suit all budgets. Contemporary and traditional styles, accessories too. All alterations completed in-house. Ladies 01522 522616 Also one of Lincolnshire's longest established menswear hire specialists with over 40 years experience. All hire suits held in stock to try on before you order. Menswear 01522 533615 www.perfectionlincoln.co.uk THEREGION’SFAVOURITECOUNTYM JANUA295 MAGAZINE £ARY2023 WWWLINCWWW.LINC COLNSHIRETOCOLNSHIRETO ODAYNETODAY.NET BLM www.blmgroup.co.uk Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 1st 3 £1 Looking for a great gift idea? 48-53.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:32 Page 452 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WEDDINGS gender non-conforming marriage partners. Besides, the 80s were all over wedding fashion events last year, and next to cloud-like sleeves and dramatic angles, what screams of the era more than an attention-grabbing power suit? Shoulder pads are optional, and you can choose whether you go bright or light, or even top off the look with a classic adornment of pearls. As for daring to don the dress after all, some catwalk styles came with detachable puffed sleeves to suit every taste, or to customise from day to night. A nifty bonus to watch out for, or to incorporate under your own steam for those brave souls undertaking their own dressmaking. Either way, keep it as simple as you see fit, and hang on to another benefit of the pandemic’s scaled-back approach. In the end, you want your outfit to keep you comfortable into the night and beyond, so you can enjoy it for as long as you can. Perhaps consider something that’s adaptable for more than a once-in-a- lifetime fling and take your suit or gown with you on many more special occasions sure to come. Lavenders and blues may be the hit hues for weddings this year, taking another regency-era style leaf from the Bridgerton book. But another colour not to be overlooked is green. Only this time, we mean it in the sustainable sense. As lovebirds who also adore our planet look for creative ways to be eco-conscious, here’s where tradition can come into its own in a modern context. Incorporating ‘something old’ is the perfect way to embrace the past while looking to the future, and your something can be anything. Save money for your lives together by borrowing gowns or suits from loved ones, rescuing them from cupboards and lofts to be danced in once again, or rent in garden games for an outdoor wedding. Using your imagination means a celebration even more unique to you and opens up opportunities to show gratitude to the older generations in your wedding party. After all the celebrations have been shared, the final important thing remaining is to thank your guests for being there with a thoughtful gift. Wedding favours are an easy and popular way to bring an eco-friendly aspect to the big day. Nobody wants to worry that the presents carefully matched to each table setting will only end up cluttering a shelf, or worse, forgotten or thrown away. Taking the green theme ever further, giving a plant is the perfect way to let your guests remember your wedding, and remind them of love as something that grows with time. While potted plants are pretty, another neat and attractive idea is a thank you card made with seed paper, ready to be planted and nurtured at home. Not only does this save money, especially for a longer guest list, but it gives your loved ones a living memory of your wedding, and excitement for things to come. The fun can continue months later seeing whose mystery green friend grows, keeping even far-flung families together over any distance, and creating more special memories for everyone. © stock.adobe.com/Halfpoint 48-53.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:32 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 More than just a hotel. Located in the leafy victorian surroundings of Peoples Park in Grimsby, but only a short stroll from the centre of our busy town and historic docks, Millfields is perfectly placed for visitors to North East Lincolnshire. With 27 well appointed Bedrooms, a Restaurant with A la Carte menu and a Bar offering a range of Guest Ales, Wireless Internet Access and Free Onsite Car Parking, Millfields is the perfect place to stay all year round. Your Wedding Day should be one of the most important days of your life. So whether you are planning for your Special Day to be an intimate family affair or a large celebration for all your friends, we have the facilities to accommodate up to 60 guests seated for a daytime function and up to 125 for your disco/buffet in the evening. Our beautiful Grade II listed Victorian town house located between Grimsby Town and the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds provides an intimate and characterful venue that can be exclusively yours... • Exclusive use of Millfields, a Grade ll listed property • Bespoke luxury in a beautiful location • Millfields is licensed to hold civil weddings • Create your own individual wedding • Accommodation for 60 people Millfields Hotel, 53 Bargate, Grimsby, N. E. Lincs. DN34 5AD T: 01472 356068 E: info@millfieldshotel.co.uk W: www.millfieldshotel.co.uk Book our wedding venue We're here to make your occasion special 48-53.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:32 Page 654 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY EDUCATION SKILLS The country is facing a skills shortage in a range of occupations, which is a great opportunity both for younger people unsure of their future, and for older readers looking to expand their education and move into a brand new career. A shortage of 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:33 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 EDUCATION A statistic that has recently hit the national news is that one out of ten young people don’t intend to join the workforce in the future. It’s not a case of laziness, despite what people might like to complain about, but a consequence of a poor economy, stagnant wage growth and a lack of job opportunities that are of interest. As always, there are jobs aplenty in retail or stocking shelves, but no one really wants that work. School often doesn’t do as good a job as it could to prepare you for working life, leaving many to look for jobs in entertainment and acting because those are the only subjects in many schools that aren’t seen as boring and/or downright impossible. As adults, we know that the working reality is that you don’t need to know everything you are taught. We understand that while you might use some math, some science and some geography, it’s nowhere near the sheer volume that is crammed into your head in school. Education is varied and, as a result, scattered, whereas most jobs are far more focused. You need only master one skillset and repeat it. The problem is that many young people aren’t being engaged by careers in engineering, sciences or mechanics because a lot of schools don’t offer much incentive or reason for those subjects to be considered appealing. However, there are huge job vacancies in these career paths that existed before Brexit, and which have only been made far worse after it. These jobs are highly regarded, 56 Á © stock.adobe.com/Gorodenkoff 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:33 Page 256 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY EDUCATION highly paid, and do not require a natural born genius to get involved in. Engineering courses are available in most colleges and universities and are so sought after that many employers have taken to paying the way for students to go through university, so long as they come and work for them for a minimum period afterwards. The work is varied and exciting, and the money is great, but many young people aren’t aware of the opportunities because they’re not widely talked about. Or, if they are, they’re not given the same focus as jobs like teaching, acting, or social sciences. The skills shortage is such a problem right now that businesses are even looking to train up adults into the positions, offering great chances for older people to spring into a new career by upskilling themselves. If you are someone looking for a change, or your wage growth has been stagnant, then it’s worth looking at careers that have a limited recruitment pool, because those employers are struggling to find enough people, and are willing to pay big for candidates. It doesn’t all require going back to university either – though that certainly is an option, be it full-time or with distance learning while keeping on another job. There are a lot of other training centres that offer tailored and intensive courses that fit more flexible hours, and which can be attended over a period of time to learn more skills and develop new qualifications that can be exercised in a new role. These can include courses like HGV driving, engineering, first aid, IT, accounting or more, and they can greatly expand the list of opportunities available. It’s worth thinking about if you’re an adult looking for a more promising career path, but it’s also something worth talking to younger people about. We always want to teach our children that they can be anything they want to be – and they can certainly try – but the reality is that there are only so many jobs available, and not everyone can be a celebrity. Sometimes it’s better to have a clear plan in mind, even if they see it as a backup plan. Job fairs can be used as a way to have a look at these new careers and talk to people in them, who will naturally be biased but whom will be able to answer questions and give a good indication of what the day-to-day work is like. The earlier someone is engaged, the earlier they can explore the option and think about their future, and while it may not be a topic that many younger people will want to hear, it could be the answer to what so many people coming out of education say. “No one prepared me for working life.” © stock.adobe.com/Halfpoint 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:33 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 Welcoming day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from Year 3 www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside • Over 80% of our students go on to their fi rst choice university • Rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI 2019 • 81% A*/A achieved at A Level Join us at our next Open Day on 28th January Chose from a range of traineeships, apprenticeships and full-time courses in various fields of work and kick start your career today. Build a future with a new qualification. Find out more rts.training 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:33 Page 458 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING Growing old is not fun and looking after an elderly person can at times feel difficult. We look here at the options available for help, and some quick tips that can work wonders. T oday, the vast majority of adults can expect to live many years past retirement age, and the number of older adults will more than double by the mid-century resulting in one of the most profound demographic shifts since 1960 – and as a happy, quality life is a priority for an elderly relative providing for this can be an overwhelming task and can be found in a myriad of ways, with varying budget options. Many elderly people enjoy the companionship, care and social interaction that living in a care home can bring with routine, regular meals, bathing, easy access to rooms, bathrooms, stair lifts, social events and visitors. The hundreds of UK residential nursing and care homes are overseen by the RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) who monitor standards of private, voluntary and Trust homes - verifying a care home an elderly relative may be interested in is up to standard relieves worry for an elderly relative and their family. If a relative has little or no assets to pay for the care home, the cost can be free through the NHS CHC (Continuing Healthcare) scheme with more information available at www.nhs.uk. If a retirement home is out of budget another option is for the older relative to stay at the home they may have known for years, or move to a smaller, more manageable bungalow or, if feasible, move in with the family. All these options come with the benefit that the property can be specially adapted with handrails, stair lifts, easy to reach cupboards and through the Disabled Facilities Grant, applying via the www.gov.uk website, help can be obtained to cover the costs for equipment and adjustments to a home without affecting an ageing relative’s benefits. Another issue to be considered, if an elderly relative wants to stay in their own 60 Á Looking after family © stock.adobe.com/Lumos sp 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:34 Page 1Proudly serving the families of Gainsborough and the surrounding areas for over 5 ȋ years With sincere empathy and understanding, .%*#ˏ"+.ˏ your loved ones as if they were our own. As your local family run and owned funeral directors, we have dedicated our lives to guiding those in our community through the difficult times of bereavement. Private Chapel of Rest Day and Night Service Pre-paid funeral plans Funeral Services Our funeral homes provide the best facilities including private arrangement rooms and peaceful chapels of rest. We also provide a funeral dividend during this difficult time of bereavement. A service from caring professionals To find out more contact your nearest funeral home: Lincolnshire.coop/storefinder Our care and nursing homes provide the highest standards of family-led residential and dementia care. Our homes are comfortable and beautifully furnished, whilst retaining a warm family atmosphere that makes them feel extra special. •Person-centred dementia care •Tailored meaningful activities •Homecooked food •Luxury facilities: salon, café, cinema To find out more about life at our care homes in Lincoln visit www.countrycourtcare.com or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com Country Court Care & Nursing Homes in Lincoln Cliff Bradley & Sons is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279). 41 Heaton Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2EA 01427 810619 39 High Street, Saxilby, LN1 2HA 01522 708888 www.cliffbradley.co.ukinfo@cliffbradley.co.uk Funeral Plans from £3,250 T N£ Hom warmers d s fashion Newsea gardens H inspiration Christmas WWWLINCWWW.LINC COLNSHIRETOCOLNSHIRETO Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 1st 3 £1 Looking for a great gift idea? 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:34 Page 2Next >