£2.95 MARCH 2019THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE30+ years young30+ years youngWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETwww.blmgroup.co.ukBLMGROUPGROUPBLM£2.95 MARCH 2019THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEMoving into MarchMoving into MarchSpring fashion Getting active in March Exploring apprenticeships Fabulous homes and gardensSpring fashion Getting active in March Exploring apprenticeships Fabulous homes and gardens01.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2019 10:29 Page 1...thanks to a complete revamp of the iconic Wool Market by Doncaster Council. Opening in March, the new design will transform the markets area into a vibrant location opening extra days and into the evenings with more events. It will be home to great street food, shopping and entertainment.BIG CHANGES are happening at Doncaster Market... /doncastermarket@doncastermarketdoncastermarketwww.doncastermarket.comgreat street food, shopping and entertainment.The International Food Hall, Corn Exchange, Fish Market, Goose Hill and Outdoor Market are home to traders selling everything you could think of, and will continue to open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Market as a whole will be a one-stop destination for all your shopping and leisure needs!FAMILYEXPERIENCEAGREATNewark Showground • NG24 2NYSat 11 ~ Sun 12 May 2019COUNTY SHOW 2019NottinghamshireA great traditional family day out atAdult Advanced £10 (Gate £15)or Book online: nottinghamshirecountyshow.comAdvance Ticket Hotline 01636 705796 /NottinghamshireCountyShow @nottscountyshowFeaturing The International Dzhigitovka Show – the world’s best Cossack Trick Riders; The return of the popular Gardening Duo, Frooj & Fred; Lots of old favourites and some exciting new displays for 2019Under 17’s goFREE!02.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2019 10:30 Page 1from the editorSpring is here at last and the warmer weather has already begun to make an appearance in late February, though still with the scattered cold and frost. With a new season comes new fashion, new opportunities and, importantly, a new chance to get out there and have fun. Our March issue encapsulates this fun and breezy feeling with a look at some wild and wacky activities going on this month. We’ve decided to visit two towns this month as well – both Boston and Woodhall Spa, two locales that could not be more different and yet both of which have their charm. Beyond that, we’ve brought out the spring fashion, new looks and more. Our homes feature explores a beautiful home, while our garden specialists help gear people up for warmer weather and a more active gardening experience. It’s time to get our hands dirty. The focus this March is on getting out there – whether that’s getting out and picking up a new hobby, getting out and visiting some place new or even just getting out and visiting the theatre, a play or a big social event. Our what’s on pages are jam packed full of exciting events taking place all across the county, so why not give one a try. March may not be the start of a new year, but it is the start of spring, and a taste of what is to come as the year goes on. Enjoy every moment of it. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today teamThe magazine that cares WE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Lincolnshire Today believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher, Journalists: Dominic Cuthbert, Stuart Pearcey, 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.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?FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / ALEXANDER ERDBEERLincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net03.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2019 08:17 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 9SOCIAL SCENE Former pupils from Wintringham Grammar School flew in from as far as Qatar to celebrate in style recently at the Bannatyne Humberston Country Club. 26LINCOLNSHIRE WALKS! If, like me, your new year resolutions didn’t make it past February then fear not, we’re not alone. But, with spring just around the corner, or so we hope, what better time than to explore our countryside and improve our fitness, without the intensity that other exercise forms bring. 30BOSTON Boston may not be what springs to mind when you think of a destination to visit, but for those who have seen its many sights, it still holds a powerful appeal. 36LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED James Fowler changed the face of Lincolnshire churches over a career of four decades; we examine his life and work. 38DRESSING FOR THE SEASON There’s a lot to look forward to in March but none more so than the start of spring. With the new season finally upon us, it’s time to take a dive into the trends and outfits you can expect to be seeing and wearing over the coming months. 48LOVE YOUR LOOK It’s all about brows, lashes, lips, hair and freckles this season as Lincolnshire Today explores the latest beauty trends. 50PUTTING FUN FIRST It’s time to put a stop to diets and exercise that makes you miserable and start prioritising enjoyment. 52SPRING SPECIALS March is here and with it spring, which may not yet be the time to move dinner out into the garden, but there could be a few days of hot weather. Don’t forget Mother’s Day, however, and as a special thank you for all the meals she will have provided, why not take the burden off and treat her to a night at one of the fine restaurants across Lincolnshire. 57FROM SPRING TO SPA This month we take a closer look at Woodhall Spa, a picturesque village famed for its unique attractions, stunning architecture and short but storied history. 62LEAVING LONELINESS BEHIND Loneliness remains a huge problem for the elderly in the UK, but with more programmes, activities and groups popping up around our region, now is the perfect time to help the older people in your life beat the epidemic. 64COUNTRY COURT Q&A We recently had the chance to chat with Country Court Care about their stunning Tallington Lodge Care Home. 66EDUCATION When it comes to educating our children and their ability to get a good job, many adults struggle over the concept of apprenticeships, but with skills shortages across the UK, apprentices may well have a golden opportunity MARCH3838THERE’S A LOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN MARCH BUT NONE MORE SO THAN THE START OF SPRING. WITH THE NEW SEASON FINALLY UPON US, IT’S TIME TO TAKE A DIVE INTO THE TRENDS AND OUTFITS YOU CAN EXPECT TO BE SEEING AND WEARING OVER THE COMING MONTHS. contents04-05.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2019 10:32 Page 13030BOSTON MAY NOT BE WHAT SPRINGS TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF A DESTINATION TO VISIT, BUT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SEEN ITS MANY SIGHTS, IT STILL HOLDS A POWERFUL APPEAL. 64LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE There are many signs of spring in the natural kingdom, but certainly one of the most charming is hearing those first early calls from songbirds, whether native or those that have migrated in from afar. The chiffchaff is one such bird, arriving in England ahead of all the rest. 70COUNTY MOTORING With electric vehicles becoming more popular, the hybrid sector is also expanding. Whether it’s a standalone model hybrid that regenerates its own energy or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), there are more hybrid cars on sale in the UK than ever before. But which are the best? We’ve assembled the finest hybrid cars on sale today. • Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo 76FARM & COUNTRY LINK The story of Lincolnshire is the story of agriculture, an industry which has influenced the county’s geography and heritage for centuries. As England’s vegetable drawer and fruit basket, it’s a tradition that continues to this day supporting thousands of jobs and keeping Britain fed. 79GET ACTIVE With spring officially here, we have a chance to put away our winter wardrobes and step out into the sun – but why not take it a little further and try something new this March. 84WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire Desirable homes 10BAILGATE With its beautiful exclusive homes and exceptional views of Lincoln Cathedral and Castle, it’s no surprise that Bailgate Court has proved so popular. The collection of fourteen homes has attracted a lot of international attention with buyers from Germany and the US snapping up a second home. And who can blame them? 12TOP-NOTCH TUDOR REVIVAL HOME Placed next to a beautiful church, this Grade II listed family home has been carefully restored. 16MAKE IT YOUR WAY Trends come and go, so blindly following what’s popular will never leave you feeling entirely satisfied or comfortable in your own home. And if that’s the case, then what’s the point? You instead need to create a stylish and tranquil space decorated and furnished the way you want, regardless of what the neighbours say. 18PAINTING THE WHOLE WORLD GOLD Kealey Farmer has become one of the most iconic and collectable artists working in Britain today. 20LIKE A FAIRY TALE With supreme box hedges, veteran trees, an abundance of fruit and vegetables, and the legendary 150-year-old Black Hamburg grapevine, Hackthorn Hall has gardens that one could admire for hours upon hours. 24MAKING THE GARDEN PART OF THE HOME With spring around the corner, we can start to look forward to warmer and lighter days and evenings. With increasing numbers of us deciding to have a staycation rather than having a holiday abroad the garden starts to become the main room of the house, as Ed Fuller from Fullers Forestry and Landscaping explains. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2019 10:32 Page 2Red Arrows all set for US tour This summer, the Red Arrows will tour the US and Canada with the aim of promoting trade and co-operation in support of the UK’s prosperity agenda. “The Red Arrows are an international symbol of Britain and this landmark event will generate a significant amount of investment,” said Defence Minister Mark Lancaster. “It is only right that, after more than a decade away, they return to the home of our closest defence ally.” The Red Arrows will display at several US air shows and areas with strong UK links – the first time they have done so in more than a decade. The team will head off for North America after taking part in the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford from July 19 – 21.Lincs NHS trust named top employer for LGBT inclusivity Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) has been named as one of the most inclusive employers in Britain by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality charity Stonewall. The trust has reached the Top 100 Employers list having been ranked 77th nationally and 4th among health and social care sector. This puts it among an elite group of organisations which are the most inclusive employers in Britain for LGBT staff. This year’s ‘Top 100 Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index’ was the largest ever with 445 employers entering and demonstrating their commitment to LGBT workplace equality. LPFT Chair Paul Devlin said: “Year on year LPFT has been improving our culture to ensure people can be themselves in the workplace, but the 2019 result is a very significant step. The scale of improvement that allowed us to get into the Top 100 is massive, especially considering that this year the pool of organisations taking part had grown.”Healthy living fund benefits North Lincolnshire schools A slew of schools across North Lincolnshire have secured funding to boost healthy living and support pupils with extra needs. The funding, which totalled almost £220,000, was shared by North Lincolnshire Council via two specially created funding pots – SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Capital Funding (£100,000), and Healthy Pupils’ Capital Grant Funding (£117,000). Councillor David Rose, cabinet member for children, families, learning and leisure, said: “The Healthy Pupils’ and SEND funding give schools the opportunity to make a real difference for pupils’ education and health. “Education outcomes for our children and young people in North Lincolnshire are continuing to improve, moving us closer to our ambition of being the best local authority area in the country. We are always striving for excellence and the funding will further strengthen our ambition.”© Shuttertock.com/Monkey Business Images© Dave Smith 1965 / Shutterstock.comlatest news06-08.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2019 10:34 Page 1Lincolnshire has been named the fifth safest area in the country according to recently released Office for National Statistics figures for crime in England and Wales. However, for the twelve months up to September 2018, Lincolnshire Police witnesses a 12% increase in recorded crime. The force made changes to how it records crime last year following its Crime Data Integrity inspection. This means that the force now records more crime than it did previously. Locally, there has been an increase in violence, public disorder, drugs trafficking, possession of weapons and sexual offences. However, the force has recorded a decrease in burglaries (residential and in business premises) and vehicle crime.Young people urged to showcase creative talents Young people aged between 14 and 18 are being urged to enter the ‘Young Person’ category at this year’s South Holland Open Arts Exhibition. The category is sponsored by Spalding Picture Framing who will award the winner by framing their art work. The exhibition is free to enter and there is an option to have your displayed artwork available for the public to purchase. The competition aims to showcase the best work created by artists who are living and working in the district of South Holland and the surrounding region. The 19th South Holland Open Arts Exhibition will take place from Thursday 4 April until Wednesday 10 April at the South Holland Centre in Spalding. An independent panel of judges will assess pieces and choose a selection which demonstrate a diversity of ideas, styles and methods, which will be displayed at the exhibition.Britain’s smallest shoe shop celebrates 20th anniversary Peter Scott, Britain’s smallest shoe shop, is celebrating their 20th anniversary. When Woodhall Spa had its own railway station, the shop was a booking office, and was the last building on the platform before the railway line diagonally dissected The Broadway. This explains its unusual shape, which is only 3 feet deep at one end, and led to the property being known as the ‘Woodhall Wedge’. Customers have to view the displays in ‘single file’ at this end of the shop! During its life it has seen service as a bicycle shop, an electrical retailers, a jewellers and even a bank. The shop opened in 1999 and over the years has gained a reputation for stocking shoes with style that fit as well as they look. They try to offer a range that is just a little different from those seen in every high street. Customers regularly travel from across Lincolnshire and beyond.Lincolnshire namedfifth safest area in country© Shutterstock/CLICKMANIS© Shutterstock/Jacob Lund06-08.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2019 10:34 Page 2Lincoln BIG and Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce have secured additional funding for a special project in a move which spells good news for growing county businesses. The partners have been given extra money by the European Regional Development Fund for the Collaboration 4 Growth (C4G) project, which means they can help more expanding businesses through until December 2021. The extension to the project could provide boost more individual businesses through the offer of either 12 hours of free business advice and support in areas such as marketing, organisation or finance or, alternatively, a revenue or capital grant of between £2,000 and £7,000. Businesses can also access individual or group support covering topics including social media, understanding their customers, or target marketing and more. Grants contribute 60% towards the cost of a project and can be used to assist with business expansion.Work to construct a giant steel sculpture of a Lancaster Bomber on the Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire border is underway thanks to corporate and public donations. The life-size ‘On Freedom’s Wings’ sculpture is set to become an iconic national landmark, rivalling the Angel of the North in both size and status. The vision has been brought to life by The Bomber County Gateway Trust to mark the historic link that Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire shared with RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War. The design is a representation of an Avro Lancaster Bomber and will be erected on high ground just off the A46 at Norton Disney in Lincolnshire, visible to an estimated 34,000 motorists every day. To date, the excavation and concrete foundations have been completed. The next stage is to erect the steel framework in spring this year. To complete the project, at least £150,000 is still needed. latest newsMeeting the building needs of local trades people Buildbase is one of the UK’s fastest growing builders’ merchants with over 175 branches nationwide. All of our branches are long-established companies which have been serving local trades people for many years, with knowledge and experience to match. We believe strongly in understanding the needs of our customers and our business is developed specifically to meet those demands. You can expect reliable stock levels, the highest standards in service and prices checked to give you real value for money. • Building Materials • Timber • Landscaping • Plastics & Drainage • Insulation & Plasterboard • Kitchens & Bathrooms • Plumbing & Heating • Roofing • Plant & Tool Hire • Doors • Windows & Stairs • Electrical & Lighting • Painting & Decorating For all your building materials, timber & DIY needs. Open to the Trade and Public. For more information visit: www.buildbase.co.uk Life-size Lancaster Bomber set for Lincs border© Shutterstock/Romolo TavaniExtra funding for growing Lincolnshire businesses ‘The Last British Dambuster’, George “Johnny” Johnson 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2019 10:34 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 9SOCIAL SCENERolling back the years Wintringham Grammar School Reunion 1971 -1978John Taylor, Neil Blakeman, Graham FultonMike Benton, Nigel Fawcett, Phil GilliatJanet Tilly-Stewart, Elaine James (nee Bunn) and Steve BaillieAndy Finneran, Felicity Blair, Jenny Weightman, Sean HartonLouise Fowler and Steven BaillieAndy FinneranAnne Kember (nee Small), Bev Kong (nee Shaw)Nigel Fawcett and Phil BaldockAlistair Kirkwood and Lydia WaltonDavid O'nions and Lloyd PeatfieldIMAGES COURTESY OF LLOYD PEATFIELD Former pupils from Wintringham Grammar School flew in from as far as Qatar to celebrate in style recently at the Bannatyne Humberston Country Club. The event proved a rare occasion to meet up with friends who they’d first met some 48 years ago. Needless to say the get-together took a great deal of effort from the organisers: Andy Finneran, Julie Blow and Diane Willerton, trying to track down all the former pupils from 1971 -1978. And, what a great job they did - the evening proved a huge success, despite a certain amount of trepidation felt by many, having not seen or spoken to many of their peers since the heady days of the ‘70’s. But they needn’t have worried; a great time seemed to be had by all, thanks in no small part to comedian Simon Evans, an excellent buffet and copious amounts of alcohol flowing throughout the night. Rumours that pharmacies in the area experienced an unprecedented spike in demand for hangover cures the following morning, have been vigorously denied. 09.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2019 10:36 Page 1Next >