Spring Fashion Farm & Country Link Wonderful Woodhall Spa National Bed Month Spring Fashion Farm & Country Link Wonderful Woodhall Spa National Bed Month £2.95 MARCH 2023 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 MARCH 2023 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE 01.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:11 Page 1CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS To find out how to get your business on the up visit www.dextersharpe.co.uk Offices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & Spilsby We pride ourselves on providing a pro-active, friendly and accessible service. Experts in Accounts and Tax Returns Tax Planning and Book-Keeping Audits and Business Advice We’re here to get you in the right direction Keeping business on the up… 02.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:12 Page 1It’s the first month of spring proper and it cannot come quickly enough in my opinion. I’m already tired of icy roads and driving home in the dark and cannot wait to actually see the sunlight for once. It’s still expected to be cold and windy, but that’s fine. As long as it’s not cold, windy, and dark. Extra hours of sunlight also means extra opportunities to get out and about in the countryside – be it walking the dog, hanging out with friends, or visiting towns and villages across Lincolnshire on the weekends. There have been plenty of scientific studies into the health benefits of getting out there and interacting with people – from physical health, to mental, to social, and even to improving our immune systems. The latter especially has taken a beating over the last few years which is why so many young people who were excluded from school due to COVID-19 have come out and caught several minor illnesses since. This month’s issue is all about the changing of the seasons and all the fun we can have in Lincolnshire during the new spring. From getting out and about in new fashion, to re- decorating the home with brighter colours, to visiting the local theatres and seeing some shows. The sun has returned, spring is here, and it’s time to shake off that wintry attitude and have a little fun. Here’s looking forward to brighter and warmer days! Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor The 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 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 FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.STOCK.ADOBE.COM/CHRIS2766 LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 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? 03.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:12 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 28LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED This month we discover some of Lincolnshire’s beautiful town churches. 30A NEW SEASON With spring finally arriving, Lincolnshire Today presents a whole host of new looks. 36A LITTLE MORE No outfit is complete without an accessory or two. 38TRANSFORMING INTO SPRING Say goodbye to heavy winter coats and jumpers and hello to a new wardrobe. 40ETHEREAL BEAUTY IN THE SPRINGTIME The coming of a new season means a new look, and we delve into how to achieve an ethereal glow this March. 42THE BENEFITS OF BREATHING WELL There’s a tendency to look at something we all do as a part of staying alive and dismiss it as irrelevant, but numerous exercise regimes – and therapeutic practices – stress the importance of proper breathing, and its myriad health benefits. 44SPRING MEALS A new season means a welcome chance to get in the kitchen and not be held back by how cold it is. We’ve gone for a range of dishes this month – some of which can be served as small meals and snacks, and one big family meal sure to top off any evening. 50WONDERFUL WOODHALL SPA From its former bromo-iodine spring water to its exceptional shopping and hospitality offering, the story of Woodhall Spa is a fascinating one. Lincolnshire Today takes a closer look. 56FARM & COUNTRY LINK NEWS The latest news from across the countryside. 58PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE We take a look at Lincolnshire’s fascinating agricultural history, and just what the future has in store for the nation’s breadbasket. MARCH WITH SPRING FINALLY ARRIVING, LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY PRESENTS A WHOLE HOST OF NEW LOOKS contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:13 Page 1WE TAKE A LOOK AT LINCOLNSHIRE’S FASCINATING AGRICULTURAL HISTORY, AND JUST WHAT THE FUTURE HAS IN STORE FOR THE NATION’S BREADBASKET. 62TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES AS WE GET OLDER All too often do we look at the elderly and forget that we will count ourselves among their number one day. A little work now can save yourself a lot later. 66COUNTY MOTORING There is no escaping the fact that electric vehicles (EVs) will be the norm soon, whether we like it or not. Why? Well, the UK is set to only produce non- combustion engine cars from 2030. No doubt many of us will hang on to our trusty liquid-fuelled vehicles, but if you’re feeling like going down electric avenue, here are three enlivening EVs to whet your automotive appetite. • We put the Audi e-tron GT through its paces 72WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 12A CONVENIENT SANCTUARY This month’s featured property is a stunning stone home offering the peace of a rural village whilst being just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Lincoln. 18TIME FOR BED March is national bed month and it’s a time to ask – are we paying enough attention to the quality of our sleep? • woolroom Q&A 22BLUE REMEMBERED HILLS Borrowed nostalgia is having its time in the limelight, and this is especially true of the eighties, but for self- taught landscape artist Danny Abrahams, it’s not merely wistfulness, with each piece capturing a fondly remembered glimpse into childhood and the natural environment around it. 24SPRING HAS SPRUNG Spring is a busy time and Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains when to start gardening. 26CREATING A SANCTUARY Gardens are a great place to escape the stresses and busyness of everyday life, where flowers, foliage and a spot to sit can provide a sense of peace. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:13 Page 2Councillor shares £3,000 amongst youth organisations Three organisations involving young people have benefitted from funding donated to them by a West Lindsey district councillor. The 6th Gainsborough Sea Scouts; 203 Gainsborough Sqn RAF Air Cadets; and Gainsborough Rugby Club’s Mini Wasps have each received £1,000 thanks to donations from Cllr Jessie Milne. The money comes from Cllr Milne’s Councillor Initiative Fund, which provides financial support for a wide range of community projects and activities. The Mini Wasps are the junior arm of Gainsborough Rugby Club, and their director Nathan Mitchell says the money will be used for essential training equipment for the youngsters. Jonathan Swatton, Group Scout Leader at 6th Gainsborough Sea Scouts, is using the funding to purchase tarpaulin and special hammocks, which the group will use for shelter on expeditions. Flight Lieutenant Lee Chapman of the Gainsborough Air Cadets said their £1,000 will go towards purchase of a new minibus to replace one stolen in February last year. A new grant scheme will enable businesses to supercharge digital growth and become more sustainable – fuelling the local economy and safeguarding jobs. The cash is from the first round of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with grants of up to £5,000 available for companies to invest in new technologies or cut their carbon footprint. The grants were announced by North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham at a business breakfast held at the Baths Hall, Scunthorpe. The Sustainability Business Grant can be used to invest in energy production infrastructure such as solar panels or biomass boilers and building improvements including insulation and heat pumps. It can also be used to buy energy efficient products including LED lighting and low energy equipment such as fridges and dishwashers. The Digital and Marketing Grant is aimed at companies looking to invest in new technology. This can be everything from cutting-edge hardware and software, upgrading internet connections, buying e-commerce equipment, and paying for marketing campaigns or consultancy costs. Businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply for the grants. Free energy will illuminate Skegness Pier and Spalding-based FreshLinc will get the same to support its business in a UK first which sees the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership facilitate installation of two innovative and cost- effective mini wind turbines. The Spalding turbine has an on-grid power generator system, while the turbine on Skegness Pier is off-grid and will light up the historic seaside attraction at night. The Partnership was able to bring together Ventum Dynamics with FreshLinc and Mellors Group for the UK first, which is said to have the potential to start revolutionising how electricity is generated, particularly for businesses with net zero carbon targets and to support clients wanting a greener supply chain. Throughout the pilot, there will be regular updates on the energy generated and how this is information is being used to inform future design tweaks. The space efficient wind turbines are quiet in operation, produce minimal vibration and can be easily mounted on rooftops. The turbines are able to capture wind from all directions without turning, making them low maintenance. © stock.adobe.com/ momius latest news New business grant scheme set to supercharge North Lincs economy Skegness Pier gets free energy to light up the attraction 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:23 Page 1Future of historic Grimsby buildings to be considered An in-depth report into future options for three historic buildings along Grimsby’s Eleanor Street has been received by North East Lincolnshire Council. The authority is now considering the ‘options appraisal’ into the possible future of Numbers 5, 7 and 9. Numbers 7 and 9, the latter being the former Art College, are Grade II Listed and the whole site sits within the Holme Hill Conservation area. Despite the properties being privately owned the appraisal was commissioned in the summer of 2022 by North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England as dialogue continues with the buildings’ owner about a way forward. It followed well publicised issues with vandalism, intruders, and arson attacks. The authority is now starting the process of examining the major report, which was carried out by Property Regeneration experts Aspinall Verdi along with a team including architects, engineers, and cost consultants. The council will engage with the owner and stakeholders, stressing that “doing nothing is not an option” for the landowner. The planning application for new leisure facilities at the Western end of Freshney Place in Grimsby has been approved. The leisure development will house a new cinema, with local and regional operator Parkway Entertainment Group coming in as an anchor tenant and pledging to provide a great venue to complement its offer in Cleethorpes. The plans also feature a remodelled entrance to the centre, which will be lined with units for leisure and eateries, and an entrance to a new and transformed Market Hall. Work to deliver the scheme is likely to begin in the summer, initially stripping out vacant units before demolishing the former BHS building in early 2024 to make way for the new market hall. The market will continue to operate from its current base until the new market has been built. Major plans for Grimsby leisure development approved Community partnership secures new playpark A new play area for youngsters aged nine and above has been officially opened at the Green Flag award-winning Wyndham Park. The new play facilities are funded by a £54,500 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund. The “senior play” area, one of two dedicated apparatus areas, is at the lower end of the open playing field and features equipment that the community told South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) it would like to see. South Kesteven District Council Chairman Cllr Helen Crawford told guests at the opening: “This project offers a safe space, multiple activities, and health benefits for visitors to our park.” Although the official opening was delayed from last year, the equipment has been in use for children since the autumn. © stock.adobe.com/Diego Cervo 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:23 Page 2Former site manager jailed after siphoning millions from Lincolnshire company A former site manager has been jailed after using his position to siphon millions from a Lincolnshire-based metal recycling company. Garry Killick, 48, of Gleneagles Close in Stamford, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court where he was sentenced to three years and nine months for nine counts of fraud by abuse of position. From 2014 to July 2017, Killick used his authority as site manager to fraudulently divert funds totalling £2.2 million from the company by creating false customer records on bogus sales of scrap metal, paying others by way of cheque, bank transfer and PDQ (electronic transfer onto bank cards). During sentencing, Her Honourable Judge Sjolin Knight said: “You played a pivotal role in a £2.2 million fraud which went on for 2-3 years from which you received some direct personal benefit. “You’d worked your way up to a position of responsibility and abused this trust.” Lincolnshire cattery reaches for the stars with new ownership An animal-loving couple with 25 years’ pet industry experience gained in both the UK and USA, have bought Axholme Cattery at Crowle in Lincolnshire. The well-established cattery, which sits on a site of 1.1 acres and includes living accommodation, is licensed for 40 cats and had an annual turnover of £52,000 under previous owners Jeanette and Gary Abraham who ran the business from 2016 and have now retired. Axholme Cattery has been sold by commercial property estate agent Ernest Wilson to pet industry veterans, Jeremy and Diane Mitchell. Originally from Cumbria and the North East respectively, the couple have been living in West Sussex for the last 10 years, running a small kennel and cattery and a pet travel business, after a decade in Florida running pet shops and dog grooming salons. “Axholme Cattery has a great reputation and we’re thrilled to have found the perfect home and business which will allow us to move back up north and continue our passion for pets,“ said Mr Mitchell. Work begins on £8.6m Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe Construction of the pioneering health and education facility The Campus for Future Living has officially started in Mablethorpe. The £8.6m project, supported by the Connected Coast board, is the first East Lindsey District Council-led Town Deal project to start being delivered to level up the district and transform communities. The programme of works is scheduled for completion in spring 2024. The Campus for Future Living on Stanley Avenue offers significant potential to improve the health and wellbeing for residents in Mablethorpe, the Lincolnshire coast and wider East Lindsey. For the first time, Mablethorpe will be at the forefront of medical innovation, training, research and development. The main Campus building will include the following facilities: two large consultation rooms, seminar and teaching rooms, an event space including a coffee hub, a pathology laboratory and additional laboratory space. The campus site also includes an accommodation block, a children’s play area, a 35-space car park including eight disabled bays and electric vehicle charging points. latest news © stock.adobe.com/ Aerial Mike 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:23 Page 3Byyourside then,nowand inthefuture Learn about our free Will Writing Service at ambucopter.org.uk/will Ourfirsthelicopter,1994 LNAACT REG CHARITY 1017501 THE IBCC ACKNOWLEDGES THE EFFORTS, SACRIFICES AND COMMITMENT OF THE MEN AND WOMEN, FROM 62 DIFFERENT NATIONS, WHO SERVED BOMBER COMMAND. For Exhibition admission charges and events visit: INTERNATIONALBCC.CO.UK SCAN TO DISCOVER MORE 01522 514755 | info@internationalbcc.co.uk | International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Hill, Lincoln, LN4 2HQ Open 6 days a week - 9.30am to 5pm (4pm winter) Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays | Last exhibition entry 4pm (3pm winter) 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2023 09:23 Page 4Next >