£2.95 APRIL 2023 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 APRIL 2023 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Homes & Gardens Family Matters Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance What’s On Homes & Gardens Family Matters Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance What’s On 01.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:55 Page 101427 788 464 BransbyHorses.co.uk/legacy 0DULDQ SLFWXUHGRQWKHOHɓ VDGO\SDVVHG DZD\LQ-DQXDU\$ɓHUDQHPRWLRQDOYLVLW WRXVLQ0DULDQNLQGO\UHPHPEHUHGXV LQKHU:LOOZKLFKPHDQVKHUORYHIRU%UDQVE\ +RUVHVZLOOOLYHIRUHYHU Will you remember us? ,I\RXZRXOGOLNHWRUHTXHVWDOHJDF\SDFNRU ZRXOGOLNHWRWDONDERXWPDNLQJDIUHH:LOO SOHDVHFDOOHPDLOXVRUSRSWRVHHXVIRUD FKDWRYHUFR̯HHDQGFDNHǿZHZRXOGORYH WRPHHW\RX “Mam loved every minute of the time she spent with your horses. She was so impressed and wanted to make sure that Bransby Horses would benefit after her death.” Charity No: 1075601. Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No: 3711676 Marian’s story is used with kind permission of her family, continuing her incredible legacy. 62HIGHSTREET, CAYTHORPE,LINCOLNSHIRE, NG323DN 01400272632 WWW.REDLIONCAYTHORPE.COM HELLO@REDLIONCAYTHORPE.COM ChoosefromaselectionofPizzasduringour pizzaweekendon14th&15thApril DISCOVERANEWLEVELOFTASTE Caythorpe DogFriendly Locallysourcedproduce Vegan/VegetarianOptions . . The Comejoinusforourmouth-wateringroastdinnersthisEasterweekend. EasterSunday-9thAprilopen12pm-6pm EasterMonday-10thAprilservingfood12pm-4pm WewillbeholdingaBBQonSunday7thMayatthe StreetPartyincelebrationoftheKing'sCoronation 02.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:56 Page 1We can all look forward to some bank holidays in April around the easter weekend, and there will be another in May as well for the King’s coronation. We’re getting ahead of ourselves with that, however. March may be where spring officially begins but it often feels to me like April is when you really feel the season changing. Given that we’ve had snow in March, I feel even more validated in saying that. With any luck we’ll be looking forward to some warmer weather and a chance to go out into our gardens without fear of squelching ankle deep in mud. We should hope it’s not too dry, though, as that can lead to its own problems! Yes, it often feels like the world has gone to a strange place where we need to be careful of all these things. Our winter and springs are too cold and too wet, with more accidents on roads, flooding, and disrupted seasonal patterns for wildlife. On the other hand, our summer months can be too hot and too dry leading to hosepipe bans and draughts. The world is changing, despite what some may like to pretend, and our lifestyles are being forced to change with it. We’re working more – hardly a surprise with the state of the economy and the cost of living – and it sometimes feels like we’re living less. Life has become expensive, and that means our work-life balance begins to suffer. That can inevitably lead our health to suffer as well, and the UK recently dropped significantly on life expectancy among other developed nations. With all that in mind we think it’s more important than ever to try and re-find that work-life balance, get out into the county and enjoy yourself. There are ways to de-stress that don’t require expenditure in today’s cost of living world, such as walking down any of Lincolnshire’s many trails, or visiting our lovely rivers and streams or even going on a cultural heritage binge of all the different sites, castles, churches and museums in our region. At difficult times like these it’s more important than ever before to find time for yourself, so make it a challenge this month, particularly on the easter weekend, to not just sit back and wait for work to begin anyway. Get out there, draw a deep breath of our clean Lincolnshire air, and get active. Your body and mind will thank you for it. Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today team from the editor 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/LEMANIEH 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? LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net 03.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:57 Page 1Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 20GETTING THE BEST OF BOSTON Boston has all the sights, cultural heritage, and fun and thought-provoking days out to make it a memorable visit, no matter what its critics might tell you. 28LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED Lincolnshire has a disproportionate share of England’s famous and intrepid explorers. This month we look at their lives and achievements. 30BLOSSOM WITH A NEW WARDROBE Now we firmly sit in spring, it’s time to refresh your closet as the days start to warm up. 36FINISHING TOUCHES One or two accessories go a long way in creating a truly stylish outfit. 38LAYERED LOOKS Lincolnshire Today shows off some of its favourite layered ensembles for men this season. 40CLEAN APRIL You may well have heard the phrase “clean look” used over the past few months, as the latest hair and beauty trend. We delve into the trend and how to take part. 42WORK WITH YOUR BODY The dominant fitness trends this year emphasize the importance of collaborating with, rather than opposing, your body. 44APRIL FOODS April can be a bit hit and miss on the weather, so it’s hard to predict if we’ll be eating inside or out. That said, these treats are perfect for making and then eating over a few days, giving you plenty of options. APRIL NOW WE FIRMLY SIT IN SPRING, IT’S TIME TO REFRESH YOUR CLOSET AS THE DAYS START TO WARM UP. contents 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:57 Page 1BOSTON HAS ALL THE SIGHTS, CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND FUN AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING DAYS OUT TO MAKE IT A MEMORABLE VISIT, NO MATTER WHAT ITS CRITICS MIGHT TELL YOU. 48LINCS AND NOTTS AIR AMBULANCE The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance is a critical part of emergency medical and accident care and response across our region. But how did it get started? Lincolnshire Today explores. 54THE WONDER OF WELLBEING Caring for elderly and vulnerable family members at home has many obvious benefits when it comes to keeping an eye on health developments from day to day or reducing their risk of accidents around the house. 58COUNTY MOTORING We take a look at the latest vehicles coming to our roads – whether it be for business, family, or leisure. 62WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. 67NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY SHOW SET TO RETURN IN MAY Tickets for this year’s Nottinghamshire County Show have gone on sale with organisers hard at work lining up another day-long spectacle showcasing the region’s farming industry and the countryside way of living. Desirable homes 10A PERFECT PERIOD FAMILY HOME Lovingly restored, Lincolnshire Today’s property of the month for April is a stunning Georgian, stone family home with a wealth of original features and expansive gardens, perfect for whether you want to play football, croquet, or to relax in peace and privacy. 16CAPTURING NATURE’S BEAUTY Grace Ellen’s photographic style of painting uses differing mediums to create a textured and detailed vista. 18SPRING CLEANING Spring is a magical time of year, and Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains there is always something to do! 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:57 Page 2Prison for rogue trader who cheated over £140,000 out of his victims Lincolnshire Trading Standards has secured a prosecution against a dodgy handyman who defrauded at least 23 victims across the East Midlands. William Bower, 44, of Tolney Lane, Newark on Trent, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to 13 counts of fraud at Lincoln Crown Court. Mr Bower has a history dating back over 15 years of fraudulent activity resulting in three previous suspended sentences for fraud offences from 2007, 2009 and 2017. Since then, William Bower continued to operate across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, targeting elderly and vulnerable people who were looking for landscaping, gardening or property works. He was overcharging; taking large – and sometimes several – deposits; encouraging them to agree to more, unnecessary work; and then actually doing little to nothing. The work he did complete was often substandard. Vicky Salmon, anti-fraud community safety co-ordinator at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is a fantastic result for Trading Standards and takes a rogue trader off the streets. It’s also a cautionary tale for residents when looking for tradespeople for work on their homes, especially when using online trade checker websites.” A new science and technology centre for children and families will be created in Scunthorpe with £2.5m Government levelling-up cash confirmed. Repairs to the walls, roof and exterior of St John’s Church will mean the whole building will become accessible and connected to the recently developed gardens in Church Square. The creation of the even larger space for events and activities paves the way for ‘Discover@20-21’, a new centre where children and families will experience interactive science and technology activities – adding to the award-winning arts and heritage exhibitions. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This work will restore one of our key heritage sites and a notable local landmark. It will be fantastic to see the hoardings finally come down and open this space up further for community events. “This is the latest part of our plans which have been backed by millions of pounds of Government cash, everything is designed around creating a new, different future for Scunthorpe town centre – the science and technology centre will be a major addition to Scunthorpe.” The Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln’s Bishop Grosseteste University has announced he will retire at the end of July 2023. The Rev’d Canon Professor Peter Neil is the second vice-chancellor of the institution since it gained university title in 2012, and is amongst the longest serving VCs in the UK. During his ten-year leadership, BGU has transformed from its former status as a university college with a strong tradition in teacher education to become a higher education provider that is shaped by a suite of research and knowledge exchange activities and an enhanced campus estate. Professor Neil said: “It has been an immense privilege working for Bishop Grosseteste University as one of the key education providers in the city. It is a very special place and its values and ethos remain as strong today as they did when the then College was opened in 1862. “I am extremely proud of what we continue to do for students and of the contribution that BGU and our community make to the life of the city, county and beyond.” © stock.adobe.com/ Gary L Hider latest news Levelling-up cash to create children’s science and technology centre in Scunthorpe © stock.adobe.com/ ronstik 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:58 Page 1Hambleton Bakery Hambleton Bakery is an award-winning regional bakery, employing artisan bakers, skilled chefs and confectioners to produce traditional bread, cakes and savouries, using the best local ingredients wherever possible, without additives and using long established recipes. There are six shops across the region; Exton, which houses a beautiful new Café; Stamford, Market Harborough, Oakham, Oundle & West Bridgford; and this year will expand to include shops in the market towns of St Ives and Rothley. The bread, of which there are many different varieties are a feast for all the senses completely additive free – no preservatives, no enzymes, no enhancers; Real Bread made in the traditional manner with great flavour. Additionally, the bakery makes many savoury products including the famous award-winning ‘Rutland Pippin’ and most popular Lincolnshire Poacher cheese straw, alongside many delicious, sweet tarts, cakes and biscuits. To find out more visit www.hambletonbakery.co.uk Proposals for a new housing development in the centre of Grimsby will be taken forward following a North East Lincolnshire Council Cabinet meeting. The Town Centre Masterplan identified the Alexandra Dock area as a major asset for Grimsby, with significant potential for it to be used in a more intensive way, including development of a major residential district, which takes advantage of access to the water space and key improvements to the nearby spaces and facilities available. Brownfield land near Alexandra Dock was identified in the Grimsby Town Centre Masterplan as a key area that could be used to generate that new housing stock. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council, said: “Our main objective of this work is to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment that’s kind to the planet. “There’s a long way to go yet, and developments of this scale don’t happen overnight.” New housing development in the centre of Grimsby Works get underway on new 20-acre Lincoln employment site Local contractor and property developer, Stirlin, has commenced works on a new commercial site in Saxilby, Lincoln, which will create hundreds of new jobs. The new site, known as Enterprise West Lindsey, will provide up to 350,000 sq ft of commercial development opportunity, delivered by Stirlin in partnership with Castle Square Developments. Enterprise West Lindsey is located on Skellingthorpe Road, opposite Stirlin Court and adjacent the established Riverside Enterprise Park (by Stirlin and Castle Square), benefitting from convenient access to the A1 and A46 Lincoln bypass. Stirlin are well underway with the first phase of works on site, while working alongside a general ecologist to ensure protection of the natural environment. Phase one includes all main infrastructure works, such as the installation of a pumping station and foul drainage, as well as surface water and access roads, taking it from a greenfield site to development parcels which are ready for building out. takes a step forward 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:58 Page 2Refurbishment 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. 140,000 illegal cigarettes seized during multi-agency raids in Gainsborough A total of 140,000 illegal cigarettes have been seized following raids on three stores and a residential property in Gainsborough. Searches of the premises were carried out as part of a pre-planned, intelligence- led, multi-agency operation, involving officers from West Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council’s Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police. Kim Enderby, senior licensing and community safety officer for West Lindsey District Council, said: “All agencies involved had received intelligence that these stores were involved in the sale of illicit cigarettes. The three stores were raided simultaneously, whilst local police officers from Gainsborough also executed a search warrant at the residential address. “Seizures of illegal cigarettes were made from all three of the retail stores with a further quantity being seized from the house. Over 140,000 illegal cigarettes were seized, which will have a real impact on the individuals behind this activity. Further investigations are ongoing by all the organisations involved.” 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. latest news © stock.adobe.com/ HBS © stock.adobe.com/ fizkes 06-08.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:58 Page 3Warren Wood View New 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £199,995 Foxby Lane, Gainsborough, DN21 1PN New homes with open spaces, play areas, shops and a community hub within the development and just 1.5 miles from the centre of Gainsborough. Buying your dream home with Keepmoat could be easier and more affordable than you think. Talk to our team and view our 4 stunning showhomes Thursday to Monday 10am - 5pm. Book your appointment today keepmoat.com or 01427 857950 hddd// 09.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2023 10:59 Page 1Next >