£2.95 MAY 2024 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUP GROUP BLM £2.95 MAY 2024THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Visiting Stamford Homes and gardens Family business Cosy Caistor Visiting Stamford Homes and gardens Family business Cosy Caistor47 Spalding Road, Bourne, PE10 0AU sales@timberdisplays.co.uk YOUR LOCAL FRIENDLY, FAMILY RUN PLANT CENTRE Roxies-Roots Monday10:00 - 15:00 Tuesday10:00 - 15:00 Wednesday10:00 - 15:00 Thursday10:00 - 15:00 Friday10:00 - 15:00 Saturday10:00 - 15:00 SundayCLOSED Large selection of bedding plants, shrubs, climbers plus much more. We also supply decking, sleepers, block pavers, sawn timber, compost, bark, top soil and manure with delivery available. We are in the process of expanding the garden centre and looking into establishing a café onsite. Hirst Priory, a Grade II listed country house nestled in the beautiful woodland just outside of Crowle, North Lincolnshire, now under the esteemed management of Hunt Leisure Ltd, offers an idyllic wedding venue where history meets modern elegance. Meticulously refurbished, it blends stylish, neutral décor with the timeless charm of its heritage. With a selection of fully flexible wedding packages available, Hirst Priory can provide the magic to bring any dream wedding alive. Belton Rd, Crowle, Belton, DN17 4BU T: 01724 400418 E: Jessica.revis-harrison@huntleisure.co.uk Hirstpriory © Kazooieloki © Kazooieloki © Amy Lince PhotographyAfter the tumultuous weather present throughout April including huge showers, blistering winds and a Saharan dust storm (though luckily Lincolnshire was spared that one), it’s about time we got some warmer weather in the county. However, we might soon come to regret such a sentiment given that the last few months have still been the hottest ever on record, showing a worrying and continuous upward trend in temperatures that a lot of people may end up dismissing as “just a little whining” but which could have very real implications. It’s not just concerns of draughts and hosepipe bans and heat stroke, but our local farmers aren’t doing so well with so much rain followed by blistering heat. With fields being flooded and then baked shortly after, a lot of foodstuffs we take for granted as being grown here in the UK may in a couple of years be much more difficult to grow. Farmers may be coping for now by transitioning to hardier genomes of crops (not gene-edited crops but crops specifically bred to be resilient in a perfectly natural manner) our county’s ability to supply itself and the wider country is a real concern. If you can afford to support a local farmer this summer, perhaps by swinging by their farm shops to buy meat for the BBQ, then we heartily encourage our readers to do so. It’s not that much more in terms of cost but it can make a real difference to them at a time when farmers across the whole world are being forced into protests by close-to-impossible trading conditions. Think of a farmer this summer. 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, Jordan Mason 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 STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ALLOUPHOTO 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 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.Features 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 10INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE On the 6th June 2024 we will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, also known as Operation Overlord. 28COSY CAISTOR Caistor’s cosy vibe and connection to Victorian, Georgian and even Roman history give you a place to pause for calm reflection. With plenty of cafes and artisan shops providing shelter, restoration and curiosities. • Gelder Group • The Shire Veterinary Services Q&A 36READY FOR WARMER DAYS As we welcome warmer days, and hopefully nicer weather, a closet refresh is on the cards. 42TIME FOR ACCESSORIES Before heading out the door, perfect your outfit with a few accessories. 44NEW MENSWEAR Whether getting ready for a formal occasion or lounging, there’s lots of new menswear to don. 46BEAUTY TREATMENTS: GETTING BANG FOR YOUR BUCK In the UK, the average woman spends over £100,000 on her appearance during her lifetime. Despite beauty being one of our biggest expenses, with many happy to splash the cash, the average beauty therapist only sees a small return for their labour. 48WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN PLANT-BASED ALTERNATIVES In today’s health-conscious world, the term “plant- based” has taken on a whole new significance, extending far beyond its traditional associations and shouldn’t be confused for veganism. 50MARVELLOUS MAY Warmer days welcome the end of spring, and these dishes are all about cool, fresh feelings as we prepare for the barbecue season ahead. 56GAMBLING ON A GOOD CAUSE The Cross Keys Inn, located in Grasby, hosted a Casino night last month to raise funds for “Andy’s Man Club” a suicide prevention charity offering free to attend peer to peer support groups. MAY AS WE WELCOME WARMER DAYS, AND HOPEFULLY NICER WEATHER, A CLOSET REFRESH IS ON THE CARDS. contentsWARMER DAYS WELCOME THE END OF SPRING, AND THESE DISHES ARE ALL ABOUT COOL, FRESH FEELINGS AS WE PREPARE FOR THE BARBECUE SEASON AHEAD. 58THE POWER OF FAMILY BUSINESSES Family businesses are symbols of tradition in the British economy, but stand apart in their unique freedoms to adapt to shifting economies, go above and beyond the stereotypically ‘done thing’, and thus disrupt some more harmful parts of the big business landscape. 68SPRINGTIME SUPPORT Even as we move from the frosty grip of winter to the gentle warmth of spring, our focus on the well-being of our elderly loved ones doesn’t take a back seat. 72NEW TAKES ON OLD FAVOURITES This month we look at some new models and updates coming out for some cars a lot of readers will be familiar with. 77SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Stamford welcomes visitors old and new with its timeless charm and rich heritage, all wrapped around events and festivals perfect for celebrating this spring season. • Stamford Schools Q&A 84WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 12A PIECE OF HISTORY Earning itself a spot on the sought-after village of Navenby’s Heritage Trail, this month’s featured property is imbued with history. 18TOP BARN TIMBER FRAMES Q&A We speak with Charlotte Penn, of Top Barn Timber Frames, to find out about her and her husband's luxury timber framing family business. 20VIVID BRIGHTNESS This month, Andrew Johnson takes us into another dimension. 22HEAVENLY HANGING BASKETS Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains how to get heavenly hanging baskets. 24BRINGING IN BIRDS Relaxing to watch and helpful around the garden, eating pests and assisting with flower pollination — how can we entice birds into our gardens?Funding secured for Grantham play area improvements 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness gains approval Plans to transform part of the East Lincolnshire coast have taken an important step forward, following unilateral approval of the 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness. The news, delivered at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle, means the town is on the cusp of receiving more than £300 million in economic benefits, delivering hundreds of local jobs. Projections undertaken by the Gateway team showcase the scheme will deliver employment benefits of £289.7 million, £20.5 million and £16 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) measurability for commercial, industrial and retail sector jobs. The proposed Local Development Order is seeking to expedite the delivery of up to 1,000 new homes and more than 49 acres of combined business, industrial and community space. As part of the proposals, the Skegness Gateway site also includes provision for a new crematorium, 78 acres of green open space, supported living options and a new local centre. A Grantham play area will be refurbished thanks to a £100,000 grant provided by the FCC Communities Foundation. The Beeden Park play area near Beechcroft Road in Grantham will benefit from upgrades totalling £127,000 including additional funding of £5,000 from the Rotary Club of Grantham. The overall figure also includes £22,000 of investment by South Kesteven District Council to improve the facilities at the park. A spokesperson for the Council said: “Green spaces and play areas are really important for our community and make a huge difference to the wellbeing of those living in the area. We are delighted that the FCC Communities Foundation has awarded us the money to improve the facilities at Beeden Park.” Following the successful grant, details of the improvement work will be decided by the Council in partnership with the FCC Communities Foundation. Bransby Horses celebrate prestigious VisitEngland award nominations Bransby Horses have achieved a huge 95 per cent in their recent VisitEngland assessment – with 100 per cent awarded specifically for the Visitor Centre and customer service, the on- site retail experience and the pre-visit online information. Special mentions were given to the accessibility awareness work and installation of signage depicting the charity’s history, as well as an informative and interactive trail on horse welfare. On the back of this assessment the charity has been nominated for the prestigious VisitEngland Gold award, plus Best Welcome, Hidden Gem, Quality Food and Drink and Best Told Story accolades. It is the first year Bransby Horses has been put forward for all of the accolades VisitEngland awards, which is a big achievement. The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence celebrate the nation’s leading tourism and visitor-focused businesses – from small bed and breakfasts to large attractions and business events venues. The winners will be announced later in the year. latest news Skegness Gateway site © stock.adobe.com/Tamara SalesThe Boston May Fair, a long-standing tradition in the town, will be offering a sensory-friendly experience for families with children with additional needs. Hosted by Boston Borough Council and the Showman’s Guild, this initiative aims to provide an inclusive environment where all families can enjoy the festivities without the challenges of sensory overload. Scheduled for Sunday, May 5th, from 11am to 1pm, the May Fair on Bargate Green Car Park and Wide Bargate will welcome visitors to an environment without sound. This thoughtful adjustment seeks to accommodate individuals who may find traditional fair environments overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities. Families with children who have autism, sensory processing disorders, or other conditions that make them sensitive to noise will now have the opportunity to participate fully in the excitement of the May Fair. By eliminating sound during the specified hours, organisers hope to create a more accessible and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Boston May Fair to offer sensory-friendly experience to families An idyllic wedding venue Hirst Priory, a Grade II listed country house nestled in the beautiful woodland just outside of Crowle, North Lincolnshire, now under the esteemed management of Hunt Leisure Ltd, offers an idyllic wedding venue where history meets modern elegance. Meticulously refurbished, it blends stylish, neutral décor with the timeless charm of its heritage. Declare your love amidst nature's embrace beneath a canopy of branches in our enchanting woodland, bask in the sun on our landscaped lawn, or opt for a touch of grandeur within the historic walls of the house itself. Treat your guests to garden cocktails and canapés, with panoramic views of the lush meadowland. As the sun sets, dine and dance the night away in the atmospheric Vaults or elegant main hall. With a selection of fully flexible wedding packages available, Hirst Priory can provide the magic to bring any dream wedding alive. Fundraisers at work Members of Team Gelder love working for a diverse business which puts equal value on work and play! The Gelder Group’s 250-strong workforce enjoys getting stuck into a wide variety of commercial and housebuilding projects, insurance repairs and renovations, but workers are also enthusiastic about helping people in need. The Sturton by Stow company’s employees regularly sign-up for walks, runs, pub quizzes and more. Their latest fundraiser aims to make the dream to create a special garden for SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) youngsters at their headquarters, a reality. The project aims to inspire and encourage them for the future. Team Gelder recently took part in a bumper quiz at Lincoln City FC’s premises, faced celebrity quizmaster actor Colin McFarlane, and raised £4,258.40 towards the garden. It will initially be used by children from Lincoln’s St Francis and St Christopher’s special schools. The project has also been granted £1,230 by the Gardening with Disabilities Trust. Image courtesy of Kazooieloki A team from Lincoln-based doormat specialist Make An Entrance won the quiz. Staff are pictured receiving their prize hampers from Quizmaster Colin McFarlane (2nd from right). © stock.adobe.com/eunikasSouth Holland District Council housing company makes six figure donation to local charities Welland Homes, a housing company wholly owned by South Holland District Council, is donating its £128,274 profit for the year to four local charities, helping to support in-need residents in the District. The company, incorporated in 2015, was established with aims to increase the housing supply in the area to meet an existing demand, set high standards for housing design in the District, and improve the quality of rental accommodation available to residents. Welland Homes currently has 53 open market rental properties in its ownership and is seeking to acquire a further 4 homes this year. After another successful year, the company will be donating its profit margin to four local charities: Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire, the Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Service, Active Lincolnshire and South Holland in Bloom. Directors of the Welland Homes Board welcomed the payment of donations, saying: “We are extremely proud that Welland Homes’ continued growth and development is allowing the company to make donations of this size to a group of charities that go above and beyond to support our local area a great deal.” latest news £3m secured to reignite Caistor’s 2-4 Market Place regeneration project Caistor and District Community Trust (CDCT) has now secured total funding of £3m to see the long- awaited 2-4 Market Place renovation project begin in earnest. Having been successfully awarded an increased Community Ownership Fund Levelling-Up grant of £500,000, and satisfied its key funder, the National Lottery Heritage Fund with a revised scope of works, it’s full steam ahead for this project which promises to continue the reawakening of the Wold-edge market town of Caistor. Having been vacant for several years, and being noted on the buildings ‘at risk’ register as needing immediate attention, this funding comes at a vital time. The restored buildings, in their full glory, will create spaces for retail units which could include a restaurant/cafe, a community space for functions, exhibitions and other community activities, self-catering holiday lets, spaces that can be used as offices or arts-and-crafts business units, storage for local archival materials and a space for the Trust to work from. In a move which will secure a prestigious hotel business, protect jobs and broaden its economic and social benefits, North Kesteven District Council has taken ownership of the Carre Arms Hotel in Sleaford. The purchase of both the hotel and its operating company has been finalised following a decision by Full Council, with Members agreeing that there were significant advantages to the community in protecting this key local infrastructure asset, which could otherwise be lost as a viable business. Acquisition of the Carre Arms also assists the Council significantly in advancing its ambitions around expanding the local visitor economy – being one of only two hotels in the immediate area with more than 10 rooms – and the regeneration of Sleaford Town Centre. The move also protects an historic, landmark building and introduces opportunity to enhance its viability as an accommodation, conference and functions provider. Council Chief Executive Ian Fytche said the realisation of this opportunity to move forward a number of the Council’s strategic aims around Sleaford’s regeneration and the potential for growing the local visitor economy was something the Council could not afford to pass over. © stock.adobe.com/SewcreamStudio Council takes ownership of hotel in Sleaford © Image courtesy of North Kesteven District CouncilFarnsfield helicopter is topping for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Following the launch of their Great Yarn Bomb Challenge, the team at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) have spotted the first post box topper, at Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire. Created by avid topper designer Lee-Anne Willis, a dental hygienist from Farnsfield, the crocheted masterpiece took two weeks to come together with Lee-Anne spending hours each night designing the intricate pattern. When Lee-Anne heard of LNAA’s Yarn Bomb Challenge she just knew she had to take part. She said: “The Air Ambulance attended a friend of mine last year, and that brought home to me how important their work is in helping people in their time of need. “I wanted to support their work and so, when I heard they were calling for crocheters and knitters I knew this was something I could get involved in.” Lee-Anne has been making post box toppers since 2002 and regularly decorates two in Farnsfield. She has become a master scavenger, collecting items that can be used as the frame with which she can then crochet over. She said: “I don’t use patterns, rather make it up as I go along, I had just made a few hedgehogs for another project and realised the nose pattern would be a perfect match for the nose of the LNAA helicopter! Then using a plastic helicopter toy I was able to create the rotors and wheels and finally added the LNAA logo.” LNAA’s Volunteer Manager, Kate Kerrigan said: “The yarn bomb challenge is a fabulous way to support the life-saving work of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance from the comfort of your own home. “With your help, we are looking to colour the counties of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire yellow. There is still time to get involved. Just grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks and some yellow yarn and register your interest at ambucopter.org.uk/knitting.”Next >