< Previous10 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND Q&A How is the International Bomber Command expanding its scope? The International Bomber Command was set up to remember and honour all those who served and supported Bomber Command. Until recently the focus has been on WW2 and preserving the heritage and stories of the era. However, in this the 85th anniversary of Bomber Command’s launch, the project has begun the process to cover both pre and post-war Bomber Command losses. The Command served until 1968 when it merged with others to become Strike Command. Although the numbers involved were naturally much lower than in wartime, they played a key role in protecting global peace and freedom. The research work on the losses of these time periods has now been completed with the result that we have identified an additional 996 names of lives lost. Once we have been able to raise the funds to construct the additional walls, this will bring the total number of individuals commemorated to 58,857. Can you tell us a bit more about some of these post-war campaigns? One of the post-war campaigns was the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. Entitled ‘Operations Mushroom’, the campaign saw Avro Lincolns put into service to bomb the forests where Mau Mau fighters were grouping. Between October 1953 and July 1955, the Command killed or wounded 900 insurgents, forcing the gangs to disperse and relocate to tribal settlements, where the army were able to take on the fight. The IBCC Losses Database (www.internationalbcc.co.uk/history- archive/losses-database) features the names of those who lost their lives serving in the operation. Sadly, for many, it was accidents caused by mechanical failure or, in the case of the crew of SX984, unauthorised low-level flying which resulted in the aircraft hitting the roof of a building in Kiambu. Four civilians and the crew lost their lives in the accident. Another campaign covered the 1956 Suez Crisis. The English Electric Canberra jet bombers were called in to take the canal by force, flying from Cyprus. One Q&A International Bomber Command We spoke to the International Bomber Command about its 85 anniversary and how its expanding its scope beyond the war. 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:25 Page 1THE MEMORIAL SPIRE & WALLS At the heart of the IBCC are the Memorial Spire and Walls and Names. Surrounded by spectacular views across the City. THE BOMBER COMMAND STORY The three exhibition galleries tell the story of Bomber Command using immersive and interactive displays and exhibits. THE PEACE GARDENS Set across 10 acres of landscaped grounds. Offering quiet, contemplative spaces. SHOP & HUB CAFÉ Find a wide range of gifts and merchandise. Then take a break with locally sourced tempting treats and wholesome options. EVENTS Find out more about our wide variety of events at internationalbcc.co.uk/events THE IBCC PROVIDES A WORLD-CLASS FACILITY ACKNOWLEDGING THE EFFORTS, SACRIFICES AND COMMITMENT OF THE MEN AND WOMEN, FROM 62 DIFFERENT NATIONS, WHO CAME TOGETHER IN BOMBER COMMAND DURING WWII. ACCESS TO THE PEACE GARDENS AND MEMORIAL IS FREE OF CHARGE. FOR EXHIBITION ADMISSION CHARGES AND EVENTS VISIT WWW.INTERNATIONALBCC.CO.UK OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK - 9.30AM TO 5PM CLOSED MONDAYS EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS | LAST EXHIBITION ENTRY 4PM 01522 514755 | INFO@INTERNATIONALBCC.CO.UK INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, CANWICK HILL, LINCOLN, LN4 2HQ LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND Q&A of the airmen who lost his life was Flying Officer Geoffrey “Roy” Urqhart-Pullen, a 26 year old navigator, originally from Kent. Their aircraft took off from RAF Akrotiri to undertake some photo reconnaissance. hey were intercepted and shot down by a Syrian Air Force jet (ironically supplied by the UK 18 months earlier). Roy was killed attempting to bale out, but Hunter and Small ejected and, after treatment in Beirut Military Hospital, were later repatriated. The pilot Hunter later said: “I had been calling Roy, who was in the prone position to take photographs, to come back to the rumble seat. He got the message, I think, but did not come back. Eventually, it got to the stage where I was rapidly losing control of the situation, one engine out, still burning. I told Sam to get out, to eject, and from the rear navigation position he ejected quite safely. We were still under attack, and I started the desperate business of trying to get hold of Roy. I never did contact Roy on the R/T and, as far as I know, he must have gone back to the rear navigation position to try and eject. Since the ejection seat had gone, I assume he tried to bale out. I am not sure, but I think I heard a big thud on the aircraft which could have been Roy’s body hitting the tail plane. I suspect it was. I then ejected. It seemed only seconds before I hit the ground and broke my left ankle. The sequence of events was very quick so I couldn’t possibly estimate how low I was, but I remember thinking at the time, if I don’t get out now, I won’t get out. I didn’t know whether I got out over the Lebanon or not, my mind was revolving around the fact that if I’m in Syria they’re not going to be very friendly”. In fact, they had landed on the Lebanese side (although the aircraft itself landed in Syria) and were initially set about by locals who thought he was Israeli, but an English- speaking teacher took them to the authorities. We are keen to include the memories of those who served in the post-war era – If you would like to be part of this part of the project, please contact info@internationalbcc.co.uk. 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:25 Page 212 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES Placed in the village of Fishtoft, up a long driveway flanked by lawned gardens, is an impressive 18th century manor house. Set behind electric gates, in just over one acre of mature grounds, the Grade II listed, three storey property is a mere three miles from Boston, and in close reach of Spalding, Skegness, and Grantham. Holding an intriguing history, Fishtoft Manor has been a country club, various restaurants, a popular venue for wedding A magnificent Once derelict, this month’s featured property has been transformed into a family home. A magnificent 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:27 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 13 HOMES receptions, a hospital during the First World War, and a backdrop for the Home Guard from surrounding villages to have their group photo taken in the Second World War. Now a stunning red brick family home, when the Thompsons arrived at the period property in 2005 it was more or less derelict. Despite this, the owners were taken by the abode and, up for the challenge, in their 16 years at Fishtoft Manor have completed a significant amount of work. The owners said: “It was really run down, and there was planning to build four houses on the grounds, but we just loved the house.” They continued: “We have completely renovated it from top to bottom. It had the manor house 14 Á manor house 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:28 Page 214 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES PREMIUM MULTI-FUEL STOVES & FIRES ELECTIC & GAS FIRES AND SURROUNDS We have an extensive range of fireplaces, multi-fuel and wood burning stoves along with a magnificent collection of gas fires, electric fires and surrounds on display at our showroom in Boston, Lincolnshire. Our stunning selections from leading British and Scandinavian manufacturers such as Elgin & Hall, Jotul, Chesneys, Dimplex, Valor Contura and Arada to name but a few, means we cater for all tastes. Our friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to give you some ideas and help to guide you with your purchase. Visit our showroom or call us today on 01205 310 327. Church Road, Boston PE21 0LG | Tel: 01205 310 327 E-mail: sales@bostonheating.co.uk | www.bostonheating.co.uk old 60s add-ons at the back which we demolished, so we only have the Georgian and Victorian parts of the house now, and while it was initially a six-bedroom home, we converted them into 5 bedrooms all with en suites.” If taking a tour of the home, one will step through double doors into the entrance porch and move through to the hallway with its tiled flooring. To the left one will discover a reception room with dual aspect windows, coving, dado rail, and a focal fireplace with log burner. From here one can reach the owners’ favourite room, the snug, with its laminate flooring. Meanwhile, over to the right of the hallway is the light and bright formal dining room featuring three windows, exposed wooden flooring, dado rail, coving, and an open fireplace with a stone 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:28 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 15 HOMES Fireplaces – Fires – Stoves Burning Sensation (Grimsby) Ltd Armstrong Street, Grimsby. DN31 1XD Call: 01472 351651 sales@burningsensation.co.uk www.burningsensation.co.uk Visit the showroom to see our fabulous selection of fireplaces, fires and stoves in traditional and contemporary styles. Choose from wood, micro and natural marble, granite, limestone and cast iron with a huge choice of fires and stoves in gas, electric and solid fuel including multifuel and woodburning stoves. There is also a great selection of fireside accessories including log baskets, companion sets, cleaning and maintenance products and some lovely accessories for your home. hearth and elegantly detailed wooden surround. The “fantastic” kitchen/breakfast room is also on the right-hand side of the house, holding a range of fitted units with work surfaces and integrated appliances including a fridge freezer, dishwasher, wine cooler, Rangemaster cooker with extractor hood, and 1 1⁄2 bowl sink with mixer tap. The room also boasts exposed ceiling beams, Karndean tile effect flooring, and two windows to the rear and side, allowing light to flood in. A cloakroom and useful utility room sit on the ground floor too. Travelling up to the first floor, one will find three bedrooms - all with fitted wardrobes and en suites - and an 16 Á 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:28 Page 416 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES D.D.S ROOFING Tel: 01472 267709 • Mobile: 07980 962009 • Email: derrick.saxby@homecall.co.uk Enhance your old tired roof to an elegant distinctive modern style • all roof repairs • insurance work • free estimates • slate and tile roofs • re-roofing • storm damage • gutters and fascias • slating & tiling • flat roofs and felting • fibre glass roofing office. A further two bedrooms with en suites, meanwhile, take up the second floor, alongside a plant room. Outside of the character home, which is located in a conservation area, there are gardens to three sides, all laid to lawn, with a lot of trees as well as a decked patio area, a covered BBQ area and a timber log store. Additionally, to the rear, there is a further enclosed garden area with an open outlook. The gardens also attract a wealth of wildlife. The owners noted: “We have our resident squirrels and get a lot of birds. We have a pheasant that is here every single day, and we have a muntjac on a regular basis.” Separate from the house there is, at the rear, a detached garden room, with two sets of double doors to the front and a door to the side. Inside are fitted base units with worksurfaces, a sink, and tile effect flooring. Connected to the double garage, there is also a WC. Though they have loved their time at the home, the Thompsons are now selling. “We’re both getting older, getting close to retirement age, and we just need to downsize. It’s simply too big for just the two of us,” they said. The couple added that there remains much potential for the property, and that it would even make a great boutique B&B. Fishtoft Manor is on the market for £750,000 with Rural Scene. 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:28 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 17 WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES Fitted in just 1 day and working in conjunction with your existing roof, our unique, highly insulated roof upgrade transforms any conservatory into a space that can be used all year round whilst radically enhancing its appearance inside and out. AS SEEN ON TV Call 0800 488 0579 for a FREE, no obligation quote *Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for full details. NO MESS, NO FUSS, NO HASSLE www.thermotecbyspire.co.uk UP TO 50% less than a tiled roof INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE* Before After Warmer in Winter/ Cooler in Summer Unique, patented design direct from the manufacturer no stress to existing structure SPECIAL OFFER FREE Hybrid Roof Upgrade & FREE Any Colour Upgrade 10 YEAR GUARANTEE 12-17.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:28 Page 6Confidently An influx of new furniture pieces and ornamentation can really have a transformative effect on your décor, especially if you’re trying to create a new ambience without going to the hassle of a complete re-decoration. With summer on its way out, and the darker days on their way, we could all use a little more joy around the house. There’s something to be said for cuteness. Done poorly, it only adds tackiness, but with the right pieces, it can add a real welcoming and joyful quality to your home. That’s true as much for a children’s bedroom or playroom as any other room in the house. HOME TRENDS 18 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 5 2 1 4 3 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:32 Page 1 cute LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 19 6 7 8 9 10 1) Bringing together brick and blush, this trinket dish from sass & belle adds a versatile colour story to the home. 2) The Maya vase from The Little Hygge Co is a handcrafted ceramic piece, with beautifully designed curves. A statement homeware piece for any vase fanatic. 3) Create a perpetual spring inside your home with our simply beautiful White Butterfly Bell Jar from Cox & Cox. 4) This pencil holder from Red Candy will add instant joy to your desk space. 5) This cheery design is by Tracey Beagan from the Lemon Made design community. Perfect as a footstool with a deckchair or as a small seat. 6) The Dog Butter Dish has all of Hannah Turner’s trademark charm and wit, featuring four pet pooches, ready to play amongst the trees, a scene any dog lover would adore. 7) This hand-inked illustration has been drawn by Corinne Caddy-Townshend using bamboo pens and black ink. The sweet and nurturing design is versatile and will look perfect in a nursery, playroom or bedroom. Available via Bear & Beau. 8) A large handmade seagrass toadstool belly basket from Bellybambino. Perfect for a woodland theme nursery. Super cute and perfect for storing your child’s bits and bobs. 9) Made from cast bronze, this figure is in the form of a Chinese lion or tiger, with its tail ending in a small dish for holding incense or a candle. The body of the lion is etched with decorative, swirling patterns. Available from Shimu. 10) These bookends from Marquis & Dawe are made from distressed bronze and would beautifully adorn any bookshelf. 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2021 09:32 Page 2Next >