< PreviousWoolliss & Son Butchers –– AWARD-WINNING LINCOLNSHIRE BUTCHERS –– LOOKING FOR A TOP QUALITY BUTCHERS IN LINCOLNSHIRE? Look no further, we have a proven track record when it comes to providing top quality cuts of meat and home made pastries at a competitive price. We are proud of our locally sourced produce and our 5 star hygiene rating. 29-31 Mercer Row, Louth LN11 9JG. T: 01507 603230 E: orders@woolliss-butchers.co.uk W: woolliss-butchers.co.uk 50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY A super easy meal that tastes great, is easy to make and is the perfect way to warm up on a cold afternoon. Don’t be turned off by its simplicity as this is a firm favourite and tastes delicious. Ingredients: * Lamb Shoulder (Vary weight by servings) * Olive or vegetable oil * Onions * Carrots * Garlic * Lamb stock * Salt & Pepper Recipe: * Heat the oil in a large pan and brown the lamb on all sides * Dice onions and carrots into a slow cooker, and place the browned lamb on top * Dice some garlic into the pot along with some rosemary leaves if you have any, then season with salt and pepper * Pour in lamb stock – ideally, this should be about to halfway up or two-thirds of the way up the shoulder of lamb, fully covering the vegetables beneath. * Cook on high for 5 hours * Remove lamb and leave to rest for 30 minutes. We suggest using the remaining stock and juices to make a gravy to serve alongside the lamb shoulder and vegetables. © stock.adobe.com / myviewpoint Slow cooked lamb shoulder FOOD & DINING 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:31 Page 3© stock.adobe.com/Westend61 Lemon drizzle cake Ingredients: * 200g unsalted butter * 200g caster sugar * 200g self-raising flower * 3 Eggs * Lemon to zest and juice * 4tbsp icing sugar Method: * Pre-heat oven to 180C/160C Fan (Gas mark 4) * Grease a loaf baking tin with butter (not the 200g saved butter) and line it with baking paper. * Put butter and sugar in a blender and mix. Add the eggs one at a time, blending each before adding the next. Once mixed, add the flour and some grated lemon zest and blend all together until smooth. * Pour the mixture into the baking tin, flattening the top with a spoon or knife, and set in the oven to bake for 50-55 minutes. * Stir together lemon juice and icing sugar and when the cake is finished and has cooled, drizzle the mixture over the top. Alternatively, you can also poke some holes into the top of the cake so that some of the icing mixture penetrates deeper for flavour. Optional: Slice some lemon and lay decoratively on top, or add your own preferred decorations to give it that personal touch 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:31 Page 452 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CHARITY WALK D iagnosed with the condition at six months old, the vet told Michael’s dad Richard Bowman, from Hull, that there was nothing they could do to help the pup. “They said he had a couple of months to a year to live, with no prospect of a normal life,” said Richard. “They said there was no cure or treatment and that he’d gradually become paralysed.” Despite this devastating news, Richard reached out to Noel Fitzpatrick, better known as “The Super Vet.” The team did extensive research and testing on Michael, costing Richard £4,000. A further £8,000 was needed for urgent life-saving surgery to save the puppy’s life. To cover the costs, Richard borrowed money from friends and family, but unfortunately, the surgery failed. “They had to take everything out and start from scratch,” Richard explained. “He is now a very happy little boy and is not in any pain or on medication.” The walk was organised by local animal charity Pumpkin and Friends. Founded by Tammie Fox, a nail technician from Lincoln, the organisation helps to fund lifechanging care and support for disabled animals. Although described by Tammie as the “first, and therefore biggest, Westie dog walk,” a range of other breeds also turned up to support 100 Dogs Walk Humber Bridge for Frenchie’s New Wheelchair Michael. Tammie adopted Pumpkin, the charity’s namesake, when the pup was eight weeks old. She quickly discovered that the tiny Westie was paralysed from the waist down, with a scan confirming her spine had been broken due to “extreme trauma.” After hearing about Pumpkin’s plight, kind people from around the world began donating to her care. In just one week, £8,000 was raised to cover the cost of the MRI scan and x-rays to diagnose Pumpkin’s condition, with further funds raised to help pay for Pumpkin’s wheelchair, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy classes. On July 3rd over 100 dogs and their families walked the Humber Bridge to raise money for a paralysed French Bulldog. Tackling the five miles it takes to cross the bridge, more than £3,000 was raised to purchase a wheelchair for Michael, who suffers with a severe spinal disorder called Hemiverterbrae. 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:33 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 CHARITY WALK Despite being unable to use her back legs, Pumpkin is living her life to the fullest. The charity helps other disabled animals to do the same and will also be helping to cover Michael’s ongoing hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture sessions, as well as his new wheelchair. Tammie described the day as “perfect dog walking weather,” with four dogs showing off their own wheelchairs and another 20 joining the walk in strollers. “Richard loves Michael so much and has done everything possible to give him a good life,” said Tammie. “We’re honoured to have him as our first ‘doggy cause’ as a registered charity.” © stock.adobe.com/Jez Campbell 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:33 Page 254 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY W e shall consider some examples of what we might call Lincolnshire’s “modern” heritage; perhaps even a future heritage that is still being created. So, are we really starting a new heritage? In a sense “No” since outdoor art is nothing new. Of course, we usually think of “heritage” as belonging to the past, but its creation is a continuous process and is happening around us even today as we add our own heritage for the future. Prehistoric art such as cave paintings and cup and ring stones etc are well known, though there’s none in Lincolnshire. We do still however have a long history of outdoor artwork – going back a millennium or more – with our extensive heritage of ecclesiastical art. Much outdoor art was begun by the church and our many wonderful churches are adorned with ornamental and artistic work in the form of gargoyles and figurative carvings. So, everything that we now might regard as our “new” heritage of outdoor art has been preceded by centuries of religious work. This clearly includes biblical subjects but also unusual ones such as the elephant gargoyle on the tower of Gosberton church. Gargoyles generally are very common but a fine “collection” adorns All Saints church at Hougham on the banks of the Witham, and also at Heckington even though many religious images were destroyed during the religious zeal of the Civil War and the Commonwealth, leaving empty niches on many church towers. Statues (nowadays sometimes controversial) have always been important and remain so as they commemorate important and influential figures in Lincolnshire’s history. In the past statues were erected almost routinely to our county’s great and good. Prime examples are those to Newton at St Peter’s Hill, Grantham (1858); Sir John Franklin at Spilsby (1861); Tennyson outside Lincoln cathedral (1905); and much more recently, Matthew Flinders at Donington. (2006). However, most of our more recent (i.e. C20th) outdoor art results from the enhancement of public parks, leisure projects and outdoor spaces by local authorities and councils. These also provide a welcome outlet for the work of Lincolnshire artists and sculptors, whose work is sometimes done with the collaboration of local communities. A leading light in this respect has been North Kesteven with artworks on display throughout its area. Today’s artists often use modern methods not available to our ancestors (chainsaws for example) and encompass a wide range of materials. Recently created walking and cycling trails such as the Spa Trail between Woodhall Spa and Horncastle and the Water Rail Way, between Lincoln and Boston have been particularly important in commissioning contemporary art from local sources. Along the Spa Trail are deer and otter wood carvings by Nigel Sardeson and some intriguing seedpod seats by Helena This month we are looking at Lincolnshire’s legacy of Outdoor Art. Lincolnshire explored RSPB FRAMPTON MARSH THE WYVERN AT SLEAFORD 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:34 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 Stylianides. Contributions from Anwick Forge include large botanical metal sculptures commemorating Sir Joseph Banks’ round-the-world voyage with Captain Cook and, their largest and most ambitious, a Viking longboat, since the Spa Trail here coincides with the Viking Way. Highlights along the Water Rail Way are the scrap metal cows and longwool sheep, whose fleeces are fashioned from old drill bits; both by Sally Matthews, and various wood carvings by Nigel Sardeson. More traditional stone carvings may also be found such as the Tennyson quotation near Langrick (on the WRW) and small Viking heads used as mile-markers on the Spa Trail by Griffin Memorials of Louth. Much outdoor art remembers historic events with many examples resulting from the two world wars and Lincolnshire’s strong associations with the RAF. (See our recent article about these.) Two are from the C17th. At Haven Country Park near Fishtoft is one recalling the Pilgrim Fathers first unsuccessful attempt to emigrate to America from a nearby creek in 1607 whilst at Winceby a memorial to the famous battle here during the Civil War in 1643, made from a piece of old railway platform from Louth station, stands in front of Winceby House. Another aspect of outdoor art are village signs, many of which are brightly coloured and with pictorial expressions of subjects of village and community pride; these usually depict local historic buildings and events. Good examples (amongst many) are at Harlaxton, Tattershall Thorpe, Woodhall Spa, South Witham and Burgh-le-Marsh. So where else can we look to find all this outdoor artwork? As good a place to start as any is North Kesteven, (NKDC) a particularly pioneering and energetic council in this regard who have sponsored much local artwork for their Stepping Out walks and the Spires and Steeples Trail as well as in several town and village locations. Some projects have involved the participation of local communities, a particularly good example being the mosaic panels scattered around Bassingham village, a community project with artist Arik Halfon; plus of course the mighty, wooden Bassingham Bull on the village green. Other outdoor sculptures in many different styles can be found throughout NKDC at such places as South Rauceby, various points along the Car Dyke, in Bourne woods and at Washingborough. (See also WRW) There are some especially impressive examples in Sleaford, (NKDC’s headquarters) near Money’s Mill, the huge Wyvern (dragon) at the end of South Gate and along the canal towpath towards Cogglesford Mill. where three large, colourful mosaics depict the horsepower, wind power and manpower available during the canal age. There is still scope of course for many more individual and unusual examples of outdoor art. At Brigg an unusual carved “Coat-of-Arms” adorns a wall overlooking the River Ancholme on the site of Springs jam factory. Down by the Wash at the Frampton RSPB reserve is the large stainless steel “Reflector” sculpture and the more recently installed painted navigation buoys. Both of these are some of the newest outdoor art in the county. by Hugh Marrows TOWPATH MOSAIC SLEAFORD THE BASSINGHAM BULLVIKING LONG BOAT ON SPA TRAIL ISAAC NEWTON GRANTHAM COWS ON WATER RAIL WAY 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:34 Page 256 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY EDUCATION S eptember is a busy time for schools, whether it be starting a new year, a new school, moving to university or considering any of the above. There may well be someone you know in their final year of one school, and then the question becomes of where they will go after. With A-level results having been released last month against a backdrop of lower grades overall due to the disruption caused by the COVID lockdown, there has been a lot more focus on taking the time to select the right school and make sure your child has the best chances possible in the future. What we are seeing is that parents are taking the time to be picky – which is by no means a bad thing. It used to be that schools were just picked based on how close they were, or their average grades, but parents are now much more aware of a myriad of other factors, from extracurricular activities, sports, health (mental as well as physical) and inclusivity. Grades are important, of course they are, but in a world where more and more people are questioning what it means to be a part of the workforce, and seeking jobs that fulfil them, there has been a lot more care taken with our children’s educations. Lincolnshire is a large county and has a lot if different schools in it. Some are local, some not-so-local, and some have boarding facilities, which might seem a drastic step for some parents, but might be just what others, working long hours and not having availability, need. The search for the perfect school can be difficult however, and there is always the question: when does it start? The best time to start looking for the right school is any time, but we would advise that you don’t leave it too late. Two years before is good, and one year is alright, but if your child is ending their school term next year, then it’s certainly worth starting now and not leaving it too late, as the best schools do tend to have their places snapped up quickly, and you don’t want to be told your child will have to settle for their second or third choice – not if the reason for that is because of lack of action on the parents’ side. Never too early It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s future, and never too early to look at new schools. We delve here into what to look out for, what to consider, and when to start looking. © stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:35 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 EDUCATION What are the important things to look for in a school, however? The first thing, and the most obvious, is results. Results-based analysis is often touted as a mistake, but it’s hard to think of it that way when dealing with your child’s future. High grades are a matter of the effort of the student for certain, but high grades on average implies the school does a good job of keeping a child’s attention and ensuring them the best lessons they can possibly have. That said, academic prowess might not be the only thing you look for, especially if your child has needs that extend beyond simple grades. Some schools are rightfully praised for their contribution to children with special needs, or who might have learning difficulties, and a little research can go a long way to making sure you pick the right 58 Á © stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:35 Page 258 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY EDUCATION © stock.adobe.com/Enrico Della Pietra one. It’s always best to research first and then visit – paying attention to open days – to get a first hand look at how the school operates, and what facilities they have to offer. While you’re there, consider looking and listening to the language used and seeing what the school is passionate about. All schools will claim to be passionate about the children, and that will likely be true, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have specialities that will show up if you dig deeper. Perhaps one school is more well-known for its art and drama scene, or perhaps another regularly attends science competitions or does well in sport. Schools will always be eager to show off any awards or trophies they’ve earned, and these rightfully reflect strong areas for them, so pay attention to what is on offer and what they boast about – because these are things they will do well by your child with. If your child wants to pursue a career in sport, drama, music, art or anything else, then picking a school based on their grades in maths and science might not be doing them the best service. It’s tempting to shake such ideas away and point them toward more traditional jobs, but one look at the jobs market today should tell you that’s not necessarily the best approach. The economy is changing and the rise of successful and wealthy influencers is showing that you can make a career from almost any path. That’s not to say the core subjects aren’t important, but they are not the be all and end all, and you should keep in mind what your child wants. Finally, don’t forget to consider the logistical aspects of a new school. This could include bus routes, travel times or even if you want to consider a boarding school. There has been a shift towards this in recent times (they do say all fashions come around sooner or later and boarding schools used to be very popular before). The idea of boarding schools took a hit due to movies and TV shows, and some claiming that they somehow imply less care for our children, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Boarding schools give children a chance to experience freedom early and learn responsibility, and only mirror what most experience when they go to university. Boarding schools can have different rules and timetables with regard to the boarding, including some that send students home over the weekends, so be sure to look around for what is best for you, and to make sure your children are happy with the idea. We definitely suggest bringing them along for open days on this matter, as the move can be quite the intimidating thought at first and seeing how it works in action (and how easy it is) can go a long way to alleviating concerns. There’s a lot of schools to pick from in Lincolnshire, and that can get confusing. Don’t make the mistake of only looking at what is closest, and certainly don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s still two or three years until your child has to move on. It’s better to visit and look now and prepare in advance than it is to leave things too late. 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:35 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 EDUCATION T he Lincoln Minster School was recognised in the national Independent Schools of the Year 2022 awards as being one of the best schools in the UK, being shortlisted in not one, but three categories: Sporting Achievement, Student Wellbeing and Effective Brand Communication. The awards will conclude later in the year, with Lincoln Minster School having the possibility of being awarded the winner, and the ‘Independent School of the Year’, in all categories. Tom Eves, Head of Sports at Lincoln Minster School, said: “We pride ourselves of delivering the best sporting education possible, delivered through a wide range of unique, life-changing opportunities and a passionate team of coaches. From sporting world record breakers to national champions, unique industry links to high-end facilities, Lincoln Minster School is a hub of sporting success.” The latest development comes after the school was recently ranked in the top 40 UK Preparatory Schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2022. Victoria Whitworth, Lincoln Minster School Preparatory Deputy Head, added: “The Preparatory school is delighted to be shortlisted for the Student Wellbeing category. Pupil wellbeing has always been a core focus across the school and we constantly aspire to improve standards to ensure our provision is of the highest quality. We continually strive to develop and enhance the wellbeing support available and are pleased to be participating in a new nationally recognised Mental Health Champions programme this year.” Despite being a relatively small independent school, Lincoln Minster School consistently thrusts Lincoln into the spotlight on a national and international stage. Their strong alumni network includes Netflix actors, England sporting representatives, IndyCar series drivers and business leaders, Broadway musicians and artists working for companies such as Tiffany & Co. To learn more, Private Tours and Open Events are available to book through the Lincoln Minster School website – at www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk Lincolnshire school nationally recognised for sporting achievement and student wellbeing Co-educational day and boarding school, Lincoln Minster School, has recently received national recognition for their sporting achievement and student wellbeing support and initiatives. 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2022 15:35 Page 4Next >