< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HAIR & BEAUTY T he relentless heat of the season can transform our once-lustrous hair into a dry, fragile mess, susceptible to all sorts of damage. But fear not, for amidst the extreme temperatures, the quest for exquisite hair care isn’t just a lavish indulgence – it’s an absolute necessity. Diving deep into the realm of summer hair care, this article unveils the secrets to maintaining your tresses’ well-being when the mercury goes haywire. From nourishing treatments that infuse life back into your locks to strategic protective measures that act as a shield against the sun’s fiery embrace – we’ve got it all covered. Whether you’re hitting the beach, strolling through the city, or simply basking in the backyard, your hair always deserves to be your crowning glory. Get ready to unlock the door to hair health, moisture, and protection. As alluded to above, the foundation of vibrant hair during extreme weather lies in hydration. As the sun and wind sap the moisture from your hair, replenishing it from within becomes paramount. Drinking an adequate amount of water not only benefits your overall health but directly impacts the health and strength of your hair. Just as a well-watered garden thrives, well-hydrated hair retains its elasticity, shine, and vitality even in the driest conditions. If you struggle with brittle or coarse hair, you may require extra nourishment. Enter leave-in conditioners and hair oils – your hair’s best friends. These elixirs are packed with nutrients that quench your hair’s thirst, tame frizz, and infuse a radiant shine. By applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before venturing out into the elements, you create a protective shield against dryness and environmental stressors. However, deeply moisturising products can weigh hair down, and lead to dullness and greasiness if not washed out effectively. Pick one or two days in the week as your “treat” day to pack on the moisture with these products. At the end of the day, be sure to thoroughly rinse your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove all traces of the product, without removing all your good work. When cleansing your hair, opt for lukewarm water. Hot water strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it brittle and lifeless. Lukewarm water maintains your hair’s natural moisture balance, nurturing healthier and more resilient locks. In the face of relentless heat or wind, give your hair a break from the blow dryer and instead air your hair for a natural sheen. Air drying minimizes heat exposure, retaining hair’s natural moisture and shine. Gently pat, rather than rub, your hair with a soft towel. Once dry, run your fingers through to brush it out, to maintain a flowy natural texture. To maintain your newly nourished tresses, your hair needs its own armour. Just as you shield your skin with sunscreen, your hair demands its own sun protection. Sporting a hat or draping a scarf over your hair creates a barrier against the damaging effects of direct sunlight. UV rays can lead to colour fading, dryness, and structural damage – particularly important for those who dye their hair. This extra layer of protection not only safeguards your hair but also shields your scalp from the potential sting of sunburn. Furthermore, the sun’s rays are damaging even in cloudy weather, so it’s always good practice to apply sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather. In the relentless heat, it’s time to let your hair breathe. Minimize the use of heat styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners. These culprits, when coupled with the heatwave, can lead to parched and weakened hair. Embracing natural hairstyles not only reduces heat exposure but also celebrates the innate beauty of your hair’s texture, keeping it resilient and damage-free. When you can’t avoid heat styling, arm yourself with a spray-on heat protectant. These products create a protective barrier, minimizing the damage inflicted by styling tools. Applying a heat protectant before using heated styling tools is like donning armour before heading into battle – it shields your hair from harm and preserves its integrity. Tight hairstyles might look neat, but they subject your hair and scalp to Hair care in extreme weather As the sizzling days of summer roll by, followed by the steady decline into crisper conditions, so does the potential turmoil for our precious locks. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 HAIR & BEAUTY © stock.adobe.com/pijav4uk unnecessary stress. The extreme dryness of the season exacerbates this tension, leading to hair breakage and can even cause traction alopecia. Instead, opt for looser styles or simply let your hair flow freely. Allowing your hair to relax reduces unnecessary strain and prevents damage. See this as the perfect opportunity for self-care and learn to love what you have naturally. Sticking with this theme, extreme heat and chemical treatments are a volatile mix. Perms, relaxers, and colour treatments weaken the hair’s structure, rendering it more susceptible to heat- induced damage. During the high summer or deep winter months, it’s wise to postpone chemical treatments. Waiting for cooler times ensures your hair remains strong and resilient. Finally, it goes without saying but regardless of the season, regular trims are vital for maintaining hair health. Trimming eliminates split ends and prevents them from spreading up the hair shaft, thwarting further damage. Frequent trims promote stronger, more even growth, bestowing a fresh and revitalized appearance to your hair. For an added layer of defence, incorporate a Keratin or Protein treatment at every other salon visit. Protein treatments are particularly beneficial for fine hair types, as they encourage strengthening and hair growth. Keratin treatments deal with moisture barrier repair and create a seal to prevent breakage. Having these treatments once a season will keep your tresses tip-top and lessen the amount of at-home maintenance you must undergo. By following these strategies, from staying hydrated to embracing natural styles and indulging in deep conditioning, you fortify your hair against the relentless onslaught of the weather. Each action is a note in the symphony of summer hair care, ensuring that your mane shines with vitality and remains your crowning glory regardless of the weather.42 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS T he change in seasons not only alters the external environment but also impacts our internal equilibrium. With the shift in temperature, daylight hours, and even dietary choices, it becomes crucial to adapt our lifestyles to ensure a seamless and healthy transition. We explore various strategies to stay healthy during the change from summer to autumn, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects of wellness. One of the most effective ways to maintain good health during the seasonal transition is to adapt our diet to the changing availability of foods. As summer’s abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables begins to wane, autumn brings an array of hearty produce like squash, pumpkins, and root vegetables. These foods are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, providing our bodies with the nutrients they need to thrive. While it might be tempting to indulge in comfort foods as the weather cools down, it’s essential to strike a balance. Incorporating these seasonal delights into a well- rounded diet can help bolster the immune system and provide energy to combat the approaching cold weather. Moreover, consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and bell peppers, can help ward off seasonal illnesses. Transitioning from the outdoor activities of summer to the cozier confines of autumn requires a conscious effort to maintain physical activity. Regular exercise not only helps to manage weight but also promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves mood. While pursuing outdoor activities might become less inviting, there are numerous indoor alternatives to keep active, such as yoga, home workouts, or joining a gym. Engaging in physical activity also supports the body’s natural circadian rhythms, helping to regulate sleep patterns and overall energy levels. As daylight hours decrease, it becomes even more important to find time for exercise to keep both body and mind in balance. Nailing your circadian rhythm is also important for its’ mood-boosting effects. For some, the transition from summer to autumn might trigger feelings of melancholy or even seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the colder months. Combatting these emotions requires a multifaceted approach that includes light therapy, mindfulness practices, and social engagement. Ensuring exposure to natural light, even on overcast days, can alleviate some of the effects of SAD. Engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress and maintain a positive outlook. Connecting with friends and loved ones, even if it means adapting social activities to indoor settings, can contribute to a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. The transition from summer to autumn often brings changes in natural light exposure and temperature fluctuations. These changes can influence our sleep patterns and quality. It’s essential to establish and maintain good sleep hygiene practices to ensure restorative rest. Creating a sleep-conducive environment by keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature can contribute to better sleep. Additionally, adhering to a consistent sleep schedule Embracing Autumn: A guide to thriving in the Seasonal Shift As the vibrant days of summer slowly give way to the crisp and colourful embrace of autumn, our bodies and minds undergo a subtle yet significant transition. Embracing Autumn: A guide to thriving in the Seasonal ShiftLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 43 HEALTH & FITNESS © stock.adobe.com/ weyo can help regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to wake up feeling refreshed. Adequate sleep has a direct impact on overall health, influencing cognitive function, mood, and immune function. As autumn sets in, placing a renewed emphasis on sleep can significantly contribute to maintaining good health. Recent research indicates that the impact of sleep on mood and overall well-being goes beyond the mere duration of sleep; it also hinges on an individual’s subjective evaluation of their sleep quality. The University of Warwick conducted a study revealing that people’s emotional response to their sleep holds a more significant sway over their well-being than the objective assessments provided by sleep-tracking technology. The study participants were required to gauge both positive and negative emotions, as well as their satisfaction with their lives the subsequent day. Concurrently, they wore an actigraph on their wrist to monitor movement, sleep patterns, and rest cycles. In comparing the actigraph data with participants’ perceptions of their sleep, researchers aimed to establish the connection between sleep quality, mood, and life satisfaction the following day. Findings consistently demonstrated a strong correlation between how individuals appraised their sleep and their subsequent sense of well-being and life satisfaction. On days when participants reported a better night’s sleep than usual, they exhibited more positive emotions and a heightened sense of life satisfaction on the ensuing day. Intriguingly, the measure of sleep quality derived from actigraphy, termed ‘sleep efficiency,’ showed no significant association with well-being on the following day. In essence, the study underscores that personal perceptions of sleep quality play a more pivotal role in determining mood and well-being than the assessments provided by sleep-tracking devices. As the temperature drops and the winds become crisper, dressing appropriately becomes more than just a matter of fashion. Proper clothing choices can significantly impact our physical health during the seasonal transition. Layering clothing can help regulate body temperature, allowing us to adapt to varying conditions throughout the day. It’s also important to keep extremities protected from the cold, as these areas are more susceptible to temperature- related discomfort and health issues. Wearing gloves, hats, and warm socks can help prevent issues like frostbite and chilblains. By dressing thoughtfully, we can navigate the changing weather comfortably and reduce the risk of weather-related health problems. In conclusion, the transition from summer to autumn presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for maintaining good health. By embracing seasonal nutrition, staying physically active, prioritizing sleep hygiene, nurturing mental and emotional well- being, and dressing appropriately for the weather, we can ensure a smooth and healthy transition. Just as nature adapts to the changing seasons, so too can we adjust our lifestyles to thrive during this time of change. By incorporating these strategies into our daily routines, we can welcome autumn with vitality and embrace the beauty and challenges that come with the shifting seasons.44 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING foods September may be the beginning of autumn, but the days might still be warm. We’ve focused this month’s recipes on delicious desserts and cakes for that reason. Fall Black Forest Gateau Method: * Preheat the oven to 180°C. * Grease and line the sides and base of a 23cm cake tin with parchment paper. * Beat the butter until very soft but not melted. * In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until it’s trebled in volume and is pale and thick. * Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, vanilla and butter with a metal spoon. * Spoon the mixture into the cake tin and smooth the top of the cake mixture. * Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean and the cake is well risen. Remove from the oven. * Once cool turn out onto a wire tray and remove the parchment paper. Cut the cake through the middle and drizzle the sponge with 4-6 tbsp of cherry juice from the jar. * Fold half the cherries into the cream and spread over the base layer of the cake, place the other half of the cake on top and drizzle 3 tbsp cherry juice over the top of the cake. * Spread the remaining cream and cherries on the top layer of the cake and sprinkle with grated chocolate. Chill the cake for 1 hour before serving and serve with a small jug of the remaining cherry juice. Meal Occasion: Baking Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs Ingredients: * 1 jar Opies Black Cherries in Kirsch, strained * 100g Butter, softened * 6 medium Eggs, beaten * 225g Caster Sugar * 75g Plain Flour, sifted * 50g Cocoa Powder, sifted * 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract * 500ml Double Cream, lightly whisked * Grated Chocolate to decorate LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 45 Limoncello Drizzle Cake Method: * Preheat oven to 200°C / 180°C / Gas 4, then grease and line two 20cm cake tins. * In a bowl or stand mixer, beat together the butter and 200g of the sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, beating after each addition, then carefully fold in the flour. * In a separate bowl mix 75ml of the limoncello, 2 tbsp of the lemon juice and soured cream together, then add to the cake mixture. Divide between the cake tins then place in the oven for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove and leave to cool completely. * Meanwhile, add the rest of the sugar, another 2 tbsp of the lemon juice and limoncello into a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and gently simmer until you achieve a syrup-like consistency. Set aside to cool completely. * In another separate bowl or using a stand mixer, add the mascarpone, remaining lemon juice, icing sugar and double cream and mix for 1-2 minutes or until stiff peaks form. * Once cakes are cooled remove them from the tin and place one cake on a stand. Using a spatula spread the top with mascarpone cream then position the second cake on top. Spread the remaining mascarpone thinly all over the sponge until all areas are covered and smooth. * Decorate the top of the cake with Opies Lemon Slices then pour over the limoncello syrup. Top with the ribbons of fresh cucumber and meringue kisses just before serving. Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten Ingredients: * 250g Salted Butter * 350g Golden Caster Sugar * 4 Eggs * 200g Self-raising Flour * 100ml best quality Limoncello * 6 tbsp Lemon Juice from a jar of Opies Sliced Lemons * 50g Soured Cream * 250g tub full-fat Mascarpone Cheese * 300g Icing Sugar * 150ml Double Cream 46 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY To promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk Click’em Inn Swinhope, Nr Binbrook, Market Rasen, LN8 6BS Tel: 01472 398253 Web: www.clickem-inn.co.uk The Click’em Inn is a family-owned freehouse, established for over 30 years in its current incarnation. Steeped in history, the inn is open 6 days a week, Tuesday- Sunday, offering a wide choice of drinks, including six real ales available at any time, with a regularly changing selection of personally recommended guest ales. The Kitchen is open Tuesday-Sunday for evening dining, plus lunchtimes Friday-Sunday. The menu varies from day-to-day with the chef’s specials, alongside regular meals. FOOD & DINING Knickerbocker Glory Ingredients * 1 jar Opies Summer Berry Compote * 12 scoops vanilla ice cream * 25g curled chocolate * Whole raspberries Method: * Place a spoonful of compote at the bottom of the glass. Add some whole raspberries and a scoop of ice cream. Repeat the layering again to use the remaining ingredients and top with the curled chocolate. Hints and tips: Replace the chocolate with crumbled ginger biscuits. A sumptuous dessert that all the family will enjoy! A quick and easy pudding that can be enjoyed all year round. Serves 4 Meal Occasion: Desserts Preparation time: 10 minutes Allergens: Dairy FOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 47 All recipes courtesy of Opies Foods - www.opiesfoods.com / @opiesfoods Black Forest Arctic Roll with Method: * Remove ice cream from the freezer to soften slightly. Drain the cherries, reserving the liquid and keeping 50g of cherries to one side. In a bowl, stir the remaining cherries through the ice cream along with 3 tablespoons of cherry jam then pop back in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up slightly. Lay out a large piece of grease proof paper, spoon the ice cream lengthways down the middle to create an even log shape around 22cm in length. Roll the paper around the filling and refreeze for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. * Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C Fan / Gas 6. Line a 22cm x 33cm flat baking tray with paper, ensuring it reaches all corners. * Whisk the eggs and sugar in a bowl until thick and light. Sift then gently fold in the flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and the salt. Spoon the batter into the tin, smooth the top then bake for 10 -15 minutes in the middle of the oven until risen and springy to touch. Remove, leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes then turn out onto a sheet of baking paper lightly dusted with icing sugar. Carefully pull the paper away and leave to cool. * Spread the remaining jam over the top of the sponge. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and place along the short side of the sponge. Use the paper to help roll it up to enclose the log. Place back into the freezer for another two hours. * Meanwhile make the sauce. Warm 60ml reserved kirsch syrup, brown sugar and the remaining cocoa powder in a pan over a low heat. Once the sugar dissolves, turn the heat up slightly and reduce down until thickened. Leave to cool. * Dust with icing sugar, drizzle with sauce, spoon over the reserved cherries, slice thickly and serve straight away. Serves 12 Preparation time: 60 minutes (including overnight freezing) Cooking time: 30 minutes Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs Ingredients: * 1 litre best quality vanilla ice cream * 370g Opies Cherries with Kirsch * 200g cherry jam * 4 medium eggs * 100g caster sugar * 75g self-raising flour * 3 tbsp cocoa powder * Pinch of salt * 2 tbsp brown sugar * Icing sugar for dusting Chocolate Cherry Sauce48 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY S ome of the ones mentioned below have of course been lost, and over the years others (especially recently) have closed and/or been put to other uses. Nevertheless, many have survived. Inns are as old as history; they are known at Pompeii and the caravanserai stopovers for travellers on the ancient Silk Road from China to the Middle East. In England inns precede the Middle Ages as a local amenity (e.g. for markets and fairs) and later to provide refreshments and accommodation during the heyday of stage coaches. Let’s start with some that have been lost! To the southwest of Grantham once stood the Three Queens - still named on OS maps - at the junction of Sewstern Lane, an ancient drover’s route from the north, and the Salt Way connecting the fens to the midlands. This once important inn has now vanished though today its site is passed by the Viking Way. Across the River Witham from Fiskerton was the Five Mile House – its distance from Lincoln. Originally a river boatman’s stopover it gained a new lease of life when the Great Northern Railway used it as a station on their line to the north (the Lincolnshire Loop Line) in 1848. It finally closed in 1940 and was burned down in 1960. There are many Royal Oaks around the country reminding us of King Charles II in 1651 hiding in an oak tree to escape capture by the Parliamentarians. Inns so named are not necessarily ancient but they do commemorate that historic event. One in Lincolnshire is the Royal Oak at Mareham-le-Fen, of mud and stud C17th construction and one of Lincolnshire’s oldest thatched inns. Another is at Little Cawthorpe though it is better known locally as “The Splash” from the nearby ford. A third is at Heckington with its legendary links to the famous highwayman Dick Turpin. Market towns of course always needed inns to cater for the influx of visitors and traders, and Horncastle is a typical example. It needed plenty of accommodation for its famous horse fairs and several retain their coaching arches. The two oldest are The Bull and the Kings Head. The former goes back to the C16th although the frontage was altered in early C19th. It is grade II listed and associated with the meetings held there to approve the building of the Horncastle canal. Opposite is the picturesque Kings Head (possibly C17th) known locally as “The Thatch”. On North Street is the Admiral Rodney, a Georgian coaching inn – again grade II – mentioned by George Borrow in his book the Romany Rye recalling his adventures at the Horncastle horse fair in the 1850’s. The Ship, early C19th, stands This month we look at some of Lincolnshire’s historic inns. Lincolnshire explored THE GEORGE STAMFORD THE OLD JOLLY SAILORSLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 49 opposite the canal wharf, whilst in the Market Place the Punch House is of 1860 Italian Gothic design with an unusual curved frontage. Louth, like Horncastle, has numerous inns including Ye Olde Whyte Swanne which is the town’s oldest inn; established in 1612 and reputedly haunted. In Westgate is the late C17th Wheatsheaf famously linked with Anthony Fountain (1771) and Benjamin Smith (1818) who both accepted wagers to climb the nearby St James’s spire. The coaching inns naturally sprang up beside the important former coach routes. A fine example is mid C17th Greyhound at Folkingham and, although it was refronted in the mid C18th, its wide coach arch remains. It was later extended to accommodate an Assembly Room and courthouse. Now grade II listed it ceased being an inn in 2006. Dominating Spilsby’s West Market is the C17th White Hart, a stop on the Peterborough- Grimsby route and a mail pick-up point too. An C18th post-box survives in the front wall. And in Stamford of course is The George – perhaps the most famous inn on the great North Road. It dates back to the times of the Knights Templars and still has high gallows arching across the road. There are inns connected Lincolnshire’s waterways too. Near Fishtoft the Jolly Sailor overlooks the Boston Haven and was listed in White’s Directory in 1856. It closed in 1955 and is now a private residence but a riverside footpath passes close by. Not many inns have two names but at Woolsthorpe beside the Grantham Canal is the Rutland Arms – more famously known as the Dirty Duck – and a former bargeman’s watering hole from the late C18th. Behind it still stands the buildings of the canal maintenance workshops. Amongst other ancient hostelries is the Blue Bell at Tattershall Thorpe built of mud and stud dating from the mid C13th. It was frequented by Royalist soldiers in civil war and more recently by airmen – including the Dambusters – from nearby RAF Woodhall Spa and Thorpe Camp. At Tealby beside the River Rase the King’s Head dates from 1367 – possibly being Lincolnshire’s oldest thatched inn. The White Hart at Tetford – partly dating back to the C16th - was for many years the meeting place of the local Gentlemen’s Society and thus has links to Doctor Johnson and the young Alfred Tennyson whose boyhood home was at nearby Somersby. Special mention however must be made of the Angel and Royal at Grantham. Originally known just as The Angel, it was a Knights Templar hostel from 1203 to 1312 when the order was dissolved. It can thus lay claim to being one of the oldest hotels in the world. Its links with royal patrons stretch back to the late C15th and Richard III (1483); King John in 1213; Edward III in C14th and Charles I in 1633; and George IV – several times. However, it was only in 1866 after Edward Prince of Wales – the future Edward VII - stayed there that the “Royal” name was added. Readers of course will know of many others not included here! by Hugh MarrowsTHE KINGS HEAD TEALBY THE ANGEL & ROYAL GRANTHAM THE BULL HORNCASTLE BLUE BELL INN TATTERSHALL THORPETHE WHITE HART SPILSBY THE DIRTY DUCK WOOLSTHORPENext >