< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING N obody likes to sit and ponder their own mortality, so it’s understandable why one would lament planning their own funeral. Yet more and more people are doing exactly that, with the numbers of pre-paid pre-planned funerals rising among middle aged people – and with the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, death-care and funerals are at the forefront of many a person’s mind. Companies allow one to organise their funeral exactly how they’d like it and, crucially, pay for the costs up front. This is by no means a lump sum and can be easily managed and spread across multiple payments. By getting involved in the planning stages, it prevents any awkward discussion your family might have about what you would have wanted after you shuffle off this mortal coil. Sometimes all friends and family have to go on is assumptions and whatever is listed in one’s will. The trouble is preferences change and wills aren’t always Pre-planning the end Pre-planning your own funeral takes the burden of friends and family and ensures you’ll get exactly the send-off you’re after. 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:37 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 51 CARING Funeral Services Our funeral homes provide the best facilities including private arrangement rooms and peaceful chapels of rest. We also provide a funeral dividend during this difficult time of bereavement. A service from caring professionals To find out more contact your nearest funeral home: Lincolnshire.coop/storefinder kept up to date (much as they should be). The other major benefit of pre-planned funeral is cost. Funerals aren’t cheap. According to SunLife, the cost of the average funeral has risen by 50% over the last ten years alone and, doubtless, will continue to do so in years to come. A death in the family is never an easy burden to bear, with the emotional trauma and the hole it leaves in your heart. But the sudden cost of a funeral can be difficult to deal with, no matter how well off you might be. But paying in increments helps ease any financial strain and gives you piece of mind. Nobody wants to be a burden on relatives, so this is as much an act of kindness as well as ensuring you get the send-off you would have liked. It’s true that funerals are more for the living than the dead, but that’s not to say you can’t have a hand in planning it. Nothing worth doing is easy and while looking after elderly relatives comes with its own unique set of challenges, the rewards can be profound. Provided research is done and communication is consistent, there’s no reason why everyone can’t be happy. Respite care ensures that relatives can enjoy their own getaways, just as you’re enjoying yours. It might be morbid, but pre-planned funerals offer piece of mind, both for elderly folks themselves and for their families. And who can put a price on that? © Shutterstock /Phovoir© Shutterstock /ALPA PROD 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:37 Page 252 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY O ur churches are also one of the most noteworthy aspects of our heritage. Whether adorning town, village or in open countryside (as some are where their villages have disappeared) they are a wonderful addition to our landscape and history. Their sheer number together with variations in style, size, plus architectural and artistic value make them endlessly fascinating. As one might expect this variety produces many curiosities in both design and contents. Here we leave aside the “grand” town churches (e.g. Louth / Boston / Grantham) and concentrate on lesser village ones. Because of the wide range of examples we shall, this month, deal only with the north of the county using an arbitrary “east – west” dividing line from Lincoln to the coast at Skegness. First of all, we perhaps should look at how local geology affects the stone used to build them and their appearance. Most are of limestone, much of it from Ancaster but other stones appear locally too. St John the Baptist, Nettleton and All Saints, Tealby for instance are good examples of the local richly coloured, golden ironstone. Unusually, a few on the Wolds, such as St Leonards, Haugh and the Norman ruins of St Andrew, Calceby, use chalk whilst brick appears where clays abound. (There’s local greenstone too, especially in the south, but “more about that next month”.) Churches later than mediaeval in origin, are often built of brick. Examples of these are the little Georgian churches of Well and at Langton -by-Spilsby where rows of parallel inward facing pews are unusual. “Fowler” churches of the Victorian era such as St Philip, Brinkhill or at Binbrook (a large “town” church in a village) are of brick, strikingly done in stripes in Brinkhill’s case and also at St Helen’s, Little Cawthorpe. (Considered by some as incompatible designs for a village church.) Whilst outwardly of stone both St Mary’s at Fotherby and St Lawrence at Dalby have quite unexpected brightly coloured, polychromatic brick interiors. Both Searby (St Nicholas) and All Saints, Wragby are built of what architect’s call “White” brick; though it’s actually a yellowish cream. Very uncommon is the little tin chapel at Stainton-le-Vale. For many churches though it is not so much what they are built of but quirks of their design or history that makes them “curious”. In the case of St Peter’s at Barton-on-Humber it is its age that is remarkable. The distinctive tower is of about AD1000, of Saxon origin and the unusual exterior masonry shows how the Lincolnshire’s curios churches Part one – north Lincolnshire churches are an ever-present sight in our countryside. We look at some of the more unusual ones. heritage Lincolnshire explored Langton-by-Spilsby All Saints Haugham 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:39 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 stonemasons were attempting to adapt previous timber style joints to working in stone. At Walesby, we find two contrasting churches; one mediaeval and one “modern”. Up a lane above the village we find the mediaeval All Saints abandoned after the village migrated away down the hill but saved and restored in 1931. Now the “Rambler’s” church it retains a genuine mediaeval atmosphere, the only modern thing being a stained-glass window depicting Christ greeting walkers and cyclists. Down in the village however is the “modern” St Mary’s of 1913 with a distinctly peculiar interior where pillars supporting the roof are placed in the middle of the main aisle – serious obstacles at weddings and funerals. The church was built following many years of fund raising by the rector the Rev. Laurence who tragically died on the very day that building began We need to go through a farmyard at Alvingham to locate the churchyard but once there we are confronted with not one but two churches within a few feet of each other. St Adelwold is Alvingham’s church whilst St Mary’s belongs to North Cockerington. Strangely St Mary’s is the nearest to Alvingham. At Skidbrooke (near Saltfleet) is St Botolph’s “remote in the fields” (Arthur Mee’s description writing in 1949) but now in ruins and its spacious interior quite spooky, reputedly haunted by hooded monks. Back across to the west of the Wolds at St Mary, Claxby is an unusual feature known as a “nodding chancel”. Not really discernible from outside the misalignment of nave and chancel is obvious once you go in. There is no settled explanation for this; one theory being that it is an obscure reference to Christ’s head drooping on the cross; another that building began on foundations of an earlier church. Or did the mason’s just get their measurements wrong? Two grotesque carved heads support the chancel arch. (A mile away, as the crow flies, St Peter’s at Normanby-le- Wold stands near to Lincolnshire’s highest point and so has the distinction of being the county’s highest church.) In some cases however whole churches are wrongly aligned in the sense that they do not conform to the usual east/west orientation. At Stainfield, St Andrew’s is lined up almost north-south whilst at St Margaret’s at Well, a beautiful little Palladian style church, was deliberately aligned to face the frontage of Well Hall in the valley below. And finally - three Wolds churches! St James Rigsby, on the Wolds eastern escarpment, is “classic” Victorian gothic by Fowler. Built in 1863 it cost £865 with local farm labourers each donating a week’s wages. At Tathwell the rare dedication to St Vedast is one of only two in the whole country. The brick porch (Fowler again!) looks more South Downs (Sussex) style than Lincolnshire. You may think you are seeing double on approaching All Saints, Haugham (1840). If its outline seems familiar this is no accident for it was intentionally designed as a miniature silhouette version of Louth’s St James’s and was paid for by the vicar the Rev George Chaplin. It has been redundant since 1981. Next month we shall look at more interesting churches, this time in south Lincolnshire. by Hugh Marrows Ramblers window Walesby St Johns Nettleton Alvingham Churchyard St Andrew's Calceby St Botolphs Skidbrooke 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:39 Page 254 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING Driving in style The new Continental GT Mulliner coupé The pandemic has changed the car buying plans of almost 14 million UK drivers, with 7.5 million motorists indicating they are now less likely to buy a car in the next year. If you fall into this camp, here are some new vehicles that may alter purchasing plans and are sure to provide pure driving pleasure. 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:41 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 The new Continental GT Mulliner coupé Bentley Mulliner’s Continental GT Mulliner coupé is clearly unique from the get-go. The vehicle features a new ‘Double Diamond’ matrix grille up front, said to “define” its style, which is complemented by matching vents mirroring the silver and black design and with chromed Mulliner branding. The car sits on 22” wheels with self- levelling Bentley badges, keeping upright at all times. Inside, eight different three-colour combinations are available, while luxury prevails as diamonds take over with “Diamond in Diamond” quilting brought to the seats, doors trims and rear quarter panels, with contract and accent stitching running through the diamonds design. Bentley say that almost 400,000 stitches are required to deliver the quilting across the cabin of the car, with each diamond containing 712 individual stitches. Seats are finished with embroidered Mulliner logos, while floor mats are edged with micro-piping to match the rest of the colour theme of the interior and chrome Bentley ‘B’ retention caps feature. The roof of the cabin is trimmed along its full length with indented hide, or smooth hide to match the seat backs if the fixed glass roof is selected. A new diamond milled technical finish covers the centre console, flanked by Grand Black walnut veneer with chrome overlays. A Breitling clock sits in the centre of the console. Available with either the 6.0-litre W12 (which has an output of 626bhp and 900Nm of torque, and holds a 0- 60mph time of 3.6 seconds) or 4.0-litre V8 engine (which has an output of 542bhp and 770Nm of torque, and holds a 0-60mph time of 4 seconds), top speed is said to be 207mph for the former engine and 198mph for the latter. Bentley’s 48V electric active anti-roll technology is fitted as standard for marvellous body control and stability during cornering and a relaxed ride when cruising. 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:41 Page 256 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING The new Jaguar XF The new Jaguar XF is an attractive saloon featuring a slick exterior and new interior supported by luxury materials and connected, future proof technologies. The car has three 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine choices. One is diesel and features Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology. The 204PS diesel produces 430Nm and powers the XF Saloon rear wheel drive variant (there is also a four-wheel drive variant) from 0- 60mph in 7.1 seconds and produces CO2 emissions from 130g/km and up to 57.2mpg. For those selecting petrol models there are two options, the 250PS and 300PS producing 365Nm and 400Nm. The 250PS petrol engine delivers fuel economy of 35.2mpg, CO2 emissions from 181g/km and 0- 60mph in 6.5 seconds for the XF Saloon rear wheel drive model. The 300PS XF Saloon, available exclusively with four- wheel drive, achieves 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds. All engines are paired with Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic gearbox. The exterior holds a new front bumper with larger and lower air intakes for increased visual width, enhanced by a wider front grille featuring a mesh design detail inspired by Jaguar’s heritage logo. The side fender vents meanwhile feature the Leaper emblem. The XF also has new super slim all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light signatures. At the rear is a wider bumper and body- coloured rear upper valance, which lower the car visually. While the exterior has been enhanced, the interior hosts key advances that transform the XF’s driving experience. A sporty centre console sweeps up to the dashboard incorporating an optional wireless device charger with phone signal booster. A central 11.4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen in a magnesium alloy casing controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, which Jaguar claims is three times brighter and 48% larger than the XF’s previous screen, while a simplified menu structure enables drivers to access 90% of common tasks from the homescreen in two taps. The XF also features a 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display with head-up features, enhanced graphics and a configurable layout that can show full screen navigation mapping, digital dials, media, contact list or infotainment details. The system also provides clearer calls due to an external aerial. Furthermore, the car includes Software-Over- The-Air capability, ensuring the vehicle always uses the latest software, and segment-first Active Road Noise Cancellation technology monitors vibrations from the road surface and calculates the opposite phase sound wave needed to remove the noise heard by occupants. The new XF also benefits from the latest generation of driver assistance technology, including Clear Exit Monitor, which alerts to the presence of an approaching car when exiting the vehicle, while Optional Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front. The cabin hosts aluminium, wood, and laser-etched speaker The new Jaguar XF • Servicing • Repairs • MOTs • Diesels • Catalysts • Specialist Engine Tuning JOHN SMITH ––– Auto Repair Ltd ––– “For All Your Motoring Needs” Rear of: 120 Daubney Street, Cleethorpes DN35 7NU Tel: 01472 240 800 • www.jsmithautorepairs.co.uk 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:41 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 COUNTY MOTORING grilles. New door casings meanwhile feature a 360-degree grab handle, offering easier access and increased storage. New seats hold wider cushioning, optional massage functions and enhanced coverage of the heated and cooling areas. Another optional intriguing feature, Cabin Air Ionisation improves interior air quality through Nanoe technology, which helps remove allergens and unpleasant odours. The new BMW 128ti Designed for “exceptional driving enjoyment,” and reviving the ‘Turismo Internazionale’ badge, the BMW 128ti comes with M Sport specification as standard. The front-wheel-drive hot hatch meets its sporting promise with features including the Torsen limited-slip differential (increasing traction, agility and stability, the limited-slip differential also gives the car excellent cornering ability), lowered suspension, optimised eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission and a 2.0-litre, 265hp turbocharged petrol engine. Peak torque of 400Nm is available from 1,750-4,500rpm and the BMW 128ti can reach 62mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. A model specific steering setup has been designed to minimise torque steer, to create sharper driving dynamics. With an advanced drivetrain that includes the anti-roll bars and brakes of the BMW M135i xDrive, it also holds a sporty exterior and driver-focused interior that features exclusive details. The anti-rollbars are stiffer than the standard 1 Series’, as are the springs, which help the stop the car leaning in tight corners. It is also 80kg lighter than the BMW M135i xDrive, which contributes to its sporting performance. Making the car stand out are red trims around the air intakes, in the front bumper and on the side skirts, and ‘ti’ badging below the back doors. Furthermore the vehicle has exclusive exterior features including its extended Shadowline trim with a black BMW kidney grille and dual 90mm diameter black chrome tailpipe finishers, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, red accents contrast the black headlining. A ‘Race Red’ surface embellishes the front centre sections of the standard Sensatec/cloth sport seats. A red ‘ti’ is stitched into the centre armrest which – like the door armrests, door panels, instrument panel and floor mat edging – also features red contrast stitching. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover of the standard M Sport steering wheel also feature red stitching. Remaining practical, the car has 380 litres of boot capacity. Electric tailgate operation is also optionally available, and folding mirrors, heated seats and cabin ambient lighting are included as standard. Considering infotainment features, the car has BMW’s latest Operating System 7.0, accessed via a 10.25-inch touchscreen and optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Gesture control and a 9.2inch head-up display can be specified as options. The new BMW 128ti Tel: 01472 812130 www.lincsvwa.com Unit 3, Woodside Park, Station Road, Tetney, Grimsby. DN36 5HX Find An Experienced Motor Mechanic In Tetney, Near Grimsby n Servicing n MOTs n Repairs n Brakes & Tyres n Engine diagnostics n Car Batteries n Exhausts n ECU Remapping n Air Conditioning Testing/repairs/Re Gas VW, AUDI, SEAT & SKODA SPECIALIST 54-57.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:41 Page 458 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY onwhat’s © Shutterstock/Syda Productions As the pandemic has severely affected what we can and can’t do in the lead up to Christmas, our events pages are looking a lot different than they did this time last year. But fear not, there’s still plenty of lovely pre-Christmas events to get you in the festive mood. All the events we’re featuring here are all safe, secure and socially distant so all you have to do is bring your mask and common sense and enjoy the run up to the most wonderful time of the year. Woodhall Spa Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 November - Saturday 5 December Victorian Christmas Experience, Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum Come and experience how the Victorians Celebrated Christmas. There’ll be children’s events and, on the Saturday, there’ll be carols around the Christmas tree. Open from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. Dogs Welcome. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, readers should be aware that events may have been cancelled or postponed. All dates correct as of publishing, but please check beforehand. Boston Thursday November 26 Christmas Market, Market Place The Boston Christmas Market will include live entertainment in the evening, stalls to browse on Wide Bargate, a fire garden display by Transported Arts and the Lights Switch on by Christmas in Boston. For more information, email vents@boston.gov.uk 58-60.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:43 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 60 Á Scunthorpe Saturday 5 – Thursday 24 December Christmas at The Pink Pig Farm The Pink Pig’s magical woodland Santa experience means no queues, lots of space and no crowding. Meet the amazing elves and visit the great man himself in his sleigh. For more information, visit www.pinkpigfarm.co.uk. Stamford Saturday 5 December Stamford Record Fair, St Mary & St Augustine’s Church Hall Now well-established as a regular event in this beautiful market town, the pre- Christmas edition of Stamford's Record and CD Fair offers Christmas shoppers the chance to buy lots of lovely vinyl records and music on CD from a range of dealers. There's a great mix of styles and genres ALFORD CRAFT MARKET A not for profit organisation with a Shop, an Online Shop and Craft Classes founded in 1974 The Alford Craft Market Shop is open 10 - 4 every day except Sunday. You will find a wide selection of quality handmade Lincolnshire Crafts here. Our Craft Centre runs classes in pottery, felting, sewing, quilting, silver jewellery making, crochet, fused glass, clay sculpture and stained glass. Visit our website for more details or call 01507 463341 (daytime only). www.alfordcraftmarket.co.uk 1 West Street, Alford, Lincs. LN13 9DG Bransby November-December Pudding's Christmas Miracle; A Bransby Horses Christmas Story experience Having been found all alone in a field, on Christmas eve night, a little Shetland pony is visited by someone special who delivers her a very special gift. The pony, named Pudding, has been on a special journey to become a much-loved Bransby Horses Sponsorship Star. Come visit Bransby Horses and go on Pudding’s rags to riches journey. Bring the whole family to experience the uplifting and fascinating tale of Pudding, based on true charity rescue and welfare tales. Purchase the beautifully illustrated 32-page rhyming story book in the shop or online for only £6.95. To secure tickets and to find out more, visit www.BransbyHorses.co.uk/pudding, visit @bransbyHorses on Facebook, or call 01427 788 464. Cleethorpes Friday 20 December Santa Stride, Cleethorpes Discovery Centre Taking place just five days before the big man in red himself arrives, the Santa Stride is a great way to blow away those cobwebs in time for Christmas. All you’ll need is a Santa suit and a con-do attitude. For more information, visit https://tape2tape.co.uk. © Shutterstock/Carsten Medom Madsen 58-60.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2020 14:43 Page 2Next >