£2.95 DECEMBER 2023 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 DECEMBER 2023THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Sparkling seasonal fashion Mouth watering festive recipes Inspirational gift ideas Sparkling seasonal fashion Mouth watering festive recipes Inspirational gift ideas Factory & Showroom: Tattershall Way, Fairfield Ind. Est., Louth, Lincs. LN11 0YZ www.spirewindows.com WindowsDoors Orangeries 01507 607291 Conservatories Before After Eight great reasons to choose Spire Windows Innovation & design Energy A-rated frames Safety & security Made in our own factory Quality assured 10 Year guarantee Peace of mind Established 1989 Affordable quality from Spire Windows BUY NOW, PAY LATER & 0% INTEREST FREE CREDIT Transform your conservatory in just one day with Cool in Summer 3 Warm in Winter 3 Energy Saving 3from the editor Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Journalist: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper Sales: Kerry Randerson 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 T T T FRONT COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF STOCK.ADOBE.COM/YGANKO 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 T T T Christmas is here – or it soon will be! There’s always a lot to look forward to in December in Lincolnshire, and plenty to see. From the Lincoln Christmas market to the various events held at stately homes across the region, to more local Christmas events and dinners at many of our wonderful restaurants, inns and pubs across the county. Given the lockdowns of yester-years, it may be worth going out to spend Christmas out the home, but make sure to wrap up tight, especially if you have elderly family or small children. There’s nothing quite like realising you’re a layer or two short when you’re freezing in the middle of Lincoln city. But if you are staying home (and who can blame you!) then we hope you’ll all have a great Christmas with plenty of cheer, good food and presents – and remember, if you still need ideas for what to buy your loved ones, then you could do far worse than visit any of our lovely independent boutiques across Lincolnshire. We’ve also included some ideas in our issue here, along with listings of some xmas events taking place through December. Merry Christmas to all! Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today teamFeatures 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 22CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR Lincoln’s streets seem to echo even louder with centuries of history when the spirit of Christmas begins to fill the air. 28HISTORICAL HOUSES Lincolnshire has many prestigious houses and halls and none so more impressive than the Grade I listed Burghley House, a grand sixteenth-century English country house near Stamford, Lincolnshire. 32WINTER WARDROBE WONDERLAND Look fabulous this festive season with a new winter wardrobe. 38ADDING ACCESSORIES A few accessories can significantly enhance any ensemble. 40A NEW SEASON OF MENSWEAR Lincolnshire Today looks at menswear to add to your closet this month. 42HOLIDAY GLAM Looking great at Christmas is no easy feat, especially if you have any big parties or events to attend. Here are our tips. 44HOW TO FEAST FESTIVELY The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and celebration. It’s also a season filled with tempting treats, extravagant feasts, and endless parties. That can make sticking to our diets difficult! 46FESTIVE FAVOURITES It wouldn’t be Christmas without a delectable spread on the table. We’ve gathered up a few of our favourites to help make this festive season memorable for the whole family. 50ALL YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Surprising your family and friends with a few thoughtful presents at Christmas is a great way to show love, appreciation, and spread joy! Whether you only have one or two stocking fillers left to find, or are out of ideas, Lincolnshire Today is ready to help with this merry gift guide! 54THAT TIME OF YEAR! Is it Christmas? Is it Xmas? Does it matter as long as everyone is having fun. DECEMBER LOOK FABULOUS THIS FESTIVE SEASON WITH A NEW WINTER WARDROBE. contentsLINCOLN’S STREETS SEEM TO ECHO EVEN LOUDER WITH CENTURIES OF HISTORY WHEN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BEGINS TO FILL THE AIR. 62LINCOLNSHIRE HERITAGE EXPLORED This month we discover more Lincolnshire curiosities by visiting the south of the county. 64CRAFTING A LASTING EXPERIENCE If you’re busily pulling together the details for a wedding as a chill and mystical winter haze touches everything, chances are you’re proudly unique and want to show it off at your big day. Here’s everything you need to know. 68FUTURE MOTORS As we move toward the end of 2023, it’s worth taking a look at the future to see what motors are being revealed across the world’s shows, and what we could look forward to seeing on our roads in 2024. • We put the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner W12 through its paces. 74STAYING SAFE THIS WINTER Winter, with its serene snowfall and crisp air, has its own special beauty to be enjoyed. However, beneath the frosty sparkle lies a multitude of challenges, particularly for the elderly. 78WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. 82A CAPPUCCINO WITH… Ian Waite is one of Britain’s leading professional dancers and a familiar face on Strictly Come Dancing. We had a chance to chat with him about his past and how he got started, since he’s coming to Lincolnshire for his upcoming performance in a panto at the New Theatre Royal in Lincoln. Desirable homes 10FULL OF CHARACTER This month’s featured property is full of historic charm. 18CHILDHOOD MEMORIES Sometimes art is abstract and mysterious, but sometimes it’s also a beloved and well-known part of our lives. 20CREATING WINTER COLOUR Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping shares how to bring some colour to your garden this winter.latest news Government announces funding to support leisure centres in Lincolnshire International Bomber Command Centre secures another award win in success streak The International Bomber Command Centre has continued its upward trajectory with another award win, taking home Destination Lincolnshire’s Arts, Culture, and Heritage Award, its fifth accreditation this year alone. The award win comes only months after the popular tourist destination won Visit England’s Bronze Award for Excellence 2023, a prestigious award that puts the IBCC in company with Blenheim Palace and Warner Bros Studio. Since opening in 2018, the International Bomber Command Centre has welcomed more than 400,000 visitors from 52 different countries to help recognise, remember, and reconcile the role of Bomber Command during World War Two. The IBCC has created and utilises one of the biggest digital archives of firsthand historical documents that has been tirelessly preserved, protected, and shared by the IBCC’s team and volunteers. Nicky Van Der Drift, Chief Executive Officer of the International Bomber Command Centre, said: “These awards are a testament to all the incredibly hard work that our team has put in over the years. Whether visitors have a personal connection and are paying respects, or if they’re just coming to learn more, we do everything we can to make their visit meaningful and long lasting. “Bomber Command’s role in the war was crucial, completing countless operations and missions to help the allies’ war effort. However, it came at a cost and our site commemorates the 57,861 who lost their lives by recognising the part they played in preserving our freedom and the consequences of their campaigns, as well as remembering all who served and supported using these to promote reconciliation across the project. “However, as well as an historic memorial, we’ve also seen the centre become a hub for the local community in Lincolnshire too. We have regulars in our café that we see multiple times a week. It’s wonderful to see the centre and our impact on the community grow this way.” In the five years since opening to the public, the International Bomber Command Centre has accumulated more than 30 awards. Sleaford, North Hykeham, Barton, and Spalding are amongst 200 places to be offered a share in £20m to keep swimming pools afloat in response to increased operating costs. The Swimming Pool Support Fund was announced at the March Budget to support facilities with swimming pools. This first £20 million of funding is going to the swimming pools and leisure centres most at risk of closure or significant service reduction, and will be used to help with the recent rise in energy costs, such as paying towards immediate maintenance costs, heating and pool chemicals. Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Leisure centres and pools are vital for millions of people to stay fit and healthy, and we know that many public swimming pools are experiencing greater pressure due to increased operating costs. “We have heard their concerns and have stepped in to help them make ends meet with £20 million immediate relief, and a further £40 million to help improve sustainability of public swimming pools over the long term.” © stock.adobe.com/ Andrey ArmyagovBrigg gets a fresh taste of Italy as Lascito bar and restaurant opens A new, modern Italian-style bar and restaurant has made its way into Brigg, with the opening of Lascito on the historic Wrawby Street. Offering contemporary Italian cuisine that combines locally-sourced ingredients with Mediterranean flavours, Lascito’s menu is based around fresh, seasonal produce. Expert chefs then work their magic to create new twists on Italian favourites, alongside the timeless classics you’d expect. The venue has been fully renovated to create a relaxing, welcoming environment for diners, whether visiting for a bite to eat over lunch or settling in for an evening of good food, wine and company. A spokesperson for the restaurant shared: “The name Lascito comes from the Italian for ‘legacy’ — and that’s our aim for the restaurant. We hope to leave a lasting legacy, providing good food and a great welcome — both for our own family and for the town of Brigg itself.” To book a table, please use the online booking system on www.theexchangebrigg.co.uk/venues/lascito by clicking the calendar logo, contact via Facebook or call 01652 288051. Developer Charterpoint and housebuilder Snape Properties have jointly submitted a detailed planning application for a site near Louth. The 12-acre plot off Daisy Way is an extension to Westfield Park and already has outline planning permission for up to 90 new properties. Now a detailed application has been submitted to East Lindsey District Council for the next stage of the development. The proposals are for 90 properties, including a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes, plus a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation. Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “We are very pleased that Charterpoint and Snape Properties have jointly submitted a detailed planning application for this site off Daisy Way near Louth. “In conjunction with Charterpoint, Snape Properties has built a flourishing community at Westfield Park and this additional plot will bring more much-needed homes to the town.” Detailed planning application submitted Gym members raise funds for hospital charity To mark the 75th Anniversary of the NHS, staff and members at David Lloyd Lincoln raised more than £3,000 for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. The team got involved in everything from charity football matches against Hughsie FC, to a dance-a-thon led by instructor Katie Weaving, to bake sales, raffles and a silent auction. Gym administrator and event organiser, Kayleigh Miller, said: “The support from everyone has been amazing. From our members, to our neighbours and the community on Burton Waters, to our staff members and local businesses, everyone has got involved to say thank you to our local hospitals. “Some of our members work for the NHS, many members are receiving treatment and others have their own personal reason to support the NHS. All of us have benefitted from the NHS during our lives and what better time than during the 75th anniversary year of the NHS to say thank you.” The team managed to raise £3,017.31 and hopes to organise more events to support the charity in the future. © stock.adobe.com/ spotmatikphoto for Louth developmentMore than half a million pounds raised to install solar panels on Scunthorpe schools An innovative community-led scheme to help North Lincolnshire schools install solar panels free of charge has raised a phenomenal £576,000 thanks to local people. With the minimum investment set at just £50, local residents were encouraged to invest in a community share offer. Run by community benefit society North Lincolnshire Community Energy, the money will help fund the installation of solar panels on schools and community buildings so they can benefit from cut price energy – leaving more money for teachers and equipment. The average reduction so far has been a 75 per cent saving on electricity bills. The panels also significantly improve schools’ carbon footprint, with more than 60 tonnes of CO2 being saved since the scheme began. This is the equivalent of 60 diesel cars driving 6,000km and would be offset by planting around 2,280 trees. Government cash in the form of Towns Fund money has supported the scheme, enabling ten schools to join the green revolution, with many more schools and community buildings coming on board next year. latest news Expansion for Gainsborough solicitors Sills & Betteridge LLP, one of the region’s leading law firms, has now opened the doors to their newly refurbished office extension at Marshall’s Yard. Situated in Britannia House between Card Factory and Greggs, the new ground floor entrance and meeting rooms will make the firm’s services more accessible to clients and allow for extra room for its growing team. Chief Executive Martyn Hall said: “Gainsborough was the location of the firm’s first office to open north of Lincoln in 2010 and marked the start of our expansion campaign across North Lincolnshire and into South Yorkshire. It has become a thriving practice and this additional space will enable us to broaden our client offering further and help us to attract the best legal talent in the region.” The team handle a wide range of personal legal services including wills, trusts and probate, residential property, family law, personal injury, crime and motoring offences. Lawyers from the firm’s large commercial team visit Gainsborough regularly to assist local businesses with corporate matters, property, employment law and litigation. Rotors and Wings Lunch raises £75,000 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance The Lincolnshire Air Ambulance County Appeal (LAACA) Lunch and Auction of Pledges has raised over £75,000 for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA). A dazzling fly past by a Spitfire and Mustang from The Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight accompanied by the sound of the RAF Waddington Pipes & Drums started the proceedings at this prestigious event held at the Lincolnshire Showground. The LNAA helicopter and critical care car also appeared and guests were given an opportunity to engage with the crew members. LAACA Chair Andrew Pearce said: “With each mission now costing around £4,000 and with an average of 4 emergency call outs every day every penny raised really counts.” 400 guests attended and listened spellbound to a former patient, Mark Jones, as he gave a very moving account of his own story, before host and compere Andy Larmouth entertained the guests with a magic trick or two. Then local auctioneer George Sanderson started the auctions, inviting guests to bid on a whole array of once in a lifetime adventures and experiences. © stock.adobe.com/ Zstock L-R: receptionist Allyson Burgess, family law executive Angie Driver, family law partner Samantha Barrett and Chief Executive Martyn Hall Savoy Cinemas commits to £9m plan for Gainsborough West Lindsey District Council has teamed up with Savoy Cinemas for the delivery of a £9m town centre regeneration project including a four- screen cinema, restaurant, retail units and car parking. Savoy Cinemas MD James Collington, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting regeneration initiative of Gainsborough town centre. The area has undergone significant change over the last few years, and it still has huge potential to develop further. We are looking forward to commencing work on the development and welcoming you through our doors on opening night.” The development will be funded through contributions from the Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the government’s Levelling Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas. Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young, said: “We are thrilled to finally be able to announce our deal with Savoy Cinemas. As a local family cinema operator, Savoy shares the Council’s passion for investing in Gainsborough, with a development that will breathe life back into our town centre.” Lincolnshire County Council is to give 60 city bikes to the new Wheels for Life campaign, ready for new ones coming to the city in 2024. Each bike will be distributed around the county to the Wheels for Life hubs, where they will be serviced and repaired ready for their new homes and their second life. The bikes, introduced to the city in 2013, have had ten years in operation for tourists, local residents and students to use around the city. Phil Watt, Active Travel Officer for Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The City Bikes have been a great addition to us over the past ten years, but things have rapidly changed, and the technology of these bikes is now very out of date for a hire bike scheme. “Wheels for Life means that these ‘older’ bikes, that have still got plenty of miles left in them, can live on, have a second life and make a difference to the people of Lincolnshire.” City’s ex-hire bikes to be reborn under Lincolnshire wellie brand bought by French footwear manufacturer Wellie brand Evercreatures has been bought by French footwear company Rouchette as part of a deal for its parent company Astbury Collections. It is a first overseas purchase for the French company, which had previously been a supplier to Evercreatures. The purchase of the Lincolnshire-based business will bring significant inward investment of up to £500,000 from Rouchette as it looks to bolster its presence in the UK. Tony Bailey, a co-director of Astbury Collections, will join Rouchette as its sales and marketing director in the UK. He said: “This is a great deal for both brands. Rouchette want to expand faster into the UK and approached us last year about a sale to use the infrastructure already in place. “Now the deal has been completed, it will see considerable investment in new products, innovation, infrastructure and staff. For current UK customers, they will see the benefit with a new range of stock and new designs for Evercreatures. “I am already engaged in talks with major retailers, predominantly garden centre chains, who are looking to secure stock in 2024.” © stock.adobe.com/ Drobot Dean Tony Bailey Wheels for Life campaign © stock.adobe.com/ simonaNext >