< Previous80 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WHAT’S ON with free and fun festive craft activities. Find out how children and adults in WW2 made sure that the Christmas season was still one to be celebrated, with a range of simple 1940s themed decorations and crafts for you to make and take home. To complete the festivities, all visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, to hand over that all- important Christmas list. Grimsby December 9 - 30 Jack and the Beanstalk - Grimsby Auditorium Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum – come to the Auditorium for panto fun! Chris Moreno in association with the Grimsby Auditorium present their outstanding GIANT of a Christmas pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk. See the amazing flying car, magical illusions, side-splitting antics & sensational song and dance. © stock.adobe.com/JoelMasson Grantham December 9 Paint the Garden at Belton - Belton House From the youngest toddlers to the most mature seniors, and those with little painting experience to amateur and professional artists - come and paint the gardens at Belton! Collect your art materials from the garden entrance and head out into the gardens to draw or paint your favourite spots. Take home personal memories of the wonderful gardens at Belton in all seasons! Scunthorpe December 9 - 10 Normanby Hall Christmas Market - Normanby Hall The annual Christmas Market set in the grounds of the stunning North Lincolnshire Regency Mansion, Normanby Hall. Join in the festive fun at Normanby Hall Country Park’s most popular event in the calendar, with a large selection of brilliant local traders selling handmade Christmas gifts and hot and cold food and drink. Dogs are always welcome at Normanby Hall and their events, however, please ensure they are kept on the lead at all times and be aware that the event can be busy. Lincoln December 9 - 10 Lincoln Ice Trail - Cornhill Quarter Experience a weekend of magic as Lincoln welcomes ice sculptures and live demonstrations across the city. Lincoln December 10 IBCC Carol Concert and Supper - International Bomber Command Centre Come and join the IBCC team for carols, delicious hot supper and homemade mince pies. The music will be performed by the IBCC Choir and Orchestra, and guest artistes. Louth December 10 - 23 Sunday Lunch with Santa - Kenwick Park Get into the festive spirit ahead of the big day as Santa comes to Kenwick Park! At this special event, you will get the chance to tuck into a carvery lunch with Santa’s elves, followed by a delicious dessert. After dinner, you can enjoy a LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 81 meet and greet with Santa, who will be sharing some of his stories from the North Pole - and if you’re lucky, some special gifts too. There’ll be plenty of photo opportunities for you to capture the magic throughout the day. Scunthorpe December 11 Santa’s Christmas Wish - The Plowright Theatre Christmas is a season of joy, love and sharing, a time when Santa delivers presents all over the world…but what would Santa himself like for Christmas? Dasher the Reindeer has an idea… Pompom the Penguin thinks he knows…or maybe Snowy the Snowman has the answer? Dotty the Elf needs all their help – and yours – to find out! Join a fun, festive, musical adventure to give Santa the very best Christmas, then meet him at his home in the North Pole! Every child will receive a special present from Father Christmas in a meet, greet and treat, after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever! Lincoln December 15 - 16 Christmas Party Nights at the Showground - Lincolnshire Showground The Lincolnshire Showground hosts some of the biggest and most elaborate Christmas parties in Lincoln, so gather your friends and join in with the festive fun. If you’re a group of 10 or 100, you can join the Showground’s shared party nights, and dance the night away until 1 am. Lincoln December 16 - 17 The Snowman with Live Orchestra - Lincoln Cathedral Join Lincoln Cathedral on a journey with The Snowman, accompanied by live orchestra and cathedral chorister. The nave will be lit to create a magical atmosphere ensuring an unforgettable experience for adults and children alike. Lincoln December 17 Lincoln Santa Fun Run & Walk - Bailgate Lincoln Rotary Club’s Santa Fun Run & Walk is returning to the city this December. This Christmas, 2,000 Santas of all ages and abilities will be taking to the streets of Lincoln for the annual Santa Fun Run. A sight to behold, the runners will form a sea of red through the historic Cathedral Quarter. Now in its 18th year, the Lincoln Santa Fun Run is one of the longest running festive fun runs in the UK. This annual event is fun for the whole family, and a great way to start the Christmas celebrations - all whilst raising money for charity. Even if you’re not taking part in the race, come down to cheer on the Santas! Scunthorpe December 18 - 20 Mistletoe & Musicals - The Plowright Theatre Fresh from the huge success and sell out performances of Calendar Girls, and their hugely popular Christmas show, Wilton Productions return with another festival treat. This is an evening full of musical classics and all your favourite Christmas songs - a great start to the festive period! A magical evening of traditional carols, readings and music at Lincoln Cathedral December 19 Enjoy a delightful evening of festive cheer at the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Christmas Carol Concert on Tuesday 19 December, 7.30pm. Enjoy your favourite festive carols, as well as readings and musical interludes including Horncastle Primary School Choir and Digby Military Wives Choir and hosted by former BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Melvyn Prior. Don’t miss out! Grab your loved ones and make a difference this Christmas. Book tickets at: www.ambucopter/carolconcert All proceeds will go towards supporting the vital work of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Your presence will help them to continue providing life-saving medical care to those in need, especially during the festive season. 82 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY I an Waite’s love for music and dance is something he remembers from a young age, back when he was 3 and would dance to “Sugar Sugar” from The Archies on his grandmother’s gramophone. Ian is now more well-known for his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, and he’s one of the country’s most famous dancers, with a specialty in Latin and American dance. Ian is here in Lincoln preparing for the panto at the New Theatre Royal Lincoln. “I’ve been to Lincoln many times on previous dance tours, and it’s my third panto. I’m playing Saltan Cha Cha Cha, Princess Jasmine’s father in Aladdin.” It’s long way from the boy that was born in Reading, Berkshire, on 29th January 1971, to an engineer father and a mother who managed a betting shop, who also lived with his brother and stepsister. It’s a long journey indeed, but also a storied and interesting one. Ian officially started dancing at the age of 10 and admits that he often chose to keep it hidden to avoid being teased. “I kept being a dancer a secret until I won the European Youth Championships,” he explains. There was no looking back once word got out about his amazing achievement, however, and that was when Ian let go of his other interests to focus solely on dance. It was former Latin American champion Mary Richardson (now Ian’s stepmother) who put him through a rigorous training regime so that, by the age of 14, he had attained all of his dance grades. Ian went on to win almost every competition he entered. “Once I was in the top six amateur dancers in the world, I knew I was going to be a professional,” he recalls, and that was when Ian committed to A cappuccino with Ian Waite © Wesley Dryden – Ian Waite/Kristina Rihanoff © Ian Waite 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. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 83 dancing as a career choice, earning professional status in 1997. Ian then went on to compete on the open circuit achieving international success and becoming European Youth Latin American Champion. He started a ten-year partnership with Melanie Walker (now Melanie Lane), with whom he represented England in many World and European championships. Ian then moved on to partner former Latin American world champion Inga Haas where after nine months they came third in the British Professional Rising Stars Competition. He decided to further his dance career by then moving to train in the Netherlands with choreographer/dance coach, Ruud Vermeij, where Ian formed a four-year partnership with Natalia Panina with whom he won the Dutch Championship. The two of them also made the finals of the World Showdance Championships, and the European Professional Latin American Championships, after which Ian danced with Daisy Croes, who now appears on the Belgian version of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. After five years abroad Ian came back to the UK, and by summer 2004 he’d joined up with Camilla Dallerup with their first competition being the International Championships at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. They reached the semi-finals and later in that year also made the finals of the British National Dance Championships. It was in that same year of 2004 that Ian got involved in the immensely successful BBC1 show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ as one of the professional dancers, instantly reaching the finals dancing with Olympic athlete Denise Lewis, DBE, heptathlon gold medal winner. “I was asked by former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ winner Camilla (Dallerup) to partner her, so she put me forward to the BBC when they were looking for new professional dancers for the second series” says Ian. Ian now lives in Finchampstead, Berkshire, with partner Drew Merriman, with their wedding attended by Zoe Ball, Denise Lewis, ‘Strictly’s show judge, Craig Revel-Horwood, and dancers Natalie Lowe and Anton Du Beke among many others. Ian continues his career, which now includes TV presenting, after he was given the opportunity to present the BBC2’s popular ‘It Takes Two’ programme, an evening review programme about the main ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ show with Zoe Ball. He’s also a lecturer, presenter of documentaries and has released a series of ballroom and Latin dance demonstrations on DVD with other fellow Strictly Come Dancing professionals, a fitness programme with Mark Foster and even made a dance video with famed ex-newsreader, Angela Rippon. Ian has also starred in many dance spectaculars and when asked if he will be demonstrating his incredible dance moves in the panto, he replies, “I’m sure there will be lots of dancing and maybe a song - but you’ll have to come and find out!” © Ian Waite © Ian Waite For more information about Ian starring in ‘Aladdin’ go to www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk. 84 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20 When you speak the truth you can always expect fireworks because not everyone likes to be put on the spot. The new, confident, happier you is causing someone to feel uncomfortable, probably because they are losing their grip over your emotions. Taurus Apr 21 - May 21 This is not a time to think about your own needs. You need to consider other people’s feelings and understand their situation. You know you can push someone’s buttons too hard sometimes so that they really get angry and irritated about the most petty, insignificant things. Gemini May 22 - June 21 If you are hell bent on picking a fight with someone, you may jeopardise your chances of happiness or ever hearing those wedding bells ring out. Give your loved ones a bit of time and space, after all, everyone seems to be stressed out about the most ridiculous of matters. Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 23 With a little bit of patience and forward planning, important issues can be resolved. Someone very close to you needs your assistance and support. Do not waste time being in awe of people who appear wealthier and more successful than you because behind closed doors, the truth can often be very different. Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23 A certain matter may still be up in the air putting you in a very difficult position. It’s important to be tactful when dealing with someone who is experiencing a deeply sensitive time because you never know what lies beneath the surface. Slow your speed and stop tearing around like a lunatic. Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23 You need to be open minded about a new situation otherwise disagreements and arguments are likely. You are used to being the boss in most relationships but someone new on the scene had different ideas and could be a force to be reckoned with. Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23 You are full of great ideas, but will you put your money where your mouth is? Someone isn’t taking you very seriously and this could spark off a major row. Your day to day routine is about to change, whether it involves friends, family or romance, things haven’t looked this good in ages. Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 No matter how much you may be forced to depend on others for various things, you are still master of your own fate and will only do exactly what you want to do. This is no time for regret. What has taken place in the past belongs right there, in the past. SUDOKU competition Closing date for entries is: 20th DECEMBER 2023 To enter just email the numbers that appear in the purple squares to: competitions@blmgroup.co.uk Win a £20 voucher to spend with any of our advertisers in this issue. Last month’s solution A2U0G your stars Lincolnshire Today’s guide to the astro month ahead... Image courtesy of shutterstock/Meowu Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21 Try to take a little extra care with finances. Over spending on trivia or being over generous with the wrong people will force you to do a bit more juggling than you are used to. If you are experiencing difficulties in a personal relationship, follow your instincts and get to the bottom of what is really going on behind the scenes. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20 The choices you make now regarding a certain relationship will determine in which direction you will be forced to travel in next. It’s important that you are honest with yourself about what you want and need out of life in order to be happy. Bide your time before making any rash decisions affecting finances and material stability. Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 It’s time to get out of that rut and do something constructive about making a few positive changes for the better. A fresh approach is all that is needed for you to feel happier, more fulfilled and relaxed about the future. Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20 Your intuitive powers are peaking and you will be spotting new clues regarding a certain situation more frequently. You may be ready for what is about to happen, but some fresh information may succeed in ‘blowing you away’. A slow burning friendship is growing more important. 945712638 276385419 381649752 569274381 427138965 813596274 732951846 198463527 654827193 578296341 694137285 132458967 781345629 456729138 923681754 349812576 865973412 217564893classified To advertise your services call Angela Cooper at Lincolnshire Today on 01472 310310 British Classics Heritage Motors Parts 1948 to date Retail Trade Export Special Projects Restorations Manufacturing Modifications Country Workshops Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs, PE11 4EZ Classic Landrovers Tel/Fax 01775 750223 www.british4x4centre.co.uk Motors Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd The best photography is about much more than taking a picture. It’s about capturing a moment, telling a story, preserving a memory. Sometimes it’s about looking at things a little bit differently. Tel: 07974 695626 www.stuartwildephotography.com fortheBid The essentialgu d Gr f LIN C . W WW otb CO LNSHIR ETOD AY W EDDIN GS / N ET .Y S If you are getting married then this guide is your must have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints and tips from the county’s top wedding specialists and will provide you with inspiration for your big day. To receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QE Alternatively visit: Weddings To Let • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 85 Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby Photography Is this how work makes you feel on a Monday morning? We’re looking for those with a zest for life to join Lincolnshire Today’s sales team! You don’t have to be an adrenalin junkie to work here but it helps… Contact Angie Cooper on 01472 310310 © stock.adobe.com/indomercy© stock.adobe.com/ alisaaa Ghouls on the road With a long and storied history it should come as no surprise that there are endless tales of ghosts in buildings around the country. But did you know our roads are just as spooky? A new study has revealed the most haunted roads in England, with locations in our very own Lincolnshire making the list, following over 30 reported paranormal sightings in the county. 33 ‘haunting manifestations’ have been logged in the Paranormal Database for Lincolnshire, with some accounts dating from the past year and some stories hundreds of years old. While our county lags behind the spooky roads of Wiltshire, Yorkshire, Dorset, Essex and Kent — National Scrap Car’s top five most haunted counties in the country — ensure to keep your eyes peeled when taking a drive; you never know when an apparition may spring up in front of you! You may just see the reported ghostly biker standing on the A15 near Ruskington, waiting to appear and vanish before you. Tickets galore Oftentimes it can feel like arcade games are rigged, with little to be won whilst wasting pound coins, but one family holidaying in Skegness has proved this isn’t always the case! The skilled Philly took to a candy drop ball machine at Butlin’s, winning game after game over three days, until he returned to shock his wife with 27,890 tickets — a pile the size of a person! Apparently, Philly was so good at the game that staff had to keep returning to refill the machine’s tickets to ensure he was rewarded for his success. Dishing out the winnings to his sons, the generous man also scored tickets for a boy celebrating his birthday and others who came to watch him play, to be traded for a jackpot of sweets and toys. Inspired, the team at Lincolnshire Today will certainly be training for their next seaside arcade trip! watercooler 86 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net Have we missed anything? Send your rib-ticklers to m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk By the Stowaway A Lincolnshire cat recently decided it deserved a mini break, becoming a stowaway on a couple’s holiday to Devon. Janet and Paul were, unbeknownst to them, joined by the black and white feline for the 300 mile trip down south while it hid in their caravan, only appearing after they returned from dinner on the first night of their vacation. Janet apparently instantly recognised the cat from around Horncastle, and posted its photo in a community group online to identify their neighbour as the owner. Their new fluffy friend was well looked after by animal charity, Animals in Distress, who shared online that the cat “spent the rest of his Devon holiday being spoilt in one of [their] cattery pens,” before returning home with the couple. © stock.adobe.com/Oleg1824f © stock.adobe.com/Alexander OganezovByyourside then,nowand inthefuture Learn about our free Will Writing Service at ambucopter.org.uk/will Ourfirsthelicopter,1994 LNAACT REG CHARITY 1017501 LANDLORDS! Do you have a property to let?… The City of Lincoln Council offers a FREE property letting service and RENT GUARANTEE! OUR FREE SERVICE INCLUDES: 3 Tenant right to rent & EU settled status check 3 Finance income checks 3 Property inspections 3 Previous landlord references 3 Deposit Guarantee and rent in advance 3 Tenancy support Contact: Joanna Gray on 0797 028 1827 or Caroline Sanford-Casey on 0785 516 4726 or email caroline.sanford-casey@lincoln.gov.ukFitzwilliam Hospital provides a wide range of Cosmetic Surgery Services For more information or to book an appointment call: 01733 842 304 ƄnuqbeebXgaimjbnXe .co.uk Next >