£2.95 DECEMBER 2024 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUPGROUP BLM £2.95 DECEMBER 2024THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE Festive recipes Great gift ideas Sparkling seasonal fashion Festive recipes Great gift ideas Sparkling seasonal fashion tfPikth ’iltiftithlW ufamily rendly,at your local fri satmrishc ctrfePick the pecee ylyr id entrun plant ce erete t ve stiset theStar ’ll be spoilt for choice.of sizes you ’s in eege selection of trith a lar fe W Sta lacr slt ce M . O a wide rangewe 00 -9.ondayM OPEN -d90001- 1166.16.16. 00000 0078 42274227el: 017: 01T sales@timberdisplayscouksales@timberdisplayscou U0 0APE1PE1 ourne,ouoad, BBpalding R7 S4 th usn wiasoseusws 12 S uS aS rF hT W uT S OSEDOSEDCLEDSEDunday 00-9. d daydaytatur 009.riday 0 9.hursday 09.ednesday eW 00 9.uesday 0- sd9 00016 00 -1 00 0016.00 00000 00 0-16.0 0 - 6.16 - 16- 6.6 0-16.0-1 0-10-1 sales@timberdisplays.co.uksales@timberdisplays.co OSECLunday Sund EDED Exciting times ahead Opening mid-Novemberfrom the editor The magazine that cares WE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Lincolnshire Today believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Journalist: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angela Cooper 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 ANDREWSCOTTPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK 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 Merry Christmas Christmas is here – which feels a little terrifying to say, but we have to write these magazines a month early, so it’s still November for me. There’s still time to do the Christmas shopping on my end. Technically, there’s still time on your ends as well, though that time probably feels like it’s slipping away rather quickly. That’s why, in this issue, we’ve included out gift guide for ideas for extras or presents for family or friends – useful for some last-minute ideas. We’ve also put together some festive recipes, and some glitz and glam fashion for those big Christmas events. And as boring as it may be, I’d like to throw a quick little reminder here about being safe on our roads. More accidents happen in Lincolnshire in winter than at any other time, and Christmas parties are a common cause for them. Plan ahead, take public transport, and accept that you’ll be staying somewhere if you want to drink on a night out. Don’t take any risks. And be careful the next morning if you are driving, because, legal or not, the roads may not only be icy but occupied by people not taking as much care as they should. Have fun but be responsible. Merry Christmas to you all. Michael Fisher Editor and the Lincolnshire Today teamFeatures 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 20FESTIVE FASHION With Christmas around the corner, here are some new items to add to your wardrobe wishlist. 26WITH A COUPLE OF ACCESSORIES… Adding an accessory or two to your outfit can transform your ensemble. 28WINTER WARDROBE Lincolnshire Today shares some new menswear to adorn this winter. 30GLAM FOR THE HOLS The holiday season is here and it’s time to get out and be glamorous. 33LACEBY MANOR The award-winning Laceby Manor has picked up another top accolade after being named one of the UK’s best spas by The Times & Sunday Times. 34STICKING TO RESOLUTIONS Although preparing your New Year’s resolution at the beginning of December may feel early, in truth early preparation and consideration gives you the highest possible chance of success. 38CHRISTMAS FANCIES Christmas is about more than just a turkey and some vegetables – there’s a whole month’s worth of December after all, and no reason the whole family can’t have some fun making festive treats. 42LINCOLN AT CHRISTMAS Although there’s a lot of drama and unhappiness over the closure of the Lincoln Christmas Market, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of fun to have in the city. 48CHRISTMAS GIFTS Big Christmas gifts always require proper thought, but there are a wide array of people you might be looking to get stocking fillers for. These cheap and cheerful ideas are great to give as extras to loved ones, as presents to distant family and friends, or to workmates. DECEMBER WITH CHRISTMAS AROUND THE CORNER, HERE ARE SOME NEW ITEMS TO ADD TO YOUR WARDROBE WISHLIST. contentsALTHOUGH THERE’S A LOT OF DRAMA AND UNHAPPINESS OVER THE CLOSURE OF THE LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET, THAT DOESN’T MEAN THERE ISN’T A LOT OF FUN TO HAVE IN THE CITY. 53WHAT IS CHRISTMAS The answer may seem simple, but the specifics differ from person to person – and perhaps that’s how it should be. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should spend Christmas. It’s your holiday, after all. 59OLD BUSINESS, NEW IDEAS Family businesses are an old institution but they’ve started to adopt very new ideas in the last twenty years. 63CHRISTMAS ALONE OR IN CARE Christmas alone is miserable, and yet many elderly people choose this over the possibility of spending the day with others in a care home. Is lonely independence really the best choice? 66FUTURE MOTORS As we move toward the end of 2024, it’s worth taking a look at the future to see what motors are being revealed and what we can look forward to seeing on our roads. • We take a look at the new Aston Martin Vanquish. 72WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. Desirable homes 10A PEACEFUL VILLAGE HOME This month’s featured abode is a peaceful property that lends itself well to both entertaining and relaxation. 16CAPTURING THE BEAUTY OF NATURE Caroline Deighton’s paintings are full of colour, contemporary landscapes inspired by the British countryside, and narratives full of humour and affection. 18LET THERE BE LIGHT Ed Fuller shares how adding a little light to your garden can make it enjoyable year-round.latest news Step back from the Cleethorpes beach seals, urges council Please don’t disturb any seals on Cleethorpes beach over the next few weeks, says North Ace Lincolnshire Council. Not all seals are stranded, it says. Many are simply resting, and disturbing them can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal to them. Seal sightings are common at this time of year as the winter pups begin to move further from their breeding ground at Donna Nook and come to rest in Cleethorpes. The area between Cleethorpes Leisure Centre and Donna Nook is part of The Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve, which is a special landscape that is recognised as a wildlife haven of international importance. The newly-independent seals can happily swim up to 60 miles a day, which can take them as far as the Netherlands. If resting seals are disturbed, they can become distressed, which can damage their health and use up vital energy they need to get home. Seals are also wild animals and they can carry diseases and cause injury to people if they feel under threat. They do have a nasty bite. © stock.adobe.com/Ash Rutland Hall Hotel welcomes Sunil Kanjanghat SJS as new Director GM Rutland Hall Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of Sunil Kanjanghat as the resort’s new Director General Manager. With over 20 years of global experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Sunil is set to bring his strategic expertise and focus on first class experiences to Rutland Hall after an exceptional tenure at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, part of the Hand Picked Hotels portfolio. Known for his impactful leadership, Sunil is eager to contribute his vast expertise to the resort’s development and to build on Rutland Hall’s growing reputation as a premier luxury destination in the UK. “I am thrilled to be joining Rutland Hall Hotel at this time of change and growth,” explains Sunil. “I look forward to working with the existing team and I am also eager to collaborate with the owners, Priyesh Patel MBE DL and Minesh Patel, on the exciting and innovative projects to come. I am looking forward to what the future holds.” National Civil War Centre Commemorates Armistice Day with New Exhibition A new remembrance exhibition to commemorate Armistice Day is now available for residents to view at the National Civil War Centre, Newark Museum. Armistice Day also known as Remembrance Day is commemorated each year in the UK with a two-minute silence on 11 November and marks the agreement which brought the First World War to an end. The exhibition includes fascinating objects such as a medal set and caps from the First World War, alongside a model of Newark Marketplace with soldiers embarking for France in 1914. The display also includes invaluable documents of a Newark solider who served in the war. This information helps to tell his story and experiences during his time serving. Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture, and the Arts, said: “I am delighted we are able to commemorate Armistice Day by providing this exhibition, it gives residents a real insight into what life was like during the First World War.”Badgers cause highway headache in Mablethorpe Lincolnshire County Council is in a race against time to restore a road in the centre of Mablethorpe after badgers have tunnelled under it. The badgers have dug under Seaholme Road in the town, and repairs must be finished before the end of November, after which it’s illegal to dig around badger setts. That would mean leaving the work until next July, with the road closed in the meantime. Badgers are a protected species, all works on their setts have to be done between July and the end of November due to the badgers’ mating season. What’s more, a start in the work has been delayed whilst Natural England granted a licence, insisting that the road had to be closed during the work to keep the badgers safe. Cllr Richard Davies said it was extremely frustrating that the council had not been given this licence until now, and the holdup meant that delays were inevitable for drivers. Cure Myotonic Dystrophy UK, based in Scunthorpe, has received a £1,000 funding boost as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards to support the vital work they do in the area. For the sixth year running, Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away over £1million to charities across the year and invites members of the public to nominate causes close to their hearts. The £1,000 donation made as part of the Movement for Good Awards will directly support the charity in its aim to preserve and protect good health among, and relieve the needs of, people living with Myotonic Dystrophy, their families and carers. A further charity, The Health Tree Foundation based in Grimsby, has also picked up £1,000. The organisation is the umbrella charity of Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust which covers Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital charity, Scunthorpe General Hospital charity, Goole District Hospital charity, NHS North Lincolnshire charity and North East Lincolnshire CTP charity. Funds are used for the benefit and welfare of patients and staff. Lincolnshire charity celebrates share of Landscape works commence to create new nature reserve on Lincolnshire coast Landscape works have commenced to transform a former golf course into a wetland nature reserve in Lincolnshire. Located at Sandilands, near Sutton-on-Sea, the National Trust’s 62- acre site will see open water and islands, grasslands and sand-dunes, as well as reedbeds and ponds, complete with walkways and boardwalks. A new visitor centre and café, designed by local practice Jonathan Hendry Architects, will help fund the conservation of the wetland when the project completes in Spring 2026. Sandilands sits on the ‘east coast flyway’ migration route and the new reserve will be a vital resting and refuelling stop for birds as well as a habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife and flora. Newark-based Influence Landscape Planning & Design was appointed by the National Trust to deliver Stage 4 technical design services, and Stages 5-7 landscape architecture services for onsite monitoring for the implementation of the works. An impression of the wetland habitats © National Trust, Peter Farmer, Wayne Lagden £1million fund © stock.adobe.com/ Stephan Morris © stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MGLincoln confirms it’ll host Steampunk Festival next year The Weekend at the Asylum Steampunk Festival will return to Lincoln over August bank holiday weekend next year. The event attracts around 100,000 visitors to the city, but concerns had been raised that it may have to move to another location due to the lack of affordable accommodation in the city. Event organisers The Ministry of Steampunk have confirmed the event will continue in Lincoln after councils, the city’s universities, and Lincoln BIG offered their support. Ministry of Steampunk spokesman John Naylor said: “The 15th event will be the largest celebration of steampunk as a creative artform and community the world has ever seen attracting visitors from around the globe. It is only fitting that we can do this in the city. “Both Lincolnshire County Council and Lincoln City Council have been instrumental in securing the agreements needed to allow us to run ‘Weekend at the Asylum XV’ in the city and we are extremely grateful for their help and support.” latest news Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance completes 30,000th mission Life-saving charity, the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance has responded to its 30,000th call - in its 30th anniversary year. The helicopter and crew landed at the scene of an RTC near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, in the hours of darkness last week (30 October). The doctor and paramedic crew treated two women and a child, who were then taken to hospital. It is the unique combination of a specialist crew with the speed and capability of the helicopter that gives patients the best chance of survival. LNAA CEO Karen Jobling sad: “This milestone during LNAA’s 30th anniversary year, was made possible because of the support of people living and working in the communities of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.” LNAA’s team of specialist paramedics, doctors and pilots have already responded to almost 1,500 life-saving missions this year. LCE Photographer of the Year 2025 now open for entries UK independent retail group London Camera Exchange (LCE) is inviting entries for LCE Photographer of the Year 2025, following the success of the inaugural 2024 contest, which attracted more than 13,000 entries. This year’s competition incorporates 14 di??erent categories and is open to photographers of all levels of experience*. New for 2025 is the ‘Emerging Talent’ category for students currently studying photography, with a prize for both the student and the university or college, helping to support the development of future photographers. As last year, the popular ‘People’s Choice’ category will be open to public voting. Entries can be submitted online at https://poty.lcegroup.co.uk/ or in person at any of LCE’s 26 stores across the UK. The entry deadline is midnight on 21 January 2025, with early entries having a better chance of winning the publicly-voted category. © stock.adobe.com/ Oleg 2024 Winner: Long Tongued Bat Approaching Banana Leaf by Marilyn Taylor*HWLQWRXFKWRȴQGRXWPRUHRUDUUDQJHDYLVLW www.tingdene-parks.net | 01933 427815 | info@tingdene.net High-quality, low-maintenance, single-storey homes Safe, secure community of like-minded residents Private garden and parking No stamp duty Part exchange and assisted move options available 2FFXS\LQJDTXLHWVSRWRQWKHRXWVNLUWVRI6FXQWKRUSH$VKȴHOG 3DUNHQMR\VYLHZVRYHUWKHFRXQWU\VLGH\HWLVRQO\DIHZPLQXWHV IURPDOOWKHHYHU\GD\DPHQLWLHV\RXFRXOGQHHGSOXVDKRVWRI OHLVXUHRS portunities. 0RYHLQWRDEUDQGQHZIXOO\IXUQLVKHGKRPHDQGHQMR\ the best RIWRZQDQGFRXQWU\OLYLQJ<RXFRXOGDOVRIUHHXSFDVKVDYHRQ ELOOVDQGKDYHOHVVKRPHPDLQWHQDQFH6RZKHWKHU\RXȇUHUHWLULQJ VHPLUHWLULQJRUVLPSOLQJORRNLQJWREHSDUWRIDZDUPDQG ZHOFRPLQJFRPPXQLW\\RXUHDOO\FDQȴQGWKHOLIHVW\OH\RXȇYH DOZD\VZDQWHGLQDSODFHWKDW\RXȇOOORYH Freedom to live life to the full. 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