All you want for Christmas Festive food What to wear Great gift ideas All you want for Christmas Festive food What to wear Great gift ideas £2.95 DECEMBER 2025 THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINE WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET www.blmgroup.co.uk BLM GROUP GROUP BLM £2.95 DECEMBER 2025THE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEPrinting|Copying|Graphic Design LOGOS | BRANDING | BUSINESS STATIONERY FLYERS & POSTERS | BROCHURES | NEWSLETTERS A0 COPYING & SCANNING | OS MAPPING CAD & PLAN PRINTING | PRINT FINISHING High Quality Print & Design in Lincolnshire N 01522 546118 E sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk 45 YEARS IN BUSINESSfrom 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: 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 STOCK.ADOBE.COM/ROMOLO TAVANI 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 From sparkling, frost-covered fields to twinkling city lights, winter is a magical time in Lincolnshire. Christmas is (almost) here, and with the festive season there is plenty to see and do, whether it be attending carol concerts and pantomime performances, visiting light displays and transformed heritage houses, or discovering unique wares and delicious treats at craft and food markets. If you’re in need of ideas, our What’s On pages are the ideal place to start! It may feel like time leading up to the big day is slipping away quickly, and opportunities to find the perfect presents for your loved ones are few and far between. That’s why we’ve included our gift guide in this issue for some last-minute inspiration. We also share some glamorous fashion for parties on the horizon and cosy items to wrap up warm in when heading out into the cold, as well as some handy recipes to make the most of your Christmas dinner leftovers. The team at Lincolnshire Today would like to wish you a Christmas full of cheer, excellent food, and, most importantly, merry fun with family and friends. With loneliness high this time of year, especially amongst our elderly neighbours, why not take the opportunity of the holidays to check in with a minced pie, or extend an invitation to those who may be spending the season alone, perhaps for the first time, embracing the tradition of togetherness yuletide celebrates. Merry Christmas to you all. Tess Egginton Editor and the Lincolnshire Today teamFeatures 6 THIS MONTH IN LINCOLNSHIRE What’s been going on in the county this month? 20A CHRISTMAS SPELL OVER LINCOLN From candlelit cathedrals to glowing castle walls, Lincoln turns into a storybook each December, where history, lights and local charm make every corner feel festive. 24FESTIVE GLAM & WINTER WARMERS From party dresses to cosy coats, Lincolnshire Today shares some new looks to adorn this festive season. 34THE SURPRISING RISE OF ONION SHAMPOO Once a kitchen remedy whispered about in beauty forums, onion shampoo has become hair care’s newest obsession. Here’s why this sulphur-rich staple is being hailed as the secret to stronger, healthier roots. 36HOW TO STAY FIT WHEN WINTER (AND MINCE PIES) GET IN THE WAY As the cold sets in and festive temptations pile up, staying fit isn’t about strict routines or guilt. It’s about small, steady choices that keep your body moving and your mood up through winter. 38CHRISTMAS LEFTOVERS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING Christmas leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving. Lincolnshire Today shares some recipes to turn the towers of turkey, veggies and chocolates into something the whole family will enjoy. 42THE JOY OF GIFT GIVING Treating family and friends with a few thoughtful presents at Christmas is a great way to spread love, joy, and appreciation. Whether you only have a present or two DECEMBER FROM PARTY DRESSES TO COSY COATS, LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY SHARES SOME NEW LOOKS TO ADORN THIS FESTIVE SEASON. contentsFROM CANDLELIT CATHEDRALS TO GLOWING CASTLE WALLS, LINCOLN TURNS INTO A STORYBOOK EACH DECEMBER, WHERE HISTORY, LIGHTS AND LOCAL CHARM MAKE EVERY CORNER FEEL FESTIVE. left to find or are in need of stocking filler inspiration, Lincolnshire Today’s merry gift guide is here to help! 51WHEN GROWING OLD MEANS STAYING HOME Across Britain, older people are reimagining what it means to age with dignity. The choice to remain at home brings freedom and comfort, but also new questions about safety, connection, and care. 54THE NEXT IN LINE From shop counters to boardrooms, Britain’s family businesses are rethinking what it means to pass something on, and what’s worth holding onto. 58COUNTY MOTORING Electrifying vehicles for executive adventures. • We put the Lamborghini Fenomeno through its paces. 64WHAT’S ON There’s always something going on in Lincolnshire. 70A CAPPUCCINO WITH… Lincolnshire Today caught up with crime author Jack Cartwright. Desirable homes 10AN ESCAPE FROM URBAN LIFE This month’s featured property is an idyllically positioned family home that has been modernised by its owners. 16A RABBIT WARREN OF ART A perfect addition to Lincoln must-visit lists, The Little Red Gallery is a treasure trove of outstanding art. 18A COLOURFUL WINTER Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains how to get colour into your garden this winter.NHS prepares to move into Scunthorpe’s Elizabeth Quarter as keys handed over Keys to office space in North Lincolnshire Council’s Elizabeth Quarter building have been handed over, paving the way for Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) to move into the heart of Scunthorpe town centre. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a major moment for Scunthorpe. Bringing NHS services into the town centre makes them easier to access and in a welcoming, accessible place. “With the number of staff and visitors to the site reaching into the high hundreds every week, this is also a great boost for the town centre. “Coming after the opening of the Clinical Diagnostic Centre in the heart of town, we are enabling people to live healthier lives as well as helping our town centre thrive.” RDaSH will lease the office and clinical space for 15 years, enabling a wide range of mental health, learning disability, neurodiversity, and talking therapy services to be delivered in the town centre. latest news Grant scheme launched to strengthen North Lincolnshire businesses Small and medium-sized enterprises in North Lincolnshire can now access new funding designed to drive investment, boost efficiency, and create local jobs. The latest business grant scheme aims to support companies that have been trading for more than a year, helping them modernise operations and remain competitive in a challenging market. Eligible projects include equipment upgrades, technology adoption, diversification into new products or services, and energy-saving measures such as solar panels or heat pumps. Grants range from £2,500 to £5,000, and applicants must match the funding on a 50:50 basis. Projects must begin immediately upon approval and be completed within 30 working days. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all allocations are made. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Strong businesses, new jobs and a thriving local economy – these things really matter for residents and communities. “This fund gives local firms the chance to invest with confidence, modernise their operations and build for the future – these grants are a practical way to give firms the tools they need to succeed.” © stock.adobe.com/Ascannio £1m boost to bring arts opportunities to rural and coastal communities in Lincolnshire A £1m investment will help close the arts access gap and bring new creative opportunities to Boston and South Holland, as community arts programme Transported, based at the University of Lincoln, secures a major boost from Arts Council England. Announced as part of the national Creative People and Places (CPP) portfolio for 2026-29, the funding will support a new phase of work titled Mind the Gap, tackling the gaps in access to culture across some of Lincolnshire’s most rural, hard-to-reach communities. Boston and South Holland are the only areas in Greater Lincolnshire to benefit from the CPP scheme, making this a significant win for the region. With many local residents living miles from theatres, galleries, and cultural infrastructure, the funding aims to bring arts experiences directly to doorsteps, parks, village halls, and community spaces. Nick Jones, director of Transported, said: “We’ve spent more than a decade working with communities here, and this next phase is about going even deeper, making sure no one feels left out of culture.” © North Lincolnshire Council Flos Pompa mural in Spalding © Faye ParkerKeepmoat to deliver £20m regeneration at Alexandra Dock Keepmoat is moving forward with a £20 million regeneration of Alexandra Dock in Grimsby after securing planning approval from North East Lincolnshire Council. The project will see the creation of 120 all-electric homes, including 54 affordable units for social rent through a local housing association. The development is part of a wider collaboration between Keepmoat and the council to revitalise brownfield land in the town centre. Plans include landscaped public areas and space set aside for future retail use to support local economic growth. Richard Gough, operations director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “We’re thrilled to secure planning to breathe new life into Alexandra Dock. This project represents a significant investment in the area and we’re looking forward to working alongside our partners to bring forward a brownfield piece of land set for regeneration. “At Keepmoat, we are proud to build communities and transform lives. Grimsby is a fantastic location, offering a range of amenities and strong transport links.” Mum’s half marathon challenge to thank hospital for son’s care A Lincoln mum ran the Robin Hood Half Marathon and raised £501 for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity to say thanks for the hospital care she and her son received after he was born eight weeks premature. Leo Andrew was born in November 2024 and spent the first 24 days of his life at Lincoln County Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. Mum, Kayleigh Andrew recently returned to the unit to hand her donation to the charity team and say thank you to staff who cared for her son. She said: “I don’t run, so when my friend persuaded me into taking on this half marathon, I thought I would try and raise some money as well. “It’s very emotional coming back and seeing where Leo lived for the first weeks of his life. I just want to say a massive thank you for the support provided by the neonatal team and hopefully this donation will be put to good use and help other families as they helped our family.” Midwife Helen, who helped care for Leo whilst he was on the Neonatal unit said: “We are so grateful for this wonderful donation, thank you for giving us something that will benefit everyone.” Last year, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity funded projects worth over £245,000 for the maternity and neonatal units at Lincoln and Boston hospitals. Charity Manager, Ben Petts said: “Everyday people can see how the charity is helping to transform healthcare in Lincolnshire and it is extremely rewarding when we provide additional equipment that will support our most vulnerable patients.” For more information on United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, visit the website at: www.ulhcharity.org.uk Burghley House stars in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Burghley House has made its way onto TV screens around the world in Guillermo del Toro’s new film Frankenstein, streaming on Netflix. Filming took place at Burghley in September 2024, with some of the House’s most spectacular State Rooms including the Great Hall, the Bow Room, and The Old Kitchen providing the backdrop for del Toro’s reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic tale. The film features an acclaimed cast including Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz. Visitors exploring Burghley House today can discover the very rooms featured in Frankenstein, and experience first-hand the centuries of history that have long captured the imagination of filmmakers and visitors alike. One of the largest and grandest houses of the 16th century, Burghley combines magnificent architecture and atmospheric interiors, set within sweeping Capability Brown parkland. Philip Gompertz, director of commercial visitor operations, Burghley House, said: “Visitors often enjoy spotting the rooms they’ve seen on screen, and Frankenstein will add another fascinating chapter to Burghley’s long connection with film and television.” © Netflix © North East Lincolnshire Council / Keepmoat A scene captured in Burghley’s Great HallCouncil launches employment initiative to support care leavers in North East Lincolnshire North East Lincolnshire Council has announced a new employment programme designed to help young people leaving care gain skills and secure work. The Family Enterprise scheme aims to address the challenges faced by care leavers in entering the workforce, including low employment rates and limited access to training. Around 41% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 across the UK are not in education, employment, or training, with local figures even higher. Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education, said the initiative marks a crucial investment in the region’s young people. “This programme is a vital step forward in helping care leavers access meaningful employment opportunities. By working closely with local businesses and partners, we are creating pathways that support young people into work, training or further education.” Developed with input from care-experienced young people, the programme follows a successful pilot run earlier this year. Participants will take part in an 8 to 12-week course delivered by Grimsby-based training provider CPO, covering accredited learning, skills assessments, and wellbeing support. The initiative also connects participants with local employers offering placements, voluntary roles, or apprenticeships. latest news Government approval clears way for North Hykeham Relief Road construction The UK Government has authorised Lincolnshire County Council to proceed with the North Hykeham Relief Road, following approval of the necessary legal orders by the Secretary of State. The decision allows the council to begin the procurement and construction process for the long-awaited infrastructure project, which aims to complete a full ring road around Lincoln. A contractor appointment is expected to be confirmed early in the new year. The North Hykeham Relief Road will create a new dual carriageway connecting the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass. The scheme includes new roundabouts at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road, and Grantham Road, as well as several bridge structures, including one over the River Witham and another at Station Road. Once completed, the road is expected to ease congestion, support economic growth, and improve transport links for local businesses and residents. The approval marks a key milestone in one of Lincolnshire’s most significant transport infrastructure investments in recent years. Grimsby soldiers finally laid to rest in France More than a century after their deaths, four soldiers from Grimsby have been buried in northern France following their discovery during hospital construction works near Lens in 2020. The men (members of the Lincolnshire Regiment) were found with uniforms, respirators, and boots dating from 1916–1917, helping investigators pinpoint their likely time of death. Research by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre later identified them as Privates Cook, Cullum, Fraser, and London. DNA analysis confirmed their identities after tracing their descendants. The soldiers, believed to have fallen in battle around May 1917, were laid to rest at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Loos British Cemetery Extension. The burial was organised by the MOD’s “War Detectives” team, with support from the Royal Anglian Regiment, which provided the bearer and firing parties. The soldiers’ graves will now be maintained in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, ensuring their names and service are preserved for future generations. © stock.adobe.com/Jadon B/peopleimages.com © Lincolnshire County Council © GOV.UKSTATUTORY CONSULTATION Humber Carbon Capture Pipeline Statutory Consultation Have your say 29 October to 17 December 2025 Deadline for feedback: 23:59 17 December 2025 Following our initial consultation held in Summer 2024, Northern Endurance Partnership is holding a statutory consultation for the Humber Carbon Capture Pipeline, a proposed underground, onshore pipeline with Above Ground Installations and Pump Facility, that would transport carbon dioxide produced by industrial projects in the Humber region to secure offshore storage under the North Sea. The proposed pipeline would be built between the Drax area in North Yorkshire and the coast north of Easington in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Parts of the pipeline would also run through North and North East Lincolnshire. More information can be found on our website at: www.nephccp.co.uk (Scan the QR code above to visit our website) You can contact the HCCP project team by phone: 0800 024 1436 You can also contact us by email: info@nephccp.co.uk ( Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, please leave a voicemail outside of these times) Find out more at our eventsDateTime East Halton Village Hall DN40 3NLTues 11 Nov3-7pm Goxhill Memorial Hall DN19 7JJWeds 12 Nov2-6pm South Killingholme Community Centre DN40 3EUFri 14 Nov3-7pm Wootton Village Hall DN39 6SGSat 15 Nov10am-2pm Easington Community Hall HU12 0TUFri 21 Nov3-7pm Thorngumbald Village Hall HU12 9NGSat 22 Nov10am-2pm South Ferriby Village Hall DN18 6HSMon 24 Nov3-7pm Garthorpe Village Hall DN17 4ADTues 25 Nov3-7pm West Halton Village Hall DN15 9APThurs 27 Nov3-7pm Burton upon Stather Village Hall DN15 9DPFri 28 Nov3-7pm Drax Village Hall YO8 8NPTues 2 Dec3-7pm Crowle Community Hall DN17 4LLFri 5 Dec3-7pm Rawcliffe Village Hall DN14 8QRSat 6 Dec10am-2pm Online webinar Register by going onto our Tues 18 Nov1-2pm website or by contacting us Weds 10 Dec6-7pmNext >