County capital in the spotlight

Lincoln promises to be really buzzing in the run-up to Christmas – but the traditional festivities will simply be the icing on the cake.
Shoppers and visitors – particularly those who haven’t visited the city for some time – will be met with a changing street scene and skyline. Great progress is being made on multi-million pound developments and others have recently been completed.

There are new arrivals to check out on the retail scene, longer-standing businesses have splashed out on re-fits and others have invested in a move into larger premises, as Lincoln grows in prominence as a great shopping and tourist destination.

There’s fresh investment on the parking front too and the completion of the city’s £3 million Transport Hub is just weeks away.

And the University of Lincoln, already a huge contributor to the local economy, has once again spread its wings and added to its Brayford Pool campus.

One of the parts of the city which is seeing in the most dramatic of changes is the Cornhill Quarter. Dramatic multi-million pound changes to Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter are not only continuing to revive the streetscape in the city centre – they have attracted new tenants.

Moss Bros was the first business to open in the revamped Corn Exchange building – which has been regenerated as part of a £70m scheme – and Flying Tiger Copenhagen followed hot on their heels.

The next arrival is expected to be The Cosy Club, who will be moving in in the New Year, and bringing a new experience in relaxed dining out to the city.

Banks Long & Co are agents for Lincolnshire Co-operative, who are behind the massive redevelopment project. The project is being complemented by the further upgrading of properties in Sincil Street, a new 1,000-space multi-storey car park, due to open before Christmas, and the city’s new state-of-the-art bus station, which is now expected to open in January.

Banks Long & Co managing director Tim Bradford said: “A total of six new units have been incorporated into the revamped Corn Exchange building. Four of them have already been let and we have strong interest in the rest.

“We are delighted with the progress made on this first phase of the scheme. We are now starting on Phase 2, which will deliver a further five shop and café units in a prominent location on Sincil Street.

“This phase is due for completion in autumn 2018. We already have occupiers earmarked for this space.”

Colleague Simon Bridge said paving work already completed in the area is just part of a wider scheme to totally upgrade the public areas around the Cornhill, Cornhill Pavements and Sincil Street. Traders in the Sincil Street area are thanked for their patience.

Uphill, progress continues on the £2 million revamp of The Lawn complex, off Union Road, where R W Stokes & Sons is breathing new life into the former hospital site – having already welcomed people to its new café.

The changes taking place at The Lawn are also attracting a range of new tenants.

Julie Joyce-Smith is ready to dazzle brides-to-be after expanding from Doncaster and launching Jaynes Bridalwear – which features gowns by designers in Barcelona, Milan and London.

And the owner of The Little Pottery Studio Jemma Stimpson has also chosen The Lawn as the ideal spot for her business, which was formerly based in Bracebridge Heath.

On the University of Lincoln campus, three major new buildings – representing around £70 million of capital investment – welcomed their first students in September.

The Isaac Newton Building is a landmark new centre of excellence for teaching and research in core science and technology disciplines. It pairs the University of Lincoln’s established strengths in Engineering and Computer Science with Lincoln’s new School of Mathematics and Physics.

The building, which features a stunning 500-seat lecture theatre, takes its name from Sir Isaac Newton, perhaps the world’s greatest scientist and mathematician, who lived at Woolsthorpe Manor, near Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Nearby, the Sarah Swift Building provides a new home for the University’s School of Psychology and School of Health and Social Care.

Located on the eastern edge of the Brayford Pool Campus, opposite the University’s award-winning Great Central Warehouse Library, the facility offers a cutting-edge training and research facility for staff and students in nursing, social work and psychology subjects.

The building is named in honour of Dame Sarah Swift, a First World War nurse, from Kirton near Boston, who in 1916 founded the Royal College of Nursing.

The University of Lincoln has also invested in creating bespoke new on-campus student accommodation for 441 students through its Cygnet Wharf residential complex, located on the edge of the existing Student Village.

But they are not the only new homes in the city centre. Jackson & Jackson’s impressive development One The Brayford which, when completed, will feature 89 apartments and three restaurants, has also been attracting attention, with many of the properties having already been sold.

It is against this ever-changing backdrop that Lincoln is gearing up for a bumper festive season, with plenty of late night shopping, no less than three Lights Switch-On ceremonies and popular attractions including the return of the much-loved Reindeer Parade and more.

TRANSPORT UPDATE
Excitement is building as the city’s long-awaited £30 million Transport Hub moves nearer to completion and the impressive, phased multi-million pound regeneration of The Cornhill Quarter takes shape.

Local business owners have shown great patience during the construction work, but throughout their message to shoppers has been: “We’re very much open for business. pop in and see us. You’re sure to marvel at the amazing transformation that is taking place.”

Progress on the Transport Hub, which is being built by Willmott Dixon and backed by £11m of Government Funding and £2m from the Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership, is also a real talking point.

The scheme includes a six-storey, 1,000-space car park, a state-of-the-art bus station and a stylish plaza connecting these new facilities with the train station and city centre.

The car park is due to welcome its first users on 17th November.

The city’s temporary bus station is currently operating out of Tentercroft Street, but shoppers, visitors and residents will be able to use the brand new bus station from the middle of January.

BOOST FOR THE ARTS
Lincoln is poised to benefit from a £690,000 investment which will allow the city to bring high-profile international artists to Lincoln.

Investment for Power is part of Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence Programme and the money, for Lincoln Arts Trust, means it can host a three-year art programme featuring high profile artistic commissions.

Artists of international stature will work with communities to question, produce, enjoy and contribute to artistic commissions, debates, talks and public performances. Lincoln Arts Trust is leading the collaborative programme with the University of Lincoln, supported by Lincoln’s Culture and Arts Partnership and Open Plan.

The Arts Council’s Ambition for Excellence Fund supports projects which show the potential to make a significant impact on the development of talent and leadership, as well as the growth of an ambitious arts infrastructure in England.

Arts Council England area director Peter Knott said: “Lincoln is a city steeped in history. This investment presents a really exciting opportunity to celebrate and showcase Lincoln through a range of world-class artistic events. “

Mr Knott hoped the investment would help to “fuel future growth in the local visitor economy.”

Lincoln Arts Trust spokesman Chris Kirkwood said: “We believe passionately in the power of art to transform lives, places and perceptions. This investment in Lincoln is transformative.

“As the leading organisation, we are looking forward to collaborating with the sector in Lincoln and beyond. We are particularly pleased that The Cornhill Quarter will become the home for this exciting programme.

Lincoln Chair of the Lincoln Culture & Arts Partnership and Vice Chancellor at The University of Lincoln, Professor Mary Stuart said: “We are so thrilled to have been successful in this Ambition for Excellence award. This is a ground breaking opportunity for Lincoln.”

FESTIVE FUN FOR ALL
Lincoln promises to be extra merry and bright this year, with its twinkling lights and fabulous events attractions.

Lincoln BIG is introducing a new attraction – THOR’s Tipi – which will arrive on the Cornhill on 14th November and open daily from 10.30am right through to 31st December (only closing on Christmas Day).

This fun family café, formed of two linked canvas tipis and decked out with wooden tables and benches, cosy furs and a fire pit, will serve a wide selection of drinks, food and hot chocolate specials.

Look out for a triple treat on Friday, 17th November, when the city flicks the switches on three Christmas Festive light ceremonies. St Marks Retail Park’s takes place at 6.15pm, followed by Lincoln’s main Switch-On ceremony in front of the High Street War Memorial at 6.45pm. The Waterside Shopping Centre will then add to the festive ambience with its ceremony at 7.15pm.

This year is the first time the event is being held on a Friday, giving school-age children the chance to join in. City Square will also be turned into a winter wonderland, with family fun.

A giant screen is also being set up, which will capture the magic of the High Street Festive Lights Switch-On ceremony.

On Thursday 23rd November Lincoln BIG will be welcoming some very special visitors, reindeer from the Cairngorms. Families can meet these much-loved animals at St Marks Retail Park from 2pm and 4pm, and see them again when they leave at 6pm, to start their sleigh-pulling parade to the Cornhill.

The city’s Cathedral Quarter hosts the crowdpulling four-day Lincoln Christmas Market from Thursday to Sunday, 7th–10th December.

On 14th December, schoolchildren will also be taking part in the Lincoln BIG Lantern Parade. This year the route is being reversed. Following a carol service in Castle Hill the parade will wend its way downhill to City Square, where there will be a fantastic light show.

VIDEOS HIT THE MARK
Three tourism videos promoting Lincoln as a brilliant place to visit have reached more than one million people. This has made them one of the most successful marketing tools created by Visit Lincoln to date.

The promotional videos were created by Lincoln-based media production team WallBreaker and launched at the end of 2016. They focus on citywide events, culture and heritage and scooped Best Use of Multimedia at this year’s Lincolnshire Digital and Tech awards.

Head of Visit Lincoln, Lydia Rusling said: “Video has become a staple of our everyday lives. We wanted to use it to show people, inside the UK and overseas, why they should be thinking about visiting Lincoln and the surrounding area.

“Visit Lincoln is almost entirely funded, at 94 per cent, by private sector businesses playing an annual partnership fee. In return we have to deliver marketing which encourages people to plan a trip and, most importantly, spend money in the local visitor economy.

“Video marketing allows us to reach many people and it is extremely shareable, which means we can reach their new customers.

“We are extremely proud of the videos. They are being shared not only by people planning a visit, but by local residents who are proud of Lincoln and want to share it with friends and family. The icing on the cake was winning Best Use of Multimedia at this year’s Digital Technology Awards.”

LINCOLN’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
There will be a fabulous line-up, joining the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Chris Burke, to switch on this year’s Christmas Lights in Lincoln High Street. Lincoln City’s inspirational managers, Danny and Nicky Cowley, plus former X-Factor finalist, Andy Abraham and popular Celebrity Big Brother and Gogglebox star, Sandy Bogle, will join the Mayor on Friday 17th November. Andy and Sandy are also appearing in this year’s New Theatre Royal Pantomime, Aladdin.

BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenters Scott Dalton and Corazon Garcia will be compering the event and – because it is Children in Need day, Pudsey Bear will also be putting in an appearance!

Also present on stage will be characters from the Drill Hall’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

From 5pm, the Switch-On celebrations will include family activities in Lincoln’s City Square, with roundabout rides, performances from choirs and singing princesses, plus a giant screen – so that everyone can watch the switch-on.

The Lincoln Salvation Army Band will be playing a selection of favourite carols, as the Mayor processes from the Guildhall to the stage in the High Street.

Lincoln central car park, which forms the City of Lincoln Council’s £30 million Transport Hub project, will now open that day. The new car park opening will coincide with the switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights and the start of the festive shopping period.

Parking will be free from 5pm to 9pm. This will give people plenty of time to enjoy the lights and do some late night shopping until 8pm!

MOTORHOME DEPOT
Selling your motorhome can be a daunting experience; preparing adverts, taking pictures dealing with telephone calls and not to mention your time wasted with viewers who are “just looking”.

And once you have a genuine buyer the process of dealing with the actual sale and making sure you have the funds safely in your account add to the stress and frustration.

Motorhome Depot can handle all this for you, allowing you to relax in the knowledge that your valuable motorhome will be sold for you. They operate a no sale, no fee policy and can offer finance and part exchanges to attract the attention of all buyers. They may even have a buyer waiting for your model of motorhome on their database. Your local broker Steve Williamson, based in Lincoln, will deal with you from start to finish taking control of the entire process. Visit their website www.motorhomedepot.com and read the reviews from countless satisfied customers.

MARKS TRANSPORT
It’s been a busy year at Marks Transport Group which has been branded under a new name after nineteen years in the county.

After a successful military career, Mark Hueso began driving taxis before turning his attention to becoming a first rate provider of wheelchair accessible transport in Lincoln. After the success of passenger services Mark branched out and expanded into private transfers. The company now has eighty vehicles and over 150 members of staff.

Next came vehicle maintenance and conversions followed by further expansion, by the addition of a state of the art MOT bay in 2016 and their first Lincolnshire Show in 2017.

The company comprises Marks Specialised Services, Marks Passenger Services, Marks MOT, Marks Vehicle Conversions and Marks Training.

Owner Mark Hueso said: “Many people will recognise our vehicles and perhaps only know about the onroad passenger services elements, so a re-brand makes sense, to communicate all we have to offer. We are pleased to continue to employ locally as we grow and provide a first rate service.”

Visit www.markstransportgroup.com for more information.

CHRIS WYATT HOME IMPROVEMENTS – CONSERVATORY PROBLEMS?
Fed up of wasted space that you can only use at certain times of the year? Don’t know what the options are? Icotherm Insulated Timber-Framed Light Weight Roofs provide the solution when it comes to replacing your old conservatory roof whilst adding value, versatility and privacy.

Fitting an Icotherm insulated solid roof to your conservatory means you can use the space all year round. It’s practical and beautifully designed, conforming with Building Regulations for structural and thermal performance.

The innovative technology means you can have a tiled or slate finish roof that is only marginally heavier than a glass one.

Weatherproof outside, warm and bright and airy inside
The inside of your new solid conservatory roof can be finished in either painted plaster or cladding. You can choose Velux roof windows to add extra daylight and ventilation.

Call Chris Wyatt Home Improvements for a free survey on 01522 500111.

BREWED TO PERFECTION
The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company is an award-winning supplier of tea and coffee which works with a wide range of businesses. Their high quality products are available from an ever increasing number of outlets.

A range of speciality teas are offered, including everyday Lincolnshire Tea™, Orange Pekoe, Lapsang Souchong, Jasmine and Earl Grey. Coffees in both ground and bean varieties are also available, from the Finest Colombian to Espresso No1 Beans.

Co-owner Susie Carlisle says: “We all get into the habit of reaching for a traditional cup of black tea but why not try something different? Jasmine green tea is a great accompaniment for many foods. Its delicate, floral flavour cleanses the palate well; I often drink it after a meal.

“Another of my favourite teas is Lapsang Souchong. This can be a ‘love it or hate it tea’; but I love it. I always treat myself to a pot of this smoked Chinese tea when enjoying smoked salmon or smoked meats. In my opinion its tarry, smoke-laced character is the perfect accompaniment.”

For examples of clients and ways in which The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company could help you, visit their website at www.thelincolnteaandcoffeecompany.co.uk. You can contact The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company by using the online contact page or by phone on 01522 681838.

CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND AT DODDINGTON HALL
Doddington Hall is taking inspiration from Alice in Wonderland this festive season, being decorated to fit the theme ‘Christmas in Wonderland’. It’s an opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere in a treasured family home, which has seen a lot of Christmas mornings over its 400-year-plus history. A chance to see what the present day family and staff have created and imagine how Christmas may have looked in the past.

Elsewhere on the Doddington Estate, there is plenty of magical atmospheric shopping to be enjoyed including the colourful Bauble Barn and freshly-cut homegrown trees in the pretty Stable Yard. Doddington at Home and Country Clothing are both full of inspirational gift ideas and the Farm Shop has plenty of seasonal produce and gifts for both under the tree and on the table.

Doddington Hall is open to visitors every Wed-Fri 2-6pm, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm between Sat 25th November-Fri 22nd December plus Thu 28th and Fri 29th, 10am-4pm. Admission, Adult £9, child £4.50. Shops and Cafes open daily. Visit www.doddingtonhall.com or call 01522 694308.

LUXURY COMFORTS AT GLEBE FARM
After little more than a year in business, the owners of Glebe Farm Holiday Barns have capped off a successful opening period by becoming finalists in Lincolnshire Life’s Taste of Excellence Awards, Self Catering Venue of the Year category. Winners to be announced this month.

Owned by Will and Amy Pickering, this is their first foray into the holiday-let business and from the outset they were determined to be that little bit different.

Located in Horncastle Lane, Scampton their two fine, link-detached barn conversions are luxuriously appointed and enjoy views over the Lincolnshire countryside. They even boast their own private hot tub.

The accommodation includes large living/dining room with wood burning stove, large kitchen with utility room, double bedroom with television and en suite provision and a further two bedrooms similarly enhanced. The bathrooms are equally inviting, and a wet room is available.

As you can imagine with such well-appointed properties there is an abundance of luxury home comforts including 50-inch television and underfloor heating. Bed linen and towels are included and for those with young children, a travel cot and high chair are available on request.

After a day of sightseeing you can relax in the large, enclosed lawn garden with patio. Just three miles from Lincoln’s historic Bailgate and Cultural Quarter the cottages provide an ideal touring base for visiting both the city and Lincolnshire Wolds.

“When we designed the barns we didn’t want ‘hotel-look’ interiors, we wanted to give them a more authentic appeal, so we scoured antiques fairs for all those extra special finishing touches,” said Amy Pickering.

As well as providing outstanding accommodation for those wanting a relaxing break away from it all, the barn conversions have been booked by guests celebrating christenings, hen parties and other special occasions.

“A personal trainer has recently booked the two barns to host a one-week ‘boot camp’ for their clients, with nutritional advice and exercise regimes as part of the package,”

You can contact Amy Pickering for further information or to book by calling 07825 984503 or by visiting the website or Facebook page.

MAYOR VISITS LOCAL FAMILY RUN INDEPENDENT OPTICIANS
Walters Opticians is an independent family business established by Roy and Anna Walters in January 1998 with practices located in Market Place, Gainsborough and Hykeham Green Shopping Centre, North Hykeham, Lincoln.

They offer comprehensive eyecare for the whole family, backed up with an extensive range of ophthalmic equipment including retinal photography.

Their contact lens specialist Karen Everatt draws on a wealth of experience and knowledge when recommending the best lenses to suit you and your lifestyle.

New for 2017 is their Dry Eye Clinic. Dry eye disease is a reduction in the volume of tears and the quality of the tear film, it affects one-third of the UK population.

In October 2017 the Mayor of Gainsborough visited the practice to experience for herself the Tear Clinic examination. The Mayor was extremely impressed with the detailed examination and wowed by the hi-tech diagnosis equipment, and was thoroughly delighted that the Dry Eye service was available to the people of Gainsborough.

CUSTOMER IS KING
Forty Winks have been established for 12 years. They are a local Lincolnshire family business. From working in the shop, to doing the accounts and even delivering your local purchases, everyone who works at Forty Winks is a family member.

It is their customer service that sets them apart from the rest. They do this by offering a complete start to finish first class service. They offer an excellent choice of high quality products in their warm and friendly showroom, where they encourage you to try out the mattresses, and to take your time in choosing the perfect bed or product for you.

Their complete customer service to you continues through their quality delivery service, where their delivery personnel are so good they even take their shoes off! Their delivery team will take your items to the room of your choice, and assemble if required. They also offer an old bed disposal service. Visit Forty Winks at 100 Burton Road or visit www.fortywinkz.co.uk

LEGAL STAFF RAISE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS FOR CHARITY
Staff at a leading chain of Lincolnshire solicitors successfully battled the elements to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

A team of sixteen made up of solicitors, legal executives, paralegals, financial advisors and marketing managers from Chattertons Solicitors & Wealth Management, which has eight branches across the county and in Newark, embarked on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 30th September.

The peaks, which are based in the Yorkshire Dales, include a 694-metre high fell called Pen-y-Ghent, a 723-metre high fell called Ingleborough and the highest mountain in the Dales called Whernside which stands at 736m.

The hikers battled cold temperatures, fog, rain and sunshine to realise their dream of completing the combined 2,153 metre feat in under twelve hours and raising £3,244 for The Alzheimer’s Society.

The difficult conditions meant only ten participants continued to take on the mighty Pen-y-Ghent. However, by the time they reached the top, the group were met with glorious sunshine.

So far this year, Chattertons Solicitors & Wealth Management has already raised £4,439 through fundraising events including quiz nights, cake sales and sweep stakes.

Edward Conway, chief executive officer (CEO), said: “I would like to congratulate the team on their tremendous achievement, not only completing the challenge but raising such a terrific amount for The Alzheimer’s Society, which was chosen by the workforce as our charity of the year 2017.”

Other fundraising events planned include a quiz night at Newark Town Club on Thursday 16th November and a tombola at the Horncastle Christmas Market on Sunday 10th December.

Chattertons is a leading firm of solicitors and provider of wealth management services in the county. It provides a wide range of services delivering advice to individuals and businesses.

MARGARET’S TEA ROOMS
It’s been a busy seven months for Des and his team at Margaret’s Tea Rooms, just off Steep Hill in Lincoln. In that time the business has gone from strength to strength and is now listed as No.1 of 380 restaurants in Lincoln and No.1 tea and coffee establishment in Lincoln on TripAdvisor.

Margaret’s Tea Rooms offer afternoon teas, light bites, delicious cakes, coffees and the most ‘Tea-rific’ menu of sixteen artisan blended teas in Lincoln. Whether you choose Scotch Mist, Mucky Wellies, Yorkshire Rhubarb or Birthday Cake… you’ll be back to try another.

The Festive Afternoon Tea menu features seasonal favourites such as mini mince pies, petit fours, mini stollen, mini yule logs, along with a delicious selection of festive inspired sandwiches, accompanied by your choice of one of the Artisan blended teas. Festive Afternoon Tea will be served from 6th November and be available throughout November and December, priced at £26 for two people.

TANGO BY LINWOOD
Introducing TANGO by Linwood, a bold and exciting new collection of prints, weaves, wallpapers and plain velvets for autumn.

This charming mix of patterns and plains has been cleverly and carefully balanced to create a forward-looking range and offers both quality and luxury.

An expansion on the ever popular tropical theme, the collection sees lively botanical and floral designs juxtaposed beside strong geometric counterparts. All manner of flora and fauna dance across the patterns from cockatoos and parrots to leopards and storks which seem to be having their very own ‘Rumble in the Jungle’.

The colour palette is rich and vibrant, featuring tangy oranges and ochre offset against zesty greens and indigo blues. The prints are applied to luscious deep pile velvet as well as finely woven linen and are beautifully complemented by smart crisp weaves.

TANGO by Linwood is available from Roger Davis Interiors, 16 Newlin Business park, Exchange Rd, Lincoln LN6 3AB.

BOOK YOUR OCT APPOINTMENT AT CLEAR VIEW OPTICIANS
What is OCT? OCT, Optical Coherence Tomography, is an advanced 3D eye scan for people of all ages. Similar to ultrasound, OCT uses sound waves to image the different layers that make up the structures at the front and the back of your eye. The OCT machine captures both a photograph and a cross-sectional scan of the eye at the same time. This allows both instant and early diagnosis of a number of common ocular and overall health conditions. The scan is non-invasive, painless, simple and quick and what’s more, the software can detect even the most subtle changes to the retina with every eye test you have. This can lead to early treatment and prevention of diseases. The scan can check for many things, including: age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, glaucoma, vitreous detachments and macular holes.

Call Clear View Opticians on 01522 542121/01522 538889 for information and to book your appointment. www.clearviewopticians.co.uk

R KENNEDY DECORATING
Based in Lincoln, R Kennedy Decorating offers traditional painting and decorating services for residential and commercial clients alike. From initial advice through to completion, their tradesmen are dedicated professionals committed to customer satisfaction.

Their services include all aspects of decorating from interior painting to external masonry painting and timber protection; wallpapering and coving to HVLP and airless spraying.

Ryan and his team also offer period property restoration services where their tradesmen can offer a complete package for those looking to restore listed, historic or architectural important homes and buildings. Their attention to detail and knowledge of their trade ensures all customers’ work is guaranteed to be of the highest standard.

“Working within a network of experienced tradesmen, we can offer a complete interior fit out service, so that the client only has one point of contact and the project is managed by us on their behalf, taking away all the stress.”

So, whether you are looking for joiners or a plumber for a new kitchen or bathroom, or simply a new light fitting, they can find the right person for the job and will be happy to help.

For more information call 01522 402683 / 07881 924084 or visit rkennedydecorating.co.uk or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/rkennedydecorating

TASTERY TREATS
Fifteen minutes from the centre of Lincoln you will find Tillbridge Tastery in the village of Sturton by Stow. Serving a fantastic menu of home cooked food including sandwiches and lite bites, as well as their signature homemade cakes and desserts, the café is open from breakfast to late afternoon offering the perfect excuse for any visit. A proud advocate of using local ingredients you will find names including Stokes Coffee and Dennetts Ice Cream.

Mandy and her team have transformed this wonderful site into a destination for those visiting the nearby city of Lincoln. During the summer months the garden is a quiet haven with its own well.

Throughout the café, customers will be able to browse a wide range of gifts for sale including jewellery, cards and scarfs. For Christmas you will also find gifts for loved ones and decorations for the whole house.

For something special try the afternoon tea, a selection of sandwiches and cakes served with your chosen drink. Guests can also bring a bottle for their staff to serve.

For more information or to book a table call 01427 787999 or visit http://tillbridgetastery.wixsite.com/tillbridgetastery

PUPILS ENJOY COACHING SESSION FROM TEAM GB & ENGLAND MANAGER
Pupils from Lincoln Minster School were treated to a special hockey coaching session from Team GB & England Manager, Andy Halliday.

Andy coached both Prep and Senior pupils with the sessions focussing on the core skills required to perform at an elite level.

Following the session, Halliday said: “It’s been great to see the enthusiasm of the pupils today and to see sport thriving at the school. I’ve been very impressed by the skill level of the pupils and the way they’ve mastered the game. It’s fantastic to be surrounded by people that are so passionate about the game.”

Headmaster, Mark Wallace said: “To be coached by the Team GB and England Manager is a wonderful opportunity for our pupils. After a successful season across all age groups last year, this session with Andy Halliday can only serve to help our pupils improve their skills even further.”

Find out more about the important role sport and co-curricular activities play in life at Lincoln Minster School at www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk/sport

Upcoming Open Events: Sixth Form Open Evening, Thursday 9th November; Whole School Open Afternoon, Thursday 30th November; Sixth Form Taster Day, Friday 19th January.

TOP IN THE UK
Having expertise and passion for your chosen profession is a winning formula that is hard to beat. Such is the case for Gary Simpson, who started his butchery business single-handedly in Heckington in 2000 and developed it into a thriving enterprise adding shops in Sleaford, Stamford, Spalding, Lincoln and South Hykeham.

The team have built up several long-standing relationships with high quality suppliers and pride their business on quality, service, presentation, provenance and cleanliness. By sourcing only the very best quality produce, they can help you create the most luxurious lunches, buffets and parties, not just at Christmas but all year round. Their extensive range of hampers range from £20 to £150.

It’s easy to order during the Christmas period – either order online for home delivery anywhere in the UK – or visit your local Simpsons Butchers store and one of their knowledgeable staff will take your order for collection.

For more information visit http://www.gsimpsonbutchers.co.uk/

DAZZLING GIFT IDEAS FROM FAZE FOUR
For more than eight years Faze Four has been a trusted jeweller in Lincoln, offering a wide range of items and brands including ChloBo, Emozioni, Pandora and Cluse.

New for Christmas 2017 customers will also be able to choose from a wide range of Cluse and Ted Baker watches, making the perfect gift for a loved one. For something extra special they also offer a wide choice of engagement and wedding rings, perfect for that seasonal celebration. Their friendly and helpful staff have over twenty years’ combined experience and are on hand to help you choose the perfect gift.

Offering exceptional customer care and after sales facilities they also offer ear piercing services with two qualified Studex ear piercers, as well as minor and major jewellery repairs including watch battery replacement.

Visit Faze Four Jewellers at 345 High Street, Lincoln or visit their website www.mooreandscrupps.co.uk.

30 YEARS OF FINE ART IN LINCOLNSHIRE
With two premier galleries in Stamford and Lincoln, Spencer Coleman Fine Art has been providing fine paintings as well as a superb collection of modern sculpture and exquisite glass for thirty years.

The galleries are home to many leading British and European artists including Edward Hersey, Rob Hefferan, Roz Bell, Nigel Cooke, John Haskins, Amanda Jackson, Ian Mastin, Alfredo Navarro and Lawrie Williamson. You will also find international and critically acclaimed artists including Jorge Aguilar-Agon, Geoffrey Humphries, Talantbek Chekirov, Zoltan Preiner, Gyula Boros and Mattin-Laurent Partarrieu. Visit Spencer Coleman Fine Art at 2 Exchequer Gate, Lincoln or 5-9 George Hotel Mews, Stamford. www.spencercolemanfineart.co.uk

GET YOUR BOILER READY FOR WINTER 2 RED, THE BOILER COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST…
2 RED is a privately owned business that offers services ranging from new boiler installations and servicing to fitting full heating systems and power flushing.

Established in 2012, 2 RED initially based itself in Nottingham but after great success expanded to cover the Midlands, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire areas.

With over 200 independently verified reviews by Which? Trusted Traders and an average rating of 5 stars it is no surprise that the business has been rewarded for its outstanding professionalism, high quality product installation and customer service.

With over twenty-five years of combined experience, the company offers a variety of products alongside brilliant customer service. Gas, oil and LPG boilers can be fitted and fully serviced by the company after an initial in-house, no obligation free quote.

With the winter months approaching, it is crucial for your heating and boiler to be ready, to keep the whole family warm.

To get into the spirit of Christmas, 2 RED are offering a prize draw to those having a boiler fitted before 30th November, with the chance to win an iPad. To enter quote LL1017 and the winner will be published in the January edition of Lincolnshire Life.

FOR THAT SPECIAL GIFT
It’s been seven years since Lynne and Alison started selling their unique collection of gifts and items for the home. The business has steadily grown and, for the last two years, they have been located in the newly pedestrianised area, near the railway crossing, at the bottom of Lincoln’s bustling High Street.

They have searched far and wide to bring some very different gift ideas to their ever increasing loyal customer base. Some of the products are made exclusively for That Little Gift Shop and they stock items from many suppliers that are not normally found on the High Street including House of Disaster, Gisela Graham, Santoro, East of India, Really Good, Nobile and Guillermo Forchino comic art.

You will find gift solutions suitable for all occasions. They stock decorative items for the home, quirky and humorous gifts, glassware, fashions items such as bags, scarves and jewellery, gifts for him/her and items for specific occasions such as for new born babies and weddings. Their Christmas decorations and gifts are always something very special.

During the summer they opened the second floor of the shop as a new gallery selling artwork from a wide range of artists, including UK based, Catherine Stephenson, and an amazing new collection of furniture, lamps, rugs and stunning ornaments.

Visit That Little Gift Shop at 329 High Street, Lincoln.

AVOID POOR DECISIONS ON THE ROAD
Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership was formed seventeen years ago and is based at Witham House, The Pelham Centre. The Partnership was formed by the County Council and Police in order to reduce the number of people killed and injured on the county’s roads. Since that time Lincolnshire has seen significant reductions in those killed and seriously injured.

They offer a number of courses, one of which is their motorcycle Performance Plus which is held at Cadwell Park. Dates of 16th May and 18th September are planned for next year and cost £99 per person. Other courses available include skid training and team building courses.

Education in schools, colleges and Universities by the 2Fast2Soon theatre team helps young drivers and pre-drivers understand the risks and consequences of poor decisions on the road.

Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincolnshire-road-safety-partnership

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