Description

High summer and we have plenty to tempt and entertain you in this issue.

Steffie Shields previews the spectacular Sweet Pea Bonanza at Easton Walled Gardens where there will be over 100 varieties on show, full of colour and heady fragrance this month. It is a sight which always thrills and Steffie’s article with some of her own wonderful pictures begins on page 26.

Our team have put together an Afternoon Tea Tour of the county, featuring outstanding cafés, tea rooms and venues offering this traditional treat. Many of these businesses are also still making deliveries or taking orders for collection – services which were so valued during lockdowns. Whether you choose to visit in person or order to enjoy at home, there are menus and tipples to suit all tastes and occasions.

Our county people this month have made their mark in very different ways. Barbara Young interviewed Caroline Leighton, a county based composer who greatly values the inspiration she finds in the peace and solitude of her Wolds home (see page 32). Kate Chapman reports on the group which a few weeks ago recovered the Buffalo vehicle which was one of the heroes of the 1947 River Welland floods in the fens. Read more on page 86. Kate has also been talking to some of the county’s Olympic contenders. It has been a frustrating 12 months for the athletes but Tokyo 2020 will get underway on 23rd July, not with the usual full capacity stadiums but we will be cheering them on from our sitting rooms.

Our recipe pages feature a delicious summer lemon and elderflower cake courtesy of Dominic Franks in his Belleau Kitchen and Steve Bennett, head chef and patron of Healing Manor Hotel, has teamed up with the Alfred Enderby Smokehouse in Grimsby to bring you some light dishes perfect for al fresco dining using their smoked fish. I made the jewel coloured smoked salmon salad for a family lunch last weekend and it drew plenty of compliments so be sure to try it and the blood orange dressing which accompanies it.

Finally, we are still looking at plans for our Taste of Excellence Awards this year but meanwhile our listings this month welcome back wedding venues across the county who can finally welcome larger groups to join couples as they celebrate their special day.

Have an enjoyable July.