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We have a fantastic bumper issue for you to enjoy this month.

Inside you will find Downtown’s Christmas 2023 brochure, as well as our inspirational Christmas Gift Guide, so get your lists ready and start planning your festivities with perfect present ideas for friends and family.

This month sees our exciting sell-out Taste of Excellence Awards evening, which takes place on Thursday 2nd November at The Drill in Lincoln. Nominees in each of the 14 categories will find out who this year’s worthy winners and runners-up are.

Our judges have been busy out and about and have reported that the competition to be crowned champions of Lincolnshire food, drink and hospitality is just as hot as ever. We’ll be covering the event and interviewing the winners in next month’s issue, so if you can’t join us in person on the night, make sure you get your copy!

Kate Chapman caught up with talented artist Su France, whose creative designs and artwork reflect her passion for her rural surroundings (page 32).

Su also makes her cast botanical silver jewellery from recycled silver and sells her pieces through her website, as well as in The Hub, in Sleaford – check out her inspirational designs for unique gift ideas.

Kate also went behind the scenes at The Village Church Farm Museum in Skegness, where visitors are invited to see what life in a Victorian farmhouse was really like (p.132).

This fascinating museum is run by manager Naomi Walton with the help of dedicated volunteers, so if you’re interested in Lincolnshire’s heritage and history, do get in touch with the team – there’s a range of opportunities available for anyone interested in helping out.

Meanwhile if you’re tempted to get out in the garden, Steffie Shields recommends seasonal garden chores amid a symphony of colour. November is traditionally the best time to plant trees and shrubs and it’s a great month to enjoy nature’s technicolour dreamcoat, rivalling any fireworks display!

Finally, we will be attending this year’s Food & Gift Fair at Lincolnshire Showground on 25th and 26th November. It’s always a popular event in the lead-up to the festive period, so do come along and say hello!