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The May 2008 issue - out now!

This issue I had the pleasure of meeting Bob Oakes of Cold Hanworth, who runs a blacksmith school. This long-standing tradition is being kept alive by Bob and he even runs classes which have proved extremely popular. Turn to page 22 to read all about this fascinating trade.

Sausages are on the menu this month as our ‘Sausage King’ Stephen Plume rides over to meet R J Hirst Butchers on his quest to find the best banger! Read all about his journey on page 130 and see why he recommends this Lincolnshire dish.

Talking of cuisine, the Taste of Excellence Awards will commence in the next issue. Recommendation forms will be available for you to select your favourite eaterie and cast your vote for the final ceremony early next year. The competition strives to recognise all that is good and great in the county with regard to cuisine and to support the local establishments.

I take great delight in announcing the winner of the Best Barn Competition, which is Chestnut Farm at Kirton Meeres near Boston. Congratulations to the owners and look out in the next issue as we report on the winning entry in full.

Our Talk of the Town this month is Market Rasen. This pretty town has stood the test of time and has benefited from keeping the traditional shops that line the main street. In the news recently for it’s proximity to the epicentre of the earthquake, Market Rasen is now well and truly on the map!

Also inside this issue is a feature on Gadsby’s the bakers. Based just across the border in Nottinghamshire, they have teamed up with the Lincolnshire Co-op in an ongoing dividend campaign to reward shoppers who buy local. Read all about the link up on page 100.

Finally, I wish you a fabulous bank holiday and I hope the weather stays dry and you are able to explore more of this wonderful county. If you are stumped for ideas of what to do and where to go, take a look t the County Calendar – our highlight this month is the Tulip Festival in Spalding.

Preview the magazine on-line:

Pages presented in pdf format – see external links panel (right) for details

Poachings | Letters to the Editor | Homes & Gardens | Blacksmiths at Cold Hanworth | RAF Celebrates 90th Anniversary | Village Life - Waltham and Brigsley | Dining Out - The Old Bakery | Dining Out - The Three Kings | Autolife - Mercedes C-Class Estate | Autolife - Lexus LS 600h| Flying Solo