Heritage Archive
(December 2023)

15 December 2023

Just angling

My first fishing rod was a garden cane. Attached to this was a length of line, a hook and a simple float made from a swan feather. I used to sit there catching rudd while my father fished for carp. The bait I used was made from bread flavoured with honey… In those days, the Read more…

Cool cuber

Kate Chapman meets leading Rubik’s Cube speed competitor and enthusiast Sam Spendla. IT WAS billed as the toy that took “a minute to learn – a lifetime to master” and speed cuber Sam Spendla would agree wholeheartedly after becoming hooked on the Rubik’s Cube as a teenager. Sam entered his first speed cubing competition in Read more…

Exploring Sleaford

Glynis Fox discovers a town with history and creativity at its heart. Currently home to more than 19,800 people (2021 census) – with plans for 1,400 new properties at Handley Chase expected in the coming years – this market town is an important employment centre. In common with many other destinations, Sleaford has been unable Read more…

Exploring the great outdoors

Kate Chapman meets hiker, wildlife enthusiast and navigation tutor Richard Fish, who leads the way in outdoor adventures for walkers. A passion for the outdoors and a desire to show off the best of Lincolnshire’s countryside led Richard Fish to set up his own business helping others enjoy a range of outdoor adventures and challenges. Read more…

14 December 2023

Crotal bells

Colin Smale looks at the distinctive bells used by drovers in bygone days. Without a shadow of a doubt, Santa of yesteryear would have hung crotal bells (PIC 1) around the necks of his reindeer – otherwise how would we hear them tinkling across the sky at night? These bells, a reasonably common find in Read more…

13 December 2023

Brigg open for business

With a range of independent shops, well established businesses and fascinating heritage sites, Glynis Fox finds that Brigg is well worth a closer look. If you love visiting places which boast an attractive mix of the historical and the new, then you should put this vibrant market town on your list of destinations to explore. Read more…

Creative carvings

Kate Chapman meets chainsaw sculpture artist Christian Andreolli, whose natural wood creations and artwork are much in demand both at home and abroad. A lifelong passion for creativity has taken artist and designer Christian Andreolli all over the world and since settling in Lincolnshire he has discovered an exciting new talent for chainsaw sculpture. Inspired Read more…

Teeth of the hill

Up the chalk – on the flint – new boots turning the clay – big coat weather – a trusted overcoat is more suitable than waterproofs – reliable and ancient herringbone – a collar to hunker into – the trees are showing their bones – a squall of leaves – the combination of decay and Read more…