Summer in Lincolnshire

Celebrating Summer in Lincolnshire.

AFTERNOON TEA TREATS WITH A TWIST
Renowned for its five-star afternoon teas, the Garden Tea Room in North Hykeham offers visitors everything from breakfast to light bites and lunches.

Owned and run by Jade Hawkins since 2017, this friendly and welcoming café specialises in award-winning afternoon teas, which are perfect for any occasion with a selection of freshly home-made sweet treats and savouries.

Winner of the Taste of Excellence Best Sweet Treat award in 2020, the Garden Tea Room also claimed top slot as last year’s Best Cakes or Bakes winner and was one of the three finalists in Best Tea or Coffee Shop, as well as earning a Gold Citation for Best Sweet Treat.

This summer, Jade has organised a number of special events with something for everyone, including a special Jubilee Garden Party on 2nd June, as well as a live Motown music evening with Elspeth Foster on 16th June (from 6pm to 10pm, tickets £10), a Create Your Own Fresh Flower Crown day with afternoon tea on 21st June, as well as a Gin and Tonic Afternoon Tea with acoustic music from Jamie Nowell on 16th July (tickets £19.95, to include afternoon tea, plus one gin and tonic pp).

For more information visit www.gardentearoom.co.uk

ENJOY THE GREAT BRITISH SUMMER AT LINCOLN CASTLE
Lincoln Castle will be hosting a wide schedule of events celebrating the Platinum Jubilee.

The programme will shine a light on the role that the Castle grounds have played over the past 18 months as a safe, green space, with themes of community and connections.

There will be something for everyone with live music, food and drink, and family fun, incorporating bank holidays and key celebrations for a truly Great British Summer.

The Great British Outdoor Picnic, to be held 2nd–5th June (10am-5pm), will be the key celebration for the Queen’s Jubilee. Lincoln Castle is the perfect backdrop to this great British tradition, and families and friends are welcome to come together to mark this historic occasion. The Castle grounds are free to enjoy over the bank holiday inclusive of the bandstand entertainment – all other admissions apply.

Socialise in the grounds during the summer Picnic Social 23rd July to 7th August (10am-5pm) and treat yourself to some of Lincolnshire’s finest food and drink. A social summer gathering of the like-minded celebrating food, culture and community.

NEW EXHIBITIONS AT HARDING HOUSE GALLERY
Harding House Gallery is looking forward to a lovely summer filled with visitors from far and wide, and new artworks arriving.

The gallery is pleased to welcome a new member, painter Glynne James, who has been selling his landscapes at the gallery for some time and has now joined the co-operative and will be involved in running the gallery.

As well as the wonderful array of original artworks on display downstairs, there are new exhibitions in the upstairs gallery for spring and summer. ‘Canvas and Clay’ features new work by Tydd Pottery and paintings by Carole Ann Grace, running from 7th May to 19th June. This will be followed by

‘Blue Skies and Sunshine’, with work by invited artists in a variety of media – 23rd June to 11th September.

Do call in and browse and support a local small business.

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW RETURNS WITH PLATINUM JUBILEE THEME
The Lincolnshire Show is making its grand return this month, taking on a royal purple theme to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Held for the first time since 2019, the event is set to welcome more than 60,000 visitors across two days with a jam-packed timetable for a royally good show.

Returning for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic and marking its 137th outing, a street party atmosphere will be created across the Lincolnshire Showground, with purple bunting strung across the site. A special stage will see artists performing throughout both days, with performances from local community groups including Passion to Dance, the Lincoln Orpheus Male Voice Choir and the Market Rasen Ukulele Band.

Showground, said: “We cannot wait to welcome visitors back to the Lincolnshire Show for the first time in three years. We have so much to offer and be proud of as a county, with these two days every June being the best celebration of all. It really is a one-of-a-kind event, so we could think of nothing better than to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event like the Platinum Jubilee.

“The Showground will feel like one big street party and will allow visitors to watch breathtaking displays, learn more about agriculture and what it has to offer, and sample the best food to come out of Lincolnshire. The celebrations also extend to our hospitality menus, where visitors will be able to pre-book and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea while overlooking the Main Ring to catch all the action on the Thursday. Make sure you book your table soon as spaces are going fast.”

To spark imagination while bringing words to life, the Lincolnshire Show is also running a poetry competition with local schoolchildren. Celebrating the Queen’s reign, schools are being encouraged to enter the royal rhyme competition, with the winning poem to be selected by renowned Hollywood actor Colin McFarlane, who grew up in Lincoln.

The Main Ring’s big new attraction for 2022 will be the Atkinson Action Horses. Often featured in major TV and film productions, the super talented steeds and riders will treat visitors to high-energy performances on both days. Meanwhile, the ever-popular showjumping and BMX displays will return alongside the Parade of Hounds and the Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Band, who will also lead the closing ceremony.

The return of the RAF Falcons has also been announced. Having first performed at the 2018 Lincolnshire Show, the popular parachute display team will be back to mesmerise crowds with their daring manoeuvres through the sky and down into the Main Ring on both days.

Jayne said: “With our rich aviation heritage as a county, it really brings something special to the Show to have the RAF involved, so we’re really pleased to be welcoming the RAF Falcons back again. They have been one of the most popular displays of the day since their first jump into the Main Ring, and we can’t wait to see their colourful display land with us once more.

The Lincolnshire Kitchen will return with live cookery demonstrations from local chefs including Masala Masters’ Ruchita Green, Indian Curry Pot’s Dr Arya Madhavan, Lincolnshire Cookery School’s Fiona Lucas, along with Rachel Green, Steven Bennett, Dominic Franks, and Neil Curtis.

Meanwhile, more traditional attractions will be on display, including the iconic tractor parade in the Krantz Main Ring, livestock and equine classes and the opportunity to get up close and personal with farming machinery from the past and present.

For more information on tickets, exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk

LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE INVITES YOU TO OUR MARQUEE ON 10TH AVENUE
Lincolnshire Life extends a warm welcome to our marquee located opposite the Schools’ Challenge and alongside the Discovery Zone. Walk along 10th Avenue and we are right at the heart of the show on stand DZ16.

We are proud to be working with Downtown Grantham in our marquee this year. With a theme of creating the perfect garden, Downtown will be promoting their Spring/Summer 2022 brochure with furniture displays and a variety of the wide range of plants and pots available from Downtown Garden Centre, Grantham.

Competition
Win a luxurious Ibiza Corner Set worth £2,299 courtesy of Downtown, Grantham
The Ibiza Corner Set is a luxurious outdoor aluminium corner set that not only oozes incredible comfort but is also completely maintenance-free. Even the deep seating, ‘All Weather’ quick dry cushions can be left outside all year round. This superb designer ‘L’ shaped garden set is made with high quality, rust-free aluminium that is finely finished in a contemporary Lava grey powder coating.

Full competition details and terms will be available on the Lincolnshire Life stand.
We also have these fantastic competitions for you to enter:
• Win a Washingborough Hall Afternoon Tea for Two
• Win a Doddington Hall Family Annual Pass
• Win Prosecco Afternoon Tea at The Dower House
• Win a Stokes Hamper
• Win an Ultimate Grange Experience at The Grange Spa
• Win a Brigg Garden Centre £50 Gift Voucher
• Win a bottle of Champagne courtesy of Lincolnshire Life

As well as all that we’ll be bringing our Lincolnshire Flag merchandise and guests will also get a complimentary copy of the magazine to take home. So don’t forget to pop in and see us on 10th Avenue. We look forward to meeting you there.

CHALLENGING TIMES FOR SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTY!
Schools across Lincolnshire are busy preparing their presentations for the prestigious Schools’ Challenge, run by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society’s (LAS) Education Team. The charity is providing 10 challenges to choose from, ranging from ‘From Farm to Infinity’ to ‘Gen Z-ero – Climate Leaders of the Future’. These revolve around food, farming, the community and the environment and provide a curriculum-led topic project to take the children’s learning outside the classroom.

Nursery, primary, special and secondary schools have embraced the challenge and will be sharing their learning at the Lincolnshire Show. The brand-new EXO Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground will come alive as the schools prepare to be judged by professionals in the field of farming and education.

Children can get hands-on with ‘Habitat Haven’, where they are tasked with researching, designing and creating a miniature ‘Show’ garden with a key emphasis on looking after and enriching biodiversity by creating the perfect ‘Habitat Haven’ to support wildlife and its ecosystems.

If schools prefer a more regal challenge, they can take part in ‘A year to remember – Platinum Jubilee!’. This challenge mirrors the overall theme of the Lincolnshire Show and students are asked to develop a media campaign to promote this. The criteria should ensure the roots of the show – based in food and farming – are centre stage in the campaign, whilst drawing on the many national celebrations in place to commemorate such a special occasion.

Josie Jamieson, education events administrator said: “There truly is a challenge for every school, regardless of age or ability and we have seen such enthusiasm and commitment from the children and teachers as they embark on their Schools’ Challenge journey – we wish them the very best of luck and we can’t wait to see all their hard work come to fruition on show days – the children are always extremely excited and keen to show off their months of hard work!”

ITV News Calendar and both BBC Lincolnshire and Lincs FM have been following the Schools’ Challenge journey, which will culminate in a presentation in the EXO Centre at 2pm on Thursday 23rd June. The society could not hold the event without the support of the sponsors, who this year are: Branston, Farmacy PLC, Waterside Shopping Centre, Dyson Farming and FCC Environment.

Teachers have been supported by farming mentors, who have been able to provide site visits and hands-on practical advice to help with their learning. Twilight sessions are also provided by the LAS Education Team at the showground, who are able to offer help and logistical advice for teachers.

The challenges offer an enrichment opportunity for children that can be incorporated within the lesson planning or integrated within an Eco-Club or lunchtime exercise. The challenges are judged within a 15-minute window, where the children are able to demonstrate their learning from the challenge in any form they wish. Previously this has included Powerpoints, videos, project books and interactive quizzes and challenges for the general public on the day.

The LAS Education Team invite the public into the EXO Centre, and you are free to visit the children’s stands. A ‘Visitor Favourite’ award is also offered, whereby the general public can cast their vote on the day, with the winner being revealed after the show closes.

If you would like more information regarding the Schools’ Challenge, or any other educational event organised by the LAS, please contact Josie Jamieson at the LAS Society: education@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

SEE GADGETS AND GIZMOS FROM THE PAST AT THE MUSEUM OF TECHNOLOGY
Having been closed for two years, the Museum of Technology is now open once again. The usual opening times are 10am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Although two years have passed without any visitors, work in the museum has been ongoing.

Visitors have always been impressed with the fact that when demonstrated, they can see how people managed before the digital age. And children who have never experienced examples of past technology are able to see how “old” things worked. Most are totally fascinated, especially when they can use an old telephone which is probably older than their great grandparents.

Just a reminder for the people who are unfamiliar with the setup: the museum is happy to open outside of normal hours – on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays – for groups of 10 or more. In the past they have played host to some wonderful groups who have come to enjoy a trip down memory lane.

There is a large car park, disabled access throughout, a small café and a picnic area for those who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the lovely Lincolnshire countryside.

The museum is a not for profit Registered Charity and is run entirely by volunteers. Therefore there is a charge of £5 entrance and £2.50 for children.

Please note: the Museum of Technology does not have card facilities and can only take cash.

Throckenholt Farm, Old South Eau Bank, Spalding PE12 0QR
www.museumoftechnology.org.uk

FUEL-INJECTED SUMMER FUN AT CADWELL PARK
The Lincolnshire Wolds is set to host another glorious summer of motor racing at picturesque Cadwell Park near Louth.

The schedule will be headlined by the race circuit’s signature Bennetts British Superbike Championship ‘Party in the Park’ which returns to its traditional August Bank Holiday slot on 27th-29th August.

Bennetts BSB features a high-quality case of two-wheeled heroes, including reigning champion Tarran Mackenzie, bike racing icon Leon Haslam and former Superbike World Champion Tom Sykes. The riders will star in three races across the weekend, creating a spectacle like no other as the bikes take off – quite literally – over the venue’s famous Mountain section.

There’s more to enjoy at the venue on top of that too, including on four-wheels at the retro Historic Wolds Trophy on 4th-5th June – featuring nostalgic touring car, GT and single-seater racing. Other showcase fixtures will include the International Sidecar Revival on 6th-7th August, which offers a different kind of spectacle entirely as teams of two work to balance their three-wheeled chariots around the undulating circuit.

On top of all that, there will be club-level car and bike events most weekends throughout the summer. These will include appearances at the circuit from most of the UK’s leading two-wheeled race organisations, including the British Motorcycle Racing Club, Thundersport GB, Classic Racing Motorcycle Club, NG Road Racing, No Limits and more.

Children under 13 go free to all events at Cadwell Park. Discounted advance tickets for every meeting are available now at www.cadwellpark.co.uk or by calling 0344 225 4422.

EPWORTH SHOW BACK WITH A BANG – 29TH AUGUST
This year’s Epworth Show promises a spectacular day out for all the family (dogs included) with onsite catering vans, trade stands and an endless variety of entertainment.

The line-up includes:
• Steve Coley – the three times World Champion daredevil motorcycle stunt rider joins the show from Ireland with his amazing performance.
• John Evans, Strongman – the holder of 96 world records will be performing his unbelievable head balancing skills.

On a lighter note
Join in the hilarious fun with the Little Nippers lurcher and terrier racing. Audience participation for anyone who would like to have a go with their own dogs.

f you would like to ride a Penny Farthing or a Wonky Bike, the show will be welcoming the notorious Wonder Wheelers. Try the unrideable bicycle challenge!

For the kiddies
• Donkey rides
• Soft play area (indoor)
• Fairground rides
• Rare animal breeds
• Ice cream vans
• Free Mini Movers toddler dance sessions

If you fancy a pint in the beer tent…
There will be live music and a performance by the holders of the coveted National Dance Trophy ‘Fresh’, Streetbeat Urban Dance Troupe.

Plue more…
The show will also host a traditional tractor display, classic car display and the judging and procession of the wonderful Shire Horses. Further down the field will be the Equine Section, where there will be a full day of competitions in both showing and horse jumping.

FIND A TRANQUIL HAVEN AT ASHBY PARK
Owned and run by Margaret and Robin Francis and established more than 40 years ago, Ashby Park offers a peaceful taste of rural life located on 70 acres in the south west corner of the Lincolnshire Wolds near Horncastle, with a variety of restaurants, cafés and pubs within easy reach.

his well run park, with an abundance of wildlife, was awarded the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award 20 years ago and features seven attractive fishing lakes and a series of clearings occupied by privately owned caravan holiday homes, seasonal caravans and 127 touring pitches with access to electricity, hardstanding, water and drainage.

Popular with fishing enthusiasts, this tranquil holiday retreat offers guests a chance to enjoy relaxing days away from the crowds, with a variety of fishing lakes well stocked with healthy carp, pike, perch, tench, bream and roach.

“We are focussed on providing a relaxed environment for our residents and touring guests,” explains Robin Francis.

For more information visit www.ashbypark.co.uk

DISCOVER THE AMAZING WORLD OF CAVES AT POOLE’S CAVERN AND BUXTON COUNTRY PARK
Take a journey deep underground on paved walkways through beautifully illuminated chambers and see the amazing crystal formations. Expert guides will unfold the stories of prehistoric cave dwellers, explorers and legends of these ancient caverns.

Above ground follow the country park sculpture trails through shady woodland to the hilltop viewpoint with spectacular Peak District scenery all around. For the more adventurous, take the treetop challenge at Go Ape, one of the highest courses in the UK with zip lines, Tarzan swings and stomach churning drops.

Refresh at the café at the cavern with local produce, home-made specials cakes and lovely coffee.
Poole’s Cavern is just a short stroll from Buxton town centre, a thermal spa town famous for its stunning ornamental gardens, Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Open all year. Book online at: www.poolescavern.co.uk

DEPARTMENT STORE WITH A DIFFERENCE 
If you’re looking for the best selection of leading stylish fashion brands, beautiful homeware and delicious food products, from high street classics to luxury names, Coneys Department Store, Spalding’s leading independent department store, is the perfect place to shop.

Rocking the latest summer vibes with its new sign, new season window displays and a host of new brands to explore, this quality store offers top customer service with an exciting mix of special events for all the family planned throughout the year.

Whether you’re looking for gorgeous gifts, the latest trends and designs to update your home, or shopping for a wardrobe refresh in time for your holidays, Coneys Department Store offers top choices for all tastes and budgets.

Don’t miss a visit to the popular Food and Drink Hall, which offers a mouth-watering range of confectionery, excellent brands of teas and coffees, as well as cakes and fine produce before rounding off your shopping trip with a visit to the scenic Riverview Restaurant, which serves lunch and light bites.

Look out too for the carefully selected range of drinks available in-store, which includes excellent wines, champagnes, spirits, ciders and craft beers, with a number of private wine tasting evenings also available for small groups by appointment.

Coneys Department Store is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and every Sunday 10am-4pm. Shop online at www.coneysdesignerwear.co.uk – free delivery on orders over £50 and hassle-free returns.

REVESBY COUNTRY FAIR RETURNS WITH BIGGEST EVER SHOW FOR 2022
The Revesby Country Fair will return this summer with its biggest ever line-up of live and interactive entertainment, including clay pigeon shooting, flower arranging, simulated rock climbing, racing, sheep herding and more – not forgetting traditional equine favourites such as showjumping, Shire horses and the ‘Revesby style’ terrier racing. 

The JCB Dancing Diggers take centre stage and there will be live performances from sheep herder David Seamark, and Tom Hogg’s ‘The Hogg Show’, with his rare breeds of talented performing pigs. There will also be judged produce, cooking and flower competitions which anyone can enter, plus live music, food and trade stands. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Runners can also enjoy ‘Race The Estate’ – a series of running races around the estate organised by local organisers Trident Sports, for any experience level. For the first time, attendees can also enjoy the exclusive opportunity to camp out on the estate’s scenic parkland.

The Revesby Country Fair will be held on Sunday 7th August.

For more details visit www.revesbycountryfair.co.uk  

SCULPTURE AT DODDINGTON HALL AND GARDENS – “IN BEAUTY MAY I WALK”
The biennial exhibition ‘Sculpture at Doddington’, a popular fixture in Lincolnshire’s summer event calendar, returns this summer for the sixth iteration. This year, the exhibition will take place between Saturday 16th July and Sunday 11th September and represents the chance to enjoy a celebration of nature, form, art and beauty.

Collectors, art lovers and garden enthusiasts alike will be able to view the inspiring works of art while strolling through the historic walled gardens. The Elizabethan Hall and parkland beyond provide the perfect setting for more than 340 works of art made by 60 sculptors from across the UK and beyond. Lincolnshire based sculptors include: Teresa Wells, Michael Thacker, Michael Scrimshaw, James Sutton, Daniel Rollitt, Ian Gill and Robert Fogell.

Featured sculptors include Emily Young – acclaimed as ‘Britain’s greatest living stone sculptor’; Kendra Haste – established as a world-renowned contemporary animal sculptor; and David Watkinson – a kinetic sculptor who pushes the boundaries of traditional static forms.

The exhibition is largely open-air offering a broad and eclectic collection from the classic to the contemporary and in a variety of mediums. There is something for everyone to enjoy and inspire people across the generations.

Curators David Waghorne and Kate McGovern have carefully selected sculptors and their work to complement each area of the garden and to provide an eclectic exhibition to suit all tastes, styles and budgets. A large indoor gallery located in the Stable Yard will exhibit a captivating variety of smaller scale pieces.

Almost every piece in the exhibition is for sale; an investment which will bring enjoyment to your home or garden for many years and will help to support the career of the sculptor.

16th Jul –11th Sep, Gardens & Gallery open daily 10am-4pm, last entry 3pm. Garden admission applies (no extra charge for the exhibition). Adult £8.50, Child £4.50, Family £22, sculpturedoddingtonhall.com

Main Sponsor Brewin Dolphin Lincoln Office, supported by Roythornes, sponsored by
Brown & Co, MKM.

HORSING AROUND WITH THE FAMILY
One of the UK’s largest equine charities, Bransby Horses is currently responsible for more than 900 equines, many of whom come from situations of neglect and mistreatment. As well as daily care for the residents, Bransby Horses also offers care advice to horse owners, and works closely with the RSPCA and other equine charities.

Based in Bransby near Lincoln, over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules are available to meet on site all year round.

The charity relies solely on support from the public to help improve the lives of the horses in the community and in their care through education, rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming.

Visiting is free and there are miles of picturesque, pushchair friendly walkways and an adventure play park for children. Visitors are welcome to take a stroll round their picturesque Bransby site and have the opportunity to meet plenty of four-legged friends along the way.

Every month sees a new activity trail for families to enjoy. Tickets are just £3.50 per child, which includes an activity sheet and prize.
In June there is a royal theme to the trail and for July children are invited to become Donkey

Detectives and solve the clues around the site where many of the animals live.

has a café serving breakfast, lunch and light refreshments to eat in or takeaway, and a Donated Goods and Tack Shop for visitors to grab a preloved bargain.

Bransby (LN1 2PH) is open to the public every Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm, and closes Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

For more information visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/visit-us or call 01427 788464.

DOWN ON THE FARM IN ENGLAND’S SMALLEST COUNTY
Rutland Farm Park is a small 18-acre working farm in the market town of Oakham in the county town of Rutland, England’s smallest county.

to explore the tracks and meet a variety of wonderful and friendly animals. These range from bigger animals like Mr Tom the Shire Horse and Highland and Hereford Cows, through to smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and plenty in between – sheep, goats, pygmy goats, pigs, cows, ponies, chickens, geese, alpacas and more. You can even feed some of them too!

Rutland Farm Park also has a small number of rare breed animals for you to come and see. They are particularly keen to conserve these breeds and to help them look after these rare breeds you can even sponsor one! When you sponsor an animal you get a certificate, an information sheet about your chosen animal, a postcard and a keyring or fridge magnet (your choice).

Rutland Farm Park is open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm throughout the summer (last entry at 4.30pm). To find out more visit www.rutlandfarmpark.co.uk or email info@rutlandfarmpark.co.uk

We Recommend

On your bike!

A true taste of spice

Working with nature

Write-hand man

Wild about water

Full steam ahead!

View all