Issue 21 - Spring 2016

ISSUE 21 • SPRING 2016
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The summer term is in full swing, half term is
around the corner and the six week break is on
the horizon - and this edition of Molly’s Guide is
packed with ideas to help you and your family
make the most of the time off and (fingers
crossed) the good weather.
County School Awards12
Whether you’re looking for things to do around Lincolnshire
or ideas for days out further afield, we’ve got plenty of
inspiration to help you fill the long days ahead.
Our new writer, travel journalist Kathryn Dainty, gives us a
tour of some of her favourite hot spots for family adventures,
including the beautiful Dovedale in the Peak District and
Lincolnshire’s own Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve.
Dinky Dolphins 20
This edition, we also take a look at Whisby Nature Reserve’s
new play area and see what’s on offer at Leicestershire’s
Twycross Zoo.
Among the highlights on this summer’s calendar is the
arrival of the stunning sculpture Poppies: Wave at Lincoln
Castle.
The arrival of the installation, which comes fresh from the
Tower of London, will put Lincoln on the national stage
and it offers up the perfect opportunity for families to see
this historic piece of art on home turf. Be sure to catch
the sculpture between Saturday, May 28 and Sunday,
September 4.
Here at Molly’s we love this time of year as we wait with
excitement and anticipation to see what the summer months
will bring. We hope you have a great time…
Lincoln Drill Hall 27
Willows 32
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Editorial & Advertising: Stevens Green Media Ltd
63 Bunkers Hill, Lincoln LN2 4QS
T: 01522 535068 E: info@mollysguide.co.uk
Design: Dandelion Design
Print: www.buxtonpress.com
Photography: www.stuartwildephotography.com
Cover image: Anna Omelchenko. Shutterstock.com
Wild Woodcraft 50
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www.mollysguide.co.uk
3

NEWS
Desperate Dad
Without wanting to horrendously jinx
things – I’ve a sneaking feeling that
summer might be on its way.
Don’t panic! I’ve seen the signs and know
them very well.
Grass stained polo shirts and muddied short
trousers in the washing basket tell me two
little boys have been enjoying after school
park sessions with mummy again.
And the merest hint of a blue sky sends them
charging out the back door and onto the
trampoline quicker than you can yell ‘don’t
bounce on your brother!’
It’s so refreshing to finally turn them loose and
let them make the most of the sun on their
faces again after another long, drawn-out, and
seemingly endless winter.
The Great Outdoors...
They’ve been dying to get out there.
Particularly my footie mad eldest, who’s been
champing at the bit for me to cut the grass and
prepare his own mini football pitch.
But this year, my youngest is having just as much
fun too. He’s holding his own and now more
capable to keep up with his energy draining big
brother, giving as good as he gets and relishing
the fresh air in his lungs.
When not at school they’re lathered up with sun
cream by 9:30am - called in for bath time at
4:30pm - a full shift complete, with a picnic lunch
and snacks on the lawn to boot.
They fall in to bed, tanned and exhausted
just after 7pm, with the promise of a repeat
performance tomorrow ringing in their ears.
This is the way all British summers should be, is it
not? And certainly how I remember most of mine
growing up in the 80s and into the early 90s.
4
Spring 2016

Life in the 21st century is a
technological challenge for
parents of young children.
iPads and Smart Boards
are now part of the
curriculum and so they
should be.
It’s a sign of the times and
we need to keep up, but as
a father of two incredibly
active boys, I want to
make sure I keep them
that way.
The easy option is to sit
them in front of a games
console and let them
entertain themselves for an
hour or two. It’s incredibly
tempting and it does
happen from time-to-time.
They get a weekly fix on their visits to the
grandparents’. It’s their Xbox and Wii time
after a traditional slap up Sunday lunch,
lovingly prepared by Nana.
My stepfather is a gaming guru with all the
latest consoles and board games on offer to
keep them entertained of an afternoon.
Throughout the wet weather months it’s
an invaluable release for them and an
enjoyable end to their increasingly demanding
schedules, a chance for them to unwind and
prepare for the week ahead.
But when Mr Sun’s got his hat on, you’ll find
them eager to don their own and embrace the
great outdoors, in a bid to soak up as much of
him as possible.
This healthy balance of outdoors versus
indoors I see as my job to police, to ensure my
boys do not totally succumb to the lure of the
Smartphone in years to come.
Barry Wood is an ex journalist
now working for the NHS in
Lincolnshire. A father of two
boys and husband to one
Portuguese wife, he blogs
regularly as Desperate Dad.
Read more adventures at
barrylwood.wordpress.com
Facebook: Desperate Dad
Twitter: @Dad_Desperate
So as we all prepare to light our first
barbecues of the year, let’s hope too that
we spark the flames of yet another enduring
British summer.
Flames I’m sure I’ll find hard to quench as my
dynamic duo welcome the long lost sunshine
back into their wondrous lives once more.
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www.mollysguide.co.uk
5

NEWS
Family Life
Three’s the magic number but four’s a happy riot
When my eldest child, Lottie, was three,
I suggested to my husband we should
try for another baby. He wasn’t keen.
He had some valid reasons, which I
respected, at first...
Then I disregarded his feelings, largely due to
the deafening tick-tock of my biological clock. I
persisted. I got nowhere. After almost a year of
begging, cajoling and seducing I was no further on in
my quest to expand our family.
So, I put him on the spot. I asked him, if one was the
equivalent of ‘not a chance in hell’ and 10 was ‘yes,
take me to bed and lose me forever’, where would
he say his feelings about another baby were on the
sliding scale?
“Five”, was his answer.
Bang in the middle, otherwise known as sitting
on the fence. I pushed him for a more committed
response. It didn’t go my way.
He sighed and said: “Okay, if you really want to know
– I have to say three, four tops”.
I debated if I had time to leave him and find a new
husband before my eggs dried up (I was 39). In the
end I decided I should probably count my blessings
and appreciate the little family I had.
I let go of the idea of having any more children.
When I say I ‘let go’ of that notion, imagine chopping
of your leg from the knee down and you will come
close to understanding how difficult that was. I
hobbled around, emotionally-speaking, for a while but
I survived. I started to put my energy into my career
and social activities.
As for family life, we enjoyed some lovely holidays,
from caravanning in Cornwall to a cruise around the
Med (during which I lost half-a-stone thanks to chronic
seasickness – but that’s a tale for another time).
My husband and I found we had time to go out for
lunch together in the week when our daughter was
at school, we watched movies in the evening and
enjoyed spending time with friends.
The pressures of adjusting from being a self-indulgent
childless couple to becoming selfless parents started
to ease. The Second Baby issue began to fade. In
fact, I pretty much put it to bed. Which is precisely
when I fell pregnant. My husband had changed his
mind – sort of. Basically, he had shifted along that
sliding scale from a three to a six.
Then, just like that, I wasn’t pregnant anymore.
I lost two babies in the space of a year. The second
miscarriage was pretty awful. The experience left me
6
Spring 2016

scared to try again and the realisation I had become
a statistic – a woman over 40, with a 25 per cent
chance of carrying a baby to full-term - hit me hard.
So, I gave up. I had to, for my own sanity.
But Mother Nature wasn’t finished yet. At the age of
42, I found myself with a bun in the oven that I was
convinced would never rise. I spent the early part of
the pregnancy swinging from elation to paranoia. It
was an anxious time, while I waited to hit the safety
zone of 12 weeks.
As things progressed, my fears eased, yet still I didn’t
buy anything for my growing baby.
I was on tenterhooks half the time. How many kicks
had I felt that day? Was that twinge in my side
normal? What if my placenta stopped working?
The nursery wasn’t painted until two weeks before
my due date and the pram was held in storage until I
knew all was well.
When my son Louie was born, almost three years
ago, I looked at his chubby face, his tiny fingers and
his big blue eyes and I whispered a little ‘thank-you’
to the powers that be for small miracles.
I finally had the second baby I had yearned for and
my daughter had a sibling, someone to play with, talk
to and to share childhood memories with.
It hasn’t quite turned out how I expected but I’m not
sure life generally does. (Well, not MY life, anyhow).
There’s an eight-year age-gap between the two of
them, which makes days out interesting. One of my
offspring is usually dragged along to something that is
totally age-inappropriate – mostly my daughter, who
has found herself in the toddler zone at a soft play
centre more times than she’d like.
And she has had to adjust from being an only child for
the first eight years of her life to being a big sister.
It’s been good for her to think about someone else,
consider their needs before her own and to have to
share my attention. She felt a degree of jealousy when
I brought Louie home from the hospital (as you’d
expect) but now she looks out for her little brother
without thinking.
She catches him at the bottom of the slide, entertains
him when he is getting bored of sitting in the
shopping trolley and barks ‘CAR’ if he decides to
make a bolt for freedom from the grasp of my hand
on the school run.
There are also times when she makes the age-gap
work to her advantage. From persuading her brother
he really doesn’t want to eat the last biscuit, to getting
him to hand over his brand new toys for her to inspect
Newspaper columnist Sam Curtis, 46, lives in
Lincoln, in a house that’s not as clean or tidy as
she’d like with her husband Leigh and their two
children, Lottie, 10, and Louie, 2.
(not necessarily using her ‘kind’ voice – more a ‘give
that to me NOW’ approach), she has learned being the
big sister has its perks.
There’s the heart-warming moments - the cuddles
when one of them is hurt, the giggles that follow a loud
fart and occasionally, they will play a game both find
equally engaging (Playdough is always a hit).
Plus, they each have an ally, someone who looks
out for them and as they grow older, they will have
someone to share the burden of an aged parent with (I
just hope they choose a nice retirement home for me).
Don’t get me wrong – The Waltons it is not (there’s
not enough of us for starters). My children argue and
torment each other. Screaming and tantrums occur on
a weekly, if not daily basis – and not just from the kids.
There’s twice as much laundry and double the mess
to tidy. Two school runs, two sacks at Christmas for
Father Christmas to fill and double the amount of
Wotsits ordered from the online shop.
And they gang up on me, whether they are pestering
for an ice cream or running amok at bedtime – it’s
hard staying one step ahead of two children who
are working to achieve a common goal – to wind up
Mummy.
None of this was part of my masterplan when I was
badgering my husband for Baby Number Two. Yes,
having more than one child isn’t quite how I imagined
but I thank my lucky stars every day (okay, most days)
for small miracles.
And before you ask, no, there are no plans for
Baby Number Three. I’m perfectly
happy with my riotous lot.
You can follow Sam on:
Twitter: @sammanfa
Instagram: sammanfa1
Facebook: samcurtisEcho
www.mollysguide.co.uk
7

NEWS
Sands
Lincoln Sands together with the Lincoln County
Hospital Chaplaincy & Bereavement Service are
proud to be hosting a Baby Remembrance Day
on Saturday 18th June 2016 at the Lincoln County
Hospital Chapel from 1pm to 4pm.
Lincoln Sands Memorial Garden
Family support at a Baby Remembrance Day
Sands is the stillbirth and
neonatal death charity. We
operate throughout the UK,
supporting anyone affected by
the death of a baby, working
to improve the care bereaved
parents receive, and promoting
research to reduce the loss of
babies’ lives.
Sands was founded in 1978
by a small group of bereaved
parents devastated by the
death of their babies, and by the
total lack of acknowledgement
and understanding of the
significance and impact of their
loss.
Although the UK’s stillbirth
rate has fallen slightly in recent
years, it remains unacceptably
high. In 2013, over 5700 babies
died just before, during or soon
after birth. That’s over 100
babies every week. In the UK:*
• one in every 216 births was a
stillbirth
• one in every 370 babies died
within the first 4 weeks of life
*Data from the Office for
National Statistics, 2015
Research in The Lancet medical
journal showed the UK has a
poor stillbirth record compared
with similar high-income
nations: whereas other countries
have reduced their stillbirth
rates significantly in recent
years, in the UK rates have
barely changed in 15 years.
Sands has a long-standing
history of providing support to
anyone affected by the loss of
a baby, and of working with
health professionals to improve
the care offered to bereaved
families. We are also committed
to ensuring that fewer parents
have to experience the tragedy
of their baby dying, through
funding research into stillbirth
causes and prevention.
UK Sands has over 100 local
groups offering support to
parents, both emotional and
practical. Lincoln Sands
provides this in different
ways. We can offer one to
one support with specially
trained Befrienders, telephone
and email contact and the
opportunity to meet and talk
to other bereaved parents at
support meetings.
This special day will allow
us all to acknowledge how
deep and profound the loss
of a child can be and offer
support, encouragement, hope
and to improve the quality of
bereavement care for parents.
For further info: T: 01522 693398 E: lincolnsandssupport@googlemail.com
www.uk-sands.org
www.mollysguide.co.uk
9

NEWS
Sturton By Stow Guinea Pig & Rabbit Rescue
Local rescue
centre needs
your help
Images: Eric Isselee.
Shutterstock.com
A rescue centre that takes
in unwanted and neglected
guinea pigs and rabbits
is appealing for help in a
range of different ways.
Sturton By Stow Guinea Pig and Rabbit Rescue was
set up 10 years ago and currently has 60 rabbits and
more than 110 guinea pigs in its care. The animals
arrive for various reasons.
People either can’t – or don’t want – to keep them
anymore. Some arrive as a result of severe
neglect or cruelty and the rescue centre
often get requests from other sanctuaries
to take animals in.
A recent visit from Radio Lincolnshire
raised the profile of the rescue centre,
but also resulted in a surge in requests
from people with rabbits and guinea
pigs they can no longer care for.
It costs the rescue centre more
than £700 per month to care for
the animals, many of which have
on-going health problems, due to breeding or neglect.
Some hutches really need updating and the majority
of rabbits and guinea pigs that come into its care need
neutering and vaccinating.
The centre is facing the heartbreaking decision of
being unable to take in any more rescue animals
and is already turning guinea pigs and rabbits away
because funds are running low.
People can help by offering donations of cash, food
or volunteering in a number of ways, such as driving
to collect food; pick up animals etc; anyone who can
spare time or materials to build and repair hutches.
If people would prefer to donate food rather
than money, they can buy food at the following
places (mentioning the rescue centre on
purchase)
• Burgess Farm Shop, Station Rd, Waddington
T: 01522 723251
• Franks Animal Feeds,
Broadholme, near Saxilby
T: 01522 703551
• Geoffs Animal Feeds.
Misterton, near Gainsborough
T: 07578 738292
• Pets at Home, Carlton Centre, Lincoln
T: 01522 520801.
Please mark FAO Dawn Wilson,
mentioning the rescue as above.
Even a small amount of cash would really make
a difference. Donations can be made in the
following ways:
Online banking: Name: Rescue Bank;
Account no: 02651862; Sort code: 77-16-01;
Ref: Guinea Pigs
Paypal:
Sturtonbystowguineapigrescue@gmail.com
On behalf of all the
animals in our care,
thank you in advance
for your help.
For more info call Sam and Ali
T: 07902 432821
M: 07745 326798
10
Spring 2016

EDUCATION
St Peter and St Paul Academy
Continually striving
to make a difference
St Peter and St Paul’s Catholic Voluntary
Academy welcomes students between
11-18 years from diverse backgrounds.
Our Mission as a Catholic Voluntary Academy is to
provide the highest possible standards of education
for all our students, delivered within the context of
Gospel Values. We are a highly successful academy
renowned for our friendly and warm community
where we encourage all our students to grow and to
make the most of their individual ability.
Our ethos promotes respect for the differences
amongst the students, recognising that everyone
learns differently and that making mistakes and
taking risks are part of learning. Success at St Peter
and St Paul Academy stems from careful planning of
the curriculum so that every student irrespective of
their ability is studying appropriate and challenging
courses and is being provided with opportunities to
develop their unique talents. We are proud that all
our year 11 students continue into Education,
Employment or Training.
Students can continue their studies in the St Peter
and St Paul Sixth Form where there are a wide variety
of courses offered to suit all students. Our students
receive excellent guidance when choosing the most
suitable courses; they are taught and prepared well
to achieve the grades they require to move on to
Higher Education or employment.
Our students are our ambassadors: friendly,
hardworking and confident young people. They learn
alongside an enthusiastic, professional team of staff
who encourage and challenge them to be the best
they can be. Examination results are important but
at St Peter and St Paul we develop equally important
aspects of life: fun, creativity, caring for others,
well-being and spirituality; qualities that will remain
with our students for the whole of their lives.
“We want our students to have life
and have it to the full.”
At St Peter and St Paul all students are encouraged to
profit from the wide range of extra-curricular activities
offered- whatever their talents and abilities, they will
have the opportunities to succeed. It is our role to help
develop our students’ talent and celebrate all aspects
of their achievement.
You will find our academy friendly and inviting with a
distinctly warm atmosphere and learning environment.
We welcome visits to the Academy at any time so
please feel free to make an appointment to come and
see us at work.
St Peter & St Paul
Catholic Voluntary Academy
Pro Petro Paulo Patria
Join us for our
OPEN MORNINGS
Tuesday 28th June
and Friday 1st July
from 9.30am-12noon
OPEN EVENING
Wednesday 21 st September
6pm-8.30pm
Please ring the Academy for an appointment
Western Avenue • Lincoln • LN6 7SX
01522 871400
sspp@sspp.lincs.sch.uk
www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
11

EDUCATION
Lincolnshire Media Education Awards
Nominations open for
county school awards
School staff from across Lincolnshire are being urged to nominate
star pupils for the Lincolnshire Media Education Awards.
There are 21 categories in the annual contest,
which is organised by the Lincolnshire Echo
newspaper, including Sports & games award,
writing award and Crafts & creativity award.
And teachers have the opportunity to
acknowledge the outstanding efforts of their
colleagues – in the Teacher of the Year and
Teaching Assistant of the Year categories.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony
in July.
The awards are sponsored by Lincolnshire
County Council. Patricia Bradwell, executive
councillor for children’s services, said: “With
some of the best schools in the country, these
awards showcase just a small proportion of the
students who are excelling in all areas – not
just in the classroom, but in voluntary work in
the community, sports activities and making a
difference to their environment.
“They are a fitting way to recognise and reward
the excellence of our children and young people
in the county.”
Lincolnshire Echo editor Charles Walker said:
“For the first two years, the standard of entries in
the Lincolnshire Media Education Awards were
truly exceptional.
“In both 2014 and 2015 the judges were amazed
at the incredible stories of academic excellence
and creativity.
“This was true of staff, students and pupils.
“So I’m certain we will be faced with more tough
decisions this year in deciding who to honour
with awards and commendations.”
For more details visit www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/educationawards
You can nominate right away by emailing sarah.carter@lincolnshiremedia.co.uk to request
an application pack – or enter online at www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/educationawards
12
Spring 2016

MAIN: 2015 Teacher of the Year Primary
School award sponsored by Bishop
Grosseteste University and presented by
Dr Nick Gee (Teacher Development) at
BGU . Pictured winner Laura McDonald
from Hillcrest Early Years Academy ,
Gainsborough with some of the pupils who
nominated her.
RIGHT: 2015 Environmental Champion
Award Secondary School Sponsored
by Siemens . Quality / EHS Manager at
Siemens Ady Pick presented the award
to Thomas Vance, Molly-Ann Burnett,
Natasha Parkin and Naomi Phillips from
North Kesteven School.
Primary School Categories:
Sports & Games Award - Looks to
recognise achievement and enjoyment
shown within sports and games.
Writing Award - Looks to recognise
achievements and development of a
pupil’s writing capabilities.
Crafts & Creativity Award - Looks to
recognise achievements and enjoyment
shown within arts and crafts. (Please
send through examples of work as
supporting evidence - email: education
awards@lincolnshiremedia.co.uk)
Young Performer Award - Looks to
recognise the achievement of a student who
has excelled within the world of performing
arts in either drama, music or dance.
Contribution to school life award
- Looks to recognise pupils who take on
extra responsibilities and plays an active
part in the school.
Achieving Through Adversity Award - Recognises pupils who have
accomplished remarkable things, displaying qualities such as courage, ambition
and determination when having to overcome significant obstacles. (Only open to
nomination from special schools, or those schools with a special needs element).
Magna Carta Judges Award - The Magna Carta judges award will be presented
to one student who judges feel goes above and beyond whether that be at school
or in a social environment. You may feel they should be nominated across multiple
categories, or they are someone who constantly excels and deserves some
recognition. If you know a student who deserves some praise and they don’t fit
one of the categories then please enter them into the Judges Award.
Teaching Assistant of the Year 2016 - This award will go to the teaching
assistant who raises the aspirations of pupils and helps them reach new
heights. They will actively engage with others in supporting pupils’ learning and
development, including teachers, parents and other professionals (Open for
teachers/and or students to nominate)
Teacher of the Year 2016 - This award will recognise a teacher who inspires and
engages students to fulfil their potential and makes an exceptional contribution to
the life of their school. (Open for teachers/and or students to nominate)
Student of the Year 2016* - The student of the year will be selected from all of
the category winners and will be chosen by the judges. (Not open for nominations)
Secondary School Categories
Literacy Award - Looks to recognise
achievement in literature with students
demonstrating exciting and compelling ways
within their writing.
Arts Award - Looks to not only recognise
achievement in art, but also in leadership,
courage, determination and an ability to match
effort in arts with effort in the classroom.
(Please send through examples of work as
supporting evidence - email: educationawards
@lincolnshiremedia.co.uk)
Young Performer Award - Looks to
recognise the achievement of a student who
has excelled within the world of performing
arts in either drama, music or dance.
Science & Engineering Award - To recognise
achievements of students working on projects
or assignments including coursework in a
science or engineering related subject.
Community Champion - To recognise
voluntary work within the school or
community. Judges will be looking for the
impact and benefits of community work and
initiative shown by the individual.
Achieving Through Adversity Award - Recognises pupils who have
accomplished remarkable things, displaying qualities such as courage, ambition
and determination when having to overcome significant obstacles. (Only open to
nomination from special schools, or those schools with a special needs element).
Sportsperson of the Year Award - Looks to recognise achievement in sport but
also leadership, courage, determination and an ability to match effort in sport with
effort in the classroom.
Magna Carta Judges Award - The Magna Carta judges award will be presented
to one student who judges feel goes above and beyond whether that be at school
or in a social environment. You may feel they should be nominated across multiple
categories, or they are someone who constantly excels and deserves some
recognition. If you know a student who deserves some praise and they don’t fit
one of the categories then please enter them into the Judges Award.
Teaching Assistant of the Year 2016 - This award will go to the teaching
assistant who raises the aspirations of pupils and helps them reach new
heights. They will actively engage with others in supporting pupils’ learning and
development, including teachers, parents and other professionals. (Open for
teachers/and or students to nominate)
Teacher of the Year 2016 - This award will recognise a teacher who inspires and
engages students to fulfil their potential and makes an exceptional contribution to
the life of their school. (Open for teachers/and or students to nominate)
Student of the Year 2016* - The student of the year will be selected from all of the
category winners and will be chosen by the judges. (Not open for nominations)
www.mollysguide.co.uk
13

EDUCATION
Book reviews
Exploring great reading ideas...
Bookseller Deborah Holland from Waterstones
in High Street, Lincoln, recommends four titles
to get stuck into this spring…
The Queen’s Handbag
by Steve Antony
Hachette Childrens’ Group (9781444925548)
I am a huge fan of Steve Antony particularly
‘The Queen’s Hat ‘and its brilliant sequel
‘The Queen’s Handbag’. In the first book
her majesty takes us around the sights of
London chasing her hat. In this new book
a swan grabs her handbag and the Queen
goes in hot pursuit taking us around the
UK. The Queen drives an Aston Martin,
rides on a motorbike and even flies with
the Red Arrows! The illustrations are
excellent with some having hidden details.
These books are a hit at my house,
storytime sessions at work and perfect to
link in with topic work at school.
The Girl of Ink & Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Chicken House Ltd (9781910002742)
Loved this debut tale of adventure set on an Island where Isabella,
a cartographers daughter, and her community is forbidden to leave
or cross the forgotten territories. When her best friend disappears,
the Governor’s daughter, and a girl she knows is killed mysteriously,
Isabella sets off on journey of wonder and discovery. The skills she
has learnt from her father, following the stars and her bravery lets
this beautifully written story unfold. Page illustrations and cover are
stunning also. This would appeal to anyone 10 years onwards who
loves great storytelling. I do. It’s just brilliant.
My Brother is a Superhero
by David Solomons
Nosy Crow Ltd (9780857634795)
Can you imagine being comic mad,
completely into superheroes and while you
nipped to the loo to do what a boy’s got
to do, some alien bestows superpowers to
your older brother who hasn’t even read
one? Annoying might be an understatement
but this is what happened to Luke. Brilliantly
funny debut book which has gone onto
win the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize
2016. Perfect for any child aged 8 to 12 years. However my daughter
(7), my nephew (11), my colleague (26) and myself (39) thought it was
hilarious so you be the judge. The eagerly awaited sequel - My Gym
Teacher is an Alien Overlord is due out this July
The Bear and the Piano
by David Litchfield
Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd
(9781847807182)
A young bear comes across something
unusual in the woods. It makes an
awful sound but he keeps returning to
it. Curiosity and patience gives way to
talent. A father and daughter hear the
bear playing music in the woods and he
travels to the Big Apple where fame and
fortune follows but what about home? Stunning illustrations and a
touching tale of friendship and belonging. Inspired by a song from
the band - The White Stripes. Winning the Best Illustrated Book
Category in the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2016 I can’t
wait to see the next book from David Litchfield.
Waterstones holds weekly Sunday
storytimes throughout the year
and has a programme of summer
holiday activities too.
To find out more: T: 01522 540011
297a High Street, Lincoln, LN2 1AF
Twitter: @waterstoneslinc
Facebook: Waterstones
14
Spring 2016

Funded nursery places
for 2-4 year olds...
Do you have a 2, 3 or 4 year old? If
so, do you know that the Government
is providing funding for some 2 year
olds, and all 3 and 4 year olds to attend
Kingsdown Nursery for 15 hours a week?
Young children can have great fun playing with or
alongside other children, exploring paint, water,
clay and playing outside in a safe, well-equipped
play area. As well as the benefits for the children,
having a part time nursery place at Kingsdown,
can give parents and carers a welcome break from
the demands of a busy toddler or young child. It
can give you extra time to go shopping, do some
housework, look after the baby, take a college
course, do extra hours at work or just have a cup
of coffee in peace and quiet, and drink it while it’s
still hot!
Most children attend Kingsdown for 5 mornings
a week, or 5 afternoons, some do 2 ½ or 3 days
a week. Coming regularly helps children develop
friendships and positive relationships with staff
and other children. Some children attend 5 days a
week, with parents buying additional places. We
also run a before and after school club if you need
care outside of traditional school hours. Families
who are not eligible for the Government 2 year
funding often use their Child Benefit to buy one or
two sessions a week to help their child develop
their social skills ready for starting school.
At Kingsdown we offer a wonderful engaging
environment, both indoors and outdoors. Children
have access to top quality resources and fully
qualified staff, both teachers and Early Years
Practitioners. We teach children to share, take
turns, learn about letters and numbers, paint, write
and draw, ride, climb, explore and investigate.
Throughout the year, Kingsdown provides many
opportunities for children to experience nature in
all its forms. We have a bird’s nesting box with a
camera in and currently there are 8 eggs waiting
to be hatched. Children eagerly watch the laptop
to see if the eggs have hatched yet. Kingsdown
EDUCATION
Kingsdown Nursery
is fortunate to be near Birchwood Nature Park and we
regularly take groups of children for walks there, to look
for mini-beasts and to study the changing seasons.
All children have weekly music lessons with Pete the
Music Man. Pete brings his Double Bass and Guitar and
enough musical instruments for all children to have a go!
We also have Stuart from Meet the Beasts in with his
exotic pets, snakes, lizards, spiders, insects and snails.
Children can wear their own clothes but many wear
our uniform of red or blue polo shirt and sweatshirt.
Children invariably join in with messy activities at nursery
and if they have their Kingsdown uniform on, they are
hard wearing and will stand up to the demands of a busy
day at nursery!
For more information and a look round,
please call in or T: 01522 684335
E: enquiries@kingsdownnuseryschool.co.uk
www.kingsdownnurseryschool.co.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
15

EDUCATION
Sir William Robertson Academy
Come and find out how your child
can ASPIRE to a brighter future…
Choosing a secondary school is one of the most important
decisions you will have to make for you and your child.
The decision making process
will be eased by gathering
as much information about
possible schools in advance
of the October deadline.
With this in mind, we would
like to extend an invitation to
parents/carers and your child
to come and tour the Academy
where you will see first-hand
the excellent behaviour of our
pupils and the high-calibre
learning taking place in the
classrooms.
Sir William Robertson Academy
is delighted as being judged
as ‘Good’ in all areas of the
school following its Ofsted
inspection in June 2015. The
school has been recognised
as being one of the ‘Top 100
non-selective state-funded
schools in England’ in a recent
letter from a letter from Nick
Gibb MP – Minister of State for
Schools (February 2016).
The Academy is a highly
successful 11-18 school
with a flourishing and rapidly
expanding Sixth Form.
The school fosters an
aspirational ethos in which
every child is expected to
achieve the very best they can
in all that they do.
Situated in a unique rural
location, SWRA provides a safe
and idyllic learning environment
with small class sizes and
superb pastoral care and
support.
The Academy is easily
accessible from Newark,
Grantham, Sleaford, Lincoln,
the A46 and surrounding
villages – with school buses
serving each of these areas.
Our pupils are well supported
through an engaging and
dynamic academic curriculum
that is tailored to the needs of
the individual.
The school is well resourced,
with wonderful outdoor
facilities for a wide range of
sporting activities. We offer a
full and active programme of
musical and performing arts
from our purpose built studios.
Come and find out how your
child can ASPIRE to a brighter
future by booking a personal
tour on 01400 272422 or
join us at our Summer Open
Evening on Thursday 30th June
2016 or our Open Week 12th
– 14th September 2016 with
an additional Open Evening on
14th September.
To find out more please visit:
www.swracademy.org
T: 01400 272422
16
Spring 2016

If your child is due to start secondary
school in September 2017 or 2018 we
invite you to attend one of our Open
Events so you can see how we can
help your child ASPIRE to a brighter
future.
SUMMER
OPEN EVENING
Thursday 30 th June 2016
6.00pm - 8.30pm
OPEN MORNINGS
12 th - 14 th September
9.15am - 11.15am
SEPTEMBER
OPEN EVENING
Wednesday 14 th September
6.00pm - 8.30pm
Driven by the aim to
ASPIRE
‘One of the Top 100 non-selective state-funded schools in England’
Nick Gibb MP – Minister of State for Schools (February 2016)
Personal tours of the school can be booked at any time by calling 01400 272422
Daily school transport from Newark, Lincoln, Grantham and Sleaford and surrounding villages.
Sir William Robertson Academy Main Road Welbourn Lincoln LN5 0PA
Tel: 01400 272422 www.swracademy.org enquiries@swracademy.org

The Newton Academy
The Science
Club for Girls
The Newton Academy – the Science Club for Girls
was set up by the University of Lincoln in June 2014
to take girls on a 3-year scientific voyage of discovery.
Girls at the end of their
Primary education (Year 6)
from across Lincolnshire
are invited to enrol in the
Academy and...
join our Saturday Club!
The Saturday Club is a series of Saturday
morning science and technology-themed
workshops consisting of hands-on
activities and projects, designed to work
alongside the National Curriculum, that
will inspire and enthuse
the next generation of
female scientists
and engineers.
ENROLLMENT OPENS
1st April 2016
For further information and details of how to enrol on the
Programme, visit our blog: newton.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk
Email: newton@lincoln.ac.uk
YouTube: Newton Academy Science Club for Girls
Workshops
are delivered by staff
and students at the
University of Lincoln,
with help from girls from
the Lincoln UTC and
with support from local
science-based
industry.

EDUCATION
Newton Academy
Newton Academy – the Science Club for Girls
A new academy aimed at encouraging young girls to
pursue careers in science and technology has been
launched in Lincoln.
The Newton Academy – the
Science Club for girls – was set
up by the University of Lincoln
in 2014 to take girls on a 3-year
scientific voyage of discovery.
Since then over eighty Year 6
girls from across Lincolnshire
have enrolled and have attended
our Saturday Club events.
The Saturday Club is a series of
Saturday morning science and
technology-themed workshops
consisting of hands-on activities
and projects, designed to
work alongside the National
Curriculum, that will inspire and
enthuse the next generation of
female scientists and engineers.
The Programme has included
the Robotics Big Launch;
Spud Science; The Chemistry
Christmas Cracker; The
Engineering EGGstravaganza!;
Pharmacy Phacts; and a visit to
the Big Bang Fair at the NEC,
Birmingham.
The Academy has been created
as part of the University of
Lincoln’s Athena SWAN project,
acknowledging the Institution’s
commitment to improving the
representation of women in
science, engineering, technology
and mathematics (STEM). To
improve the representation
of female academics in some
STEM areas (particularly
in physics, mathematics,
engineering and computer
science) we have to attract
more girls to these subjects at
School level (e.g. currently only
20% of Physics A-level students
are female). We believe that
early engagement is the key
to increasing the popularity of
STEM subjects among our girls.
The Academy, therefore, aims
to inspire 10–14 year olds in
STEM subjects – subjects that
research shows they are less
likely to pursue – opening their
eyes to the possibilities of what
they can achieve, and encouraging
them to consider post-16 study in
STEM subjects... and ultimately,
of course, to pursue science and
technology careers. But most of
all, the Newton Academy is all
about showing young girls that
science can be fun!
Girls enrol in the Academy at the
end of Year 6 and stay until the
end of Year 9. During their three
years, ‘Newton Girls’ will take
part in projects that develop their
confidence, their enthusiasm for
STEM, and essential problemsolving
and critical thinking skills.
They will develop leadership skills
and the confidence to challenge
any preconceptions that may
prevent them from pursuing and
being successful in any STEM
field.
Lincoln University Technical
College and the region’s science
and technology-based industries
are also involved in the Academy.
For more on the Newton Academy and details of how you can sign
up for future years please go to www.newton.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk
YouTube: Newton Academy the Science Club for Girls
www.mollysguide.co.uk
19

SPORT & HEALTH
Dinky Dolphins
Take the plunge with Dinky Dolphins...
Swimming is an important life skill
and something most of us learn to
do while growing up - on Saturday
afternoons in some generic leisure
centre or other.
But an increasing number of 21st century parents are
starting to swim their kids young, very young in some
cases - from just a few weeks old believe it or not.
Baby and toddler swimming lessons involve fun, high
energy, aquatic activities for youngsters, and new
Lincoln-based swim school ‘Dinky Dolphins’ offers
mums and dads the chance to introduce their little ones
to the water for the first time.
To the uninitiated, it may all just look like a lot of happy
splashing.
However former teacher and mum-of-two Clare
Gregory (34), says babies and mums and dads too, get
much more out of their pool time sessions than may be
first apparent.
Clare retrained as a swimming instructor last year and
now runs Dinky Dolphins sessions for children aged
from birth to five years, at a handful of locations across
Lincoln and Newark.
“I’ve always been passionate about swimming as it was
something I did from a young age myself,” said Clare.
“It helps to develop their coordination, balance and
build their core strength.
“It’s great for physical and mental health too and not
just for baby, as mums and dads can get out and meet
like minded parents.”
Clare said the structure of Dinky Dolphins lessons
help prepare little ones for certain environments they’ll
experience later in life, whilst also positively channeling
some of that boundless toddler energy that we often
bear the brunt of from time-to-time.
“You never know, they may turn out to be an Olympic
swimmer! But the reward for me is seeing parents
20
Spring 2016

onding with their children and watching their
confidence grow in the water,” added Clare.
“Babies are used to being surrounded by water
for nine months don’t forget, so for them the
feeling is normal and another great reason to
start them swimming as soon as you can.”
Alongside Clare, Dinky Dolphins sessions are
led by two other experienced baby swimming
teachers and tailored to the relevant age groups,
involving crucial aspects of pool safety to help
youngsters feel at ease in the water from the
word go.
Toddlers don’t use armbands and underwater
activities are introduced gradually to help reduce
the fear of water that some older children often
experience.
Songs and games are combined with lessons on
how to hold on to the side and climb in and out
of the pool safely, to give an all round experience
for parents and their offspring.
“Our lessons help to develop babies’ learning
and social skills and they can swim with us
before the receive any of their immunisations,”
added Clare.
“They’re accompanied by an adult at all times,
along with a qualified instructor and we only
swim in pools that are 32 degrees which means
everyone is nice and
comfortable.
“I like to think we
make a difference to
people’s lives as well
as equipping as many
children as possible
with a vital lifesaving
skill.
“Swimming offers
huge developmental
benefits for baby
as well as precious
bonding time for
parents.”
“We’re not a huge corporate wheel where babies
are just a number - each and every swimmer
matters to us.
“We understand the demands that life can throw
at us all, and like to work with families to make
those demands a little bit easier.”
Dinky Dolphins sessions run at pools in St
Francis School in Lincoln, Nocton and Burton
villages, and Beckingham, near Newark.
For more information contact Clare
T: 07494 857419
E: dinkydolphins@icloud.com
Facebook: dinkydolphins
Twitter: @dinkydolphins
www.dinkydolphins.co.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
21

SPORT & HEALTH
Clearview Opticians
T: 01522 542121
E: enquiries@clearviewopticians.co.uk
www.clearviewopticians.co.uk
What is Visual Stress?
Visual Stress refers to reading difficulties,
light sensitivity and headaches from exposure
to disturbing visual patterns. It can be
responsible for print distortion and rapid
fatigue when reading. The severity of these
symptoms can vary from person to person.
The symptoms can occur despite normal
vision. Alternative names may be used to
describe this condition including, Meares-Irlen
Syndrome, Irlen Syndrome and Scotopic-
Sensitivity Syndrome.
The prevalence of visual stress has been
reported as occurring in 5–20% of the
population, many of which suffer unknowingly
or may be misdiagnosed. In people with
dyslexia this is thought to be higher at around
35-40%.
WE HAVE FREE
CAR PARKING
Pilot, Fire Fighter,
Train Driver,
Police Officer...
Every child dreams of
what they’ll do one day.
Up to 1 in 5 children have an
eye condition they do not know
about which could stop them
achieving those dreams.
A FREE SIGHT TEST
may give your child the ability
to see clearly, learn effectively
and fulfil their career aspirations.
169 Burton Road,
Lincoln LN1 3LW
01522 542121
www.clearviewopticians.co.uk
Colourimetry – our
exciting new service...
We are pleased to announce we can
now offer a colourimetry assessment
for visual stress and tinted spectacle
lenses to assist with this.
What are the symptoms?
• Movement/blurring of print
• Letters changing shape or size, fading or
becoming darker
• Patterns appearing, sometimes describes as
“worms” or “rivers” running through print
• Illusions of colour – blobs of colour on the page
or colours surrounding letters or words
• Rapid tiring
• Headache or eyestrain
Signs
• Moving closer to or away from page
• Becoming restless
• Using finger as a marker
• Skipping words and lines
• Rubbing eyes and blinking excessively
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of concentration/disruptive behaviour
Symptoms of visual stress are not always
immediately obvious. Many individuals who suffer
with this condition believe the discomfort they feel
when reading or the distortions they experience
on the page are “normal” and experienced by
everyone. That is until someone presents them with
an appropriate colour and they realise that reading
can become more comfortable and even enjoyable.
During colourimetry we can find the specific colour
to benefit you. We tailor the 3 parameters of colour,
hue, saturation and brightness while the eyes are
colour adapted. This will give a final colour which
is extremely precise to each individual’s needs.
The colour will be different for each person and the
precision coming from a choice of over 100,000
colour combinations now available. In its most
effective form this prescription will be delivered as
Cerium Precision Tinted Lenses.
If you would like to book a colourimetry assessment
please contact Annabelle at the practice.
22
Spring 2016

Image: Pavel L
Photo and Video.
Shutterstock.com
SPORT & HEALTH
Hayfever
Top Tips for easing the symptoms of hayfever
The weather is finally getting better and parents
across Lincolnshire are breathing a collective sigh
of relief as it becomes easier to leave the four walls
of home and head outdoors to blow away winter’s
cobwebs. But park picnics, woodland walks and
games on the grass can be ruined by one very
common seasonal ailment – hayfever.
The condition often affects children from as young as seven
– while older children and teenagers are more susceptible to
the allergy than adults.
It can have an impact on a child at school and while it is typically
thought of as a summer problem, the hay fever season starts
much earlier in the year – during Spring. So people are advised
to look out for symptoms between March and October.
Doctor Sunil Hindocha, chief clinical officer at Lincolnshire
West Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Hay fever
symptoms, including itchy eyes and a running nose, can be
distressing for children, who may find the symptoms harder to
manage and won’t always realise they can ask for help.
“Sometimes hay fever can be confused with a virus. The way
to tell the difference is by how long the symptoms last. If it is
a virus, they should only last a week or two.
“It is important that hay fever is diagnosed so it can be treated
and your child can take steps to avoid it. If your child only has
symptoms in July and August on a very sunny day, it is almost
certainly hay fever.
“But we must be wary of first-generation antihistamines and
the side-effects they can have on children. Children have a
greater risk of side effects from these, particularly drowsiness
and impaired thinking.”
So how can you ease
your child’s symptoms?
Dr Hindocha gave Molly’s
guide his top tips:
• Keep windows closed at
night so pollen doesn’t
enter the house.
• Buy your child a pair of
wraparound sunglasses
to stop pollen entering
their eyes.
• Smear petroleum jelly
(Vaseline) or another pollen
blocker around the inside
of your child’s nose to
trap pollen and stop it
being inhaled.
• Wash your child’s hair, face
and hands when they come
back indoors and, if you
can, change their clothes.
• Don’t let them play in fields
or large areas of grassland.
• Use air filters to try and
reduce pollen that’s floating
around the house.
• Keep car windows shut
when driving.
www.mollysguide.co.uk
23

SPORT & HEALTH
LCHS NHS Trust
New 0-19 service being launched across Lincolnshire
Children and their families
in Lincolnshire will be
supported by a new
integrated 0-19 service
from May.
MAIN: the 0-19 Steering Group who
received the Outstanding Patient
Involvement award at our Celebrating
Success Awards in 2015. They did the
consultation work and models for the
service.
BELOW: LCHS Chief Executive Andrew
Morgan thanking staff for their hard
work in launching the new service.
This new model from Lincolnshire Community Health Services
NHS Trust (LCHS) will see health visiting and school nursing staff
working together in nine teams across the county to provide a
seamless service. It is based on a nationally led model already being
delivered elsewhere in the country which ensures patient safety and
strengthens the focus on health promotion and the National Healthy
Child Programme.
Steph Heathcote Senior Clinical Programme Manager at LCHS
said: “We have spent a lot of time consulting with families. We
had 1200 completed surveys carried out in clinics, supermarkets,
high streets, and through liaising with GPs, children’s centres and
schools. As a direct response from feedback from families this new
model will offer increased continuity of care for families and where
possible they will see the same person throughout, meaning they
will only tell their story once.
“Integrating school nurses and health visitors into nine teams makes
care for the child more streamlined and joined up, with families
receiving more consistent care from the same person. We are
strengthening our links with GPs and schools.”
The development of the nine teams has been happening in the
background for the past year with local families and staff contributing
to the design and introduction of new ways of working. Services
within each team will be tailored according to the specific needs of
an area and delivered from a variety of venues within the community.
Steph added: “We are making sure that the right people are in the
right place by putting staff where there is the most need. This will
mean a better service for families in Lincolnshire.”
For more information about the health visiting and school nursing service
please visit our dedicated website: www.lincolnshirehealthyfamilies.nhs.uk
24
Spring 2016

Lincolnshire hospice to host
Star Wars inspired fundraiser
Lightsabers at the ready as Lincoln prepares
for Star Wars themed sponsored event.
Sci-fi enthusiasts from across Lincolnshire are being
encouraged to sign up to a sponsored walk being held
in Lincoln this summer. Local independent charity
St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice are hosting Star Walks:
Lincoln Awakens, a Star Wars themed 10k walk on
Saturday 17th September.
Participants will start the 10k walk at Yarborough Leisure
Centre where they will be greeted by favourites from
the film and warm up with Jedi training. There will also
be free food after the walk with guests treated to Han
Solo Halloumi baps or a Padmé pork bap courtesy of
Meltworks, local Lincolnshire outdoor caterers.
Becky Otter, Event Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire
Hospice, said: “We are really excited to be bringing this
fabulous new event to Lincoln, which will provide our
community with a chance to celebrate their love for Star
Wars and their passion for raising money. Whether you
choose to walk for the Light Side or the Dark Side the
evening is set to be a fun family evening out. Participants
will follow the path through the Lincoln galactic journey
where film favourites will be cheering them on. There will
even by a musical surprise half way!”
Star Walks: Lincoln Awakens is the 10th annual Moonlight
Walk the charity has hosted which was last year themed
One Night in a Onesie.
ENTERTAINMENT
St Barnabas Hospice
The route will see participants leave Yarborough Leisure
Centre and head to Lincoln Cathedral before making
there way along the High Street and on to Yarborough
Road to return to the leisure centre.
Becky said: “Star Walks is an exciting opportunity for us
to offer something new to our loyal supporters and this
year we are hoping to see more than 1,000 people join
us in crossing the finish line. Whether you choose to
take on this intergalactic adventure for fun or to support
the hospice, you’ll need all the power of the Force!”
To take part, participants must be at least eight
years old, and anyone aged 16 or under must be
accompanied by an adult. Adults can take advantage of
the early bird price of just £12 and children are charged
a flat rate fee of £7.
Participants can also buy an early bird family ticket
(two adults and two children) for just £30. The early
bird price is valid until 30th June 2016. Every registered
participant will receive a free Star Walks branded bag.
Register at: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/starwalks
For more information please contact Becky Otter,
Events Manager T: 01522 559 516
E: becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk
LINCOLN AWAKENS
17TH SEPTEMBER 2016, 6PM
We are searching for brave Jedi knights to complete a 10k walk
across the Lincoln galaxy and help defeat the dark side.
YARBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE, RISEHOLME ROAD, LN1 3SP
www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/starwalks
Registered Charity No. 1053814
www.mollysguide.co.uk
25

ENTERTAINMENT
Lincoln Drill Hall
Explore the arts and have fun at
Lincoln Drill hall this summer!
Lincoln Drill Hall is a great place to introduce
children to the arts. The venue hosts a year
round programme of live shows, theatre groups,
workshops and creative sessions specifically aimed
at younger audiences – from tiny tots to teenagers
– plus events the whole family can enjoy together.
On Wednesday 1 June (10.30am
– 12noon) it’s time to dust of those
dancing shoes for Diddy Disco, the
venue’s hip club for under 7s. The
resident DJ plays a bit of everything,
from rock & roll to disco to the latest
pop hits, mixing it up to make it fun
for children and mums & dads alike
- and face-painting is available too.
The Doodle Dance Show (Saturday
4 June, 2pm) is a unique interactive
show for children aged 3+ and
their families. Join award-winning
performers Anna Williams and Tom
Roden as they get the whole family
dancing, doodling and thinking
up stories in a 50 minute show
that’s packed with unexpected
adventures. Wear your best socks
because your feet will need to
be freed as you prepare to turn a
huge piece of paper into a lively
world of imagination.
For very young audiences
(0-3 years) Toddler’s Room
(Wednesday 8 June, with
performances at 10am, 10.30am,
11am, 11.30am, 1pm, 1.30pm,
2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm) is
a beautiful piece of mini dance
theatre from Norway. Set inside a
white dome, the children and their
carers will immediately become
involved in a play without words
where gorgeous sculptural objects,
sounds and beautiful costumes
stimulate all five senses for a truly
magical experience.
Finally on Wednesday 17 August,
the Drill Hall in association with
Lincoln Castle presents Danny,
The Champion of the World by
open-air theatre company Illyria.
This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s
heart-warming classic is packed
with fun, intrigue, courageous
trickery....and a lot of pheasants!
Illyria, which previously brought
‘George’s Marvellous Medicine”
and ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ to
the Castle, once again offers great
family storytelling in this intelligent
and highly entertaining production.
This show is suitable for ages 5+
so bring along your picnics and
all the family for an enchanting
evening of theatre as the sun sets.
For further information about these
events and activities pick up the
Drill Hall’s Spring brochure or visit
www.lincolndrillhall.com
www.mollysguide.co.uk
27

DAYS OUT
Out and About
Get your family out and about this spring...
Well, the weather is
getting better (it is,
IT IS!) and here at
Molly’s Guide we have
put together some of
our favourite places to
get out and about with
the family. Absolutely
no apology for it
being quite outdoorsy,
because without
sounding too much
like everyone’s mum,
we need to make
the most of summer
while it’s here...
MAIN: Dovedale
BELOW: Jubilee Park
So first up is a hop, skip and jump
over the stepping stones into beautiful
Dovedale. Follow the twists and turns
of the river to discover rocky outcrops
and mysterious caves. Great for
scrambling about and getting little
toes wet paddling with an ice cream in
Milldale village at the end. For a couple
of quid to park the car it is top of the
list for screen-free fun for all ages in the
great outdoors.
There is so much to see and do in
the Peak District it is worth making
a weekend of it. Molly’s Guide
likes The Izaak Walton Hotel for its
fantastic location and scenery or go
under canvas it at one of the many
campsites in the area. Alternatively
pitch camp closer to home at Jubilee
Park in Woodhall Spa and cool off in its
outdoor pools.
Gibraltar Point
Watch classic Jaws (12A), at the teeny
tiny Kinema in the Woods, followed
by a midnight swim back at the park
(Friday, June 10, 9pm). Would you dare
to dip after THAT? Family-friendly films
available every week for those of a
more nervous disposition and outdoor
screenings of classics such as Back to
the Future and Brief Encounter.
Whisper it very quietly but the sun may
not co-operate every single day so it is
best to have a couple of non-weather
dependent plans up your sleeve:
Nottingham is perched on sandstone
so riddled with caves it is a wonder
it is still standing. Head underground
to discover King David’s legendary
dungeon and Mortimer’s Hole as part
of a tour of the city’s famous castle
or visit the City Of Caves, a complex
of over 500 caves dating back to the
28
Spring 2016

Sherwood Pines
Harry Potter Tour
Dark Ages, accessed rather oddly
via a shopping centre. A word of
warning: the castle caves have
over 300 steep steps, so bear in
mind tired legs – yours or theirs!
On the very rare day (wishful
thinking will work this year) it
is lashing it down so hard that
a positive attitude and pac-amac
just won’t cut it, you need
something out of this world to
keep everyone entertained.
The National Space Centre
is home to the UK’s largest
planetarium, a 3d simulator,
interactive galleries, and the iconic
42metre-high Rocket Tower. To
boldly go etc. without having
to get wet or cold – fantastic.
Remember to upgrade to an
annual pass free online.
With those out of the way, normal
service can resume:
Clumber Park is a beautiful
expanse of parkland, heath,
woods and lake covering more
than 3,800 acres just off the
A1. The fantastic woodland
playground has stuff that young
teens will get kick out of as well
as usual under 10 crowds. Pack
a picnic and tick off some of the
National Trust’s ‘50 things to do
before you’re 11 and ¾’. Make
use of that NT membership and
get free parking.
Take advantage of flat-as-apancake
terrain the East Midlands
has to offer. The Grantham to
Nottingham canal path is safe
33-mile stretch for a family bike
ride through the picturesque
Vale of Belvoir. Alternatively for
daredevils, saddle up to weave
round tree roots at Sherwood
Pines. The colour-coded cycle
routes let you know whether it is a
leisure jaunt or a flying by the seat
of your pants affair.
To really get away from the
crowds, drive a mile or so south
of Skegness to the wide-open
vastness of Gibraltar Point Nature
Reserve. Take a short hike over
marshland from the new £1million
visitors centre and emerge from
a giant sand dune to the huge
expanse of windswept beach. The
flat hard sand is perfect for beach
cricket. Let off steam and be as
noisy as you like without fear of
disturbing anything but the gulls.
PS a scream at the wild waves
can be quite therapeutic for adults
as well... so I have heard.
Ok, this is rather further afield and
a little on the pricey side but as
a special treat the Harry Potter
Studios near Watford is hard to
beat. From the first steps into the
breathtaking Great Hall to riding a
broomstick through JK Rowling’s
imaginary world via green screen
technology and seeing how the
creatures were created by the
special effects team this is a
magical day for any Potterhead.
Arrive early and leave late to
squeeze in everything. It really is
worth it.
DOVEDALE:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ilam-parkdovedale-and-the-white-peak
www.izaakwaltonhotel.com
Ilam, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AZ
WOODHALL SPA:
www.jubileeparkwoodhallspa.co.uk
£5/£4 all day, family ticket £16
Stixwould Rd, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QH
01526 353478
www.thekinemainthewoods.co.uk
£6.50/£5.50, family £22.40
Coronation Rd, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QD
01526 352166
NOTTINGHAM CAVES:
www.cityofcaves.com
Upper Level, Broadmarsh Shopping
Centre, Nottingham NG1 7LS
0115 988 1955
£7.95/£5.95/Family ticket £23.50
NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE:
www.spacecentre.co.uk
£14/£11 Under 5s free
Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS
0116 261 0261
CLUMBER PARK:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park
Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AZ
£7 parking/NT members free
SHERWOOD PINES:
www.forestry.gov.uk/sherwoodpines
Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9JL
01623 825411
GIBRALTAR POINT:
www.lincstrust.org.uk/gibraltar-point
Gibraltar Rd, Skegness PE24 4SU
01754 898057
WARNER BROS STUDIOS
HARRY POTTER TOUR:
www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
£35/£27/£107 family ticket, 4 & under free
Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR
0345 084 0900
Kathryn Dainty is a journalist and travel writer,
originally from Lincolnshire but now living in
exile in Manchester.
Often found faffing about
on Twitter, follow her at:
@kathryndainty
www.mollysguide.co.uk
29

©
Wrestling
with the
situation
Those muscleclad
all American
wrestlers have nothing on me.
These days I’m regularly jumped by two young
hoodlums, who pin me to the ground and sit
on my head while pummelling my back. I’m
afraid I lost my heavyweight title months ago
– to a tag team duo with more energy than the
Duracell Bunny on Pro Plus and Red Bull.
If it’s not football training, tennis lessons,
swimming or running from room-to-room
howling like a Native American Sioux, it’s
airborne elbows off the couch and razor-like
knees in the thigh. My two ‘little boys’ are now
‘proper’ little boys, whatever that may mean,
and I am now a ‘proper’ old man – I know you
know what I mean...
Read more at
www.mollysguide.co.uk
Follow us on
SHOWS THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Including
• Big Cat Feeding • Wolf Feeding
• Reptile Handling • Meet the Lemurs
• And the amazing animal show
www.woodsidewildlife.com
...and
save with
our discount
voucher
on page 63
Telephone:
01522 754280
Newball,
Near Langworth,
Lincoln LN3 5DQ
30
Spring 2016

Twycross Zoo
hosts unforgettable
birthday parties
Getting up close to the zoo’s pets and rare
animals makes for a very special birthday.
From animal encounters to games in soft play,
there is something for every birthday boy or girl at
Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire. Little ones can run
wild in the zoo’s special birthday party areas, meet
some of the zoo’s cuddly pets, or even go on a
guided tour. A flexible offer allows parents to pick
and choose from various options to make their
child’s birthday party a day to remember.
Young animal lovers will never forget pets visiting
their party in the zoo’s birthday den. Three
different pets from rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets,
rats and snakes will join in the celebrations, under
the watchful eye of the zoo’s keepers and provide
an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Those who prefer a fun celebration full of classic
games can play giant Jenga and pass the parcel,
as well as enjoying a special visit from a costumed
character. The zoo also hosts birthday parties
in its jungle-themed soft play area, which invites
children to burn off some of their energy in the ball
pits and slides.
Children can also get a deeper insight into the
inner workings of the zoo on a guided tour; share
a tasty birthday cake in the shape of a butterfly,
monkey or elephant with their friends; or take
home a party bag full of great gifts suited to the
children’s age. Each party guest is given a lunch
box, complete with an animal mask, so great fun is
guaranteed at any birthday party at Twycross Zoo.
Sharon Leeson, Director of Marketing says, “We
have two lovely venues here at Twycross Zoo
where children can have fun and celebrate their
birthday in a unique way. Our staff take pride in
making sure that all the party-goers have a great
time and return home with some very special
memories to treasure. By holding a child’s birthday
party here at the Zoo, parents are also giving their
child and their friends a fantastic opportunity to
learn about the animal world.”
DAYS OUT
Twycross Zoo
Aside from celebrating with friends, young visitors to
the zoo can go spotting many of Twycross Zoo’s animal
babies and youngsters. One of the most famous ones is
bonobo Ndeko, who will celebrate his first birthday at the
end of July. Only a year older is the elephant Esha and
Storm, one of the gibbons who have only recently moved
to the new Gibbon Forest, joins the ranks of the three
year olds. Other young birthday boys and girls among the
zoo’s animals include gorilla Lope (4), giraffe Setanta (5)
and orangutan Molly (6).
Twycross Zoo is open to the public from 10am-6pm.
For more info, prices & to book a unique birthday party
T: 0844 474 1777 www.twycrosszoo.org
www.mollysguide.co.uk
31

DAYS OUT
Willows Restaurant & Garden Centre
Wonderful Willows.... A family friendly gem
Come and enjoy a browse around
Willows Restaurant and Garden
Centre, where you can get advice and
inspiration on how to get the best out
of your garden, our deli with delicious
locally produced food and independent
boutiques, where you can find lovely
things for your home and your wardrobe.
The popular restaurant serves delicious breakfasts,
great coffee, a large range of homemade lunches,
afternoon teas and a very popular Sunday Carvery.
There is an outdoor play area outside the restaurant,
with a large terraced area. Delicious Willingham Fayre
Ice creams and milkshakes with marshmallows are a
great excuse for a visit with the children, whilst Mum
and Dad can enjoy a drink and relax.
The Lifestyle store is the heart of the garden
centre. Stocking high end, contemporary home and
giftware, it creates a unique sense of style to the
high impact entrance of The Willows. Independently
owned, design led brands such as LSA glassware,
Maxwell and William’s crockery, Joma jewellery
and Lilyflame candles to name a few best sellers.
With complimentary gift wrap, Lifestyle at Willows is
unrivalled in the Lincolnshire area.
Odlings This multi-award winning butcher on site
offers unrivalled freshness. From the best in fresh
butchery, from tasty fillet steak to home-made
sausages, everything you could want for a sizzling
BBQ or succulent dinner. Loyal, repeat visits are
guaranteed!
Blossoms Hair & Beauty is a modern, friendly salon
offering professional treatments to men, women and
children at competitive prices, with a reputation for
friendliness and professionalism. Our staff’s passion
is for transforming the way people look and feel about
themselves and our talent and enthusiasm continue
to inspire as the salon is now expanding with a new
beauty room and a fantastic range of ladies lingerie
and skin care products
32
Spring 2016

Treehouse Fruit & Veg is a family business
providing quality fresh fruit and vegetables.
They started by introducing a veg box
delivery service, as well as a small range of
Lincolnshire deli produce including Maud
Foster Flour from the Boston Windmill,
and fresh free range eggs. In March, they
moved into a bigger unit within the Garden
Centre and introduced a brand new deli
range. From local fresh bread, jams and
chutneys and a wide variety of world foods,
they have every meal covered! They even
have a frozen range of fruit and vegetables,
where you can take as much or as little as
you like!
Willow’s little gem,
Catkins Boutique,
houses accessories
(bags, belts, jewellery)
and stylish clothing in
Italian linen, himalayan
cashmere and silk blends.
Catkins is perfect for
gifts and updating your
wardrobe in one location.
Quality brands such as
Miss Sugar (Italy), Lindy
Bop, Bewitched, Miss
Shorthair have a regional
niche market and fashion
following on site.
You are invited to the
A wonderful
FREE family,
fun-filled
event
Bank Holiday Monday 30th May
Come and see the Mad Hatter’s
gigantic cake, be thrilled
by the magician and storytelling
the tale of Alice in Wonderland
Try your
hand tea cup
painting
Photo fun!
Take selfies
using the huge
selfie frame
SAMPLE SPECIALITY TEAS
at our tea tasting sessions
Come & try our unique Afternoon Tea,
tailored specially for children!
We look forward to seeing you this Half-Term!
GAINSBOROUGH ROAD,
GLENTHAM, LN8 2EG
T: 01673 372101 www.thewillowsglentham.co.uk
Open 9am-5pm,
Sunday 10am-4pm
Follow us:
See our
money saving
voucher on
page 61
www.mollysguide.co.uk
33

FREE family fun
at Bransby Horses
Spring 2016
SAVE
STAMPS,
SAVE
HORSES!
Could you help us to save horses by
saving stamps? Collecting used postage
stamps and sending them to
‘Stamp Appeal, Bransby Horses,
Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH’ will allow
us to raise much needed funds to
help care for hundreds of horses,
ponies, donkeys and mules.
Simply cut off the corner with the stamp on to help stamp out cruelty.
Why not get your whole school involved and send them all together!
ADOPTION DAYS
Come along to our adoption days
to find out more about some of our
most popular residents! Kids will
love our special adoption treasure
hunts, quizzes and craft activities.
Why not bring a picnic or visit
our delicious Feedroom Café?
We have excellent facilities
including the café, a gift shop
and play park.
Bransby Horses is a great
day out for the whole family!
Admission is free, donations
are always welcomed.
May
NERO
14th May
11.30am-2.30pm
TWIGGY
22nd May
11.30am-2.30pm
DOMINO
28th May
11.30am-2.30pm
June
LARGO
18th June
11.30am-2.30pm
TIZZY &
MUNCHKIN
26th June
11.30am-2.30pm
If you haven’t yet adopted a
Bransby Horses Adoption Star,
visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk or
call us on 01427 788464 to adopt now!
Don’t forget, admission at Bransby Horses is completely FREE so you can enjoy a day
out with your family without worrying about the cost. We hope to see you very soon!
For fun
activities
and competitions, join
our Junior Club FREE
today by phoning
01427 788464!
BRANSBY,
LINCOLNSHIRE LN1 2PH
01427 788464
Charity No: 1075601
Please visit our website
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
as we regularly add events
throughout the year
Bransby Horses -
Rescue and Welfare
@BransbyHorses
Bransbyhorses

SUNDAY 5 TH JUNE
11AM - 4PM
Craft stalls
Shopping
Charity stands
Bric a brac
Kids crafts
Second hand rug and tack sale
Food court
Falconry
Education zone
Kids zone
Face painting
Demonstrations
Donations welcomed on entry. All funds raised go towards our welfare work and
help us care, rehabilitate and rehome the horses, ponies and donkeys we have rescued.
Bransby Horses, Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH | www.bransbyhorses.co.uk | 01427 788464
Bransby Horses - Rescue and Welfare @BransbyHorses BransbyHorses
Bransby Horses is a registered Charity No: 1075601. Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No: 3711676

DAYS OUT
Discover NK
Explore a new
history trail...
North Kesteven District Council
has introduced a new history trail
exploring the fascinating heritage
of Sleaford’s Riverside.
North Kesteven District
Council offers something
for visitors of all ages at its
popular visitor attractions.
explore • discover • experience
Riverside Discovery Trail
Explore
Sleaford’s
riverside &
discover a
working
watermill, art exhibitions,
time capsules and much more!
With a FREE leaflet you can discover many points of
interest about Sleaford’s historic riverside. From the origins
of Sleaford Leisure Centre which was once an outdoor
lido known as Bristol Baths to appreciating the imposing
architecture of Lafford Terrace which was once the most
impressive terrace of domestic housing in Sleaford.
With the easy to use map and directions and intriguing
historical facts, this self-guided trail is the ideal way
to experience the Sleaford of days gone by. The trail will
take approximately 1 hour, but don’t forget to take some
time to explore the many charming places along the way
including Cogglesford Watermill and Navigation House.
You can pick up your free trail at Navigation House or
Cogglesford Watermill, open 7 days a week, 12 to 4pm.
You can pick up your trail at Cogglesford
Watermill, Navigation House in Sleaford or
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre, North Rauceby
for £1 – a prize for all completed trails.
For more info: www.heartoflincs.com
01529 308102 heartoflincs @discover_nk
For more information contact the NKDC Tourism Team
T: 01529 308207
E: discovernk@n-kesteven.gov.uk
36
Spring 2016

Taste the delights at
Daisy Made...
DAYS OUT
Daisy Made Ice Cream
What could be better than enjoying a cold,
tasty ice cream on a warm summer’s day?
Not much, if you ask the team at Daisy Made!
Daisy Made Ice Cream is a family run business just
outside of Lincoln city centre. The name gives a clue
as to what you might expect to enjoy if you visit, but
there is much more besides the ice cream.
Set on their farm in Skellingthorpe, there is a
children’s play area, and a number of animals to
meet including calves, goats and rabbits.
There is a farm themed “Crazy Daisy Golf” course
too, with a number of tricky holes to test your skills,
and a bouncy castle and real petrol cars that kids
can take for a drive.
The café has indoor seating where you can enjoy
coffees, cakes, or even a light lunch with freshly
made sandwiches and paninis, a jacket potato or
soup if you prefer.
And of course, pudding is their speciality. Made
using milk from their own dairy herd, the ice cream
is beautifully creamy, with a dazzling array of weird
and wonderful flavours to tempt you. You can even
have a scoop alongside a warm Belgian waffle,
or grab one from their “Lazy Daisy Drive Thru” if
you don’t want to leave the comfort of your car!
So as the warm weather settles in for the
summer, you can nip along to Daisy Made Ice
Cream to grab a cone, or you can take the family
and while away the day. Whichever you choose
to do, you’re bound to have a good time!
For further information: T: 01522 693757
www.daisymadeicecream.co.uk
• Farm-themed Crazy Daisy Golf
with NEW ‘Poppy the Pig’ golf hole
• Children’s play area,
JumiCars & bouncy castle
• Meet our animals in the paddock
Daisy Made Ice Cream is a family run business in Skellingthorpe,
on the outskirts of Lincoln city, providing a fun day out
for children and adults alike.
There is a wide range of home made, real dairy ice cream flavours
on offer, all made on the farm using milk from the dairy cows.
There is also a seated cafe, with cakes, hot drinks and various
sandwiches, paninis and snacks on offer.
There’s plenty of entertainment with a childrens play area,
animals to meet, a 12 hole farm themed crazy golf course, daisy diggers.
Also featuring a drive through, for grabbing an ice cream in a hurry,
Daisy Made has something to offer for everyone!
FREE
PARKING
FREE
ENTRY
Try our real dairy ice cream made fresh
using milk from our own dairy cows.
Seated Café
serving hot
drinks, cakes
and snacks
Try the ‘Lazy Daisy Drive Thru’
to grab an ice cream on the move!
Tel: 01522
693757
Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe, Lincoln LN6 5SA
www.daisymadeicecream.co.uk
Open:
10am-6pm
7 days a
week
www.mollysguide.co.uk
37

Something for everyone
SHOPEAT&RELAX
Queen’s
Celebrations
Sat 11 th June
Father’s Day
Tractor Event
Sun 19 th June
Big Food
Event with
Wimbledon
Games &
Prosecco Bar
Sat 9 th July
/MarshallsYard
@MarshallsYard
ONLY 50P for 2 hours and £1
for 4 hours FREE on a Sunday
01427 810706
To find out more about our events, please go to our website
www.marshallsyard.co.uk/events
@marshallsyard.gains
Marshall’s Yard, Beaumont Street Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2NA
Don’t miss our
Free Family Events
held throughout the
summer - for more info
visit our website
38
Spring 2016

DAYS OUT
Rand Farm Park
Spring fun at Rand
Farm Park...
There is always something new and
exciting happening at Rand Farm Park
and this Half Term is no exception.
Hopefully the weather will
be warm and sunny
ensuring Skyrider will be
open to all those who want
to have a try...
Water Wars will be
reinstalled again for the
season with lots of water
play throughout the day.
Kangaroo Bouncers will
also provide hours of fun
for all members of the family
whatever the weather and
Archery will be open if it isn’t too windy.
In addition, new for the week will be four new rideon
Tractors to take the place of the ever popular
“quads” to keep younger visitors amused whilst
waiting for the Tractor Ride around the fields.
Obviously animals are central to a visit to a farm
and there are regular opportunities to look, touch,
feed and cuddle a wide variety of farm animals
and pets at various different times throughout the
day. For something a little different and following
Lamb Bottle Feeding, there are also lots of Goat
Kids, hungry for a drink…
Sheep racing will also start in time for the May
Half Term holidays which usually provides a few
laughs for the
last scheduled
activitiy of the
day...So why not
come along and
join in the fun?
The additional
attraction at the
start of Half Term
will be a visit
from Peppa Pig
on Bank Holiday
Sunday, 29 May
2016, who will
be appearing at
intervals between
11am-4pm.
For further information:
T: 01673 858904 www.randfarmpark.com
NEW FOR RAND FARM PARK,
LINCOLNSHIRE AND
BEYOND.....
‘Skyrider’
PLUS
All weather
attraction for
the whole
family
THE NEW OUTDOOR
ACTIVITY WITH
A DIFFERENCE
You can run, climb, slide
and then... ‘SKYRIDE’
Open
every day
10am-5pm
‘Kangaroo Bouncers’,
Water Wars, Archery
and all the usual attractions.
For a great day out for visitors of all ages
Adults & children £9.95 each
Under 2s go FREE Senior Citizens £7.25
Tel: 01673 858904
(only 8 miles east of Lincoln on the A158)
Email: kay@randfarmpark.com
www.randfarmpark.com
www.mollysguide.co.uk
39

DAYS OUT
Lincoln Fashion Week
Three generations:
Mum/Grandma Toni
Moss, daughter Harriet
Kissane and Harriet’s
daughter Kitty (7 months)
Fashionistas hit the Lincoln runway...
Lincoln fashionistas will be out to turn
heads this Summer, after discovering
the season’s hottest new trends at a
dazzling style extravaganza.
We’re celebrating Lincoln Fashion Week (May
16 to 21) and five fabulous catwalk shows,
designed to throw the spotlight on the latest
looks for tots to teens and adults of all ages.
Forget Paris! Lincoln independents and
national name stores are using this brand new
event to showcase everything from cool casual
gear to essential workwear and show-stopping
special occasion outfits.
Sixty-five handpicked Lincolnshire models
will be hitting the catwalks, working the latest
fashions and revealing how fabulous garments,
complemented by professional hairstyling and
make-up, can work real magic!
From jumpsuits to playsuits through to denim
essentials, workwear, weekend must-haves
and edgy menwear, this week-long spectacle
offers something for everyone. Shoppers are
invited to dip into four free fantastic fashion
shows throughout the week.
Debenhams is getting the ball rolling, with its
own “pop-up” catwalk show on Monday, May
16. Check out the latest looks from the store’s
own collections, plus Dorothy Perkins, Vis a
Vis, Gere, Burton, JD Sports and Trespass,
between 11am and 4pm.
On Tuesday, May 17, it is the turn of House of
Fraser. Its “pop-up” show can be seen from
40
Spring 2016

10.30am to 5pm. Watch
out for the best from BIBA,
Wallis, Mint Velvet, Phase
Eight, Therapy London and
French Connection.
Readers who are in the
Uphill area on Wednesday,
May 18, can catch the
action at the County
Assembly Rooms, between
12 noon and 4pm. This
fashion event will feature
Debenhams, Historic
Lincolnshire, New Look, St
Barnabas Hospice, Next,
Oska and Vis a Vis.
On Thursday, the Waterside
Shopping Centre will host
its “pop-up” event from
10.30am to 3.30pm, with a helping hand from
Lincoln College and styles from New Look,
Roman, Next, Vis a Vis, Ego, Chantal, Boots,
M&S, Gere, Topman and Topshop.
The ultimate show-stopping Fashion Week
Grand Finale takes place at St Swithin’s
Church in St Swithin’s Square on Friday, May
20, at 7pm. Readers can buy tickets costing
£10 online at: visitlincoln.com/fashion or on the
door.
Fashion-lovers, who snapped-up tickets earlier
this month, are already excitedly looking
forward to a red carpet event, showcasing the
best of Lincoln’s High Street brands including:
The Best of British, sleepwear and lingerie,
occasion and evening wear, wedding party
wear, holiday shop fashions, festival fashions
and outdoor and active wear.
This glitzy event will be compered by BBC
Radio Lincolnshire presenter Scott Dalton.
Ticketholders can look forward to a glass of
bubbly, an opening performance by Streetbeat,
and a free goody bag containing discount
vouchers.
On Saturday, May 21, the Waterside Shopping
Centre will be hosting a range of unique fashion
stalls and product demonstrations and offering
competitions and custom tote bag printing,
between 11am and 4pm.
Lincoln Fashion Week has been organised
by Lincoln BIG with key sponsors Waterside
Shopping and St Mark’s and great support
from Next and Debenhams.
Support for Lincoln Fashion Week has been
provided by the creative team made-up of
Designer and Creative Director Murray Kirkham,
Stylist Charlotte Lamb and Nail Stylist Nikki
Drury, Talking Heads, Toni & Guy, Save the
Date Events and Salon 2.
ABOVE: Rich Ferry at Gere Menswear and
BELOW: Lorraine Vickery of Vis a Vis – who are
both taking part in the week’s fashion events
www.mollysguide.co.uk
41

MEDIEVAL
ARCHERY
WEEKEND
at Tattershall Castle
Saturday
28 th - Monday
30 th May
11am-4pm
See if you can hit the target using a longbow
Taking residence all weekend the Wolfshead Bowmen
re-enact Medieval life with Have-a-Go Archery (£2 for six arrows)
Includes talks on weapons and armour as well as
a fantastic archery display each day.
11-12pm: Have a Go Archery for the public
12-1pm: Combat demonstration & arming the knight
2pm: Archery display
3-4pm: Have a Go Archery
A great day out
this Spring...
• Indoor Play Barn
• Outdoor play areas
• Tractor & trailer rides
• Keith’s Krazy Karts
• Farmyard crazy golf
• Woodland walk
• Select Lincolnshire
award winning Tea Room
• Gift Shop
Come & play
whatever the
weather!
Tel: 01526 342543
Find us on the A153 between Sleaford
and Skegness, 30mins from Lincoln.
Sat Nav: LN4 4LR
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tattershall-castle
• Birthday parties
• School trips
welcome
01652
678822
South Kelsey,
Market Rasen, Lincs LN7 6PR
www.hallfarmpark.co.uk
42
Spring 2016

Explore something new...
Explore Whisby Nature Park like never
before with the Natural World Centre’s
NEW Otter’s Reach Indoor Adventure
offering an all-weather experience as well
as interactive play, engaging and educating
children about the natural environment.
Otter’s Reach Indoor Adventure offers stimulating
play for youngsters 3 years and over with a height
restriction of 1.3m and shows the development
of Whisby Nature Reserve From its origins as a
quarrying site to the beautiful sanctuary it is today.
Accompanying this amazing creation is Otter’s
Cafe, offering hot and cold drinks and snacks
enabling visitors to extend their stay. Sample fresh
filled deli sandwiches or our tempting range of
cakes – there’s plenty to choose from!
If you fancy something a little more substantial,
the Boardwalk Bistro has an appetising menu
available everyday as well as scrumptious specials
not forgetting our Little Darters children’s menu. If
the weather is warm, stay for the day and try our
selection of ice creams available from Little Darters
Kiosk open during weekends and school holidays*
- just next to Little Darters Wildlife Adventure Area
it’s the perfect place to enjoy a treat and watch
little ones play.
DAYS OUT
Natural World Centre
Watch out for more exciting developments
to Little Darters Wildlife Adventure Area! The
adventure area will soon feature a mini assault
course with balance ropes and a new lookout
tower.
Otter’s Reach Indoor Adventure and Little
Darters Wildlife Area are both open every day
from 10am to 4.30pm.
*Weather dependant. Please check before visiting.
For further information: T: 01522 688868
www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk
What’s new to the
Natural World Centre
Whisby Nature Park,
Moor Lane, Thorpe on
the Hill, LN6 9BW
at Whisby Nature Park...
OTTER’S REACH
INDOOR ADVENTURE
AND OTTER’S CAFE!
Experience Whisby Nature Park like
never before with fun interactive play
for little ones aged 3 years and above*
Open every day 10am-4.30pm Otter’s Cafe: 11am-3pm
DON’T FORGET...
Little Darters Wildlife
Adventure Area too!
Open every day 10am-5pm.
T: 01522 688868 E: whisby@1life.co.uk
www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk
*Height restriction 1.3m
www.mollysguide.co.uk
43

DAYS OUT
Doddington Hall
Discover more at Doddington Hall and Gardens...
The Gardens at Doddington Hall
near Lincoln take on a whole new
lush and ‘frothy’ personality in
May, one which appeals to children
and adults alike. There is plenty to
explore and discover.
After the spectacular pageant
of spring bulbs which began in
early February (Snowdrops and
Crocus Thomasianus), March
and April brought drifts of Lent
Lilies and heritage Daffodils
plus Aconites and Snake Head
Fritillaries.
May bring irises to the
Walled West Garden, and the
celebrated Iris Week later in the
month when they are at their
best, but the Wild Gardens
bring clouds of Cow Parsley
through which to meander…
For younger visitors, this
is a chance to follow these
paths, which seem secret
and unexplored to the young
inquisitive mind. The Temple
of the Winds is waiting to be
discovered; if you stand on it
you can look at the parkland
and the gardens and up into the
tall trees. Which is the tallest?
Which is the greenest? Perhaps
the children can decide!
44
Spring 2016

The ancient Sweet Chestnut
trees next to the Croquet Lawn
hold a lot of wonder for the
younger visitor. Gnarled and
knotted, they twist and turn, full
of wonder and intrigue…they are
hundreds of years old and hold
lots of secrets, for sure.
Photo: Val Corbett
A turf maze is also waiting to
be solved – one child can stand
in the middle whilst the other
works out how to reach them
and vice versa – who will be the
quickest?
Benches overlook the maze
for adults to enjoy the Gardens
whilst keeping an eye on the
children. But before you leave
the Gardens, did you spot
something really extraordinary?
A maple tree along the
meandering paths holds a
special surprise which children
can chance upon! Will they
know what it is? It is of course
a ‘dinosaur’s egg’!
Have you got lots of energy? A
Nature Trail (approximately one
mile) starts from just beyond
the Temple of the Winds and
follows a circular route back
to the Ha Ha at the end of the
Yew avenue. It’s a pleasant
and interesting walk through
woodlands, open parkland and
a wetland meadow from where
the clay was dug to make the
bricks to build Doddington Hall.
Look out for birds and wildlife!
If you’re feeling really energetic,
families can walk up to the
pyramid, which was built in
2014. You can see it from the
Ha Ha – it’s in the distance
and really small but younger
visitors love to have their
photo taken in the doorway
and it’s a brilliant chance to
learn about perspectives.
After all that fun, you can
re-fuel with a drink and a
snack in one of Doddington’s
two cafes in the Farm Shop
and the Giant Bicycle Store.
Iris Week at Doddington Hall runs
from Sunday 29 May to Sunday 5
June and is a chance for visitors
to enjoy Doddington’s famous
irises (Gardens open daily). It
includes an Eye-Spy Trail for
children which will take you
through the grounds around the
Hall. Will you be able to spot all
the seasonal flowers?
Don’t forget to spot all the
veg in the Kitchen Garden as
well! Perhaps they will give our
younger visitors some cookery
ideas. Admission applies. Normal
opening days are Wednesdays,
Sundays and Bank Holiday
Mondays.
Doddington Hall. Doddington LN6 4RU T: 01522 694308 www.doddingtonhall.com
www.mollysguide.co.uk
45

DAYS OUT
Rushmoor Country Park
For further information:
T: 01507 327184
E: info@rushmoorpark.co.uk
www.rushmoorpark.co.uk
Fun for the whole family
Young or old, happy or grouchy - you will find something
to make you smile at Rushmoor Country Park...
Lamb feeding, pony rides and bird demos are all included in your
entry. Feed the goats and ponies or enjoy a walk round Rachael’s
gardens – there maybe tadpoles and frogs in the pond.
Try one of our BIG Lincolnshire breakfasts – or just sit on the patio
with tea and home made cake from the tea room whilst the kids
play on the bouncy castle.
A family fun shaped day out for all….
• Tea room
• Childrens parties
• Free parking
• Schools welcome
So much fun for everyone at
Rushmoor Country Park
We have something to make everyone smile this Spring
Bird handling &
interactive flying
demos during the day
– so if you have wondered
what it is like to hold
a hawk or an owl,
today is the day
to find out…
Don’t forget...
Today is Dad’s Day!
Come and
meet our baby
lambs, goats,
rabbits, guinea
pigs, rats, ponies
and more...
FATHER’S DAY
Sunday
19 th June
Treat him to FREE entry
to the park and a FREE bacon bun
if you arrive before 2pm.
CHALLENGE OF THE LAMBS
Mon
30th
May
SPRING BANK HOLIDAY
How many lambs? How many legs?
Count them up to win
a little prize.
Fun for all the family...
www.rushmoorpark.co.uk
Louth Road, North Cockerington, Louth LN11 7DY
T: 01507 327184 E: info@rushmoorpark.co.uk
46
Spring 2016

All inclusive fun at
Jubilee Park...
Woodhall Spa’s Jubilee Park has more attractions
than ever for a family day out and prides itself on
being all inclusive for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The open air heated swimming pool programme has extra
hours and sessions this year, from extra early adult only
morning swims and half price offers for seniors on Tuesdays
to fun sessions with inflatables, aquacise and swimming
lessons. Carers go free at any time and the facility has a
poolside hoist and easy access steps. With an average water
temperature of 86 o F- 29 o C and heated changing rooms, it’s a
perfect way to have fun and stay fit, whatever the weather.
The charitable trust than runs the community park has
continued to replant and improve the pleasure gardens and
the iconic bandstand will be refurbished in time for a special
Royal picnic in the park on 12th June to celebrate Her
Majesty’s 90th birthday. This is just one of a variety of special
events, which include increasingly popular midnight swims
and open air cinema, planned for this summer. Timetables
and full details can be downloaded from the website.
The park is entirely self-sufficient with no public funding.
Anyone can become a supporter or volunteer- handy packs
listing everything you can do to help- from sponsorship to
ways you can support without spending money- are available
at the park or on the website.
DAYS OUT
Jubilee Park
What’s in Jubilee Park for you?
• Open air heated swimming
and paddling pools
• Fully equipped children’s play park
• Lovely pleasure gardens for picnics
or just relaxing
• Croquet
• Tennis
• Outdoor table tennis
• Bowls
• Pitch and put/crazy golf
• Caravan and camp site
• Near Viking Way and Water
Railway cross county cycle
and walking routes
• Easy access to Woodhall Spa’s
famous woods, shops and
restaurants
For further information:
T: 01526 353478
www.jubileeparkwoodhallspa.co.uk
Discover Woodhall Spa’s best kept secret
• Heated outdoor swimming pool
• Children’s Play Park
• Games Hut
• Tennis & Cricket
• Croquet & Bowls
• Cafe & Picnic areas
BOOK NOW FOR
YOUR 2016 STAY
Dogs allowed
Camping & caravaning site
set amongst beautiful woods
Toilet & shower block, laundry
and washing up facilities,
disabled wet room, baby change
and wash area available.
For more information
or to book:
01526 353478
Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QH
www.jubileeparkwoodhallspa.co.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
47

HOBBIES & ACTIVITIES
Woodland Trust Nature Detectives
Photo: Tattershall Carrs
by Katherine Jaiteh WTML
Best places to see bluebells
across the East Midlands
with the Woodland Trust
Visiting a bluebell wood is one of the UK’s
great seasonal highlights and the Woodland
Trust has lots for you to visit for free across
the East Midlands this spring.
When bluebells first appear can vary depending on early
spring temperatures, so when you see your first bluebells
you can record them on the Trust’s Big Bluebell Watch
survey to help track their arrival across the country.
48
Spring 2016

Some of the best East Midlands
bluebell woods to visit...
Tattershall Carrs, Tattershall,
Lincolnshire
Tattershall Carrs forms the last remaining
remnants of ancient, wet, alder-dominated
woodland that once ringed the margins
of the Fens. It also boasts a fascinating
history – the wood was part of RAF
Woodhall Spa during the Second World
War, and was home to the famous 617
‘Dambusters’ squadron.
Oldmoor Wood, Strelley,
Nottingham
A mere five miles from
Nottingham city centre,
Oldmoor lies in a surprisingly
rural area. Within the wood
is a small circular pond with
beautiful old yews standing
on its central island.
A network of tracks form easy
circular walks through the
wood.
Bow Wood, nr
Matlock Bath,
Derbyshire
A good example of
the semi-natural oak
and birch woodland
that once cloaked
this area.
The Wickey Tor
offers stunning
views towards the
north east across
the valley. Well
used by local
people walking
the Shining Cliffs
complex of paths.
Everdon Stubbs, Daventry,
Northamptonshire
Ancient woodland with a mix
of common and sessile oak,
lowland birch, sweet chestnut
and sycamore. Bluebells and
rare wild daffodils provide colour
in spring. It is believed part of a
prehistoric burial site remains on
the site’s northern boundary.
Burrough’s Wood, Ratby, Leicestershire
Burroughs Wood encompasses two large sites, one with ancient
origins, the other a newer woodland. A well-used site, particularly
along the public and permissive bridleways. Getting around is
easy, with gentle and undulating slopes.
An enchanting carpet of native bluebells is a great indicator of ancient
woodland, which is one of our rarest and most irreplaceable habitats,
covering just 2% of the country’s landmass. It’s hugely important to
look after the flora and fauna within, so the charity is asking visitors to
bluebell woods to stick to marked trails and avoid trampling bluebells
so they can be preserved in both the short and long term.
This year the Trust is launching a new Nature Detectives Family Trail
app for use at 24 of its sites, including Everdon Stubbs in Daventry,
Northamptonshire, Tattershall Carrs in Lincolnshire and Burrough’s
Wood in Ratby, Leicestershire. The augmented reality app brings
two woodland fairies, Blue and Belle, to life as they lead families on
a fun, magical trail through the woods. There are challenges and
activities to complete at marker points in each wood, to stop Foot the
Giant trampling on the precious bluebells.
The free Nature Detectives Family Trail app can be downloaded from
the App Store or Google Play.
All about
bluebells...
Bluebells can be found,
usually, between mid-
April and late May, when
the flowers can make the
most of light reaching the
forest floor before the full
woodland canopy casts
its shade.
They can provide
a valuable, early
source of nectar for
bees, hoverflies,
butterflies and other
insects.
Occasionally you will spot
white bluebells in amongst
the violet - this is caused
by a genetic mutation
HALF OF THE
WORLD’S
POPULATION OF
BLUEBELLS ARE
HERE IN THE UK.
Bluebells are an ancient
woodland indicator
– meaning that they
commonly appear in areas
that have been wooded
since 1600AD, and reply
upon the unique conditions
this habitat can provide.
Trampling is not the only
threat that bluebells face:
There is a fear that nonnative
Spanish bluebells
are cross-breeding with
our English bluebells. Learn
how to tell the difference
on our website.
Since 1998 it has been
illegal for anyone to
collect pick native
bluebells from the wild
for sale.
To download the app and find a list of participating woods: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/familytrail
www.mollysguide.co.uk
49

HOBBIES & ACTIVITIES
Wild Woodcraft
“It not only creates
enthusiasm and enjoyment
but also promotes social
interactions, team work and
problem solving skills.
What a wild adventure!
I have a passion for education and inspiring our
future generations to follow their dreams and fulfil
their potential. I too have been inspired to learn
new skills, take myself out of my comfort zone and
embark upon a new venture alongside Matthew
Chapman. Together it is our desire to enable
children and adults to experience the outdoors
through a Wild Woodcraft experience.
For the last six years I have
been fortunate to teach at
Tealby School, an innovative
forward thinking village
primary with an inspirational
head unafraid to lead her
staff into new inventive ways
of teaching.
Four years ago, Tealby
School embarked upon a
journey into Forest School
with all children experiencing
learning outdoors
in local woodlands.
Matthew Chapman
came along as a
parent helper and
it soon became
clear that he
had amazing
knowledge and expertise
in the area of bush craft,
survival and primitive skills.
Matthew pinpoints the time
when he developed an
interest in wildlife and the
outdoors to when he was
a young boy aged seven.
At this time he watched a
weasel and a rat fight to the
death, (the weasel won!) The
passion for the outdoors was
born!
Matthew was encouraged
and supported to obtain
the required qualifications
necessary to become a
Forest School leader and
has since attended courses
in primitive skills with a
nationally leading expert,
Will Lord. From this point on
the school’s Forest School
experience was intensified
“I was
amazed at the
learning and
enthusiasm
which took
place.”
and taken to another level
with Matthew at the helm
because he had developed a
scheme of outdoor learning
for children from Reception
to Year 6 and beyond that
was firmly rooted in skills
development.
My first experience of the
forest was assisting Matthew
with a group of children
back in the summer of 2015.
I couldn’t believe
it! Seeing children
working together
to achieve difficult
tasks including the
preparation, cooking
and eating of a
rabbit astounded
me. Watching the lighting of
a fire with a primitive bow
drill and seeing the children
model this to light their
own fires took education
and learning into a new
dimension.
Matthew and I are now
working together as Wild
Woodcraft to offer schools
the opportunity to experience
high quality outdoor learning.
We are offering experience
days to other schools to
enable more children to
participate in this invaluable
experience. It is our belief
that woodcraft is suitable
for all ages and abilities of
children and adults.
We offer school trips, both
single day experiences and
also tailor made residential
courses. During these
experiences participants
50
Spring 2016

can choose from a range of
activities to suit the needs
or curricular objectives
of the group. Activities
include; fire lighting with
various tinders and ignitions
or the bow drill method,
knife safety and carving,
shelter making, foraging,
cooking (with or without
pots), preparing rabbit or
fish using stone age tools,
cordage making ,water
collection and purification,
and games involving
sensory awareness and
tracking skills.
During school holidays
we are offering a range
of experience days which
follow a daily theme. For
example, using tools to
complete a project such
as making a boomerang
or spear, fire lighting,
cooking, arts and crafts,
shelter building, games and
a whole variety of other
activities.
For those seeking a bigger
adventure we offer camp
outs in a beautiful private
woodland. During these
camps the children work
on woodcraft projects for
example carving stone age
spears from animal bones,
making bow and arrows,
creating shelters that can
be slept in and a whole
host of other adventurous
activities that challenge the
mind and allow the survival
mechanisms to kick in.
Private parties for birthdays
and other occasions can
also be booked offering an
exciting tailor made party
experience in a beautiful
outdoor setting.
There are even experiences
for adults who wish to
challenge themselves
and work colleagues to
work in teams to survive a
Wild Woodcraft corporate
primitive team building day!
For any additional information:
Facebook: Wild Woodcraft
Maria Charles has been a
primary school teacher
for 13 years.
www.wildwoodcraft.net
www.mollysguide.co.uk
51

We are very excited that
The Lincolnshire Show
2016 will soon be here…
…and our preparations are already
underway! Despite last year’s show being
a great success, with families flooding
into the showground and smiles all round,
this year we hope will be even bigger and
better. The pressure is definitely on, as we
are keeping our fingers crossed for some
nice warm weather too!
HOBBIES & ACTIVITIES
Ruddocks of Lincoln
On the 22nd and 23rd of June we hope that
you will be joining us at the Lincolnshire
Showground, stand 1 The Mews, for both a
fun and educational day out! Catering for a
younger audience, the show will be packed
with food, farming and animal stands for the
children to learn something new at and, most
importantly, celebrate their hometown – all
things Lincolnshire!
The Lincolnshire Show is definitely worth a day,
or two, out of school as the local produce and
traditional farm machinery, along with all of the
animals on show, mean that there is plenty to
experience and actively learn about. It’s even
school trip worthy we think!
Here at the Ruddocks stand we will be
launching our new season autumn workshop
brochures and there may just be a few summer
holiday activities in there too for our juniors to
get involved with. Amongst plenty of two-day
only special offers and an exciting prize draw,
we will also be running various demonstrations
throughout the day, including that of Pilot Pens.
Parents and guardians, do not despair. As you
can see, there is plenty for you to get involved
with and enjoy on the day too – it’s not just
about the children you know! Sit watching a
breath-taking performance with a nice cold
beverage, or browse the 600 trade stands that
will be there on the day – Ruddocks are just one
of many.
Like the children, we think that you too
should be celebrating everything good
about Lincolnshire so pop by on either
(or both) of the days to browse our local
souvenirs and gift ideas.
Tickets for the show are available to
purchase now via www.lincolnshireshow.
co.uk/tickets or, alternatively, can be
bought on the day. You will be pleased to
hear that under 5s get in for free, and there
are cheaper tickets for families, children
(5-16 years) and young adults
(17-22 years) too.
All that’s left to say is, get your friends and
family together and be sure to keep these
dates in your diary free! We look forward to
seeing you in June.
For our full range of products and art/craft workshops,
visit our website www.ruddocksoflincoln.co.uk
or pop in-store, Monday to Sunday.
For further information:
T: 01522 528285
www.ruddocksoflincoln.co.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
53

A beautiful beginning to
ballet and dance...
HOBBIES & ACTIVITIES
Passion 2 Dance
Providing dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz,
Musical Theatre and Acro Dance and we
welcome students of all abilities and ages
– starting as young as 18 months old with
our Mummy & Me Classes.
We treat each child individually and whether they
just want to have fun or focus on exams, we can
help them achieve their goal. We understand that the
social aspect of dance lessons is just as important
as the technique!
Our teachers are accredited and qualified with
governing dance bodies including BBO and IDTA
and dancers are able to take graded exams but we
offer other opportunities to gain recognition for their
hard work and dedication.
We have more than 35 classes per week which are
provided at convenient times, both mornings and
afternoons in the week and Saturday mornings.
Throughout the year and during summer school
holidays Passion2Dance run special events and
workshops. Their May holiday workshop is themed
Alice in Wonderland and a Mad Hatters Tea
Party. These events incorporate musical
theatre and different dance styles and offer a
good chance to make new friends.
For further information T: 01522 691292
www.passion2dance.co.uk
Childrens Dance Classes Ballet, Tap, Street Jazz, Musical Theatre
and Acro Dance with some classes starting from 18months
Enchanting & Stylish Childrens Themed Birthday Parties
Holiday Workshops and Special Events
Onsite Boutique
Cafe/Lounge
Free Onsite Car Park
Get Little Feet
Inspired...
Passion 2 Dance Studios 6 Farrier Road Lincoln LN6 3RU
01522 691 292 info@passion2dance.co.uk www.passion2dance.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/passion2dance.co.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
55

WHAT’S ON
Family fun & events
Image: Monkey Business Images. Shutterstock.com
Find out What’s On near you...
Saturday 21st May
Kids Craft Fair and Fun
Day at Washinborough
Community Centre
A craft fair and fun day
exclusively for kids! Following
the success of the craft and
gift fair in November we will be
holding another event which
promises to be bigger and
better than last year! We have
a whole range of different craft
workshops running for children
(and adults!) of all ages to get
involved in.
We will also be holding a baby
room this year with lots of
activities, gifts and services
for you to explore with the
younger ones. Hopefully we
will have the weather on our
side for the day as we will
have a bouncy castle, a soft
play area as well as many
other outdoor activities!
Washingborough Community
Centre, Fen Road,
Washingborough, Lincoln,
Lincolnshire,LN4 1AB
A Pocketful of Grimms at
The Terry O Toole Theatre
Let the magical Storyteller
whisk you away to a land of
fables to explore some of the
most famous Grimm fairy tales
ever told, brought to glorious
life in a rich mix of physical
theatre, clowning, puppetry,
music and much more.
From the winners of the Primary
Times Children’s Choice Award
2014 and Three Weeks Editors’
Choice Award at Edinburgh
Fringe 2015.
Age Guide: 5+ years. Tickets:
£6 / Family Ticket £20
The Terry O Toole Theatre,
North Kesteven Centre, Moor
Lane, North Hykeham, Lincoln
LN6 9AX
T: 01522 883311
www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk
Sat 21st-Sun 22nd May
Wild Art Weekend
at Belton House
Join us as and create works
of art out of natural materials.
Be inspired by Belton’s
woodland and create your
own work of art from nature.
Meet the play team in the
playground to get started.
Booking Not Needed.
Time 12noon-3pm. General
admission prices apply.
Belton House, Grantham,
Lincolnshire NG32 2LS
T: 01476 566116
www.nationaltrust.org.
uk/events
Don’t miss out...
For full details on all
What’s On and Events
in your area visit
www.mollysguide.co.uk
56
Spring 2016

Saturday 28th-Sunday 29th May
Spring Craft Fair at Gainsborough Old Hall
Back by popular demand is our huge Spring
Craft Fair with colourful stalls and
demonstrations from the best hand picked
crafts people in the country. Each day will
have different crafters joining us inside the hall
and lining the gardens where you can enjoy
afternoon tea at our cafe. A great way to see the
magnificent building and buy all your gifts and
home ware for the amazing price of just £1.
Gainsborough Old Hall, Parnell Street,
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
www.gainsborougholdhall.com
Saturday 28th-Monday 30th May
Medieval Archery Weekend
at Tattershall Castle
Test your skills with a longbow over the weekend
with the Wolfshead Bowmen. Come & see if
you can hit the target using a longbow. Taking
residence all weekend the Wolfshead Bowmen
re-enact medieval life with have-a-go archery.
Includes talks on weapons & armour as well as a
fantastic archery display. Dogs on leads welcome.
11am-4pm. General admission prices apply.
Tattershall Castle, Sleaford Rd, Tattershall, LN4 4LR
T: 01526 342543
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Saturday 28th-Friday 3rd June
Poppy Trail at Hartsholme Country Park
Join us to celebrate the arrival of the wave of
poppies to Lincoln!! Explore Hartsholme Country
Park by taking part in a poppy themed trail. Solve
the puzzles & complete the challenges to finally
claim your sweet treat! Cost £2.50 per child, booking
essential. All children must be accompanied by an
adult. 12pm-3pm at the Visitor Centre
Hartsholme Country Park, Skellingthorpe Road,
Lincoln, LN6 0EY
T: 01522 873735
E: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
Sunday 29th May
Meet Peppa Pig at Rand Farm Park
Oink. Oink! Everyone’s favourite pig, Peppa is
visiting Rand Farm Park for the start of the May
half term. See her at intervals throughout the
day. No extra charge, all included in entry fee!
Book farm admission online and SAVE!
Rand Farm Park, Rand, Market Rasen, LN8 5NJ
T: 01673 858904
www.randfarmpark.com/online-tickets
Monday 30th May
Sheep Shearing Day
at Hardys Animal Farm
The farm comes alive this time of year with
the annual sheep shearing day.
Hardys Animal Farm, Anchor Lane,
Ingoldmells, Skegness, PE25 1LZ
T: 01754 872267
www.hardysanimalfarm.co.uk
Wednesday 1st June
Food Through Time at The Collection
Food through time family fun day. Join us for
a family fun day inspired by food throughout
history. Visit the Roman food stall and make
your own edible dormouse, as well as other £1
activities available through the day.
The Collection, Danes Terrace, Lincoln, LN2 1LP
T: 01522 782040
E: thecollection@lincolnshire.gov.uk
For full details on all What’s On and Events
in your area visit www.mollysguide.co.uk
See our
FREE
CHILD
voucher on
page 65
www.mollysguide.co.uk
57

WHAT’S ON
Family fun & events
Wednesday 1st June
The Minecraft Story Mode Spectacular
Take the children on a journey with Jesse and his
friends through the 5 episodes of the games. As well
as the children creating unique short scenes and
performances, there will be challenges, games and
activities as well as a minecraft themed lunch and
disco. At the end of the day parents are invited back to
watch a showcase of the children’s performance.
Limited spaces available, so book in advance. Please
note whilst Minecraft Story Mode the game is for
players aged 12, the content of the day is suitable for
ages 5+. Cost £20 for the day. Food & drink is provided.
T: 07958 045 243 / 01522 802295
E: hello@backgardendramacompany.co.uk
Facebook: Waddington Village Hall, Lincoln
Image: MaszaS. Shutterstock.com
Sweet Nostalgia
at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life
A special day when our traditional sweetshop
pops up in Commercial Row for you to buy all
those childhood favourites of yesteryear. Free
event. Time: 12noon-3pm.
Museum of Lincolnshire Life, The Old Barracks
Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LY
T: 01522 782040
Camping
out for
nature!
RSPB’s Big Wild
Sleepout: 29th-
31st July 2016
Grown-ups and children alike are in for a
treat over the upcoming summer holidays as the
RSPB will once again be urging nature lovers to
spend a night under the stars for its annual Big
Wild Sleepout.
The charity is challenging children and their
families across the UK to go on a miniadventure,
get wild and discover what goes
bump in the night with the amazing nocturnal
wildlife on their doorstep.
Happy campers across the country will be
encouraged to sleep out in their own gardens or
outdoor spaces to get close to nature & discover
which creatures they share their homes with.
Read more at
www.mollysguide.co.uk
Thursday 2nd June
Flower Shower
at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life
A family craft workshop making and using flowers
and herbs for sweet-smelling home decorations
and presents. Time: 10am-3.30pm. Crafts £1 each.
Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Old Barracks,
Burton Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3LY
T: 01522 782040
Friday 3rd June
Friday Family Fun Club – Groovy Gardeners
at Gainsborough Old Hall
Make a planter and sow your seeds. On school
holiday Fridays 10am-12noon and 1pm-4pm.
Just £1 entry per child and accompanying adults
FREE (admission only to club room). Our great
new club for families to have a go at exciting and
fun crafts guided up by our staff, with something
different to take away every time! Just turn up
at either the morning or afternoon session. No
booking required.
Gainsborough Old Hall, Parnell Street,
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2NB
T: 0370 333 1181
www.gainsborougholdhall.com
58
Spring 2016

Saturday 4th June
Doodle Dance
at Lincoln Drill Hall
Created and performed
by Anna Williams and
Tom Roden.
Grab a pen and kick off
your shoes for this fun
playful interactive show
that will get the whole
family drawing, and
dancing, doodling and
story-telling together.
Help turn a giant piece of
paper into a delightfully
anarchic world populated
by crazy birds, dancing
pirates, and a man who
speaks in bubbles.
Suitable for ages 3+ and
their families. Running
time: 50mins (no interval)
Lincoln Drill Hall,
Free School Lane,
Lincoln LN2 1EY
T: 01522 873894
www.lincolndrillhall.com
Wednes 8th June
Toddler’s Room
at Lincoln Drill Hall
This beautiful piece of
mini dance theatre from
Norway has been created
by choreographer Siri
Dybwik to appeal to our
youngest audiences.
Set inside a white dome,
the children and their
carers will immediately
become involved in a
play without words where
gorgeous sculptural
objects, sounds and
beautiful costumes are
the stimulus for a truly
magical experience.
The show is suitable for
ages 0-3 years
Lincoln Drill Hall,
Free School Lane,
Lincoln LN2 1EY
T: 01522 873894
www.lincolndrillhall.com
Sunday 12th June
Kite Flying Workshops
at Belton House
Create your own kite and learn
how to fly it on Belton’s oval.
Belton House, Grantham, NG32 2LS
T: 01476 566116
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Friday 17th June
Toddler Time
at Hartsholme Country Park
Join Park Rangers & dress to get
messy for seasonal activities for the
under 5s! Cost £2.50 per child. All
children must be accompanied by
an adult.10am at the Visitor Centre
Hartsholme Country Park,
Skellingthorpe Rd, Lincoln, LN6 0EY
T: 01522 873735
E: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
Sat 18th-Sun 19th June
International Museums on the
Air at Cranwell Aviation Centre
Joining in with this national event,
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre
will host an amateur radio station
to make contact with museums
from around the world.
Cranwell Aviation Heritage
Centre, North Rauceby, Near
Cranwell, Sleaford, NG34 8QR
T: 01529 488490
www.cranwellaviation.co.uk
Wed 22nd-Thur 23rd June
Lincolnshire Show
Experience a true celebration of
rural Lincolnshire with an eclectic
mix of breathtaking entertainment,
food, shopping, music, horticulture
and farm life – creating the perfect
family day.
Lincolnshire Showground, Grangede-Lings,
Lincoln, LN2 2NA
T: 01522 522900
www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk
Saturday 2nd July
The Pantaloons – Gulliver’s
Travels at Belton House
Open Air Theatre for the whole
family.
Join Lemuel Gulliver on a
fantastical and hilarious voyage
into the unknown… Meet the tiny
people of Lilliput and the giants
of Brobdingnag; visit the floating
island of Laputa and a country
peopled (or horsed?) entirely by
talking horses. Time: 7-9pm.
Belton House, Grantham,
NG32 2LS
T: 01476 566116
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events
For full details on all
What’s On and Events
www.mollysguide.co.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
59

WHAT’S ON
Family fun & events
DON’T MISS OUT!
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app today!
Friday 15th July
Remember you
can read all
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Guide by simply
downloading
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– we would
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your family!
Toddler Time at Hartsholme Country Park
Join Park Rangers and dress to get messy for
seasonal activities for the under 5s! £2.50 per
child. All children must be accompanied by an
adult. Meet at 10am at the Visitor Centre
Hartsholme Country Park,
Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY
T: 01522 873735
E: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
Hartsholme Country Park
Events
POPPY TRAIL
£2.50
Sat 28 th May-Fri 3 rd June 12pm-3pm
BIRD WATCHING FOR ALL
Sunday 5th June 10.30am-12.30pm
TODDLER TIME
£2.50
Friday 17th June 10am-11am
For full details on all What’s On and Events in your area visit
www.mollysguide.co.uk
FREE
Tuesday 26th July
Terrific Trees
at Hartsholme Country Park
If the trees had faces what would they be
like? Join Park Rangers for a fun filled tree
inspired afternoon learn more about these
wonderful giants of the park also take part in
a craft session & see if you can make a tree
smile! £3.50 per child, booking is essential. All
children must be accompanied by an adult.
10am at the Visitor Centre
Hartsholme Country Park,
Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY
T: 01522 873735
E: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
Thurday 28th July
Den Building
at Hartsholme Country Park
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30am-3.30pm
Who lives in a house like this? Join the Park
Rangers to build a shelter that could protect you
from the wind and rain, using fallen timber and
tarpaulins. The activity will be in the woods so
suitable clothing and sensible shoes should be
worn. £3.50 per child and booking is essential.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at 1pm inside the Visitor Centre
Hartsholme Country Park,
Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY
T: 01522 873735
E: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
Tuesday 2nd August
Mosaic Making
at Hartsholme Country Park
Join Park Rangers to take part in making your
very own mosaic tile to take home. There is
a charge of £3.50 per child for this event and
booking is essential. This activity is aimed at
children. There are toilets and refreshments at
the Park. 1pm outside the Visitor Centre
Hartsholme Country Park,
Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY
T: 01522 873735
E: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
T: 01522 873735
E: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
For full details on all What’s On and Events
in your area visit www.mollysguide.co.uk
60
Spring 2016

Money saving vouchers for you & your family
50p off
admission price
per person
Tel: 01472 291998
Offer valid upon presentation of this
voucher. Not in conjunction with any
other offer. Valid until 30th June 2016
Kings Road, Lakeside,
Cleethorpes,
Lincs DN35 OAG
www.thejunglezoo.co.uk
Birthday Parties
1 hour of Circus Fun & Frolics for just £75!
CONTACT US FOR DETAILS!
Tel: 07941 210281 / 07986 100496
Email: partyworkshops@hotmail.co.uk
www.partyworkshops.co.uk
Lincoln and
close surrounding
area only.
Valid until
30.09.2016
Buy one
tea or
coffee
GET ONE
FREE
T: 01673 372101
www.thewillowsglentham.co.uk
Gainsborough Road, Glentham, LN8 2EG
Offer ends 31st May 2016. T & Cs apply. Available on presentation of this voucher.
Rushmoor Country Park
family 4
admitted
for the
price of3
on presentation of this voucher
Louth Rd, North Cockerington, Louth LN11 7DY
T: 01507 327184 www.rushmoorpark.co.uk
Offer ends 4th July 2016. Photo copies not accepted. Not in conjunction with any other offer.
20%
OFF
admission
Valid for up to four people.
Expires 30th June 2016
Tel: 01623 882977
www.whitepostfarm.co.uk
Offer valid upon presentation of this voucher.
Not in conjunction with any other offer.
www.mollysguide.co.uk
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Spring 2016

Money saving vouchers for you & your family
Schools!
Book 2
workshops
and get 1
free
For more information about
Lincoln Circus School & their work
Tel: 07941 210281 / 07986 100496
Email: partyworkshops@hotmail.co.uk
www.partyworkshops.co.uk
Limited to
1 free workshop
per school.
Valid until
30.09.2016
FREE
tea or
coffee
This voucher entitles you to a
in the Feedroom Café
Charity No. 1075601
I am happy to receive updates about the
charity, including the Bransby Life newsletter
via (please tick): Email Post
Bransby, Lincoln LN1 2PH
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
One voucher per person. Valid from 17th May to 4th July 2016
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Spring 2016

Money saving vouchers for you & your family
One child admitted
FREE
WITH THIS VOUCHER
admit 1 child
FREE
with 2 full paying adults*
MG16
Save
£6
North Parade, Skegness, Lincs PE25 1DB
T: 01754 764345 E: info@skegnessnatureland.co.uk
Must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Cannot be used with any other offer/discount. Valid to 31.10.2016.
www.skegnessnatureland.co.uk
Tel: 01652 678822
South Kelsey, Market Rasen, LN7 6PR
*Offer valid upon presentation of this
voucher. Not in conjunction with any
other offer. Expires 4th July 2016.
www.hallfarmpark.co.uk
50%
our children’s
farmyard boxes
with every paying
adult in the cafe
OFF
FARM SHOP,
BUTCHERY & CAFE
T: 01652 640308
E: info@unclehenrys.co.uk
Maximum of 2 children per voucher.
Voucher valid until Fri 9th Sept 2016
Grayingham Grange, Grayingham, Gainsborough, DN21 4JD
www.unclehenrys.co.uk
swimming
during 2016
Stixwould Road,
Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QH
T: 01526 353478 / 352448
Voucher must be presented on purchase.
Not in conjunction with any other offer.
www.jubileeparkwoodhallspa.co.uk
Cheapest
player goes
FREE
2 for 1
on Crazy Golf
WITH THIS VOUCHER
Valid from 20th May to 5th July 2015
Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, LN6 5SA
One voucher per customer. Not in conjunction with any other offer.
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Spring 2016

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t: 07974 695626
e: stuartwildephotos@btinternet.com
www.stuartwildephotography.com

Spring &
Summer
Sunday 5 June
11.00am – 3.00pm
All Courses Open Day
Wednesday 8 June
4.00 – 7.00pm
Postgraduate Open Evening
Thursday 23 June
4.30 – 7.30pm
Foundation Degree and
Progression Route Open Evening
Wednesday 6 July
11.00am – 3.00pm
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Friday 19 August
10.00am – 5.00pm
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Sunday 25 September
11.00am – 3.00pm
All Courses Open Day
For more information and to book
your place please visit our website:
www.bishopg.ac.uk/OpenDays