Winter Issue 2016 (2)

ISSUE 24 • WINTER 2016 

www.mollysguide.co.uk 

for parents & carers 

with the New Theatre Royal 

Take part in 

Fun filled 

OUT & 

ABOUT 

events & activities 

for the whole 

family 

Looking after our 

FEATHERED 

FRIENDS 

with the RSPB 

Ready for Christmas 

with ArialTrail 

Festive fun family days out this 

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 

FREE

We take 

2-4 

year olds 

A purpose-built local authority school serving the families 

of Birchwood and surrounding areas. Well-equipped inside 

and out with a fully enclosed spacious outdoor area. 

All children are welcome, their abilities, gender, 

cultural and ethnic background are celebrated. 

• 15 free hours per week 

of part-time education 

• Morning, afternoon 

or full-day places 

• Before & after school care 

and a lunch club 

Don’t delay - apply today 

PLACES AVAILABLE 

NOW! 

• Also options to buy 

additional sessions 

For more information please call 

01522 684335 

KINGSDOWN ROAD, LINCOLN LN6 0FB 

Email: enquiries@kingsdownnuseryschool.co.uk 

www.kingsdownnurseryschool.co.uk

Welcome to the winter edition of Molly’s Guide, 

which went to press as families across Lincolnshire 

were beginning to look forward to ‘the most 

wonderful time of the year’. 

As the temperatures drop, the festivities begin to heat up 

and a quick flick through our pages will give you an idea 

of just how much is going on around the county. 

From late night shopping and ice skating to pantomimes 

and Santa’s grottos, there’s so much to see, do and 

experience through November and December. 

Waterside 4 

Kingsdown Nursery 13 

If you’re struggling to choose how to spend your time, 

take a look at our Top 10 things to do at Christmas on 

pages 32 and 33. 

Here at Molly’s, we believe that one of the greatest gifts 

you can give your children is a love of reading and so our 

guide to the best children’s books of the moment (p12) 

will give you some great ideas for stocking fillers. 

New Theatre Royal 18 

You will also find all our usual features and columnists 

as well as your useful money-off vouchers (even more 

welcome after weeks of Christmas shopping!) 

All that remains is for us to wish you a happy Christmas 

and a wonderful new year... and here’s hoping you all find 

yourself on the ‘nice list’... 

Visit Lincoln 24 

stevensgreenmedia 

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: Ramona Heim. Shutterstock.com 

RSPB 37 

TERMS & CONDITIONS ©2016 

While every effort and care has been made to ensure the 

accuracy of the information contained in this publication, 

the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors, 

inaccuracies or omissions it may contain. Inclusion in the 

directory does not imply an endorsement of the service or 

product. No part of this publication may be reproduced in 

any form, or by means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, 

recording or otherwise. Or stored in any retrieval system 

- without the prior written permission of the Publisher. 

Copyright ©Stevens Green Media Ltd - All rights reserved. 


3

Pick up your 

perfect presents... 

Lincoln’s best-loved shopping 

centre is the perfect place to pick 

up your Christmas presents. 

NEWS 

Waterside 

Every year, it feels like Christmas comes 

around quicker than the previous one 

but there’s no need to panic, one trip 

to the Waterside will solve your present 

predicament! 

The centre is home to a wide range 

of retailers, from fashion outlets such 

as H&M, New Look, Next and Top 

Shop through to Stormfront and its 

amazing range of Apple products and 

smartphone providers such as O2 

and Three. There’s also the Calendar Club and 

Marshells, Games Workshop, Sky and Virgin 

Media. 

And if you need a break from the hustle and 

bustle, then a drink at Caffe Italiano or a bite to eat 

at Burger King could be just the thing! 

With Thursday late night shopping starting on 

17th November (the night Lincoln’s Christmas 

Lights are turned on) and longer opening hours on 

selected Fridays too, the Waterside is all you need 

to make Christmas shopping that little bit easier! 

Need Some Inspiration 

If you’re really struggling to decide on what to 

buy people this Christmas, then help is at hand! 

The Waterside’s Christmas Gift Guide has just 

been published and features 12 pages packed 

with suggestions and inspiration. 

You can pick your copy up in the centre or find 

it online at www.watersideshopping.com 

New Year Sales 

– Start Boxing Day 

If you’re waiting for the New Year Sales to 

pick up some amazing bargains, there’s no 

better opportunity than the Next Sale! We’ll be 

opening at 6am on Boxing Day for those who 

simply can’t wait and as well as Next, there’s 

bound to be some bargains on offer at the 

centre’s other retailers. 

Finally, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 

from everyone at the Waterside! 

Look Who’s Back - 

Santa’s Grotto 

Father Christmas had such a great time 

at the Waterside last year, that he’s once 

again taking a break from preparations for 

the big day, and spending some time in 

the shopping centre. 

From Thursday 1st December right 

through to Christmas Eve, Santa’s Grotto 

will be open to visitors between 11am 

and 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am 

to 4pm Sundays. 

Booking is essential and only costs £4.50, 

for which children will get to meet Father 

Christmas, have their photo taken with 

him and receive a very special Christmas 

Gift. Visit bookfatherchristmas.com/ 

waterside to secure your spot. 


5

NEWS 

Clearview Opticians 

Schools do not hold eye tests 

What they see 

WE HAVE FREE 

CAR PARKING 

What you see 

Make sure your 

child’s eyes are ok 

At Clear View Opticians we welcome children 

of any age. Don’t wait until it’s too late. 

Book your child in now - it’s free! 

Private & NHS eye tests • Contact lens trials & aftercare 

169 Burton Road, 

Lincoln LN1 3LW 

01522 542121 

www.clearviewopticians.co.uk 

Clear View Opticians 

shortlisted for 

National Award... 

Lincoln-based optical assistant, 

Stacey Davis has been shortlisted for 

a prestigious national award. Stacey 

who is based at Clear View Opticians, 

Burton Road, has been announced as 

one of three finalists in the category 

of Optical Assistant of the Year in the 

AOP Awards2017, which is run by the 

Association of Optometrists (AOP). 

She was delighted to have made it to the 

shortlist in this category, which is sponsored 

by the Optical Consumer Complaints Service 

(OCCS), commenting: “I feel really happy. My 

boss Annabelle entered me for the award, and 

when she broke the news to me that I had been 

selected I got really excited. I have never had 

anything like this before – I am very thankful, 

and honoured that she is so proud of me.” 

The Awards, now in its sixth year, recognises 

the highest levels of achievement in UK 

opticswith the Optical Assistant of the Year 

accolade celebrating outstanding customer 

service, knowledge and teamwork. 

AOP Chief Executive, Henrietta Alderman, said 

the Awards is “about celebrating the talent and 

expertise of practitioners who contribute so 

much to the public and profession”. 

She added: “This year we have seen some 

remarkable candidates put forward who 

demonstrate real committee and skill in 

delivering for patients as well as playing an 

important role in the optical community. We are 

looking forward to giving them the recognition 

they deserve.” 

Members of the public can cast their vote, 

and find out more about the Awards, by 

visiting www.aop.org.uk/awards before 

midnight Sunday 18 December. Results will be 

announced at a black tie dinner on Sunday 5 

February 2017. 

For more information, please contact 

Clear View Opticians, Annabelle Magee, 

169 Burton Road, Lincoln, LN13LW 

T: 01522 542121 

www.clearviewopticians.co.uk 

6 Winter 2016

Back in the saddle again... 

It appears Mr Christmas will definitely 

have his work cut out again this 

festive season. 

Pen’s well and truly been put to paper and at the 

top of my youngest’s list of longings this year is a 

brand new big boy bike. 

It’s been a while coming - a precarious start 

didn’t bode well for my nervous little novice as 

he took the giant leap from stabilisers early in the 

summer. 

Quite surprising really as he’s been the very 

proud second owner of his brother’s hand-medown 

balance bike for the past few years. 

The words greased and lightning always spring 

to mind. 

It seemed feet to pedals was a bridge too far 

however, for someone who wanted to keep his 

both firmly on the ground. 

So it was with glowing pride that I watched him 

brave the elements in early October in a bid to 

conquer his fears once and for all. 

It took him no time to get back in the swing of 

things and after half an hour he was chasing 

his brother all over the place, even starting off 

himself - much to his clear delight. 

I have to admit to getting a little bit emotional as 

they tore about in the cool autumn sunshine. 

Three years ago I remember doing exactly the 

same with my eldest. 

Balance bike to no stabilisers was mastered 

within another glorious afternoon on a 

nondescript piece of grass on the other side of 

the village. And one that always makes me crack 

a smile whenever I stroll past on my many dog 

walking duties. 

It’s yet another one of those moments of 

magnitude, that completely blindside you and 

sweep you off your feet. 

And when you’ve dusted yourself off, picked 

yourself off the floor and composed yourself 

for a second, you look up to see your children 

breaking free from yet another parental tie. 

On the plus side, learning to ride your bike 

remains a fantastic metaphor for life. 

NEWS 

Desperate Dad 

Yes, there are sure to be lots of bumps and 

bruises along the way, but if at first you don’t 

succeed, try, try again. 

And if you’re lucky enough you’ll always have 

someone behind you, steering you in the right 

direction, ready to catch you if you fall. 

So if ‘Santa Christmas’ does indeed manage to 

cram two brilliant new bikes down the chimney 

come the early hours of December 25. It’ll be a 

bittersweet moment for us all once more. 

Sure, the boys will be pleased as punch with 

their shiny new wheels, but I’ll have that 

familiar ache in my heart as they 

pedal power their way towards 

the next major milestone. 

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: 

barrylwood.wordpress.com 

Facebook: Desperate Dad 

Twitter: @Dad_Desperate 


7

NEWS 

Festive Family Quiz 

Subbotina Anna. Shutterstock.com 

Christmas joy, or 

‘bah, humbug!’? 

We seem to be hurtling 

through 2016, don’t we? 

There’s only a couple of big dates left on 

the calendar to celebrate - Christmas and 

the new year but we don’t all approach the 

festive season in the same way. 

Imagine there’s such a thing as a Christmas 

Care-o-meter, with The Grinch representing 

yuletide pessimism and Buddy the Elf being 

the embodiment of festive joy. 

Molly’s Guide writer Sam Curtis, who, by 

her own admission sometimes leans more 

towards Grinch-ness than Buddydom, has 

devised a fun (and extremely non-scientific) 

quiz to help you discover where the needle on 

the care-o-meter might swing. 

Will you end up green and hairy, or prone to 

wearing stripy tights and shouting, “it’s Santa! 

I know him” every time you visit a grotto? 

Read on to find out… 

Q1. You started your Christmas shopping: 

A: In the January sales. (You never miss a bargain - you made 

a beeline for the knock-down beauty gift sets from Boots, the 

perfume sale at Debenhams and the 50% off rail at Asda). 

B: You’ve set aside a day in November for a mammoth shopping 

trip to Meadowhall and you won’t be heading home until you 

have purchased a gift for everyone on the list, even if that means 

grandad will be getting M&S socks for the fifth year in a row. 

C: You plan on dedicating a couple of hours on Christmas Eve 

to pop into Tesco to buy everyone (who isn’t a child) a bottle of 

wine. The kids get enough from other members of your family. 

There’s no point spoiling them, eh? 

Q2. Watching your child in their nativity play 

makes you feel… 

A: So proud. Your video camera is fully charged so you can film 

the entire thing. On Christmas Day, you have a screening planned 

after dinner for family members that can’t make the performance. 

Awww, look at their little faces. 

B: Emotional. You have promised yourself you won’t cry but you 

know as soon as the little ones start to sing Away in a Manger, 

you will dissolve. Pack the Kleenex. 

C: Like giggling (in an inappropriate way). You really shouldn’t find it 

funny when the back end of the donkey clearly needs a wee, judging 

by the way it’s crossing its legs and hopping from foot to foot. 


Q3. Your favourite Christmas film is… 

A: One film? You can’t choose one. You love them all. 

B: The Polar Express. Even though the animation is a bit dodgy, the music’s good, it’s got Tom Hanks 

in it and the part where the elves spy on the children via TV screens is the perfect way to explain how 

Santa sees EVERYTHING. 

C: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. It has a skeleton as the main character. Say no more. 

Q4: Visiting Santa in his grotto is… 

A: A full-time occupation during the month 

of December. So many grottos, so little 

time. You have been known to visit the 

one at Pennells at least seven times in one 

weekend. 

B: Like playing Russian roulette. You never 

know if your three-year-old will either: A) 

freak out at meeting Santa; B) tug his beard. 

C: Worth it if it means you can put the gift 

away for Christmas. That’s one less present 

to worry about. 

Q5: When it comes to Christmas 

jumpers… 

A: It doesn’t even have to be December to 

wear a festive jumper. You have at least five 

or six different designs and the children all 

have matching sweaters with reindeers on. 

You plan to rotate the wearing of your jumpers 

on a daily basis until at least January 2. 

B: You own one Christmas jumper. You 

always save it for Christmas Day. It has the 

slogan “Keep Calm And Eat Your Sprouts” 

emblazoned on the front. 

C: Seriously? You wouldn’t be seen dead 

in one. 

Q6: Putting up the Christmas Tree… 

A: Is the cause for much excitement. You buy a 

beautiful spruce from Fillingham Trees and the children 

decorate it with hand-made baubles, some of which 

have been passed down the generations. If possible, 

the tree goes up on December 1, maybe even sooner. 

B: Means going to the shed and rummaging around 

to dig out the artificial tree you have had for the last 

seven years. Occasionally, a mischief of mice scurry 

out as you remove it from the box. The rest of the family 

start off with good intentions of helping you unravel the 

tangled fairy lights and tinsel but before you know it, 

your pre-schooler is rolling the baubles for the cat to 

chase, your husband is eating mince pies and drinking 

port to ‘toast’ the tree and your eldest child has 

escaped to watch YouTube clips on the computer. 

C: You have one of those 2ft-tall plastic fibre optic trees 

that you plug in and ‘voila’. Tree done. 

Q7: Christmas Day is a time for… 

A: Family, laughter and board games. 

B: Spending an hour releasing various toys from their 

packaging then another hour constructing said toys 

for your child to end up sitting in a cardboard box 

pretending to be a pirate. 

C: Eating and sleeping. 

If you answered mostly As. 

This probably won’t come as a 

surprise but you love, love, LOVE 

Christmas. Your care-o-meter needle 

is most definitely hovering over Buddy 

the Elf. You embrace everything 

the festive season offers with gusto 

from the food, to the presents, to the 

films, to the decorations. This is your 

favourite time of year. When people 

say they find it stressful, you honestly 

think they might be slightly unhinged. 

What’s not to love? 

If you answered mostly Bs. 

Your care-o-meter is hovering 

around the middle mark 

- think Chevy Chase in 

National Lampoon’s Christmas 

Vacation. You are full of good 

intentions, you want to the 

celebrations to go smoothly 

but every now and again 

your fairy lights short out 

and you are plunged into 

darkness. Keep the faith. 

You’re a good sort. 

If you answered mostly Cs. 

Full-on Grinch. Yep. You are 

not a fan of Christmas but 

that’s okay, we can’t all be 

like Buddy. Just remember, 

the grumpy old Grinch ended 

up being the guest of honour 

after giving the residents 

of Whoville their gifts back. 

Console yourself with the 

fact Christmas really is 

just one day (two, if you 

count Boxing Day). 

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, 11, and Louie, 3. 

You can follow Sam on: 

Twitter: @sammanfa 

Instagram: sammanfa1 

Facebook: SamCurtisWrites 


9

Available 

26th Nov 

to 18th Dec 

daily 

For all your 

fresh Christmas Trees! 

Don’t miss 

Father Christmas 

in his grotto 

December 3rd & 4th 

and 10th & 11th 

Festive fun 

for the whole 

family! 

Enjoy fun & 

magic with our 

visiting entertainers, 

Bruno the donkey 

and much more 

£4.50 including a gift 

Christmas 

shop open 

9am-5pm 

• Undercover Christmas shop 

with a huge range of decorations 

• Cafe serving hot & cold refreshments 

Visit our Christmas 

decorations outlet for 

bargains galore & browse 

our shopping area. 

Castle Farm, Fillingham, 

Gainsborough DN21 5BX 

Tel: 01427 667014 

www.fillingham-trees.co.uk 


The Lincolnshire Puppy: 

new children’s book 

encourages primary 

pupils to aim high 

EDUCATION 

Lincolnshire Outreach Network 

A new children’s book which aims 

to encourage primary school pupils 

across Lincolnshire to aim high in their 

ambitions has been published. 

The Lincolnshire Puppy tells the tale of a 

mischievous dog who gets into all sorts of scrapes 

until his friends show him that learning is fun and a 

route to be anything he wants to be. 

With references to famous Lincolnshire landmarks 

and institutions, from Lincoln Cathedral to the Red 

Arrows, the story aims to build confidence and 

aspiration in young children that they can realise 

their ambitions – and that learning can also be fun. 

The book is a new publication from the 

Lincolnshire Outreach Network – a partnership 

of higher education providers from across 

Lincolnshire led by the University of Lincoln. It 

is written by Elly Sample with illustrations by 

Ruddocks Design of Lincoln. 

The foreword comes from TV presenter and 

naturalist Chris Packham, a Visiting Professor at 

the University of Lincoln, who describes how his 

own passion for learning developed as a child. 

The Lincolnshire Outreach Network was set up 

to encourage educational aspirations by offering 

outreach activities and impartial information and 

guidance about higher education. It is part of 

the National Networks for Collaborative Outreach 

funded by the Higher Education Funding Council 

for England. 

Elly Sample, Director of Communications, 

Development and Marketing at the University of 

Lincoln, said: “This book aims to get parents or 

carers and children talking about the future and 

opportunities from a very young age. In some 

areas of Lincolnshire as few as one in ten young 

people progress into higher education, compared 

to a national average of just over one in three. 

Secure a free 

copy of the 

Lincolnshire 

Puppy... 

This means many 

talented individuals are 

missing out on the lifechanging 

opportunities 

that degree level study 

can bring.” 

Free copies of The 

Lincolnshire Puppy 

are being distributed 

to primary schools 

across the county for 

Early Years and Year 1 

classes. 

Primary school age children in Lincolnshire can secure their free copy of 

The Lincolnshire Puppy by sending in their puppy stories and pictures, 

or simply a letter about what they want to be when they grow up, to: 

Lincolnshire Puppy, The Lincolnshire Outreach Network, 

FREEPOST NEA936, c/o University of Lincoln Marketing Department, 

Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS. 

Please remember to include your name, age and postal address. 

Terms and conditions apply. See: www.lincoln.ac.uk/puppy 


11

EDUCATION 

Book reviews 

Exploring great reading ideas... 

Bookseller Deborah Holland from Waterstones 

in High Street, Lincoln, recommends four titles 

to get stuck into this Christmas… 

Fantastically Great Women 

Who Changed the World 

by Kate Pankhurst 

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC £6.99 (9781408876985) 

This has been one of my favourite non-fiction titles 

released this year. If you have visited the store I 

work at or you are a friend of mine you will know 

this is no lie. I love the picture book format which 

vibrantly introduces young children to women 

throughout history who have tackled adversity 

and have achieved these goals none the less. 

As a mother of girls aged 4 and 8 years old this 

is a message I want to teach my girls. However 

regardless of genre or whether a teacher, parent, 

friend or child this book is brilliant. 

Each double page spread introduces an example 

of one of these Fantastically Great Women with 

very accessible facts and illustrations. From 

Marie Curie to Coco Chanel, Anne Frank to Rosa 

Parks among others. Emmeline Pankhurst is also 

featured and the author is related to her through 

her paternal line which is question I am asked 

a lot. This book is an inspiration and cannot 

recommend enough for children 5 years and up. 

The Snow Spider by Jenny Nimmo Egmont UK Ltd £6.99 (9781405281775) 

It is Gwyn’s 9th birthday and as well as the strange objects that his grandmother gives 

him and her bizarre proclamations that he might be a magician – it is also the 4th 

anniversary of when his sister, Bethan, disappeared. This book, set in Wales, starts in 

autumn and ends at Christmas making it a wonderful book for a child to start reading 

now. The magic and mystery of this story would appeal to children who love stories 

like Moondial by Helen Cresswell or Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce and 

the world of Harry Potter. This 30th Anniversary edition is very pretty and a great 

introduction to the fantasy genre for any child 8 – 12 years old. I enjoyed rereading it 

also and as it is the start of a trilogy I am going to continue to revisit the series. 

Animalium – Welcome to the Museum 

by Jenny Broom and Katie Scott 

Templar Publishing £8.99 (9781783706112) 

When the large format Animalium was published in 

2014 it was an instant hit with me and many others 

becoming a bestseller instantly. Any child (or adult) 

with a passion for natural history would instantly 

love it. With animal specimens curated and exhibited 

in this stunningly illustrated book it is a portable 

museum. Open to whoever and whenever they like. 

Imagine my excitement when a mini version of this 

title was released this year! It fits in - pockets, handbags, schoolbags and, most 

importantly, Christmas stockings. While mine and my kid’s favourite will always 

be the large original format (9781783700608 £20) this latest edition is just as 

brilliant. Perfect for your budding David Attenborough or Steve Backshall. 

Harry Potter and the Chamber 

of Secrets: Illustrated edition 

by J.K. Rowling and Jim Kay 

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC £30 

(9781847807182) 

The new Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 

was released this year and Fantastic Beasts 

Screenplay is soon to be published on 18th 

November not to mention its film. It would 

be hard not to review a book from J.K Rowling but which one? 

October saw the second Harry Potter book reimagined in this superb 

illustrated edition. Jim Kay manages to bring these characters to life 

further with stunning watercolours that will take your breath away. 

The second year at Hogwarts literally gets off to a flying start with an 

unfortunate trip in a flying Ford Anglia. This is captured beautifully 

on the front cover. 

I love these editions as you can read out loud as a family. Let your 

imagination run riot with award winning illustrator – Jim Kay’s pictorial 

portrayal of Harry Potter’s world while being swept by the magic of 

J.K. Rowling’s words. This is a forever book. A book for keeps that is 

completely ageless. Whether an adult, collector or a child you will be 

hard pressed not to put this and the illustrated Harry Potter and the 

Philosopher’s Stone on your Christmas list. 

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 


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 


13

ENTERTAINMENT 

Lincoln Drill Hall 

EXPLORE THE ARTS AND HAVE FUN 

AT LINCOLN DRILL HALL THIS WINTER! 

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. 

There’s no better family theatre experience 

that panto, and this year the Drill Hall stages a 

spectacular adaptation of Beauty and the Beast 

(6 December - 3 January), packed with fantastic 

characters, stunning costumes, sing-along songs, 

dance routines, jokes, magic tricks and sensational 

special effects. 

As a special treat for little ones (age 3+) this 

Christmas, there’s also The Nutcracker and the 

14 Winter 2016 

Lincoln Drill Hall is a great place to introduce children to the arts. 

Mouse King (13 – 17 December), a fairytale tale 

told through dance and song that’s an ideal first 

introduction to the magic of theatre. 

Into 2017, and on Tuesday 14 February it’s time to 

visit Pongo the Pig (voiced by CBeebie’s Justin 

Fletcher) again. A toy machine has been delivered to 

Marty McDonald’s farm, but it’s stopped working – 

can Pongo and the gang fix it before the Toymaker 

comes back?! 

Join Julia and John as they play Granny’s Game on 

Saturday 18 February, where a trip around the board 

becomes a globetrotting adventure in this show for 

ages 5+ from the wonderful Rhubarb Theatre. 

The Tapdancing Mermaid (Saturday 8 April) for ages 

3+ features stunning puppets, original live music and 

dancing and is “just everything a children’s theatre 

experience should be.” (Childsplays). 

Handmade Theatre’s interactive show How Time Flies 

(Monday 10 April) is inspired by the intriguing world 

of archeology and is packed with puppets, music, 

stories, facts and fun. 

And rounding off the Spring season the acclaimed 

Scamp Theatre return to the Drill Hall with another 

inventive Julia Donaldson adaptation, The Scarecrow’s 

Wedding, for ages 3+ on Monday 17 April. 

For further information about these and other events 

for children and families, pick up the Drill Hall’s 

Spring brochure or visit www.lincolndrillhall.com

ENTERTAINMENT 

LPAC 

This year, Lincoln Performing 

Arts Centre has two Christmas 

shows for your family to enjoy. 

The main house show is the 

adventure filled Treasure Island. 

Grab your pirate hat and treasure 

map and join Jem Hawkins 

as she is drawn into a world 

of swashbuckling excitement 

brimming with buccaneers and 

buried gold. 

What really sets this Christmas 

show apart – aside from it being 

a refreshing alternative to the 

numerous seasonal Pantomimes 

on offer in the city – is that the 

venue have completely changed 

the shape of the space and 

have staged it in-the-round. This 

creates an incredibly immersive 

world where children will feel like 

they’re sailing the seas with Long 

John Silver and his pirate crew. 

Running from Monday 12th to 

Saturday 24th of December, this 

It’s a truly magical time of year... 

Decorating the Christmas tree, leaving out a carrot for 

Rudolph, going to the theatre as a family to see a big 

show; these are all moments that make Christmas as 

a child memorable and special. 

adaptation of a classic pirate tale 

is definitely one to watch this 

Christmas and remember… X 

marks the spot! 

Lincoln Performing Arts Centre is 

also offering a second Christmas 

show this year. BRRR! The 

Lost Polar Bear is the story of 

Anja and the snowy adventure 

she embarks upon to find a 

snow bear. Set in the venue’s 

60 seater studio theatre, this 

show is perfect for those aged 

3 and over and is a great way 

to introduce little ones to the 

theatre. The small cast of 2 will 

help transform the room into a 

winter wonderland with the help 

of songs, stories and silliness. 

Watch this brand new winter 

story unfold from Friday 16th to 

Saturday 24th of December. 

This year there really is 

something for all the family 

at Lincoln Performing Arts 

Centre. Front of House and 

Bar Manager Holly Cox is 

excited about what they have 

to offer, “We are all set for the 

Christmas season with our fairy 

lights and baubles on standby 

ready to decorate the trees. 

“We will also be transforming 

our café bar into a pirate 

treasure map full of riddles and 

clues to help you solve Captain 

Flint’s puzzles. 

“Alongside that we will have our 

‘Treasure Chest’ stall stocked 

up with toys and goodies 

including pirate hats and 

chocolate golden coins! Our 

staff will no doubt be modelling 

the pirate hats and we hope 

you dress up too when you 

come to see the show!” 

You can book your tickets for 

both shows online at: 

www.lpac.co.uk 

T: 01522 837600 

or in person at the box office 

in Zing Café Bar within Lincoln 

Performing Art Centre. 


17

A magical Christmas 

at New Theatre Royal 

Visit the New Theatre Royal Lincoln 

this Christmas for a magical 

experience that you will never forget. 

Now open under new management we have 

been busy giving this beautiful traditional Grade 

II listed building a new lease of life and returning 

to its traditional name from 1893 of the New 

Theatre Royal Lincoln. 

Over the next year we have many plans to 

develop and programme lots of enticing family 

shows and participatory experiences for children 

of all ages, so keep an eye out on our social 

media for upcoming news! 

We are keen to bring back the tradition of taking 

your family to the Theatre and the New Theatre 

Royal Lincoln is the best place to start a child’s 

journey into the world of Theatre and the Arts. 

Make sure that you are on our mailing list today 

by visiting www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk so 

you can be one of the first to find out about our 

new Spring programme and beyond. 

We are really excited about some of our 

wonderful new ‘little bit extras’ to help make your 

Theatre experience complete and have been 

working with local businesses to help support 

them and to enhance your trip to the Theatre. 

No trip is complete without a visit to our new 

Candy Corner – featuring bespoke chocolates 

and sweets, starting from as little as a £1 

produced by Lincoln-based Sweet Kandy Kisses. 

We also have some brand new merchandise 

available including Teddy our New Theatre Royal 

Bear – and he will have some new friends joining 

him very soon! The perfect Christmas present! 

We are really looking forward to presenting our 

first Pantomime this Christmas at the Theatre. 

Add Prince Charming, Cinderella, a Baron, some 

Ugly Sisters, a spectacular flying carriage, a 

Fairy Godmother and some magical sparkle 

ENTERTAINMENT 

New Theatre Royal Lincoln 

and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo you have the recipe for 

one of the best Christmas shows and favourite 

stories of all time – Cinderella. 

Cinderella runs from 5th December – 8th January 

and features a cast for all ages including CBBC 

Star ‘Yonko’ Christopher Johnson playing 

Buttons, TV Star Kerry Katona as the Fairy 

Godmother and Coronation Street Actor Ian 

Reddington as Baron Hardup. Also introducing 

professional singer and dancer Rebekah 

Lowings as Cinderella. Teamed with a superb 

cast of professional actors, singers, dancers, 

musicians and featuring dancers from the 

Janet Ashton School of Dancing in Lincoln this 

production will guarantee to make you laugh, 

sing and dance along. 

Tickets start from just £15 but don’t forget to 

check out our family prices with the Box Office on 

01522 519999 – and keep an extra special look 

out for our Molly’s Guide offer at the back of this 

book too! 

And last but not least don’t forget to pick up your 

copy of our special pantomime programme and a 

sparkly wand or Tiara so that you can join in with 

the fun! 

Join us this Christmas and celebrate with your 

family in our wonderful traditional Theatre. 

For further details - Box office: 01522 519999 

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk 


19

Discover the magic 

of children’s theatre! 

Hidden away in North Hykeham is one of 

Lincolnshire’s best kept secrets! 

The Terry O’Toole Theatre, found within the 

newly-refurbished ONE NK Centre on Moor 

Lane, is a family-friendly venue which offers 

a delightful programme of children’s theatre, 

modern facilities and free parking, too! 

On the third Saturday of each month, the 

theatre presents some of the very best 

children’s theatre companies in the UK. Tickets 

are very affordable, starting at just £7, with 

discounts for family bookings. All performances 

are very suitable for youngsters aged 3 years 

upwards, but even the littlest family member 

can come along and enjoy the fun, with a free 

‘Babes in Arms’ ticket for under 2 year olds! 

This autumn’s shows include Granny’s Game, 

a new show from Lincolnshire’s very own 

Rhubarb Theatre, on Saturday 19th November 

at 3pm and Lily and the Little Snow Bear, a 

delightful pre-Christmas treat from Blunderbus 

Theatre, on Saturday 17th December at 

12noon and 3pm. 

ENTERTAINMENT 

The Terry O’Toole Theatre 

Why not enter our word search competition 

to win a Family Ticket [4 Seats] to see Lily 

and the Little Snow Bear in December? 

Two Runners-up will receive a pair of free 

tickets to see the show, too. 

Visit www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk, or call 

the friendly box office staff on 01522 883311 to 

book your tickets. [Online booking fees apply] 

 

 

 

 

 

BOX OFFICE: 01522 883311 

 

Family-friendly venue 

 

FREE Parking 

 

ÔBabes in ArmsÕ 

Complimentary Tickets for Under 2s 

 

CafŽ 

 

Disabled Access & Facilities 

 

Guide / Assistance Dogs Welcome 

 

www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk 

Blunderbus Theatre presentsÉ 

Lily and the Little Snow Bear 

Saturday 17th December at 12noon & 3pm 

A funny, heartwarming tale of friendship 

and the perfect treat for Christmas! 

 

Especially for little bears aged 3+, 

and their grown ups. 

 

Tickets £8 

Family [4] £28 


21

SPORT & HEALTH 

Anytime Fitness 

Always-open convenience of a 24 hour gym... 

Anytime Fitness of Lincoln is the fitness centre that fits 

your on-the-go lifestyle. 

At our Lincoln health club, you can exercise any time using your own 

security-access key! That’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Talk about no more excuses! 

We offer affordable memberships in Lincoln. It doesn’t cost a lot to achieve 

your health and fitness goals at the Anytime Fitness gym in Lincoln. For a 

low monthly fee, you get far more than you’d expect. Come in and see our 

fitness centre for yourself. 

We’d love to show you around and help you 

achieve your goals! Plus the added benefit 

of sharing Tesco car park, you can grab your 

shopping too! 

So what are you waiting for, come along and see 

what we can offer you. Quote ‘Molly’s Guide’ to 

receive special offers. 

AFTER 


BEFORE 

One of our members 

who has achieved 

her goal in 2016. 

Make 2017 your year and achieve your goal. 

Its not too late to shape up for Santa! 

A few of our reviews 

from our Facebook page: 

“Just joined today, 

haven’t even had a 

session yet but the gym 

looks amazing and the 

people are friendly, 

looking forward to 

getting back to my 

best with the help of 

the team, so excited 

to start!” 

“Extremely helpful staff 

they all go out of their 

way to help and make 

you feel so at home 

and comfortable! It’s 

also lovely and clean, 

A* for me guys. “ 

“Fantastic gym cleanest 

I’ve ever been to in 

Lincoln in over 16 years, 

top quality equipment 

and best of all very 

friendly helpful staff.” 

For further information: 

Wragby Road, Lincoln 

T: 01522 246147

Christmas in 

Newark and 

Sherwood... 

It’s that time of year 

again and Newark and 

Sherwood District Council 

is looking forward to a 

host of events during the 

festive season. 

Pop down to Sconce & Devon 

Park to make willow angels 

on Saturday 26 November or 

Saturday 10 December. Join 

the park ranger and friends 

from Eaton Avenue Growers 

Association to create a willow 

Christmas wreath to take home 

with you. Tickets are just £5 with 

all money raised going to the 

association. Children must be 

aged 10+ and accompanied by an 

adult. Contact the park ranger on 

07971 486 301 or email George. 

hemstock@nsdc.info to book. 

On Wednesday 21 December, 

11am-1pm, join local artist Kerry 

to create a stocking or Christmas 

tree to take home. The workshop 

is free and there is no need to 

book. Session will be held in the 

marquee outside Rumbles Café. 

Also, don’t forget to pick up your 

Sconce and Devon Park calendar. 

They are £7 each and all the 

pictures are taken by local people. 

Drop in at Vicar Water Country 

Park on Thursday 22 December 

between 10am and 12pm to 

make papier-mache stockings 

Newark Christmas lights 

Newark Castle in the snow 

and bunting for the café with 

local artist Kerry O’Brien. The 

session is free but there are only 

20 places available so please 

contact ranger Matt on 07980 

610 308 / matt.smith@nsdc.info 

to book. 

Newark Castle plays host to 

Beaumond House’s Christmas 

fair this year. Join in with the 

Light up a Life Christmas 

remembrance carol service. 

Christmas is a special time of 

year but for anyone who has 

lost a loved one it can be a 

time of mixed emotions. The 

Light up a Life appeal raises 

money to help keep Beaumond 

House providing end of life and 

palliative care. 

Before the Light up your Life 

carol service (6pm) there will be 

DAYS OUT 

Newark & Sherwood DC 

a grotto and children’s activities 

in the grounds so you can make 

a day of it. 

The Puritans have banned 

Christmas at The National Civil 

War Centre. Luckily for the rest 

of us the staff have hidden the 

festive season somewhere in the 

museum. Take part in a fun family 

trail to track down Christmas! 

It’s panto season and the Palace 

Theatre is gearing up for Jack 

and the Beanstalk. The producers 

of last year’s record-breaking 

pantomime bring you Jack, his 

brother Simon and their mother 

Dame Trot as they battle the 

evil giant Blunderbore and his 

henchman Fleshcreep (played by 

Todd Carty). Can Jack save the 

village, retrieve the stolen harp 

and win the heart of Princess 

Tamara. 

The panto runs from 7 to 31 

December with tickets starting 

from £17. Book your tickets now 

at www.palacenewarktickets.com 

Newark and Sherwood District 

Council’s very own Kelham 

Hall Choir have a busy season 

of performances. They will be 

singing at Southwell’s late night 

opening on 1 December, Newark 

Market Place on 11 December 

and Newark Castle on 22 

December as part of Beaumond 

House’s Christmas fayre. 


23

To get the full picture click on to 

www.visitlincoln.com/whats-on 

For more information: T: 01522 545458 

E: visitorinformation@lincolnbig.co.uk 

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 

SWITCH ON 

17th November, 5pm-7.30pm 

Start the countdown to Christmas 

at the annual fun-packed Christmas 

Lights Switch On at St Marks 

Shopping Centre and on Lincoln 

High Street. 

Join in the excitement of the 

Christmas calendar when Lincoln 

gets its magic festive feel once again 

on Thursday 17th November. 

The shops along the High Street 

quarter and at St Marks Shopping 

Centre will be open till late too, 

perfect for you to get a head start 

on the Christmas shopping. Parking 

at St Marks is free from 5pm too 

making it even easier to plan a visit. 

ST MARKS SHOPPING 

CENTRE LIGHTS 

Almost Olly - an Olly Murs tribute 

act - will entertain the crowds at 

the shopping centre before the cast 

of Lincoln Drill Hall’s Beauty and 

the Beast will do the honours of 

switching on the lights across the 

centre at 6.30pm. 

The stage will be hosted by Lincs 

FM with children’s entertainer Burger 

Bob also performing for the crowds. 

HIGH STREET LIGHTS 

The Mayor of Lincoln, the Civic 

Party, and the cast of the New 

Theatre Royal’s Cinderella will switch 

on the lights - including leading lady 

Kerry Katona - just after 7pm. Also 

in attendance will be local girl, Rio 

2016 Paralympic gold-medal winner 

Sophie Wells. 

Festive music and entertainment will 

be from 5.30pm on the High Street 

making a great family evening out to 

kick off the Christmas season. 

REINDEER 

PARADE 

24th November, 

6pm-8pm 

A parade of festive reindeer led by Santa and his sleigh from 

St Marks Shopping Centre to rest in the Cornhill Quarter. 

The Reindeer Parade takes place after a display in the 

afternoon, starting at St Marks Shopping Centre making its way 

across the High Street, and finishing at Lincoln City Square. 

Follow the parade or watch as it passes by and get your 

photo taken with the reindeer and Santa at the post-parade 

display on City Square. 

The reindeer are from the only herd of reindeer in Britain and 

will be travelling from Cairngorms in Scotland. Their parades 

and appearances in the festive season help to 

fund their care through the rest of the year. 

LINCOLNSHIRE 

FOOD & GIFT FAIR 

26th & 27th November, 9am-4pm 

Lincolnshire Showground 

A mix of delicious local produce, gift stalls 

and workshops make the Food and Gift fair 

at the Lincolnshire Showground the best way to 

kick start your Christmas preparations. 

The Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair is now in its 16th year 

and has grown and grown over the past decade to help kick 

off the festive season. Spanning two exhibition halls and a 

large marquee, this is the second largest annual event at the 

Lincolnshire Showground and it’s all held indoors! 

Here you will find more than 150 exciting and varied 

exhibitors, entertainment from live choir groups, and 

cookery demonstrations from top local chefs with tips on 

cooking a delicious festive feast. The Lincolnshire Food 

and Gift Fair promises Christmas treats and festive 

inspiration for all of the family. 

Now with an earlier opening time of 9am on both days, 

you’ll have even longer to enjoy the very best Christmas 

offerings – and brand new for this year, hands-on craft and 

activity workshops for children! 

24 

Winter 2016

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET 

1st-4th December, all day, 

Lincoln Cathedral Quarter 

CHRISTMAS AT 

DODDINGTON HALL 

26th November to 21st December, 

9am-9pm 

Enjoy Doddington Hall’s festive open 

days, and browse Christmas gifts, 

trees, and food from the farm shop. 

Enjoy open days, farmshop goodies, the Bauble Barn, 

home-grown Christmas trees & late night shopping at 

Doddington Hall & Gardens this Christmas. 

Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter is taken over by stalls, 

entertainers and seasonal themes for four days of festive 

entertainment and shopping at the famous Lincoln Christmas Market. 

The famous Lincoln Christmas Market takes place from Thursday 1st 

to Sunday 4th December in Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter. Visitors to the 

market will be sure to soak up the festive atmosphere across this large 

market site, with more than 280 stalls nestled in and around Lincoln 

Castle, Cathedral, the Lawn complex and many other venues and 

streets along the way. 

There is something for everyone, from unusual gifts to food and drink 

from near and far, not to mention a whole host of entertainment for all 

the family to enjoy. Enjoy the scents of mulled wine and freshly cooked 

food, the sounds of entertainment, music and merriment and the sights 

of this market in this stunning, historic city. 

LANTERN PARADE & NATIVITY 

15th December, 6pm-7.30pm 

Join the children of Westgate Academy on a 

lantern parade through Lincoln ending with a 

traditional nativity play in Castle Square. 

The lantern parade leaves from Lincoln 

Cornhill at 6pm and leads up the High Street 

and Steep Hill to Castle Square for a natitivy 

play and carol service. 

Join the local school children as they lead the 

parade with paper lanterns for a wonderfully 

festive family evening in Lincoln. 

A VICTORIAN 

CHRISTMAS 

3rd & 4th December, 

10am-4pm 

Museum of 

Lincolnshire Life 

Join the Museum of 

Lincolnshire Life as 

a host of Victorian 

Characters prepare the 

sights and smells of a 

traditional Christmas in 

the historic room-sets and 

refreshments are served 

in the tea room. 

A host of Victorian 

characters will be in 

full swing preparing for 

Christmas in the house 

and shops at the Museum 

of Lincolnshire Life. 

Join them and enjoy the 

sounds, smells and tastes 

of a nostalgic look at how 

the traditions of Christmas 

began. 

This festive event takes 

place at the same time 

as the nearby Lincoln 

Christmas Market. 

HARTSHOLME CHRISTMAS TRAIL 

17th-21st December, 12noon-3pm, Hartsholme 

Country Park 

Take part in a festive trail around Hartsholme 

Country Park and help Father Christmas find his 

nine lost reindeer before Christmas Eve. 

If you find them all this will lead you if to a delicious 

and Christmassy treat. All children must be 

accompanied by an adult. There are toilets and 

refreshments at the Park. 

www.mollysguide.co.uk 25

All weather 

attraction for 

the whole 

family 

Lots of animals 

to feed, touch, 

hold and cuddle 

Now 

in its 

20th 

year 

Bottle feeding every day 

at 11.30am 1.30pm & 3.30pm 

Tractor 

Rides 

All round family fun attractions 

include Farmyard Crazy Golf 

and Kangaroo Bouncers 

Additional activities 

throughout February Half Term 

(13th-17th February 2017) 

(see website for 

more information) 

Admission: 

£10.95 per person 

Under 2’s FOC 

Senior Citizens £8.25 each 

Tel: 01673 858904 

(only 8 miles East of Lincoln on the A158) 

Email: kay@randfarmpark.com 

Indoor 

& Outdoor 

Adventure 

Play Areas 

Open 

every day 

from 10am 

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: 

www.randfarmpark.com 

Follow us:

The fun keeps 

on going... 

February 2016 was the 

20th Anniversay of one of 

the leading family Tourist 

Attractions in the area 

who are always looking 

to offer a “good value for 

money day out for visitors 

of all ages whatever the 

weather”. 

In 2016 Rand Farm Park 

added Family Farmyard Crazy 

Golf as well as a Traverse 

Climbing Wall to the ever 

expanding range of activities 

and facilities and as another 

year is nearing its end, Rand 

Farm Park is already looking 

ahead to Spring 2017 when 

lots of baby lambs are due to 

arrive in time for the February 

Half Term. 

However, there’s still lots to 

enjoy with Christmas almost 

upon us and following many 

changes and additions last 

year to provide an even bigger 

and better “Real Christmas 

Experience” (which were 

well received by adults and 

children alike) this year 

promises to be even better 

still. 

Once again there will be 

biscuits to decorate in Mrs 

Claus’ Kitchen before a visit 

to Santa’s Home in the Forest 

via his posting station and 

Reindeer feeding station 

and a look at The Real Farm 

Nativity (with 

animated figures 

and real animals). 

With a few places 

left to come along 

for Breakfast with 

Santa at various 

times during the 

final two weekends 

before the big 

day, there will be 

entertainers and 

even more Christmas Surprises 

(to delight parents as well as 

children), what better place to 

start your own family celebrations 

than a trip to this ever popular 

visitor attraction. 

And then....2017 will be upon us. 

Ideas and plans are already under 

way for changes and additions 

for next year including a new 

Under 4’s Play Area, which will 

be ready by the Easter Holidays 

and maybe a little 

something for 

older children. 

However, there 

will also be 

changes to the 

animal selection 

at Rand with the 

decision having 

been made to 

DAYS OUT 

Rand Farm Park 

reduce the size of Richard’s 

prize-winning Charolais Herd to 

make space for a wider variety of 

cattle including Eileen and Rosie 

who will be the founder members 

of a new herd of Lincoln Reds 

to support Lincolnshire’s local 

breed. 

In addition this year: hopefully 

the Goat Show will actually come 

together as an additional family 

fun show each afternoon in the 

summer months – offering a little 

education and interesting facts 

about several breeds of different 

always-naughty but fun-loving 

and mischievious goats. 

So with this in mind. Let’s look 

forward to the year ahead and 

wait to see the developments as 

they take shape... 

For further information: T: 01522 858904 E: kay@randfarmpark.com 



27

DAYS OUT 

Lincoln BIG 

Lincoln BIG Ice Rink 


City is ready to sparkle and shine... 

Get ready! Lincoln is gearing-up 

for a sparkling festive season, 

bursting with family fun. 

Lincoln’s Christmas Lights 

A top sportswoman, television celebrities and colourful 

pantomime characters will be turning out in force on 

November 17 for the switching on of Lincoln’s 

Christmas Lights. 

The celebrations get underway in the High Street at 

5.30pm, with singing, entertainment and characters from 

both Lincoln pantomimes – Cinderella (The New Theatre 

Royal) and Beauty & The Beast (The Drill Hall) - before the 

main switch-on at 7pm. 

Lincoln’s own Paralympian hero Sophie Wells MBE will be 

attending. She was hugely successful at the London 2012 

Paralympic Games when her two individual silver medals 

helped Team GB get gold in the dressage. 

She also hit the medal trail again earlier this year at the Rio 

2016 Paralympics, winning two gold and one silver medal. 

The switch-on ceremony will also feature Atomic Kitten 

star Kerry Katona, with fellow stars of the Theatre Royal’s 

pantomime Cinderella, along with the cast of the Drill 

Hall’s Beauty and the Beast production. 

Also attending is CBBC presenter Christopher Johnson. 

Chris has been a regular face on CBBC, presenting Shout 

Out Saturday alongside Hacker T Dog.

There’s also the annual Christmas Lights Switchon 

at St Mark’s Shopping Centre to enjoy. 

Almost Olly, an Olly Murs tribute act will be 

entertaining the crowds before the cast of Beauty 

& The Beast perform the switch-on there. 

The excitement of this wonderful season 

continues with the return the fantastic Lincoln 

BIG Ice Rink, which will be in City Square from 

November 28 to January 1. 

This family-friendly attraction will be open every 

day and offer 45-minute sessions between 10am 

and 9pm. Children under the age of three can 

only skate on dedicated family sessions and there 

are fun penguin-shaped aids to help them to 

stand on the ice. 

Lincoln BIG has included “quiet” times too, on 

Tuesdays at 10am and Thursdays at 1pm, to suit 

people with disabilities and newcomers to ice 

skating. 

Families, school groups, individuals and 

corporate parties are welcome to book sessions, 

but readers should note that the rink will operate 

during reduced hours (11am to 5pm) on Boxing 

Day and New Year’s Day and will be closed on 

Christmas Day. 

There’s something magical about enjoying 

festive retail therapy “after dark”. This year 

Lincoln stores will be staying open for Late Night 

Shopping every Thursday from November 17 to 

December 22 until 8pm (some stores 9pm), and 

from Monday-Friday, December 19-23, until 8pm. 

Lantern Parade 

Reindeer Parade 

It’s a great opportunity to enjoy extra time with 

friends and enjoy a meal and perhaps a visit to the 

cinema. 

Lincoln BIG is also gearing-up to stage its annual 

Lantern Parade on December 15. This year it 

promises to be even more unmissable because 

Andy Jupp of PaperStarlights – who has been 

selling his fabulous star lanterns at the Christmas 

Market for many years – is giving Lincoln BIG a 

selection of lanterns for the parade. 

Children from Westgate Academy will be taking 

part in the parade, which leaves Lincoln Cornhill at 

6pm and winds its way up Steep Hill into Castle Hill 

for a carol service. 

And it really wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit 

from that jolly man in his red suit and his fourlegged 

friends! 

There’s a chance to meet the stars of Lincoln BIG’s 

Reindeer Parade on November 24, at St Mark’s 

Shopping Centre 2pm-4pm, before they later teamup 

with Santa Claus and his sleigh for their parade, 

which will leave St Marks at 6pm and make its way 

to the Cornhill, where it will stay until 8pm. 

Lincoln’s World Famous Christmas 

Market, with its unique ambience 

and amazing mix of stalls, will be 

trading from December 1 to 4 – 

so don’t miss out on this crowd 

pulling event. 

For more information about these events: 

www.visitlincoln.com 


29

DAYS OUT 

Out & About 

Christmas for 

young families is 

brilliant, but it can 

also be a rather 

testing time of year. 

things you must do in 

10Lincolnshire at Christmas 

Remembering presents, family politics, decorating trees and icing cakes 

can all take their toll on stressed out mums and dads who are doing their 

best to make the most of the magic. 

So if you fancy a bit of a break from the usual madness, don’t forget that 

there’s lots more festive fun to be had out and about around Lincolnshire, 

that is sure to keep your spirits up. 

Here are ten things Molly’s Guide recommends you do this year: 

A visit to Doddington Hall 

If this doesn’t get you in the spirit, 

nothing will. This year Christmas at 

the hall runs from November 26 to 

December 21, with the house and 

gardens open on Saturdays and 

Sundays from 10am-4pm and until 

late (7pm) on Wednesdays. 

The theme this year is A Fairy Tale 

Christmas with the decorations 

inspired by the favourite 

parts of popular yuletide 

stories. 

In addition to 

discovering the 

main hall and 

gardens you can 

also visit the 

Home, Clothing, 

Farm, Bike and 

Bauble Barns 

until 8pm on 

the Wednesdays 

throughout 

December. Perfect 

for picking up a few 

of those festive gifts. 

Visit www. 

doddingtomhall.com 

for more information. 

Lincoln Santa Fun Run & Walk 2016 

Even if you’re not taking part in this now annual event around the 

historic part of Lincoln, it’s a great spectacle to behold. This 3.5km 

run (or walk) around the Bailgate features hundreds of families 

dressed in red Santa suits all raising money for local charities. 

The emphasis is most clearly on the fun, with children welcome to 

enter and under fives running free. The entry free is just £10 and 

your Santa suit is provided. The medal at the end will look great 

hung on your tree this year too. 

The event takes place on 11 December, to enter visit 

www.lincolnsantafunrun.co.uk 

Lincoln Ice Rink 

The popular city centre 

attraction is back for another year 

and promises to be a hit once again 

for those looking for a bit of festive fun. 

Open 10am-9pm in City Square, from 

26 November to 1 January, the outdoor 

‘real ice’ rink is suitable for the whole 

family. Younger children will enjoy using 

the penguin-shaped skater aids to help 

keep their balance on the slippery 

deck. Sessions run on the hour 

and last 45 minutes. 

Call 01522 717118 

to book 

Panto at the New Theatre Royal 

Almost as Christmassy as Brussel 

sprouts themselves, it just wouldn’t 

be the same without a trip to the 

pantomime would it? Starring Kerry 

Katona as The Fairy Godmother 

and CBBC’s own Chris Johnson as 

Buttons, this year’s production is the 

classic Cinderella. 

Running from Monday 5 December 

to Sunday 8 January there’s ample 

opportunities for you to disagree with the 

performers, (see what I did there?). 

Call the box office on 01522 519999. 

32 

Winter 2016

Pennells Garden Centre 

If you want to pick up that all-important 

tree and a couple of fancy furnishings to 

go along with it – Pennells is definitely the 

place to go. This well-established Lincoln 

nursery always pushes the boat out at 

this time of year, with a Santa’s grotto 

for kids and lots of festive food on the 

restaurant menu. 

You can easily while away a couple of 

hours browsing the many gifts, plants 

and garden furniture on offer. 

Pennells is located at 

the end of Newark 

Road in Lincoln. 

Late night 

shopping 

There’s no 

need to panic 

as the shops will 

be opening a little 

later for the run up 

to Christmas once 

again this year. 

Carols at 

Lincoln Cathedral 

Thursday late night shopping 

kicks off on 17 November with most stores remaining 

open until 8pm. This will expand Monday to Friday 

from 19 to 23 December. And don’t worry dads they’ll 

still be open until 5pm on Christmas Eve. 

Refrain from lastminute.com by logging onto 

www.visitlincoln.com for more details. 

The Lincoln 

Christmas Market 

The one and only. 

Needs no introduction. 

Sure-fire festiveness. 

Held 1 to 4 

December. 

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas 

without carols and there’s no better 

place to hear them than in the majestic 

surroundings of the city’s beautiful 

cathedral. 

The resident choir will perform Benjamin 

Britten’s Ceremony of Carols in the Chapter 

House at 2pm and 7pm on 10 December. 

The evening session features wine, 

canapés and a lantern lit tour of 

the cathedral too. 

Merry Christmas. 

Christmas at Rand Farm Park 

Complete with real life reindeer 

and a chance to see inside 

Mrs Claus’ kitchen, this 

popular family attraction has 

plenty to offer throughout 

December. Dubbed a ‘Real 

Christmas Experience’, the 

farm is transformed into a 

winter wonderland from 26 

November to 23 December. 

Featuring a host of seasonal 

activities including a living farm 

nativity and Santa Express ride, 

there’s also the usual fun and games of 

the indoor Play Barn and Play Pods and 

all the animals to enjoy as well. You 

can even book breakfast with Santa 

himself from 11 to 18 December. 

Don’t miss out, visit 


A Boxing Day walk 

on the beach 

After all that festive fare, a bracing 

Boxing Day walk is a great tradition 

to uphold. But why not make the 

most of your surroundings this year, 

grab your hats, scarves and even 

those buckets and spades and make a 

beeline for the beach? 

The glorious Lincolnshire coast 

beckons and could offer an alternative 

twist to your Christmas celebrations. 

Head to Skegness for a blustery walk 

on the wild side, or drop into the 

quieter Sutton-on-Sea for a leisurely 

stroll on the sand. Then back home for 

more chocolate of course. 

www.mollysguide.co.uk 33

DAYS OUT 

Discover NK 

Cogglesford Watermill 

Navigation House 

For more information: 

T: 01529 308102 

Facebook: Heart Of Lincs 

Twitter: @discover_nk 

www.heartoflincs.com 

Free, festive fun with Discovernk! 

If you’re looking for somewhere to go with the family 

this Christmas then Discovernk has the answer! 

Take a trip to Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre, just off the 

A17 near to North Rauceby, a fascinating museum that tells the 

history of RAF College Cranwell. Discover about the different 

aircraft which have flown from RAF Cranwell over the last 100 

years and have a go at Charlie Crane’s Plane Spotting Trail! 

Visit Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford on Sunday 11 December 

for their Festive Milling Day! See this historic mill rumble in 

action for the last time this year. The mill will be beautifully 

decorated and you can enjoy a free mince pie and mulled wine 

as you explore this ancient building and see flour being made 

as it has been for more than 200 years. 

A gentle stroll along the riverside brings you to Navigation 

House; this former Sleaford Navigation Company Office 

stands in Navigation Yard off Carre Street. Nestling close to 

the National Centre for Craft and Design, Navigation House 

will be joining in with their annual gifted Christmas Market on 

Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December. On Saturday they will be 

making stunning mosaic decorations and on Sunday creating 

personalised Christmas Cards. Call in to join in with these 

festive activities and explore this charming old building. 

Both Cogglesford Watermill’s Molly Mill Mouse and 

Navigation House’s Floyd the Fish will have Christmas trails 

throughout December. 

A restored working watermill in a 

picturesque setting by the River Slea. 

Tel: 01529 413671 

Web: www.cogglesfordwatermill.co.uk 

Email: cogglesfordwatermill@n-kesteven.gov.uk 

East Road, Sleaford, NG34 7EQ 

Fascinating history of RAF Cranwell, the 

first military air academy in the world. 

Tel: 01529 488490 

Web: www.cranwellaviation.co.uk 

Email: cranwellaviation@n-kesteven.co.uk 

Heath Farm, North Rauceby, Sleaford, NG34 8QR 

A Grade II listed building thought to be 

the only one of its kind left in existence. 

Tel: 01529 305904 

Web: www.navigationhousesleaford.co.uk 

Email: navigationhouse@n-kesteven.gov.uk 

Navigation Wharf, Carre Street, Sleaford, NG34 7TW 

For more information please visit www.heartoflincs.com 


Festive family fun with 

Macmillan Cancer Support 

Come and join us on the 26th November at St Marks 

Square, Lincoln, where we will be hosting our annual 

Macmillan Tree of Lights event. 

This event is for everyone, from the youngsters to the senior 

youngsters who wish to remember someone at Christmas. 

This year Rudolph and his friends will resting for their big sleigh 

ride on the 24th December so are sending their best friends, 

Donkeys ‘Charlie’ and ‘Dermot’, so under supervision the little 

ones can give them a treat… if Demot and Charlie have been 

good donkeys for Father Christmas this year. 

As well as the buckets for leaving memories on the tree there 

will be tea, coffee and soft drinks for the children and mulled 

wine (non alcoholic of course) for the adults as well as mince pies 

and sweetie bags for the children (for a small donation). We will 

have several choirs providing beautiful music to everyone, feel 

free to join in if you recognise the songs. 

As a special treat Fireman Sam has asked his friends at the station 

to bring along a fire truck for the afternoon for the children to see.* 

We look forward to you joining us for a wonderful afternoon of free 

entertainment and get everyone in the mood for the festive period. 

*subject to callouts 

DAYS OUT 

Merry Macs of Lincoln 

For further information: T: 07572 429953 

E: info@merrymacs.co.uk www.merrymacs.co.uk 

All proceeds will go to 

Reg Charity No. 261017 

Celebrate the lives of 

loved ones this Christmas 

at the Macmillan Tree of Lights 

at St. Marks Shopping Centre, Lincoln 

on Saturday 26 th November, 3pm-6pm 

Macmillan invites you to hang a message 

of remembrance on their Christmas Tree 

of Lights with a candle in a little bucket. 

Join us for refreshments, music and carols 

and meet our festive friendly donkeys. 

There’s something for all the family to enjoy... 

For more info call Fiona: 07572 429953 

Macmillan Cancer Support - The Merry Macs of Lincoln 

@merry_macs 

www.merrymacs.co.uk 

In partnership with 


35

DAYS OUT 

The Natural World Centre 


T: 01522 688868 

E: whisby@1life.co.uk 

www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk 

Festive fun for all the family! 

Have a Crackin’ Christmas at the Natural World 

Centre on Sunday 11 December from 10am to 4pm 

- A fun filled day for all ages including local crafters 

and artists market. 

Following their success from last year, the Centre is looking 

forward to working in partnership with the Country Crafts 

Association once again; an organisation dedicated to providing 

high quality local crafted items. From woodwork to intricate 

jewellery, find great gift ideas for all the family! See their brand 

new exhibition space with over 25 stalls with a designated 

children’s zone during the day of the event. 

Kids can get stuck in to fun craft activities including face painting 

and willow lantern making. Santa will also be making a special 

visit too so make sure you’re being good...he’ll be watching! 

The Boardwalk Bistro will also have Christmas lunches available 

on the day and throughout December at just £16.95 per person. 

A great get together for you and your friends or family; get in 

to the festive spirit early this year with bookings available for 

Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 December and Wednesday 14 to 

Sunday 18 December – please note booking is essential. 

Finish off your visit with a trip to Otter’s Reach Indoor Adventure. 

The adventure area opened earlier this year and is a hit for 

children aged 3 and above. If the weather is fine, you can also 

try out Little Darters Wildlife Adventure’s new mini assault course 

designed for older children and has a balance rope, climbing net 

and lookout tower. 

A festive day of fun for the family! 

A Crackin’ Christmas 

Celebration!... 

The Country Crafts 

Association is proud 

to be supporting the 

5th annual Crackin’ 

Christmas Celebration 

at the Natural World Centre. 

Local crafters and artists 

market providing quality 

value for money 

Lincolnshire stalls. 

Visit us at Whisby Nature Park, 

Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, 

near Lincoln, LN6 9BW 

See our brand new exhibition 

area with over 25 stalls and 

designated children’s zone 

Fun children’s activities 

Santa’s grotto, 

plus much more! 

*Car parking charges apply. 

FREE 

ENTRY* 

Sunday 11th 

December, 

10am to 4pm 

T: 01522 688868 E: whisby@1life.co.uk www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk 


HOBBIES & ACTIVITIES 

RSPB 

Image: Pixabay.com 

Count the wildlife that’s counting on you this winter 

Time to get gardens ready as countdown begins to 2017 Big Garden Birdwatch 

Numbers of familiar birds 

like starlings and song 

thrushes fell again in the Big 

Garden Birdwatch last year. 

Despite being ranked 

number two in the Big 

Garden Birdwatch table, the 

number of starlings visiting 

people’s gardens has fallen 

by more than 80 per cent 

since the first Birdwatch in 

1979, and less than half of 

us saw them in our gardens 

in East Anglia during the 

2016 Birdwatch. 

It wasn’t all bad news though. The 

tiny long-tailed tit flew into the Big 

Garden Birdwatch top 10 – for 

the first time in eight years – after 

the average number seen visiting 

gardens across the UK increased 

by 44 per cent, and the house 

sparrow remained top of the Big 

Garden Birdwatch rankings in 

Eastern England, as it was in the 

UK as a whole. 

Rupert Masefield said: “All of the 

data people send in from their Big 

Garden Birdwatch hours - even if 

they see nothing at all – is really 

important for building a picture 

of wildlife in gardens throughout 

the UK, including here in Eastern 

England. 

“Even in the smallest gardens 

though, you’d be surprised 

just how much wildlife there is 

when you stop and look.” 

NOT JUST ABOUT BIRDS 

As well as counting our feathered friends, the 

RSPB is once again asking us to log some 

of the other animals we see in our gardens. 

Grass snakes, hedgehogs, stag beetles, 

stoats and moles are all on the list of other 

wildlife the RSPB is keen to know about. 

Gardens and other green spaces are 

invaluable for many species – providing a 

safe habitat and enough food and water to 

survive – which are likely to have a significant 

effect on their populations. 

Having lost more than half of our hedgehogs 

in the last 50 years, we know that some 

of our favourite wildlife is in real trouble. 

Keeping track of changes in their numbers 

will be important if we want to help them. 

HOW TO TAKE PART 

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2017, watch 

the birds in your garden (or local park, or at the office!) 

for one hour over the weekend. Only count the birds 

that land in your garden, not those flying over. Tell us 

the highest number of each bird species you see at 

any one time – not the total you see in the hour. 

For your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch pack, 

text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch 

NOT TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL! 

The Big Garden Birdwatch’s sister event, Big 

Schools’ Birdwatch takes place during the first half of 

spring term next year, 4 January-17 February 2017. 

Find out how your school or class can take part at 

rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch 


37


Arial Trail 


E: info.arialtrail@gmail.com 

www.arialtrail.co.uk 

Come join us for a 

tree top adventure! 

Aiming high for adventure? 

This new high ropes adventure course offers 

children and adults alike the opportunity to 

seek thrills, challenges and fun. 

Arial Trail was opened on the 9th July 2016 and is 

going from strength to strength. The idea came from 

Andy Fowler, co-owner of the Arial Trail one day during 

his fire service ropes training course. Being quite an 

outdoorsy person he decided to research the concept 

and it soon became apparent that it would be just 

what the area needed. He and his wife approached the 

owners of the woodland on Holme Lane in Bottesford 

and the design and construction work started soon 

afterwards. 

We are seeing visitors from the local area and further 

afield; enabling families to enjoy an activity together. 

It is great exercise AND its outdoors set in beautiful 

woodlands. We love seeing our customers getting the 

most out of our attraction. 

“It is proving popular with schools, brownie groups and 

children’s birthday parties,” says Denise Fowler, coowner 

Arial Trail. 

“We have a great team of fully qualified and friendly 

instructors. We all have patience and a good sense of 

humour, which is often needed when you have large 

group of excited children,” says Lou, instructor. 

• Childrens parties 

• Themed events 

• School trips 

• Team building 

• Family fun 

Adventure fun for the 

whole family... 

Open 10am-5pm weekends 

& school holidays 

Last admission 4pm 

Adventurers 

must be 

at least a 

metre tall 

Holme Lane, Bottesford, North Lincs, DN16 3RE 

(Located next door to the Pink Pig Farm) 

To book visit: www.arialtrail.co.uk 

or email: info.arialtrail@gmail.com 



Sling Swing Lincoln 

“The aim of the class is 

to optimise the social 

time to forge friendships 

and to have fun; for both 

parent and baby.” 

New dance & movement classes 

for babies and parents in Lincoln 

Lincoln’s latest parent & baby class, Sling Swing Lincoln, 

officially opens its doors to new movers & groovers this month. 

Led by instructor Claire Witherington, 

the classes aim to help new parents 

connect with others, as well as bond 

with their babies. 

Inspired by her family’s 

love of music, the mumof-three 

first became 

interested in the idea of 

teaching a dance class 

to other parents after 

she gave birth to her 

youngest son George last summer. 

She said: “I started using a sling 

regularly when I took my older boys, 

Arthur and Henry, on the school 

run, and also when I needed to do 

household tasks, as George liked 

to be held. I would even dance 

around in the kitchen with him in it. 

He loved it and always fell asleep. 

“Soon after, I decided I liked the idea 

of teaching a dance class to parents 

with their babies in slings. When I 

did a bit of research, I discovered 

Sling Swing and decided to join.” 

Sling Swing took off in the UK three 

years ago and has grown into a 

popular and fun, gentle dance and 

movement class for both mums 

and dads carrying their little ones 

in slings or baby carriers. 

Claire said: “Sling Swing works hard 

to ensure all the routines are safely 

choreographed for new parents and 

young babies. It allows a gradual 

reintroduction to gentle exercise, 

acts as a stepping stone towards 

fitness routines and classes, and is 

a way to meet like-minded parents.” 

People attending Claire’s 

classes are encouraged to 

wear their little ones in high 

quality slings and carriers. 

However, parents don’t 

need to have their own sling 

as there are slings available 

for people to borrow during 

the class. As a trained 

babywearing peer supporter, Claire is 

able to ensure the safety of parents and 

babies taking part, making sure they 

are safe and comfortable. 

She added: “Lots of classes focus on 

fun for the baby - which in turn is 

enjoyable for any parent – but Sling 

Swing also promotes babywearing, 

which is the bonding relationship 

through close contact. 

“Classes are great for new parents who 

want to get out and meet others, as well 

as to enjoy music and dancing. People 

with two left feet are also welcomed! 

The routines are very simple to follow 

and the focus is on fun, not perfecting 

the dance steps.” 

The routines will change every half term, 

usually incorporating a theme. This term’s 

theme, which begins in November, will 

be Strictly Come Dancing and will include 

salsa, jive, waltz and more. There will also 

be Christmas songs in December. 

Classes are held at Yarborough Leisure 

Centre, Rhythm in Movement Dance 

Studio and Saxilby Village Hall, and the 

first class is free. Participants will then 

be charged £5 per class, per parent 

and baby. 

If parents have preschool age children 

then they are welcome to bring them 

for a boogie too. Claire has toy carriers 

available so young children can join in 

and dance with their doll or teddy. 

For more info or to prebook - Facebook: Sling Swing Lincoln 

T: 07949 691892 E: clairewitherington@slingswing.co.uk 


39


Mum2Mum Markets 

Enterprising mum takes new business to market 

Children may be 

small, but they come 

with a LOT of stuff. 

Enterprising mum 

Ange Westbrook is 

offering parents the 

chance to cut back 

on the clutter while 

making money. And 

she does it all while 

juggling a fitness 

business and her own 

growing family... 

It was a call they had been 

dreaming of, but they were not 

expecting it a few days before 

their adoption application 

approval panel in February 2016. 

But when the phone rang to 

inform them they had been 

matched with a baby boy, Ange 

Westbrook and her husband 

Pete, realised they needed to 

get kitted out for their new arrival 

– and quick. 

From cots and clothes to play 

mats and potties, the couple set 

about preparing their home. The 

list of essentials seemed endless 

and the couple, like all expectant 

parents, faced a huge bill to get 

themselves ready. 

Sadly, a short time later and for 

reasons outside of their control, the 

adoption placement fell through. 

While Ange, Pete and older 

daughter Amelia were devastated 

that they didn’t get to welcome 

home the little boy, they remained 

committed to extending their family. 

And they’d been served a timely 

reminder about just how much they 

would need to buy once their family 

began to grow. 

Around the same time, Ange, from 

Bracebridge Heath near Lincoln, 

caught an episode of cult TV 

show Dragons’ Den. It featured an 

entrepreneur called Cath Harrop, 

who was pitching her business 

franchise idea, Mum2Mum Markets. 

The concept was simple; a marketstyle 

sale was organised where 

parents could pitch up and sell 

their unwanted baby and child 

paraphernalia. Other parents 

could attend and bag themselves 

second hand bargains. Everything 


from pushchairs to toys were on 

sale. Local, small baby and child 

related businesses could also get 

involved, bringing them face to 

face with local families. 

The pitch secured £35,000 for 

25% of the business from serial 

entrepreneur and Dragon investor 

Deborah Meaden. And Ange 

was equally impressed with the 

concept. “I immediately thought 

it was a great idea,” said Ange, 

who is 42. “I Googled them and 

found contact details and after a 

telephone conversation, I decided 

to invest. 

“I only invest in something if it’s a 

win win situation for all involved 

and it works for me. The buyers 

save a lot of money and the 

sellers get to clear out a lot of 

space, and take some extra cash 

home with them. Plus it brings 

people together. 

“My first sale was 

in May and even 

after the franchise 

cost outlay and 

considerable 

investment in set-up and 

marketing, I am now in profit, 

and that’s after only four sales. 

There are many revenue streams 

including stall sales, door fees, 

business marketing and potential 

sponsorship opportunities too. 

There are lots of options. 

“I’m amazed by how popular 

the markets have been. I 

would strongly recommend 

it to others as a business 

investment. There is a lady who 

operates Mum2Mum Markets in 

Sleaford and Grantham but for 

Lincolnshire that’s it. I can’t cover 

the entire county.” 

For their initial investment 

(for more details email 

info@mum2mummarket.co.uk) 

franchisees get everything they 

need to host a sale, as well as 

access to national marketing 

support and a network of other 

franchisees. As well as making 

a living, Ange said there is a 

huge benefit to being able to 

“I bought a franchise and I 

now run my own business 

hosting Mum2Mum Market 

sales across Lincoln.” 

pick and 

choose 

her hours 

around the 

demands of 

family life. 

“I was in the RAF for 17 years, 

working as Mission Crew on the 

AWACs. It was a full-on job and 

then motherhood came along 

and changed my life completely. 

“I went on to leave the RAF in 

2012, when Amelia was five. I 

worked for a while as consultant 

engineer, left that to set up 

my own fitness business and 

to also work as an unqualified 

teacher for three days a week. 

“The beauty of mum2mum 

is that it works around the 

family. I won’t lie, it was full 

on at first but over time it is 

becoming more manageable 

and profitable.” 

As Ange’s business builds 

momentum, she has another 

exciting development on the 

horizon too. 

After months of waiting, the 

family is finally preparing to 

welcome home a new arrival. 

“We are finally getting our new 

addition. We are adopting a little 

girl very soon. We are further 

down the road this time and 

things are much more certain, 

we cannot wait for her to arrive! 

“It’s the perfect start to the next 

chapter of our story.” 

Next year will see eight 

mum2mum market 

sales take place in 

Lincoln. They run on 

Saturdays between 

10am and noon. 

They will be held at Bishop Grosseteste University in Longdales Road 

on January 21, April 22, July 1, September 16, November 18. 

They will also take place at the Priory City of Lincoln Academy in 

Skellingthorpe Road on March 11, May 20 and October 14. 

To book a stall visit www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 

or for more information E: ange@mum2mummarket.co.uk 


41

Get Creative at 

the Lincolnshire 

Food & Gift Fair 


Ruddocks of Lincoln 

The Lincolnshire Food & 

Gift Fair is getting closer 

and this year you will find 

us in the BRAND NEW 

Santa’s Workshop with 

crown making, decorate a 

tree ornament plus that all 

important activity of writing 

a letter to Santa. You can 

even post it with us and 

ensure it reaches Santa 

before the rush! 

Open 9am to 4pm on Saturday 

26th and Sunday 27th November 

at the Lincolnshire Showground, 

you will find the Santa’s 

Workshop upstairs in the Epic 

Centre. We will be amongst other 

hands-on children’s activities 

including making a vintage 

Christmas tree decoration 

with Twibell Arts, learn how to 

make wool decorations with 

Angela Tubb and see talented 

storytellers tell the popular story 

of the Stick Man - a theatrical 

experience sure to get your 

imagination going! 

Plus a hands-on cooking session 

- learn how to make (and taste!) 

your very own melting snowmen 

biscuits, Christmas pudding Rice 

Krispie cakes and Christmas tree 

pizzas... yum! 

There’ll also be a reindeer food 

bar, where you can make up a 

tasty treat for Santa’s reindeer to 

take home with you. 

Here at Ruddocks we are 

looking forward to the Christmas 

atmosphere on Lincoln High 

Street this year. The Christmas 

Lights switch-on is taking place on 

Thursday 17th November, there 

will be the annual reindeer parade 

on November 24th, the Lincoln 

Christmas Market will light-up 

uphill Lincoln for 4 days between 

1st-4th December and don’t forget 

that the ice rink is returning for 

another year. With all this going 

on, we are sure the High Street 

will be alive with Christmas cheer 

and making all your Christmas 

Shopping more merry! 

And take a trip to Ruddocks where 

you will find lots of gift ideas in our 

many departments, including Gifts, 

Toys & Games, Art & Crafts or take 

a look at the workshops & courses 

we have to offer. 

Hands up, who’s fed up with the 

traffic and parking in Lincoln? Now 

we all know the long term plan 

will be worth it once everything 

is completed but right now, 

just getting from A to B is a 

traumatic experience! Let alone 

with children in the car and then 

finding somewhere to park. 

Already some of the benefits 

are showing but how are we all 

going to get that all important 

Christmas Shopping done this 

year? I think I may be doing 

quite a bit online, and with lots 

of delivery offers and pick up 

in-store options available will it 

make it any easier? And if you 

know what you want and have 

seen it in-store before take a 

look on our website and place 

your order for delivery, oh the 

convenience! Or why not select 

pick up in-store and have it 

all ready and waiting for you, 

making those shopping trips 

much quicker. 

All that is left is to wish you all a 

very Merry Christmas! 


43


Holly Tree 

So much more than just soft play... 

Our multi level soft play frame is suitable for your energetic and 

adventurous under 9’s. Our younger visitors have their own dedicated 

baby and toddler room, full of fun, age appropriate toys and 

equipment, suitable from birth to 4 years. 

We are also a premier party venue, catering for your little one’s birthday 

with a variety of exclusive party packages tailored to your individual needs. 

Prices start from only £8.50pp and all parties are hosted in our private party 

room with our dedicated party host. 

Our 52 seater restaurant commands beautiful countryside views and serves 

delicious homemade food, home baked cakes and local Stokes coffee. 

Private room and venue hire is also available to suit your needs; 

conferences, training, baby classes, we can cater to all your room hire 

requirements. Please get in touch for more information! 

Situated in Washingborough, our indoor children’s soft play centre is well 

suited for visitors from Lincoln, Sleaford and Bardney as well as the many 

surrounding villages. 

Older children: This winter we plan to launch our HDTV chill out zone, 

and a special gaming area aimed at older kids. This area will come kitted 

out with a Surround Sound wireless gaming chair, as well as two video 

gaming consoles. 

Babies and toddlers: In the main soft play barn, we have a multi-sensory, 

interactive soft sided play den, along with a range of baby toys so our 

small guests are engaged whilst their older siblings explore the play frame! 

SPECIAL OFFER 

For further information: T: 01522 790275 M: 07768 965942 

E: hollytree@softplaylincoln.co.uk www.softplaylincoln.co.uk 

After School Club: Play & Dine Deal 

Visit us after 3.30pm* and take advantage of our After School 

Play and Dine Deal. Simply pay £5.95 for admission to our 

Soft play barn and choose any child’s meal from our menu. 

Holly Tree Leisure, Fen Road, 

Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1AE 

M: 07768 965942 T: 01522 790275 

E: hollytree@softplaylincoln.co.uk 

www.softplaylincoln.co.uk 

Opening Times 

Mon & Tues: Closed* 

Wed-Fri: 10am-6pm 

Sat & Sun: 10am-4pm 

*Applicable Weekday term time only. Not 

to be used in conjunction with any other 

offer. Must be requested upon entry. 

Follow us on for details 

of weekly Special Offers! 


Professional 

tuition in 

maths & 

English 

create individual tutoring programmes, 

using proven Kip McGrath methods. 

Maths Reading 

English Spelling 

Comprehension 

LINCOLN NORTH 

01522 533885 

157-159 Burton Road 

Lincoln LN1 3LW 

Call today 

for a FREE 

assessment 

kipmcgrath.co.uk 

Taste our 

delicious new 

food menu, 

with breakfast baps, 

Belgian waffles, 

pancakes, soups 

jacket potatoes, 

ice cream sundaes 

and more! 

Nov-Feb 

Open 10-5 

Tue-Sun 

Closed 

Mondays 

Farm-themed 

Crazy Daisy Golf 

Children’s play area 

www.daisymadeicecream.co.uk 

Tel: 01522 693757 

Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe, 

Lincoln LN6 5SA 

FREE 

ENTRY 

FREE 

PARKING 

Come 

& meet our 

animals in the 

paddock 

Seated café 

serving hot 

drinks and 

cakes 

Festive 

fun for 

the whole 

family! 

Come and meet our tigers, 

white wolves and white owls 

and many more in a wintry setting 

Winter Opening 10am–4pm everyday (CLOSED Christmas Day) 

A fun packed day visitor attraction from toddlers to grandmas too 

Birds & Animals • Displays • Pig Racing • Tropical Paradise • Adoption • Experience Days 

Birthday Parties • School Visits • Tea Rooms • The Web Club • Woodland Walks 

Telephone: 01522 754280 

Newball, Near Langworth, Lincoln LN3 5DQ 

www.woodsidewildlife.com 

Follow us on 


Open all winter 

weekends 

45

DON’T MISS OUT! 

Download the 

FREE 

Molly’s Guide 

app today! 

Seasonal activities over the festive period 

at Hartsholme Country Park... 

CHRISTMAS TRAIL (Hartsholme) 

Sat 17th to Wed 21st December 

1pm-3pm (£2.50) 

MOSAIC MAKING (Hartsholme) 

Tuesday 14th February 1pm-2.30pm (£3.50) 

BIRD FEEDER MAKING (Arboretum) 

Wednesday 17th February 11am-3pm (£3.50) 

JUNK BOATS (Hartsholme) 

Thursday 16th February 1pm-2.30pm (£3.50) 

BIRD FEEDER MAKING 

Sunday 15th January 

1pm-2.30pm (£3.50) 

(Hartsholme) 

To book please contact the Park Rangers: 01522 873735 

Email: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk 

Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln LN6 0EY 


Money saving vouchers for you & your family 

20% 

OFF 

admission 

Valid for up to four people. 

Expires 28th February 2017 

Tel: 01623 882977 

www.whitepostfarm.co.uk 

Offer valid upon presentation of this voucher. 

Not in conjunction with any other offer. 

Valid from 

28th Nov- 

18th Dec 2016 

Bring this voucher and receive 

your chosen 

Christmas 

tree! 

Tel: 01427 667014 

www.fillingham-trees.co.uk 

Only one voucher to be redeemed per Christmas tree. No photocopies of voucher will be accepted. 

1 FREE CHILD 

per 1 full paying adult 

Cinderella Pantomime 

(5th Dec 2016 - 8th Jan 2017) 

One child admitted 

FREE 

WITH THIS VOUCHER 

Clasketgate, Lincoln LN2 1JJ • 01522 519999 

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk 

Offer valid upon presentation of this voucher. Not in conjunction with any other offer. 

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 28.02.2017. 

www.skegnessnatureland.co.uk 

Admission Special Offer 

3 for 2 

T: 01673 858904 

E: kay@randfarmpark.com 

8 miles East of Lincoln on A158 




Valid until 12th February 2017 


47

CUT OUT AND SAVE 

Vouchers 


molly’sguide 


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FREE 

tea or 

coffee 

This voucher entitles you to a 

in the Feedroom Café 

Come and enjoy a 

FREE 

coffee, latte 

or cappuccino 

Have a relaxing 

coffee on us 

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 15th November to 28th February 2017. 


Valid until 28th February 2017 

Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, LN6 5SA 

One voucher per customer. Not in conjunction with any other offer. 

 

 

Admission Special Offer 

3 for 2 

T: 01673 858904 

E: kay@randfarmpark.com 

8 miles East of Lincoln on A158 




Valid 13 February 2017 to 31 March 2017 

FREE TRIAL 


PLUS 

NO JOINING FEE 

(Usually £30) 

Wragby Road, Lincoln. T: 01522 246147 

*Offer valid til 28.02.17 upon presentation of this voucher. Not in conjunction with any other offer. 


49

CUT OUT AND SAVE 

Vouchers 




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Friday 18 th November 

Big Lights Switch On 

with Santa’s Spectacular Firework Display 

Town Centre Stage 

4:15pm 

4:45pm 

Gainsborough Musical Theatre Society 

Live dance performances from The Studio 

and Wendy Foster School of Dance 

 

5:15pm Little Mix tribute - Little Chix 

6:30pm Lincs FM, Alex Cann, 

hosts the count down with Santa 

Marshall’s Yard Stage 

5:30pm 

6:00pm 

 

6:15pm 

7:00pm 

Phoebe Walker 

RAF Waddington Military Wives Choir 

 

Michael Bublé tribute 

The Torn 

8:00pm Lincs FM, Alex Cann, 

hosts the count down with 

Santa’s Spectacular Firework Display 

 

 

www.marshallsyard.co.uk

Winter Issue 2016 (2)

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