Mollys Guide - Winter 2019

ISSUE 39 • WINTER 2019
www.mollysguide.co.uk
for parents & carers
OUTDOOR
with Lincs Wildlife Trust
Get the family
OUT &
ABOUT
Lots of festive outside
activities
ON THE
Local theatre shows
and pantomimes
Fantastic festive family fun this
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
FREE

Welcome to the winter edition of
Molly’s Guide, were beginning
to look forward to the ‘most
wonderful time of year’.
As 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.
You will also find all our usual features
and columnists. And remember to visit
www.mollysguide.co.uk to keep up to date
with even more activities which are taking place
over the festive period.
A very merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from the Molly’s team.
4
Desperate
Dad
8
Lincoln
Minster
School
13
Lincoln
Drill Hall
16
Lincoln
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Lincolnshire
Wildlife
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3

NEWS
Desperate Dad
Baby’s First Christmas...
I sincerely hope Santa has access to
gift vouchers and online credit services
this Christmas. That seems to be what
both my ‘older’ boys want this year.
Gone are the longing lists for the latest toy craze,
inappropriate board games and action figures.
Replaced now with cool trainer requests, gaming
tokens and brazen ‘non-earned’ cash - no shame
them two.
How on earth did this happen?
It feels like yesterday when Christmas morning
meant boxes under the tree as far as the eye
could see. I suspect a sea of envelopes and
nothing at all for the cat to play with this year.
Christmases have evolved and begun to feel
rather different for the last couple of years, Santa
certainly has his work cut out these days.
It doesn’t dampen any real sprints though - the
festive season is still welcomed willingly in this
house from early doors in December.
We usually get the tree up on the last weekend
of November by which time the Christmas tunes
have already had a damned good airing.
4
Winter 2019

Have I told you about my collection of every
single UK Christmas No.1 single since 1952?
Another time perhaps...?
It’s probably all my fault - Christmas is still one
of my favourite times of the year.
Christmas Eve is the best day of the year in my
book. Family visits, party food, final prep and
more salted peanuts than a KP factory - is there
anything better?
And this year we have an extra special gift to
enjoy and someone new to introduce to the
magic.
My daughter will be almost 10 months old on
Christmas Day - mostly oblivious this year of
course - but just think of the magic that will
unfold in the coming years?
More Santa letters, mince pie offerings, carrots
for reindeers and school nativities to look
forward to - all those wonderful magical firsts
falling again.
As my boys grow out of Christmas, the baby will
grow into them. Like passing the most magical
of batons, childhoods will practically bookend,
from one to another with a knowing Santa wink
and a grin.
The parcels will return in the next couple of years
I’m sure. The ribboned bicycle in the dining
room, the fever pitch bath before bedtime on
Christmas Eve and the incredulous 5am festive
wake -up calls. I really can’t wait.
The little moments I thought had now been
resigned to the magical memory bank - I’ll get to
experience once more.
Wake-up calls aside, I can’t wait to get back into
the spirit again, I’d miss it too much if was to
disappear completely over the next few years.
So this year I don’t have a wish list for Father
Christmas, no begging letter to the North Pole
will be sent from me.
In its place I think I’ll send a thank you letter.
A thank you for allowing me to experience my
Christmases anew.
And when my daughter runs into the bedroom
at some ungodly hour to tell me ‘Santa’s been’, I
know who’ll really be feeling like a little kid again.
#MerryChristmas everyone.
Barry Wood is an ex journalist now working
for the NHS in Lincolnshire. A father of two
boys and one girl and husband to one
Portuguese wife, he blogs regularly as
Desperate Dad.
Read more adventures:
barrylwood.wordpress.com
Facebook: Desperate Dad
Twitter: @Dad_Desperate
Instagram: @daddesperate
www.mollysguide.co.uk
5

NEWS
Family Fun
Christmas parent -
which one are you?
Ah, the festive season. Nothing
makes life go a little crazy like a
Christmas Countdown, especially
if you are a parent.
So, do you revel in the season of goodwill? Or will
you spend the next few weeks waiting for the fog of
festive overload to clear?
You might recognise yourself in this tongue-in-cheek
guide as Sam Curtis asks: What kind of Christmas
parent are you?
The Organised One
Christmas is executed with military
precision, minimal fuss and with the
help of lots of lists (and an Excel
spreadsheet). This mum doesn’t trawl
around the shops - she’s had her
Amazon basket full since July and
arranges delivery for the day after her
children go back to school in September.
She wraps all of her family’s gifts in the
paper she bought in the January sales,
labels them carefully and stores them in
alphabetised order in the loft. As soon
as Sainsbury’s announce their online
festive food ordering service is open, she
logs in, selects a turkey and secures a
delivery date before you can say ‘smug
as a pig in a blanket’.
The Competitive One
She doesn’t mean to be
competitive but she can’t help
herself, this mum just wants
the very best of everything at
Christmas. From pondering if
it’s ever acceptable to bribe
her child’s teacher to secure
her four-year-old one of the
leading roles in The Nativity
to bagging the last mostwanted
toy on the shelf on
Christmas Eve, Competitive
Mum sees Christmas as a
race to the finish line - and
she wants to win.
She is the parent most likely
to post a picture on social
media on Christmas Eve of 200 presents under her
7ft tree with the caption: “I just can’t wait to see their faces...”
The Foodie One
Step aside Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay et al
- Foodie Mum can make the fluffiest, crispiest
roast potatoes in the land. She can also tell
you which Aldi wine pairs best with turkey and
how to butterfly a King prawn. If she invites
you for a meal, for the love of Christmas, say
yes. Just make sure you are wearing stretchy
pants and flatter her by asking for recipe tips.
6
Winter 2019

The Party One
Any excuse for a celebration, this mum loves to entertain and the
festive season offers so many opportunities to do just that. She never
misses her works’ do (and feels a bit the worse for wear the day after)
but Party Mum also likes to hold intimate dinners with cocktails for
her friends and Frozen-themed parties for her children. She is happy
to host Christmas movie sleepovers with buckets of popcorn and will
instinctively invite everyone back for pizza after visiting the theatre to
watch the pantomime. I love Party mum. Why? She’s always got a bottle
of Prosecco on ice.
The Hot Mess One
She’s been trying to get her act together
for years but somehow, despite her best
efforts, she’s still wrapping last-minute
gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve. Like
the Organised One, she has at least seven
to-do lists on the go but never seems to
cross anything off. She will arrive late for the
school Nativity and will probably be wearing
her Christmas jumper inside-out, but she
will be there. She is full of good intentions
but life just gets in the way. The one thing
she never messes up on though is making
sure her family is happy on Christmas Day
morning, even if she had to work through
the night to make the magic happen.
The Crafty One
Often to be found lurking in the
aisles of Hobbycraft, Lakeland
and B&Q or at a felt wreathmaking
class, the Crafty One is
the parent who enjoys making
everything from scratch. All
of her Christmas decorations
are either customised
shop-bought baubles or
unique pieces hewn from
the branches of the cedar
tree she chopped down last
autumn. She wouldn’t dream of buying a box of
Christmas cards and instead makes her own. She is most likely to gift
a bottle of (really good) homemade sloe gin or a crocheted reindeer.
The Fizzing With
Excitement One
The Instagram-perfect One
As you walk in, past the spectacular
handmade wreath hanging on her front
door, your nose is filled with the aroma
from the ‘After Sledding’ Yankee Candle
(that’s a genuine fragrance) which flickers
on the sideboard, nestled among a display
of glittering stags of various sizes. The
walls of her immaculate home are painted
in the softest of grey, the sofa is white (to
echo her Christmas 2019 snow theme)
and complemented by a cream rug and
white throws. You can only marvel at how
she keeps the place clean with seven kids
running around.
She rotates her Christmas
jumpers daily throughout the
months of November and
December and watches festive
movies on a loop. Naturally, Elf is
her favourite film of all time.
She decorates her house as soon as
Bonfire Night is over (tastefully, she loves
to colour co-ordinate her baubles with the new festive bunting
she just bought from The Range) and enjoys sitting in the glow
of the fairy lights, cradling a mug of hot chocolate - sprinkled
with cinnamon - cinnamon is THE festive spice of choice.
The Thrifty One
There’s no way this mum is flexing the plastic
and if she does, she uses her 0% credit card and
the balance is paid in full before the statement
arrives. She buys EVERYTHING in the sales,
including the Brussel Sprouts. Any leftovers from
Christmas dinner are whizzed into a soup and
frozen, to be consumed
when needed - possibly
every day until June.
She doesn’t buy
Christmas cards but
instead downloads
a free template from
Pinterest and gets her
children to colour them
in. I could learn a LOT
from Thrifty Mum.
The ‘Is It Over Yet?’ One
She makes sure her children have a great time but
really, she just wants the decorations down and for
life to return to ‘normal’. Christmas for this mum is
just a bit overwhelming - so much to do, so much
to think about, she’s often so busy keeping the
plates spinning, she forgets to enjoy herself. When
she does take her foot off the gas, she is happy to
watch a Christmas movie but
she will only watch it once. No
repeats of Elf for this mum.
Once a year is enough.
Molly’s Guide and newspaper columnist Sam Curtis lives in Lincoln with her husband
and their two children Lottie, 14 and Louie, 6.
You can follow Sam on: Twitter: @sammanfa
Facebook: SamCurtisWrites
Instagram: sammanfa1
Snapchat: @sam-manfa
www.mollysguide.co.uk
7

EDUCATION
Lincoln Minster School
Visit Lincoln Minster Pre-Preparatory School
and experience the Outdoor Learning spaces
on Monday 10th February 2020 for their
Whole School Open Morning, book a place
online at lincolnminsterschool.co.uk/visit
Winnowsty Lane, Lincoln LN2 5RZ
T: 01522 551300
E: communications@lincolnminsterschool.co.uk
Embracing the outside classroom
In an age of fast digital evolution, with many if not
all children having daily access to iPads, games
consoles and TV, it has become a more challenging
task to provide evermore active and multi-sensory
opportunities to keep children engaged in learning.
Registered Muddy Puddle Teacher Becky Skelton,
accredited Outdoor Learning practitioner at Lincoln
Minster School Pre-Preparatory School, is championing
getting children outdoors.
“For many years I have been passionate about children
embracing different outdoor environments, whatever the
weather. Before coordinating specific outdoor learning
sessions for our pupils aged 3-8, I integrated a variety of
different outdoor learning activities and pursuits into the
after school and holiday club programme at LMS. The
benefits of encouraging this interaction with the outdoor
environment are immense and it was through experiencing
these benefits first hand that I sought to develop an
inspirational and creative outdoor learning programme
during the school day too. After building a dedicated
outdoor learning area I set about organising weekly
sessions as part of the curriculum.
“Whilst these sessions are not linked to a specific area
of the curriculum, using natural resources in purpose
built natural spaces to bring subjects such as maths and
phonics outside is an ideal way to empower children.”
8
Autumn 2019

Disney Aladdin & The Sound Of Music
Two loved musicals are to be performed at the
Lincoln Drill Hall in March 2020 by local children.
The productions are to be performed at the Lincoln Drill Hall in
March 2020 by students aged 3-5, 6-11, 5-8 and 9-16 years.
With brilliant shows like Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat, Madagascar, and many more, young people from
Lincolnshire get their chance to tread the boards and see what
show business is really about.
If you’re passionate about starring in your very own production
and learning the craft of theatre, then here is your chance.
Sessions available for young people aged 3-5, 5-8, 6-11
and 9-16 years. New Youth Theatre, established in 2001,
has gone from strength to strength; they have numerous
successful franchised centres in several counties. The founders
themselves still teach 450 children aged 3-16 each week and
put on shows three times a year at local Theatres.
New Youth Theatre also offer Holiday Camps, School
Workshops and LAMDA acting classes too.
Whether it’s a fun time or a career in show business, New
Youth Theatre is the place to be.
LAMDA classes also available - Call us for full details. Centres
in Lincoln and Newark.
Rehearsals commence early January 2020 - Book your place
online today.
ENTERTAINMENT
New Youth Theatre
To join the cast & book your place
for Disney Aladdin, call New Youth
Theatre Head Office on 01522
787601. To book a place for The
Sound Of Music junior, please call
01522 244365 or alternatively, visit:
www.newyouththeatre.co.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
9

ENTERTAINMENT
LPAC
The Lion, The Witch,
and the Wardrobe (2013)
It truly is a magical time of year at LPAC!
Decorating the Christmas tree,
leaving a mince pie out for
Santa, going out as a family
to see the big show at the
theatre; these are the moments
that make childhood so special
and memorable. This year they
are presenting two stunning
Christmas shows; one for the
whole family and the other for
younger audiences.
Penguins! Penguins! Penguins! (2018)
Our main house family Christmas show this year is The Lion, The Witch,
and the Wardrobe (Wednesday 11 December – Tuesday 24 December).
Join Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy on a magical adventure to a
mysterious world, where it’s always winter but never Christmas! Older
families who have been attending our Christmas shows for many years
may remember our first production of this tale. This year our war horseeques
Aslan puppet returns, reimaged and reinvented to bring our
themes of nature verses industry to life. The children join together with
Aslan, Mr and Mrs Beaver and the other woodland creatures to fight
against the evil White Witch to bring Christmas back to Narnia!
This refreshing alternative to the usual pantomime offers a unique
immersive experience where the auditorium has been transformed into
a space with audiences on three sides, which puts the audience at the
heart of the action. Our auditorium this year is being transformed into
the Professor’s library, with some hidden secrets waiting to surprise our
audiences!
For our younger audiences we have a more traditional story telling
production with Ready, Steady, Yeti! (Monday 16 December – Sunday 5
January) One winter two small children set out to solve the mystery of the
abominable snowman, but they’re not the only ones on the trail and the
race is on! A magical show for little ones packed full of songs, stories and
silliness. Read, Steady, Yeti! recreates the imagination and natural play
of young children. This production takes place inside our large upstairs
studio which creates a more intimate and relaxed setting for our younger
audiences. Set inside a giant tent fort, the set pops out to create brand
new exciting worlds for the children to explore and search for that yeti!
We love Christmas here at LPAC and for both our shows we’re turning
our Zing Café into a winter wonderland. Come in from the cold and enjoy
a hot drink and relax inside our beautiful decorated café.
Tickets for both our shows are on sale now. You can book online via www.lpac.co.uk, over the phone
on 01522 837600 or in person at the box office in Zing Café Bar within Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.
10
Winter 2019

ENTERTAINMENT
Lincoln Drill Hall
IT’S THE FAIRY GODMOTHER OF ALL PANTOS!
Jamie Marcus Productions in association with
Lincoln Drill Hall presents:
CINDERELLA
Friday 6 December 2019 – Saturday 4 January 2020
This Christmas fly to Lincoln Drill Hall for its must-see
pantomime spectacular, Cinderella. This is the venue’s
biggest festive production to date and based on the
godmother of all pantos. Cinderella is the most loved
pantomime for good reason. It has it all - a plucky
heroine, wicked stepmother and devious stepsisters,
one very magical fairy godmother and a handsome
prince. Ooh, and we mustn’t forget the daft as a brush
Buttons. Add to that glass slippers, pumpkin coaches
and a sparkling royal ball and it’s the perfect panto to
supersize. Which, as it happens, is just what the Drill
Hall have in mind.
Chris Kirkwood, Lincoln Drill Hall Manager: “Every
year we’ve worked hard to make our panto more
spectacular than the last and this year is no exception.
This Christmas our stage is being supersized, which
means there’ll be more of everything else too – bigger
sets, more stunning costumes, bigger musical
numbers and more spectacular special effects.”
‘Traditional family pantomime together with incredible
special effects – including a Red Arrow flying over the
audience’s heads in 2017 – have made our panto a
huge hit over the years. This year for the first time we’ll
have a flying coach…pulled by a unicorn!’
“But the heart of the panto is the cast. This year
Lincoln’s favourite Dame James Campbell is back
as the outrageous stepsister Lady Domestos, paired
with Ian Jervis as Lady Parazone. The hilarious
Adam Fox returns as Buttons and we’re also thrilled
to welcome Chloe Sparrowhawk as Cinders and
Emma Clare as the Fairy Godmother. They’re joined
by an incredibly talented cast of performers to make
this a massive production guaranteed to fill you with
festive cheer well into the New Year.”
So don’t miss out! With matinee and early evening
performances, plus signed and relaxed/autismfriendly
shows, this is a panto that everyone will
love.
Can a pair of shoes really change your life? There’s
only one way to find out – book today!
Cinderella runs from Friday 6 December 2019 to
Saturday 4 January 2020.
For further information: T: 01522 873894 E: info@drillhall.com www.lincolndrillhall.com
www.mollysguide.co.uk
13

DAYS OUT
Doddington Hall
An enchanted forest
welcomes families to
Doddington Hall this
Christmas...
Doddington Hall is promising a
magical Christmas for the whole family
as it transforms into an enchanted
forest, featuring magical creatures
and Father Christmas himself.
Beautifully shaped, decorated trees and
foliage will have magically sprouted and a host
of magical creatures can be discovered in
Doddington Hall’s Enchanted Forest.
For some extra Christmas magic, little ones can
meet Father Christmas and his elves in the cosy
library in November and December. Advance
booking is required.
After a walk around the hall and a sit down with
Santa, take a walk down to the Christmas tree
yard to choose a special tree with your loved
ones. Christmas trees are grown organically,
without the use of fertiliser, pesticides or
herbicides on the estate and families can walk
among the pines to choose their perfect tree,
before the team expertly nets them up to be taken
to their new homes.
A beautiful Christmas tree deserves the most
beautiful decorations. Visit the magnificent
‘Bauble Barn’, which is bursting with the most
beautiful Christmas decorations to make your
home sparkle. With bags brimming with shiny
new baubles, wander down to the pop-up Toy
Box shop, which is filled with beautifully crafted
wooden toys and games for all ages. You’re sure
to find a delightfully traditional gift to put under
the trees for the little ones in your life.
Christmas at Doddington Hall & Gardens begins
on Saturday 23rd November 2019 and will be
celebrated until 22nd December 2019. The hall
will be open five days a week, Wednesday-Friday
12-4pm and Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm.
Admission to the house and gardens is £11 for
adults, £5.50 for children, with free entry for
children under three years old, family ticket £29.
Visits to see Father Christmas must be booked in
advance online. The Bauble Barn, Christmas tree
yard, shops and cafes are open daily.
For more information visit: doddingtonhall.com
14
Winter 2019

Christmas is coming to
the Waterside Centre!
It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas at the
Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln. The
decorations are up, Christmas Carols are playing,
and Santa is waiting for you in his Grotto.
Father Christmas and his elves will be in residence from
now until 3pm on Christmas Eve.
An audience with Santa costs just £7, with every child
receiving a present and parents having the opportunity
to purchase additional personalised items. You can
book your visit online at www.bookfatherchristmas.
co.uk/waterside or just pop in and see if Santa is free
to see you.
There’s always lots of preparation to do in the run-up
to Christmas, but thankfully the Waterside has several
late-night shopping evenings. It’s open until 7pm on
Thursday 5th and Saturday 7th and until 8pm on Friday
6th, 13th and 20th December.
As well as giving you a bit more time to pick up your
presents, the centre is also willing to wrap your gifts!
The centre has partnered with Allen Signs to raise
money for St Barnabas Hospice. Take your gifts to the
Wrapping Station, make a donation, and the centre will
do the rest! The Wrapping Station is open on 13th and
20th December (11am-3pm/5.30-7.30pm), 14th-19th
December (11am-3pm) and Sunday 21st (11am-3pm).
DAYS OUT
Waterside Shopping Centre
The Giving Tree as part of the Christmas Sacks, is
also returning to the centre. If you’d like to provide
a present to a child whose family is struggling
financially, then please buy a gift, take it to the
tree, find the details of who you’d like it to go to on
the tags hung from the tree and attach it to your
present. You can find the Giving Tree on the lower
level until 15th December.
The centre has lots more planned in the run-up
to Christmas, so make sure you visit
www.watersideshopping.com or follow the
centre on Facebook (/WatersideShopping) to stay
up to date!
www.mollysguide.co.uk
15

DAYS OUT
Lincoln BIG
SOAK-UP LINCOLN’S FESTIVE EVENTS
It’s the most wonderful time of
the year – so why not head into
Lincoln where the city’s festive
lights will be shining brightly
and the family can really get
in the mood for a
great Christmas.
Lincoln BIG is encouraging everyone to have fun trying
something new this year – Friday Late Night shopping
which will be continuing right through to December 20.
It’s a brilliant way to get the weekend off to a flying
start. Stores taking part are based in an area from Four
Seasons in the Upper High Street down to Peacocks
in the lower High Street, along with St Marks Shopping
Centre, the Waterside Shopping Centre and some
stores in the city’s Cornhill Quarter. Some may open on
Thursday nights as in the past.
The bottom line is there will be plenty of choice when
it comes down to tracking down those special gifts for
family and friends, and you could also choose to have
something to eat or drink while you are in town and
make a real occasion of it.
If you are in town on Thursday, November 28, why
not take the children along to meet the stars of the
Lincoln BIG Reindeer Parade. They will be in St Marks
Shopping Centre Garden from 2pm.
16
Winter 2019

Later in the afternoon they will join Santa
Claus for their festive parade, which starts
from St Mark’s Shopping Centre at 6pm.
The parade travels up the High Street past
Thor’s Tipi in The Cornhill, finishing up in
City Square.
Intrigued by Thor’s Tipi? Well why not
take the family back there for a tasty
hot chocolate after the parade. With its
wooden tables, benches, furs and fire
pit – and the street market-style Cheese
Cave nearby - it offers a little touch of
Scandinavia in the heart of the city.
Another unamissable night is Thursday,
December 19, when children from
Westgate School and supporters from
St Mary Magdalene Church take part
in Lincoln BIG’s traditional Lantern
Parade.
Everyone meets up at 5.30pm, before
moving off from City Square at 6pm
and making their way to The Cornhill,
walking past Thor’s Tipi and into the
High Street, before the Parade wends
its way up Steep Hill. It finishes-up in Castle
Hill for a small nativity service.
Other attractions to look out for include
Lincoln’s Christmas Market, which brings in
thousands of visitors. This year it starts on
Thursday, December 5 at 12 noon,
continuing on Friday and Saturday
(Dec 6 and 7 – from 10am to 9.30pm,
before finishing on Sunday (Dec 8)
when it opens from 10am to 7pm.
And don’t forget to book your family
places for this year’s fabulous
pantomimes. – Robin Hood at
the New Theatre Royal, Lincoln,
which runs from December 3 to
January 5; Cinderella at the Lincoln Drill
Hall from December 6 to January 4 and The
Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the
Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, running from
December 11 to December 24.
www.mollysguide.co.uk
17

HOBBIES & ACTIVITIES
Scaman’s Eggs
Cracking Christmas fun
The pumpkin-lit festivities of Halloween have passed, the final fireworks of Bonfire
Night have fallen from the sky, and in the Scaman’s household, it’s time to get that
warm, joyous feeling as we anticipate the most wonderful time of the year!
My family love Christmastime. Over-the-top
excitement for festive family trips to food and
gift fairs and seasonal events, getting the
crafts out to create all kinds of homemade
decorations, and making festive treats in the
kitchen for our Christmas movie nights in front
of the fire.
If your children are anything like my Lotte
and Phoenix, they’ll be fussy little eaters.
So, sometimes a simple homemade iced
biscuit – made from scratch and decorated
with all kinds of icings and toppings
– does just the trick. You can have family
time baking and decorating in the kitchen
before tucking into your treats.
They’re so simple to make, which means
all the more fun when you’re decorating.
And, they’re perfect for dipping into
creamy hot chocolates, too.
18
Winter 2019

Iced Biscuits Recipe
METHOD
You will need:
• 100g butter, slightly softened
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 medium Scaman’s Egg
• 275g plain flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200g icing sugar
• Water
Preheat the oven to 190C (170C Fan) and line
a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl.
Lightly beat the egg and slowly add it to the
creamed butter a bit at a time. Then, add the
vanilla extract.
Sieve the flour and stir it in, again bit by bit,
until the mixture makes a dough.
Once your dough is able to form a ball, dust
your worktop with a light dusting of flour. Roll
the dough until it is around 1cm thick.
Cut biscuits out of the dough and carefully
place them onto the baking tray.
Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the
biscuits are a pale golden-brown colour. Set
aside for a few minutes, then transfer them to
a wire rack to cool.
To make the icing, place the icing sugar into
a bowl and add the water, a tablespoon at a
time, until you reach the right consistency for
your biscuits. Add food colouring, if you wish!
Once the biscuits are cool, use the back
of a spoon, or carefully use a knife, to ice
your biscuits. Then, get creative with your
toppings!
Christmas Characters
When you’ve used up your eggs for your festive
bakes, don’t throw the boxes away! With a
good splash of paint, googly eyes, and plenty
of glitter, the kids can make fun little Christmas
characters.
Here are some ideas...
Also! Make little holes in the sides and thread a
ribbon through to create bunting.
Simone, the Egg Lady, lives in Little
Grimsby, near Louth, with her husband
Neil, and two children Lotte (11) and
Phoenix (5).
You can follow Scamans Eggs on:
Twitter: @scamanseggs
Facebook: Scamans Eggs
Instagram: scamanseggs
Web: www.scamanseggs.co.uk
www.mollysguide.co.uk
19

HOBBIES & ACTIVITIES
Fillingham Trees
For more information and
news of special events visit
www.fillingham-trees.co.uk
or follow us on Facebook
Christmas at Fillingham Trees...
No festive home would be complete without the pine-scented
charm of a real Christmas tree so head to Fillingham Trees
to select a premium centrepiece grown on the farm.
Choose from a wide selection of trees including Nordman fir,
Norway spruce, Fraser fir or Blue spruce or if you can’t decide we
can offer expert advice.
Ample free parking is available and our friendly team of elves will
help you to choose your tree and carry it to your car.
When your perfect tree is safely ‘parked’ for collection, you can
browse our selection of gifts, lights and decorations, say hello to
our animals or just relax with a drink, bacon butty or piece of cake
in our Grotto Café. As usual, there will be an entertainer to amaze
you with magic and balloon modelling not forgetting Thomas the
Tank Engine, see if you can spot him.
New for this year is a selection of locally made wreaths.
Father Christmas will be in his grotto on November 30th, December
1st, 7th & 8th. There will be a street organ, to get you in the festive
spirit, each Sunday from 9am until 3pm.
We support a number of Charities and once again this year we will
be supporting The Alzheimer’s Society ‘Elf Day’ on 6th December
and continue for the next few days – join us if you can.
We are open seven days a week from November 28th until
December 18th.
Available
28th Nov
to 19th Dec
daily
Christmas
shop open
9am-6pm
Castle Farm, Fillingham,
Gainsborough DN21 5BX
For all your
fresh Christmas Trees!
DON’T MISS
Father Christmas
in his grotto
£5.00
including
a gift
• 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.
Tel: 01427 667014
www.fillingham-trees.co.uk
Festive fun
for the whole
family!
NOVEMBER 30th, DECEMBER 1st, 7th, 8th
Enjoy fun & magic with our visiting entertainers,
Bruno the donkey and much more
20
Winter 2019

Gridline goes multi storey...
The ALL NEW Gridline Racing is here and is now
Lincolnshire’s first multi storey indoor circuit, based
in the centre of the picturesque city of Lincoln.
HOBBIES & ACTIVITIES
Gridline Racing
With the latest 2019 karts from the world’s number one kart
manufacturer, Gridline offers one of the safest but most
exciting forms of motorsport and makes it available to the
whole family.
The 120cc cadet karts are suitable for kids aged 8 years
and above. We also have a fleet of SODI’s new SR5 200cc
Honda’s so the adults can get in on the action and put even
Lewis Hamilton to shame!
And now, even the younger ones can get involved thanks to
our Sodi 2Drive twin seater kart, which allows any passenger
over the height of 4ft with no age restriction! The driver
must be at least 16 years of age in order to drive this unique
machine.
We offer a wide range of events, varying from our popular
Arrive & Drive practice timed sessions for beginners to the
increasing popular birthday party options. For the bigger kids,
exclusive race events that can accommodate for any budget
or group size are also available.
Kids Karting Klub aimed at 8 to 13yrs old, includes driving tips
from our race instructors on the best racing line, with a total of
50 minutes’ worth of karting on track (5 x 10 minute sessions).
Be part of the fun and get yourselves down to Gridline
Racing today!
www.mollysguide.co.uk
21

ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Winter seems like the time
to be snuggled up indoors
with a cup of hot chocolate.
But that hot chocolate will
taste all the better after
exploring the wild winter
world outdoors.
Wild winter wildlife
Wrap up warm with lots of layers, boots and gloves, you
never know what you might discover. Here’s a few things to
look out of on a winter adventure:
• Winter is the best time to spot footprints in mud and
snow. Explore a woodland look for deer, fox and badger
footprints and practice your wildlife tracking skills.
• Listen for woodpeckers drumming on trees in January and
February. They are claiming their territories ready for spring.
• Visit a wetland and count how many different ducks you
can see. At this time of year large flocks of migratory ducks
arrive in the UK from Scandinavia and central Europe.
• Look out for starling ‘murmurations’ where hundreds of
birds swoop through the sky together before settling
down to roost for the night.
• The nights are long and dark but that means it’s great for
looking at the stars and the moon. If you’ve got binoculars,
try looking at the craters on the moon.
• Don’t forget… keep your eyes on the skies
for flying reindeer!
22
Winter 2019

Wild winter spotter
Test your spotting skills with these top winter sights!
Frosty cobweb Mallard ducks on a frozen lake Footprints in snow
Holly berries Snowflake Christmas tree growing in the wild
Robin Icicles Reindeer
Share your pictures with the Lincolnshire
Wildlife Trust on social media:
FACEBOOK: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
TWITTER: @LincsWildlife
INSTAGRAM: Lincswildlifetrust
Snow
animal
challenge
Have you ever built a snowman? Well this year we’re
challenging you to try something different. Why not see if you
can build a wild animal from snow instead. You could have a
go at building any sort of creature but if you’re stuck for ideas,
we’ve come up with a few suggestions of animals to try:
DIFFICULTY RATING
Easy: Hedgehog (use sticks for the spines), caterpillar, snail
Medium: Owl, rabbit (if the ears are bit tricky, use sticks or leaves
instead of snow for these), dolphin
Tricky: Squirrel, octopus, swan
www.mollysguide.co.uk
23

Pressmaster/Shutterstock.com
find out what’s on near you...
Tuesday 26th November
Light Up a Life’ Torchlight Procession
7pm-9pm
Join St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice to celebrate,
remember and reflect during the festive season with a
service and a procession to the Lincoln Hotel.
A pipe band will lead the procession from Clayton’s
Sports Ground, making its way past St Barnabas
Hospice on Nettleham Road before finishing at the
Lincoln Hotel, opposite the north side of Lincoln
Cathedral. Once at the Lincoln Hotel the Tree of Life
will be illuminated for the first time, each light dedicated
to someone special. Those attending will also be able
to leave a ‘message of love’ which can be tied to the
railings surrounding the tree.
The lights of Lincoln Cathedral will also shine when the
tree is illuminated, using the colours of blue and yellow
to honour the work of the hospice.
The event is free and open to everyone, not just those
touched by hospice care. Flaming torches can be
purchased on the night from 7pm for £5 each and are
for over 16s only. Battery lanterns will also be available
for £3.50 each.
If you would like to dedicate a light in memory of
someone this year, please visit the St Barnabas website.
https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events
Thursday 28th November
Reindeer Display 2pm-4pm
Before the evening’s parade, festive reindeer
will be relaxing at St Marks Shopping Centre -
ideal for some Christmas photo opportunities.
Before the Reindeer Parade, which also takes
place on Thursday 28th November starting
at 6pm, take this opportunity to get up close
and personal.
Father Christmas will also be in attendance
to meet children and introduce them to the
animals.
The reindeer are from the only free-ranging
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. Find out more on the
Cairngorms reindeer website.
www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk
FOR FULL DETAILS ON ALL
WHAT’S ON AND EVENTS
WWW.MOLLYSGUIDE.CO.UK

Friday 29th Nov-Tues 24th December
The North Star “Narnia” Experience
The North Star of Narnia is called Spear-Head
and is brighter than our Pole Star. Our Christmas
experience for 2019 will be full of the magic of
Narnia. Under the reign of Jadis the White Witch, it
was always winter but never Christmas. Well, that’s
not the case at Pink Pig Farm, where Santa will be
guaranteed to make an appearance.
We have a few different options to choose from
this year. Select THE NORTH STAR NARNIA
EXPERIENCE for the full experience, including
Build-A-Cuddle and snowball fights, or THE NARNIA
SANTA EXPERIENCE to meet Santa and decorate
gingerbread!
We also have options for our younger visitors,
evening events and for those who aren’t as
comfortable with loud noises and large groups. All
options include PLAY ALL DAY! Come and join us in
“Narnia” this Christmas!
www.pinkpigfarm.co.uk
Sat 30th Nov-Sun 22nd December
Father Christmas at Doddington Hall
Add that extra bit of magic to the festive season for
little ones and book a visit to see Father Christmas
in the cosy family setting of the Hall’s Library. Meet
the Christmas Elves, share your Christmas wishes
with Father Christmas and receive a small present
per child.
Father Christmas will be visiting on 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8,
14, 15, 21 & 22 Dec. Booking is essential and tickets
are expected to sell fast so book early to avoid
disappointment! Tickets: 0-2yrs £5.50 each | 3-6yrs
£8 each | 7-12yrs £8 each
Tickets include a visit to Father Christmas, a small
present per child and admission to see the House
decorated for Christmas. All children must be
accompanied by a paying adult (House admission
£11 per adult, max 2 adults per child).
www.doddingtonhall.com
Sat 30th Nov-Tues 24th December
Father Christmas and friends Time varies
Father Christmas will be visiting Belton’s Old
School this year with Mother Christmas and the
elves. They bring with them their festive spirits for
an entertaining 30 minute show. All children will
receive a gift, hand delivered by Father Christmas
himself.
Charges apply for both adults and children. Normal
admission charges will only apply if visiting the main
site. Tickets- Adult £5 & Child £10.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house
Sat 30th Nov-Sunday 1st December
Lincoln Santa Paws 11am-5pm
A fabulous two day event where your dog can meet
Father Christmas, enjoy a Dog Themed Christmas
Market and enjoy special treats!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincoln-santa-paws-
2019-tickets-71218800349
Sat 30th Nov-Tues 24th December
Father Christmas in his Woodland Grotto
11am-2.30pm
Santa arrives in his Woodland Grotto and stays until
Christmas Eve, meet his Real Reindeer, make magic
Reindeer Food, Write a letter to Santa and follow
our Candy Cane Trail and solve the puzzle to claim
your reward.
www.tattershallfarmpark.co.uk
Sunday 1st December
A Christmas Tale With The Elves, Father
Christmas or Mrs Christmas 1pm-2pm
Father Christmas’ elves have travelled especially to
Bransby Horses to visit all of the animals and to read
a magical story to the children. After the story, the
children will be given a special present. Tickets: £5
per child + booking fee.
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
Sunday 1st-Friday 20th December
Christmas Present Trails All day
Celebrate the family Christmas Present Trails at
venues across North Kesteven for a festive day out
for all to enjoy. Help Molly the Mill Mouse, Dora the
Duck and Charlie the Crane find their lost presents.
Each venue has its own family trail, so explore these
fascinating places looking for clues before claiming
your own Christmas gift. The trails take place at
Navigation House, Cogglesford Watermill, and
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre.
www.visitlincoln.com/whats-on/christmaspresent-trails
Monday 2nd December
Bishop Grosseteste Christmas
Extravanganza 10am-2pm
Enjoy a festive family fun day for Christmas in the
Robert Hardy Building on campus where you can
meet Santa in his Grotto, receive a gift from him & his
assisting Elf and post your letters to Santa’s home
in the North Pole. What’s more... Little ones can
also watch Christmas puppet shows, a magic show,
learn how to juggle in a circus workshop, get their
faces painted for free & do some colouring in at the
Christmas table. Children (aged 1+): £6; Four children:
£20; Children under 12 months: free; Adults: free.
https://thelincolnite.co.uk/events/christmasextravaganza-3
30
Winter 2019

Thursday 5th-Sunday 8th December
Lincoln Christmas Market 2019 All day
Stalls, performers, & festive cheer take over
Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter for four days of festive
entertainment, shopping, & food and drink.Visitors
to the famous Lincoln Christmas Market will be
sure to soak up the festive atmosphere across this
large market site, with more than 280 stalls. There is
something for everyone, from unusual gifts to food
& drink from near & far, and lots of entertainment for
all the family to enjoy. Shops across the city will also
stay open late for the duration of the Market, and
the Artists’ Christmas Village offers goods from local
artists & crafters too.
NEW FOR 2019 - The Christmas Postbox will be
found on St Paul in the Bail off Bailgate where the area
will be transformed into the North Pole where you can
post your letters to Father Christmas in the giant post
box, or write and decorate a letter to send too.
www.visitlincoln.com/whats-on/lincolnchristmas-market-2019
Tuesday 3rd Dec-Sunday 5th January
Robin Hood
The New Theatre Royal Lincoln promises a pantomime
adventure for all the family this Christmas with Robin
Hood. Lincoln’s longest running traditional pantomime
will be packed full of audience participation and
famous faces including Blue Peter and Prank Patrol’s
Barney Harwood, CBBC’s ‘Yonko’ Chris Johnson and
Zoe Hedge from ITV’s The Voice.
Under 2s can go free, when sitting on a parent or
guardian’s lap, and there’s even a special relaxed
performance on Saturday 7th December at 11am,
perfect for anyone who would benefit from a more
relaxed environment – including anyone with an autism
spectrum condition or learning disability.Tickets are
available from www.ntrlincoln.co.uk, the Box Office, or
on 01522 519999. Tickets start at £16.50 and family,
group and school rates are available.
Friday 6th Dec-Saturday 4th January
Cinderella
The production at Lincoln Drill Hall will be a fabulous
traditional pantomime, packed full of well-known songs,
fantastic comedy and unbelievable special effects.
Jamie Marcus (producer) told us, “After our flying Red
Arrow in Jack and the Beanstalk, I again wanted to
bring Lincoln audiences something they’d never seen
before! This year, rising over audiences heads will be
the incredible Flying Unicorn that takes Cinderella to the
Royal Ball. We are also delighted to welcome back by
popular demand, Adam Fox as the hilarious ‘Buttons’
and James Campbell as the ugliest of sisters, ‘Lady
Domestos’, in this magical tale of rags to riches.”
www.lincolndrillhall.com/cinderella
Saturday 7th-Sunday 22nd December
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!
Elfin the elf will be on hand this Christmas helping
Father Christmas in his grotto on 7th, 8th, 14th,
15th, 20th, 21st and 22nd December between 1 –
2 pm. Post your magic star in Father Christmas’s
letter box to say hello to the man himself and
receive a present (stars to be bought on the day).
Make your own magical Christmas bauble and
reindeer food on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and
Sunday 22nd December.
Our annual Nativity will be held on Thursday 19th
December at 7 pm. This magical evening brings
the true meaning of Christmas alive telling the
story of Mary,Joseph and baby Jesus. It is free to
attend with refreshments served afterwards in the
tea room. This event takes place outdoors and
in our animal barn so it is a good idea to wrap up
warm, wear outdoor footwear and bring a torch!
Full details and prices of all events can be seen
online.
www.hallfarmpark.co.uk
Winter fun
on the farm...
• Fully heated indoor
play barn
• Outdoor play areas
• Tractor & trailer rides
• Keith’s Krazy Karts
• Farmyard crazy golf
• Take a goat for a walk
• Woodland walk
• Select Lincolnshire
award winning Tea Room
• Gift Shop
• Birthday
parties
School trips
welcome
FOR FULL DETAILS ON ALL
WHAT’S ON AND EVENTS
WWW.MOLLYSGUIDE.CO.UK
Come and play
whatever the
weather!
Come and see
Father Christmas
in his grotto
(please see website for
Christmas activities &
opening times)
Rural
Business Awards
best Midlands
rural tourism
business and best
diversification
project 2019
01652 678822 www.hallfarmpark.co.uk
South Kelsey, Market Rasen, Lincs LN7 6PR
www.mollysguide.co.uk
31

30
Sat 8th & Sat 15th December
Festive breakfast at Uncle Henry’s
9.30am-11.30am
Enjoy breakfast time at Uncle Henry’s, Grayingham
Grange Farm, and watch Santa make an
appearance on his festive tractor bringing gifts
for all the children on Saturday, December 8 and
Saturday, December 15 (9.30am-11.30am both
days). Santa arrives at 10am.
Tickets: £3 per child. The price includes a visit from
Santa to your table and a small gift. Any food and
drink is additional on the day.
Please call 01652 640308 to book.
Wed 11th-Tues 24th December
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
Join Peter, Susan Edmund and Lucy on a magical
adventure to a mysterious world where it’s always
winter but never Christmas. Take a step through
the back of a wardrobe and discover a talking
lion, all the Turkish delight you can eat and the
wonderful land of Narnia.
www.lpac.co.uk
Lincoln‛s Green Spaces
TO BOOK please telephone, email or message on Facebook as below:
T:01522
873735
FOR FULL DETAILS ON ALL
WHAT’S ON AND EVENTS
WWW.MOLLYSGUIDE.CO.UK
ARBORETUM
CU = Childrens University validated activities
Winter 2019
HARTSHOLME
Christmas Trail CU £3.50 .
Thu 19th – Sun 22nd Dec, 12pm-3pm
Christmas Crafts £3.50
Friday 20th December, 1pm–2.30pm
Love Birds £5
Thursday 20th February, 1pm-2.30pm
BOULTHAM
£3.50
Bird Mosaics
Thursday 20th February,
10am–11.30am
Wooden Bird Puppets
Wednesday 19th February,
10am-11.30am
£3.50
E: hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
www.lincoln.gov.uk/hartsholmecp
Friday 13th-Sunday 15th December
Historic Christmas Market at Normanby Hall
Normanby Hall Country Park is set to stage its first
historic Christmas Market. Visitors will be able to
step back in time & buy handmade gifts & produce
from the travelling troupe of traders dressed in
authentic historical costume, all in the beautiful park
grounds. Gifts on offer will include historical food &
trinkets, traditional archery equipment, leather goods,
handmade jewellery & much more! Musicians and
entertainers will also be on hand to get you in the
festive spirit. The traders travel around the country
selling their wares, and may be familiar to Lincolnshire
audiences from their time at the famous Medieval
Christmas Market at Bishops Palace in Lincoln.
The historic Christmas Market is open from 6.30pm-
9pm on Fri 13 Dec, 10am-5pm and 6.30-9pm on Sat
14 Dec and 10am -3pm on Sun 15 Dec.
www.normanbyhall.co.uk
Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th December
An Audience With Father Christmas
Experience the magic of Christmas at Gainsborough
Old Hall by joining Father Christmas in a Victorian
setting. Sit back and listen to stories of Christmases
from the past and enjoy finding out more about
Father Christmas himself. Every paying child will
receive a gift and have the opportunity to share their
Christmas wishes. Audiences at 11.30, 12.30, 2.00
and 3.00. Child under 2 Free, Child over 2 £5.35, Adult
£9.80. Ticket price includes entry to the Hall and the
Audience with Father Christmas.
www.gainsborougholdhall.com
Saturday 14th-Sunday 22nd December
(closed Mon 16th and Tues 17th)
Christmas Emporium 11am-3pm & 5pm – 9pm
Celebrate the magic of Christmas within the medieval
walls of Lincoln Castle. Mixing fairy story with local
history and legend, the Christmas Emporium will be
a magical unfolding of newly imagined fairy tales,
illuminating the Castle whilst discovering it anew. From
Havelok the giant Viking hurling the huge stone which
lands within the Castle walls, to Lucy, the 11th century
Countess who ruled the lands, and the Dragonby
legend, where a great dragon was turned to stone by a
malevolent wizard. All are woven together in a festive
fairy tale of visual storytelling to inspire and delight.
Designed to delight visitors of all ages, the light show
will be complimented by Christmas stalls offering
unique arts, crafts, gifts and locally sourced food and
drink. The medieval wall walk will remain open providing
truly spectacular evening views over the City.
Christmas Empawrium - Why not bring your four legged
friend to the special Christmas Empawrium a dog
friendly edition on Wednesday 18th December. One
ticket gives return access to the event & can be used as
many times as you like through-out the event week.
www.lincolncastle.com

Join Macmillan and celebrate the
lives of loved ones this Christmas
at the Macmillan Tree of Lights at
St Marks Shopping Centre, Lincoln
on Saturday 30th November from
11am through to 2pm. We will enjoy
tea, coffee, non-alcoholic mulled
wine, cakes and mince pies as we
light the tree up with messages of
love during the evening.
There isn’t a day that goes by when we don’t miss
our loved ones when they are no longer with us, but
Christmas is a time when we miss them all the more.
To remember them, and celebrate their lives, Macmillan
invites you to hang a message on their Tree of Lights
with a candle in a little bucket.
So come and enjoy the music with a glass of mulled
wine (non-alcoholic) and the atmosphere as we hang a
message on the Tree of Lights with a candle in a bucket
to remain their right through the Christmas season.
If you can’t make the event, why not reserve
your bucket and send your message to us at
info@merrymacs.co.uk and let us hang it for you?
For more info call Fiona on:
07572 429953
Email: info@merrymacs.co.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support
- The Merry Macs of Lincoln
@merry_macs
www.merrymacs.co.uk

Taste our
delicious
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
Come
& meet our
animals in the
paddock
Children’s play area
Tel: 01522 693757
Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe,
Lincoln LN6 5SA
FREE
PARKING
FREE ENTRY
www.daisymadefarm.co.uk
Seated café
serving hot
drinks and
cakes