What We Love About Lincolnshire! 26 Sep
Often referred to as the ‘vegetable garden of England’, Lincolnshire holds a special place in the hearts of many. The team at Lincolnshire Showground, made up of people from the county and further afield, share a common love for our beautiful county. In the run-up to Lincolnshire Day on 1st October, we asked them to tell us what they love and what makes it so special to them.
Chief Executive Charlotte Powell says to her Lincolnshire is more than just a place.
“I am proud to be Lincolnshire born and bred, with my family members spread far and wide across the county in Brigg, Cleatham, Burton, Branston, Scawby, Bonby and Hykeham! In my spare time, my partner and I enjoy walking in the Lincolnshire Wolds, then popping to the Kinema in Woodhall Spa.
“My favourite thing about Lincolnshire, however, apart from my family’s home-made Lincolnshire plum bread, is driving home, seeing the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral and knowing you are home!”
Marketing Lead David Beech loves the vibrant atmosphere of the county’s cathedral city:
“I moved to Lincolnshire from across the Humber to attend university and have lived here ever since. I love visiting Lincoln for a bite to eat, walks in the countryside and seeing the Red Arrows on a regular basis.”
Sales and Events Lead Emily Freeman’s love for Lincolnshire pulled her back after living in Leeds for eight years.
“Born and raised in Sudbrooke, I moved away to go to university but the pull of friends and family brought me back home. I have a strong family connection to the RAF so I always feel really proud whenever I see the Red Arrows. The Bailgate area in Lincoln is really lovely (especially at Christmas) and there are so many quaint villages and towns in the county for day trips and walks.
Head of Operations Chris Williamson enjoys sampling the county’s culinary delights!
“I was born in Gainsborough and have lived there for almost all of my life. My two favourite things about Lincolnshire are of course the plum bread and sausages! Also, the variety of things to do in Lincolnshire is endless and, despite the grumbles when driving behind a tractor, we can get anywhere in the county with a fair amount of ease. The affordable housing is another major benefit of living in the county, and you are only ever a stone’s throw away from some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside.”
Grounds Team Brendan O’Boyle and Keith Cox take great pride in looking after what we think is arguably one of the county’s finest assets!
“We love living in Lincolnshire and calling it home and of course we enjoy visiting the many fantastic local pubs. We are proud to look after the picturesque Lincolnshire Showground!”
Finance Executive Nicola Hurley is in awe of the diverse landscapes:
“As a born and bred Lincolnshire lass, I’m proud to say that I come from here! I was lucky enough to grow up in a small village called Manton which meant that I got to enjoy the countryside every day – we were never in as children, it was great!”
Education Executive Paula Cragg has fond memories of growing up in Barkston:
“Despite currently living on the Lincolnshire/Leicestershire border I am Lincolnshire born and bred. I was born in Grantham and grew up in the lovely, friendly village of Barkston and our family farm is in Allington, so I haven’t really moved far. I have very fond memories of growing up in Barkston which has so much to offer, with beautiful walks just on your doorstep and a great cricket club and pub. Visiting Belton House just down the road is a must and the lovely café at Syston Fruit Farm has amazing views over the countryside.”
Education Lead Suzy Stone is a true Yellowbelly at heart:
“I’m very much a home bird, loving Lincolnshire life! From going to school in North Hykeham to attending the University of Lincoln and doing my PGCE at Bishop Grosseteste University and starting a family in a small village a stone’s throw away from the Lincolnshire Showground, I’m a Yellowbelly at heart. We have so many iconic assets to be proud of: the Red Arrows, delicious cheese and sausages, and of course our fantastic Lincolnshire Show. Most of all I love Lincolnshire because of my amazing family, friends and awesome community.”
Head of Charity Rosie Crust loves the county’s mix of urban and rural landscapes:
“I’m a Yellowbelly born and raised in the Lincolnshire Wolds and I now live on the outskirts of Lincoln. There’s lots I like but top of the list must be the diversity of the county: the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds with their rolling hills, the expanse of beaches and coastline and then on the other hand the bustling centre and Bailgate area of Lincoln.”
Head of Commercial Sarah Duxbury’s love for Lincolnshire drew her back home from the city lights of London.
“I did move away for a few years but always thought of Lincolnshire as my home and returned! The big skies, the friendly, down-to-earth folk who live here, and of course the sausage, haslet, stuffed chine and local cheeses are winners for me!”
Trade and Membership Lead Alice Joyce likes the rich tapestry of landscapes.
“I’m not from Lincolnshire but I have family who are born and bred Yellowbellies. I love the variety of landscapes you can explore; one day you can be walking in the dramatic fenland countryside and the next driving along the 50-mile stretch of scenic coastline or exploring some of the most iconic and underrated towns and cities in the UK such as Stamford or Lincoln.”
Sales and Events Manager Sophia Phillips enjoys exploring Lincoln’s historic Bailgate area:
“Having lived in Lincolnshire my whole life, with the exception of my university years, I have developed a strong love for the county, especially my hometown, Lincoln. It's a place where you're never too far away from the countryside, with its rolling fields, charming villages, and beautiful places to walk. On the flip side, Lincoln, with its historic Bailgate area, is a bustling city that holds a special place in my heart. From the stunning Lincoln Cathedral to the quaint, cobbled streets of the Bailgate, there's an abundance of history and culture to immerse yourself in. The independent shops, cozy cafés, and welcoming pubs add to the city's charm, making it a wonderful place to explore.”
Hearing our team talk about Lincolnshire reminds us just how special it is with its diverse landscapes, historic treasures, friendly local communities and fantastic assets such as the iconic Red Arrows and of course the much-loved Lincolnshire Show! It definitely holds a special place in the hearts of the Lincolnshire Showground team and their love for the county shines through - as does their passion for sampling the local produce!