Town centre re-opens on manic Monday as regulars return

Horncastle town centre wasn’t just buzzing at the start of the ‘big return’ on Monday morning – it was positively quacking!
Delighted to be open - charity shop manager  Helen Ingamells. Picture: John Aron Photography.Delighted to be open - charity shop manager  Helen Ingamells. Picture: John Aron Photography.
Delighted to be open - charity shop manager Helen Ingamells. Picture: John Aron Photography.

The easing of lockdown restrictions meant many business owners could finally shrug off the frustration of the last three months and throw open their doors again.

Clothes shops, gift shops, travel agents, hairdressers, pubs, cafes and tea rooms (outside facilities only) were among the retailers allowed to open.

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Two of the first customers to return to the Bridge Tea Rooms owned by Barrie Jenkinson were regulars ‘Dave and Doris’.

Tea room owner went quackers to welcome back two special customersTea room owner went quackers to welcome back two special customers
Tea room owner went quackers to welcome back two special customers

They’re a pair of ducks and have been visiting the tea rooms for the last three years.

For Barrie, their return was a positive sign things are returning to normal...even if he had to start the morning by sweeping snow off his outdoor tables and chairs!

He explained: “When I saw the weather first thing I just thought ‘no, no’!

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“Snow? In April? Come on. But look at it now, the sun is shining and Dave and Doris are back.

Boutique owner Joanne Holderness and daughter Grace (10)Boutique owner Joanne Holderness and daughter Grace (10)
Boutique owner Joanne Holderness and daughter Grace (10)

“Life’s not too bad after all.”

Animals of a slightly larger size were the star attractions at the Wolds Wildlife Park which also re-opened.

The owners thanked everyone for their support and promised exciting developments over the next few days.

At the family-run Bull Hotel, owner Tim Mills had to re-think his initial plans to open.

Owner Tim Mills in the newly extended outdoor seating area at The Bull HotelOwner Tim Mills in the newly extended outdoor seating area at The Bull Hotel
Owner Tim Mills in the newly extended outdoor seating area at The Bull Hotel
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He had originally intended to start welcoming customers tomorrow (Thursday) but such was the demand, he changed to Monday.

He said:”The phone never stopped ringing with people asking to book a table.

“We’re fully booked today (Monday) and we’re busy for the rest of the week.”

Tim explained the family have invested a ‘big wedge’ of money in providing outdoor accommodation for around 70 people.

The Helm family, from Louth, enjoyed their day out at the Wolds Wildlife ParkThe Helm family, from Louth, enjoyed their day out at the Wolds Wildlife Park
The Helm family, from Louth, enjoyed their day out at the Wolds Wildlife Park
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He added: “We’re hoping it‘s worthwhile and people behave because we don’t have to go through anything like it (lockdown) again.”

The biggest queues were at town centre hair salons..

Haley Rennie arrived at her salon in the Market Place at 6.45am to find three people already waiting.

By 9am, the length of the queue outdoors was such Haley provided chairs for people to sit on!

She said: “It’s been absolutely manic.

“I knew from the number of phone calls that we’d be busy but nothing like this.

The waiting game: The queue at one of the town’s hair salons on Monday morning.The waiting game: The queue at one of the town’s hair salons on Monday morning.
The waiting game: The queue at one of the town’s hair salons on Monday morning.
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“I started at quarter to seven and at this rate I’ll still be here at eight or nine tonight.

“I just hope my fingers can last out!”

NHS worker Bryan was among those waiting. He explained: “I’ve been here about 20 minutes and I’m nowhere near the front yet but it will be worth it. I’ve been waiting three months for this.”

At Grace’s Boutique – a female fashion outlet – owner Joanne Holderness said it was ‘fantastic’ to be able to meet and talk to customers .

Joanne, who was assisted by daughter Grace (10), said: “We have been busy in lockdown with internet sales and on Facebook but there’s nothing like personal contact.

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“When I opened this morning, there were three envelopes waiting on the mat with money from people wanting to buy items on display in the window.”

At the Age UK charity shop, manageress Helen Ingamells was also enthusiastic.

She said: “It’s been frustrating for all charities in the last few months so it is amazing to be open again. We’ve been busy, People have been dropping off donations - it’s a great feeling!”

As for Dave and Doris, they paddled off back to the river ...but still have to pay the bill!