Bailgate Independent April 2020

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APRIL 2020

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Stay safe, save lives LINCOLN in lockdown does not need to be such a lonely and scary place with your Bailgate Independent.

Our new on-line only edition will focus on how the city community is working to help others during the Coronavirus crisis as well as bringing readers our regular features.

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can you help to feed the uk?

THE food sector is suffering from a shortage of workers – and a call is going out to the unemployed, redundant, students and those looking for work to help feed the nation.

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership is signposting people to the various schemes that have been put in place to boost the area’s food and farming workforce.

“Greater Lincolnshire is the food capital of the UK, producing oneeighth of all England’s food,” said Sarah Louise Fairburn, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Food Board and a Director of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. “During the pandemic our area has a key role to play in helping to keep food in our shops.

“The last month has seen unprecedented demand for food in our supermarkets and I have seen this at first hand in our business, Fairburn Eggs. I am really proud of how Lincolnshire businesses have responded in helping to keep food on the nation’s shelves.

“However, we cannot be complacent because many of our food chain businesses need extra staff now to manage the increased demand.

“In Lincolnshire we are also the centre of the UK fresh produce sector, and as the peak harvest period for salads and vegetables approaches we will need even more staff from the end of April.”

Many food companies in Greater Lincolnshire, from farms and food processors to distributors and retailers, are now looking to urgently recruit extra staff.

“Whether you are unemployed, someone who has recently been made redundant or a student, our food chain would welcome your help as we work to keep the nation fed through this difficult time.”

A number of schemes have been set up to help get more staff into the food chain, with rapid application processes, usually with an online interview and then quick placement in a job.

National schemes which can help you to get jobs in the food industry include: Feed the Nation https://feedthenation.co.uk/ This scheme has direct links to Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Ocado and Staffline, as well as major local employers including 2 Sisters Food Group, Karro and Tulip. Tens of thousands of jobs are available now.

Employers with surplus staff who need to be redeployed can access a national initiative from the Food and Drink Federation and Association of Labour Providers. They have jointly set up the Spare Workers Availability Portal (SWAP) https://labourproviders.org.uk/spare-worker-availabilityportal/ which connects employers with excess staff to those with shortages.

In the next few days the National Farmers Union is expected to launch its Pick for Britain programme to recruit the workforce needed to bring in the harvest. An extra 70,000 people are needed to harvest crops from late April onwards.

In the next week the Essential Workers Needed programme is expected to launch which will allow food sector employers who need extra staff to make this known to the team running the SWAP programme, so that supply and demand can be matched.

Updates on and links to all these schemes can be found on the Greater Lincolnshire LEP website at https://www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk/priorities-andplans/covid-19/food-chain-redeployment/.

The hospital treated my injuries but Ringrose Law looked after my interests.

Call 01522 561020 www.ringroselaw.co.uk

April 2020 | Bailgate Independent

Editor’s comments

It shouldn’t take a crisis to value the NHS Chartered Certified Accountants

WHEN I first started to formulate this column I was radioactive - not a sentence I ever thought I’d write.

I had to stay away from pregnant women and children, which was not a problem under lockdown restrictions.

It was Tuesday, March 24 and I’d visited a fairly deserted Lincoln County Hospital to have a dye injected into my body to allow surgeons operating on me the following day to locate lymph nodes.

On Valentine’s Day I had found out that I had cancerous tissue in my left breast and, in this case, I don’t mind abusing my position with the magazine to publicly thank LCH’s fantastic Breast Unit.

The efficiency, skill care, dedication and warmth of everyone from the admin and cleaning staff through to nurses and doctors erased much of the stress and fear that I could have experienced.

I feel very humbled and grateful that the team were able to get me in to remove the cancer before the Corona crisis had really hit LCH. When the dust has settled we will be revisitng the Breast Unit to feature the outstanding service - it saves lives week in week out. It was a three-yearly mammogram that caught my cancer, emphasising the importance of screening. One on seven women will get breast cancer in their lifetime.

It’s now almost two weeks later; I am following a Covid-19 prevention healing regime and seem to be recovering well.

I can’t help but wonder how the crisis has developed at LCH. Questions are already being asked about NHS funding and the inquistions will become more rigorous once the crisis is over.

Finding the right way to finance a health service that faces continually increasing demands is way above my pay grade.

However, the Coronavirus crisis has underlined how much added pressure some people’s lack of personal responsibility can burden the NHS. Sheer stupidity was highlighted by a nurse diligently wiping down surfaces as I waited to go into surgery.

She had nipped out for fresh air during a break and looked over into the nearby Arboretum...it was full of people having picnics.

She wasn’t bitter or angry, more resigned and wistful in wishing the public had more common sense.

Earlier I had overheard a male patient making an inapproprate sexual innuendo to the same nurse - she brushed it off. Perhaps the man had been nervous before his op, but it struck me that NHS staff are used to many of us behaving like bloody idiots.

They deserve and should be able to expect much better from the people they care for.

We’re online only until further notice at www.bailgateindependent.co.uk

Talk to us for jargon-free, practical advice

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DEADLINE

Your Bailgate Independent is produced at 33 Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3JY. When the Coronavirus Crisis is over you can pop in, but for now see our contact information below.

Material for our May 2020 edition should reach us by Friday, April 17, 2020.

We welcome your news and comments and will do our best to publish submitted items, but this is not always possible and we reserve the right to withhold content.

EDITORIAL Contact Amanda McSorley on 01522 857969 email: amanda@bailgateindependent.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT SALES Rachel Bishop on 01522 858145 email: rachel@bailgateindependent.co.uk We will be celebrating 20 Years of the Bailgate Independent magazine in 2020 Lincoln’s premiere free magazine, published by Fire Works Design Ltd - bringing you news and lifestyle from the Lincoln area EVERY month We also publish the Hello Lincoln What’s On Guide - the city’s ultimate listings magazine.

Dexter & Sharpe Lincoln Office Landmark House 1 Riseholme Road Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 3SN Tel: 01522 533588

Under usual circumstances 10,000 copies of the Bailgate Independent Magazine are printed and hand delivered each month to the thriving residential and business areas of Lincoln and the surrounding villages.

You can also find us in Marks and Spencer on the High Street and the food hall on Tritton Road, Burton Road and Riseholme Road Food Stores Lincolnshire Co-op, hotels, the Quayside Deli at Burton Waters, restaurants, cultural and tourist centres and village newsagents. Or you can pick up from our office at 33 Burton Road.

Bailgate Independent’s targeted distribution works well for clients and we spot check deliveries every month.

In line with General Data Protection Regulations a copy of our Privacy Policy is available to view and download from our website www.bailgateindependent.co.uk or on request from the address above.

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For proof of print run, please contact Ruddocks on 01522 529591. © FIREWORKS DESIGN LIMITED 2020 - All Rights Reserved. PRINTED ON PAPER FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTS.

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

lIncoln lockdown nEwS ENFORCEMENT LAST RESORT CITY residents have been thanked by police as the vast majority of people have adhered to the Government’s guidelines on social distancing during the Coronavirus crisis.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said enforcement was the last resort in Lincolnshire Police’s policy of engage, explain, encourage, enforce, but when officers need to tackle those who flouted the rules they would do so ‘robustly’.

There have been a couple of incidents of people fighting with emergency services personnel and one man has been jailed for three months by Lincoln Magistrates for assault after claiming he had Covid-19 and deliberately breathing in an officer’s face.

ACC Wilson also urged domestic abuse victims to continue to seek help during the outbreak.

“There are no circumstances under which domestic abuse is excusable. We are here to protect you.”

The full guidance can be seen at lincs.police.uk and is available on the site on several languages.

OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENTS CANCELLED ALL non-urgent outpatient appointments at county hospitals have been cancelled until further notice.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust said the move was to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and protect staff and patients from becoming seriously ill.

People who still need to attend their appointments will be contacted directly. Cancer patients should check with clinics.

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A NEW Family Liaison Team has been launched to connect patients and their families after visiting was suspended at Lincoln hospitals.

The team, which is run by the Chaplaincy Service and manned by volunteers, aims to alleviate some of the anxiety caused by patients being isolated in the current lockdown.

They will pass on non-urgent messages, support patients to use Skype or FaceTime and deliver some restricted personal items.

Call Lincoln 01522 573080 to access the service, for more information see ulh.nhs.uk

£5M IN GRANTS AWARDED GRANTS totalling more than £5million have already been processed for 455 city businesses.

These are the first grants from a pot of £22m allocated to the council from central government to aid business and the local economy.

“A huge effort has been made by our team and we are proud to be supporting so many businesses at this difficult time,” said Cllr Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the Council.

“Businesses are the lifeblood of the city, employing thousands of people and we want to ensure their future is safe.”

Businesses that have not heard from the council, but believe they are eligible should contact www.lincoln.gov.ul/businessgrantfunding or emailsupporting business@lincoln.gov.uk.

MAJOR CITY EVENTS CANCELLED LINCOLN BIG has cancelled four events for everyone’s health and safety Having already called off the Street Food Festivasl on April 2, the Business Improvement Group has similarly cancelled Mini Day – on April 19; the Classic Car event on the city’s Brayford Waterfront on April 12 and Lincoln Bike Fest on June 6.

April 2020 | Bailgate Independent

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Firms forced to close donate food to ECHO JEANNINE Thornley has put her her company’s promotional strapline ‘Community and Business – at the Heart of Wright Vigar’ into action.

When Boris Johnson instructed all cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close their doors to the public due to COVID-19, the financial and logistical headache these businesses faced included perishable goods.

Jeannine, a volunteer with ECHO (East Coast Homeless Outreach), received calls from David Lloyd Lincoln and Stokes Café High Bridge as both business had foodstuffs that could be used to support the homeless and vulnerable in the city and county.

“I picked up a car full of incredibly useful items such as eggs, vegetables, cakes, milk, cream, crisps, soups, fizzy drinks, cheese and sausages,” said Jeannine.

“The sausages and vegetables were quickly transformed into a wholesome and nourishing sausage casserole served to over 30 people the following day at the ECHO street kitchen.”

Wright Vigar allocates all team members three paid days a year to work with a charity of their choice. Over the last year Jeannine has been able to attend conferences and undertake practical tasks to support ECHO. “Every week for the last 18 months I have been able to leave work a few minutes early on a Wednesday to pick up any unsold bread from JH Starbucks Bakery on Burton Road. My last few hours of this year’s Charity Day’s allocation were used to pick up one last car full of supplies from Nick Peel at Stokes Café at The Lawn.

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Bailgate Independent | April 2020

“Whilst hugely grateful for the donations it is tinged with sadness that these wonderful community spirited businesses, and others like them, will remain closed for the foreseeable future. When the world returns to a new ‘normal’ I intend once again to be drawn to these special businesses, and I hope to see lots of you there – queuing out the doors.”

Jeannine is pictured (left) with Emma from David Lloyd Lincoln delivering food items to ECHO’s Street Kitchen.

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Spring 2020

hellolincoln.co.uk visitlincoln.com lincolnbig.co.uk

Fingers crossed for the magazine that everyone wanted but no-one can use THE colourful front cover of the Hello Lincoln Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On Guide (above) should be a familiar sight across the city by now, writes Editor Amanda McSorley.

Instead itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a victim of Coronavirus restrictions like much of the rest of the country, and although the delay or even failure to get the Spring 2020 edition out to people may not seem such a big deal in the scheme of things, it is symbolic of the crisis.

Instead of looking forward to a packed cultural and social calendar weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re facing wholesale cancellations and restrictions that will take many businesses and organisations to breaking point - and some beyond.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been amazed how people have rallied and innovative steps businesses have taken in a bid to safeguard their future, but the longer the lockdown goes on the bleaker the outlook.

Events such as the Lincolnshire Show and Lincoln Cathedralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flower Festival will not go ahead until next year, but attractions such as the Grand Prix and Lincoln Book Festival still hope to make an appearance in 2020.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re almost three weeks into the four-month period covered by the magazine and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to think there is still chance to see the bright cover in and around the city before its listings are completely out of date.

This is not just because Hello Lincoln is a labour of love to the Independent team, but it would also represent a return to some sort of normality. We can then work together to salvage Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer.

To ďŹ nd out what our Hello Lincoln partners and others are up to during the crisis see our Arts and Culture section and news pages.

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news

Make a will - your family will be glad you did EVERY year, around one in three people who die do so without making a will.

When a person dies without making a will their assets are shared out according to the rules of intestacy, and potentially not in the way the deceased would have wished.

It is a common misconception that unmarried or common law partners have the same rights as married couples.

“The reality is that the intestacy rules make no provision for unmarried partners, irrespective of how long they have been together,” said Joanna Storey of Ringrose Law’s Wills and Probate team in Lincoln.

“Some people believe this is out of step with modern society. This can have devastating consequences.”

To rectify the position a claim would need to be made on the deceased’s estate, which can be costly and time consuming at an already stressful time.

“Even if you are married, your spouse may not inherit as much as

you wish without a valid Will. If you are married but have separated, the intestacy rules provide that your spouse would still inherit.”

The estates of people who die with a spouse or children are divided among your surviving relatives in accordance with the rules or, where there are no surviving relatives, to the Crown.

“To avoid getting caught out, and ensure your wishes are followed, you should make a will. Even if you have a will already, it is also important to review this every few years to ensure this still suits your requirements,” explained Joanna.

“When you make a will, you can decide who you would like to deal with everything when you pass away, specify who you would like to receive your assets and personal belongings and even appoint a guardian for your children.”

If you would like to discuss making or updating your Will, the team at Ringrose Law would be glad to assist you.

Ringrose Law, T. 01522 561020, www.ringroselaw.co.uk.

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Bailgate Independent | April 2020

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news

Imps proud to play their part in community LINCOLN City Football Club has joined the call for the public to follow lockdown rules while looking out for others, writes club spokesman Terry Hibberd.

It’s a tough time for everyone across the City, county and the country as we are having to adjust, but more importantly stay safe and stay indoors.

Over the past couple of weeks we have been ensuring that we do all we can to maintain the connection with the community on a host of levels for a variety of reasons.

Consistently we have been encouraging interaction with the club on social media and our team is trying to get the message across that someone is always listening.

Football brings people together; we know that more than many, thanks to the support we are lucky to receive, so it’s vitally important we stay connected with each and every one of them if possible.

Over the past couple of weekends, there have been episodes of ‘Imps Rewind’ in which recent memorable moments for the club have been broadcast ‘as live’ at 3pm on a Saturday via official club channels.

Also, extending that interaction with the younger community,

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Bailgate Independent | April 2020

there’s an opportunity for fans to write their own match report to be published on the club’s official website.

Supporters also currently have the chance to design their own Lincoln City shirt with one lucky winner having their design manufactured to make it a truly unique prize.

But it’s far from just about interacting virtually. At the Football Club, the first team kit man has offered his help and assistance to the key workers from the NHS by making available the washing facilities at the club to help clean their uniforms and try to literally take a load off them as they do their fantastic work for everyone.

Lincoln City Foundation continue to help the vulnerable, offering to help those who may not have a support network to call upon be it by picking up the phone to call someone or to assist with other issues people may be experiencing.

More than ever, during these times of adversity it has shown that the community in Lincoln is key, and we’re very proud to be a part of it. https://www.lincolncityfoundation.com/impsasone-covid19

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Microchipping makes more miracle pet reunions possible HONESTLY, it was a call that I never thought I would make, writes vet Elizabeth Elders (pictured right).

When I explained I was calling from the Veterinary Hospital, the first response I got was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not with your vetsâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? and I desperately stuttered out that it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a sales call, worried that woman on the other end was going to hang up.

Instantly, her voice changed, from wariness to a mixture of hope and amazement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got Rosie, havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you?â&#x20AC;?

Rosie had been brought in as a stray, she was a skinny little terrier in terrible need of a bath and grooming. And according to her microchip, she had been reported missing five years ago and hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been seen since.

Not all of our microchipping experiences are so amazing, or indeed so successful. The majority of stray animals who are brought to The Veterinary Hospital have not been missing for years. And unfortunately, unlike Rosie, the majority of stray animals do not have up to date microchip information. Some are not even microchipped.

A microchip is a tiny object, the size of a grain of rice, but that little chip means that if your pet is found stray we can find out your name, phone number and email address to let you know where your pet is and get them back home. It can be inserted by a nurse in just a ten minute appointment.

Keeping the details up to date is more of a challenge. If you have your microchip paperwork to hand it is worth going onto the

website given and checking the details are all up to date and correct. Updating a microchip is an easy thing to forget during the stress of moving house, or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having to change phone number, but it can make the difference between getting your pet home or not.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure your pet is microchipped, or what their number is, or if it is up to date, then a nurse appointment at The Veterinary Hospital can give you a chance to make sure everything is alright.

Rosieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reunion with her owner was everything you imagine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there were tears, laughter, barking and a lot of cuddles. With microchips, we can try to ensure every stray dog and cat story ends that way.

The Veterinary Hospital, 175 Newport, Lincoln LN1 3DZ or 51 Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 7EN. T 01522 800333, www.vhvets.co.uk

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April 2020 | Bailgate Independent

11

news from lincoln cathedral

Cathedral lighting brings city together THE blue lighting of Lincoln Cathedral will continue every Thursday in support of NHS staff and frontline workers.

The Very Revd Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln said: “While our dedicated NHS staff and frontline workers continue to care for the ill, the vulnerable and the isolated, we continue to remember them in our prayers and do all that we can to support them. The weekly blue lights remain a symbol of our thanks, our prayers and our support.”

“Everyone at Lincoln Cathedral wants to re-iterate the advice that the most important thing anyone can do at the moment is to stay at home to limit the speed at which the virus can spread. Stay safe – stay at home.”

The blue lights will continue each week until worship resumes in the cathedral except the week from Sunday, April 5, as a special lighting scheme will signify that the church has entered Holy Week – the days running up to Easter Sunday.

From Palm Sunday to Wednesday, April 8 the cathedral will be lit in purple – the liturgical colour associated with Holy Week.

On Maundy Thursday, April 9, the cathedral will be white as Christians across the country and around the world remember the Last Supper at which Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the central Christian ceremony of the Eucharist.

The Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean of Lincoln explained: “The word Maundy comes from the command – or mandate -

given by Christ at the Last Supper, that we should love one another. And there can’t be any more appropriate sentiment in the current climate; when people are anxious and vulnerable, sick or bereaved demonstrating our love for them in any way we can gives great comfort and hope.”

On Good Friday, April 10 and Easter Eve, April 11, the Cathedral lights will be switched off completely as the church enters a period of mourning and Christians reflect on the Passion – the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. On Easter Sunday, April 12, the cathedral lights will turn gold

to celebrate the joy of the resurrection of Christ.

The Dean added: “By making these changes to the lights at the Cathedral we can remind people that while we are not able to worship together, we are still marking the most important time in the Christian calendar and hope that it will encourage others to join us as we reflect on the Passion of Christ and share our joy in his resurrection.”

For those worshipping at home there are resources at – www.lincolncathedral.com.

Flower festival moves to 2021 THE Vision Flower Festival at Lincoln Cathedral has been moved to next year.

Originally due to take place this July, the event has had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and will now take place from Thursday, July 29, to Monday, August 2, 2021.

All events at the Cathedral have been cancelled until the end of May, and although the flower festival fell after this date, moving it to next year will ensure that the organisation and delivery of the festival can be carried out safely and also that the many thousands of anticipated visitors from across the UK can enjoy spending time at the event.

The content of the flower festival will remain the same, with visitors able to enjoy more than 130 spectacular arrangements in the stunning setting of Lincoln Cathedral. The theme for the flower festival is ‘Vision’ and the displays will celebrate the life of St Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln from 1200 to 1220 who was responsible for the rebuilding of Lincoln Cathedral following an earthquake in 1185.

The Cathedral has been celebrating the 800th anniversary of his canonisation this year will continue to share his story into 2021.

The Very Revd Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln said that she 12

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

hoped the announcement of a new date would give people something to look forward to during the current restrictions. “We know many people were very much looking forward to coming to the flower festival this summer, but for the safety and wellbeing of all, we had to make the difficult decision to postpone this event.

However, work is still carrying on and we will ensure that the 2021 festival is an outstanding occasion.”

Anyone who has already bought tickets to the Flower Festival can move their tickets to the new dates or receive a refund. Existing ticket holders will be contacted with more details.

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news

Home study guide from Lincoln UTC It’s a whole new learning experience...

STUDYING at home is very different from being at school and for many students (and parents) the Covid-19 lockdown may be their first experience of organising their own learning.

Lincoln UTC encourages students to develop the skills of the ideal learner, which include resilience, organisation, motivation and independence.

Studying from home is an ideal opportunity to put these skills into practice, according to Principal John Morrison.

“Accepting that there will be more distractions at home in comparison to school is important as students can then factor this into their approach and effectively manage these distractions.

“Students should prioritise creating a workspace that is quiet and comfortable to ensure that they can separate studying from their ordinary home life.”

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The Principal added that creating an organised timetable that covers a variety of subjects will provide a similar structure to the school day and allow students to follow a normal routine.

Setting achievable goals every morning and ticking them off throughout the day will ensure that students can demonstrate their progress and feel proud about what they have accomplished.

“Using social media is an easy way to procrastinate therefore students should try and limit time spent using their phone during study hours and use it as a reward. It is still important to schedule regular breaks to take time away from learning and relax as students would during an ordinary school day.”

Regular exercise can help students sleep better, concentrate for longer periods of time and improve mental health. Researchers have found that a minimum of at least 20 minutes a day of any physical activity can help to create a positive attitude and boost productivity. Students should schedule this into their working day.

“Studying alone for long periods of time can be a difficult learning curve. Students should give themselves time to get used to their new routine and keep in touch with their peers in the same situation. Remember that teachers are still available to provide help and advice as and when it is needed.” www.lincolnutc.co.uk.

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Bailgate Independent |April 2020

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GARDEN DESIGN, LANDSCAPING & TREE CARE

on the mend Institute of Environmental Management member Laura Shamsuzzaman (pictured inset) reports on the success of Lincoln’s first Repair Cafe.

WOULDN’T it be great if we could repair and give a new lease of life to our possessions and save them from a fate of being condemned to landfill?

How much money would we save as well as reducing our carbon impact on the planet? A small amount such as 24kg to landfill could add as much as 284kg CO2 to our atmosphere, so any chance to restore, revive and re-use would have a significant positive impact on our environment.

Plastic Free Lincoln and Compassionate Lincoln have got their heads together to run Lincoln Repair Café

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The first was held on Saturday, March 7 at Lincoln Drill Hall.

With a team of nine event volunteers and 17 volunteer fixers they welcomed members of the public, who brought in items such as electricals, clothing, jewellery, phones, toys, clocks and musical instruments.

In total there were 56 items brought in, of which 41 were successfully repaired, 11 were given advice on how to fix or where to get repaired.

There were only four items that could not be repaired, showing a 73% success rate of repairs on the day. The feedback was highly positive, and with the repairs taking place in front of the customers, there was even the opportunity to gather some tips from the repair team and the chance for some skill sharing.

The success of the event has shown that we do not need to be a throw away culture; the importance of re-using and repairing, and how we can benefit financially by thinking before we bin it and we would be helping to save the planet too.

The next Repair Café is scheduled be held in Lincoln Drill Hall on Saturday, June 6 from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

Anyone able to repair clocks or ceramics who is able to volunteer for the next event is welcome to email lincolnrepaircafe@gmail.com

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April 2020 | Bailgate Independent

15

Food and drink

Curry with a tropical tang Fairtrade Banana Curry (Vegan recipe from the Lincolnshire Co-op) Cooked until sweet and sticky, the banana tastes unexpectedly delicious with warming spices, plus toasted nuts for texture.

Serves 4 Ready in 25 minutes Ingredients: 300g Co-op basmati rice 50g Co-op cashew nuts, roughly chopped 2 tbsp mild curry powder 1 tbsp Co-op vegetable oil 1 large red onion, finely chopped 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and finely chopped

1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 6 slightly underripe Co-op Fairtrade bananas, cut into 1cm chunks 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tbsp Sliver Spoon golden syrup 1 lemon, zested and cut into wedges 25g pack coriander, roughly chopped 2 tbsp dairy free yogurt alternative

Method: Cook the rice according to the pack instructions and set aside.

Meanwhile, toast the nuts in a frying pan with ½ tbsp of the curry powder over a medium heat

for 2-3 mins till golden. Set aside.

Wipe the pan clean, then add the oil. Fry the onion, apple and chilli for 8 mins over a medium heat until starting to soften.

Add the banana, remaining curry powder, ground cumin, golden syrup and lemon zest. Fry for 2 mins until caramelised, taking care not to mash the banana.

Stir through the coriander, saving a little to garnish, and season.

Sprinkle the toasted nuts and remaining coriander over the curry, then serve with the rice, plus the yogurt alternative and lemon wedges on the side.

Co-op recruitment drive for key workers LINCOLNSHIRE Co-op has launched a recruitment drive in a bid to strengthen its team in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Heightened demand for services, school closures and staff undertaking self-isolation has meant there are fewer team members available to work in front-line outlets.

The recruitment team is keen to find customer service assistants for food stores and pharmacies. It is also looking for delivery drivers.

Anyone interested should fill out the application form (links below). Interviews will be telephone interview.

Many of the roles would suit people from retail or hospitality backgrounds.

Head of People and Performance Heather Lee said: “All our

colleagues are doing a brilliant job – from those on the frontline to those in support and office roles. We’re redeploying people to help our front-line teams too.

“We’re working really hard to keep all our outlets open and serving our communities – but we do want more people to come forward and help boost our workforce so we can continue to do that through the days and weeks to come.”

Customer Service Assistants: https://jobs.lincolnshire.coop/eapply/jobdetail.cfm?vacCode=5509 Delivery Drivers: https://jobs.lincolnshire.coop/eapply/jobdetail.cfm?vacCode=5510

The best food deserv Chris Sharp Cabinets, Tillbridge Lane, Scampton, Lincoln LN1 2SX

Visit our showroom or book

Food and drink

Fluids essential in the battle against coronavirus

SOCIAL media has an important role to play in the fight against the Coronavirus crisis as social isolation restrictions take hold, but it is also guilty of spreading misinformation.

For example who knew that a simple glass of water or a cup of tea was such were such lethal weapons in the fight against Covid 19?

According to one post doing the rounds the virus hates heat and dies if is exposed to temperatures greater than 27ºC. It calls for people to drink lots of infusions or just hot water to ‘kill the virus.’ Infection could be prevented, the post claimed, by keeping your mouth moist and drinking lots of water.

The many people who shared this Messenger post did so with the best of intentions – the language seems appropriate and it purported to come from a hospital, so the Indie decided to

check it out.

According to medical experts there is no current scientific evidence behind these claims, but the importance of our fluid intake should not be overlooked.

Staying hydrated can help keep our immune systems strong.

The temperature of the water is not important, however, drinking water and staying hydrated is vital for many reasons.

Water helps the body with with a number of functions, including regulating body temperature.

People can usually meet their fluid needs by drinking water when they are feeling thirsty and drinking with meals. The body requires more water when they are running a fever, are more physically active or have diarrhoea or vomiting. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

cheese of the month Selles Sur cher aoc An individual soft creamy goats cheese disc from the Loire region of France.

First produced in the 19th Century it is tangy, distinctive and rich tasting with a velvet texture.

Very typically French with an ash coated, soft, wrinkly rind.

Ash is said to aid digestion and creates a distinctive silver exterior. This cheese becomes increasingly more silky and liquid as it matures so it can literally be scooped off the cheeseboard and melts in the mouth.

It is delicious grilled or enjoyed drizzled with honey and topped with toasted flaked almonds.

Keys Fact Age County of Origin Milk Type Organic

3 weeks + France Goat No

Pasteurisation Region Strength Style of Cheese Vegetarian

Unpasteurised Loire Medium-Strong Soft No

For a fantastic range of cheeses from around the world contact lucie nock, the cheese Society, 1 St Martin’s lane, lincoln, ln2 1Hy. tel: 01522 511003, www.thecheesesociety.co.uk

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April 2020 | Bailgate Independent

17

lockdown news

Tackling food poverty in Lincoln

By Prof Nigel Curry, Co-Chair, Lincoln Food Partnerhip FOOD poverty in the Lincoln area has been on the increase since well before our current difficulties.

The city food banks report increased usage of 70% between 2018 and 2019, despite us being the 5th largest economy in the world.

And this is only registered users. Voluntary and Community groups are responding in a number of ways.

Lincoln has two food banks. The Acts Trust has run the Trussell Foodbanks for 11 years in four city locations, providing over 4,000 people a year with nutritionally balanced three-day supplies. The Lincoln Community Larder has another three sites providing over 3,000 adult meals and 1,500 children’s meals in 2019. It has run for over 30 years entirely from voluntary effort But there are others. Food in the School Holidays provides a voucher scheme for holiday meals, raising over £30,000 a year to feed 700 of the 4,000 city children registered for free school meals.

Let them Eat Cake feeds the City homeless with hot nourishment.

Queens Park Community Hub caters for those with special needs, teaching cooking skills as they go, and the Arboretum café in Abbey Ward has a similar function.

YMCA ‘Eat’ is a free monthly meal and has collection points for

food for the Nomad Centre (Tritton Road Sainsbury’s and Rumbold Street).

The Mint Lane Café uses supermarket ‘surplus’ food to provide very inexpensive hot meals and a small ‘thrifty’ shop, in an atmosphere of ‘friendship through food’.

Lest we think that this is just a city problem, Sleaford New Life Community Larder has developed to identify ‘dispersed’ rural poverty and at the extreme, can deliver to the door.

Horncastle Community Larder also serves its rural hinterland as far afield as Coningsby – and offers simple on-line recipes, too.

All of these groups rely on donations of food and money, as well as a significant army of volunteers.

You can find places to donate or volunteer on their web and Facebook sites: it would be good to help.

How the city community is supporting the battle against Covid-19 MANY city businesses and organisations are doing their bit to support others in Lincoln’s lockdown.

Some are featured on these pages and we are inviting everyone to submit information that could help the wider community to us via editorial@bailgateindependent.co.uk.

To support the frontline workers in the Lincolnshire NHS the owners of the Old Palace Lodge Hotel will be open for NHS staff free of charge as they help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

This will help staff that need to self isolate away from their family members between shifts. To ensure social distancing during the operation of the site they will be utilising remote check-ins with continental breakfasts in a bag on the doors.

18

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

If you know of anyone working in the Lincolnshire NHS / parachuted into this area have them reach out to the NHS team: on 01476 464487 (10:30am – 1 pm, Monday to Friday) or 01476 464576 (1pm – 5pm, Monday to Friday).

Email:accommodation.bookingclerk@ ulh.nhs.uk Ellmore Clothing usually supplies bespoke sports clothing for cyclists, but following shortages owner Dan Ellmore asked his manfacturers to make face masks.

Dan explained the company was snowed under with requests after the recent launch of the two different types of masks disposable and resuable - for sale online.

Some purchased masks are being donated

to frontline workers. https://www.ellmoreclothing.com/site/ index.php?option=com_opencart&Ite mid=818&route=product/category&pa th=103.

lockdown news

Now that’s what we call community spirit SEVERAL weeks ago Matt Felgate became aware that there was a growing shortage of hand sanitiser when trying to buy some for his immunosuppressed mother and some elderly neighbours.

The owner of the Lincoln Distillery knew he had the ingredients to hand at work, so he started producing hand sanitiser and getting it to those who need it most.

By adopting the World Health Organisation formulae, Matt (above) and co-director John Lock (right) produced an effective alcohol-based product.

“At the outset the plan was to produce and distribute the hand sanitiser on a community and charitable basis and at no cost to the recipient under the #CommunitySpirit Initiative. A crowd funding page was created and has been well supported,” said Matt.

“Particular thanks must go to the Lincoln Rotary Clubs and Pennell’s Garden Centres for their donations.

Any funding left at the end of the initiative will be donated to a Lincolnshire charity.

Around 70 litres of hand sanitiser have been produced and almost all have been distributed.

The response from social media - almost 900 messages - has been quite extraordinary and humbling and we have tried to answer every single one’ “It became very clear that the Lincoln Distillery’s contribution was quite literally a ‘drop in the ocean’ and that some sort of approach to supply so many worthy calls for help had to be made.

“We contacted other distilleries in the county, of whom some very kindly offered their help. It was decided that as a priority those who were either in the front line or working with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged would come first, and we

have been able to widen the scope during the initiative.

The Lincoln Gin sanitiser has been received by a wide range of organisations including LIVES, St Barnabas Hospice, Lincolnshire Police and Fire Service, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, numerous charities, schools, GP surgeries, care homes plus many vulnerable individuals across the East Midlands by post.”

Matt and John’s efforts have also been filmed by by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, German TV channel RTL and the Japanese news agency ASAHI. “We feel privileged that along with so many others we have made a small contribution in this crisis. We all look forward to better days (and many gin and tonics) together again soon.”

Family businesses team up to deliver in lockdown THE saying a crisis can bring out the best in people is being proved by two family businesses with over 226 years’ experience between them.

Stokes Tea and Coffee and Pepperdine’s Butchers have joined forces to get essentials through to the people that need them through the ongoing Corona virus crisis.

Each Lincoln business has witnessed its fair share of challenging times - from world wars to economic crashes. The companies

believe they have survived by putting people first and looking after their teams, communities and customers has always been a top priority especially in difficult times.

The families are working together to supply survival packs with everything needed to make being shut in a bit more comfortable. Coffee, tea, plum loaf, pasties, pies, eggs, bacon, sausages, meat joints, pickles and preserves are just a few of the many items being delivered across the area.

Jon Willows at Pepperdine’s Butchers said: “We are delivering essential supplies all around Lincoln, and surrounding villages, even as far as Market Rasen.Vulnerable people are prioritised to make sure supplies get through to them.

“Nearly all of our products are locally sourced and teaming up with Stokes means we can get more of the best products to people that need them most.”

Stokes managing director Nick Peel - the fourth generation working at the firm added: “We’re working hard to get

everyone’s favourite tea and coffee delivered to their door. We have our online shop and phone ordering system, and, supplying local businesses like Pepperdine’s Butchers means we can reach even more customers who can’t get out of the house.

“A comforting meal and favourite cuppa really can make all the difference to those who are feeling isolated and trapped, and, buying from local suppliers will help ensure we all have what we need on our doorsteps in the future too.

To get your delivery call Pepperdine’s Butchers on 01522 522 834 or order your coffee and tea by calling Stokes on: 01522 523548 or shop online at: https://stokescoffee.com/# April 2020 | Bailgate Independent

19

news

Fascintating flowers THE creamy yellow flowers of primrose are a familiar and welcome sign of spring, writes Rachel Shaw of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (pictured).

They have a simple flower with five petals; a flower shape that a child would draw. But there’s more going on with the humble primrose than first meets the eye. There’s a subtle difference between the flowers on

different primrose plants.

In the centre of some flowers, there’s a structure that looks like a pin head. These are pin-eyed primroses. The structure is the stigma; the female part of the flower that receives pollen. The anthers, male pollenbearing parts, of the flower are hidden below.

Some flowers don’t have the pin-head.

Instead they have a structure that looks like a tiny tuft of yarn ends.

These are thrum-eyed primroses.

The word thrum is an old term for waste yarn or fringe of threads. And these ‘yarns ends’ in the primrose are the anthers. In these flowers the pin-head stigma is hidden below. If you’ve spotted this, you’ve noticed something that intrigued Charles Darwin.

Of course, Darwin didn’t just notice things; he studied them.

He experimented in his garden and tested his ideas that primroses had evolved to promote cross pollination between plants.

Primroses are pollinated by long-

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20

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

tongued insects like brimstone butterflies and bee-flies.

When visiting a pin-eyed flower, the pollen sticks to the middle of the insect’s tongue from the anthers half-way down the flower tube.

If it then goes to visit a thrum-eyed flower; the pollen is perfectly positioned to be wiped off on the stigma, in this case, positioned halfway down the flower tube.

The opposite occurs in a thrum-eyed flower. Ensuring that cross pollination occurs between pin and thrum flowers.

Modern science has proved what Darwin suspected, and that when you look closely at nature, you never know what you might discover.

Health and well-being The four Macmillan cancer care coordinators who joined clinical nurse specialist teams last year (from left): Sarah Fitter, Julie Morgan, Annie Theed and Sue Jones.

Specialist assessments pinpoint full impact of living with cancer HOLISTIC needs assessments give people living with cancer a chance discuss what is important to them.

Carried out through Macmillan Cancer Support the assessments ensures that people’s physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs are met in a timely and appropriate way.

“That way resources can be targeted to those who need them most.

It’s a simple questionnaire that is completed by the person with cancer. It allows them to highlight the most important issues to them at the time,” explained Macmillan Project Manager Sam Lewis.

A care plan is written by the person’s healthcare professional to address concerns and needs, including signposting to available resources.

Four Macmillan Cancer Support cancer care coordinators have been introduced into Lincolnshire hospitals’ cancer clinical nurse specialist teams in the past year to carry out assessments and act as a point of contact for people with cancer.

Care coordinator Annie Theed’s assessment for one cancer patient highlighted how they important these can be.

“It quickly became apparent that the person was concerned about an elderly relative, and how her diagnosis would affect them,” said Sam. “Due to the needs of that relative, she considered declining the treatment being offered to her as the treatment would affect the care and support that she could give to her relative. A cancer clinical nurse specialist also became involved in the conversation due to the complexity of the issues and concerns identified. “ The assessment meant support could be arranged for the patient and her relative both during and after treatment.

“The person with cancer agreed to the treatment proposed, reassured that she and the elderly relative would be cared for and supported. The person felt reassured that her needs had been understood and addressed.

“Every person with a cancer diagnosis can ask for an holistic needs assessment and care plan as part of the support to help them live well with and beyond cancer.”

Visit www.macmillan.org.uk.

£1,900 donation to St Barnabas A DONATION of just over £1,900 has been handed to Lincoln’s St Barnabas Hospice in-patient unit as a contribution to the £12million-pound-a-year costs of the organisation – which costs £22 a minute to run every day and night.

The money from Freemasons’ charity the MCF will particularly help the ‘hospice at home’ service to provide care for cancer sufferers in their own home.

Ward manager Sue Carter: “The teams who go out as part of our Hospice at Home scheme need constant supplies of all kinds of consumables, without which they wouldn’t be able to provide a service to people in their own homes.”

The St Barnabas in-patient unit on

Lincoln’s Nettleham Road has 11 beds and flats in which patients’ relatives can stay. “Looking after the patients in our care is about far more than medical treatment; it’s about wellbeing too, of patients and their families. They come to us at a very difficult time in their lives, and we must care for them all.

“It’s not the medical equipment people remember, but the complementary therapy.

They remember the cakes we offer, the massages, and the way the staff look after them.”

Pictured from left: Pete Tong, Lincolnshire Freemasons’ Charity Steward, Sue Carter, Ward Manager, Rebecca Hooton, Community Fundraiser, and Dave Wheeler, The Freemasons’ Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire.

April 2020 | Bailgate Independent

21

Struggling to see?

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www.jasonrickaby.co.uk 22

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

Got green fingers? Share your growing tips with...

Liz Lucas - gardener for all seasons IT occurred to me that asking you to go upstairs last month to view the garden might well be impossible.You may live in a bungalow.

My apologies....please don’t feel you have to start getting out the ladder.

We are looking at simplifying the garden to make it less heavy on maintenance. Let us begin with the garden path. Keeping whatever path you have clean and swept has the effect of immediately making the garden look better, even if the borders are tatty.

Shade encourages moss and algae to form, making brick or concrete paths slippery. Cut back overhanging foliage, try to keep the air circulating and brush regularly with a stiff yard brush.

Weeds in between pavers or snaking through cracks in concrete are difficult to remove. There is the kneeling-andscrabbling-aroundwith-an-old-knife method or you can spray them.

Here is a home made weed killer recipe I have yet to try; a litre of white vinegar, three tablespoons of salt, three tablespoons of washing up liquid shaken up together in a spray bottle.

Sounds reasonably organic but might make the garden smell like a bag of chips. I have also heard that a flame thrower can be somewhat efficacious but wouldn’t trust myself with one; we’ve got three wooden sheds.

Growing small things such as thyme between the gaps in the paving is a simple way to cut down on maintenance and discourage weeds. This can look and smell lovely.

There are several creeping plants suitable for growing in between bricks and pavers. I have started a Facebook Page and have made a list of some suitable creeping plants on there. Here is the address: https://www.facebook.com/Tips-from-anordinary-garden I love the new crushed concrete paths so in vogue on all the garden makeover programmes and really fancy one in my garden.

Pebble or bark make serviceable paths but need plenty of weed suppressant beneath them and an edge to contain them.

Grass is good too - just make sure there is room for the mower.

You can contact Liz via editorial@bailgateindependent.co.uk

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news

Snapshots from the past

Peter Harrod explores the Garton Archive at Lincoln Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital School

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Music and mayhem

24

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

THE history of any school is littered with unsung heroes, and Lincoln School is no exception.

This article focuses on one of them, Clifford â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cliff â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hewis B Mus FRCO, who was appointed in May 1937 as a part-time teacher in music and singing.

The Lincoln School Staff Register shows that Cliff was a pupil at the City School, from 1921 to 1926, and was later awarded the degree of Bachelor of Music from the University of Durham. He also taught music at St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Preparatory School in Riseholme during the year 1935-36.

Cliff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main occupation was assistant organist to Dr Gordon â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gassyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Slater at Lincoln Cathedral, but that is another story. He will also be remembered for his contributions to the work of the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and to the Music Festival.

I am ashamed to admit that music lessons with Cliff (pictured bottom left) were an excuse for rowdy behaviour. Cliff was not the greatest of disciplinarians, and was constantly looking sideways from the piano in case the headmaster was peeping through the door of the hall, where the lessons took place, to spot any misbehaviour. I recall one occasion when we locked Cliff in the storage space under the stage when he had gone in search of a music stand, and another when a blazer had been set on fire by a budding arsonist!

However, despite those puerile â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;boys will be boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; displays, pupils did have a genuine affection for Cliff and, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, any music teacher in that

kind of setting was always up against it.

I was fortunate in that I was interested in music, and had the pleasure of meeting him during private piano lessons, and on other occasions when he and his assistant, the Echo music critic William Varcoe, would entertain some of their admirers during lunch times with recitals and discussions about music.

Cliff Hewis retired from his career at Lincoln School in 1973, a year before it ceased to exist as a grammar school and became part of Lincoln Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital School. He taught at the School for almost 40 years, with a break from 1941 to 1945 when he joined the RAF as a radio operator during the Second World War. Several months ago a relative of Cliff, Chris Hewis, sent a tribute to the Garton Archive. He wrote that the family had been greatly honoured to be able to give their permission for Clifford Hewis BMus FRCO, former assistant organist at Lincoln Cathedral, to be entered into the Book of Remembrance in the Musiciansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chapel of St Sepulchreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church in the City of London.

I will leave the final comment to Barry Baldwin, a former pupil at Lincoln School during the 1950s, who paid a warm tribute to Cliff in which he recalled: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;ŚCliff could not make silk purses out of tone-deaf sowsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ears, but he was patient with the worst of us, and rightly insisted that we all have a go, even if that was restricted to tunelessly flapping oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth in a choir.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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art and culture

Book festival and flash fiction deadline extended

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ORGANISERS of Lincoln Book Festival are hoping the event can go ahead this October.

However, aspiring writers are still being invited to craft their own ultra-short stories inspired by the legendary Lincoln Imp with an extended deadline to May 1.

The LBF Flash Fiction Competition encourages authors from primary school age upwards to submit original short stories of exactly 50 words for the chance to win £30 of vouchers to spend at any independent shop in Lincoln – courtesy of the Bailgate Indpendent.

Prizes are available across three age categories - primary, secondary and adult.

Celebrated this year is a new Lincoln Imp Trail the historic symbol is a grotesque gargoyle tucked away in the stonework of Lincoln Cathedral. Local legend describes how the imp was sent by the devil to wreak havoc in the cathedral but was turned to stone by an angel.

Fiction winners at the re-arranged festival,” Festival chairman Phil Hamlyn Williams added Phil. said: “Our annual flash fiction competition is one of the highlights of the festival and we always enjoy celebrating local creative Submit entries by May 1 writing talent at the festival events. This to competitions@lincolnbookfestival. year’s brief is to put your own spin on a org - more information, entry forms legendary story from Lincolnshire folklore, and full terms and conditions available the Lincoln Imp. Writers can really let their at www.lincolnbookfestival.org imaginations run wild – the big challenge is keeping the story to precisely 50 words!”

The best entries will also be published Like so many other public occasions May’s in your Bailgate Independent. festival was postponed due to coronavirus outbreak: “ We are planning to run the postponed festival in mid October, if gatherings are ALL Harding House co-operative members are sad that the allowed by then and if gallery has had to close and forthcoming exhibitions are now on our wonderful authors are able to come. We will hold, according to artist Allison Payne “We have been trading mostly seven days a week for over 25 also announce Flash years and have been shut down by a virus. No-one could have imagined such a thing happening.

“We are all remaining optimistic and look forward to opening again in the not too distant future.

“In the meantime there are days and weeks to be filled with overdue tasks, new interests and maybe produce some new work ready for the anticipated grand gallery re-opening later in the year.

“The members had their first online meeting and have decided to meet every week to keep in touch while they are confined at home. They will be stopping by the gallery frequently to keep an eye on things, and will be promoting their work on the gallery's social media pages, the website, facebook, and Instagram, so have a look at those from time to time.

Stay safe everyone.” www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk

www.thecheesesociety.co.uk 26

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

Harding House Gallery artists meet virtually

art and culture Lincoln Choral Society (pictured in rehearsal) has postponed its May and July concerts, but hopes to be back in the autumn.

public urged to keep supporting the arts ARTS venues and organisations were among the first hit by the coronavirus restrictions with numerous shows, gigs and events cancelled across the city until June 8.

Although venues have been closed since March 16 the teams that run them have been working hard to reschedule their programmes or plan new events in a bid to ensure they survive and we all have something to look forward to when the lockdown is lifted.

However, there are calls for the public to keep supporting arts and entertainment across the city during lockdown.

Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, New Theatre Royal and Lincoln Drill Hall have all asked customers who have booked tickets to either transfer them to another date, an alternative performance or donate ticket price to the venue.

Updates can be found at: lpac.co.uk newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk lincolndrillhall.com “We are contacting customers as quickly as possible, but this will take time so we’re asking for patience from those who have pre booked tickets,” said Drill Hall CEO Chris Kirkwood.

“Our team and trustees are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we remain resilient in this time of crisis and uncertainty. The response already shown from our audiences is overwhelming and I’d like to thank everyone for their support.”

NTR has postponed its Easter pantomime until next year and is updating news about its shows every Friday.

LPAC is also using its website as a virtual

venue and publishing a special e-newsletter with video performance, project updates, and tips on the best culture to view online and where as well as planning its new season.

Looking forward to the PopOut Festival from September 26 – October 9, Artistic Director Craig Morrow said: “Lincoln Performing Arts Centre is all about working with our communities to make our city our stage and PopOut is the perfect way to achieve that.

“We are also really hopeful that PopOut will help ease people back into more social situations following months of lockdown, with a chance to experience live performance outside or in small numbers, giving people the confidence to come together and celebrate the return to some semblance of normality. – fingers crossed.”

Young readers will love this gothic seaside adventure Malamander by Thomas Taylor Publisher: Walker Books A RAMSHACKLE sea-side town, shrouded in swirling fog which weaves its insidious fingers into every dark and deserted alleyway, is the setting for this thrilling mystery.

Our hero is Herbie Lemon, a Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, whose life is changed forever when his soon-to-be sidekick,Violet Parma, comes crashing into his life, as she is on the run from the Boathook Man. Together, they embark on a search for Violet’s long-lost parents, and as they delve deeper into the gothic realms of Eerie-on-Sea in the depths of winter, it becomes clear that their search is bigger than they could ever have imagined: it turns into a mission to discover the secrets of a mythical sea-monster… The malamander.

What’s not to love about a book with a map at the start of it?

The Pier which juts out from Eerie Beach is clamped between the Sea Mist and Maw Rocks, whilst the intriguing Lady Kraken’s Cameraluna, perched high on top of the Grand Nautilus Hotel, keeps a watchful eye of the nooks and crannies of this darkly atmospheric town.

The opening chapter of the novel is an absolute masterclass in suspense writing for children, and this gothic thriller which is laced with comedy which will have you burning through the pages.

There are enticing spots to explore, for example the Eerie Book Dispensary, home to the mermonkey, and we come across a range

of foreboding and shady characters, such as Sebastian Eels and Mr Mollusc.

But what is the hidden identity of the Boathook Man who pursues our intrepid pair through dark alleys and across stormy beaches?

And who – or what – is the malamander?

Malamander is perfect for intrepid and adventure-loving readers from age eight upwards.

It’s engaging and superbly written; in addition, readers young and old can also now visit www.eerie-on-sea.com to delve deeper into the novel and take part in a range of fun activities. And the best news of all: Malamander is just the first book of The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea. Gargantis is due to be released in early May, so time to make your first visit to Eerie-on-Sea with all haste!

Reviewed by Pam Ainsworth and Michaela Howard

Business columns From the Experts

not the time to think of profit ELLIE NoRTH, ExECuTIvE dIRECToR, CLoud LETTINGS LTd THE massive shock of Covid 19 has changed everyone’s plans - be they personal or business.

Now is not the time to focus on profit but on the people who make up society and are the lifeblood of any business.

Without customers, contractors, suppliers, hauliers, factory workers, carers, teachers, doctors and nurses (to name but a few) the economy quickly grinds to a halt.

Now is the time for us all to be counted by following medical advice and by taking responsibility for: l Looking after yourself; l Looking out for loved ones (especially elderly relatives); l Being responsible to society and your community (house mates / colleagues, elderly neighbours) - remember it works both ways - helping keep them safe will help keep you and your loved ones safe; l Doing your best to excel even in

difficult circumstances; l Planning ahead for next year. Things will get better but you cannot just sit and wait for this to happen.

The team at Cloud Lettings Ltd is doing everything it can to help its tenants in rented accommodation and will work with our landlords to help overcome any problems.

In order to help ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible service for both tenants and landlords for as long as possible, we are keeping our office open but asking tenants to only visit in case of serious issues when an appointment should be made please.

As many inspections and viewings as possible on a virtual basis and our loyal contractors are all being very supportive and are continuing to provide their high standards of service as normal.

Staff and contractors will be screened for any symptoms and will be operating an increased hygiene regime to help protect

both tenants and themselves.

We send our best wishes and support to everyone, especially to all of our tenants, their family, friends, our landlords, colleagues and contractors.

Cloud Lettings Ltd, T. 01522 802020, info@cloudlettings.co.uk, www.cloudlettings.co.uk

It was really helpful – fellow businesses are jealous that they don’t have this kind of support!

Grow your business with our expert advisers, workshops and grant opportunities – all fully-funded at no cost to you!

Book your place: www.businesslincolnshire.com/events events@bizlincolnshire.com /Businesslincolnshire

26

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

@BusinessLincs

News & updates: Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and opportunities for businesses in Greater Lincolnshire www.businesslincolnshire.com/register

Business columns From the Experts

Vat - to register or not to register?

JAMES KELSEY, dIRECToR, dExTER & SHARPE (LINCoLN) LTd A QUESTION faced by many start-ups and small businesses is whether to register for VAT or not.

to either your customers, which may make you uncompetitive with non-VAT registered competitors, or to yourself.

The VAT registration threshold is £85,000 so if your turnover over a rolling 12 month period exceeds this you have to register.

However, you can voluntarily register even if your turnover is below this, but should you?

If you cannot, or chose not to, increase your prices to customers, and absorb the VAT element yourself, you lose a significant amount of income; if you charged £12 for a product, after VAT registration you lose £2 to HMRC and you only retain £10 of that sale price.

As a broad rule of thumb if your customers are VAT registered businesses there is a benefit to registering voluntarily. As your customers are able to reclaim the VAT there is no extra cost to them but you will be able to reclaim any VAT suffered on your expenses.

Where your customer are private individuals or non-VAT registered businesses who cannot recover VAT the position is very different and careful thought needs to be given to your pricing if you are a new or growing business.

In this situation you are better off not registering for VAT until you have to.

Adding VAT will be a real additional cost

To highlight the ‘cliff edge’ nature of this, if you breach the threshold and do not pass on the VAT to customers you suddenly lose 1/6th of your turnover so your £85,000 suddenly drops to £70,833! You would need to increase your gross (VAT inclusive) turnover to £102,000 simply to stand still (and that is ignoring the additional costs you would incur in achieving the additional turnover).

So planning is essential from the start; if you anticipate having to register calculate what price you would need to charge once you are registered and start charging this from day one. E.g. if you

need to charge £10 for a product to make a sustainable profit price it at £12; this way, until you have to register, you are making an additional £2 per sale but once you do register your customers see no price increase and you still retain the £10 you need to achieve your required profit margin.

This is a very simplistic explanation and much more could be said but if you are facing this dilemma seek advice and plan early to avoid a costly and painful transition when you are forced to register.

Tel 01522 533588, jkelsey@dextersharpelincoln.co.uk

Ease financial worries by reviewing mortgage deals HELEN BRANdoN-SNELL CEMAP, MANAGING dIRECToR, MoRTGAGE MINdERS (LINCoLN) LTd AFTER speaking to various lenders and industry advisers, this column was written on Friday, March 20, when it seemed that everything was very much ‘business as usual’.

Lenders are still looking to lend, to help existing and new borrowers wherever they can. Obviously we don’t know what’s around the corner.

As the Government works to protect the country with considered and difficult decisions in this unprecedented crisis as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, it is to be expected that lenders too will review their position day-by-day, hour by hour.

Some enders have already reacted to the second Bank of England base rate cut to an all time low of 0.1% by reducing their fixed rates.

For those who have not reviewed their mortgage arrangements recently now is most definitely the time to have a look.

If you’re sitting on a lender’s standard variable rate, you will be paying too much for your mortgage. With clients I’ve seen in this position, I have literally been able to transform their finances.

This has reduced the pressure and worry of paying the mortgage and credit cards and loans.

With fairly recent changes in how banks charge for use of overdrafts this can be expensive too, so repaying these and

having surplus in bank accounts instead could bring people some comfort.

Having those reserves would enable people to concentrate on what’s really important in these uncertain times protecting ourselves, our family and helping the vulnerable and needy whenever we can.

So, currently our team is fortunate to be able to look to help you with your mortgage arrangements.

Although there will be no face-to-face appointments, we can still offer the same great service and arrange the same mortgage and insurance products by having telephone appointments instead.

We are flexible on these arrangements, so evenings and weekends in addition to normal office hours are available, using email, post, Skype to support the application.

For a free, no obligation consultation, please do get in touch.

We’re here to help where we can.

Mortgage Minders (Lincoln) Ltd, 5 The Landings, Burton Waters, Lincoln, LN1 2TU, T. 01522 822282 or 07747 798564.

Email helen@mortgage-minders.co.uk April 2020 | Bailgate Independent

29

Business news

virus puts firms’ focus on tech

IT experts have revealed that the Coronavirus is proving to be a real learning curve tech-wise for many businesses working out of both commercial premises or home.

Octagon Technology CIO, Clive Catton, said that while the Branston company is

busy ensuring clients can continue working it is making managers and business owners think about how they might improve or future-proof their tech and digital systems.

“Ever since the UK began to prepare for the potential effects of the Coronavirus, we have been responding to businesses in a variety of different ways. Naturally, many more people have been working from home and we have been helping people to access their office systems remotely,” said Clive.

“We have also started a Friday morning, online education slot for our clients, but we have also had students from Napier University attending. These are students I know from the Masters Degree in Cybersecurity I am in the process of

completing.”

“We have been talking to people about a wide range of computer programs that are designed to help them to operate more efficiently whilst working remotely, such as Office 365 for Business, OneNote, Teams and ESET security, both on computers and on phones and tablets.”

“In the future, I think this challenging period will encourage companies to improve the IT skills in their teams by getting IT support companies such as ours in to educate them in the latest technology. It is clear many currently do not have the necessary know-how or simply haven’t had the time or the resources to rethink their systems and explore how they may be refined or upgraded.”

Help if jobs are axed or at risk HELP is available for people in Lincolnshire who have lost their job, had their hours reduced or whose job is at risk because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership is working with Futures to provide support to individuals financially impacted by the crisis.

Futures currently delivers the National Careers Service in the East Midlands and East of England and is working hard to help those affected by the coronavirus across Lincolnshire and Rutland to get back into work and training.

Futures careers coaches are working remotely over the phone, by video chat or via email to help people find and apply for jobs.

Support available includes: l One-to-one virtual face-to-face support through Skype, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp and other online digital platforms l Help with getting back into work, including jobs with a high number of vacancies during the crisis l Support with choosing a new career l Help with writing or updating your CV l Advice on completing application forms l Interview techniques and tips

30

Bailgate Independent | April 2020

l Help to identify your key transferable skills and abilities l Help with enhancing your skills l Advice on free training opportunities l Access to a range of free adult education courses delivered remotely l Live apprenticeship opportunities “These are challenging times for individuals and businesses across Lincolnshire and Rutland,” said Peter Brammall, CEO at Futures.

“Futures has long-standing expertise in helping employers to manage their workforce requirements through our National Careers Service programmes, advising and guiding people through redeployment and into new jobs.

“We’re pleased to be part of a strong rapid response partnership with the Greater Lincolnshire LEP which will pay dividends over the coming weeks in helping to maximise employment opportunities for our residents and employers.”

To talk to a careers coach visit www.futuresforyou.com/getin-touch.html, email NationalCareersServiceNCC@futuresforyou.com or call 0800 917 9419.

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