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And the winner is...
Redhill Farm’s food ‘Oscar’ AFTER blind-tasting almost 13,000 food entries judges in the Great Taste Awards - the Fine Food Oscars - whittled them down to hundreds of recipients of the prized star ratings and 16 coveted Golden Fork awards. Golden Forks and to go on to take But there could only be one international Supreme Champion - Redhill Farm’s Free Range the globally recognised accolade of Supreme Champion. Shoulder of Pork. For Jane and husband Terry the win “It’s a big deal - it’s a very big deal,” said Jane is also the validation of their ethical Tomlinson, founder of Redhill Farm Free Range farming and food production Pork. practices over the last 22 years. It is the first British farmer and producer in the Animal welfare is the forefront and history of the Great Taste Awards to win three
their Duroc pigs have a happy freerange life on the family farm near Gainsborough. Their produce consistently reflects this care - Great Taste judges have singled out Redhill Farm products for quality ever since Jane first entered the awards in 2004.
Continued on page 3.
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News
Win is global recognition for Redhill Farm Continued from page 1. This year’s entry was seen as the pinnacle with the “flavour reflecting how the animal has been treated with love, care and attention.” Their high standards stem from desire to set Redhill Farm’s products apart and were an integral part of the Tomlinson’s business plan to turn around the fortunes of the farm over two decades ago when the pig industry was under siege from imported mass-produced pork coming in through Europe and legally being sold as British. “I believed in the quality of our free range pork and knew we could compete on our terms – on quality foremost, but also on honesty, loyalty and genuine provenance. “We don’t do this to win awards, but to make our free range pork stand out from the crowd. “ Now they have a shop on the farm and a Farm Shop on the Bail (both open during the pandemic) run by son George, but back then selling their pork proved another challenge, so Jane founded and then ran six of the first farmers’ markets in Lincolnshire. The word about the quality of their pork quickly spread:“We had a queue at our stall almost from day one - wherever we went. We knew we were doing something right and decided to put it to the test.” For the Tomlinsons it was important any award echoed their own standards. Great Taste awards are acknowledged as the world’s most prestigious for artisan producers. Since first entering 17 years ago Redhill Farm has GT Stars for everything it has entered. Those stars became prized Golden Forks on three previous occasions as well as this year when it went on to realise the ultimate honour. “We enter Great Taste each year to prove our quality and to prove it consistently year in, year out… in our quest to stand out from the crowd. I think with this award we may just have finally achieved that.”
The Farm Shop on Lincoln’s Bailgate is also a double finalist Guild of Fine Food Shop of the Year’ 2019 and 2020, the result of the Tomlinsons’ other priority - customer care. “It’s all part of what we do... from ensuring the people we work with have similar values - and are not thinking about money as their first consideration - to caring about our customers and looking after people,” explained Jane. The Supreme Champion award may give Redhill Farm worldwide recognition, but it will remain an ethical small business that delivers quality from farming through to retail. John Farrand, managing director of the Guild, which organises Great Taste praised Redhill Farm’s ethos: “Jane and Terry Above: George Tomlinson with some of Redhill Tomlinson are truly worthy Farm’s Great Taste ‘Oscars’. winners of the Supreme Below: Jane and Terry Tomlinson: “This is a Champion accolade, having consequence of what we do day in, day out.” consistently achieved Great Taste Front page pictures: Jane and Terry Tomlinson (right) with award organisers John and Tortie stars and trophies over many Farrant at a previous Golden Fork win. years, raising their game to reach Jane and son George celebrate a supreme win. the very top of the pile. “As uncertainty continues regarding food safety and animal welfare standards post-Brexit and the nation continues to take a closer look at where its food comes from throughout the COVID-19 crisis, this win for Redhill Farm serves as a timely reminder of what our best farmers are doing to feed us, care for their animals and nurture their patch of land. Going above and beyond free range standards, Redhill Farm has produced a joint of pork that rose above 12,776 other products to take the top prize, which should give those in power some food for thought.” www.redhillfarm.com See also pages 16 and 17.
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Editor’s Comments
The good, the bad and the bloody rude
Chartered Certified Certified Accountants Accountants Chartered
Talk to us for jargon-free, practical advice
I MUST be getting a bit soppy in my old age. As we’ve been checking over the pages of this issue I’ve found myself reflecting fondly on the people and businesses featured - the good guys we like to call them. Dan Ellmore with his mad Metro (centre pages) definitely falls into that category as he’s never one to turn a crisis into a drama when we’ve cocked up our IT again. Then there’s the lovely Mel Langton (p29), who is always so exuberant about her work - as is Martin Holliday (p33), so it’s not surprising both have come to the attention of the world at large. Making James Pinchbeck (p31) the subject of our regular Not Just A Job feature was long overdue as his ebullience never fades for long no matter what the circumstances. Karen Cook of Le Sanctuaire and Marie Diamond of LIFEstyle are gems in their own right, but now they have put their heads together to come with an idea (p19) that benefits their clients and their businesses. I could go on and probably should because after another look at this edition I’ve realised it’s full of the good guys. However, we would like to highlight the talented photographer, who has taken over our office at 33 Burton Road, the vivacious Rachel London (p30). When she asked us if she could decorate we had no idea that she would put her heart
and soul into it transforming our BI branded workplace into her own swanky pad. Again there is that enthusiasm for the world around her that all our good guys share and most have in spades. It’s really not that hard to get into our good books - getting back to us is a pretty smart place to start. I find it totally incredible that people who are paid (or in one prevalent case volunteer) to communicate and interact with the press and public just ignore emails and calls. We know most are not as busy as they make out because you can see what they’ve been up to on social media - so you’ve got rude and not very bright. Phone calls I can almost understand, but many of these bad guys are supposedly professionals specifically trained to communicate. And there’s no excuse for not replying to emails - this is the ultimate form of shielded communication. It’s not the odd message that has fallen through the cracks or taking a few days to chew something over. No we’re talking consistent and wanton offending. I hope at least some of the offenders are reading this, know exactly who we mean and decide to change their ways. I don’t hold out much hope though - that’s the problem with bad guys.
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News
Ambucopter continues frontline missions during pandemic THE Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance has been able to maintain its life-saving operations in the pandemic thanks to its supporters, volunteers, crew and staff. Remaining on the frontline meant that LNAA was able to help patients like Joshua, who broke his back after a motorcycle accident last June. He was airlifted from Skellingthorpe to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre in just 13 minutes and said he owes the ambucopter his life.
City still aims to make a BIG imp-ression
Karen Jobling, Chief Executive Officer at LNAA, said: “Like many charities across the UK, LNAA has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges we’ve faced this year, our crews have continued to provide life-saving care to those patients involved in incidents of the most critical nature, when minutes matter. “As with everything our teams do, this has only been possible thanks to the incredible communities who support us and have continued to support us throughout 2020. Its thanks to generous donations and support that patients like Joshua received the urgent care he needed.” https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/
THE IMP Trail will take place in 2021 even if Covid-19 is still prevalent this summerOrganiser Lincoln BIG believes it is possible for the Trail to be enjoyed in a socially distanced manner by visitors and residents alike. We’re keen to bring Covid secure activities to the city centre, and this is just one of the safe activities that we have planned for this year. If you’d like to be involved or have any suggestions and ideas for our city centre, please get in touch via email info@lincolnbig.co.uk,” said Chief Executive Sarah Loftus. The Trail is made up of 30 individually designed large sculptures placed across Lincoln to create a fun, free art gallery and take people on a journey of discovery during the summer of 2021. The Imp sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for the St Barnabas Hospice and Lincoln Creates Fund on Lincolnshire TRUST TECHNOLOGY TO KEEP YOU SAFE Day, October 1. Each of the 30 imps is sponsored by a local Our latest technology requires minimum face-to-face Titan Minimal Art business: “ interaction The Must Collectionand when combined with stringent protocols We’re really excited to share details of our sponsors, as well as keeps patients as safe as possible. Model:5515 more information about important Trail dates as they become LensWe shape: areCS also proud to be one of the most highly qualified Colour: 3540and award-winning optical teams in the UK. available. We will be promoting the IMP Trail across social media so please make sure you follow us on Facebook Martin Smith Opticians, 22 Saltergate, Lincoln LN2 1DH @LincolnImpTrail; Twitter - @LincImpTrail; Instagram lincolnimptrail,or visit our website: For premium eyecare call: 01522 521100 www.lincolnimptrail.co.uk.” Titan Minimal Art www.martinsmithopticians.co.uk See also your next Independent due out in early April. The Must Collection Model:5515 Lens shape: CS Colour: 3540
February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Martin Smith Opticians, 2 Saltergate, Lincoln LN2 1DH
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Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
Rachael Etches, Community First Responder, LIVES,
Funds to save lives EMERGENCY responder groups are set to receive a funding boost for life-saving equipment. Lincolnshire Co-op has identified areas throughout the county and beyond that are lacking life-saving emergency equipment. Around 20 brand new community defibrillators will be bought through its Community Champions scheme. Money raised will also fund the day-to-day maintenance, such as replacing batteries and pads, of approximately 60 existing defibrillators at Co-op branches so anyone who needs quick access to this critical equipment can easily find the nearest one. Community Manager, Sam Turner explained: “It’s important to us to continue working with local communities and identifying causes that would benefit from extra support, whether that be practical or financial. Access to defibrillators is critical in more isolated, rural areas where emergency services can’t respond as quickly. “We’re delighted to be raising funds together with members and customers for such important causes.You never know when any one of us may need these resources or services.” In areas that don’t need equipment funds will be raised for local responder groups. These charities provide a wide range of local emergency services, including reacting to medical emergencies, floods, adverse weather events, and supporting vulnerable people during the pandemic. One of the causes that will benefit from this scheme is LIVES, which provides emergency medical care across Lincolnshire. The charity estimates that one in six people in Lincolnshire have used their services. LIVES Community Fundraising Manager, Rachel Hay added: “Part of our job is to train members of the public to help provide medical care for the people locally before an ambulance arrives. “Additional funds would help us take on more first responders and cover the costs of training and equipment.” Every time a member shops at a Co-op branch, a donation is made to either the defibrillators scheme or responder groups. Money will be also be raised through colleagues’ fundraising activities, collection boxes in outlets, and proceeds from the sale of plastic carrier bags in stores. https://www.lincolnshire.coop/community/communitychampions/current-champions
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For A Good Cause
Smashing window target THE campaign to mark the 100-year relationship between RAF Scampton and Scampton Church with a specially commissioned stained glass window has reached its target of £23,477, When the Ministry of Defence announced that it intends to decommission RAF Scampton in 2022 the minister at Scampton Church, the Rev Sue Dean, launched the campaign: “It is intended that the window will create a lasting memory to all who served in squadrons at the base, both in peacetime, during the two world wars and the cold war.” The window was designed by Claire Williamson, a specialist in traditional and modern stained glasswork. The cash raised will also be used for an associated children’s remembrance project. Now fundraising will continue to develop a Community Church and RAF Commonwealth War Graves Heritage Centre. “This involves restoration work, the installation of an accessible toilet, kitchen and central heating in our English Heritage ‘at risk’ 14th century Grade II listed building,” explained Rev Dean. “We have recently been supported by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who have chosen Scampton Church as a focal site for 2021. Our goal is to restore and protect this building - home to 107 Commonwealth War and RAF Service Graves, for generations to come.” The invitation to sponsor a pane of glass will continue and anyone who signs up before Valentine’s Day will receive the 2020 Red Arrows programme and colour pull out courtesy of the RAF’s Scampton-based aerobatic team https://scamptonchurch.org/raf-stained-glass-window/
Lincoln Fine Art Sale Wednesday 24th February
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Visit goldingyoung.com for catalogues, sale results, services & contact details. February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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News
Family urges drivers... leave the phone alone THE family of Wendy Short (pictured) have urged motorists not to use their mobile phones after the taxi driver who caused her death by dangerous driving was jailed. Ian Penman, 67, of Washdyke Lane, Nettleham was jailed for two years and banned from driving for six years after he admitted causing Wendy’s death and also causing serious injury while dangerous driving. Penman had collected 79-year-old Wendy and her friend from a South Hykeham garden centre in the summer of 2019 and was heading to north of Lincoln when he took a call as he approached Skellingthorpe roundabout. Lincoln Crown Court heard both women were sitting in the back and Penman was holding the phone to his left ear with his left hand when he collided with a DAF skip lorry. Wendy died at the scene while both her friend and Penman were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre with their injuries. After Penman was sentenced via video link Wendy’s family described her as their ‘beautiful, selfless mum’ in a statement released by Lincolnshire Police. “Wendy Short will just be a name to you all reading this, but she was our beautiful, selfless mum. Our best friend, a wife to our late step father Bob, a mother-in-law and a grandmother too. “My mum was the person we would go to for support and to talk things through, she always gave the best advice. She was a counsellor to our friends who loved her dearly. Words cannot describe how we feel no longer being able to speak to mum
because she has been taken away from us. “It is so very hard to believe that mum went out for lunch and shopping with her dear friend, as they did every week, and never returned. This is our reality now.
“The driver admitted to being on his mobile phone and pleaded guilty to causing the death of mum by dangerous driving. I ask you to remember her name, Wendy Short, if you think of using your phone when driving, remember her name and the pain and loss we will feel forever. Your call can wait.” PC Godfrey Barlow, Forensic Collision Investigator, Lincolnshire Police said: “Research has shown that a person’s driving will be worse when on the phone compared to when they are not. Drivers will spend less time looking at the road ahead, less attention is given to checking the rear view mirror, vehicle instruments or the road conditions when using either a hand held or hand free mobile phone. "It is illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving or riding and hands free calls are still a real distraction. It is far safer not to use any mobile phone; divert calls to your voicemail facility. "Drivers have a responsibility to callers not to answer the phone while they are driving. Let your voicemail take messages and listen to them when it is safe and lawful to do so.”
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Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
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Health News
Care home vaccine targets met THE county has achieved its first target within the COVID-19 vaccination programme according to the Lincolnshire Care Association. The first milestone included the vaccination of older care home residents and care home staff, with the target being met despite the challenges Lincolnshire’s geography posed to the programme. Melanie Weatherley MBE, Chair (pictured) explained: “Lincolnshire is filled with smaller, community-based homes, which is absolutely wonderful for residents and the quality of life these providers promote. “However, this did make rolling out the vaccine more challenging, so this achievement is especially notable. “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our county’s care home managers and their staff for adapting during this difficult time, all while supporting residents who are still unable to see their loved ones. “We’d also like to show our gratitude to GPs and their staff who have made this rollout possible, even going as far as vaccinating people seven days a week.” “The COVID-19 vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel, but we still need to be vigilant and remember to keep washing our hands and social distancing. “We achieved this first milestone because, as usual, Lincolnshire’s health and social care community pulled together when things got tough – so let’s keep up the good work!”
Get a free Covid-19 test IN a bid to drive down coronavirus transmission rates in Lincoln a community testing initiative is running at St Swithin’s Community Centre on Cross Street. One in three people who have the virus show no symptoms, so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Broadening testing to locate these people will identify positive cases and reduce infection rates. Run by City of Lincoln Council, in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and the Department of Health and Social Care community testing aims to help the country out of lockdown. Free testing on a walk-up basis at the centre will be held daily from 8am to 8pm until February 7 with no need to book. Tests take around 10 minutes and the results are available within an hour Anyone with Coronavirus symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. Testing appointments can still be booked at Lincolnshire Showground and the Joseph Banks Laboratories at the University of Lincoln by calling 0300 303 2713. #HelpKeepLincolnSafe
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Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
AN award-winning Mum & Baby app tailored for Lincolnshire has been launched. Released by by Better Births Lincolnshire, Maternity and Neonatal System, in collaboration with Lincolnshire Maternity Voice Partnership and other stakeholders the app will provide consistent information regardless of where the woman chooses to give birth in the local area. The application includes a page for each local maternity unit and contains details of services, transport links and parking, a self-referral link, website link and contact details, local community contacts, emergency numbers, and local birth registration information. The information within the application will help users complete personal care plans and can be made available for the user to fill in with the help of their healthcare team. These can be saved as a PDF and printed out. Appointments can be logged by the user and shared to their personal calendars and they can also record their due date. The app is designed from the start of pregnancy to early childhood and has been developed with the NHS to navigate mum’s choices for maternity care in Lincolnshire with clear and accessible information. Download the Mum and Baby app for iphone and android then give them your feedback via the Better Births Lincolnshire Facebook page.
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Health News
Bid to ensure all health and care workers vaccinated INDEPENDENT providers and workers of health/social care or care support services in Lincolnshire are being asked to ensure they supply their details so that they can be booked in for the covid-19 vaccination. The request from NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Lincolnshire County Council, is designed to ensure that anyone working as a provider of health/social care or care support services – whether contracted, non-contracted or selfemployed – is in a position to receive their vaccination. “We are very keen to make sure that all frontline staff, including both clinical and operational staff who are in direct contact with patients through clinical or administrative duties, are able to get the vaccination as soon as possible,� explains Sarah-Jane Mills, Chief Operating Officer, NHS Lincolnshire CCG. “The form is available from our website address below and can be completed in just a couple of minutes.� https://lincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health-andservices/covid-19-vaccination-independent-healthcareproviders/ Anyone nominating themselves or their staff through this route will be required to provide evidence of their qualifying occupation – in health or social care. For organisations that employ a significant number of staff, the CCG is happy to receive the required information via email instead
– this should be sent to agcsu.contract.enquiries@nhs.net. For organisations that already treat patients under contract from the CCG workers should check with employer before completing the form as their details may already be on file. “In social care a number of independent providers and individuals are engaged in supporting people in Lincolnshire. It is important that you also take up the opportunity to be vaccinated. “We are busy vaccinating people in the four priority groups as outlined by the Government, which means we want to reach as many frontline workers as possible, including those working for independent providers,� adds Sarah-Jane. “We appreciate that some staff will be performing their duties in non-contact roles from home – they will be called with the rest of the population in due course and we would ask for their patience in the meantime.� Information submitted either via the form will only be stored and used for the purpose of vaccination and then destroyed.
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News
Is it time for a new start?
WITH Christmas well and truly behind us many people use this time to reflect on their life. The New Year symbolises a fresh start and is typically a time when people start looking towards the future. It is, therefore, not hard to understand why family lawyers receive many enquiries about divorce at this time of year.
There is currently only one ground for divorce in this country and that is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This must be proved by citing one of five facts, namely: Your spouse has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live with them; Your spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them; You have lived separately for a minimum of two years and you both wish to obtain a divorce; Your spouse has deserted you for a continuous period of at least two years; You have been separated for at least five years. To start divorce proceedings one spouse must file a divorce petition with the Court. This person is referred to as the Petitioner and their spouse is the Respondent. The petition tells the Court when and where you were married and cites the reason you believe you marriage has irretrievably broken down. Once Decree Nisi is pronounced by the Courts, the Petitioner must wait six weeks and one day before they can apply for the Decree Absolute which formally dissolves the marriage. Many couples pause proceedings at this stage to deal with associated financial matters. Once Decree Absolute is granted you are free to remarry. If you are considering a divorce there are many things to consider, will we have to sell the family home? Where will I live? Will I be able to manage financially? What arrangements will need to be made with regards to the children? Will I be entitled to a share of my spouses’ pension? What will happen regarding joint assets / liabilities? Ringrose Law offer free initial appointments and fixed fee divorces. Contact Emma Darley on 01522 561020. www.ringroselaw.co.uk
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Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
Pelham Bridge improvements URGENT works to Lincoln’s Pelham Bridge are likely to cause traffic delays this summer. The £800,000 works to extend the life of the 62-year-old bridge will last around nine weeks between June and August exact dates will be released later. The works will replace expansion joints and include waterproofing, resurfacing with a new barrier installed between the footpath and the road to keep pedestrians safe. Lincolnshire County Council said the works had been scheduled when the road was least busy with the Eastern bypass already reducing traffic flows. Northbound traffic will be diverted along the East West Link Road and Tentercroft Street to cross University Bridge and use Newland and Wigford Way to rejoin Melville Street southbound traffic vice versa. Pedestrians will be directed to the High Street to cross the train tracks at the level crossing.
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UTC News
UTC - where online learning fosters student development THERE is no doubt that the pandemic has forced schools to radically change their approach to education. Just days before secondary students were expected to return to their classrooms for the January term, schools were again informed that they must close and resume remote learning. Lincoln UTC, a specialist college for science and engineering, made sure it was in a strong position to immediately initiate a full timetable of live lessons for all students. During a virtual school day UTC students have eight periods and the opportunity to interact with their teachers live during every lesson. UTC Principal, John Morrison explained: “Studying from home is very different from studying at school and for many students, school closures throughout the past year have been their first experience of organising their own learning. At the UTC we place an explicit focus on skill development and studying from home is an ideal opportunity to put resilience, organisation, motivation, and independence into practice. “During the past month attendance and engagement in our timetable of live lessons from UTC students has been excellent. We are so proud of our students for adapting so quickly. “We have been delighted by the positive feedback from parents for our remote learning provision. “All of our students in year 10 and around 50 per cent of our students in year 12 were at different schools during the last lockdown, and many have commented on the contrast in the quality and standard of our remote learning.”
A year 10 parent said: “I have a younger daughter still at secondary and my elder daughter at the UTC, and this has highlighted the enormous difference in the quality of online work provided and how much more care and support the UTC staff provide. “When staff take pride, care, and promote positivity our young people reflect that - and that is what makes the difference between what a school needs to do to meet the guidelines and what makes a school stand out as going above and beyond. Thank you to the UTC staff for making such a difference and giving our young people the best chances possible through these hard times.” In September 2020 Lincoln UTC welcomed its largest ever cohort. It took the decision to reduce the college’s admissions number and has set a maximum number of 120 in each year group to maintain smaller class sizes than most ‘ordinary’ schools. There are still a few places left in year 10 and year 12 for September 2021.
“We have lived all over the UK and experienced a wealth of different schools. I have to say Lincoln UTC is, by far, the best school our son has been to.”
To find out more or to apply online visit www.lincolnutc.co.uk.
February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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News
Seller of illegal cigarettes hid in toilet during raid DARIA Shorsh Namek has been convicted of the possession and supply of counterfeit, unsafe and incorrectly labelled tobacco products. His store, International Food 4 You at 18 Portland Street, Lincoln, was inspected by Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police in 2018 and 2019. Officers found a total of 49,940 illicit cigarettes and 4.35kg hand rolling tobacco, which were seized. Namek hid from officers in a toilet and claimed to be a new employee despite running the business. Namek, 28, formerly of Newark Road, was given a six-month suspended sentence by Lincoln Magistrates, ordered to pay a contribution to costs of £1,000, as well as a £450 fine and a victim surcharge of £115. Daniel Brown, Principal Trading Standards Officer involved in the investigation, said:"I hope this recent prosecution reinforces how dedicated Lincolnshire Trading Standards is to tackling the sale of illicit tobacco. "This kind of criminality serves to undermine legislation that is there is protect consumers and support local retailers that trade within the law particularly during this current economic climate. "Selling illicit tobacco is not simply a tax evasion matter; these products are often counterfeit, made in unhygienic conditions and fund further criminality within organised crime gangs. "The sentence passed by the court demonstrates how seriously criminal offences of this nature are taken and that offenders may well be punished by custodial sentences." Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
#LatchOnLincolnshire A Breastfeeding campaign, to encourage businesses to be more breastfeeding friendly across Lincolnshire. To support the campaign and obtain a poster for your business please email LECCG.BetterBirths@nhs.net with your company address. Alternatively, please follow us on: Better Births Lincolnshire
@betterbirthlinc
And like, share and retweet whenever possible. We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you in advance
Closing where we spend a penny to save pounds THE public is being asked its views on plans to cut the number of public toilets open in Lincoln. City of Lincoln Council is reviewing its public toilet provision and warning that restricted budgets will make it necessary to cut the overall cost of the service. “We wish to do this in a manner that mitigates impacts on users, and where possible enhances some elements of the services,” the council stated in an outline of the plan to its Citizens Panel, which was asked for its views. The plans are: Permanent toilet attendants will be removed (the bus station will have staff at busy times). Retention of Bus Station, Castle Square, Tentercroft Street, Boultham Park, Hartsholme County Park, and cemetery toilets. Temporary closure of Sincil Street toilets until the renovation of the market at which time a new set of refurbished toilets will be introduced. Permanent closure of the urinals at The Lawn, Union Road (pictured) and the toilets at Newport Arch. South Park, Lucy Tower and Westgate toilets will be open for events only. Access to be changed to take card payments as well as cash. Disabled access to be by a new scheme city wide, as trialled at the bus station (this is via an electronic card registered to a specific user- this is so that damage/abuse of facilities can be tracked and those damaging facilities denied access in the future). There would be a small administrative charge for the card and set up. Please note that visitors without a card will still be given a method of entry and we will not exclude anyone from using these facilities. The consultation can be accessed at https://www.lincoln.gov.uk/council/consultationsquestionnaires The closing date for this consultation is Sunday, February 7 For queries regarding the consultation email policy@lincoln.gov.uk.
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Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
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BI FEB 21_4.qxp_Layout 1 27/01/2021 10:54 Page 16
Food and Drink
Redhill Farm’s shoulder cut heads global food field A PANEL of renowned experts chose Redhill Farm’s Free Range Shoulder of Pork as the Great Taste Supreme Champion for 2020. It impressed at every stage of the blindtasted judging process, as a recordbreaking 12,777 entries were assessed over 14 weeks of remote and socially distanced judging sessions. Entries were sent in from 106 different countries, including Estonia, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Madagascar, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the USA and Vietnam. There were 164 judges including the final panel of: cook, writer and champion of sustainable food, Melissa Hemsley; cook, writer, stylist and voice of modern vegetarian cooking, Anna Jones; celebrated Spanish chef, José Pizarro; Kavi Thakrar from Dishoom; food writer and cook, Xanthe Clay; and baker and
author, Martha Collison, as well as food buyers from Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Waitrose. These esteemed palates tasted and rejudged the three-star winners to finally agree on the Golden Fork trophy winners and the Great Taste 2020 Supreme Champion. Redhill Farm’s entry also took the Golden Fork for the Midlands and was one of just 16 Forks following the selection process that awarded 3,818 1-star accreditation; 1,294 2-stars and 205 awarded 3-stars – only around 1.5% of products are awarded a 3-star each year. Not only is the shoulder tasty, it is also versatile. Check out the recipe below. For the full story about Redhill Farm’s supreme win see also pages 1 and 3.
Pulled Pork With Ale Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1.5kg Redhill Farm Free Range Pork Shoulder Drizzle Ownsworth Rapeseed Oil Freshly Ground Salt & Black Pepper 500ml Bottle Ferry Ales Brewery 49 Squadron Ale 2 x Onions sliced Method Place the pork in a roasting pan – drizzle and rub a handful of the oil onto the rind and rub in the salt & pepper. Roast in preheated oven at 220C (Fan 200) for 30 mins. Take out of the oven, reduce the temp to 150C (Fan 130), put the onions in and pour the ale over the joint. Cover with a double layer of foil and seal round the pan to retain the moisture while slow cooking. Put back in oven for 4-6 hours.Remove pan from the oven, check if crackling needs crisping – remove foil and roast approx.. 20 mins at 220C (Fan 200) until golden.
Remove pan from oven and leave to cool for 20 mins covered again in foil. Then remove the foil, use two forks to shred the pork in the juices and onion. Serving suggestion - with flatbreads and a seasonal slaw. Find this and other recipes in LIVES Lincolnshire Cookbook £9.99, which is available at the Redhill Farm Shop in the Bail – all money goes to LIVES charity. https://www.redhillfarm.com
The best food deserve Chris Sharp Cabinets, Tillbridge Lane, Scampton, Lincoln LN1 2SX
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Food and Drink Wine Wisdom
Bacchus, Ovens Farm Vineyard WHAT wine do you choose to accompany internationally awardwinning food? Sticking to her principles of supporting small, like-minded local producers, Jane Tomlinson, picks Bacchus from the Ovens Farm Vineyard at Harrington near Louth - a silver medal winner in the WineGB awards. With its pale gold colour and aromas of summer hedgerows with cut grass, the founder of Redhill Farm Free Range Pork, believes it is the perfect complement to their products. Bacchus has a herbaceous character with notes of lime blossom, gooseberry and samphire. “We are very selective about the produce we choose to sell alongside our own so our customers have the reassurance that we’ve found the very best example of something or we just don’t stock it,” said Jane. “We select on quality, flavour, provenance, and who makes it. We work with like-minded producers who care as much about their own product as we do about ours and then we are truly supporting each other. When people really care - what they produce is magical. Food is a great industry to belong to when you only deal with small independents. “Simon and Bridget White (right) are the epitome of this ethos and a pleasure to know and work with.”
Le Delice des Crémiers
Cheese of the month
Le Delice des Crémiers is a creamy, bloomy, soft, fully decadent cheese from the region of Burgundy in France. The rind of the cheese has a velvety, white, pillowy texture while the interior is a soft spreadable cheese which is silky smooth. The cheese is made with cream, double cream and creme fraiche which makes it extremely rich and luxurious. A beautifully rich cheese, ideal for any cheeseboard that is perfect paired with runny honey or spread on top of the odd mince pie left over from Christmas. Key Facts Age County of Origin Milk Type Organic Pasteurisation Region Strength Style of Cheese Vegetarian
3-4 weeks + France Cows No Unpasteurised Burgundy Medium Cream 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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January/February September 2020 2021| |Bailgate Independent Independent April 2020 | Bailgate Bailgate Independent
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Valentine’s Day Competition
Make sure he’s a smoothie this Valetine’s Day WIN A LUXURIOUS SHAVING SET HARRY’S believes that men should not have to compromise when it comes to the products they use, so its range is designed to be effective and to provide a great experience. The Harry’s team of more than 600 engineers, designers, craftsmen and chemists makes products from the finest materials and ingredients to ensure they perform as well as they possibly can. And the team has applied its know-how to shaving after Harry’s founders Jeff and Andy felt associated products were often overpriced and over-designed. After asking around they found many other men felt the same way, Harry’s saw an opportunity to create a brand that’s more relatable and more thoughtful, with simple, high-quality products that feel good to use, at a fair price. Since taking on shaving, Harry’s is addressing similar issues in men’s body and hair care. Harry’s luxury Winston Set is available from www.harrys.com * and at £24 is everything needed for a close, comfortable shave. Its sharp, durable blades, a flex hinge, lubricating strip and a precision trimmer make it easy for sideburns or hard-to-reach places, such as under the nose. The ergonomic body is made of weighty, die-cast zinc and polished chrome for a handsome finish and rubberised grip for optimal control. The set includes the handle, three German-engineered blade cartridges, a choice of smooth shaving supplies; foaming shave gel for a rich lather or shave cream for a smooth texture and a travel cover to protect the blades. For a more personalised shaving experience the Winston handle can be engraved with three letters.
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Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
Or win a set in the Independent’s easy-to-enter competition by answering the question below: Where were Harry’s razor blades engineered? Send your answers along with your name and contact details to: admin@bailgateindependent.co.uk marked Harry’s Shaving Set Competition.
* See also @harrys https://www.harrys.com/en/gb)
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News
Below Dan (centre) with Top Gear presenters Paddy McGuinness (left) and Chris Harris at Grizedale Forest where The Stig’s ‘Dad’ (above) put the MG Metro 6R4 through its paces.
MG Metro 6R4 model 188 out of 220 The Spec 360bhp and 335lb/ft torque 3.0 V6 Jaguar engine 5 Speed sequential gearbox DTA s60 ECU
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Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
The Stats 0-60 in 3.2 secs 0-100 in 5 secs 0-100-0 in 8 secs Fuel - 5mpg.
The c the s
IF you are a car fan and Top Gear comes calling to borrow your pride and joy you don’t turn them away.
But Lincoln’s Dan Ellmore did not just get one call as National Geographic also wanted to use his restored Mini Metro for their petrolhead series Car SOS. Of course Dan’s car is not just the standard British Leyland then Rover Metro that your grandad might have driven in the 80s and 90s. It’s an MG Metro 6R4 - only 220 were made as a Group B rally car in 1985/86, but they were banned from competition amid safety concerns in 1987 as they were too fast. The Group B era has a legendary status among rally fans. “It is mad - it has a V6 engine, which is where the back seat should be instead of the front and it does 060 in just over three seconds, 0-100 in five, which means it’s perfect for Top Gear,” said Dan. The car features in the new series at the end of February in a segment dedicated to cars your Dad might have driven - The Stig Senior would have been behind the wheel of the Metro. The Stig (heavily disguised in an 80s tank top) puts the car through its paces over two days of filming in Grizedale Forest in the Lake District. “It was really good fun and great to see the car being driven the way it’s supposed to be by The Stig.” Dan is perhaps better known for his cycling connections and as organiser of the Lincoln’s Grand Prix, but his dad, Colin, did a little rallying, when he and his brother, Matt, were boys. “He was a member of Lincoln Motor Cycle and Car
BI FEB 21_4.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2021 13:24 Page 21
News
The MG Metro 6R4 lines up for Top Gear in Grizedale Forest (above) as The Stig dons a tank top to play ‘Dad’ (left).
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Club for years and served as its chairman. He raced a Mini Cooper and took me and my brother with him, so I’ve always been interested in cars,” said Dan, who named the middle of his three children Cooper. “When my knees started to affect the cycling I looked for something to do with motoring and bought the Metro in 2015 as a restoration project. The car was brought back to its full former glory in 2018 and Car SOS features those projects that have never been completed. Of the 120 or so Metros like Dan’s left one was owned by a man in Eire, but illness had meant it had been untouched for 12 years. “All the pieces were there, but they were in boxes - it wasn’t even a whole car,” explained Dan. His Metro was used to show what the refurbished model should look and drive like, so Dan spent another day filming, this time up the road at Blyton Park Race Track. As a member of LMCCC Dan has taken the car to many static displays and events, including the Queen’s 90 Birthday celebrations (see bottom right picture), but has only raced the Metro once at Cadwell in heavy rain on a November night. “It was terrifying - I was determined to finish. I loved it and I want to race again when it’s possible.” The MG Metro 6R4 has also been driven by Richard Burns World Rally Champion; Will Gollop 1992 European Rally Cross champion; Harri Toivonen, Metro factory team driver in 1985 and 1986 and Craig Breen a current World Rally Championship driver for Hyundai.
Car SOS presenters Fuzz Townshend (left) and Tim Shaw at Blyton Park Race Trace near Gainsborough.
Dan (centre) took the MG Metro 6R4 to Buckingham Palace as part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations where Prince Michael of Kent (right), who did some rallying himself in the 1960s, was an admirer.
February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Nature News
Nature needs our help if we want to see it close to home BY RACHEL SHAW LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST FOR me the past year was punctuated by sightings of wildlife near to my home: a hedgehog in the garden that alerted me to its presence when the security light went on; watching fieldfares feast on hawthorn berries; not just hearing but seeing a cuckoo (pictured). I have always loved being outdoors and in nature but in 2020 it took on a deeper significance. I know I am not alone in finding solace in nature during these difficult times. And the importance of spending time in the natural world, rather than cut off from it, is increasingly being understood. Simply being in green natural space improves our physical and mental wellbeing. But just when we are discovering this, our wildlife continues to disappear at an alarming rate. Nature is suffering serious declines with 26% of UK animals in danger of disappearing altogether including cuckoos and hedgehogs. It is not only individual species that are threatened; we are facing the collapse in the abundance of nature. The ongoing demise of the natural world goes beyond our feelings of enjoyment at experiencing it. The free services that nature provides us are under huge pressure. Pollinators continue to decline and soils continue to be degraded. Nature needs help and we cannot afford to waste any more time. Nationally, The Wildlife Trusts have launched an appeal to raise £30m to put nature into recovery across at least 30% of land and
sea by 2030. It’s hugely ambitious but the next 10 years must be a time of green recovery. We all need nature more than ever and when we succeed in reaching 30 by 30 we’ll have wilder landscapes that store carbon and helps to protect homes from flooding. And we’ll have nature nearby to where we all live. Everyone can support and help us to succeed. To find out more please visit: www.lincstrust.org.uk/30-30
Help birds get their winter water WE often think about feeding the birds in winter, but the RSPB is reminding the public that access to water is just as important to our feathered friends. Birds need water for drinking and bathing and it is particularly important during the winter when natural supplies may be frozen or in dry, hot weather when water can be hard to find. Birds have no sweat glands, so they need less water than mammal, but they do lose hydration through respiration and in their droppings. Most small birds need to drink at least twice a day to replace the lost water. They get the liquid they need from their food and by drinking with many insectivorous birds getting most of their water from food, while seed-eating birds have a dry diet and they do need to drink more. Small birds get their water at the shallow edges of ponds and 22
Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
streams or droplets that form on leaves, especially if they live in woodland. Aerial species such as swallows and swifts impressively swoop down onto a water body and scoop up a beakful of water while still in flight. Most birds drink by dipping their bill in water and throwing their head back to swallow. Pigeons and doves are able to immerse their beaks and can drink continuously. Water for bathing is just as important in winter as they need to keep their feathers in good condition. Dampening the feathers loosens the dirt and makes their feathers easier to preen. When preening, birds carefully rearrange the feathers and spread oil from the preen gland so they remain waterproof and trap an insulating layer of air underneath to keep them warm. Installing a birdbath should attract different local species to the garden, but it should be cleaned regularly and the water changed. Visit www.rspb.org.uk
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News from the Veterinary Hospital
Bunny buddies need extra help in cold weather BY LAURA FRITH VETERINARY NURSE THE VETERINARY HOSPITAL RABBITS are the third most popular pet in the UK and as the cold weather continues it is important not to forget our small, furry friends outside. Although they are equipped to live outside, they need a little extra help and attention to make sure they are healthy, happy and comfortable during winter. It may be cold outside, and some days you don’t want to venture out, but please don’t forget your rabbits. Check water bowls/bottles twice a day to make sure they are not frozen. Make sure there is plenty of extra bedding to snuggle into, so don’t scrimp on the hay and straw. Ensure bedding is clean and dry, as wet and soiled bedding is cold and can freeze. There is no need to make any adjustments to their diet during winter, continue to feed them their regular diet. Consider the position of their enclosure. Make sure they are sheltered and not facing the wind and driving rain. Raising hutches off the ground helps to reduce damp and water getting in. It may be worth covering the front of the enclosure at night to help keep them warmer and drier, but if you do this ensure there is plenty of ventilation and remember to uncover them
during the day. You could consider bringing your rabbit inside during the winter, or moving them into a well ventilated shed. If you do choose to bring your rabbit inside during winter, be aware they don’t overheat with the central heating. Rabbits tolerate the cold better than the heat. Make sure your rabbit doesn’t live alone. Rabbits should always be kept in pairs (or more), but this is especially important during the colder months as it means they have a buddy to snuggle up to and share body heat. Pictured are Laura’s bunny besties Sammy and Rosie. The Veterinary Hospital, 175 Newport, Lincoln LN1 3DZ, 51 Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 7EN, 32 Lincoln Road Skellingthorpe LN6 5UU T 01522 800333, www.vhvets.co.uk, vhvets@tiscali.co.uk. February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Food News
MATES set up Martin larder service A NEW Lincoln Community Larder food bank service has been set up to help those in Martin and surrounding villages who are in need of food and supplies. The new service means people unable to get into Lincoln can collect food parcels from a central point in the village instead. It was launched by the award-winning ‘Martin and Timberland Emergency Support’ group (MATES), which was started in March 2020, as soon as the first Covid-19 lockdown hit the UK. A group of local people rallied round to provide a lifeline of support for elderly and vulnerable people unable to leave their homes and access support from friends and family. The group received the North Kesteven District Council Community Champion 2020 award in the category Coronavirus Response Group for their work. Lindsay Fulton, one of the co-ordinators explained that there is a rising demand for food in the local area. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been more people in need of support. Having children at home incurs extra costs and many people are living on reduced incomes. And it’s difficult for people to
travel into Lincoln to the central food banks if they are self-isolating or have no access to transport. “People are now able to ring our volunteer referrers who will then arrange collection of an emergency three-day food parcel from Lincoln. This will be brought to a local site on a Tuesday afternoon, so people do not have to make the trip to Lincoln themselves.” The referrers are Nicky Wilkes 07557853952, Clare Pearson 07816127681 (please text ‘larder’ to get a call back) and Brenda Crouch 01526 378634. Community Larder Chairman Alan Wilson added: “We very much welcome this addition to our charitable organisation. Our policy has always been to give immediate help to those in need and the establishment of a local distribution site in Martin, particularly during this unprecedented time, will enable more people in rural communities to access our services.” The Larder is an independent registered charity, run entirely by volunteers, and has been helping local people in crisis for over 30 years. To find out more about Lincoln Community Larder or to make a food or
financial donation, visit: www.lincolnlarder.co.uk/. Opening times Rosemary Lane - YMCA Annexe, Rosemary Lane, LN2 5AR, Tuesdays and Fridays from 1.30pm to 3pm. St Giles Methodist Church - Addison Drive, LN2 4LQ, Wednesday 10:30am to 11:30 am and Friday 10am to 11am. St John the Baptist Parish Church Hall Laughton Way, LN2 2ES, Wednesday 9.30am to 10.30am. St Mary’s Church - Lincoln Road, Welton. LN2 3HZ, Thursday 1.30pm to 3pm. Martin - Martin Village Hall LN4 3QT, Tuesday 3pm to 4pm, local delivery by arrangement.
Co-op customers donate over 1 tonne of food AROUND 1,350kg of donations, the equivalent of around 3,213 meals, were distributed across 40 community larders and food banks in December thanks to the generosity of local people. Lincolnshire Co-op shoppers and colleagues collected essential items and also donated £16,675 of their dividend and cash throughout December 2020 in order to support those in need. As featured in the Independent The Society reversed the traditional advent calendar format and instead, suggested one item each day that shoppers could drop in collection bins in their local outlets. These items ranged from tinned goods to toiletries and cleaning products. Food banks typically experience an increased in demand over the festive season, but this year the need for community support was unprecedented. Jenni Harding, Food Bank Fundraising Coordinator said the food bank saw its highest ever demand in 2020, but also experienced the most donations they’ve ever received over the festive period. She said: “Donations are vital to us – if the local community didn’t support us, we wouldn’t be able to do our job and help others. Donations continued to arrive at food 24
Bailgate Independent | February/March 2021
banks throughout January as those participating from home, work, or school were encouraged to collect their donations over the month and take them to food banks, community larders, or dropoff points at the end of the advent calendar campaign. Sam Turner, Community Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who donated to our Food Bank Advent Calendar campaign. “Thanks to the generosity of our shoppers, members, and colleagues, we’ve been able to support the important work of local food banks in our area and help feed families at Christmas and beyond.”
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Food News
Food fellowship goes countywide PROF NIGEL CURRY CO-CHAIR LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD PARTNERSHIP AT the beginning of 2021 the Lincolnshire Food Partnership has been adjusting to a step-change in activity. During 2020 it changed its jurisdiction from the city of Lincoln to the county of Lincolnshire. But what is the Food Partnership, and why this change? We are a community partnership bringing together everyone interested in achieving fairer, healthier and greener food for all, through sustainable local action. We are one of around sixty food partnerships in England working with our national organisation, Sustainable Food Places. Our Board has public sector representatives (Districts, County Council), the private sector (Food Awards Company, Lincolnshire Cooperative), the education sector (Washingborough Academy, University of Lincoln), religious groups (Lincoln Mosque, County Agricultural Chaplain), community food groups (Lincoln Foodbank, Lincoln Community Larder) and Lincoln City Football Club. Moving to the county scale allows closer alignment with the county council, working with the Health and Well-being Board and with Covid Food Grants. This has facilitated links with over 40 food banks and larders in the county,
which can be found on the interactive map on our web site. The county scale also works well in our dealings with the Lincolnshire Cooperative and the Local Enterprise Partnership where much of the new national agriculture policy will play out for Lincolnshire. It also allows us better to co-ordinate our 30 County partners, from all parts of the food chain. Through these, we can share good practice, for the City as well as the County. Beyond our established food poverty work, our first priority in 2021 is to tackle food waste. For edible waste we are improving food collection and re-use, and for ‘off the plate’ waste, we will explore drying and energy technologies. Our second priority is to harness the considerable interest in community food growing. We already have 16 groups working under the title of Incredible Edible in Lincolnshire (see also below). As this collective increases, we will provide not only growing advice, but also support for physical and mental health programmes. There is much evidence that growing food in the outdoors is Co-chairs Caroline Kenyon good for both the body and the and Nigel Curry. mind.
Workshops are a fertile outlet for growers of all ages INCREDIBLE Edible in Lincolnshire is a series of free online events for anyone involved in growing food around the county. Organised by the Lincolnshire Food Partnership the talks and discussions aim to inspire and connect people with local growing projects. Coming up in the series is Growing in Schools Monday, February 15, at 10am when Washingborough Academy's Emma Keyworth will give viewers a guided tour of the inspiring and pioneering growing work at school. Fran from TastEd will also be talking about some exciting opportunities for county schools which could help tackle childhood obesity by educatng children about food. Connecting with the Council on public growing projects on Monday, March 1, 10am will feature Matthew Davey, Environment and Community Projects Officer at Lincolnshire
County Council, and Kate Bell, Climate Change manager at Lincoln City Council on their approach to working with community groups. The series has already heard about Gardening for Wildlife from Mark Schofield of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Community Growing in Lincoln. This looked at the various growing projects in the city with participants sharing what they are up to and how people can get involved at Liquorice Park, the University Herb Garden, St Andrew’s Garden, Sincil Bank Community Allotment, Hillside and Ellie’s Garden. There are notes on both these workshops at the website address
lincolnfoodpartnership.org/ incredible-edible-in-lincolnshire/ This is also where anyone interested can book to join future workshops. February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Growing News
Flat Cap Diaries - on the allotment with Liz Lucas I HAVE an allotment! I applied very late in the year, thinking that I would be placed on an interminable list and that it would take until I was in my dotage before I was awarded one. Many allotments were taken during the first lockdown in March 2020, everyone dreaming, like me of sunny days, rows of huge, healthy vegetables and striding around the plot in dungarees hoping to look like Felicity Kendal. I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a choice of around eight plots on my chosen site. Some were dumping grounds and full of bramble and bind weed, so obviously had remained unused for some time. Others had been taken and then abandoned, often with projects half started; one with a row of beautiful little fruit trees right down the centre, still with their labels attached.
The one I chose was in between several very well tended and organised plots. It had a sprinkling of invasive weeds but was mostly grass and looked ready to be taken on. By me. After getting a key to the site we began marking out the beds and covering the grass with cardboard, hoping that will make the digging easier in the spring. I bought a small second hand shed and got given two water butts, a load of pallets and a little push mower. People are so generous. I borrowed a strimmer and took the long grass down. Having been empty for a while the plot is rather uneven, underfoot; worrying, as I am so very prone to turning an ankle. To combat this I emptied all the old soil from summer bedding pots and tomato bags and started to sprinkle it on the grass paths, partly filling the dips. I am hoping that the grass will grow through and I can continue to fill in the low points until the ground is more even and the grass less clumpy. This new diary will be an account of my successes and failures along the way. I have little doubt that the failures will be greater to begin with but I cannot wait to get started.
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Contact Liz via editorial@bailgateindependent.co.uk
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Art and Culture
Taking Fuzzy Felt to new heights TWO creatively idiosyncratic exhibitions will bring some colour to the Decimal Place gallery over the next couple of months. The first in February will see work by Lucy Morrow, who was looking for projects to to amuse her during Lockdown and came up with the idea of digging out an old fuzzy felt set to create some amazing new pictures with it. Lucy loves to explore the world of Lucy is open to more ideas and it’s extraordinary alternative art and possible new ones will be premiered music in her spare time playing bass as the show goes on - Check out with Nottingham band The her Instagram page Madeline Rust. @capturedbythefuzz. “And now art! She’s done seashell In March Lincoln-based artist Fran art, psychedelic projections using Land will take over the gallery inks, bizarre sculptures using toys Fran uses felt-tips and markers to and found items. And now this create bold, stylish, designs. ingenious idea to see what can be “He is prolific and his previous done with the usually rather show at Decimal Place saw the ordinary world of fuzzy felt pictures, window filled with his colourful pushing the capabilities of it to new creations, plus books brimming with heights,” said DP’s Peter Rollings. them,” said Peter. Lucy put out a call on social media “He’s a big music fan, especially of to friends for ideas of what to depict punk, ska and new-wave and with fuzzy and suggestions came musical motifs often show up in his flooding in - this exhibition is the art.” result, Fran’s works are for sale Lucy’s Fuzzy Felt masterpieces email pkrollings@yahoo.co.uk . include scenes from classic films Decimal Place Gallery 10 Burton such as The Shining, Aliens & ET Road Lincoln LN1 3LB and her interpretations of famous Open most days about 11am to artworks such as Edvard Munch’s 2pm. During Lockdown there will The Scream (pictured). be window display of artwork.
Weird Wood captures atmopshere of aboreal adventures A NEW booklet telling the extraordinary story of ‘Weird Wood – Weird Garden’s Arboreal Adventures’ is now available written and illustrated by Peter K Rollings of Experimental Sonic Machines. Weird Wood is a woodland sound art event (with permission of the woodland owner) where sound artists are signalled by radio-controlled lights. It’s an offshoot of Tape Noise’s Weird Garden sound art events organised from Lincoln’s Decimal Place gallery. “Weird Wood has been a fascinating project to be involved in and the booklet brings across the atmosphere of the sonic woodland of that remote part of Lincolnshire well,” said Peter. Weird Wood started in 2018 with eight events so far. The 44 page A5 booklet covers them in detail with descriptions, over 60 drawings plus photos and maps.
“Artists who have played at Weird Wood have also played at Weird Garden. They’re relatively unknown at the moment but are developing their sounds and are ambitious about future recordings and performances. We’ve had performances by Aural Innertube, Belle & The Woodland Sounds, Bias Equaliser, Crackling Mountain, Craig Manga, Dregs of Zen, Experimental Sonic Machines, Grey Frequency, Hzarete, Kevin’s Lincolnshire Junk Gamelan, Tape Noise and others.” Weird Wood is available from Decimal Place 10 Burton Rd Lincoln LN1 3LB, open most days about 11am to 2pm (Covid-19 permitting)or email pkrollings@yahoo.co.uk. Price: £5, £6 by post. Website: www.tapenoise.co.uk Facebook group: Weird Garden February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Art and Culture
Music service hits the right digital note LINCOLNSHIRE Music Service has been named Youth Organisation of 2020 by the Classical Music Digital Awards in recognition of its achievements in online music teaching and video collaborations during the pandemic. The awards were established by music entrepreneur David Taylor to recognise innovation, resilience and creativity shown by musicians, ensembles, orchestras, and projects during 2020, when live performance was not possible. Lincolnshire Music Service moved their delivery of music teaching online at the start of the pandemic to reach out to around 800 young people weekly through fully subsidised instrumental/vocal lessons. This has supported the well-being of many young people during Coronavirus crisis, Music service students could not get together physically to rehearse, but they took part in numerous online music collaborations all shared on YouTube. These included: a tribute to the NHS with We’re Still standing! from the Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra; Horncastle MAT Jazz Band
performed Adele’s Rolling in the Deep, and Lincolnshire Youth Virtual Ensemble Orchestra entertained with Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. An ambitious virtual concert was released in December of Skyrim performed by county group members with the Manchester Video Gaming Orchestra. Jennifer McKie, senior music adviser said: “It’s such a fantastic boost for Lincolnshire Music Service to have received this award. This has been a very difficult year, and our team went over and beyond the call of duty teaching during the day as well as evening and weekends, to ensure that young people could access their music lessons. “Our students also put in huge efforts to continue their music learning, and fully embraced taking part in numerous online collaborations. I’m delighted that we were able to offer many students the opportunity to perform with prestigious orchestras such as the Manchester Video Gaming Orchestra and Chineke! Orchestra.”
Museum’s funding boost for online learning LINCOLN’S Collection Museum has scooped £35,000 from the Respond and Reimagine Art Fund grant to help develop more online learning resources. Specifically to help museums and heritage attractions during lockdown, the funding from Art Fund is in place to help cultural organisations respond to immediate challenges connected to the Covid-19 crisis and offers support to adapt and reimagine ways of working for the future. Anita Fox, learning manager at Lincolnshire County Council, says: "This is brilliant news. We have so many plans for the future. It will allow us to design new and innovative digital assets, which we know will showcase our collections and exhibitions from heritage sites including the Collection, Lincoln Castle and the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, in a way our audiences will really love. "We will be able to create an interactive 28
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Virtual Reality world where we can really bring to life our gallery and create 3d scans of Roman and Viking artefacts, making it even more exciting and interesting. It will include hidden stories, unusual finds and glimpses behind the scenes into those hard to reach areas! "We are also planning digital learning toolkits which will explore the art and history of our sites – from prehistory to the twentieth century with films, podcasts, image galleries and live streamed sessions. These have been really popular during lockdown so far, so it is brilliant to know we now can create more for the future." For more information on the Collection Museum or to find out about the live streamed sessions, please visit http://www.thecollectionmuseum.co m or follow The Collection Lincoln & Usher Gallery on Facebook.
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Art and Culture
Dragon helps Mel spread more joy through her art ARTIST Mel Langton (right) has received a business boost from retail entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den regular Theo Paphitis. Mel of Lincoln-based Mel Langton Art tweeted Theo about her business during his Small Business Sunday scheme and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers. The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 2,500 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK. Self-confessed shopkeeper Theo’s re tweet has resulted in Mel receiving an influx of new followers and extra orders for her colourful original artwork. She is also profiled on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.com) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners. “I first heard about Theo’s Small Business Sunday through the award winning British Craft House, which is one of the online shops that I sell my work through,” explained Mel. “Theo encourages small businesses to tweet him every Sunday evening between 5pm and 7:30pm, using the hashtag #SBS, to tell him about their business and what makes it so special. After a number of weeks of unsuccessful attempts to catch his eye I at last became a winner with the following tweet and image (below). ‘Hi @TheoPaphitis After a hard week I received this customer feedback - You have the power to bring such joy. So in the simplest words this sums up exactly why I am so passionate about my business and the artwork I create. I would love to win #SBS to spread that joy further.” Mel added the boost was very welcome especially during the pandemic: To have support from Theo to help raise my profile and spread the word about my artwork to his following is something I’d never dreamed of. Having Theo recognise my hard work in growing my business is something I’m really proud of.” Small business champion and chairman of Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue Theo said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK. My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Mel every success.” To take part tweet Theo on a Sunday between 5-7.30pm with the hashtag #SBS. Six businesses are re tweeted every Monday at 8pm and then invited to enter their profile on the new website and attend the annual #SBS networking event.
www.mellangton.com mellangtonart@gmail.com February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Art and Culture MEET THE ARTIST
In Her Own Words... Rachel London
Rachel follows her dream back to Lincoln MY love for photography is incredibly deep-rooted and spans back to my early teens, when I’d buy Vogue magazine and pore over the drama and colours of couture fashion photography. I built a dark room in my parents’ house at 17, which hosted a balance of midweek A-Level coursework production and weekend hobbyist experimenting. I applied for a Photography degree, but took a spontaneous and wholly obtuse direction instead, moving to London to pursue a career as a BBC journalist in radio, as well as working in BBC TV Production as a runner. Those six London years shaped me more than any Photography degree ever could have and working on shows like Jeremy Vine’s Radio 2 shows, Later… With Jools Holland, BBC Radio London, Radio 1’s Sunday Surgery, Strictly Come Dancing as well as countless other TV shows, exposed me to my most vivid and surreal years.
They taught me what hard work felt like and developed the most relentless work ethos in me, which would prove to be invaluable for my years ahead. Throughout that time, I photographed everything and blogged it more to serve as a diary for me. The blog narrated my every day and soon I was being asked to review and photograph bars, restaurants, gallery openings and events. Unexpectedly, the blog really took off and afforded me a free and very busy social life in London for six years, with a plus one. I photographed parts or chapters of London, which were rarely experienced by the everyman, such as the rafters of St. Pauls, the 30
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construction of the Olympic Stadium, the first open day of The Shard and the kitchen of Marcus Wareing and his team as they prepared for service. I knew that such privileges called for original, imaginative photography.
In 2015, my blog was developed into a magazine which I wrote and photographed entirely myself and which told of a life lived in East London, as that’s where my coverage had largely gravitated to, due to living in Hackney. However, in 2016 I made the decision to move back to Lincoln to be closer to friends and family, giving everything in London up which I’d forged and established. Starting anew at the age of 30 was actually really liberating, so it was then I decided to focus purely on my biggest love by setting up Rachel London Photography. The name is a nod to the years of my life, which most influenced who I am and how I work and the business took off quicker than I’d planned or expected. During 2020, I was featured in Rock My Wedding, Tatler Magazine and Vogue magazine as recommended wedding photographers of their choice - the latter of which was a literal dream come true and took me back to where it had all started. See more of Rachel’s work at www.rachellondonphotography.co.uk
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Not Just A Job
James Pinchbeck Marketing Partner Streets Chartered Accountants
IF James Pinchbeck is not a familiar face…where have you been hiding? In his role for Streets Chartered Accountants he has been instrumental in making Lincoln’s business sector a community that finds strength in working together as well as friendly competition. That community warmly welcomed James’ award as the IOD’s Non-Executive Director of Year for the Midlands in 2020 as he also lends his skills and enthusiasm to other projects and organisations including being Chair of Lincoln College.
City’s great collaborator What is the most rewarding aspect of your role? Seeing a new idea come to fruition and creating something that provides commercial return for the organisation and creates real value for clients. I enjoy the chance to embrace and bring new ideas to the business and use my problem solving skills to impact the delivery of our marketing and the way we look after our clients - now and in the future. I am fortunate to be able take on external roles, which are integrally linked to my day job. Such roles are on a voluntary basis and allow Streets to give wider support to the community, but also for me to collaborate, share experiences and learn from others. This makes a positive difference not just to me but also the organisations involved. How has it been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic? Pre pandemic and pre lockdown much of my role involved meeting people in person. I travelled to our firm’s offices and to meetings with businesses we work with nationally and internationally. This activity has - to say the least - been curtailed. Physical meetings have been replaced by virtual ones. Initially these felt awkward and the technology perhaps a little challenging, but I seem to have mastered them, finding the mute off button and a suitable backdrop. In fact I quite like them. I have seem to managed to meet more people than ever, even enjoying a number of international meetings and conferences. Personally, I think it has allowed many of us to be more supportive and responsive to challenges we have faced. If anything, enhancing productivity. The sharing of information to support our clients and to promote our expertise is very much at the heart of my work. Over the last year (almost) much of this work has gone more online and is digital. It has been good to embrace and accelerate the use of such technology. This has included the launch of our business podcast, the Streets Sessions, as well as virtual events. Lessons learned? The last year has revealed some truly inspiring people not just in business but in all walks of life, from the frontline staff and keyworkers. People have risen to the challenge of dealing with the situation selflessly. For me it has shown how resilient and supportive people are of one another. Like many people though I have learned the lesson of having a balance in one’s life and what is important. Leadership has been something also very much to the fore for me, as adversity has highlighted key strengths with the people I work with both in the day job but also my other roles including as Chair of Lincoln College.
Compassion, support, understanding and direction I feel have been key to working through the last year.
Challenges facing the Streets? Like many of our clients we face challenges both as we work through the current situation and when we return to some sense of normality. Understanding what the ‘new normal’ is and how it will shape our business, the way we work, how we work, what we do, even where we work is going to be a real challenge. This is along with being able to support the changing needs of our clients, both impacted by the pandemic, but also looking to realise the opportunities available. The impact of the pandemic on our lives and society is possibly going to be as significant in terms of change in attitudes and values as possibly the end of either of the World Wars. What external factor would most help your organisation? For most of, in not all of our clients, would be sense that people feel they can return to normal and feeling safe from a health perspective. This will open up businesses and help address a sense of isolation and our very real human need to have contact with each other. This along with economic support to rebuild our economy is key for future prosperity. How do you deal with negativity? An interesting question, not one I have thought about previously. Initially I suppose I tend to dwell on it, then work out how I manage it positively. It might be interesting to ask someone who knows me well as I imagine they might have a different opinion. What do you see as your/Street’s role in helping drive Lincoln forward? Lincoln is certainly enjoying a renaissance despite the pandemic. I see the role for Streets and myself as not just promoting the city as a great place to live and work, but also collaborating with others to further its true potential, a vibrant, safe and sustainable place for all. We need to ensure that we collectively create an environment in which enterprise can thrive, but that outside of our day jobs we can enjoy the pastimes and leisure activity that bring personal enrichment and a healthy way of life. February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Faces and Places
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Countess joins conference to thank healthcare workers SOPHIE Countess of Wessex told county nurses that she had received an early birthday present when her father received his Covid-19 vaccination. The Countess joined the start of the online Lincolnshire General Practice Nurse Conference in January and thanked all healthcare staff in the county for their efforts during the pandemic. Her presence was a surprise to the nurses and healthcare assistants logging on and conference host Dr Helen Garr wished her Happy Birthday. The Countess replied that her 89-year-old father had received the Covid vaccine the day before and it was a wonderful birthday present. “It’s a huge weight off my mind and he was full of praise for the way it had been handled and how quick and easy the whole process was. “I know that that wouldn’t be happening without the care and attention of the nurses out in general surgeries.� The Countess then asked some of the attendees how they were coping with the pandemic. The feedback from the healthcare workers online for the Countess’ appearance has been fantastic according to Lisa Freeman, Director of Nursing, Lincolnshire Training Hub: “To have such a high profile visitor attend our conference and recognise all of the hard work which goes on with nursing teams in Lincolnshire General Practice has provided a much needed boost to our workforce. We have all headed into the
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practices today with a spring in our step.� Susan McElnea, Hub Director added: “We are conscious that our resilient nursing teams are working extremely hard in General Practice and at the Covid Vaccine sites and are delighted that they received such high praise.� Dr Runa Saha GP and Hub Medical Director spoke about its work: “We are committed to supporting the recruitment, training and development needs for General Practice in Lincolnshire. Our workforce is passionate about meeting the needs of the Lincolnshire patients. “We are proud to be supporting the growth of the workforce through placements in Primary Care for students from the University of Lincoln and other institutions, creating a new generation of healthcare staff.� The conference continued with professional development sessions, the launch of the ShinyMind wellbeing app, now accessible to all general practice staff across Lincolnshire and finished with the General Practice Nurse and Health Care Assistant Awards. Practitioners across the county were rewarded for their contributions in the following categories: Nurse of the Year Celia Hughes; HCA/NA of the Year - Peter Malleppah; Nursing Team of the Year - Church Walk; Student Placement of the Year – Abbey Medical Group; The Extra Mile Award – Sue Smith; Oustanding Contribution to General Practice Adele Parsons.
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Faces and Places
Chiselwood’s double honour
Cathedral suspends public worship
CHISELWOOD has made an impressive start to the year by earning two major accolades in January, Design Director Matin Holliday (right) has been chosen as one of seven judges for the prestigious American KDC Awards. It has also won the Architecture Awards’ Kitchen and Bathroom Award,Yorkshire run by Build magazine. “We are excited to receive this award, especially as we were nominated. It is such a pat on the back for all of our team. They are working so hard in these very trying times and this has really lifted their spirits,” said Martin. Sub-Zero and Wolf have been running the world’s biggest kitchen design awards for over 25 years with 23 contests, 14,000 designs and 800 design professionals. Chiselwood employs a team of designers and cabinetmakers at its Saxilby base with with Martin at its head. He founded the award-winning company in 1989 with his wife, Mel, who added: “These two announcements have reminded us, that all our efforts over the last 12 months have been acknowledged by two amazing supporters of our industry. It has been really hard work and our team has shown such resilience and support to each other. “I am sure this will make a difference to our spirits as we move forward into 2021.” Martin has won many UK accolades over his 31 years in design, culminating with a win as the only UK and European award from SubZero, Wolf, and Cove’s Kitchen Design.
LINCOLN Cathedral has suspended worship attended by the public until further notice due to the increasing local and national prevalence of COVID-19. Precentor, the Rev Canon Nick Brown said it had been a painful decision to make. “It is a decision I own, and one I support – but in many ways one that goes against almost everything I would instinctually want to do. The experience of being locked out of church in the first lockdown was, I know, intensely painful for many – and the inability of parish priests to pray in the church of the parish for its people was a pain that was difficult for many. Things that seemed certain were revealed to be fragile.” He added he hoped worshippers would find some comfort and a sense of normality though services online. These are available on the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln.Cat hedral - and the building will remain open daily between 10am and 1pm (11.30am1pm on Sundays) for individual private prayer. For the duration of the lockdown services broadcast online will include: - Eucharist on Sunday mornings at 10am - Morning Prayer - 8am Monday to Friday, 9am Saturdays - Evensong Tuesdays and Fridays at 5.30pm - Evening Prayer - 5.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4.30pm Saturdays, and 3.45pm Sundays. The cathedral has an online prayer wall https://lincolncathedral.com/prayers/.
www.chiselwood.co.uk
New chair of mental health Trust THE county’s leading provider of mental health and learning disabilities services, welcomes the appointment of its new Chair, Kevin Lockyer (left). The Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s current Chair, Paul Devlin, will be stepping down on April 30. Paul has led the Trust through many successes during his six years in post, including the Trust’s latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, in which it received an overall rating of Good and Outstanding. Acting Chief Executive Sarah Connery, said: “Kevin’s appointment is great news for the Trust. He brings a wealth of experience and acumen to the role and has had a varied and successful career, coming from a background in the criminal justice system and with experience in housing. Kevin is an experienced director in the public and voluntary sectors, and has been a non-executive director at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust since 2015. Deputy Lead Governor, Giles Crust, added: "Kevin's experience meant that the Trust's Council of Governors were able to approve his appointment with complete confidence. He has a good mix of experience and a clear commitment to the NHS and the Trust’s values and mission.” Kevin said he was delighted with his new appointment:” I look forward to working with staff, partner organisations and local communities to build on the Trust’s successes and to continue to enable people to maintain their independence. I welcome this opportunity to ensure the Trust’s ambitious plans for improving patient services become a reality.” February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Business News from the Experts
We have to adapt to change TRISTRAN RUSSELL, DIRECTOR, DEXTER AND SHARPE (LINCOLN) LTD AS I Iook out on to the mist and gloom of a January morning it does not seem that long since the last year when I was doing exactly the same thing - preparing yet another tax return. By the time you read this the accountant and tax advisor’s busiest period will be over all bar the shouting. When I started in my career 22 years ago mountains of printed tax returns in the final weeks of January were hand delivered daily to the tax office in Louth. The appointed person would load boxes of signed returns into their car and trundle off to the tax office to ensure safe delivery of the precious document. If it was foggy or snowy it was exciting. How times have changed in those 22 years. Now at the push of a button the document once so precious is now electronically submitted to HM Revenue and Customs. A few moments later a bland electronic message comes back saying “Your submission has been successful”. Has the excitement gone from delivering the humble tax return? It is certainly now a lot safer and the only problem is if the server or broadband packs up. One January I found myself borrowing a Land Rover Mk2 with driver to go to Sutton on Sea to get four tax returns signed. The snow was falling heavily when I set off. Having reached the coast where there was very little snow, we set off back to Horncastle to get the tax returns into the post. Little did I or my driver know of the carnage that would be ahead of us near the village of Hagworthingham.
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Lorries had jack-knifed on the hills into and out of that village. Fortunately, we got through but got stopped at Scrafield. If my driver had not seen a tractor forging a path on the back roads we would not have got back to Horncastle in time for the post van. The postie always gets through! Pressing ‘send’ is not nearly as exciting, but it’s definitely progress. This last year we have experienced a great deal of change in a short space of time. From working in a fully staffed office to working remotely without the benefit of just popping to see a colleague to discuss client predicaments. We have had to adopt, adapt and improve our and our clients’ businesses to the changing situation that Covid 19 brought us. My father always said: “There’s nowt as constant as change”. He was right but not all change is good. I look forward to the challenges of 2021, but hope that there are not quite so many this year. Dexter and Sharpe (Lincoln) Limited 01522 533588. https://www.dextersharpe.co.uk.
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Business News from the Experts
Towns Fund – a positive development BY JAMES BUTCHER, DIRECTOR, BANKS LONG AND CO. IN early 2020 Lincoln was one of 101 cities and towns selected by the government to work towards a Town Deal, which will provide funding over the next five years for long-term economic growth. There are four other county towns also selected to bid for a pot of around £3.6 billion of funding known as the Towns Fund Skegness, Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Boston. Newark was also selected in what is described as a 1st Cohort town, so received notification towards the end of last year that they have been successful in their bid and have been awarded around £25m. A response to these other applications is expected imminently. In response to this invitation last year, a Lincoln Town Deal Board, comprising members from across a number of different city organisations - both private and public sector - was set up to produce a Town Investment Plan, to provide a vision and 5 year project programme to support the growth and development of the city. Working closely with a range of stakeholders and members of the public through a Citizen’s Panel, the plan for sustained growth highlights the importance of: Digitalisation; Skills to support inclusive growth; Sustainable transport; Urban regeneration. A total of 15 projects under these headline areas were selected in the formal request for just under £25m and included:
Creation of a Health and Well Being Hub as part of Lincoln College; Development of the UK’s first Hospitality and Tourism College in the City; Improvements to the public realm around Wigford Way and St Marys Street; Refurbishment of The Drill Hall and the development of a new workspace/area of city living on Tentercroft Street. There was initially scepticism in some quarters that the Town Deal was politically driven to generate votes in areas of the country that have historically been seen as strong Labour seats, as its announcement was made as part of the Governments election manifesto under their ‘levelling up agenda’. Irrespective of this, we can’t ignore the impact that the Covid pandemic has had on many of our city and town centres. This has come on top of what in many cases was an environment already struggling to cope with many challenges, in particular the massive growth in internet shopping. Therefore, in my view, if the Towns Fund acts as a catalyst for bringing forward inward investment in partnership with the private sector, then this can only be a positive thing for our towns and cities. Banks Long & Co, 26 Westgate, Lincoln, LN1 3BD. T. 01522 544515, bankslong.com
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February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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THE BOTTOM LINE How to plan ahead in a pandemic
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T: 01522 551200 streetsweb.co.uk
HOW much the Coronavirus has cost the British economy will be making headlines for some time to come. But not all the news has been bad and the team at Streets Chartered Accountants believes there are steps business owners can take to weather the Covid-19 storm. Some of Streets’ specialists outline their thoughts on the future below. 2020 was a challenging and uncertain year throughout in which we have supported our clients and continue to provide proactive advice and assistance in all aspects of their tax and accountancy affairs. With tax changes and rises highly likely in 2021 as the Chancellor looks to balance the books it will be important to ensure consideration is given to plans ahead of any potential changes as well as when they come into effect. My advice is to work with your accountant and discuss any problems or concerns as they arise. We have a network of professionals who can help steer you through the muddy waters. Erica Manderfield Tax Partner, Private Client Covid 19 has no doubt had an impact on the flow of food between farms and the consumers. We have been discussing diversity and collaborations with our agricultural clients. The end of 2020 saw the passing of Agriculture Act 2020, this act sets out the future for farming, government support and intervention following our withdrawal from the EU. It presents opportunities and challenges for the sector on a level not seen since the introduction 16 years ago of single farm payment and then the basic payment scheme . The implications and considerations for farmers will be wide ranging, so now is the time to talk to your Streets advisor about the future and how we can help. Linda Lord, Partner specialising in Agriculture Whilst 2020 has been a challenge for many businesses, the number of small business start-ups has grown exponentially. Whilst having to stay at home, some individuals have grasped the opportunity to set up a small business. Our advice would be to contact an accountant at the earliest opportunity, whilst an accountant’s reputation may sometimes be that of the Grinch, we can also help you to reduce your tax liabilities and avoid incurring any penalties. Good Luck to each and every small business out there, from seeds they grow. Katie De Niese, Tax Manager 36
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2021 is likely to remain a challenge as I sense Banks and HMRC were holding back on any recovery action in 2020. Banks are now starting to strengthen their restrictions on further lending and HMRC are outsourcing uncollected tax to third party recovery agents. The case for further lending should be presented to banks well in advance as credit teams are likely to be slow in processing. Pay close attention to the general direction of travel in your industry and stay on top of your management accounts & KPIs. This should enable you to spot bumps in the road at an early stage (e.g. Increased Debtor Days, slower stock turn, poorer recovery rates). Robin Lee, Partner specialising in owner managed and scale-up businesses 2020 undoubtedly brought the digital future forward, with an accelerated demand for the likes of cloud based technology, video calls and education. Whilst 2021 will therefore bring many opportunities for tech companies, those companies will also need to be mindful of the ongoing impacts of Covid 19 and the potential risks. Perhaps most importantly this will involve a review of business strategy across areas like pricing, supply chain, customer engagement and cash flow management. Chris Hubbard, Partner specialist in Technology and Digital Sector How the chancellor seeks to recuperate COVID costs will be an interesting development; struggling UK businesses may not be an obvious source of additional corporation tax. With the economy facing one of its biggest challenges in recent times, cash flow management will be essential for a number of businesses who may face difficulties in settling their tax liabilities (for instance Corporation tax). It is even more important to ensure that UK businesses are making use of the reliefs that are available in order to minimise its tax liabilities. Our advice is to speak to your accountant who can liaise with HMRC on your behalf to organise a payment plan or consider whether you qualify for any of the lucrative reliefs that may be able to the company. Mustafa Rafik, Corporate Tax Partner
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Snapshots From the Past Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School archivist Peter Harrod continues to delve into its pictorial past.
Gem of city’s ‘Terracotta Revival’ THIS is a fascinating early photo of the Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School (LHS). It was sent to me by Jane Burgess, a former pupil of the school, and is a facsimile of a postcard of the school, mounted on a computer mouse mat. Thus, it bridges the gap between the late years of the 19th century and modern technology. I have written before about the early history of the school, but this picture of the elegant building gives me the opportunity to celebrate the work of the Lincoln architect William Watkins and his son Willie. In compiling this article, I am indebted to the excellent Lincolnshire College of Art and design publication, The Victorian Façade (1990), and to a lecture by the Lincoln architect Peter Manton in 2013 on the same subject. Peter has been associated with Lincoln School, LHS, and Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School (LCHS) for many years, and his skills and expertise have been drawn upon by the Governors of all three schools, and by the Christ’s Hospital Foundation. The Victorian Façade celebrates the work of Watkins and his son and in particular what became known as the ‘terracotta revival’. William Watkins was responsible for many of the distinctive Victorian terracotta buildings in Lincoln, including a number of High Street banks, Canwick House, and the Lincoln Municipal Technical School on Monks Road, later to become the City School before it moved to Skellingthorpe Road.
In addition to his own designs Watkins was also responsible for the restoration of the High Bridge and the Museum at Greyfriars, an earlier home of Lincoln School for some 300 years. According to The Victorian Façade the greatest achievement of his son Willie must surely have been to save the church at St Peter at Arches, which was to have been demolished, and to rebuild it as the ‘crowning glory’ of the new housing estate at St Giles, a further episode in the history of LCHS, and indeed a significant part of its present catchment area. However my own particular interest lies in two buildings that form part of the history of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School; the old Grammar School building on Upper Lindum Street, now occupied by the Minster School, and the former LHS building on Lindum Hill. The latter, which was arguably one of Watkins’ best designs, completed in 1893. Described in The Victorian Façade as ‘startlingly fresh’, it has also been the partial home of the Lincolnshire Art and Design College, and more recently the University of Lincoln School of Art and Design. As I write, it now accommodates part of the relatively new University Technical College. The turret, clearly visible on the historic photo above, was dismantled sometime in the 1930s or ‘40s because it was thought to be unsafe. I am still trying to find out when it was removed. Can anyone help? February/March 2021 | Bailgate Independent
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Property News BY BEN SYKES OF THE NEW HOMES AGENT
What’s in store for the county property market?
THROUGHOUT 2020 - following the introduction of the stamp duty holiday - we saw an influx of out-ofarea buyers showing interest in our beautiful county. Following the first Lockdown around 80% of new our enquiries came from purchasers who currently live outside of Lincolnshire with the majority from the south. Specifically, we’ve been dealing with buyers from the home counties who all had a similar story - their property sold almost immediately to wealthy central London buyers looking to flee the City. The New Homes Agent has one development site in North Kelsey with prices ranging from £440,000 thenewhomesagent.co.uk £495,000. Over two thirds of buyers so far are relocating to the area, citing no longer being restricted by office locations due to remote working and looking to get more for their money. Value for money is the dominant factor with the average house price in Lincolnshire sitting at just £190,103 as of October 2020 (according to the UK House Price Index), which is almost 30% lower than the average price for England at £262,175. The majority of our new builds also come with generous plots of land in Eco homes at comparison to the south North Carlton. where soaring land prices
High Street, Fillingham.
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show no signs of slowing. Buyers also wanted to move to more central locations so that they could be nearer family in the north and the south - Lincolnshire serves as a perfect half-way point. The Sunday Times recently heralded the Lincolnshire Wolds as one of the UK’s hidden hotspots and recommended that those in search of a rural retreat consider Lincolnshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as an alternative to the Cotswolds. There has since been a noticeable increase in enquiries on a new build development on Cow Lane in Tealby with only two plots remaining on phase one. Local house prices are at an all-time high, which is part fuelled by the current Stamp duty holiday, but also the recent influx of southern money a trend that we believe will continue. Rightmove recently released a projected price increase for 2021 of 4%, nationally. With many buyers opting to move away from heavily congested and overpriced urban areas we predict that the rural locations in the Midlands will see the greatest price increases. With multiple investments in Lincoln, including the University Medical School, the increase in direct rail services to and from Kings Cross and the newly completed Eastern Bypass Lincoln is becoming an increasingly attractive location in which to live, work, and invest. This will almost certainly have a knock-on effect for the rest of the county.
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An exclusive development of 10 lakeside lodges being built in the village of Doddington later this year Artist impression
Images are for illustrative purpose only
Laurel Developments are a new and exciting local company with over 30 years experience in the building trade. They pride themselves on providing trust and value across every project and their highly skilled and experienced workforce are dedicated to ensuring consistent attention to safety, quality and of course beautiful design. These two and three bedroom luxury open plan lodges will meet all the latest energy standards and will be traditionally built with Siberian larch cladding, slate roofs and fully glazed aluminium windows and doors. These superior building methods makes them easier to obtain mortgages for. Each lodge also has a private garden and parking spaces with a gravel drive. The lodges are for holiday purposes and although they can’t be used as a main residence, there are no restrictions on the time you are allowed to spend in them. They are an ideal investment opportunity. Please do get in touch with us to find out more, early investors will be able to get involved in the interior layout of their lodge.
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Fossdyke Paddock Paddock Fossdyke Gainsborough Road, Saxilby Gainsborough Road, Saxilby
An exclusive development of 6 luxury eco homes with interiors by Chiselwood An exclusive development of 6 luxury eco homes with interiors by Chiselwood If you’d like to find out more about the homes at Fossdyke Paddock, please us and weabout wouldthe behomes delighted to tell youPaddock, more If you’d like contact to find out more at Fossdyke
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