Lincoln Independent October 2022

Rise to the challenge of trying something new

I OFTEN bore myself moaning about this or that

have to give myself a good kick up the backside.

Sometimes life does it for me.

Case in point - attending The Drill’s launch of its panto Rapunzel.

The venue made the genius move of inviting youngsters from Monks Abbey Primary School.

They filed in so well well behaved, but with that twitchy, shuffling excitement that you know they were going to burst.

And burst they did - as soon as anyone walked on stage. It was a delight.

Gone were the work worries, cash concerns, angst over utlilities, cost of living and what Vladmir might get up to next (now he would be a scary panto villain).

The Business Spouse and I were wolf-whistling and hollering along with the little ones.

Yes the worldy woes were still there when our middle-aged hullaballoo was over, but they were in perspective.

It got me thinking that a change really can be as good as a rest.

When we’re putting together the What’s On Guide we’re always marking up the activities we’d like to try. I don’t know the percentage of what actually gets seen and done compared to our aspirations, but I know it’s a lot lower that we’d like. Too often I find a reason for not doing that something that might take me out of my comfort zone.

Well that lassitude is about to become a thing of the past. Next month I will be reporting back on how many new things I have tried.

And I invite readers to turn to our What’s On

GET IN TOUCH

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pages and earmark something to try they would not normally consider.

The Friends of Lincoln Castle are looking for new members or how about Life Drawing classes, supporting Lincoln Book Festival or taking a wildlife walk?

Who knows where it might lead?

Several years ago the Spouse spotted a listing for Lincoln Rowing Club and decided to try it. She’s now a world-record holder and is currently training for the Ancholme Head near Brigg. Little acorns and all that.

Please let us know how you get on.

Dahlia Lee

Let your hair down for The Drill panto

GET ready for some hair-raising fun as Jamie Marcus Productions present Rapunzel as The Drill’s Christmas pantomime for 2022.

After last year’s triumphant return to the venue with Aladdin, Lincoln’s popular panto producers are staging a relatively new fairy story for the world of panto – Rapunzel will be performed at The Drill for the first time.

Made hugely popular by the Disney film, Tangled. it’s guaranteed to be packed with the same successful mix of family fun, laughter, songs, and special effects that have kept audiences coming back for the last 15 years.

Back by popular demand is everyone’s favourite Dame, James Campbell as the local tavern owner and ‘star baker,’ ‘Dame Betty Buttercake.’

In addition to donning the wigs and petticoats again, James will also be sitting in the director’s chair this year.

“I’m delighted to be returning to Lincoln for my 10th panto at The Drill playing Dame Betty Buttercake in Rapunzel. I’m also thrilled to be directing this year as well, taking over from the fabulous Julie Marcus, and audiences can expect the usual mix of magical storytelling, fabulous dance routines, great songs, and of course, plenty of laugh-out-loud comedy!”

Last year’s audiences were treated to the birth of a new comedy double-act from James as the Dame and the dastardly Abanazar, played by local actor Craig Garner.

Craig couldn’t wait to join his James for another Christmas full of fun and he’s returning to the cast of Rapunzel as Itchy, one half of Mother Gothel’s hapless henchmen the Scabbington Twins (pictured top right), to ensure there’s plenty of laughs in store! Audiences may recognise Craig from blockbuster films such as Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Pokémon, and Snow White & The Huntsman. Craig said he is thrilled to be back in his hometown again this Christmas.

Other star attractions are Phoebe Bruerton as the title character Rapunzel, Scott Goncalves as Finn Riley and Emma Hickman as the dastardly Mother Gothel (top left).

The Drill’s manager Craig Morrow said: “Christmas is our favourite time of year here at The Drill, it’s always so full of promise and this year’s panto - Rapunzel - captures that spirit of excitement, offering a fun, festive, family-friendly spin on a great story. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back to the venue, with our enhanced food and drink offer, adding some extra sparkle to your visit.”

The show’s producer Jamie Marcus is delighted to bring this brandnew panto story to The Drill. “I remember my children watching ‘Tangled’ when it first came out at the cinema, and they wanted to go back again and again as they loved it so much! Having produced pantos for the last 16 years, I’ve always wanted to produce Rapunzel, and I’m delighted to be able to do it this year.”

Tickets start from just £17 with a family ticket starting from £68. Call the box office on 534160 or visit www.lincolndrill.co.uk

Get in the slow fashion lane

’Sustainability - to consume only what grows back’

BY CHLOE FILLINGHAM MANAGER, OSKA LINCOLN

SUSTAINABILITY has become a major focus of fashion brands in the past decade. There’s no doubt that our consumerism has a huge environmental impact.

We have seen how mass production ‘fast fashion’ has saturated the fashion industry over decades, with its complicated supply chains, excessive production, leading to mindless consumption.

It’s time to leave fast fashion behind, the time is now.

The slow fashion movement is the comeback to fast fashion. Slow fashion encourages slower production , sustainable ethics in effect to consumers investing in well made and long lasting clothes.

OSKA prides itself on being a conscious womenswear brand designing timeless styles that have longevity; through sourcing high quality fabrics that last for many seasons.

I don’t know one OSKA customer that hasn’t got a story to tell about a garment they have had in their wardrobe for many years which still brings them joy time and time again.

The brand is very open about where the materials are sourced and their processes from raw material to the finished garment; OSKA’s suppliers are mainly in Europe, in order to keep the carbon footprint low.

They are completely plastic free with their packaging, and deliver to stores worldwide using cardboard and recyclable materials. Transporting goods via the new Silk Road by train , keeping carbon dioxide emissions low.

OSKA has its own fabric dyeing house in the Czech Republic, creating unique colour dyes specifically for them. It has recently

installed a new heat exchange system which reduces 50% of the water and energy used in the dyeing process. By reusing the waste heat generated and using solar panels , they are able to heat the building complexes and supply them with green electricity. Which leads me to the great importance of natural materials in each collection.

We are currently presenting Autumn/Winter instore and one of the staple fabrics is boiled wool; made in Italy with the finest wool sourced from ethical farms. A highly durable fabric. Come spring/summer our rails fill with 100% Irish linen and hemp which is one of the most environmentally friendly qualities. Continuously working to keep their ecological footprints as small as possible, last year OSKA launched the concept called Re.Fashion - re.loving, re.wearing and re.styling existing collections from past seasons. Based on the idea of integrating previous styles into a new cycle of life at a discounted price for our customers.

Find out more at www.bath.oska.com.

Coat of Hopes - the ultimate in sustainable fashion - in city

BY SANDIE STRATFORD

THE Coat of Hopes is a beautiful piece of shared art that has recently visited Lincoln.

The widely travelled piece was carried from the south coast of England to Glasgow on the shoulders of pilgrims, arriving at the start of COP26 in 2021.

It came to Lincoln on September 16 for two weeks hosted by Faith and the Environment Lincolnshire.

Artist and instigator Barbara Keal explained: ”Sewn into it are hundreds of pieces of blanket - the patchwork hopes of a people for their land. In the patches you will find griefs for the loss of species, remembrances of landscapes irreversibly changed, prayers that our hearts can expand to welcome those displaced by climate breakdown, hopes and dreams of joy in nature, of safe and sustainable access to fresh food, of safety and freedom to play for our children, and for the children of all beings.’

In Lincolnshire, the coat visited schools during the first week and was in Lincoln Cathedral for the final week. On Lincolnshire Day, October 1, it was based at EarthLincs, Mint Lane between 12 noon and 2pm then out on the streets of uphill Lincoln. St Giles Church (Lamb Gdns) hosted it on Sunday, October 2, during the 10.30am morning service which followed by a bring and share lunch at St Peter in Eastgate. The coat has a song which can be found at https://www.coatofhopes.uk/song-coat-of-hopes or visit www.faithenvlincs.org

BGT winner Colin sings for soldiers

BRITAIN’S Got Talent winner Chelsea Pensioner

Colin Thackery (pictured) is to star in a topflight band concert in Lincoln.

The Korean War veteran, who melted the hearts of the nation when he won the ITV talent competition in 2019, has been recruited by the Army Benevolent Fund Charity to feature in its Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards fundraising concert.

Colin is appearing in Songs from the Shows at Lincoln Cathedral on Friday, October 28 at 7.30pm.

Since winning the television show - plus donating his winnings to his home at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, for a new activities centre - Colin has sung with Katherine Jenkins at the Royal Albert Hall and appeared on the Royal Variety Performance.

The band played a prominent role in the State Funeral of Her Majesty the Queen in London and Windsor.

Lincolnshire Chairman of the ABF (Lincolnshire) and Concert Organiser Neil McCorquodale said: “We are delighted to see our popular band concerts returning to Lincoln after the lockdown.

“To hear music from one of the UK’s top military bands in the magnificent setting of Lincoln Cathedral is an opportunity not to be missed.

“The Band has promised an uplifting programme of music, which will give us all a boost in these difficult times. Our concerts have traditionally been very well-supported, so we are hoping that’s the case again this year.”

Ticketss cost £22 each, but children under 16 go free and are available from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity online by visiting: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/LincolnCathedralBand Concert or eastmidlands@soldierscharity.org or visit Lincoln Cathedral Shop.

Discover

Come and visit our rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules!

a great day out for all the family at our award winning Visitor Centre, Café, Gi昀 Shop and Play Park.

Where there’s a Will there’s a secure future

THREE in five UK adults - or 59% - do not have a valid Will in place.

Making a Will is not just something you do when you get old and often major milestones are a good time to think about taking this important step to protect the future. Buying a house, getting married, having a child - when circumstances change it is important to think about the reality of what happens to our assets and liabilities should we die.

Importance of Making a Will

It is very important that everyone considers how they see their belongings, money etc being divided should they pass away. It is not all about money – it could simply be ensuring that a ring or watch is received as a personal memento by the right person.

Or it could be a gift of money to a friend as a thank you for their kindness. A Will is essential to achieve these and many other things.

Unmarried Couples

For certain people Wills are very important. For example an unmarried couple living together in a house which they own, may be held by them as what is called ‘tenants in common’. If this is the case and no Will has been put in place then their interest in the house will pass through their ‘intestacy’. This means the interest would pass to the nearest relative, for example children/parents/siblings – but certainly not to the surviving partner. which could leave them needing to sell the house! Not having a Will in place also means any money in a person’s sole

name would also pass to their nearest relative, together with any car, sofa and even cat.

Appointing a Guardian

There are a number of aspects of a Will which are often forgotten. There is the ability to appoint a guardian for children under the age of 18. You can designate who you would like to look after your children if both you and partner have died – not your relatives or social services. If you marry after making a Will and it has not been made in contemplation of marriage the Will is revoked.

Reviewing your Will Ringrose Law suggest Will reviews if circumstances change or at least every five years. These are generally not charged to existing clients unless changes are needed or new Wills put in place.

If you need help in making your Will contact the team at Ringrose Law. Prices start from £185 for a Simple Will. Call 01522 516020 or email wecanhelp@ringroselaw.co.uk

Building a future with AAT

IN our second feature on the success of Abbey Access Training Centre REBECCA POOLE looks at its hugely successful contstruction courses - helping both local people and businesses.

AAT specialises in helping people who are looking for guidance in their careers and provides an important, invaluable service for those who need that extra bit of support.

“Historically, the centre was an access centre for the local community many years ago. Since 2008 we have done a lot of programmes around employability and helping people get back into work when the recession hit,” explained Gail Dunn, Chief Executive Officer at AAT.

During the recession, demand for construction workers grew which inspired the centre to provide training in the construction sector with its’ 12-day construction programme designed to help people gain six certificates in areas such as their CSCS card, asbestos awareness and fire safety.

“If people haven’t got a job after those first three weeks once they’ve achieved all of those things, they can stay with us to do a week of joinery training, a week of bricklaying training and a week of groundwork training,” said Gail.

“We have a site in North Hykeham that we rent from Lindum Construction, who we work with in partnership really closely. That site is where they can try out the bricklaying and the groundwork. We aspire to have 100% of people in work from that programme” This is designed to help those who may not be sure of what area they want to work in and allows participants to try everything so they can decided on the direction they want to follow.

The site at Lindum also gives real-world experience to the learners so they find out how factors such as weather may affect working conditions.

AAT has a cabin at the Lindum site and allows learners to use this space for studying and theory work, if practical work is called off due to bad weather.

Along with the training programmes, AAT is very committed to providing support, guidance and friendship for its’ learners

“It’s very much a virtual hug place. It is amazing because although it’s really hard work and can be very stressful keeping the business going with having to bid or ask for money and support, you go

home and you’ve had a bad day but then somebody gets a job. That’s what it’s all for, that makes it all worthwhile.”

North Hykeham relief road investigations start

THE next stage of the North Hykeham Relief Road is now underway with investigations into the land along the preferred route.

Cllr Richard Davies, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for Highways said: “The focus for the team now is to build a more detailed understanding of the route’s topography, ecology and ground conditions, as well as getting a feel of what archaeology might be under the ground.

“To ensure the safety of the team as they work near the carriageway, some of this work may involve temporary traffic

signals at various locations. This includes Station Road, South Hykeham Road, Grantham Road and Somerton Gate Lane, so I want to thank people in advance for their patience.

“Over the coming months, people will see a fair amount of activity along the route until the end of the year, including diggers and other machinery as needed for the investigations and surveys.

“In the meantime, we’re continuing to work towards submitting a planning application in 2023, and, all being well, starting construction of the new relief road towards the end of 2025.”

Once underway, construction is expected to last for three years, with the road opened in late 2028.

Cllr Davies continued: “This project will be a massive undertaking that will see a new dual carriageway built that links the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating a complete ring road around the city.

“Not only will new roundabouts be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road, but a number of new bridges will also be built, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.”

You can find more information at www.abbeyaccesstraining.com or by searching for Abbey Access Training on social media.

Proclamation practice made perfect

COUNCILLOR ROSANNE KIRK, THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR OF LINCOLN

I MUST admit the last few months have been an incredible journey as the Mayor of Lincoln.

In June, I was honoured to light a Beacon on the Castle wall, along with the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, to commemorate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It was a lovely occasion, and it was a privilege to take part in such an historical event. Then a month later, along with my Civic Party, I welcomed the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton to the city – another momentous occasion.

In August,an interview on BBC Look North promoted my ambition to endorse Lincoln’s heritage and events, etc. on Tik Tok. This is something I feel quite passionate about and I am still looking for those special occasions to record when I can! Earlier this month, I was delighted to attend RAF Scampton’s ‘Closure Parade’ which I found to be extremely emotional. RAF Scampton has been part of our history for over 100 years and I am so pleased that our wonderful Red Arrows are staying in the county moving only to Waddington. I wish them all very best for the future.

I certainly did not think that in my Mayoral year that I would witness the loss of HM The Queen. She was a remarkable worman who was admired around the world. No-one could ever be as committed as her Majesty was, to serve and care for her people and country. My Civic Party and I attended special services at Lincoln Cathedral to commemorate and give thanks for her life.

It was, indeed, an honour to Proclaim King Charles III three times during the day on Sunday, September 11. First at the War Memorial, the Boultham Park and finally at Castle Square.

I received the Proclamation in time to practice as I wanted to make sure that I delivered those important words as clearly and as loudly as I could. Yes, I was extremely nervous, but I felt so very proud to perform this for Lincoln and become part of our history.

New agency vets student digs

LINCOLN Students’ Union will be opening the doors to its own on-campus letting Agency to meet the demand for quality accommodation in the city.

The launch of Lincoln SU Lettings on October 17 follows the setting up of the Students’ Union Accreditation Scheme in September 2020, which has helped to raise the standard of accommodation in Lincoln. Over the past two years, the Students’ Union has successfully accredited 900 student properties, from 32 different Property Managers in Lincoln.

To continue improving the standards of student properties in Lincoln, the Students' Union decided to offer property management services to property owners through its own agency. The priority is delivering high standards through accreditation checks and making the letting process as easy as possible, by charging no deposit and zero up-front fees to students.

Sarah Whitney, Housing and Accreditation Scheme Manager explained: “Living in the right property when you move to university can have a massive impact on the success of your studies. We are proud to be able to guarantee standards of accommodation, and to help students find the perfect home while they study.

“We are trusted by students to give them the best possible experience during their time at the University of Lincoln, and this is another great service we can offer them to improve their

More than 900 Lincoln properties from 32 landlords have been accredited by the Students’ Union.

experience and relieve some of the pressure caused by househunting.”

The Lincoln SU Lettings office is located on campus in the Students’ Union and only properties accredited by the organisation will be advertised to students to give them the confidence in their housing journey. There will be a landlord Forum event on October 18 between 11am and 2pm.

To find out more information visit lincolnsu.com/lettings for Lettings and lincolnsu.com/accreditation for the Accreditation Scheme. For Landlord enquiries email lettings@lincolnsu.com

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Original Baron donated in memory of Maria

ONE of the original Trail Barons has been donated to St Barnabas by Lynda Quartey and Andrew Grimes of Lincoln (pictured right). Sir Walter (centre) will bring cheer to visitors to the Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road where Lynda’s daughter Maria was cared for during the last month of her life. She died on January 27, 2015, after a battle with breast cancer aged 41.

The Baron’s Trail that year was Lincoln’s first and helped the city celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

The Inpatient Unit is currently closed for refurbishment and is set to reopen in November 2022, fully modernised and with many new features – including the donated Baron in the reception area.

Lynda and Andrew bought Sir Walter, hand painted by artist Mel Langton, at the official Lincoln Barons Charter auction in October 2015. They were drawn to its bright colours and theme of fashion and shopping, all of which reminded them of Maria.

“Maria loved shopping; she would always be going into charity shops, including St Barnabas shops, to find great bargains and alter them to suit her personality and style,” explained Lynda.

“ When asked where she had obtained an outfit from, Maria was always proud to say charity shops. She even had a feather boa, just like Sir Walter is wearing, which she wore when she was out collecting with her friends for St Barnabas over many years.

The Baron has been in Lynda and Andrew’s kitchen-diner brightening up their home and reminding them of Maria every day. “Nothing was too much trouble for the staff at IPU everything she

needed was made available and the care was exceptional,” said Andrew of Maria’s time with St Barnabas.

Lynda added: “The staff made sure that the whole time Maria was in the Hospice, she could be surrounded around the clock by close friends, which meant a lot to her and us too.

“We are so grateful to St Barnabas for all they have done to support Maria, her friends and us as a family.”

The couple plan to move out of the county next year and Lynda said: “Sir Walter needs to stay in Lincolnshire, and we’re very happy he will be greeting visitors to the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln when it reopens. This is where he belongs, and it’s where we said goodbye to Maria, so it is very fitting.”

Andrew agreed: “If it makes just one person smile when they come through the doors during a difficult time of their life, then the Baron’s donation is all worth it.”

Ellie’s Care for a Cuppa raises over £2,000

THE Watermill in Middle Rasen was the summer setting for a successful Care for a Cuppa fundraising event.

The event was organised by St Barnabas Fundraising Officer Ellie Carter and her parents Mandy and Mark, who opened their doors to over 200 community residents, friends and family. A total of £2,154.05 was raised for the Hospice - enough to cover the cost for 60 hours of specialist Inpatient care. Supporters enjoyed refreshments, children’s games, a tombola, and a raffle with 40 prizes to celebrate 40 years of St Barnabas donated by local businesses.

The Watermill is a Grade II listed building

from the late 17th century on the River Rase and people were able to take a tour of the mill and grounds.

Ellie (pictured right) said: “This was such a feel-good day for our family and the whole community. Everyone said they had missed this social contact during the pandemic, and they all thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was an amazing turn out with such positive feedback and support.

“My family and friends who helped us had an amazing day and we can’t wait for it to become a yearly event.”

The Care for a Cuppa campaign by St Barnabas Hospice encourages supporters to put the kettle on and host their own coffee

morning to raise vital funds for the charity.

To find out more visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/care-fora-cuppa/

For every pound raised for St Barnabas, 74p goes straight towards delivering, and improving the care and support the charity offers to over 12,000 people every year. The other 26p goes towards generating future income.

Care

is the bees knees

OUTSTANDING home care in Lincoln has a new name – Honeycomb Care.

Formerly Marrissa Care the family-owned domiciliary service was given an ‘outstanding’ rating for its delivery of care by the Care Quality Commission in July last year and confirmed by a CQC review this September.

Honeycomb has been renamed and rebranded as the business expands to be able to offer more people in need of its high standard of care.

It specialises in supporting people in their homes in almost any circumstance – from the frailty of old age and physically limiting conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease through to dementia, autism, epilepsy eating disorders and end of life ministration.

It is the only home support provider credited as outstanding in Lincolnshire and the CQC rated Honeycomb ‘good’ across other reviewed aspects – safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and as being a well-led organisation.

Manager Bianca Maifadi explained the new name would not see Honeycomb Care resting on its laurels.

“We have started small and are expanding slowly because we wanted to get the foundations of the business right – we will work until we get an outstanding rating in all areas and then maintain them.”

Bianca has a nursing background and had noticed a lack in the top standard of home care in the Lincoln area, so with husband Mel, decided to set up an agency to fill that gap.

“We have 40 carers, which is quite small in agency terms, but it is very important we have the right people working with us as we grow.”

Honeycomb’s youngest client is 19 and its oldest 102, the team ensures their support arrangements suit individual needs from short term help to live-in care, respite or night-time cover at the times people need it the most.

The agency facilitates care packages for people receiving health funding including night cover for people in their own homes under the end-of-life care pathway.

“All our clients are individuals and have individual needs, so we work with them and their families to provide just what they need and when. There is no - and never can be - one size fits all for care.”

For further information get in touch through the website www.honeycombcare.co.uk or call 07594 978421.

Honeycomb Care manager Bianca Maifadi (centre) with office managers Paddie Brocklesby (left) and Chloe Kinsley at the launch of the new brand. Pictures: Phil Crow.

Cherished star trio remembered

BRANSBY Horses is mourning the loss of three of its much-loved residents. The charity said goodbye to its beloved mule Ebony (below) in June and more recently Nero (right) and his half-brother Domino (top)

All three equines had been with the charity for many years and each had a large fanbase due in part to being Sponsorship Stars in their younger years, to help raise funds. Bransby Horses PR officer Maria Thompson said: “It’s so tough when we lose any of our residents, especially when they are as special as Ebony, Nero and Domino. Everyone on the yard where they lived is heart-broken but we know they enjoyed an amazing, happy life with us and each lived to a really good age.”

Ebony had been with Bransby Horses for most of her life after she was found roaming the streets of Gainsborough in 1992.

Donkeys Nero and Domino came to the charity over ten years ago as a bonded pair and were believed to have been halfbrothers.

“Unfortunately Nero’s ongoing health issues deteriorated when he fell ill with colic (a painful stomach ache which can be fatal if not treated) which was not responsive to treatment,” said Maria.

“At the same time, Domino’s very painful foot condition, laminitis, had returned and he was struggling despite best efforts.

Ebony celebrated her 30th birthday in January and had been doing well up until a few weeks before she died when her health took a very sudden down turn.

“Bransby Horses veterinary team did everything they could for all three animals. All the teams at Bransby Horses are truly devastated and know this loss will be felt greatly by supporters too.”

From Achilles to a bypass - all revealed at archaeolgy conference

ORIGINAL member of Channel 4’s Time Team Carenza Lewis is just one of the speakers at the Lincolnshire Archaeology Conference.

The event at Welton Village Hall on October 8 has been organised by the Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology and Prof Lewis (pictured right) will discuss how to bring archaeology to an online audience in Reviving Time Team.

Dr John Thomas of the University of Leicester Archaeology Service looks at the discovery of an impressive Roman Villa during lockdown in Encounters with Achilles: The Trojan War as seen from Rutland.

Other talks at the event between 9.30 and 4.30pm are: l Roman Settlement in the Central Lincolnshire Wolds - presented by Dr Steve Willis of the University of Kent, the leader of the Dig the Wolds investigation in 2015;

l The Romano-British Pottery Industry at Market Rasen;

l Characterising Lincolnshire’s Towns by Nicky Grayson of Lincolnshire County Council;

l The unveiling of 2000 years of history in Grantham Southern Relief Road by Catherine Edwards of AOC Archaeology.

Admission in is £32, for more information see www.slha.org.uk

Help visitors enjoy Lincoln Castle with FOLC

IF you love local history and have some spare time why not join the Friends of Lincoln Castle?

For over 35 years FOLC has supported the landmark through education, training and assisting visitors increasing their enjoyment and understanding.

They are now looking for more members to help them continue sharing

Ann, who has been a volunteer at Lincoln Castle for a number of years, recently passed her assessment to become a Guide: “I really love showing people around from all over the world and hopefully sharing my enthusiasm for this wonderful medieval castle.

“As a retired person, it’s also an opportunity to use my little grey cells and keep my brain active as I enjoy my retirement.” Find out more at www.folc.co.uk.

A Head of his time

Archivist at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, PETER HARROD, continues to explore it’s pictorial past.

GEORGE Frederic Franklin MA, shown in the picture above flanked by his senior colleagues, was the Headmaster of Lincoln School when I first enrolled as a pupil in 1952, although he retired in 1957 as I entered the sixth form.

I wish I could say that he had a strong influence on my career at Lincoln School, and he probably did indirectly, but I saw him as a somewhat austere and even frightening figure, who presided over the morning assemblies, but rarely engaged in teaching duties. He also had a habit of patrolling the school playing fields during the evenings, and we St Giles lads had to be on our guard as we negotiated the perilous climb over the spiked railings, designed to keep us out!

Fortunately, there was some distance between the school buildings and the second field, so ample time was available to plan an escape route provided we kept a wary eye open for the head-magisterial figure who was not averse to using his cane!

‘George’, as he was affectionately known, was born on December 28,1897, and was brought up by his mother in the dockland area of London. His father had tragically drowned when George was only six years old.

He was a student at King’s College, Cambridge from 1919-1922, where he studied Modern and Medieval Languages, followed by a Teaching Diploma.

His first teaching appointment was at the Merchant Taylors’ School in Great Crosby and by a curious coincidence, he taught at the Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham before being appointed as Headmaster of Lincoln School in 1937.

In his maiden report at Speech Day, Mr Franklin betrayed some interesting and perhaps somewhat controversial views about the former School Certificate examination.

He expressed the view that some employers placed rather too much faith in examination results whereas he favoured the view that the boys should be encouraged to pursue a steady course of work at school, and not to save themselves for a feverish burst of activity during their final year.

However, his liberal attitudes did not extend to the comprehensive movement in education as, twenty years later, he wrote to a former pupil that he was very much opposed to it.

The Lincoln School magazine published a touching tribute to ‘George’ on his retirement stating that there was no end to his courtesy, his courage, and his sympathy.

He presided over a school which invariably ran smoothly and efficiently not least during the challenging years of World War Two. Tributes were also sent in by former pupils who had much to thank him for, including the advice he was always willing to give on their career choices, informed by his many contacts with universities, colleges, and local businesses.

One distinguished Old Boy, Charles Garton, whom George Franklin described in a letter to King’s College, Cambridge as the brightest boy he had ever taught, wrote that he was able to meet new challenges without denying an older heritage.

In that respect he may well have been the inspiration behind the present Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School mantra: Celebrating the past, embracing the future.

Homecoming for the Father of the Digital Age

In the latest article exploring the work of The Survey of Lincoln, ANDREW WALKER marks the arrival of a sculpture celebrating one of Lincoln’s most prominent former inhabitants.

IN recent weeks, the three-dimensional image of a Lincoln-born mathematician, George Boole, has been assembled in front of Lincoln’s railway station.

This is the work of the internationally renowned sculptor, Antony Dufort, and has been funded by the Heslam Trust, also responsible for other public art works in the city, such as ‘Empowerment’, which spans the River Witham by the Waterside Centre.

At a time when many statues are being taken down, why is George Boole worth recognising in this way?

The process of logical thought developed by Boole, known as ‘Boolean logic’ breaks down any complex problem into a series of simple steps, based on the comparison of two statements as being either true or false.

Using a binary code and the digits ‘0’ and ‘1’, Boolean logic is the basis upon which all digital devices are built. Mobile phones, digital televisions and all computers operate using Boolean logic.

Understandably, today George Boole is seen

as the grandparent of the digital age. It seems appropriate, then, to celebrate the achievements of this man, born in the city of Lincoln in 1815 and living here for much of the first 30 years of his short life until his departure to become a professor of mathematics at Queen’s College, Cork in 1845, where he worked until his death in 1864, aged 49.

George Boole packed a lot into his time living, working and studying in Lincoln. The Survey of Lincoln has highlighted some of the locations in the city of significance to Boole.

He was born in New Street, Lincoln, the site of today’s 34 Silver Street. His father, John, was a shoemaker and his mother, Mary Anne, a former lady’s maid.

Although as a child his family moved regularly, their homes were never far from the city centre. George attended the National School, opposite his home in

Silver Street and then Thomas Bainbridge’s Classical and Commercial Academy on Fish Hill (now Michaelgate). George soon showed himself to be a talented pupil, excelling in languages as well as mathematics.

He went on to become a teacher, working for short periods in Doncaster, Liverpool and Waddington before, briefly, at the age of 20, opening his own academy on Free School Lane in 1835.

He returned to Waddington Academy as the head teacher before, in 1840, he opened a boarding school for young gentleman at 3 Pottergate, Minster Yard.

Throughout his time teaching, George Boole researched and published in scholarly journals, developing a strong academic reputation and receiving Gold and Silver Medals for his work awarded by the Royal Society in 1844.

He also participated in many aspects of Lincoln life as a young adult. Like his father he was an active member of the Mechanics’ Institute at Greyfriars on Free School Lane. Upon his appointment as Professor of Mathematics at Queen’s College, Cork, a testimonial supper was given in his honour in December 1849 at Lincoln’s White Hart Hotel.

It is appropriate that the new sculpture is placed outside the city’s surviving railway station, which was opened in 1848 and which he would have known and used. This figure of George Boole is an important link connecting the present digital age that he helped develop to the steam age in which he thrived.

To find out more about The Survey of Lincoln and its work, see www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk.

The Survey’s book, George Boole’s Lincoln (top) 1815-49 edited by Andrew Walker, is now available.

What can Lincolnshire learn from BornholmDenmark’s Food Island?

BY LAURA STRATFORD JOINT CO ORDINATOR GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD PARTNERSHIP

I SPENT a week at a summer school Bornholm, thinking about food, innovation and place-making. Here are four leaves I think we could take from the Bornholm Good Food book: Madkulturhus - a Heritage-Gourmet Partnership

A mutually beneficial partnership between the Agricultural Museum and Gourmet Bornholm (local producer network) led to the development of Madkulturhus (FoodCulture House), which attracts 2500 guests in September, and a dramatic increase in visitor attendance at the Museum.

The social cooking, social dining, meeting and educational opportunities at

Madkulturhus has drawn new members to Gourmet Bornholm, and fostered furthercollaborations among producers, including shared study trips, direct trade among producers, and cooperation such as taking each other’s products to markets elsewhere in Denmark. Land for innovation

An aspect of this partnership includes a land-based opportunity to ecoentrepreneurs and new entrants to sustainable farming, by offering an acre of land close to Madkulturhus at a peppercorn rent to applicants with a plan for using the land in an experimental or innovative way towards sustainable food production.

Participants are encouraged to work together, and have the opportunity to use the land in the long term, enabling agroforestry and silviculture projects, and long term investments in the land and soils, as well as seed saving and wild foraging projects.

Nexo School (bottom rightl

It is like the Washingborough Academy of Bornholm, with a school leadership team committed to nourishing food and a fantastic, hands-on food education for all pupils.

The school kitchen garden teacher and the

chef are key players. They also have a close relationship with local farmers: Bornholm Food is a co-operative of 15 growers who are working together on experimental growing of sustainable food crops, including plant-based proteins such as lentils. The school chef commits to buying it for school meals, and knows full well that the children, who eat vegetarian on two days a week, are happy to eat it.

Sea buckthorn

You’ve probably seen sea buckthorn (bottom left) growing wild on the Lincolnshire coast, but Hostet is a sea buckthorn farm. The bright orange berries, though sharp, are very nutritious (vitamins, anti-oxidants, omega fatty acids) and tasty (think jams, syrups, juices, schnapps, granita). The plants are grown organically, and don’t require additional fertiliser - sea buckthorn fixes nitrogen in the soil - and all parts of the plant are used, from oil used in soap and skincare products, to animal feed. If you thought sea buckthorn was just a prickly seaside weed, think again!

Book Your Christmas Party

ENJOY A SPECIAL FESTIVE

2022 Christmas Party at The Showground

Cuisine: Traditional Christmas Party menu: £55 per person which includes a glass of fizz on arrival,

course meal with coffee followed by a live band and DJ. Party size: All party sizes

in a delicious selection of

sandwiches, Hambleton’s special breed

sausage

freshly baked scones with

cream

Kitchen Garden plum

of famous

whole family with traditional, savoury and children’s afternoon tea choices.

something to

vegan and gluten

menus

Lincolnshire Showground is once again hosting the biggest shared Christmas party night in the area on Saturday 17th December. Enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival, followed by a seasonal three course meal with your choice of starters, mains and desserts, all rounded off with freshly ground coffee or tea. After dinner, get your dancing shoes on for live entertainment from popular local band The Stolen Fridays and a disco. Arrival is from 7pm with carriages at 1am, with ample free parking for all

can also accommodate private

Versatile celeriac

MAGNUS WERDENSKOG

THE

AUTUMN is here and we’re in the season for my favourite root vegetable. The best thing about our distinct seasons is that I look forward to certain produce and at this time of year it is the celeriac. A vegetable hero that doesn’t have the look but has the flavour. It works well in so many dishes, especially savoury but also sweet. It is loved by chefs because it’s so versatile. When I make a vegetarian dish, celeriac

is often the first ingredient I go to because I find it extremely good with the right accessories. This month’s recipe is a simplified version of one of the starters on my menu.

Celeriac with brown butter, apples, salad cress, and hazelnuts

Serves 4 as a starter

Ingredients

1 celeriac (approx. 700 900 g)

1 tbsp vegetable oil

200 g butter

150 g chestnut mushrooms

1 Granny Smith apple (or any other apple you like)

50 g hazelnuts

1 box salad cress

1 tbsp truffle oil (optional)

Method

Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Remove the root part of the celeriac. Rinse it and scrub if necessary. Rub the celeriac with vegetable oil and a big pinch of salt.

Put on a baking tray (root side down) and bake until you can cut a small knife easily through. Approx 1-1.5 hours. If you have a thermometer cook until the core temperature reaches 92°C. Roast the hazelnuts in the oven alongside the celeriac for 10 minutes. Let them cool. After cooking, let the celeriac cool for 10 minutes. Remove the peel with a knife and cut the celeriac into irregular pieces (about 3-4cm wide).

If you wish to make it as a main just add a protein of your choice. Chicken, white fish or if you want to keep it vegetarian, smoked tofu would be great. Happy cooking!

Put aside 3-5 pieces per person and keep them warm until serving. Save the remaining celeriac and peel for the purée.

Make the brown butter: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. As it melts, continuously swirl the butter around the pan watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.We simply want the milk solids to turn from white to brown. Another sign that it’s done is the nutty smell.

Purée: Add the remaining celeriac to the brown butter and simmer for 5 minutes. Lift out the celeriac and mix in a blender with some of the brown butter and a small amount of hot water and mix until you have a nice smooth purée. Add more brown butter and water if it’s too thick, and season with salt. Keep the rest of the brown butter aside.

Fry the mushrooms in oil and season with salt & pepper. Just before serving, slice the apple thinly on a mandoline or with a knife. Cut the tops of the cress and crush the roasted hazelnuts with a knife. Heat up the remaining brown butter and add truffle oil if you want.

Plating instructions: Start with the purée and put the celeriac pieces on top. Now fill the gaps with mushrooms, hazelnuts and apples. Pour a big spoon of brown butter over your creation. Last but not least, add plenty of salad cress on top. Enjoy!

Would you like to enjoy a fine dining experience in your own home with a private chef? Autumn menus are now live and available to book at www.thescandichef.co.uk

kitchens

Win tickets to Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair

BEAT the festive rush and support local makers and retailers at this year’s Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair. Returning to the Lincolnshire Showground for the 21st time the event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 26-27. Shop unique gifts, handmade crafts and delicious treats with exhibitors

and pick up everything you need for your Christmas celebrations. Take children to visit Santa’s Workshop and get hands-on with festive craft and baking activities. The Lincolnshire Kitchen will be brought to life with top chefs and producers sharing their top tips to help you cook up a festive feast and samples to try - of course!

And experience all of this whilst enjoying live performances from a number of talented local choirs alongside a bite to eat from one of the delicious hot food stands.

Around 8,000 people are expected to visit up to 100 stalls of food, gift and craft exhibitors selling everything from fudge to gin and perhaps some fudge gin!

The annual event with free car parking, promises Christmas treats and festive inspiration for all of the family.

Tickets can be bought online at https://lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, but the Indie has five pairs of tickets to give away in a very simple competition.

Tell us how many times the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair has been held?

Email your answer with contact details to admin@lincolnindependent marked LFG.

Choice

Teifi with Chilli

THIS treat is from Caws Teifi Cheese, which is a family-owned organic farm located in Ceredigion. The cheeses are all made from locally sourced organic, raw milk. In 1981 John, Patrice and Paula came to Wales from their native Holland with dreams of setting up a centre for learning organic farming and self-sufficiency. They bought Glynhynod Farm and set to work realising their vision. Not long after arriving in Wales, Patrice; who trained as a cheesemaker in her native Holland, started making raw milk cheese based on a 500-year-old Gouda recipe. Today the farm is making the same cheese using the same recipe. Calling the cheese Teifi, after the nearby river that runs next to the farm.

Having started in 1982 they are now the longest-established artisan cheesemaker in Wales. Teifi cheese is similar to a traditional Gouda with a bright yellow interior. When the cheeses are younger they are quite mellow with a sweetness to the flavour; as they mature the flavour becomes rich and the cheese becomes harder and slightly flaky. This delicious cheese is based on a mature gouda with the addition of chilli flakes that are added during the cheesemaking process.

The flavours are gentle to start with but heat up in your mouth to give a real kick and some heat! Definitely a cheese for those who like a bit of spice.

Piecing together the bigger picture of city

WHAT makes Lincoln such a special place?

Lincoln Cathedral and Castle obviously come high up the list as does the mix of independent and national businesses along with its long and varied history.

However, it’s people who make the whole come together and this is recognised by artist Mel Langton through her concept The Piecing Us Together Trail.

It is a colourful, hand painted 40-piece jigsaw puzzle, and pieces of this puzzle will be displayed in windows of businesses from October 22 - November 6 this year.

A draft representation of the final artwork is pictured above, but readers will be able to spot how the project will showcase the variety of businesses in Lincoln city centre. This has been a collaborative project between the artist and businesses with each puzzle piece referencing its location. The

completed jigsaw puzzle will form a large, vivid crowd scene.

The Trail is one of the projects commissioned by Lincoln BIG | Lincoln Creates after Mel proposed the idea - she has also designed and created the trail.

Following her successful application, Mel was awarded a grant of £2,414 from the Lincoln Creates fund.

“I applied for funding from Lincoln Creates 2022 because I was excited by the idea of collaborating with local businesses to produce a miniature artwork trail that could enhance the city centre, along with inspiring creative content from others. I thought it would be a unique way to bring fun and colour to the city, with each miniature art piece telling a story”.

The trail takes place across the Lincoln City Centre including: The Lawn, Bailgate / Uphill area, The Strait, St Martin’s Square, Upper High Street, High Street, Lower High Street and St Marks.

e y life

Pictured top left is Mel Langton working on her jigsaw pieces; left - Ruth Charnock in full flow at Liquorice Park and a Steampunk party at the mural under Wigford Way Bridge.

Sue Bell, from Lincoln BIG added: “This is a brilliant project that engages 40 city centre businesses, with each of the jigsaw pieces depicting the unique characters of the individual businesses

“Taking part in the trail is easy. Simply collect a leaflet from participating businesses including the Visitor Information Centre or download the LoyalFree app for free and head to the trails section.”

Visit www.loyalfree.co.uk/download or search for ‘LoyalFree’ in the app store. Once people find all the puzzle pieces, they will be in with a chance to win prizes.

“Keep an eye out on Lincoln BIG’s social media pages for updates on the Piecing Us Together Trail competition.”

Throughout November, people can expect to see the final reassembled jigsaw puzzle on display in Lincoln City Centre, location to be confirmed.

Lincoln Creates 2022 has been made possible with a proportion of

the funds raised from the auction of the Lincoln Imps in 2021. Other projects in the 2022 wave of funding have included free creative writing courses run throughout September by Ruth Charnock in locations such as the Happy Culture Café and Liquorice Park as well as Wigford Way Bridge 2.0: a mural by artists James Mayle and Luke St Clair-Pedroza at Brayford Waterfront with themes of heritage, the Industrial Revolution and canal workers.

Lincoln Creates is managed by Lincoln BIG and supported by partners, including local arts organisations. It aims to support new creative art projects in the city centre – promoting collaboration between artists and local businesses. https://www.lincolnbig.co.uk/projects/lincoln-creates

Watch this space and Lincoln BIG’s social media to find out about the next wave of projects for 2023.

Win tickets to see Harry Hill at the Engine Shed

BEST known for writing and hosting Harry Hill’s TV Burp and narrating the extremely popular You’ve Been Framed, Harry Hill is widely recognised across the country due to his quirky comedy and wit, larger-than-life personality and trademark spectacles. Since beginning his career in stand-up and progressing on to primetime television, Harry has won two BAFTA Awards; been nominated for a further four and is a three-time winner at the British Comedy Awards. Harry is now back with brand-new amazing jokes in an all-singing, alldancing one-man spectacular, bringing his show Pedigree Fun! to Lincoln for an evening of comedy this monthThursday 27, October.

Friday 7 October 7.30pm

Saturday 8 October 7pm

Saturday 8 October 7.30pm.

Saturday 8 October 8pm

Saturday 8 October 11pm

Saturday 8 October 7.30pm

His first tour in 10 years is one well worth the wait, and audiences will have the opportunity to meet Harry’s new baby elephant, Sarah, and Ian, The Information Worm, along with his famous sidekick Stouffer the Cat. Described by both The Times and The Daily mirror as ‘Genius’, organisers are advising comedy fans to grab this opprtunity to see the multi-award-winning Harry Hill live.

For tickets and all the latest event updates, head to www.engineshed.co.uk

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Fleetwood Mad A tribute to Fleetwood Mac playing all the favourites.

Tickets £18 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Gaz Brookfield – The Idiomatic Tour

Following a two-year hiatus from live touring, he returns to the road with his biggest tour to date, in celebration of the release of Idiomatic.

Tickets £10 This event is for 14 and over only. www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Pub to Pulpit

Join Cathedral Choir, Broomdasher and Coracle singing some of the best-loved hymns using tunes collected by Vaughan Williams.

Tickets £20 www.lincolncathedral.com, T 01522 561600

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Red Herring Comedy Club

Performances from Andrew Bird, Kate Martin and Charlie Hopkinson, joined by MC Dave Longley for a night of laughter.

This event is 18+ Tickets £14.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk , T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

The ABBA Disco Wonderland

Love Disco? Love ABBA? Look no further. Disco Wonderland brings you yet another dazzling disco dream for one night only!

Tickets £10, this event is for 18 and over only. www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM Hold Back The Night

Zebra Express Band, with its feel-good tribute to the greatest hits of Motown, Disco and Soul through the decades, featuring songs from artists such as Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, The Tramps and Chic.

Tickets £12- £15 www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk, T 01522 701305

Saturday 8 October 8pm

We have a pair of tickets to give away to Harry’s show at the Engine Shed. To win simply answer the question below and email your answer to admin@lincolnindependent. co.uk marked Harry Hill Competition.

What was Harry’s profession before he became a comedian?

THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, LINCOLN A Brief History of Jazz with Paul Higgs Quartet

An entertaining, enlightening musical tour of jazz history presented by one of the UK’s top trumpet players and composers.

Reserve tickets by email or phone, or pay on the door

Tickets £16, Jazzpac Members £14, Under 18s £8 info@jazzpac.co.uk

T 01522 529717

Sunday 9 October 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Hayseed Dixie

Formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2000 the band performs bluegrass cover versions of hard rock songs and original songs - satirical or absurdist - in a selfcreated musical genre called ‘rockgrass’.

Tickets £18.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Wednesday 12 October 6.30pm – 9pm

Wednesday 12 October 8pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Butterfly Club

For people with physical and learning difficuties - giving them a vital and welcoming safe place to socialise.

Tickets Adult £5, Carer Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED An Audience with Steve Redgrave

Hosted by Sky Sports presenter Pete Grave, Steve will talk through his remarkable career, the highs and lows of arguably the greatest Olympian athlete to have ever competed.

From £27.50, VIP (with photo) £44. www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Thursday 13 October 7pm – 9pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Adventures in (Dream) Pop

An evening organised by Lincoln Book Festival. with Miki Berenyi and Jane Savidge, in conversation with Guy Mankowski. Both authors will be signing their books after.

Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Friday 14 October 7.30pm – 11pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN The Activators

The 11-piece band originally from Lincoln, whose eclectic style transcends Ska, Reggae, Celtic, Punk and Dub, even venturing into Balkan folk and Tango! Their energy, style and liking for utter mayhem have led to them becoming regulars on the live music circuit in the UK and in Europe.

Tickets £10 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Friday 14 October 7pm

The Halle

With a reputation for artistic excellence, ranking it amongst the world’s top symphonic ensembles, this Cathedral favourite is returning with conductor Taavi Oramo.

Tickets from £15 www.lincolncathedral.com, T 01522 561600

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Saturday 15 October 6.30pm

The Pylons

Indie five-piece originally from Lincoln with an eclectic sound that takes influence from the likes of Arcade Fire, Tame Impala and a touch of 90s grunge. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. £7.50 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Emma Kenny investigates what makes a serial killer?

ONE of the UK’s most notable psychological therapists and crime commentators, Emma Kenny, visit’s The Drill this month to discuss what creates a serial killer.

Emma specialises in victimology, but is best known for presenting crime shows including Britain’s Darkest Taboos, Lady Killers, and The Killer in My Family.

Saturday 15 October 10pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Wilkinson

On the back of a packed out summer schedule playing at events such as Let it Roll and Louder Ibiza, Drum and Bass royalty is coming to town! This event is for 18 and over only.

Tickets Adult from £12.50 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Sunday 16 October 7.30pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY Murder at the Broadbent

There’s a killer in the cast! Comedy turns to tragedy as a murderer reveals themself… but who will be their first victim?

Tickets Adult £10, Concession £9 www.broadbenttheatre.org, T 0300 400 0101

Wednesday 19 October 7.30pm

Thursday 20 October 7pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Emma Kenney’s Serial Killer Next Door

See enhanced listing right)

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Clearwater Creedence Revival

One of the most iconic rock groups of all time is coming to Lincoln, plus support from Joe Martin.This event is for 18 and over only.

Tickets £25 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Thursday 20 October 7.30pm.

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Jimeoin – The Craic!

A hilarious evening of world-class stand-up from live comedy’s internationally acclaimed Irish master!

Tickets £17.95, Age Restriction 14+ www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Sunday 18 September 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN La Voix

The UK’s funniest redhead is guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet with music and laughter.

Tickets £22 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Friday 21 October 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Anti-Clone + Regulus + Kaylyde

Returning after a four year hiatus for with a brand new look, a brand new line-up, and their new EP ‘Human’, Anti-Clone are back with their biggest Lincoln show to date.

Tickets £15 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

She will look at the factors that lead to horrific body counts from killers such as Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer (pictured below).

What creates a serial killer, and could anything have prevented their potential being activated, or were they simply born to kill?

A regular on This Morning, Emma has presented over 70 Crime shows analysing some of the most heinous crimes both here in the UK and the States, exploring what makes a killer, and why some people can be born into seemingly normal families, brought up without fear, or abuse, yet still choose a murderous path.

Emma Kenny’s Serial Killer Next Door, Wednesday, October 19, 7.30pm, The Drill, Free School Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1EY, Tickets at £24 available from the Box Office, 01522 534160, www.lincolndrill.co.uk. Over 16s only.

Saturday 22 October 7.30pm

The Great Almighty Gill – New Perspectives

Don’t miss your chance to see Daniel Hoffmann-Gill in his fantastic moving, one-man performance. Contains strong language.

Tickets Adult £12, Concession £11 www.broadbenttheatre.org, T 0300 400 0101

Sunday 23 October 1.30pm & 6.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN School Days

An original musical comedy about friendship and surviving school, with high energy dance routines and songs performed by the Reach Performers Company Lincoln.

Tickets Adult £12.50, Child £10.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

What’s On Guide

Wednesday 26 October 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Jessica Fostekew: Wench

You’ve seen comedy award-winner Jess on Live at the Apollo, QI and on Harry Hill's Clubnite amongst other TV shows. This event is for 14 and over only.

Tickets Adult £14 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Wednesday 26 October 8pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Mark Thomas

Expect creative fun from one of our oldest surviving alternative comics. Taking down politicians, mucking about, new ideas and finding hope.

Tickets £17.50, Concession £10 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Thursday 27 October 6.15pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Harry Hill: Pedigree Fun!

Harry is back with brand-new amazing jokes in an allsinging, all-dancing one-man spectacular. This event is for 14 and over only.

Tickets Adult £30 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

See also page 22.

Friday 28 October 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Daft Funk Live

In light of the recent split of the official robots, the equally mysterious 'Daft Funk LIVE' continue to pay homage to the infamous house masters by performing Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger. This event is for 14 and over only.

Tickets Adult £15 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Sunday 30 October 7.30pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Mark Morriss (The Bluetones)

As a live performer Mark is able to blend songs from his extensive back catalogue with stories of his time on the road, providing an entertaining show that prides itself on never being the same twice. All ages welcome, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets Adult £15 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Tuesday 1 November 7pm

Wednesday 2 November 6.30pm – 9pm

Friday 4 November 7.30pm.

Friday 4 November 7.30pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Paul Chowdhry: Family Friendly

Following a complete sell-out 2021 tour, star of global smash hit ‘Live Innit’, Taskmaster & the first British-Asian stand-up to sell-out London’s Wembley Arena adds extra 2022 dates! This event is for 14 and over only.

Tickets from £25 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Butterfly Club

For people with physical and learning difficuties - giving them a vital and welcoming safe place to socialise. Tickets Adult £5, Carer Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

THE DRILL, LINCOLN This is Queen

Four-piece tribute band covering the band’s full back catalogue.

Tickets £18 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM A Band Called Malice

The definitive tribute to The Jam have quickly taken the sector by storm in their quest to become the number one covers act of The Jam.

Tickets £15 www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk, T 01522 883311

Saturday 5 November 11pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN So Fetch: 2000s Party

Think Britney Spears to Avril Lavigne. McFly to Usher. Rihanna to Gwen Stefani. Justin Timberlake to Busted. Beyonce to Amy Winehouse.

So whether you were a skater boi, or spent the decade hanging out under your umberella-Ella-Ella-eh, you can expect to hear your faves on the night! Strictly Over 18sNo ID, no entry.

Tickets £4-£7. www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Mark Thomas

Friday 11 November 8pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Red Herring Comedy Club

This month’s comedy club features performances from Justin Moorhouse, David Eagle and Good Kids, joined by MC Danny McLoughlin for a night of laughter. This event is 18+

Tickets £14.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Friday 11 NovemberSaturday 19 November 2pm and 7.30pm both Saturdays No Sunday show. 7.30pm all other days.

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN CAODS presents...Sweeny Todd

Award-winning CAODS Lincoln is inviting audiences to their deliciously dark production of Sweeney Todd –the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

It is an infamous tale of love, revenge – and pies created by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, which has shocked and delighted audiences since being awarded eight Tony awards on its Broadway premier.

Under the direction of Lyndon Warnsby, CAODS promises an unforgettable theatrical experience drenched in blood, romance and laughteraccompanied by David Williams’ 20-piece orchestra. The eponymous barber seeks vengeance on what he sees as a merciless world by murdering his customers and, with the help of his landlady, the romantically inclined Mrs. Lovett, bakes their bodies into meat pies, which are fed to London’s avid and unknowing public.

Please note this production features adult themes and violence, we suggest that the show might not be suitable for those under 12 years of age.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk

Tickets from £21 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Saturday 12 November 7.30pm

The Rills

The London based Indie/Post-Punk band plus special guests.

Tickets £9.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Until 15 October 10am – 1pm

ART, LEARNING AND CULTURE

THE CRAFTEA CAFÉ, LINCOLN

Leaf Me Alone: Autumn Garland Knitting Course

Join Prikli Pear for the Autumn garland knitting course.

Complimentary yarns, needles, coffee and cake are included in the price. Booking required. Tickets from £30 www.priklipear.co.uk , T 07435 968851

Until Monday 31 October 10am – 4pm

Support local artisans at The Collection market

THE Collection’s Autumn Artisan Market Weekend returns over November 5-6. Kickstart your Christmas shopping early and support local talent at The Collection Museum.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with more than 30 local artisan stalls including original art, prints, ceramics, glassware and jewellery, alongside a selection of food and drink.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can get creative with adult and children’s workshops and enjoy live local music! The event is open 10 am – 4 pm and entry is free, but charges may apply for workshops and activities. For further details or to book workshops, please visit:www.thecollectionmuseum.com

Until Monday 31 October

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Ceramic Pandemic

In 2021, people across Lincolnshire commemorated their experience of COVID-19 by designing ceramic tiles in the style of those adorning church floors during the Black Death.

Free

www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

BLUEBIRD ART & CRAFTS, 3-4 THE STRAIT, LINCOLN, LN2 1JD, Lincolnshire Farms

Culmination of Michelle Bird’s project, who has spent over a year visitng county farms and capturing the beauty of our big skies countryside and agriculture. Percentage of sales and proceeds of raffle will go to Lincs Rural Support Network. www.bluebirdart.co.uk, 01522 542609

Until Saturday

7 January 10am – 4pm

Saturday 8 October 9.30am – 4.30pm

THE USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN Art Out of Isolation

An exciting opportunity for residents of Lincolnshire to exhibit their work. After a disruption of creative expression, it’s time to bring art back out of isolation to be celebrated once again.. www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

WELTON VILLAGE HALL, WELTON, LINCOLN Lincolnshire Archaeology Conference

Reviving Time Team, Bringing Archaeology to an on-line audience presented by Prof. Carenza Lewis is just one of the talks during the day-long event organised by the Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology. Tickets £32 www.slha.org.uk

Saturday 8 October –Sunday 6 November

HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, LINCOLN South East Northern Potters Association

NPA aims to encourage and support artists in the production of sculptural, functional, fine art and decorative studio pottery in all its forms throughout the North of England. On show will be work by some of its 400 members. www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537See also page 32

QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN

Saturday 8 October 2pm

The Lincolnshire Rising - Lincoln Branch of the Lincolnshire Family History Society

Mel Ogden presents the story of The Pilgrimage of Grace, on its 486th anniversary. Rebels gathered at Louth, Market Rasen and Caistor before marching to Lincoln in what would become the Lincolnshire Rising. lincolnbranch@lincolnshirefhs.org.uk

Dates throughout the Month 9-11am 7-9pm

VARIOUS CITY LOCATIONS Stitch & B*tch - Female Creative Networking Group

Women of all ages welcome to join like-minded ladies to chat, make friends and create whatever you feel like creating. No creative skill is excluded, bring your project along with you.

Tickets £3- £12, booking required. www.priklipear.co.uk, T 07435 968851

Monday 10 October 7.30pm

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

The Odd Couple: The Gardens of Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll

Lecturer Steve Desmond, an independent landscape consultant, will show how their joint creations of house and garden became the talk of Edwardian society. Part of The Arts Society Lincoln series of lectures. niki@nikigan.com, T 01522 789491

Until Thursday 15 December 5.30pm – 7pm (Untutored) & 7.15pm – 9.15pm (Tutored)

THE USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN Life Drawing Classes

These sessions offer the opportunity to come to a relaxed environment where you can practice and develop your drawing skills and technique in untutored or tutored sessions. Booking required

Tickets Adult from £8, Concession from £6 www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Tuesday 11 October 7pm – 9pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Pollinator Awareness Conference

This event will highlight the potentially catastrophic decline in the insect population, and call for profound changes at every level. Keynote speaker: Professor Dave Goulson

FRSE, Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex.

Tickets £15

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

What’s On Guide ART, LEARNING AND CULTURE

Wednesday 12 October 7.30pm

ST. HUGH’S HALL, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN Newton and the Apothecary

The Grantham Corporation Minute Books and inventories from the apothecary shop of Ralph and William Clarke are analysed to illuminate neglected aspects of the life and letters of Sir Isaac Newton. Organised by the Society of Lincolnshire History and Archaeology.

Tickets £4 Pay on the door www.slha.org.uk

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN

Thursday 13 October 7pm

Author Talk: Alexander McCall Smith

The author of much-loved No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series will be in conversation with Tim Rideout about his three new titles.

Booking required, Tickets £7 www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

Saturday 15 October –

Sunday 16 October 10am – 4pm

Wednesday 19 October 7pm

SCOPWICK AND KIRKBY GREEN VILLAGE HALL

The Millennium Art Group Exhibition

This exhibition sees over 100 pictures on show and the majority are for sale. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and cakes will be available all day.

Entry £1, Accompanied Under 16s Free T 01526 378092

ITHE COLLECTION, LINCOLN

Author Talk: Kate Mosse

Kate is an award-winning novelist, of eight novels and short-story collections, including bestselling Gothic fiction The Winter Ghosts and The Taxidermist’s Daughter.

Tickets £7, £24 single plus book and £27 couple plus book.

www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Thursday 13 October 7.30pm

Great British Birds

RSPB event presented by Ashley Grove (www.ashleygrovewildimages.co.uk)

Free parking on campus after 6pm.

Admission on the door £5, RSPB Members £4, child free www.lincolnrspb.org.uk, T 01522 753809

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN

Friday 14 October 6.30pm

Lincolnshire Crime Writers’ Panel

Crime fiction fans can hear from a forum of Lincolnshire crime writers chaired by Tim Rideout. This event is organised by Lincoln Book Festival.

Tickets Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

200 DEGREES, SINCIL STREET, LINCOLN

Saturday 15 October 7pm

The Weird Wolds

An evening of folklore, curious worlds, odd tales and poems that amuse and unsettle, celebrating Lincolnshire’s many diverse voices and creative minds. This event is organised by Lincoln Book Festival.

Tickets Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Thursday 20 October 6.30pm – 9.30pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE Cause; Effect; Outcome – A Journey Through PTSD

John and Jill Marshall met when they both served in the RAF. Six years after leaving the RAF, John suffered a brain injury; which led him to being diagnosed with PTSD. Join them for a poignant presentation through their journey with PTSD.

Tickets £10www.internationalbcc.digitickets.co.uk, T 01522 514755

Saturday 22 October 11am – 4pm

Saturday 22 October –Sunday 22 January 10am – 4pm

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Lincoln Zine Fest (above)

Lincoln’s zine fest returns after two years - a celebration of zines and DIY culture across Lincolnshire and beyond. More information, including table application coming soon but for now pop the date in the diary. www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Best Art Vinyl: Album Artwork Through the Ages

This exhibition showcases some of the very best vinyl album artwork from 1949 – 2021. Also, take a trip down memory lane and discover Lincolnshire’s sometimes surprising musical past. www.thecollectionmuseum.com T 01522 782040

Monday 24 October 11am & 2pm

MEET CORNER SALTERGATE AND BANK STREET, LINCOLN Hidden Lindum Colonia – Posterngate

The Posterngate site was uncovered during excavations in the 1970s. This guided tour to discover more about Lincoln’s history is an increasingly rare chance to see this part of the city’s hidden remains. Tickets £4.10 www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Wednesday 26 October 6pm – 9pm

Thursday 10 November 7.30pm

FABRIC CORNER, LINCOLN Reworked Clothing Upcycling Evening

Turn your tired clothing into refreshed garments by learning visible mending and sewing techniques, hosted by local women’s wear brand Prikli Pear.

Tickets Adult £25, booking required. www.priklipear.co.uk, T 07435 968851

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY Point Pelée: Jewel of Southern Canada

Presented for the RSPB by Lincolnshire based wildlife photographer, Graham Catley. Free parking on campus after 6pm. Admission on the door £5, RSPB Members £4, Child Free www.lincolnrspb.org.uk, T 01522 753809

Authors lined up for book festival

THE city’s annual literary festival is back from October 13-15 with a new abridged format and all events completely free to attend.

Lincoln Book Festival will feature a series of exciting guest author talks, which champion new creative writing from across Lincolnshire.

Venues including The Drill, The Collection and Lincoln Central Library with all tickets booked via The Drill Box Office. With fiction, non-fiction and kids’ books on the programme, the line-up includes multi-award winning children’s writer Hannah Gold, who will be discussing her latest book The Lost Whale illustrated by Levi Pinfold. Hannah won the Waterstones Childrens Book Prize 2022 and the Blue Peter Book Award 2022 for her debut, ‘The Last Bear’, which was the UK’s biggest selling debut hardback of 2021. She will be part of a three-part children’s event at Lincoln Central Library on Saturday, October 15 with fellow children’s authors Aisha Bushby and Bethany Walker starting at 10am (see page 28).

Crime fiction fans can hear from a forum of Lincolnshire crime writers including George Mann, Samantha Lee Howe, Lynne McEwan, and Nick Louth. in conversation with panel chair Tim Rideout on Friday, October 14 at The Collection from 6.30pm. Lincolnshire oddities and eccentricities feature in Weird Wolds: local folklore and pseudo-folklore inspired by Lincolnshire’s landscapes, legends and local history. This speakeasystyle event starts at 7pm on the Saturday at 200 Degrees coffee house on Sincil Street.

A festival fringe event offers an evocative exploration of the 90s Britpop scene with Jane Savidge and her book, Here They Come With Their Make-up On. Miki Berenyi, best known as guitarist in the band Lush, will be also discussing her memoir Fingers Crossed. They will be in conversation with Dr Guy Mankowski at The Drill on Thursday, October 13 at 7pm. www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

What’s On Guide

Until December Second Thursday every month (except October) 1.30pm

Until Monday 31 October 10am – 4pm

BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL

Lincoln Flower Club

Flower arranging demonstration by a professional demonstrator. All welcome. Entry £7 T 07976 847201

DODDINGTON HALL, LINCOLN Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Take your pick in the pumpkin patch this October and choose your pumpkin to take home and carve for Halloween or pick up delicious seasonal recipe ideas from the farm shop to make the most of your pumpkin.

Entry FREE, Prices of Pumpkin start from £2 depending on size. www.doddingtonhall.com, T 01522 694308

Saturday 8 October –Sunday

9 October 10am – 5pm

Saturday

8 October 10am – 3.30pm

LINCOLN CASTLE Dog Friendly Days

Explore with Paws on Dog Friendly Days! Unlock 1000 years of history, with your four-legged companion. Tickets apply for the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and Magna Carta - must be booked in advance online. Dogs must be kept on leads. www.lincolncastle.com, T 01522 554559

TRINITY URC CHURCH, GARMSTON STREET, LINCOLN Imp & Flea, Prikli Pear & Lincoln Clothes Swap present: Swap, Stitch, Style!

Bring up to five good condition, pre-loved clothing items to swap, stitch or style to make the item work for you.

Entry free, donations welcome www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swap-stitch-style-tickets410733674477 lincoln.clothes.swap@gmail.com

Saturday 8 October 3.30pm – 5pm

Sunday

9 October 10.30am – 12.30pm

TRINITY URC CHURCH, GARMSTON STREET, LINCOLN Halloween Costume Swap See also above.

Entry free, donations welcome lincoln.clothes.swap@gmail.com

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Toy Collectors Fair

The 200-table event is a trove of collectables, from Corgi and Hornby to Sci-Fi, Star Wars, film and TV related items.

Tickets Adult £3, Seniors £2.50, First Child £2 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

Sunday 9 October 10.30am – 12.30pm

Monday 10 October 6pm – 7pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bird Watching for All

Join local RSPB members for a guided walk around Hartsholme Country Park and Swanholme Lakes Local Nature Reserve to discover the many species of birds which reside here throughout the year.

FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Post Work Yoga Flow

A 60 minute Hatha flow class with movement, meditation, breathing practice and relaxation. All levels and experience are welcome. Please note you will need to bring your own mat and blanket.

Tickets £6 www.thecollectionmuseum.com

T 01522 782040

Wednesday 12 October

10.30am – 12pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Diddy Disco

The Drill’s hip disco club for under 7s and their happening grown-ups, mixing floor fillers from way back to the most recent top tunes. Suitable for 2 – 7 year olds

Tickets Child £4, Adult Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Saturday 15 October 9am – 5.30pm

WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Artisan Market

Unique artisan crafts by local businesses.

Free www.watersideshopping.com

T 01522 529566

Saturday 15 October 10am

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Do Lions Hate Haircuts?

This children’s event with Bethany Walker is part of Lincoln Book Festival. In her picture book we meet Leonard the Lion, who may be leader of his pride but he’s a great big baby when it’s time for a haircut! Tickets Free (Both adults and children need a ticket) www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Saturday 15 October 11.30am

A Flash of Fireflies

This children’s event with Aisha Bushby is part of Lincoln Book Festival. Her magical book about family, friendship and finding your place is ideal for 10-12 year olds. Tickets Free (Both adults and children need a ticket) www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Saturday 15 October 2pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY The Lost Whale

This children’s event with Hannah Gold is part of Lincoln Book Festival. She shares her enchanting novel which asks the question ‘What if you could communicate with a whale…?’

Tickets Free (Both adults and children need a ticket) www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Sunday 16 October 8.30am – 3pm

The Vintage Flea Market

This event will offer up everything from bric-a-brac to vintage items and collectables. This is the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning if you love bagging a bargain!

Tickets £2.50, Accompanied Under 16s Free www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

Monday 17 October 6pm – 7pm

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Post Work Yoga Flow

A 60 minute Hatha flow class with movement, meditation, breathing practice and relaxation. All levels and experience are welcome. Please note you will need to bring your own mat and blanket.

Tickets £6 www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Friday 21 October 10am – 11am

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Toddler Time

Join Park Rangers and dress to get messy for seasonal activities. This activity is aimed at children aged 1 to 5 years.

Tickets Child £3.50, All must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

Friday 21 October –Sunday 23 October

Saturday 22 October –Sunday 23 October 10am – 3pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND VW Van Jamboree

A weekend full of entertainment, Show ‘n’ Shine, live bands, free kids’ entertainment, all models of Volkwagens on show, full camping facilities. Various ticket prices available www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

DODDINGTON HALL, LINCOLN Boots & Bubbles

Bring your Dubarry Boots to Doddington Country Clothing and they will be rejuvenated ready for the coming season, while you wait shop the new A/W collection with a glass of bubbles.

FREE Booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com

What’s lurking in the trees on the Hartsholme Halloween Trail?

Saturday 22 October &

Saturday

29 October 6pm – 7pm

Monday

24 October –

Monday 31 October

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL, MINSTER YARD Ghost Bus Tour

Join local ghost expert, Karen Crow (pictured right) as she guides you through Lincoln by bus and tells the stories of Lincoln’s haunted past. Booking essential

Tickets Adult £9, Child £3.50 www.eventbrite.co.uk

NETTLEHAM COMMUNITY HUB Halloween Trail

Find hidden Halloween monsters around the village and once you have completed your quest, you will receive your sweetie prize! Maps available from the HUB for £1 www.thehubnettleham.co.uk

T 077948 520463

Monday

24 October

10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm

Wednesday

26 October –Sunday 30 October 12pm – 3pm

NETTLEHAM COMMUNITY HUB Creepy Crafts

Come to a fun-filled creative Halloween craft day and take part in making slime, show off your pumpkin carving skills and more.

Tickets Child from £5. Booking required www.thehubnettleham.co.uk, T 077948 520463

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Halloween Trail

Only for the brave, prepare to be scared out of your skin on this creepy Halloween Trail, which will lead you to a delicious, ghoulish treat! Aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years old. Get your trail sheet anytime between 12pm and 3pm from the Visitor Centre.

Tickets Child £3.50, All children must be accompanied. hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Saturday

29 October 11am – 2.30pm

Sunday

30 October 11am – 4pm

BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH, BAILGATE, LINCOLN Autumn Fair

Bailgate Preschool, based at the church, is raising funds for the school

DODDINGTON HALL, LINCOLN Wedding Open Day

View the wonderful award-winning Coach House, the Long Gallery in the Elizabethan Hall and the estate accommodation, to discover how your special day can be made a unique celebration. Booking essential, last entry 3pm Free www.doddingtonhall.com , T 01522 694308

Wednesday 26 October

10am – 11.30am

ARBORETUM CAFÉ, LINCOLN ARBORETUM Pumpkin Carving

Design and carve your own Jack O’ Lantern to ward off evil spirits. Booking essential.

Tickets Child £3.50, All children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

Wednesday 2 November 10.30am – 12pm

Wednesday 26 October

1pm – 2.30pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME PARK Pumpkin Carving

Design and carve your own Jack O’ Lantern to ward off evil spirits. Booking essential.

Tickets Child £3.50, All children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

Thursday 27 October

10am – 11.30am

CAFÉ, BOULTHAM PARK Pumpkin Carving

Design and carve your own Jack O’ Lantern to ward off evil spirits. Booking essential.

Tickets Child £3.50, All children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

Friday 4 November –Sunday 6 November 9am – 5.30pm

Friday 4 November 4pm-9pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Diddy Disco

The Drill’s hip disco club for under 7s and their happening grown-ups, mixing floor fillers from way back to the most recent top tunes. Suitable for 2 – 7 year olds

Tickets Child £4, Adult Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Festive Artisan Market

Take a look at a range of unique festive artisan crafts by local businesses. www.watersideshopping.com, T 01522 529566

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Autumn Lights

A fireworks fiesta is returning to Lincoln this November, with live entertainment, street food and a fun fair for all the family.

Tickets Adults £17.50, Child £10, Family £45 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900

Thursday 27 October

1pm – 2.30pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Mask Making

Make a scary mask in time for the spookiest day of the year.

Tickets Child £3.50, All children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 87373

Saturday 5 November –Sunday

6 November 10am –4pm

Friday 28 October

10.30am – 3pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN Harvest Festival

Celebrating Earth’s bounty. There will be crafts, fun games to play and produce available from the Dig for Victory gardens.

Free www.internationalbcc.co.uk, T 01522 514755

Friday 28 October 1pm – 2.30pm

LINCOLN VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bat Box Making

Let’s celebrate Bat Week! If you think there are bats in your area then do your bit for conservation and invite them to stay in your garden by making a Bat Box. Booking essential.

Tickets Child £5, All children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Saturday

5 November –Sunday

6 November 10am – 5pm

Sunday

6 November 10.30am – 12.30pm

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Autumn Artisan Market

Kickstart your Christmas shopping early and enjoy vegan street food, sweet treats and some warming spirits, plus 30 stalls offering artisan crafts. Free www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

LINCOLN CASTLE Dog Friendly Days

Explore with Paws on Dog Friendly Days! Unlock 1000 years of history, with your four-legged companion.

Tickets apply for the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and Magna Carta - must be booked in advance online. Dogs must be kept on leads. www.lincolncastle.com, T 01522 554559

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bird Watching for All

Join local RSPB members for a guided walk around Hartsholme Country Park and Swanholme Lakes Local Nature Reserve to discover the many species of birds which reside here throughout the year.

FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

Auf Wiedersehen Caroline

A RETROSPECTIVE of Caroline Matthaei’s artwork over the last 20 years will be held in Lincoln’s Gallery at St Martin’s, November 1-13.

Since moving to Lincoln in 1994 Caroline has been part of the local creative community. She was involved in the Harding House cooperative, the Contemporary Craft Network, Art on the Map, the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society, and she studied and taught at the University of Lincoln.

Her work has been ranging from decorative arts to figurative sculpture.

An example of her specialist skill of repoussage is the ‘flow’ of large copper leaves – part of the Joseph Banks Memorial in Lincoln Cathedral.

Trained as a goldsmith and jewellery

designer in her native Germany in the mid 1970s Caroline has constantly been expanding her skills working in a variety of materials.

“Turning to a new medium was not just driven by curiosity but quite often by personal circumstances.”

For example, finding the hammering of metal and carving of wood increasingly difficult to manage Caroline turned to the more malleable material of plaster and later to porcelain paper clay - this in turn gave her the opportunity to further explore the human figure in the round.

“My interest in creating figures began during childhood. The confidence to call myself a sculptor developed while I was working on my MA (2007) at the University of Lincoln. One of my MA sculptures is – thanks to the Heslam Trust – part of the permanent collection of the Usher Gallery”

“I find inspiration largely in my second favourite occupation – ‘making’ being the first – that of people (and animal) watching.”

The retrospective show is also Caroline’s ‘fond farewell’ to Lincoln as she is returning to her family in Hamburg, so its title is the very apt Auf Wiedersehen.

Auf Wiedersehen, November 1 – 13, 10.30am– 4.30pm, Gallery at St Martin’s, 37b Hungate, Lincoln, LN1 1ET.

Spectator

Lacuna

Get ready for spooky fun for all the family

BY REBECCA POOLE

HALLOWEEN in Lincoln promises to be truly spooky this year with various events across the city and beyond.

Lincoln Ghost Bus returns to take curious residents and visitors on a frightful journey past the city’s haunted landmarks.

Karen Crow, who has been a tour guide on Lincoln Ghost Walk for 24 years, will be the knowledgeable conductor on the bus telling of the executed prisoners of Lincoln Castle, the phantoms that cause mischief in historic public houses and much more. Karen explained that traditional storytelling in the winter months around the fire over hundreds of years often included scary tales and one of the reasons why there is so much interest in the paranormal, particularly around Halloween (see page 29 for Ghost Bus details)

Seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and must be booked in advance. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and is suitable for all ages.

The usual Lincoln Ghost Walk will also be running Wednesdays –Fridays at 7pm from Castle Square, with extra times on Saturday October 29 and Monday, October 31 (6:45pm, 7pm, and 7:15pm).

The cash-only Ghost Walk is adult £6, child £4.

The annual Pumpkin Trail is back just in time for half-term, Friday October 14 until Wednesday, November 2. The free event encourages families to explore the cobbled streets of Lincoln while on the lookout for themed pumpkins in shop windows of Uphill Lincoln and The Strait.

“The Pumpkin Trail as a family event is a well-attended one in the city’s calendar, bringing more people to the Bailgate and The Strait, encouraging them to linger, stay for longer, explore the independent shops, venues, and attractions,” said Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire.

“Combined with Lincoln BIG’s return of the Day of the Dead Parade taking place on the high street during the October half term, across the city there is plenty for residents and visitors to discover when exploring what Lincoln has to offer.”

To take part in the Pumpkin trail, collect a leaflet with a map and questions from the Visitor Information Centre, complete and return it to collect a certificate – there is also a chance to win a prize online.

Lincoln BIG’s Halloween Day of the Dead Parade will be in the city centre on Sunday, October 30 and is also a family-friendly free event. The fancy dress parade will have Halloween crafts and activities for families to get involved with.

See page 29 for more Halloween event details.

Michele Sims of the Visitor Information Centre, where the Pumpkin Trail brochure can be collected.

Imitating nature by bouncing back after vandalism

AS we head into October it is remarkable to see how the park has bounced back from the summer drought.

In fact, walking through the lush grass it’s hard to believe that just a few weeks ago everything was frazzled by relentless heat. Since then the park seems to have been making up for lost time, growing at a tremendous rate.

WORDS AND IMAGES: DAHLIA LEE

Michaelmas Daisy

What a wonderful example of nature’s amazing resilience. However, since midsummer the long days have been diminishing, and as we passed the Autumn Equinox. Many people cite autumn as their favourite time of year – the mellow sunlight igniting a rich abundance of colours, sparks of red berries, flashes of purple and yellow flowers, the ground littered with leaves and acorns and polished conkers clothed in their spiky hedgehog coats.

However this magnificent last hurrah is undeniably tinged with a little sadness, knowing it is not long before the Winter strips the trees and steals the show. This Autumn we feel sadness for another reason too. Recently a lovely new picnic bench was put up – its position was perfect, just above the performance area besides a little pear tree and in the shade of the beautiful Guelder-rose, and we immediately adopted it as ‘ours’ – a perfect spot to sit with our family, have a picnic, read a story, watch the birds.

Obviously it wasn’t ‘ours’ as such – and yet it was, because that is the beauty of shared community spaces. So imagine how we felt when we found it gone. Sadly someone had chosen that lovely bench to take out their frustrations on. Thankfully the damage was repairable but this is just one of several episodes of vandalism, from minor incidents to more significant wilful damage. Obviously this is upsetting, especially for the volunteers who work so hard here, and it can leave us feeling helpless – so what should we do?

Firstly we apply nature’s valuable lesson of resilience, and resolve to bounce back. The reality is Liquorice Park is an open greenspace in a city, and is bound to suffer some setbacks. But overall the positives far outweigh the rare occasional negatives, so the super park team sets to and clears up the mess and repairs the damage. Secondly, we need to be creative in nurturing wider respect for the park. Through community involvement we can awaken a sense of ownership and belonging – on the simple principal that if you are involved in constructing something you are less likely to damage it. The more people participating in making “our” park a lovely place to be, the better for everyone.

Lincolnshire themed tiles to make beautiful mosaics have been created by members of Creativity@tess under the guidance of artist and local resident Phil.

playground, a library or museum - you are building positive connections, underlining its role and reaffirming its significance as a vital part of the city and community. Your presence will make other people feel safer and together, with respect and resilience, we can make the park a safe restorative natural refuge for everyone to enjoy.

Volunteers hard at work.

If you’re wondering how you get involved, aside from volunteering and fundraising, the best thing any of us can do to help the park is to visit it, and all we ask in return is your respect for the space and other visitors. Each time we visit a public space - a park, a

Graffiti-style nature bins decorated by volunteer artist Penny.

Redwing

Awe-inspiring journeys of our feathered friends

RACHEL SHAW LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

WHEN the sun shines butterflies and bees might still be on the wing, but there is now a chill in the early morning air. It’s surely a sign the season has changed and autumn has arrived.

As the landscape changes, first with the colour, then the fall of autumn leaves; we are joined by thousands of winter migrants. These are the birds that fly here to escape the harsh cold of winter of more northern countries.

This migration of birds can be very visible.You may hear pinkfooted geese flying overhead or see their distinctive ‘v’ formation as they arrive from their breeding grounds in Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland; or flocks of redwings that spent the summer in Scandinavia may arrive in your garden to feast on red berries.

On a dark night, stand quietly for a while and listen.

You may well hear the high pitched ‘seep’ of redwings flying over in the dark. Redwings are often seen with fieldfares as they move from bush to bush looking for food. Both are species of thrush. The redwing is like a song thrush but with a white eyebrow stripe and red under their wings. Fieldfares are larger with a chestnut-brown back and grey head.

On lakes and wetlands like Whisby Nature Park, our resident population of familiar mallard ducks and the black-and-white tufted ducks are joined by other species of duck: pochard from eastern Europe and Russia, teal from around the Baltic and Siberia and wigeon from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.

In our gardens, robins and blackbirds which are resident all year round, are joined by migrating robins and blackbirds that have flown here from Germany and eastern Europe.

The journeys that these migrating birds make are pretty awe-

inspiring. Europe’s smallest bird, the goldcrest, weighs the same as a ten pence piece and yet is able to make its way across the North Sea to spend its winter here with us.

Although autumn migration can be seen almost anywhere, the major migration hotspots are around our coasts. Every autumn the tundra wastes empty and hundreds of thousands of wading birds make a beeline for the food-rich shelter of the UK’s estuaries.

The numbers are truly astounding. One and a half million lapwings from across northern Europe, half a million dunlin from Scandinavia, 300,000 knot from northern Canada, 300,000 oystercatchers from Iceland and Norway, 60,000 bar-tailed godwits from north west Russia, 50,000 Icelandic redshanks and 40,000 grey plovers from the high Arctic join local birds to spend the winter jostling for space on our coastal sand and mudflats.

Sometimes migrating birds arrive in immense numbers known as ‘a fall’. Many birds migrate on clear nights, using the stars to navigate. A sudden change in the weather such as a blanket of mist on the coast can disorientate the birds causing them to land and stay in the same place for a number of days.

On 5 November 1961, there was a fall of blackbirds at Gibraltar Point when 100,000 birds were grounded.

Availability of food in the place where the birds spent the winter will cause larger numbers to migrate. Waxwings are winter visitors to the UK from Scandinavia. In some winters, there are only a few hundred or so across the UK.

But sometimes, when food becomes scarce in Scandinavia, they arrive in their thousands. Waxwings are partial to the red and orange berries of ornamental trees that can often be found in city centres, supermarket car parks and out-of-town shopping areas. This winter, keep an eye on the trees in your neighbourhood to see if they attract these beautiful birds.

Waxwing

Fieldfare

Goldcrest

Sowing the seeds...

IT is the time for the planting of the bulbs. I love autumn and one of the main reasons is bulb choosing and planting.

Filling pots, tubs and the borders with spring bulbs is a joyous task and holds promise of colourful, warmer days.

Yes, I know, it’s expensive and with fuel bills as they are going to be we need to be making savings.

Tulips, however rarely come back as lovely as in their first year. There are some glorious, perennial tulips that come back every year but the newer varieties and the lovely, big flowered ones rarely make good comebacks.

One pack of particularly gorgeous tulips will not set you back so much; or buy a mixed lot. Whatever, please get a pot of tulips into your lives; it will make you more joyous.

Seeds are a cheaper way of getting lots of colour into the garden. Hardy annuals, such as pot marigolds, cerinthe (see photo), cornflowers, ammi majus, nigella, scabious can be sown outdoors now or into pots in the unheated greenhouse or indoors, somewhere cool. Sweet peas can be also be sown outdoors later on in autumn.

If you have, like me, sown some biennial foxgloves then plant them out now, while the soil is still warm and the roots can get off to a good start; wallflowers, likewise, either plant out your own seedlings or buy bare root plants from the nursery and plant those. Planting and planning for next year in the garden might just take your mind off your energy bills and keep you warm at the same time!

Autumn is also a good time to enrich your soil. Mulching with any organic compound, be it compost, manure or grit will help to retain moisture in the soil, which, in turn will aid the soil if next year is as dry as this one has been.

Just ensure the ground is damp before applying and put on in a good, thick layer. Manure can often be obtained for free, so that’s a good route to go down if you are budgeting and have the means to collect it.

Water project helps school retain award

BY REBECCA POOLE

THE international credentials of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School (LCHS) have once again been recognised with an accolade highlighting its wider-world persective.

It has received the International School Award consecutively since the award was started by the British Council almost 23 years ago.

“The British Council is basically part of government and it promotes the UK overseas. It promotes art and education,” explained Chris Williams, Deputy Head at LCHS from 1986 to 2007.

“To get the full award a school has to have three activities involving partners within the country; you have to have some Modern Foreign Language work and you have to have three other activities in school which have an international dimension to them,” said Chris.

These activites have included visitng a school in. Malbork, Poland and students have worked on an environment project helped by Maddy Gelder, Head of Geography.

This tackled plastic waste within the school while working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The school looked to see what actions they could take in the school, after some of the students joined a protest in the city for climate awareness and action.

There are 17 SDGs, which are a collection of global goals to create a more sustainable world for all by 2030. These were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and focus on areas such as ending poverty, ensuring clean water and sanitation, and addressing the climate crisis through different actions.

When the school first decided to apply for the award, then-Headmaster David Cox was determined to bring more international activities to the children of Lincolnshire.

“In 1999 they set up a scheme which would recognise schools which had good international programmes and we were one of the 70 or so schools which signed up for the award the first time and received it.”

Each award lasts for three years before schools have to reapply by demonstrating it looks outward to the wider world.

“We had an environmental group which raised enough money to install a water fountain which is now in the Science department and then we raised enough money to give all of the students recyclable water bottles as well,” explained Maddy.

The water fountain project was also linked to the school’s connections in Morocco. Collaborations with schools overseas aims to teach children about the differences and similarities in different cultures and how their own experiences compare to schoolchildren in another country.

“When the activities are written down it doesn’t stand out in quite the same way, but the contact of children with children from another country or teachers with teachers from another country has an immense impact.”

Helena Grigg, James Cann, Charlotte Drakard and Tia Drayton tookm part in the fountain project.

Applying for or amending a Child Arrangements Order

BY JULIE BAILEY, PARTNER, FAMILY DEPARTMENT, WILKIN CHAPMAN SOLICITORS LLP

THE school holidays may have highlighted issues over your children’s welfare.

As a parent or guardian, you may be considering whether to apply for or change an existing Child Arrangements Order you have in place.

But what are the main things you need to consider before making the application, and what steps do you need to take?

Steps to take when amending a Child Arrangement Order?

The court has to decide whether making the order is in the better interests of the child than if the order is not made. Where a parent is seeking to amend an existing order, this burden can be higher as you need to get over why shouldn’t things remain as the court previously ordered?

In some circumstances it will be obvious why that cannot happen e.g. if there is any physical or emotional risk to the child if the arrangements are not changed, but in more marginal cases this can be a difficult obstacle to get over.

If seeking to amend an existing order you need to think about, and show, why doing so will be for the greater benefit of the child.

Things parents/guardians need to consider before making an application or varying an Order?

The court’s expectation is that mediation will at least be considered as an alternative means of resolving matters.

The applicant will have to at least attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) with a mediator and get a sign off from the mediator to say mediation is not appropriate or that the parties do not wish to mediate before an application to the court can be made.

What will the court consider?

The court’s paramount consideration will always be the child’s welfare. It will only make an order if it is in the child’s better interests to do so, and will also have regard to the following factors:

l The wishes and feelings of the child concerned (in light of their age and understanding)

l The child’s physical, emotional and educational needs

l The likely effect on the child of any change in their circumstances

l The child’s age, sex, background and any relevant characteristics

l Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering

l The capabilities of each of the parents, and any other relevant person, in meeting the child’s needs

l

The powers available to the court

It is very important to seek advice from a solicitor, please call Julie Bailey on 01522 515948, email

julie.bailey@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit https://www.wilkinchapman.co.uk/resourc es/2022/08/26/child-arrangements-order for more information.

The rise and rise of UK residential lettings

FIONA PERALTA, RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MANAGER, BANKS LONG & CO

OVER the past two years the residential letting market has experienced a boom for UK landlords. Earlier this year, the Office for National Statistics reported a 2.7% rise in private rental prices within the past 12 months, representing the largest annual increase since 2016. Most notably the East Midlands topped the charts with a 4% increase, significantly outperforming London’s 1.1% rise.

So, what is driving this significant rise and what trends are we seeing?

1. Supply & Demand

Over the past three years demand for residential letting has increased by over 75%, but significantly the supply of lettings on the market has dropped by almost 40% causing the market price to rise in a simple case of supply and demand.

2. Affordability of Housing

The volume of those looking to enter the market as renters rather than owners has significantly increased due to the rise in housing prices. The average UK house price has rocketed by 12.8% over the past 12 months, with that increase not yet looking to have reached its peak. Many first-time buyers have been priced out of the market.

3. Reduction in Letting Stock

With the increase in property prices, some landlords have considered their portfolio more valuable to sell than rent, cashing out of the market with the lure of a quick win sale, further reducing the available property.

4. Legislation

Recent and upcoming changes to UK letting rules and regulations brought more guidance and legislation to the sector. The ‘Fairer Private Rented Sector’ white paper published in June this year has helped to improve standards and quality of the lettings sector to provide fairer rights for renters. EPC regulation changes from 2018, with all residential properties requiring an

EPC rating of an ‘E’ or above going forward. This was updated again in April 2020, to state that all residential properties will need to be a ‘C’ rating and above by 2025, to hit the governments target of Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

Landlords will have to make significant changes to their rental properties to meet the criteria.

Despite what is seen by some as a less attractive market now for UK landlords, these recent changes to the sector are undoubtedly a good thing. More guidance and legislation is raising the standard of housing stock, producing more energy efficient properties, more security for renters, and more loyal tenants who value their homes.

Landlords are increasingly seeing a return of 6-10% yield on their properties which is an excellent investment yield. The reduction in available rentals is producing more loyal long-term renters who maintain a good standard of property upkeep and maintenance.

For support, guidance or to enquire about a fully managed letting service call\ 01522 544515.

A mini-Budget that seeks to do so much – ‘go big or go home’

WAS it a mini-Budget or was it a maxi Budget?

It was perhaps more typical of an emergency Budget of a new government following a general election as opposed to that of the appointment of a new Prime Minister.

In her own words the Prime Minster, Liz Truss, outlined her approach to stimulating economic growth as ‘go big or go home’.

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng (right), certainly seemed to do just that. With a government focused on ending economic stagnation the announcements sought to provide financial stimulus to boost the economy and inspire/motivate UK enterprise.

The package of tax cuts was said to be the biggest, at £45billion, of any budget since 1972 and included the following:

l The basic rate of income tax is to be cut to 19% from April 2023, sooner than planned.

l The previously announced rise in Corporation Tax from 19% to 25% due next April has been shelved

l The 45% tax rate for those earning over £150,000 is to be abolished.

l The cap on bankers’ bonuses has been scrapped.

l The 1.25% rise in National Insurance to help fund health and social care is to be cut from 6th November.

l The threshold at which Stamp Duty is due on the purchase of homes will rise from £125,00 to £250,000.

l First time buyers will benefit from not paying stamp duty on properties up to the value of £425,000.

l From the 1st April 2023, the Annual Investment Allowance for businesses will be set permanently to 100% tax relief on investment in plant and machinery up to the value of £1milliion.

l The government is looking to set up new ‘investment zones’ similar to enterprise zones, where businesses will be offered and could benefit from tax cuts and more relaxed planning regulations to help support and stimulate enterprise and potentially inward investment.

l IR35 rules around employer status, for off payroll workers, are to be relaxed with large and medium employers from 6th April no longer being required to disclose to HM Revenue and Customs the status of workers including freelancers and consultants. Small businesses are already exempt from such disclosure.

l The proposed 1.25% increase in Dividend Tax due next April has been abolished.

l The company share option plan limit that allows businesses to offer employees share options is being raised from £30,000 to £60,000.

l Tech and other start-up companies from April 2023 will be able to raise up to £250,000 through the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme. This is two thirds increase in the level of investment.

l VAT free shopping, duty free, will be introduced for overseas visitors.

l The planned increases in the duty on alcohol, wine, beer and spirits has been axed.

Amusingly the office for tax simplification is to be wound down. With the mini or even maxi Budget, perhaps it is felt such work is now done, though there is already talk of even further tax cuts. With businesses facing challenges around increasing input costs, especially in terms of labour and energy, along with frustrated supply chains and continued skills shortages, the Budget will no doubt be a tonic to some if not all.

Whether it was just a ‘sugar rush’ or enough to boost lasting

James

(Hons),

Chiselwood

Fossdyke Paddock

Gainsborough Road, Saxilby

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 contact us and we would be delighted to tell you more.