Lincoln Independent February 2022

PROUD TO SUPPORT

February 2022

Dr Martin Smith’s practice has won a national award for being at the vanguard of new technology in ophthalmology.

Pictures: Stuart Wilde

Spec-tech-ular!

MULTI award-winning Martin Smith Opticians is celebrating further national success for leading the way in using state of the art technology to treat clients.

The Saltergate practice was named UK Technology Practice of the Year at the Optician Awards and the judges found: ‘Martin Smith Opticians stood out from the competition for its successful patient management and exemplary action as an ambassador for modern optometry.”

Owner Dr Martin Smith BSc DOptom Dip Tp(IP) Higher Cert Glauc MCOptom is one of most highly qualified optometrists in the UK, a Doctor of Optometry, independent prescriber and a glaucoma and macular expert.

TURN TO PAGE 3.

Dr Smith with the Optician Awards 2021 Technology Practice of the Year and practice manager Sue Edwards with one of their previous accolades.

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News

Spec-tech-ular!

FROM PAGE 1.

He has always been an advocate of using the technology to extend the effectiveness and range of client care, so is proud of this latest award.

“Within our patient base, we are presented with some of the most challenging and complex prescriptions and some of the most complex and complicated eye conditions. The range of services we offer ensure our patients receive complete clinical care and a world-class service with a diagnostic suite rarely found in eye clinics, optical practices, or hospitals,” said Dr Smith.

“We support our patients through all stages of their clinical journey and our technologically advanced camera and scanning equipment has saved patients from losing their sight. We remain committed to staying at the cutting edge of the profession.”

Patients receive the private practice’s flagship comprehensive eye examination which includes Paskal 3D sight testing and the most advanced scans and imaging available. The range of optical, clinical, and dry eye specialist services include Meibomian Gland Probing, Intense Pulsed Light treatment, Glaucoma consultations, Myopia management, contact lens appointments and a range of emergency and clinical consultations.

At the end of 2021 Dr Smith became one of the first specialist optometrists in the UK to become certified to perform laser and surgical procedures independently following attendance at an intensive course at BMA House in the heart of London It is not technology alone that attracts patients from all over the UK to the independent practice – it has previously won five national

awards - including three in 2019, Optometrist of the Year, UK Practice of the Year, and Dispensing Optician of the Year Dr Smith is supported by a welcoming team who advise and support all patients with dispensing provided by Sue, Jenn and Rachel, who have advanced knowledge of all eyecare including lenses and frame styles, sportswear, occupational, sunglasses and specialist eyewear. Front-of-house is managed by Kate and Mandy who offer advice and help to patients attending or communicating with the practice.

Sue Edwards, practice manager explained: “Providing a quality and caring clinical and eyecare service to our patients is paramount to us. As a team we all understand how vital it is that our patients are communicated with and supported at all times in our practice – and we especially enjoy getting to know everyone.

“Choosing a frame to suit your style is never easy but the exquisite ranges from Etnia Barcelona, Italian style from TREE, minimal elegance from Silhouette, all sit alongside new designs from Caron Eyewear, Longchamp, Porsche and a wide and dazzling array of styles. The private dispensing suite uses cutting-edge Rodenstock Impressionist measuring technology.

“Patient care is always the main priority and whilst the practice is busy and booked well in advance, the overall feel when you visit is one of calm. Also at a time when it is often difficult to get hold of advice when patients need it, we are fully available and have been consistently open over the past challenging two years.”

Martin Smith Opticians (appointment only), 22 Saltergate Lincoln, LN2 1DH, T. 01522 521100,

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Editor’s Comments

Coming soon...digital or print?

It’s all about communication THE business wife and I are proud to be the ‘Ladies of Print’.

This is not just because we’re a couple of stubborn old biddies who refuse to move with the times, but because we know what an effective way it is to engage with people.

There are people out there who aren’t constantly on their phones and who want to relax as they find out what’s happening in their community rather than have myriad messages blasted at them.

However, we also recognise there are other very effective ways to get ideas and news across - we have thousands of followers on facebook, Twitter and Instagram for example.

We’re never going to be experts in the digital field - there are others who do it with so much more proficiency and, dare we say, gusto.

That doesn’t mean not reaching out to Lincoln’s online community. We already have a website (www.lincolnindependent.co.uk) that has been evolving ever since we took over the magazine in 2016.

We’re taking that evolution one step further by developing new services online and applying the same ethos of our printed magazine - good old fashioned customer service and community focus.

We believe we can actually provide some facilities better digitally than are currently being offered in other formats.

Take Family Notices for example - I always hated the old term Hatched, Matched and Dispatched for Births, Marriages and Deaths. It was so very disrespectful but a good reflection on how those important messages were treated.

People deserve better than the ugly boxes produced with little care for the content and no imagination, but big price tags.

We will be giving people a chance to create their own family memories online under the Community section of the website.

People will also be able to digitally add their event to the What’s On Section of the printed magazine.

Small businesses will feel like a big deal with the new Classified section allowing electricians, mechanics, plumbers and others to advertise their services in a convenient and reasonably priced way.

We want these new services to benefit the whole community, but perhaps our expansion into the digital realm with the most impact will be our weekly newsletter - IndieX-tra. An intelligent news source with a community focus and the options of some hugely beneficial cross pollination with the Independent magazine.

Watch out for our social media posts and, of course, March’s Independent for more news on these exciting new developments.

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Material for our next edition should reach us by February 21, 2022.

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

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Lincoln Independent | February 2022

News

Popping into Bail a local lifeline PEOPLE who live in Lincoln ‘pop to the Bail’.

It’s a lifeline for older or less mobile city residents who need its facilities such as the shops, post office and chemist, according to Bailgate Area Guild chair Nicola Lockwood.

The Guild is concerned businesses could close and this lifeline lost if plans to create Residents’ Parking permit scheme in Bailgate get the go-ahead and has sent a petition of more than 7,000 opposition signatures to Lincolnshire County Council.

The proposals are due to be discussed by the Planning and Regulation Committee on Monday, February 14 at 10.30am when the Guild hopes their economic and social arguments against the scheme will prevail.

If approved it would see the current one hour limited waiting Monday - Saturday, 8am - 6pm, no return within two hours, between Newport Arch and Westgate incorporate an exemption for residents to park at any time.

This could see the spaces be continuously occupied with residents’ vehicles with little or no room left for those people who use the area’s facilities, shops, restaurants and bars.

“If you’re from Lincoln you pop into the Bail – it’s not just about convenience it is a lifeline for people who are less able.

They feel safer in Bailgate – this was especially the case during the height of COVID,” said Nicola.

“The response to the petition has been very heartening and people are always asking us what the latest is - we’ve done all we can now, we got to hope that common sense prevails.”

The Guild wants to keep the parking accessible to all users and believe the change will threaten the unique, historical area and displace visitors threatening the survival of the independent, locally run businesses. It has also submitted an Economic Impact Report to the council as well as the petition and Nicky added there did not appear to be similar evidence in support of the application.

“We have argued that Bailgate is an Urban Village. This is not a romantic idea but firmly bedded in contemporary research. If it is a village then the villagers don’t just live here but across the city and the communities in a large rural swathe around the city.

“We don’t want this to be a ‘businesses versus residents’ situation, it’s not about that. Yes, businesses will be impacted, but that will have a knock-on effect on the whole area. There is a very real danger the scheme will mean the reason people want to to live in the Bail area will disappear.”

All the problems the scheme would cause would not solve the demand for residents’ parking in the area “We don’t believe that the proposal will suit the needs of any party; that the fit between the space available and the demands on it are so poor as to be unworkable.”

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News from Ringrose Law

What is in your child’s best interests?

ALEX BEAVIS, TRAINEE SOLICITOR, CHILDREN LAW TEAM MAKING arrangements for your children following a separation or divorce can be an emotionally charged and difficult time.

After separation, parents may disagree on what is best for their children. Disputes about children can take many forms: who will they live with; when will they see each parent; how should holidays and special occasions be divided; how should big decisions be taken and more.

It is easy to lose sight of what is important and that is the child’s best interests.

Many parents are concerned that disputes about children automatically means a court will have to be involved. However the Ringrose team will be able to advise on other options such as negotiation to try and reach an agreement without needed to go before a court.

If an agreement cannot be reached it may be necessary to apply for a Child Arrangements Order that specifies where a child should live and/or the amount of time they should spend with another named person, such as a parent or other relative. The arrangements set out in the order will be based on the individual child’s best interests and family situation so there is no ‘one size fits all’.

Anyone with parental responsibility can apply for an order, which will apply until the child turns 16 years old. This will be the case unless the court is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances for the Order to last until 18 years of age.

There are two other types of order the court can make - a Prohibited Steps Order and Specific Issue Order.

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Lincoln Independent | February 2022

The first is applied for when one parent objects to something that the other parent is doing concerning their child and cover issues such as education, medical treatment and change of name.

The Specific Issue Order can be considered if parents are unable to agree on a particular aspect of their child’s upbringing and could include taking a child abroad or medical treatment.

The whole process can become a legal minefield so parents are advised to talk to a solicitor for help and guidance when making these decisions and ensuring the right order in place for individual circumstances.

Ringrose Law has a team of dedicated specialists to represent parents in court or help with application for a Child Arrangements Order. It has the experience and knowledge to understand the process and guide parents through every step.

For a free consutlation get in touch at wecanhelp@ringroselaw.co.uk.

News

New city suburb can move forward WORK to deliver Lincoln’s Western Growth Corridor is expected to start later this year after the government decided not to ‘call in’ the scheme’s planning application.

A planning decision notice for the project has been issued as the Secretary of State’s office confirmed it will not be scrutinising the proposals as requested by Lincolnshire County Council.

City of Lincoln Council, sitting as Planning Committee, approved the Western Growth Corridor plans on 12 January 2022.

The development, which will be jointly delivered by the council and Lindum Western Growth Community Ltd, will be the largest project undertaken in the city for decades, bringing more than £500 million of investment into Lincoln and hundreds of jobs.

The development will supply the city with 3,200 new homes, a new stadium for Lincoln City FC, a leisure village, an industrial park and transport infrastructure that will help alleviate some of Lincoln’s worst traffic problems.

A statement from the council said many of the concerns raised about the development had been tackled in the proposals.

The transport infrastructure will improve the overall road network in the area, including a new spine road, which will run through the centre of the development, providing a main road to connect the development into the city centre and surrounding area.

Traffic modelling, undertaken by independent industry experts, shows that, once in the place, planned infrastructure improvements would take significant amounts of traffic away from Skellingthorpe Road. This includes linking Skellingthorpe Road to Tritton Road via a new bridge over the railway, which will play a major part in helping ease current congestion.

Extensive independent studies and surveys have been conducted, including water management strategies which will help ensure the development and wider area are protected from flooding, Ecology studies will assist developers keep disturbance to the site’s natural assets, such as trees and wildlife, to a minimum.

Leader of the city council, Cllr Ric Metcalfe, said: “We are very pleased that the Secretary of State has rejected the call-in request for the Western Growth Corridor planning application, giving city councillors the ability to make the ultimate decision for the site.

“The planning application has significant local importance; it is policy compliant and allocated within the Local Plan. Government has responded quickly and favourably in refusing the call-in and allowing us to progress with the project.

Mark Foster, Lindum Planning Director, said: “We are now looking forward to re-engaging with the local community, ward councillors and Lincolnshire County Council as highways authority, to deliver a scheme that’s right for Lincoln.

“It has taken many years of hard work to get to this point and we are pleased to see the scheme now gathering momentum.”

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News from Citizens Advice Lincoln and District

Fuel bill blues CITIZENS Advice is trying to support people during the energy crisis working with the hash tag #EnergyKnowHow. Below the Lincoln and District Office answers a typical question from worried consumers.

MY energy supplier recently went under and the new tariff I’ve been put on is far more than I used to pay. I’ve heard energy prices are set to rise further and I’m just not sure I can afford it. What help can I get or small changes can I make around my house to help save some money this winter?

The cost of energy is very high at the moment and it’s causing many people to worry. Normally we would suggest switching to a better deal, but there aren’t a lot of good deals out there.

However, there are still other small ways you can keep your bills down.

Little everyday things can help, such as making sure televisions and other electronic devices are switched off and not left on standby; washing clothes on a lower temperature; and only filling the kettle with

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Lincoln Independent | February 2022

the water you need.

Turning down your main thermostat by 1 degree can save you around £60 on your energy bill. And by spending one minute less in the shower each day, a family of four could save £75 a year on energy and water bills. The Government’s https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/ has more tips like this.

Bills are going through the roof - and the walls. One way of cutting costs in the longrun is to invest in good insulation if you can afford to. If you’re renting, ask your landlord to do this.

You may be able to get financial support to help insulate your home under the Energy Company Obligation scheme. Contact your energy supplier for more information. If you’re in a household that’s not connected to the gas grid you may also be able to receive help under the Home Upgrade Grant scheme through your local authority.

There’s some financial support available for paying your energy bills, depending on your situation. For example, if you’re a pensioner

with a low income or receive Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits, you may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount. This gives you £140 a year to go towards your bills. Check https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment to find out if you can claim it.

The Government recently announced a £500m fund to support households this winter so keep a look out for announcements about how this could help you. In England, it will be distributed by Local Authorities.

Remember you can always call our consumer helpline on 0808 2231133 for free advice about your energy costs and staying warm this winter.

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Forever In Our Hearts Appeal

Have a heart “If there ever comes a day we can’t be together, keep me in your heart; I’ll stay there forever.”

A.A. Milne THE St Barnabas Hospice Forever in our Hearts Appeal is a special way to celebrate the life of a loved one with a lasting, personalised tribute. By donating, you will receive a beautiful ironwork heart, handmade in Lincolnshire by The Old Smithy (main picture).

Anyone can donate for a heart, regardless of whether your loved one received hospice care or not. Remembering a loved one is very personal, which is why the charity has included the ability to personalise the ironwork heart with the name of loved ones.

The hearts measure 18cm x 95cm.

As a tribute to all of those being remembered, all hearts ordered before Sunday, March 20 will feature in a display at the Dean’s Green, Lincoln Cathedral from Saturday, April 2 to Monday, April 18 (artist’s impression above) and will be open for the public to visit and pay respects during this period.

Those that dedicate a heart before the deadline will be invited to collect their heart after the display ends – orders will be accepted after March 20, but will not be displayed.

Emma Gowland (pictured centre bottom and above with family) is a St Barnabas Hospice supporter who will be dedicating her own heart in memory of her dad.

“My dad, Geoffrey, had such a cheeky personality; always joking and making us smile. He was diagnosed with cancer on March 16, 2016, and from then we only had a couple of weeks before he died and our world fell apart.

“I felt so lost at the time. I was 28, but it was as though I had reverted back to being a child, just trying to tell myself that it was all a bad dream.

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Lincoln Independent | February 2022

“Our saving grace during this horrible period was St Barnabas Hospice. The dignity and care they showed my dad was like nothing I had ever imagined. From the moment our family walked in, we felt they were caring not only for dad, but for us too.

“My brother and I struggled to process our feelings alongside making sure Mum was ok, but the nurses took over and gave us stability when everything was falling apart. I don’t think people realise just how special the team at St Barnabas are.

“Everyone at St Barnabas has so much love to give to families and patients, which is what makes this heart display feel so special to me. The suggested donation for a heart is £35.54, this is the equivalent to one hour of specialist inpatient care, just like Dad received.”

A loved one’s heart will help St Barnabas care for others at a time when they need it most. Here are a few examples of what donations could mean to the hospice. l £35.54 could pay for one hour of specialist inpatient care at the Hospice. l £55.98 would fund our bereavement helpline for a day, giving support to those struggling with grief. l £72.90 could pay for one Hospice at Home nurse to care for a patient in their own home for five hours.

Dedicate a heart for a loved one today at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/foreverhearts

Letters We’re always delighted to receive your letters here at the Lincoln Independent - see our contact details on page 4. This month readers have written about two individuals close to the hearts of many people - Mr Anzors Gvaramadze, Consultant Breast Surgeon at Lincoln County Hospital, and the delight that is the 99-years-young Joyce Leyson.

Joyce finds a long lost cousin AMANDA - I have seen on-line the articles in the Independent magazine giving the life story of Joyce Leyshon. She is a remarkable woman who has lived a full life.

I have been researching my family tree and I have discovered that Joyce is my first cousin. The Robson family mainly lived in Lincoln and my father is one of Joyce’s uncles, Charles Andrew Robson late RSM of the Lincolnshire Regiment.

I am the youngest of five children born from Charles’ second marriage. He moved the family from Lincolnshire to Guildford.

I know from the article that Joyce is now 99 and she is probably the only living person who would have any information about the Robson family in Lincoln, including her grandfather and grandmother, Joseph and Mary Robson who are both buried in Newport Cemetery.

Would it be possible for

In praise of Mr G and all LCH staff

AMANDA – I read your article on Mr G (January 22) and would like to say he is a very nice gentleman and all the staff at the breast clinic are wonderful – they cannot do enough for you.

All the people at the Oncology Department are the same from the moment you enter to the moment you leave, it does not matter if it’s a good day for you or a bad one, nothing is too much trouble, To be honest anywhere I have been in the hospital at Lincoln the staff have only been too happy to help.

So please say a big thank you to one and all at Lincoln County Hospital for all their hard work, comfort, care and attention they bestow on each and every patient.

Yours etc, C. Long, Lincoln

This from suncloudtherapy on Instagram A wonderful piece in this month’s @lincolnindependent on the world’s best breast surgeon, Mr G. We’re so lucky to have him here in Lincoln, he is a leading surgeon in oncoplasty and was highly recommended to me. I am part of a support group for Poland Syndrome (in which the chest is underdeveloped on one side of the body) with 126 others from around the world. In this private group I posted my before and after pictures and members could not believe the true artistry this surgeon has performed.

Mr Gvaramadze is a truly skilled surgeon and puts you at ease right from the first meeting.

As Amanda McSorley quite rightly said in her article: “He radiates a soothing mixture of care, comfort and self confidence.

Thank you Mr G. Editor’s note - the articles on the fight against Breast Cancer at Lincoln County Hospital will continue in the March edition of the Lincoln Independent.

you to let Joyce have my contact details, address, email or telephone? It would be great to be able to talk or correspond with her or any family she has. She may be interested in some photographs I have of the family, a couple of which I attach which you may be able to forward to her. The first one is a copy of a postcard sent by Joyce’s father Leonard to his wife Nellie from India (left).

Yours etc, David Robson, Stocton Road, Guildford Of course we put David in touch with Joyce - she called him immediatelty.

AMANDA - I have just spoken to Joyce which was wonderful. She sounds nothing like 99 and is very with it and we had a lovely conversation. I am sure that now we have made contact we will stay in touch.

Many thanks again for passing on my details to Joyce.

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February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

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News from Bransby Horses

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onkey February - the iaries month of love

BEING highly sociable animals, donkeys are happiest in a herd and will find a best friend for lifetime companionship – it’s in their nature.

On arrival at Bransby Horses, donkeys are introduced to our existing herds and tend to make a beeline for one particular friend. Many of the donkeys form this bond straight away and it stays this way – for life!

These deep, lifelong relationships are called pair bonds and staff at Bransby Horses love to observe the dynamics within them.

Jennies (female donkeys) Gnasher (17) and Marlene (12) are always together and have been since Gnasher joined the charity a year after Marlene’s rescue in 2015.

They were both pregnant on arrival and gave birth within a month of each other; Nipper was born to Gnasher in August 2015 and Ronnie was born in September to Marlene. They lived as a group of four until their foals were weaned.

When Marlene and Gnasher joined the herd of Jennies, they remained the best of friends, although their carers have noticed Gnasher is the boss and will keep Marlene in check whether she likes it or not.

Four-year-old Dave and Dominic, six (pictured above), arrived together at Bransby Horses in September last year and have stayed best friends within their herd of Jacks (male donkeys).

They are described as a really sweet and quiet duo who enjoy napping in the barns in the colder months. It is believed they have been friends all their lives.

Brothers Domino, 22, and Nero, 23, have been with Bransby Horses since 2009. They are not joined at the hip like some donkey couples, being a more laid back pair. The whole of the Bransby Horses herd respects the brothers because of their age and time at the charity.

They still like to play and they will look after any donkey in the herd who may have lost their partner and are known affectionately by the Bransby team as ‘uncles’.

Discover more about these doe-eyed rescue residents throughout February by taking part in Bransby Horses’ Love Is In The Air activity - explore the very special friendships between horse and donkey, pony and mule.

Sponsor a donkey as the perfect gift for your Valentine - find out more at BransbyHorses.co.uk

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Lincoln Independent | February 2022

News

Abuse victims urged to come forward A FORMER pupil who suffered physical and sexual abuse has come forward in a civil case against Lincolnshire Council Council in the hope that it will encourage others to speak out.

Patricia (not her real name) was sexually abused by deputy headteacher David Taylor throughout her time at the now closed Stubton Hall School for vulnerable children near Newark between 1993 and 1995.

The 39-year-old said the abuse started when she was just 10 years old and is urging other survivors to join her in seeking damages for the crimes they endured.

“The sexual abuse consisted of Mr Taylor fondling my genitals and breasts. He also used to kiss me. Other times he was violent towards me.

“If I was naughty in his class he would beat me and restrain me and then throw me in a tiny cupboard where I had to stay for as long as he decided. When I look back, I don’t know how I put up with the abuse for so long but I had nowhere else to go.”

In July last year Taylor, 71, from Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln, was imprisoned for 19 years and six months after being convicted of three counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault against five girls at the school where he worked between 1975 and 1995.

Another staff member, Raymond Longley, who was employed there from 1982 until 1997 when he retired, was also convicted of sexually abusing girls at the school and was jailed for four years.

A total of 26 former pupils have contacted specialist solicitors Andrew Grove and Co, which is mounting a civil lawsuit against the council which owned and ran the school.

Solicitor Katherine Yates said her clients are seeking significant compensation and urged anyone else who may have been affected or has information which might help the investigation to come forward.

“We are taking statements from witnesses and claimants to get a clearer idea of what was going on at Stubton Hall School,” explained Katherine.

“What we are being told is quite horrific and it is hard to believe that this level of sexual and physical abuse was going on in the relatively recent past.

“I believe that it is important that if anyone was physically or sexually abused at Stubton Hall School they make themselves known to my firm. We are listening.

“It does not matter if you have not previously come forward to the police. There are many reasons why people feel anxious about coming forward, but we would encourage anyone who was at the school to make contact. We can help.

“All claims are being funded by way of a No Win, No Fee agreement so financial concerns should not prevent anyone from making contact and bringing a claim.”

In a statement, Heather Sandy, executive director for children's services at the county council said: "LCC expresses deep regret over the abuse suffered by the victims in this case.

"We wish to apologise to the victims and are pleased justice has been done through the convictions in the criminal case."

She said she hoped the convictions had brought ‘some comfort and closure’ to them, but was unable to comment further regarding potential legal action.

Victims can contact Katherine on 01223 367133 or 07810 224545 or by email at katherine@andrewgroveandco.com

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Find us at: 175 Newport, Lincoln LN1 3DZ 51 Doddington Road LN6 7EN 32 Lincoln Road Skellingthorpe LN6 5UU

February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

13

News

Scooting around on Sausage and Plum HAVE you seen Sausage? Or perhaps you may have seen Boole, or Plum?

These are just three of the names for new mobility scooters for the city’s Dial-ARide scheme.

“When we moved into our new office within the Central City Car Park, we were able to purchase some brand-new Mobility Scooters, we always wanted to name them but then Covid arrived,” explained scheme manager Penny Hardman, “Last year BBC Radio Lincolnshire and Melvyn Prior (right on Sausage) helped us reach a wider audience looking for suggestions; staff, volunteers and customers also put forward names with a Lincolnshire connection.

“We chose and had a graphic artist, Bethan (liente@lienteart) on standby to create a picture to go on the plates.

“Lincolnshire Co-op came to the rescue again with the cost and Allen signs produced them. This was collectively a great example of Lincolnshire collaboration.

“So, if you are around Lincoln see which ones you can spot, we even have them on our Bootscooters that can be hired for longer periods, if you wish to go away on holiday, or keep out overnight. Daily charges are applicable if you keep equipment out overnight.”

www.lincolndialaride.co.uk.

If you want to volunteer as a driver or non-driver email contact@lincolndialaride.co.uk.

14

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

News

Busy year ahead for Abbey Access Training SETTING up a community bakery is just one of the ambitions of Abbey Access Training for 2022.

The centre based at in The Arboteum (right) off Lincoln’s Monks Road already has a cafe, which has the dual purpose of being a focus for the community and providing training for its catering students.

Manager Gail Dunn explained that over 5,000 people have found jobs through AAT, which also runs construction courses based at St Swithin’s Community Centre on Croft Street but the organisation has a wider influence and importance to local people.

“Abbey Access Training is at the heart of the community, from providing formal learning courses in Hospitality and Construction, to its short courses in Barista, Healthy Cooking and Eating, Maths and English, Money Matters and Learn to Read classes.” said Gail.

“Our wellbeing walks and classes provide much needed engagement for the local community to help overcome isolation and mental health struggles and these aim to help the community get out of the house and into learning and employment. Our recent food banks have also been a real lifeline to the local community.

“Our plans for the forthcoming year are to embed our new NVQ programmes to enhance and strengthen our offer to help us sustain our future, which is much needed in the community.”

AAT’s pivotal role was highlighted by the granting of £339,000 from the National Lottery to fund support those will mental ill health to rebuild their lives with partner charities developmentplus and Green Synergy. The grant will fund a further three years of the Better Together project.

The Independent will be featuring AAT’s activities in more depth in future issues. See https://abbeyaccesstraining.com

Become a volunteer Visitor Host AGE UK is looking for friendly people to support local care homes in having covid-safe visits from resident’s loved ones.

“This is a great role that directly supports the community, and makes a huge difference to the residents of care homes and their wellbeing,” said Maddy Hamblett of Voluntary Centre Services.

“You will be fully supported, receive all relevant training and have the chance to develop skills and experience in the health and social care sector.

If you'd like to know more contact Maddy for an initial chat by calling 01529 404664 or email maddy@voluntarycentreservices.org.uk.

#LatchOnLincolnshire A Breastfeeding campaign, to encourage businesses to be more breastfeeding friendly across Lincolnshire.

To support the campaign and obtain a poster for your business please email LECCG.BetterBirths@nhs.net with your company address.

Alternatively, please follow us on: Better Births Lincolnshire

@betterbirthlinc

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February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

15

Food and Drink

Slow cooked lamb shoulder with chive mashed potatoes, braised bunch carrot and lamb jus Ingredients: 1kg bones and rolled lamb shoulder 1 leek 1 white onion 2 large carrots 4 sticks of celery 4 cloves garlic 4 sprigs of thyme 4-6 large Maris piper potatoes 200g salted butter 100ml cream Small bunch of chives finely diced 4 large bunch carrot 150ml good quality red wine 50ml port 1 table spoon redcurrant jelly Salt Pepper Watercress to garnish

Method To make the lamb.

Preheat your oven to 180oc. Start by roughly chopping the two carrots, 1 leek, 1 white onion, 4 sticks of celery, thyme and garlic.

Place into a deep oven proof casserole dish. Place the lamb shoulder on top of the chopped vegetable mix.

Season with salt and pepper and fully submerge in water. Place a lid or cover in tin foil, place in the oven for 5-6 hours.

Once cooked and tender remove the lamb from the dish and shred.

Season with salt and pepper.

Roll in cling film to form a cylinder shape making sure there is no air trapped in the roll. Continue to roll in cling film until it is tight.

Leave to cool and set in a fridge for 1-2 hours.

Once cooled cut into 4 portions and to reheat put back through the oven at 180oc for 20 minutes.

To make the lamb jus.

Strain the liquid that the lamb was braised in through a fine sieve. Reduce by 2/3 in a saucepan. Add the red wine and port and reduce again. Keep reducing until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Finally, add the redcurrant jelly until dissolved. Add salt and pepper if needed.

To make the mash.

Peel and quarter the potatoes, put them into a saucepan and cover with water cook until soft. Drain, push through a fine ricer.

Add 100g butter and the cream to the potato and mix well until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in 2/3rds of the chives and mix well.

To make the bunch carrot Trim the leaves from the bunch carrots. Peel.

Cook until al dente and drain.Toss In a butter and the rest of the chives.

BILLY Frost has been a chef for over 14 years working his way up through the ranks of some of the best kitchens around the UK. He has also taken part in lots of cooking competitions including Masterchef: The Professionals, National Chef of the Year 2021 and The Escoffier Grand Final.

He is a huge advocate for using local produce and putting modern twists on British classics.

Billy (pictured right with Jordan Thompson) has been head chef at The Tower hotel for the last eight months. “ I have managed to build a great kitchen team and our food is going from strength to strength. We have a fantastic mix of British pub classics (our steak pie and slow cooked lamb shoulder is a must try), and high end dishes such as plate of pork and duo of Lincolnshire red beef on our A La Carte menu.

Premium bespoke kitchens made without the premium bespoke pr Chris Sharp Cabinets Ltd, Tillbridge Lane, Scampton, Lincoln LN1 2SX

telephone 01522

Visit our showroom or book a free desig

Food and Drink

Food projects share £187,000 FROM growing projects to community cafes, local food sustainability groups are receiving a total of £186,909, thanks to Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme.

Kids clubs, cooking classes, and communal spaces for learning about reducing waste and healthy eating – these are a few of the 27 projects in the local area benefitting from the money raised by dividend card holders, colleagues, and customers during September through to November, 2021.

Old Wood Organic is a group based in Skellingthorpe dedicated to enabling people of Lincolnshire to enjoy healthy food and an outside space. It was also selected as a food sustainability Community Champion.

The group received just over £10,000, which will go towards making facilities more accessible and creating a larger sheltered space for learning and growing.

Benjamin Willetts (above with daughter Ayla), owner of Old Wood Organic said: “We’re trying to teach people how to grow their own food, so that we have a healthier community and a healthier environment.

“The access track will enable us to have more people visit the site and building a sheltered space will mean we can have year-round learning, too.

“Thank you so much for the support from the Community Champions scheme, it means that places like us can continue our work.”

Every time a member shops with their

Cheese Choice

dividend card, a donation is made to the Community Champions scheme. This, along with colleague fundraising, collection boxes, and carrier bag sales, produced the terrific total.

Danielle Budworth, Senior Community Co-ordinator at Lincolnshire Co-op (second right with the Willetts family and colleague Anna-Marie Cowan-CLarke said: “Thank you to all our members, colleagues, and anyone who’s chosen to drop their change in a collection box or support any of our fundraising activities.

“It’s amazing to see the community come together to support such a worthy cause, that has so many components to it – healthy eating, caring for mental health, and looking after our environment.”

KELSTON PARK ORGANIC

Made by the Padfield family who have been happily milking a herd of cows at Park Farm for four generations.

Edward Ernest Padfield took on the 240 acres of Park Farm in August 1914.

Cheddar cheese was made by his wife in the building that adjoined the farmhouse and the cows were milked by hand in the building across the yard.

They had a small herd of Shorthorn cows. In 1990, Graham Padfield decided to start making cheese again. He prides himself on making cheese using oldfashioned manual methods, which gives the cheeses more flavour.

Kelston Park Organic is a white mould-ripened cheese taking its name from the parkland where the cows often graze. The height of the cheese results in a light, citrus and rich mushroomy flavour that comes through as the cheese matures. Delicious when ripe. Pair with apricot jam

For a fantastic range of cheeses from around the world contact Lucie Nock, The Cheese Society, 1 St Martin’s Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1HY. Tel: 01522 511003, www.thecheesesociety.co.uk Key Facts Country of Origin Milk Type Organic

in Lincoln ice 504506

England Cows Yes

Pasteurisation Region Style of Cheese Vegetarian

Sponsored by

www.cscbespokekitchens.co.uk

n today. www.chrissharpcabinets.co.uk

Unpasteurised Kelston, Bath.

Soft and Bloomy No

What’s On Guide Saturday and Sunday 12-13 February

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Saturday and Sunday 12-13 February

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX

7pm

An evening of dance from the pupils of the Rhythm in Movement dance company.

Tickets from £6 www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk, T 01522 701305

Saturday 12 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

11am, 2pm

7.30pm

Bear with Me

Courageous young girl Becky meets a happy-go-lucky bear, Tiny, and together they explore distant lands beyond the forest.

Tickets £5 www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 837600

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Craig’s new gig

Rhythm in Movement: Please Don’t Stop The Music!

Little Red Riding

An adult pantomime retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, with comedy and raunchy jokes aplenty. 16+ Tickets from £20 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Saturday 12 February 7.30pm

THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, UNTION ROAD, LINCOLN

The Fergus McCreadie Trio

With David Bowden on bass and Stephen Henderson on drums this is one of the most exciting young groups in European jazz. Pianist Fergus individually, picked up Best Instrumentalist in 2018 & 2020. The Steinway Grand piano will be on stage.

Tickets £16, Jazzpac members £14, Under 16 £8.

Jazzpac.co.uk, T 01522 529717 or pay on the door.

Sunday 13 February 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

The Glenn Miller & Big Band Spectacular The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra performs the greatest swing hits of the 40s and 50s.

Tickets from £25.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com,

Monday 14 February 7pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Romeo and Juliet – ROH Screening

A ballet classic telling the story of two lovers worlds apart, adapted from the play of the same name by William Shakespeare.

Tickets from £17. www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com,.

Monday Saturday 14- 20 February 4.30pm, 7.30pm

Tuesday 15 February 7.30pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Cinderella on Ice UK Tour

A dazzling interpretation of the classic Cinderella fairytale on ice.

Tickets £19.50 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900 NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Positive Futures Dance Show 2022

A yearly celebration by the New Theatre Royal recognising the achievements of talented young people, returning after two difficult years once more.

Tickets £6, Family £18 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com,

Thursday 17 February 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Comedian Paul Foot returns with a new stand-up show, exploring topics such as murdering Santas and interfering ambulance drivers.

Tickets £16.50 www.engineshed.co.uk

Friday 18 February 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Buddy Holly and the Cricketeers

An internationally recognised group of actor-musicians performing hits from rock ‘n’ roll legends such as Elvis, John Lennon and Freddy Mercury.

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

Saturday 19 February 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Genesis Connected

A tribute show celebrating the works of Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics.

Tickets £22.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

18

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

CRAIG Morrow took a short trip across the city when he left his post as Artistic Director of Lincoln Performing Arts Centre after 11 years.

When Great Expectations finished at the venue Craig had one day off before taking up his new post as Theatre Manager of the refurbished Drill Hall.

In a goodbye message to LPAC users Craig said it has been a pleasure to lead the venue despite significant challenges.

“When I arrived, LPAC had sat in the doldrums for a couple of years following the fanfare of its opening, with little support and no permanent staff - we didn’t even have a way to sell our own tickets, but relied on the Engine Shed next door.“Audiences were mostly small (often below ten), the programme inconsistent and, despite at the time being home to the largest drama course in the country, rarely involved student work.Thankfully, with the help of a new, energised and creative team, we slowly turned the ship around and made LPAC an indispensable part of the city’s cultural scene. “Particular highlights include: the positioning of studentled work at the heart of the programme; the development of small-scale studio Christmas shows for younger audiences; our free bar programme, including Lil’ Pacs for early years and the mighty Commuter Jazz.

“I’m also particularly proud of the work we’ve done with our community, pioneering young people’s decision-making groups and supporting new artists through our annual Newvolutions artist showcase festivals, but also the process of getting out of the building, presenting and supporting performance elsewhere in the city, from pop-up residencies, the One Hundred project, Luminarium visits, Roundabout, and the establishing of PopOut Festival. It’s been a blast!”

LPAC owners the University of Lincoln’s strategic review of the venue’s purpose and business model will see it refocus on creating opportunities for students and staff.

All existing shows remain on sale with a programme running up until the autumn.

Craig added: Obviously, I’m sad to be leaving such excellent colleagues, but excited to see what the future holds for the venue.

Perhaps I’ll see you there as an audience member?!“I’m staying in our wonderful city and will hopefully get to welcome you to the refreshed and revitalised Drill.”

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

What’s On Guide

Local musicians line up in aid of St Barnabas HOMEGROWN talent will feature in a concert at the Blue Room at The Lawns on Wednesday, February 23 in aid of St Barnabas Hospice.

The Rye Sisters, Gary Rudd and headline act Simcha will be donating the ticket price of £10 from the concert, which starts at 7.30pm, with a licensed bar and charity raffle.

The Rye Sisters (Ishani and Sue) from Lincolnshire who perform Americana and folk-country songs in close harmony to guitar, mandolin and fiddle.

Singer/songwriter Gary Rudd - perhaps most well-known for his sojourn as bassist with Freddie & the Dreamers, Jerry-Lee’s sister Linda-Gail and the nationally acclaimed ‘Goldenballs’ youth music project - returns to performing his own bitter-sweet songs of love and laughter to show his appreciation of the care given by St Barnabas to his mother before her death.

Simcha plays klezmer music which originates in the ghettos and villages of Eastern Europe where Jewish Klezmerim, or itinerant musicians, performed at all types of social events such as weddings and festivals.

“Despite having travelled from the Jewish communities of Poland, Russia, Ukraine and Romania all the way the Unites States, where it established itself and further developed, its quintessentially Sunday 20 February

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Toby White cello, Marina Staneva piano

3pm

A duet of cello and piano playing three iconic pieces by Schumann, Brahms and Piazolla.

Adult £15, Under 26s £% www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 837600

Sunday 20 February

TTHE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

7.15pm

Jewish roots are still highly recognizable today, explained the band’s cümbüs player Enzo Puzzovio (far left in picture above).

Other band members are Jonathan Rider, clarinet; Paweł Kepinski, violin; Hannah Borrill, violin; Neil Cawley, flute; Robin Young, accordion; Martin Datta, rhythm guitar and Barbara Henighan on double bass.

Simcha means celebration and the band was formed in 2018 by Robin Young, the son of a Kindertransport refugee.

“In the absence of other Jewish musicians in Lincoln he called on friends to try out some of those infectious klezmer tunes he’d been longing to play.

“The result was Simcha, an eight-piece collective of musicians from a variety of backgrounds, including classical, ethnic, jazz and rock. They recorded their first album in time for the lockdown so all their launch events were cancelled. Happily, they’re back on the circuit giving concerts and playing for events.

Tickets from https://billetto.co.uk/e/concert-for-st-barnabastickets-601469 Friday 25 February 7.30pm

Josh Widdicombe: Bit Much…

Josh grumbles and jokes on advent calendars, pesto and the closing time of his local park.

Tickets £22 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Friday 25 February 7.30pm

Sunday 20 February 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show

Tuesday 22 February 7.30pm

Wednesday 23 February

1.30pm, 7.30pm

Thursday 24 February 7pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Frankenstein

7.30pm

7pm

Ross Noble: Humournoid

The comedic legend brings more humour to the stage in a new stand-up show.

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Sharapak Khorsandi: It was the 90s!

Live comedy by Shadrapak Khorsandi on the ups and downs of living in London in the 90s.

With a repertoire easily crossing from beautiful folk ballads to blues, Berlioz, lively classical mandolin showstoppers and some of their own notorious comic songs all wrapped up in a hugely entertaining stage show.. £10-£12 www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk, T 01522 701305 NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Someone Like You

A collection of songs hand-picked by Adele performed by a live group, celebrating some of the star’s musical favourites.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

The Dualers

A 9-piece Ska and Reggae band from South East London perform in Lincoln live, with their original hit songs.

Tickets £24.20 www.engineshed.co.uk

Tickets £19.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Tickets £28.50 www.engineshed.co.uk

Thursday 24 February

Saturday 26 February

An adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with live music and puppetry. Age 11+

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Tears of Laughter with Hilary James and Simon Mayor

Adult £21.50, Under 16s £15. www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

More than two hours of rock anthems from artists including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix..

Tickets from £25.

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX

Saturday 26 February 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Showaddywaddy

A live show with some of their biggest hits including “Under the Moon of Love” and “Three Steps to Heaven” Tickets @27. www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Tickets from £18 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

19

HALF-TERM IN THE CITY

What’s On Guide

Have a fab family Fe

LINCOLN Family Festival of Fun will bring magic, song, danc art, amazing costumes and much, much more to the city during this half term (February 12-20).

A huge range of activities ahave been funded through European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) / Welcome Back Fund, allocated to Lincoln by the Ministry of Housing, Communities Local Government (MHCLG) in response to the Coronavirus.

“We wanted to bring something new and exciting to the city f families and kids to enjoy, whilst helping people get out of the house and into the city centre,” said Jenny Damp of organisers Lincoln BIG. Working with partners including City of Lincoln Council and entertainment providers Continental Drift, expect everything fr stiltwalkers to Godzilla and cookery to illusion - see the listings below for activity details.

Saturday 12 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE - CORNHILL

Anyone for Tennis

11-11.30am, 12.30-1pm 2.30-3pm

Wimbledon comes to your event with a pristine court, dead posh umpire and highly strung player looking to take on all comers.

Saturday 12 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE - WATERSIDE

Free

Makendoo Workshops - Bugs’ World

11am-1pm 2pm-4pm

Spring is round the corner. Pop along to the Makendoo workshop to make and paint spring themed crafts including Butterfly masks, Birds, Bees and Flowers. Free drop in workshop from 11-4 suitable for ages 3+

Saturday 12 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE

Pongo (Flying Buttresses)

12-12.30pm 2-2.30pm 3.30-4pm

Pongo, the world’s only eight-foot baby Obobee bird, accompanied by eccentric pet shop owner Bill Oddity, an inter-dimentional travelling salesman with a menagerie of the galaxy's most extraordinary creatures. Free

Saturday - Sunday 12 -13 February, Saturday 19 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE - STILTED WALKABOUT

Saturday 12 February

Divine Company

Divine Company’s beautiful and colourful stilt costumes will brighten up everyone’s day (above left). Free 11.30am-12pm, 1-1.30pm, 3-3.30pm LINCOLN CITY CENTRE

Brass Volcanoes

12-12.30pm 1.30-2.pm 3.30-4pm

Described as a band that “is totally impossible not to enjoy”, The Brass Volcanoes have been inspiring people of all ages and tastes at clubs, arts centres and festivals across the UK. Free

Sunday 13 February

ST MARKS SHOPPING CENTRE

11am-1pm 2pm-4pm

Makendoo Workshops - Space Explorers

Space Explorers . Makendoo will be running a Space themed workshop making rockets, flying saucers, alien masks and stars. Free drop in workshop from 11-4 suitable for ages 3+ Free

Sunday 13 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE WALKABOUT

12-12.30pm, 2-2.30pm 3.30-4pm

Hodman and Sally have lived happily by themselves for hundreds of years, blissfully unaware of the changing world around them.

Sunday 13 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE - CORNHILL

11-11.30am, 12.30-1pm, 2.30-3pm

The comedy chefs - Hugh Fearn and Lee Whittingstall present a cookery demonstration like no other. Free

Sunday 13 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE - CORNHILL

12-12.30pm, 1.302pm, 3.30-4pm

String quartet plus physical theatre and exuberant storytelling with A LOT of comedy.

Monday - Tuesday 14 -15 February

ST MARKS SQUARE (MONDAY), CORNHILL (TUESDAY)

Workshops 11am1pm, 2pm-4pm Show 4pm

Showtime Circus are providing some awesome circus artists to WOW you with their aerial acrobatics, hula hooping and stiltwalking, as well as giving you the chance to try out all of the skills yourself too! Free

Tuesday 15 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE WALKABOUT

11.30am-12pm, 1-1.30pm, 2.30-3pm

The two batsmen with outsized bats invite the public to take a bowl – give it your best shot and join the thousands who have been knocked all over the ground! Free

Wednesday 16 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE WALKABOUT

12-12.30pm, 2-2.30pm 3.30-4pm

Two Oxbridge undergraduates are off for a relaxing punt.

Blissfully unaware of reality and physics the boat drifts down busy streets as they regale and serenade the public. Free

Wednesday 16 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE

11-11.30am, 12.30-1pm, 2.30-3pm

Hodman and Sally (Flying Buttresses)

Liver Cottage (Fairly Famous Family)

Bowjangles

Showtime Circus Workshops

The Giants of Cricket (Artizani)

The Punt (Artizani)

The Birds (Apus Productions)

These fantastical giant birds with their stunning fanned tails entertain and inspire audiences.

See picture right. - Free

https://www.visitlincoln.com/whats-on/lincoln-festival-of-fun 20

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

What’s On Guide

HALF-TERM IN THE CITY

eb half-term

ce, g

n

s and

for

rom s

Thursday 17 February

CASTLESQUARE/EXCHEQUERGATE

12-2pm 3-5pm

See Godzillas wandering the streets, walking the dog, taking a selfie. Hilarious fun for all the family (bottom right).

Friday 18 February

FRESH, LOCAL AND WILD, ST MARKS

11am-1pm 2pm - 4pm

Come and join this fun and creative workshop for families creating ‘Balloonimals’ .

Friday 18 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE - CORNHILL

12-12.30pm, 1.302pm, 3- 3.30pm

Performer, speed painter, artist. Jon executes paintings live as dynamic performances & installations. Be amazed as this topsy-turvey work of art takes shape.

Saturday 19 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE WALKABOUT

12-12.30pm, 1.302pm, 3- 3.30pm

Demonstrating classic vaudevillian feats of skill, mime and physical comedy with plenty of audience participation, all wrapped up in a dinner suit, bow tie and smart shoes.

Saturday 19 February

ST MARKS

12-12.30pm, 1.302pm, 3- 3.30pm

Meet the Worlds first and only Shopping Trolley Dance Display Team (pictured above).

Sunday 20 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE - CORNHILL

11am-4pm

Far more dangerous than either house or garage; so street it’s off-road and round the back. https://bit.ly/3xASFfT

Sunday 20 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE - CORNHILL

12-12.30pm, 1.302pm, 3- 3.30pm

Fabulous hula hooping workshops and demonstrations.

Come down and have a go!.

Sunday 20 February

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE WALKABOUT

11-11.30am, 12.30-1pm, 2pm-2.30pm

Godzilla Town

Tootles and Nibs’ Balloonimals Workshop

Jon Hicks (under festival logo)

Ian Marchant - Dressed For Dinner

Granny Turismo (Larkin About)

Disco Shed

Anna the Hulagan

Fairly Fresh Fish Company (Fair Play) A 30 street theatre walkabout performance..

February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

21

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

What’s On Guide Saturday 5 March

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

4pm, 7pm

Crissy Rock, Rebecca Wheatley, Nicki French and Susie Frenwick perform a hilarious recollection of the trials of menopause in a story of friendship and hot flushes.

Tickets £31 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Saturday 5 March

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

3pm - 11pm

Menopause the Musical 2

Lincoln Rocks

An assortment of musical performances from local groups such as Piston and White Raven Down.

Tickets from £19 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Wednesday 9 March 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Andy Zaltzman: Satirist for Hire

Chair of The News Quiz Zaltzman hosts an audience participation stand up show, where members can submit topics to be satirised.

Tickets £16.50 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Hilary James and Simon Mayor will perform at the Terry O’Toole Theatre on Friday, February 25.

Saturday 26 February 8pm

7.30pm

Count Arthur Strong and This is Me!

After 10 national tours and 15 years of an award-winning radio show, Count Arthur Strong is back to talk about himself, for a change.

6.30pm

After being booed off stage Nish returns with an even smarter, sharper stand-up act.

6.30pm

With MC/compere Thomas Green, Martin Beaumont and Raymond and Mr Timpkins

7.30pm

Ed Gamble: Electric

Co-host of the podcast Off Menu with James Acaster, Ed comes back to the stage due to popular demand.Tickets

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

The Big Nineties Festival

Returning after two sell-out year the festival takes the audience back to the best parties of their lives with full festival production and a huge line-up. Strictly 18+ Tickets from £22.50 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900, https://www.thebigninetiesfestival.co.uk/lincoln

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Friday 11 March 7pm

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Rigoletto – ROH Screening

Director of the Royal Opera presents his modern twist on Verdi’s Rigoletto, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano celebrating 171 years since its premiere.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Iain Stirling: Falling Upwards

Iain returns to the stand-up scene with his new show about how hard it is to be normal.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Absolute Bowie

A tribute to David Bowie, featuring many of his greatest hits, featuring the vocals of John O’Neil.

Tickets £11 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Friday 11 March 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

Ray Quinn King of Swing

Ray’s show celebrates some of the best hits from a golden era of music.

Tickets £26.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Friday 11 March

7.30pm-11pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Wolfgang Flür

Having left Kraftwerk after their golden age, Flür went on to publish a memoir and is back with his own musical tour Tickets £18 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Absolute Reggae

Johnny2Bad recreates some of the greatest hits from the reggae age including tracks by Bob Marley, Inner Circle and Big Mountain.

The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers , improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn.

Tickets £20.35 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Tickets £25 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Saturday 5 March 6pm-11pm

7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Tickets £22 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Friday 4 March

Thursday 10 March

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Comedy Night at the Royal

Peter Knight and John Spiers in Concert

Tickets from £17 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Nish Kumar: Control

Tickets £15 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Friday 4 March

7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Tickets £22 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Thursday 3 March 8pm

Thursday 10 March

Kendal Mountain Tour 2022

A collection of short films from across the globe presented by the team behind the Kendal Mountain Festival.

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX

Tickets £18 www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk, T 01522 701305

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Tickets from £19 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Thursday 3 March

7.30pm

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Tickets £21.50 www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 837600

Sunday 27 February

Thursday 10 March

Saturday 12 March

7.30pm-11pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Dub Pistols

Renegade group Dub Pistols returns after an apocalyptic series of threats to their band, fired up and ready to wow new crowds.

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

Monday 14 March 4.30pm Tuesday 15 March 10.30am, 1.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, performers Emma Kilbey and Joe Stilgate bring a modern take to a classic children’s tale.

Adult £15, Child £13 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

What’s On Guide Wednesday 16 March

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

7.30pm

The former frontman continues his solo career after the breakup of the much-loved Squeeze.

Tickets from £22 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Thursday 17 March

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

7pm

Glenn Tilbrook

New Model Army

Celebrating their 40-year anniversary, rock group NMA continue their tour of England in Lincoln.

Tickets £27.50 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Thursday 17 March 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Twisted Tales

An original comedy from Terry Deary, a Victorian schoolteacher fights against all odds to teach his students, and discover if the past can foretell the future.

Tickets £18

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Friday 18 March 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

Friends – The Musical Parody

Celebrating the misadventures of 20-something friends, Ross, Monica, Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey, in a fast-paced, musical production.

Tickets £29

Lincoln Symphony Orchestra will perform classical pieces at The Drill on Sunday, March 20.

Tuesday-Friday 22-25 March 7.30pm

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com,

Friday 18 March

7.30pm-11pm

All the greatest hits from legends such as Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner and Donna Summer pulls into the station in a night of Motown, disco and soul.

Wednesday 23 March 7.30pm

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

Saturday 19 March (note change of date) 7.30pm

John Godber’s parody of the contemporary nightclub scene with Judd, Les, Ralph and Lucky Eric, the four brutish bouncers inviting us to see their portrayal of a night out in what could be any town in the UK - Lincoln included.

Thursday 24 March 7.30pm

7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

Madama Butterfly

Performed by over 30 live musicians, the Russian State Opera presents the compelling tale of tragedy and sorrow by G. Puccini. Sung in Italian.

Friday 25 March 7.30pm

7.30pm-11pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Band from County Hell

Bringing powerful Celtic entertainment to Lincoln, with music, humour and extraordinary performances.

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

Sunday 20 March 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

Ceri Dupree

The Drag Queen performs with live vocals, impersonations, stand up and more.

Friday 25 March

3pm-5pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Lincoln Symphony Orchestra

Performing some classic pieces such as Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Pathétique.

Tuesday 22 March 7.30pm

Seven Drunken Nights

Touted as the ultimate feel good Irish Show, this is the story of the 50 year career of The Dubliners.

Tickets from £25.50. www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

Bon Jovi Always – The Story of Bon Jovi’s Greatest Era

Paying tribute to one of the greatest rock bands in history with an energetic live show full of all the hits.

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Dracula

James Gaddas brings the story of Bram Stoker’s Dracula to whole new levels when he asks the question, what if everything we knew was only the beginning?

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Ramonas

All woman tribute band to The Ramones.

Saturday 26 March

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

7.30pm

Tickets £12 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

The Ultimate Boy Band Party Show

Bringing together the greatest body poppin’ party beats from the naughty 90s.

Tickets from £24 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Saturday 26 March 7.30pm-11pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Very Santana

A tribute to Santana, featuring all their classic songs.

Tickets £12 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Tickets from £7. www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160 NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

A classic romance comedy by the great Oscar Wilde, performed by HangFire.

7.30pm – 11pm

Tickets £20, www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Sunday 20 March

The Importance of Being Earnest

Tickets £25.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Tickets £33, www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Saturday 19 March

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Tickets £27, child £23 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

Tickets £10, concessions £9 www.broadbenttheatre.org

Saturday 19 March

Bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel to life, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! takes audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England.

Tickets from £17 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Bouncers

NYT Presents OLIVER!

Tickets £8.50-£9.50 Terryotooletheatre.org.uk, 01522 701305

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Soul Train

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM

Sunday 27 March 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL, LINCOLN

Ansell’s Les Musicals

Les Musicals returns by popular demand, Jonathan Ansell and Jai McDowall join forces to bring the audience hit songs from the greatest musicals of all time.

Tickets from £29.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com, T 01522 519999

February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

23

What’s On Guide Thursdays until 7 April 5.30pm

ART, LEARNING AND CULTURE

THE COLLECTION MUSEUM, LINCOLN

Life Drawing Classes – Untutored

Untutored life drawing classes for all ages and skill levels, own equipment required.

Booking required £8. www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Thursdays until 7 April 7.15pm

Until Sunday 13 February 10am-4pm

THE COLLECTION MUSEUM, LINCOLN

Life Drawing Classes – Tutored

Tutored life drawing classes for all ages and skill levels, own equipment required.

Booking required £10. www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040 GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LN1 1ET

Art and Design National Saturday Club Exhibition

Work by 13-16-year-old members of the Club based at the University of Lincoln. Chance to see the work they produced and meet the people involved.

Free - www.galleryatstmartins.com

Until Sunday 20 February 10am-4pm

SAM SCORER GALLERY

Galicia – A View of the Sea

Ana Ortiz is a Madrid-born artist currently living and working in Lincoln. This is her biggest solo exhibition to date and is inspired by her summer visits to this part of northern Spain’s beautiful coastline.

Free - www.samscorergallery.co.uk

Until Sunday 20 February 10am-4pm

THE COLLECTION MUSEUM, NEW CURTOIS GALLERY, LINCOLN

Bummock - Tennyson Research Centre

Artists Sarah Bennett, Andrew Bracey and Danica Maier have put together the show called ‘Bummock’ – a term used to describe the large part of an iceberg hidden below the water. They hope this project will bring hidden aspects of the Tennyson Research Centre’s archive into public view; for the ‘bummock’ to become the ‘tip’. www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Until Sunday 27 February 10am-4pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon

An art installation displaying the moon in fabulous detail from NASA imagery – it’s seven metres in diameter at an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface.

Adult £9, Child £4.80, Family £20.80 www.lincolncathedral.com , T 01522 561600

Thursday 10 February 7.30pm

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY.

Wednesday 16 February

ONLINE EVENING TALK

7.30pm

Friday 18 February 7.30pm

Sri Lanka & India: Birds & Tigers presented

by Ian Newton Exploring the wildlife, landscapes & culture of these fascinating countries.

RSPB members £4, non members £5, accompanied child free. Free Parking on campus after 6pm. www.lincolnrspb.org.uk , T 01522 753809.

Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology - The Ruston in the Blue Lagoon

A story of the world’s oldest working excavator told by Andrew Blow via his latest DVD project.

Tickets £4, SHLA members £3. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ruston-in-the-bluelagoon-presented-by-andy-blow-tickets-222706630527 LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

An Evening with Helen Sharman OBE

The first British person in space will talk of her experiences beneath Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon. A pioneer and role model enthuses about Space, STEM and the wonders of science. She describes the meticulous training and preparation, learning Russian, the launch and landing.

Tickets £35 www.lincolncathedral.com

Tuesday 22 FebruarySunday 6 March 10am-4pm

24

SAM SCORER GALLERY

In the Mind Garden.- Lawrence Miami

The artist’s first solo show, a gathering of a large collection of improvised biro drawings (doodles) on paper and canvas.

Free - www.samscorergallery.co.uk

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

Natural World Centre fitting venue for art THE Wildlife and Environmental Art Exhibition will be held in the Cygnet Suite at the Natural Centre, Whisby, LN6 9BW, between Monday, February 28 and Monday, March 7.

Organised by Brett Barker of Upcycled Innovations (work below), the event will be open between 9.30am-4.30pm daily and feature work from more than 20 artists and craftspeople displaying their creative skills including wood turning, sculpture and painting all inspired by the natural world or using natural or recyled materials.

Exhibitors include Ellie Benton (above), Mel Langton, Martin Ford, Fiona Hodges and Tom Beardwell along with members from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

Visitors can also enjoy six miles of nature walks, a cafe and shop. naturalworldcentre.org.

What’s On Guide Wednesday 23 February 7pm

ART, LEARNING AND CULTURE/ FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

An Evening of Serial Killers

An informal talk with some dark humour on the creation of serial killers, and how to spot a psychopath.

Wednesday 16 February 10-11.30am

Tickets £19.80 www.engineshed.co.uk

Thursday 24 February 6.30pm

Author Event - Elly Griffiths, The Locked Room

Wednesday 16 February

Wednesday 2 March 7.30pm

Love Birds

Thursday 17 February 1pm-2.30pm

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK

Guided Tour

Tickets £13.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.ticketsolve.com

BOULTHAM PARK

For event details see above.

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

A backstage guided tour of the New Theatre Royal’s 125 year history, including backstage, under-stage, dressing rooms and more.

Part of National Nest Box week - provide a home and food by building a bird box and creating a bird feeder to hang in your garden, which will help our native birds thrive during the cold spell!

1pm-2.30pm

Tickets £7 entry only, £24 plus book, £27 plus two books. www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Saturday 26 February 11am

Love Birds

£5 per child and booking is essential. Aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years and validated by Children’s University.

Meet at 10am at the Bandstand, Lincoln Arboretum, Monk’s Road, Lincoln, LN2 5HU Further details on 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

THE COLLECTION MUSEUM, LINCOLN

Ruth Galloway and DCI Nelson are on the hunt for a murderer when Covid rears its ugly head. But can they find the killer despite lockdown? Elly Griffiths has written twenty-five books for adults and three for children. She has appeared in the Sunday Times Bestsellers chart nineteen times to date.

LINCOLN ARBORETUM

TALK BY ZOOM

Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology - Revisiting the Past for a Vision of the Future

Johnathan Lee and Theresa Workman of the Gainsborough Townscape Heritage Initiative present a researchers view of the trials and tribulations faced by the Gainsborough business community in the 19th and 20th century and why heritage led regeneration is the best way forward in the 21st century.

£5 per child and booking is essential. Aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years and validated by Children’s University.

Meet at 1pm at the Cafe, Boultham Park, Rookery Lane Lincoln LN6 7PH. Further details on 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Love Birds

For event details see above.

£5 per child and booking is essential. Aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years and validated by Children’s University.

Meet at 1pm at the Visitor Centre, Hartsholme Country Park, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY Further details on 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Tickets £4, SHLA members £3. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gainsborough-revisitingthe-past-for-a-vision-of-the-future-tickets-222964401527

Thursday 3 March 6.30pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE

Lecture and supper. In Silent Tribute. The Memorials to Bomber Command

IBCC Memorials Archivist Tony Hibberd will provide a detailed insight to this often-overlooked aspect of Bomber Command. With the assistance of IBCC Losses Archivist Dave Gilbert, the evening will also include an explanation of a significant enhancement to the current IBCC Losses Database Tickets £12 www.internationalbcc.co.uk, T 01522 514755

Saturday 5 March 10am-4pm

THE COLLECTION MUSEUM, LINCOLN

Gaia by Luke Jerram

Gaze upon the Earth as if from space, without ever having to leave the atmosphere. The awe-inspiring art installation, called Gaia, is by the same artist who has brought the moon to Lincoln Cathedral.

Measuring six metres in diameter, the internally-lit sphere is 2.1 million times smaller than the real Earth. It has been recreated from 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth's surface and each centimetre of the sculpture represents 21km of our planet.

Free - www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Thursday 10 March 7.30pm

Wednesday 23 March 7.30pm

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE

80 years on from the first operation of the Avro Lancaster Bomber from RAF Waddington in March 1942, families can send greetings around the world thanks to Lincoln Shortwave Radio Club.

Thursday 17 February 12noon

Fiction of Memory - Public Lecture

Elizabeth Loftus of the University of California is one of the foremost psychologists of her generation whose work has had a major impact on our understanding of memory and eye witness testimony.

Free - booking essential. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-fiction-of-memorytickets-209825071437

A create-your-own sunglasses workshop run by Art Ventures and Lincs Kids.

Saturday 19 February 9am

WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

Saturday 5 March 10.30am-3.30pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN

Wild Travels in the UK by Steve Rowlands

ISAAC NEWTON BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLNSHIRE

Waterside Kids Club

Free - www.watersideshopping.com

UNIVERSITY.

The delights of travel on home territory.

RSPB members £4, non members £5, accompanied child free. Free Parking on campus after 6pm.

WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

Waterside Artisan Makers Market

Market held outside Waterside Shopping Centre with artisan crafts and foods.

Free entry www.watersideshopping.com www.lincolnrspb.org.uk , T 01522 753809.

Lincoln Short Wave Radio Club Family Day

A very special amateur radio event marking 80 years from the first operation of the Avro Lancaster Bomber.

Find out more about communications in WW2 and have a go at a range of fun and free family activities.

Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to pass greeting messages around the world to commemorate this special event.

Free - no need to book. www.internationalbcc.co.uk, T 01522 514755

Listings continued on bottom of page 27

February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

25

What’s On Guide

MEET THE ARTIST SIAN BRISTOW

Join Sian on the HeART Trail LENDING her talent to the St Barnabas Hospice HeART Trail is Sian Bristow, a freelance artist living and working in Lincoln.

The trail will be along similar lines to the previous Imp, Knights and Barons’ Trail of previous years, but organised in celebration of the 40th anniversary of St Barnabas Hospice and orgainsed by the charity.

After leaving school Sian went on to complete her foundation degree in Art and Design at Lincoln College and has been regularly producing drawing and painting commissions ever since.

She has enjoyed a varied working life over the past seven years from creating portraits, wall murals, canvas paintings, teaching art lessons in New York and sculpture making.

She is also an experienced hand at painting public art trail pieces having had her work displayed in Lincoln and Manchester (top right).

She is also pictured above with Artists’ Coordinator for the Trail, Mel Langton (left), who said that taking part in the past trails had helped her become a full-time

26

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

professional artist.

The Independent will be also encouraging artists to get involved with the trail by offering to feature their work in our Meet The Artist feature - just like Sian.

“Over the past two years I have been working primarily in sculpture, creating 3D plaster casts of contemporary balloon figures including bears, anatomical hearts, flowers and much more,” said Sian “I have been greatly inspired by my ideas and drawings as a child, so my sculptures are bright, shiny, colourful and fun.”

Her Balloon Bear sculptures have been a firm favourite out of her growing collection, and have regularly been displayed across Lincolnshire and London.

Sian’s collection of work can be seen on her Instagram (@sianbristow) which is regularly updated with photos of what she’s working on, videos of her projects in the making, and exhibition announcements.

You can buy Sian’s work via her website: www.sianbristow.co.uk Get involved with the HeART Trail by

completing the form online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

Become our featured artist by emailing amanda@lincolnindependent.co.uk

Ask the Vet from the Veterinary Hospital

Your pet’s dental health could be the root of many problems IN the new monthly feature - Ask the Vet - this month's author is Dr Carolyn Harvey Myers BVMedsci BVM BVS (Hons) BSAVA PG Cert SAS MRCV. Carolyn returned to her hometown of Lincoln after graduating from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham in 2011. Having completed her threeyear postgraduate certificate in Small Animal Surgery, she took over The Veterinary Hospital in Lincoln with Anneli Beese in 2018.

While primarily an all rounder ‘GP’ vet, Carolyn has a passion for surgery. At home she has a four-year old son and a selection of waif and stray pets that she has acquired along the way.

“I’ve been advised my dog needs a dental, what does this involve? I’m worried he won’t be able to eat afterwards if he has some teeth removed”?

Great question, as dental disease is very common in our animal family members. Cats have 30 permanent teeth and dogs have 42, and by middle age dental disease is often present, with signs including visible build-up of plaque, bad breath, sore, red gums, swelling of the face or gum and in advanced cases, unwillingness to eat.

When left untreated, dental disease will only progress and will lead to infections in the mouth, pain and tooth loss.

When vets are talking about performing a ‘dental’ the procedure is similar to what would happen when we go to the dentist ourselves. The main difference however is that our pets need to be fully anaesthetised- even the best-behaved pooch or puss would not tolerate a thorough dental examination and treatment whilst conscious.

The first step is to examine the mouth and probe each tooth, grading the level of gingivitis (gum inflammation), tartar build up, mobility and furcation (root exposure).

Fractured or worn teeth are also identified, as well as those with

gum recession or gingival pockets. This helps us to establish which dental radiographs need to be taken and identify which teeth require treatment or extraction.

As you can see from this dental x-ray, the healthy jaw bone between the tooth roots has been destroyed leaving large spaces between. This is called ‘furcation’ and these areas are the perfect place for plaque bacteria to accumulate.

This makes it extremely hard to clean, classically resulting in gingivitis of the gum, tooth root damage and if left will cause the animal further discomfort.

Mobile teeth or those diseased beyond repair will be extracted – it is far better to have a few teeth missing than to keep hold of the diseased ones causing pain. Sutures are sometimes needed to close the gum, which will dissolve in time. The remaining teeth will be scaled and polished – focusing particularly on removal of the plaque under the gum line as the most important step to slow the progression of periodontal disease.

Recovery of your pet after their dental will involve giving some pain and anti-inflammatory medication to help with healing, feeding soft food for a few days and a follow up check-up to ensure all is well.

Frequently clients tell us how much more comfortable their pet is at eating and chewing, even if they have had some extractions.

This consultation also provides opportunity for one of our nurses to discuss ways in which to maintain your pets’ teeth in the future.

I hope that this article helps reassure you of the process, and how we determine which (if any) teeth are required to be extracted.

If you would like to discuss your pet’s oral health than please do not hesitate to contact us at the Veterinary Hospital. vhvets.co.uk 01522 800333

FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY

What’s On Guide Sunday 6 March 10am-2.30pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Sunday 13 March 11am

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Toy Collector’s Fair

A 200 table event exhibiting all kinds of TV, film and game related paraphernalia, suitable for enthusiasts young and old.

Adults £3, Children £2 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

Lincolnshire County Wedding Show

An exhibit of many of the region’s greatest wedding suppliers, with prize draws and goody bags for brides that attend.

Free www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

Friday – Sunday 18 – 20 March All Day

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Sunday 27 March 2.30pm-4.30pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE

Lincolnshire Horse Trials

A prestigious equestrian eventing competition attracting national and international entrants, featuring dressage, showjumping and crosscountry.

Free Entry www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

IBCC Mother’s Day Vintage Afternoon Tea

Spoil your mother with treats, live 40’s entertainment and even gifts and flowers.

Adult £23.50, Child £11.50 www.internationalbcc.co.uk, T 01522 514755

February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

27

Community and Environment

News from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

Take notice of the wild life around you RACHEL SHAW LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST HAVE you ever walked past a hedge that chatters?

Not the single voice of an alarmed wren but lots of chirps and cheeps. The chances are that these are house sparrows, hidden in the depths of thick hedges.

Whenever I hear them it lifts my spirits but the sound of chattering house sparrows (above) has become scarce.

In 1955, a book called The Birds of Lincolnshire was published. It includes a list of bird species and for each, gives a little of their history in the county and their fortunes. It provides an insight into some of the changes that are facing our bird populations. There are species that are doing better now and some scarce species that have become common.

Collared doves (below) for example are now common visitors to gardens. However, The Birds of Lincolnshire records only one collared dove in the county and notes the possibility that it could be a bird that had escaped from captivity.

Collared doves are relatively recent arrivals. They first bred in the UK in 1955, after expanding their range and spreading northwestwards through Europe.

Sadly, these success stories are unusual, the overwhelming feeling from the book is one of decline. Swifts for example, whose screaming calls are a welcome summer sound above Lincoln’s Burton Road, are described as “plentiful in most towns and villages where old houses or church towers provide suitable nesting sites.”

Swifts are the true sound of summer but I worry every year whether they will return. Their numbers have plummeted in the UK, with a 53% decline recorded between 1995 and 2016.

And the house sparrows; they are described as “an abundant resident wherever there are buildings.” Like swifts, they have declined drastically in numbers. Surveys suggest that the UK house sparrow population, fell by 71 per cent between 1977 and 2008.

I try to imagine what the area where I live would have been like in the 1950s. I have books with old photos of Lincoln, I can see what it looked like but there’s nothing that records what it sounded like. How many of the hedgerows were filled with the cheerful chirpings of house sparrows? As the spring turned to summer, how many swifts screamed as they swooped through the rooftops?

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The past abundance of wildlife is difficult to imagine. And unfortunately, it’s all too easy to forget. Most of us can’t remember a time when house sparrows filled every hedge so we don’t expect them to be that common now. We don’t realise species are declining around us or how dramatic the decline has been since our parents’ and grandparents’ days.

The theory that describes this is called ‘shifting baselines’. It says that our perception of the environment is determined by what we see now, with our own eyes, it doesn’t take into account what things were like in the past. To borrow a phrase that we’ve become all too familiar with, our “new norm” has become one of impoverished biodiversity.

This is bad news for wildlife because if we don’t perceive this degradation and loss, then we are less likely to do anything to help prevent it. Will the swifts return this summer? Who will remember them if they don’t?

Perhaps a solution to this is to pay more attention. It’s something many of us did during lockdown. We noticed the nature that lives nearby in our gardens and local green spaces.

Our challenge now is to continue to notice, to pay more attention to wildlife, and with that perhaps the actions we need to take to make a positive difference will also come.

Community and Environment

Liquorice Park

For the love of nature

WORDS AND IMAGES BY DAHLIA LEE

Roses are red, violets are blue, it’s time to step into a green space near you…

OK … if you take a Valentine’s Day stroll on Liquorice Park you’re unlikely to find yourself knee deep in red roses.

However, if you look closely you’ll spot tiny violet flowers nestled in perfect heart shaped leaves and, what’s more, you might just catch something even sweeter than their scent on the breeze – spring!

Yes, spring is unmistakably in the air. This haphazard patchwork of late winter weather can be a cruel trickster, bright clear cloudless skies one day turning leaden the next, the sparkling frosty mornings, bitter cold, gales and floods can be interspersed with delightful mild spells.

You might even spot an early rising comma butterfly or hairy footed flower bee drawn out by the warmth, only to be caught out by an unexpected blizzard.

But gradually the days are stretching out, and as the park arouses from the dark winter slumber we can feel the pulse quicken - the birds are in a flurry of romance and rivalry filling the air with their impassioned songs, spring bulbs are emerging piercing their way through last summer’s litter of leaves with impressive resilience and determination, snowdrops glowing white, nodding heads bowed in demure innocence, leaf and blossom buds swelling and beginning to burst, hazel catkin tassels dancing in the breeze, and the first daffodils preparing to raise their trumpets to herald a new season full of promise and hope.

Everything is poised ready to burst out of the monochrome winter into the glorious technicolour Summer months ahead.

Poetic stuff, yes, but really - could there be a more perfect time to fall in love with the natural world? And what better place to start than in Liquorice Park?

There’s a real sense of optimism here, the

park team have been so busy over the last year, and there are exciting new projects in the pipeline – revamping the performance area, developing a scented garden and new signage – (oh and look out for our clever QR codes!).

When I met with the volunteers recently and asked them what they loved about the park I was bowled over by their enthusiasm and devotion.

“ I love Richard Bett’s quirky seating and all the exciting little pathways carved into the hill – and I love all the dogs, they make me smile as much as the birdsong!”

Jenny “I love this time of year when all the daffodils come up and I think “I planted them and yes! They are surviving!” And I love the different seasons, you only have to come into the park - you don’t have to look very far to notice the changes”.

Penny “I love working with the volunteers, and that everyone we meet has time to chat.

And I love the wild areas for the birds.”Isla “I love the access to green space, and the opportunity to garden without expectation. Here there’s space to experiment, space for everyone to do their own thing, and space to make your own.”

Matt “I love the birdsong, I don’t get enough of it around my house. I don’t have a garden or allotment so my only place to garden is here.”

Alex “It’s like a retreat. You meet such a lot of interesting people and learn such a lot.

People are so grateful they say things like ‘The park has changed my life’.”

Liza

Each February the Show the Love campaign encourages us to wear a green heart and pledge our commitment to our environment. Find out more and download an action pack at www.theclimatecoalition.org – and don’t forget to look out for our Valentine Green Hearts trail on the park.

Thank you to everyone who filled our recent survey, we received lots of responses! You can find out more about the park at www.liquoricepark.co.uk and Instagram @liquoricepark.

Next month we will be celebrating Spring and we would love to see photos, artwork, musing and poetry inspired by nature in our city – send entries via Instagram or email to be included in the March issue.

February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

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Community and Environment

On the Allotment

Flat Cap Diaries with Liz Lucas WINTER is a good time to tidy and clean sheds and greenhouses.

Our greenhouse needed some TLC in the form of replacement glass, as so many panes were chipped and broken.

In fairness it has done good service since we got it, around 20 years ago and it was second hand then. Previously I had a smaller second hand greenhouse and before that I had a tiny, plastic one.

I cannot recommend some sort of greenhouse enough. Having one has totally changed my gardening life and made sowing, growing on and potting so much easier.

I have found I enjoy sowing seeds and taking cuttings almost better than anything.

If you have no greenhouse, a box with a window lid would suffice as a cold frame. Even this small thing can expand the range of plants

07986 001853

www.guypetheram.co.uk 30

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

you grow, and with everything going up in price, growing from seed looks ever more attractive.

I am lucky enough to have a heated bench in my greenhouse which allows me to sow early. It was a birthday present some years ago and has been an absolute joy, ever since. I take cuttings of tender annuals, like pelargoniums, during late summer and overwinter them in the bench, which I keep at a steady 18 degrees.

In turn this small amount of heat keeps the greenhouse completely free of frost, slightly warmed and allows me to overwinter the lemon tree, rather than bring it inside, where it would suffer from the dry heat.

This greenhouse is not in the best place, wedged between a shed and a hedge. Both things make the greenhouse dimmer than ideal but stops it from overheating in the high summer.

It’s not a problem, it just means that I have to wait until the light levels rise before I can sow my seeds. Frustrating, but it avoids the seedlings growing spindly.

My greenhouse has given me so much pleasure over the years. It has become a place of sanctuary and creativity; a place where I have learnt many of the rudiments of good gardening.

I would be utterly lost without it.

You can contact Liz with your gardening or allotment stories and news via admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk - mark your email Liz Lucas.

News from Lincolnshire Food Partnership

Community and Environment

Friendship through food

BY TICKY NADAL AND LAURA STRATFORD CO-ORDINATORS WITH the invention of the modern-day restaurant communal dining had somewhat died out with the exception of celebration days and religious festivals.

Even through the peaks and troughs of the last two years venues across Lincolnshire have been offering a new way of socialising that stems from ancient traditions; from ‘Ordinaries’ of the 17th Century to government funded communal eateries in war-time Britain.

There is currently a growing trend offering shared spaces for strangers to meet and ‘break bread’. Communal tables are returning and becoming a fashionable way to eat out. Long dining tables with large shared dishes being passed around provide a warm and friendly atmosphere.

This same amiable atmosphere greets customers in our county’s community cafes and groups. A place to share food and meet people doesn’t need to be exclusively for evening diners.

Mint Lane Cafe in the heart of Lincoln city itself is entering its fifth year welcoming a diverse clientele.

CJ the General Manager of Mint Lane CIC recently reported: “At this time of global disconnect and isolation, social eating is more essential than ever. The communal sharing of food is a great human universal, a natural way of transversing social barriers, developing trust and building communities as well as strengthening friendship and familial bonds.”

Often these social eating spaces naturally evolve as an extension of a wellbeing centre.

The Don’t Lose Hope Cafe in Bourne is open through the week offering a space for people to explore the emotional and therapeutic support of the centre whilst having lunch or coffee and chatting with fellow visitors.

There is a slower pace here than at a regular commercial cafe and this is very welcome in a time we, as a nation, are expected to keep lifting our collective foot metaphorically on and off the gas.

We’re really grateful that this is a growing trend in our county.

If you have had positive experiences or have found somewhere new that offers a sublime social eating space please do drop us a line at ticky@lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org

Design your own garden A NEW course has been set up for people who would like to design their own garden, alongside tuition and guidance from professional designer Guy Petheram.

“There is no doubt that interest in gardens is greater than ever. But despite the fact most of us are more creative than we think, and often full of ideas, the thought of designing a garden can still seem daunting.,” said Guy. “One of the great joys of designing gardens, and one that never goes away, is the excitement of seeing ideas, conceived initially in your head, realised on the ground. And that’s an experience we would like to share.

Over a series of workshops and lectures Guy will work through the design process, from assessing existing sites to finding inspiration and creating an outline scheme, to finalising a masterplan.

Participants will get an understanding of design principles, learning about different garden styles and how to use plants to best effect.

Between sessions, students will be able to work on plans for their own gardens, developing them gradually as the monthly sessions go through the design process step by step. Places will be kept to a maximum of four to enable the best learning outcomes and only basic drawing skills are needed.

“This course is an exciting opportunity for anyone who loves their garden and wants to take it to the next level. But without doubt it will also be challenging, covering a lot a ground in order to provide the necessary foundations in a relatively short time.

“It also has the potential to provide a starting point for someone interested in exploring the idea of designing gardens professionally.

You would be hard pushed to find a working garden designer who didn’t start their career by designing their own garden, or that of family and friends.”

The course of six full day sessions will be scheduled monthly between April and September at the floral studio (home to Catkin flowers) in the Walled Garden at Doddington Hall.

For information about costs and dates please visit the ‘Teaching’ section at www.guypetheram.co.uk or email Guy at info@guypetheram.co.uk February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

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Heritage

Snapshots of the Past

Peter Harrod, Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School’s archivist, continues his exploration of its pictorial past.

Leading the way in girls’ education THIS charming photograph shows Headmistress Constance Ashburner, the second headmistress of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School (LHS), with her staff in 1909.

Pictured middle row third from right Miss Ashburner had succeeded the first headmistress, Miss Agnes Body, in 1900 when Miss Body left to take up the headship of a new girls’ high school in Scarborough.

In the booklet written to celebrate the school’s jubilee, Headmistress Lucie Savill wrote that the school ‘grew and throve’ under Miss Ashburner’s leadership.

She was fortunate to appoint the indomitable Miss Lucy Mason, who later became second mistress and head of the Sixth Form, a post that she held with distinction until her retirement in 1935.

Miss Mason is on the back row, second from the right.

The LHS Staff Register (1900-1921) recorded that Headmistress Ashburner was born in October 1868 and was appointed to the post in April 1900. Her relatively young age was consistent with that of many other headmistresses of girls’ high schools, as women had not been admitted to universities until the mid-1800s.

Miss Body was only 26 when she was appointed. The year 1869 was a significant one in the history of the provision of secondary education for girls.

In that year Emily Davies founded Girton College, Cambridge, and women were first admitted to the matriculation examinations for London University. Moreover, the Endowed Schools Act of 1869, passed during Gladstone’s first ministry, drew attention to the limited provision for education for girls.

The commission proposed the creation of a national system of secondary education which heralded the growth of girls’ grammar 32

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

and high schools and provided a sound financial base for their development.

There was, however, considerable opposition to the education of girls not least in Lincoln. Sir Francis Hill reported that, when it was heard in 1883 that a girls’ high school was to be built, there was an ‘outbreak of wrath’.

There were official protests, a deputation, and a petition signed by 6,000 people. Nevertheless, LHS did open in 1894, albeit some ten years later than planned.

Headmistress Body founded LHS and set its course, its standards, its values and its tone.

Headmistress Ashburner built on to those firm foundations and traditions and there is ample evidence from the pages of the LHS magazines that the school certainly ‘grew and throve’ under her stewardship and paved the way for the two legendary headmistresses who followed; Miss Lucie Savill and Miss Isobel Cleave.

It was a sad day when it was announced that Miss Ashburner had died in her early forties. The Easter 1910 LHS magazine reported her death with the following announcement: “A great sorrow has fallen upon us all in the loss of Miss Ashburner who, for the last ten years, has worked so devotedly for the School as its Head Mistress.” She became seriously ill in January, 1910 and died on February 9th. The funeral took place at St Peter-inEastgate Church and a Memorial Fund was set up by the Old Girls’ Association. The memorial can be found in the Church cemetery.’

A longer version of this article is available on application to pharrod@lchs.uk

Heritage

Lure of the high life in Lincoln’s high-rises

Survey of Lincoln Trent View

IN the latest article examining the work of The Survey of Lincoln, ANDREW WALKER plots the development of one of the city’s most conspicuous public housing projects – Trent View, Ermine West, the first of three tower blocks built by the local authority.

DURING the early 1960s, Lincoln County Borough Council decided that three residential tower blocks should be constructed in different parts of the city to meet the increasing housing needs.

The project was discussed by the Council’s housing committee in 1960 and final approval was granted in 1963.

Trent View (44m and 15 storeys high, with 88 flats) was opened in 1964; a sister block, Jarvis House, next to Hartsholme Park (44m and 15 storeys high, with 87 flats), welcomed residents in 1965; and the final, slightly larger, structure, Shuttleworth House, at Stamp End, (50m and 17 storeys high, with 130 flats) accommodated tenants from 1966.

The three buildings’ construction coincided with the most intensive period of tower-block building in Britain, encouraged by the Conservative Government’s Housing Subsidies Act of 1956.

Trent View attracted many potential residents, who were impressed by the modern amenities, including central heating, hot water and bathrooms.

Under this legislation, a government-operated scheme subsidised the building of high-rise flats, with a progressive storey-height subsidy that increased for every extra floor in the height of a tower block.

Situated on Welland Street on the Ermine West Estate, Trent View was built on land that had previously accommodated Stone Farm.

The tower block was constructed of brick and rendered in concrete.

Its modernist architectural style contrasted with the more traditional appearance of the low-rise housing adjacent to it.

Surrounding Trent View, and, later, Jarvis House and Shuttleworth House, landscaped open spaces were provided, in line with the architects’ designs of towers in a park, inspired by the work of Le Corbusier, an influential 20th century Swiss-French architect and urban planner.

Trent View, was officially opened on a foggy December day when, despite the block’s name, the River Trent could not be seen from the top of the building.

In good weather, though, not only the Trent but also Boston

Stump was visible from the upper floors. D.G. Hammant, the Managing Director of Truscon Limited, also known as the Trussed Concrete Steel Company, that built the three tower blocks, and many others for local authorities across Britain, claimed that the new flats and cathedral had one thing in common: they were both designed to last for years.

The new tower block’s construction period, 16 months, however, was rather shorter than that of the cathedral.

Trent View attracted many potential residents, who were impressed by the modern amenities, including central heating, hot water and bathrooms. Some 1000 people visited its show apartment within three hours of its first opening.

Trent View comprised 30 two-bedroomed flats and 58 with singlebedrooms. These were advertised in 1964 at weekly rents of £2.10s. for the two-bedroom flats and £1.15s for the onebedroomed properties. The building cost nearly £230,000 to construct.

From the council’s perspective, the financial advantages of building high-rise blocks were largely removed with the passing of another Housing Subsidies Act in 1967, which withdrew the progressive height subsidy.

In May 1968, the partial collapse of the Ronan Point tower block in Newham, London, following a minor gas explosion, which caused four deaths, also deterred further high-rise development.

In a city where land was not a scarce commodity beyond the historic centre, it was perhaps not surprising that, without financial incentives to build upwards, further municipal residential development tended to be low-rise in form.

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

February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

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Faces and Places

! "#$%& ' ' ( Make your mark on star car for St Barnabas YES that is Indie Editor Amanda McSorley posing in this beautifully wrapped Jaguar - but it’s all for a good cause.

The Lincoln Independent became the first business to put its name on the sticker, which is then permanently placed on the bodywork of the Jag with the £50 fee going to St Barnabas via the car’s owner Stuart Dixon.

Other business are invited to put their stickers on the car for £50, £100 and £500 and for an

extra£10 the vehicle can visit business premises for ‘photo shoots’.

Stuart donated £78,000 to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice last year - the proceeds of stickers on another of his beloved Jaguars.

“I just loved raising money for charity,” said Stuart.

For more information contact the Indie through admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk.

Karen takes over at Senior Partner

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Lincoln Independent | February 2022

KAREN Bower-Brown has become the first woman Senior Partner in the 260-year history of Sills & Betteridge Solicitors.

She takes over from Stephen Wilson (bottom picture) who retired at the end of 2021 after a 43-year career.

Lincoln-born Stephen joined Sills & Betteridge as an articled clerk in February 1979. He qualified as solicitor in 1981 and became partner in 1985. Stephen spent the first 10 years of his career handling a mixed case load of work before dedicating all of his time to litigation, ultimately specialising in complex personal injury and clinical negligence matters.

Notable achievements in Stephen’s career include his appointments as Deputy District Judge and President of Lincolnshire Law Society and being admitted as a Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Stephen said: “I have been lucky to have such an interesting and varied legal career, all of which I spent at Sills & Betteridge. My greatest satisfaction has been recovering compensation for my clients, some of whom had suffered catastrophic injuries or the devastating loss of loved ones. It also gives me huge pride to know that I have helped drive the growth of the firm, from a small local practice when I joined, to the large, thriving regional firm it is today.”

His successor was head of the firm’s commercial department and joined the firm in 1999 after working for a London firm located where part of her remit was to advise staff in the Royal household. Karen now specialises in litigation work including commercial, contract and property disputes, as well as contentious trust and

probate work.

Karen (pictured with Chief Executive Martyn Hall) added: “The firm has gone from strength to strength since I joined as an assistant solicitor in 1999 when there was one office in Lincoln.

Now we have 15 offices in Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, Nottingham and Northampton.”

THE BOTTOM LINE Become proactive in new business climate JAMES PINCHBECK, PARTNER STREETS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS NEARLY two years since the end of the first lockdown many, perhaps naively, might have thought we would have seen a return to normal by now.

As the months passed and further restrictions were put in place, the world of business seems to have changed for many and perhaps forever.

The challenges of the pandemic have needed in the main for focus on the operational, as opposed the strategic, with often labour shortages, supply chain issues and restrictions on the way business operates. Firefighting and surviving being at the expense of thrive and prosper.

Whilst more typically a challenging business period might be followed by a slight lull and/or chance to recharge the batteries with a good break, this seems not to have been the case for many business owners and leaders.

Hybrid working and working from home for long periods may have allowed for a better work life balance, but resulted in increased isolation and remoteness from the hubbub of business and interaction with staff, suppliers and customers.

With hopefully the first half of 2022 seeing a transition from a covid pandemic to it being an endemic, more of us can start to take a more considered look at the longer-term prospects and future for our businesses and organisations.

This is likely to involve a look at and consideration to what has changed, what is different and what needs to be done differently. In contrast to addressing short term issues, such focus needs to perhaps be a re-energising blue skies approach.

Something that will inspire, inform and motivate you, colleagues and the workforce alike - perhaps even seek to reignite your position in your market place.

If you are looking for a steer as to what you might focus on, there are a number of areas worthy of consideration.

Customer service, even delighting or exceeding customer expectations It has been widely reported that as a result of the pandemic customers have felt the service they receive has in many case deteriorated and they feel less cherished.

Whether it is to safeguard existing business or to secure new business, it undoubtedly would be good to review and appraise your customer satisfaction and service.

Workforce, retention, recruitment and skills There are a significant number of businesses experiencing labour and skills shortages. It must therefore be a good time to take a strategic look at future workforce requirements, addressing the skills agenda and how you manage recruitment, retention, development and rewards.

Digitisation – more than an online meeting Many of us have embraced new digital ways of working, much of which existed pre-pandemic, but the vast majority of businesses still don’t have a strategy for longer term digitalisation or use of technology. Taking time to focus on this could enhance your business productivity and performance, perhaps even help to address workforce shortages.

Net Zero Switching to an electric vehicle or an alternative energy supply may be seen by many businesses as major steps towards net zero.

However, there is much needed to be done, with the vast majority of businesses having little or no comprehension of their carbon footprint or impact let alone a strategy to move to net zero and a sustainable business model.

The World has got smaller…

Seemingly, given digital connectivity, the ability to do business and seek suppliers and staff post pandemic is without the limitation of geographical boundaries.

Whilst this could be a boost for your business a failure to recognise it could also be a shot in the arm for your competitors.

The right people on the bus, in the right seats There are bound to be many other areas of focus, the challenge will be deciding on what you need to focus on and what steps you need to take. In part such a decision and action may also give rise to the need to reflect on the skills, experience and roles of those, especially your Board, charged with strategic direction and driving the business forward. There might be a risk that the Board is prone to group think, resistant to change and lacking in vision or ideas. It may then be time to consider the effectiveness of the Board and its diversity.

Finally the world of business does feel and is very different to what it was prepandemic. While not advocating radical change, most if not all of us do need to take time out, uninterrupted, to consider the relevance, sustainability and viability of what we do - now must be the time for this.

Contact Streets Chartered Accountants T. 01522 551200; www.streetsweb.co.uk February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

35

Business News from the Experts

Give LIVES support BEFORE Christmas Banks Long auctioned a Lincoln City FC signed shirt and a pair of hospitality tickets to raise money for local charity LIVES - congratulations to Grayham Lidgett from G. Lidgett Builders and thank you to everyone who donated.

As we all know the NHS and particularly the ambulance service are under a lot of pressure at the moment so we thought that this month we would gift our article to promote the great work that LIVES do in our county, please help by supporting them in any way you can. Many thanks, Tim Bradford (right).

LIVES exists to provide emergency care in critical situations. To reach people in need and protect life. It’s their reason for being.

It’s that simple. They work with their communities to ensure that any individual, who suffers a 999 medical emergency in Lincolnshire, can be assured that they’re surrounded by the best rapid response care available.

“Life can change in a heartbeat. It can hang in the balance in the blink of an eye. And it only takes one unpredictable event to start the clock ticking. A swerve in the road. A debilitating fall. A heart attack in the middle of the night. These are the emergencies that have the power to turn lives upside down.

They don’t care if it’s night or day. They don’t care if you’re alone.

They don’t care if time is against you, but we do,” said the charity’s Gemma Shaw.

Emergency Responders give their time for free, but LIVES provides the training, ongoing support, and lifesaving equipment, so they can be there when minutes

The trusted advisors to entrepreneurial growth businesses, third sector not for profit organisations and high net worth individuals We are a full service firm offering audit and assurance services, indirect and direct tax advisory and compliance services, as well as corporate finance and employment tax advisory services to our clients.

As a truly multi-disciplinary practice, we also offer commercial legal advice* and services along with personal financial planning**.

Contact us: cambridge@streetsweb.co.uk streetsweb.co.uk

*All legal advice and work is undertaken by Streets Law Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (RSA number 660138) ** Personal financial planning work is undertaken by Streets Financial Consulting PLC, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Lincoln Independent | February 2022

matter. They can only do that with your help. The sky's the limit with how you could raise money for LIVES, from a collection tin in a local shop, to asking your workplace to support LIVES as their chosen Charity of the Year.

If you're looking for the challenge of a lifetime, you can join LIVES in their charity Wingwalk in August 2022.

LIVES provides training for each of their Emergency Responders, regardless of their medical experience, giving them the skills and confidence to be that difference in a 999 emergency. They also use this knowledge to pass this on to the community.

They provide a range of corporate training, from Bystander CPR to First Aid at work, and even certified Trauma Training.

They have been responding to medical emergencies for over 50 years, so they are experts in their field.

If you'd like to know more about the training available from LIVES contact info@LIVES.org.uk.

How your support makes a difference £50 could pay for a set of Paediatric Defibrillator Pads £200 could pay for a baby Manikin used for life-saving training info@LIVES.org.uk, 01507 525 999

Business News from the Experts

Paying for the pandemic Don’t be branded a grant fraudster in £4.9bn HMRC probe DAVID NICHOLSON, DIRECTOR AND SHARPE (LINCOLN) LTD ANOTHER self-assessment tax return season draws to a close and this is the second that has been affected by Covid 19.

As for last year the deadline for filing tax returns (but crucially not paying tax) was extended to February 28.

However, unlike last year the Returns filed for the 2021 tax year have reported significant sums that businesses and individuals have received from the government by way of pandemic support, principally the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS or furlough to you and me), the Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and Eat Out to Help Out. The returns have also included boxes for taxpayers to report support payments that they now believe they should not have received because, despite the claim being made, they now consider that they are ineligible.

The issue of Covid support payments hit the headlines with the resignation of Lord Agnew from his role as Cabinet Office Minister because of failure adequately to pursue fraudsters making false claims for Bounce Back Loans (BBLs).

HMRC, the principal body policing the recovery of both BBLs and support payments have published their own estimates. On BBL, the estimate is the of anticipated £20bn total losses to the taxpayer of more than £4.9bn will be as a result of fraud.

Their estimates are that between 6.7 to 12% of CJRS claims

were incorrect or fraudulent, between 1.8 and 3.2% of SEISS claims and 5.1 to 11.8% of EOHO. HMRC are still struggling with day-to-day staffing and operational problems resulting from the pandemic, but they have already been given significant extra resources to root out false claims made by businesses.

Much of the talk recently has been about learning to live with the pandemic, but it is also clear that some legitimate businesses, not just the fraudsters, will have to learn to live with an increased level of HMRC scrutiny of the support payments and loans that they have received. Interventions such as Lord Agnew’s will only increase the pressure on HMRC to act.

If you get an approach from HMRC questioning any Covid support payments your business may have received you must get advice from an accountant with experience of dealing with enquiries. HMRC have a job to do, and like any taxpayer I am alarmed by the numbers, but make sure you are not unfairly branded along with the fraudsters. info@dextersharpelincoln.co.uk www.dextersharpe.co.uk

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February 2022 | Lincoln Independent

37

Business News

Programmes to build resilience into business IS your business struggling with the effects of Brexit or Covid19?

If so, help is at hand from the East Midlands Building Business Resilience Programme.

The three Growth Hubs covering Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have joined forces to offer a comprehensive package of tools, information, workshops, support and guidance.

The aim is to help businesses to navigate these challenging economic times and become more resilient.

The support is offered across three projects: EU Exit, Planning for Business Recovery (RESTART), and Coronavirus.

The EU Exit programme aims to help East Midlands businesses to deal with any challenges that result from Brexit and to capitalise upon opportunities that may result. The project offers up to 24 hours of briefings, seminars, workshops, networking and one-to-one support.

The RESTART project is a package of one-to-one business recovery and webinar and workshop support for businesses across the East Midlands focused on four areas: impact, support,

recovery and plan.

The support is open to all businesses across the East Midlands that may have had to scale back or cease trading during the Covid-19 pandemic but are now looking to embark on business recovery.

The Covid-19 support project offers advice and guidance on specific pandemic support initiatives.

The East Midlands Building Business Resilience Programme is fully funded at no cost and is available to businesses of all sizes located in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Leicester and Leicestershire.

To find out more visit https://business-resilience.uk/.

Farming conference cancelled for second year THE Lincolnshire Farming Conference has been cancelled for a second year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

A major event in the county’s agricultural calendar, it was set to make its return on Thursday, February 10, at the Lincolnshire Showground and was cancelled as a precaution in the light of concerns around the Omicron variant.

Kelly Hewson-Fisher, chair said: “We were sad to announce the cancellation of the 2022 event however, the safety of our community is extremely important to us, and we have to prioritise that by taking the right action.

“The conference is a key fixture for Lincolnshire’s agricultural community, with this decision to cancel being intended to keep them safe and allow us to deliver a first-rate event with greater certainty in the future.

“We look forward to welcoming the Lincolnshire Farming Conference back fully on 9 February 2023, when key industry speakers will focus on the theme of ‘Healthy Soils, Healthy Minds’.”

Anyone who had booked to attend will be issued with a full refund via Eventbrite.

Ex-accountant changes plea in fraud case

Web Development, Branding, Social Media, IT Tech Support www.ellmoredigital.com 38

Lincoln Independent | February 2022

FORMER accountant Russell Payne has pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraud at Lincoln Crown Court.

Mr Payne. formerly of Eastgate, Lincoln, but now living in Spain, was due to be sentenced on January 20 on six charges of fraud involving sums totalling £163,700.

He was given leave by the court to vacate his plea on one of the charges and will now face a jury trial later in the year - he is expected to submit an application to have the case heard outside of Lincoln.

It has been listed for mention on February 17 and for case management on February 24.

The remaining charges will be dealt with after the trial.

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