Lincoln Independent August 2023

August 2023

Students can check out their options at the University of Lincoln

Clearing the way to your future

RESULTS Day is a big moment for young people and families across Lincoln with this year’s A Level results released on Thursday, August 17.

Those students receiving their grades will be looking ahead to a variety of exciting future paths – including, for many, starting university courses in September.

At the University of Lincoln, A Level Results Day is one of the most important dates in the academic calendar. It’s the day when prospective undergraduates from all over the country have their places confirmed and can start planning for a new chapter in their educational journey.

“It can be a day of mixed emotions too and the annual Clearing process is vital in ensuring talented students are able to access the benefits of higher education,” said Emma Jubbs, Director of Marketing and Recruitment.

Universities use Clearing to allocate the remaining places on undergraduate courses for a given academic year. Despite being a fixture of the university admissions process for decades, it’s still often misunderstood.

Continued on page 3.

Proud to support learning for life

Opportunity knocks for A-level students

“Students apply through Clearing for a range of reasons: sometimes because their grades were not what was needed to meet the standard entry conditions of their university offer; because they have changed their mind about where and what to study; or because they have decided to apply for university later in the application cycle,” explained Emma “Whatever the reason, Clearing is a great way to find the perfect university course – especially if you prepare in advance! According to UCAS, last year a record number of 18-year-olds secured their university place in Clearing: more than 33,000 out of around 275,000 students were accepted onto courses nationally. “Many of our students who have entered the University of Lincoln through Clearing over the years have gone on to love their times as undergraduates and progress into rewarding careers.”

Francesca is an Advanced Paralegal and Trainee Solicitor who joined the University of Lincoln through Clearing in 2014. She graduated with a law degree in 2018 and started work at Edmonson Hall Solicitors as a Legal Assistant shortly afterwards.

“I had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer but doubted myself and chose not to apply. When I received my A Level results, I called up Lincoln and applied through Clearing and got a place on the Law course. Without this opportunity, I would not be where I am today!

“Nothing can stop you from pursuing your dreams if you really work hard for it!”

Shantae Rayat always had a passion for Chemistry and wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of her dream. She didn’t quite get the

A Level results she was hoping for, and although she was initially distraught, she decided not to give up and joined the University of Lincoln through Clearing, studying Forensic Chemistry. She now works for the global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca as a CMC Regulatory Affairs Associate.

Shantae said: “‘I was inspired to study at the University of Lincoln because I didn’t know any other universities that offered my course; it was very unique.

“I studied an integrated Master’s in Forensic Chemistry for four years. In my final year I had the opportunity to go on placement at Bard Pharmaceuticals. This encouraged me to build up a wide range of interpersonal skills from critical thinking to presenting which I would be able to transfer to any role.”

Tom Candy is currently working in his dream job as a Senior Training and Behaviour Advisor for The Dogs Trust. After accepting a place at Lincoln via Clearing, he quickly fell in love with both the city and the university.

Tom said: “Getting a place through Clearing changed the direction of my life in a massive way.

“I completed undergraduate studies in Bio-Veterinary Science, and went on to do a Master’s in Clinical Animal Behaviour.

“Without getting into Lincoln through Clearing I’d have missed a number of opportunities to develop my love for animal behaviour and I’ll always be so grateful that the Clearing route was available.”

Talk to us for jargon-free, practical advice

What sort of ancestor will you be?

WE recently met the vibrant and energising Charlotte Brooks of LocalMotion Lincoln and came away with a a feast of food for thought. LocalMotion is one of six projects nationally aiming to look the reasons we have poverty in our cities and come up with sustainable ways of breaking down those barriers to prosperity (page 3, Lincoln Independent July edition). Part of that process is asking very pertinent questions including the one in our headline. So if in 70 years’ time one of your grandchildren or great grandchildren asked you about some of the decisions you’ve made in your life what would you be able to tell them?

It would be a mixed bag for most of us - some good, some mistakes and some bad decisions made for the right reasons at the time. However, if you’re getting to a certain age, like us, you’d like to think you’ve come up with well thought out decisions and the impact they have on those who come after us. When the business wife and I took over this magazine we only thought about working together and using the skills we’d acrrued over the years to do the best job possible. There was no consideration for any legacy-type influence.

But it wasn’t long before we started to feel a sense of responsibility to the communities we served.

We’d like to be able tell our ancestors that we published magazines with community at their heart and our core mission was to inform, enrich and connect.

Find out more next month.

Our congratulations and commiserations to everyone involved in Lincoln’s 1940s weekend. BIG organised a fabulous event and the city got behind the vibe...then the heavens opened. People still had a great time it and we hope they’ll be back next year. It would be nice to be able to order some sunshine though.

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EDITORIAL

Contact Amanda McSorley on 0781 667 5011

email: amanda@lincolnindependent.co.uk

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Woman jailed for trying to frame ex for stalking

A LINCOLN wedding planner was jailed for 28 months after sending herself threatening letters in a bid to frame her exhusband for stalking.

Emma Heys (pictured), 42, of Azalea Road, was convicted of three counts of perverting the course of justice when she appeared at Lincoln Crown Court.

The case followed a protracted and complex investigation named Operation Franklin, which uncovered that Heys had attended Lincoln County Court to obtain a nonmolestation order against her ex-husband.

She supplied fabricated evidence which was uncontested and an interim non-molestation order was granted banning her exhusband from entering Lincolnshire and contacting her. She had presented a picture of her ex-husband, Christopher Heys, as being abusive and violent and that she was at risk from his alleged harassment and stalking behaviour.

Three days after the order was issued Heys made the first of her 19 allegations and 15 false statements - she claimed she had woken on Valentine’s Day to find dead flowers with heads cut off and a card with a note saying ‘BITCH’.

The allegations continued - that Heys was receiving notes and letters either that were threatening in nature and implied that the sender was watching her every movement.

After a search at Heys’ home envelopes were found - one had the same Christmas-themed Wallace and Grommit stamp seen on several of the envelopes handed to police. She was interviewed but protested her innocence and was released under investigation. Due to complexity of the investigation, it took more than two years to piece together the evidence. Delays were also caused by the pandemic. Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage were reviewed and there were approximately 100,000 pages of phone downloads. Forensic testing found DNA under the envelope seal from the defendant.

Christopher Heys was arrested three times, spent more than 30 hours in police custody and was interviewed on at least two occasions. Ultimately the receipts he had collated of his movements helped police disprove his involvement.

Even after being arrested Heys made further allegations of breaches of the non-molestation order by her ex-husband, but eventually pleaded guilty at a Lincoln Crown Court hearing, where a judge said Heys had acted out of malice. Investigating officer, DC Andrew Woodcock, said: “It is difficult to explain how much work has gone into this case or indeed the total cost of the investigation. Cases of this level and extent of offending are fortunately rare.

“Heys’ ex-husband was unfortunately arrested several times and has been significantly affected by what happened and continues to be to this day.”

CPCA - the hidden abuse

What is CPCA?

CHILD to Parent/Carer Abuse (CPCA) involves a wide range of abusive, controlling and violent behaviour from a child against their mum, dad or other adults responsible for them.

This form of family abuse is heavily under reported and stigmatised. Effects of abuse may lead to the parent or carer’s feeling shame and self-blame, often impacting upon their parenting confidence and ability.

However, an important message to remember is that CPCA is not a parenting issue, but recognised as abuse.

A child between 16-18 years old will fall under the current definition of Domestic Abuse.

However, where a child of any age is inflicting abuse on the Parent/Carer, a multi-agency approach may be necessary as the abuse often affects the entire family and becomes a safeguarding issue for all involved.

The multi-agency response will retain the prime focus of promoting a safeguarding response by ensuring that a restorative, safe and whole family approach is taken to aid in resolving issues. Children’s services may work together with the child and family to identify required support to reduce the concerns identified and specialist domestic abuse support may also be required.

What are the signs of CPCA?

CPCA can display a pattern of consistent abuse which may include, but is not limited to:

l Physical abuse and violence

l Emotional abuse/manipulation

l Financial/economic abuse

l Heightened sexualised behaviours

l Damaging property

l Humiliation

l Threatening behaviour

l Control

l Stealing

l Feeling isolated from other family members

l Feeling as though you are treading on eggshells

What are the differences to domestic abuse?

While CPCA shares many similarities to domestic abuse in that it occurs in intimate relationships perhaps within private/family spaces, there are also differences:

l Parents/Carers are likely to be reluctant to terminate their relationship with their child

l Parents/Carers still retain ethical and legal responsibility for the child

l Parents/Carers may be more powerful than the child, such as having access to a wider range of resources than the child

l CPCA is an area lacking in policy and practice direction

Ringrose Law can help

Child to Parent/Carer Abuse is a serious matter and is a form of family abuse that requires us to work together to remove the shame and stigma that is attached to this form of abuse to prevent incidents from being under-reported.

If you are a victim of this form of abuse, or any form of domestic abuse, please do not hesitate to reach out on any of the contact numbers provided below to access the help, support and protection that you deserve.

Ringrose Law offers a 24-Hour Domestic Abuse Helpline on 07739 748675. Alternatively, you can email wecanhelp@ringroselaw.co.uk to access the support you need.

National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070 or alternatively text “NCDV” to 60777. Lincolnshire Police: 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Pollution caused devastation along River Witham

A FAULTY pipe leaked deadly fertiliser into the River Witham, polluting a 46km stretch in one of the largest environmental incidents ever recorded in Lincolnshire.

The Environment Agency prosecuted Lincolnshire firm OMEX Agriculture Ltd - which leaked three million litres of liquid urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) concentrate fertiliser into the river wiping out more than 135,000 fish.

The firm pleaded guilty to pollution charges at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court and was ordered to pay a total of £510,190.

The pollution in early March 2018 stretched from Bardney near Lincoln to The Wash at Boston and was caused by the failure of an overground pipe which the Agency said devastated nearby rivers and surrounding woodland. Impact from the pollution destroyed all invertebrates in the river’s tributaries for more than 23km downstream of the site.

Immediately after the pollution, the Environment Agency and partners worked ‘tirelessly’ to mitigate the impacts. They restocked the river with more than 1.5 million fish larvae and 70,000 roach and bream.

While the water quality of the River Witham improved within a few days, it could take years for the fisheries to recover, the court heard.

The incident at the company’s facility at Bardney Airfield, Tupholme, was designated as Category 1, the most severe of three Environment Agency ratings.

OMEX was ordered to pay a fine of £160,000, ordered to pay costs of £350,000 and a victim surcharge of £190.

District Judge Veits said that the incident ‘was avoidable had proper checks been made’. He added that ‘checks were not clear or well

documented’ and that the failures involved were ‘foreseeable’.

Leigh Edlin, Environment Agency area director for Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, said:

“The pollution of the River Witham by OMEX was a devastating event and one of the largest environmental incidents we have seen in Lincolnshire.

The Environment Agency has worked tirelessly to undo the damage, introducing thousands of fish, and requiring the polluter, OMEX, to repair the damage that was done.

Today marks the end of the legal process and we are rightly pleased with the result in the court. This is one part of a much larger effort, led by the Environment Agency, to ensure the River Witham is restored and that the polluter pays financially and legally.”

In July 2020, OMEX was ordered to carry out river recovery measures set out by the Environment Agency. Under the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2015, the company has been working to restore the river to its former health.

Fish refuges have been installed across half a dozen locations on the river. OMEX has also created further backwaters along the river, areas where fish have calm and still water to breed and shelter. The company must assess whether fish populations have recovered, or whether more restocking is required to bring the river back to its former health.

OMEX will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the improvements for at least the next decade.

Anyone who suspects a pollution incident is urged to report it to the Environment Agency’s hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Dead pike found in the river.

EMS personal training helps people of all ages

BY MELANIE DUNN EMS TRAINER AND NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST

ELECTRICAL Muscle Stimulation (EMS) provides an incredible workout routine for our clients that means less time spent in the gym, and more time enjoying life.

With just a 20-minute session, we’re able to provide greater results than a typical one-hour routine without EMS.

Key benefits for older people

Older people experience unique benefits from incorporating EMS into their activities as it’s gentle on the joints, it keeps blood pressure low and the heart rate steady.

At the same time, the metabolism is stimulated because all large muscle groups are activated. This helps to promote healthy fat loss which can be beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease. As we age, our bodies can work against us, resulting in sarcopenia, which leads to a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength and function at a rate of 0.5-1% per year. Engaging in regular activities we’ve always done does nothing to stop this decline. For instance, if you’re currently 70 years old, it’s possible that you’ve lost 20-40% of your muscle mass compared to when you were 30. Reduced physical activity further accelerates muscle loss.

EMS can help to build muscle mass and strength. By activating fast fibres without the need for high-impact explosive exercises, EMS effectively stimulates 90% of our muscles and activates the deeper lying muscle tissue making it an effective way to relieve back pain. Strength training also results in stronger, denser bones and the risk of osteoporosis decreases. Through simple controlled functional range-of-motion exercises, targeted areas such as legs, hips, inner

thigh, glutes and back can be strengthened and toned leading to reduced pain and improved overall function and health.

Key benefits for younger people

By integrating EMS into their fitness routines younger people can achieve strength and functional benefits more efficiently. Our tailored and guided EMS routines are designed to propel you toward your fitness goals. You can train specific muscle groups and increase your performance, which is why EMS training has been used by top athletes like Usain Bolt and Rafa Nadal for decades. Totally unathletic, don’t like exercise or sport but still want to get in shape? We can adapt your 20-minute training to suit your ability and fitness in a way that is easy, provides motivation to keep showing up every week and is fun!

Have a free EMS trial session - book through the website.

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Not sure what to do after GCSEs?

T-Levels offer an exciting alternative for

post 16 study

LINCOLN UTC still has a small number of places available on the T-Level engineering course.

In September 2022, Lincoln UTC became the only provider in Lincolnshire to offer a T-Level in engineering. T-Levels are a post 16 alternative to A levels and Apprenticeships, combining both classroom study with a 45-day industry placement.

The T-Level qualification results in the same UCAS points as three A Levels but has the added weight of a meaningful industry placement, ensuring the students gain valuable work experience and get a head start on the skills required in the workplace.

The qualification was introduced after an extensive Government review of Post 16 education found that students did not get the skills they need to enter the workplace within certain industries. They were developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that T-Level content meets the needs of industry.

The T-level industry placements take place over 45 days (roughly nine weeks) and offer a longer, more structured placement compared to traditional work experience. The placements account for 20% of students’ learning time, with the remaining 80% spent in the classroom.

In order to deliver the curriculum successfully Lincoln UTC has received an investment of over £470,000 from the Educational and Skills Funding Agency, which has been spent on industry standard equipment including new multi axis CNC machinery, robotic arms and a fibre laser cutter.

Lincoln UTC student Oliwia Bober has completed her first year of the T-Level and has undertaken her work placement at ITP Aero in Lincoln, a world leading company in the aeronautical and industrial engines market.

“Joining the T-Level in engineering has allowed me to have the opportunity to further develop my knowledge in lessons whilst also gaining new skills in industry at my engineering placement. “Attending a real engineering company has given me an understanding of the frequently faced problems and the methods taken to solve and prevent them in the future.”

John Morrison, Lincoln UTC principal, believes that the Tlevels are the vehicle for supporting students into rewarding careers.

“I want our students to be inspired to become the designers and engineers of the future… passionate about their ability to be a force for good and make positive changes to the lives of individuals and the big issues which affect us locally, nationally, and globally.”

There are still limited spaces available for the T-Level in September. There is a minimum requirement (for entry onto the course) of 5 GCSEs at grade 5 and above, including a grade 4 in English, a grade 5 in physics, and a grade 6 in maths. No prior knowledge of the subject is required but applicants should have an interest in pursuing a career in engineering.

If you wish to find out more about the T-Level either as a student or as an industry placement provider, please visit the website www.lincolnutc.co.uk or call us on 01522 775990.

T-Level students Oliwia Bober and Euan Ashton-Lee.

COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

Individuals – Groups

LAUREN WHITE Guild of Psychotherapists

MUPCA, MGASI

UKCP Accredited and Registered BACP Registered

Tel: 01522 538715

Mob: 07913 746337

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Benny finds love

A RATHER sad donkey called Benny arrived at Bransby Horses just over a year ago, following the death of his field companion.

bringing slow-fermented breads, pastries + speciality cheeses to Lincoln and surrounding villages f follow us onbreadcheese.co.uk

Much like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s donkey – who lives with a pony - Benny had lived with a horse for many years and so found it hard to form a pair bond with his own species. After Benny had still not found his match within the Bransby Horses’ donkey herds, everyone crossed their fingers he might find a match through the charity’s rehoming scheme.

In less than a week Benny had had over 20 applications from people keen to offer him a foster home with another equine he might want to pair with.

The applications were reviewed, with Benny having the final say on who would get to take him home. Benny has been living with his new family

now for just over a month and has paired with a lovely horse called Bernadette (pictured together below left).

Despite Bernadette being much bigger than Benny the pair are now inseparable and enjoying life within a small herd consisting of two horses and a pony.

Bransby Horses Rehoming Manager

Rosanna Hart said: “It seems Benny has found his family again and we couldn’t be more pleased for him. We rehome lots of ponies and horses but we rarely rehome our donkeys as their needs are often quite complex. In this case however, Benny’s needs were able to be met by the foster applicant and we wish them both well as they begin their new life together.”

Donkeys like to live in a herd and pair with one other individual – this behaviour is so instinctive that when one of the pair dies it can adversely affect the health of the remaining animal.

Benny is now under the charity’s Perfect Partner Rehoming Scheme which offers some of their rescued animals the chance to enjoy life in a carefully selected loan home, freeing up time and space for the rescue and rehabilitation of others.

To find out more about Bransby Horses’ work or to sponsor one of its equine residents visit BransbyHorses.co.uk and click on ‘How to Help’.

Boosting employability

A COLLECTION of unique businesses on one site is giving people the opportunity to retrain or gain work experience in a supportive and caring environment, writes REBECCA POOLE Pelican Trust, established in 1989, provides on-the-job training across its five commercial departments to teach people transferrable skills, such as health and safety, budgeting, stocktaking and administration work to increase employability.

“We have workshops within our building where people who are vulnerable, maybe with mental health issues or a learning difficulty, come to gain work experience. This gives them a grounding so that they can actually go out and find paid employment,” explained Stacey Gillott, Chief Executive Officer.

“If I go back in history, there used to be a therapeutical workshop at St John’s Hospital at Bracebridge Heath. When the hospital closed down, we needed to put something in the community so people could still have therapeutical work and a safe place to go to.”

The charity was formed under the name Lincoln Industrial Workshop Trust and its building on Crofton Road, Lincoln was acquired - it became Pelican Trust 19 years ago after a brand refresh to give the charity a warmer approach.

“We introduced the training and the education side about 18 years ago, so people could come here we could and give them skills so they could find employment.”

Pelican Trust is now a charity and social enterprise, but also a limited company as it trades with businesses throughout Lincolnshire and the UK.

People are supported through work experience, CV writing and job applications, with participation completely flexible to the learners.

Individuals are given the opportunity to plan their future and work towards nationally recognised qualifications through the services offered by The Trust, which include, commercial assembly, warehousing, joinery, printing, print finishing, print press and platemaking, engraving, business centre, administration Training, and job search.

“We’ve got a joinery department which is very popular. People can go in there and help manufacture things like benches, notice boards. We also make a lot of lab equipment, so they can help in there with trained supervisors,” said Stacey.

“It’s a fun place to be. We also have a couple of social events every year, so this year the learners have chosen to go to Skegness and go to the aquarium, we’ll all go out for lunch together, and just before Christmas we take everyone out for a three-course meal.”

The programme is for anybody who is long-term unemployed, those who live with a learning difficultly or physical disability, and those struggling with mental health.

Find out more at www.pelicantrust.org

Turning back time for clock

THE historic exterior clock at The White Hart Hotel has been restored to its former glory as part of its renovations.

The team at Eskdale Restoration has over 75years of collective experience in the fields of conservation, restoration and historic decorative arts and craft.

“The workshop is based in Lincoln, from here and on site we conserve, restore, and create objects and interiors,” explained owner Susan Lee.

“Along the way we have worked with and continue to learn from the most distinguished architects and craftsmen. We also undertake work from private individuals, museums and galleries, local authorities, historic and heritage organisations, and designers.”

Established in 2005 by Susan after she completed her Masters and Honours degree in the conservation and restoration of historic objects, Eskdale is currently working on the Bailgate hotel’s historic clock on the exterior wall.

The clock surround is originally made from pressed copper and is hollow, rather than it being solid copper.

“It was interesting when I first went to take the paint samples because you have to get right back down to the substrate or else you might miss any information when you take an example and it turned out that in this case it was all copper, which was quite surprising.”

The clock face is the finishing touch to the restoration and is being worked on by a firm in Derby which aims to get it back to its original working order.

Susan added three light bulbs were exposed during the clock mechanism work: “It obviously lights up at night.

“It’s nice to be involved and have local people look after and restore local history. It will be good to see the clock back to its original intention.”

The restoration company was also chosen to work on gilding the eagles for King Charles’ anointing screen for his coronation in May.

“The intention was to restore the clock’s surround to its original scheme or thereabouts and to get that information, we had to take paint samples of every element of the surface and look under the microscope at the history of the decorative scheme, and from that we can determine early paint colours found.

“In this case it was a light blue, dark blue, a lovely stone colour, a lead white and some gilding, so we’ve restored it back to that scheme.”

The eagles formed part of the framework of the screen which featured a specially created screen of fine embroidery, held by poles hewn from an ancient windblown Windsor oak tree and mounted with eagles cast in bronze and gilded in gold leaf.

“It’s a once in a lifetime thing, so it kind of makes you feel quite privileged,” said Susan.

Visit www.eskdalerestoration.co.uk

C4G helps 350 businesses

A GRANT scheme that has helped 354 businesses in Lincoln and the surrounding area has to come to an end, Since 2016, Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG) has worked in partnership with Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce to provide Collaboration 4 Growth (C4G), a project involving providing business support to new and existing SMEs that trade on a business to business (B2B) basis. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), C4G was described as invaluable by Charlotte Watson, Deputy Chief Executive at Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.

“The C4G project has been an invaluable opportunity to support business growth for SME’s in West Lindsey, North Kesteven and the City of Lincoln. The variety of business support, free workshops and grants provided have proved a successful and required tool to help local SME’s take the next step and grow.”

A large part of C4G was the revenue and capital grants available for micro, small and medium businesses with 123 businesses receiving £605,130.57 in grant money, providing 60% of the total cost of staffing, equipment, and support.

Alongside the grants, C4G provided 242 businesses with 12 hours of support, this involved free business advice on a one-toone basis, or in the form of workshops and networking opportunities.

The project aimed to create new opportunities for SME’s and successfully created 68 new job roles and 13 new enterprises. Yvette Mills, Lincoln BIG’s Project Manager said: “It has been a lot of fun and very rewarding supporting the businesses both through the grant scheme and also through workshops.”. Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln BIG are now looking for other opportunities and projects available to support businesses and help them grow.

Nicky Van Der Drift of International Bomber Command Centre Lincoln (right) receives a bronze award at the Visit England Tourism Excellence Awards 2023 .

The Baron lords over his lab

THIS photograph, taken in the early 1960s, will bring back memories for many former pupils of the chemistry lab at Lincoln School.

Here the smells of the chemicals mingled with the tobacco smoke emanating from the masters’ common room across the corridor. In pride of place behind his desk is Mr Cyril R Dollery whose soubriquet was ‘The Baron’ largely because of his somewhat haughty and aristocratic demeanour.

Not being blessed with the scientific gene, I was one of many

VISIT LINCOLN’S HISTORIC GUILDHALL

The

For more information about the open days, or to make a private appointment please contact:

Kate Fenn, Civic Manager on 01522 873303 E-mail: kate.fenn@lincoln.gov.uk

pupils over the years to receive his favourite form of ‘encouragement’: “Harrod! What you know about chemistry could be written on a postage stamp and there would still be room for the Lord’s Prayer!”

Mr Dollery’s obituary recorded that he came to Lincoln School in his young and palmy days full of life and vigour.

The tribute recalled how delighted the school was to hear that it not only had a chemistry master to succeed the popular and longserving Mr G A H Mence, but also an expert at cricket and no mean performer at soccer.

During the days following the First World War, games were undergoing a revival, and the appointment of such a keen sportsman was a tonic to everyone concerned.

He was master in charge of the cricket First Eleven in the 1950s, and I recall with admiration the mesmerising effect of his slow bowling and the elegance of his stroke play during matches between the school and the staff.

It was a sad moment when he was taken with an illness that prevented him from playing and coaching at the nets. Nothing could have been more galling to him than to become a mere onlooker.

It was not only on the games field that he helped to bring about a revival, but also in the science department. Many former pupils returned to thank him for his help and interest in their studies, and it was a memorable moment when he was installed in the new chemistry laboratory at Lincoln School, although tinged with sadness that he did not live long enough to enjoy it.

My own fond memories of Mr Dollery were of his leadership of a group of pupils who had the good fortune to accompany him and his wife Thelma on a trip to the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. It was during that eye-opening trip that I came to realise, as a young and inexperienced 14-year-old, that masters were human, who had a sense of humour and a caring concern for their charges. His wife Thelma also accompanied him on the trip and provided a most sensitive and understanding maternal influence, particularly when a party of girls arrived at our hotel from a high school in Blackpool!

Mr Dollery joined the staff of Lincoln School in 1927 and served it ably and faithfully for almost 40 years until his retirement in 1966. He is one of many masters who have earned the title of Lincoln School legend.

PETER HARROD continues his exploration of The Garton Archive at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School

The Stonebow and Guildhall are situated on the site of the southern gateway to Roman Lincoln. The gateway has stood for over 1800 years; although the present building was not completed until 1520.

Guildhall sits proudly above the Stonebow and is the Official Home of the Mayor of Lincoln. Tours are available of this interesting historic building, which includes the main Council Chamber, where Lincoln’s Council still meets and, most importantly, the old Debtors’ Prison which now holds an impressive range of Civic Insignia, including the King Richard II Sword and many other Mayoral and City artefacts.

City’s ‘tasteful’ water tower

ANDREW WALKER of The Survey of Lincoln considers a familiar building on Lincoln’s skyline.

STANDING prominently alongside the cathedral and the castle is the Westgate Water Tower.

For many new visitors it is occasionally mistaken for part of the castle complex, as it resembles a medieval keep.

The water tower is of course a much more recent arrival, having been fully opened as late as 1911. Its construction is the direct result of Lincoln’s typhoid epidemic of 1904-05, during which 131 lives were lost and over 1,000 cases were recorded. The construction of the tower itself caused some controversy. Few people challenged the need for a new water system to serve the city following the water-borne typhoid epidemic. However, questions were raised at the cost of the new building. Several designs were considered and, in the end two remained in the running, ‘design number 8’, produced by a local engineer, which was regarded as fully functional, and the design of the eminent architect Reginald Bloomfield. The cost of constructing Bloomfield’s design was significantly more than the alternative option, partly owing to the use of expensive materials such as Darley Dale gritstone for the external walls, and the employment of architectural design flourishes such as the use of cartouche inlay panels and fleur de lys patterning.

However, as Cllr Pennell argued in May 1909, ‘in Reginald Blomfield they had a man who knew what taste was, they wanted taste in Lincoln.’

Blomfield was certainly a man with a growing architectural reputation: he later designed the city’s Central Library and the Usher Gallery, refurbished much of London’s Regent Street and designed notable war memorials, such as the Menin Gate in Ypres. The criticisms directed at the city council for its extravagance on this building, are notable as they had been accused in the years up to and including 1905 of being reluctant to invest in Lincoln’s water supply, ignoring the advice of many medical experts. The Westgate Water Tower is part of a complex engineering feat. Upon its opening, the tower was connected by a 22-mile pipeline, comprising 10,000 iron pipes, to a new underground source of water for the city in Eckesley, near Retford in Nottinghamshire. Water was delivered to the Westgate building, with a capacity of 1.4 million litres, from which the above hill area was supplied. The overflow of water was then passed through a further system of pipes to the reservoir at Bracebridge Heath. Lincoln’s proposed extraction of water from Eckesley caused much controversy in Nottinghamshire, with councils in Mansfield, Nottingham, Retford, Southwell and Worksop, as well as Nottinghamshire County Council, initially opposing the plans, fearing the impact this might have on their own water supplies. The Lincoln Corporation Water Bill was finally passed in Parliament in 1908 to enable the scheme to be started. Water rights at Eckesley were secured from the landowner, the Duke of Newcastle, and a neighbouring farm was bought from the Duke of Portland, to house the necessary water pumping equipment.

On Wednesday 4 October 1911, in driving rain, and after 90 minutes of speeches, hundreds of dripping inhabitants watched the mayor ceremonially turn on the tap at the Arboretum lake, and saw water rising in an immense column, falling in a glittery fountain of spray. Lincoln’s new water system, including the Westgate Tower, was now in action.

Shoppers help raise £4.5m for good causes

LINCOLNSHIRE Co-op is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its Community Champions scheme, which has seen £4,522,000 donated to 2,408 local groups. The scheme is designed to support local groups and good causes, ranging from sports clubs and theatre groups to growing projects and food banks, and, most recently, local hospices.

A donation is made each time a member shops with their dividend card and colleagues also host fundraising events, such as bingo nights or sponsored walks, and there are collection tins in Lincolnshire Coop outlets for customers to drop their change in.

Among the groups supported through Community Champions is Lincolnshire Emergency Medical Response (LEMR), a team of volunteers responding to 999 calls across the county (pictured above).

It received £4896.48 in 2020, which they

used to ensure that each responder was provided with a cold weather jacket, keeping them warm when they are caring for patients in the cold.

Matt Bailey, Operations Manager at LEMR, said: “We never know what job we’re going to next; it could be a child, it could be an adult, it’s always someone’s family member or loved one.

“Our whole team dedicates so much time to not only responding, but also fundraising and training to ensure that we have all the equipment and skills to give the best possible care to every single patient.

“Receiving a donation from the Community Champions scheme was even more special because it came directly from the local community, who are the people that we could potentially be responding to.”

Community Manager at Lincolnshire Coop, Sam Turner, said: “Thank you to all of our members, colleagues and customers for

Cheese Choice

all of your support and contributions over the last 10 years, we’re continuously amazed by your dedication and generosity.”

“We’re currently accepting applications for future Community Champions, so if you’re part of a local group or good cause, please get in touch!”

www.lincolnshire.coop/community/ community-champions

Blue Sky Halloumi

BLUE Sky Cheese was created by Jeremy and Becky in 2017. Building everything from scratch using previous experience – Jeremy having worked at Lincolnshire Poacher for a number of years before making a small amount of cheese and Becky’s family of dairy farmers and her grandfather, a sheep farmer.

Blue Sky use milk from their own flock of sheep – Zwartbles, which originate from the Friesland region of the Netherlands, to ensure the

milk is of the highest quality for the cheese. Every part of the cheese-making process is done on the farm.

It is unusual to find 100% ewes milk Halloumi. Ewes milk has a high butter fat content which gives a full flavour and creamier cheese. This halloumi has a unique flavour, really buttery yet delicate, the best halloumi we’ve ever tried and even better that it's made locally. It's delicious when grilled and served with baked beetroot and thyme.

Key Facts

Age 4 weeks

Country of Origin

England

Milk Type Ewes Pasteurisation

Unpasteurised

Region Lincoln

Strength Mild/Medium

Style of Cheese Crumbly

Vegetarian Yes

For a fantastic range of cheeses from around the world contact Lucie Nock, The Cheese Society, 1 St Martin’s Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1HY. T: 01522 511003, www.thecheesesociety.co.uk

Can community groceries replace food banks?

BY L AURA S TRATFORD G REATER L INCOLNSHIRE F OOD PARTNERSHIP

“OUR vision is for a UK without the need for food banks.”

The Trussell Trust (the UK’s largest network of foodbanks, including Lincoln Foodbank)

Foodbanks and community larders are intended to meet urgent, short term, emergency needs for food. They were never intended to provide long term food support. But economic inequalities continue to deepen, and the cost-of-living crisis is forcing some people into untenable situations. Donations to foodbanks are down, referrals are up, food charities cannot meet the increasing need - and neither do they want people to become reliant on them, that has never been their purpose.

Moreover, however kind and welcoming foodbank volunteers are, many people still experience a sense of shame and stigma of having to ask for help, let alone return for it multiple times.

Everyone should have dignified access to good food. So what is to be done?

One response that is emerging in Lincolnshire is the Community Grocery. I visited Mary Maguire and Mark Waby at the new Grocery in Bardney, which opened at the end of June.

The village already has a welcoming community cafe, but the need for everyday food support was recognised around six months ago. The idea of the Grocery was met with immense support and goodwill from the local community.Volunteers of every generation stepped up to help, and local tradesfolk offered their labour and/or materials for free. Open to everyone, membership of the Grocery costs £5/year, and it is open six days a week including some evenings. It offers members an

extremely low cost shop (currently £6 for five items of fruit & vegetables and up to ten items in total). The extreme low cost is possible thanks to the work of volunteers and donations of food (normally from food producer businesses).

Small grants have enabled the grocery to employ a wonderful manager, Harriet, who has worked so hard doing all the spade work and is now brilliantly running the grocery itself.

The small income generated helps with the purchase of essential items that are not donated - especially fresh produce.

“We are independent so we can see what works and make adjustments,” explains Mark, who owns the cafe and grocery buildings, which he provides at zero rent. “Our main challenge is accessing enough good quality fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Mark’s bulk brassica purchases at car boot sales don’t constitute a regular or diverse enough supply.

Ideas and hopes for the future include an artisan bakery and vegetable growing close to the village, for maximum health and freshness with minimal mileage.

The village holds a monthly Communi-tea, a community meal where local residents bring and share food. From its home-based origins, the event now welcomes up to 70 people including children who gather each month to share food in the village hall. Convivial dining is a powerful force in building friendships and creating the solidarity across age and income groups that are seen in the village.

Mary explains: “We build a good relationship with everyone, by the grace of God.”

Lincoln has a Community Grocery on Beaumont Fee, which has been open a little longer and works on the same principles: communitygrocery.org.uk/lincoln

Bardney Community manager Harriet (left) and her deputy Denise.

Design award for new PHC project

A NATIONAL award has recognised the impact of involving mental health service users to help design the two new wards at Lincoln’s Peter Hodgkinson Centre.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) won the Best Service User Engagement Award at the Design in Mental Health Awards in June. It was also shortlisted as one of the top three projects in the UK for the Project of the Year – New Build. Judges found the Castle and Ellis wards underlined the Trust’s ‘commitment to eradicating outdated shared dormitories from its sites’.

Throughout the development LPFT engaged with experts by experience, service users, staff and carers alongside key stakeholders from the wider health and care system, to ensure all plans were thoroughly informed by and co-created with the communities it will serve.

Sarah Cox, LPFT’s participation coordinator, who runs the Building Together focus group is pictured (centre) receiving the award at the Design in Mental Health conference: “I am extremely proud of the dedication, passion and commitment the Building Together Focus Group (BTFG) has given as part of this project.

“We set up the BTFG in February 2021 to work alongside the Project Team to offer feedback, comments and views on the design and build

of our new wards.

“The group has been involved in decisions regarding the furnishings, decoration, signage and technology and has felt included and valued throughout the build project. We are absolutely delighted that the achievements of the group have been recognised at the National Design in Mental Health Awards.”

Mark Platts, LPFT’s Director of Finance and Information, added: “I am so proud of the team and everyone involved in the project. By working with service users and experts by experience, we’ve created an environment which is relevant, therapeutic and fit for the future. It is a real accolade to be highlighted as one of the best mental health projects in the UK.”

University students work with stakeholders to create artwork

THE Peter Hodgkinson Centre project team also worked with the University of Lincoln’s School of Creative Arts to create mindfulness artworks for the courtyard areas.

Students Lottie Woodard, Bailey Revill and Erin Taylor were among those included on project briefings including those with architect Sharlene McFarlane of Gilling Dod and workshops using what they had learned were then held back on campus. They also spoke to service users about their experiences and what kind of artwork they would like to see.

“This has been an amazing experience and one we’ve learned so much from, especially the impact art can have on mental health,” said Bailey.

Associate Professor Rachel Baynton said: “It’s been wonderful to support our students to work with current patients and LPFT staff, and to really see the powerful connection between art and wellness.

“For many of them this has been a first experience of applying their skills and talent in clinical settings, and

working directly with a community.

“We’re delighted with the results of this collaborative process and ho the artwork in the courtyard helps people for many years to come.”

The students and project members are pictured by the artwork with University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor Neal Juster (far left).

£24m mental health wards take care to the next level

TWO state-of-the-art mental health wards at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre in Lincoln will ensure patients in crisis have space, dignity and feel part of their recovery process.

Based at Lincoln County Hospital and run by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), the two new £24m wards, Castle and Ellis have 38 private ensuite bedrooms, multi-purpose community areas and relaxing outside spaces.

This development is part of an ambitious £37m plan to update facilities across Lincolnshire and provide single ensuite rooms for all patients, removing old and outdated shared dormitory accommodationplanning permission was recently granted for a 19-bed ward in Boston.

The new Lincoln building has been designed in partnership with patients, staff, carers and people who have previously used LPFT’s services –designated experts by experience. These included Liz Hawker of Lincoln, who has previously been in Ward 12 at Boston Pilgrim Hospital .

“My experience wasn’t great and I thought if I could do something to improve things, then I should be involved in the project.”

Watching the development of the PHC site Liz knows her views and those of others have been listened to.

“One of the biggest things was privacy and having your own space as well as feeling you have some control,” said Liz, who is still involved with the Boston

development.

“It has been a privilege to be part of this - taking mental health care to the next level. Patients will have their own space and will be treated with respect and dignity. I would love to be a fly on the wall when the patients come in and see it.”

All 38 bedrooms are on ground level, have outside views and are equipped with the latest technology, which enables patients to monitor their treatment.

Sarah Connery, Chief Executive at LPFT, said:

“We are delighted with our new wards. As soon as you enter, the bright and spacious environment is immediately inviting and there are lots of windows which bring natural light onto the ward area.

“The outside areas are fantastic and will really give our patients the space they need to help them on their recovery journey.”Kevin Lockyer, Chair of LPFT, adds: “I am really proud that we have been able to work so closely with current patients, experts by experience, families and carers. They have been deeply involved in everything from construction to room layouts and colour choices to furniture options. These two wards will help us provide the best possible care for

people when they need it most.”

Brian Fitzgerald, an expert by experience at the Trust, said: "It's been great to use my own lived experience from using services to help build and shape the project. For me, it helped increase my self esteem as I felt like I was giving back to services which have supported me so well. It has been a real privilege to be involved in creating such a great space.”

In celebration of the opening, a time capsule has been buried full of artwork from current patients and staff, hopefully to be opened by service users in 100 years’ time.

Expert by experience Liz Hawker (centre) cuts the ribbon to open Ellis and Castle Wards at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre watched by Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Biff Bean (centre right) and LPFT Chief Executive Sarah Connery (far left). On site pictures: Chris Vaughan.

AERIAL PICTURE: LEE BLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

What’s On sponsored by LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Friday 4 August 5-7pm

Saturday 5 August 7pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz

Enjoy a glass of wine, the venue’s famous bowl of chilli and some fabulous jazz from a new ensemble each event.

Held alternate Fridays.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN The Enemy

Acclaimed 00s indie trio returns for their first UK tour since 2016 after a reunion gig in their native Coventry. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult

Tickets £28.60

www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 5 August 7pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Gazelle

Four working class lads, uninspired by today’s music charts, writing real music. Brought together by a mutual love of British Subculture. Plus support acts.

Tickets £7, Booking required www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Friday 11 August 7pm

Martin O’Neill in Conversation with Matt Stadlen

Widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in football, Martin will be speaking about his career with radio and television presenter, Matthew Stadlen.

Adult £23.50, Under 16s £16.50

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Friday 11 August & Saturday 12 August 7.30pm

Saturday 12 August 6pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY Curtain Up!

This fast-paced and funny comedy is the story of five women who inherit equal shares in a dilapidated theatre with plans to restore it.

Adult £12, Concession £11

www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Bongo’s Bingo – Night at the Movies

You’ll have fun with this one. Dress up as your favourite character and enjoy rave, cheesy singalongs and dance offs, and of course bingo!

Tickets £16, 18+ Only

www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 12 August 7pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Summer Organ Recital Series

The first in a series of events is a recital by Organist and Assistant Director of Music at Lincoln Cathedral, Jeffrey Makinson.

Tickets £15

www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

Saturday 12 August

7.30pm

Thursday 17 August 7pm

Thursday 17 August 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Retro Rock Show

A live 2-hour extravaganza performed by the finest rock musicians who have toured with some of the biggest names in rock.

Tickets Adult £19.50

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

The Mermaid Café

Think Folk, Acoustic and so much more! Line-up to be announced on the website and social media.

Pay what you feel on the door

www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Ferocious Dog

This folk punk band from Nottinghamshire will be appearing live on stage, with special guests Hell’s Ditch.

Tickets £21.50

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Friday 18 August & Saturday 19 August 7.30pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY Curtain Up!

Lindsey Rural Players presents a production of a comedy by Peter Quilter, directed by Gail Dennis.

Tickets Adult £12, Concession £11

www.broadbenttheatre.org

T 0300 400 0101

Saturday 19 August 6pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Bongo’s Bingo – Night at the Movies

You’ll have fun with this one. Dress up as your favourite character and enjoy rave, cheesy singalongs and dance offs, and of course bingo!

Tickets £16, 18+ Only

www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 19 August 7pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

RAF Air Cadets & Royal College of Organists

Join the National Concert Band, National String Ensemble, and National Choir of the RAF Air Cadets for a musical festival for all the family.

Tickets Adult £5, Under 18s FREE www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

Saturday 19 August 7pm

Wednesday 23 August 7pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN The Winslows

A line-up of emerging local talents plus supports from Bleach, and Sixpeace.

Tickets £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Southside’s Jam Night

Sharpen up your performing skills, make local and industry contacts, or just socialise. Expect original material, improvisation, and more.

FREE www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Friday 25 August –Saturday 26 August 7.30pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Queen by Candlelight

Featuring a live cast of West End singers, accompanied by an incredible live rock band, experience Queen as you have never heard them before!Tickets Adult £25, Tickets from £22.50

www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

Friday 25 August 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

DecoDance

A musical evening inspired by the music and fashions of the jazz age up to the 1950s. This year’s event features 8piece band, Retrobates.

Tickets £20.50, 14+ Only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Saturday 26 August 7pm

The Ministry of Steampunk: The Grand Asylum Ball

A three-course meal, followed by music from five-piece Celtic rock band, Wight Hot Pipes. When booking, please note meal choice and seating preferences.

Tickets £60

www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

THE VICTORIA, UNION ROAD, LINCOLN

Saturday 26 August 8pm

Saturday 26 August 8pm

The Stand-In Blues Band

This veteran band returns to one of its favourite venues and events, providing vibrant Blues music as part of the world-famous Steam Punk festival. FREE - www.facebook.com/standinblues

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

“Oh Dear! What Would the Mayor Say?!”

It’s a long-running joke at the asylum Steampunk Festival that ‘The Mayor’ does not know about this Burlesque show…

Tickets £20.50, 18+ Only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Sunday 27 August 7pm

The Ministry of Steampunk: Time Travellers Gig

Three headliner bands will be performing: Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq., Frenchy and the Punk, and Victor & The Bully.

Tickets £19, 14+ Only

www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Sunday 27 August 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Major’s Soiree

The Major presents a number of star guests in a varietystyle show, and sometimes he can be persuaded to perform the ‘bear dance’ himself!

Tickets £20.50, 11+ Only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Friday

1 September –

Saturday

2 September 7pm

Saturday

2 September 6pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Badlands 3 – Lincoln Punk Festival

Featuring: The Roughneck Riot, Waco, Sam Russo, Other Half, Last of the Wonderkids, Northern Captives, Suburban Toys, Riskee and the Ridicule, and many, many more!

Tickets from £25

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Bongo’s Bingo – Night at the Movies

You’ll have fun with this one. Dress up as your favourite character and enjoy rave, cheesy singalongs and dance offs, and of course bingo!

Tickets £16, 18+ Only

www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 2 September 7pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Summer Organ Recital Series

Come along to the second recital in a series of events, by Organist & Master of the Choristers of Manchester Cathedral, Christopher Stokes.

Tickets £15

www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

Saturday 2 September 7.30pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Running From Paradise

With minimal set, this play will utilise light and sound to weave the plot through flashbacks, fantasies and even a play within a play.

Tickets Adult £12, Concession £11

www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101

Sunday 3 September 7pm

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM

The George Harrison Project

The UK’s leading live music tribute to George Harrison, performing hits from the Beatles, his solo career, and The Traveling Wilburys.

Tickets from £20

www.betterboxoffice.co.uk T 0333 33 55055

Sunday 3 September 7pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Dan Nightingale

He’s spent the last two years changing the comedy industry from the inside out, now come and see him perform in the city!

Tickets £17

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Monday 4 September

7.30pm

Friday 8 September 7pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Wishbone Ash

Marking the 50th anniversary of their album Live Dates, this is a rare opportunity to hear the band performing their biggest-selling album in its entirety.

Tickets £32

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

The Bon Jovi Experience

Looking for the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute? Then look no further than the official tribute band endorsed by the man himself!

Tickets £24.20, 14+ Only

www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 9 September 7pm

Sunday 10 September 7.30pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Summer Organ Recital Series

Come along to the third recital in a series of events, by Organist Emeritus at Lincoln Cathedral, Colin Walsh.

Tickets £15

www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Floyd in the Flesh

A tribute to Dark Side of the Moon, marking its 50th anniversary, with a band who pride themselves of delivering an authentic Pink Floyd experience.

Tickets £19.50

www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Wednesday 13 September 7.30pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Public Image LTD

Led by John Lydon, the band is celebrating their 45th anniversary this year with their ‘End of the World Tour’.

Tickets £35.75, 14+ Only

www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

ART, LEARNING & CULTURE

Until Monday 28 August 10am – 4pm

Until Sunday 10 September 10am – 4pm

InAwe and Wonder

ARTIST and ceremonial nature guide Charlotte Jane Kessler, delves into concepts of deep ecology and spirituality in her latest exhibition Awe and Wonder.

Leadenham Estate opens its Coachhouse Gallery from September 10 to October 8 for her largest solo exhibition to date, with 10 paintings and a site-specific earth alter installation piece. Kessler has spent the last two years in visual dialogue asking the questions: “Why do human beings have the capacity to experience Awe and Wonder?” and “How can this reconnect us to natures intelligence and finding our sense of belonging?”

DODDINGTON HALL, LINCOLN

Behind the Bastion

Visit the art exhibition that tells the personal stories of British troops’ experience of ‘home’ whilst deployed to Afghanistan, and their lives in operating bases.

FREE www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308

LINCOLN MUSEUM George Boole’s School

Inspired by the life and legacy of the Lincolnshire-born mathematician George Boole. Discover how a teacher changed our world forever.

Free

www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040

Until Sunday 10 September 10am – 4pm

Until Sunday 8 October 10am – 4pm

Tuesdays 6.30pm – 7.30pm

LINCOLN MUSEUM CODED: Digital Art that Defies Definition

Step into this new digital art exhibition and interact with a spectacular, coded environment that reacts to noise, movement, and touch.

Pay What You Decide

USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN Community Choice

This exhibition has been selected by five incredible community groups from around the city to showcase new and enthusiastic voices. Free

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Conroy Irish Dance Academy

Irish dance classes for children and adults, competitively or just for fun!

Entry £7 www.facebook.com/conroyirishdance

More details at charlottejanekessler.com

Wednesdays 10.30am – 12pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Rock Choir

The UK’s leading contemporary award-winning choir experience offering weekly rehearsals, performances, and life-affirming events. If you love to sing, book your first session now! www.rockchoir.com/join

Thursdays 2-3pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Craft Club

Relax, socialise and share your story through the things you make. Suitable for 16 years and over FREE

www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010

Fridays 2pm – 3pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Learn My Way

Join this free, basic beginners’ IT course. Free, booking required www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010

Saturday 5 August 10am – 4pm

THE VILLAGE HALL, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND

Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group

Join this workshop in watercolour with Gwen Scott, artist of ‘Bluebell Wood’.

Tickets Non-Members £18, Members £15 T 01522 811510

What’s On sponsored by ART, LEARNING & CULTURE

Saturday 12 August 2pm

Sex and the Tudors

WE know that Henry VIII had his share of fun back in the 16th C, but he wasn’t the only one according to the records of this famous period of English history.

This lecture is given by Tutbury Castle Curator Lesley Smith making another welcome visit to Lincoln to entertain and educate - this time in the atmospheric surroundings of Southside.

Organised in conjunction with the Lincoln Independent Lesley will lead us on a rip-roaring tumble through the sexual exploits of the Tudors.

Contraception, conception, prostitution and gay sex feature in this engaging and highly entertaining lecture. Not suitable for those who shock easily or have a nervous disposition! For the rest of you...we recommend you book early.

Sex and the Tudors, Thursday, October 19, doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start.

Southside, Colegrave Street, Lincoln.

Tickets £12. Free parking opposite at South Common. Book online www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942.

Saturday

5 August –Sunday

6 August 10am – 4pm

Saturdays 5 August 2-4pm

MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Lincolnshire and the Great War

Over this two-day event, enthusiasts and historians will display collections of original artefacts from WWI.

Tickets Adult £3, Concessions £2, Children £1.50 www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/history-heritage/museumlincolnshire-life T 01522 782040

MINT LANE, LINCOLN EarthLincs Drop-In Session

Art blocking with Cat & Rosemary with all materials provided, just bring t-shirts and fabric to block print into beautiful designs and learn new skills.

FREE @EarthLincs on social media

Wednesday 9 & 23 August & Friday 11 August 10am – 12pm

Saturday 12 August 10am – 4pm

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN, BRAYFORD POOL Open Campus

Explore the campus and city to get a feel for what it’s like to live and study in Lincoln.

FREE, Book online www.lincoln.ac.uk T 01522 886644

RIVERSIDE CHURCH, SOUTHGATE, SLEAFORD NG34 7RY Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology - Sleaford Heritage Day

A range of speakers discuss the town’s history.

Admission £25 to include tea, coffee and buffet lunch. Pre-booking essential through www.slha.org.uk

Saturday 12 August 2pm – 4pm

Tuesday 15 August 1.30pm – 3pm

Thursday 17 & 31 August & Tuesday 22 August 6pm – 7pm

Friday 18 August 10am – 3pm

QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN

Katherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk

This presentation by Adrian Gray asks the question, was Katherine the greatest woman of Tudor Lincolnshire? Attend in person or request a Zoom link via email.

FREE

lincolnbranch@lincolnshirefhs.org.uk T 07941 245322

MINT LANE, LINCOLN EarthLincs Drop-In Session

Mending and sewing skills, plus children’s crafts. All welcome.

FREE

@EarthLincs on social media

NIGHTINGALE ROOMS, NETTLEHAM ROAD, LINCOLN Nursing in World War I

Come along to this talk by Chris Hewes, as part of Lincoln Bailgate University of the Third Age.

Pay on the door £2 www.u3asites.org.uk/bailgate/home

DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS, DODDINGTON, LINCOLN Uniform Collection Tour

Discover 900 military uniforms and 3,000 accessories from drums to dirks; swords to sporrans; buttons to boots, and much, much more.

Adult FREE, Donations welcome

www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308

BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LINCOLN

Open Day

An opportunity to look around campus, attend subject talks, and chat with staff and students to get your questions answered.

FREE, Register online www.bgu.ac.uk T 01522 527347

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN, BRAYFORD POOL

Friday 18 August –Sunday 20 August 10am – 2pm

Saturday 19 August 6pm – 9pm

Tuesday 29 August 7pm – 9pm

Clearing Open House Weekend

Explore the campus and city to discover what it’s like to live and study in Lincoln. Check details online to apply through clearing. FREE, Register online www.lincoln.ac.uk T 01522 886644

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN

Romeo & Juliet

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them for this timeless and classic love story, performed in the open air with an all-male cast.

Adult £19.50, Student £11.50, Under 16s £11.50 www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Life Drawing Sessions

A themed model with music playing and a fully stocked bar. All welcome to these monthly, untutored short pose sessions guided by local artist Tom Humby. Beginner materials available.

Tickets Adult £8, Concession £6, Book Online T 01522 782010

DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS, DODDINGTON, LINCOLN

Tuesday 29 August 7pm - 10pm

Thursday 7 September 7pm

Romeo & Juliet

Enjoy an unforgettable open-air theatre experience on the Croquet Lawn as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men bring this play to life.

Adult £20, Under 16s £12 www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Arts Facilitation and Accessibility with Laura

Guthrie

An in-depth look at accessibility in the arts with advice on how to support the access requirements of others and how to articulate one’s own.

FREE, Booking Required, 14+

www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Thursday 7 September 8.15pm

Film Screening of ‘Reet Good’ with Q&A from Producer and Creator Pierce Starre

This documentary follows the journey of a new creative Live art residency solely for artists that identify as D/deaf, disabled, or neurodiverse.

FREE, Booking Required, 14+ www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

What’s On sponsored by FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

Thursdays 3, 10, 17 24, & 31

August 12pm – 2pm

Thursday 3 August 1pm – 2.30pm

Thursdays 3,10,17,24,& 31

August 2pm

Friday 4 August 10am – 12pm

WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, HIGH STREET, LINCOLN Kids’ Club

Bring your little ones along to enjoy a Kids Club activity in the city centre.

FREE www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Bottle Rockets

Join Park Rangers and discover the joys of flight by making your very own bottle rocket - with a good soaking if you are standing close! All children must be accompanied by an adult, Booking essential Child £3.70

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

BRANSBY HORSES PICNIC AREA

Story Time

Starring the charity’s own Pudding series of books. Bring a blanket.

www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN

Summer Kids’ Club – Fun Day

Enjoy fun and games at this Kids’ Club special event, including Mr Twist and free balloons, all hosted in the Link Up Community Space.

FREE

www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

Sunday 6 August 10am – 12.30pm

Tuesday

8 August 9am – 4pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Bird Watching For All

Join local RSPB members for a guided walk to discover many species of birds which reside in the park throughout the year. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Arthur Swallow Antiques & Home Show

Established in 1995, this event offers everything from fine antiques, art, vintage to salvage, industrial, jewellery, curios and much more.

Tickets £4

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN

DON’T miss the chance to learn more about your city on the Open Top Bus Tour. Currently running seven days a week (until the end of September), first tour of the day is at 10:30am from Lincoln Cathedral (West Front) and the last departs at 3.30 pm. The tours last for just under an hour, and stops include Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, Brayford Waterfront, and the High Street. Tickets can be bought either on the bus from the bus driver, or

Friday 11 August 10am – 12pm

Tuesday 8 August 10am – 12pm

Summer Kids’ Club

Enjoy all things Encanto in this session where little ones can join in with drama and crafts, all hosted in the Link Up Community Space.

FREE

www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

Wednesday 9 August 10am – 12pm

Wednesday 9 August 12pm – 4pm

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Summer Kids’ Club

Create your own woven wall hanging with Hartsholme Rangers, all hosted in the Link Up Community Space.

FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

HILLSIDE COMMUNITY GARDEN, ROMAN PAVEMENT, LINCOLN Family Fun Day

This event offers something for everyone including games, activities, entertainment, food and drink for the whole family.

FREE (Including activities, food and drink) www.greensynergy.org.uk T 01522 533077

Wednesday 9 August 1pm – 2.30pm

BANDSTAND, BOULTHAM PARK, LINCOLN Pond Dipping

Explore the hidden depths and delve beneath the surface of Boultham Park Lake to see what creepy critters are lurking below the water. Children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

Child £3.70

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Thursday 10 August 12pm – 3pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Treasure Hunt

Explore the park by taking part in a themed treasure hunt. Children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

Child £3.70

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Friday 11 August 6pm – 9pm

on the Stagecoach East Midlands App.

Prices are:

Adult £9

Concession £7

Young People (16-19) - £7

Children aged 3+ - £3.50

Children up to 3 – Free The bus can also be booked for a private group / group booking at a competitive rate. Email admin@lincolnbig.co.uk for prices.

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Summer Kids’ Club

Join Fun Farm Day Nursery for heart crafts in support of the heart trail. The first hour is reserved for SEN children and their grown-ups.

FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN 1940s BBQ & Dance

You are invited to enjoy an evening of vintage fun, complete with a delicious BBQ and live entertainment from Johnny Victory.

Adult £16.60, Child £8

www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755

Saturday 12 August –Sunday 13 August 10am – 5pm

Saturday 12 August –Sunday 13 August 10am – 5pm

Saturday 12 August 7.30pm

LINCOLN CASTLE Grand Medieval Joust

With a cast of medieval characters and knights hoping to win, this competition brings together some of the best jousters in the country.

Adult £16, Concession £15, Child £8.50, Under 5s FREE, family tickets available www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 554559

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN Salute to the 40s

Join the IBCC’s 6th annual weekend celebrating everything 1940s. Enjoy everything from 40s entertainment to cars and military vehicles on display. FREE www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN Blackout Blitz Ball

Don your 40s finery and get ready to dance until you drop with live music from the Kalamazoo Swing band.

Tickets include two-course meal.

Tickets £50

www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755

Sunday 13 August 10am – 2pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Second Hand Sundays

If you love a bargain, come to Lincoln’s newest regular junk sale! There will be music, indoor car-boot vibes, and the café/bar will be open.

£5 for a pitch, email hello@southsidelincs.com

Pay on the Door £1

www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Sunday

13 August

2.30pm – 4.30pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN

Vintage Afternoon Tea

Enjoy delicious sandwiches, scones, and cakes, accompanied by live music from 1940s songstress Samantha.

Adult £25, Child £12

www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755

Tuesday 15 August 10am – 12pm

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN

Summer Kids’ Club

Science workshop with plenty of giant bubbles, bouncing bubbles, exploding hocus pocus cauldrons, disappearing pictures, and more!

FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

Thursday 24 August 10am – 11.30am

BANDSTAND,

Bottle Rockets

Wednesday 16 August 10am & 11am

Wednesday 16 August 6pm – 8pm

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN

Summer Kids’ Club – Fun Day

Mini First Aid Workshops hosted for 3–6-year-olds. www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

NETTLEHAM COMMUNITY HUB

Stitch & B*tch

Creative social group. Bring your creative project – it doesn’t have to be textiles related, meet new people, chat and share ideas.

Tickets £5

www.priklipear.co.uk T 07435 968851

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN

Friday 18 August 10am – 12pm

Summer Kids’ Club

Enjoy fun and games at this Kids Club special event, including Lollipops and free face painting, all hosted in the Link Up Community Space.

FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

HILLSIDE COMMUNITY GARDEN, ROMAN PAVEMENT, LINCOLN

Friday 18 August 12pm – 5pm

10th Anniversary Summer Garden Celebration

Come along for an afternoon of fun and enjoy delicious food and drinks, browse craft stalls, and take an interactive tour of the beautiful garden. FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

LINCOLN CASTLE

Saturday

19 August –Sunday 20 August 10am – 5pm

19 August –Sunday 20 August 12pm – 4pm

Tuesday 22 August 10am – 12pm

Wednesday 23 August 10am – 12pm

Wednesday 23 August 1pm – 2.30pm

Dog Friendly Days

Unlock 1000 years of history with your furry companion on selected weekends.

Free entry to Castle Grounds. All other admissions apply. www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 554559

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Lincolnshire Steam & Vintage Rally

Go back to yesteryear and discover the magnificent machinery from steam engines, vintage vehicles and motorcycles, to tractors and stationary engines.

Tickets Adult £15, Under 16s FREE www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN

Summer Kids’ Club

Come along to this Sensory Play Workshop and SEN session. FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN

Summer Kids’ Club

Create your own willow and paper lantern with Hartsholme Rangers. FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

CAFÉ, BOULTHAM PARK, LINCOLN Den Building

Build a shelter which could protect you from the wind and rain, using fallen timber and tarpaulins. All children must be accompanied by an adult, Booking essential Child £3.70,hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Thursday 24 August 1pm – 2.30pm

Discover the joys of flight by making your very own bottle rocket - with a good soaking if you are standing close! All children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

Child £3.70, This activity is aimed at 4–13-year-olds hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Bug Hunt

Get up close and personal with some seriously creepy creatures! Search the park to find the mini beasts that call it home. All children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

Child £3.70

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Friday 25 August 10am – 12pm

Friday 26 August –

Monday 28 August

Saturday 26 August 2pm – 4pm

Sunday 27 August 11am – 1pm

T 01522 873735

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Summer Kids’ Club

Join Back Garden Drama Co in making heart-themed cookies and cakes in support of St Barnabas’ HeART Trail.

FREE -www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk

T 01522 575240

LINCOLN CASTLE AND CATHEDRAL QUARTER

The Asylum Steampunk Festival

Taking Lincoln to a time that never was as the largest steampunk festival in the world returns to the city. www.ministryofsteampunk.com/weekend-at-the-asylumlincoln

MINT LANE, LINCOLN EarthLincs Drop-In Session

Enjoy an afternoon of children’s craft activities and stories.

FREE @EarthLincs on social media

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Visitor Centre, Hartsholme Country Park

Join Park Rangers for a guided walk to discover the history of the estate and now, country park. All children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Tuesday 29 August 10am – 12pm

Wednesday 30 August 10am – 12pm

Wednesday 30 August 1pm – 2.30pm

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Summer Kids’ Club

Enjoy heart themed crafts and messy play with The Craft Unit. FREE

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Summer Kids’ Club

Create your own seed bomb with Hartsholme Rangers. FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Natural Dye Workshop

Plants are great to make natural dyes out of, so why not give it a try! Supplies will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult,. Child £3.70. Bokking essential.

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

BOULTHAM PARK, LINCOLN

Steampunk is back in Lincoln this August bank holiday weekend. Picture: Matt Phillips

Thursday 31 August 10am – 11.30am

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

ST HELEN’S CHURCH, HALL DRIVE, LINCOLN Bug Box Hotels – Hope Wood

Make a home for your bugs and create your very own conservation project to take away with you. All children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

Child £3.70

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Thursday 31 August 1pm – 2.30pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Pond Dipping

Explore the hidden depths and delve beneath the surface of the wildlife pond to see what critters are lurking below. All children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

Child £3.70

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Friday 1 September 10am – 12pm

Sunday 3 September 8.30am

ST MARK’S SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Summer Kids’ Club

Join Guiding Sparks Circus to learn and enjoy fun circus skills in the garden!

FREE www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk T 01522 575240

BOULTHAM PARK, LINCOLN Lincoln City Half Marathon

This marathon route encompasses many of the great areas of our city, bringing together the historic north and the diverse south of the city.

Prices from £30.50

www.lincolncityhalfmarathon.co.uk T 01522 563792

Sunday 3 September 10am – 4pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN Wings and Wheels

Join the teams from IBCC and Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire as they bring together the motorised heritage of the county.

Free to attend www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755

Sunday 3 September 10.30am – 12.30pm

Exploring art and wellbeing

LOUISA Chase’s practice has developed unconventionally outside of traditional arts education and industry and results can be seen throughout August at Decimal Place. She was self-taught until she decided to go to an alternative art school in New Zealand in 2021 aged 52.

“I lived there for 18 years after emigrating in 2004 with a young family and came back to Lincolnshire, where I grew up, in 2022. “Over the last two years my practice has changed from mostly painting and drawing to being mostly movement, writing and photographic recording. I didn’t have a studio when I first came back to England, so that forced a big shift in how I work. I became particularly interested in the process of creativity rather than the output and the connections between creative practice and mental and physical health

Louisa’s work has been exhibited both here and in New Zealand, including several group exhibitions at The New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, she is currently one of three artists in residence with Slumgothic at x-church, Gainsborough.

Sunday 3 September 5pm – 9pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Bird Watching For All

Join local RSPB members for a guided walk to discover many species of birds which reside in the park throughout the year.Wear suitable outdoor clothing. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

The Naughty Night Market

Enjoy a drink whilst you browse local sellers that specialise in risqué crafts, inappropriate bunting, skin and body care, sex positive prints, and much more! FREE, 18+ only www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Tuesday 12 September 11am – 1pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Discover the History of Hartsholme Country Park

Join Park Rangers for a guided walk to discover the history of the estate and country park, as part of the Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days. All children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.Free entry to FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

NETTLEHAM COMMUNITY HUB

Wednesday 13 September 6pm – 8pm

Lincolnshire Steam & Vintage RallyStitch & B*tch

Creative social group. Bring your creative project – it doesn’t have to be textiles related, meet new people, chat and share ideas.

Tickets £5

www.priklipear.co.uk T 07435 968851

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN

Friday 15 September 10am – 11am

Toddler Time

Join Park Rangers and dress to get messy for seasonal activities for the under 5s!

All children must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

Child £3.70, Aimed at children 1-5 years hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Louisa is grateful to have recently received Develop Your Creative Practice grant from Arts Council England to further develop and research her interest in the arts and human and planetary wellbeing, “I am also really happy to be working in collaboration with other local artists and researchers with similar interests including Hannah Green of Dance Free

My newest work is made in response to the landscape whilst travelling on foot for a month in the south west, carrying everything in a backpack. It’s a very different, slow way of being which engenders a deeper connection and awe at a world in continuous birth.”

Breakfast Belstone Tor, Dartmoor

Moving with Rock and River, Teign Gorge, Dartmoor,.

‘It can’t be business as usual’

BY REBECCA POOLE

THE University of Lincoln is committed to driving research into developing ways to improve the environment, in line with the Sustainable Innovation pathway of the Lincoln Climate Action Plan.

“I think there’s recognition that we can’t just continue business as usual and expect to meet the deliverables set out in the Climate Action Plan (CAP),” explained Rebecca Mills, Head of Sustainability at University of Lincoln.

“It’s going to require us to rethink systems, to change our ways of working, develop new technology, invest in research to develop new products that really can result in wider system change.”

At the beginning of Lincoln Climate Commission’s journey, Rebecca was the university representative and played a role in founding the group alongside colleagues from the university such as Andrew Kythreotis, and Kate Bell from City of Lincoln Council.

“I’ve been sitting on the Lincoln Climate Commission and supporting the development of the Climate Action Plan, which has been predominantly driven by Kate and colleagues from the City of Lincoln Council, but the university is definitely committed to supporting its development.”

The university has set out its own Sustainability Strategy 2027 which means that embedding sustainability into research is now being applied. Rebecca explained that net-zero is one part of the strategy, but that it is also being used as a core research theme

“Embedding sustainability within our research is one of the core themes, so ‘net-zero’ is the simple way to describe that, but actually it has a wider remit than just focussing on carbon emissions because we’ve not only declared a climate emergency as a university, but also a climate and ecological emergency.

“We are quite actively involved with the decarbonisation of the Humber industrial cluster, but also for example, at Riseholme our Lincoln institute for Agri-food technology works very closely

within the agricultural sector to develop innovative solutions to decrease the environmental and carbon impact of farming.”

The university’s Riseholme campus is leading collaborative research between the university, SAGA Robotics, and Berry Gardens Ltd to use new autonomous systems, such as high-speed picking robots. to increase productivity growth, improve food safety, and reduce the environmental impact of soft fruit production, for example with strawberries. This project is supported and funded by UK Research and Innovative UK.

Objectives of the Sustainable Innovation pathway of the CAP include developing Lincoln as a Green Innovation Centre through researching eco-friendly and energy saving technologies.

The Riseholme Strawberry Research and Trial Site has been an ongoing project for a couple of years, making a positive impact towards Sustainable Innovation, and the community through collaborative projects and community involvement to generate social value.

For example, since the start of the pandemic, the strawberries that have been grown are donated to Mint Lane Café to support the valuable community work it does.

“There’s a lot of varied projects and each one will have different benefits, some will be more skewed towards specifically reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and all of them will ultimately lead to that if they are aligned with net-zero.”

The university is currently working to develop its own net-zero roadmap, with aims to make the institution greener.

“We’ve set a target ourselves to be net-zero by 2040, and that includes all scopes of emissions which is quite challenging, as it also includes our supply chain, student commuting, business travel, all of our indirect emissions.

“We’re working with a consultancy to put an action plan together for us and we’re hoping to publish that at the end of this summer.”

To read the Lincoln Climate Action Plan in full, visit www.lincolnclimate.org.uk

Lincoln CAP aims to make the city a Green Innovation Centre.

Don’t miss Whisby’s dragonfly displays

BY RACHEL SHAW

LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

THE rain was beating on the roof above our heads. Outside our small wooden shelter, there was a wall of rain. It felt like we were looking out from behind a waterfall. The thunder cracked and we waited.

This was the designated ‘Dragonfly Day’ at Whisby Nature Park. It’s the perennial problem of event planning, you can never plan the weather and this day was one of those wet days of July. The rain was welcome, but why on this day when we’d hoped to show visitors the wondrous insects that are the dragonflies and damselflies?

In the calm between the heavy showers, the visitors didn’t appear but the dragonflies and damselflies did. Delicate blue damselflies fluttered out of the pathside vegetation. The sunlight flickered on their transparent wings creating a vision that could have sparked a belief in fairies.

A bold black-tailed skimmer dashed across the surface of the lake. The dark clouds of the next rainstorm reflected on the water as the dragonfly switched directions as he hunted his smaller insect prey. This scene could have dated back over millennia.

Dragonflies evolved over 300 million years ago. The earliest ancestors of the dragonflies we see today shared the landscape with early amphibians and the first reptiles. Flowering plants hadn’t evolved yet and it would be nearly 100 million years before the dinosaurs appeared.

They weren’t just amongst the first ever winged insects, they were the largest. Some had wingspans of 75 cm. Like our modern-day dragonflies, these huge insects were formidable predators with

large jaws and spiny front limbs for catching prey. Like our dragonflies, they began life underwater. As the rain started to fall again, we retreated back to our shelter. Here, we had gathered together a collection of dragonfly exuviae. These are the discarded outer skins of the young dragonflies. They leave their underwater existence by climbing up a plant stem. They cling on and crack open their outer skin along the back. The fresh adult dragonfly complete with wings emerges. This is when they are at their most vulnerable. They can’t fly until their wings and body harden.

The adult, flying stage of their lives is short in comparison to the aquatic stage which can last for four or five years. Looking carefully on the exuviae it’s possible to get a slight insight into how terrifying these underwater dragons are to any small aquatic creatures.

Their jaws are extraordinary. Dragonfly larvae have an unusual way of catching their prey. Their lower jaw is flexible and equipped with sharp teeth. It’s also extendable. When prey swims past, the lower jaw shoots out with lightning speed and catches the prey. It’s more reminiscent of the alien in the eponymous movies than of fairies. To add to their ferocious mystic, they also use jet propulsion to move around – by rapidly expelling water through their bottoms!

If you missed the designated ‘Dragonfly Day’ at Whisby Nature Park, as most people did, you can see dragonflies and their dainty cousins the damselflies every day through until late September and possibly early October.

Whisby Nature Park is one of the best places for seeing these remarkable insects and is designated a Dragonfly Hotspot by the British Dragonfly Society.

Green Flags for city parks

THREE Lincoln parks are raising the prestigious Green Flag Award. The news that the Arboretum, Boultham Park and Hartsholme Country Park have achieved the accreditation - the international quality mark - is testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams that care for these green spaces so that everyone can enjoy them, according to City of Lincoln Council.

Boultham Park also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for its historic features.

Cllr Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure our parks and green spaces are kept to such a high standard. This award really is testament to the hard work that goes into green spaces in the city.”

Dragonfly emerging by Geoff Trinder

Celebrating the clematis

I THINK my very favourite plant in the garden this year has been a clematis.

They are lovely garden plants, often flowering for long periods of time and asking very little in return. They go well with roses, can cover a wall, climb a tree or fit snugly into a border with other herbaceous plants.

I have several clematis in my garden and at least one from each group. There are three groups of clematis: group one is the late winter, early spring flowering ones, like montana; group two flower in summer and has large, showy blooms, group three is the later summer/early autumn flowering clematis such as the viticella types. The first group is mostly quite vigorous and can cover the sides of houses, sheds, walls and can scramble up dead trees in a short space of time. They flower prolifically and should be cut down once finished. The flowers come on new growth so the shoots that grow after cutting will bear next year’s flowers.

Group two has the showy ones that stay smaller, have often huge blooms, go well with roses and come in hundreds of shades. Some are delicately scented, some have flat open petals, others have trumpet shaped or pointed petals.

There are single blooms or double blooms, but the foliage generally is similar, with two leaves opposite each other. This group should be cut down in late winter/very early spring as they flower on the present season’s growth.

The third group has smaller flowers that come profusely and last a good while. These plants need pruning in early spring as they can be very vigorous and all the flowers come at the top of the plant if not pruned quite hard back.

Clematis have few problems. Clematis wilt, a fungal disease is one where the plant becomes sad and limp; this can be fatal but if caught early it can be treated. Clematis like something to climb on, feeding with tomato feed during flowering and cutting back at the right time. Other than this they are wonderful, undemanding plants that have much to give.

Bringing garden back to former glory

THE popular John Dawber Garden in uphill Lincoln is being rescued for future generations in a remarkable transformation thanks to hard-working volunteers and generous supporters. Restoration milestones so far include completely renewing the pond with a new liner and stone edging, creating a dedicated garden for children at Westgate Academy, digging over and replanting overgrown flower beds, removing ivy threatening to cause the collapse of pergolas and installing new edging along flower beds.

New paving has been donated and installed by Lincs Civil Engineering & Paving and the company will be back on site in the coming months to replace old and broken down paths. Further paving and pond surround costs have been met by Investors in Lincoln.

The seating within the Garden has all been restored courtesy of the Lindum Group Joiners Shop, with new benches also being added.

During the cooler, wetter autumn months, volunteers are planning to re-plant areas of the overgrown Chinese Garden, accessed by two circular moon gates, which have also recently been re-painted by the Mayor of Lincoln, Biff Bean, his Sheriff, Neil Murray, along with other councillors.

Local artists have contributed stunning works of art. Rachael Audrey Clark created a three-panel wall mosaic entitled ‘Strelitzia’ in memory of her late mother. Strelitiza, known as the bird of paradise plant, was first named by the Lincolnshire botanist Sir

Joseph Banks and presented to Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. Elaine Marsden’s sculpture depicts a woman reclining and reading a bookwhich contains the names of the garden volunteers. Elaine has previously exhibited at the Turrell Gardens, Cambridge.

Lynn Ritson, Chair of the Dawber Garden Community Trust, thanked all the volunteers and supporters for helping the trust achieve so much in such a very short space of time, but said new volunteers and donations of plants, labour and funding are always welcome.

“It is unbelievable that our proposal to the City of Lincoln Council to take over the management and restoration of the Dawber Garden was only approved in the middle of December last year - with charitable status granted in the middle of January - that so much has been achieved within such a short space of time.

“We could not have achieved any of this without the help of our volunteers, who turn out consistently each Tuesday and Thursday morning, regardless of the weather conditions.’

The walled garden to the north of the Lawn complex, is open daily.Visitors, who enjoy the tranquil surroundings and birdsong, often talk to volunteers and appreciate the garden is being

returned to its former glory.

Kay Veitch is a frequent visitor: “I’m so happy to see the transformation taking place in the garden and every time I visit there is always some improvement or new planting to see. I often stop and chat to the volunteers who are so enthusiastic and willing.”

Visit the www.dawbergarden.co.uk, the Facebook page or follow the Dawber Garden Community Trust on Instagram.

Volunteers celebrate the transformation to date. Rachael Clark with her mosaic.

The restored pergola.

Had an accident on holiday?

MARISHA LOWE, CHARTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE, WILKIN CHAPMAN SOLICITORS

WITH the summer school holidays upon us many people will be venturing out of the UK. Unfortunately this can lead to injuries abroad or even the devastating loss of a loved one. In the event you or a loved one regrettably suffers from an accident abroad, we have some helpful information on what to do below.

What types of accidents abroad can be claimed for?

l Hotel accident claims

l Road traffic accidents

l Cruise ship accidents and illnesses

l Flight related accidents

l Food poisoning

l Accidents whilst on a package holiday

l Cycling accident claims

l Accident whilst working abroad

What to do if you are injured abroad?

l Immediately seek medical attention

l Ensure you report the accident to your travel representative/hotel staff/employer as soon as possible

l Obtain a copy of the accident report if possible, for your records

l Take photographs of the area where your accident occurred

l Obtain witness contact details

l Keep the receipts of expenses

l If the police have been notified or informed about the accident, obtain as much information as you can - address of police station, name of officer and reference number.

l Seek legal advice as soon as possible on return to the UK

Is there a time limit to pursue a personal injury claim?

In the UK you have a period of three years from the date of the accident in which to pursue a claim. Please note in other countries this limitation period can differ. Seek legal advice as soon as possible.

HMRC needs to sharpen up

BY TRISTRAN RUSSELL, PARTNER, DEXTER & SHARPE

Can I pursue my claim in the UK if the accident occurred abroad?

If the accident was someone else’s fault, it is possible to claim compensation in the UK, but it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible as the rules can be complex.

What can I claim for?

There are many things you can claim for if you have been involved in an accident which is not your fault such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, travelling expenses and many more.

For more information visit: www.wilkinchapman.co.uk/resources/2 022/08/18/what-to-do-if-you-have-anaccident-on-holiday or contact Marisha Lowe on 01522 515931.

IMAGINE

I’m saying this very quietly... ‘His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs requires a little investment from the Treasury to increase the number it employs’.

It’s a strange thing for a taxpayer and accountant to say you might think, but recent events have made me consider that HMRC is not fit for purpose.

During the early part of the year the SelfAssessment helpline was reduced to nothing other than talking to HMRC about late filing penalties and arranging time to pay where taxpayers were struggling to pay tax.

Any technical queries, forget it!

Want to register a new partnership for self-assessment? It still has to be done by paper alone.

In an age when all businesses and taxpayers are urged/coerced into using software for everything, HMRC still will not allow this simple registration to be done safely online.

Clients eager to start trading as a partnership have had their contracts halted as HMRC had yet to issue taxpayer

references. The customer experience that taxpayers and tax professionals have is poor. Call waiting times are 40 minutes and beyond.

Now Members of Parliament have asked questions of the Head of HMRC. The response he gave was derided by MPs and press alike.

The VAT registration helpline has been taken away completely. Clients trying to meet their VAT registration notification obligations are frustrated by the slow process. Once the application has been submitted there is no contact with HMRC for 40 days then and only then can you contact HMRC by email to find out if the application has been successful or if you need to provide extra information. While waiting for a VAT number the taxpayer is left in limbo as to whether to issue invoices with or without the VAT addition. Once the VAT number is issued they then have the task of reissuing any invoices issued past the date of registration stated on the application they submitted, with VAT amount and VAT registration number

on each invoice. This builds to frustration, added cost and potential for error for the client. Several partnership clients have had the infamy to have suffered both waiting for a tax payer reference and then waiting for the VAT number too. This makes us as accountants look incompetent, however, we have to cope with the system in place.

HMRC has been rigorously scaled back by consecutive Governments. From having offices in large towns to the regional hubs and call centres we have now. If HMRC was to invest in more tax technicians it would enhance the client customer experience of HMRC avoiding delay and frustration.

Email info@dextersharpelincoln.co.uk www.dexter sharpe.co.uk

Golfers take charity total to £70,000

MORE than £8,000 for the air ambulance was raised at Streets Chartered Accountants’ tenth Charity Golf Day - taking the total raised over the tournament’s history to £70,000.

The total amount fundraised will be divided between Streets’ three regional charities: East Anglian Air Ambulance, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The winning team at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey, was Varley

Orthopaedics (top picture) with Civil Recovery Solutions coming in second and The One Group in third place. The winners of the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions were Adam Aisthorpe and Paul Ward respectively.

“Streets would like to thank all those people who sponsored, donated, gave their time and helped in some way, without whom the day would not be possible,” said Partner James Pinchbeck

“The event received fantastic support with 23 teams taking part and more than 30 local businesses sponsoring the day. There were Stableford team prizes as well as competitions such as Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin, Beat the Pro, All four hit the Green and Hole in One.

Fellow Partner Mark Bradshaw, added: “The support we have received has been truly overwhelming and has helped us raise a staggering £8,063 for our three local Air Ambulance services. We’re delighted to be able to support our local Air Ambulance Services, who are the true winners of the day.”

Streets’ eleventh Charity Golf Day will take place on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey. Once again this will be in aid of the three air ambulance operations.

A win for the family

MAKE An Entrance has been awarded the title of Small Family Business of the Year after beating competition from across the UK.

The Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 celebrate the very best of British family firms across all areas of the UK and are given by region, sector, and nationally in recognition of sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and engagement with the local community.

Lincoln-based Make An Entrance won the overall Small Family Business of the Year award specifically aimed at family businesses with fewer than 40 employees.

Judges were particularly impressed with the story of how Sam and Stuart Burlton have prevented the traditional skill of handmade doormat making being lost to UK manufacturing, while being a thoroughly up to the minute ecommerce business.

James Shore, Head of Family Business at SME Capital which sponsored the award said: “The family has built an awardwinning business with an incredible web presence and become a market leader in what they do, rekindling the art of a traditional craft that was being lost.

“The duo behind the business is a formidable force and entrepreneurial in nature, treating others as they want to be treated themselves.  They are professional and commercial, kind and valued as a business and a business at the heart of their community.  Sustainability plays its part and innovation drives the business forward.”

Stuart and Samantha Burlton were delighted with the company’s win: “We are so proud that the business we created together, following in the footsteps of Stuart’s father Allen has

been recognised by these prestigious awards. Running a small family business is hard work at times and the last few years have presented significant challenges for us as UK manufacturers.  “To win this award is an enormous pat on the back for all the hard work of our entire team, who diligently put in the work every day for our customers. We are a family business and we count all our employees as members of that family, so this is a win for the whole team.”

First class second-hand service

SECOND-hand is not second best as Lincoln-based Polarn O. Pyret proved with its win at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2023.

The Swedish childrenswear brand (PO.P) was crowned winner of the Best Circularity Initiative for its industry-leading secondhand service, successfully completing a circular fashion model. Fighting off competition from the likes of eBay, M&S, Barbour and Mulberry, PO.P was praised for putting circularity at the core of its business and growth plans.

Judges were also impressed at how the brand evidenced a second-hand marketplace led to less products being made. PO.P Second Hand, was made available across its entire clothing collection in January this year with a free returns service.

PO.P UK managing director of Mats Nilsson (pictured) said: “Longevity has always been at the heart of our design ethos and our commitment to make clothes that last at least three children is one of our core missions, but with our now awardwinning Second-Hand Service, we`re not only guaranteeing this but extending the life of each garment even further.”

Jill Geoghegan, Drapers editor, said: “We’re three years into what’s been deemed the critical decade in the fight against climate change. Forward-thinking fashion businesses know change is not an option and are embracing their responsibilities and ability to make a difference, despite challenging trading condition.”

Sam and Stuart Burlton with award sponsor James Shore (left).