Lincoln Independent January 2023

Happy 10th birthday Burton Hathow!

Teaching the joy of learning

BURTON Hathow Preparatory School celebrated the 10th anniversary of its founding by being rated ‘excellent’ in all areas of its mission to give pupils an outstanding start in life.

Continued on page 3

We use the latest in computer technology to give you the ability to ‘walk around’ your new kitchen before it’s built, allowing you to amend any small features along the way including the use of the beautiful curved doors, soft close drawers and a choice of storage metalwork – small features that really make your kitchen stand out.

Once we’ve agreed your bespoke kitchen design, it will then be built within our Lincolnshire factory using the highest quality materials and our modern machinery.

Pupils get ‘excellent’ start in life

Continued from page 1.

The Education Quality Inspection found that the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent and their attitudes to learning ‘exemplary’.

Personal development was also described as excellent: “Pupils are confident, determined to succeed and are aware of the steps they need to take in order to improve their own learning.”

For directors Penny Ford and Claire Lyons, the 10th anniversary and the inspector’s report are validation of their determination to establish Burton Hathow as a school that instils a ‘true sense of self’ in its learners and develops pupils - from aged 2 to 11 - as individuals who recognise their own strengths and goals, and who are not afraid to learn through their mistakes.

“We had a very clear vision for the future of the school,” said Penny. “And our staff worked relentlessly to ensure the very best in education and opportunity in the early days, despite the school’s infancy.”

Small class numbers, subject specialist teaching, an emphasis on learning beyond the classroom and pastoral care have all contributed to the school’s success.

“The anniversary is also a chance for us to thank those who had faith in us - the staff and

the parents who entrusted their children to us,” said Claire.

The inspection report is all the more valuable to the Burton Hathow team because much of its content is based on the experience of its pupils.“The inspectors spent a lot of time with the children and through this were able to get a really good understanding of what we do,” explained Penny.

Each child is individually nurtured so potential is recognised early, and interests and strengths can be developed and supported by the specialist staff in school. “We want the children to take risks and embrace new experiences as well as be prepared academically - to be confident and not afraid to fail,” said Claire.

With a 100 per cent success rate at 11 plus Burton Hathow prepares pupils for the next stage of their education with the vast majority of pupils transitioning to their first choice of school.

“It’s one of the joys of being truly independent – we can guide and prepare our pupils for whichever type of education might suit them next,” said Penny.

For more details, including scholarships, or to book a tour see the website (above) or contact Victoria Williams on 01522 274616.

For all aspects of Family Law

We’re a glass half full kinda gals

HAPPY New Year to one and all. We hope you’ll agree this issue highlights more than a few reasons to be optimistic about 2023despite being bombarded with doom and gloom everywhere we turn.

It’s full of good people doing good things including the Lincolnshire Coop supporting mental health causes on our centre pages and the compassion, patience and persistence of developmentplus (p30) as well as those equipping our young people for the future. The opposite page carries an update on the urban extension that is the Western Growth Corridor and there’s further encouraging news in our Business Pages along with some handy

advice on how to tackle some of the tough times in life. James Pinchbeck even explores how optimism can be good for business. There’s no getting away from the fact things are tight for many people - some who will not be used to feeling the pinch.

But restrictions on spending do not necessarily restrict our enjoyment of life. Our What’s On pages carry masses of events - many are free or just a few pounds.

And there are always new things to discover on our doorsteps - if you get out to Temple Bruer as suggested on page 11 you might get to meet the handsome chap (I think) on this page. He’s worth the journey alone and there are treasures all over the city and county to track down without costing the earth in fuel.

Naturally the headline above refers to the Business Spouse and I preferring an upbeat attitude towards life.

Obviously, if there was alcohol involved we’d have to say ‘we’re a glass very full type of gals’, which is a whole different story and one we will be touching on in future issues. And that leads on to another reason to be cheerful in 2023...thanks to the great response to our call for people to join the Indie’s delivery team we will be able to keep our promise to ensure 80 per cent of the 10,000 magazines we print go through the letterboxes of homes and businesseswithout Rachel and I spending all our free time pounding the streets. A reason to be cheerful indeed.

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

also find us in Marks and Spencer on the High Street and the food hall on Tritton Road; Lincolnshire Co-op stores on Burton Road and Riseholme Road, in Saxilby, Welton and Dunholme; Waitrose cafe; Dial-A-Ride office, Central Car Park; hotels; restaurants; cultural and tourist centres and village newsagents. Lincoln Independent’s targeted distribution works well for clients and we spot check deliveries every month. In line with General Data Protection Regulations a copy of our Privacy Policy is available to view and download from our website www.lincolnindependent.co.uk or on request from the address above. Fire Works Design is not liable for any of the services advertised in this magazine or any inaccuracies contained within. For proof of print run, please contact WARNERS on 01778 391000.

ON January 12, it will be one year since plans for Lincoln’s Western Growth Corridor development were approved.

The decision was a major milestone for the scheme, which is destined to be the largest housing project undertaken in the city for decades. Here, we give an overview of the project ahead of works beginning later this year.

It's a project that’s been in the making for more than 100 years, but 2023 is the year the ‘game changing’ Western Growth Corridor project finally starts becoming reality.

While there’s been much hard work taking place behind the scenes since plans were approved last year, the public will shortly begin to see activity taking place on the ground at the 238.5 hectare site on the edge of Lincoln.

The WGC development will eventually supply the city with 3,200 much needed new homes, a leisure village, an industrial park, and transport infrastructure.

It is predicted to bring more than £500 million worth of investment into Lincoln and help create hundreds of jobs.

By focusing on improvements to public transport and the provision of more cycle/walking routes, the intention is to reduce car dependency and provide sustainable urban living.

It is being jointly delivered by City of Lincoln Council and Lindum Western Growth Community Ltd, part of North Hykeham-based Lindum Group.

The first phase of work, which will be to create a new signalised junction into the development at the junction of Birchwood Avenue and Skellingthorpe Road, will begin by summer 2023. Those behind the scheme say significant time has been taken to plan transport infrastructure which will improve the overall road network in the area, including a new spine road, which will run through the development, providing a main road to connect the development into the city.

With support from Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, City of Lincoln Council submitted a £20million bid to Round Two of the Government’s Levelling Up fund in 2022 to accelerate construction of a bridge over the railway, connecting Skellingthorpe Road to Tritton Road via the new ‘spine’ road, helping to alleviate congestion in the area.

At the time of writing, the local authority is awaiting final news from Government on whether the bid was successful.

Cllr Ric Metcalfe, Leader at City of Lincoln Council said: “The Western Growth Corridor is one the most significant housing developments in the city’s history, and its development is key to meeting the objectives of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and ensuring the continued growth and success of the city of Lincoln. “I look forward to seeing work officially begin on this site later this year.”

While public consultations have taken place on several occasions over the past twenty years, as work on site ramps up, neighbours and local interest groups will get the chance to help shape specific features within the development. Future engagement events will explore how to make the best use of the area’s natural assets to ensure existing green space and planned environmental improvements are best utilised. They will also cover the specific housing designs.

Lindum Group Director Edward Chambers said it was an exciting time for the project. “The finished scheme will create a vibrant and sustainable residential and economic community within Lincoln and also trigger the creation of many skilled jobs during the construction work that’s to come,” he said.

Kickstart your health and fitness goals

NEW year, new you – the phrase may have a hackneyed ring to it, but people do set out to change their weight, shape and relationship with food and exercise at this time of year.

It may be hard to achieve your objectives but maintaining them is the real hurdle. But help is available in Lincoln in the shape of Melanie Dunn.

Melanie has been passionate about fitness and nutrition ever since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002.

With a background in the corporate sector and four children I know about the pressure of working and family life and the impact this can have on your health and wellbeing, explained Melanie.

“So, I have a very practical and realistic approach to the advice I give to my clients. I have transformed my own health and her body shape over the last few years and I have been able to help many clients do the same through diet, education and supplements where appropriate. “

In addition to being a qualified Nutritional Therapist, and Food Technology and Health secondary school teacher, two years ago Melanie trained as an EMS personal trainer. EMS is an incredibly fast and efficient way of getting a toned and stronger body in just two 20-minute sessions a week - equivalent to 3 hours of conventional gym training. It’s low impact and so is ideal for people with back pain or other injuries and it safely and effectively stimulates all the major muscle groups.

“Not everybody likes working out in a crowded gym so a one-to-one private session in my studio in Lincoln offers an enjoyable alternative that takes up so little time it’s easier to fit it into a busy schedule.

“The more muscle we gain the more fat we burn,” added Melanie.

She is thrilled to offer this service to those clients wanting to lose weight and tone up

and one lucky reader could win a free EMS session by answering this question: What do the intials EMS stand for?

Check out www.melaniedunn.co.uk for the answer and send it with your contact details to mel@melaniedunn.co.uk.

Melanie is also offering four one-to-one sessions for £50 (worth £120) to kickstart New Year’s health and fitness resolutions. email her at the address above. Workout clothing provided. Terms and conditions apply.

We are one of the foremost upholsterers in the UK, with an outstanding reputation for quality and attention to detail developed over 39 years.

A family owned Lincolnshire business, we carry out a wide range of residential and commercial projects.

Johnny hoped ride would highlight cost of freedom to a new generation

ONE of the last of George ‘Johnny’ Johnson’s public engagements was to give his backing to the Dambusters Ride in aid of RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity.

The last surviving member of 617 Squadron, assembled to bomb three dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley on the night of 16-17 May 1943 – also known as Operation Chastise – Johnny died on December 8, 2022 aged 101.

This year marks 80 years since the risky raid, in which the revolutionary bouncing bomb, the brainchild of engineer Barnes Wallis, was dropped at low level on Germany’s industrial heartland in the Ruhr Valley.

The ride has been organised in honour of the Dambusters and now Sqn Ldr Johnny Johnson.

The mission was a success, but the cost was high; of 133 aircrew who left, 53 were killed and three became prisoners of war.

The Dambusters Ride consists of two elements: a flexible Virtual Ride and a Heritage Ride taking place in Lincolnshire, on Saturday 13 May.

Because of the Virtual Ride option, fundraisers from all over the world will be taking part in the event.

The physical Heritage Ride, which includes 100 miles, 80 miles or 40 miles options, will take place on 13 May 2023 with routes starting and finishing at the Petwood Hotel, in Woodhall Spa, Before his death George ‘Johnny’ Johnson DFM, the last surviving member of Operation Chastise, said: “The RAF Benevolent Fund does incredible work supporting RAF veterans and serving personnel and I would like to thank anyone who signs up for this cycle ride. I am grateful to have never needed the support of the Fund but nonetheless I have always known they are there for those less fortunate than I.”

He had added: “Not only will this event raise vital funds to support RAF personnel, past and present, it will also pay tribute to the brave men of Bomber Command who made the ultimate sacrifice on the Dambusters raid 80 years ago and throughout the Second World War. Their loss must never be forgotten and it is my hope

through this event, a new generation will learn about the cost of the freedom they enjoy today.”

Lisa Hunt, RAF Benevolent Fund Community Fundraiser, said: “What better way is there to honour the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid than by fundraising to help support RAF veterans, personnel and their families?

“Operation Chastise was an important part of the RAF’s history, so in addition to raising much-needed funds, I hope the Dambusters Ride encourages younger generations to learn more about 617 Squadron and their brave sacrifice 80 years ago.”

To register visit https://www.rafbf.org/getinvolved/events/dambusters-ride

One of 300,000 at Lincoln Christmas Market

I CANNOT believe that it was the 40th anniversary of the Lincoln Christmas Market in December! I was delighted that the celebrations took place during my mayoral year.

Evensong in Lincoln Cathedral and then officially open the Market at the West Front of the Cathedral with our distinguished guest the Oberburgermeister of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Marc Wiegiel.

Our twin town guests enjoyed visiting Lincoln and the Christmas Market and I feel it is very important to keep good relationships with our European friends.

I was particularly pleased that Herr Ohnesorge was part of the delegation as he opened the very first Christmas Market back in 1982. He told me that at 85 years of age, he still walks the hills in Neustadt with his wife, who is 82. Fabulous!

Other recent highlights for me were the HMP Lincoln Christmas Concert, Christmas at Hillside with Green Synergy and the pantomime, Cinderella at The New Theatre Royal, the Santas’ Fun Run, and the beautiful Carol Service on Christmas Eve in the Cathedral.

I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a good New Year.

The idea of the Christmas Market came from our twin town, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse - what a fantastic import. The Market was extremely popular this year and we had over 300,000 visitors. Wow! I was honoured to do a reading at a special

January is always a time for renewed hope. We know that times are difficult with the higher costs of living, and we need to help each other as a community.

I am hoping it will be a better year for us all.

With the very best wishes from your Mayor and the Civic Party for 2023.

Why horse welfare matters and

it is

ANYONE who owns horses, ponies or donkeys knows the winter time can be a challenge.

Providing food, warmth and shelter is just the start and many owners will be pleased when the days start to draw out again. At this time of year costs for owners can sky rocket and it can be tempting to cut corners or ignore good advice in the struggle to make ends meet.

Bransby Horses near Lincoln rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of equines every year and see firsthand what happens when things go wrong. Welfare manager Rachel Jenkinson said: “Horses, ponies, donkeys and mules are special to us, but ownership is a long-term commitment, both in terms of time spent caring for them and financially. “We are always available to provide free, non-judgemental advice to all owners or anyone who may be concerned about an animal. We can also help people who may be struggling financially to find solutions that work for them and their horse, so please do not be afraid to reach out – we are here to help and want you and your horse to be happy.”

When things go wrong

Last winter Bransby Horses were called by the police to help with a black and white pony who had been spotted by members of the public being chased around by some men.

When officers from Humberside police arrived, the pony - who was later named Mr Pickles (below) - seemed exhausted. He was taken in by a transporter to Bransby Horses and on arrival was struggling to urinate, unwilling to walk, dehydrated and had a painful stomach.

Mr Pickles was given the veterinary treatment he needed and is now on the road to recovery. His owners could not be located.

Mr Pickle’s case is sadly not an unfamiliar one for Bransby Horses who last year took in 117 welfare cases.

Horse ownership and the law

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (“the Act”) requires owners of equines ensure any horse, pony, donkey or mule for which they are responsible, whether on a permanent or a temporary basis:

l has a suitable environment to live in; l has a healthy diet (including fresh clean water)

l is able to behave normally; l has appropriate company; and l is protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

For further information about the work of Bransby Horses visit BransbyHorses.co.uk.

For advice about an equine you may have concerns for call their Welfare Team on 01427 787 369 or email

welfare@bransbyhorses.co.uk

Mystery tower worth discovering

BY JOANNA COWELL

THIS enigmatic tower is Temple Bruer and is believed to be one of a pair that once flanked the chancel at the east end of the preceptory church. It is also associated with the Knights Templar. Discovering places like this hidden gem is a surprise and a delight. It often makes me feel like an explorer from days of old - discovering something for the first time.

Although Henry VIII and Katheryn Howard did arrive before me, apparently visiting on their way to Lincoln.

On entering the tower the surprises just get better, with thoughts of The Da Vinci Code never far away.

Especially when I spy what looks like the tomb of a knight in the corner of the tower. Could he be one of the ghostly figures seen walking the surrounding area on moonlit nights, wearing traditional knight's garb? It's certainly easy to believe in such tales when visiting a site as atmospheric as this.

The walls are covered with marks and symbols, including masons' marks and also daisy wheels which were commonly used to ward off evil.

Temple Bruer is an extremely rare survival of its type, with the earliest parts dating to around 1160 and the surviving tower about 1200. It was in use from 1150 until 1312, and this remaining tower was part of the church which used to stand here.

Located between the A15 and A607 roads, the site is just north of Cranwell and is now looked after by Lincolnshire County Council. When we first visited about three years ago it took us several attempts to find it, which certainly added to the mystery!

A beautiful silver-grey cat watched us from a safe distance with soulful eyes (as only cats do) which I quickly christened the ‘guardian of the temple’. When the reputation of the Knights Templar came into disrepute, Edward II sent men to arrest them at Temple Bruer.

Held temporarily at Lincoln, they were then sent to the Tower of London, with the order finally being suppressed in 1312.

A sorry end indeed for the Knights Templar, but the magic of Temple Bruer thankfully lives on.

l Joanna Cowell is the author of Travels With the Reluctant Ghost Hunter - a guide to haunted and mysterious places in the UK. It is available from Lincoln Visitor Information Centre.

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Minster rises in ranks of top prep schools

LINCOLN Minster Preparatory School has been ranked in the top 40 Preparatory schools nationwide for the second year running.

The school has risen to rank 36 and has been named amongst the top UK 50 preparatory schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2023.

The Parent Power Guide identifies and ranks the highest achieving schools in the UK, with Lincoln Minster School rated in the Preparatory category.

Mark Burton, Lincoln Minster Preparatory Head Teacher, said: “We’re delighted to be rated so highly amongst the nation’s prep schools.

“Our staff go above and beyond to ensure our pupils receive the highest quality of education and support, as well as access to lifechanging learning opportunities.”

This latest news comes after a year of success for the Preparatory School, with Year 6 SATs achieving 30% higher than the national average and being a finalist for student wellbeing provision in the national Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022.

Victoria Whitworth, Preparatory Deputy Head, added: “Our pupils are at the heart of everything we do here at Lincoln Minster School.

“Our small class sizes mean we can give each pupil the attention and support needed to teach and nurture, whilst in this key development stage.”

Parents can get in touch with the school to find out more or arrange a bespoke tour of the facilities. Alternatively, each Thursday the school hosts a Pop-In and Play session, an informal meeting where children can explore the play and learning facilities.

T 01522 551300, www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk

T Levels - the new qualification for young people that combine the classroom and work experience

A T Level is a nationally-recognised qualification for 16 to 19-yearolds that takes two years to complete.

Leading businesses and employers helped design T Levels to give young people the knowledge and skills they need to enter the world of work. They're roughly equal to three A levels.

T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.

The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England and are being gradually rolled out.

The first three T Levels were launched in September 2020, with a further seven introduced in September 2021.

In September 2022, an additional six T Levels were launched, with the remaining seven beginning in September 2023.

Careers that a T Level can lead to include: laboratory technician; computer games developer; dental nurse; electrical engineering technician; healthcare science assistant and teaching assistant

T Levels will become one of the main choices for students after GCSEs alongside:

l apprenticeships for students who wish to learn a specific

occupation ‘on the job’

l A levels for students who wish to continue academic education l other qualifications not served by A levels or T levels, including sport science, performing arts and small qualifications designed to be taken alongside A levels

The Department for Education (DfE) is streamlining and improving the quality of the post-16 level three qualifications system.

It is strengthening progression pathways, creating clearly defined academic and technical routes with high quality qualifications leading to further study, and/or skilled employment. This will help students to make good choices and see more easily how their study will help them to progress.

T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute). www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk.

T Levels differ from an apprenticeship as they prepare students for work, further training or further study. An apprenticeship is more suited for thise who are ready to enter the workforce at age 16.

Young people taking next steps in Lincoln

BY IAN MCGOWAN HEAD OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES ENGAGEMENT UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

YEAR upon year more young people in our region are making the University of Lincoln their choice and in doing so staying closer to home.

Rising living costs are also impacting the choices that students make when deciding which university they want to study at, with evidence suggesting an increasing number are prioritising a lower cost of living. This will include choosing to remain closer to home or looking at universities in cities with a lower living costs.

Lincoln was ranked as the fifth cheapest UK city for students by Oxford Royale earlier this year.

With the city’s improved transport links the university is a great choice for students who want to stay close to home but also to visit friends further afield.

The University of Lincoln is also supporting its students with the cost of

living once they begin studying.

A dedicated Cost of Living Hub, launched in partnership with Lincoln Students’ Union, provides information and resources to help those feeling the pinch.

Initiatives include a Cost of Living Support meet with staff from support services over a free breakfast

It also features many tips for managing money more effectively, making the most of student discounts, and details the support available for those who are struggling financially.

The latter includes the university’s Financial Assistance Fund to help with a range of specific costs such as commutes to campus, course-related travel, and general living and course costs. All can be applied for by those most in need.

There is also has a range of scholarships and bursaries including the University of Lincoln Scholarship worth £1,500 over three years of study.

The university’s city-centre campus also makes it ideal for students who want parttime work while studying with plenty of companies nearby that may look for parttime workers in close proximity.

In addition, the University of Lincoln and Lincoln Students’ Union has dedicated careers and employability services as well as offering on-campus employment opportunities that can help students find flexible work that fits around their studies

Throughout all the support it offers, the university places a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of those experiencing hardship, it recognises the impact financial worries can have on mental health and ensures students are aware of the expert support available through the university’s Wellbeing Team and Students’ Union. www.lincoln.ac.uk

HIGH quality housing plays a major role in enabling students to enjoy their experience at the University of Lincoln and fulfil their academic potential.

Lincoln Students’ Union has launched its own lettings agency, Lincoln SU Lettings, which was established following student feedback and aims to provide students in the city with a more positive experience - from a straightforward letting process, to a trusted and honest service.

Priding itself on its four established values: quality, transparency, uncomplicated and professional, Lincoln SU Lettings also gives students the opportunity to talk to the team about accommodation, rent and any issues that arise during tenancy, alongside being able to book accommodation viewings.

The agency has a handy location across from the University Library and beside the Students’ Union Advice Centre.

It also presents an opportunity for local landlords to market their properties directly to over 17,000 students through a trusted service, all while receiving tailored advice and support from the Lincoln SU Lettings team.

All accommodation let by the agency will have gone through the Students’ Union Accreditation Scheme, a service introduced in 2020 to ensure properties meet high standards of both the Students’ Union and the students themselves

At the helm is Lettings Manager, Robert Larbey who has 22 years’ experience in student lettings, having set up his own agency in Selly Oak, specialising in student accommodation for the University of Birmingham. He then joined the Students’ Union team at Birmingham City University and established another student letting agency.

“I intend to keep pushing the benchmark up for student housing by encouraging accommodation providers to provide affordable, safe and decent housing for our students,” said Robert.

“Our new lettings office is open to all accommodation providers, including individual landlords, external letting agencies and purpose-built accommodation. I’m looking forward to really making a positive impact on the student experience.”

If you are a student looking for a property, or an interested landlord more information about the agency can be found on www.lincolnsulettings.co.uk

Get in touch via info@lincolnsulettings.co.uk or call 01522 837 901.

Go on a veggie adventure

BY LAURA STRATFORD, JOINT CO-ORDINATOR WITH TICKY NADAL, GREATERR LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD PARTNERSHIP

IN terms of the health of our bodies and the planet, eating more plants - and a greater diversity of plants - is one of the best choices most of us could make.

Whether you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of people taking the Veganuary challenge this year, or just want a delicious meal out, Lincoln has a lot to offer:

Pimento

Pimento may be Lincoln’s most elegant cafethe building on Steep Hill speaks for itself! -but it has a simple ethos: serving people good food. “We’re unassuming about being vegetarian and vegan; we’re making it mainstream.”

Cafe Shanti

Café Shanti is under new management: in Mel and Jo.

Some things are staying the same - a commitment to veganism at its core; customers’ favourite curry dishes; and a connection with the charity Lincs to Nepal, but there will be new specials on the menu.

Happy Culture Cafe

Happy Culture - a welcoming, cheerful, child friendly and 100% vegan café - is all about cultivating community.

“We come at this from a budget point of view, making sure that everyone can afford to eat here.” This is achieved through a Pay It Forward system.

The Bailgate Deli Bailgate Deli’s plant ethos is based on the conviction that we shouldn’t be eating meat

and dairy, but also an awareness that it’s a long journey.

“We’re not evangelical, just honest and straightforward. And we’re changing people’s views. It’s really simple: you don’t have to put meat in food!”

Root & Sprout

Root & Sprout, Lincoln’s vegan Supper Club, is on a mission to demonstrate how good vegan food can be.

”Veganism sometimes gets a bad rap,” Mark Bowery explains to me, “there’s a reputation for being militant or preachy, but we’re just showing how tasty it can be. It’s a kind of gentle protest.”

Four tips

l Eat fresh! Vegans sometimes fall into a trap of a tasty but ultra-processed diet, but whole foods are best: let’s celebrate veg and grains! Mark, Root & Sprout (.top)

l Do sign up to Veganuary: there are lots of useful recipes, tips and information, and don’t be put off by people who say it’s expensive: it doesn’t have to be. Consider legumes. Mel, Cafe Shanti.

l Enjoy the diversity of your diet - that’s necessary to get the right nutrients. Barry, Bailgate Deli (centre).

l Educate yourself: Get your head around food groups and nutrition, explore different flavours, try things out. Stock up with some core staples and fresh herbs, and don’t be afraid of foodenjoy it! Cara, Pimento.

Cheese Choice Rosary Goat Garlic & Parsley

ROSARY Goat Garlic & Parsley Buttons are produced by Rosary Goats Cheese in Salisbury.

This is a fresh, creamy goat’s cheese with a mousse-like texture and a natural acidity. Winner of the Supreme Champion Award at the British Cheese Awards 2014.

It is made from pasteurised milk, using a microbial rennet, which makes it suitable for vegetarians.

Key Facts

Country of Origin England

Milk Type Goats

Organic No

Just enough salt is added to enhance its unique flavour.

This cheese has the addition of garlic & parsley creating a delicious herby aroma and depth of flavour.

Wonderful on sourdough bread with a drizzle of honey on top.

A delicious light, citrusy flavour that is a wonderful contrast to firmer, more robust, punchy cheeses.

Pasteurisation Pasteurised Strength Mild Style of Cheese Soft 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. Tel: 01522 511003, www.thecheesesociety.co.uk

Love of food is in my genes

BY CARA OAKLEY OWNER OF PIMENTO

I HAVE owned Pimento for four years and have a love and passion for food passed down from my parents and grandparents. Owning a food business seems so natural to me – my parents owned and ran a restaurant in London’s Covent Garden in the 80s.

Pimento has many menu options that have been inspired by my mum and her love of food. Being half Lebanese and having Italian great grandparents, food is in my blood.

At the café we offer plant based and vegetarian food in an understated way. Our customers visit

us knowing they will have friendly service and flavoursome, wholesome food.

Pimento sits on Steep Hill among the cobbled streets of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter and the café has seating spread over three floors. Not only do we serve food but we are now a fully licenced premises offering a range of organic and vegan wines and Ferry Ales Brewery beers. We are also supplied by Seven Districts and Imperial Teas.

I do my best to source ingredients as locally as possible. Our greengrocer, Fresh from the Fields, delivers fresh vegetables to us each week and we love making delicious meals with the freshest of ingredients.

Simply super soup

I am now fully into the swing of winter and my current obsession is carrots. Fresh and sweet and full of flavour.

I am also a huge fan of Thai food so I have created a warming soup that is so easy to make.

You only need a handful of ingredients:

8 – 10 carrots roughly chopped

1 sweet potato roughly chopped

1 white onion diced thumb sized piece fresh ginger peeled and finely diced

2 cloves garlic crushed and roughly chopped

100 – 150g of creamed coconut roughly chopped

1 ltr good quality vegetable stock (add more if the soup is too thick)

1 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp ginger, salt and pepper to taste

Method

In a large pan add some olive oil over a medium heat, add the onion, cook gently until it starts to look translucent, add your garlic, fresh ginger, carrots, sweet

potato, ground ginger and nutmeg.

Cook for five minutes releasing all the fragrant flavours before adding your stock and creamed coconut.

Cook until the carrots and sweet potato are tender.

Blend using a hand blender (or blend in a food processor or jug blender in batches if your jug isn’t big enough) season to personal taste with salt and pepper and add more ginger if you are a fan. Serve up with some fresh sourdough or a big slice of crusty bread and enjoy.

This soup works well with the addition of red lentils if you are a lentil fan.

The Cafe is open Tuesday –Sunday 10.00 – 16.00.

hello@pimentosteephill.com www.pimentosteephill.com 01522 533225

Premium bespoke k itchens made without the premium be spo k e pr

Practical cooking courses at AAT

NOT everyone has a natural flair for food and teaching the basics and beyond to young people is vital if they are going to have a healthy diet.

Abbey Access Training was established as a charity/company limited by guarantee in 1999.

The centre aims to contribute to the economic, social and environmental regeneration of the Abbey ward and wider City of Lincoln through programmes of training, education and community activities such as Wellbeing classes, dementia wellbeing, cake decorating, Cooking On Budget and other useful courses. It tackles the rise in popularity of the airfryer in one of the latest community courses, which is open to anyone 19 or over, who is unemployed or earning less than 18k per annum.

“This wonderful course will commence on Thursday, January 5 from 10.30am to 1.30pm and run for four weeks. Each attendee will take part in each lesson to learn how to prepare and cook traditional family meals which they take home along with other fresh produce,” explained AAT’s Hospitality Programme Co-ordinator Sharon Emms. Pictured from right are tutor/chef Nathan Templeman, chef Oliver Emms and Food Preparation Level 1 Learner Shaun Barratt after cooking up a winter warmer with the recipe shared below.

Cranberry curried chicken

Preparation time - 12 minutes, cooking time - 18 minutes Serves 4 Ingredients

140g chicken breasts 2 tsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. cornflour 2 tbsp. curry powder 1 tart apple, chopped 120ml chicken stock 60g dried cranberries 2 tbsp. orange juice Brown rice, cooked to serve

Method

Preheat the air fryer to 196C

In a medium bowl, mix the chicken and olive oil, sprinkle with the corn flour and curry powder. Toss to coat. Stir in the apple and transfer to a metal pan. Bake in the air fryer for eight minutes, stirring once during cooking. Add the chicken stock, cranberries and orange juice.Bake for about 10 minutes more, or until the sauce is slightly thickened and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 76C on a meat thermometer. Serve over hot cooked brown rice.

Sponsored by

Lincolnshire Co-op Community Champions

A £153,000 boost for m

THIS winter, Lincolnshire Co-op members, colleagues, and customers raised more than £153,000 for 26 mental health and suicide prevention charities.

From wellbeing hubs to helplines and suicide prevention patrols, this tremendous total will make a huge difference to charities across the county and beyond.

A walk to rememb

Finding a warm welcome at Night Light Cafés

WHEN Stacey Marriott (above left) experienced a mental health crisis, she was grateful to receive help from her family and friends.

But she considered what would have happened if that support system was not in place. Where can you turn for help when it’s late at night and everything is closed?

Stacey wanted to be part of the solution to the problem, so in 2019 she established the first of Lincolnshire’s Night Light Cafés using funding from the NHS Mental Health Transformation Programme.

Now with eight centres in Lincoln, and eight more across the county, this service provides help to those who have nowhere else to go.

Acts Trust, the cafés use this network of local causes to signpost guests to other community services, breaking the cycle of struggle.

According to Stacey, each café has its own personality, but they all have one thing in commona warm welcome.

She explained: “We want to make it as easy as possible for guests to visit. There’s no formal, clinical assessment or specific criteria. We welcome anyone who is finding life difficult.”

Since the opening of the first branch, the Night Light cafes have facilitated more than 3,400 visits and made more than 2,100 phone calls to guests. Stacey says, “Some people want to talk about their problems, and some people want to talk about anything except their problems. We’re happy to do either.”

Co-ordinator Kerry Robinson (above right) has only been part of the project for a short time but has already been struck by the impact the volunteers have.

Samaritans answer a call every six seconds

FOR 65 years, the Samaritans has been listening, day or night, to help callers find their own way through their feelings.

prepared for anything.

The cafés are open every day of the year, including religious holidays. Most cases are selfreferrals, but guests can be referred by social prescribers, their GP, or food banks. With the support of charity

“It’s amazing to see how the project has evolved. The speed at which it has grown really demonstrates the need there is. We’re one of the only inperson services in the county, so a lot of people rely on us.”

Listening is the volunteers’ main focus, so they can really hear what their callers are saying. Everyone is different and has their own experiences. The volunteers are there to understand what callers need, not to tell them what to do. Despite there being many centres across the county, the lines are constantly busy, and the volunteers are never off the phone.

One branch in Boston covers a wide area stretching from Spalding to Skegness and trains its volunteers twice a year to ensure they’re

The team in Boston answer a call every six seconds and that could be from someone having a bad day, or a caller who is feeling suicidal. Not only does the charity provide over the phone support, but it provides training for organisations in the local area, to teach others how to give emotional support. This ranges from healthcare settings, to schools, workplaces, prisons and the Armed Forces community.

If you ever need someone to talk to, whether you’re having a difficult time or you’re worried about someone else, the Samaritans are there to listen.

The society’s Community Champions scheme sees a donation made

Lincolnshire Co-op led a five-mile walk around Lincoln city ce up to join the event and £573 was raised, which went to the c

mental health support

every time a member uses their dividend card. Colleague fundraising events and donations to collection boxes also contributed to the final total.

The focus of the quarter was to raise awareness, with useful information and support resources being shared throughout.

Bearded Fishermen’s vigil for people in crisis

BEARDED Fishermen aims to help people, families, and communities break the cycle of mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts.

In the busy Gainsborough-based headquarters, the volunteers receive calls from people all over the country looking for help, answering more than 6,000 calls in 2021 alone.

The charity was established in 2019 after the two founders lost a friend to suicide.

Rick Roberts and Mick Leyland met thanks to their shared love of fishing. When one of their fellow fishermen took his own life, the men knew something had to change.

Rick said: “We’d both experienced our own mental health issues and we wanted to create a space where people could come when they felt like they had nowhere else to turn.”

Not long after, two young women turned up at one of the men’s group meetings, saying they’d heard about the cause and were looking for a safe space. “So, we welcomed them in, and the men’s group became everyone’s group!” Rick adds.

Since its inception, the charity has developed into a cherished force of good in city and town centres across

patrol streets in the late nights, keeping watch for anyone who needs their help.

According to Rick, they’ve become so well known that people wait in areas they’re known to patrol, just to speak to them. He says: “We’ve been able to identify hotspots people may go to if they’re in a crisis, which are usually quiet, secluded spaces, and public bridges.”

The charity supports the community in many ways, hosting wellbeing events, running a community radio station, and pulling together search parties to respond to alerts of missing people.

“We just want to help as many people as possible,” said Rick. “If you need us, call us. We’ll be here.”

Lincolnshire.Volunteers

Saturday 7 January 7pm

Sunday 8, 15 & 22 January 1.30pm

Saturday 14 January 8pm

Friday 20 January 6pm

Sunday 22 January 7pm

Thursday 26 January –Saturday 28 January 7pm

Win tickets to see Tim Vine at Engine Shed

TIM Vine is back with a brand-new stand-up show and it will be coming to the Engine Shed this summer.

Win a pair of tickets to see the comedian who is perhaps best known for his oneliners, hilarious jokes, and his part in BBC sitcom Not Going Out alongside fellow comic Lee Mack.

Since becoming a regular on the London comedy circuit in the early 90’s, Tim Vine has had a successful career as a comedian, actor, writer and presenter, winning the award for best joke at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in both 2010 and 2014.

Tim also held the Guinness World Record between 2004 until 2014 for the most

Enjoy as Jeffrey Makinson plays Olivier Messiaen’s “personal statement to faith”, written in 1935, as the birth of Jesus inspires the nine-movement work. Tickets £10 www.lincolncathedral.com, T 01522 504394

THE COLLECTION MUSEUM, LINCOLN Films That Make You Want to Start a Record Collection

As part of the Best Art Vinyl exhibition, enjoy these classic film screenings, chosen to inspire you to start your own record collection. Booking recommended. Free www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

THE BLUE ROOM, LINCOLN LN1 3BU

The Brandon Allen Groove Band Saxophonist and composer Brandon Allen’s new groove project performs brand new contemporary jazz/groove compositions as well as fresh interpretations. Musical influences include Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris. Expect a blend of diverse improvisation and ensemble interaction.

Tickets: Full: £16, (Jazzpac Members): £14, u18s: £8. Book Online: jazzpac.co.uk T: 01522 529717 or pay on-thedoor with card or cash.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Calling Planet Earth

A New Romantic Symphony that goes on a journey through one of the greatest musical eras of all time – the electrifying 80s! Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult

Tickets £24.50 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Holding Absence + Void of Vision

A New View Music presents UK rock band Holding Absence plus special guests Australian metalcore group Void of Vision for a night of live music.

Tickets £16.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Fantastic Mr Fox

One of Roald Dahl’s most beloved children’s stories is coming to Lincoln. Full of funny, fast and magical adventure for the whole family. Suitable for ages 7+ Tickets from £10 www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 837600

Friday 27 January 7pm

jokes told in one hour.

You can now watch Tim Vine live at The Engine Shed with his show BREEEEP on Thursday July 20, 2023.

Come and enjoy a mountain of nonsense, daft one-liners, joyful songs, wobbly props and ridiculous humour! “Is there a more ludicrous comedian in Britain?”- The Times.

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

To win a ticket tell us what was the name of Tim’s character in Not Going Out.

Email your answers marked Tim Vine to admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Albany + Support

This electric, indie rock four-piece is deeply-rooted in Lincoln’s music scene. Drawing their inspiration from 90s indie with original sound to get the crowd moving. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult Tickets £7 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Friday 27 January –Saturday 11 February 3pm & 7.30pm

Saturday 28 January 7.30pm

Wednesday 1 February –Thursday 2 February 6.30pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

The Wizard of Oz

Presenting Lindsey Rural Players’ annual pantomime. Come along to enjoy the classic story of the yellow brick road. Times available vary each day. Tickets Adult £12, Concession £11, Family £40 www.broadbenttheatre.org, T 0300 400 0101

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Lloyd Griffith: One Tonne of Fun

His biggest tour to date will feature Lloyd’s unique bag of stand-up comedy, dubious impressions and a sprinkling of his (incredible) singing. Tickets £19.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Jon Richardson: The Knitwit

One of the most individual, accomplished and hilarious stand-ups, Jon is best known as the team captain on Channel 4’s Cats Does Countdown, as well as the host of his critically acclaimed show Ultimate Worrier, which sees Jon address anything and everything that worries him. 14s + only. Tickets £23 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Friday 3 February 7.30pm

Saturday 4 February 7pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Myth of Serial Killer Profiling

Professor Craig Jackson reveals evidence that criminal profiling has never resulted in identification or conviction of serial murderers, despite being used globally since the 1970s.

Tickets £21.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Live/Wire – The AC/DC Show AC/DC, arguably the greatest rock band of all time, are brought to life with the passion you would expect from professional musicians and AC/DC fans. This event is 14+ Tickets £20 www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Messiaen’s La Nativite du Seigneur

Thursday 9 February 7pm

Friday 10 February 5pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes

The kings of improvised comedy are coming to save Lincoln, taking inspiration from YOUR suggestions of the best, worst and weirdest things about our city! This event is 15+ Tickets £15 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Beam Me Up Festival

A new festival taking place across Lincoln & Oxford showcasing out of this world music from 12 of the freshest talents touring at the moment. Tickets from £10 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Friday 10 February 7pm

The Big 90s and 00s R’n’B Festival

Throwback to the very best of the 90s & 00s as the international touring festival smash-hit arrives in the UK for the very first time. This event is 18+ Tickets £34.95 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Saturday 11 February 7pm

Folk-rock heroes at The Drill

FAIRPORT Convention has been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, having formed in 1967.

During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same - Fairport’s passion for performance.

This year’s winter tour will present a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new.

Fairport Convention has won a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted its ground-breaking album Liege & Lief ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’.

Its story has been celebrated with television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts.

The band features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals. Fairport will be joined on stage by former member Dave Mattacks on drums.

See Fairport Convention at The Drill on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 7pm.

Tickets at £29 are available at www.lincolndrill.co.uk or call the box office on 01522 534160.

Saturday 4 February 8pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Red

Herring Comedy Club

This month’s comedy club features performances from Matt Richardson and Kate McGann, joined by MC Rich Wilson for a night of laughter. This event is 18+ Tickets £15.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Saturday 11 February 7.30pm -11pm

The Upbeat Beatles

Earning the reputation as the finest tribute to the music of The Beatles, enjoy as they bring timeless songs and this spectacular show to Lincoln. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult Tickets £23 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Smiths Ltd

If you never saw The Smiths then this is your chance to experience their songs played live with an authenticity that’s hard to beat.

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

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Sunday 12 February 7pm

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Returning to the UK with a massive, brand new 90minute setlist, featuring the biggest rock and metal of all time, performed in stunning, candlelit surroundings. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets from £30 www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Tuesday 7 February 8pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Seth Lakeman

This Westcountry folk singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist is coming to Lincoln as part of his UK and European solo tour. Support acts TBC.

Tickets £21.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Jon Richardson will be spending two nights in Lincoln next month.

Every Thursday

From 12 January 5.30pm – 7pm (Untutored) & 7.15pm – 9.15pm (Tutored)

THE USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN Life Drawing Classes

These sessions offer the opportunity to come to a relaxed environment where you can practice and develop your drawing skills and technique in untutored or tutored sessions. Booking required Tickets Adult from £8, Concession from £6 www.thecollectionmuseum.com T 01522 782040

THE USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN

Until Saturday 7 January 10am – 4pm

Until Sunday 8 January Monday –Saturday 10am –5pm, Sundays 11am – 4pm

Until Sunday 22 January 10am – 4pm

Art Out of Isolation

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

HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, LINCOLN Christmas Cracker

A wonderful variety of work by invited artists and gallery members. This is a great chance to buy special handcrafted gifts and decorations.

Tickets Adult from £8, Concession from £6 www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN

Best Art Vinyl: Album Artwork Through the Ages

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

Life by Luxmuralis at Lincoln Cathedral

February 15-18 , 2023. Adults £8, children (5-16) £6, Under fives free.

LINCOLN Cathedral will be brought to life with vibrant lights and evocative soundscapes this February as the iconic building plays host to ‘Life’ – an immersive light and sound show created by Luxmuralis. Taking place each evening from Wednesday to Saturday February 15-18 the spectacular light show will take each visitor on a journey, travelling through the beauty of planet earth; witnessing the sun, the oceans and the clouds.

Walking through the light and sound installations which are projected on to the architectural features of the Cathedral, the outside is reflected inside the majestic sacred space to create moments of awe and wonder.

To book tickets visit www.lincolncathedral.com

Thursdays

2pm – 3pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Craft Club

Relax, socialise and share your story through the things you make.

FREE www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-central-library

T 01522 782010

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE

Until Monday 30 January 9.30am – 5pm

Until Monday 20 February 10am – 4pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE Standing With Giants

Art installation by Dan Barton incorporating life-size silhouettes of Seafarers, Royal Marines, Army, Airmen, and civilians who lost their lives during the 1982 Falklands War.

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

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Gathering Light: A Bronze Age Golden Sun A British Museum Spotlight Loan to be shown in the archaeology gallery, featuring the extraordinary Shropshire sun pendant, a gold bulla over 3000 years old.

FREE www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Thursday 12 January 7.30pm

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

Shetland: Britain’s Northern Edge

This RSPB talk is presented by Jack Perks, a wildlife film maker.

Admission charge on the door, card or cash. Free parking on campus after 6pm.

Adult £5, RSPB Member £4, Accompanied Child FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk

T 01522 753809

Saturday 14 January 2pm

QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN Wedding Customs and Nursery Rhymes

Lincolnshire Family History Society is hosting a talk by local speaker Chris Hewis, who will be explaining the origins of many wedding customs and nursery rhymes. Non-Members Welcome

Attend in person or request a Zoom link via email. lincolnbranch@lincolnshirefhs.org.uk

T 07941 245322

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Fridays

2pm – 3pm

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

Sunday 15 January 3pm

Lincoln Symphony Orchestra

The 10th New Year concert conducted by Nic Fallowfield including favourites from Delibes & Offenbach, Tchaikovsky & Berlioz and The Strauss Family.

Tickets Adult £14, Concession £12, Under 16 £7 www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

What’s On Guide ART, LEARNING AND CULTURE/FAMILY AND

Tuesday 17 January 7.30pm

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Hamlet

The LSCA Drama Programme presents the secondyear ‘Staging and Shakespeare and Co’ module’s performance of Hamlet.

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

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN

Saturday 28 January –

Monday 1 May 10am – 4pm

Saturday 28 January 10am – 1pm

Monday 30 January 7pm

David Remfry: A Moment Captured A celebration of scale, colour, and movement in this exhibition of watercolour paintings by renowned British painter David Remfry MBE RA.

Free www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

CARLTON LE MOORLAND VILLAGE HALL

Carlton le Moorland and District Art Group Paint along with Karin Christensen, inspirational landscapes in ink and watercolour. T 01522 811510

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

BA (Hons) Dance Showcase

Students present a selection of works choreographed by guest artists, staff and fellow students.

FREE www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 837600

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN

Tuesday 7 February 7pm

Author Talk & Signing: Elly Griffiths

The acclaimed crime author is back with her new book

The Last Remains, which sees the end of Dr Ruth Galloway’s story, for now…

Tickets £7, Including book £26 www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

Thursday 9 February 7.30pm

Exploring Iceland

This RSPB talk is presented by award-winning photographer Steve Magennis.

Admission charge on the door, card or cash. Free parking on campus after 6pm.

Adult £5, RSPB Member £4, Accompanied Child FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk, T 01522 753809

Saturdays 10am – 2pm

Saturdays 2pm – 3pm

Saturday 7 January 2.30pm – 4pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE

Kids’ Craft Club

Get creative and have fun discovering your crafty side. Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary, T 01522 782010

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Lego Club

A place for children to use their imagination and build their own world using Lego.

Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary, T 01522 782010

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Lincolnshire Humanists Meet-Up

An open invitation to join this monthly meet-up with a friendly, inclusive group, welcoming anyone interested in humanism. Refreshments available to buy from The Drill.

FREE humanistslincolnshire@gmail.com

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Sunday 15 January 10am – 3.30pm

Cruise and Escorted Touring Show

Whether you’re looking for sunshine, affordable touring or once-in-a-lifetime experiences, come along to uncover thrilling tours, far flung destinations and allinclusive trips.

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

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Sunday 22 January 8.30am – 3pm

The Vintage Flea Market

If you love bagging a bargain, rummaging for bric-abrac or hunting down cool vintage items and quirky collectables, this event is perfect for you!

Tickets £2.50 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

Thursday 9 February 9.30am – 3.30pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Lincolnshire Farming Conference

Key date in the annual farming calendar, featuring talks, case studies and one-to-one sessions with industry experts to discuss the theme ‘Healthy Soils, Healthy Minds’.

Tickets Adult £15, Students £6, LAS Members Free www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900

Mondays

10.30am – 11.30am

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Messy Play

Enjoy the creativity of messy play with your child without the mess in your home! Please wear old clothes. Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschool children.

Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary, T 01522 782010

Wednesdays

10.30am – 11.30am

Thursdays

10.30am – 11.30am

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Story & Rhyme Time

Have fun listening to stories and singing rhymes. Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary, T 01522 782010

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Connect Over a Cuppa

Reconnect and have a catch-up with others over a cuppa and a biscuit. All refreshments provided. Free, donations welcome www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary T 01522 782010

BransbyHorses.co.uk

Love to light up the High Street

LOVE will be in the air next month in a new illumination project for the city and residents are urged to get involved. Simon Hollingworth and the Different Light team (bottom right) have been commissioned by Lincoln Creates | Lincoln BIG to light up part of the High Street using a short digitally animated film projection.

The All We Need Is Love projection will be shown on the outside of the House of Fraser from 4pm – 9pm everyday February 10-19.

Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of the week so the theme is all kinds of lovepeople, things, places, hobbies or ideas. To be part of the project people can email a photo or drawing of someone or something they really love with a few words explaining their affection to love@lincolnbig.co.uk. Images can also be taken to the Lincoln BIG office at The Terrace on Grantham Street in Lincoln before 5pm on Sunday 22 January.

As many images as possible, showing many different sides of love, will be included in the finished projection, but it might not be possible to feature all.

Simon Hollingworth (pictured centre)is a Creative Producer and part of Different Light, a Lincolnshire collective of producers, technicians and artists who devise and deliver a range of community engagement projects that often use light and sound.

“We are delighted to be bringing this project to Lincoln in the February half term and can’t wait to see that corner of the High Street above House of Fraser animated and illuminated.

“As soon as we spotted the Lincoln Creates project through Lincoln BIG, we were excited to apply and are so pleased our application was successful. The fact that people will be able to get involved with the project by sending in images of people and things they love should make it all the more special and we are confident that the finished piece will look fantastic.”

Thursday 19 January

Supper 6.30pm Lecture 7.30pm

Sunday 29 January

10am – 2.30pm

Tickets £15 www.internationalbcc.co.uk, T 01522 514755

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Toy Collectors Fair

The 200-table event is a trove of collectables where you find everything from Corgi to Hornby, to Sci-Fi and beyond.

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

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Sunday 5 February 9.30am – 3pm

Sunday 5 February 10am – 3pm

Lincoln Record Fair

AA Record Fairs brings together 100 tables of vinyl records, from different national dealers, into one large room.

Tickets Adult £2 www.facebook.com/AARecordFairs, T 07587 103047

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Notts and Lincs Boat Jumble

This event provides an opportunity for the public to access exhibitors selling marine goods, from professional trade stands to car booters. www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

Sunday 5 February –Wednesday 29 March

10am – 4pm Wed and Sun only

Wednesday 22 February 10am – 4pm

DODDINGTON HALL, LINCOLN Spring Bulb Pageant

See the spectacular pageant of spring bulbs, with snowdrops, winter aconites, Cyclamen coum and Crocus Tommasinianus.

Tickets (gardens only) Adult £8.50, Child £4.50 www.doddingtonhall.com, T 01522 694308

DODDINGTON, NR LINCOLN Designing Small Gardens

Small gardens can be the hardest to design. This course will teach you important rules to consider and provide tips for getting the most from a small space.

Tickets £130 www.guypetheram.co.uk T 01522 753809

DODDINGTON HALL, LINCOLN

Sunday 26 February 11am – 4pm

Wedding Open Day

You are invited to discover how Doddington Hall can provide the perfect location for your dream wedding, along with a bespoke selection of handpicked suppliers.

Prebooking essential, timed entry. FREE www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308

Martin happy to be turning crazy

WHEN his father handed down his beloved lathe Martin Ford wasn’t really sure what he was going to do with it.

Seven years later he is literally ‘Turning Crazy’ - the name of the company he set up to sell the work he lovingly produces in his Lincoln workshop.

“When I first got Dad’s lathe I just started messing about with it. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I loved it.

Martin had retired from a career in aviation so the wood turning was a hobby and he taught himself the intricacies of the skill.

“When people ask me how I learned, I tell them I went to the University of Youtube,” joked Martin, but he developed a flair for the art

“Friends and relations liked what I was producing and so I decided to take the next step and start a small business.”

His work can be found as far afield as London and the northeast and Martin is a regular visitor to art and craft markets. He has also produced bespoke commissioned pieces.

“I use mainly British hardwoods from sustainable sources. Much of my wood comes from Northumberland where I have strong ties.

“My inspiration comes from the wood and what I see around me and I allow my ideas to change as the wood reveals its contents.

“Where the grain is significant I let the wood do the talking and where it is less so I embellish it with various painting, waxing, gilding and texturing techniques. I do try to make items that are practical as well as decorative and, where required, I use food safe finishes.

“I still really love it and can lose myself for hours making a piece.”

martin.ford@turningcrazy.co.uk www.turningcrazy.co.uk

Southside’s musical start to 2023

LINCOLN’S newest arts and community venue, Southside, will start the New Year on a high note.

Commuter Jazz (pictured) was first established in 2011 and has moved to the former St Katherine’s Church. It will be held on alternate Fridays at 5pm starting from January 20 with admission £7 on the door

Jam Night will run on alternate Wednesdays from January 25.

Musicians are invited to bring their instruments of choice and join in the wide variety of styles. Expect original material, covers, and improvisation. Free admission.

Visit www.southsidelincs.com

Birth of a girls’ high school

THIS delightful photo is one of the most treasured in the Garton Archive collection.

Taken in 1894, shortly after Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School (LHS) had moved into its new buildings on Lindum Road, it is the earliest we have of Headmistress Agnes Body (centre right) and her staff and pupils.

The teacher in the centre below the arch is Miss Lewer, and Miss Dashper and Miss Lowe are to her right. Other teachers further to the right are Miss Briar and Miss Vulliamy. All were pioneers in the growth and development of girls’ formal education in Lincoln. I was immediately struck by the informality of the picture partly because a school uniform had not yet been established but also because of the informal arrangement with staff and pupils mingling together in contrast with the serried ranks of the later long roll photographs where head teachers and staff were seated together in a central and hierarchical arrangement.

As it is, they look like an extended family which is how Miss Body described them.

The school opened in 1893 with 35 pupils, 10 years after it was planned. The delay was caused largely because some 6,000 or so of the Lincoln ‘great and good’ had signed a petition against funds being used for girls’ education. Official protests and a deputation followed.

The photo was taken to the west of the school towards the site of the present-day Usher Gallery. During its early days, the pupils and staff enjoyed the use of extensive gardens, which merged with the Lincoln Temple Gardens, the present home of the Usher Gallery, opened by the Prince of Wales in 1927 and now part of The Collection.

The Temple Gardens, Lincoln’s first public park, was established in

the early 19th century, and was so-called because of the Temple built in the upper part of the gardens by Joseph Moore.

The reason for its construction is not known, but it is apparently a copy of the Greek Choragic Monument of the Thrasyllus. The Romanesque arch provides an ideal backdrop for the picture and the Temple was adapted for use as a toilet for the pupils. We know the names of most of the pupils on the photograph, but it is not easy to match them to faces.

Gwenydd Vaughan was the first Head Girl of LHS who went on to Cheltenham Ladies’ College where she obtained her Cambridge Teaching Diploma.

Kate Naylor was awarded her BA at the University of Bangor, and Violet Vulliamy and Elsie Vickers trained as teachers in London, while Edith Carter studied for the Civil Service exams.

Edith Barker was in the first batch of Christ’s Hospital Scholars, and during the later years of the 19th century several girls went on to St Hugh’s and Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford although, because they were women they were not awarded degrees following three years of undergraduate study.

It was not until the mid-1920s when women were awarded degrees at Oxford, and the late 1940s in Cambridge.

It is perhaps not surprising, therefore, that at least three members of the staff of LHS became active members of the Suffragist movement which ran parallel to the campaign for women’s education.

Another member of the group was Kate Naylor who, in 1951, published a scholarly account of Richard Smith MD, founder of the Christ’s Hospital School, Lincoln, whose funds still provide help for students from Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School applying to further and higher education colleges and universities.

Peter Harrod continues to delve into The Garton Archive to explore the pictorial past of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School.

Long and varied history of St Catherine’s

In the latest article produced by The Survey of Lincoln, ARTHUR WARD and ANDREW WALKER examine a longstanding religious site south of the city centre.

WESLEYAN Methodists at St Catherine’s planned for the future.

In 1880, a combined school-chapel was built on a substantial piece of ground situated at the junction of St Catherine’s and Colegrave Street, with the intention of building a larger church on the site when funds allowed.

When the larger church was built, the building was deliberately constructed so that it could support a spire in the future, again when finances made it possible.

St Catherine’s Methodist Church, was built in 1880 to a design by Charles Bell, who had offices in London and Grimsby, and was architect of over 60 Wesleyan Methodist churches.

It was extended in 1883 when a vestry was added. In 188788, a larger Gothic-style church, again by Bell, was erected alongside. It consisted of a nave, chancel and aisles and was constructed of yellow brick with bands of red brick and lancet windows and a slate roof.

The earlier building became the church hall. The foundation stone of the new chapel was laid on 13 October 1887. A tower, designed by Withers and Meredith of London, again in the Gothic style, and of yellow brick, was added in 1908-9, and built by local builders, S. and R. Horton. As funds became available, additional features were added. In 1933, for instance, hearing apparatus was installed, including small receivers connected with a microphone in the pulpit.

The building narrowly avoided catastrophic damage on 20 March 1939 when a Hampden bomber aircraft crashed next to Boultham Baths, killing its four occupants from RAF Waddington. As an eye witness reported in the Lincolnshire Echo on 22 March 1939, the plane narrowly missed the church’s spire as the pilot, Robert MacAlister, 23, appeared to have steered the plane away from buildings.

Postcard of the church before the tower and spire were added,1904. (Maurice Hodson Collection).

The church closed in 1968. It was then used as a DIY warehouse. Later, it accommodated the St Katherine’s Centre which was opened on 20 February 2010 following extensive renovation with grant aid from both the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage.

The trust which owned and operated the building was forced to close and the buildings were then put up for sale in 2019. The site has recently been bought by Colin and Anne Webb who have plans to secure the buildings’ future.

The site of the church had a long history as a religious centre. It had been occupied by the Gilbertine St Katherine’s Priory from the mid-twelfth century until its dissolution during King Henry VIII’s reign in 1538.

The Priory was a ‘double house’, accommodating both a community of canons, and lay sisters whose role seems to have been serving at the neighbouring St Sepulchre’s Hospital, which cared particularly for orphaned and sick children.

The monastery had substantial grounds elsewhere in Lincolnshire and some in Nottinghamshire. It was a major wool production centre and it had extensive fisheries along the banks of the River Witham.

The body of Queen Eleanor of Castile, wife of King Edward I lay at the Priory on the first of its twelve-day journey to Westminster Abbey in 1290.

During the renovations leading to the opening of the St Katherine’s Centre, archaeological excavations in 2008 revealed evidence of eight separate phases of building and demolition from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries. Glass flooring in the 1887-88 church building allows viewing of some of the site’s many past lives.

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

St Catherine’s is now the Southside arts and community hub. See February’s edition for more on a new incarnation for the church building.

Marking 25 years of persistence, patience and compassion with developmentplus

BY REBECCA POOLE

PROVIDING empowerment and support for disadvantaged and vulnerable people has been central to the work of developmentplus for 25 years.

Based at the Queen’s Park Community Hub in Lincoln, the organisation is involved in a number of community projects throughout Lincolnshire that help people turn their lives around.

“We do a lot for community development and we have partnerships across the county that support us. Together we can access that support or get other agencies involved in the services that we run,” explained Clare Bryan, Lead Development Worker.

In 1994 a founder of the organisation Rev. Andrew Vaughan arrived in Lincoln as an Industrial Chaplain, where he saw that the percentage of people living in poverty in the city was as high as some of the worst inner-city areas in the country. This inspired Andrew to become involved in providing community-based services in the city, with the help of Jeanne Bain, Community Development Worker and only member of staff at Lincoln Community Development Project, which started in 1997. In 2011 the organisation rebranded as developmentplus, to reflect its commitment to community development without being limited to a time or location.

It started with the aim to develop the capacity and skills of people so that they feel better able to participate more fully in society, inspiring and building resilience in local communities.

“I think we are growing hope in people that there’s something to live for. We encourage people and then help them to access services that improve their wellbeing, their physical and mental health, and we support them with speaking out and seeking support about things that affect their lives,” said Clare.

“Particularly in this climate where there’s a lot of food and fuel poverty, and people are really struggling, they feel that they can come to us and if we don’t know the answers we know where to direct them to get some help.”

By addressing core issues first, such as food, shelter, benefits, and a support network, the organisation then helps people achieve their personal goals through its projects.

“Everybody is at a different level and what we’re good at is finding out where they’re at, what they want to do, and how can we help them move forward in a positive way.”

Clare leads on the Better Together project, which encourages people to get out of the house and participate in activities to improve their wellbeing and mental health.

“Better Together is a project which brings together three Lincolnshire charities - that’s developmentplus, Abbey Access Training, and Green Synergy.

“We help to improve the wellbeing of people living with poor mental health through activities such as therapeutic gardening at Green Synergy, cooking, volunteering, and training at Abbey Access, and developmentplus offers art classes, and wellbeing activities.”

Together with her colleague Stuart Couling, Clare offers a one-toone mentoring service with much of the work involving encouraging people to get out and to try new activities to see what they like.

“A lot of our work on Better Together is around getting people out of the house, being active, feeling like they’ve got a purpose, and that they get involved socially making friends and feeling like they’re doing something positive. This can often support their wellbeing and mental health.”

Other developmentplus schemes include: Project Compass for rough sleepers; The Pitch, a men’s suicide prevention group and Bridging the Gap, which works with people living in the Lincoln area who have been released from prison in the last two years. For more project details scan the QR code or visit https://developmentplus.org.uk

CEO Lynsey Collinson (centre) with Mayor of Lincoln Cllr Rosanne Kirk (right) and Sheriff of Lincoln Jamit Phull.

CEO Lynsey Collinson (front left) and the team received the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire’s award for developmentplus’ work in the community from Claire Birch in March 2022.

Our Lincolnshire lapwings

RACHEL SHAW LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

I PUSH my hands further into my coat pockets in a vain attempt to retain some warmth but I’m not bothered about the cold right now.

Above my head, there’s a flock of lapwings. They twist and turn on their broad, rounded wings. The low winter sun catches the white of their underwings creating a flickering of bright white then black. They keep coming, lifting up over a hedgerow and flying out across the mudflats of The Wash. I have no idea how many there are, I didn’t think to count them. In the moment of seeing them, all other thoughts left my mind.

For me, lapwings are a quintessential part of the Lincolnshire landscape. Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen flocks of them in flight and flocks alighted in fields. Winter is a good time of year to see lapwings. Our resident birds are joined by birds from continental Europe where the weather is colder and harsher. In the spring and summer, the wintering flocks disperse. Those that stay in Lincolnshire, nest on the ground in fields and marshes. But the places that are suitable for them declined as agricultural practices changed. The result was a severe decline in numbers of nesting lapwings across the UK. National surveys carried out in England and Wales showed a 49% population decline between 1987 and 1998.

When the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust was founded 75 years ago, to protect sites like Gibraltar Point as nature reserves, what would happen to populations of nesting lapwings as agriculture changed couldn’t have been known. In the memoir of the late Ted Smith, who was one of the Trust’s most influential founding members, he recalls the time during the Second World War when, with police

permit, he was able to watch autumn migrants along the coast at Huttoft and Anderby. He describes the tract of flat country immediately inland from the sea as having “nesting lapwings in nearly every field and vast flocks of them with golden plovers in winter.”

These birds must have made an impact on Ted as two lapwings in flight were chosen as the Trust’s logo and our magazine was, and still is, called Lapwings. When Ted and his wife Mary bought their home in Willoughby on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, lapwings still nested in the field behind. They named the house Pyewipes.

Pyewipe is an old name for lapwings. The name will, of course, be familiar to many in Lincoln from the Pyewipe Inn by the Fossdyke. I’ve seen a field full of lapwings not far from the Pyewipe Inn. They were hunkered down, all facing the same way into the cold wintery wind, and camouflaged against the dark soil of a newly ploughed field. As well as the Pyewipe Inn, there are also Pyewipe Farms in Lincolnshire. These names emphasise the place of lapwings in the landscape of Lincolnshire. There is hope for birds like lapwings. Their particular requirements for food and habitat, especially when nesting, are now well understood. When the Wildlife Trust bought fields at Anderby, lapwings were no longer nesting there. But by changing how the fields are managed and keeping water on the site rather than draining it all away, lapwings have returned and successfully raised their chicks.

In a few months, lapwings will be preparing to nest again. They’ll be making acrobatic display flights over their nesting sites. Slowly climbing high into the sky, then suddenly turning and tumbling back earthwards seeming like they’ll crash land, then rising again. All whilst making a drawn-out “pee-wit” call. I’ll be listening for them across Lincolnshire this spring.

How these beautiful birds were brought back to county fields

Why gardeners should brush up on their latin

THOUGHT we would begin the New year with a bit of Latin.

Although now a dead language, Latin is still widely used and not more so than in the naming of plants.

The common names of plants are often poetic, descriptive and rich in imagery, and it is not absolutely necessary to know the Latin names of plants in order to grow them successfully.

However, if you want to grow a specific plant, it can be frustrating to be asking for ‘old man’s nappy’ or bearded baby’ when a

simple Latin name would be instantly recognised and understood.

Latin names can also be poetic and descriptive and give you clues about the shape of the plant, it’s habits or it’s climate preference.

For example Lavender angustifolia; lavender we know to be an aromatic plant attractive to bees but the word ‘angustifolia’ tells us that it has narrow leaves.

Which in turn alerts us to the fact that it can probably withstand drought, as narrow leaves are usually good moisture retainers.

We owe the nomenclature of plants to one Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist of the mid eighteenth century whose system for naming plants is still in use today, and still being worked upon.

He broke the plant kingdom down into orders, but we mainly only need to know the genus, (capital letter) and the species,( lower case). There can also be a variety or a subspecies or a cross added but it all gets wildly complex.

Nevertheless, Linnaeus’ latin is beautifully descriptive and useful. Some plant names may tell you where the plant is from, like ‘lapponicus’ from Lapland, (who knew there were any plants from Lapland? I thought it was just snow and elves) or ‘pacificus’ meaning usually from the North

Some

When you buy a sage plant for use in the kitchen you will see the genus name Salvia followed by the species, officinalis, meaning medicinal.

One of my favourites however, is ‘albopilosus’ which describes me perfectly…having white hairs.

American Pacific coast.

names indicate the colour of the plant, such as ‘rubrus’ meaning red or ‘alba’ for white.

Follow in Kate’s (carbon free) footsteps to hit Lincoln’s climate change targets

BY REBECCA POOLE

RESIDENTS are being urged to support the Climate Action Plan (CAP) in helping Lincoln reach its climate goals and achieve a zerocarbon future by 2030.

“The plan is contributing to the bigger picture and National 2050 goal. Because Lincoln is an urban area, we need to bring that target forward. We’re on track at the moment to meeting that target, such as renewable energy, which will decarbonise our energy supplies,” explained Kate Bell, (pictured) Climate Change Manager from City of Lincoln Council.

“For us, the plan is a bit of an umbrella document. There’s lots of very detailed strategies and documents around, for example transport, and waste, and they all have elements of climate change in them but there isn’t an overarching document that pulls them all together, and that’s the purpose of the plan.”

Kate has worked in the environmental sector for 20 years, with two years spent working on conservation projects in Australia after her time at university.

She has built up a lifelong passion for sustainability over the years from her own experience, and has seen the change in government commitments.

“My Dad worked in the oil industry in the Middle East and the obvious waste of water and the impact it had on the environment gave me an awareness of the impact from about nine years old.

“With the damage I could see first-hand and the environmental impact, I knew it couldn’t last and it couldn’t keep going.”

Kate hopes that the CAP will inspire other people with their own ideas to tackle the climate crisis, who can then get the help needed to develop their projects.

“It’s helping projects bloom really. There’s a lot of people with different ideas and the purpose of the Climate Commission is to try and bring them together and add that extra support.”

She has also been inspired to tackle her individual climate impact and says the CAP challenges her to think about her own actions.

“It’s a lifestyle choice. I deliberately live in Lincoln close to a cycle track, so I can get in and out of town or cycle into work. I’m close to an allotment site and a large park. My lifestyle choices are influenced by all of this.

“I question what I buy and what I read. It’s so cheap to buy books online, but I’ve stopped myself doing it. Check on Lincolnshire Library, if you search the catalogue, it will look at all of the libraries across Lincolnshire and if they have it, they will transfer it to your nearest library for you.”

Heading into the New Year, people may be thinking about resolutions to make their lifestyles more sustainable, and Kate says that thinking about what we buy is a good place to start.

“If you are replacing your mobile phone every 6 months, it’s going to have a massive impact in terms of the resources required to produce that phone and the transport used to move it around the country.

“Our economy relies on people buying stuff, but it’s just about thinking about what you buy, how you buy it, how you use it – can you reuse or repair?”

Lincoln has repair cafés planned in the new year for people to bring items along to be repaired for free. These events are volunteer and community-led with the aim to create less of a disposable society. “People can bring their tools along from the garden shed that they perhaps haven’t used so they need sharpening, or anything else that needs repairing. It’s about thinking about what you’ve got and how you can reuse it or repurpose it.”

Lincoln Repair Café events will be included in the Indie’s What’s On sections when dates are finalised. For more information about Lincoln Climate Commission or to view the 2030 Climate Action Plan, visit www.lincolnclimate.org.uk

New Co-op CEO ready for the challenge

Lincolnshire Co-op has appointed Alison Hands, currently Managing Director at Wilkos, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Alison is set to join the society in April 2023.

She brings over 33 years’ experience in a diverse mix of retail environments, including Marks and Spencer, The Body Shop, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Boots Opticians. She has previously been Trading Director and Commercial Execution Director at Wilkos

Former CEO Ursula Lidbetter retired in December after 37 years with Lincolnshire Coop, 18 of those as its chief executive.

Chief Financial Officer Steve Galjaard, who has been with Lincolnshire Co-op for 21 years, will become Acting Chief Executive Officer alongside his current role, ensuring a smooth transition for the society’s 2,900 colleagues.

Chair David Cowell said: “Under Ursula’s expert leadership, our society has flourished. She’s overseen our busy programme of work throughout 2022 and will be retiring leaving Lincolnshire Co-op in a great position for the future.

“We welcome Alison to the society with the knowledge she will continue this good work and help us move forward. She brings a wealth of experience and insight, as well as a deep

understanding of bricks and mortar retail and what that means to customers. She’s also passionate about our purpose and values.

“I’d like to thank Ursula, my fellow Board of Directors, the Senior Leadership Team and our colleagues for supporting this process.”

Ursula said: “I’ve served the society for nearly a quarter of our 161 years. Now feels the right time to pass the baton on.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how Lincolnshire Co-op develops under Alison’s leadership, working alongside the great team we have in place.”

Alison added: “I’m honoured to be joining this values-driven organisation, which continues to build on its success, whilst delivering its purpose to make life better in communities.

“I’m excited to be charged with leading the society through the next phase of its development, as we collectively tackle the challenges of the current external environment.”

AS the first charity partner for Lincoln Christmas Market, St Barnabas Hospice raised £4,636 as the event and organisation both celebrated their 40th anniversaries. The charity had a traditional wooden cabin outside Lincoln Cathedral and near its own Tree of Life.

Check out club over lunch

PROBUS Clubs in Lincoln are ready to welcome new members.

These are private clubs for retired professional and business people with four in Lincoln: three men’s clubs and one women’s club. More details may be found on www.probusonline.org.

The clubs offer a warm place this winter, a tasty meal and interesting speakers

To join Jubilee Probus Club of Lincoln please contact membership secretary, Chris Pickering at chrispick41@hotmail.com. The picture shows Chris Elliss (left) and club secretary, Stewart Featherby at a recent lunch when Stewart gave an entertaining talk about the history of the club

since its inception in 1977.

Jubilee Probus meets on Tuesdays for lunch at The White Hart Hotel and prospective members are treated to a complimentary lunch.

Picture : Stuart Wilde

Optimum optimism

IT is widely recognised and reported that business confidence declined during 2022, with the start of 2023 perhaps seeing little in the way of renewed confidence.

The continued conflict in Ukraine, the continued aftershock of Brexit and the rising cost of living impact in one way or another on business optimism.

Perhaps then business leaders, more than ever, need to focus on the importance of optimism as a state of mind, and the impact it has on the realisation of strategy, performance and success.

While not the most typical starting point for strategic planning or a key management approach, optimism ought to be considered as the impact it has on a business and not least the workforce and should not be underestimated.

In essence optimism is an inclination to hopefulness and confidence, and the future success of something or something being better.

All this probably sounds rather intangible, something difficult to really grasp or manage. Where would one start in terms of being and creating a sense of optimism?

Well, it might be that you take time out to ascertain the level of optimism for and within your business.

Such an approach should at least enable you to benchmark where you are on the optimism scale and help you to identify areas that you may need to address.

This may include consideration of the overall future success and prospects for the business as well as the roles of individuals. It is not always the case that the two are necessarily aligned.

For example, whilst someone might feel optimistic about the prospects for the business they may feel less optimistic about their personal role, and vice versa. Ideally both need to be favourably aligned.

Optimistic people have better mental and physical health, suffer less anxiety and depression, so they are more productive and resilient. They accept mistakes and failure as part of life and research has shown they live longer.

With an understanding and appreciation of your organisation’s sense of optimism you can then look to working on those areas that will improve or enhance the optimism.

This could include: a more positive leadership style, clearer and better defined and better communicated business objectives, the provision of new working practices, staff training, addressing hard to fill roles, job security, career prospects and progression for individual staff.

The key though will be to ensure a level of optimism that does not drop, in fact if anything it increases. There will therefore be a need to monitor performance and adapt and react to changing circumstances. Undoubtedly this will draw on your own resolve, energy and motivation.

To finish on a level of optimism, the benefits of creating a heightened level of optimism for and within your business can contribute to improved productivity, an enhanced ability to deal with challenges and great resilience and wellbeing, along with improved staff retention and recruitment.

Who, therefore, wouldn’t make 2023 the year to focus on improving the level of optimism within their organisation?

James Pinchbeck Partner

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

Winston Churchill

New Year, new you, new mortgage?

HELEN BRANDON-SNELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MORTGAGE MINDERS (LINCOLN) LTD

HOW many of us make New Year’s resolutions on January 1, that are broken before the month is out?

Well, with your household finances right now being squeezed to what can be a life changing high for the majority, you really do need to keep this New Year’s promise of a ‘New Year, New You’ when it comes to making every penny count.

As my wise grandmother used to say to me, ‘Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves’.

So, you’ve turned down the heating, you’ve economised on your food shopping, but have you looked at your mortgage arrangements?

For those of you who have an incredible fixed rate coming to an end in the next 12 months, you might think that it’s too soon to start looking at your options. This is not the case.

When you get your formal Mortgage Offer, this is generally valid for six months. So, you can apply for your mortgage around 6 and a half to seven months before if you are changing lender as it will take normally two to four weeks currently for your mortgage application to be processed prior to Offer.

If you are switching products with your current lender there are some lenders who can look to get this arranged as early as six

months before too, although this can be as late as six weeks, depending on the lender.

If it makes financial sense to remortgage to another lender, then it is great to hear that there is the possibility to extend the Mortgage Offer for a further six months, on the same deal that was arranged six months earlier. So effectively you can look to get a new deal secured up to 12 months in advance.

Who knows what the future brings when it comes to mortgage rates? All indications show that they’ll continue to rise. We just don’t know how high, how quick and for how long.

With the services of an Independent Mortgage Broker, you will be able to get advice on the right product for you from the whole of the market.

For a free, no obligation conversation please do get in touch: Mortgage Minders (Lincoln) Ltd 134 Wragby Road, Lincoln, LN2 4PH Email helen@mortgage-minders.co.uk. T. 01522 822282 M. 0774477 98564

Tax returns left until the 11th hour

EACH year His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (as we must now get used to calling them) send out a notice to file a Selfassessment return to around 12 million ‘customers’.

(I know what you’re thinking and you are quite correct... you are not a customer for

the simple reason that you have no choice but it sounds better than taxpayer doesn’t it?)

Self-assessment was first introduced in the mid-1990s. Extraordinary to think that prior to its introduction there was no automatic fine for late submission. Moreover it was commonplace to file returns including a narrative along the lines of ‘details to follow’.

I am really not sure why, when automatic penalties for late-filing were introduced, the date chosen was January 31 (although it remains at October 31 if you still file on paper).

This is a much longer deadline than say the USA, where the regular deadline for a 1040 return is little more than 3 months. Nowadays, HMRC publish statistics for the number of returns filed and they will often include in there some gems about when these are received. Last year, of those 12 million 630,000 filed their return on deadline day 31st January, (even though in 2020 and 2021 an extra month was given as a result of Covid 19 before fines would kick in).

For the 2021 returns HMRC also shared with

us that 31,000 people filed their returns between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, including 2,828 on Christmas Day itself. However, even with the extension and notwithstanding the fact that the Christmas telly was again abysmal, roughly 900,000 (about 7%) of punters still failed to file by 28th February and put themselves in line for a late filing penalty.

This year there is no Covid extension. We at Dexter & Sharpe have been exhorting our clients to deliver the information we need to prepare returns on their behalf for many months now but, as usual many will leave it to the very last minute - you know who you are.

We have long had an embargo on holiday requests for anytime in January, so if you are a keen skier, or if you like a little winter sun, my advice would be not to pursue a career in accountancy

This year, as others, we will owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the hardworking staff who manage to plough through the seemingly endless lists of returns yet to be filed.

DAVID NICHOLSON, DIRECTOR, DEXTER AND SHARPE (LINCOLN) LTD

A good divorce and the importance of early advice

LISA BOILEAU, PARTNER & HEAD OF FAMILY, WILKIN CHAPMAN

BELIEVE it or not, it is possible to have a good divorce: One in which both parties separate agreeably and on a sustainable footing, with their wellbeing and emotions having been taken into account.

As one of the region’s leading law firms, we can work collaboratively with you to ensure proceedings are fair and straightforward, leading to a ‘good’ divorce. Nobody enters a marriage expecting to separate one day, but in the UK an estimated 42% of marriages end in divorce and early advice from an experienced divorce solicitor can make all the difference.

These tips can help make the proceedings go as well as possible.

1. Get advice early

Often, people might start to put a few things in place and make sometimes quite big decisions for themselves without consulting with a solicitor. This can be particularly dangerous for business owners, farming families and people who employ their spouses.

Then, a few months down the line, they may find when they finally take advice, that they have agreed to arrangements

which are not in their best interests, and may have given up more than they needed to or had anticipated, potentially costing them more money, time, heartache and legal fees ultimately.

2. Choose your divorce solicitor wisely

If both parties choose to be represented by reputable firms and responsible and experienced practitioners, then they have a good chance of having a better outcome for themselves.

At Wilkin Chapman we subscribe to Resolution’s code of practice: We seek to reduce or manage conflict and confrontation, we put the interests of children first, we listen, respect and encourage understanding. We take our role for you seriously and responsibly, with every divorce tailor-made to the individual's needs and preferences.

3. Ensure a respectful process.

The divorce process has recently changed, and it is not as contentious as it once was.

‘No fault divorce’ was introduced in April 2022, so there is no need for either party to be blamed any more.

Divorce being a respectful process is really important to a lot of people. People

separate for all kinds of reasons, and the best lawyers are the ones that take a thoughtful and considered approach, doing the right thing in the right way to make the outcome as good as possible.

Need help? Contact Lisa Boileau on 01522 515946, email lisa.boileau@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit https://www.wilkinchapman.co.uk/perso nal/family-law

Saxilby’s Riverside Enterprise Park supports over 200 jobs

CASTLE Group, the Lincolnshire based property developer and investor has announced practical completion of phase six at the Riverside Enterprise Park near Saxilby

The first phase of construction began in 2015 with the development of six warehouse units ranging from 2,000 - 5,000 sqft. Following the success of this initial phase, a further five stages have since been completed to provide a total of 40 industrial units with a mix of warehousing and office space.

This latest sixth stage, completed by Castle Group and Lincoln developer Stirlin, has added an additional five units ranging in size from 2,000 sqft - 5,000 sqft. Each has been finished to a high specification to include a three phase electricity supply, 5m eaves height, electric sectional doors to the front and rear, ample car parking and a service yard to the rear.

The Riverside Enterprise Park has already attracted a number of high profile businesses, due to its prominent position and excellent transport links, with phase six adding more national names to the park, including O’Boyles, Agrigem and Terravesta. George Lockwood, Director of Castle Group is pictured left with James Kirby of Stirlin Developments.

“The completion of the Riverside Enterprise Park is great news for the local area. Beyond the significant investment that was put into this site during its construction phase, the enterprise park has now attracted new businesses to the region, each contributing to the Lincolnshire economy and now supporting over 200 jobs,” said George.

New programme will tackle business obstacles

GAIN momentum by joining Business Lincolnshire’s latest support programme.

Coming in early 2023, Momentum aims to help digital businesses overcome common obstacles and take advantage of growth opportunities through collaborative thinking and innovation.

Digital, creative, and tech businesses can get help with new obstacles such as reduced client budgets and lack of available talent that are beginning to appear.

Delivered across four sessions, Momentum provides local enterprises with the opportunity to enhance their offer and boost their business offer through rapid experimentation and more.

The Momentum programme will be delivered in two cohortsthe first beginning on 22 February, while the second is set to commence on 26 April. There are nine spots available on each cohort and the course is free of charge to Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses registered with Business Lincolnshire.   More information about Momentum can be found online: www.businesslincolnshire.com/start-and-grow-mybusiness/grant-and-support-finder/momentum