Lincoln Independent November 2022

Cover Image: City of Lincoln Council/Curtiss Creative

Looking good at 40!

IT was 40 years ago this December that Lincoln held the UK’s first German-style Christmas Market.

Inspired by the city’s twin town, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, it was held in 1982 wih just 11 stalls. Over the years it has grown into a major national event , which last year attracted 276,000 visitors over its four days.

Claire McDowall, Events, Tourism and Culture Manager for organisers City of Lincoln Council (pictured) said new attractions had been added to celebrate the 40th year, but the market would still be the traditional, family-focused event visitors and residents love.

Details on pages 26-29

Looking through to the stalls on Castle Square at last year’s Christmas Market. Picture: Stuart Wilde

We need to practice what we preach

IT’S the royal ‘we’ of

I can’t include the Business Spouse in this confessional as ‘her outdoors’ will have been rowing and teaching her son to drive since our last edition.

That’s when Ichallenged readers to try something new and pledged to do the same. Guess what? I failed miserably.

I didn’t even make it to the Only The Brave Art session I’d booked with the inimitable Phil Bowman that I had been really looking forward to.

In my defence I got the lurgynot COVID just a fairly brutal cold - and then had this lovely bumper magazine to put together full of more great stuff to do.

I also spent the first part of the month getting over a debilitating (physically and financially) trip to New York, which made me appreciate lovely Lincoln even more.

So what do you do when you fail to keep the pledge you made? Make another of course.

My assertions about change being as good as a rest in the October edition haven’t changed for this issue. Neither has our content - we’ve still got pages full of events and activities that readers can try.

You don’t have to go as far as our What’s On Section as St Barnabas has some very worthy suggestions on page 10.

DEADLINE

Material

And we’re counting down to Christmas this month (it’s November so we’re allowed) and we’ve got the lowdown on how to get the most out of Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market. We have also got some great festive ideas for getting out and about and buying gifts - treat yourself to a pootle around the city with lunch, with friends or better still both.

So join me as I pledge this time to try something new from our pages and also as I ban Amazon from our house and support local businesses.

Actually we have already made a start - I do include the Spouse this time - as we’ve both followed Rachel Shaw’s tip for making compost. When clearing leaves from the garden don’t throw them away, but put in a black bag and forget about them for a year or even two. Now even I can manage that.

November

December issue out from November 3

10,000

You

Fire

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Toby the hero in city drug bust

TOBY the Police Dog played a vital role in uncovering thousands of pounds worth of drugs in a raid on the city. A man found with almost £30k cash, £22K of heroin, and hundreds of pounds worth of cocaine has been jailed for four years and ten months at Lincoln Crown Court. Specialist officers carried out a warrant at Paul Meenaghan’s rental address in Elder Street, Lincoln where they uncovered tens of thousands of pounds worth of drugs including the heroin and £400 of cocaine, as well as £29,620 in cash.

PD Toby was brought in specially to sniff out illegal substances. Officers searching the property also located a taser, and numerous other offensive weapons.

Meenaghan, 43, was in the property when officers entered on 17 May, and was arrested at the scene before being charged with multiple offences.

His property was targeted thanks to community intelligence and the hard work of a number of teams across the Force. The warrant was executed as part of a week of enforcement for Operation Raptor, a year-round effort to keep the county as safe as possible by targeting weapon-enabled crime.

The enforcement activity involved staff and officers from theneighbourhood, response and intelligence teams, Roads Policing Unit (RPU), armed policing, Tactical Search Teams (TST), and dog units, all with the support of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Crime, and Force Control Room. The work carries on year-round.

Sergeant Dan Gstrein from Lincolnshire Police, said: “This investigation shows the value of intelligence-led policing and collaborative working between different departments. Due to the hard work of officers and staff from across the Force, a significant quantity of drugs have been taken off the streets of Lincoln and almost £30,000 in cash has been recovered. The sentence reflects this serious offending and puts a dangerous individual in prison for a significant period.”

Watch how Toby helped the police get their man at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dgQNOkksfY&t=133

Three-year-old Toby is also one of the stars of the a Police Dog Calendar - each month, the calendar features a specialist police dog

photographed in the rural landscapes of Lincolnshire with a mini profile of each dog. All proceeds will be donated to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a national charity that supports serving and retired police dogs across the United Kingdom. The calendar is priced at £10 including VAT and can be bought by emailing DogCalendar@lincs.police.uk.

PC Martyn Cragg, a police dog instructor at Lincolnshire Police Dog School, said: “Police dogs serve their communities in Lincolnshire all their lives and are often working in dangerous situations on the frontline. They go above and beyond to provide an outstanding service to the public and deserve to be looked after when they leave the service too.”

Romance isn’t dead with a Pre-nup - it could help you pick up the pieces of a broken heart

WITH one in three marriages currently ending in divorce planning for your future can help protect you and your family in the long run.

A Pre-nuptial Agreement provides people with reassurance that their pre-marriage assets are protected.

With one third of marriages ending up in divorce Prenuptial Agreements are now more common as a couple can set out their rights in relation to any property, income, assets and debts purchased together or separately prior to the marriage. This can also include detailing assets, inheritance and existing family commitments such as children from a previous marriage.

What does it involve?

The first step is for both parties to seek their own independent legal advice, this will then avoid any conflict of interest at a later date.

Both parties must declare all of their assets and their current financial position as well as think about changes in their future circumstances, for example if you are due a large inheritance or if you are planning to have children.

A Court will look at all factors including;

it is not the most romantic thing to think about when planning your future marriage but if it is on your mind, try and ask yourself some key questions:

Do you want to protect your property and assets if the marriage fails?

Do you have a large amount of assets you want to protect?

it your second marriage and you want to protect your settlement claim from your first marriage?

Do you want to avoid a ‘who gets what’ argument if your marriage does break down?

If you have answered yes to one of these questions then you really need to contact a solicitor to arrange your Pre-nuptial Agreement. What would happen without a Pre-nup?

Unless they are protected, once a couple gets married all assets become matrimonial assets and are equal to both partners.

Therefore, it is very important to consider a Pre-nuptial Agreement if you have something you may want to protect in the future.

Will a Pre-nup count in court?

Currently a Pre-nuptial Agreement doesn’t carry the same weight as a Court Order and therefore will not automatically be upheld or enforced in the event of a divorce but is becoming more persuasive.

Did the party with the most to lose understand the nature of the Pre-nuptial Agreement?

Have the circumstances changed e.g. children, significant change of income for one party

Did one party hold back information on their financial position?

Did each party seek independent advice?

Although a Pre-nuptial Agreementmight not be upheld in Court, equally they do have a strong influence in the Court; therefore it is worth you protecting your assets to avoid future problems.

What about Civil Partnerships

For same sex couples you can apply for a ‘Civil Partnership Agreement’ which carries the same principles as a Pre-nuptial Agreement and allows each party to protect their own assets. What can I do next?

We can help you discuss any issues you may have and help you put your Pre-nuptial Agreement together, providing you the best advice possible and ensuring your assets are protected.

Contact Ringrose Law today for a free initial enquiry, you have nothing to lose but you may have a lot more to protect than you realise.

Call 01522 561020 or email wecanhelp@ringroselaw.co.uk

Sincil Street shops’ new lease of life

RESTORING shop fronts in Lincoln while maintaining the character of the city centre has been achieved through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme.

City of Lincoln Council in partnership with Historic England celebrated the historic shopfronts getting a new lease of life with a ceremony at the restored properties in Sincil Street.

The HSHAZ scheme, saw the city council receive funding of £1.68 million in April 2020 and it created a programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover its rich history.

The Sincil Street shops are among the city’s ‘back to back’ houses and are owned by Lincolnshire Co-op and their makeover follows that of properties at 8-10 St Mary’s Street.

Ursula Lidbetter, CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op said: “We committed at the start of The Cornhill Quarter development to retain or reinstate as many historic features as possible, to give the buildings a new lease of life and retain the historic character of the area.

“Having invested just under £1 million in 38-44 Sincil Street, we are delighted with the results.

“Thank you to Historic England for contributing additional funds for the shopfronts and to the city council conservation team for their expert advice.

Property improvements on Sincil Street included repairs, reinstating

lost features, and making buildings suitable for new use.

Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Historic Environment Advocate at City of Lincoln Council said: “There are many unique heritage aspects and locations within Lincoln that need to be preserved so that Lincoln’s special character is maintained, and that includes its shopfronts.

“We are happy to see this prominent row of shopfronts on Sincil Street restored to their former glory.

“By restoring, revitalising and refurbishing these historic shopfronts, it not only helps us to protect heritage in our city, but also aids us in continuing to make Lincoln a great place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Ruby celebrations for two Lincoln jewels

Make a difference this festive season to mark

Barnabas

ST Barnabas Hospice has been chosen by the City of Lincoln Council to be the Lincoln Christmas Market’s very first Charity Partner.

Both organisations are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and have been highly regarded and much loved by the local communities for all those years.

St Barnabas will be in attendance at the Market from December 1-4 occupying a traditional wooden cabin by Lincoln Cathedral where the charity will have its annual Tree of Life on full display. This is part of the Hospice’s Light Up a Life campaign, which sees families and friends join together to remember loved ones they have lost. The charity’s Torchlight Procession will take place a week before the Market on November 22.

Veronica McBain, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas said: “It is serendipitous that both St Barnabas and the Lincoln Christmas Market are celebrating a 40th anniversary this year.

“We sincerely thank the City of Lincoln Council for choosing us, it means the world to us to have the support of the council and local communities. We look forward to an extra special Christmas Market and hope to see many of our supporters there.”

Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at the council added: “It is an incredibly special year for us at the Lincoln Christmas Market and we are proud to welcome St Barnabas as our first Christmas Market Charity Partner as we both celebrate 40 years.”

Make Christmas Matter

St Barnabas is grateful to the thousands of people who participate in our numerous Christmas activities and fundraisers, remembering loved ones and raising money for our charity.

Each year we support over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire by providing free, compassionate, dignified palliative and endof-life care, as well as wellbeing services such as bereavement support, counselling, and welfare and benefits advice.

There are many ways you can support us, and really Make Christmas Matter.

Remember to share photos on social media with the hashtag #MakeChristmasMatter and spread the word.

Jolly Jumper Day

Who doesn’t love a wacky Christmas jumper?

Pop into your Barnabas shop and pick out a festive woolly and accessories to host a Jolly Jumper Day at your home, workplace or school and get everyone to wear their best (or worst!) Christmas outfit and raise money for St Barnabas using the simple ‘bring a pound’ idea.

Shop with St Barnabas

Looking for unique Christmas gifts? Look no further than St Barnabas. We have everything you need in our 25 Lincolnshire charity shops, online store, on eBay and Depop

From clothing, shoes, accessories and jewellery to decorations, homeware, gift ideas and much more, our shops are always choc-a-bloc with great bargains.

Ruby Gin, Rum, and Coffee

St Barnabas has teamed up with local businesses to bring supporters something truly delicious.

Louth-based Bottomley Distillers, home to Pin Gin, has created a special Est.1982 Ruby Gin and Ruby Rum to celebrate our 40th Anniversary.

And for a beverage to enjoy throughout the day, The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company has designed a wonderful limited-edition Ruby Coffee blend.

All of this and more can be found online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Christmas Care for a Cuppa Organising a Christmas Care for a Cuppa coffee morning, Christmas-themed bake sale or afternoon tea is a great way to fundraise. Combine this with the Jolly Jumper Day for extra fun!

Register for free via the website www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk and get a fundraising pack full of goodies.

Pub Quiz

Why not host a festive quiz in your workplace, at home, club, at your Christmas party, or down at your local?

Sign up via the website and we will provide you with a special festive quiz pack with everything you need. It’s free to get involved, just pick a date, wait for the pack and send the invites.

If you still can’t find the right gift, why not give the gift of care? Our £10 Care at Christmas vouchers can be purchased online, to print at home and personalise with your own message, or we can post them out to you.

And if you’re feeling lucky, surprise your family and friends by giving them the chance of winning a Fab-yule-lous £1,000!

For just £1 each, you can buy Christmas scratch cards to go on each person’s plate at the dinner table or to send in cards, put in stockings or homemade crackers!

Torchlight Procession

If you would like to dedicate a light to someone who will never be forgotten and attend the Torchlight Procession, please save the date of November 22 and register via www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk from November 1.

Seek clarity when choosing care

HONEYCOMB understands that choosing a provider to care for a loved one can be an extremely emotional and difficult decision. With so many options and so much information available, this already stressful situation can become overwhelming.

Manager Bianca Maifadi and her team have tried to answer three of the most common questions here.

What care services are available?

Domiciliary care in the home - also often referred to as ‘pop-in’ or ‘care calls’, this can range from 30 minutes a day to two hours up to four times a day.

Four to six hour ‘sits’ or full ‘day-sits’ - the start and finish as well as the length of visits are tailored to your individual needs.

24-hour live-in care or respite care - this again can be altered to your needs, one option can be night care (waking nights) when a carer is available to support and is awake throughout the nightcarers being awake all night (waking nights), this is a great support to family members who require support during the night or are carers during the day and need the night time to rest.

Care Homes - when domiciliary care is no longer appropriate for your loved one, there are great residential or nursing care homes in Lincolnshire.

How do I choose the right care provider?

Once you have identified the type of care needed, make sure you do your homework.

Follow up on recent recommendations, get at least three quotes and make sure you meet face to face with the care provider, so you get a good feel for their service.

Before making any decisions, we recommend visiting the Care

Quality Commission (CQC) website and reading the entry for each of the providers you’re considering. This will give you the most reliable information about the standard of care you can expect.

How much does it cost?

Naturally, the financial aspect can be worrying. Fees vary depending on the level of care needed.

If you have less than £23,500 in the bank and savings (not including a house or assets) and you meet the assessment requirements, funding may be avaliable, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case.

Your care provider should advise you on what support may be avalaible to you.

About Us

Honeycomb offers flexible care packages that meet each individual’s changing needs.

They include night, live-in, and respite care. We can be there for the long or short-term, from six hours a day to around the clock. Unfortunately we do not offer pop-in or care calls.

Honeycomb’s homecare is rated ‘Outstanding’ for delivery of care by the CQC. This means anyone considering Honeycomb can be confident that the care they receive will be of outstanding quality.

Bianca and her team are always happy to help. If you have a question they haven’t covered, please do get in touch with them by visiting www.honeycombcare.co.uk/contact

Getting ready for winter

IT feels like we have barely said goodbye to summer, and winter preparations are already underway for the Bransby Horses’ donkeys.

The charity’s herds are carefully managed in a very different way to how they are in the warmer months.

Because these animals originate from warmer and more arid climates, donkeys require specialist care during winter.

Wet weather plays havoc with a donkey’s porous feet and, unlike horses and ponies, a donkey’s coat is not waterproof.

“These are the main reasons the herds are brought into the large, straw lined barns when the weather starts to take a turn for the worst,” said Maria Thompson for Bransby Horses.

“We love it when they all come in as it’s lovely to see them all cosy and warm when the weather starts turning nasty. It’s hard work looking after them all but the yard teams really love keeping these very special animals happy.”

Once all their basic everyday needs are met, the team at Bransby Horses like to ensure their donkeys mental wellbeing is also well cared for.

Known as enrichment, the donkeys need activities to stimulate their brains and prevent them from getting bored. This also helps to ensure their instinctual needs are met and that they keep active and healthy. Enrichment activities include playing with old Wellington boots or special toys designed for equines, foraging for hay and

seeking out food in different locations.

The donkeys at Bransby Horses also have a mirror specially designed for stables (which they love interacting with!) and a cleverly positioned brush head where they can have a good bottom scratch.

The only downside to this wonderful time of the year is that visitors to the charity can no longer see the donkeys - as their barns are not normally in areas accessible to the public. However, this will change.

Plans are in place to offer escorted donkey barn trips at weekends throughout the winter. The trips will be subject to daily change, so visitors are advised to enquire at the Gift Shop on arrival.

Keep an eye on @BransbyHorses for the tours’ launch, Bransby Horses (at LN1 2PH) is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Premium Bespoke Kitchens Without The Premium Price

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.

United in face of cost-of-living crisis

LINCOLNSHIRE councils, alongside stakeholder groups have come together to help support residents as winter looms. A task force including the Integrated Care Board, health and care providers, faith and community groups, charities and local businesses has been set up to review the potential impacts caused by the cost of living through the autumn/winter 2022 and to harness effort across all partners to help in supporting, where possible, the communities of Lincolnshire.

The Lincolnshire councils have now set up Cost of Living Support pages, highlighting what support is available within their areas, and can be accessed as follows:

City of Lincoln Council: www.lincoln.gov.uk/costofliving

North Kesteven District Council: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

West Lindsey District Council: www.westlindsey.gov.uk/benefits-support/costliving-support

Through co-ordinated and collaborative activity, the organisations plan to widely publicise what support is available for members of the community and to signpost them to further help where needed.

Connect to Support Lincolnshire, which is an online information and advice library, community directory and marketplace for adults in Lincolnshire, will also be regularly updated with support for residents in the countyhttps://lincolnshire.connecttosupport. org

Cllr Owen Bierley, leader at West Lindsey District Council said: “We will work together with partners to do all that we can to give residents relevant and updated information and support which may help them during what we know will be a difficult autumn/winter for many.”

Where are your kids? Police warn against anti-social behaviour

POLICE have pledged to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) after taking action to combat disruptions at Lincoln’s Carlton Centre.

The police describe ASB as intimidating and disruptive for the community and businesses affected pointing to the rise in incidents at the shopping centre over the past month,

It issued a 48 hour dispersal order from 5pm Friday, October 21.

Officers had been called to multiple reports of anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as the shopping park opposite.

Discover Bransby

The reports started off with a small group and the occasional incident, but escalated to groups of around 20 or more youths gathering and causing disruption.

Their actions were seen to move from anti-social behaviour to criminality.

Two to three calls per evening were received between 4pm and 10pm and on October 19 there were five calls in just one night.

The incidents were taking place around McDonalds, Poundstretcher, The Archway, Lidl and B&M. Behaviour includes riding scooters around shops, attempted theft, being abusive to staff and people passing by, shouting at people in cars, and climbing on to shop roofs.

“We have also received reports that people are reluctant to visit a nearby treatment centre for appointments due to the intimidation experienced,” said a police spokesperson.

“Each call has received a police response from either our PCSO or Response officers. Response officers took two boys home to parents following a report of disruption. We have been conducting proactive patrols and working with the stores and community affected, and following up intelligence to locate the people responsible.”

The dispersal order prohibits groups of youths gathering in the car parks or businesses.

Anyone who does not comply with a dispersal notice could be arrested and prosecuted. There was be an increased police presence in the area over the order weekend and into the following week.

“This is a clear message to the people responsible – it will not be tolerated

“And we ask parents and guardians to ensure that they know where their children are, and educate them about the risks of engaging in anti-social behaviour or other criminal activity. Please don’t let your children end up with a criminal record.”

Veg glorious veg!

BY LAURA STRATFORD JOINT CO ORDINATOR GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD PARTNERSHIP

SATURDAYS have become a day of unprecedented excitement in our house, and the explanation might surprise you - it’s veg box day.

You can tell when the box has arrived, because the kitchen is suddenly heady with the fragrance of fresh basil (*it’s a seasonal box, this applies in the summer) which is included in copious quantities.

Sounds emerge from my husband with his head in the box, like –‘Oooh… OOOOOH!!! Mmm fresh pesto… ooooh heritage tomatoes… oh YES!’

And then he rubs his hands together and declares, ‘I’ll cook dinner tonight.’

We’ve been receiving a weekly veg delivery from Middle World Farm in Washingborough for several months now, and I can honestly say that it has transformed our lives. It is a veg box to ignite pleasure in vegetables, in cooking, and in eating.

There’s another reason I feel excited about Middle World: they are putting Lincolnshire on the map. Two online maps, to be precise. They are the first Lincolnshire Food Hub on the Open Food Network. The OFN is a not-for-profit, open-source software platform - that means it isn’t and can’t ever be used by a big tech company to syphon profits from our local food system.

It does enable small businesses to sell produce online, whether that’s a farmer selling surplus at the farm gate, an artisan baker or small-scale jam maker, or an urban gardener with a load of surplus courgettes for a few months of the year. The software is designed to foster co-operation, collaboration and fairness in the food system.

Here’s an example: Martin from Middle World Farm sets up a shop on OFN (that’s free for small producers and there’s a sliding scale of fees) - customers order during the week, and there’s a Saturday pick up at the farm, or home delivery. This makes a lot of sense for producers who don’t have the overheads or time to manage a shop; also, he only harvests what’s ordered and there’s no waste.

An apiary a few miles down the road opens an OFN shop. They don’t want people collecting from their house, but they can handle the orders on OFN, and customers can collect from Middle World Farm.

Martin delivers veg to a pie maker. Pies are made to order for collection on a Saturday, the farm fridge becomes an extra pick up point, and the pie shop also serves as a veg box pick up point, and suddenly you can see how pick up points can proliferate, bringing a greater diversity of super-local food to a community, and a greater connection to the farmers, millers, bakers and makers who have grown, reared, bottled, baked or otherwise produced our food.

Better Food Traders is a national network of ethical and climatefriendly food enterprises. Middle World has put the first Lincolnshire pin on the Better Food Trader map. I’d like to see lots more pins in our area - wouldn’t you?

Find out more:

The Open Food Network map: openfoodnetwork.org.uk/map

The Better Food Traders map: betterfoodtraders.org/find-a-betterfood-trader/ Middle World Farm: openfoodnetwork.org.uk/middleworldfarms/shop

Learn more about the OFN - contact us and we’ll invite you to a workshop we’re planning laura@lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org

Martin from Middle World Farm with feathered friends.

Dessert ‘choc’ full of flavour

IN need of a simple but really tasty chocolate dessert?

This is my go-to recipe. It’s perfect if you’re hosting a dinner party and need to make a luxurious tasting dessert in advance as it can keep in the fridge for a few days at least.

It’s hard to fail with a chocolate dessert but it’s sometimes difficult to make it look nice.

Here I’ll keep it simple and just garnish with cacao, cream and chocolate curls. Chocolate curls are great to garnish cakes or desserts with. They are best used immediately, however they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for weeks. You can make them by holding a chef’s knife at a 45 degree angle away from you, scraping a chocolate bar into curls.

This recipe requires a shortcrust pastry base which is not as quick and simple to make as many think. Because it would take up probably a whole page here I believe that you can find a great recipe online or even buy a ready-made pastry case. It’s up to you, I won’t judge!

Chocolate tart with whipped cream and chocolate curls

Ingredients

1 Shortcrust pastry case (around 24cm in diameter)

Chocolate cream:

250 g dark chocolate 70%

250 ml double cream

2 large eggs

60 g granulated sugar

Garnish: Cream, whipped (approx. 150 ml) Chocolate curls Cocoa powder for dusting

Chop the chocolate into pieces and place in a bowl.

Heat the cream in a saucepan until nearly at boiling point and pour over the chocolate, stir to a smooth mass with a spatula.

Separate the egg yolks and whites from each other.

Beat the egg yolks with 30 g sugar over a water bath to a fluffy batter.

Using an electric hand mixer, mix the egg whites with the other 30 g sugar to a firm foam.

Fold the egg yolk mixture into the chocolate and finally the egg white foam, using a spatula.

Pour the chocolate cream over the tart shell, almost to the top. Bake at 170C/150C fan for 20 minutes. Take out and let cool, then put in the fridge for 2 hours.

Top with whipped cream, grated chocolate, and cocoa. You could also add roasted hazelnuts if you like. Then slice, serve and enjoy!

If you’re planning to host a canapé/dinner party this festive season, but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day, contact Magnus at thescandichef@gmail.com / 07927 087779

Premium bespoke kitchens made without the premium bespoke pr

Chris Sharp Cabinets Ltd, Tillbridge Lane, Scampton, Lincoln LN1 2SX telephone

our showroom or book a free

WITH MAGNUS WERDENSKOG AKA THE SCANDI CHEF

THIS wonderfully, soft, resin-scented, seasonal cow’s milk cheese is eagerly looked forward to enjoying during the colder months of the year.

Produced in the mountainous Jura region of France, this cheese is made using the exceptionally sweet milk produced from the famous Montbeliarde cow, which is used during the summer months to make the famous fruity, firm, COMTE AOC mountain cheese.

The cheese is wrapped and contained in slices of aromatic hand-cut spruce bark known locally as “sangles”.

The finished cheeses are then matured on spruce shelves to give an added dimension of flavour and then boxed to contain the soft, fragrant, almost liquid interior.

Vacherin Mont D’Or AOC can be enjoyed either spooned from the box and served at room temperature or baked gently in the oven (in the box) and served fondue style with crusty bread, crudités and warm new potatoes.

This is the perfect sharing cheese and one which we think is an absolute must over the Christmas period. Pop this little beauty on your Christmas list to get the festivities going – enjoy it with a chilled glass of champagne.

So much to enjoy at festive extravaganza

I’D like to make the case for my better half being the No. 1 fan of the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair, writes Indie Editor Amanda McSorley.

That’s him, Rob White, pictured with part of his haul from a past event and he’s already booked up to attend this year’s fair at the Lincolnshire Showground over the weekend of November 26-27.

Each year I’d lose him among the 120 food gift and craft exhibitors if I didn’t have a good idea of where to look.

“I think it’s a brilliant event – what’s not to love?” he asks.

“You can try all sorts of food and drink samples from people who know what they’re talking about because they’ve usually produced the goods themselves.”

For us each winter the weekend marks a staple in the festive calendars of many from across Lincolnshire and beyond, with more than 8,000 people expected tthis year.

Advance tickets are now on sale for one of the biggest food festivals in the country. It also includes demonstrations by top local chefs and producers and performances from choir groups.

It is one of several events organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, and organisers are preparing for the biggest and busiest fair to date.

Sarah Duxbury of the Lincolnshire Showground team said: “We are all very excited for the return of the Food and Gift Fair this year and we expect our biggest attendance yet. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season with something special for all ages - food lovers and Christmas shoppers alike.

“Each year the Fair presents a great opportunity to increase awareness of local talent and brands.Visitors will be able to sample the best of Lincolnshire produce, including famous pork pies, speciality cheese, wine tasting, locally distilled gin, chocolate, fudge and much more.”

Sarah added: “It’s exciting to be able to bring back one of our most popular

events again, and this year we’ve doubled-down on our commitment to provide a range of fantastic activities for the whole family. This year children will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto and Bakehouse, where they can join in the fun and educational activities throughout the day.”

Tickets can be bought online for £5.50 each (plus booking fee) in advance, and are valid for either day. Tickets on the gate will be £7 each and there’s free parking. Children under five go free. Only assistance dogs will be admitted.

Visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk or call 01522 522900.

Bespoke banquette seating, dining chairs, roman blinds and scatter cushions

Win gin!

THE Lincoln Distillery was established in 2017 and is the city’s first commercial gin-maker since 1863.

Independent and family owned, The Lincoln Distillery is made up of owner and distiller Matt, his wife Jen and her father John, who have worked together to develop the business’ humble beginnings in Matt and Jen’s family kitchen to an established craft distillery.

“From our base on the banks of the Foss Dyke, possibly the oldest canal in England still in use, we produce small batch spirits all finished by hand, ensuring each bottle is of the highest quality and taste,” explained Matt.

“Our flagship product, Lincoln Dry Gin, designed to promote Lincoln’s rich heritage and distilled with locally inspired botanicals, is available in London Dry, Cask Aged and Navy strength varieties.”

New batches of liquers and rum have been added to the range in time for Christmas (see page 20), but it’s a bottle of the original Lincoln Dry Gin that is up for grabs in our competition. To enter answer the following question and send your answer marked ‘Gin’ to the email address above.

When was The Lincoln Distillery founded?

And two lovely glasses to put it in

How many Baileys make a prize?

BAILEY the polar bear is the new guardian of Lincoln Christmas Market.

Fluffy versions of the friendly bear will be available from the Visitor Information Centre and he’ll be popping up around the Cathedral Quarter over the festive season.

To be in with a chance of winning your own Bailey tell us how many have been dotted around this month’s issue of the Independent?

Send you answer marked Bailey to the email address above. For Bailey’s story see page 26.

Keith’s farming memories on DVD

KEITH Toule, a retired farmer from Blackmoor Farm, Doddington, has put together a two-hour DVD with the aim of benefiting future rural researchers.

The DVD, which has been commissioned by Blow by Blow Productions, will be sent to archives and organisations specialising in rural, environmental and local issues.

“I want to leave memories of my lifetime. A lot of people will be interested in the changes from all horses to the modern way of farming,” said Keith.

“I want to recall the community spirit we had in the war and after. Everyone knew who their neighbours were. Everybody helped everybody. That spirit has gone – people need to bring it back.”

Keith farmed for 75 years and was known locally as “the Strawberry Man” for his pick your own facility at Doddington.

He has lived most of his life at Blackmoor Farm, which his grandfather first tenanted in 1903.

With farm experience from the age of six when he first began milking the family’s cows right up until his time as a strawberry specialist at the age of 81, Keith has memories

of farming from the horse drawn era to the fully mechanised, modern way of farming today.

The DVD also includes wildlife footage from his night camera in nearby woods but he says that bird life has very much diminished since he was a boy.

Now retired but with no surviving relatives, he wants to pass his stories on to other farmhands and researchers, including stories of rural life from wartime when a Bomber Command base, RAF Skellingthorpe, opened next door – Keith has memories of waving at the Lancaster crews as a child when they took off over the farm.

A Farming Family/Life on the Farm 1930s –60s/The Farm in WW2/High Yields/Wildlife and Weather is available from Keith Toule at Blackmoor Farm Cottage, Lincoln’s Visitor Information Centre, and online at www.blowbyblow.co.uk

Win a copy of the DVD by telling us what was Keith’s nickname locally?

Send your answers marked DVD to the email address above.

Keith’s forebears.

the season

A ‘Tangled’ panto at The Drill

VERY soon, Lincoln will ring to the sounds of sleigh bells, peals of laughter, and choruses of excited children shouting,“He’s behind you!”

That’s right, it’s panto time once again, and next month a brand-new panto title makes its debut at The Drill in Lincoln!

Rapunzel – The ‘Tangled’ Panto promises just as many thrills and spills as the 2010 Disney film, and every ounce of the much-loved brand of fun, songs and breath-taking effects that’s made The Drill’s panto a Lincoln Christmas tradition.

Jamie Marcus Productions Ltd is the creative team behind these popular pantomimes, and it is dedicated to producing spectacular shows that the whole family will enjoy.

“I remember my children watching ‘Tangled’ when it first came out at the cinema, and they wanted to go back again and again as they loved it so much!” said Jamie Marcus.

“I’ve always wanted to produce Rapunzel and I’m delighted to be able to do it this year.”

Back for his tenth year is Lincoln’s

favourite Dame, James Campbell, as the local tavern owner and star baker Dame Betty Buttercake!

Joining him to extend last year’s very funny double act is Star Wars actor Craig Garner as ‘Scratchy,’ one half of the ‘Scabbington Twins,’ the evil Mother Gothel’s hapless henchmen!

The talented Phoebe Bruerton and Scott Goncalves join the cast as the courageously curious Rapunzel and the smouldering rough-diamond Finn Riley.

There will be a signed performance on December 10 at 2pm, and a signed/relaxed performance on D\ecember 27 at 2pm.

“‘Rapunzel – A Tangled Panto’ will be the most spectacular pantomime to date, so make sure you have your tickets for this fantastic show! Because Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without The Drill panto,” added Jamie.

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

P HOTO : R ODDY M C M ILLAN

Valerie remembers stallholders’ camaraderie

CHESTNUTS roasting by an open fire might seem the very epitome of Christmas, but what if you have two tonnes to cook?

That was the prospect that faced Valerie Hope during the first years of Lincoln Christmas Market.

Valerie and her late husband Michael were among the first stallholders at the traditional German-style market in Castle Square in 1982 and as proprietors of the Wig and Mitre took three of the 11 stalls. “One stall was selling hot sandwiches, another was selling beer and wine and I

was on the stall selling hot chestnuts, which were roasting on an old oil barrel - you wouldn’t get away with that now.”

The Hopes (pictured around this time) had been on a trip to Lincoln’s twin town Neustadt an der Weinstrasse organised by the Lincoln section of its wine appreciation society, Feucht Fröchliche Neustadter (FFN), which had a small Christmas Market throughout the whole of December.

“We were all rather taken with this market and the idea was to try and replicate something like it for Lincoln, so that’s what we did with FFN taking the lead. It was held in Castle Square over four days, much as it is now, but that’s where the similarity ends.

“Things were organised in a very adhoc way, but we all worked to pull it together and it was great fun. There was a real sense of camaraderie and, eventually it started to take off.

“Over the first couple of years I ran out of chestnuts, so was determined to get enough to last me the four days. Michael and I picked up two tonnes – at the end of the third day on the Saturday I still had a tonne

left. Fortunately the Sunday was so very busy that year that we did manage to sell most of them.”

After a few years the couple was too busy with their pub to take on stalls and others had come on board by this time.

FFN provided over 1,000 man hours each year until 1991 including all the stewarding free of charge and still enjoy pride of place in Castle Square during the market selling glühwein from Neustadt.

There had been talks to move the market out of the city to Fantasy Island at Ingoldmells , but the event was handed over to City of Lincoln Council and the rest, as they say, is history.

I'm Bailey Nice to meet you!

Meet Bailey, once a loyal servant of Santa himself, now the guardian of the Lincoln Christmas Market.

HELP ME CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF THE LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET!

When travelling back to the North Pole, Bailey misplaced his trusty map while travelling through the Lincolnshire countryside. Struggling to grasp his bearings, Bailey heard the chime of magical bells, reminding him of the festive season, which led him to the cobbles of Lincoln ’ s Bailgate.

With a backdrop of the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral, and in search for directions, Bailey strolled into the Visitor Information Centre, where he found staff and the Christmas Market elves busily planning their 40th celebration event.

Falling in love with this historic city, and the friendly people, Bailey, who chose his name as a nod to the area of the city he now calls home, and with a blessing from Santa, is welcomed as the newest member of the Lincoln Christmas Market team.

Market’s success reflects city’s renaissance

BY CLLR RIC METCALFE, LEADER CITY OF LINCOLN COUNCIL

Both the Market and the city have changed out of all recognition in this time.

In

40 years on the council, we have seen a complete renaissance of the city – the arrival of the University of Lincoln has been the catalyst for the dramatic regeneration of the area

the Brayford Pool which now has such a significant input into Lincoln’s night-time economy. While, on the other bank, the University itself has grown into one the country’s best regarded institutions.

the theme of education, Lincoln College’s campus has also grown exponentially in the past four decades, while Bishop Grosetteste University has cemented its reputation after attaining its university status a decade ago.

Those coming to the city to see the market will embrace our history and heritage, but are also able to take advantage of the significant improvements in our shopping offer. The area around the Cornhill has seen a major transformation in recent years, with

the city council’s investment in the transport hub and 1001 space car park being the catalyst for significant investment in that area. Major improvements in that area of the city centre are continuing to be made, with the completion of the restoration of shop-fronts on Sincil St being completed in October and our major restoration of the Grade II listed Central Market building to create a modern market offer, combining retail, food, leisure and technology which is due to be complete in a year’s time.

There are of course, many other improvements to the city that I could focus on, from the launch and growth of the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park to the plans for the Western Growth Corridor and the much needed homes and leisure facilities it will bring.

All of these improvements have taken place during the time that Lincoln Christmas Market has also been growing – not just in size but also reputation. Attracting more than 270,000 to the city to enjoy all that it has to offer, not just in the footprint of the market itself but across the entire city centre. The market brings many millions of pounds into the local economy and keeps Lincoln firmly on the international map - long may it continue!

Still fa family

HAPPY anniversary to Lincoln Christmas Market! 40 years young and still as popular as ever.

What started with 11 stalls in 1982 the Mark has now grown into one of the most popular Christmas events in the country welcoming 276,000 visitors in 2021 over four days. This year’s market will have over 200 stalls across the Cathedral Quarter, selling artisanal goods from speciality cheese and Christmas treats to handmade knitwear, gifts and stockin fillers, all against a historic backdrop of cobbled streets, colourful lights, a gothic cathedral and Norman castle.

To celebrate 40 years organiser - City of Lincoln Council - will also launch some new attractions alongside the usual market delight visitors have all grown to know and love, as it prepares for the next four decades.

“We want this year’s market to be a real celebration, so we’ve added an opening ceremony to Thursday’s market” explained Events, Tourism and Culture Manager Claire McDowall.

DETAILED

Opening Times

Thursday, December 1- Midday to 9:30pm Friday, December 2 - 10am to 9:30pm Saturday, December 3 - 10am to 9:30pm Sunday, December 4 - 10am to 7pm

Operating times for the Park and Ride

Lincolnshire Showground, LN1 2ZF

Thursday, December 1 - 11.30am to 10pm Friday and Saturday, December 2-3 - 9am to 10pm Sunday December 4 - 9am to 7:30pm The earliest time is from the Showground and the latest time from the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. The service is on a fill and go basis and/or a

frequency of every seven minutes, whichever is sooner. Early bird discounts for pre-booking - see website.

Cash Points

Mobile - bottom of Castle ramp, Union Road Burton Road - Post Office and next to St Barnabas shop. Bailgate - Post office

Contacting CoLC during the market

Residents with comments or concerns during the event can call 01522 873400 or email LCMResident@lincoln.gov.uk These are monitored from 7am – 10pm each day.

Wristbands available from stewards and Visitor Information Centre, which will have extended opening times Thursday to Saturday 9.30am to 9.30pm and Sunday 9.30am to 7pm.

PICTURES: STUART WILDE

bulously festive and -focused at 40

et ng w ts t

This will take place outside Lincoln Cathedral at 12noon with the opening performed by Mayor of Lincoln Cllr Rosie Kirk along with Kerry Katona and Jake Quickenden from the pantomime Cinderella at the New Theatre Royal. Stilt walkers, The Glitter Belles, will be touring the market area to help visitors get into the Christmas spirit. The traditional Evensong Service at the Cathedral will follow at 6pm.

“We’re also adding a new stage area at (site of) St Paul in the Bail where there’ll be entertainment throughout the market including Carol singers, band, buskers and dancers.”

Claire added the market would always be a family focused event, which is underlined by the addition of a new member to the team to help spread the festive 40th anniversary cheer. Bailey, the new guardian of Lincoln Christmas Market, who is named after the place he has called his fur-ever home - the Bailgate - can be found around the city promoting Christmas in the city with his headquarters at the Visitor

Information Centre where youngsters can find out how to get on the trail to win their own Bailey (see also page 22 for more Bailey news).

Wristbands

The centre will also have stocks of wristbands for families to ensure children and vulnerable adults who may get lost can be found easily.

Claire added: “Last year we handed out about 3,000 wristbands – they have been part of our safety strategy for a while now with the meeting place by St Barnabas Hospice’s Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral. They can also be obtained from stewards and any Christmas Market staff.”

St Barnabas Hospice, which also this year celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022, is Lincoln Christmas Market’s first charity partner (see page 10).

BBC Radio Lincolnshire will bring a mix of festive tunes to visitors as they walk around the market, as well as bringing a real Dalek from BBC Studios to entertain Dr Who fans in the Cathedral Quarter.

Road Closures

Prior to the event - Tuesday - Sunday, November 29 - December 4, 10am - 10pm throughout.

Burton Road from Union Road to Rasen Lane - one way northbound. Union Road - one way northbound.

Carline Road - some no waiting cones to maintain access.

During the market - 00:01 on December 1 to 23:59 on December 4.

Cecil Street - one way system suspended Church Lane - one way westbound Nettleham Road - one way southbound from Nursery Grove towards Lincoln Cathedral

Newport - one way northbound between Newport Arch and Broadway (access via Church Lane)

Northgate - one way westbound from Nettleham Road to Church Lane.

Car Park Closures

The Lawn Wednesday - Wednesday November 23 -December 7.

Westgate car parks - Tuesday - Monday, November 29-December 5.

Castle Square - Wednesday - Monday (open at 8am) November 30December 5 .

Langworthgate Thursday - Sunday, December 1-4.

Dogs

No dogs are allowed except assistance dogs. Do not bring dogs to the park and ride or leave pets in your vehicle.

Social Media

Follow the market mascot, Jingle the elf, on Twitter: @lincolnelf. Or like on Facebook: www.facebook comLincolnChristmas

E L

B R A T I N

4 0 Y E A R S

Win tickets to see Sara Pascoe

To win two tickets tell us which BBC 2 show Sara hosts. Send to: admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk, marked Sara Pascoe.

Friday

4 November 7pm

Friday

4 November 7.30pm.

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Organ Recital by Darius Battiwalla

Having recently been appointed Leeds City Organist, Darius performs regularly in Leeds City Hall and has given organ recitals in cathedrals and concert halls throughout the country.

Tickets £10 www.lincolncathedral.com, T 01522 561600

THE DRILL, LINCOLN This is Queen Four-piece tribute band covering the band’s full back catalogue.

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

Friday

4 November 7.30pm

Saturday

5 November 6pm

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

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

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

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Bongo’s Bingo

An evening of bingo, rave, cheesy sing-alongs, dances offs, prizes and cash money to be won. This event is 18+ Tickets £13

Friday 11 November 8pm

THE highly acclaimed comedian, writer and actor, Sara Pascoe is a woman of many talents. After deciding she wanted to be famous aged 14, Sara burst onto the stand-up scene at Edinburgh in 2010 and is now recognised as one of the UK’s leading stand-up comedians. Best known for appearing on TV panel shows such as Would I Lie To You, Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You, Sara is now also the celebrated host of BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee, BBC’s Last Woman on Earth, Dave’s Comedians Giving Lectures and Comedy Central’s Guessable, while also starring in her recent BBC2 sitcom Out Of Her Mind.

Sara takes over the Engine Shed on Saturday, December, 3 with her brand-new tour, Success Story, exploring how we define success and when do we define it.

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

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Red Herring Comedy Club

This month’s comedy club features performances from Justin Moorhouse, David Eagle and Good Kids, joined by MC Danny McLoughlin for a night of laughter. This event is 18+ Tickets £14.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

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

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN CAODS presents...Sweeney Todd

An infamous tale of love, revenge – and pies created by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, which has shocked and delighted audiences since being awarded eight Tony awards on its Broadway premier. Under the direction of Lyndon Warnsby, CAODS promises an unforgettable theatrical experience drenched in blood, romance and laughter - accompanied by David Williams’ 20-piece orchestra.

The eponymous barber seeks vengeance on what he sees as a merciless world by murdering his customers .With the help of his landlady, the romantically inclined Mrs. Lovett, bakes their bodies into meat pies, which are fed to London’s avid and unknowing public. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk

Saturday

5 November 11pm

Bear

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN So Fetch: 2000s Party

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

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

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

Friday 11 November 8pm

The show might not be suitable for those under 12 years of age.

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

THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN

The Jean Toussaint Sextet

Grammy-winning jazz messenger Jean Toussaint (saxophones) leads an all-star line-up. Byron Wallen (trumpet), Dennis Rollins (trombone), Jonathan Gee (piano), Mutale Chashi (bass), Shane Forbes (drums). Tickets Adult £16, Members £14, Under 18s £8 www.jazzpac.co.uk T 01522 529717

In the beginning...

G2 - Definitive Genesis, The Drill, Saturday, November 19, 7.30pm

G2 is currently celebrating its 21st anniversary year of playing classic 1970s Genesis. G2 pay tribute to a vintage period in Genesis’ long and colourful history, the four-man ‘Seconds Out’ era, and earlier Gabriel years. With a repertoire extending from the 1970 Trespass album to 1980’s Duke, G2 faithfully recreate some of the finest progressive rock ever written.

Accolades posted online from recent shows include: “Best Performance by ANY Trib Band (not just Genesis ones either) I have ever seen…”

“Thanks to all the guys from G2 who were out of this world, I really cannot describe how terrifyingly good you guys are.”

Hear classics such as Dance On A Volcano, Ripples, Entangled, Los Endos, Blood On The Rooftops, One For The Vine, and Afterglow,

Saturday 12 November

7.30pm

LINCOLN DRILL

The Rills

This Lincoln-based Indie trio are going on their 2022 UK tour after emerging as “stand-out” artists and being championed by BBC Introducing. Plus special guests.

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

Wednesday 16 November

7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Hugh Cornwell – Moments of Madness Tour

Featuring prime solo songs with picks from the new album released 21 October, followed by The Stranglers’ classics including a few never performed live before. This event is 14+

Tickets £27.50 www.engineshed.co.uk,T 01522 83740

Friday 18 November –

Saturday 19 November 7pm

Friday 18 November 7.30pm – 1am

THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN An Evening with Robbie & Gary Dan Hadfield and Scott Borley, two of the best impersonators on the circuit, bring a night of tunes from two of pop’s most recognisable stars.

Ticket info available at enquiries@relightentertainment.com bookings@relightproductions.co.uk

LINCOLN DRILL Don Letts – Rebel Dread (Film, Q&A, DJ Set)

First generation black Briton Don Letts was at the centre of the great cultural crossover between punks and Rastas in 1976 and 1977 as The Roxy Club’s resident DJ. Don will be present for a Q&A after a screening of Rebel Dread, then followed by a DJ set from himself.

Tickets Film, Q&A & Club Night £15, Club Night only £10 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

mixed up with the classics of the Gabriel years, Firth Of Fifth, Cinema Show, I Know What I Like and the infamous Suppers Ready. This is vintage Genesis, performed by G2 to a level Genesis themselves would be proud of!

So take a little trip back and relive those wonderful moments of your Genesis musical history with G2.

Tickets from £20 at : https://www.lincolndrill.co.uk/whatson/g2-recreating-70s-genesis/

Saturday 19 November 7.30pm

Sunday 20 November 3pm – 5pm

LINCOLN DRILL G2 – Recreating 70s Genesis See enhanced listing above.

LINCOLN DRILL Lincoln Symphony Orchestra – Danse Macabre With a programme of classical favourites lead by Caroline Siriwardena, Lincoln Symphony Orchestra performs its Autumn Concert, as part of the 2022 Season Concert Series.

Tickets Adult £14, Concession £12, Under 16s £7 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Sunday 20 November 6.30pm

Monday 21 November –

Thursday 24 November 7.30pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Danny McLoughlin: More Fire

After dipping into the comedy circuit for over 10 years, Danny is doing his highly anticipated first solo tour. This event is 16+

Tickets £10 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM

New Youth Theatre Presents: Cinderella This timeless fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality and charm in this youth edition amateur production.

Tickets from £8.50 www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk, T 01522 883311

Thursday 24 November 7.30pm

Saturday 19 November 6pm

Saturday 19 November 7pm.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Bongo’s Bingo

An evening of bingo, rave, cheesy sing-alongs, dance offs, prizes and cash money to be won. This event is 18+

Tickets £13 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Handel’s Messiah

See page 31.

Thursday 24 November –Saturday 26 November 7.30-10pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Band of the Royal Air Force College See page 35

WADDINGTON VILLAGE HALL AND PLAYING FIELDS, WADDINGTON, LINCOLN

The Flint Street Nativity

This musical is about a class of sevenyear-olds performing their annual nativity play, but squabbles begin to arise. And then the stick insect escapes…

Tickets Adult £10, Concession £8 www.ticketsource.co.uk/waddingtondramatic-societyT 07368 627074

Cinderella at New Theatre Royal

LINCOLN’S award-winning theatre, the New Theatre Royal will proudly present the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes this festive season… Cinderella.

Featuring its most star-studded cast to date including Jake Quickenden (X Factor, Dancing On Ice) and Ian Waite (Strictly Come Dancing), who will be sharing the Fairy Godfather role on selected dates.

TV personality Kerry Katona returns to the New Theatre Royal as Ugly Sister Botox. This in-house production will be packed full of sensational dance routines, cult classic songs, hilarious comedy skits, incredible sets, and bespoke costumes.

As always, it will be a pantomime with the wow factor and audience interaction that patrons have come to expect… Oh, yes it will!

Cinderella, New Theatre Royal Lincoln, Tuesday, December 6 - Sunday, January 8, 2023. Tickets from £23. Call the box office on 01522 519999 or visit www.ntrlincoln.co.uk

Saturday 26 November

7.30-10pm

Saturday 26 November

7.30pm

Saturday 26 November

7.30pm

Saturday 3 December

6pm

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM Bon Joe V

Grab your tickets and that Cowboy hat, and come on down for one wild night of Bon Jovi Hits. This show is a guaranteed sell-out!

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

THE BATHS HALL, DONCASTER ROAD, SCUNTHORPE Childhood

A joyous celebration of childhood, performed by soloists Nina Bennet & Mark Wilde, Lincoln Choral Society, Scunthorpe and District Choral Society and more.

Tickets £19.50

www.lincolnchoralsociety.org, T 07711 395237

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY ABBA Sensation

An opportunity to see one of Europe’s top tribute bands, widely considered to be one of the best ABBA tributes, in an intimate theatre setting.

Tickets Adult £17, Concession £15 www.broadbenttheatre.org, T 01673 885500

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Sara Pascoe: Success Story

This event is for 14 and over only.

See enhanced listing on page 30.

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

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Monday 5 December

The Game; Drillmatic Tour

One of the world’s greatest rappers makes his longoverdue return to British and Irish shores after more than five years since his last visit. This event is 18+

Tickets from £50 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Until Sunday 6 November

New book explores River Witham

FOLLOWING his two previous books, Lincoln-based author and photographer Jon Fox has published a new title in his series about Lincolnshire.

The Witham: Lincolnshire’s River follows the river from its upland source to the coastline of the Wash, exploring the fascinating landscapes and places along its course. Combining evocative photographs and informative text, Jon reveals the Witham’s remarkable heritage and history, also encompassing the rivers Bain and Slea as tributaries and riverside towns including Lincoln, Grantham, Horncastle, Sleaford and Boston.

For further details or to order see www.greenploverbooks.co.uk

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

Until Saturday 7 January 10am – 4pm

HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, LINCOLN

South East Northern Potters Association

NPA aims to encourage and support artists in the production of sculptural, functional, fine art and decorative studio pottery in all its forms throughout the North of England. On show will be work by some of its 400 members.

www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537

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 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

Until Sunday 22 January 10am – 4pm

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

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE

Until Monday 30 January 9.30am – 5pm

Friday 4 November 3pm

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

STUDIO 1, LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Future Arts Centre - Programme

A period of public consultation, mission and vision testing, and business plan innovation. This is a direct invitation to be part of the future of LPAC and a chance to reimagine the role of an arts centre. No arts experience necessary Free www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 827600

ONLINE

Friday 4 November 6pm

Wednesdays 10.30am –11.30am

Thursdays 2pm – 3pm

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

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-centrallibrary, T 01522 782010

Tuesday 8 November 9.30am-7pm

Future Arts Centre - Programme

A period of public consultation, mission and vision testing, and business plan innovation. This is a direct invitation to be part of the future of LPAC and a chance to reimagine the role of an arts centre.

Online workshop on Zoom Free www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 827600

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE Standing With Giants

Later closing time of the art installation, to enable people to lay candles at the foot of each silhouette and to see them lit up. Free www.internationalbcc.co.uk, T 01522 514755

Fridays 2pm – 3pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Learn My Way

Join this free, basic beginners’ IT course.

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

Wednesday 9 November and 23 November 9am – 11am

NETTLEHAM COMMUNITY HUB Stitch & B*tch

Join Prikli Pear in its mission to bring like-minded people together to chat, bring your creative project and hang out. Tickets £5 www.priklipear.co.uk T 07435 968851

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Story & Rhyme Time

Thursday

10 November

3pm

STUDIO 1, LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Future Arts Centre - Programme

A period of public consultation, mission and vision testing, and business plan innovation. This is a direct invitation to be part of the future of LPAC and a chance to reimagine the role of an arts centre.

No arts experience necessary Free www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 827600

ONLINE

Thursday

10 November 6pm

Future Arts Centre - Programme

A period of public consultation, mission and vision testing, and business plan innovation. This is a direct invitation to be part of the future of LPAC and a chance to reimagine the role of an arts centre.

Online workshop on Zoom Free www.lpac.co.uk, T 01522 827600

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

Thursday

10 November

7.30pm

Point Pelée: Jewel of Southern Canada

Presented by Lincolnshire based wildlife photographer, Graham Catley. Indoor meeting sponsored by Just Audi VW.

Free parking on campus after 6pm.

Admission charge on the door £5, RSPB Members £4, Child Free www.lincolnrspb.org.uk, T 01522 753809

Two musical treats at Lincoln Cathedral

Friday

11 November –

Monday

20 February 2023

10am – 4pm

Saturday

12 November

10am – 4pm

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

www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS Winter Tree Identification

This outdoor course, with tutor Carl Hawke, is aimed at beginners who want to learn how to identify common trees in their spare time.This event is for 18+

Tickets 18-25 years £10, Over 25 £30

The course fees are subsidised by the Wilder Connections project and are reduced from the normal price of £60 www.doddingtonhall.com,T 01522 694308

LINCOLN Cathedral Choir returns with its ever-popular performance of Handel’s Messiah.

The incredible acoustics of the Cathedral’s Nave enhance this spectacular piece of music, which will be accompanied by Lincolnshire Chamber Orchestra.

Messiah features one of the most famous pieces of choral music, the Hallelujah Chorus, however this piece has so much more to offer.

Messiah is made up of striking solo arias, interspersed with captivating chorus numbers telling the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death and victorious resurrection.

Tickets for the performance on Saturday, November 19 at 7pm, start from £15 and are available from www.lincolncathedral.com.

Saturday 12 November

1.30pm – 4.30pm

Saturday 12 November

2pm

THE CRAFTEA CAFÉ, LINCOLN Beginners Knitting Workshop

Join Prikli Pear to learn the knitting basics including purl, knit and casting on. Cakes and coffee included.

Tickets £30 www.priklipear.co.uk, T 07435 968851

QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN Fossedyke: A Watery Tale of Mystery and Intrigue

Come along and listen to some fascinating tales from Ian Morgan, about this ancient Roman canal, including the murder of Mary Kirkham by Tom Otter. Organised by the Lincoln Branch of the Lincolnshire Family History Society. Come along in person or request a Zoom link via email with your name and membership number if applicable.

Free lincolnbranch@lincolnshirefhs.org.uk, T 07941 245322

There is also the chance to join the full-time professional musicians of the Royal Air Force for a special event in the Nave of Lincoln Cathedral The Nave will again provide an incredible backdrop for a special fundraising concert in aid of the RAF Music Charitable Trust and other charities.

The compere for the evening is Melvyn Prior, BBC Radio Lincolnshire. Tickets for the performance on Thursday, November 24 at 7pm start from £22 and are available from www.lincolncathedral.com.

Monday 14 November

7.20pm

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY Sumptuous Veronese: The Depiction of Luxury Goods in 16th Century Venice

Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe, a lecturer at Sotheby’s, talks to the Arts Society Lincoln about the luxurious products passing through the Port of Venice before being portrayed in 16th Century paintings.

Guests £10, members free www.theartssocietylincoln.org.uk, T 01522 789491

LINCOLN DRILL

Tuesday

November

7pm

Shakespeare Schools Festival

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present its annual festival providing a platform for up to 30,000 young people to express themselves and grow in confidence as they take to a professional stage.

Tickets Adult £10.95, Concession £9 www.lincolndrill.co.uk, T 01522 534160

Saturday

INTERNATIONAL

The evening starts with a hot

by an exciting and

the

modern

Tickets £15 includes buffet

www.internationalbcc.co.uk, T 01522 514755

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Doyle by Candlelight

Don’t Go Into The Cellar presents this original stage show celebrating Doyle’s creative genius with startling adaptations of several of his very best tales.

Tickets Adult £12, Concession £11 www.broadbenttheatre.org, T 01673 885500

Wednesday 23 November

7pm

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Author Talk and Signing: Adam Frost

In his book, Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost takes you through his process for getting the most out of your garden space whatever its size.

Tickets £7, Single (+Book) £26, Couple (+Book) £29 www.thecollectionmuseum.com, T 01522 782040

Wednesday 7 December 10am – 3pm

Thursday 24 November –

Saturday 26 November 7pm

Saturday 26 November

10.30am

THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Wuthering Heights

In Laura Turner's adaptation for the stage, the spirit of Emily Brontë's haunting novel is brought to exhilarating life.

Tickets £15 T 01522 523548

FABRIC CORNER, LINCOLN Reworked: Clothing Upcycling Evening

Join Prikli Pear for an evening of mending and sewing techniques to turn your tired clothing into refreshed garments in the company of like-minded creatives.

Tickets £12 T 07956 872371

Wednesday 7 December 1pm – 5pm

Thursday 8 December 7.30pm

BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

December Open Day

There is no better way to get a feel for what BGU has to offer than by visiting the University on its Open Days.the campus and city. www.bgu.ac.uk, T 01522 527347

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

Undergraduate Open Day

Find out what it’s like to live and learn at Lincoln by visiting the campus and city. www.lincoln.ac.uk, T 01522 882000

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY RSPB End of Year Show

Sponsored by Janette Marshall in memory of her parents, Eileen and John White. More information to be available on the website soon.

Free parking on campus after 6pm. Admission on the door £5, RSPB Members £4, Child Free www.lincolnrspb.org.uk, T 01522 753809

Wuthering Heights at the Blue Room

Delightful children’s production shares an important lesson

SNUGGLE up in a magical den with comfy creatures - Honk, Splash and TaWit TaWoo - as they teach The Naughty Fox a very important lesson: it’s better to share.

Feel your way through an immersive, multisensory journey of friendship and play made for little ones and their grown-ups. Fully accessible and relaxed.

Experience a world of puppetry, music, light projection and bubbly energy as our two storytellers bring household objects to life.

Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, November 24-25 – multiple show times. Tickets £9, booking and enquiries - lpac.co.uk or call 01522 837600.

Until December

Second Thursday every month (except October)

1.30pm

Until Sunday

1 January 2023

11am – 11pm

Mondays

10.30am – 11.30am

BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH, BAILGATE, LINCOLN Lincoln Flower Club

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

LINCOLN CORNHILL Thor’s Tipi Bar

Lincoln’s Christmas pop-up bar is back with all the festive-ness you can imagine. Think fairy lights, log fires, winter warmers, and Christmas trees. Free www.thorstipi.com

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

Saturday

5 November –Sunday

6 November 10am –4pm

Saturday

5 November –Sunday

6 November 10am – 5pm

THE COLLECTION, LINCOLN Autumn Artisan Market

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

LINCOLN CASTLE Dog Friendly Days

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

Thursdays

10.30am – 11.30am

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

Saturday

November

Saturday

November

Saturdays

2pm – 3pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Lego Club

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

Tickets Adults £17.50, Child £10, Family £45 Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/lincoln-central-

Friday

4 November –

Sunday

6 November

9am – 5.30pm

Friday

4 November

4pm-9pm

WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Festive Artisan Market

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

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Autumn Lights

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

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

Sunday

6 November 10.30am – 12.30pm

LINCOLN CORNHILL Lincoln’s Feeding the 5000 Free food for thousands of members of the public, to highlight the problem of food waste and elevate the conversation around food and sustainability. www.lincolnlions.org.uk

TRINITY URC, GARMSTON STREET, LINCOLN Indie Makers Market

Bringing together over 15 local independent makers, including illustration, homeware, gifts, accessories and much more.

Free www.indiemakersmarket.co.uk, T 07508199792

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bird Watching For All

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

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

Wednesday

9 November 10am – 12.30pm

Wednesday

9 November 1 – 2.30pm

ST SWITHIN’S COMMUNITY CENTRE, LINCOLN Willow Obelisk Workshop

Make your own garden obelisk out of willow for your climbing plants. Booking is essential.

Tickets £26 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Health Walk

This is a short, led walk, which is open to everyone. No need to book, just turn up and join in.

Free wellbeingwalks@lincolnshire.coop, T 01522 544632

Children’s classics a festive treat

WILL the Hungry Caterpillar ever be full? Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see? Where will the Little Rubber Ducks drift to in the big wide sea?

Will the Farmer get the Tree decorated in time?

Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. Featuring your favourite titles: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The perfect introduction to live theatre.

Sunday 13 November 9am

Sunday

13 November

10am – 4pm

Sunday 13 November

10.30am

Wednesday 16 November

1 – 2.30pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

The Vintage Flea Market

A perfect way to spend a Sunday morning if you love bagging a bargain, rummaging for bric-a-brac or cool vintage items and quirky collectibles.

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

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Big Craft Event

This popular Christmas shopping event offers 100% handmade regional crafts and art. Browse a large range of unique goods made by talented makers and artists. Free Parking Tickets £3, Under 16s FREE www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE Service of Remembrance

The service includes hymns, poetry readings and a Roll of Honour to the veterans who have left us in the last year. www.internationalbcc.co.uk, T 01522 514755

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Health Walk

This is a short, led walk, which is open to everyone. No need to book, just turn up and join in. Free wellbeingwalks@lincolnshire.coop, T 01522 544632

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, December 9 11 – multiple show times. Tickets £16 - family ticket £56, booking and enquiries: lpac.co.uk or call 01522 837600. For 6 months +

Sunday 20 November 10am – 2.30pm

Sunday 20 November 10am – 12.30pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Toy Collectors Fair

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

Tickets Adult £3, Seniors £2.50, First Child £2 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 880383

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Willow Obelisk Workshop

Make your own garden obelisk out of willow for your climbing plants. Booking is essential.

Tickets £26 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

Sunday 20 November 11am – 3pm

Wednesday 23 November 1 – 2.30pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Lincolnshire County Wedding Show

With over 60 stands, a glass of bubbly for all visitors, and fashion shows, this is a superb Wedding Show with the regions greatest exhibitors. Goodie bags for the first 250 brides. Free www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk, T 01522 522900

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Health Walk

This is a short, led walk, which is open to everyone. No need to book, just turn up and join in. Free wellbeingwalks@lincolnshire.coop, T 01522 544632

Thursday 17 November

4.30pm – 7.30pm

HIGH STREET, LINCOLN Christmas Lights Switch On

The City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Party, along with special guests, will be kick-starting Christmas at the city’s annual light switch-on event. visitorinformation@lincolnbig.co.uk

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM

Friday 18 November 7pm

Friday 18 November

10am – 11am

Friday Film: The Last Bus

An elderly man, whose wife has just passed away, makes a nostalgic journey to carry her ashes using only local buses. Starring Timothy Spall. Community cinema night.

Tickets from £6.50 www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk, T 01522 883311

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Toddler Time

Join Park Rangers and dress to get messy for seasonal activities for the Under 5s.

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

Wednesday 23 November 7pm – 9.30pm

Thursday 24 November –

Friday 25 November 9.30am, 10.45am & 1.15pm, 2.30pm (Thursday only)

Saturday 26 November –Sunday 27 November 9am – 4pm

DODDINGTON FARM SHOP & WINE SHOP, DODDINGTON HALL Christmas Wine Tasting

Join Kate McFruin from Liberty Wines to sample a selection of wines fit to grace your Christmas table, accompanied by festive treats from the Farm Shop.This event is for 18+

Tickets £15 www.doddingtonhall.com, T 01522 694308

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

The Naughty Fox

See page 37 for full details

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair See details on pages 17 & 21 including ticket competition winners.

Thursday

MONKS ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN Christmas Fair

Come along to shop gifts and fancy goods ahead of Christmas, have a go on the raffle or tombola and enjoy some refreshments including cakes!

Free www.monksroadmethodistchurch.org.uk T 01522 754254

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL QUARTER Lincoln Christmas Market

Showcasing hundreds of different stalls from local makers, to delicious food and drinks, the market also features a family funfair packed with rides and attractions.

Free See pages 1, 23, 27-29

Thursday

10am – 12.30pm

CAFÉ, BOULTHAM PARK, LINCOLN Wreath Making Workshop

Try your hand at this traditional Christmas craft and make your very own wreath for your home. Booking is essential.

Tickets Adult £26 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

Walking Wednesdays - put your best foot forward at Hartsholme Country Park.

Sunday

4 December

10.30am – 12.30pm

Friday

10am – 12.30pm

3 December –

Sunday

4 December

10am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm

ST SWITHIN’S COMMUNITY CENTRE, LINCOLN Wreath Making Workshop

Try your hand at this traditional Christmas craft and make your very own wreath for your home. Booking is essential.

Tickets Adult £26 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Wreath Making Workshop

Try your hand at this traditional Christmas craft and make your very own wreath for your home. Booking is essential.

Tickets Adult £26 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

Monday

5 December

10am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm

Wednesday

7 December

1pm – 2.30pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bird Watching For All

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

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

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Garland Making Workshop

Learn what foliage to use, how to assemble and how to care for your Christmas garland throughout the festive season. Booking essential.

Tickets Adult £26 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk, T 01522 873735

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Health Walk

This is a short, led walk, which is open to everyone. No need to book, just turn up and join in.

Free wellbeingwalks@lincolnshire.coop, T 01522 544632

Ellie’s a dab hand with colour

IT’S safe to say Ellie Benton is a Lincolnshire artist who loves colour. She takes great inspiration from the natural world and constantly strives to evolve her way of working through experimentation and play.

“I believe risk taking is a fundamental part in learning.”

Previously known for her colourful animal paintings, she has recently been exploring new ideas, incorporating more abstract themes, inspired by nature. Born and raised in Lincolnshire, she has always felt inspired by the natural world. She studied Graphic Design at university and began painting in 2012.

Ellie’s background in design gives her a keen eye for colour and composition.

Ellie has travelled extensively, visiting countries across Asia many times and falling in love with India in particular. The vibrancy of colours and chaotic movements can be seen in her work as a reflection of this.

Ellie admits she is utterly obsessed with painting. She often paints with particular colour palettes in mind. Mostly it evolves in a journey as she adds paint in layers to the canvas. She relies solely on intuition with her abstract paintings and lets a story unfold as she paints.

“It is the excitement of the unknown and how the outcome alters with every brushstroke that makes the process enjoyable to me. There is something very primal about my process of painting, which constantly challenges me to trust my instincts. Throughout the whole process of creating, I balance spontaneity with stepping back and trying to make calculated decisions.”

Ellie was among the last artists to exhibit at the former Sam Scorer Gallry and has also recently shown her work at Galley at St Martin’s. Her next solo exhibition will be at the Willoughby Gallery in Corby Glen, running from June 14 – July 5, 2023.

In the meantime see her work at www.elliebenton.com, www.facebook.com/elliebentonpaintings www.instagram.com/ellie_benton

Philip’s painstaking research leads to fascinating read

REVIEW BY ROB WHITE

“IT is the story of this book; the way one idea builds on another, until finally an answer is found.”

This is a particularly appropriate quote used by Philip Hamlyn Williams in this book.

It relates to much of How Britain Shaped The Manufacturing World’s content and sums up the incredible endeavourrunning through Britain’s contribution, which the author painstakingly explores.

Each section of the book is introduced with a related quote – this particular example introduces the chapter on “The Sewing Machine and Bicycle” and Philip, chair of the Lincoln Book Festival, has taken the words of a “sewing machine pioneer” quoted in a volume by Alex Askaroff on the subject of the rise of the sewing engine, one of the textile industry’s most significant developments.

The book presents a fascinating subject which the author acknowledges he cannot comprehensively cover in a volume of this size. That said, his very extensive level of research is clear throughout. The numbered notes within the text are cross referenced to a wealth of further information sources (in addition to an extensive further reading list).

The book’s structure also makes for an easy read. The author cleverly uses The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations in 1851, and the Festival of Britain a century later to bookend the incredible journey of achievement between the two events, and utilises the generic categories of manufacturing displayed at the first event to create a template for his subsequent examination. The book is full of fascinating statistics on every aspect of manufacturing, some of which are almost disturbing in terms of the speed of growth of some of the sectors discussed, but not so surprising given the post Industrial Revolution burgeoning population’s need to be fed, clothed, transported,, entertained and defended.

Philip is to be congratulated on the clear level of work which must have been involved in the production of this volume which he has made accessible, and which is likely to be of interest to a broad readership (particularly those of a certain age such as myself), and of real Lincolnshire interest with both city and county being well represented throughout the account. I even discovered the derivation of the term “long johns” apparently arising from John Smedley, responsible for early attempts to mechanise the textile industry in Derby.

How Britain Shaped the Manufacturing World priced £20 is available from Lindum Book or through the publishers at

Competition winners

RECENT winners in our competitions include Melanie Beaumont, who enjoyed Shaggy in concert; Peter Sandy, who gets to see Harry Hill at the Engine Shed; Charles Spowage, Yvonne Wallis, Fiona Merrikin, Elaine Milton and Steve Cook who will be enjoying the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair later this month.

The two lucky winners of Alan Spree’s Lincoln - The Postcard Collection are Barry M Jordan and Norma Richardson. Check out page 22 for more competitions.

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The cathedral currently has spaces for boys and girls in Years 3, 4 and 5, and has started the search for enthusiastic children to join the choir and continue its centuries-old tradition of choral excellence.

“Cathedral music is currently experiencing something of a renaissance, with evensong services, especially in cathedrals, seeing rising numbers as more people discover the pleasure and serenity of choral music as part of worship,” said Aric Prentice, Director of Music at Lincoln Cathedral.

He explained that music is at the heart of daily life in the cathedral: “Our choir sings Evensong every day except Wednesday with a sung Eucharist each Sunday and also performs in concerts throughout the year. This musical tradition supports the worshipping life of the cathedral and is a vital part of the experience that we offer to those attending services in the Cathedral.”

Lincoln Cathedral Choir consists of up to 20 boy and 20 girl choristers from schools across Lincoln and the surrounding area.

As members of the choir, they receive a first-class musical education including singing tuition, musical theory, the option of instrument lessons and the opportunity to sing with and learn from the adult lay vicars and choral scholars who make up the choir.

Aric added that auditions for the choir are open to all children

Don’t miss county’s wealth of artistic talent

A MAJOR exhibtion celebrating the work of local artists continues at the Usher Art Gallery. Artists across Lincolnshire were invited to submit work for the Usher Open Exhibition.

After a turbulent few years when its future was in doubt members of the Usher Gallery Trust wanted the talents of local artists to underline the fact it is back in the business of displaying art.

The exhibtion attracted more than 700 entries from 288 artists - the youngest aged five - and 187 pieces were selcted from 136 people.

“It is particularly pleasing to be able to stage the exhibition at the gallert after its future was secured with the good will of Lincoln County Council and City of Lincoln Council,” said Trust Chair Ian Walter.

Exhibits include paintings, photography, mixed media, sculptures textile and graffiti.

Art Out of Isolation can be seen at the Usher Gallery until January 7, 2023.

Call for Lincoln Cathedral choristers

LINCOLN Cathedral is recruiting choristers to join its world-renowned choir.

and it is free to join. “We’re looking for children with musical potential and a love for singing. They need to have good reading skills and be enthusiastic, and everything else can be learned. If they are already learning an instrument, that is a bonus, but again that is an opportunity they can take up as part of joining the choir.”

Weekday rehearsals take place before school and choristers return after school to sing Evensong. Becoming a chorister means joining a musical heritage that stretches back to the Middle Ages.

Aric stated that the benefits to becoming a chorister extend far beyond the musical tuition and opportunity to regularly perform in the historic cathedral.

“The experience of being part of the Cathedral Choir helps the choristers develop so many skills that will serve them well throughout their lives from collaboration and team work, to time management and self-discipline.

“They also get to create new and lasting friendships with children from other schools, and of course if you ask the choristers themselves, they all appreciate the pocket money they earn!

“All in all, it is a unique experience and one which we know the choristers treasure throughout their lives.”

For more information or to organise a formal audition, please contact Lincoln Cathedral Music Department on music@lincolncathedral.com

From left: Charlie Mumby, Kirsten Wright, Isabel Chennells enjoy the art at the Out of Isolation Exhibtion at Lincoln’s Usher Art Gallery.

Students’ Union helps to make city safer at night

MAKING the city a safer place at night for everyone to enjoy is a top priority for the Students’ Union at the University of Lincoln, writes REBECCA POOLE

The Engine Shed, run by the Students’ Union has introduced many different initiatives to promote safety in Lincoln’s nightime economy and aims to develop these further, reviewing everything and staying proactive and reactive if any new issues arise.

“Over the last year – year and a half, reports of drink spiking became really prevalent in the UK. As a venue, we reacted really quickly,” explained Matt Howcroft, Head of Commercial Services.

“In the first instance, we provided drinks safety mechanisms in the venues for people. That included Spikeys, which you put in the top of a bottle of drink and put a straw through to stop people being able to put anything in your drink and drinks covers for glasses.

“We also worked with the university to launch the rapid drug spiking testing scheme. It’s pretty unique for a university and Students’ Union as there aren’t really any that are doing it across the country. At any time a student can come into our venues and be tested for a variety of drugs that are commonly used to spike people.”

A student at The Engine Shed can ask at the bar to be tested if they suspect their drink has been tampered with. The staff will take the student into a private room for a simple urine test with results being almost immediate and funded by the University.

“You can go and be tested at the hospital, but by the time you have waited or have gone there the next day, it may have gone out of your system. We are able to offer the testing in the venues and depending on the result we are able to offer student support,”

said Matt.

“Even since we have started doing the drug spiking tests, more drugs have been added to what we can test for. We work closely with the police and they’ll tell us when something has happened somewhere else and if we don’t currently test for that drug, we will add it to what we do test for.”

Students are also supported with the correct reporting methods. If the student has not been spiked and has instead their symptoms are caused by excess alcohol consumption, they can also be supported for their wellbeing.

Matt is one of two new faces at The Engine Shed with the other being Jamie Fraser,Venues Manager (both pictured).

As safety issues tend to mostly, but not exclusively involve women, the SU has a diverse team to represent the students. The management team includes women, such as Jamie, but there are also female security and technical staff.

“What is great feedback for me, is we are finding that if patrons do feel unsafe, they are feeling comfortable to come up to our security staff and report it,” said Jamie, We’d rather if they are feeling unsafe that they feel that they can talk to us and that we will do something about it,” said Matt.

“We are quite unique in that we manage our own in-house security team. We have a Head of Security who is employed by the Students’ Union and he manages a team of security staff who we recruit rather than going out to a big agency. We do use some agency staff, but they all come in through

our in-house Head of Security.

“Breaking down those barriers between the customers and the people that are here to keep them safe is the best thing for me.”

An in-house security team also allows the Students’ Union to focus on conduct and behaviour. There is also a state- of-the-art CCTV system across the entire venue, the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme to help anybody get out of a difficult situation and larger events have added security measures such as sniffer dogs, police presence and drug swabbing.

“The purpose of the sniffer dogs and the swabbing is predominantly to prevent drug spiking and people causing harm to others, but it does also prevent people bringing in drugs to the venues and dealing them.”

“We represent 17, 000 students here at the University, but we don’t just welcome students, we welcome the wider general public too. It’s as important for them as it is for students to feel safe when they’re in a venue.

“As we run the largest venue in Lincoln, we felt we had a responsibility to show best practice and be at the forefront for Lincoln and an example for other nighttime venues in the city.”

The Engine Shed is Lincoln’s biggest entertainment venue.

Henry Best’s schooldays at Greyfriars

I READ Lesley Clarke’s Colourful History of Greyfriars (Independent, September 2022) with great interest, not least because Lincoln Grammar School occupied the upper floor of the building for over 300 years.

The article prompted me to write about what life was like for a schoolboy at Greyfriars during the second half of the 18th century and we are fortunate that Henry Digby Best, a pupil from 1776 to 1875, wrote a fascinating memoir of his nine years at the school.

When Henry was first taken by his father to the school, they had to pass the gaol alongside the Stonebow on their way down Steep Hill and into Free School Lane where the school was situated.

Henry later compared the prisoners’ fate to his own at the school but ruminated that at least they might have the solace of being hanged or transported to America in a few months’ time while his own delivery from ‘gaol’ seemed a lifetime away!

Thereafter began the daily grind of Latin and Greek punctuated by the occasional foray into geography and geometry which showed how reluctant such schools were to embrace the ‘modern’ curriculum.

The Master at the time, John Hewthwaite, conducted his lessons in a sober-coloured court dress and a three-cornered hat while the pupils sat on their benches or ‘forms’ (the origin of the current term ‘form’ for a class of pupils) depending on their age and progression through the standards.

The picture, drawn by S H Grimm in 1784, shows the area to the south of the school now occupied by St Swithin’s Church. In those days it was known as Sheep Square, and the April Fair was one of the annual highlights and distractions for the boys when 20,000 sheep assembled beneath the windows of the school. It was a happy era during which the boys were allowed to leave school half an hour early ‘to gain health and activity’ by leaping over the trays in which the sheep were to be penned. There was to be

‘much wool and much cry’ while bargains were struck. Another physical activity enjoyed by the boys was skating. The Brayford invariably froze over during the long, cold winters and formed a natural ice rink. Swimming in the canal was also an attraction although the stagnant and torpid state of the foss-dike often drove the swimmers down the Witham to a place called Parson’s Pleasure somewhere near the east end of Lincoln. Autumn, too, had its sports. That ‘season of settled sunshine’ was apparently the time when the boys were called forth for the ‘animated and animating’ game of cricket; the ‘bats-men, the bowler, the stopper, the catcher, each aspiring to glory for himself and to victory for his party’.

The pioneering Hambledon Cricket Club was formed at about that time, but it would be another 100 years before organised cricket was played at the school. However, the undoubted highlight of Henry’s vivid description of his nine years at Lincoln School was the executions. The assizes were held in Lincoln and his father encouraged his attendance at the various trials.

Perhaps not quite so wisely, the schoolmaster dismissed the boys half an hour before noon on a day when a man was to be hanged, an event to which Henry referred as a sight that was the very reverse of edifying. During his time at Lincoln Grammar School there were several hangings for such crimes as housebreaking and sheepstealing.

Reading through Best’s memoir I was left with the impression that those were not the happiest days of his life. The curriculum was narrow and mainly restricted to the Classics, the Greyfriars building was cold, damp, and drafty, and the days were long and tedious. Discipline was no doubt secure, however, as Best described the ‘instruments of torture’ always on display. There were canes and ferulas of different shapes and sizes, but hanging was not an option.

For a longer version of this article, send an email request to pharrod@lchs.uk

Greyfriars from Sheep Square.

Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School achivist PETER HARROD continues to explore its pictorial past

Robots in the West End

In the latest of a series of articles highlighting some of the work of The Survey of Lincoln ANDREW WALKER reports on the arrival of robots in the city in the 1930s.

THE term ‘robot’ was a relatively new one in Britain in the 1930s.

The country’s first humanoid robot, (known as ‘Eric’), invented by First World War veteran Captain William Richards, and aircraft engineer Alan Reffell, was displayed in 1928 at the Model Engineers’ Society exhibition in London.

Eric (pictured right) captured the public’s imagination, touring the world with its ‘brother’, George in the following years.

Eric’s world tour included a visit to Lincoln’s Drill Hall in October 1933.

During the late 1920s and early 1930s, the word ‘robot’ was used regularly to describe almost anything of an automated nature. In the Lincolnshire press, ‘robot’ was employed regularly to refer to new automated traffic signals that began to appear in Lincoln from 1930 onwards, three years after they were used for the first time in Britain in Wolverhampton.

The first set of traffic lights in the city began operating at the junction of West Parade and The Avenue( pictured above in 1906) in Spring 1930 and the installation of five other sets of automated lights across the city’s road network soon followed. These traffic lights – a term that began to be used regularly in the Lincolnshire press from about 1933 onwards – meant that the police officers and RAC scouts who had directed traffic at busy times at the West Parade junction, especially on busy bank holiday weekends, were no longer needed. The selection of The Avenue and West Parade crossroads as the first site of robot traffic signals in Lincoln was largely prompted by a series of accidents that had occurred at the junction in recent years. In

October 1926, the junction was described in one newspaper headline as ‘Lincoln’s danger spot’,

Lincoln’s City Surveyor, S.C. Baggott was in charge of the erection of the city’s first traffic lights, and the electrical connections were made by the City Electricity Department.

The controlling system used to operate

Lincoln’s robot traffic signals, known as Co-ordiplex, was described as the ‘very latest pattern’ and the contract for their installation was issued to Forest City Electric Company of Manchester.

Road users in Lincoln did not, however, adjust easily to the arrival of the robots. The police regularly informed readers of the local press of the meanings of the light sequence - red, red-amber, green and amber – and reminded them that pedal cyclists and the

drivers of horse-drawn vehicles should also obey the signals.

Road users were strongly urged to obey the green ‘Go’ signal with caution ‘because there is always the possibility of somebody from the country who does not understand these signals crossing the junction when the signals are against him.’

By 1933, Lincoln’s Police Court was no longer taking a lenient view when rural visitors ignored the city’s lights. On 18 October, the Lincolnshire Echo reported, below the headline ‘Farmer puzzled by signals’, that a motorist from Gedney Marsh, Long Sutton, was fined for failing to observe a red light at the West Parade traffic lights.

Notwithstanding their unpopularity among some road users, the robots’ arrival at the intersection of West Parade and The Avenue in 1930 undoubtedly helped to reduce the number of accidents at this previously dangerous junction. Chief Constable Hughes declared in July 1931 that these lights were a complete success.

The Survey of Lincoln’s latest book, Lincoln’s West End Revisited, will be available in local bookshops by early December. For more information, see www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk

Courtesy Science Museum

Traffic lights at the junction today.

Autumnal treasures

WORDS AND IMAGES: DAHLIA LEE

AT the close of October in Liquorice Park it has been tricky to pass the little huddle of young oak without pausing to admire the scattering of perfect acorns on the ground. Of course, it’s also hard not to stoop to gather up a few.

Inedible bounty, yes, but yet everything about them, the toffee colours, smooth texture, indistinguishable rounded elongated form and clever little fairy-cap cup, makes them irresistible. And even more charming and enticing still is their magical potential

famed Isaac Newton tree, and many new trees have been added since, so it wasn’t just acorns in the park’s autumnal treasure hoard.

This year the ground was generously scattered with shiny conkers from the horse chestnut trees and green needle-spiked velvet-lined sweet chestnut cases. The air has been full of the delightful twirling helicopter seeds tumbling down with the falling leaves from maples and sycamores, and the walnut trees have been busy with squirrels harvesting and hiding their smooth green husked fruit.

Despite the summer drought, or perhaps because of it as part of nature’s ingenious plan, the trees have been heavy with nuts and fruit; the hawthorn, privet and rowan have been richly emblazoned with berries, and as the leaves fell from the blackthorn they revealed spindly branches thickly clustered with sour blue-black sloes which, although too bitter for us, will be hungrily gobbled up by grateful birds later in the season.

they are woven into our traditions and folklore, from planting memorials to bringing a tree indoors to decorate for midwinter cheer. Trees provide a reassuring anchor in a difficult tumultuous world, and with their promise to outlive us surely they deserve our respect and protection. And this is the perfect time of year to plant a tree, so

An oak leaf - a full grown tree can support 2,300 species.

for new life – it is almost impossible to believe that each one can grow into an oak tree. Therefore, in a few moments you can gather and hold an entire embryonic forest in your hand and pop it in your pocket. We have a broad variety of trees - some grand old specimens and many younger ones yet to reach maturity. The Millennium orchard was planted with pears, plums and local Lincolnshire apples including the

October treated us to weeks of mild weather with the distinctive low sunlight capturing the vibrant changing colours magnificently. The shift has been gradual but there comes a point where wintry storms trample down the undergrowth and strip the trees, autumn will admit defeat to winter and our landscape will be unrecognisable from the summer scene.

Trees are clearly vital to our planet, and there is no denying the significant part they play in daily life, from the air you breathe to your kitchen table to the magazine you’re holding, we are all inextricably dependent on them.

Their vital role in our ecosystems and their potential to improve our lives is under ever increasing scientific scrutiny. Recent recognition of their communication abilities through soil organisms has further elevated their status and provides proof that this complex web of life is intricately entangled beyond current comprehension … but surely anyone with an ounce of sense didn’t need to be told trees could talk?

We have always nurtured deeper cultural connections to these magnificent entities as

Hopefully there will be some tenants for the new owl box soon.

why not step out and hunt for an acorn… If you want to know more about trees the Woodland Trust website is a great place to start. The Trust has been protecting, managing and creating woodlands for 50 years and is running a new campaign to save our street trees. And to top it all they’re based locally in Granthamwww.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Turn over an old leafand compost it

RACHEL SHAW

LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

I CAN’T resist kicking the drifts of fallen leaves that line the pavements at this time of year.

Maybe it’s the sound they make, the golden colours or just the feeling that it’s something that children do. Whatever the reason, it makes me smile and brings a little joy on the walk to the shops.

In my garden, I’ve started collecting the fallen tree leaves. I scoop them up and pop them in a black bin liner. I never take all the leaves because wildlife needs them too.

They act as a leafy blanket providing a warm and safe place to shelter and are an important source of food. Woodlice and earthworms break down the leaf litter and recycle the nutrients back into the soil.

Once my bag of leaves is full, I’ll punch a few holes in the bottom, add a bit of water, tie the bag closed and store it next to the compost heap.

I’ll probably forget it’s there but inside the bag, the magic is happening. It’s just a bag of leaves but as they slowly decay, microorganisms, fungi and earthworms will move in. Next autumn, when I open the bag, it will be dark and crumbly. I’ll spread it on the soil where it will bolster the soil ecosystem.

The longer I leave the leaf mould, the better it will get. If

I have the patience to leave it for a couple of years, it will be so wellrotted that I could use it as compost to sow seeds in.

Isn’t that remarkable, from

just a pile of leaves, we can create compost for seeds?

It’s free, natural and doesn’t have any air or lorry miles from being transported around the country. Surely this is a better alternative to peat-based composts. It staggers me that peat is still being ripped from the ground - a process that destroys a wonderfully biodiverse habitat and releases carbon rather than locking it away.

Peatlands have a global cooling effect when they are in their naturally wet state. They can lock away carbon from dead plants for hundreds or even thousands of years.

However, when peatlands are drained and dug up for use in gardens and greenhouses, stored carbon is released in the form of carbon dioxide.

The importance of peatlands has been understood for decades, and awareness of the issues this special habitat faces has only increased, but protection for them has been a long time coming.

The Wildlife Trusts, alongside other key nature charities, have campaigned for an end to the needless destruction of peatlands since the 1990s. Some progress has been made. The UK Government has announced its intention to ban the sale of bagged peat to amateur gardeners by 2024.

The ban follows a public consultation, which ran from December 2021 to March 2022, and marks the first occasion that any UK government has considered legislative action to tackle the use of peat in horticulture.

However, plug plants and house plants will still be able to be grown in peat compost so it won’t stop the use of peat or the destruction of peat bogs.

When the going gets tough the tough get growing

I IMAGINE many of you lost a few plants in the summer drought, as did I. I was pleasantly surprised to find how many tough cookies survived, however.The grasses sailed through and looked elegant throughout. Stipa tenuissima, (pony tail grass) was lovely all summer long. It thrives in dry warmth; only when it gets sodden does this grass lose its integrity and looks like a mass of dirty, tangled hair. Both the miscanthus and the calamagrostis were wonderful and the hakonechloa did well too under the shade of a tree. Sadly, the hydrangeas fared very badly and although not dead, they had no flowers and suffered brown, crispy leaves all summer. They are somewhat recovered now, thankfully, but they were a great loss to the colour of the garden this year. I lost three dogwoods out of five that I planted in the spring. They

were small, the ‘Midwinter Fire’ colour, with lovely orange/yellow/pink stems but they are trees and all young trees need water in their first year. Perhaps it was because they were so small, I forgot about them. Just as well my children are fully grown.

Many perennials lost their flowers very quickly so the garden was colourful only for a short time. On the other hand the roses, although the flowers went over quickly, had a second and even a third flush.

If you recall I experimented with not pruning them as I normally would and have had a really good show this year. More blooms than usual and good, healthy growth. More experimentation needed!

Clematis came and went very quickly too, even the later flowering ones; Etoile Violette bloomed briefly but spectacularly. Giselle, which comes highly recommended, did well and had many flowers. It’s a beautiful silvery pink with pointed petals; very elegant. The new baby, Devon Cream managed to survive, although still very small.

The real winners were the cosmos. They came into flower very late, but went on producing blooms well into late October. They made a great show with the autumn asters, Frikartii Monkh and the brilliant yellow rudbeckia Goldsturm.

Contact Liz via editorial@lincolnindependent.co.uk

Andrew’s walk of hope

AN NHS worker is hoping to help others feeling suicidal – 25 years after he contemplated taking his own life.

Andrew Clark, who works as a Legal Services Officer at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), started his mission to walk 1,200 miles in just 12 months in October after being inspired by a suicide prevention conference he attended last month.

Money raised will be equally shared between Lincolnshire NHS charity to support LPFT’s work on suicide prevention and R;pple, which intervenes when a person searches on the internet for methods to take their own life.

And for the dad-of-three, who will soon turn 50, he knows only too well how beneficial it is to have the right support in place.

He said: “I’ve been there at the point where you can rationalise suicidal thoughts so I know what it feels like but thankfully, I’m now very much in recovery.

“There’s a taboo about suicide but the profile needs raising, and I hope I can play a small part in helping to promote the great work being done

surrounding suicide prevention.”

Andrew, who is from Dunholme near Lincoln, started walking during lockdown but is unable to do any big walking trips away as he is also a carer. Nevertheless, he is determined to do all he can to hit 100 miles a month.

He said: “Walking massively helps my own wellbeing but I know that times are really hard for a lot of people at the moment, so I really want to push myself and do all I can to help.”

Fiona Bone, Suicide Prevention Lead at LPFT, added: “We are really grateful to Andrew and wish him all the best with his fundraising efforts.

“The money he raises could make a big difference in helping us to continue our work supporting and educating staff around suicide prevention.”

To find out more about Andrew’s story and to donate visit https://bit.ly/3Tr0gHD

Export chief key speaker at new event

ANDREW Mitchell, CMG, Director-General Exports for Department for International Trade will deliver a keynote speech at a new event being launched by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.

Trading internationally, local exporters and exploring new markets are at the heart of the event, which is taking place on November 16 from 6.30pm until 10.30pm at The Drill in Lincoln.

It will celebrate several export markets across the world, showcase a twist on country-specific food, as well as entertaining guests with themed music. Also congratulating recent Queens Award for International Trade winner, Lincolnshire-based, Plum Products, where guests will hear from the company’s Managing Director, Paul Schaffer. Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a brandnew event in our calendar, one we want to make an annual occasion which has been brought to life to raise awareness among Lincolnshire businesses of the world of opportunities available when trading internationally.

“In 2021 we processed over 3,000 export documentation amounting to over £160 million worth of goods and those stats alone show what huge opportunities we have here in Lincolnshire

and to showcase those at this event will be fantastic.”

The event is being supported by the Chamber’s strategic partner and premium sponsor, LV Logistics of Immingham with Siemens Energy, Streets Chartered Accountants and Equals Money.

Tickets are available to book with single tickets and tables of 10 available to purchase.

See www.lincs-chamber.co.uk

Café where staff have an appetite for learing

IN our third feature on the success of Abbey Access Training Centre REBECCA POOLE focuses on how it has helped thousands of people into catering careers.

WORK experience is an important step towards any career, so Abbey Access Training (AAT) offers a unique opportunity in hospitality to learn on the job at its onsite Arboretum Café on Monks Road, Lincoln.

“We have a working, training café downstairs in the centre. People come on the Customer Service NVQ and experience dealing with customers in a real-world setting. We have more recently started a Bakery NVQ too, so people can study towards a bakery qualification which focuses on breads and pastries,” explained Gail Dunn, Chief Executive Officer at AAT.

The hospitality courses cover everything from food preparation and food safety to barista qualifications.

For example, the new NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Bakery Skills teaches trainees about artisan bread and fermented doughs; pastry products, biscuits, cakes and sponges as well as hot and cold desserts. Participants are also supported to gain: General Certificate in Patisserie and Confectionery Level 2; Food Allergy and Intolerance Training FSA; Food Hygiene, COSHH,HACCP Certificates; Level 3 First Aid at work Certificate; Employability Skills and Interview preparation.

There’s also a weekly job club and support to help trainees find work – Gail has recently spread the word around the city’s hospitality sector about her trainees through avenues such as PubWatch meetings.

So as well as setting its candidates on their career paths AAT is also helping fill the shortfall of hospitality workers caused by the pandemic and Brexit.

“We do feel proud when we see how well they are doing. One trainee had only been in post a few weeks, but had already got the keys and taken on more responsibility.

Gail, whose original background is in hospitality, explained the AAT provides a different experience to college courses, as learners receive real-world experience from working in a practical setting as well as some nurturing from the AAT team.

“It gives them confidence and we see them blossom and tackle things they never dreamt of doing before they came to us.”

The centre aims to open its’ own community shop and bakery in a derelict building off Monks Road, which will be run on the same model as the Arboretum community café - providing learners with the opportunity to achieve bakery and retail qualifications on top of valuable experience.

Gail has secured a £60,000 grant for the equipment so AAT can move on the project once the building has been secured.

You can find more information and updates at www.abbeyaccesstraining.com or by searching for Arboretum Café on Facebook

If only taxes were the sole barrier to growth

THE mini-Budget or fiscal event on Friday, September 23, not only sought to address the cost-of-living crisis with its energy support bill but also to unleash the country’s economic potential with the lowering of taxes.

The focus being on putting an end to what has been described as economic stagnation.

Having a tax regime that incentivises or motivates entrepreneurs and business leaders to start and grow enterprises is key, however it is only one element of what empowers, drives and facilitates growth.

Against a back drop of a pandemic most businesses will have probably been more in survival mode as opposed to growth.

While innate resilience, along with financial support from the government, has no doubt helped organisations weather the storm, many in business are still recovering. Growth therefore may not yet be back on the agenda, or part of a short term or even longer-term strategy. Few business owners therefore probably have a growth mindset.

For those striving for growth there appears to be a number of key barriers, not just the current tax regime. Certainly, one of the biggest barriers not just for growth but for just maintaining business, is the lack of available labour and skills to fulfill key vacancies.

New approaches to recruitment and ways of working have in part helped to ease the situation, however, much more needs to be done as part of a longer-term approach.

For those fortunate to be operating in a growing market, increasing revenue is somewhat easier than for those

Balance of all factors is key

operating in a mature sector.

For the latter, growth is more dependent on looking at innovation in terms of service and product and gaining a competitive advantage to take market share.

For some growth may come about through increasing their geographical coverage.

When it comes to growing a business, it invariably requires investment, whether it’s in new products, business processes and systems, people or sales and marketing.

Access to either own funds and external finance make such investment therefore key.

Having the wherewithal is one thing, having the confidence to make such an investment is another.

In uncertain times, and with the rising cost of finance, many will perhaps defer such a commitment.

Business growth fundamentally requires business leaders to have confidence in the market they operate and economic certainty, along with their organisations’ capabilities, competence and capacity to deliver growth.

Whilst growth may be close to the heart of many an entrepreneur or business owner, unless the conditions are right for it perhaps greater focus in the current climate should be around consolidation and improving profitability. A drive for growth can often be at the cost of increasing the value of what you already have.

Perhaps a more balanced approach is what should be strived for?

James Pinchbeck Partner

It’s worth getting legal advice for motoring offences

BY ALISON BOFFEY, SENIOR SOLICITOR, CRIMINAL AND REGULATORY TEAM, WILKIN CHAPMAN SOLICITORS

MOST drivers have experienced that sinking feeling when you’re a little too late returning to a car park, or you’re not sure if a speed camera flashed you while you weren’t checking your speedometer. From minor oversights to more serious incidents, motoring offences can have potentially devastating consequences, especially if you or your business depend on your ability to drive.

There are two types of motoring offences; civil and criminal. Criminally chargeable offences include speeding, dangerous driving, drunk driving, driving without insurance and driving whilst using a mobile phone. Civil actions include parking fines, trespassing and conversation (purchasing a motor vehicle from somebody/ a company that didn’t have the right to sell it).

No matter which type of offence, professional advice may reduce your penalty, save you from a ban or prevent points on your licence, whether you know you have done something wrong, or if you’re innocent.

It’s always worth getting in touch. We also

handle matters regarding the DVLA, including appeals to reinstate your driving licence.

Hiring a lawyer is not as expensive as you may think and it may save you much more than your possible penalty. At Wilkin Chapman, we will try to agree a fixed cost with you wherever possible so that there are no more unexpected surprises in store.

Using a vehicle can be of major

importance, so as soon as you believe that yourself or your company may be facing trouble, it’s good to seek some initial guidance. We also offer advice if you think that one of your employees, family members or friends may be in trouble - the sooner you contact us, the better.

As one of the UK’s top 200 law firms, we have an excellent track record of helping people that have made driving errors. We work hard to enable our customers to avoid disqualification/prosecution and minimise penalties.

We offer a bespoke service in which we will meet with you beforehand and guide you through the process, ensuring that you’re comfortable and prepared. With over 400 partners and staff located across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, we are a team of legal advisers you can trust.

Find out how we can help - please contact 01472 253941, email alison@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit https://www.wilkinchapman.co.uk/pers onal/motoring-offence-solicitors

LEP conference

AGRIFOOD, defence, ports and energy are areas with enormous potential for growth – potential which will be discussed by a range of experts at the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Annual Conference this month.

Greater Lincolnshire – Leading the Way takes place on Thursday, November 10 at the EPIC Centre, Lincolnshire Showground.

The event will focus on ‘Building a Greater Lincolnshire’ and is an opportunity for business leaders to pose questions and share views at a time of challenge and unique opportunities for growth.

Visitors to the conference will be able to engage and take part in a number of panel discussions covering food and the UK Food Valley, the growing defence and security sector, the potential of the ports and logistics opportunities, and the latest progress on low-carbon energy generation.

The conference will offer something for all business sectors and will highlight and discuss the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis, rising energy prices, skills gaps and labour shortages.

Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “This year we face a different set of challenges, but our conference will look in more detail at the big game-changers, and demonstrate that we’re lucky to have a number of amazing sectors in Greater Lincolnshire too, with wider opportunities for all businesses and supply chains.”

www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk

May we live in less interesting times

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

‘MAY you live in interesting times’allegedly an ancient Chinese curse but, disappointingly, a later western invention.

Nonetheless, I struggle to remember a more turbulent time in British politics, though by the time you read this the entire political landscape may have changed.

When Liz Truss and her first Chancellorthe now sacked Kwasi Kwarteng - came into office, they were wholeheartedly embracing a tax-cutting agenda to promote growth.

For business the most certain engine of growth is certainty. If businesses know what their tax burden is, what the investment reliefs are, know the rate at which they can borrow money to invest in new equipment and in training then they can confidently lay out plans and forecasts. However, when times are this “interesting”, what business can confidently predict how their business will perform over the next six months, let alone over the next five years or more?

With every budget we, in common with many accountants produce a glossy brochure summarising the most important measures in the Chancellor’s statement. It is already out of date; the abolition of the top rate of tax of 45p lasted barely a

week and, as I write this, there are rumours that some of the other measures announced in that mini-budget will also be scrapped - there has already been a U-turn on corporation tax. Some are even suggesting that the whole thing may be torn up.

Speaking to clients, there are a few constant themes that come through. The most frequently recurring complaint is that, across many if not all economic sectors it is becoming increasingly difficult to find adequately qualified staff. If this, or any government is serious about growth then the most important investment has to be in education and skills training.

Next on the agenda would have to be certainty over investment reliefs for capital spending. There are generous reliefs for business investment, but the level of that relief has changed with alarming regularity in the last 10 years.

Added on to this, of course, is some stability in the financial markets, in prices and interest rates. I realise there is no magic wand on this and there are global factors at work, but when government policies cause a direct surge in interest rates does this not tell us something?

Interesting times - I know that accountants have a reputation, but you have to admit that boring looks pretty good right now.

Info@dextersharpelincoln.co.uk

160 jobs created with STACK at St Marks

LINCOLN’S former Argos store at St Marks Shopping Centre is to get a new lease of life, thanks to an ambitious new scheme which will see the creation of a huge food, drink and entertainment complex.

City of Lincoln Council has given the green light to the proposal to transform the site into STACK Lincoln, which will include five bars, ten street food outlets, a large coffee shop, roof terrace as well as a central plaza area with a balcony.

The development – which will create 160 jobs – will also have a stage for live performances and a large outdoor terrace on the first floor, with plans for the work to start next week with a view to be completed by late spring 2023.

The scheme is being developed by North East company, Danieli Group, which has run two highly successful container villages under the STACK brand in Newcastle and Sunderland.

And the aim now is to replicate the success of the North East venues – which have a multi-million pound turnover and have been visited millions of times – in Lincoln.

The historic site was initially St Marks Church before becoming a railway station and more recently, St Marks Shopping Centre which housed the Argos store until it closed in 2020.

The ambitious new venture will see the building transformed into a 2000 capacity venue which should bring in visitors from the local area and beyond.

Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group, believe the plans will bring a real boost to the area.

“STACK Sunderland and STACK Newcastle have been incredibly popular and successful,” he said.

“It’s a much loved brand which provides a great experience for visitors of all ages.

“We have huge plans to roll out the STACK brand nationally and are delighted to have Lincoln as our first site outside of the North East and to be able to breathe new life into this amazing building.”

Valerie Johnson, Centre Manager at St Marks Shopping Centre, said it was a great development for the area: We are incredibly excited to welcome STACK to St Marks.”

“ This is a fantastic addition to the scheme and the old train station provides a unique backdrop to this exciting concept. We believe STACK will be incredibly popular with the people of Lincoln.”

Economic improvement detected in Chamber report

RESEARCH for county businesses has found surprising evidence of an upturn in the econonmy,

The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey – part of the UK’s largest independent business survey and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth – has found increases in UK economic activity but a further decline in overseas markets.

Running from August 22 to September 12, against a backdrop of the continued energy crisis, prices pressures and price cap forecasts for 2023, the survey presented a surprisingly improving picture, with improvements in confidence and performance.

Not surprisingly, inflation continues to be the largest external pressure on businesses currently, impacting 77% of respondents.

UK market figures have improved this quarter after a slow start to 2022 with both sales moving further into positive territory, shifting from +2 to +29 and orders increasing from -12 to +20. )rder books for exporters remain a concern, where figures are still in negative territory; -45 to -31.

Recruitment is highlighted as a challenge

for businesses as recruitment intentions in Q3 were in negative territory, moving from +16 to -3, coinciding with an observed slowing of jobs growth following a period of very strong recruitment.

with the pressure of wage increases to support their staff with the cost of living. “While the subsequent energy announcement will have alleviated immediate pressure on firms’ energy bills, confidence will have taken a further hit following the market reaction to the mini budget.

“Whilst there is some positivity, it is clear from these results that businesses are struggling and currently without the light at the end of tunnel, so it is vitally important that businesses see some economic stability in order to build confidence to invest,”

Councillor Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place, said: “The global uncertainty around energy prices and other cost pressures is of course going to filter down locally.

Simon Beardsley, (pictured) Chief Executive at Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Surprisingly we are seeing slight improvements across most indicators this quarter, however it is painstakingly clear businesses are feeling the effects of inflation, with the further expected rise in interest rates, businesses are growing even more concerned around affordability of borrowing, along

Businesses are anticipating lower profit margins, but many are taking action already to maintain their resilience in the face of multiple challenges. The recovery from the covid pandemic has been slow, with the conflict in Ukraine exacerbating the difficult trading environment. We’re continuing to provide practical support to businesses across the area to help them focus on long-term prosperity.”