Remembering artist Allen Smith
HE wasn’t a flamboyant character like some artists, he wasn’t larger than life or overbearing but what Allen Smith (194224) had was an amazing creative talent, writes ANGELA CAWLEY.
Allen amassed an enormous amount of work and it deserves to be celebrated, so an exhibition full of his work will be held at the Gallery at St. Martins on Hungate, Lincoln, from February 13-23.
Allen was also an author, but his first love
was painting with inspiration drawn from the Impressionists, especially Monet, Pissarro and Sisley.
The Lincolnshire landscape was another stimulus. There are sketchbooks full of wonderful drawings.
There are pastels and prints and portraits and paintings from his travels. A wonderful collection all for sale.
Allen taught Graphic Design at Lincoln College of Art and Design for 24 years so the exhibition organisers would love to see some of his students at the exhibition.
Among his possessions there were some of his teaching notes filed away and they’ll be some work from that time on display.
He had an amazing ability to focus in on whatever interested him, like only Allen could, it might be buying a computer, learning to play tennis or table tennis, cooking a special recipe. He needed to know every detail.
He used this skill to research the life and work of Lincolnshire Artist Herbert Rollett and published his biography which will also be available. Likewise, he wrote
Darker take on Bard’s comedy
A NEW performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to the Lincoln Arts Centre stage on January 15.
Shakespeare’s classic tale of magic and mayhem will be told from a fresh, contemporary perspective of patriarchal control and gender inequality.
Second year students on the BA Drama & Theatre and Drama & English courses at the University of Lincoln’s School of Creative Arts, under the direction of theatre researcher Dr Kelly Jones, have been working together this autumn to consider Shakespeare’s work in the light of present day concerns and issues.
Alongside performing, the cast have taken on many of the production elements including marketing and assistant directing.
Costumes, lighting and set have been
provided by the next wave of technicians undertaking the University’s BA in Technical Theatre & Stage Management.
The Midsummer’s night will be brought to life through props, modern costuming and specially composed immersive sound and lighting.
Dr. Jones said, ‘The students have been working incredibly hard to bring Shakespeare’s fairyland to life. There is much darkness at the heart of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and it has been wonderful to work with our cast and crew to realise this. Expect a very different take on this tale of magic and mayhem!’
Tickets -lincolnartscentre.co.uk/ instagram: uol_amidsummernightsdream Tik tok uol_amidsummernightsdream
and produced Sir Thomas Bodley: His life and Times and at the time of his death he was writing about his hometown of Cleethorpes which he had nearly completed.
Keenly interested in Lincoln and his environment he joined the Lincoln Society to comment on planning issues and published Winds of Change: A Short History of Modern Lincoln when it ended in 2003.
Allen had kept all the papers from this time and If anyone is interested please come along to the Gallery.
Allen lived alone and worked in Lincoln most of his life. He was a bit of a loner with a close circle of friends. We would love to see you all at the Exhibition to commemorate his life and work, please spread the word and be sure not to miss it.
DISCOVER THE ACUITIS EXPERIENCE!
DON’T
Acting up - group
BY R EBECCA P OOLE
NURTURING local talent and giving aspiring actors the opportunity to shine is central to the ethos of a Lincoln theatre company that has more than 200 members.
“The Asylum Players was formed about five years ago with the aim of putting on three or four shows every year of a high quality and helping young or upcoming actors, or established actors in Lincoln, to find a place to improve their skills and bring their art to the stage,” explained Artistic Director Stephen Gillard. “We want to build new people up. If you don’t give people the opportunity, they won’t ever get a chance to build up their skills and get those main roles.”
The Asylum Players is a semi-professional in-house theatre company based at The Blue Room at The Lawn on Union Road.
Following the success of its first production of The Night Watch in 2018, the company has gone on to perform each year since, pausing only for the pandemic.
“I felt that we were beginning to lose theatre in the city with the loss of The Drill Hall which at that time was kind of shutting down in its previous format and has come back as a gig venue rather than a performance venue. The Arts Centre was also going through a big change at that stage so we had four theatrical spaces and no theatre happening, so I wanted this venue to be able to do that.”
Historically, The Blue Room formed part of Lincoln Lunatic Asylum later known as the Lawn Hospital, which pioneered the treatment of patients without physical restraint.
“It was an incredibly ahead-of-its-time venue actually, because there was a period in time where it was the first in Europe to abolish mechanical restraint, and it also understood the benefit of art as a form of therapy,” said Stephen.
“The Blue Room used to be called the Lawrence Hall and had the stage where the patients were encouraged to put on dances and performances and write plays as part of their healing process. Setting up a theatre company here feels like a really nice tribute to what that was aiming to be back then.”
The Asylum Players continues to look towards the future, whilst honouring the past with the company’s choice of name and by preserving the venue as a theatrical space to encourage fresh talent.
“We’re branching out in trying to commission and create new work, so we’ve established this year The Asylum Developmental Project. We had our first scratch night back in October and it was incredibly successful.
“One of the pieces that was put on was a brand-new adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde which we’ve actually commissioned now as our 2026 autumn piece. It was so wellwritten and so well-put-together by Megan Shield, who is one of our company members and has been with us for a while now. So, when she said she had written a piece and then put this on, it was just wonderful and we were able to see this great writing happening straight away.”
nutures talent
Laura Turner, a local playwright whose adaptation of Jane Eyre has been chosen as the company’s 2025 spring production, is supporting Megan in finishing and developing her play for the primary show of 2026.
“We are planning more scratch nights and more developmental pieces,” added Stephen.
“The groups that were involved had a complete range of ages, so it was really nice to see that Lincoln is ready to start creating and putting on new work. They just need places to do it.”
The Asylum Players’ auditions are held for each production to give all members an opportunity to land a leading role.
For more information visit www.lawnlincoln.com or email enquiries@asylumplayers.co.uk
Upcoming Plays for 2025 Spring
Thursday – Saturday
March 20 – 22 & March 27 – 29
Jane Eyre
Adapted by Laura Turner. Tickets now available. May
Blackadder Dining Evening Summer
Two double-bill outdoor shows of Beauty and the Beast and The Tempest
Performed by The Asylum Players and Jo Leah Theatre Arts Autumn
A Streetcar Named Desire
PICTURES: RICHARD HALL
Friday 10 January 8pm
Saturday 11 January 6.45pm
Saturday 11 January 7pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Daniel O’Reilly: Out of Character
£30, 16+ only
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE The Games Afoot £12, students £9
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Viva La Rave: Sober January Special All the magic of a night of dancing without the hangover.
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 837600
Remembering our te
BY AMANDA MCSORLEY
IS it oxymoronic to talk about punk nostalgia or just moronic?
Looking ahead the gigs and shows coming to Lincoln in 2025 it’s hard to miss that there’s a new wave of sentimentality for New Wave or should that be Old Wave? I can’t help thinking that the acts featured in punk tribute shows would be spitting and gesticulating in their safety pins and ripped combat trousers to be part of a nostalgia tour.
But does that matter? Let’s face it – it was cool for bands not to give a c**p about what anyone thought of them including their ticket and record buying public.
They could be a self-indulgent lot who I hope are now laughing at themselves and us for buying into the scene once again – Skids’ front man Richard Jobson admitted he was absolutely knackered after the first song with his trademark flailing at the Engine Shed last year.
Us oldies are supposedly the people with money in our pockets so it’s a no-brainer to target our yearning for our musical youth – it’s up to us if we want to relive our teenage kicks.
Another point to remember about some of the original punk bands now making the rounds is that they have now honed their acts and learned to play their instruments so they sound pretty good.
Saturday 11 January 7.30pm
Sunday 12 January 2pm
Sunday 12 January 3pm
Tuesday 14 January 7.30pm
Wednesday 15 January 2pm
Wednesday 15 January 6.45pm
Wednesday 15 January 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN The Fleetwood Mac Legacy
£29.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
The Nutcracker – The Royal Ballet and Opera Cinema Screening
From £19, conc. from £16
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Lincoln Symphony Orchestra
New Year Concert 2025
£16, over 60s £14, u16s £7
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
T 01522 837600
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Romeo & Juliet
£5, Live Pass £3
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
T 01522 837600
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Funny Girl – Screening From £9
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
The Tales of Hoffman – The Royal Ballet and Opera Cinema Screening
£19, Conc. £16
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Performed by second year
students University of Lincoln’s School of Creative Arts.
£5, Live Pass £3
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
Thursday 16 January 7.30pm
Friday 17 January 5-7pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Some Guys Have All the Luck
From £30.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz with Me and Mr Jones Popular group returns with memorable tunes and vocals. £7 on-the-door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 837600
Curly Watts turns punk narrator for Pretty Vacant
eenage kicks with punk nostalgia
So what’s on offer?
Pretty Vacant – The Story of Punk and New Wave will be at the New Theatre Royal on January 24 with narrator former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy taking audiences from the beginnings of punk in the 1970s, to later movements in the 80s and 90s.
There will be music from The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Blondie, Ramones, Buzzcocks, The Pretenders, Joy Division, The Stranglers and many more.
Another former soap star, Shaun Williamson, the hapless Barry from Eastenders will be bringing his Barrioke sessions to The Drill on January 25. His audience participation karaokes have become a festival favourite and nostalgia is definitely the name of the game. It is perhaps unfair to lump Pistols former front man John Lydon in with a piece on punk nostalgia, especially it is second incarnation Public Image Limited (PiL) that he will be bringing to the Engine Shed on July 4.
However, the first PiL album was released in 1978 and the man himself has addressed the reasoning behing This Is Not The Last Tour. His lifelong friend and manager, John Rambo Stevens passed away suddenly following the last PiL tour, in December 2023, soon after the death of Lydon’s wife, Nora, in April 2023.
Friday 17 January –
Saturday 18 January
7.30pm
Saturday 18 January
Various times
Monday 20 January
7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN The Adult Panto - Jack & his Giant Stalk
£24, Conc. £23, 16+ only
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE ENGINE SHED Bongo’s Bingo £17, 18+ only
www.engineshed.co.uk
ST. MARY’S GUILDHALL, 385 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN LN5 7SF Guild Session #59
Two quality concerts with local and national acoustic performers. £5 on-the-door, cash only
www.facebook.com/TheGuildSessions
T 07944 907051
“I thought that might be it. After losing Nora, and Rambo, I couldn’t see a way through. I’d already committed to the spoken word tour, this spring, and I never let anyone down – I always stick to my word – so I had to do those dates.
“The thing is, people were so overwhelmingly positive, and they asked me to tour PiL again. With so many people asking and with the band meaning so much to them, I couldn’t just stay on my sofa and not tour – tempting though that obviously is.”
Thursday 23 January 7.30pm
Friday 24 January –Saturday 8 February 3pm & 7.30pm
Friday 24 January Various times
Friday 24 January 7pm
Friday 24 January 7pm
Friday 24 January 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Ed Byrne – Tragedy Plus Time
From £35.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LN3 5AW
The Snow Queen – Lindsey Rural Players £12, Conc. £11, family £40 www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0300 400 0101
THE ENGINE SHED Bongo’s Bingo £17, 18+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
THE DRILL, LINCOLN
Nine Below Zero & Dr. Feelgood £30.25, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
BA Dance Showcase 2025
£3
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
T 01522 837600
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Pretty Vacant – The Story of Punk & New Wave
See preview above.
From £30.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
Saturday 25 January 8pm
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN, LN1 3BU
Lincoln Jazzpac - The Bryan Corbett Quintet
Playing the best from ‘Blue Note’ Tickets £16, members £14, u18s £8 www.jazzpac.co.uk
T 01522 529717
Saturday 25 January 7pm
Saturday 25 January 7pm – 10pm
Saturday 25 January 7.30pm
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET Burns Night
Traditional bagpiper piping in the Haggis, a complimentary whisky, and music from Salt of the Earth. www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Barrioke
£22, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN The Elton John Show
From £25.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Sunday 26 January 8pm
Monday
27 January 7pm
Tuesday
28 January 7.30pm
Wednesday
29 January 7pm – 10pm
Wednesday
29 January 7pm
Thursday 30 January 7.30pm
Thursday 30 January 8pm
Friday
31 January 5-7pm
Friday 31 January 7.30pm
Friday 31 January 7.30pm
Saturday 1 February –Sunday 2 February 12pm, 2pm & 5.30pm
Saturday 1 February 7pm
Jenny Eclair Jokes, Jokes, Jokes Live!
£28
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN
Holocaust Memorial Day
Remembering the Kindertransport, 10,000 children saved in 1938, and one Lincoln family’s experience. With music by Simcha, Lincoln's Klezma band.
See website for details www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
The Bug Club
£16.50, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Southside’s Jam Night FREE
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN Pet Needs
£14.30, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Dom Martin
£23.10, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Comedy Night at the Royal £17, 18+ only www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Great way to start the weekend.
£7 on-the-door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
£31
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN Wrong Jovi £22, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
Katy Baker School of Dance Presents ‘Our Story: A Ten-Year Celebration From £11, child £9 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Steve’n’Seagulls Finnish country band playing bluegrass and Americana. £24.75, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
Saturday 1 February 7.30pm
Wednesday 5 February 6.30pm
Saturday 8 February 3pm & 7.30pm
Saturday 8 February 7pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Stuart Michael Psychic £28.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Butterfly Club
Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and their carers.
£5, carer FREE
www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Adam Kay: Undoctored From £30.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Livewire The AC/DC Show From £20, 14+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
Saturday 8 February 7.30pm
Sunday 9 February 7.30pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Herring Comedy Club
With Glenn Wool, Adam Flood, Sean Gorman and MC Adam Beardsmore.
£18.15, 18+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Defying Gravity: West End Women
With favourite songs from major shows.
From £29.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Tuesday 11 February –Wednesday 12 February 7.30pm
Friday 14 February 5-7pm
An Evening Shared with Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan
£35
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Great way to start the weekend. £7 on-the-door www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Friday 14 February 7pm
Friday 14 February 7.30pm
Saturday 15 February 7.30pm
Monday 17 February 7.30pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY The Style Councillors
£22, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Showaddywaddy
£30
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY The Ogretones
£16.50, u16s must be accompanied by an adult www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
ST. MARY’S GUILDHALL, 385 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN
The Guild Sessions
£5 on-the-door, cash only
www.facebook.com/TheGuildSessions T 07944 907051
Until Sunday 5 January 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm on Sundays)
Until Sunday 5 January 2025 10am – 4pm
Mondays 7 - 9pm
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN
A Christmas Cracker
Wonderful gift ideas from multiple invited artists. info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537
USHER GALLERY
Lincolnshire Artists’ Society Exhibition
Majority of works will be for sale. FREE www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
UPSTAIRS AT THE CARDINAL’S HAT Draw & Drink
Two- hour portrait drawing class, led by Ellie Benton. £15
www.facebook.com/ lincolndrawdrink T 07810 835147
Tuesdays every second & last of the month 6.45pm – 9pm
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Life Drawing
Class guided by local artist Tom Humby. Materials provided. Adult £8, Con£6, Book online www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOORLAND AVENUE, LN6 7JJ
Moorland Makers
Work on your own projects, have a go at something new, and make friends. Bring your own craft materials. FREE
chelsey@rootedarts.org.uk
USHER GALLERY
Thursdays –Mondays until March 2025 10am – 4pm
Thursdays 10am –12.30pm
Thursdays 2pm – 3pm
Norton Disney Dodecahedron FREE www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
VILLAGE HALL, CARLTON-LEMOORLAND, LN5 9HP Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group
Informal and friendly group meeting. New members of any ability from beginners to experienced are welcome. T 01522 810739
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Craft Club
Relax, socialise and share your story through your craft 16+. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/ lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Saturday 4 January 7pm – 8pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur
Jeffrey Makinson plays Olivier Messiaen’s famous piece. £15
www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
Tuesday 7 January –Sunday 19 January (closed Mondays) 10am – 4pm
Friday 10 January 7.30pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN
Art for Less: January Sale Extravaganza
Exhibition of discounted artwork from the Indigo Crow resident artists. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
THE VENUE CINEMA, BISHOP
GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY
Film: The Origin of Evil (France 2022. Cert 15) Darkly comic thriller. Season ticket holders only www.lincolnfilmsociety.com
T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)
Saturday 11 January 10.30am –1.30pm
Thursday 16 January 10am
Thursdays 6pm – 8pm
USHER GALLERY Life Drawing Classes
Relaxed tutored evening sessions suitable for all skill levels, £11, Conc. £9 www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, LN2 1EZ
Saturdays 4 January & 1 February 12pm – 2pm
Write Note
Open mic session FREE, no booking required www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshi re/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Friday 24 January 7.30pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Express Yourself: Rude Pottery Plates £55 www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Technically Speaking Be inspired by people dedicated to making technical theatre and stage management more inclusive and accessible. FREE, booking essential www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
T 01522 837600
THE VENUE CINEMA, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY Film: All We Imagine as Light (India 2024. Cert 15) Three women hospital workers in Mumbai connect with each other in this quiet, moving Hindi-language story of identity and loneliness in a big city. Season ticket holders only www.lincolnfilmsociety.com
T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)
Friday 31 January 7.30pm
Thursday 30 January –Saturday 1 February 7.15pm
Saturday 1 February 7.30pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Queen by Candlelight Performed by a live cast of West End singers, accompanied by a live rock band.
From £28.50 www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Indie-Lincs International Film Festival 2025 Prices and programme TBC www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
T 01522 837600
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Country by Candlelight Hits from Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Shania Twain, and more. From £28.50 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Tuesday 4 February 7pm
LINCOLN COUNTY ASSEMBLY ROOMS An Evening with Alex Hay – The Queen of Fives
Nothing is quite as it seems in Victorian high society, in the twisty and original new novel from the author of The Housekeepers. Tickets from £7 www.ticketsource.co.uk/lindumbooks /t-vvaojya T 01522 262374
Thursday 8 February 10am –12.30pm
VILLAGE HALL, CARLTON-LEMOORLAND, LN5 9HP Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group
Workshop with Stephen Coates –Watercolour Skies.
Members £15, Visitors £18 T 01522 811510
Tuesday 11 February –Saturday 15 February
Time slots: 7pm, 7.15pm, 7.30pm, 7.45pm, 8pm, 8.15pm, 8.30pm, 8.45pm, 9pm, 9.15pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Time by Luxmuralis
After stunning audiences with ‘Life’ and ‘Science’, Luxmuralis will make it’s return to Lincoln Cathedral in 2025 with ‘Time’, a new innovative light and sound show created by the acclaimed artistic collaboration.
Adults, £10.78, child £8.66, U5s FREE
www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
Mondays 10am – 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Futures For You Drop In The National Careers Service offers free, impartial information, advice and guidance to anyone 19+ on preparing for and gaining new employment.
Free
www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Mondays & Fridays 2pm – 3pm
Wednesdays 4pm – 4.45pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Databank Surgery
Collect your data voucher as part of the National Databank initiative to combat digital hardship.
Free
www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire /lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Lego Coding Club Engage in STEM with Lego. FREE, booking essential via email lincoln_library@gll.org T 01522 782010
Second Wednesday every month 7.15pm
Thursdays 11am – 12pm
BAILGATE METHODIST HALL, NEWPORT, LINCOLN Lincoln Minster Townswomen’s Guild Speakers on a variety of topics or members’ nights for craftwork, games and conversation. Free for first two visits T 07794 862314 (Sarah)
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Family History Help
Use the resources available in the library’s archives and online databases.
FREE, booking required www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/ lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Wednesday 8 January 7.30pm
Fridays 2pm – 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Learn My Way
Join a basic IT beginner’s course, suitable for 16+.
FREE, booking required www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/ lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Thursday 9 January 7.30pm
Saturday 11 January 2pm
ST HUGH’S HALL, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology Town Planning in Lincoln, 192039: A tool for social engineering presented by Rob Wheeler £4, SLHA Members £3 www.slha.org.uk
ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY Wildlife of the Yorkshire Coast by Steve Race £4 on-the-door, u16s FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk T 01522 753809
QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN, LN5 8EW Lincolnshire Family History Society: Lincoln Branch An A-Z of Family History presented by Janet Few, delivered live via Teams.
FREE T 07941 245322
BY ZOOM
Monday 13 January 7.30pm
Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology
Medieval Brick Buildings by Dr James Wright FSA of Triskele Heritage.
Admission by donation through www.slha.org.uk
Find & Embrace Your Future at Lincoln College
14th Jan 4-7pm 8th March 10am-1pm
7th May 4-7pm 21st June 10-1pm
Tuesday 21 January 1.30pm - 3pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Trekking to Everest Basecamp
A talk by Anne Green to Lincoln Bailgate u3a. £2 on-the-door www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
Tuesday 14 January 4pm – 7pm
LINCOLN COLLEGE Open Day
Giving prospective students, along with family and friends, a chance to look around and get a better idea of what college life is like.
FREE - register to attend www.lincolncollege.ac.uk T 01522 876000
Thursday 16 January 7.30pm –9.30pm
Friday 17 January 2pm – 4.30pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Talk: Highlands and Islands of Scotland
Lincoln Area Group is joined by guest speaker, wildlife photographer Geoff Trinder. £2.50, all welcome www.lincstrust.org.uk
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, LN2 1EZ Aspire Adult Learning Team
Discover the range of courses available across the county and tell Aspire what topics you want to learn about. www.better.org.uk/library/lincoln
Saturday 18 January 10am – 12pm
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN Open Campus
An opportunity to tour the campus and modern facilities including award-winning accommodation.
FREE, booking recommended www.lincoln.ac.uk
Sunday 19 January 2.30pm –4.30pm
THE OLD SCHOOL, MILL HILL, NETTLEHAM, LN2 2PE Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
Sunday special – including New Hall at Lincoln Castle, Chris Casswell and Lincolnshire Watermills with Jon Sass, £4 cash on the door www.slha.org.uk
Wednesday 29 January 10am – 1pm
JEWS’ COURT, LINCOLN, LN2 1LS Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
Craft: Victorian Valentines. Admission includes materials and tea and coffee.
£8.50, SLHA & LRS Members £7.50 www.slha.org.uk
Wednesday 29 January 7.30pm ONLINE BY ZOOM Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
The Sieges of Crowland during the English Civil War: Myths and Realities, presented by Dr Jon Fitzgibbons.
Admission by donation www.slha.org.uk
Thursday 30 January 2pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, LN1 1EZ Society For Lincolnshire History & Archaeology
Digging Lincoln
Dr Michael J Jones discusses a personal account of the city’s archaeological discovery as reviewed in December’s Independent
Admission by donation www.slha.org.uk
Thursday 30 January 6.30pm –9.30pm
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ Lecture & Supper Series
My Father’s Story – Flt Lt Alan Green, a navigator in Bomber Command in World War II. £15.25, booking essential www.internationalbcc.co.uk
Tuesday 4 February 12pm
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND AG Careers 2025
Learn about jobs in agriculture, horticulture and the food sector. FREE, book online www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
Saturday 8 February 2pm
Thursday 13 February
9.30am – 3pm
THE HUB, NAVIGATION WHARF, CARRE ST, SLEAFORD NG34 7TW Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology
Exploring Lincolnshire's Gilbert Country Prof. Andrew Jackson £4 (SLHA members £3) www.slha.org.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Lincolnshire Farming Conference 2025
Discussing how the next generation can be inspired to feed a growing population. £20, student £10, LAS FREE www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
Thursday 13 February
7.30pm
ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY Alberta & British Columbia in spring. By Graham Catley. £4 on-the-door, u16s FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk T 01522 753809
Until Friday 1 January 2027
9am – 12pm
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
10am – 12pm
HIGH STREET, LINCOLN Murder Mystery Experience
Explore Lincoln like never before with this cutting-edge mobile app as your trusty guide. Trek through town, crack codes and gather clues to solve the mystery. From £15 per team, 2-6 players per group www.im-puzzled.co.uk T 077514 02047
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH
Coffee Morning Monday – Craft Morning. Wednesday – Bacon Rolls. Friday – Toast bar & board games.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 10am – 2.30pm WITHAM PARK, WATERSIDE SOUTH, LINCOLN, LN5 7JN Toy Library & Soft Play
0-5s play area with sensory room, picnic area, toy and soft play hire. toylibrary@childrenslinks.org.uk T 01522 546215
Mondays 10.30am11.30am
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Messy Play
Enjoy the creativity of messy play with your child. Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschool children.
FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/ lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary T 01522 782010
Wednesdays 10.30am –11.30am
Wednesdays
From 8 January 4.30pm – 6pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE
Story & Rhyme Time
Have fun listening to stories and singing rhymes. Suitable for 0 – 4-year-olds and their parents.
FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/ lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary T 01522 782010
ERMINE LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY HUB
Creative Kids Club
Sessions delivered by Hannah Peacock with creative play, storytelling and art. For U11s and their families.
FREE, no booking required www.rootedarts.org.uk
Thursdays 10am – 11am & 11.30am –12.30pm
Thursdays 10.30am –11.30am
Fridays
Term Time
Only 10.30am –11.30am
TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN
TinyTalk Baby Signing
Help your child communicate before they can talk with baby signing classes. www.tinytalk.co.uk
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Connect Over a Cuppa
Have a catch-up over a cuppa and a biscuit. (provided). FREE, donations welcome
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Sensory Play
Play session for babies and prewalkers.
FREE
Saturday 15 February 10am –1.30pm
DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS Winter Tree Identification
Learn how to tell trees apart at this time of year, from buds and bark to twigs and shape. £30
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
Saturday 15 February 1.30pm –3.30pm m
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Talk: The Meaning of Geese Book talk and signing by author Nick Acheson. £5
www.lincstrust.org.uk T 01522 696926
Tuesday 18 February 1.30pm - 3pm OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE
Katherine Swynford
A talk by Baz Aveyard to Lincoln Bailgate u3a about the mother of a royal dynasty. £2 on-the-door www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
Saturdays 10am– 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Lego Club
A place for children to use their imagination and build their own world using Lego. For 4 years and over, plus parents. Free
www.better.org.uk/library/lincol nshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Saturdays 10am – 1pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Craft Club
Tuesdays 9am – 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Advice in the Community
Discuss your concerns and issues relating to benefit support, housing, and debt with an adviser from the Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey team.
FREE T 01522 782010
Saturdays 10am
www.better.org.uk/library/lincol nshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
TOBY CARVERY, ST MARKS, LINCOLN Lincoln Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club For military veterans or those serving to meet for a breakfast and banter. www.afvbc.net
Thursday 9 January 7.15pm
Interactive kids’ craft workshop creating simple art to complex pieces. FREE
THE GRANDSTAND, CARHOLME ROAD
Lincoln WI
Reflexology with Nicola from Your Sole Coach. FREE for members, guests £5 www.thelincolnwi.com
Friday 17 January 4pm
Saturday 18 January 11am – 1pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Community Film Screening
FREE, booking essential www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
T 01522 837600
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Lincoln Sustainable Fashion Forum – Adults Clothes Swap
Bring up to 5 preloved items of clothing, shoes or accessories to swap for newto-you pieces reducing textile waste.
FREE, more details online www.instagram.com/lincoln sustainablefashion
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Sunday 19 January 10am – 2pm
Toy Collectors Fair
200-table event - from Corgi and Hornby to Sci-Fi, Star Wars, film and TV items.
FREE
£3.50, seniors £3, u15s FREE www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
T 01522 522900
Please note - if contact details are missing these are the same as the first listing.
Mondays 10am
Mondays 10.30am
ONE NK LEISURE CENTRE, NORTH HYKEHAM Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks. 01522 444632
WHISBY NATURE PARK Whisby Visually Impaired Walk
Meet Natural World Centre. FREE
Mondays 12.45pm CLIFF HOUSE MEDICAL PRACTICE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN. Wellbeing Walk Walk to Castle Square for 1pm. FREE
Mondays 1pm BLACK BULL, WELTON. Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
Mondays first & third of the month 1.30pm
THE ARK, NORTH HYKEHAM Music For Memory Singing group for people with memory problems accompanied by their carers. Free parking and refreshments included.
Donation of £1.50 welcome lhoenes@virginmedia.com T 01522 262656 (Linda)
AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANT
Showcasing seasonal estate-grown produce and the 昀nest locally sourced ingredients
RESERVE YOUR TABLE À LA CARTE • FRI & SAT 6-9PM SUNDAY LUNCH • 12-4PM
Mondays Except Bank Holidays 7pm
LNER STADIUM, COMMUNITY HUB, SINCIL BANK, LINCOLN ANDYSMANCLUB
Talking group for men to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health through conversation. FREE
www.andysmanclub.co.uk
Sunday 19 January 8.30am – 3pm
Saturday 25 January 10.30am –11.30am (ages 4-12) 11.45am –12.45pm (13+)
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
The Vintage Flea Market Cool and quirky collectables. £3, cash only
www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
T 01522 522900
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, LN6 7NH
Let’s Try… Aerial and Circus Skills
Creative Heights pop-up workshops give the opportunity ro trial aerial apparatus and play with a range of group-based activities like diablo.
FREE, booking essential www.rootedarts.org.uk
Sunday 26 January 12pm – 3pm
DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS, LN6 4RU
Wedding Open Day
The Doddington team, along with handpicked suppliers, will be on hand with advice for your special day.
FREE, booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
Tuesdays 7pm – 8pm
Wednesdays (2nd of every month) 10am
Wednesdays 10am –11.30am
FALDINGWORTH MEMORIAL HALL, Authentic Argentine Tango
Beginners’ tango class with Lucas Gou.
£8
www.authentictango.com/contact
BOULTHAM PARK HOUSE CARE HOME, ROOKERY LANE , LINCOLN, LN6 7PH
Boultham Sensory Stroll Meet at the back gate next to the park. FREE
TESCO EXTRA COMMUNITY ROOM, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sam Easeful 60-minute class including breath practice and relaxation. Equipment provided. £7, subsidised places available, booking essential www.peaceplacepeople.simplybook.it
Wednesdays 10.30am –12pm
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Authentic Argentine Tango
Embrace the elegance and passion of tango with Lucas Gou. For beginners. £8 www.authentictango.com/contact
Tuesdays 10.45am
Mondays 6.30pm –7.30pm
Mondays 7pm – 8pm
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN
Gentle Yoga with Emily Warrior Yoga
£8, book online www.emilywarrioryoga.com
BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH RockFit
£6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
Tuesdays 1pm
YARBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE, RISEHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3SP Wellbeing Walk - Uphill Lincoln
Meet in foyer for short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
COMMUNITY HUB, EAST STREET, NETTLEHAM, LN2 2SL Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
Wednesdays From 18 September 10.30am –12pm
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Rock Choir
Join the UK’s leading contemporary choir and improve your general wellbeing in a healthy and active hobby. First session free, then £30 a month www.rockchoir.com T 01522 437942
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Wednesdays 1pm
Wellbeing Walk
Meet outside Rangers’ office for short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
Please note - if contact details are missing these are the same as the first listing.
Wednesdays 7pm – 8pm
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN
RockFit
Classes combining dance fitness with metal and rock music. Suitable for all . £6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
Thursdays 9am-10am
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN
Dance Fit with Nick A fun fitness class for all ability levels.
£5, all proceeds go to SHINE www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548
Thursdays 10am
Thursdays (1st and 3rd of the month) 10am
Thursdays 11am
Thursday (1st of the month)
Thursdays 12.30pm –2pm
ROSIE LEA’S CAFÉ, CHERRY WILLINGHAM, LN3 4JL Wellbeing Walk FREE
Thursdays 10am VILLAGE HALL, MERE ROAD, WADDINGTON, LN5 9NX Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
Thursdays (1st and 3rd of the month) 10am
PENNELLS GARDEN CENTRE, SOUTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9NT Wellbeing Walk FREE
Thursdays 7.30pm – 9pm
VILLAGE HALL, BRANSTON, LN4 1NS Wellbeing Walk FREE
www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks 01522 444632
COMMUNITY CENTRE CAR PARK, LINCOLN ROAD, SKELLINGTHORPE, Wellbeing Walk FREE
www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks 01522 444632
NETTLEHAM VILLAGE HALL, BROOKFIELD AVENUE, LN2 2SS Nettleham Sensory Stroll FREE
AGE UK, 36 PARK STREET, LINCOLN, LN1 1UQ
Bring Me Sunshine
Dementia-friendly singing group, full of fun, friendship, laughter and music! Cuppas and cakes included.
£3.50, must be accompanied by a carer or loved one T 03455 564 144
CUSTOM FITNESS GYM, DEAN ROAD, LINCOLN
Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sam
Easeful 60-minute class including breath practice and 30 minutes relaxation with refreshments
Equipment provided.
£7, subsidised places available, booking essential www.peaceplacepeople.simplybook.it
Fridays 10am
12 MINT LANE, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Mint Lane Gardening Club
Help to renovate the Mint Lane garden, learn and discuss permaculture principles and techniques. FREE mintlanecic@gmail.com
Fridays 2pm – 4.30pm
THE YMCA SHOWROOM, TRITTON ROAD
Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sam Easeful 60-minute class including breath practice and relaxation. Equipment provided. £7, subsidised places available, booking essential www.peaceplacepeople.simplybook.it
Fridays 10.30am WHISBY NATURE PARK Wellbeing Walk FREE
Fridays 1pm
Saturdays 9am
Sundays 3.30pm – 5pm
ACTIVE NATION LEISURE CENTRE, BIRCHWOOD, LN6 0JE Wellbeing Walk
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL
Bailgate Yoga Club £8, Conc. £6.50, must book www.mokshalincoln.com
CUSTOM FITNESS GYM, DEAN ROAD, LINCOLN
Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sam
See previous listing (left) £7, subsidised places available, booking essential www.peaceplacepeople.simplybook.it
Mysterious dodecahedron on display at Usher
THE Roman dodecahedron found at Norton Disney can be seen at Lincoln’s Usher Gallery until March.
Thought to date from the third or fourth century, the copper alloy, hollow, 12-sided object (inset right) was found by the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group in the summer of 2023 (pcitured above).
It is one of only 33 such dodecahedrons found in Britain, and the first to have been found in the Midlands. It is also one of the largest examples to be found, measuring around 8cm tall and weighing 245g.
Most other examples are usually found damaged, or as fragments, but the Norton Disney dodecahedron is complete and in remarkable condition after 1,700 years of being buried.
Richard Parker, Group secretary said: “Despite all the research that has gone into our dodecahedron, and others like it, we are no closer to finding out exactly what it is and what it might have been used for. The mystery that surrounds it has provoked quite a
reaction. Our find received worldwide press attention earlier this year and many people have left us messages with varied and somewhat contradictory suggestions about its purpose.
“What we do know is the Norton Disney dodecahedron was found on the top of a hill in a former large pit of some kind. It seems it was deliberately placed there. Why would someone bury an object like this? Did it have religious or ritualistic significance? What else might we find nearby?"
In the summer of 2024, the Group re-opened the trench where the docdecahedron was discovered and nvestigated other features on the site. The finds are being processed and will in time provide more information about this area in the Roman period.
