POETRY podcasts, fiction, and family fun all feature in the newly released programme for Lincoln Book Festival 2025, which runs from October 2-5 at venues across the historic city.
With more than 40 events over four days, this year’s festival presents a diverse mix of author talks, performances, workshops, and community activities.
Lincoln Book Festival 2025 is supported by Arts Council England, using money from the National Lottery. A range of local organisations are also supporting the festival and tickets are available now, with many events free to attend (advance booking required).
Highlights include:
l Lemn Sissay OBE, award-winning poet and playwright, performing from his collection Let the Light Pour In
l Marcia Hutchinson, acclaimed author and activist with her solo literary debut, The Mercy Step
l Dominic Franks, chef and social media star, launching his new cookbook, Upside Down Cooking
l Tristan Gooley, bestselling author of Natural Navigation, on finding your way through nature
l Hannah Gold, best-selling children’s author, returning to her home county of Lincolnshire.
Alongside an eclectic line-up of guest author appearances there are free family events and activities, a literature inspired trail, original performances, music and dance, local history talks, live podcast recordings, food and drink, folklore tales, writers’ workshops, arts and crafts, publishing industry insights, author networking events, and more.
Lincoln Arts Centre is the festival hub and box office with core programme and fringe events also taking place at city venues including Lincoln Central Library, Lark Books, Usher Gallery, Oxfam Book Shop, and Waterstones Lincoln.
This year’s festival marks two milestones - the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Academic experts from Lincoln’s universities will jointly host an event exploring Austen’s brilliance and legacy. Historians from local societies will showcase original research on Lincolnshire’s past. Winners of the book festival’s ever-popular flash fiction short story competition (on the theme Heroes and Villains) will also be revealed.
Jo Dobbs, Lincoln Book Festival 2025 Programme Manager, said:
Over 40 literary events at festival Moving House?
“We’ve curated this year’s programme to reflect the many ways people connect with stories - whether through reading, writing, performing, or simply listening. It’s a festival that invites curiosity, creativity, and conversation, with opportunities to get involved at every level.
“We especially hope to welcome those who might not usually see themselves in a book festival audience. There are family-friendly events which are completely free to attend, along with inspiring guest author talks and explorations of local history and folklore.”
Lincoln Book Festival 2025 is made possible thanks to the support of a £25,000 grant from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and a network of local businesses and cultural organisations, including Lincoln Arts Centre, as festival co-producer, and the headline festival patron, law firm Shakespeare Martineau. Other patrons and partners include Lincoln Bishop University, Troubador Publishing, University of Lincoln, Wright Vigar, Zest Theatre, Poplars B&B (accommodation partner), Lindum Books (bookseller partner), Lincoln Independent (media partner), and Ruddocks (print partner).
Michael Squirrell, partner and head of Shakespeare Martineau’s Lincoln office, said: “We believe in championing events in the community that bring people together through creativity and connection. Lincoln Book Festival reflects our values perfectly, offering a platform for bold ideas, diverse voices, and shared stories that inspire and uplift. We’re proud to support a festival that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the transformative power of words.”
For the full programme and to book tickets, visit: www.lincolnbookfestival.org or book directly via the LAC at: https://lincolnartscentre.co.uk.
See page 27 for full list of events.
Chartered Certified Accountants
Milestones and anniversaries
WE’RE achieving some landmark moments here at Indie Towers.
The December issue marks the 25th anniversary of the Lincoln Independent - or the Bailgate News as it was then.
We’ll obviously be marking the anniversary in that edition and we’d like your help.
Share your memories of the Indie over the years with us. Did you used to deliver the magazine or were you a regular contributor?
We really would love to hear from you - please email me at the address below.
For those of you who don’t know (under which rock have you been hiding?) we now also produce the Hello Lincoln website.
I don’t know where the time has gone, but we’ll be celebrating the first anniversary of Lincoln’s dedicated community website later this month.
In August we also published the 1,000th story on the site and achieved 10,000 views in one week for the first time.
We’re a bit giddy with the site’s success now, but we won’t pretend that it hasn’t been a hard slog.
So we’d like to give ourselves a little pat on the back and thank the people who have helped ensure Hello Lincoln is still with us including City of Lincoln Council, Investors in Lincoln, LocalMotion, Ellmore Digital along with our advertisers and contributors.
We’d like to see ourselves following in the footsteps of Harry North (pictured - story page 12) in ensuring communications continue despite adversity.
Amanda
Dexter & Sharpe
Lincoln Office
Landmark House 1 Riseholme Road
Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 3SN
Tel: 01522 533588
GET IN TOUCH
Your Lincoln Independent is produced at 29 Belle Vue Road, Lincoln, LN1 1HH (mail only) . www.lincolnindependent.co.uk
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Contact Amanda McSorley on 0781 667 5011 email: amanda@lincolnindependent.co.uk
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Rachel Bishop on 07983 460 640. email: rachel@lincolnindependent.co.uk
Teenage soldier Harry North wrote around 90 letters to his sister during the First World War giving us a unique perspective of the conflict.
What’s On guide (pages 20-33) can be accessed using this QR code. Send to your family and friends so they can discover how much is really happening in Lincoln.
There’s music, art, theatre, family fun and so much more.
We are celebrating 25 years of the Lincoln Independent magazine in 2025 Lincoln’s premiere and FREE magazine brings you news, features and lifestyle coverage from the city and beyond.
OCTOBER ISSUE DEADLINE
Material for our October edition should reach us by September 15. We welcome your news and comments and will do our best to publish submitted items, but this is not always possible and we reserve the right to withhold content.
Next issue out from October 6.
10,000 copies of the Lincoln Independent Magazine are printed and hand delivered to the thriving residential and business areas of Lincoln and the surrounding villages.
Lincoln Independent’s targeted distribution works well for clients and we spot check deliveries every month.
In line with General Data Protection Regulations a copy of our Privacy Policy is available to view and download from our website www.lincolnindependent.co.uk or on request from the address above.
Fire Works Design is not liable for any of the services advertised in this magazine or any inaccuracies contained within. For proof of print run, please contact WARNERS on 01778 391000.
Lincoln Castle guides conduct 10,000 tours
THE Friends of Lincoln Castle guides are celebrating delivering 10,000 tours to visitors since the landmark reopened in 2015 after major renovation works.
The milestone coincides with a special anniversary for the Friends with 2025 marking 40 years since the group was founded in 1985.
On Friday, August 15 guide, Dawn Studd, welcomed visitors to the 10,000th tour.
Paul Scott from the Friends of Lincoln Castle Group (FOLC), said: “It’s a privilege to support the castle and share the incredible history of one of Lincolnshire’s great landmarks with visitors.”
Paul, pictured above, has been leading tours for 11 years.
“While no two tours are ever the same, they are always a great way of staying active and meeting new people. Just this week I welcomed a couple who had travelled all the way from New Zealand and enjoyed one of my tours.
“The Friends of Lincoln Castle are always on the lookout for more enthusiastic volunteers – so if you want to share your passion for local history and meet new people, please get in touch, it would be great to hear from you.”
The Friends are holding a special showcase weekend at the castle on September 27-28 giving free grounds tours and enabling visitors to meet the volunteers and find out more about their work.
Each tour lasts up to an hour taking visitors on journey through the castle’s past to find out more about the bailey, the east and west gates, the Victorian Prison, events such as the two battles of Lincoln and the remarkable people connected to the landmark through the centuries.
Kimberley Vickers, culture services manager for Lincoln Castle, added: “Delivering 10,000 tours is an incredible achievement and a real testament to the dedication of our volunteer guides.
“The tours receive consistently excellent reviews, with visitors telling us how much they appreciate the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm in bringing the castle’s rich history to life.
“We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers who, come rain or shine, ensure our visitors enjoy a brilliant experience. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration and welcoming many more visitors to this special place.”
To find out more about joining the Friends of Lincoln Castle as a volunteer, please email: lincolncastleguides@gmail.com
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The personal touch for personal injury claims
BY JOHN KNIGHT HEAD OF THE PERSONAL INJURY & MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE TEAMS
LAST month we looked at how going it alone with a personal injury claim could cost you more than you think.
According to the Compensation Recovery Unit (for year 2024/25, covering England, Wales & Northern Ireland), 447,973 personal injury cases were registered and trends now are starting to show more people attempting to pursue these claims without any legal representation.
At Ringrose Law, we understand how lifechanging a personal injury can be— whether you’ve suffered an accident at work, a road traffic collision, or a slip in a public place.
We’ve been helping clients across Lincolnshire and the wider region for over 100 years, we have one of the biggest personal injury teams in the County and our dedicated team has the knowledge,
skill, and compassion to help you get the outcome you deserve.
We are more commonly seeing clients who have started their claims on their own and struggling to continue. The complexities of the legal paperwork, the recovery of the injured person and the complicated legal processes are causing many people to seek help half way through starting a claim.
Here's how we help
• Free initial consultation – no commitment, just expert advice from the start
• No win, no fee – we believe everyone deserves access to justice without financial risk.
• Friendly, local service – we’re not a call centre, we’re real people who care, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
• Track record of success – ask our clients, we have helped many clients receive the compensation they deserve to help them move forward with their future.
We know how personal an injury can be, and your legal support should be just as personal.
At Ringrose Law, you’ll have a dedicated contact who listens, understands, and keeps you informed every step of the way—no jargon, no confusion, just honest advice and a service that’s built around you.
Injured and unsure what to do next?
You don’t have to face this alone. Our friendly, expert team is here to guide you through every step and help you find the way forward. Contact Ringrose Law today—together, we can turn a difficult time into a more hopeful future.
Call 01522 561020 or visit the office on Silver Street, Lincoln.
News from Lincoln Bishop University lincolnbishop.ac.uk
Opening a new chapter as Lincoln Bishop University
ON Monday, September 1 Bishop Grosseteste University publicly changed its name to Lincoln Bishop University.
The first official day as Lincoln Bishop University was a celebration in welcoming new and returning students for the start of a new academic year.
The proposed name change was originally submitted to the Office for Students (OfS) in April 2024 following a consultation process in which the university engaged with over 600 stakeholders including staff, current students, prospective students, alumni, and representatives from local schools and colleges.
The name Lincoln Bishop University reflects the institution’s proud heritage and location within the historic city of Lincoln, in a contemporary strategic context - not only enabling the expansion of its reach, both nationally and internationally, but also the opportunity to deepen its impact.
Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Gower, said: “It’s a great privilege to be leading the University at this exciting time. I’m hugely grateful for the strength of longstanding local support.
“The connections and collaborations we have with partners in Lincoln and across Lincolnshire are absolutely vital to our future success, as a university that’s committed to bringing positive impact for local residents.”
The new chapter is part of a much bigger story within the university’s history; becoming Lincoln Bishop is only the first stage of a five-year strategic plan.
Strategy 2030 pursues the mission of the university to advance social and economic prosperity through excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange.
“Lincoln Bishop University remains committed to its core values, of inclusion and innovation, all supported by key strategic goals of creating inspiring opportunities and transformative experiences for students, staff and its many partners,” added Prof Gower.
“With sector-leading awards of 1st for Teaching, University of the Year for Student Support and 2nd for Student Satisfaction, students are inspired by the opportunity to study at Lincoln Bishop to pursue their ambitions. “ Courses are designed to provide pathways to a variety of professions, as well as vital stepping stones for students to progress to further study.
With options across various academic disciplines including Education, Health and Business at undergraduate and postgraduate level, on campus, online and through apprenticeships, Lincoln Bishop prioritises employability to support students to achieve their career aspirations.
“Empowering graduates with the skills, knowledge and experience to reach their prospective careers is only possible through the university’s continued growth and development.”
With a distinctive and specialised research profile of international standing in Education, English, History, Archaeology, Psychology and Theology, the university is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding. This commitment is further showcased via Lincoln Bishop’s recently launched suite of MA Education programmes, alongside new, additional routes into teaching via Primary and Secondary Teacher Apprenticeships.
Developments within the university across its range of courses and supporting services, centred around social purpose, provide a personalised and engaging student experience on campus, online and in the workplace.
One of many community-focused projects is the Ermine Library and Community Hub. Located close to campus, the community space offers volunteering opportunities as well public groups providing community services with impact.
Pub group ever so good to work for
EVER So Ever So Sensible Restaurants (ESS) has been awarded Investors in People Platinum Accreditation, the highest level of recognition for people management and workplace culture.
Celebrating success – Chris Bulaitis with Amanda Ryalls and the Ever So Sensible Restaurants management and operations teams at Nottingham Castle.
The group owns four Lincoln pubs – The Duke William, Royal William IV, The Horse and Groom and The Ferryboat at Washingborough as well as six other outlets in the East Midlands. It plans to add two more sites this year.
The award was formally presented by Amanda Ryalls to company chair Chris Bulaitis (pictured front) positioning Ever So Sensible Restaurants as the number one hospitality company globally in its class, accredited by Investors in People.
Chris said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive Platinum. Our philosophy has always been ‘people first, all the way.’ This award recognises the care, pride, and recognition shown by every member of our team, and it reflects our belief that by making work better for our people, we deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”
Since its first Investors in People accreditation in 2019 (Silver), Ever So Sensible has progressed through Gold in 2022 to Platinum in 2025, consistently outperforming benchmarks across workplace engagement and leadership.
Amanda Ryalls, Investors in People Practitioner, praised the achievement: “Ever So Sensible Restaurants is a shining example of how putting people first leads to long-term success. Their Platinum status is richly deserved and is now the leading benchmark for the wider hospitality sector.”
Key achievements highlighted in the assessment:
• Outstanding people culture – leaders remain personally connected to staff at every level.
• Commitment to development – 46 internal promotions in the last cycle.
• Employee wellbeing – loyalty bonuses, medical insurance, and financial support during times of need.
• Community impact – charitable giving has doubled in the last two years, including ongoing Heli-burger support for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
• Sustained business growth – consistent improvements in sales, productivity, and profitability since 2022.
Rare bat pushes up bypass costs
A RARE breed of bat has helped push up the costs of the proposed North Hykeham Relief Road according to highways bosses.
Lincolnshire County Council’s leaders will be updated on the road scheme’s progress over the next few weeks as the authority eyes an autumn start on site.
A report to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on Thursday, August 28, outlined how the scheme’s costs have risen from between £180m and £208m to between £203m and £218m.
Part of the increase is due to the discovery of the barbastelle bat in the project’s route area – the rare breed is classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (see accompanying Bat Facts in Hello Lincoln’s Environment section).
As a result, a fully grassed-over bridge near the South Hykeham section of the relief must be built to cater for the bats’ flight path. In addition, a bat tunnel at Somerton Gate Lane and a number of bat ‘hop-overs’ have been added to the scheme, which will offer space for the bats to cross the relief road unaffected by moving vehicles.
The council is also challenging an unexpected £3.5m increase in Anglian Water fees to divert the schemes underground water and drainage infrastructure but had counted the revised costs in its new projections.
The North Hykeham Relief Road project will form the final
section of Lincoln’s ring road, with a new dual carriageway built linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass.
As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be constructed, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
Karen Cassar, assistant director for highways, said: “We’re still working at full speed towards getting the North Hykeham Relief Road project to the stage where we can finally break ground. In fact, we’re now expecting to make an official start on site this autumn, when archaeological works begin.”
Councillors will also hear that other additional costs include dualling the Sleaford Road roundabout section of the LEB –construction of a 90-metre section of dual carriageway just after Sleaford Road roundabout to make it easier for vehicles to merge after the roundabout,
Picture of North Hykeham Relief Road route courtesy Lincolnshire County Council. Inset barbastelle bat by Eric Medard for the Woodland Trust.
LETTERS from a teenage Lincoln soldier to his sister outline the grim reality of serving at The Front during the First Word War.
The letters (above) are featured in the book From Harry to Alice, which has been published by Alison and Alan Johnson to highlight the soldier’s ordeal of active service between 1916-18.
There are about 90 letters, which were written by Alan’s great-uncle Harry North to his sister Alice Johnson back in Lincoln while he was serving with the British Army on the frontline in France and Belgium. They were found at the Hillside Avenue home of Alan’s mother’s, Kath Johnson when she moved to sheltered housing on Rasen Lane and were written to Alice at various Lincoln addresses including 4 Burton Road (now the Bronze Pig), which was a cycle shop belonging to Alan’s family. Alison and Alan decided to publish the letters to share Harry’s experiences – they chart how he changed from being an
Lincoln soldier’s letters home from the Front
excited new recruit to recounting the bleak reality of life at the Front.
“In one of his early letters (p.19), while he was in training on the Lincolnshire coast, he writes that they had a new officer who had bought them all a plate and a bowl. To me, that shows how unprepared for war the British Army was, said Alison She had transcribed the letters as they were in a delicate condition and they have all now all been scanned for future generations to read Harry’s experiences.
“For me, the letters relate everyday life in wartime conditions there’s no drama or glory in Harry’s life, just sheer slog a lot of the time
“In one letter (p105), you can see a blob of blood at the top that he says came from one of his ‘pals’. I think that this is blood from a louse; he is so matter of fact about it and about rats running all around them.
“The quote on the back cover really shows his overall mood at that period of the war, he just wants to be home again.”
Harry was wounded and hospitalised and then trained other soldiers how to use machine guns and he also writes about his duties after the war as well as events back in Lincoln including the birth of his nephew, Ted, Alan’s father, who was born in the North family home in Waldeck Street. Harry did make it home and married
Gladys – they are both buried in Newport Cemetery where their headstone (pictured left)) is being renovated by Alan and Alison. The couple now live County Limerick Ireland, but he describes himself as an ‘exVine Street lad’ who discovered more about
his family through the letters.
“I enjoyed finding more about Harry’s early life because I had only known him as a baker in Carholme Road and later as someone living in Tempest St who let me practise driving in his new Austin car.”
From Harry to Alice is available at the Jews’ Court book shop and Lindum Books.
Alice is pictured with her husband Alf Johnson and Alan’s father Ted.
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Three generations of the Jefferson family
Lucie Savill: a Head of her time
PETER HARROD continues to delve into the pictorial past of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School through its Garton Archive.
MISS Lucie Evelyn Savill was appointed the third headmistress of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School (LHS) in 1910 following the untimely death of Miss Ashburner. She was educated at the Girls’ High School, Berkhamsted, and in 1897 attended the Cambridge Training College where she qualified as a teacher. Following two years of teaching experience in Cheshire she enrolled at Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied for a degree in modern history, although her MA was not awarded until 1924 when Oxford finally admitted women to full degrees.
In a nostalgic reminiscence of her early days at LHS, distinguished former pupil Joyce Skinner described Miss Savill’s ‘reign’ as perhaps the most auspicious in the school’s history, as she remained in office for thirty-three years, and established the school’s high reputation.
She steered the School through the First World War, the early part of the Second, and the years of economic depression that separated them. As the school grew rapidly in numbers, she gathered around her a strong and scholarly staff, and she understood and sympathised with the ambitions and concerns of young women.
Discover almost
2,000 years Discover almost 2,000 years of Lincoln’s rich history on a of Lincoln’s rich on a tour of the city’s Guildhall. tour of the city’s Guildhall.
吀is fascinating building sits above the Stonebow, which itself was built over the southern gate into Roman Lincoln so it has been welcoming people into the ci琀 for 1800 years.
吀e current building was 昀nished in 1520 and is the o昀icial home of the Mayor of Lincoln – a position 昀rst established in 1206.
Knowledgeable tour guides will highlight the building’s national importance as they take visitors into main council chamber, where Ci琀 of Lincoln Council still meets. Vellum documents predating the Magna Carta, the sword given to the ci琀 by King Richard II; an impressive range of civic insignia and items representing the ci琀’s military, industrial and aviation heritage are just some of the artefacts waiting to be discovered.
The most touching tributes to Miss Savill’s life and work are to be found in a booklet produced by the school’s Old Girls’ Association in 197I.
As one reads through those glowing tributes by former pupils, friends and colleagues, including her successor, Miss I V Cleave, a strong picture begins to emerge of this ‘tiny’ yet formidable figure with ‘flashing eyes’. Sir Francis Hill, Chairman of the Governors from 1936-1966, described her at the Memorial Service held in Lincoln Cathedral in October 1970 as ‘…short in stature, alert, dynamic, humble in spirit, great in heart’.
Miss Savill’s character was aptly summarised by Ruth Sandy (m. Scott) the school secretary. She described the many facets to her personality including her integrity, her love of truth, goodness and faithfulness, her great gifts of spirit and intellect, her reverence for sound learning, her love of beauty and the arts, her trust in others and her power to delegate.
Others wrote of her zest for life and determination to live it to the full. This seems to have owed much to her deep personal faith. One witness described her devotion to the Christian faith and practice as a deep spirituality combined with her great natural gifts of charm, wit and intellect.
Her concern for her pupils was invariably on display during her annual Speech Day reports. Early in her career at LHS she told the parents that they should ensure that their children go to bed early, do physical exercises at home, sleep with their windows open, and spend as much time as possible in the open air.
She also told her audience that it was a pity that some children went to the pictures twice a week when they should be out to play.
Miss Savill was awarded the OBE in 1939, and on her retirement received Life Membership of the Association of Headmistresses, the highest honour that was theirs to bestow.
Heritage Survey of Lincoln
Celebrating the ancient Greeks in Temple Gardens
In this month’s article from The Survey of Lincoln ANDREW WALKER examines a little-visited building tucked away near the Usher Gallery.
WHILE Lincoln owes much to the Romans, during the early 19th century a building was erected in the centre of the city in honour of Ancient Greece.
From 1824, a Lincoln solicitor, Joseph Moore, built up his landholding on a site now partially occupied by the Usher Gallery. Moore established a garden and pleasure ground where he displayed his growing collection of antiquities.
Near to the highest point of the site. Moore constructed a mockGreek temple. It was copied from the Choragic monument of Thrasyllus and was topped with a statue of Niobe on its roof.
Located on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, the original monument was constructed in 320 BCE. Thrasyllus was an ancient Greek chorus leader and his memorial is believed to celebrate the victory of Thrasyllus’s chorus during a festival performance.
ground are continually discovering some relic of antiquity.’
The ‘tastefulness’ demonstrated by Moore in his collection of ancient antiquities and the construction of a neo-classical temple no doubt prompted a steady stream of socially ambitious local inhabitants to subscribe so that they could be seen promenading conspicuously in this prominent wooded green space on the hillside. Each of the subscribers was given a key to the gardens.
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Skendleby Hall is a charming country manor house located in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds with stunning views. Originally commissioned by Sir Brackenbury as his country shooting residence.
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Events
The tragic mythical figure of Niobe represents a bereaved mother. This structure could perhaps have been a memorial to Moore’s wife, Frances Jane, who died aged 24 in 1826, less than 18 months after their wedding. He married again in 1834, to Catherine Roe, with whom he had a large family.
Moore’s passion for all things Greek reflected contemporary fashion. The year 1824 marked the passing of Lord Byron, at a time when much fashionable opinion supported Greece in its struggle to become free of the Ottoman Empire.
Much rhetoric relating to English urban civic pride made reference to Ancient Greece during the early nineteenth century and the development of Moore’s Temple Gardens with its neo Greek temple at its centre should be seen in this context.
Somewhat ironically perhaps, whilst Moore sought to celebrate Greek civilisation on this land, workers developing the site regularly dug up Roman remains there, including various coins and, a burnt-clay urn, containing human remains.
As the Stamford Mercury declared on 11 May 1832, those ‘who are employed about the
Moore derived income from the pleasure garden through other means besides his subscribers. The gardens were opened occasionally for brass band concerts, firework displays and balloon ascents.
In August 1861, the Lincoln Exhibition took place there, partly inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851, showcasing art, science and industry.
The high quality artworks on display included several paintings of classical scenes by Titian (‘Venus and Adonis’, 1555 and ‘A Martyrdom’, 1550), and a Rubens (‘A Rustic Dance’).
Following Moore’s death in 1863, part of the site later became the home of the new Girls’ High School in 1893, and the western part was bought by the Lincoln draper J.M. Collingham (of Mawer & Collingham), who erected a large house on the site by Lindum Road. This was demolished as part of the landscaping of the grounds of the Usher Gallery, which was opened in 1927.
The mock Greek structure is a reminder of the earlier life of Temple Gardens. The site remains one in which contemplation of the arts is encouraged, but arguably by a wider audience than in Joseph Moore’s day.
www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk.
Photo: Richard Croft
From wakes and special birthday weekends to corporate events, weddings, and everything in between, Skendleby Hall is the perfect backdrop for events which our team can help deliver. We love what we do in event planning and delivery and we have a great team of suppliers that work closely with us.
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New to Skendleby Hall are our retreats. We will be working with our partners, Steve and Yvonne Lovatt, who will be organising our retreat weekends. Sessions will include: Yoga, Mindfulness, Holistic Therapies and much more. Contact Yvonne on 07944 435718 for further information and to make a booking. Contact - Amanda Batham, our General Manager: Phone: 07939 508636
Email: skendlebyhallevents@gmail.com www.skendlebyhall.co.uk - new website September 2025.
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LINCOLN Guildhall has been recognised with a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2025, placing it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
The Guildhall, operated by City of Lincoln Council, also holds the top spot in Things to Do in Lincoln, according to the global travel platform.
The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award celebrates businesses that consistently deliver outstanding experiences to visitors across the world and earn great reviews. Winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings collected over 12 months, making this award a true reflection of public opinion and satisfaction.
Cllr Callum Roper, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience and Review, said: “This recognition is a fantastic achievement for Lincoln Guildhall and a reflection of the exceptional experience it offers our residents and visitors.
“The Guildhall team has once again demonstrated a real commitment to quality, storytelling, and customer care; qualities that both national assessors and the public clearly value. We are proud to see one of Lincoln’s historic gems earning well-deserved national recognition.”
The award follows the Guildhall’s recent reaccreditation from Visit England’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme (VAQAS) and highlights its continued excellence in heritage tourism and visitor experience.
As a member of the Visit England VAQAS, Lincoln’s Guildhall underwent a “secret” assessment on June 5, this year and achieved a score of 92%, successfully maintaining its status as an accredited visitor attraction.
One assessor praised the Guildhall, saying: “The Lincoln Guildhall tour continues to be a really excellent and enjoyable experience.”
Another assessor said: “Visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of the City of Lincoln, spanning almost two millennia on a superb, guided tour of Lincoln Guildhall.
“The Guildhall is a treasure house to rival many leading museums and historic house visitor attractions, and the opportunity to see the amazing objects and priceless charters in a small group setting was a most memorable experience.”
This continued success follows last year’s accreditation and builds on past recognition from Visit England, including Best Told Story and Welcome accolades.
The Guildhall is the official home of the Mayor of Lincoln and occupies the entire second floor of the Stonebow.
Visitors can explore the Council Chamber, which is still in use today for Full Council meetings, and the Civic Insignia Room, where they will see treasures including:
l The Royal Sword, gifted to the city by Richard II
l The Mayor’s Mace from 1640
l The unique Mayor’s posy ring
l A collection of Royal Charters, with the oldest from Henry II (circa 1157) and the most recent granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974
Kate Fenn, Civic & International Partnerships Manager at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Whilst we are extremely honoured to have, again received accreditation from Visit England, we are enormously proud to have now been recognised by Tripadvisor with a Travellers’ Choice Award.
“To be the number one attraction in Lincoln is a real testament to the dedication of our team and the unique experience offered at the Guildhall.”Guided Tours available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting at 10:30am and 2pm.
Uni still leads to success – survey
A MAJOR new survey from the University of Lincoln has found that 86% of young people and 87% of parents believe university helps people succeed in the long term.
Despite growing debate about the value of a degree, the results show that teenagers and parents still see university as the most powerful route to long-term success.
The survey - carried out by YouGov - assessed the attitudes of 2,000 people from representative samples of 14 to 18 year-olds and parents across the UK.
The results show students and parents still have a high degree of confidence in the potential of higher education to boost life chances and career prospects – with nearly nine in ten parents (87%) and young people (86%) saying they think going to university can help someone achieve long-term success ‘at least a little’.
The belief in long-term benefits has been borne out through a separate survey of Lincoln alumni, which showed almost 90% had no regrets about their decision to go to university, their choice of university or how their career had progressed since finishing their degree. The 500 respondents included graduates from the past three decades.
The University of Lincoln has launched a major new campaign to champion higher education, highlighting the unique experiences of its students and the impact getting a degree has on the future successes of people from all walks of life.
Lincoln’s Welcome to the University of No Regrets campaign seeks to give young people the confidence to make a ‘no regrets’ choice of studying in the city. Spotlighting real experiences from students and graduates, the campaign highlights the supportive community, quality teaching, and student lifestyle Lincoln offers, challenging myths and misconceptions to present an optimistic view on what university can be.
Vice Chancellor Professor Neal Juster said: “University is one of the most powerful engines for social mobility we have and it’s vital that young people from all backgrounds and parts of the UK believe it’s a feasible option for them, if they have the ability and desire to go.
“This new research shows teenagers and their families still believe firmly in the power of higher education to transform lives but that some feel those benefits are more likely to be experienced by others based on where they live or how affluent they are.”
Ninety seven per cent of Lincoln’s new undergraduates come from state school backgrounds and one in five are from low participation neighbourhoods.
DELIVERING EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR DREAM KITCHEN
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The vast majority of the university’s undergraduates are from state schools.
Joy of spying on wildlife
WE have a couple of wildlife cameras. There’s an older one, which runs on batteries and wears them out before the night is over so we have to plug it into the greenhouse and a newer one, which runs all night on solar power. We put one camera or the other out at night so we can record what comes into the garden. Often as we are dropping off, there are unearthly noises, some of which we recognise and some which make the hair on the back of our necks stand on end and we have to sharpen our stakes and string up the garlic. Our morning routine is to watch the footage over a coffee like true wildlife camera people.
There are many cats, but there are also hedgehogs and not just one. At least two hedgehogs use the garden and we have recorded them fighting over territory. We think of them as placid, spiny animals that roll into balls at the first sign of danger, but they fight like street brawlers, all teeth and claws. ‘Stop trying to kill each
other, you’re endangered!’
We have a large plastic dish which I fill daily with fresh water. It is an essential garden sundry, a water bowl, particularly in the hot weather.
If you have nothing else for animals and birds in your garden a bowl or dish of water is a great addition and it is also a life saver for insects. Pebbles or stones in the water will give them a landing pad and stop them drowning.
At night the hedgehogs drink from the bowl and then along come the foxes; we think we have a family of four but it’s almost impossible to tell them apart.
During the day the bird bath is well used by birds for bathing and drinking and bees gather round the edge and drink from the tiny cracks in the stone.
Our cameras have given us so much pleasure, we wouldn’t be without one now and we are delighted to be doing our bit towards helping hedgehogs and giving wildlife a space to live in.
Saturday 20th September
mathew horne
The Engine Shed
Saturday 6th December
ELVANA: ELVIS FRONTED NIRVANA
The Engine Shed
Friday 17th October
Lightning seeds
The Engine Shed
Tuesday 30th December
The overtones
The Engine Shed
Thursday 4 September –Friday
5 September Various times
Friday
5 September 4.45pm
Friday
5 September 7.15pm –10pm
Friday
5 September 7.30pm
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN
The Curious Cabaret Live magic, mind-reading and comedy.
Early Bird £21, general from £24, student £20. www.lawnlincoln.com
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Enjoy music, a glass of wine and a slice of pizza. £8 on the door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Rob Mulholland: Allegations – Comedy Gig £15
www.lawnlincoln.com
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Sweet & Sour Tribute to Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter. £28
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
Saturday 6 September 12pm – 2pm
Saturday 6 September 12pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, LN2 1EZ Write Note Monthly open mic session without the microphones. FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/l incoln-central-library T 01522 782010
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY CroftFest - In Memory of Ben Croft
A full day of live music, food, and community, all in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK. Bands lined up so far - Defences, Blight Town, Distance Divine, Chaos Reigns, Fox Womb. From £15, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
Sunday 7 September 6.30pm
Tuesday 9 September 7.30pm
Wednesday 10 September 6.30pm
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons From £34, 14+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Paul Zerdin: Jaw Drop
£25.50, conc. £24
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Butterfly Club
Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and carers. £5, carers FREE, 18+ www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Wednesday 10 September 7.30pm
Thursday 11 September 7pm
Friday 12 September – Saturday 13 September 7.30pm
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
Holes by Tom Basden
£13.20 - £16.50
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
An Evening with Katie Price & Kerry Katona From £30
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN
The Alan Fletcher Band Meet Neighbours legend, Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy) playing his latest album.
£22.50
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Friday 12 September 7pm
Saturday 6 September 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Bye Bye Baby £29
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
Friday 12 September 7pm
Friday 12 September 7.30pm
This Flight Tonight: The Songs of Joni Mitchell £25, wheelchair plus carer seats £12.50, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Babatunde Aléshé: High Expectations
£18.50
www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Arrival The Hits of ABBA
£29.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
Saturday 13 September 7.30pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Herring Comedy Club
Matt Richardson, MC Hammersmith, and MC Daisy Earl. £17.50, 18+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
Saturday 13 September 8pm
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN Dennis Rollins’ Funky Funk! Lincoln Jazzpac’s patron Dennis Rollins joins an electrifying six-piece of trombone players. £18, members £15, u18s £9, cash or card on-the-door www.jazzpac.co.uk
T 01522 529717
Sunday 14 September 1pm – 2.30pm
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Gary Toward & Sam Woodings Lunchtime Concert Acoustic duo blending heartfelt songwriting with fresh takes on classic and modern songs. £10 - £12 www.lawnlincoln.com
THE JOHN DAWBER GARDEN, LN1 3BU
Sunday 14 September 2pm
The Ministry of Ukes Live music, tea and cake to raise funds for the upkeep of Dawber Garden. Bring a picnic chair or blanket.
Donations please https://dawbergarden.co.uk
Sunday 14 September 7.30pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Art of Andalucia – Flamenco Dance
£30
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Sunday 14 September 7.30pm
The 9075: (1975 Tribute) From £15, 14+ www.engineshed.co.uk
Sunday 14 September 7.30pm
Monday 15 September 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Creedence Clearwater Review
£27
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
ST. MARY’S GUILDHALL, 385 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN LN5 7SF Guild Session #65
Two concerts by either national or local artists in one of Lincoln’s most historic buildings.
£5 on the door, cash only www.facebook.com/TheGuildSessions T 07944 907051
Tuesday 16 September 7pm
Tuesday 16 September 7.30pm
Thursday 18 September 7pm)
Friday 19 September 7.30pm
Saturday 20 September 7.30pm –9.30pm
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
Dreamland Drama: High School for Superheroes
£6
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Manhunter & Mindhunter
FREE
£27, student £22
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Earthtones Support from Sugar Horse. £20, 14+ www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Dragged to the Musicals £31, conc. £29 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Honestly by Dogwood Productions
A new play about lying. All true. Except the bits that aren’t. From £10 - £15 www.lawnlincoln.com
Saturday 20 September 7.30pm
Saturday 20 September 7.30pm
Saturday 20 September 7.30pm
Saturday 20 September 8pm
Sunday 21 September 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Rave On: The Ultimate 50s & 60s Experience
£30
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Wolfgang Flür (ExKraftwerk)
£23, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LN3 5AW Dream ABBA
£12 - £13
www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0333 666 3366
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Matthew Horne Live DJ Set From £20, 18+ www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Northern Live – Do I Love You
Reliving the hits of Northern Soul. This is a seated only performance. £29
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
Friday 26 September 4.45pm
Friday 26 September 7pm
Friday 26 September 7pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Enjoy music, a glass of wine and a slice of pizza. £8 on the door www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Letz Zep £20, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LINCOLN, LN3 5AW NTLive: Inter Alia
A new play by Suzie Miller. £12
www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0333 666 3366
Friday 26 September 7.30pm
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX Boy Bands vs Jerseys £23
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
Wednesday 24 September 7pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Southside’s Jam Night Sharpen your performance skills and meet new people.
FREE
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Wednesday 24 September 7.30pm
Thursday 25 September 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Susie Dent Word Perfect £33
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Nik Kershaw - Musings & Lyrics From £37
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
Saturday 27 September 6.30pm
Saturday 27 September 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Gary Meikle – Neurospicy £32.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Disco For Grown Ups From £19.50, 18+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX Band on the Run – The Paul McCartney Project £24
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
Saturday 27 September 7.30pm
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999 Sun 14 Sept 7:30pm
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN The George Michael Legacy £26
Wednesday 1 October 6.30pm
Wednesday 1 October 7.30pm
Thursday 2 October Various times
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Butterfly Club
Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and their carers.
£5, carers FREE, 18+
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Totally Tina £31
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Demo
Your chance to see the best new artistic ideas tested out in front of an audience, often for the very first time.
£7, Live Pass £5
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
Thursday 2 October 6.30pm
Thursday 2 October 7.30pm
Friday 3 October 7pm
Friday 3 October 7.30pm
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Lincoln Comedy Allstars With Paul Chowdhry, Seann Walsh, Jen Brister & Laura Smyth. £26.50, 14+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY King King
£25, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
The Soul Solution
£18, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN The History of Rock Celebrates Led Zeppelin
From £26
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Saturday 4 October 7pm –9.30pm
Saturday 4 October 7.30pm
Saturday 4 October 7.30pm
Sunday 5 October 7pm
Sunday 5 October 7.30pm
Monday 6 October 7.30pm
Wednesday 8 October 7pm
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Lincs Soul Collective
An evening of musicians enjoying making music. £16
www.lawnlincoln.com
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
The Queen Story
£26
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Ultimate Coldplay
£29
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Simon & Oscar - The Songs of Ocean Colour Scene
£32.50
www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years
£28
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Trevor Horn: Adventures in Modern Recording From £32
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Wishbone Ash
£32.50, accessible ticket and free carer £16.25, (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
Wednesday 8 October 7.30pm
Thursday 9 October 6.45pm
Thursday 9 October 7.30pm
Thursday 9 October 8pm –10.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Anything for Love
£35.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Thank You for the Music
The ultimate tribute to ABBA. £32, 14+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Lee Memphis King - One Night of Elvis
£31.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN
The Curious Cabaret Live magic, mind-reading and comedy.
Early Bird £21, general from £24, student £20 www.lawnlincoln.com
Friday 10 October 4.45pm
Friday 10 October 7pm
Friday 10 October 7.30pm
Friday 10 October 7.30pm
Friday 10 October 11pm
Saturday 11 October 3pm
Saturday 11 October 7pm
Saturday 11 October 7pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Enjoy music, wine and pizza. £8 on the door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Pink by Vicky Jackson £20, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Uptown Girl – The Billy Joel Collection £29.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX The Coldplay Tribute £23 - £25 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Swiftogeddon From £8, 18+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Light Up Lincoln Spoken word, dance numbers, prayer and worship. £7.50, child £2.50 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Hot Chili Peppers UK £15, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS New Model Army
Saturday 4 October 7pm
The Smiths Ltd + Transmission £20, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult). www.lincolndrill.co.uk
Thursday 9 October –Saturday 11 October 7.30pm
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY Still Life & Come into the Garden, Maude
Two short plays by Noël Coward. £12 - £13
www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0333 666 3366
Saturday 11 October 7pm
£27.50, 14+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Alan Ritson Presents: Chris Fox
£14
www.southsidelincs.com
Temporary closure
STAGS HEAD, NEWPORT, LINCOLN Lincoln IMProv Club
Pub is currently closed for refurbishment, but keep up-todate with developments at www.facebook.com/LincolnImprov Club
Mondays & Wednesday s 7pm – 9pm
Second Tuesday of the month
12pm – 2pm
Wednesday s 10am – 12pm
THE CARDINAL’S HAT, LINCOLN Draw & Drink Portrait Classes
Led by Ellie Benton. Bring your own materials. £15
www.instagram.com/drawanddrink .lincoln, T 07810 835147
SUDBROOKE DRIVE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Ermine Makers
Work on your own projects, have a go at something new. Bring your own craft materials. FREE
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOORLAND AVENUE, LN6 7JJ
Moorland Makers
Work on your own projects, have a go at something new. Bring your own craft materials. FREE chelsey@rootedarts.org.uk
First Wednesday of the month
5pm – 7pm
Thursdays 10am –12.30pm
USHER GALLERY Artist Network
Meet and catch up with other artists and creatives. www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIGG LANE, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND, LN5 9HP
Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group
New members of any ability welcome.
T 01522 810739
Thursdays 2pm – 3pm
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
DODDINGTON HALL
Until Sunday 7 September 10am – 4pm
Until Sunday 7 September 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm
Until Sunday 19 October 10am – 4pm (open
Thursday -
Monday 1 SeptemberSunday 7 September 10am - 4pm
Monday 1 September – Tuesday 30 September Any time
Monday 1 September – Wednesday 15 October 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm Sundays)
Monday 1 September 10am – 4pm
Sculpture at Doddington
Now an annual event in the walled and wild gardens and Stable Yard gallery - view over 300 works of art by 58 sculptors from across the UK and beyond. Most works are for sale. £9.50, child £4.50, family £22 www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Dazzle
Mixed work by invited artists. FREE entry
info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk
T 01522 523537
USHER GALLERY
Art of the Now
Showcasing Lincolnshire artists.
FREE
www.lincolnmuseum.com
T 01522 782040
Tuesday 2 SeptemberSunday 14 September 10am – 4pm
Wednesday 3 September 10am – 3.30pm
Thursday 4 September – Saturday 27 September 10am - 4pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Nolitex Fabric Based Artists FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins
T 07720 810468
DECIMAL PLACE, 10 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3LB Art by Yasmina Abou-Hilal
The expressionists artist’s work can be seen in the gallery window. FREE
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN
Open Exhibition
A mix of 2D and 3D work by a variety of artists and makers. FREE entry info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537
USHER GALLERY
Lego Dot printing with Rachel FREE, drop-in www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
An exhibition of abstract paintings by Hannah Cawthorne. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN
Abstract collage with Fiona Hodges £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
SCAMPTON CHURCH
RAF Scampton Gallantry Exhibition
Exhibition on the Gallantry Room in RAF Scampton’s Heritage Centre before it closed. The church is also home to RAF war graves and houses an RAF Chapel with dedicated stained glass windows. FREE
Thursday 4 September – Sunday 21 September (Open Thurs –Sun) 10am – 3pm
Monday 8 SeptemberSunday 21 September 10am - 4pm
THE RICKYARD GALLERY, STATION ROAD, WICKENBY, LN3 5AB Shoreline to Hedgerow Joint exhibition by Nicky Dillerstone and Annie Thwaytes of works inspired by Cleethorpes beach to the Lincolnshire countryside. FREE
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Fragments of a Narrative Ellie Benton’s exhibition featuring new oil paintings that refract memory and imagination like a shattered pane of glass FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
Tuesday 9 September 10am – 3.30pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Felted poppy
With free motion embroideryworkshop with Deb Davies. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Tuesday 9 September 6.45pm
Thursday 11 September 2pm – 4pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing
Different theme every month. £9, conc. £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL, BAILGATE, LINCOLN LN1 3AR Lincoln Flower Club
Lynne Sharpe arranges flowers with the theme ‘Garden Magic’. All arrangement raffled. £10, annual membership £50
Friday 12 September 7.30pm
THE VENUE CINEMA, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY Film: Last Swim (UK 2024. 15)
After storming her A Levels, Ziba celebrates with her friends while secretly facing a life-changing decision.
Lincoln Film Society members only www.lincolnfilmsociety.com
Saturday 13 September 10am – 2pm (Make)
DAWBER GARDEN AT THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3BU Fairy Door Workshop
Make and paint a clay fairy door. Two workshops, one to make and one to paint. £10 nils200201@hotmail.co.uk
Saturday 13 September 7.30pm –10pm
Tuesday 16 September - Sunday 28 September 10am - 4pm
Sounds and art by Duty, Cei Hill, Semay Wu, and Soborgnost. FREE pkrollings@yahoo.co.uk
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Coast and Country
Pastel paintings by Natalie Swan. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Dog Life Drawing
£9, conc. £7 www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Friday 19 September 7.30pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
The Hallé
Music from the world-famous Hallé orchestra, conducted by Karen Ní Bhroin. From £16.08 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Saturday 20 September 10am – 2pm
DAWBER GARDEN AT THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3BU Fairy Door Workshop
Make and paint a clay fairy door. Two workshops, one to make and one to paint. £10 nils200201@hotmail.co.uk
Tuesday 23 September
10am - 4pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN
Portraits in graphite with Lucy McElroy. £85, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Tuesday 23 September 7pm – 8pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Grand Organ Festival 2025 – Olga Zhukova Performing works by Robert Schumann, César Franck, Andres Uibo and Bert Matter. £10 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Saturday 27 September 10am – 3pm
Thursday 25 September 10am –12.30pm
Thursday 25 September 1.10pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Wet Felted Seascape Taster with Eve Marshall. £30, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lunchtime Recital –Simeon Walker Leeds-based pianist and composer. Included in cathedral admission www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Saturday 27 September 10am – 2pm (Paint)
THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIGG LANE, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND, LN5 9HP Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group Workshop with Gwen Scott. Members £15, guests £18 T 01522 811510
DAWBER GARDEN AT THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3BU Fairy Door Workshop Make and paint a clay fairy door. Two workshops, one to make and one to paint. £10
Creating repeat patterns with Procreate £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
THE RICKYARD GALLERY, STATION ROAD, WICKENBY, LN3 5AB Quartet
Exhibition showcasing the contemporary work of Janet Glazier, Pearl Hudson, Anne Mayes, and Lissa Wareham. FREE
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL The Princess Proms Concert singing the magical themes from your favourite princess movies. From £16.49, 3+ www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
Sunday 28 September 10am - 4pm
Monday 29 September 7pm – 8pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Introduction to abstract oil and cold wax With Lisa Tank. £95, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Grand Organ Festival 2025 – Benjamin Nicholas Director of Music, Merton College, Oxford. Performing works by J.S. Bach, César Franck, Matthew Martin, and Philip Glass.
£10
www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
Tuesday 30 September –Sunday 5 October
Tuesday 30 September 6.45pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Fierce
An exhibition by Mel Langton. FREE
www.indigocrowgallery.com
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing
Different theme every month. £9, conc. £7
Wednesday 1 October 6.30pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Scrunchie Making Workshop
Kay from Fabric Corner will help you create and embellish your own scrunchie.
£18
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Thursday 2 October 6pm – 8.30pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Evening Felted Bowls With Robyn Smith. £36, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Saturday 4 October 10am - 4pm
Saturday 4 October –Sunday 5 October 10am – 4pm
Sunday 5 October 11am – 1pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Art as Self-Care With Hannah Cawthorne. £95, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
SCOPWICK & KIRKBY GREEN VILLAGE HALL, SCOPWICK Millenium Art Group 25th Anniversary Art Exhibition FREE admission
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Procreate Discovery Taster workshop with Mel Langton. £30, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Monday 6 October –Sunday 19 October 10am - 4pm
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Tuesday 7 October 7pm – 8pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Flux
Collage, painting and ceramics by Fiona Hodges. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Grand Organ Festival 2025 – Jeffrey Makinson
Friday 26 September 7.30pm
THE VENUE CINEMA, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY Film: Motel Destino (Brazil/France 2024. 18) Lincoln Film Society Members only www.lincolnfilmsociety.com
Wednesday 1 October 10am – 4pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Business Skills for Artists Creative foundations with Fiona Hodges. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Lincoln Cathedral Organist performs works by J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Bairstow, and Gaston Litaize.. £10
www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Wednesday 8 October 10am - 4pm
Friday 10 October
7.30pm
Friday 10 October
7.30pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY Business Skill for Artists Artfully seen with Fiona Hodges. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Radiohead by Candlelight From £21 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
THE VENUE CINEMA, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY
Film: On Falling (UK/Portugal 2024. 15) Lincoln Film Society Members only www.lincolnfilmsociety.com
Saturday 11 October 10am - 4pm
Saturday 11 October –Sunday 12 October 11am – 4pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Business Skill for Artists Marketing and promotion with Fiona Hodges. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIGG LANE, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND, LN5 9HP Carlton-le-Moorland and District Annual Art Exhibition
FREE entry, refreshments available T 01522 810739
Mondays 10.30am
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Historic Graffiti Tours
Gain insight into the thousands of etchings found in the cathedral.
FREE, booking essential via email lincoln_library@gll.org T 01522 782010
BAILGATE METHODIST HALL, NEWPORT, LINCOLN Lincoln Minster Townswomen’s Guild Speakers or members’ nights for craftwork, games and conversation.
Free for first two visits T 07794 862314 (Sarah)
Thursdays 11am – 12pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Family History Help
Use the resources available in the library’s archives and online databases.
FREE, booking required
Fridays 2pm – 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Learn My Way
Join a basic IT beginner’s course, suitable for 16+.
FREE, booking required
Saturdays 10am CASTLE SQUARE Lincoln Free Walking Tour
Lincoln is a small city with a big history and a great way of experiencing it is on foot. FREE, booking required www.lincolnfreewalkingtour.co.uk
Thursday 11 September 2pm – 4pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Harvest Home
The Farming Year in Music, Stories and Songs
Presented by Tom Lane, Nigel Creasey, and Terri Clarke. £3 www.slha.org.uk
Thursday 11 September 6.30pm –8.30pm
GIANT LINCOLN, DODDINGTON HALL Bike Maintenance ClassTubeless
Learn how to maintain and repair tubeless tyres. £15, booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
Thursday 11 September 7.30pm
Wednesday 3 September 11am – 12pm
Wednesday 10 September 7.30pm – 9pm
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales: Life and Care FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
ST HUGH’S HALL, LINCOLN, LN2 5AQ Archaeological Discoveries - Lincoln Eastern Bypass Presented by Network Archaeology. £4, SLHA members £3 www.slha.org.uk
Wednesday 6 August 11am – 12pm
Tuesday 14 October 6.45pm
Tuesday 14 October 7pm – 8pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing Different theme every month. £9, conc. £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Grand Organ Festival 2025 – Jonathan Scott Concert organist and Associate artist, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, performs works by William Byrd, J.S. Bach, Richard Wagner, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky £10
www.lincolncathedral.com
ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY The RSPB: From Living Room to Living Planet
Presented by Alisdair McKee, local group’s Development Officer, an insight into the other side of his desk.
£4 on-the-door, child FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk
T 01522 753809
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH The Path to Recovery FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Saturday 13 September 1pm – 2pm
LINCOLN CASTLE
Lunchtime Talk: Out of Place and Into History by Paul Scott
Over the centuries, Lincoln Castle has accumulated items that seem out of place. Find out about these items and uncover their relevance to the castle.
£5, booking essential www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
Saturday 13 September 2pm
QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN, LN5 8EW The Typhoid Epidemic of 1904-5
Presented by Dr Hazel Kent. The epidemic that affected hundreds of Lincoln residents. Also online via Teams.
£1 donation welcome, Teams attendees can donate via bank. lincolnbranch@lincolnshurefhs.org.uk T 079412 45322 (Tracey Fairhurst)
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Sunday 14 September 11am - 1pm
History Walk
Learn the history of the park from its days as a working estate and celebrate Discover Lincolnshire weekend. FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
T 01522 873735
Tuesday 16 September 1.30pm - 3pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Hacked Off: A Life Asking Questions
A talk by Rosanna McGlone to Lincoln Bailgate u3a. £2 on-the-door www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
Wednesday 17 September 11am – 12pm
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales: Life and Care
From how they bond to why their ears are so big and everything in between.
FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Thursday 18 September 2pm – 3.30pm
Sam Scorer – Modernist Heritage in Lincolnshire Presented by Dr Karolina Szynalska McAleavey. FREE, donations welcome www.slha.org.uk
Open Days
Saturday 27 September 6.30pm
Thursday 18 September 7pm – 9pm
SCAMPTON CHURCH
Gallantry Talk based on the Gallantry Room at the former RAF Scampton Heritage Centre. Events leading to 3 VCs, George Cross and George Medal.
FREE, booking essential T 07912 664331, T 01522 730167
Thursday 18 September 7.30pm
Friday
19 September – Sunday 21 September 11am
Friday 19 September 11am –1.30pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Wildlife of the Canary Islands and Madeira Author of the Lottie Brooks books.
Child £10 includes Kirby's latest book, booking essential www.waterstones.com/events/mee t-katie-kirby-at-waterstoneslincoln/lincoln-high-st T 01522 540011
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Heritage Open Day
Learn the story of the old St Katherine’s Church. FREE www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Caring for the Aged Equine
This event is for equine professionals and owners. FREE, booking essential www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Friday 26 September 11am – 12pm
Saturday 27 September 11am – 1pm
WATERSTONES LINCOLN
Tom Mead
Learn about how Tom crafts his locked-room mysteries and the perfect whodunit.
£7.50 + cathedral admission fee
£5, book & ticket £22
www.waterstones.com
LINCOLN COLLEGE
Career Degrees Open Day
Get an idea what education at Lincoln College University Centre is like.
FREE, register online www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
T 030 030 32435
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
Wednesday 1 October 11am – 12pm
Wednesday 1 October 4pm
Friday 3 October 6pm
Saturday 4 October 9.40am –4.30pm
Donkey Tales: Life and Care at Bransby Horses
FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN
Postgraduate Open Day
Attend subject talks, tour accommodation and facilities, and meet tutors and students.
FREE, register online www.lincoln.ac.uk
T 01522 882000
WATERSTONES LINCOLN
Bog People & Folktales
A celebration of folk tales and folk horror.
£5, book & ticket £22
www.waterstones.com
LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY
Antiquarianism and Archaeology
Full day conference. £32 including lunch, SLHA members £25 www.slha.org.uk
Wednesday 8 October 4.30pm – 8pm
Saturday 18 October th
Friday 10 October 11am – 12pm
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
Sanctuary Stories
The final chapter of the Bransby Horses journey.. FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Sunday 12 October 9am – 3pm
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN Undergraduate Open Day
Attend subject talks, tour accommodation and facilities, and meet tutors and students. FREE, register online www.lincoln.ac.uk
T 01522 882000
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Sunday 12 October 11am - 1pm
LINCOLN COLLEGE Career Degrees Open Day
Get an idea what education at Lincoln College University Centre is like.
FREE, register online www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
T 030 030 32435
Wednesday 8 October 4.30pm – 8pm
LINCOLN COLLEGE Open Day
Information about technical training, A Levels, and apprenticeships.
FREE, register online www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
T 030 030 32435
Wednesday 8 October 7pm
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN Author Talk & Signing: Tracy Borman
Wednesday 15 October 10am –12.30pm
History Walk
Learn the history of the park from its days as a working estate and celebrate Discover Lincolnshire weekend. FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
T 01522 873735
DODDINGTON HALL, LN6 4RU Harvest Mouse Safari
Learn all about these animals and join Ranger Heather to hunt for their tiny woven nests. £30, booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
Wednesday 15 October 11am – 12pm
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales: Life and Care
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH On the Road to Rehoming How Bransby’s teams prepare for the perfect partnership. FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Saturday 27 September 9am – 3pm
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN Undergraduate Open Day
Attend subject talks, tour accommodation and facilities, and meet tutors and students. FREE, register online
www.lincoln.ac.uk
T 01522 882000
Thursday 9 October 7.30pm
The historian introduces her new book, The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty.
From £7, twww.ticketsource.co.uk/lindumbooks
T 01522 262374
ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY
Uganda
Presented by Chris Hall, tour guide and photographer. £4 on-the-door, child FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk
T 01522 753809
Wednesday 15 October
7.30pm –8.30pm
From how they bond to why their ears are so big and everything in between.
FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
ST HUGH’S HALL, LINCOLN, LN2 5AQ
The RNLI – 200 Years and Counting
With early 20th century photographs from the SLHA collection, Chris Hewis’ talk focuses on the lifeboat stations, past and present on the Lincolnshire coast. £4, SLHA members £3 www.slha.org.uk
Thursday 2 OctoberSunday
5 October Throughout festival
Thursday 2 October 1pm
Thursday 2 October 3pm
Thursday 2 October 4pm
Buy 5 or more tickets for any charged Lincoln Book Festival events in one transaction and receive 20% off.
Book at www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Lincoln Book Festival Launch FREE
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Sliding – Film Screening and Q&A FREE, pay what you can
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Myths, Misfits and Minor Miracles
Celebrate National Poetry Day with poets Ana Sampson, Fee Griffin, and Ron Booth. £5, Live Pass £3
Thursday 2 October 6pm
Thursday 2 October 8pm
Friday 3 October 3pm
Friday 3 October 4.30pm
Friday 3 October 6pm
Friday 3 October 7.30pm
Friday 3 October 8pm
Saturday 4 October 10am
Saturday 4 October 10am
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Isabel Losada: The Joyful Environmentalist £10, Live Pass £7
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Lemn Sissay: Let the Light Pour In Also available online via YouTube. £20, Live Pass £15
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Publishing with Purpose Finding the Right Self-Publishing Strategy for You with Troubador Publishing. £8, Live Pass £5
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Authors Networking Informal networking gives authors a chance to connect. FREE, booking essential.
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Tristan Gooley: Natural Navigation £10, Live Pass £7
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Fantastic Folklore: An Evening with Fiona Robertson, Icy Sedgwick and Richard Daniels £8, Live Pass £5
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Verse and Vibes
Open mic night for budding or established writers. FREE, booking essential
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Dungeons and Dragons Workshop
FREE, booking essential, 9+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult).
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Flash Fiction Final
Listen to the winners of the 50word story writing competition. FREE, pay what you can, booking essential
See brochure at www.lincolnbookfestival.org
Saturday 4 October 11am
Saturday 4 October 11.30am
Saturday 4 October 11.30am
Saturday 4 October 12pm
Saturday 4 October 12.30pm
Saturday 4 October 1pm
Saturday 4 October 1pm
Saturday 4 October 2pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE The Book Club Club Podcast FREE, pay what you can, booking essential
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY The Stuff That Stuff is Made Of with Jonathan Drori FREE, booking essential
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Write a Spooky Villain Workshop with Jack Mackay FREE, pay what you can, booking essential, 9+
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Beyond the Spectrum: Autistic Creative Writing Workshop Suitable for autistic adults. £3, Live Pass £2
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Upside Down Cooking with Dominic Franks £8, Live Pass £5
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Thirst with Darren Simpson FREE, booking essential, 11+
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Writing Your Life Workshop with Marcia Hutchinson £15, Live Pass £10
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Goodies & Baddies! Characters Comic Art Workshop with Nick Moffat FREE, pay what you can, booking essential, 6+ accompanied by an adult
Saturday 4 October 3pm
Saturday 4 October 4pm
Saturday 4 October 6pm
Saturday 4 October
Sunday 5 October 12.30pm
Sunday 5 October 1.30pm
Sunday 5 October 2pm
Sunday 5 October 2.30pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Meet the Author: Karen Hardwicke FREE, pay what you can,
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Three Little Vikings Adventure story for younger audiences.
FREE, pay what you can, booking essential, 3+
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE The Mercy Step Marcia Hutchinson in Conversation with Tim Rideout £8, Live Pass £5
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Crime Fiction Panel £8, Live Pass £5
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, LN1 3BU Storytelling with Rhubarb Theatre FREE, booking essential
ORANGERY, CHARLOTTE HOUSE HOTEL, THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, Historical Fiction Writing the Past with Rosanna McGlone.
£8, Live Pass £5
LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY Local History Afternoon with a Watery Theme £3
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, LN1 3BU Bonnets and Breeches Dance Workshop
Celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary.
£5, Live Pass £3, 16+
Sunday 5 October 2.30pm
Sunday 5 October 3.30pm
WHITE HART HOTEL, BAILGATE, LINCOLN Character in the City Walking writing workshop with Amy Lilwall.
£8, Live Pass £5, 16+
ORANGERY, CHARLOTTE HOUSE HOTEL, THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, ‘More’ Pulp: Unseen Reels An afternoon with Pulp guitarist Mark Webber, Paul Burgess and Guy Mankowski.
£8, Live Pass £5
Sunday 5 October 4.30pm
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, LN1 3BU
Beginning with Austen Literary scholars from University of Lincoln and Lincoln Bishop University offer new ways to think about Jane Austen.
£3£8, Live Pass £5
Saturday 4 October 2.30pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Storytime with Sarah Tagholm FREE, booking essential
Explore Lincoln with a mobile app as your guide. Trek through town, crack codes and clues to solve the mystery. From £15 per team, 2-6 players www.im-puzzled.co.uk T 077514 02047
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
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Messy Play
Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschool children. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/linco lnshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Mondays 10.30am1.30pm
Mondays 2pm – 4pm
OLD WOOD ORGANIC FARM Forest No-Dig Gardening
Help caring for forest garden and community orchard. FREE www.oldwoodorganic.org
ST GILES JUBILEE HALLS, LINCOLN, LN2 4EH Cake, Cuppa and Crafts
Tuesdays 9am – 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Advice in the Community
Discuss issues relating to benefit support, housing, and debt with Citizens Advice FREE
Hartsholme Park’s treasure hunt marks the end of the school holidays.
A warm, safe space for families. Toast, toppings, drinks, activities and games available. FREE
www.stfaithslincoln.org.uk
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Wednesdays 10am – 11.30am
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Bible Study
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Community Larder Agency referral required.
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub
For anyone who is near retirement to catch up over a cuppa and try different activities each week. £3 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/ extratimehub T 07305 095690
Wednesdays 10am – 11.30am
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Wednesdays 10.30am –11.30am
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Community Larder Agency referral required.
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/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Thursdays 10am – 11am & 11.30am –12.30pm
TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN
TinyTalk Baby Signing
Help your child communicate before they can talk with baby signing classes.
www.tinytalk.co.uk
T 07928 945286 (Emmalee)
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Thursdays 10.30am –11.30am
Thursdays 10am – 1pm
Connect Over a Cuppa Have a catch-up over a cuppa and a biscuit. (provided). FREE, donations welcome www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library
THE SALTHOUSE, FREE SCHOOL LANE, LN2 1EY
Love Your Neighbour Café
Meet new people, share a cuppa and cake, and join in with fun activities. FREE www.stswithins.org
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Fridays Term Time Only 10.30am –11.30am
Sensory Baby Rhyme Time
Play session for babies and pre-walkers. FREE, www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Fridays 10am –11.30am
Fridays 10am – 12pm
Fridays 6pm – 8pm
Fridays 8pm – 9.30pm
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Community Larder Agency referral required.
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Beavers and Cubs
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Scouts lyndsey.baggaley@lincoln scouts.org.uk T 07852 128508 (Lyndsey Metson)
First Saturday of the Month 9am – 3pm CASTLE SQUARE, LINCOLN Lincoln Makers’ Market Hosted by local artists and offering artwork, crafts, homeware and jewellery. FREE entry.
Saturdays 10am TOBY CARVERY, ST MARKS, LINCOLN Lincoln Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club For military veterans or those serving to meet for a breakfast and banter.
Wednesdays 4.30pm – 6pm
Tuesdays 11am
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Coffee & Care Morning + Bingo
A game of bingo, a hot drink and a natter hosted by the St Katherine’s Care team.. FREE, £4 for 3 games of bingo and the raffle
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Wednesdays 6.30pm –9.30pm
ERMINE LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY HUB Creative Kids Club Creative play, storytelling and art. For U11s and their families. FREE, no booking required www.rootedarts.org.uk
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Boys Brigade T 07702 382319 (Darran Coy)
Saturdays 10am– 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Lego Club A place for children to use their imagination with Lego. 4 years and over, plus parents. FREE
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Saturdays 10am – 1pm
Crafty Saturdays Suitable for children of all ages. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/lincol nshire/lincoln-central-library
Saturdays 2pm – 4pm
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD
Stuff to Borrow
A community resource where members can borrow tools and other items of equipment at low cost. FREE earthlincs@gmail.com www.stufftoborrow.lend-engineapp.com
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Tuesday
2 September –
Saturday
6 September 10am – 3pm
Tuesday
2 September 12pm - 3pm
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Find out about the Trust and the Lincolnshire wildlife and the nature reserves it cares for. FREE www.lincstrust.org.uk
VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Treasure Hunt
Solve puzzles and complete challenges. Treasure hunt sheets available at the centre. Child £4
hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
T 01522 873735
Thursday
4 September
7.15pm
Saturday
6 September –
Sunday
7 September 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday
6 September 10am – 1pm
THE GRANDSTAND, CARHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN Lincoln WI
Forensic Scientist Dr Hilary talks about fire and its dangers.
Members FREE, first visit FREE, £5 for other visits www.thelincolnwi.co.uk
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Artisan Market
Handmade gifts, crafts and cards. FREE
www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566
THE FERRY BOAT INN, WASHINGBOROUGH, LN4 1AZ Farmers’ Market
Support businesses while picking up some fresh produce and handmade goods. www.ferryboatwashingborough co.uk
CASTLE SQUARE
Sunday
7 September 10am – 4pm
Sunday
7 September 10am – 4pm
Sunday
7 September 10.30am12.30pm
Lincoln Antiques Market
Browse antiques, arts and collectables. FREE www.facebook.com/people/Castle -Square-Antiques-Market-Lincoln
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
The Marvellous Makers’ Market
Over 100 local makers, artisan food producers and street food caterers.
www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Bird Watching for All
Join Lincoln local RSPB members for a guided walk to discover the many species of birds which reside here throughout the year. FREE, children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Friday 19 September 1.30pm
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
The Season Finale Motorhome & Campervan Show
Daytime activities and evening entertainment.
£85 a pitch www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
CASTLE SQUARE, LINCOLN Lincoln Farmers’ Market
Saturday 13 September 9am
Saturday 13 September 10am – 4pm
Saturday 13 September 2pm – 6pm
Sunday 14 September 7.30am – 3pm
Sunday 14 September 10am – 4pm
Friday 19 September 10am to 11am
Saturday 20 September 9am – 3pm
Browse fresh, local produce. FREE entry
Saturday 20 September – Sunday 21 September 9am – 5.30pm
GRANDSTAND COMMUNITY
CENTRE, LINCOLN North Lincoln
Horticultural Society
Annual Produce and Flower Show
Large number of vegetables, flowers, floral arrangements and cookery classes. Exhibits taken on the day from 6:30am
FREE
www.northlincolnhorticultural society.co.uk/annual-show T 07801 847571
CASTLE SQUARE
Lincoln Antiques Market Browse antiques, arts and collectables.
PAVILION AND PLAYING FIELD, POTTERHANWORTH, LN4 2EA Potterhanworth Autumn Festival
Traditional village craft and produce show and fete. FREE
www.facebook.com/ potterhanworth
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
The Vintage Flea Market Bric-a-brac, vintage, retro, antique and more.
£3 cash only, u16s FREE www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Monthly Workshop: Wildlife Ponds
Learn how to create a pond that is good for nature and people.
£30, conc. £25, student £20 www.lincstrust.org.uk
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Toddler Time Dress to get messy for seasonal activities for the under 5s. Child £4
hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 20 September 11am – 1pm
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Artisan Market
Handmade gifts, crafts and cards. FREE
www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Lincoln Sustainable Fashion Forum – Adults
Clothes Swap
Bring up to 5 preloved items of clothing, shoes or accessories to swap for new-to-you pieces reducing textile waste. FREE, more details online www.instagram.com/lincoln sustainablefashion
Wednesday 24 September 10am - 12.30pm
BOWLS PAVILION, BOULTHAM PARK Willow Dragonflies
Aimed at adult beginners, weave a dragonfly sculpture. All materials provided. £30, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Thursday 25 September 6pm – 8pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Wildflowers for All: September
The final session in a series of 6 workshops by Libby John. . £20, conc. £17, student £10 www.lincstrust.org.uk
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, cakes and guessing games with prizes in support of MacMillan. FREE, all welcome
Saturday 27 September – Sunday 28 September 10am – 4pm
THE MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN 1940s
Spy themed crafts,1940s kitchen recipes and rationing, learn about the women's Land Army and the Home Guard. £3, conc. £2, child £2, family ticket £6.50 T 01522 782040
Saturday 27 September 10am to 11am
Saturday 27 September – Sunday 28 September 10am – 3pm
MONKS ROAD METHODIST CHURCH Coffee Morning for MacMillan Cancer T 07579 678910
LINCOLN CASTLE
Friends of Lincoln Castle – Showcase Weekend
Opportunity to meet the team of volunteers.
FREE entry to grounds, all other admissions apply www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019
Saturday
27 September
– Sunday
28 September 10am – 5pm
Sunday
28 September 11am – 4pm
LINCOLN CASTLE
Dog Friendly Days
Explore the castle with your dog
FREE entry to grounds, all other admissions apply
www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019
WRAGBY TOWN HALL, WRAGBY Apple Day
Bring along your mystery apple to see if it can be named, watch or have a go at apple juicing and enjoy apple related refreshments. FREE entry www.logo.org.uk
Sunday
28 September 6pm
Mondays From 8 September 9.30am –10.30am
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Naughty Night Market
Alternative market featuring risqué crafts.
£2 on-the-door www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Yoga Flow with Kerryn Holgate
Focusing on Vinyasa style yoga. £7.50 www.lawnlincoln.com
Mondays 10am ONE NK LEISURE CENTRE, NORTH HYKEHAM Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks., 01522 444632
Monday –Sunday Flexible times
ADRIAN DIXON FITNESS STUDIO, LINCOLN Reformer Pilates One to One
Improve posture, core strength and flexibility with personalised Reformer Pilates sessions. Adult £50 adriandixonfitness.com T 07940 400549
Wednesday 1 October –Thursday 2 October 9am
Wednesday 1 October –Friday 31 October 10am – 4pm
Saturday 4 October –Sunday 5 October 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday 4 October 10am – 1pm
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Lincolnshire Day 2025
Key Stage 2 students are invited to get hands-on with workshops around food, farming and sustainability. education@lincolnshireshow ground.co.uk T 01522 522900
DODDINGTON HALL, LN6 4RU Pick Your Own Pumpkins FREE ENTRY
www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Artisan Market
Handmade gifts, crafts and cards.
FREE
www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566
THE FERRY BOAT INN, WASHINGBOROUGH, LN4 1AZ Farmers’ Market
Support businesses while picking up some fresh produce and handmade goods. www.ferryboatwashingborough co.uk
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Sunday 5 October 10.30am12.30pm
Days
8th October 2025 | 4:30pm - 8:00pm
8th November 2025 | 10:00am - 1:00pm 13th January 2026 | 4:30pm - 7:00pm 7th March 2026 | 10:00am - 12:00pm 6th May 2026 | 4:30pm - 7:00pm 13th June 2026 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Friday 10 October 10am12.30pm
Bird Watching for All Join Lincoln local RSPB members for a guided walk to discover the many species of birds which reside here throughout the year. FREE, children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Wednesday 8 October 9am – 4pm
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Arthur Swallow Antiques & Home Show
Art, fine antiques, vintage, salvage, curios, and more. From £5 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
Saturday 11 October 10am – 4pm
Saturday 11 October 10am – 4pm
BOWLS PAVILION, BOULTHAM PARK Willow Mushroom Workshop
Aimed at adult beginners, weave a mushroom sculpture. All materials provided. £30, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
LINCOLN CASTLE Lincoln Sausage Festival Food and drink stalls celebrating the Lincolnshire sausage. Small entry charge, all other admissions apply
CASTLE SQUARE Lincoln Antiques Market Browse antiques, arts and collectables. FREE
Multi-sport session aimed at helping people to stay fit and active in their retirement. £2 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/ extratimehub T 07843 841997
Mondays 10.30am
Mondays 10.30am –1.30pm
Mondays From 8 September 11am – 12pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK Whisby Visually Impaired Walk
Meet Natural World Centre. FREE
OLD WOOD ORGANIC FARM Forest Therapy
A sensory connection with nature. FREE www.oldwoodorganic.org
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Chair Yoga with Kerryn Holgate
£7.50, booking essential www.lawnlincoln.com
Mondays 12.45pm
Mondays 1pm
Mondays first & third of the month 1.30pm
Mondays 4pm – 8pm
CLIFF HOUSE MEDICAL PRACTICE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN. Wellbeing Walk Walk to Castle Square for 1pm. FREE
BLACK BULL, WELTON. Wellbeing Walk FREE
THE ARK, NORTH HYKEHAM Music For Memory
Singing group for people with memory problems with their carers. Free parking and refreshments included. Donation of £1.50 welcome lhoenes@virginmedia.com T 01522 262656 (Linda)
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ERMINE, LN2 2EF Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone finding life difficult. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
Mondays 4.30pm –5.30pm
Mondays 6.30pm –7.30pm
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Moorland Youth Dance
Led by Amy O’Sullivan,. suitable for ages 8 and up. FREE, young people must have consent to attend www.rootedarts.org.uk
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Mind & Body Yoga
Start your week right with Emily for a 60-minute yoga class for the mind & body. £8, book online emilywarrioryoga@outlook.com
Mondays 7pm – 8pm
Mondays Except Bank Holidays 7pm
Mondays 8pm – 11pm
BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH RockFit
Classes combining dance fitness, cardio and toning with metal and rock music. Suitable for all . £6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
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
BRIDGE CENTRAL, PORTLAND STREET Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone finding life difficult. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Mondays From 9 September 12.30pm –1.30pm
Tuesdays 10am –11.30am
BRIDGE CENTRAL WELLBEING CAFÉ, PORTLAND STREET Extra Time Hub
Multi-sport session aimed at helping people to stay fit and active in their retirement. Inclusive to all levels of fitness and skill £2 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/extra timehub T 07305 095690
SKELLINGTHORPE SCOUTS HUT, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub
Multi-sport session aimed at helping people to stay fit and active in their retirement. Inclusive to all levels of fitness and skill Detaills as above www.lincolncityfoundation.com/extra timehub T 07305 095690
Peace Place People
Tuesdays 1.30pm - 3pm
Second Tuesday of the month 2pm
Tuesdays 4pm – 8pm
Tuesdays 6pm – 7pm
Tuesdays 7pm – 8pm
CANWICK VILLAGE HALL, LN4 2RW Fighting Fit Lincoln Low-impact fitness for people living with cancer. £3, first 10 sessions FREE www.lincscvp.org.uk/fighting-fitcancer-rehabilitation/
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE, CASTLE SQUARE The Historical Lincoln Wellbeing Walk FREE
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LN2 4LH Night Light Café FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Yoga with May Suitable for all ages/ abilities. £8, www.lawnlincoln.com
FALDINGWORTH MEMORIAL HALL Argentine Tango Aimed at beginners, embrace the passion of tango with Lucas Gou. £8 www.authentictango.com/conta
Tuesdays 7.30pm8.30pm
DEAN’S LEISURE, LINCOLN COLLEGE Ultimate Frisbee Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate Wednesdays 9.30am THE OLD SCHOOL ROOMS, DUNHOLME
Community Bible Study Contact Jane 07952 425042 jane.hutchinson4@btinternet.com
Wednesdays 10am MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB
Community Yoga
Gentle yoga, breathing and mantra class. Suitable for all abilities, mats provided. £8, conc. £5 www.oldwoodorganic.org
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB
Wednesdays 11.30am –12.15pm
Funded Yoga for Mental Health
Suitable for all abilities, mats provided. FREE
www.oldwoodorganic.org
ONE NK, NORTH HYKEHAM
Wednesdays 11.45am1pm
Fighting Fit Lincoln
Wednesdays 1pm
Wednesdays 4pm – 11pm
First Wednesday of every month
6.30pm –8pm
Tuesdays 10am
Tuesdays 10.45am
NETTLEHAM METHODIST CHURCH Community Bible Study
Contact Pam 07557 792467 seedpotpam@gmail.com
YARBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE, RISEHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN, Wellbeing Walk - Uphill Lincoln Meet in foyer.
Wednesdays (2nd of every month) 10am
Wednesdays 10am – 11am
BOULTHAM PARK HOUSE CARE HOME, ROOKERY LANE, LINCOLN Boultham Sensory Stroll Meet at the back gate next to the park. FREE
SOUND HOUSE, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1HY
Wednesdays 7pm – 8pm
Low-impact fitness for people living with cancer. £3, first 10 sessions FREE www.lincscvp.org.uk/fighting-fitcancer-rehabilitation/
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone finding life difficult. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Let’s Talk
Peer-to-peer support group for men and women age 18+ providing a safe place to talk. FREE, no booking required, just
Wednesdays 7pm SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN RockFit
Wednesdays 7pm –8.30pm
Wednesdays 7.30pm
Classes combining dance fitness with metal and rock music.
£6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Team Talk Football
Opportunity for men to come together and have a kick about after work. No studded boots.
£3
www.lincolncityfoundation.com
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Women’s Walking Football
For everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, and stay active. Sessions are coach-led.
£3, 18+ only
www.lincolncityfoundation.com T07736 900343
WARREN LANE, WITHAM ST HUGHS Community Bible Study
Contact Simon simon@cbsuk.org
Please note - if contact details are missing these are the same as the first listing. WOW! What’s On Where in Lincoln
Tuesdays 1pm COMMUNITY HUB, EAST STREET, NETTLEHAM, LN2 2SL Wellbeing Walk
Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Gentle Yoga with Sam Hatha yoga, breath practice and relaxation. £8, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
For inclusion in the listings email admin@lincolndependent.co.uk
Please note - if contact details are missing these are the same as the first listing.
Wednesdays 8pm
BIRCHWOOD BOILER HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL
Hapkido Korean martial art of self-defence, fitness, relaxation.
£5
www.birchwood-community-hall.co.uk T 01522 730312
Thursdays 9am-10am
Thursdays 9.30am
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Dance Fit with Nick A fun fitness class for all ability levels.
£5, all proceeds go to Ovarian Cancer Action. www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548
VILLAGE HALL, BRANSTON, LN4 1NS Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Men’s Walking Football For everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, and stay active. Sessions are coach-led. £3, 18+ only www.lincolncityfoundation.com T 07305 095690
Thursdays 11am COMMUNITY CENTRE CAR PARK, LINCOLN ROAD, SKELLINGTHORPE, Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Thursday (1st of the month) 12pm
Thursdays 12pm – 1pm
Thursdays - fourth of the month 1pm – 3pm
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH Bailgate Buddies Dementia Café
A cuppa and company. Donations appreciated towards refreshments.
T 07825 855209 (Trisha)
Thursdays - fourth of the month 2pm – 4pm
COMMUNITY ROOM, TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN Lincoln Stroke Support Support for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers.
T 07940 500540 (Jan) T 07796 103407 (Kathy) T 07889 968583 (Sue)
Thursdays 4pm – 11pm
BREAKTHROUGH CENTRE, BOULTHAM PARK ROAD, LN6 7ST Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200 Thursdays 6.30pm7.15pm
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM Fighting Fit Lincoln Low-impact fitness for people living with cancer.
£3, first 10 sessions FREE www.lincscvp.org.uk/fighting-fitcancer-rehabilitation/
Fridays 10am
12 MINT LANE, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Mint Lane Gardening Club
Help to renovate the Mint Lane garden, learn about and discuss permaculture . FREE mintlanecic@gmail.com www.mintlanecafe.com
Fridays 10am –11.30am
Fridays 10.30am
SOUND HOUSE, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1HY
Gentle Yoga with Sam 90-minute class including hatha yoga, breath practice and relaxation.
£10, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
WHISBY NATURE PARK
Wellbeing Walk
Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Fridays 1pm LEISURE CENTRE, BIRCHWOOD
Wellbeing Walk
Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Fridays 4pm – 8pm
Saturdays 9am
ENERGIZE YOUTH CENTRE, LARCHWOOD CRES, BIRCHWOOD Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL
Bailgate Yoga Club
Gentle one-hour flow class. All levels welcome, mats available. £8, Conc. £6.50, must book www.mokshalincoln.com
T 07493 387328
Saturdays 9am – 10am
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Women’s Walking Football
Play football for longer, make new friends and stay active. Sessions are coach-led.
£3, 18+ only www.lincolncityfoundation.com
T 07736 900343
Saturdays 10am BIRCHWOOD BOILER HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL Moving Meditation/ Mindfulness
Combines the benefits of yoga, Tai Chi, and Zen.
NETTLEHAM VILLAGE HALL, BROOKFIELD AVENUE, LN2 2SS Nettleham Sensory Stroll Suitable for all abilities. FREE
LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Team Talk Football Opportunity for men to come together and have a kick about after work. No studded boots. £2, booking not required www.lincolncityfoundation.com
Thursdays 7pm
Thursdays 7.30pm – 9pm
LINCOLN NORTH, LN2 4QX AREA Community Bible Study Contact Amanda admin@cbsuk.org
SOUND HOUSE, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1HY
Gentle Yoga with Sam 90-minute class including hatha yoga, breath practice and relaxation.
£10, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
Alternate Thursdays 8pm
Thursdays 12.30pm –2pm
AGE UK, 36 PARK STREET, LINCOLN, Bring Me Sunshine Dementia-friendly singing group,. Cuppas and cakes included. £3.50, must be accompanied by a carer or loved one
T 03455 564 144
Fridays 9.30am
MANNA HOUSE, STAINTON-BYLANGWORTH Community Bible Study Contact Ruth ruth@daly-roy.org
BRIDGE CENTRAL, PORTLAND ST, LINCOLN Community Bible Study Contact Connie 07849 492720 conniehurd@hotmail.com
Saturdays 8pm – 11pm
£5, www.birchwood-community-hall.co.uk T 01522 730312
THE SALTHOUSE, FREE SCHOOL LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
Sundays 10am – 11am
THE ABORETUM, LINCOLN Ultimate Frisbee
Discover and play – new members welcome . Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate
Sundays 3.30pm –5pm
SOUND HOUSE, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1HY
Gentle Yoga with Sam Hatha yoga, breath practice and relaxation.
£10, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
Alternate Sundays 6pm – 9pm
ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, BRACEBRIDGE HEATH, LN4 2LD Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear.
FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
LNER STADIUM LINCOLN CITY
Monday 8 September 3pm – 5pm
Tuesday 9 September 12.30pm
FOOTBALL CLUB, LN5 8LD Lincoln & District
Parkinson’s Support Group
Talk by guest speaker Emma Sheardown, Paralympian and motivational speaker. lincolnparkinsonsgroup@ gmail.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
The Mindful Mile
Join Ben Willets exploring the interconnectedness of all things. FREE www.lincolncathedral.com
Wednesday 10 September 7pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 21 September 4pm
ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Lincoln Action for Happiness Group
A friendly group for adults to learn the 10 Keys to Happier Living and connect with others. FREE
www.actionforhappiness.org/grou
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN
Dance Free & Sing4JoyAutumn Equinox Free-movement dance in woodland with uplifting through to calm beats, followed by joyful group singing. A welcoming space to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
Tickets - pay what you can www.wedancefree.com
T 0771 9505844
Age is no barrier to art
FOUR artists have pooled their talents to create a ‘feast of colour and light’ in a new exhibition.
Quartet can be seen at the Rickyard Gallery at Wickenby from September 25 to October 5, featuring the work of Glazier, Pearl Hudson, Anne Mayes and Lissa Wareham.
The women met several years ago at the Trinity Art Group and under the tutelage of Phil Bowman, they have developed their passion for contemporary painting, using the vivid colours of acrylics and mixed media.
“Lissa and Pearl tend to focus on landscapes, gardens and still life, while Janet and I paint bold, colourful abstracts and interiors, often with a touch of humour,” explained Anne.
All four use colour, texture and light and
shade to enhance their work, offering different interpretations of similar themes. With backgrounds of language teaching, librarianship and garden design, each artist reflects their life experiences in their work. They draw inspiration from travel gardens and everyday life - and, in particular, many 20th century and contemporary painters they admire.
Janet added: “We all prove that age is no barrier to developing and improving one’s creative skills, sharing new ideas and embracing new techniques, while passing on knowledge and experience to others. Art is not just seen as a hobby for us, but as a central part of life.”
The artists have exhibited widely in the West Midlands, Wales, France and Lincoln. “Our styles and subject matter may vary we each bring joy and passion to our work. We have joined together for a show that will arouse your curiosity and lift your spirits.”
Sunday 5 October 8am – 3pm
Tuesday 14 October 12.30pm
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All Lincoln half marathon suitable for all abilities. Starts and finishes at showground after route into Lincoln. Runners will pass a few of city’s iconic landmarks including castle and cathedral. Entrants must be 17 or over on the day.
https://www.runforall.com/events/ half-marathon/lincoln-halfmarathon/ www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
The Mindful Mile
Take a break to walk three times around city’s famous landmark to relax and enjoy the outdoors. FREE
www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership
Ready for the Lincoln sustainable Cook Off?
BY LAURA STRATFORD CO-ORDINATOR
GOOD food should be a defining feature of the places we live. This is the belief of Food Partnerships all over the UK.
I’m personally interested in the pivotal role that chefs and restaurateurs play in a food culture - at the interface between good food producers and hungry communities.
The sad reality is - in the struggle to keep prices down and to stay commercially viable in difficult times - chefs’ roles are increasingly relegated to unskilled “ding-and-ping” in an anonymous and notoriously wasteful sector.
But vibrant food culture both relies on and nurtures skills; job satisfaction; flourishing local economy; variety, nourishment and pleasure.
There are, of course, restaurants with genuine connection to local producers, a sense of seasonality, ethical principles, who shun wastefulness and who understand the connection between nourishment and flavour… but they don’t necessarily communicate it.
dishes; using the outer cabbage leaves, which can be bitter, in a gazpacho soup where the bitterness is perfectly offset by sweetness and spice. Carrot top dressing and a coffee grounds brownie…. tasting is believing.
Buying and using a whole carcass, including the lesser-known cuts and making broth, stocks and sauces using bones and shells. Delicious, but involves thought and planning. To many people, this is also a matter of respect to animals who have died for our dinner.
Many are not interested in boasting or preaching or making their customers think- they just want their guests to have a great meal, a nice time, and not worry about a thing.
Of course, we at the Food Partnership really want to talk about it.
So I was very delighted to meet with Benjamin and Jack from the White Horse in Lincoln, who decided to organise a sustainable dining event last month - a tasting menu of dishes with a special focus on environmental impact.
Through short explainers between courses, Benjamin (White Horse) and Ben (Lincoln Wine School) foregrounded some of the thinking that goes on, normally behind the scenes.
Reducing waste takes a bit of skill and imagination, for example, making delicious use of potato skins generated by more popular
Sourcing from producers who are environmentally considerate (take biodynamic wine; flour from organic Lincolnshire wheat) and often imaginative (rum using discarded banana peel; Toast IPA, made using surplus bread).
Sometimes you just want to enjoy a tasty meal and trust others to do the thinking and the ethics. But if, like us, you want to celebrate the unsung heroes of better food systems, and want to hear more from the foodie talent in our county, we have a request and an invitation. We want to organise a Lincoln Cook off - the ingredients will be deliberately chosen with a community- or environmentally themed challenge, for example, seasonal produce, sustainable diets, or ‘surplus food’.
Please would you, dear reader, nominate a chef who you think would be up to the challenge? A competition - for fun and for serious - and for people who want to think about, talk about and grow the good food culture in Lincoln!
Nominations on a postcard:
The Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership 12 Mint Lane, Lincoln, LN1 1UD (or on an email to Laura@lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org)
Watch this space for future sustainable dining events at the White Horse: whitehorselincoln.co.uk/whatson
Riviera in a bottle
LA Marée Bleue with its gleaming Mediterranean-blue bottle looks like something you’d sip poolside in St Tropez, but this Majestic exclusive actually hails from the sun-baked vineyards of Gascony and the Languedoc.
Colombard and Ugni Blanc bring a crisp citrus snap; Viognier and Vermentino layer in ripe peach, a creamy texture, and a whisper of floral charm. Think Côte d’Azur chic without the Côte d’Azur price tag.
When I poured this at lunch with a golden, flaky spanakopita, La Signora Canni, brimming with the unshakeable confidence of someone who’s never been wrong, declared: “Oh, it’s Albariño!”
La Mamma Canni narrowed her eyes and muttered something about Blue Nun, convinced I was engaged in some sort of vinous assassination plot.
One sip later, they were both silently topping up their glasses as if the whole exchange had never happened. It’s unoaked, light, vibrant and dangerously easy to drink. The Viognier is the likely culprit behind that silky, holidayafternoon mouthfeel.
Perfect with feta, summer salads, prawns, or goat’s cheese. Looks great in hand while you lean on the barbecue pretending you own a villa with sea views.
Sunshine in a glass, Riviera glamour in spirit, and at £10 a bottle, this is a blue wave you’ll be happy to get swept up in.
Cheese Beavale
THIS is the sultry cousin of Stilton—less sharp, more seductive.
Made by Cropwell Bishop Creamery, this blue cheese is mellow, creamy and positively
Key Facts
Age 2-3 months +
Country England
Milk Type Cows
Vegetarian No
luscious. It ripens into a spoonable texture, balancing the rich butteriness of a triple crème with just enough blue veining to keep things interesting.
Mild and luxurious, Beauvale’s blue veining delivers savoury depth without overpowering the palate. Expect notes of cultured cream, roasted nuts, and a whisper of earthy mushroom.
Cropwell Bishop Creamery, a family-run producer in Nottinghamshire, is renowned for its traditional Stilton. With Beauvale, they’ve brought a softer, more indulgent edge to the British blue landscape.
Hailing from the Vale of Belvoir, this cheese embodies the lush pastures and cool climate of the East Midlands. It’s a terroir-driven blue, full of British character with a nod to French finesse.
Process Pasteurised
Region Nottinghamshire
Strength Medium
Style Blue
Organic No
For a fantastic range of cheeses from around the world contact Lucie Nock, The Cheese Society, 1 St Martin’s Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1HY. T. 01522 511003, www.thecheesesociety.co.uk
Francesco Canni, Aspiring Sommelier
Volunteers clear county coast of toxic nurdles
WE’RE just over halfway through the year but, for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, I think we’ve already found our word of 2025.
The word is nurdle. It is indelibly marked in the collective memory of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. For anyone that hasn’t come across it before, a nurdle is a small plastic pellet about the size of a lentil. They are the basic building blocks of most of the plastic products that we use.
I have to admit, until this year, I hadn’t given nurdles much thought. I knew of their existence and I knew they were a problem on beaches and in watercourses around the world. But Lincolnshire, as far as I knew, remained relatively nurdle free. That was until March 2025 and the collision of the two ships in the North Sea. This may seem like a distant news story but the legacy of the collision lives on and we will continue to feel its consequences for many years to come because the cargo of one of the ships included nurdles.
In the efforts to put out the fires on-board, vast quantities of nurdles burnt and melted together. These burnt clumps, as well as loose still lentil-sized nurdles (inset picture), were washed into the sea.
Plastic nurdles potentially carry toxic chemicals and they look a lot like fish eggs, which the birds and other marine animals are very likely to try to eat.
At Gibraltar Point, on the Lincolnshire coast just south of Skegness, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has a shorebird sanctuary. It’s a fenced off area where some of our rarest birds – little terns and ringed plovers – nest. In late March, the birds were arriving from their wintering grounds and preparing to nest. The nurdles were heading in their direction.
The race was on to collect and remove as many nurdles as possible. Fast forward to late summer and we were delighted to see some of our regular volunteers on the coast recognised with a Marsh Volunteer Award for Marine Conservation.
The awards, a partnership between The Wildlife Trusts and The Marsh Charitable Trust, recognise the amazing work Wildlife Trust volunteers carry out across the UK to help save our seas. Our Lincolnshire volunteers were nominated for their work clearing plastic nurdle pollution off the beaches at Gibraltar Point and within the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park.
Their quick response to our urgent callout in the aftermath of this disaster helped to make the shorebird sanctuary at Gibraltar Point as safe as possible ahead of the critical nesting season.
Along with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust staff, partner organisations and members of the public passionate about our coastal wildlife and environment, they helped to remove more than 16 tonnes of nurdles.
It was an incredible effort from everyone and one which we are hugely grateful for and it was wonderful to be able to formally thank the volunteers this summer.
The birds nesting in the sanctuary area at Gibraltar Point have also had a good summer. Little terns, ringed plovers and oystercatchers have all hatched chicks.
Collecting litter can sometimes be a thankless task but if you have ever paused to pick up a discarded bottle, plastic bag or sweet wrapper, or if you’ve purposefully headed out with a litter picker – thank you.
These actions really do make a difference.
Collectively, just think about how much litter you’ve all safely removed from the environment.
To my mind, you all deserve an award.
One of this year's little tern chicks - photo taken under licence by Shorebird Warden.
Major IHT changes ahead - protect your family business
BY JENNIE BROWN, TAX PARTNER AT STREETS
SIGNIFICANT reforms to Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs for business and agricultural property will take effect from 6 April 2026, posing serious financial implications for family-owned trading and farming businesses.
What’s Changing?
The Autumn 2024 Budget introduced major changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR):
• The existing 100% rates of relief will continue for the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business property. The rate of relief will be 50% thereafter.
• Gifts to trusts made on or after April 6, 2026 will be subject to an individual’s £1 million allowance every seven years.
• A £1 million allowance will apply to the combined value of qualifying APR/BPR property held by trustees of discretionary trusts. This will be taken into account when calculating future tax charges on 10-year anniversary dates and when property leaves the trust. There are various transitional rules that will need to be considered.
Consultation Outcome
HMRC’s July 2025 response to its February consultation confirmed few concessions.
Notably:
• 100% relief is not transferable between spouses or civil partners.
• Many owners will be unable to fully utilise the £1 million allowance due to gifting constraints.
• A proposed complex valuation rule for linked shareholdings in family trusts was dropped.
Time is Ticking
From 30 October 2024 to 5 April 2026, transitional rules allow restructuring to optimise reliefs. This window is crucial for taxefficient succession planning.
• A wake-up call for succession planning - historically, 100% APR/BPR meant minimal IHT and a tax-free uplift in CGT base cost on death.
With reliefs now capped, businesses must develop long-term
strategies to maximise exemptions and minimise exposure.
• Establishing a baseline - many owners are unaware of their potential IHT liability under the new rules. Understanding the business’s tax value is the first step toward effective planning.
• Reassess eligibility: diversification and passive assets (e.g., surplus cash, investment properties) may compromise BPR/APR eligibility and limit holdover relief. Failure to address this could trigger a 20% IHT charge on trust settlements.
• Trust planning: gifting APR/BPR assets via trusts during the transitional period can preserve reliefs, especially if the settlor dies within seven years post-2026. Insurance may help cover liabilities, but timely gifting is key.
• Wills and relief preservation: since reliefs aren’t transferable to spouses or civil partners, wills must be reviewed. Leaving qualifying assets to a spouse could waste the £1 million allowance. Instead, consider will trusts to retain relief eligibility.
• Life insurance reconsidered: previously overlooked, life insurance now plays a vital role in IHT planning. Policies should be written in trust and held outside the estate to ensure proceeds aren’t taxable.
Planning Now for a Changed Future
The new rules will have a significant and lasting impact on family trading and farming businesses.
Reliefs that were once unlimited are now capped, and longstanding planning approaches need to be revisited.
Now is the time for business owners to get their affairs in order, not only to adapt to the incoming changes, but to ensure they are making full use of the remaining planning opportunities while they’re still available.
At Streets, we’re already helping clients review their structures, model future IHT exposure, and implement strategies that preserve relief and protect family wealth.
From trust and will planning to business restructuring, we’re here to help you make the most of the time that remains.
Wills aren’t always enough - the gaps to plug to save thousands
BY SHANNEECE EYRE, SOLICITOR IN WILLS, ESTATES & TAX PLANNING, WILKIN CHAPMAN ROLLITS
DO you have a valid Will?
Chances are you don’t - more than half of UK adults have not made formal arrangements for their estate, and that could create significant problems down the line.
The Money and Pensions Service has found that 56% of adults don’t have a Will, but even those who do won’t be adequately protected.
A Will governs what happens when you die. Without one, your estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which can exclude partners, disinherit stepchildren and even sideline your charitable wishes.
Yet beyond that, there are several legal blind spots that even the most responsible planners often miss.
Only 14% of adults have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, despite most people wanting loved ones to make decisions on their behalf
if they lose capacity.
Without an LPA, the Court of Protection may step in, appointing a deputy at considerable cost and delay, and with no guarantee that they will reflect your values or relationships. Then, of course, there are succession documents. For business owners, landlords or those with digital assets, key protections such as declarations of trust, shareholder agreements or digital access provisions are often absent.
The result? Delays, tax complications, or even contentious disputes.
The stark truth is that while a Will is essential, it is rarely enough on its own.
Real security lies in a holistic estate plan that considers incapacity, asset complexity, and ever-shifting family dynamics.
If you are exploring options for wealth transfer or wish to understand the role
wider estate planning could play in your legacy, contact me directly or visit the Wilkin Chapman Rollits website (www.wilkinchapmanrollits.co.uk) for tailored advice.
Email shanneece.eyre@wcrlaw.co.uk or call direct on 01522 515955.
Get smart succession planning
YOU have poured years of hard work into building your business. But have you considered what happens to your legacy?
Whether you’re selling to a third party or management buyer, transferring to the next generation or planning for unforeseen events, succession planning ensures your business – and vision –remains intact.
Without a plan, even the most successful business can face confusion, legal complications and costly delays.
Why plan ahead?
Strikingly, 34% of family business owners say they have no plans to pass over control of their business until they lose capacity or die. Likewise, 64% haven’t written a will to address the future of their business.
These numbers reveal a widespread risk, but an opportunity for savvy leaders. Planning ahead isn’t just responsible, it’s strategic. It reduces disruption, protects value, retains top talent, and strengthens customer and investor confidence. For example, a family-run manufacturing firm we advised was able to seamlessly
BY MICHAEL SQUIRRELL, CORPORATE PARTNER AT SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU IN LINCOLN
shift equity ownership to the next generation by combining early mentoring, share restructuring and taxefficient gifting.
How to build a robust succession plan
1. Start early - give yourself enough time to develop successors, avoid rushed transfers and align with strategic goals.
2. Use smart documentation - ensure governing documents address key events such as death, incapacity, share transfers and disputes. Back this up with insurance, where available.
3. Integrate financial and estate planning - combine business succession with personal wealth planning. Wills, inheritance tax, trust arrangements and share option schemes all benefit from a unified strategy.
4. Support your team - consider employee ownership trusts, exitorientated trade sales or benefit schemes to keep staff engaged and customers reassured.
Simple steps to help SMEs
BY KATRINA PIERCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER LINCOLNSHIRE, FSB
NOW September is here – a month that always makes me want to buy a new pencil case and stock up on fresh notebooks – we can look back on the holiday season and what it’s felt like for Lincolnshire businesses.
Overall, it’s been a sticky summer, and I don’t just mean the repeated heatwaves. Interest rates went down, but feedback from businesses suggested footfall on the High Street and coast was also down a few notches.
Inflation ticked up slightly, as did the volume of people spending less per transaction. Shorter, cheaper breaks are in, high spend holidays are out – for now at least. What does all that mean for local, independent businesses?
Well for a county that has a visitor economy worth over £3bn per year, any hit on hospitality is not welcome news. This sector employs in excess of 28,000 people across our fair county and between them they welcomed 32 million visitors last year alone. All big numbers with big impact.
But when times are tough for consumers
and they have to think carefully about holidays and weekends away, and all the incidental coffees, ice creams and souvenirs that come with them, that presents real risk to this hugely valuable industry.
But there are things that can be done –by local and national government - to help while the economy is still so fragile.
In FSB’s 2024 Future of the High Streets report, we set out a number of key recommendations to protect and reframe the UK’s centres for hospitality, retail and leisure to keep them as attractive destinations to businesses and visitors.
Firstly, increasing targeted local business support for relevant SMEs with a key focus on helping them maintain their physical presence in bricks and mortar while offering online platforms for bookings etc.
Secondly, the national government should implement a system to help more businesses access the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Rate Relief discount off their business rates.
Invest in the future
A thoughtful succession plan secures your business’ future and your family’s wellbeing.
It supports stable leadership, growth opportunities and reduces conflict, helping to unlock value whether transferred within the family, sold or merged.
If you’re unsure where to begin, seek legal advice to build a plan tailored to your business, your people and your legacy.
For a complete guide visit tinyurl.com/SHMAsuccession.
Thirdly – and on that same note – finally review and overhaul the entire business rates system. This is an antiquated, literally Victorian, equation and a tax on business before they’ve earned a penny. Businesses tell us they’re happy to pay their way through a tax on their property, but it must be a fair, measured and modern system.
Guess who will be keeping a close eye on the Budget next month to see if this overhaul is finally coming?
