Lincoln Independent April 2024

A 25-year success story

IT’S been quite a journey for Mark Jeffs since he started his own small salon in 1999 in one room off Lincoln’s Bailgate.

Together with wife, Melanie, he has grown Mark Jeffs Hair and Beauty Studios into a five-star salon recommended by the Good Salon Guide.

Reception manager Ally Burgess has been at the studios for 19 years.

25 years for 5-star salon

From page 1

Mark was taught by the renowned Vidal Sassoon trainers and honed his craft at the Sassoon Academy in London’s Mayfair before starting his own hairdressing business.

In 2005 Melanie moved her own salon, Natural Beauty Therapy, to join him in the lovely old character building known as Cobb Hall in St Paul’s Lane, just off Lincoln’s Bailgate.

“I have spent the last two and a half decades attracting the very best experienced hairdressers resulting in a very talented team of 17 independent stylists who operate their own businesses within Cobb Hall,” explained Mark.

As well as the independent stylists there are six employed hairdressers trained by Mark, who is a cutting expert, and Matt Cullen a colour specialist.

“All 24 hairdressers offer the very best hairdressing services, at competitive prices in the six hairdressing rooms, which are intimate and individually designed studios. Some stylists have social media pages and their work can be seen via a link on the salon website (see above).”

Melanie Jeffs has over 30 years’ experience as a beauty therapist and is meticulous about choosing her beauty team for their professional, yet relaxed and friendly nature. “All the beauty therapists in the salon are trained to a very high standard and continue to receive ongoing training at specialist centres. The three beauty rooms are quaint, befitting of a building that dates back to at least the 18th century. They offer an atmospheric appeal providing a relaxing ambience for clients to come and enjoy being pampered.”

Mark added: “We pride ourselves on a caring approach. We always strive to make everyone feel very welcome.

“The longevity of the salon is not just down to the work of Mel and myself.

Without our wonderful team alongside us we couldn’t have achieved any of this - our receptionists, stylists, beauty therapists, independent stylists, apprentices and cleaners - we thank you for all your hard work, kind natures and support. Of course, thank you also to our fantastic clients, some of whom have been with us for the whole 25 years.

“The journey continues… and we’re loving the ride.”

https://www.facebook.com/markjeffsha irbeautystudios

https://www.instagram.com/markjeffsh airbeautystudios/

HAPPY belated 35th anniversary to Chiselwood and owners Mel and Holliday.

The high-end kitchen company has a global reputation for quality and design - all achieved from the company’s Saxilby base.

We’d like to congratulate all at Chiselwood on this landmark, but especially Mel and Martin, who believe in supporting their community.

In fact anniversary celebrations were curtailed this year as Mel had an appointment with design copyright campaign body ACID and Martin had been busy judging an international kitchen design competition across the pond (he’s standing second left with other judges in the above right image).

However, they still managed to find time to cook breakfast for the Chiselwood team in their new showroom, which is where they are pictured (left).

How to get over your FOMO

This QR code will take you through to a digital version of our What’s On Guide, which includes details of the Lincoln Festival of History. Share it with friends and family so they don’t miss out!

PM’s asylum seeker pledge over Scampton

RISHI Sunak has said the Government is committed to using the former RAF Scampton for asylum seekers for ‘the shortest possible’ time.

The commitment came during Prime Minister’s Questions when Gainsborough MP Edward Leigh, who covers the site, asked if a large section of the land can be released for regeneration.

He also questioned the Immigration Department’s maths after the National Audit Office revealed alternative sites such as Scampton would cost more than the hotels that have been used for asylum seekers. The Government’s argument for using former MOD bases was the £8m a day cost for hotels.

After the closure of the former home of the Red Arrows and Dambusters, the land had been earmarked for a £300m development plan centred around aerospace businesses and aviation heritage.

This regeneration plan was jeopardised by the Home Office’s proposal to accommodate immigrants who come to Britain by boat at Scampton while they are processed.

Mr Leigh, a veteran Conservative MP asked the Prime Minister ensured his Immigration Minister Tom Pursglove MP met him and representatives of West Lindsey Council to get the land released.

Mr Sunak said he knew Mr Leigh was in contact with the Ministers about safely accommodating ‘ a smaller number’ of asylum seekers at Scampton.

"Let me tell him, I fully support those discussions and the government is committed to the site being used for the shortest possible time and then released to the benefit of the local community."

Mr Leigh confirmed through his website that he had received a letter from the Minister confirming the number of men aged 18 to 65 using Scampton has been reduced from the initial 2,000 to 800, although a further 300 could be located there in an emergency situation.

“We are pleased the numbers of migrants the Home Office proposes to house at Scampton is now much reduced, and that the Minister has responded to my repeated lobbying that 2,000 migrants was too many for the site,” said Mr Leigh, “I am seeking further reassurance that they will be prohibited from going onto the former married quarters and that the accommodation they are housed in will be temporary.

Our chief concern remains that we now get the vast majority of the site released to West Lindsey District Council as soon as possible so that regeneration can be kickstarted without delay.”

BY AMANDA FINN HEAD OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TEAM LINCOLN

IN the current climate many people want to do all they can to help younger family members onto the property ladder. Or parents may want to ensure their children receive the property they have worked hard to own – everyone will have their own reasons for gifting a property. However, property is often people’s main

assets, so there are many reasons to be cautious.

There is a high level of risk and numerous implications to a person’s estate capacity so when they contact a solicitor to gift a property, they will be asked to also liaise with both a conveyancer and a Wills and Probate specialist as this transaction will overlap all three areas.

The receiving family member/donee must have their own separate legal representation to avoid any potential for conflict of interest.

When making such a decision the following major points will be taken into consideration:

l Financial difficulties

l Divorce

l Benefits

l Duress and undue influence

l Gifts of income generating assets

l Inheritance Tax

Care home fees and deprivation of assets

It is important to remember that antiavoidance measures in the law allow some gifts (including a transfer to a family trust) to be ignored by the local authority, and even set aside by the Court. The measures in place now might change

in future and are pursued more vigorously by some local authorities than others. Bear in mind however that the cost of care is going up, people are living longer and money is tight.

We can help

At Ringrose Law our view is that local authorities will, if anything, get tougher in years to come and will look very carefully at what gifts have been made.

In most cases, the intention behind making the transfer is the most important factor. If the local authority believes that the house has been given away with the intention of creating or increasing entitlement to means tested care it may decide to treat the giver as though they still own the property. There is no time limit on local authorities when deciding whether someone has deprived themselves of a house for the purposes of avoiding care fees. There is nothing to stop them looking back 20 years and taking the view the gift was made to avoid paying for care.

Before you make a decision about your property and your future think carefully about the above and please contact us for more information. Call 01522 561020.

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GET a team together to take part in the 2024 Lincoln Dragon Boat Race.

Organised by Ringrose Law to raise money for LIVES the event will be held on Lincoln Brayford Waterfront, on Saturday, June 15, and promises to be a family-fun-filled experience from midday onwards.

“Last year, we were thrilled to see 24 dynamic teams clash oars in a bid to secure the coveted title, drawing crowds by the hundreds and raising nearly £20,000 for LIVES.,” said Alex Bennett of Ringrose Law.

“This year, we aim to soar even higher, and we’re already off to a flying start with 115 teams, including headline partners Siemens, and Freedom FSM, already preparing to get under starter’s orders. For more information see the Lincoln Dragon Boat Race page on the Ringrose Law website (top of page).

Register at https://www.ringroselaw.co.uk/about/ lincoln-dragon-boat-race/#2024lincolndragonboatrace

Targeting County Lines dealers

A CRACKDOWN on County Lines activity in the county resulted in 14 arrests and the seizure of an air rifle and other weapons, safeguarding of six vulnerable people at risk of being exploited.

County Lines is the term used to describe drug dealing where mobile phones are used to supply drugs from large cities to towns and rural areas. The ‘line’ refers to the mobile phone number used to broker these deals, and are run by ‘line holders’ while the runners, often vulnerable people, deliver the drugs. The system of drug distribution leads to serious violence, and the likely exploitation of children and vulnerable adults brought into run the drugs, through coercion, intimidation, violence – including sexual violence – and weapons.

Lincolnshire Police targets County Lines activity all year round, and the latest push was in support of the national County Lines Intensification Week in March coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), The force’s efforts focused on prevention through direct engagement and education with young people - the most likely group to be drawn into and exploited by County Lines - as well as informing businesses about the risks and signs of County Lines involvement.

Over the week 24,280 shoppers at Lincolnshire Co-operative stores heard messaging about how to spot the signs of County Lines and cuckooing - which is when the home of a vulnerable person is taken over by drug dealers.

Messages were played on loud speakers at 95 stores over a twoweek period, and there was also personalised messaging about #LookCloser sent directly to 3,000 members of staff.

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Det Insp Gail Hurley from the Force Intelligence Bureau, said: “The criminals operating County Lines prey on the most vulnerable members of society, pulling them in to a world of exploitation, danger, and fear. With that activity comes related crime, often violent, and this is why we make it a priority to target County Lines throughout the year. For this latest intensification week, we have focused on prevention and education because arming people with the knowledge of how to avoid becoming enticed into that life, or how to spot the signs and take action, is one of the key ways to tackle it.

“Our communities play a huge part in the success of cracking down on County Lines activity by providing much-needed intelligence around drug-dealing, suspicious activity, or vulnerability, and we would encourage people to continue to do this.”

https://www.lincs.police.uk/advice/adviceand-information/cl/county-lines/

£300,000 grant awarded to revolutionise crypto tax

CHARTERED accountancy firm Wright Vigar has collaborated with a Lincolnshire business to secure a six-figure grant for a crypto tax platform.

Crypto tax calculation services provider, Recap, is poised for growth following the £300,000 grant from Innovate UK. This significant funding marks a pivotal step in Recap’s journey to revolutionise crypto asset management.

The grant will fuel the development of a privacy-focused collaborative crypto tax and client due diligence platform tailored specifically for accountants and professional services. Recap has partnered with industry expertsUK crypto-specialist accountancy firms, Wright Vigar and Andersen along with source of funds and risk intelligence pioneers, Hoptrail.

Together, they aim to empower customer onboarding with source of funds checks and strengthen the platform’s ability to automate the processing of crypto transactions to enable tax and accounting reporting of this activity.

Louise Lane (above), Associate Tax Director and Head of Crypto at Wright Vigar said: “It is extremely difficult to be awarded an Innovate UK grant and this success is a credit to Recap’s dedication to innovation and reacting to the fast-paced evolving crypto industry. Wright Vigar is delighted to be supporting Recap with this project.”

Recap’s ambitious goal is to become the top provider of cryptocurrency accounting software. Its commitment extends beyond financial success; it aspires to contribute to the economic growth of Lincoln by fostering innovation and job creation. Through this grant, Recap and Wright Vigar aim to make a lasting impact on the city’s financial standing.

Daniel Howitt, CEO and co-founder of Recap (left) said: “This grant is a testament to our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the Crypto industry.

“We are immensely proud to lead this project alongside esteemed colleagues and partners Wright Vigar, Anderson LLP and Hoptrail, who bring unparalleled expertise in accountancy, tax services and anti-money laundering compliance, respectively.

“With the support of Innovate UK and our esteemed collaborators, Recap is poised to lead the charge as the go-to solution provider for crypto tax and client due diligence.

“This collaboration exemplifies the drive to address the evolving needs of the crypto industry while positioning Lincoln as a hub for cutting-edge financial technology.”

Contact Wright Vigar 0800 058 1648 action@wrightvigar.co.uk

Maria’s café chats may be the start of your home transformation

ARCHITECT Maria Karaolides wants to use her skills to help people get the best out of their property, but recognises the average homeowner may view her profession as a luxury.

That is why she has started Archtecture Clinic’s in Lincoln’s West End where people can meet her for a chat and some free, no-obligation advice.

“Whether people are thinking of building something from scratch, trying to decide whether that house you have seen at the estate agents could work for you or thinking about extending their home, our free, no-obligation session will be a great opportunity for them to discuss their ideas,” explained Maria, who set up MDK Architects Ltd in August 2012.

The sessions are held at The Sycamore café at 185 West Parade (corner with Hewson Road) on the last Thursday of the month (see info box).

“Many people still see architecture and architects as out of reach and I want to try to break down this misconception, while at the same time promote the profession, making individuals better aware of what we do, how we do it, and the advantages we can bring a project.”

educational schemes for Lincolnshire County Council such as Warren Wood Community School.

Smaller projects include historic homes in Bailgate (both images below) and as a West End resident herself she is familiar with its Georgian,Victorian and Edwardian properties. Maria recognises their potential while being able to find solutions to their challenges.

Maria, who is well known in the area with her cockapoo Gloria, studied to Masters level at the University of Sheffield. She gained her architectural qualifications at the University of Lincoln. Making people central to her work saw her bcome the first accredited RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Client Adviser in Lincolsnhire.

Maria’s aim is to create an environment that has a positive impact on people’s wellbeing.

She works closely with clients to design and build spaces that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. And Maria has extensive experience working on a variety of different projects from Lincoln Arts Centre, and the Great Central Warehouse University Library through to

A Client Adviser’s role is to guide people through the commissioning of buildingsand help them maximise the value and the quality of their projects. Find out how Maria’s 20 years’ experience in architecture and interior design could enhance or transform your home.

Architect Maria Karaolides with her cockapoo Gloria.

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DINOSAUR activities are making a welcome return to Lincoln for the Easter Holidays. Lincoln Business Improvement Group is working with Place Immersive for a series of dino-mite events running until April 14. These include:

Dino Dig at the Cornhill – find dinosaur fossils from 10am to 4pm Dinos In The City – discover five caged dinosaurs at various locations in the city Dino Trail – dinosaur murals in shop windows throughout the city.

Meet Pete The T-Rex – Wednesday, April 10, 10am - 2pm, Waterside Shopping Centre Lush Workshop – Wednesday, April 10, 11am -1pm, free dinosaur- themed ‘make and take’ workshop.

Ben Webb of Place Immersive said he was delighted to bring the Dino Dig back to the city.

“The 24 square metre fossil pit was a real hit with children of all ages and even the adults. We’re bringing back our popular Dino Rangers to do meet and greets with our baby T-Rex and host story-time throughout the day. We love playing our part in another great event for our home city!”

Lee Roberts, Operations Manager at Lincoln BIG added: “Following last year’s success we really are excited to bring Dino City & Dino Dig back for 2024. “

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Food for thought

Why consulting a nutritionist can help

BY MELANIE DUNN NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH TRAINER

MANY people struggle with health issues that seem to persist despite their best efforts. They often turn to various medical professionals for solutions but may overlook the potential benefits of nutritional therapy. The journey to optimal health can be fraught with frustration and confusion, especially when conventional treatments fall short. Whether it’s persistent fatigue, digestive discomfort, weight management struggles, or even mental health concerns like anxiety and depression, people are increasingly seeking alternative approaches to address their health concerns. Enter nutritional therapy, a holistic approach that looks to find the root causes of health issues rather than just masking the symptoms. Nutritional therapists delve deep into understanding an individual’s unique biochemical makeup, lifestyle factors, and dietary habits to craft personalized nutrition and supplement plans tailored to their specific needs.

Key Concerns

Chronic Health Issues - from autoimmune diseases to metabolic disorders, many ailments can be managed or even alleviated through targeted dietary interventions.

Weight Management - despite numerous diet trends and weight loss programs, many struggle to achieve sustainable results. Nutritional therapists provide personalized guidance.

Digestive Disorders - issues like IBS, acid reflux, and food intolerances can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Nutritional therapists work to identify trigger foods and implement dietary changes that promote gut health and alleviate discomfort.

Energy and Vitality - feeling constantly tired and lacking energy is a common complaint. Nutritional therapists assess dietary deficiencies and imbalances and recommend nutrient-dense foods and supplements to restore vitality.

Mental Health Concerns - the gut-brain

connection is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in mental health.

Nutritional therapy encompasses strategies to support mental well-being through dietary adjustments, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-rich foods in maintaining cognitive function and emotional balance.

So, whether you’re grappling with chronic health conditions, seeking weight management solutions, or simply striving for optimal health, consider the transformative potential of nutritional therapy in achieving your wellness goals.

Skip to the loo

I AM delighted to be able to show this fascinating historic photograph courtesy of John Bennett’s Light & Dreams Photography. It shows the familiar location of Free School Lane before the County Library, designed by Andrew Carnegie, was built in 1910. The space in the foreground on the right was a playground area where the Lincoln Grammar School boys took their break from lessons, and which contained a small, discrete hut aptly nicknamed ‘The Necessary’.

Peter Harrod, archivist at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School continues to find pictorial gems from its past.

On the right, out of camera shot, was the Greyfriars Building, the home of Lincoln Grammar School for some 300 years from the 1560s. The upper school moved to a new site on Upper Lindum Terrace during the later years of the nineteenth century leaving its

both sections were reunited.

The site beyond the playground now occupied by the library may once have housed the school opened and owned for some 3-4 years in 1834-38 by the celebrated mathematician George Boole who taught with his father at the Mechanics Institute which replaced the ‘Jersey’ school on the ground floor of Greyfriars in 1834.

Several censuses from 1841 to 1892 revealed that the school building in the picture continued to be a school with Robert Drury as the headmaster in 1841 followed by school mistresses Jane East and Anne Wilkinson during the middle and later years of the nineteenth century.

VISIT LINCOLN’S HISTORIC GUILDHALL

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

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

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

Kate Fenn, Civic Manager on 01522 873303

E-mail: kate.fenn@lincoln.gov.uk

The 1871 census shows that two of the pupils were Anne and Lavinia Leeke who may possibly have been related to the SubDean of Lincoln Cathedral, the Revd Canon Edward Leeke. Leeke established an educational foundation with the aim of supporting pioneer education in the city, leading the movement with his own school on Christ’s Hospital Terrace in the former Christ’s Hospital building.

Kelly’s Directories of 1882 recorded that Mary Blundell and her sister ran a ladies’ school on Free School Lane that was taken over a decade later by Mary Ann Rowe who ran the Lincoln High Class Elementary Girls’ School, with ninety pupils.

Most schools until the 1870 Education Act were either church schools or private institutions. Pressure for change came from the industrial revolution, and demands for mass education became closely associated with campaigns for workers’ rights, and the need to educate the newly enfranchised workers who faced the challenge of operating and servicing the more sophisticated factory machines.

Help preserve school’s history

The Foundation of Christ’s Hospital at Lincoln is seeking to appoint a part-time archive assistant based at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School to assist the archivist in managing the historical documents from the former Lincoln School, Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School and the two St Giles secondary schools.

Skills required include database creation and management, display, presentation, storage, and packaging. More importantly, however, a prerequisite for the role is a passion and enthusiasm in the school’s present and past, its community and its role in the City of Lincoln. Please contact Peter Harrod by email at pharrod@lchs.uk to register an interest and visit the archive.

Pension and Pools queues at the post office

In this month’s article from The Survey of Lincoln ANDREW WALKER explores the history of ‘The Mailbox’ pub on Guildhall Street, a Grade II listed building.

BY the early twentieth century, Lincoln’s main post office was described in the Lincolnshire Echo on 17 March 1906 as being of ‘an utterly out of date character’ and there was an ‘urgent need for new premises’.

On Sunday 18 March 1906, the city’s new head post office at 19-20 Guildhall Street was opened, directly opposite the old building, which became the local headquarters of the Inland Revenue and probate office.

Built over three years by the Lincoln Equitable Industrial Co-operative Society, the new building was designed by an architect employed by His Majesty’s Office of Works, W. T. Oldrieve.

At the time, he was responsible for designing provincial post offices across England and Wales. His preferred architectural approach has been described as ‘Edwardian classic’ and was not informed by local building styles. In 1904 he became Principal Architect for Scotland and went on to design many prominent post offices north of the border.

During the Edwardian period, there was a sense that the state had a responsibility to construct public buildings in a way that contributed to the dignity and beauty of the urban space in which they were situated.

Lincoln’s new head post office was certainly striking, with its terracotta ashlar

façade, its large windows, providing much light, and its spaciousness. The ability to post letters inside the building as well as outside was regarded as a considerable improvement on the old premises. The ground floor also provided a ‘silence cabinet’ for telephone calls, a telegraph delivery room, where telegrams were delivered from the instruction room via a pneumatic tube, and space for the telegram boys and their bicycles.

The top floor became the site of a telephone exchange, largely operated by female employees. This remained in place until a much-delayed automatic exchange opened in April 1959, on Broadgate, between St Rumbold Street and Waterside North.

It was perhaps as well that the city’s new larger head post office was opened since customer numbers grew rapidly. From January 1909, the British post office became the payment agency for the new old age pensions, paid to those aged 70 years and over.

The Lincolnshire Echo reported the first payments at the General Post Office on 1 January where ‘knots of prospective pensioners’, ‘venerable figures’, were seen ‘tottering’ to collect their weekly pensions

of up to 5 shillings.

Further demands on the post office were made with the coming of broadcasting:

Lincoln’s post offices sold 20,000 wireless licences each year by 1934. By November 1937, long queues were reported at the General Post Office postal order counter on Friday evenings owing to the growing popularity of football pools. In 1956, partly in order to deal with the football pools customers, a major internal refurbishment took place.

In 1997, the post office moved to new premises, off Cornhill. This was deemed to be more central, accessible, and spacious than the Guildhall Street site, which became a pub, initially ‘The Varsity’ and then, in 2014, renamed ‘The Mailbox’. In February 2021, the post office moved again, this time to a much more modest home, in the Stonebow Centre on Silver Street. Sadly, the memorial to 29 city post office employees who died in the two World Wars, which had been displayed inside both the two earlier buildings, does not seem to have made the journey to the new premises.

For more about The Survey of Lincoln, see www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk.

Reunion will mark two milestones

FORMER students of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School are invited to a special reunion in May.

It opened in the Watkins building on Lindum Hill (now Lincoln UTC) in May 1894 and closed in 1974 as Jane Burgess, secretary of OCH (the old boys/girls association) explained.

“It was open for 80 years before comprehensive education came to Lincoln and four schools came together to form the Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School on Wragby Road.

“So in May we are celebrating 80 years of the school and commemorating 50 years since its closure.”

Below is the first school register, which includes the girls’ date of birth. Jane is a distant relative of Amy Varlow at number 18 - third cousin three times removed.

Regular contributor to the Independent, Peter Harrod’s potted history of CHG points out that the school opened amid much

local opposition.

Money for ‘Bluecoat’ or charity schools was going to be used to set up an estalishment for ‘middleclass girls’, which led to an ‘outbreak of wrath’ and 6,000 signature opposing petition.

“The ‘Bluecoat’ School, had formerly been an institution providing clothes, board, lodging and education for orphans and other boys of the ‘poorest class’, and the notion that its endowment was now to be used, at least partly, for the creation of a secondary school for girls did not go down well with the great and good of Lincoln,” recorded Peter.

The reunion on Saturday, May 18, will visit the old school in the morning and then go on to the current school for entertainment in the afternoon. Anyone interested in attending should contact Jane via email janeb53@hotmail.

Teach dogs to ignore distractions

MANY working dogs have to cope with sirens, sudden loud noises and flashing lights while carrying out vital work that keeps humans safe.

Researchers at the University of Lincoln, UK, found that both strobe lighting and especially noise distractions significantly reduced dogs’ ability to move efficiently in their environment, Noise also impaired dogs’ decision-making.

Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at the University of Lincoln, said: “Sudden changes in sound and light are part of everyday life for many people and dogs. It might be the roadworks going on outside or simply stepping out into a dark night to walk home. A night-time walk might also be interrupted by flashing lights and noises from a passing ambulance. “We have shown that these distractions can have a considerable effect on dogs’ performance as a result.”

The team at Lincoln is one of the leading centres in the world for managing problem behaviour in dogs and has previously published a book, Life Skills for Puppies. See https://animalbehaviourclinic.lincoln.ac.uk/.

Work starts to tranform Barbican

THE refurbishment has started of an grade II listed building in the heart of Lincoln thatwill become the Barbican Creative Hub. It will open next January and offer space for the creative and cultural industries in the area to innovate, collaborate, and grow with access to inspiring programmes, co-working, and dedicated studios. The hub aims to welcome some of the 3,000+ businesses and freelancers in the Lincolnshire region spanning up to 14 different subsectors from art to architecture, publishing to product design, curation to craft, and fashion to film.

The ground floor will feature a multi-purpose ‘white cube’ space which can be used for research and development, talks and events, pop-up exhibitions, and rehearsals. It will also offer a bespoke café bar that will be open to the public and host a series of events throughout the year with the aim of boosting the city’s early-evening economy.

The capital refurbishment project has been made possible due to a unique three-way partnership between Lincolnshire Coop, City of Lincoln Council and University of Lincoln.

Sally Denton, Executive Director at the Barbican Creative Hub said: “The Barbican Hotel has been a well-loved and iconic building in the heart of the City of Lincoln, and the restoration works being undertaken offer a contemporary reinterpretation of its original use as a member’s club.”

“Through a considered approach, to both the building usage and the wider digital and physical membership offer, the Barbican Creative Hub aims to ensure that a high level of support can be accessed across Greater Lincolnshire.” “This will include a rich programme of activities, business and professional development, as well as opportunities to showcase the creative talent of the region.

“As a result, we anticipate the Barbican Creative Hub will become a dynamic place for other cultural and creative organisations and individuals to call home. Professor Neal Juster,Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln said: “The University of Lincoln is extremely proud to be nurturing creative growth in the region through the development of the Barbican Creative Hub. By operating in tandem with its wider programme offer and alongside the Lincoln Arts Centre, students and local people alike will be able to envision a rich future in the creative sector whilst championing and ensuring cultural assets are secured for future prosperity.”

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Mapping food support across county

BY CHRIS HAYDON GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD PARTNERSHIP

BY the end of 2024 it is estimated that between one and two million UK households will come off ‘fixed rate’ mortgage deals, while rents rise and the cost of essential items continues to outpace what we earn. This is about to put an even greater number of families into financial difficulties.

Remote communities in rural Lincolnshire are often disproportionately burdened by the rising costs of basics such as groceries and utilities.

Lincolnshire’s cost-of-living crisis places immense pressure on local support systems. Food banks, once a temporary safety net for those facing emergency situations, have become an integral lifeline for many county residents.

These, along with community groceries, kitchens and larders, are often staffed by dedicated volunteers and fuelled by donations and are now experiencing unprecedented need as more families need help.

Back when the Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership first pulled together a list of social food provision, we listed under 50

locations, with a focus on the more urban areas.

In early 2024, we have so far mapped nearly 100 food providers, covering the county from top to bottom. These include food banks and community larders providing emergency free food; community groceries and membership supermarkets providing very low-cost food; community kitchens providing free or very low cost hot food and meals and others.

l If you need help or support, please get in touch with your local emergency food provider

https://lincolnshirefoodpartnership. org /foodbanks/

l If you want to donate or help in other ways, find your local provider from the above web page and follow the contact details from there

l If you represent a support service to add to this list contact

chris@lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org.

Banana cake with cashew milk, praline cream, banana crisps and charred banana

Ingredients

70g unsalted butter

70g caster sugar

1x egg

70g plain flour

1 TBS baking powder

1 x banana

25g icing sugar

Method

Soften butter, cream the butter and sugar, add egg. Blend banana and icing sugar then add to butter mix. Sift plain flour and add to mix with baking powder.

Bake at 170° for 25 minutes or until the knife comes out clean.

Cashew milk - ingredients

50g Cashew Nuts (Roasted)

100ml Evaporated Milk

75ml Condensed Milk

Method

Place ingredients in a pan, bring to boil, then blend and pass through a fine sieve.

Praline cream - ingredients

75g walnut (roasted)

75g cashew nuts (roasted)

200ml double cream

150g caster sugar

Method

Put all ingredients in a pan, reduce cream

1/3, and blend, then pass through sieve. Leave to cool and then whip with an additional 100ml double cream until soft peaks have formed.

Banana Crisp

Thinly slice 1 Banana, place on a lined baking tray and place in oven at 100° for 1.5 hours.

Charred Banana

Thickly sliced banana, dusted with icing sugar, and charred with a blow torch.

The Old Bakery, 26-28 Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LB, www.theold-bakery.co.uk Email: theoldbakeryenquiries@lincolncollege.ac.uk,

A zinful tale?

THERE’S a distinctly European charm to this wine, the allure lies not just in the bottle's design, which cleverly and humorously takes a jab at the "Yankee Doodle Dandies" from across the pond, but in the story it tells.

Now, imagine a scenario as rich and complex as the wine itself, where our beloved Primitivo, unbeknown to him leads a double life. It's like a scene from a detective novel, spiced with a dash of comedic amnesia. Envision our grape, Zane Zinfandel, embracing the American dream— surfing in California, enjoying fast food, perhaps even flirting with Hollywood fame. Then, in a twist of fate, after an overzealous leap into a steel fermenting vat, he awakens with a blend of Croatian flair and an Italian accent.

As our grape finds himself in a bewildering situation, the grape bureau of investigation arrives, armed with DNA technology and a knack for solving botanical mysteries. They unveil that Mr Zinfandel is not merely a carefree Californian native, but a worldly aristocrat with his roots deep in the Adriatic's scenic foothills, Conte Primitivo is reborn.

Now, as I pour another glass of the Pasqua Desire, Lush & Zin, I can't help but chuckle at the irony. This wine, with its rich notes of cassis, blackberry, and dark plum, is more than just a drink. It's a nod to the grape's whirlwind journey, a testament to its true heritage, cloaked in a bottle that winks at its Californian sojourn. It's as if Italy is saying, 'Nice try, America, but the script was ours all along.'

Cheese

Desire, Lush & Zin is available from 8 wines, Majestic & Direct wine from around £11. To the Pasqua Primitivo—may our stories be as full-bodied as our wine, and may we never stop unearthing the delicious mysteries hidden in every glass. Salute!

Francesco Canni, Aspiring Sommelier

Alpine Meadows is a stunning cow’s milk cheese, coated in herbs and flowers to make the most beautiful edible rind. The flavour is complex and fragrant, aided by the herbs in the rind – the blend of herbs is a closely guarded secret. The cheese is aged over 12 months and develops savoury umami notes – a truly comforting taste. Pair with

dark chocolate for a deeper taste experience. Alpine Meadows comes from Jumi, the makers of the delicious Aettis. Jumi makes its cheeses in the Emmental Valley, where the cows graze the luscious pasture, and the cheesemaking process begins whilst the milk is still warm from the cow. It is no surprise why Jumi creates such masterful cheeses. Run by Marcello and Tomi, Jumi ensures that every step in the production process is nonindustrial, and prioritises the creation of the highest quality cheeses.

Key Facts

Age 12months

Choice Alpine Meadows

History in t

THE first Lincoln Festival of History will be held across the city over the first May bank holiday.

This inaugural annual event will take residents and visitors on a journey through pivotal moments in the city’s past.

Activities will take place in multiple areas of the city from Roman gladiators and Viking warriors to romping Tudors and stylish Victorians.

The festival will be divided into zones

Saturday

4 May –Monday

6 May 10am - 4pm

Saturday

4 May –Monday

6 May 10am - 4pm

Saturday

4 May –Monday

6 May 10am - 4pm

Saturday

4 May –Monday 6 May 10am - 4pm

Saturday

4 May –Monday

6 May 10am - 5pm

MUSEUM ZONE

Lincoln Museum

Delve into the city’s rich history, unravel mysteries, and discover real artefacts from Lincoln’s past. Free entry, A cost may incur for some activities.

www.lincolnmuseum.com

T 01522 782040

MUSEUM ZONE

Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Enter the museum, close your eyes and be transported back to a more refined, Victorian time. (charges apply).

HISTORY AND CULTURE ZONES

Dean’s Green, Lincoln Cathedral

Meet Lincoln Longwood Sheep, a heritage breed of great national importance and learn how wool is traditionally made.

HISTORY AND CULTURE ZONES

Lincoln Cathedral

Meet the education team and join their family workshops to learn about King Henry VIII and St Hugh.

CASTLE ZONE

Lincoln Castle

From Romans through to the Victorians, experience the sights and sounds of the past with spectacular re-enactments as history comes to life.

Castle Day Tickets Adult £17, Con £16, Child £9, Under 5s Free

(details below), which will include living history displays so visitors can try their hands at historical tasks including coin minting, archaeological digs, shield decorating, axe throwing and ancient board games.

Professor Carenza Lewis from the University of Lincoln and formerly of TV’s Time Team, said: “We are delighted to be part of the festival. Lincoln has such a rich and well-known history, but its fascination goes beyond the great and the

Saturday 4 May –Monday 6 May 11am - 5pm

Saturday 4 May –Monday

6 May 11am - 5pm

Saturday 4 May –Monday

6 May 11am - 5pm

Saturday 4 May –Monday

6 May 11am - 5pm

Sunday 5 May –Monday 6 May 9.30am & 1pm

VIKING MINT ZONE

Cornhill Square

Living history, have a go at replica coin making, shield decorating, popup battle sequences

COLOSSEUM QUARTER ZONE

Castle Square

Living history and demonstrations from blacksmiths, bakers, tilers, weavers, decorators, carpenters and potters.

COLOSSEUM QUARTER ZONE

St Paul in the Bail Gladiator battle sequences in the ‘arena’ – check website for details.

REALM OF THE RELICS ZONE

City Square Discovery Zone

Unearth artefacts in archaeological dig pits and have a go at axe throwing (pay to play).

HISTORY AND CULTURE ZONES

Guildhall & Stonebow, Lincoln

Lincoln Guildhall Tours

Enjoy a guided tour around the Guildhall and follow the route of the original Roman Ermine Street, finishing with a visit to Posterngate. Tickets £5, booking recommended civic@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 541727

the making

good to include amazing stories of resilience, rebellion and doing things differently that might be less familiar.

“We can’t wait to offer a real mix of events to give anyone and everyone the chance to explore these, ranging from eyeopening public talks from world-leading historians to fun performances and family activities.

Saturday 4 May 12pm

Saturday 4 May –Monday 6 May 11am - 5pm 10am - 4pm

Saturday 4 May –Monday 6 May 10am - 4pm

Saturday 4 May –Monday 6 May 11am - 5pm

“We hope it will open people’s eyes to new stories and new perspectives.”

To find out more about the Lincoln Festival of History and the full programme of events see below or visit: www.visit lincoln. com/whats-on/lincoln -festival-of-history. The festival will also feature in our What’s On digital guidesee page 4.

HISTORY AND CULTURE ZONES Lincoln Guildhall Uncovering Lincoln’s Magna

Carta

Lecture from world renowned Professor Stephen Church, who explores the wider context surrounding the great charter.

£2.50.

HISTORY AND CULTURE ZONES

Castle Hill, Lincoln Lincoln Makers’ Market

Independent artisans will be demonstrating their skills and selling their wares . Free entry

lincolnmakersmarket@gmail.com

T 01522 842702

HISTORY AND CULTURE ZONES

Castle Hill Car Park Antiques and Makers Market, including artisan demonstrations. Free.

HISTORY AND CULTURE ZONE

St Mary Le Wigford Church Travelling Historical Market

Expect a varied selection of traditional crafts and artisan goods on offer, and live demonstrations throughout the day. www.travellinghistoricmarket.co.uk

T 07976 629256

Dress up to travel back in time

Do you have what it takes to be the Lincoln Festival of History 'Time Traveller of the Year'?. Children under 12 years old are invited to enter by donning their best homemade costume from a time period of their choosing at the Gladiator Arena in St Paul in the Bail, Midday on Sunday May 5. Participants will be judged on the skill and artistry demonstrated in creating their ensemble.

What

s On

Thursday 4 April 7.30pm

Friday 5 April 7pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

The Best of Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated

An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema’s most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light.

Tickets £31

www.lincolncathedral.com

T 01522 561600

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN From The Jam ‘All Mod

Cons’ 45th Anniversary Tour

Tickets £32.50, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

www.engineshed.co.uk

T 01522 837400

Friday 5 April 7.30pm

Friday 5 April 7.30pm

Saturday 6 April 5pm

Sunday 7 April –

Sunday

14 April 2 & 6.30pm

Sunday 7 April 6.30pm –10.30pm

Thursday 11 April –Saturday 13 April 7.30pm

Friday 12 April 5pm – 7pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Dark Sublime – Common Ground Theatre Company

Exploring the world of television and fandom, the lives of those who make it and adore it.

Adult £12, Con £11

www.broadbenttheatre.org

T 0300 400 0101

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Commuter Jazz

Enjoy a glass of wine and some mellow Jazz at this fabulous fortnightly live music event. £7, Pay-on-the-door www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

Saturday 13 April 7.30pm –10pm

Saturday 13 April 8pm –10.30pm

DECIMAL PLACE, 10 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3LB

Weird Garden

Evening of alternative sounds and art by Box Of Frogs, Gagarin, Modulator ESP, and Seppings. Free

T 07954 719138 (Peter K Rollings)

THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, UNION ROAD, LINCOLN

Steve Waterman Latin Jazz Quartet

Enjoy music combining jazz improvisation with the rhythms of Latin music.

Adult £16, Jazzpac Member £14, Student & Under 18s £8

Tickets on the door or reserve by email info@jazzpac.co.uk www.lawnlincoln.com

T 01522 529717

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Blow Monkeys

Tickets £25, 14+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

THE VENUE CINEMA, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

Film: Run Lola Run (Germany 1998. 15)

Lola’s boyfriend needs 100,000 deutschmarks in 20 minutes or he’ll be killed.

Free for members. No guest tickets

www.lincolnfilmsociety.com

T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Badlands: Three & A Half(pipe)

Tickets £18, 14+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

The Adventures of The Little Mermaid

Adult £21, Con £19, Child £15

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

SOUTHSIDE, LN5 8DW

Isabella Dorta

Isabella Dorta reads from her new book ‘The letters I will never send’. Arrive when doors open to reserve spot as an open mic-er.

Tickets from £18.99

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

Wednesday 17 April 7.30pm

Thursday 18 April 6.30pm

Saturday 13 April 8pm

Monday 15 April 6.45pm

Monday 15 April 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Red Herring Comedy Club

Tickets £17 www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN MacMillan Triple – ROH Screening

Tickets £18, Concession £15 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

ST. MARY’S GUILDHALL, 385 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN LN5 7SF

The Guild Sessions

Two quality concerts with local and national acoustic performers in a beautiful 12th century building.

£5 on the door, Cash only https://www.facebook.com/ TheGuildSessions T 07944 907051

Thursday 18 April 7.30pm

Thursday 18 April 7.30pm

Friday 19 April 7pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

King Of Pop – Starring

Navi as Michael Jackson

Tickets £28

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Michael Starring Ben

£28, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. www.engineshed.co.uk

T 01522 837400

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Amy Winehouse Band

Tickets £29, 14+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Zeph Churchill - Is It Me Or Is It Hot in Here?

Tickets £20

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Dallahan

Experience the unique brand of World-Folk delivered by the Scottish-Irish band drawing on Balkan and North American music.

Tickets £18, This event is 14+ only

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

Friday 19 April 7.30pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Film: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Starring Jim Broadbent, Earl Cave, and Penelope Wilton.

Tickets £10

www.broadbenttheatre.org

T 0300 400 0101

Friday 19 April 8pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Count Arthur Strong: And It’s Goodnight From Him

Tickets £26

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

Saturday 20 April 7pm

Saturday 20 April 7.30pm

Saturday 20 April 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

The Smiths Ltd + Transmission

Tickets £17.50, 14+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LINCOLN

Cilla & The Swinging 60s

Tickets £15

www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL G F Handel’s Saul

What ’ s On

A tale of betrayal, violence and war, love and hate, pride and envy, between King Saul and David. Conductor – Mark Wilde.

Tickets £10 - 25

www.lincolncathedral.com

T 01522 681434

Saturday 20 April 7.30pm

Saturday 20 April 11pm

Tuesday 23 April 7pm

NEW

Awake My Soul – The Mumford & Sons Story

Tickets £27.50

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN Swiftogeddon

Tickets from £8, 18+ only

www.engineshed.co.uk

T 01522 837400

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Jungle Boogie: A Dreamland Drama Musical

Enjoy an evening from the Dreamlanders, an inclusive drama group for adults with learning difficulties and other disabilities.

Tickets £5

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

Wednesday 24 April 7.30pm

Wednesday 24 April 7pm

Wednesday 24 April 7.15pm

Wednesday 24 April 7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN A Perfect Night

An indoor festival for people with disabilities, their families and friends.

Tickets Adult £10, Under 18s £7.50

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Swan Lake – Live ROH Screening

Tickets £18, Concession £15

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Academy of St Martin in the Fields – Celebrating Neville Marriner

The ASMF celebrates the centenary of its founder, Lincolnborn violinist and conductor Sir Neville Marriner.

Tickets £40 - £60

www.lincolncathedral.com

T 01522 561600

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Thursday 25 April 8pm – 10pm

Thursday 25 April 8pm

Friday 26 April 5pm-7pm

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Tickets £17

www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk

T 01522 837600

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Seann Walsh – Back From The Bed

Tickets £18

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz

Enjoy a glass of wine and some mellow Jazz at this fabulous fortnightly live music event. £7, pay-on-the-door

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Friday 26 April 7.30pm

Saturday 27 April 2.30pm –7pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Subhumans + Shreds

Tickets £12, 14+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN ‘Frock of Ages’ Drag Brunch

Unleash your wild side with this alt/rock-themed line-up of live acts that promise to rock your frock off!

Tickets from £20, doors 2.30pm.

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Saturday 27 April 7pm

Saturday 27 April 7.30pm

Saturday 27 April 7.30pm

Centrestage - Children’s Dance

Tickets £18, Concession £15

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, Phil Harrison Remembers Tony Bennett

Tickets £16.50

www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Pulp’d vs Blur2

Tickets £15, 14+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

Sunday 28 April 2pm – 5pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Viva La Rave Fiesta

A unique sober clubbing experience in the form of an uplifting day party.

Tickets from £20, doors 1.30pm. www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

Sunday 28 April 7.30pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Southside’s Jam Night

A great way to sharpen up your performing skills, make local and industry contacts, or just be social. Free entry

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

Friday 26 April 7.30pm

Colin Sutton – The Real Manhunter Live!

Colin was a police officer for 30 years and head of a Metropolitan Police Murder Squad for the last nine.

Tickets £18

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

Wednesday 1 May 6.45pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Newton Faulkner

Tickets £28.50, 14+ onlywww.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Carmen – Live ROH Screening

Tickets £18, Concession £15

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Friday 3 May 7.30pm

Saturday 4 May 7.30pm

What

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

The Beatles by Candlelight

Featuring a cast of West End singers and epic live band, come together for a jam-packed show with over 40 Beatles hits.

Tickets £20 - £50

www.lincolncathedral.com

T 01522 561600

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Elton John by Candlelight

Featuring a cast of West End singers and epic live band, experience hits of the rock legend like you never have before.

Tickets £20 - £50

’

www.lincolncathedral.com

s On

Saturday 4 May 8pm

Sunday 5 May 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Chris McCausland: Yonks!

Tickets £25.50

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Haley Ellis: Haley’s Comic

Tickets £16.50, 16+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

Tuesday 7 May 7pm

Thursday 9 May 7.30pm

Botham

Tickets from £30, 14+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

THE DRILL, LINCOLN We Dance

Lincoln College Dance and Technical Theatre students are proud to present We Dance 2024!

Tickets £10

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

Monday 15 April 6.45pm

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory - CAODS

Fresh from the successes of School of Rock - The Musical and Elf The Musical last year, CAODS are back! Welcome to the world of pure imagination with this tasty Broadway and West End musical based on the famous novel and hit movie.The worldfamous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory… but only to a lucky few.

Tickets £18, Concession £15

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk

T 01522 519999

Friday 10 May 7pm

Friday 10 May –

Saturday 11 May 7pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Dreadzone vs The Orb

Tickets £30, 14+ only

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY Duets by Peter Quilter

A gloriously funny examination of the chaotic world of love, relationships and why the grass is never greener.

Adult £12, Con £11

www.broadbenttheatre.org

T 0300 400 0101

Saturday 11 May 7.30pm

Saturday 11 May 8pm

Sunday 12 May 2pm-10pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Festival of Music

A concert by the Band of the Royal Air Force College

Tickets £16 - £37

www.lincolncathedral.com

T 01522 561600

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Red Herring Comedy Club

Tickets £17

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Lincoln Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival

Featuring Animals and Friends, Chantel McGregor, Brave Rivsal, Catfish, 2 the 51s and Gerry Jablowski And The Electric Band. Tickets £33.50

www.lincolndrill.co.uk

T 01522 534160 or www.lincolnbluesfestival.co.uk

01472 348222

Sunday 12 May 2pm & 6pm

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LINCOLN Wonders Of Our Universe

Tickets £14 - £16

www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055 ART, LEARNING & CULTURE

Mondays & Fridays 2pm – 3pm LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Databank Surgery

Collect your data voucher as part of the National Databank initiative for those experiencing digital hardship.

Free

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

T 01522 782010

Tuesdays every second & last of the month

6.45pm –9pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Life Drawing

One short pose and one long pose class guided by local artist Tom Humby. Materials provided, all welcome.

Adult £8, Con£6, Book online

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

Thursdays 2pm – 3pm LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Craft Club

Relax, socialise and share your story through the things you make. Free 16+

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

THE DRILL, LINCOLN Ian

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Thursdays 18 April –11 July 5.30pm –7pm

Fridays 2pm – 3pm

Until Sunday 7 April 10.30am –5pm

THE USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN Life Drawing Classes (Untutored)

Prices £9, Concession £7

www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk

T 01522 782040

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Learn My Way

Join a free basic IT beginner’s course, suitable for 16+.

Free, booking required www.better.org.uk/library/lincoln shire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010

GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Janet Schooley

Free www.instagram.com/galleryatstmartins

T 07720 810468

What ’ s On

Until Sunday 14 April 10am – 4pm

Until Sunday 2 June 10am – 4pm

DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS Art In The Barn

Enjoy ‘Reflections’ an exhibition by Lincolnshire Artists’ Society members.

Free entry www.doddingtonhall.com

T 01522 694308

LINCOLN MUSEUM Jason And His Argonauts On Tour

Psychedelic work of acclaimed disabled artist Jason Wilsher-Mills. Pay what you decide www.lincolnmuseum.com

T 01522 782040

Until Sunday 28 April 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm Sundays)

Thursday 4 April 10.30am –3pm

HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Uplifting

Enjoy the paintings, weavings, and glass work of Gill Edwards, Carly Gilliatt, Joy Gosney, Emma Mayle and Megan Allaway. www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk

T 01522 523537

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Time-Warp Wardrobe

Drop in for fashion themed crafts with the Investigate Learning Team, inspired by fashions from the past. Wristband £3, Make as many items as you like. www.lincolnmuseum.com

T 01522 782040

Monday 8, 15 & 22 April 7pm – 9pm

Wednesday 10 April 12.30pm

UPSTAIRS AT THE CARDINAL’S HAT, 268 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN Draw & Drink

Two- hour tutored portrait class, led by Ellie Benton, working from live models. Beginner friendly, bring your own materials. £15

www.facebook.com/lincolndrawdrink

T 07810 835147

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN Informal Visit Day

Find out what it is really like to live and learn in the city.

Free

www.lincoln.ac.uk

T 01522 882000

WATERSTONES LINCOLN

Wednesday 10 April 6.30pm

Thursday 11 April 7.30pm

An Evening with C. J. Tudor C. J. Tudor launches her latest edge-of-your-seat thriller ‘The Gathering’.

Ticket £5, Book & Ticket £20

www.waterstones.com

T 01522 540011

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP

GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LINCOLN Lammergeiers of the Spanish Pyrenees by Ashley Grove

Saturday 13 April –Sunday 14 April 9am –5.30pm

Saturday 13 April 10am – 3pm

Saturday 13 April 2pm

MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN Introduction to Permaculture

2-day course on the basics of Permaculture Design, hosted by EarthLincs.

Suggested donation of £20 per person per day, Email to secure your place - earthlincs@gmail.com

VILLAGE HALL, CARLTON-LEMOORLAND

Workshop with Max Neale Portraits in acrylic.

Members £15, non-members £18 T 01522 811510

QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN Lincolnshire Family History Society

Learn about an adventurous nineyear-old boy called Derek, the eccentric characters he met, and details of pre-war industry and trade. Presented by Helen Heath. Come in person or request a Zoom link by email.

Free, Non-members welcome lincolnbranch@lincolnshirefhs.org.uk

T 07941 245322 (Tracey Fairhurst)

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Saturday 13 April 10.30am –12.30pm

Monday 14 AprilSunday 21 April 10.30am –5pm

Wednesday 17 April 6.30pm

Mask Making Workshop

Using cardboard and masking tape, create a mask inspired by Jason Wilsher-Mills, to tell your own story. All materials provided. £3, Ages 5+ welcome, Under 16s must be supervised by an adult www.lincolnmuseum.com

T 01522 782040

GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN

Exhibition: John Sketchley

Free www.instagram.com/galleryatstmartins

T 07720 810468

WATERSTONES LINCOLN

An Evening with Erin Kelly

The bestselling author discusses her latest modern Gothic mystery The House of Mirrors. Ticket £5, Book & Ticket £20

www.waterstones.com

T 01522 540011

Thursday 4 April 6.30pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN The Psychology Of Serial Killers With Jennifer Rees

Tickets £24.50, This event is 14+ www.engineshed.co.uk

T 01522 837400

Friday 5 April 11am

BRANSBY HORSES RESCUE & WELFARE, BRANSBY, LINCOLN Welfare at Bransby Horses

Hear about the charity’s purpose and vital rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary care.

Free

www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

T 01427 788464

Saturday 6 April 2pm – 4pm

MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Crochet & Knitting Skills

Bring your own projects and join Rosemary and Zoe to learn and share new skills. Materials provided.

Free, donations welcome, free tea & coffee www.instagram.com/earth_lincs

Friday 12 April 11am

On-the-door Card or Cash, Free parking on campus after 6pm RSPB members £4, non-members £5, accompanied child Free www.lincolnrspb.org.uk

T 01522 753809

BRANSBY HORSES RESCUE & WELFARE, BRANSBY, LINCOLN

An Equine’s Welfare Journey

Hear about some of the cases seen at Bransby Horses and the impact the charity has on the welfare of the equines. Free

www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

T 01427 788464

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Friday

12 April 6.30pm

An Evening with Anthony Horowitz

Ticket £8, Book & Ticket £26

www.waterstones.com

T 01522 540011

Students shape up to the future at Industry Week

INDUSTRY Week at Lincoln College gave aspiring learners immersive and enriching experiences at both the city and Newark campuses.

From engaging trade exchanges and competitions to a highly anticipated Careers Expo, the week was a break from the usual learning environment enabling students to contemplate their next steps in education or the workplace.

What ’ s On

Students put their knowledge and skills to the test through competitions that were directly relevant to their studies and the winners were rewarded with a range of prizes – from toolkits to career-supporting vouchers.

Mark Locking, Principal and CEO at the Lincoln College Group, said: “Industry Week presents a purposeful and engaging series of events that provide students with valuable access to career opportunities across various fields.

“Our tailored competitions empower students to hone their skills, fostering the confidence needed to pursue their professional goals. This event is just one of the many initiatives we offer to support students on their journey towards achieving greatness.”

The annual Careers Expo presented a valuable opportunity for businesses to engage with the upcoming talent pool with

Wednesday 17 April 7.30pm

Saturday 20 April 9.30am –4.30pm

ST HUGH’S HALL, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN LN2 5AQ Purgatory: Heaven’s waiting room or the antechamber of Hell?

Medieval beliefs and practices surrounding purgatory are explored by Brian Hodgkinson.

Admission £4, SLHA Members £3, pay on the door.

www.slha.org.uk

BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY Golden Jubilee Conference

Celebrating 50 years of the Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology.

Admission £32, inc refrewshements

www.slha.org.uk

T 01522 521337

Monday 22 April -

Sunday 5 May 10.30am –

Tuesday 23 April 7pm – 9pm

GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Rachel Rogers & Andy Taylor

Free

www.instagram.com/galleryatstmartins

T 07720 810468

UPSTAIRS AT THE CARDINAL’S HAT, 268 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN Clay Play

Beginners’ pottery class

£15

www.facebook.com/lincolndrawdrink

discussions around apprenticeships, internships, work experience opportunities, and career pathways relevant to the industry.

The line-up of over 65 employers nationwide included Bowmer and Kirkland, Galliford Try, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Nicholsons Chartered Accountants, Siemens Energy, and Affinity. Fay Yates, Project Manager at WT Partnerships, said: “The younger generation can offer new perspectives and streamline processes. Events like the Careers Expo are about spotting talent, harnessing their skills and allowing them to grow.”

Leigh Warsop, Repair Expert at Currys, said: “Apprentices are a massive part of our business - they are the future of our workforce, which is why we invest so much in them to give them the technical skills and qualifications that they need. We’ve had a lot of success stories with our apprentices, many going on to become experts or firstline managers and having great careers in the wider business.”

During trade exchanges, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and explore different industries, broadening their horizons with a diverse line-up of interactive sessions from

Friday 26 April 2.30pm

Tuesday 30 April 9am –4.30pm

Wednesday 1 May 10am – 1pm

LINCOLN MUSEUM

A Pictorial Tour of Bygone

Lincoln

Victorian and Edwardian photographers recorded everything from Royal Visits to everyday events in the city. Presented by Chris Hewis. Admission £4, SLHA members £3, pre-booking advisable www.slha.org.uk

LINCOLN MUSEUM Art Skills For Teachers

All-day CPD event for teachers to help raise confidence and skills in teaching art. Lunch provided. Free, booking required by email. rachel.olin@lincolnshire.gov.uk

JEWS’ COURT 2-3 STEEP HILL, LINCOLN LN2 1LS

Flowers and Folklore enjoy flower themed craft activities. Led by Kathy Holland £8.50, SLHA members £7.50, Prebooking essential. www.slha.org.uk

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

Wednesday 1 & 8 May 12.30pm

hospitality and sport to hairdressing and construction.

Students also had a valuable insight on post18 options and decision-making from LincsHigher, along with fun activities as part of the college’s Project You initiative. Other sessions included developing CV and interview skills and personal development skills. Students learned how to practise daily resilience techniques, develop coping strategies, ways to digital- detox and gardening for mental health and wellbeing.

“Industry Week provides students with a valuable glimpse into sectors they may not have previously considered - giving them the opportunity to explore new paths and possibilities. Students benefit from regular support from their progress coaches to keep them on track and guide them towards success,” added Mark Locking.

To discover future careers at Lincoln and Newark College this September visit the next open day on Wednesday, May 8, 4pm – 7pm - Lincoln College campus, Monks Road, Lincoln, LN2 5HQ.

Saturday 4 May -

Sunday 2 June 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm on Sundays)

Saturday 4 May 2.30pm

HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN

Wood and The Wild

An exhibition of work by wood sculptor Paul Hempsall and artist Karen Devereux.

Free

www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Discovering Roman Lincoln

A tale of legionaries, priests, families, and farmers.

In this talk Dr Adam Daubney, finds specialist, also asks ‘What is left to be discovered in Lincoln?’

Admission £4. SLHA members £3, pre-booking advisable.

www.slha.org.uk

VARIOUS LINCOLN LOCATIONS

Saturday 4 May –Monday 6 May All Day

Informal Visit Day

Find out what it is like to live and learn in the city.

Free

www.lincoln.ac.uk T 01522 882000

Lincoln Festival of History

A brand-new event for 2024!

Enjoy a captivating journey through the ages and celebrate the rich history of Lincoln.

See full details on centre pagesp21-22.

Special zones and tours covering all eras

Prices vary

www.visitlincoln.com

T 07810 835147

Discover the donkeys at Bransby Horses - see below.

Wednesday 15 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

Wednesday 15 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

Wednesday 15 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

DOUGHLOCO

Pint of Science - Crime Night

Unravel the worlds of serial killers and poisons.

Tickets £5

www.pintofscience.co.uk

THE PESSIMIST

Pint of Science - Taking Part

A fun and engaging evening of research and art.

Tickets £5 www.pintofscience.co.uk

THE CARDINAL’S HAT

Pint of Science - Bio Night

Explore health, disease, and 21st century living.

Tickets £5

www.pintofscience.co.uk

What ’ s On

Monday 6 MaySunday 12 May 10.30am – 5pm

Monday 6 May 7pm – 9pm

Free

www.instagram.com/galleryatstmartins T 07720 810468

Draw & Drink

Two- hour tutored portrait class, led by Ellie Benton, working from live models. Beginner friendly, bring your own materials.

£15

www.facebook.com/lincolndrawdrink

T 07810 835147

Wednesday 8 May 11am

Monday 13 May -

Sunday 19 May 10.30am – 5pm

Monday 13 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

Monday 13 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

Discover Donkeys

Meet the donkey herds, learn more about these magnificent equines and the specialist care they receive.

FREE, booking essential www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincolncollege-open-day-tickets-600104256987 01522 876000

Wednesday 8 May 4pm – 7pm

Monday 13 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

LINCOLN COLLEGE Open Day

Giving prospective students, friends and family, a chance to find out what college life is like.

FREE, booking essential www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincolncollege-open-day-tickets600104256987 01522 876000

Thursday 9 May 7.30pm

Tuesday 14 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LINCOLN

It’s a Wonderful World –Look & You Will See Panama part 1 – In search of the Blue Cotinga by Mike Catchpole. Followed by the AGM. On-the-door Card or Cash, Free parking on campus after 6pm RSPB Members £4, Non-Members £5, Accompanied Child Free www.lincolnrspb.org.uk

T 01522 753809

Saturday 11 May 10.30am –12.30pm

Tuesday 14 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Eve Marshall

Free

www.instagram.com/galleryatstmartins

T 07720 810468

DOUGHLOCO, DRURY LANE, LINCOLN Pint of Science

Learn more about stress, and how gambling hijacks your brain. Pizzas and pizza slices available. Free www.pintofscience.co.uk

THE PESSIMIST, 4 MINT LANE, LINCOLN Pint of Science - Animal Night

Delve into the lives of Lincoln’s swans and learn how to enhance the welfare of animals in captivity. Food platters available.

Ticket £5, www.pintofscience.co.uk

THE CARDINAL’S HAT, 268 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN Pint of Science - When Science Meets Faith

Embark on a thought-provoking journey at the intersection of science and faith. Bar snacks and platters available.

Tickets £5

www.pintofscience.co.uk

DOUGHLOCO

Pint of Science - Fright Night

Step into the shadows for an evening where the supernatural meets the futuristic with ghost stories and dystopian AI.

Tickets £5 www.pintofscience.co.uk

THE PESSIMIST

Pint of Science - The Rescuers

Could you rescue the health of the soil in your garden? What about preserving historic wallpaper?

Tickets £5

www.pintofscience.co.uk

THE CARDINAL’S HAT

Wednesday 15 May 7.30pm

ST HUGH’S HALL, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN LN2 5AQ Chemical Production at Flixborough

Work started on a chemical plant at Flixborough before the Second World War, Presented by Charles Parker.

Admission £4, SLHA members £3 www.slha.org.uk

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Mondays 9am –12.30pm

Reaching Communities

Discuss issues relating to benefit support, housing, and debt with the Citizens’ Advice Lincoln and Lindsey team.

FREE

www.better.org.uk/library

/lincolnshire/lincoln-central-library

T 01522 782010

ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 10am – 12pm

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 10am –2.30pm

Mondays 10.30am11.30am

Coffee Morning

Monday – Craft Morning. Wednesday – Bacon Rolls. Friday – Toast bar & board games.

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, and more. toylibrary@childrenslinks.org.uk

T 01522 546215

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Messy Play

Enjoy the creativity of messy play with your child. Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschool children.

FREE

LINCOLN MUSEUM 3D Model Making Workshop Materials provided. £5, Ages 8+, Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult www.lincolnmuseum.com

T 01522 782040

Tuesday 14 May 7.30pm –9.30pm

Pint of Science -Inside the Mind

How our brains dictate our development and behaviour.

Tickets £5 www.pintofscience.co.uk

Mondays First & Third Monthly 1.30pm

THE ARK, MOOR LANE, NORTH HYKEHAM Music For Memory

Singing group for people with memory problems with carers. Donation of £1.50 welcome, Free parking and refreshments

lhoenes@virginmedia.com

T 01522 262656 (Linda)

GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Paul Letchworth

UPSTAIRS AT THE CARDINAL’S HAT, 268 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN

BRANSBY HORSES RESCUE & WELFARE, BRANSBY, LINCOLN

Mondays 6.15pm –7.15pm

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Post Work Yoga Flow

An evening yoga session with BWY Yoga Guide, Amanda Greenwood. All levels welcome. £7, Please note you will need to bring your own mat and blanket www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040

What ’ s On

Mondays 6.30pm –7.30pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Emily Warrior Yoga

Start your week with a 60-minute yoga class for the mind and body. Book online £8 www.emilywarrioryoga.com

Mondays 7pm BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, LINCOLN RockFit

Classes combining dance fitness, cardio and toning with metal and rock music. Suitable for all fitness levels. Rock out and get fit.

First Class £1, Normal Price £6 Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk

Thursdays 11am – 12pm

Wednesdays 10.30am –11.30am

Wednesdays 10.30am–12pm

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 T 01522 782010

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Rock Choir

Build new friendships, experience unique events, and improve your general wellbeing by participating in the UK’s leading contemporary choir!

Wednesdays

Term time only 4pm –4.45pm

Wednesdays 7pm

Thursdays 12.30pm –2pm

Thursdays 9am

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Lego Coding Club

Build stories and then bring them to life by learning to code with LEGO.

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

T 01522 782010

COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

RockFit

Classes combining dance fitness, cardio and toning with metal and rock music. Suitable for all fitness levels. Rock out and get fit.

First Class £1, Normal Price £6 Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk

Fridays Term Time Only 10.30am –11.30am

Family History Help

Using the resources available in the library’s archives and online databases.

T 01522 782010

Bring Me Sunshine

Dementia-friendly singing group, full of fun, friendship, laughter and music! Cuppas and cakes included. £3.50 per person, must be accompanied by a carer or loved one.

T 03455 564 144

THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Dance Fit with Nick

A fun and lively fitness class for all levels, no dance experience necessary. £4, All proceeds go to charity www.lawnlincoln.com

T 01522 523548

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Sensory Play

Play session for babies and prewalkers. Free

www.better.org.uk/library/lincoln shire/lincoln-central-library

T 01522 782010

BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL

Saturdays 10am – 2pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, Crafty Saturdays

Get creative and have fun discovering your crafty side. Suitable for 4 years and over, plus parents or carers

Free

T 01522 782010

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Saturdays 10am– 3pm

Lego Club

A place for children to use their imagination and build their own world using Lego.Suitable for 4 years and over, plus parents.

Free

www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library

T 01522 782010

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Sundays

7 April 10am – 11am

Sunday Morning Yoga

All levels and experience welcome to join BWY Yoga guide, Amanda Greenwood.

Adult £7, Please note you will need to bring your own mat and blanket www.lincolnmuseum.com

T 01522 782040

BRANSBY HORSES

Until Sunday 14 April 10am – 4pm

Until Sunday

28 April 10am – 4pm

Thursday

4 April & Tuesday

9 April 10am – 12pm

Thursday 4 April 10am –11.30am

Easter Hunt Children’s Trail

Follow the trail and unscramble the secret Easter words to collect a special prize!

www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

T 01427 788464

DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS

Spring Bulb Pageant

Open Wednesday, Friday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday. Adult £9.50, Child £4.50

www.doddingtonhall.com

T 01522 694308

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Spring Crafts for Children

Free

www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library

T 01522 782010

CAFÉ, BOULTHAM PARK, ROOKERY LANE, LINCOLN

Den Building

Build a shelter which could protect you from the wind and rain using fallen timber and tarpaulins. Suitable outdoor clothing and shoes must be worn. Child £4, booking essential, All children must be accompanied by an adult

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 873735

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Saturdays 9am

Thursdays 10am – 11am & 11.30am –12.30pm

Thursdays 10.30am –11.30am

TinyTalk Baby Signing

Help your child communicate before they can talk. www.tinytalk.co.uk

T 07590 123908 (Danielle)

CENTRAL LIBRARY Connect Over a Cuppa

Have a catch-up over a cuppa and a biscuit. Refreshments provided. Free, donations welcome

Saturdays 10am

Bailgate Yoga Club

Gentle 1-hour flow yoga class led by Elisabeth of Moksha Yoga. All levels welcome, mats available for use.

Adult £8, Student £6.50, £40 for 6week pass, booking essential www.mokshalincoln.com

T 07493 387328

TOBY CARVERY, ST MARKS, LINCOLN Lincoln Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club

If you are a military veteran or still serving, come along to meet like-minded people for a breakfast and banter. www.afvbc.net

Thursday 4 April –Friday 5 April 12pm – 3pm

LEGO

For children aged 5 and upwards to use their imagination and build their own world using LEGO. Free

www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library

T 01522 782010

Thursday 4 April 1pm – 2.30pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN

Whittling

Whittling, or wood carving, is fun and creative and teaches safe knife skills. * to 13-year-olds. Child £4, must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 873735

SOUTHSIDE,

TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN

LINCOLN

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

AGE UK, 36 PARK STREET, LINCOLN, LN1 1UQ

Friday 5 April

11.30am –12pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Teddy Bears Picnic – Story & Rhyme Time

Bring a favourite teddy to listen to a story and join in rhymes. Bring a packed lunch too.

Free

www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshi re/lincoln-central-library

What ’ s On

Friday

5 April & Friday

3 May 12pm –12.30pm

Tuesday 9 April & Tuesday 14 May 12.30pm

T 01522 782010

MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Wayapa Wellbeing Walks

Mindfulness walking group for a self-care lunch break. Learn how to make closer connections to nature in an urban environment then enjoy a sociable lunch. £5 each, includes lunch

Saturday

6 April & Saturday

4 May 10am – 1pm

Saturday

6 April 10am – 4pm

THE FERRY BOAT, HIGH STREET, WASHINGBOROUGH Farmers’ Market

Support local Lincolnshire small businesses by coming along to browse outdoor and indoor stalls.

www.ferryboatwashingborough.co.uk

T 01522 790794

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Big Spring Event

A celebration of Lincolnshire Indie businesses featuring a collection of the best stalls from makers, artisans, food and drink producers and many more. Free entry

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

LINCOLNSHIRE ROAD TRANSPORT

Sunday 7 April 10am – 4pm

Monday

8 April

Tuesday 9 April & Thursday

11 April –Friday

12 April 12pm – 3pm

Tuesday 9 April 12pm – 3pm & 3pm – 6pm

MUSEUM, WHISBY ROAD, NORTH HYKEHAM

Bus Running Day

Enjoy free rides on vintage buses and admission to the museum. Refreshments available to buy thoughout the day.

Free www.lvvs.org.uk

T 01522 500566

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Arthur Swallow Antiques & Home Show

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

T 01522 522900

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

LEGO

For children aged five and over to use their imaginations and build their own world using LEGO.

Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincoln shire/lincoln-central-library

T 01522 782010

LINCOLN COLLEGE

Turning Up The Volume on Lincoln’s Young Voices

Informal space for 15 to 25-yearolds living in the city to have their say about housing, crime, climate and more. Sign up to one of the sessions or if you can’t attend, request a survey by email.

hello@localmotion.org.uk

T 07736 900332

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

The Mindful Mile

Take a moment out of a busy day to reconnect with the outdoors. Meet at the West Front of the cathedral.

Free

www.lincolncathedral.com

T 01522 561600

Wednesday 10 April 10am –11.30am

Mosaic Workshop

Make your very own mosaic tile to take home.

Child £4, booking essential, All children must be accompanied by an adult

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 873735

Wednesday 10 April 1pm2.30pm

Bottle Rockets

Discover the joys of flight by making your very own bottle rocket! This activity is aimed at children 4 to 13 years old.

Child £4, booking essential, All children must be accompanied by an adult

hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 873735

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Thursday 11 April 10am – 12pm

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Saturday 13 April –Sunday

14 April

Various Times

There’s A Monster In Your Show

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures are leaping from page to stage as the ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a musical show.

Tickets £16

www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk

T 01522 837600

PARK STREET ACTIVITY CENTRE, 36

Saturday 13 April 10am – 3pm

PARK STREET, LINCOLN, LN1 1UQ

Feeling Thrifty

Sell your second-hand items or come and grab a bargain whilst raising money for Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire. Bring cash, as not all stall holders will have card machines. £2 on-the-door, under 10s free.

www.feeling-thrifty.raisely.com

T 03455 564 144

Sunday 14 April 10am – 4pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Countryside Lincs

Fun-filled family day out with plenty of interactive indoor and outdoor activities and workshops to discover a flavour of food, farming, and the countryside. Advanced tickets adult £11, child £6, family £32

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

T 01522 522900

Sunday 14 April 10am – 2pm

Friday 19 April 10am -11am

RISEHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN City of Lincoln 10K

If you haven’t already got your place for this event you should be cheering on those who have around the picturesque course. www.runforall.com

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Toddler Time

Dress to get messy for seasonal activities for the under fives. Child £4, must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential. hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 873735

SAUSTHORPE STREET, SINCIL BANK

Saturday 20 April 9.30am

Saturday 20 April 2pm – 4pm

LEGO Coding

Come and have a go at LEGO coding. Six-11-year-olds welcome accompanied by a parent or carer. Free, booking required by email lincoln.library@gll.org

T 01522 782010

WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

Thursday 11 April 11am – 3pm

Kids’ Club

Join Lisa from Hartsholme Rangers for dino-themed activities. Free

www.watersideshopping.com

T 01522 529566

Sunday 21 April 8.30am – 3pm

Sunday 21 April 9.30am –2.30pm

Sincil Bank Litter Pick

Please wear sensible clothing and gloves. Equipment and refreshments will be provided.

MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Climate Café

Inclusive safe space to discuss climate concerns in a structured, safe and supportive environment. Booking required via email.

Free, donations accepted, free tea & coffee

theclimateimps@gmail.com

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

The Vintage Flea Market £3, Cash only

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

T 01522 522900

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

The Lincoln Record Fair

Over 100-tables of vinyl records from different national dealers together in one room. £2 on-the-door, Under 16s Free

www.engineshed.co.uk

T 07587 103047

CAFÉ, BOULTHAM PARK, ROOKERY LANE, LINCOLN

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN

Sunday 21 April 10am – 12pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Repair Café

Get your broken stuff fixed! The Repair Café will try to repair your electricals, clothing, textiles, toys, jewellery, and small furniture. For further information or to be matched up with a fixer email lincolnrepaircafe@gmail.com

What ’ s On

Sunday 21 April 11am – 1pm

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME

COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN Discover the History of Hartsholme Country Park

Join Park Rangers for a guided walk to discover the history from when Hartsholme was a thriving estate to the present-day country park.

Free, booking essential, All children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 873735

Tuesday 23 April –

Saturday 27 April 10am – 2pm

Tuesday 23 April 7pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

Come along and find out what you can do to help support your local wildlife conservation charity. Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library

T 01522 782010

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Story & Rhyme TimeJungle Boogie: A Dreamland Drama Musical

Enjoy an evening from the Dreamlanders, an inclusive drama group for adults with learning difficulties and other disabilities.

Tickets £5

www.southsidelincs.com

T 01522 437942

Wednesday 24 April 1pm – 4pm

COMMUNITY ROOM, TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN Community Cuppa

Free drinks and biscuits every last Wednesday of the month.

Saturday 27 April –Sunday 28 April 2pm – 4pm

Saturday

4 May –Monday 6 May

Saturday 4 May 11am – 4pm

LUSH COSMETICS LINCOLN, 6-7

CORNHILL, LN5 7HE Charity Pot Fundraiser

The EarthLincs team will be fundraising from Lush whilst raising awareness of environmental issues.

Free

www.instagram.com/earth_lincs

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Truckfest

Tickets Adult from £20, Child from £8

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

T 01522 522900

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Marking Out The Hall

Although Hartsholme Hall is no more, come along and imagine what it was like. Free hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 873735

Saturday 4 May –Monday 6 May 11am – 4pm

Saturday 4 May 2pm – 4pm

Sunday 5 May 10.30am –12.30pm

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Discover the Herons

Join local RSPB members taking part in the annual Heron Watch. Free hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Climate Exhibition

Share thoughts on environmental and sustainability issues and concerns.

Free

www.instagram.com/earth_lincs

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bird Watching For All

Join local RSPB members for a guided walk to discover many species of birds.

Free, all children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

T 01522 873735

Saturday

11 May –Sunday

12 May 9am

Saturday

11 May 9.30am

Sunday

12 May 11am – 5pm

CASTLE HILL, LINCOLN Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix & Sportive

The steep hills of the cobbled Cathedral Quarter will offer an exciting and challenging route for riders participating in the Lincoln Grand Prix 2024.

Free to spectate www.lincolngrandprix.co.uk

SAUSTHORPE STREET, SINCIL BANK Sincil Bank Litter Pick

Please wear sensible clothing and gloves. Equipment and refreshments will be provided.

T 01522 694308

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Lincolnshire Comic Con

Media guests, comic-creators, and geeky attractions with a huge market selling collectibles and merchandise from your favourite franchises!

Tickets Adult £10, Under 16s £5, Cash only on-the-door

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

T 01522 522900

Climate Cafés provide safe outlet for environmental concerns

CLIMATE Cafés with EarthLincs are giving people the chance to voice their fears over the ecological crisis, WRITES REBECCA POOLE

The sessions provide a structured space open to anyone wanting to express their thoughts about environmental breakdown and share stories with likeminded people.

“It’s not a place to judge or to talk about any actions you might take, it’s literally a place just to talk about how you feel and your emotions around the climate crisis,” explained Rachael Burnett, Climate Café Facilitator, and Administrator at the Student Wellbeing Centre, University of Lincoln.

After some initial challenges with the first session in September, Rachael has adapted and made changes to the Climate Cafés to ensure they run smoothly, including setting stricter start times.

“I take a little Tibetan singing bowl with me now and I say at the beginning of the session feel free to talk, but if I think it’s going on a little bit too long, I’ll do a little ‘dong’ which is not to say stop talking right now, it’s just a gentle nudge towards bringing it in. I haven’t needed to use it, but it’s there if I do.”

Feedback from participants has been positive, with many saying they no longer feel alone in their concerns but that the cafés have provided a supportive space of solidarity and hopeful dialogue.

“We haven’t had a really morose, down session where I’ve needed to pep them up, there’s always been at least one or two people in the group who have managed to say positive things to bring everyone else up.”

Rachael hopes to offer more sessions both in-person and online, but stresses that she needs the support of other facilitators to make this a reality.

“Anyone can train to be a facilitator; you just need to go on the Climate Psychology Alliance website and then you can join me. It’d be nice to have more people trained up and doing them so we can spread out and do more.”

See the What’s On Family and Community Section for details of the next Climate Café.

Heron Watch at Hartsholme.

Win a novel of music and mirth

BY REBECCA POOLE

A NEW novel combines fact and fiction to explore the history of Lincolnshire’s music scene with a humorous twist.

Witham ‘n’ Blues was written by Mike Murphy eager to tell the forgotten story of his home county’s musical history.

It draws from his experience of working in the southern United States to create a witty tale exploring the undiscovered musical heritage of Lincolnshire.

“I was fascinated by the fact that so few people in the UK seem to know where exactly Lincolnshire is. The county has some remarkable connections with some great popular music. It is a large, but sparsely populated area of England, very much off the beaten track,” said Mike.

“Even today, the county’s brightest young people attend a network of small grammar schools, go off to university, often never to return, finding fame and fortune, or at least a better paying job in the larger cities. People like Isaac Newton, Tennyson, Margaret Thatcher, Rod “Thriller” Temperton, Jim Broadbent, Robert Webb and Bernie Taupin come to mind.

“There must be a sizeable Lincolnshire diaspora in London and other populous cities, this book is partly written for them, and now that Lincolnshire has its own universities, the book should also appeal to those who now ‘dip in’ to the county for their higher education studies.”

Witham ‘n’ Blues: It All Comes Out in the Wash follows the life of Professor Otis K Spanner III, an American academic who is

Call for virtual exhibition

ARTISTS are being invited to enter the county’s first virtual exhibition (see adjacent advertisement).

“This is a great opportunity to try something different and have your work on show nationally and internationally. It’s free of charge to enter, and there’s no commission fees if you sell your art. All sales transactions will be managed by the artist,” said organiser Kevin Byron of OPen Art Lincs (OPAL).

The virtual exhibition space can hold up to 110 pieces of wall art and six pieces in 3D. Artists and viewers can take a virtual walk around by visiting www.open-art-lincs.com/virtualopen-gallery-24.

Kate Boulton was the first artist to try out the virtual gallery: ““It’s a really interesting way to see the artwork so you can focus on each piece individually and see the detail and depth of the piece.You can take your time and see artwork from the comfort of your home.”

Deadline for entries is June, 14, 2024, and the exhibtion will go live as soon as enough entries have been received.

transported from his home state of Alabama to sleepy Lincolnshire when his work sees him based at the University of Lindum for a year.

The expert music and culture professor from University of Toscahonee acquires a research grant to explore the curious customs and musical mysteries of Lincolnshire, but discovers some remarkable secrets that will certainly put the littleknown county on the map!

The book is available to order online from the publishers

Cranthorpe Millner www.cranthorpemillner.com/product/mikemurphy-witham-n-blues-it-all-comes-out-in-the-wash/

Two lucky winners can win a copy Mike’s book by answering this question:

Which US state is Professor Otis K Spanner III from?

Send your answers marked Witham ‘n’ Blues to admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk.

The plants I love to hate

I’M not sure what has inspired me to write this month but it might have been a swathe of Elephant Ears in a local garden, or Bergenia cordifolia, to be more precise.

I had some years ago and, honestly, they gave me absolutely no joy, whatsoever.

Huge, fleshy leaves of a particularly repellent green, red/brown fat stems topped with vibrant or pale pink flowers. I dug them up; fleshy plants distress me.

My apologies, I believe the weather, still wet and dreary as I write this, is making me grumpy about all the plants I dislike.

I’m sure there will be many of you aghast at my first paragraph because you adore Bergenia. That’s good, we can’t all like the same things, but I am really not a fan.

I am also not a fan of summer bedding plants, although I can appreciate the floral displays and the colour they can bring to a garden.

I can also appreciate how long they last and how relatively easy to care for they are, but I just can’t take to them. Begonia are too fleshy although I love their colour, just not the stems and the leaves. Petunias irritate me with their penchant for going horribly sticky as the summer wears on. I am not

inspired by impatiens, although my mum loved them; I remain unmoved by geraniums and French marigolds, although I love pot marigolds, just not the scent.

I cannot swoon over lilac because of it’s habit of sending out tough suckers all over the place. I don’t really like evergreens, although I see their garden worthiness and indeed have a couple myself, (against my will). Hostas depress me, probably because mine are usually just lace within moments. Calla lilies, despite their wonderful and modern colours, sulk and won’t flower.

Gladioli, apart from the smaller spring ones are just too much and although I love clematis, I cannot bear those early flowering waxy ones. I loathe hebe, acanthus, heather and chrysanthemums and those dreary early irises that look like insipid little ghosts and please, don’t get me started on euphorbia.

When festive plants fail to perform

FROM LIZ: Hilary Silk’s Christmas cactus idea (Lincoln Independent, March ‘24) really cheered me up. I think she is right when she says it probably aerates the cactus soil; the roots can become very congested and a few holes can do no harm.

The poinsettia, plastic or no, look great and give a festive air to the plant that really should be giving it’s all during the Christmas period, but does not. Thank you for a top tip, Hilary.

Lindum Rotary back awards

LINDUM Lincoln Rotary Club is again supporting Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust in raising ecological awareness through its environmental awards.

The club has helped organise the awards for both children under the age of 13 and adult community groups throughout the county.

“The Lincolnshire awards are competitive and encourage all entrants to consider sustainability, recycling and water management, attracting wildlife and thinking about the impact of climate change,” said Chris Milnes of Lindum Lincoln Rotary Club.

“These are issues that Rotary is pleased to share with the wildlife trust in raising awareness of both young and old alike in projects to improve biodiversity and environmental sustainability.”

The Young Environmental Award final, sponsored by FCC Environmental Services, will be held at Lincolnshire Wildlife Education Centre at Whisby Nature Reserve on Wednesday, May 22 at 10am and the adult award, sponsored by Pennells Garden Centre, at the same venue on Saturday, September 28 from 10am.

Community groups can enter the adult awards by visiting www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk – the deadline for entries is June 17.

There will be prizes of £300 for the winner and £150 for two runners-up.

BY RACHEL SHAW LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

THE anticipation has been great this year.

The grey days, drizzle and downpours put a dampener on the expected proceedings of spring that perhaps made us yearn for it more.

But then on one of my lunchtime wanders the sun appeared from behind the clouds. Its rays shone down and woke up the invertebrate life – small insects took to the air, a large queen bumblebee bumbled past in search of much needed nectar and a flicker of orange caught my eye.

Off to my left a butterfly fluttered. Its wings flashed a bright burnt orange. A comma – the first butterfly that I’d seen this year. It briefly landed and I could see the underside of the wings and the small white comma-shaped mark that gives it its name.

There was still a chill in the air but this was a little sign of hope for the spring and summer to follow. The comma is one of the butterfly species that spends the winter in the adult winged form – rather than as an egg, caterpillar or chrysalis. Peacock, small tortoiseshell, red admiral and the bright yellow brimstone, also overwinter as adults. Late last summer and into the autumn, they will have been feasting on nectar to build-up as much body fat as possible. They need this to make it through the harsh winter months when there is nothing to eat. Then they will have found a cool, dry and sheltered spot where they can wait it out. Sometimes they choose garden sheds or garages.

Not all butterflies are a sign of spring

sometimes be seen on warm sunny days in February, even January. The first thing they need to do is replenish their energy by feeding on nectar. Plants that flower early in the year are vitally important for these butterflies and other insects including queen bumblebees that have spent the winter hibernating underground.

For other species, we have to wait a little longer. The next anticipated arrivals will be those that spent the winter as a chrysalis. Keep a look out for the holly blue, speckled wood, green-veined white and orange-tip. The chrysalis is the life stage of the butterfly between caterpillar and adult.

The caterpillars securely attach themselves to a stem, underside of a leaf, or maybe a sheltered garden wall and wrap themselves in a tough protective case. They are almost ready for flight but, depending on the weather, won’t be on the wing until April or perhaps May.

For me, it’s the orange-tip that is the true sign spring has arrived. They are a white butterfly and the male has bright orange tips to the wings.

Adult butterflies will feed on the nectar of a wide range of flower species – they aren’t fussy. But the kids, they are the fussy ones! The caterpillars of each butterfly species, has specific food-plants that they eat. Orange-tip caterpillars won’t eat your cabbages and they won’t eat nettles like the caterpillars of peacock and small tortoiseshells. The adult female orange-tip needs to find garlic mustard and cuckooflower.

She’ll lay her eggs on those plants, so when her caterpillars hatch, they can eat the leaves.

On the first sunny days of spring, these butterflies emerge. They can

When the orange-tips are taking to the wing, the cuckooflowers are opening their delicate pink flowers and, finger’s crossed, the cuckoos are calling. Then, we’ll know it is spring.

If you’ve grown and planted flowers for butterflies and other pollinators in your community green space why not enter the Lincolnshire Environmental Awards? Find out more at www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk

Brimstone by Rachel Shaw

Orange Tip by Vaughn Matthews

Comma by Rachel Shaw

Cuckoo Flower by Rachel Shaw

Lincoln Cornhill Market to open in May

LINCOLN’S Cornhill Market will officially reopen on Friday, May 17 after a major refurbishment.

It is 86 years since the facility, formerly Central Market, first opened in 1938 and its multimillion pound return coincides with Love Your

Big win for Tiny Tavern

FOUR years after the Tiny Tavern first opened its doors on High Street it has been crowned Lincoln CAMRA’s City Pub of the Year and Lincoln

CAMRA’s Pub of the Year.

Local Market Fortnight. Stallholders are being chosen and the new-look venture will be a mixture of a traditional marketplace and a world food court.

For full story see your May Independent.

Mother and daughter team Emma and Steph Chapman opened the pub just one week before the first Covid lockdown. Since reopening the pair have drawn on their previous experience to gain and reputation for serving some of the best beers in Lincoln, which has led to a healthy crowd of locals.

Emma was landlady of the Jolly Brewer between 2004- 2013, and Steph worked there from 2004 to 2018 - latterly as manager.

Lincoln CAMRA chairman, Aaron Joyce, said, “It’s a tough job for our judges picking a top pub out of such a great set of contenders.

Emma and Steph have shown how hard work and enthusiasm through trying times such as a world-wide pandemic pays off.

Move for Lincoln Register Office

THE register office in Lincoln will move to Orchard House on Orchard Street.

Marriages and other ceremonies previously held at the office on Lindum Road will take place in refurbished facilities (see right) with a larger capacity from April 2025.

The new venue will be able to hold more ceremonies for up 60 people rather than current capacity of 40.

There will also be two other rooms for smaller ceremonies, all with more modern, accessible facilities.

Cllr Sue Woolley, executive councillor for

“They have taken a vacant building and turned it into the great micropub we see today, and this award shows how much that work is appreciated, not just by our members but by all that cross the threshold. So ‘Cheers!’ to the Tiny Tavern team.”

Steph, who is now at the reigns of Tiny Taven with backing from mum, thanked her customers and bar team.

“Huge thanks to all of you for making the pub what it is, a Tiny pub with a huge heart From sharing our posts to answering the door when it's busy, together we have created an amazing community and we simply would not be here without your continued support.”

Steph is pictured, second left, next to mum Emma with CAMRA’s Aaron Joyce far right.

registration and celebratory services, said: “We are continuing to see significant demand for marriages and civil partnerships in our register offices, so I’m delighted that we’ll be able to provide better options for residents in Lincoln.”

Join city’s fight for Net Zero

BY REBECCA POOLE

DO you care about the environment? Are you committed to tackling climate change?

Lincoln Climate Commission is looking for new members ahead of its relaunch and people who want to be part of the solution to the climate crisis are being urged to join.

The Commission is made up of individuals, businesses, and organisations that have dedicated time, skills and expertise in supporting the city’s transition to Net Zero by 2030.

“The point of the commission was to formalise that network arrangement and widen it because you’re never going to know everybody in the city that wants to be part of it. People might have a great idea but don’t know where to go with it,” explained Andrew Kythreotis, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Lincoln Centre for Ecological Justice at the University of Lincoln.

“There’s a whole range of expertise out there that we haven’t fully captured and brought into the fold and a number of skilled and talented people in the city that we could work with.” Lincoln Climate Commission (CC) was formed in 2019 to support collaborative action across the public, private, and community sectors and to make climate change relevant to people’s lives.

Geoff and Andrew have been instrumental in forming the Commission, and have proved the positive changes individuals can make by working together and sharing skills.

“It was really down to the University and Geoff Stratford that we called it a Climate Commission in the first place. We had an informal network and were keen to formalise it but we didn’t know how that would happen and what it’d look like. It was the university and Geoff that had a look around and saw that there was the Leeds Climate Commission, which is part of the national program, Place Based Climate Action.”

The Lincoln CC was based on the Leeds CC, which has been the model for many other Commissions formed around the UK, determined to keep the climate emergency at the top of the agenda for all projects nationally and locally.

Through collaboration of inspiring locals and influential campaigners, valuable skills have been shared and projects have come together to spark positive change in Lincoln, such as the Greening the City project which has seen organisations working together to increase the city’s biodiversity from St Marks’ garden area, Brayford Pool’s Biohavens, and city-wide rewilding projects to increase wild flowers, restore woodlands, and protect wildlife.

Through the determination of individuals such as retired science teacher, Geoff Stratford, City of Lincoln Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has been working with local communities to reduce the city’s environmental footprint. “Geoff has been a real champion for climate action in Lincoln for the last 20 years and since he retired, he’s really put all his time and commitment into doing something about climate change.”

The relaunch session will take place on Tuesday, May 14 at 10am at Lincoln City Hall, when people are invited to review its purpose and decide the future of the commission.

Kate stressed that those who attend the relauch should want to be actively involved in fighting climate change in the city and who can commit to being a part of the Lincoln CC for the next few years.

To apply visit www.lincolnclimate.org.uk/join-lincolnclimate-commission

The changing face of work

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

THE Institute for Fiscal Studies has lately published research that shows that the state pension (currently £203.85 a week) makes up 71% of income for the poorest fifth of households where no one is in paid work.

For the richest fifth the state pension represents just 23% of household income. That is a stark illustration of how personal finance in retirement is changing.

When the state pension was first introduced it was intended to be a universal benefit for all, funded from the National Insurance fund.

Recent cuts in National Insurance will tell you that this link no longer matters. Research published last year suggests that a single person needs £12,800 income in retirement for the most basic standard of living, £23,300 a year for moderate and £37,300 for comfortable. So a state pension no longer even gets you to that basic standard of living. Add to this the fact that the state pension age is rising and is projected to rise further.

I started out my working life expecting to get a state pension at age 65. For me that is now 67. For my wife, when she started work, she would have expected a state pension at 60. If she is lucky she will get hers at 67, but it may well be reviewed upwards (it is currently planned to rise to 68 in 2046).

The reason behind the rises is simple; we are getting older as a nation and there is

a lower tax base to meet the bill.

Pension spending as a percentage of GDP was 4.6% in 1985/86 and is now 5.4%, despite the increases in pension age.

Doesn’t sound much? The total bill was £19.4 billion in 1985/86 and £138.2 billion now!

The government moved to address the issue with the introduction of autoenrolment in 2012, meaning that employers became obliged for the first time to provide access to pension savings for their employees.

Work is changing. When I first set up a private pension (when Nigel Lawson introduced ‘contracting-out’ in 1988) I expected to retire at 60. Well, 60 has been and gone and I am not sure when (if?) I will retire. For some that’s a choice, for others it’s a necessity.

The moral is that it is never too early to start planning and everybody needs to get the right advice.

info@dextersharpelincoln.co.uk

Grieving daughter secures inheritance with help from Wilkin Chapman

LINCOLNSHIRE and East Yorkshire’s largest law firm, Wilkin Chapman, has helped a woman receive a six-figure inheritance following mediation.

The claimant, a 29-year-old from North Lincolnshire, was set to receive the inheritance upon the sale of a property that her father held at the time of making his Will.

However, by the time of his passing, he had sold this property and the Will had been changed or ‘varied’ for her to only inherit £25,000.

Following mediation, Wilkin Chapman was able to gain an agreement for the claimant to be awarded significantly more.

Sam Sleight, chartered legal executive in the contentious probate team at Wilkin Chapman (pictured) said: “When the claimant came to us for our help, we were determined to ensure that she was paid the inheritance that she rightfully deserved.

“We treated this case with the utmost

compassion and support, and I’m pleased to say that following mediation, we were successful in gaining an agreement for the estate to pay out the significant sum.

“This case is an example of what can be done if you feel that you have not been fairly considered after the death of a close family member.”

The contentious probate team at Wilkin Chapman pursued a claim that the Will of the claimant’s deceased father had failed to make reasonable financial provision for her. At the time of his passing, his estate had been valued at approximately £570,000 - however the value of the estate was a live dispute between the parties.

This was because her father, prior to his passing, held a property in accordance with a joint tenancy that was passed onto his wife, who was not the mother of the claimant.

The Wilkin Chapman team pursued Section 9 of the Inheritance Provision for

Family and Dependents Act 1975, for the deceased’s severable share of the property to be included as part of the value of the estate.

If you would like further information on this or any contentious probate matter, please contact Sam Sleight on 01507 353723, email

sam.sleight@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk

Culture club or culture shock?

‘Personality’ of business counts

I HAVE been involved in recruitment interviews recently and it seemed all applicants asked what the culture of the organisation was like. It did lead to my reflecting on the term ‘work culture’, what it means in the workplace and how it affects the success or otherwise of an organisation.

Organisational culture refers to the collective beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviours that define the unique identity and character of an entity. It's the intangible fabric that shapes how employees interact, make decisions, and perceive their roles within the organisation.

Essentially, it is the personality of a business.

Manifestations of organisational culture are evident in various aspects of workplace dynamics. This includes communication styles, leadership approaches, decision-making processes, employee relationships, dress code, workspace layout and even organisational rituals and traditions. These elements collectively reflect the underlying norms and values embraced by the organisation.

Describing the culture of an organisation can vary depending on its unique characteristics and values. It could be described as collaborative, customercentric, results-oriented, hierarchical, innovative, inclusive or bureaucratic, among others.

The impact of organisational culture on business performance is profound. A strong, positive culture can foster employee engagement, productivity, innovation and loyalty, leading to better customer satisfaction and overall business success.

Conversely, a toxic culture marked by distrust, micromanagement, favouritism, resistance to change, fear or lack of

transparency can hinder employee morale, creativity and collaboration, ultimately impeding organisational effectiveness and growth.

Organisational culture is particularly important for new employees as it shapes their onboarding experience, integration into the company and longterm engagement and satisfaction. A positive culture can facilitate smoother transitions and help new hires align with company values and expectations.

Assessing organisational culture involves analysing various factors such as employee attitudes and behaviours, management practices, communication patterns and alignment with organisational values and goals. While leadership plays a crucial role in setting the tone and direction of organisational culture, every individual contributes to its formation and evolution. However, senior executives and managers bear primary responsibility for shaping and nurturing a positive culture through their actions, decisions and reinforcement of desired behaviours.

People seek to change organisational culture for various reasons, including adapting to external market forces, addressing internal issues or

inefficiencies, fostering innovation and agility or enhancing employee wellbeing and satisfaction.

Changing organisational culture is a complex and challenging process that requires commitment, patience and strategic planning. It typically involves identifying areas for improvement, engaging employees in the change process, providing training and support and implementing new policies and initiatives aligned with the desired cultural shift.

Current trends in organisational culture include a greater emphasis on more flexible and remote work policies and virtual collaboration tools, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, promoting employee well-being and mental health support and adapting to rapid technological advancements and market disruptions.

In conclusion, organisational culture is a vital aspect of any business, influencing its performance, employee satisfaction and long-term success. Understanding, assessing and shaping culture requires proactive efforts from leaders and employees alike, with a focus on fostering a positive and inclusive work environment conducive to innovation, collaboration, and growth.

AMY Cowdell has passed the prestigious Agricultural Law Association (ALA) Fellowship exam.

The ALA is the UK’s largest inter-professional organisation devoted to the law and business of the countryside and accepts just 20 candidates for the fellowship each year.

The course sees lawyers put through their paces at a two-week residential course, relating to various aspects of agricultural practice, from litigation and tax to succession planning and landed estates. The Fellowship builds strategic and technical competence, enabling successful candidates to better advise those in the rural sector.

I can give the best possible and full-rounded advice to clients. I am absolutely thrilled to have my expertise recognised as a Fellow of the ALA.”

With almost 20 years’ experience, Amy specialises in agricultural property law including buying and selling farms and estates, agricultural tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancy matters, easements, bank security work, and advising on diversification projects such as commercial lettings, biodiversity net gain and selling land for development.

Professional Fellowship for Amy Dan helps cycling chiefs combat Olympic cheats

Amy (pictured) partner and head of agriculture at full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau in Lincoln, said: “Being an agricultural lawyer is different to other disciplines as we are servicing a sector, with a variety of considerations to take into account, not least the interplay between running a successful farming enterprise and managing multigenerational family dynamics along the way.

“When advising agricultural clients, it’s crucial to consider all aspects of their farming business and family succession and the impact certain schemes and dispositions may have on that. I wanted to do the course to expand my own knowledge to ensure

DAN Ellmore has been working with cycling’s world governing body in a bid to eliminate cheating at the Paris Olympics this summer. The cycling enthusiast, who has previously organised the Lincoln Grand Prix, has been working with the Union Cycliste Internationale over several years to develop a system for tagging equipment that has been inspected for conformity to the regulations through his businesses Ellmore Digital and Ellmore Clothing.

“Over this time the process has evolved from a simple label to a coded system that works with a database and an app for scanning. It has been a great programme to be involved with and especially working on high profile events like Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 and Paris 2024,” said Dan.

“We have worked with them for the last seven or eight years with tags for bikes to ensure parts are not swapped for competition, including supplying them for the Tokyo Olympics.  In a step up in security for Paris 2024 will see all items used in cycling events including clothing, bike frames and wheels, will all be tagged with a coded label once checked by the officials to confirm they meet the regulations.

“Each tag is uniquely coded and will be destroyed if removed from the items - which ensures that the only equipment used has been checked for compliance and athletes are not using different equipment.”

The codes on the tags are linked to a specially written app which holds all information in the database so before each race officials can confirm the bikes and clothing are those that have been approved.

“Ellmore Digital has been using its tech knowledge to develop the codes based on the database and Ellmore Clothing has been working with production for the two types of tags, one for fabric/clothing items and an adhesive one for the bike components.”

Contact dan@ellmoregroup.com, T 01522 548108 or visit www.ellmoregroup.com