Back in 1945 many people did not wait for May 8 and spontaneous festivities began soon after the announcement.
Celebrations continued into VE Day itself. In the afternoon Prime Minister Winston Churchill broadcast a speech to the nation and also appeared, to the surprise of the crowd, on the Ministry of Health balcony where he again made an address.
“My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole.”
Winston Churchill.
Part of his speech from the Ministry of Health balcony - May 8, 1945
In Lincoln, following the address by the Prime Minister, the Mayor Cllr Harold Bennett (top right) made a formal announcement of the end of the war from the Guildhall to a crowd of thousands in the streets below.
At 9pm the King addressed the nation and thousands of people were present on the South Common to hear his words and to see the Mayor light the city’s huge bonfire in celebration of the occasion.
The bonfire stood to a height of 25 feet, and soon after lighting the fresh breeze resulted in the bonfire being visible for miles around - at midnight it was still ablaze.
Service men and women and members of the public paraded the streets between the Guildhall and the Lincoln Midland Station following the King’s address, many singing in groups and dancing.
The Stonebow with the Guildhall above had always been a place where people gathered at times of celebration within the city, the site had been the focal point of the city administration since the year 1237, so it was no surprise that it again became a symbol of togetherness for its citizens.
From 10 pm until the early hours of the May 9 the celebrations continued. Searchlights located at Thornbridge and at the Ritz on the High Street joined two others located uphill in illuminating and dancing across the towers of the cathedral. The search lights were eventually turned off at 1am and when the Illuminated VE sign which had been erected on the South face of the Guildhall was turned off 30 minutes later, the crowds started to disperse, but only until the following evening when even larger crowds danced into the early hours of the following day to gramophone records amplified from speakers outside the Stonebow.
There is a national programme of celebrations, which Lincoln is following, and that have been organised by the King’s Pageant Master Bruno Peek, who has been organising national royal events for more than 40 years - VE80 will be his last.
The beacon lighting ceremony will remember those who died in the war and commemorate the last survivors.
"I've always said the light from the beacons
always represents the light of peace that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war," said Mr Peek,
"Let's come together, celebrate and commemorate the millions who sacrificed their lives at home and abroad, so that we enjoy the freedom we do today.”
His last request for VE Day is for the country to come together to sign the hymn I Vow To Thee My Country as beacons are lit.
The celebrations in Lincoln start at 4.30pm in Castle Square - where there will be entertainment from 1940s-style singers and a DJ.
Visitors can browse military stalls including Royal British Legion and Royal Logistic Corp.
The Town Crier, Karen Crow, will attend with the Civic Party and dignitaries.
Local businesses have been encouraged to get involved by staying open and decorating their windows by the Bailgate Area Guild.
A special Choral Evensong will be held at Lincoln Cathedral at 5.30pm followed by its bells ringing out across the city at 6.30pm.
The Dean of Lincoln, The Very Rev Dr Simon Jones will read the Tribute before the beacon is lit at 9.30pm.
New compensation calculator will hit injured claimants
BY JOSHUA DAVIES
SOLICITOR PERSONAL INJURY TEAM
A CHANGE in the way compensation is calculated could result in seriously injured people losing thousands of pounds.
Ringrose Law is dealing with hundreds of individuals pursuing personal claims to compensate them for their injuries and associated financial losses.
Quite often, compensation for seriously injured claimants includes provision for their future financial needs, such as loss of earnings, which is calculated by using a percentage figure known as the Personal Injury Discount Rate (PIDR).
This has increased from 0.25% to 0.5 percent from January 11 this year and it’s a change that appears to benefit insurers only.
Many individuals who suffer serious injuries through no fault of their own often
face life changing consequences, such as having to stop working or needing round the clock care.
The PIDR is an important mechanism to fulfill the principle that when someone is wrongfully injured, they receive full damages for their future financial needs.
Under the new PIDR a 35-year-old seriously injured claimant, who has a future loss of earnings of £35,000 per annum, and who would have retired at 68, under the former discount rate would have received a loss of earnings compensation figure of £1,159,550.
The new discount rate would result in compensation of £1,027,950, which is clearly less advantageous to the claimant. It also means that the defendant insurer will make a saving of £132,200.
The new discount rate means that those
with catastrophic injuries and those claimants who have significant future needs will receive less money to pay for necessary goods and have less money to cover their future losses.
The expert team at Ringrose Law will make sure the best possible compensation outcome is achieved.
It is an award-winning firm and extremely experienced in dealing with all types of accident and medical negligence claims providing a professional service to best support our clients.
It is also recommended that claimants take specialist financial investment advice to meet the cost of their needs in the long term.
Call 01522 561020.
THE policing plan that sets out how officers will make Lincoln a safe plane to live, work and visit has been launched for 2025/26.
Leaders of the city’s Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspectors John Birkin (top) and Dan Gilmore (below) explained that working with partners is a vital part of making Lincoln’s plan work.
“Part of what makes this city special is its historic charm by day and lively pubs and clubs by night, which means that the city centre and surrounding areas can be busy and bustling.
“This promotes great atmosphere and it’s something all of us who live in Lincoln love, but we also know that with such busy zones there come policing challenges we have to meet to ensure you are safe. Alongside that, we have suburban areas spreading out from the centre, and some of the major road networks connecting the county.
“Policing this is a huge challenge, but one that both of us as neighbourhood policing Inspectors are happy to rise to, assisted by four sergeants who oversee their teams.
“Five of our wards identified as having higher risk levels
benefit from two assigned Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) per ward.
“Most policing activities take place at the triservice station on South Park Avenue, where police, fire, and ambulance teams share both the building and facilities, and also make use of the smaller stations located in local areas.
“A big part of neighbourhood policing is collaborating closely with local organisations and agencies to solve problems – and where we can, prevent people entering the criminal justice system, or help to steer them away from offending.
“This is where neighbourhood policing plays its part. The teams have strong links with local authorities, health services, charities, business groups, and community groups to name a few of our partners, which all help us deal effectively with crime and disorder issues, solve short-term and long-term problems, and support victims.
“We know that by forming these partnerships and tackling root causes of crime, we can make the city safer.
“In addition to response officers, South Park Station hosts investigative teams responsible for addressing volume crime, serious offences, and crimes involving children and vulnerable individuals.
“In 2025, the aim remains to make Lincoln a safe place to live, work, and visit by continuing to collaborate diligently with the community and other agencies.”
To read in full how the Lincoln team aims to tackle issues such as drugs, anti-social behaviour and retail crime visit https://www.lincs.police.uk/police-forces/lincolnshirepolice/areas/about-us/about-us/policing-plans/city-of-
Plan for policing the city disappointment
Sharing knowledge to save county lives
A NEW group is hoping to save lives by pooling knowledge and resources around suicide prevention, writes Rebecca Poole. In Lincolnshire approximately 90 people die by suicide every year with around 11,000 family, friends, and wider community touched by these deaths.
“Our new Suicide Prevention Network was formed very recently to bring together people across Lincolnshire with a shared interest in preventing suicide,” explained Dr Lucy Gavens, Consultant in Public Health at Lincolnshire County Council.
“We’re hoping to grow the network with people from a huge variety of backgrounds. The idea is to bring together those who might work with or be supporting people who are at risk of suicide to help share good practice, share information, and learn from each other to make sure we’re doing all that we can across the county to support people who are at risk of suicide.”
The Lincolnshire Suicide Prevention Network (LSPN) aims to learn different ways to prevent suicide while identifying and working with high-risk groups closely. “We’re always learning about risk factors
because they change and new ones emerge over time. We know, for example, mental ill health is a big risk factor, although two out of every five people who die by suicide in Lincolnshire don’t have a history of mental ill health.”
Lucy stressed that by increasing awareness and encouraging people to talk about suicide, other critical risk factors, such as relationship breakdown, being bereaved by suicide, or previous suicide attempts are identified and bespoke support can be delivered.
“In more recent times there has been a growing understanding of an increased risk of suicide in autistic people, for example,” added Lucy.
“Now one of the things we are doing through the network is working more closely with the Lincolnshire Autism Partnership Board to make sure we’re sharing what we know about suicide prevention and working with them to make sure the autistic community is aware of suicide risk and the support that’s available.”
The network is open to anybody who would like to get involved and offers
bespoke support for those seeking help. National research shows people who have experienced bereavement through suicide are likely to kill themselves.
“It’s quite an important risk factor, so we’ve got our bespoke suicide bereavement support service which will work with individuals, with families, and will also, for example, go into workplaces if there’s been a bereavement in a workplace.”
The LSPN also funds community-based projects that provide activities for those at an increased risk of suicide, such as middleaged men. Independent groups like Men’s Sheds and ANDYSMANCLUB work with the network to increase signposting opportunities across the different organisations.
“We know from research that asking direct questions about suicide can really help to protect someone’s life. There are myths in the past that asking about suicide gives someone the idea to do it, but research has dispelled that myth.”
For more information email preventingsuicideinlincolnshire@ lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Bridge takes shape to connect Charterholme
A KEY milestone has been reached in connecting the Charterholme urban extension with Lincoln.
In the early hours of a March Sunday morning bridge beams were added to the construction of the vehicular/multi-user bridge over the railway at the eastern access to Charterholme (formerly known as the Western Growth Corridor) on Tritton Road. This is a crucial infrastructure addition to facilitate the Charterholme development, which was first conceived 100 years ago and will evolve over the next 25 years to create 3,200 homes, a school, local services, open spaces for leisure and recreation and wider land uses together with improved transport infrastructure. The new bridge will provide the eastern access into the site to unlock the development as well as providing the opportunity for the delivery of a connecting link route between the western, Skellingthorpe Road access and Tritton Road, subject to future funding.
John Graham Construction Limited was responsible for delivering the access road and the bridge and its delivery means the project remains on track for completion by March 2026. The first phase of housing, now branded One at Charterholme, is expected to be completed from summer 2025 onwards.
Tagging the cathedral
OVER 7,000 individual examples of graffiti have been logged in Lincoln Cathedral.
That’s just logged…many thousands more could be discovered. Independent Editor AMANDA MCSORLEY took a tour of just a fascinating fraction of the etchings with guide Brian Porter (pictured) and in the first of two features discovers red herrings, love stories and music.
THROUGHOUT the course of its 950-year history people have wanted to make their mark on Lincoln Cathedral, but it’s only in the last few decades that the relevance in terms of social history has been recognised.
In 2018 Brian Porter applied for funding from the Cathedral Connected development to log and research the graffiti inside Lincoln’s famous landmark – it’s a task that’s still ongoing.
“The very first tour I ever did, an unofficial tour, was with school children, where I set them the task of finding a dozen pieces of graffiti and they did a really smashing job. In fact, they started finding graffiti I was unaware of. That's what stimulated me to start doing a proper semi-professional recording project.”
Logging the cathedral’s graffiti is a mammoth task in itself – only ground floor areas have been covered so far and a record of over 6,000 photographs has been created - but research into marks is even more problematic.
“It’s quite difficult dating a lot of it as people didn’t always leave dates and with much of earlier medieval pieces many people weren’t literate so they left mostly symbolic, pictorial carvings,” explained Brian.
Different tools would have been used giving different depths of etchings: “Certainly in the medieval period most people would carry a knife for cutting food or general whittling and women might have been carrying shears or scissors. There’s some pieces that look as if they have been done with a school compass.”
There are also a few red herrings such as the piece pictured with the date 1256, which false date - judging by the font used and the fact that part of the cathedral would not have been built.
There are fortunately many pieces with dates and made by people that Brian and others have been able to research, but even the anonymous pieces give us a glimpse of the past.
“Cathedrals were highly accessible buildings - they weren't just for the elite even though they controlled everything and when ordinary people came in they wanted to make their mark just like
people do today, so we call it the Banksy of its time.”
The earliest date is 1566 and the latest is 2012 with the more recent examples (not encouraged) including a sequence in the 1980s and 90s that records a love story between Alan and Shirley – apparently they break up in the 90s.
Unsurprisingly music is featured on carvings of notes on staves including a clef to denote the key - I was played a recording of plainsong that had been created using this information from the past. An early example of graffiti becoming art?
Next month The People Behind the Graffiti.
The Historic Graffiti Tours take place at 10.30am every Monday and last for around 90 minutes. The cost of £7.50 is on top of the £12 admission price – visit the cathedral free for a year by Gift Aiding the entry fee.
Bim steals the show
PETER HARROD delves into the Garton Archive to explore the pictorial past of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School and its predecessors.
THIS photograph was taken during the summer of 1954 and features the staff of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School (LHS).
The star of the show is Bim who was one of Headmistress Ivy Cleave’s dogs.
Miss Cleave is seated fourth from the right on the third row from the top as you look at the photo and Bim, demonstrably well
trained, is at her side ‘smiling’ at the camera.
Miss Cleave followed the long-serving and distinguished Headmistress Lucie Savill CBE and was headmistress of the school from 1943 until her retirement in 1964.
Discover almost 2,000 years Discover almost 2,000 years of Lincoln’s rich history on a of Lincoln’s rich on a tour of the city’s Guildhall. tour of the Guildhall.
吀is fascinating building sits above the Stonebow, which itself was built over the southern gate into Roman Lincoln so it hasbeen welcoming people into the ci琀 for 1800 years.
吀e current building was 昀nished in 1520 and is the o昀icial home of the Mayor of Lincoln – a position 昀rst established in 1206.
Knowledgeable tour guides will highlight the building’s national importance as they take visitors into main council chamber, where Ci琀 of Lincoln Council still meets. Vellum documents predating the Magna Carta, the sword given to the ci琀 by King Richard II; an impressive range of civic insignia and items representing the ci琀’s military, industrial and aviation heritage are just some of the artefacts waiting to be discovered.
It was no mean task for her to follow in Miss Savill’s footsteps and she faced the prospect of guiding the school through the sweeping changes following the Butler Education Act of 1944 and the equally demanding challenges of the social legislation and economic changes of the post-war period.
Also in the picture is English teacher Miss Carol Ryder, known for her scrupulous attention to the finer points of grammar and punctuation, and the inculcation of a love of literature in her pupils who gained so much from her inspiring teaching and the trips she organised to see plays at the Old Vic, Nottingham Playhouse, and theatres in Stratford and Cambridge.
Miss Oyler, Head of Art at LHS for 35 years, is also in the photo to the right of Miss Cleave. Known for her strict discipline, she inspired many of her charges to study art at college or university.
She was a highly talented water colourist herself and her work has been exhibited in the Royal Academy and in the Usher Gallery in Lincoln. There is a small room adjoining the Garton Archive at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School which contains many of her paintings several of which have been donated by former pupils and colleagues.
Miss Joan Holt is seated second from the left on the front row. She was Miss Cleave’s loyal secretary for many years who later became personal assistant to Dr Joyce Skinner CBE, a distinguished LHS alumna who was Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College during the 1960s and early ‘70s.
But Bim is the star turn! He was Miss Cleave’s faithful and ever-present companion who commanded the corridors of LHS with dignity and charm.
He sadly died at a ripe old age in 1961 and was replaced by a beagle with the name of Piper.
Miss Cleave later used the platform of a school open day to describe Bim as good, steady and law-abiding. By contrast, Piper was foolish, irresponsible, and a law unto himself. She went on to use that as a metaphor for what she perceived as the deteriorating behaviour of her pupils during the 1960s.
The Sunday roast - a great family tradition
LOOKING for the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious Sunday roast?
Look no further than The Horse & Groom, Lincoln, where the team prides itself on serving up hearty, homecooked meals in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Sunday roasts, available from 12 pm to 8 pm, offer a selection of pork, beef, chicken, lamb, and a vegan option – all cooked to perfection. Plus, for families, kids eat free with any adult’s main meal, making it the ideal place for a relaxed family meal.
If you're in the mood for something extra special, why not try the pub’s two-course Sunday offer for just £22.95? Choose from our delicious roasts, and either a starter or a dessert.
COMPETITION
“At The Horse & Groom, we’re more than just a place to eat – we’re a local institution, recently awarded Pub of the Year 2025 at the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards,” said Commercial Director James Cann.
“Our team is dedicated to providing friendly, efficient service, and we’re proud to have received amazing reviews on TripAdvisor and Google for both our food and service.
“Join us on Sunday to experience a truly exceptional roast dinner that’s sure to become a weekly tradition.” To win a Sunday lunch for a family of four with a bottle of prosecco click on the QR code.
JONATHAN JONES
Grain Store chefs’ lamb recipe
TRY your hand at creating a meal fit to be served at the award winning Grain Store Café Restaurant and Bar. Just click on the QR code and you’ll be guided through a recipe for roast lamb Loin, pan fried gnocchi, spinach & wild garlic sauce, asparagus by head chefs Chris Drury (left) and Jordan Cody.
Set in the historic grounds of Doddington Hall the Grain Store chefs curate delicious seasonal menus showcasing Doddington’s pasture-fed Lincoln Red beef, game and Kitchen Garden produce from the estate along with the finest locally sourced ingredients.
The café is open daily and the Restaurant is open every Friday and Saturday evening for à la carte dining and Sundays for roast lunch.
Cheese
Wild Garlic La Bouse
Key Facts Age 3 - 4 weeks +
Country Switzerland
Milk Type Cows
Organic No
WILD Garlic La Bouse is a hand-made cheese produced in the Emmental region of Switzerland. It is made from cow's milk with the addition of cream. Fresh wild garlic is gathered during the springtime in the Swiss hills. The result is an exquisitely creamy soft cheese, with a tender texture; the addition of wild garlic makes this a memorable and delicious seasonal cheese. The texture is velvety and smooth but, at the same time, is astonishingly light and fresh. We suggest baking in the oven until runny and toping with white wine and toasted pine nuts.
Process Pasteurised Region Emmental
Strength Medium
Style Soft and bloomy
Vegetarian No
For a fantastic range of cheeses from around the world contact Lucie Nock, The Cheese Society, 1 St Martin’s Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1HY. T. 01522 511003, www.thecheesesociety.co.uk
Martyn Cragg
BY LAURA STRATFORD
HOUSEHOLD food waste is a big issue. We - UK households - throw away 4.7 million tonnes of edible food a year. That represents 18 million tonnes of CO2 and costs us £17bn. The humble spud is the most wasted vegetable - with almost half (46%) of all potatoes bought in the UK ending up in the bin before we get round to using them!
It would be easier for households to reduce waste if we were able to buy our fruit and veg loose and therefore choose the right amount of food for our family or household in the first place.
If all apples, bananas and potatoes were sold loose, we could prevent 60,000 tonnes of waste, according to WRAP, which is calling for a consultation on a ban on packaging on 21 uncut fruit and veg items, which, it turns out, most customers would prefer!
Although most food waste (70%) takes place at household level, there are also efforts to reduce waste at the farmgate. A £15m fund from DEFRA is available to help food distribution charities upscale their operations, work with farmers and distribute surplus produce to foodbanks, community kitchens and other social food operations.
“Every year, an estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food are either wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving farm gates. This food should be going onto the nation’s plates, but charities often lack the resources to salvage it and provide it to the most vulnerable.”
It seems like a no-brainer: there’s good food going to waste and people who cannot afford the basics - there should be
Keeping it loose to reduce waste
a win-win response.
But critics from all sides are now questioning whether focussing on surplus food distribution is the best way to solve this dual problem.
The NFU advocates for fairness in the supply chain, including greater flexibility in specifications and better demand forecasting by retailers, so that farm produce is not wasted. Further along the supply chain, major food businesses are regularly “donating” food that is unfit for consumption or so close to spoilage that it is unfeasible to distribute it in time.
Charities and volunteers are left to pick up the pieces while the retailers record a nice round zero when accounting for their waste, and an illusion about donations to good causes.
Research by Feedback found that: “91% of food charity workers surveyed reported being forced to discard food donations from businesses, with 98% saying government should do more to prevent food waste from arising in the first place. From bizarre and unusable donations, to food that is already rotten, food charities are being forced to clean up businesses’ waste.”
Crucially, what’s often missed is the question of whether surplus food distribution is helping the most vulnerable people who it is supposed to be reaching.
Denise Bentley is CEO and founder of First Love Foundation argues that we need to stop fixating on surplus food redistribution through foodbanks and focus on addressing the root causes.
“When the charity first began, we were operating as a foodbank, but quickly realised the traditional foodbank model did not work to actually tackle crisis or poverty. We realised that distributing food parcels alone was bandaging over the deep–rooted problems of poverty, not solving them.
The holistic, “no wrong door” approach taken by Lincoln’s Acts Trust (that runs the Community Grocery, Night Light Cafes and Lincoln Foodbanks, and more) is an example of how it is possible to put surplus to good use while looking to the bigger picture, and working for a world where no-one needs a foodbank.
Monday 7 April –
Wednesday 9 April
Various times
Wednesday 9 April
6.30pm
Thursday 10 April
7.30pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
BA Music Showcase
£3, Live Pass members FREE
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
01522 837600
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Butterfly Club
Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and their carers.
£5, carer FREE
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Aurie Styla: The Aurator Tour
From £16.50, 16+ only
www.engineshed.co.uk
Know your dates! L
DON’T miss the return of the Lincoln Festival of History on May 3-5 when the city’s rich past will come to life in a celebration of its heritage.
Activities over the early May Bank Holiday weekend will give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in centuries of history with reenactments, hands-on crafts, educational and engaging displays taking place throughout the city.
The City of Lincoln Council’s Events in Lincoln team has enlisted medieval knights,Viking warriors and Roman soldiers for the threeday journey through time for history buffs and those looking for fun-filled activities.
Lincoln’s iconic landmarks will host historical experiences - at Lincoln Castle see Victorian-era re-
Thursday 10 April –Saturday 12 April 7.30pm
Friday 11 April 4.45pm
Friday 11 April 7pm
Friday 11 April 7.30pm
Saturday 12 April –Saturday 19 April
Various times
Saturday 12 April 7pm
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY
The Father
£13, conc. £12 www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0300 400 0101
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
£8 on-the-door www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Spandesque Ballet + INXS
GB
£20, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Queen Rhapsody: The Ultimate Live Experience
£28, students & over 60s £26 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Herring Comedy Club
£18.15, 18+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
enactments and meet fascinating characters from travelling performers to the Ragged Victorians and there will even be a flea circus! Over at the Cathedral visitors can meet famous Lincoln Longwool Sheep and delve into the city’s agricultural past.
On Saturday, May 3, City Square will be home to a Classic Car Show, where enthusiasts can admire a stunning collection of vintage vehicles presented by Lincs Louth Motor Club. Travel even further back in time at Castle Square, where Roman Lincoln comes to life with live demonstrations of ancient crafts such as blacksmithing, tile-making, and weaving.
For a deeper dive into the 19th century visit the Museum of Lincolnshire Life where interactive
Saturday 12 April
7.30pm
Saturday 12 April
7.30pm
Sunday 13 April 1pm – 2.30pm
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
The Total Stone Roses From £20, 14+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE True Motion 2025 £13, child £10 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN Northern Reeds Award-winning reed quintet playing Gershwin, Schumann and Faure in the first of a new series. £12, conc. £10 www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548
Lincoln Festival of History May 3-5
exhibits and living history displays include a Victorian schoolroom, kitchen, and living quarters with unique artefacts including a printing press and a Robey winding engine. Look out for intriguing historical figures like a physician, a soldier, and a pharmacist, and enjoy live music from a traditional Victorian harmonium musician.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth, said: “Events like the Festival of History not only celebrate Lincoln’s incredible heritage but also play a vital role in boosting our local economy.
“By attracting visitors from near and far, we’re supporting our independent businesses, creating opportunities for traders, and ensuring that Lincoln’s cultural assets remain accessible and thriving for everyone.”
More information is available on Visit Lincoln’s website, or follow the Events in Lincoln Facebook page for regular updates.
Sunday 13 April 3pm Lincoln Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
£16, over 60s £14, u16s £7
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
Wednesday 16 April
5.30pm
Wednesday 16 April
7.30pm
THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN, LN6 7TS Mania U18: Lincoln W/Mr Traumatik
From £16
www.engineshed.co.uk
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Jane Weaver
£20, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
Friday 18 April 7.30pm
Saturday 19 April 8pm
Sunday 20 April 7.30pm
Monday 21 April 7.30pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Space
££22.50, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN Clark Tracey’s Champions of Jazz
Tribute to the drumming legend, Roy Haynes.
£18, Jazzpac members £15, u18s £8, card or cash www.jazzpac.co.uk T 01522 529717
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Martin Kemp – Back to the 80s
£27.50, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
ST. MARY’S GUILDHALL, 385 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN LN5 7SF Guild Session
Two concerts by local and national acoustic performers, £5 on the door, cash only www.facebook.com/TheGuildSessions
T 07944 907051
Tuesday 22 April 7.30pm
Thursday 24 April 1.10pm
ThursdayFriday 24-25 April 2.30pm (Friday only) & 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Seven Drunken Nights
From £25.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Lunchtime Recital – Jen
Townsend and Joanna Garcia
Free with cathedral admission
www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
The Ripper Files
£23, conc. £21, 12+ only
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
Friday 25 April 4.45pm
Friday 25 April 7.30pm
Saturday 26 April –Sunday 27 April Various times
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN
Commuter Jazz
Fabulous music, a pizza, and a glass of wine or two.
£8 on-the-door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party
£29.50, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Captain Godfrey and the Last Shanty £5
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
Sunday 13 April 10 - 5pm
Monday 14 April –Sunday 27 April 10am
IRON AND PIN CUSTOM TATTOO CO., LINCOLN, LN5 8BG
Memento Mori Art Exhibition
A host of local artists will create pieces exploring the themes of death with regards to humanity's place in nature.
FREE T 07902 580193
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Community Resilience
Art exhibition by Lincoln Arts Centre Innovate artist, Tinashe Chipawe, co-curated by Phil Bowman.
FREE www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
Monday 14 April –Sunday 27 April 10am – 4pm
Monday 14 April –Saturday 10 May 9am - 4pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN, LN1 1ET
Dualscapes
Exhibition of paintings by Rachel Rogers and Andrew Taylor - two very different styles depicting the landscapes that inspire them. FREE www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
In The Gallery – Regional Exhibition By the North & East Midlands Photographic Federation. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshi re/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Friday 18 April 10am - 4pm & Saturday 19 April 11am - 1pm
Tuesday 22 April 5pm – 7pm
Saturday 8 March 1.10pm
Tuesday 15 April –Sunday
27 April 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 15 April 6.45pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL In Her Words
Celebrating female composers from the last 1000 years. Included in cathedral admission www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN THR3E
A joint exhibition of paintings by Siobhan Hensby, Jan Lindsay and Lisa Tank FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Dog Life Drawing
This Easter special will swap the human form for that of our canine companions. £9, conc. £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
Thursday 17 April 11am - 12.30pm
Friday 18 April –
Sunday 4 May 10am – 4pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Children’s Workshop Gelli Plate Printing Fun with Lisa Tank . £30, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
STABLE YARD GALLERY, DODDINGTON HALL
Art in the Barn Lincolnshire Artists’ Society main exhibition of 2025 featuring paintings and sculptural art by its members. FREE www.lincolnshireartistssociety.com/
Wednesday 23 April 10am - 1pm
Thursday 24 April 10am - 1pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Procreate Possibilities. A Beginner’s Guide for Traditional Artists with Mel Langton £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
USHER GALLERY Usher Young Creatives Have your say on the future of the gallery’s programme while enjoying a relaxed pizza party.
FREE www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
INDIGO CROW GALLERY
Gelli Plate Cards, Gift Tags and Mounted Prints With Lisa Tank £40, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
INDIGO CROW GALLERY Encrusted Seascapes Creating texture with found objects and hand embroidery with Alex Hall. £120, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Friday 25 April 10am - 1pm
Saturday 26 April 10am - 4pm
Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays 28 April –31 August 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 29 April –Sunday 11 May (closed Monday) 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 29 April 6.45pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Make a Silver Bangle With Sally Kheng £120, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
INDIGO CROW GALLERY Abstracting the Landscape With Hannah Cawthorne £95, book online
THE MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE
Lincoln: Then & Now
A photographic exhibition showcasing the similarities and differences of Lincolns rich past, including original artefacts and a short film from the Lincolnshire Film Archive
FREE, apart from event days T 01522 782040
INDIGO CROW GALLERY Sister Act 2
A joint exhibition of artwork from sisters Margaret Bird and Sheila Burkitt . FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing
A different theme every month with music playing and a fully stocked bar. £9, conc. £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
Saturday 3 May –Sunday 1 June 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 7 May 10am - 4pm
Friday 9 May 10am - 4pm
Monday (4-7pm) 12 May –Sunday 18 May 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 13 May 6.45pm
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Printed Matter
An exhibition of prints by 12 different artists. FREE info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk
INDIGO CROW GALLERY
Midnight Owl Wet & Needle Felted Picture with Eve Marshall £85, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
INDIGO CROW GALLERY Bold Watercolour & Collage With Sally Kheng £95, book online
INDIGO CROW GALLERY
Eclectic
A solo exhibition featuring mixed media art by Sue Hiscoe FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing
A different theme every month with music playing and a fully stocked bar. £9, conc. £7 www.southsidelincs.com
Saturday 24 May 10am – 12.30pm
THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIGG LANE, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND, LN5 9HP Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group
Demonstration of atmospheric landscape in thin layers of acrylic with Richard Johnson. Members FREE, guests £4 T 01522 811510
Venture below Lincoln’s streets to discover the remains of Roman Lindum Colonia. £6.50, u5s free, booking essential www.lincolnmuseum.com
Thursday 17 April 7.30pm –9.30pm
Monday 21 April 10am – 3pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW
Talk: An Introduction to British Orchids Lincoln Area Group is joined by guest speaker, Geof Lee. Suggested donation £2.50 www.lincstrust.org.uk
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Futures For You Drop In The National Careers Service offers free, impartial information, advice and guidance to anyone 19+ FREE, no booking required.
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Thursday 24 April 2pm – 3.30pm
Author Talk – Dr Michael J Jones
Looking at his new book 'Digging Lincoln'. £4, book online www.slha.org.uk/events
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
Friday 25 April 11am – 12pm
The Final Chapter of the Bransby Horses Journey Why some equines stay onsite and how they’re cared for. FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Saturday 26 April
1.30pm - 3pm
Author Talk – Jonathan Frost
Discussing his first novel, the Sci-Fi epic 'Dreams of Eden'. £2.50, book via email Lincoln_Library@gll.org www.dreamsofeden.co.uk
Wednesday 30 April 7.30pm BY ZOOM The ‘Definitive’ Magna Carta
Presented by Louise Wilkinson, Professor of Medieval Studies, University of Lincoln.2025 is the 800th anniversary of the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta (The Great Charter).
Admission by donation through www.slha.org.uk
Thursday 1 May 6.30pm
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ Lecture & Supper Series
An evening with Ian Campbell, author of Relentless Skies: The Most Efficient Airman. £15.25, hot supper included www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Saturday 12 April 2pm
QUEEN'S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK LINCOLN, LN5 8EW Talk by Chris Williams: From Lincoln to Krakatoa. The lives of six Victorian boarders. Lincolnshire Family History Society, Lincoln branch. T 07941 245322
Tuesday 15 April 1.30pm - 3pm
Wednesday 16 April & Wednesday 30 April 11am – 12pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Lincoln Bailgate u3a Annual General Meeting www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Life and Care at Bransby All about donkeys, how they bond and their big ears. FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
Friday 2 May 2pm – 3.30pm
Lincolnshire Libraries History Month – Talk Investigating Medieval Churches by James Wright FSA. www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Saturday 3 May 2pm – 3.30pm
Lincolnshire Libraries
History Month – Talk Learning in Lincoln by Andrew Walker. Accompanying exhibition to view throughout May. School buildings planned and built from the Victorian period to the end of the 20th century.
Admission £3, booking advisable through www.slha.org.uk
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Wednesdays 10am – 11.30am
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Bible Study
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Community Larder
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub
Social sessions for anyone who is near retirement to engage with others, catch up over a cuppa and try different activities each week. £3 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com /extratimehub T 07305 095690
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
Wednesdays 4.30pm – 6pm ERMINE LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY HUB
Creative Kids Club
Sessions delivered by Hannah Peacock with creative play, storytelling and art. For U11s and their families. FREE, no booking required www.rootedarts.org.uk
Fridays 10am – 11.30am
Fridays 10am – 12pm
Fridays 6pm – 8pm
Fridays 8pm – 9.30pm
Wednesdays 6.30pm –9.30pm
Thursdays
10am – 11am & 11.30am –12.30pm
Thursdays 10.30am –11.30am
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Boys Brigade T 07702 382319 (Darran Coy)
TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN TinyTalk Baby Signing
Help your child communicate before they can talk with baby signing classes. www.tinytalk.co.uk T 07590 123908 (Danielle)
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Connect Over a Cuppa
Have a catch-up over a cuppa and a biscuit. (provided). FREE, donations welcome www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Thursdays 10am – 1pm
THE SALTHOUSE, FREE SCHOOL LANE, LN2 1EY
Love Your Neighbour Café
Meet new people, share a cuppa and cake, and join in with fun activities. FREE www.stswithins.org
Fridays
Term Time
Only 10.30am –11.30am
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Sensory Baby Rhyme Time
Play session for babies and pre-walkers. FREE
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Community Larder
Saturdays 10am TOBY CARVERY, ST MARKS, LINCOLN Lincoln Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club For military veterans or those serving to meet for a breakfast and banter. www.afvbc.net
Saturdays 10am– 3pm
Saturdays 10am – 1pm
Until Monday 21 April 10am – 3.30pm
Tuesday 8 April 10am - 11.30 am
Tuesday 8 April –Thursday 17 April 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm
Tuesday 8 April 10am – 4pm (last entry 3.45pm)
DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS
Wilder Family Activities Craft sessions to encourage little ones to experience outdoor exploration. Child £8 www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE Easter Eggstravaganza
Search for hidden eggs, learn about Easter traditions and enjoy the Easter related crafts and games. Child £4, all children must be accompanied by an adult www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/museu moflincolnshirelife T 01522 782040
Tuesday 8 April 1pm – 2.30pm
Thursday 10 & 17 April 11am – 3pm
Thursday 10 April 10am - 11.30 am
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Easter Crafts
Create an Easter tree. Child £4, booking essential, parent/carer must attend. hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE Kids Club
Join Wild in the Woods to create your own dinosaur egg. FREE www.watersideshopping.com
LINCOLN ARBORETUM, LN2 5RT Easter Crafts
Create an Easter tree. Child £4, booking essential, parent/carer must attend. hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Thursday 10 April 1pm – 2.30pm
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Kite Making
Try your hand at making a kite and see if it flies! Child £4, booking essential, parent/carer must attend. hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 12 April 11am – 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Lego Club
A place for children to use their imagination with Lego. 4 years and over, plus parents. FREE
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Crafty Saturdays
Suitable for children of all ages. FREE
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Hedgehog Trail
Self-guided trail to learn fun facts about the UK’s favourite, native mammal. FREE
www.lincstrust.org.uk
BOULTHAM PARK, LN6 7PH Easter Crafts
Create an Easter tree. Child £4, booking essential, parent/carer must attend. hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 12 April 12pm – 3pm
Wednesday 12 March 4.30pm – 6pm
MONKS ABBEY PLAY AREA, LN2 5JX East Alive: Monks Abbey Bowl’s Club “What’s Next?”
A creative community event with activities and performances for everyone. FREE www.rootedarts.org.uk
THE COMMUNITY ROOM, TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD Soup & A Sandwich Adults and children welcome. FREE
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOORLAND AVENUE, LN6 7JJ Creative Kids Club
Sessions delivered by Hannah Peacock, combining creative play, storytelling and art. Suitable for children under 13 and their families. FREE www.rootedarts.org.uk
Saturday 12 April 2pm – 4pm
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN Garden Sale Plant and seed swap, planters and composting advice. FREE
Diocesan Ladies’ Choir of Lincoln perform sacred and secular choral music. FREE
www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Coffee & Care Morning + Bingo
Bring your pals, family, partner or pet down to Southside for a game of bingo, a hot drink and a natter! Hosted by the St Katherine’s Care team. FREE, £4 for 3 games of bingo and the raffle
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
HILLSIDE GARDEN – OFF ROMAN PAVEMENT
Spring Celebration
A fun family day out, activities will include wellbeing sessions, egg hunt, Raffle and craft sales, refreshments will be available. FREE
www.greensynergy.org.uk
T 01522 533077
Thursday 17 April
11am
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Vintage & Collectables Roadshow
Sell your classic pieces hasslefree and join one of the roadshows for a hands-on experience. FREE
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Friday
18 April –
Saturday
19 April 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday 19 April 10am - 2pm
Saturday 19 April –
Monday 21 April 10am – 4pm
Saturday 19 April 12pm - 2pm
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE Artisan Market
Raising funds for St Barnabas. FREE entry www.watersideshopping.com
T 01522 529566
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Easter Eggstravaganza In aid of St Barnabas Hospice. Easter craft activities, tombola, sweet treats and drinks available. Special story time at 11am.
LINCOLN CASTLE Dog Friendly Days
Unlock 1000 years of history with your furry companion. From FREE www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Extinction Rebellion General Meeting
All welcome, climate rebels new and old. FREE lincoln@extinctionrebellion. www.rebellionlincolnshire.org
Thursday 24 April 6pm – 8pm
Saturday 26 April 10am – 4pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Wildflowers For All: April
The first in a series of 6 workshops by Libby John, looking at the wild flowers of Whisby and how they change through the seasons. From £10, 18+ only www.lincstrust.org.uk
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Monthly Workshop: Spring Foraging Forage plants safely and responsibly, prepare them to eat and enjoy a shared meal around a camp fire. £30, conc. £25, student £20 www.lincstrust.org.uk
Saturday 26 April 10.30am –3.30pm
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ Op Manna 80 Activity Day
International radio programme broadcast connecting children around the world, and Op Manna-based crafts.
FREE
www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Saturday 26 April 11am – 1pm
Lincoln Sustainable Fashion Forum – Adults Clothes Swap
Bring up to 5 preloved items of clothing, shoes or accessories to swap for new-to-you pieces.
FREE
www.instagram.com/lincoln sustainablefashion
Saturday 3 May –Monday 5 May 10am – 4pm
Saturday 3 May –Monday 5 May
Various times
Saturday 3 May 2pm - 4pm
WATER SIDE SHOPPING CENTRE
Artisan Market
Handmade gifts, cards, crafts, and more. Raising funds for St Barnabas.
FREE entry
www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566
CITY WIDE
Lincoln Festival of History See centre pages FREE activities for all the family.
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD
Climate Conversations with a Cuppa Safe, inclusive space to come together and explore feelings about the climate crisis.
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW International Dawn Chorus Day – Birds & Breakfast
Join expert birder, Matthew Capper, and immerse yourself in the wonder of the Dawn Chorus. A guided walk followed by a light breakfast. £20, conc. £17, student £10 www.lincstrust.org.uk
Live music, a full afternoon tea and fully licensed bar and a large garden. £10, child £5, please email for tickets and more info burtonestateclub@outlook.com
Monday 5 May 1.30pm & 7pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL VE80 Tea Dance and Dinner Dance
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day!
From £16.08, u16s must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Thursday 8 May from 4pm
Thursday 8 May 7pm – 11pm
UPHILL LINCOLN/VARIOUS VE Day Celebrations See pages 1 & 3
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ VE Day 80 Beacon Lighting and Dinner £50, child £25 www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Crafterama Inspiration and shopping for crafters.
£4
www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
THE COMMUNITY ROOM, TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD
Community Cuppa Drinks, biscuits and cakes. Adults and children welcome.
FREE
SaturdaySunday 11 May 2pm - 4pm
Sunday 11 May 10.30am
CASTLE SQUARE /VARIOUS Lincoln GP
Sportive/Lincoln Grand Prix
Amateur race on Saturday professionals on Sunday. www.visitlincoln.com
BURTON ESTATE CLUB, LN1 2RD RAPHA Lincoln Grand Prix Viewing Great location to watch the cyclists hurtle down Burton Hill. FREE burtonestateclub@outlook.com
Please note - if contact details are missing these are the same as the first listing.
Mondays 10am
ONE NK LEISURE CENTRE, NORTH HYKEHAM
Wellbeing Walk
Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks. 01522 444632
Mondays 10.30am
Mondays 12.45pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK Whisby Visually Impaired Walk Meet Natural World Centre. FREE
CLIFF HOUSE MEDICAL PRACTICE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN. Wellbeing Walk Walk to Castle Square for 1pm. FREE
Mondays 1pm BLACK BULL, WELTON. Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
Mondays first & third of the month 1.30pm
THE ARK, NORTH HYKEHAM
Music For Memory
Singing group for people with memory problems accompanied by their carers. Free parking and refreshments included.
Donation of £1.50 welcome lhoenes@virginmedia.com T 01522 262656 (Linda)
Mondays 4pm – 8pm
Mondays 4.30pm –5.30pm
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, SUDBROOKE DRIVE, ERMINE, LN2 2EF Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone who is finding life difficult. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE Moorland Youth Dance Led by Amy O’Sullivan, expect a fun and energetic class suitable for ages 8 and up. FREE, young people must have consent to attend www.rootedarts.org.uk
Mondays Except Bank Holidays 7pm
Mondays 8pm – 11pm
LNER STADIUM, COMMUNITY HUB, SINCIL BANK, LINCOLN ANDYSMANCLUB
Talking group for men to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health through conversation. FREE
www.andysmanclub.co.uk
BRIDGE CENTRAL, PORTLAND STREET Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone who is finding life difficult. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
Wednesdays 10.30am –12pm
Wednesdays 1pm
Wednesdays 4pm – 11pm
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN
Authentic Argentine Tango
Embrace the elegance and passion of tango with Lucas Gou. For beginners.
£8
www.authentictango.com/contact
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Wellbeing Walk Meet outside Rangers’ office. FREE
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone who is finding life difficult. FREE
nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
First Wednesday of every Month 6.30pm – 8pm
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Let’s Talk
Peer-to-peer support group for men and women age 18+ providing a safe place to talk. FREE, no booking required, just turn up www.lincolncityfoundation.com
Wednesdays 7pm SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN RockFit
Classes combining dance fitness with metal and rock music. Suitable for all .
£6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
Tuesdays 10.45am
Tuesdays 1pm
Second Tuesday of the month 2pm
YARBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE, RISEHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3SP Wellbeing Walk - Uphill Lincoln Meet in foyer. FREE
COMMUNITY HUB, EAST STREET, NETTLEHAM, LN2 2SL Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Wednesdays 7pm – 8pm LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Team Talk Football Opportunity for men to come together and have a kick about after work. No studded boots. £3
£7, please bring your own mat and blanket www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
Mondays
6.30pm –7.30pm
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Mind & Body Yoga
Start your week right with Emily for a 60-minute yoga class for the mind & body.. £8, book online www.emilywarrioryoga.com
Mondays 7pm – 8pm
BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH RockFit
Classes combining dance fitness, cardio and toning with metal and rock music. Suitable for all .
£6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
Tuesdays 4pm – 8pm
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE, CASTLE SQUARE The Historical Lincoln Wellbeing Walk The tour will include key information on Lincoln’s ancient past. FREE
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LN2 4LH Night Light Café FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Tuesdays 7.30pm8.30pm
Wednesdays (2nd of every month) 10am
Wednesdays 10am –11.30am
DEAN’S LEISURE, LINCOLN COLLEGE Ultimate Frisbee Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate
BOULTHAM PARK HOUSE CARE HOME, ROOKERY LANE, LINCOLN Boultham Sensory Stroll Meet at the back gate next to the park. FREE
TESCO EXTRA COMMUNITY ROOM, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sam £7, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Women’s Walking Football For everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, and stay active. Sessions are coach-led.
£3, 18+ only www.lincolncityfoundation.com T 07736 900343
Wednesdays 8pm BIRCHWOOD BOILER HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL
Hapkido Korean martial art of selfdefence, fitness, relaxation, self-confidence, traditional teaching.
£5
www.birchwood-communityhall.co.uk T 01522 730312
Thursdays 9am-10am
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Dance Fit with Nick A fun fitness class for all ability levels.
£5, all proceeds go to SHINE www.lawnlincoln.com
T 01522 523548
Thursdays 10am
ROSIE LEA’S CAFÉ, CHERRY WILLINGHAM, LN3 4JL Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Students invite audience to a killer therapy session
THE stories and myths surrounding The Murder Castle are given a novel treatment by Implicato Theatre which invites its audience to a therapy session.
The production, Sententia, revisits the crimes of America’s first known serial killer, H. H. Holmes in late 19th Century Chicago by exploring gothic notions of performance to examine a true crime event that has been sensationalised by the media for decades. Implicato Theatre is a multidisciplinary performance company, created by eight third-year BA Drama and Theatre students at the University of Lincoln. Created as a professional, end of course project its debut show will be staged at Lincoln Arts Centre as part of the Lincoln School Of Creative Arts’ Launch Fest between May 19-24.
The 60-minute performance critically observes the case through Holmes’ confessions and audience members are invited under the pretence of a therapy session, examining guilt (or the absence of) through Holmes’ first-hand accounts. Scenes will transport viewers back to 1890s Chicago, in abstract dramatisations of what happened behind closed doors while remaining sensitive to the tragedy.
Jack Davey of Implicato explained: “The case of Holmes’ Murder Castle is extremely pertinent today, regarding suppression of the female voice and rise of true crime investigations. “As a collective, we intend to observe these histories through a
Jazzing it up for
Mass in Blue
LINCOLN Choral Society has joined forces with school choristers and musicians from the University of Lincoln for its next concert.
Will Todd’s Mass in Blue sees the society take on a a different genre with jazz under musical director Mark Wilde (pictured) in Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday, May 10 at 7.30pm.
The concert will also feature two other contemporary pieces
Cecilia McDowell’s The Girl from Aleppo and Bob Chilcott’s Five Days That Changed The World when they will be joined by the young singers and musicians.
Society sponsor The White Hart has funded its four choral scholars for one year.
“This enables the society to continue presenting large choral works, while at the same time giving valuable experience to the scholars in their quest for a career in music. The Society is extremely grateful for this,” explained Di Swales.
Founded in 1896 the society chooses music to appeal to wider audiences and invites children and young people to perform with it
“As the largest choral group in Lincoln, our aim is to share our delight and enjoyment in all genres of choral music and hopefully encourage others to join a choir and experience the love of singing with a group of like minded people.”
narrative with Holmes’ accounts, whether reliable or not”. Sententia has a recommended age guidance of 15+.
Book Online: lincolnartscentre.co.uk or on 01522 837600 Follow @implicatotheatre on Instagram and TikTok.
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Experimentation inspiration
IEARLIER this year, I saw a photograph of the Eden Project, built in a quarry, in Cornwall. The slopes of the quarry are planted with long, swooping rows of vegetables interspersed with flowers. The rows are neat but the plants look crammed in together closely; no namby-pamby spacing here. The flowers are companions to the vegetables to help them grow or to discourage certain pests. It looks marvellous. I am inspired. I have rather overspent on seeds but am already in the process of sowing as many as I can with the intention of growing all my vegetables close together and between the rows there will be rows of calendula, sunflowers, nasturtium and possibly some ground cover. I am hoping that planting closely will give the bind weed, (which is for life not just for Christmas) less room to manoeuvre. We shall see. I have also saved some raw wool from my daughter’s cat food packaging. I shall edge the beds in this because slugs do not like crawling across wool apparently.
I am making compost at the allotment but we were practising the ‘let’s just throw all this rubbish in these bins and see if it goes away’ methods of composting so getting down to the actual compost has been a trial.
I’ve found some though, not much but have put what little there is onto the beds.
The experimentation has also begun at home. Into the raised bed I packed un-composted tree chippings from last year’s hedge pruning, some undigested compost, with un-rotted bits in it, homemade compost, some manure and a little bought compost. The broad beans seem to like it and are growing apace.
Environment awards
I shall also try green manures this year, using my grass clippings as a mulch and making both nettle and banana peel soup for plant food.
I am feeling quite radically abandoned this year and am up for giving anything a go. As you read I am consulting my almanac for moon planting advice.
I’ve been gardening for 30 years and feel like I’m only just getting to grips with it.
DEBRIS following the collision of the Stena Immaculate and the Solong tankers in the North Sea has come ashore on the Lincolnshire Coast.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust have been working with other agencies to deal with the fallout from incident off the East Yorkshire coast, which is why there is no regular Independent column from Rachel Shaw of the organisation.
Pollution from the vessels is a huge threat to wildlife of all kinds and large quantities of plastic pollution has washed up at Gibraltar Point and LWT staff have been clearing the known shorebird breeding area at the southernmost point of the beach.
The situation along the Lincolnshire,Yorkshire and Norfolk coasts continues to develop and be monitored. It underlines how importance of the Trust’s work and that of all organisations involved with looking after the environment, including voluntary community organisations.
Rachel was keen to remind people that the Lincolnshire Environmental Awards are open for entries.
LWT is searching for communities in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North-East Lincolnshire which have made a real difference to their local environment and created space for nature.
“Entries are welcome from a wide range of community-based groups, parish councils, allotment societies, youth groups, church groups and social enterprises,” said Rachel.
“Being part of the awards is a wonderful and rewarding way to
celebrate your achievements, share experiences and encourage others to take action.”
Tips on entering
Remember everyone has a chance of winning.
Dedication and enthusiasm is favoured over financial inputs – be sure not to undervalue your achievements.
Don’t be put off thinking your efforts are not up to a ‘set’ standard. Imagine you’re the judge – would your application impress you?
Think about this when completing your entry. Keep your points punchy and relevant.
Our judges are used to comparing businesses and projects of very different types and sizes. If you can’t find a category to match what you do get in touch with the Trust and it will give you guidance.
Deadline for entries: Monday, June 16.
Hear from the 2024 winners, Cherry Fields (pictured above) in episode 10 of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust podcast: Search for Wilder Lincolnshire on Spotify.
Picture from The Eden Project.
County homes hit hard by IHT freeze
ANALYSIS BY SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU
A HOME bought in Lincolnshire in 2024 is five times more likely to result in families paying inheritance tax than in 2009, according to Shakespeare Martineau’s analysis of the Land Registry’s price paid data.
When the inheritance tax threshold was first frozen at £325,000 in 2009, just 3% of property purchases in the county met or exceeded this amount. By 2024, that figure had surged to 16%.
Inheritance tax is paid if a person’s estate –including their property, money and possessions – is worth more than £325,000 when they die, charged at 40% on anything above the threshold.
Homeowners passing their main residence to children or direct descendants can benefit from the residence nil-rate band, which adds £175,000 to the threshold, increasing the tax-free allowance to £500,000.
However, the number of properties sold for £500,000 or more in Lincolnshire also saw a significant rise, climbing from virtually none in 2009 to 4% in 2024.
Private client legal director Emma Carr said: “With property values steadily rising and the inheritance tax threshold frozen until at least 2030, more families are facing
significant tax bills when passing down wealth.
“However, there are several strategies that can help mitigate this burden. Using taxefficient structures – such as trusts (whether created in lifetime or in wills) or family investment companies – can ensure assets are passed down in a controlled and tax-effective manner. Additionally, gifting and considering charitable donations can reduce overall inheritance tax liabilities.”
Dispute resolution partner Jonathan Stork added: “More families finding themselves caught in the tax net also increases the likelihood of disputes as people rely on inheritances to supplement their future finances.
“Open and honest discussions with family members are crucial to preventing misunderstandings and disputes. Many conflicts arise from a lack of communication and unexpected provisions in a will that leave loved ones without the financial support they anticipated.”
As the number of high-value estates continues to grow while the inheritance tax threshold remains frozen, families will increasingly need to plan ahead – both financially and emotionally – to avoid
A matter of trust
I HAVE written before about Inheritance Tax and there has always been a place in IHT planning for Family Trusts.
In the past trusts have been used for aggressive tax planning but very many of the quite legitimate avenues that did exist to use trusts to mitigate tax were closed as a result of the far-reaching changes in the taxation of trusts that
were enacted in 2006 by the last Labour government.
As a result of those changes almost all lifetime transfers into trust became subject to entry and exit charges for Inheritance Tax though these could be mitigated by the use of nil rate bands and business and agricultural reliefs. Trusts have never gone away although the emphasis shifted away from trusts being created primarily for tax reasons. Instead they were driven primarily by the desire to protect assets.
This could be in the event of divorce, if children are seen as being too young to be given property direct if they were felt to be insufficiently mature to manage it. This took them back to where they began hundreds of years ago when the trust evolved for the purpose of protecting a knight’s property and looking after his family when he went off to fight in the crusades.
Following the changes in Inheritance tax that happened at the last budget I am wondering if trusts might be making a bit of a comeback.
The Chancellor of the Exhcequer Rachel
unnecessary taxation and potential legal conflicts.
Working with reputable specialist advisers can help families navigate estate planning effectively. With expert guidance, these conversations can not only minimise tax liabilities but also ensure the next generation is prepared for what’s to come.
To find out more about how we can help, visit www.shma.co.uk or call 0330 024 0333 for bespoke, expert advice
BY DAVID NICHOLSON, DIRECTOR, DEXTER & SHARPE (LINCOLN) LTD
Reeves announced that 100% relief on business or agricultural property will be restricted to the first £1 million.
Importantly though trusts will also have their own allowance of £1 million.
Even better, where multiple trusts were already set up prior to 30th October each of these will have its own £1 million allowance.
We still do not know the full detail for all of the changes that are happening as these do not come fully into force until 6th April 2026.
However, one thing is for sure, these changes (and the changes to pension pots that come into force a year later) will need some pretty fundamental alterations to the way that business owners and farmers organise their affairs and their estates.
I will be speaking at an event in Woodhall Spa at the end of April that will cover the impact of the budget changes. Some spaces may be available so get in touch with our Horncastle office on 01507 526071 if you are interested.
