Lincoln Independent December 2023

Merry Christmas everyone!

11,000 copies

¬ 2027

Blazing a trail for agri-tech reaps

Top award for university THE University of Lincoln has been awarded the country’s highest honour for universities and colleges.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prize recognises the ground-breaking work of the university’s Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT) supporting farming and food industries.

It is part of the national honours system - akin to a CBE for higher and further education - and recognises outstanding work by colleges and universities showing excellence, innovation and benefit to the wider world.

Turn to page 3.

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University of Lincoln

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LIAT is based at the university’s Riseholme campus.

Prize for world-leading facility Continued from page 1 The University of Lincoln is one of 22 winners in the 15th round of the scheme, announced at St James’s Palace in November’s Queen’s Anniversary Prizes, which will be presented at a formal Honours ceremony in February 2024.

Professor Neal Juster (top right) Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “We are immensely proud, thrilled and humbled to win the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education - the highest National Honour for UK universities and colleges.

“The award recognises the outstanding contribution our research and teaching is making to supporting innovation across the UK’s £100bn agri-food industries.

“It also demonstrates how the focus of our research is aligned to the needs of key industries in our region, not only helping businesses to enhance productivity, but also producing skills and opportunities that create prosperity in communities across Greater Lincolnshire.

“Winning the prize is all the more remarkable given our Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology was founded less than a decade ago. It is now recognised as one of the world’s leading centres of R&D excellence in this crucial specialism.”

LIAT’s multi-disciplinary team of researchers brings together sector-leading expertise in a diverse range of disciplines, including agriculture, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, engineering, crop science, environmental sustainability, food manufacturing, and supply chain management, among many others.

They are engaged in internationally significant research in collaboration with a range of academic and industry partners, from family-run businesses to multi-national corporations.

The University of Lincoln hosts the UK’s first global centre of

excellence in agri-robotics research, Lincoln AgriRobotics.

Along with the University of Cambridge and University of East Anglia, Lincoln is also a partner in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training for Agri-food Robotics (AgriFoRwArdS) - a first-ofits-kind advanced training centre.

Professor Simon Pearson (bottom right), Founding Director of LIAT at the University of Lincoln, said: “The sustainable supply of high quality, nutritious food is a foundation of successful societies and economies all over the world. The way we produce food is also a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Improving productivity, efficiency and sustainability across the global food chain is therefore not just good business, it’s vital to maintaining food security.

“The Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology unites partners from across the food eco-system — farmers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers – alongside world-leading researchers from an array of academic specialisms and institutions to design and deliver impactful, applied R&D for the agri-food industries here in the UK and internationally.

“We are absolutely delighted that this work has been recognised in this prestigious National Honour.”

Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of The Royal Anniversary Trust, which awards the prizes, after rigorous assessments, commented: “All 22 Prize-winners demonstrate excellence, innovation and impact, with many tackling some of the toughest problems we as a society face today. They are to be commended for reaching this pinnacle of achievement in the tertiary education sector. Congratulations!”

For all your legal needs contact Ringrose Law Visit ringroselaw.co.uk Call 0333 3580 393

November 2023 | Lincoln Independent

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Editor’s Comments

Who are this season’s panto heroes and villains?

Chartered Certified Accountants

Talk to us for jargon-free, practical advice

THE festive season is upon us so let’s take a quick look at who deserves a jolly hip, hip hooray and who warrants a noisy boo-hiss.

Anyone whose aim is to make Lincoln a better place to live, work and visit should go to the top of Santa’s Nice List.

Of course this includes our front page heroes at the University of Lincoln, recognised for trying to make the world a better place and bringing a good deal of kudos to the city along the way.

It also includes every person and organisation that attended the recent Growth Conference organised by City of Lincoln Council (below).

Everyday efforts that impact the future development of Lincoln as a vibrant modern city were given equal billing to major projects such as the Western Growth corridor.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney (left) was there accepting plaudits for working with the council , so should be on the hero list. However, in true panto villain style he was also plotting behind the scenes.

He plans to start his

campaign to bring back the city’s Christmas Market ahead of next year’s General Election with a fact-finding visit to our German twin Neustadt.

Our questions about what he hopes to achieve and how the trip is being funded have gone unanswered. As are the problems that caused the market’s closure. Unless they can be solved any MP’s campaign is just political noise.

I have to mention devolution here as council leaders (above) have signed up for new powers and millions of pounds for Greater Lincolnshire.

Got to be good news for Lincoln hasn’t it?

Ummm...

Last, but not least we’d like to nominate your Lincoln Independent for a Christmas Cheer.

In true festive spirit we’ve printed an extra 1,000 copies of the magazine so we can take the season of good will even further.

Merry Christmas!

GET IN TOUCH

JANUARY ISSUE DEADLINE

Your Lincoln Independent is produced at 29 Belle Vue Road, Lincoln, LN1 1HH (mail only) .

Material for our next edition should reach us by DECEMBER 15, 2023.

We welcome your news and comments and will do our best to publish submitted items, but this is not always possible and we reserve the right to withhold content.

www.lincolnindependent.co.uk EDITORIAL Contact Amanda McSorley on 0781 667 5011 email: amanda@lincolnindependent.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT SALES Rachel Bishop on 07983 460 640. email: rachel@lincolnindependent.co.uk

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

News

ME

R R Y

C H R I £1.5bn homes pledge COUNCIL chiefs have backed ambitious plans to invest £1.5 billion in Lincoln’s housing stock over the next 30 years.

Members on City of Lincoln Council’s Executive discussed its new 30-year business at the end of November.

There are 7,800 council homes in the city, which represents around 20% of Lincoln’s total number of domestic properties.

These are made up of 3,513 houses, 3,008 flats, 547 bungalows, 259 maisonettes, six bedsits and 467 homes for older people.

The new 30-year plan sets out the income and expenditure plans for the delivery of council housing until 2054, with a focus on four main objectives

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Core Housing Services – work to ensure Lincoln is ranked among the top performing social landlords in the country for services such as repairs, caretaking and landscaping; New homes – build, acquire and enable the development of 1,700 additional affordable homes in the city &TUBUF SFHFOFSBUJPO – This means that the council will tackle problems like parking, crime and anti-social behaviour Decarbonisation – Reducing the council’s carbon footprint and makING homes cheaper to run for residents as part of its aim for all homes to reach energy performance rating of C by 2030.

Cllr Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council, said: “The city council has been providing much needed affordable homes for the people of Lincoln since 1920. We are very proud of our housing and passionately believe in the positive influence that good quality, affordable housing has on people’s lives.

“Our 30-year plan contains a commitment to invest more than £1.5 billion into council homes in the city during its lifespan.

This will be used to build excellent quality new homes and invest significantly in our current stock, ensuring it is maintained to the highest standards.

“Much of this significant investment will be of direct benefit to the local economy, providing jobs to local people, while also providing much needed high quality homes that meet the varied needs of all our residents.

“This is an incredibly ambitious plan for the city, which will have a significant positive impact oN the lives of thousands of residents.”

Taste the wonder of Christmas at our historic High Bridge Café with a festive menu featuring succulent turkey dinners, warm crispy turkey baguettes, and comforting Christmas sweet treats.

Sip on a winter wonderland of new hot chocolate drinks & savour the best of the festive season.

BOOK OR CALL: 01522 513825 OR VISIT WWW.STOKES.COM

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

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News from Ringrose Law

www.ringrose law.co.uk

New appointments highlight firm’s fight against discrimination RINGROSE Law has progressed the strategic growth of its Equality and Discrimination Department with two appointments.

The expansion reflects the firm’s deep commitment to From left Catherine, Carrie and Zoe. championing equality and challenging discrimination in all its forms according to Carrie Clewes, who was appointed proactive engagement underscores the firm’s dedication to promote Department Head earlier this year. awareness of legal rights under the Equality Act 2010.

Carrie is a seasoned advocate with over a decade of experience in a The team’s expertise was further bolstered by the arrival of Zoe specialised area of law that has limited experts in the field Connolly last month, who brings her paralegal acumen to the nationally. Her department addresses discrimination across various forefront of this dynamic team. facets, including race, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, As the department forges ahead, the importance of disseminating religion, belief, and disability as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. knowledge about equality and discrimination remains paramount.

Carrie’s extensive background includes representing individuals The team at Ringrose Law is driven by a dual mission: fostering an who have encountered discrimination from service providers, local environment of education that propels societal change whilst authorities, healthcare entities, and educational institutions. With a securing rightful compensation for their clients who have been steadfast resolve to drive positive change in accessibility and subjected to discrimination inclusion, Carrie has been instrumental in securing both societal Carrie comments, “For us, it’s not merely about the compensation. reforms and compensation for her clients.

It’s about enlightening communities on the impact of Handling an array of cases, from disability to race discrimination, discrimination and the additional needs of those with disabilities Carrie’s expertise has significantly contributed to the department’s when accessing services. We strive to be catalysts for change, momentum since joining Ringrose Law in February. advocating for behaviour that precludes future discrimination and The summer saw the welcomed addition of Catherine Drake, nurtures an inclusive society.” previously part of the Mental Health department. As a trainee If you feel you have been discriminated against call Ringrose solicitor, Catherine brings invaluable insights into client advocacy, Law on 0333 3580 393. case management, and the intricacies of discrimination law. Her

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

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Merry Christmas Everyone 13 STEEP HILL / LINCOLN / LN2 1LT Please visit www.lesanctuaire.co.uk for details about our Christmas Discounts or call: Lincoln 01522 535 553 Le Sanctuaire F # It’s all about you I

News from Melanie Dunn Nutrition and Fitness

www.melaniedunn.co.uk

Be happy and healthy this Christmas

BY MELANIE DUNN NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH TRAINER Prioritise :our 8ell-being 5his Christmas!

'TIS the season to be jolly, and as we celebrate the magic of Christmas, let's not forget the most important thing of all – our health.

In the midst of the party season, it's crucial to prioritiSe self-care and ensure that the fun and the oh so often extra stress doesn't compromise our well-being. Here are my top tips to navigate the festive period.

Indulge but don't 0verindulge We are bombarded by Christmas treats in the supermarkets. Whether it’s mince pies or boxes of chocolates it's essential to approach them with mindfulness. Slow down and savour each bite, don’t eat the sweet treats when you are really hungry and at big meals like Christmas lunch, try to stop eating when your stomach is ¾ full, allowing time for digestion and the feeling full signals to kick in.

Balance is the Key: Nutrient-Rich Choices Amidst the sweet treats, don't forget to incorporate nutrient-rich, wholesome foods

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

into your meals. Balance is the key to a healthy lifestyle so include a colourful array of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to nourish your body.

Stay Active, Stay Merry The winter chill might tempt you to cozy up indoors, but maintaining physical activity is crucial for your overall wellbeing. Take a brisk walk outdoors or dance to your favourite Christmas songs.

Staying active not only supports your physical health but also uplifts your mood.

Stay )ydrated Amidst the alcoholic cocktails and cups of tea, don't forget about water. Hydration is the cornerstone of good health, promoting digestion, circulation, and overall vitality.

Give the Gift of Health Consider health-centric gifts that promote well-being. From fitness gear to wellness subscriptions, prioritise gifts that contribute to the health and happiness of your loved ones.

Treat them to the ultimate gift of wellbeing with a personalised Nutritional Therapy Consultation Gift Voucher Or a

course of EMS personal training sessions.

Simply contact me on 07539 635575 or email mel@melaniedunn.co.uk to arrange your customised gift voucher to be sent to your address or an address of your choice.

Cosmetic Procedures

ASK THE EXPERTS

The facts about fillers WITH 15 years’ experience in facial aesthetics DR GUINEVERE WRIGHT (pictured) knows a thing or two about dermal fillers.

She’s sharing some of that knowledge to help people thinking about fillers make the best decision on treatment.

DERMAL fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin’s surface to hydrate it, restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles and enhance facial contours.

There are numerous types of filler to address different concerns or aesthetic goals.

They are typically made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that acts like a sponge to hold water and keep the tissues plumped up.

This artificial version lasts longer than our natural reserves that diminish with age.

The most popular and respected dermal filler brands in the UK are Teosyal (Teoxane, Switzerland), Juvederm (Allergan, USA) and Restylane (Galderma, Sweden).

There are other materials such as Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), or Poly-L-lactic Acid (Sculptra) however these are less commonly used as, unlike HA, they cannot be dissolved if there is a problem.

Pros of Dermal Fillers Non-surgical - Cosmetic concerns are treated without incisions, scars, extended recovery periods and general anaesthetic.

Natural results - Skillfully placed, dermal fillers provide natural-looking results, and replenish volume lost with aging in a way that surgery such as facelifts cannot.

Quick procedure - Most dermal filler treatments usually take less than an hour.

Minimal downtime - Patients can usually go back to work after treatment with perhaps only a small amount of temporary redness, swelling or bruising.

Cons of Dermal Fillers Temporary results - Dermal fillers last between six months and two years, depending on the type and area treated.

Ongoing treatments are necessary to maintain the desired appearance. This is, however, also a good thing, as faces change with age, and so too must our adjustments.

Possible side effects - These are generally mild and temporary, but can include bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site. In extremely rare cases more severe complications have been observed globally, such a scarring, blindness and strokes. It is obviously hugely important to choose your practitioner wisely.

Cost - The NHS website suggests fillers range from £100-350 for a single treatment in the UK but this differs based on geography, products used and the experience of the practitioner.

Allergic reactions - Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to the components of certain dermal fillers.

Potential allergies should be discussed at consultation while taking a patient’s medical history.

Common Uses of Dermal Fillers Wrinkle Reduction - They plump up the skin giving a more youthful appearance.

Lip enhancement - Enhancement of lip volume, projection, proportion, symmetry and shape, giving a natural-looking result.

Cheek and jawline contouring - Here dermal fillers can create a more sculpted appearance, and lift the mid face where volume is lost causing shadowing from the under eyes, nasolabial folds and jowls. This lifts the cheeks much like when you smile, so you look less sullen, but people won’t know why.

Under-eye rejuvenation - Address dark circles and under-eye hollows restoring and reducing the appearance of bags.

Hand rejuvenation - Dermal fillers can be used to plump up the skin on the back of the hands, making them appear more youthful.

Regulatory compliance - Reputable brands adhere to regulations set by government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Trained Professionals - Most reputable brands work closely with certified medical professionals to administer their fillers.

These professionals are skilled in injection techniques and patient safety. Crucially, although anyone can legally inject dermal fillers, the medicine used in emergencies if there’s need to reverse treatment is prescription-only so only medical professionals have access.

Accreditation - Registering with organisations such as Save Face in the UK can be a good indicator of a commitment to safety and high standards of practice. Save Face ensure products administered are sourced via reliable pharmacies and all proper safety precautions are followed.

Certification and credentials - Choose a qualified and certified medical professional with the appropriate training and experience in administering dermal fillers.

Cleanliness and hygiene - The clinic should adhere to strict hygiene standards.

Observe the cleanliness of the treatment room and ensure sterile techniques are followed during the procedure.

How to be safe in a confusing world Ensuring safety when getting dermal fillers is paramount for a positive and risk-free experience. Below are some tips that you can use to help ensure your safety.

Brand awareness - Reputable brands adhere to strict quality control and manufacturing standards. They use highquality ingredients and employ advanced production processes to ensure purity, invest ing in extensive clinical trials to show the safety and efficacy of their dermal fillers.

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

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Santa’s Chriˉmas Gift ideas for under £50 ‘One Hundred Stars’ Antique Chintz Kimono £48 ‘Santa Maria’ is an official stockist of the brand ‘One Hundred Stars’.

Light up Mistletoe Heart (battery powered) £32.30

Handmade ‘Snow Fox’ 100% Natural Silk Eye Mask £30

Also available in the shape of wreath.

Handmade Clip-on Earrings For Kids £23.30 Available in different animal design. Comes in a little cute earring gift box

Christmas Coconut & Rapeseed Wax Candle (Orange +Spicy Clove +Cinnamon) £23 Available in different scents

Dip Dye Dinner Candle Trio £18.25 Available in different colours

Colourful Pop Culture Inspired Christmas Ornaments £7.85

Cosy Soft Cotton Jacquard Throw £49.99 Available also in Bedspread sizes.

Hand Created Glass Christmas Baubles £9.55

13 Steep Hill, Lincoln LN2 1LT N 07967 147 080 E santamaria@smsantamaria.com I santamariastylist

Beard Balm and Beard Oil Gift Set £22

Funny Stocking Filler Grinch Candle £18

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Robin Solar Garden Light £22.50 Lincoln Independent | December 2023

100% Silk Hand Painted Scarves £35 Available in different colours/prints

Grin Orthodontics

www.grin-orthodontics.co.uk

Get a great smile at grin Grin orthodontics

The team at Grin (from left) Bobbi Fox, Rebecca Thomas, Skye Fox, Jodie Hague and Emily Smithard.

l

l

DENTAL patients seeking orthodontic treatment in Lincoln and beyond now have something to smile about.

Grin Orthodontics has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art practice at 5 Drury Lane, Lincoln, operated by a top team led by Consultant and Specialist Orthodontist Emily Smithard.

Emily is looking forward to running her own private venture at Grin where she can use her extensive knowledge to help people straighten their teeth and improve their bite, smile and general dental health.

After gaining her dental degree from Newcastle University in 2006 Emily moved to Lincoln in 2009 and completed specialist training in orthodontics before available for people to explore their continuing additional consultant “I am in love with my champagne braces. options training to become an Following a recent Care Quality Orthodontic Consultant at Now all I want to do is smile!” Commission (CQC) inspection Emily Lincoln County Hospital.

Savannah W, age 13 and the team are excited to be able to “I’ve been treating the most start treating local patients who may complex cases in Lincolnshire for patients requiring jaw surgery, those with cleft lip and palate and have previously faced long waiting lists or long journeys for orthodontic treatment. patients with multiple missing or buried teeth,” explained Emily.

The other team members are OrthodonticTherapist Rebecca “I am heavily involved in training the next generation of Specialist Thomas; Orthodontic Nurses Jodie Hague and Bobbi Fox and Orthodontists in Lincolnshire which I love, but I’m also excited Dental Nurse Skye Fox. about my new venture to “We all know how having a great smile and straight teeth can offer private orthodontic improve our confidence and sense of well-being – that can’t be treatment for all age over-estimated – but straighter teeth also make it easier to have groups in a purpose-built better oral hygiene and overall dental health so we’re really looking specialist practice in the forward to helping people achieve their goals. historic quarter of Emily’s ambition to provide the best orthodontic care possible has Lincoln.”

Patients can be referred by seen the creation of three surgeries equipped with the latest technology and high-end facilities on the site of the former Sam their dentists or refer themselves directly via the Scorer Gallery. website for treatment with There has also been considerable investment in renewable technologies and eliminating single-use a wide range of braces, plastic waste where possible in their efforts to set up the practice in appliances and aligners, the most sustainable way. including Invisalign for Emily added:“We’re using all the latest technologies in a beautiful those seeking a more and fun environment with an amazing team who are dedicated to discreet option to providing the best orthodontic care possible.” straighten their teeth.

Let your grin begin here Free consultations are

Lincoln’s new specialist orthodontic practice Your grin begins here.

5 co.uk 5 Drury Drury Lane, Lane, Lincoln, LN1 3BN l O 01522 216007 l O www.grin-orthodontics. www@grin-orthodontics. co.uk

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

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News from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

www.lpft.nhs.uk

This picture: the Lincoln Core CAMHS team celebrate its nomination for the award and (below) representatives at the ceremony.

Creative care leads to national award A LINCOLN mental health team which supports children and young people has won a prestigious national award.

Lincoln Core CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), a team provided by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), has been crowned Psychiatric Team of the Year: Children and Adolescents in the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) Awards.

RCPsych is the professional medical body responsible for supporting psychiatrists throughout their careers and in setting and raising standards of psychiatry in the United Kingdom.

The RCPsych Awards mark the highest level of achievement within psychiatry and are designed to recognise and reward excellent practice in the field of mental health.

Dr Walid Sorour, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, attended the awards ceremony with four other team members: “It’s an honour to have taken part in representing the whole team at the awards ceremony and we’re delighted to have been recognised for our work.”

As we get older nature sometimes needs a helping hand and non surgical facial treatments can work wonders You deserve to look and feel your very best.

Our Lincoln and Newark clinics can help you achieve that in a pain free manner Our treatments reduce the signs of ageing and enhance what nature gave you to be the best version of you.

Dr Guinevere Wright BDS MSc PG Dip AARD Has been a dental surgeon for 18 years and a facial aesthetics practioner for 15 years.

See page for more details.

For your personal consultation, please contact us:

Facial Perfection 27a Nettleham Road . Lincoln . LN2 1RQ t: 07903 932286 (direct line) e: guin@facialperfection.net www: www.facialperfection.net FI

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

Lincoln Core CAMHS works with children and young people (that have been identified as potentially having moderate to severe mental health needs) and their parents and carers.

Since January 2022, the team has undertaken a project to transform the service using a collaborative, developmental approach, empowering team members and enabling the delivery of better outcomes.

Dr Sami Timimi, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist within the Lincoln Core CAMHS explained: “Over the last year we have implemented and adopted a new way of working, which has empowered the team MEMBERS to each have a voice in the development of the service.

“By creating a variety of new formats for team meetings, focusing on different topics each time, we have unleashed a wave of creativity that has led to new initiatives being created to support patients.

“This has included creating a hybrid model of service delivery that incorporates both online and face-to-face support, parent groups, a new review system, a group programme of support and a focus on supporting discharge.

“As a result, waiting times for treatment have halved and we’re really proud to see that other Trust’s CAMHS teams are now replicating and implementing versions of our team model.”

Feedback from the judges was that they were impressed with the quality improvement approach the team has used to improve the team culture and functioning, with clear improvements in the quality of service delivered, the morale and competence of team members and workforce retention.

Amy Butler, Head of Children and Young People Services at LPFT, added: “I am beyond proud of this achievement for our Lincoln CAMHS team.

“Our services work hard every day to continuously improve and make a difference and this award is great recognition for one of the teams WHICH IS working creatively to get better outcomes for children, young people and their families. ” Find out more about the team at www.lpft.nhs.uk/corecamhs

The SELF Gift Guide to Christmas...

Let us put the SELF sparkle into your Christmas shopping...

Discover a fabulous gift for someone special this Christmas at SELF. A gorgeous lifestyle brand promoting self-care, empowerment, love, and friendship.

Boasting a beautiful collection of clothing, accessories, homeware, and gifts for women, men, and children, SELF offers a wide range of products to suit all budgets this festive season.

All gifts purchased are carefully wrapped in tissue paper and presented in our signature white SELF gift bags. Whilst we take care of the wrapping for you, why not grab a coffee and brownie in our cosy, calm, and relaxing coffee bar, nestled in the rear corner of our Bailgate boutique?

You can discover our wonderful Bailgate boutique at 19 & 19a Bailgate, LN1 3AN. SELF also has two more beautiful boutiques, one located in the quaint town of Woodhall Spa and the other in the heart of Harrogate.

GiftingSeason

Children’s Sparkle Dress £36.00

Ampersand EDP Fragrance £59.99

Bubble Bath Robe £130.00

Faux Fur Leopard Print Scarf £25.00

EMU Mayberry Slipper £59.00

Cinnamon Sticks with Star £8.00

Christmas Votive Gift Set £32.00

Light Up Table Robin £15.00

Patterned Tulle Skirt £75.00

Winter Wax Melt Gift Box £22.50

Constellation Earrings £14.00

Spacemasks from £3.85

Donkey Diaries

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Bluey and Apache ready to welcome festive friends

Marique

COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY Individuals – Groups Lauren LAUREN WHITE Guild of Psychotherapists MUPCA, MGASI UKCP Accredited and Registered BACP Registered

Tel: 01522 538715 Mob: 07913 746337 www.laurenwhitetherapy.co.uk

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

RECENT Visit England and Destination Lincolnshire award winner Bransby Horses is inviting families to enjoy some festive fun.

With a Christmas-themed family activity and donkey meet-and-greet tours to take part in, the welfare charity offers a festive family treat that also supports its equine residents This month donkey enthusiasts will be pleased to hear the very popular educational tours have returned.

Each year the equine welfare charity move their donkey herds from their fields into warm barns to shelter from the British winter weather, which are sadly out of SIGHT for visitors.

However, such is the year-round interest in meeting these beautiful creatures, regular tours are being taken from the Visitor Centre to the barns, led by a donkey expert who shares their knowledge and answers any questions people may have.

Unlike horses, donkeys’ coats are not waterproof, and their feet need to be dry as much as possible to avoid debilitating hoof problems.

Bransby Horses senior press officer Maria Thompson said: “Our donkeys are hugely popular with visitors, so we have done our best to accommodate this by providing

Donkey Talks and Tours for people who want to see them and learn more about these wonderful animals.

“We have various dates available across December. I recommend people visit our website at BransbyHorses.co.uk/donkeytalk to find a suitable date.

“On the day they need to be in the Visitor Centre Courtyard for 11am. If you have any questions, you can ask our staff on site for assistance or contact us prior to the event and we will be happy to help.”

As well as the tours, throughout December a Reindeer Activity Trail is on for families to do around the farm.

Maria added: “The activity trail costs £3.50 per child, which includes an answer sheet and prize.

“Once you’ve finished you can warm up in our café which has lots of Christmassy treats and cakes on the menu.

“And don’t forget to visit our gift and second-hand goods shops – you might find a real bargain. Better still, all proceeds help us to continue with our work to rescue and rehabilitate horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in need.”

No booking is required for the activity.

Visit BransbyHorses.co.uk to find out more.

The new smart #1 is here.

With an electric range of up to 273 miles.

Scan to book your test drive^

smart #1 electricity consumption combined in kWh/100 miles | kWh/100 km: 29.3 | 18.2 (BRABUS), 27 | 16.8 (Premium), 28 | 17.4 (Pro+), 29.3 | 18.2 (Pulse) (WLTP); Combined CO2 emissions in g/miles | g/km: 0; Electric range (WLTP) in miles | km: 248 | 400 (BRABUS), 273 | 440 (Premium), 260 | 420 (Pro+), 248 | 400 (Pulse).

Data determined in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) as required by law. Figures are determined with the battery fully charged, using a combination of both battery power and fuel. Values are provided for comparison only. To the extent that fuel and energy consumption or CO₂ values are given as ranges, these do not relate to a single, individual car and do not constitute part of the offer. Optional features and accessories can change relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics which may result in a change in fuel or energy consumption and CO₂ values. Vehicle loading, topography, weather and traffic conditions, as well as individual driving styles, can all affect the actual fuel consumption, energy consumption, electrical range, and CO₂ emissions of a car. ^Test drive subject to status and availability.

Woman at the Wheel - Smart #1

https://listers.co.uk/smart

Smart makes the switch to electric easy

BY AMANDA MCSORLEY SMART by name and nature - so runs the marketing strapline for the car brand.

And it’s hard to disagree, especially when it comes to its reinvention as an all electric car specialist.

The future of motoring is electric - there’s no getting away from it, but there’s still resistance to cars you plug in rather than fill up.

There’s a small wedge of vociferous petrol heads in the vein of Jeremy Clarkson who will never give up the throaty growl of a V8 or the smell of petrol in the morning.

Then’s the considerably larger wedge whose resistance is very much half-hearted and due to lack of knowledge and opportunity rather than any aversion to a quiet ride and fresh air.

I was very much in the latter camp. Now I’m a convert.

Having driven the new Smart #1 and taken the time to do a little research I ‘get’ electric cars - or at least the #1 Premium model I test drove.

I’d - hand on heart - totally recommend a test drive of the Smart #1.

I loved it.

It’s fun, it’s fast, it’s comfortable, it’s intuitive and it’s very smart.

Even if I hadn’t been bowled over by the car driving it was a very useful fact-finding exercise for this EV virgin (EVV!).

Before the test drive I’d heard fragmented bits about EVs, but it was mostly background noise, which proved to be out of date.

But before I go EV myth-busting let’s get down TO the nitty gritty about the #1 and the first thing to mention is that it has very little in common with previous Smart models. Production of the familiar little town cars has all but ceased - the end proper will come in April 2024 when the final EQ FourTwo is manufactured..

This is because brand owner Mercedes signed a deal with Chinese car company Geely a few years ago with a view to mastering the market for premium EVs. For lovers of trivia the origin of the Smart name comes from former partner Swatch (the world’s largest watch company), Mercedes and the word art. They had got together to produce Nahverkehrsfahrzeug - or short distance cars.

So the #1 name tag isn’t arrogance but because the car is the first product of the new venture. However, you can’t help feeling there’s a little bit of confidence creeping in with the label - they know they have come up with a winner.

The Pro, Premium and Brabus versions of the #1 all look and feel like luxury cars. You immediately feel like you’re gaining rather than sacrificing something to drive an environmentally friendlier car.

The exterior has that quirkiness that Brits love and reminded me of a Stormtrooper, which will be a huge bonus to Star Wars fans, but will disappear with the range’s other funky colourways.

Inside is elegant, cocooning yet spacious and airy with good visibility.

I’ve always been a sucker for a panoramic roof, which the Premium comes with, adding to that fresh, open feel.

I travelled around 60 miles and the #1 was a dream to drive as the car does a lot for you; advanced cruise control judges speeds of the drivers in front, but it is still very responsive.

The change in driving style is akin to changing between automatic and manual - you soon get used to the fact that when you take your foot off the accelerator the car slows down rapidly - enhancing the battery life.

I wish I’d been able to pootle around a lot more, but this was plenty of time to address some of the negativity connected with EVS namely: battery range; access to chargers and slowness of charging; battery weight making the cars sluggish with slow top speeds; the cost; battery life and a question mark over the environmental impact.

The Pro and Premium get from 0-60 in around 6.7 seconds, which is better than my petrol model, and sporty the Brabus records 4.3 seconds, which is scary. I didn’t do any speeding, but there was every indication that she could fly when asked.

The Pro and Premium have a range of around 275 miles, the Brabus a little shorter, but most journeys we make are less than 20 miles and with an expanding charging network planning a route is not difficult.

All Lincoln’s council car parks have chargers as well as some supermarkets.

The car batteries are likely to outlast the car, which poses another problem as they can’t go to landfill, but uses are being found including using old EV batteries as back up power for Ajax football stadium.

The car itself may be emission free but there’s the argument that charging and production are not. However as we increasingly turn to renewable energy sourceS EVsg environmental impact will improve.

So the cost? Prices start at £35, 260 and go up to just under £44,000, which is not cheap, but running costs and tax breaks also need taking into account.

Treat yourself to A test-drive and do your own research.

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

17

Accelerate Racing Competition

www.accelerateracing.co.uk

Win chance to race your pals GOT a need for speed?

Now you can satisfy any yearning for high octane adventure at Accelerate Racing - Lincoln’s new unique sim racing and driving experience venue.

Challenge your friends or family on Accelerate’s 10 linked sim race rigs for bumper-to bumper-racing using the latest feedback wheels and equipment.

“It’s designed for accessibility and maximum fun for all ages, skill levels and any group size. Simply arrive and drive, practice solo, race together or book larger events for friends or work colleagues,” explained Accelerate’s John Pinder.

To celebrate the opening of his new venture John is giving away a one-hour racing event for up to 10 people – a prize worth £200.

“This includes qualifying and racing on any car and track around the world. All expertly supervised by one of our race organisers.”

Accelerate also has a reception and seating area and can cater for groups of all sizes including children’s birthday parties.

Visit www.accelerateracing.co.uk or call 01522 217919 to find out more and book.

To win the Accelerate Racing experience answer the question below and email it – marked Accelerate Competition – admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk.

What is the current landspeed record?

18

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

Lincoln Business Improvement Group

www.lincolnbig.co.uk

BIG makes it a safer Christmas L: G: 6C 6H@ ;DG 6C<:A6 76G 1B YcV #% "%0 ve qP~wBa |YeaPcLP ú BKwqP Yc !YcLeacqXYpP

AS festive nights out are about to hit full swing a variety of Lincoln’s BIG’s schemes are already in place to ensure the city is safe for revellers.

Hospitality manager Marion Cooney is in regular contact with city centre venues to help them look after the well-being of customers from anti spiking measures to helping those on dodgy dates and ensuring staff get home safely after hours.

“There’s a lot we do behind the scenes to make sure the city is as safe as possible,” said Marion.

This includes providing venues with safety packs, which include details of the Ask Angela scheme for people worried about their personal safety; attack alarms for staff and antispiking and testing kits “We don’t have a big problem with issues such as spiking, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and one incident is one too many so the kits are available.”

Then there’s Lincoln’s CCTV system, which is based in City Hall and has a total of 504 cameras covering a wide range of areas including Lincoln city centre, St. Marks Shopping Centre, Monks Road, and The Arboretum operating 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. l Editor’s note: Lincoln was the first place to introduce the Ask Angela scheme, which is now used across the UK. Find out more in January’s Independent.

Dip into digital calendar

THERE’S still plenty of time to visit Lincoln’s Digital Advent Calendar, which returns this year with bigger and better prizes until December 24.

Open each door to see what's in store - over £1800 worth of prizes and special offers, which have exclusively been collated for the calendar to promote Lincoln’s shops and businesses.

How it works 1. Promotional offers and competitions are entered behind 24 doors of the advent calendar 2. Each day, a new offer and / or competition is revealed through a fun animated ‘door opening’ 3. Visit lincolnbig.co.uk to find out more!

Some of the deals, prizes and freebies hidden behind the doors include: Store discounts, vouchers and freebies Food and drink vouchers Pantomime tickets Spa treatments VIP Packages Danielle, Lincoln BIG's Relationship and Operations Manager said “Following the success of last year’s Digital Advent Calendar, we’re excited to bring it back with bigger and better prizes provided by a range of local businesses and stores. It gives everyone the opportunity to win some brilliant festive offers and prizes for free!

"Thank you to all the businesses involved for their generosity.

It’s great to be able to provide locals and visitors of Lincoln with the opportunity to make Christmas extra special this year.

Everyone is invited to open every door and take part in this festive treat!”

The Digital Advent Calendar can be found on the Lincoln BIG website under events! The project is organised and funded by Lincoln BIG and the businesses in the city.

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

19

Food and Drink

Every mouthful counts

BY REBECCA POOLE INCREASED access to a healthy and affordable diet is being called for in the city to tackle poverty and food waste.

“Food is an important part of the Climate Action Plan. The distribution, production and logistics around food has a high carbon footprint,” said Kate Bell, Climate Change Manager from City of Lincoln Council.

“We will not reach our net zero target without embracing how land is used and how we’re reducing food waste and consumption,” The Every Mouthful Counts initiative helps cities understand the role of food, farming, and land-use through the creation of a thoroughly-researched, practical toolkit providing local authorities with simple actions to tackle the climate emergency.

“There’s a little bit of something for everybody. It’s a really optimistic toolkit in that everybody can tick off a few actions and aspire to a few more,” added Laura Stratford, Coordinator at Lincolnshire Food Partnership (LFP).

The UK-wide campaign, organised by Food Matters, Sustain, and Soil Association, aims to make sustainable food accessible for everybody.

Local business Mint Lane Café is improving Lincoln’s options of affordable, healthy meals through its sustainable food practices and approach to reducing food waste.

“When free fruit and vegetables come in it doesn’t have a use by date but might be a little bit bendy or at the end of its life, so Mint Lane Café will make it immediately into ready meals,” explained Laura.

“They prepare fresh meals, freeze them and they’re sold at £1 a 20

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

time, so you get these totally fresh, nutritious homecooked meals for a quid while saving food from going to landfill.”

The ready meals change each week, depending on what food is delivered from supermarkets and suppliers by charity network FareShare. The charity’s aim is to fight hunger and tackle food waste by saving good-to-eat food from landfill.

Mint Lane Café also offers 3 course meals in their café for £3 Wednesday – Friday 10am – 2pm and World Food Supper Club events to encourage communities to share meals and experiences.

“We’ve had a different guest chef in each of the Supper Clubs, partly to platform underrepresented groups, so we’ve had people cooking from their traditional culture and telling the story of it while they serve people.

“What’s lovely about it is we recommend £10 a head but in practice you choose what you pay. Some people have come with absolute zero and it just allows everybody, irrespective of their income, to sit at the same table and eat the same amazing food.”

The World Food Supper Clubs was a funded project for 2023 but it is hoped they will continue into the future.

“I think people are willing to pay in order for them to keep going.

There’s a culture change that we want to be a part of, which is what Supper Clubs are all about.

“Getting our heads around that healthy, sustainable food is for everybody and sharing that together is part of that culture change that needs to take place. We all need sustainable food and we all have a body that needs to be nourished every day. Sustainable, healthy food is for everybody.”

The campaign continues to be updated for local authorities around the country to develop sustainable practices for food production while addressing key issues affecting the environment.

“The new addition to it is called ‘Planning for the Planet’ which is in response to research that has come out about how much animal excrement is ending up in rivers and the damage that is being done. Agriculture is the main culprit for river pollution now and Lincolnshire is nationally one of the worst offenders for river pollution through animal agriculture,” explained Laura.

“It’s identifying mega-farms as a problem, so the challenge for councils is identifying what’s happening in their area and the impact it’s having on biodiversity loss and emissions, and then to put policies in place to take responsibility through planning policy.”

Based on steps already being taken in the city, 1873.09 tonnes of CO2 is saved annually from things like the amount of allotment sites offered, opportunities for community food growing, and efforts being made by local businesses.

Scandi Chef, Middleworld Farms, and Cathedral Mushrooms are among those who have already committed to support Lincoln in developing a vibrant and diverse sustainable food economy with the help of a second toolkit designed specifically for food businesses.

To learn more about Every Mouthful Counts or for businesses to sign up to the campaign visit www.foodfortheplanet.org.uk To support events and schemes happening in Lincolnshire, visit www.lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org

Food and Drink

Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership

Food summit tackles tough local issues

BY LAURA STRATFORD GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE COMMUNITY FOOD PARTNERSHIP HOW do we ensure that everyone in our community has enough good food to eat?

More than 80 people involved in foodbanks and community larders, groceries, cafes and more, got together in November at the Lincolnshire Food Summit. It was an opportunity to develop local and collaborative responses to food challenges, in an economic context where things are getting harder and harder for both families and organisations.

What are the burning issues that we talked about?

Two of the biggest problems of our food system - food waste and food poverty - are two sides of the same coin. We looked at both.

Accessing Food - Surplus food, logistics plus transport, donations and buying food The problem of food waste is in some ways a problem of distribution. The good news is that less food is going to landfill; the bad news - especially since Fareshare made the hard decision to close its distribution hub in Lincoln - is that the logistics of distributing surplus food is increasingly challenging, complicated and reliant on volunteers.

Beyond Food - Reducing dependency on foodbanks, wrap around care/support Actually, we think that “food poverty” is a misnomer - it’s just straight up poverty! It’s a term that has come about because after rent/mortgage and bills have gone out, there’s often not enough left to get by, and therefore an emergency food response becomes needed. But it’s a short term answer, so it’s important to look simultaneously at more fundamental and diverse responses to poverty - Acts Trust is on the case!

Increasing dignity - Community Groceries, Cafes and other socially inclusive models The thing is, there are people working on the ground in their communities in Lincolnshire, who understand local needs. They are developing creative ways of strengthening their communities through improving access to nutritious food. The event provided a platform for a few of the inspiring projects in the county, to share experience, showing what is possible and impactful.

Connections with growing - Health, skills and community resilience Community allotments and urban market gardens in Lincolnshire are one such response, and there are several in Lincolnshire demonstrating how growing food in urban places can provide some serious quantities of fresh, healthy, delicious food, but that’s not all!

They also strengthen community, improve physical and mental

health, develop beautiful spaces in urban environments, and enable people to re/connect with food, nature and place, diversifying diets and building resilience.

The event was run collaboratively by the Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership, the Lincolnshire Co-op, Acts Trust and Sleaford New Life.

Get involved. You are needed more than you know. https://lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org/foodbanks/

Will you

remember us?

Remember us in your Will to help us relieve their suffering and provide a safe and secure future for horses that need our help.

Take advantage of our FREE Will service and create your legacy today Contact us on 01427 788 464 or visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/legacies Charity No: 1075601. Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No: 3711676

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

21

Food and Drink

Tasty beef teriyaki ‘Beef teriyaki so savoury and sweet, a taste of Japan, at The Lawn can't be beat.’

IN the early 1970s, Japanese teriyaki restaurants became a fast-food sensation in Seattle, US. Teriyaki first evolved in the 1600’s and is method of grilling or broiling meat or fish marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce.

Ingredients • 200g Rump steak (remove all fat) cut into thin strips • 100g Teriyaki sauce • 20g sliced red onion • 20g carrot (finely cut into strips) • 20g red pepper (finely cut) • 20g green pepper (finely cut) • 20g yellow pepper (finely cut) • 20g savoy cabbage (finely sliced) • Fistful of pickled coriander leaves

• Baby gem lettuce leaves • Oil for frying • Coriander, fresh leaves for garnish Method Marinate the beef: in a large bowl, combine the beef and teriyaki sauce. Mix well to coat all the beef strips. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

While the beef is marinating, prep your veg.

In a separate bowl, combine all the vegetables and pickled coriander leaves. Mix well to combine. Pour in enough pickle liquor

to cover the vegetables. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.

When you're ready to cook, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan. When the oil is hot, add the beef strips to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked to your liking.

To serve Stokes style, place 2-3 baby gem lettuce leaves on each plate. Top with the cooked beef and a handful of the pickled vegetables. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and eat immediately.

Wine Wisdom Ghost in the Machine Malbec and Viognier

Nothing paMlid about this South African ‘Ghost’ IN a world where the pace of change is relentless, ‘Ghost in the Machine’ stands as a symbol of the enduring power of human creativity and passion, particularly in the realm of winemaking, writes Charlotte Reidie, General Manager of Lincoln’s Horse & GRoom pub.

At Bruce Jack Wines, this ethos is evident in every bottle, especially in the Ghost In The Machine Malbec-Viognier blend.

This unique concoction, a mix of 73% Malbec and 27% Viognier, is a testament to the marriage of traditional and innovative winemaking techniques.

Sourced from the varied terroirs of the Western Cape, it's nurtured through natural fermentation and aged for 17 months in barrels. The result? A wine that dazzles with hints of herbaceous fynbos, rosemary, and a palate bursting with wild berry flavours.

Beyond its creation, this wine signifies a celebration of resilience and imagination in every sip.

For those looking to experience this remarkable blend, it's available at the Horse & Groom on the Brayford in Lincoln, where each glass promises a journey of taste and tradition.

22

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

Food and Drink

Lawn twist on a classic cocktail Espresso Martini, sips so fine, Stokes coffee and vodka, a match divine THE Espresso Martini was invented by Dick Bradsell, in 1983 in London, inspired by a coffee machine in the brasserie he was working IN and a customer’s request for a drink that would really ‘wake her up’.

Here’s how to make Late at the Lawn’s version of the iconic drink.

Ingredients l 35ml Vanilla vodka (the smooth and mellow vanilla vodka will balance out the strong coffee flavour). l 15ml Kahlua coffee liquor (a classic coffee liqueur that will add depth and complexity).

l 10ml demerara sugar syrup (the rich and caramelised flavour of demerara sugar syrup is the perfect complement to coffee and vanilla). l 1 shot Stokes espresso coffee (strong, bold, and full-bodied, Stokes espresso coffee is the star of the show).

Method Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the shaker is well-chilled.

Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass Garnish with coffee beans and chocolate dusting. l For a more intense coffee flavour, use two shots of Stokes espresso

Cheese Choice

Epoisses AOC

EPOISSES de Bourgogne AOC is a sticky, pale orange, double cream cheese.

Smear ripened and washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne, the local pomace brandy. Named after Epoisses in the region of Coted’Or, Burgundy halfway between Dijon and Auxerre, Epoisses de Bourgogne AOC was originally made by the Maroilles Abbey monks in the 16th century. Enjoyed by Napoleon and classed as the ‘king of all cheeses’ by Jean Anthelme Brillat Saverin.

Production of the cheese had almost died out by the end of World War Two but was relaunched again by Robert and Simone Berthaut in the 1950s.

The cheese is made to the monks’ traditional recipe and using their traditional methods which were passed on through the generations

by those with the know-how.

Epoisses de Bourgogne AOC has a creamy pungent centre and a slightly meaty taste, similar to the first washed rind cheeses dating back to 90 AD. Fabulous baked in its box (which is made of wood from the Jura mountains), baked and poured over sliced potatoes or served simply with a nutty slice or two of bread.

A delicious Christmas cheese topped with cranberry sauce and spread over roast potatoes.

CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

Key Facts Age Country of Origin Milk Type Organic Pasteurisation

Region 6 weeks + France Cows No No

Strength Style of Cheese Style of Cheese Vegetarian

Cote D’Or Burgundy Medium Crumbly Washed rind 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 December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

23

So Here It Is Merry Christmas

Nice ice, baby!

FESTIVE magic takes shape with the first ever Lincoln Ice Trail over the weekend of December 9-10.

As well as the 20 ice sculptures around the city there will be live ice-carving of Lincoln Cathedral and entertainment amid the frozen fun.

Ice trail locations 1: Brayford Viewing Platform - Swan 2: St Marks Shopping Centre – Reindeer 3: Lower High Street - Stars 4: High Street - Gingerbread Man, sponsored by Nationwide 5: Lincoln Bus Station – Bus, sponsored by Stagecoach 6: Transport Hub – Lincolnshire Red Arrow 7: #ORNHILL 3QUARE - Viking with Hammer, sponsored

by Thors Tipi 8: Sincil Street – Turtle, sponsored

by Turtle Bay 9: City Square - Tractor 10: Lincoln Guildhall – City Crest (Fleur De Lis) 11: Central High Street (outside House of Fraser) - Presents 12: High Street (near Eqvvs) – Mulled Wine 13: Top of the High Street/ Straight and Narrow - Sleigh 14: Christ Hospital Terrace – Steampunk Cogs 15: Lincoln Castle – Dragon sponsored by Lincoln Castle 16: Castle Square (outside the Visitor Information Centre) – Polar Bear 17: St Paul in the Bail – Lincoln Imp 18: Outside Duke William – Santa 19: Lincoln Cathedral Dean’s Green – Lincoln Cathedral (Live carving 12pm-3pm each day) 20: Cathedral Westfront – Christmas Tree Local businesses have sponsored some of the sculptures created by Icebox, Europe’s leading ice sculpture specialist, including Lincoln Castle, Thor’s Tipi, Turtle Bay, Stagecoach and Nationwide.

During the Lincoln Ice Trail Castle Square will be full OF festive atmosphere as FFN Lincoln will hold its traditional Glühwein stall to keep visitors warm by the sculptures. Roasted chestnuts, music from a steam organ and a Christmas themed steam engine will also be in Castle Square.

And AS evening falls each day, there will be stilt firewalkers at St Paul in the Bail at 5pm, followed by a closing show at Lincoln Cathedral at 6.45pm on both days of the ice trail.

As part of the trail, visitors will also have the chance to meet Frozen stars Anna and Elsa. Elsa will be casting her magic over the city all weekend, with a special appearance from Anna on Sunday.

Visit visitlincoln.com/Christmas 24

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

PICTURES: STUART WILDE

Everybody’s Having Fun

On the trail of Christmas THOUSANDS of revellers got the festive season off to a brilliant start at the official switching on of Lincoln’s Christmas Lights.

City of Lincoln Council has invested more than £140,000 in new lighting for the city, which will see lights from Newport Arch, all the way down to St Mark’s Street including a dazzling fairy-light display within the Exchequer Gate Arch and a 16m illuminated comet in City Square.

The switching on ceremony was performed by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln Cllr Biff Bean with Mayoress, Wendy Bean, the City Sheriff Cllr Neil Murray and Sheriff ’s Lady Dorinda Hudson and guests from the New Theatre Royal’s pantomime Entertainment on Lincoln High Street includED festive songs, entertainment, DJ sets, stilt-walkers and a special performance from the cast of Aladdin with

Olympic Gold medallist, Strictly Come Dancing Champion Louis Smith MBE Strictly professional Ian Waite with West End Star Roger Wright, who plays the Genie of the Lamp.

Kate Fenn, Civic & International Partnerships Manager at City of Lincoln Council and organiser of the event said: “We were delighted to host another Lincoln Christmas Light Switch-on event.

“This is an event that attracts thousands of people every year and we had a great evening’s entertainment to welcome everyone to join in the festivities and celebrate the season.”

Cllr Biff Bean added: “The Lincoln Christmas Light Switch-On event really does kickstart the festivities in the city.

“The city has some fantastic, brand new lights this year and I’m thrilled to be officially switching them on and lighting up Lincoln!”

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

25

What’s On sponsored by

ENTERTAINMENT Sunday 10 December 6.30pm – 9.30pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE

Carol Concert & Supper Festive carols, delicious hot supper, homemade mince pies and mulled wine. Live music performed by the IBCC Choir and Orchestra plus guest artists.

Tickets Adult £17.95, Child £10.50 www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755

Tuesday 12 December – Wednesday 13 December 7pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Carols by Candlelight Performed by Lincoln Cathedral Choir conducted by Aric Prentice, with Jeffrey Makinson playing the Cathedral’s renowned Father Willis organ.

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

Tuesday 12 December 7.30pm

Thursday 7 December 6.15pm

LINCOLN

Movie Night at Southside: Home Alone (PG)

5pm-7pm

7pm

Tuesday 12 December

Christmas Special Commuter Jazz

Tuesday 12 December

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE

Enjoy a glass of wine and some mellow Jazz at this fortnightly live music. Light food menu & festive snacks available. Doors open at 4.30pm.

7.30pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols Performed by Lincoln Cathedral Youth Choir and harpist, Louise Thomson. Tickets include lanternlit tour with reception Tickets Adult

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Saturday 9 December

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH

Aladdin Tickets Adult £26.50, Over 65s £23.50, Under 18s £23.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Tuesday 12 December – Tuesday 2 January 2024

Various times

Various Times

Wednesday 13 December

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

7pm

Jake Bugg

Wednesday 13 December

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

7.30pm

Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan feature in the revival of David Hare’s play. Captured live from London’s West End 2014..

Skylight

Tickets £10 www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101

With music from Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf, Polar Express, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and many more.

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

A Christmas Carol The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge makes its way to Lincoln Arts Centre. Can the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future help Scrooge to change his ghastly ways? Or is he doomed to a life of being truly unpleasant?

Adult from £16, Child from £10 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

Peter Pan and The Revenge of Captain Hook Jamie Marcus Productions Ltd brings an action-packed sequel to JM Barrie’s much-loved story to the stage.

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

The Stand In Blues Band Back for beer, Blues and a good time this December at Southside. Why not make it your staff Christmas party?

Friday 15 December – Saturday 16 December

Tickets £27.50, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult www.engineshed.co.uk

Various Times

7.30pm

Tickets from £5.99 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

6.30pm

Thursday 14 December – Thursday 21 December

Friday 15 December

Planet Circus Show packed with high energy acts ready to wow audiences.

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Tickets £26, £21.50 children under 16/wheelchair users and carers. www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

A Christmas Celebration!

Tickets from £19 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

26

Hub Dance Winter Showcase Adult £8.50, Con£7, Child £7 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055

HYKEHAM

Tickets Adult £12 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055

7.30pm

Friday 15 December - Tuesday 2 January 2024

LINCOLN

Friday 8 December – Sunday 7 January 2024

Saturday 9 December

Bad Manners Tickets £26.40, 16+ only www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

£30, Child £15 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

2pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

7.30pm

Pay On The Door: £7 www.southsidelincs.com

Friday 8 December

A Christmas Carol

Tickets Adult £18, Child £11 www.chapterhouse.org T 01522 545458

Think blankets, fairy lights, Christmas drinks and popcorn, all in the stunning former church.

Friday 8 December

LINCOLN

Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings you Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption this Christmas.

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

Tickets £5, Students £4, Under 6s Free www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

COUNTY ASSEMBLY ROOMS,

THE BLUE ROOM, LINCOLN

A Christmas Carol Tickets £60 www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548

What’s On sponsored by

ENTERTAINMENT Saturday 16 December

Stay out Late at the Lawn

7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Xmas with Fleetwood Bac Tickets £20.35, 14+ only. www.engineshed.co.uk

Saturday 16 December 7.30pm

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM

Murder At Hardup Hall – Action Community Theatre Tickets £12 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055

Sunday 17 December 2pm & 6pm

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM

Dick Whittington Tickets £9 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055

Sunday 17 December

Whether it’s date night or a mate night, LATL’s food drink and ambience will make it a great night! Fridays and Saturdays. www.stokescoffee.com Friday 15 December – Saturday 16 December 7pm

7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

King King Xmas Rock & Blues Party Tickets from £35, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Thursday 21 December Saturday 23 December

THE BLUE ROOM, LINCOLN

A Christmas Carol Lincoln Community Night School “Enthusiastic” Theatre Company present their Christmas production. 3-course meal & glass of fizz included.

7pm

Various Times

A Christmas Carol Lincoln Community Night School “Enthusiastic” Theatre Company present their Christmas production. 3-course meal & glass of fizz included.

Tickets £60 www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548

Tickets £60 www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548

Saturday 16 December – Sunday 17 December

THE BLUE ROOM, LINCOLN

Friday 29 December

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

The Snowman with Live Orchestra

3pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Frozen: Sing-a-long Sing along to Disney’s Frozen, showing on the big screen.

A magical journey with Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, accompanied by live orchestra and cathedral choristers.

Tickets Adult £10, Child £5 www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101

Tickets from £19 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Saturday 6 January 2024

Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur Lincoln Cathedral Organist, Jeffrey Makinson, plays on the Father Willis Organ in this unmissable concert.

3pm

Tickets £15 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

Tuesday 19 December 7pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Singalong-a-Christmas Sing along with amazing choirs and enjoy the cosy feeling with mince pies and mulled wine.

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Sunday 7 January 2024

New Year Concert Tickets Adult £14, Concession £12, Under 16s £7 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

3pm

Pay What You Feel On The Door www.southsidelincs.com T. 01522 437942

Tuesday 19 December 7.30pm

Saturday 16 December 7pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

The Smiths UTD The most authentic and enthusiastic tribute to The Smiths!

Tickets £10 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance Christmas Carol Concert Festive carols, readings and musical interludes including Horncastle Primary School Choir, hosted by former BBC Radio Lincolnshire’ presenter Melvyn Prior.

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

Friday 12 January 2024 6.45pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Saturday 13 January 2024 7.30pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Danny Baker: At Last…

The Sausage Sandwich Tour Tickets £30.25, This event is 14+ only. www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown Tickets Adult £27 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

December2023 | Lincoln Independent

27

What’s On sponsored by

A Christmas Carol Catastrophe!

FESTIVE fun knows no bounds as Dickens with a difference arrives at the Blue Room at the Lawn for A Christmas Carol/Catastrophe as part of the venue’s Two Acts Three Courses Strand.

Cake & Ale’s Christmas extravaganza is presented by the illustrious Lincoln Community Night School ‘Enthusiastic’ Theatre Company which has been busy in rehearsals for its version of the Dickens’ classic.

Will the famous Victorian writer be amused by the company’s antics?

There’ll certainly be some surprises.

The events run on December 14, 15 and 16 and a week later on December 21, 22 and 23 with shows starting at 7pm prompt.

Tickets prices of £60 include a three course meal and a glass of fizz on arrival.

Doors open at 6.15 – to book visit www.lawnlincoln.com/the-blueroom-events or call 01522 523548.

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

What’s On sponsored by Mondays 11 & 18 December & 8 & 15 January 2024 7pm – 9pm

CARDINAL’S HAT, LINCOLN

Tuesdays and Fridays 6.30pm – 7.30pm Check times for Christmas period

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

Wednesdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm Check times for Christmas period

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

Draw & Drink Make sketches and paintings from a live model with like-minded creatives. £15 Drop-ins, £60 for 6-week block www.lincolndrawdrink.eventbrite .co.uk T 01522 527084

LINCOLN

Conroy Irish Dance Academy Irish dance classes for children and adults competitively or just for fun.

Entry £7 www.facebook.com/conroyirishdance

LINCOLN

Learn to Jive at Southside!

Learn to dance 1950s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Beginners 7.30pm, Improvers 8pm, Social/Dance Practice until 9.30pm. Pay on Arrival £5 T 07481 222160 (Sarah) T 07578 020532 (Barrie)

Thursdays 2pm – 3pm Check times for Christmas period

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

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

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

Thursdays Until 7 December

THE USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN

Life Drawing Classes (Untutored)

5.30pm – 7pm

Prices £9, Concession £7 www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040

Thursdays Until 7 December

THE USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN

Prices £11, Concession £9 www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040

Fridays 2pm – 3pm Check times for Christmas period

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Fridays

THE festive season has seen some new goodies introduced at Late at the Lawn.

The new menus include an exciting range of small plates for guests to share, but if you want to keep your treat to yourself why not try this twist on a Christmas classic - the Stokes Snowball?

Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm. www.stokescoffee.com

Christmas Cracker at Harding House THERE’S a Christmas Cracker of a show at Harding House Gallery, Steep Hill, Lincoln, until January 7.

The upstairs space has been filled with wonderful handmade artwork for the festive season, while downstairs there’s original handmade art from the cooperative members and around 50 other artists.

Call in on your way up or down the hill to

browse and chat to the artist at the desk who will be happy to answer queries and explain more about the work. More details on the website.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 11am4pm, Late night opening on Thursday, December 7 until 7pm T 01522 523537 www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Learn My Way Join this free, basic beginners’ IT course.

FREE, booking required T 01522 782010

2-3pm

Databank Surgery

Check times for Christmas period

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

FREE

Sundays

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

12.30pm – 1.30pm

LINCOLN

Conroy Irish Dance Academy Irish dance classes for children and adults, competitively or just for fun!

Entry £7 www.facebook.com/conroyirish dance

10.30am – 5pm

New menu for Late at the Lawn

Life Drawing Classes (Tutored)

7.15pm – 9.15pm

Until Saturday 23 December

ART, LEARNING & CULTURE

Give them a book to treasure The Witham: Lincolnshire’s River.

A Landscape Journey from Source to Sea. This beautiful hardback book is the third in a series by local author and photographer Jon Fox. This volume follows the river Witham on

its unusual course through the county and is beautifully illustrated throughout by the author’s distinctive and evocative photography.

Available for £28, order online at: www.greenploverbooks.co.uk 01522 533613

GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN

A Winter’s Tale Work by various artists: Phil Bowman, Clive Redshaw, Steve Cook, Lissa Wareham, Lisa Tank, Jo Ferguson, and Jacky Lloyd.

Free www.instagram.com/galleryatstmarti ns T 07720 810468

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

What’s On sponsored by

ART, LEARNING & CULTURE Thursday 7 December

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Festive Craft Workshop

11.30am – 1.30pm

An informal creative session for adults to make festive crafts using repurposed books. Refreshments included.

Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010

Saturday 9 December

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND

10.30am – 3pm

Monday 11 December 7.20pm

CENTRE, LINCOLN

Wartime Christmas Crafts Create a range of simple 1940s themed decorations and crafts to take home. Suitable for all ages.

Free www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755 ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY

The Old Master of the Modern World: Hockney Lecture by Douglas Skeggs at Lincoln Arts Society. Everyone welcome.

Non-members £10 T 01522 789491 (Niki Gan)

Until Sunday 7 January 2024 10am – 5pm

HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN

Christmas Cracker Exhibition

Thursday 14 December 7.30pm

A range of handcrafted work from artists around the country, including gifts, decorations and cards.

Free www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537

Until Sunday 21 January 2024 10am – 4pm

The story of class mobility and the influence that our social class has on aesthetic taste.

Friday 15 December 5.30pm

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Free Entry www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040

Until Sunday 17 March 2024 10am – 4pm

MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN

Food For Thought An exhibition featuring the thought-evoking video ‘Bread & Roses’ by Henry Kenyon and special displays from the museum’s collection.

Free www.instagram.com/museumof lincolnshirelife T 01522 782040

Thursday 7 December 10am – 12.30pm

JEWS’ COURT, 2-3 STEEP HILL, LINCOLN

Victorian Christmas Craft Create 19th-Century inspired Christmas crafts and discover how Victorians introduced many traditions we still enjoy today.

Tickets £7.50, Booking essential www.slha.org.uk

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

CARDINAL’S HAT, LINCOLN

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Spanish Night Indulge in a three-course Spanish menu with Sangria, and Salsa lessons or join for a lively salsa lesson with Spanish tapas and a drink.

Tickets £20 - £50 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Sam Scorer: A Life in 14 Buildings Celebrating the work and legacy of a local architect of national significance.

Tuesday 19 December

Join this seasonal social and quiz, sponsored by a local group member in memory of Eileen and John White who started the RSPB Lincoln Local Group in 1974.

Free parking after 6pm.

7pm – 9pm

Pay what you decide www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040

Until Sunday 21 January 2024 10am – 4pm

THE OLD SCHOOL, NETTLEHAM

End of Year Show

On the door adult £5, RSPB member £4, accompanied Child Free www.lincolnrspb.org.uk T 01522 753809

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LINCOLN

Sunday 17 December 2.30pm

Friday 15 December 6pm

Wednesday 10 January 2024 7.30pm

Lindum Books Festive Quiz 2023

The 700-yearold tradition of Smoking The Fool at the Haxey Hood still takes place on January 6

History of mid-winter festivities and traditions that include Christmas and the New Year with Tom Lane, Nigel Creasey and Terri Clarke.

Admission £7.50 to include coffee and a mince pie. Prebooking essential www.slha.org.uk

Clay Play Beginner Pottery Class Introduction to air dry clay for beginners. All materials provided.

Tickets £15 www.lincolndrawdrink.eventbrite. co.uk T 07810 835147

CAFÉ BAR, LINCOLN MUSEUM

A literary quiz including festive refreshments, prizes, and mystery book bag with each ticket.

Tickets £7 Tickets £15, Booking closes 8 December www.ticketsource.co.uk/lindum books T 01522 262374

Midwinter Festivities and Traditions'

ST HUGH’S HALL, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN LN2 5AQ

Behind the Facade A look at the architecture of the former town of Folkingham and how what you see on the outside is not always the full story.

Admission £4, Pay on the door or www.slha.org.uk

Saturday 13 January 2024 2pm

QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN

Lincolnshire Family History Society Dr Andrew Jackson presents ‘The imaginary family histories and genealogies of the author Bernard Gilbert’s fictionalised Lincolnshire, c. 1910-20.’ Come in person or request a Zoom link by email.

Free, non-members welcome lincolnbranch@lincolnshirefhs.org.uk T 07941 245322 (Tracey Fairhurst)

Sunday 21 January 2024 2.30pm

THE OLD SCHOOL, NETTLEHAM

Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology Sunday Special Looking at the histories of Gainsborough, Lincoln and Boston.

Admission £4 Pay on the door or www.slha.org.uk.

What’s On sponsored by Mondays 9am – 12.30pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

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

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY Sundays 10am – 11am

FREE www.better.org.uk/library /lincolnshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010

Mondays 10.30am11.30am

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

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

FREE

Wednesdays

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE

10.30am – 11.30am

SCHOOL LANE

Wednesdays until December 25

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET

7pm – 8pm

Thursdays 10.30am – 11.30am

Until Friday 22 December 9am – 5pm

£6 www.rockfit.org.uk RockFit with Loli on Facebook LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Connect Over a Cuppa Reconnect and have a catch-up with others over a cuppa and a biscuit. All refreshments provided.

Until Sunday 24 December 11am – 5pm (10.30am – 4.30pm Sundays)

Until Sunday 24 December 10am – 4pm

Free, donations welcome

Thursdays 11am – 12pm

Fridays Term Time Only

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

10.30am – 11.30am

Saturdays 9am

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

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

Saturdays 10am – 2pm

Saturdays 10am– 3pm

32

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY,

DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS, LINCOLN

Christmas at Doddington Hall

WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE,

Santa’s Grotto Child £6, Booking advised www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566

Arrive for QSJOLT JODMVEJOH B GPS XJOUFS cocktail and stay late enjoying delicious small plates. Fridays and

Saturdays from 6pm. www.stokescoffee.com BRANSBY HORSES, BRANSBY, LINCOLN

Puddings Reindeer Roundup

Thursday 7 December 10am – 8pm

Help Santa and Pudding the Shetland pony round up the reindeers and save Christmas.

Child £3.50, Includes goodie bag of festive treats www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

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

Make merry at Late at the Lawn

Join BWY Yoga Guide Amanda Greenwood for a relaxing yoga session. Bring mat and blanket.

Price £7 www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040

Adult £15, Child £8.50, Under 3s Free www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 812510

Have fun listening to stories and singing rhymes. Suitable for 0 – 4-year-olds and their parents.

Free

A new way to work out to a rock and metal soundtrack!

Yoga at Lincoln Museum

Journey through ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ with scenes created by Doddington staff, volunteers, local artists, and students from Lincoln College.

Story & Rhyme Time

RockFit

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Thursday 7 December 10am

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Shining a Light on Social Prescribing

Thursday 7 December 10am – 2pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

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

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

After an evening of shopping, stop by the Lion and Snake pub for mulled wine and carol singing. Music from The Ministry of Ukes

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Guide Dogs for the Blind Support this charity by purchasing your Christmas cards, other items and meet the guide dogs and their owners.

Free, Items to buy and donations welcome

www.better.org.uk/library/lincoln shire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010

Thursday 7 December 12pm – 2pm

GREEN SYNERGY, HILLSIDE GARDEN, ROMAN PAVEMENT, LN2 5RD

Carols on the Garden Monks Abbey School Choir sing us into the Christmas spirit.

Santa’s Grotto returns to the Waterside Shopping Centre

Free www.greensynergy.org.uk T 01522 533077 LINCOLN CASTLE Friday Lincoln Castle Illuminated 8 December Enjoy the castle grounds – Saturday 23 December bejewelled with festive lights

5.30pm – 9pm

Crafty Saturdays Get creative and have fun discovering your crafty side.

Suitable for 4 years and over, plus parents or carers Free

Uphill Lincoln Late-Night Shopping Event

lionandsnake.lincoln@marstons. co.uk

Featuring expert contributors and first-hand stories of people who have benefited from social prescribing, celebrating the positive impact of this method of care.

Free www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL QUARTER

and illuminated Christmas features..

Entry from £3 www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019

COUNTY ASSEMBLY ROOMS Friday Christmas Market 8 December A wide range of festive stalls, – Sunday foods, drinks, and performers to 10 December

10am – 9pm (7pm Finish on Sunday)

get you in the festive mood.

Free www.countyassemblyrooms. co.uk T 01522 520098

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

31

What’s On sponsored by Friday 8 & 22 December & Wednesday 13 December 11am

BRANSBY HORSES, BRANSBY, LINCOLN

Donkey Talk & Tour

10am – 4pm

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE

Ice Trail - see centre pages Bringing 20 ice sculptures to track down across the city, many of which will be Lincoln themed.

Free events@lincoln.gov.uk

Saturday 9 December 11am – 4pm

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Toy Collectors Fair A 200-table trove of collectables.

Monday 11 & 18 December

BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH,

World Food Supper Club Social dining with Sudanese guest chef sharing a traditional meal and food stories.

www.lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org

Saturday 16 December

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

The Lincoln Record Fair

9.30am – 3pm

Admission £2 www.engineshed.co.uk T 07587 103047

Saturday 16 December

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

10am – 2pm

Festive Fun Tombola, games, and Christmas crafts in aid of The Lincoln Community Larder. Story time sessions 11.30am and 12.30pm.

Free T 01522 782010

Lincoln Vegan Festival Family friendly event with a variety of stalls selling cakes, beauty products, Christmas gifts, and hot food.

MINT LANE CAFÉ, LINCOLN

Tickets £10, Contact Lincolnshire Food Partnership if cost is a barrier, Booking essential

LINCOLN

10am – 2.30pm

7pm

6pm – 9pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

£3 On-the-door, All proceeds go to Pudz Animal Sanctuary www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Sunday 10 December

Friday 15 December

Visit the donkeys in their winter homes and learn about the wonderful equines and how they’re cared for.

Donations welcome www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464

Saturday 9 December – Sunday 10 December

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

Saturday 16 December 10am – 4pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Santa’s Grotto Write a note for Santa, receive a Christmas gift, and meet the cast of the upcoming panto, Cinderella!

Tickets Child £8.50, Booking essential www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101

6.30pm – 8.30pm

10am – 11.30am

Thursday 21December

LINCOLN

1pm – 2.30pm

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

Monday 8 & 15 January 7pm

GIANT LINCOLN, DODDINGTON HALL

Mech Night – Beginners Opportunity to learn all the basics of cycling,

10am

Friday 15 December 10am – 11am

Medieval Christmas Market

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN

Toddler Time Dress to get messy. All children must be accompanied by an adult, Booking essential Child £3.70, hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

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Wednesday 10 January

LINCOLN

Free www.stmarylewigford.co.uk

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

COUNTRY PARK

Christmas Crafts Make decorations out of all sorts of materials in time for the big day. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

ST MARY LE WIGFORD CHURCH,

Artisan craftspeople of The Travelling Historical Market, spiced punch, music and lots of festive cheer whilst you browse the stalls.

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME

Child £3.70, Booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Adult £15, Booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 812510

Thursday 14 December – Sunday 17 December

Make decorations out of all sorts of materials in time for the big day. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Child £3.70, Booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Adult £3.50, Senior £3, Under 15s Free www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900

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

Wednesday 13 December

CAFÉ, BOULTHAM PARK Thursday 21 December Christmas Crafts

7pm

VISIT Weird Garden for an evening of alternative sounds at Decimal Place, 10 Burton Road, Lincoln (LN1 3LB) on Saturday, December 23.

Instead of booked acts, this will be a festive special with a lineup to be decided on the night from 7.30-10.pm.

One of the guests might be Ernie, Experimental Sonic Machines' robot drummer, who celebrates his 10th birthday on December 21. He's made of scrap materials & has played at countless gigs & festivals in his first ten years.

Photo: Gavin Morrow.

SOUTHSIDE, 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

Saturday 20 January 2024 6pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Viva La Rave!

A unique sober clubbing experience, raising your vibrations through house and rave music.

Tickets £10 www.wedancefree.com T 07719 505844

Remembering the Artist

Sam Scorer

"SUJTU BOE BSDIJUFDU XJUI BO VONJTUBLBCMF TUZMF IT’S 20 years since the deaUI of Sam Scorer the architect who had a dramatic impact on the city.

A new exhibition at the Usher Gallery, Sam Scorer: A Life in 14 Buildings, celebrates the life and legacy of a local architect of national significance.

The dramatic Pringle-shaped Starbucks on the A1 at Markham Moor (sFFO as a service station in the main picture); the ‘rack of ribs’ atop Damon’s Restaurant in Lincoln; and the white, wing-like building housing a number of restaurants along the Brayford – these are just a few of the iconic local buildings designed by Scorer and his

team.The hyperbolic paraboloid roofs were Sam’s answer to the government restricting the use of steel and the buildings epitomise the post-war excitement for engineering and a bold new vision of the future, and helped make him one of the most significant architects of his time.

Architectural drawings, photographs and scale models highlight the lasting impact Scorer had on the architectural landscape of the county and beyond. It also allows visitors to discover the stories behind some of the most recognisable

modern buildings around the city and beyond.

As well as being a renowned architect, Sam Scorer was a prolific artist, and the exhibition features a number of his paintings – on loan from the Scorer family – and portraits of him done by friends throughout his lifetime.

Pictured right: The hyperbolic paraboloid roofs over restaurants on The Brayford and St John the Baptist Church on Ermine with interior (below)

Jenny Gleadell, exhibitions and interpretations officer at the Usher Gallery, said: “Sam Scorer was Lincolnshire’s true renaissance man: an architect, a painter, a gallery owner, an advocate for the conservation of built environment, and a significant citizen of Lincoln. His portrait as the sheriff of the city still hangs in the council chambers.

“Today, a number of Scorer’s buildings are acknowledged as being of national importance, and several of them are listed by Historic England.

“This exhibition is a chance to understand more about the architectural process behind some of these iconic local buildings, and learn about the man that created them.”

Sam Scorer: A Life in 14 Buildings is on display at the Usher Gallery on Danes Terrace unti +anuary 21, 2024, Thursday to Monday, from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free. www.ushergallery.com.

The exhibition has been curated by Dr Karolina Szynalska McAleavey, chartered architect and Senior Lecturer at the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment, and produced in collaboration with Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery.

The painting of Sam (left) is one of several done by his friend, the artist Tony Bartl and CFJOH VTFE CZ LJOE QFSNJTTJPO GSPN B QSJWBUF DPMMFDUJPO Not in exhibition.

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

33

Books

Compiled by Rebecca Poole

Win a copy of a tale of love and murder CRIME readers can whet their appetites with a new novel based on a local historic murder case set just after the First World War. Jonathan Wilkinson’s first book, A Jealous Feast, takes place in Fulbeck and tells the story of Florrie Jackson in the lead up to her death.

“I had always wanted to write a book and be a published author, but I had nothing to write about until, on a visit to see my mum, I read an article in the Lincolnshire Echo in May 1994, referencing stories published in that newspaper from 25, 50 and 75 years before,” explained Jonathan.

“It just so happened that one of the stories caught my eye. I was fascinated to read that a murder had taken place in Fulbeck in 1919.

Not least because I lived in a nearby village, Welbourn, and had sporting connections with Fulbeck itself.

“The article gave few additional details to the stark murder headline other than to add that this had been a crime of passion. At last, I thought, I had something that I felt that I could write about.”

After his initial idea, Jonathan began extensive research through Lincolnshire libraries and obtained court documents from the National Archives at Kew. However, due to other commitments, the book was put on hold.

“Life gets in the way. Ideas were scribbled down and an overall structure for the book was drafted out, but nothing actually materialised. Forward-wind 28 years and following retirement from work, I found that ‘time was on my side’. It has taken about 10 months, off and on, but my book is complete,” said the former civil servant.

The story is centred around the end of May 1919 in rural Lincolnshire and Florrie Jackson is looking forward to attending a

village fete known as Caythorpe Feast with Grantham man, Dick Rowland.

The pair have been courting for four months and met shortly after Dick’s demobilisation from WWI. The war experience changed him into an angry, jealous and disturbed man, which contributed to what original news coverage described as a “crime of passion”.

“In my research, I struggled to find any background detail or information to the case, such as we are used to seeing today.

“The book is my attempt therefore, to create a ‘back story’ leading up to the events of May, 31, 1919 and the unfortunate death of Florrie Jackson on the evening of Caythorpe Feast.”

‘A Jealous Feast’ by Jonathan Wilkinson is available to buy at Lindum Books in the Bailgate and at Fulbeck Craft Centre.

To win a copy of the book answer the question below and send it marked Book Competition to admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk.

Where is A Jealous Feast based?

Tales of the unexpected are Freemasons’ fundraiser EXTRAORDINARY stories involving Lincoln people of the past have been published to raise money for charity, as part of an ambitious campaign.

‘Lincoln: Heroic, Tragic & Bizarre Tales From History’ is written by Lincolnshire Freemasons’ Lindum Lodge Member Mick Lake, who will be donating all royalties of his book sales to the fundraiser.

“I expect that to be at least £1,000 and it’s good to know that the money we raise will all come back to Lincolnshire in due course,” said Mick.

The book, which is Mick’s fourth publication, contains over 70 stories which focus on tragic events and tales demonstrating the selfless courage shown by ordinary people from Lincoln.

“The stories are all based in the City of Lincoln, or villages within the surrounding area, with the exception of a small number which describe the remarkable exploits of its citizens whilst travelling in other parts of the world.

“Every tale in the book is underpinned by meticulous research, and regardless of how bizarre it may seem, each story is completely true.”

Lincolnshire Freemasons aim to raise £2.25 million in total over five years to support various charities helping local communities across the county through a range of different activities.

Charities that have already been supported through donations include Women’s Aid, mental health charity Andy’s Man Club, and CARE who are dedicated to relieving poverty, homelessness and hardship throughout North East Lincolnshire.

Lincoln: Heroic, Tragic & Bizarre Tales From History is available for £8.99 with free delivery within Lincolnshire by contacting saxilbystriker@yahoo.co.uk or on Amazon.

For more information about the fundraising campaign, visit www.lincolnshirefreemasons.org 34

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

PICTURE: STUART WILDE

Faces and Places

Enthronement of Bishop Stephen MORE than 1,000 people saw the Right Rev Stephen Conway, enthroned as the Bishop of Lincoln in a traditional ceremony.

Bishop Stephen was installed by the Archdeacon of Canterbury, The Venerable Will Adam after being escorted to Lincoln Cathedral from the church of St Peter in Eastgate, by around 30 pupils from Church of England primary schools.

Theservice began WHEN Bishop Stephen knocked three times with his crosier on the great west door of the cathedral. The crosier, also known as a pastoral staff, is an important symbol of a bishop’s ministry, reflecting their role as “shepherd of the flock of God.”

The Prime Minister announced Stephen Conway as the Bishop of Lincoln in May this year, and the service in the Cathedral is one of the final official procedures in the appointment of a Bishop Bishop Stephen has already been active across Lincolnshire meeting with clergy across the diocese to understand their aspirations for the future.

Bishop Stephen said, “It is a privilege to be entrusted with leading the Diocese of Lincoln in this phase of its centuries old mission. In a challenging and changing world we are committed to serving the people of greater Lincolnshire.”

Wayne takeT on new role as city warden MEET Wayne Nettleton, Lincoln BIG’s new City Centre Warden.

Wayne brings with him a wealth of experience from his time at the city’s former Wilkinson’s store.

His friendly demeanour and commitment to the community make him the perfect fit for this important role.

As part of the warden team, Wayne will be working to ensure Lincoln is bright and welcoming whilst raising the quality of experience for local businesses, residents and visitors.

Contact the Lincoln BIG team via T. 01522 545233 info@lincolnbig.co.uk www.lincolnbig.co.uk/report-an-issue December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

35

Heritage

Snapshots from the Past

Middle School reunion

PETER HARROD, archivist for Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School continues to explore its pictorial past THIS charming photograph was taken at Cottesford Place, James Street in Lincoln in May 1950.

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It features 17 former scholars from Lincoln Middle School who had gathered for a reunion some more than 60 years after they left the school.

Also in the photo, representing the city, are Mrs Edyth Cowan, Mayor, and Alderman J W F Hill, a Lincoln solicitor better known to Lincolnians as Sir Francis Hill, who was educated at the Lincoln Municipal Day School which later became the City School.

Lincoln Middle School was also featured in the April 2023 edition of the Lincoln Independent. It was housed in the Greyfriars building in Lincoln and was the lower school for Lincoln Grammar School although the two schools separated briefly during the late 19th century before reuniting in 1900 in the building designed

by William Watkins on Upper Lindum Street now part of the Minster School.

Also in the photograph, seated second from the right, is William Edward Withers.

William had gained a scholarship from the Middle School to the Grammar School where he played both cricket and football for the school on the Lindum Sports ground before the school moved in 1907 to its Wragby Road site with its own playing fields.

William was one of a small number of Lincoln Grammar School pupils who went on to become a member of staff. Having qualified in Shorthand and Book-keeping, he taught those subjects at the school as well as taking responsibility for the Preparatory Department.

Former pupils of Lincoln School will probably be as surprised as I was to learn

that those subjects were taught well into the 20th century. He also taught for a time on one day a week at the Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School.

However, William Withers is perhaps best known to more recent pupils of Lincoln School for donating a large sum of money to build a new swimming bath at the school.

The Withers Bath was opened in 1959 and served both Lincoln School and later Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School for many years before a more modern heated pool was built.

The Headmaster at the time of the opening, Mr Patrick Martin, caused some amusement at the opening ceremony by asking the assembled gathering to form a three-side square. The Maths master, Mr ‘Alf ’ Sutton, was clearly not impressed!

Another pupil from the Middle School who won a scholarship to the Grammar School was George William Gaunt, seated third from the left in the picture. He excelled in Maths and was awarded an Open Scholarship at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he gained a First Class Honours degree and the prestigious title of ‘Wrangler’ a title given to those who achieved that qualification at Cambridge.

George became a Maths teacher and was later appointed Lecturer in Mathematics at Armstrong College, Durham which later became King’s College, Newcastle.

Both William and George were examples of pupils from humble backgrounds who achieved upward social mobility through what has been referred to as the ‘ladder of educational opportunity’.

Heritage

Hotel

Survey of Lincoln

in the historic heart of city

AS the White Hart Hotel reopens after a major refurbishment, ANDREW WALKER of The Survey of Lincoln looks at this prominent Bailgate building’s long and colourful history.

THE white hart is a symbol linked to King Richard II who visited Lincoln in 1387 during a turbulent period of his rule.

He addressed the bishop and chapter, staying in buildings nearby, possibly on the site of today’s hotel.

By 1704, The White Hart Inn occupied a new brick building which had replaced an earlier stone structure, and is mentioned in that year by a guest, who remarked that Lincoln ‘was an old straggling long towne, mostly of old and particularly odd buildings’.

The Stamford Mercury referred to the hotel as a coaching inn, though an advertisement of 23 October 1746, suggests that departures were not always punctual.

It announced that ‘a coach and four good horses’ was to return for London from The White Hart later that month ‘on Sunday 26th or Monday 27th’.

In Stamford Mercury reports from the 1720s onwards, The White Hart Inn was portrayed as a place where much business was transacted: property auctions occurred, farm rents were paid, and sometimes rather dubious commercial travellers sold their wares, such as, in December 1725, when ‘Dr Darando’ sold an ‘infallible cure for rotten sheep’. Official business too, occurred in the inn, including a post mortem of an infant from Bardney in August 1800, and the holding of a Consistorial Court of the Cathedral’ in November 1854.

Political meetings also took place, which often involved much hospitality. In 1820, Charles Anderson-Pelham and Charles Chaplin, who were returned unopposed as county MPs, entertained 1000 people and 2000 bottles of wine were consumed.

One of the earliest references to the White Hart Hotel (rather than

inn) was in 1839 and by the 1850s advertising regularly used the term ‘hotel’.

Census returns reveal that in both 1851 and 1861, guests included Lord Henry Bentinck. He was a regular resident while he was Master of the Burton Hunt. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, guests included visiting professionals, such as an Inspector from the Board of Agriculture in 1911, various civil servants, and, in 1921, a judge of the High Court, Bombay. In the first half of the 20th century, hotel residents included three American ambassadors – Dr Page (1913), Frank P. Kellogg (1924), and J.G. Winant (1942).

Americans were regular visitors to the hotel from the 1890s. At a City Council meeting in August 1897, it was noted that paving repairs on Eastgate would be ‘a great convenience to their American friends who stayed at The White Hart’. For 15 years from 1897 until her sudden death at the age of 50 the hotel was managed by Matilda Morley, who was remembered for her ‘courtesy and geniality’. In 1911, her young resident staff team included 13 employees, of whom 11 were female.

The building has seen many improvements since 1704 with major works undertaken in 1844 when a new façade was built facing Bailgate. Significant additions were also made in the 1880s and 1890s and, in 1938, plans were approved for a new neo-Georgian wing facing Eastgate, increasing the number of bedrooms from 18 to 29.

Clearly, The White Hart’s longevity is largely owing to the willingness of its various owners and managers to make alterations to meet their customers’ changing needs.

The Survey of Lincoln’s latest publication Lincoln’s Burial Grounds: Commemorating the City’s Dead is available from December 2 at Jews’ Court Bookshop, Steep Hill, Lindum Books, Bailgate and via www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk, priced £9.50.

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

37

Community and Environment

Festival reaches out to communities A WEEK of positive climate action saw more than 500 people take park in events at the University of Lincoln The university’s Climate Action Festival returned for its third year in November when students, staff and the public were invited to view local art and photography with a Nature Positive Lincoln theme,;take part in discussions on Place-based Climate action and sustainability in education; engage in carbon literacy training and Net-Zero workshops.

There were also opportunities to learn how to survey wildlife; take part in citizen science; join the Wilder Doddington ranger team for a day and discover how to use nature-based pigments in art.

“The Climate Action Festival has not only given an opportunity for the University of Lincoln to showcase some of the exciting research and projects undertaken here,but has also enabled the establishment of new external links with our local communities and businesses who have attended, “ said Dr Andrew Kythreotis, Senior Lecturer, Social & Political Geography “As a Lincoln climate commissioner, I think this is something that is not only integral to facilitating place-based climate action across the city but will also be beneficial in helping Lincoln Climate Commission reach and network with, a wider local audience.”

Follow @uolestates on Instagram/Threads for upcoming sustainability events at the University of Lincoln or email environment@lincoln.ac.uk to be added to the newsletter.

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

Climate Crisis - the Youth Perspective

www.lincolnclimate.org.uk

From day-dreaming to dystopian reality THE Lincoln Independent recently asked people to get in touch with theJS personal experiences and attitudes to climate change.

Below Climate Activist 18-year-old HEATHER WILDE gives a young person’s powerful perspective of crisis facing our city, country – planet.

IT was 2021 when it hit me that the future I’d been working for was never going to happen.

I’d always been an academically minded person and had decided I was going to spend my life studying Literature.

However, after finding out more about the climate crisis (beyond the “it’s going to get hotter” spiel you are taught in school geography), I realised that we are facing a crisis the likes of which humanity has never experienced before.

The future went from dreams of university and life beyond to something quite dystopian.

In that shattering moment, the climate crisis didn’t just mean warmer weather, melting ice caps and the polar bears losing their home.

It meant drastic extreme weather events, mass migration and, what I find the most terrifying, a global failure in food supply.

This not only spells out starvation for millions of people in the coming years, but conflict on a local and global scale. Scientists, including our beloved David Attenborough,

have described “civilisational collapse”.

With this knowledge, going to school, buying the groceries, walking the dog… life is tinged with the impermanence of these everyday realities and the panic of working for a future that scientists are saying we simply may not have.

Action is often hailed the antidote to anxiety, so earlier this year I left my A levels and decided to dedicate my time to climate activism. Since then, I’ve taken my action to oil refineries, corporate AGMs, Party Headquarters, oil and gas conferences and to Parliament.

But climate activism isn’t just stereotypical protest.

Switching banks away from those that fund fossil fuel projects, swapping in more plant-based foods, cutting down our general consumption: these are some of the biggest actions we can take as individuals.

Collaboration is another. As a community, our actions are amplified. Here in Lincoln, we have our own Climate Emergency Centre, EarthLincs, holding sessions each Saturday at Mint LAne Café.

Extinction Rebellion Lincoln is also active: your local branch of the global movement for climate and ecological justice.

One of my favourite graphics is by Tolmeia Gregory. It details how the climate movement needs everyone: from the photographers to the lawyers to the tea makers.

The best thing you can do is look at all that you’re good at and offer those skills to the climate movement. Because it’s not too late.

Pictures show (from top down) Heather with the Lincoln Extinction Rebellion Group protesting outside; Parliament; Heather on a London march against fossil fuels; making an XR poster and having scaled the LabourParty’s headquarters to demand it cuts its ties to fossil fuels.

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

39

The Flat Cap Diaries

with Liz Lucas

Festive floral favourites DECEMBER, being the darkest month of the year sees us bringing greenery into the house to lift our spirits and lighten the gloom.

Last December, (which seems like last week) I wrote about different twigs and trailers we could festoon our homes with, but this year I am looking at some of the traditional plants we buy at Christmas time.

Poinsettias immediately spring to mind.

Large green leaves, brilliant red or white flowers, pink and cream now too, these plants always make an impact.

Mexican in origin it is said that Franciscan monks first used them in their Christmas celebrations in the 17th century as

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

representing the star of Bethlehem and the blood of Christ.

If you have kept one in the hope it will colour up again, then prepare for disappointment. They are very tricky to encourage into bloom. Sad to have to use them as annuals, but we do not have the Mexican climate; poinsettias grow into large, exuberant trees over there.

Hyacinths are popular gifts to give.

Prepared bulbs are planted about 13 weeks prior to Christmas and then the delicious blooms scent our homes throughout the period.

I always plant mine out in the garden afterwards where they never quite make the show they did indoors, sadly.

Some people like Paperwhite Narcissus, but I find the scent somewhat reminiscent of cats; like lilies, too overwhelming in a small room.

Sarah Raven does Paperwhites in a willow basket which deeply appeals to those parts of me that crave an Aga and enjoy Joanna Trollope novels.

I have a couple of Christmas cactI, a misnomer if ever I heard one as they flower in November

(see pic) and/or March.

I still love them and have had this beauty (right) for ten years or more.

Orchids and cyclamen are often given as gifts and both are lovely. My history with the orchid family is not positive, shall we say, but cyclamen are a delight.

Whichever plants you buy or receive at Christmas, work out a good watering routine for them all, including the tree and have a very Happy, Green Christmas.

News from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

www.lincstrust.org.uk

Watch out for these winged winter wonders Waxwing

BY RACHEL SHAW LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

Redwing

chestnut-brown back and yellowy breast, streaked with black. They can also be seen in large flocks, feasting on berriedhedgerows and in worm-rich fields.

Flocks of more than 200 fieldfares may roam through the countryside in search of food. Listen for the ‘chack chack’ of fieldfares guarding their food or as they take flight.

If there are fruit trees in your garden or neighbourhood, look for birds feeding on the fallen fruit or on the occasional apple still hanging in the tree. Fieldfares and redwings will also feed in gardens on the berries of holly, cotoneaster or pyracnatha.

Possibly one of the most anticipated arrivals are waxwings. About the size of a starling, waxwings get their name from the bright red tips to some of their wing feathers, which look like drops of sealing wax.

They travel here from Scandinavia when the food supply there runs low. In some winters, there are only a hundred or so across the UK but in other years they

THE clocks had changed and it was dark early. There was a chill in the air, the sky clear; inky black with pinpricks of stars.

I could hear that constant sound of distant cars on the bypass but apart from that there was a moment of silence. I was about to open the door, to enter the warmth and lights of a centrally heated home, but I paused.

Cutting through the silence was the faint sound of pink-footed geese. Their ‘pink-pink’ calls getting louder and louder until they passed overhead.

Somewhere above me was a large flock of geese that had spent the summer in Iceland and would spend the winter in the UK. The migration of wildlife can seem like an abstract concept. Occasionally it becomes very visible and audible - flocks of pink-footed geese flying in their distinctive ‘v’ formation or redwings and fieldfares in search of berries.

Redwings can also be heard at night as they migrate. On clear evenings you might hear their ‘tseep-tseep’ call as they fly overhead.

Fieldfare Similar to a song thrush, redwings are dark arrive in their thousands. brown above and white below, with a streaked breast.

For such an exotic-looking bird, when they do turn up it’s often As their name suggests, they have a rich orange-red patch on their in the least expected places. Waxwings are partial to the red and flanks and underwing. They also sport a characteristic cream orange berries of ornamental trees. The types of trees that are eyebrow stripe. often planted IN city centres, supermarket car parks, out-of-town Unlike their cousins the song thrush, mistle thrush and blackbird, redwings are gregarious and sociable. They flock together and shopping areas and industrial estates. Check the trees in your move from bush to bush in search of food. They can often be neighbourhood to see if there are any berry-laden trees. And don’t spotted in flocks with fieldfares – our other wintering thrush. forget to look at the car park trees when you’re doing your weekly Fieldfares are larger than redwings with a slate-grey head, shop.

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

41

The Linformation Page

Make sure you get your Indie DESPITE our very best efforts ' ­ «­ ? we can’t deliver a Lincoln Independent magazine to everyone who wants one. ¬ 2027 Blazing a trail for agri-t We get regular requests for the ech reaps Indie - those that don’t get it through their letterboxes can find it’s quickly disappeared from our drop off points too.

We’re delighted people love it and it’s always an aspiration to EV charging points are print more, but it’s currently a available at: case of simple economics.

Broadgate multi storey car We always stress it’s free NOT park - 2 cheap.

Lucy Tower multi storey JANUARY SAL We are introducing a E 20% off everything car park -2 subscription scheme as one 3rd to 31st January The Lawn car park - 2 01522 87 87 86 way around this dilemma.

Lincoln Central car park For £40 a year or £20 for six 12 months we will post Lincoln’s Orchard Street - favourite magazine to your home address in the UK. Chaplin Street car park - 8 The magazine is still FREE - we’re just covering our postal costs.

'BTUDIBSHF Many people tell us getting the magazine is a monthly treat as they Broadgate, Lucy Tower and read it cover-to-cover while enjoying a relaxing cuppa.

Lincoln Central car park have Get it for yourself or as a gift for someone who has moved away a from the city and would enjoy catching up with our news and features.

Top award for university

THE University of Lincoln has been awarded the country’s highest honour for universiti es and colleges.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prize recognises the ground-b reaking work of the university’s Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT) supporting farming and food industries.

It is part of the national honours system - akin to a CBE for higher and further education - and recognises outstandi ng work by colleges and universiti es showing excellence, innovation and benefit to the wider world.

Turn to page 3.

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T&Cs apply. Discount is off RRP and does not include labour charges.

Fastcharge wall mount with two 32A sockets and The Lawn has a Fastcharge unit.

Parking must be paid for as normal while charging a vehicle.

For the full network oF vehicle charge points in Lincoln and across the UK visit www.zapmap.com/live/ Tell us about other publicly accessible charging points at admin@lincolnindependent. co.uk

Life savers in city centre

Email Subscription to admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk and we’ll get straight back to you.

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

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

IN association with East Midlands Ambulance Service, Lincoln BIG is responsible for seven defibrillators across the city.

The defibrillators are very easy to use and have already been instrumental in saving lives.

The locations are: l The Terrace Reception, Grantham Street LN2 1BD l Cube and Triangle, 40 Silver Street, Lincoln LN2 1EH l Doubletree by Hilton, Lincoln LN1 1YW l St Marks Management Office, St Marks Shopping Centre l Home Nightclub, 4 Park Street, Lincoln LN1 1UF l Waterside Shopping Centre (Between O2 and Goldsmiths), High Street, Lincoln LN2 1AP l The Visitor Information Centre, Castle Hill LN1 3AA

Business News from the Experts

How to handle your first Christmas as a single parent LUCY REDING, SENIOR SOLICITOR, WILKIN CHAPMAN FACING your first Christmas after a divorce can be an emotionally charged time. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate your first Christmas as a single parent.

Coordinate plans Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.

Make a list of the activities you’d like to do with your children during the holidays and coordinate with your former spouse to arrange schedules and gift-giving.

This ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved and avoids any potentially uncomfortable confrontations.

Embrace emotions Open and honest communication is crucial during this time. Talk to your children about what they are feeling and let them know it’s okay to express their emotions.

Similarly, it’s important to process your

emotions in real-time instead of bottling them up. Find a trusted friend or therapist to talk to.

Create new traditions Traditions are a big part of the festive season, so their absence or change can come as an unwelcome surprise.

It is better to focus on the future and the unique opportunity you have to create new traditions. They could be as simple as cooking together or watching a favourite film.

Protect your plans Even if you’re in the midst of a contentious separation, you don’t have to go through this alone.

Practical advice during a difficult time can help you navigate these new challenges.

Coping with the changes in family dynamics and finding a new normal can be tough, but remember, you’re not alone in this journey.

If you’re unable to come to an agreement with your former partner, talking to a solicitor may help you reach compromises or arrangements that let both parties enjoy a happy Christmas time with the children; this year and in years to come.

If you or someone you know requires assistance in relation to the arrangements for their children and wants expert advice on how to take the next steps get in touch with Lucy on 01522 515006 or email lucy.reding@wilkinchapman.co.uk

There is no ‘Sanity Clause’, but there is good news WHEN I was asked to write this piece for the pre-Christmas edition my brief was nothing more than to say that I was welcome if I wanted to do a “Scrooge bahhumbug” column.

I can’t blame them as I have to admit I do generally trend in that direction. I wince when the supermarkets set up their Christmas aisle almost as soon as the kids

44

Lincoln Independent | December 2023

DAVID NICHOLSON, DIRECTOR, DEXTER AND SHARPE (LINCOLN) LIMITED go back to school (is it right to sell mince pies with use-by dates in October?). I groan the first time I hear Slade, generally well before December is even in sight.

Don’t get me started on Christmas telly!

Then there is Christmas Jumper Day – you guessed it I don’t own one – which this year is designated (by whom I have no idea) as December the 8th.

Madness.

Add to all that I chose a career where everything shuts down for a couple of weeks and then I’m back to work in January for what is the busiest time of year for accountants before the selfassessment deadline.

Was it always like this? I’m not so sure it was, though I cannot say for sure because I have now passed through that age barrier that means I view the past through rose-tinted glasses.

So that’s me, a self-confessed Grinch. But this year, just to redress the balance a little let me just highlight a couple of things.

I always tell my clients to make the most

of the very few concessions or giveaways within the tax system.

So let me introduce you to Section 264 ITEPA 2003; for the few of you out there who do not know the acronym that’s the snappily named income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act. Under this section employers can hold an annual function for employees at a cost of up to £150 per person attending and can set that cost against their business profits.

I would say that is still (for HMRC) pretty generous.

Or there is Section 323A. This lets your employer give you a “trivial” benefit without having to deduct tax and national insurance as long as that benefit is not in cash or convertible into cash and so long as the cost does not exceed £50. That gives plenty of scope, bunch of flowers, bottle of fizz; what the hell, you could even get them all a Christmas Jumper.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Info@dextersharpelincoln.co.uk

December 2023 | Lincoln Independent

43

Staff are not just for Christmas ON the run up to Christmas many business bosses will hopefully be sharing in the festive spirit through making gifts to their staff and/or even having a Christmas party.

A bit like family and friends gifting, the nature or choice of a gift will mostly likely be based on what might have been given in the past, even the same gift each year along with affordability of the same.

To a great extent when it comes to businesses the decision as to what they give their staff may in part be pre-determined by the tax treatment of any gifts.

Certainly, HMRC hBT made this easier, in that gifts made to employees up to the value of £50 will not be subject to any tax consequences. Perhaps then there is no surprise that often the choice of gift is a store or merchandising voucher to the value of £50.

Such an approach is not to be sniffed at as it is an easy decision for a choice of gift in terms of the employer’s choice and employees’ preference.

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Lincoln Independent | December 2023

Typically, as the festive season approaches many will be enjoying the annual staff Christmas party. Again, the HMRC IBT made an exemption and a generous one at that.

Providing a number of criteria are met, a spend of up to £150 per head can be made on the Christmas party. Such spend is exempt from both Income Tax and National Insurance and the fun doesn’t stop there! The £150 per head also applies to all attendees, so partners and spouses can be included.

The festive season all too often comes and goes in a flash, even though you wouldn’t think it on the run up to the big day.

Whilst the thought and good will of a seasonal gift and party will bring a glow to hopefully all, the time of year is also one when we reflect or give more time to think of others.

As we go from Christmas to the New Year our thoughts invariably turn to the year ahead and perhaps then to thinking about what else we could do to acknowledge, reward, praise and even support team members. Such an approach doesn’t necessarily have to come at a cost or be determined by the tax implications.

At Christmas it can be the case, that we rack our brain to come up with a gift for a relative or friend that we don’t see or really know that well, when really what they would have valued better was some of your time and interest in them.

Perhaps then we can all look to 2024 to take time out to not only think what we could do to support our colleagues but also show we really value them.

Something that may involve us taking more time for them, doing something specific or personable, even unique, to thank and support them.

With busy lives and the rapid pace of life there is a real danger, that a bit like Christmas, when we buy a present it will be with little thought just to tick another off the gift list, we don’t give enough thought and time to recognise the importance and value of our colleagues.

Was it a Black Friday Autumn Statement?

AS our seventh Chancellor since 2016 stood up to deliver his Autumn Statement, perhaps the good news was that in contrast to his immediate predecessor, he had run his figures by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Therefore we hopefully will not experience an aftershock.

In the media coverage in the run up to his speech there was much speculation as to what the Statement might include, from reductions in business and income tax to changes in inheritance tax.

Over preceding days it felt that at times they were testing the acceptance of any proposed changes, especially with the electorate, as we are now probably only 12 months away from a General Election.

However, it did feel a bit akin to a Black Friday sale, with some 110 measures and announcements to underpin growth, make work pay and increase work/UK productivity.

Overall, a move to hopefully revert the governments fortune, curtailing the growing shift in support for Labour and perhaps a red wall landslide next year.

Whether it will achieve this we will have to wait and see.

While as ever the devil is in the detail and it will certainly take time to get through the 110 measures, the key announcements and changes were as follows: l The headline grabbing reduction in Employee National Insurance from 12% to 10% - this cut will come into effect from 6th January 2024 l For the self-employed Class 2 NIC will be abolished with Class 4 NIC to be cut from 9% to 8% l Business Rates will continue to be frozen for small businesses and the 75% discount on business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure will be extended for a further yea l The National Living Wage will increase to £11.44 per hour from April 2024

l State pension payments are to rise by 8.5% to £221.20 a week, worth almost an extra £900 a year. The triple lock will be “honoured in full” With business investment in the UK falling behind other OECD countries and with the need to improve productivity to underpin economic growth the announcement that ‘full expensing ‘for businesses to be made permanent must be good news .

This will mean that for every £1 a business invests in IT, machinery and equipment they can claim back 25p in Corporation Tax. The Chancellor also announced further changes to Research and Development Tax reliefs aimed at supporting and driving innovation especially in the fields of life science, technology, advanced manufacturing, net zero and digital innovation.

A number of our firm’s office locations are set to see a change in their political and governance landscape, with devolution deals announced for Hull and East Yorkshire and the counties forming Greater Lincolnshire.

Further afield and including locations from across our practice there was news of the creation of further investment zones and that Freeports and investment zones will be given 10 years of “financial incentives”, rather than five as currently planned.

There will also be a further three investment zones in the West Midlands, East Midlands and in Greater Manchester.

And finally, whether you are looking to partake in a glass of wine, beer or whatever your tipple to celebrate or otherwise, you will be pleased to hear the duty on alcohol will be frozen until August 2024.

Abbey Access Training Learner Awards

www.abbeyaccesstraining.com

Night to celebrate Abbey achievers JUDGES were so impressed by award candidates that they created new categories to honour their efforts.

The trustees of Abbey Access Training had been assessing the submissions for 27 categories for the annual Learners’ Awards when they added another five sectors.

“We ended up with 32 awards because the judging panel wanted UP mark the achievements of learners who had overcome obstacles or

made great progress,” explained AAT CEO Gail Dunn.

Catering and construction courses are offered by the Monks Road-based organisation to help people into work and fill local skill shortages. The centre at Aboretum Lodge also offers courses in English, Maths and life-skills, such as money management and healthy cooking.

Gail and her team organised

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the awards ceremony for over 100 attendees at The Drill to underpin the achievements of learners of all ages, abilities and walks of life.

“Organising the event was so much work We wanted it UP be a special night, but there’s so much to do,” said Gail.

“I was saying ‘never again’, but we immediately forget all the work when we see how much it means to people. It’s the first time that many of our learners have been to anything like this and when you see their smiles it’s all so worth it.”

Abbey Learner of the Year Rosemary Boyer.

The award winners were: Fastest Barista - Elliott Giddens; Creative Cake Maker - Laura Jokic; Bread Baker - Alex Barnard; Hygiene Hero - Duncan Carey; Calculation Master - Lil Tarren; Maths Learner of the Year, Lincoln - Kieran Bristow; Maths Learner of the Year, Sleaford Hilary Jones; English Learner of the Year - Star Gresham; English Expert - Melanie Abbott; Reading Champion - Helen Osler; CSCS Practice Master - Andrii Polosmak; Most Improved Bricklayer - Elvinas Rutkauskas; Most Improved Joiner - Connor Parker; Team Player - Adam Allen; Team Player for Construction - Harvey Delaney; Positive Commitment to Construction Stephanie Bowles; Above and Beyond Award - Cody Hinks; Positive Attitude Award - Denise Mullholland; Positive Commitment Award - Sam Scott; Overcoming Barriers Award Chew Kin Yew; Caring and Consideration Award - Neil Harrison; Individual Resilience for Catering - Chloe Skinner; Individual Resilience Construction - Joe Vella; Team Resilience - White Hart Team; Trustee Award for Overcoming Adversity Chiara Collishaw; Improved Professionalism - Cullen Murphy; St Christopher’s Progress Award - Lewis Whitelaw; Significant Journey - Josh Bavin; Advice and Guidance Award - Kimberley Hayward; Catering Learner of the Year - Jabari Ebbin; Construction Learner of the Year - Jamie Howe; Abbey Learner of the Year - Rosemary Boyer.

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