Lincoln Independent February 2024

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February 2024

Trust Dr Guin to help you love the skin you’re in

The face in the know...not all facial aesthetic practitioners are created equal.

Dr Guin Wright’s extensive range of qualifications distances her from the purveyors of the trout pout and frozen features.

For full story see p3.

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FacialPerfection

www.www.facialperfection.net

Your facial rejuvenation is in safe hands EXPERT in facial rejuvenation Dr Guinevere Wright BDS MSc PG Dip AARD is on a mission to bring safe, high quality aesthetic treatments to her clients to give them confidence and enhance their lives.

Her philosophy of subtle enhancement is far removed from the headlines of botched lip fillers – everything about her practice, FacialPerfection, is designed to inspire confidence from her discreet, professional clinic in uphill Lincoln to her impressive list of qualifications.

“My goal is to bring out the best in you, to help you rediscover the youthful radiance that already shines within,” explained Guin.

“You don’t want people to notice what you have had done, but to notice you look well.

It should be so in keeping with your face that people just think you look better but don’t know why!

“By being respectful of the anatomy, we can safely rejuvenate, balance symmetry, restore proportions or improve what nature gave you.”

Guin established FacialPerfection after she herself investigated having injectables 15 years ago. At the time very few people had access to these treatments in Lincoln and she wanted to be able to offer them to friends and family and it grew from there.

Over the years she has completed a Masters degree in aesthetic dentistry, a dissertation on botulinum toxins and continues to teach postgraduates at Kings’ College London in facial aesthetics. She is always committed to learning new skills and treatments but not being too quick to jump on a trend before its safety and efficacy can be demonstrated.

For this reason, she is a safe pair of hands in a very confusing world.

The clinic reflects her ethos of quality and discretion in a contemporary clinical setting. Onsite secure parking ensures

privacy, as do the staggered appointment times, and exclusive clinic time.

Consultations meticulously analyse a patient’s unique facial landscape, as well as their specific aims and desires, in order to create a bespoke plan to achieve the best possible outcome.

“This isn't about chasing trends or sculpting faces to fit a mould. It's about collaborating with you, understanding your unique desires, and then using artistry to enhance your natural beauty.

“Gone are the days of frozen expressions and trout pouts. This is a field where science and artistry truly converge.”

Patients can benefit from subtle but effective wrinkle-reducing injections and the sculpting of safely administered dermal fillers.

These are chosen and placed with a scientific approach but also the artistry to ensure natural-looking results that subtly enhance your existing beauty; sculpting features, not erasing them.

Offering a carefully selected range of aesthetic treatments ensures that the best options are available for the varying aesthetic concerns for patients with different skin types, of different ages and with different desires.

Touches of transformative magic can be achieved through the latest advancements in aesthetic science with treatments such as Profhilo, a revolutionary injectable that remodels and biostimulates the skin from within, encouraging the skin to make its own collagen, elastin and fibrin, to firm, lift and give a natural glow.

Dr Guin Wright is also a certified expert in polynucleotides, a next-generation therapy that rejuvenates and tightens the delicate eye area, erasing fatigue.

“The treatments have all been selected to be safe, reliable and effective. Many of these can be used in combination or simply as stand-alone treatments and all are temporary (between three and 24 months) allowing for the ever-evolving treatment plan to complement the natural aging process.”

Tel: 07903 932286 Email: guin@facialperfection.net

For all aspects of Family Law To find out more visit www.ringroselaw.co.uk

Where individuals count

Call us on 01522 561020 February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

3

Editor’s Comments

Don’t bring us down!

Chartered Certified Accountants

AS I write this I am ill coughing, spluttering, aching all over - really bloody rotten.

Needless to say my patience is wearing thin.

I think getting something that has been bothering me off my rattling chest may make me feel better.

Two individuals that should be working to encourage, cherish and highlight everything that is good about the city are doing their utmost to bring it down.

You know the sort - they haven’t got their own way so have thrown their dummies out of the pram.

It’s a combination of petty snipes, outrageously onesided arguments and complaining when doing something positive could be achieved in half the time.

This is me asking these men in pretty powerful positions in the city to stop - stop making everything about them instead of the people they serve; stop creating malicious content just because they can and stop lying to people.

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There’s plenty to shout about in Lincoln - including the Western Growth corridor (visited by Birchwood pupils above) and Sincil Bank improvements.

MARCH ISSUE DEADLINE

Material for our next edition should reach us by February 15, 2024.

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.

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Lincoln Independent | February 2024

News

Ric to retire after 42 years AFTERmore than four decades of service Cllr Ric Metcalfe is to retire from his role as councillor for Glebeward and Leader of City of Lincoln Council at the next local elections in May. Cllr Metcalfe was first elected as a councillor for Lincoln in 1982 and has been Leader of the council for more than 20 years.

He was first appointed Leader in 1999 and has held that position ever since (with the exception of the period 2007 to 2011 when the authority was under Conservative control for three years and hung for one year). Prior to being appointed Leader he was Deputy Leader for 12 years (1987 to 1999).

Although retiring from his political position, he will continue his work at the University of Lincoln as a lecturer in Social Policy.

Prior to holding this position, Cllr Metcalfe worked as HR Manager for Lincolnshire County Council, retiring in 2002.

“I have served as a member of the Council continuously for more than 40 years as Deputy leader of the Council for 12 years and then as Leader of the city council for more than 20 years,” said Cllr Metcalfe.

“While it is always difficult to give up doing something you love and which you think is worthwhile, I have decided that I will not stand again when the next city council elections take place in May 2024.

“While still reasonably active, I want to spend some more time with my family, enjoy some foreign train travel and give a bit more time to my beloved allotment and continue my University teaching.

“I have been proud to have been part of a very successful Labour administration in Lincoln since 1982, which has enjoyed the confidence of people in Lincoln for most of the time since then, and which has helped transformed the fortunes of the city.

“I am also grateful to the voters of Glebe Ward who have unswervingly supported me since 1982.

“While leaders of organisations do make a contribution, in the end, it is a team effort and I have valued the support and contribution of many terrific political colleagues in helping the council achieve what it has for Lincoln over the years, and an outstanding team of paid officers at the council who have been highly effective in helping us realise our political aspirations.

“While many challenges remain, the council has a very clear sense of direction through its Vision 2025 plan and many more really worthwhile projects and programmes are still to come.

“I look forward to continuing to make an active contribution to the work of the council in my present role until my retirement in May 2024.“ Angela Andrews, Chief Executive of City of Lincoln Council, led the tributes to the council leader.

“Cllr Metcalfe has been an elected member with the city council for more than 40 years and leader for 20 years. During this time his vision and ambition have helped transform the city.

“His strong leadership and moral compass have helped guide the authority to achieve its ambitions and provided it with a strong sense of purpose.

“He is incredibly well respected by all who deal with him and his candour and intellect have ensured that those who meet with him hold him in high regard.

“During his time at the authority, he has provided a strong valuesdriven leadership, encouraging the contribution of all and showing compassion and inclusiveness across the board.

“He has made such a fantastic contribution to the city and all of his attributes will be sorely missed.

“We are very lucky that when he retires he will leave behind a strong plan for the future and a very capable and energised team ready to deliver it.”

Cllr Metcalfe will remain as Leader of City of Lincoln Council and councillor for Glebe until the local elections take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

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February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

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News from Ringrose Law

www.ringrose law.co.uk

Remortgaging may be prudent in uncertain times

BY BEVERLEY KIRK TEAM LEADER & SENIOR ASSOCIATE RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING IN these times of financial uncertainty people are opting to fix their mortgage interest rates to safeguard against potential increases.

Ringrose Law is committed to facilitating a smooth transition for clients.

Why Re-mortgage?

Re-mortgaging can be a prudent financial step, often leading to considerable savings on monthly repayments. By securing a mortgage deal with more favourable interest rates, or by adjusting the term length to better suit your financial goals - whether that means extending or shortening the mortgage term - you can achieve greater financial flexibility and peace of mind.

Professional Guidance is Key Navigating the complexities of re-mortgaging requires expertise. A qualified mortgage broker, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), is obligated to provide you with the best products and deals available, ensuring your financial decisions are both sound and advantageous.

The Re-mortgaging Process Explained Understanding your new mortgage offer - when you receive your new mortgage offer, our role is to clarify the terms, ensuring you are fully informed and satisfied before proceeding.

Addressing lender enquiries - lenders typically have queries about the property, like whether you’ve built an extension, to ensure that all necessary permissions and regulations are adhered to.

Searches and insurance policies - local searches are uncommon in re-mortgaging unless there’s a particular concern. More likely, we will arrange an insurance policy to safeguard the mortgage company against potential undiscovered issues.

Statement of account - we’ll request a statement from your current mortgage company detailing the outstanding amount, then provide you with a financial breakdown of the transaction, including any funds to be released to you.

Signing the mortgage deed - you’ll need to sign the new mortgage deed, which we can facilitate in person or by sending the documents to you for convenience.

Scheduling the completion - after receiving the signed deed, we’ll coordinate the completion date. Funds will be requested in advance to ensure seamless repayment of your old mortgage and disbursement of any remaining balance to you.

Updating the Land Registry:- finally, we will handle the formalities of updating the Land Registry to reflect your new mortgage details.

The Ringrose Commitment At Ringrose Law, we simplify the re-mortgaging process by managing all the complexities on your behalf. Moreover, we offer a fixed-fee service to ensure transparency and prevent any unexpected costs.

For expert, straightforward advice, reach out to the conveyancing team today 0333 3580 393

Lincoln Castle’s Westgate closed THE Westgate entrance to Lincoln Castle has been closed by storm damage.

The recent weather has affected the ancient stonework causing some parts to fall - no-one has been injured but safety fears have prompted the closure. As well as access to the castle and grounds the entrance is used by local residents as a short cut to and from the city’s Cathedral Quarter.

No dates have been given for works on the site, but reopening can be checked at www.lincolncastle.com 6

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

Post Graduate Open Day, Saturday, March 9, 2024

www.lincoln.ac.uk

Visit open day to find a new direction in 2024 LOOKING to make this year your best one yet by taking that first step forward at work, enhancing your salary, or completely changing your career?

The University of Lincoln Postgraduate Open Day on Saturday March 9, between 11am – 1.30pm, will have all the information people need to improve their life and career prospects.

The University has helped thousands of students to achieve their ambitions and it’s ranked in the top 10 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning experience in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023.

most of their expertise by chatting to them during the course of the event.”

Discover the Support Available to You The University has a network of specialist support services which are available to all students. During the Open Day, you’ll be able to find out more about the range of help, whether you’re looking to learn about the various ways you could fund your postgraduate study, explore accommodation or housing options, or have a query about the University’s academic support and how you could access and benefit from this during your studies.

Explore Courses and Chat with Experts Postgraduate Manager at the University of Lincoln, Beth Pearson, said: “Our Open Day is a great way to discover the type of programme that may be right for you.

“Our range of industry-relevant courses at Master’s, MPhil, and PhD level, cover an array of subject areas and will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge in a particular area, or allow you to embark upon an entirely new path in 2024 by studying something completely different with one of our conversion courses.

“Our postgraduate students learn from and work alongside world leading academics and researchers. They help to guide our students during their time with us and you’ll be able to make the

Book Your Place To find out more about Postgraduate Open Day on Saturday 9 March and book your free place, head to the University of Lincoln’s website for details: www.lincoln.ac.uk

Drink-drive scheme arrests A TOTAL of 132 people were arrested in Operation Limit – Lincolnshire Police’s December campaign to combat drivers using their vehicles under the influence of drink or drugs.

Of the 132 arrests, 86 related to alcohol and 46 related to drugs Along with seatbelts, carelessness, distraction and speed, drink/drug driving is one of the force’s #fatal5 offences and therefore a police priority to tackle on Lincolnshire’s roads.

Inspector Jason Baxter of the Roads Policing Unit said: “We deal with fatal collisions on a weekly basis, many of which are the result of someone committing a #fatal5 offence. Don’t let this be you. When you get behind the wheel, don’t take deadly risks.

Take care, wear a seatbelt, don’t speed, don’t let yourself be distracted and never drive over the limit. If every person did this we would see a significant reduction in the numbers killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“Our message for December remains relevant for 2024, we can’t be everywhere, but we could be anywhere. These enforcement operations don’t just happen in December, they happen throughout the year and target all of the #fatal5 offences. So drive safely, and if you are out drinking, arrange a taxi, or have a designated driver. Remember that you could still be over the limit the following morning.”

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

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News from Melanie Dunn Nutrition and Fitness

www.melaniedunn.co.uk

Seven steps to living longer and being happy

BY MELANIE DUNN NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH TRAINER WE are all looking for a magic pill such as a blood transfusion from a young person but according to experts in the field of longevity there are seven simple healthy habits that it’s never too late to adopt to increase our healthspan - note I didn’t say lifespan.

Stay or get active Find a physical activity that you enjoy and incorporate strength training to your routine.

We lose three to eight per cent of muscle mass per decade after we turn 30.

If a weights class at the gym isn’t your bag consider EMS (Electrical Muscle

Stimulation) personal training which takes just 20 minutes, which is equivalent to 90 minutes weight training.

Eat more plants Thanks to a recent review of the current evidence we know that simple changes to your diet aid your health.

Eating more fruits and vegetables, less processed foods, more omega 3s, along with a high quality multivitamin plus an effective vitamin D supplement, can lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia.

If you need help improving your diet or picking the right supplements for you contact me via my website.

Prioritise sleep Research shows that the amount of sleep we average a night is correlated with our risk of death from any cause and our risk of developing dementia. Seven to nine hours is generally recommended.

If you have sleep problems it could be diet related.

Don’t smoke at all or drink too much.

Enough said!

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Manage your medical conditions Keep checking your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels, adopt all of the above lifestyle habits and take the medication you’ve been prescribed to keep things under control.

Prioritise meaningful relationships.

Strong relationships equate to living longer, healthier and happier lives. Isolation and loneliness and the opposite is true.

Keep a positive mindset Studies show that optimistic people can live five to 15% longer than people who are more pessimistic. If you are struggling with your mental health a healthier diet and a supplement to support you could help.

www.dcaesthetics.co.uk For more information on nutrition and EMS visit www.melaniedunn.co.uk for more details.

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Lincoln Independent | February 2024

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Faces and Places

Music and Drama Festival returns

WHAT do Margaret Thatcher, Sir Neville Marriner and a former boss of the Lincolnshire Co-op have in common?

They are all past participants in the Lincoln Music and Drama Festival, which will be held this year between March 4 -16 at Central Methodist Church on High Street.

Below festival executive member LYNNE BLAKELOCK outlines how the event started, what’s involved and why it’s still relevant today.

THIS festival for pupils of primary and secondary ages and adults was founded in 1936

by Dr Gordon Slater, who was then Cathedral organist in Lincoln. Apart from the war years and during the pandemic in 2021, the festival has taken place every year since.

A number of participants have gone on to distinguished careers in the performing arts. A young violinist at the very first festival was Sir Neville Marriner, who went on to found the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in London.

The opera singer Jane Eaglen and the concert pianist Ashley Wass are other examples. Around 1950, a young pianist from Grantham, Margaret Roberts took part without any great success, but went on as Margaret Thatcher to become our first woman Prime Minister.

This is the 81st year and the festival continues to grow. It gives performers of all ages the chance to demonstrate their skills in prose and poetry recitation and dramatic performance, as well as in making music through playing an instrument or singing. Participants take part individually and in groups.

The festival continues to add to the classes available. It has a Beginners Orchestra Class which started last year following a request from one of the schools. New this year are Vocal Solo 10

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

Classes for Rock or Pop Songs and the opportunity to sing songs from a musical, theatre show or film. There is also a non-competitive class for junior school choirs for those who have perhaps not entered the festival before and want to try it out.

The festival organisers, whose chairman is Paul Hill, hire professional, world-renowned adjudicators who offer very constructive verbal and written feedback. Adjudicators award certificates and trophies, and the Festival awards bursaries each year to enable promising young performers to develop their skills.

Important life skills are also honed by taking part in the festival including confidence in performing in front of others; organising oneself; using their voices effectively and conquering their nerves.

Entrants inter-personal skills grow as they compete over the years, they make new friends, work productively in teams for the good of everyone and have fun. They show understanding to others when things don’t always go as well as they want.

The Festival President, Ursula Lidbetter, retired Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Co-op, is quite clear that she could not have achieved her success in business without the experience of taking part in the Festival from the age of six.

The event is run entirely by volunteers who work hard to ensure its success. More volunteers are needed at a senior level, including a General Secretary, so new faces at this year’s event would be welcomed.

Festival Concert - Friday, March 22, £2.50 The Central Festival Church.

Sessions: Speech and Drama - March 4-9; Music - March 11-16.

Times 9:30am – 12:30pm; 2 – 5pm and 7 – 9:30pm.

Heritage

Lincoln Festival of History, May 4-6, 2024

Festival history in the making THE first Lincoln Festival of History will be held across the city this spring.

The new event is part of City of Lincoln Council’s ongoing events programme and will take residents and visitors on a captivating journey through pivotal moments in the city’s past.

The festival’s first zone announcement allows visitors to explore the Roman encampment within the Colosseum Quarter. With living history displays in St Paul in the Bail and Castle Square, there will traditional Roman crafts and immersive pop up performances, including gladiator battles.

Details are still being finalised but ill include re-enactments and historical costumes at the city’s heritage centres Lincoln Castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life Lincoln Museum and Lincoln Cathedral.

Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “Following the success of our 2023 Events in Lincoln programme, we’re excited to start the year with something new!

“We hope Lincoln Festival of History will become a key event in the city’s yearly calendar, celebrating the city’s rich history.

“This festival will see partners from across the city including Lincoln Castle, Lincoln BIG, University of Lincoln, Lincoln Cathedral and Lincolnshire Co-op, come together to create a weekend of activity for the entire family. Growing year on year, this event will enable visitors to unlock the past and celebrate the legacy

of Lincoln - where history comes to life.

“Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious explorer or simply seeking a memorable day out – this multi day experience is for everyone.”

Professor Carenza Lewis from the University of Lincoln said: “We are delighted to be part of the Festival. Lincoln has such a rich and well-known history, but its fascination goes beyond the great and the good to include amazing stories of resilience, rebellion and doing things differently that might be less familiar.

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

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

To find out more visit: Lincoln Festival of History | Visit Lincoln

Lincoln Fine Art Sale 28th February

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February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

11

Heritage

Snapshots from the Past

PETER HARROD continues to explore The Garton Archive of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School.

The Ukrainian connection I RECENTLYreceived an email out of the blue from Old Lincolnian Martin Hodgkinson relating a most unusual story about two Lincoln School alumni, George and Eugen (Jim) Anselm.

They spent two years at the school having arrived in Lincoln with their parents from Odessa during the Russian Revolution.

Martin’s wife, Jennie, is George’s daughter and therefore the main focus of this article is on George rather than Eugen, who studied medicine in Germany and specialised in gynaecology.

The photograph, taken on a reunion visit to their former school during the early 1980s by C V Middleton & Son, Lincoln, shows the two brothers, George (far left) and his brother Jim (second from the left).

They are showing a photograph to the Headmaster of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, Mr Arthur Behenna who was the Head of both Lincoln School and LCHS from 1972 to 1985.

On the right are George’s son, Paul Anselm (far right) and Martin Hodgkinson, both of whom are Old Lincolnians.

George’s father, Paul, who had been a ship’s architect and agent for Ruston & Hornsby diesel engines based in Odessa, had travelled daily by pony or horse and cart to the British Embassy to learn the latest news about the Russian revolution.

Following the October Revolution in 1917 he was advised to hurriedly round his family together with their clothes, jewellery, and other valuable possessions and take a boat to England.

The next day their home in Odessa was raided and burnt to the ground.

The family arrived in Lincoln and George 12

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

and his elder brother Eugen were admitted to Lincoln School as day boys in April 1920 but became boarders the following September at the time when the School returned to its Wragby Road premises following its occupation by the 4th Northern General Hospital during the Great War. During their time at Lincoln School, the boys were taught English by legendary French master Mr H W Wood, affectionately known to many generations of Lincolnians as ‘Bosky’, who was appointed to the staff shortly before the Anselm brothers arrived.

The family believed that, some years after the Revolution had ended, George’s father Paul returned to Odessa but was caught by the Russian communists and shot.

However, being an independently minded and proud teenager, young George decided to remain in Lincoln and make his own

way by seeking an apprenticeship with Ruston & Hornsby Ltd. The directors of the company must have recognised his talents and would certainly have considered his fluency in several languages to be a future asset for the firm.

This in fact turned out to be the case as he was posted to Romania and later became Sales Manager for Europe and then for Africa and the Middle East.

George Anselm married Pattie Emma (née Tipler) and they had two children, Paul and Jennie, who married Martin Hodgkinson.

Paul was born in 1941 and began his own career at Lincoln School on the same day as I did in 1952. Jennie was born in 1943 and attended Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School from 1955 to 1961.

I am indebted to Martin for sharing this fascinating story which has particular significance in view of the current war in Ukraine.

Heritage

Survey of Lincoln

Brayford’s architectural gem PICTURES: ANDREW WALKER

The hyperbolic paraboloid roof of Brayford House seen from across the pool and from Lucy Tower Car Park - another of Sam Scorer’s city buildings.

In this month’s article from The Survey of Lincoln, ANDREW WALKER considers a distinctive building overlooking Brayford Pool, designed by a prominent city-based architect.

SOME of Lincoln’s most prominent twentieth-century buildings were designed by city resident Hugh Segar (Sam) Scorer (19232003), who has been the subject of a recent exhibition at the Usher Gallery, as reported in the December issue.

Brayford House, with its distinctive roof, was opened in 1959 as a garage and car showroom. From 1971, it became home to Lincolnshire County Council’s Library Support Services and, more recently, it has accommodated several restaurants.

When the building was nominated for listed status in 1999, its architect, Sam Scorer, observed that: “The designing was very enjoyable and it is one of my favourites.”

He also noted: “It is a lovely building with a shell structure and very thin walls. It had a revolving car stand to slowly turn cars around.”

The garage’s owners, the Lincolnshire Motor Company, sold Ford vehicles and, during the 1960s, many of its cars for sale echoed the design of the building itself, with the Zephyr, Cortina, Corsair, Consul Classic and Anglia all boasting angular features such as rear fins, and in the case of the Anglia and Consul Classic, adventurous backward-slanting rear windows.

The concrete-shell roof shape enabled a large span to be achieved, which meant that the garage interior was unencumbered with supporting columns, enabling the space to be used flexibly.

The building’s roof prompted much interest.

The hyperbolic paraboloid structure, made of a reinforced concrete shell, was one of the first of its type to be built in Britain, and at the time, was the largest in the country. The roof ’s consulting engineer who worked with Sam Scorer on other projects, was Hungarianborn Dr Kálmán Hajnal-Kónyi, a pioneer of concrete shell construction in Britain.

A model of the roof was tested in the laboratories of the Cement and Concrete Association and, during the construction of the building, many engineers from across Britain visited the site to study its development. In 1965, three engineers from Leningrad (now St Petersburg) and the Ukraine came to Lincoln specifically to see Brayford House as part of a UK tour studying the construction of concrete-shell roofs.

When the garage was first opened in September 1959, the

Lincolnshire Echo declared that it was ‘brightening up the face of Brayford’. Amongst the guests at the official opening, alongside staff of the architectural firm Denis Clarke Hall, Scorer and Bright, and the building contractors George Walker, was Colonel J.E. Sanders, commander of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment, TA. He commented that this was a ‘very remarkable building’ and ‘an example of courage and far-sightedness’.

The hyperbolic paraboloid roof structure was used by Scorer on other commissions, including at the Church of St John the Baptist on the Ermine estate, opened in 1963, as well as, perhaps most famously, at a petrol filling station, for which Hajnal-Kónyi was consulting engineer, and originally operated by Lincolnshire Motor Company, at Markham Moor on the A1 in Nottinghamshire, which was opened in 1961.

Sam Scorer’s other work in Lincoln included Lucy Tower Street multi-storey car-park (1974), Barclay’s Bank, High Street (1970), the Environment Agency building on Waterside North (1979), and Damon’s Restaurant (1988). Brayford House, then, forms part of Sam Scorer’s impressive and diverse architectural legacy.

For more information on The Survey of Lincoln see www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk. The Survey’s new book, Lincoln’s Burial Grounds: Commemorating the City’s Dead, is available, priced £9.50, at Jews’ Court Bookshop, Steep Hill, and Lindum Books, Bailgate. The Survey’s book on Brayford Pool is also still in print.

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

13

Food & Drink

Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership

&

COUNSELLING PSYCHOTHERAPY LAUREN WHITE Guild of Psychotherapists

UKCP Accredited and Registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, Group Analyst, and Clinical Supervisor.

t: 01522 538 715 m: 07913 746 337 www.laurenwhitetherapy.co.uk

ARBORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY & TREE SURGERY Tree Removals | Pruning Operations | Planting TPO Applications | Tree Inspections Tree Risk Surveys | Planning Surveys (BS5837) Decay Detection | Mortgage Reports

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC. FULLY INSURED. James Newboult (Dip Arb L4, TechArborA) 07595 481 993 / 01522 794 860 james@arborglyph.co.uk www.arborglyph.co.uk

14

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

Real Bread Week

BY LAURA STRATFORD GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD PARTNERSHIP REAL Bread week - February 17-25 - is the international celebration of Real Bread (that is, bread made without chemical raising agents, so-called processing aids or any other additives) and the people behind its rise.

The Real Bread Campaign will be encouraging us to bake our own bread and buy Real Bread from local, independent bakeries and the good news is there are plenty of opportunities in Lincoln.

The Real Bread Campaign is about “finding and sharing ways of making bread better for us, better for our communities and better for the planet.”

So what’s all the fuss - how does Real Bread differ from any other sort of bread? It comes as a surprise to many that the overwhelming majority of bread that most of us eat doesn’t actually meet the real bread criteria.

The confusion is partly because loaves are frequently labelled and marketed in ways that are misleading or dishonest. For example, sourdough bread has no legal definition when it comes to labelling, so it can be hard for customers to distinguish between genuine sourdough bread - made with skills, time and natural fermentation by skilled bakers - from industrially produced loaves made with chemical additives and “processing aids” which aren’t listed as ingredients. By the way, genuine sourdough is not a single style of bread, but a process that is used to leaven all sorts of breads.

Making bread at home can be a reminder to slow down. There is immense pleasure in the patient and multi-sensory process of bread making - and what can beat the convivial enjoyment of eating it, especially warm from the oven with suitably delighted friends and family!

If you don’t want to get floury yourself,

there are a number of fantastic Real Bakers in Lincoln. I recommend paying a visit to all of them over the course of February, Six independent bakeries selling Real Bread in Lincoln l Grain of Truth Bakery Open on Saturday and Sunday mornings at the bakehouse - Unit K, Peregrine Mews, Dowding Road, Lincoln, LN3 4PH. Also The Cheese Society on St Martin’s Lane, Lincoln and Bread & Cheese van at Burton Road Catholic Church farmers’ market l Super Lincs,116 High Street, Lincoln The amazing bakers in the bakery at the back of Super Lincs on Lincoln High Street bake a wonderful range of breads from diverse traditions, all of them sourdough. l Rayan Food Store, 115A High Street, Lincoln. Iranian baker, Taha, bakes flatbreads to order while you wait - eat them fresh and hot from the oven. l Vines Bakery - you can still buy their bread from: Stokes, High Street, Lincoln Redhill, Bailgate and The Allotment, Collingham. l Bailgate Deli, Gordon Road - Barry sells real bread from the Welbeck bakery, just over the border in Nottinghamshire. l Your home - buy locally stone-milled flour from Maud Foster Mill from Redhill on Bailgate, or Doddington Hall farm shop.

You can also get Lincolnshire grown, stone milled wheat flour online - try

https://hodmedods.co.uk/products/yq-wheatorganic-wholegrain #RealBreadWeek - If you bake some bread during real bread week, do send us a pic you can tag us on Facebook/Insta @lincolnshirefoodpartnership or X @food_Lincoln Is there a wonderful Real Bakery in Lincoln that we don’t know about?

Register on the Real Bread map

https://www.sustainweb.org/realbread/map/ Find out more

https://www.sustainweb.org/realbread

Food & Drink

Cheese and Wine

It’s ok to be cheesy!

Village pub owners push the boat out for refurb

Ferry nice indeed MEETING the modern expectations of a traditional village pub is a tall order.

When the Ever So Sensible pub company took on the Ferry Boat at Washingborough it was a good local pub serving the community and beyond.

“We wanted to turn it into a great local pub that can offer so much more to people,” explained Commercial Director James Cann.

A series of upgrades worth over £200,000 will enable the Ferry Boat meet its full potential as a pub where people can meet socially for a drink while others enjoy meals with their families at the same time parties or events are being staged.

James explained that the size of the kitchen had been doubled and fitted with new kitchen equipment thoughout.

Fireplaces have been reinstated and there’s also a new dining room with leather upholstered fixed seating.

A new cellar and a full redecoration complete the internal changes while outside a new patio area has been created with bespoke seating and fixed planting.

“Everyone has welcomed all the changes, but the patio has really caught their attention,” said general manager Sammy Nicholson.

“The changes have made a massive difference to how the pub operates and feels.

It‘s very welcoming aesthetically and has a real warmth to it.”

The new kitchen has kept the creative juices flowing for a series of menus that change seasonally and are combination of pub favourites with world cuisine twists.

Specially-made pies go down well with customers with gluten-free and vegan varieties available.

“The pies are specially made for us and are only available in Ever so Sensible pubs. They are so good. You don’t know you’re eating a gluten-free pie. It’s just very tasty.”

There are also vegetarian and vegan dishes available as well as children’s specialities and youngsters eat free with paying adults on Sundays.

One very large bar serves three distinct areas with the Ferry Boat - the function room, pool bar and main bar. Something for everyone.

New Ferry favourite A TOP notch stand-in is imperative when replacing a patron-favourite on your wine list.

The old New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at the Ferry Boat was very popular so an update might have been risky.

However, the refreshing, crisp notes of Finger Post have already won over the pub’s regular wine tipplers.

“It’s everything you want from a sauvignon blanc and has been a big hit.

It’s already popular, but it will come into its own when it gets warmer and people start using the new patio,” said general manager Sammy Nicholson.

HAND-written, personalised Godminster Vintage Organic Cheddar Hearts are a cute and unique Valentine’s Gift.

The cheese has a distinctive appearance thanks to its burgundy wax. The creaminess of the cheese means it can be scooped out of the rind or sliced as normal.

Handmade in Bruton, Somerset from the farm’s own 320-strong herd of organic dairy cows. Godminster is made to a traditional 90-year-old recipe and matured for up to 12 months. It is a firm-pressed cheddar with a smooth texture and a rich, mellow, extremely creamy flavour that lingers on the tongue.

Godminster was born of a passion for organic farming and wildlife conservation.

Key Facts Age Country Milk Type Organic Process Region.

Strength Style

8 month + England Cows yes Pasteurised Bruton, Somerset Medium Firm

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

Grain Truth t o

Bakery Ltd

www.gotbakery.co.uk February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

15

What’s On sponsored by

ENTERTAINMENT Thursday 8 February – Friday 9 February

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Thursday 8 February

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE

Various Times

7.30pm

3pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 7 February

Tickets £16.50, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Saturday 10 February

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Wednesday 7 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

7.15pm

Saturday 10 February 7.30-10pm

Gary Meikle

7pm

Manon – Live ROH Screening

Tickets £18, Concession £15 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Beam Me Up 2024

Musical Brunch

Southside’s first Drag Brunch with an all-star Lincoln line-up, in collaboration with CPR Entertainment, a collective of local Drag artists.

Tickets from £20, Doors open at 2.30pm www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

A fun-filled panto classic for all the family.

Tickets from £22.50, 16+ only www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Tickets £12 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 01522 701305

5pm – 1am

Cinderella

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

All About The Fight – Going The Distance

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Adult £12, Concession £11 www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101

Tickets £12, Live Pass £10 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

Friday 9 February

3pm – 6pm

Until Saturday 10 February

Camp Phoenix by Zest Theatre

7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

7.30pm

Tickets £16.50, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Sunday 11 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

DECIMAL PLACE, 10 BURTON ROAD

Weird Garden

Alternative music and art from Liminal Agent, Plyci, The Sky is a Painting.

free entry Peter K Rollings, Experimental Sonic Machines, Lincoln UK Tel 07954719138

Saturday 10 February

Saturday 10 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Tap Factory

Tickets £30 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

7.30pm

Sunday 11 February 7.30pm

Henge

Jim Davidson – Swimming Against the Tide Tickets £30 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999 THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Stornoway

Tickets £24, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Asylum Players take on 1984 Big Brother is watching - George Orwell's ominous words certainly ring true today with algorithms deciding much of what we do.

This is a new adaptation of George Orwell's dystopian masterpiece by Laura Turner and Stephen Gillard.

The setting, characters, style have been updated from the world Orwell envisaged, but the message is still relevant and gives The Asylum Players their most challenging production to date at the Blue Room, The Lawn, Union Road, Lincoln, March 21-23. Tickets www.lawnlincoln.com/the-blue-room 16

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

What’s On sponsored by Monday 12 February 7pm

Wednesday 14 February 2pm

Wednesday 14 February 7pm

ENTERTAINMENT

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Positive Futures

Recognising local young talent.

Tickets £8 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999 NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Nick Cope’s Family Show

Tickets Adult £18.50, Child £16.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

7pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

5pm – 7pm

7pm

LINCOLN

Kings & Bears

Lincoln’s favourite Groove Rock trio, plus local support act TBA.

Saturday 24 February

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE

7.30pm

Tickets Adult £23, Child £16 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 01522 701305

Tickets from £4, Doors open 6.30pm www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Sunday 25 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

Dear England – Cinematic Presentation by NT

7.30pm

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Emma Kenny: Killer Cults

Psychology expert Emma Kenny continues her journey into true crime by exploring cults.

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana £27.50, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

The Comedy Store Players Tickets £22.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Friday 16 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

7.30pm

Tickets Adult from £26, Child £23 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Saturday 17 February

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

6.30pm

Tickets £26.50, This event is 16+ only www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 17 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

7.30pm

Tickets Adult from £24 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Saturday 17 February

THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, UNION

8pm

Sunday 18 February 3pm

Thursday 22 February

Something About George – The George Harrison Story Tickets £29, Concession £27 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Tuesday 27 February

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

7pm

Tickets £27 www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Tuesday 27 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

7.30pm

Tickets £28 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Wednesday 28 February 7pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

Fairport Convention

Daniel Sloss: Can’t

The History of Rock

ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3BU

The Basil Hodge Quartet

blend of swing, Latin, and funk rhythms. Basil Hodge – Piano, Ed Jones – Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Oli Hayhurst – Double Bass, Matt Fishwick – Drums.

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Cirque Enchantment

Tickets £33, Concession £28 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999 LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

A Family Business

7.30pm

Tickets Standard £12, Live Pass £10, Age guidance 14+ www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk

Friday 23 February

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Guns 2 Roses

7.30pm

Tickets £18, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Friday 23 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

7.30pm

Legends of Motown

Soldier of Illusion!

Tickets £16, Jazzpac Members £14, Under 18s £8 www.jazzpac.co.uk T 01522 529717

Commuter Jazz

Mellow jazz, light food menu and drinks available.

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

7pm

Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) plays Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s gripping examination of nation and game.

Pay on the Door £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Friday 16 February

Tickets £12, Live Pass £10 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

Galentine’s Movie Night: How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (PG13)

Tickets £28 www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Friday 16 February

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

Dance The Night Away

Tickets £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

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

Thursday 15 February

Saturday 24 February 7pm

Friday 16 February

7.30pm

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

7pm & 2pm

Enjoy the perfect, cosy girls’ night in this Valentine’s with your friends, partner, mum, or even nan!

Wednesday 14 February

Saturday 24 February – Sunday 25 February

Bye Bye Baby

Tickets £28.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Miles Jupp – On I Bang

LINCOLN

Jam Night

Sharpen up your performing skills, make local and industry contacts, or just socialise. Expect original material, covers, improvisation, and more.

Free entry www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Wednesday 28 February

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

7.30pm

Tickets £18 www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Thursday 29 February

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

10am

Beans On Toast

Future Perspectives Tickets Free, Booking required www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

17

What’s On sponsored by Thursday 29 February 6.30pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Thursday 29 February

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Saturday 9 March

Ross Noble: Jibber Jabber Jamboree

6.30pm

Tickets £29, 15+ only www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Nick Cope’s Family Show

7.30pm

Tickets Adult £18.50, Child £16.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Wednesday 14 February

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE

7pm

ENTERTAINMENT

Genesis Visible Touch – Longs & Shorts

Tickets £20 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 01522 701305

Saturday 2 March – Sunday 3 March

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Saturday 2 March

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

4pm & 2pm

7.30pm

Thursday 29 February 7.30pm

Friday 1 March 6.45pm

Friday 1 March 7.30pm

Friday 1 March 7.30pm

Saturday 2 March 2pm – Sunday 3 March

10.30am & 1.30pm

18

Tickets £26 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Friday 8 March

7pm – 11pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Thank You For The Music

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE

Killer Rhapsody: A Night of Queen Tickets £18 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 01522 701305

7.30pm

Ultimate Coldplay

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Friday 8 March

Tickets Adult £17, Child £15 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

New Purple Celebration – The Music of Prince Tickets £22, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

7.30pm

Tickets £22, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Sunday 10 March

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE

7.30pm

Tickets £18 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 01522 701305

Wednesday 13 March

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

7.30pm

NEWLAND, LINCOLN

An Evening with Professor Elemental and Madam Misfit

The Rod Stewart Songbook

Dire Straits Tribute – Alchemy Live

This group of professional players and friends share a common love of the music of Dire Straits.

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

Thatcher-Rite

Saturday 9 March

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Bouncers

Tickets £26 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Vanya – Cinematic Presentation by the National Theatre

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

Thursday 14 March 7pm

BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY

7.30pm

2.30 & 7.30pm

Peatbog Faeries

Andrew Scott (Fleabag) brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens’ radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.

LINCOLN LABOUR CLUB & INSTITUTE,

Tickets Standard £10, Live Pass £5, Age guidance 15+ www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book

Another Julia Donaldson classic is brought to life for families.

Sunday 10 March

Thursday 14 March 7.30pm

Tickets £20 www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Tickets £26 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Tickets £23.50, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Holly Humberstone

Tickets £26 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Admission £12 T 07825 631723

Friday 8 March

7pm

Bouncers

Kick off the spring in true ‘Chap Hop’ style with an evening of music, merriment, and mischief!

Tickets £30, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Tickets £27 www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

UB40 The Legacy

Sunday 10 March

Cloudbusting – The Music of Kate Bush

Friday 8 March

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Tickets from £22.50, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Tickets £15 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

6.45pm

Taylormania: Taylor Swift Eras

Alice in Wonderland

Thursday 7 March – Friday 8 March 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Thursday 14 March

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Feeder: Black & Red Tour 2024

Tickets from £29.50, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400 THE DRILL, LINCOLN

Lloyd Griffith: Baroque and Roll Tickets £18.50, 16+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Vampires Rock

7.30pm

Tickets £35.50

Thursday 14 March – Friday 15 March

LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE

7.30pm

www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Peak Stuff

Tickets Standard £14, Live Pass £10, Age guidance 15+ www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk T 01522 837600

What’s On sponsored by Until Sunday 17 March 10am – 4pm

ART, LEARNING & CULTURE

MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE

Tuesday 13 February

Food For Thought

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

10am – 4pm

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

Mondays & Fridays 2pm – 3pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Databank Surgery

Thursday 15 February

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

7.30pm

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

Tuesdays and Fridays 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Saturday 17 February & Saturday 2 March

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Conroy Irish Dance Academy

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

Entry £7 www.facebook.com/conroyirishdance

Thursday 8 February 7.30pm

Adult £8, Con£6, Book online www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942

Thursdays 2pm – 3pm

Friday 9 February 7.30pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Craft Club

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

Thursdays Until 21 March 5.30pm – 7pm

USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN

Thursdays Until 21 March 7.15pm – 9.15pm

USHER GALLERY, LINCOLN

Fridays 2pm – 3pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Life Drawing Classes (Untutored) Prices £9, Concession £7 www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040

Life Drawing Classes (Tutored) Prices £11, Concession £9 www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040

Saturday 10 February 12pm – 2pm

Saturday 10 February 2pm

Free, basic beginners’ IT course.

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

Conroy Irish Dance Academy

Irish dance classes for children and adults, competitively or for fun!

Entry £7 www.facebook.com/conroyirishdance

Thursday 8 February 8.30am

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Farming Conference

Future Farming Opportunities: Biodiversity & Carbon.

Adult £15, Student £6, LAS Free, wwww.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900

A documentary about London’s legendary Scala cinema, between 1978 and 1993. It includes explicit clips from many cult and art house films.

LINCOLN MUSEUM

The Noisy Silent Museum

Dr Sandra Kazlauskaite unravels the often overlooked, yet integral role of sound in museum culture and experiences.

QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN

Lincolnshire Family History Society

Monday 12 February 10.30am

BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN

The Year of the Dragon

Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Chinese Year of the Dragon with a variety of crafts and a tricky trail around the museum.

Child £3, all children must be accompanied by an adult T 01522 782040 ST HUGH’S HALL, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN LN2 5AQ

From Elsham with Love

The story of the new pipeline to transport water from North Lincolnshire to Colchester. £4 SLHA Members £3 www.slha.org.uk UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

Offer Holder Day

Offer holders will be invited to book a place to experience what it would be like to study their chosen course at Lincoln.

Free, booking essential www.lincoln.ac.uk T 01522 882000

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Backstage Theatre Tour

From under-stage to the fly floor, our Resident Stage Manager will take you on a journey around this beautiful Victorian Grade II listed theatre.

Tickets £13.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999

Film: Scala!!! (UK 2023 18)

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

LINCOLN

11am

GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

Annual meeting followed by a members’ meeting. Come along with stories of your ancestors’ lost, changed, or unusual occupations. Come in person or request a Zoom link by email.

Learn My Way

Saturday 17 February

THE VENUE CINEMA, BISHOP

Free, booking essential www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 262374

FREE, booking required T 01522 782010

Sundays 12pm – 1pm

The State of Nature in the UK by Steve Lovell

Free for members, membershiplfs@gmail.com www.lincolnfilmsociety.com T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)

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

9am – 2.30pm

GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LINCOLN

Tickets RSPB Members £4, NonMembers £5, Accompanied Child Free, On-the-door card or cash, Free parking on campus after 6pm www.lincolnrspb.org.uk T 01522 753809

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, Tuesdays every second LINCOLN & last of the Life Drawing One short pose and one long month pose class guided by local artist 6.45pm – Tom Humby. Materials provided, 9pm

all welcome.

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP

MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE

Monday 19 February – Sunday 3 March 10.30am – 5pm

Tuesday 20 February 1.30pm – 3pm

GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN

Drawn

A group exhibition themed around drawing in all its forms featuring various artists.

Free www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468

NIGHTINGALE ROOMS, NETTLEHAM ROAD, LINCOLN

We’re Jammin’; Flying with the US Navy

A talk by Jane Pickersgill. Lincoln Bailgate U3A..

Entry on-the-door £2 www.u3asites.org.uk/bailgate/home

ADULT COURSES at Lincoln College Lincoln College has a wide range of Adult Education courses covering everything from British Sign Language to Creative Writing.

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Gaia: Star Lincs Planetarium

Fun for all, crawl through the entrance tunnel into the dome where you’ll learn all about space and the stars. Accessible for wheelchair users.

Tickets £4 in addition to Cathedral admission www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

Discover the perfect course for you 030 030 32435 | lincolncollege.ac.uk

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

19

What’s On sponsored by Friday 23 February 7.30pm

ART, LEARNING & CULTURE

THE VENUE CINEMA, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY

Film: Mother and Son (France 2022. 12)

In this touching French drama a single mother moves to Paris seeking a better life for herself and her two sons.

Free for members, membershiplfs@gmail.com www.lincolnfilmsociety.com T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)

Saturday 24 February – Sunday 24 March 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm on Sundays) Monday 26 February – Friday 8 March

HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN

The Artful Lodgers

An exhibition of paintings by Rachel Rogers, Glynne James, and Gill Vines..

www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537 LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Tractors Into Schools

Thursday 7 March 7.30pm

LINCOLN COLLEGE

Your Future Careers Expo

Saturday 9 March

10am – 1pm

Designed to encourage learners from Lincoln and Newark College to focus on progression and employment. Students will be equipped with their CVs and portfolios.

LINCOLN MUSEUM

An Evening with Nicholas Orme – The History of England’s Cathedrals

Saturday 9 March

11am – 1.30pm

Including Lincoln of course!

Tickets from £7 www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 262374

Saturday 2 March 7.30pm

No Need to Shout

Tickets from £13.50 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 01522 701305

Wednesday 6 March

7.30pm

BY ZOOM

St John the Baptist Church Burringham, Lincolnshire

By Zoom - an introduction to a remarkable Lincolnshire church built by S. S. Teulon in the Gothic Revival polychrome style, Presented by Ken Redmore

Admission by donation www.slha.org.uk

Wednesday 6 March 10am – 1pm

Birds, Beasts & Bugs of the Bog by Alasdair McKee

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY Mondays 9am – 12.30pm

LINCOLN COLLEGE

Open Day

Giving prospective students, along with their friends and family, a chance to look around and get an idea of what college life is like.

Mondays 10.30am11.30am

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

Postgraduate Open Day

The best way to find out about postgraduate student life at Lincoln, with time to talk to the Postgraduate Team about support services available.

Tuesday 12 March – Saturday 16 March

Mondays

7pm – 10pm

An immersive show which is designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the world around us.

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

Messy Play

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

FREE SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET,

BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH,

7pm

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

Wednesdays

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE

Adult £8, Child £6, Under 5s Free www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

10.30am – 11.30am

Emily Warrior Yoga

Start your week right in the serene surroundings of the former St Katherine’s Church for a 60-minute yoga class for the mind and body.

Book online £8 www.emilywarrioryoga.com LINCOLN

RockFit

SCHOOL LANE

Story & Rhyme Time

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

Free T 01522 782010

Celtic Inspired Craft

20

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Mondays Until 12 February

JEWS’ COURT, 2-3 STEEP HILL, LINCOLN

£8.50 SLHA Members £7.50 includes, equipment, materials, tea & coffee. NB first floor accessible only by stairs. www.slha.org.uk

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

LINCOLN

LN2 1LS

A papercraft workshop presented

by Kathy Holland inspired by the beautiful patterns and imaginative creatures associated with Celtic Art.

Reaching Communities

6.30pm – 7.30pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Science by Luxmuralis

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

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

Free, booking essential www.lincoln.ac.uk T 01522 882000

TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE

A captivating talk by Shaun Fitzgerald, who has triumphed over extreme adversity throughout his life.

GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LINCOLN

FREE, booking essential www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincolncollege-open-day-tickets-60009712 5657 T 01522 876000

FREE 01522 876000

Thursday 29 February 7pm

ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP

Tickets RSPB Members £4, NonMembers £5, Accompanied Child Free, On-the-door card or cash, Free parking on campus after 6pm www.lincolnrspb.org.uk T 01522 753809

Initiative partnering farmers with schools within the county building closer links within the two communities, showing the role tractors play in bringing food to our tables.

www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900

Tuesday 27 February 9.30am – 2.30pm

Students from Lincoln College will be able to impress their potential future employers on Tuesday, February 27. The exhbition stands have sold out to local companies this year. See listing for more details.

Wednesdays 10am– 12pm

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

Rock Choir

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

What’s On sponsored by Wednesdays Term time only 4pm – 4.45pm

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Lego Coding Club

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

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY Saturdays

10am– 3pm

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

Wednesdays Until 12 February 7pm

Thursdays 10.30am – 11.30am

SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN

RockFit

Suitable for all fitness levels.

Rock out and get fit!

First Class £1, Normal Price £6 Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk 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 Wednesday 27 March 9am

11am – 12pm

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

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

Thursdays 9am

Fridays Term Time Only 10.30am – 11.30am

Monday – Saturday ongoing

9am – 4pm

Friday 9, & 23 February

BRANSBY HORSES, BRANSBY, LINCOLN

Saturdays 9am

10am – 2pm

Friday 9 February 6pm

Saturday 10 February

10.30am – 4pm

Bookstart Baby Packs

Saturday 10 February 12pm – 8pm

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.

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY,

Crafty Saturdays

Get creative and have fun discovering your crafty side.

Suitable for 4 years and over, plus parents or carers Free T 01522 782010

Butterfly Club

Donkey Talk & Tour

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

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Tuesday 13 February

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

12.30pm

Join leaders as they set a gentle pace of three laps around the Cathedral and reconnect with nature. This month complete the mile before visiting Gaia.

Meet at the West Front www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600

Wednesday 14 February

BANDSTAND, LINCOLN ARBORETUM

10am – 11.30am

Build your own bird box and create a bird feeder to hang in your garden. For children aged 4 to 13 years old.

Child £6, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Wednesday 14 & 28 February

BRANSBY HORSES, BRANSBY,

11am

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

World Food Supper Club – Turkish Breakfast

Celebrate good food and diverse cultures, featuring Hilal back to cook up a Turkish Breakfast feast.

Thursday 15 February

CAFÉ, BOULTHAM PARK

10am – 11.30am

Build your own bird box and create a bird feeder to hang in your garden. For children aged 4 to 13 years old.

Child £6, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Thursday 15 February

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME PARK

1pm – 2.30pm

Build your own bird box and create a bird feeder to hang in your garden. For children aged 4 to 13 years old.

Child £6, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735

Saturday 17 February Sunday 18 February

LINCOLN CASTLE

Saturday 10 February 2pm – 4pm

Saturday 17 February 2pm – 4pm

EARTHLINCS, MINT LANE, LINCOLN,

Donkey Talk & Tour

Love Birds

Love Birds

COUNTY ASSEMBLY ROOMS, BAILGATE, LINCOLN

Crafty Beer Festival

EARTHLINCS, MINT LANE, LINCOLN,

Love Your Planet

Create Valentine’s Cards, share flower seeds, repurpose.

10am – 4pm

Bring something to swap and donate.

9am – 3pm

FREE, Tea & Coffee

SCHOOL, LINCOLN

Drop-off woodland sessions of nature crafts, bushcraft skills and adventures for children aged 5+ . £40, Sibling discounts available, Childcare vouchers & tax-free childcare accepted www.landandleafcollective.org T 079664 20841

Free entry to Castle grounds, Other admission fees apply www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019

Children’s Clothes & Toy Swap

BURTON HATHOW PREPARATORY

Wildlings Holiday Club

Dog Friendly Days

LN1 1UD

FREE, Tea & Coffee

Monday 12 February – Friday 16 February

Free entry www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnsh ire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010

LINCOLN

Lincoln Vegan Market

A vibrant event that promises delightful experience for beer enthusiasts. All-day live music and Mexican street food.

Free to attend www.countyassemblyrooms.co.uk T 01522 520098

Pick up a bargain and help support your local library.

Love Birds

LINCOLN CORNHILL

Featuring a variety of vegan street food, including artisan bakes and craft cheeses.

Free www.veganmarkets.co.uk T 01522 545233

Book Sale

The Mindful Mile

MINT LANE CAFÉ, LINCOLN

Tickets £25 www.lincolnshirefoodpartnership.org T 07875 407997

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Adult £8, Student £6.50, £40 for 6week pass, Booking essential www.mokshalincoln.com T 07493 387328

Saturdays

11am

Sensory Play

Families living in Lincolnshire should receive their Bookstart Baby Pack through the Lincolnshire Registration Service.

If you haven’t received your free pack, email LincsBookstart@gll.org Free T 01522 782010

Monday 12 February – Saturday 24 February 9am – 4pm

Please note the Hall is closed and admission is for gardens only.

Open Wednesday, Friday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday.

Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and their carers.

Tickets £5, Carer Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Play session for babies and prewalkers.

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

Spring Bulb Pageant

6.30pm – 9pm

LINCOLN

A fun and lively fitness class for all levels, no dance experience necessary.

Adult £4, All proceeds go to charity

DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN,

Dance Fit with Nick

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

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

Wednesday 7 February

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Family History Help

Lego Club

Adult £9.50, Child £4.50 www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308

Free, donations welcome

Thursdays

LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY

Sunday 18 February

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

The Vintage Flea Market

8.30am – 3pm

Rummage for bric-a-brac, vintage items, and quirky collectables.

Entry £2.50, cash only www.lincolnshireshowground.co. uk T 01522 522900

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

21

What’s On sponsored by Sunday 18 & 25 February 10am – 11am

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Sunday Morning Yoga Sessions

Join BWY Yoga Guide Amanda Greenwood for a relaxing session. You will need your own mat and blanket.

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

Monday 19 & 26 February

LINCOLN MUSEUM

Friday 23 February

VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME

6.15pm – 7.15pm

10am – 11am

Yoga at Lincoln Museum

BWY Yoga Guide Amanda Greenwood takes a post-work yoga session. You will need your own mat and blanket..

Price £7 www.lincolnmuseum.co.uk T 01522 782040 COUNTRY PARK, LINCOLN

Toddler Time

Dress to get messy! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Saturday 24 February

2pm – 3.30pm

EARTHLINCS, MINT LANE, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD

Climate Café

Inclusive, safe space to discuss climate concerns in a structured, safe and supportive environment. All welcome.

FREE, Tea & Coffee, Booking required by email. theclimateimps@gmail.com (Rachael)

Wednesday 6 March

THE DRILL, LINCOLN

6.30pm – 9pm

Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and their carers.

Tickets £5, Carer Free www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160

Friday 8 March

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

2pm – 3.30pm

Butterfly Club

International Women’s Day 2024

A day of networking, lunch, and inspirational stories from Lincolnshire women.

Tickets £32 www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900

Friday 8 March 6pm

Sunday 10 March 2.30pm – 4.30pm

MINT LANE CAFÉ, LINCOLN

World Food Supper Club – Celebrating Spain

Celebrate good food and diverse cultures, featuring guest chef Betty.

Tickets £25 www.lincolnshirefoodpartnership .org T 07875 407997 INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE

Mother’s Day Vintage Afternoon Tea

Enjoy afternoon tea complemented with an array of vintage swing & jazz by Alan Jackson. Complimentary mini bottle of prosecco for each mother..

Adult £35, Child £12 www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755

22

Lincoln Independent |February 2024

Don’t miss community grant deadline THE deadline for funding applications for community driven projects in the city is set to close on February 9.

In October 2023, City of Lincoln Community Chest was awarded £300,000 to fund community projects in the 11 wards. £150,000 has come from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Investors in Lincoln contributing the additional £150,000.

The Community Chest builds on a successful scheme operating in Sincil Bank for a number of years, which has helped kickstart community activity and engagement in the area.

It will aim to support local projects that improve the quality of life for local people, while promoting a sense of ownership not only of problems but also of local opportunities and resources.

The Community Chest’s goal is to encourage the creation of more neighbourhood groups and revitalise existing groups, contributing to the sense of community in all wards across the city.

Each area of the city has up to £25,000 to spend on community based projects they would like to see funded in their area and grant funding of up to 2.5k is available for groups to apply for.

City of Lincoln Council is keen to hear from groups within the city that have new ideas for community projects, or ongoing projects that may be in need of additional support.

One of the projects that received funding last year from the Sincil Bank Community Chest was an innovative project that transformed the front gardens of an area on Portland Street.

Local resident Janice Schlanker was encouraged to apply for a grant from the Community Chest for her gardening work.

Janice connected with Sage Gardener CIC and received support from Jewsons, Abbey Access Training and McNeil and Co Solicitors.

Janice became a Lincolnshire Make a Difference winner at the 2023 awards due to her involvement in the project, which included planters installed at the front of a number of properties on Portland Street to transform the environment.

Janice wanted to change people’s perception of the area and achieved that goal with the help of residents and the grant from the Community Chest.

Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “The City of Lincoln Community Chest will support local projects that improve the quality of life for local people. It’s also important that the scheme itself will go towards helping neighbourhoods play a leading role in regenerating their area.

“We urge local groups to submit an application, it could make a real difference to your area and the people in it.”

David Rossington of Investors in Lincoln added: “We’re proud to be able to support the Community Chest to fund projects that will benefit all 11 wards of the city.

“Our mission is to make a positive contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of communities, to strengthen greater Lincoln as a whole and put people at the centre of making decisions about their local area.”

For more information about the City of Lincoln Community Chest and for support with the application process, please contact frances.plant@lincoln.gov.uk and jai me.oliver@lincoln.gov.uk

MEET THE ARTIST

GUDRUN STAHL SHARPLEY

Gudrun captures movement magic FROM AN INTERVIEW BY KEVIN BYRON, OPEN ART LINCS (OPAL) SELF-taught artist Gudrun Stahl Sharpley is motivated to capture movement and intent particularly in dancers.

The Scandinavian former retail manager practices her art in Lincolnshire after attending school in Scotland.

“Based on my still life work and occasional portrait paintings, my art teacher was very encouraging about my use of line, colour and shape and hoped I would continue with my art. However, in those days we were required to choose subjects that would be more useful for a future career, so even though there was a choice of Art and German, the choice was only

German.”

Her artistic output was sporadic until she moved to Lincolnshire in 2000: “I started to find the opportunity to create more art and a ‘plein air’ watercolour in the Peak District ended up being exhibited at the Nottingham Castle Open exhibition in 2006. This affirmation encouraged me to do more. However, it wasn’t until we had our daughter in 2009 that I found an art group, and that was when I started to be serious about art in a variety of media.

“I feel it’s an achievement to be comfortable with doing what I want, rather than conforming to fashions or trends that can limit one’s choices. I didn’t think I was particularly good at art, until one of my portraits was preselected for The Colombia Threadneedle Prize: Figurative Art Today 2016 Mall Galleries, London and Florence, Italy.

“In 2019 I had a large solo exhibition at Gunby Hall and Gardens in Lincolnshire, called ‘Temporal Echoes’, where I had work using a variety of media with subjects ranging from dancers, birds (which I call flying dancers) and portraits.

The highlight of this exhibition was meeting members of the Royal Ballet who spent a long time looking at my work of dancers. I needed no more endorsement for my work on this subject matter.

“I would like to be judged in a positive way by my peers, though that may at times be in conflict with my desire to do whatever I wish with my art. Art is

concerned with expressing how we see, think and feel, and sometimes that can only be appreciated by oneself, and that’s fine by me.”

For full interview see OPAL Art News – for copies or if you have any information for future editions please email openartlincs@gmail.com

New open art competition and exhibition launches this month CALLING all county artists - sharpen your pencils, clean your brushes, clear you head or do whatever you need to do to prepare for a new competition in the city this Autumn.

Organised by OPEN Art Lincs and backed by the Lincoln Independent the event launches on February 24 when there will be more details on the OPAL website - www.open-artlincs.com/open-art-competition-24 - on how artists from across Lincolnshire can submit their entries for the competition.

The event’s accompanying exhibition will be held at Lincoln Arts Centre October 17 to November 17.

This event will build on the last competition in 2022, Art Out of

Isolation, which was supported by 289 artists with selected works featured in an exhibtion at the Usher Gallery.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that we’ve always been impressed by the wealth of artistic talent we have locally and we’re delighted to support this competition and exhibition to highlight the work of these artists,” said Lincoln Independent editor Amanda McSorley.

“We need to make sure that Lincoln stays on the UK’s map of art and it is seen as something that can and does attract people to the city. The arts generally have suffered from funding squeezes so anything that can redress that balance even just a little is important.”

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

23

Environment and Community

Dawber Garden Community Trust

Join Dawber tulip-making quest ONE of the Lincoln’s most successful community-led projects has seen the maintenance of the Dawber Garden transferred to local volunteers.

The Dawber Garden Community Trust started work a year ago and has made amazing progress, which has been noticed by local visitors: “So many comments have been made by people saying how fantastic the improvements are and how pleased they are to see so much work going on, as it had previously been so sadly neglected,” said Lynn Ritson of the Trust.

With fellow members Lynn was aware that a project was needed to engage people, particularly children and to keep them aware of the garden over winter and give everyone something to look forward to in Spring.

“After a brainstorming session we hit on the idea of making 1,000 tulips for display on the little hillock just immediately inside the Garden gate. The new little seat that is sited on the hillock is also very popular with smaller visitors,” explained Lynn.

“This idea developed and we thought people would like to join in with making their own individual tulips from clay, and following initial firing, carried out by our expert potter, Elaine Marsden, they would be able to paint them, ready to be re-fired and glazed for a permanent finish, ready for display in Spring before a lot of the new planting in the garden would be flowering.

“We thought this project would highlight what we are trying to do in the Dawber Garden, which in addition to maintaining and improving the Garden horticulturally, is to interest the community in what is going on in the Garden and get them to join in, to keep visiting the garden to see what is going on and to attract new visitors.

Tulip-making sessions have already been held, but there is one last push on February 17 at 10.30am at Charlotte House when potential potters – young and young at heart – can create their own flower.

The cost is £2 per tulip and each will be identified as belonging to the person who created it, so after making, they can be revisited for painting.

“The tulips will then be displayed in the Garden for a week before Mothering Sunday, so everyone can come and see this fantastic display and perhaps buy their very own tulip which they previously made, - a perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Even if they haven’t had time to make a tulip of their own, there will still be some to buy.

Tulips will cost £10. each but if you have previously made and painted your tulip and paid £2, this will be deducted. All funds will go towards the future upkeep of the Garden.

“The Garden is a fantastic place, loved by all, and we hope to be able to hold other events in the future, to get people to join in and enjoy the garden and use it to its full potential.”

For enquiries, use the contact form on our website: dawbergarden.co.uk or 07795 604996.

Rudy’s friends help raise £100,000 for St Barnabas THE St Barnabas Hospice annual Light up a Life appeal, Rudy’s Run initiative for local schools, and Tree-Cycle collection in local communities raised £106,305.

Light up a Life is St Barnabas’ biggest fundraiser of the calendar year, which sees thousands of people dedicating a light on the Tree of Life in memory of loved ones lost. These lights shone brightly on the 30foot Christmas tree, located in front of Lincoln Cathedral throughout the festive period, with personalised messages of love also attached.

1409 people dedicated a light, with 988 torches and lanterns bought for use during the Procession. Together, this campaign raised £60,070.

Rudy’s Run is a festive fundraiser for the 24

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

Hospice’s younger supporter, a fun run that 51 schools, nurseries and community groups completed in December.

Over 8,000 children were provided with activity books, antlers before they ran, walked, skipped, danced or pranced to raise £12,671 for St Barnabas Hospice.

Tree-cycle returned in the early weeks of January, offering individuals and businesses a tree collection service in return for a donation to the Hospice. Unpotted trees are chipped, which can then be turned into fuel for biomass boilers or mulch for gardens. Potted trees are replanted at the Lincolnshire Showground and given a new lease of life.

This sustainable campaign proved to be more popular than ever before, with the

hospice’s elf volunteers collecting 1502 trees across Lincolnshire and raising a treemendous £33,564. www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Community News

The Network Lincoln

It’s ok to not know what you’re going to do…

BY GABBY WRIGHT PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR THE NETWORK LINCOLN IMAGINE the situation, you’re 18, you’re at school, and you are used to not doing anything without permission.

If you are too warm, your opinion on that situation is not important. Pop that hand up, and ask a teacher for permission to remove your blazer. Need the loo? Perhaps you should have gone at break and now you are asked to wait.

This is the day-to-day life you are used to. BUT then you are also asked the following question: What are YOU going to do when you leave school?

What are you wanting to do for the rest of your life? Are you ready to commit to three years of university study and debt? How are you going to earn money? How are you getting ready for the world of work?

While you search for the answers to these questions you are under pressure of exams and academic achievement from everyone around you.

That psychological sense of pass or fail pressure is something we, at The Network, see a lot in the young people we support into adulthood. It’s a really hard thing to shake off, to start measuring your worth not on the opinions and metrics of others, but on your own terms and values.

I personally remember when I told my teachers that I wasn’t going to university, because I wasn’t 100% certain what I wanted to do, and knew I needed time to figure myself out. The level of disappointment was immense. The information on what I could do instead, near-non-existent.

Fortunately for me, I had a Mum who was very supportive, grandparents who taught me the reality of applying for work and was able to muddle through and figure things out.

I know that if I had made the decision of what I wanted to be at 18, now at 29 I would be thoroughly unhappy. It took a lot of sideways tracks, and random jobs to get where I am, but I can truly

say I have found happiness and fulfillment in this job.

I want to say to any young person out there battling with these unanswerable questions or feelings of isolation; you are not alone.

I want to say to any parent of a young person out there struggling to know what to say or how to help your child; you are not alone.

For Millennials, Gen Z and beyond, don’t panic. From the ages of 18-24, a person is on average likely to change their job more than five times.

The world of work is different to what you have experienced so far and is continuing to evolve at a rapid rate.

That’s where we come in, at The Network. Things aren’t hopeless, they’re just different. And we are here to help young people navigate that journey to adulthood, email: info@networklincoln.co.uk

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

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

25

The Flat Cap Diaries

with Liz Lucas

Thorny issue of training roses DID you see the Gardener’s World winter specials last December?

And if you did, do you remember the woman who did such creative things with climbing and rambling roses? I watched it, I admit, with an open mouth.

To begin with she wore no gloves because she couldn’t tie knots in her string with gloves on and this is true, tying a knot with a layer of leather or thick fabric on your fingers makes for a lot of clumsy fumbling.

This woman wrapped her fingers in fabric plasters. Now I agree that as plasters go the fabric ones are the best, but I cannot imagine they offer much protection from rose thorns.

I have had, in my time some really quite nasty injuries from roses. I’m not sure what roses have got in their thorns or prickles, as

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Lincoln Independent | February 2024

they should truly be known, but they can cause problems.

There is Rose picker’s disease, or sporotrichosis, to start with, caused by fungus getting into your skin through a prickle. Rose prickles can also inject you with any chemical sprays you might have used as well as dirt, fungus and bacteria.

All I really know is that if you are stabbed by a thorn it really hurts. Clearly this lady gardener was immune, plucking out the thorns whilst watching evening tv. Beats knitting hands down.

She dealt with huge rambling roses, pulling their long, wavering branches down and twirling them into circles and tying them onto wires and themselves.

Up against a wall, the circles of rose branches looked astounding and enabled the plant to flower right along the stem and fill the wall with colour during the summer.

Climbing roses were bent around into free standing shapes, making mounds of flower, rather than stalks with flowers at the top. Pulling long stems down and making them

more or less level with each other enables the growth hormones in the plant to use all the stem instead of just the uppermost point, which in turn gives you more flowers at nose level.

I am going to give this a go - but with gloves on!

Pictures: Gardener’s World

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

www.lincstrust.org.uk

Is blue the colour of love?

RACHEL SHAW LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST FOR at least the past week, it’s seemed like every morning when I open the curtains, there are two blue tits on the tree outside.

I can hear their trilling “tsee-tsee-tsee” calls. It’s still cold and feels more like winter than it has done for most of the winter but there’s only two of them.

They’re not in a flock moving from tree to tree, from garden to garden in search of food. They must be finding food as they hop from branch to branch but I can’t help to imagine that they are a pair - a blue tit couple that are already in search of a home.

I’m hopeful that they’ll make their home in my garden but this might be wishful thinking.

As I write, it is still January and perhaps too early but by the time you are reading this in February, they will have paired-up and may have already started building their nest.

Perhaps February is the most romantic time of the year – when people are buying red roses, chocolates and cheesy cards, many of our garden birds are getting together too.

Although for some species it starts a lot earlier, the folklore around Valentine’s Day is that it’s the start of the spring mating season for birds. Collared doves are cooing, robins are bobbing in unison, you get the picture. So how do blue tits choose a mate?

It could be down to colour. Like most birds, blue tits can see ultraviolet (UV) light. Studies have shown that the blue crown on their head glows brightly under UV light. The brightness of the feathers

is thought to provide a variety of signals including choice of mate.

Male blue tits have been shown to choose females with brightly coloured crowns as they make fitter mothers.

Don’t be mistaken though, with blue tits (and many other birds) it’s not true love! As the female builds the nest with moss, wool, hair, feathers and spider webs, the male blue tit will follow her around.

Not to help with the home making but to make sure that no other males mate with her. Even so, it’s estimated that over 40% of blue tit nests contain at least one chick that is reared by a male that is not its genetic parent.

During February, the search is on for a suitable nest site. Blue tits like cosy cavities – a hole or crack in a tree, old woodpecker nests.

They are also quick to investigate human-made holes – they readily take to nest boxes but will also check out gaps in walls or hollows in metal gates.

If you have a nest box in your garden,Valentine’s Day is when you should be cleaning out the old nesting material ready for the season ahead.

The timing for blue tits is tricky. They need to synchronise breeding and therefore the hatching of their chicks to coincide with the peak availability of their food – tiny caterpillars that have also hatched to feed on the newly unfurled leaves of trees. And unlike some birds such as blackbirds and robins, blue tits will only raise one brood of chicks each year.

Although life is tough for blue tits, unlike so much of our wildlife, their numbers have actually increased since the 1970s. If you feed the birds in your garden, have put up a nest box and garden without using pesticides that kill their food; you have played a role in helping these delightful little birds.

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

27

Environment and Community

Lincs 4 Warmer Homes Scheme

Don’t miss out on help to heat home

BY REBECCA POOLE ONE-to-one advice is being offered as part of the next phase of local home energy efficiency plans.

The demonstrator scheme badged as Lincs 4 Warmer Homes (L4WH) is part of the national LEAD project which offers support for people on a much closer level with energy advisors.

“The Home Energy Advice team is a brand-new service that is aiming to provide guidance on how to make your home more energy efficient,” explained Matt Lill, Home Energy Advice Team Leader, West Lindsey District Council.

“The scheme is targeted predominantly at hard-to-heat homes and residents that are hard to reach, ensuring that everyone across the districts is able to access funding and also ways they can save energy by installing measures in their home, ranging from draught proofing all the way up to grant funding for an Air Source Heat Pump.”

The scheme is available for residents in Lincoln, West Lindsey, North Kesteven and South Kesteven who may require additional guidance to improve thermal comfort in their homes.

Matt has been joined by Home Energy Advice Officer, Nanette MacDonald, to work on behalf of the 4 councils to help people access funding that is relevant to them.

Hundreds of households have accessed grants so far across central Lincolnshire under the government’s sustainable warmth funding, but many people who qualify are still tocome forward.

The team is able to give more time to anybody wanting advice and can signpost people to the right funding package and help to fill in forms and apply for relevant grants.

“It’s a handholding exercise when Matt and the Energy Advisor can sit down with them and it’s their dedicated person. Sometimes when you see someone face-to-face it’s really different, particularly if you’re quite vulnerable and need that support,” added Kate Bell, Climate Change Manager, City of Lincoln.

“It’s easy to qualify for it for a change.You usually have to jump through loads of hoops and fill in lots of forms and it can be a long, drawn-out process, but this is a matter of them coming in, doing an assessment, agreeing the funding, and then getting the contractor to come in and do the work.”

Free advice with no obligation is available by contacting the L4WH helpline at 01427 675199.

Key projects covered under the grants include: l Loft, cavity wall and floor insulation l Internal and external wall insulation l New heating, low carbon heating and air source heat pumps l Solar PV (Solar Panels)

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Are we slaves to tech?

HAVE we become too obsessed about the use of technology in our businesses?

Is it time to regain control of our senses about the benefits and use of technology?

The last 12 months seem to have been unprecedented in terms of the use and introduction of technology and digital innovation.

Who would have thought that OpenAI and ChatGPT only really came to market and wider use in November 2022?

With the launch of Google’s AI and other platforms there does seem to be a frenzy of activity as organisations seek to understand what artificial intelligence can do for them or how it might impact their businesses.

This follows several years, which included the pandemic and lockdowns, when we looked at the use of technology and digitisation to manage our organisations.

Following Brexit increased focus was also placed on the use of technology to addresses issues around supply chain management and labour shortages.

On a personal basis, all of us no doubt are having to master and get to grips with a growing number of software programmes and platforms aimed at making our lives, or at least the day job, easier.

How often though to we find things take longer, don’t work as promised and in fact are more of a hinderance than a benefit?

From a consumer perspective, it seems we are increasingly required to use automated communications, customer portals and management systems, apps, digital receptionists and chat functions.

How often though do these leave us with a sense of frustration, disillusionment, and dissatisfaction?

Perhaps the ultimate indicator is when the technology does not work and whilst the problem could be a ‘picnic’ (problem in chair not in computer) there does seem to be an increasing level of system failures.

The cost of these can be significant in more ways than just

financially with demoralised workers, dissatisfied customers, and even corporate reputational damage.

Has the time then come for business leaders and organisations to take a fresh look at their strategy and approach to the role and use of technology?

At the same time there is a need to consider the balance and our focus around being driven or controlled by technology versus the needs of our customers and work colleagues.

For some there is probably a need to realign our thinking in terms of being focused on the problems technology can solve or the benefits it brings as opposed perhaps being taken in by the latest ‘exciting’ innovation or trend or the salesperson’s pitch!

A starting point could be considering what problems we look to solve in terms of the use of technology.

These include: l Increasing productivity l Improving working practices for employees l Increasing operational capacity l Reducing costs l Improving profitability lAddressing labour and skills shortage l Improving and enhancing customer experience l Offering customers something new l Gaining a competitive advantage l Improving internal reporting and management We also need to consider the wider implications around the introduction of new technology in terms of the implications for users, the need for training, ongoing support, security and increasingly good governance.

If any of this article resonates with you then perhaps it is time to revisit your approach and even attitude to the use and adoption of technology in your organisation.

February 2024 | Lincoln Independent

29

Business News from the Experts

Is it time to reconsider equity release?

JO SWORDER, PARTNER IN THE DOMESTIC PROPERTY TEAM, WILKIN CHAPMAN SOLICITORS EQUITY release is a way for homeowners aged 55 or over to access tax-free cash from their home’s value, enabling them to meet their needs later in life for a more comfortable retirement.

Previously, this was considered something to avoid at all costs, but this is no longer the case, with equity release being a useful tool when other options have been exhausted.

Even MoneySavingExpert, Martin Lewis agrees.

In a statement, he said “The system of equity release has got better over recent years. There’s more flexibility in what you can do and it has improved.”

Negative perceptions of equity release previously amounted as a result of how the process used to be, but things have changed significantly since then and there’s more protection in place in the form of the Equity Release Council (ERC). The ERC exists to ensure that lenders and advisers provide the

highest possible standards to borrowers, offering more protection than in previous years.

The most popular form of equity release is a lifetime mortgage, where a loan is secured against the home.

The individual can then remain in their home for as long as they wish, until they either pass away or move into permanent care.

Although equity release has improved over the years, Martin Lewis stressed that it is still crucial for anyone considering equity release to seek professional advice first.

Individuals need to understand the pros, cons and implications of equity release and then decide if it’s the right route for them - and this can only be done by consulting with experts.

At Wilkin Chapman, we understand the importance of specialist equity release advice.

Our qualified professionals will provide

essential support and advice throughout the process, offering assurance and comfort so that you can be confident that your decision is the right one, before any formal agreement is made.

Are you considering taking out equity release? For further information contact Jo Sworder on 01522 515921. email jo.sworder@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit www.wilkinchapman.co.uk.

Helping ambucopter fly DAVID NICHOLSON, DIRECTOR, DEXTER AND SHARPE (LINCOLN) LTD

I THOUGHT I would take time off from my usual output of bleating about tax and accountancy and instead highlight the work of a charity that actually does something important.

Towards the end of last year the company decided to partner with a charity for the year ahead. Rather than just ad-hoc events supporting a myriad of charities, which of course we still do, 30

Lincoln Independent | February 2024

we decided to partner with a charity and have a more formal relationship for the year.

As befits a year where apparently half the world’s population will be taking part in elections (more on that later in the year I’m sure) we decided that the choice of charity would be made by popular vote.

Thanks go to Claire Hennessy in our Horncastle office for organising the vote.

We were all presented with a list of six charities, all local.

I am not sure if Claire is a student of politics but rather than going for a Westminster style first past the post system she went for some new-fangled Single Transferable Vote system and we were all invited to choose our top two.

Now in some ways it seems invidious to choose; after all these charities all do excellent and much needed work.

However that was the decision taken democratically.

Luckily the eventual winner was one of my top two so I was not tempted to incite an insurrection to challenge the validity of the vote.

Our choice as charity partner is The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance.

I am sure that we all know or know of someone who has been helped by the air ambulance in its more than 30 years of existence and the Ambucopter has certainly (and sadly) become a familiar sight in the skies in and around Lincoln.

Being such a large county and in a time when we are constantly reading another report about ambulance wait times the Air Ambulance has become a vital resource where swift response is needed to incidents that are often too distant for a conventional ambulance. On average they attend 4 potentially lifesaving incidents per day and they can fly 365 days a year.

All of this is done without support from the government or from the NHS and is funded entirely from grants and donations.

I am delighted that we as a company have partnered with such a deserving cause as LNAA. Info@dextersharpelincoln.co.uk

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