YOLANDA‘S BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE KICKSTARTS FESTIVAL see page 8
Photo by Agenda
Scrutiny of best way forward for tourism
IT is unlikely that a new body will arise from the ashes of Destination Lincolnshire to support the region’s tourism economy.
As the fall out of the collapse of Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) continues to be assessed local authorities and other organisations have been meeting to decide on the way forward.
Most are looking to working within their own immediate area, such as the city of Lincoln, the coastal areas and south of the county.
Destination Lincolnshire had been charged with growing the county’s visitor economy, but its members received a statement on May 15 informing them that the organisation, which covered Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, had ceased trading ‘following a period of financial difficulty’.
The statement read: “Despite the considerable value and positive impact of its work within the visitor economy, including the successful delivery of major countywide and national projects, as an organisation we have been unable to generate sufficient income to cover essential operation costs leaving us financially unstable.
“With regret all staff were made redundant with immediate effect earlier this week. The board will remain in position for a short period to hand over to the insolvency practitioners.”
The city council has been in touch with the liquidators to work out what assets can be rescued and has successfully negotiated for the Destination Lincolnshire website to continue working as a visitor resource. Although not all sections of the site will be available those that are include visitlincoln.com.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We are sad and disappointed to learn that Destination Lincolnshire has appointed a liquidator and ceased trading.
“The team there have worked hard to promote and support the visitor economy sector across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland for a number of years.
“Throughout this time, the city council, along with a range of partners, supported Destination Lincolnshire and helped form the original Visit Lincoln brand from which it grew.
“City of Lincoln Council remains absolutely committed to supporting Lincoln’s tourism offer and the visitor economy sector. As part of Lincoln’s Town Fund programme, Destination Lincolnshire created a new website for Visit Lincoln and helped deliver an award-winning cultural programme including the very successful Lincoln Lights project earlier this year.
“The council already directly delivers the Visitor Information Service from Castle Square and a varied events programme throughout the year. We must now await the outcome of the liquidation process before establishing our next steps and seeking a way to continue our support of Lincoln’s vital tourism offer.”
The LVEP’s statement thanked members for their support and collaboration over the years: “Moving forward the continued success of Greater Lincolnshire’s visitor economy will now depend on a renewed and robust collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders and the development of a sustainable, resilient funding model to support both strategic impactful tourism initiatives and the infrastructure needed to deliver them.”
Chartered Certified Accountants
Another one bites the dust
THE collapse of Destination Lincolnshire in May came as a shock to most people - us included (see page 3).
But then we realised it was an organisation we’d long had questions about.
These doubts had come to fruition when the head of the organisation told us it was spending a six-figure sum on a new website. I know our jaws dropped - we’d met them to discuss our plans for the then unrealised Hello Lincoln website - now created at a fraction of that cost.
Arrogance pervaded the response to our shock - of course the DL site would need to do so much more than Hello Lincoln and our suggestion of working together was politely rebuffed as the organisation was concentrating on bringing people into the county rather than those already here - a stance we never understood.
We understand those left to deal with the fallout of the DL’s demise have behaved in an exemplary manner and did so as soon as the scale of the financial imbalances became clear. They have done all they can to help the body left to pick up the pieces, which once again is City of Lincoln Council.
Recently the council has had to step in and sort out the mess when Active Nation imploded and even when fire chiefs branded the posh flats at One The Brayford as unsafe in the event of a blaze.
It is often maligned, but credit should be given where its due and we know how hard people have been working to both bring the
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leisure centres back into action and ensure the city’s vital tourism economy is supported. There are other ventures that have failed recently when the arrogance of the leadership has been a contributory factor. I can be accused of many things, but I do hope being arrogant isn’t one of them. Not only is it just an unpleasant trait, but it can have a devasting impact on people’s livelihoods and well-being.
Thank you Betty!
After my April rant about our What’s On pages needing support I was humbled to see how many people did contribute the price of coffee through the Ko-fi QR code (on page 29). Just as gratifying as the cash were the accompanying comments.
Betty sent us a fiver with the message: “I look forward every month to the new issue of your magazine, which I read from cover to cover. I enjoy the articles about Lincoln in the past and the What’s On section and I do go to some of the events. I pass my copy on to a friend.”
We are celebrating 25 years of the Lincoln Independent magazine in 2025 Lincoln’s premiere and FREE magazine brings you news, features and lifestyle coverage from the city and beyond.
The Indie’s fantastic What’s On guide (pages 18-28) can be accessed using the QR code. Send to your family and friends so they can discover how much is really happening in Lincoln.
There’s music, art, theatre, family fun and so much more.
JULY ISSUE DEADLINE
Material for our July edition should reach us by June 15.
We welcome your news and comments and will do our best to publish submitted items, but this is not always possible and we reserve the right to withhold content.
Next issue out from JULY 7.
10,000 copies of the Lincoln Independent Magazine are printed and hand delivered to the thriving residential and business areas of Lincoln and the surrounding villages.
Lincoln Independent’s targeted distribution works well for clients and we spot check deliveries every month.
In line with General Data Protection Regulations a copy of our Privacy Policy is available to view and download from our website www.lincolnindependent.co.uk or on request from the address above.
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Take survey to make sure your voice is heard
DO you live or work in Lincoln? Are you 16 years old or older? LocalMotion Lincoln wants to hear from you.
The annual exploration into life in the city, the BIG Conversation has started to understand local communitieswhat drives them forward or holds them back and uncover local strengths.
The survey is being run by Social Change which is urging people to take part to get the best possible picture of the issues facing them, their families, friends and neighbours.
“This is your opportunity to make your voice heard, tell us about your experiences in Lincoln and how you and your communities could be better supported,” said Charlotte Brooks of LocalMotion Lincoln.
As reported last month The Big Conversation takes place on a yearly basis so changes within the city can be gauged and different aspects that could impact prosperity and well-being are focused upon.
“By capturing this feedback on a yearly basis, we can assess and respond to ongoing challenges and changes in real time.”
“Help us learn and connect by making your voice heard as we explore local community and culture. Share your thoughts in this short 10-minute survey for a chance to win up to three shopping vouchers worth a total of £200.”
Participate online by through https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BIGLincolnConvo2025/ or by using the QR code on this page.
22 Saltergate, Lincoln LN2 1DH
News from Ringrose Law
Cohabitation agreementsyour questions answered
ACCORDING to the Office for National
Statistics the number of couples who are married in England and Wales has dropped below 50% of couples for the first time on record.
The most recent data would suggest that couples are more deciding to cohabit rather than marry. For this reason Cohabitation Agreements have become popular. As more couples choose to live together without marrying, understanding your legal rights becomes essential.
Ringrose Law provides clear, practical advice to help people navigate cohabitation with confidence.
What Is a Cohabitation Agreement?
This is a legal document between individuals living together, outlining arrangements regarding finances, property, and responsibilities during the relationship and in the event of separation. It offers clarity and protection for both parties. Who should consider an agreement?
Any couple living together without being married or in a civil partnership should consider a Cohabitation Agreement. It’s particularly important if:
l You own property together or individually.
l There are children involved.
l One partner is financially dependent on the other.
l You’re contributing unequally to rent, mortgage, or bills.
Why are they important?
Without legal marriage or civil partnership, cohabiting couples have limited legal rights. A Cohabitation Agreement can:
l Define ownership of shared assets.
l Clarify financial responsibilities.
l Outline arrangements for children.
l Reduce the risk of disputes if the relationship ends.
When should a Cohabition Agreement be created?
Ideally, before moving in together. However, it’s never too late. An agreement can be made at any point during your cohabitation.
Are they legally binding?
Yes, if properly drafted and executed as a deed, with both parties receiving independent legal advice. This ensures the agreement is enforceable and reflects your
intentions.
Can we use the samsolicitor?
No. To ensure fairness and avoid conflicts of interest, each party should have their own solicitor for a cohabitation agreement.
How can Ringrose Law help?
Our experienced family law team can:
l Provide tailored advice based on your circumstances.
l Draft a comprehensive Cohabitation Agreement.
l Guide you through the legal process with clarity and support.
If you’re considering a cohabitation agreement or have questions about your rights, contact Ringrose Law today. Our dedicated team is here to assist you every step of the way. Call 01522 561020 or visit us on Silver Street, Lincoln.
Bespoke banquette seating, dining chairs, roman blinds and scatter cushions.
Is your child gambling online?
PARENTS can now get help to prevent their children from becoming addicted to gambling.
A national charity is working to prevent gambling in young people by training their guardians to support and protect them while online.
According to Ygam (Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust), 52% of children have had some experience of gambling, often through online gaming.
“We recognise that in the world of gaming, particularly video gaming, there’s lots of blurred lines that can cross into gambling habits,” said Lincoln-based Ryan Smith, Training and Engagement Manager,Ygam.
Ryan explained that video games now include in-game purchases such as ‘loot boxes’ and additional digital content which can encourage gambling-like behaviour.
Compared to gaming 20 years ago, paying to play in-game has become commonplace and Ygam says that 1 in 4 young people have paid to open a digital box.
He added: “Technology is great.Video games are great. We’re not anti-video games, they’re brilliant for the mind and for community, but there are risks involved.”
The organisation was founded in 2014 by recovering gambler Lee Willows and Anne and Keith Evans who lost their son to suicide due to the impact of gambling he experienced from a young age. Their joint mission was to provide the knowledge and skills to start conversations around gaming and its links to gambling, to ensure no
other family would experience the same loss.
“What we offer is completely free training to professionals and parents that work with young people and 99% of those that come to our training feel more equipped to identify and respond to gambling harms.
“We cover mental health, wellbeing, gaming and gambling and the blurred lines between those, how to spot signs of harm, what does it look like if someone’s gaming a bit too much, what does it look like if they’re struggling with those gambling habits - we break all that down.
“Don’t be scared to have these conversations with young people because it could in effect save their life at some point.”
Ygam offers both in-person and online fully funded, evidencebased training to help identify and respond to gambling and gaming issues in young people aged seven to 25. Tailored programs are also available for teachers, GPs, youth workers and community services to equip learners with the practical tools to start conversations with young people.
Visit www.ygam.org
All this jazz!
SAXOPHONIST and award-winning broadcaster YolanDa Brown will headline the fourth Lincoln Jazz Festival over the weekend of July 4-6.
Hosted by Lincoln Cathedral the festival will feature 14 ticketed and free-to-enter gigs and YolanDa will get the weekend underway with her band on the Friday with a fusion of jazz, reggae and soul. The life and music of Bob Marley, who would have turned 80 this year, will be celebrated within their set.
Saturday morning will offer something completely different as YolanDa’s Band Jam! recreates her successful CBeebies TV show for primary-aged children dubbed ‘Jools Holland for kids’. Children and adults can dance, sing and have fun discovering the joys of making music with youngsters from four local primary schools performing a song they have learned.
Heavy Beat Brass Band will get the Dean’s Green crowds moving and dancing to a New Orleans beat with a free performance for visitors.
Staying with the New Orleans theme, internationally renowned pianist-vocalist Dom Pipkin will perform a lively late afternoon set in the Cathedral Café while his audience can enjoy a bowl of Jambalaya.
“The fourth Lincoln Jazz Festival set in the city’s spectacular Cathedral welcomes 80 superb jazz musicians, many young people just beginning their musical journeys and, of course, our audiences,” said festival Artistic director Dennis Rollins MBE.
“An exciting range of jazz styles and personalities, with ticketed and free-to-enter events, offers something for most ages and tastes. Highlights and firsts include YolanDa Brown’s child-centred Band Jam! gig, a New Orleans-style jazz supper, with pianistvocalist Dom Pipkin kicking up a storm, an emotional homecoming finale for The Dave O’Higgins Biggish Band, 25 years on, and some guest appearances from myself!
Dave O’ Higgins
“A massive thank you to all our sponsors whose generous support has made this year’s festival possible and, not least, to the fabulous team at Lincoln Cathedral. Here’s to a great weekend!”
Top UK jazz names will play a wide range of jazz styles over the weekend. Liane Carroll will play piano and sing with enormous emotional power, while long-time Chick Corea saxophonist Tommy Smith will create exciting musical conversations with his protégé pianist Peter Johnstone.
The Edgar Macias Quintet will re-interpret the Buena Vista Social Club musical and Chris Ingham’s impressive Steely Jazz quintet will explore Steely Dan’s songbook, created by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, in a small jazz group format.
Many of the best East Midlands-based musicians will appear in a variety of musical settings, from Lincoln’s fine big band Sounds Easy, to Matt Ratcliffe’s Hammond organ-led Unity quartet, blending souljazz, blues and 70’s funk and groove, followed by exciting new compositions from Electric Gumbo, a nine-piece band led by Simon Paterson.
The festival’s climax will feature a 10-piece ensemble returning 25 years after they first came to Lincoln as ‘The Squad’, a group of young, mostly unknown musicians promoting live jazz in the regions. That original band returns as The Dave O’Higgins Biggish Band, now an all-star group of award-winning jazz greats – including Dennis Rollins - for the finale.
See listings on page 20.
Dave O’ Higgins
Edgar Macías
Dom Pipkin
Yolanda’s Band Jam
E-scooters - legal to buy, illegal to ride on streets
POLICE are warning e-scooter users they may lose their driving licence if they use the devices in public places.
The warning comes after eight people were stopped riding the-scooters in the city centre by Lincoln Neighbourhood Policing officers conducting active patrols in May.
Their scooters were seized (pictured by the police van on the right) and the riders will be reported for driving a motor vehicle without insurance – an offence that carries up to six penalty points.
Accumulating 12 points on a driving licence usually leads to disqualification so e-scooter offences can impact that total.
PC Will Cawte was part of the enforcement team and explained that while e-scooters can be brought legally it is illegal to ride them in most places.
“We get that it’s not a simple topic and that’s why as well as enforcing the law around e-scooters – something our local residents and businesses say is an issue for them – we also want to share details on the legal ramifications of using these e-scooters.
“It’s a really difficult thing to help people understand, because they can buy one in the shop, but then they can’t use it in any public places in this country. It’s important to ensure everyone –particularly if you are a parent or carer – understands and follows
the current rules and regulations, because it could be you’re at risk of being reported, and a young person could even end up with points on a ghost licence, which is another word for a licence they don’t yet hold.
“This is because e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the same rules apply to them as other vehicles, meaning you have to have insurance, but at present, there is no way to get insurance for a private e-scooter.
“If you own one, you can only use it on private land, such as in a garden, but you must have the permission of the landowner to do so.
PC Cawte added the enforcement action had received a positive reaction from the public with people thanking officers.
“While we have been in the city centre targeting e-scooters, the positive feedback from the public and local businesses has been incredible, and we are so pleased they have approached us to share
The cash flow conundrum
BY JO RICHARDSON ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
MAKING a profit but still struggling with cash? You’re not alone. You’ve worked hard, your business is growing, and your profit and loss statement looks great. So why does your bank balance feel like it missed the memo?
This is one of the most common, and frustrating, challenges business owners face - the disconnect between profit and cash flow.
Here’s the truth
Profit is what you earn on paper. It’s the difference between your revenue and expenses, often shown in your financial statements. Cash flow, on the other hand, is what you actually have available to spend. It’s the real-time movement of money in and out of your business.
When these two don’t align, even profitable businesses can find themselves struggling to pay bills, staff, or suppliers.
Why It Happens
Several common scenarios can cause this mismatch.
• You’re owed money: sales are up, but clients haven’t paid yet.
• You’ve stocked up: stock is sitting unsold, tying up cash.
• You’re growing fast: investments in equipment or staff are draining your reserves.
• You forgot the taxman: a big tax bill is looming, and the funds aren’t set aside.
Sound familiar?
What You Can Do
There are some practical steps to help you stay on top of your cash flow.
• Forecast your cash flow –know what’s coming in and going out over the next few months.
• Get paid faster – set clear payment terms, invoice promptly and follow up.
• Manage stock wisely – avoid over-ordering and keep inventory levels lean.
• Cut unnecessary costs – review your expenses regularly and trim where possible.
• Plan for taxes and repayments – set aside funds regularly to avoid nasty surprises.
At Wright Vigar, we help local businesses turn confusion into clarity. Whether you’re growing rapidly or just trying to stay afloat, we’ll help you understand where your money is going and how to keep more of it in your pocket.
Call Wright Vigar on 01522 531 241. Email jo.richardson@wrightvigar.co.uk
Guide for four legged friends
WHEN Adrian Peill wanted a project to help him recover from illness he ended up creating a book for the dog lovers of Lincoln
He had been looking after his daughter’s dog for 12 months while she was in a flat and could not have him at home.
“Bertie was a very energetic and bouncy Cockapoo puppy who needed regular long walks, so I took him out most days for lengthy outings in the Lincoln area, looking for places to explore, away from traffc and where he could have fun with other dogs,” explained Adrian.
“Over that year we found many places that were new to me and also rediscovered walks that I had previously taken as part of our U3a rambling program, always with a view to finding woods, open spaces or waterside. We didn’t want to go out of the city, but we didn’t want to be too aware of it at the same time.”
Then Adrian decided to paint pictures of the walks and catalogue them: “So I started painting and the idea of ‘Lincoln for Dogs’ took shape. I found 14 different areas, fairly evenly spread across the city, varying very much in size and character.“Some were places where dog lovers would let them run free so they could chase each other and have
lots of wonderful play, while others were more formal and the best we could hope for would be lots of sniffng and the inevitable circular dance where leads got so tangled that we would have to call a halt and sort ourselves out.
“Some places are a real wilderness with peace and birdsong and it is genuinely hard to believe that the city’s buildings and bustle are all around us.
“I painted all these places using Google Earth so I could see them from above and at an angle and letting me see more clearly how each fitted into the cityscape. This process revealed new ways into and out of them and how sometimes, I could join them together to create variety and longer walks when I wanted them.
“Having got this far with my project the inevitable next step was to get them printed so that I could see how they looked, organised and bound together and I must say I was thrilled with how they turned out.”
Lincoln for Dogs is available at £8.50 from Lindum Books on Bailgate.
One of the last LHS photos
PETER HARROD delves into the Garton Archive to explore the pictorial past of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School and its predecessors.
I WONDER how many readers have a nostalgic photo similar to this one tucked away in a drawer somewhere?
It was taken in the grounds of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School (LHS) in 1973, and is one of the last taken at the school before it closed in July 1974 and merged with Lincoln School and the two St Giles secondary schools to form Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School on the Wragby Road site. It was sent to me by Alison Smith (m. Taylor) who could not attend the commemoration of the closure of LHS last year and wanted to
share this picture of her class. Alison is second from the left on the top row, and also in the photo are Fiona Hill, Pat
Carolyn Middleton, Adele Kirk, Julie Harding and Elaine Roberts. Their class teacher, seated in the centre of the front row, is Miss Smith who taught English.
Alison has fond memories of her time at LHS where her closest friends were Fiona Hill and Suzanne Lubenko.
Discover almost
English was one of her favourite subjects and she wrote with fondness of one of the most popular teachers, Mr Cowling, who apparently had a good line in Olde English and nursed them through Chaucer’s Pardoner’s Tale for ‘O’ Level English Literature.
I recall from my studies at Lincoln School some 20 years earlier that it was a tale of gambling, gluttony, blasphemy and drunkenness!
She wrote that she also enjoyed taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which gave her the knowledge and skills needed for working with cubs in later life and for preparing youngsters for their own Department of Education awards during her subsequent teaching career.
One of the outstanding features of LHS was its range and quality of extra-curricular activities.
city’s Guildhall. tour of the Guildhall.
2,000 years Discover almost 2,000 years of Lincoln’s rich history on a of Lincoln’s rich on a tour of the
吀is fascinating building sits above the Stonebow, which itself was built over the southern gate into Roman Lincoln so it has been welcoming people into the ci琀 for 1800 years.
吀e current building was 昀nished in 1520 and is the o昀icial home of the Mayor of Lincoln – a position 昀rst established in 1206.
Knowledgeable tour guides will highlight the building’s national importance as they take visitors into main council chamber, where Ci琀 of Lincoln Council still meets.
Vellum documents predating the Magna Carta, the sword given to the ci琀 by King Richard II; an impressive range of civic insignia and items representing the ci琀’s military, industrial and aviation heritage are just some of the artefacts waiting to be discovered.
After LHS closed down, Alison went from the 5th Form to the 6th Form at the newly formed LCHS where the LHS girls joined other students from Lincoln School and the two St Giles Secondary Schools.
It was a time of uncertainty and upheaval for many of the students and the girls seemed to suffer more than the boys as the Lincoln School students had the advantage of being in the same school building.
However, Alison seemed to have made the most of the new challenges and one of her favourite memories of the new school is of a week’s Geography trip to Whitby, and she still enjoys visiting the resort for holidays.
Alison had always enjoyed the sciences, which she studied at ‘A’ level at LCHS and then gained a place at Aberdeen University where she read Biology.
After graduating, she taught Biology and Chemistry for 33 years and retired a few years ago from the position of Deputy Head (Depute in Scotland) of Oldmachar Academy, which is a fully comprehensive school in Bridge of Don, a suburb in the north of Aberdeen.
Valadares,
Music and mayhem at Bandstand
In this month’s article from The Survey of Lincoln, ANDREW WALKER returns to the Arboretum and examines one of its eye(and sometimes ear-) catching features.
MUSIC-making was a regular feature of the Arboretum when it opened in 1872.
Perhaps surprisingly, though, initially, the grounds had no permanent bandstand.
The Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, was a friendly society with a significant presence in Lincoln. Its lodges’ brass bands had played regularly there. In 1884, somewhat dissatisfied with the temporary structures used for musicians, the Oddfellows decided to donate a bandstand to the Arboretum.
The bandstand design was approved in June 1884 and the structure was ordered and installed two months later.
It was manufactured by cast-iron founders George Smith and Company of Glasgow. The company developed an excellent reputation for its production of gates, railings, bandstands and ornamental fountains.
The Oddfellows contributed £175 and in order to recognise this, the names of contributing lodges of the friendly society were inscribed into the base of the bandstand.
High Street, and along Silver Street, then Monks Road, each headed by ‘a handsome banner and metal regalia’.
From the outset, the bandstand received much use, with brass band contests taking place regularly and sometimes attracting very large crowds.
A further £100 was donated by the Corporation which was used to cover the costs of the installation of the structure.
As part of the design, a wooden ceiling was inserted to prevent the absorption of sound into the roof. It was also agreed to surround the ten-sided bandstand with kerbing, railing and a bed of flowers in order to protect it from what was described in one report as ‘the youth of this town’.
The new bandstand was officially unveiled by the mayor, F.J. Clarke, famed for his lucrative ‘Blood Mixture’ remedy. He had previously funded the Arboretum’s lion statue.
Some 10,000 people entered the Arboretum on the day of the bandstand’s opening to hear the inaugural band contest and to view the accompanying fireworks.
The Lincolnshire Chronicle’s report of the opening ceremony on 26 August 1884 described the procession of the city’s nine Oddfellows’ friendly society lodges, processing from the Great Northern railway station up the
According to the Lincolnshire Chronicle on 16 August 1887, one Arboretum band contest achieved some notoriety. In front of several thousand audience members, the decision of the judge, Mr Dowdall, a Manchester bandmaster was regarded as ‘most unsatisfactory’ and was received with hoots, particularly by members of one of the bands. An attempt was made to mob him. Dowdall was escorted by police to a cab and he hastily departed to catch a train.
During the summer months, by the 1930s, Sunday concert programmes were organised in alternate weeks in the Arboretum and Boultham Park with several city bands playing. These included Ruston’s Prize Silver Band, the Lincoln City Brass Band and the Lincoln Malleable Prize Silver Band.
By the 1990s, the bandstand was in poor repair and relatively little used. In 1993, it was suggested that it should be relocated to The Lawn, although, perhaps fortunately, no such move took place.
As part of the Arboretum restoration in 2002-3, largely funded by the National Lottery, the bandstand’s original paintwork was analysed.
A vivid array of reds, golds, purples, and pinks were uncovered that were used to inform the bandstand’s painstaking redecoration when the structure was restored by Eura Conservation Ltd. The Grade II listed bandstand continues to be greatly enjoyed over 140 years after its construction.
To discover more about The Survey of Lincoln, and its recent book, Learning in Lincoln, see: www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk.
Glorious Guildhall
FOR RICHARD STOREY his role as Lincoln’s Mayor’s Officer is more than just a job – he has an encyclopaedic interest and knowledge of the city’s history, especially when it comes to his beloved workplace, the Guildhall and Stonebow.
He can give you chapter and verse about the building, its history and the characters that have battled for and against its creation and development, so the Independent asked him to do just that in a series of articles.
I SUSPECT that when someone asks to be directed to ‘historic Lincoln’ most people would point uphill.
That’s perfectly understandable when a Norman castle and cathedral dominate the skyline. But it is at the bottom of the hill where we find the story of Lincoln’s administration and its citizens - around the site of the south gate of the Roman Colonia, and in an iconic building that hundreds of thousands of people pass under each year – the Guildhall.
Lincoln’s council has met in the rooms above the Stonebow (from the Danish word stennibogi) for over 788 years. The site and gateway at that time were granted to the mayor and common council by King Henry III in 1237 following his request to assign the original guildhall in the southeast corner of the walled city to the order of Grey Friars. City of Lincoln Council still holds meetings there today.
We’ll follow the centuries-old story of the Guildhall in a later edition, but first we need to look at how the city around it evolved and its importance to the history of England.
Around the middle of the first century AD, the ninth legion Hispania settled on top of the steep limestone ridge to build their legionary fortress.
From this commanding position overlooking the Brayford pool and the river Witham, Lindum was Roman Britain’s most northerly defensive settlement until York was founded. Around the year 85 AD Emperor Domitian classified Lindum as a Colonia, a settlement for retired soldiers, one of only four known to exist in Roman Britain. The status of Lindum Colonia changed from a defensive settlement into the beginnings of a town.
It is the surviving infrastructure from this time that helped Lincoln to be an important centre of commerce for centuries to come.
The following 500 years of occupation provide Lincoln with a colourful story. It is an important settlement in the Saxon period, we know the royally appointed reeve Bloeca and others converted to the Christian faith during a visit of Bishop Paulinus from York in the year 627 AD.
Vikings occupied Lincoln from the end of the 9th century where it becomes one of the Five Boroughs of the Danelaw using the surviving Roman features of the port, canal and walled city to become a significant trading centre - at one time more coins are being minted in Lincoln than in York.
This pattern of trade continues through into the Norman period where we can see Lincoln as one of the most important cities in England, illustrated by the decision of William the Conqueror to establish a castle at Lincoln and to remove the bishop’s seat from Dorchester on Thames to Lincoln and establish a cathedral here.
But while these city status symbols adorned uphill, the nitty gritty of running a burgeoning town was conducted at the bottom of the slope where the seat of a preeminent and pioneering form of governance began to take shape.
See July’s edition to find out more.
Readers who can’t wait until the next issue can take their own tour of the Guildhall - see page 12 for details.
Ever so sensible fundraising choice
FOUR pubs in the Lincoln area have played their part in raising enough money to fund four rescue missions by the ambucopter.
The Ever So Sensible Group has raised more than £16,000 for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) - the pub business owns Lincoln’s The Duke William, Horse and Groom and Royal William IV in the city as well as The Ferry Boat in Washingborough.
Fundraising highlights included The Heliburger, a specially created dish, and Helihopter Beer, brewed in collaboration with LNAA by Docks Beers.
“Every burger ordered, pint poured and raffle ticket entered has contributed to this outstanding total. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who supported these efforts — from our passionate team members to our loyal guests,” said Commercial Director James Cann.
“At Ever So Sensible, we believe in doing business the right way, and that means giving back to the communities we call home. Thank you for standing with us, and with the incredible crews at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.”
Joe Harper, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, added: “This donation will make a real and immediate impact.
“Every mission we respond to, whether by helicopter or critical care car, is funded entirely by public support so initiatives like these are absolutely vital to our ability to save lives across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.”
Picture shows Ever So Sensible Group representatives presenting the funds to LNAA at its headquarters at Waddington.
Restaurant’s £100,000 refurbishment
THE Old Bakery will unveil a new look when it reopens on June 21 after undergoing a £100,000 refurbishment.
Director of Business Development & Partnerships at Lincoln College, Mark Taylor, explained: “We are really excited to be unveiling a new look for The Old Bakery following this refurbishment. The restaurant is a cornerstone of our employer-led operations here at Lincoln College.”
The transformation will see the currently unused entrance space turned into a bar and lounge area, serving up bar snacks, small plates, craft beers and cocktails for more casual dining. The remodeling will also open the chef’s room, creating an atmospheric, intimate space.
Mark continues: “A finishing school for our advanced catering and front-of-house students, the restaurant gives them the industry experience they need to launch their careers.
We are also proud that it remains the only notfor-profit venue of its kind in the region.
“We hope that our refreshed look and muchneeded restoration gives both our loyal
customers and new visitors a compelling reason to come along and enjoy our warm surroundings and delicious Lincolnshireinspired seasonal menu’
The improvements are funded by the Towns Fund, a government scheme that aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth.
Diners wanting to try The Old Bakery’s bespoke menu can enjoy a pop-up experience at the College’s Sessions Restaurant until Tuesday, June 10. To make a booking call 01522 876343 or email theoldbakeryenquiries@lincolncollege.ac.uk
LAURA STRATFORD CO-ORDINATOR
GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD PARTNERSHIP
Grain Truth Bakery
I DON’T normally cry when I’m in a cafe. Last week, poring over a report on my laptop, I angled myself away from other customers as tears dripped quietly onto the table.
The Cost of Hunger & Hardship report produced by the Trussell Trust - the UK’s biggest network of foodbanks (including five in Lincoln) - is long and detailed at 142 pages.
It looks at the impacts of having very low resources, and articulates qualitative data from workshops, interviews and focus groups with quantitative data to calculate the monetary cost of hardship to the economy, the public purse and public services: £75.6 billion.
Hardship touches practically everythinghealth, education, work, housing, communities, relationships, wellbeing.
Oftentimes hidden from view, the impacts of hardship compile and multiply to decimate lives. I’m talking about people who live here in our city: our neighbours. The Cost of Hunger and Hardship recommends policies to “increase people’s income; reduce housing costs; provide more support for children and people with caring responsibilities; and support decent, secure, rewarding work.”
It’s a hard read. Do it anyway, without mascara.
Another recent report addresses overlapping issues but offers contrasting recommendations.
Low Hanging Fruit from the Food Foundation focuses its attention on improving diets:
“At present, people on low incomes are priced out of eating healthily and sustainably. The most deprived fifth of the population would need to spend 45% of their disposable income on food to afford the government recommended healthy
Hunger, hardship and low hanging fruit
diet, rising to 70% for those households with children.”
Designed to feed into the government’s Food Strategy, it proposes “pragmatic and easily implementable” policy recommendations to address dietary health, with benefits to sustainable farming and food security.
Recommendations include: “to expand eligibility, improve uptake, and increase the value of Healthy Start payments” (vouchers to families on low incomes for fruit, veg and pulses).
Half of its recommendations (e.g. on public procurement, advertising and reporting) are geared towards making healthy food more attractive and accessible. That could help to prevent ill health and low energy from poor diets from compounding other impacts of hardship.
Other recommendations address sustainable healthy food production - and let’s be clear: the food shocks and shortages that are likely to accompany climate change will hit the poorest first and hardest.
Hunger and dietary ill-health (including overweight) are frequently aspects of the same problem: inadequate diets caused by low resources. In 2025, it is relatively cheap and convenient for most people in the UK to meet their calorific needs (a white loaf from Lidl is 34p), but it’s far more costly, time-consuming and difficult to access an appetising, varied diet. Those on low resources are also more likely to be contending with ill-health or disability, poor housing, limited transport, caring responsibilities, etc.
Both sets of responses are urgently needed. We wait to see how the government will respond.
https://www.trussell.org.uk/news-andresearch/publications/report/cost-ofhunger-and-hardship-final-report https://foodfoundation.org.uk/publicati on/low-hanging-fruit-policy-pathwayboosting-uptake-plant-rich-diets
Movie star wine on soap star money
You may not have First Growth money lying around (few of us do!) but with a bit of insider savvy, you can still drink like you’re on the VIP list at the latest Bond movie launch.
Welcome to the world of Bordeaux’s second and third wines, where the glitz and glamour of the region’s most prestigious châteaux come at more forgiving prices.
Take Margaux du Château Margaux, the graceful third wine from one of Bordeaux’s most revered estates.
While the Grand Vin is reserved for the finest parcels and oldest vines, second and third wines offer a more accessible expression of the château’s signature elegance.
In exceptional vintages such as 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018 & 2020 the fruit that doesn’t make the final cut can still be of extraordinary quality, often on par with what would’ve gone into the Premier Grand Cru Classe wine in a more modest year, costing ten times the price. These wines come from the same vineyards, under the same expert
Cheese
team but often from younger vines. They’re not limited to Margaux, standout names include Anseillan (Lafite Rothschild), La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion (Haut-Brion) & Pauillac de Latour (Latour). While second and third wines are generally crafted for earlier drinking, those with a strong Cabernet Sauvignon backbone, particularly from Left Bank châteaux can age beautifully. In great vintages, they’ll comfortably develop over 25 years or more, offering structure, finesse, and the unmistakable imprint of a world-class estate. So next time you're browsing the Bordeaux shelf ogling the headliners, don’t miss the supporting cast putting in award-worthy performances, and in the right vintage, they might just steal the show.
Francesco Canni - Aspiring Sommelier
A FIERY and vibrant cheese that combines the creamy richness of a traditional English cheese with a bold kick of chilli. The marbled pattern of red and orange
Key Facts
Age 6 - 8 weeks
Country England
Milk Type Cows
Vegetarian Yes
Chilli Marble
creates a striking visual, while the heat from the chilli adds a mouth-watering punch. Pair it with a crisp apple and a dollop of chutney for a balance of spice and sweetness that will leave you craving more.
Chilli Marble offers a creamy, full-bodied texture with a gentle but noticeable heat from the chilli running through every bite. The rich, milky flavour of the cheese is perfectly complemented by the spicy kick, making it ideal for those who love a bit of heat with their cheese.
High Weald Dairy, located in the heart of the Sussex countryside, is renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition. Their expert cheesemakers craft each batch with care, using the finest locally sourced ingredients to produce cheeses that are both innovative and delicious.
Process Pasteurised
Region Weald of Sussex
Strength Medium
Style Semi-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
Wednesday 4 June
6.30pm
Wednesday 4 June
7.30pm
Thursday 5 June
7.30pm
Friday
6 June –Saturday
7 June
Various times
Thurs 26 June 7:30pm BOOK
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Butterfly Club
Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and their carers.
£5, carer FREE
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Irish Annie’s
£30
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Patrick Monahan: The Talkinator
£18, conc. £15, student £13
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Nickelodeon’s The Spongebob Musical
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and is about to soak up all the spotlights in Lincoln?
£8, conc. £5 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
Friday 6 June 7pm
Friday
6 June
7.30pm
Friday
6 June
7pm
Saturday
7 June
7.30pm
Saturday 7 June 7.30pm
Sunday 8 June 7.30pm
Thursday 12 June –Saturday 21 June
Various times
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Special Kinda Madness
£18, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Celine: My Heart Will Go On £29
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
LAODS - Cats the Musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lincolnshire Amateur Operatirc and Dramatic Society bring’s the musical to the city.
£25
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
Thursday 12 June 8pm
Friday 13 June 4.45pm
Friday 13 June 6pm
Friday 13 June 6.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN An Evening with Sir Ian Botham
From £38
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Fabulous music, a pizza, and a glass of wine or two.
£8 on-the-door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
LINCOLN CASTLE
The Stranglers with The Buzzcocks
From £53.20
www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
ALL SAINTS CHURCH, NETTLEHAM Simcha
Saturday 14 June 6pm
Saturday 14 June
7.30pm
LINCOLN CASTLE James
From £61.60
www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Herring Comedy Club
Peter Brush, Becky Umbers, Abi Carter Simpson, MC Carl Jones. £16.50, 18+
Lincoln’s Klezmer Band , playing music and songs from pre-WWII East European Jewish communities.
£10 from The Community Hub, Troika or on the door
T 07926 171945 or 01522 834373
Friday 13 June 7pm
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY A Streetcar Named Desire
Filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014. £12, BBFC certificate 15 www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0300 400 0101
INEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
The McCartney Songbook
£30
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Queen of the Night –
Whitney Houston Tribute
From £20, 14+ onlywww.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
The Manfreds Ltd
£30.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Limehouse Lizzy
£22, 14+
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
Saturday 14 June 7.30pm
LINCOLNDRILL.CO.UK
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN Fini Bearman/Tom Cawley Quartet
Fresh from touring Fini Bearman’s fifth album Last Night of The World.
£18, members £15, u18s £8 www.jazzpac.co.uk T 01522 529717
Sunday 15 June 6pm
Sunday 15 June 7pm
Monday 16 June 7.30pm
LINCOLN CASTLE Texas
From £61.60 www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Katherine Ryan: Battleaxe £27.50, 16+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
ST. MARY’S GUILDHALL, 385 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN LN5 7SF Guild Session #64
Another secret line-up for two concerts with local and national acoustic performers. £5 on-the-door, cash only www.facebook.com/TheGuildSessions T 07944 907051
Thursday 15 May 6pm
Thursday 19 June 7pm
LINCOLN CASTLE Rag’n’Bone Man
From £72.80 www.lincolncastle.com 01522 782019
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation £30, 14+ www.engineshed.co.uk
Thursday 19 June –Friday 7.30pm 20 June
Saturday 7.30pm 21 June
2pm & 6.30pm
Friday 20 June 6pm
Saturday 21 June
2.30pm, 6.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Sleeping Beauty – RARE Productions
Follow this musical version as the prince overcomes his hazardous journey to awaken the princess. Will true love's kiss awaken the princess, and will the kingdom be saved?
From £17
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN CASTLE
Sugababes
From £49.30 www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM
Dancing Through the Decades
£13.20, child £11, senior £11 www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
LINCOLN CASTLE
Saturday 21 June 6pm
Saturday 21 June
7.30pm
Sunday
22 June 1pm – 2.30pm
UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell
From £50.40 www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY UK Foo Fighters
£20, 14+
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN Ben Atkinson Lunchtime Concert
Singer-songwriter shares music of rural America.
£10 - £12
www.lawnlincoln.com
T 01522 523548
Tuesday 24 June 6pm
LINCOLN CASTLE Sting
From £95.20 www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
Wednesday 25 June 6pm
Wednesday 25 June 7pm
Thursday 26 June 7.30pm
Friday 27 June 4.45pm
LINCOLN CASTLE
Olly Murs
From £55.45
www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Jam Night
Sharpen your performing skills and make industry contacts. All ages, genres, abilities welcome.
FREE
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Have we met yet? By Simon Evans
£20
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz Fabulous music, a pizza, and a glass of wine or two.
£8 on-the-door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
LINCOLN CASTLE
Friday 27 June 6pm
Friday 27 June 7pm
Friday 27 June
7.30pm
Saturday 28 June
Various times
Saturday 28 June 6pm
Saturday 28 June 7pm
Saturday 28 June 7.30pm
Sunday 29 June 3pm
Wednesday 2 July 6.30pm
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Club Classics
£25, 18+ www.engineshed.co.uk
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY No Loose Ends
Original play by Tobias Nicholls. £12 - £13 www.broadbenttheatre.org
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Lincoln Symphony Orchestra
Summer Concert
£16, over 60 and u16s £14 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Butterfly Club
Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and their carers.
£5, carer FREE www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
The Human League
From £65.55
www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Pitbull UK: Don’t Stop the Party
£12.50, 14+
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
One Night in Dublin
£27.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Fantasy and Fairytales
£18.50, over 60s and u12s £15.50
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
01522 837600
LINCOLN CASTLE
Simple Minds
From £64.40
www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
Thursday 3 July 7pm
Friday 4 July 7pm
Friday 4 July 7.30pm
Friday 4 July 7.30pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Electric Six £20, 14+ www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS PIL: This is not… The Last Tour + The Jacques £35, 14+ www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Something about Lennon From £30
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LN3 5AW
STOP!... You’re Killing Me
A detective spoof. Meet Sam Sloan, Private Detective, as he tackles his most dangerous, most compelling, most gag-packed case yet.
£12 - £13
www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0300 400 0101
Friday 4 July 7.30pm
THE NAVE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalYolanDa Brown
Two sets with an interval.
See page 8. Friday £28
www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Saturday 5 July 7pm
Saturday 5 July 9pm –10.45pm
Sunday 6 July 10.30am –11.45am
Sunday 6 July 12.15pm –1pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Taylor Party with DJ Swiftie £15, 12+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
CHAPTER HOUSE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalSteely Jazz See page 8. Saturday evening ticket £32 www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
ST HUGH’S CHOIR, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalJazz Eucharist Service FREE
www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
CHAPTER HOUSE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalSt George’s Academy Session Band FREE
www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Sunday 6 July 1.30pm –2.45pm
Saturday 5 July
10.30am11.30am
Saturday 5 July 12pm –1.15pm
Saturday 5 July 2pm – 3.15pm
THE NAVE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalYolanDa’s Band Jam!
See page 8. Saturday day ticket £58 www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
DEAN’S GREEN, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalThe Heavy Beat Brass Band! FREE
www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
CHAPTER HOUSE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalLiane Carroll
See page 8. Saturday day ticket £58 www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Saturday 5 July 3.45pm – 5pm
CHAPTER HOUSE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalEdgar Macías Quintet plays Buena Vista Social Club
See page 8. Saturday day ticket £58 www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Saturday 5 July
5.15pm – 7pm
CATHEDRAL CAFÉ, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalDom Pipkin plays Jambalaya Jazz
Saturday day ticket £58 www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Saturday 5 July 7.15pm –8.30pm
Sunday 6 July 8.15pm
CHAPTER HOUSE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalTommy Smith & Peter Johnstone
Sunday afternoon ticket £32 www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Sunday 6 July 3.15pm –4.30pm
St George’s Academy Session Band
CHAPTER HOUSE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalMatt Ratcliffe’s Unity Quartet
Sunday afternoon ticket £32 www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Monday 7 July –Thursday 10 July Various times
Thursday 10 July 7.30pm
Friday 11 July 4.45pm
Friday 11 July 7.30pm
Friday 11 July 7.30pm
Saturday 12 July 4pm
CHAPTER HOUSE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalThe Dave O’Higgins Biggish Band Sunday evening ticket £32
www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM
NYT (Lincoln) Grease School Edition
£11 - £12.50
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN ELO Again £31.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz Fabulous music, a pizza, and a glass of wine or two. £8 on-the-door www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Absolute Britney £30
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LN3 5AW A Night at the Musicals
£12 - £13
www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0300 400 0101
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY 70s Day Party Comes to Lincoln
From £15, 25+
www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
THE NAVE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalSounds Easy Big Band
See page 8. Saturday evening ticket £32 www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Sunday 6 July 6.15pm –7.30pm
CHAPTER HOUSE, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Lincoln Jazz FestivalElectric Gumbo
Sunday evening ticket £32
www.lincolncathedral.com/lincolnjazz-festival
Saturday 12 July 6pm
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Indiepalooza Festival –Kopykat Killers v Scam Fender v Subarctic Monkeys £30, 14+
www.engineshed.co.uk
Throughout June
Anytime - art in gallery windows
Mondays 7pm
Mondays & Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm
DECIMAL PLACE, 10 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN LN1 3LB
Exhibition - Ron Throop
FREE
See page 29
STAGS HEAD, NEWPORT, LINCOLN Lincoln IMProv Club
For improvisers of all levels and abilities. Drama games, short and long-form improv. FREE www.facebook.com/LincolnImprov Club
THE CARDINAL’S HAT, LINCOLN Draw & Drink Portrait Classes
Led by Ellie Benton. Bring your own materials. £15
www.instagram.com/drawanddrink. lincoln T 07810 835147
Second Tuesday of the month 12pm – 2pm
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
SUDBROOKE DRIVE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Ermine Makers
Work on your own projects, have a go at something new. Bring your own craft materials. FREE
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOORLAND AVENUE, LN6 7JJ
Moorland Makers
Work on your own projects, have a go at something new. Bring your own craft materials. FREE
USHER GALLERY
First Wednesday of the month 5pm – 7pm
Thursdays 10am –12.30pm
Thursdays 2pm – 3pm
Artist Network
Meet and catch up with other artists and creatives.
www.lincolnmuseum.com
T 01522 782040
THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIGG LANE, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND, LN5 9HP
Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group
New members of any ability welcome.
T 01522 810739
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Craft Club
Relax, socialise and share your story through your craft 16+. FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/ lincoln-central-library
T 01522 782010
USHER GALLERY
Until Sunday 29 June 10am – 4pm
Art for the People
New work produced in response to the gallery’s archive by artists undertaking the University of Lincoln’s MA Fine Art. FREE
www.lincolnmuseum.com
T 01522 782040
Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays
Until 31 August 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 3 June –Sunday 15 June (closed Monday) 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 3 June –Sunday 8 June 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 4 June 10am - 4pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Horizons - Interpreted Landscapes
A joint exhibition of painting by Sally Kheng, Rachel Porter and Rachel Rogers FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Where is my body?
Interactive video installation by Dr Lorna Moore. FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Embroidered Crazy Patchwork Cuff Workshop with Alex Hall. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Friday 6 June 4pm
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Print Club
Monthly craft club exploring print making techniques. Materials provided. £10, u16 £7 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
Tuesday 10 June 6.45pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing
A different theme every month with music playing and a fully stocked bar. £9, conc. £7
www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
Thursday 12 June 2pm – 4pm
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL, BAILGATE, LINCOLN, LN1 3AR Lincoln Flower Club
Marie Bradley arranges flowers with the theme ‘From India with Love’. All arrangements raffled. £10, annual membership £50 pennyjfoster@yahoo.co.uk
LINCOLN COUNTY ASSEMBLY ROOMS
Thursday 12 June 7pm
Saturday 7 June 10am - 4pm
Saturday 7 June 7.30pm
THE MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE Lincoln: Then & Now
A photographic exhibition showcasing the similarities and differences of Lincoln’s rich past, including original artefacts and a short film from the Lincolnshire Film Archive FREE, apart from event days www.lincolnmuseum.com
T 01522 782040
An Evening of High Victorian Fantasy, ScienceFiction and Steampunk Authors of The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands and High Vaultage. Tickets £7 www.ticketsource.co.uk/lindumbooks T 01522 262374
Friday 13 June 4pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY Coral Reef Felted Picture Workshop with Eve Marshall. £85, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL London Concertante: Four Seasons & Lark Ascending Bathe in soaring crescendos and melodic strings as the live ensemble conjures Vivaldi. £21 - £46
www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Monday 9 June –Sunday 15 June 10am – 4pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: John Sketchley FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatstmar tins T 07720 810468
Friday 13 June 7.30pm
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Zine Club
Monthly craft club zine making. Materials provided. £6, u16 £4 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM Film: Taste of Fear (UK 1961. 12)
Suspense thriller. that references such genre classics as Psycho and Les Diaboliques. Season ticket holders only, www.lincolnfilmsociety.com T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)
Saturday 14 June –Sunday 29 June 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm Sundays)
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Landscapes of Life Paintings by Donna Maria Taylor and Karen Winship. FREE
info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537
Saturday 14 June 7.30pm –10pm
Saturday 14 June 7.30pm
DECIMAL PLACE, 10 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3LB Weird Garden Sounds and art by Bias Equaliser, Charlotte Keeffe, and KevO. FREE pkrollings@yahoo.co.uk
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Sing It Loud at Lincoln Cathedral
Join the massed choirs of Sing It Loud Lincs for an evening of acapella singing, beautiful harmonies, and community celebration. From £9.38 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Sunday 15 June 10am - 4pm
Monday 16 June –Sunday
29 June 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 17 June –Sunday
22 June (closed Mondays) 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 18 June 10am - 1pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Urban Sketching of Lincoln Street Life Workshop with Karin Christensen. £80, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: The Nadin Group FREE www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Cityscapes
A group exhibition from Karin Christensen, Fiona Hodges, Dehlia Barnard-Edmunds, Mel Langton, Alan Drury, Eve Marshall, DJ Gouldsbrough and Ruth Hudson. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Learn Digital Sketching Draw your own home or favourite building with Mel Langton. £45, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Thursday 19 June 12pm – 4pm
Friday 20 June 10am - 3pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Make a Silver Wrap and Ball Ring Workshop with Sally Kheng. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
NDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Make a Silver Graffiti Pendant Workshop with Sally Kheng. £85, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Tuesday 24 June –Sunday 29 June (closed Mondays) 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 24 June 6.45pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Art Trail and Open Studios Exhibition
Exhibition of work by artists taking part. Visit website for trail map. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing
A different theme every month with music playing and a fully stocked bar. £9, conc. £7
www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
Wednesday 25 June 10am - 1pm
Friday 27 June 4pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Make a Folk Art Needlecase
First steps in hand embroidery and applique workshop with Alex Hall. £45, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE Fibre Club
Monthly textile club including knitting, crochet and needle felting. Materials provided. £10, u16 £7 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
Sunday 29 June 10am - 12pm
Tuesday 1 July –Sunday 6 July (closed Mondays) 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 1 July –Tuesday 5 August 10am12.30pm
Saturday 5 JulyMonday 27 July 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm Sundays)
Tuesday 8 July –Sunday 20 July (closed Mondays) 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 8 July 6.45pm
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Willow Dragonflies
Aimed at adult beginners, weave your own dragonfly sculpture. All materials provided. £30, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Fusion Group exhibition by the Deepford Artists Group based in south Lincolnshire. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Learn Art of Watercolour Six-week watercolour painting course with Sally Kheng. Workshop once a week for 6 weeks. £180, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Sunrise, Sunset: Colours of Lincolnshire A solo show by Adele Billinghay. FREE info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Spirals of Time Joint exhibition by Carrie Kendra and Lucy McElroy. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing
A different theme every month with music playing and a fully stocked bar.
£9, conc. £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
Wednesday 9 July 10am - 1pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Ceramic Hand Building Workshop with Raku Firing with Carrie Kendra. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Saturday 12 July 10.30am –3.30pm
Friday 27 June 7.30pm
Friday 20 June 4pm
Saturday 21 June 7pm
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE Clay Club
Monthly ceramics class. Materials and firing costs included. £10, u16 £7 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Midsummer Prom
An evening of music on the summer solstice. From £10.78 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Saturday 28 June –Sunday 29 June 11am – 4pm
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM Film: Charade (USA 1964. PG)
Often called the best Hitchcock movie Hitchcock never made. Season ticket holders only, see website www.lincolnfilmsociety.com T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)
NORTON DISNEY VILLAGE HALL, LN6 9JU Art Exhibition
Exhibition and sale of paintings by members of Withamside Heritage Art Club. Refreshments available. £1, u15s FREE
Sunday 13 July 10am - 4pm
Friday 18 July 1pm - 2.30pm
LINCOLN CASTLE HERITAGE SKILLS CENTRE
Make a Hatching Dragon Clay sculpture workshop with Fiona Hodges. £80, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Learn to Create Portraits in Graphite Workshop with Lucy McElroy. £85, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
BOULTHAM PARK Willow Seedhead Workshop
Aimed at adult beginners, weave your own seedhead sculpture. All materials provided. £30, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 7 June 9am – 11am
Wednesday 11 June 11am – 12pm
Mondays 10.30am
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Historic Graffiti Tours
Gain insight into the thousands of etchings found in the cathedral.
£7.50 + cathedral admission fee www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Wednesdays 4pm – 4.45pm
Second Wednesday every month 7.15pm
Lego Coding Club
Engage in STEM with Lego. FREE, booking essential via email lincoln_library@gll.org
T 01522 782010
BAILGATE METHODIST HALL, NEWPORT, LINCOLN Lincoln Minster Townswomen’s Guild Speakers or members’ nights for craftwork, games and conversation. Free for first two visits T 07794 862314 (Sarah)
Thursdays 11am – 12pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Family History Help
Use the resources available in the library’s archives and online databases. FREE, booking required www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/ lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Fridays 2pm – 3pm
Saturdays 10am
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Learn My Way
Join a basic IT beginner’s course, suitable for 16+.
FREE, booking required
CASTLE SQUARE
Lincoln Free Walking Tour
Lincoln is a small city with a big history and a great way of experiencing it is on foot.
FREE, booking required www.lincolnfreewalkingtour.co.uk
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
DODDINGTON HALL
Marvellous Moths
Guide Martin Gray reveals some of the moths that call Wilder Doddington home.
£30, booking essential, 16+ only www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales: Life and Care FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN
Wednesday 11 June 4pm
Wednesday 11 June 6.30pm - 8pm
Postgraduate Open Day
Get a feel for what it’s like to study in Lincoln. FREE, book online
www.lincoln.ac.uk
T 01522 882000
WATERSTONES, LINCOLN
An Evening with Vanessa Santos
Celebrating a new horror story collection
Tickets from £5 www.waterstones.com
T 01522 540011
BOULTHAM PARK
Friday 13 June 10am12.30pm
Willow Edging Workshop
Aimed at adult beginners, all materials and equipment provided.
£30, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
T 01522 873735
Saturday 14 June 10am – 1pm
RISEHOLME COLLEGE Open Day
Learn how to kick-start your career.
Book online www.risholme.ac.uk T 01522 304600
Saturday 14 June 2pm
QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN, LN5 8EW Naming patterns
Lorraine Corbinzolu considers births in Lincolnshire, specifically looking at naming patterns to identify the father. Also online via Teams.
Donations of £1 welcome lincolnbranch@lincolnshirefhs.org.uk T 079412 45322 Tracey
Saturday 14 June 11am - 1pm
Tuesday 17 June 1.30pm - 3pm
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK History Walk
Learn the history of the park. FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Barrow to Baghdad and Back Again
A talk by Philip Caine to Lincoln Bailgate u3a.
£2 on-the-door www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
Wednesday 18 June 7.30pm
ST HUGH’S HALL, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN
Prehistoric Lincolnshire: Archaeology and Landscape
Saturday
LINCOLN
Nature
Photographer
Friday 20 June 11am – 12pm
Saturday 21 June 10am – 1pm
Presented by Dr Peter Chowne MBA FSA. In the 50 years since Jeffrey May completed his book Prehistoric Lincolnshire, several important prehistoric sites have been excavated, and extensive field surveys have been carried out.
£4, SLHA £3 www.slha.org.uk
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Sanctuary Stories: The Final Chapter of the Bransby Horses Journey FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
LINCOLN COLLEGE
Open Day
Get a feel for what it’s like to study in Lincoln. Book online www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
T 030 030 32435
Saturday 21 June 10am –4.30pm
ELLIOT ROOM, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY
The Making of the Lincolnshire Landscape
Full-day conference exploring the diversity of Lincolnshire’s landscape and the mprint of its human inhabitants. Book online www.slha.org.uk
Friday 6 June 11am – 12pm
On the Road to Rehoming Preparing for the perfect partnership and the next steps
FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
£30
Tuesday 24 June 7.15pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Indie Lincs Monthly Film ScreeningsIs Pay what you can www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
Wednesday 25 June 10am – 1pm
Wednesday 25 June 11am – 12pm
Thursday 26 June 6pm – 8pm
DODDINGTON HALL Wilder Minibus Safari
See the nature that is returning to Wilder Doddington. £40, booking essential, 16+ only www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales: Life and Care FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW
Wildflowers for all: June Third in a series of workshops by Libby John. Single session £20, conc. £17, student £10 www.lincstrust.org.uk
Friday 4 July –
Saturday 5 July 9am – 3pm
Friday 4 July 11am – 12pm
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN Undergraduate Open Day
Discover the facilities on the Brayford campus and get a taste of studying in Lincoln. FREE, book online www.lincoln.ac.uk
T 01522 882000
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
Meet the Stars Adventures, and daily life of Bransby’s Sponsorship Stars. FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Saturday 5 July 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 8 July 10am –12.30pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Clearwing Moth Identification Nature workshop aimed at adults. £30, conc. £25, student £20 www.lincstrust.org.uk
Until Friday
1 January 2027 9am – 12pm
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 10am – 2.30pm
Mondays 10.30am11.30am
HIGH STREET, LINCOLN Murder Mystery Experience
Explore Lincoln with mobile app as your guide. Trek through town, crack codes and clues to solve the mystery. From £15 per team, 2-6 players www.im-puzzled.co.uk T 077514 02047
WITHAM PARK, WATERSIDE SOUTH, LINCOLN, LN5 7JN Toy Library & Soft Play 0-5s play area with sensory room, picnic area, toy and soft play hire.
toylibrary@childrenslinks.org.uk T 01522 546215
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Messy Play
Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschool children.
FREE www.better.org.uk/library/linco lnshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Life Drawing at Southside see under Art and Culture.
Thursday 10 July 6.30pm –8.30pm
Saturday 12 July 1pm – 2pm
GIANT LINCOLN, DODDINGTON HALL Bike Maintenance Class
Aimed at beginner adults. £15, booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
LINCOLN CASTLE Lunchtime Talk: The Greatest Knight Early English Knighthood and William Marshall £5, booking essential www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
Sunday 13 July
7.30am/8.30am – 5.30pm
Sunday 13 July 11am - 1pm
GIANT LINCOLN, DODDINGTON HALL Tugby Challenge
Long distance cycling challenge. £38, booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK History Walk
Learn the history of the park. FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Wednesday 9 July 11am – 12pm
HALL Dragonfly Tour Fiona McKenna introduces Doddington’s resident dragonflies. £30
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales: Life and Care FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Tuesdays 9am – 3pm
Advice in the Community
Discuss your concerns and issues relating to benefit support, housing, and debt with an adviser from the Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey team. FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Tuesdays
Term time only 3pm – 4.30pm
ST FAITH’S CHURCH, CHARLES STREET WEST, LN1 1QP Stay Toasty
A warm, safe space for children, young people and families. Toast, toppings, drinks, activities and games available. FREE
www.stfaithslincoln.org.uk
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Wednesdays 10am – 11.30am
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Bible Study
Tuesday 15 July 1.30pm - 3pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Mental Health Challenges in Georgian Lincolnshire A talk by Nigel Horner to Lincoln Bailgate u3a. £2 on-the-door www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
Tuesday 19 August 1.30pm - 3pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Summer Social Learn about Lincoln Bailgate u3a and meet members. £2 on-the-door www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub
Social sessions for anyone who is near retirement to engage with others, catch up over a cuppa and try different activities each week. £3 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/ extratimehub
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Wednesdays 10.30am –11.30am
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Coffee Morning & Free4All
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, FREE SCHOOL LANE Story & Rhyme Time
Have fun listening to stories and singing rhymes. Suitable for 0 – 4-year-olds and their parents. FREE
Wednesdays 4.30pm – 6pm
ERMINE LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY HUB
Creative Kids Club
Mondays 2pm – 4pm
ST GILES JUBILEE HALLS, LINCOLN, LN2 4EH Cake, Cuppa and Crafts
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Community Larder Agency referral required.
Creative play, storytelling and art. For U11s and their families. FREE, no booking required www.rootedarts.org.uk
DODDINGTON
Wednesdays 6.30pm –9.30pm
Thursdays
10am – 11am & 11.30am –12.30pm
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ
Boys Brigade T 07702 382319 (Darran Coy)
TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN
TinyTalk Baby Signing
Help your child communicate before they can talk with baby signing classes. www.tinytalk.co.uk T 07928 945286 (Emmalee)
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Thursdays 10.30am –11.30am
Thursdays 10am – 1pm
Connect Over a Cuppa
Have a catch-up over a cuppa and a biscuit. (provided). FREE, donations welcome www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
THE SALTHOUSE, FREE SCHOOL LANE, LN2 1EY
Love Your Neighbour Café
Meet new people, share a cuppa and cake, and join in with fun activities. FREE www.stswithins.org
Fridays Term Time Only 10.30am –11.30am
Fridays 10am –11.30am
Fridays 10am – 12pm
Fridays 6pm – 8pm
Fridays 8pm – 9.30pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Sensory Baby Rhyme Time
Play session for babies and pre-walkers. FREE
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ
Community Larder Agency referral required.
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Coffee Morning & Free4All
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Beavers and Cubs
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Scouts
lyndsey.baggaley@lincoln scouts.org.uk T 07852 128508 (Lyndsey Metson)
First Saturday of the Month 9am – 3pm
CASTLE SQUARE, LINCOLN Lincoln Makers’ Market
Hosted by local artists and offering artwork, crafts, homeware and jewellery. FREE entry.
Saturdays 10am TOBY CARVERY, ST MARKS, LINCOLN Lincoln Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
For military veterans or those serving to meet for a breakfast and banter. www.afvbc.net
Until Monday 30 June 10am – 4pm
Wednesday 4 June 9am – 4pm
Friday 6 June –Sunday 15 June Various times
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW
30 Days Wild: Random Acts of Wildness Trail
Follow the trail to find cards that suggest ways to connect with nature. FREE www.lincstrust.org.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Arthur Swallow Antiques & Home Show
£5, u16s FREE www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
SOUTH COMMON, LINCOLN, LN5 8EW
Circus Extreme
Merging modern and contemporary circus styles with a live rock band.
From £11, u16s & concessions from £9 www.circusextreme.co.uk
Saturday 7 June –Sunday 8 June 9am -5.30pm
Saturday 7 June 10am - 10.45am
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE Artisan Market
Handmade gifts, cards, crafts, and more. Raising funds for St Barnabas.
FREE ENTRY
www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566
WATERSTONES, LINCOLN Young Reader's Book Club
Monthly children's book club.
FREE
www.waterstones.com/events/yo ung-readers-book-club/lincolnhigh-st-142524 T 01522 540011
Saturdays 7, 14, June
Sundays 8, 15 11.30am4.30pm
Saturday 7 June 2pm – 8pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL RSPB Peregrine Watchpoint
Members will be on the East Green with telescopes, binoculars and information on the cathedral’s resident breeding pair. Weather
THE VENUE, NAVENBY Navenby’s Big Weekender
Bands, food, drink, stalls, children’s entertainment at this fun-filled local festival. £5, child £3
www.ticketsource.co.uk/thevenuenavenby
GATE 3, LONG LEYS ALLOTMENTS
Sunday 8 June 10am
Saturdays 10am– 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Lego Club
A place for children to use their imagination with Lego. 4 years and over, plus parents. FREE
Saturdays 10am – 1pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Crafty Saturdays
Suitable for children of all ages. FREE
Saturday 7 June 10am – 1pm
THE FERRY BOAT INN, WASHINGBOROUGH, LN4 1AZ Farmers’ Market
Support businesses while picking up some fresh produce and handmade goods.
FREE
www.ferryboatwashingborough. co.uk
Sunday 8 June 10.30am12.30pm
Sow and Swap
Community gardening event. No experience necessary. FREE www.instagram.com/theplotters society
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bird Watching for All Join Lincoln Local RSPB members for a guided walk to discover the many species of birds which reside here throughout the year. FREE, children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Monday 9 June –Thursday 19 June 9am – 5pm
Tuesdays 10 & 24 June 1, 8, 15 July 11am
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Book Sale
Pick up a bargain and help support your local library. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Coffee & Care Morning + Bingo
A game of bingo, a hot drink and a natter hosted by the St Katherine’s Care team.. FREE, £4 for 3 games of bingo and the raffle www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
Thursday 12 June 2pm – 4pm
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL, LN1 3AR
Lincoln Flower Club
Marie Bradley arranges flowers with the theme ‘From India with Love’. All arrangements will be raffled at the end. £10, annual membership £50 pennyjfoster@yahoo.co.uk
WednesdayThursday 18-19June 8am - 6pm
Friday 20 June 10am to 11am
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND 140th Lincolnshire Show
County’s premier agricultural event and family day out. Adult £27.95,Child 5-16 £9.14, 5s free, family of 5, £65.10 wwwlincolnshireshowground.co.uk
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Toddler Time
Dress to get messy for seasonal activities for under 5s. Child £4 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 21 June –Sunday 22 June 9am -5.30pm
Saturday 21 June 9am – 3pm
Saturday 21 June 11am – 1pm
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE
Artisan Market
Handmade gifts, cards, crafts, and more. Raising funds for St Barnabas. FREE ENTRY
www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566
CASTLE SQUARE, LINCOLN Lincoln Farmers’ Market Browse fresh and local produce. FREE entry
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Lincoln Sustainable Fashion Forum – Adults Clothes Swap
Bring up to five preloved items of clothing, shoes or accessories to swap for newto-you pieces reducing textile waste.
FREE, more details online www.instagram.com/lincoln sustainablefashion
LINCOLN HIGH STREET
Saturday 28 June 10am
Armed Forces Day
First event of its kind involving all current and veteran members of armed forces since Covid pandemic hosted by Royal Britsh Legion. www.lincoln.gov.uk
Saturday 28 June 12pm - 3pm
Dragon Boat Race thrills come to Lincoln.
Saturday 28 June 3pm
Saturday 5 July 10am – 1pm
LINCOLN CITY SQUARE, LN5 7ET Armed Forces Day Fire and Rescue Band, historic military vehicles and charity stalls. Service at 2pm. FREE entry
Please note - if contact details are missing these are the same as the first listing.
Mondays 10am
Monday –Sunday Flexible times
ONE NK LEISURE CENTRE, NORTH HYKEHAM Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks. 01522 444632
ADRIAN DIXON FITNESS STUDIO, LINCOLN Reformer Pilates One to One
Improve posture, core strength and flexibility with personalised Reformer Pilates sessions. Adult £50 adriandixonfitness.com T 07940 400549
Saturday 5 July 10am – 3pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Armed Forces Day
Live music, food, drink and socialising.
£4.50 www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
THE FERRY BOAT INN, WASHINGBOROUGH, LN4 1AZ Farmers’ Market
Support local businesses while picking up some fresh produce and handmade goods. FREE www.ferryboatwashingborough.co.uk
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Summer Reading Challenge Launch Sign up at the library. FREE
WHISBY NATURE PARK
Mondays 10.30am
Mondays 12.45pm
Whisby Visually Impaired Walk Meet Natural World Centre. FREE
CLIFF HOUSE MEDICAL PRACTICE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN. Wellbeing Walk Walk to Castle Square for 1pm. FREE
Mondays 1pm BLACK BULL, WELTON. Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
Mondays first & third of the month 1.30pm
Mondays 10am –11.30am
Sunday 6 July 10.30am12.30pm
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bird Watching for All Join Lincoln Local RSPB members for a guided walk to discover the many specied that make the park their home throughout the year. FREE, children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 12 July –Sunday 13 July 10am – 5pm
Saturday 12 July from 11am
LINCOLN CASTLE Dog Friendly Days
Explore the castle with your four-legged friends. From FREE www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019
BRAYFORD WATERFRONT, LINCOLN Dragon Boat Race Festival Thrill of the races in Chinese long boats on the water with stalls, games and activities for the whole family on land. FREE to attend www.ringroselaw.co.uk/about/ lincoln-dragon-boat-race T 07984 570479 (Alex)
Saturday 12 July 1.30pm –3.30pm
Sunday 13 July 11am – 3pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Dragonfly Day Event Activities and crafts for families. FREE www.lincstrust.org.uk
MONKS ABBEY PLAY AREA, LN2 5JX East Alive: What’s Next at Monks Abbey Bowls Club
Creative community event with activities and performances. FREE
Mondays 4.30pm –5.30pm
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE Moorland Youth Dance Led by Amy O’Sullivan, expect a fun and energetic class suitable for ages 8 and up. FREE, young people must have consent to attend www.rootedarts.org.uk
Mondays 6.15pm –7.15pm
USHER GALLERY Yoga Hatha Flow With BWY Yoga Guide, Amanda Greenwood
£7, please bring your own mat and blanket www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
THE ARK, NORTH HYKEHAM Music For Memory
BRACEBRIDGE HEATH VILLAGE HALL, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub Multi-sport session aimed at helping people to stay fit and active in their retirement. Inclusive to all levels of fitness and skill. £2 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/ex tratimehub T 07843 841997
Mondays 4pm – 8pm
Singing group for people with memory problems accompanied by their carers. Free parking and refreshments included. Donation of £1.50 welcome lhoenes@virginmedia.com T 01522 262656 (Linda)
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, SUDBROOKE DRIVE, ERMINE, LN2 2EF Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone who is finding life difficult. FREE
nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Mondays 6.30pm –7.30pm
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Mind & Body Yoga
Start your week right with Emily for a 60-minute yoga class for the mind & body.. £8, book online www.emilywarrioryoga.com
Mondays 7pm – 8pm
BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH RockFit
Classes combining dance fitness, cardio and toning with metal and rock music. Suitable for all . £6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
Mondays Except Bank Holidays 7pm
Mondays 8pm – 11pm
LNER STADIUM, COMMUNITY HUB, SINCIL BANK, LINCOLN ANDYSMANCLUB
Talking group for men to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health through conversation. FREE www.andysmanclub.co.uk
BRIDGE CENTRAL, PORTLAND STREET Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone finding life difficult. FREE
nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
Tuesdays
10am –11.30am
Tuesdays 10.45am
SKELLINGTHORPE SCOUTS HUT, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub
Multi-sport session aimed at helping people to stay fit and active in their retirement. Inclusive to all levels of fitness and skill £2 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/extra timehub T 07305 095690
YARBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE, RISEHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3SP
Wellbeing Walk - Uphill Lincoln FREE www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks T 01522 444632
Tuesdays 1pm COMMUNITY HUB, EAST STREET, NETTLEHAM, LN2 2SL Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Second Tuesday of the month 2pm
Tuesdays 4pm – 8pm
Tuesdays throughout May 6pm
Wednesdays 1pm
Wednesdays 4pm – 11pm
First Wednesday of every Month 6.30pm – 8pm
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE, CASTLE SQUARE
The Historical Lincoln Wellbeing Walk
Will include key information on Lincoln’s ancient past. FREE
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LN2 4LH Night Light Café FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN Yoga with May
Whether you're looking to stay fit and well or just take some calming time for yourself. £8, payable at the class www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548
Tuesdays 7.30pm8.30pm
Wednesdays (2nd of every month) 10am
Wednesdays 10am –11.30am
DEAN’S LEISURE, LINCOLN COLLEGE Ultimate Frisbee
Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate
BOULTHAM PARK HOUSE CARE HOME, ROOKERY LANE, LINCOLN Boultham Sensory Stroll Meet at the back gate next to the park. FREE
TESCO EXTRA COMMUNITY ROOM, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sam Equipment provided. £7, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
Wednesdays 7pm
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Wellbeing Walk Meet outside Rangers’ office. FREE
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH Night Light Café FREE
nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Let’s Talk
Peer-to-peer support group for men and women age 18+ providing a safe place to talk. FREE, no booking required, just turn up www.lincolncityfoundation.com
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN RockFit
Classes combining dance fitness with metal and rock music. Suitable for all.
£6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
Thursdays 9am-10am
Thursdays 10am
Thursdays 10am
Thursdays (1st and 3rd of the month) 10am
Thursdays (1st and 3rd of the month) 10am
Thursdays 10am – 11am & 6pm – 7pm
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Dance Fit with Nick A fun fitness class for all ability levels.
£5, all proceeds go to Ovarian Cancer Action.
www.lawnlincoln.com
T 01522 523548
ROSIE LEA’S CAFÉ, CHERRY WILLINGHAM, LN3 4JL
Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
VILLAGE HALL, MERE ROAD, WADDINGTON, LN5 9NX Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
PENNELLS GARDEN CENTRE, SOUTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9NT Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
VILLAGE HALL, BRANSTON, LN4 1NS Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Men’s Walking Football For everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, and stay active. Sessions are coach-led.
£3, 18+ only www.lincolncityfoundation.com T 07305 095690
Thursdays Until 26 June 10.30am –1.30pm
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB, LN1 1UD
Woodland Wellbeing: Funded Forest Bathing Discover nature’s benefits in inclusive sessions. Minibus pickup 10.30am and return by 1.30pm.
FREE, booking required www.oldwoodorganic.org/book/ T 07999 857072
Thursdays 11am
Wednesdays 7pm – 8pm
LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Team Talk Football Opportunity for men to come together and have a kick about after work. No studded boots.
£3
www.lincolncityfoundation.com
Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD
Women’s Walking Football
For everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, and stay active. Sessions are coach-led.
£3, 18+ only
Wednesdays 8pm
BIRCHWOOD BOILER HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL
Hapkido
Korean martial art of selfdefence, fitness, relaxation, self-confidence, traditional teaching.
£5
www.birchwood-communityhall.co.uk
T 01522 730312
Thursday (1st of the month) 12pm
Thursdays 12pm – 1pm
COMMUNITY CENTRE CAR PARK, LINCOLN ROAD, SKELLINGTHORPE, Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks T 01522 444632
NETTLEHAM VILLAGE HALL, BROOKFIELD AVENUE, LN2 2SS Nettleham Sensory Stroll Suitable for all abilities. FREE
LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Team Talk Football
Opportunity for men to come together and have a kick about after work. No studded boots. £2, booking not required www.lincolncityfoundation.com
Thursdays 12.30pm –2pm
AGE UK, 36 PARK STREET, LINCOLN, Bring Me Sunshine Dementia-friendly singing group, full of fun, friendship and music! Cuppas and cakes included. £3.50, must be accompanied by a carer or loved one T 03455 564 144
Please note - contact details missing from well-being walks are the same as the first listed on page.
Thursdays - fourth of the month
1pm – 3pm
Thursdays - fourth of the month
2pm – 4pm
Thursdays 4pm – 11pm
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH Bailgate Buddies Dementia Café
A cuppa and company. Donations appreciated towards refreshments.
T 07825 855209 (Trisha)
COMMUNITY ROOM, TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN Lincoln Stroke Support Group
Support for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers.
T 07940 500540 (Jan) T 07796 103407 (Kathy) T 07889 968583 (Sue)
BREAKTHROUGH CENTRE, BOULTHAM PARK ROAD, LN6 7ST Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Thursdays 7.30pm –9pm
Fridays Until 29 August
8am – 9am
CUSTOM FITNESS GYM, DEAN ROAD, LINCOLN Hatha Yoga with Sam Easeful 90-minute class including breath practice and relaxation. Equipment provided.
£10, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simplybook.it
DODDINGTON HALL
Yoga on the Lawn Outdoor sessions suitable for all skill levels. Wear layers and bring yoga mat and blanket. £8
www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
Fridays 10am 12 MINT LANE, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Mint Lane Gardening Club
Help to renovate the Mint Lane garden, learn about and discuss permaculture . FREE mintlanecic@gmail.com
Fridays 10am –11.30am
Fridays 10.30am
THE YMCA SHOWROOM, TRITTON ROAD
Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sam Easeful 60-minute class including breath practice and relaxation. Equipment provided. £10, subsidised places available, booking essential www.peaceplacepeople.simplybook.it
WHISBY NATURE PARK Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks 01522 444632
Fridays 1pm LEISURE CENTRE, BIRCHWOOD Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Fridays 4pm – 8pm
Saturdays 9am
Saturdays 9am – 10am
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL
Bailgate Yoga Club
Gentle one-hour flow yoga class led by Elisabeth of Moksha Yoga. All levels welcome, mats available for use.
£8, Conc. £6.50, must book www.mokshalincoln.com
T 07493 387328
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Women’s Walking Football For everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, and stay active. Sessions are coach-led.
£3, 18+ only www.lincolncityfoundation.com T 07736 900343
Saturdays 10am
BIRCHWOOD BOILER HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL
Moving Meditation/Mindfulness Combines the benefits of yoga, Tai Chi, and Zen. £5, www.birchwood-communityhall.co.uk T 01522 730312
Saturdays 8pm – 11pm
THE SALTHOUSE, FREE SCHOOL LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Alternate Sundays 6pm – 9pm
ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, BRACEBRIDGE HEATH, LN4 2LD Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Mondays 2 June –16 June 11am – 3pm
OLD WOOD ORGANIC, OLD WOOD, SKELLINGTHORPE
Woodland Wellbeing: Gardening Volunteering No-dig growing, orchard care, and therapeutic horticulture. FREE, booking required www.oldwoodorganic.org/book/ T 07999 857072
Saturday 7 June 2pm - 4pm
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Climate Conversations with a Cuppa Safe, inclusive space to come together and explore feelings about the climate crisis. FREE earthlincs@gmail.com www.earthlincs.co.uk/about-2/
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Tuesday 10 June 12.30pm
The Mindful Mile
Join keen photographer Mike as you take a better look at the cathedral’s exterior carvings. Bring your binoculars if you have some! www.lincolncathedral.com
Wednesday 11 June 7pm
Wednesday 11 June 7pm –8.30pm
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LN3 5AW Defibrillator Training FREE www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101
ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Lincoln Action for Happiness Group
A friendly monthly group for adults who are looking to learn about the 10 Keys to Happier Living and connect with others.
FREE www.actionforhappiness.org/groups/li ncoln-0
Saturday 21 June 10am –12.30pm
Saturday 5 July 2pm - 4pm
Sundays 10am – 11am
THE ABORETUM, LINCOLN Ultimate Frisbee
Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate
Sundays 3.30pm – 5pm
ENERGIZE YOUTH CENTRE, LARCHWOOD CRES, BIRCHWOOD Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
CUSTOM FITNESS GYM, DEAN ROAD, LINCOLN Hatha Yoga with Sam Easeful 90-minute class including breath practice and relaxation. Equipment provided. £10, subsidised places available, booking essential www.peaceplacepeople simplybook.it
Tuesday 8 July 12.30pm
DODDINGTON HALL Summer Tree Walk
Take a closer look at Wilder Doddington’s countryside trees. £20
www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Climate Conversations with a Cuppa Safe, inclusive space to come together and explore feelings about the climate crisis.
FREE earthlincs@gmail.com
www.earthlincs.co.uk/about-2/
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
The Mindful Mile
Join Vic from Green Synergy to explore how nature can reconnect us to a greater sense of ease. FREE www.lincolncathedral.com
ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Wednesday 9 July 7pm –8.30pm
Lincoln Action for Happiness Group
FREE www.actionforhappiness.org/groups/ lincoln-0
From Lake Ontario to Burton Road
WORK by American artist Ron Throop
can be seen at two Lincoln venues.
Ron, who lives on the shore of Lake Ontario in New York state, has donated 50 paintings to the Mint Lane Wellbeing Hub in Lincoln to raise funds for its community work.
He makes art for free and considers it a privilege to be able to produce and give it to the public, but when he had no takers he threatened to burn his work each month.
Ron received a plea to save the paintings from Lincoln’s Donald Guy of the
IncLLinc Gallery based at the hub and form the exhibition Just Another Break With the Warm and Normal
Some paintings will also be on display in the gallery windows at Decimal Place at 10 Burton Road throughout June.
Ron and Donald are both followers of Stuckism, a movement founded to promote figurative painting as opposed to concept art.
“I was in Lincoln recently and walked all about your beautiful city with Donald. The cathedral hill almost took my life,” said Ron, who also explained his exhibition’s title came from someone who had checked him out online and said he seemed ‘warm and normal.’
human inside, which is my inside-outside artistically, no matter how warm and normal I appear to be superficially.
To Ron being ‘warm and normal’ is how he projects himself on the outside, but his paintings reveal deeper emotions: “Rage, anger, hurt, humour, sensitivity, joy, power, love, freedom, sadness, hope.
“I can’t hide from being a stark naked
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“Practicing an art is a break with the warm and normal. Just don’t waste your opportunity for freedom by making ‘warm and normal’ art.”
https://ronthroopartist.com https://incllinc.com/exhibitions/
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A garden full of memories
WALKING around the garden in pensive mood one morning I realised how many of my perennial plants are not things I bought but plants that were given to me by other people, some living and some sadly no longer with us.
In the back I have a small swathe of ophipogon, or black grass which I divided for a friend and she let me have some of the pieces. It is thriving.
In a large pot and surrounded by the little daisies of erigeron, or fleabane, is the olive tree, given to me by a good friend for my birthday one year. It does get olives but not many and it has yet to achieve the stature of the olives in groves in Italy, but nevertheless… The camellia, much bigger and in a pot because of my soil, was given to me by my in- laws. They got it from a neighbour who
moved to Australia and they found it hard to deal with. I brought it home, gave it a good prune and a feed and it has never looked back.
There are various little things dotted around, cuttings I got from my mum and dad; sedum, centaurea seeding around in abandon, a buddleia, still going strong.
Some of my favourite roses were given to me by family or friends. A good friend gave me her Hot Chocolate rose, mainly because I kept accusing her of neglecting it. It thrives round the side of the house more or less in the shade. She also divided up masses of little primroses, as they grew wildly in her garden and now they do the same in mine.
My friend’s sister also gave me her magnolia stellata because she couldn’t get it to do much. It remains small but it flowers every year and is a delight. She also gave me a standard rose with an unpronounceable name but has lovely, tiny, deep magenta blooms.
Many of these plants have been cherished by others, now gone but who live on in our memories and having a garden of good memories is a wonderful blessing.
Celebrating 25th birthday of city centre park
A FAMILY fun day will mark the 25th anniversary of Liquorice Park in Lincoln on June 29.
The Summer Fete will feature live music, including SCONE (Steampunk Choir of Notorious Excellence), crafts, face painting, bathbomb workshops, a treasure hunt, prize tombola, bake sale and refreshments – there will be a Portaloo near the park’s performance area.
“We hope money raised can go to many future projects in the park,” said Trustee Melanie Marsh.
“So grab your picnic blanket, folding chairs and Steampunk parasols and join us for a grand day out.”
One of the national Millennium Green projects to celebrate the year 2000 Liquorice Park has a much longer history and has been
an important part of Lincoln since at least the 16th century, when it was used as agricultural land.
Until 1818, the park was mainly used as an orchard and meadow, and these features remain in the park today.
Richard Carline, a local solicitor and alderman, was keen to improve the city and proposed to the Council that a route be built from the junction of Far Newland through the fields below the asylum under the hill to Burton Road.
By 1880, all the land on the flatter part (above Carline Road and below Yarborough Road down to West Parade) was sold off for housing, leaving the steepest part in the middle as open land – now reduced to the present area of about 4.5 acres.
This land then became allotments, eventually being acquired by the City of Lincoln Council.The Liquorice Park Millennium Green Trust was established and registered as a charity.
The site was leased to the Trust for 999 years by the city council and a grant from the Countryside Agency saw work start in November 1999.
Steps were built, a performance area created and fruit trees were planted. Much of the area was left overgrown, providing useful wildlife habitats and this is managed by a team of volunteers.
The fete will run from 11am until 3pm – for further information contact mel@liquoricepark.co.uk. Volunteers are still needed to help set up on the day.
Picture: Rachel Shaw.
Born to be wild winners
SOMETIMES I worry that I watch too much news.
I like to keep informed about current affairs and global events but it’s easy for the despair to set in when faced with a seemingly constant feed of negative news. Positive, inspirational stories seem to gain little air time compared to the impacts of the changing climate and loss of biodiversity, the rise of AI, and the human toll of wars. It leads you to wonder what hope there is for the future.
We’ve all watched the apocalyptic movies but what used to be a far-fetched science fiction can seem to be just around the corner.
Like I said, I may be watching too much. Perhaps I’m too prone to doomscrolling. As a complete contrast to this, every year I have the pleasure of attending the finals of the Lincolnshire Young Environmentalist Awards. The awards are organised by the Rotary Club of Lindum, Lincoln, and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and sponsored by FCC Environment.
The finals are held at Whisby Nature Park in late May.
Listening to the presentations of the children at the finals what struck me was that these children have understood that a problem exists and they’ve taken action to make a positive difference.
In their actions they are making the world a better place.
This year, we heard from five-and-a-halfyear-old Teddy (as he explained to us, the half is important) who was representing his entire school – St Peter in Eastgate. After asking his mum about what happens to animals when they get trapped in litter, Teddy realised there was a problem. His grandma helped out by giving him a litter picker for his birthday and he now picks litter every day on his way to school. That in itself is remarkable, but he has also inspired his entire school. The reception class are now responsible for picking litter around the school and he’s enthusiastic about creating a bug hotel and nature areas in the school grounds.
Eleven-year-old Brody, has also had an impact on his local community including in nearby new build housing. He’s distributed bird boxes and hedgehog homes and encouraged home owners to cut small holes in their fences so hedgehogs can move from garden to garden, and put up signs to inform drivers that hedgehogs and other wildlife might be crossing the roads.
We heard from children who are planting orchards and wildflowers in their school grounds. Who understand the importance of bare ground for invertebrates and so
The winners of the Lincolnshire Young Environmentalist Award 2025 are
Potterhanworth Church of England Primary (school or group) and Brody Carter, 11 (individual).
The runners-up this year were Manor Leas Junior Academy, St Peter in Eastgate Church of England Infant School and individual finalists Paige, 8, and Dominic.
there’s mud for swallows to make nests. Who appreciate the calming power of spending time outdoors in a garden surrounded by nature. Who care about bees and other pollinators and hold seed sales so everyone in the community can plant pollinator-friendly plants and create bee corridors.
We learnt about schools that hold used clothes sales every term, make jam from berries collected around the school grounds and use scrap wood to build hedgehog homes.
From all of this and more, the judges had to make a decision about who were the winners.
It’s incredibly difficult because they are all winners and they are inspiring others to make a positive change. I’ll skip watching the news this evening, because with children like the ones I met today, we are all winners.
Showroom Address
The Stables, 11 Lincoln Road, Welton, LN2 3HZ
sales@ignitestoves.com
www.ignitestoves.com
01673 274005
Out of sight, out of mind - the quiet crisis in men’s mental health
MENTAL health is finally being talked about more openly in the workplace.
But when it comes to men, many still suffer in silence. While much of the conversation has focused on corporate wellbeing programmes and HR-led initiatives, these often miss a large segment of the male workforce, especially those who are self-employed, working alone or part of smaller businesses with limited resources or awareness.
The numbers behind the silence
Mental Health UK estimates that around 12.5% of men in England have a mental health disorder. That’s one in eight, at any given time. Yet men are far less likely to seek help than women. Only 36% of NHS talking therapy referrals are for men, according to the Mental Health Foundation. That silence has consequences - in 2023, men accounted for 74.1% of all suicides in England and Wales and it remains the leading cause of death for men under 50. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. These are fathers, sons, colleagues and friends who have reached breaking point, often without anyone realising they were struggling.
How men cope, or don’t
Men often respond to poor mental health differently than women. While women may be more inclined to seek professional help or talk to peers, men are more likely to bottle things up. Instead of opening up, they may withdraw, become irritable or display riskier behaviours.
Men are nearly three times as likely as women to become dependent on alcohol and are more likely to engage in frequent drug use. These coping mechanisms may mask distress in the short term but only deepen the problem long term.
It’s also worth remembering that many mental health challenges aren’t rooted in the workplace. Financial pressure, relationship breakdown, bereavement or personal identity issues can all impact how someone behaves at work. But without an environment where it’s okay to speak up, these issues remain buried and dangerous.
The impact on business
Mental health problems don’t just affect individuals they affect teams, clients, performance and culture. Poor mental health is one of the biggest causes of absenteeism and presenteeism (working while sick). In small businesses, the absence of one person, particularly a business owner, can have a direct impact on service delivery, productivity, revenue and profitability. Organisations that avoid talking about mental health can breed a sense of shame or weakness around the issue, deterring
people and especially men from speaking up. This silence can lead to increased staff turnover, reduced morale and poor engagement.
Spotting the signs and supporting the people
So, what should we be looking for? Signs of poor mental health can include difficulty sleeping, lack of concentration, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies and signs of anxiety or withdrawal. But in a remote or solo-working environment, these can easily go unnoticed.
Whether you’re an employer, team leader, co-worker or friend, simply checking in can make a difference. A phone call, a casual message or a relaxed one-to-one can give someone the space to open up.
But it’s not just about individual action, organisations can do more too. This includes:
l Creating a culture of openness where it’s okay to talk about mental health
l Training managers to spot signs and know how to support people
l Providing access to external support services or signposting people to charities like Mind, CALM or Samaritans
l Encouraging flexible work that supports wellbeing and worklife balance.
It doesn’t take a big budget or an HR department to care about mental health it just takes intention, awareness and a willingness to act.
Time for a new approach
We also need to challenge the notion that seeking help is a sign of weakness. For many men, the pressure to ‘man up’, ‘get on with it’, or avoid looking vulnerable is part of the problem. We need to create environments, both in and outside of work, where it’s okay to say, ‘I’m not okay’.
Men’s mental health is a serious issue and too often, a silent one. If we want healthy, resilient people and strong businesses, we must treat this with the same seriousness as physical health and performance targets.
Because when men are seen, heard and supported, everyone benefits.
Gifting property to avoid IHT
BRITAIN’S ‘most hated levy’ Inheritance Tax (IHT), typically hits families when they’re experiencing emotional turmoil and financial disarray - so it’s fair to state that it stirs up especially strong opinions.
As of March 2025, 55% of Brits consider it either very unfair or unfair, according to a YouGov survey.
So, it’s no surprise that many people are asking how they can reduce the amount taken from their estate - including how
- what’s the catch?
BY PAUL HORTON, PARTNER IN WILLS, ESTATES & TAX PLANNING
WILKIN CHAPMAN ROLLITS
to gift property to circumvent this bumper earner for the Treasury.
Don’t forget the seven-year rule
If you gift your home (or any other asset) and survive for seven years, its value typically falls outside your estate for IHT. If you die within seven years, the gift may still be taxed (depending on the figures involved) though taper relief can reduce the amount owed after year three (again depending on the figures involved).
Gifts with strings attached don’t count
A major misconception is that you can gift your home to your children and continue living in it without consequences. HMRC sees this as a “gift with reservation of benefit”, which means
it isn’t an effective gift for IHT purposes. If you want to stay in the home, you must pay a full market rent and document the arrangement properly, otherwise the taxman will still consider it yours for IHT purposes.
Other risks to consider
Gifting property could impact eligibility for care support under ‘deprivation of assets’ rules. It may also trigger Capital Gains Tax for your children if they later sell the home.
Plan early, plan wisely
Gifting can reduce IHT—but only if done correctly and with full understanding of the implications. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have.
Unsure if gifting is right for you?
Speak to Wilkin Chapman Rollits’ estate planning experts. Contact me on 01522 515954 or email paul.horton@wcrlaw.co.uk.
Time to embrace ESG
BY ANDREW WHITEHEAD, PARTNER AND HEAD OF ENERGY, B CORP LAW FIRM SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU
WE’RE living through unpredictable times. New proposals from the EU to ease certain sustainability rules and growing powers for the UK’s competition watchdog are making some businesses question where ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) fits into their plans.
But now is not the time to step back. ESG isn’t just a tick-box exercise.
For many businesses, it’s already proving its value – helping them manage risk, meet customer expectations and stay competitive.
If anything, the pressure to act is growing.
A short-term wobble
There’s no denying that ESG is under pressure. In the US, there’s been a visible backlash, with some political figures openly pushing back on corporate climate and diversity goals.
And now, the EU is proposing changes that could loosen or delay key sustainability rules.
If adopted, the Omnibus Directive could reduce the number of companies that
BACK in 2015 George Osbourne announced “the end of tax returns”. The idea was that digitalisation would remove the need for a self-assessment return. Those of us in the accountancy profession got excited, then worried that we would become redundant.
It was nothing of the sort of course. But it was the start of the “Making Tax Digital” project.
The idea was that taxpayers would be obliged to keep records in a digital format and report on a quarterly basis.
need to report on ESG, cut data requirements, and delay deadlines under the EU’s CSRD and CSDDD frameworks. These shifts may affect UK businesses that trade with or supply to the EU. What now?
Many companies are already preparing their ESG strategies. These EU proposals are still just that – proposals – and change will take time.
Instead of reacting, see this as a reminder that ESG should be about future-proofing your business to stay relevant and competitive, not just meeting regulations. Watch your words
Even committed businesses must be careful, however. Making environmental claims without solid proof can now lead to direct fines from UK regulators.
Since April 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can fine companies for greenwashing – without going to court. Claims like plastic-free or carbon neutral need evidence.
Other regulators – including the Financial Conduct Authority and Advertising Standards Authority – are also watching.
Don’t go quiet
Some companies are going silent about their ESG work – a trend called greenhushing. But this is exactly the wrong time to back off.
Clear, honest communication matters more than ever. ESG isn’t going away and those who stay the course will be better placed to succeed.
Need help making ESG work for your business?
We work with businesses of all sizes to turn ESG from a challenge into an opportunity. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your existing strategy, our experts are here to guide you.
Visit www.shma.co.uk or call us on 0330 024 0333 to start the conversation.
Making tax difficult
BY DAVID NICHOLSON, DIRECTOR, DEXTER & SHARPE (LINCOLN) LTD
The first iteration was for VAT and that has been in for a few years now. However, if you think about it, that was not such a leap. After all many businesses were already using digital bookkeeping systems and reporting VAT quarterly. The project was always intended to come into effect for other taxes. There have been a number of false starts and delays (not least for a global pandemic) but the government have made it clear there will be no more delay.
So with effect from April 6, 2026 individual taxpayers with more than £50,000 annual receipts (they say income but they mean receipts not profit) will be obliged to keep records in a digital format and give details of income, expenses and profit within around a month of the quarter end.
This affects sole traders and landlords. The catch here though is that we must look at combined receipts. In other words, if you have a trade turning over £30,000 a year and £20,000 gross rental receipts you will be required to register.
HMRC will determine whether you meet those thresholds by reference to your return for the tax year just ended. If you fall under those thresholds don’t get too comfy because from April 2027 those over £30,000 are mandated and from April 2028 those over £20,000 will be mandated.
Software providers have been slow to bring products to the market - although to be fair their job has been made harder by dithering in Westminster. However, we have formulated an approach and we are talking to existing (and new) customers to manage the changeover.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that it will be more work and therefore, unfortunately, more cost.
And does it mean the end of tax returns?
In a word no. You will still need to fill in an annual return as well as four quarterly returns.
Who knew politicians sometimes fib!
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