Thursday 6th March
George Lewis: The Best Thing You’ll Ever Do
The Platform
Saturday 8th March
Jack Dee: Small World
The Engine Shed
Thursday 13th March
Milton Jones: Ha!Milton
The Engine Shed
Friday 14th March
SCAN THE QR CODE
Friday 28th March
Bongo’s Bingo
The Engine Shed
Thursday 3rd April
Lost in Music
The Engine Shed
Friday 4th April
Ultra 90s V 2000s
The Engine Shed
Saturday 5th April
Bongo’s Bingo – St. Patrick’s Special
The Engine Shed
Bongo’s Bingo – Daytime & Evening Shows
The Engine Shed
Saturday 15th March
Chris Moyles: 90s Hangover
The Engine Shed
Saturday 22nd March
Sausage & Cider Festival
The Engine Shed
Virtual Gaming at Towers!
Sunday 6th April
Teach Rex
The Engine Shed
Thursday 10th April
Aurie Styla: The Aurator Tour
The Platform
Saturday 12th April
The Total Stone Roses
The Platform
Sunday 11th May
George Lewis: The Best Thing You’ll Ever Do
The Platform
An ambitious vision for city’s future
COUNCIL chiefs are set to agree the city’s strategic direction for the next five years in Vision 2030.
Proposals in the document will go before a full meeting of City of Lincoln Council on Tuesday March 4. They present a blueprint for an inclusive and sustainable Lincolnone where communities flourish, the city thrives, and economic and generational challenges are met with innovation and collaboration.
The council’s plan recognises the evolving landscape of local government and the potential impacts of national policy changes, devolution, and reforms. Therefore, while the strategy is designed for the next five years, its action plan prioritises the first 12 to 18 months, allowing for adaptability to legislative, economic, and policy shifts.
The plan builds on the council’s vision; ‘Together, let’s deliver Lincoln’s ambitious future’ and will be delivered through five key priorities:
l Let’s drive inclusive, sustainable, economic growth
l Let’s reduce all kinds of inequality
l Let’s deliver quality housing
l Let’s enhance our remarkable place
l Let’s address the challenge of climate change
Consultation, including group discussions, an online survey, engagement with residents,
businesses, elected officials, and key stakeholders, has informed the development of Vision 2030 as well as a robust evidence base from the Lincoln City Profile and other sources of data.
Feedback from focus groups with Lincoln Tenants Panel and representatives from the city’s diverse communities has also played a vital role in shaping the vision and priorities.
Vision 2025 saw several key milestones demonstrating the council’s commitment to delivering sustainable and inclusive economic growth, much needed quality housing, action to tackle climate change, protecting and celebrating the city’s heritage, public spaces and natural environment and supporting its residents and communities, providing services to those who need them most.
Vision 2030 is designed to be flexible, meet local changing needs and take into account the state of the local and national economy, funding pressures and changes in legislation.
Naomi Tweddle, Council Leader said: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved with Vision 2025 and Vision 2020, but we have no intention of taking our foot off the pedal.
“Vision 2030 builds on these successes and lays out a clear roadmap to address Lincoln’s most pressing issues. It has been shaped in consultation with the public and our partners, ensuring it reflects the aspirations
of our residents, businesses, and visitors.
“As Lincoln continues to experience rapid growth and social, economic, and technological change, it is essential that we have a strong vision, a sense of purpose, and clearly defined values to guide our decisionmaking.
“We remain committed to innovation, efficiency, and working collaboratively with partners across the city and beyond. I will be supporting the adoption of this new plan and will be encouraging my fellow members to do the same.”
Angela Andrews, Chief Executive at City of Lincoln Council, commented: "Vision 2030 is a testament to our commitment to shaping a city that is inclusive, sustainable, and supports our community.
“By building on the successes of our previous strategies, we are ensuring that Lincoln remains a place where people and businesses can thrive.
“Adoption of this strategy will ensure we are able to continue delivering meaningful change that benefits all who live, work, and visit our city. Through ongoing collaboration and innovation with our partners, we can collectively achieve our overarching goal of delivering Lincoln’s ambitious future.
City of Lincoln Council invites all residents and stakeholders to engage with Vision 2030, which aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving future for Lincoln.
Chartered Certified Accountants
Proud to be Lincoln
IT may go unnoticed every month, but the image underneath this column is of the Empowerment statue that sits across the River Witham near the Waterside Shopping Centre. I love it - so here it is without the words.
For me it sums up modern Lincoln - having an individual, relevant identity while melding with the city’s history.
I would HATE to see that indentity eroded by the government’s plans for devolution.
Angela Rayner’s heart might be in the right place as she tries to give more power back to the regions, but it does depend on whose hands that power ends up in.
We’ll get into that in future months - suffice to say that the Independent feels that Lincoln and its identity - political, cultural and social - needs protecting.
Protecting from the unscrupulous and, frankly, toxic ambitions of those who see themselves higher up the local government food chain when bottom feeders would be my description. I need to stop there because I could go on and on. What is more important is the need to shout loud and proud about Lincoln.
It is the raison d’ etre of this magazine. It’s why we take great pains to put our What’s On guide together and why we started the Hello Lincoln website.
We’ll be highlighting some of the many reasons we’re proud to be Lincoln, but we want to hear from you too. My email address is below.
Dexter & Sharpe
Lincoln Office
Landmark House 1 Riseholme Road
Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 3SN
Tel: 01522 533588
TOUCH
Your Lincoln Independent is produced at 29 Belle Vue Road, Lincoln, LN1 1HH (mail only) . www.lincolnindependent.co.uk
EDITORIAL
Contact Amanda McSorley on 0781 667 5011 email: amanda@lincolnindependent.co.uk
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Talk to Hamish
USE of the drug ketamine in Lincoln’s schools was just one of the issues the city’s MP Hamish Falconer has been looking into over recent weeks.
The mother of a teenaged schoolgirl who died after taking the so-called party drug has asked Hamish to help tackle its use in schools and colleges. Ketamine is used by medical practitioners and veterinarians as an anaesthetic but when taken illegally people feel happy and relaxed and often detached from their bodies.
“It’s a hard drug to spot because people don’t behave erratically like they do when taking Spice, but the effects can be devastating as this family have sadly discovered.
Hamish has contacted police and the city agencies dealing with drug problems for a meeting, which should take place this month (March).
He has also asked to meet the Environment Agency and other authorities dealing with flooding after homes throughout the city suffered damage in the early January deluge.
“I’ve talked to people in Sincil Bank, St Katherine’s and other areas who are stressed and anxious in case this happens again, so we need to see what can be done for them.”
Housing is one of the MP’s priorities for residents and has been pushing for the release of land on Canwick Heath - this has finally been realised with a deal between developers Taylor Wimpey and landowners Jesus College Oxford.
The MP is soon to open a city centre office so people will be able to talk to him in person. Details will be released shortly, but in the meantime if constituents have an issue and think Hamish might be able to help they can email hamish.falconer.mp@parliament or call 01522 449638.
To see more about Hamish’s activities on behalf of residents visit www.hellolincoln.co.uk under City Info.
The cost of being unreasonable
BY NICK ASPLEY PARTNER AND HEAD OF FAMILY LAW
THE recent case of SR v RS serves as a powerful reminder: refusing a reasonable settlement offer in divorce proceedings can lead to serious financial consequences.
In this case the husband rejected an open settlement offer from the wife following their divorce.
This decision ultimately backfired with the Judge dismissing his application for a financial remedy.
When the husband sought permission to appeal, it was promptly denied, as the appeal was deemed to have no reasonable chance of success.
At the First Appointment the Judge suggested that a fair lump sum for the husband would fall between £20,000 and £30,000. Acting on this guidance, the wife made an open offer of £30,000 - the upper end of the recommended range.
The husband refused this offer and chose to push the case to a final hearing.
At the Final Hearing, the Judge concluded that the husband should receive £25,000 but because he had unreasonably rejected the wife’s earlier offer, the Judge ordered him to cover her legal costs—also totaling £25,000.
The result? The husband effectively walked away with nothing.
Unwilling to accept this outcome, the husband appealed. But the Appeal Court upheld the original decision, firmly supporting the Judge’s authority to impose cost penalties for unreasonable behavior.
The Court made its stance clear: “This case highlights how seriously parties must treat reasonable, well-pitched offers. The Court will not tolerate litigants who ignore such offers, escalate cases unnecessarily, and incur.”
Lesson learned
This case underscores an important principle in family law: ignoring reasonable
settlement offers can cost you—literally. Even if you believe you deserve more, the risks of proceeding to trial without strong justification can far outweigh the potential rewards.
Judges have little patience for parties who waste court resources and drive up costs without good reason.
Don’t let this happen to you
At Ringrose Law, we believe in giving clear, straightforward advice.
We’ll guide you through every step of your case, ensuring you fully understand the financial implications of each decision— especially when it comes to settlement offers.
Contact the Family Law Team in Lincoln on 01522 561020.
Top honour for Carenza
PROFESSOR Carenza Lewis has been awarded a national Public Humanities Fellowship from the University of London School of Advanced Study (SAS).
Carenza is Professor of Public Understanding of Research at the University of Lincoln and the award will help further her work to highlight the importance of studying human society and culture.
The SAS award is part of a major new fellowship scheme with Prof Lewis being one of only five awardees. She is well-known for her time on the hit Channel 4 show Time Team and joined the University of Lincoln in 2015 as Professor of Public Understanding of Research where she has expanded public engagement across a wide range of disciplines. This has included regular participation by Lincoln academic staff in the national humanities research festivals, Pint of Science and Being Human.
A specialist in medieval archaeology, Professor Lewis’ own research into historic rural settlements has, over decades, involved thousands of members of the public in new excavations. These have thrown new light on the origins of today’s villages and towns and the impact of events such as the Black Death plague pandemic. Since 2019, she has introduced this publicly engaged approach to archaeological investigation into Europe and spearheaded innovative research into the health benefits of participation in heritage.
Some of her other recent public engagement initiatives include ‘Dig School’ which provided archaeologically themed virtual learning to school children during the Covid-19 school closures, ‘Ceramic Pandemics’ creating Black Death-era tiles commemorating people’s pandemic experience, and hands-on archaeological digs involving University of Lincoln humanities students digging the University’s historic Riseholme Campus, armed forces families excavating World War Two remains at Fulbeck Manor, and Lincolnshire residents excavating their own village at Norton Disney.
“I am honoured and delighted to have been awarded this fellowship. It offers a fantastic chance to work with some of the most talented people in the UK to promote the value of the humanities to today’s world, at a time when political and economic instability make humanities both more threatened and more important than ever.
“As Fellows, we bring an exciting diversity of skills and experience, and I am particularly keen to promote awareness and understanding of the huge range of important benefits that engaging with the humanities brings to individuals and to wider society.”
During her three-year fellowship, Carenza will draw on her expertise to explore and identify new methods to encourage people to connect with and participate in public humanities, underscoring the benefits to health, wellbeing, and education.
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Life-changing solutions at award-winning practice
A CITY centre optician is celebrating national recognition after winning the Clinical Excellence Award at the SightCare Awards 2025.
The award was presented to Dr Martin Smith (pictured) of Martin Smith Opticians, at SightCare’s annual conference for leading professionals in the independent optical sector and it highlights exceptional patient care and clinical excellence.
Sue Edwards, Practice Manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. As an independent practice, we’re passionate about providing outstanding eye care and personalised service to our community. To be recognised by SightCare, an organisation dedicated to championing independents like us, is a huge honour.”
The SightCare Awards celebrate the achievements of independent optical practices that go above and beyond in patient care, clinical innovation, customer service and community impact.
The judging panel praised the Saltergate practice for ‘exceptional expertise and cutting-edge treatments: “Dr Martin Smith
specialises in advanced therapies, offering life-changing solutions for patients.
Martin Smith Opticians’ comprehensive care, along with pioneering research in dry eye treatments, ensures that the practice remains at the forefront of clinical innovation providing world-class care that attracts patients globally’.
Martin Smith Opticians has been serving the local community for 20 years, offering expert eye care, cutting-edge eyewear and a personalised approach. Technology is a real passion and Martin Smith Opticians was the first UK practice to offer the advanced Paskal 3D eye-test chart, Clarus 500 ultra widefield imaging, Zeiss Cirrus HD Oct scanning, slit lamp imaging, DNEye 2+ pre-screening and Impressionist4 measuring.
Dry eye monitoring, imaging and advice are also included as part of the comprehensive examination. The practice has become a world leader in dry eye care providing treatment to patients from Australia, Europe, Asia, and the USA as well as all around the UK offering gold-standard
Dry-Eye Consultations and treatments including IPL (intense pulsed light), Meibomian Gland Probing and amniotic membranes.
Other national awards include: UK Optometrist of the Year, UK Dispensing Optician of the Year, Practice of the Year, and Technology Practice of the Year.
Call 01522 521100 or email hello@martinsmithopticians.co.uk
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JONATHAN JONES
BACP and BPC Registered jjonespsychotherapy@hotmail.com jonathanjonespsychotherapy.wordpress.com
LAUREN WHITE
The Father is company’s latest bold production
AS it approaches its 25th anniversary, Lincoln-based Common Ground Theatre Company is sticking to its habit of producing a bold range of memorable dramas with The Father.
One of the oldest established drama companies in Lincoln (the musical theatre societies are much older), Common Ground has established a reputation as an open and welcoming group which is committed to producing high-quality yet accessible live theatre.
Having tackled plays such as Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit in the past, Common Ground is now set to bring Florian Zeller’s thought-provoking and emotional play to the stage.
Cinema buffs may have watched the 2020 film version of the play, which starred Sir Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, which brought an Academy Award to the former in the role of André.
The original play can be seen at the Broadbent Theatre in Wickenby from April 10-12, with Zeller’s darkly humorous and deeply poignant work, translated from French by Christopher Hampton. It is a tragi-comic mystery as well as a sobering and realistic family story and an unsentimental, emotionally intense look at the world through the eyes of a man experiencing dementia.
In it we meet André, whose declining mental faculties lead to confusion, frustration and a loss of identity. His daughter Anne struggles to balance her love
for her father and the need to care for him with the pressures of her own life. Through André’s eyes the audience experiences the dislocation, anxiety and vulnerability associated with dementia and the impact it has on family relationships.
Shot through with moments of heartfelt emotion, humour and beautiful, poignant language, Common Ground’s staging features Jerry Smith as André and Laura Turner as Anne.
“It’s an extraordinary piece of theatre because it cleverly and insidiously forces the audience to see the world through the eyes of André, a charmingly grumpy 80-year-old who’s beginning to lose his grip on reality,” said the play’s director Jez Ashberry
“I won’t give too much away except to say that at times the audience is as confused and bewildered about what’s going on in André’s life as André is!
“We’ve been rehearsing since the start of the new year and I’m really pleased with how the production is shaping up. We’ve got a brilliant cast featuring two newcomers to Common Ground and an experienced backstage and technical crew.
“I’m really looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic production!”
Performances begin at 7.30pm and tickets at £13 (£12 concessions) and can be bought online at https://broadbenttheatre.org/events/ the-father/ or by calling 0333 666 3366. Some tickets may also be available on the door.
College days - share your memories of Riseholme Launch of alumni association
RISEHOLME College is inviting former students to help celebrate its 75th anniversary.
The specialist land-based college reaches the landmark this academic year and has launched a new alumni association to ensure some of the people who have benefitted from its expertise are part of its anniversary festivities.
Former students from all years and subjects are invited to join Riseholme College Alumni Association .
Those working in industry can share their expertise and experiences with current students by delivering talks and masterclasses, as well as offer work experience placements. Those organising the anniversary celebrations would also love to receive old photographs and memories from students’ time at Riseholme to go on display.
Vice Principal Beth Curtis (pictured) said: “We’re incredibly excited to be celebrating Riseholme’s 75th anniversary this year, and what better way than to launch our new alumni association.
“The college has such a rich tradition of training generations of Lincolnshire farmers and other skilled workers, and it’s only right that we invite them to join in the celebrations.
“It will also be an opportunity for some former students to reconnect with the college and potentially pass on their invaluable knowledge to our current cohort, to help inspire them on their own career paths.
“We know there are many, many Riseholme alumni who will have incredible stories to share of their time here, and we’re really looking forward to them doing so during this special anniversary year.”
Membership of Riseholme College Alumni Association includes:
l VIP invitation to a special anniversary celebration event for stakeholders in June
l invitations to other major college events, including its annual Student Presentation Day
l twice-yearly alumni newsletter, including nostalgia and news updates from the college
l Riseholme College Alumni Association pin badge.
Riseholme, which has two campuses on the outskirts of Lincoln, specialises in agriculture, animal management, engineering and equine with a range of courses in other subject areas and is using the milestone to reflect on its long and proud history.
Originally a purely agricultural college, Riseholme has had affiliations with different educational establishments over its 75 years.
It first opened as Riseholme Farm Institute in 1949, and became the Lindsey College of Agriculture in 1966.
In 1980 it merged with its Lincolnshire counterparts in Holland and Kesteven.
The combined countywide college was then taken over by De Montfort University in 1994, before transferring to the University of Lincoln.
It has been part of Bishop Burton College, in East Yorkshire, since 2012, and is based at Riseholme Park and the nearby Showground Campus, next to Lincolnshire Showground.
Riseholme Park – the college’s original campus – is home to its renowned equine facilities and the Showground Campus opened in 2015 with flexible teaching spaces, industry-standard engineering workshops and a state-of-the art Animal Management Unit. The second phase of the Showground Campus opened the following year, including the Agri-Tech Health and Nutrition Centre and Sports and Health Science Centre.
The college also opened its Centre for Agri-Food Technology, as part of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology, in 2021.
Riseholme has diversified over the years, introducing different subject areas to its curriculum remaining true to its agricultural roots and now offers a wide range of further education and higher education courses, as well as apprenticeships.
To join Riseholme College Alumni Association and to share any photographs or memories email enquiries@riseholme.ac.uk
Places
The Lincoln Imp - the devil really is in the detail
HOW much do you know about Lincoln Cathedral?
For some people interaction with the minster is part of daily life, but for many residents it is mainly the domain of tourists and just visited on special occasions.
It’s a vast towering edifice that dominates the skyline for miles around and there’s history in every brick but the stories that are also the fabric of the building are little known even by local people.
The Independent intends to rectify that with a series of features about some of the places and artifacts in the cathedral chosen by the people who work there.
Our starting point is a little bit of a cheat as everyone has heard of the Lincoln Imp. It’s become a symbol of the city and has given its name to the football team.
It’s had a big imp-act (oops) for such a small figure and it is the best known of all the grotesque carved figures in the cathedral. Its half human, half animal form was probably meant to represent the devil – a popular theme for sculptors of the 13th century.
The stone figure of the Imp is about 12 inches high and sits crosslegged high up between two arches on the north side of the Angel Choir, which was built between 1250 and 1280.
Lincoln Cathedral has a booklet dedicated to The Legend of the Lincoln Imp which recounts how the Devil sent his imps out to
play, and the wind blew two of them to Lincoln.
At first, they were so awestruck by the splendour of the cathedral that they were afraid to enter. Soon, one imp plucked up courage and flew in and tried to trip up the Lord Bishop, knock down the Dean, and tease the Vergers and Choir.
When he started to break windows, the angels told him to stop his wicked doings he cheekily replied: “Stop me if you can!”
Whereupon he was at once turned into stone and made to sit for evermore in a cleft in the Angel Choir.
The booklet includes the oldest written version of the Legend of the Lincoln Imp first published in 1904 along with illustrations and photographs of the statue as he in the cathedral.
https://lincolncathedral.com/product/the-legend-of-thelincoln-imp/
Get a taste of Probus meetings
Jubilee Probus Club of Lincoln will be delving into motor sport, local folklore and the weird and wonderful over its next three meetings
Founded in 1977, the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, the club’s aim is to foster friendship and fellowship among its members who are retired or semi-retired professional and business men.
The club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month for lunch at the Lincoln Hotel followed by a speaker. Coming up are:
• March 25 - The Goodwood Revival – Motor Sport in the 1950s
• April 22 - The Tale of Tom Otter, the man said to have murdered his pregnant wife on their wedding night in 1805, but how much of the tale is folklore?
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• May 27 - Weird & Wonderful. Ruth Andrews will share the background and history of a number of interesting and odd items collected over the years.
On the second Tuesday of the month there is a coffee morning at 10.15am at the hotel, which offers on site parking and is well-served by buses stopping just outside. For more information see https://probusclub.net/lincolnjubilee.
The club welcomes new members who can try a taster meeting and enjoy a free lunch. Contact Membership Secretary, Peter Hull at info.lincolnjubilee@probusclub.net or 01522 690 465.
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Star power and dramatic credentials
PETER HARROD delves into the Garton Archive to explore the pictorial past of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School and its predecessors.
IT was Lincoln School’s custom to put on a play on the stage of the school hall in late March or early April.
The whole school was able to see the dress rehearsal and parents and friends were invited to attend one of three productions.
The picture above (Lincolnshire Echo) shows some of the cast of George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan in 1965.
I am unable to identify them, but characters included Stephen Phillips, the eldest son of the master ‘Johnny’ Phillips, John Fines, who became a well-known historian, Colin Semper, who worked for the BBC for many years as head of religious programmes, and John Thursby who taught for many years in North Hykeham and
was well known locally as a member of the Magic Circle.
Another member of the cast, listed as J V Hurt, went on to become the celebrated actor Sir John Hurt CBE.
John was a boarder at Lincoln School for three years, graduated from RADA, and won many awards for television and film performances in The Naked Civil Servant, I, Claudius, A Man for All Seasons, Midnight Express and The Elephant Man, among many others.
VISIT LINCOLN’S HISTORIC GUILDHALL
The Stonebow and Guildhall are situated on the site of the southern gateway to Roman Lincoln. The gateway has stood for over 1800 years; although the present building was not completed until 1520.
The Guildhall sits proudly above the Stonebow and is the Official Home of the Mayor of Lincoln. Tours are available of this interesting historic building, which includes the main Council Chamber, where Lincoln’s Council still meets and, most importantly, the old Debtors’ Prison which now holds an impressive range of Civic Insignia, including the King Richard II Sword and many other Mayoral and City artefacts.
For more information about the open days, or to make a private appointment please contact: Kate Fenn, Civic Manager on 01522 873303 E-mail: kate.fenn@lincoln.gov.uk
Younger readers will also remember his performance as Ollivander in the Harry Potter films and older ones may recall his performance as the disturbed student Phil in The Wild and the Willing, a film made in Lincoln in 1962 when John was still at drama school.
That film is available on YouTube and is well worth watching for the performances of John and three other budding actors from RADA: Ian McShane, Samantha Egar, and Johnny Briggs.
The nostalgic black-and-white photography of Lincoln is an added attraction. Many locals boast that they can be seen as extras, or in the crowd scenes.
However, the film itself is dated and was judged at the time to be mediocre and cliché-ridden.
Saint Joan is a tragedy in six scenes about Joan of Arc, and the producer, history master Mr Charles Hannam, was congratulated in The Lincolnian magazine for tackling a play of that calibre so successfully.
Thanks were also due to art mistress Mrs ‘Maggie’ Ward and woodwork master Mr ‘Bill’ Bailey for the costumes and staging. John Hurt played the role of the Duchess de la Trémouille with distinction.
Another notable performance in his brief career at Lincoln School was as Mrs White in the horror story by W Jacobs, The Monkey’s Paw. However, it was his performance as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest (above right) that mesmerised the audience and revealed his exceptional burgeoning talent at that early age. And the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Crisp factory still a savoury HQ
In this month’s article from The Survey of Lincoln, ANDREW WALKER examines the 1930s’ Smith’s Crisps factory on Newark Road.
IT’S one of only a few of the original Smith’s Crisps factories still manufacturing potato-based snacks in Britain.
And that fact saw PepsiCo’s Walker’s Quavers factory on Newark Road become the subject of a recent BBC Inside the Factory programme.
The Lincoln premises opened in July 1938 on the site of a former plant nursery and was the first substantial factory built in the city during the inter-war years.
It was particularly welcomed at a time when the local economy remained in a relatively fragile state following the Great Depression.
The plant was built in six months, cost £75,000, and employed 600 people within 12 months of opening.
It was the ninth factory operated by Smith’s, which had started in business in 1920. By 1938, the company employed 4,000 people and produced five million packets of crisps a week.
Like many of the company’s factories, Lincoln’s employed a mainly female workforce on the production line, where piped music was played, the company claimed, to help create a happy working atmosphere.
Frank Smith, the firm’s founder, explained in the Lincolnshire Echo on 21 July 1938 that Lincoln had been selected as a site of production for three reasons – the availability of a female workforce among what he described as ‘the nice girls of Lincoln’, the growth in demand for crisps in the district, and also the close proximity to the firm’s recently acquired farm estate at Nocton where, on the vast 8,000-acre site, 1,400 acres were dedicated to potato production.
Much of the factory’s internal fittings were supplied locally by Lincoln firms such as Duckering’s Hardware, providing builders’ ironmongery, and Penney & Porter, which installed gas and air
pipes, and provided machinery guards, transmission shafting and chutes for the crisps.
The design of the building, however, was undertaken by a Bristolbased architect, farmer and, later, renowned topiarist, Adrian Evelyn Powell.
He had a reputation for his modernist architectural style, having previously designed, in 1935, the ‘all-electric house’, commissioned by the Bristol branch of the Electrical Association for Women that aimed to show how electrical technology could make women’s lives less onerous.
His art-deco factory design at Newark Road echoed the style used by Smith’s at its other factories, such as at Bristol and Great Yarmouth, but most prominently perhaps that at Great West Road, Brentford, which was situated near to the Firestone Factory, seen as a model of industrial modernism.
Many industrial art-deco stylistic features are on display on the façade of the Newark Road factory – geometric shapes, angular corners, contrasting colours, long horizontal rows of windows, and an extravagant entrance.
The office staff block and manager’s flat fronted Newark Road; the bulk of the production took place in the large utilitarian structures partially hidden from public view.
Just as Smith’s crisps advertising claimed the ‘nutritious food’ was delicious with cocktails, at parties, picnics and weekend excursions, possibly in a motor-car, so its factory architecture reflected the modern world in which its customers operated.
In its way, perhaps, the Smith’s Crisp factory in the 1930s helped a little to enhance the status of women – by providing a significant number of paid female employment opportunities and supplying a processed food that required no labour-intensive preparation in the home by housewives.
For more information on the Smith’s factory, see Geoff Tann’s chapter in The Survey of Lincoln’s book, South-East Lincoln. To discover more about The Survey of Lincoln, and its most recent book, Learning in Lincoln, see: www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk
Play the good food game
LAURA STRATFORD, CO-ORDINATOR, GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE FOOD PARTNERSHIP
OK, Lincoln - play my game. It’s called the “Good Food Place Game: a bottom-up approach to making healthy, sustainable food the norm through social media” (catchy, right?)
Pardon my little rant: it’s doing my head in that when I get off a train, when I’m in town for a meeting, etc, it is such a headache trying to get a tasty, nourishing meal! I’m always banging on about healthy, sustainable diets, and then, embarrassingly, I’m found scoffing chips for my lunch. But I’m finding it really hard to put my own principles into practice - especially when I’m on the hoof, needing to travel light, or (confession time!) I didn’t plan ahead, batch cook from scratch and pack a lunch.
While taking my hat off to our mothers and grandmothers, and aspiring to their culinary preparedness, I think I’m a fairly average twenty-first century working parent in this regard.
This good food place-making is what Food Partnerships are about: “through the power of partnerships, we aim to make healthy and sustainable food a defining characteristic of where we live.” And Lincolnshire is the nation’s breadbasketand veggie box and fishing net - I mean, good food is part of our inheritance and identity… isn’t it? Why is it so hard?
So the rules of the game: your own photos of good food, on social media (if you want to tag the @LincolnshireFoodPartnership we’re on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn) with a hashtag #GoodFood*placename* - so for
example, this scrumptious meal that I had recently - thank you, Rising Cafe - would be #GoodFoodLincoln (it’s on Newland, quite near the station).
That main vegetable is celeriac, in case you were wondering - an under-appreciated vegetable that’s in season now and grown in Lincolnshire.
What counts as good food? I’m talking nourishing, sustainable, delicious. And… ordinary. By which I mean everyday good food, as opposed to fancy cheffy food with a flourish (delightful as that may be) - but I’m done with talking about “affordable food”!
There is a devastating number of people in our beautiful city who can’t afford to put decent food on the family table, that’s because they don’t have enough money to cover the basics, and that’s “a moral scar on society” as the last Labour manifesto rightly described it.
But it’s not because the food is too expensive - food is too cheap, and cheap food got us into this mess - but that’s another blog.
So - photos of takeaway /restaurant /cafe /publicly-catered meals that are:
Healthy - that is, multiple kinds of vegetables are core ingredients (not a cheffy garnish, remember!). Dietary fibre and diversity of vegetables are our main dietary deficits - we don’t eat anywhere near our five-a-day! But most of us would like to, if it was a bit easier.
Sustainable - I acknowledge this is not simple, but you might have in mind principles like seasonality, rich-in-plants, inclusion of legumes (beans and pulses), unusual cuts of meat, locality, etc…
Tasty - it’s subjective, but just go for it - if it looks appetising, take a photo!
So play the Good Food Game with us. If you tag us @LincolnshireFoodPartnership, we’ll share your photo.
A sweet indulgence
IN Italy’s storied Valpolicella region, Domini Veneti crafts the exquisite Recioto della Valpolicella, a tribute to the pioneering spirit of Cantina Sociale.
Founded in 1933 by six visionary producers, this co-operative recognised the potential of their terroir, laying the foundation for wines of exceptional character and quality.
Recommended by an Italian wine enthusiast, this dessert wine left a lasting impression. Sipping it by the fire on a brisk evening, I found it a perfect prelude to the warmth of summer.
Recioto is made from grapes left to dry, a process that concentrates their sugars and enhances their flavours, resulting in a wine rich with ripe cherries, plums, and a touch of spice.
Its natural sweetness is beautifully balanced by a delicate acidity, while layers of chocolate and almond add depth. The texture is luxuriously smooth, making each sip a true indulgence.
In my opinion, it is best served slightly chilled (around 13°C). While it pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate or blue cheese, I found it just as captivating on its own, arguably the best way to enjoy it.
Pour yourself a glass of Domini Veneti Recioto della Valpolicella, available at Majestic from £16.99, and experience the pleasure of a sweeter, chilled red.
A true celebration of Italy’s winemaking heritage, it’s destined to be the star of your evening.
Francesco
Canni, Apsiring Sommelier
Cheese Cahill’s Porter
IN honour of St Patrick’s Day on March 17 we’ve chosen an eye-catching Irish cheese as this month’s special.
Cahill’s Porter is an unusual, vintage Irish
cheddar cheese marbled with an Irish Stout Porter and is full flavoured and savoury with a distinctive lingering taste.
Key Facts
Age 12 weeks +
Country Ireland
Milk Type Cows
Organic No
The Cahill family makes its famous Plain Porter on the family farm, using traditional methods. It is a thirdgeneration, family-owned artisan business in the heart of County Limerick, Ireland.
This brown-waxed gourmet cheese truckle is the original and definitive Irish Plain Porter Cheese. Each brown waxed truckle is individually handcrafted with plain Irish porter, brewed by Guinness in Dublin since 1759. This cheese is delicious melted over roasted potatoes or served as a centrepiece on an after-dinner cheese board to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Process Pasteurised
Region Limerick
Strength
Medium
Style Semi firm
Vegetarian Yes
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
Tuesday 4 March 2pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Swan Lake – The Royal Ballet and Opera Cinema Screening Tchaikovsky’s powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness returns to the Royal Opera House stage. From £16
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Wednesday 5 March 6.30pm
Butterfly Club
Accessible club night for adults with additional needs and their carers. £5, carer FREE www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
Free ticket to
GRAB a free ride on a vintage bus at Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum.
The offer is part of an open day event on Sunday, April 6 at the societyand-volunteer-run museum on Whisby Road, Lincoln, which houses over
Wednesday 5 March 7pm
Thursday 6 March –Friday 7 March Various times
Thursday 6 March 7pm
Thursday 6 March –Friday 7 March 7.30pm
Thursday 6 March 7.30pm
Friday 7 March 7.15pm
Friday 7 March 7pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN, LN5 8DW
The Dunwells
For fans of Mumford and Sons, Of Monsters and Men, Ben Howard, Bon Iver, Noah & The Whale! £15 www.southsidelincs.com
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
A Seat At Our Table £5, Live Pass £3 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN, LN6 7TS
George Lewis: The Best Thing You’ll Ever Do From £16, 14+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN That’ll Be The Day From £29
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
The ELO Encounter £22, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Disco for Grown Ups £24.50, 18+ only www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN, LN5 8DW
Christina Alden & Alex Patterson
“A bright, lively collection of songs that plays so sweetly it evokes the sensation of a summer folk festival” – The Guardian. £14 www.southsidelincs.com
Friday 7 March –
Saturday 8 March 7.30pm
Saturday 8 March 7pm
Saturday 8 March 7.30pm
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
Killer Rhapsody – A Night of Queen £21, child £19
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN, LN6 7TS Jack Dee: Small World £30, 14+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Roy Chubby Brown £31
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
ride buses
50 historic vehicles.
Peter Cairns, Director of Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society (LVVS), one of the oldest vehicle preservation societies in the UK, explained: “The accredited museum tells the story of road transport in Lincolnshire using a wealth of exhibits many of which have local connections.”
The exhibits include buses that were used with Lincoln Corporation, which started from horse tram beginnings in 1904, and through the years saw the electric tram era and the earliest petrol engine buses.
The end of Lincoln Corporation came in 1991, however the museum showcases vehicles throughout its 87 years of public service.
“The star exhibits are the vehicles which cover all types and ages many of which have been the subject of painstaking restorations by our members.
“The museum also contains a rich selection of relevant artefacts including equipment, models and photographs which are worth a visit in themselves.
“For over 60 years the LVVS has thrived thanks to its members but we administration, conservation and maintenance of the museum and the collection.”
To volunteer or join the society, email lvvs1959@gmail.com or call 01522 500566.
The open day runs from 10am – 4pm. Entry is free and parking is available near the museum. Blue badge holders please contact beforehand due to limited parking spaces.
8 March
7.30pm
Sunday 9 March
7.30pm
Wednesday 12 March
7.30pm
Ultimate RnB
£17.50, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Joel Dommett: Happy Idiot
£28
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Gareth Gates Sings Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
From £38
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
14 March 7.30pm
Saturday 15 March & Sunday 23 March 3pm
Saturday 15 March 7pm
THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN, LN6 7TS Milton Jones: Ha!Milton
Comedy Night at The Royal www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN, LN5 8DW
Great way to start the weekend.
Saturday 15 March 7.30pm
Saturday 15 March 7.30pm
Saturday 15 March 7.30pm
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, Alchemy Live
The new tribute to Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler.
£20
www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0300 400 0101
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Herring Comedy Club
£18.15, 18+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
An Evening of Burlesque £32
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
MUGENKYO MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS TAIKO DRUMMERS IN TIME
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH
Genesis Songbook
From £16, child £11
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX Stardust Theatre Co. Presents Thumbelina From £12
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN, LN6 7TS
Chris Moyles: 90s Hangover
From £20, 18+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
Wed 26th March BOOK
Saturday 15 March 8pm
Sunday 16 March
7.30pm
Monday 17 March
7.30pm
Tuesday 18 March
7.30pm
Wednesday 19 March
7pm
Wednesday 19 March –
Friday 21 March
7.30pm (& 2.30pm Friday only)
Thursday 20 March
7.30pm
Thursday 20 March –Saturday 22 March
7.30pm
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN. Alison Rayner Quintet (ARQ) (above)
Widely celebrated after ten years of UK and European touring and three critically acclaimed albums. £18, £15 members, £8 u18s www.jazzpac.co.uk
T: 01522 529717
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
American Four Tops Show –Live in Concert
£29, conc. £27
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
ST. MARY’S GUILDHALL, 385 HIGH STREET, LINCOLN LN5 7SF Guild Session #61
£5 on-the-door, cash only www.facebook.com/TheGuildSessions
T 07944 907051
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN John Shuttleworth
£27
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Those Damn Crows
£22.50, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Do I Love You?
Hilarious dance-fuelled play from the writer of 'Bouncers' and 'Teechers', John Godber. £26
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons
£28, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Adapted by Laura Turner and staged by The Asylum Players.
£20
www.lawnlincoln.com
T 01522 523548
Friday 21 March 7.30pm
Saturday 22 March 12pm & 6pm
Saturday 22 March 7pm
Saturday 22 March
7.30pm
Sunday 23 March 3pm
Monday 24 March 2pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Henge
£18, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Sausage & Cider Festival
Plus live bands and DJ sets. From £15, 18+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX The Bootleg Shadows From £8, 18+ only www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Beyond the Barricade
£29.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Celebrate the Journey £15, child £5
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Romeo & Juliet – The Royal Ballet and Opera Cinema Screening
From £16
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
Tuesday 25 March 7.30pm
Tuesday 25 March 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Queenz: Drag Me to the Disco
£29.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Ricky Warwick and the Fighting Hearts
£20, 14+ only
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
Wednesday 26 March 7.30pm
Thursday 27 March –Saturday 29 March 7.30pm
Thursday 27 March 7.30pm
Friday 28 March 7pm
Saturday 29 March –Sunday 30 March
Various times
Saturday 29 March 7.30pm
Saturday 29 March 8pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers £29.50, u18s £24.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Adapted by Laura Turner and staged by The Asylum Players. £20 www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Mercury £28 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Riskee & the Ridicule £15, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Jo Leah Theatre Arts presents The Wind in the Willows £20, conc. £18 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Goldie Lookin Chain £22, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
THE BIRDCAGE LINCOLN Butcher’s Brew Blue-Note style originals with Ray Butcher, trumpet; Rob Cope, saxophone; Wendy Kirkland, piano and vocals; Pat Sprakes, bass; Johnny Hunter, drums. FREE www.facebook.com/jazzcatzcic yasmina@jazzcatz.org
Monday 31 March –Thursday 3 April
Various times
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, New Youth Theatre Lincoln: Beauty & the Beast Jr From £11
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
Thursday 3 April
Various times
Thursday 3 April
6.45pm
Friday
4 April –
Saturday
5 April 3pm & 8pm
Friday
4 April 7pm
Friday 4 April 7pm
Friday 4 April 7.30pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Shed Stories by Casson & Friends
Shining a light on the growing phenomenon of ‘Men’s Sheds’ and the communities around them.
£7, Live Pass £5
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Lost in Music
£30, 14+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX New Youth Theatre Newark: Bugsy Malone From £12
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre T 0333 335 5055
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Triple Bill: EVERYWHERE £15, Live Pass £10
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Ultra 90s vs 2000s From £16, 18+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LN3 5AW
NTLive: Dr. Strangelove Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece. £12
www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0300 400 0101
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Friday
4 April
7.30pm
Saturday 5 April & Various times
Saturday 5 April 7pm
Monday 7 April –Wednesday 9 April
Various times
Thursday 10 April
7.30pm
Thursday 10 April –Saturday 12 April
7.30pm
Friday 11 April 7pm
Friday 11 April 7.30pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Spandesque Ballet + INXS GB £20, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Queen Rhapsody: The Ultimate Live Experience £8 £28, students & over 60s £26 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
Saturday 12 April –Saturday 19 April
Various times
Saturday 12 April 7.30pm
Saturday 12 April 7.30pm
Saturday 12 April
7.30pm
Sunday 13 April 1pm – 2.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Alice in WonderlandEaster Production £22, conc. £20, u18s £16 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Herring Comedy Club £18.15, 18+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS The Total Stone Roses From £20, 14+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE True Motion 2025 £13, child £10
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN. Northern Reeds Lunchtime Concert Award-winning reed quintet playing Gershwin, Schumann and Faure in the first of a new series. £12, conc. £10 www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548
Sunday 13 April 3pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Lincoln Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert £16, over 60s £14, u16s £7 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
The Devout
£20, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Double Bill: The White Feather/Rhythm Rhapsody £24, u12s £18 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Laurence Jones £20, 14+ only www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE BA Music Showcase £3, Live Pass members FREE www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Aurie Styla: The Aurator Tour
From £16.50, 16+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LN3 5AW
The Father
See page 10. £13, conc. £12 www.broadbenttheatre.org
T 0300 400 0101
February Anytime through gallery window
DECIMAL PLACE, 10 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3LB
Art by Donald TakeshiraGuy
Paintings and 3D works made using leftover materials from Donald’s house renovation. FREE
Mondays 7 - 9pm
UPSTAIRS AT THE CARDINAL’S HAT Draw & Drink
Two- hour portrait drawing class, led by Ellie Benton. £15 www.facebook.com/ lincolndrawdrink T 07810 835147
Tuesdays every second & last of the month 6.45pm – 9pm
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN Life Drawing
Class guided by local artist Tom Humby. Materials provided. Adult £9, Con £7, Book online www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, Moorland Makers
Work on your own projects, have a go at something new. Bring your own craft materials.
FREE chelsey@rootedarts.org.uk
First
Wednesday of the month 5pm – 7pm
USHER GALLERY Artist Network
Meet and catch up with other artists and creatives. www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
Thursdays 10am –12.30pm
Thursdays –Mondays until March 2025 10am – 4pm
Thursdays 2pm – 3pm
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
USHER GALLERY Norton Disney Dodecahedron FREE www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
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
Thursdays 6pm – 8pm
USHER GALLERY Life Drawing Classes
Relaxed tutored evening sessions suitable for all skill levels, £11, Conc. £9 www.lincolnmuseum.com
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, LN2 1EZ
Until Saturday 15 March
During library opening hours
The Gallery – Gary Langley Photographic Exhibition
Born and bred in Nottingham Gary is a judge and lecturer for the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain . FREE
Until Sunday 30 March 10 - 4pm
Friday 7 March 10 - 3pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN, LN1 1ET
Gallery Relaunch Special guests and surprises. FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Meet Your Neighbour Pop-up miniature neighbourhood bringing doorstep tales from around the world to just down your road. Installation from Maison Foo FREE www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Friday 7 March 11am
Friday 7 March 4pm
Creative Conversations and Persian Tea
Presented by Theatre Company of Sanctuary Maison Foo on its Seat At Our Table’ set. FREE, booking essential www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Print Club
Monthly club exploring print making. March: Gelli Plate Printing. All materials provided. £10, u16 £7 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Saturday 8 March 1.10pm
Tuesday 11 March 5pm – 7pm
In Her Words
Celebrating female composers from the last 1000 years. Included in cathedral admission www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
USHER GALLERY
Usher Young Creatives Artist workshop or studio visit decided by the group. Suitable for 16-25yrs. FREE info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537
Friday 14 March 4pm
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Zine Club
Create your own mini magazine, all materials provided. . £6, u16 £4 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
Saturday 15 March 7-10pm
DECIMAL PLACE 10 BURTON ROAD LINCOLN LN1 3LB Weird Garden
An evening of alternative sounds & art by: Cynthia's Periscope, David Dondero, Pettaluck, Tim Holehouse. FREE pkrollings@yahoo.co.uk
Friday 21 March 4pm
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Clay Club
Creative ceramics class using hand building techniques. Decorate your work on subsequent dates. All materials and firing costs included. FREE Adult £10, u16s £7 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
perform lincs
Lincoln’s theatre Lincoln’s theatre school for adults school for adults
weekly classes starting from 2nd April 2025
west end musical choir: weds 6-7.30pm
musical theatre class: weds 7.30-9pm
Classes
Musical theatre workshops available now!
Tuesday 25 March 5pm – 7pm
Friday 28 March 4pm
USHER GALLERY Usher Young Creatives Usher rehang project gallery visit. Suitable for 16-25yrs. FREE
www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Fibre Club
Monthly textile club meet up including knitting, crochet, needle felling and lots more. Full details on social media. All materials provided Adult £10, u16s £7 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
Monday 31 March –Sunday 6 April 10am – 4pm
Friday 4 April 4pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN, LN1 1ET Anne Mayes – Lighting Up FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Print Club
Monthly club exploring print making. March: Gelli Plate Printing. All materials provided. £10, u16 £7 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
7 April –Sunday 13 April 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 8 April 5pm – 7pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN, LN1 1ET
Drink and Draw Portrait Exhibition FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
USHER GALLERY Usher Young Creatives Meet staff of Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery to learn more about their roles and experience. Suitable for 16-25yrs
FREE
www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
Thursday 10 April 11am – 3pm
SHELF EDITIONS, FIRST FLOOR, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Book signing and workshop with Mariajo Ilustrajo, multi-award-winning author of Flooded. Exhibition of work from new book Oh, Carrots! FREE www.shelfeditions.com
Friday 11 April 4pm
LARK BOOKS, 4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN Zine Club
Create your own mini magazine, all materials provided. . £6, u16 £4 www.instagram.com/lark_books_
Saturday 5 April 10am – 3pm
THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIGG LANE, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND, LN5 9HP Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group
A Watercolour Workshop with Paul Talbot Greaves
Members £15, visitors £18 T 01522 811510
Saturday 5 April 7pm
Lincoln Cathedral Bach’s St John Passion
Performed in a concert setting by the members of Lincoln Cathedral Choir, accompanied by Manchester Baroque. From £10.78
Monday 14 April –Sunday 27 April 10am
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Community Resilience Art exhibition by Lincoln Arts Centre Innovate artist, Tinashe Chipawe, co-curated by Phil Bowman.
FREE
www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk 01522 837600
Monday 14 April –Sunday 27 April 10am – 4pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN, LN1 1ET
Dualscapes
Exhibition of paintings by Rachel Rogers and Andrew Taylor - two very different styles side by side depicting the landscapes that inspire them.
FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
The blue room, LN1 3BU
BOOK riseholme.ac.uk 01522 304600 Join us
Mondays 10am – 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Futures For You Drop In The National Careers Service offers free, impartial information, advice and guidance to anyone 19+ on preparing for and gaining new employment.
Free www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library
T 01522 782010
Wednesdays 4pm – 4.45pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Lego Coding Club
Engage in STEM with Lego. FREE, booking essential via email lincoln_library@gll.org T 01522 782010
Second Wednesday every month 7.15pm
Thursdays 11am – 12pm
BAILGATE METHODIST HALL, NEWPORT, LINCOLN
Lincoln Minster Townswomen’s Guild
Speakers on a variety of topics or members’ nights for craftwork, games and conversation.
Free for first two visits T 07794 862314 (Sarah)
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
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Fridays 2pm – 3pm
Saturdays 10am
Wednesday –Sunday
Until 30 March 11am – 3pm
Learn My Way
Join a basic IT beginner’s course, suitable for 16+.
FREE, booking required www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshire/ lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
CASTLE SQUARE
Lincoln Free Walking Tour
Lincoln is a small city with a big history and there is no better way of experiencing it than on foot.
FREE, booking required www.lincolnfreewalkingtour.co.uk
Until Sunday 1 June 10am – 4pm
DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS Churchill Exhibition
Marking the 150th anniversary of Churchill’s birth in November 1874 and 60th anniversary of his death in January 1965, FREE
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
LINCOLN CASTLE
800th Anniversary of the 1225 Charter
The only place in the world to see a 1215 Magna Carta, 1217 Charter of the Forest, and 1225 Charter of the Forest side by side.
Included in the castle day ticket www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
Thursday 6 March 6.30pm8.30pm
GIANT LINCOLN, DODDINGTON HALL, LINCOLN, Bike Maintenance Class –Beginners
Learn all the basics from what parts are called, safety checking, basic repairs, adjustments and cleaning.
£15, booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
Your Career Starts Here
Saturday 8 March 10am – 1pm
Saturday 8 March 11am
LINCOLN COLLEGE, LN2 5HQ Open Day
Prospective students and their friends and family can look around and find out what college life is like.
FREE, booking recommended www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
T 01522 876000
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN Postgraduate Open Day Tour the campus and modern facilities including awardwinning accommodation. FREE, booking recommended www.lincoln.ac.uk
T 01522 882000
Saturday 8 March 2pm
QUEEN'S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK LINCOLN, LN5 8EW Historic Graffiti in Lincolnshire
Talk by Brian Porter to Lincolnshire Family History Society - Lincoln branch. T 07941 245322
CASTLE SQUARE
Sunday 9 March 10am – 12pm
Roman Lincoln Walking Tour
Take in the city’s Roman remains as guides paint a picture of life in Lincoln 1800 years ago.
FREE, booking required www.lincolnfreewalkingtour.co.uk
Tuesday 11, 18 & 26 March
Various times
DODDINGTON HALL, LN6 4RU Uniform Collection Tour
Discover 900 military uniforms and 3,000 accessories. FREE, booking essential, tours not suitable for children www.doddingtonhall.com
Friday 7 March 9.30am –12.30pm
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND International Women’s Day 2025
Recognising accomplishments of women with Lincolnshire roots.
£22, LAS member £20, table of 10 £200
www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
Saturday 8 March All day
CHARLOTTE HOUSE, THE LAWN LINCOLN, LN1 3BJ International Women’s Day Events
A day filled with empowering activities, inspiring speakers, and networking opportunities.
£20 - £60
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/internation al-womens-day-events-tickets1028307574637
Thursday 13 March 6.30pm
T 01522 694308
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER
COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ IBCC Lecture & Supper Club Series
From Biplanes to Fast Jets £16, hot supper included www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755
Thursday 13 March 7.30pm
ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY Wildlife of Northern Majorca by Tony Clarke £4 on-the-door, u16s FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk T 01522 753809
Friday 14 March –Saturday 15 March
Various times
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ IBCC Book Festival –Women in War
To mark the unveiling of a new Women in War exhibition at the Memorial Spire, female authors discuss their works at IBCC’s inaugural book festival. www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
Friday 14 March 11am – 12pm
Meet the Stars
Stories, adventures, and daily life of the Sponsorship Stars. This talk will be focused on Marlene the donkey.
FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T
Saturday 15 March
11am
Sunday 16 March
2.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Backstage Theatre Tour
Discover 130 years of history at the New Theatre Royal.
£16.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk T 01522 519999
THE OLD SCHOOL, NETTLEHAM SLHA Sunday Special
Three short talks – Robeys of Lincoln: A mostly Social History by Adam Cartright, Haw Hill by Dr Martin Huggon, and Lincoln Timeshifts by John Bennett. £4 cash-on-the-door www.slha.org.uk
Tuesday 18 March
1.30pm - 3pm
Wednesday 19 March
11am – 12pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Medicinal Plants
The medicine chest in your back garden presented by Hannah Sylvester to Lincoln Bailgate u3a. £2 on-the-door www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales
An insight into donkeys, from how they bond to why their ears are so big. FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Wednesday 19 March
7.30pm
Thursday 20 March
7.30pm –9.30pm
ST HUGH’S HALL, MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN, LN2 5AQ
Lincoln’s Bargate Presented by Leigh Brocklehurst PCAS Archeology Ltd.
£4 cash-on-the-door or book online www.slha.org.uk
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW
Weeds: The Good, the Bad and the Wonderful Guest speaker Libby John from the University of Lincoln and Chair of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.
£2.50 www.lincstrust.org.uk
Wednesday 26 March 7.30pm
Thursday 27 March 2pm
Friday 28 March 11am – 12pm
ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Dogdyke Pumping Station
Preserving a part of Lincolnshire’s Land Drainage history, presented by Chris Page. Admission by donation www.slha.org.uk
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Music in the Luttrell Psalter
Presented by Kate Witney. £4, SLHA & LRS members £3 www.slha.org.uk
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
The Path to Recovery
Learn how the Bransby teams transform lives through trustbased training.
FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW
Saturday 29 March 10am – 2pm
Sunday 23 March
10am – 12pm
Sunday 23 March
10am –12.30pm
OPPOSITE NANDO’S, BRAYFORD WATERFRONT Industry & Innovation Walking Tour 19th Century to the present. FREE, booking required www.lincolnfreewalkingtour.co.uk
IDODDINGTON HALL, LN6 4RU Spring Birdwatch Local birder, Matt Vickers, guides a walk around Wilder Doddington identifying birds through appearance and calls.
£30 www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
Wednesday 26 March 10am – 1pm
JEWS’ COURT, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Diorama and Pop-Up Lincoln Imp Card
Create a mini-diorama inspired by imagery of historic Lincolnshire. Led by Kathy Holland.
£8.50, SLHA & LRS members
£7.50, with materials. www.slha.org.uk
Thursday 10 April 11am – 1.30pm
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Understanding Equine Behaviour
This event is for equine professionals and equine owners only. More information can be found online.
FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Thursday 10 April 7.30pm
ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, BISHOP GROSSETESTE UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY
The City – Urban Wildlife in the UK by Paul Hobson £4 on-the-door, u16s FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk
T 01522 753809
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
Friday 11 April 11am – 12pm
On the Road to Rehoming Preparing for the perfect partnership scheme and their next steps.
FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
Saturday 12 April 2pm
QUEEN'S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK LINCOLN, LN5 8EW Talk by Chris Williams: From Lincoln to Krakatoa. The lives of 6 Victorian boarders. Lincolnshire Family History Society, Lincoln branch. Butterfly/Moth survey. T 07941 245322
Tuesday 15 April 1.30pm - 3pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Lincoln Bailgate u3a Annual General Meeting www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
FAMILY & COMMUNITY
Butterfly Recording Training
Learn to survey and record butterfly species for participation in citizen science recording schemes such as UK Butterfly/Moth survey. £30, conc. £25, student £20 www.lincstrust.org.uk
Wednesday 2 April 11am – 12pm
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales
An insight into donkeys, from how they bond to why their ears are so big.
FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Thursday 3 April 6.30pm
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ
Operation Exodus – The Forgotten Story.
IBCC Lecture & Supper Club
Series - aviation historian Mike Ingham recounts the little known story of the forced evacuation of POWs of 500 miles on foot.
£16, hot supper included www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755
Until Friday 1 January 2027 9am – 12pm
HIGH STREET, LINCOLN Murder Mystery Experience
Explore Lincoln like never before with this cutting-edge mobile app as your trusty guide. Trek through town, crack codes and gather clues to solve the mystery. From £15 per team, 2-6 players per group www.im-puzzled.co.uk T 077514 02047
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 10am – 2.30pm
Mondays 10am – 11.30am
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
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/ extratimehub T 07843 841997
Mondays 10.30am11.30am
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Messy Play
Enjoy the creativity of messy play with your child. Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschool children.
FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/ lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary T 01522 782010
Mondays 2pm – 4pm
Tuesdays 9am – 3pm
Tuesdays 10am –11.30am
ST GILES JUBILEE HALLS, LINCOLN, LN2 4EH
Cake, Cuppa and Crafts
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
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 T 01522 782010
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. £2 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/e xtratimehub
T 07305 095690
Wednesdays 10am – 11.30am
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Wednesdays 10.30am –11.30am
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ
Community Larder Agency referral required.
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub
Social sessions for anyone who is near retirement to engage with others, catch up over a cuppa and try different activities each week. £3 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com /extratimehub
T 07305 095690
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 T 01522 782010
Wednesdays 4.30pm – 6pm
ERMINE LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY HUB
Creative Kids Club
Sessions delivered by Hannah Peacock with creative play, storytelling and art. For U11s and their families.
FREE, no booking required www.rootedarts.org.uk
Thursdays 10am – 11am & 11.30am –12.30pm
TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN
TinyTalk Baby Signing
Help your child communicate before they can talk with baby signing classes. www.tinytalk.co.uk T 07590 123908 (Danielle)
Saturdays 10am TOBY CARVERY, ST MARKS, LINCOLN Lincoln Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
For military veterans or those serving to meet for a breakfast and banter. www.afvbc.net
Saturdays 10am– 3pm
Saturdays 10am – 1pm
Until Wednesday 5 March
During opening
Until Saturday 5 April 10am – 4pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Lego Club A place for children to use their imagination with Lego. 4 years and over, plus parents. FREE
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Crafty Saturdays
Suitable for children of all ages. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, Book Sale Bag a bargain to help the library make room on the shelves for new stock..
DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS Spring Bulb Pageant Spot snowdrops, winter aconites and cyclamen In the wild gardens.
£9.50, child £4.50, family £22 www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
Thursdays 10.30am –11.30am
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Connect Over a Cuppa Have a catch-up over a cuppa and a biscuit. (provided). FREE, donations welcome www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Thursdays 10am – 1pm
THE SALTHOUSE, FREE SCHOOL LANE, LN2 1EY Love Your Neighbour Café
Meet new people, share a cuppa and cake, and join in with fun activities.
FREE www.stswithins.org
Fridays Term Time Only 10.30am –11.30am
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, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Coffee Morning & Free4All
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Beavers and Cubs
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Scouts
Thursday 6 March 7.30pm
Saturday 8 March 2pm - 4 pm
Sunday 9 March 10am – 2pm
THE GRANDSTAND, LINCOLN Lincoln WI
Annual meeting followed by a quiz.
Members FREE, guests £5
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Declutter Sale & Swap
Bring your unwanted gifts and small items to sell, swap, donate.
www.earthlincs.co.uk/about-2/
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Toy Collectors’ Fair
Find everything from Corgi and Hornby to Sci-Fi, Star Wars, film and TV related items.
£3.50, seniors £3, U15s free www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
Wednesday 12 March 4.30pm – 6pm
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOORLAND AVENUE, LN6 7JJ Creative Kids Club
Sessions delivered by Hannah Peacock, combining creative play, storytelling and art.
Suitable for children under 13 and their families.
FREE www.rootedarts.org.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Friday 14 March –Sunday 16 March 10am – 4pm s
Riseholme College Lincoln Horse Trials
With a refreshed schedule to meet growing demand, this event showcases top-class equestrian competition.
£10 per car
www.riseholme.ac.uk
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE
Wednesdays 6.30pm –9.30pm
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Boys Brigade T 07702 382319 (Darran Coy)
lyndsey.baggaley@lincolnscout s.org.uk T 07852 128508 (Lyndsey Metson)
Saturday 15 March –
Sunday
16 March 9am
Waterside Artisan Market
FREE entry
www.watersideshopping.com
T 01522 529566
Lincoln Toy Library
Saturday 15 March –Sunday 16 March 10am – 4pm
Saturday 15 March 11am – 1pm
LINCOLN CASTLE Dog Friendly Days
Unlock 1000 years of history with your furry companion. www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY, Lincoln Sustainable Fashion Forum – Adults Clothes Swap
Bring up to 5 preloved items of clothing, shoes or accessories to swap for new-to-you pieces reducing textile waste. FREE, more details online www.instagram.com/lincoln
Saturday 15 March 12pm - 2pm
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Extinction Rebellion General Meeting
Catch up, plan and meet likeminded people who love and care for our planet, want to take action, raise awareness and challenge our systems. FREE www.rebellionlincolnshire.org lincoln@extinctionrebellion.uk
Saturday 15 March 12pm – 3pm
Sunday 16 March 11am - 4pm
THE COMMUNITY ROOM, TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD Soup & A Sandwich Adults and children welcome. FREE
WRAGBY TOWN HALL, LN8 5PH Magical Fair
Alternative and psychic market offering witchy things, readings, therapies, bespoke gifts, jewellery and clothing. FREE ENTRY taramarie1@icloud.com T 07702 781464
Friday 21 March 10am - 11am
Saturday 22 March Various times
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Toddler Time
Dress to get messy for seasonal activities for the under 5s. Child £4, booking essential, all children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOORLAND AVENUE, LN6 7JJ Taiko Drumming Japanese ensemble drumming sessions accessible for anyone. Sessions available for different age groups. FREE, booking essential places limited www.rootedarts.org.uk
Wednesday 26 March
4.30pm – 6pm
Wednesday 26 March 1pm – 4pm
Saturday 29 March 10am – 2pm
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOORLAND AVENUE, LN6 7JJ
Creative Kids Club
See March 12 listing
THE COMMUNITY ROOM, TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD
Community Cuppa Drinks, biscuits and cakes. Adults and children welcome. FREE
HILLSIDE GARDEN, OFF ROMAN PAVEMENT, LINCOLN Spring Synergy Clean-up Tasks will include weeding, edging, litter removal, and general gardening jobs. The site is wheelchair/pushchair friendly and refreshments will be available FREE www.greensynergy.org.uk
T 01522 533077
Sunday 30 March 2.30pm –4.30pm
Saturday 22 March 7pm
Sunday 23 March
8.30am – 3pm
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ IBCC Ceilidh Band and Dance
With 54 North Ceilidhs. £16
www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND The Vintage Flea Market Homewares, textiles, fashion, art and much more. £3, cash only
www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
Monday 31 March –Monday 21 April 10am – 3.30pm
Wednesday 2 April 9am – 4pm
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE, LN4 2HQ Mother’s Day Vintage Tea and Music
Featuring Lili Redman, the Songbird of Trafalgar Square. £35, child £12.50
www.internationalbcc.co.uk T 01522 514755
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Hedgehog Trail Self-guided trail to learn fun facts about the UK’s favourite, native mammal. FREE www.lincstrust.org.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Arthur Swallow Antiques & Home Show For those passionate about creating a stylish living space. £5
Sunday 6 April 10am – 4pm
LINCOLNSHIRE ROAD TRANSPORT MUSEUM, LN6 3QT Bus Running Day See centre pages FREE www.lvvs.org.uk T 01522 500566
Sunday 6 April 10am – 4pm
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Countryside Lincs 2025 Jam-packed with animals, activities, experiences and entertainment for all the family. £12, 2-16yrs £6, u2s FREE, advance booking prices www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
Tuesday 8 April 10am - 11.30 am
BOULTHAM PARK, LN6 7PH Easter Crafts
Craft an Easter tree to decorate your home..
Child £4, booking essential, all children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Tuesday 8 April 1pm – 2.30pm
Thursday 10 April 10am - 11.30 am
Thursday 10 April 1pm – 2.30pm
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Easter Crafts As above.
LINCOLN ARBORETUM, LN2 5RT Easter Crafts As above.
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Kite Making
Try your hand at making a kite and see if it flies!
Child £4, booking essential, all children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 12 April 12pm – 3pm
THE COMMUNITY ROOM, TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD Soup & A Sandwich
Adults and children welcome. FREE
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Mondays 10am
ONE NK LEISURE CENTRE, NORTH HYKEHAM
Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks. 01522 444632
Mondays 10.30am
Mondays 12.45pm
Saturday 5 April –Sunday 6 April 9am
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE Waterside Artisan Market Arts, crafts, local, handmade, and unique brands. FREE entry www.watersideshopping.com
Mondays 1pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK Whisby Visually Impaired Walk
Meet Natural World Centre. FREE
CLIFF HOUSE MEDICAL PRACTICE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN. Wellbeing Walk
Walk to Castle Square for 1pm. FREE
BLACK BULL, WELTON. Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE
Please note - if contact details are missing these are the same as the first listing.
Mondays first & third of the month 1.30pm
THE ARK, NORTH HYKEHAM Music For Memory
Singing group for people with memory problems accompanied by their carers. Free parking and refreshments included.
Donation of £1.50 welcome lhoenes@virginmedia.com
T 01522 262656 (Linda)
Mondays 4pm – 8pm
Mondays 4.30pm –5.30pm
Mondays
6.15pm –7.15pm
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, SUDBROOKE DRIVE, ERMINE, LN2 2EF Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone who is finding life difficult.
FREE
nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Moorland Youth Dance
Led by Amy O’Sullivan, expect a fun and energetic class suitable for ages 8 and up. FREE, young people must have
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
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
Second Tuesday of the month 2pm
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE, CASTLE SQUARE
The Historical Lincoln Wellbeing Walk
The tour will include key information on Lincoln’s ancient past. FREE
Wednesdays 7pm – 8pm
Tuesdays 10.45am
Tuesdays 1pm
LNER STADIUM, COMMUNITY HUB, SINCIL BANK, LINCOLN ANDYSMANCLUB
Talking group for men to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health through conversation. FREE www.andysmanclub.co.uk
BRIDGE CENTRAL, PORTLAND STREET Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone who is finding life difficult. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
YARBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE, RISEHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3SP
Wellbeing Walk - Uphill Lincoln Meet in foyer. FREE
COMMUNITY HUB, EAST STREET, NETTLEHAM, LN2 2SL Wellbeing Walk
Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Wednesdays 8pm
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
BIRCHWOOD BOILER HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL
Hapkido
Korean martial art of selfdefence, fitness, relaxation, self-confidence, traditional teaching.
£5
www.birchwood-communityhall.co.uk T 01522 730312
Thursdays 9am-10am
Tuesdays 4pm – 8pm
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LN2 4LH Night Light Café FREE
nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Tuesdays 7.30pm8.30pm
DEAN’S LEISURE, LINCOLN COLLEGE Ultimate Frisbee
Discover and play – new members (beginners and experienced) welcome with an aim to compete in tournaments this summer. Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate
Wednesdays (2nd of every month) 10am
Wednesdays 10am –11.30am
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 Easeful 60-minute class including breath practice and relaxation. Followed by 30-minute free refreshments. Equipment provided.
£7, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
Wednesdays 10.30am –12pm
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN
Authentic Argentine Tango Embrace the elegance and passion of tango with Lucas Gou. For beginners.
£8 www.authentictango.com/contact
Wednesdays 1pm
Wednesdays 4pm – 11pm
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Wellbeing Walk Meet outside Rangers’ office. FREE
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone who is finding life difficult.
FREE
nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Thursdays 10am
Thursdays 10am
Thursdays (1st and 3rd of the month) 10am
Thursdays (1st and 3rd of the month)
Thursdays 11am
Thursday (1st of the month) 12pm
Thursdays 12.30pm –2pm
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Dance Fit with Nick A fun fitness class for all ability levels.
£5, all proceeds go to SHINE www.lawnlincoln.com T 01522 523548
ROSIE LEA’S CAFÉ, CHERRY WILLINGHAM, LN3 4JL Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities.
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.
VILLAGE HALL, BRANSTON, LN4 1NS Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
COMMUNITY CENTRE CAR PARK, LINCOLN ROAD, SKELLINGTHORPE, Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
NETTLEHAM VILLAGE HALL, BROOKFIELD AVENUE, LN2 2SS Nettleham Sensory Stroll FREE
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
Thursdays - fourth of the month 1pm – 3pm
Thursdays - fourth of the month 2pm – 4pm
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)
Thursdays 4pm – 11pm
Thursdays 7.30pm – 9pm
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
CUSTOM FITNESS GYM, DEAN ROAD, LINCOLN
Gentle 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
Fridays 10am 12 MINT LANE, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Mint Lane Gardening Club
Help to renovate the Mint Lane garden, learn and discuss permaculture principles and techniques. FREE mintlanecic@gmail.com www.mintlanecafe.com
Fridays 10am –11.30am 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
Fridays 10.30am
Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks 01522 444632
Fridays 1pm ACTIVE NATION LEISURE CENTRE, BIRCHWOOD, LN6 0JE
Wellbeing Walk
Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Fridays 4pm – 8pm
Saturdays 9am
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
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
Saturdays 10am
A safe, warm space
CITY of Lincoln Council has supported vulnerable residents by allocating funds to local charities working to combat social isolation and help those living in poverty, writes Rebecca Poole.
we’ve developed our community charity hub because we’re the only indoor space on the Tower Estate.
Saturdays 8pm – 11pm
The Lincoln Lottery Community Fund 2024 has been shared between seven local good causes running projects to tackle the priority areas which were identified through a public consultation last year.
One of the recipients of the fund is awardwinning gardening and therapeutic horticulture charity, Green Synergy, which has been awarded £2,500 for its Warm Spaces Project.
“The funding is enabling us to put on a Lunch Club on a Monday and it’s also providing us the opportunity to continue what was our Knit and Natter, but is now our Cuppa, Craft and Chat sessions which take place on a Thursday,” explained Ali Talbot, Green Synergy’s Chief Executive. The charity is based in the Tower Estate in Abbey Ward, which is one of the highest deprived wards in Lincoln. Ali explains that poverty levels for children and young people are also the highest in the county.
“From our community listening in 2023 and 2024, the residents on the Tower Estate feel they are a forgotten estate but also that their needs are quite high. In response
Sundays 11am – 12 pm
THE ABORETUM, LINCOLN Ultimate Frisbee
Discover and play – new members (beginners and experienced) welcome . Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate
Alternate Sundays 6pm – 9pm
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
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
Tuesdays 4, 11, 18, 25 March & 1 April 4.30pm –5.30pm
Tuesday 4, 11, 18, 25 March 6pm – 8pm
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
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Yoga For Cancer Led by May Whitworth.
£8
www.lawnlincoln.com
T 01522 523548
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Yoga with May
£8
www.lawnlincoln.com
T 01522 523548
“One of the things that’s key for us as a charity is providing a safe space for people to come together, to meet friends, but predominantly to reduce loneliness. “
In response to the cost-of-living crisis and cut in winter fuel payments, it is hoped that offering a warm, safe space will support the community with its needs and by providing energy advice sessions and partnering with Citizens’ Advice on Mondays, those seeking help will be able to drop in for free confidential support.
“We’re a trusted organisation on the Tower Estate and the residents understand that if they’re sharing what their needs are, we try and be quite agile and respond to that.”
The free Lunch Club runs on Mondays 11am – 1pm and provides hot soup and refreshments. Booking is essential - call 01522 533077 or email info@greensynergy.org.uk.
Coffee Mornings are Wednesday 10am –12pm, and Cuppa, Craft and Chat takes place Thursday 1pm – 3pm. at Green Synergy’s community hub, 49 Roman Pavement, LN2 5RD, Sessions are open to all city residents.
Thursdays 6 March –27 March 7pm – 8.30pm
Tuesday 11 March 12.30pm
Wednesdays From 12 March –2 April 10.30am –12pm
Saturday 15 March 2pm - 4 pm
BAILGATE METHODIST CHURCH HALL, Classical Kundalini Yoga A tune-up for body, mind and spirit.. Suitable for all levels.
£8
www.tinyurl.com/BailgateYoga T 07999 857072
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL The Mindful Mile
Join Rowena, Canon Missioner, to enjoy nature and reflect on the words of some Spring poetry and prose. FREE
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Community Kundalini Yoga Sessions tackling mental health issues for overall wellbeing.. £8
www.tinyurl.com/mintlaneyoga T 07999 857072
MINT LANE HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Climate Circle with Rachael Safe, inclusive space to explore feelings about the climate crisis. FREE, booking essential earthlincs@gmail.com www.earthlincs.co.uk/about-2/
Showroom Address
The Stables, 11 Lincoln Road, Welton, LN2 3HZ
sales@ignitestoves.com
www.ignitestoves.com 01673 274005
Change led by communities
CHANGE - like charity - begins at home for Climate Hope Lincoln which will continue to focus on grass roots action.
At an event to celebrate the achievements of 2024 and the aspirations for 2025 m embers from the communities in Lincoln committed to climate action, first heard from Laura Stratford from the Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership, Ali Talbot from Green Synergy and Subash Chellaiah from The Centre for Reconciliation under the theme of Growing Community-Led Change.
Brad Green from Siemens Energy, Paul Banton from Ruddocks and Kerry Gibson, founder of Project Fashion Fixed talked about ‘creating sector led change and redesign.
Helen Fisher from We Are Carbon launched the community assets gifted to Climate Hope Lincoln members and friends to help connect work across the city and help build a movement to change the conversation around the impact of our changing climate and where we can make change happen (see also opposite page). Throughout the event attendees were asked to vote on a 2025 campaign they felt they could “get behind” with the winning topic being #ChooseLocal.
“You always run the risk of emotions and judgements surfacing when you bring different experiences and perspectives together. But on the whole, people were positive and happy to hear of all the work that is happening behind the scenes across the city and beyond.
“Thank you to everyone who came, spoke and worked together to make this event happen. I think it says a lot about Lincoln, to see how many people came and contributed and that should be recognised in 2025.”
Climate Hope Lincoln wants to support positive engagement around social and climate justice and support local action. Together, we want to work with all communities to:
• Realise our own impact on the environment (locally and globally)
• Understand the difference small changes can make, both now and for our future
• Share ideas, of all sizes, with leaders and policy makers
• Inspire local campaigners and organisations to connect for better long-term collaboration, and
• Support the coordination of our resources and building of our relationships to help us unite and act.
Charlotte Brooks of LocalMotion, which backs Climate Hope Lincoln, said: “It was great to get so many passionate people in the room after a period of limited engagement while everyone has been busy just doing. It is clearly a conversation Lincoln wants to have and there was energy in the room.
Want to know more about Climate Hope Lincoln or get involved in our 2025 plans? Contact charlotte.brooks@localmotion.org. uk or call/message 07736 900332.
You can learn more about LocalMotion Lincoln on Instagram: localmotion_lincoln #ClimateHopeLincoln Mission
Be part of the solution
HELEN FISHER of the We Are Carbon project highlights the importance of exploring local solutions to global problems and why we can believe in Climate Hope Lincoln
IT’S not easy creating change, even when we really want it. And that seems especially true when the change we’re clamouring for is promised to be good for us.
Habits, routine, busy and demanding lives, there’s often just not a great deal of space to manoeuvre in.
So how can we go about creating change with a whole bunch of people that we don’t even know? City wide change that’s not only good for us but it’s good for the planet too.
Well that’s the mountain of a challenge that is Climate Hope Lincoln.
In recent years the city has seen bursts of energy as passionate people have come together to hash out ideas for creating a movement that raises awareness and connection to take steps towards a healthier future.
But like a big clash of symbols that energy peters out as we return to the other stuff taking space in our lives. If change is so difficult, what do we hope to achieve and can we really pick up any momentum?
Probably not without changing the narrative. Because greenhouse gases and melting icecaps can feel way down on the list of priorities. Even for those giving it head-space climate change is a topic that feels inaccessible.
Last year I held many conversations around the city to gain insights and the amount of concern for climate change surprised me. It’s higher than I’d anticipated but for many it’s contributing to anger, frustration and depression. What can we do when the problems are so big and detached from us?
But maybe there’s another way to look at this. For those of us who’ve spent time mulling over the big problems in our world we realise that no matter what the topic, somehow everything is connected. The rising cost of living, unpredictable weather, horrifying health statistics... each another thread in the canvas of modern life.
Climate change is just one big problem within a whole web of big problems.
Which probably makes it sound much more challenging but for me I see the opposite, because the flip side of connecting global issues is starting to recognise local solutions.
And it’s that local focus that I think makes Climate Hope different.
Most people like the idea of feeling well, having access to great health care and delicious food. Enjoying the magic of butterflies dancing upon flowers, having green spaces to walk in. Being supported by community and by businesses that cater for our needs. Having clean air and clean water to keep it all flowing and possible.
So Climate Hope Lincoln is aspirational, it’s inclusive and it’s uplifting.
But it is certainly still a challenge because it requires us to find time to come together and make something happen.
At the end of last year it was heartening to see so many people do just that and make space to join our event and explore what’s been happening across the city to drive change within communities and businesses.
It showed an appetite to connect further and sparked ambitions for 2025 including a campaign focus to highlight the benefits when we #ChooseLocal.
We’re connecting across sectors and amplifying what’s already here so we invite you to dig in with us if you’d like to explore how we can build this together.
And we’re excited to have launched a set of community assets which are now available for all members of Climate Hope Lincoln and friends throughout the community to aid us in connecting, sharing ideas and having conversations.
To learn more, access the assets or be kept up to date you can reach out to me at helen@wearecarbon.earth
You can also help out with the experimenting of our new card deck (pictured) - just invite us along to your business, group or school if you’d like to take part.
We’re exploring these big topics through the lens of our own lives. What are the impacts and concerns experienced in our communities? How could a movement help us be heard by policy makers? What little steps can we take action on today? Being detached from problems is dis-empowering but finding connections right at our feet can shift our conversations to something more tangible. By listening to one another we can start to find small opportunities that are easy to become part of. The things that are good for us are often good for the planet too.
Helen Fisher ‘s We Are Carbon project explores how we can live more harmoniously with everything that surrounds us by taking a deep dive into the systems and relationships that build up our societies.
Her latest series ‘Let’s Take A Fresh Look’ is launching this spring. It will begin unpacking many of the project’s complex learnings into more accessible and digestible formats to bring regenerative and ecological understandings into businesses and communities.
Make garden your Eden
I HAVE been doing a little travelling this year so far and I always enjoy getting on the train; I’ve mostly been down to London. The underground and overground services in and around our capital are superb, and our rail network, although not as reliable is also a good way to travel and I enjoy gazing out of the window rather than ardently perusing a laptop or phone.
I also enjoy walking and I pass many splendid and innovative front gardens on my walks around our lovely city so I have found it somewhat disappointing to see that, despite the popularity of gardening programmes and their presenters, despite the weighty history of great gardens and designers in this country and despite
New food waste service
A NEW commercial food waste collection service is being offered to businesses in West Lindsey
The district council service aims to support businesses in meeting new government regulations on the recycling of food waste and will start on March 31 when they come into effect.
The new regulations, which apply to all businesses regardless of their food waste volume, is a significant step towards promoting sustainability, as well as reducing C02 emissions caused by waste sent for energy recovery.
Small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees are temporarily exempt until March 2027.
Businesses that sign up for the council’s new food waste collection service, will benefit from reliable and eco-friendly collection and recycling of food waste by the council’s award-winning service.
Food waste that can be collected includes:
l Vegetable and fruit peelings
l Uneaten food and plate scrapings
l Out-of-date or mouldy food
l Raw and cooked meat and fish, including bones
the enthusiasm of seemingly armies of people, young and old who want their garden to be featured on tv or opened to the public, the majority of back and front plots I see from the train window are dismally lacking in anything remotely resembling a garden. Could it be the pressure of being under so much scrutiny from people on trains?
We have over ten million acres of gardens in this country. I know, shocking isn’t it? An area larger than all the nature reserves and wild areas put together. The TV and media are awash with articles about how important our connection to the land is for our continued survival as a species.
Gardens are on the front line. They could easily connect together to make a continued line of loveliness across our entire country if we put our minds to it.
I am not advocating going back to highly manicured lawns with stripes, edged with blue and white lobelia, but there is room in many front gardens for the car, the bins and a few plants.
If you are lucky enough to have any sort of back garden it seems perverse to ignore it. It’s part of the property, rented or otherwise; another room, waiting to be used.
What a shame so many of us neglect the very thing that could make our lives so much better.
l Tea bags and coffee grounds
l Dairy products, such as eggs and eggshells
l Oil/liquid fat and milk
Businesses will be provided with 140 litre wheeled bins for the collection and the council will also issue those signed up to the service with a Waste Transfer Note, to show they are legally compliant with the new regulations.
Find out more on the Commercial Waste Solutions (CWS) page at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk or contact the team at cws@west-lindsey.gov.uk or call 01427 675124.
BY RACHEL SHAW LINCOLN WILDLIFE TRUST
LINCOLNSHIRE Wildlife Trust is challenging families to walk the same distance that a hedgehog walks in a single night. It’s further than you might think.
When we see a hedgehog in our own gardens, we tend to think of them as ‘our’ hedgehog but they are actually visiting lots of gardens. A hedgehog can walk 3km in one night while they forage for food.
The Hedgehog Walk challenge, between March 31– April 13, is to walk3km and fundraise for wildlife along the way. The Wildlife Trusts have teamed up with Aardman and their characters from the Timmy Time – the TV programme for pre-schoolers. When families sign up for the Hedgehog Walk, they’re not just enjoying the fresh air and moving in nature — they’re helping to raise money for wildlife and make more places for hedgehogs like Apricot from Timmy Time to live. What’s in it for families and their hoglets? There are lots of
Little feet can take big steps for nature
downloadable Timmy Time activity sheets and resources and a prize to say thank you for top fundraisers who raise £30 or more (Ts & Cs apply).
As well as the joy of spending time in nature and knowing you’ve made a BIG difference in helping wildlife.
Hedgehogs are one of the UK's favourite mammals. The sight of one snuffling through a garden on a summer's evening is a magical experience.
But sadly, our hedgehogs are struggling. In 2022, a report on Britain's hedgehogs revealed they have declined by between 3075% since 2000. Other evidence indicates that their numbers have been falling for much longer than this.
The decline in our hedgehog population has led to them being classed as vulnerable to extinction in Britain. The reasons for their decline are complex, with different issues between rural and urban areas.
One problem is a lack of food. Hedgehogs enjoy a varied diet, but mainly feed on invertebrates like worms and beetles. The way much of the UK's land is managed has led to many of these invertebrates becoming rarer, leaving less food for hedgehogs.
Just as importantly, hedgehogs are also finding it harder to move around and find suitable places to feed, nest and hibernate.
Think about your neighbourhood – how easy would it be for a hedgehog to explore 3km without coming across barriers like roads and fences?
If you have a fence in your garden, it’s surprisingly easy to help. Simply putting a 13cm hole in the bottom of your fence or digging a channel beneath garden boundaries to connect your gardens. Perhaps you could join forces with your neighbours to create a network of Hedgehog Highways in your community!
For families wanting to learn more about hedgehogs and join us for a guided 3km hedgehog walk, there’s a special day at Whisby Nature Park on Friday April 11.
With hedgehog activities and crafts in the Education Centre throughout the day and the guided walk starting at 2pm.Visit our website www.lincstrust.org.uk for more information about how you can get involved with helping our hedgehogs.
There’s lots of information and advice on the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website at lincstrust.org.uk/community
And to all of those generous people who give their time to look after these green spaces - thank you for bringing us the year-round colour of the natural world.
PICTURE: TOM MARSHALL
Prenups and postnups - myths vs facts
WHEN planning a wedding or facing difficulties in your marriage legal agreements may not be the first thing on your mind.
However, understanding how a prenuptial (pre-nup) or postnuptial (post-nup) agreement can protect your future is crucial. Let’s explore some common myths and key facts about these agreements.
What is a prenuptial agreement and do I need one?
Many believe that pre-nups are only for the wealthy, but this isn’t the case. A prenuptial agreement is simply a legal contract between two people preparing for marriage. It outlines how assets, debts, and financial responsibilities will be handled if the relationship ends. With more people marrying for a second or third time, pre-nups are becoming increasingly popular. They can protect personal wealth, inherited assets, or business interests, helping to avoid financial disputes later.
Postnuptial agreements
These serve a similar purpose but are made after marriage. Couples often consider them after major life changes, such as inheriting assets, selling a business, or moving abroad.
Are pre-nups and post-nups legally binding in the UK?
While not automatically legally binding in the UK, courts take them seriously and are increasingly giving them weight provided certain conditions are metthey should be fair and both parties should receive independent legal advice.
Dividing assets in divorce: What a prenup can and can’t protect
Many assume that only the family home is at risk in a divorce, but all assets are considered including pensions, savings, and business assets. Pensions, in particular, are often overlooked, yet they can be one of the most valuable assets in a divorce settlement.
Is there such a thing as a ‘quickie divorce’?
The idea of a ‘quickie divorce’ is a myth. There is currently no such thing as a ‘quickie divorce’, particularly as a result of the 20-week cooling off period introduced in 2022 by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act. Although this legislation removes ‘fault’ from divorce proceedings, it doesn’t speed up the process.
If you need expert advice on how to take the next steps, get in touch with Lucy Reding on 01522 515006 or lucy.reding@wilkinchapman.co.uk.
LUCY REDING, SENIOR ASSOCIATE, FAMILY LAW, WILKIN CHAPMAN SOLICITORS
streets.uk 01522 551200
How to give away your home
BY MICHAEL BALL TAX PARTNER
THERE were some big changes to Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) announced in the recent Budget but the freezing of the nil rate band at £325,000 and the residence nil rate band at £175,000 until April 2028 is one that has gone under the radar.
However, as property values increase more and more people will fall into the IHT net, based largely on the value of their home.
As such some may consider gifting their home to the next generation, but this is far from straightforward.
The Gift
Whilst the gift would be a disposal for Capital Gains Tax, no tax should be
payable if you have always occupied it as your home.
For inheritance tax purposes the gift would be a potentially exempt transfer and exempt from inheritance tax if you were to survive seven years from the date of the gift.
If there is a mortgage outstanding on the property, there could be Stamp Duty Land Tax implications that need to be considered.
Can I still live in the property after I have gifted it?
If you continue to live in the property rent free after the date of the gift, then you would be caught by the Gift with Reservation rules which would mean that the property still falls in your estate for inheritance tax purposes even if you survive for seven years.
If you can avoid these rules through
clever planning, you may still be subject to an annual income tax charge based on the value of the property.
To avoid both these issues, you could pay full market rent for the use of the property.
This would be taxable rental income in the hands of your children. The level of rent paid would need to be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it was still market value.
Alternatively, if you were to live in the property with your child and only give a share of your home away then the tax issues could potentially be avoidedalthough you would need to pay at least your fair share of the bills.
As you will see careful consideration is needed when considering gifting your home to your children.
If you would like further information around your options then please do not hesitate to contact us.
