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Mums’ battle against the drug that killed their daughters
TWO Lincoln mums who lost their daughters to the drug ketamine have taken their campaign to have the drug reclassified to the Home Office.
City MP Hamish Falconer accompanied the mothers of Sophie and Georgia to meet Sarah Jones, the new Minister for Policing and Crime.
Both girls died after taking the drug ketamine and their mothers want to see it reclassified as a Class A substance.
“Last Tuesday, I brought two of my constituents from Lincoln, Sarah and Tracy, to meet Minister Sarah Johnson, each of whom has tragically lost a daughter to ketamine,” said Hamish – pictured with Sarah Jones, Tracy and Sarah and their companions.
“They spoke powerfully about the need for greater awareness of the dangers of the drug and for stronger measures to protect young people. I was honoured to support them in sharing their experiences directly with the Minister, and I will continue to make sure their voices are heard.”
September 2024. She contacted Hamish for help with her campaign and introduced him to Georgia’s mum Sarah.
Hamish added: “The impact of Ketamine in Lincoln is deeply concerning. I want to be clear: this is not an issue I will ignore. I’m committed to raising awareness, standing with affected families, and working to
Council.
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager for Crimestoppers said: “We are calling on the community to help us make our streets safer by reporting information about ketamine dealers to Crimestoppers.Your report is100% anonymous, guaranteed.”
ensure better education, prevention, and support.”
Ms Jones added: “It was my great privilege on the second day in my job to meet two mothers who have lost their daughters to ketamine. It is hard to imagine the courage they have, campaigning to stop other mothers losing their children, when they have to deal with their own grief.”
Sophie’s mum Tracy Marelli has been fighting to have the drug reclassified and educate people about dangers of ketamine since her daughter died, aged 20, in
Following the meeting with the minister the second phase to tackle growing ketamine use in the city was launched to coincide with students’ Freshers Week.
The drug can cause serious health problems, such as irreversible damage to the bladder and kidneys, and is one of the most detected drugs in incidents of spiking.
Crimestoppers’ Kick Ket Out campaign was run in partnership with Lincolnshire Police, the University of Lincoln’s Student Wellbeing team and City of Lincoln
Chris Chapman, Detective Sergeant Lincolnshire Police said: “This is not a harmless party drug; it is highly addictive and potentially deadly and therefore it’s a priority for us to take action against those involved in the supply and distribution.”
Julie Spencer, Head of Student Wellbeing added: “Student safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. We’re pleased to support the second phase of the Kick Ket Out campaign, helping to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and ensure our students make informed choices. Tackling ketamine misuse is about highlighting the risks but also creating a supportive community where people know there is help for them.”
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) put out a call for evidence on ketamine use and its impact among healthcare professionals and other relevant individuals in August this year and is compiling a report to government based on the responses.
To report ketamine issues call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
To get help contact 0800 304 7021 or visit www.lincsrecoverypartnership.co.uk
Dexter & Sharpe
Lincoln Office
Landmark House 1 Riseholme Road
Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 3SN
Tel: 01522 533588
What sort of city do we want?
I’VE said it before... history does repeat itself and I’m definitely experiencing deja vu.
It’s a lovely phrase isn’t it ‘deja vu’? Conjures up a dreamy reminiscence that’s just out of reach. However, my perception of having previously lived through a time feels more like a nightmare.
I don’t need to be reminded of the clenched 1980s when, as a young journalist, I got more than my fair share of rude awakenings in racism, sexism and homophobia.
And that was just (some of) the people I worked with.
We came so far in becoming a more tolerant society, perhaps only to go too far as woke became a joke and left the door open for a rising tide of spite, ignorance and even violence.
It’s been quite distressing to hear an increasing number of stories of aggression towards people because of their colour, sexual preferences and even neurodivergence.
People who have made Lincoln their home for years no longer make eye contact with other residents through fear. Groups that celebrate our mixed cultures or support the LGBTQ community no longer feel able to publicise their activities in case of repercussions.
We’ve heard about an Indian family with young children being shouted at in the High Street and told to ‘go home’ and last week our sister website, Hello Lincoln, reported that an autistic youngster had been attacked by a gang.
This version of Lincoln is not the one I know and love.
To be fair this is not the norm in our city and we hear about these
incidents from people who are as horrified and saddened by them as we are.
Worryingly though they are more prevalent. The mum whose daughter witnessed the Indian family being abused advised her that if she saw something similar to try and catch the victim’s eye and tell them, quietly, that not everyone feels the same - only after making sure it was safe to do so.
Perhaps it’s something we can all think about.
Several people have told me recently that they sometimes just can’t bear to watch the news at the moment.
We hope we provide an antidote to that feeling here at the Independent as you relax with a cuppa over our pages.
We don’t ignore the problems, but we do tend to reflect the positives in Lincoln and we don’t intend to change that any time soon - there are so many things about the city to love.
In fact we think it’s a WOW factor - hence our front page. Be prepared to be WOWED even more in the coming weeks. Amanda
The Indie’s fantastic What’s On guide (pages 20-33) can be accessed using this QR code.
Send to your family and friends so they can discover how much is really happening in Lincoln.
There’s music, art, theatre, family fun and so much more.
GET IN TOUCH
Your Lincoln Independent is produced at 29 Belle Vue Road, Lincoln, LN1 1HH (mail only) . www.lincolnindependent.co.uk
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Government urged sell RAF Scampton
AFTER the Prime Minister confirmed the former RAF Scampton will not be used for asylum seekers his government was urged to get on with disposing of the site.
Former military properties across the country are being assessed for housing migrants to cut the £6m a day hotel costs, but Keir Starmer said in an interview on ITV’s Calendar programme that in September that he was sticking by an election pledge regarding Scampton.
Sir Keir said: “I made a commitment in relation to Scampton... and that remains the same.”
Now West Lindsey district councillors are asking the government to help unlock the full economic potential of this nationally significant asset for defence, aviation, and security sectors.
The MOD confirmed the disposal of the RAF Scampton site, with the intention to sell it on the open market when plans to use it for asylum accommodation were first cancelled in late 2024.
West Lindsey has a £300m development plan for the site, which it plans to buy on the open market once it goes up for sale.
The council has written a letter to the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, seeking a meeting to discuss next steps with regards to disposing of the site.
Councillor Jackie Brockway, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “The opportunity to deliver transformational regeneration and investment at pace is one we must not miss. We welcome the Prime Minister’s recent clarity on the former RAF Scampton site and now we need to move forward with our plans for this iconic and nationally important site.
“Further delay risks undermining our once-in-a-generation opportunity for regeneration, investment, and jobs. We urge the Government to work with us to ensure this process is progressed swiftly and collaboratively.”
As previously reported, an independent Economic Impact Assessment undertaken this year highlighted that each month of delay results in a loss of over £13 million in economic benefit. In addition, the physical condition of the site continues to deteriorate.
The council said it remains committed alongside its development partner, Scampton Holdings Limited, to acquire the site at market value and commence delivery of the agreed regeneration programme without delay.
In light of these urgent factors, the council and its partners would welcome the opportunity to meet with Ministers and officials at the earliest opportunity to agree next steps and unlock the full potential of the historic site.
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Equity release made simple
FOR many of us, our home is our biggest investment.
Over time we build up equity — the difference between what it’s worth and what’s left on the mortgage. With equity release, you can turn some of that value into tax-free cash without selling up or moving out.
It’s a popular option for people later in life who want a bit more financial freedom — whether that’s to top up retirement income, help family onto the property ladder, or fund a dream holiday. But how does it actually work?
Lifetime Mortgage
The most common option is a lifetime mortgage.You borrow money secured against your home, but you remain the owner.
• You can pay the interest as you go or let it roll up until the end of the plan
• Some schemes let you repay part of the capital too.
• Many include the option to ring-fence
part of your home’s value for inheritance.
• Thanks to the Equity Release Council, there’s always a no negative equity guarantee — meaning you’ll never owe more than your home is worth.
Things to Consider
The loan plus interest is repaid when the property is sold, usually after you pass away or move into long-term care.
Home Reversion
Here you sell part or all of your home to a provider in exchange for a lump sum or regular payments.
• You keep the right to live there, rent-free, for life.
• No monthly repayments, but you must maintain and insure the property.
• Like with a lifetime mortgage, you can protect a share for inheritance. When the home is sold, the proceeds are divided based on how much you kept versus how much you sold.
Equity release isn’t for everyone. How much you can release depends on your age, health, and property value. It may reduce what you leave behind and can affect entitlement to means-tested benefits. There are also legal and advice fees to factor in. That’s why it’s essential to get guidance from an FCA-regulated financial adviser and a solicitor before making any commitments.
Thinking of unlocking the value in your home? The Ringrose Law Conveyancing team can guide you through every step — so you can make the right choice for your future.
Contact our Residential Conveyancing team on 01522 561020 or visit us on Silver Street in Lincoln.
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Pupils get enhanced learning experience at award-winning cathedral
EDUCATION programmes at Lincoln Cathedral give students an enhanced learning experience that has been recognised by a national award.
The Sandford Award, which is run in partnership between the Heritage Education Trust and Lincoln Bishop University has been presented to the cathedral for its commitment to providing highquality education in a heritage setting.
The learning team at Lincoln Cathedral, led by Education Manager Sally Bleasdale, delivers a wide range of learning opportunities which help schools to deliver their curriculum in creative and engaging ways, outside of the classroom in the specially designed learning centre at the cathedral.
Each workshop includes a tour of the cathedral to bring the subject matter to life and the team also delivers family learning activities throughout the year.
The Revd Canon Rowena King, Canon Missioner said that it was a joy to welcome thousands of students into the building each year and to be able to add a new dimension to their learning.
“The cathedral is an ancient building, with almost 1000 years of faith and history to explore, but what makes it special is the fact that it is still a living, thriving church and community. It offers a unique way to link history to the present day, connecting us to those who have gone before and making subjects more relevant to the pupil’s own experiences.
“It’s wonderful to be able to recognise the team of amazing staff
and volunteers who share their knowledge, skills and passion to inspire others and ensure that this tradition of learning continues for generations to come.”
The Sandford Award is the leading quality mark for heritage sites and services and is the only form of accreditation in the UK Lucy Hockley, lead assessor, said that the team at the Cathedral created a welcoming environment for learning, “Lincoln Cathedral soars above the local countryside, as a focal point for communities over hundreds of years in many aspects of life.
“The education team uses this awe-inspiring building to engage schools and family audiences with enthusiasm, dedication and focus on delivering the very best possible experience for their visitors. This is supported by their colleagues in other areas of the cathedral’s activity to create a genuinely warm welcome for all.”
This the second time that the cathedral has received the prestigious award. Each award lasts for five years so the cathedral will hold the quality mark until 2030.
Pictures: Chris Vaughan
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News Tokens scrapped a central car park
AN upgraded payment and barrier system will be at Lincoln Central Car Park making it easier for users to park, pay, and go.
Starting from Wednesday, October 8 contractors for City of Lincoln Council will begin the replacement of the current chip token system. This will allows motorists to pay more efficiently with contactless, chip and pin or cash by inputting their registration number – getting rid of the tokens. The new system uses ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology to keep track of how long a user has parked in the car park meaning there will be no more lost chip tokens.
Permit holders will also no longer need a physical card, further simplifying the process. It is the council’s aim that the overall
experience of using the car park will be far more convenient, with smoother transactions.
The upgrade will take place over a two-week period. During the first week, one entry lane and one exit lane will be closed while five of the payment machines are replaced.
In the second week, the remaining entry and exit lane will close and the initial lanes will open again, in order for the rest of the machines to be updated and the new equipment switched on.
The car park will remain open throughout the works and the number of spaces will not be affected. However, with only one entry and one exit lane available at a time, users may experience slightly longer waiting times.
For those wishing to avoid possible delays, there are several other car parks in the city centre which remain available, including Broadgate, Lucy Tower, and Tentercroft Street.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive, sustainable, economic growth, at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We know our residents and visitors have been waiting for this upgrade, and we’re delighted to be introducing a modern, flexible payment system at Lincoln Central car park.
“While there may be minor disruption during the installation, the long-term benefits will make parking in the city centre much more convenient.
“This upgrade highlights our commitment to delivering the very best facilities in our car parks and ensuring that residents and visitors can continue to park in the heart of the city, in a car park that’s quick, simple and easy to use.”
The new system is expected to be fully operational by late October.
Record GCSE success at Lincoln UTC
STUDENTS at Lincoln UTC are celebrating the strongest ever GCSE results in the college’s history with exceptional performances in English, Maths. Science and Engineering. This year, 85% of students achieved grade 4 or above in English, and 87% in Maths. At grades 5–9, results were equally impressive, with 68% in English and 65% in Maths – well above last year’s national averages.
Among the stand-out successes were the UTC’s top two students, who between them secured an extraordinary eleven grade 9s, two grade 8s, three Distinction* grades, and a Distinction.
Andrew Ogg, member of the Governing Body, praised the achievements:
“We are incredibly proud of the exceptional GCSE results achieved by our students this year. Their hard work, determination, and commitment to their studies have really paid off, and these outcomes reflect both their effort and the support of our dedicated staff.”
Many of these high-achieving students will now progress into Lincoln UTC’s Sixth Form, which specialises in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology.
Applications remain open for Autumn 2025, offering students the chance to join a thriving, forward-thinking community.
You can find out more at UTC’s open evening on Monday, October 13 and register for a place by emailing admissions@lincolnutc.co.uk
For more information visit www.lincolnutc.co.uk or email enquiries@lincolnutc.co.uk.
The options for year 11 students who stay at the college into year 12 are:
A Level Pathways Physics Biology Chemistry Psychology
Mathematics Further Mathematics Computer Science Engineering Business
Focused study pathways
Art and Design Practice (3 x A-Level equiv.)
Engineering: BTEC ‘Triple’ (3 x A-Level equiv.)
Engineering: Technical Level (3 x A-Level equiv.)
Head teacher Stuart Hamer with star student Michael Lam and family.
Happy student Elliot Moran with teacher Craig Wilford.
Stuart Hamer congratulates Digby Newton on his results.
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The Budget is coming - are you ready to read between the lines?
THE Autumn Budget lands on November 26 and most of the noise will be about the big stuff; inheritance tax, capital gains, pensions, property reform.
But for most Lincolnshire businesses, the real impact won’t be in the headlines.
It’ll be in the small changes buried in the detail. The thresholds that stay frozen. The reliefs that quietly shrink. The rules that shift just enough to catch you out.
That’s where businesses often get blindsided. You think your tax position hasn’t changed, but fiscal drag means you’re paying more. You assume your succession plan is solid, but a tweak to IHT could throw it off.You expect your pension strategy is safe, but caps on relief might quietly shrink your future pot.
Even if the Chancellor doesn’t touch income tax or VAT, the Budget could still hit wealth, assets, and allowances, the things small businesses rely on to plan, invest, and pass value on.
And it’s not just about tax. These changes can affect how you structure deals, reward staff, or fund growth. A frozen threshold might push you into a higher band. A withdrawn relief could make a planned investment less viable. A small rule change
could mean your current setup no longer qualifies for the treatment you were expecting.
So now’s the time to get ahead of it.
Before the announcements drop, ask yourself:
1. What reliefs are you relying on?
2. Which thresholds could quietly increase your tax bill?
3. What changes could derail your plans?
At Wright Vigar, we help businesses think ahead. We look beyond the headlines and into the fine print, making sure your strategy can flex with the rules not fall apart because of them.
If you want to make sense of what’s coming and protect what you’ve built, let’s talk. We’re here to help you read between the lines and stay one step ahead.
Email darren.calvert@wrightvigar.co.uk or call Lincoln 01522 531341.
WV get on board with Lincoln City FC
WRIGHT Vigar has become a gold partner of Lincoln City Football Club. The chartered accountancy firm sealed the partnership by sponsoring club’s official boardroom.
Bobby Copping, head of commercial at the club (right) said: “It’s a privilege to add Wright Vigar to our ever-growing network here at Lincoln City.
“Wright Vigar are truly exceptional at what they do and I’m pleased to have agreed another partnership with a fantastic local company.”
Bobby is pictured Joint Managing Director of Wright Vigar, James Sewell, who added: “Wright Vigar are proud to be working with Lincoln City. We are looking forward to the season and would like to wish all of their team, both on and off the pitch, the very best for the campaign."
New drop-in cafe for people living with Parkinson’s
A NEW cafe for people living with Parkinson’s, their families, friends, and carers, has opened in Bailgate, Lincoln. Run by Parkinson’s UK’s Lincoln Support Group, the café was the
brainchild of volunteer Martin Dickie, who saw a need for a social opportunity for people affected by the condition in Lincoln. The cafe has also received financial support from Bailgate Rotary Club. Launched in September, the Bailgate Parkinson’s Drop-in Café is held on the second Wednesday of the month, 10:30am12pm, at Bailgate Methodist Church, Lincoln, LN1 3AR.
“The drop-in cafe offers support, information, and a chance for an informal chat over a cuppa to local people affected by Parkinson's. Attendance is free and no booking is required, though donations are welcome,” explained Martin.
On our launch day we had a good response from local, to surrounding villages and even as far as Market Rasen so we just need to get the word out so Parkinson sufferers can meet up and get help if they need it, or just to chat with like minded people.”
Parkinson's disease is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 166,000 people in the UK. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.
Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.
For information and support, you can visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
Volunteers and colleagues pictured at the Bailgate Parkinson’s Drop-in Café launch.
News from the Peace Place People Yoga & Meditation Centre
No
time to rest? Think of the trees
SAM BURLTON
YOGA TEACHER & STUDIO OWNER
AS a woman in mid-life, a business owner, mother to a teen and daughter to elderly parents there is no end to the demands on my time.
I have noticed that my ability and my inclination to keep all the plates spinning is diminishing as the years pass. Initially, I would berate myself, bemoaning the loss of the seemingly infinite energy of my younger self. But through my deepening yoga practice I have learned to listen to my body’s wisdom, finding ways to do less rather than more.
Solitude and being in nature always help me. I now live following the cycles of nature, taking my cues from the trees.
Springtime signifies new beginnings, rapid growth and stretching up towards the light, summer enjoying the fruits of all that growth and allowing the broad canopy that I cultivated to provide shelter. And now autumn; the period of transformation and a time to let go of what’s no longer needed making space for the new, preparing for the deep rest of the darker months.
I had a very busy spring and summer,
Sam has opened a new yoga studio in Lincoln city centre.
researching and writing a paper about Yoga and Money, completing many hours of further yoga training and then the huge project to open my new Yoga & Meditation Centre.
Book a FREE personalised consultation with our friendly team Book a free personalised consultation with our friendly team 1 Steep Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 1LS t: 01522 544727 e: enquiries@face-facts.co.uk www.face-facts.co.uk I F WIGS | HAIRPIECES | TURBANS
Now autumn is here I’m still busy, there remains much work to be done, but I’m choosing to slow down. To feel the benefits of all the work that I have already done, and when its time to push forward again I’ll instinctively know. I always do.
Yoga has been in my life for 25 years and my practice has been deepening for the last 12.
Now I’m a teacher of hatha yoga, meditation and yoga nidra with my new studio, it’s my passion to share the wisdom of these ancient practices with anyone who needs them regardless of their means or fitness level.
I’d especially like to work with people who think yoga is not for them because they’re not physically flexible or who think they can’t meditate because their mind is too busy.
Get in touch if you’d like to try.
My studio is the place to find stillness and community in the heart of the city.
Peace Place People Yoga & Meditation Centre, 18 St Martins Lane, LN2 1HY. https://peaceplacepeople.simplybook.it T. 07984 764253�
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Mayors pay a heavy price for civic honour
WHEN people talk about the ‘weight of office’ it’s not meant literally, but perhaps that needs a rethink when it comes to the regalia worn by the Mayor of Lincoln and other officers in the Civic Party.
Richard Storey, Mayor’s Officer and Civic Manager explained the significance of the attire and what it’s like to wear it on graduation days in July.
WHENEVER there’s an important occasion or event in Lincoln members of the Civic Party is front and centre decked out in their regalia of robes, hat, frilly shirts and the chains of office.
The mayors that serve Lincoln and their sheriffs have a busy civic year attending hundreds of events and not every visit needs the full mayoral regalia, but it gets enough outings that the robe has seen some wear, tear and repair since it was first worn in 1919.
Full mayoral robes get worn for monthly full meetings of City of Lincoln Council, the multiple graduation ceremonies for the University of Lincoln, Lincoln Bishop University and Lincoln College, Freedom Parades, Remembrance Services, Armistice and the Christmas Carol Service.Very formal events will also see the Charles 1 Mace and Richard II Sword make an appearance.
“Every time the mayor and the civic party attend an event in their robes it’s a piece of living history,” said Richard (pictured with the sword and mace).
“It’s a tradition that goes back centuries and people do still like to see it – it means something to people.
The mayor’s robe is red and trimmed with black velvet and sable – a very expensive fur that in the animal’s native Russia was only worn by the royal family.
When the robe is finally renewed real fur will not be used.
The Sheriff of Lincoln’s robe is black and again trimmed with velvet and Richard explained that while there is no definitive history of the civic finery it would have been a symbol of authority starting centuries ago.
“These robes would have been very expensive to buy and showed a commitment to taking the role. The wearing of robes dates back to a time when only people of a certain status could take up the position of mayor or alderman. They were a way of showing off that position.”
The mace and sword are symbols of Lincoln’s past importance as they were presented to the city by the kings they are named for.
“Having a mace is quite common, but usually the town or city has had to buy their own. Lincoln is unique as both its mace and sword were presented to the city as a kind of PR stunt by the king.
As the Mayor’s Officer Richard has had to do his fair share of ‘dressing up’ and ensure that the Civic Party is suited and booted correctly from Lincoln Guildhall where the robes and other civic accoutrements are kept.
“They’re all really heavy – I think the mayor’s robe must weight seven kilos, then there’s the chain of office. Mine is made up of six layers.
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“To be honest, practicality and comfort aren't something that's ever taken into account. It's a sacrifice you make, really. We’re all really proud to be able to wear it and represent to the city.
“A mayoral year is a year of hard work - unpaid - being an ambassador at charity events, events, business invitations and working with visitors to the city. When we’re sweltering on a hot summer’s day for graduations under the layers it’s just part of that pride and service.
See page 16 for Guildhall Tours.
Current Mayor of Lincoln Cllr Bill Mara in his robes of office.
Tale of cricketers divided by a century
I RECENTLY received a request for information about a former Lincoln Grammar School pupil, William Coape Oates, who attended the school during the 1880s and went on to play cricket for Nottinghamshire.
As I have a passion for the game I couldn’t resist the challenge! William Oates was the son of William Henry Coape Oates, described as a gentleman and landowner - an important figure in the development of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. His mother was Sophia Domenichetti, an Australian. Thanks to Professor Charles Garton’s card index records we have information about all pupils attending Lincoln School from 1900. Before 1900, however, records are more sparse especially before
PETER HARROD continues to delve into the pictorial past of Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School through its Garton Archive.
1888 when the first school magazine was published.
In fact, very little information is available in the archive on William Oates. However, we are able to confirm from the attendance records kept by Headmaster John Fowler that he did attend Lincoln Grammar School from 1871 to 1874, when both the upper and lower school were housed in the upper storey of the Greyfriars building.
Discover almost 2,000 years Discover almost 2,000 years of Lincoln’s rich history on a of Lincoln’s rich on a tour of the city’s Guildhall. tour of the city’s Guildhall.
吀is fascinating building sits above the Stonebow, which itself was built over the southern gate into Roman Lincoln so it has been welcoming people into the ci琀 for 1800 years.
吀e current building was 昀nished in 1520 and is the o昀icial home of the Mayor of Lincoln – a position 昀rst established in 1206.
Knowledgeable tour guides will highlight the building’s national importance as they take visitors into main council chamber, where Ci琀 of Lincoln Council still meets.
Vellum documents predating the Magna Carta, the sword given to the ci琀 by King Richard II; an impressive range of civic insignia and items representing the ci琀’s military, industrial and aviation heritage are just some of the artefacts waiting to be discovered.
However, he left following the Public Schools Common Entrance Examination to attend the prestigious Harrow School. It is unlikely that William (pictured during the First World War) would have played cricket other than impromptu games in the school yard or on Sheep Square to the south of the school as it was not until the headship of John Albert Babbington, who followed John Fowler in 1875 that cricket became an organised game. Charles Garton describes one occasion when a team from Newark Magnus School was driven over in ‘a drag and four spanking greys’!
After leaving Harrow, Oates represented Nottinghamshire Colts in 1880 and made his debut for Notts the following year. His first-class debut was against Surrey at The Oval in July 1881 when he also opened and scored 19 and 39. However, he played only three more first-class games for Notts and his record shows that he had eight innings, and scored124 runs at an average of 15.50. His debut score of 39 remained his best.
Oates went on to enjoy a distinguished military career including active service with the Royal Munster Fusiliers which he joined as a lieutenant in September 1882.
I know of only one other Old Lincolnian, Rob Herkes (above right) who played county cricket, although several played minor counties cricket for Lincolnshire including two from my own year at Lincoln School, Tony North and Barry Enderby. Rob was a student at Lincoln School from 1969-74 and former cricket master, Peter Kerr, remembers him and his brother Dwane as fast bowlers of considerable potential.
Rob was described in a newspaper article as a brisk fastmedium bowler who appeared three times for Middlesex during the late 1970s. In his first two matches he was given only five overs but in his third he returned the impressive figures of 6 for 60 in Worcester’s first innings.
His biggest ‘scalp’ was the New Zealand batsman Glenn Turner, and he also bowled against former Lincoln City full-back, Phil Neale. Those were Rob’s only first-class wickets.
However, to ‘bag’ what contemporary cricketers call a ‘6 fer’ in only his third match, and then to find out that his contract was not to be renewed, seems somewhat harsh.
Goodbye Smithhello Jones
In this month’s article from The Survey of Lincoln ANDREW WALKER remembers a major retailer which has recently left Lincoln after a century and a half of trading.
A BUSINESS that had a presence in the centre of Lincoln for over 150 years quietly disappeared during the summer.
W.H. Smith has recently sold all of its High Street shops to Modella Capital, which has renamed them TGJones. Its remaining stores, mainly in travel-related sites, continue to trade as W.H. Smith.
The company that became W.H. Smith was formed in London in 1792 by Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna who set up a paper round (or ‘news walk’) in Mayfair.
The business, developed into a newspaper wholesaling concern, which was taken over by their son, William Henry Smith. In 1846, it became W.H. Smith and Son.
Taking advantage of the railway boom, Smith’s opened station news stands, the first of which was located at Euston in London in 1848.
White’s trade directory for Lincolnshire in 1872 indicates that the company, described as ‘booksellers’, had stands at both of Lincoln’s major railway stations, the Midland Station (later known as St Mark’s), and the Great Northern Station (now Lincoln Central).
In 1903, the Lincolnshire Chronicle reported on changes being made to the Great Northern Station, which included W.H. Smith’s new improved bookstall. This was described as ‘large and magnificent’, with its newspaper, book, and library departments, where customers could borrow a book and return it at another station.
The report noted that: ‘The manager is Mr. F. E. Smith, who has been there for 34 years.’ He also managed the Midland Railway station bookstall.
In addition to its retail arm, W.H. Smith’s continued its major wholesale operation. In December 1924, Smith’s was advertising its new trade depot in Lincoln at 365 High Street, in a building designed by William Watkins, on the corner of Portland Street, for
‘the convenience of booksellers, stationers …etc.’The property became home to ‘Binks for Bikes’ from September 1960.
In 1979, W.H. Smith’s retail presence in Lincoln extended beyond the railway stations. In September of that year, it opened a branch in the Cornhill.
This building, occupied a prime site, that had previously been home to the New Market, which extended along the south side of the original Corn Exchange.
Simons, the local building firm which constructed the new premises, advertised in the Lincolnshire Echo on September 12, 1979, that the new building had been the work of architect Brian Wright whose ‘bold and striking’ design ‘successfully demonstrated that within an important social environment, designs need not sacrifice imagination to be harmonious.’
Much emphasis was placed upon the locally supplied handmade facing bricks, from Lincoln Brick of Waddington, and striking design features such as the dormer windows and mansard roof. The new shop seemed to be staffed by a remarkably young management team: the manager was 29 years old and a number of the departmental managers were teenagers.
In July, the company was advertising for suitable residential accommodation for its young employees, many new to Lincoln. The Cornhill shop was described as spacious and the fact that it was air conditioned was highlighted.
Housing a W.H. Smith travel agency upstairs, the shop also stocked books newspapers toys and games, stationery, cameras, pens, watches and calculators, as well as a ‘large record and cassette section.’
The shop’s product lines have altered a little since its opening. It will be interesting to see how the business evolves further under the ownership of ‘TGJones’.
For more information about The Survey of Lincoln, see: www.thesurveyoflincoln.org
Growing demand for city allotments
CITY of Lincoln Council’s new allotments officer, HELEN STANTON, talks about these growing plots, their history and her role today.
ALLOTMENTS have been a part of life in Lincoln for many years. The earliest recorded allotments are believed to be those on the Yarborough Crescent site, which was laid out in 1884. This site is still in existence and popular today.
The most recently created allotments are at the Melbourne Road site, which were established during the Covid19 pandemic.
The City of Lincoln Council maintains 17 allotment sites across the city, including one just over its boundary at Canwick Hill. Fifteen of these sites are owned by the Council, one is on leased land, and one is on common land.
All allotments are special places, but the designation given to statutory allotment sites means they are heavily protected, particularly by the 1925 Allotment Act.
pages. Events are also put on throughout the year.
Currently there is strong demand for allotments, with people waiting for plots at all of the sites. To tackle this, we are working hard to bring back into use plots that haven’t been used for many years and have fallen into poor, unusable condition. We are also creating additional plots by dividing larger ones, which in today’s world are generally far bigger than a tenant wants or needs.
There are just under 1200 plots across these sites, with the Long Leys Road site being the largest (with around 200 plots) and the Kingsway site the smallest (with just 11 plots).
The council is responsible for the maintenance of all the sites, through contractors.
We are fortunate to have some proactive associations, committees and individuals on our allotments, who we try to work closely with, to understand the individual needs of the unique sites we have.
Both the North Lincoln Horticultural Society, based at the Clarence Street A site, and the Boultham Allotment and Garden Holders Association at the Boultham Glebe site have well stocked shops. These shops are open for their members to benefit from the highly competitive pricing, and expert advice available. Membership is available to all, whether you have an allotment or not, and further details can be found on their Facebook
Although the primary use for an allotment is to grow produce, they also offer so much more, from an outdoor space that many residents don’t have at home, to a place to restore mental wellbeing. Some of our plots are run by charities and organisations that bring gardening and its many benefits into the lives of those who otherwise would not experience it.
I spend a lot of time out on the sites across the city and as a keen gardener I often take inspiration from some of the truly impressive plots I see, both formal and informal.
The considerable amount of wildlife I see while out and about often surprises me, but is great to see as it connects the urban setting with the countryside. Of course wildlife doesn’t respect borders and boundaries thank goodness, but I’m afraid we have to. So given the high demand we have for plots, council policy is to prioritise availability for residents of the city just now.
I’m fortunate to have a garden space at home. I grow lots of fruit, which I freeze to use in my morning smoothies throughout the year, if I can pick it before my children or labradors get there first! I also grow vegetables and flowers to enjoy as well as benefitting our pollinators.
Apply for a Lincoln allotment: lincoln.gov.uk/allotments
Food & Drink
Georgia on his mind - Saperavi Supreme
GEORGIAN wine isn’t exactly something you’ll see stacked high in the supermarket aisles, but that’s part of its charm.
Georgia, after all, is the cradle of winemaking, with 8,000 years of history to prove it. At the heart of this tradition is Saperavi, the country’s pride and joy, and few producers showcase it better than Tbilvino.
If you’re wondering what it drinks like, think juicy Argentine Malbec meets bold Rhône Syrah. Deeply inky in colour, brimming with blackberries, cassis, and forest fruits, with a touch of spice, it’s powerful yet finishes with a freshness that keeps you coming back for more.
I poured the 2023 vintage on a cooler September evening, and it was superb with a homemade lasagne. 100% Saperavi, made from hand-selected grapes, and shows real depth and character.
The fruit-forward style means it’s instantly appealing, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a simple crowd-pleaser. There’s grip and backbone here too, the sort of tannic structure that means you could lay it down for 5–10 years and be rewarded with something even more complex.
And it’s not just me singing its praises. The 2020 vintage walked away with Champion Red, Trophy, and Gold at the International Wine Challenge, firmly cementing Saperavi’s reputation on the world stage.
At £11.50 from Majestic, this is one of those rare bottles that works on every level: approachable, delicious, and just different enough to spark conversation around the table.
Francesco Canni Aspiring Sommelier
Skendleby
Cheese Sykes Fell
THIS is a delicately smooth, creamy cheese handcrafted from locally sourced fresh, pure sheep’s milk.
This mellow cheese is similar in style to a Wensleydale, crumbly with a dense bite. Beautifully balanced in flavour with that classic nutty taste that comes with many sheep’s milk cheeses.
It is made by Peter and Grace Proctor at Greenfields dairy in Goosnargh, in the heart of the
Lancashire countryside. They have a family-run business with a proven award-winning track record in the craft of fine traditional cheese making that dates back to the 1930s. There is no specific aging period for Sykes Fell, but it is designed to be eaten young and should be consumed within two weeks. Sheep’s cheese is rich in easily absorbed calcium so is good for growing children and nursing mothers.
contact Lucie Nock, The Cheese Society, 1 St Martin’s Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1HY. T. 01522 511003,
Key Facts
Country England Milk Type Ewes
Skendleby Hall is a charming country manor house located in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds with stunning views.
We Offer
Weddings - Let us deliver your perfect day!
Corporate Events - Training days with a difference. Retreats - Relax and unwind in our beautiful setting. Staycations - Enjoy our stunning hall with family and friends.
Upcoming Events
Sound Bath and Mindfulness - 8 November th Retreat Weekend - 22 - 23 November ndrd
Festive Christmas evening - 29 November th Christmas Weekend - 6 and 7 December thth
Contact - Amanda Batham, our General Manager: Phone: 07939 508636
Email: skendlebyhallevents@gmail.com www.skendlebyhall.co.uk - new website October 2025.
Monday 6 October 7.30pm
Wednesday 8 October 7pm
Wednesday 8 October 7.30pm
Thursday 9 October 6.45pm
Thursday 9 October 7.30pm
Thursday 9 October 8pm –10.30pm
Thursday 9 October –Saturday 11 October 7.30pm
Friday 10 October 4.45pm
Friday 10 October 7pm
Friday 10 October 7.30pm
Friday 10 October 7.30pm
Friday 10 October 11pm
Saturday 11 October 3pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Trevor Horn: Adventures in Modern Recording From £32
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Wishbone Ash
£32.50, accessible ticket and free carer £16.25, (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Anything for Love
£35.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
T 01522 519999
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Thank You for the Music
The ultimate tribute to ABBA. £32, 14+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Lee Memphis King - One Night of Elvis
£31.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN The Curious Cabaret Live magic, mind-reading and comedy.
Early Bird £21, general from £24, student £20 www.lawnlincoln.com
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY
Still Life & Come into the Garden, Maude
Two short plays by Noël Coward. £12 - £13
www.broadbenttheatre.org T 0333 666 3366
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Enjoy music, wine and pizza. £8 on the door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Pink by Vicky Jackson £20, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Uptown Girl – The Billy Joel Collection
£29.50 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
The Coldplay Tribute £23 - £25
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Swiftogeddon From £8, 18+ only www.engineshed.co.uk
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Light Up Lincoln Spoken word, dance numbers, prayer and worship.
£7.50, child £2.50 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
Saturday 11 October –Sunday 12 October Various times
Saturday 11 October 7pm
Saturday 11 October 7pm
Saturday 11 October 7pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN A Squash and a Squeeze £18, child £16
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Hot Chili Peppers UK £15, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS New Model Army
£27.50, 14+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Alan Ritson Presents: Chris Fox £14 www.southsidelincs.com
Saturday 11 October 7.30pm
Saturday 11 October 8pm
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
Song Sung Blue – The Music of Neil Diamond
£17 - £20
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
THE BLUE ROOM AT THE LAWN, LINCOLN Latin Quartet Bluesy, lyrical sound by Tim Lapthorn, piano; Steve Fishwick, trumpet; Paul Booth, Sax; Matt Skelton, drums; Arnie Somogyi, bass. 18, members £15, u18s £9, cash or card on-the-door www.jazzpac.co.uk T 01522 529717
Sunday 12 October 3pm
Sunday 12 October 7pm
Sunday 13 October 6.30pm
Thursday 16 October Various times
Thursday 16 October 6.30pm
Thursday 16 October –Saturday 18 October 7pm
ST GERMAIN’S CHURCH, SCOTHERN Live music concert – Fusion Greatest Hits £7 includes light refreshments, book tickets via phone T 07745 240439
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Cats in Space £26, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Jonny Cole: Armagudd’n
From £18, 16+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Soundboard – Zest
Part chat show, part game, part live performance. FREE, booking required www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Alan Davies: Think Ahead £29.50, 16+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
See page 33. £20, book online, www.lawnlincoln.com
Friday 17 October 7pm
Friday 17 October
7.30pm
Friday 17 October
7.30pm
Friday 17 October
7.30pm
Saturday 18 October 2pm
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS
Lightning Seeds
From £30, 14+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Suzi Ruffell – The Juggle
£20, conc. £18
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
A Foreigner’s Journey
£20, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
RAF Swing Wing
£23
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN
Tim Reaper (Future Retro) ft Special Guests UKG, Dubstep, Jungle and DNB. £16
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Saturday 18 October 7pm
Saturday 18 October 7.30pm
Saturday 18 October 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Centre Stage: In the Spotlight £20, conc. £17 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
Jamie Flanagan as Michael Bublé
£23.50
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terry-otoole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
Bow Wow Wow + Support: Millie Manders and The Shutup
£25, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
Sunday 19 October 11.30am & 3pm
Sunday 19 October 6.30pm
Sunday 19 October 7pm
Wednesday 22 October 7.30pm
Thursday 23 October 6pm
Thursday 23 October –Saturday 25 October 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Rude Science
£19, child £17
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Jimeoin: Pandemonium
£20.50, 14+ (u18s must be accompanied by an adult) www.engineshed.co.uk
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Dodgy
£25, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
The Remarkable Ben Hart £22
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN CASTLE
Thursday 23 October 8pm
Friday 24 October 4.45pm
Friday 24 October Various times
Friday 24 October 6pm
Friday 24 October 7pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Lose the Path, Find Your Way
Child £8, adult £5, family £20 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
LINCOLN CASTLE
Outdoor Cinema: Scream
£17.37
www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
BROADBENT THEATRE, WICKENBY, LINCOLN, LN3 5AW Mrs. Warren’s Profession National Theatre Live, filmed live
Outdoor Cinema: The Lost Boys (15)
£17.37
www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
The Asylum Players’ autumn production. The classic tale of love, lust, revenge and jealousy. £20
www.lawnlincoln.com
See page 33.
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN
Comedy Night at The Royal
With MC Windsor, Fiona Allen and Tony Vino.
£17, 18+
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Enjoy music, wine and pizza. £8 on the door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Friday 24 October 7.30pm
Saturday 25 October 6pm
Saturday 25 October 7pm
Saturday 25 October 7.30pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL
Sexbomb: Celebrating the Music of Sir Tom Jones
£31.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN CASTLE Outdoor Cinema: Hocus Pocus
£17.37 www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY The Activators £10, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Stewart Copeland - Have I Said Too Much?
From £38
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
LINCOLN
Sunday
26 October 1pm –2.30pm
Sunday
26 October 6pm
Sunday
26 October 7pm
Wednesday
29 October 5.30pm
Wednesday 29 October 7pm
Wednesday
29 October 7pm
Thursday
30 October –
Saturday 1 November 7pm
Friday
31 October – Saturday 1 November Various times
Friday 31 October – Saturday 8 November Various times
Friday 31 October 7pm
Friday 31 October 7pm
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Annie - CAODS
See page 33
£26, conc. £24, child £24 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Viva La Rave
More information TBC. www.southsdelincs.com
T 01522 43794
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Nic Cage Against the Machine + Support: Toxicities
£18, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
Saturday 1 November 7pm
- 01522 519999
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Caspervek Trio Lunchtime Concert
Rediscover cinema with this Spanish instrumental ensemble.
From £10, book online
www.lawnlincoln.com
T 01522 534160
LINCOLN CASTLE
Outdoor Cinema: The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)
£17.37
www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Brave Rival + Support: Demi Marriner
£19, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE ENGINE SHED, LN6 7TS Mania U18: Lincoln –Halloween
From £16, 14 – 17 only www.engineshed.co.uk
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Jam Night
All ages, genres, and abilities welcome FREE
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Ardal O’Hanlon
£26, wheelchair accessible + carer ticket £13, 16+
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
SCOTHERN VILLAGE HALL
Scothern Players present Agatha Crusty and the Murder Mystery Dinner
£10
www.scothernplayers.org.uk
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Meet the Hatter – Joss Arnott Dance
£15, child £10, Live Pass £12, family
Saturday 1 November 7.30pm
Sunday 2 November 6.30pm
Thursday 6 November 8pm
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Glory Days - Bruce Springsteen Tribute
£18, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
TERRY O’TOOLE THEATRE, NORTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9AX
‘A Ticket to Ride’ – A Celebration of the 1960s £22 - £25
www.betterboxoffice.co.uk/terryo-toole-theatre/ T 0333 335 5055
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Lindisfarne
£32, accessible + carer ticket £16, (u16s must be accompanied by an adult)
www.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN
The Curious Cabaret Live magic, mind-reading and comedy.
From £20, book online www.lawnlincoln.com
Friday 7 November 4.45pm
Friday 7 November 6pm – 10pm
Friday 7 November 8pm
Saturday 8 November 7.30pm
Saturday 8 November 7.30pm
Monday 10 Nov 7:30pm th BOOK NOW: 01522 519999
Friday 7 November 6pm
Friday 7 November 7pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Commuter Jazz
Enjoy music, wine and pizza. £8 on the door
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE GRAIN STORE, DODDINGTON HALL Jazz Night
The Andrew Wood Trio and vocalist Kat Kyrris. £50
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY
The Big Indie Fest
UK's biggest indie tribute night. From £12, 14+ (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN
Alan Ritson presents: Driven Serious Fice piece folk-rock band from Newcastle Upon Tyne. With guest Emily Rivers Thomson. £14
www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
Sunday 9 November 2.15pm
Monday 10 November 7.30pm
Tuesday 11 November 7.30pm
Wednesday 12 November 7.30pm
Thursday 13 November 7.30pm
Thursday 13 November 7.30pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE AbbaMIA
£12.50, over 60s £10, u12s £5 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN David Gedge Duo
£23.50 www.southsidelincs.com
T 01522 437942
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Red Herring Comedy Club
MC Adam Beardstone with Rachel Fairburn, Hannah East and Matt Bragg.
£17.50, 18+
www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Taylor Fever
£23.50, (u16s must be accompanied by an adult) www.lincolndrill.co.uk
T 01522 534160
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Step into Christmas
£33
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN The Nutcracker – Imperial Classical Ballet
£38, conc. £35, u16s £26 www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Amanda Owen: The Yorkshire Shepherdess
£30.50
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com T 01522 519999
NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN Bublé by Candlelight
£29
www.newtheatreroyallincoln.com
T 01522 519999
T 01522 534160 NTRLINCOLN.CO.UK - 01522 519999
£40 www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Tony Carroll
£18, accessible + carer ticket £9, 16+ www.lincolndrill.co.uk
Mondays 7pm
Mondays & Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm
LINCOLN IMP Lincoln IMProv Club
Improvisational shenaniganary! Join us for some games, short and long form improv, and just general larking about! FREE www.facebook.com/LincolnImpr
THE CARDINAL’S HAT, LINCOLN Draw & Drink Portrait Classes
Led by Ellie Benton. Bring your own materials. £15
www.instagram.com/drawanddri nk.lincoln, T 07810 835147
Wednesdays !0am-12pm
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
First Wednesday of the month 5pm – 7pm
Thursdays !0am-12pm
Thursdays 10am –12.30pm
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY HUB, LN2 2BT Knit and Natter FREE erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOORLAND AVENUE, LN6 7JJ
Moorland Makers
Work on your own projects, have a go at something new. Bring your own craft materials. FREE
USHER GALLERY Artist Network
Meet and catch up with other artists and creatives. www.lincolnmuseum.com T 01522 782040
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY HUB, LN2 2BT Crafty Cuppa FREE erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
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
Thursdays 2pm – 3pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Craft Club
Relax, socialise and share your story through your craft 16+. FREE T 01522 782010
Until 15 October 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm Sundays)
Until Sunday 19 October 10am – 4pm (open Thursday - Monday)
Monday 6 October –Saturday 18 October 9am – 4pm
Monday 6 October –Sunday 12 October 10am - 4pm
Monday 6 October –Sunday 19 October 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 7 October 5pm – 7pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Kate Steane and Andy Taylor FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryatst martins T 07720 810468
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Flux
Collage, painting and ceramics by Fiona Hodges. FREE
www.indigocrowgallery.com
USHER GALLERY Usher Young Creatives Curation Session Curating work from the Lincoln and Boston summer school project for the exhibition. www.lincolnmuseum.com
Tuesday 7 October 7pm – 8pm
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Open Exhibition
A mix of 2D and 3D works. FREE entry info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk
T 01522 523537
USHER GALLERY Art of the Now Showcasing county artists. FREE www.lincolnmuseum.com
T 01522 782040
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY In the Gallery – Hobden Exhibition Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, a diptych of self-portraits. FREE entry
Wednesday 8 October 10am - 4pm
Friday 10 October 7.30pm
Friday 10 October 7.30pm
Saturday 11 October 10am – 4pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Grand Organ Festival 2025 – Jeffrey Makinson Lincoln Cathedral Organist performs works by J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Bairstow, and Gaston Litaize.. £10
www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
INDIGO CROW GALLERY Business Skill for Artists Crafting your brand with Fiona Hodges. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Radiohead by Candlelight From £21
www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
THE VENUE CINEMA, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY Film: On Falling (UK/Portugal 2024. 15) Lincoln Film Society Members only www.lincolnfilmsociety.com T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)
Saturday 11 October 10am - 4pm
THE RICKYARD GALLERY, STATION ROAD, WICKENBY, LN3 5AB Book Making and Surface Decoration
Workshop with Christine Plummer textiles@christineplummer.co.uk T 01673 885259 or T 07740 176028
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Business Skill for Artists Marketing and promotion with Fiona Hodges. £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Saturday 11 October –Sunday 12 October 11am – 4pm
Saturday 11 October 7pm – 10pm
THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIGG LANE, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND, LN5 9HP Carlton-le-Moorland and District Annual Art Exhibition FREE entry, refreshments available T 01522 810739
DECIMAL PLACE, 10 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Weird Garden
Sounds and art by Dai Koelakanth, Larry Crywater, Petrichor, and Vile Plumage. FREE pkrollings@yahoo.co.uk (Peter)
Tuesday 14 October 6.45pm
Tuesday 14 October 7pm – 8pm
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Life Drawing
Different theme every month. £9, conc. £7 www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Grand Organ Festival 2025 – Jonathan Scott
The concert organist and Associate artist, Bridgewater Hall, performs works by William Byrd, J.S. Bach, Richard Wagner. £10 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Wednesday 15 October 10am - 4pm
Friday 17 October 7.30pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Abstract Collage with Fiona Hodges £75, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Army Benevolent Fund Concert
The Welsh Guards present music from film and TV, to classical and swing. From £20 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Saturday 18 October –Sunday 2 November 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm Sundays)
Saturday 18 October 7.30pm
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN VIVID
DJ Gouldsborough’s cityscapes of Lincoln in vivid colour. FREE entry info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537
LINCOLN COUNTY ASSEMBLY ROOMS Autumn Inspirations Lincoln Pro Musica Orchestra concert - see page 33. £3, conc. £11, Uner 16s £6 https://AutumnInspirations_ProMusi can.eventbrite.com
Sunday 19 October 11am – 3pm
Monday
20 October –
Monday
3 November 9am – 4pm
Tuesday
21 October –
Sunday
2 November 10am - 4pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Botanical Gelli Plate Prints and Concertina Sketchbooks Workshop with Lisa Tank. £55, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY In the Gallery – IncLLinc Collaborative exhibition of works by local artists Nigel, Donald &ByeBye. FREE www.incllinc.com
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Abundance
Textiles, collage, printing representing nature and the beauty of the Lincolnshire Wolds with Debs Davis and Katie Veal of the Foxglove Tree. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
Tuesday
21 October 7pm – 8pm
Thursday
23 October 10am – 4pm
Friday 24 October 7pm
Friday
24 October
7.30pm
Saturday 25 October 2.15pm & 7.30pm
Saturday 25 October 7pm – 8pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL The Princess Proms Concert singing the magical themes from your favourite princess movies. From £16.49
www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Grand Organ Festival 2025 – Robert Sharpe Director of Music from York Minster performs J.S. Bach, Edward Bairstow, Philip Moore, and Louis Vierne. £10
www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Wednesday 29 October 10am - 3pm
Friday 31 October 1.10pm
Friday 31 October 7.30pm
Saturday 1 November 10am - 3pm
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN, LN1 3JY Introduction to Oil and Cold Wax Abstracted Landscapes Workshop with Margaret Bird. £85, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Lunchtime Recital – Fiona Hosford Live harp music. Included with cathedral admission www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
THE VENUE CINEMA, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY Film: Vermiglio (Italy/France 2024. 15) Lincoln Film Society Members only www.lincolnfilmsociety.com
T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Wet Felted Wrist Warmers, Fingerless Gloves Workshop with Robyn Smith. £65, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
Sunday 2 November 10am – 1pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Grand Organ Festival 2025 – Dr Colin Walsh Organist Emeritus, Lincoln Cathedral, performs works by J.S. Bach, César Franck, Enrico Bossi, and Jean Langlais. £10 www.lincolncathedral.com
T 01522 561600
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Portraits in Charcoal Workshop with Lucy McElroy. £85, book online www.indigocrowgallery.com
SCOTHERN VILLAGE HALL
Film: Mr Burton
£5 pay-on-the-door www.scothernvillagehall.org
THE VENUE CINEMA, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY
Film: Memoir of a Snail (Australia 2024. 15) Lincoln Film Society Members only www.lincolnfilmsociety.com
T 01522 889782 (after 5pm)
Monday 3 November –Saturday 15 November 9am – 4pm
Monday 3 November –Sunday 9 November 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 4 November –Sunday 16 November 10am – 4pm
Friday 7 November –Sunday 16 November Open Thursday – Sunday)
Saturday 8 November 7.30pm
THE RICKYARD GALLERY, STATION ROAD, WICKENBY, LN3 5AB 10: A Life in Print
Featuring more than 10 years of prints, reliefs and paper sculpture influenced by the collagraph printmaking process. FREE
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Duruflė’s Requiem and Vaugham Williams Five Mystical Songs Accompanied by the Father Willis organ. From £10, child & students FREE www.lincolncathedral.com
Monday 10 November – Sunday 16 November 10am - 4pm
USHER GALLERY Seeing Tone Workshop as part of Usher Gallery Art School Autumn programme with artist Jane Frederick. £11, 16+ www.lincolnmuseum.com
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY In the Gallery – IncLLinc Collaborative exhibition of works by local artists Yumi & Ruby. FREE www.incllinc.com
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Ann Evans FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryat stmartins T 07720 810468
INDIGO CROW GALLERY, 57 BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Perspectives - Rachel Rogers and Paul Miller Landscapes and nature paintings. FREE www.indigocrowgallery.com
Saturday 15 November 10am – 3pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Beverley Nel FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryat stmartins T 07720 810468
THE VILLAGE HALL, BRIGG LANE, CARLTON-LE-MOORLAND, LN5 9HP Carlton-le-Moorland and District Art Group
Workshop in acrylic with Peter Wood. Members £15, guests £18 T 01522 811510
Saturday 15 November – Sunday 25 January 2026 10am – 5pm (11am – 4pm Sundays)
Saturday 15 November 7.30pm
HARDING HOUSE GALLERY, STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Christmas Exhibition
Unique work by invited artists with a variety of festive gift ideas. FREE entry info@hardinghousegallery.co.uk T 01522 523537
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL London Concertante: Four Seasons & The Lark Ascending. Performed by candlelight. From £21 www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
Monday 24 November – Sunday 30 November 10am – 4pm
GALLERY AT ST MARTIN’S, LINCOLN Exhibition: Dominic Parczuk FREE
www.instagram.com/galleryat stmartins T 07720 810468
Mondays 10.30am
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Historic Graffiti Tours
Gain insight into the thousands of etchings found in the cathedral.
£7.50 + cathedral admission fee
www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Wednesdays 4pm – 4.45pm
Second Wednesday every month
7.15pm
Lego Coding Club
Engage in STEM with Lego. Term time only.
FREE, booking essential via email lincoln_library@gll.org T 01522 782010
BAILGATE METHODIST HALL, NEWPORT, LINCOLN Lincoln Minster
Townswomen’s Guild
Speakers or members’ nights for craftwork, games and conversation.
Free for first two visits T 07794 862314 (Sarah)
Thursdays 11am – 12pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Family History Help
Use the resources available in the library’s archives and online databases.
FREE, booking required
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Fridays 2pm – 3pm
Saturdays 10am
Monday 6 October 6pm
Wednesday 8 October 4.30pm – 8pm
Learn My Way
Join a basic IT beginner’s course, suitable for 16+.
FREE, booking required
CASTLE SQUARE
Lincoln Free Walking Tour
Lincoln is a small city with a big history and a great way of experiencing it is on foot.
FREE, booking required www.lincolnfreewalkingtour.co.uk
LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITYONLINE Black History Month
Winner of BHM Art Competition for schools announced. www.lincolnbishop.ac.uk
LINCOLN COLLEGE Career Degrees Open Day
Get an idea what education at Lincoln College University Centre is like.
FREE, register online www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
T 030 030 32435
Wednesday 8 October 4.30pm – 8pm
Thursday 9 October 7.30pm
ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY Uganda
Presented by Chris Hall, tour guide and photographer. £4 on-the-door, child FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk T 01522 753809
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
Friday 10 October 11am – 12pm
Sanctuary Stories
The final chapter of the Bransby Horses journey.. FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
& Embrace Your
WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER
SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER
TUESDAY 13 JANUARY
SATURDAY 7 MARCH
WEDNESDAY 6 MAY
SATURDAY 13 JUNE
BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY
TECHNICAL TRAINING | APPRENTICESHIPS A LEVELS | T LEVELS | CAREER DEGREES 030 030 32435 | lincolncollege.ac.uk
Saturday 11 October 2pm
QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY HUB, SOUTH PARK, LINCOLN, LN5 8EW Greener Pastures
Lincolnshire’s role in populating an early19th century Yorkshire new town. Presented by Janet Tierney.
£1 donations welcome, also available via Teams
lincolnbranch@lincolnshurefhs.org.uk
T 079412 45322 Tracey Fairhurst
Sunday 12 October 9am – 3pm
LINCOLN COLLEGE Open Day
Information about technical training, A Levels, and apprenticeships.
FREE, register online
www.lincolncollege.ac.uk
T 030 030 32435
Wednesday 8 October 5.30pm
Wednesday 15 October 11am – 12pm
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH
Donkey Tales: Life and Care
From how they bond to why their ears are so big and everything in between. FREE www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Wednesday 15 October 5pm – 6.30pm
HARDY TEACHING ROOM 1, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY
Lecture: Decorative Chains: Black Children as Fashionable ‘Pets’ Part of Black History Month with Abi Teeder. Free www.lincolnbishop.ac.uk
ST HUGH’S HALL, LINCOLN, LN2 5AQ
Wednesday 15 October 7.30pm –8.30pm
The RNLI – 200 Years and Counting
With early 20th century photographs from the SLHA collection, Chris Hewis’ talk focuses on the lifeboat stations, past and present on the Lincolnshire coast. £4, SLHA members £3 www.slha.org.uk
Thursday 16 October 7.30pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Talk: Britain’s Seabird Cities
Presented by Steve Lovell. £2.50, includes interval refreshments www.lincstrust.org.uk
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Friday 17 October 2pm – 4.30pm
Ever Since We Small In conversation with author Celeste Mohammed. Part of Black History Month. £5, tickets available from Eventbrite www.eventbrite.co.uk
Friday 17 October 5pm, film starts 6.15pm
THE VENUE, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN Undergraduate Open Day
Attend subject talks, tour accommodation and facilities, and meet tutors and students. FREE, register online www.lincoln.ac.uk
T 01522 882000
Sunday 12 October 11am - 1pm
HARDY TEACHING ROOM 1, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY
A Salute to the Women of Windrush and Their Legacy
Part of Black History Month at LBU with historian and author Maureen Dickson, FREE - donations gratefully received for University Student Community Larder. www.lincolnbishop.ac.uk
Wednesday 15 October 10am –12.30pm
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK History Walk
Learn the history of the park from its days as a working estate and celebrate Discover Lincolnshire weekend. FREE
hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk
T 01522 873735
DODDINGTON HALL, LN6 4RU Harvest Mouse Safari
Learn all about these animals and join Ranger Heather to hunt for their tiny woven nests. £30, booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
Saturday 18 October 10am – 1pm
Film Night: Hard Truths Mike Leigh’s latest film stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Part of Black History Month. Movie and meal deal (meals in Students Union) Pay What You Can www.lincolnbishop.ac.uk
RISEHOLME COLLEGE
Open Day
Check out the facilities on a campus tour, ask our expert staff any questions, find out about student support and much more. FREE www.bishopburton.ac.uk T 01964 5530000
LINCOLN CASTLE
Saturday 18 October 1pm – 2pm
Lunchtime Talks: Lucy Tower Graves
Presentation focusing on three executed prisoners buried in the castle grounds £5, booking essential www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
Tuesday 21 October 11am – 12pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Get Online Week Activity – Ancestry FREE T 01522 782010
Tuesday 21 October 1.30pm - 3pm
Thursday
23 October 12pm – 1pm
Thursday
23 October 2pm – 3pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE
The Haitian Revolution
A talk by Jules Aveyard to Lincoln Bailgate u3a.
£2 on-the-door
www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Get Online Week Activity – Online Resources
FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnsh ire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Tales of Darkest Lincolnshire
Adrian Gray presents lighthearted Lincolnshire stories. £3
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tales-ofdarkest-lincolnshire-tickets1403881089129 T 01522 782010
Friday
24 October 11am – 12pm
Friday
24 October Doors open 5.30pm
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Meet the Sponsorship Stars FREE, www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
ELIOT ROOM, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY Power, Pride and Resistance – the Role of Art With Tinashe Chipawe and Lori Hall. Part of Black History Month FREE www.lincolnbishop.ac.uk
Saturday 25 October 12pm – 1pm
Friday
24 October –
Sunday
26 October 6pm
Saturday
25 October
9.30am –4.30pm
Saturday 25 October 6.30pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Get Online Week Activity Introduction to LEGA Coding FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshi re/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
WATERSTONES, LINCOLN
An Evening with Matt Greene
Discussing his dystopian novel, The Definitions followed by signing.
£5, book & ticket £14 www.waterstones.com/events/anevening-with-matt-greene/lincolnhigh-st T 01522 540011
WATERSTONES, LINCOLN
Sunday 26 October 5pm
Tuesday 28 October 10am -12pm
Wednesday 29 October 11am – 12pm
Meet Hannah Gold
Celebrating the release of The Lone Husky followed by signing. £5, book & ticket £17 www.waterstones.com/events/thelone-husky-with-hannah-gold-atwaterstones-lincoln/lincoln-high-st T 01522 540011
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW
Lantern Making Event
Suitable for adults and children. £5 www.lincstrust.org.uk
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales Life and care at Bransby Horses. FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk T 01427 788464
Thursday October 30 5.30pm
Saturday 18 October th
Saturday 8 November 10am – 1pm
LINCOLN COLLEGE Career Degrees Open Day Get an idea what education at Lincoln College University Centre is like. FREE, register online
www.lincolncollege.ac.uk T 030 030 32435
LINCOLN CASTLE
Saturday 8 November 1pm – 2pm
HARDY SEMINAR ROOM, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY
Lincoln’s Black History – a virtual tour
From African Roman Emperor Septimius Severus to the Caribbean RAF Veterans who lived in Lincoln in WW2 and beyond. With Prof Heather Hughes and Dr Victoria Araj. Free www.lincolnbishop.ac.uk
Thursday 6 November 10am
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Future Perspectives: Green Wash or Gamechanger?
Showcasing sustainable innovation in the creative industries. FREE, booking required www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
Thursday 6 November 6.30pm
WATERSTONES, LINCOLN An Evening with Michael Arnold
Wednesday 12 November 11am - 12pm
Lunchtime Talks: Uncover the History of Lincoln Presented by Vic Hughes, discover 2000 years of history all within a couple of hundred yards from the castle’s East gate. £5, booking essential www.lincolncastle.com
T 01522 782019
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Donkey Tales
Life and care at Bransby Horsesfrom the bonds they make to why thier ears are so long and everything in between.
FREE
www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
T 01427 788464
Wednesday 12 November 7.30pm – 9pm
ST HUGH’S HALL, LINCOLN, LN2 5AQ St. Wulfram’s Church Spire
Presented by Graham Cook. £4, SLHA members £3 www.slha.org.uk
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE Stage Combat 2025 Intensive sword course designed for all abilities. £110, Live Pass & students £80, 16+ only www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
LINCOLN COLLEGE, LN2 5HQ Counting Chimneys: The Hearth Tax in Lincolnshire Full day conference. £32 including lunch, SLHA members and LRS members £25 www.slha.org.uk
Saturday 8 November 10am – 1pm
A talk about his book exploring the world of ancient Britannia, in the year 42AD. £8, book & ticket £11 www.waterstones.com/events/anevening-with-michael-arnold /lincoln-high-st T 01522 540011
LINCOLN COLLEGE Open Day
Information about technical training, A Levels, and apprenticeships for prospective students.
FREE, register online www.lincolncollege.ac.uk T 030 030 32435
Thursday 13 November 7.30pm
ROBERT HARDY BUILDING, LINCOLN BISHOP UNIVERSITY, LN1 3DY Diary of a Wildlife Photographer
Presented by Jack Perks, who has appeared on BBC Countryfile and the One Show. £4 on-the-door, child FREE www.lincolnrspb.org.uk
T 01522 753809
Tuesday 18 November 1.30pm - 3pm
OUR LADY OF LINCOLN CHURCH HALL, LAUGHTON WAY, LN2 2HE Not Just Looking: The Consumer World in 18C Britain
A talk by Annie Richardson to Lincoln Bailgate u3a.
£2 on-the-door www.lincolnbailgate.u3asite.uk
Until Friday 31 October 10am – 4pm
Until Friday 31 October
BRANSBY HORSES, LN1 2PH Pecan’s Pumpkin Patch
Bring the family, take photos, and enjoy a perfect autumn day outdoors at Bransby Horses. £3 for any size pumpkin.
DODDINGTON HALL, LN6 4RU
Pick Your Own Pumpkins FREE entry www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
16th October | 17:00 - 19:00 Sixth Form Open Evening
Until Thursday 1 January Any time
Discover an exceptional education
CORNHILL COVE, CORNHILL, LINCOLN, LN5 7DP
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Experience Immerse yourself in an exclusive adventure available via an app. Up to 8 players per group. From £21 www.impuzzled.com/products/ the-wonderful-wizard-of-ozexperience-lincoln T 077514 02047
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 10am – 2.30pm
Mondays 10.30am11.30am
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 T 01522 546215
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Messy Play Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschool children. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/linco lnshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
Mondays 10.30am1.30pm
Mondays 2pm – 4pm
OLD WOOD ORGANIC FARM Forest No-Dig Gardening Help caring for forest garden and community orchard. FREE www.oldwoodorganic.org
ST GILES JUBILEE HALLS, LINCOLN, LN2 4EH
Cake, Cuppa and Crafts
All welcome.
Earth To Table
Tuesdays Term time only 3pm – 4.30pm
Wednesdays 9.30am –10.15am
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
FREE, £4 for 3 games of bingo and the raffle www.southsidelincs.com T 01522 437942
ST FAITH’S CHURCH, CHARLES STREET WEST, LN1 1QP Stay Toasty
A warm, safe space for families. Toast, toppings, drinks, activities and games available. FREE www.stfaithslincoln.org.uk
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY HUB, LN2 2BT Early Voices
Suitable for the under 1s. erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub
For anyone who is near retirement to catch up over a cuppa and try different activities each week. £3 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/ extratimehub T 07305 095690
Wednesdays 6.30pm –9.30pm
Thursdays 10am – 11am & 11.30am –12.30pm
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2
Coffee Morning & Free4-
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY
Suitable for the under 5s. erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY
Suitable for the under 5s. erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY
Dungeons & Dragons erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
ERMINE LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY
Creative play, storytelling and
FREE, no booking required
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY
erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ
Boys Brigade T 07702 382319 (Darran Coy)
TESCO EXTRA, WRAGBY ROAD, LINCOLN
TinyTalk Baby Signing Help your child communicate before they can talk with baby signing classes. www.tinytalk.co.uk T 07928 945286 (Emmalee)
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Thursdays 10.30am –11.30am
Connect Over a Cuppa Have a catch-up over a cuppa and a biscuit. (provided). FREE, donations welcome www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshi re/lincoln-central-library
Thursdays 10am – 1pm
THE SALTHOUSE, FREE SCHOOL LANE, LN2 1EY
Love Your Neighbour Café
Wednesdays 10am – 11.30am
Wednesdays 10.30am –11.30am
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Community Larder Agency referral required.
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 www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library
Fridays 9.30am –11.30am
Meet new people, share a cuppa and cake, and join in with fun activities. FREE www.stswithins.org
HOLY CROSS CHURCH HALL, SKELLINGTHORPE ROAD, LINCOLN The Holy Cross Under Fives Playgroup
Play, craft, have a snack and sing songs. Term time only. First time FREE then £2 for adult and child, 50p per additional person T 01522 686527
Fridays 10am – 11.30am
Fridays 10am – 12pm
Fridays Term Time
Only 10.30am –11.30am
Fridays 6pm – 8pm
Fridays 8pm – 9.30pm
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Community Larder Agency referral required.
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Coffee Morning & Free4All
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Sensory Baby Rhyme Time Play session for babies and prewalkers. FREE, www.better.org.uk/library/lincolnshir e/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Beavers and Cubs
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Scouts lyndsey.baggaley@lincoln scouts.org.uk T 07852 128508 (Lyndsey Metson)
First Saturday of the Month 9am – 3pm
CASTLE SQUARE, LINCOLN Lincoln Makers’ Market Hosted by local artists and offering artwork, crafts, homeware and jewellery. FREE entry.
Saturdays 10am TOBY CARVERY, ST MARKS, LINCOLN Lincoln Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
For military veterans or those serving to meet for a breakfast and banter. www.afvbc.net
Saturdays 10am– 3pm
Saturdays 10am – 1pm
Saturdays 11am – 12pm
Saturdays 11am – 12pm
Third Saturday of the Month 1pm – 3pm
Saturdays 2pm – 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/lincol nshire/lincoln-central-library
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY HUB, LN2 2BT Ermine Bricks Club
Suitable for ages 7 – 13 years. erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY HUB, LN2 2BT Puzzle and Games Club erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
WAITROSE COMMUNITY ROOM, LINCOLN Ermine Bricks ClubLincoln Go Club
Play the ancient board game of go. All abilities welcome. lincsgoclub@gmail.com Facebook: Lincoln Go Club UK
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Stuff to Borrow
Members can borrow tools and other items at a low cost. FREE earthlincs@gmail.com www.stufftoborrow.lend-engineapp.com
Saturday 11 October 1pm
DUNHOLME VILLAGE HALL Jumble Sale
In aid of St Francis Special School in Lincoln and Toys for Christmas Appeal.
40p T 07789 368765 (Sue) or T 01673 861956 (Sandra)
Wednesday 8 October 9am – 4pm
Thursday 9 October 6.30pm
Friday 10 October 10am - 12.30pm
Saturday 11 October 10am –10.45am
Saturday 11 October 10am – 4pm
Saturday 11 October 10am – 4pm
Saturday 11 October 2pm - 4pm
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD EarthLincs AGM
Meet the volunteer team. Light refreshments. FREE, all welcome earthlincs@gmail.com www.earthlincs.co.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Arthur Swallow Antiques & Home Show
Art, fine antiques, vintage, salvage, curios, and more.
From £5
www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
THE DRILL, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Big City Fashion Show
20 Lincoln retailers showcase everything from holiday essentials to autumn/winter collections.
From £10 VIP ticket £15 iwww.lincolndrill.co.uk T 01522 534160
BOWLS PAVILION, BOULTHAM PARK Willow Mushroom Workshop
Aimed at adult beginners, weave a mushroom sculpture. All materials provided. £30, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Early Talkers
Supporting under 5s to become confident communicators. Led by Early Years Alliance.
FREE
www.better.org.uk/library/lincolns hire/lincoln-central-library T
LINCOLN CASTLE
Lincoln Sausage Festival Food and drink stalls celebrating the Lincolnshire sausage. Small entry charge, all other admissions apply
CASTLE SQUARE
Lincoln Antiques Market Browse antiques, arts and collectables.
FREE www.facebook.com/people/Ca stle-Square-Antiques-MarketLincoln
Sunday 12 October 10am – 4pm
Lincoln Scale Model Show
Model displays, trade stands, refreshments, and free parking. £5, u16s FREE
THE VENUE, NAVENBY, LN5 0JJ
Sunday 12 October 11am – 3pm
Wedding Fair
Local suppliers showcasing bridal wear, cakes, photography and more. venuenavenby@gmail.com www.thevenuenavenby.co.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Wednesday 15 October 10am - 2.30pm
Thursday 16 October 12pm - 3pm
Friday 17 October 10am to 11am
Lincolnshire Business Showcase FREE, booking essential www.lincolnshireshowground.co.u k T 01522 522900
LINCOLN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB, NETTLEHAM, LN2 2RS Lincoln Flower Club
Annual Tea Members £18, visitors £20 pennyjfoster@yahoo.co.uk
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Toddler Time
Dress to get messy for seasonal activities for the under 5s.. Child £4 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 18 October 10am – 3pm
Saturday 18 October –Sunday 19 October 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday 18 October 10am – 2pm
Saturday 18 October –Sunday 19 October 10am – 5pm
CASTLE SQUARE, LINCOLN Lincoln Farmers’ Market
Browse fresh and local produce. FREE entry
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Artisan Market
Handmade gifts, crafts and cards. FREE entry www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Macmillan Coffee Morning Cakes, a cuppa, and tombola. All donations go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
LINCOLN CASTLE Dog Friendly Days
Explore the castle with your dog.
FREE entry Grounds FREE, all other admissions apply www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019
Saturday 18 October 11am – 1pm
Saturday 18 October 12pm - 2pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Lincoln Sustainable Fashion Forum – Adult Clothes Swap
Bring up to five preloved items of clothing, shoes or accessories to swap for new-toyou pieces reducing textile waste.
FREE, more details online www.instagram.com/lincoln sustainablefashion
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD
Extinction RebellionOpen Meeting Rebels old and new and those interested in finding out more. FREE, all welcome lincoln@extinctionrebellion.uk www.rebellionlincolnshire.org
Saturday 18 October 2pm - 4pm
Sunday
19 October 10am – 4pm
Sunday 19 October 11am – 3pm
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Stuff to Borrow - Open Afternoon
View the items you can borrow and find out how you can get involved. Light refreshments available. FREE, all welcome earthlics@gmail.com www.stufftoborrow.lendengine-app.com
CASTLE SQUARE
Lincoln Antiques Market Browse antiques, arts and collectables.. FREE www.facebook.com/people/Castle -Square-Antiques-Market-Lincoln
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
The Baby Fayre Clothing, toys, nursery furniture, and parenting advice. FREE www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY
Monday 20 October –
Saturday 1 November 9am – 4pm
Tuesday 21 October 5pm
Seed Swap
Bring in your unwanted seeds and take home something new. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/lincol nshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
THE DRILL, LINCOLN Family Event with David Walliams
Performative readings and a chance to get your questions answered live on stage. £10, book & ticket £22 www.waterstones.com/events/fam ily-event-with-davidwalliams/lincoln-high-st
Thursday 23 October
10.30am –11.30am
ERMINE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY HUB, LN2 2BT
Storytelling for Arty Tots Tinashe Chipawe shares stories from Africa to entertain and educate. Children can then use art to capture reactions to the story.
Part of Black History Monthsee Learning for Life section. FREE erminelibrary@bishopg.ac.uk
STOKES TEA & COFFEE EXPERIENCES
Saturday 25 October –Saturday 1 November Any time
Saturday 25 October –Sunday 2 November 9am – 5pm
Saturday 25 October 9.30am
CORNHILL QUARTER, LINCOLN
Monster Invasion
Eight gigantic inflatable monsters invade Lincoln’s rooftops this Halloween. FREE www.lincolnbig.co.uk
DODDINGTON HALL
Scarecrow Competition
Enjoy the full fairytale-inspired scarecrow display. Winners announced on October 31.
FREE
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
GIANT LINCOLN, DODDINGTON HALL, LN6 4RU
Giant Lincoln Birthday Party Bike rides and a post-ride BBQ. £5 www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
Saturday 25 October 10am –10.45am
Saturday 25 OctoberSunday 2 November 10am – 4pm
Saturday 25 October –Friday 31 October 12pm - 3pm
Saturday 25 October 2pm - 4pm
Sunday 26 October 10am – 2pm
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND Toy Collectors Fair
From Corgi and Hornby to SciFi, Star Wars, film and TV collectables.
£3.50, senior £3, u15s FREE www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk T 01522 522900
DODDINGTON HALL
Sunday 26 October 11am – 3pm
Wedding Open Day
View the award-winning Coach House Wedding Suite accommodation and St Peter’s Church. FREE, booking essential www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
DODDINGTON HALL
Sunday 26 October 2pm – 3.30pm
Woodland Wilderness Skills
Hands-on bushcraft activities, suitable for 8-15 years old. £10
www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
Monday 27 October –Saturday 1 November 9am – 4pm
Monday
27 October –Saturday 1 November 9am – 4pm
Monday 27 October 2pm – 3.30pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Early Talkers Supporting under 5s to become confident communicators. Led by Early Years Alliance. FREE
LINCOLN CASTLE
Spooky Castle
Explore the castle and collect your spooky activity sheet to discover some gruesome finds. Included as part of castle day ticket www.lincolncastle.com T 01522 782019
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Halloween Trail Trail sheets available from Visitor Centre. Child £4 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD Reducing Food Waste on a Budget Introduction to meal planning, batch cooking. FREE, all welcome earthlics@gmail.com
Tuesday 28 October 10am – 4pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Green Libraries Week (GLW)
Local organisations offer advice on greener and sustainable ways of living. Including Lincoln Toy Library, LCC’s Energy From Waste Team, RSPB and more. FREE
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Upcycling – Book Hedgehog
Pick up a free craft kit and make your own hedgehog from a recycled book. FREE
DODDINGTON HALL
Halloween Woodland ‘Brush’ Craft
Create your own broom from natural materials. Suitable for children 5-12 years. £10
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN Halloween
Take part in creative crafts, fun games and activities and follow a frightfully wicked Halloween trail! Fancy dress encouraged. Child £4, must be accompanied by an adult T 01522 782040
DODDINGTON HALL
Tuesday 28 October 2pm – 3.30pm
Tuesday 28 October 5pm – 7pm
Autumn Adventure
Learn about the trees at this time of year, suitable for 8-15 years old.
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Bird Watching for Whisby at Twilight Evening activities and challenges based on the nocturnal wildlife at Whisby. Suitable for 5+, Child + accompanying adult £10, additional children £8, adult only £8
www.lincstrust.org.uk
Wednesday 29 October –Saturday 8 November 9am – 4pm
Wednesday 29 October 10am - 11.30am
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Book Sale
Pick up a bargain and support your local library. www.better.org.uk/library/lincol nshire/lincoln-central-library T 01522 782010
BANDSTAND, LINCOLN ARBORETUM Pumpkin Carving Carve your own Jack-o-Lantern to ward off evil spirits. Child £4, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Wednesday 29 October 12pm – 3pm
HILLSIDE GARDEN, OFF ROMAN PAVEMENT, LN2 5RD Green Synergy Global Harvest Celebration Fun family event with harvest and Halloween themed activities and food.. FREE
www.greensynergy.org.uk T 01522 533077
Wednesday 29 October 1pm - 2.30pm
Wednesday 29 October 2pm – 3.30pm
VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Pumpkin Carving Carve your own Jack-o-Lantern to ward off evil spirits. Child £4, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
DODDINGTON HALL Colours of Nature
Step into the colours of the season, suitable for 5-12 years old.
£10
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
Wednesday 29 October 5.30pm
WATERSTONES, LINCOLN A Spooky Children’s Panel
With Piers Torday and Emma Carroll. Take part in the Halloween quiz hosted by the authors.
£8, book & ticket £11 www.waterstones.com/events/p iers-torday-x-emma-carrollhalloween-event-at-waterstones -lincoln/lincoln-high-st T 01522 540011
Wednesday 29 October 5.30pm – 7pm
Thursday 30 October 10am - 11.30am
DODDINGTON HALL Nocturnal Nature
Discover the wildlife night-time has to offer, suitable for 5-12 years old.
£10
www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
BOWLS PAVILION, BOULTHAM PARK Pumpkin Carving Carve your own Jack-o-Lantern to ward off evil spirits. Child £4, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk 01522 873735
Thursday 30 October 1pm - 2.30pm
Friday 31 October –Sunday 2 November 9am – 5.30pm
Friday 31 October 2pm – 3.30pm
VISITOR CENTRE, HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK Bat Box Making Invite bats to stay in your garden by making a bat box. Child £7, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE, LINCOLN Christmas Artisan Market Handmade gifts, crafts and cards. FREE
www.watersideshopping.com T 01522 529566
DODDINGTON HALL Brilliant Birds Find out how you can support feathered friends through the colder months.Suitable for 5-12 years old.
£10
www.doddingtonhall.com T 01522 694308
Saturday 1 November 10am – 1pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Junk Modelling Children can learn how to create models using recycled items. FREE www.better.org.uk/library/ lincolnshire/lincoln-centrallibrary T 01522 782010
Saturday 1 November 10am – 12pm
WHISBY NATURE PARK, LN6 9BW Youth Workshop: Whittling
Designed for teens 16-17 years old to learn how to safely carve wood.
£10 www.lincstrust.org.uk
Saturday 1 November 2pm – 3.30pm
DODDINGTON HALL Woodland Wilderness Skills
Hands-on bushcraft activities, suitable for 8-15 years old.
£10
www.doddingtonhall.com
T 01522 694308
HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Children’s author Piers Torday.
Monday 3 November 5pm - 7pm
UPSTAIRS AT WIG AND MITRE, 30-32
STEEP HILL, LINCOLN Repair Sessions
Bring an item to repair, learn and share skills.
FREE, all welcome lincoln@extinctionrebellion.uk www.rebellionlincolnshire.org
Thursday 6 November 7.15pm
THE GRANDSTAND, CARHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN Lincoln WI
An evening of simple, but effective Christmas crafts. Bring a mug. Members FREE, guests £5 www.thelincolnwi.co.uk
Saturday 8 November 10am –10.45am
Friday 14 November 10am12.30pm
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Early Talkers Supporting under 5s to become confident communicators. Led by Early Years Alliance.. FREE
BOWLS PAVILION, BOULTHAM PARK Christmas Willow Workshop
Aimed at adult beginners, weave Christmas items from Swedish stars to angels. All materials provided. £30, booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 15 November 9am – 3pm
Saturday 15 November 11am – 1pm
Sunday 2 November 10.30am12.30pm
Bird Watching for All Lincoln RSPB guided walk to discover the many species of birds which reside here throughout the year.
£8, book & ticket £11 FREE, children must be accompanied by an adult hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk T 01522 873735
Saturday 15 November 1pm
CASTLE SQUARE, LINCOLN Lincoln Farmers’ Market Fresh, local produce. FREE entry
LINCOLN CENTRAL LIBRARY Adult Clothes Swap
Bring up to five preloved items of clothing, shoes or accessories to swap for new-toyou pieces reducing waste. FREE, more details online www.instagram.com/lincoln sustainablefashion
DUNHOLME VILLAGE HALL
Jumble Sale
In aid of St Francis Special School and toy appeal. 40p
T 07789 368765 (Sue) or T 01673 861956 (Sandra)
Please note - Wellbeing Walk contact details are all the same - see the first listing below.
Mondays From 8
September 9.30am –10.30am
Mondays 10am
Monday –Sunday Flexible times
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Yoga Flow with Kerryn Holgate
Focusing on Vinyasa style yoga. £7.50 www.lawnlincoln.com
ONE NK LEISURE CENTRE, NORTH HYKEHAM
Wellbeing Walk Short, friendly walks suitable for all abilities. FREE www.lincolnshirecoop/wellbeingwalks., 01522 444632
ADRIAN DIXON FITNESS STUDIO, LINCOLN
Reformer Pilates One to One
Improve posture, core strength and flexibility with personalised Reformer Pilates sessions. Adult £50 adriandixonfitness.com T 07940 400549
Mondays 10am –11.30am
Mondays 10.30am
Mondays 10.30am –1.30pm
Mondays 11am – 12pm
Mondays 12.45pm
BRACEBRIDGE HEATH VILLAGE HALL, Extra Time Hub
Multi-sport session aimed at helping people to stay fit and active in their retirement. £2 per session www.lincolncityfoundation.com/ extratimehub T 07843 841997
WHISBY NATURE PARK Whisby Visually Impaired Walk
Meet Natural World Centre. FREE
OLD WOOD ORGANIC FARM Forest Therapy
A sensory connection with nature. FREE www.oldwoodorganic.org
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Chair Yoga with Kerryn Holgate
£7.50, booking essential www.lawnlincoln.com
CLIFF HOUSE MEDICAL PRACTICE, BURTON ROAD, LINCOLN. Wellbeing Walk Walk to Castle Square for 1pm. FREE
Mondays 1pm BLACK BULL, WELTON. Wellbeing Walk FREE
Mondays first & third of the month 1.30pm
THE ARK, NORTH HYKEHAM Music For Memory
Singing group for people with memory problems with their carers. Free parking and refreshments included. Donation of £1.50 welcome lhoenes@virginmedia.com T 01522 262656 (Linda)
Mondays 4pm – 8pm
ST JOHN’S CHURCH, ERMINE, LN2 2EF Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone finding life difficult. FREE
nightlight@actstrust.org.uk
T 0300 011 1200
Peace Place People
Mondays 4.30pm –5.30pm
Mondays 6.30pm –7.30pm
Mondays 7pm – 8pm
MOORLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE Moorland Youth Dance
Led by Amy O’Sullivan,. suitable for ages 8 and up. FREE, young people must have consent to attend www.rootedarts.org.uk
SOUTHSIDE, LINCOLN Mind & Body Yoga
Start your week right with Emily for a 60-minute yoga class for the mind & body.
£8, book online emilywarrioryoga@outlook.com
BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH RockFit
Classes combining dance fitness, cardio and toning with rock music. Suitable for all . £6 Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
Tuesdays 10am –11.30am
SKELLINGTHORPE SCOUTS HUT, LINCOLN Extra Time Hub
Multi-sport session aimed at helping people to stay fit and active in their retirement. Inclusive to all levels of fitness and skill Detaills as above www.lincolncityfoundation.com/extra timehub T 07305 095690
Tuesdays 10.45am
Tuesdays 1pm
Tuesdays 1.30pm3pm
Second Tuesday of the month 2pm
Tuesdays 4pm – 8pm
YARBOROUGH LEISURE CENTRE, RISEHOLME ROAD, LINCOLN, Wellbeing Walk - Uphill Lincoln Meet in foyer. FREE
COMMUNITY HUB, EAST STREET, NETTLEHAM, LN2 2SL Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
CANWICK VILLAGE HALL, LN4 2RW Fighting Fit Lincoln Low-impact fitness for people living with cancer. £3, first 10 sessions FREE www.lincscvp.org.uk/fighting-fit-
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE, CASTLE SQUARE The Historical Lincoln Wellbeing Walk FREE
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LN2 4LH Night Light Café FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Tuesdays 6pm – 7pm
Tuesdays 7.30pm –8.30pm
Mondays Except Bank Holidays 7pm
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
Mondays 8pm – 11pm
BRIDGE CENTRAL, PORTLAND STREET
Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear for anyone finding life difficult. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Mondays From 9 September 12.30pm –1.30pm
BRIDGE CENTRAL WELLBEING CAFÉ, PORTLAND STREET 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/extr a timehub T 07305 095690
Tuesdays 10am
NETTLEHAM METHODIST CHURCH Community Bible Study Contact Pam 07557 792467 seedpotpam@gmail.com
Tuesdays 7.30pm8.30pm
Tuesdays 8.30pm –9.30pm
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN Yoga with May Suitable for all ages/ abilities. £8, www.lawnlincoln.com
BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, LINCOLN, LN1 3LT Argentine Tango Absolute beginners’ class with Lucas Gou. £10 www.authentictango.com/ contact
DEAN’S LEISURE, LINCOLN COLLEGE Ultimate Frisbee Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate
BURTON ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, LINCOLN, LN1 3LT Argentine Tango Intermediate class with Lucas Gou.
£10
www.authentictango.com/ contact
Wednesdays 9am – 10am
Wednesdays 9.30am
ST GILES METHODIST CHURCH, ADDISON DRIVE, LINCOLN, LN2 4LQ Bible Study
THE OLD SCHOOL ROOMS, DUNHOLME Community Bible Study jane.hutchinson4@btinternet.com T 07952 425042 (Jane)
Wednesdays (2nd of every month) 10am
BOULTHAM PARK HOUSE CARE HOME, ROOKERY LANE, LINCOLN Boultham Sensory Stroll Meet at the back gate next to the park. FREE
Wednesdays 10am – 11am
SOUND HOUSE, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1HY
Gentle Yoga with Sam Hatha yoga, breath practice and relaxation.
£8, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB
Wednesdays 10am
Wednesdays 11.30am –12.15pm
Wednesdays 11.45am1pm
Wednesdays 1pm
Wednesdays 4pm – 11pm
Community Yoga
Gentle yoga, breathing and mantra class. Suitable for all abilities, mats provided. £8, conc. £5 www.oldwoodorganic.org
MINT LANE WELLBEING HUB
Funded Yoga for Mental Health
Suitable for all abilities, mats provided. FREE www.oldwoodorganic.org
ONE NK, NORTH HYKEHAM Fighting Fit Lincoln
Low-impact fitness for people living with cancer.
£3, first 10 sessions FREE www.lincscvp.org.uk/fighting-fitcancer-rehabilitation/
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 finding life difficult. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
First Wednesday of every month
6.30pm –8pm
Wednesdays 7pm
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD
Let’s Talk
Peer-to-peer support group for men and women age 18+ providing a safe place to talk. FREE, no booking required, www.lincolncityfoundation.com
SOUTHSIDE, COLEGRAVE STREET, LINCOLN RockFit
Classes combining dance fitness with metal and rock music. £6
Facebook: RockFit with Loli www.rockfit.org.uk
Wednesdays 7pm – 8pm
LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Team Talk Football
Opportunity for men to come together and have a kick about after work. No studded boots. £3 www.lincolncityfoundation.com
Wednesdays 8pm
Thursdays 9am-10am
BIRCHWOOD BOILER HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL Hapkido
Korean martial art of selfdefence, fitness, relaxation. £5
www.birchwood-communityhall.co.uk
THE BLUE ROOM, THE LAWN, LINCOLN
Dance Fit with Nick A fun fitness class for all ability levels. £5, all proceeds go to Ovarian Cancer Action. www.lawnlincoln.com
Thursday (1st of the month) 12pm
Thursdays 12pm – 1pm
Thursdays 12.30pm –2pm
Thursdays - fourth of the month 1pm – 3pm
Thursdays - fourth of the month 2pm – 4pm
Thursdays 4pm – 11pm
NETTLEHAM VILLAGE HALL, BROOKFIELD AVENUE, LN2 2SS Nettleham Sensory Stroll Suitable for all abilities. FREE
LNER STADIUM, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Team Talk Football
Opportunity for men to come together and have a kick about. No studded boots.
£2, booking not required www.lincolncityfoundation.com
AGE UK, 36 PARK STREET, LINCOLN, Bring Me Sunshine Dementia-friendly singing group,. £3.50, must be accompanied by a carer or loved one T 03455 564 144
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 Support for stroke survivors, their families and caregivers.
T 07940 500540 (Jan) T 07796 103407 (Kathy) T 07889 968583 (Sue)
BREAKTHROUGH CENTRE, BOULTHAM PARK ROAD, LN6 7ST Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Thursdays 9.30am
Thursdays 10am
Thursdays 10am
Thursdays (1st and 3rd of the month) 10am
Thursdays (1st and 3rd of the month)
ARISE CHURCH, BIRCHWOOD Community Bible Study Contact Angie 07881 920037 aromain@hotmail.co,uk
ROSIE LEA’S CAFÉ, CHERRY WILLINGHAM, LN3 4JL Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
VILLAGE HALL, MERE ROAD, WADDINGTON, LN5 9NX Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
PENNELLS GARDEN CENTRE, SOUTH HYKEHAM, LN6 9NT Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
VILLAGE HALL, BRANSTON, LN4 1NS Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Thursdays 6.30pm7.15pm
CO-OP COMMUNITY HUB, LNER STADIUM Fighting Fit Lincoln Low-impact fitness for people living with cancer.
£3, first 10 sessions FREE www.lincscvp.org.uk/fighting-fitcancer-rehabilitation/
Thursdays 7pm
SANCTUM TOWN HOUSE SPA, 13 STEEPHILL, LINCOLN Kundalini Yoga & Mantra Tune up mind, body and connect to soul. Suitable for all levels. Everything provided. £15 www.pure-being.co.uk
Thursdays 7pm LINCOLN NORTH, LN2 4QX AREA Community Bible Study Contact Amanda admin@cbsuk.org
Thursdays 7.30pm –9pm
SOUND HOUSE, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1HY
Gentle Yoga with Sam 90-minute class including hatha yoga, breath practice and relaxation.
Wednesdays 7pm –8.30pm
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Women’s Walking Football
For everyone who wants to play football for longer, make friends, and stay active. Coach-led. £3, 18+ only www.lincolncityfoundation.com T07736 900343
Wednesdays 7.30pm
WARREN LANE, WITHAM ST HUGHS Community Bible Study
Contact Simon simon@cbsuk.org
Thursdays 10am – 11am & 6pm – 7pm
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Men’s Walking Football For everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, and stay active. Sessions are coach-led. £3, 18+ only www.lincolncityfoundation.com T 07305 095690
Thursdays 11am
COMMUNITY CENTRE CAR PARK, LINCOLN ROAD, SKELLINGTHORPE, Wellbeing Walk Suitable for all abilities. FREE
Alternate Thursdays 8pm
Fridays 9.30am
£10, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
MANNA HOUSE, STAINTON-BYLANGWORTH Community Bible Study
Contact Ruth ruth@daly-roy.org
BRIDGE CENTRAL, LINCOLN Community Bible Study Contact Connie 07849 492720 conniehurd@hotmail.com
Fridays 10am 12 MINT LANE, LINCOLN, LN1 1UD
Mint Lane Gardening Club
Help to renovate the Mint Lane garden, learn about and discuss permaculture . FREE mintlanecic@gmail.com www.mintlanecafe.com
Fridays 10am –11.30am
SOUND HOUSE, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1HY
Gentle Yoga with Sam 90-minute class including hatha yoga, breath practice and relaxation.
£10, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
Alternate Sundays 6pm – 9pm
ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, BRACEBRIDGE HEATH, LN4 2LD Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Monday 13 October
10.30am –12.30pm
ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH HALL, BRANT ROAD, LINCOLN Lincoln & District
Parkinson’s Support Group Guest speaker John Campbell, former Deans Verger at Lincoln Cathedral. lincolnparkinsonsgroup@ gmail.com
Thursday 16 October 10am
Saturday 1 November – Sunday 2 November 10am – 4pm
LINCOLN ARTS CENTRE
Prescribing Change: Young People and Social Prescribing Focusing on young people’s voices and their mental health and wellbeing. FREE, booking required www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND
Lincoln Wellbeing Show Talks and demonstrations, yoga studio, and stalls. www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
The Mindful Mile
Fridays 10.30am WHISBY NATURE PARK
Fridays 1pm
Fridays 4pm – 8pm
Wellbeing Walk
Suitable for all abilities. FREE
LEISURE CENTRE, BIRCHWOOD
Wellbeing Walk
Suitable for all abilities. FREE
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
Saturdays 9am
Bailgate Yoga Club
Gentle one-hour flow class. All levels welcome, mats available. £8, Conc. £6.50, must book www.mokshalincoln.com T 07493 387328
Saturdays 9am – 10am
LNER STADIUM 3G, LINCOLN, LN5 8LD Women’s Walking Football
Play football for longer, make new friends and stay active. Sessions are coach-led.
£3, 18+ only www.lincolncityfoundation.com T 07736 900343
Saturdays 10am BIRCHWOOD BOILER HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL
Moving Meditation/ Mindfulness
Combines the benefits of yoga, Tai Chi, and Zen. £5, www.birchwood-community-hall.co.uk T 01522 730312
Saturdays 8pm – 11pm
THE SALTHOUSE, FREE SCHOOL LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1EY Night Light Café
A safe space and a listening ear. FREE nightlight@actstrust.org.uk T 0300 011 1200
Sundays 10am – 11am THE ABORETUM, LINCOLN Ultimate Frisbee
Discover and play – new members welcome . Find out more https://linktr.ee/lincoln.ultimate
Sundays 3.30pm –5pm
SOUND HOUSE, ST MARTIN’S LANE, LINCOLN, LN2 1HY
Gentle Yoga with Sam Hatha yoga, breath practice and relaxation.
£10, booking essential, subsidised places available www.peaceplacepeople.simply book.it
Tuesday 14 October 12.30pm
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL The Mindful Mile
Take a break to walk three times around city’s famous landmark FREE www.lincolncathedral.com
Tuesday 11 November 12.30pm
Take a break to walk three times around city’s famous landmark to relax and enjoy the outdoors. FREE www.lincolncathedral.com T 01522 561600
CAODS take on musical family favourite Annie
THE heart-warming classic musical Annie is being brought to the stage of the New Theatre Royal by the County Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (CAODS).
The society’s last production was the tense and dramatic Sunset Boulevard so it is aiming to give audiences a dose of cheerfulness with its latest musical, which is based on a 1924 comic strip Little Orphan Annie.
The show runs from Friday October 31 to Saturday, November 8 and CAODS is promising toe-tapping tunes, vibrant performances and the heartwarming charm that has made Annie a family favourite for generations.
“Set in 1930’s New York, Annie tells the inspirational story of a brave young orphan determined to find her parents against all odds. With unforgettable songs like Tomorrow and It’s a Hard Knock Life the show perfectly blends humour and musicality,” said CAODS Secretary Kate Fenn.
Directed by Adam Slepowronski with musical direction by Kev Richardson Annie features a talented local cast with many young performers.
“You will also be treated to great choreography, provided by Michelle Smith; and stunning sets that will transport audiences straight into the world of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage and Daddy Warbuck’s mansion. The show features fantastic authentic costumes by James Easter and Linda Wilson,” added Kate.
“CAODS has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality amateur theatre and Annie is set to be no exception.
“Whether you are a life-long fan of the musical or discovering it for the first time, this production will leave you smiling long after the final curtain.”
Tickets are on sale now at the New Theatre Royal Box Office – Telephone 01522 519999 and on-line at Young CAODS cast members in rehearsals.
From suits to sculpture, scissors and surrealism
AFTER decades in the business world, Fiona Hodges finally made the leap to follow her true passion - art.
In 2006, she briefly stepped away to earn a BA (Hons) in Fine Art but soon returned to office life.
It wasn’t until the COVID lockdowns offered time to reflect that she left the day job for good and embraced creativity full-time.
Fiona describes her work as delightfully irreverent, which is always evolving. Ceramic sculptures reimagine the famous and infamous as pun-filled human-animal hybrids like David Meowie and Freddie Purrcury.
In collage and mixed media, she fuses found images with paint to build surreal scenes: giant creatures scaling cityscapes, women riding pineapples through space, and bodyswapped beasts in curious worlds.
Lately, her painting has taken a more expressive, abstract turn - led by instinct, chance, and a love of the unexpected.
Fiona also co-founded a local artists’ collective to tackle the city’s lack of exhibition space. The result? Indigo Crow Gallery on Burton Road - a thriving gallery and shop that hosts exhibitions and creative workshops.
Take a streetcar to the Blue Room
FANTASY imagination, realism and lies collide in Tennessee Williams’ enduring classic of American playwriting, A Streetcar Named Desire.
The Asylum Players will be presenting the play – often lauded as one of the best ever written – at The Blue Room from October 16-18 and 23-25.
The Players will transport the audience to 1950s New Orleans where Blanche DuBois a fading southern belle, arrives at the home of her sister, Stella, and her animalistic husband Stanley, under a cloud of intrigue and deception.
A short visit turns into weeks and then months. Tensions flair in the hot southern climate.
Stephen Gillard, Artistic Director of The Blue Room and Asylum Players said: “I absolutely love to take a piece as intense and claustrophobic as Streetcar and put it on The Blue Room stage.
“This is a hot, violent, close world that Williams has created. Blanche, Stanley and Stella are such iconic characters and we wanted to explore who actually is the insane member of that trio.
The fantasist Blanche, with her lies and sordid past; the realist
Art took on new meaning after the sudden loss of her husband late last year. Though grief quietened her creativity for a time, she says the studio became a place of healing and rediscovery.
Her solo exhibition from October 7-19 at Indigo Crow Gallery, 57 Burton Road, Lincoln is the result of that journey - bold, heartfelt, and richly imaginative.
“Come along—you might just find a piece of your own story in my wild and wonderful world.”
Discover more about Fiona’s work at www.fionahodgesart.com
Stanley with his destructive temper and violent passions; or Stella the pragmatist, who tries to keep the peace without ever truly realising there’s a war being enacted and she’s already picked a side. The themes of sanity versus insanity, realism versus fantasy, truth versus lies, collide through the characters of Blanche, Stanley and Stella.”
Tickets at £20 are available at www.lawnlincoln.com/the-blueroom-events
Resourceful foxy garden visitors
IT feels like Autumn has arrived.
The leaves are beginning to turn and toadstools are pushing up through the soil - breaking free from their underground existence.
This year, has been a bumper harvest for the pear tree in my small urban garden. Unlike some years, I managed to get the majority of pears before they fell to the ground and the slugs and snails – or a larger animal – found them.
When the pears ripen, I’m always reminded of the only time I’ve seen a fox in my garden. It was dark outside and the security light had come on, I cautiously peered through a gap in the curtains.
To my surprise, a fox was stood under the pear tree with a pear in its mouth. It looked straight at me, then trotted behind some bushes and exited the garden via the gate.
Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised. Foxes are well-suited to survive in our urban environments. Although carnivores, they are very flexible in what they eat – rabbits, rodents, worms, berries and even pears.
This “eat anything” approach helps foxes survive in a wide range of habitats from Arctic tundra and deserts to the British countryside and our gardens.
Their success may also be a factor in our lovehate relationship with them. Foxes are surrounded by controversy. They are seen by
some as pests, if not actual villains that kill for fun. They’re often portrayed as cunning tricksters able to outwit other animals and perhaps humans too. At the centre of all of this, is just an animal that’s incredibly adaptable and resourceful.
Foxes are social animals and live in loose family groups. These are normally made up of a breeding male (dog), female (vixen) and their young.
Winter is a busy season for them. It’s their mating season and the time when they are most vocal. If there are foxes living near you, you’ll be aware of them from the various barks and yaps of the dog foxes and screams of the vixens. The other sure sign that a fox as been in the vicinity is that distinctive, pungent foxy scent. Foxes have a much better sense of smell that humans and it’s their main method of communication. A fox’s scent is unique to the individual and helps convey their identity, breeding status and strength to potential rivals.
To strengthen their bond and warn any trespassers into their territory, a mated pair with mark each other and mingle their scents together. They can probably smell an over-ripe pear from quite a distance!
I don’t know how often foxes visit my garden or if the one I caught scrumping the pears was a one off. But I’ll leave a few pears on the ground just in case.
Picture: Richard Steel/2020VISION
Blooming colourful
HAVING weathered a surprising spring with pots full of bulbs that appeared to be someone else’s order, certainly not mine, I have this autumn, after much evil cajoling from online nurseries, (please stop now!) ordered bulbs and made a list. It is fully comprehensive with names, times of flowering, and most importantly colour. That should do it. I also discovered that I can no longer lug the bulb pots around with quite the panache of hitherto. I have resorted to a trolley. Sad times.
The summer arrived with high temperatures and the allotment baked and produced abundant tomatoes, all tiddly little things; again, not what I ordered but
this time the nursery admitted they had sent the wrong thing.
The courgettes came and grew, the beans went bananas and are now in the freezer, the greens were poor, the potatoes scabby and the carrots twisted, but I was sort of pleased.
I am now casting around helplessly for something to enter into the annual allotment show this year. The veg has been and gone so perhaps a courgette cake! I made one with our produce and a recipe from Nigella and it was, though I say so myself divine. I feel so middle class that I might order a Sarah Raven gardening smock.
I have had much success I feel this year with my late summer colour. Cosmos is always reliable, although there were three plants that produced lush greenery but no blooms.
Asters go on forever and I love the Frikartii Monch, with its big purple blooms and propensity to not go fungally and limp.
Nicotiana Whisper series, from Sarah Raven are superb, highly recommended and seed themselves around and for the first time I successfully grew some
Nicotiana Sylvestris; dangly white flowers beloved of moths.Very lovely just at sunset. I invested in a few trees too, a peach, a crabapple and an upright yew, which is still languishing on the patio because I can’t find a space for it. I wonder if I am starting to get the hang of this gardening malarkey?
Contact
.streets.uk
01522 551200
Protect your digital identity to manage your assets and preserve trust
BY MARK SMITH, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER AT STREETS
IN today's tech-enabled world, we can get complacent about safety.
Cars automatically stop us from hitting that fox that jumped out in front of us, smartwatches warn us to take a rest and our house alarm detects the sound of breaking glass outside. These advancements are amazing, genuinely saving lives and making our lives easier, allowing us to spend more time doing what we enjoy.
Most of us use this technology for its intended purpose, there are however people out there who see it as an opportunity to commit cybercrime and cause massive disruption or misery for others.
There have been incidents where baby monitors were hacked and used to spy on families to facilitate extortion, or a smart fish tank heater being compromised to steal thousands of megabytes of personal data from a casino.
Both happened simply because people didn't run the update they were prompted to install.
It's easy to forget that anything and anyone can be targeted, but that doesn't mean we need to fear new technologies. We just need to be more aware of the risks around cybersecurity, both at work and at home with our friends and family.
I am a firm believer that good cyber awareness starts at home. If you make sure your parents, your children and yourself update iPhones, Android phones and laptops when prompted, use a strong unique password for emails and set up multi-factor authentication, it makes you, your friends, family and colleagues more cyber-aware both at home and at work.
Creating a cyber-aware culture starts with education.
Staff need to understand not only the "how" but also the "why" behind cybersecurity practices. Regular education on identifying malicious emails, using strong passwords and reporting suspicious activity is essential.
The Bottom Line.
There's a reason why you constantly hear the "See it. Say it. Sorted" message from the British Transport Police when on the train. The earlier threats are identified, the quicker they can be stopped and the damage limited.
Over the last decade, we have seen a shift in how cyber-attacks often start.
Now they are often more opportunistic, trying to work their way up the food chain until they can catch a big fish.
Of course, the large, targeted attacks still regularly happen, but most of us are far less likely to be a victim of one of these.
That's why attackers are often now just after our passwords to try to get into a system and work their way up, either inside the organisation or higher up the supply chain.
That's why it is so important to protect our security identity as much as we possibly can.
Education plays a huge part in this, but technology can help a lot these days. We are now seeing that cybersecurity isn't just being seen as a cost, but an investment in business continuity and client trust.
The reputational damage from a breach can be far more costly than any security measure and the mental toll of dealing with identify fraud and personal financial loss can be far reaching.
As the M&S incident demonstrates, the financial impact can be catastrophic, but the erosion of customer confidence can have even longer-lasting consequences.
In an age where technology shields us from physical harm and streamlines daily life, it's easy to overlook the growing threat of cybercrime.
Just as we diversify investments and monitor financial risks to protect our wealth, we must treat cybersecurity as a form of digital asset management.
After all, safeguarding your identity and data is not just about IT—it’s about preserving trust, continuity and long-term financial health.
Getting a prenup doesn’t mean romance is dead
BY LUCY REDING, PARTNER IN FAMILY LAW, WILKIN CHAPMAN ROLLITS
WITH cooler nights drawing in the festive season is fast approaching and Christmas is one of the most popular times of year for marriage proposals.
Whether you are planning to pop the question or hoping to say ‘yes!’, it is never too early to think beyond the announcement and prepare for the future.
Alongside celebrating, couples should also consider practical steps that can make married life more secure, and one option is a prenuptial agreement. Starting the process early gives couples the best chance of being ready for the summer wedding season. Allowing time is essential. It means calm, constructive discussions can take place, full financial disclosure is given and independent advice is obtained which are all fundamental when preparing a prenuptial agreement. This can help avoid the stress of lastminute decisions and endeavours to reduce the risk of the document being
BY the time you read this the dust will have settled on the resignation of Angela Rayner.
It was an object lesson in the principle of “taking reasonable care” in any dealings with HMRC.
It was that, and the poor optics of the housing minister not paying enough tax on a house purchase that led to her resignation.
It did however bring SDLT into sharp focus. It is a tax that few of us encounter on a regular basis and for the majority of
undermined in the future.
Prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly common, and with good reason. They can protect assets such as property, pensions, savings, inheritances or business interests, while setting out clear expectations for both spouses/civil partners.
Having this clarity often strengthens relationships, giving couples reassurance and peace of mind as they plan their wedding.
Many hesitate to raise the subject, fearing it will dampen the romance. In reality, addressing finances early builds trust and prevents disputes. Acting now, well ahead of wedding season, means sensitive issues can be resolved in good time.
Every couple’s circumstances are unique, which is why tailored advice is essential. Whether you wish to safeguard a family inheritance, protect a business, or simply set out fair expectations, starting to consider and prepare your prenuptial
agreement early is the best way to plan for your wedding in 2026 and provide protection beyond.
To explore how a prenuptial agreement could support your future together, contact me on 01522 515 006 or email lucy.reding@wcrlaw.co.uk.
Stamp Duty Land Tax - the facts
BY DAVID NICHOLSON, DIRECTOR, DEXTER & SHARPE (LINCOLN) LTD
property transactions it is relatively straightforward.
However, as with so many areas of the tax code it has seen a good amount of tinkering over recent years.
The change that affects the most is the additional rate (now 5% after last year’s budget) for people with an existing interest in another property at midnight on the day they complete any residential property purchase.
That doesn’t sound too complex does it?
But then take into account a relief for replacing a main home which means that even if you don’t sell on the same day as in a standard sale and purchase you can get the 5% back from HMRC if you sell your former home within three years.
Also, what counts as an interest?
This is what did for Ms. Rayner. She had handed over her interest in her family home to a trust set up for the benefit of her son, who is disabled. However because he is a minor (being 17 at the time) the parent is classed as owning
that interest.
There are other exceptions. For instance if you purchase six or more dwellings in a linked transaction this is treated as a commercial transaction and the 5% higher rate does not apply.
Broadly though an interest is a stake –anywhere in the world - in a residential property where that stake is worth £40,000 or more.
There has been more criticism of SDLT lately. It can act as a brake on the property market and employment mobility.
Take for example an employee taking a four-year posting and hoping to buy a property but let out their existing family home. If the additional SDLT amounts to 10s of thousands what will that person do?
Maybe SDLTs days are numbered. There is now talk of a tax on property, or land, value, but that’s a whole other column; watch this space.
www.dextersharpe.co.uk
BNG - the current landscape
SINCE February 2024, England’s Environment Act 2021 has required most new developments to deliver at least a 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG), measured by the Statutory Biodiversity Metric. Where on-site gains aren’t possible, developers can buy biodiversity units from habitat banks listed on the national Biodiversity Gain Sites Register.
Demand is high – one source valued live BNG inquiries at £210 million by early 2025 – but habitat delivery lags.
Habitat banks are emerging across England and our cross-discipline teams are supporting landowners and operators to navigate this evolving market.
Legal framework and obligations
Landowners, farmers and habitat bank operators can generate BNG units if they
BY AMY COWDELL HEAD OF AGRICULTURE AT SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU IN LINCOLN
follow strict rules: a qualified ecologist must calculate units; the site must be registered; a legal agreement (e.g. Section 106 or conservation covenant) must be in place; and a 30-year habitat management and monitoring plan (HMMP) agreed.
Breaches risk not only enforcement action but reputational damage for developer buyers. Having the right team in place and understanding delivery obligations is essential.
The importance of knowing your land Early due diligence can save cost and delay. Key issues we often see include:
1. Charges – if land is charged to a lender, early discussions are vital. Lenders may categorise BNG as high risk so negotiating a release of charge over the habitat area is ideal.
2. Third-party rights – service media or utilities may restrict planting, affecting habitat design. Public rights of way, whether recorded or acquired informally, must be accounted for to avoid conflicts with habitat delivery.
3. Mines and minerals – subsurface ownership may complicate woodland
Innovation motivation
BY KATRINA PIERCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER LINCOLNSHIRE, FSB
DOES the idea of what AI can do scare the life out of you?
What about its capability to change the way we work, the type of jobs that will be created or its propensity to “hallucinate” and give misleading info?
Or does all of its potential – the ability to harness all the world’s information into a business solution in a few seconds – give you a thrill?
Either way, the facts are we’re lagging behind on innovation all round. Right now, the UK ranks the lowest in terms of innovation in the G7. We’re the nation that sparked the industrial revolution and – as the song goes – ruled the waves. Now? Our country isn’t generating anywhere near the levels of pioneering output our history and global significance would suggest we should. While there’s no doubt that the UK’s private businesses, especially SMEs, are highly adaptable and beyond open to being more productive, profitable and resilient against threats, some fundamental factors are holding
Lincolnshire’s independent businesses back.
Those barriers are time, money and fear. According to FSB’s last innovation report, 43% cited time pressures as a problem, 37% said they lack the capacity or skills in their team and 27% said they find navigating the lingo, the tech, the funding, the R&D tax credits et cetera just too challenging. What can we do about all of that?
Later this month we’re holding a free one-day conference to help inspire, reassure and assist local businesses to adopt innovation into the fabric of their companies. ‘
FSB Business Bootcamp: Igniting Innovation’ will take place at Market Rasen Racecourse on Friday, October 17 and will welcome 200 Lincolnshire SMEs. Throughout the day they’ll hear from local experts who know where Lincolnshire stands on the innovation front and know how to inspire quick wins and long-term strategy using AI, VR and other pioneering technologies. Government reps from Innovate UK will
planting, potentially triggering claims from mineral rights owners. Indemnity insurance could help but cost and availability vary.
4. Tenancies – ownership and profit from BNG units must be agreed where agricultural tenancies exist. Questions of tax, responsibility for works and monitoring may require a bespoke collaboration agreement.
Providing your Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMS) or stewardship scheme contracts early is also critical. These can affect the baseline assessment and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) – directly influencing the value of BNG units.
Final thoughts
England’s BNG regime is a bold step toward biodiversity-positive development, but early challenges reveal gaps in delivery, market transparency and enforcement. Habitat banks and unit sales offer promise but only with the right legal safeguards and expert advice.
As supply grows, high-quality, legally secure units will stand out in a crowded market – helping developers avoid greenwashing concerns and landowners unlock long-term value.
For tailored support visit www.shma.co.uk/sectors/agriculture.
be there too to explain the various funding routes local businesses can take to get the much-needed cash to bring it all to life.
Any Lincoln Independent Reader from a local SME is more than welcome to attend Business Bootcamp to benefit. We still have a few spaces left and as it’s free, all you have to find is the time to attend and a few seconds to book a place.
Just Google ‘FSB Bootcamp Innovation Market Rasen” to secure your place. See you there!
