Lincoln Independent Nov 2021

www.lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk

Thur 2nd to Sun 5th Dec ‘21

City’s festive showstopper returns pages 2,3, and 36-37

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Lincoln Christmas Market

Safety first at market www.lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk

SAFETY and security are paramount for the city officials organising this year’s Lincoln Christmas Market, but visitors must play their part.

With up to 250,000 visitors over four days City of Lincoln Council looks at all aspects of public safety, from traffic control to counter terrorism threats, explained Simon Colburn, Assistant Director for Health and Environment (inset picture).

Uncertainty over the impact of COVID-19 on festive events was set aside to plan Lincoln’s biggest annual crowd-puller from Thursday to Sunday, December 2-5.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming people back to Lincoln Christmas Market after it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Simon.

Behind-the-scenes preparations are ongoing throughout the year with strategic partners ranging from the police and the highways authority to contractors.

“There was a bit of extra pressure this year to ensure the market could go ahead. Safety has to be a priority so everything needed to be in place including having enough safety stewards.

Event management companies that supply stewards were hit hard

by the Coronavirus with many going out of business, but the council has secured marshalls for the market weekend.

All the agencies responsible for public safety attend an exercise before the event to test how effectively they would work together in an emergency.

Different scenarios, such as a serious car accident, were put to 65 people at this year’s ‘Table Top’ planner at Lincolnshire Showground: “We co-operated well and we know that we can handle most situations thrown as us.”

Satisfied the different agencies are prepared for the market Simon added visitors had a personal responsibility to protect one another in light of COVD-19.

“There will be hand sanitising stations and all the stallholders have been asked to provide santisers. The sides of marquees will be up to let fresh air through if it is busy, but people need to use good old fashioned common sense - take a lateral flow test before setting off, bring some hand sanitiser, use masks if that’s your preference and don’t attend if you have any symptoms or are feeling unwell.”

See also page 4 and centre pages 36-37.

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

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

3

Editor’s Comments

Happy birthday to us... and sorry WE should be having a double celebration - this magazine was established 21 years ago and it’s five years since the Business Wife and I bought the company.

There’s much to be thankful for - the very fact we’re still here is a blessing and we appreciate the support we receive.

We have put together the biggest Indie ever produced - a far cry from the eight page sheet that was first produced in the year 2000.

We’re very proud of our 72 pages and believe it will help readers get the most out of Christmas in Lincoln whether they are using the magazine to plan their festive activities or snuggling up with it and a coffee in the colder weather.

However, it’s not the complete magazine we had planned, which was 80 pages of news and features.

We were hit by an energy surcharge bill from paper suppliers through our printers.

It stung.

We have only recently pushed up our figures from 10,000 to 11,000 copies and did not want to reduce that, so we have taken out eight pages to bring our figures back into line.

As a result we have left out some of the articles people would have been expecting to see. I will have contacted all those affected by the time the Indie comes through letterboxes, but would like to publicly apologise - sorry, it was really out of our control.

Print is our single biggest cost and almost equals all our other overheads put together. We’ve been told to expect some further increases in January.

We mention this not to get your sympathy vote, but to underline the realities of producing so many magazines.

There are imitators and imposters out there claiming to do what we do a lot cheaper.

Please question and investigate their claims - as we’re warned with any other scam...if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

So we haven’t got room to indulge ourselves and celebrate properly and I’ve also postponed my latest article on beating breast cancer.

I was chuffed, humbled and extremely grateful for all the lovely comments we

received after our piece on the breast screening.

I will be writing more articles in the New Year and the next in January will concentrate on breast surgery. This terrifies many women, but we have a secret weapon in Lincoln, who goes by the nickname of Mr G and takes most of the fear out of breast cancer procedures.

Don’t miss my interview with him.

In the meantime enjoy the jolly decent magazine we’ve put together for you and take a look at how much we’ve grown (below).

GET IN TOUCH

DEADLINE

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

Material for our January edition should reach us by November 26.

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

www.lincolnindependent.co.uk EDITORIAL Contact Amanda McSorley on 0781 667 5011 email: amanda@lincolnindependent.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT SALES Rachel Bishop on 07983 460 640. email: rachel@lincolnindependent.co.uk We are celebrating 21 Years of the Lincoln Independent magazine in 2021 Lincoln’s premiere free magazine, published by Fire Works Design Ltd - bringing you news and lifestyle from the Lincoln area.

We also publish the Hello Lincoln What’s On Guide - the city’s ultimate listings magazine.

11,000 copies of the Lincoln Independent Magazine are printed and hand delivered each month to the thriving residential and business areas of Lincoln and the surrounding villages.

You can also find us in Marks and Spencer on the High Street and the food hall on Tritton Road, Burton Road and Riseholme Road Food Stores Lincolnshire Co-op, hotels, the Quayside Deli at Burton Waters, restaurants, cultural and tourist centres and village newsagents.Bailgate Independent’s targeted distribution works well for clients and we spot check deliveries every month.

In line with General Data Protection Regulations a copy of our Privacy Policy is available to view and download from our website www.bailgateindependent.co.uk or on request from the address above.

Fire Works Design is not liable for any of the services advertised in this magazine or any inaccuracies contained within.

For proof of print run, please contact WARNERS on 01778 391000. © FIREWORKS DESIGN LIMITED 2021- All Rights Reserved. PRINTED ON PAPER FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTS.

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

News

Parking scheme threatens survival of Bailgate businesses A PARKING permit scheme allowing residents to park outside their Bailgate homes at any time could be the final nail in the coffin of businesses in the area.

That’s according to members of the Bailgate Area Guild (pictured above) who met on November 1 and voted unanimously to oppose the scheme and work to retain the current parking provisions.

The Guild has also launched a petition asking Lincolnshire County Council not to go ahead with the scheme (see below), which if approved would see the current one hour limited waiting Monday Saturday, 8am - 6pm, no return within two hours, between Newport Arch and Westgate incorporate an exemption for residents to park at any time.

The council has conceded permit holders are likely to outnumber spaces and the guild believes the spaces will be continuously occupied with residents’ vehicles with little or no room left for those people who use the area’s facilities, shops, restaurants and bars.

The guild wants to keep the parking accessible to all users and believe the change will threaten the unique, historical area and displace visitors threatening the survival of the independent, locally run businesses.

Chairman Nicola Lockwood said: “After all we’ve been through over the last 18 months, many business owners feel this could be the final nail in the coffin for their enterprise. We know our customers will support our campaign and we are hoping that when we have had a chance to put our case to the county council it will decide not to go ahead with the scheme so we can all get on with doing what we do best in this crucial trading period leading up to Christmas.”

Nicola said part of the attraction of living on Bailgate was the easy access to services such as the post office and chemist as well as the shops: “It’s almost like killing the golden goose – they like the facilities on their doorstep, but they are putting them in danger of not being there.”

Business owners were asked to produce impact statements about how they would be affected if the scheme went ahead and these would be handed to the county council.

Mel Braithwaite of F. P. Watson said she would find it difficult to continue if the new parking arrangements went ahead with many elderly customers who cannot walk very far but go on to use other shops close by after visiting her chemist.

“They like to come into the Bail, don’t like going to supermarkets.

They feel safe. We have very much built-up good will after lockdown.”

Josie Rossington of Follie added: “I started my business here 17 years ago, and this area of Lincoln has developed into a welcoming, vibrant one, full of character.

“The mix of independent businesses together with all the history and architecture makes it an experience like nowhere else. It goes without saying that everyone has been through tough times recently, but the thought of this parking scheme and the long-term detrimental effects it will cause is quite devastating.

“We don’t just rely on tourists or the Christmas Market, Bailgate is a thriving, busy, friendly area open to everyone all year round.”

Barrie Hepton of Bailgate Deli and Obect and Line explained a

survey of 900 people had been completed about how the area was used and by whom. It revealed that many people came from the ‘doughnut’ of villages just outside Lincoln.

“They have a multiple shopping experience and are such an important group of people to Bailgate.”

The survey revealed the average spend was of visitors was £50 with 30% visiting the post office; 30% the chemists; 25-30% the butchers and 60% going into gift shops or similar.

The proposal is expected to go before a council committee in December with a decision made in January and implementation in March.

Members of the public have until Friday, November 26 to comment on the proposals - email views to TRO@lincolnshire.gov.uk for the attention of D O’Neill or write to Lincolnshire County Council, Highways Services, Minor Works and Traffic Team, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1YL. The guild is hoping to attract 10,000 signatures for its petition - to sign visit www.change.org/savebailgatepark or it will be available in many of the shops and businesses in uphill Lincoln.

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

5

News

Do Christmas your way you’re worth it

BY NWCH CIC CHIEF EXECUTIVE NAOMI WATKINSLIGUDZINSKA CHRISTMAS typically conjures up happy scenes of tinselfilled rooms bursting with the sound of families enjoying lots of festive fun.

However, for those without family and friends and challenged by feelings of isolation, Christmas can trigger difficult memories. It can cause a person to compare themselves to others and conclude they are the only one who doesn’t like Christmas.

Those with tight purse strings may struggle to provide the perfect celebration they imagine everyone should be having. Add wintry weather and dark nights into the mix and it is no wonder a person’s mental health can slump.

Closed shops and services compound the feeling of isolation and celebrating Christmas in the religious sense may seem alien to some.

New Year may bring difficult memories and worries about the weeks ahead, further dampening spirits.

Christmas 2020 was very unusual. Many plans were changed at the last minute, yet despite the challenges, we are reminded that people can take action to help themselves.

NWCH urges individuals to put themselves and what they want to do first - and create their own mental health toolbox.

It’s vital to plan ahead. You might not want to visit others. Your Christmas might focus on self-care – a lovely walk, a luxurious bath, a television film and some tasty treats!

Make a list of cheerful people to talk to. That can give you a sense of belonging at Christmas.

At NWCH we often talk about having a mental toolbox. Fill yours with things that bring you joy – maybe treasured photographs, favourite music and a luxury scent. Top it up on a low day.

Put yourself first, if you have the chance to get away, do it and be sure to pack your mental health box too.

Tune into your personal feelings, plan activities to suit you and decide when your own Christmas starts and ends.

You don’t have to justify your feelings. However, do let people know if life feels tough. Make a note of the Christmas hours of helpful services.

WE ARE A

BREAST FEEDING FRIENDLY BUSINESS #LatchOnLincolnshire Hi and welcome to Better Births Lincolnshire Transformation team, we would like to invite you to support #latchonlincolnshire, a breastfeeding campaign, to encourage businesses to be more breastfeeding friendly across Lincolnshire.

To support the campaign and obtain a poster for your business please email leccg.betterbirths@nhs.net with your company address. Upon us receiving a photo showing the displayed poster via Facebook messenger or email we shall acknowledge your company on our website www.betterbirthlincolnshire.co.uk/ latch-on-lincolnshire/

We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you in advance

6

@betterbirthlinc

Share your views on bypass IT’S been almost a year since the Lincoln Eastern Bypass opened and highways chiefs want to assess its impact on local traffic.

The 4.6-mile project, which begins on the A15 Sleaford Road and finishes at the A158 Wragby Road, was part-funded by a £50m Central Government capital grant with the aim of improving Lincoln’s infrastructure, encouraging growth, minimising traffic congestion, and enhancing the inner-city environment.

But has it worked? Lincolnshire County Council is urging motorists to complete a short online survey before Sunday, November 28.

Find the survey www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk For a hard copy of the survey ring 01522 782070.

India can celebrate results and another mention

To further support the campaign please follow us on: Better Births Lincolnshire

NWCH recommends: Samaritans: 116 123 – open 24/7 Shout: 24/7 crisis text service – text 85258

And like, share and retweet whenever possible.

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

INDIA Barwell being featured in last issue of the Lincoln Independent receiving her GCSE results was a lovely surprise for mum Marie Claire, but the grades we had been sent were not correct.

To save India’s disappointment we’re happy to report she received three grade 9s; two distinctions at level 2 (BTec equivalent to a grade 9); four grade 8s and two grade 7s.

News

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From Top Gear to Grand Prix WHETHER it’s two wheels or four... Dan’s your man.

After lending the guys from Top Gear his MG Metro 6R4, Dan Ellmore and stepson Aston Baker, 13, were invited to the filming of three episodes including the Christmas special.

With a waiting list of four years to get on set Dan could not refuse despite being one of the organisers of the Lincoln Grand Prix/Festival of Cycling the following week.

“It was an invite-only audience of just 60 people, who had help with the previous series so I didn’t want to miss it.”

The cycle racing weekend turned out to be a huge success.

"We are incredibly pleased with how the events ran and the huge support received from the city in terms of sponsorship to make the events happen and the crowds out cheering the riders on. The TV highlights programmes will be a great advert for the City. The event is estimated to bring in close to £2m to the city in economic terms."

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November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

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News

Double cash boost will restore historic buildings and revitalise city centre LINCOLN’S city centre is benefitting from a double injection of funding.

City of Lincoln Council in partnership with Historic England is celebrating its first historic shopfront restoration, which has seen a Lincolnshire Co-op building transformed at 8-10 St Mary’s Street.

As part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which saw the city council receive a successful bid for funding of £1.68 million in April 2020, the city council has created a programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover its rich history including bringing shop fronts back to their former glory.

Ursula Lidbetter, CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op said: “It’s been a fascinating project to look at historic photos, and research the

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history of these buildings, to inform the planning of their restoration.

“Working in partnership with City of Lincoln Council and Historic England has brought together funding and expertise to secure the future of these special buildings in the city for us all to enjoy.”

Commercial property tenants, business owners and landlords within the designated HSHAZ area may be eligible for a non-repayable grant of up to 90% for restoration, shop front refurbishment and/or change of use.

If successful, as part of the HSHAZ, owners will be supported by an experienced team of professionals to deliver a bespoke, high quality sympathetic restoration and refurbishment to preserve the building and add maximum curb-appeal.

Property improvements will include, but are not limited to, repairs, reinstating lost features, and making buildings suitable for new use.

Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Historic Environment Advocate at City of Lincoln Council said: “There are many unique heritage aspects and locations within Lincoln that need to be preserved so that Lincoln’s special character is maintained, and that includes its shopfronts.”

The city council along with partners Visit Lincoln and Lincoln BIG have also been awarded £175,632 as part of the government’s Welcome Back Fund, which is providing councils across England a share of £56 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This money will be used for environmental improvements and to boost the local economy through the delivery of large events including the cleaning up and restoration of street furniture; increased pressure washing of known toilet and pigeon mess ‘black spots’; replanting of flower beds; anti-littering posters/triads; new tree guards; a ‘deep clean’ of the bus station; new Perspex cover for the well at St Paul in the Bail and a high-profile event in the city centre in early 2022.

Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive at Visit Lincoln said: “Partnering with City of Lincoln Council and Lincoln BIG as we enter the festive season will ensure we can amplify support for local businesses. The events and activities will place Lincoln on the map as a tourist destination for the foreseeable future.”

Sarah Loftus, outgoing Chief Executive at Lincoln BIG added: “This is absolutely fabulous news for the city as we will able to put on some amazing free events in the city centre to attract local residents and visitors to the high street.”

For more information and to register your interest in shopfront restoration, visit: lincoln.gov.uk/high-streetheritage-action-zone or email HAZ@lincoln.gov.uk

8

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

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We use the latest in computer technology to give you the ability to ‘walk around’ your new kitchen before it’s built, allowing you to amend any small features along the way including the use of the beautiful curved doors, soft close drawers and a choice of storage metalwork – small features that really make your kitchen stand out.

Once we’ve agreed your bespoke kitchen design, it will then be built within our Lincolnshire factory using the highest quality materials and our modern machinery.

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News from Lincoln UTC PICTURE: ELECTRIC EGG - STEVE HATTON

UTC to offer new engineering qualification IN September 2022 Lincoln UTC will become the only provider in Lincolnshire to offer a T Level in Engineering.

This course will expand on current Post-16 option choices, which include a range of STEM-based A Levels and a Level 3 BTEC in engineering.

T Levels are an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships and other 16-19 courses.

Students will spend 80% of their course in the classroom learning the skills that employers need, and the other 20% in a meaningful industry placement putting those skills in action.

The Department of Education recently launched T Levels to provide students with valuable experience in the workplace, allow employers to get early sight of new talent in their industry, and help to build a pipeline for junior positions or apprenticeships.

Facilitating a placement will provide employers with the opportunity to work

alongside the next generation of engineers, ensuring that they develop the knowledge, attitude, and practical skills to succeed.

UTC Principal, John Morrison, said: “As a university technical college we already have a significant number of employer partners involved in the delivery of our curriculum, which makes us uniquely well positioned to deliver the T Level qualification.

“UTC students in all year groups are provided with the opportunity for work experience every year, and many of our Level 3 BTEC engineers also choose to complete a longer industrial placement in parallel with their studies. By working in tandem with local businesses, students benefit from educational opportunities

grounded within real industry experiences.

“These connections are valuable for our students both during their studies and in future. The large majority of our alumni who have now secured apprenticeships did so as a direct consequence of the relationships they formed with these employers whilst students at the UTC, and we hope that our T Level graduates will continue this trend.”

Applications are open to join Lincoln UTC in September 2022. For more information visit www.lincolnutc.co.uk or email admissions@lincolnutc.co.uk.

LUXURY UPHOLSTERER & FURNITURE MAKER handmade in Lincoln We are one of the foremost upholsterers in the UK, with an outstanding reputation for quality and attention to detail developed over 35 years.

A family owned Lincolnshire business, we carry out a wide range of residential and commercial projects.

Bespoke banquette seating, dining chairs, roman blinds and scatter cushions

We’re delighted to be re-opening on 12th April, and look forward to welcoming you back to our showroom.Your safety is our priority and we will now be offering appointments on a booking only basis, please do get in touch if you’d like to come and see us to discuss your projects.

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

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Donkey iaries Let’s hear it for the boys!

THERE have been a few changes for the donkeys since we last visited Bransby Horses.

New arrivals over the summer have created a third donkey herd, splitting the Jacks (male donkeys) into two.

Pictured from top are Humphrey, Oscar, Dominic, Barney and Dave and these five bachelors mean Bransby Horses now has an older donkey group of Jacks and a younger group in addition to the current group of Jennys (females).

Not only have the existing donkeys had new arrivals to contend with, but they have all moved to their winter housing to protect them from the English winter weather – donkeys have evolved in hot, arid conditions and can develop fungal hoof problems from wet or muddy conditions.

Shell Craven (who we met in our last issue) and the team will now split their time between the Visitor Centre Yard and barns on our Main Yard to provide the equine’s daily care. Throughout their time in the donkey barn, the three herds will have access to the outdoors during good weather to ensure a change in environment, stimulation, exercise and sunshine, so returning visitors over the winter will still be able to see them.

Oscar was the first new arrival. Shell said, “Oscar’s come a long way in the few months he’s been with us – he was quite nervous of humans when he first arrived which made routine care difficult.

“He needed to be sedated to have his feet picked out at first, but the team worked really hard with Oscar to build his trust in us and this paid off in September when for the first time, he didn’t need sedating.”

You can make a difference to donkeys like Oscar in more ways than one by buying a Bransby Horses Gift Card With A Difference this Christmas. Every gift card purchased provides essential care to the 800+ equines at Bransby Horses, like Oscar.

They not only make the perfect Christmas gift, but also have a direct impact on the lives of the equines in their care.

Make a difference this Christmas at BransbyHorses.co.uk/gcwad Be sure to pick up the next issue of the Lincoln Independent to find out how the new arrivals are settling into their new barn with their new friends.

12

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

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News from Le Sanctuaire

Botanicals beauty is more than skin deep LOOKING for a vegan and ethical beauty brand that’s based in the UK? Products and treatments from Botanicals has recently been introduced at Le Sanctuaire Boutique Spa Retreat on Lincoln’s Steep Hill.

With celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres launching vegan skincare ranges there is a growing demand for plant-based beauty and wellbeing regimes.

Spa owner Karen Cook is responding to demand by introducing Botanicals, but her choice of brand was well ahead of the trend having been founded over the county border in Leicestershire in 2003.

“We do very well with the our premier brands Clarins and Guinot, but I wanted to give people the choice of being able to buy vegan products or come in for treatments that have different price points.

I liked the fact it was British, already had a good reputation and had obviously done its research.

“It’s affordable, natural and earthy.”

Botanicals is 100% organic; one of the first ever brands to be certified by the Soil Association and still one of only a few brands to be 100% certified as every single product has passed the organisation’s strict organic and sustainability reviews.

The company also uses glass containers when possible and recycleable plastic when safety requires an alternative.

As well as a selection of products the spa will be offering two massage treatments - one to relax and one to energise as well as gift packs for the festive season.

There will also be access to products on the website - often with 24 hour delivery.

The range is similar to Jennifer Young Beauty Despite Cancer products already stocked at Le Sanctuaire and is often used for patients in treatment or with allergies.

Le Sanctuaire on Steep Hill Boutique Spa Retreat, Lincoln, LN2 1LT. T. 01522 535553. www.lesanctuaire.co.uk

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

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160 years of making life better in our communities

Roots firmly in our local MANY things about Lincolnshire Co-op may have changed over its 160-year history but its core ethos remains the same - working with its members to make the communities it serves stronger.

Lincolnshire Co-op is an independent co-operative society formed in 1861 by joiner Thomas Parker to provide fairer trading.

Its first store was at 1 Napolean Place, Lincoln, close to its new city centre food store on Sincil Street – just one of 223 outlets now owned by around 290,000 members with 2,900 colleagues.

Chief Executive Ursula Lidbetter said: “We’re a successful co-operative which has not only survived but thrived for the last 160 years. It’s because our values have stood the test of time.

“When Thomas Parker set up what would become Lincolnshire Co-op in 1861, it was about giving a fairer deal to working people who owned the business.

“That’s still what we’re about today.”

The Society provides vital services and supports the local economy through food stores, filling stations, post offices, travel branches, funeral homes, a florist, a crematorium and community libraries. It also cares for people’s health and wellbeing through its pharmacies and support for a network of health walks.

Local good causes benefit through its Community Champions scheme (see opposite page) and together, colleagues and members also look after the local environment through volunteering.

Lincolnshire Co-op also owns properties from flats and houses to commercial premises.

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Co-op colleagues dropping off food to FareShare volunteers at the new hub.

The Society brings land and buildings back into use to create attractive environments.

With Lincolnshire Co-op as landlord, rents stay local and are invested in schemes that benefit the community.

The latter include projects such as the first food redistribution hub in Lincolnshire, which recently opened and is part of a pioneering project which will divert surplus food to organisations fighting food poverty.

Unsold food – such as fruit and veg, bread and baked goods and chilled food – will be collected from retailers and suppliers and taken to the hub. It’s then shared between organisations that support people in need, including food banks, community larders, school holiday clubs and community cafes.

The hub (left) is based at Vulcan Park off George Street in Lincoln, and run by charity FareShare.

The £60,000 project has been funded by Lincolnshire Co-op and the Lincolnshire Community Foundation.

Initially, the food will come from 21 Lincolnshire Co-op food stores in Lincoln and surrounding villages and from Gousto, a major food supplier in Spalding.

It will be shared between charities in Lincoln, East Lindsey and North East Lincolnshire which are members of FareShare.

Clean it.

Scrunch it.

Co-op it.

A NEW soft - scrunchy plastic recycling scheme is operating in Lincolnshire Co-op stores.

Chocolate wrappers, lids from ready meals, bread bags, or cereal box liners - if it bounces back when scrunched it’s soft plastic.

Shoppers are urged to ‘Clean it. Scrunch it.

Co-op it’.

Once your item is clean and it meets the soft plastic criteria, simply dispose of it any local Lincolnshire Co-op food store.

Soft plastics may have previously gone to landfill and it’s been estimated that 760,000 tonnes of plastic film end up in UK waste streams every year, with half originating from households.

The material collected will be recycled in the UK and turned into plastic granules to make items such as bin liners, buckets and materials for the construction industry.

160 years of making life better in our communities

communities since 1861

Champions raise over £3.5m since 2013 THE Community Champions scheme is Lincolnshire Co-op’s way of giving back.

Each year hundreds of charities, clubs and other groups receive funding to help them continue vital work in their communities.

The scheme was started in 2013 and has seen more than £3.5m go to good causes ranging from Monks Abbey Primary School to St John Ambulance all through the efforts of shoppers, staff and members.

The scheme is divided into yearly quarters with the most recent (June, July and August) being a record-breaker raising £221,275 for primary schools’ Breakfast Clubs (pictured bottom right).

More than 190 schools have benefitted throughout the county - 19 in Lincoln – all receiving funding until August 2024 to ensure youngsters get a nutritional start to the day.

Each time a Lincolnshire Co-op member shopped with their dividend card between June and September a contribution was made to the cause. Proceeds from the carrier bag levy; money donated to inbranch collection tins and staff raising funds through dress-down days, bake sales, and sponsored events, also went to the total.

Community Manager Sam Turner said: “We set out to raise enough funds to help local clubs provide access to a healthy breakfast.

“We are truly blown away by this amazing total. Thank you so much to everyone who donated through the scheme – your help is going to make a huge difference.”

The current champions are county groups tackling food sustainability, food surplus and food poverty.

For example Lincolnshire Co-op’s Monks Road Food Store is supporting Green Synergy (pictured above) is a Lincoln-based charity that uses community gardening and horticultural therapy to help improve people’s mental and physical wellbeing.The money raised will go towards running a series of outdoor cooking workshops for the community they serve focusing on the seasonal produce that they have grown on the Hillside Garden.

St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln was a Community Champion during the Spring 2020 quarter and explained how its donation was used.

“Thanks to the incredible £456.68 raised by Lincolnshire Co-op members in the Burton Road store, we are able to fund four visits from nurses to patients being cared for at home, or eight hours of specialist care in our Inpatient Unit.

“Community Champions is a wonderful scheme that means residents can invest directly into their local area when shopping at the Co-op.

We feel privileged to have been part of the scheme this year and hope to be selected again in the future.”

As we went to press around £65,662 had been raised with this quarter running until December 5.

For more about how the Community Champions scheme works; how you can nominate your group and to vote for champions see https://www.lincolnshire.coop/community/communitychampions/

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

17

News

Urban crazy golf joins Axed and Escape Rooms

A branch of

The Veterinary Hospital Branches on Newport, Doddington Road and Skellingthorpe

Thank you for choosing us to look after your pets and for being part of our VH family.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – Anneli, Carolyn and all the VH team We have a team of experienced passionate vets, nurses and receptionists who are dedicated to giving outstanding care to all the pets under our care.

Visit us today to 昀nd out how we can help.

Appointments every day (Monday to Friday) Saturday morning appointments available at 175 Newport Routine and minor procedures (Monday to Friday) More involved surgery booked at Newport where we have 24/7 care for inpatients Collection of repeat prescriptions We are delighted to be able to o昀er an alternative way of making an appointment via our WhatsApp Business messaging facility This service will be operational Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.

Get started by scanning the QR code to make an appointment.

Call us now to 昀nd out more information or follow us on Facebook

ARE you ready to unleash your rebellious side, do something different and experience axe throwing, urban crazy golf and Escape Rooms all under one roof?

The Vulcan Park warehouse on George Street in Lincoln is home to all three exhilarating activities including Axed Lincoln, Escape Lincoln and the city’s brand new Urban Putters.

With a fully stocked bar featuring Strait & Narrow cocktails, Tiny Rebel craft beer and locally roasted Seven Districts coffee.

First opening in 2019, Axed and Escape Lincoln have become staples for entertainment in the city.

Axed Lincoln boasts eight interactive smart lanes with projected targets and competitive games putting them a step ahead of the competition. Book your lane for 60 or 90 minutes and experience the adrenaline pumping feeling of sinking a bullseye in no time, thanks to their experienced axe throwing instructors.

Escape Lincoln has some of the most authentic experiences in the region, from a real decommissioned prison van to a live horror experience, aptly named The Lincoln Chainsaw Massacre. Their second site in Sessions House on Monks Road features some family favourites such as Harry Potter & Sherlock Holmes themed rooms - while Vulcan Park is ready for a party with The Plaza Casino experience, challenging you to rob the casino vaults and scarper with the loot!

Urban Putters opened in 2021 with a much anticipated 9-hole course - swerve your way through themed holes such as ‘Dude, Where’s My Par?’ which has you aiming through a vintage mini and ‘Sippin’ Pin & Juice’ navigating through a festival portaloo.

There isn’t any occasion that a trip to Vulcan Park wouldn’t suit – from next level date nights, to big celebrations and corporate events. Their partnership with local pizzeria Dough Loco means groups of 10+ can order in the grub to make a night of it.

Find Vulcan Park on George St, LN5 8LG. Book online for experiences or give them a call (07340 506644).

www.vhvets.co.uk

T: 01522 800 333 E: vhvets@tiscali.co.uk vhvets.co.uk

Find us at: 175 Newport, Lincoln LN1 3DZ 51 Doddington Road LN6 7EN 32 Lincoln Road Skellingthorpe LN6 5UU

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BY ROSIE SMITH – CLUBHOUSE CREATIVE

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Eat, Drink and Be Merry, Christmas 2021

Eat, Drink and Be Merry Giving our readers a taste of Christmas featuring...

RESTAURANTS,CAFÉS, PUBS, SPECIALIST & FARM SHOPS, PRODUCERS & FOOD HEROES IN AND AROUND LINCOLN

Made with Love CHRISTMAS AT STOKES

Shop instore & online www.stokescoffee.com

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

19

Eat, Drink and Be Merry - Christmas 2021

Ham it up for Christmas A DELICIOUS baked and glazed Christmas ham is the perfect centrepiece to any Festive table.

A dry cured ham from Redhill Farm Free Range Pork is produced using the same fresh, free range pork crowned Supreme Champion at the 2020 Great Taste Awards.

Grown slowly, naturally and without the use of antibiotics the animals at Redhill Farm produce succulent and flavoursome meat.

The hams are dry cured and matured for at least six weeks producing a lovely dry texture and naturally sweet flavour.

Available either boned and rolled or on the bone.

Win a 3lb ham to be collected from Redhill Farm Shop in the Bail by telling us how many Great Taste Awards have been won by the company’s products?

so that the steam will not escape. (Use two pieces of foil crossed if cooking a large ham).

Bake in the oven for 20 mins/lb for ham on the bone, and 30 mins/lb for boned ham Joints.

Take out of the oven before the last 30 mins to glaze.

Turn oven up to gas mark 7, 425F, 220C, top oven Aga.

Email your answers to admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk .

Remove foil and discard. Place Ham on board to work. Score rind in strips with a sharp knife and peel off leaving some fat on the ham for glazing. If using cloves score surface in a diamond pattern and stud the centre of each diamond with a clove. Spread a layer of strong English mustard over the surface and then sprinkle on a good layer of Demerara sugar till all the mustard is well covered.

Put back in hot oven in roasting tin for approx. 20 mins until golden brown.

Remove from roasting tin and leave to cool.

Recipe - Redhill Farm Baked & Glazed Ham Time to prepare: 10 mins Time to cook: 20-30 mins/lb Ingredients A Redhill Farm Dry Cured Ham Joint Cloves (optional) Demerara Sugar Strong English Mustard Method Set oven to Gas Mark 3, 325F, 160C, or Top oven Aga. Place Ham in the centre of roasting tin on top of a large piece of tin foil.

Wrap foil up and over the ham leaving room for air to circulate round the ham and seal all edges

Call 01427 628270 or pop into the Redhill Farm Shop in the Bail for more information or for advice. www.redhillfarm.com.

Stokes hosts Battle of the Baristas

AWARD-winning Stokes Tea & Coffee held its first Barista Championship at its dedicated Training Academy at The Lawn, Lincoln Six competitors battled it out in two rounds that challenged their skills, creativity, and passion for hand-crafted coffee in front of an independent panel of judges and guests (pictured below).

Laura Giles, Stokes Barista at the High Bridge Café in Lincoln was the overall winner: “I’m completely dumbfounded! I can’t believe it. It’s been an amazing experience and I’m really honoured to have won this.”

Other awards went to Nic Till, owner at Riverhead Coffee in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, who picked up Best Technical award and Cate Martin of Bean Block Café, Newark, who won the Best Personal

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Drink Award for her ‘Lotta Latte’ creation.

Mike Palliser, Training Manager at Stokes’ Barista Training Academy, said: “It takes a bit of bravery to perform under the spotlight and our competitors were excellent. Baristas are pivotal in completing the coffee journey - after it’s been picked, processed, roasted and packed, it depends on their skills to create the final step of perfection.

“They are a real asset to any business serving coffee to ensure the consistency and quality will keep customers coming back.

We’re proud to have helped hundreds of baristas qualify at our academy. It’s unique setting helps students experience our working roastery during their training.” annual event.

Find out more about Stokes Accredited Training at www.stokescoffee.com

BOOK NOW

FOR CHRISTMAS

Eat, Drink and Be Merry - Christmas 2021

Scandi festive favourite

15 years on and still doing what they love...

The team at the Jews House still have the same ethos that they started with 15 years ago - the vision was to create 昀ne dining in an intimate setting accompanied by the best wines from around the world, they cook and drink what they love.

They continue to strive to give diners, many of whom are now friends, the best possible experience with them. Gavin still cooks every meal and Samantha still selects the wines and sets the high standard for the service team.

Samantha, Gavin, the team and most importantly their restaurant pup, Molly, would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all of their diners over the last 15 years, and look forward to welcoming you again and again in the future.

If you’d like to join us this festive season, please get in touch to reserve your table.

Fresh, local, seasonal menus with a Gavin Aitkenhead twist Telephone: 01522 524851 www.jewshouserestaurant.co.uk 15 The Strait, Lincoln LN2 1JD info@jewshouserestaurant.co.uk

22

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

MAGNUS Werdenskog has worked as a chef in Michelin star restaurants in Scandinavia and around the world, including twostar Aquavit in New York.

He is now bringing fine dining experiences into people’s homes in Lincolnshire as The Scandi Chef providing personal chef services and private cooking lessons.

Magnus blends Scandinavian style with elements from other cultures and incorporates local ingredients whenever he can.

“Food is both my interest and passion and it’s a privilege to be able to work with it. To hear that a guest had a fantastic experience or says that the food they’ve just had was one of the best things they’ve ever eaten gives me so much joy and puts a big smile on my face.” www.thescandichef.co.uk

St. Lucia Saffron Buns (Lussekatter) St. Lucia’s Day falls on December 13 each year in Scandinavia and these golden buns are central to the celebrations. To enjoy the buns in Scandinavian fashion, I recommend serving them as a snack with a cup of tea, coffee, or glass of mulled wine.

Preparation and cooking time: 2 hours Infusing time: Overnight Makes: 16 Lussekatter 1 g saffron 1 tbsp vodka 320 ml milk (plus 3 tbsp for egg wash) 150 g unsalted butter 7 g fast action yeast 1 tsp salt 125 g caster sugar 750 g strong white flour 2 eggs (1 for the dough, 1 for the egg wash) 1 handful raisins Step 1 - Add the saffron to the vodka. Leave overnight to infuse to maximize colour. A rum works fine if you don’t have vodka.

Step 2 - put the milk (320ml) along with the butter and saffron liquid in a pan and gently heat until it’s steaming. Set aside until lukewarm.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, caster sugar, salt and the yeast. Make a well in the middle of the bowl. Pour in the milk mixture along with the egg. Mix together to form a sticky dough, then turn out onto the worktop and knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 mins). Cover bowl with clean dish towel and leave to rise for 30–40 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 3 - Heat oven to 225C/200C fan/gas 7. Line two baking trays with parchment paper. On a lightly floured worktop, divide the dough into 16 pieces. Working with 1 piece of dough at a time, roll out into a 30cm long strand. Roll up one end into the middle, then the other, forming the dough into an S-shape.

Once all the buns are made, place on the baking trays, lightly cover with a clean dish towel and prove until almost doubled in size.

Step 4 - For the egg wash, whisk the egg and milk, making sure that the mix is completely smooth and has no lumps.

Apply the egg wash in a thin layer using a pastry brush on the buns.

Press a raisin into the centre of each spiral. Put the trays in the oven and bake for around 12 mins or until nicely golden.

The buns are best eaten on the day they are made but will keep for a couple of days - if they have started to dry out you can soften them by putting them in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry - Christmas 2021

Have a Free Range Christmas...

Food and Gift Fair back at Showground LINCOLNSHIRE Food and Gift Fair is returning for its 20th event this winter with more than 8,000 people expected to attend, Saturday and Sunday, November 27-28.

The two-day Christmas-themed fair is one of the biggest food festivals in the county, welcoming more than 100 food, gift, and craft exhibitors, fun and educational activities for children, demonstrations by top local chefs and producers and performances from choir groups.

Jayne Southall, CEO at Lincolnshire Showground, said: “Preparations are well underway for the Food and Gift Fair, the event offers a perfect burst of festivity to suit all ages and tastes, including foodies, families and Christmas shoppers.

“The fair guarantees to get everybody in the Christmas spirit, as well as serving a great opportunity to increase awareness and celebrate the talent of local brands, as visitors will be able to sample the best of Lincolnshire produce, including famous pork pies, speciality cheese, wine tasting, locally distilled gin, chocolate, fudge and much more.”

This year’s fair will be hosted between the EPIC Centre and outdoor marquees with all stands undercover.

Jayne added: “Being one of the most popular festive events in the county and being the event’s 20th outing, we wanted to ensure that we are able operate at our normal attendance levels, with additional safety measures. “ Doors will be open from 9am – 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.

Tickets can be bought online at https://lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/whatson/event/lincolnshire-food-and-gift-fair-27-11-2021.

Free Range • Genuine Provenance • Proven Quality

Home Delivery Weekly “It’s exceptional quality pork...”

Michel Roux Jr.

Christmas brochure now available

www.redhillfarm.co.uk 01427 628270 farmshop@redhillfarm.com November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

23

Eat, Drink and Be Merry, Christmas 2021

Impress your festive guests Roast venison, Jerusalem artichoke fondant, mini venison pie and pickled blackberries BY

GAVIN AITKENHEAD OF THE JEWS HOUSE RESTAURANT

Cooking venison 4 x 150g venison saddle Heat a tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan and add venison, salt and pepper, 1tsp butter, 1 sprig each of thyme and rosemary, when golden brown turn over and place in oven for 3 minutes, then turn back over and place in oven for 2 minutes, take out of oven and keep warm on a tray.

Jerusalem artichoke fondant 100g artichokes 100g butter 50ml chicken stock 3 sprigs of thyme, 1 garlic clove, salt and pepper Peel artichokes and place in water to stop discolouring, then trim edges so all the same thickness. Any trimmings can be boiled to make a purée for the dish.

In a small saucepan place butter in pan, when it starts to brown slightly add stock, thyme, salt and pepper, cover pan with foil and place in pre

heated oven for 8 minutes, then flip artichokes and place back in oven covered with the foil for six minutes. Remove from oven and check with a knife to see if they are cooked but firm, then place on high heat to caramelise for 2/3 minutes to a golden brown. Take off heat and keep warm.

Pickled blackberries 100g blackberries 75g red wine vinegar 100ml water 40g sugar 1 bay leaf, 1 star anise, 3 cloves, 1 small piece of cinnamon, pinch of salt Boil up all ingredients except blackberries, then leave to cool for 10 minutes, then pour over blackberries. Can be made a day in advance to mature.

Venison sauce 500g venison bones or chicken bones 200g of root vegetable dice 100ml red wine 500g water 1 tsp tomato purée, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, sprigs of rosemary and thyme Brown bones in oven, place in a deep saucepan.

Add vegetables and brown, then add wine and reduce to a glaze, then add tomato purée, mustard, herbs and water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hr. Strain stock through a fine sieve and reduce in a saucepan until a sauce consistency, keep warm.

Serve with vegetables of your choice. Spinach, sprouting broccoli and celeriac go well .

Mini venison pie - can be made in advance 250g venison mince/or game 2 rashers of streaky bacon, finely sliced 1 finely chopped shallot 1tsp chopped thyme leaves 1tsp chopped Rosemary 1 tsp tomato purée

1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 egg, 1 yolk Salt and pepper 40ml double cream Buzz all together in a food processor until well mixed and mousse like consistency.

Wrap a small amount of pie mix in cling film and place in boiling water for 5 minutes to check seasoning and texture.

Hot water pastry 135ml water 2oz duck fat 500g plain flour salt and pepper Place water and duck fat together in a saucepan, bring to the boil.

Place flour, salt and pepper in a bowl, pour liquid over the flour and mix with a wooden spoon until it forms a ball, wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge.

To make and cook pies Using a mini pie dish, or a dariole mould, butter

and flour all inside then roll out pastry, cut out large round circles and fill the dish making sure it’s flush to the sides and bottom. Take a spoon of venison mix and place in mould until it’s well packed, but not over the top, then roll out the lids and use a circle cutter, same size as top of mould, egg wash the top of the pastry, place on top of pie and press down the sides, making sure no air is left between lid and pie mix.

Cut off any excess pie lid. Egg wash the top of pie lid and place on a tray in pre heated oven at 180 gas mark 6 for 20/25 minutes.

Take out oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes, or refrigerate if making in advance. Using a small pointed knife go around inside edge of pie until you can feel it loosen and turn out onto a tray.

If using straight away then heat up a frying pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil and place pies in pan until a nice golden colour then turn onto the side, add a knob of butter and keep turning until all sides are brown, then do the same with the bottom and the top.

If pies were from the fridge, once coloured place in the oven for eight minutes to heat through.

Premium bespoke kitchens made without the premium bespoke pr Chris Sharp Cabinets Ltd, Tillbridge Lane, Scampton, Lincoln LN1 2SX

telephone 01522

Visit our showroom or book a free desig

Eat, Drink and Be Merry, Christmas 2021 Beer Brief with John Cussons, Managing Director, Ferry Ales Brewery

How our ale drinking habits have changed Win gift packs of FAB beer There is an old English saying - May you live in interesting times - and I think anyone involved in the craft beer market for the last 18 months would agree that it has been a rollercoaster.

No-one was prepared for a global pandemic but with challenge comes change and some interesting trends have appeared in the craft beer market which we have seen first hand at FAB. A move to e-commerce was inevitable as breweries large and small looked to find ways to sell beer as bars, pubs and tap rooms were closed.

FAB saw its online sales move from less than 5% of our overall revenue to 40% last year and many brewers report even bigger shifts. This led to breweries moving to bottles and cans away from casks, which created interesting challenges for the industry as demand outstripped supply.

Growth in local produce has been seen across so many industries from vegetables to beer with consumers supporting their local businesses. Even though things moved online customers wanted to buy locally and local businesses were able to find ways to do doorstep deliveries during lock down.

An explosion in home bars was perhaps not a surprise and it led to a growth in the mini keg and

To win a gift pack containing a trio of FAB beers tell us the ABV of Magic Ale? Send your anwers to admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk by December 17.

Cheese Choice

VACHERIN MONT D’OR AOC Vacherin Mont D’Or AOC is a wonderfully, soft, resin scented, seasonal cow’s milk cheese eagerly enjoyed during the colder months. Produced in the mountainous Jura region of France it is made using the exceptionally sweet milk produced from the famous Montbeliarde cow, which during the summer months makes the famous fruity, firm, Comte AOC mountain cheese.

The cheese is wrapped and contained in slices of aromatic hand cut spruce bark known locally as sangles. The finished cheeses are then matured on spruce shelves

Key Facts Age County of Origin Milk Type Organic

6-8 weeks France Cows No

Pasteurisation Region Strength Style of Cheese Vegetarian

to give an added dimension of flavour, and then boxed to contain the soft, fragrant, almost liquid interior. Vacherin can be enjoyed either spooned from the box and served at room temperature or baked gently in the oven (in the box) and served fondue style with crusty bread, crudités and warm new potatoes. This is the perfect sharing cheese, and one which we think is an absolute must over the Christmas period.

Pop this little beauty on your Christmas list to get the festivities going – enjoy with a chilled glass of champagne.

Unpasteurised La Franche-Comte Strong Soft No

For a fantastic range of cheeses from around the world contact Lucie Nock, The Cheese Society, 1 St Martin’s Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1HY. Tel: 01522 511003, www.thecheesesociety.co.uk

in Lincoln rice

2 504506

beer-in-box (BiB).

FAB has certainly seen a huge growth in people using BiB from 5L to 20L so that they can have real ale on hand pull at home Demand for higher ABVs was an interesting trend to come out of the pandemic. Industry-wide there has been a generational change with younger people drinking less volume but wanting full flavour higher abv beers.

People being at home more were happier to try stronger beers and FAB saw a demand for high ABV, which was why our new Magic Ale, brewed in 2021 to celebrate 30 years of the AWACS, is a 5.2% American Pale Ale. These trends have continued even as things have opened up again, so it will be interesting to see what 2022 brings. One thing is certain - all the small brewers I talk to - including FAB - are extremely grateful to our local customers.

Sponsored by

www.cscbespokekitchens.co.uk

gn today. www.chrissharpcabinets.co.uk

Eat, Drink, Be Merry and remember others this Christmas

Community Grocery store opens in city THE cost of the weekly shop has plummeted for people across the city with the opening of Lincoln Community Grocery.

Based in the Central Methodist Church on High Street, Lincoln, the Community Grocery will provide affordable food for members allowing them to do a large food shop for only £3 per visit - saving on average over £30 each shop.

Users will find the same range of products they would expect to see in their local supermarkets, including fresh fruit and vegetables, tinned goods, baked items, frozen food, sanitary and household items, thanks to donations by local suppliers and supermarkets.

An initiative of national charity The Message Trust, the store is being run in partnership with Alive Church Lincoln and Acts Trust.

The store will be the newest Community Grocery to open, with nine other stores across England already helping to feed over 7,800 families.

Community Groceries are about more than just food. Members also have access to a range of services including employment clubs, debt advice, mental wellbeing courses, exploring Christianity and cookery courses.

Andy Hawthorne OBE, Chief Executive and Founder of The Message Trust said: “Covid and lockdowns have had a massive impact on everyone’s lives, but for millions it’s made it difficult for them to afford everyday essentials like food. We couldn’t stand by and do nothing, so the Community Groceries began. Bridging the gap between supermarkets and foodbanks, we’re here to make it easier for our members to put food on the table by reducing the cost of the weekly shop, whilst also providing them with support and courses too. Over 7,800 members across the UK are now shopping in stores each week, and we can’t wait to welcome people to Lincoln Community Grocery.

“We see this as another string on the bow to end food poverty in Lincoln. As well as reducing hunger, Lincoln Community Grocery will empower people while reducing food waste,’ said Simon Hawking from The Acts Trust.

Membership costs just £5 per year and members are able to visit three times a week.

To find out more about Lincoln Community Grocery head to communitygrocery.org.uk

Working to feed families THE effects of COVID-19 on Lincolnshire families are still with us.

A range of independent organisations along with the City of Lincoln and Lincolnshire County Councils are working

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

hard to address these with initiatives to provide healthy food and active lifestyles, particularly for children.

The county authority ran the HAF Holiday Activities and Food - programme over the summer holidays, which gave many local children structured activity events, free healthy meals and lots of fun. Clubs were held at schools, nurseries and kids clubs, leisure centres and sports grounds for children of all ages with the opportunity to participate in games, swimming, dance, music, arts and crafts, visits and much more.

The Christmas holiday programme is being prepared - to support by providing activities, food or equipment. If you would like to find out more email haf@lincolnshire.gov.uk Mint Lane cafe in Lincoln City centre also has introduced free meals for all school aged children during all school holidays -with no qualifying conditions. Parents or carers don’t have to buy a meal

themselves to access the free meals for children – although at £1.50 a serving they might find it hard not to!

Jacket potatoes brimming with fillings such as veggie chilli, cheese and tuna are a menu staple, as well as soups, puddings and daily special meals.

The cafe also operates a pantry store where surplus food can be bought for donations.

Wragby ChEF also was one of the first organisations to support the Lincolnshire HAF project by supplying fruit and vegetables for participating children.

Leaders used them in health food learning sessions: and the children got to eat them.

The team at Wragby Chef has already provided thousands of meals to children in Lincolnshire during the school holidays for the past three years. Norma Higton, one of the key volunteers was awarded the Queen’s honour of British Empire Medal for her work earlier this year.

Ding dong!

1 6 BAILG ATE | L IN CO L N L N1 3A N

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide Sunday 14 November

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE

10am-12noon

The service at the memorial will include hymns, readings of poetry and a Roll of Honour for the veterans who have left us in the last year.

The service will be followed by a wreath laying. If you would like to lay a wreath, please emailevents@internationalbcc.co.uk

Sunday 14 November

NTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE

12.30

Free Annual Service of Remembrance

Remembrance Luncheon

To follow the service at the memorial IBCC will be holding a luncheon in its first floor Suite in the company of some veteran friends. There will be musical entertainment from the Vintage Singers Tickets are £25 per person Visit https://internationalbcc.co.uk/your-visitevents/events/ to book .

Sunday 14 November 3pm

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Roberto Ruisi Violin, Stein Heinoja Piano

A recent winner of the Royal Over-seas League String Prize and recipient of support for the Tillet Trust Debut Scheme. With his regular partner, Sten Heinoja he has performed extensively across Europe. £15 full, £5 students and Under 26s, www.lpac.co.uk

Sunday 14 November 6pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Chris Ramsey: 20/20

Critically acclaimed comedian Chris Ramsey hits the road for his biggest ever stand-up tour.

Adult £24.20 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Monday 15 November 6pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Courteeners

Celebrating a decade and a half of gigging this November with a series of UK live dates. £27.50 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Panto returns to The Drill This Christmas come on a magic carpet ride with Lincoln’s best panto Aladdin.

Jamie Marcus Productions is ready to whisk audiences away to ‘a whole new world’ of entertainment, packed with laughter, well-known songs, and dazzling special effects, all in the newly refurbished surroundings of The Drill!.

Back by popular demand is Lincoln’s favourite Dame, James Campbell as ‘Widow Twankey’.

Audiences are in for an added treat with the return of Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Craig Garner as the dastardly Abanazar!’

The panto runs at The Drill, (Freeschool Lane) from December 6, 2021 – January 2, 2022. Tickets from £16 via www.lincolnsbestpanto.co.uk See also page 56.

For all your Fresh Christmas Trees!

We are open for fresh cut and pot grown Christmas Trees from

Friday 26th November to Sunday 19th December

9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday* *If you’re planning to visit us on a weekend please find the link to book on our website

With larger indoor and outdoor shopping areas, visit us to find your trees, stands, lights, decorations and gifts Hot and cold food and refreshments provided by ‘This Little Piggy’

A15 to Lincoln

A15 to Scunthorpe

RAF Scampton

Lincolnshire Showground

WE ARE HERE to Kirton Lindsey

B1398 Fillingham

B1398

Ingham

Fancy meeting Santa?

Castle Farm, Fillingham, Gainsborough DN21 5BX

Come visit him in his Grotto, find all the information you need on our website.

(Off the B1398, 8 miles north of Lincoln)

Current COVID regulations will be followed.

28

VISIT US – JUST 5 MINUTES FROM THE LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Call 01427 667014 Visit www.fillingham-trees.co.uk Follow us on Facebook on Instagram

Replay Hyperflex Chinos £130

Remus Tailored Jacket £235

Q

Have yourself a Coneys Christmas.

Matchless Leather Jacket £999

Parajumpers Nolan Jacket £330

Gift vouchers available Q Ralph Lauren 1/4 Zip Top £120

Tommy Hilfiger Slippers £65

Jeffery West Trainers £295 Elliot Rhodes Belt £140 Elliot Rhodes Wallet £145

(personalisation available)

Tommy Hilfiger Hoodie £90

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide Wednesday 17 November

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

5pm

The band unleashes a ferocious release of pent-up energy and pure emotion.

Adult £30.25 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Thursday 18 November

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Jason Manford: Like Me

5.45pm

He’s Back! ‘Like Me’ is Jason’s latest expert comic offering set to hit the road.

Adult £33, www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 20 November 7pm

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

Handel's Messiah

Following its premiere in Dublin in 1742, Messiah quickly became one of Handel’s most popular pieces of music and has been performed around the globe.

Lincoln Cathedral Choir will be accompanied by Lincolnshire Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets £12- £15 www.lincolncathedral.com/events

Saturday 20 November 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Dreadzone

The electronic music maestros are an unstoppable force with storming and energetic live shows.

Adult £22 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Thursday - Saturday 25-27 November Check times

WADDINGTON VILLAGE HALL

The Last Tango in Little Grimley and Lockdown in Little Grimley A comedy double bill by David Tristram

£8, T 07368 627074 www.ticket-sourse.co.uk/waddington-dramatic-society

Thursday 25 November 6.45pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Rich Hall’s Hoedown Deluxe

Ever-evolving Rich combines keen acerbic stand up combined with spit and sawdust alt country.

Adult £18.70, www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Discover DO

welcoGmSe

Bransby

Come and visit our rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules!

NTR panto is a beauty LINCOLN’S longest running traditional pantomime is back at the New Theatre Royal Lincoln.

This Christmas the theatre presents Beauty & the Beast, starring Jake Quickenden (X Factor, I’m A Celeb, Dancing On Ice), Lincoln audience favourite Chris Johnson (CBBC’s “Yonko”), Zoe Hanna May (ITV’s The Voice), and Christian Lee (Britain’s Got Talent).

Get ready for fabulous dance routines, incredible singers, and all the classic comedy, fun, games, and audience interaction that you would expect from panto!

Beauty & the Beast runs from Tuesday, December 7 – Sunday, January 9 2022. See also page 56.

Friday 26 and Saturday 27 November Friday – 1.30pm and 4pm Saturday 10.30am and 1.30pm

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

The Stick Man

Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

Adult £14.50 // Child £12.50 // 10+ group offer £12.50 www.lpac.co.uk

Friday 26 November 6.15pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Jack Dee: Off the Telly

Join Comedian Jack Dee for an evening of entertainment with his new stand-up tour.

Adult £25.30, www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 27 November 6pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Jack Dee: Off the Telly

Join Comedian Jack Dee for an evening of entertainment with his new stand-up tour.

Adult £25.30, www.engineshed.co.uk T 01522 837400

Saturday 27 November 7.30pm

Enjoy a great day out for all the family at our award winning Visitor Centre, Café & Gi昀 Shop.

For more information on opening times, call, find us online or follow us on social media.

Find us at LN1 2PH 01427 788 464 BransbyHorses.co.uk

30

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

THE BROADBENT THEATRE

The Beast In Me - the Devil’s Violins

Shot through with mysterious imagery, an unforgettable tale of the calamitous impact of chance and the redemptive power of love.

Who is the stranger who waits at the crossroads?

Why does a man have a wing for an arm?

Age 12+, £12 adults. Concessions £11 www.broadbenttheatre.org

FREE

entry

Charity No: 107560

Sunday 28 November 3pm

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Lincoln Symphony Orchestra Concert

Programme: Prince Igor Overture and the Polovtsian Dances - Borodin Romance for Violin and Orchestra - Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor "From the New World" - Dvořák Conductor: Aric Prentice Soloist: Caroline Siriwardena Adult £14. Child £7 www.lpac.co.uk

Purple Holly is a small, family run stylish home gifts boutique.

Coming into our ninth year we have successfully continued to grow thanks to our loyal customers and the accessibility of our showroom based in central Lincoln, just off the Outer Circle Road.

We are the perfect destination for home accessories and gifts for family and friends. Shop a wide selection of accessories, gifts, crockery, glassware and much more from some truly inspirational British and worldwide suppliers. Buy online or visit our showroom and you will receive a warm welcome.

For the Garden Emma Bridgewater Set of 3 Buttercup Flower Pots. £12, team with Fallen Fruits Bee Print Gardening Gloves. £4

For the Tree Wrendale Rosie Rabbit & Donkey Baubles. £9.60 each

For Afternoon Tea Sara Miller Orchard Teapot. £60, team with Sara Miller Orchard Mug. £15

For the Handbag Women Who Changed the World notebook. £10 For the Kids Peter Rabbit & Lily Bobtail Soft TV Toys. £9.60 each

For the Robin Lover Mats Jonasson Robin sculpture. £65

For the Table Wrendale Duck & Robin Jug. £16, team up with Ulster Weavers Nutcracker Tea Towel. £6

For the Party Stolzle Lausitz Power Glassware. from £21 per set

Unit 3, Newporte Business Park, Cardinal Close, Lincoln LN2 4SY Tel: 01522 543959 Email: info@purpleholly.co.uk

www.purpleholly.co.uk Follow us @purpleholly

Shop online at www.purpleholly.co.uk or visit our showroom and you will receive a warm welcome.

Why not make your gift truly special with our gift wrapping service for only £4.95 per order.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide Thursday 9 December

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

6.15pm

I’m a Celeb Finalist Joel Dommett brings you bang up to date on his life.

Adult £22. www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Saturday 11 December

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

6pm

Joel Dommett - Unapologetic

King King – Xmas Rock & Blues Party

Back with a bang for their legendary Christmas Show at The Engine Shed.

Adult from £33 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Sunday 12 December 7pm Tuesday 30 November 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Turin Brakes

The estimable London 4-piece return in their first full stripped back acoustic tour since 2002.

Adult £22 www.engineshed.co.uk ,T 01522 837400

Saturday 4 December 7.30pm

BROADBENT THEATRE

Thursday 16 December 7pm

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Jason Byrne: Audience Precipitation

Jason has learnt over the past few years that we all need to “play” a bit more in our lives. With this in mind, Jason connects with the audience in a way no other comic can - with a light drizzle of audience participation.. £24.50, £19.50 www.lpac.co.uk

Monday 6 December 6pm

Saturday 18 December 6pm

Tuesday 7 December 7pm

Sunday 19 December 5.30pm

The Rills

Having brushed the shoulders of the UK’s underground circuit for years, The Rills are returning home to Lincoln.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Live/Wire – The AC/DC Show

AC/DC are brought to life, delivering a critically acclaimed high voltage two-hour rock n roll set.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Daniel Sloss: Hubris

Hot on the heels of his ground-breaking, global smash hit ‘Daniel Sloss: X’, Hubris comes to the Engine Shed.

Adult £20.35 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Saturday 15 January 2022 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

The Upbeat Beatles

If you love the Beatles, you’ll love this show – and if you don’t – you’ll love this show!

Adult £20.90 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

The Charlatans – A Head full of ideas Adult £35.75 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Adult £22 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

English rock band The Charlatans rock The Engine Shed with their ‘Best Of’ tour.

Join multi award-winning star of Spitting Image, Jess Robinson, for an evening of musical comedy and festive fun.

Adult £8.80 www.engineshed.co.uk ,T 01522 837400

Adults £10, Concessions £9 www.broadbenttheatre.org

Saturday 4 December 8pm

Jess Robinson

Adult £16.50 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Bouncers

John Godber’s parody of the contemporary nightclub scene with Judd, Les, Ralph and Lucky Eric, the four brutish bouncers inviting us to see their portrayal of a night out in what could be any town in the UK - Lincoln included.

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Sunday January 16, 2022 7.30pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Enter Shikari

Eclectic rock band Enter Shikari bring their unique mucial style to Lincoln. www.engineshed.co.uk. T 01522 837400.

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

McCartney - The Songbook

Starring Peter John Jackson (Let It Be, The Sessions At Abbey Road, That’ll Be The Day), this fantastic production takes you on a musical journey of Sir Paul’s career from the early beginnings with the Fab Four, the Wings days and his prolific solo career with tales of life on the road and flashbacks to life in Liverpool. £26.50, newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk, 01522 519999

Sunday January 16, 2022 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Gary Meikle - Surreal

Playfully dark, Gary Meikle brings his cheeky chappy nature to The Engine Shed.

Adult £22 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Thursday 20 January 8pm

NEW THEATRE ROYAL LINCOLN

Comedy Night at the Royal

Get ready for a right royal knees up as we bring you a night of side-splitting comedy from three hilarious comedians. Line-up to be announced – keep an eye on social media.

Tickets £15 newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk, 01522 519999

Saturday 22 January 2022 8pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

Big Fish Little Fish – Family Rave

Party together on a dance floor filled with bubbles, confetti, balloons and foam!

Adult £9.35 Child £7.15 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

Tuesday 25 January 2022 7pm

THE ENGINE SHED, LINCOLN

The Stranglers

Powerful sound, pounding rhythms, soaring melodies and quirky humour and an exhilarating live experience.

Adult £35.75 www.engineshed.co.uk, T 01522 837400

32

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

LIFEstyle Selfcare in your home retreat.

OFFLINE IS THE NEW LUXURY.

Stunning A/W home collections.

Gorgeous Gifts.

Fabulous Fragrances.

Luscious Lighting.

Glamorous Glassware.

Contemporary Candles.

Cosy Cashmere.

Open 7 days a week. 10-5pm.

Sunday 11-4pm | TEL: 01522 537328.

19A Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AW

LIFEstylelincoln

FESTIVE ACTIVITIES

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide Saturday 27 November to Friday December 24

BRANSBY HORSES

Saturday 27 November to Friday 24 December

THE WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

Throughout opening hours

Monday- Sunday 11am-5pm Christmas Eve 11am4pm

Saturday 27 November 9am – 5pm

Sunday 28 November 9am – 4pm

Visit Artisan Market for handmade gifts THE Collection’s Christmas Artisan Market returns for a whole weekend.

Visitors can expect over 30 stalls offering a range of products, including; woodwork, jewellery, glassware, children's toys and original artwork. All products are handmade by local artists and crafters. Visitors can also find a range of food and drink including; handmade chutney, chocolate and cakes.

The market will be complemented by workshops, including :Lincoln Repair Café, Christmas wreath making (Saturday only) and a leather journal workshop (Sunday). Pre-booking is required for the workshops.

The Collection Museum – Christmas Artisan Market, 20 – 21 November 2021, 10 am – 4 pm Free entry, www.thecollectionmuseum.com From Thursday 18 November Anytime

Thursday 18 November 4.30-6.30pm

Thursday 18 November 7.30pm

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE

Lincoln BIG Christmas Selfie Trail

The Christmas Light Selfie Trail (ncludes St Barnabas ‘Tree of Life’ at the cathedral, ‘Joy’, the Bauble and the Gifts for festive photos. Share on social media with the #ChristmasinLincoln. The best photo posted will win £50 in shopping vouchers for Lincoln independent shops.

ST MARKS SHOPPING CENTRE

St Marks Winter Wonderland

Begin the festive celebrations by switching on the lights to St Marks’ new Christmas decorations. With music from Lincs FM, Aladdin panto characters from Drill Hall, rides for children and lots of Christmas selfie spots, St Marks will also be the official drop off location for Mission Christmas a project by charity, Cash for Kids, the largest gift appeal for children in the UK. www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk THE WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

Christmas Light Switch on

Lots of fun and the first official late night shopping session of the festive season.

Free

Sunday 28 November From 10am

DODDINGTON HALL & GARDENS

Secret Gardens at Doddington

Inspired by the beautiful gardens, the outdoors will be brought inside and spectacular scenes created for a magnificent day out.

Adults £12, Children £6, Family tickets available and season ticket holders are free www.doddingtonhall.com

Santa’s reindeer have escaped and need help getting back to the North Pole. Can you help Santa and Bransby Horses’ Shetland pony, Pudding, round them all up and save Christmas? £5 per child – includes answer sheet, Christmas pencil, a letter to Santa, chocolate, a Christmas hat or antlers and £2 off Bransby Horses storybook, Pudding’s Christmas Miracle.

No booking required – please ask in the gift shop. www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

Meet Santa in his Christmas Grotto.

Tickets must be booked in advance

£6 per child www.watersideshopping.com, T 01522 529566 See also page 44.

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair

Shop unique gifts, handmade crafts and delicious treats with exhibitors and pick up everything you need for your Christmas celebrations.

Visit lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/food-gift. See page 23 ST MARKS SHOPPING CENTRE

Meet the Aladdin Panto Characters

Come and meet the fun cast from the Aladdin panto from Lincoln Drill. Meet and greet and take a selfie To find out more visit https://www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk/

1- 24 December Nornal shopping hours

Thursday 2Sunday 5 December

see pages 36-37

LINCOLN CITY CENTRE

The Lincoln BIG Digital Advent Calendar

You can get access to exclusive daily offers using the Lincoln digital advent calendar.More details will be available on Lincoln BIG social media.

THE CATHEDRAL QUARTER

Lincoln Christmas Market

World famous and the best way to start the festive season.

See also pages 1,2,3,4, 36 and 37 of this magazine. www.lincoln-market.co.uk.

Thursday 2Sunday 5 December

Thursday – Saturday 5-9pm Sunday 5pm – 6.30pm

Friday 3 December After Dark

LINCOLN CASTLE

Illuminated Wall Walk

Enjoy spectacular views over Lincoln's Christmas Market and the city from the Castle's Medieval Wall Walk.

Adults £10, Concessions £9, Child £5.50, Family £25.50 Free entry for under 5's and annual pass holders www.lincolncastle.com THE WEST END OF LINCOLN

West End Lights

Lincoln’s annual home-grown pop- up festival of light.

The West End of Lincoln lights up and all are welcome to gather on the streets to marvel at the light displays of the residents and businesses of the area.

Free, https://www.lincoln-west-end-lights.com

Saturday – Sunday 4-5 December

Between 10am – 3pm Daylight hours recommended

ST BENEDICT’S SQUARE, LN5 7AR

A Distant Christmas Find the locations and unlock a Christmas love story spanning the centuries… It is December 1918 and Kitty Hall is grieving the death of her sweetheart – killed in action in the last weeks of the War. But when he’s seen alive, walking the streets of Lincoln, Kitty and her friends set out on a quest to find him, searching across the city and hoping for a Christmas Miracle.

Pay what you decide (£5 suggested donation), age 8+ www.lpac.co.uk

www.watersideshopping.com, T 01522 529566

Wednesday 24 November to Thursday 23 December 12-4 Wednesday to Friday 10-4 Saturday- Sunday

‘Pudding’s Reindeer Roundup’

Thursday - Sunday 9 -12 December 7.30pm

COUNTY ASSEMBLY ROOMS, BAILGATE, LINCOLN

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Join Chapterhouse Theatre Co. as Scrooge’s frozen heart begins to melt and he finally embraces the festive spirit in this most Christmassy of Christmas tales.

Tickets £18.70. Concessions and family tickets available chapterhouse.org

Continued on page 38 34

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

We’ve got you covered this Christmas

Disney Princess Nail varnish and file gift set from Claire’s £8.50

Treat someone or yourself to your first pair of Doc Martens. These iconic boots haven’t changed for 50 years. £139 from OFFICE

Say Hey to this festive hamper from New Look. £17.99

Sturdy shopper with three compartments, one with a zip.

H&M £34.99

Swarovski rose gold plated solitaire earrings - adding a touch of sparkle to Christmas £55 from Goldsmiths Treat a hot chocolate lover to this perfect set from Next. £14

Jimmy Choo Man gift set £48 from The Fragrance Shop

Comfort and Cheer Body Butter trio from The Body Shop - a perfect pampering gift set £15

HomePod - the breakthrough speaker from Apple - gives access to over 45 million songs and using Siri intelligence it’s a helpful home assistant. £279 from Stormfront

Waterside Shopping Centre, High Street, Lincoln LN2 1AP. 01522 529566.

Open 7 days. Late night shopping every Thursday in December.

Find us on

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide

Fact File - Lincoln Christmas Market 2021 DETAiLED information is available on the website.

Opening Times Thursday, December 2 - Midday to 9:30pm Friday, December 3 - 10am to 9:30pm Saturday, December 4 - 10am to 9:30pm Sunday, December 5 - 10am to 7pm

Operating times for the Park and Ride Lincolnshire Showground, LN1 2ZF Thursday, December 2 - 11.30am to 10pm Friday and Saturday, December 3-4 - 9am to 10pm Sunday December 5 - 9am to 7:30pm The earliest time is from the Showground and the latest time from the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. The service is on a fill and go basis and/or a frequency of every seven minutes, whichever is sooner.

Early bird discounts for pre-booking - see website.

Dogs No dogs are allowed except assistance dogs. Do not bring dogs to the park and ride or leave pets in your vehicle.

Cash Points Mobile - bottom of Castle ramp, Union Road Burton Road - Post Office and next to St Barnabas shop.

Bailgate - Post office

Contacting CoLC during the market Residents with comments or concerns during the event can call 01522 873400 or email LCMResident@lincoln.gov.uk These are monitored from 7am – 10pm each day.

Road Closures Prior to the event - Tuesday - Sunday, November 30December 5, 10am - 10pm throughout.

Burton Road from Union Road to Rasen Lane - one way northbound.

Union Road - one way northbound.

Carline Road - some no waiting cones to maintain access.

During the market - 00:01 on December 2 to 23:59 on December 5.

Cecil Street - one way system suspended Church Lane - one way westbound Nettleham Road - one way southbound from Nursery Grove towards Lincoln Cathedral Newport - one way northbound between Newport Arch and Broadway (access via Church Lane) Northgate - one way westbound from Nettleham Road to Church Lane.

Car Park Closures The Lawn Wednesday - Wednesday November 24 December 8.

Westgate car parks - Tuesday - Monday, November 30December 6.

Castle Square - Wednesday - Monday (open at 8am) December 1-6 .

Langworthgate Thursday - Sunday, December 2-5.

Social Media Follow the market mascot, Jingle the elf, on Twitter: @lincolnelf. Or like on Facebook: www.facebook comLincolnChristmas

36

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Oh come all

For the joyful and triumphant retu THE world famous Lincoln Christmas Market is back this year and local people are being urged to kick-start their festive season by visiting the event.

It’s the festive extravaganza that has attracted millions of people to the city in its 39-year history; brings up to £13m to the local economy and has raised Lincoln’s profile as a tourist destination throughout the year.

Organiser City of Lincoln Council has been planning the event all year, but it was only given the go-ahead a few weeks ago. After last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic it wants residents to help ensure its success by enjoying all the market has to offer.

Simon Colburn, Assistant Director for Health and Environment said he would like market critics to give it a chance and see how it has evolved in recent years.

“There’s been criticism that too much of the market was given over to burger vans and the sort of attractions you’d find on a sea front. That might have been true 20 years ago, but we feel there is a really good balance of stalls now.Yes, there are burger vans because that is what some people want, but there are also a lot of unique and high end art and crafts stalls. In 2019 we had a woodcarver whose pieces were up to £20,000 and he sold out.

Public engagement on the market is important to the council and a recent

PICTURES:STUART WILDE

Thursday-Sunday, December 2-5

ye faithful!

urn of Lincoln Christmas Market consultation session for residents affected by the restrictions enforced to ensure public safety was attended by more than 50 people. There is also a text service for traders to raise concerns or get updates throughout the marlet.

“We do listen and we will keep on listening, but there are some aspects such as road closures that we can’t do anything about.”

In 2018 the council and its partners created a 10-year vision for the market to enhance its festival ambience with with crowd-pleasers such a light shows and 2019 was the first year of implementing that strategy.

“Obviously we lost the momentum in 2019 and the major achievement this year is ensuring the market goes ahead but we will be taking that vision further in future years,”said Simon.

“And it’s not just about the market itself - it’s also the shops, restaurants and bars in Lincoln that benefit over the four days.

“We’d urge people to come along, enjoy the lights, the stalls, buy some gifts and generally get that Christmassy feeling.

“We’d love to see everyone there enjoying themselves.”

See page 2 for map and page 3 for health and safety information.

www.lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk

Businesses back extravaganza Nicola Lockwood, owner Bells Tea Shop and Chairman of the Bailgate Area Guild Lincoln Christmas Market is a Lincoln institution – it’s how people start their Christmas festivities year after year.

It’s a high-profile annual event that brings visitors into the city who then come back.

Some businesses may not benefit directly from the market itself, but they will benefit indirectly throughout the year.

Ian Robinson, General Manager, White Hart Hotel We are absolutely delighted that the Lincoln Christmas Market is back on and raring to go! It’s a landmark event in the city calendar and really does symbolise the beginning of the festive period for so many people. It’s a great showcase of the arts, crafts and bespoke traders who visit the city as well the great multitude of local shops all stocked full to the brim of quirky, unusual and special gifts. The hospitality sector will be particularly pleased that the market is back on after the terrible trading period caused by the pandemic and we cant wait to meet, greet and serve all our expectant customers with mulled wine, turkey and a cocktail or two!

Josie Rossington, Follie What makes Lincoln Christmas Market different to others is the magnificent setting and the mix of independent shops nestled around the market area, giving it a special atmosphere.

It’s a great way to show off our city and encourage people to come back to explore what Lincolnshire has to offer.

Stephen Smith, Sanctuary in the Bail We’re so excited to see the return of Lincoln Christmas Market. It’s the perfect start to the festive period and gets people in the mood for Christmas. After the past couple of years it will be so welcome. We hope everyone has a fun and safe visit and look forward to welcoming them into the shop.

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

37

FESTIVE ACTIVITIES

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide Lincoln Castle’s Illuninated Wall Walk

Thursday - Friday 9-10 December 5pm to 8pm

INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND

Free Christmas Gift Market

An ideal place to get those one-off gifts for friends and family. from a range of local businesses including the IBCC shop. The Hub Café will be offering a selection of tasty seasonal dishes including homemade soups, winter gingerbread, mince pies and mulled wine.

If you are interested in exhibiting, please email events@internationalbcc.co.uk

Friday - Saturday 10 - 11 December Friday - Saturday 17 - 18 December

THE WATERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

Centre opening times

www.watersideshopping.com, T 01522 529566

Friday - Saturday 10 - 11 December Friday - Saturday 17 - 18 December

THE BLUE ROOM AT STOKES, THE LAWN, LINCOLN

7pm

St Barnabas Christmas Gift Wrapping Service

Saturday 18 December

LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND

7pm – 1am

The Lincolnshire Showground hosts some of the biggest and most elaborate Christmas parties in Lincoln, so gather your friends and join us.

Visit lincolnshireshowground.co.uk to find out more.

Monday 20 December

BOULTHAM PARK

10am - 11.30am

Have your gifts wrapped and help raise funds for St Barnabas.

From 10am

Christmas Party to Party Nights

Enjoy the ultimate Party Nights that fizz! Includes a glass of bubbly, three-course meal, after-dinner coffee or tea, then you’ll dance the night away with a top-class music from our disco or live music acts.

Tuesday – Friday 21 - 24 December Afrternoons

ST MARKS SHOPPING CENTRE

11am

Come and meet the fun cast from the Aladdin panto from Lincoln Drill. Meet and greet and take a selfie UPHILL LINCOLN

Tuesday 21 December

10am-11.30am

Rotary Club Of Lincoln Colonia 16th Santa Fun Run and Walk Join in with 2,500 Santas to run and walk to raise money for local charities and have a great time.

5pm – 9pm

LINCOLN CASTLE

Lincoln Castle Illuminated

Walk through displays of Christmas lights and Christmas tree lined pathways. Enjoy a hot chocolate and mulled wine within the festive grounds.Take in the spectacular sites from up high by upgrading to an Illuminated Wall Walk ticket.

Illuminated Wall Walk (includes access to the grounds) Adults £10, Concessions £9, Child £5.50, Family £25.50, grounds only £2.Free entry for under 5s and annual pass holders. www.lincolncastle.com

Sunday – Friday 12 – 31 December Various Start Times

LINCOLN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

A Snow Hare In Winter

Last year the Snow Hare was trapped in her burrow by a ferocious snowstorm, but this year is going to be different! Determined to have a proper Christmas, she sets off an adventure to see how the other forest animals celebrate the festive season, and you’re invited too! Packed with joyous songs and silly characters, The Snow Hare in Winter is a magical story for young children and their families, Tickets: £11 Adult // £8.50 Child // £34 Family www.lpac.co.uk

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

THE BLUE ROOM AT STOKES, THE LAWN, LINCOLN

Stokes’ Christmas Spectacular

Join Santa and his Elves for a fun afternoon of festive storytelling, Christmas songs, photos with Santa, an amazing Yuletide Afternoon Tea, unlimited Stokes tea, coffee and hot chocolate, then decorate a gingerbread person and receive a present to remember your visit.

ST SWITHIN’S COMMUNITY CENTRE

Christmas Crafts

Make decorations out of all sorts of materials in time for the big day!. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet St Swithin's Community Centre, Croft St, Lincoln LN2 5AZ

£3.50 per child. Further details call 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk or find us on Facebook

Adults £10, Concessions £9, Child £5.50, Family £25.50 Register www.lincolnsantafunrun.co.uk

Sunday - Thursday 12 - 23 December

Make decorations out of all sorts of materials in time for the big day!. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at 10am at the Indoor Bowls Club, Boultham Park, Hall Drive, Lincoln LN6 7SW

£35 per adult, £30 per child, To book call 01522 523548

Meet the Aladdin Panto Characters

To find out more visit https://www.stmarks-lincoln.co.uk/

Sunday 12 December

Christmas Crafts

£3.50 per child

Price from: £39pp Group bookings available Book by emailing: Karis.Hildred@stokes-coffee.co.uk

Saturday 11 December

Enchanted Christmas Party

Tuesday 21 December 1pm-2.30pm

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK

Christmas Crafts

Make decorations out of all sorts of materials in time for the big day. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at 1pm inside the Visitor Centre, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY £3.50 per child. Further details call 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk or find us on Facebook.

Wednesday 22 December 12noon - 3pm

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK

Christmas Trail CU

Explore Hartsholme Country Park by taking part in a festive themed Trail. Solve the puzzles and complete the challenges to claim your sweet treat.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. This Children’s University validated activity is aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years.

Get your Trail sheet anytime between 12pm and 3pm from the Visitor Centre, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY £3.50 per child, booking is essential.

Further details call 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk or find us on Facebook

Unique handmade Baubles from £4.50

Hand embellished Christmas cards £3.15 each

Boxed trio of Christmas Candles, handmade locally £25.00

Festive jute Heart coasters £3.99 each

Sophie Allport Stoneware Mini jug £11.00 & Nibbles bowl £9.00

Statement Earrings £9.50

Add some sparkle to your jumper with these diamante brooches from £9.99

Porcelain decorations handmade in Devon from £4.50

Christmas Dog Chopping Board £12.50

Follie, 83 Bailgate 01522 579400 @follie.lincoln @Follie.Bailgate

Sophie Allport Festive Forest Tea towels Set of two £18.50

ART & CULTURE

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide The Arboretum, Lincoln.

Until Sunday 19 December

THE COLLECTION

Thursday-Monday 10am-4pm

International award-winning photographer Mandy Barker collects items from shorelines across the world transformed into powerful and captivating images.

From accompanying scientists on an expedition from Hawaii to Japan, tracing the debris of the 2011 Tsunami, to a voyage on board Greenpeace's Beluga II to the Inner Hebrides, she has followed a trail of plastic pollution across the globe.

Free. www.thecollectionmuseum.com

Saturday 13 November

THE COLLECTION

4.30pm

Our Plastic Ocean

Tracy Borman - Talk & Signing

The acclaimed author, broadcaster and joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces unveils her new history title, Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II. £7 admission only; £28 1 ticket with book; £32 2 tickets https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/184250376837

Nina’s vibrant work has diverse appeal WORKS by prolific artist Nina Carroll (1932 – 1990) can be seen at Lincoln’s Sam Scorer Gallery this month.

The paintings have been selected by her daughter Kate Steane of Lincoln whom Nina visited in the city in 1988 and 1989.

Nina studied art at the Cheltenham School of Art before she went to Oxford University to study English Literature and where she joined the Ruskin School of Art. After Oxford she married John Steane and juggled painting and novel writing with looking after Kate and her siblings Anna and Peter.

By the mid 1970s Nina had started having solo exhibitions featuring her urban landscape, exteriors, interiors, gardens, paths, greenhouses, plants and the coast. She travelled in England and abroad, painting as she went with her career really taking off in her 40s.

She had exhibited locally wherever the family were living and also had work displayed at the Royal Academy, New English Art Club, the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the Royal Institute of Water Colours and the Royal West of England Academy.

“A large proportion of her work consists of vibrant landscape watercolours, she also painted a wide variety of other subjects, her creative imagination inspired by the world around her,” said Kate, who will be at the gallery every day between 3-4pm or by appointment.

Saturday 13 November 7pm

Alison Weir - Talk & Signing

Bestselling author and historian Alison Weir with her new fiction short-story collection, In the Shadow of Queens:Tales from the Tudor Court. £7 admission only; £23 1 ticket plus book; £27 2 tickets plus book https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/184253596467

Wednesday 17 November 7.30pm

EVENING TALK BY ZOOM

Local Listing in Lincolnshire

By Felix Mayle, Local Listing Project Officer Heritage Lincolnshire. A background in what is happening in Lincolnshire as part of the project and why; what it hopes to achieve during its twelve-month time frame and explore some of the interesting local heritage, from buildings to archaeology to parklands and mounting stones that have been put forward as part of the project so far. £4 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincolnshire-locallisting-campaign-tickets-170415453208

Wednesday 17 November

10am to 12.30pm

ST SWITHIN'S COMMUNITY CENTRE

Willow Obelisk Workshop for Adults

Make your very own garden obelisk out of willow for your climbing plants at the centre on Croft St, Lincoln LN2 5AZ. £25, Further details call 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk or find us on Facebook

Friday 19 November 7pm

Here and There – Watercolours by Nina Carroll, Sam Scorer Gallery, Drury Lane, Lincoln, November 9 – 21, daily 10.30 to 4pm. www.paintingsbyninacarroll.co.uk The Lincoln BIG Christmas Selfie Trail starts on November 18.

THE COLLECTION

THE COLLECTION

Christopher Somerville - Talk & Signing

The walking correspondent of The Times drops in with his new book The View From the Hill: Four Seasons in a Walker's Britain.. https://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/exhibitions-andevents/view/author-event-christopher-somerville-talk-signing

Saturday 20 November 2.30pm

ON-LINE AFTERNOON CONFERENCE BY ZOOM

Stamford’s Industrial Past: An Untold Story

Stamford was the location of a number of engineering enterprises that exported to markets throughout the world. This mainly unrecognised legacy was researched in the early 1970s by Neville Birch and published in 1972. Further research over the next 40 years resulted in the book Stamford’s Industrial Past An Untold Story. £5 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stamfords-industrialpast-an-untold-story-tickets -174197588677

Tuesday 23 November – Sunday 5 December 10am-4pm

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

SAM SCORER GALLERY, 5 DRURY LANE, LINCOLN

Symbiosis

A joint ceramics exhibition and sales event by Jen Holtridge and Karen Raithby. Exhibition pieces and seasonal gifts.

Free, www.samscorergallery.co.uk.

y r e v a e v a H s u o i r lux u s a Christm

A touch of luxury ...

from

Cheers ...

Maison Berger Lampes. Exclusive French lead crystal limited edition collectible air puri昀ers – £550

... s n o i t a r o c e d e Divin

Vintage Lead crystal champagne, cocktail and wine glasses – from £25

e b e r e Let th light ...

Christmas decorations by Gisela Graham – from £2.50.

We are sole stockists of the Vintage Garden Room Christmas decorations in Lincoln – from £25.00

Join us for our Christmas event ...

Levitating moon lamp and smart vase – from £65

82 Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AR 01522 533922 • Open 7 days a week

Get in the Christmas spirit and join us on 15th November 5.30-8pm for complimentary Mulled wine and nibbles.

We’re o昀ering 20% o昀 all Christmas products, and will also be joined by a representative from Maison Berger to advise on home fragrances for Christmas.

Places limited, please get in touch to book.

ART & CULTURE

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide Saturday 4 December

ON-LINE DAY CONFERENCE

All Day

Organised by the British Association for Local History, Lincoln Record Society, the Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology and The Survey of Lincoln. Details are also on the SLHA website. £7.50 - To book, please use the link below and add in the discount code for SLHA members https://www.balh.org.uk/dennis-mills. Discount Code for SLHA members is DM27T-SLH

Saturday 4 December Sunday 5 December 10am -12.30pm and 1.30 - 4pm

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK

Dr Dennis Mills (1931-2020): A Tribute

Wreath Making Workshop for Adults

Try this traditional Christmas craft and make your very own wreath for your home. This activity is aimed at adults. Meet 10am or1.30pm outside the Visitor Centre, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY £25 per person and booking is essential.

Further details call 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk or find us on Facebook

Monday 6 December

Unique gifts by local artists THIS year’s Christmas Exhibition at Harding House Gallery starts on November 20.

Set in the upper gallery it will feature lots of great gift ideas that are handmade and unique so just right for festive shopping with a difference. With large and small pieces in a variety of media and styles and created by invited artists there really will be something for everyone.

Downstairs artworks will be displayed by the co-operative members that run the gallery and around 50 other artists and will include paintings, glass, wood, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, handmade greeting cards and many more unusual pieces. Everyone is invited to call in browse and support a local small business.

Christmas Exhibition, Harding House Gallery, Steep Hill (just down from the cathedral), from November 20. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm (late nights during the Christmas Market). www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk Wednesday 1 December 7.30pm

EVENING TALK BY ZOOM

300 Years of the Spalding Gentleman’s Society by Tom Grimes

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society was founded in 1710

by Maurice Johnson a lawyer and member of the London organisations of enlightenment, such as the Royal Society. He started the Spalding society to meet and discuss science, arts and literature. £4, https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/300-years-ofspalding-gentlemans-society-tickets-174721345247

Thursday 2Sunday 5 December All Day

ST MARTIN’S SQUARE LINCOLN

Lincoln Makers’ Market Village

Come down the hill from the city’s famous Christmas Market to find hand-made gifts galore on stalls on the car park of St Martin’s Square. https://www.visitlincoln.com/markets

Thursday 2 December 10am-12.30pm

BOULTHAM PARK

Wreath Making Workshop for Adults

Try this traditional Christmas craft and make your very own wreath for your home. Meet at 10am at the Indoor Bowls Club, Hall Drive, Lincoln LN6 7SW £25 per person and booking is essential.

Further details call 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk or find us on Facebook

Friday 3 December 10am-12.30pm

42

ST SWITHIN'S COMMUNITY CENTRE, CROFT ST, LINCOLN LN2 5AZ.

Wreath Making Workshop for Adults As listing above, but at alternative location.

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

10am-12.30pm and 1.30 - 4pm

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK

Garland Making Workshop

Learn what foliage to use, how to assemble the garland and how to care for it throughout the festive season. Meet 10am or 1.30pm inside the Visitor Centre.

£25 per person, booking essential.

For further details 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk or find us on Facebook

Tuesday 7 December Sunday December 19 10am-4pm

SAM SCORER GALLERY, DRURY LANE, LINCOLN

No Back To Normal

During lockdown Hannah Cawthorne discovered a new found love of collage and will be displaying several new works in that medium that take as their inspiration a huge collection of 80's photographic magazines that stirred up many memories of the decade that provided her formative years.

Free, www.samscorergallery.co.uk

Saturday-Sunday 11-12 December 10am to 4pm

CASTLE SQUARE, LINCOLN, LN1 3AA

Lincoln Makers’ Market

Double helping of the traditional and contemporary artists and craft workers who sell their work on a monthly street market in the Castle Square in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

Free, https://www.visitlincoln.com/markets

Mandy Barker’s Penalty The World

CLARINS Christmas Favourites

...Which is Yours?

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Advent Calendars – Womens & Mens £65 each

Double Serum – 30ml £58, 50ml £78

High Impact Eyes £23 Candle Collection £25

Spa at Home £42

Mens Hydration Essentials £42

Beautiful Lips Collection £22

Bodycare Essentials £33

Lips & Lashes £10

Prime & Pout £10

Mens Festive Treats £10

Home delivery available and FREE postage in the UK. Please visit our website www.lesanctuaire.co.uk for our online shop.

Please check our website for our Christmas offers and promotions. Subject to availability. T’s & C’s apply.

13-14 Steep Hill, Lincoln ln2 1lt Tel: 01522 535553 www.lesanctuaire.co.uk info@lesanctuaire.co.uk

FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Christmas in the City What’s On Guide Third Saturday of every month

CASTLE SQUARE

9am-4pm

The regular stallholders bring an abundant variety of fresh produce from in and around the county into the city. The market complements the small independent shop nearby.

Free

Friday-Saturday 12-13 November

THE VENUE CINEMA

7pm

Wednesday 17 November 2pm

Saturday 13 November 10am-2pm and

Advocating the alternative DECIMAL Place is a small independent gallery with a growing reputation for championing the alternative arts scene.

Situated near the northwest corner of Lincoln Castle, on Burton Road, Lincoln it has a different artist displaying their work in it is window each month.

In November 2021 it’s the super-stylish photography of Faithful Imagery, then in December Gainsborough artist KevO is back with his fascinating collages.

Artists are welcome to get in touch with the gallery to arrange a month of their art in the window.

The Weird Garden sound art evenings based at Decimal Place are building towards their 10th birthday in September 2022 with special Weird Gardens being planned in Lincoln and beyond.

Associated with Decimal Place & Weird Garden is Peter K Rollings’ solo electronic music project Experimental Sonic Machines and working on some amazing new instruments, which are starting to appear at open mic sessions and destined for gigs and festivals in 2022.

“Weird Garden events are free entry and you’re sure to hear extraordinary sounds and styles unlike anything else heard around here before...the foliage of the garden with its sonic tendrils unfurling in curious new directions,” said Peter.

He’s also collaborating with the talented Lincoln guitarist Daniel Came and recording at the latter’s Red Room recording studio in Lincoln.

“Decimal Place champions the alternative, experimental side of art, giving a chance to artists who otherwise might not get their work shown or heard, adding to the diversity of Lincoln’s art scene,” added Peter.

“It’s these small independent places that bring variety, difference, something special to people’s lives. Support them and help make this area rich with creativity, opportunities, collaborations...the infinite possibilities of art.

Decimal Place Gallery, 10 Burton Road, Lincoln LN1 3LB

Win tickets to see Santa Have you got youngsters already excited about Christmas?

A trip to Santa’s Grotto in the Waterside Shopping Centre might go some way to keeping their impatience for the big day at bay It opens on November 27 with Santa making daily visits right up until Christmas Eve and we’re giving away two sets of family tickets for the Grotto.

All you have to do is answer the question below and send your answer to admin@bailgateindependent.co.uk.

What big birthday is the Waterside Shopping Centre celebrating next year?

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Wednesday 8 December

Lincoln Farmers’ Market

No Time To Die (12A)

James Bond is back and Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007 sees him up against Rami Malek’s villain and the mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out far treacherous than expected. £6 - £7.50 www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

Open Day

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit in person. Open Days are a chance to get a sense of what it’s like to be a student at the University of Lincoln.

10am-2pm

Booking essential https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/opendaysan dvisits/undergraduateopendays

Saturday 13 November

THE VENUE CINEMA

2pm

Ron’s Gone Wrong (PG)

Animated adventure in which Barney gets a robotic buddy, but when he takes Ron out of the box it’s obvious he’s malfunctioning. £6 - £7.50 www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk

Friday 19 November 10am to 11am and

Friday 17 December

HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK

Toddler Time

Dress to get messy for seasonal activities for the under 5s. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at 10am outside the Visitor Centre, , Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY

10am to 11am

£3.50 per child. Further details call 01522 873735 or email hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk or find us on Facebook

Tuesday 23 November

CLAYTONS SPORTS GROUND LEE ROAD TO LINCOLN

7pm

CATHEDRAL

St Barnabas Light Up A Life Torchlight Procession

The procession is an opportunity for the community to come together to reflect and remember.

The procession will commence from Claytons Sports Ground on Lee Road at 7.30pm led by the RAF Waddington Pipe band, finishing at the Cathedral.

The Fire Service will be present at the start and will follow the procession to the Cathedral and assist with extinguishing all torches at Exchequergate A service of celebration and reflection will then take place at the West Front of the Cathedral where the Tree of Life will be illuminated.Light up a Life is free and open to everyone, not just those touched by hospice care.

Free - Due to COVID-19 risk management, pre-registration is mandatory for this event, www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Can’t decide what to buy your friends and family this Christmas?

THE ENTERTAINER Turbo Force Racers £8

Well don’t worry St Marks has something for everyone and we’ve picked out our favourite gifts to make things even easier for all your Christmas shopping!

Discover the perfect Christmas gift at

SUPERDRUG

THE ENTERTAINER Star Wars remote control D-O rolling electronic Droid toy

£19.99

SUPERDRUG

Studio London eyeshadows £15

Lynx 5 day gift set £15 THE ENTERTAINER Dreamworks Trolls World Tour Pop to Rock Poppy

£15.90

SPORTS DIRECT Nike Revolution 5 mens running shoes £27.99

SPORTS DIRECT Calvin Klein performance bra £32

JD SPORTS Nike small Brasiica bag

£27.99

LITTLE POTTERY STUDIO Gift Voucher

TRESPASS SPORTS DIRECT Under Armour technical half zip mens top £27.99

Girls Waterproof Parker £39.99 SUPERDRUG Real Techniques brush set £40

TRESPASS Lloyd Dog Puffer Jacket £37.99

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News Sarah Loftus outgoing Chief Executive at Lincoln BIG asked bidders to dig deep.

Imp-ressive auction finale PHOTOGRAPHS: STEVE SMAILES

Auctioneer Ian Walter in action.

LINCOLN Imp Trail ended its successful summer in the city by raising more than £125,000 for the St Barnabas Hospice.

All 31 statues go under the hammer on Lincolnshire Day at Lincoln Cathedral with an average selling price of £4,000 at the auction conducted by Ian Walters of JHWalter.

“It was a great evening in support of St Barnabas, and we would like to thank everyone for participating in the trail, our sponsors, artists and partners who made this trail the success it’s been, especially after the one-year postponement due to the pandemic,” said Sarah Loftus, Chief Executive of Imp Trail organisers Lincoln BIG. More than 3,500 engaged with the bidding on social media and the event reached an audience of over 27,000. The Trail succeeded in its mission to give residents and visitors a fun and healthy activity over the summer while raising the profile of the city.

The trail’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the Imp Trail period (July – September) attracted 3,915 followers, reached 125,696 people and had 2,796 engagements Over 5,000 people signed up to the Imp Trail app and 169,135 sculptures were ‘collected’.

There were 615,585 visits to Lincoln during the Imp Trail period and 45% of these were new visitors to the city.

The auction was one of Sarah’s last events as chief executive and her role will be filled jointly by current BIG operations manager Lee Roberts and Simon Beardsley CEO of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Before she left to take up a similar position in York Sarah stressed the importance of the Business Improvement Group.

“Lincoln BIG is the voice of the high street, it is the only business organisation that has been democratically elected to support the high street businesses and ensures businesses in its area thrive.

“It is important as it provides extra street cleaning services, animates the city so it is attractive and provides free events to encourage people to value the city centre.

“Lincoln is in a unique position as it is steeped in history, with fabulous architecture, a great shopping experience, wonderful public places and passionate people who promote the city far and wide. With strong independents, a central university and a growing cultural sector the high street in Lincoln has all the ingredients to 46

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

continue to be strong and dominate the Lincolnshire landscape.

“It is the best small city in the UK and will continue to be so, so long as businesses work together to protect and grow its brand.”

wishing you AN INDEPENDENT CHRISTMAS Individual glass tree. £16.00

Lincoln Coaster set. £19.95

Whisky tasting kit.

Five fine whiskies, tasting cards and a whisky mat. £25.00

Other gifts in this exclusive range are also available in store

Glass Tree wave. £34.00

Etched tea lights. £29.00 each Guinea pig on sledge. £8.95

Blanton’s Original Single barrel Bourbon. £70.40

Dinosaur with sledge. £21.95 Etched gin glass. £21.00 MIDAS, 26 BAILGATE, LINCOLN LN1 3AP. midasarts.com

We have everything covered for a ‘Free Range Christmas’.

Filey Bay Yorkshire Single Malt Whisky. £54.25

For food-lovers gift one of our speciality pies.

Choose from Pork & Apricot, Chicken & Ham, Game or our Free Range Pork pie – all made by hand, in small batches and baked until crisp and golden. Or give a beautiful Christmas Ham – the perfect centrepiece to any festive table.

THE WHISKY SHOP, 87 BAILGATE, LINCOLN LN1 3AR. 01522 537 834 lincolnwhiskyshop.co.uk

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE A BIG DEAL – PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENTS THIS CHRISTMAS Dam Raider Gin 70cl. £45.00

REDHILL FARM SHOP IN THE BAIL, 89 BAILGATE, LINCOLN LN1 3AR T: 01427 628270 www.redhillfarm.com Dove Peace Wreath. £13.99

IBCC Reindeer. £15.99 Changing of the Guard Jigsaw. £18.99

2022 Wings of Glory Calendar. £12.95

Red or blue available Pilot and Angel Santa Airplane. £9.99

Limited Edition Cocktail Hampers. £50.00 Mosquito Vodka 70cl. £45.00

Airfix Quickbuild – Red Arrow, Typhoon or Spitfire versions available. £14.50

THE INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE CANWICK AVE, LINCOLN LN4 2HQ T: 01522 514755

Peace on Earth Santa Airplane. £6.99

IBCC Bauble. £9.99

Green Santa Airplane. £7.99

Community and Environment

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

BY RACHEL SHAW

LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST ONE afternoon in early autumn, I took a break from my desk and went for a short walk. The sun was low and bright, making me wish I’d remembered my sunglasses. I slowed my pace as I passed into the shade of a roadside row of mature beech trees.

Up above me, the leaves of the trees were basking in the sunlight.

Drinking in the carbon dioxide and locking in the carbon. As they had done for decades.

Looking across the landscape of Lincoln, it’s surprisingly green with trees. Each tree is taking in carbon from the atmosphere.

It’s not just the trees that do this. Every plant takes in carbon and locks it away.

The science of carbon sequestration is complex and often confusing. But it’s reassuring to know that, if we let it, nature can help us get ourselves out of the climate crisis.

My stroll took me into Liquorice Park. As I walked up the steps, I saw rose bushes bent over with the weight of hips and paused to sample a single blackberry. Just one blackberry because these hips and berries will be feasted on by blackbirds and thrushes.

The late flowering plants were busy with bees and other pollinators. Everywhere there were signs of life. Even in the leaves with holes chewed out of them; evidence of invertebrates – unseen by me – but all potential food for robins.

There’s a whole ecosystem of life in this one small space. Life that spills out into the surrounding area and moves between the parks, green spaces and gardens of the city. Liquorice Park is also a community-led green space cared for by local people. And it’s not the only one, there are other sites dotted around Lincoln where communities are making a difference.

Sincil Bank isn’t blessed with the green spaces and trees that other areas of Lincoln have. In this area of late 19th century terraced housing, many front doors open directly onto the pavement and gardens are small or non-existent. But local residents, with the 48

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Become part of Lincoln’s green scene support of the City of Lincoln Council, Lincoln City Foundation and others, are making a difference.

The Sincil Bank Regeneration project aims to create green spaces in the area. They have already re-opened a tiny former children’s playground that had been locked for 15 years after the equipment had been wrecked and then removed.

The volunteers thinned the cramped trees making a feature of the silver birches, created a pathway, installed seating and developed a planting scheme. Since May 2021, the new St Andrew’s Garden has been opened daily. The flora and fauna are of increasing interest.

At St John the Baptist in Ermine East, a wildflower meadow is being created with the guidance of the Wildlife Trust and help of local volunteers.

Seeds of over 50 wildflower and grass species have been sown in the area - many of which were gathered by hand by Wildlife Trust staff during the 2020 summer lockdown from Red Hill nature reserve in the Lincolnshire Wolds. By next summer it will be flowering and attracting bees and other pollinators, and providing food for birds.

These, and other places like them, may seem small and almost insignificant on their own but together they are breathing life back into our city and helping to make it more resilient.

When the dust and glitter of Christmas has settled, why not consider whether you could help out at your local green space – help make it better for wildlife and people.

PHOTOGRAPH: RACHEL SHAW

Liquorice Park overlooks the city.

Inset: small tortoiseshell butterfly on greater knapweed.

Community and Environment

Lincoln Veterinary Hospital

Win pet goodies with VH quiz IT’S been a busy year at the Veterinary Hospital and the team is grateful for all the support from clients.

As a way of saying thank you the practice has come up with a quiz to test your general knowledge about pets and to find out what you know about the Veterinary Hospital.

You could win a hamper of pet toys and a first aid kit for your pet.

Big hint – see vhvets.co.uk and the VH facebook page. Good luck.

1. How many surgeries does the Veterinary Hospital have?

2 A popular household pet, can you name the smallest member of the cockatoo family?

3 When did VH open its Skellingthorpe surgery?

4 Which dog breed is also known as the sausage dog?

5 What additional qualifications does VH vet Miri Prior have?

6 Cats have five toes on each front paw, how many do they have on

each back paw?

Send your answers to admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk 7. What certificate is our vet

by December 17.

Hannah currently undertaking?

8 Who owned Portuguese Water Dogs Bo and Sunny?

9 What is the name of the VH monthly preventative health scheme?

10. Which small pet rodent is now only found in the wild in Chile?

11.What topic was covered at the last VH client education evening?

12 What name regularly makes the top 10 girl dog names list in the UK, and is also the common name for the species of aquarium fish Poecilia sphenops?

13. Name one our staff pets.

14. Is Britain’s most popular dog breed the Jack Russel, Labrador, Staffordshire bull terrier, or Yorkshire terrier?

15. Name a Christmas treat that pets should not have.

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

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The Flat Cap Diaries

Life on the Allotment with Liz Lucas

What gardeners really want for Christmas TYPE ‘Gifts for Gardeners’ into your search engine and feast your eyes on the cornucopia of gimmicky uselessness that pops up.

From ‘Head Gardener’ hats, t-shirts and mugs to hilarious gate signs, (I wet my plants!) and bug hotels shaped like an alpine ski chalet.

It is all so very attractive.

The world is full of knick-knacks that we buy in desperation, because our friends and family are already kitted out with all the necessaries.

We buy these things because they make us laugh, or they are pretty, but they only serve to add to our ever!"#$%&'(&)*+$ growing junk rooms. I can picture you nodding and feeling guilty.

Gardening really only requires a basic toolkit. Here are a few ideas for gifts that I and other gardeners I have spoken to have found really helpful: l Gloves, either long cuffed for thorns, or short but well fitting. l A good, sharp pocket knife. l A deep tray for mixing compost. !!!!! ! l Wooden plant labels. For the enthusiastic seed sower just get packs of wooden lollypop sticks and a !"#$%&!!'$()& dark pencil. l 100% wool socks, to keep winter feet in wellies nice and toasty.

22231"#4&'(&)*+3563"7$ l A kneeler with a seat. Particularly for the older generation. l Some biodegradable plant pots. l Compostable refuse sacks. l A small hand rake or a hand hoe for reaching beneath GARDEN DESIGN, LANDSCAPING shrubs. & TREE CARE l Half size seed trays so you only sow 100 foxgloves instead of the usual 5000. l A bag of peat free compost. l For the indoor gardener, a small but well made watering can. l Pocket Notebooks and pens to carry round for garden visits.

If you can find one, a book with lined pages and pockets in it, so you can list the plants in the garden and store the labels. Then you can look back the following year and see how many you have killed. Depressingly useful.

Finally, I truly believe that you can never have enough gardening books. Here is a small selection of my own, (see photo).

Our ‘throw away’ culture is, unhappily still very strong. Please, for the sake of our planet, put some thought into your Christmas gifts this year.

!*),&-$.&/01-$

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LANDSCAPING www.landscapinglincolnshire.com landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com 50

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Climate Change in Lincoln Survey

Community and Environment

Reduce your waste this Christmas BY REBECCA HARDY

CLIMATE Action survey results for Lincoln have shown that most city residents believe human activity is mostly responsible for the recent increase in global temperatures.

Conducted earlier this year by City of Lincoln Council the survey had 399 responses with 93% blaming humans for climate change and think that we all have a vital or important role in tackling the crisis.

With Christmas fast approaching Lincoln residents may be wondering how they can make their festivities more sustainable.

“People will be able to leave their Christmas trees out for household Green waste collection and updates will be available on the Council’s website and social media,” said Kate Bell, the council’s Climate Change Manager (pictured).

Adopting positive changes such as eating seasonal vegetables with your Christmas dinner, finding new ways to use up your leftovers and choosing a sustainably grown Christmas tree are all ways to make this festive period kinder to the planet.

Lincolnshire County Council has information on what you can put in the recycling ahead of the seasonal celebrations. Cards and wrapping paper featuring glitter cannot be recycled, and the council also suggests doing the “scrunch test” to see if your glitter-free gift wrap can go in the recycling bin – if it scrunches, it can be recycled (see also page 16).

Shopping locally reduces carbon emissions and boosts neighbouring businesses while taking inspiration from nature using fallen leaves, twigs, fir cones etc The Climate Action survey results also showed a high percentage of respondents expect to switch their mode of transport from the car to public transport and electric vehicles in the future. Many expect to make major energy efficiency improvements to their home and switch to a renewable energy provider.

With the increased cost of gas this winter, residents may be looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient sooner rather than later.

The City Council is working with YES Energy Solutions on a Green Homes Grant, which is available for homeowners and residential landlords in Lincoln and West Lindsey, to help make energy efficient improvements to their property, including keeping the home warm and reducing the cost of energy bills.

You can find out more about the Green Homes Grant, including how to check if you are eligible at https://www.lincoln.gov.uk/environmental-issues/greensustainable-living-1/6 Access the Lincoln Climate Commission’s Sustainability Toolkit for new tips on being more eco-conscious, by visiting www.lincolnclimate.org.uk

Web Development, Branding, Social Media, IT Tech Support www.ellmoredigital.com November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

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Community and Environment

Liquorice Park

Wi n t e r magic!

WORDS AND PICTURES: DAHLIA LEE EACH Autumn, when we sense that distinctive nip in the air, I reach down my winter coat, dusty and dejected and delve my hands into the pockets.

What do I find? A conker, may be several, dulled and shrunken, an acorn cup neat and fairy-dainty, a beechnut husk like a tiny furlined hat, crumbled remains of a once glorious leaf, a sprinkling of forgotten seeds.

Irresistible relics plucked on chilly walks, ghosts of the past year treasure. I could blame the children, my pockets are often full of surprises - small toys long presumed lost, stones, fossils, found scraps shoved in by small hands. But in truth it was probably me, charmed by the lure of a perfect pebble, a shiny acorn, an autumntinged leaf.

And I don’t think I’m alone. As we approach the close of the year, dwindling daylight and cooling air seem to trigger a deep-set instinct to harvest, forage and gather. We welcome these annual visitors like old friends returning to herald the shift in seasons.

We know so well each burst of stormy weather will strip the trees of their spectacular bounty, taking the short steps into winter.

Liquorice Park is the perfect spot to observe changes as the seasonal carousel speeds up before its quiet lull. Don’t be fooled into thinking there’s less to see as the year wanes.

On the contrary, the comfortingly familiar landscape may seem lifeless, but life is all around, there’s always something new to spot.

As summer greens fade new vistas open to reveal secret hidden places where fungi (insert top right) magically appear conjured overnight. There are glorious displays of luscious gleaming berries, hips and seed heads as the plants turn their attention to the year ahead - swathes of regal purple rosebay willowherb (inset top left) 52

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

slip into feathery winter-wear, and in turn the lilac Michaelmas daisies (main picture) transform into crowds of perfect fluffy blond pompoms, the spiky sweet chestnut husks litter the ground, crushed velvet interiors exposed and polished bounty scattered, and wild clematis drapes its unrivalled display of swirling silver Catherine wheels over dry hedges, hence the name Old Man’s Beard. What could be more reassuring than seeds? Each a miniscule botanical miracle, a bright spark of life slumbering until the conditions collide to awaken them, reassuring reminders of the cycle of life and the resilience of nature, tiny tickets to transport us to Spring.

Although nature pulls the strings, it is helped along by the incredible park team. Hats off to them all, especially Volunteer Coordinator Alison, under whose direction, vision and boundless enthusiasm the workforce has expanded, progressing in leaps and bounds.Volunteer days are always abuzz with purpose and activity, buoyed along by camaraderie. In return they gain a sense of belonging and achievement.

If the demands of the festive season leave you frazzled and longing to escape from the December frenzy, why not step outside, take a deep breath and tune your senses to the calming restorative powers of nature. Just five minutes a day in a natural space can be a real mood booster. Here on the park, you can enjoy a perfect midwinter scene for free, surrounded by holly and ivy with spectacular light shows of late sunrise and early sunsets, you might even see a robin. What could be more festive?

And you may just find a shiny natural treasure to slip in your pocket to remind you of the winter magic.

Find out more on Instagram @LiquoricePark or our website www.liquoricepark.co.uk. We’d love to hear from park users.

Community and Environment

News

Council leads EV revolution charge EIGHT new electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed at two locations in the city as part of its commitment to addressing the challenge of climate change.

City of Lincoln Council has provided four new charging points at its Orchard street car park with an additional four installed at Chaplin Street.

This brings the total number of EV charging points in the city to 57 with 18 managed by the city council.

These can also be found at: Broadgate multi-storey car park – 1 charging point Birchwood Leisure Centre – 1 charging point Lucy Tower multi-storey car park – 1 dual charging point The Lawn car park – 1 dual charging point Lincoln Central car park – 6 dual charging points Some 75% of the funding for the charge points comes from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles On Street Electric Charge Point grant. The remaining 25% is funded by BP Pulse.

The charge points at city council pay and display car parks are also available to local residents for overnight use so residents with a parking permit can park for free from Monday to Saturday, from 5pm to 9:30am, and all-day Sunday, except Bank Holidays.

Cllr Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Addressing the Challenge of Climate Change said: “These new EV charging points are a welcome addition to the city, and highlight our commitment to promoting sustainable travel.” He is pictured with Lorraine Burrows of the council’s parking services team.

“We continue to lead by example, supporting, enabling and empowering the local community to implements way to reduce their own impact on the environment.”

Other city charging points can be found in the Broadgate, Lincoln Central, Lucy Tower car parks as well as those at the Horse and Groom, Duke William, Double Tree Hilton Hotel, University of Lincoln (several locations), Tesco Canwick Road, County Hall, The Lawn, Wyvern House, Holiday Inn Express, Ruston Way, Agnlian Water Enterprise House.

A government grant of up to 75 per cent - capped at £350 - is available for EV owners to install a charging point at home.

See https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/customerguidance-electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme

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November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

53

Heritage

Snapshots from the Past

Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School Archivist Peter Harrod continues to explore its pictorial past.

The lure of girls’ school trips no mystery THIS photo of a Lincoln Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School visit to York in 1961, with the imposing backgound of Clifford’s Tower, was kindly sent to me by Gill Wright who appears in the middle row second from the left.

Scrutiny of the school magazines of the period reveals the rich and varied nature of the extracurricular activities of the school.

York was clearly a popular venue for school trips as Claire Dillamore described in her article following a school visit to the city during the summer of 1960.

It was her first visit to York and she was keen to make the most of it by visiting all the famed landmarks; the nineteenth century streets with their bow windows, the medieval alley-ways of the ‘Shambles’, the Minster which is one of the finest Medieval buildings in England, and the rehearsal for Benjamin’s Britten’s acclaimed project Noye’s Fludde which involved numbers of schoolchildren and musicians, and a timely reminder of a city prone to flooding.

However, this touristique adventure was but a prelude for the main event, the worldrenowned York Cycle of Mystery Plays.

Expectantly assembled in their seats well before the curtain raised at 8pm, the party soon discovered that modern comforts were not provided for that medieval experience!

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

The girls were perched on canvas sheets that wobbled up and down in waves determined by movements further down the row.

However, they were distracted from their vantage point high up in their stand by being able to see the back-stage last-minute scurryings of the actors and stagehands.

At the appointed hour everything calmed down as a resonant fanfare silenced the chattering audience and all eyes focused on the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and the action taking place before them.

Claire described the Plays, possibly with a little help from the programme notes, as aiming to tell the whole story of the world from a Christian point of view and respecting “the simplicity of treatment of the Middle Ages when the plays were performed by the craft guilds of the city.”

Several scenes stood out in her memory; the fallen angels throwing down their cloaks

from the uppermost platform, the cries of the crowd in rhythm with the strokes of the whip as Jesus was scourged, the poignant silence of the crucifixion scene, the majesty of the Archangel Michael leading Jesus and the souls from Hell to Paradise, and the commanding tones of God the Father on the Last Day. She also recalled the backcloth of a perfect sunset, turning from a clear yellow light during the opening scenes to a mellow red until eventually the darkness of night closed enveloped both audience and performers, giving a finality both to the day and to the memorable performance.

I found the colourful and eloquent imagery of Claire’s narrative highly evocative of my own memories of York and its treasures. It also brought back poignant memories of the highly successful Lincoln Mystery Plays so ably directed by my friend and former colleague, the late Keith Ramsay.

Heritage

Survey of Lincoln

‘He’s gone to the foundry’

Beevor Street, looking south east, November 1989 (Jo and Steve Turner).

In the fourth of a series of articles highlighting some of the work of The Survey of Lincoln, Derek Broughton (pictured below) recalls working in one ‘HE’S gone to the foundry’ was a regular saying in Lincoln for many years, when the city’s name was synonymous with engineering.

The works of companies such as Ruston and Hornsby; Robey’s; Clayton Dewandre; Foster Gwynnes; Ruston Bucyrus; Clarke’s Crank; and Penney and Porter, all in business at some stage during the midtwentieth century from the 1930s to the 1960s, were known generically as ‘the foundry’.

Engineering was by far Lincoln’s major

of the city’s major engineering firms in the 20th century. Find out more about The Survey’s work at www.thesurveyoflincoln.co.uk.

employer. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, it is estimated that Ruston Bucyrus alone was the workplace of some 3,000 employees.

Several excellent histories have been written of some of the major companies.

However, what was it really like to ‘go to the foundry’?

In 1959, I joined about 30 other boys at Ruston’s ironworks as a five-year craft apprentice. Much of my apprenticeship involved locomotive- and engine-building at the Boultham Works, plus time at the firm’s Anchor Street premises in the new age of gas turbines.

Entering the foundry was a lifechanging experience. It was an assault on the senses, a culture shock.

One of the first learning experiences on offer (unofficially) was a crash course in what would probably be best described as vernacular Anglo-Saxon.

The size of the Lincoln engineering workplaces was impressive. During the 1950s and 1960s the 30-ton shunting locomotives made at Boultham Works were capable of pulling over 1,000 tons.

The 16 ATC engine at the Research Centre was the size of a furniture van, capable of producing almost the combined horsepower of 100 Minis and the sheer intensity and complexity of the noise it made is almost impossible to imagine.

This included the clatter of 16 sets of valve machinery; the deep rumble of sixteen pistons, each the size of a small dustbin, all rotating over 400 times a minute in what was effectively a big tin box; and the scream of hundreds of

cubic feet of air per minute rushing through twin turbos.

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, most communication near to the machinery took place using a form of sign language.

Each area of the foundry had its own distinctive and pervasive smell such as the dry, acrid aroma of the electric-arc welders; the choking, and the rusty dust of the fettling shop that you could almost taste.

Working at the foundry was like being in a ‘family’ and it had its ups and downs.

Those who worked in that environment would have some good or even hilarious stories to tell, but it has to be said that there were also the downs such as injuries and even occasional fatalities.

Perhaps the most regular low point associated with foundry life in the 1970s and 1980s was the long and dreary catalogue of redundancies associated with the protracted decline and death of the big names and their factories.

How would I sum it up? I think I would borrow the title of Henry Brown’s Lincolnshire autobiography ‘Them days is gone’. Gone, yes, but not forgotten.

A more detailed account of Derek’s time at the foundry is included in The Survey of Lincoln’s Boultham and Swallowbeck volume in its neighbourhood series. Derek has also written about Ruston Bucyrus in The Survey’s latest volume, Lincoln’s Engineering Industries: A Concise History, c.1780-1980s which is on sale in several Lincoln bookshops from early December.

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

55

Art and Culture

Pantomimes

It’s panto time - oh yes it is!

Aladdin, Lincoln Drill, December 6, 2021 January 2, 2022 THE cast of Aladdin is preparing to bring some much-needed magic to Lincoln.

For the past 14 years local company Jamie Marcus Productions Ltd has been entertaining the city with its spectacular traditional pantomimes at Lincoln Drill. However, last year that record was interrupted by the pandemic and the closure of the venue.

Packed full of songs, laughs and a spectacular flying carpet that will whisk Aladdin and Princess Jasmine away to their ‘whole new world’, this is a welcome return for a Lincoln Christmas tradition.

Not only will Aladdin audiences have the chance to enjoy panto again, but they will also be the first to experience the facilities of the recently refurbished Drill under its new management, Lincoln College Group.

Director Mark Taylor said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the panto at the Drill is back. It’s so important to so many families in the city and beyond.

“Work has already started on significant renovations and we’re sure everyone will love the new look and feel of the place.”

Back by popular demand is everyone’s favourite Dame James Campbell as Aladdin’s long-suffering mother Widow Twankey, who will be joined by local lad and ex Lincoln College student Craig Garner as the evil wizard Abanazer.

Craig began his acting career in the Drill Hall panto and has gone on to enjoy success in films such as Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Pokemon, and Snow White & The Huntsman. Craig is thrilled to be back in his hometown: ”It’s all come full circle! And to be playing one of my favourite baddies of all time, Abanazer, is just a wish come true. “ Jamie Marcus, producer, added: “After the last year, we all wondered whether we’d ever be back in theatres again, so to hear that The Drill was being reopened by Lincoln College Group, and that we could bring our hugely popular panto back where it belongs, was the best news we’d had in a very long time.”

Tickets start from £16 with a family ticket from £66 available at www.lincolnsbestpanto.co.uk

Beauty and the Beast, New Theatre Royal, Lincoln, December 7, 2021 - Sunday, January 9, 2022.

PANTO lovers are in for a treat when Beauty and the Beast comes to New Theatre Royal Lincoln this December, writes REBECCA HARDY. With the largest ever cast for Lincoln’s traditional pantomime, NTR is capturing the tale as old as time this Christmas with the help of a few familiar faces.

Lincolnshire lad Jake Quickenden is playing bad guy Flash Hugo, who is determined to win the hand of Belle, played by NTR favourite Zoe Hanna May.

They are joined by Christian Lee, as quirky candelabra Marcel Allumette and Paul Aitchison as Mrs Muffintop to bring the laughs to panto that we all love.

Attending pantomimes is an established tradition with many families, who look forward to the interactive shows every festive season, but the cast are equally excited to be returning to the stage.

“I’m delighted to be heading back to my beloved New Theatre Royal. I can’t wait to get my kooky inventor on! See you all at Christmas – panto’s back, baby!” said Chris Johnson, who is playing Belle’s father, Professor Ivar Brainstorm.

“As with all our pantomimes I like to bring something a little different that audiences won’t expect, and this year is no exception. We set the bar high with Robin Hood and this year we hope to raise it again,” said Natalie Hayes-Cowley, NTR’s Artistic Director and the show’s producer, writer and director (pictured above with cast).

“You can expect to see this beautiful story come to life on stage thanks to a huge multi-talented cast, with fabulous dance routines, incredible singers performing cult classic songs, along with the classic comedy, fun, and games you would expect with an extra touch of magic!”

Call the Box Office on 01522 519999 or online at www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk.

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Local Theatre

Art and Culture

Comedic return for drama society WADDINGTON Dramatic Society (WDA) returns to the stage with a comedy double bill -one show is hot off the press.

“We decided to perform two of David Tristram’s hilarious comedies featuring the hapless Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society: Last Tango in Little Grimley and Lockdown in Little Grimley,: explained Julie Addison, society secretary and the production’s director.

“Lockdown in Little Grimley was only released to be performed by amateur theatre groups last year and we are one of 20 who are performing it. It is a brilliantly observed piece, referring to everything from the scarcity of toilet rolls to the 2-metre rule and is a fast-moving visual and verbal comedy.”

WDA was founded in 1968 and went on to create a Youth Drama Group in the early 1990s. Since 1994, the group have produced a pantomime every year.

“Sadly, our 2020 production of Peter Pan was cancelled, due to the COVID lockdown restrictions, one week before opening night,” said Julie.

“Following COVID restrictions being lifted, the Society are now able to start producing shows again. WDA is approaching its 55th anniversary in 2023 and we are planning a special programme of events to celebrate this amazing milestone.”

The amateur theatre group is based in Waddington Village Hall, where they perform plays by wellknown playwrights and local authors.

Due to restrictions, the group has decided to stage Last Tango and Lockdown with just four actors.

“Neil Markland plays Gordon the long-suffering chairman of Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society, Maria Wagstaff plays Margaret a bit of a diva and leading lady, Joan King plays Joyce the Treasurer and Secretary, and Mike Povey plays Bernard, stage manager, set builder and reluctant actor,” explained Julie.

“This will be my directing debut and I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of directing two hilarious comedies. Most of our initial rehearsals have been via zoom, so I am excited to finally get together with the actors and rehearse together. I am thrilled that theatre, in all its forms, is steadily making a comeback.”

For tickets for the performances at Waddington Village Hall from Thursday 25 Saturday 27 November call 07368 627074 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/waddingtondramatic-society.

Back on the boards at the Broadbent AFTER more than half a century of bringing live performances to rural Lincolnshire the Broadbent Theatre has undergone a transformation thanks to a band of dedicated volunteers.

Audiences at the Wickenby theatre’s first performance, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Neil Gore’s one-man magic lantern show, at the end of October got the first glimpse of the changes made by Broadbent’s owners, Lindsey Rural Players.

Member Dianne Brewer explained the refurbishment would ensure the theatre’s future: “The Theatre has undergone a rebranding and renovation, and celebrates our story, in which a community of Conscientious Objectors working the land in rural Lincolnshire during World War II, met for musical and theatrical evenings to which all local people were welcomed.

“After the war they formed The Country Theatre, but tragically the building (an abandoned Nissen hut) burned down. The redundant Methodist Chapel at Wickenby was purchased in 1970 and converted to the theatre we’ve lovingly renovated.”

The original conversion was carried out by the former Holton Players with resources provided by Roy Broadbent and Douglas Ballard. Roy died shortly after it opened, so it was named after him in his memory and his Oscar-winning son Jim Broadbent is the current president.

Licensed for an audience of 100 people the theatre is used by the Lindsey Rural Players for five of their own shows each year and manages the staging of around six professional performances, which along with its upkeep, are all carried out on a voluntary basis with no government funding.

Dianne added: “We see this as a story of optimism and resilience

amidst a pandemic, during which we were forced to close. The result is, in our view, beyond mere improvement, but is intended to recapture the spirit of a largely unknown history and rural theatre.”

Master storytellers The Devil’s Violin bring The Beast in Me to the Broadbent on November 27 and Sapphire Productions drop by on December 4 with John Godber’s classic comedy Bouncers.

“We’re proud of this community effort. Please visit us to enjoy one of the many musical evenings and theatre and help us promote the next phase of our hidden gem, created for future stars … the magic starts here.”

Lindsey Rural Players, The Broadbent Theatre, Snarford Road, Wickenby, LN3 5AW. Box Office 01673 885500, enquiries.broadbent@gmail.com, broadbenttheatre.org Some of the volunteers involved in the refurbishment.

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

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Art and Culture

Meet the Artist Victoria Ganley

Art is a pet passion for Victoria VICTORIA Ganley has finally been able to turn her love of animals into work as a professional artist.

“I grew up with a complete fascination with animals. As a child, I would always be found sat drawing somewhere, and this would usually feature horses.

“Coming from a ‘non-horsey’ background, I was over the moon to be accepted at the University of Lincoln to complete my degree in Equine Sport Science back in 2005.

“An aspect of the degree I always found most interesting was studying equine confirmation. To learn about the many different muscles and structures of the horse was fascinating, and observing how the sports horse moved inspired me to want to capture this through art.”

Victoria did not use those artistic skills for years after graduating – working instead for a Lincolnbased insurance company for almost a decade, but in 2016 she decided to draw again.

“As a self-taught artist it took me years to establish my style and get used to the many different types of mediums available. It was then that I tried pastel pencils for the first time and became completely hooked on working with them.”

A member of Association of Animal Artists Victoria’s current work is dominated by pet portrait commissions with pastel pencils, “There’s no better sense of job satisfaction than handing over a drawing of a beloved pet to its owners and seeing their reactions. Alongside this, when I get chance, I love nothing more than creating an original piece of art featuring British wildlife.

“Living in the beautiful village of Bassingham I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by wildlife right on my doorstep. My work sees me exhibit mostly at country shows around the county, where I sell my original pieces and prints, and exhibit examples of pet portraits.”

Victoria does have space for some Christmas commissions – see victoriaganleyart.com 58

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Lincoln Book Festival

Art and Culture IMAGES: LINCOLN BOOK FESTIVAL

Book festival buzz LINCOLN Book Festival, returning after lockdown, broke new ground by holding events at the Collection, in a coffee bar, in a pub and on the university’s campus Chairman, Phil Hamlyn Williams, said: “We wanted to reach new audiences; after all, books are for everyone.”

It wasn’t only books, it was new writing by school and university students. The ever popular Flash Fiction competition produced some gems as writers of all ages rose to the challenge of penning a mystery in just 50 words.

The winner of the primary age group was Lois E of Witham St Hughs Academy.

Through The Mirror’s View Seven lives. The narrow halls shudder and echo. Steamed up windows – no one can see in; no one can see out. The rustic paintings of the family before hang on the walls like masks, no expression. The mirrors shattered, blinded by the horrors they witnessed: The murder of the Martins.

Sophie Cleverly opened her Violet Veil Mysteries to new readers, as well as handing out the prizes - see also lincolnbookfestival.org.

MA Students from the Creative Writing Course at the University of Lincoln read their work at 200 Degrees, and Sunday saw Lincolnshire poets performing at Bentley’s Bar. There were books of course, and audiences were chilled by Giles Milton’s book on Berlin immediately following the end of WW2 and by Luke Harding, who told how little has changed.

Psychological thriller writer, Philippa East, laid bare her writing technique and Will Self his early life (left with Dr Guy Mankowski of the University of Lincoln at the Stephen Langton Lecture Theatre).

For music lovers there was John Robb and Kate Jackson (pictured top)while Annie Garthwaite’s Cecily plunged us into the blood and exhilaration of the first days of the Wars of the Roses.

A question for readers - would you like a Lincoln Festival including books but also drama, music and film?

Send your thoughts to admin@lincolnindependent.co.uk.

The Indie will send a bottle of fizz to the author of the best response or a free Playzone family ticket for younger readers.

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November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

59

Art and Culture

Books

New book champions persecuted pangolins RACHEL Shaw has written her fair share about the natural world in her role as Senior Communications Officer for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust – including warmly anticipated articles for this magazine.

Now she has turned her attention - and talents - further afield to highlight the plight of one of the world’s most endangered, maligned and misunderstood species in It’s Not My Fault: A Pangolin’s Manifesto.

Rachel explained: “It’s based around a little they’d heard of them, but cartoon pangolin that I’ve been drawing pangolins are also one of the on instagram for a few years. It’s become a world’s most illegally traded book because pangolins were implicated in mammals. the pandemic - they do carry “It’s very tragic because coronaviruses and sadly are found in wet they are sensitive and markets in China. harmless animals. Anyway, humans, and the threats that they face as an So the possibility was there. my book explains some of that and shares endangered species.

“For many people this was the first time tips on how to survive as an introvert.”

For centuries, poachers and This illustrated manifesto will clear up the traffickers have targeted the tabloid misconceptions and reveal timetested pangolin beliefs, including: enigmatic pangolin, selling • Looks can be deceiving (pangolins are their trademark scales for more closely related to cats and dogs than use in traditional medicine lookalike reptiles or armadillos). and folk remedies.

• It’s okay to be a loner—especially in a But what is a pangolin? A global pandemic. mythical creature? A • Your worth is not skin-deep. dinosaur? How could it have started all of this? And • You deserve protection, even if you’re different. what can a pangolin teach us about surviving sickness, • Curling up into a ball is always the best defence. attacks, and isolation?

Through uplifting images, observations and It’s Not My Fault: A Pangolin’s Manifesto revelations Rachel’s book is available from bookshops and will set the record straight through on these elusive introverted instagram.com/pipisinpangolin, mammals; the dangers they rachellshaw.com, may or may not present to apollopublishers.com.

Kate proves you’re never too old to dream FORMER English teacher Kate Trought used lockdown to realise her dreams of getting her own literary works published.

Writing as Susan M Trought, Kate of Bracebridge Heath has had both poetry and a novel published with a second out in the New Year.

“In the 1980s I had a book published by Luttterworth Press - Oak House - but this burgeoning career as an author was cut short when this small publishing house was swallowed up by Cambridge University Press and all the ‘unknown’ authors were jettisoned.

“Fast forward to 2020 and lockdown. Isolation and widowhood combined to make me reassess my life somewhat, so I took up my pen again. I was very fortunate to have nine poems accepted by The Book Whisperers for a new anthology called ‘Stir Crazy’.

“I was overwhelmed. I never thought I would have anything published again and certainly not 60

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

poetry. This triggered a frenzy of writing and I was extremely lucky to have two manuscripts accepted by Scaramouche Press.

The first, Winnie of the Dell, came out at the beginning of September and the next is due out next Spring.”

Winnie of the Dell is a whimsical modern fairytale about a young herbalist called Jarney Sixpence struggling to be accepted after her grandmother dies. On her journey she discovers a mysterious past with the help of the ethereal spirit Winnie of the Dell. The herbal recipes in the book are real. Meet Pinny Rand, Dorrie Dunn, Tam Willows, Rem Smith and many other quirky characters along the way. There is a touch of romance, too, It would make a wonderful pantomime! But really I am waiting for the call from Disney...or Pixar...or Dreamworks...

So, you see, you’re never too old to dream.”

Not Just a Job

Jo Snell Chief Executive Bransby Horses

Jo at the reins in tough times owners and are (in general) unhandled; so the roundup was very interesting and quite nerve-wracking! My main role was to drive the lorry from Bodmin back to Lincoln, but first we needed to get the horses into the round pen and then onto the transport. This was the first time that I had supported a rescue of this magnitude, and I was so impressed with the experience and professionalism of the Bransby Horses Team.

Challenges in your work?

The work I do at the charity is really quite diverse and that in itself can bring its own challenges, particularly when thinking about how best to use my time. My main challenge right now is to create a plan for the charity’s future to ensure that it can continue to positively influence the lives of thousands of horses for many, many years to come. This involves having the right team, right resources and the money to do it.

What do you love about your role?

I love animals and the positive impact they have on our lives. I am proud of the difference we make to the health and well-being of thousands of horses each year. We’re really good at what we do and recognised within the equine welfare industry as a trusted partner. We can only do this because of our great team and it makes me very proud of what we achieve on a daily basis.

How have you been affected by COVID-19 restrictions?

As we provide 24-hour care to our equines, the majority of our teams continued to work. To accommodate COVID-19 secure working we had to make immediate changes to continue to provide this care and keep our teams safe. Our Visitor Centre at Bransby was closed, which impacted on our income. All of our money comes from donations or from investments and we feared that both would be hit significantly by the pandemic. Rather fortuitously our March 2020 Bransby Life campaign had just been posted out as we went into lockdown and many of our amazing supporters increased their donations to us as well as kept in contact with us throughout the period. This lifted our spirits tremendously through what was a very difficult time.

Lessons learned?

We’re good at planning and adapting! When around 150 acres of the charity’s land was flooded in November 2019, this forced us to set up temporary equine care facilities at our new site at Barling’s, near Langworth. Then we were faced with dealing with the impact of the pandemic. Lesson’s learned… it’s good to have a plan to work to and to give the team the support they need and to ensure your plans are regularly reviewed and updated. It is also important that you take time to stop and consider priorities, which for us was keeping our horses and team safe and well.

We’re about to get back on track with our long term plans as we continue to develop our 10-year strategy.

Any goosebump moments?

A few years ago I supported our external welfare team with a rescue in collaboration with other welfare charities on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. We had worked closely with other agencies over a number of months to identify horses whose health and welfare was being compromised, due to overstocking and lack of nutrition in the natural environment. These horses do not have

How do you deal with negativity?

I think that everyone has their own view of the world and individual experiences that impact our outlook and responses to situations. This gives me the understanding and empathy to try to positively influence a situation. I remain calm, which I know can sometimes be infuriating. I listen properly to concerns and ask questions. I work with people to get them to take positive action to resolve the issues which can be causing the negativity. I am respectful of what everyone brings to the table, and often the matters which appear negative to some people do have validity and when re-phrased can be really quite constructive. I feel strongly that with the right approach we can get the best out of most people.

What external factors would most help your organisation?

We are currently preparing the charity’s strategy for the next ten years, which will take us to 2032. We aim to have a greater impact on improving the health and well-being of many more horses in the future; ensuring that many more have a life worth living. We will need to look at the equine facilities that we have at Bransby and Barlings and develop them further to ensure that all facilities are fit for purpose. We need to have the support of the local council to achieve this.

I appreciate that this is a cliché, but our team really is our most valuable asset. Recruitment has become a bit of a challenge across all roles and we are keen to work closely with training establishments to secure the skills we need in our workforce.

What do you see as your role in driving Lincoln forward?

We are a significant employer in the area, with a very diverse workforce which is growing all of the time. We now employ over 170 people in a large variety of roles. We employ welfare assistants, vets, lab technicians, cleaners, graphic designers, café assistants, accountants, tractor drivers, IT specialists and many more and we want to continue to provide opportunities for the people of Lincoln in the future. We have a Visitor Centre where people can visit and meet our rescued horses first-hand and learn about their unique stories. We have miles of open walkways across the Lincolnshire countryside for people to experience; we are keen to continue to offer this free of charge so people can enjoy the open spaces with their friends, families and dogs.

We can only do what we do because of the support we have from the public, who trust and believe that we do the right thing for horses that need our help.

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

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Faces and Places DAVID HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY

! "#$%& ' ' (

Auction windfall and Imp’s return NOT only did St Barnabas Hospice get a fundraising boost from the Lincoln Imp Trail it also got to keep one of the colourful statues to cheer staff and patients.

The ImpTrail auction raised more than £125,000 for the charity, £8,000 of which was the winning bid for the Folklore Imp (above), designed by local artist Carolyn Short and originally sponsored by St Barnabas.

It was bought by Chestnut Homes and Rob Newton, Construction Director said: “Being able to return The Folklore Imp to the team and patients at St Barnabas Hospice has been a highlight for everyone at Chestnut Homes.”

Chief Executive at the Hospice, Chris Wheway, said the charity was hugely grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in the trail.

“The trail was a spectacular sight to behold this

summer and we are delighted to see how it has brought the community together, putting smiles on people’s faces after what has been a difficult year. It is an honour to have been chosen as the beneficiary charity, which has given us a fantastic platform both to raise money and awareness for end-of-life care in Lincolnshire.

“Together, everyone has helped raise the profile of palliative and end-of-life care in Lincolnshire, as well as raising much-needed funds so St Barnabas Hospice can continue supporting more patients and families each year.

From the bottom of our hearts, we are truly thankful to have been involved in the Lincoln Imp Trail and hope it is remembered for years to come.” https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/

Jubilee Probus Club back in action

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THE Jubilee Probus Club of Lincoln is up and upright, virtuous and honourable’. Thus, running again following the COVID-19 members of Probus are required to be paragons pandemic and has already held three coffee of virtue and have a great deal to live up to. mornings and three lunches at the White Hart in Needless to say, we all do.”

Bailgate.

The club offers any prospective member a free Members now anticipate returning to their full lunch to get a sense of what it is all about. Those programme, including the Ladies’ Christmas interested in joining should contact membership Lunch in early December. Full safeguarding secretary Chris Pickering at procedures are in place in line with the White chrispick41@hotmail.com Hart’s protocols.

For more information see The Jubilee Club is one of four Probus clubs in www.probusclub.net/lincolnjubilee the Lincoln area, including a Ladies’ club, and each one welcomes new members. Jubilee meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month for a lunch and a speaker, and there is a coffee morning on every second Tuesday for members, partners and friends.Visits to local places of interested are also organised. Membership of the Jubilee Probus Club is open to any retired or partially retired men and the basic objective of all Probus clubs is to promote friendship and fellowship among its members.

Probus clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, and autonomous.

“The term ‘Probus’ is an abbreviated form of the two words ‘professional’ and business’ which loosely defines the membership,” explained retiring president Peter Harrod.

“By coincidence, the Latin word Probus is New president Peter Hull (left) with guest speaker Andy Blow. defined as ’physically good, excellent, morally

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Faces and Places

Prince opens new HQ for air ambulance HRH The Earl of Wessex officially opened the new headquarters of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.

Prince Edward spent time speaking to supporters, volunteers, staff and crew and viewing the charity’s new helicopter at the purposebuilt facilities off the A15 opposite RAF Waddington - its home since 1994.

“It is thanks to supporters and volunteers like you that this service can continue to carry out the work it does and operate from such a fantastic facility.”

Past patient Joshua Marriott stressed the importance of the charity’s work: “If it wasn’t for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

crew, I would not be here today. They scooped me up off the side of the road after a motorcycle accident and got me to hospital.”

The seed for a new HQ, which started operations in May 2021, was planted more than five years ago when CEO Karen Jobling joined the charity. The £4m facility was funded by capital grants including one from the Department for Health and Social Care.

Karen said: “We were honoured to have His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex officially open our new building.

“He recognised, as we do, that our new HQ isn’t just a building, it’s the first time all of our staff and crew have come together under one roof after 27 years on separate sites.

“The new facility enables us to expand and further develop our critical care service, invite past patients and their families to meet the crew who attended to them, and somewhere our generous supporters can come to see first-hand what we do.

The charity’s latest helicopter, a Leonardo AW169 was put through its paces while clinician training took place.

LNAA Chief Pilot Llewis Ingamells said: “While our new AW169 looks strikingly similar to our previous one, this is the latest generation from Leonardo Helicopters. There are a host of changes underneath the familiar yellow paint scheme which make this the most capable helicopter LNAA have ever operated.”

Visit www.ambucopter.org.uk

Aiming to raise £2,000 through pulling power ROWERS Deb Speed and the Indie’s own Rachel Bishop are aiming to raise £2,000 for St Barnabas and the Lincoln Rowing Centre, They will be completing a 24-hour indoor row and are also hoping to set a new world record for the longest tandem continual row in the 50-59 heavyweight category.

The event was scheduled for April 2020, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. “That was a pretty brutal blow as we had already finished the training and were ready to do the challenge, it was really hard to start from scratch again once restrictions lifted,” said Deb (right).

The fundraiser will take place at Lincoln Rowing Centre on Spa Road starting at 10am Friday, November 26 to 10am Saturday, November 27.

The pair are hoping that people will come to the club to cheer them on and there will be a spare machine if anyone wants to row alongside during the challenge. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachel-bishop4?utm_id=2&utm_term=aZv5XKkJr November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

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Lincolnshire Business Expo PHOTOGRAPHS: DAVID HARRISON.

Expo returns - be there physically or digitally THE Lincolnshire Business Expo is returning after a two-year hiatus due to event restrictions.

The B2B expo sponsored by SEO Traffic Lab and Streets Chartered Accountants will host its seventh annual event on Thursday, January 20, 2022.

The event ,which claims to be the largest business expo in Greater Lincolnshire, is traditionally comprised of a wide array of different businesses showcasing their products and services filling the Epic Centre of Lincolnshire Showground with a full day of seminars, expert panels and informative discussions.

In a change to previous events the sessions will be both live streamed and recorded to allow for people to engage with the day without having to be physically present.

Event organiser Dean Graham said: “One of the main changes to events that have come out of the pandemic is taking positive elements from virtual versions and blending with the

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Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

physical. It allows a choice of being there in person or engaging remotely.

“It also provides content that can be recorded and be re-utilised after the event and that’s where I think the future of events lies a physical experience with lots of pre and post digital engagement.”

Andrew Ritchie of Soper BMW and previous sponsor at the expo said “There’s lots of businesses and it’s growing year on year. We get some really good customers out of the event every year. There’s lots of customers that come up to us and say its great to see you again; plus we make new friends which is great for the business”.

The 2022 Lincolnshire Business Expo is a 9am-3pm event and for the first time will also feature a Director’s Brunch hosted by Streets Chartered Accountants.

Dean added: “The expo hosts over 100 exhibitors and attracted over 1500 delegates at its last physical event in 2019 making it the perfect way to network with Greater Lincolnshire right at the start of the year.“

Business News from the Experts

Cyber threats – will ransomware and phishing continue to rise?

SIMON MARSH, HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS, WV SOLUTIONS TECHNOLOGY and the way we work is moving forward at such a fast rate.

When running a business, it is imperative to continually look ahead and adapt to change. Not only do we need to keep up with modern technology, but we also need to be aware of the latest security challenges that come with it and the cyber threats we may face.

There’s no greater cyber threat now than ransomware; we’ve seen it making the headlines every week as more and more businesses have been compromised and their data subsequently encrypted.

There has been an alarming rise in ransomware this year and it continues to grow as a major threat, with the number of APT (advanced persistent threat) groups increasing and offering ransomware-as-a-service to any wouldbe hackers.

It has become so much of an issue that world leaders are meeting to discuss how to tackle the issue and various proposals have been put forward for debate on

whether to make it illegal to pay the associated ransoms.

Unfortunately, we can only expect to see more of this so being prepared for a ransomware attack is critical. That means taking precautionary measures including well managed and secure back-ups, having solid incident response plans and carrying out staff training and awareness of cyber threats.

The primary delivery method of ransomware is phishing, which has also seen another dramatic increase this year, so protecting against phishing is a key step to preventing a ransomware attack.

It’s not only the increase in the amount of phishing that is worrying either, but also the effort going into them to make them convincing.

Phishing attacks are getting more sophisticated and harder to differentiate from genuine emails and websites, and the only way to make sure someone in your business doesn’t fall prey to an attack is training and regular phishing

simulations to increase employee awareness and recognition of such attacks.

With phishing expected to increase further next year too, it makes sense to start training and testing your employees sooner rather than later, and WV Solutions can do just that. Through our testing and training, aimed to educate in a safe and encouraging manner, you will be able to relax knowing that your team will be armed with the knowledge and experience to tackle phishing emails, keeping your data safe.

If you would like to find out more about the services WV Solutions offer visit www.wvsolutions.co.uk or email hello@wvsolutions.co.uk.

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

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Business News from the Experts

Divorce and the small business owner ELLIE JONES, PARTNER - FAMILY LAW DEPARTMENT, SILLS & BETTERIDGE SOLICITORS

DIVORCE creates uncertainty, and this can be especially true for small business owners.

With some early intervention, proactive management and assistance from experienced solicitors, owners should be able to carry on running businesses beyond the divorce.

An experienced accountant’s input will be invaluable Sills & Betteridge believe in working with specialists, such as accountants, to help their clients get the best result.

Your company accountant should be able to give some guidance at an early stage as to any capital value the business has.

Approach the accountant for this

information as soon as possible to avoid having to instruct expensive experts further down the line.

Separating spouses owe a duty of full and frank financial disclosure to one another.

Your spouse will be entitled to see a range of documents relating to your business, including your accounts, tax returns and bank statements. Your accountant will be instrumental in getting together the correct documents and ensuring any information which is provided is clear, concise and accurate.

Your spouse may have specific questions about the business on a range of issues.

An experienced accountant will answer questions about the financial side of the business clearly and accurately on your behalf. This will reassure both parties and reduce conflict. Questions not answered clearly can create tension and suspicion, which may increase legal costs and delay a settlement.

Unlike most solicitors, some accountants work on a retainer with a fixed sum per year for services so ask about any additional costs.

Think about tax If both spouses are shareholders in the business, the likelihood is that, as part of a financial settlement, one spouse will be looking to exit the business in return for a pay-out or offsetting.

If shares need to be transferred, any transfer taking place within the same tax year as the separation will be treated as having been made on a ‘no gain/no loss’ basis and, therefore, as a general rule no Capital Gains Tax will be payable.

There are exceptions.

Where a transfer of shares takes place after the year of separation, Capital Gains Tax may be payable and could have significant financial consequences.

Whatever the size of the business, it is essential to take early tax advice when considering a divorce to ensure you can make informed decisions regarding your separation and any tax consequences.

Website: https://www.sillslegal.co.uk; T: 01522 542211; elliejones@sillslegal.co.uk.

Avoid tax troubles with expert advice DAVID NICHOLSON, DIRECTOR, DEXTER AND SHARPE (LINCOLN) LTD

AS you can imagine, tax cases are a dry old business. Judgements run to dozens of pages and frequently turn upon a very esoteric argument about the meaning of an obscure piece of tax legislation.

But every so often reporting of a case will break out from the tax press and make it into the dailies.

One of my favourites, early on in my career, was United Biscuits (UK) Ltd (No 2) (1991) where McVities successfully argued before a VAT Tribunal that Jaffa 66

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

Cakes (the delicious chocolate and orange-topped biscuits found in biscuit aisles everywhere) are indeed cakes and definitely not biscuits!

Just a couple of years ago we had Lorraine Kelly succeeding in an appeal against an HMRC assessment for £899,912.95, the contention being that she was an employee of ITV. Lorraine’s legal team successfully argued that she was not an employee, and the court’s ruling was that “we were satisfied that Ms Kelly presents a persona of herself; she presents herself as a brand, and that is the brand ITV sought when engaging her.” I am still a little bit baffled as to why that proved that she was not an employee.

Just as Lorraine succeeded in the argument that ITV was buying the brand of a “chatty and fun personality”, I have been tempted to argue that my own personal brand of “miserable old sod” should mean that I might deduct expenses from my salary.

The reason I am telling you all this now is that we had another breakout case just a

couple of weeks ago. The entrepreneur Arron Banks attempted to overturn a sixfigure inheritance tax bill relating to almost £1 million donations to UKIP. Donations to political parties are exempt from Inheritance Tax, but only if the party in question qualifies based on votes and MPs elected at General elections.

Mr Banks lost the case; the judge agreed that the law discriminated against those whose political views did not chime with the mainstream Westminster parties, but that was the law. The irony of the case was that Mr Banks, a leading Brexit supporter, had argued that the assessment breached his human rights under the European Convention!

There’s a serious message here, tax legislation can sometimes seem fickle but good advice can often (but sadly for Mr Banks, not always) help you win what might seem like a lost cause, or even better keep you from the courts altogether.

Info@dextersharpelincoln.co.uk www.dextersharpe.co.uk

Business News from the Experts

Share your memories of county’s historic buildings SIMON BRIDGE, DIRECTOR, BANKS LONG & CO. AS we go about our busy daily lives, it is so easy to walk past an old building or a heritage monument that you see every day and not give it any particular attention.

However, can I urge you next time you walk past any of the county’s heritage buildings to please try and take a moment to stop, have a look, pop inside if you can, and appreciate every detail of their beauty.

At Banks Long & Co, we have the privilege of knowing many of these buildings in great detail thanks to the countless heritage projects we work on to bring new life and sustainability back into them for many more generations to enjoy.

You’ll notice some exciting development projects taking place right now to repair and preserve some of Lincolnshire’s most culturally significant buildings.

Next time you pass by, try to look at the Grade II Listed Lincoln Drill Hall, the Greyfriars scheduled ancient monument

on Broadgate, which dates back to 1230, the amazing transformation of The Cornhill Quarter.

If you are travelling a little further afield, you can appreciate the Grade II Listed Peterson’s Smokehouse within the Kasbah district of Grimsby.

Working on these projects is a labour of love for us. It takes a great deal of precision, specialist knowledge and skill to ensure that these buildings are surveyed and restored using traditional materials and techniques sympathetic to the build.

Given the legacy that these buildings have, I am sure there are many people with a story, a connection or some pictures they would love to share, please get in touch with us via LinkedIn or Twitter as we would love to see them.

Twitter @bankslongco linkedin.com/company/banks-long-&-co Website - bankslong.com, Email - enquiries@bankslong.com

l Simon Bridge has also welcomed the news that Banks Long and Co has been appointed to the £120million Fusion 21 framework which provides housing, education, health, local authority, central government and blue light consultancy services.

“Being added to such a prestigious national framework is an excellent opportunity for Banks Long and Co to work on a number of projects that deliver social value across the UK.” Fusion 21 has appointed 112 specialist firms to the National Consultants’ Framework, which is expected to support 100 projects over the next four years.

Expert business advice at no cost to you!

Grow your business with up to 12 hours of fully-funded support from an experienced Growth Hub adviser.

Find out more:

Never miss an update:

www.businesslincolnshire.com businesslincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk /Businesslincolnshire

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November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

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THE BOTTOM LINE

When business FAMILY businesses are the back bone of the economy.

Streets has a long-standing tradition of looking after multigenerational family businesses.

Founded in 1907, Streets shares many of the excellent values associated with running a family business and understands the challenges faced in managing and growing a business from one generation to the next.

WILD JACKS

DENBY TRANSPORT Denby Transport Ltd was founded by Bill Denby in 1926 during the General Strike with no railways and farmers needing to get milk to the dairy in Lincoln.

Bill’s son, Dick, led its expansion into international work from 1960 and this has been a cornerstone of the business for 40 years.

Dick’s son Peter, the current Managing Director took over in 1996 and this year his daughter, Emma, became the fourth generation to join Denby Lincoln after a successful career in digital marketing in London.

The business is diverse with many different activities from international haulage to contract warehousing, training, provision of lifting equipment and specialist machinery installation and removals.

Family members make up most of the Board with Peter also joined by sister Caroline as well as Emma. It also has Nina Metcalfe as Financial Director and George Elliott as the Director of Special Projects.

Peter said: “Over the years the business has experienced many different trading environments from oil shocks to recession and 68

more recently covid and Brexit.

“This is in our company DNA – we expect these things to happen and we run the business in a financially conservative way to enable us to survive these shocks. I think the decision-making process in a family business is much easier and, in our case, we can make and implement decisions immediately. This makes us more responsive and agile, especially in challenging times.

“The business has come a long way from the days when my grandfather started with a Model ‘T’ Ford one ton lorry with solid tyres and oil lamps! I think he would be amazed to see the improvements in technology – vehicles can now carry a payload of 29 tonnes and they can be tracked by satellite. However, the basics remain the same, looking after staff and customers.

“I have always regarded myself as the custodian of the family business with a responsibility to improve it and hand it down to the next generation in a strong condition.

“During the last fifteen years we have been supported by Streets and in particular Partner Mark Bradshaw who has helped us to achieve our goals and plot the course of the business.”

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

With a history of family business experience, Stuart and Joanna Hancock founded Wild Jacks in August 2020.

It supplies retailers, food service and catering establishments with food and drink produce, primarily sourced from Lincolnshire. >>

JACKSONS WORKWEAR RENTAL Founded in 1791 by James Jackson, the laundry business, which supplies and rents workwear garments to industry, is headed by Alistair Mackinder, Chairman, fifth generation family member and direct descendant of James.

The company provides garments on a contract basis that it washes, repairs, collects and delivers to and from customers’ premises across a range of industries, including food processors, pharmaceutical, engineering, manufacturing, ceramics and chemicals.

Alistair’s son William is now an apprentice within the business and the team includes multi-generational family members, with Michael Wilson as Managing Director and his daughter Rebecca as Sales and Marketing Manager.

Twenty of the staff, over a quarter of the workforce, are related to at least one other member of the team.

The wider Board includes non-family members – Steve Pearce is Operations Director and Ed Eckhard is Financial Director and Company Secretary.

Michael said all employees were seen as extended family: “We are aware of everyone’s home circumstances and through the pandemic considered this when making decisions that affected them. >>

WITH JAMES PINCHBECK, PARTNER, STREETS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS streetsweb.co.uk 01522 551200

is a family affair We also recognise the need to balance the often-unique qualities associated with running a family business with the growing commercial challenges of an everchanging world.

We are delighted to be showcasing some of our family business clients, who are all multi-generational concerns - some have also been looked after by Streets for a number of generations.

The couple and their team, share a passion for the fantastic food and drink produced in the county.

The couple acquired the popular Navenby Odling’s Butchers, a third-generation family business in a move that sees Roy Odling playing a key day-to-day role.

The business has welcomed into its fold the third-generation Welbourne’s Bakery and Welbourne’s Wine & Deli with Pete Welbourne a non-executive adviser.

With a quest for the best in bakery, Wild Jacks’ added J H Starbucks to its portfolio with Richard Starbuck, a fourth-generation family member still involved.

Responding to the pandemic the business offered home delivery to customers and expanded the range available from its mobile shop. This was well received by the local community with a range of products from all its aquisitions.

Co-founder Stuart Hancock commented: “As a family-owned business, Wild Jacks is able to consider our consumers point of view in terms of their needs and key factors affecting purchases so that we are able to adapt and change our business model.

“We are involved on a day-to-day basis to ensure that we meet our customers’ needs and both Joanna and I roll up our sleeves and dig in – from serving in the store to picking products for Christmas orders – it’s all in a day’s work.”

He addeds: “I have been involved with Streets in a professional capacity for some time now and I can honestly say that the support we receive from Partner Chris Hubbard and his team is second to none.

Our business is expanding rapidly and so our activities are dynamic. Chris keeps in touch with me on a regular basis to ensure he has the latest information. “

“When we had ‘a spell of absenteeism through the pandemic, we had employees’ extended family members joining us ad hoc to ensure our customers were never let down.”

Michael added: “While running a business and doing what we’re good at, it is nice to have a partner keeping an eye on changes that are happening in the outside world that may affect our thinking.

“Streets have been our accountants for at least the last 50 years, and we trust them implicitly.

With all the changes the government were making on almost a daily basis through the pandemic, Streets Partner Robin Lee and his team’s input was vital in helping us manage our way through the minefield of adjustments we had to make to ensure as the situation finishes, we continue to be as successful as when it all started.”

PENNELLS GARDEN CENTRES Pennells is one of the oldest garden companies in the country - perhaps the oldest still in the same family ownership.

Founded by Richard Pennell in 1780., the company is run by the seventh and eighth generations Richard Pennell and his son William Pennell with other family members including Julie Pennell and James Pennell also involved.

From the early days as a nursery the business has adapted to the changing world and the needs of customers with three retail garden centres in Lincoln, Cleethorpes and Sleaford.

A wide range of garden and house plants, tools and equipment are sold, but an enhanced retail experience is provided through food, clothing, books, soft furnishings and on-site restaurants with Christmas lights, decorations and gifts a speciality.

Garden centres were able to remain open during lockdown and Pennells responded to customer needs with a home delivery service and a growing online presence for local customers and also those much further afield.

Richard said: “Family businesses, in contrast to more corporate businesses, tend to have a much longer-term attitude to the management and development of the business. We tend to be less driven by short term results – an approach which often means we are better placed or more prepared to weather adverse circumstances like a pandemic.

“Streets, and in particular Partner Robin Lee and his team, have continued to be very supportive over the last few years as we have faced various challenges including the pandemic, as well as providing guidance and help with the further development of the business.”

November/December 2021| Lincoln Independent

69

Home Front

Coming full circle HELEN BRANDON-SNELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MORTGAGE MINDERS (LINCOLN) LTD IT doesn’t seem five minutes since I was on the front page of ‘The Bailgate Independent’.

In actual fact, it must have been more like 13 years. My first advertisement with this great publication. I’ll never forget it, there I was sat on our sofa, with my four children beside me.

After working locally in finance for many years, latterly at the Scarborough Building Society in Lincoln, I made the brave decision to step out into self employment – in the middle of a recession.

My children were two, four, 11 and 12 at the time. Newly divorced, I needed the flexibility of working from home in order to wear all of those various hats I needed to get through the week.

As the children got older I excitedly moved into my first office on Burton Road.

I employed my eldest son an apprentice scheme, which was absolutely wonderful.

He blossomed and quickly became a very

valuable asset.

A few years passed and I decided to move to larger premises on Burton Waters. We were there for about 18 months before the pandemic hit. The following 18 months the office was utilised for no more than two months in total.

The business had to change to accommodate the new working practices and restrictions. This meant working remotely; not having face to face appointments; using different technology to conduct appointments and ensure our compliance procedures were adhered to.

Recently I have made various alterations to our home; including moving back into an annexe at the side of the house.

The very same annexe where it all began… coming full circle.

The difference now to from the birth of Mortgage Minders is that I have the fantastic support of my Office Manager/PA, who has been with me for almost seven years now.

She helps to service new clients alongside the requirements of a book of fabulous clients who we continue to assist with changing mortgage and insurance needs.

With work coming mainly from recommendation, we continue to strive to deliver exceptional friendly and professional service. Something that COVID-19 will never change.

Mortgage Minders (Lincoln) Ltd, 134 Wragby Road, Lincoln, LN2 4PH Tel 01522 822282 Email helen@mortgage-minders.co.uk

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www.proglidelincoln.co.uk 70

Lincoln Independent | November/December 2021

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