Your Lincoln - Summer 2017 by City of Lincoln Council

Summer knights

> P3

P12-13 > Going for green P16 > Exciting new plans for leisure centre

Summer 2017

03 / Summer knights 04 / Transport Hub 05 / Battles and Dynasties 06 / It’s okay to talk 07 / Sincil Bank regeneration 08 / Lincoln community garden 10 / Let’s get digital 11 / Hartsholme Park 12 / Going for green 14 / Affordable housing 15 / Get involved 16 / Big plans for Birchwood Leisure Centre

17 / Guiding growth 18 / Focus on food banks 20 / Your councillors 21 / Meet the neighbours 22 / What’s On

All aboard!

Thousands of football fans lined the streets of Lincoln to celebrate the achievements of Lincoln City Football Club. The Imps enjoyed an exceptional year, first reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup – the first non-league team to do so in more than 100 years – before being crowned National League champions and earning promotion. Together with the football club and partners, City of Lincoln Council organised an open top bus tour in honour of the players and all those behind the scenes.

Obtaining copies in alternative formats If you have difficulty in understanding anything in this document, please go to City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln or any other council office, where we can call in an interpreter for you through the Big Word Services. Polish

Cover photo – VisitLincoln.com Russian

Slovak

Keep up to date with the latest council news by following the official twitter account @lincolncouncil. Your Lincoln is delivered to every household in the city and, due to our postal system, to a small number of properties outside of the City of Lincoln Council boundary. We hope residents outside of the city enjoy the magazine, but if there is a problem, please call 01522 873384 and we’ll do our best to resolve it. All information is correct at the time of printing.

The council also has a facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheCOLC. Get the latest news, interesting photos and city facts straight to your timeline.

This publication can also be made available in large print, or electronically. Please call: 01522 873829.

Advertise with Your Lincoln. We are looking for new advertisers. Design and print by Visual Print & Design t. 01522 300222

www.lincoln.gov.uk

If your company would like to take out an advert in the next edition of the magazine, please email communications@lincoln.gov.uk for rates. The magazine comes out three times a year and is delivered to every home in the city council’s boundaries so could be an excellent opportunity for your business.

Knights lead the way for Lincoln’s summer attractions The knights are here and the beach is back, it can only mean one thing summer has arrived in Lincoln! City of Lincoln Council is excited to be events taking place in the city, including part of the Knights’ Trail – 36 knights to the display of the famous Domesday Book be found in and around the city centre to at Lincoln Castle. celebrate 800 years since the Charter of “Lincoln is a really exciting place to the Forest was sealed in 1217. be this summer, with lots to see and do. The knights follow Together with Visit the success of the Lincoln we’ve been The visitor economy is currently Barons’ Trail in 2015, working hard to which raised an thought to be worth £176 million organise city centre astounding £167,000 in Lincoln. events and promote for The Trussell Trust Lincoln to help drive when the 25 barons visitors and footfall in the city centre for our were sold at auction. businesses. ” Matt Corrigan, Chief Executive of The visitor economy is currently thought Lincoln Business Improvement Group to be worth £176 million in Lincoln. (BIG), said: “This is a tremendous year for the city and the Knights’ Trail is the Visit Lincoln took five knights to Kings centrepiece of our celebrations that we Cross in London to raise awareness of are sure will be remembered by everyone Lincoln and its summer events, while for many years to come. businesses and organisations have

“But they are only the start of a superb programme of more than 70 summertime

sponsored each of the sculptures.

Trail brochures are available at the Visitor Information Centre for anyone keen to track down all 36 knights. Visit Knights Central at the Cornhill Kiosk from 10am until 4pm, Tuesdays to Sundays from 22 July until 3 September for free family activities including jousting, arts and crafts, story-telling, painting your own knight and becoming a Lincoln Knight. For those who’d rather put their feet up, why not enjoy the sand at Lincoln by the Sea on City Square? Complete with deckchairs and special appearances from Punch and Judy, children will be able to enjoy the beach and fairground rides while their parents relax. The Knights’ Trail and Lincoln by the Sea will be open until 3 September. For more events see pages 22 and 23.

Shop Lincoln this summer!

Here in Lincoln we’re fortunate to boast among the highest number of independent businesses in the East Midlands, providing both residents and visitors with essential goods and services. Small businesses are vital to our city – selling unique gifts and products with a personal service, they play an important role in our local communities. Support your local shops and take time to visit areas including The Strait, Steep Hill, Bailgate, Sincil Street and Central Market this summer to discover hidden treasures and shopkeepers keen to offer great deals and excellent customer service. Find out more at shoplincoln.co.uk

Independent traders in Sincil Street and Central Market show off their knight

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Launch into… a new career Aged 16 to 24 and looking for advice on work, education, training or support? The Network can help! Based on the ground floor of City Hall, The Network is a one-stop-shop for young people in Lincoln. Open from 9.30am until 4pm Monday to Fridays, come and visit to find out how they can help with careers advice and guidance, or come along to one of the ‘Launch into…’ events. Each event focuses on a different sector and offers people the opportunity to meet employers who can help them find out how to get into their dream job. Upcoming events include: 27 July – Construction 3 August – IT/Business 10 August - Engineering For more information go to www.networklincoln.co.uk

Transport Hub nearing completion! We’ve gone cashless From 1 June 2017, the city council can no longer accept cash and cheque payments. These transactions cost a lot of money to process, and the move marks an ongoing change to more efficient payment options that offer better value for money for both the council and for you – our customers. Anyone coming into City Hall and wishing to pay using cash or cheque will be asked to pay by card. Alternatively they can make their payment via the bank instead. Many people already use direct debit or pay for services online, and this is the quickest and most convenient way to pay for your council tax and services such as garden waste collections.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

With less than six months to go until its completion, recent aerial shots taken over the site of the £30 million Lincoln Transport Hub show the new bus station and 1,000-space multi-storey car park really taking shape. The bus station, which will cater for more than 7 million passengers each year, is due to open in November, with the car park ready for use shortly after. Kate Ellis, Strategic Director for Major Developments at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Our contractors, Willmott Dixon Construction, are making great progress on the transport hub and we’re on time and on budget. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience so far, and hope people are as excited as we are to see the scheme finished in the not too distant future!”

Led by the city council, the scheme received £13 million funding from the Department for Transport and Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. It is being delivered working with Lincolnshire Co-op, Network Rail, East Midlands Trains and Lincolnshire County Council. For the latest updates on the Transport Hub, visit www.lincoln.gov.uk/transporthub

Catch a slice of history in Lincoln this summer Lincoln is a city already rich in history, and this year you can see even more, including the famous Domesday Book.

A fascinating showcase of documents and artefacts from British history are on display as part of the Battles and Dynasties exhibition, including royal portraits and the only display copy of the Domesday Book, on loan from the National Archives. Also available to view is the 1217 Charter of the Forest – the document celebrated by the Knights’ Trail. Lydia Rusling, Head of Visit Lincoln, said: “This an exciting year for Lincoln celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln, with a unique opportunity to see an iconic document, never before shown outside London, in an impressive exhibition.” Produced in 1086, the Domesday Book is a great land survey, commissioned by William the Conqueror to assess the extent of the land and resources owned in England at the time, and the extent of taxes he could raise. It provides a vivid picture of late 11th century England.

Other highlights of the exhibition include royal portraits of Elizabeth I, Victoria, and Elizabeth II, and illustrations and manuscripts from the 1217 Battle of Lincoln. The iconic items and collections have been loaned for display from institutions across the country, including royal portraits loaned by Her Majesty the Queen, and other artefacts from the National Archives, the British Library, the Lambeth Palace Library, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Society of Antiquaries, Eton College, and many other public and private collections. The Battles and Dynasties exhibition is open now until 3 September and is on display at the collection. The Domesday Book is on display separately in Lincoln Castle’s Magna Carta vault.

Glowing peer report praises ‘council with a clear vision’ Feedback received by the city council after a peer review has given the authority a very positive report, highlighting many of the successes achieved by the council and its staff. The Corporate Peer Challenge is overseen by the Local Government Association and is carried out by a team of independent experts from other local authorities. The team spends time at councils across the country to see staff at work, observe the organisation’s practices and then provide feedback on what is being done well and areas for improvement. The peer challenge team interviewed residents, staff, councillors and partners, and made the following observations about Lincoln, its residents and the city council: • There is a huge amount of pride in Lincoln and a tangible commitment to the city • There is a clear vision for the city and its community • There is a high level of respect from the business community for the work the council is doing • Interviews showed that the Leader and Chief Executive themselves are highly respected by staff and partners • There is a clear understanding within the council that focusing on achieving growth and a commitment to addressing need are not mutually exclusive – but that opportunities will continually need to be balanced Chief Executive Angela Andrews said: “The review found that we have a clear vision for Lincoln, which is very encouraging to hear after the successful launch of our Vision 2020 earlier this year. “They also recognised that we display a great amount of pride in the city, and are particularly focussed on growth and development, as displayed by our commitment to key infrastructure projects like Lincoln Transport Hub. “Although we are very proud of our achievements so far, we also recognise that there is no room for complacency, and that we must continue to achieve more, and to constantly improve in everything we do.”

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Are you being smart with your energy bills?

Get Gaz & Leccy under control. Ask your energy supplier about getting a smart meter at no extra cost.

For more information visit smartenergyGB.org

The voice of the smart meter rollout

Heating your home isn’t cheap, and the cost of energy bills is often in the news. But it isn’t all bad. You may have heard recently about smart meters – these clever devices tell you how much gas and electricity you’ve used, and exactly how much it’s costing you. Not only that, but smart meters communicate directly with your energy supplier, so you won’t have to take your own meter readings, and all your bills will be accurate, making budgeting that little bit easier. You won’t be charged for the installation or use of a smart meter, and the government now requires all energy companies to offer to install smart meters for their customers by the end of 2020, so if you haven’t been offered one yet, your energy company will be doing so in the future. Although you may be offered a meter, there are circumstances where it may not be possible for you to have one installed, such as if your electric and gas meter falls into any of the following categories: • Located in a communal area • Where other people have access to the meter • Meters which don’t have enough room around them • Other technical reasons To find out more go to www.smartenergygb.org Want to be even smarter? Register during the next round of the Lincolnshire Energy Switch between 1 August and 9 October to see if you could save money on your energy bill. Go to www.lincoln.gov.uk/switch to sign up.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

It’s okay to talk

Lincolnshire

SUICIDE

SAFE

Supporting Awareness for Everyone

It’s estimated that around half of people who commit suicide in Lincolnshire weren’t known to mental health services – despite the amount of support available. Every suicide is an individual tragedy, but suicides are not inevitable and everybody can play a role in preventing them. A new suicide prevention campaign, Lincolnshire Suicide SAFE, hopes to help remove the stigma around mental health, raise awareness of where to go for help, and give advice on how we can all support our friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. Suicide and its causes are complex and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In Lincoln last year, suicide rates were higher than the national average – 12.8 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people, compared to 8.8 nationally. City of Lincoln Council’s Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee, which speaks up for the people of Lincoln on any matters that affect their well being, gathered evidence from various organisations and made a series of recommendations around training and helping people to find support. The committee heard the number of mental health referrals in Lincoln is particularly low and it seems greater awareness is needed. There is a wide variety of support out there for people struggling to cope, and these services need to continue to work together so no one falls through the gaps. What can we do? The reasons for suicide can be very complex, but generally it’s the result of problems or worries building up to a point where someone feels they cannot cope anymore and can’t see another other option or way out. A recent loss or break up of a relationship, problems with work or money, or living alone with little social contact can all be reasons people think about suicide, even if they have never had a mental health problem before.

It is often difficult to identify whether you or someone you are worried about is struggling to cope, however being able to recognise some of the signs is a good start. One of the most important things is to remove the stigma around talking about mental health and to develop a culture where people are comfortable talking about difficult issues. For more information go to www.lpft.nhs.uk/help-and-support/ need-help/suicide-safe If you need someone to talk to go to www.samaritans.org or call 01522 528282.

RU OK?

Ambitious future for Sincil Bank The focus will be on three main areas: • Streets and open spaces – Improve the quality of streets by slowing down and reducing traffic, giving priority to pedestrians and cyclists, making sure there is enough parking for residents, and creating streets that are safe for children to play on and where people want to socialise. Sincil Bank is close to the city centre, but has its own identity, – Improve the appearance of the main entrances to the area, and now the area is in line for major revitalisation as part of a strengthening its identity, connecting the communities and place-shaping strategy to strengthen the area and address some helping to improve safety and transform perceptions. key issues. – Strengthen links to the South Common, Cow Paddle and Through the combined efforts of the community, with the Queen’s Park, make Sincil Dyke a green corridor, plant trees, support of local organisations, the project aims to make a series build parklets and rejuvenate existing green assets. of short and long-term improvements that will drive change. • Community hubs, skills and enterprise Bob Ledger, City of Lincoln Council’s Strategic Director for – Create social, community-led places where people can go for Housing and Regeneration, said: “It was recognised a while ago training, advice, clinics and signposting. that certain parts of Sincil Bank were looking very tired and the – Provide affordable workspace to unearth the hidden talent, area needed something of an impetus - a change. skills and enterprise in the area. Offer tailored support via “A Lincoln-based organisation that specialises in regenerating community hubs, encourage creative industries and support places, OpenPlan, met with residents last year to come up with a young people. vision and priorities for the area. One of the key things about this • Homes project is that it isn’t council-led – it needs to be owned by the – Improve the quality of private rented sector accommodation community. by incentivising landlords and enforcing against poor quality “It needs to be what this community needs, what this community housing. Reclaim abandoned properties. wants, and what this community will value.” At a launch event last month, local organisations and residents, John Dwane, a resident who has lived in the area for 28 years, began developing an action plan, including recommendations said the plans were very welcome: “The issues for me are a for projects that can start immediately, and identifying potential lot to do with anti-social behaviour and litter. It’s a very diverse funding opportunities. community, and we also need to bring people together. Mr Ledger added: “There was a good turnout of people “There are problems with speeding cars, and people using the showing an interest in the future of the area. There’s definitely an streets as rat runs and short cuts. energy, there’s a commitment to change. The more we can work “However, I do feel quite hopeful for the area. This has needed as a partnership the more we can achieve.” to happen for years. People have become disillusioned nothing People can apply for a share of funding from the Community has ever happened but if this works it would be brilliant.” Chest, which supports small projects that benefit people living in Sincil Bank. If you’d like to find out more about the scheme or get involved These could include improving open space and play facilities, email Rachel Taylor at rachel.taylor@lincoln.gov.uk reducing fear of crime, offering training and education, helping to improve the appearance of the area. Run by the Lincolnshire Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), with support from the city council and Investors in Lincoln, the chest aims to kick-start community activity in the area. Applications will be debated by the Sincil Bank Neighbourhood Board with the final decision made by LEAP. To find out more and apply email www.lincoln.gov.uk paul.carrick@lincoln.gov.uk

The village in the city – that’s the ambitious vision guiding major regeneration in one area of Lincoln.

Funding campaign launched for Lincoln community garden A big dream is coming true for a little Lincoln charity that uses community gardening to bring people together, improve people’s lives and care for the local environment.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Green Synergy was founded in 2012 with the aim of setting up a City Farm and large community garden for Lincoln. Now the group has ambitious plans to transform an overgrown, unloved piece of land in the city into a free community garden for everyone to enjoy. Local people have helped to design the new garden and, with their help and the help of volunteers, Green Synergy plans to create wheelchair-accessible raised beds, large vegetable plots, fruit cages, polytunnels, therapeutic gardens, a children’s garden, a heritage orchard, wildlife areas and a wildflower meadow. Chief Executive Mary Hollis said: “Finding suitable, available land has been a big challenge, but in the meantime we’ve been on an amazing journey and set up seven other community gardening and therapeutic horticulture projects. “Five years on we are delighted to finally have a lease on a 2.5 acre site at the back of Lincoln County Hospital, and now we are looking forward to making our big dream a reality!”

The charity launched a crowdfunding campaign at Lincolnshire Show last month to help fund the development of the land, called Hillside Community Garden. Mary said: “We decided to raise funds through crowdfunding as this is where lots of people give a little bit of money each, and we thought that this very much matches the ethos of the garden, as it belongs to everyone.” They are pulling out all the stops to try and raise their target. As well as being at Lincolnshire Show, Green Synergy have also made a fundraising music video and Mary will be walking the Viking Way – 147 miles from the Humber Bridge to Rutland - in July. Hillside Community Garden will be openly accessible, free of charge, for the public to visit. It will also provide a range of therapeutic, community cohesion, educational and skills based projects specifically designed to help address the needs of the local community as well as people from across the city and surrounding areas, who are living in poverty or disadvantage.

The master plan is to continue to work with the local community, Volunteer and local resident Rose Hill added: “It is wonderful Lincoln County Hospital, schools, community groups and local to finally see the site being used and looked after, it has been businesses to transform it into a beautiful, edible, wildlife-friendly, an eye-sore for so long. I can remember when it used to be community garden hub for everyone to enjoy. allotments when I was a kid. It will be nice that the local kids will Although at first glance the site may have somewhere to go and get involved not look very appealing. Green Synergy with positive stuff.” I can remember when it used Senior Project Officer, Ian Birch, is currently While there are no plans to keep animals to be allotments when I was a on the site in the immediate future, the working with groups of volunteers to tame it. He said: “It’s quite a mission as there kid. It will be nice that the local group has plenty to be getting on with are 30 years’ worth of bramble growth, litter, developing the gardens. kids will have somewhere to and the odd sofa. It’s really great that we Green Synergy hope to use the go and get involved with have an enthusiastic team of volunteers to community garden to develop a small positive stuff help. We have already cleared about one garden nursery, selling fresh, affordable third of the area; we keep visualising what produce and plants and an online shop it will be like when completed. We have selling crafts to secure the long-term future had an ecological survey done and are developing a wildlife of the charity, meaning it can continue to support local people to management plan to help us enhance the biodiversity of the site make positive changes to their lives and the local environment and encourage native species.” for many years to come. To help make Hillside Community Garden a reality join the crowdfunding campaign at www.fundit.buzz/greensynergy

What is a City Farm? City Farms and community gardens are like outdoor community centres; they are places where everyone is welcome to come and join in with a wide range of activities that help people socialise, learn and thrive. They help re-connect people to the countryside and farming. Mary explained: “This is particularly important in our society today as we are becoming so disconnected from food production.” According to a National Trust Survey, three quarters of all Britons now live in urban areas and 1 in 5 of these have not been to the countryside in the last five years. Even more shocking, one third of UK children have never heard a cow, sheep or pig make a noise in real-life (LEAF, 2015). While Lincolnshire is a very rural county that grows more produce than any other county in the UK, it is not immune from this trend. Mary said: “Although there is countryside right up to the city boundary, it can still be very hard for some people to access, especially if they do not have their own transport, are unemployed, on a low income or have a mental or physical health condition. It is for these people that city farms and community gardens really make a difference. “The ethos of community gardens and city farms is that they are developed with and for the community, they are free for people to visit and involve a large amount of voluntary support from local people.” For more information on all Green Synergy’s projects go to www.greensynergy.org.uk

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Let’s get digital! Whether it’s paying your bills, shopping or booking a holiday, everything is easier online these days. Nigel Lloyd has recently begun paid work for Lincoln DialaRide, after a combination of his digital skills course and volunteering helped him back into work. Nigel started the course last year with no IT skills or knowledge, after leaving a career in manufacturing due to health issues. He said: “It was a really worrying time as I had tried different jobs but they weren’t suitable. I really wanted to work but could not find anything and did not have the right qualifications.” Since starting his studies Nigel has gained qualifications in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. While studying, he started volunteering at Lincoln DialaRide, where he could begin to put his new IT skills into practice. His hard work paid off as DialaRide offered Nigel a part-time position.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

But not everyone finds using a computer easy, let alone navigating the world wide web. That’s where our digital champions come in. Based at the self-serve computers in City Hall, these volunteers help customers apply for benefits and search for jobs. Volunteering is a great way to gain work experience, develop skills working with people and with computers, and give something back by sharing your skills with people who need support. Some of our previous digital champions have gone on to find work because of it. You can give as much or as little time as you want. Interested? Contact Robert.kay@lincoln.gov.uk Nigel said “The Community Education Centre is a brilliant place to learn and I would recommend it to anyone. I had not done any learning for a very long time and was slightly apprehensive at first but the staff were friendly and very helpful and put me at ease as soon as I walked through the door. “They also helped me with my CV as well as supporting me with my IT courses. The learning style is nice and flexible so you can fit study time around other commitments. “As well as finding a job I have gained so much confidence since starting in September and my future now looks a lot brighter.” The courses are funded by the city council following a successful bid to Lincolnshire County Council’s Health and Wellbeing Fund

Why not take it further? Good computer skills can help you find work, and if yours aren’t up to scratch you might be able to take advantage of a fully-funded course at Lincoln College’s Community Education Centre. Supported by City of Lincoln Council, the courses help to build digital skills and improve people’s confidence, putting them in a better position to find work. If you or someone you know could benefit, find out if there’s a free course to suit you by calling 01522 876258 or email communityeducationcentre@ lincolncollege.ac.uk

Summer fun at Lincoln’s parks

Boultham Park • 20 July - Bottle Rockets 10am -11.30am

Whether it’s making bottle rockets, kites or bug hotels, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained at Hartsholme Country Park this summer. Even better – this year our Park Rangers are expanding their summer calendar to run fun and affordable activities at Boultham Park and the Arboretum too! The travelling roadshow of children’s events – not forgetting adult workshops too – will run for the summer holidays through to Christmas. Conservation Ranger Lisa Blezzard said: “Our events at Hartsholme have proved increasingly popular and we’re excited to spread these events further afield,

hopefully giving more people the chance to take part. “There’s so much fantastic stuff going on at all three of Lincoln’s parks right now, and we’re really lucky to have so much green space in our city. They are a great backdrop for any event and I hope people enjoy them. “If this goes well, we’d love to expand our calendar next year, with even more events in Boultham Park and the Arborteum, and maybe some other locations.”

• 2 August - Den building 10am -11.30am (to coincide with national play day) • 31 August - Mosaic Tiles 10am -11.30am (Boultham library) • 24 November - Pumpkin carving 10am -11.30am • 1 December - Wreath making 10am – 12pm

Arboretum • 25 July - Lantern Making 10am -11.30am Arboretum café room • 2 August - Junk Animals 1pm - 2.30pm Arboretum café room • 10 August - Kite Making 10am - 11.30am Bandstand • 29 August - Terrific Trees 10am - 11.30am Bandstand • 6 December - Wreath Making 10am – 12pm Arboretum café room Visit www.lincoln.gov.uk/hartsholmecp for a full list of events, including prices, booking requirements and other details. Many activities are Children’s University accredited.

Study at the Children’s University The Lincolnshire Children’s University aims to raise children’s aspirations and provide them with a wide variety of exciting learning opportunities that they may not otherwise experience. These activities are designed to raise self-esteem, expand horizons and boost confidence, encouraging children to try something new and instilling a life-long love of learning. Children can join the scheme and collect their ‘Passport to Learning’ by signing up directly via the University of Lincoln online shop, or through a participating school. Please speak to your school to find out if they are registered. As soon as a child receives their passport they can begin earning stamps straight away, either by attending school clubs or by visiting on the many participating venues across the UK. In Lincolnshire, children can earn stamps for making a Bottle Rocket at Hartsholme Country Park, borrow an artist’s kit to sketch or paint the gardens at the National Trust’s Belton House, or by getting involved in Lincoln Central Library’s Saturday morning Lego Club.

As soon as the child has earned 30 stamps, the equivalent of 30 hours of extra-curricular learning, they will be invited to attend a Lincolnshire Children’s University Graduation Ceremony. Taking place at the University of Lincoln, they will be invited to wear the traditional mortar board and gown to celebrate their achievements and receive their certificate. The Lincolnshire Children’s University is part of a national charity, the Children’s University Trust, and is run by the University of Lincoln in partnership with Bishop Grosseteste University. To find out more about the Children’s University, including a list of stamp-approved destinations, visit www.childrensuniversity. co.uk/home/childrens-university-in-your-area/

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Going for green Most of us love having green, open spaces close by, and Lincoln is fortunately not short of them. Parks and green spaces aren’t only important for leisure, but provide habitats and environments to help wildlife thrive, and we need to look after them to continue to enjoy them. It takes a lot of work to create and maintain sustainable, diverse open spaces and the city’s new Volunteer Co-ordinator is looking for people who care about Lincoln’s open spaces to help him enrich and develop them for the future. Employed by Continental Landscapes, Dave Walker hopes to build up a team of volunteers throughout the city to carry out work beyond the city council’s remit, focusing on conservation, nature and horticulture.

How do you feel to get out of the classroom and onto the site? It’s exciting! While I was teaching arboriculture my manager concentrated on more traditional techniques, where I tended to be more experimental in my approach. Knowledge and techniques move on, and there’s more emphasis now on ecology, wildlife value, and different management techniques for trees and woodland environments. In this position I’ve got quite a bit of influence and I’m looking forward to getting a chance to use my knowledge, and also to share my skills and experience with others. Hopefully people will be able to see benefits as we start to put plans into action. So Dave, what’s the plan?

Where will you begin?

Lincoln is full of lovely green, open spaces. Although these are already well maintained, my role is to enrich the value of all of Lincoln’s green spaces, both for wildlife value but also for further enjoyment by the public, I want to ensure each site reaches its full potential.

At the moment I’m looking at two sites but if the initiative is successful then we can make plans for more. The first two sites will be Birchwood Nature Park and South Common. When you walk around the South Common it’s obvious there’s less grazing on it now than there used to be. There are lots of coarse grasses and some areas are becoming overgrown. If it was left to its own devices, it would become woodland pasture rather than open grassland, and you would lose the species associated with it now. Working with volunteers will allow us to take a more proactive approach to managing it. As for Birchwood Nature Park, that’s a relatively new reserve. There’s a lot of woodland there but it’s all a similar age, which offers limited biodiversity. We need a mixture of ages and sizes of trees in order to improve the environment for insects and birds. People probably don’t realise there are already slow worms and glow worms here, which aren’t that common, so we’ll need management plans in place to protect these. I’m also hoping to manage woodland edges and create small glades to encourage more insects and flowering wild plants, which will make the area a more interesting and visually pleasing site to visit.

What work does the city council already carry out, and how is this different? Continental Landscapes carry out grounds, landscaping and play area maintenance within the city, on behalf of the council. What we’re hoping to do is go above and beyond that to improve the biodiversity of these areas and really enhance the quality of these green spaces. What experience are you bringing to this new role? I worked in further education for 23 years teaching horticulture, arboriculture and forestry. As another part of my new role will be to supervise people, all that lecturing experience should come in handy too.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Improving biodiversity is your priority, but what exactly does biodiversity mean? It’s a diverse population of living things. I always explain it as if you think about a building, if you haven’t got a foundation for a house the roof and walls fall in. All organisms within the environment are important and support each other. They all have an important role to play and biodiversity is essential to the health of an environment. What can volunteers expect to be doing? A wide range of things. They’ll be outdoors, I would like to carry out surveys initially, making a record of what’s already out there, then more ecological, conservation-based work. The main emphasis

will be on practical tasks including woodland management and grassland reinstatement. They’ll also be learning a lot, so this is an especially good opportunity for anyone interested in a career in environmental or conservation work, or looking to learn new skills. No skills or qualifications are necessary, just enthusiasm and an open mind. To find out more about volunteering email me dave.walker@lincoln.gov.uk - or call 01522 873577. I’d also be interested to hear from anyone wanting to set up their own volunteer group to look after a local green space, as I may be able to offer support. I’m looking to work with groups, businesses and organisations too, so please get in touch!

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Restored bandstand back at Boultham! As summer arrives at Boultham Park, the transformation continues! The restored bandstand is now in place and looking great, and the buildings which will house the new café and education centre are taking shape too. City of Lincoln Council and learning disability charity Linkage are working in partnership on the multi-million regeneration of the 50-acre park, including an education centre, café and horticulture centre, as well as restoration of important features in the park. The project is grant-aided by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund Parks for People initiative. Caroline Bird, Community Services Manager at the city council, said: “It couldn’t be a more exciting time for the park and its visitors, and we can’t wait until everything is finished and everyone can come and enjoy this restored, revitalised green space in the south of the city.” The latest renovations involve a transformation of the Fountain Garden, which was part of the original Boultham Hall gardens. The Yorkstone crazy paving around the fountain has all been removed, cleaned and re-set. This process has lent itself to a fundraising initiative for the project, in which members of the public are being invited to sponsor a stone, perhaps dedicating it to a loved-one, or simply to mark their own connection to the park. Another great way to get connected with Boultham Park is to become involved with volunteering, and there are plenty of opportunities from community tidy-ups to painting fences and much more. If you would like to enquire about volunteering at Boultham Park, or want to find out more about the improvements we are making as part of the restoration project visit www.boulthampark.co.uk

Affordable homes The first of five schemes delivering more than 200 new homes in Lincoln has been completed in Skellingthorpe Road. It has been built on the site of the John Council Leader Ric Metcalfe officially King factory, which produced Primrose opened the Primrose Place development, Oil, by Westleigh Partnerships, and is the which will help to meet the shortage of first of five schemes to be completed by good quality affordable homes in the city. Waterloo Housing Group. The 57 homes have all been let or sold to local residents. A further 150 homes are being built at: Cllr Metcalfe said: “This development • Blankney • Thoresway Drive makes a significant contribution to good Crescent • Ingleby Crescent quality housing in the city. Waterloo • Westwick Drive Housing Association, in partnership with the city council, has done a great job and I Anthony Riley, Group Director of was delighted to meet some of the tenants, Development and Operations at Waterloo who will be rehoused directly from our Housing Group, said: “These schemes housing waiting list. are really important to the city council, “I look forward to many more as they give families an opportunity to developments of this type as we progress toward our target of 500 new homes in the move out of shared accommodation with family or friends, or out of short term next five years.” and often unsuitable privately rented The scheme has a mix of two and accommodation, into a brand new home three bedroom family homes for rent and let at an affordable rent or on a part rent/ shared ownership with a small block of part buy (shared ownership) basis.” one bedroomed flats for single people.

Have your say on local decisions We all know casting a vote in elections is an important way to shape how your local council works, but did you know there are lots of other ways you can get involved throughout the rest of the year? Councillors and officers of the council are accountable to the public for all the decisions they take. Often these are decisions that will have a real impact on the city and affect the lives of people living in, working in and visiting Lincoln’. Most major council decisions are taken at meetings which members of the public are able to watch, and many meetings have opportunities for members of the public to put forward their views or to ask questions. For example, the council’s planning committee often has to consider different points of view relating to planning applications. To help committee members to reach the right decision, members of the public who are affected are given the chance to speak for or against individual applications. For decisions like these and others we run regular consultations and engagement exercises. This allows us to consider whether people support a particular change or whether there might be a better way of achieving our vision for improving the city.

We value all of the feedback we receive and do our best to get information about these activities to people who might be interested. Keep an eye on our website and social networks for more details. Members of the public are encouraged to submit questions about the council’s policies and functions. These questions can then be answered at meetings of our full council by the councillors who are responsible for the relevant area. And, of course, it’s also possible for people who live or work in Lincoln to stand for election to the council. Our next elections are scheduled to take place on 3 May 2018. You can find more information about becoming a candidate at www.lincoln.gov.uk/elections or by calling 01522 873374.

Do it online You can find out what the council is discussing or deciding at a meeting by reading the agendas, which are published at least five days before the meeting takes place. These can be found at www.lincoln. gov.uk/committees, where information is also held on past meetings and how you can participate in future. www.lincoln.gov.uk/elections - details about elections including becoming a councillor www.lincoln.gov.uk/councillors - find the contact details for the councillors who represent you Want to know more? Get in touch with our democratic services team on democratic. services@lincoln.gov.uk

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Soft play opening soon at Lincoln leisure centre! A soft play area for young children is at the heart of a £1.4 million investment in Birchwood Leisure Centre. The fantastic new facilities will also include a climbing wall Lincoln’s two leisure centres – Birchwood and Yarborough and state-of-the-art spin studio, as well as a toning tables studio, – are run on behalf of the city council by sports and physical larger, improved fitness gym and a new café. activity charity Active Nation. Simon Walters, Strategic Director for Communities and Mark Learnihan, Business Development Director for Active Environment at City of Lincoln Council, Nation, said: “We can’t wait to open the said: “This is a significant investment by This is an exciting development new facilities at Birchwood, which will really the city council to bring health benefits and raise the bar for leisure provision in the city. opportunities to people of all ages in the city. that will provide a fantastic facility “Our aim is to give everyone the “The refurbishment includes a toning for the city, offering something for opportunity to be active, and the new soft tables studio, which help people who aren’t play area will be a real asset in getting everyone all under one roof. children enjoying being physically active physically active, and a soft play area to encourage activity among young people. from a young age.” “In addition, by modernising the leisure centre we can reduce The gym facilities are due to open in late summer, with the the costs of running the centre, creating savings for the council remainder opening at the end of the year. and taxpayer over the longer term. “This is an exciting development that will provide a fantastic facility Images show what the new soft play area will look like – colour scheme subject to change for the city, offering something for everyone all under one roof.”

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Local Plan will guide growth in Central Lincolnshire Last month (June) saw the launch of a plan that will shape the development of homes, jobs and communities in Central Lincolnshire for the next 20 years. The Central Lincolnshire Local Plan covers Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey – a total of 820 square miles - and is the result of years of extensive research and consultation. The plan will be used when considering planning applications and to help address the expected growth – 20 per cent – of the area’s combined population of 310,000. Its objectives can be divided into three key aims – supporting people, improving and safeguarding place, and increasing prosperity for the area and for those who live and work here. It will ensure the development of homes, jobs and essential facilities take place in the right areas and are well planned – building for the future while protecting green, open spaces, preserving our heritage and providing habitats for wildlife. Cllr Ric Metcalfe, Chair of the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, said: “This Local Plan will touch the lives of everyone in all our communities in some way over the next 30 years. “It seeks to understand the immense social change that will take place over the next three decades. Growth in population, changes to the age profile of our population, further inward migration, increased demand for employment and housing, and even greater pressure on our public infrastructure and natural resources.

“The plan seeks directly to manage all that change for the public good, and is about strengthening the sustainability of existing communities. “It’s about growing existing and local businesses as well as attracting new investment, it’s about more and better paid jobs, it’s about 37,000 new homes for all those people desperate for an affordable home, and crucially it is about improving public infrastructure to make all of this possible.” Alongside this, the plan allows for 138 hectares of space for employment growth, resulting in the creation of 11,894 jobs. View the plan at www.central-lincs.org.uk

Save someone’s life… Blood donors make a difference every day; saving people whose lives depend on blood. Over the last year 900,000 people have given up their time to help patients in need, but more new donors are always needed. The blood donation service needs 200,000 new donors to ensure patients in the future have access to the blood they need, when they need it. There is also an urgent appeal to find new black donors to help patients with sickle cell disease, the most common and fastest growing genetic blood disorder in England and the UK. There are lots of places where you can give blood in Lincoln, so it’s easy to find a time and place to suit you. Find out more at www.blood.co.uk

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Could you help feed those in need? Being able to eat and to feed your family is one of our basic necessities and yet, nationally, more than a million people are now said Opening times of to have relied on food banks at one time or another. Lincoln’s food banks: That’s why for the Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Chris Burke, ensuring everyone in the city can eat is his top priority. Cllr Burke has chosen to support the city’s food banks and community larders as his Mayoral charity, and is calling for financial and physical contributions to make sure help is available for those who can’t afford to put food on the table. The Mayor said: “We have seven food banks and community larders in Lincoln, each of them providing a vital service for local people living in food poverty. “These places are run by volunteers and depend on kind donations from the public to survive. “We can all make a contribution, whether it be a financial donation or giving a few tins from the cupboard. The central organisation does also need a financial injection, and soon. “These important places are also very short on food, and there may be things that you have extra at home and would happily donate. “I would encourage everyone to at least have a look to see if there is anything they can spare, and to help us feed those in need by giving anything you can.” David Fleshborne helped to create the Ermine Community Larder in November last year and continues to volunteer. He said: “We all need food, but sometimes it is easy to take it for granted, and some people find themselves in such hardship that they literally can’t afford to feed themselves or their families.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

“That is why food banks are so important, and without donations from the public we just wouldn’t be able to do it. “It is very rewarding sometimes. Last Christmas, a lady came to see us and she had no way to feed her family over the festive period. “We were able to provide her family not only with meals over Christmas, but some of the little extras too, like Christmas Crackers!”

Can you help? There are a few items Lincoln’s larders are particularly short of. These include: • Tinned fruit • Rice pudding • Tinned meats (stews, meatballs, curries etc) • Tinned vegetables and fish • Breakfast cereals All food should be in its original packaging and within its best before date. It’s very easy to donate. You can either drop food off at one of your local food banks or community larders on the day and times they are open, or you can also drop off a food parcel at the City Hall collection point at any time. Simply come to The Network at City Hall with your food parcel and they will take care of the rest.

Monday 2pm to 4pm - Food Bank, Newark Road, LN5 8PY Tuesday 12pm to 1.30pm - Food Bank, Birchwood Life Church, Birchwood Ave, LN6 0JE 1.30pm to 3pm - Community Larder, Rosemary Lane, LN2 5AR (opposite YMCA) 1pm to 3pm - Food Bank, Moorlands Methodist Church, LN6 7RB Wednesday 9.30am to 10.30am - Community Larder, Baptist Church, Laughton Way LN2 2ES 11am to 12pm - Community Larder, Methodist Church, Addison Drive, LN2 4LQ 2pm to 4pm - Food Bank, Bridge Venue, 72a Newark Rd, LN5 8PY Thursday 10am to 12pm - Food Bank, Methodist Church, Skellingthorpe Rd, LN6 7RB 10.30am to 1pm - Food Bank, Central Methodist Church, 123 High Street, LN5 7PR 2pm to 4pm - Food Bank, Newark Road, LN5 8PY Friday 9.30am to 10.30am - Community Larder, St Giles Methodist Church, LN2 4LQ 1.30pm to 3pm - Community Larder, YMCA Annexe, Rosemary Lane, LN2 5AR

Recycle right Recycling contamination is a big issue – just one wrong item in a bin can cause the whole lot to go to waste, along with our efforts to help the environment. We’ve produced this handy guide to what can and can’t go in your brown recycling bin. Please keep it handy and make sure everything’s going in the right bin or bag.

No thanks

Plants or green waste

Clothing

Electrical items

Black bags

O O O O

Yes please

Nappies

Food

DIY waste

Furniture

Paper and card

Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, telephone books, cardboard, plain and coloured paper

Metals

Plastics

Glass bottles

Food and drink cans, aluminium foils and trays

Milk bottles, shampoo and cosmetic bottles, detergent bottles, bleach and cleaning bottles, similar plastic containers

Empty glass bottles and jars Please remove all lids

For more information go to www.lincoln.gov.uk/recycling www.lincoln.gov.uk

Your councillors Abbey Ward

Castle Ward

Birchwood Ward

Hartsholme Ward

Kathleen Brothwell T: 530289 kathleen.brothwell@lincoln.gov.uk

Donald Nannestad (Deputy Leader) T: 545831 donald.nannestad@lincoln.gov.uk

Paul Gowen T: 687717 paul.gowen@lincoln.gov.uk

Ron Hills T: 878352 ronald.hills@lincoln.gov.uk

Rosanne Kirk T: 684990 rosanne.kirk@lincoln.gov.uk

Andrew Kerry T: 07879 474548 andrew.kerry@lincoln.gov.uk

Eddie Strengiel T: 884688 edmund.strengiel@lincoln.gov.uk

Biff Bean T: 07767 432090 biff.bean@lincoln.gov.uk

Witham Ward

Park Ward

Thomas Dyer T: 07910 928504 thomas.dyer@lincoln.gov.uk

Chris Burke T: 279427 chris.burke@lincoln.gov.uk

Keith Weaver T: 871075 keith.weaver@lincoln.gov.uk

Sue Burke T: 279427 sue.burke@lincoln.gov.uk

Jane Loffhagen T: 07587 285132 jane.loffhagen@lincoln.gov.uk

Helena Mair T: 520662 helena.mair@lincoln.gov.uk

Fay Smith T: 875817 fay.smith@lincoln.gov.uk Peter West T: 528010 peter.west@lincoln.gov.uk

Boultham Ward Gill Clayton-Hewson T: 803793 gill.clayton-hewson@lincoln.gov.uk Gary Hewson T: 803793 gary.hewson@lincoln.gov.uk Ralph Toofany T: 885802 ralph.toofany@lincoln.gov.uk

Carholme Ward Tony Speakman T: 528222 tony.speakman@lincoln.gov.uk Karen Lee T: 546065 karen.lee@lincoln.gov.uk Neil Murray T: 873439 neil.murray@lincoln.gov.uk

Did you know you can find out more about your own councillors, including how to contact them and details of their ward surgeries, by going to www.lincoln.gov.uk/councillors

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Jim Hanrahan T: 415791 jim.hanrahan@lincoln.gov.uk Loraine Woolley T: 543889 loraine.woolley@lincoln.gov.uk

Minster Ward Liz Maxwell T: 07463 584823 liz.maxwell@lincoln.gov.uk Yvonne Bodger T: 520083 yvonne.bodger@lincoln.gov.uk Naomi Tweddle T: 07961 475631 naomi.tweddle@lincoln.gov.uk

Moorland Ward Bob Bushell T: 870625 bob.bushell@lincoln.gov.uk Geoff Ellis T: 683620 geoff.ellis@lincoln.gov.uk Adrianna McNulty T: 07950 885430 adrianna.mcnulty@lincoln.gov.uk

Glebe Ward Jackie Kirk T: 07531 022876 jackie.kirk@lincoln.gov.uk Richard Metcalfe (Leader) T: 720960 richard.metcalfe@lincoln.gov.uk Patrick Vaughan T: 534044 pat.vaughan@lincoln.gov.uk

Party Key: Labour Conservative Independent

Faith Walk

Let’s celebrate our differences, together No one could put it better than Jo Cox, the MP killed last year, when she said “we have far more in common than that which divides us.”

Adults and children of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs are invited to join the annual inter-faith walk taking place around Lincoln Cathedral on Monday 31 July. The event will run from 7pm until 9pm and include a walk around the cathedral and multi-faith prayers. More than 100 people took part last year in a show of peace and unity, highlighting the importance of peace and inspiring togetherness. For more information email linkinterfaith@hotmail.com

Now more than ever it’s important people can live together, side by side, tolerant and respectful of thier neighbours, no matter their race, religion, age or beliefs. There are plenty of opportunities in Lincoln to get to know those with whom we share our city. Here are just some examples of recent activities, and upcoming events you could get involved with.

Great Get Together Inspired by Jo Cox, several free community events took place in Lincoln to mark the national Great Get Together. These included Under the Bridge, organised by Compassionate Lincoln, which featured live music, performances, games, activities, street food and drink under Pelham Bridge, and the Active Nation family sports day at Yarborough Leisure Centre. Grow Lincoln invited people to bring food and play instruments, or just turn up to share good food and good company at Liquorice Park, while the city council invited residents in the Monks Road area to meet their neighbours. A street party was hosted by AgeUK on the Cornhill, while people came to picnic at the Arboretum. Charlie Kemp, from Compassionate Lincoln, said: “The Great Get Together called on communities to stand together and celebrate the fact that we have so much ‘more in common than that which divides us.’ Our party Under The Bridge brought people from across the city to an otherwise neglected space and filled it with music, activities and friendship - it was a really beautiful event and we’re so grateful to everyone who worked with us to make it such a success.”

Polish Day Around 150 people enjoyed celebrations to mark Polish Heritage Day in May at St Peter at Gowts Church. The Lincolnshire Polish Society and friends organised a craft workshop, Polish folk display, circus school and more to celebrate openness, appreciation and better understanding between communities and cultures. It was one of 40 events planned across the country.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

What’s On

All Summer Lincoln Knights’ Trail

City-wide until September 3

Follow a trail of 36 knight sculptures throughout Lincoln to mark 800 years since the Battle of Lincoln and the sealing of the Charter of the Forest. FREE knights@lincolnbig.co.uk / www.knightstrail.com

Battles and Dynasties

The Domesday Book

A fascinating showcase of historic documents and artefacts from British history, including royal portraits, the 1086 Domesday Book, and the 1217 Charter of the Forest.

One of the most iconic documents in British history is on display in Lincoln Castle’s Magna Carta Vault in a rare appearance outside of London – part of the Battles and Dynasties exhibition.

Tickets £6 adult £4 child, family £16 thecollection@lincolnshire.gov.uk www.thecollectionmuseum.com

Tickets £13.50 adult, £7.20 child, under 5s free www.lincolncastle.com

The Collection Until September 3, 10am – 5pm

July Den Building

Hartsholme Country Park July 27, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30am to 3.30pm

Join the Park Rangers to build a shelter that could protect you from the wind and rain, using fallen timber and tarpaulins. The activity will be in the woods so suitable clothing and sensible shoes should be worn. This activity is aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years and is a Children’s University validated activity. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £3.50 / Booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Farmers’ Market

High Street July 28, 9am to 4pm

Offering fresh and local food, farmers’ markets aren’t just a source of local organic produce, they’re also a great day out for the whole family. With stalls offering beyond just fresh ingredients: there are cakes, treats and snacks available and the local attractions can be visited too – much more than just your average trip to the supermarket. FREE visitorinformation@lincolnbig.co.uk

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Lincoln Castle Until September 3, 10am – 5pm

August Grand Medieval Joust

Lincoln Castle August 5 - 6, 11am to 4.30pm

Feel the thunder of hooves and hear the clash of lance on steel armour as four brave knights take part in the Sport of Kings.

Adult £12 Child £7.20 under 5s free www.lincolncastle.com

Bug Hunt

Hartsholme Country Park August 10, 1pm to 2.30pm

Come along and see what’s bugging us at Hartsholme Country Park. Get up close and personal with some seriously creepy creatures! Search the meadow, look under logs and peer at trees to find the minibeasts that make the park their home. This activity is aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years and is a Children’s University validated activity. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £3.50 / Booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Lincoln by the Sea

City Square July 24 - September 3, 10am to 4pm

The beach comes to Lincoln city centre, complete with deckchairs, special appearances from Punch and Judy and, of course, lots of sand! FREE events@lincolnbig.co.uk

1940s Day

Cathedral Quarter August 12 – 10am

Celebrate the spirit of 1940s Britain in Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter with a day of period and vintage activities and displays, including live music and dance performances. FREE

The Lincolnshire Motorshow Brayford Waterfront August 13 – 10am to 5pm

Hundreds of vehicles including cars, vans, campers, trucks, bikes and vintage tractors, will be on display along the Brayford Waterfront with live, local music for a fantastic, free, summer’s day out FREE lincolnmotorshow@gmail.com

Hartsholme Family Fun Day

Hartsholme Country Park August 13, 11am – 4pm

Join the Park Rangers for the annual open day where you will find a variety of activities for all the family. FREE hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/hartsholmecp

Lincoln Central Market

August 19, 9am to 4pm

A monthly home wares and flea market bringing together talented brocanteurs and artisans with their own take on all things vintage, held the third Saturday of every month. FREE 07811 462355 info@brocantelincoln.com

Bottle Rockets

Jewish Heritage Tour of Lincoln

Discover the joys of flight by making your very own bottle rocket. This activity has lots going on, a satisfying ‘whoosh’, a high-speed departure and a good soaking if you are standing close! This activity is aimed at children aged 4 to 13 years and is a Children’s University validated activity. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Discover Lincoln’s exception Jewish heritage on a guided walking tour through the city. Lincoln is home to three of the five surviving medieval Jewish houses in England, evidence of the prominent Jewish community in the city during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Hartsholme Country Park August 31, 1pm to 2.30pm

£3.50 / Booking essential hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Asylum Steampunk Festival Cathedral Quarter August 25 – 28, all day

Watch the cobbled streets of historic Lincoln taken over by the Victorian Steampunk Society’s annual festival – from top hats and flying goggles, to corset and flamboyant feathers – join in with Lincoln’s Victorian fantasy. FREE www.asylumsteampunk.co.uk

Lincoln Ghost Bus Tour

Lincoln Cathedral August 26 – 6pm to 7pm

Be spooked this August Bank Holiday weekend and explore haunted Lincoln by open-top bus with a local ghost expert. £6 visitorinformation@lincolnbig.co.uk

Cranwell Summer Fun Day

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum August 27, between 11am to 4pm

Take a summer’s day out to the Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum for a day of activities and displays. Explore vintage RAF Fire Fighting engines, try your hand at kite flying, and test your skills with a cunning trail.

September Lincoln Artists’ Market

Castle Hill September 2, 10am to 4.30pm

Nestled between Lincoln’s beautiful cathedral and castle, the artists’ market offers visitors the chance to view and buy a variety of beautiful, hand-crafted, and unique pieces of artwork and crafts. FREE 01522 545458

Lincoln Longwool – Legends of the County

Museum of Lincolnshire Life September 2 – December 4, 10am to 4.30pm

An exhibition to celebrate all things Lincoln Longwool sheep – the area’s distinctive local breed. Lincoln Longwool sheep will visit the museum over the launch weekend of 2 and 3 September and spinning demonstrations will be on display.

Meet at Visitor Information Centre September 3, 1pm to 3pm

£10 Book in advance on 07429 018962 www.jtrails.org.uk/trails/lincoln

Heritage Open Days

City-wide September 7 – 10, all day

Celebrate Lincolnshire’s local heritage with free entry, tours and activities in historic attractions across Lincoln city and the surrounding countryside. Locations include Hartsholme Country Park and Lincoln Castle. FREE hod@heritagelincolnshire.org www.heritagelincolnshire.org/heritageopen-days

Scampton Airshow

RAF Scampton September 9 -10, 7am to 7pm

An exciting family-friendly airshow at the home of the RAF Red Arrows, with five hours of flying displays and up to 100 aircraft in attendance. Adults £39, under 16s free with paying adult www.scamptonairshow.com

FREE lincolnshirelife_museum@lincolnshire. gov.uk

FREE / discovernk@n-kesteven.gov.uk www.heartoflincs.com

All events listings are supplied by the venues and are correct at the time of printing.