Your Lincoln - Spring 2016 by City of Lincoln Council

Make your vote count > P3 P5 > Neighbourhood volunteer awards P13 > New Public Services Hub

SPRING 2016

City of Lincoln Council works hard to serve you – our residents and businesses – and we have four main priorities to make sure everything we do supports our aim. These are:

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Grow the local economy – By encouraging investment and promoting existing business we can build a more prosperous future for the city and its residents

Elections

Increase the supply of affordable housing – Provide more affordable housing through planning and building more council homes

Lincoln Transport Hub Neighbourhood Awards

A fit for purpose council – Working more efficiently with reduced funding to provide essential frontline services

Central Market

Your Lincoln Rogue Landlords Living Wage Lincoln 10k Public Services Hub

Look out throughout this magazine for stories that show what we are doing to achieve these.

Advertise with Your Lincoln. We are looking for new advertisers.

How do I vote? Local elections Usually in city council elections you will only vote for one candidate, as we run elections three in every four years, with one seat open for contest in each ward. Due to boundary changes between some of the wards, this year it is an ‘allout’ election, meaning all 33 seats can be contested. This means you can vote for up to three candidates simply by marking the boxes you want.

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.

Housing Article 4 UCan Channel Shift Leisure Centres Meet your councillor Boultham Park

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. Czech

Rada města Lincoln intenzivně podporuje rovnost a diverzitu. Pokud něčemu v tomto dokumentu nerozumíte, dostavte se, prosím, do městského úřadu City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln nebo do jiné kanceláře tohoto úřadu, kde pro Vás prostřednictvím služeb společnosti Big Word můžeme zajistit tlumočníka. Lithuanian

What’s On

Would you like to see your photo on the cover of Your Lincoln? Send it to communications@lincoln.gov.uk

Keep up to date with the latest council news by following the official twitter account @lincolncouncil.

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.

Polish

Russian

Slovak

Romanian

Consiliul orașului Lincoln este pasionat de promovarea egalității și diversității. Dacă întâmpinați dificultăți în înțelegerea acestui document, vă rugăm să vă prezentați la City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln sau la oricare altă reprezentanță a consiliului, unde putem să vă punem la dispoziție un interpret prin intermediul Big Word Services. Design and print by Visual Print & Design t. 01522 300222

Where can I vote? You’ll be sent a poll card about a week before the elections with details of your polling station – you can only vote at your allocated venue. New this year, you can also check where you need to go by entering your postcode at www.lincoln.gov.uk/pollingstation

Reduce poverty and disadvantage – Protect and support our most vulnerable residents

Microchipping

In Bloom

Can I vote? If you’re 18 or over, a UK resident and living in Lincoln you should be able to vote, but you’ll need to make sure you’re on the electoral register. To do this, please call 01522 873374 or email electoral@lincoln.gov.uk

www.lincoln.gov.uk

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.

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

Make your vote count Make sure you’re registered to cast your vote on Thursday 5 May as elections take place for City of Lincoln Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner. At the city council all 33 seats – three in each of the 11 wards – are up for election so you’ll be able to make three choices on your ballot paper. Your local councillors have a key role to play making decisions that will affect the city and, equally importantly, representing the priorities and issues affecting you and others living in your community. This is your chance to decide who will represent you. Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on 5 May. If you’d prefer to vote by post, you’ll need to let us know by 20 April. If you’d prefer to vote by proxy – letting someone else cast your vote in person or your behalf – please let us know by 27 April. Results will be published on our website by Friday 6 May.

PCC elections Voting in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections is a little different. On this ballot paper, there will be two columns and you will be asked to mark a first choice in one, and a second choice in another. What does the Police and Crime Commissioner do? The role of the PCCs is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They are responsible for the totality of policing. PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their force area. Can I stand as a councillor? Anyone interested in standing for election can find out how on our website – www.lincoln.gov.uk/elections All nominations must be received by 4pm on 7 April for both city council and PCC elections. Date for your diary! The EU referendum will take place on 23 June. Have your say on whether the UK stays or goes – make sure you cast your vote. To apply for a postal or proxy vote in any election go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk www.lincoln.gov.uk

Results Bringing our community together Katie Atkinson – Chair of the St Giles Gala Group Eleni Taylor – founding member of Action LN2 Kerry Tighe – supporting local families in Bracebridge Lorraine Dixon – former chair of the ABC parents’ group in Birchwood Kate Means – supporting projects in Sincil Bank

Updated plans for Lincoln Transport Hub have been revealed

Revised scheme to regenerate Lincoln city centre Exciting plans for a state-of-the-art transport hub in Lincoln could be completed earlier than planned

The £29 million scheme to build a new bus station, 1,000-space multi-storey car park, retail space and piazza in the heart of the city centre could be a reality by the end of next year. Although the project was granted planning permission last year, the plans have been revised so that it can be delivered earlier, reducing costs and moving the bus station to be opposite the railway station – better connecting the new facility with the city centre. In order to deliver the bus station and car park as soon as possible, without risking rising costs or delays, the scheme will now be delivered in two phases with the dual-purpose footbridge being delivered as phase two of the development. Angela Andrews, Chief Executive at the city council, said: “The city council is committed to delivering a modern, fit for purpose integrated transport hub for Lincoln. We have already invested a significant amount of funding to drive this scheme forward. “Working closely with our partners, Lincolnshire Co-op, Network Rail, East Midlands Trains, Lincolnshire County Council and the GLLEP, we have decided to make the footbridge part of a second

phase of the project so that our residents can realise the benefits of the rest of the scheme sooner, particularly the bus station which is a major priority. “This high quality project will act as a catalyst for future growth in Lincoln and provide superb facilities for residents, commuters and visitors, while making our city centre more attractive and accessible.”

Subject to planning permission and confirmation of the £11 million indicative funding from the Department for Transport, it is hoped work will start on the new bus station in the summer. A temporary bus station will operate from Tentercroft Street. To keep up to date on developments go to www.lincoln.gov.uk/transporthub

Community champions celebrated in neighbourhood awards Around 130 people attended a ceremony in February to recognise local people who make a difference in our communities. Dozens of nominations were put forward of volunteers who had made a significant contribution to their local area. In total, 36 community champions were recognised across seven categories: • Bringing our community together • Promoting the health of our neighbourhood • Helping our children and young people • Young Person Award (Volunteers under 18yrs) • Helping our local adults • Promoting a cleaner, greener community • Going above and beyond for our community All the nominees were then considered by an independent panel who selected a particularly deserving winner and runner up for a Special Recognition Award. The runner up was Ermine East resident Tina James. Tina runs the community larder in Rosemary Lane, giving up her time to make sure those in crisis can get food. Sylvia Breen was the overall winner. For more than eight years Sylvia has run the Come Dine with Us group in Moorland, providing low-cost, home-cooked meals for a group of around 20 people every Tuesday and Sunday. She spends several hours preparing

for each session – buying, preparing and cooking the meals, which provide a social lifeline to elderly and vulnerable residents. Despite her own ill health this year, Sylvia continued her commitment to the group. She said: “Very few people who volunteer do it for any recognition, but nonetheless I am thrilled and flattered the good work of the group has not gone unnoticed. “I would encourage everyone to have a go at some kind of volunteering – it’s more rewarding and enjoyable than many people would at first imagine. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know people in my community who might otherwise be on their own.” The awards were organised by City of Lincoln Council’s Neighbourhood Working Team, with support from the various Neighbourhood Boards across the city and partner organisations. Councillor Rosanne Kirk, the city council’s Portfolio Holder for Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion, said: “It was both humbling and inspiring to attend these awards and realise just how much selfless good work is taking place across the city. “I’m sure there are many more unsung heroes out there making a real difference to people’s lives.”

Promoting the health of our neighbourhood Paul Frodsham – volunteer walk leader Dave Scott – volunteer walk leader Sue Ormston – volunteers with the Early Prevention of Cancer programme Alice Carter – providing football sessions for children

Helping our children and young people Laura Goodwin – volunteer with Positive Futures project Dana McClements – setting up school uniform pop-up shop Leah Cartlidge – youth group volunteer Barbara Gooding – Breakfast Club volunteer Lynne Walker – event organiser in Bracebridge Kerry Flannery – treasurer of Lincoln EST Junior Football Club Kelly Massingham – St Giles Children’s Centre Parent Forum fundraiser

Young Person Award (Volunteers under 18yrs) Jack Plumber – inspired the Abbey Youth Stars project Natasha Molesworth – Moorland Youth Club volunteer

Helping our local adults Sylvia Breen – come Dine with Us group Janet Green – lunch club volunteer for 25 years Tina James – runs community larder Dorothy Bartholomew – fundraiser and volunteer event organiser

Promoting a cleaner, greener community Nick Armiger – litter picker and helps neighbours with their gardens John Dwane – litter picker Patricia Smedley – litter picker and member of Birchwood Neighbourhood Board Britt Gallop – litter picker Going above and beyond for our community Eric Jenkinson – chair of Lincoln Tenants’ Panel David Metcalfe – poppy seller and Ermine West volunteer John Short – Remembrance Day events organiser Meave McAllister – provides Christmas sacks and clothing Maureen Cox – Royal Voluntary Service Transport Scheme volunteer Ron Ormston – chair of St Giles Board Maureen Mellows – Mo’s Swap Shop at Birchwood Children’s Centre Ian Parle – distributes goods to people who can’t get out the house

www.lincoln.gov.uk

During the last two years, events held across the city supported by the PDSA and Dogs’ Trust saw more than 100 dogs microchipped.

Two new stalls have recently opened in Lincoln’s historic central market, offering quality services at affordable prices.

Council tax

Further cuts from central government have left the city council needing to save another £1 million each year to balance the books.

Is your dog microchipped? All too many of us have felt that panic when you realise your dog has been lost or even stolen. Having an up-to-date microchip increases the chances of being reunited with your lost pet - and from 6 April this year it will become law. Thanks to microchips – and also something as simple as having a collar and tag – the city council was able to reunite 94 lost dogs with their owners last year. National figures show more than 100,000 dogs are dumped or lost each year, costing the taxpayer and charities £57 million. Getting your pet microchipped usually costs around £15 to £20, and it is hoped making it compulsory will help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets while relieving some of the burden on animal charities and local authorities. Sam Barstow, Service Manager for Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “We welcome changes to the law in relation to responsible dog ownership. Our neighbourhood management teams, together with the PDSA (Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals) have been working hard over the last couple of years to raise awareness and help people comply by offering microchipping in our local communities. “The council was called to almost 300 stray dogs last year and, while we do often find chips in dogs, they are regularly

www.lincoln.gov.uk

out of date. “It’s important people understand that an out of date chip could land you in the same trouble as no chip at all, and make it even harder for you to be reunited with your pet, so make sure you update the chip with your most recent details. Don’t forget it’s still a legal requirement for your dog to wear a collar and tag when out in public.” Where dogs are identified without a microchip, or a chip with incorrect details, owners will be given 21 days to rectify this. Failure to do so could lead to a fine of up to £500, or even having your dog taken and the cost of microchipping charged back to you.

What is it? Microchips are a tiny implant about the size of a grain of rice that stores your details on an electronic database, making it much easier to reunite you with your dog should he or she ever get lost. You can have dogs of any breed or size microchipped as long as they are over eight weeks old.

Council Leader Ric Metcalfe said: “Along with continuing cuts from government we face growing pressure to maintain the same level and quality of service to residents. “Our priorities remain to protect the poorest, increase the supply of affordable housing and to grow the local economy. We have already made significant savings by improving efficiencies and will continue to look for alternative sources of fundings so we can deliver the standard of service residents deserve.” Council tax is made of up payments to Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police and the city council, which receives a 16 per cent share. Lincoln residents will see an increase of 1.91 per cent in the city council’s share of the council tax. This equates to an extra 7 pence per week for a Band B property.

Full Circle Books Offering new and used books at low prices, as well as a popular watch repair service, Full Circle Books is a welcome addition to the market, bringing existing customers, having made the move from the Cornhill Market next door. Owner Graham Brown said: “We’re glad to be here in the Central Market and looking forward to getting our business known. We’ve already got many good customers, who can now find us here, and hopefully we’ll be able to grow with the market as more stalls move in.”

Green fingers

If you’d like to get out and try something new this spring, now is a great time to get an allotment. You could grow your own vegetables, meet new people, learn new skills or just enjoy the fresh air. Plots are available at 18 sites across the city. For more information go to www.lincoln.gov.uk/allotments

Park smart

Did you know you can buy scratchcards for both daytime and evening parking that will save you more than 25 per cent? They can be used at any City of Lincoln Council car park and there’s no expiry date. Daytime tickets can be bought in packs of seven while evening scratchcards are available in packs of 15. Scratchcards are available to buy at City Hall.

Growing market needs your support! Change is afoot at Lincoln’s historic Central Market, as it welcomes new stalls and reminds residents it is very much open for business! Full Circle Books and Cornhill Shoe Repairs have recently moved in, and the stall layout has been altered to open up the Grade II listed market hall, making it more inviting and easier to get around. Eunice Porter, chair of the Lincoln branch of Market Traders Federation, said: “This is a really exciting time for the market and we’re looking forward to seeing what happens next. Stall holders were invited to give their views on architect’s proposals for the hall and overall there’s a very positive feeling for the market’s future. “I’d like to welcome the two new stalls who have joined us recently, and hope people will continue to support us by popping in to see what’s on offer.” In the long-term, City of Lincoln Council plans to refurbish the market hall and is exploring options to expand the market outside, with improved toilet facilities. Antony Angus, Recreation Services Team Leader, said: “Our priority is to make sure there is a fresh produce offer in the market, alongside a range of other stalls offering high quality goods and services that people want, at a price they can afford. “We will continue to look at our options, consulting with traders, to make sure Lincoln has a vibrant, sustainable market offer that will play a vital role in our city centre.”

Cornhill Shoe Repairs Cornhill Shoe Repairs have also moved from the Cornhill Market and offer a great value service of shoe repairs and key cutting. Rob Ashworth said: “Changing the layout of the market has made it more open and accessible, and with a few more stalls I think it could look really good. We need people to come in and support their local market to help encourage more stalls and build a bustling, vibrant market.”

Could you be a market trader? Market trading can be a great way to set up a small business, test the market or just give you the chance to be more involved in the city centre. A variety of stalls are available to lease on daily or monthly packages. Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk/centralmarket

www.lincoln.gov.uk

New mosque taking shape

Your Lincoln – how do you feel about your community?

Winner of Best Garden in Abbey 2015, Marcia Townsend, has lived in her home since 1969. She said the competition is an excellent incentive for people to start growing.

Let it grow – competition is on to find best garden The In Bloom competition, run by City of Lincoln Council’s Neighbourhood Teams, attracted dozens of entries last year. Now residents and community groups in Abbey, Birchwood, Ermine, Moorland and St Giles wards can showcase the results of all their efforts once again. Lewis Lanham, Community Caretaker for Lincoln South, said: “The competition aims to encourage residents to take pride in their community and contribute towards making their neighbourhood a cleaner, more colourful area. “It recognises and celebrates the hard work of residents who have taken extra special care of their outdoor spaces. It was great to see so many people getting involved last year and I’m looking forward to seeing what this year has to offer.”

The categories for 2016 are: Best Garden – For front or rear gardens

World Hello Day Once again dozens of organisations across the city marked World Hello Day. Aimed at celebrating our differences and promoting tolerance, understand and respecting, a growing number of events are taking place in Lincoln each year. If you’re interested in getting involved this year, contact magdalena.bednarczyk@lincoln.gov.uk

community space, for example a garden run by a community group Tallest sunflower – This category is open to everyone - why not get creative and decorate your pots too! Competition entries will be accepted by post, telephone, email or online and must be submitted by 31 May 2016. Judging is expected to take place during June.

Best Hanging Basket or Container Garden – For those gardens with mostly baskets or containers Best Communal or Community Garden This category includes areas that are accessible by multiple residents or in a

Several workshops will be held in each area to plant sunflowers throughout April – keep an eye on the web page for more details.

96%

said they were fairly or very satisfied with their local area as a place to live

83% of respondents said

their local area was a place where people from different background get on well together

78% felt strongly that

they belonged to their immediate neighbourhood

73%

said people not treating each other with respect and consideration was not a very big problem at all.

To find out more go to www.lincolnmosque.com

Let’s stamp out hate crime At St. Giles Academy, children painted red, white and blue handprints in an Eiffel Tower to show their support after the atrocities in Paris l Pupils at Bishop King Primary Schoo sang songs from around the world

If you live in Birchwood, Moorland, St. Giles, Ermine and Abbey and you are interested in entering your garden or would like to nominate your neighbour’s garden please visit www.lincoln.gov.uk/inbloom or contact your local neighbourhood team for more information. Moorland/Birchwood – 01522 689986 – South Team Abbey – 01522 541470 – Central Team St. Giles/Ermine – 01522 544500 – North Team

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Where we live makes a huge difference to our lives and our happiness, and a recent survey of Lincoln residents showed the majority of respondents feel very positive about their area.

More than 130 people took advantage of an open day to look inside Lincoln Mosque, in Orchard Street. Visitors were treated to a guided tour and exhibition explaining the principles of Islam and importance of the mosque within the community. The open day was part of the National Campaign ‘VisitMyMosque,’ inviting communities to visit their local mosque and learn more about the Islamic faith. Attendees had the opportunity to witness the afternoon prayers and have their names written in Arabic. The open day also provided an opportunity to learn more about the new mosque being built in Dixon Street. Visitors were able to look at project plans and drawings of what the new mosque will look like. In addition to prayer facilities, teaching spaces and a library, the mosque will also be available to hire by the local community.

In the survey, the city council also asked what people felt most needed improving about their area. Coming top of the list were road and pavement repairs and level of traffic congestion. The responsibility for highways lies with Lincolnshire County Council, and there are a number of schemes taking place to make getting around easier for everyone. These include the East West Link Road, Eastern Bypass and the city council’s £29 million transport hub with a new bus station and 1,000 space multi-storey car park. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents said they would like to see more activities for teenagers, while 38 per cent wanted more affordable, decent housing and 34 per cent highlighted clean streets as an area for improvement.

Chef and Lincoln College tutor Craig Gollin baked bread and cakes from all over the world alon g with his team at Busy Days at Queen’s Park Hub

Council Leader Ric Metcalfe said: “It’s great to see such positive results overall in terms of how satisfied our residents are with their communities.

“We are always striving to improve the services we provide and it’s reassuring to note that residents’ concerns are in line with our priorities in terms of increasing affordable housing and maintaining a high quality street cleaning service. “It’s very encouraging to know more than 80 per cent of people felt that parks and open spaces, sport and leisure facilities and facilities for young people were not an area of concern in their community.” Do you want to help shape the council’s services? Anyone living in Lincoln can join the Citizens’ Panel and take part in three surveys each year, asking your opinion on everything from bin collections to city centre developments.

To join email policy@lincoln.gov.uk

Have you ever been abused simply because of your sex, faith or race? Hate crime is a form of abuse that specifically targets a person’s identity and has a huge negative impact on those that are subject to abuse, their families and by the community as a whole. Hate crimes can include physical attacks on people or property, threats such as offensive letters, telephone calls or intimidation, and verbal abuse or insults. Hate crime can be reported directly to police on 101 or 999 or Stop Hate UK provides an independent 24-hour reporting service throughout Lincolnshire. You can contact the service on 0800 138 1625 or online at www.stophateuk.org

Brayford Water Clock may chime again

Accreditation is available for local businesses that pay the Living Wage

Why organisations in Lincoln pay the Living Wage:

The Brayford Water Chimes sculpture, or Water Clock, in Lincoln may chime again after local organisations have come forward to help fund its refurbishment.

“We pay way above the Living Wage as most of our staff have undergone a huge learning curve to do the job and the others from cleaner upward are respected and rewarded accordingly.” Lindum College

Installed on the Brayford Waterfront in 2001 by sculptor Andy Plant, the Brayford Water Clock stopped working around ten years ago. Since then, attempts have been made to fix the problems but none have been successful. However, after a recent push by City of Lincoln Council, the project will now receive the necessary funds to restore it to its former glory.

Funding secured to crack down on rogue landlords A good home is vital to good health, and with help from a government grant City of Lincoln Council is cracking down on poor quality housing.

The Department for Communities and Local Government recently awarded the council more than £96,000 to help improve the standard of private rental sector housing in Lincoln. Work will focus on the Sincil Bank area, and will involve five housing inspectors visiting properties in the area, checking the quality of the homes and ensuring landlords take the necessary action to bring their properties up to a suitable standard. The grant will also be used to pay for translation services to help us engage with as many people in the area as possible. Councillor Pete West, Portfolio Holder for Housing at the council, said: “This is a vote of confidence from central government in our plans to tackle poor quality housing in an area of Lincoln that has been

identified as in need of regeneration. “A good home is essential to people’s health and well being, but we know from surveys we have carried out there is a reasonably high proportion of poor quality privately rented properties in the Sincil Bank area. This can include issues such as damp, condensation and faulty electrics – which can present serious health risks. “We’ll be working with our Neighbourhood Working Team to engage with tenants and this funding will be invaluable in supporting our work to tackle this problem.” The council is one of 48 authorities across the country to share a £5 million pot of funding designed to take on irresponsible landlords who force tenants to live in squalid and dangerous properties.

Along with the city council, funding for the project has been pledged by Lincolnshire Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), the Heslam Trust and Jackson Developments. David Rossington, Company Secretary at LEAP, said: “Public art plays an important part in promoting the culture of an area. The Water Clock reminds us of the important role that water played in Lincoln’s history and the need, as time flows by, for everyone to play an active part in conserving the heritage of the Brayford as England’s oldest inland port.”

“We believe work and fair pay is the way to address poverty.” Social Change UK

Let’s make Lincoln ‘Living Wage’ There are 23 organisations in the city currently signed up to pay a fair wage for a fair day’s work. This means more than 1,100 employees in Lincoln are covered by the Living Wage Campaign. The Living Wage has risen from £7.85 an hour to £8.25 an hour, with organisations accredited to the Lincoln campaign having to meet this new voluntary pay rate by April 1, 2016. This rate is different to the National Minimum Wage. Whereas the National Minimum Wage is based on economic conditions, the Living Wage is calculated on the basic costs of living as identified by members of the public.. Council Leader Ric Metcalfe said: “We first adopted the Living Wage two years ago as we believed it was the fairest way to pay staff for their hard work. “One of our priorities is to grow the local economy and by paying staff this way it gives them more of a disposable income that research has shown is spent locally. “Another of our aims is to protect the poorest people in the city and the Living Wage is considered to be at a level to provide a decent standard of living. “We are committed to maintaining our Living Wage accreditation and are one of the partners on Lincoln Living Wage Forum, encouraging other businesses and

Cllr Ric Metcalfe

organisations to reward staff this way.” Lincoln Living Wage Forum is currently running a ‘Making Lincoln Living Wage’ campaign, which includes a three-star accreditation scheme and an online register. To view a list of organisations in Lincoln currently accredited with the campaign, visit www.lincolnagainstpoverty.co.uk/register

Why pay the Living Wage? It’s good for business - research has shown paying the Living Wage can significantly reduce staff turnover, save on recruitment, reduce absence and sickness levels and increase staff morale and productivity. It helps to lift working people out of in-work poverty as they have enough income to keep on top of their bills; put food on the table and enjoy social activities.

“Paying the Living Wage is good for the economy, for business, for the individual and for society – it’s a fairer system.” Visual Print & Design “Paying our employees the Living Wage not only represents our core ethical values but it also shows that we stand against zero hour contracts and the current minimum wage of £6.50. We owe our employees a great deal and we firmly believe they deserve to provide for themselves and their families.” Lincolnshire Credit Union “Learning Communities is a communitybased charity and as such we work with a lot of families on low income and believe that morally we should support any initiative which helps people to gain a better standard of living and in turn helps raise aspirations of a better career and development for them and their families.” Learning Communities “We pay the Living Wage as we value our staff and recognise the need to pay a fair wage that reflects the hard work and dedication they provide to our organisation.” Voluntary Centre Services “We believe that paying the living wage is morally right and helps our employees to have a better quality of life.” PAB Translation “We have always paid a reasonable wage and believe our employees should be rewarded according to their skills and loyalty.” Ruddocks

www.lincoln.gov.uk

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Bishop Grosseteste University NEWPORT

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Distance Markers (km) CHURCH LANE

First Lap Second Lap

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First Aid

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Minster Yard

Get set…go! Asda Foundation City of Lincoln 10K running for the 20th year! It will be the 20th running of the Asda Foundation City of Lincoln 10K, which has grown into one of the region’s biggest road races and each year raises tens of thousands of pounds for charity. A large field is expected for the run on Sunday 17 April, which boasts a flat and fun route that takes in some of Lincoln’s historic sites, including the cathedral and the city’s Roman walls.

Charlie Tatman, event manager with organisers Run For All, said: “The Ambitions team

LAUGHTON WAY

The 10K will be the highlight of a festival of running that gets underway the day before with the Arena Group mini and junior runs.

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START

RISEHOLME ROAD

Ladies across Lincoln have been raising funds for Sport Relief to celebrate International Women’s Day. It’s all part of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign to encourage more women and girls to take part in sport and activity. Mandy Watson and her team at Ambitions Personnel in Lincoln are huge advocates of This Girl Can, and organised an eight-hour ping-pong-athon in the office to raise money. She said: “When we heard This Girl Can had teamed up with Sport Relief, we knew it was something we had to be involved in. We’re all very competitive and are also keen to do our bit for charity, so it just seemed like the perfect opportunity!” Around 200 women and girls are expected to take part in more than 15 different activities in Lincolnshire to raise money for Sport Relief. It has been coordinated by Lincolnshire Sport which aims to encourage more people to be more active, more often. Chief Executive Janet Inman said: “Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign is very inspirational, and has been hugely successful with 2.8 million women taking part in more activity of a result of the campaign. It encourages women of all shapes, sizes and abilities to just give sport a go, and we’re huge advocates at Lincolnshire Sport. “Seeing so many clubs, groups and organisations getting involved with this national fundraising effort has been fantastic, and we’re very proud to have supported this campaign.” For more information about sport and activity in Lincolnshire, visit www.lincolnshiresport.com or call 01522 730 325.

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Active women raise funds for Sport Relief

D ROA TH ABE ELIZ EEN U Q

20th running of the City of Lincoln 10K promises to be a really special occasion that will raise vital funds for a range of local and national charities.” Councillor Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Recreational Services and Health at City of Lincoln Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Lincoln 10K celebrate its 20th year. “The event continues to grow in popularity, and rightly so. It’s a brilliant route taking in the spectacular landmarks in uphill Lincoln, offering a good course for beginners and also for the more experienced runner to challenge themselves.”

Lincoln’s City Hall has been transformed to house five services under one roof The new Public Services Hub will provide a convenient one-stop shop of vital services and organisations in the city centre. Along with City of Lincoln Council and the Department for Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus, the hub also includes Voluntary Centre Services, Lincolnshire Credit Union and The Network, which supports young people’s development. Council Leader Ric Metcalfe formally opened the new hub in

Lincolnshire Credit Union is a financial co-operative owned and controlled by its members. It provides access to affordable financial services for people living or working within Lincolnshire.

January. He said: “This hub will be a great benefit to the local community, providing joined up services from one place and reducing costs to the tax payer. “This has been the largest DWP and local authority co-location project in the country, and we’re grateful to customers for their patience during works on the building.” Graham Sheppard, Jobcentre District Manager said: “This is a very exciting time for us and we are

funding advice and access to news and networks in the voluntary and community sector. They also deliver volunteer management training which is available for anyone who finds themselves with responsibility for volunteers.

thrilled to be able to build stronger relationships with our colleagues at the local authority.  “The new Public Services Hub will provide joined up services for the local community in a single building, enabling closer working with local partners, while offering a more comprehensive service to our customers and making significant savings for the taxpayer.” The Network is expected to move in within the next couple of months.

City of Lincoln Council provides vital services to people living in, working in and visiting Lincoln. This includes waste collections, car parks, licensing, planning and managing 8,000 council homes. DWP Jobcentre Plus aims to help

Voluntary Centre Services supports volunteers and voluntary and community organisations across West Lincolnshire. As well as operating Volunteer Centres in Lincoln, Gainsborough and Sleaford that deal with more than 2,000 volunteer enquiries each year, VCS can help anyone wishing to set up a group,

The Network will launch later this year. It is a service aimed at helping young people who are not in education, employment or training, offering services such as careers advice and guidance, work and training opportunities and signposting to other support services.

people find employment. It also administers a range of benefits to those in need.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Amy Blasthead and her daughter Taylor (aged three) found their home through the city council’s Private Landlord Scheme, run by Joanna Gray.

Go ahead for more council homes

Timeline: • In August 2014, full council considered a petition from residents in Carholme ward calling on the authority to take action to limit the growth of HMOs. • The council carried out a city-wide consultation seeking the views of residents and other interested parties on the issues raised by the growth of HMOs.

Work will start soon on 16 new council homes in the Ermine East area of the city.

Families in need helped by private landlords A scheme set up two years ago to help find homes for people most in need is going from strength to strength.

The Private Landlord Scheme run through tenants to set up their payments, the whole Lincs Homefinder provides another option process has been very smooth, and Amy has for residents in housing need. City of Lincoln been great!” Council works with private landlords to offer Tenants Cloie and James have three small their properties to rent. children and are expecting a fourth. They left Amy Blasthead has already felt the Ireland and a very difficult housing situation benefits. She moved to the city with to live in Lincoln where they have family. her three young children following a Finding accommodation for a large family relationship breakdown. is never easy but they recently moved into a She said: “I fell in love with the house private rented property through the Landlord as soon as I saw it. It was all really nicely Scheme. Cloie said “We couldn’t have hoped decorated with a fitted kitchen, wooden for a better house. We got a lot of help from floors and carpets. The landlords have the council and other agencies. Having a been spot on. Anything that needs doing baby on the way we just wanted to settle they will see to it. down somewhere with our children to give “My eldest daughter has started at the local them a good, solid base.” school and the middle one is at nursery. I feel Cloie and James’ landlord, John, said: really settled here and we would like to stay “The vetting and selection process of both the as long as we can.” property and the potential tenants was very Amy’s landlords, Mark and Lyn Savage, straightforward and surprisingly quick. The originally bought the house for their son when property was let in just over two weeks, from he was a student. They wanted a change start to finish. from renting to the student market when “I put another property into the scheme he graduated and decided to give the city a couple of weeks ago and, once again, council scheme a try. suitable tenants were found and housed in Mrs Savage said: “As landlords with two about a fortnight. Both of these properties properties we have been extremely happy were previously in my student let portfolio, with the partnership we have entered into and I am pleased to say that providing with the Lincoln landlord scheme. From deserving families with decent and safe identifying the right families for our properties homes at a sensible rent is looking to taking care of the deposit and helping our increasingly attractive.”

The two, three and four-bed houses in Blankney Crescent are the latest phase of a £15 million scheme to build 150 council houses in six years. Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the city council, said: “There is an urgent need for more affordable housing in the city – we manage 8,000 council homes but we have more than 3,000 people on our waiting list. “These homes will be built to a high energy-efficiency standard, meaning they will be economical to heat as we try to help keep down tenants’ bills in line with our aim of reducing fuel poverty.” Phases one and two of the scheme saw 10 new homes build in Wellington Street and Stapleford Avenue in 2012 and 2014, while 20 bungalows in Birchwood are due to be completed this month.

Track your repairs online Council tenants can now book their own repairs and check appointment times through our Repair Tracker. Go to www.lincoln.gov.uk/repairs

• In December 2014, the council’s Executive considered those views and the available options and decided to pursue the introduction of an Article 4 direction.

Article 4 direction introduced in Lincoln Property owners wishing to turn their homes into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) now need to apply for planning permission. The Article 4 direction introduced on March 1 will give the council more control over the number and density of HMOs in the city. Councillors sought to improve the quality of housing in the city after residents raised concerns over the impact of high densities of HMOs in certain areas. John Latham, the council’s Strategic Director for Communities and Environment, said: “Although we recognise that HMOs are an important part of the housing market we need to ensure they form part of balanced communities across the city. “The council has undertaken a significant amount of work, including three public consultations, to inform our decision and we believe introducing an Article 4 direction is the best option to better manage the future development of HMOs in Lincoln. “It will allow us to exercise more control over their density and location, preventing over-concentrations in some areas that could harm local communities.”

Planning applications for HMOs will be judged against criteria including that no more than 10 per cent of properties within a 100 metre radius of the property should be HMOs. More than 500 HMOs in Lincoln have been declared as part of the council’s evidence gathering to improve its knowledge of HMOs in the city. Landlords and property owners can continue to declare existing HMOs at www.lincoln.gov.uk/hmo, where you can also find FAQs relating to the new direction. The direction will be reviewed after 12 months.

The city council is also developing an ‘umbrella’ accreditation scheme to support trusted landlords and improve the quality of housing in the city. It will work with existing schemes to promote responsible landlords in the private rented sector.

• In March 2015 a second public consultation was carried out resulting in a total of 268 responses. Of these, 133 were in favour of an Article 4 direction, 130 were against and the remainder were observations. • Reasons given by those who supported the direction included that the over-saturation of HMOs had led to the deterioration of local communities; current planning controls did not give power to control the spread and concentration; and the overconcentration has had a serious detrimental impact on the quality of life for permanent residents. • Reasons given by those objecting to the direction included the effect on the value of property and an increase in rent for those living in HMOs • A third consultation took place in September and October last year, focusing on the criteria that would be used to determine applications. • The results of this and other evidence gathered went before Executive on Monday, January 25, 2016. • Executive agreed to implement an Article 4 Direction from March 1, 2016.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Help yourself with our new self-serve computers Whether you want to pay a bill, apply for a permit, report a problem, request a new bin or just search for a council service, there are now 20 computers available for use in City Hall.

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If you don’t have a computer at home but want to save time why not give them a try?

U Can…get online!

For those who need a little help getting started staff are on hand to help out.

From paying bills to doing the shopping, basic computer skills can make life that little bit easier for all of us. There are several courses and facilities available across Lincoln to help you get online and learn useful new skills. If you’re currently claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit, you’ll soon need access to a computer to make your claim online.

• • • •

Debt and money management support Volunteering opportunities Craft and chat sessions A range of accredited and nonaccredited learning

Learn computer skills with Lincoln College Do you want to improve your computer skills?

Access in Lincoln At Learning Communities – formerly called Birchwood Access and Training Centre) volunteers have been helping communities in Lincoln since 1995. Now based in Birchwood Library, the charity aims to support people living in the city and has recently leased Ermine and Boultham Libraries as well. Their hubs offer many services, available to groups and individuals, including: • Free computer access, including internet and wi-fi • A weekly job club, • Information and guidance appointments • Benefits advice surgeries

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Join more than 60 learners who have already enrolled on a range of fully funded new courses at Lincoln College’s Community Education Centre. The courses, supported by City of Lincoln Council, are aimed at aiding personal development and building digital skills to help more people gain confidence and get work-ready. Boost your CV with accredited qualifications, gained during flexible hours with tutor support. Learn new skills and boost your CV and confidence with accredited qualifications. To find out if there’s a free course to suit you call the centre on 01522 876258 or email communityeducationcentre@ lincolncollege.ac.uk

The public access computers are shared with Jobcentre Plus and can be found in the Jobcentre area, to the left of main reception as you enter City Hall.

A helping hand…

Could you be a digital champion?

Did you know each year the council receives a grant to help those struggling to keep a roof over their heads? Last year, we received nearly £140,000 in Discretionary Housing Payments to give to those most in need, and from April we’ll have £180,000 to spend during the next 12 months. If you need some help please email welfarereform@lincoln.gov.uk or visit www.lincoln.gov.uk/welfarereform to find out more and apply.

We’re on the lookout for more volunteers to act as ‘digital champions’ – helping customers use the computers and learn new skills. The scheme has worked well in West Lindsey, where several volunteers have gone on to get permanent jobs thanks to their experience volunteering.

For more information, or to view the Prize Draw terms and conditions, and the Direct Debit Guarantee, look out for details in your council tax bill or visit: www.directdebit.co.uk/nationalcounciltax

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10574 2016 NATIONAL POSTER A1@A3 7.1.16.indd 1

If you’re interested, please contact Lynda Clark, Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 01427 676513 or email lynda.clark@west-lindsey.gov.uk

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If you’re claiming housing benefit or council tax support or discounts and your circumstances change, you need to let us know. This could include a change to the amount of money coming into your home, people moving in or out, or a change to your savings or investments It’s an offence not to let your local council know of any changes that could affect your benefit entitlement, and if you receive overpayments you may end up having to pay it back as a lump sum.

Life couldn’t be simpler when you pay your council tax by Direct Debit. Just think of all the benefits! You’re in total charge, but it’s all automatic so it saves you time. You can relax because everything is worry-free, safe and secure. You can spread the cost across the whole year, and you can enjoy the peace of mind of never forgetting – and never being late – to pay your council tax.

So please tell us about any changes at www.lincoln.gov.uk/tellus

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So why don’t you make the switch? Switch to Direct Debit now and be entered into the free prize draw. Visit: www.directdebit.co.uk/ nationalcounciltax for more information, to view the prize draw terms and conditions and the Direct Debit Guarantee.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

Get motivated and get moving! With winter behind us, now is the time to look forward and get active. If you prefer the great outdoors why not set yourself a goal and sign up for a challenge? Active Nation - which manages both Yarborough Leisure Centre and Birchwood Leisure Centre in partnership with City of Lincon Council is on a mission to persuade the nation to be active. The national sport and exercise charity is proud to be at the centre of some of the biggest sporting events taking place in Lincoln this year.

“We can design a fitness programme just for you. Whether you like swimming, working out in a gym, cycling on one of our state-of-the-art Wattbikes, running tracks, badminton, circuits and access to more than 90 classes each week we can help get you inspired to get active. “To get the most out of your fitness programme we also have our brilliant new service Active Nutrition - to help you eat right and get the very best out of your exercise routine. “We can also put you in touch with the many clubs, groups, teams, instructors and organisations Sport Relief Games – 18 - 20 March that use our venue week in, week out If you enjoy swimming, sign up for the throughout the year.” Swimathon and choose from a 1.5km, If you prefer something a little less 2.5km or 5km challenge either as a team serious, but still loads of fun, check or individual. The finale for the weekend out Yarborough Leisure Centre’s next will be the Sport Relief Mile where Discovery Weekend from 9 to 10 April. you can run 1, 3 or 6 miles around the Enjoy free group exercise classes, gym running track. For more information visit sessions, scuba diving, kids’ football, www.sportrelief.com roller disco, target shooting and lots of Asda Foundation City of Lincoln 10K other free sports and activities. You might even get to meet an Olympic swimmer! - Sunday 17 April For more information about Active The Asda Foundation City of Lincoln 10K Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre in is now in its 20th year – and is more Lincoln, visit them on Riseholme Road or popular than ever. Join thousands of give the team a call on 01522 304400. people as they run, jog and walk their way around the fantastic course - and it all starts outside Yarborough Leisure Centre on Riseholme Road.

The Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive Saturday 14 May

Join more than 1,000 riders at the Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive and complete the 32 mile, 58mile, 76mile or 98mile circuit. All routes will set off from Yarborough Leisure Centre. After a long ride in the tough hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the cobbled climb of Michaelgate is the final test before finishing in Castle Square at the bottom of the imposing Lincoln Cathedral. You can enter here: www. itpevents.co.uk/event/the-lincoln-grandprix-sportive Active Nation’s Stuart Blackbourn said: “Do something brilliant and sign up today. If you’ve got your sights on an even bigger challenge like the London Marathon, triathlons, cycle events or anything else then we can help.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

More activities for young people A brilliant new development is coming to Yarborough Leisure Centre that will encourage more young people to be active. Following the success of the popular Junior Gym Sessions - where younger supporters can work out alone under the supervision of the gym team - the venue is excited to announce it is expanding its activities for 11-17 year olds. Active Nation will launch an actionpacked programme from the nearby Youth Matters building. There will be something for everyone from group exercise classes – including Kids Combat and studio cycling - to a Fit Kids programme, a youth club and a whole lot more. Yarborough Leisure Centre will also continue its successful partnership with Fit For Sport - an organisation on a mission to get the UK’s children moving! Fit For Sport are a leading provider of children’s services, leadership training and holiday activity camps - including the one that runs every school holiday at the Riseholme Road venue. Their award-winning and qualified team have been providing school, family and community programmes for more than 20 years and are looking to see if visitors to the venue would use a crèche - allowing them to enjoy a swim, class or workout while their children are looked after and having fun. The full program will be launched very soon and everyone will be invited to come and try it for free as part of the grand opening week. For more details and to get involved please call Yarborough Leisure Centre on 01522 304415.

Step into Spring with sporting opportunities from Active Lincoln Whether you’re looking to get fit, lose weight, meet people, get out of the house or just enjoy sport, there’s something for everyone thanks to a range of free and low-cost activities taking place across Lincoln. Clubs and sessions are being run across the city as part of Active Lincoln – a project to make getting involved in sport or some kind of physical activity easier and more affordable. The scheme is a partnership between City of Lincoln Council, Lincoln City Football Club Sport and Education Trust, Positive Futures and The Showroom.

Volleyball team get off the ground A group of friends who met regularly to play volleyball have joined the Lincolnshire Volleyball league this season, with help from the Active Lincoln project. Since meeting with Lincoln City FC Sport and Education Trust, the Lincoln Eagles have found a weekly training venue, equipment and kit and become established as a Sport England recognised club through the Active Lincoln scheme.

Positive future for Mums & Daughters Netball A Mums & Daughters Netball session started less than a year ago has grown so fast a second session is being started elsewhere in the city. Community Sports Activator Leah Underwood, from Positive Futures delivers the session at St Giles Community Centre. She said: “There are many barriers for women and girls when taking part in sport and we have begun to remove them. With the session being free we took away the initial barrier of cost, and the group will soon be putting their skills to the test when they play their first match. We’re all very excited.” One of the mum’s who attends on a regular basis said: “‘It’s a great way to keep fit with the added benefit of losing weight. The session also gives me time to spend with my girls out of the house.”

The session has also attracted the interest of Lincolnshire’s Netball Development Officer who is supporting its further development. One of the participants recently completed a Netball Umpire course to help oversee future matches

Have you got the jitterbug? Interested in dance? The newly named Moorland’s dance group ‘iMMense6’ have been running for just over a year now and has grown from eight committed young people to a strong 16. They are currently preparing for Lincolnshire’s renowned Dance Factor party which will see other dance groups from around Lincolnshire descend upon Skegness for a day of dance celebration and competition. If this is something you are interested in come on down to the dance studio at Priory Witham Academy on Fridays at 6.30pmwe look forward to seeing you!

Other sessions being delivered in Lincoln include: Monday: Zumba - St Giles Community Centre, 13+ years,

5.00-6.00pm (Girls Only) Tuesday: Ballet - St Giles Community Centre 13+ years 6.30-7.30pm Netball - St Giles Community Centre 10+ years (Mums & Daughters) 7.30-8.30pm Wednesday: Yoga - Priory Witham Academy years 7+, 3-4pm Multisport - Priory Witham Academy years 7+ 3-4pm Football - Lincoln Christ Hospital School 14+ years 8-9.30pm Thursday: Basketball - St Giles Community Centre 13+ years 7.30-8.30pm Friday: Dance - St Giles Community Centre 11-19 years 7.00-8.30pm Dance - Priory Witham Academy 11-19 years 6.30-8pm Netball - Priory Witham Academy 10+ years (Mums & Daughters) 6.30-7.30pm

For further information please contact Leah Underwood, Community Sports Activator, on 01522 521917, 07787 787772 or email leah.underwood@ lincolnshire.gov.uk

Evening & Weekend Timetable Monday Activity Centre Closed

Tuesday

Climbing Centre Open 10.00am - 9.00pm

Bike Workshop 4.00pm - 6.00pm 2nd Tuesday of every month No booking required, just turn up!

Little Ninjas* Ages 7 - 12 6.00pm - 7.00pm £8.50

Junior Youth Night Ages 6 - 11 4.00pm - 6.00pm £1.00

----------------------------

Youth Forum Ages 11 - 18 2nd Tuesday of every month 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Contact Yarborough Leisure Centre, Riseholme Road, Lincoln: 01522 304400 (reception) 01522 304415 (junior courses) 01522 304404 (campaigns) Visit: www.activenation.org.uk Check out: www.facebook.com/activenationlincoln

The aim is for the club to continue long after the Active Lincoln project has finished, providing an alternative sport for people of the local community to be involved with.

Youth Night Ages 11 - 18 6.00pm - 9.00pm £1.00

* Must be pre-booked **Get all three X3 Sessions for £5.00

Wednesday Theatre School* Ages 8 - 16 6.00pm - 8.00pm £3.50 Parkour Junior Club/ Beginners* Ages 6 - 11 5.00pm-6.00pm Parkour Intermediate Club* Ages 11+ 6.30pm-7.30pm

Thursday Doing Sport Differently Disability Club Ages 7 - 13 5.30pm - 6.30pm Ages 14+ 6.30pm - 7.30pm £3.00 Follow the Rainbow LGBT Group 6.00pm - 7.00pm First Thursday of every month

Friday Xtreme 3** Boxercise Ages 8 - 19 4.15pm - 5.15pm £2.00 Xtreme 3** Dodgeball Ages 8 - 19 5.45pm - 6.45pm £2.00

Parkour Junior Club/ Beginners* 5.00pm - 6.00pm Ages 6 - 11

Xtreme 3 Climbing** Ages 8 - 19 S1 - 5.45pm - 6.45pm S2 - 6.45pm - 7.45pm £2.00

Parkour Pricing £3.00 per session or pay per term

Parkour Intermediate Club* 6.30pm - 7.30pm Ages 11+

Youth Night Ages 11 - 18 6.00pm - 9.00pm £1.00

Teenage Climbing Club* Ages 13 - 17 6.00pm - 7.30pm £8.50

Actors Studio Ages 13+ TBC - Register your interest

Open Mic Night 6.30pm - 8.00pm 1st Friday of every month £1.00

Parkour Advanced* Ages 11+ 8.00pm - 9.00pm Invitation only

Call to book or enquire on T 01522 508 360 The Showroom Tritton Road, Lincoln LN6 7QY

Saturday Quids In For all the Family 9.00am - 6.00pm £1.00 Little Stars* Ages 4 - 7 10.00am - 11.00am £2.50 per session, pay per term Hollywood Stars Ages 8 - 16 11.00am - 1.00pm £3.50 Little Ninjas* Ages 7 - 12 10.00am - 11.00am £8.50 Teenage Climbing Club* Ages 13 - 17 11.30am - 1.00pm £8.50 Little Ninjas Advanced* Ages 7 - 12 2.00pm - 3.30pm £8.50

ACTIVITY CENTRE OPENING TIMES

Tuesday - Friday 3.00pm - 9.00pm

Saturday 9.00am - 6.00pm

CLIMBING CENTRE OPENING TIMES

‘The Showroom Lincoln’

Monday - Friday 10.00am - 9.00pm

Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm

@ShowroomLincoln

Lincoln heroes to be celebrated in annual awards

Philip Barnatt with Dan Race from Taylor Lindsey

Civic Award 2015 winners The Red Arrows with former Mayor Cllr Brent Charlesworth

A host of people considered to have brought credit to the city of Lincoln will be recognised next month in the annual Civic Award and Mayoral Medal ceremonies. Young people who have done something outstanding or inspirational will also be celebrated through the Silver Arrow award. Since 1967, the Civic Award has been given each year to a person, charity or company that has brought credit to the city, whether they have made their mark over a period of time or through one single, memorable act or performance. Last year, The Red Arrows aerobatic team was presented with the striking silver trophy at a top flight ceremony in

Your councillors

next winner will come from but, one thing is certain, we are sure we shall receive some exciting suggestions.” The Civic Award will be presented in a ceremony in Lincoln’s Guildhall in April, along with Mayoral Medals. These were originally presented by the Mayor to those returning to Lincoln from the First World War and now are given to express thanks to unsung heroes, voluntary workers and those who give up their time to ensure a better quality of life for others within our city.

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

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

Anthony Gray T: 880964 anthony.gray@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

Marika Riddick T: 07850 189856 marika.riddick@lincoln.gov.uk

Bracebridge Ward

Park Ward

Bill Bilton T: 873533 bill.bilton@lincoln.gov.uk

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

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

Brent Charlesworth T: 524126 brent.charlesworth@lincoln.gov.uk

Matthew Wilson T: 07768 173646 Matthew.wilson@lincoln.gov.uk

David Jackson T: 522335 david.jackson@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: 873533 neil.murray@lincoln.gov.uk

the Guildhall. The honour recognised the team’s continued outstanding demonstration of skill in its 50th year of displaying. Lincoln Civic Award Trustees’ Chairman Henry Ruddock said: “Whoever wins this award will join previous recipients such as Lincoln City Football Club, Running Imp International, the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society and BBC Radio Lincolnshire. “Lincoln is continually growing and increasing in diversity, so it is impossible to predict which field our

Correct as of February 1 2016

Jim Hanrahan T: 881161 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 Carol Daniel T: 07490 085924 carol.daniel@lincoln.gov.uk Sue Burke T: 279427 sue.burke@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

Rob Mclennan and Sam Scoffield of the BESA Group with (centre) Philip Barnatt.

Firms sign up to park supporters club Local companies Taylor Lindsey and the BESA Group have become the launch members of a Business Supporters Club, which will raise thousands of pounds towards the Boultham Park Capital Appeal. The £3.7 million project by the learning disability charity, Linkage, and City of Lincoln Council, aims to restore the 50-acre park. The project will provide an education centre, café, horticulture centre and various park improvements, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund Parks for People initiative. The Capital Appeal has a target of £250,000 to match-fund the lottery grant and it has now topped the milestone

£100,000 mark. Members of the Business Supporters Club will be asked to raise or donate £2,500 and 10 businesses are being invited to do so to help take the Capital Appeal to the halfway mark. Supporters will benefit from promotion via the media and both the Linkage and Boultham Park websites and acknowledgement on a permanent supporters’ feature on completion of the project. This will showcase their commitment to helping the community and provide employee fundraising and volunteering opportunities. Appeal Chairman Philip Barnatt said: “The club is the latest exciting feature to help our appeal raise £250,000 to ensure this project succeeds. Being a member

enables local companies and businesses to become involved in this wonderful scheme. Some of the companies will give donations - in others the management and employees can raise the money over a period through fun activities, organising events or achieving personal goals, knowing every penny will have tremendous local benefits.” Taylor Lindsey plans to give a donation while the Saxilby-based BESA Group intends to involve staff in various fun fundraising activities. During 2016, Linkage’s 40th anniversary year, the Capital Appeal will benefit from the proceeds of a Golf Day at Blankney on 1 July, the return of the Lincoln Flume with the Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia on 17 July and Linkage has again been chosen to be a beneficiary of the hugely-successful Lincoln Santa Fun Run on 11 December. In community activities, a mini explorers’ group for parents and children continues to enjoy park-related activities, guided by the community development worker. It meets on the last Friday of the month, is free and, if the weather is poor, they will move into the local community hub and library nearby. The Community Quilt Project continues to involve various groups, while a weaving specialist is working on creating natural items with members of the public. Bat walks will return during the summer months in 2016. It is a chance to visit the park around dusk to see the fascinating habits of these popular flying mammals. For more information on the community activities call 01522 503197 or visit www.boulthampark.co.uk.

Fairtrade is fantastic for Lincoln In 2013 Lincoln qualified as a Fairtrade City, and in July this year we’re hoping to retain that status, recognising the city’s commitment to supporting farmers in developing countries. Every time you buy a Fairtrade product you are ensuring these farmers are being directly supported. Fairtrade producers are guaranteed a minimum price for their goods and a premium to invest in development projects. In order to qualify as a Fairtrade City Lincoln had to meet five goals: • The local council passed a Fairtrade Policy • Fairtrade products are available locally • Local schools, workplaces and places of worship promote and use Fairtrade products • Media coverage and events raise awareness and understanding of Fairtrade across the community

• A Fairtrade Steering Group was established Terry Miller, chair of the Fairtrade Lincoln Steering Group said “We are proud of Lincoln’s Fairtrade City status and we intend to retain it. Over the last five years churches, schools, community groups, local retailers and the two universities have worked hard to promote Fairtrade in Lincoln.” As part of Fairtrade Fortnight - which ran from 29 February until 13 March – the group organised a series of events, including a Fairtrade Breakfast, and raised awareness through social media and local press.

• Fairtrade products are becoming more mainstream, with Dairy Milk and Malteasers now being made with Fairtrade chocolate. • The annual sales of Fairtrade products in the UK have risen from £50 million in 2001 to more than £1.67 billion in 2014. The Fairtrade logo has moved beyond coffee, bananas and chocolate – it is now possible to get Fairtrade cotton, footballs and gold!

Fairtrade Facts: • Fairtrade towns and cities are communities that have come together to promote fair and open trading between consumers in the UK and farmers in developing countries.

www.lincoln.gov.uk

SUPPORT THE SHOWMEN’S GUILD - SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES

What’s On March Continental Market

Lincoln Cornhill and High Street March 17 - 20, 9am-5.30pm

Produce from around Europe will be on offer for trying and buying at the Continental Market on Lincoln Cornhill and High Street. 01522 545458

Castle Hill Farmer’s Market

Castle Square, March 19, 9am to 4pm Why not visit the Castle Hill Farmers’ Market; there are delectable samples to try, expert advice on everything from meats to jams, and amazing ranges of food to give your feasts the wow-factor. 01522 545458

Fête on the Strait

The Strait, March 19, 10am to 4pm The Strait, at the top of Lincoln’s High Street, will be full with stalls, arts and crafts, local produce and activities including face painting for kids. Plus all the shops, cafes and bars in the area will be open as usual for you to enjoy. 01522 525307 goodieslincoln@googlemail.com

Lincoln Antiques & Collectors Market

SOUTH COMMON

LINCOLN FRIDAY

15 APRIL

SATURDAY

23 APRIL

Open: Weekdays 6pm Saturdays 2pm (Closed Sunday & Monday)

DON’T MISS

CUT PRICE NIGHTS

£1

TUES 19 & WED 20 APRIL

ALL S E D RI

(*Excludes Bungee Trampolines & Waterballs and Dodgems which are £2 per car - 1 or 2 in a car)

FREE CAR PARK

Castle Square March 20 and May 8, 10am to 4pm Browse and buy antiques, art and collectables from the Lincoln Antiques & Collectors Market taking place on Castle Hill. The market will feature antique furniture dealers, antique silver dealers, pottery & porcelain, Asian art, fine art, modern collectables, toys & die-cast, retro, vintage and much more - with over forty stalls to browse. 01522 690444 office@unique-actions.com

Bailgate - Wedding Fayre

Bailgate, March 20, 11am-4pm Find out how Lincoln can make your big day extra special at the Bailgate Wedding Fayre. Free tickets: bailgateweddingfayre.co.uk weddings@bailgateweddingfayre.co.uk

Easter Egg-Citement

Hartsholme Park March 25 – March 28, 12pm to 3pm Join us for Easter fun at Hartsholme Country Park. Explore the park and find the hidden treasures left by the Easter bunny, which will lead you to a delicious Easter treat! Booking essential. £2.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 01522 873735 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Craft Market

Lincoln Cornhill, March 26, 9am to 4pm Lincoln’s Craft Market offers bespoke, and beautifully hand-crafted ornaments, jewellery and pottery that is available to peruse and purchase at this intimate market, all at reasonable prices. 01522 545458

April City Square Farmer’s Market

City Square, April 1, 9am to 4pm

Just a few metres from Lincoln’s busy High Street, the City Square Farmers’ Market is the perfect way to add a delicious taste of Lincolnshire to your weekend. 01522 545458 visitorinformation@lincolnbig.co.uk

Artists’ Markets

Castle Square, April 2, 10am to 4.30pm Nestled between the city’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. 01522 545458

Gloria! A Royal Celebration

Lincoln Cathedral, April 2, 7.30pm to 9pm Join Lincoln Choral Society as they mark the 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen with a concert at Lincoln Cathedral. £20, £16, £12, £8 / 01522 871915 / lincolnchoralsocietychairman@gmail.com

Junk Animals

Hartsholme Park, April 5, 1pm to 2.30pm Join the Park Rangers and let your imagination run wild and create your very own junk animals from recycled materials. Booking essential. £3.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 01522 873735 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Bottle Rockets

Hartsholme Park, April 7, 1pm to 2.30pm Join the Park Rangers and discover the joys of flight by making your very own bottle rocket. Booking essential. £3.50 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 01522 873735 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Great Spring Chicken Run

Throughout Lincoln April 10, 10.30am to 12.30pm A 2.5/5k run through Lincoln city centre and around the Brayford Waterfront to raise money for charity. 01522 537497

Lincoln BIG Mini Day

Brayford Waterfront, April 17, 10am to 4pm Around 200 old and new, cool and quirky Mini cars line up Lincoln’s Brayford Waterfront and restaurants, pubs and bars in the area will be open to make a great family day out. 01724 762642 / events@lincolnbig.co.uk

Lincoln 10K Road Race

Citywide, April 17, 11am to 2pm Get active and be inspired at the 20th annual 10k Road Race, one of Lincolnshire’s most popular sporting events. www.runforall.com/10k/city-of-lincoln/

Classic Car Rally

Brayford Waterfront, April 24, 10am to 4pm Classic cars amazingly loved and restored are displayed along Lincoln’s Brayford Waterfront. 01522 545458 / FREE

May Lincoln Jazz Week

Various locations, May 6 – May 14 Jazz artists, bands and experts perform, often for free, across Lincoln in venues across the city. Tickets can be purchased from the hosting venues. 01522 545711 events@lincolnbig.co.uk

Lincoln Grand Prix

Citywide, May 13 – May 15, Various Times

The Lincoln Grand Prix celebrates its 61st year with a women’s and men’s race across historic Lincoln. The Sportive and other specialist races will also be taking place over the weekend - making for a true festival of cycling. 01522 750000 incolngrandprix@ntlworld.com

Lincoln Fashion Week

Various locations, May 16 – May 21 Celebrate the fashion culture in Lincoln with a week of events culminating in a unique fashion show at St Swithin’s Church. 01522 545711 events@lincolnbig.co.uk

Poppies: Wave at Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle , May 28 – September 4 As seen at the Tower of London, a sweeping arch of red poppy heads over Lincoln Castle, presented by 14-18 NOW, marks the centenary of the First World War. 01522 782040 lincoln_castle@lincolnsh

www.lincoln.gov.uk

#MAKINGHEROES

HEROES WILL BE MADE FOUNDATION

£27

CITY OF LINCOLN 10K

17TH APRIL 2016

RAL GENE PRICE ENTRY

A FANTASTIC, LARGELY FLAT COURSE WITH A SPECTACULAR FINISH NOW IN ITS 20TH YEAR! ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Find your inner hero at runforall.com

All profits from Run For All Ltd go directly to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All

@runforall