Your Lincoln - Spring 2013

Lincoln 10K Race

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P4 > Budget Cuts P6 > Welfare Reform

SPRING 2013

www.lincoln.gov.uk Tel: 01522 881188 City of Lincoln Council, City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln LN1 1DD

Contents 03

Lucy Tower Closure

04

Budget Cuts

06

Welfare Reform

08

Green Page

09

Healthy Lifestyles

10

LEAP Athletes

11

10K

14

Bishop Grosseteste

15

Lincoln’s Masterplan

16

Growth for the Future

18

Economy to Benefit

19

Armed Forces Day 2013

20

Being a Councillor

21

Equality Focus

22

What’s On

Lincoln 10K Race

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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 873443 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.

Lincoln 10K Race

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P4 > Budget Cuts P6 > Welfare Reform

SPRING 2013

www.lincoln.gov.uk Tel: 01522 881188

City of Lincoln Council, City

Works set to start on preserving the future of key parking spot...

Lucy Tower car park will close later this month for the second phase of a £1.4 million maintenance programme, protecting its future for years to come.

The works are expected to last 20 weeks as engineers work to replace parts of the reinforced concrete structure and undertake general maintenance works.

Alternative arrangements are being made by the City of Lincoln Council to ensure motorists who use Lucy Tower are able to park in nearby sites on Orchard Street, Tentercroft Street and Broadgate. There will be signs in place to help people get to these other council run car parks across the city centre.

Steve Bird, the City of Lincoln Council’s Assistant Director of Communities and Street Scene, said: “We are aware this closure will affect a lot of people, but these works are vital to ensure Lucy Tower is able to stay open for the longer term.

“We recognise the loss of so many spaces is important for businesses, so are doing all we possibly can to mitigate this loss, including opening up the adjacent staff car park at City Hall.

“I have been delighted by the positive response from staff who have been supportive of this initiative to help trade, even though it means considerable disruption for them. I hope local businesses will realise we are doing all we can.

“We are investing a large amount of money into maintaining Lucy Tower car park as it is a vital part of the city’s economy.

“People who park in council car parks can be assured the money they

spend in them is used to support city services.”

Businesses on the Brayford will remain open during the works and will be kept up to date throughout the project.

This is the latest phase of the maintenance programme, which has already seen refurbishment works completed on the top floors. But as structural works must now be carried out on the lower floors the site must be closed to vehicles altogether.

Lucy Tower car park currently has 458 spaces. The demand for spaces can be accommodated in other car parks including Broadgate, Tentercroft, Beaumont Fee and Orchard Street. Using Orchard Street will mean moving council staff from their allocated spaces. This will go from a staff car park to a Pay and Display site. On weekends people can also use spaces at the County Council offices, which will be extending its car park opening hours from 6pm to midnight.

Season ticket holders have been contacted to offer them alternatives which it is hoped are suitable for their needs, and reflect the inconvenience caused.

Regular updates on the Lucy Tower works will be posted on the council’s twitter page @lincolncouncil.

Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln

LN1 1DD

We want your feedback Your Lincoln is a magazine for the people of the city, so we would like your feedback on it.

Are we addressing the issues important to you? Do you have a community group or scheme you are proud of and want to include? And what sort of stories would you like to see more of?

Let us know by emailing communications@lincoln.gov.uk with the subject Your Lincoln.

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

www.lincoln.gov.uk

03

BUDGET CUTS You will have no doubt seen in the news how the City Council has been forced to make some difficult choices in the light of government funding cuts. Here we will explain how these decisions came about, what they will mean for you, and how the council is fighting to keep as many front line services as possible.

The cuts require the City of Lincoln Council to find £3 million in savings between now and 2017/18, despite already having chopped £4 million from its budget since 2008. These savings were made with minimal sacrifices to services.

Since 2010 the council has seen income from council tax and government grants reduced by £2.2m and due to the recession there has been a dip in income from areas such as parking and business rates, and an increase in demand for services such as benefits.

The latest round of government cuts has forced the council’s Leader Ric Metcalfe, working with executive members and officers, to make some difficult decisions. In order to do this every single piece of council spending was reviewed and the authority’s five current priorities were refocused down to three key areas to work towards.

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These priorities are: Grow the local economy – to assist in bringing employment to Lincoln and help people successfully gain employment in a competitive labour market Protect the city’s poorest people from the effects of the recession Increase the supply of affordable housing After a tough deliberation process, looking at which services would be of most benefit to the people of Lincoln, it was decided to make savings by restructuring certain departments to make them more cost effective, streamlining CCTV services, withdrawing or reducing funding from a number of third party grants, introducing charges to the green garden waste bin service and withdrawing from some other services.

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

The authority has also taken the decision to increase its council tax by 1.90 per cent over the next year, meaning a rise of six pence per week for a Band A property and seven pence per week for a Band B home.

Cllr Metcalfe said: “These are without a doubt the toughest cuts we have faced so far as a council.

“And because of this we can no longer continue to make small cuts in order to make our budget balance. We have to look closely at every single service we offer.

“What I can say is that we will strive to ensure that the services we continue to offer into the future will be provided at the highest quality we can achieve.”

What do these cuts mean to you?

Council tax

Answer:

After much deliberation and number crunching the council has settled on a 1.90 per cent increase in the council tax.

There was the option to freeze council tax for the 2013/14 year with the council being compensated with a government grant.

Acceptance of the grant by the council would result in an annual loss of income of £250,000 due to the short term nature of the funding available. This would ultimately mean that we would have to find further savings above the £3 million already planned. The agreed increase in council tax means just a six or seven pence per week increase for 80 per cent of the city’s homes. Currently, people living in the city get access to all the authority’s services for as little as £3.09 a week.

Council tax does not meet the costs of providing all council services. It only contributes 16 per cent. The council must provide domestic rubbish collections as part of their essential services. However, it does not have to provide regular green waste collections and is entitled to charge for this service.

Stopping the Urban Rangers and Commons Warden services

Stopping the councillors’ ward budgets.

A number of other options were considered and rejected by the council, Streamlining the CCTV service which included:

Loss of the Sports Development Team

Households wanting to keep using their garden waste recycling bins will be asked to pay around £25 a year.

This service will be an opt-in one and people who have no use for the green waste collections, or want to find their own way of composting, will not have to pay the fee.

Income gained from the introduction of the charge will help pay for the cost of the service, which currently stands at £450,000.

Black bin and general recycling collections will not be impacted.

The council has over the years had to make some difficult spending cuts. Having looked again at the refocused priorities a number of roles were highlighted as no longer affordable.

Your questions answered:

The 10K road race and Dance Factor projects will continue to take place as usual for the foreseeable future. Other sports events offered by the team will cease to be run by the council, but may be taken on by external partners in future.

I pay my council tax, why should I pay more for this service?

Restructuring council teams to make them more cost effective

Stopping or reducing subsidy payments to the Walk and Ride service, Drill Hall, Union Club, Vineyard and Vulcans for a swimming grant

CCTV is to remain. It is a key part of keeping crime down and people safe in Lincoln. However, streamlining the number of hours the team works to key hours and trouble hotspots will make a more efficient service.

Green waste bins

Other measures in place to manage the funding cuts include:

A larger increase in council tax A ten per cent increase in car parking charges

Closing of public conveniences

It was decided that these steps, whilst preventing cuts elsewhere, would not be in the best interest of people living, working and visiting Lincoln. *All information is correct at the time of publication. Please visit www.lincoln.gov.uk for the latest on the budget and council tax.

Your questions answered: What will happen to the 10K and other events run by this team?

Answer:

www.lincoln.gov.uk

05

Welfare Reform From next month many households across the city will see changes to the level of their benefits.

Make sure you are aware of the changes when they come in.

The government’s welfare reform plan will see some key changes nationally from April. Council Tax Benefit will be replaced by a Local Council Tax Support Scheme, giving greater control of the benefits system to individual councils.

Martin Walmsley, Head of Shared Revenues and Benefits for the City of Lincoln Council and North Kesteven District Council, said: “There are several welfare reform changes coming in soon and we want to make sure people are prepared for them.

“If you, a neighbour or a relative currently receive Housing Benefit, make sure you are prepared for the changes and get in touch with our dedicated team who can help people.

“They are there to help work out how they may affect people and if so what support may be available.”

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The ‘bedroom tax’ (social sector under-occupation) What is it?

The new scheme will look at how many bedrooms are needed by the tenant, and compare this with the number of bedrooms in the accommodation.

What will it mean?

Tenants with one spare bedroom will see a 14 per cent reduction in the eligible rent figure used to calculate Housing Benefit. Tenants with two or more spare bedrooms will have their Housing Benefit eligible rent figure reduced by 25 per cent. This will mean a reduction of around £8-£15 for most recipients.

Who will it affect?

Social housing – including those living in council houses and housing association properties. It will not affect those of a pensionable age. We are currently in the

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

process of contacting people, gathering more information on who will be affected by this national change to the system.

When will it come in?

April 2013.

Housing Benefit cap What is it?

The maximum amount of benefit payments that a working-age household receives will be capped at £350 a week for a single person and £500 for a single parent, couple or family.

What will it mean?

Some households in Lincoln may experience a cut in their benefit payments of just a few pounds a week, with others facing cuts of up to £100 a week.

Who will it affect?

In the coming months we will contact those households who will be affected by the benefit cap and can offer advice on how to prepare for the change.

When will it come in?

The government has not made a final decision yet but it is likely to come into place between April and October 2013.

Council Tax Support Scheme

How will the council make up the difference?

What is it?

The standard Council Tax Benefit will be replaced by a Local Council Tax Support Scheme, with each district council deciding the rules.

Rather than pass on the shortfall in funding to those people receiving tax benefits, the council will from April:

What will it mean?

On January 8, the City of Lincoln’s Full Council approved a Council Tax Support Scheme for 2013/14 – which is based on the rules for the existing Council Tax Benefit Scheme. This is despite a ten per cent cut in central government funding to provide such a support scheme, as the council wishes to continue to try and protect the vulnerable and reduce poverty wherever possible.

This means customers currently receiving Council Tax Benefit will see this appear as a ‘discount’ on 2013/14 Council Tax bills which will be sent out in the middle of March.

When will it come in?

April 2013.

Martin Walmsley, Head of Shared Revenues and Benefits for the City of Lincoln Council and North Kesteven District Council, said: “These changes will see our funding for paying our council tax benefits reduced by ten per cent, and we did not want this cut being passed on to the people of Lincoln.”

Charge 90 per cent council tax for second, furnished homes Give a 25 per cent council tax discount on homes which are unoccupied, unfurnished and undergoing works, down from 100 per cent discount Give 100 per cent discount on council tax for unoccupied and unfurnished homes for the first two months before this increases to the full amount Charge 150 per cent council tax rates for properties left empty for more than two years.

It is hoped these changes will also reduce the number of empty homes in the city.

Universal Credit What is it?

Universal Credit is a new single payment for people who are looking for work or on a low income.

What will it mean?

Universal Credit will bring together a range of working-age benefits into a single payment. It will replace Housing Benefit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. It will be paid on a monthly basis, and will usually be paid in arrears directly to claimants just like a monthly salary.

When will it come in?

Universal Credit is currently expected to be administered by Jobcentre Plus, and is likely to be put in place between October 2013 and 2017.

You can let the council know of any changes to your circumstances, such as taking in a lodger or having another child, that could have an impact on these changes.

If you believe you could be affected by any of these changes, there is information available on the council’s website, at www.lincoln.gov.uk/welfarereform. If you want to discuss them you can contact the council’s Benefits Team by emailing welfarereform@lincoln.gov.uk, by telephone on 01522 873355, or call in to City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, LN1 1DD.

07

A promise to create a greener city...

Make sure your recycling efforts don’t go to waste There is no doubt that the people of Lincoln have taken recycling to their hearts – diligently filling up their brown bins with newspapers, jars and cans.

But in recent months more than ten per cent of the 5,690 tonnes of items collected from recycling bins, should not be in there.

The City Council, in conjunction with its waste collection partner Cory Environmental, will soon start using a system of tags attached to bin handles to show when a bin has not been emptied due to contamination.

To help residents a new sticker will be attached to every brown recycling bin, to make clear what recycling materials can be accepted.

Caroline Pritchard, Community Services Manager at the council, said: “A lot of the

time it is just the case that people don’t understand what exactly can and can’t be recycled.

“So we hope these information stickers will make people more aware.

“Contamination is a serious matter and can mean people who are recycling properly are having their efforts wasted.”

Once the recycling material is collected it is handed over to Virador, the County Council’s recycling contractor who separates the items ready for recycling. Any contamination is then rejected and sent to landfill, which incurs extra costs.

Please do not place any of the following items in your brown bin Regular items found incorrectly in brown bins include: Leftover food

Glue

General household waste

Paint

Window panes

Polystyrene

Clothes

Plastic bags/black bin bags

Corks

Cling film

For more information visit www.lincoln.gov.uk/recycling

08

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

A pledge has been signed to help combat climate change in the city. The City of Lincoln Council has signed up to the Climate Local Commitment – a national scheme aimed at reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

The council is one of just 50 authorities who have signed up to the Local Government Association Climate Local Commitment since it was launched in June 2012. As part of this pledge the council will help its residents and businesses to become more energy efficient through schemes such as reducing energy bills, creating income through renewable energy, attracting new jobs in green industries, reducing flood risks and managing the impact of extreme weather.

One of the council’s priorities is currently to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. In 2011/12 it was calculated the total carbon dioxide emissions from the authority was 3087 tonnes - a 19 per cent reduction since 2009.

All those who have signed up are taking local actions to reduce carbon emissions and to build resilience to the changing climate.

Kate Bell, Environmental Coordinator at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “As a council it is important for us to lead by example when it comes to reducing Lincoln’s carbon footprint.

“To achieve this the council has formed a low carbon Lincoln partnership with an agreed target to reduce Lincoln’s CO2 emissions by 25 per cent by 2020.

“So far, Lincoln’s CO2 emissions have reduced by 14 per cent since 2005 and we have implemented a number of schemes across our own buildings.

“And our new council homes also have low carbon and renewable technologies such as solar panels.”

Healthy Lifestyles Many of us think about doing something to improve our health Whether it’s getting out of the house and meeting new people, shedding a few pounds, stubbing out the cigarettes or getting your five portions of fruit and veg a day.

To help take that first step the City of Lincoln Council has a Healthy Lifestyles Team whose aim is to help you meet whatever goals you have to help you improve your physical wellbeing.

So an end of year party was organised to celebrate the work of the Healthy Lifestyles Team and the people using the service.

More than 100 people who had benefited from the support of a Physical Activity Officer or Health Trainer over the previous 12 months attended the celebration at The Showroom which awarded several people for their remarkable efforts.

Joanna Blackwell, Healthy Lifestyles Team Leader, said: “The awards evening was a great event, celebrating the achievements of people who have really made an effort to get healthier.

“Even taking small steps can improve your overall health hugely, and I hope these award winners can inspire a few more people – they certainly inspired me.”

Man of Movember

sponsored to grow a moustache as part of the campaign, but also wrote a popular blog and vowed to give up cakes and chocolate, cut back on alcohol and exercise more. As part of this pledge he took part in a Zumba class, a health walk and treadmill challenge.

Overcoming hurdles to achieve goals

Phil received a number of nominations from council staff and fellow service users for his inspirational story. Phil has taken on a number of initiatives to improve his health even though he is registered blind and was dependent on friends and family to get to activities. Phil first joined the health walk at Hartsholme Country Park followed by the circuit classes at Birchwood Leisure Centre before signing up to a gym to develop his fitness. Due to his increasing confidence on the treadmill he is even planning on taking on the challenge of the Lincoln 10K race. Phil has lost two stone and nine centimetres from his waist. People who know him have commented on how inspiring he is to carry on with his health goals whilst facing his sight problems.

Winner: Simon Colburn

Passing on the health message

This prize was awarded to the man who had worked hard during November to promote men’s health issues throughout their workplace.

Simon, Assistant Director of Health and Environment at the City of Lincoln Council, not only got

Winner: Frank Chapman Frank was advised to contact the Physical Activity Referral Programme by his physiotherapist and attends the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease class. Since joining he

A member of our team can provide you with as much or as little help as you need to take that first step to improving your health.

We’re at the end of the phone or can sit down with you to chat about what you’d like to change in your life, whether that’s being more active, quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthier or even cutting down alcohol intake. Together we can then devise a programme that can help you change your lifestyle one small step at a time.

Health achievement of the year Winner: Laura Tate

Winner: Phil Crewe

What can the Healthy Lifestyles Team do for you?

has become a great advocate for the class and passes the message along to people he thinks it could help. Frank has become a keen promoter of the service to the new patients he meets at a support group he attends.

Laura was sent to the Physical Activity Referral Programme by her doctor as she was only doing minimal physical activity. After meeting with a Physical Activity Officer she began very gently with light exercise by taking part in health walks. But after discovering an enjoyment for the scheme she joined up to several classes and even took up swimming in her own time.

Staff award

Winner: Fiona Roche Fiona has worked for the City of Lincoln Council’s Healthy Lifestyles Team for more than four years, initially as a casual Activity Leader before becoming a Physical Activity Officer. A number of service users nominated Fiona saying how cheerful and motivating she was and her manager said she is supportive of colleagues, very good at what she does and a great asset to the team.

Getting in touch with the team is easy:

Call us: 01522 873581 Text us: Text CHANGE to 64446 Email us: healthylifestyles@lincoln.gov.uk Use our online form: www.lincoln.gov.uk/makeachange

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

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LEAP athletes Ten talented youngsters from Lincoln have been given a helping hand to achieve their sporting dreams after being handpicked for the Lincolnshire Elite Athlete Programme.

LEAP aims to help future sports stars in their mission to train daily, compete at competitions weekly, but have to rely on the support of friends, family and colleagues throughout the year. And many of this year’s selected athletes have their sights firmly set on the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

Janet Inman, Chief Executive Officer for Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, said: “It is great to be able to help these young people on their way to achieving their sporting dreams.

“A lot of these young people rely on their families and friends to be able to go training

several times a week and compete at weekends, so I hope the LEAP programme helps them go for gold.”

The ten athletes from Lincoln are: William Barber (swimming) Braddan Westlake (swimming) Maya Westlake (swimming) Abbie Donnelly (running) Bo Haywood (triathlon) Ben Garnham (badminton) Megan Gilkes (pistol shooting) Jade Etherington (skiing) Alice Meanwell (trampolining)

Focus on our future stars: Name: Jade Etherington Sport: Skier Age: 21 Jade is a member of the British Disabled

Ski Team. She is a visually impaired skier, classified as a B2, as she has less than five per cent vision in each eye. She took up racing in February 2011 with her next big aim to medal at the 2014 Winter Paralympics. With help from LEAP funding and other sources, Jade will be able to train and compete in higher level races and qualify for Team GB and the Paralympics.

Name: Alice Meanwell Sport: Trampolining Age: 14 Alice is a member of the Lincoln Imps Trampoline Club and has competed at national and international level. During her young, but already impressive, career she has become county champion five times. Her goal is to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.

If you would like to become a LEAP supporter, donating financially on a monthly or yearly basis, or providing services and resources for LEAP to run during the year, please contact Rachel Belcher at rachel.belcher@lincolnshiresports.co.uk or ring 01522 585580.

What is LEAP? The Lincolnshire Elite Athlete Programme (LEAP) was established in 2008 as part of the Lincolnshire Strategy for the London 2012 Games, and provides funding and support to talented young sportspeople. The project is run through the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership and provides young talent with financial support from £100 to £1000 per athlete, and the support of double Olympic medallist, cyclist Bryan Steel, who delivers a performance camp for all athletes and their families.

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Five sports facilities in Lincoln have secured funding as part of the London 2012 Olympic legacy.

from other sources to allow the projects to be completed.

Following on from last year’s Games Sport England launched the Inspired Facilities fund to secure the future of sports venues around the country for future generations.

The aim of the fund is to help community groups refurbish or upgrade their facility; or convert an existing building into a venue suitable for sport.

Since its launch five community groups in Lincoln have received a share of this funding, with more groups set for cash as the year progresses. Sport England has funded a total of £385,000 to city based projects with another £500,000 coming

The University of Lincoln was awarded £85,000 towards the development of the Sobraon cricket ground.

The Lincoln Rowing Club was awarded £50,000 to improve their facilities in the east of the city.

The Lincoln Rugby Club was awarded £50,000 to support the development of the new club as it moves from the Lindum Club to a new site on Nettleham Road.

The Priory City of Lincoln School was awarded £150,000 to refurbish changing facilities used by the public when accessing the swimming pool and outdoor pitches.

The five successful groups so far are:

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

Hartsholme Cricket Club was awarded £52,000 to develop its facilities into a 21st Century Club.

Inspired Facilities has a further two rounds of funding applications due to take place, with bidding opening in March. If you have a project that could help more people take part in sport and is a voluntary or community group, authority, statutory group or educational establishment, then you could be eligible for a share. To find out more log on to http://inspiredfacilities.sportengland.org If you would like help completing your application form contact Clare Gilman-Able, Grants Officer at the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership on 01522 585580 or by emailing clare.gilman-able@lincolnshiresports.co.uk

Get involved with the 10K

Lincoln 10K Race 2013 Thousands of people are preparing to take part in the Active Nation Lincoln 10K Road Race on April 7 – and each of them has a story as to why they are doing it.

Whether they are a seasoned runner, raising money for charity or just wanting to improve their fitness thousands have taken part in the country’s best historic road race over the past 16 years.

And this year will see a team of more than 40 current and former members of the RAF getting into wheelchairs to support their benevolent fund, a group of policemen running for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and dozens of participants taking on the challenge in memory of loved ones.

And whilst embarking on a training programme for the race is a real commitment for many, one runner will be taking on a 5,000 mile trek just to get to the start line.

Steve Rudderham is thought to be the furthest travelling runner over the weekend coming all the

Why people are taking part in the Lincoln 10K I went from 22 stone to 13 and a half stone with the aid of healthy eating and exercise - mainly running.

I am doing this as a challenge and because my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.

Simon Patterson My boyfriend and I are running the 10K in training for a 100-mile race he will take part in this summer to raise money for “cyclists fighting cancer”, after we lost two family members to cancer this year.

Katrina Tipler

Whether you want to get your running kit on, lend a helping hand on the day or just give some vocal support there is still time to get involved.

Applications for the Direct Textiles 2.8km primary school race, 5km Running Imp secondary school race and Active Nation 10k Road Race are open until Friday, March 22.

Admission to the schools races is free, with the 10K race costing £17 for runners affiliated with an athletics or running club and £19 for non-affiliated runners.

If you would like to help out as a volunteer over the weekend to help marshal the crowds, carry out race day administration and offer a supportive cheer to the runners, email dean.reed@lincoln.gov.uk.

All volunteers who help out on either day will receive a packed lunch and 10k T-shirt.

way from El Paso in Texas, USA. He said: “I was actually born in Lincoln but moved from the UK 12 years ago.

“I decided to use the Lincon 10K as a motivator to get fit.

“I reckon I must be double the weight of Olympic Champ Mo Farah, so should aim for double his time for a 10K.” This will be Steve’s first competitive 10K, but he has tackled the 5K tunnel to towers race in New York as a memorial to the 9/11 victims. After this race he decided to cut back on his running after being beaten by three nine-year-olds.

Organiser and race director Keith Taylor, Senior Sports Development Officer at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “The 10K is an important event, which is demonstrated not

only by the number of people who take part but also those who come out to lend their support over the weekend.

“The fact people come from the other side of the world to take part in the road race shows just how proud Lincoln should be of this amazing, historic race.”

In addition to the men’s, women’s and wheelchair races on April 7 there will be two school races on April 6.

Both races start and finish at Yarborough Leisure Centre and are free to enter.

Children aged nine to 11 can take part in the Direct Textiles primary school race and those aged 11 to 14 are eligible for the Running Imp secondary school race.

Applications are open until March 22 at lincoln10k.co.uk

My wife and I will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary on April 7.

Neil Ballinger

Carl Roberts, my husband, found out in January 2012 he had a brain tumour. He fought very hard, but lost the fight on October 30. I have been raising money for the Brain Tumour Trust. I normally do the 10K run, but this year we have all got together and have decided we will all run, in the memory of Carl to raise money for the Brain Tumour Trust.

Amanda Roberts

During 2012 I have lost 4.5 stone in weight and was my Slimming World woman of the year. My challenge this year is to lose another stone and complete the 10K. Carol Bridle In 2009 my husband lost both his legs in Afghanistan. Not long after we were contacted by the Newark Patriotic Fund who have since helped us in every way possible including helping me towards my diploma in counselling. I am running for this charity to give something back and raise awareness.

Rachael Cumberland

I’m on a weight loss journey from 23 stone and doing no exercise to regular exercise and under 17 stone after seven months.

The main goal now is to cross the finish line at the Lincoln 10K. Lee Bradley

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

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17TH ANNUAL ACTIVE NATION LINCOLN 10K ROAD RACE April 6 - 7

S

6Km Water Station

7Km 5Km DON

BREE

E

DRIV

8Km

4Km

O RB YA

UG RO

R ES HC

1Km

T CEN

2Km

3Km 9Km

G RY PRIO

F

S

Start Line

First Aid

Toilets

F

Finish Line

Arrival Area,

Changing Facilities

Runners Only Spectators Area

12

E

AT

MINSTER YARD

Find out more at www.lincoln10k.co.uk

Race Village, Baggage Collection & Info

Water Station

Parking

(Access via Breedon Drive)

Second Lap First Lap

Key numbers

Parking

10,000 metres in the main race

Car parking will be available at Yarborough Leisure Centre for runners with numbers from 1 to 300 and at Sudbrooke Drive Community Centre for race numbers 301 to 5500 and wheelchair racers.

5,500 number of participants 5,000 metres in the secondary school race 2,800 metres in the primary school race

For the first time this year there will be a prebooking system in place for parking, which costs just £1.

600 spaces for runners in the primary schools races 300 spaces for runners in the secondary schools race

To book your parking space using the Pay

By Phone facility visit www.paybyphone. co.uk or call 01522 263263 quoting reference number 79002.

200 number of participants in the first race in 1997

Parking on the day will cost £5 per car.

30.20 time it took Matthew Bowser to cross the line in first place at the 2012 race 19

cost of admission for general entry

0

cost of entering the schools races

Social media For the first time this year the Active Nation Lincoln 10K road race is on Facebook.

There will be regular updates in the run up to the race weekend and photos from the action afterwards.

It is also the opportunity to chat to other runners, get training tips and give your good cause a mention.

The 10K will also have a voice on twitter too for 2013.

To keep in touch follow @lincoln10k or log on to www.facebook.com/Lincoln10k.

Road closures During the weekend there will be a number of road closures. Please check www.lincoln10k.co.uk for a full list of closures.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ACTIVE NATION LINCOLN 10K ROAD RACE VISIT LINCOLN10K.CO.UK

www.lincoln10k.co.uk

13

Bishop Grosseteste Lincoln has become a two university city after a change in government criteria meant Bishop Grosseteste was granted a new status.

The Privy Council confirmed the institution’s new title following a government decision to lower the number of students required to be called a university from 4,000 to 1,000.

And Lincoln’s new university was one of 10 institutions nationally to meet the criteria under the new rule change.

Professor Muriel Robinson, the first Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, said: “To be able to take our place alongside other UK universities is a symbolic moment for us which recognises

Hartsholme Country Park takes step closer to new bridge...

14

www.lincoln.gov.uk

the excellent teaching and research which goes on at BG.” Bishop Grosseteste University currently has around 2,000 students, and Professor Robinson is convinced that university status will benefit the institution and its students.

She added: “We have 150 years of history, we enjoy an excellent reputation and we have awarded our own degrees since 2006, but the university college title has been a brake on our ability to recruit students and secure the recognition our

work deserves.

“Now we will be able to compete with other universities on a level playing field.”

To celebrate the new status Bishop Grosseteste University held a service of thanksgiving in Lincoln Cathedral which also marked the installation of the Chancellor, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muriel Robinson OBE. The University of Lincoln became the city’s first university when it opened in 1996.

The replacement White Bridge at Hartsholme Country Park could be open to the public in time for summer after getting the approval of planners.

was to remove the bridge altogether until a replacement could be installed.

The council has been working with engineers to ensure the replacement not only meets with the demands of the historic listed park, but will also be enjoyed by park users with the new designs well received by the Hartsholme Country Park Advisory Group. Group members said they were pleased with the proposed bridge, which used modern materials, but remained faithful to the original design.

David Charysz, City of Lincoln Council Open Spaces Officer, said: “The bridge has been missed greatly by users of the park since it was removed.

“We hope people will enjoy the replacement bridge and spend many years using it.”

Work on the traditional metal, lattice design has been given the go-ahead by the City of Lincoln Council’s planning committee and it is hoped to be completed in time for summer visitors.

The council took the decision to remove the old bridge last summer after a routine inspection found a structural issue, which could have eventually become unsafe. Initially, warning notices were put up asking people not to use the bridge, but after these were ignored it was decided the safest option

Lindongate proposals from Station Square Provided by Lincolnshire Co-operative

Lincoln’s Masterplan Residents, businesses and visitors have all braved the cold to have their say on the Lincoln City Centre Masterplan document ‘Linking-Lincoln.’

Three public consultations were held at the Waterside Shopping Centre, The Collection and Debenhams with people invited to come and have their say on the revised document, which looks at how Lincoln will grow in the future, how strategic aims have already been met through completed projects and what people would like to see in the city.

The events were the culmination of a month-long public consultation period and were all well attended despite the wintery conditions. Officers were on hand to explain the development proposals contained within the 25 year regeneration vision for the city.

The updated document was also available to view on the City of Lincoln Council’s website www.lincoln.gov.uk.

The need for an updated masterplan was discussed at the City Centre Masterplan Annual Stakeholder Conference last year where keynote speaker Andrew McMillan, who spent over 25 years with the John Lewis Partnership, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with the Lincoln City Centre Masterplan Conference. My abiding memory of the conference is the remarkable diversity of the city’s stakeholder groups represented and the collective determination to ensure Lincoln remains a thriving and vibrant city. The degree of collaboration, energy, enthusiasm and leadership is, in my experience, unusual within such a diverse group and it was a pleasure to

Brayford Wharf East Level Crossing Bridge proposal Provided by Stem Architects

be a small part of the day.”

During the consultation there was considerable interest in proposed future developments, particularly the East/West Link, Lindongate and the new level crossing plans.

Other key areas of interest included transport, parking, cycling, the planned Park and Ride for 2015 and the Cathedral Quarter.

Comments received during the consultation process included: It is important that the character of Sincil Street is retained within the Lindongate development Cycle tracks need to be in better condition with clearer routes

Park and Ride – need more, we are behind other cities Car Parking – pricing should be comparable to other cities and pay on exit is favoured The redrafting process will be completed by the end of March. The final document will be launched online shortly after. The Masterplan will become a ‘living’ document in its online format, being updated regularly.

To see the Masterplan document go to www.lincoln.gov.uk. For more information contact Elaine Ranyard, Senior Programme Development Officer on 01522 873561

www.lincoln.gov.uk

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The three areas highlighted for new communities by 2031

Growth for the Future Lincoln has been earmarked for three new communities by 2031, which could create thousands of new, sustainable and affordable homes.

The new neighbourhoods will form part of the Core Strategy for Central Lincolnshire, an area of around 820 square miles, covering the City of Lincoln, West Lindsey and North Kesteven, bringing 7,500 of the 18,000 homes needed for Lincoln.

Councillor Burt Keimach, Chairman of the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, which is drawing up the proposals, said: “Most people are agreed that growth is essential to strengthen our communities and secure a more vibrant and prosperous future.

“Only through growth can we provide the homes, jobs and opportunities to both enable our children to continue living close by and to attract new investment and skilled people.

“Growth not only enhances our services, shops and schools but also retains and builds a critical mass to sustain their survival.

“With this in mind, I hope that residents of Central Lincolnshire engage in this exciting opportunity to work with us in shaping our future communities.”

Each new neighbourhood will also provide land for business opportunities, community facilities and jobs, tackling some of the council’s key priorities.

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The full details of the proposals are available in the “Central Lincolnshire Draft Core Strategy ; Area Chapters” which can be viewed at the council’s planning department or downloaded from the Joint Planning Unit’s website at www.central-lincs.org.uk A number of public consultations are being held to gather opinions on the plans, giving you the chance to have your say on the future of the city.

Infrastructure improvements have also been seen within the city over the last 15 years, including new schools and green areas, the bridge link over the Fossdyke and an improved cycle network. Road improvements are planned over the next few years including a new eastern bypass. In the historic quarter the new museum at the Collection continues to attract visitors, with plans to improve facilities at the Castle well underway.

Two centuries of change

Realising Lincoln’s full potential

Lincoln has been changing and evolving for centuries - from the development of the hill top Roman settlement to the New University Campus, all of which have created the place we know today.

Over the last 15 years the city has developed hugely, with housing developments including Bunkers Hill and Long Leys Road and an expanding city centre with the development of the High Street, St Marks and the Brayford. This is in addition to the arrival and expansion of the University which has brought an influx of new people, investment and opportunities into the city.

Despite recent developments it is felt much more must be done to fully realise the city’s potential. Lincoln still has areas of social deprivation, poor health and unemployment which all need to be looked at. Affordable housing, neighbourhood regeneration, infrastructure improvement and sustainable growth are key elements not only to improve the city, but also the quality of life for its residents.

The aim of this plan is to ensure the future of the city as well as creating an outstanding place to live, work, learn, invest and visit.

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

Lindum Colonia - The first Lincoln

Areas targeted for growth in Lincoln by 2031

How Lincoln has grown since Roman times

The Western Growth Corridor The Western Growth Corridor will be located between Boultham and Birchwood, with the following aims: Provide new and affordable housing in an attractive environment with good access to the city centre Provide new areas for employment through the development of a business park, shops, community facilities, and a market for existing Lincoln business’ Manage the risk of flooding on the site and in neighbouring areas whilst supporting options for developing sustainable energy Reduce congestion around the city by opening up alternative transport options including a new route into the city centre over the railway line.

The North East Quadrant This area, starting behind the Carlton Centre and running behind Outer Circle Road, aims to: Bring the redundant quarry into positive use for new and affordable housing Provide markets to support local services and businesses such as the Carlton Centre and Allenby Road Industrial Estate Provide better transport options for the city with improved bus routes, cycleways, park and ride and eastern extension to the bypass.

South East Quadrant The South East Quadrant will start along Canwick Hill and go back as far as Bracebridge Heath and will:

Help ease traffic congestion around the city through the eastern extension to the bypass Provide job opportunities by allocating land for new businesses and improving support for existing companies.

Having your say A major public consultation on the plans has recently finished, but there will be an opportunity to share your views on the Draft Submission Plan this summer.

To find out more about the Core Strategy and the emerging Site Allocations document, sign up for the newsletter at the Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Unit’s website www.central-lincs.org.uk/contact The Central Lincolnshire Joint Core Strategy - working together to create better places & make the most of future growth

Provide attractive, affordable housing close to local facilities within a quality environment

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

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Economy to benefit from £25m boost Lincoln’s economy is set for a £25 million boost after the council invested cash to create jobs, offer apprenticeships, improve tenant living conditions and build community projects.

The City of Lincoln Council’s Housing Planned Maintenance Partnering Contract has been awarded to Kier who will provide maintenance and improvement works to the city’s 8,000 council homes over the next five years.

In addition to carrying out maintenance on the council’s homes the contract will provide employment opportunities for the city’s residents, as 100 per cent of Kier employees working on this scheme will live in LN postcodes.

Kier will also run a number of apprenticeship projects, having already conducted 200 training programmes within Lincoln.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the City of Lincoln Council, said: “The council is committed to providing high quality housing for our tenants and to improve the level of training and opportunities for our residents.

Our partnership with Kier will help enable us to achieve these aims.

“As part of this contract Lincoln will be one of the first areas in the country to benefit from the new Kier+ scheme,

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which offers our tenants an improved service thanks to new technology, better business links and access to support around the clock.

“This partnership between Kier and the City Council will have many benefits to the city of Lincoln and its residents, particularly that local money will be used to benefit the local community.”

The partnership will result in an estimated £1.5 million in savings, with scope to extend the deal for a further five years to 2023.

Simon Bullen, Kier Regional Managing Director, said: “We have successfully been awarded this contract based on the merit of our work in Lincoln over the last seven years and our reputation as a high quality service provider. We have developed a strong working relationship with the council and we look forward to progressing this into the future.”

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

Making council houses more secure Additional security measures have been fitted in council homes that were between tenants following a spate of burglaries.

The City of Lincoln Council installed alarms on several ‘void properties’ homes which have been vacated by the previous tenant, but have not yet been taken over by a new resident.

The measures were taken after three empty properties were broken into, with thieves removing boilers from two of them, and causing delays for the new tenants moving in.

Alison Timmins, Strategic Housing Manager at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “We are in the process of installing alarms on our empty properties following these latest break-ins.

“We have been dealing with the police on the matter and will look at extra security measures, such as CCTV cameras if necessary.

“This is a problem that seems to occur during the winter months so we are taking measures to stop these houses being targeted.

“We will be prosecuting anyone caught stealing from these properties, which can lead to a custodial sentence.”

Armed Forces Day 2013 People in Lincoln will again have the chance to show their pride in the city’s servicemen and women on Armed Forces Day. The event on Saturday, 29 June will be one of many across the country to mark the special day which has been running annually since 2009.

Organisers of the city’s celebrations have already been working for months to make Lincoln’s event a fitting tribute to its people who have or who are serving across all branches of the Armed Forces.

The support of Lincoln BIG has helped plans for the event expand from the City Square into the Cornhill and High Street.

A programme of entertainment will be held on a stage near the War Memorial.

This will be headlined by the appropriately named Katie ‘Spitfire’, an experienced singer who performs around the country at World War II shows and events.

Along with performances from a number of bands, Katie will help invoke the nostalgia of the 1940s through song and her stage appearance.

And it is hoped the day will be marked with a fly-over involving the Red Arrows and elements of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight who will be en route to and from the National Event in Nottingham.

All three Services will be represented and will be taking part in a parade along with other organisations who will be manning information stalls and displays in the city.

More information will be available on flyers and a programme in the run up to the event which is being co-ordinated by the Lincoln ex-Services Association (LEXSA).

Last year, more than 200 events took place in all parts of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including Armed Forces Day tea parties, parades, big band concerts, civil war military re-enactments and live and static demonstrations; all designed to enable people to come along and show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces family.

Anyone wanting to support or help with this year’s Lincoln event can contact Cllr David Gratrick on 01522 530163 or Morag Robinson on 01522 589815.

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

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Bein g a councillor Patrick Vaughan Councillor Patrick Vaughan will take over from Karen Lee as Mayor in April. Here we catch up with him ahead of taking on his new role: What are you looking forward to about becoming Mayor?

I will be honoured to become Mayor of Lincoln. As the first citizen I look forward to attending numerous charitable events and civic functions throughout the year.

I intend to help create opportunities to see new jobs come to the city by attracting new businesses to Lincoln.

What will be your charity of the year and why?

My charity for the year will be the Lincolnshire Branch of the Motor Neurone Disesase Association. The reason being a young man who used to work at City Hall has the illness.

What is the best thing about being a councillor?

Being in a position to help people with advice and assisting where possible, along with my fellow ward councillors. Also, to be able to work towards keeping our lovely city a good place for all to live and work.

What is the worst thing?

Being prevented by government from making many of the improvements I would like to see in the city.

What are the current issues impacting on people on your Glebe ward?

The biggest impact on the most vulnerable people in our ward is the rise in the number of loan sharks. We are working to help people caught in this trap, by introducing a Credit Union Bank.

Forthcoming benefit cuts will have a big impact on these same people.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a councillor?

Be committed all the time, a good listener, trustworthy and reliable. Commit to holding regular ward surgeries and be a team member. Get to know your

constituents and keep them informed regarding issues they raise. Familiarise yourself with the area of your ward.

What do you enjoy doing outside your council duties?

I am a school governor for Queen’s Park Special Needs School and St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School, Chairman of Lincoln Shrievalty Association and also The Millennium Guild. I am a trustee of Lincoln Municipal Charities and also of St Katherine’s Priory. Woodturning is something I enjoy. I am also a season ticket holder of Lincoln City Football Club.

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

Jane Clark T: 879522 jane.clark@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

Geoff Kirby T: 680803 geoffrey.kirby@lincoln.gov.uk

Bracebridge Ward

Park Ward

Darren Grice T: 402260 darren.grice@lincoln.gov.uk

Chris Burke T: 856296 chris.burke@lincoln.gov.uk

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

Brent Charlesworth T: 524126 brent.charlesworth@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 gillclayton.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: 546065 neil.murray@lincoln.gov.uk

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Jim Hanrahan T: 881161 jim.hanrahan@lincoln.gov.uk Loraine Woolley T: 543889 loraine.woolley@lincoln.gov.uk

Minster Ward Yvonne Bodger T: 520083 yvonne.bodger@lincoln.gov.uk David Gratrick T: 530163 david.gratrick@lincoln.gov.uk

Hilton Spratt T: 878305

Sue Burke T: 856296 sue.burke@lincoln.gov.uk

Glebe Ward

Moorland Ward

Jackie Kirk T: 07531 022876 jackie.kirk@lincoln.gov.uk

Bob Bushell T: 870625 bob.bushell@lincoln.gov.uk Geoff Ellis T: 683620 geoff.ellis@lincoln.gov.uk

Richard Metcalfe (Leader) T: 720960 richard.metcalfe@lincoln.gov.uk

Adrianna Ellis T: 07950 885430 adrianna.ellis@lincoln.gov.uk

Patrick Vaughan T: 534044 pat.vaughan@lincoln.gov.uk

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

MP for Lincoln Karl McCartney T: 01522 687261 / 0207 219 7221 karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk

Party Key: Labour Conservative Independent

It is important for the council to be aware of who its customers are and the diversity of its own staff.

Equality focus for council staff Council staff have been learning how they can tailor their services to make a difference within different parts of their community through a special training day.

Representatives and speakers from the disabled, Muslim and older communities were among those invited along to the City of Lincoln Council’s ‘Difference Day – Understanding Others’ aimed at improving staff understanding of equality issues.

Guests were invited in to speak to councillors and staff about issues they had faced in Lincoln as well as when accessing council services, and how the City of Lincoln Council could help address these matters in future.

Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive at the City of Lincoln Council and the authority’s Equality Champion, said: “It is vital that all our staff understand the wide range of equality issues we face and that we share best practice.

“By doing so we can shape the services the council provides to ensure they are as fair and accessible as possible to everyone regardless of age, disability or race.

“It was a really valuable day with some great discussion and ideas which ultimately mean we can ensure our services are as accessible as possible for everyone in the city.”

As part of the day-long event keynote speakers were given their chance to present the main challenges facing them in Lincoln.

Gary Burr, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Age UK Lincoln, said: “It has been a good opportunity to share knowledge and

experience with a range of other people.

“As well as sharing my experiences it was good for me to meet people from the Muslim community as there are lots of elderly people within this community and we have not really delved into that before.”

Iggy Patel, founder of Halo Ablement Techniques, was also invited along to do a presentation based on his perspective as a disabled person going about his day-to-day life.

He said: “This has been an excellent day and given me the chance to meet some new contacts.

“This has definitely made me aware of new issues.”

Dr Tanweer Ahmed from Lincoln Islamic Association added: “We have been working closely with the council throughout our Mosque project which is how I became involved in this day.

“It has been very helpful in helping us recognise some of the issues.

“It is a positive step to help understand each other and build community cohesion.”

The event included a Question Time style session and workshops with a panel of people representing different characteristics of the Equality Act.

This is why it has created the Equality Journal – a document providing information on the make up of the city and council’s staff in terms of age, gender, religion, sexuality and disabilities.

It also sets out how the council will meet a number of strategic objectives around diversity and equality by 2016.

The Equality Journal is updated annually and explains how through training, engagement events and different types of accessibility the council can meet the needs of its staff, officers, residents and visitors more effectively.

As well as providing information on its own staff, the council also researches the structure of the city as a whole by producing the Lincoln Drivers Report. Both documents are available to read at the council’s website www.lincoln.gov.uk.

Who lives in Lincoln?

93,100 residents live within the City of Lincoln Gender 51%

Female

49%

Male

Age 16.4%

0 - 15

27.69% 16 - 29 19.1%

30 - 44

17.49% 45 - 59 12.49% 60 - 74 7.1%

Over 75

Ethnicity 89.4%

White British

10.6%

Black and Minority Ethnicity

Religion 58%

Christian

32.6% No Religion 9.4%

Other Religion

www.lincoln.gov.uk

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March

History Walk Hartsholme Country Park March 15, 11am to 1pm Park Rangers will be offering guided walk to discover the history of Hartsholme Country Park meeting at the Visitor Centre. £2 / 01522 873577 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Farmers Market Castle Hill March 16, 9am to 4pm Visit Castle Hill to see an array of locally sourced, home grown and hand baked goods and gifts.

Brayford Waterfront March 17, 10am to 4pm Dozens of campervans will be lining the waterfront for a free exhibition, which will also feature a selection of live music.

FREE

Lincoln Academy Public Lecture The University of Lincoln March 21, 5.30pm Professor Anne Curry will be delivering the Annual Medieval Lecture, entitled (Not) Born to be King. Professor Curry will be discussing medieval warfare and Henry V on the 600th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

FREE

FREE admission, limited places available 01522 837100 / www.lincoln.ac.uk

Discover Lincolnshire Weekend Historic Lincoln

Lincoln Symphony Orchestra: Spring Concert

March 16 - 17

Drill Hall, March 23, 7.30pm

Lincoln Cathedral, Castle, Museum of Lincolnshire Life and Guildhall will be opening their doors for free as part of English Tourism Week.

The Audience decides – a selection of favourite pieces performed by the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, under Conductor Andrew Penny.

FREE / 01522 545458 www.visitlincoln.com

Tickets £12, £10 for concessions and £5 for accompanied under 16s 01522 873894 / www.lincolndrillhall.com

St Patrick’s Night with The Hooley and Friends The Drill Hall March 16, 8pm A night of raw celtic and European music with a chance to dust off your dancing shoes.

Tickets £8 in advance, £10 on the door 01522 873894 / www.lincolndrillhall.com

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VW Camper Day

Easter Egg Hunt Hartsholme Country Park March 29 – April 1, 12pm to 3pm Take part in the Easter Egg Hunt around Hartsholme Country Park starting at the Visitor Centre. Suitable for all the family.

April

Active Nation Lincoln 10k Road Race Weekend Castle Square and Yarborough Leisure Centre, April 6 – 7, various start times Get your running shoes on for the 17th annual road race. Activities start at Yarborough Leisure Centre at 9.15am on Saturday, for the 2.8km Direct Textiles Ltd Primary Schools Race for nine to 11-year-olds. Then at 9.20am the 5km Running Imp Secondary School Race starts for 11 to 14-year-olds. On Sunday, the wheelchair race will start at 10.55am, followed by the 10k Road Race at 11am. £19 for non accredited runners, £17 for club accredited runners and free for 9-14-year-old races / lincoln10k.co.uk

Bottle Rockets Hartsholme Country Park April 9, 1pm to 3pm Make your own bottle rocket and watch it launch. Places are limited so booking is recommended. £3.40 / 01522 873 577 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Local Living History Weekend Lincoln Castle April 13 – April 14, 10am to 5pm Friends of Lincoln Castle will be bringing the venue to life with prison tours, falconry displays and a living history camp showing life in the 15th century.

01522 782040 lincoln_castle@lincolnshire.gov.uk

£3.30 / 01522 873577 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Fete of the Strait

Lincoln BIG Mini Day

The Strait, March 30, 10am to 4pm

Brayford Waterfront April 14, 10am to 4pm

A selection of family friendly stalls offering everything from face painting to tasty treats.

There will be balloon bending, medieval bands and some homemade delicacies.

Around 200 Mini cars will be lining the waterfront at an event organised

by Trent Valley Mini Owners Club and Lincoln BIG.

FREE

FREE

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

The Lincoln Great Spring Chicken Run City centre April 28, 10.30am to 12.30pm A 5km and 2.5km fun run through the city centre, organised by the Rotary Club of Bailgate Lincoln. All proceeds will be split between local good causes. The 5km race starts at 11am followed by the 2.5km race at 11.20am. £10 for adults, £5 for under 13s 01522 537497 / tpo@ohal.org

Classic car rally Brayford Wharf April 28, 10am to 4pm

Jazz Festival

Tree Walk

Various May 13 – 18, 7.30pm to 10pm

Hartsholme Country Park May 30, 11am to 1pm

The week will feature a range of jazz events around the city culminating in a free evening of music at the Lincoln Hotel.

Join the Hartsholme Country Park rangers for a guided walk in the woods to discover the different trees. Places are limited so booking is recommended.

www.visitlincoln.com

Lincoln Beer Festival Lincoln Drill Hall May 20 – 26, 11am – 4pm

Health Walks

More than 90 types of real ale will be on offer alongside bottled beer, traditional farm-produced cider and perries. As well as the best of British brewing there will also be ales on offer from around the world.

Various locations

Visit the waterfront to see a selection of restored vintage vehicles.

www.lincolndrillhall.com

FREE / www.visitlincoln.com

Horsing Around

May

Victorian Weekend Lincoln Castle May 4 to 6, 10am to 6pm Take a step back in time to see life in Victorian Lincoln. There will be meetings of the suffragette movement, a camp set up by the 3rd regiment on their return from India and even a visit from Queen Victoria, stopping in for an inspection of the camp.

01522 782040 lincoln_castle@lincolnshire.gov.uk

University of Lincoln Grand Prix Castle Square and city wide May 12, 10am to 4pm The Lincoln Velo club will be holding the 58th cycle grand prix from 10am, starting at Yarborough before doing 13 laps of an eight-mile circuit through the city. The race is due to finish in Castle Square at around 2pm.

FREE / www.lincolngrandprix.org.uk

£2 / 01522 873577 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk

Lincoln Castle May 25-26, 10am to 6pm

Walking is a great way to become active, to learn about your local area and meet new people. The walks are graded to make sure that they cater for those who are new to walking, recovering from an illness or are lacking a little bit in confidence.

01522 873581 www.lincoln.gov.uk/healthwalks

Come along throughout the day to see 15th century war games on horseback.

01522 782040 lincoln_castle@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Celebrating Engineering Lincoln Cathedral May 25 – 27, 10am to 4pm Based in an engineering masterpiece, the Cathedral hosts a three day celebration of the city’s engineering connections. Take part in interactive activities suitable for all the family and discover the career opportunities on offer in engineering within Lincoln.

01522 545458 judith.smith@lincoln.gov.uk

Den Building Hartsholme Country Park May 28, 1pm to 3pm Go out into the park with the rangers and learn how to build a den out of natural materials. Places are limited so booking is recommended. £2 / 01522 873577 hartsholmecp@lincoln.gov.uk All events listings are supplied by the venues and are correct at the time of printing.

Find out more at www.lincoln.gov.uk

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Find out more: www.lincolncollege.ac.uk/higher-education 01522 876274 enquiries@lincolncollege.ac.uk

University-level courses