Towns Fund initiatives will have lasting impact

Following on from recent redevelopment projects, a new in-depth tourism survey has been launched in Lincoln to help shape its future plans and support Lincolnshire’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda. Melanie Burton reports.

This summer was always going to be a busy time for the UK events industry, with the recent Jubilee and upcoming Commonwealth Games. But with all venues now open for business and the high streets and town centres once again brimming with life, it isn’t just events that are seeing record visitor numbers.

Despite the cost of living crisis, the impacts of the conflict in the Ukraine and the fact that it has only been a few months since all Covid restrictions were lifted, people have been determined to make the most of their time and get out and about.

Tourist destinations like the historic city of Lincoln are proving highly popular, which is good news for retailers, businesses and the local economy alike.

Lincolnshire’s £2.4 billion tourism industry is set to grow even more following a new survey being carried out.

Tourism experts at the city’s official Destination Management Organisation (DMO), Visit Lincoln, have launched a research programme involving thousands of visitors, residents, students and business owners.

Data is being collected over a 12-month period, making sure that all seasons across the year will be covered, and the results will be used to develop future plans and shape Lincolnshire’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda.

The research also includes an online survey of hundreds of visitors and non-visitors, and consultation with over 500 businesses plus detailed face-to-face focus groups.

Chief executive at Visit Lincoln, Charlotte Goy, said this will be the first time business owners and leaders will be able to see the county ‘through the eyes of a visitor’ and insights will include intel on who visitors are, where they are coming from, what their motivations are for visiting, what their stay and spend are, and crucially what would persuade them to stay longer or make a return trip and support local businesses.

“To have real impact we need to understand consumer sentiment and the visitor economy sector in depth”, said Charlotte. “This will give us post-Covid insight into what the recovery needs are and it will enable businesses, operators and local authorities to make sound, data-led decisions as they navigate new policies through Levelling Up and Shared Prosperity funding.

“The intelligence will inform our strategy across destination marketing, accelerate decision making and lay the foundations for impactful collaboration. The research will be fundamental in contributing to the county’s progress across the visitor economy and inward investment opportunities.”

The research is being led by Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) Solutions who are leaders in destination management research.

The project will be completed in September and alongside the full final report, there will be opportunities for district councils and sectors to commission a deep dive understanding into their specific audiences.

Laura Freer, head of marketing at Visit Lincoln, said: “The purpose of the research is to understand the benefits, challenges and opportunities tourism brings to Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas.

“Alongside businesses, we can work together to recover from the pandemic shaping Lincolnshire into a world-class visitor destination, create more value, get visitors to stay longer, explore further, spend more, and reduce any negative impact from tourism on the area.”

City of Lincoln Council leader, Councillor Ric Metcalfe, said: “Tourism is economically important as it generates over £200 million in Lincoln alone. It is also important for jobs because it employs thousands of people and a far-reaching supply chain.

“Another reason tourism is important is for Lincoln’s Place DNA – the way that people feel about Lincoln. Lincoln’s identity isn’t just shaped by the built environment such as the castle.”

CORNHILL REGENERATION
Work is already being carried out in Lincoln’s city centre to improve the whole visitor experience.

The Cornhill Quarter is the most significant refurbishment and new-build retail and leisure development in the heart of the city in recent times.

The overall regeneration zone has delivered in excess of 150,000 sq ft of mixed use commercial floorspace, a £1.5m urban realm enhancement and a £30m investment in the city’s infrastructure.

At the heart of the Cornhill Quarter regeneration is the Corn Exchange. The Grade II listed market building was built in 1879 and has a long tradition as a trading location in the city.

Works are also underway to refurbish Lincoln Central Market which is a key part of the Cornhill Quarter. Initial works began in April to the Grade II listed Central Market building following investment from Historic England through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which has enabled a programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover the city’s rich history.

Some £5.9 million investment has also been earmarked for the project thanks to a successful bid for funding through the Be Lincoln Town Deal, which has seen £19 million awarded to the city by government to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. The market was first built in 1937 to the design of architect Robert Atkinson and incorporates the relocated façade of the original 1737 butter market which was located at St Peter at Arches in Lincoln.

The proposed scheme is for the major regeneration of the Central Market building, reinventing the market to create a hybrid offer which combines local produce, food and non-food retailing.

Councillor Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “The vision for Central Market for some time has been to design a building of destination, an attractive and modern retailing and leisure space, offering a mix of stalls and delivering a place where people want to visit and dwell rather than simply pass by en route to the High Street or the transport links in the city.

“Thanks to funding from government’s Towns Fund and High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), we now have the opportunity for major investment into the market to create a sustainable future for this important historical asset, which will in turn support the diversification and recovery of the High Street.”

David Walsh, principal advisor at Historic England added: “The start of the refurbishment of Central Market is a major milestone in heritage led regeneration in the Cornhill Quarter and Lincoln city centre.

“The works will allow this wonderful building to have a new lease of life, support local businesses and provide a destination for visitors.”

Minister for Levelling Up, Neil O’Brien said: “The improvements to this historic market will increase visitor footfall, support local businesses and restore pride for the people of Lincoln.

“The project is a key plank of the ambitious proposals set out in Lincoln’s £19 million Town Deal.”

Chair of the Be Lincoln Town Deal Board, Liam Scully, said: “Restoring and repurposing the market building will create a modern and diversified market offer, combining retail, food, leisure and technology.”

The designs for the market building have been carefully developed in conjunction with advice from commercial and letting agents, Banks Long & Co, Lincolnshire County Highways, the LA Planning Conservation Officer and Historic England as well as feedback received from local businesses, traders and the residents of Lincoln following a public survey in February 2021.

The works being carried out by locally based construction company Lindum are expected to be complete by the end of 2023.

GROWTH FORECAST
Eighty-seven per cent of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) businesses are worried about their growth this year due to inflation, new figures have revealed.

A survey, which collected results from over 300 SME owners, also discovered that 43% of business owners thought Brexit had either had a negative or very negative impact on their business, with 59% saying team recruitment and retention is now presenting more of a challenge than 12 months ago.

As a member of the Association of Practising Accountants, Duncan & Toplis, which has branches throughout the county including Lincoln, has supported this survey by gathering the views and experiences of business leaders, with key findings revealing that 64% of SMEs say rising energy costs are impeding their ability to deliver services efficiently.

In fact, 62% of businesses taking part said their focus is on simply surviving or sustaining their business against 33% which are looking to grow over the next six months.

But despite these challenges, the findings also provided evidence that businesses which have survived the pandemic are now more resilient and confident, with 81% reporting they are in better shape for the future than before Covid.

Managing director of Duncan & Toplis, Adrian Reynolds, said: “Inflation is soaring at 6.1% year on year, and it is expected to exceed 8% this summer. Meanwhile, the cost of oil and gas is skyrocketing and worker shortages and added shipping challenges are driving up costs elsewhere.

“It has been a difficult time for businesses over the last two years, having already contended with Covid-19 and Brexit, and now the rapid inflation of costs occurring this year.

“The UK government must be more pragmatic about our future trading relations with Europe, understanding that labour shortages, along with a more challenging export environment, pose a real threat to recovery.

“These recent findings from APA’s report show the importance of being able to adopt a flexible approach to business policy – and I think this will be the key to a sustainable recovery.”
New figures have also shown that a record number of businesses were established in Lincolnshire during 2021.

In all, 6,903 new companies were registered in the county last year compared to 6,475 during 2020, which at that time was a new record.

It brings the total number of registered companies in Lincolnshire to 50,076, up by 4.2 per cent from 48,061 at the end of 2020.

The statistics come from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.

South Kesteven formed the highest number of new businesses (1,283) followed by North Kesteven (770), South Holland (708) then Lincoln (692).

Boston was the smallest (421), but the tally was up on previous years (340 in 2020 and 381 in 2019).

John Korchak, operations director at Inform Direct, said: “It is excellent news to see that Lincolnshire has achieved a record year for new company formations during 2021 despite the continuing challenges of the pandemic.

“The retail sector saw the largest number of new companies (698) which may be the result of pent-up demand after the lockdowns of 2020 and early 2021 and people looking to spend their income in different ways as a result of widespread restrictions on travel and entertainment. This was followed by land transport with 693 new incorporations.

“The record number of new company formations demonstrates an active economy with entrepreneurs motivated to invest in new businesses which meet current and emerging demands for goods or services.

“The overall picture for the UK as a whole is also an optimistic one with the total number of companies now exceeding five million for the very first time.

“It is also encouraging to see some evidence that the number of new companies formed in 2020 wasn’t an aberration, but perhaps a ‘new normal.

“While it’s clear there were some companies set up in 2020 purely to take advantage of government help during the pandemic – apparently including some with fraudulent intent – the high numbers again in 2021, when schemes were being withdrawn, suggest the vast majority are genuine companies with a commercial purpose.”
Sighs are optimistic for this year too.

“2022 should be the year we see a return to some semblance of normality, with the opportunity to judge what the ‘new normal’ looks like and the resulting impact on the direction of the UK economy,” added Mr Reynolds.

“In theory, there is reason to be optimistic. Assuming the worst effects of the pandemic continue to abate, we should see further business opportunities – particularly in entertainment, travel and other industries most constrained over the last 24 months,” he said.

QUEEN’S BATON RELAY
The Queen’s Jubilee gave a welcome boost to the local economy with the numerous street parties, celebrations and events that took place and this month it will get another when the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay comes to town.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a journey which brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build-up to the Commonwealth Games this summer.
It will visit Lincoln on 10th July during its 25-day tour of England, culminating with the opening ceremony which takes place on 28th July.

During its time in Lincoln, it will visit the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), the LNER Stadium, Sincil Bank, Lincoln High Street, Steep Hill and Lincoln Cathedral.

Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community.

Councillor Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to showcase the city and what we have to offer and welcome It is all good news for the city’s businesses and retailers particularly in light of the uncertainty around business confidence amongst early-stage small businesses.

ST MARY’S GUILDHALL AWARDED £228K
There is more positive news on the heritage front too. City of Lincoln Council has confirmed that St Mary’s Guildhall has been awarded £228,130 from Historic England as part of its Regional Repair Grant programme.

This funding, which is in addition to the £247,343 already allocated to the building as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), will be used to complete restoration works at the Grade I listed building. The Regional Repair Grant funding will also be used to carry out a full re-roofing of the Norman House.

St Mary’s Guildhall is also a scheduled monument and the principal structure along the High Street dates from 1157 and was once a major domestic building of the highest social status, possibly built as a royal residence for Henry II. Later remodelling and construction over the years have resulted in a rear range comprising the 17th-century Norman House and the 18th-century North Range.

St Mary’s Guildhall was identified as a key project as part of the city council’s HSHAZ application.

However, results of an initial structural survey and condition report identified a far wider range of works required than those identified in the project plan – some as a matter of urgency.

Now funding has been granted, works are due for completion by March 2023. A robust feasibility and options appraisal will then be commissioned to consider how to achieve a sustainable future for the building.

The aspiration is that it will provide a community hub with opportunities to host events, exhibitions and community outreach.

Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “St Mary’s Guildhall is an incredibly important building in the city in terms of its history. This further funding to continue our planned restoration works and fully re-roof the Norman House will help us in raising the profile of this exceptional building and its history both locally and nationally.”

DRESS TO IMPRESS WITH QUALITY MENSWEAR FROM CONEYS OF LINCOLN
Established in 2011, Coneys of Lincoln offers premium brands of clothing and accessories for discerning gentlemen.

Whether you’re a smart or casual dresser, looking for a special outfit for a wedding or day out at the races, here you will find a fantastic choice of more than 30 carefully selected designer brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Hilfiger Denim, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Replay, Matchless, Calvin Klein, Hackett, plus Paul & Shark and many more.

Situated in the centre of Lincoln’s High Street, Coneys has fast become a high street favourite with a loyal following of customers, while the dedicated team of in store advisors pride themselves on helping shoppers to make the best choices.

Here you will also find a range of children’s suits and office attire, as well as footwear and casualwear to suit all sizes and budgets, together with a five-star alteration service.

reat yourself by booking your own personal shopper experience, and enjoy an ultimate retail therapy outing.

If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, Cavani at Coneys will bring your stylish outfit to life with its range of tweed and wedding suits, shoes and accessories, offering sleek understated styles for formal occasions or patterned fabrics for those looking to make an individual and stylish statement.

For more information contact www.coneysdesignerwear.co.uk

NEW SCHOOL MINDFULNESS AND WELLBEING FACILITY OFFICIALLY OPEN
The latest development of a £250,000 outdoor learning and play facility at Lincoln Minster Preparatory School has been officially opened.

The facilities, opened by Sir Jon Coles, CEO of United Learning, and two Lincoln Minster Reception pupils, include spaces for role play, adventurous climbing areas, running water play, tipis and woodland campsite features.

The facilities will be used as part of the school’s latest wellbeing initiatives, to bring the learning experience outside the classroom and introduce a calming, engaging environment where pupils can investigate nature and develop enquiry through exploration and hands-on experiences.

Mark Burton, Lincoln Minster School Preparatory Head, said: “We cannot underestimate the impact that being denied opportunities for regular meaningful social interactions with their peers throughout the pandemic has had on the youngest children during this vital formative period.

“The impact of a resource such as this, which, among its other many benefits, specifically targets the development of co-operation, interaction, negotiation, communication and teamwork, cannot be overstated.”

The latest development comes after the school was recently ranked in the Top 40 UK Preparatory Schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2022.

Maria Young, Lincoln Minster School Headmistress, added: “Finding peace in the outdoors is one way that we embrace supporting our children’s mental wellbeing. Increasingly, it is apparent that children at an earlier stage are experiencing pressures like never before; reporting feelings of increased worry and anxiety.

“We are determined to be at the forefront of supporting children to find ways to manage these feelings. This starts with our very youngest learners.”

To learn more, Private Tours and Open Events are available to book through the Lincoln Minster School website www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk

DELIVERING DREAM KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS
Wayne Winter, Turnbull’s senior kitchen and bathroom designer, discusses a recent project.

Question: What was your clients’ brief?
Answer: Having lived in their detached house in Uphill Lincoln for the past 20 years, this busy family wanted to update their small, tired kitchen to create a modern space which would complement a new extension providing an open plan living area.

Our brief was to redesign the existing kitchen into a stylish, low maintenance family-friendly area, which was not just functional but provided a homely feel too.

comfortable, non-sales environment, to get an idea of what they wanted, while also introducing them to new ideas for cleaner and greener living.

I also visited them at home to get a feel for the family’s needs and how the 8 sqm space could best be utilised, while also discussing forward trends in design.

How did you decide on the layout?
We took on board all their specifications while adding our own twist to help bring personality and life to the new kitchen. Back in the showroom, we discussed the suggested layout, making minor tweaks and finalising choices of tiles and worktops.

I’m happy to say that 95% of the time we get our client’s brief right, or as close to the mark as we can!

What are the challenges of your job?
Having spent more than 20 years in the business, I enjoy talking through the wishes of every client who entrusts us to create their dream. The challenge we sometimes face is resolving the size of the space with expectations and what’s possible to achieve within the budget. However, this is easily resolved as we have three kitchen manufacturers to choose from which match most budgets.

What were you most proud of in this job?
Not only did the clients love it but we also ticked every box for their needs. We pride ourselves on the happiness of our clients and strive to create a good looking, welcoming space which reflects their individual tastes and lifestyles within an affordable budget, while delivering on quality and service.

Book an appointment online and visit the Turnbull Kitchens and Bathrooms Showroom at Deacon Road, Lincoln LN2 4JB. Tel: 01522 214366, or visit www.turnbullsonline.co.uk/showrooms

CELEBRATING GENERATIONS OF LOCAL LEGENDS
We take a look back at the success and innovations of Lincolnshire’s treasured artisan brand, Stokes Tea & Coffee, which marks its 120th anniversary this year.

Crafted with love, pride and passion, Stokes Tea & Coffee, which specialises in freshly roasted coffees and fine teas, is a well-established, family-run business which has been serving up delicious, unique blends and supporting hospitality businesses for more than a century.

This year sees the celebration of its 120th anniversary, which will be marked with a special “invitation only” business event held at the company’s historic headquarters, (where the roastery is also based), at the Lawn Building, a 19th-century former asylum on Union Road. The company moved operations here in 2017 following an extensive £2million refurbishment which took two years to complete.

World Wars, the Great Depression of 1929 and a global pandemic.

Perfect blends
The business was founded in 1902 by Robert William Stokes, who started out as a grocer before discovering his passion for blending tea and roasting coffee, which attracted interest from customers far and wide.

After scooping many awards for his knowledge and skills, Robert Stokes took on his first premises at the Arcadia Café, where the future king, George VI (who had been appointed officer at the Royal Naval Air services in Cranwell), visited several times.

In 1937, the opportunity came up to move into a 16th-century half-timbered building on the medieval High Bridge in Lincoln city centre, spanning the River Witham and so was born the iconic Stokes High Bridge Café, which visitors love to this day.

Managing director Nick Peel is the fourth generation to take up the reins of the business and along with his team, is putting 120 years of know-how into sourcing, roasting and blending coffee and tea for retail and wholesale customers.

“As a company we work hard to be the best, serving and delivering the best quality teas and coffee, offering the best service levels whether in our cafés or as wholesale and trade, doing the best to help local businesses and charities, doing the best to operate in ethical, sustainable and helpful ways to all,” says Nick.

Tradition and innovation
As well as two destination cafés in Lincoln, which serve elegant afternoon teas, traditional lunches and hearty breakfasts, there is also a barista training academy and events and venue hire services.

This year has also seen the launch of a new Stokes To Go takeaway located next to the High Bridge Café, perfect for busy people on the move with delicious fresh local produce, genuine Cornish pasties, sandwiches, sweet treats and drinks.

There’s lots for shoppers instore and online too, including freshly roasted coffee beans, coffee pods, coffee and tea brewing kits, as well as gift vouchers and experiences.

“Stokes is proud of its history and heritage,” says Nick. “Our dedication to quality has been consistent for over 100 years, but we’re also constantly looking at new ways to innovate and delight our customers.

“With further plans afoot, this great Lincolnshire business has an exciting future and is looking forward to leading for the next 120 years!”

For more information visit www.stokescoffee.com 

GET THE BEST ADVICE FROM EXPERIENCED VALUERS
Golding Young & Mawer are an established firm of Auctioneers and Valuers based in Lincoln and Lincolnshire since 1864. We serve the county through the sale and valuation of art, antiques and household goods. Our services include sale of goods, house clearance, insurance and inheritance tax valuations, and much more.

The ever changing marketplace brings with it new fashions and trends so it is vital that you know the value of your items before choosing how to dispose of them.

Our Lincoln, Grantham, Bourne, Stamford and Louth teams are always on hand to assist with

The teams consist of a number of experienced valuers covering many specialisms and they are always ready to assist with the best advice.

Do not delay and ensure you receive the best advice as soon as possible.

Get in touch with our saleroom team on 01522 524984 or visit goldingyoung.com for further details. 

PENNELLS – MAKING YOUR IDEAS GROW
Established in 1780, Pennells Garden Centre is a family-run, award-winning business which prides itself on delivering first class customer service.

Running three garden centres within Lincolnshire, Pennells has a wide choice of well displayed quality plants (many of which have been grown in their own nurseries), gardening tools, garden furniture and accessories.

Their Lincoln centre is conveniently situated just off the A46 at South Hykeham where you’ll find everything you need to create your dream garden as well as the Pennells nursery which is always well-stocked with fresh, home-grown plants.

The centre has a wide range of products such as outdoor solar lighting, unique houseplants and a well-stocked gifts department, including toys and games for children and families to enjoy!

Don’t miss a visit to the store’s award-winning Gardener’s Restaurant which serves home-made hot meals, light snacks and freshly baked cakes with a wide range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu – so no one needs to miss out!

The Pennells food hall is filled with a beautiful selection of wines, spirits and local beers. Here you will find luxury meals, desserts and ice cream, as well as sweet treats such as liquorice, nougat, toffee and chocolates.

Inside the Lincoln centre there are also several concessions including the award-winning Simpsons butchers, The Works, Pavers shoes and many more making it a real shopper’s paradise!

thrives on customer satisfaction and their expert team of advisors are always on hand to share gardening advice and recommendations so customers can enjoy exchanging ideas and discussing their vision for unique outside spaces.

For more information visit www.pennells.co.uk

CITY OF LINCOLN’S FABULOUS ASSET
Lincoln’s historic Guildhall – which dates back to 1520 – is one of the city’s treasures and a perfect venue for so many special occasions.

The home of the City of Lincoln Council meetings, it also hosts the annual mayor-making ceremony, Freemen events, offers a warm welcome to visiting UK and International delegations and is open for guided tours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10.30am and 2pm.

Visitors also have the chance to view Lincoln’s fabulous Civic Insignia, including the Richard II Sword, Mayor’s Chains of Office, Cap of Maintenance, Mace and Posy Ring.

One of the most prestigious ceremonies which takes place annually in the magnificent Chamber above the city’s Stonebow, is the presentation of the much-coveted Lincoln Civic Award – and 2022 saw it being handed out once more, after a break in tradition due to Covid.

This year’s winner was the 178-year-old Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology. SLHA chairman Ian George proudly received the award from the former Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Jackie Kirk.

To learn more about the Guildhall, call 01522 873303.

LINCOLN PRINT & COPY CENTRE OFFERS PERSONALISED SOLUTIONS
As specialists in digital printing, Lincoln Print & Copy Centre Ltd has been providing quick, efficient and professional all-round print solutions since 1979.

The highly-skilled team are committed to delivering bespoke results for businesses, both large and small, as well as schools, churches and community projects looking for an expert print, design, copy and scanning service to suit all budgets and requirements.

Situated on Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, with easy, free parking outside, the centre offers a wide variety of printers and print finishing equipment to produce leaflets, booklets, NCR pads, folders and brochures, as well as posters and plan prints, in addition to graphic design services.

As an Ordnance Survey Map Data Centre, the centre also provides maps for planning applications, as well as historic and area maps from the Ordnance Survey archive.

“We can make a difference by doing as much or as little as customers need to fit their budget and growth plans. There is no job too big or small, so if you are not sure if it can be done, get in touch and we are always happy to help.”

For more information visit www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION NEEDED IN LINCOLN
City of Lincoln Council (Property) are looking for good quality, affordable accommodation for waiting families and individuals both in the city and close to the city boundaries.

Private Sector Liaison Officer, explained: “It is becoming increasingly difficult for tenants to access the private rented sector, particularly in Lincoln. They may be in receipt of benefits, on a low income or lack a guarantor meaning they are unable to meet the requirements. To help this situation, the council has been operating the Private Landlord Scheme since 2014. Our aim is to work directly with landlords and tenants to provide long-term, affordable accommodation.”

The scheme is completely free to landlords and offers everything expected from a professional service. For each prospective tenant, the council completes or obtains reference checks from previous landlords, an affordability check – proof of income, an anti-social behaviour check and existing rent arrears, a Right to Rent and immigration check and housing benefit entitlement.

“We offer advice and support from start to finish and are well placed to access information from other council departments or organisations,” said Callum.

If you are interested please email: joanna.gray@lincoln.gov.uk

RESCUE REQUESTS SAME IN FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 2022 AS THE WHOLE OF 2021
One of the UK’s leading equine charities, Bransby Horses, has seen a steep increase in calls from horse owners struggling to afford the upkeep of their animals.

Last year the charity received 108 calls from members of the public looking for advice on what to do if they could no longer keep their horse and received 22 direct requests to take over their ownership.

By the end of March this year, Bransby Horses received 25 direct requests to take ownership of horses from private homes – more than the entirety of 2021. Half of them stated this was due to financial reasons.

Welfare manager at Bransby Horses, Rachel Jenkinson, said: “We urge any owner who is concerned about their horse or struggling financially, to get in touch with us so we can help before it becomes a problem.”

To report a welfare concern or for advice and support call 01427 787369. This phone line operates Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm.

THE ART OF SUSTAINABLE SHROUDS
As the only artist shroud maker in the UK, Lena Sass, owner of Shrouds and Ashes creates innovative hand-made shrouds for natural burials, made with environmentally friendly fabrics. As a memoriam, she also creates unique prints using a small amount of the ash of your loved one, or soil from the grave. Based on the border of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Lena has also been an active celebrant at burials, creating unique occasions, combined with 40 years as a social engagement artist. Shrouds and Ashes products provide a unique resolution for those wanting to celebrate the life of a loved one in a personal, more intimate way, also offering them opportunities to create the design with the artist.

“I design images for the shroud to wrap the body as a beautiful last gift before burial. The images are similar to tattoos, like stories on the body, which reflect the lives of your loved one, from limited editions to bespoke shrouds,” explains Lena. “I use my skills to represent the individual on the shrouds, which are cyanotypes, a process which uses sunlight and benign chemicals to meet my commitment to sustainability. I can also provide a copy of the shroud as a keepsake and apply the designs to funeral cards as a complete service.”

NEW CITY ROOFTOP VENUE OPENS
Cognito, the Japanese restaurant based in the heart of Lincoln, co-founded by sisters Ellie (24) and Zara Pickles (21), has built a rooftop bar and restaurant, which represents a refreshing contribution to the city’s dining out experience.

Incognito, as the new rooftop has been branded, offers a premium dining and cocktail lounge experience. It has already captured the hearts of the Lincoln public, offering a sun trap, with a view of the city’s historic Cathedral – the very first of its kind in Lincoln!

The rooftop, which opened in late May, features a Japanese theme, standing as a welcome addition to the established hospitality experiences available to the Lincoln public and the region as a

Cognito represents an ongoing shift in the cultural fabric of the city, a product of Lincoln’s growing diversity in taste and tradition.

Cognito launched in July 2021 and is located on 10 Park Street (opposite Home Nightclub). Incognito stands out as the only rooftop restaurant and bar in Lincoln, and an asset to the Lincoln hospitality scene.

Tel 01522 575840 or visit https://cognitouk.com/

LOW CARBON’S SECOND COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ON GATE BURTON ENERGY PARK
Low Carbon has launched a second round of consultation on proposals to build a new solar and energy storage park near Gate Burton, Lincolnshire, and infrastructure to connect the scheme into the grid at Cottam substation, Nottinghamshire. The consultation will run for six weeks from 22nd June to 5th August 2022.

Burton Energy Park by coming to one of the events, attending an online webinar and visiting the project website at www.gateburtonenergypark.co.uk

This is your opportunity to provide feedback about the proposals to build the scheme, views on the preferred route corridor for the cable connection and ways to minimise effects on the community.

TOP TASTES FROM THE GENTLEMEN DISTILLERS
Launched in 2018, The Gentlemen Distillers is a small family based gin production business incorporating dedicated musicians who all share a passion for playing in brass and concert bands, or are strong supporters of community music initiatives.

The Bandsman Gin range, a unique collection which uses a blend of traditional cold-compounding methods and small batch copper-pot still distillation, recently gained recognition from their peers at the London Spirit Competition, where they were awarded silver medals for Bandmaster London Dry Gin and Bandsman Proms Pink Gin, plus a bronze medal for Band Support London Dry Gin.

“Being part of a band is like having a second family: there is no room for one-upmanship or treading on other people’s toes, everyone has their own part to play and it is important that that part goes in just right,” explains founder James Wood.

“The same goes for gin making in that everything has to be balanced just right to create the perfect harmony of flavours. We look forward to working on special edition charity gins and commemorative limited editions, while always looking ahead to other new concepts.”

For more information visit www.gddrinks.com

WELL DRESSED WINDOWS AND MORE!
As Lincoln’s longest established curtain and blind specialists, with more than 60 years’ experience, Roger Davis Interiors brings a wealth of knowledge, together with quality choices and designs of window dressing to suit all tastes and budgets.

Working throughout Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, the company offers a free advice and measuring service in your own home or office, with fitting by highly trained in-house professionals.
Together with a wide choice of wallpaper selection, Roger Davis Interiors, which is based at its showroom at Newlin Business Park in Lincoln, is also an authorised supplier of EnviroFilm, a specialist polymer film which houses an invisible solar membrane. 

Suitable for both glass and polycarbonated surfaces, it can be applied to the inside face of your conservatory roof and/or windows, providing a thermal barrier and protecting against heat loss in the winter and reflecting heat and glare away in the summer.

For more information visit www.rogerdavisinteriors.com

Photographs: Mick Fox

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New plans for North Lincolnshire

Boston set for major boost

Grantham – a town with big ideas

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