Medieval re-enactment weekend to take people back in time
Residents and visitors will be given the chance to go back in time this July as Ayscoughfee Hall plays host to a medieval re-enactment weekend, led by local group Knights of Skirbeck.
Running from 10.30am until 4pm on both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July, the event will incorporate various display tents showing life in the medieval age, many of which people can interact with, including an armoury and a kitchen alongside live craft and weapon demonstrations.
The free historical event will take place on the South Lawn, with the backdrop of the Hall, which itself is a medieval building dating back before the line of Tudors, having been built in the 1450s.
Carrying on the medieval theme, a host of characters will be there including knights of the realm, lords, ladies, merchants, cooks and members of the town militia; all helping to create a truly immersive experience for visitors to enjoy!
Museum Manager, Julia Knight said: “We’re really proud to be able to hold such a fantastic medieval re-enactment, it’s not often you get to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time but this event is sure to help give all visitors a glimpse into what life would’ve been like if they’d been born 700 years ago!”
Knights of Skirbeck representative Dave Bedford said: “We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to come along to the event in July, there’s no tickets so you can just come down on the day and experience an immersive historical experience – see you there!”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Dmitriy
Heritage skills festival returns to Gainsborough
Demonstrations of traditional traders such as woodturning, leatherwork, pottery, and stained glass will take place as the Heritage Skills Festival returns to Gainsborough.
On Saturday 13 July, West Lindsey District Council will host the event, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to watch the demonstrations and have a go themselves.
Traditional tradesmen and women will be in action in Gainsborough’s historic Market Place, from 9am-3pm. Special free crafts for children will also be available on the day in the activity tent, as well as lots of hand-made traditionally crafted gifts to browse and buy.
Entertainment will be provided in the form of medieval musicians and dancers de Mowbray’s Musicke, who will be demonstrating a range of historic instruments and dances.
West Lindsey District Council’s Townscape Heritage Activity Co-ordinator and organiser of the festival, Theresa Workman said: “We are keen to build on the success of last year’s festival and support rare trades from our region, hopefully inspiring a new generation to consider these rewarding and unusual careers.
“There is something for everyone, and there are so many free activities to try. Families will find lots to keep the children busy in our activity tent where they can learn a craft and take away their creation for free.”
Taking part will be:
- Alison Walling of Lincolnshire Willow will demonstrate the art of willow weaving.
- Mona Whitton, a successful artist, originally from Gainsborough, will demonstrate the art of working with stained glass with opportunities to have a go.
- Katie Veall from Arthur and Alice is a textile and fibre artist who predominantly uses the punch needle to create fine embroidery, wall art and furniture pieces.
- Laurence White of Shedtime, who is also from Gainsborough, will be demonstrating traditional leather work creating modern and historic items.
- Michael Ashton is a traditional chair maker who uses a foot operated pole lathe and traditional tools to create furniture.
- Patrick Whitton is a young adult who specialises in wood turning, using a modern lathe to create bowls and spoons.
- Sarah of SPT Ceramics creates large figures for both the home and garden with demonstrations on the finishing stages.
- Shaun Clark of Whiskerhills Pottery will demonstrate the art of hand decorating pottery.
Exhibition showcases art of Lincoln students
Creativity has taken centre stage at Lincoln College as it celebrates talented students with a vibrant end-of-year show.
The diverse range of art on display spans various disciplines, and the exhibition is now open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to experience the imaginative works of emerging artists.
Lincoln College Showcase
The historic Christ Hospital Terrace at Lincoln College provides a picturesque setting for the art exhibition. Visitors will be treated to an eclectic mix of artworks, including fine art, graphic design, photography, multimedia installations, and fashion pieces.
The event also features a pop-up shop where students’ creations, cards, and prints are available for purchase, allowing attendees to take home a piece of this artistic celebration.
Location: Lincoln College, Steep Hill, 1 Christ’s Hospital Terrace, Lincoln LN2 1LY
Dates: 24th June – 3rd July (excluding weekends)
Times: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Lincoln College also hosted a special art showcase on Friday, 19th June, featuring the work of Supported Education Skills for Creative Arts students, whilst Creative Media Production Level 3 first and second years premiered their work at Knights Theatre. This event, open to the public and attended by students’ friends and family, highlighted the impressive achievements of these dedicated students, further enriching the vibrant artistic community at the college.
These exhibitions are a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and creativity of the students. For the public, they offer a glimpse into the future of the arts, showcasing works that challenge, inspire, and captivate. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a prospective student, or simply looking for an inspiring outing, the Lincoln College Group’s end-of-year shows are a must-visit.
Image credit: Lincoln College
Paloma Faith conquers Lincoln Castle
Paloma Faith was the latest act to perform at Lincoln Castle on Saturday for another night of incredible live music.
Paloma burst onto the stage with an infectious energy that captivated the crowd immediately. Her brutally honest and effortless banter with the crowd about the breakdown of her former relationship set the scene for the first half of the show as she powered through hits from her latest album ‘The Glorification of Sadness’.
She was back after a short interval with a jam packed second half featuring all her greatest hits which had everyone dancing and singing along as her energy, sparkle and effervescent charisma bought a feel good party atmosphere to the castle grounds.
It was the third sold out concert from promoters Cuffe and Taylor, who have six shows in total this Summer at Lincoln Castle. The shows have been an enormous success so far as concert goes have welcomed the high profile artists to the city.
On Saturday, local couple and newlyweds Mr and Mrs Thompson enjoyed the show as part of their wedding celebration, having got married just hours earlier the same day. They came with their whole wedding party to the castle, as not only did they love Paloma but it was within the castle grounds they got engaged. An emotional and memorable night for them and a story which was shared with Paloma backstage.
Another local Lincoln lady Eileen Northcott received a personal message and signed poster from Paloma who had heard she was coming to the show following major surgery and recent health battles.
She received the personally written message in the second half of the show after her family friend Hannah had written to promoters Cuffe and Taylor to explain that Paloma’s music has helped her through a difficult time and she was a huge fan. The promoters made sure Paloma heard her story and it was a touching moment for Eileen.
Paloma came and conquered Lincoln Castle and it was an unforgettable night. Live at Lincoln Castle Concerts are back at the castle on Friday 28th June with Kaiser Chiefs and Saturday 29th June with Madness followed by Gregory Porter on Sunday 30th June. The shows are all sold out except for Gregory Porter, which still has a small handful of tickets left and these can be purchased here – https://www.lincolncastle.com/events/event/56/live-at-lincoln-castle-gregory-porter
Main image credit: Donna Samuels Photography
On Saturday, local couple and newlyweds Mr and Mrs Thompson enjoyed the show as part of their wedding celebration, having got married just hours earlier the same day. They came with their whole wedding party to the castle, as not only did they love Paloma but it was within the castle grounds they got engaged. An emotional and memorable night for them and a story which was shared with Paloma backstage.
Another local Lincoln lady Eileen Northcott received a personal message and signed poster from Paloma who had heard she was coming to the show following major surgery and recent health battles.
She received the personally written message in the second half of the show after her family friend Hannah had written to promoters Cuffe and Taylor to explain that Paloma’s music has helped her through a difficult time and she was a huge fan. The promoters made sure Paloma heard her story and it was a touching moment for Eileen.
Paloma came and conquered Lincoln Castle and it was an unforgettable night. Live at Lincoln Castle Concerts are back at the castle on Friday 28th June with Kaiser Chiefs and Saturday 29th June with Madness followed by Gregory Porter on Sunday 30th June. The shows are all sold out except for Gregory Porter, which still has a small handful of tickets left and these can be purchased here – https://www.lincolncastle.com/events/event/56/live-at-lincoln-castle-gregory-porter
Main image credit: Donna Samuels Photography Safer Nights NL to support night time economy in Brigg
Businesses and workers from Brigg’s Pubwatch have signed up to the Safer Nights NL charter.
Many night time economy venues are part of Pubwatch and have signed the Safety at Night Charter, pledging to take the safety of everyone seriously. It shows venues are being proactive in improving safety of those working in the night time economy and members of the public who want to enjoy socialising safely.
This follows on from the Safer Nights NL being successfully launched in Scunthorpe.
The campaign sees venues being trained in bystander training, how to use bleed kits and First Aid training, and given details on Ask Angela and spiking and ‘One Punch’ awareness.
The charter was created by the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
North Lincolnshire CSP has also teamed up with WalkSafe, the personal safety app. It features a safety map that will show the safe space venues in Scunthorpe (and soon to show Brigg venues).
Chief Superintendent Paul French of Humberside Police said: “As part of our local Safer Nights North Lincolnshire partnership, we are delighted to support the launch of Pubwatch in Brigg and the initiative of the Walk Safe App extending its coverage across our local communities.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mirko Vitali
New loco arrives at North Lincolnshire heritage railway
Crowle Peatland Railway had got an additional loco for its heritage track in North Lincolnshire with the acquisition of a piece of Irish peat railway history, the Bord na Mona locomotive LM336.
It is a classic example of the Wagonmaster design, powerful 0-4-0 locomotives built by the Leeds-based Hunslet Engine Company from the early 1960s for the Irish Peat Commission (Bord na Mona). These locomotives played a vital role in transporting peat across Ireland for many years.
Crowle Peatland Railway trustee Will Coleman was responsible for acquisition of the loco. He said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome LM336 to the Crowle Peatland Railway. These Wagonmaster locomotives are not only powerful and functional but also represent an important chapter in Irish industrial history. LM336 will be a fantastic addition to our fleet and we look forward to sharing it with our visitors. The purchase of this locomotive was only possible after generous donations from our members.”
LM336 is currently undergoing a comprehensive inspection to ensure it operates safely and reliably on the Crowle Peatland Railway. Once operational, visitors will have the opportunity to ride behind this historic locomotive and experience a unique piece of Irish peat-railway history.
The railway’s next open weekend at its site on Dole Road in Crowle will be on July 13th & 14th.
Hard-working volunteers honoured by County Council
The hard work of local volunteers from across the county has been celebrated at Lincolnshire County Council’s annual Good Citizens Awards.
Awards are made in four categories:
Individual: Won by John Mould for his work with Boston Men’s Shed in 2021 – an initiative that provides mutual support for local men struggling with a variety of personal issues.
John has led a massive fundraising effort to ensure the project’s future and as a result it’s now moved to larger premises. This is with the aim of increasing its current opening times of two days a week so that it can support more men and get involved with more community projects.
Members of the Boston Men’s Shed have gained a great sense of purpose and helped the Boston community as a whole through working on projects for organisations such as The Salvation Army, Women’s Refuge, Marie Curie and Boston in Bloom.
Young Citizen: 10-year-old AlfieAlfie Coombes from Branston wanted to raise money for people who don’t have enough food. Alfie suffered a brain injury at birth and has of cerebral palsy, hypermobility, and global development delay. He has chronic pain and requires support with a wheelchair when walking long distances. Following a sponsored bike ride he was in immense pain for four days, but rode 20.1 miles in a single day, raising over £500 for the Lincoln Community Grocery run by Message Trust in partnership with Alive Church which stocks good food that would have gone to waste and makes it available for members from just £5 per shop. For that, they can fill their basket with fresh fruit and veg, pantry items, chilled and frozen food and toiletries.
Community Group: Buddies Dementia Café in Nettleham has 80 people attending bi-monthly meetings at Nettleham Village Hall from local villages and the Lincoln area. Those living with dementia often find music a powerful way to connect with memories, create positive feelings and encourage social interaction so the meetings always feature a live singer or a small band. The committee is supported by a team of volunteers who set up the village hall, greet members, serve refreshments and take time to chat with everyone.
Pair or Couple: Salvation Army members Michael and Morag Watkins’ voluntary work continues to have a positive impact on people of all ages. Michael is a familiar face on Lincoln’s High Street where he can be found most Fridays outside Marks and Spencer selling the weekly Salvation Army magazine War Cry and chatting to passers-by at the store entrance. Morag leads the church’s weekly CAMEO club (Come And Meet Each Other) on Monday afternoons at the city’s Salvation Army Church which gives the opportunity for social interaction. At Christmas they both arranged for new toys to be collected beside the Salvation Army hall’s Christmas tree.
The presentation was hosted by Lincolnshire County Council chairman Cllr Eddie Strengiel, who said: “I am proud to say that our county has a great tradition of volunteering, so, with that in mind, the county council created the Good Citizens Awards to give us the opportunity to recognise our own unsung heroes.
“This year’s winners are truly inspirational and make a huge difference to their communities through their unstinting commitment.
“The winners were chosen from a host of nominations covering all corners of the county and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to tell us about the unsung heroes from their communities.”
Work begins on regeneration of Caistor’s 2-4 Market Place
Work has officially begun on the significant regeneration project at 2-4 Market Place in Caistor.
Promising to continue the reawakening of Caistor, the news came as compound construction began in the Market Place yesterday (June 19th), signalling the long-awaited start of this Lincolnshire Wolds project.
Messenger – part of the BCR Group, principal contractor for the project and the team who recently undertook and completed the cutting-edge conservation work at Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace, Greenwood Projects – the firm that has supported 2-4 Market Place from day one with Graham Tait Project Managing, and AnotherKind Architects, will be working hand-in-hand with the Caistor and District Community Trust (CDCT) to ensure a smooth start to this scheme of work, as the on-site compound settles into the Market Place for Phase One of the renovations.
While the arrival of the compound will reduce the number of parking spaces available in the town centre, Neil Castle, Company Secretary of the Trust, explains that the impact on the local businesses and residents as well as visitors has been fully considered and mitigated by Highways as well as Caistor Town Council.
“It’s understandable that concern has been raised about fewer parking spaces being available in the town centre,” said Neil. “To keep as many spaces free as possible, the compound has been thoughtfully constructed and will be decorated in collaboration with the Caistor in Bloom volunteers to feature the work of local artists. It has also been agreed that contractors will be parking off-site away from the prime parking locations.”
“Highways has been involved from the initial planning stages, and is on board with the requirements needed on-site,” Neil added. “Having had considerable conversations with our primary contractor, Messenger, about the best way to manage the compound needs alongside those of local residents, businesses and visitors, Highways has performed its due diligence and, in doing so, has galvanised the Caistor Town Council into reviewing parking options locally, which can only be of further benefit for the town.
“To say we’re are delighted to see work commencing to breathe life back into these buildings is an understatement. They have for too long stood neglected in our town square.”
Caistor has seen a boom in business recently, both with new arrivals, as well as those resident businesses that are up-scaling and taking up vacant units, so to be able to further add to this enterprise by providing opportunities for community activities, social space and to help bring additional tourism to the town, is incredibly important to all involved in the 2-4 Market Place project.
Supported with principal grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund, investment from Community Share Holders and Co-op UK, a Towns Fund grant from West Lindsey District Council, and additional support from The Pilgrim Trust, Caistor Town Council and the Lady Neville Trust, the diverse and vibrant mixed-use development scheme that has been carefully planned out with AnotherKind Architects will include the repair and conservation of the complex of historic buildings, transforming 2-4 Market Place into a space the whole community can be proud of.
Having been vacant for several years and noted on the building’s ‘at risk’ register as needing immediate attention, the restored buildings, in their full glory, will create spaces for retail units, which could include a restaurant/cafe, a community space for functions, exhibitions and other community activities, self-catering holiday lets, and – in Phase Two – spaces that can be used as offices or arts-and-crafts business units, storage for local archival materials and a space for the Trust to work from.
With work now underway, prioritising the completion of the market square facing shopfronts of 2, 3 and 4 Market Place, the community room above number 4, two holiday lets above numbers 2 and 3, the new core service building and the restored courtyard, the continued collaboration between the Trust and its partners will support the aim to get work completed on Phase One for Summer 2025.
As work progresses, hard hat tours for shareholders, funders, schools and other interested parties will take place, showcasing the history of the buildings, their current state and how this regeneration project will benefit the area in the long term, enhancing what Caistor already has to offer both as a place to live and work as well as a place to visit.
Grimsby school breaks new ground as first ‘foster friendly’ employer
Waltham Toll Bar Academy has become North East Lincolnshire’s first ‘Foster Friendly’ employer under a new scheme launched by the Council, committing to support staff who are already foster carers, or those who may choose to become so in the future.
The scheme was launched during the recent Fostering Fortnight activities, encouraging businesses and organisations across the borough to support foster carers.
Principal of Waltham Toll Bar Academy Nigel Whittle said: “We are pleased to support North East Lincolnshire Council’s campaign and proud to become the first ‘Foster friendly’ school in the borough.
“We are aware of the shortage of foster carers and, as an employer, are committed to promoting their much-valued work and supporting colleagues who wish to take on such important roles.
“Foster parents can provide the stability a child needs and transform their life chances. It can also be a rewarding experience, knowing you’ve made the difference to a young person’s prospects.
“We wish the campaign every success and reiterate our willingness to be involved and partner North East Lincolnshire Council in initiatives that benefit children across the area.”
Armed Forces Day to be celebrated in Cleethorpes with major free event
North East Lincolnshire Armed Forces Day (weekend) will be celebrated in Cleethorpes again on 28-30 June this year with the largest, free event on the east coast.
The resort, which has hosted Armed Forces Days for the last decade, will see a full programme of events to show support to the men and women of our armed forces, the armed forces community and our veterans. Events will take place from Sea Road through to the Boating lake.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, there will be displays and activities at the Boating Lake Paddock throughout Saturday and Sunday. Groups will be commemorating this enormous endeavour which resulted in freeing the peoples of Europe and later ending the Second World War.
The armed forces events team have brought back the original Community Carnival (now the Armed Forces Community Carnival) on the Friday evening following the exponential growth in participation and numbers. On top of that, a number of local dance groups and bands will be performing on the stage near to the Armed Forces Memorial Gate on Alexandra Road throughout the weekend in the main area of the resort.
These include groups from the Clifton dance academy as well as the All for One choir, comprising of over 100 people.
On the ground, there will also be a number of carnivals and parades taking place over the three days. The first will be held along the High Street and Alexandra Road on the Friday evening with 80 floats and participants getting involved.
On Saturday afternoon, the main Armed Forces Day parade with military bands, members of the armed forces, veterans and cadets will take place. This will begin on Grant Street before moving along on Alexandra Road.
There will also be an evening sunset ceremony on the Saturday evening including cadets and the Sea Cadet Band, a march of the standards and veterans before the Union Flag is lowered at the Remembrance Gate.
However, you will have to look up to the skies for the rest of the entertainment with a number of aerial displays set to take place.
On Saturday, the Red Arrows will be performing to mark their 60th Anniversary alongside displays including the wonderful RAF Typhoon and RAF Tutor. These displays will be taking place across the main area of the resort.
Saturday will culminate with the return of a fireworks display which will be held near Ross Castle. The weekend is also being supported by traders from Lincolnshire and beyond, with the Big Wheel returning to the leisure centre car park for the weekend.
Alex Baxter, Managing Director of the Armed Forces Major Events Team, said: “This is the biggest, free event on the east coast held to thank our armed forces personnel, past and present, for their service to our country and their support to civilian life. We are a small group of volunteers who organise the weekend, and it takes almost a year of planning, but it’s always a fabulous weekend in the resort.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/simon
