City is facing the future with optimism

Schemes to help preserve Lincoln’s heritage and a focus on increasing wellbeing and boosting business are at the forefront as the city continues to recover from the pandemic and looks forward to the Christmas season. By Melanie Burton.

An air of optimism seems to have returned to our towns and cities, despite the fact that Covid is going to be with us for a good while longer. In Lincoln, projects that have been ongoing since before the pandemic have been able to be completed and there are big plans to help get the hospitality and entertainment industries back on track as well as assist businesses to boost their trade.

The City of Lincoln Council in partnership with Historic England is celebrating its first historic shopfront restoration in the city, which has seen a Lincolnshire Co-op building transformed.

As part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which saw the city council receive funding of £1.68 million in April 2020, a programme of historic building restorations, designed to revitalise the area and uncover its rich history, has been created.

Included in this are plans to rejuvenate Lincoln’s historic shopfronts to bring them back to their former glory. The first shopfront to be restored is owned by Lincolnshire Co-op and is located at 8-10 St Mary’s Street.

Ursula Lidbetter, CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op said: “It’s been a fascinating project to look at historic photos, and research the history of these buildings, to inform the planning of their restoration.

“Working in partnership with City of Lincoln Council and Historic England has brought together funding and expertise to secure the future of these special buildings in the city for us all to enjoy.”

Commercial property tenants, business owners and landlords within the designated HSHAZ area may be eligible for a non-repayable grant of up to 90% for restoration, shopfront refurbishment and/or change of use. If successful, as part of the HSHAZ, owners will be supported by an experienced team of professionals to deliver a bespoke, high quality sympathetic restoration and refurbishment to preserve the building and add maximum kerb-appeal. Property improvements will include, but are not limited to, repairs, reinstating lost features, and making buildings suitable for new use.

Councillor Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Historic Environment Advocate at City of Lincoln Council said: “There are many unique heritage aspects and locations within Lincoln that need to be preserved so that

Lincoln’s special character is maintained, and that includes its shopfronts.

“We are happy to see the first of what we hope to be many shopfronts restored to their former glory in the city.

“By restoring, revitalising and refurbishing these historic shopfronts, it not only helps us to protect heritage in our city, but also aids us in continuing to make Lincoln a great place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”

David Walsh, principal advisor at Historic England added: “We are delighted to see the first HSHAZ shopfront restoration being completed, including the repair and refurbishment of the whole building.

“We congratulate the Lincolnshire Co-op and the council on this successful project, which will aid the post-Covid recovery of the city.”

Another restoration project in the city has also just been completed and a special event was held to mark the occasion.

Capital lake works have been carried out as part of the Boultham Park Restoration project. The original Lake Restoration Project works were funded by the £658,700 given to City of Lincoln Council by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with city council direct funding.

The project, delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, saw contractor Ebsford Environmental begin improvements to the lake in January 2021.

The restoration of, and improvements to, the lake included the installation of below water aeration equipment to improve water quality, bank restoration works, lake edge and woodland under-storey planting, footpath improvements, the provision of fishing pegs, access for occasional boating, improvements to the surface around the beacon and the addition of a viewing platform.

More recently £58,969 has been awarded by the FCC Communities Foundation to help further improve the water quality, biodiversity and engagement in and around the lake. These works will be completed later this year.

Councillor Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at the council said: “Now more than ever, open green spaces are essential for both physical and mental health, and we are excited to see residents and visitors enjoy what our parks have to offer.”

Anne Jenkins, director Midlands and East, National Lottery Heritage Fund added: “Regenerating and conserving public parks remains a high priority for us, as we are committed to promoting more environmentally-sustainable heritage and increasing people’s wellbeing.”

The National Lottery funded project continues through to 2023 with activities, events and volunteering opportunities focussed on biodiversity, community and health and wellbeing.

CITY CENTRE SHOPPING
Lincoln is a great place to shop, with more than 300 well-known brands sitting alongside specialist and independent stores, and with the county being one of the largest food producing counties in the UK, throughout the city centre there are family run restaurants and bistros, and authentic pubs bringing the freshest produce to the table.

Lincoln BIG, which aims to put Lincoln on the map as a retail and tourist destination and improve the experience of the city centre for those who visit, live and work in the city, has plans of its own to improve the look and feel of the city centre and help bring it back to life.

In its annual report it says: “Lincoln BIG will be focusing on large footfall areas, street by street targeting neglected areas, the removal of graffiti, maintenance and other tasks to improve the look and feel.

“The cleanliness of the city remains a key priority for Lincoln BIG and we will continue to work hard to improve the standard of the public realm and the city centre.”

It is also aiming to bring events to Lincoln to help attract people into the city starting at Christmas with the hugely popular Christmas Light Trail and the return of Thor’s Tipi bringing offerings of festive drinks as well as hosting traditional German sausage stalls.

And just to give that extra boost of something to look forward to, it has a programme of events already planned for next year including Lincoln City Safari 2022, a new event which will see rhinos, elephants and monkeys take over the city and Fashionista 2022, a week-long event bringing fashion in all its glory to the city.

In the heart of the city on the High Street and Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter, there are more than 300 shops and restaurants and together with the Waterside Shopping Centre and St Marks Shopping Centre, an open-air shopping centre at the south end of Lincoln’s High Street, there is plenty on offer.

As well as the city centre, visitors also have the Cathedral Quarter to explore with its independent boutiques, Roman Heritage, tea rooms, food shops, and antiques.

Bailgate is one of the most historic parts of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter, where independent shops and eateries line the cobbled streets. These quaint shops are surrounded by the remains of medieval Lincoln, black timber-framed buildings and even some hidden Romans remains.

Whether you are looking for a taste of Lincolnshire’s finest produce – from plum bread to sausages or Lincoln blue cheese – or a one-off item of jewellery, or a wonderful piece of antique furniture, you are almost certain to find it in the Bailgate.

NEW STUDENT VILLAGE
Plans have been tabled to regenerate derelict land a stone’s throw from the University of Lincoln and develop it into a new student village.

The proposed development includes the erection of 22 HMOs and one building for office and residential use with associated parking and landscaping works in Phase 1 and approximately three apartment blocks and nine HMOs with associated parking and landscaping works during Phase 2.

Currently vacant, the site previously hosted large industrial buildings which have been demolished.

As part of City of Lincoln Council’s strategic housing priorities, they aim to work with providers to deliver more student accommodation to meet demand.

The proposed student village will be situated a 10-minute walk from University of Lincoln buildings and library, which are located to the north. As such, the site presents an ideal opportunity for future residents to be able to easily access university facilities by all sustainable modes of transport.

The site is located to the south of Firth Road in Lincoln and there are a range of uses in the surrounding area; the land beyond the site’s northern boundary comprises Tritton Retail Park to the north-west and a small business park to the north-east. The River Witham runs along the eastern boundary, whilst a stream runs along the southern boundary.

Residential properties are located further east and south, across the waterways. A gym and a small row of residential properties are situated beyond the western boundary of the site.

DPP, who submitted the plans, say: “Comments received have been considered and taken on board to provide a scheme which is more in keeping with the surrounding area, particularly the large residential areas to the east and south of the site.

“As such, the proposed buildings have been re-designed with red brick and grey brick recessed accents, and mansard roofs proposed, which is considered to be more appropriate than the initial contemporary approach.

“The strategy behind the landscaped areas is to create several pockets of green space/amenity area which are focal points around the neighbouring buildings. This creates pleasant outlooks for the houses and more personal amenity areas.

“Suitable trees will be introduced around the site to act as screens and further enhancement to the landscaped areas. These along with the proposed naturalistic wetland planting will provide encouragement to increase the local biodiversity, vastly enhancing what was once an industrial area.”

The primary point of pedestrian access into the development is off Firth Road to the north with the reception and management offices directly adjacent to the main entrance, ready to receive residents and guests.

A secondary pedestrian access point has been included to the east of the site off the access road along the River Witham. In all cases, pedestrian access is to be controlled with access devices.

Due to the proximity, it is anticipated that the majority of the residents will walk to campus; however, to encourage sustainable travel, 84 secure cycle stores are to be provided as well.

“The proposal intends to contribute to the City of Lincoln’s strategic housing priorities in which they aim to work with providers to deliver more student accommodation to meet demand,” DPP said in its submission.

“The proposed development will also present a significant opportunity to redevelop a large vacant, allocated site within a prominent city location, creating a more appealing streetscape.”

FREE WALKING TOUR
Two friends who met while studying architecture at Lincoln university have turned their passion for local history and heritage into a project.

Brant Clayton and Matthew Thomas launched the Lincoln Free Walking Tour a month ago to help tourists get to know the city and the history behind it.

Brant said: “It is at an early stage but it seems to be picking up. It is promising and the early signs are that people are interested.

“The tour is aimed at tourists visiting the city as well as locals who want to know more about the city. We had 11 on the last tour, despite the rainy weather, which was very good.”

The Lincoln Free Walking Tour takes visitors through the history of Lincoln from its inception as a Roman fortress right through to the present day city. It is designed to be fun and engaging, and Brant and Matt hope their love of the city and its heritage shines through.

“We have an interest in local history and heritage and we wanted to share that with other people,” Brant said. “The tour is something that was born out of that.

“We meet at 10am on Saturday or Sunday mornings in Castle Square, the heart of uphill Lincoln.

“We explore the historic core of the city before meandering down Steep Hill into the city centre ending at the Brayford Pool. We start with the usual things and then introduce the more obscure.

“We run it in our spare time and it is more of a passion project than anything.

“At the moment the tours are at weekends but the idea is if it goes well to do more and we also have ideas for other things.”

The tour takes about two and a half hours and covers approximately four miles. It is free although people can make a ‘pay what they think it is worth’ donation if they wish to.

In the future the friends hope to increase the frequency of the tours and are looking at doing evening tours in the summer.

“We have lots of ideas to build on what we have established,” Brant explained. “More tours during the busy periods and maybe one around the Christmas market as well.”

Both Brant and Matthew are Lincolnshire born and bred and came to Lincoln 15 years ago to come to university.

“We were on the same architecture course and became friends,” Brant said. “We fell in love with the city and stayed after university, ending up working together for the same architects firm.

“When we have been on holiday we have always gone on walking tours. It is a good way to get your bearings and get to know the place and it really helps people coming to the city.”

The tour is limited to 20 people per tour so booking is essential if you want to avoid disappointment. Booking is via the website, www.lincolnfreewalkingtour.co.uk, and information is also available on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“The main thing is to get our name out there,” Brant said. “We are on social media and we did a leaflet drop at a lot of hotels which seems to have helped. It is slowly picking up.”

PLANS FOR SUMMER FOOD AND DRINK SHOWCASE AT THE CASTLE
As things slowly get back to normal, plans are already in place to make Summer 2022 something to look forward to.

A brand new event celebrating the very best food, drink and beer in the county will be coming to Lincoln Castle during next year’s summer holidays.

The event will showcase the wealth of food, drink and beer producers we have across Greater Lincolnshire, and will include an array of food from around the county and a craft beer tent featuring local brews from our artisan producers and our biggest names alike.

Lincoln Castle will be collaborating with local event producers Major Label to host this special event.

The celebration of food and drink will be part of a huge summer of events at the castle throughout June, July and August.

There will be something for everyone with live music, food and drink, and family fun, incorporating all bank holidays, key celebrations, and iconic sporting events for a Great British summer.

The summer festival season at Lincoln Castle will launch with the Great British Outdoor picnic, a chance for people to come together over the Queen’s Jubilee bank holiday weekend in June, and culminate with the return of the Steampunk Festival to its spiritual home at the castle over the August bank holiday weekend.

CHARGING POINTS
As part of its commitment to addressing the challenge of climate change, City of Lincoln Council has installed eight EV charging points at two locations in the city.

A total of four new charging points have been installed at the council’s Orchard Street car park, with an additional four installed at Chaplin Street.

This brings the total number of EV charging points in the city to 5, 18 of which are managed by the city council.

Some 75% of the funding for the charging points comes from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles On Street Electric Charge Point grant. The remaining 25% is funded by BP Pulse.

The charging points at city council pay and display car parks are also available to local residents for overnight use.

Residents with a parking permit can park for free from Monday to Saturday, from 5pm to 9.30am, and all day Sunday, except bank holidays.

Councillor Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Addressing the Challenge of Climate Change said: “These new EV charging points are a welcome addition to the city, and highlight our commitment to promoting sustainable travel.

“We continue to lead by example, supporting, enabling and empowering the local community to implement ways to reduce their own impact on the environment.”

The council’s Executive reviewed its goals set to protect and improve the environment, outlining its commitments as part of its Vision 2025 priorities back in September.

It followed the approval of a Lincoln Zero Carbon report from the city council’s Policy Scrutiny Committee, which considered the revised policy in August 2021.

In January 2020, the council’s Executive approved a Lincoln Zero Carbon report, recommending that the council adopted an Environment Policy.

It was back in July 2019 that the council declared a climate and environmental emergency, which highlighted a commitment from the council to take action to deliver carbon reductions to reduce its own carbon emissions and work with the Lincoln Climate Commission to reduce Lincoln’s citywide carbon emissions.

Actions included working with partners on a city-wide programme to make Lincoln a zero-carbon city and reduce our own emissions of greenhouse gases and developing a Lincoln Roadmap to Zero Carbon Lincoln.

It is anticipated that a Lincoln 2030 Climate Action Plan will be produced by the end of 2021.

Councillor Bob Bushell said: “As a local authority, it is our job to lead by example, supporting, enabling and empowering the local community to implement ways to reduce their own impact on the environment.

“In updating our Environmental Policy internally and demonstrating our commitment to delivering actions outlined in the Climate and Environmental Emergency Declaration, we can contribute to the climate change agenda.”

ACUITIS OFFERS HIGH-TECH SIGHT AND SOUND SOLUTIONS
Situarted in the heart of Lincoln’s high street, Acuitis is an expert opticians and hearing care centre which specialises in leading the way in all things eyes and ears, including unique designer frames, high-tech eye and hearing tests, contact lenses and more.

Originally launched by Daniel Abittan and his son Jonathan, who opened the first Maison Acuitis in Geneva in 2010, the Acuitis brand emphasises personalised customer care, and offers an affordable and unique exclusive collection of designer frames created by French eyewear designer Frédéric Beausoleil, made from natural materials such as cotton flower, horn, bamboo and exotic woods.

The expert team of skilled professionals at the Lincoln branch are on hand to help and advise customers, providing bespoke care which combines tailor-made healthcare technology with the latest designs unique to this brand.

Here customers will find a warm, friendly and welcoming environment, with a wide selection of frames laid out on tables in range and colour options, making them accessible and inviting to try on.

Prices for a complete pair of glasses start from £40 including single vision lenses, with a ‘buy one pair, get the second pair half price offer’ so customers can purchase two pairs from £60. State-of-the-art eye tests are £25 or free on the NHS and include OCT scans within the price.

For more information visit www.acuitis.uk

ALL EYES AND EARS ON ACUITIS
Ian Bell, director of Acuitis Opticians and Hearing Care Centre in Lincoln, talks about the brand’s commitment to excellence, with the emphasis on personalised customer care.

Question: Tell us about the Acuitis brand?
Answer: Launched in Geneva in 2010, Acuitis is the creation of Daniel Abittan and his son Jonathan, who shared a vision to create an outstanding optical and hearing brand. Having opened its UK flagship store in London in 2017, Acuitis now has 118 stores across Europe and Canada, as well as one on a tiny island in the Indian Ocean!

What makes Acuitis different from other high street opticians?
One of the major differences is our range of quality and affordable frames, which are designed and made exclusively for us using unique materials, including cotton flower, acetate, bamboo and titanium – there is nothing else quite like them on the high street.

We also offer unrivalled personalised customer service, which means we take time to get to know our clients and their lifestyle offering a tailored experience, as well as better informed advice and recommendations.

What can customers expect from your Lincoln showroom?
We want to show that we are both professional and experts in our craft without being too clinical or cold, so our team has created an environment which is both friendly and welcoming – from the initial meeting all the way through to the test room.

Our highly experienced optometrist Claire Allcock takes pride in providing an outstanding service, with the emphasis on a thorough, comprehensive test, while also taking time to get to know every patient and their needs, rather than a fast, impersonal appointment.

Does this mean your service and eye tests are more expensive?
Absolutely not! Our eye tests cost £25 for a private test, or free on the NHS and always include the latest OCT scans within the price.

We believe that technology is an integral part of a modern day test and is incredibly valuable since it is able to detect certain eye diseases much earlier than a standard test by scanning each layer of the eye and building a visual we can explore and show to our patients.

The test is completely pain free and unobtrusive. Our resident optometrist takes time to make sure even the most nervous patients feel relaxed.

What about your designer frames, do they cost more than standard ones?
No, the Acuitis brand was built to offer quality designer frames for all budgets; we offer glasses from £40, including single vision lenses, and our permanent core offer is a second pair at half price, so you can get two pairs of great glasses for as little as £60.

Our frames are the stars of the show. Each is designed by our creative director, Frédéric Beausoleil, whose goal is to create exclusive designer glasses with prices accessible to all; bamboo has been a huge hit in Lincoln since opening as no other opticians offer this.

What type of audio care do you offer?
We offer full hearing tests to assess overall ear health, advice on tinnitus management, identify any loss, plus micro suction wax removal without the need for syringing. The Biophone room is our exclusive ultra-high definition acoustic observatory which allows us to deliver a comprehensive hearing assessment and for hearing aids to be adjusted on site by reconstituting soundscapes. The high tech hearing aids we supply are incredibly small and as light as a butterfly!

When is your showroom open, do you need to make an appointment?
We’re open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. We advise people to book appointments if they require either an eye or hearing test, or come in anytime to browse the collection with no appointment. We also welcome existing current prescriptions from other opticians and look forward to meeting you!

For more information contact Acuitis, Lincoln, Tel: 01522 217664, or visit www.acuitis.uk

STOKES MAKES CHRISTMAS
The Christmas hunt for that perfect gift begins.

For those who want to experience true speciality coffees, exceptionally fresh roasted beans and blends, or products that simply cannot be found anywhere else – then Stokes is heaven sent!

For more than a century, Christmas at Stokes has been the highlight for generations of shoppers and diners and this year’s seasonal online and instore line-up doesn’t disappoint.

Choose from favourites like Stokes’ Christmas hampers, tea and coffee selection boxes, specially infused Christmas blends and even gift vouchers for decadent afternoon teas. For coffee aficionados, check out the Stokes Coffee Club, a superb coffee subscription service with the finest seasonal coffees delivered to your door. You can even book online and instore experiences and events, like home barista courses or virtual tastings with one of the expert Stokes Master Roasters.

Fill up on delicious Christmas and seasonal menu choices at one of Stokes’ Lincoln based cafés. The Lawn Café on Union Road and the High Bridge Café on the High Street are both serving the best of local produce not to mention Stokes’ famous coffees and teas.

Get it all wrapped up at Stokes with selected items packed in special Christmas hamper boxes for delivery, with free postage to UK addresses on orders over £35. A free click and collect option is also available from Stokes’ Lawn-based warehouse in Lincoln.

There’s so much on offer from local businesses and like the landmarks of Lincolnshire, they are a very special part of our celebrations. So, let’s shop local!

For more information visit www.stokescoffee.com

GET THE PERFECT NIGHT’S SLEEP WITH THE HELP OF FORTY WINKS
Forty Winks have been established for 15 years. They are a local Lincolnshire family business. From working in the shop, to doing the accounts and even delivering your local purchases, everyone who works at Forty Winks is a family member.

Their customer service sets them apart from the rest, offering a complete start to finish, first class service. Choose from an excellent selection of high quality products in the warm and friendly showroom, where you are encouraged to try the mattresses, and take your time to find the perfect bed or product for you. Their complete customer service to you continues through their quality delivery service, where their delivery personnel are so good they even take their shoes off! The team will take your items to the room of your choice, and assemble if required. They also offer an old bed disposal service.

Visit Forty Winks at 100 Burton Road, Lincoln or visit www.fortywinkz.co.uk

FIND YOUR PERFECT MOBILITY SOLUTIONS AT ASPIRE 2
If you’re looking for innovative tried-and-tested mobility equipment – from wheelchairs and scooters, to riser chairs and beds, as well as the latest in home aids and sporting equipment – Aspire 2 offers a wide choice of personalised solutions, combined with excellent customer care.

Visit the company’s newly opened showroom on the outskirts of Lincoln in Waddington, which offers free on-site parking where you can take your time and browse around the cleverly designed room sets to experience real life-changing solutions.

As a well established friendly face in the mobility industry, the dedicated team at Aspire 2 who have a wealth of training, qualifications and experience behind them, strive to help and support customers with the best possible service. They also know just how important it is to listen and understand each individual’s needs and requirements.

“Our ethos is simple: quality service, tailored to every individual and we really strive to go the extra mile,” explains Dr Phil Harrison, from Aspire 2’s marketing department. “Customers are at the heart of what we do, and who we are. We pride ourselves on the strong relationships we build with our customers. Understanding the needs of our customers is vital in allowing us to continue improving the product ranges we offer and the support we can provide.”

Aspire 2’s Krystal Suffling also emphasises the importance of the team taking a consultative approach when advising customers, so there is no hard sell. “We know how important freedom and independence are, so being able to provide the correct product to meet your exact needs is as important to us as it is to you. Time and time again we’ve been able to help improve the quality of life of our customers and there is nothing more rewarding than that.”

As a trusted Motability partner, Aspire 2 continues to follow its motto of Explore – Achieve – Thrive, and the team work to ensure that customers are always in safe hands while helping them achieve their real hopes, desires and aspirations – whatever they may be.

Aspire 2 managing director Mike Copas says: “Aspire to freedom, aspire to comfort, aspire to independence. Whatever it is you aspire to, we’re the company to make it happen.”

For more information visit www.aspire2.co.uk

“THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS,” SAY TURNBULL DESIGNERS
Designing a new kitchen or bathroom doesn’t have to be scary, thanks to Turnbull’s expert design team who pride themselves on going that all-important extra mile to deliver a personalised and fright-free service, so you can enjoy every creature comfort.

When it comes to interior design, it’s the smallest details that can make all the difference, turning a room from looking and feeling like it’s just OK, to delivering that highly prized ‘Wow’ factor! According to the Turnbull team, the prospect of planning a new kitchen shouldn’t be a nightmare – providing that you make the most of the support available from design experts.

Weighing up your kitchen choices
Most of us start by thinking about the more obvious options, such as choosing between shaker or modern cabinets; while also considering colours to be used, which door handles to pick, or whether to go handleless. When you work with a professional designer, they will take this one step further advising you on the benefits of soft close hinges, which mix of drawer types will be most functional for your needs, including deep pan and cutlery choices, together with how to best utilise corner spaces or building around boilers for maximum efficiency.

Designing your dream bathroom
Beautiful bathrooms can also be enhanced with clever designs for discreetly dealing with details like one click bathroom wastes, illuminated mirrors which never steam up and stylish towel radiators; as well as those all-important final touches, such as toothbrush and toilet roll holders or glass-cleaning squeegees for the shower.Working together with individual client requirements, from home visits to one-on-one sessions in the showroom, Turnbull designers are experts in kitchen and bathroom design and can discuss and provide options for innovative ideas you may not have thought about. Clients receive a free design and planning service, providing hyper-realistic 3D renders of a space to ensure they will be delighted with the result before they buy.

Starting the design process
With dedicated kitchen and bathroom showrooms in Boston, Brigg, Newark, Lincoln and Sleaford, Turnbull covers the whole of the Lincolnshire area, as well as into Nottinghamshire. Situated just off Deacon Road, the flagship Kitchens & Bathrooms showroom in Lincoln, which opened in 2020, features two floors of displays to browse offering a wide selection of kitchen and bathroom designs, from ultra-modern to traditional favourites.

For more information contact Turnbull Kitchens & Bathrooms, Deacon Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 4JB. Tel: 01522 214366 or visit www.turnbull.co.uk/showrooms

THE LITTLE RED GALLERY OFFERS ART FOR ALL
If you’re looking to start your own art collection, seeking a special piece of original artwork as a gift or to enhance your home, or simply want some creative inspiration, Lincoln’s Little Red Gallery in the Bailgate is the ideal place to visit.

Here you will find the finest contemporary art from a range of styles and artists, both internationally established, as well as unknown rising stars, in a welcoming, family-friendly, relaxed setting.

“Everyone, regardless of whether they’re looking to buy, looking for inspiration and advice, or just curious, is welcome to come in at any time,” explains Bethany Venn.

“We’re a cheerful lot and always happy to have a chat with someone, or leave them to explore the gallery in their own way, whatever they prefer.

“As collectors ourselves, we try to be as varied as possible so that there’s something for everyone who walks through the door, with new work coming in every week so there’s always something new to find!

“We often help people who have fallen in love with their very first piece of art and help them to feel excited, comfortable, and secure in their knowledge of the work they’ve just bought. We only ever want everyone to be happy and watching someone who is genuinely excited by the artwork is always a true pleasure.

“We have a strong passion for the artists we feature in the gallery, whether they’re established or starting their journey as an artist, and love working with local and independent artists, as well as the big names. It’s always exciting being able to tell an emerging artist that one of their pieces has found a new home!”

The independent, family-run business will soon celebrate its 10th birthday.

“Thanks to the lovely, kind, and loyal people who come to us when they’re after a special present, or just looking to fall in love with a new artist, we’re still here. We’ve survived general elections, Brexit, and a world plague, so we’re in this for the long haul now!”

www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk

CANWICK HOUSE CARE HOME GETS THUMBS UP FROM RESIDENT
“Care, Quality and Compassion: this is our ethos through the turbulent times the care industry has faced over the past 18 months,” says Canwick House Care Home owner Catherine Paul. “As a long standing small family care home, that’s truly what we are, a caring home.”

Resident Mrs E Smith, explains: “I came here nearly a year ago. I needed much support as I’d lost a lot of confidence living on my own and was having health issues and falls.

“Now if you ask what the carers do for me, well, they’ve helped me regain my strength and confidence and now I’m fairly independent. I’m confident in what I want to do each day and in what to expect.

“I just can’t fault it. I love my room, the new curtains have really made it special and I get sent many gifts from my family to furnish my room. I spend a lot of time in my room as I enjoy my music; especially Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

“I look forward to celebrating my 60th wedding anniversary in November. A party will be thrown for me, with musical entertainment and a fancy banquet tea. It’s the attention to detail I can always rely on. That’s real care.”

For more information visit www.canwickhouse.com

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL COMPANY OFFERING QUALITY TIMBER PRODUCTS
B Knight & Son LTD is a well-established family firm supplying quality timber items and manufactured designs from sustainable sources throughout the East Midlands.

Products include domestic and commercial fencing, bespoke gates, garage doors, treated softwoods, hardwoods and building materials for the retail and trade sectors, plus a range of garden furniture, decking and cabins.

B Knight & Son Ltd also supplies firewood, woodworking tools, ironmongery and treatments for all your timber products.

Situated in Langworth on the A158, between Lincoln and Wragby, the company’s skilled on-site team offer a personal and knowledgeable service, also supplying bespoke designs and items not available over the counter. From design advice to fitting the finished product, there is nothing too small or too ambitious to challenge them!

For examples and images of products and services visit www.b-knightandson.co.uk or their Facebook page which is updated regularly.

A RELIABLE ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD
If you’re looking for an expert construction company to build or repair your home or business roof, Castlegate Roofing Services Ltd offer a reliable service throughout Lincolnshire and nearby surrounding counties.

With more than 18 years’ experience in the building trade, Josh and his team offer free quotes for emergency and roof repairs, as well as dry verge, conservatory roof conversions, fascias, soffits, guttering, leadwork and repointing.

Castlegate Roofing, which has £5,000,000 public liability insurance, can also construct and repair flat roofs, fibreglass GRP, rubber, as well as corrugated tin.

For more information tel: 0800 696 5689 or 01522 716966 or email enquiry@castlegateroofingservicesltd.com

FIRST STOP SHOP FOR PRINT AND DESIGN SOLUTIONS
If you’re looking for a professional print, design, copy and scanning service to help promote your business, together with leaflets, manuals, brochures, posters and personalised stationery, the helpful expert team at Lincoln Print & Copy Centre are on hand to help with every type of project.

Established for more than 40 years, the centre’s experienced, friendly staff will guide and advise you, using a modern range of equipment to help find the best solution to suit all budgets and individual requirements, with a same day service also available.

As an Ordnance Survey Map Data Centre, the centre, which is situated on Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, can also provide maps for planning applications, as well as historic and area maps from the Ordnance Survey archive.

For more information visit www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk

RUDIES ROOTS NURSERIES – HOME TO QUALITY PLANTS AND LIVING TREES
Opened in 1997, Rudies Roots Nurseries is a specialist family-run plant nursery in Nettleham providing quality plants which have been carefully grown and sold at competitive prices.

Here you will find hardy exotics, palms, tree ferns, bamboo and the largest selection of hardy eucalyptus trees, as well as award-winning hanging baskets, bedding plants, fruit trees and more.

Rudies Roots also offers a unique environmentally friendly Christmas tree hire service.

These carefully nurtured trees, which have been grown from seed in pots, can be hired over the festive season before being returned to the nursery to be grown on. It is estimated that these Christmas trees are re-used approximately 10 times before being planted which results in fewer trees needing to be cut down.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 4pm. Open seven days a week for Christmas trees from 16th November to Christmas Eve 24th December.

For more information visit rudiesroots.co.uk or tel: 01522 752762

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION NEEDED
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.

Callum Smith, 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. Currently our team is working with around 100 properties on the scheme located in and around Lincoln.”

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.

“Inexperienced landlords may find the amount of legislation that comes with renting their properties overwhelming. Some may also be uncertain about who has the right to rent, particularly post Brexit. They may also be confused about Universal Credit. 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 and would like to discuss the scheme further, please email: joanna.gray@lincoln.gov.uk

STUMP BEAVER OFFERS EXPERT REMOVAL SOLUTIONS
Based in Lincoln, Stump Beaver is a highly-regarded professional independent stump removal service which offers customers eco-friendly, efficient and effective solutions for both commercial and domestic projects, as well as remedial work if required.

Whether single or multiple stumps, the Stump Beaver team who work throughout Lincolnshire, Humberside, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire can tackle all jobs large and small using the latest professional equipment and have recently added to their full complement of machinery to cover an even wider range of jobs and garden challenges.

“We pride ourselves on offering the best solutions to our customers and whatever the size or location, we always leave each job neat and tidy as if working in our own garden,” says Stump Beaver’s Ed. “We enjoy seeing customers continue their outdoor projects or garden designs with a smile on their face.”

For more information tel: 01522 278278 or visit www.stumpbeaver.co.uk

THE OAKS OPENS THE DOORS TO ITS PERMANENT HOME
Original launched as an outdoor “pop up” venue during lockdown earlier this year, The Oaks Café, Bar and Restaurant recently welcomed customers to its new permanent home, indoors at Lincoln Golf Centre.

This new 50-seater neighbourhood eatery serves fresh locally sourced food in a relaxed and comfortable environment, while also supporting local businesses such as Odlings Butchers, Welbournes Bakery and Blyton Ice Cream.

James Gibbons, The Oaks co-director, who runs the business with husband Jamie Logan, has decades of hospitality experience from restaurants around the world including Sydney, London and Dublin, as well as working for renowned chef Marco Pierre White.

The owners say they “love to make people feel welcome” and aim to create a relaxed, comfortable environment with a menu featuring many family favourites that change seasonally.

The Oaks is open daily from 9am. For more information and bookings email info@whisbyoaks.com or tel: 07585 837535.

Photographs: Mick Fox

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