Ryan John Butcher

‘Rottweiler clamped his jaws around my dog for 10 minutes’.

2010-01-30T01:54:00.000-08:00

A vicious rottweiler attack near a Lincoln school left another dog fighting for its life.

David Johnson was walking his six-month-old cocker spaniel on a grassy area near Mount Street Infant And Nursery School when the attack took place.

“Basically this great, big rottweiler clamped his jaws around my dog, Toby,” explained Mr Johnson, a 50-year-old graphic designer from the Newport area of Lincoln.

“This dog had its jaws around my dog’s face for at least 10 minutes. I was hitting it and fighting it, trying to get it to let go.

“A woman who lived nearby came to help and we even tried throwing a bucket of water over it to set Toby free.

“The girl with the dog obviously wasn’t in control of it. It should have been muzzled.

“My dog was screaming and yelping and I felt like I was watching him die before my eyes.

“I eventually managed to get him free and rushed him to the vet.

“He stayed overnight. I didn’t expect him to make it, but he’s recovering now and getting better by the day.

“It could just have easily have happened to a toddler.”

“Dogs who aren’t being controlled properly are a danger – especially close to schools.

“Toby barely managed to survive, and I doubt a young child would have fared any better.”

Superintendent Keith Owen, of the Operations Support Department of Lincolnshire Police, said that dog owners should be responsible and keep control of their dogs in all circumstances.

He said: “Owners should know whether their dogs are prone to biting or fighting, and if so, muzzle them.

“Only a minority of dogs are troublesome and some owners need to be aware of the effect their dogs have on other people and take sensible precautions.

"This will minimise the potential for dogs to cause alarm or harm to members of the public and other animals.”

It is a criminal offence, under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, to allow any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place.

A dog is regarded as dangerously out of control under the Act if there are grounds for suspecting that it will injure a person, whether or not it actually does so.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, the Echo asked Lincolnshire Police for the number of dogs seized under the Act, however, the police responded saying it did not hold this information.

Anyone with information on the dog attack should call Lincolnshire Police on (01522) 882222.

The Collective @ Kind.

2010-01-28T02:21:00.000-08:00

I know I tend to go on about it a lot, but The Collective really is continuing to go from strength to strength, and is undoubtedly the beating heart of Lincolnshire’s local music scene.

For those who don’t know by now, The Collective is held at Kind bar in Lincoln every Tuesday evening, and features local, like-minded musicians performing to an audience of like-minded fans.

Unfortunately, I missed opening act Mute, and arrived part-way through singer Stefanie-Kate Bennett.

Bennett got behind the keys early on in the night, showcasing her impressive vocal range alongside some delicate arrangements, altogether delivering a tenderly impassioned performance which prompted a gentleman from the audience to give her a tenner for some reason.

Acoustic-folk outfit His FLying Machine were up next, led by principal songwriter Rich Whiston. On record, His Flying Machine have a fullness which doesn’t quite translate as well to the stage. However, the delicacy of the arrangements still shone through, wearing their apparent influences from Americana bands such as Calexico and The Decemberists on their sleeves.

Every week, we seem to get a surprisingly impressive set from an artist blatantly inspired by former Million Dead singer Frank Turner – this week, that accolade went to acoustic guitarist Adam Jewitt, who played a mix of original material and ironically structured covers. There’s something familiar about Jewitt’s vocals and arrangements respectively, but, much to his credit, it’s hard to place. Instead, the audience were welcomed in to Jewitt’s world with an affirming and refreshing comfort.

Headlining The Collective on this occasion was local classical-guitar wonder-kid Elliott Morris.

Shut your eyes, and you’ll mistakenly believe you’re listening to a full, four-piece band. Morris has that Newton Falkner gimmick going on... you know, when you use the whole guitar to create sound slapping different parts of the neck to introduce rhythm. Morris has crafted a selection of enjoyable pop songs, even if they do seem slightly rehearsed and adolescent at times. Unfortunately, towards the end of his set he invited a backing singer to the stage, and all of a sudden things became a little too juvenile, and childish on-stage antics ruined an otherwise sterling performance.

By George - chameleon of a pop star is set to wow town's fans.

2010-01-28T01:38:00.000-08:00

One of the most colourful and controversial singers of the 1980s is to perform in Lincoln.

Boy George, best known as a member of 1980s band Culture Club, will take to the stage at the Theatre Royal.

The pop star may not have produced a hit for years, but a DJing career and scrapes with the law have kept him in the public eye.

He will perform in Lincoln on April 25 as part of a whistle-stop tour of the country.

The tour, dubbed Up Close And Personal: Live In Concert, will also see the singer play dates in London, Manchester and Brighton.

There will even be time for a performance at The Embassy in Skegness on April 23.

George’s publicists say he will be singing live, acoustic and unplugged, playing sets featuring solo material, Culture Club tracks, as well as new songs and cover versions.

Boy George’s performance at the Theatre Royal is part of the theatre’s spring and summer programme.

Verity Walker, a spokesman for the pop star, said that Boy George was excited to be getting back out on the road again.

“George has been preparing for this tour and is looking forward to getting back in front of a live audience,” she said.

“This is a singer who needs little introduction.

“He was the front man of one of the country’s biggest exports in recent years.

“He has constantly reinvented himself and remains one of the world’s most recognisable iconic figures.”

Joseph Merriman, a 23-year-old student from Lincoln who is a big Boy George fan, cannot wait to see the singer in the flesh later in the year.

“I can’t believe Boy George is going to be playing in Lincoln,” he said.

“I’m a big fan of the 1980s new romantic movement and Boy George with Culture Club was a big part of that.

“He’s responsible for some timeless classics such as Karma Chameleon and Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?

“He’s not had the easiest of careers, but it’s good to see he’s back out touring again.”

The tour will be to promote George’s latest single, Amazing Grace, which is released on Monday, March 22 by label Mn2S.

A spokesman for the label said: “It’s really great to be releasing music from such a seminal and iconic artist.

“We’ve never experienced such a buzz on a single before.”

To date, Boy George has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and has had top ten hits in every continent.

For ticket information, call the Theatre Royal box office on (01522) 519999.

Why using social networking sites to vent anger about your partner might bring the relationship to a swift end.

2010-01-27T01:52:00.000-08:00

Betrayal has taken on a new face as couples in Lincolnshire turn to social networking sites to vent frustrations about their relationships.

Local relationship counsellor Denise Pickup says more and more people are turning to electronic platforms to give voice to their relationship problems and is urging couples across the county to be thoughtful about what they write.

“Facebook and social networking have become the modern face of betrayal,” she explained.

“The thing with Facebook, Internet chat rooms and things like that, is that whatever you write down is permanent and can cause an awful lot of hurt.

“It is particularly insidious in that it is so public. The betrayal of trust and intimacy is in black and white for the whole world to see, as if the person’s social life is more important than their inner life.

“Generally, couples betray each other because of something they might not even be aware of. They might have felt let down, left out, or second best.

“Sometimes, coming back with an attack, like addressing the problem on a social networking site, can be an attempt to address the balance.

“I know social networking can be fast, furious and instant, but sometimes people just need to sit down and think carefully about what’s going on.

“If you are hurt in any way, it’s better to say so, rather than putting an attack on a website. Address any problems you may have, as relationships are about feelings, not fact.

“Facebook is a way to give a quick slap and it’s a bit like putting people in the stocks. It’s very public, whereas relationships are about being one-to-one.”

Despite this, the problem has not yet led to divorce.

Chrystal Theofanous, of Lincoln-based Sills and Betteridge Solicitors, said the firm had clients complaining of problems arising from social networking sites but th had not yet been the sole reason for a divorce or a domestic split.

“Social networking sites have become a factor and we have had some legal disputes rising out of them,” she said.

“However, I don’t think they have yet become a major factor in domestic or cohabitation disputes.”

Sharp rise in addict babies.

2010-01-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of drug-addicted babies being born at Lincoln County Hospital, the Echo can reveal.

A total of 35 newborns were transferred to a drug treatment programme after being born to substance-abusing mothers at Lincoln County Hospital last year.

This compares with 20 babies in 2008 and is an increase of 75 per cent.

However, the figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, did not reveal which drugs the mothers were addicted to, nor for how long.

Hazel Harrison, head of midwifery at the hospital, explained that the statistics were in-keeping with the national average and growth in population.

“Nationally, the birth rate has risen and we have seen the local rate increase too,” she said.

“This means that there is more potential for babies to be born to drug-dependent mums.

“Over the last year we have seen more mums who tell us about their drug use, as they have more confidence in the service we provide. They trust us to help them and their babies if they are honest with us from the start.”

SEE PAGE 2.

35 babies born with mum’s drug addiction.

2010-01-27T01:29:00.000-08:00

The number of Lincolnshire babies born as drug addicts has almost doubled in a year.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show last year there were 86 mothers who said “yes” to a history of drug abuse when booking in to give birth at Lincoln County Hospital.

Of those 86 mothers with reported drug dependency, 35 babies were born with their mother’s addiction, as the habit was passed on while the baby was still in the womb.

This figure is a 75 per cent increase on 2008 figures, when 20 newborns required treatment for drug withdrawal. The symptoms associated with babies who are addicted to drugs upon birth are a loud, high-pitched crying, sweating and stomach upsets.

These babies often need specialised care in hospital before they are allowed home.

A number of development problems can arise for children born to substance-abusing mothers.

For example, if a baby has been exposed to cocaine while in the uterus, then birth defects such as cerebral palsy and blindness are more likely. Heroin use can lead to premature delivery, low birth weight and stillbirth.

Head of midwifery at Lincoln County Hospital, Hazel Harrison, attributed the increase in the number of babies born to drug dependent mothers to the national growth in population.

“We have transitional care teams who go out and help mums and babies in the community as well as our midwives and doctors here at the hospitals, so there is a lot more help available today to any family with drug problems,” said Ms Harrison.

“Normally, if we know a new mum has been taking drugs then we keep the baby in hospital for at least five days to check for signs of withdrawal and then administer appropriate treatment.

“If mums have told us about their drug habit then we can treat them and the babies can go home fairly quickly.”

Manager of Lincolnshire Drug And Alcohol Action Team Andrew Cos said that there was an effective treatment system in place for anyone suffering from substance misuse problems.

He said: “In particularly complex cases, such as this where a mum-to-be is experiencing drug related problems, a referral to specialist clinical nurses within the Lincolnshire Drug And Alcohol Service would be made, who would work to ensure that both the mother and child’s needs are met.

“Within our future plans to develop all drug services, we aim to look at new initiatives to focus on midwifery-specific treatment services within the next year.”

Child sex crime stats ‘only tip of iceberg’.

2010-01-26T01:41:00.000-08:00

More than 200 sexual offences against young people were reported in Lincolnshire last year, but officials say this is shows only a fraction of the true picture.

The statistics were obtained from Lincolnshire police under the Freedom Of Information Act and show there were 250 known sex offences against young people in 2008-09.

Of these cases, 36 involved children aged nine or younger.

Examples of sex crimes reported include rape, gross indecency and incest.

The NSPCC’s ChildLine service manager for the Midlands, Jan Chown, said that the figures did not show the true extent of the problem, as most child abuse goes unreported.

“These figures are only the tip of the iceberg,” she said.

“We find many children do not speak out about the sexual abuse they have suffered, because they are scared no one will believe them.

“Four out of five sexual offences are committed by somebody known to the child, including members of the family.

“If this is the case, children may be fooled into believing what is happening is normal and not report the offence on those grounds.

“The best thing for a child to do if they feel they are a victim of sexual abuse is to talk to someone they trust. If an adult has any concern, it is important they speak out as well. They can talk to an NSPCC advisor about their concerns.”

Lincolnshire Police Detective Superintendent Guy Collings said that the force took allegations of sexual abuse against children very seriously.

“Obviously, we thoroughly investigate every complaint we receive,” he said.

“In the past year, we have significantly boosted the capacity of our public protection unit.

“That has included increasing the number of child protection officers and doubling the amount of risk management officers who monitor convicted sex offenders in the community.

“Very few instances of sex crimes against children involve strangers – the vast majority involve an offender known to the child, or within the child’s family. We urge vigilance. If a report is made, we offer full assurance of a very high level of support.”

ChildLine is a free confidential 24-hour service provided by the NSPCC.
Children and young people can call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk for help.

Adults can call the NSPCC on 0808 8005000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk if they have any concerns for a child’s welfare.

Delve into shadows with graphic debut.

2010-01-23T01:57:00.000-08:00

A FEMALE detective will risk life and limb as she searches across the city for a man missing in deeply suspicious circumstances.

This is the plot for the debut graphic novel, titled Shadowraith, from University of Lincoln graduate Nicholas Dishington.

Mr Dishington, 23, of Lincoln, began work on the graphic novel in his third year of university when studying contemporary lens media.

It has now been picked up by publishers and will go on sale on January 31.

Priced £3.10, the graphic novel is made up of 36 pages of black and white photographs, shot in a film noir style.

Shadowraith uses photographs instead of conventional illustrations, combined with a film noir style.

Nicholas said: “It started as a university project in my third year and went from there.

“Most of the shots were done in central Lincoln and a lot of them were done around the Brayford area, although the story is supposed to be set in London.

“My main inspiration came from Sin City and films such as Iron Man and Spiderman.

“Film is bridging the gap with comics and I wanted to bridge the gap the other way and make comics more realistic by using photographs.”

The lead character in Shadowraith is played by local model Alivya V Free, with other characters being played by friends of Mr Dishington.

The graphic novel will be published by The House Of Murky Depths. It will be available online on sites such as Amazon and will also be stocked by comic shop Comic Worlds in Lincoln’s West Parade.

Mark Brunton, who has owned Comic Worlds for 17 years, says Shadowraith has the potential to be a big success in the comic book industry.

He said: “Shadowraith is quite unique and looks very impressive.

“It’s not just someone who’s gone out and taken some photographs. You have to look twice to realise it’s not actually artwork.

“There’s not a lot of photographic comics on the market at the moment, so it has the potential to do quite well on a national level, if it gets across the shops and conventions.”

For more information on Shadowraith, visit www.shadowraith.co.uk

Bookworms rejoicing as popular festival is saved.

2010-01-23T01:34:00.000-08:00

Bookworms across the county can rejoice as the annual Lincoln Book Festival is saved – thanks to intervention from the Echo.

The future of the festival, which attracts about 7,000 visitors a year, had been thrown into doubt following a review of the City of Lincoln Council’s tourism, marketing and arts services.

However, it has now been announced that the festival will go ahead thanks to negotiations between the city council, the Echo, Visit Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire County Council and other partners.

The festival’s programme will once again see writers from across the globe descend on Lincoln, celebrating both historical and contemporary works spanning from Lincolnshire’s past with the Magna Carta and Tennyson, to new writing.

Lincolnshire Echo editor Jon Grubb said he was “delighted” the book festival had been saved.

He said: “The next stage is for local residents to put the date in their diary and support the festival.

“It will bring an array of talents to Lincoln, from award-winning journalists and authors, to comics and playwrights.”

Councillor Keith Weaver, portfolio holder for health and recreational services at the City of Lincoln Council, explained that the festival was nearly axed in a bid to cut back on spending.

“The Book Festival is an important part of the city’s calendar,” he said.

“However, we reluctantly had to prioritise other services as part of our challenge to save £2.5m.

“We are still providing significant funding for this year’s event and are glad the partnership has made the festival so successful, which has resulted in it being rescued this year.”

Ongoing negotiations have been made with Arts Council England, the national development agency for the arts in England, to secure funding for festivals this and next year.

Despite the good news, artistic director for the book festival project team, Sara Bullimore, said there was still a lot of work to be done.

She said: “We are looking for sponsorship from businesses and support from the public who can join as Friends Of The Book Festival. “

The Lincoln Book Festival will take place from Wednesday, May 12, to Sunday, May 16, at various venues across Lincoln and will feature a programme of events for the whole family, including themed days, workshops, theatre, poetry and performance.

Details of authors attending the festival have yet to be confirmed. For more information, visit www.lincolnbookfestival.co.uk

Bookworms across the county can rejoice as the annual Lincoln Book Festival is saved - thanks to intervention from the Echo.

The future of the festival, which attracts around 7,000 visitors a year, had been thrown into doubt following a review of the City of Lincoln Council’s tourism, marketing and arts services.

However, it has now been announced that the festival will go ahead thanks to negotiations between the city council, the Echo, Visit Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire County Council, and other partners.

The festival’s programme will once again see writers from across the globe descend on Lincoln.

Lincolnshire Echo editor Jon Grubb said he was “delighted” the book festival had been saved.

“The next stage is for local residents to put the date in their diary and support the festival,” he said.

Councillor Keith Weaver, portfolio holder for health and recreational services at the City of Lincoln Council, explained that the festival was nearly axed in a bid to cut back on spending.

“The Book Festival is an important part of the city’s calendar,” he said.

“However, we reluctantly had to prioritise other services as part of our challenge to save £2.5million.

“We are still providing significant funding for this year’s event, and are glad the partnership has made the festival so successful resulting in it being saved for this year.”

Ongoing negotiations have been made with Arts Council England, the national development agency for the arts in England, to secure funding for the 2010 and 2011 festival.

The Lincoln Book Festival will take place from Wednesday, May 12 until Sunday, May 16 at various venues across Lincoln, and will feature a programme of events for the whole family, including themed days, workshops, theatre, poetry and performance.

Details of authors attending the festival have yet to be confirmed.

Now you can moan about your man online.

2010-01-23T01:31:00.000-08:00

Women do not necessarily need to have a terrible boyfriend to agree that men have their fair share of irritating moments.

What is important is to get those boyfriend annoyances out of your system before they start affecting a relationship.

A new, women-only social networking site has been launched allowing women the forum to do just that.

YourBoyfriendTheBastard.com is a social networking site offering scorned girlfriends a place to let off some steam and relieve those boyfriend irritations, while remaining totally anonymous so their better, or worse, half does not find out.

The site was set up by a couple of girlfriends who came up with the idea while chatting on the phone, discussing how irritating boyfriends can be.

The girls say, however, that the arena is not a man-hating site but merely a place where women can get things off their chest in an anonymous, man-free environment.

Emily Pheby, a 19-year-old sales assistant from Lincoln, is currently in a long-term relationship but says there are a lot of things that irritate her when it comes to her boyfriend.

“There are differences between me and my boyfriend that are really annoying,” she explained.

“One thing I hate is how he’s a lot smarter than I am and how he corrects my grammar. He asks me questions I won’t know the answer to just to prove it.

“I hate having to make all the effort to see him as well. We have a long-distance relationship at the moment but he expects me to make all the arrangments to see one another.

“The worst thing is when he’s not feeling cuddly when I am – which, unfortunately, is most of the time.

“Thinking about it, why am I with him again? I guess it isn’t really anything a good old-fashioned moan can’t sort out.”

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Kat Turner, of the Bailgate area of Lincoln, has been with her boyfriend since school and says that complaining can be healthy for a relationship.

“If I didn’t have a whine about him every now and again, I don’t think it would have lasted so long,” she said.

“If I moan to my friends instead of directly at him, then it saves on having a pointless argument.

“Even after eight years, there are certain things that still annoy me.

“In the early part of the relationship, there’d be compliments all the time but now they’ve run dry and are just saved for the occasional drunken text.

“If I could change anything, it would be nice for him to treat the relationship how he did in the beginning. But I guess no-one is perfect and I’m sure he has some complaints about me.”

The 22-20s return.

2010-01-21T03:18:00.000-08:00

Amidst the stranglehold of the New Rock Revolution, overcast in ripped leather and black denim, Sleaford-born quartet the 22-20s achieved the impossible by breaking out of rural Lincolnshire and taking their burdened brand of blues to the undeserving masses.

In 2004, the band released their eponymous debut, which raged with an unbridled intensity, deeply-rooted in a world governed by love, loyalty, attraction and betrayal. However, two years later and dissolution was imminent, with the band claiming they no longer felt comfortable in the skin they had crafted.

The 22-20s are, quite probably, the greatest band to come out of Lincolnshire and it is with both eager anticipation and baited breath that four years since their split, they announce their absolution, ushering in the new decade with resolve and a second album.

As teenagers, guitarist and singer Martin Trimble, and bass player Glen Bartup, both from Sleaford, would play blues covers at venues across the width and breadth of Lincolnshire.

They recorded a four-track demo, featuring songs such as Devil In Me and Such A Fool, which would prove to be the blueprint for their eponymous, critically-acclaimed debut album.

It would be easy to regurgitate a number of rock-review cliches when reminiscing about the 22-20s, which is surely to the credit of their classic and timeless sound.

Faceless music hacks could probably fill glossy supplement pages with something along the lines of a blue-rock explosion, channelling the spirit of Robert Johnson, possessed by the devil at the crossroads to whom he sold his soul, turned on its head and distilled through Jack White’s MXR Mico-Amplifier with the distortion thrown into overdrive.

But that would be too easy.

The 22-20s managed to create a comfortable sound, built around the juxtaposition of natural-sounding riffs and an impulsive rhythm section, augmented by the increasingly impressive vocal range of Trimble.

The blues are dangerous, promiscuous, ambiguous and amongst everything else, hopeless. But now, thanks to the 22-20s, the blues are back.

In light of the return, the band have posted two new tracks: a live recording of Ocean, and a new track, under the title Latest Heartbreak.

To have a listen, visit their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/2220s

Police shelve 1 in 6 crimes.

2010-01-18T01:39:00.000-08:00

One in six crimes in Lincolnshire were “screened out” by police last year, it has been revealed.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that 7,849 crimes were not investigated by Lincolnshire Police, and instead filed as completed without the need for any further investigation.

In 2009, a total of 51,341 crimes were reported to the county’s force – meaning 15 per cent – or approximately one in six – weren’t investigated.

Lincolnshire Police’s Crime Registrar, Pete Bray, said that the term “screened out” refers to those crimes which do not need any further investigation and can be filed as completed.

“A decision is made about whether a crime is screened in or out after viewing all the information available after an initial investigation, whether it be by telephone or by physical attendance.

“We ask if further investigation is going to lead to the detection of the offence, and if it is an effective use of resources. A judgement is made on each crime based on these questions.”

When crimes have been screened out, no officer visits the scene of the crime and no attempt is made to catch the culprit.

Lincolnshire Police also said screening out was necessary in order to make best use of limited resources.

SEE PAGE 2.

Shortfall of cash means thousands are getting away with their crimes.

2010-01-18T01:38:00.000-08:00

Under-funding has been blamed, but the fact remains that thousands of criminals in Lincolnshire are simply getting away with it.

Approximately 8,000 reported crimes were “screened out” last year – meaning no further investigations were done and no-one was arrested.

In many cases, no officer even attended the crime scene.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that last year, 7,849 crimes were “screened out”, due to an offence going undetected, or by being marked as an ineffective use of resources.

In 2008, 10,059 crimes out of 56,734 were “screened out”, while in 2007 the total was 9,003 out of 55,277.

Police say under-funding is to blame, but victims of crime say it is galling to know that police sometimes don’t even try to find offenders.

Lincolnshire Police’s Crime Registrar, Pete Bray, said: “A decision is made about whether a crime is screened in or out after viewing all the information available after an initial investigation, whether it be by telephone or by physical attendance.

“The issue of available evidence is important in the decision as to whether a crime should be screened in or out. A lack of evidence will make it difficult to detect an offence or secure a conviction.”

Victim of crime Gawaine Clark cor had his turbo-charged 300bhp Subaru Impreza rally car stolen from Langworth in November 2008.

Mr Clark, who owns Langworth Motors, had spent thousands of pounds on the vehicle, which was never recovered by police.

He said he finds the police method of “screening out” crimes frustrating. “I can’t say I’m surprised this is a method police use, but I can say I’m frustrated by it,” said Mr Clark, 43.

“I appreciate police have budget constraints, but I don’t trust them to follow up a crime to the extent it should be. It was important to me not only to get back a valuable piece of kit, but that the people responsible were brought to justice.

“It’s galling that some cases will not be investigated properly, meaning they are often never solved.”

Lincolnshire Police Authority member Chris Underwood-Frost, said Lincolnshire should be proud of its force, and that they were doing the best they could with the resources available from the Government.

“The delivery of a police officer’s duties in Lincolnshire stacks up,” he said. “It is deemed that Lincolnshire police officers work extremely hard, and we should be proud of our , who do face difficulties.

“We have put in robust requests to the Government for funding, and have said policing and the safety of Lincolnshire people is paramount.

“Significant issues with funding are going to happen in the next few years.

“The number of crimes is the number of crimes. Those who engage themselves with criminal activity will carry on doing whatever they will need to do.

“The issue here is that, in terms of policing, Lincolnshire has its own quirky difficulties, which may not be high on an agenda elsewhere.

“The Lincolnshire force has to police a sparsely-populated, rural area in the best possible way with the money we’ve got.

“Policing a wide area can be more costly than policing a metropolitan city – it’s hardly surprising there are concerns with how policing will go in Lincolnshire.”

Are women more selfish than their men?

2010-01-16T04:37:00.000-08:00

Men have won a crucial round in the ongoing battle of the sexes – by proving that they take a more selfless approach to relationships than women.

A new survey has revealed that men are more likely to sacrifice their own happiness for that of their partner – whereas ladies are far more likely to put themselves first.

Women vastly outstrip men in the selfish stakes, being nearly three times as likely as men to put their belongings first, according to the survey by Legal and General.

British men also proved that they would be more prepared to undertake personal burdens and social sacrifices so their partner didn’t have to.

Nearly a quarter of British men – 24 per cent – said that they would give up chocolate to save their partner from doing so, while only one in ten women would return the favour.

Men are also the more generous sex when it comes to volunteering to be the nominated driver.

More than a quarter – 27 per cent – said they would do this, compared with just over one in 10 women – 13 per cent – who would make the same sacrifice.

Gender roles continue to be a strong part of any relationship and the survey results support the belief that men should be chivalrous and sacrifice things for their partner.

Steph Senyszyn, a 22-year-old bar manager from Lincoln, said that she has been with her boyfriend for nearly four years and is definitely the most selfish in the relationship.

“I agree that women are more selfish than men,” she said.

“My boyfriend always jokes that when he asks to borrow something from me, I always suddenly seem to need it – even if I’ve not touched it in months.

“If he asked me to give up smoking, or something like that, I doubt that I would – even though I’ve made him do similar things a million times before.

“Maybe that’s just because I’m a bad representation of my gender.”

Meanwhile, Hannah Smith, a 20-year-old student from Welton, near Lincoln, said she didn’t think a divide between the two sexes based on selflessness was true.

“My girl friends are probably going to kill me for this but I’d put my boyfriend before my favourite possession, or anything like that,” she said.

“Hopefully, he’d do the same for me. On the whole, I’m pretty sure he would.

“Obviously, I’m speaking hypothetically – if I was in the position where I had to do something like that. I’d like to avoid giving anything up in the first place.

“I’d like my boyfriend to be happy and, if it came down to it, would do anything I could to make sure it was the case.”

Warning to drivers as thieves swipe car plates and badges.

2010-01-15T04:09:00.000-08:00

Motorists have had badges and registration plates stolen from their cars in Lincoln.

Ford transit vans have been a particular target in the north-eastern quarter of the city.

A registration plate was taken from a van on Dowding Mews between Wednesday, January 6, and Thursday, January 7, and copper piping was stolen from a van on Lamb Gardens, St Giles, between 10am and 2pm on Tuesday 12 January.

In addition, badges were taken from the bonnets of a Renault Megane and a Honda Accord on Tower Crescent overnight on Monday.

A car parked in a garage on industrial premises at Crofton Road also had its registration plate taken, which was also reported to police on Tuesday.

In light of these incidents, police are now urging motorists to be vigilant and take extra precautions when parking.

Chief Inspector Kieran English, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “As of late, police have noticed an increase in the theft of car badges and number plates.

“It is believed they may form part of an attempt to build up a collection of these items.

“We would like to remind members of the public to keep their vehicle in a garage if they have one and, if not, park in well-lit areas if possible.”

Chief Inspector English also issued a warning to the offenders, saying the crime would be taken as seriously as any other.

“To those who commit these crimes, you may face prosecution by the police and appear in court on the matter.

“The message is simple – stop it. This is a crime and you will go to court.”

The crime prevention advice was reiterated by car breakdown and insurance company, The AA. Head of road safety Andrew Howard explained hidden areas are where thieves are most likely to operate.

“The traditional car thief doesn’t like bright light, and doesn’t like being in places where people can see him,” he said.

“One of the most important things to do is to park somewhere well-lit, with optimum visibility.

“The more hidden your car is, the more likely a thief is to operate.

“Motorists should go for areas where things are likely to be seen.

“It should also be reminded that motorists should report stolen licence plates as soon as possible.

“If your plates are stolen, you could be getting bailiffs round for any number of offences attributed to your plates, from parking fines to speeding tickets.”

Anyone who heard or saw any activity in relation to these incidents, should call Police on (01522) 532222.

Fake roadies dupe man after swiping kit from Noah And The Whale.

2010-01-15T04:03:00.000-08:00

They are best known as the indie-folk band with the catchy hit Five Years Time.

However, following a bizarre series of events, Noah And The Whale have found themselves embroiled in an investigation resulting in thousands of pounds worth of equipment being stolen from a property in Lincolnshire.

Peter Thompson, a retired businessman, was visiting his wife at her home in Eagle, near Lincoln.

He was approached by two men, claiming to be members of Noah And The Whale’s road crew, who were experiencing difficulties with their van whilst en route to the next date of a European tour.

Mr Thompson agreed to let the men store the gear in a shed on his wife’s property.

When they returned several days later, Mr Thompson gave them the keys so they could re-load the van themselves.

They promptly returned the keys and paid Mr Thompson £50 for his trouble.

When he returned to the shed a couple of weeks later, however, he found the men had left behind their original gear, and had stolen 27 man-powered hydrofoils, worth a total of £16,060.

Mr Thompson is a distributor for Pumpabike Europe, who supply the water-crafts throughout the continent.

Upon further investigation, Mr Thompson found that the equipment originally stored in the shed had been stolen from the band following a gig in Manchester on September 30.

“The situation is that bizarre, it has to be true,” said Mr Thompson.

“At least the crooks gave me £50, which I spent down the boozer.”

Bass player for Noah And The Whale, Matt Owens, said that Christmas came early for the band when they were reunited with their instruments.

He said: “Through a bizarre list of incredulous events, the thieves had asked to store the gear in Peter Thompson’s shed, claiming their van had broken down.

“We would like to offer enormous thanks to Peter Thompson for reuniting us with our gear.”

Detective Sergeant Simon Akker, of Salford CID, said: “The instruments stolen from the band were of huge sentimental value, and if it had not been for the vigilance and honesty of the man who discovered them they may never have been returned.

“Special thanks must go to him for the efforts he put in to returning the stolen property to its rightful owner.

“This is an ongoing inquiry and we are determined to convict whoever is responsible.”

Band raid.

2010-01-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

A retired businessman has had thousands of pounds worth of equipment stolen by thieves posing as roadies for a band.

Peter Thompson was visiting his wife’s house in Eagle, near Lincoln, when he was approached by two men in a white transit van.

The men claimed they were members of indie-rock band Noah and the Whale’s road crew, and were experiencing difficulties with their van while en route to the next date of a European tour.

Mr Thompson allowed the men to store the musical equipment in a shed on his wife’s property while they repaired the van.

The gear included flight cases full of instruments featuring Noah and the Whale branding.

“When the men returned several days later, I gave them the keys so they could load up the van themselves,” explained Mr Thompson.

“They paid me £50 and that was the last I saw of them.

“When I next went to the shed, I found their gear was still there and thousands of pounds worth of my stuff was missing.”

The men had stolen 27 hydrofoils worth a total of £16,060.

Mr Thompson later discovered that the musical equipment had been stolen from the band on Wednesday, September 30, following a gig in Manchester.

SEE PAGE 2.

Big Gig: Battle of the Bands.

2010-01-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

The battle lines have been drawn for the annual Battle Of The Bands competition, which will see musicians and artists from across Lincolnshire taking part in two months of fierce competition.

Almost 40 bands and artists will fight it out for a place in the final, taking place on Saturday, March 27.

This year, the acts are fighting to win a grand prize of £500.

Second place will receive two days’ recording and one day of mixing at Lincoln’s Brick Beat Studios, along with practice time at Playing Aloud studios.

Heat one takes place this weekend, at the Duke of Wellington in Lincoln, and features a line-up including Bootleg Sunday, Bruce Tality, Reasons For Rumours, An Ocean Apart, Lipz and Prisms.

“The calibre of the bands is higher than ever before,” says competition organiser Dawn Stephenson.

“The competition is great for the bands, and shows everyone in the local music scene working together. I’m really looking forward to it.”

An Ocean Apart are one of the bands hoping to move on to the next round of the competition this weekend.

Formed six months ago, An Ocean Apart have a hardcore-metal style, drawing on influences including Converge, Parkway Drive, Born Of Osiris, and Suicide Silence.

Three of the band’s members met at college, while another two members played together in a previous band. They decided to form An Ocean Apart after a fateful, drunken night and haven’t looked back since.

The band are currently recording a five-track EP and are preparing for a self-promoted tour to take place later in the year.

Three songs are currently available on their MySpace page, including The Heath Ledger Ho-Down and Princess Diana’s Minefield.

Drummer Pete Coppin says they are excited to be a part of the competition, which showcases the best of the local music scene.

“We’ve been in this Battle Of The Bands competition before and are very excited to be a part of it again,” said Pete.

“It always packs out and the judging has always been fair.

“There’ll be lots of people dancing and having a good time, and a great atmosphere.

“Anyone thinking about going along should expect lots of good, loud music – especially from us. We’re the only metal band in this heat.

“People should expect quite a loud atmosphere when we play.

“I’ve heard all of the bands we’re up against and they’re all really good. But I think we stand a good chance of going through to the semi-finals.”

In the summer, the band will join Silver Medal Massacre and Vision Armada on the JS Records Tour, which will see them return to the Duke Of Wellington on June 2.

For more information on the band, or to preview some of their songs, visit their website at www.myspace.com/

In the know.
where: The Duke of Wellington, Broadgate, Lincoln.
when: Heat one takes place on Saturday, from 7pm.
tickets: £3 on the door before 7.30pm with a valid student card, or £5 otherwise.
booking: On the door.

Eight-week-old Bess saved by a whisker thanks to pub landlord.

2010-01-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

A black cat crossing your path is usually a sign of good luck.

But the shoe was on the other paw for a black-and-white kitten rescued in Swinderby at the start of the year.

The eight-week-old female feline was found dumped in a carrier bag at the side of the road by a man out walking his dog.

The villager took the dying kitten to a nearby vet, who told if she could not be rehomed, she would have to be put down.

Word spread and the kitten, now christened Bess, has found a new home at The Bugle Horn Inn in Bassingham.

The owners of the pub, who trade under the name The Black Cat Real Pub Company, have adopted Bess as their new mascot, and she can often be found at the bar drinking milk alongside the regulars.

Company director Matthew Walsh said Bess was now fit and healthy, and had settled in to her new home.

“She’d made herself comfortable within half an hour of arriving here,” he said.

“We already have a black cat named Stumpy, who’s 22 years old, and they get on well.

“Bess has already used up two of her nine lives, but she’s settled in now. She quickly got her paws under the bar and she’s ready to make her debut with the customers.

“On a serious note, we were appalled at the cruelty shown to such a defenceless animal and we can only hope that people will stop and think about their actions before abandoning helpless animals in the future.

“If people find themselves with animals they are unable to cope with, a simple internet search will identify charities and organisations able to help.”

The old adage goes that a pet is for life and not just for Christmas.
However, cat carer and chairman for the RSPCA Lincolnshire branch, Karen Ansell, said that the Christmas period is undoubtedly her busiest time of year.

She said: “The number of cats I’ve adopted continues to go up over Christmas. Since the beginning of December, I’ve personally taken in 17 cats. The average for a month is usually around four or five.

“We always say to pet owners that if circumstances change, such as working longer hours or not having as much money to look after a pet, there are always charities and organisations who will take a pet in.

“If you’ve adopted from RSPCA, we will always take an animal back.

“There’s simply no need to dump a poor kitten at the side of the road. It’s ridiculous.”

Best food forward to beat cancer.

2010-01-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

Echo readers are being urged to help beat cancer by getting involved with a 24-hour relay event.

Relay For Life will feature teams of eight people taking it in turns to walk around a track for 24 hours.

It will take place at Waddington Village Hall on Saturday, July 24.

Katie Parkin, a 41-year-old nursery worker, is helping to organise the event in memory of her five-year-old daughter Emma, who died of a brain tumour in 2001.

Mrs Parkin said: “In 2000, we received a lot of support from generous Echo readers, who read about Emma and sent in quite a bit of money.

“Thanks to readers, we were able to treat her and take her on holiday before she died.

“We want to give something back to the local community, who did so much for us.

“Anyone can join a team or get involved with Relay For Life.

“But we’re not just looking for people to join the relay teams. We’re also looking for entertainment of all different types, from live music to gymnastic acts.”

Phil Greenwood, 52, is also a helping organise Relay For Life. He said it was an opportunity for the community to get involved in helping a worthy cause.

“It’s an event to help celebrate life, and the lives of all of those affected by cancer,” he said.

“It’s a great way for the local community to get involved with raising money for a worthwhile cause, while having fun at the same time.”

This is the first time a Relay For Life event will be held in Lincoln.

Fundraising activities will also take place on the day, and donations can be made at any time.

Sue Medcalf, Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life Development Executive for Lincolnshire said: “It’s a great way to spend time with your friends, family or work-mates.

“One-in-three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. Taking part in Relay for Life is about being part of your local community united in the belief that it can make a difference and help beat cancer.”

For more information, e-mail relayforlifelincoln@.com, or call Phil Greenwood on 07774 096883.

The Collective @ Kind.

2010-01-14T04:06:00.000-08:00

This week’s installment of The Collective was a prime example of what musicians and artists in Lincoln have to offer.

The night kicked off with a set from singer-songwriter James Jezusek name spelled correctly. After a shaky start, presumably affected by nerves, Jezusek managed to find his comfort zone, delivering a short yet welcoming set of acoustic numbers, emulating shades of former Million Dead frontman Frank Turner.
Jezusek aptly retold coming-of-age observations of adolescence, with seamless transitions between extrovert aggression and contemplative compassion.

Whoever said too many cooks spoil the broth has never seen Dancing Lotus, who followed Jezusek with a surprise set made up of new and old material.

Dancing Lotus are a truly unique troupe of musicians, mixing hip-hop rap stanzas with delicate violin strings, incendiary Neil Young-infused lead guitar, a rhythmic acoustic backbone, and the surprisingly soulful voice of lead singer Jack Shaw. Their songs are well-structured and well-packaged, tackling the usual topics of love, loss, and waking up with a hangover. The band’s passion is matched only by the passion of their fans, who attend in abundance to show their support. Dancing Lotus are surely the best band Lincoln have got on the scene at the moment, and set a high standard for others to follow.

Next up was local musician and business entrepreneur Ben Atkins, debuting his currently unnamed electronica-project. Atkins delivered three-minute bursts of electro-pop perfection, with his only downfall coming from an ill-advised karaoke cover of The Cure. Atkins made it look almost too easy, supporting the old adage that the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.

The night was brought a close by eccentric Mancunian Gideon Conn, who soon won over the crowd with his quirky brand of folk, coming across as a twee-parody of comedy-rockers Tenacious D. After a set including a Jew’s harp solo, an accidental fall over a leather couch, and audience participated choreography, Conn wrapped things up with a flawless rendition of Outkast’s Ms Jackson.

The Collective takes place every Tuesday at 7.30pm at Kind atop Lincoln’s High Street. Next week features a rescheduled headline performance from piano pop pompadour Luke Leighfield.

Multi-million pound project to build 200 affordable homes.

2010-01-12T03:28:00.000-08:00

Work has begun on a multi-million pound investment programme that will see more than 200 new homes built in Lincolnshire.

The project, courtesy of the Partnership Homes division of Westleigh Developments Ltd, is reported to be worth about £18.5million.

Construction for the project is well underway at the three development sites in Church Street, Boston Road and Lincoln Road in Holdingham, Sleaford.

The work is expected to take until January 2011.

Once completed, Westleigh will have built 153 new houses and 53 new apartments in partnership with two regional housing associations.

The development in Church Street is being built in partnership between Westleigh and the Gainsborough-based Acis Group.

The two remaining sites are in partnership with the Nottingham Community Housing Association.

Business Development Director at Westleigh Developments Ian Jones said he was “delighted” by the project.

“We are delighted to be able to work with two local housing association partners to provide over 200 affordable homes to the Sleaford area,” he said.

“When complete, it is anticipated some of these houses and apartments will be available on a shared-ownership basis, while others will be available for rental.

“We have an extensive track record of working in partnership with housing associations across the Midlands and fully expect these three schemes to be as successful.”

Stewart Ogden, North Kesteven District Councillor and executive board member with responsibility for housing strategy, explained the project would go a long way to help the District Council’s target of building 850 affordable homes a year.

“It’s wonderful that we can work with developers in bringing these much needed affordable homes to the district,” he said.

“One of North Kesteven District Council’s main priorities is affordable housing and we hope that these new developments will help residents who might otherwise struggle to purchase a house.

“The houses on Church Street, Boston Road and Lincoln Road, in Holdingham, will offer suitable homes for people who cannot purchase or rent a house on the open market.

“Affordable housing is in very high demand, and it is vital this is met, especially given the current economic climate.”

Letter delivery is snow problem for postie duo.

2010-01-09T03:49:00.000-08:00

Arctic temperatures and icy conditions proved to be snow problem for two of Lincolnshire’s most dedicated posties.

A Royal Mail husband-and-wife duo from the village of Ingham have taken to using a sledge to help them transport the bulk of their rounds throughout their various routes, including Scampton, Brattleby and Althorpe.

Jill Garton, 49, and her husband, Peter, 52, have a combined 24 years of postal experience between them.

Mrs Garton said despite the treacherous weather conditions, nothing could stop them from delivering the mail to their customers.

“After Christmas Eve, we thought the weather would get better,” she said.

“But when it continued to snow, we knew we had to do something, as it’s not very good for the feet.

“We had a sledge hanging up the shed, and thought it would add a bit of fun to serious deliveries.

“I’ve been out helping Peter on his rounds, pulling the sledge along. It helps us to get the mail delivered despite the snow and ice, and it puts a smile on the customers’ faces.

“As well as using the sledge, we’ve been wrapping up warm with woolly hats and taking lots of cold and flu tablets.

“I’ve even been wearing leggings under my trousers, and plastic bags over my socks, so I don’t get wet.

“Our customers have been really grateful, and have said we’re worth out weight in gold.

“We’re just happy to make sure that the post gets delivered.”

Mrs Garton has worked for Royal Mail for just over 10 years, and met Peter, who has been a postman for 13 years, when she started the job.

They married seven years ago.

“We like working together and enjoy the work we do,” she said.

“We’ve worked together since I joined, and we got on very well right from the start.

“We make sure the post always gets delivered. We tend to get everything done – it’s just a case of plodding along.”

The Royal Mail acknowledged the Garton’s extra dedication in spite of the chilly climate.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “We’re very proud of all our postmen and women, including Jill and Peter, who are making every effort to deliver mail to customers during the snowy weather.”

Getting online could be key to a date in 2010.

2010-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

What becomes of the broken hearted when the post-holiday blues begin to set in?

After spending the festive season surrounded by coupled-up friends, making drunken mistakes at parties and waking up alone on New Year’s Day, relationship experts are predicting that looking for love will top the resolution list for most singles in 2010.

As a result, dating agencies are bracing themselves for a busy January, with the next 12 months expected to be a boom year for online dating.

A survey courtesy of YouGov revealed that 12 per cent of 2,192 people used online dating agencies, while 15 per cent of successful couples had met online.
Last year, it was estimated that the UK’s online dating industry is worth £100million, up from £80million in the previous year. Unsurprising, considering there are 14.2 million singles nationwide – not counting the four million divorcees and 3.3 million widows.

Francesca Johns, a 21-year-old administration assistant, and a single girl from Lincoln, agrees that Christmas loneliness can encourage us to find a partner.

“The festive period does kind of force you into looking for companionship, as no-one wants to be alone over Christmas,” she said.

“On top of that, everyone wants a new year’s kiss.

“But at the same time, that companionship doesn’t necessarily have to be with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Sometimes you can find it with friends and family.

“I’m not sure about online dating, though. All that chat room stuff sounds a bit scary. But I suppose it shows that even the dating world is just moving along with technology.

“Most people spend a lot of their spare time on the Internet, or communicating on the Internet, so it should be the perfect place to meet people.

“It’s better than getting ridiculously drunk and taking someone home, which seems to be the only social thing a lot of people do.”

Meanwhile, Steve Young, a 23-year-old student and a single male from North Hykeham, says that online dating is not necessarily the saviour of relationship woes.

“People shouldn’t put all their faith in online dating,” he said.

“When you’re single, it’s best to constantly stay optimistic. You never know when that chance meeting might occur.

“You could be walking down the high street, bump into someone, and then your life could change forever.

“Or, you could be at home waiting for a message from a stranger in your inbox, and miss out on real life.

“I spent the holidays single and didn’t have any complaints. You just have to remember what’s important and enjoy life while you can. You never know what, or who, might be just around the corner.”

Enjoy a family break for just £10 a person.

2010-01-08T06:18:00.001-08:00

In today’s economic climate, it can be quite hard to make £10 stretch into something substantial.

But now, thanks to the Echo, you can go on holiday to a number of destinations throughout the UK, for £10.

Destinations to choose from include Devon, Mablethorpe, Filey and the Isle of Wight.
To qualify, all Echo readers need to do is collect nine, differently numbered, in-paper tokens.

An early-bird token will appear in the Echo next week on Monday.

A second token will then be printed in a full holiday supplement included with the Echo on Tuesday, January 19.

From then, 15 tokens will be published every day until Thursday, February 4.

Readers need to collect just nine of these tokens in order to apply for their £10 holiday.

Steven Potts is the general manager of Sunnydale Holiday Park, in Saltfleet, one of the holiday destinations involved with the promotion.

Mr Potts said that it was an excellent opportunity for families during a time of recession.

“Obviously, in these economic times, it’s excellent that a maximum number of families can experience a holiday in the UK they might not have previously been able to afford,” he said.

“It’s part of the reason we here at Sunnydale are delighted to be involved.

“For us, it’s a great opportunity to promote the Lincolnshire area and increase its awareness and its tourism.

Echo editor Jon Grubb urged readers to take advantage of the offer.

He said: “We hope as many of our readers as possible take advantage of this great offer, which will give hundreds of families an opportunity to have a holiday for next to nothing.

“The thought of getting away from it all must be on everyone’s mind, especially during this wintry spell.”

The price of the holidays are £10 per person, with a minimum booking being for a family of four. Couples and parties of people fewer than four can still apply for their holiday.

For more information, visit www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/tenpoundholidays.

Thousands of trees to go to Lincolnshire schools.

2010-01-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

Thousands of new trees will be planted throughout Lincolnshire in the coming weeks springing from a new council project.

The British Hardwood Tree Nursery in Snitterby, Lincolnshire, announced it had secured a contract with Lincolnshire County Council to distribute and plant 85,000 trees to schools, communities and landowners across the county.

Orders will be collated for more than 270 schools and communities, and approximately 50 landowners.

Some of the community areas include nature reserves, picnic sites, allotments and sports fields.

The order includes mixed broadleaf trees, hedgerow plants, and fruit trees.

The Lincolnshire-based tree nursery has been in business for more 20 years and has a stock of half-a-million trees.

Managing director of the tree nursery, Andrew Henderson, said he was delighted the company would be working closely with the council on the project.

“Securing the contract shows the council’s great faith in a local company,” he said.

“We’re very pleased and very proud to win the contract and be working with the council.

“We feel we’re well placed geographically.

“It’s quite a logistical challenge to get all the trees prepared and delivered, but the council know, based on past performance, that we can satisfy the contract demands.

“The weather could make it a bit more of a challenge, but it shouldn’t be too much of a hurdle.

“We’ll also be providing all the relevant protection products, such as spiral guards and tree tubes. We should have the whole scheme completed by the end of January.”

Mr Henderson said the Lincolnshire schools were primarily being supplied with fruit trees, placing emphasis on environmentalism and the growing of fruit and vegetables.

Senior teacher at Bardney Primary School, Martin Chatterton, said it was important for schools to inspire environmentalism within pupils.

“We’re based in a rural part of Lincolnshire, where the majority of the land is used for growing,” he said.

“It’s important to pass this on to our pupils so they realise where their food comes from.

“They get to watch the produce grow from the seed, to the final products sold at summer fairs.

“There’s a big focus on growing fruit and veg, all which links into the school environment and extra-curricular activities.”

Recruit: Recruit

2010-01-07T01:48:00.000-08:00

They say every cloud has a silver lining.

This week’s column was scheduled to feature a performance review of piano-pop-pompadour Luke Leighfield, following an appearance at Kind bar’s acoustic night, The Collective.

However, when adverse weather conditions forced organisers to postpone the event until further notice, I turned to the growing pile of CDs from local musicians and stumbled across the eponymous release from Lincolnshire band Recruit.

To begin with, I need to address something about the band’s name. Their EP suggests I should spell their name with a capital letter at the end and a lower case at the start. However, good grammar has got the better of me on this one, and I’m sorry Recruit, but I refuse.

Opening track Where’s It Gonna Get Ya sets the tone right from the start with a somewhat arrogant bile. The echoed guitar effects, backing rhythm and simplistic, repetitive refrain could be likened to the brand of indie-dance pioneered by bands like The Music and The Sunshine Underground amidst the New Rock Revolution.

It should be noted that when I use words like “arrogant” and “simplistic”, these are not necessarily to be taken in the negative. Throughout 2009, music was dominated by ostentatious flamboyance bereft of any believable humanity. It’s refreshing to listen to a band so sure of their output – especially one homegrown.

Billy Tabasco is a muddle of metaphors, much like those originally made endearing by The Coral some five or six years ago. Meanwhile, Look For You is backed by a prominent keyboard bringing forward shades of Kasabian and latter-day The Verve.

What You Keep is driven by a baseline which can only be described as dirty. There’s a sinister growl from deep in the heart of this one, capturing the black denim and ripped leather spirit of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or The Cooper Temple Clause.

It’s safe to say Recruit’s self-titled release is a melting-point of many of their major lad-rock influences, but take to it with an open mind, and possibly in the wake of some other musical disappointment, and you could find yourself pleasantly surprised.

For more information on Recruit, visit www.myspace.com/recruitband

Fears four-week closure of city route will harm nearby businesses.

2010-01-07T01:47:00.001-08:00

Motorists are facing heavy congestion when a major rat-run through Lincoln is shut for four weeks.

Rookery Lane in Lincoln will be closed from today Wednesday 6 January, preventing access by motorised transport.

Staff at businesses in the area say they were only made aware of the plans two days agoMonday 4 January and were left fearing the potentially negative effects the closure could have on trade.

Paula Taylor, owner of Hair By Edwin in Rookery Lane, a salon which first opened its doors in Rookery Lane in 1963, said: “If people think there’s going to be a problem for parking or access, then they’re going to avoid Rookery Lane altogether.

“We only received the letter on Monday, so we haven’t had any time to prepare at all.

“The council could have given us a bit more notice and information – the letter we received says nothing about any potential diversion route.

“Most of our clients are based in North Hykeham, meaning they’ll be coming from the end that’s going to be shut off.

“A lot of people are going to be forced to cancel or reschedule any appointments they may have, because there hasn’t been any sooner notification. No one has known what’s happening.”

Rayner Opticians, also based in Rookery Lane, said the letter it had received about the closure was too vague, and had led to much confusion about the plans for the road.

Employee Kelly Curtis explained: “It doesn’t state whether or not they’re going to allow any access into the shopping precinct.

“If they’re going to refuse access, then it will cause major problems.

“Potentially, there’s going to be four weeks of re-arranged and cancelled appointments. People won’t be able to come in for their bookings, especially if they’re from the other side of town.

“It could have a massively negative knock-on effect on our business, but we just don’t know yet. The letter was very vague and we only received it a couple of days ago.

“We’re especially concerned for any elderly patients, who may need dropping off right at the front door.”

Lincolnshire County Council senior highways officer Dave Underwood said: “The improvement works o the Rookery Lane/Newark Road signalised junction due to start on Wednesday, January 6, are part of ongoing Community Travel Zone improvements across the city following consultations with local residents.

“The works are to improve the pedestrian crossing facilities on Newark Road and include a new pedestrian crossing facility on Rookery Lane which emerged as a high priority to residents.

“Local diversions will be put in place and lane closures will be required on Newark Road, however, these will be kept to a minimum.

“The local diversion for Rookery Lane will be via Moorland Avenue, Tritton Road and Newark Road. Access to the shopping area on the junction will be available throughout the works.”

Arctic temperatures set to stay with us throughout the month.

2010-01-05T02:51:00.000-08:00

It may be the new year, but don’t put those thick coats away just yet, as the coldest winter in three decades rages on.

The Met Office is reporting the freezing temperatures in Lincolnshire will continue throughout January, plummeting to lows of -5°C, with snow showers expected this morning Tuesday 5 January.

Spokesman for the Met Office Sarah Holland said: “It’s going to continue to be very cold, with severe night frosts and occasionally strong winds.

“The end of the week and the weekend is expected to continue very cold with widespread frost, severe in places, and perhaps extreme in some rural spots.”

The Met Office has also issued severe weather warnings for tomorrow Wednesday 6 January.

In light of the arctic weather conditions, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is urging Lincolnshire residents to take extra care both in and out of their homes.

Spokesman Carl Christopher explained: “If you are a pedestrian, pavements can be a particular problem. It’s important to wear sensible footwear, and take extra care and time on your journey.

“Try to walk on the streets which have been subjected to the sun where the ice has melted more, and avoid being out in the cold all the time.

“If you are a driver on the roads, it’s worth considering if your potential journeys are really necessary.

“The key factor to remember though is speed. Make sure to travel at a speed where you can stop in a distance you can see to be clear.

“It’s also worth thinking about the elderly in these conditions. If you were ever going to pay them a visit, do it now. We would always encourage family and friends to look after their elderly relatives, and check that their homes are warm enough and that they can get in touch if needs be.”

The weather conditions posed particular problems for workers, with many returning to work yesterday after the Christmas holidays.

Even Lincolnshire’s own Red Arrows were affected, with the icy weather forcing them to rearrange their training.

Squadron Leader Ben Murphy, Officer Commanding and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “We returned to work yesterday and were due to fly to Royal Air Force Valley in North Wales to do some simulator training.

“However, the runway here is covered in snow and, with possibly more bad weather on the way, we may not be able to fly until Thursday.”

He added: “We are used to bad weather here at RAF Scampton – we had the same problem with the snow last year.”

Organisers “delighted” with response to improved skating facility.

2010-01-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

Skaters are hanging up their boots today as Lincoln’s seasonal ice skating rink is packed away.

The ice rink shut up shop yesterday after another successful year – attracting more than 20,000 visitors since it opened in November.

Alongside the summer roller rink and regular farmers markets, the ice rink is one of the many events organised by the Lincoln Business Improvement Group.

Events and promotions manager Michael Armstrong explained that 2009 had been another successful year for the drink, saying he was “delighted” by the response it had received from Lincolnshire residents.

“We’ve had lots of people on the ice this year,” he said.

“I haven’t got the final facts and figures in yet, but we’ve all been pleased with the response to this year’s rink.

“We expect to have had somewhere in the region of 20,000 visitors to the rink. The online booking sales were very strong.

“The rink itself has been much more visually attractive this year, which I think has helped. We were able to build the site much lower, meaning people could look over the side when walking by.

“The older generations took to it incredibly as well. I even started recognising people from last year’s rink.”

The first ice skating rink was installed in City Square in 2005, and subsequently, was brought back again in 2006.

Skaters said at the time they enjoyed it so much they called for the construction of a permanent rink.

However, in 2007, the rink was replaced with a big wheel, which in turn was replaced with two fairground rides.

The rink made its triumphant return for Christmas 2008, and then officially re-opened for 2009 on Thursday November 26.

On Sunday, December 20, last month, the city’s ice rink also played host to a record-breaking attempt, as more than 70 suited Santas began skating on the rink at the same time.

Of the Santas ice skating challenge, Mr Armstrong added: “The Santas on ice has been a fabulous thing. It worked really well, and we’ll be looking into bringing that back as well.”

Local father Dan Pudney, 36, from Burton Waters, near Lincoln, said he thought the rink was a great addition to Lincoln every year, especially for kids.

“It’s a great idea, and it would be nice to see the rink as a permanent fixture,” he said.

“The children seem to really enjoy it, and my little girl loves it.

“The turn out seems to have been really good. It’s good fun, and everyone seems to have a good time.

“It’s well organised, and the staff have a good system in place. The price is only £5 for kids, and that includes boot hire, which is pretty good value.”

‘Sweat is sexy’ – but a smile is much sweeter.

2010-01-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

It's not hard to spot those tell-tale signs when a man is happy to see a woman.

A twinkle in the eye, a spring in the step and a relentless smile are usually surefire giveaways.

Now, scientists are saying a women can tell when a man is interested in her, at least subconsciously, by the smell of his sweat.

Tests conducted at Texas’ Rice University showed that women reacted differently to the underarm sweat of a man feeling frisky and a man going about his day-to-day activities.

The results have prompted researchers to suggest that human beings use pheromones to subconsciously communicate with one another, much in the same way animals do.

In the tests, sweat was collected with polyester pads attached to the armpits of men. One sample was collected whilst the test subjects watched an educational film for 20 minutes, whilst a second sample was collected whilst they watched pornographic material. The two samples were then compared.

Nineteen women in their 20s were subjected to the samples, and all responded subconsciously to the different smells.

Their brain waves were monitored with functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Professor Denise Chen, who led the study, said that the “sexual” sweat lit up different regions of the women’s brains, suggesting that the female brain can recognise the smell of a man who is attracted to her.

Francesca Johns, a 21 year-old administration assistant from Lincoln doesn’t think a woman should rely on her subconscious to determine whether or not a man fancies them.

“There are much more reliable ways you can use to gauge if a man is interested in you or not,” she said.

“Eye contact is usually the best way. If he looks directly at you whilst he’s talking to you, then you know the evening’s probably going to have a good chance of success.

“Other than that, if he makes slight physical contact, then you know he’s definitely interested. A slight brush of the hand or something like that.

“What’s the point in relying on pheromones, which may or may not exist in human beings, when you can’t consciously decode them anyway?”

John Barraclough, a 22 year-old television salesman based in North Hykeham, agreed with this point, saying a man would not usually try to hide his intentions anyway.

“It’s all very well and good talking about pheromones and the effects they might have,” he said.

“But if a man is interested in a women, he’s going to let her know about it.

“She’s not going to have to rely on some cryptic code which needs figuring out, or some subtle signals.

“The general rule is, if you’ve had to spend time trying to figure out whether or not a man is interested in you, then he’s probably not.”

Tributes flood in after Nettleham Football Club manager dies.

2010-01-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

PAGE 2. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1.

A devoted family man, a committed football manager and great mate.

This how the late Nettleham Football Club manager Richard Mason will be remembered following his untimely death.

Richard died unexpectedly on the evening of Sunday, December 27, of a heart attack at the age of 47.

His parents, Clive and Maureen, said they were “devastated” at his sudden death.

“We never thought we would have to go through this again,” said Mr Mason.

“We lost our oldest son, Robert, in similar circumstances two years ago.

“We feel so sorry for Richard’s family. He was very devoted to his wife, Yvette, his daughter, Charlotte, his three sons and three stepsons.

“They will miss him so very, very much – as will his sister Wendy and her family.”

Richard will be buried at Riseholme Church, alongside his brother.
His father added: “We are very proud of both our sons and very sad that this has happened to them – they will always be in out hearts and minds.”

The Mason family moved to Cherry Willingham in 1974, when Richard was 12. It was then he first got involved with Nettleham Football Club, playing for the under 13s’ team. His career with the club would go on to span four decades.

Richard held various jobs throughout his life, including roles in building and insurance.

However, his father said that work always came after his family and football.

He said: “His work always had to be arranged so that he could meet his family commitments – and, of course, his involvement with football.

“He particularly enjoyed his family holidays. His family are twinned with a family in Mulsanne in France, who are shocked to hear of Richard’s death.”

Russ Binnington, a friend of Mr Mason’s for over 20 years and an assistant to Lincoln United’s reserve team, said that his thoughts were with the family.

“Rick was a great mate and would do anything for anyone,” he said.

“All the players respected him and what he did. He did a lot for the players, a lot of which was out of his own pocket, which shows how committed he was to the club.

“We’ve been friends for years and met through football. We always worked together and we always had good times together.

“Nobody had a bad word to say about him. He was a top bloke and I feel sorry for the lads, Charlotte and Yvette.”

Praise for a local hero.

2010-01-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Lincolnshire football manager Richard Mason.

Mr Mason died suddenly of a heart attack on the evening of Sunday, December 27. He was just 47 years old.

His father Clive Mason described Mr Mason as being “devoted” to his family.

“We are devastated at Richard’s sudden death, and never thought we would have to go through this again,” he said.

At the age of 12, Mr Mason joined Nettleham Football Club’s under-13s squad, and stayed with the club for 35 years. As a player, he played for the first team at both Lincolnshire League and Central Midlands League level.

In his later playing days, he was a senior player in the Saturday Colts team, helping younger players through their first experience of senior football.

He took over the role of Sunday first team manager from his father, and led the team to success including League Championship and Cup Final wins, including some on Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank pitch. Then, three years ago, he took up the position of manager of the Saturday first team.

Mr Mason leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Yvette, sons Steve, 26, Stuart, 24, and David, 19, who all play for the club, and a younger daughter, Charlotte, aged 10.

SEE PAGE 2.

Amazing generosity gave less fortunate a happy Christmas.

2010-01-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

A charity has thanked Lincolnshire Echo readers for their overwhelming festive generosity.

The Lincoln Community Larder contacted the Echo in early December for help in appealing to Lincolnshire residents to donate food and money to make up Christmas food parcels for people in crisis.

Trustee to the Larder Kim Adams said the response the charity received had been “tremendous”.

“There was a wonderful response to the appeal in the Echo, with about 40 people bringing donations to the Larder and many more contacting us to find out how they could help in the future,” he said.

“A typical gift was a bag of sweets and chocolates that we could give out to the families who came to the Larder in the week before Christmas.

“One lady brought six selection boxes, which were great for a family with small children. Another, who we know only as Maria, donated 24 Christmas puddings.

“Most people seemed to have gone out specially to buy things that would be suitable, such as Christmas puddings.

“Some people even gave cash donations, including an Echo reader who donated £100, which will go towards food supplies in the coming weeks.”

The Larder runs throughout the year, relying entirely on charitable donations and the work of volunteers.

It is open two days a week at its premises in the YMCA Annexe in Rosemary Lane, Lincoln.

The aim of the Larder is to help the recipient of the food parcel through a crisis in their lives, when they have nowhere else to turn.

To qualify for a food parcel, a person needs to be referred by a local charity or agency such as Citizens’ Advice, the YMCA, or social services.

More than 1,200 meals were distributed by the Larder over the Christmas period.

However, trustee and organiser of the Larder, Mick Duffield, said that even though Christmas was over, the charity was still on the look out for donations.

“Going into the new year, the shelves are groaning, which is always a good sign,” he said.

“But the Larder is always ready to accept donations. We’re not complacent.

“Christmas may be over, but the poverty and the need for help isn’t.”

Donations can be dropped into the premises, or cheques can be sent, payable to the LCL, by care of the Lincoln YMCA. For more details, call (01522) 569291 and leave a message with contact details.

Unmissable Gigs: Of 2010.

2009-12-31T08:15:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when journalists make wild and outrageous predictions about who’s going to make it in the next 12 months.

If the unprecedented Christmas number one success of Rage Against The Machine tells us anything, it should be that nothing in music is predictable anymore. All that being said, let’s take a look at the gigs to keep an eye on in 2010.

Editors, Lincoln Engine Shed.

What do you do when you model your career on Joy Division, but you’ve exhausted all their material on your first two albums? This is the question which plagued Editors prior to the release of their third album, In This Light And On This Evening. Luckily, they realised that the logical step, asides from an untimely suicide, was to follow down into New Order territory.

Their synthesiser-infused third album has so far spawned singles including Papillon and You Don’t Know Love and brings the best of the Mancunian pop giants, without the unbearable arrogance of Hooky.

Editors will bring their Hacienda-influenced, Tony Wilson-approved tour to Lincoln’s Engine Shed on Saturday, March 6. Contact the venue for ticket details.

NME Awards Tour, Nottingham Rock City.

Unfortunately, following three successful sell-out years, Lincoln has been overlooked for the NME Awards Tour in 2010.

All eyes will be on opening act The Drums this year, to see if they can “pull a Florence” and make their unique brand of sun-kissed harmonic pop the unavoidable sound of the year.

Another band to watch on this tour will be unabashed indie tykes Bombay Bicycle Club, injecting their own structured, melodically layered, guitar-driven pop into the evening.

Finally, perhaps the most underrated band in British pop music, The Maccabees, headline the night’s proceedings, hopefully making their well-deserved big break. Tracks such as Love You Better, Toothpaste Kisses and Precious Time have already become intelligible indie anthems for those who have loved and lost, over and over again.

The NME Awards Tour takes place in Nottingham on Tuesday, February 9. For ticket details, contact the venue.

Dizzee Rascal, Lincoln Engine Shed.

Everyone’s favourite household-name rapper Dizzee Rascal returns to Lincoln for a rescheduled date, following the cancellation of a gig earlier this year, due to illness.

With the mainstream acceptance of number one singles Bonkers, Holiday and Dance Wiv Me, Dizzee is walking a dangerously thin line between credible hip-hop artist and middle-of-the-road pop star. Hopefully, in his set this February, Dizzee will prove to the doubters, including myself, why he’s still relevant.

Dizzee plays in Lincoln on Thursday, February 25. Tickets have been sold out for this one for a long time, so it will be nothing short of a miracle if you expect to get.

We're All Ears: The Year That Was.

2009-12-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

So, 2009 is over already. If you blinked, you probably missed it. Maybe I’m just getting older, but it seems as each year goes by, they get shorter and shorter.

As is customary for this time of year, I’ve been asked to take a look back at Lincolnshire’s musical offerings over the last 12 months.

First of all, let me say, the majority of the year’s highlights took place at the Lincoln Engine Shed. But, rest assured, this is not from any kind of bias. From singer-songwriters in Ruskington, to Christian rock in Grantham, to the highly-anticipated S Club 3 reunion – if it’s been in Lincolnshire this year, I’ll probably have been there.

The relentless domination of the Engine Shed, if anything, tells us that Lincoln is crying out for a competing venue for contemporary music.

Nevertheless, let’s proceed. Here’s my list of the best live performances in Lincolnshire this year ...

White Lies, Lincoln Engine Shed.

February saw the return of the annual NME Awards Tour, viewed by many to be a benchmark of what’s going to be big in the year to come.

Despite sharing a bill with Florence And The Machine, Friendly Fires and Glasvegas, the night undoubtedly belonged to White Lies, who brought their brand of Joy Division-infused indie-rock gloom to Lincoln.

Highlights of the night included incendiary renditions of Death and Farewell To The Fairground, as well as an impassioned duet with Florence Welch on the heartbreaking anthem Unfinished Business.

Bloc Party, Lincoln Engine Shed.

In October, following a summer of high-profile festival slots, which were perceived by many to be under whelming at best, Bloc Party embarked on a massive nationwide tour, with rumours rife that this would be their last before a hiatus.

If this truly was the band’s final curtain call, at least they went out on a high. Bloc Party were confident, playing a set spanning their entire career. Songs like Positive Tension and Banquet sparked riotous scenes, with girls losing their shoes and bodies flying everywhere.

The Cribs, Lincoln Engine Shed.

Backed by ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, The Cribs returned to Lincoln, shredding through their staple rock and roll riot of a set, mixing the archetypical 1970s punk-grunge fuzz of their earlier tracks, such as Direction and Mirror Kissers, with their more rhythmic and textured material from their “matured” fourth album, including tracks such as We Were Aborted and Cheat On Me.

The Cribs’ set at the Engine Shed in the Autumn of this year further cemented their imminent dominance, demonstrating how they’ve flawlessly engineered themselves from lo-fi obscurity into the indie mainstream.
Unpredictable, inflammable, ferocious and unquestionably the stand-out live gig of the year.

The Flash Cars: The Invisible Circus.

2009-12-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Flash Cars are a band of three Lincoln lads born in the wrong city at the wrong time. It’s surprising and refreshing to hear a little band from a rural town produce such a confident 1970s American-tinged sound.

Their latest EP, The Invisible Circus, blends together fuzzy, distorted lead guitar, gritty vocals and potentially funk-influenced bass to create a cacophony of distinctly American-sounding rock and roll.

Opening track Hope And Glory is a punchy three-minute rock-pop number driven by a somewhat George Harrison-inspired lead guitar riff, with a repeated refrain of the track’s title. Lover’s legs and misplaced bottles of wine are the focus of the song, giving it a somewhat adolescent feel, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s not the best The Flash Cars have to offer, but it’s a solid introduction to their sound and still better than the majority of bands that filter through from across the Atlantic.

Second track Careless is another Americana-tinged track. Things have been slowed down somewhat, narrowly treading into lighter-in-the-air “ballad” territory. Nevertheless, you wouldn’t be amiss in thinking this was a Third Eye Blind or Smashing Pumpkins album track.

Come On picks things back up where Hope And Glory left off, with an abrasive distortion screeching out for attention. Come On is a well-structured rock song, somewhat reminiscent of the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or the Von Bondies. Remember them? They were a four-piece rock band from Detroit, who came across as a part of the rock and roll revolution at the start of the decade. Look them up.

All The Rage follows seamlessly, serving up much of the same. The inclusion of a delicate, continuous refrain, albeit a touch sloppy, gives a Demolition-era Ryan Adams feel to the song. It’s not the best from The Flash Cars, but it’s perhaps the strongest showing of lead singer Chris Barnard’s vocal range.

Finally, the EP is brought to a close with Why Won’t You Leave It Alone? The vocal effects placed on Barnard’s voice seem unnecessary, but create an echoed sentiment throughout. It’s a strong close to the EP and another subtle nod to the obvious Ryan Adams influences.

For more on The Flash Cars, visit www.myspace.com/theflashcars.

Tribute to mother lives on years after son's death.

2009-12-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

Eighty years after his death, a Lincolnshire man is still paying tribute to his beloved mother.

And county children could benefit from George Jobson’s generosity too if they are willing to apply.

Every year, school children from Horncastle visit the grave of Susan Jobson and lay a wreath on behalf of Mr Jobson – her son.

Susan Jobson died aged 94 in 1915, while Mr Jobson died aged 63 in 1926.

The tradition is carried out as per Mr Jobson’s instructions in his final will and testament, which also established a local charity by the name of the George Jobson Charitable Trust.

George Jobson Trust chairman Jack Simpson said: “His mother was very fond of Christmas holly.

When Mr Jobson died, his will requested a wreath be laid on his mother’s grave each Christmas.

“The wreath-laying tradition was revived by my predecessor, Walter Holmes, and has been going on for the past 20 years.”

The George Jobson Trust was first set up to help and encourage children in their pursuit of knowledge.

And as of April 2009, the George Jobson Trust was worth a staggering £800,000.

Originally, money was set aside for the trust to pay for guest lecturers and to contribute towards prizes for essay competitions.

But now the money is used to pay for grants given to young people in education and training, to help pay for books, courses, equipment, and other projects which would help benefit the young.

Trust chairman Mr Simpson added: “In his own words, Mr Jobson’s aim was to inculcate his own taste for science within Horncastle’s youth.

“Mr Jobson had a great love for children and was very fond of his mother.

“Through his trust, we try and help people of all ages and backgrounds.”

As per Mr Jobson’s will, the George Jobson Trust also has money set aside for charitable donations to St Mary’s Church, Horncastle Cricket Club, and Banovallum Brass.

Member of St Mary’s congregation, and member of the church’s building team Bob Wayne, said the George Jobson Trust was committed to helping out the community of Horncastle.

He said: “It’s one of those small charities.

“They’ve done brilliantly in devoting themselves to the town.

“They’ve helped with a number of various things, from helping young apprentices with tools and equipment, to helping the church in various ways.

“It isn’t about giving money to the congregation, but about giving money to the symbol of the town.”

For more information on how you can make applications for grants to the George Jobson Trust, call Sarah Steel at Chattertons Solicitors on South Street, Horncastle, on (01507) 522456.

Doves @ Lincoln Engine Shed

2009-12-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how much can change in a couple of months. When Delphic last played Lincoln’s Engine Shed, they did so as part of the line-up for one of the MODA club nights.

To many, they were considered to be filler, unworthy of note or mention.

Now, making their second appearance at the venue, providing support for fellow Mancunians Doves there’s an air of anticipation largely motivated by that elitist industry buzz which comes as standard for this time of year.

Given their dance influences, it would be easy to start talking about the spirit of Tony Wilson or the shadow of the Hacienda, but Delphic are more than just your standard band of lads from the north west who picked up a Happy Mondays album and a synthesizer. There’s a degree of intelligence and thoughtfulness about their composition, which makes them much more akin to the likes of M83 or Sigur Rós.

Delphic were recently shortlisted for the 2010 Critic’s Choice Brit Award, the same award won this year by Florence And The Machine. Needless to say, if they carry through to the new year with the same momentum they ended this one with, Delphic will certainly be one to keep a close eye on.

Backed by some well-placed festival sets and a Mercury Music Prize, indie rock favourites Elbow started to gain notoriety over these past 12 months, leaving Doves to step up and take their place as most underrated band in Britain.

Ever since the release of Lost Souls in 2000, Doves have perpetually remained on the cusp of mainstream recognition. Every now and again, they’ll release a single that manages to leak into the collective public subconscious, but aside from that, they rely on the loyal fan-base they’ve managed to build over the past nine years.

Their Engine Shed set is made up of songs spanning their entire career, mixing favourites like Pounding and Caught By The River with material from their newest album Kingdom Of Rust. However, there’s something slightly unimpassioned about the newer material. Jimi Goodwin’s usually booming Mancunian drawl is lost among bass and keyboard that have had the atmospheric level turned up to 11.

The highlight of the nights comes when Doves end their set with a triumphant and affirmative rendition of There Goes The Fear. Complete with a carnival refrain seemingly taken from a New Orleans Mardi Gras, Doves bring an unseasoned close to Lincoln’s year of live music.

Psychics and pet detectives help out in worried owner’s campaign.

2009-12-18T07:57:00.000-08:00

Radio appeals, handmade leaflets, pet detectives, and even psychic communicators. These are the lengths a Lincolnshire woman has gone to in order to find her missing cat.

Sue Machen’s pet cat, Oliver, went missing on October 24 from his home in Boothby Graffoe.

Now, Miss Machen has made an appeal to the Echo to help find more information on her missing cat.

Oliver is a white and grey tabby cat. He has a white stomach and legs, and is tabby down his back and tail. He also has a distinctive black spot on the left side of his pink nose.

Christmas Eve will mark two months since Oliver was last seen.

Miss Machen, a 56-year-old nurse, is looking for any information on Oliver that may help to bring him home in time for Christmas.

“The last time I saw him was on the evening of the October 24, at around 8.45pm,” she said.

“He was outside in the gardens and I’ve not seen him since. This is the first time he’s ever done something like this, so I’m very worried. He’s a great cat, and I miss him so much.

“I’ll do everything I can to find him. I’m very hopeful, as I don’t think people or pets just disappear into thin air. Someone may have found him thinking he was a stray, or he might be living rough.

“I’ve had so many leads worth following up, but none have led to his recovery as of yet. It’s like having a big jigsaw. I’ve got all the pieces, but I just don’t know where they fit.

“Hopefully, someone can come forward with some information and then all the pieces will fit together.”

Miss Machen has gone to great lengths to find Oliver, which has resulted in handing out leaflets throughout Lincolnshire, local radio campaigns, hiring animal communicators and psychics, and even seeking help from pet detective agency Animal Search UK.

“The psychic and the animal communicators gave me some helpful indications of where he might be,” she said.

“I don’t know how they did it, but they picked up feelings and tuned into his presence to try and find where he is.”

Charlotte House, a spokesman for Animal Search UK, said they were hopeful members of the public would come forward with any information about the missing cat.

“We hope someone will see the posters of Oliver that are in circulation and come forward,” she said.

“Anyone with any information about Oliver can contact Animal Search UK on 0800 4320340. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Alternatively, anyone with any further information on Oliver can contact Miss Machen directly on (01522) 813891, or 07969 907383.

Florence and the Machine @ Lincoln Engine Shed

2009-12-17T02:44:00.001-08:00

Florence and the Machine made a triumphant, highly-anticipated return to Lincoln’s Engine Shed, proving why 2009 is well and truly theirs.

But first of all, the Temper Trap, who opened proceedings with their distinctive brand of unashamed indie-pop.

The Australian four-piece showed themselves to be a well-oiled, well-rehearsed pop machine, playing a well-received set, including forthcoming single Fader, and hit summer anthem Sweet Disposition, which, with the help of its use in some well-placed advertising campaigns, gets one of the loudest, most positive, reactions of the night.

The crowd might be unfamiliar with Temper Trap at the moment, but they have the songs, and clearly the drive, to make them one of the most talked-about bands of 2010.

It should be noted that the Engine Shed was packed to the rafters. Unfortunately, when an act is accepted so readily into the mainstream as Florence and the Machine have been, there are consequences. Glancing around the room, there was a strange mix of fans, mainly made up of teenage girls unsure of how to dress or act for such an occasion.

Nevertheless, Florence Welch, with her red hair ablaze, led her “machine” through an incendiary set made up of album tracks, B-sides, and her staple cover of Candi Staton’s You’ve Got The Love.

There’s one thing that’s undeniable, to a point where it becomes cliché to say: Welch has one of the most impressive vocal ranges to be heard in pop music for a long time. If it wasn’t for tediously subversive music snobbery, she’d be mentioned in the same breath as Kate Bush or Björk.

One of Welch’s biggest assets is her ability to interchange seamlessly from vigorously combustible tracks, such as Howl and Drumming Song, to more delicate and soulful numbers, such as Blinding and Cosmic Love. As each note flows through her, her body tells a tale of heartbreak, regret and lament.

The “machine”, her backing band, are a tight group of musicians, and serve as a solid base to Welch’s almost cult-like following, but unfortunately, the spotlight doesn’t stray much further than that hair.

It’s been an emphatic year for Florence and the Machine, but as they triumphantly sauntered off stage, it’s clear no one has come close to approaching them.

Bra-illiant.

2009-12-17T02:40:00.000-08:00

Women of Lincolnshire are being given the chance to put their DIY skills to the test.

But it won’t be shelving or household repairs they will be making.

Supermarket chain Tesco has launched a new bra design which can be worn in a number of different ways.

The Limitless Bra, which the supermarket chain claims is the most innovative lingerie invention ever to be introduced to the public, comes in several parts – including two cups and a selection of different straps.

Each cup features 24 hook positions, and the back strap has a further 28, which Tesco says makes it the first bra to offer endless ways of wearing it.

The Limitless Bra comes from Tesco’s own Diamond Boutique range.

The bra will retail at £16 and will be available in sizes 32 to 38, A to D and made in both black and nude colours.

MJM International, the producer of the Diamond Boutique range, has taken more than a year to test the bra.

Inventor and co-founder of MJM International, Michelle Mone, said she was excited about the new design.

“It is unlike any other bra available on the market and can be worn hundreds of different ways,” she said.

“Women will be thrilled to find out that this really does deliver every bra style they will ever need.

“These days fashion is so experimental, it’s often a hassle finding the right bra for the right outfit.

“But this bra can be easily adjusted to sit perfectly beneath any garment, with no straps showing and still provide all the support your bust needs.”

Carol Brown, fashion aficionado and principle lecturer of fashion studies at the University of Lincoln, said that the bra was great to use with selective evening wear.

“It’s amazingly adaptable and gives great versatility” she said.

“I think it’ll probably be a success with a young market and those who are particularly looking for something to be worn with selective evening wear, for instance, strapless gowns, asymmetrical designs, low-back dresses and halter-necks.”

“It’s a really good price, comes in a good range of sizes and the fabric it’s made with is very good.

“It’s made from a microfibre material – which is a really smooth fabric – which would look flattering under an evening gown, or even a jumper.

“Whether the number of positions is a necessity or overkill is to be seen.

“It’ll probably be popular and welcomed by many women, especially just before the Christmas and New Year. . It’s an excellent time to launch it.”

Winter safety warning for Lincolnshire residents.

2009-12-16T02:55:00.000-08:00

With cold weather setting in and Arctic conditions on their way, Lincolnshire residents are being urged to make an extra effort to stay safe this Christmas.

Lincolnshire’s historic waterways have been highlighted as a particular danger area, with British Waterways urging visitors to stay away from the edges and stick to the surrounding public footpaths.

Bridges, towpaths and lock-sides can be particularly slippery at this time of year and snow can conceal trip hazards close to the water’s edge.

Sean McGinley, East Midlands Waterways Manager, said: “Lincolnshire’s canals and rivers are beautiful places to visit in the winter.

“It is vital that people take care to avoid turning a gentle walk into a miserable visit to A&E or worse.”

Carl Christopher, a spokesperson for the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents, urged the county to take that extra bit of care.

“Keep away from the edge makes a lot of sense,” he said.

“No matter how strong a swimmer you are, when the temperature’s dropping, that initial shock definitely has an effect. It doesn’t take long until you find yourself under the water.”

NHL 10

2009-12-15T02:47:00.000-08:00

DEVELOPER: ELECTRONIC ARTS
PLATFORMS: XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 3 (REVIEWED):

Considering the success of NHL 9, there is a great deal of anticipation surrounding the 2010 edition of the NHL franchise.

For all intents and purposes, NHL 10 is a great hockey game, in the sense that it’s the most authentic and realistic looking release of its kind on the market.

The problem is the theme of the game itself and, if you have missed out on any of the previous editions of the NHL franchise, it’s unlikely you’re going to feel bad about missing out on this one.

The main problem with NHL 10 surrounds its mechanics and structure.

Controls are overly complicated and the introduction of “board play” – sandwiching another skater between the board in a grapple for the puck – is troublesome at best.

On top of this, the menu screens require a great deal of work to navigate. All of these problems are far too off-putting to make this game appealing to anyone other than a dedicated fan.

Thankfully, the fighting options have been positively revamped, with grappling with fellow skaters turning the gameplay into the style of a first-person melee.

It’s fun, for a while, however, unless you are a hard core fan of ice hockey, this is only going to keep your attention for so long.

The key to a good sports game is making it appealing to those who are not already existing fans of the sport.

Unfortunately, EA Games seems to have forgotten this fundamental principle, meaning there’s little motivation to get you strapping on your skates and rushing out onto the ice for this one.

MARKS: 6/10

Christmas shopping rush vital for small firms' survival.

2009-12-15T02:37:00.000-08:00

Lincoln's small businesses could face imminent closure if they do not get the support of shoppers in the run-up to Christmas, according to groups who represent them.

The Federation of Small Businesses said local, independent businesses rely on a busy Christmas period to compensate for any losses made in the remainder of the financial year.

If smaller businesses and retailers do not have a profitable Christmas this year, then they face the risk of closure.

Regional Chairman of the Federation of Small Business David Dexter said many local traders rely on the Christmas period to help pay for any future overheads or costs.

“It looks as though everyone is going to have less to spend this year,” he said.

“Shoppers are, quite naturally, being cautious. Unfortunately, this is going to affect a lot of the smaller retailers, who will not have the level of takings that are necessary to ensure a good Christmas.

“Many small retailers rely on the Christmas period, as it’s a time when takings are supposed to increase. If some businesses have faced difficult times, and if they don’t have a profitable Christmas, they might find that things are so difficult they cannot continue.”

Mr Dexter also explained the key to survival for small businesses in the run-up to Christmas was to continue to offer a unique brand of personal service, while cutting expenditure.

“The majority of small businesses will endeavour to cut their costs and improve their products and service ranges, giving better value for money,” he said.

“Small businesses will continue to diversify wherever possible, and look at improving the range of products and services available.”

Many retailers in Lincoln have reported that their shops have been much busier this year in contrast to 2008, but have noticed that shoppers are being more cautious with their spending.

Sue Gadsby, manager of Gadsby’s on Lincoln High Street, said that money and redundancy worries were effecting spending habits.

“People are still worried about losing their jobs, so they’re not spending as much money when they come in to browse,” she said.

“Despite that though, we’ve still been busy.

“We’ve definitely been busier than last year, especially over the Christmas market.”

The biggest Christmas party turn-off revealed.

2009-12-12T02:35:00.000-08:00

With the temperature now plummeting, people’s thoughts often turn to the speculation as to whether or not we are in for a white Christmas.

But a recent survey has revealed that women are more concerned by a white Christmas of a different kind – dandruff.

With Christmas parties occurring all through the month, and the chance to steal a kiss under the mistletoe lingering at the back of our minds, an overwhelming 61 per cent of 1,000 women surveyed agreed that it was the biggest party turn-off.

The survey, conducted courtesy of Head and Shoulders shampoo, also revealed that 26 per cent of women cited clammy hands as their biggest turn-off.

Seven per cent highlight bad shoes as their biggest turn-off and six per cent saying they were put off by generally scruffy attire.

Emma Hewitt, a 23-year-old administration assistant in Lincoln, explained that dandruff ranked highly in her list of turn-offs.

“The problem with dandruff is that it’s very noticeable. Especially when men are wearing dark colours like black, blue and grey,” she said.

“When you see a man with bad dandruff, it suggests that they don’t take care of themselves – and that they may even have a problem with basic hygiene.

“There’s no bigger turn-off than a man being unclean.

“If they can’t take care of themselves, how are they going to be able to take care of you?”

Rachael Clark, a 22-year-old architecture student, explained dandruff is often just the tip of the iceberg.

“I know it’s contrived to say it, but first impressions really do count,” she said.

“If you’re getting chatted up by a man with dandruff, that just suggests there’s a whole host of other problems underneath.

“Hair is one of the first things I notice and it can be the difference between whether or not a man is attractive or not.

“Although, I find that one of the biggest turn-offs is body odour. It’s not hard to get rid of – all you need to do is wash or shower.

“But sometimes you come across some men who have it really badly and I just don’t understand it.

“If men want to get anywhere with a women this Christmas, even at an office party or something where there’s booze around and people might be looking through beer goggles, they need to remember to keep themselves clean.

“Otherwise they have no chance.”

The Temper Trap: Jonathon Aherne.

2009-12-12T02:27:00.000-08:00

You might not recognise the name straight away, but you’ll have probably heard Temper Trap by now, writes Ryan Butcher.

They’re one of those bands who’ve profited from a well-placed single on a feel-good film trailer, which catapulted them into the collective subconscious. Their single, Sweet Disposition, was the surprise anthem of the summer, thanks to it’s inclusion on the indie rom-com (500) Days of Summer.

Now, Temper Trap are in the midst of wrapping up their first year out of Australia with a nationwide support slot for Florence and the Machine, a special one-off Christmas show in London, and the build-up for their next single to be released in the first week of 2010.

During their stop off in Lincoln yesterdayFriday 11 December, for their highly-anticipated set at the Engine Shed, the Echo spoke to Temper Trap bass player Jonathon Aherne.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER SEEN YOU LIVE BEFORE, WHAT CAN THEY EXPECT FROM YOUR SHOW?

To sum it up, we always try to put on an energetic show and we always put all we can into our performance. But sometimes you can’t always live up to that. I think there’s such a difference between listening to someone on CD and listening to them live and we want people to fall in love with the songs in a whole new way.

WELL, WE’RE COMING TO THE END OF THE YEAR. HOW HAVE THE LAST 365 DAYS BEEN FOR YOU AS A BAND?

Well, we’re a pretty new band and this has been our first album. We’ve just stepped out of Australia, which has been a desire for us for a long time. Australia can be so isolated. When we first got out, we played in 15 countries across 10 days and there was just this feeling of being exposed and experiencing things. It’s really cool being able to be in an honest position to do what we’re doing.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING TO RECENTLY? IS THERE ANYTHING THAT’S CAUGHT YOUR EAR THIS LAST YEAR?

There’s this band we’ve played with a few times this year and we’ve fallen in love with watching them play. They’re called Mumford and Sons. Then, of course, there’s Florence (and the Machine). They’re generally a live act who are quite special. I’m not going to try and explain what it is about them. I mean, obviously her vocal is pretty special and she can take on all sorts of ranges.

THE NEW SINGLE, FADER, IS RELEASED ON JANUARY 4. HOW WAS THE SONG BORN? WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

The general sense with Fader was that we needed a pop song. We all stuck in for the melody and came out with some straight-up pop structures. Toby wrote the keyboard and Dougie wrote the lyrics pretty quickly. I don’t think it holds any particular significance – it’s just an attempt at making something pop. I’m aware that’s not cool, but it’s one of my favourite songs on the album.

LOOKING TO THE NEW YEAR, WILL YOU BE MAKING ANY RESOLUTIONS?

My New Year’s resolutions are always pretty serious. I haven’t thought about it too much yet, but it’ll probably be a continual desire to grow closer to my wife and look after her. I’ll think about that one.

Dancing Lotus: Million Stars

2009-12-10T02:43:00.000-08:00

Ever since an Irish singer-songwriter decided to turn to political activism and raise money for dying Africans by writing a song with some failing 80s pop stars, charity singles (at best) have been a mixed blessing.

Sure they’re written and released in the name of a worthy cause, but more often that not, this intentionally masks the absence of any musical credibility. What’s the point of putting effort into writing a piece of music with actual artistic merit when the public are going to buy it to appease their own peace of mind anyway? Take the two appalling Band Aid efforts, for example, or the Children In Need monstrosities that are released every year.

Like I said though, they are a mixed blessing. While the majority are regurgitated covers fronted by the latest pop phenomenon of the time, selfishly designed to further their own exposure on the mainstream airwaves, every now and again, you’ll come across something which actually has some consideration and intelligence behind it.

Cue Lincoln’s own Dancing Lotus, who have teamed up with the University of Lincoln’s Afro-Carribbean Society on a single, Million Stars, to help raise awareness for the AIDS pandemic and surrounding charities.

The bare bones of the track are exposed early on, being driven principally by a funk-enthused acoustic guitar, layered underneath a ghostly electric guitar, gently weeping out a lead riff over the top. Following a strong and prominent lead vocal from singer Jack Shaw, things begin to evolve showing a breadth of imagination Geldof could never quite capture.

The additional vocals have a distinctly authentic African flavour, coming partly from a choir of singers made up of the Afro-Carribbean Society members, repeating the haunting million stars refrain. Meanwhile, MCs exchange urban couplets in their native tongues, while strings begin to rise from below, adding an air of delicacy to the proceedings.

There’s a lot of different styles enthused here, but Dancing Lotus skillfully pull it off without it being a case of too many cooks. Refreshingly, they’ve managed to create something considered charity, whilst avoiding any self-indulgence, and for that alone, they deserve applause.

To listen to the track and others from the Dancing Lotus group, visit www.myspace.com/dancinglotusmusic

Raid your larder and spread some Christmas cheer.

2009-12-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

We all know Christmas is a time for good will and sharing, so what better way to spread some festive cheer than by donating food to those truly in need?

Local charity the Lincoln Community Larder is making an appeal to Lincolnshire residents for donations of food and money to help make up festive food parcels for people in crisis.

In November alone, the charity provided vital help for 46 children, and it would like to make the donations it gives over the Christmas week extra special. Its aim is to add a bar of chocolate or a bag of sweets for every child seeking one of their food parcels.

Kim Adams, trustee secretary of the Larder, explained the charity relied on generous donations from members of the public.

“We are a local charity, and we rely completely on volunteers and donations,” he said.

“At Christmas, it’s nice to be able to give something special along with the tins of baked beans and cereals used in our food parcels.

“We try and give staple foods to sustain somebody for three days, but everyone likes a treat at Christmas.

“Ideally, we are looking for donations for children, such as sweets, chocolate, and even Christmas puddings.”

Larder organiser Mick Duffield, 65, who lives in Waddington, said it was becoming increasingly difficult to include luxury items in food parcels.

“We would like to continue putting sweets and chocolates and other goodies in the parcels at Christmas, but having to pay for everything makes this almost impossible,” he said.

“We’re spending between £100 and £250 a week buying goods to keep our stocks up to date.

“We have to buy the basic foods and we cannot afford to buy ‘luxuries’.

“This is something we feel bad about because in the past we have been able to buy goodies such as mince pies and Christmas puddings.”

The Lincoln Community Larder is open two days a week at its premises in the YMCA Annexe in Rosemary Lane, Lincoln. Those seeking help bring vouchers for three days’ worth of food, which are exchanged for a mixture of dried and tinned food, plus bread, margarine and cheese.

The food parcels are designed to cover three nutritious meals a day for the three days.

The aim of the Larder is to help the recipient of the food parcel through a crisis in their lives, when they have nowhere else to turn. To qualify for a food parcel, a person needs to be referred by a local charity or agency such as Citizens’ Advice, the YMCA, or social services.

There are many ways to donate. Items can be dropped into the premises, or cheques can be sent, payable to the LCL, by care of the Lincoln YMCA. For more details, call (01522) 569291 and leave a message with contact details.

The roles of a social worker unclear to all.

2009-12-09T02:14:00.000-08:00

Most people don’t understand what social workers in Lincolnshire do, according to the union officials who represent them.

And this means it is difficult to recruit enough people to staff all the available posts in the county.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed 14 out of 212 social worker positions within children’s services were currently vacant.

Additionally, a further eight positions have been frozen by the county council for unspecified reasons.

Unison, the trade union for those working in the public sectors, admitted there was a problem in recruiting and retaining social workers.

John Sharman, the Unison branch secretary for Lincolnshire, explained a greater understanding of what social workers contribute to society is needed to get more people in to the profession.

He said: “The problem is about society as a whole recognising what social workers contribute.

“For a long time, we’ve been in a media culture which latches on when things go wrong and creates an atmosphere where it’s not an appealing job. Actually, it’s extremely rewarding.

“However, there’s also an issue of resources. We’re constantly hearing from our members complaints of very high case loads. The more that is piled upon them, the more demands there are on their time, and the less time they have to actually visit families.”

The union’s head of local government for the East Midlands region Ravi Subramanian said: “The shortage of social workers is unsurprising, given the barrage of bad publicity facing the profession.

“If we want to see an improvement in the number of people wanting to be social workers, it is vital all councils fully implement the recommendations from the government’s Social Worker Task Force review.

“The public, in general, need a better understanding of the difficult but vital work social workers do to support families and vulnerable people.”

The assistant director of children’s services for Lincolnshire County Council, Sue Westcott, said the council was currently looking to recruit eight new social workers and was not currently facing any difficulties.

She said: “Good procedures and training programmes are in place for our social workers to give them good support and help them develop.

“We are following a number of initiatives to encourage and develop interest in the profession including a training and recruitment link with the Lincoln of University.”

Buzz is back as market returns to festive form.

2009-12-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

After four days, Lincoln’s annual Christmas Market has come to an end, with organisers, stall-holders and punters describing it as a return to form.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the city every year to kick off the festive season with the traditional German-style Christmas Market.

City of Lincoln Council director of development and environmental services John Latham said this year’s market had been a success and had exceeded expectations.

He said: “The market has gone really well and I think we’ve got it back where we want it.

“The atmosphere and whole experience is back. We’ve got some really good quality stalls, have made some changes which have worked really well and people are continuing to come.

“I don’t think it’s been as busy as this for the last two or three years.

“The buzz has been great. It’s brought people into the city and got people spending money. This year’s market has been important for Lincoln and important for the city’s economy.”

Early reports from the City of Lincoln Council revealed more than 5,000 bratwurst sausages had been consumed over the market period, whilst approximately 1,400 kilograms of pork had been used for the market’s hog roasts.

The FFN stall in Castle Square has been serving hot gluhwein to punters since the market began in 1982.

Cellarman Chris Brewer, who helps run the stall and has watched the market grow for nearly three decades, said this year’s event had been “excellent”.

He said: “The atmosphere has been excellent and the changes that the council have made have worked really well.

“It’s much busier than when we first started in 1982. It’s been a very good year this year.”

Julie Holmes, a 46-year-old mother-of-two, travelled from Bradford with her family for the market and said this year’s had been the best yet.

She said: “Transportation has been made much easier, the park-and-ride system has been great and there’s been a terrific atmosphere putting everyone in a really festive mood.”

Making your move at the Christmas party.

2009-12-05T02:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas is the season to be jolly, which means it is also the season to let your hair down and go wild at work parties.

Results of a new survey have revealed that most workers attending festive parties are expecting more than just horrific dancing and drunken karaoke with the boss.

The survey of 1,168 office workers revealed that 49 per cent of people would go all the way with a fellow employee if the opportunity presented itself, while almost a third admitting they had previously had sex with a colleague after a Christmas party.

Three out of five people said that they were very likely to do “something they would regret” and wake up with more than a hangover the next morning.

The survey also identified that workers who classed themselves as “mature” or “married” were most likely to misbehave, followed by anyone working in the company’s accounts department.

Nathan Hunt, a 20-year-old student who lives on Yarborough Road, Lincoln, has worked at Morrisons for more than two years and has been to a number of work parties.

Nathan said that work can be the best place to act on any attractions to co-workers, as you can hide under the guise of intoxication.

He said: “Christmas parties are a great time to make that move on someone, as you can blame it on the influence of alcohol if it goes wrong.

“It’s important to keep your wits about you though, as you never know when you might be hounded.

“Someone at work fancied me and waited until the party to try it on, but I had to give them the cold shoulder.

“I think in most cases there are more fights than romances.”

Lucy Firth, a 21-year-old administration assistant living in Carholme Road, revealed she was preparing for her own work’s Christmas party and that she was hoping the seasonal mood would encourage some romance.

She said: “There’s someone I’ve had my eye on at work and, with our Christmas party coming up, I think it’s the perfect time to go for it.

“If I get shot down or given the cold shoulder, then no=one is even going to notice. Everyone’s attention is going to be elsewhere.

“With it being Christmas as well, I can be subtle about it, and say it’s all in-keeping with the festive spirit.

“I might even take some mistletoe for when I make the first move.

“If anything comes of it, then great. But if it doesn’t lead anywhere, I can hide behind the Christmas party, and use it to cut down on the public embarrassment.”

Big Gig: The Collective

2009-12-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

Whilst flicking through a certain red-top music magazine and reading their opinions on the top 50 albums of the decade, I noticed a few themes cropping up time and time again – “honesty” and “intimacy”.

Musically speaking, a great body of work these days is defined not by abrasive flamboyance or ostentatious performance, but by the connection made between the artist and the audience and how naked their feelings are put on display. The appeal to truth and humanity is that, after all the glitz and glamour has been stripped away, you’re left with something that’s believable – something that can be related to.

Which brings us to The Collective, a new night which launched earlier this week, bringing together local and national acts from a wide range of genres. In an intimate and relaxed setting, The Collective isn’t like any ordinary acoustic or open-mic night. Here, musicians and acts take to the stage with the chance to share their talents with passionate people of the same ilk.

“I felt Lincoln was lacking in live entertainment,” explains The Collective’s organiser Adam Hockley.

“Most of what is going on is poorly attended or doesn’t have the right atmosphere, which is an essential part of a good night.

“The old Acoustic Tuesdays at Kind were a great success when they were run by Plusminus Events, but with so many other nights to look after at the same time, something had to give.

“So now, a few months down the line, I’m rebranding the night and taking it above and beyond it’s former glory.

“We don’t just want to stop at music either, if anybody out there considers themselves the next Lee Evans or the next Derren Brown, we want to hear from you too.

“Since I first started tossing around a few ideas about running another acoustic night in Kind, I’ve been inundated with people offering to play, to circulate posters or promote the events pages online.

“I’ve found in the past that Lincoln is such a difficult place to make any event a success, but when like-minded people come together and work towards a common goal, things can gain momentum very quickly and suddenly a night can become very successful.”

The next Collective night will take place on Tuesday, with a line-up headlined by Irish singer-songwriter Lee Mitchell. Support comes from Norwich-based acoustic duo Fiorentina and a host of other local musicians and artists.

The Collective will also be running a blog alongside the night, featuring photos, videos and the latest line-up announcements.

The blog will also feature monthly Spotify playlists made up of alternative and acoustic artists to give an overall flavour of the kind of things you’ll be hearing. Visit www.collectivelincoln.blogspot.com for more information.

Drinks offers will also be available on the night, with all spirits, wine, soft drinks and selected bottled beers set at half price all night. All shows are 18-plus and proof of age may be required.

IN THE KNOW

where: Kind Bar, Lincoln High Street.
when: Every Tuesday, kicking off at 7.30pm.
tickets: Free entry.

I want to bring the magic of Disney to Lincoln.

2009-12-02T01:58:00.000-08:00

The magic of Walt Disney could be coming to Lincoln after the city was shortlisted to be the first Walt Disney World twinned town.

Lincoln is now one of 25 shortlisted to win the title, following nominations from more than 500 people across the UK.

And the city could enjoy a major tourism boost if it wins.

Arrangements will be made to hold a Disney party in January to celebrate if Lincoln is granted twinned town status.

Competition for the accolade within Lincolnshire alone was fierce, with towns including Mablethorpe and Epworth submitting photographs, poems and videos to show why they deserve the title.

The city of Lincoln, the only one to make the shortlist from the county, was nominated by resident Sharna Cooper, a 35-year-old mother-of-three.

In her entry, she described Lincoln as a quaint fairytale town with an enchanted castle and cathedral fit for any princess, young or old.

Miss Cooper explained she made the nomination after being surrounded by Disney while bringing up her children.

“My kids have always grown up with Disney, so I thought it would be great for them,” she said.

“They’ve always been massive fans and with them being brought up with it, I guess that makes me a fan too.

“Lincoln is a lovely old-fashioned town, especially when you’re walking around the Bailgate area.

“We have the cathedral and castle too, and, let’s face it, most Disney films have castles in them, don’t they?”

Emma Tatlow, head of marketing and business development for Lincolnshire Tourism, said she was delighted Lincoln had made it on to the shortlist.

She said: “To be the first Walt Disney World twinned town would really put a spotlight on the city and raise the profile of Lincoln.

“We would anticipate this to bring media attention to the city, encouraging visitors to experience Lincoln and Lincolnshire.

“The visitor economy is second only to food and farming, and to be twinned with Walt Disney World would reap benefits for the destination.

“The magical historic quarter is complemented by the cosmopolitan high street and Brayford areas.

“All in all we have a great package, and hope Lincoln is successful in the next stage of the competition.”

The shortlist will now go before a panel of judges, which includes TV presenter Angelica Bell and Walt Disney’s Duncan Wardle, who will select the winning town.

The winner will be announced on Monday, December 7.

Men reach for the razor as 'tache month' ends.

2009-12-01T01:56:00.000-08:00

Moustache fever is finally coming to an end as Lincolnshire says goodbye to the month of “Movember”.

Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, which aims to highlight men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer.

For the past month, groups and organisations across the county have been taking part in Movember by growing out their facial hair to raise awareness, while also taking sponsorship and charitable donations for the cause.

At Lincoln County Hospital, Dr Andrew MacAllister persuaded his work colleagues to grow moustaches in aid of Movember. The hospital staff managed to raise about £600 from ward donations alone and are still taking donations online. By the time of the final total, they will have raised more than £1,000.

Junior doctor Joe Whitton, 28, said the Movember campaign had been well received at the hospital.

He said: “Men between the ages of 20 and 60 rarely seek health advice from doctors unless it’s something quite serious.

“We didn’t want to just raise money, but also raise awareness about various health issues men face and how important it is to get a check-up.

“Movember is not the most of ways to help raise awareness, but it’s been good fun. It certainly stimulates conversation about health issues, which is what Movember is all about.”

Meanwhile, pupils and teachers at Yarborough School also arranged events and activities to raise money and celebrate Movember.

Staff accepted sponsorship and donations for their moustache growth, while year 10 pupils arranged a non-uniform day with fake moustaches being sold to help raise more money. In total, the school raised just over £1,200.

Kerry Willey, student council co-ordinator, said the charity, which was chosen by the year 10 pupils in an effort to raise awareness of cancer risk on both men and women, had been a big success in the school.

She said: “We ended up with 10 members of staff and even a few husbands growing moustaches throughout the month.

“It’s been nice to see people have facial hair who don’t normally, while also helping to change the face of men’s cancer.”

Business teacher and head of sixth form Keith Jones said Movember had gone down very well at the school.

He said: “Many of the staff have taken part and some of the females even took to wearing false moustaches.

“I was quite shocked at how fast my moustache grew. I’ll be getting rid of it now Movember is over, though. The 1970s trucker look is not so big in 2009.”

Lostprophets @ Lincoln Engine Shed

2009-11-26T01:29:00.001-08:00

Lostprophets are a band steeped in contradiction. On one hand, they want to prove themselves to be the Welsh nu-rock heavyweights of festival main stages, with the riffs, choruses and haircuts to boot. On the other, they appear almost desperate to prove that they’re still a down-to-earth, loveable group of misfits from the valley, rough-housing it from town-to-town and living out of the back of a beaten-up tour van.

While trying to decide which of these two personalities to adopt, the band ends up being pulled in polar-opposite directions, resulting in a set frustratingly inconsistent and noticeably lacking in identity.

All this is accentuated by singer Ian Watkins’ irritatingly futile effort of trying to hide the thick, Welsh tones of his accent by singing with a sickeningly sun-kissed American accent. Lostprophets have been tailor-made to appear like an alternative band making their assault on the main stream, yet in actuality, they’ve had aspirations of red carpets, Radio 1 and rubbing shoulders with GaGa from the very start.

Opening with new track It’s Not The End Of The World, But I Can See It From Here and playing songs from upcoming album The Betrayed, their set lacks the initial, immediate impact one might expect from a Lostprophets show. Sure, they play the “big hits”. You know, the kind of songs with lyrics 15-year-old girls are going to set as their Facebook statuses and post on their Twitter accounts. But they arrive few and far between, with excessive on-stage tom-foolery and chauvinistic displays of arrogance breaking up the pace and leaving the audience to grow increasingly impatient.

Songs like Rooftops, Last Train Home and breakthrough single Shinobi vs Dragon Ninja elicit strong reactions, but there’s nothing breaking the mould here: it’s all very Kerrang! magazine 101.

While their peers, from My Chemical Romance to Fall Out Boy, have tried to show progression and growth over the years, Lostprophets seem to have stayed in the same place, relying on heavy distortion and optimistic repetition to drill their hooks deep into the collective subconscious.

From the stage, the band are constantly reminding us that this is their last show of the year, nay, the decade. If it’s anything to go from, I don’t think the next 10 years are going to be much different for Lostprophets. But in their eyes, that might not necessarily be a bad thing.

"We’re lighting up a life to ease pain of losing our mum."

2009-11-23T01:45:00.000-08:00

Families grieving for the loss of a loved one can find solace this Christmas with the help of St Barnabas Hospice.

The charity is inviting people from across the county to celebrate the lives of those they have lost by attending the Light Up A Life remembrance service.

People who do so can put a light on the St Barnabas Hospice Tree Of Life, based on the west front of the cathedral.

One family who will be taking part in the Light Up A Life service this year are the McKelveys.

Phil McKelvey’s wife, Jacqueline, lost her fight against cancer earlier this year, at the end of March. She was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.

The 47-year-old mother-of-two was in remission for man than a year after undergoing a mastectomy, but the cancer came back.

Mr McKelvey, 47, of Boultham Park Road, was previously in the forces, but has given up work temporarily to look after his children.

“Jacqueline battled away with the trials, but there was nothing else to give her in the end,” said Mr McKelvey.

“The kids are brilliant and are really looking forward to playing a part in the ceremony, even though it’s going to be very emotional.

“The event shows how many people are in the same situation.”

The youngest of the two children, 10-year-old Kelly McKelvey, said: “I’ve written a poem about my mum which I’m going to read out.

“It’s the first year without her, so it will be sad.”

Her older brother, Bradley, 14, added: “It will be a nice event, but it will be sad without mum at Christmas time.”

Fundraising manager for St Barnabas Hospice Kim Frow said she was proud to have Kelly and Bradley fronting the Light Up A Life campaign.

“It’s been fantastic having Bradley and Kelly being the head of the campaign and they’ve done a fantastic job,” she said.

“I think it’s helped them as well as St Barnabas. Christmas can be a particularly hard time when handling grief and mourning.

“Coming along to the service and the procession can help families start to celebrate Christmas.”

The Light Up A Life service takes place tomorrow at 6.15pm,Tuesday 24 November and will be held at Our Lady Of Lincoln Church in Cabourne Avenue. The service will be followed by a torchlight procession at 7.30pm, starting from Claytons Sports Ground in Lee Road and ending at Lincoln Cathedral.

If, like Bradley and Kelly, you would like to dedicate a light to a loved one, or to find out more information about the event, call the St Barnabas Hospice fund-raising office on (01522) 540300.

Leaky pipes waste enough water to fill 84 swimmping pools a day...

2009-11-21T01:39:00.000-08:00

Enough water to fill 84 Olympic-sized swimming pools will have leaked out of pipes in Lincolnshire by the end of today, according to new figures.

Leakage statistics for Anglian Water, the county’s main provider, have been released by Ofwat, which monitors water companies across the UK.

Ofwat sets targets for each company to maintain leakage at a level which, it says, provides the best value for customers and the environment.

The target for Anglian Water for 2008/9 was 210 megalitres of water leaking away every day.

An Olympic-sized swimming pool holds 2.5 megalitres so that roughly equates to 84 swimming pools’ worth of water lost through leakages every day, with a grand total of 30,660 pools’ worth of water lost throughout the year.

Despite this extraordinary amount of water wasted, Anglian Water says it is one of the best water companies in the country for preventing leakage – when the amount leaking away is compared against the size of its pipe network.

Anglian Water media manager Sara Rowland said: “Anglian Water has the joint lowest leakage level, along with South West Water, at 5.6 cubic metres per kilometre of pipe per day.

“The target for us as expressed by Ofwat was 210 megalitres per day. This is in the context of supplying roughly 1.2 billion litres of water every day, under pressure, through a network of more than 37,000km of water mains.”

The Tanning Shop in St Benedict’s Square in Lincoln was severely affected by a leak in June which went unrepaired for more than two weeks before the pipe finally burst and flooded the whole area with water.

Staff say they are still repairing the damage almost five months later.

Sales assistant Stacey Vavasourspelt correctly said: “The water damage was so much, we had to have our floors repaired.

“We lost a day’s takings, because all the electrical equipment around the water made the shop unsafe.

“We had to turn off all the electrics, and even get a new computer, as the other one was damaged by the leak.

“If Anglian Water is prepared to lose that amount of water it should lower customers’ water bills.”

What your first-date drink says about you..

2009-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

The majority of us have said it, or had it said to us before, those five little words from which there’s no going back – let’s have a drink sometime.

It’s the typical way to have a first date but, although alcohol can be a great way to lubricate relations between sexes, going out for a drink with a potential love interest is not as straight forward as it may seem.

New research, looking at the psychology behind drinking and dating, has revealed that what you order at the bar could determine if your night will be ending with a kiss on the cheek or an invitation home.

What we drink on a first date can say a lot about us.

Only six per cent of women would choose beer as their drink of choice on a first date, according to the study of 2,000 people by the BitterSweet Partnership

A further 29 per cent say that they fear drinking beer would make them appear masculine.

However, a quarter of men actually think beer is the cool and sexy choice, with 31 per cent saying that female beer-drinkers are generally more confident, and 26 per cent saying they are generally more fun.

One in ten women admit that they steer clear of beer because of the way it is served.

Nearly half will opt for a glass of wine, as they believe it to be the more sophisticated choice.

Lauren Bird, a 21-year-old psychology student living in Carholme Road, explains that there are a lot of factors which go into deciding what to drink when on a date.

She said: “I wouldn’t go for spirits on a first date, as I don’t want to give off the impression of being a heavy drinker.

“Drinking beer comes across as a bit manly, so I’d probably steer clear of that too.

“If I was going on a first date and wanted to make a good impression, I’d probably go for something like a fruit cider. It’s a safe, neutral choice, and, hopefully, wouldn’t attract too much attention.

“I’d expect the man I was going on a date with to drink something like beer or cider. I’d be a bit taken back if he ordered something like a white wine.

“Wine is a fine choice if it was over dinner, but not on a date.”

Inigo Taylor, a 21-year-old photographer from Lincoln agreed with the results of the survey, saying the beer really was the best drink of choice when on a first date.

He said: “I’d much rather a girl I was going on a date with drank beer or lager.

“For a start, it’s what I drink so it makes things a lot easier. Beer is pretty much a safe bet.

“I think a girl could be in danger of coming across as pretentious if she ordered something like a big, fancy cocktail.

“Drinking beer suggests you’re much more down to earth and the whole point of a date is to try and be comfortable and relaxed.”

Residents-only parking plans anger local firms.

2009-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Business owners are outraged at plans to introduce residents-only parking in Lincoln’s Burton Road.

Independent firms in the area are concerned that parking restrictions down the whole west side of the road would have a negative effect on trade and will scare customers away.

But consultations to assess the possible introduction of the parking scheme are being carried out by the county council, on behalf of the City of Lincoln Council.

Salon Marique, family-owned hairdressers which has been open for 16 years, is one of those businesses expressing concern.

Co-owner Lloyd Taylor said that the proposed plans were a further example of the council not providing support to independent businesses in Lincoln.

“One of the things customers love about the Burton Road area is that there is parking surrounding it, but I doubt the local amenities could sustain themselves if residents-only parking is introduced,” he said.

“If we have a loss in trade then that brings up different problems. We might have to let staff go because we can’t afford to keep them on.

“What also concerns me is that people on the east side of Burton Road haven’t had any notification about the plans. Residential parking is going to affect everybody.

“There are between 30 and 40 businesses in the area – and not one supports the scheme.

“It’s as if the city and county councils aren’t that keen on having small businesses survive.”

Rod Williamson, team leader of city services at the city council said: “The council will only look to commission residential parking schemes following requests to do so from the public.

“The county council will then begin a process of consultation with residents and other affected parties, including local businesses.

“We work closely with the county council to assess whether any traffic issues need to be considered and if the area in question is suitable for such a scheme.

“We will only proceed with the proposal if the majority of residents consulted are in favour. No decision will be made without thorough consideration on the potential affects to local businesses, amenities and residents.”

Asobi Seksu: Rewolf

2009-11-19T01:18:00.000-08:00

Asobi Seksu are one of the relatively unknown gems of the thriving New York alternative scene.

Their dream-like melodies and hypnotic vocals might sound familiar at first listen – they’re the kind of band likely to feature on trendy TV show soundtracks. Lurking somewhere in the background of the latest episode of Skins or Ugly Betty, they have just the right balance of artistic integrity and underground cool to make them immediately irresistible to a market constantly searching for the discovery of a “new sound”.

Rewolf is a small collection of re-worked songs that span the band’s career, resulting from a brief recording stop at London’s Olympic Studios. These newly composed tracks are a slight detour from the usual neo-showgaze of their previously recorded material. Production values and effects have been taken away, along with several band members, leaving vocalist Yuki Chikudate and guitarist James Hanna to deliver haunting, acoustic-driven, blissfully-layered harmonies.

A full broken-down technical analysis of the inner-workings of Rewolf seems almost insulting to the beauty of the art which has been created here. To put it poetically, Rewolf drips into the ear note by note like black ink into a glass of water. Subconsciously, it seeps through, consuming the whole body with a blissful lull and sense of peace. For all intents and purposes, Rewolf is the aural equivalent of valium.

Chikudate boasts an impressive vocal range. At times she comes across as a slightly more subdued Kate Bush, while at others more like an optimistic Chan Marshall. Refreshingly, Chikudate doesn’t feel the need to supplement her voice with physical eccentricities in the same way as, say, Florence Welch.

If you’re looking for the next step of the sonic revolution, then this is not it. Rewolf is merely an acoustic album made up of nine re-workings – and an extraordinary Hope Sandoval cover from a relatively unknown American band. However, if you’re looking for a collection of songs to love, cherish and to call your very own, this could very well be your record of the year.

With the guitar effects stripped away, Asobi Seksu are able to highlight the delicate and compassionate songwriting they’re capable of, creating an album which shines, sparkles and shows the band really are a diamond in the rough.

Botanist banks on breadfruit bounty having city home.

2009-11-19T01:15:00.000-08:00

The plant which was one of the causes of the mutiny on the HMS Bounty could soon be putting down roots in Lincoln.

Lincolnshire-bred botanist and patron of natural sciences Sir Joseph Banks was one of the principal instigators behind the infamous voyage of HMS Bounty, which set out to transport breadfruit plants from the tropical island of Tahiti over to colonies in the West Indies.

On the return voyage from the expedition, a mutiny was lead against commanding officer William Bligh by crew member Fletcher Christian.

Now, esteemed Lincoln botanist Dr Colin Leakey is calling for The Lawn’s Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory to display the breadfruit plant to members of the public.

“Here in Lincoln, we have the only surviving Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory in the country,” he said.

“What better place could there be in Britain to grow breadfruit trees under hot-house conditions, partly for study, and partly to promote their importance.

“During the Olympic year, I believe we should organise to bring breadfruit seedlings over to Lincoln from Trinidad to be planted in our own conservatory here, which could be very easily done.

“My suggestion would be to invite the mayor of Trinidad over, hopefully at the invitation of the mayor of Lincoln, to bring breadfruit trees and make a great song and dance, literally, about the importance of breadfruit trees in Trinidad.”

Now based in Lincoln, Dr Leakey read Natural Sciences at Cambridge University, majoring in Botany.

In 1977, he was invited to make an in-depth study of the breadfruit in the Caribbean, considered then to be a important crop of the future.

Manager of the Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory Marie Diamond said the breadfruit plant would be a welcome addition to the conservatory, and a welcome dedication to Sir Joseph Banks.

“I would welcome any planting in the conservatory which is true and significant to the memory of Sir Joseph,” she said.

“The breadfruit is one of the most important plants he was responsible for. It would be important not only to the conservatory, but also to Lincolnshire itself.”

Democracy in action as charities get share of store cash.

2009-11-17T01:53:00.001-08:00

A pot of cash is up for grabs for Lincolnshire charities, and shoppers are being urged to nominate their favourite local group.

The Community Matters scheme, run by supermarket Waitrose, helps people get involved with supporting their local community.

The scheme has been running in Lincoln for the past 14 months, and has helped a varied range of charities including Lincolnshire Lifeboat, the Nomad Trust, and even the Lincolnshire Beekeepers’ Association.

However, as the supermarket enters its second year of the scheme, Lincoln’s Waitrose branch is calling on shoppers to put forward the names of local good causes they would like to see benefit.

Shoppers can vote for the charity they wish to see receive funding by placing a green token, which they receive at the checkout, into three labelled boxes at the exit.

Each cause is given a share of the monthly allocated donation of £1,000 proportionate to the number of green tokens they receives.

Duty manager of Lincoln’s Waitrose Simon Turner said the scheme was important to the supermarket to help support the community in which it is a part of.

“It’s important we give some money back to the local community, as each community supports its individual branch,” he said.

“The customers recommend their charity of choice, and therefore vote for the charities which are selected. Ultimately, they have complete power over where the money goes.”

Lincolnshire’s St Barnabas Hospice received a donation of £566.87 thanks to the Community Matters scheme. Fundraising co-ordinator Kay Chambers said that the hospice was very grateful.

“We’re very appreciative of the support Waitrose have given us,” she said.

“The money went towards patient care, and looking after our patients and their families. It’s a brilliant scheme, allowing the public to support charities on a local level.”

Similarly, the Lincoln MS Therapy Centre received a donation of £470. Manager Maureen Patten said: “It’s nice someone thinks about charities on a local level.

“Everyone goes for the big, national charities, but it’s nice when people like Waitrose pick charities on a local level. The money we raise goes towards keeping our therapies going.”

Local charities can contact Lincoln’s Waitrose to nominate themselves, and likewise, customers can put forward the names of organisations they would like the branch to support by filling in a form in-store.

MP backs HIV screening.

2009-11-17T01:50:00.000-08:00

Lincoln MP and public health minister Gillian Merron has placed her support behind the introduction of routine HIV tests.

A pilot screening programme is currently being introduced to screen the population for the condition routinely in GP surgeries and hospitals.

Testing is currently carried out in sexual health clinics at the request of the patient, however, ministers want HIV testing to become more routine.

Ms Merron said that she was waiting on the results of the pilot tests in order to gauge public reaction.

“We estimate around one quarter of HIV cases are undiagnosed – so it’s important we reduce this so people can get the treatment they need,” she said.

“That’s why we are funding these pilot schemes, to see how we can make HIV testing more a routine.

“All the testing done in these schemes will be completely voluntary, and we will wait to see what results we get before deciding whether to take this wider.”

Evidence of county's first watering hole discovered.

2009-11-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

Evidence of the first ever pub in Lincolnshire has been found at a village near Lincoln.

The discovery has been documented in a new book, called Exchange And Ritual At The Riverside.

The book has been published following an excavation of the Lower Witham Valley in 2004 and looks at life at Washingborough during the end of the Bronze Age.

Project manager and company director of Pre-Construct Archaeological Services Colin Palmer-Brown explained evidence of equipment used for brewing alcohol had been found at the site during archaeological excavation.

“Archaeology can only go so far and reconstructing things can be difficult,” he explained.

“However, we found remnants of a wooden tank, which may have been lined with skins and could have had something to do with the brewing of beer.

“There may have been some sort of feasting done when people met at the riverbank, which including drinking alcohol and feasting on meat stew.”

Mr Palmer-Brown also explained the spiritual and cultural importance of waterways such as the one in Lower Witham Valley during the time.

He said: “The association between ritual and watery places goes back a very long way into prehistory, from the Neolithic period and possibly earlier.

“If we look to the lower Witham Valley to the east of Lincoln, there is a plethora of archaeology that confirms the spiritual significance of this watery environment.

“Given the association between ritual and watery places, it is not at all surprising that, at certain times of the year, people from far and wide came together to share and exchange ideas and indeed just to exchange.”

Principle author of the book and Bronze Age pottery specialist Dr Carol Allen confirmed the possibility of the site being used as a place to brew alcohol.

She said: “Tanks, like the one found, could have been used for a number of reasons, such as brewing alcohol, cooking, or even to create a makeshift sauna.

“It seems quite reasonable that they would brew ale by the riverbanks. There were also little cups found across the site, and a lot of stuff that appears to have been broken deliberately.”

Revealed: Top reasons why men get dumped.

2009-11-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

Break-ups are never easy. We’ve all been there at some point or another, when it’s suddenly apparent to both of you that it’s over.

What can be difficult to understand, during the recovery process, is why a relationship came to an end when you thought everything was going so well.

A web survey of more than 5,000 women has revealed the hard truth of why women kick men to the kerb.

The most common reason for a break-up, from a woman’s perspective, was too many conflicts and arguments – with 28 per cent citing this as the main reason.

In second place was a lack of chemistry within the relationship – with 18 per cent ending it on this basis. But 14 per cent of women said that they had simply found a better man.

Other reasons given in the survey, courtesy of MensHealth.com and Glamour magazine, included a lack of commitment and a disbelief that their partner was not husband material.

Only three per cent of women cited bad sex for ending a relationship.

Lauren Phillips, a 22-year-old fashion student living in Carholme Road, Lincoln, explained that she put an end to a relationship when she became sick of her boyfriend’s immaturity.

“We had some good times together and at the start as he was fun to be around but soon I realised he was just immature,” she said.

“He had no focus, direction, or drive, and I realised I couldn’t see any future between the two of us.

“He just didn’t seem like so much of a safe bet once it started getting serious.

“I have a lot of platonic male friends and he would get insanely jealous if I so much as spoke to them when he wasn’t around.

“In the end, I just had to tell him it wasn’t working and that I needed space.”

However, one commonly occurring reason for the dissolution of a relationship, overlooked by the survey, was that of distance.

Amy Hill, a 22-year-old vintage retailer from Sincil Bank, Lincoln, said that she ended a relationship of two years when the distance simply became too much.

“Long distance is difficult, especially at a younger age,” she said.

“My first real relationship lasted for more than two years, with him living in London.

“I was 17 at the time, and at that age, you can’t plan too far ahead. We were both realistic but in the end it was me who called it a day.

“I think he knew it was over but, like most guys, he waited for me to do the dirty work.

“He said he loved me and didn’t want to break my heart, which only made him look like a coward. I think girls have a lot more guts when it comes to a break-up.”

Natural art created by unusual autumn.

2009-11-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Autumn leaves of red and gold have turned Lincoln into a visual work of art.

The colours of the fallen leaves this year have been more vibrant than usual, with deep, burning reds and sharp, vivacious yellows, according to experts.

Rachel Shaw from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust explained that the intense colours were the result of extra sunlight and the right weather conditions.

She said: “It all depends on the concentration of sugars in the leaves – the higher concentration, the more vivid the colours.”

The autumn hues have long been an inspiration for many artists, spanning a variety of mediums including painting, poetry, and song. Poet John Keats described it as a ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’.

And for many people, autumn is a time for new beginnings.

Lloyd Jones, a 21-year-old fine art student from the University of Lincoln, explained the importance of the colours in conjunction with the time of year.

He said: “Lincolnshire has been turned into a canvas, beholding the beauty of natural art.

“The yellows are a welcome memory of the summer just past, and light up the ground underneath the bleak, overcast skies.

“Meanwhile, the deep reds signify passion and warmth, which help compensate for the cold of the imminent winter months.”

The Main Event: Carnival of the Strange

2009-11-12T00:00:00.001-08:00

Roll up, roll up! For one day only, the county’s very-own roller derby team, the Lincolnshire Bombers, will be hosting a Carnival of the Strange in an attempt to introduce themselves to the local community.

For those not in the know, roller derby, in its current incarnation, is a full contact sport which originated in America.

Two teams put forward a “pack” of skaters, who skate around an oval track together. Each team has a “jammer”, who must aim to lap the opposing pack. Points are scored for each member of the opposition to be lapped, providing a foul is not committed.

The other skaters in the pack must try stop the opposing jammer, whilst simultaneously helping their own.

There’s a unique image and lifestyle that goes along with roller derby. The standard uniform is fishnet tights and short skirts, and skaters are encouraged to pick nicknames for themselves to be used instead of their real names. These nicknames are often puns or aggressive sounding names. For example, the Lincolnshire Bombers have She’za Payne and Minx A’Matosis to name but a couple.

However, the uniform and alternative lifestyle often associated with roller derby is not a mandatory requirement.

The Lincolnshire Bomber’s Carnival of the Strange will allow members of the public to experience roller derby first hand, and see for themselves the physicality and athleticism involved.

There will be two roller derby bouts this is the proper term for a roller derby contest on the day. The first bout will feature two teams made up of skaters from the Lincolnshire Bombers, as well as guest skaters from across the country, as Las Nina Muertas take on Children of the Damned.

In addition, there will be a men’s roller derby bout, which will be the first of its kind ever in the UK.

Anna Thomas, a 28 year-old mother-of-two, is a member of the Lincolnshire Bombers, and played in their first ever bout earlier this year on September 5.

Going under the roller derby nickname Synyster Motives, Anna explains that you don’t necessarily have to be athletic or sporty to get involved with roller derby.

“I was worried about joining, as I’m not the sort of person who would usually play sports,” she says.

“However, it was never an issue. I was hooked from the beginning.

“I hadn’t skated in a long time, and was very out of shape, but everyone was very welcoming and encouraging. Now I have my own nickname, and play as number 23.

“Despite the sometimes on-track aggression, roller derby is a community, and teams often help each other out across the country.

“Within the team, we all socialise together, as well as work together at events like the Carnival of the Strange. We have all become like a family.”

There will also be various other forms of family-friendly entertainment on the day, such as burlesque, circus performers, and live music from the likes of Misty’s Big Adventure and local band Phoenician.

The Carnival of the Strange itself will be a fundraiser, to help raise money to support training and further events. However, some of the proceeds will be donated to Lincoln’s Nomad Trust.

IN THE KNOW

where: George Stephenson Pavilion at Newark Showground
when: Saturday, November 21, doors open at 1pm
tickets: Tickets cost £7, whilst entrance for under 10s is free
booking: For ticket information and availability, visit www.lincolnshire-bombers.com

The Main Event: The Crucible

2009-11-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest plays of the 20th Century makes its way to Lincoln this month, as the Drill Hall prepares for a fired-up production of Arthur Miller’s classic The Crucible.

Miller’s poignant interpretation of the 1962 Salem Witch Trials holds a strong resonance to contemporary culture in much the same way as it did to the era in which it was written over 50 years ago.

The Crucible was written by Miller as a direct response to his experience of the McCarthy-ist Communist paranoia in post-war America, as people were being persecuted for what was considered to be anti-American sentiments.

At the time, Miller was reading The Devil in Massachusetts, and saw the clear parallels between the situation then and the situation in Salem 260 years earlier.

The Crucible has remained increasingly popular, and more importantly, deeply relevant, thanks to its handling of themes such as the power of the accuser, guilt by association, and the impossibility of proving innocence.

Director Janie Smith has been familiar with the play since drama school, and has longed to direct it when she found the right actors. After training at drama school, Smith went on to teach in an all-girls school.

Smith says that as director and actor, she believes the most important thing is to serve the writer and be faithful to the text.

“We are being painstaking in our detail to ensure the focus remains squarely on the power of the language and the text,” she explains.

“I feel passionately about the quality of this play and the writer and I feel a great responsibility to do it justice.

“Miller is a great writer who has given us, in The Crucible, the greatest play of the 20th century. I have tried to pare everything away and reveal the power of MIller’s most amazing characters.

“The Crucible’s not a play about good and evil. It’s a play about society’s need to create its own demons. It has enduring resonances of how we all create our own demons in society.”

IN THE KNOW

where: Lincoln Drill Hall
when: November 19 till November 21
tickets: Tickets are available at £6 and £8
booking: Call (01522) 873894, or visit www.lincolndrillhall.com.

Lincolnshire star’s West End show is celebration of showbiz icons.

2009-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

When most people think of Lincolnshire, red carpets and showbiz superstars are the furthest things from their mind.

However, a decorated Hollywood actor and West End director from Lincolnshire is preparing for the opening night of his latest theatre project in London’s West End on Sunday. November 15

Colin McFarlane has lived in Lincolnshire for more than 25 years, and first moved to the county when his family moved with the RAF. He has appeared in many theatre roles opposite the likes of Clive Owen and Michael Sheen, and has had roles in Hollywood blockbusters The Dark Night and Batman Begins.

McFarlane’s latest project, Marilyn and Ella, sees him take a seat firmly in the director’s chair.

Written by author and playwright Bonnie Greer, the play follows the story of Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald, exploring the unique friendship between the Hollywood starlet and jazz singer.

The role of Marilyn Monroe will be played by Suzie Kennedy, one of the world’s most celebrated Monroe homage-artists.

Ella Fitzgerald will be played by Hope Augustus from Nottingham. Hope usually works at Asda, but has taken a month’s holiday in order to fulfil her West End duties.

McFarlane described the play as a real, feel-good story between two US icons who share a fantastic partnership before the civil rights movement.

“People who have seen the play tend to cry about 15 minutes before the end,” he said.

“They can’t believe that what we are telling them is true. There’s a magic about the story, and we are hoping we can break through barriers, whether they be of gender, race or whatever.

“With Marilyn and Ella, we want to give people a real, theatrical experience.”

McFarlane said there was a lot of hidden talent waiting to be recognised in Lincolnshire.

He said: “There are lots of budding actors and musicians in Lincolnshire, but there’s no real focal point to bring them together.

“What they need is a resident theatre company where they can build a family and hone their talents.”

Writer Bonnie Greer first came across the unusual friendship between Monroe and Fitzgerald while watching a documentary on the Biography Channel in the US.

“As black singers were banned from the stage, Marilyn was taking a massive personal risk in seeking out this friendship,” she said.

“But she saw past the colour. To Marilyn, Ella was a great artist whom she worshipped from afar and finally needed desperately to meet.”

Marilyn and Ella will play at the Apollo Theatre in London on November 15, 22, and 29. For tickets, visit www.marilynandella.com

Julian Casablancas: Phrazes of the Young

2009-11-10T07:01:00.001-08:00

Julian Casablancas is a man deep in turmoil. In 2001, he was the chief architect responsible for the re-birth of distorted guitar cool, fronting possibly the most influential band of the decade, The Strokes. The throne of modern pop music rightfully belonged to him, writes Ryan Butcher.

However, somewhere Casablancas lost his way. The Strokes went on an extended hiatus and gradually lost their momentum, inevitably fragmenting into a series of average-at-best solo projects, and leaving a number of pretenders fighting for the crown which, by all rights, should belong to them.

Which brings us to Casablancas’ Phrazes of the Young, the latest, and probably most-anticipated solo record originating from a Strokes member.

Opening with Out Of The Blue, Casablancas gets straight to the point and offers a possible explanation to his, well, lets face it, disappointing contribution to songwriting since the phenomenal debut record from The Strokes: “Somewhere along the way my hopefulness turned to sadness, somewhere along the way my sadness turned to bitterness...” and so on.

For all intents and purposes, Out Of The Blue progresses with the musicology of the archetypical Strokes tune. But from there-on in, Phrazes takes a turn, and it’s hard to tell as to whether it’s for better or worse.

Casablancas’ has moved his trademark appreciation for retro forward a decade or two. Heavy distortion and Lou Reed drawls have been replaced by glamorous compositions and, perhaps, an over-excessive fondness for synthesizers.

Perhaps, as an avid supporter of The Strokes, I’m merely motivated by nostalgia into being vindictive of Casablancas’ solo effort. It’s clear he still has an unrivalled knack for melody, and his songwriting is still consistent throughout. This is merely a case of the wrong record at the wrong time.

Phrazes is a record steeped in contradiction. It longs to maintain the edgy sense of cool The Strokes first introduced, but it’s been forced kicking and screaming to mature for a more mainstream audience. Overall, the record shares a lot of parallels with the 80s, the very decade from which it has seemingly been inspired: clustered, stubborn, and unsure of its own identity.

Frankly, Phrazes for the Young is a slap in the face, teasing all those who have been patient with The Strokes for many years, waiting for them return to their former glory. The one shining light is the subtle hints throughout that Casablancas is ready to return and reclaim his kingdom. If he wants to.

Businesses require better management.

2009-11-10T01:40:00.000-08:00

Business support groups in Lincolnshire are calling for better management following new research revealing half of workers have resigned over bad management.

A survey of 3,000 adults showed 50 per cent of workers would be prepared to take a pay cut if they could work with better management.

Meanwhile, a similar number believed they could do a better job than their boss.

The research, courtesy of the Chartered Management Institute, also revealed firms across the UK invested less in management than overseas competitors.

The report said many bosses described themselves as “accidental managers”, with no leadership training or ambition to manage people at all.

In response to the survey, the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce has defended the proletariat workforce, describing them as the most valuable asset to any organisation. Chief executive Simon Beardsley said workers were the heart of most businesses.

“One would hope managers would value individuals when evaluating them,” he said.

“The companies that recognise their employees are more likely to get a better result thanks to the loyalty and value employees give back.”

Mr Beardsley also explained there had been recent examples of employees taking pay cuts to preserve their working relationship with management.

“When working for a company or management where the circumstances fit your own lifestyle, the pay becomes secondary to the enjoyment of work,” he said.

Meanwhile, Michael Self, Lincolnshire Regional Organiser for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: “Many FSB members actually started their own businesses because they were dissatisfied with their previous bosses.

“It is a shame more specific management training doesn’t always accompany promotions.

“Management is a skill that can be learned and an investment in management training can pay off in improved efficiency and staff satisfaction.”

Does weight affect behaviour in the bedroom?

2009-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Queen once sang that “fat-bottomed girls make the rocking world go round” – but do they rock the bedroom?

According to a recent survey by weight-loss specialist LighterLife, sex, or the lack thereof, is heavy on the minds of overweight adults, with an overwhelming majority citing it as the main motivation to lose weight.

The study of the bedroom habits of 3,000 Brits revealed 62 per cent of overweight women prefer to be under the covers before their partner comes to bed, while 46 per cent of overweight men would rather avoid sex altogether as a direct result of their weight.

Figures also revealed one in 10 overweight adults haven’t had sex for a year because they are worried about being seeing naked, while eight per cent of clinically obese people said they couldn’t remember the last time they had sex.

A massive 98 per cent of the women surveyed who are over a size 16 said they felt unattractive, 68 per sent of obese people said they had never felt sexy, while just 12 per cent of those with a normal Body Mass Index said the same.

But is there really much to differentiate between overweight people and those of a normal weight when it comes to being under the covers?

Luke Ward, a 19-year-old student from the University of Lincoln said he had only ever had good sexual experiences with girls who considered themselves overweight.

He said: "I had a sexual experience with a girl I met after a night out in Ritzy’s nightclub and she considered herself to be rather plump.

"It was during my first year of university, and quite a drunken night, to be honest, but I remember it being good.

"Based on the experience, I’d say larger girls tend to keep their clothes on a lot more and are a lot more conscious about their bodies.

"They seem to be less confident when it comes to the bedroom, but it’s as though they feel the need to compensate for their body issues.

"I’d say the myth about larger girls being more eager to please is certainly true."

From a female perspective, Natalie Clark, a 24-year-old receptionist from Lincoln, said maintaining a healthy sex life was a major motivation to keep an eye on her weight.

She said: "I keep a close eye on my figure in the same way I wash my hair and keep my clothes clean.

"I wouldn’t be able to bear the thought of someone seeing me naked if I wasn’t feeling attractive and sexy within myself.

"I don’t think it’s vain or shallow to be motivated to look good by the prospect of sex.

"The key to a healthy sex life is to feel comfortable in your own skin. That way you can be confident when it comes to sexually expressing yourself with your partner."

SmackDown vs. Raw 2010

2009-11-05T02:27:00.000-08:00

DEVELOPER: YUKE’S MEDIA CREATIONS
PLATFORM: PLAYSTATION 2, PLAYSTATION 3, WII, PSP, NINTENDO DS, XBOX 360 (REVIEWED):

In my household, wrestling games have always been a great source of entertainment. What’s better than getting a bunch of friends around a television screen and using virtual characters to beat out any frustrations you might have. Set each other on fire, throw each other into tables, and make each other bleed: surely, with wrestling games, you’re able to satisfy every masochistic, punishing desire.

Onto the latest instalment of the SmackDown vs. Raw franchise. The 2010 addition is cleaner, smarter, and easily the best yet. All the best-loved features from the previous additions are here: everything from inferno matches to legendary secret characters. However, the whole game has been given a well-needed and well-deserved tweak and polish. The character models are more realistic, the awkward stamina systems have been removed, and even the cringe-worthy commentary has been improved.

The “create” options with the 2010 edition are the best yet. Not only have loading times been improved between the Create-A-Superstar screens, which has been a big put off in times gone by, but thinks have been simplified to ease with the creation of your character. A new paint tool allows you to design logos and costumes, meaning that the possibilities for unique attire are endless.

Meanwhile, the Create-A-Finisher is back, meaning you can combine a chain of grapples and strikes to create the most deadly final blow this side of the squared circle.

Most interestingly, however, is the introduction of the unique, interactive Story Designer, which gives you the complete control to tailor your own storylines around a selected character, by choosing from over 100 preset animations: such as brawling backstage, talking in the ring, and even getting run over by a car. Tweak the camera angles, the music, and even decide on what you want your chosen Superstar or Diva to say.

Asides from that, the Road to Wrestlemania is back, featuring individually tailored storylines for specific WWE Superstars, complete with authentic voiceovers from their real-life counterparts. This time round, the stories include various mandatory goals, and the opportunity to make decisions which ultimately affects the game play and helps spice things up a little. Choosing whether or not to side with Legacy or successfully throwing the Undertaker off the Hell in a Cell at the Royal Rumble PPV could change the destiny of your character on the way to the grandest stage of them all.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 combines everything that made the previous games good, to make a final product which goes as far to hint at greatness. If you’re looking for a well-structured out-and-out slobberknocker of a brawl, then this is the game for you.

MARKS: 8/10

Daniel Johnston: Is And Always Was

2009-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Not to be confused with the X Factor contestant of almost the same name, Daniel Johnston adds another chapter to his already relevant artistic legend with the release of his latest album Is And Always Was, writes Ryan Butcher.

Already a cult icon, Daniel Johnston became an unlikely American pop phenomenon in 1981 with the release of Songs of Pain. These unique, lo-fi recordings provided the basis for nearly three decades of tales of unrequited love, cosmic mishaps and existential torment.

However, the most noticeable thing about Is And Always Was is that the lo-fi production values which made Johnston so accessibly authentic have been stripped away and replaced by the knob-twiddling of musician and producer Jason Falkner, best known for his work with Beck, Air and Paul McCartney.

Daniel Johnston loyalists might find themselves a little taken back by the shine and polish which surrounds Is And Always Was. Fortunately, Johnston’s unstable nature is to such an extent that each filtered, accentuated note still carries his archetypical weight of lament and heartbreak. Tracks such as Tears and Without You recall the melodic pop brilliance of his earlier work, and would fit comfortably on his highly-regarded seminal album Hi, How Are You.

Coming in at a little under a minute and a half, sixth track on the album Had Lost My Mind is so quintessentially Daniel Johnston, it could easily be mistake as a parody or homage to his earlier self. With no shame in mentioning his history of mental health problems, Johnston mumbles in his trademark Texan drawl: “I had lost my mind. I lost my head for a while, was off my rocker, outta line, outta wack”.

Other tracks like Light of Day and Freedom suggest a newer direction for Johnston. In the former, he hints at Pink Floyd-esque prog-rock, whilst the later explores tempos faster and more upbeat than any of his previous work.

Daniel Johnston is now 48 years of age. His skinny frame and curly-haired mop have experienced the effects of adolescence and time. But this is the same Daniel Johnston the world has grown to know and love: still looking for love, still an unashamed fan of The Beatles, and still plagued by the Devil and his demons.

Is And Always Was is everything we have come to expect from Daniel Johnston, yet somehow so much more.

Shoulder pads take the fashion world by storm.

2009-11-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

Big shoulder pads are taking the High Street by storm following a revival of 80s fashion.

Popular women’s fashion retailers such as Primark and Dorothy Perkins are reporting an increase in demand for “power shoulders”.

As a result, shoulder-padded garments such as dresses, jackets and blouses are flying off the shelves.

Fashion-hungry alpha females have even taken to doing it for themselves, buying multiple amounts of singular shoulder pads and stacking them up vertically or horizontally in anything from cashmere jumpers to last season’s jacket to add a “power dressing” touch to their working wardrobes.

Lincoln-based fashion designer and model Rachel Hogan said extreme shoulders in fashion were being handled a lot better this time around than they were a quarter of a century ago.

“Shoulder pads weren’t that great in the 80s, but designers are being a lot more inventive this time,” she said.

“It’s more down to the detail and distortion rather than just the massive shoulders.

“Shoulder pads are a part of the ‘structured look’ rather than a stand-alone statement.

“Power dressing and the 80s are very in this season. Try and combine shoulder pads and shoulder detail with some metallics and florals.”

Assistant clothing supplier Amy Hill from Tasty Vintage on Steep Hill explained that the resurgence of vintage clothing from yesteryear was down to quality and individuality.

“Investing in a vintage piece of clothing is exciting, and will inevitably pay off in the long run,” she said.

“The appeal of vintage clothing has been on the rise for years.”

Building firm beefs up charity’s security for free.

2009-11-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

A construction firm has come to the aid of a charity for disabled children by fixing more than £800 worth of damage free of charge.

The Birchwood branch of Strut in the Community, which provides help and support for children and young people with disabilities and special needs, was broken into by criminals in August.

The thieves only managed to escape with £3 in cash and a packet of biscuits but they left the charity with a potentially hefty repair bill after causing massive damage to the shop’s back door.

Fortunately, the Lindum Group construction company has supplied and installed a new reinforced metal door for free, which should go a long way towards preventing future burglaries.

Shop manager Bev Wilkinson said she was grateful for the support.

“It’s fantastic that Lindum has come forward to offer its services for free. We are very thankful,” she said.

“The charity has been victim to a string of break-ins this year, which has forced us to use fund-raising money for building repairs instead of putting it towards the play days and activities we provide for children and young people.

“This time we won’t have to do that, which is great.”

Strut was originally established by Dr Carol Millns after she identified the need to provide extra support for families with children who have special needs.

The charity now supports around 150 children and young people with disabilities every year, and has a total of six shops around Lincolnshire.

Amanda Hayward, office manager at the Lindum Group, explained how when she heard about the incident, she felt compelled to do what she could to help the charity.

“My partner went into the shop to make a donation and overheard the staff talking about what had happened,” she said.

“He then told me and, as I work at a construction company, I felt there was something we could do to help.

“A total of £800 worth of damage was done to the back door so we decided to provide them with a new metal door that will cover these costs.

“It is very unfortunate that a charity such as this has had so many break-ins, as the work they do is invaluable.

“Hopefully, with this new door, they won’t have any more break-ins.”

Forget your superstitions and give a black cat a loving home.

2009-10-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

The RSPCA is urging cat lovers to overcome their superstitions this Hallowe’en and give a black cat a new home.

Rescue centres across the UK, including ones in Lincolnshire, are currently inundated with animals looking for a loving family.

However, staff members have been left baffled as to why black cats are taking longer to re-home than others.

Some superstitions claim black cats are unlucky, due to their common associated with witchcraft. The RSPCA is concerned this is having a negative impact on the re-homing situation.

Cat carer and chairman of the RSPCA’s Lincolnshire branch Karen Ansell said black cats have always been the hardest ones to re-home.

She said: “It’s a common problem that we have to face all through the year.

“People have their own preconceptions and don’t give the cat the chance to show its character or personality.

“I get people giving me silly reasons as to why they don’t like black cats, like they have wicked eyes, or they’re witches’ cats.

“Maybe they’ve had a bad experience with black cats in the past, but either way, there’s a preconception that has been built up that can’t be shaken off.

“Like with dogs, no two cats are ever the same. You have to give them the chance to show their individuality and prove themselves.”

However, Penny Craig, co-ordinator of cat rescue charity Lincoln Cat Care, disagreed with the black cat superstition stigma, saying it should not make any difference.

She said: “Hallowe’en and superstition doesn’t make any difference, sometimes people just don’t want a black cat.

“What’s important is people look into the temperament of the cat and if they will fit well into a new home.”

Although some people believe it is bad luck for a black cat to cross your path, others think they can serve as a good luck charm.

If you get your pet from an RSPCA rescue centre, in exchange for an adoption fee, it will have a full veterinary check, worming, flea treatments and any required vaccinations.

To find out more about the cats available, visit www.rspca-lincoln.org.uk

Cheating tops list of why couples split.

2009-10-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why a relationship can go awry, from a sordid lovers’ tryst to simply drifting apart. No matter how hard two people try, sometimes it is impossible for them to stay together.

According to a survey courtesy of online dating site MyBest.co.uk, the most common cause of the break up of a relationship is infidelity, with 29 per cent of those surveyed saying their last relationship ended because the other person was unfaithful.

Of those surveyed, 23 per cent cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, with 14 per cent claiming they are not sure what happened.

Only 14 per cent say they are still on friendly terms with their most recent ex, while three per cent claim they still sleep together.

Fortunately, only three per cent of those surveyed said their break-up was an angry one, while nine per cent said it was an amicable separation.

Jeni Lowings, a 21-year-old illustration student at the University of Lincoln, said her last relationship broke down because of a miscommunication of boundaries. She said: “He was always very adamant we were never going to be together properly.

“He kept saying he didn’t do girlfriends and was insistent about me sleeping with other people. So one night, I did, and when I told him, he went weird on me.

“We argued a lot and I decided it was all or nothing. I wanted to be with him, but it seemed he didn’t want the same. It ended because I realised I liked him a lot more than he had ever liked me.

“That was a year ago though. We speak pretty regularly these days and get on pretty well. There are no hard feelings.

“It might not have been an ‘official’ relationship, but I still consider him an ex, and I still consider what happened to be a break-up.”

Adam Clayton, a 22-year-old interior designer living in the centre of Lincoln, said his last break-up was socially devastating and divided his group of friends in two. He said: “We were all a pretty close group of friends, before me and my ex started going out.

“We broke up when she cheated on me. It was a pretty standard affair as far as infidelity goes – all those excuses about being drunk, not really meaning it and not really knowing what was going on.

“But once that trust is gone, even if it was one drunken mistake, you can’t get it back.

“I was completely heartbroken. It made a lot of our friends feel awkward, almost as if they had to ‘pick a side’. Things have never really been the same with us all since.”

Christmas market rush means no room at the inn.

2009-10-30T02:19:00.000-07:00

Hotels say they are almost fully booked for this year’s Lincoln Christmas Market.

The event attracts up to 160,000 visitors from across the country, as well as busloads of foreign tourists – creating massive
demand for hotel rooms.

Numerous hotels in and around the city say they have been fully booked for months, with many market-goers making bookings a year in advance to try and grab a festive bargain.

White Hart Hotel reservations officer Jan Etty said many people actually booked their room for this year’s market when they left last year.

“We start taking bookings for the Christmas Market on December 3,” she said.

“There’s a lot of repeat business, as we get the same people coming year after year. There’s a core group who like the same room at the same time of year.

“All our standard rooms were fully booked months ago. The only thing we had left after that were the larger, more expensive suites.”

The Lincoln Hotel, the Castle Hotel, and Lincoln Tower Hotel all shared the same sentiments as the White Hart, saying that a lot of their bookings were repeat business from loyal customers who would book a year in advance so as not to miss out.

The only hotels which seem to have rooms available over the Christmas Market weekend are the luxury five-star Charlotte House and Bailhouse hotels in uphill Lincoln.

Manager of both the Charlotte House and the Bailhouse Jonathan Pass said he was confident they would be fully booked by the time of the market.

“We’re usually fully booked every year by the time of the market,” he said.

“We take a little longer to fill up, as we charge quite a lot and we’re quite expensive in comparison to the smaller, lower-star hotels.

“But we offer a great location. We’re right in the middle of the market and offer parking, which is highly beneficial. For that reason, we’re equally as popular with the market traders as well as the punters.”

This year’s market officially opens at 6pm on Thursday, December 3, and lasts until Sunday, December 6.

Lost Prophets, The Enemy

2009-10-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

This week I’ve taken a break from Lincoln’s live music scene to plough through some of the review CDs piling up here at the Echo offices, and coincidentally preview some of the city’s upcoming major performances, writes Ryan Butcher.

First off, the latest single from Lost Prophets, who are gearing up to play a series of warm-up dates, including a stop at our very own Engine Shed, in preparation for a mammoth nationwide tour early next year.

It’s Not The End of The World, But I Can See It From Here, the first taster from their fourth, up-coming album The Betrayed, sees the Welsh rock heavyweights re-invigorated, energised, and doing what they do best.

Coming in a little over three and half minutes long, It’s Not The End of The World isn’t anything new, and it certainly isn’t breaking any moulds, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s everything you might expect from a Lost Prophets come back single: distorted guitars, lyrics centred around sub-cultured unity, and a few woah-oahs thrown in for good measure. It’s sure to get legions of pierced, black-haired fans jumping around rock clubs across the country.

If the rest of the material on the Betrayed is anything like this, then Lost Prophets are sure to be a staple on the mainstream radio waves later next year.

Next up we have The Enemy, with their most recent single Be Somebody. Okay, okay, it was released last month. But they’re going to be playing the Engine Shed on 17 November, so there’s the connection there, okay?

I have a huge problem with The Enemy and their faux-working class ideals. Frontman Tom Clarke insists that he’s this authentic, down-to-earth everyman from Coventry, yet, he was born in Birmingham and attended school in Kenilworth, a nice middle-class town in Warwickshire.

In three minutes, The Enemy manage to take a swipe at the BBC – who have championed them since the off – and make reference to British steel. Interesting themes for a band barely in their twenties. The falsehoods that ring through Be Somebody are blatant and altogether manage to make me cringe more than those twins from X-Factor.

The Enemy need to accept they weren’t struggling on the breadline in the 80s, they don’t have it tough, and no matter how hard they try, they are never going to be The Jam.

Drama queen's sixty years in the spotlight.

2009-10-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

A woman will be presented with an award to commemorate her 60 years of dedication to amateur theatre.

Kay Darbyshire has been involved with the Lincoln-based County Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society since 1949 and has done everything from helping out behind the scenes to taking centre stage.

Mrs Darbyshire said she would be very proud to receive the award at the Theatre Royal ceremony tomorrow night Thursday night which will be attended by the mayor.

“The award covers more than 60 years of hard work with things connected to the theatre,” she said.

“The group have had some really good shows over the years. It’s been hard work sometimes, with money and such, but it’s all been worth it.”

Mrs Darbyshire has had an interesting 60 years in theatre.

In 1987, she was invited to be the first lady president of the National Operatic Dramatic Association, and in 1955, she was invited by the mayor to a meeting to help save the Theatre Royal from closure.

Earlier this year the Lindum Light Opera Company was formed in honour of Mrs Darbyshire in celebration of her 90th birthday. She has since been made the president of this group.

CAODS chairman Paul Cobb described Kay as a long time supporter of the theatrical society, having been involved in roles both in the spotlight and backstage in the wings.

“Kay still has a real energy and interest in amateur theatre, the same as she did all those years ago,” he said.

“She always attends the shows, and is very interested in what’s going on in the company and how it has developed.”

Mr Cobb went on to say the standard of amateur dramatics within the county was at an all-time high.

“We have a very strong base in terms of our acting members, and our standards are very high in terms of our singing and dramatic side,” he said.

Mrs Darbyshire will also be made a life-long member of CAODS in recognition of her effort and commitment towards amateur theatre, which will entitle her to a free seat at every future performance.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars -- Republic Heroes.

2009-10-27T02:57:00.000-07:00

DEVELOPER: LUCASARTS
PLATFORMS: PLAYSTATION 3, PLAYSTATION 2, WII, PSP, NINTENDO DS, XBOX 360 (REVIEWED):

Well, here we go again with the next instalment of the seemingly endless line of Star Wars-themed console cash-ins.

Republic Heroes follows the same story as the animated Clone Wars movie and TV series.

Unfortunately, the presentation is simply not up to scratch, with the graphics barely passing the standard of a decent PS2 game.

It just does not meet the standard expected by owners of next generation consoles.

The features and gameplay of Republic Heroes are predictable. You can play with a lightsaber, you can use the force to push people around and you can beat up droids.

With the simple press of a button you can do everything a Jedi can do.

Essentially, Republic Heroes is a platformer masquerading as a 3D adventure. The levels are linear, repetitive, and, frankly, quite boring.

Meanwhile, a fixed camera angle, presumably to encourage multiplayer gaming, merely amplifies the frustration

Republic Heroes is clearly aimed at a much younger audience, which unfortunately, results in less attention to detail and less time spent on improving the production values.

Sadly, for every high-quality Star Wars franchised game, such as Lego Star Wars or Rogue Squadron, there is a substandard offering like this threatening to tarnish the legacy of the brand.

MARKS: 3/10

Lost Prophets: Lee Gaze

2009-10-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

It’s been a little quite from the Lost Prophets camp the past couple of years. In 2006, they released their third, career-defining album Liberations Transmission, which saw them dominate the mainstream airwaves, and resulted in headline festival appearances, top ten singles, and arena tours.

Since then, they’ve been tucked away in recording studios and rehearsal spaces putting the finishing touches on their follow-up, The Betrayed, to be released in January 2010.

The band, however, recently released the first single from their forthcoming record It’s Not The End Of The World But I Can See It From Here, which flew straight into the top 20 in the first week of release. With plans to release a second single before January, and a national tour in the works for the new year, the band seem to be making a meteoric comeback.

Ryan Butcher spoke to founding member and guitarist Lee Gaze as the band prepared for a series of warm-up shows, including a stop at Lincoln’s Engine Shed on Saturday 21 November. Support will come from The Blackout.

YOU’VE JUST RELEASED THE FIRST SINGLE FROM THE NEW ALBUM: IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD BUT I CAN SEE IT FROM HERE. WHY THIS ONE AS THE PREVIEW FOR WHATS TO COME?

Well, it was kind of appropriate for the mindset we were in. We’ve been through so much crap recording this album, and that track always seemed to get us fired up. There are songs on the album which are a lot more mellow, but we wanted to come out with something different for a first single. Something a bit heavier...

WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM YOUR UPCOMING GIG AT THE ENGINE SHED? IS IT JUST GOING TO BE A PREVIEW OF THE NEW MATERIAL?

It’s going to be a bit of everything really. There are some songs that we have to play, obviously. We’ve been rehearsing four or five of the new songs to try out on the road and see how they go down. But we’ll be playing stuff from all four of our albums.

OVER THE SUMMER YOU PLAYED THE RADIO 1 TENT AT THE READING AND LEEDS FESTIVALS, WHEN USUALLY YOU’D BE GRACING FESTIVAL MAIN STAGES. WHY THE CHANGE?

This year we wanted to try do something a little more low-key than just appear on the main stage again. It was a nice change for us, and for the fans as well. It was kind of a nostalgic tribute to the first time we played Reading and Leeds, which was in a tent. It was nice for us to be up there to just have a good time without any pressure.

YOU’VE HEADLINED FESTIVALS AND HAD NUMBER ONE ALBUMS. WHAT’S LEFT FOR LOST PROPHETS TO ACHIEVE?

We’ve been together since 1997, so there’s been plenty of time to go out there and strive towards our goals. But there’s always other things. We just keep moving the goalposts, really.

FINALLY, HAVE YOU HAD CHANCE TO LISTEN TO MUCH NEW MUSIC THIS YEAR?

I’ve not been listening to very much this year. I think it’s been a bit scarce on the music front. I really enjoyed both the White Lies and Friendly Fires records. Oh, that and the new Megadeath album - I have quite an eclectic taste.

Girls hope radio gig will help them shine.

2009-10-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

An indie band made up of four teenage girls from Lincoln will make their debut on national radio tomorrow sunday night.

Three Stars From Mars have been selected as the featured house band on Radio 1’s popular teen-orientated show, Switch.

Made up of four students from Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, the band draw from varous influences, including Stereophonics, Coldplay and Kings of Leon to create their own blend of indie rock.

The band features Bessie Norman, 14, on guitar and vocals, Martha Gibson, 14, also on guitar and vocals, Evie Manders, 14, on bass and cello, and Imogen Kupper, 15, on drums and percussion.

Bessie, who studies music, art and history at the school, said the band was contacted by the radio show only an hour after applying to be the house band.

“I listen to Switch every now and then and heard they had a house band every week,” she said.

“So on Monday, I went online and filled in a form to put us forward, just to give it a go. An hour later I got a phone call from Radio 1, who wanted to arrange the details.

“Each band needs to write a jingle for the show, so we had to come up with something pretty quickly.

“They’re going to play our song on the radio and then have a chat with us, so it’s quite big.”

Drummer Imogen, who studies German and geography at the school, said the exposure on Switch was incredibly important for the future of the band.

“We’ve been trying to get some more publicity and get our name out there,” she said.

“It’s great, because we really want to broaden our fan base and get more people listening to us outside of Lincoln.”

Three Stars From Mars have been performing with their current line-up for the past couple of years, but the girls have been playing music since junior school.

Jane Rylands-Bolton, the assistant headteacher at the school, said she was incredibly proud of the girls.

“They’re following the dream they’ve had since they were little – and being incredibly mature about it,” she said.

“Their music is very sophisticated and very heartfelt.

“I’m totally impressed by them, and glad they come to our school.”

Hosted by Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw, Radio 1’s Switch programme features all the latest news, gossip and music. The show airs every Sunday from 7pm to 10pm. Three Stars From Mars will be on air between 8pm and 9pm.

Your big romance could start with the big screen.

2009-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for that whirlwind, blockbuster romance, then grab a bag of popcorn and get yourself down to the big screen.

It seems that the cinema still plays a vital part in budding relationships as 70 per cent of us have been to watch a film on a date, according to new research.

Almost a third of us choose the cinema as the destination for that all-important first date, says the survey of more than 5,000 Odeon customers.

And those looking for love and planning a date will be keen to learn that 15 per cent of couples who went on their first date to the cinema are still together.

Joshua Withey, 21, a recent graduate of the University of Lincoln who still lives in the city’s Richmond Road, has been with his partner for nine months and revealed that the Odeon was the location of their initial meeting.

“The cinema is a great location for a first date,” he said.

“You’re forced to sit in silence but it’s more of a comfortable one than an awkward one – a silence of appreciation.

“Not only that but it gives you something to talk about afterwards.

“You can discuss what you liked or disliked about the film, which is a great way to break the ice and get over those first-date jitters.

“You can also tell what kind of person someone is based on the film you go to see together.

“I once took a date to see a beautifully produced art-house film, which I thought was brilliant – and they hated. I knew then and there that this wasn’t the one for me.”

Meanwhile, nearly half of us who have been on a date to the cinema admit to sharing a sneaky kiss on the back row.

Joseph Merriman, a 22-year-old barman from Lincoln’s Portland Street, explained that he got more than he bargained for when he took a date to the cinema.

“About two years ago I went on a second date to a cinema with a quiet girl who I’d met through an old job,” he said.

“We’d gone to see this massive flop of a comedy film and it seemed like everyone already knew it was rubbish because the cinema was dead. We were the only ones in there.

“About halfway through I kissed her but it seemed like she got the wrong idea.

“She grabbed me and pushed me down between the rows of seats. It was amazing but we stopped seeing each other after that.

“Regardless of how awful the comedy was it will forever be a very happy memory for me.”

The Main Event: The Winter's Tale

2009-10-22T00:00:00.002-07:00

A contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale will be presented at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre for a limited number of must-see shows this month.

Sweeping across continents and generations, The Winter’s Tale has charmed audiences for over 450 years. Now, this fresh and passionate adaptation will combine the tightly-plotted excitement of a thriller with the mythic beauty of a fairytale to amaze audiences once more.

Set against a 20th century backdrop, drawing on distant echoes from the 1930s, The Winter’s Tale follows the story of a lost child, a jealous king, a beautiful statue and the most famous stage direction of all time.

The play begins in the court of King Leontes, who becomes obsessed with the idea that his best friend is having an affair with his wife. In a brief moment of intensity, he sees the two of them touching each other in a dubious way and presumes the worst.

The more he thinks about it, the more convinced of the affair he becomes. The idea starts running away with him. King Leontes kills his best friend and put his wife on trial. The play explores the power of the imagination to conjure up images that are entirely unreal. It makes the audience consider the line where reality ends and fantasy begins.

Shakespeare’s late, great romance weaves high drama and low comedy to tell a story of heartbreak, reunion and new found hope. The production’s lively choreography and music demonstrate the power of direct storytelling in a moving study of jealously, loss and the human capacity to forgive.

The national tour of The Winter’s Tale showcases one of the most adventurous young directors in the country, Simon Godwin, who has been closely associated with the great Rupert Goold. The Winter’s Tale will be Goodwin’s last major show before he joins the Bristol Old Vic as associate director.

Goodwin says that he believes The Winter’s Tale is particularly relevant for audiences in 2009, as it exposes issues like tyranny, as well as the nature of miracles and the magical.

He adds: “People used to call it a problem play because it mixes different styles but now I think that’s one of its great strengths.

“I think today’s audiences are ready for complex stories. I am excited by the chance to bring to life the tragic, the comic, the pastoral and the fairytale.

“I do think the study of tyranny is a very immediate concern for us right now – the way that people are manipulated politically for the tyrant’s gain. And I think we are always interested in miracles. What is a miracle for us in a secular world? Where do we access the sublime? The awesome? Shakespeare asks us to look at the greater horizon. The whole play feels like a spell which is designed to open our eyes to something bigger.”

IN THE KNOW
where: Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, Brayford Wharf
when: Thursday 22 October until Saturday 24 October
tickets: Full price £10, concessions available for £7
booking: Call the box office on 0844 888 4414, or drop into the LPAC box office located in the Engine Shed.

Moda @ Lincoln Engine Shed

2009-10-22T00:00:00.001-07:00

Homegrown, cutting-edge electro and dubstep club night Moda returned to Lincoln on Friday with an enthused live performance from Delphic, a well-received appearance from Rusko, and a highly-anticipated return from Radio 1’s own Annie Mac, writes Ryan Butcher.

Playing to a highly-enthused crowd, the Leeds-born Rusko brought a highly driven energy to the evening, showing why he’s considered by many to be the future of dub. His appearance on the stage garnered an almost cult-like reaction, making him the surprise hit of the night.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a long way to go for Rusko before he can be considered as some kind of saviour of dubstep. First time listeners to the genre could easily be dissuaded by the somewhat monotonous base that makes up the meat of many of his mixes, and although he was well received, there’s a air of discomfort about him that suggests he’s not quite sure how he got where he is. Nonetheless, his star is rising, and continued crowd reactions like he received on this night could very well be his making.

As the night draws on, sometime between midnight and two in the morning, Delphic take to the stage to a thoroughly warmed up crowd. Distilling the spirit of Manchester’s Hacienda through to a new decade, they play with a hint of determination, almost desperate to cast of the stereotypical label of “indie-dance”.

Delphic’s biggest appeal is their ambition, as they strive to complete a masochistic quest to determine that it is possible to combine dance music, and soul. Unfortunately for them, Moda isn’t necessarily the night to showcase ambition.

Then, onto Annie Mac, who emerges from the darkness like the apparition of a stunning, electro-pixie. Annie has long been a firm favourite of the Moda branded club nights, and subsequentially, this isn’t the first time she’s taken to the Engine Shed stage.

With an eclectic music taste at her disposal, she spices up classic dub basslines with radio-friendly, high-profile names like Florence and the Machine and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, making the evolved dance genre more universally acceptable to such a diverse audience. Annie’s mixes are intelligible, well-placed, and fantastically put together.

When she leaves the stage, wide-eyed clubbers stumble home, or onto the after-party, eager for the next appearance, and safe in the knowledge that on this night, Annie had delivered the goods.

Big Gig: Lost Prophets

2009-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER the summer a couple of years ago? The radio airwaves were dominated by the repetition of ten words and four distorted chords.

“Standing on the roof tops, everybody scream your heart out.”

This was Lost Prophets with Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast), their first single from their career-defining third album Liberation Transmission. It was an infectious mantra, sung from the lungs of the young up and down the country as an anthem of unity against the corporate status quo. Paradoxically, it catapulted Lost Prophets right into the mainstream.

What followed was a great deal of high-profile success for the Welsh rock band: arena tours, headline festival appearances, and a UK number one album.

But things have been a little quiet from the Lost Prophets camp since then. Founding member and guitarist Lee Gaze explains that the band have been tucked away recording their new album and returning to their roots.

“It’s taken us a while, but that’s what happens when you start all over again. This new record has just been the five of us.”

Writing and recording for the band’s fourth studio album began in early 2007. Originally, they wanted the album released then, however, due to touring and being unhappy with their work in the studio, things got delayed. They shelved a whole album’s worth of material produced by John Feldmann in favour of material recorded and produced by themselves.

The result is an atmospheric and epic 10-track album titled The Betrayed. This time, Lost Prophets have done it alone.

“We used to record and produce all our own material before we did our first record, so we’ve done it before,” says Gaze.

“We always knew we could do it better ourselves. Who knows your own music better than you? There were no producers getting involved and asking us to change things. It’s been three years in the making, but we’re really pleased with the record we’ve created.”

The band released their first single from the new album It’s Not The End Of The World But I Can See It From Here last week, but The Betrayed won’t hit the shelves until 11 January 2010.

“There’s still a lot of record label politics going on, so that’s why the release is taking so long,” explains Gaze.

“The album is finished, and we could release it tomorrow, but we have to wait. We had to get something out though, rather than leaving everyone waiting till January. So we’re going to release two singles before the end of this year. It’s a little unconventional, but it’s going to keep people in transit.”

Lost Prophets will play Lincoln’s Engine Shed in November as a part of a warm up for some dates in the new year, with dates to be announced soon. Support comes from The Blackout.

IN THE KNOW
where: Lincoln Engine Shed, Brayford Wharf
when: Saturday, 21 November, 6.30pm
tickets: £25.25, including booking fee
booking: Drop in to the Engine Shed box office, call 0844 888 8766, or visit www.engineshed.co.uk.

University dean’s photo collection charts 40 years of growth.

2009-10-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Visions of Lincoln as it has developed over the last 40 years as seen through a professional lens have been showcased in the city.

Professor David Sleight was born and raised in Lincoln, and was recently appointed Dean of Faculty for Media, Humanities and Technology at the University of Lincoln.

Last night, he kicked off this semester’s Lincoln Academy season with a lecture entitled Representations of Lincoln: A Media Collection.

The lecture offered a personal perspective of Lincoln shaped by his upbringing in the city, examining its representation through a wide range of media, including film, photography, paintings and engravings.

Many of Professor Sleight’s photographs, such as the ones included here, were previously unpublished, yet give a valuable insight into the development of Lincoln and its landscape.

Some of the photographs shown include the transitional progression of the development of Lincoln County Hospital, the Broadgate area before the introduction of safety crossing precautions, and the demolition of St Swithin’s Power Station.

During the lecture, Professor Sleight applauded the efforts of local media institutions such as Sparkhouse Studios and Backyard Productions for the contributions they have made to the local community.

“We have the largest number of media students on a single programme in the UK, of whom we’re all terrifically proud,” he said.

“There is a temptation to think of media as a trivial occupation, and extra froth on the top of life.”

Professor Sleight specifically highlighted the efforts of Sparkhouse Studios, the first physical incubator established by the University of Lincoln for its graduates.

“Providing a destination in 2003 closer to home for graduates was a key plank in the University’s ambitions and over the past 6 years we have been building an infrastructure to support graduate start-ups and keep them in the region,” he said.

“Sparkhouse has helped found 84 businesses, created over 200 jobs, and last year companies within the centre turned over three quarters of a million pounds.”

Sam Wardhan, 37, the manager and founder of the Lincolnshire-based Red Dog Production Company said developing a strong media industry across the county was of unquestionable importance.

“Obviously, there are the economic and social benefits,” he said.

“Essentially, it would be a new industry available in Lincoln, improving the diversity of skills available in the city.

“Interestingly enough though, everything we need for a successful media industry is already right here.

“There’s already people with the right skills and talent in Lincoln. What we need now is co-ordination, to get them working together and push things forward.”

The Game of Murder: Gemma Bissix

2009-10-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

Gemma Bissix, best known for her roles as the scheming Clare Devine in Hollyoaks and Clare Bates in Eastenders, will tread the boards in Skegness next week as she stars in her first-ever theatre role – The Game Of Murder.

Likened to the controversial television series Twin Peaks, The Game Of Murder’s plot is based on a true series of murders that took place in America in the 1950s, and follows the story of Perry James and his yearning for an illicit affair with his wife’s sister Ellen Marriott.

The role of Perry James is played by Charlie Kemp, who starred as Max King in ITV’s Emmerdale, whilst the seductive Ellen Marriott is played by Bissix.

The Game Of Murder opens at the Embassy Theatre in Skegness on Monday, running till Wednesday, 21 October. For ticket details, call 0845 674 0505.

Ryan Butcher spoke to The Game Of Murder star Gemma Bissix

YOU’RE AROUND EIGHT WEEKS INTO THE TOUR. HOW HAVE THINGS BEEN GOING SO FAR?

It’s been going really, really, well. It’s a different experience going a week on, week off, all around the UK. It’s interesting how different some of the audiences can be. We’re really looking forward to coming to Skeg though.

YOU’RE USUALLY KNOWN FOR BEING A TELEVISION ACTOR. WHAT PROMPTED THE JUMP TO THE STAGE?

Well, mainly, I’m a soap actor. I’ve never been drama trained before, so for me, this was a chance to give theatre work a try and get it on my CV. I find the theatre a lot more rewarding. There’s a constant adrenaline that you don’t get when you’re on TV.

WHAT IS IT YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THEATRE WORK?

Again, it’s that adrenaline. The only time I’ve ever had it on screen is when I’ve had a particularly big scene and a lot of lines to learn. But with the theatre, you’re constantly having to think on your feet, in the mind of the character, and you have to react to everything. One night, I opened a bottle of tonic water on stage, and it exploded everywhere. I had to keep in the mind of the character though. I just thought “what would Ellen do”.

YOU’VE BEEN KNOWN TO PLAY PARTICULARLY FIENDISH CHARACTERS, ESPECIALLY ON TV. HAS THAT HAD ANY NEGATIVE EFFECTS?

Oh definitely. I’ve had plenty of abuse. Once a woman refused to serve me in Sainsburys, telling me I should be ashamed of myself for what I’d done in Hollyoaks. I actually laughed. Then this other time, a vicar wrote to me offering to help me repent my sins. People don’t seem to understand the difference between me and the characters.

CLARE DEVINE MADE QUITE AN AMBIGUOUS EXIT FROM HOLLYOAKS THIS YEAR. HAVE WE SEEN THE LAST OF HER?

There’s a chance we’ll see her again. I can’t promise anything just yet. You’ll just have to wait and see.

Believe it or not - religion will make a difference.

2009-10-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

A disbelief in organised religion and superior deities can help your love life, according to new research.

A study of 500,000 first contact messages from an online dating website has revealed that when embarking on a new relationship it helps you most to have no religious beliefs.

The results show that people with atheist or agnostic beliefs are the most successful on the dating market, with a 42 per cent positive response rate – 10 per cent above average.

However, the mention of God or a deity garnered negative reactions, with only 30 per cent of users receiving responses when discussing religion, says the report by OkCupid.

This seems to suggest that the first steps down the road to romance are more successful if God and religion are removed from the equation.

Inigo Taylor, a 21-year-old photography student at the University of Lincoln, explained that religious beliefs had never factored in any of his previous relationships, but he believed they could work as a strong bond to bring two people together.

“I’m not a religious man but I’m not an atheist either,” he said.

“First of all, I think religion is the wrong word to use. It’s more of a matter of faith. Faith can be great for relationships.

“It can serve as a strong mutual ground and I really admire people who have such strong convictions.

“If a relationship begins between two people of completely different faiths, or with someone who has no faith at all, then there shouldn’t be too much problem.

“It’s not the most important thing when it comes to pursuing someone.

“But if things started to get a little more serious down the line, it could be a problem.

“Say someone is particularly religious and the other person isn’t, there could be a lot of stigma attached to the one who isn’t in terms of family and settling down.”

Adversely, Joe Marshall, a 22-year-old administration assistant from Lincoln, believes that religion can cause problems within relationships.

“Many religions encourage you to repress your sexual urges until marriage,” he said.

“But I’d argue that its difficult to form a full, romantic relationship without sex.

“The indoctrination that ‘sex is evil’ can seriously affect your outlook on day-to-day life.

“People who keep urges bottled up for too long can go overboard when they finally experience what they’ve been avoiding for so long.

“I think religion affects relationships in the same way that it does every day life. The more religious you are, the more it colours the way you see the world.

“You really want to be with someone with the same views as you. If you’re not one person will always look down on the other.”

Bloc Party @ Lincoln Engine Shed

2009-10-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

It’s almost five years to the day since I first saw Bloc Party live.

And, as I’m thrown into the air by a couple of so-called “friends” – nearly being evicted from the venue by a burly bouncer – it is remarkable to see how much they have evolved as a band, writes Ryan Butcher.

After a summer of high-profile festival appearances at Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, Bloc Party received a fair share of negative criticism. This year, it seems they fell flat on such a vast, outdoor soundscape.

However, if their performances at the rest of their run of dates this month – dubbed “Bloctober” by the band – are anything like their appearance at the Engine Shed, then they have surely found a stride they are both confident and comfortable with.

Sonically, Bloc Party’s third album, Intimacy, saw the band at their most self-indulgent. Many of the tracks took a lot of work to get into, lacking the immediate appeal of their first two efforts. However, when performed, each note of every alternating time signature seemed to jump alive.

Signs and Ion Square both boast that rare combination of intelligence and delicacy, without coming across as disheartening, whereas Mercury and latest single One More Chance sound like the soundtrack to the rave at the end of the world.

But the band didn’t just stick to their newer material, playing a plethora of tracks from their back catalogue and sparking waves of euphoria from the exuberant crowd.

Banquet and Helicopter, predictably, received the biggest reactions of the night, confirming their status as modern indie classics, whilst Silent Alarm album track Positive Tension, at the request of a singled-out girl in the crowd, still managed to rear its monstrous head. Song For Clay (Disappear Here) sparked riotous scenes, with girls losing their shoes and bodies flying in every direction, while The Prayer thundered to life, sparking an eerie, almost cult-like reaction.

Unfortunately, before Bloc Party could finish their last song – presumably the top-ten hit Flux – the Engine Shed was evacuated due to the activation of the fire alarm.

The disappointment of the 1,500-strong crowd spoke volumes, as fans gathered outside the venue yearning for more.

If this truly is Bloc Party’s final tour for a while, they will be sorely missed by a legion of well-deserved devotees.

The Russian State Ballet Academy of Perm: The Nutcracker

2009-10-10T00:00:00.001-07:00

The illustrious Russian State Ballet Academy of Perm will embark on its first-ever national tour of the UK with the ever-popular ballet The Nutcracker.

The tale follows a young and rather dejected little girl named Marie, who is given the gift of a Nutcracker doll by her Uncle Drosslemeyer. Marie enters into a fantastical dreamscape going on adventures with her Nutcracker doll.

The prestigious ballet company comes to Lincolnshire on Wednesday, October 14, playing at the Skegness Embassy Theatre. For ticket information, call (01733) 316100.

Ryan Butcher spoke to the Academy’s tour manager Julia Ignatowa.

WHAT’S THE BACKGROUND BEHIND THE RUSIAN STATE BALLET ACADEMY?

The company itself is from Perm and has been going since the Second World War. We’re actually quite famous in Russia and are considered one of the most acclaimed ballet schools. We have a worldwide reputation, but this is our first ever premier in England.

THE NUTCRACKER IS QUITE A WELL-KNOWN PERFORMANCE. WILL YOU BE DOING ANYTHING DIFFERENT OR PUTTING YOUR OWN TWIST ON THE DANCES?

We’re quite a classical ballet company and The Nutcracker is quite a classical piece. We’re going to keep very close to the original. There’s going to be nothing modern about it. The dancers will all be dancing in classical dress. It will be very sophisticated and very exquisite.

SO WHY THE NUTCRACKER? IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR YOU LIKE, WHICH YOU THINK HELPS IT STAND OUT?

I think The Nutcracker is one of my favourite performances. It’s a little bit different to the others. It’s much more family orientated, in terms of the plot, yet the dances are still sophisticated and grown-up. I especially like the solo dances in The Nutcracker. My favourite is when Marie and the Prince dance together. But the whole show is just brilliant.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT PUTTING ON PERFORMANCES AND TAKING THEM ON TOUR?

I think my favourite thing is when everyone is clapping and all the people who came to see the performance are saying thank you. It’s a lot of hard work to go on a tour, with the travel all through the day to the different venues. You never know what you’re going to expect when you get there. But it’s really rewarding when you find that you’ve brought something good that people have really enjoyed.

THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME OVER IN ENGLAND. WILL YOU BE COMING BACK?

We’re definitely hoping to come back again. After we’ve finished this tour, we’re going to be heading back home. A lot of the dancers have exams coming up around the new year and they have to prepare. But we’re going to see how this tour goes, take a little break for a few months and then in 2010 start preparing for our next tour of Swan Lake.

Choose your opening chat-up lines very carefully.

2009-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

The rise of e-mails, texts, wall posts and tweets, means there are now many ways to communicate with someone without actually opening your mouth.

Thanks to these advancements of technology, we can pursue all the heartbreak and happiness of romance without having to leave our computer chairs.

But like with real-life relationships, there are certain etiquettes and rules to follow in online dating when trying to talk the talk.

So what words are more or less likely to garner a response from your potential online lover?

The results of a recent survey show that men who use words of a modest nature, such as “sorry”, “awkward” or “apologise” were the most likely to get responses.

Furthermore, men who tried to connect through mutual interests had a close to 50 per cent chance of receiving a positive response.

Surprisingly, however, immediate physical compliments did not do so well. Results showed that users were between seven and 15 per cent less likely than average to garner a response if they used words like “very pretty”, “sexy”, or “beautiful” in their opening message.

These results come curtsey of online dating site OkCupid.com, who ran the survey across their database of 500,000 users.

But how successful can relationships be with someone you’ve met from the Internet?

Lloyd Jones, 21, a fine art student at the University of Lincoln, explained how he’d met a long-term partner thanks to Facebook.

“A mutual friend was telling me about this person, who they thought I’d really get on with,” he said.

“We lived in different cities though, so I made the first contact with a message over Facebook. We got talking, and developed a connection, and so I invited them down to come and see me.

“I didn’t want to come on too strong, so I tried to forge some kind of mutual ground by talking about interests we both shared.

“We clicked straight away. Thanks to talking online, there was no awkward tension. We were together for five months, before having an amicable split. We still talk often.”

Liz Grashoff, 24, an administration assistant from South Hykeham, said that she was an avid user of online dating sites.

“It’s good to keep your options open and have a profile here or there. You never know what might come along,” she said.

“But sometimes you get those messages through that just put you off completely.

“If you were at a club on a night out, you wouldn’t want someone coming up and propositioning you for sex out of the blue.

“Well, the same goes for online dating. There are certain rules that need to be followed so you don’t come across as some sleazy creep.”

The Main Event: To Write Love On Her Arms

2009-10-08T02:10:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a night of live music could mean that someone else gets to enjoy the rest of their life.

On Thursday, October 8, musicians and songwriters from all across Lincolnshire will descend on Lincoln College of Performing Arts to help raise money for US not-for-profit organisation To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA).

The event is being organised by two eager teenagers, Annabelle this is spelt correctly Moore and Caoimhe this is spelt correctly McEvoy, working under the umbrella name of Heavy and Light.

The TWLOHA movement is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help and treatment for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-harm and suicide by connecting them to treatment centres, support groups and other resources.

The line-up for the evening will feature a range of Lincolnshire musicians, including Boston-based songwriter Ashley Lennon, and a number of bands and musicians studying at the college. The evening will be headlined by local acoustic folk-singer Elliott Morris.

Co-organiser Annabelle Moore explains her motivation for putting the Heavy and Light event together.

“Issues such as depression and suicide are often swept under the carpet because people are too afraid to talk about them,” she explains.

“What we want to do with this event is show people who suffer from these issues that they can get help, and that they’re not alone.

“It’s going to be a night which I think will be more than just music. Hopefully it will reach out and touch people’s hearts and move them in some way.

“I’m also putting on this gig to show ignorant, closed-minded people, that self harm and depression is not something that anyone ever has the right to tease others about.

“If somebody is harming themselves perhaps the question should be why they do it, rather than to laugh in their face.”

Prior to the various performances there will be a short video presentation explaining more about the history of the organisation and the work they do.

TWLOHA was founded by Jamie Tworkowski in March 2006, when he met 19-year-old Renee Yohe. Renee had been struggling with addiction, depression, and self-injury for a number of years. Mr Tworkowski began manufacturing and selling distinctive T-shirts to help fund treatment and rehabilitation for Renee.

TWLOHA continues to get exposure largely thanks to the alternative music community, who help endorse the organisation by wearing their merchandise and informing their fans about the work TWLOHA is committed to undertaking.

“I stumbled across TWLOHA following links from a band’s MySpace profile,” explained Annabelle.

“I thought it was such a fantastic thing that people suffering from depression, addiction, and other related issues had somewhere they could turn to for help and advice.

“It’s something I’m really passionate about supporting, and I think a lot of other people will be too. This is the first time I’ve ever tried to organise an event like this, but I think if people come a long and learn a bit more about it, then they might be interested in helping to support the cause too.”

Visit www.twloha.com for more information about the organisation, and how you can get involved.

IN THE KNOW
where: Lincoln College, Department of Performing Arts, Music and Media, Monks Road.
when: Thursday 8 October, doors opening at 7pm.
tickets: Tickets are available on the door for £3. All proceeds raised will be donated to TWLOHA.

Spin Doctor: Moda

2009-10-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

After a Summer of partying with Pete Tong in Ibiza and DJing all over the world, Moda’s very own Andy George and Jaymo are back to host another night featuring the best in electro, dance and dubstep.

However, this time, they’ll be channelling the spirit of The Hacienda and Factory Records, as they bring along Delphic, who, with a history of illicit raves and a desire to shake of the stale and stagnant stigma of the indie dance label, could very well be the best new band in Manchester.

Coming from the dance and rave capital of the 80s and 90s, Delphic guitarist Matt Cocksegde says that it’s difficult trying to surpass the rich, musical heritage of such a vibrant city.

“We were too young to go to the Hacienda back in the day, but it’s definitely something that’s ingrained in us in some way,” he says.

“It’s impossible for it not to be. It’s difficult trying to surpass what’s been out there before, especially when you come from such a musical city like Manchester.

“You know how some areas of the world have just the right amount of rainfall to produce the best green tea? I think Manchester is like that. It has just the right amount of rainfall to produce some of the best musicians and songwriters there have ever been.”

It would be easy to label Delphic as “indie-dance”, but that would be a lazy way of describing what the band are all about. The implications of such a label suggest generic laziness, like playing a basic synthesizer over a guitar and proclaiming it to be 80’s revival.

Instead, Delphic are much more post-dance, trying to take things to the next level.

“We don’t like the idea of the indie-dance label,” says Matt.

“We’d prefer to look past the indie thing and try and make dance music with a soul. We started the band because we were bored of all this generic, 80’s tribute stuff.

“We like playing around with sounds, and we like playing around with songs, so we’re trying to do something which combines those two passions.

“We listen to incredible composers like Burt Bacharach, and bands with overwhelming emotion like Sigur Ros, and we want to try and pull all those things together into dance music.”

Delphic will be performing at Moda’s explosive return to Lincoln’s Engine Shed. A night which will also feature a headline performance from Moda-favourite Annie Mac.

Annie will be bringing with her two of the UK’s most in-demand producers: electro don Herve and dubstep kingpin Rusko.

IN THE KNOW
where: Engine Shed, Brayford Pool, Lincoln.
when: Friday 16 October, doors opening at 10.30pm and finishing around 4am.
tickets: £14, not including booking fee.
booking: Visit www.engineshed.co.uk for information on how to book online, or visit the Engine Shed box office direct, located on site.

The Cribs, Adam Green @ Lincoln Engine Shed

2009-10-08T01:53:00.001-07:00

The Cribs make a triumphant return to Lincoln, courtesy of a star-studded line-up featuring Manchester guitar legend Johnny Marr, and ex-Moldy Peaches frontman Adam Green, writes Ryan Butcher.

First off, Adam Green, who warms up the crowd with his unusual troubadour styling’s. Green has recently received a resurgence in popularity thanks largely to the success of cult-film Juno, and his old band’s affiliation with the soundtrack.

But those expecting twee, acoustic anti-folk duets are left a little surprised, as Green commands the stage with an implosive snarl, channelling the energy of a 1972-Lou Reed. Closing track Baby’s Gonna Die Tonight is a stomping, verbose blues number, completely eradicating the memory of Anyone Else But You from the minds of a bewildered, awestruck crowd.

So then, onto headline act. Since their transition into a four-piece, The Cribs hold themselves with much more authority – and rightly so.

Over the last eight years The Cribs have done a flawless job of engineering themselves from Lo-Fi obscurity into the indie mainstream. Superstar girlfriends, high profile collaborations and raucous live shows have helped transform Wakefield’s little-band-that-could into a credible, and more importantly, believable rock and roll machine.

The Lincoln crowd eat out of the palm of their collective hands as they shred through a set spanning their entire back catalogue.

Hey Scenesters and Mirror Kissers have evolved into archetypical indie anthems, which get the crowd going albeit sounding, dare I say, a little stale.

However, newer tracks like We Were Aborted and Cheat On Me have a much more mature sound, whilst still encapsulating the riotous 1970s punk rock fuzz which made their debut such a stand-out affair.

Thankfully, the recruitment of new member, and ex-Smiths guitarist, Johnny Marr proves to be a sound investment rather than a cheap gimmick to sell a few extra tickets.

His contribution to the line-up is to add an extra, much-needed layer of rhythmic depth which goes a long way to support the hoarse unpredictability of the brothers Jarman.

Over the last few years, The Cribs have shown a steady progression in both popularity and ability. Their Lincoln show goes further to demonstrate the imminent domination that they’ve always hinted at.

Celebration of county pride.

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The recipe for success was part of the focus of celebrations for this year’s Lincolnshire Day.

Staff at the Lincolnshire Co-operative Moorland Centre in Lincoln celebrated with a BBQ and tasting sessions highlighting locally-sourced and produced foods.
And the county’s business community helped celebrate the county’s pride with a conference at the Epic centre, which featured Richard Reed – the founder of Innocent Drinks – as the keynote speaker.

Mr Reed discussed everything from sustainability in business to the lessons he had learned throughout the Innocent Drinks success story.

Elsewhere, hundreds of people took part in an interactive art installation in the grounds of Lincoln Castle.

The installation, named Foot Fall, was organised by The Collection museum in celebration of the annual Lincolnshire Day.

Artist Michael Bowdidge and a selection of volunteers from Bishop Grosseteste University College used black bin liners to cover sections of grass on Lincoln Castle’s north lawn, with the intention of causing the grass underneath to wither over a period of time.

Mr Bowdidge said the installation was inspired by Lincolnshire’s rich, cultural history.

He said: “We’re creating three big images based on an 1831 road map of Lincolnshire. Each one is a progressive zoom, which means they’re getting closer and more detailed as they go in.

“The inspiration came from the fact Lincoln has always been a crossing point for so many different cultures. Everyone from the Saxons and Romans to the Normans and the Vikings have been through here at some point.”

Visitors to the castle grounds were encouraged to get involved by cutting out their own footprint with a bin liner and attaching it to the grass, so they could leave their own contribution to the composition.

Will Mason, district manager for The Collection and Lincoln Castle, described the art installation as “absolutely fantastic”.

He said: “Hundreds of people have visited the castle, from Lincolnshire and beyond, to see what’s going on with the installation.

“Loads of people have been getting involved. We’re hoping this is the biggest piece of art ever delivered in Lincolnshire.

“The image itself is inspirational and what better place to do it than these beautiful, striking grounds. The castle is an iconic site for the whole county. A lot of Lincolnshire’s history is echoed here, making it a great place to celebrate Lincolnshire Day.”

Schoolchildren buzzing with pub quiz challenge.

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Forget scribbling on a beer-stained bit of paper, next time you take part in a pub quiz you could be using a hi-tech buzzer system.

Ten teams of schoolchildren from across Lincolnshire are competing against each other to design an electronic buzzer to help bring pub quizzes into the electronic age.

The specifications of the challenge state the buzzer must be appropriate to be used by two teams and it must be able to identify which of the teams pressed the buzzer first.

The ages of the children involved range from 12 to 16. As well as the electronics aspect and construction activities, each team must also design marketing materials and develop point of sale information.

Les Porter, design and technology consultant for Lincolnshire School Improvement Service, said vocational subjects such as product design and electronics were of vital importance in today’s school system.

He said: “On a whole, electronics and design are easy to teach.

“The creativity within the kids is tremendous. When I was in school, I wasn’t allowed to go off and create my own thing, but now, the children are in charge of their own learning, which is simply incredible.

“These kinds of experiences enhance what’s going on in schools.”

Nigel Henry, a design and technology teacher at Boston Grammar Schools Federation, said these competitions were extremely beneficial to pupils.

He said: “It’s definitely something we should see more of in schools.

“The children get more one-on-one tuition and can get more involved with the practical side. They learn more, so they get to experience a more advanced level.”

Ten of the county’s educational institutions took part in the competition, including Kesteven and Sleaford School, Lincoln’s Christ’s Hospital, Robert Pattinson, The Gartree, Carres Grammar, Branston Community College, Boston Grammar, Priory LCCS, William Farr and Cotelands.

Edward Wells, 15, a student at Robert Pattinson School, said like this were an change from lessons.

He said: “You get to focus more on different areas, like design.

“Hopefully, we’re going to do well this year. What’s the point if we’re not here to win?”

The competition is run in conjunction with the Electronics In Schools strategy and the Lincolnshire Schools Inter-Schools Challenge.

The winner will be announced on October 19 at The Hub in Sleaford.