Police are appealing for information on the woman in these CCTV images in relation to a burglary in which more than £10,000 worth of jewellery was stolen in Lincoln.

This incident took place between 10am and 5.30pm in Broadway, Lincoln, on April 1.

The offender broke into a house through a bathroom window at the back and stole a quantity of jewellery.

Police believe the woman pictured may be able to help them with their enquiries and they are appealing for her, or anyone who knows her to get in touch with them as soon as possible.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Rachael Sadowski in Lincoln CID via the non emergency 101 number.

Source: Lincolnshire Police

Lincolnshire Police are hoping residents may recognise the man in this CCTV image, who could have information regarding an assault on a woman in Lincoln.

The incident happened at around midnight on April 18 on Kesteven Street.

A woman was walking home when she was grabbed from behind and assaulted her. He then punched her in the face.

Officers believe that the man was in the area at the time of the incident and could have information on the assault to help the investigation.

They are appealing for him or anyone who may know him to get in touch.

Anyone with information on the incident should contact DC Cath Leeman at Lincoln CID on 101, quoting incident number 7 of April 18.

Source: Lincolnshire Police

Lincolnshire Police are a looking to identify the woman in this CCTV image in relation to the theft of alcohol from a city shop.

The incident took place between 8.23am and 8.28am on March 9 at the Premiere shop in Lamb Gardens in Lincoln.

An offender entered the shop and took two bottles of wine and two bottles of WKD without paying.

Anyone with any information on the woman pictured is asked to call PC Penelope Sass via the police non emergency 101 number.

Source: Lincolnshire Police

Thursday, May 17 will be the final day a number of East Midlands Trains services are disrupted due to strike action.

Members of the local ASLEF branch under East Midlands Trains have been on strike for 6 days over the past three weeks due to changes to the pension scheme.

EMT decided to reduce the amount drivers had to contribute towards their pension by £500 per year, starting July.

However, ASLEF argued that it’s a short-term benefit and could lead to less money being available in the pensions fund.

Local ASLEF members went on strike on May 1,3,8,10,15 and 17, causing a number of delayed, canceled and alternative services.

A meeting was held between the union and EMT last week, but the pair did not come to an arrangement.

Even RMT, a nation transport union, decided to ballot local members to decide if they should also take industrial action against EMT.

EMT is asking employees and ASLEF to help discuss alternative proposals now the planned strikes are over.

According to EMT, ASLEF and RMT have agreed to similar pension arrangements at other train companies without strike action.

David Horne, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “It’s good news for our passengers that no further unnecessary strike action has been announced by ASLEF.

“Now is the time to sit down and resolve this issue for the benefit of everyone.

“We have always been open to further discussions and last week put forward constructive proposals that would enhance take-home pay for our people and increase their pension benefits.

“If ASLEF show the same commitment, there is no reason why we cannot sort this issue.”

EMT are proposing a reduction of 9.08% from staff contributions rather than 10.5%, and no impact on their final pension.

The company is also encouraging their balloted RMT members not to take action against the company.

David Horne added: “We would urge the unions to work with us to end the dispute for the benefit of everyone – employees, passengers and the company.

“We believe in a strong pension scheme and are committed to protecting the benefits for employees.

“The new contribution rates guarantee that. They also bring the scheme within the reach of more employees and will help encourage a higher participation rate.”

Passengers can see if their service is affected today by visiting the EMT disruptions page on the website.

While over 100 trains are still running in the region, alternative arrangements will be made, or full refunds given.

The Republic of Korea Air Force will be seen in the skies above the RAF Waddington International Airshow this summer, just 3 miles south of Lincoln.

This will be the Black Eagles Display Team’s very first UK air show appearance.

They will arrive in the UK in mid-June and then display at RAF Waddington, before moving onto RIAT and Farnborough.

The Black Eagles are the international ambassadors for the Republic of Korea.They fly with 8 aircraft, in both formation and synchro manoeuvres.

The display at the RAF Waddington International Airshow will be their debut appearance in the UK.

It also makes Republic of Korea the 36th nation to appear at the event since 1995 and the 18th nation to take part in the 2012 event.

The Black Eagles display at Waddington will be part of a line-up of international display flying from the UK, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Austria, USA, Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.

Source: RAF Waddington International Airshow | Photos: Republic of Korea Air Force

— More on The Lincolnite on the RAF Waddington International Airshow 2012: Saudi Air Force Hawks on display, Italian display team confirmed, and Australian Air Force come to Lincoln.

Siemens in Lincoln has been awarded a long-term contract for a maintenance service for an Australian company.

The multi-million pound contract will see Santos GNLG project in Queensland use Siemens’ small gas turbine product line, which is produced in Lincoln.

The contract will last for six years and includes preventative maintenance, remote monitoring, parts supply, and field service for 16 SGT turbines at three of Santos GLNG’s sites.

The new contract adds to Siemens Lincoln’s growing order book, which enables the company to invest in new products and facilities.

The turbomachinery company will be moving into its purposely-built unit in Teal Park in September.

Teal Park will mean Siemens can work more efficiently.

Director of Siemens Service Lincoln Neil Corner said: “This latest order win is fantastic news for our service business in Lincoln.

“It is the largest-ever order for this product line, and we are extremely proud that this happened here.

“The local team worked exceptionally hard, demonstrating dedication and professionalism throughout. The win underlines our excellent performance and prospects going forward.”

Source: Siemens

An ad created by two Lincoln students will be used on a billboard on Broadgate to promote The Electric Bar and Restaurant at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

Maria Sousa Machado, 20, and Sam Barber, 21, won a competition organised with the Lincoln School of Art & Design to create the advert.

Maria and Sam were among 38 third-year University of Lincoln Creative Advertising students who entered the competition.

To produce the advert, Maria and Sam worked with Newark-based photographer Clive Doyle, who took a photo of the view from the roof-top venue using tilt-shift photography to make it look like a miniature-scale model.

Sam Barber and Maria Sousa Machado with The Electric Bar Manager Andy Hallam

Sales & Marketing Manager Nicola Shepheard said: “We could have used any of the finalists’ proposals but Maria and Sam’s innovative use of imagery and clever strapline just gave them the edge.”

Maria said the duo brainstormed lots of ideas before settling on the winning entry: “We started off thinking about what makes the bar stand out and of different ways of looking at things through a lens.

“This translated quite literally in the end to using the tilt-shift image.

For Sam, seeing their ideas come to life was one of the most rewarding aspects of the project: “A lot of the work we have done is simply generating ideas, but actually seeing our idea come to life and turned into an ad campaign has given us invaluable experience.”

The duo, who plan to work together as a creative advertising team after graduating, hope having an ad campaign commissioned by a reputable brand will be a valuable addition to their resumé.

Lincolnshire Co-op will award 39 Lincoln community groups and charities funding for refreshments and prizes at their Jubilee celebrations.

The groups applied for the Co-operative’s Jubilee Scheme, which offered a slice of £10,000 funding.

The funding would be used towards community events in Lincolnshire, and each group got a party pack with items like red, white and blue balloons, union jack bunting and posters.

In the whole county, 152 groups and charities applied for funding and Lincoln’s successful applications received £2,345.

A number of Lincolnshire Co-op members from different areas in the county reviewed the applications in order to allot funding.

Community Jubilee events in Lincoln benefitting from funding are: “Big Picnic” by Life Church, Lincoln Freemnans Guild concert and supper, Boultham Women’s Fellowship’s indoor street party, and St Giles Nursery School will host a children’s garden party.

The Co-op’s Assistant Membership and Community Manager Richard Whittaker said: “We were delighted with the response to our Jubilee giveaway.

“Applications came from groups holding a variety of events, from massive 4-day celebrations involving the whole town to smaller parties for people living in a few neighbouring streets.

“Every one of these events, from large to small, will bring the community together to celebrate. It’s sure to be a Jubilee to remember!”

Here are the successful groups and charities in the Lincoln area:

• St John’s Church Jubilee Celebrations
• Life Church Lincoln Birchwood
• Washingborough PC
• Brant Broughton & Stragglethorpe PC
• Skellingthorpe PC
• Boothby Graffoe Parish
• Wellingore Queens Diamond Jubilee Street Party
• Branston & Mere PC
• Potterhanworth C of E Primary School
• Manor Leas Infant School
• Harmston Memorial Hall Jubilee Celebration
• Branston Junior School
• Nocton Festival 2012
• Eagle Village Committee
• South West Lincoln District Guides
• Deffield Close Street Party
• Lincoln Freemans Guild
• Revival Lincolnshire
• Dunston Parish Council Jubilee Celebrations
• Bracebridge Heath Parish Plan
• Woodvale Street Party
• Broomhill/Sorrel Court Residents Association
• Boultham Women’s Fellowship
• Age UK
• Ash Grove Street Party
• Ingham Parish Council
• Nettleham Queen’s Jubilee Street Party Group
• Nettleham Guides
• Scothern Festival Committee
• St Giles Elders United
• St Giles Nursery School
• St Giles Residents Association Mothers Club
• St Hugh’s RC Parish Lincoln
• St Peters in the Pub (Church Group)
• Stonecliff Park Social Club
• Sturton-by-Stow Village Jubilee Party
• Welton & Dunholme Methodist Chapel
• Welton St Marys Primary School
• Welton-by-Lincoln Parish Council

Source: Lincolnshire Co-op

Lincoln butcher Kenny Roberts from Elite Meats in the Bailgate proudly displays his Lincolnshire bangers

— Updated on May 17 with comments from Lincolnshire Sausage Association and Tastes of Lincolnshire

A bid to ensure Lincolnshire Sausages are produced solely in the county was rejected this week by DEFRA.

The Lincolnshire Sausage Association made a bid for Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) in Europe to protect the traditional recipe.

This would mean no other butcher or company outside of Lincolnshire would be able to produce the famous sausage.

The Lincolnshire Sausage Association argue that supermarkets and other brands outside the county are altering the recipe too much.

Additionally, it could also bring extra tourism to the county to taste a true Lincolnshire banger.

The application has been under decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the past two years.

Many variations of the recipe

DEFRA said it declined the application due to its potential to put too many jobs at risk.

Food and Farming Minister Jim Paice said: “British food is outstanding and we’re working hard to protect the local heritage of certain foods through PGI status.

“But with so many variations on the recipe, and 95% of sausages sold under the ‘Lincolnshire Sausage’ label being made outside the county, the application as it stood could have seriously damaged businesses and jobs.

“We remain open to looking at other options which would allow producers in Lincolnshire to highlight the traditional and local nature of their sausages without potentially damaging the overwhelming majority of manufacturers.”

A true Lincolnshire sausage is at least 70% pork meat, coarsely cut and mixed with rusk breadcrumbs and sage, packed in natural casings.

Too much emphasis on recipe

— Update 2: The Lincolnshire Sausage Association (LSA) said in a statement it is “devastated” to hear of Defra’s rejection of the application for PGI status.

“The LSA has spent a considerable amount of time and effort into making sure the application complied with the requirements of the articles and feel that insufficient account has been taken of all the evidence provided.

“Too much emphasis has been placed on the recipe rather than the method of production. In particular, no account seemed to have been taken of the coarseness of the mincing process which gives the true Lincolnshire sausage its bite and too much has been made of the ‘predominance of sage’.

“It appears that Defra has capitulated to large scale commercial producers, some of whom openly admit to putting no meat into their product.

“What a pity, at a time when Jim Paice is leading a delegation to China to promote our pork products to them, that he could not support one of Britain’s most iconic products, namely the Lincolnshire Sausage.

“The LSA does not believe that Defra has taken sufficient account of the strong support of the Lincolnshire people.

“Too much credence has been placed on the objectors’ claims, many of which were accredited to unnamed producers who had not objected to our application.

“Defra has failed to recognise the damage that so-called ‘Lincolnshire Sausage’ made by large manufacturers outside of the county is doing to the reputation of the genuine article.

“Support for this application from Defra would have helped to boost well over 150 small to medium enterprises in Lincolnshire – not just butchers but tourism in the county.

“We are sad and disappointed with this response and will be taking legal advice as to our next steps. We have only 10 working days to respond so we must act quickly.”

— Update 1: Tastes of Lincolnshire said in a statement: “The Lincolnshire sausage is an iconic and hugely important product for our county and we are so disappointed that it did not get the recognition it deserves and the protected geographical indication status.

“We are also hugely disappointed for our members who work tirelessly to promote provenance, food credibility and quality and contribute so much to the Lincolnshire economy.

“There may be slight variations on recipes but the importance of the individual ingredients and their inherent connection to Lincolnshire is clear.

“You only have to look at the prominence of this great Lincolnshire delicacy from our food fairs and farmers markets to our thriving autumn Sausage Festival to know that we put the sizzle into sausages.

“The Lincolnshire Sausage Association must be commended for their unstinting hard work in maintaining the profile of the product and this campaign.”

The Moroccan Market is back in Lincoln, from Wednesday to Sunday, May 20.

Some 36 stalls are bringing the ambience of the Souk to the central High Street and Cornhill areas.

Moroccan officials joined by Lincoln’s new Mayoral Party to open the market, while two traditional bands entertained shoppers.

This is the third time Lincoln has welcomed this attraction. The market was hosted by the city last October and in December 2011.

Photos by Joshua Potter for The Lincolnite

Events Co-ordinator Trudi Hayes, cyclist Lynn, and Trevor Marsh from Sustrans get on their bikes for charity

A local charity and residents will be undertaking an epic bike ride around Lincolnshire this month to raise money.

Linkage Community Trust provides services for young disabled people in a learning environment and organised an 18-mile bike ride to raise money.

The bike ride on May 27 will follow the Water Rail Way, which runs from Lincoln to Bardney.

The money will be used to support the plans for a café, shop, horticulture centre and education building in Boultham Park.

Anyone over 10 with a good bike can take part in the journey, which is £5 to enter (under 16s free with an adult).

Cycling charity Sustrans will also be on hand to check bikes before starting the trip.

Free parking will be provided at Waterside South, near the departure point.

Head of Development Christine Saxon said: “It’s an easy route to use and is an ideal, though challenging, distance for a family cycle ride.

“This is a new event for us and we hope lots of people will support it.

“Our primary cause for fund-raising is a local project to provide great new facilities for the people of Lincoln, visitors and cyclists alike, at Boultham Park.”

The journey begins at 10.30am, so entrants must register before 10am.

To enter, fill in the form on Linkage’s website and send it to Bike Ride, Linkage Community Trust, Langton House, Lindum Business Park, Station Road, North Hykeham LN6 3QX, or via email.

Source: Linkage Community Trust

Lincoln’s iconic windmill is looking for volunteers to showcase the building’s history.

Built in 1798, Ellis’ Mill on Mill Road is the last working windmill in Lincoln.

It is usually open to the public at weekends, but it needs more volunteers to either show people around or be a miller.

There will be an event for potential volunteers on Saturday, May 26 between 1pm and 3pm.

Chairman of Ellis’s Mill Volunteers’ Group Barry Brooke said: “We’re a friendly group, well supported by the staff at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and would love to hear from anyone who would like to learn how to run a windmill or to help visitors get the most from their visit.

“The mill is open to the public at weekends by a team of dedicated volunteer millers looking to swell their ranks.

“There’s been milling on the site of Ellis’ Mill since at least 1650 and the volunteers feel privileged to be able to continue the tradition and share its history with visitors.”

Volunteers can either be guides or a miller. A miller will help operate the mill, using the machinery and wind power to produce wholemeal flour.

To apply, contact the Museum of Lincolnshire Life on 01522 782040.

Source: Lincolnshire County Council

Banks Long & Co surveyor Matthew Brooks with Jessica Hickie and Totally Tropical Tanning owner Micky Fidler

A former gym manager and a property developer have launched a new tanning salon in Lincoln.

The venture is managed by Micky Fidler, ex-sales manager for Total Fitness.

The idea came about after Colin, who owns CJH Developments Ltd, and Micky, who also goes out with Colin’s daughter, Jessica, got talking about business opportunities earlier this year.

Totally Tropical Tanning in Waterside South will create four jobs in the city and should be opening by the end of the week.

The unit was revamped by the duo and contains six upright 250-watt units. Visitors can drop in for three-minute sessions upwards or book specific appointments.

Hickie said: “We are both into fitness and know many people love to have a tan. Micky wanted to try working for himself and so we thought, why not?”

Fidler added: “Our priorities were finding the right location in the centre of Lincoln, at the right price, which we have and we are also close to parking facilities.”

The unit was let by Banks Long & Co on behalf of Lincolnshire Co-operative.

Surveyor Matthew Brooks said: “Units in the Waterside South and Sincil Street areas are particularly suited to start-up businesses or those who wish to relocate and expand their businesses into the area, but do no want to get tied-up in a long lease.

“Any other businesses that are looking to expand or relocate into the City Centre and want flexibility should contact us, as we have a number of units available because of the proposals for the £100 million Lindongate shopping centre that will be developed on the site.”

Widespread local train services disruptions are expected if a second rail workers’ union decides to go on strike over pensions.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) is balloting its local members to decide whether to take industrial action against East Midlands Trains’ pension scheme.

RMT decided to hold the ballot after seeing the ongoing strikes by local members of ASLEF.

Strikes are currently in place due to disagreements over EMT’s decision to reduce train drivers’ pension contributions by £500 per year from July.

RMT believe this is unfair due to the current economic climate, and is a dangerous short-term move.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: “While RMT members will receive a small financially gain from a reduction in contributions it is clear that the biggest winner will be the employer.

“The RMT believe that the employer’s savings will be in the region of £750,000 per annum.

“Despite the RMT objections management have gone ahead regardless of these concerns for the future funding of the EMT Pension Scheme.

“It is our opinion that management’s refusal to withdraw this proposal is irresponsible and only suits to line the pockets of shareholders.

“One thing is for certain, the employer may alter as a result of a change in franchise but the pension scheme members will remain the same, and it is members who will be left to pick up the pieces after future valuations are downgraded.”

“Unhelpful move”

Meanwhile, East Midlands Trains feels that RMT’s call to ballot members at the company will do nothing to resolve the dispute.

EMT recently held talks with ASLEF to alter the proposals, but ASLEF rejected these propels, leading to further strikes on May 15 and 17.

Managing Director for East Midlands Trains David Horne said: “The RMT’s
announcement today that it will ballot its members is extremely unhelpful
and will cause further uncertainty among our passengers, whose services are being disrupted for no reason.

“The fact is that the pension scheme is in good health and the new pension
contributions are the recommendation of independent experts.

“It makes no sense for the RMT to ask their members to join ASLEF colleagues in striking for less pay and losing hundreds of pounds by walking out.”

He added: “If the unions really have the interests of their members at
heart, they should work with us to ensure employees benefit from higher
take-home pay and increased pensions benefits.”

Civic party (L-R): Mayor’s consort Cllr Neil Murray, Mayor of Lincoln Cllr Karen Lee, City Sheriff Melanie Tointon, Sheriff’s consort Stephen Tointon, City Council chief executive Andrew Taylor and Pipe Major Finlay MacGhee

The new Mayor of Lincoln has been officially sworn in on Tuesday, 806 years after the first event.

Councillor Karen Lee took the oath on May 15 at Guildhall, where she was also married to the city with a 16th century gold ring.

She chaired her first meeting of Full Council, then Pipe Major Finlay MacGhee from RAF Waddington piped on the steps of the Guildhall as she left.

Karen Lee’s consort is Councillor Neil Murray, while the City Sheriff is Melanie Tointon, and the Sheriff’s consort Stephen Tointon.

Councillor Pat Vaughan will take the role of Deputy Mayor and will become Mayor in 2013.

Councillor Karen Lee said: “Being the Mayor of Lincoln is a big responsibility, though I am very pleased to be the one taking it on.

“I am really looking forward to the year ahead of me and seeing what it brings.

“The role of the Mayor of Lincoln involves taking part in different aspects of the city which will be exciting and interesting.

“One thing for sure is that the year will no doubt keep me busy with lots of events and functions to attend.”

Councillor Karen Lee is a qualified nurse who’s been politically active since 1994.

She was elected to represent Carholme Ward in 2003, and has held roles such as Chair of the Carholme Community Forum, the City Council’s Equality and Diversity Development Group and currently Chair of the Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee.

The first Mayor of Lincoln came to be in 1206, and now holds a series of roles within the city over the year.

A Lincoln mayor must chair meetings of the Full Council, welcome visitors to the city and attend a variety of civic and charity events.

Source: City of Lincoln Council

East Midlands Trains have accused ASLEF of keeping its members in the dark as a fifth day of striking action in Lincoln begins.

EMT asked the trade union to let its members decide on the company’s previous proposals to resolve the dispute over pensions, and why it “deliberately” did not tell members about new proposals put forward.

ASLEF denied that it did not inform members of EMT’s newest offer, but according to EMT, later admitted it.

Disputes began when East Midlands Trains were advised by an independent expert to stop requiring drivers to contribute £500 to their pension funds.

Clare McCartney, HR Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “Drivers are asking us why their union is denying them the right to decide on our proposals to resolve this strike over nothing.

“We have never understood why train drivers were being encouraged by ASLEF to strike for less pay. At the same time, drivers are being misled by ASLEF into losing a further £200 a day each time they walk out.

“Our proposals would increase the take-home pay for our employees, and increase their pension benefits. ASLEF should be honest about our proposals and let drivers decide.”

“Bizarre and insulting”

However, ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan feels EMT’s statements regarding the proposals are bizarre and insulting to the union.

He said: “They have run out of ideas, so they are beginning to hit us like naughty children.

“Their latest accusation – that the union is ‘keeping its members in the dark’ – is even more ridiculous than it is insulting.

“They are obviously ignorant about this issue. Not being members of our union, they obviously do not know what has been communicated.

“If they had been ASLEF members they would know the company’s accusations are ridiculous. We have communicated with our members by every means available to us.

“This type of misleading attack will only lengthen this dispute. I call on EMT management to try to control themselves and come back to the negotiating table in a reasonable and dignified manner.”

McCartney added: “The only explanation for these continuing strikes is that ASLEF have boxed themselves into a position where they feel they cannot back down without losing face, and it is wrong that they are using their members pay packets to save face.”

Service alterations

Meanwhile, EMT services from Lincoln will be affected by continued strike action on May 15 and also on Thursday, May 17.

Services to Leicester, Nottingham, Newark (both stations), Spalding, Sleaford, Grimsby and Doncaster will be affected.

EMT will put replacement rail and bus services in place for passengers, or full refunds will be given.

Visit the EMT service disruption page to check if your journey is affected.

—  Lisa Yates is the design manager at Lava, an award-winning marketing agency in Lincoln. In an expert comment series for The Lincolnite, Lisa explains creating a brand is more than just having your logo on everything and using the same font.

The terms brand and branding are some of the most over-used words in the world of marketing. They are also two of the least understood concepts.

I don’t think there’s a day that goes by without someone talking to me about their brand or a piece of branding work that they really admire. More often than not though, that person isn’t actually talking about a brand. They’re talking about a corporate identity, a logo or a piece of design work that has caught their eye.

A brand isn’t just a logo or a website. It’s not a brochure or advertisement. A brand is a set of values. A brand is intangible. It’s how you feel about a product or service or rather it’s how that product, service or organisation makes you feel.

It’s not just that they have a particular font which is used across all their literature. It’s not just because they sponsor or stage a certain type of event or they have quirky names for their employees. It’s all of these things plus the way that act, the way the communicate as well as the way they look.

Quite often people don’t take the time to think about their brand values and this is a crucial part of creating something that will last the test of time and will see people ‘buy into’.

The most successful brands know what they’re about; how they want to be perceived; how they are going to interact with people; what marketing activity is right for them and what’s not.

Taking the time to think about what’s at the heart of an organisation and how it wants to be perceived should be something that happens very early on – even before a product or service has been launched.

When you know what you’re about then you can talk to a graphic designer about how you want to present yourself and what you want to communicate. You’ll find that by taking time out to think about exactly what lies at the heart of your organisation and why it’s different from your competitors and special, you’ll be able to give a designer a much better brief.

Average briefs result in average work. So, giving a designer a great brief will pay dividends.

How to develop a great design brief

Start by telling the designer as much as you can about your organisation and its products or services. Don’t assume they’ve heard of you before. Tell them what you want to achieve from having a new piece of literature, logo, website or exhibition stand created.

You also need to think carefully about the people you’re trying to reach. They may have a completely different view of your organisation and so it’s important to put yourself in their shoes.

Pull together examples of other design work that you really like and would like to emulate. This will give the designer a steer as what you’re after.

Finally, the dreaded question, the one that nobody knows the answer to or is too afraid to say: what’s the budget? Being honest and open about how much you’re prepared to invest will not mean you’re going to be ripped off. It will mean the designer can develop a solution that you can afford and works best for you and your brand.

More from the Lava expert comment series:

• Approaching social media from a business perspective
• Marketing your way out of the recession

Dogs will be allowed at the Lincolnshire Show this year, in addition to a number of dog-themed activities at the event.

People will be able to bring their dogs to the annual county show at The Showground and make use of the doggie crèche.

The crèche will be run by Jerry Green Dog Rescue, a local rescue service.

The charity’s canine behavioural advisor Rosina Myers said: “This is ideal for when dog owners are touring the areas of the show that don’t allow dogs, or simply if their dog is getting tired or overwhelmed by all the people.

“It will be run by our experienced rescue workers and they will be ensuring a calm and comfortable environment.”

For canine fans, there will also be plenty of events in the dog ring and competitions.

Merlin the ambassador dog for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People will be trying to raise £30,000 for the charity’s 30th anniversary.

Scruffts confirmed it will be running its Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition on both days — there is a £1 entry fee, no need to book.

Money raised will go to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

There will be a number of classes, with judges looking for good character, health and temperament.

These include most handsome Crossbreed Dog, prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Child’s Best Friend and Golden Oldie Crossbreed.

Marketing coordinator for the Lincolnshire Show Karen Malpass said: “The first year of dogs on site went down very well with everyone, so we were confident it should be repeated this year.

“Obviously dogs have to be on leads and some areas are out of bounds, but we are certainly looking forward to more happy tail wagging this year!”

This year’s Lincolnshire Show will be on June 20 and 21. To book tickets, visit the Lincolnshire Show website or call 0845 2305171.

Source: Lincolnshire Show | Photo: Doggie Solutions

Lincoln has been named as one of 10 communities which will receive funding to tackle binge and underage drinking.

The Government Champion for Active Safer Communities announced it would split £1 million between the areas to help with decision making and resources to “eradicate” the issue.

Communities have to demonstrate innovative ways of solving the problem, backed by local authorities, police and retailers.

The projects have to deliver results over the next two years and success will be marked as less anti-social behaviour relating to alcohol, fewer A&E admissions, lower levels of binge drinking by young people and less people purchasing alcohol for under 18s, known as proxy purchasing.

Lincoln will use the funds to develop social media, linking up evening safety wardens, street pastors and local police to address drinking and anti-social behaviour.

It will also help deal with the repercussions of more students and visitors to the city centre.

Baroness Newlove will be working with Lincoln to monitor progress.

She said: “I have always believed there is a seam of active citizens prepared and willing to work at creating safer, happier communities together with the agencies there to help them.

“We shall mine these wonderful examples of fresh ideas and local solutions to tackle alcohol misuse and the crime and blight that follows. In two years these areas will be transformed.

“I intend to support them all the way and ensure others follow their trail blazing progress.”

Recently, the City of Lincoln Council introduced the Designated Public Place Order (DPPO).

This allows officers to request an individual to stop drinking if they are becoming a nuisance within a certain boundary.

Should the individual continue to cause nuisance, an offence is committed.

The DPPO boundary is set between Newport Arch, St Mark’s Shopping Centre, Broadgate and the Brayford Way Bridge.

Photo: Kenneth Moyle

Restoration work on the Ritz Cinema is underway this week after an initial investment from Cory Environmental Trust.

The funding of £19,000 will be used to carry out phase one of asbestos removal from the building and making it safe for further work.

SRS builders are carrying out the work and are expected to completed phase one of the removal by Friday, May 18.

The Ritz is a project from community group Off The Bench, to restore the once thriving venue.

Once completed the building will not only be a cinema but also be used as a multi-purpose community facility and a social hub for young people and the wider community.

Barrie Billinghay, Secretary of Cory Environmental Trust said: “The Trustees could all remember the Ritz in its heyday and were fully supportive of the work being undertaken to bring it back into use.

“They will all be watching the work with anticipation for it’s reopening,” he added.

Off The Bench Chief Executive Pete Genders (pictured) added: “We are so thrilled to finally see some movement on The Ritz.

“We are extremely thankful to the Cory Environmental Trust for the generosity they have shown in awarding the project this money. We sincerely hope this is the start of great things to come for the venue.”

Sam Reid from SRS Builders! who are completing the work, and have been integral to the project from its inception added: “It’s really exciting to finally get started on the refurbishment of the Ritz.

“A lot of background work has gone in so far, so to get things moving on the ground is fantastic. I’m looking forward to disclosing designs to the public in the near future.

The Cory Trust would like to hear from any group in the city or its surroundings that has a project involving open green space or renovations on a building of historical interest or community use.

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