People were in happy festive spirits on the second day of the Lincoln Christmas Market and told The Lincolnite they were delighted to see the event back after a year off.
Lincoln Christmas Market was postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it returned this year on Thursday, December 2 and will run until Sunday, December 5.
The 38th Lincoln Christmas Market festive has over 150 stalls and fun for all the family, including a fun fair and big wheel offering spectacular views of Lincoln – see the full list of stalls here.
The Edwards family travel from Leicestershire every year to attend the Lincoln Christmas Market. | Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
The Lincolnite went to speak to locals and visitors who attended the second day of this year’s Lincoln Christmas Market, including the Canners, the Higgins, the Hawes, and Hewes families who have been at the event several times before, while the Cussans family were visiting for the first time.
It was also great to see such a variety of stalls and the welcome return of iconic Lincoln Christmas Market treats, such as Bratwurst and Mulled Wine.
Ben Smith and Courtney Gregory from German Swing Grill, which sells the iconic Christmas Market treat Bratwurst. | Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
Neil Martin and John Giles from Steep Hill Wines are selling mulled wine and spiced cider at the Lincoln Christmas Market. | Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
PCs Kirkwood and Dady patrolling the Christmas Market to ensure everyone remains safe. | Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
Scunthorpe-born television heart-throb Jake Quickenden believes the next few weeks could be “make or break” for many smaller venues due to the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the industry.
Panto was unable to go ahead in 2020 due to the pandemic, so it will be a welcome return when The Beauty & The Beast takes centre stage at the New Theatre Royal Lincoln between December 7, 2021 and January, 9, 2022.
Jake plays the part of baddie Flash Hugo and he joins the largest ever cast for Lincoln’s longest running traditional pantomime. Zoe Hanna May from ITV’s The Voice will play the lead role of Belle.
Jake told BBC Look North: “Everything means a lot to them, every show they need to sell so they can keep it open. Just look around, it’s beautiful, you just would not want it to shut down and anything happen to it so it is make or break.”
He added: “I’ve done alright for myself, I’ve come through it and I perform now which I’m so grateful for, but if I hadn’t taken that step into the arts I don’t know what I would be doing, I’d probably still be working at the steelworks as a brickie like I was before.
“We’ve got to think about the younger generation they’re the ones that need levelling up because there the ones that are going to be growing up in Scunthorpe and hopefully having these opportunities.”
Natalie Hayes-Cowley (left), the theatre’s Artistic Director and the show’s producer with three leading cast members – James de Lauch Hay, Jake Quickenden and Zoe Hanna May. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Natalie Hayes-Cowley, the theatre’s Artistic Director, said: “We just navigate it the best we can, even now all we can do is follow government guidelines and just hope that throughout the pantomime run things keep going in the right direction and not backwards, because that would be detrimental for us definitely.”
In upcoming Beauty & The Beast panto, CBBC’s ‘Yonko’ Chris Johnson will play Belle’s father Professor Ivar Brainstorm, while Britain’s Got Talent finalist Christian Lee will play Marcel Allumette, the quirky candelabra.
Strengthening the cast further are Lincoln’s own Chris Hayes, Paul Aitchison, and Georgia Hayes-Cowley, who will star as Humphrey Battenburg, Mary Muffintop and Mindy Singit respectively.
Camilia O’Grady, Vanessa Dumatey and Laura Wenton will be making their New Theatre Royal Lincoln debuts starring as Serenity Rose/Gigi Vavaoo, Cindy Singit and Lindy Singit respectively. The role of Carrie Cupcake will be shared by Ruby Grayson and Kyla Hurdley.
The death of a Red Arrows engineer who lost his life after a jet burst into flames could have been avoided, according to the coroner investigating the incident.
Corporal Jonathan Bayliss, 41, from Ingham in Lincolnshire, lost his life on March 21, 2018, when a Hawk T1 aircraft he was in the rear seat of crashed on the runway at RAF Valley in Anglesey.
A coroner’s inquest into Bayliss’ death found that he died from smoke inhalation and a low grade head injury, as the pilot on board, Flight Lieutenant David Stark, survived after ejecting moments before the plane hit the ground.
Coroner Katie Sutherland rejected calls from Bayliss’ family for a conclusion of unlawful killing, and instead said she would send a report to the Ministry of Defence to draw up steps to be taken in order for future deaths to be prevented.
Flight Lieutenant David Stark joined the Red Arrows in 2017. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Defence Safety Authority Service inquiry has resulted in 25 recommendations being made for future incidents, highlighting shortcomings in training for ejection procedures at the time.
In a report published by the DSAS, the Service Inquiry Panel said that the jet departed from the RAF Valley with the intention of simulating an engine failure in a training exercise.
It was then supposed to fly to RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, but during the training manoeuvre, the plane stalled and crashed near the runway, as it was flying too low to recover.
The wreckage lay covered in what looked like red tarpaulin was surrounded by firefighters that afternoon. Photo: David Robert Jones
Ms Sutherland stated that the evidence suggested the crash could have been avoided, and the MoD breached its duty, but not enough to reach a conclusion of corporate manslaughter.
As well as this, it was discovered that surviving pilot David Stark did not breach his duty of care during the incident, and he was carrying out a practised engine failure on take off at the time.
Scientists estimate the new Omicron variant could be twice as likely to re-infect people as coronavirus cases in Greater Lincolnshire jumped 20% in November and 50% week-on-week.
The first real world data from the scientists in South Africa showed a surge in the number of people catching Covid multiple times. The initial research shows Omicron may evade some immunity.
Figures from earlier this week show that there were 19,687 cases in November, while 92 deaths were recorded, of which 42 were in hospital.
According to the Government figures, between September 30 and October 31 there were 16,447 cases, an increase of nearly 20%.
Since Wednesday, the latest COVID stats for Lincolnshire have been:
2,329 new cases of coronavirus with 1,621 in Lincolnshire, 395 in North East Lincolnshire and 313 in North Lincolnshire.
15 further deaths were recorded in the government figures, including 13 Lincolnshire residents, one North East Lincolnshire resident and one North Lincolnshire resident
One further hospital death at Lincolnshire Community Health Service
The figures leave the weekly totals at 3,501 cases, 19 deaths and 20 hospital deaths. Between November 21 and 26 there were 2,360 cases, a near 50% rise.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman has confirmed there are currently no plans to make vaccinations mandatory, according to Sky News.
They also denied separate lockdown measures for the unvaccinated in future.
“Our priority is to continue to promote vaccinations and promote boosters now that we are rolling out more and more boosters to more and more people.
“That is our priority, that’s our focus, and that’s what we’re asking people to come forward and take,” they said.
Greater Lincolnshire’s latest cases up to December 3. | Data: gov.uk
NHS vaccination data released on Thursday revealed 1,383,648 doses COVID jabs had now been handed out in Lincolnshire.
Of those, 553,946 were second jabs – around 87.31% of the total 634,453 population of Lincolnshire.
The data added 37,330 new doses to the statistics. It included to 34,945 booster jabs being included bringing the total to 230,170.
The remaining 2,385 doses was nearly 58% fewer than the previous week’s 5,628 – however, the Lincolnshire Showground did close during several days last week.
Some 569,654 people over the age of 18, and 29,237 under 18s had received their first dose. Figures also showed that 17,781 first doses had been given to 12 to 15-year-olds in Lincolnshire – 53.8% of the eligible population.
A total of 551,003 over 18s and 2,943 under 18s have been double-dosed.
In North East Lincolnshire a total of 265,204 doses of the vaccine have been administered, with 106,792 second doses and 41,981 booster jabs. 39.6% of 12 to 15-year-olds have been given at least one dose.
In North Lincolnshire, 302,142 doses have been handed out, with 119,010 being double-jabbed and 53,26 having a booster shot. 48.4% of the eligible 12 to 15-year-old population have been administered at least one shot.
Greater Lincolnshire’s latest vaccinations up to December 3. | Data: gov.uk
The UK-based Cov-Boost trial found those boosted with Pfizer after two doses of AstraZeneca had antibody levels nearly 25 times higher after a month.
Pfizer recipients saw antibody levels rose more than eightfold.
The biggest increase though was from the Moderna vaccine, which raised antibody levels 32-fold in the AstraZeneca group and 11-fold in the Pfizer group. When Moderna is used in the UK booster programme, it is given at a half-dose.
However, the scientists said that people started with different antibody levels and so also urged caution when comparing performance.
Elsewhere in the UK, the latest data from the Office for National Statistics said one-in-60 people in England were estimated to have had Covid in the week up to November 27. The figure was up from one in 65 the previous week.
England’s R Number, however, is estimated to be between 0.9 and 1.1 – down slightly from between 1 and 1.1 last week.
“We’re all tired but we’ve just got to keep going,” is the message from Lincolnshire’s health bosses as mask wearing appears to be in decline and COVID-19 fatigue further sets in.
It comes as there has been a noticeable decline in the number of people wearing face coverings, to protect both themselves and others by limiting transmission of the virus.
Many are sceptical of the government’s promise that Christmas will not be affected by the virus after last minute restrictions at the end of 2020.
Elsewhere, COVID-19 booster vaccinations are to be extended to people aged 18-39, and Lincolnshire’s NHS sector is gearing up to roll out to the next cohort.
NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group has announced it will be preparing to offer booster jabs to people between the ages of 18 and 39, but has asked for patience due to the large volume of requests it will get.
As well as the extended cohort for the booster vaccinations, the government has also announced a reduction from six months to three for the interval between second doses and boosters, eligibility for a second dose for 12 to 15-year-olds, and a fourth dose for immunosuppressed people if recommended by their clinical team.
Coronavirus data for Greater Lincolnshire on Friday, December 3
159,961 (up 2,329)
107,175 in Lincolnshire (up 1,621)
25,690 in North Lincolnshire (up 395)
27,096 in North East Lincolnshire (up 395)
2,515 deaths (up 15)
1,840 from Lincolnshire (up 13)
340 from North Lincolnshire (up one)
335 from North East Lincolnshire (up one)
of which 1,505 hospital deaths (up one)
929 at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (up one)
45 at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals (up one)
1 at Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (no change)
530 in Northern Lincolnshire (NLAG) (no change)
DATA SOURCE — FIGURES CORRECT AT THE TIME OF THE LATEST UPDATE. POSTCODE DATA INCLUDES DEATHS NOT IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES OR IN HOSPITALS OUTSIDE AUTHORITY BOUNDARIES.
A Lincolnshire Police officer has been summoned to court in connection with the assault of a man at the roadside on the A46 between Lincoln and Newark.
Eight months after tree surgeon Shane Price accused the officer of assaulting him, Lincolnshire Police said Jonathan Mellor, 52, of Lincoln has been summoned to court for an offence of common assault on May 26, 2021.
This matches the same date of the incident that was caught on a phone camera by a vehicle passenger on the A46.
After the incident Mr Mellor was removed from normal duties while a review and investigation by the force’s Professional Standards Department took place.
Below is the full uncensored recording The Lincolnite was sent shortly after the incident. We have not seen any footage from before or after the time of the recorded incident.
At the time Lincolnshire Police said they had arrested the man (Mr Price) on suspicion of possession of possessing a knife blade or sharply pointed article; and on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
He was later released under investigation, and it is not yet clear if police have questioned him again since.
On Friday, December 3 police confirmed that Mr Mellor will appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Thursday, December 23, 2021. The summons is in connection with the incident on May 26.
Police said: “As court proceedings are now active and ongoing, we ask people not to speculate about the case or what the final outcome will be.”
The incident was caught on camera
The video shows tree surgeon Shane after he said he saw a man driving in a black Ford allegedly obstructing the lane on the dual carriageway, whilst reportedly using his phone.
When the two of them pulled over and got out of the cars, he asked the officer why he’d taken a photo of him and his wife and about his driving.
The video shows him suddenly being punched in the face, having his foot stamped on despite telling the officer it had stitches in it from a chainsaw-related injury at work, before then being held on the ground.
Shane repeated several times he cannot breathe while the officer had him pinned down to the ground. The officer then released him and said hello to the camera.
In the days that followed the original incident, Lincolnshire Police said: “At around 9.20pm on Wednesday, May 26, a man in his 20s was arrested just off the A46, near Aubourn.
“He was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife blade or sharply pointed article; and on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. He has been released under investigation.
“Following this incident, an officer has been removed from normal duties while a review and investigation takes place by our Professional Standards Department. We will not be commenting further while this investigation takes place.”
The Lincoln College Group held its annual awards, celebrating the achievements and success of its students in the past year.
The ceremony on December 2 was held at the Monks Road campus, with hundreds of students, staff and stakeholders enjoying a three-course meal and entertainment from the Performing Arts students.
Thirty student success and determination stories were celebrated on the night, with Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward being the guest of honour at the ceremony.
Lincoln College Group CEO Gary Headland opening the evening and addressing guests. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Hundreds attended the evening to celebrate. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
At the drinks reception, Daniel Ionescu, Editor of The Lincolnite (centre), with Julian Havenhand (L), Simon Shaw (R) from Optima, and Stonebow Media Partnerships Manager Katrina Burrill.| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Lincolnite/Stonebow Media team sponsored the event and got into the festive spirit. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Lincoln Police Chief Constable Chris Haward was the guest of honour and held a speech about the importance of education. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
James Pinchbeck, Chair of the Lincoln College Group Board of Corporation, wrapped the night. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Mark Locking, the Managing Director for Education and Training Delivery at Lincoln College Group handed out the awards.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Full list of winners:
Performing Arts and Creative Arts category – Jack Shaw
Construction Apprentice Award – Paulius Rafanavicius
Construction Student Award – Oscar McLaren
A-Levels and Access to HE Award – Tye Kirk
Care College Student Award – Chris Charumbira
Care Services Apprentice Award – Rachel Kelman
Care Services Student Award – Sophie Blackburn
Business and Education Apprentice Award – Gillian Macias
Business and Education Student Award – Shane Dale
English and Maths award – Andrew Thursby
Hair and Beauty Student award – Gemma Cotterill
Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the year – Lucy Sprigg
Engineering and Technology Student Award – Georgia Davey
Engineering and Technology Apprentice Award – Osvaldas Milasius
Sport, Public Service or Animal Care Performance Award – Charlotte Johnson
Commitment to Sport, Public Services or Animal Care Award – Kyle Storer
Award for Community Education and ESOL – Toni Kime
Service Sector Student Award – Jack Fairweather
Service Sector Apprentice Award – Rhiannon Gillings
Philip Dawson Foundation Learning Award – Ellie Kennedy
Made in Gainsborough Apprentice Award – Philip Brackenbridge
Air and Defence Student Award – Faith Stephens
Policing College awards – Lochlan Chamberlain and Dominic Capewell
Richard Arbon Award for Overcoming Adversity – Daisy Hackney
Most Improved Student Award Ben Craig
Apprentice of the Year – Rachel Kelman
16-to-18-year-old Student of the Year Award – Shane Dale
Over 19 Student of the Year Award – Andrew Thursby
KryptoKloud Award for Digital Learner if the Year – Megan Thompson
Entrepreneurial Achievement Award – Kerry Gabbitas
