The Bishop of Lincoln will spend a night in a stable this month, much like the nativity scene, to raise money for charity.
The Rt Revd Christopher Lowson will sleep in a cold stable near Harmston on December 20 to support the Nomad and Christian Aid’s Favela project in Brazil.
He hopes to raise £5,000 for the causes, and donations are already being made at his Charity Giving page.
The Bishop will only have a sleeping bag and the straw around him for comfort, with no other luxuries permitted.
The weather is expected to be cold and wet, but not at freezing temperature on the night of his sleep.
The Bishop said: “The nativity story is often romanticised into something rather charming and magical, and by doing this I hope to discover some of the harsh realities of the experience of Mary and Joseph – and hundreds of people around the country and the world who have no bed in which to sleep.
“During the Christmas season, when we are enjoying the love of our families and friends and giving and receiving gifts, it is worth remembering those who have no-one to love, or no-one to love them, and who certainly will not be enjoying the long, cold and wet nights outdoors. Please do help me to raise much-needed money for those in overwhelming need close to home, and those around the world.”
A number of other members of the local clergy will also take up the challenge in stables around Lincolnshire on the same night.
And Brenda Willson of the Nomad Trust in Lincoln said: “The Nomad Trust would like to wish Bishop Christopher every success as he strives to raise awareness of homelessness and to thank all those who sponsor him.
“Christmas has become very commercialised and it is easy to forget the true meaning – the birth of our Lord. We are very grateful for all donations which help us to provide warmth and shelter to those whose lives are in crisis, many of whom have no family support.”
Stable owner Peter Mottram, of C A Mottram and Sons, added: “There’s not much draught-proofing we can do in a stable, and we can’t guarantee that our straw is particularly soft, but we hope very much that the Bishop will get some rest, especially as he will be doing this during a very busy season of carol services and his preparations for Christmas.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.