The joy of photographing strangers
A Lincoln photographer is telling the stories of 100 strangers in the city through a series of spontaneous cathedral portraits.
For ex-cop Richard Hall, retirement has been an unexpected journey of discovery, taking him back to the classroom and connecting with hundreds of people from all walks of life.
“My wife said I was bananas when I applied for a degree in photography,” laughed Richard, 54. “Two days later, she’d signed herself up to a course too!”
Some of the 100 Strangers portraits Richard has taken around the cathedral
For 30 years, Richard was a police officer working in custody. He also spent two years in the Home Office for the Ministry of Justice and said his career gave him varied experiences of working with people.
He said enrolling in the course at Lincoln College has been an inspiring journey.
His days now typically range from classes and eight hours stints in the college dark room, to sports photography and even work in events and community theatre.
“It’s been fascinating and given me so much joy. It’s made me realise I’d prefer to be poor and have time.
“My final year dissertation is coming up. While people are travelling around to find their subjects, I thought what better subject than the beautiful cathedral on our doorstep.
“100 Strangers is a challenge taken on by photographers across the globe. The Flickr group has almost 12,000 members. I believe I’m the only one focussing on the specific area of Lincoln.”
Richard has so far photographed 11 strangers in and around the cathedral, including a sneaky celebrity, and has been fascinated to learn their stories and what brought them to the city.
Here are some of the characters who feature in the project so far with short extracts from bios written by Richard:
“I met David inside the Cathedral with his proud family on the day of his graduation from the University of Lincoln. David is originally from Uganda and has studied hard for 5 years to graduate with a Degree in Architecture. David told me he was applying for jobs to realise his dream of becoming a fully qualified Architect. David did tell me the 5 years had seen plenty of ups and downs but that both contained important lessons. It was great to see so many graduates in and around the Cathedral and I was delighted to find someone for my project so enjoying his experience on the day.”
“I met Les between the Cathedral and the Castle. Les and his wife were visiting Lincoln whilst they are staying with their daughter in nearby Newark. I was immediately drawn to his wonderful moustache. Les lives in Kent and retired I think he said 4 years ago. Les used to have a company concerned with the removal and safe disposal of asbestos. He told me the last asbestos was put into buildings in around 1987 and that there is still at least 30 or 40 years worth of work before all the asbestos in the country has been removed. In addition to this portrait I asked Les to make my portrait as part of one of my degree modules which he did.”
“I met Will sat on the bench outside the Lincoln Tourist Office. Will was sat quietly sketching Steep Hill in pencil. I approached him and explained the project and gave him my business card with the link to my Flickr feed and he willingly agreed to take part. He told me he works as an Illustrator in London. He was in town to see his brother and originates from Nottingham. Will said he is getting over his shyness of working in public and had graduated from little scraps of paper on the tube to now using a sketchpad. I did have a look through his illustrations and they were beautifully seen.
“In addition to this portrait I asked Will to make my portrait as part of one of my degree modules which he did. When framing my picture although he was unfamiliar with the camera it was obvious that he had trained at art college.”
“Lynne was spending the day in the Cathedral acting as Duty Chaplain. She explained the role of the Duty Chaplain which is to offer support and advice to anyone that might need it. Lynne works three or so days in the Cathedral in this capacity and studied for a Degree in Theology at the University of Lincoln. Mostly she acts as a friendly ear provided to those that need support and she gave me examples of a few of the encounters that she has had recently. In addition she told me about King Henry the VIII’s confessor who was interred right next to where we were talking and whom the King had had executed despite his former role. Honestly I could have sat talking to her all day.”
“Jason was minding his own business and relaxing with a cup of tea when I approached him and asked to make his portrait. I explained I was a degree student at the College at Christs Hospital Terrace and Jason told me he himself had been an Art student at the College some years before. Jason is well known as a television host and technology expert but was approachable and generous with his time.”
“Grace was sat having her lunch in the Cathedral yard when I first spotted her. I hung around whilst she finished before approaching her. I explained the project and I offered her my business card with the link to my Flickr feed. Grace told me she is Italian and comes originally from from Naples. Grace is part-way through a 3 year apprenticeship as a Stonemason and is employed by Lincoln Cathedral. The Cathedral is undergoing an extensive restoration and she is clearly excited to be part of such an important and worthwhile project.
“Grace told me she absolutely loves being a Stonemason and hopes after her initial apprenticeship that she will be allowed to continue with her training. Grace told me she has already done the academic thing having studied for a Degree in Sociology but prefers working with her hands. She was extremely pleasant and thanked me for my time before we parted company!
“I know the background of the image is a little messy but it is her workplace so wanted to include it.”
“Dave served in the 16th Independant Company of the Parachute Regiment in Lincoln. Dave was born and bought up in Lincoln but his roots are in the East End of London. Dave lost his brother early in life and believes life is for living and to cherish every moment. I am grateful for Dave agreeing to be my first stranger and enjoyed our time together.”
Jo Tindley secured a solo victory at the National Circuit Championships in Lincoln on Friday tonight, while Ethan Hayter claimed his second title in as many days following Thursday’s victory in the time-trial.
Tindley (Pro-Noctis – Redchilli Bikes – Heidi Kjeldsen) led from the start and looked assured throughout, with her lead never falling below 20 seconds, while the chasing bunch behind were unable to effectively work together to claw back the deficit.
Having previously worked behind the bar in the pub overlooking the finish line, the hometown rider knew every twist and turn of the technical circuit, and crossed the line arms aloft 1:12 ahead of Abi Smith (Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank) in second, while Corinne Side secured a second podium place for Lincoln-based team Pro-Noctis – Redchilli Bikes – Heidi Kjeldsen.
Despite a collision after the finish line both riders dusted themselves off to collect their first senior national medals on the road.
Jo Tindley led from the start and looked assured throughout.
Speaking after the race, Jo Tindley said: “If you’re going to do it, you want to do it in front of a home crowd, don’t you? There was quite a lot of drive that kept me going, but it’s not sunk in just yet.
“There are some really good sprinters in the group, and having done some other races this year I knew I couldn’t just handle them, so for me it was either whittling it down and making one big move, or as it happened really early it just lined out and there’s not a lot of rest on this circuit, so I knew I could potentially get away.
“When the gap happened quite early I had to commit to it, I had no other option.
“I used to work at the pub just here so I know the finish line very well from looking out of the window at it. You always dream it – it’s pretty special.”
In a frenetically-paced men’s race a leading bunch of Hayter (Team Ineos Grenadiers), Harry Tanfield (Team Qhubeka Nexthash), Lewis Askey (Equipe Cycliste Continentale Groupama-FDJ), Charlie Tanfield (Canyon DHB Sungod) and Charles Page (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling) quickly whittled down the field as riders were lapped and removed from the race.
There was nothing to split the quintet as the bell rang for the final lap and it was Askey who attacked first, but the 20-year-old was unable to get away. As the sprint opened up, Harry Tanfield looked to be the early favourite, but Hayter delivered when it mattered most once more to add another red, white and blue jersey to his collection.
With all eyes now on the prospect of an unprecedented treble on Sunday, Hayter said:
“I managed to get myself straight to the front and I pretty much stayed out of trouble. I knew all these guys were super strong, both Tanfields are strong crit riders, and Lewis and Charles as well. I just tried to not do too much and stay close to the bunch so that the guys would keep working and not attack themselves.
Speaking about the buoyant Lincoln crowd, Hayter added:
“I was loving it to be honest. There were a lot of people shouting my name which was quite strange. It was lined the whole way around, and it’s almost like a go-kart track going around some of the corners, so it’s just really enjoyable.
“I think there’s a bit of pressure on [Sunday] now. It’s not going to be easy but we’ll see what we can do.”
More frustrated drivers have come forward with their stories of bogus fines at a Lincoln retail park — and when The Lincolnite asked the parking warden to explain the situation, he said he was “not allowed to comment”.
The Lincolnite has reported about the issues at Tritton Road Retail Park for over six years, and dodgy activity was previously uncovered, such as rule changes without warning and attendants encouraged to ‘bend the rules’ for bonuses at the car park operated by UK Parking Control (UKPC) Ltd.
We went back to the car park on Friday and tried to speak with the parking attendant directly, so UKPC — who ignored all media requests — could present their side of the story, but he said he was “not allowed” to speak to us.
Two people recently came forward after receiving parking fines which they claim are bogus. This prompted more frustrated shoppers to contact The Lincolnite to share their experiences – if you are fined, it is advised not to automatically pay it straight away – see useful advice here from MoneySavingExpert.
Jo Chambers went out shopping to Homesense with her partner on July 18 for her new home in Waddington Heath. However, when they returned to her car they were confronted by a ticket stating “vehicle owner/driver left the site”.
Jo Chambers appealed her fine and it was later rescinded.
Jo’s Home Sense receipt and proof of parking, and the parking charge.
After appealing the fine, it was rescinded and Jo received a letter of apology, but she still wanted to raise awareness to others about the issue.
The letter from UKPC’s Appeals Department states: “We understand your frustration and appreciate the inconvenience this has caused you. It is not our intention to cause undue worry and frustration when enforcing our clients’ terms and conditions of parking.
“We have investigated your appeal based on the information submitted and whilst we feel that the parking charge was correctly issued and that we were following the guidelines and enforcement controls agreed with our client, we have decided in this instance to cancel the parking charge as a gesture of goodwill.”
Jo told The Lincolnite: “The letter of apology was a joke, stating the employee was in his every right to issue the fine, but as a gesture of goodwill they would rescind the fine, not taking any liability whatsoever.
“Surely the shops and council should confront this scam. We will not park and shop there unless we are on foot now, and if we do we take photos as evidence, which we shouldn’t need to.
“It’s the older vulnerable generation that I’m more concerned about as they are likely to panic and just pay it.”
Another driver is currently trying to appeal his fine.
Another driver, who wished to remain anonymous, received a ticket on September 29, stating “vehicle owner/driver left the site,” but he said: “I parked my car and did some browsing in Halfords, following by some shopping in Home Bargains, and then came (back) to a ticket on my window.
“I have emailed them twice with proof of what I did that day and got nothing back. It’s been over two weeks so I paid the £60 rather than the £100, with a follow-up email about it, but still have nothing back.”
After receiving a ticket on October 5 stating “not parked correctly within the markings of the bay or space”, another driver said: “It had no markings saying I couldn’t park there or no double yellow lines.”
The Lincolnite tried to get the perspective of retailers in the area.
Staff at ScS said they get customers in every now and again with a car parking issue and try to support them where they can.
The staff said: “There needs to be extra car parking in the area, as well as in the retail park, or the flexibility to go off site. The wardens are doing a good job.
“People shouldn’t be going off site, but ultimately this car park isn’t big enough for the retailers and customers.”
There was nobody available to provide a comment at Homesense, Halfords, Pets at Home, Carpet Right, Oak Furnitureland or Smyths Toys.
A parking charge notice was placed on the vehicle within 11 minutes of the driver being in Starbucks. | Photo: The Lincolnite
Every time The Lincolnite has approached UKPC for a statement, there has been virtually no response, including on Monday and Tuesdays October 11 and 12. The only automated response came after also contacting the complaints email, saying: “Please be advised we have received your appeal. Please allow up to 35 days for a response.”
We went to the car park on Tuesday, October 12 and, whilst there, another man received a fine — but no attendant was to be seen. They appear to stay covert in their unmarked cars in order to avoid confrontation with shoppers.
Although an attendant did confirm to the reporter that he was from UKPC on Friday, October 15, he claimed he was “not allowed to comment” and advised contacting the company via the website.
In addition, when you try to phone the company and choose from the various different options, an automated voice informs you that it cannot be dealt with on the phone, and appeals must be made in writing.
UKPC says “we pride ourselves to alleviate your parking difficulties”, but we, and many customers, have struggled to get an official reply from them.
The firm is run by Rupert and Amanda Williams, who enjoy a luxury lifestyle and a string of fancy cars, according to The Mirror. The Mirror also reported last year that the parking firm claims taxpayer cash despite making £1.3 million profit in 2019.
If you have encountered an issue at this car park, please contact us at [email protected] with as many details and evidence as possible.
UKPC Ltd’s signage at the Tritton Road Retail Park. A sticker was visibly placed over the no parking hours last year. | Photo: The Lincolnite
In November 2018, residents said they were planning to boycott the car park after they introduced new £100 fines for “leaving the site”.
Drivers at the time said they had not been warned about the change of rules, except for a small yellow notice on the signs at the car park.
Earlier the same year, in April 2018, it was reported that UK Parking Control was fined almost £6,000 for refusing to provide CCTV footage from a Lincoln car park that would have helped an investigation into fly-tipping.
The car park’s operator UKPC was also embroiled in a scandal in 2015 where drivers appealed against fraudulent parking tickets after revelations from The Lincolnite.
A former warden previously told The Lincolnite in 2015 how attendants were encouraged to ‘bend the rules’ for bonuses.
Nearly 20% of bins rejected
More than 9,000 bins have been rejected by a Lincolnshire council so far this week as authorities clamp down on what can and can’t be recycled.
North Kesteven District Council’s recent introduction of a purple bin for dry and clean paper and cardboard has caused confusion with nearly 20% of green bins – meant for plastic bottles and cans – not emptied by refuse collectors, in the second collection since the scheme started.
Residents have hit out at the amount of rubbish left behind and the council’s strict rules – with some even resorting to abuse of the refuse collectors – but NKDC bosses say recycling contamination is “undermining” their efforts and that advice is being offered to residents who break the rules.
Here’s the breakdown of collections this week so far:
Lynda Somers took to North Hykeham Community Page to write: “The straw that broke the camel’s back… I am so meticulous in my recycling but bin not emptied to day. I want to dump it all and the two bins at the [NKDC] office. I will no longer recycle, I’m going to order a big black bin.”
And her sentiments were echoed by several others.
Others took a lighter approach, with Daryl James writing: “Just heard there will be public floggings held at the North Hykeham Village Green Saturday morning for all of the naughty folk that didn’t obey the strict green bin protocols… please bring your tag of shame so it can warrant how many floggings you will receive.”
A North Kesteven District Council illustration of what should go in each bin. | Image: NKDC
In the first purple bin collection week, which ran from September 27, just 1.5% of bins were rejected.
A spokesman for North Kesteven District Council emphasised that what can and can’t be recycled hadn’t changed, just where it went.
Council leader, Councillor Richard Wright, said: “Contamination is an issue which is increasingly impacting on how much can be recycled and undermining all the efforts our households are making on their recycling at home.
“The only way to stop this is by everyone taking responsibility for our waste, by making sure only the right thing goes into the right bin.”
He said the council had been communicating with residents on the new rules since July.
North Kesteven District Council leader Richard Wright.
“We never want to leave a bin unemptied unless it’s really necessary,” he added.
“The wrong things regularly found in green-lidded bins – from soft plastics such as film lids and carrier bags to other items such as kitchen roll and used tissues, takeaway containers and even dirty nappies – can’t be recycled and contaminate other good recycling in bins and even the lorry load itself.
“This results in not only increased sorting costs but less items recycled as residents expect them to be,” he said.
Whatsapp
