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.”
Fewer cases but more deaths this week
There have been 1,643 new coronavirus cases and 83 COVID-related deaths in Greater Lincolnshire this week – compared to 1,670 cases and 71 deaths last week.
Some 304 new cases and 17 deaths were reported in Greater Lincolnshire on Friday – the third day in a row with 17 deaths.
The government’s COVID-19 dashboard recorded 252 new cases in Lincolnshire, 28 in North Lincolnshire and 24 in North East Lincolnshire.
On Friday, 14 deaths were registered in Lincolnshire, two in North East Lincolnshire and one in North Lincolnshire. These figures include deaths both in and out of hospitals, as well as residents in hospitals outside the county.
NHS England reported six new local hospital deaths at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, four at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) and one at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals. Some 51 hospital deaths have been recorded this week, compared to 48 last week.
On Friday, national cases increased by 40,261 to 3,583,907, while deaths rose by 1,401 to 95,981.
Lincolnshire health bosses estimate that 80-90% of new coronavirus cases in the county are now a mutant, more infectious strain of COVID.
Figures earlier this week said that by January 8, 59.2% of cases had confirmed the new virus — up from 36% by the end of 2020 — and now county leaders estimate the number to be even higher.
The COVID mutation that has taken over most new cases in Lincolnshire is not only more infectious, but also more deadly, it has been revealed.
NHS bosses are hoping to offer all care homes in Lincolnshire the first COVID vaccine dose by the end of the week. This comes as almost 5.4 million people have received jabs nationally.
Director of Nursing at Lincolnshire CCG Martin Fahy told BBC Radio Lincolnshire that about three quarters has been completed so far.
A single week in December saw Lincolnshire deaths reach 13 times the yearly average, explained local health bosses frustrated with COVID deniers.
Lincolnshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Professor Derek Ward explained that the week including December 14 would usually see an average of 23 deaths, but 2020 say 301 deaths that week.
In national news, there are no plans to pay everyone in England who tests positive for COVID-19 £500 to self-isolate, No 10 has said.
The PM’s official spokesman said there was already a £500 payment available for those on low incomes who could not work from home and had to isolate.
The coronavirus R number in the UK has fallen sharply since last week, suggesting the lockdown is slowing the spread of coronavirus.
The R, which refers to the number of people that an infected person will pass COVID-19 on to, is between 0.8 and 1 across the UK, according to the figures released by the Government Office for Science and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
This means for every 10 people infected with COVID-19, they will pass the virus on to between eight and 10 others.
Lincoln City has taken the top spot with the highest infection rate in Greater Lincolnshire.
This week saw South Holland at the top which was put down to two outbreaks in care homes with up to 100 cases. South Holland has now dropped to third place in the region.
Greater Lincolnshire still remains way below the national average infection rate of 472.9, with just 217.3 per 100,000 of the population.
Here’s Greater Lincolnshire’s infection rate over the last seven days up to January 22 according to the government dashboard:
Greater Lincolnshire’s infection rates from Jan 15 to Jan 22. | Data: Gov UK / Table: James Mayer for The Lincolnite
Greater Lincolnshire includes Lincolnshire and the unitary authorities of North and North East (Northern) Lincolnshire.
45,645 cases (up 304)
1,760 deaths (up 17)
of which 1,047 hospital deaths (up 11)
3,583,907 UK cases, 95,981 deaths
The charity project turned into a business
A Lincoln couple will reopen their independent pizzeria at a new location on Friday night, with an array of main and signature pizzas and Belgian waffles.
Weirdough’s Pizza Emporium will open at Tap & Spile on Hungate from 5pm on Friday, January 22, but it initially started out as a charity project making Neo-Neapolitan pizzas.
Husband and wife team Matt and Rachel Barnes have lived in Lincoln for around five years and last year they wanted to do something to raise money for the NHS.
Matt starting to prepare a pizza. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Kneading the dough. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Matt used to work at a Lincoln school, but they were closed to most pupils for a few weeks in March, so he started working on a project and Weirdoughs Pizza Emporium was born.
It was initially run from The West End Tap from the end of last summer, but in January the pub announced it would not reopen again under its current management, so Weirdoughs had to find a new premises.
The base ready for the next stage of the pizza making. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Matt putting the pizza into the oven. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The tasty pizza in the oven. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Adding the finishing touches to the pizza. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
All profits made from the food sold – just under £2,000 – went to the NHS. The couple also did some drop offs at the coronavirus ward at Lincoln County Hospital.
Matt was made redundant at the end of May and Rachel was due to give birth four weeks after that.
It was a hectic time for the couple as Rachel, who works at a primary school in Peterborough, would be on maternity leave and Matt would soon have no income.
The Margz main pizza – San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Weirdough – San Marzano tomatoes, parmesan, Emmental, mozzarella, red onions, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, spicy Nduja sausage, rocket, balsamic glaze and garlic drizzle. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
As the pizzas were working so well and following feedback from customers, the couple decided to turn it into a business.
Dan Neale, who previously ran the West End Tap, has joined the Weirdoughs team of four as a pizza chef.
Or why not try a Create Your Own Weirdoughs Waffle? | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The dough is homemade 24 hours ahead to make their special main and signature pizzas, while customers can also order a create your own Weirdoughs waffle.
The Belgian waffles come with a variety of toppings such as Kinder Bueno, Crunchie, and Galaxy Caramel, with sauces including white and milk chocolate, salted caramel and toffee, with ice cream.
Weirdoughs will open Friday to Sunday 5pm-9pm and Wednesday to Thursday 5pm-8pm for takeaway or delivery.
Pre-ordering is advised via Facebook or Instagram or by calling 07734 297 035, with the latter option preferred if it is after 4.30pm.
Owner Matt Barnes will help meet your pizza needs. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Delivery is available to the following areas: Ermine, St Giles, Monks Road, High Street, Bailgate, Boultham, West End and the city centre.
Weirdoughs will try and accommodate other areas too, but it may incur additional charges, while the takeaway will also be joining Uber Eats in the near future.
Weirdoughs will be based inside the Tap & Spile pub in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Once pubs are allowed to reopen again, customers at the Tap & Spile will able to order Weirdoughs food straight to their table and Matt said he can’t wait for people to able to experience it that way.
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