Sneak peek inside the revamped Akedo Bar, a live music and gaming venue

Ukrainian Independence Day is this month, marking 21 years of freedom from the Soviet Republic, and after the tragedy of Russian invasion earlier this year, a march of solidarity and remembrance will be held in Lincoln.

The walk will take place on Wednesday, August 24, 21 years after the 1991 Declaration of Independence in Ukraine, to celebrate the country in all its glory.

It will take on added poignance this year given the tragedy of the Russian invasion of the Eastern European nation, which has seen a total of 5,514 civilian deaths verified by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Lincolnshire people have opened their homes to refugees from Ukraine | Photo: Bradley Wall

The walk begins at 5.45pm, leaving St Mary le Wigford Church – the base of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre of Lincoln – before meandering through the High Street, the Strait, Steep Hill and Exchequergate.

It will arrive at the intended destination of Lincoln Cathedral where a short ceremony will be held outside the monument in memory of the “Lost Children of Ukraine” – before people make their own way home.

| Photo: John Aaron for The Lincolnite

To embrace the true spirit of the event, participants are encouraged to either hold or wear something blue and/or yellow, signifying the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Read: Ukrainian journalist and refugee eternally grateful for Lincolnshire hosts

Lincolnshire has been a keen player in Ukraine support since the initial fallout of the Russian invasion, with more than 800 Ukrainian people welcomed to safety in our county so far.

At the end of February, just days after Russian troops began their invasion, a well-attended candlelit vigil was held at Lincoln Cathedral, while the iconic landmark lit up in Ukraine’s blue and yellow colours.

Staff and students from the University of Lincoln stood in solidarity with Ukraine. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

As well as this, over 100 University of Lincoln staff and students stood shoulder to shoulder on campus in a defiant act of solidarity back in March – promising anyone affected by the conflict that they are not alone.

In April, the Lincoln Run for Ukraine, organised by those behind the annual Santa Fun Run – the Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia – saw the community get their running shoes on for a good cause around the city.

A historic chapel will become a Greylees’ “premier venue” when it becomes a tea room and cocktail bar, the people behind it say.

The New Chapel on Kinross Road in Greylees, near Sleaford, has been granted a license following a major refurbishment.

The new establishment has been widely welcomed by the community.

However, there were worries from some that the 1am closing time on Friday and Saturday nights would lead to disruption for residents.

Owner Freida Alrashaid told North Kesteven District Council’s licensing committee: “The response on social media and in person has been overwhelming support. The community is very much excited for this.”

She took the late 19th century building on in 2014, and had been working to restore and bring it back into use ever since.

Ramal, who will be the Designated Premises Supervisor, said: “Blood, sweat and tears have gone into this – that shows you our level of passion.

“This will be the premier venue in Sleaford for people to come and enjoy themselves. We hope that people will be happy with what we have produced.”

He assured worried residents that they wanted to serve the local community, and not cause a nuisance to them.

The building was abandoned for a number of years. | Image: David Bosworth

The venue will be licensed to serve alcohol until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 1am Friday to Saturday, although this will mainly be used for special events.

However, some local residents said at the meeting they still had concerns about late night noise.

Chris Cocks said: “This is a peaceful area to love – with such a late license in the evenings, we will hear the noise and it will be intrusive. We haven’t had assurances on noise limiting technology.

“I am in favour of this venture, but the disruption in the early hours of the morning does worry me.”

Sarah Freeman said she was also worried about the effect on nearby families with young children.

However, Jan Gunter told the committee: “I live around 150 yards away and have no objections at all. We know that 1am events will be the exception rather than the rule.

“We have been promised so many facilities for the area over the years and none have been realised. This is to be welcomed.”

The applicants said they would endeavour to stop noise travelling, and would ask large parties not to park on the street.

The committee has granted the license application, saying that “no evidence had been presented to show there will be problems with anti-social behaviour, increase in traffic noise and parking noise, and that the information was speculative.”

The building was previously Rauceby Hospital Chapel but fell into disrepair over the years.