Over 100 university staff and students, as well as members of the community, gathered in Lincoln on Thursday to show support and solidarity with Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues to intensify.
At 3pm on Thursday, a large group of people gathered outside the University of Lincoln Students’ Union to stand and support the Ukrainian people, as the Russian invasion enters its third week.
Ukraine flags were waved and notes of support for the victims and condemnation for Russian President Vladimir Putin were stuck on the walls of the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre by people who came.
Messages of solidarity, and even a few choice words for Vladimir Putin. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Attendees were welcome to write messages and stick them up. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The University of Lincoln’s Vice Chancellor Neal Juster was in attendance at the event, standing front and centre while two people spoke about the support and appeal efforts of the local community.
Neal Juster, VC of the university, was at the front of the crowd. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
One of those that spoke was Nat Kitchin, 21, the Vice President of campaigns and environment at the University of Lincoln Students’ Union, and she said she could not believe the short notice support for the event.
Nat Kitchin led the speeches. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Nat told The Lincolnite: “The idea came to us literally about two days ago through speaking to fundraising students about what we could do, as a community this is what we do best.
“I will forever be amazed at the way the community turns out for these things and comes together during testing times. We have students from all over the world, including here in Ukraine, and this was our way of letting them know that they’re not alone.”
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
There was a collection bucket for funds, and proceeds from any donations go straight to the Disaster Emergency Committee, which provides supplies to Ukrainian refugees as they look to flee their country for safety.
As well as this, there have been clothes donations at Witham House, and also a QR code on display to take you direct to a donation service.
A large crowd could be seen outside the Students’ Union. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Subash Chellaiah from the university’s Multi-Faith Chaplaincy also spoke at the event, telling those in attendance about the work done by the Chaplaincy for anyone affected by the Ukraine conflict.
The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy has been working hard to support Ukraine. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
They said: “It is dreadful what is going on in Ukraine, and all we can do is join our hands and hearts together and support all we can.
“Everyone at the university has done an amazing job and we have been overwhelmed with support for our appeals, which we are still accepting.”
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Chaplaincy, based next to the sports centre on university campus, offers a safe space for people of all walks of life who may have been impacted by the news of the Russian invasion.
As well as this, there will be an event on April 1 inside the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy focused around supporting and listening to the people of Ukraine, with speakers reading prayers and poems.
| 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
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
A family-run jewellers with more than 50 years’ experience is relocating from Newark to open in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter next week.
Smiths The Jewellers was based on Balderton Gate in Newark for 18 years, but it will now move into the unit previously occupied by Oxfam at 26-27 Sincil Street.
The new shop will open at 10am on Saturday, June 4 and the business has collaborated with Chambers Florists, also of the Cornhill Quarter, to do a jubilee themed window display.
Smiths The Jewellers is a traditional family-run business selling a wide range of jewellery, both new and pre-owned, as well as buying unwanted and broken jewellery. The shop will also offer services such as repairs, alterations and valuations.
The four employees will move over to the new shop and two new jobs have also been created.
Business owner Sonya Smith is the third generation of a family of jewellers and she told The Lincolnite: “We had some amazing customers in Newark, and also who travelled from Lincoln. We are excited to be opening in Lincoln.
“The Cornhill Quarter is vibrant and such a nice place to be and will allow us to expand. We are a great family business with a lot of loyal followers.”
The trial of a Skegness woman who denies causing the death of Nottingham Trent University student Hope Starsmore by dangerous driving has been put back until next year.
Rebecca Porter, 33, of Cottesmore Close, Skegness, was due to go on trial at Lincoln Crown Court on June 27. Her trial was expected to last four days.
However a pre-trial hearing at Lincoln Crown Court was today (Friday) told more time is needed to gather evidence from expert witnesses.
Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight told Ms Porter her trial would now be listed at Lincoln Crown Court on April 17 next year.
Granting Ms Porter unconditional bail Judge Sjolin Knight explained to her: “Unfortunately there is very little realistic prospect of this trial being ready for June 27.
“I know that is difficult for you. I am sure it is also difficult for the family of the lady who was killed.”
At a previous hearing in October last year Porter pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Ms Starsmore on October 7, 2020 by dangerous driving on the A158 at Burgh le Marsh, near Skegness.
Ms Starsmore was rushed to hospital after a collision in Skegness Road, Burgh le Marsh, at around 8.15am on Wednesday, October 7.
Despite multiple operations, doctors were unable to save her and she died eight days after the crash.
Ms Starsmore had just started a course in medical science at Nottingham Trent University and wanted to become a paramedic.
Due to coronavirus, she had decided to live at home in Skegness and study. She also opted to commute to Nottingham once a week.
She was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary after the crash and placed in a medically-induced coma.
Her brother and her partner had been travelling with her on their way to Nottingham Trent University and received minor injuries.
Despite having moved to the Lincolnshire seaside, Hope had grown up in Corby, Northamptonshire.
Porter will next appear at Lincoln Crown Court on June 27 for a further pre-trial hearing.
Whatsapp
