May 24, 2022 5.00 pm
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“Role model to us all”: Tributes to Skegness businessman after sudden death
David Colman was “generous, kind hearted and well respected.”
David Colman, pictured here with his grandson Remy, was a consistent part of the local community in Skegness, in both work and leisure. | Photo: Alex Colman
An entire community is mourning a local businessman after he suddenly lost his life aged 66 last month, following 50 years in his family’s printing company.
David Colman suddenly passed away on April 16, aged 66 after a 50 year career in the family business, providing jobs for hundreds of local people.
He was well known and respected throughout his long career in the printing industry, specialising in labels, tickets and tags.
David is survived by his wife Sandra, sister Andrea and two children, Natalie and Alex, along with his grandson Remy. He was looking forward to his second grandchild this coming August.
A funeral service will be held at St Matthew’s Church in Skegness at midday on June 1, with a celebration of his life immediately following the funeral at Seacroft Golf Club.
Steve Motson has worked for David for 45 years, he said: “David had time for each of his employees, not just to stop and chat but with a genuine interest in what they had to say.
“In my own personal life David was very supportive and as many of us at Impact, I like to think of him as a friend. There is so much we would like to thank him for.”
Outside of work, David was a keen sportsman with an enthusiasm that spread throughout local clubs. As well as being a leading squash player in Skegness, he also helped organise the team and sponsored them for a number of years.
Owner of Skegness Hospitality business, KLH Leisure, Keith Hussey, had a friendly rivalry with David: “David and I were among the local guys that started the original first team in Skegness.
“We had some great games together and I have to say David came out on top more than me. He was the top player in Skegness for many years and played a big role in organising the team.”
David was a keen golfer, squash player and cyclist. | Photo: Alex Colman
He could only really play squash until his body told him no, and it was golf that next took his interest. In 2003 he served as a captain of his local club alongside his wife Sandra. He spent several years as Junior Organiser at Seacroft Golf Club.
Nigel Roylance played golf regularly with David and took on the role as Junior Organiser after him. He said: “David was a thoughtful man which was always apparent in his approach to golf. I know first hand how much hard work he gave to the junior section of the club.
“He was generous, kind hearted and well respected and his passing leaves a hole for all of us.”
In 2011 it was time for a new interest for David, as he raised £20,000 for charity when he and 12 friends cycled 300 miles from London to Paris. His enthusiasm for bikes landed him a role in the local cycling club – Alford Wheelers.
David’s son, Alex Colman said: “David gave work and hobbies his all, he loved competition but had such team spirit. Despite being a busy man, he’d make time for others, nearly always ending up organising or playing a helpful role.
“He was a kind, charitable man that expected nothing in return and didn’t want recognition. The way he treated his colleagues and friends makes him a role model to us all.”
His family business, Impact Boston Ltd, continues with over 50 loyal staff run by Sandra Colman, Alex Colman and long-term friend Glyn Turner.
The Colman family has said that there is no strict dress code for David’s funeral service and it is family flowers only, with donations to Children in Need via Skegness and District Funeral Services.
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: