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January 16, 2012 12.48 pm This story is over 160 months old

A memorial for local footballing heroes, Keith Alexander and Richard Butcher, was unveiled at Lincoln City Football Club on Sunday.

After numerous fundraising efforts, a plaque in memory of the former manager and player was presented in front of family, friends and fans inside the stadium’s Trust Suite.

Butcher’s wife, Sarah, and Alexander’s wife, Helen, unveiled the plaque which depicts a memorable image of the two men walking off the pitch together.

Former player and manager at Lincoln City, Keith Alexander died at the age of 53, in 2010, after suffering from illness following a brain aneurism in 2003.

Ex City player, Richard Butcher, died in his bed last year, from a rare heart condition called cardiac arrhythmia.

Lincoln City FC said the memorial is a fitting tribute to the men who are missed and will never be forgotten.

“It was good to see the Trust Suite so full of friends of the club to remember two well respected and sorely missed men,” said a Lincoln City spokesperson.

The plaque will remain in the Trust Suite to commemorate the two men’s service to the club.

Source: Lincoln City FC | Photo: Chris Vaughan

January 13, 2012 4.16 pm This story is over 160 months old

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, interior designer Katie Dayman and architect Sam Reid, look over plans for the revamp

Support for the project to revamp Lincoln’s cherished Ritz cinema is gaining momentum, as residents, the city MP and local architects get on board.

Over 100 people have joined the campaign’s Facebook group and offered their support in various ways, including taking part in the sponsor a seat appeal which offers people a season ticket or advertisement on the seat for £100.

One resident spotted 500 second hand cinema seats available, for free, in Oldham and another offered to lend a hand with his van and help collect them.

Architects and building contractors SRS Services have taken on the project and are currently awaiting survey results to establish the true state of the building.

Interior designer Katie Dayman ensured the original character of the cinema will be captured in the redevelopment.

“We want to try and retain a lot of the 1930s look and feel but ensure we have a modern twist so it can appeal across the spectrum of ages and hopefully create something beautiful,” said Dayman.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney visited the site on Friday to look over plans and express his backing for the project and reflect on his own childhood memories of visiting his local cinema in Birkenhead.

McCartney said: “The Ritz was a popular venue and it is great it is being brought back into use and so many people have stepped forward to offer to help.

“I have some very fond memories of going somewhere very similar and watching The Cannonball Run with some mates from school on a Saturday and being surprised with the amount of Maltesers and sweets flying round the room.”

The cinema’s revival has unearthed some of its old employees who have offered their support and former usher Katy Baggott shared some memories:

“As well as selling ice cream and collecting ticket stubs we all had torches to show people to their seats and I can remember having to shine it at people who were snogging or drinking alcohol,” said Baggott.

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You can show your support for the Ritz revival or simply share memories on Facebook.

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