Alice Grundy

Lincoln shoppers relaxed at their own mini Glastonbury — minus the mud and rain — at one of the city’s shopping centres this weekend.

Music in the Garden, organised by Lincoln BIG, saw people visit the green area of St Marks Shopping Centre on June 28 to hear music from six different acts.

The featured musicians were local bands including The Coffee Bar Cowboys, The Delta Dogs, Gone to the Dogs Duo with fiddle playing by Andrew Sutherland, The Jabberwocky Duo, and Swing Nouveau.

The showcase of musical talent was wrapped-up by guitarist and singer-songwriter Elliott Morris from Horncastle.

Toby Carvery was there to serve food and drinks to shoppers, although some chose to have a picnic in the sun, whilst others danced and clapped along to show their appreciation of the music.

Toby Carvery was on hand to serve food to visitors.

Singer-songwriter Elliott Morris.

Quirky act The Jabberwocky Duo.

Lincoln BIG Events and Promotions Manager Michael Armstrong said: “It was fabulous to see so many people taking time out from shopping or sightseeing to relax and enjoy the music.

“I think the success of the event was down to the fact that there was a lively programme of music on offer and people could dip in and out of the event to suit themselves. It was clear that some families stayed a little longer than perhaps they originally intended!

“Lincoln BIG is looking forward to working with St Marks again on August 2, when we shall be teaming-up to stage Carnival in the Garden, which will feature family workshops led by the circus and street theatre group The Earthbound Misfits.”

Lincoln charity Framework, who provide accommodation and opportunities to the homeless, has launched an appeal for donations of old bicycles.

Run with Access LN6, the programme gives local homeless people a chance to improve their life by giving them new skills, independence and confidence.

In the six-week maintenance programme, participants will learn how to build a new bicycle out of old bikes or remodel them, earning a certificate at the end of it.

They will also be able to keep the bicycle if they take part in a bike ride on September 28, which runs from Lincoln to Woodhall Spa along the disused Water Rail Way.

However, the programme needs 10 unused bikes for those taking part to work on.

The bikes can be donated in any condition, even if they’re not working, just so long as they are salvageable.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

David Spivey, Framework Move-on worker, explained: “Framework has operated a similar scheme in Nottingham for several years and the results are very impressive.

“The reason for that success is that these schemes are about far more than just mending and riding a bike; they are about vulnerable people learning new skills and displaying personal qualities they may not know they have, as well as boosting confidence and self-esteem. ”

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Councillor for Highways and Transportation, said: “We’re delighted that through Access LN6, we can support such a worthwhile initiative.

“Not only does this scheme encourage cycling in Lincoln, it provides life-long skills for those affected by homelessness and the opportunity for Framework to continue the scheme after our programme has finished.

“We hope that local people will donate any old bicycles they have, and we’re looking forward to Framework’s bike ride in September!”

The bike ride is open to the public, with a small entrance fee that will go towards improving life for the homeless.

Bikes should be given to the Framework office on Orchard Street via David Spivey on 07969 592 115 or [email protected], or to Trevor Marsh at Sustrans on 07920 102 872 or [email protected], before Monday August 11 when the maintenance sessions begin.