Andrew Phillips

A tattooist from Lincoln is set to make his mark in India by judging the Indian Ink Tattoo Convention at the Mumbai World Trade Centre this October.

Alex Stark (29) who owns the Tattooed Arms on Corporation Street in Lincoln has been tattooing from the age of 17.  He has since established himself as an artist within the local tattoo industry with his Japanese-influenced designs.

Alex and his partner, photographer Katy-Jane Riches (26), can’t wait to jet off to the Indian Ink Tattoo Convention at the end of October.

Alex will have the tough task of choosing the winners of competitions which attract the most progressive body-artists in the world.

The invitation to judge came after Alex and Katy-Jane attended a similar event in Nepal earlier this year.

Alex and his partner, photographer Katy-Jane Riches can’t wait to jet off to India at the end of October

Katy-Jane said: “We’re really excited. There will be a huge buzz. Alex will have his own booth, giving him a superb opportunity to showcase his work and we will be able to swap notes with other artists and discover the latest emerging trends.”

Alex and Katy-Jane, who celebrate their first year in business this month are equally thrilled about the success of their ‘pirate pub’ style store the ‘Tattooed Arms’.

Alex whose store also offers piercings, t-shirts and provides picture hanging space for Lincoln-area artists said: “We’ve had a very good reception since opening in Lincoln. Contrary to what many people might think, we are also attracting an amazing range of customers.

“University students only account for about 15 per cent of our business. We have people from the age of 18 to 81, including people who might never have considered getting a tattoo and we are attracting repeat customers.

“I also do a lot of cover work, where I make an old tattoo ‘disappear’ by overlaying it with a new design.”

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Matt Corrigan said: “Lincoln has a great reputation for being home to a range of niche businesses, and they play a key role in encouraging more people to come and discover the city.

“We congratulate the Tattooed Arms on a successful first year in business and Alex, in particular, on being invited to be a judge at the Convention in Mumbai.”

City of Lincoln Council staff and councillors took part in their own Great British Bake Off to raise money for charities Lincoln Dial-a-ride and Development Plus.

The Great Mayoral Bake Off raised more than £350 for the two charities which was held on Friday, August 29.

A judging panel comprised of the council’s civic party sampled more than a dozen cakes baked across three categories: sponge cakes, cheesecakes and cup cakes.

Fortunately there was no ‘Bin Gate’ scandal at the event and no one had their Baked Alaska sabotaged.

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Brent Charlesworth, who hosted the event said:

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came to the bake-off, especially to civic friends from around the county and officers from City Hall too.

“I’d like to say a particular thank you to those who baked and provided us all with some of the most tasty cakes I think I’ve tasted in a long time.

“It was a really good afternoon and I hope I’ve raised some money and awareness for my two charities.”

Staff were invited to watch the tasting during their lunch breaks. The event, along with a dress down day for staff, raised £351.78 for the Mayor’s two chosen charities.