Chelsea Buckthorp

By Chelsea Buckthorp chelsea

On July 7, Lincs FM kicked off Lincoln’s late night shopping Thursdays with some live performances on the High Street. The Lincolnite asked the people of Lincoln what they think of the new opening hours.

Jenny Constable

Jenny Constable, 22, Oasis

“It’s the first one so I don’t think that many people know about it yet. But having said that, we have had a few people in and it’s only the first one; I think it’s only going to get busier as time goes on.”

Karen Mumby

Karen Mumby, 48, Shopper

“I much prefer it. I work late so it means I get chance to get into town without the hustle and bustle of Saturdays. I work in Sleaford so it is much more convenient for me. Hopefully, it will benefit all of the shops that are staying open too.”

Alice Trout

Alice Trout, 16, Shopper

“It’s good. I’m glad everywhere is open later, it feels less rushed. I like that Lincs FM are here, I think it’s brilliant, it makes it more fun, and generally more enjoyable!”

Richard Espin

Richard Espin, 20, Specsavers

“It has been a little bit quiet. I think maybe we need a little bit more awareness about the opening times. Having said that, we’ve had a few people in who have found the evenings quite useful; to be able to come in after work has been great for them and it’s always nice to have your weekends free.”

James Ocwell

James Ockwell, 24, Shopper

“It’s actually my girlfriend’s birthday tomorrow and I’m getting her a present. Working the hours I do, it hasn’t been easy for me to get into town sooner, so this has all worked out very conveniently for me.”

Andrew Fenneley, 38, Waterstones

Andrew Fenelly

“I think it started quite well. Just after 5.30pm was actually very busy. I think the weather has affected things today. But I think, like with all of these things, the first one is always a bit experimental. The more people become aware of it, and the ease of being able to shop in the evenings becomes more apparent to people, I think they will become progressively busier.

“There has been an awful lot of good publicity for it but I think what we need to do, going forward, is to start advertising it outside of Lincoln as well.”

Chelsea studied English Literature at Kingston University London and has also completed a work experience placement at Morton’s Media. She loves reading, dancing and visiting National Trust sites.

Anyone walking alongside the Brayford this weekend may have caught a glimpse of a world record attempt taking place on the decking outside the Holiday Inn hotel.

Chris Farrell, who started his bid for the record at midday on Friday, July 1, took hold of the record at 6.10pm on Saturday, after having rowed continuously on a rowing machine for 30 hours.

As he took his first few strides into taking control of the record, Farrell described the excitement and relief of having officially beaten the world record.

“It feels a bit more comfortable now that I’m not having to break someone else’s record. I’m very happy.”

Farrell has had a huge task on his hands over the past two days and admits that his will power has not been the only thing that has been put to the test.

“At six o’clock onwards I hit a bit of a wall and it took me about four hours to get past that. My bottom went numb at about nine o’clock this morning and now I can’t feel it at all.”

Despite being exhausted and in pain, the 23-year-old sports and community development officer who works for West Lindsey District Council, was determined to carry on.

“Because I’ve got this far, I don’t want to stop now. I want to get it to a point where I think, right, that’s going to be unbeatable for a while now.”

Since Farrell began his rowing marathon on Friday, he has received a lot of attention from passers-by who have been doing their bit to get involved.

Many have joined him for a quick row on the machine beside him and contributions to Kidney Research UK and the Lincoln Rowing Centre have been happily received.

But Farrell says that the biggest incentive to keep going has been the constant encouragement he has received from his friends and family.

“They have been really good. I wouldn’t really have done this without a lot of the help and support my family and friends have given me over the two days. Especially, some of the support team Richard, Daniel and Kate.”

At around 4am on Sunday, July 3, Farrell finally stopped rowing, setting a new world record at 41 hours.

There will be just enough time for him to get some rest before heading off to take part in the British Rowing Championship starting on July 15.

In the words of one onlooker at Saturday’s event: “The man is a machine!”

Photos: Samantha Fisher for The Lincolnite