Dale Benton

Residents in Lincoln are sprucing up the railings around the Boultham War Memorial after they were left in poor condition.

After recent road improvements on Dixon Street, including a new crossing and pedestrian safety railings, the local residents association felt that the memorial railings looked pale in comparison.

Ian Durrant, chairman of the Lincoln branch of the Home Service Force Association, offered the services of the HSFA to paint the railing themselves.

With the backing of City of Lincoln Council, who is providing the team with paint and equipment, Ian and seven other members began cleaning up the railings around the memorial on Tuesday, August 13. They are repainting the railings on Wednesday.

Admiring the roses (L-R): Rodger Twigg, Ian Durrant (HSFA Chairman), Steve Clarke, Ron Everitt, Eddie Fisher, Bill Lee (HSFA Secretary), John Fisher and John Evison. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Ian Durrant said: ” The Lincoln branch of the Home Service Force Association hold a remembrance service at the Boultham War Memorial site, and have done so for the last 20 years.

“The memorial is an important feature in our residential area and is kept in a very good condition by the council.

“If we asked them to paint the railings I am sure it would have been done very quickly, but having us do it is easier, so long as we do a good job,” he added.

Jean Flannery, Chair of the Boultham Residents Association, commented: “When the condition of the railings and other metal work at Boultham War Memorial was brought to our notice, both Boultham Residents Association as representing the local community and the Lincoln Home Service Force felt strongly that this showed a real lack of respect for those remembered and honoured there.

“The City Council readily agreed to responsible volunteers carrying out the refurbishment project that will restore the respect due to those commemorated at the site. This is a true example of community spirit and civic pride in action.”

An independent Lincoln cheese shop has expanded its business with a new premises on The Strait.

Taking up the vacant unit from a former jeweller’s shop, owner of The Cheese Society, Kate O’Meara has found a new home for the retail and mail order arm of her business.

The expansion will help Kate O’Meara separate her mail order operations, with a selection of cheese assortments delivered all across the UK, as well as a cafe, creating more space for diners.

The shop’s original premises on St Martin’s Lane also underwent renovation, with a redesign to provide more seating covers for diners.

Extra seating area in the refreshed Cheese Society Cafe on St Martin’s Lane. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Formerly, the cafe could only cater for 22 people, but the expansion means it will now provide seating for 36 at any one time.

“It’s a winning move all-round,” said Kate O’Meara. “We already supply about 80 cheeses, but having two sites so close together means I can offer cheese-lovers an even better service from our dedicated shop.

“Having more cafe space is also a real blessing at peak periods.”

The expansion is just the start of a new chapter for Kate and The Cheese Factory, as she looks to “breathe extra life” into the business.

“We are having a new website built, which should be up and running in September, and we have exciting plans to offer occasional Wednesday Supper Nights at our Cafe from September.”

The Cheese Society also delivers a selection of cheese assortments all across the UK. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Cheese Society’s move to The Strait follows the recent expansion of women’s fashion outlet RubyRed, which launched RubyRedKids in the the former Knight’s shoe shop.

Lincoln BIG Events and Promotions Manager Michael Armstrong said of the recent moves: “Empty premises don’t do any town or city any favours and it is especially good to see vacant premises snapped up quickly.

“Lincoln is well known for its niche and specialist businesses, many of which are based in The Strait, Steep Hill and Bailgate areas, and they include The Cheese Society, which is a well established independent.”