Josh Francis

The Right Reverend Christopher Lowson been officially welcomed into the role of Bishop of Lincoln at a special ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral on November 12.

Reverend Lowson has now become the 72nd Bishop of Lincoln and replaces the Right Reverend Dr John Saxbee, who retired in January this year.

“Religion has become much more important in international life,” the Bishop of Lincoln told The Lincolnite in an interview before the enthronement.

“In a positive way faith communities all around the world have become more confident. In The Church of England, two million people have been on the Alpha course.

“Negatively we also have terrorism, 9/11 has forever changed the world, so I think religion has played a bigger part in life than it did ten years ago.

Reverend Lowson also believes a woman could take his place after his time as Bishop of Lincoln.

“I could see woman bishop taking over from me. I will be voting for woman bishops in the general Synod next July.

“Though it may take a little while, as bishops don’t get ordained straight away. Though God willing if I’m here for 10 to 12 years it should be very likely that a woman should succeed me.”

The Bishop of Lincoln added he is concerned about the metal thefts that are affecting religious buildings in Lincoln and across the county.

“I’m very concerned about this though I must note this isn’t just a problem for the churches, it’s affecting public utilities and Network Rail, so it’s not just a problem for the Church — it’s affecting the whole community.”

Businesses on the Steep Hill hosted their annual Fete on the Strait day on November 5, with two different events to promote business and community awareness.

Organiser and owner of local sweet shop Goodies, Richard Baxter explained the purpose of the event:

“The Fete on the Strait is to show people of Lincoln that we’re actually here to help raise money for an archway we want to build between the Kind pub and the dentist.

“I’ve found that people don’t tend to know about the businesses further up the hill and the archway is a good way for people to find us.”

The day hosted various stalls from shops on the hill and traders who have come from across Lincolnshire.

Elain Ayra from Pod Hole in Spalding, who runs Saints and Sinners — a homemade goods store, said:

“I heard about the event because I trade at the Farmers’ Market, but I also came to support the campaign.”

Jax Colins from Lincoln found the event to be “really good; I think after today I’d probably come up here more often.”

Having a Boon Day

Opposite the Fete on Strait, the alternative clothing shop Grindhaus hosted its Boon Day event in St Martin’s square.

Hosting the Lincolnshire roller derby team, music from Hash productions and Grindhaus’ newly-formed skate team, Team Grindhaus.

Owner of Grindhaus, Karl Barkworth said the day was about giving back to the community: “I set up the shop for the community and this is my way of giving back.

“Any money I make goes straight back to the community. Skateboarding has gone underground of late so I’m trying to bring it back.”