Lincolnshire this week

Illegal hooch is in the news again as trading standards have revealed about 2500 bottles of the stuff have been recovered across the East Midlands this year, 65% in Derby. It’s no laughing matter though as of course this is a problem also in the Boston area where five men lost their lives in an explosion whilst they were producing illegal vodka. Neither is it good news for consumers hoping for a bargain as the finished product has been known to contains some pretty iffy ingredients which have been known to cause serious injury including blindness.

Following those serious journalists on Top Gear carrying out an in depth investigation on the provision of power for electric cars in the city Lincoln City Council have announced that points for two cars have been installed on the top floor of Lucy Tower Street car park. Apart from paying to park the car however long it will take the electricity is free. We look forward to seeing the shy and retiring Jeremy Clarkson back in the area soon to announce to the Top Gear audience the councils foresight.

Lincoln Cathedral is the only such building to be placed on English Heritage’s at risk register. £13m needs to be raised over the next 10 years to pay for essential repairs and restoration. Great Tom, the main bell has only just been returned to use following parts of the mechanism having to be repaired by hand. English Heritage say the inclusion on the list will raise awareness of the Minster’s plight and assist fund raising.

The University of Lincoln hope to re introduce cricket to the Sobraon Barracks playing field. The uni have signed a 25 year lease and aim to host matches for it’s two cricket teams. Local schools will also get the chance to use the facility as well as the cricketers from the college who have been playing home games as far away as Welbeck Notts.

The recent public services strike in Lincolnshire has resulted in a boost but not in the way the organisers anticipated. Lincolnshire Echo reported that traders saw a considerable upturn in business. A spokesman for Lincolnshire Chamber of commerce said:

"An indirect result seems to be that last Wednesday was a better day for retailers as it has given some parents who have children off school the opportunity to go Christmas shopping, therefore a potential benefit to the economy.

"This may just be timing, in that they will buy now rather than closer to Christmas, but this is likely to be a comfort to cash flow at this time."

Barry Reeves, chairman of Sincil Street Traders, in Lincoln, who runs the Central Snacks cafe on the market, said: "Can we have another strike soon?

"By going on strike, they turned last Wednesday into a bumper day of trade."It couldn't have come at a better time."

Finally and again from the Echo, ten places to make the most of Christmas in Lincoln:-

1) Carols at Lincoln Cathedral.

2) The Lincoln Whisky Shop

3) Stokes High Bridge Café

4) Panto, Lincoln Theatre Royal.

5) Lincoln Cornhill Craft Market ,Cornhill.

6) Birdy’s Boutique, off High Street

7) Jews House Restaurant.

8) The Journey, Lincoln Castle, Nativity Play.

9) The Cheese Society.

10) Marks and Spencer.

Not long to go now to the big day. Enjoy your preparations wherever you are. It’s never the same after Christmas.

                       
                            A not very Christmassy Stokes, picture from Lincolnshire Echo