‘A feather from above’: St Barnabas Hospice’s feather ironwork display at Aubourn Gardens and Grounds

St Barnabas Hospice are excited to share some very special news about how they are helping supporters to remember loved ones this spring. You are invited to honour the memory of a loved one with a personalised ironwork feather, as part of the Hospice’s spring ironwork appeal, Feathers from Above.

You are able to purchase your ironwork feather on the St Barnabas Hospice website, for £40 and it will appear in a beautiful display, made possible thanks to Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds.

The ironwork feathers are made at three different heights to create a moving display of art that will interact with the wind. At the end of the display, you will be invited to choose the feather that resonates with you the most and collect the personalised tag with your loved one’s name, to take home and display forever.

The moving Feathers from Above display will be open to visit from Saturday 4th May to Friday 17th May and you can book to visit through the St Barnabas Hospice website. You will receive a unique code for one free entry with every feather purchased. For other visitors, the entry fee is £8 per person (50% of which will be retained by St Barnabas) and free for children under 16 years old.

Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas Hospice, says: “We are thrilled to be offering a new ironwork design. Our previous spring appeals have been so well-loved and supported, raising vital funds for local Hospice care across Lincolnshire.

“The feathers provide an opportunity for individuals and families to remember their loved one with a tangible and personalised ironwork that they can take home and display forever.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to local steel fabricator, Kevin Baumber, for the design and creation of the handmade ironwork feather and Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds for facilitating the emotional and moving display of dedicated feathers.”

There is also an opportunity to view the display at night, with specially curated lighting, photos of the loved ones, music, and a welcome drink. The reflection evenings are taking place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd May. Tickets are £10 per person, and you can book a time to visit through the St Barnabas website.

The appeal is also supported by Rebekah Watson. In April 2021, at age just 33, her sister, Natalie, was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. She was subsequently cared for by nurses from St Barnabas Hospice through their Hospice at Home service.

Rebekah says: “My sister, Natalie, was a funny, kind, and beautiful mother, sister, and auntie. She loved everybody she met and was so generous.

“The St Barnabas nurses that visited Natalie at home, were a huge support to her and us, as a family. They could not do enough for Natalie in the final weeks of her life, going above and beyond to make sure that she was comfortable.

“We have seen first-hand just what a difference St Barnabas makes to its patients and their families, which included the invaluable help and support members of our family received after Natalie’s death.

“I look forward to seeing so many special people being remembered through the Feathers from Above appeal alongside my sister, this spring.”

To dedicate a feather and book your visit to the display at Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds, please visit https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/feathersfromabove/ 

“The St Barnabas nurses that visited my sister at home were a huge support to her and us. I look forward to seeing so many special people being remembered through the Feathers from Above appeal alongside her, this spring.”

“My name is Rebekah, and I would like to share with you some very special news about how St Barnabas is helping people like us remember loved ones this spring. When my sister Natalie died, my family and I wanted to find ways to support the Hospice. Now I can honour her memory with a personalised ironwork feather, and you can do the same for your loved ones.

“My sister, Natalie, was a funny, kind, and beautiful mother, sister, and auntie. She loved everybody she met and was so generous.

“In April 2021, at age just 33, she was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Natalie appeared healthy and full of life, so it seemed impossible that anything could ever take her from us, from her children. In May 2022, I realised that we didn’t have much time left with her at all.

“The St Barnabas nurses that visited Natalie at home, were a huge support to her and us, as a family. They could not do enough for Natalie in the final weeks of her life, going above and beyond to make sure that she was comfortable.

“We have seen first-hand just what a difference St Barnabas makes to its patients and their families, which included the invaluable help and support members of our family received after Natalie’s death. This wouldn’t have been possible, were it not for kind-hearted people like yourself who have donated to the Hospice in memory of loved ones. St Barnabas Hospice supports and cares for over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire every year and with your support, I know they will be able to continue to do so for years to come.

“I am excited to share with you that when you purchase your ironwork feather, it will appear in a beautiful display, made possible thanks to Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds.

“The ironwork feathers are made at three different heights to create a moving display of art that will interact with the wind. At the end of the display, you will be invited to choose the feather that resonates with you the most and collect the personalised tag with your loved one’s name, to take home and display forever.

“To purchase your feather, you can visit the St Barnabas Hospice website or, you can fill out the enclosed form and post it back to us.

“The moving Feathers from Above display will be open to visit from Saturday 4th May to Friday 17th May and you can book to visit through the St Barnabas Hospice website. You will receive a unique code for one free entry with every feather purchased. For other visitors, the entry fee is £8 per person (50% of which will be retained by St Barnabas) and free for children under 16 years old.

“There is also an opportunity to view the display at night, with specially curated lighting, photos of the loved ones, music, and a welcome drink. The reflection evenings are taking place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd May. Tickets are £10 per person, and you can book a time to visit through the St Barnabas website.

“Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and hear about how much St Barnabas means to our family and so many others. I look forward to seeing so many special people being remembered through the Feathers from Above appeal alongside my sister, this spring.”

Best wishes,
Rebekah Watson

Run the Lincoln 10k in support of Hospice care across Lincolnshire

St Barnabas Hospice lead Torchlight bearer will be running for a second time to raise vital funds for local Hospice care by taking part in the Lincoln 10k this April.

Darren Rogan, former Head Chef at the Tower Hotel in Lincoln’s Bailgate, will be running the 10k race this Spring in memory of Philly Creasey.

Darren took part in the St Barnabas Hospice Torchlight Procession last November, as the lead runner that carried the first flaming torch of the procession, dedicated to the remembrance of loved ones.

The annual Lincoln 10k is one of Lincolnshire’s most popular charity road run events and sees thousands participate each year. With a route that goes past Lincoln’s most beautiful landmarks and with huge crowds to cheer you on, it’s a must-do for any running enthusiast!

Darren says: “I decided to fundraise for St Barnabas because my old boss from the Tower Hotel, Philly, unfortunately passed away in 2023.

“She did a lot of fundraising for St Barnabas and the Hospice supported her and her family very much this year. Not only was she my boss, but also a really good friend of mine. She was really caring, really bubbly and really good fun to work for.

“Because of this, I felt like it was a good time to do something in memory of Philly. I am going to be running the Lincoln 10k in April 2024, to fundraise for St Barnabas.”

Darren is hoping to raise as much as possible, in memory of Philly, throughout his training and completion of the 10k. The Lincoln 10k is taking place on Sunday 14th April, starting on Riseholme Road in Lincoln.

Ness Wilson, Events and Innovation Fundraising Officer, says: “We are so pleased that Darren has decided to run for a second time in aid of St Barnabas Hospice.

“The fundraising efforts of all our runners are greatly appreciated and will contribute to the provision of vital Hospice care provided to over 12,000 people and families across Lincolnshire every year.

“We are looking for regular runners and beginners alike to join us for the Lincoln 10k in aid of St Barnabas Hospice. By signing up, you will have the chance to be part of a great community experience whilst supporting local Hospice care.”

To find out more information and sign up to take part please visit our website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/lincoln-10k/

Take to the skies in support of Hospice care

Ness Wilson recently took part in a wingwalk challenge for St Barnabas Hospice, raising funds for vital Hospice care across Lincolnshire.

The Wingwalk involved taking to the outside of a Boeing Stearman’s aeroplane, which flies between 100ft and 700ft and up to speeds of between 80mph and 110mph.

St Barnabas have an upcoming date and places available for supporters to sign up and take part in June 2024. Ness is sharing her experience and encourages dare devil individuals to conquer their fear of heights and walk on the wings of a biplane this summer!

Ness says: “A few years ago, whilst learning to fly a 2-seat Light Aeroplane at Wickenby Airfield, I heard about the wing walk experience and thought it would be fun to sit on the outside of the plane rather than the inside!

“I’ve always been an adrenaline junkie, so this seemed the perfect challenge! I then saw that St Barnabas Hospice were running a fundraising appeal for willing participants and decided this would be a great way of supporting my local Hospice whilst trying an exciting challenge.

“I’d heard about the work that St Barnabas Hospice do across the county and wanted to help in some small way. Luckily, my family and I have not been in a situation where we have needed the care that St Barnabas provide however, I know others that have, and I felt inspired to help contribute to such a wonderful cause.”

The St Barnabas Fundraising team are available to provide support and advice and answer any questions that participants may have before signing up. Once registered, they remain in contact with the supporter throughout the run up to the day of the challenge.

Ness continues: “The Fundraising team provided me with hints and tips on how to boost my fundraising efforts. They were always on hand to answer any questions and were really helpful when the original wing walk date had to be rescheduled due to bad weather.

“With the team’s advice in mind, I organised a raffle to boost my fundraising target and was very lucky in receiving lots of support from both local and national businesses. Prizes included spa days, restaurant vouchers, gym membership, hotel stays, hampers, and day out experience vouchers.

“After the challenge, I received a letter to thank me for my fundraising efforts alongside a certificate too.

“I took part in the challenge before becoming a member of the Fundraising team at St Barnabas Hospice and I am so excited to assist supporters in the same experience I had previously. Enjoy the experience and make sure you bring lots of family and friends to watch!”

To find out more and sign up to a wing walk with St Barnabas Hospice, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/wing-walk-2024/

Your sponsorship money will make a real difference to patients and families across Lincolnshire who are living with a life-limiting or terminal illness. You will be helping to ensure that St Barnabas Hospice can care for more patients and families in Lincolnshire, every day of the year.

By way of example, every £19.93 raised will enable us to provide one hour of specialist at-home care to a patient living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.

Our cracking ‘Easter Novelties’ fundraising campaign is back this Spring!

We are on the hunt for new and returning ‘egg-cellent’ knitters who can lend a hand with creating some hand-knitted Easter Novelties, including bunnies, rabbits, chickens and other unique Spring time characters.

We would be so grateful for any of our amazing supporters who would be able to lend a hand with this initiative and create some unique knitted novelties to keep everyone’s favourite Easter treat, a crème egg, warm during the spring months!

Fiona Malloch-Rear, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas Hospice, says: “We are so excited that our well-loved Easter Novelties appeal is back for Spring 2024!

“We are already appealing for previous and new supporters of the campaign to lend a hand with knitting, donating eggs or selling.

“Please read below to find out how you can get involved and support vital Hospice care in your local community this Spring!”

If you would like to knit and donate an Easter Novelty, please note that they do not need to be stuffed by you! To help you get started, please find some printable PDF patterns here.

If you are unable to knit but would still like to support the Hospice’s spring initiative, we are welcoming donations of wool and crème eggs!

Alongside knitters, we are also appealing to places across Lincolnshire that would like a box of eggs to sell. Anywhere from local shops, pubs, cafes, schools and individual businesses can request a box, with proceeds of each gift sold going towards our Hospice.

If you would like to knit, donate wool or eggs or sell a box of Easter Novelties, please contact the Fundraising Officer in your area, who will be more than happy to help!

Olivia – East of Lincolnshire

[email protected]

Fiona – South of Lincolnshire

[email protected]

Deborah – Lincoln and Gainsborough

[email protected]

We want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who knit some novelties, donate eggs or wool and sell a box of eggs. It is only possible because of the support of people like you!

Please note: Unfortunately, the Hospice is unable to provide wool or any other creative materials to knitters that would like to donate some Easter Novelties. This is to ensure that the appeal is financially viable for the Hospice and the services we provide.

All funds raised go directly towards supporting the provision of vital Hospice care across Lincolnshire.

Over £100,000 raised for St Barnabas Hospice through festive community fundraisers

St Barnabas Hospice are happy to announce a positive start to 2024. The Hospice’s annual Light up a Life appeal, Rudy’s Run initiative for local schools and Tree-cycle collection in local communities, all together brought in a staggering total of £106,305.

Light up a Life is St Barnabas’ biggest fundraiser of the calendar year, which sees thousands of people dedicating a light on the Tree of Life in memory of loved ones lost. These lights shone brightly on the 30-foot Christmas tree, located in front of Lincoln Cathedral throughout the festive period, with personalised messages of love also attached.

The Tree was illuminated during the Hospice’s Torchlight Procession on 22nd November. This year was the most attended ever, throughout its 23-year run. Over 1,500 people of all ages came together to remember those no longer with us, walking with flaming torches and lanterns through historic uphill Lincoln, concluding at Lincoln Cathedral for a service of celebration and reflection.

Lincoln Cathedral with St Barnabas Tree of Life illuminated

1409 people dedicated a light, with 988 torches and lanterns purchased for use during the Procession. Together, this campaign raised an incredible £60,070.Lincoln cathedral with St Barnabas Tree of Life illuminated

Ness Wilson, Events and Innovation Fundraising Officer and project lead for the Torchlight Procession says: “It is such a poignant event in the St Barnabas calendar and an incredibly moving evening. So many people join us, all with their own memories of loved ones lost.

“It’s both a deeply personal event, as well as something people can share with others who have experienced grief. We are so grateful to everyone who dedicated a light or walked in our Procession, and we look forward to hosting the event again at the end of this year.”

Rudy’s Run is a festive fundraiser for the Hospice’s younger supporters. The initiative is an exciting fun run that 51 schools, nurseries and community groups took part in throughout December.

Classroom of children with antlers and Santa ClauseOver 8401 children of primary school age were provided with activity books, antlers – just like Rudy, and even a visit from the famous reindeer himself, all before they ran, walked, skipped, danced or pranced to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice.

A total of £12,671 has been raised through the Rudy’s Run initiative thanks to the fundraising efforts of these young supporters, encouraging adults and fantastic teachers.

Deborah Yarwood, Fundraising Officer and Rudy’s Run project lead comments: “We loved seeing the children have so much fun while also making a huge difference to people in their local community!

“Rudy loved visiting all the children and is now back at the North Pole, ready and waiting to see all the children again next Christmas. We want to thank every child and grown-up who took part and donated money, Rudy is very proud of you all!”

Once all the festive fun was over, the St Barnabas elves then took care of your unwanted Christmas trees!

Tree-cycle returned earlier this month, offering individuals and businesses a tree collection service right from their front door, in return for a donation to the Hospice. Unpotted trees are chipped, which can then be turned into fuel for biomass boilers or mulch for gardens. Potted trees are replanted at the Lincolnshire Showground and given a new lease of life.

This sustainable campaign proved to be even more popular than ever before, with our elf-volunteers collecting 1502 trees across Lincolnshire and raising a tree-mendous £33,564. Two woman dressed in elf and tree Christmas costumes stood in front of real Christmas trees

Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas, says: “This year we were able to visit even more locations around the county thanks to increased support from our volunteers. It really is a community effort, and we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic corporate supporters and local businesses who lend us their manpower, vans, chipping services and general assistance.

“A huge thank you to everyone who booked a tree collection or supported us during Tree-cycle. Please remember to book in your tree next year!”

St Barnabas extends its gratitude to every person and organisation who has supported the charity over the festive period.

The money raised helps the Hospice in its mission to provide compassionate, dignified care to over 12,000 adults living with a life-limiting or terminal illness each year, across Lincolnshire.

St Barnabas needs to fundraise over £13 million each year to cover the cost of providing vital Hospice care. Each pound really does make a difference and is greatly appreciated.

To find out more about upcoming campaigns and ways to get involved, you can visit the St Barnabas Hospice website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/

QinetiQ raise over £1,000 for Hospice with innovative fundraising initiatives

St Barnabas Hospice would like to say a huge thank you to longstanding supporters QinetiQ.

The brilliant team took on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge in 2023 and raised an incredible £1,000 in support of the Hospice. The challenge is a 24-mile round trip with a total of 5200 ft of ascent, made up of three mountains collectively known as the three peaks.

Alongside this physical task, the team have also raised an additional £325 through their Spooky quiz and cakes day, meat hamper raffle and quiz event. It is great to see supporters taking part in their very own, innovative, fundraising ideas!

Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising & Lottery said: “It is an absolute pleasure to have the continued support of long-standing supporters QinetiQ.

“The team have undertaken a range of activities, in the past and into the future, to help raise awareness and provide vital funds to support St Barnabas Hospice care in our local communities. We look forward to working collaboratively together with them again in 2024”.

QinetiQ have already planned another upcoming event; an 80s Disco and Hog Roast! We can’t wait to hear about its success and see some brilliant photos of the occasion.

There are so many ways your business can get involved and help make a difference.

Whether you would like a physically demanding challenge like the team at QinetiQ, would love to host a coffee morning or pub quiz at the office or would rather devise an original idea, there is something for everyone when fundraising for St Barnabas.

To find out more, have a coffee and chat with Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas. Email [email protected] or call 07435 970 309.

Recycle your Christmas Tree and support local Hospice care with St Barnabas Tree-cycle

Looking for a simple and sustainable way to discard of your Christmas tree this new year? The elves at St Barnabas Hospice are here to help!

Tree-cycle is St Barnabas Hospice’s annual, seasonal initiative where Santa’s little helpers work to collect Christmas trees across Lincolnshire in return for a donation. The funds raised will support the provision of hospice care and related services to over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire every year.

Your unwanted trees are collected after the 12 days of Christmas and taken to be recycled using chippers across the county. The chippings produced are then repurposed into biofuels or other usable goods, such as mulch for gardens or fertilisers and bedding for agricultural use.

Chris Dunkley, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas Hospice and lead elf of Tree-cycle, says: “Our service offers a great opportunity for you to have your tree collected from right outside your door, safe in the knowledge that it is going to be recycled in a sustainable way.

“By booking your tree collection with us, you will be supporting vital hospice care in the local community whilst making an environmentally friendly choice, alongside freeing up extra time to spend with your family and friends instead of needing to make that trip to the tip!

“Tree-cycle is also open to all individuals alongside local businesses who can also book to have their trees removed. All trees do have to be under 7 feet and if we are collecting multiple trees, we would be very grateful if your donation could reflect this.

“We do request that businesses get in touch directly if they have a large number of trees that they would like collected. To enquire for 3 or more trees to be collected from one location, please email [email protected].”

The St Barnabas elves will be picking up trees from Saturday 6th to Wednesday 10th January. This year, they are able to visit more villages and towns in Lincolnshire than ever before, thanks to increased support from local businesses.

Chris continues: “Once you have booked your tree collection, we will be in touch to inform you of which day we will be collecting in your postcode area. For updates, please check our social media pages which will be up-to-date with any changes.

“Please ensure your tree is left in a clearly visible location, either at the end of your drive or outside your door. We are unable to enter your property, back garden or shed so please make sure the tree is ready for collection. If we cannot see your tree, we will leave a calling card to let you know we visited and will aim to come back another time.

“We want to say thank you so much to all our volunteers and for the support we’re receiving from local businesses and communities. We are so grateful to be able to offer this service and we couldn’t do what we do without their support. Here’s to another successful Tree-cycle!”

All donations for Tree-cycle will support the care of over 12,000 people in Lincolnshire, every year. By way of example, please see below the difference your donation would make:

For a suggested donation of £19.93, you would cover the cost for St Barnabas to care for and support a terminally ill patient in their own home for one hour.

£30.00 would cover the cost of providing a comfort bag to a child or young person.

£50.00 would pay for the Hospice’s bereavement helpline to run for a day so urgent support can be provided to those struggling with their grief.

Registrations for Tree-cycle are now open and are due to close on Wednesday 3rd January or when bookings reach capacity. To find out more and to book your tree collection, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/tree-cycle

Thousands join beautiful Torchlight Procession in uphill Lincoln

On Tuesday 21st November, thousands of people came together in the historic uphill area of Lincoln for the annual St Barnabas Hospice Torchlight Procession, in remembrance of loved ones.

 The Procession was led by the RAF Waddington Pipe band, with individuals and families following whilst holding flaming torches and light-up lanterns. Walking from Clayton’s Sports Ground, together they made their way along the route to Lincoln Cathedral. The atmosphere was beautiful, with many supporters seen to be visibly emotional as they paid tribute to lost loved ones.

As is tradition, the Procession paused at the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road, where a lone piper shared an emotive rendition of Amazing Grace. Staff, volunteers and patients that were able to come out and watch enjoyed this poignant display, whilst others listened from inside the building.RAF Waddington Pipe Band

Once the Procession arrived at Lincoln Cathedral, attendees took part in a service of celebration and reflection. Throughout the service, several representatives of St Barnabas Hospice, delivered short speeches.

Chief Executive Chris Wheway said: “Our Light Up a Life campaign and Torchlight Procession are adored and poignant appeals, enabling members of the community to honour, reflect and remember loved ones lost.

“This is the 8th year I have been involved in the Torchlight Procession and I have to say it gets better and better every time. It is a truly magical evening that I feel brings comfort to all of us here, young, and old, as we are connected by the shared experience of grief.

“We are very honoured to be supported by you all here tonight and we couldn’t do our job without that support. Over the last year, we have supported over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire and the positive impact of that care will go on for generations to come.”

IPU staff and patients holding flaming torchesIndividuals and families were able to write Messages of Love and tie them to the railings of the 30-foot Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral, sending a special message to their loved ones lost.

In attendance was Finn Dillon, owner of the Tower Hotel and son of Philly, who through St Barnabas shared his story of the death of his mum, Philly earlier this year.

Upon the Procession’s arrival at the Cathedral, Finn brought the flaming torch forward from the crowd to the Cathedral doors and lit the ceremonial torch that burned throughout the service.

Again, this year, Finn and his team continued Philly’s much-loved tradition of offering mulled wine and soup to participants of the Torchlight Procession.

Ness Wilson, Events and Innovation Fundraising Officer, and project lead for the Torchlight Procession, said: “Our Torchlight Procession is such a poignant event, and it has been an incredibly moving evening for all involved.

“It means so much to the people of Lincolnshire, and us at St Barnabas, to be able to come together in remembrance of our loved ones lost. Many of our supporters have been attending the Procession for years, and it’s wonderful to see them bring along old and new faces.

“We want to thank everyone who walked the Procession or has dedicated a light on the Tree of Life, your support really makes a difference to the provision of vital hospice care across Lincolnshire.”

Over the last month, St Barnabas have encouraged members of the community to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one through their Light Up a Life appeal. These dedicated lights now shineYoung girl on the shoulders of man taking a photograph of the Procession brightly on the Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral.

The appeal continues throughout the whole festive period, with supporters receiving a personalised handwritten card, a star-shaped tree decoration and a digital tribute to share with family and friends on their social media pages.

To dedicate a light, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life

Light Up a Life has already raised over £50,000 for vital hospice care in the local community. St Barnabas thank everyone who has dedicated a light, walked in the Torchlight Procession, or donated to their cause.

Ness adds: “Each year Light Up a Life is supported far beyond what we could ever imagine by individuals, the local community, businesses, and organisations, for which we are so grateful. Without this support we simply couldn’t do what we do, so thank you all.

Tree of Life illuminated in front of Lincoln Cathedral“The Tree of Life sits outside the Cathedral and is completely free to visit. We encourage people who were unable to attend the Torchlight Procession to visit when they can, for a moment of reflection for loved ones lost.

“To add a Message of Love to the railings of the Tree of Life throughout the festive period, please visit Lincoln Cathedral or the Visitor Information Centre to find and write a message, in return for a donation to St Barnabas Hospice”.

With special thanks to all volunteers, runners, stewards, Doddington Hall & Gardens, Allen Signs, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire County Council, S. Lyon & Son Haulage Ltd, BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, RAF Waddington Pipe Band, TSS Events, Taylor Lindsey, Bates Sound Services, Flying Hire Ltd, Lindum Rotary Club, Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, Annie Griffith and her Community Choirs: Ermine Voices, SCONE, Silver Voices (AgeUK) & Treble Cliff, The Towel Hotel, Ruddocks, St Mary Magdalene Church, Lincolnshire Co op, Davis Trackhire, The Subdean and Chapter of Lincoln Cathedral, Community Response Lincolnshire, SRP Hire Solutions, Highways and Planning, Chevron Traffic Management Ltd, Distract, EE Call Centre Lincoln, Homlet/PIB Trust, Melvyn Prior, Peachy Events, Ringrose Law Solicitors, Sian Hutchings, St John Ambulance, Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd, The Lincoln Camera Club, Wilkin Chapman Solicitors and Wootton Forestry & Powerline Services Limited.

Helpful Information for Torchlight Procession attendees

Over 1,500 people of all ages have signed up for our annual Torchlight Procession taking place in Uphill Lincoln on Tuesday 21st November.

As this year’s event has now sold out with more people taking part than ever before, for Health and Safety purposes, please do not arrive to take part in the Torchlight Procession if you have not booked a place. Registered names will be checked at the entrance gates. We are not selling tickets on our website, or on the gate as we are at a maximum capacity.

For those that have registered to take part, please read the following carefully in preparation for Tuesday evening’s event:

Before the event:
• With road closures in place in some areas from 6:30 pm and a large number of people taking part, please arrive with plenty of time to spare.
• Please car share with friends and family where possible.

Arriving at the event:
• Please have your registration forms to hand, either printed or accessible on your phone, so these can be easily checked by marshals.
• For those that have booked a place without a torch, there will be an opportunity to buy torches and battery-operated lanterns on the evening, although availability will be limited.
• Claytons Sports Ground is very uneven. If you have any mobility issues, please speak to a member of the team on your arrival.

During the event:
• Please be mindful of the weather conditions and wear suitable clothing and footwear.
• It is important to remember that the flaming torches drip wax and are a potential fire hazard.
• Dogs are unable to enter Clayton’s Sports Ground and will not be permitted to walk in the Procession.
• The Tower Hotel will be offering soup and wine to participants of the Torchlight Procession for the service of celebration and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park?
The Lincoln Christ Hospital School car park is open from 4:00pm until 9:00pm for this event. Please note all cars must be off site by 9:15pm as the car park will be locked until the following day. There is a maximum capacity of 450 cars, allocated on a first come first served basis.
Yarborough Leisure Centre car park is open from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm allocated by a parking attendant on a first come first served basis. Space here is very limited with a total of 30 car parking spaces. Please remember to advise that you are there for the Torchlight Procession.

What happens if there are adverse weather conditions?
We will be monitoring the weather and will make the best decision for the event, with the Health and Safety of attendees as the main priority. In ideal circumstances, we will look to go ahead weather permitting.
However, please monitor your emails and check our website and social media pages for up to date announcements.

What age do you have to be to walk in the Procession?
We welcome all ages to attend the Torchlight Procession. Please note that children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by someone over the age of 18. You must be 18 years old or above to walk with a torch.

Our St Barnabas Bereavement line will be open from 7 pm to 10 pm on the evening of the Procession for anyone who feels they need some additional support. You can contact the team on 0300 303 1897.

This year, both the Lincoln Cathedral & the Church of St Mary Magdelene will be open following the Torchlight Procession. St Barnabas staff and volunteers will be available to provide additional support and a space of reflection for participants.

Thank you so much for registering to take part in this event and supporting the Hospice. We are looking forward to sharing this experience with you.

To dedicate a light on the St Barnabas Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral, please visit our website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life/