The Lincoln Imp

Continuing in my little series in and around my Cathedral I have to present to you perhaps the most famous 'son of Lincoln' - The Lincoln Imp.

This little carving stands 12 inches tall, a good twenty feet up in the Angels Choir. The legend (or as I know it, lies) states that this little bugger and one of his pals rocked up one day and decided to cause some mischief in the Cathedral on the devils behalf. An angel came out and turned this guy to stone, letting the other one escape. For some reason the other one allegedly shot up what is now the A46 to Grimsby, where another angel (in Grimsby? It's getting a bit far fetched) turned him into stone in St James Church. Apparently prior to arriving at Lincoln the Imps twisted the Spire on Chesterfield church.

Now I know most of this is bull. Firstly the Spire at 'Chezzy' as it is classily known is twisted because they used heavy lead and untreated timbers. Simple. Now unless an Imp was involved in the 13th century building trade I don't think they are to blame.

Also how to explain the appearance of a Lincoln Imp at Oxford College? Plus there are two more on the outside of the Cathedral. I believe a far more popular theory is that a stonemason was copying quite a famous design when producing a carving for the Cathedral, and perhaps made up a legend to entice late 18th century travellers to my building. Either way it's nice to have a bit of legend. I like to visit this bad boy once a year just to pay homage, seeing as he is the inspiration for my alter ego.

Over the years the Imp has been blamed for bringing bad luck to the club, and in 1995 he was removed from the shirts of my beloved team. We went up later that year, and he returned to the shirts and subsequently to the pitch in the form of Poacher The Imp (or me as I like to refer to ummm... well me). Since then we've suffered a spell in Administration, two relegations and five unsuccesful play off appearances. So that put paid to the myth that he was a bad omen......

In other news I'm meeting our kidfor a spot of lunch later at this new eatery that's opened called Mack Don Aulds. They do a cracking line in thin and crispy fries, and occasionally melt wood shavings over liquid rubber and call them mozzarella sticks. Should be a larf.

EDIT: We actually hit up a great new place called Kay-eff-sea. Not a seafood place but a server of exquisite chicken.

Sadly I end on an incredibly sad note. Again I'm not mentioning names but recently some very close friends of mine had some wonderful news. Sadly just five shorts days later they have had the unthinkable happen. Many tears were shed last night and my heart goes out to two people who really do deserve more luck. I'd prefer if you lovely blippers didn't comment on this last paragraph as well, just out of respect. Fanx.