LATEST ARTICLES

Viral sensation and Britain’s favourite school teacher James B Partridge to bring Primary School Bangers tour to Scunthorpe

Viral sensation and Britain’s favourite school teacher James B Partridge is set to hit the road again in 2026 with his most ambitious Primary School Bangers tour to date – visiting Scunthorpe’s Baths Hall on 15th March 2026. The new nationwide tour will see James bring even more of the songs that defined childhoods to some of the UK’s most iconic theatres and concert halls. Expect classic school-day singalongs, heart-on-sleeve nostalgia, and the infectious joy that has made James a national favourite. Currently delighting audiences across the UK with his Big Christmas Assembly tour, playing to tens of thousands and selling out venues up and down the country, James’ star continues to rise. What started as a few playful performances for his pupils has grown into a nationwide phenomenon. From viral social media fame to a field-closing Glastonbury set, James has become the UK’s most beloved musical nostalgia act, all while continuing to teach primary school children during the week. With recent appearances on Chris Evans’ Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2, The One Show, and Songs of Praise: The Big School Assembly Singalong, James has proven that his mix of humour, heart and harmony strikes a chord with audiences of every generation.   Image shows James B Partridge. Credit: Rebecca Johnson

Brigg Town FC completes £1.7m redevelopment

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Brigg Town FC has completed a £1.7m upgrade of its facilities, marking a significant investment in one of the world’s oldest football clubs. The redevelopment includes a new 3G floodlit pitch, an expanded and modernised changing pavilion, and a full refurbishment of the clubhouse and function room.

The club, founded in 1864 and operating as a community interest company since 2017, positioned the project as part of a wider effort to broaden local access to sport and community services. New initiatives include additional training programmes for young players, expanded opportunities for girls’ football, and plans for disability and walking football teams.

The enhanced clubhouse and free-to-use function room have already seen increased demand from local groups and private events. The club says rising footfall through both sporting and hospitality facilities has improved financial sustainability.

The redevelopment was supported by a £50,000 contribution from North Lincolnshire Council, which helped unlock more than £1m in further funding. Brigg Town FC continues to compete in the Northern Counties East League Division One.

Rosegarth Square regeneration hits key construction milestones

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The redevelopment of Rosegarth Square in Boston has reached several important stages, signalling steady progress on a scheme designed to reshape a significant part of the town centre.

Contractors have finished piling and installed the steel frame for the new multi-purpose building. The structure has been fireproofed and fitted with floor planks, forming the base of what will become a modern community facility.

Activity across the wider public realm is advancing. Groundworks are underway for new seating areas and public art installations. Tree pits have been prepared for future planting, and kerbing is being laid on the eastern side of the site near St Botolph’s Bridge. New walls are also emerging to guide pedestrian routes through the area.

Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of Boston Borough Council said: “It is great to see so much progress on site since work began on the development at the start of the year.

“This project marks our commitment to bring positive change into Boston and can help breathe new life into our town and borough, turning an unused and unutilised area into an attractive and enjoyable space with new offers, opportunities and services for our residents and visitors to access.”

The next phase will see brickwork begin on the main building and the installation of major artworks. The regeneration is supported by £14.8m in government funding and will create a multifunctional public space running from the St Botolph’s footbridge to the Len Medlock Centre, targeting improved footfall, stronger placemaking and wider economic activity for businesses operating in the town centre.

Bronze Age discovery takes centre stage in Lincoln Museum’s refresh

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Lincoln Museum’s major redevelopment is moving towards completion, with plans to showcase a series of significant archaeological finds when the site reopens next year. Among the new features is a redesigned archaeology gallery with interactive elements aimed at giving visitors a closer connection to the region’s past.

One of the headline exhibits will be a three-metre-long Bronze Age log coffin, accompanied by a miniature battle-axe. The artefacts were uncovered in 2018 during routine works at Tetney Golf Course in East Lindsey, drawing international interest due to their rare condition and craftsmanship. The axe still retained its wooden handle, suggesting the man buried with it held a prominent position in his community.

The coffin has since undergone extensive conservation funded by a £110,000 grant from Historic England, with specialists from York Archaeology carrying out the restoration. Research into the coffin’s contents revealed traces of oak and yew branches, alongside evidence of a floral garland and plant materials indicating food offerings.

Following its reconstruction, the coffin was transferred to Lincoln in a carefully managed operation due to its age and fragility. The museum’s conservation team is now preparing it for installation, creating a custom support to ensure it can be safely displayed when the new gallery opens.

  Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

New space for teens set for Worlaby

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A brand-new play park designed especially for teenagers is set for Worlaby. Young people in the village will soon have their own space to meet up, get active and enjoy the outdoors, thanks to a £30,000 boost from North Lincolnshire Council. The new park – funded through the council’s Community Grants Programme – will feature equipment chosen with teens in mind, giving them a proper hang-out spot that’s fun, safe and right on their doorstep. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see another community project like this start to come to life. “This is about giving young people somewhere they can really make their own – a space to be active, social and proud of their village – things like this really matter.” The project is being led by Worlaby Parish Council, with work due to start once the equipment is ready to go. Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for community wellbeing (rural), said: “Every village needs a spot like this – somewhere to meet friends, burn off energy and just have fun. Worlaby’s new park will be a brilliant addition that brings the whole community together.”
  Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Lincolnshire mum raises £1,081 for Hospital Charity after Daughter’s health scare

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A late-night hospital visit turned into a Lincolnshire mum’s worst nightmare when an emergency X-ray revealed a shadow on her young daughter’s throat. For a few months, Philippa’s six-month-old daughter Phoebe had been struggling with a chronic cough. One evening she took her to A&E at Lincoln County Hospital where an emergency X-ray was taken. Just two days later, as the family prepared for a summer holiday, Philippa received a call urging her to bring Phoebe immediately to the hospital’s Safari Children’s Ward. The x-ray had revealed a shadow that appeared to be pressing on Phoebe’s throat and consultants feared this was a tumour. Over the next 48 hours Phoebe underwent blood tests, swabs, sedation, cannulas, and a CT scan. Philippa said: “It felt me and my husband Oliver, were living a nightmare but then finally, we received the news we had been desperately hoping for. Phoebe did not have a tumour. The relief was indescribable.” Philippa cannot thank the staff enough for their exceptional care and professionalism: “They were incredible. The dedicated Play Lead made sure Phoebe had toys and activities to keep her calm and comforted throughout her stay. It was the hardest few days. But despite this, the staff somehow managed to put a smile on our faces.” As her way of saying thank you, Philippa recently ran the Carsington Water10k, raising £1,081 for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Charity Manager, Ben Petts said: “It is wonderful that Philippa has supported the hospital in this way. The charity exists to provide additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, their families and the staff that care for them. “We are totally funded by people living in our local communities who, like Philippa, want to support their local Lincolnshire hospitals. Her donation will help ensure other families facing their worst days receive the same outstanding care, comfort, and support.” For more information about United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and how you can support, visit: https://www.ulhcharity.org.uk

Lincoln Castle earns top national recognition

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Lincoln Castle has been named one of England’s leading visitor attractions after receiving VisitEngland’s Gold accolade, an award reserved for sites that deliver consistently high-quality experiences. The recognition follows outstanding visitor feedback and a strong performance in a recent assessment carried out by an independent inspector.

The review highlighted the strength of the castle’s historic exhibitions, the high standard of interpretation across the site, and the expertise shown by staff and volunteer guides. The assessor’s overall impression was that the attraction offers a distinctive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Gold accolade adds to a growing list of honours for the landmark. Earlier this year, Lincoln Castle secured Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top-rated destinations globally. VisitEngland’s annual accolades celebrate attractions across the tourism sector, from heritage sites and gardens to museums and outdoor spaces, recognising locations that excel in visitor experience.

  Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

New panel formed to guide Greater Lincolnshire’s economic direction

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Greater Lincolnshire’s new Combined County Authority has held the first meeting of its Economic Advisory Panel, signalling a formal step toward closer collaboration between local government, industry and education. The panel has been created to inform the Authority’s economic strategy and provide structured input on the issues affecting businesses across the region.

Its remit includes advising on policy development, identifying barriers to growth, and contributing expertise on areas such as skills, transport, and housing. The group is expected to support both short-term decision-making and longer-term planning as the Authority shapes its devolution agenda. The Mayor said: “Devolution must deliver benefits for every business. As Mayor, I will champion the businesses of Greater Lincolnshire. I want to harness the expertise of the panel to help tackle key challenges such as transport, housing and skills. Together, we can close the productivity gap and ensure that Lincolnshire starts to compete on a national level.”

The panel brings together senior leaders from a range of sectors, with Lincolnshire Co-op Chief Executive Alison Hands appointed as chair. Members are tasked with acting as sector representatives, strengthening links with regional business networks, and helping to raise Greater Lincolnshire’s profile to potential investors.

The initiative follows recent activity by the Authority to showcase local innovation and reinforce the area’s ambitions for national competitiveness. The panel will continue meeting to guide priorities, support policy development, and help position Greater Lincolnshire for sustained economic growth.

  Image: Back row, from left, Professor Neal Juster, Andrew Dawes, Steve Maxwell and Julian Knight. Front, from left, Katrina Pierce, Alison Hands and Andrew Ward. Image credit: Greater Lincolnshire’s Combined County Authority

New affordable housing scheme completes in Grantham

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Representatives of emh, MyPad and Homes England have gathered to celebrate the completion of a new, affordable housing scheme in Grantham. The scheme, known as Scholars Place, provides a mix of shared ownership and social rent homes built on land which formerly held St Wulfram’s Secondary School, which had been unused for a number of years. The development consists of 40 homes, with a mix of 1-bedroom maisonettes, and 2-4 bedroom family homes. Scholars Place was delivered by emh through its Strategic Partnership 2 Programme with Homes England and development partners MyPad. Charley Gibbons, group chief executive of emh, said: “It has been wonderful to celebrate the completion of this new scheme with our partners, which provides much-needed homes for local people. “We believe that high-quality homes built in the right places enable communities to thrive and grow. We are proud of having strong partnerships that help us to deliver our place-shaping ambitions for Grantham.” Tom Spink, managing director at MyPad, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with emh, Homes England and South Kesteven District Council to bring Scholars Place to life. This development reflects what can be achieved through strong partnerships, transforming a disused site into high quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local families. “Delivering schemes like this is at the heart of MyPad’s commitment to creating sustainable, well-designed communities across the region.” Christine Seaton, senior manager – affordable housing growth at Homes England, added: “This is another example from emh of a high-quality development which will provide a range of affordable housing at Scholars Place in Grantham. “Homes England recognises and supports homes that make a meaningful contribution to people’s lives and their community. The homes, which are offered for rent and shared ownership, will help to build a thriving community. I am delighted to work in partnership with emh, MyPad and South Kesteven District Council to make these homes happen.” Philip Rewcroft, planning policy officer (affordable housing) at South Kesteven District Council, said: “SKDC is always keen for developers to utilize unused Brownfield Land for the benefit of all the community. “This development helps to strengthen the community by ensuring a mixture of affordable tenures and house sizes without neglecting a high quality of design principles. Having visited the site during the construction stage, it is clear that the success of the project was enhanced by the positive working relationship between emh and MyPad.”

Community effort keeps North East Lincolnshire clean

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North East Lincolnshire Council has teamed up with local volunteer group Canoe River Cleaner to boost efforts in keeping the borough’s public spaces tidy. The partnership will see volunteer-led clean-ups running alongside the Council’s Deep Clean Project, which focuses on litter removal and street maintenance across six key wards.

James Elliott, who began cleaning the River Freshney and surrounding areas during the pandemic, now leads a team of volunteers working with the Council’s Street Cleansing division. Together, they’re expanding their efforts to include community litter picks and educational sessions in local schools aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and civic pride.

The initiative recently kicked off with a litter pick in Sidney Sussex Park and nearby streets, where volunteers collected cans, glass bottles, and food packaging. With funding support from the Council, more events are planned over the coming months, blending education with hands-on action to inspire residents to take part in maintaining cleaner, greener neighbourhoods.

The collaboration marks a step towards more coordinated community engagement, reinforcing the idea that environmental responsibility is shared between public services and local people.

  Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council