LATEST ARTICLES

Inflatable monsters bring a burst of colour to Lincoln’s skyline

April Lara
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Inflatable monsters bring a burst of colour to Lincoln’s skyline

Lincoln’s rooftops have taken on a playful new look this Halloween as nine giant inflatable monsters appear across the city. Created by UK design studio Designs in Air, the installations can be seen towering above buildings during the day and glowing after dark.

The creatures have been placed in fresh locations for this year’s display, giving residents and visitors a new reason to explore Lincoln’s streets. From shopfronts to historic landmarks, each monster adds a touch of humour and colour to the autumn landscape.

The installations will remain on view until Sunday, marking another seasonal celebration that blends local character with a touch of the extraordinary.

 

Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Oksana

Broughton celebrates new floodlit community pitch

April Lara
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Broughton celebrates new floodlit community pitch

Broughton’s long-awaited 4G floodlit football pitch has officially opened, offering a major boost for local sport and recreation.

Located on Scawby Road, the modern AstroTurf facility now serves as home to Broughton Ravers, one of North Lincolnshire’s largest junior football clubs. The project took over a decade of planning and was made possible through North Lincolnshire Council funding, donations, and community fundraising efforts.

The new installation features a floodlit 4G surface designed for year-round use, creating more opportunities for youth teams and community groups to train and play regardless of weather conditions. Alongside the pitch, the site has been upgraded with new trees and hedges, secure fencing, and a community noticeboard, making it a welcoming and safe space for families and visitors.

The development marks an important step in expanding access to sport across the region, supporting active lifestyles and strengthening community connections. After years of collaboration and persistence, Broughton now has a modern sporting hub set to serve residents for generations to come.

  Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Black History Month remembers Black and Caribbean airborne soldiers in local project

Tess Egginton
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Black History Month remembers Black and Caribbean airborne soldiers in local project
Black and Caribbean paratroopers who fought on D-Day and at Arnhem in 1944 have been remembered as part of October’s Black History Month.
Their little-known exploits have been celebrated by South Kesteven District Council’s (SKDC’s) Soldiers from the Sky Airborne Heritage project. Sergeant Sidney Cornell was the son of African American circus performer, Charles Cornell. Sidney parachuted into France on D-Day with the 7th Parachute Battalion near Pegasus Bridge. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery in action, carrying vital messages under fire. For all ranks below commissioned officer, this is the second highest award for gallantry in action after the Victoria Cross. Sidney’s citation includes the passage: “His courage and many wounds have made him a well-known and admired character throughout not only his own battalion but also the whole brigade. Space does not permit a record of all his feats as he distinguished himself in practically every action and fighting took place daily.” Sadly, Sidney was killed along with 21 other British troops in the Netherlands in 1945 trying to defuse bridge explosives as part of Operation Varsity. Trooper Charles Cecil Bolton was a Liverpudlian of Trinidadian descent and served with the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron. He was a crack shot and his conduct during the battle for the main road bridge at Arnhem – famously ‘a bridge too far’ – earned him a recommendation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was instead awarded the Dutch Bronze Cross – the second-highest Dutch military award for bravery – in an agreement with the United States and the Dutch Government to commemorate soldiers with foreign awards. Charles survived the battle and became a Prisoner of War. Sidney and Charles were among several Black and Caribbean soldiers who served with the British 1st and 6th Airborne Divisions. South Kesteven District Council’s ‘Soldiers from the Sky’ project tells their stories along with the American and Polish forces who gathered in South Kesteven in 1944. Private Kenneth Roberts served as a Bren gunner with 1 Platoon of 21st Independent Parachute Company (Pathfinders), so one of the very first paras to hit the ground at Arnhem on 17 September 1944. His father, from Sierra Leone, settled in England after serving with the British Army in World War I, and his mother was from Staffordshire. On 25 September, Kenneth swam across the Rhine river during the 1st Airborne Division’s evacuation but was hit by machine-gun fire and died from wounds on 29 September. He is buried in the Jonkerbos War Cemetery in the Netherlands. Corporal Roland James West was the son of Jock and Margaret West of India, enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment and then volunteered for Airborne Forces. He successfully completed his parachute training, probably in India as a member of 156 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, and took part in Operation MARKET GARDEN (Arnhem). He flew to the Netherlands from RAF Saltby on 18 September 1944 but was killed on 20 September, aged 22. He has no known grave but is listed on the Groesbeek memorial in the Netherlands. Private Jospeh Dixon served with the Intelligence Section, 3rd Parachute Battalion, and took off from Saltby airfield on Sunday 17 September 1944 aboard a C-47 of the US 314th Troop Carrier Group, bound for Arnhem during Operation MARKET GARDEN. Moving towards the Arnhem road bridge, his battalion was involved in fierce fighting in western Oosterbeek and Private Dixon was captured on 18 September. SKDC Armed Forces Champion Cllr Bridget Ley said: “Without our Soldiers from the Sky project these incredible stories would pass from memory. “Thanks to Lottery funding we have been able to research and gather an incredible resource of not only the presence here in 1944 of soldiers of three nations dedicated to the fight for freedom but of the sacrifices they made.” Black History Month has a theme of Standing Firm in Power and Pride this year.
  Image: Sergeant Sidney Cornell DCM, B Company, 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion. (Paradata/Airborne Assault Museum)

Tickets go on sale for Classic Ibiza’s return to Burghley House

Tess Egginton
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Tickets go on sale for Classic Ibiza’s return to Burghley House
Classic Ibiza, sponsored by Adnams, will be returning to the stunning grounds of Lincolnshire’s Burghley House on Saturday 25 July and is promising to take the family-friendly concert to even greater heights. Tickets go on general release today and following the resounding success of the show’s 10th anniversary tour this summer are expected to be in high demand. To illustrate this, the team behind Classic Ibiza conducted an audience survey this autumn, with 70% of the 663 respondents rating the show 10/10, with an average overall rating of 9.1. Commenting on this summer’s sold-out show at Burghley House, one audience member said: “The music was amazing! Such talent. Knew every tune and was a great atmosphere. We had such a fab time.” Known for collaborating with the likes of Groove Armada and Robert Miles, Stephen Hussey’s 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra will be leading proceedings once more with party-starter extraordinaire DJ Goldierocks. They’ll be taking the Burghley House audience on a high-octane journey through the biggest anthems in dance music history, all accompanied by a spectacular laser and light show. Other artists appearing in the line-up will be announced over the coming months. Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward said: “We know how much our amazing Burghley House audience loved USO’s fast-paced set of house classics this summer, so we’re planning to turn up the dial even more. Watch this space for other things we’ve got up our sleeve – all I can say at this stage is that it’s gonna be one helluva ride!” Concertgoers are able to bring their own food and drink to the show or visit the Adnams bar and on-site catering village. Car-parking is free, and attendees can also take advantage of a staggered payment system, where tickets can be purchased in three separate instalments. For further information and tickets, visit: classicibiza.co.uk/burghley   Image credit: David Evans Photography

Fenchurch House Care Home marks five years with circus celebration

Tess Egginton
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Fenchurch House Care Home marks five years with circus celebration
Fenchurch House Care Home, part of the award-winning Country Court group, has celebrated its fifth birthday with a vibrant circus-themed party that brought residents, families, staff, and the local community together. Located in the heart of Spalding, Fenchurch House offers exceptional residential and specialist dementia care in a warm and welcoming environment. The home is thoughtfully designed to help residents live life to the full, with bright and spacious en-suite bedrooms, comfortable lounges, a hair salon, café, cinema room, and beautiful landscaped gardens that provide the perfect setting for socialising and relaxation. While many people have a set idea of what a care home looks like, Fenchurch House shows just how joyful life can be. Residents enjoy active, engaging lifestyles supported by personalised care delivered with kindness, compassion, and dignity, and the home’s fifth birthday celebration was a shining example of this. The wellbeing and hospitality teams transformed the home with a circus theme, encouraging everyone, including residents, to dress up for the occasion. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet spread and admired an impressive circus-themed birthday cake that looked almost too good to cut. Live music from Charlie Sinclair filled the home with familiar tunes that had residents singing, clapping, and dancing. This was an uplifting and fun form of activity that supports both physical and emotional well-being. The day concluded with a raffle featuring fantastic, donated prizes, with heartfelt thanks extended to everyone who contributed, as this is support that the home sincerely appreciates. Ganiyu Lawal, Home Manager, said: “The team has pulled off a fabulous party to celebrate five years of Fenchurch House. All departments have worked hard to make this a success, and I’d like to thank the relatives and friends of our residents for their continued support and involvement in everything we do. “Seeing our residents up dancing, singing, and having a great time makes it all worthwhile. We want our residents to lead fulfilling, joyful lives, and the more we can do to make this happen, the better.” Fenchurch House continues to go from strength to strength, earning a reputation for its warm family atmosphere, engaging activities, and exceptional standards of care. For more information about life at Fenchurch House Care Home, please contact Hannah Mills on 01775 711 959 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.

eComOne appoints ex Rise at Seven co-founder, Stephen Kenwright, as non-executive director

Tess Egginton
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0
eComOne appoints ex Rise at Seven co-founder, Stephen Kenwright, as non-executive director
Lincoln-based Google Premier & Shopify Plus eCommerce marketing agency eComOne has appointed Stephen Kenwright, ex co-founder and former chief commercial officer of Rise at Seven, as non-executive director as the business enters its next phase of growth. Stephen co-founded search-first creative agency Rise at Seven in 2019, serving first as COO and then CCO. During his tenure, he grew the agency to £7m in annual revenue, 110 staff, offices in Sheffield, Manchester, London and New York, and more than 70 industry awards before exiting after three years. With over 13 years’ experience in leading agencies that have set the standard for high-quality digital experiences for global retailers, Stephen joins eComOne to support strategic operations and help the agency become the go-to eCommerce specialist for search and paid media in the UK. Stephen Kenwright, non-executive director of eComOne, said: “I’ve known Richard and the eComOne team since I joined them on their eCom@One podcast a few hundred episodes ago (before it was cool), so I’ve watched them grow and enjoyed advising them along the way. “I’m excited to make it official and help them accelerate the impact they’re already having on clients and the industry. I’d especially love to help put Lincoln on the digital map in the same way I’ve helped Sheffield and Leeds in previous businesses.” Richard Hill, CEO and founder of eComOne, said: “Stephen has built and led one of the most exciting agencies in the UK and his experience will be invaluable as we continue to scale. I’ve followed his journey for years and have always admired the way he combines creativity, strategy and commercial thinking. “Having him officially join us feels like a perfect fit at the perfect time, as we push to become the go-to eCommerce search and paid media agency in the UK and continue to put Lincoln on the digital map.” eComOne was recently promoted to Shopify Plus Partner status, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class eCommerce marketing solutions. Stephen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the agency continues to scale nationally.

Grimsby soldiers finally laid to rest in France

April Lara
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Grimsby soldiers finally laid to rest in France

More than a century after their deaths, four soldiers from Grimsby have been buried in northern France following their discovery during hospital construction works near Lens in 2020.

The men (members of the Lincolnshire Regiment) were found with uniforms, respirators, and boots dating from 1916–1917, helping investigators pinpoint their likely time of death. Research by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre later identified them as Privates Cook, Cullum, Fraser, and London. DNA analysis confirmed their identities after tracing their descendants.

The soldiers, believed to have fallen in battle around May 1917, were laid to rest at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Loos British Cemetery Extension on 21 October 2025. Relatives of the men attended the service, marking the end of a century-long uncertainty about their fate.

The burial was organised by the MOD’s “War Detectives” team, with support from the Royal Anglian Regiment, which provided the bearer and firing parties. The soldiers’ graves will now be maintained in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, ensuring their names and service are preserved for future generations.

  Image credit: GOV.UK

Tallington Lodge team celebrates success with night of appreciation

Tess Egginton
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Tallington Lodge team celebrates success with night of appreciation
Tallington Lodge Care Home, nestled in the village of Tallington near Stamford, has had plenty to celebrate recently. To recognise everyone’s hard work and achievements, Home Manager Natalie White hosted a special evening of appreciation for her dedicated team. The team’s recent successes include their Good CQC rating and winning the Country Court in Bloom Gardening competition. In two categories, they were in third place. In the Water for Wellbeing category, they came in first place, and they were awarded the overall winner due to the hard work and wonderful things they accomplished, including the support given to David, the Head Gardener. During the party, Natalie White, Home Manager, had arranged a fun raffle, thoughtful staff appreciation gifts and personalised ‘Mr and Miss’ certificates to celebrate each team member’s unique personality. The light-hearted awards reflected how well Natalie knows her team and how she values every individual’s contribution to making the home such a warm and supportive place to live and work. The kitchen team prepared a delicious buffet, along with an amazing cake which was decorated with an edible photo of the staff celebrating their Good CQC rating, as well as plenty of refreshments. The evening was filled with laughter, team spirit and appreciation for each other and was a perfect way to reflect on everything the team has achieved together, creating a positive, caring environment where residents truly thrive and staff feel valued and motivated. Home Manager Natalie White said: “The team have worked so hard over the last few months and accomplished so much. I wanted to show my appreciation for their dedication and commitment to making Tallington Lodge such a fantastic place for our residents and a positive environment to work in. The support and feedback from families have been amazing, and I couldn’t be prouder.” Chantal, one of the Wellbeing coordinators, added: “On behalf of all the staff, I would like to say a huge thank you to Natalie for her support and for leading by example every day.  We truly appreciate all that she does for us and our residents.” For more information about life at Tallington Lodge Care Home, please contact Morgan Hicks on 01780 740 314 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.

Why water, not seed, keeps garden birds coming back

April Lara
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Why water, not seed, keeps garden birds coming back

If your garden feels quiet, the secret to luring birds back may be as simple as turning on the tap. Wildlife lovers have found that providing water (rather than food) is one of the easiest ways to attract birds and keep them returning.

A shallow bowl, plant pot, or pond can quickly become a regular stop for doves, finches, and robins alike. Birds rely on fresh water not only for drinking but for bathing, which helps them stay clean and cool. Even small containers can make a difference, as long as the water is kept clean and refilled daily.

In warmer months, top it up more often to stop it drying out. During winter, check for ice so the birds can still drink and bathe safely. Watering your lawn also helps, as damp soil makes it easier for them to find worms and insects.

It’s a simple, low-cost way to add movement and melody to your outdoor space, proof that sometimes the best garden upgrades don’t need to come from the shop at all.

 

 Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony Baggett

Bottesford sports hall upgrade brings new life to local community hub

April Lara
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0
Bottesford sports hall upgrade brings new life to local community hub

Bottesford Town Football Club is set to revitalise its sports hall after securing £31,071 through North Lincolnshire Council’s Community Grant Fund. The upgrade will modernise training and matchday spaces while enhancing facilities for community use.

The project adds to a string of recent investments in the venue, including over £200,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £8,800 for solar and battery installation. Together, these improvements aim to make Bottesford Sports Hall more sustainable and accessible for residents.

The club has also benefited from wider partnership support, including a £1.5 million grant achieved with the Football Foundation, Lincolnshire FA, and other stakeholders to enhance pitches and facilities.

Since 2011, the council’s Community Grant Fund has supported hundreds of local initiatives across North Lincolnshire, providing millions in funding for sports, arts, and cultural projects. The scheme offers assistance to not-for-profit groups, charities, co-operatives, and individuals who excel in community activity, helping keep local venues active and inclusive for all.

  Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
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